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Why did the Democrats filibuster Judge Neil Gorsuch? Because theyve had enough with the politics of power grabbing and bullying.

At the root of this fight is a long-term conservative effort to dominate the Supreme Court and turn it to the political objectives of the right.

This is about far more than retaliation, however understandable, for the Senate Republicans refusal to give even a hearing to Judge Merrick Garland, President Barack Obamas nominee for the seat Gorsuch would fill. Behind the current judicial struggle lies a series of highly politicized Supreme Court rulings.

It started with Bush vs. Gore, when five conservative justices abruptly halted the recount of Floridas ballots in the 2000 election and made George W. Bush president.

The unsigned majority opinion unmasked (to use the word of the moment) the unprincipled and unmistakably results-oriented nature of the decision with this lovely little sentence: Our consideration is limited to the present circumstances, for the problem of equal protection in election processes generally presents many complexities.

Translation: Dont you dare use this case as precedent in any future decisions. Were just doing this to achieve the outcome we want in this election.

Bush vs. Gore had consequences for the court itself, because Bush got to pick two Supreme Court justices. He chose John Roberts as chief justice. Roberts, its worth noting, went to Florida as a volunteer lawyer advising then-Gov. Jeb Bush, who had a rather large interest in his brothers victory. Can we please acknowledge that few court nominees are pristinely above politics?

Later, Bush filled his second vacancy with Justice Samuel Alito, and Alito and Roberts were key to two of the most activist decisions in court history on matters central to how our elections work.

In 2010, Roberts and Alito voted with the 5-4 majority in Citizens United, which overturned decades of law and precedent to widen the gates to big money in campaigns. Then, in 2013, they were integral to another 5-4 decision, Shelby County, which gutted the Voting Rights Act. Many Republican-controlled states rushed in with new laws, including voter-ID requirements, that impeded access to the ballot by African Americans and other minorities.

You do not have to believe in conspiracies to see how Shelby County and Citizens United fit together. In tandem, they empowered the most privileged parts of our society and undercut the rights of those who had historically faced discrimination and exclusion. They also tilted the electoral playing field toward Republicans and the right.

So lets can all of these original sin arguments about who started what and when in our struggles over the judiciary. From Bush vs. Gore to Citizens United to Shelby County, it is the right wing that chose to thrust the court into the middle of electoral politics in an entirely unprecedented and hugely damaging way.

And the Republican-led Senate was ready to use any means necessary to hold on to this partisan advantage. When Obama chose Garland for the court, he picked the nominee Republicans themselves had said they could confirm. In 2010, for example, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, called Garland a consensus nominee about whom there was no question that he would win Senate confirmation. Hatchs view became inoperative when Garland threatened to break the conservatives 5-4 advantage.

Obama took grief from many progressives who saw Garland as too moderate. Gorsuch, by contrast, passes all of his sides litmus tests. During the campaign, Trump added Gorsuch to his roster of potential justices in response to lists from the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society. There is nothing moderate about Gorsuch except his demeanor. The demand for a 60-vote threshold is really a plea that Republican presidents put forward choices who can win broad support by reflecting Garland-style restraint.

This week we heard moans about how terrible filibustering a Supreme Court choice is. Democrats have been dismissed as catering to their base. Justified outrage over the blockade against Garland has been reduced to score-settling, as if those who started a fight should be allowed to recast themselves as pious, gentle peace-lovers when the other side dares to strike back.

Its said that with the odds against them in this fight, progressives should have backed off now and waited for the next battle. But graciousness and tactical caution have only emboldened the right. Its past time to have it out. From now on, conservatives must encounter tough resistance as they try to turn the highest court in the land into a cog in their political machine.

 2017, Washington

Post Writers Group

Email: ejdionne@washpost.com Twitter: @EJDionne
Sometimes the most crazy-sounding ideas come from the most otherwise rational-thinking public officials.

This one sounds as if it were cooked up on a barstool as the clock was fast approaching 2 a.m.

Under legislation being proposed by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, cities would have the option to allow bars  limited to certain areas, if they wished  to keep serving alcohol until 4 a.m.

This bill is fundamentally about local control ... I cant say that enough, Wiener said. No local community would be forced to go past 2 a.m.

We scoffed at the idea when Mark Leno, then a San Francisco Assembly member, pushed a similar bill in 2004, and again in 2013. Most of the arguments for and against the party-on legislation are the same. Reasons for? San Francisco needs to compete for tourists with late-night meccas like New York, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Miami; nightlife is a critical part of the citys culture and economy, and many clubs are struggling; a later closing time could lead to more responsible, paced drinking. Reasons against? Concerns about drunk driving, violence and neighborhood noise from customers pouring out of bars at ungodly hours.

Whats changed since then? Wiener noted that it is dramatically easier to get a ride home today with the emergence of Uber and Lyft.

Still, Wiener and the bills supporters cant have it both ways with their argument that patrons wont necessarily be having more drinks with the extended hours. If they dont, then the economic argument dissipates. If they do, then the public safety concerns escalate.

Its cutoff time for this idea.
President Trump used strong terms Wednesday to condemn the horrific attack with chemical weapons that killed dozens of civilians in northern Syria. He called the slaughter an affront to humanity that cannot be tolerated. He said it changed his view of the nations authoritarian leader, Bashar Assad. He also reaffirmed his attempt to assign part of the blame on President Barack Obamas failure to enforce his 2013 red line warning to Assad about using chemical weapons.

Equally striking was what Trump did not say.

Most notably, Trump did not suggest what he might do in response to Tuesdays gruesome assault or any future such atrocities by Assad. He said the attack crossed a lot of lines for me, but the world is left to wonder how, if at all, that will result in a policy change.

Also missing from Trumps news conference was any mention of Russias role as an ally of Syria. Moscow made the highly dubious claim that the deadly gases were not dropped by Syrian warplanes but were released when government bombs hit a rebel depot with the weapons. Russia and China have been resisting United Nations moves to impose sanctions on Syria.

Once again, Trump passed on an opportunity to personally call out the ruthless regime of Vladimir Putin.

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, did not hold back. If the United Nations fails to take collective action against Syria, she warned, the U.S. might act unilaterally. She also pointed a finger at its key ally.

If Russia has the influence in Syria that it claims to have, we need to see them use it, Haley said. We need to see them put an end to these horrific acts. How many more children have to die before Russia cares?

Those words would have had more power coming from a president who continues to be disturbingly passive toward a Putin regime that is a global menace on various fronts.
Marsha Maloof is not a big drinker. But sometimes when she and her husband invite friends to their home in the Bayview, they want to go somewhere nearby for a cocktail. Then reality hits.

Theres really no place to do that in our neighborhood, she said. If we want to go and have something nice, we have to go over to San Bruno Avenue on the other side of the freeway.

City officials and state Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, want to change that.

They are making another push to get a bill passed in Sacramento that would create 25 liquor licenses for restaurants located in seven outlying commercial corridors of the city: Third Street in the Bayview, Mission Street in the Excelsior, San Bruno Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Noriega Street, Taraval Street and parts of Visitacion Valley.

The bill is one of two legislative pushes in Sacramento that could enhance nightlife in the city, but which opponents say would over-saturate San Francisco with alcohol and undermine public safety. State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, is offering legislation to allow bars and restaurants to serve alcohol until 4 a.m., pending appropriate permits and approval from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Tings bill closely mirrors legislation introduced last year by former state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco. That legislation met strong opposition from some nonprofit groups and state legislators who were skeptical that San Francisco needed more liquor licenses.

A scaled down version of the legislation was passed, permitting the creation of five new licenses instead of the desired 28. The ABC will accept applications for the five licenses in September.

We hope we can make another run at it, Ting said. Oftentimes in the Legislature you have to try things a couple times and keep moving the ball forward.

Ting said the goals are the same as before: to create more vibrant commercial corridors in neighborhoods that have traditionally seen little foot traffic and are not tourist destinations.

People in the Sunset, where I live, dont want to travel all the way downtown if they dont have to, he said.

The impetus for Tings bill comes from the way California issues liquor licenses. A 1939 state law ties the number of licenses for restaurants and bars to a countys population  a ratio San Francisco already exceeded at the time. As a result, the state has not issued a new liquor license to a bar or restaurant since.

Instead, restaurants and bars sell the the licenses to one another at prices that can easily exceed $300,000. Restaurants in outer neighborhoods that see relatively little foot traffic cant afford the price, said city officials and restauranteurs.

Under Tings legislation, the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control would, via a lottery system, sell five new licenses, every year for five years, to restaurants in one of those outer corridors for $13,800 each.

Unlike those with licenses obtained on the open market, restaurants that win one of the new special licenses would be prohibited from reselling it. If the business closed, it would have to relinquish the license to ABC.

Currently, 812 restaurants in the city have full liquor licenses, meaning they can sell spirits in addition to beer and wine. Many of them are in and around North Beach and Fishermans Wharf, said Gwyneth Borden, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. She said having a liquor license can provide a big boost to a restaurants profit margin.

Andrea Ferrucci, owner of Dark Horse Inn in the Excelsior, said she planned to apply for one of the licenses because she cant afford to buy one on the open market. Her hope, she said, is to open a new, full-service restaurant in the Excelsior commercial corridor with craft cocktails, beer and wine.

There really isnt anything out here like that at all, she said.

Benjamin Van Houten, business development manager at the citys Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said he is hopeful Tings legislation will have a better chance of passage than Lenos had.

Tings bill asks for five licenses per year for five years, instead of 28 all at once, as Leno sought. Van Houten said he hoped that addressed some legislators concerns that issuing so many new licenses would set a bad precedent.

Its responding to the committees concerns but still advancing toward the same important goals, Van Houten said. This is a type of license that is responsive to the specific needs of San Francisco.

Michael Scippa, director of public affairs for Alcohol Justice, a San Rafael alcohol industry watchdog group, disagreed.

Its all smoke and mirrors, he said. There are plenty of places in those neighborhoods to get a drink if you want one.

He said the bills by Ting and Wiener will undermine public safety.

Over time, these exemptions just tear at the fabric of safety that is based upon density and population. An over-concentration of alcohol will lead to an overconsumption, which will lead to more harm, he said.

Maloof, president of the Bayview Hill Neighborhood Association, said decisions should be made based on the neighborhood circumstances.

We dont want people out being intoxicated, but then again we want the vibrancy, she said. The neighborhood is looking at it from all the different sides.

Emily Green is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emilytgreen
PBNJ Productions/Getty Images/Blend Images

Two women and seven cats were rescued from a Thursday morning blaze in the Fairmount neighborhood of San Francisco, officials said.

The women were transported to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, but their injuries were considered non-life-threatening, said Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a spokesman for the San Francisco Fire Department.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA)  An 11-year-old boy is recovering at UC Davis Medical Center after being shot during a birthday party in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood of Sacramento on Sunday.

The boy's mother, Carrie Joe, said her son was shot at Mama Marks Park while protecting his little sister.

"My son instantly blew cover and went over (to) his 2-year-old sister. He thought to protect her -- basically his body covering her," Joe said. "That's why I tell people he's my hero. He protected my baby. I hate that this happened to him because he didn't deserve it at all. My baby is a good child. He deserves to have his childhood and be able to play at parks."

Joe's 11-year-old son, a 6-year-old girl and a 20-year-old woman all suffered injuries in Sunday's shooting. Citing the ongoing investigation, police stated they're releasing limited information, but were not ruling out the possibility that the shooting was gang-related.

Joe said her son was shot in the chest, back and knee. He is currently sedated and had to undergo surgery to remove a kidney, his appendix and treat bullet-grazed organs.

"He's on a breathing machine to help him breathe," Joe said. "One of the bullets that went in, it kind of ricocheted and did a lot of damage."

Fortunately, the 11-year-old is expected to fully recover, Joe said.

The mother of five is facing other struggles. The family has been homeless since November.

"We lost our house," Joe explained. "Having to get the kids back and forth, trying to figure out what we are going to eat, and clothes and shoes and stuff -- it's really hard."

Courtesy of Carrie Joe

Councilmember Allen Warren is stepping in to help and has already raised money to help all three victims of Sunday's shooting.

"When I got to my office, people were at my door waiting to give checks," Warren said. "We just want to give them a care package of money for them to go out to find a stable place to live."

Warren hopes that when the 11-year-old recovers, the family will have a home to return to.

"I want to be able to bring my son home. And when I say home, home is with me and his brothers and his sisters. So, anywhere we are together is home," Joe said. "I just can't wait -- if we have a home for him to come home to, that would be better."

To donate, call Warren's office at 916-808-7002.

No arrests have been made in the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sacramento Police Department.

This story originally appeared on KCRA.
The widow of a shooter who killed 49 people in a Florida nightclub last year is reportedly on her way to Orlando, Fla., to face federal charges of aiding her husband in the attack.

KTVU reports that Alameda sheriff's Sgt. Ray Kelly said Noor Salman left the Santa Rita jail Thursday and he said he believes she will be turned over to authorities in Florida.

Salman, 30, agreed to be moved to Florida in a court filing submitted Tuesday to U.S. Magistrate Donna Ryu of Oakland. Ryu signed an order Wednesday committing Salman to the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Orlando and directing the U.S. Marshals Service to transport her there.

Salman's lawyer, Charles Swift of the Texas-based Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America, said Wednesday it will be up to the Marshals Service to decide when she will be transferred.

"I expect it to be fairly soon," said Swift. He said he could not comment further on the case.

Salman's husband, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in a gunfire attack on the gay Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. He died in a shootout with police.

Salman was arrested on Jan. 16 in her mother's home in Rodeo, where she and her 4-year-old son were staying.

She was indicted four days earlier by a federal grand jury in Orlando on two criminal charges.

The charges are aiding her husband in providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, namely the Islamic State; and obstructing justice by misleading local police and the FBI when she was questioned in the hours following the attack.

Because Salman was arrested within the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for Northern California, her initial court appearances were in federal court in Oakland.

On March 1, Ryu ruled that she could be released on a $500,000 bond into the custody of her uncle, Abdallah Salman of Rodeo, under conditions of home confinement except for court hearings.

But on March 10, U.S. District Judge Paul Byron of Orlando, the trial judge assigned to the case, overruled Ryu and denied bail. He agreed with prosecutors' claim that Salman is a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Salman is now appealing Byron's ruling to the 11th U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

Salman, one of four daughters in a family of Palestinian descent, was born in Richmond and grew up in Rodeo. She met Mateen on an online dating site and moved with him to Fort Pierce, Fla., when they married.

After the nightclub shooting, Salman lived with an aunt in Mississippi for several months before moving to her mother's house in Rodeo.

Salman was entitled under court rules to have further hearings in federal court in Oakland to confirm her identity and determine whether she should be transferred to Florida. She waived those rights in her court filing on Tuesday.

Prosecutors contend Salman accompanied her husband on three trips to case possible shooting sites and was aware that her husband left their home on the evening of June 11 with a rifle and a backpack full of ammunition.

Defense attorneys maintain that she was abused by Mateen, has learning disabilities, has no strong religious or political views and was not aware of his plans.
Rallies and protest events are a part of political life in the Bay Area. Heres a roundup of whats happening.

Thursday

ACLU event: A fundRAGER party to support the American Civil Liberties Union, from 8 to 11 p.m. at PianoFight, 144 Taylor St. in San Francisco. For information: http://bit.ly/2oyloAT.

Friday

Womens meeting: Hosted by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, a meeting on how women can resist in the Trump era. The event is from 7 to 9 p.m. at 2969 Mission St. in San Francisco. For information: www.facebook.com/events/1340041482749520.

Saturday

Town halls: Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove (Sacramento County), to host a town hall at 10 a.m. at Del Oro High School, 3301 Taylor Road in Loomis.

Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, to host a meeting at 10:30 a.m. at Nick Rodriguez Community Center Theater, 213 F St. in Antioch.

Immigration seminar: Know Your Rights, a presentation and training for pro bono attorneys and others to help immigrant communities. The event, hosted by Canal Alliance Communication, is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Guzman Hall, Dominican University, 50 Acacia Ave. in San Rafael. For information on tickets, contact Sara Matson at saram@canalalliance.org or (415) 306-0429.

Dark-money talk: Hosted by the California Clean Money Campaign, a discussion on local actions to help pass the California Disclose Act, which calls for political ads to show their top three funders. The event is from noon to 2 p.m. at the Sycip conference room of the San Francisco Library Main Branch, 100 Larkin St. For information: www.cadisclose.org.

Flash mob: A flash mob at at 1 p.m. at the cable-car turnaround, 1 Powell St. in San Francisco, to sing the song I Cant Keep Quiet by MILCK. For information: http://bit.ly/2oazyIG.

Monday

Comedy: Benefit performance at the Punch Line Comedy Club for NARAL Pro-Choice America, an organization that supports abortion rights, birth control and paid parental leave. Tickets are $20. The event is at 7:30 p.m. at 444 Battery St. in San Francisco. For tickets: http://bit.ly/NARALPunchLine.

April 13

Sign-making event: Sign-making event for the April 22 March for Science in San Francisco. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Public Library of Science, 1160 Battery St. in San Francisco. For information: http://bit.ly/2nYqXr4.

Education discussion: The Lamorinda Democratic Club hosts a conversation on how federal funding will affect public education. The event is at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library and Community Center, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd. For information: www.ldclub.org.

April 15

Tax march: Protesters will march to demand that President Trump releases his tax returns. A San Francisco march will start at 1 p.m. at 11th and Market streets. For information: http://bit.ly/2m5xWOA. In San Jose, a march is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information: http://bit.ly/2nSMxO7.

Pro-Trump rally: The event is to promote free speech. Noon to 4 p.m. in Berkeley. Details are being confirmed. For information: www.facebook.com/events/185364111955870/?active_tab=discussion.

Anti-Trump protest: A family-friendly event where attendees will use their bodies to spell out an enormous challenge to President Trump. The exact message has not been finalized. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and attendees are asked to meet 300 yards south of the Cliff House Restaurant, 1090 Point Lobos Ave., in San Francisco. For information: www.facebook.com/events/214702565673803.

April 19

ACLU event: The League of Women Voters hosts a discussion with Jay Laefer of the American Civil Liberties Union on safeguarding the rights of our entire community. The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Woodside Road United Methodist Church, 2000 Woodside Road in Redwood City.

April 22

Town hall: Hosted by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, at 10 a.m. at the gymnasium of Canada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd. in Woodside.

Science march: Marches marking Earth Day. In San Francisco, a march begins at 11 a.m. at Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero Center at Market and Steuart streets, and ends at Civic Center Plaza. For information: http://bit.ly/2nAcLkN. In San Jose, a march will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details to be confirmed. For information: http://bit.ly/2oV8oSu. In Walnut Creek, a march is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will start at the Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drove. In Hayward, a march is from 10 a.m. to noon and begins at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave. For information: http://bit.ly/2n7oonY.
A childrens swim instructor was arrested in San Francisco after investigators linked him to hundreds of child-pornography files uploaded and stored online, police said Thursday.

The San Francisco Police Department identified the man as 28-year-old Nicholas Hodges of San Francisco.

Hodges was arrested Tuesday after a search of his home yielded numerous media devices belonging to him that contained more than 600 files of child pornography, police said.

When he was taken into custody at his workplace, police seized a cell phone containing more evidence of child exploitation, officials said.

The pornography was traced to Hodges through an investigation started last month by the San Francisco Police Departments Internet Crimes against Children Unit, according to police.

Police did not release the name of Hodges employer but said it is cooperating with the investigation.

Hodges began working at La Petite Baleen  a swim school in San Francisco, with other branches throughout the Bay Area  in September 2015, owner John Kolbisen said in a statement.

Kolbisen said the company, which offers swim lessons to children, was shocked and horrified by the charges and fired Hodges soon after the allegations surfaced.

Kolbisen said he was not aware of evidence or allegations linking any of our students to the charges against Hodges.

Filipa Ioannou and Michael Bodley are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com and mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @obioannoukenobi and @michael_bodley
Nivea has pulled a deodorant ad that declared "White Is Purity" after people protested that the slogan is racist, and after others hijacked the ad's online campaign with comments about white supremacy.

The ad, which appeared in a Facebook post last week, originally targeted the German skin care company's followers in the Middle East. It was intended to promote Nivea's "Invisible for Black and White" deodorant and depicted the back of a woman's head with long, wavy, dark hair that tumbled over an all-white outfit.

Underneath the woman's locks was the slogan in all caps: "WHITE IS PURITY."

The caption on Nivea's Facebook post read: "Keep it clean, keep bright. Don't let anything ruin it, #Invisible."

The post was quickly condemned by those who saw it as promoting racist rhetoric.

"What the HELL is this? White Purity?" one Twitter user said. "Shame, Shame, Shame on you. Fire your marketing person and anyone who approved this ad."

Another Twitter user took images of racist comments that had been left on the Facebook post, some referencing the Holocaust.

"Wow @NiveaUSA. This is horrendous," the person wrote. "Your comments are FULL of society's refuse. This cleared your marketing department? #prnightmare"

Still others appeared to praise the ad - for the same reasons.

The Daily Mail captured an image of a post by a white supremacist group on Nivea's Facebook page that read, "We enthusiastically support this new direction your company is taking. I'm glad we can all agree that #WhiteIsPurity."

"Nivea has chosen our side and the most liked comments are glorious," another Twitter user said, with an image of the top comments on Nivea's Facebook post.

One showed Pepe the Frog, a meme that in recent years was co-opted by white supremacists and has been declared a hate symbol.

Another showed a picture of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler edited to depict him with glowing orbs of light for eyes.

A handful of threads on the anonymous online forum 4chan praised the Nivea ad slogan's apparent, if unintended, link to white supremacy and encouraged people to "LIKE ALL COMMENTS, BUY THEIR PRODUCTS."

"Is Nivea, dare I say, /our guy/?" one 4chan user wondered, referring to supporters of white supremacist groups.

Nivea has since deleted the Facebook post, though images of the ad are still widely available online. Metro UK reported that the post remained publicly visible over the weekend and was only removed Monday after the news outlet inquired about it.

Representatives for Nivea's parent company, Beiersdorf Global, did not immediately respond to an email request for comment Tuesday.

However, the company appeared to spend much of the day individually replying to people on Twitter who were outraged by the ad.

NiveaUK tweeted: @benjancewicz@plumandmustard@NIVEAUSA This was not a @niveauk post, the NIVEA Middle East post was not meant to be offensive. We deeply apologise and it's been removed.

NIVEA USA tweeted: @maej43@wickdchiq@niveauk The NIVEA Middle East post was not meant to be offensive. We apologize. It's been removed. NIVEA values diversity and tolerance.

---

In a statement to BBC News, the company apologized for the post and said it had been removed after "concerns risen about ethnic discrimination."

"We are deeply sorry to anyone who may take offense to this specific post," the statement read. "After realizing that the post is misleading, it was immediately withdrawn. Diversity and equal opportunity are crucial values of NIVEA: The brand represents diversity, tolerance, and equal opportunity. We value difference. Direct or indirect discrimination must be ruled out in all decisions by, and in all areas of our activities."

An earlier "invisible" ad declaring that "Black Stays black. White Stays White." was still on the Nivea Middle East Facebook page as of Wednesday morning.

This is not the first time Nivea has attracted controversy with its marketing campaigns.

In 2011, an ad for "Nivea for Men" products came under fire for depicting a clean-shaven black man holding a disembodied head with an Afro - presumably his former self - and getting ready to toss it away.

The slogan on that ad? "RE-CIVILIZE YOURSELF."

Adweek noted there was a corresponding "Nivea for Men" ad that showed a white man holding his own disembodied head, but that one didn't include the "re-civilize yourself" slogan. Outrage over the campaign forced Nivea to publicly apologize on its Facebook page.

"Thank you for caring enough to give us your feedback about the recent 'Re-civilized' NIVEA FOR MEN ad," the company's 2011 apology read. "This ad was inappropriate and offensive. It was never our intention to offend anyone, and for this we are deeply sorry. This ad will never be used again. Diversity and equal opportunity are crucial values of our company."
A new analysis of car insurance in four states found that drivers living in some minority neighborhoods were charged higher rates than similar drivers in mostly white areas, even when the average risk of a claim was similar.

The report, by the nonprofits ProPublica and Consumer Reports, covers rates in California, Illinois, Missouri and Texas, the states that made data available. The report examined quoted insurance premiums, as well as average claims paid by insurers  the first use of payout data to examine racial disparities in car insurance premiums, the researchers said. The analysis found that pricing disparities between neighborhoods that were mostly white and those inhabited mostly by minorities were wider than differences in risk could explain.

In some cases, the report said, major insurers charged premiums that were on average 30 percent higher in minority ZIP codes than in comparable nonminority neighborhoods. This overpricing, the report said, may amount to a subtler form of redlining, a term that refers to denial of services to minority areas.

The report, published Wednesday by Consumer Reports, said it was not entirely clear why insurers charged more in minority areas. It could represent a vestige of the days when racial discrimination by businesses was routine, researchers said, or it might be that proprietary algorithms used by individual insurers inadvertently penalized minority areas.

However, It raises the question of whether those rates are justified, said Julia Angwin, a senior reporter at ProPublica and one of the reports authors.

The study looked at premium quotes for liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage and is required in nearly all states. It also examined several years of data on average claims paid out in every ZIP code in the four states. ProPublica said it submitted public records requests to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and just those four said they collected such data.

The insurance industry and some state regulators criticized the report, saying it oversimplified the way companies set rates. Insurance companies do not discriminate on the basis of race, James Lynch, chief actuary of the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group, told the researchers.

In a call with reporters on Wednesday, Lynch said the institute had commissioned its own actuarial analysis of ProPublicas data and determined that the conclusions drawn from the study were flawed. The institute did not make its analysis available because it is in draft form, he said, but expects to make it available when the report is completed.

This is a very, very serious charge being made on a very weak study, he said. Asked if the discrepancies could result from an unintended consequence of the formulas used to set rates, Lynch said, There is no unfair discrimination, intentional or unintentional.

Because individual insurers do not release their losses on a ZIP code level, the analysis is based on aggregated losses by insurers. The California Department of Insurance dismissed that approach as flawed, the report said, saying an individual insurers losses in a given area may vary significantly from the industry average.

ProPublica said that while a given companys losses could deviate from average losses experienced by insurers, it is unlikely that the differences would result in a consistent pattern of higher prices for minority neighborhoods.

The report resonated with consumer advocates. Im not surprised by the findings, said Robert Hunter, director of insurance at the Consumer Federation of America. The federation has conducted a series of studies raising questions about the fairness of using nondriving criteria, like education and occupation, in setting auto insurance rates. In 2015, the federation published a study finding that rates are much higher in minority ZIP codes.

The federations studies did not include insurer payout data, which is a good addition to the analysis, Hunter said.

Fairness in setting auto insurance rates is crucial, he said, because liability coverage is usually mandatory and because people rely on their cars to get to work. Since insurance is regulated primarily by states, he urged consumers to contact their state insurance regulators to ask them to examine the fairness of rate-setting practices. Contacts by state are available at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

There are ways drivers can get lower rates, such as by aggressively comparison shopping, experts say. Consumer Reports suggests using TheZebra.com, an online tool that offers estimates from a dozen or more insurers, depending on the state. Drivers should compare rates often, said Tobie Stanger, a senior editor at the magazine, because the supposed benefit of getting a discount by remaining with the same insurer for a long time is mostly a myth.

Typically, one or two insurers will offer lower rates in a given state. The magazines website offers a list of which insurers to check first, by state.

Another strategy is to get a lower premium by raising the policys deductible. Just be aware that if you have a claim, you will be responsible for more of the cost of any repairs.

Ann Carrns is a New York Times writer.
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In an effort to protect users from being unmasked by the government, Twitter has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security after agents demanded that the social media company hand over information on one of several accounts identifying themselves as alt or rogue federal workers.

Its a strong statement from Twitter, one of the last big social networks that allows users to use fake names or remain anonymous, and one that is meant to signal to users that Twitter will defend their right to privacy and free speech, experts said.

These tech companies have so much really personal information about all of us, and part of what we do when we give them this information is trust them to be stewards of it, said Emma Llanso, the director of the Free Speech Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology. For Twitter to fight back against such a broad demand from the government to unmask is really significant.

Twitter received a summons March 14 from Customs and Border Protection Agent Adam Hoffman ordering the social media company to produce records related to an account known as @ALT_USCIS. Like other such alt-gov accounts, its handle refers to the agency about which the user claims to have knowledge  in this case, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is housed under Homeland Security.

The summons demanded that Twitter produce all records regarding the account @ALT_USCIS to include, user names, account login, phone numbers, mailing addresses and IP addresses, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court on Thursday afternoon.

Customs and Border Patrol has limited jurisdiction outside U.S. border crossings, except for investigating the importation of goods. The agency told Twitter it was investigating the account to ascertain the correctness of entries, to determine the liability for duties taxes, fines, penalties or forfeitures, and/or to ensure compliance with the laws or regulations it administers.

It was not clear from the filing what alleged violations the agency was investigating.

Revealing @ALT_USCIS identity would have a grave chilling effect, Twitter wrote, on it and other accounts created to voice dissent to government policies.

Since President Trumps inauguration in January, several of these accounts have appeared on Twitter. Some self-identify as federal employees who do not agree with how their agency, or the government at large, is being run. Others claim to be former federal workers, and still others say they are private citizens.

Nearly all are run anonymously or use fake names and identifiers  which makes it hard to tell whether these accounts are legitimate or not.

Social media allows people who feel their speech might be limited by their jobs to create alternative personas to express alternative views, said Dana R. Fisher, a sociology professor at the University of Maryland. And the way these alt and rogue accounts have taken off and come to represent a kind of resistance from within is really fascinating.

The @ALT_USCIS account was registered in January, according to its Twitter profile.Most of its tweets have been sharply critical of the Trump administrations immigration polices, including the presidents promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and recent attempts to ban immigrants from several Muslim-majority nations.

Twitters policy on turning over user information to law enforcement requires that government agencies provide a subpoena or court order to justify why the agency requires the information.

The government cant invade someones right to free, anonymous speech just because they dont like what theyre saying, Llanso said.

The American Civil Liberties Union announced Thursday it will join Twitters case.

This is not the first time the social media company has been at odds with the government.

In 2012, Twitter defended an Occupy Wall Street protester in a New York appeals court after the government requested the company turn over tweets and personal information.

Two years later, Twitter sued the federal government, challenging Obama-era policies that barred the social media company from publishing information about how user data was being used in government surveillance.

By late Thursday, the Twitter account at the center of the lawsuit had pinned an image of the First Amendment to the top of their Twitter feed.

FYI, the user wrote, some refugees became refugees out of fear of being unmasked by dictators because of dissent/opposing views. Lets not have that here.

Marissa Lang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Marissa_Jae
The retired director of a Marin County private school was arrested at her home in Florida after a district attorneys office investigation alleged she embezzled more than $1 million from the school over several years.

Kathleen Marie Mecca, founder of the Mount Tamalpais School in Mill Valley, was taken into custody at her Vero Beach home on a felony arrest warrant issued Tuesday.

Mecca, 70, was charged with grand theft and embezzlement by an employee in connection with the diversion of $1,054,042 in school funds from June 1, 2008, through Aug. 21, 2015, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

She faces up to five years in jail if convicted, said Marin County Assistant District Attorney Barry Borden.

According to an affidavit, Mecca said she fully understands her own mistakes and stupidity in making some of the decisions she has made, but she has also learned people are quick to believe the worst and there is no loyalty.

Meccas alleged crimes had not been uncovered until September 2015, according to a court affidavit by Deputy District Attorney Leon Kousharian.

Mount Tamalpais School, founded by Mecca in 1976, teaches kindergarten through eighth grade.

After Mecca retired in August 2015 for medical reasons, the schools board of trustees President Rachel Markun met with personnel to go over payroll and operations. She discovered a School Directors Office Account held at Westamerica Bank, the affidavit states.

The board  whose members had never known the account existed  hired their own forensic examiner to determine the extent of the diverted funds.

Mecca posted $150,000 bail Wednesday, but prosecutors said it was uncertain whether she would be extradited to California.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
Leah Millis/The Chronicle

A man and woman from Vallejo were arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in San Franciscos Tenderloin neighborhood, police said Thursday.

Johnnie Reed, 33, and Tiana Jacobs, 24, were taken into custody Tuesday in Sacramento, officials said.
Nearly two decades after the abduction of 13-year-old Christina Williams gripped and horrified her hometown of Seaside in Monterey County, authorities on Thursday said they had finally solved the case and plan to charge a man with kidnapping, sexually assaulting and murdering the girl.

The suspect, Charles Allen Holifield, a 56-year-old sex offender and former resident of the same area, is serving a sentence of 25 years to life at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla (Madera County).

Flanked by law enforcement officials who have worked the cold case since Christina vanished in June 1998, Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo told reporters at an afternoon news conference in Salinas that his office would charge Holifield in Christinas case by the end of next week.

Holifield will be arraigned for first-degree murder with special circumstances and kidnapping, charges that make him eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without the chance of parole if convicted, said Assistant District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni.

Holifield was a suspect from the early days of the investigation and had been questioned by police about Christinas disappearance, but prosecutors said previous evidence wasnt strong enough to warrant bringing the case to trial. Once charges are filed, Flippo said he expects Holifield to be extradited from prison to Monterey County  a transfer that could take weeks.

Flippo declined to say whether he would seek the death penalty, saying that determination would be made only after his office consults with Christinas surviving family, particularly her parents, Michael and Alice Williams.

Christina disappeared June 12, 1998, after she took the family dog for a walk around the former Fort Ord Army base. About 45 minutes later, the dog was found  with its leash but without Christina.

Her disappearance shook the county, and soon after she went missing, celebrities helped bring nationwide attention to the case, while the FBI offered a six-figure reward for information leading to an arrest. Pictures of Christina, along with sketches of possible suspects, were posted around Monterey County, in the Bay Area and beyond.

The girls decomposed body was discovered seven months later, on Jan. 12, 1999, by a botany researcher on land belonging to the University of California Natural Reserve system. She was found near where she was last seen.

Flippo said DNA evidence linked Holifield definitively to Christinas death after investigators spent years, and thousands of hours of work, trying to establish a connection that would hold up in court. He declined to provide additional details.

Holifield was previously convicted of assault with intent to commit rape in Monterey County. His current sentence stemmed from a 1999 conviction for attempted kidnapping and making criminal threats against a woman in 1998, said Pacioni.

The charging of Holifield will never bring back Christina Williams, Flippo said, but the very least we can do is work very, very hard to try to present the evidence to a jury.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley
A Peninsula woman charged with two accomplices in the killing of the father of her children nearly a year ago was released from a Redwood City jail Thursday after family and friends posted bail backed by a staggering $70 million in cash and property.

Tiffany Li, 31, walked out of jail in Redwood City around 1:50 p.m. wearing a black windbreaker and surrounded by four men in suits. She made no statements as she got into the front seat of a waiting sport utility vehicle to be driven to an undisclosed location, where she will be under house arrest.

Li had appeared in San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City about 9:30 a.m. Thursday as Judge Donald Ayoob approved the bail amount, which was actually $35 million. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said it was the highest bail in county history, but it was unclear if it was largest in the state or nation.

Lis family put up $4 million cash, and other relatives, friends and business associates anted up at least 18 properties worth $66 million as collateral to secure the bail. Most of the properties are in the Bay Area, said Wagstaffe.

Her two co-defendants in the case, Keveh Bayat, 30, and Oliver Adella, 41, remain in jail without bail.

The other two defendants didnt set motion for bail and its because they didn't have any capability to pay, said Wagstaffe, adding that $35 million is the same as no bail for them.

He said Li had the capability to make bail because she has a very, very wealthy family in China.

The posted bail may be unprecedented in San Mateo County, but not in murder cases, said Lis attorney, Geoff Carr. California law requires twice the amount of bail if property is used instead of money.

Lis parents live in China and are financially successful because of real estate, Carr said.

Prosecutors charge that Li instructed her boyfriend, Bayat, and Adella to kill Keith Green, the 27-year-old father of her two daughters, and get rid of the body.

Li, who lived in a mansion in Hillsborough, was arrested May 21, a little more than three weeks after Green disappeared. Police said Green was supposed to meet Li at a Millbrae pancake house April 28 but never returned home. A hiker found his cell phone the next day in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

For two weeks, Greens disappearance was treated as a missing-person case. But on May 11, Sonoma County sheriffs deputies found his body in a field off Highway 101 near Healdsburg. An autopsy confirmed that he was the victim of a homicide, authorities said.

Bayat is the one who allegedly shot Green to death, according to court documents.

Though Li and Green were involved in a custody dispute over their children, prosecutors have not revealed an alleged motive for the killing.

Friends and family members of Green, including his mother, were sitting in the courtroom wearing blue T-shirts with Greens face and large, black letters spelling, Justice for Keith. They were floored that Li would be released on bail, said Angela Dunn, a family spokeswoman. Its just incredible, she said.

Li walked into the courtroom with her head down and dressed in a red jail-issued jumpsuit. She sat quietly next to her attorney as they awaited the judges decision.

It is unclear whether she will have visitation with her two children, whom she has not seen since being jailed. Her lawyer said Li speaks to them by phone.

Prosecutors are concerned that Li will be a flight risk and raised the possibility in earlier arguments. Wagstaffe said his office had requested bail be set at $100 million because of fears that Li will flee the country once she is out of jail.

Before being released from jail, Li was fitted with an electronic monitor shackled to her ankle and was expected to turn over her passports.

State Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, who introduced legislation in 2016 calling for an alternative to the cash-bail system, said Lis is the highest posted bail hes heard of.

I think this extreme ... example really draws attention to the fact that our bail system is broken, Bonta said. Its a system based on wealth.

Chronicle staff writers Steve Rubenstein and Jenna Lyons contributed to this report.
Ghirardelli Square looks to be adding another newcomer to the fold: a small batch craft brewery, courtesy of the San Francisco Brewing Co.

The only concrete details for now come via the pending liquor license associated with the project, with a DBA that also hints at an associated taproom. The Ghirardelli Square folks told Inside Scoop that dates, hours, offerings and other details should be confirmed in the next week or so.
WASHINGTON  Most Americans oppose funding President Trumps wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and even many of his supporters reject his proposed budget cuts to scientific and medical research, according to a poll released Thursday by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The president gets higher marks for efforts to boost defense spending and beef up the border patrol, the poll found.

The results come at a crucial time. Congressional Republicans and Democrats are wrestling over whether to include a down payment for the wall  financed by U.S. taxpayers instead of Mexico, despite Trumps repeated promises  in the spending bill to keep the government open at the end of the month. Trump has yet to pass a major bill through Congress as his 100th day in office nears.

The poll offers a mixed view of Trumps budget plan, which drew criticism from Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill. Americans supported cuts to foreign aid, but opposed Trumps planned cuts to spending on environmental programs and fighting climate change. People were more likely to oppose than favor cutting federal help for public broadcasting and the arts and by huge margins supported additional money for veterans programs.

The military is depleted, and the veterans have been hurting, said Margaret Hall, 77, a Trump supporter from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Trumps spending plans are facing their first test on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers debate his request for $30 billion for an immediate cash infusion for the military and $3 billion for additional border security, including a $1 billion down payment for new fencing and other barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The public opposes new spending for the wall, 58 to 28 percent. Nearly half say they strongly oppose funding for the project.

I honestly think the wall is going to be a fiasco. If they want to get into the country, theyre going to get into the country, regardless of what you put up there, said Wes Drought, 61, a firefighter and paramedic from Winnebago, Ill.

Andrew Taylor and Emily Swanson are Associated Press writers.
1 No Amtrak payments: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is halting payments to Amtrak following a second derailment at New York Citys Penn Station that is causing headaches for commuters in the nations busiest rail hub. The Republican governor said in a letter to Amtraks chairman Wednesday that he directed New Jersey Transit to withhold funds until an independent inspection verifies Amtraks Northeast Corridor is in a state of good repair.

2 Secret Service agent: A Secret Service agent on Vice President Mike Pences detail has reportedly been suspended after meeting with a prostitute at a Maryland hotel. The agent was arrested and charged with solicitation, and later self-reported his arrest to the Secret Service, CNN reported. The incident echoed aspects of a scandal years ago that marred the agencys reputation and prompted congressional hearings, investigations and vows from senior officials to curb a male-dominated culture of sexism and hard partying. The damaging scandal stemmed from a night of heavy drinking in 2012 in which male agents brought prostitutes back to their rooms in Cartagena, Colombia, during a presidential trip to the country.
NEW YORK  You know those snacks that are OK if theyre handy, but not worth the bother if you have to go track them down? Our Stone Age forerunners may have felt the same way about eating each other.

Neanderthals and prehistoric members of our own species occasionally practiced cannibalism and explaining that is a scientific challenge. Generally, it has been attributed to factors like starvation, violence between groups or ceremonial practices following a death.

Now a new study suggests they were probably not hunting each other just for food.

Thats because we are not very nutritious, on a calorie level, compared with large game animals, says James Cole of the University of Brighton in England. Next to a mammoth, even a dozen burly Neanderthals would be slim pickings.

Cole presented his argument Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports .

He focused on nine previously reported fossil sites where researchers have found evidence of cannibalism, like marks on the bones that indicated butchery. The sites were dated to between roughly 14,000 years ago to more than 900,000 years ago, which falls within the Paleolithic period the study focused on. Five involved our evolutionary cousins the Neanderthals, two involved our own species, and the rest were other extinct members of the human evolutionary branch.

His question: How many calories would the bodies at each site provide? To estimate that, he first used previously published data to conclude that eating an average-size modern-day man could yield up to about 144,000 calories. He then adapted that to the age ranges of the bodies.

Even if all the bodies at a site were consumed in a single episode, he concluded, the energy payoff would be no more than what a hunter could get from a single large animal like a mammoth, a woolly rhino or a bear. So why bother with the hassle of hunting your own kind?

Youre dealing with an animal that is as smart as you are, as resourceful as you are, and can fight back in the way you fight them, Cole said.

Maybe in some cases, our ancestors ate companions who had died for an easy meal, Cole said. But his main point is that usually, the cannibalism was probably driven by some social or cultural factors rather than just nutrition. For example, it may have followed episodes of violence, as in defending territory, he said.

Coles paper seems unlikely to revolutionize the field. Two experts, Tim White of UC Berkeley, and Paola Villa of the University of Colorado Museum in Boulder, said they dont know of anybody who has credibly proposed the idea that Cole takes aim at, that our ancestors hunted each other simply as food.

The new work does not change our general understanding of human cannibalism, Villa said in an email.

Malcolm Ritter is an Associated Press writer.
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Emmett Till was 14 when he was lynched in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a 21-year-old white cashier. His body, beaten and tortured, was tied with barbed wire and tossed in the Tallahatchie River.

Tills corpse was found days later, and his killers were tried and acquitted of murder. The men later admitted their guilt to Look Magazine.

That was 1955. Over 60 years later, the Justice Department says it may reopen the case, reports USA Today. The news comes one week after Attorney General Jeff Sessions expressed his support for prosecuting murders that went unpunished during the Civil Rights era.

Till's cousin, Deborah Watts, and activist Alvin Sykes met with Sessions last Tuesday.

"He's definitely open to looking at cases that should be reviewed and cases where there are no answers for loved ones who have experienced the murder of their loved ones," Watts said of Sessions.

In January, Carolyn Bryant  who is now Carolyn Donham  admitted to lying about her interaction with Till in interviews with Tim Tyson, author of the new book The Blood of Emmett Till." Donham testified in 1955 that Till had made verbal and physical advances towards her, and confirmed these claims when the Justice Department reopened the investigation in 2004.

"She was trying to say nothing that went on between them constituted any excuse for anyone harming him, let alone what happened to him," Tyson writes of his conversations with Donham.

Donham's January revelations have sparked renewed interest in the case, according to USA Today.

More for you New book spurs call for fresh probe of Emmett Till lynching

"The Department is currently assessing whether the newly revealed statement could warrant additional investigation," acting Assistant Attorney General T.E. Wheeler II wrote U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., in a letter.

Wheeler warned to keep expectations low.

"We caution, however, that even with our best efforts, investigations into historic cases are exceptionally difficult, and there may be insurmountable legal and evidentiary barriers to bringing federal charges against any remaining living persons," he wrote.

USA Today also revealed that the office of Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood had interviewed several people in the Till case. No further information was provided.

Till's death is often cited as one of the catalysts for the 20th century Civil Rights Movement, providing the inspiration for a song by Bob Dylan and a poem by Langston Hughes as well as a tragic anecdote for generations of activists.

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
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Twelve California prosecutors, including the district attorneys of San Francisco and Alameda counties, are telling the Trump administration that the states chief justice was right to object to immigration raids at courthouses throughout the state.

Arrests by immigration agents in and around courthouses make all Californians less safe, the prosecutors said in a letter Tuesday to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly.

The signers included District Attorneys George Gascon of San Francisco, Nancy OMalley of Alameda County, Jill Ravitch of Sonoma County, and nine other district attorneys and city attorneys.

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye sent the two Trump administration officials a letter in mid-March protesting what she called the stalking of courthouses by agents under the stepped-up federal policy of arrests in immigration cases. Such arrests have been reported at courthouses in California and at least four other states.

Courthouses should not be used as bait in the necessary enforcement of our countrys immigration laws, the chief justice said. She said courthouses should be considered safe havens, for immigrants, much like schools, hospitals and churches, where immigration agents generally refrain from making arrests.

In reply, Sessions and Kelly said last week the arrests would continue. They said the agents were targeting criminals, and were going to courthouses in part because of sanctuary policies by California cities and counties restricting local law enforcement cooperation with immigration officials.

In Tuesdays letter, the California prosecutors said courthouse arrests deter residents concerned about their immigration status from appearing in court  including as crime victims and witnesses  jeopardizing effective prosecution of criminals.

No one should fear that their immigration status prevents them from seeking justice, the prosecutors wrote.

Neither Sessions nor Kelly responded to requests for comment.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
A protester who was perhaps a little too inspired by Kendall Jenner's Pepsi ad learned the hard way that soft drinks do not lead to world peace.

Wednesday's Portland city council meeting turned surreal when a young man apparently angry about the way the city deals with protestors approached Mayor Ted Wheeler with a Pepsi.

"What I realized is that the language of resistance has not been properly translated to you, so this is for you," the man said before reaching into his jacket for a can of Pepsi.

"Woah, woah, not a good move, not a smart move. Don't do that again," Wheeler admonished the protester, who then was removed by police.

The man identified himself as a former journalist with the Boston Herald, but the newspaper says they have no record of the man being employed there. He claimed he covered city council meetings "extensively."

The odd cola-based statement comes on the heels of a controversial Pepsi advertisement starring Kendall Jenner. In the ad, which has since been pulled, Jenner leaves a photoshoot to join a protest. The spot culminates in Jenner handing a Pepsi to a police officer, uniting the masses and gifting global peace to all.

Pepsi apologized for the ad, saying they "missed the mark" and "did not intend to make light of any serious issue."

They also apologized for "putting Kendall Jenner in this position."

Portland city council meetings were already rife with interruptions before the Pepsi protest. They'd recently enacted new rules after meetings were "repeatedly disrupted" by protests.

Accounting for rogue cans of Pepsi was probably not part of the protocol, however.
The widow of a shooter who killed 49 people in a Florida nightclub last year has agreed to be transferred to Orlando, Fla., to face federal charges of aiding her husband in the attack.

Noor Salman, 30, agreed to be moved to Florida in a court filing submitted Tuesday to U.S. Magistrate Donna Ryu of Oakland.

Today, Ryu signed an order committing Salman to the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Orlando and directing the U.S. Marshals Service to transport her there.

Salman's lawyer, Charles Swift of the Texas-based Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America, said today it will be up to the Marshals Service to decide when she will be transferred.

"I expect it to be fairly soon," said Swift. He said he could not comment further on the case.

Salman's husband, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in a gunfire attack on the gay Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. He died in a shootout with police.

Salman was arrested on Jan. 16 in her mother's home in Rodeo, where she and her 4-year-old son were staying.

She was indicted four days earlier by a federal grand jury in Orlando on two criminal charges.

The charges are aiding her husband in providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, namely the Islamic State; and obstructing justice by misleading local police and the FBI when she was questioned in the hours following the attack.

Because Salman was arrested within the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for Northern California, her initial court appearances were in federal court in Oakland.

On March 1, Ryu ruled that she could be released on a $500,000 bond into the custody of her uncle, Abdallah Salman of Rodeo, under conditions of home confinement except for court hearings.

But on March 10, U.S. District Judge Paul Byron of Orlando, the trial judge assigned to the case, overruled Ryu and denied bail. He agreed with prosecutors' claim that Salman is a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Salman is now appealing Byron's ruling to the 11th U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

Salman, one of four daughters in a family of Palestinian descent, was born in Richmond and grew up in Rodeo. She met Mateen on an online dating site and moved with him to Fort Pierce, Fla., when they married.

After the nightclub shooting, Salman lived with an aunt in Mississippi for several months before moving to her mother's house in Rodeo.

Salman was entitled under court rules to have further hearings in federal court in Oakland to confirm her identity and determine whether she should be transferred to Florida. She waived those rights in her court filing on Tuesday.

Prosecutors contend Salman accompanied her husband on three trips to case possible shooting sites and was aware that her husband left their home on the evening of June 11 with a rifle and a backpack full of ammunition.

Defense attorneys maintain that she was abused by Mateen, has learning disabilities, has no strong religious or political views and was not aware of his plans.
Early in Needles and Opium, Jean Cocteau (Olivier Normand) says, To know my work would give you such vertigo that you would never forgive me for that, quoting from the film directors Letter to America.

Yet so stunningly does Robert Lepages play conjure that vertigo, the sense of total submersion into a genius disorienting art, you dont look for someone to blame. Quite the opposite. This Ex Machina production, which opened Wednesday, April 5, at ACTs Geary Theater, seizes your viscera and doesnt let go, nor do you want it to.

Its staged almost entirely in a small half-cube (designed by Carl Fillion) that hangs over the Gearys stage. Its at a jaunty angle, with one of the corners pointed downward, so that on first observation, its not obvious how an actor might find sure footing. Its also unlit before the show starts, so you might be tempted to lower your expectations. Whats so great about a drab, nondescript gray half-box in front of a black backdrop?

Your answer comes almost immediately, when the set starts to rotate in all manner of angles, and projections of constellations (the images are by Lionel Arnould) illuminate it and performer Normand, who, suspended on stretchy tethers, flips into the air to dangle amid its stars. As he bobs back and forth, its difficult to tell whether the movement comes from him, the set disembodied in the blackness or you in your seat. Its a good idea to grip your armrest for balance. Soon, even the sides of the half-cube seem to lose their firmness, the projections creating the illusion of membrane-like walls capable of breathing in and out, bulging and ballooning. Its as if youre on a theme park ride, floating through the endless pit of outer space or lost in the swirl of color and blackness you see when you close your eyes.

Stupefying, vertiginous as this mise-en-scene is, the shows story doesnt quite measure up. Needles and Opium is billed as a juxtaposition of the trans-Atlantic journeys and drug addictions of Cocteau and Miles Davis (Wellesley Robertson III). We get little time with them, though, and when we do, Davis never talks, and Cocteaus quotes dont reveal much behind the braggadocio.

Instead, Lepage devotes the bulk of the play to a contemporary Quebecois actor named Robert (also played by Normand). His scenes either stagnate in banalities, e.g., one side of a dreary phone conversation; make easy jokes about what gets lost in translation in his travels and communications among Quebec, Paris and New York; or, worst of all, sound like the breakup play a college student might write. Theres lots of whining about the anguish of a broken heart and the destruction of self-confidence, as well as facile questioning about how geniuses like Davis or Cocteau made art through their pain. Although Normand is a very skilled actor  he has a way of suddenly rendering Robert a shell of a man  he cant overcome the fundamental problem that his feelings are told, not shown or earned.

Mostly, though, the extraordinary production values trump these flaws. You could get away with not listening to the text at all, instead devoting all your energies to watching as that half-box morphs from setting to setting, posing ever-changing obstacles to Robertson and Normand. What will pop out of its walls next? Which way will it turn? Will projections conjure two or three dimensions, and how will performers interact with them? Will they tumble down their steeply raked, almost vertical playing space? Needles and Opium is the kind of show that stokes danger when an actor simply lifts a foot.

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

Needles and Opium: Written and directed by Robert Lepage. Through April 23. One hour 40 minutes. $20-$105, subject to change. ACTs Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., S.F. (415) 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

To see a trailer for Needles and Opium: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jWBCnIHe9A
WASHINGTON  Judge Neil Gorsuchs place on the U.S. Supreme Court was assured Thursday, but it came at the cost of the Senate filibuster, a long-standing tactic that allowed the minority party to have a voice in the selections to the high court.

Gorsuch is expected to be confirmed Friday on a simple-majority vote, meaning the Senates 52 Republican votes will be more than enough to seat him on the court.

The vote was sealed when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky pulled the nuclear option that ended a Democratic filibuster of Gorsuchs nomination.

The move, on a 52-48 vote, means that President Trumps choice to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia will need only 51 votes for confirmation. Republicans will not need eight Democratic votes to reach the 60-vote threshold under rules that existed before Thursday. But in the long term, it could give Trump and future presidents the ability to appoint more openly partisan or ideological justices when their party controls the Senate.

McConnell took the step after Democrats deployed the filibuster to block Gorsuch in a 55-45 vote. Among those voting to reject the court nominee were California Sens. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, who led her panels opposition to Gorsuch, and Kamala Harris, who took office in January.

Only three Democrats broke ranks: Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Each faces re-election in 2018 in states Trump won handily. But other Democrats in the same position, such as Jon Tester of Montana, strode into the chamber giving a big thumbs down on Gorsuch.

The rancor in the Senate chamber Thursday was at times palpable. Democrats remain furious at Republicans over their refusal last year to hold a vote on President Barack Obamas choice of Merrick Garland to replace Scalia, instead opting to hold the seat open for the possibility that a GOP president would be elected in November. Garland, a moderately liberal judge, would have altered the courts 5-to-4 conservative majority, and Democrats view the Gorsuch seat as stolen.

What goes around comes around, Feinstein said of the filibuster, adding that it was mild by comparison with denying Obama his choice for the courts vacancy.

Everybody knew there had to have been a legacy to (denying Obamas nominee), that you don't do something this stark without it following on with something, Feinstein said. Even so, she said, had Republicans consulted Democrats and chosen a more moderate judge than Gorsuch, the elimination of the filibuster might have been avoided.

From our end, it was necessary, what we had to do, Harris said after casting her first vote on a Supreme Court nomination.

Citing such landmark cases as Roe vs. Wade, which guaranteed women the right to abortion, and Citizens United, which unleashed a flood of anonymous big-money contributions into politics, Harris said the effect of Supreme Court decisions on the lives of everyday Americans is too important to be left to a simple Senate majority.

One individual can have a profound impact on the entire court, and the decisions it makes can impact generations to come, she said. So when were talking about whether or not we confirm someone to that court, there should be a level of consensus and not just a simple majority.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called filibusters a guardrail against extremism, warning that removing the 60-vote threshold on a presidents high court nominees will undermine public trust in the Supreme Court and turn it into another partisan body.

McConnell retorted that few people outside of New York and San Francisco believe Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is mainstream and Judge Neil Gorsuch is not.

Republicans accused Democrats of unprecedented obstruction of a qualified nominee. Gorsuch, a Harvard Law School and Oxford University graduate from Colorado, had swept through the Senate by voice vote in 2006 when then-President George W. Bush nominated him to his current seat on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

At 49, he will become the courts youngest member. As a self-described originalist in the Scalia mode who believes in interpreting the Constitution as it was written in 1787, Gorsuch is likely to restore the courts 5-4 conservative majority that existed until Scalias death in February 2016. The next opening, however, is likely to cement a powerful conservative bloc. Three justices are nearing retirement: liberals Ginsburg, 84, and Stephen Breyer, 78, and the courts swing vote, Anthony Kennedy, 80, a Republican nominee who led the court to approve same-sex marriage.

While Democrats will have no power to stop Trumps next nominee in the likelihood he gets one, the elimination of the filibuster works both ways. Republicans also denied themselves the opportunity to block Supreme Court nominees by a future Democratic president.

Manuel Miranda, a former Senate Republican judicial aide, said Republicans calculated that they have a unique opportunity with Trump, even if he serves just one term. Trump is probably going to nominate at least one more before the four years is out, so this is the right time, Miranda said.

After Obamas election, Miranda said Republicans panicked at the thought that Obama could name not two but three or four justices.

I think we dodged a bullet, he said.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
BANJUL, Gambia  Many Gambians hope to secure a transition from decades of dictatorship to democracy on Thursday as they vote in parliamentary elections, the first since longtime leader Yahya Jammeh flew into exile in January. But some worry the coalition that put new President Adama Barrow in place is already seeing cracks.

The National Assembly vote ushers in a new era for the tiny West African country, whose leaders say they want to steer the nation toward reconciliation.

More than 1.8 million Gambians were ruled for 22 years by Jammeh, whose government was accused of human rights abuses.

He lost the December election to Barrow, who was backed by a coalition of eight opposition parties.

For weeks, Jammeh refused to leave power in a political standoff that brought regional countries to the brink of a military intervention.

Jammehs eventual flight into exile was a dramatic moment for many in Africa, where a number of leaders have clung to power for decades.

The new government under Barrow has promised to right the wrongs of the past, setting up a truth and reconciliation process.

Many Gambians fear that if the new parliament doesnt strike the right balance, their vote in December could be compromised.

The eight opposition parties that backed Barrow as a coalition are now running as separate parties against the representatives of Jammehs former ruling party and the one opposition party that didnt join the coalition, the Gambia Democratic Congress. They also face 42 independent candidates.

Some worry that divisions among the parties that united to oust Jammeh are starting to show.

I dont still understand why party leaders let this happen, said one Gambian, Ebrima Jobe, shaking his head. He said he was disheartened that after all the efforts to form a coalition to end Jammehs rule, the parties are acting in a way that could threaten the future that Gambians wanted.

If coalition parties do not win a majority, it could affect Barrows ability to govern and carry out the transition policies he has promised.

Abdoulie John and Carley Petesch are Associated Press writers.
BEIJING  The Philippine president appeared to revive his quarrels with China on Thursday, ordering his troops to occupy islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea  and saying he may even stop by for a visit.

President Rodrigo Duterte said the military should build structures on all of the Philippine-held islands, reefs and shoals in the contested Spratly Islands  not far from seven man-made Chinese islands in the area.

Chinas construction of the islands is part of its claims of territorial sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, an important route for sea trade across Southeast Asia. Neighboring nations strongly oppose Beijings moves and worry that the runways and docks on the artificial islands could eventually have a military use.

Since winning the presidency last summer, the bombastic Duterte has struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone with Beijing, downplaying a landmark ruling that rejected Chinese maritime claims and signaling that he was willing to work with Beijing in return for Chinese investment.

It is not clear whether Duterte was making a policy statement or another of his high-stakes quips, which have included mocking figures such as then-President Barack Obama and Pope Francis.

It could suggest, however, that Duterte is returning to his confrontational stance with China after powerful domestic critics questioned his light-touch approach toward Beijing.

Duterte also mentioned that he would like to plant a flag on one island for Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant, he said.

At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours, he added.

Emily Rauhala is a Washington Post writer.
Evident in his intricate form of expressionism and use of enticing hues, Emil Bristtrams art presents his power, perseverance and, perhaps most importantly, positivity as an artist. His works transport and tempt his audience comfortably into the metaphorical eye of the storm, finding calm in his calculated colorful chaos.

In 1975, New Mexico Governor Jerry Apodaca declared April 7 Emil Bisttram Day, a state holiday honoring the late artists cultural influence on New Mexico-inspired transcendental artistic endeavors. Bisttrams illustrious career captured his exploration of spirituality, philosophy and abstraction through many artistic mediums. His distinctive stylistic choices and techniques seen throughout the entirety of his collection create a visual journey of self-actualization and awareness. Unfortunately, most New Mexicans have forgotten this celebratory holiday and the artist it commemorates.

To remind the community of Bisttrams influence and the cultural significance of his work, there is the Addison Rowe Gallerys annual Emil Bisttram Day Show, which opens Friday April 7 and runs through May 20.

Bisttram was born on the Hungarian-Romanian border on 1895, and his family immigrated to New York in 1906. Bisttram showed a strong desire to paint early on, and ultimately started working as a commercial artist in 1912yes, that would be at age 17.

He went on to create the first freelance commercial art studio in New York City in 1915. Bisttram studied under Ivan Olinsky at the National Academy of Design, Leon Kroll at the Art Students League and Jay Hambridge at the Parsons School of Art and Design. Bisttram was then invited to teach at Nicholas Roerichs Master Institute of United Arts where he first encountered theosophy, among other spiritual practicesall of which greatly influenced his artistic expression.

In 1931, he was awarded a fellowship with the Guggenheim Museum to study with celebrated muralist Diego Rivera in Mexico. After one year of studying with Rivera, Bisttram moved to Taos where he eventually founded the Taos School of Art and the Heptagon Gallery, considered to be the first commercial art gallery in Taos.

Bisttrams work combines magnificent New Mexican landscapes with his unique spiritual philosophy of life: Painting is about mediation.

The Addison Rowe Gallerys annual display of these diverse and dynamic works illustrate that he was an artist ahead of his time. According to Matthew Rowe, gallery director at Addison Rowe Gallery, whose eyes seem to actually sparkle in the light when he gets animated about Bisttrams work, the artists exploration of [his] art created throughout his life show a man who was never satisfiedalways experimenting with different techniques and styles.

Rowe also believes that Bisttrams success can serve as a testament to his belief in art as a positive force for the enlightenment of mankind. Bristtrams philosophical and peaceful journey for truth in his art suggests that a mere one day of celebration may not be enough.

Santa Fe Reporter
Scott Technologies posted a 48 percent jump in first-half profit and chief executive Chris Hopkins says a global drive for increased automation means the industrial robotics firm is in a "sweet spot".

Net profit was $2.89 million in the six months ended Feb. 28 versus $1.95 million a year earlier, the Dunedin-based company said in a statement. Revenue was $56.7 million, up 32 percent on the year.

Hopkins told BusinessDesk the increased revenue was on the back of increased demand across all industries for automation in the segments where it operates, which include appliances, meat processing, mining, high-temperature superconductor products, and other industrial automation including robotics.

"It's a general trend which we have seen pick up. There is a lot of talk about automation and robotics. We are in a reasonably sweet spot at the moment," he said. Growth continued in the meat processing sector and Hopkins said the mining sector is showing signs of recovery, driven by the general environment in the mining and commodities sector.

Another strong growth area comes from new products, he said. Scott Technologies invests 5-to-10 percent of its turnover on research and development, although Hopkins said it's hard to quantify as much of the development is driven by customer demand for increased automation to improve productivity, quality and to offset a decline in available labour. "Believe it or not labour is becoming a more scarce resource in many of the countries we sell into. That's a key driver too," he said.

He declined to provide any specific guidance for the full year but said the interim dividend of 4 cents a share reflects the strong operating cash flow in the first half and the directors' confidence for a "strong full-year result."

Last year Scott Technologies completed a scheme of arrangement which brought in $41 million of new capital after Brazilian meat processor JBS took a 50.1 percent stake, some existing shareholders sold down, and others took up their entitlements under the associated rights issue. As at Feb. 28 the company has cash and cash equivalents of $32.8 million versus $7.4 million in the prior year.

Hopkins said JBS, an international company with annual turnover equal to about 60 percent of Auckland's gross domestic product, had opened up more markets for his company.

"It has certainly given us a bit more confidence, a stronger balance sheet ... we are well positioned to capitalise on our skills, capabilities and the opportunities ahead of us," he said. The company continues to evaluate acquisitions and there are some opportunities in Australasia "and our other areas of interest would be the Americas and Europe."

In the second half of the previous financial year, Scott expanded its manufacturing in Europe and Asia by buying German engineering firm, Somako Hirsh & Attig. Hopkins said it was "early days yet" but that "it is a long-term strategy for us to be in that market." One of the constraints in the past was not having local support to take technologies wider, he said. "We needed to have a footprint."

It also bought BladeStop bandsaw safety technology last October, which helped boost its Australasian manufacturing segment.

Regarding China, he said the automated equipment it sells into that market is largely driven by the appliance industry, which can be "lumpy." The company aims to diversify its sales into China into other industries - like the meat processing industry - but it will be "a slow gradual path." He noted the Chinese business is a valuable source of lower cost manufactured inputs for its Australasian activities.

The stock was up 4.3 percent at $2.92 and has gained 73 percent over the past year.

(BusinessDesk)

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New Zealand shares rose to their highest level since early October, as A2 Milk's bull run continued and the market shrugged off Asian jitters ahead of a potentially tense meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that starts Thursday.





The S&P/NZX 50 index increased 24 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7,289.53. Within the index, 22 stocks gained, 10 fell and 18 were unchanged. Turnover was $175 million.





Suzanne Kinnaird, an investment adviser for Forsyth Barr Dunedin, said while "you never know what Trump might tweet" the New Zealand market isn't following other Asian markets down as investors continue to show keen interest in some key stocks.





A2 Milk "has some solid momentum and is continuing to find favour," she said. The stock rose 3.3 percent to $3.17, continuing to tick higher after what seemed to be a relaxation by Chinese authorities on imports via the so-called 'grey channel' or daigou last month.





Tegel Group rose 2.7 percent to $1.16 after it told investors and analysts at the Credit Suisse / First NZ Capital Food and Beverage Conference in Sydney it is well-positioned for export growth and reiterated its full year guidance.





Z Energy added 1.3 percent to $7.29. The company reversed its decision to dump physical annual meetings in favour of cheaper virtual ones and will instead hold a hybrid of the two after lobbying from the New Zealand Shareholders' Association. In a letter to NZSA chairman John Hawkins and chief executive Michael Midgley, Z chair Peter Griffiths said the company had taken the investor lobby's views on board and will hold its June meeting at its Wellington office, letting shareholders participate online but also allowing attendance in person.





Summerset added 0.9 percent to $5.40 as investors remained cheered after the company said Wednesday it had increased sales of occupation rights at its retirement villages by 41 percent in the first quarter and said the remainder of the year "looks positive".





Kinnaird said Summerset was faring well, considering retirement village operator Oceania Healthcare has said it planned to raise $200 million in a much-anticipated initial public offering in order to cut its debt and potentially buy new development sites and will list on the NZX and ASX. "You would think you would see a bit of rotation by some," she said.





In the other direction, Manuka honey company Comvita shed 4.2 percent to $6.80. Kinnaird noted the stock bounced on the relaxation by Chinese authorities "but since then they have come back out and said things are worse than we thought." On Wednesday Comvita warned it will post an operational loss this year due to weaker than expected trading and as a poor season dents the honey harvest in New Zealand.





Xero shed 0.5 percent to $19.90. Interests associated with tech billionaire Peter Thiel sold about 1.1 million shares in Xero, reducing its overall holding to below 5 percent, according to a statement on the NZX.





Among small caps, Scott Technologies gained 1.8 percent to $2.85. This week the company posted a 48 percent jump in first-half profit and chief executive Chris Hopkins says a global drive for increased automation means the industrial robotics firm is in a "sweet spot".





(BusinessDesk)

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Augusta Capital has paid a 17 percent premium to double its stake in real estate investor NPT, putting more clout behind its bid to replace the board and block a deal giving management control to Kiwi Property Group.





Auckland-based Augusta bought about 15.5 million shares at 68 cents apiece from investors including the Accident Compensation Corp and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, lifting its ownership of NPT to 18.9 percent from 9.3 percent, notices to the NZX show. That was a premium to the 58 cents that NPT shares closed at yesterday. Today the stock rose 5.9 percent to 62.5 cents.





The acquisition comes ahead of a special meeting on April 21 where NPT shareholders will be asked to vote on approving a deal to buy two buildings from Kiwi Property for $230 million. The purchase would be funded through a sale of $93.9 million of stock and the issue of shares at 61 cents apiece to Kiwi Property, which would end up with a 19.99 percent stake. In addition, Kiwi Property would buy NPTs management contract for $6 million.





The Kiwi Property deal trumped an alternative proposal put forward by Augusta, which was subsequently withdrawn. Augusta still wants to spill NPT's board, which is also on the agenda for the meeting this month.





"This weeks acquisition of shares in NPT is consistent with our long-standing plan to grow our funds management business and significantly, it strengthens our position ahead of the NPT special meeting," Augusta managing director Mark Francis said in a statement. "We believe the current board is completely out of touch with its shareholders in recommending this deal." Augusta Capital wants to remove two of the current board members and had sought the ouster of chairman John Anderson, who has since stepped down.





Augusta has the support of fellow NPT shareholder Salt Funds Management, which owns 16.9 percent and has been critical of the Kiwi Property deal, calling it an "unacceptable transfer of value" from NPT shareholders to Kiwi Property. Salt Funds managing director Matt Goodson has written two open letters criticising the deal over the mismatch between the price being paid for the buildings and the discount Kiwi Property would get in buying back into NPT. He has said he'd prefer NPT to externalise its management contract or sell assets to return capital to investors above the Kiwi Property transaction.





NPT's board has pushed back against shareholder opposition, playing down Salt Funds' concerns and saying that the only thing that had materially changed since Kiwi Property's deal was the fall in NPT's share price.





Augusta's Francis said his firm intends to vote against the Kiwi Property deal, saying it's "skewed heavily in their favour" and that it falls short of "what we consider to be fair and reasonable for NPT shareholders".





Augusta bought into NPT in September last year, buying a 9.3 percent stake from ACC's investment arm at 73 cents a share, a 14 percent premium at the time.





(BusinessDesk)

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Bathurst Resources has found a new buyer for coal from its Canterbury mine, replacing the lost supply deal for Westport's cement works when Holcim closed the plant last year.

Wellington-based Bathurst will supply up to 65,000 tonnes of coal a year to an unnamed buyer for up to 10 years from its Canterbury mine west of Christchurch, the mining company said in a statement to the ASX. The deal has an escalation option, it said.

"This contract replaces the supply lost last year with the closure of the Westport cement works and enhances the company's South Island domestic supply strategy," chief executive Richard Tacon said.

Bathurst bought the Canterbury mine in 2013 and in its first-half report released in February, said it's developed the site's coal processing plant and infrastructure to meet "strong demand" from nearby markets. As at Dec. 31, the mine was on track to produce 100,000 tonnes in the year ending June 30, up from 60,000 in the 2016 financial year. The company mined 166,191 tonnes of coal in the six months ended Dec. 31 and sold 149,809 tonnes.

Holcim closed the doors on its Westport plant in June last year, ending 58 years of production in the town, and forced Bathurst to place its Cascade and Escarpment mines in care and maintenance.

Last year a Bathurst joint venture with Talley's Group bought Solid Energy's Stockton, Rotowaro and Maramarua Mines out of receivership for $46 million, which Bathurst later said gave it access to the North Island domestic thermal coal market and an export metallurgical coal market.

ASX-listed Bathurst shares rose 11 percent to 8.2 Australian cents.

(BusinessDesk)

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Tax incentives have a "positive and significant" impact on research and development spending, according to an International Monetary Fund working paper published this week, but remain contentious in New Zealand with the ruling National party dubbing them an "unknown financial liability" while the opposition Labour Party is still committed to implementing them.





While R&D spending is inching higher, New Zealand still lags behind its peers with recent data showing total R&D investment as a proportion of gross domestic product increased to 1.3 percent in 2016 from 1.2 percent in 2014. The OECD average is 2.4 percent. Business investment in R&D was 0.6 percent of GDP in 2016, still well off the government's aim to lift it to 1 percent.





The IMF paper notes many governments use tax incentives to stimulate private expenditure on research and development, including the majority of OECD countries and other large economies such as China, India, Brazil and Russia. In a recent mission to New Zealand, IMF officials recommended the government lift its support, describing those incentives as "a bit on the timid side".





Both National and Labour see innovation as critical to lifting the country's productivity levels, a challenge given its relatively small economy and distance from other markets. National, however, has argued New Zealand's research and development grant system administered through Callaghan Innovation stops companies "gaming the system" by reclassifying spending to qualify for tax credits.





"The R&D Growth Grant works like a tax incentive in that the grant approval process is non-discretionary and available to all businesses that meet pre-defined criteria. The Growth Grant system gives us a much better idea of the likely cost, rather than a tax credit system which would be an unknown financial liability," Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith told BusinessDesk.





The grants cover 20 percent of a businesss R&D costs, up to $5 million a year, and are available to businesses that invest more than 1.5 percent of turnover in R&D. Callaghan handed out $112 million in three different types of grants in the 2015/16 year, according to its annual report. The bulk of that - $86 million - went to Growth Grants.





Megan Woods, Labour's spokesperson for Innovation and Science, said the idea that companies game the system is a "red herring." She noted that businesses can also rejig what they are doing under a grant system. "What you have to do is make sure you've got the right monitoring of both the grants and the tax scheme in place to make sure that's not happening," she said in a telephone interview.





Woods said Labour had a commitment to tax credits for research and development in the last election and "I think the reasons for those commitments still stand." She said the credits are more responsive to business needs and importantly "shift the conversation within a business from being about expensive research to being about the revenue stream." The fact that overall spending as a percentage of GDP remains low is a worry. "We are not making strides," she said.





"If we want to move our exports up the value chain and have them be about value add, we cannot do that without an investment in R&D," she said.





ExportNZ executive director Catherine Beard called on the government to do more: "New Zealand is missing an opportunity here in that we are an outlier with regard to what other countries are doing. We think it needs further investigation as we are still lagging R&D investment compared to other countries."





She noted that most countries have both a grants system and R&D tax credits. Many of New Zealand's larger companies are eligible for the governments' growth grant and are positive as the compliance costs are not too onerous, Beard said.





However, "the small to medium size companies are less happy with the support they get, as the definition of R&D does not always capture how manufacturers or ICT companies innovate, so many miss out on project grants," she said.





She agreed that the aim should be to boost investment and "if it is a well-designed system, audits should be able to counteract any gaming of the system."





(BusinessDesk receives funding to help cover the commercialisation of innovation from Callaghan Innovation.)





(BusinessDesk)

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CHENNAI: Auto-major TATA Motors Ltd has drawn up plans including setting up of a new format showrooms, doubling of sales and service outlets, as part of its vision to become a top three automobile manufacturer in the country by 2019, a top official said here today.



"Our ambition is to be on Number 3 (automobile manufacturer) across the country by 2019. Right now, we are fifth (position). Already, in Tamil Nadu we are ranked No 3", Tata Motors Ltd, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, President, Mayank Pareek told reporters here.



Elaborating, Pareek said the company would tap technology to set up digital showroom expected to come up in Mumbai initially and had also planned to increase the sales and service outlets present across the country by 2020.



"Right now, our sales network is 700. We will more than double sales by 2020. That is the plan", he said.



On the outlook for financial year 2017-18, he said the company hopes to grow more than the industry growth.



"For next year, industry forecast is expected to be at 9-10 pct growth. We will be doing better than industry. We certainly promise to do much better than industry growth", he said, without declining to reveal any figures.



Last year, industry grew by nine pct while Tata Motors registered 22 pct growth, he said.



On exports front, Pareek said the company would focus more on the domestic market though it ships some of its products in small quantities to various countries.



Pareek and senior company officials were here to unveil the latest compact sedan Tigor priced from 4.82 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai) for base petrol variant while diesel top end variant is priced at 7.28 lakh (ex-showroom-Chennai).

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What would you take to a desert island? I can tell you a few things that you can leave behindforget about your stresses and worries, you dont even need to bring your shoesBecause at Gili Lankanfushi in The Maldives youll be living in total barefoot luxury away from all your troublesbut dont worrythis desert island does has wifi, champagne and plenty of amazing food.

After our three and a half hour flight from Dubai we touched down in Male airport and from there is was an absolutely seamless transfer. We climbed into Gili Lankanfushis private boat, a fresh juice was pressed into our hands and all there was for us to do was enjoy the ride!

Ohand you wont be needing those! As one of the hotels team held up canvas bags for our flip flops. At this resort theres a no shoes rule working almost as a metaphor for casting aside the shackles of city life. Here youre free to simply feel the sand beneath your toes and the warm ocean lap at your ankles. You can turn your clocks forward tooyoure on resort time now meaning an extra hour of sunshine!



The beautiful overwater villas soon came into sight as Gili Lankanfushi is only around twenty minutes from the airport on the North Male Atoll. This means avoiding costs of the seaplanes associated with going to islands further away and if youre worried about noise from the main island or airportdont be we were totally marooned on our perfect desert island, though unlike Robinson Crusoe, we never wanted to leave.



Actually literary castaway, Robinson Crusoe is a theme at Gili Lankanfushi and just like the character of Defoes novel, everyone is assigned a Man Friday as their butler. Our Friday, who confusingly had the nickname Monday, greeted us as soon as we got off the boat and it was straight into the hotel buggy for a quick tour of the island. The tour didnt take too long as Gili Lankanfushi is a small and intimate place, taking only around 20 minutes to walk around the island, its the perfect private hideaway.

We soon arrived at the boardwalk to our room, I took a sharp intake of breath. Id alway dreamed of visited The Maldives and seeing one of those famous boardwalks with the villas branching off was quite a moment for me.



There are 45 villas in Gili Lankanfushi and most of them are spread across three boardwalks, meaning theyre spaced quite far apart and incredibly private. Now are you ready to see this stunning sanctuary up close?



Gili Lankanfushi was one of the first hotels in The Maldives, and one of the first to be comprised of only overwater villas. Theyre also some of the most spacious  in fact our villa was so big I couldnt go back far enough to take a picture.



But heres the villa at the end of boardwalk so that you can get an idea of the scale.

Each room comes with a set of bikes but we loved walking through the shady paths of the island without any wheels. Plus, Im not exactly a skilled cyclist!

Made from all natural materials, the villas at Gili Lankanfushi are pure rustic luxury. Entering from the boardwalk, the outdoor living room is crafted entirely of wood with sunny yellow loungers.

With a beautifully made chess set.



And outdoor fridge and array of drinks and nibbles so that you never need to stray too far from the sun for a snack!

Completing the pavilion is a dining area for two reaching out to uninterrupted views of the sea

Bubbles, of course and a delicious home made tea with home grown herbsa taste of what was to come.

The raised deck extends to a lower deck where youre spoilt for choice when it comes to somewhere to sit and enjoy the sunperhaps fall asleep on lounger, sit and read a book on the sofa or simply lie back on a hammock.



Of course I got Mr S to go into the water to take pictures from the other side but its actually very shallow and you can easily spy the fish below. And sometimes even the odd shark

Many hotels in The Maldives have developed a more posh look but Gili Lankanfushi remains true to its roots and all architecture here is Maldivian. The best way to describe it is rustic luxury.

Back inside, the bedroom is also wooden and natural fabrics with a beautiful high straw ceiling. On that note, living in harmony with nature is one of the key ideologies at Gili Lankanfushi and care of the environment, eco-friendly practices and sustainability are at the very heart of the resort.



Despite the open-plan nature of the room, the bedroom is inside, meaning we could enjoy cool air while we slept and my susceptible skin was safe from mozzie bites.

Though everything was natural we werent too far from modern technology, with a big screen TV still in reach and an iPod in the room. The TV could easily be concealed by a curtain so you could still imagine the modern world didnt exist.



Isnt this quite the perfect desk to work from? With no distractions other than the soft sound of the sound of the sea and vision of brightly coloured fish.

Across the other side from the living area is the indoor / outdoor bathroom.

Double sinks with hanging mirrors and open walls mean that views are never too far away while youre brushing your teeth

And in the floor theres a glass window with a direct view into the sea

But why just look when theres a staircase with direct access to the water from the bathroom.

A boardwalk leads to an outdoor shower whose, shimmering glass wall added glamour to our rustic-luxe abode. I cant tell you how amazing it was to shower there every morning feeling the warmth from outside and the sea just below.



I dont think Ive ever seen quite such an incredible view from a tub, and taking a bath felt like floating on the ocean. Thats the thing about this place all your senses are heightened, the air smells sweeter, the ocean appears more blue and all you can hear is the soft lapping of waves on the sand or the breeze through the palm trees.



Theres plenty of storage and at Gili Lankanfushi theyve taken care of the practicalities by providing every room with a beach bags, sun lotion and insect repellant. I told you that you didnt need to worry about anything! Now if you thought that was it, youd be wrongyes theres more.

Up a spiral staircase theres a separate terrace with a sitting area shaded by a straw roof and separate dining table.

From here we could get a great view of the Crusoe residences, the seven rooms are the ultimate in privacy and are accessible only by boat. Each is provided with their own motorised private boat or guests can call up their man Friday for a ride to breakfast!

These rooms are slightly bigger than our own villa suite and also come with an over water hammock and mini wine cellar. What a place to be marooned! Now we were on resort time it was getting quite late for lunch so we thought wed order a few nibbles to our room to enjoy with that bottle of champagne!

If you never want to leave your beautiful room, theres an extensive room service menu reflecting many of the options offered throughout the island. Im going to go into detail about the food on the island in an upcoming post, but spoiler alertits all amazing.



For now some sashimi, Vietnamese summer rolls and a club sandwich for Mr S, washed down with bubbly would tide us over before dinner.

The taste of that delicious local tuna simply enhanced by the incredible view before us. Finishing up our food we had a little time to relax before getting ready for dinner which would be at the resorts Japanese restaurant. There was no need for extravagant blow dries, a face full of make up and high heels, I put on a new play suit and Mr S was in shorts and T-shirt, ready just in time to take a moment to enjoy the beautiful sunset from our room.



As we left our room the sky was tinged with pink, which as we soon to discovered was typical of a Maldivian evening.

And we headed down the boardwalk towards the By the Sea Japanese restaurant

And the walk home wasnt too bad either

I could already see why this beautiful property with perfect service and exquisite food had been voted No.1 luxury hotel in the world on Trip Advisor but our stay was only just the beginning and I cant wait to tell you more!

PIN FOR LATER:



Our stay at Gili Lankanfushi was complimentary on a full board basis
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On April 3rd, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Silveria Jacobs attended the 6th Annual Career Fair day at the St. Maarten Vocational Training School. SMVTS has been hosting the career fair to encourage, and assist in the development of the students with regards to their vocational educational and career fields. This years theme was Employability: Your ticket to a brighter future which was aimed at broadening horizons and the possibilities of seeking employment in an unexpected or unthought-of area or profession. The stakeholders in attendance at the Career Fair 2017 were St. Maarten Medical Center, GEBE, the Fire Department, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.





Minister Jacobs pleaded for each students to attend every stakeholders booth with an open mind. Although you may have an idea or have your heart set on a profession, keep an open mind. You may be intrigued by a profession unthought-of.





Good behavior and attitude was also a topic the Minister stressed on to the students of SMVTS. She encouraged them to always have a smile on their face, and utter the friendly words Good morning and good afternoon. A good attitude can take you a long way. The academic degrees can wither away, but the impression you leave on someone will stay with them forever.





At the end, Minister Jacobs received a school tour guided by Mrs. Bourne-Gumbs, to the trade sectors the students receive their practical training in.




Page Content

On Tuesday, April 4th, the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Silveria Jacobs was invited by to the cycle one year one class at the Leonald Conner School. Teacher Charles-constant Rollan invited Minister Jacobs to visit the cycle one, year one students. The students have been focusing and learning about the local government for the last two weeks. Both teacher Rollan and teacher Fina have been teaching the 23 students about the various Ministries and the tasks and functions of each Ministry.





Teacher Rollan took the opportunity to invite the Minister of Education to the classroom where the students officially welcomed, interacted and had a fellowship with Minister Jacobs. The students along with Minister Jacobs took part in a class activity whereby each student colored a portrait of the Minister.





Minister Jacobs spoke to the children and prompted various questions to the students. She encouraged the students to work hard, remain focus, and respect their parents and teachers.





The visit ended with a thank you medley dedicated to the Minister for being an inspiration to the teachers and the students. Teacher Rollan thanked the Minister for starting her day coloring her portrait with the students. The students remained excited throughout the entire visit and were elated to display their work to Minister Jacobs. Minister Jacobs received a token of appreciation which was presented by teacher Rollan and Teacher Fina.






Crystal Moore Crystal Moore

Crystal Moore, a Skidmore social work professor and associate dean of the faculty, will serve as facilitator and featured speaker at the Center for Hope's 16th annual New York State Missing Persons Day event this Saturday, April 8, starting at 9 a.m. at the New York State Museum on Madison Avenue in Albany, N.Y. The event is for families and friends affected by the unexplained or unresolved disappearance of a loved one.



Moore's presentation, "Stories Told by Those Left Behind: Meaning, Resiliency, and Missing Persons," will chronicle the loss she herself has felt since her mother, Christine Betty Lowe, went missing in 1971, when Moore was 7 years old. See sees that loss as foundational to a life infused with love, heartbreak, grace, luck, and grit.



She explains, "The stories we tell to ourselves and others about our missing people and their disappearance can impact our resiliency and how we make meaning of this ambiguous loss as individuals, families, and communities. For many years, I had never met anyone who I knew had a missing person in their lives. Having the opportunity to come together with others who share this experience has helped me come to terms and make meaning of my own loss. We share in each other's pain and strength, which can be incredibly powerful."



Event attendees will have an opportunity to join together and interact with other families as well as representatives from law enforcement and missing persons organizations. Moore says, "This event is designed to provide families an opportunity for discussion on ways to cope with their loss and keep hope alive. We hope it will be an uplifting experience."



A private session for families and loved ones, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be followed by a public ceremony at 1 p.m., open to all who support the mission of finding a resolution for families with a missing loved one. The day's program will include inspirational speakers, music, and presentation of the HOPE award. The closing ceremony will be at the Missing Persons Remembrance monument adjacent to the museum. New York State Police and the state's Division of Criminal Justice will attend, and families may submit DNA samples for comparison to unidentified decedents in the CODIS database.



Moore has taught at Skidmore since 2001. She publishes on topics related to mental health, thanatology (death and dying), and gerontology. She is working on her third book, which focuses on missing persons.
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As Hayden referenced, several former NSC officials suggested there could be questions raised about abuse of power. A Bloomberg opinion article said that Rice made "dozens" of requests to learn the names of individuals redacted in intelligence reports. That figure has not been confirmed. Rice, in an interview with MSNBC, simply said "there were occasions" when she requested the name "in order to understand the importance of that report and assess its significance." She said the Obama administration did not use intelligence for political purposes, but she refused to say whether she requested the names of Trump transition officials.
Those names were leaked by a hateful internet video;

After the revelations these last couple of days about the "incidental" unmaskings, Rice made another television appearance, this time in an interview with Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC. Asked about allegations that she had been been involved in disseminating the names of people swept up by the intelligence investigations, she insisted that they were "absolutely false."

Did the Obama Administration's Abuse of Foreign-Intelligence Collection Start Before Trump?

In a December 31, 2016, Tablet article on the controversy, "Why the White House Wanted Congress to Think It Was Being Spied on By the NSA," I argued that the Obama administration had merely used the appearance of spying on American lawmakers to corner opponents of the Iran Deal. Spying on U.S. citizens would be a clear abuse of the foreign-intelligence surveillance system. It would be a felony offense to leak the names of U.S. citizens to the press.

Increasingly, I believe that my conclusion in that piece was wrong. I believe the spying was real and that it was done not in an effort to keep the country safe from threats--but in order to help the White House fight their domestic political opponents.

"At some point, the administration weaponized the NSA's legitimate monitoring of communications of foreign officials to stay one step ahead of domestic political opponents," says a pro-Israel political operative who was deeply involved in the day-to-day fight over the Iran Deal. "The NSA's collections of foreigners became a means of gathering real-time intelligence on Americans engaged in perfectly legitimate political activism--activism, due to the nature of the issue, that naturally involved conversations with foreigners. We began to notice the White House was responding immediately, sometimes within 24 hours, to specific conversations we were having. At first, we thought it was a coincidence being amplified by our own paranoia. After a while, it simply became our working assumption that we were being spied on."
Unions ACT has accused the ACT government of giving the green light to charities to continue exploiting collection workers, after Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay moved to scrap licensing rules last week.

Mr Ramsay introduced a bill that will mean charities no longer need to be licensed in the ACT if they are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission. Mr Ramsay said the change removed red tape for charities, avoiding double licensing and reporting.

ACT veterans affairs minister Gordon Ramsay: the ACT government wants to help veterans settle back into civilian life with jobs in the ACT Public Service. Credit:Karleen Minney

But Unions ACT secretary Alex White was outraged at the surprise move, saying he had been talking with Mr Ramsay and Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury since October last year about strengthening the licence.

He wanted to make it a condition that charities abide by the Fair Work Act, which would have allowed a licence to collect in the ACT to be withdrawn if a charity breached the Act.
The banking lobby has joined calls for the government to examine tax incentives for property investors as part of efforts to cool surging house price rises in Sydney and Melbourne.

It comes amid runaway capital city property prices and increased warnings from financial regulators on the banks' lending standards.

Former Queensland premier Anna Bligh, who now heads the powerful Australian Bankers' Association, said negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions needed to be examined as part of efforts to cool the housing market.

"On the affordability side, the tax arrangements  incentives and disincentives  are clearly part of investor decisions and need to be appropriate for market conditions," she told Fairfax Media.
Apple has been accused of falsely and misleadingly telling customers that it wasn't required to fix their iPhones and iPads if they'd previously taken the devices to a third-party repairer.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has taken the electronics giant to the Federal Court, alleging that it breached consumer law by telling customers - who had encountered the "error 53" malfunction - that it didn't have to remedy a fault if the device had been earlier repaired by a third party.

In 2015 and 2016, Apple customers around the world were left with useless iPhones after they had installed the latest operating system. In most cases, they had previously had their phones repaired - usually the replacement of a cracked screen - by an unauthorised shop.

Apple was accused of extending its monopoly over the iPhone ecosystem, forcing customers to use its higher-priced repair service.
Even if the company avoids default by convincing the local government to intervene -- or by finding a "white knight" to inject fresh capital -- Yang is likely to lose control of Huishan, according to Robin Yuen, an analyst at RHB OSK Securities Hong Kong, who met the dairy magnate at a dinner event in September 2015. Yang Kai Credit:Imaginechina/Bloomberg "There was no indication at that time that there was so much debt," said Yuen, who described Yang's demeanor as confident and proud. "I expected the share price to deflate, but I definitely didn't expect it to blow up like this." Huishan didn't respond to emails requesting an interview with Yang, while calls to the company's investor relations lines in Hong Kong and its headquarters in Shenyang, China, weren't picked up. Nobody answered the doorbell at Huishan's Hong Kong office during business hours on March 28. The stock has been halted since March 24. Selling, then renting back cows

Like many publicly-traded Chinese firms, Huishan traces its roots to the country's state-owned sector. The Huishan brand was originally developed by Shenyang Dairy, a government-run company that Yang joined as general manager in 2002. Yang acquired an ownership stake soon after Shenyang Dairy privatised, and by 2012 he and Ge controlled what eventually became Huishan Dairy. The company went public on Hong Kong's stock exchange in 2013, when Yang was 55. Huishan advertised itself as an industry pioneer. It claimed to be the nation's only "grass to glass" dairy company, owning every step of the supply chain from the alfalfa fields that fed its cows to the final packets of milk delivered to supermarket shelves. Creditors of all stripes stepped up to offer financing. Banks including HSBC extended conventional loans, while the shadow finance industry provided more esoteric forms of debt. Huishan borrowed from a peer-to-peer lending platform in February at an annualised rate of about 13.5 per cent and sold debt to private investors on a small regional exchange at rates of around 7 per cent. In one creative attempt to acquire funding, the company even agreed to sell some of its cows to a leasing firm and then rent them back.

Champ harvest By the end of September, Huishan had a debt-to-equity ratio of 124 per cent, compared with the 28 per cent average for packaged-food companies listed in China and Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Yang also leveraged up his stake in the business, mostly without informing stockholders in Hong Kong. The exchange's rules allow a controlling shareholder to borrow against a stock and not disclose the transaction, so long as the loans are for personal finance reasons. Huishan detailed Yang's exposure in a statement after the crash. Champ Harvest, an entity controlled by Yang and part-owned by Ge, holds almost 71 per cent of the milk producer's shares, with nearly all of them used as collateral for margin debt, loans to Champ Harvest and financing for Yang's other companies, Huishan said. Champ Harvest also took an equity stake in Jilin Jiutai Rural Commercial Bank, Huishan's second-largest bank creditor.

The disclosures suggested Yang's net worth may have been smaller than what many assumed. He was known nationally as China's "dairy billionaire" after appearing in the annual rich lists compiled by the Hurun Report starting in 2014. By 2016, he was ranked 66th with a fortune of $US3.88 billion. Yang used his public profile to pitch Huishan as a safe provider of milk for Chinese consumers after the nation's melamine scandal of 2008 devastated the industry and killed at least six infants. 100 years "When others were using underhanded means to snatch market share and capital, I created the most perfect supply chain," Yang said in one of Huishan's undated promotional videos, speaking over soaring music and images of waterfalls and alfalfa fields. "I've fulfilled my dreams, but Huishan has its own dreams: of 1 million cows, 100 year-old stores and a 100 year-old brand." The company was still a long way from reaching those goals as of its latest half-year reporting period in September. By the end of that month, Huishan operated 81 farms and had 196,996 dairy cows. Its revenue for the previous 12 months totalled 4.91 billion yuan, compared with almost 54 billion yuan at China Mengniu Dairy in the year ended December.

Not everyone believed Huishan's numbers. Carson Block, the short seller and founder of Muddy Waters, alleged in December that the company had overstated its sales, misrepresented its self-sufficiency in alfalfa and made an unannounced transfer of assets to an entity controlled by Yang. Huishan said the allegations were groundless and contained misrepresentations. Missing person The company's latest blow came on March 31, when Huishan disclosed that its four remaining non-executive directors had resigned, citing other commitments. Ge is still unreachable, Huishan said, adding that it filed a missing person report with the Hong Kong police. Her last correspondence was a March 21 letter to Yang explaining that stress had taken a toll on her health. Huishan, which now has zero board members on its audit committee, said it couldn't provide an update on its finances. The company is working with local government officials on a restructuring plan and has asked creditors to refrain from calling in outstanding debt, according to Hongling Capital, owner of the P2P lending platform that brokered loans from individual investors to Huishan in February. Ge's disappearance could complicate the process. Some of Huishan's borrowing agreements, including a $US50 million loan from Bank of China, a $US20 million loan from HSBC and a $US200 million syndicated loan from banks including China CITIC Bank International, stipulate that Yang and Ge must remain Huishan's largest shareholders.
Stephen Ring, who in late 2015 pocketed a speculated $1 billion selling the Swisse vitamins business his father started in the 1970s, has bought the red brick city building which for decades was home to the renowned Society restaurant  and is reportedly planning to re-open it as a new hospitality venture with celebrity chef, George Calombaris.

At the on-site auction of 23-29 Bourke Street, Mr Ring outbid several high-profile suitors. Restaurateur Guy Grossi and developer Joseph Chahin  who is replacing Brunswick's historic former Sarah Sands hotel with a residential complex  were in attendance.

Historic: 28 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne has sold again, this time for nearly $13 million.

It is understood Mr Ring bought the building for an enterprise with Mr Calombaris, who it is expected will occupy the premises.

Mr Ring is understood to have controlled 60 per cent of the Swisse Wellness supplements business which sold to Hong Kong based Biostime for $1.67 billion.
JB Hi-Fi group chief Richard Murray dismissed "chatter" about house prices in Australia and its potential impact on The Good Guys chain, which he claims is performing ahead of expectations after a tough start to the year.

Without the benefit of hot weather and the associated airconditioner sales in the new year, The Good Guys comparable stores sales growth slumped from 3.5 per in January to 1.2 per cent for the March quarter, suggesting no comparable sales growth in February and March, according to broker Citi.

Former JB Hi-Fi boss Terry Smart will take the reins at The Good Guys later this month. Credit:Elke Meitzel

On the same day The Good Guys' long-serving chief executive Michael Ford unexpectedly quit the business, Mr Murray warned Australia needed to be careful not to "talk down" the economy.

"We are pleased with where the consumer is at, they're continuing to be really resilient," Mr Murray said.
Gilbert Baker, a self-described "gay Betsy Ross" who in 1978 hand-dyed and stitched together eight strips of vibrantly coloured fabric into a rainbow flag, instantly creating an enduring international symbol of gay pride, was found dead on Friday at his home in New York City. He was 65.

Cleve Jones, a friend and gay rights activist who confirmed the death, said that Baker had a stroke several years ago but had not been sick recently.

Gilbert Baker, designer of the Rainbow Flag, is draped with the flag while protesting at the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York, 2014. Credit:MARK LENNIHAN

As the gay rights movement spread from San Francisco and New York in the 1970s, Baker was often asked by friends aware of his creative talents to make banners for protests and marches. His creations, like others during that time, often included the pink triangle, which protesters had claimed as an icon after its initial use by the Nazis to identify gay men in concentration camps during World War ll.

Before a gay pride parade in 1978 in San Francisco, Harvey Milk, a city supervisor and gay rights leader who was assassinated that year, joined others in asking Baker to create an emblem to represent the movement.
"One thing the federal government could do that would ease some of the demand pressure is to scale back immigration at least until land release and infrastructure can keep up": Tony Abbott. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "There have been up to 50 earlier reports and inquiries on the issues covered by the Commission's Terms of Reference," it said. "Despite these efforts, the situation of children and young people in the child protection and youth detention systems in the Northern Territory appears to have deteriorated." Against this backdrop, Aboriginal people from Central Australia gathered at Ross River, 87 kilometres from Alice Springs, for the ninth of 12 Indigenous dialogues on constitutional recognition last weekend. Noel Pearson was among those who proposed that Indigenous Australians discuss the form of recognition they supported before the politicians decide on the referendum question, culminating in a constitutional convention at Uluru that will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. Abbott initially rejected this idea, warning that it could lead to "something akin to a log of claims that is unlikely to receive general support", but the plan took shape after Abbott was toppled and a Referendum Council will now report to Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten on preferred options after the Uluru convention.

Very early in this debate, there was some prospect that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would be prepared to accept whatever form of recognition was considered most likely to secure the biggest popular vote and regard other aspirations as unfinished business. That, after all, has been the way of Indigenous affairs for much the period since Australians voted so emphatically in 1967 to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Indigenous people. There is no better example of this than the 10-year formal process of reconciliation that began under Bob Hawke and was supposed to culminate in Australia's centenary year of 2001 with a declaration of reconciliation. The eloquent declaration that emerged could have been the basis for some form of national compact, with Evelyn Scott, who had succeeded Patrick Dodson to the chair of the council that framed it, expressing the hope that schoolchildren would recite it in years to come. But, when John Howard announced that he could not give the declaration his full support because it included an apology for past injustices, it became a declaration towards reconciliation.

This history helps explain why the consensus at the nine dialogues so far has been to reject incrementalism, advocate substantial reform and be willing to leave the challenge to the next generation of activists if this approach is rejected. At each meeting, there has been support for having an Indigenous body recognised in the constitution that would be consulted on legislation affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Exactly how the body would operate (and be chosen) is still unclear. At Ross River, it was argued that the existence of such a body might have prevented the Northern Territory intervention of 2007 that trampled over the rights of Aboriginal people in response to a report on the sexual abuse of Aboriginal children. "We want this change to make a difference," is how the co-convenors, David Ross and Barbara Shaw expressed the will of the Ross River dialogue. "Real reform could include a racial non-discrimination clause or a First Nations representative body guaranteed by the Constitution, accompanied by a statement of acknowledgement, recognising our place as a First Peoples of this country and recognising the importance of our culture, language and history.

"We now ask Australians to hear our voices and to keep open hearts and minds. We ask all of you, especially you politicians, to come on this journey with us. Aboriginal people are now talking to each other about the reforms we want. "If we work together now, we could achieve something great for all Australians. Through constitutional recognition, we can guarantee a fair place for the First Peoples of this country, and in doing so celebrate that which makes us truly Australian." Pat Anderson, who co-wrote the report that was the catalyst for the NT intervention, is now the co-chair of the Referendum Council. Her emphatic view in 2007 was that the response of the Howard Government ignored the key recommendation of the report she wrote with Rex Wild: that government work with Aboriginal people to address the problem. Her emphatic view now is that minimalism change is not an option. "The things we are talking about, in the broad scheme of things, are really modest," she tells me. "All the other countries that have been colonised have had some kind of settlement with their Indigenous people  and all we're asking for is to be spoken to so we can have some say in how our affairs are dealt with. That's not revolutionary. That's conservative."
Feminists are clashing over whether Beauty and the Beast is good or bad for the sisterhood.

For Emma Watson and her supporters, it's all about progress. The 1991 cartoon Belle was already pushing back against patriarchy with her free-minded feistiness and adoration of books.

Watson's Belle goes a step further by being an inventor in her own right and showing considerable ingenuity when escaping from the Beast's castle. Overall, her clothes are more practical, too, in the real-life adaptation, without being in any way dreary. Watson even showed the film to feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who gave it the thumbs-up.

The film's feminist credentials are underpinned by Watson's promotion of the HeForShe campaign, which stresses that the movement is not about hating men, but rather liberating and empowering them alongside women. After all, it's the Beast who is eventually freed by the Beauty.
As a public housing tenant of Northbourne Flats, my future has been debated publicly for the past six years. This has made me reflect on what kind of society we are. I keep asking the same question: how have Canberrans, supposedly an extremely forward-thinking people, become so mean-spirited towards those in public housing?

When I see Canberrans so passionate about refugees and demanding tolerance, then hear the complete opposite when it comes to their own people in their own city, I find it extremely confusing. To me, the people I see forming action groups in Weston Creek to oppose public housing in their suburbs seem no different to those tolerant people I see objecting to wrongs in the world. Yet the attitude on this topic seems a world apart.

The Northbourne Flats on Canberra's Northbourne Avenue. Public housing renewal dominates the 2017-2018 land release schedule. Credit:Richard Briggs

Chris Braddick has been active in The Canberra Times recently opposing the Weston Creek public housing developments, on Tuesday in a story about a community action group and on Thursday in an opinion article. He provides the perfect example of the attitude I'm describing.

Braddick is president of the Community Alliance Party. As the registered officer of a political party, his address is in the public domain. Unsurprisingly, he's listed as living right next to the Chapman development.
The peak body for the $150 billion franchise sector has launched an intense behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign to convince MPs to water down Turnbull government legislation designed to prevent future worker exploitation scandals.

Spearheaded by former Liberal minister Bruce Billson, the Franchise Council of Australia is targeting the government, opposition and crossbenchers as it seeks to pressure Employment Minister Michaelia Cash into changing course on the bill.

Former small business minister Bruce Billson is helming the franchise industry's peak body. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

It has also directed its members - which include 7-Eleven, Pizza Hut, Caltex and other companies accused of underpaying their workers - to bombard MPs with calls and letters about the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill.

The campaign comes as petrol giant United Petroleum became the latest company to be embroiled in an exploitation scandal, with the workplace regulator blasting it for rampant underpayment of workers across its franchise network. United Petroleum is not listed as a FCA member.
Australia is well placed to power a booming Indian economy because of its abundance of natural resources including coal, uranium and natural gas, according to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

In a Sydney Institute speech on the eve of a week-long trip to Papua New Guinea then India, Mr Turnbull also highlighted the opportunity for Australian universities to provide education services to some of the 400 million people the Indian government wants to train by 2022.

Trade between Australia and India has doubled to more than $20 billion in the past 10 years and the nation of 1.2 billion is on track to see its economy, which is growing at 7 per cent a year, to draw level in size with the United States by about 2050.

"India is undergoing a dramatic economic transformation and our close partnership creates opportunities for both nations," Mr Turnbull said.
Liberal Party campaign operatives are dismayed that Tony Abbott has taken little part in the defence of two state seats located inside his federal electorate of Warringah, both of which are up for byelections on Saturday.

His absence from the hustings has highlighted growing friction in Warringah between loyalists of Mr Abbott and those who believe the former prime minister's time in politics should be at an end.

Mr Abbott has not campaigned for Left-backed Felicity Wilson, the Liberal candidate replacing former health minister Jillian Skinner in the seat of North Shore, two-thirds of which lies within Warringah, including the Liberal heartland of Mosman.

He did a street walk with Manly candidate James Griffin on March 25 but has since been tied up with Parliament and his annual Pollie Pedal charity ride, which began on Monday.
1. US politics/Syria

Donald Trump has told members of Congress he is considering military action in Syria. US reporters began tweeting the development just after a significant shift from Russian President, and Assad backer, Vladimir Putin. [CNN]

Russia rebuked the US saying its accusation that Moscow is complicit in the Syrian regime's gassing of its own citizens, including babies, is "hasty." [Bloomberg]

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Credit:AP

But the Trump administration's position, combined with the international community's condemnation of the attack and pressure on Russia, appears to have had an effect in Moscow. The Kremlin claims it wants a full investigation into the attack and said Putin's support for Assad is not unconditional. [AP]
Australian country music star Keith Urban was honoured for his dedication to music education at the Recording Academy's Grammys on the Hill Awards in Washington on Wednesday.

Urban has provided thousands of instruments to music programs across the United States, in part because he was shocked by the severe cuts to public school funding.

Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban performing at the 52nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday. Credit:AP

"I grew up in public schools in Australia. My parents moved a lot, so I went to five different schools in the first six years of my schooling  but every school had a basic music room, music teacher," he told USA Today.

"I mean, it was part of the curriculum no different to English or math or sport. So I've been shocked that it's started to be seen as somewhat of a fringe subject sometimes in certain schools."
Lara and Sam Worthington are sticking to their unique tradition of unusual baby names, with the couple finally revealing their new baby's name, five months after welcoming him into the world.

And the name of Rocket Zot's baby brother is  drum roll  Racer.

Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington arrive at the 3rd Annual AACTA Awards Ceremony at The Star in 2014. Credit:Lisa Maree Williams

Yep, that's right, they have named the baby boy Racer.

Worthington reveals the name in a new interview she has given to Harper's Bazaar Australia, which is out on Monday, but offers no explanation of the name, though she is adamant it be spelled correctly, slowly going through the name letter by letter to Harper's editor-in-chief, Kellie Hush.
The Becker and Minty showroom. A select range of pieces will be on sale. Put your hand up if you don't like shoes? Hmm just as I thought. Sandler is having their second warehouse sale of the year with up to 70 per cent off. Labels include Sandler, Easy Steps, Jane Debster, Wide Steps and Alan Pinkus. 112-118 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018. Friday April 7 10am-4pm, Saturday April 8 10am-4pm. Sunday April 9 10am-4pm Cooper St will be holding a three-day sample sale this weekend, with up to 70 per cent off tops, dresses, skirts, pants and jackets. The sale will feature sizes 6 through to 16. 37 Doody St, Alexandria. Thursday April 6 6pm-8pm, Friday April 7 8am-5pm, Saturday April 8 10am-3pm.

Australian brand Beach Bella is having 50 per cent in their mid-season sale. The brand, established by brother and sister duo Rhyees and Giarne, is known for their luxurious round towels that don't break the budget. Perfect if you're still dreaming of summer, or heading on an overseas holiday. Online Only. Beach Bella towels can be used at the beach, on picnics or as a blanket. Speaking of online, this week Stylerunner's up to 50 per cent off sale continues with new styles added, Peter Alexander has a mid-season sale, including tops and shorts for $19, Market HQ has up to 50 per cent off brands including MinkPink and The Fifth Label and the Woollahra based Marshmellow has an online sale on wardrobe essentials.

Just Opened With sustainably sourced fashion on the rise, Brisbane-founded SWOP has made its way across the border, opening a new shop in Newtown a few weeks ago. Created by high school friends and passionate vintage collectors Bethany Wicks and Brigid Gordon in 2013, the idea was first inspired by America's "wondrous world of clothing exchanges," with the women realising there was gap in the market for mid-priced, pre-loved items in Australia. "We came up with the idea in Brisbane because there was no in-between market for people to shop around, there was [either] high-end vintage fashion or your local Vinnies," Wicks says. "There is no problem with shopping at either of these but we decided to create an affordable and curated store that is simple and clean." Creating a "non-complicated" fit-out was vital to allowing the "clothes to do the talking." Think concrete floors, a few plants and a diverse range of clothes including a nine-metre wall of colour-coordinated frocks.

Wicks, who moved to Sydney to run the Newtown shop, believes the area was the perfect place to house the SWOP in Sydney because of the brand's "style and aesthetic of quirky designs and vibrant colours suited the area." "We still wanted to create that excitement that comes from rummaging at vintage shops. And people are often drawn to particular colours which is why we like to coordinate," she says. "Our items average from $20-$50 and are from particular brands that match up with our sustainability vision. For us it's not all about the latest style, it's about a 70s jacket that is sitting on our shelf still in perfect condition, some fashion items just don't have lasting life-span. We hope this helps people move away from fast fashion." So how does the exchange work? The store buys and resells clothing with trained buyers at their exchange booth every Friday for customers to sell or 'SWOP their clothing for cash or in-store credit. "It isn't just about the clothes, our little community of Swoppers often tell us the stories behind the pieces. We have had a grandmother's formal dress brought in and someone has even spotted another person wearing one of their items at a party much to her delight."

112 Enmore Road, Newtown. MondayFriday 11am7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am4pm The SWOP store in Newtown will be having their sale at the Enmore Theatre. Just Launched Combining the timelessness of precious metals and luminescence of semi-precious stones, designer Natalie Marie is revered for her bespoke and delicate jewellery pieces, handcrafted in her Sydney studio. The goldsmith has now released her new collection, Lona, inspired by the natural beauty of hidden island escapes. In tune with her signature style, the collection combines fine rings with interlocking forms and multi-layered stones, organic stacking bands, drop earrings, statement hoops and layered necklaces.
Sydney's Catholic schools will have selective entrance tests for the first time this year, with high schools across the diocese to offer places in selective streams for gifted and talented students.

In a bid to stretch their brightest students and stop a drift to high-achieving public selective schools, Sydney Catholic Schools has been developing an external selection test with the Australian Council for Educational Research, which year 6 students will be able to sit in term three this year.

But unlike admission to the state's highly competitive selective schools, students will not be offered a place based on their test results alone.

Instead, gifted students will also be required to submit a portfolio, which could include samples of their class work, reports and a recommendation from their primary school principal.
The prominent silk acting for the former lover of Seven West Media boss Tim Worner has been rebuked by a Supreme Court judge for claiming she is taking on "one of the country's biggest boys' clubs".

Amber Harrison, a former executive assistant at the media company, has been locked in a bitter court battle with Seven since she went public with embarrassing details of her affair with Mr Worner in December.

High-profile human rights lawyer Julian Burnside, QC, is acting for Ms Harrison, who is under a temporary gag order preventing her from speaking publicly about the company or the relationship.

Seven took urgent legal action against Ms Harrison in February to stop her from posting any information about the company or the affair on her Twitter account, which was set up to air her grievances.
With a look upwards, convicted fraudster Melissa Jade Higgins let out a sigh of relief and wiped away tears as her bail was continued.

But Judge Donna Woodburne warned that Higgins' freedom should not be taken as a sign that she would escape jail when she is sentenced next month for falsely claiming millions of dollars in government benefits.

Melissa Jade Higgins was convicted of 81 offences but maintained her innocence. Credit:Cole Bennetts

Last year, Higgins, 29, was found guilty by a jury of 81 offences, including 66 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, 14 counts of using a forged document and one count of dealing with the proceeds of crime in excess of $1 million.

Her trial heard that she raked in more than $3.6 million in taxpayer funding by forging children's attendance records at Aussie Giggles, her family day-care centre in Albury.
Three years after being forced to resign from cabinet amid a corruption inquiry, former NSW police minister Mike Gallacher has announced he is quitting parliament.

Mr Gallacher visited NSW Governor David Hurley on Thursday to formally resign.

The 55-year-old said it was his privilege to serve as a member of parliament in the NSW upper house, something he never dreamed he would be able to do.

"A short time ago I visited the New South Wales Governor David Hurley and tendered my resignation as a Member of the NSW Legislative Council," Mr Gallacher said in a statement.
An infamous gang rapist who took part in a series of horrific attacks on young women with his three brothers has been on day trips to shopping centres, has a partner and is completing a university degree by correspondence.

But the man, known for legal reasons as MMK because he was 16 at the time, has been refused parole. Authorities have said he first needs to experience weekend leave and learn how to live in the Australian community.

On Thursday, the State Parole Authority heard the man, now 30, had a partner he wished to marry and, if released from prison, would live with his mother in Lakemba, in Sydney's south-west.

He is part-way through a bachelor of business degree via the University of Queensland and has undertaken numerous self-improvement and rehabilitation courses.

But Judge David Freeman and a panel of four others refused parole, noting that day trips to shopping centres and psychologist appointments with a chaperone were not enough to prepare him for "normal community life".
UPDATE: Police said in a statement that the body of a man was located just after 3pm on Thursday.

The search for the missing man has been suspended.

There appear to be no suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

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Six months after the killing, Teagan Mullens' young child pointed to a car, saying "Mummy, look, that's the car that came to shoot Daddy."

Ms Mullens then described it to homicide detectives. They confirmed it was the same colour, make and model as the getaway car used by the murderers of Joe Antoun, shot dead in the doorway of his Sydney home on December 16, 2013.

Through tears, Ms Mullens described her partner's shooting as a "death sentence" for her family during a NSW Supreme Court sentencing hearing of two gang leaders convicted of arranging the hit.

Farhad Qaumi, 34, the former boss of the Brothers For Life Blacktown chapter, did not appear in the Darlinghurst court on Thursday.
Police are treating the death of a Cairns woman as suspicious, after concerned co-workers found her body in her unit.

Detective Inspector Geoff Marsh said police were called to the property on Herald Street, Bentley Park, about 4pm on Wednesday after the woman's colleagues made the discovery.

Police are investigating after a woman's body was found by concerned colleagues at her Cairns home. Credit:File/Jorge Branco

"She failed to appear at work over the last 48 hours, concerned co-workers made inquiries at the address," he said.

"They discovered the body of the lady and rang police and we attended, it's been locked down ever since."
Queensland building approvals are suffering their worst fall since the global financial crisis hit almost a decade ago.

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows trend building approvals are down for the 13th straight month.

Building approvals have decreased for the 13th straight month in Queensland. Credit:Erin Jonasson

Compared with February 2016, Queensland's monthly approvals are down 31.6 per cent  the worst result of any Australian state.

The last time approvals had a string of consecutive falls this bad was at the end of 2007 and start of 2008  during the GFC.
A Canadian accused of hacking Yahoo! email accounts on behalf of the Russian government appeared in court seeking bail ahead of a hearing to determine whether he should be extradited to the US for trial.

Karim Baratov, 22, was one of four people indicted by the US government last month and charged with working for Dmitry Dokuchaev, a hacker for Russia's FSB security service - the successor to the KGB. It's not clear whether Baratov knew he was working for the FSB, but his father denied any such connection.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Alan Whitten in Hamilton didn't rule on the bail request on Wednesday and said he would hear closing submissions from the lawyers on April 11.

The 2014 Yahoo hack affected at least 500 million accounts, damaging the company's reputation and threatening a takeover bid from Verizon Communications. Verizon cut its offer by $US350 million ($462 million) to $US4.48 billion following news of the breach.
It has some of Melbourne's most spectacular bay views, from a free public open space so seldom promoted that many locals don't even know it's there.

But now the owners of the St Kilda Sea Baths want to take that million-dollar view, apply a million-dollar renovation and effectively  according to local activists  privatise it.

Alan West on the free public rooftop on Thursday. Credit:Simon Schluter

The company that has leased the sea baths from the Victorian government since 1999 is the Virgin Islands-based South Pacific St Kilda Pty Ltd.

It has applied to Port Phillip Council to develop the top of the pavilion, with only 'sections' of the rooftop to be maintained as public space.
Disgraced MP Don Nardella's taxes are the latest target for scrutiny, with Victoria's opposition asking the State Revenue Office to investigate the former deputy speaker's declarations to Parliament.

The opposition has written to the SRO requesting it investigate whether Mr Nardella paid the appropriate tax on the properties he owns.

Don Nardella on the crossbench on Tuesday. Credit:Joe Armao

Mr Nardella has refused to repay $113,000 he claimed in allowances after moving to Ocean Grove - more than 80 kilometres from his Melton electorate - infuriating his former Labor colleagues.

A probe by Parliament's auditors, PwC, revealed that Mr Nardella was paying just $200 a fortnight to a family member to live in an Ocean Grove caravan park.
Two unsophisticated car thieves failed to steal a humble Nissan Skyline hours before making off in one of the world's rarest Ferraris, a Melbourne court has heard.

The 1972 Ferrari Daytona  previously owned by Dodi Fayed and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters  was found a day later torched in a Langwarrin paddock.

The Ferrari, whose previous owners included Dodi Fayed and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, was found burnt-out at Langwarrin. Credit:ABC NEWS

Matthew Ludwig and Bradley Abela, who were high on ice at the time, had earlier stolen a set of number plates before relieving a car yard of a Camry and a Kia, then stealing lunch money from two Subway stores.

Around 4am on November 6, 2015, Ludwig, Abela and others used a Ford Territory  stolen weeks earlier  to force the doors of a Braeside car workshop, where they found two Ferraris, the Daytona and a 1986 Ferrari 328.
Ten teenagers have been arrested in relation to a series of armed robberies and aggravated burglaries across Melbourne and Geelong.

During one of the armed robberies a 67-year-old woman was struck over the head with a metal pole several times, said Sergeant Cameron Scott of Victoria Police. "She received facial injuries and was taken to hospital."

CCTV footage shows one of the alleged thieves at a St Albans milk bar. Credit:Channel Seven

That armed robbery was one in a rapidfire series of alleged crimes in four hours from midnight on Tuesday through Melbourne's western and north-western suburbs. Eight teenagers have been charged after alleged aggravated burglaries, armed robberies and attempted armed robberies of milk bars in Derrimut, Newport, St Albans and Deer Park.

The males charged are aged between 16 and 18. When arrested on Thursday morning the group were in two cars, one of which was allegedly stolen during one of the raids. CCTV footage from one of the milk bars allegedly shows the youths storm in with their faces obscured. They begin aggressively smashing the glass counters with weapons, including a hammer.
As WA's new Premier Mark McGowan declared Western Australia's financial situation "the worst since the Great Depression" on Thursday morning, Rio Tinto Iron Ore released a statement promoting its job creation efforts in the state.

Development projects underway at Rio Tinto's new Silvergrass mine and its pre-existing West Angelas and Yandicoogina mines were expected to create more than 1000 construction jobs in the state, the company's statement said.

Rio Tinto reports on Wednesday and Tabcorp on Friday, among others this week. The two most hectic reporting weeks will be August 14-18 and August 21-25.

Construction at Rio's 16th Pilbara iron ore mine, Silvergrass, had been ramping up since the start of 2017 and was forecast to provide about 500 jobs during construction.

Development of a new deposit at the West Angelas mine was now nearing completion, with an estimated peak workforce of 120.
Bangkok: Myanmar de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has denied the ethnic cleansing of her country's Rohingya Muslims, contradicting the findings of United Nations investigators who have cited evidence of atrocities by security forces.

"I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening," Ms Suu Kyi told the BBC, in a rare public interview. She added there was a "lot of hostility" in western Rakhine state, home to more than a million Rohingya.

"It is Muslims killing Muslims, as well, if they think they are collaborating with authorities," the 72-year-old Nobel laureate said.

"It is just not a mater of ethnic cleansing; it is a matter of people on different sides of the divide, and this divide we are trying to close up  as best as possible and not to widen it further."
London: Australia is a step closer to a free trade deal with the European Union, after finally reaching agreement on what such a deal might cover on Thursday.

The so-called "scoping study", a prelude to formal negotiations, has been delayed several times after it was initially expected late last year.

Trade Minister Steven Ciobo. Credit:ABC

The hold-up was put down to internal debate within the EU, where such deals have recently met stiffer resistance.

On Thursday afternoon, Australian time, the EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom and Australia's Trade Minister Steven Ciobo spoke on the phone and formally agreed on the scope and ambition of a future FTA.
Washington: The rise and rise of controversial White House star Stephen Bannon hit a wall on Wednesday, when he was booted from the National Security Council, a prestigious appointment that had caused great anxiety on both sides of politics and in the US national security establishment.

The security reshuffle saw senior military and intelligence officials reinstated to the NCS after they had been bumped at the time of Bannon's appointment in the early days of the administration. It was read through two prisms  new Trump National Security Adviser, US Army Lieutenant General HR McMaster is asserting himself; and after 75 days of administration chaos, when push comes to shove, Trump can be convinced to reshuffle even his closest aides.

McMaster has been settling in since he replaced his predecessor, the former US Army General Mike Flynn, who was sacked in February, after he was revealed to have lied about his communications with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition.

Last month McMaster was depicted as something of a eunuch, when Bannon and Trump son-in-law and counsellor Jared Kushner intervened to thwart his sacking of NSC intelligence director Ezra Cohen-Watnick. The Flynn appointee was outed last week as the source of leaked intelligence documents linked to congressional investigations of Trump's Russia connections.
Washington: Senior Defence Department officials are developing options for a military strike in response to the Syrian government's chemical weapons attack on Tuesday that killed dozens of civilians, officials said on Thursday in the US.

At the same time, the nation's top diplomat, Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, said the devastating chemical weapons attack in Syria made it clear that there was "no role" for President Bashar Assad to continue governing his country, and he promised a "serious response" from the United States.

The top-level consultations about military options involve defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as military officers at U.S. Central Command.

Officials said that developing military options for a president -- a core responsibility of the Pentagon -- did not mean that a decision to escalate US military involvement in Syria had been made.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered troops to live on up to 10 unoccupied islands and reefs in the South China Sea in a dramatic reversal of policy on the flashpoint waters.

Only six months after declaring his "separation" with the United States and "realignment" with China, Mr Duterte said the Philippines needs to assert its jurisdiction over areas it claims, a move likely to provoke rival claimants, including China.

"It looks like everybody else is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are vacant," the President told reporters during a visit to a military camp on the western island of Palawan.

"I have ordered the armed forces to occupy all at least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours."
Washington: Senate Republicans on Thursday crushed a Democratic blockade of President Donald Trump's US Supreme Court nominee in a fierce partisan brawl, approving a rule change dubbed the "nuclear option" to allow for conservative judge Neil Gorsuch's confirmation by Friday.

Experts said eliminating the filibuster for Supreme Court appointments could make it more likely that presidents, with little incentive to choose centrist justices who could attract support from the other party, will pick ideologically extreme nominees in the future.

Ending the filibuster also would make it easier for future Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed when the president and Senate leadership belong to the same party.

The filibuster in one form or another dates back to the 19th century but assumed its current form in the 1970s.
PHILIPSBURG:---- The Ad Hoc Committee of Integrity (AHCI), will meet on April 6, 2017.

The AHCI Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 10.00 am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points to be discussed are:

1. Approval Decision Lists Committee meetings Parliamentary Year 2015-2016 no. 05 and Parliamentary Year 2016-2017 no. 01 and 02

2. Draft Code of Conduct Members of Parliament

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:--- On Tuesday, April 11, 2017, National Institute of Arts NIA celebrates its 4th Anniversary, with double party fundraiser for its students Marine Caillet and the competition group competing in this year's French Federation of Dance competition.

NIA, founded 4 years ago continues to fulfill its mission of Enriching lives through a continuum of interdisciplinary art education by conducting this fundraiser to assist Marine Caillet who is traveling to New York to further her dance training at Broadway Dance Center.

Marine is joining NIA list of students who have successfully transitioned from St.Maarten to Schools in Jamaica, London, New York and Amsterdam to continue theyre training as dance artists.

NIA Fundraising Double Party will take place at NIA located at the John Larmonie Center in the Black Box Theatre with 2 events. Party ONES dress code is Blue and White created for children under 14 years old, to celebrate from 6 pm to 9 pm with friends, family and the public at Large.

Party TWO, the All White Party starts at 10 pm featuring renowned and popular DJs from the Kalaboom Team, DJ Big Boss, DJ Maestro, Dj Lil R, and DJ Kimbe. the DJ Have come together in collaboration to assist with the fundraiser for NIA. Dress code for Party number 2 is all white.

NIA Double Fundraiser Party open to students, family and friend at large who wish to contribute to our cause assisting young people to fulfill their dreams of becoming a professional performing artist.

All tickets are available through NIA students at NIA located at the John Larmonie Center. For more information, please contact NIA 1-721-543-0600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher on Thursday disclosed that the current hotel occupancy from now through the end of April averages out at 85 percent, verifying reports that the Minister has been getting from partners in the industry about having experienced a very strong high season. Last minute bookings could push the percentage even higher.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB) presented a report on occupancy to the Ministers cabinet compiled amongst a large selection of the islands large and small hotel properties, 45 properties in total. Of the 45 properties queried, 16 reported 100 percent occupancy, completely booked out through April.

Among the properties reporting: Sonesta Maho reported occupancy of over 90 per cent, Sonesta Great Bay over 80 percent, Divi Little Bay is approaching 90 percent, Holland House is completely booked out, Bakers Suites completely booked out, Oyster Bay Resort is over 95 percent, Simpson Bay Resort over 95 percent. Most of the smaller properties reported 100 percent occupancy.

The Minister noted that while St. Maarten, as was noted in the Bahamas recently at the CHA conference, is in the top 10 contributors to the region's seventh consecutive year of stay-over visitor growth, tourism partners must continue to work together to make the destination more competitive.

"We cannot be complacent and act as if we don't have competition. I am very pleased with the numbers reported by the STB, but we have to observe the competition and be creative to get ahead where we need to and stay ahead of where we must," the Minister said. This means she said, looking at increased airlift, improved inter-regional connectivity, new properties and supporting marketing programs targeted at key markets.

The Minister also pointed out how vital the role of Carnival is in April for the destination. We cannot overlook the fact that many of these bookings are for Carnival. It once again underlines the importance of the festival for St. Maarten in terms of extending our high season will into April and the first week of May. By this time much of our competition have started the beginning of their slow season. Carnival gives us an advantage, she said.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of VSA Emil Lee provided some answers to the questions that was posed to him last week in the public meeting of parliament regarding health care on St. Maarten.

The Minister told parliament that he was not a signatory to the agreement signed between SZV and SMMC and therefore he could not provide parliament with that document. With regards to the recruitment of a new director of SZV the Minister clarified that the current director contract is not up in June, but in fact, the person could hold the position until a new director is found. He also told parliament that he is not responsible for the recruitment of the director but that falls under the Supervisory Board of SZV and that his sole responsibility is to appoint the candidate. Minister Lee told Parliament that SMMC informed him that the nurses that were demoted from RN to LPN did not pass a certain examination even though they took the exams at least three times. Minister Lee said that these nurses have to administer medication to patients and as such, they had to go through a re-evaluation process. Minister Lee also informed Parliament that the JCI baseline study will commence mid-April and that the Ministry will be paying for it. This sparked a question from MP Meyers who asked if the Inspectorate (IVSA) is not competent enough to conduct that audit.

The Minister also told parliament that he did not give instructions to SZV to invest monies in the new government building or general hospital while SZV did not have a contract. He said the instructions were given by the Prime Minister William Marlin and Minister of Finance Richard Gibson Sr. MP Meyers asked Minister Lee to expound on that because he cannot understand how the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance could instruct the director of an institution that falls under the Ministry of VSA, MP Meyers said that he would not have accepted such a thing.

During the second round of the meeting, the MPS from the opposition in parliament focused mainly on the role of the Health Inspectorate and the audit that has to take place at SMMC. MP Franklin Meyers asked the Minister if the Inspectorate is not independent enough to audit the health care institutions on St. Maarten and what really is the role of the Inspectorate. He asked if issuing a gag order to the inspectorate was in the Ministers purview and if what he did was legal. MP Meyers even reminded the Minister how his MB (gag order) hindered the Inspectorate when the Brazilian meat scandal broke. He said that the islands around the Caribbean and in countries around North America took action but because of the gag order the Inspectorate on St. Maarten could not act in a timely manner because they were not allowed to make statements to warn the community.

MP Franklin Meyers also posed questions about the working conditions at SMMC, the qualification of doctors that are being hired at SMMC. He asked about the complaint the Inspector General Dr. Earl Best filed with the Ombudsman of St. Maarten. MP Meyers also asked about the gag order management of SMMC issued to its staff not to speak with inspectors from the Inspectorate. He asked the Minister what has he done besides silencing the Inspectorate with the MB he issued. MP Meyers also asked the Minister to inform Parliament how many court cases were filed by SMMC and against SMMC in the last 18 months and how many cases the Inspectorate investigated during the same period. He said he was in possession of documents where a negative advice was issued for certain doctors and specialists that applied for establishment permits but despite the negative advice the Minister issued MB's and allowed unqualified doctors to work at the SMMC. He said based on what he has seen thus far the Minister is supporting SMMC and not the Inspectorate, an entity that is charged with ensuring that proper health care is provided to the people of St. Maarten.

As for the INSO contract, he asked the Minister to explain parliament how would this project be carried out since he told parliament that INSO stated that they have their own contractor, he asked what does this mean for local contractors if INSO has their own contractors.

MP Claret Conner also hammered some of the same questions because he said clarity has to be given on the actions taken by the Minister especially knowing that the Inspectorate is an independent entity that has certain tasks. He said that while he might sound repetitive the Minister has to know that health care is of uttermost importance on St. Maarten.

MP Tamara Leonard also focused on the MB (gag order) issued by the Minister to the Inspectorate and if such was legal. She asked the Minister what is the working relationship is like between him and the Inspectorate because for her that is important since the Inspectorate is the body that has to ensure quality care is provided on St. Maarten.

MP Leonard also asked the Minister if all doctors and nurses on St. Maarten will be audited, she asked the Minister when he would take action against the alleged verbal abuse patients has to endure at Dr. de Windts clinic.

MP Leonard also asked the Minister to provide parliament with the profile on how candidates are selected for positions. MP Leonard also asked the Minister to inform Parliament on the care patients of St. Maarten is receiving in the Cayman Islands.

Member of Parliament George Pantophelt asked about the referrals procedures because for him that is quite important since they are dealing with the health of the people.

MP Rodolph Samuel wanted more clarity on VROMIs involvement in the New General Hospital Project that will be constructed by INSO.The meeting was adjourned for a lack of quorum, it should be noted that the chair of parliament adjourned the meeting for the Minister to decide on how he will proceed in answering the questions posed to him, during that break some MPS left their seats and as soon as the adjournment time was up and the MPS were not in their seats the chair of parliament adjourned the meeting for a lack of quorum she announced that the continuation might be some time next week


PHILIPSBURG:--- The criminal proceedings in the appeal case against former Member of Parliament R.L. have been postponed June 8, 2017. Meanwhile, the investigation has been referred back to the investigative judge to hear former minister of justice Roland Duncan as a witness.

Former Member of Parliament, R.L. was convicted by the Court of First Instance on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, to 1 month in jail fully suspended. R.L was acquitted of two charges of threat against him in Zeepaard and Sardine investigations. The National Detectives Agency investigators arrested R.L. on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at his home. During a house search, two firearms and bullets were found and confiscated. After several hours of questioning R.L. was released. R.L. who was a Member of Parliament at that time was also accused of threatening former United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament Jules James on June 11, 2012, as well as Isidore York on November 28.

Prosecutor's Press Bulletin
Enablence Technologies Announces Additional Financings

OTTAWA, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  04/05/17  Enablence Technologies Inc. (Enablence or the Company) (TSX VENTURE: ENA), a leading supplier of optical components and subsystems for access, metro and long-haul markets, today announces its intention to complete additional financings for approximately $6 million.

Enablence also announces the termination, by mutual agreement, of the non-binding letter of intent with Esrey Energy Ltd. as was detailed in a press release issued on December 8, 2016 (the Letter of Intent). Enablence will not pursue the proposed business combination of the two companies. However, the Company will achieve its stated goal announced at the time of execution of the Letter of Intent to raise funds of $10 million to pursue its growth strategy. This goal will be achieved through a combination of the exercise of outstanding warrants, the private placements completed in December 2016 and January 2017 (which raised approximately $4 million), cash advances of $2 million which will be converted as set out below, and with the closing of the financings described below.

As previously announced, the Company intends to use all funds as growth capital for current and future products, plus general corporate purposes. A portion of the funds will be used to fund a capital expenditure program to expand the production of the Companys Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) chips. This expansion is needed to satisfy existing purchase orders and anticipated future demand of the Companys metro market focused 100G TxRx products. A portion of the funds will also be allocated to complete the development of the 100G TxRx product for the fast growing data centre market and for research and development activities focused on the Companys next generation 200/400G products. The balance of the funds will be used for general corporate purposes and working capital.

As a portion of the total of $10 million of funds raised, the Company intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (the Equity Financing) of common shares (the Shares) at a price of $0.07 per Share for gross proceeds of approximately $4 million. The Company also intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (together with the Equity Financing, the Financings) of $1,000 principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures (the Debentures) for gross proceeds of up to $2 million.

The Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum, payable quarterly commencing on June 30, 2017. The Debentures will be convertible, at the option of their holder, into Shares at a price of $0.09 per Share representing a conversion rate of approximately 11 111 Shares per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures. The Debentures will mature 36 months after their issuance.

As part of the Financings, certain investors have advised the Company that they will enter into debt settlement agreements with the Company to settle outstanding non-interest bearing cash advances totalizing $2 million as mentioned above by the issuance of 7,142,857 Shares for an aggregate value of $500,000 and the issuance of $1.5 million principal amount of Debentures, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company anticipates that certain directors of the Company will participate in the transactions described above. Their participation in the transactions will constitute a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The transactions will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of securities being issued to the related parties nor the consideration being paid by related parties will exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act)). The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless an exemption from such registration is available.

About Enablence Technologies Inc.

Enablence is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures and sells optical components and subsystems to a global customer base. It utilizes its patented technologies, including planar lightwave circuit (PLC) intellectual property, in the production of an array of photonic components and broadband subsystems that deliver a key portion of the infrastructure for current and next-generation telecommunication systems. The Companys product lines address all three segments of optical networks: access  connecting homes and businesses to the network; metro  communication rings within large cities; and long-haul  linking cities and continents. For more information, visit .

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding potential financing transactions, lending facilities, debt to equity conversion, future sales and orders, funding of ongoing operations based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution our readers of this press release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Companys continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR . Enablence does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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:

Enablence Technologies Inc.

Evan Chen

CEO

+1 613 656-2850 ext. 0
ProPhotonix Announces Posting Notice of AGM

SALEM, NH  (Marketwired)  04/06/17  ProPhotonix Limited (OTC PINK: STKR) (AIM: PPIX)

a high technology designer and manufacturer of LED illumination systems and laser diode modules, with operations in Ireland and the United Kingdom, announces that its 2017 Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been posted to shareholders. The Notice of AGM can be viewed and downloaded from the Companys website at .

The Companys AGM will be held on May 18, 2017 at 2:00 PM British Summer Time at the offices of K&L Gates LLP, One New Change, London EC4M 9AF.

Contact:

ProPhotonix Limited, headquartered in Salem, New Hampshire, is a high technology designer and manufacturer of diode-based laser modules and LED systems for industry leading OEMs and medical equipment companies. In addition, the Company distributes premium diodes for Ushio (formerly Oclaro), Osram, QSI, Panasonic, and Sony. The Company serves a wide range of markets including the machine vision, industrial inspection, security, and medical markets. ProPhotonix has offices and subsidiaries in the U.S., Ireland, U.K., and Europe. For more information about ProPhotonix and its innovative products, visit the Companys web site at

Contact:

RNS

Customer Services

0044-207797-4400
Go!Foton Corporation has joined the global industry specialist Broadband Forum

Posted by Publisher Telecommunication

Anaheim, California, USA  Go!Foton Corporation, a global leader in manufacturing innovative optical connectivity solutions, has joined global industry specialist Broadband Forum. This will enable Go!Foton to contribute to the evolution of fiber connectivity in Central Offices and Data Centers worldwide where these require the support of next generation services such as c-RAN Cloud Radio Access Network.

In joining the Broadband Forum, Go!Foton will be working with some of the worlds major carriers, vendors and test laboratories. The Forum is focused on engineering smarter and faster broadband networks and looks to achieve the best practices for global networks. This includes service and content delivery, technology migration strategies, and redefining broadband through the NFV/SDN, 5G and Internet of things (loT) transformation.

The fiber connectivity layer is absolutely critical to help service providers profitably introduce new revenue-generating services. We believe the Broadband Forum is not only dedicated to this cause but is best placed to orchestrate the industry around the definition of what is needed to achieve it. The Forums sheer heritage, expertise and body of work is set for a major role as the industry moves forward and we are excited about becoming part of shaping the future of the network, states Farshid Mohammadi, Go!Fotons Managing Director of Sales, Connectivity Solutions.

Go!Fotons constant growth provides a variety of innovative telecom solutions such as the HD Fiber Distribution Management platform, including Passive Optical components for long haul, metro, and broadband access applications such as NGPON2. Go!Fotons global presence includes sales offices in the United States, Europe, Japan, in addition to R&D and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Japan, China and in the Philippines.

As the Broadband industry continues to evolve in the direction of fiber-based connectivity, companies such as Go!Foton will have an increasingly important role to play as drivers of interoperability and standards. Go!Foton brings a great amount of experience and expertise to the Forum, and we are very happy to have them on board, states Robin Mersh, Broadband Forum CEO.
Transcepta Network Leverages Artificial Intelligence to Transform Accounts Payable and Procurement Processes

Posted by Publisher Software

ALISO VIEJO, CA  (Marketwired)  04/06/17  , an artificial intelligence-driven platform providing brands with faster, smarter and more accurate procure-to-pay connectivity and collaboration, offers a range of solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that deliver efficiency and profit gains for clients. The companys supplier network and associated applications are part of the broader trend of AI shaping not only high-tech applications, but also changing how companies make decisions. Transcepta offers a suite of services for clients and their suppliers that use machine learning and predictive analytics to improve accuracy, transaction delivery speed and decision making.

Transcepta leverages predictive analytics and machine learning to create systems that are self-improving through the continual addition of data inputs over time. Its services are helping to streamline processes and boost the bottom line for some of todays leading companies.

Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are transforming business processes, and setting the expectation from customers for seamless function and automation, says Ray Parsons, CEO of Transcepta. Our solutions connect dynamically with suppliers, and use machine learning to provide enormous value for our customers through predictive analytics that consistently learn and improve over time. Through our advanced research and talented workforce, weve positioned our company to lead the way in the development of AI technology tools for procurement and accounts payable innovation.

The Transcepta network includes that feature 100 percent straight-through invoice processing. Tools include a rules engine that can capture, inspect and analyze invoices to ensure clients receive invoices that fit parameters and it can intelligently compare invoice data to other data sources for improved speed and accuracy. For example, the system can predict with greater than 99 percent accuracy absent data such as missing purchase order line item numbers on an invoice.

Transceptas is a smart solution that offers buyers and suppliers more control to optimize profit and cash flow. It allows businesses to pay early and enjoy supplier discounts, with the ability to determine which suppliers are most likely to accept discount offers and when they are most likely to accept them.

For more information about how Transcepta is modernizing accounts payable, finance, procurement and IT departments for leading companies, visit .

: Transcepta is an artificial intelligence driven platform providing brands with faster, smarter and more accurate procure-to-pay connectivity and collaboration. It dynamically connects procurement and accounts payable professionals with their suppliers, enabling all parties to achieve greater profitability. Every day, thousands of companies access the Transcepta network to improve e-invoicing and procure-to-pay processes, drive financial value across the supply chain, and communicate dynamically. Since 2005, some of the worlds most respected companies have chosen Transcepta. Transcepta is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif. For more information, visit .

Image Available:

Leslie Licano

Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc.

949.733-8679
Justin Omans of Roseville said he was devastated to learn his mothers' body was discovered in the covered bed of a truck.
New Portage Manor may go at current site or near Clay Township Park

Since December 2021, when the planning for a new Portage Manor facility began, the county has paid at least $163,000 to two Fort Wayne firms.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Update for 1 p.m. EDT: The service for astronaut John Glenn has concluded. You can see our full story here: John Glenn, First US Astronaut to Orbit Earth, Interred at Arlington Cemetery

John Glenn, who was America's first astronaut to orbit the Earth, will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia today (April 6) and you can follow the service honoring the space pioneer, courtesy of NASA.

The NASA webcast of the Glenn memorial service will begin at 9 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT) and will be broadcast live on NASA TV, which you can see here, courtesy of NASA.

Glenn, the last surviving one of the Mercury program, died at age 95 in December. After his orbital flight in 1962, Glenn waited 36 years to get another chance to fly into space. He returned at age 77 on shuttle mission STS-95, performing research intended to learn more about how a senior's body responds to spaceflight. [In Photos: John Glenn, Astronaut Pioneer]

Astronaut John Glenn became the first American in orbit on Feb. 20, 1962. (Image credit: NASA)

Glenn was born July 18, 1921, in the small town of Cambridge, Ohio. A few years later, his family moved to the slightly larger town of Concord. He married his high-school sweetheart, Annie, in 1943. Their marriage persisted for 73 years; Annie attended Glenn's funeral a few months ago in a wheelchair.

Glenn's path to the space program began with the Second World War. He joined the Navy after a Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, later moving on to the Marines. He flew combat missions in both the Second World War and the Korean War, receiving accolades for his work. Afterwards, Glenn became a test pilot and in 1957, flew the first transcontinental supersonic flight from Los Angeles to New York.

His experience caught the attention of NASA and propelled him to the top of a short list of test pilot candidates for the first astronaut program. Glenn and six other astronauts were selected in 1959 as the "Mercury 7,"just as the United States and the Soviet Union superpower nations entered into a fierce space race to show technological superiority.

Astronaut John Glenn smiles while flying on NASA's STS-98 space shuttle mission in 1998. (Image credit: NASA)

Glenn's orbital flight in 1962 came when the United States was struggling to keep up with Soviet achievements. The Soviets were first in space with Yuri Gagarin in 1961, who flew an orbital flight; the two first flights from the United States in 1961 were on less powerful rockets and only lasted about 15 minutes each.

The first U.S. orbital flight by Glenn, however, was almost five hours long. Famously, he was brought in for a landing after a false indicator on his control panel showed the heat shield was loose; Glenn was only informed at the last minute about the anomaly, but landed safely. The public adored Glenn's flight achievement and his ability to speak in public, making him an instant celebrity upon landing.

Deemed too valuable an asset to the United States to fly in space again, Glenn left NASA shortly after his flight for a career in politics. He served in the United States Senate for four terms (between 1974 and 1999) and made an unsuccessful run for the United States presidency. [Astronaut John Glenn's Greatest Moments]

Glenn's last flight in space for STS-95 in 1998 came after he spent years lobbying NASA for a flight to study geriatrics on a shuttle mission. His return to orbit garnered worldwide attention. After his return, Glenn continued to make regular public appearances, even late in his life.

A notable late appearance took place in 2009. Glenn, then 87 years old, spoke during ceremonies at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. honoring the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing by astronauts, Apollo 11.

Follow Elizabeth Howell @howellspace, or Space.com @Spacedotcom. We're also on Facebookand Google+. Original article on Space.com.
General Robert Neller, the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, presents Annie Glenn with the American flag that was draped over her husband's casket during an interment service for John Glenn, the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth, at Arlington National Cemetery on April 6, 2017.

John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, was laid to rest Thursday (April 6), four months after he died at the age of 95.

The late astronaut, Marine and U.S. Senator, who died on Dec. 8, was interred at Arlington National Cemetery during a service led by General Robert Neller, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. The funeral ceremony was private but a graveside service was broadcast live by the Department of Defense and NASA.

Glenn made history and helped establish that the U.S. was a contender in the space race with the former Soviet Union by circling the planet three times aboard his "Friendship 7" Mercury capsule before splashing down on Feb. 20, 1962. Thirty-six years later, after serving four terms as a Senator, Glenn returned to orbit on board space shuttle Discovery, becoming the oldest person to fly in space at 77. [Watch John Glenn's Historic Friendship 7 Launch (Video)]

The Ohio State University in Columbus hosted a memorial service in December, where then-Vice President Joe Biden and others paid tribute to the astronaut.

The funeral on Thursday was held on the 74th anniversary of Glenn's wedding to his childhood friend and high school sweetheart. Per military protocol, General Neller presented Annie Glenn, 97, with the U.S. flag that had been draped over her husband's casket.

Additional flags were presented to Glenn's children, David and Carolyn.

"As we say our final goodbye today to a great American and NASA pioneer, we send our deepest sympathies to the family of John Glenn, and our heartfelt condolences to his devoted wife Annie on what would have been their 74th wedding anniversary," said Robert Lightfoot, acting NASA Administrator, in a statement released after the funeral. "Senator Glenn was more than an astronaut  he was the hero we needed in a rapidly changing world and an icon of our American spirit.

Family members, astronauts and invited guests attended the service, which began with a procession by caisson and included a performance of taps.

President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-mast at federal buildings and military posts on Thursday to honor the late Marine and politician. Ohio Governor John Kasich did the same in Glenn's home state "in recognition of [Glenn's] exceptional career of public service as [an] ... unparalleled American hero."

John Glenn's flag-draped casket is transported to his grave site at Arlington National Cemetery by a caisson procession on April 6, 2017. (Image credit: NASA TV via collectSPACE.com)

Glenn was the last of NASA's original seven astronauts to die and the second to be interred at Arlington. Virgil "Gus" Grissom, who preceded Glenn into space on a 1961 sub-orbital flight, was buried at the national cemetery in 1967 after he was killed in a fire on the launch pad 50 years ago this past January.

Eighteen other astronauts and the unidentified remains of the seven STS-51L crew members who died on board the space shuttle Challenger are buried at Arlington, according to the cemetery's website.

Glenn will be further memorialized later this month with the scheduled April 18 launch of the SS John Glenn, the next Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo spacecraft that will resupply the International Space Station. The uncrewed ship christened to honor of the late Mercury astronaut had been slated to lift off in March, but was delayed as a result of issues with its rocket's ground support and on board systems.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2017 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
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With water conservation measures taking effect six months ago during southwestern Connecticuts drought, local homeowners would have liked nothing more than a weeklong deluge to send torrents of water into reservoirs and aquifers.

Six months from now, they may have a very different outlook given ongoing uncertainty for the National Flood Insurance Program.

Facing a September NFIP expiration  with the program underwater to the tune of nearly $25 billion in debt  Congress has yet to take action, leaving open the question of how property owners will get coverage going forward. Options include extending the existing NFIP program, crafting a replacement or turning coverage over in part or whole to the private-sector insurance market, with the uncertainty that could mean for rates and policy terms.

Created by Congress in 1968, NFIP is designed to provide affordable insurance for homeowners in areas prone to flooding, after carriers scaled back offerings in the 1950s following a series of catastrophic events, including in 1955 in Connecticut. The Connecticut Insurance Department estimates NFIP coverage costs homeowners between $800 and $1,200 a year, and ranging wider depending on the location of a property.

For the 12-month period ending in September, NFIP policyholders generated more than $4 billion in claims nationally according to FEMA, only $70,000 from Connecticut claimants. Still looming large in the memory of locals, however, is the flooding unleashed from a storm surge up Long Island Sound at Sandys arrival in 2012. In Connecticut, the storm generated $244 million in claims under the NFIP program, with the Northeast walloped for $7.8 billion in claims driven by catastrophic damage in New Jersey and New York.

A single storm that results in a loss as large as the one that occurred in Hurricane Sandy has a 4 to 5 percent chance of occurring in any given year, said Roy Wright, FEMAs deputy associate administrator for federal insurance and mitigation, testifying in March to a U.S. Senate committee. The stability of the real estate and mortgage markets depend on an on-time, multiyear reauthorization.

More Information National Flood Insurance Program claims, 2012-2016 Connecticut and Northeast for fiscal years ending in September Connecticut Northeast 2016 $70,000 $27.4 million 2015 $50,000 $14.3 million 2014 $450,000 $22.2 million 2013 $244 million $7.85 billion 2012 $96 million $1.35 billion See More Collapse

In his own written statement last month pressing policymakers for action, National Association of Realtors President William Brown echoed that statement in noting that buyers of homes in floodplain zones are required to have flood insurance.

When the NFIP expired in 2010, over 1,300 home sales were disrupted every day as a result, Brown stated. Thats over 40,000 every month.

In the wake of Sandy, flood-plain maps were redrawn to include more properties in Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, Fairfield, Stratford and Westport  a problem on which the Connecticut Insurance Department focused in its spring Insurance Matters newsletter released this week.

For homeowners who question whether their home was accurately included in a flood plain, the Insurance Department advises them to cross-check their address against flood maps on file at town halls. Other options include asking a lender to review other supporting information such as tax assessor maps, deeds or a flood map with the property boundary outlined; or to request a Letter of Map Amendment from FEMA, a process that requires the hiring of a land surveyor to determine whether a structure is in a flood plain.

I have not seen what could be classified as a major push of folks coming in to file a letter of map revision or the like, contesting what the new boundaries were, said Michael Wrinn, assistant director of planning and zoning for the city of Norwalk, in an email response to a Hearst Connecticut Media query.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
BRIDGEPORT - A Norwalk firefighter is accused of helping his girlfriend steal more than $5,000 from a local retired woman.

Kevin Gilchrist, 39, of Ivy Place, Norwalk, was charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree identity theft and sixth-degree larceny.
DARIEN  Vaddey Ratner grew up in Cambodia, a country she remembers as being a beautiful home.

When she was 5, however, the Khmer Rouge regime took over, subjecting Ratner and millions of other Cambodians to forced labor and starvation. Around 2 million Cambodians lost their lives during that time. Ratner and her mother were able to escape to the United States after four years, though her father was killed after being taken away by soldiers at the beginning of the regime.

Ratner went on to graduate summa cum laude from Cornell University, where she studied Southeast Asian history and literature and now splits her time between Malayasia and the suburbs of Washington, D.C. But she remains haunted by her childhood experience.

I think an experience like Khmer Rouge will mark you forever, she said. Thats part of who you are ... because you have to live with it, you have to find a way that allows you to move forward in a way that gives purpose and meaning to this life that is a gift to you, but so arbitrary.

Ratner said she often wondered why her life was spared and how she could honor and bring understanding to the events she survived. So, she turned to writing.

As a survivor, I feel a sense of duty to the dead, she said. I need to keep asking questions like, Why did this happen? What choices did we have? and How do we attribute to wrongs we may have committed? I want to continue to ask that question as a duty to those who are no longer alive, so the world wont forget, so things like this are less likely to happen.

More Information Meet the author Vaddey Ratner will be at the Darien Library on April 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to talk about "Music of the Ghosts." For information, visit darienlibrary.org/event/1034. See More Collapse

In 2013, Ratner published her debut novel, In the Shadow of the Banyan, a fictionalized account of her experience growing up under the Khmer Rouge. On April 11, her second novel, Music of the Ghosts, will be released. The book follows a woman who returns to the Southeast Asian nation to find answers about her father, who died in the Cambodian holocaust.

Ratner will discuss and sign her new work when she visits the Darien Library on April 17. Despite being set worlds away from suburban Connecticut, Ratners work has resonated with Darien residents.

The thing I love about Vaddey Ratners work is that while her own harrowing personal experiences decidedly colors her work, it colors it with a real humanity and hope, said Jen Dayton, who works at the Darien Library and introduced her co-workers to the strength of Ratners work. You walk away from one of her books believing in your fellow man, not despairing because of the inhumanity that we are capable of.

Though both of Ratners books are fiction, each reflects a different part of her journey as a survivor of the Khmer Rouge.

In the Shadow of the Banyan is autobiographical, Ratner said. Its a story of survival. Music of the Ghosts is not autobiographical or a continuation of In the Shadow of Banyan, but is a continuation of the questions I confront as an adult and a survivor of war and genocide.

While In the Shadow of the Banyan is told in a linear fashion with characters based on Ratner and her family, Music of the Ghosts bounces between the perspective of a half-blind Cambodian musician and an American woman going to Cambodia to confront her past as the book deals with the connection between her and the musician. Both characters are fictional, but reflective of Ratners feelings about her fathers death and her survival of the Khmer Rouge.

I think (the musicians) character grew out of my desire to understand what happened to my father, Ratner said. The character of the old musician is not based on my father, but the desire to imagine the suffering of someone whose experience is so different from my own and especially the suffering of an adult at that time. I was a child when I went through it, and that desire to imagine the depths of the inhumanity others may have endured, it came out of a sense of responsibility as a survivor.

It might be hard for readers in Darien to imagine growing up under an oppressive regime, but Mallory Arents, the librarys head of adult programming, said Ratners first book was well received among Darien readers.

Our community likes a couple of different things in terms of writing, said Arents. I think primarily people are interested in literary fiction and people love a story with an international lens or (one that) lets them put on the shoes of another human being. People want to to be transported.

The reader-writer relationship is mutually beneficial, as Ratner hopes readers garner an understanding of her experience, and see Cambodia beyond its violent past and pay tribute to those who didnt survive it.

The place I loved as child was viewed as a place of death and destruction, and even as I lived through that, I remember it as a place that was beautiful, the author said. I wanted to show that world to a much-larger audience, an audience that had very little understanding of what Cambodia was before it became a killing field.

What motivated me to write In the Shadow of the Banyan was the need to pay tribute to the dead, and the same thing with Music of the Ghosts. I want this to be a continual act of honoring those lives that are gone and the suffering I continued to witness, she said.

ekayata@hearstmediact.com; @erin_kayata
STAMFORD  A self-proclaimed CVS Bandit has been accused of stealing more than $8,000 worth of high-end shampoo in a series of thefts from city stores, police said.

Luis Medina, 26, of Bronx, N.Y., was arrested in Darien about six weeks ago after stealing about $3,500 worth of expensive shampoo at the Darien CVS in December and January, police said.

Stamford police officer George Jagodzinski interviewed Medina after the arrest because he was a suspect in similar shoplifting incidents in Stamford, Westport and New York City, police said.

I am the CVS Bandit, Medina wrote in his statement to police, according to his arrest affidavit.

According to his arrest affidavit, Medina stole more than $4,000 worth of shampoo in three shoplifting incidents in Stamford in a span of about an hour on Dec. 27.

Medina first raided the Forest Street CVS store where he took $1,010 worth of shampoo, the affidavit said. He then went to the High Ridge Road location, where he took $462 in products, the affidavit said. Medina returned to the Forest Street store and stole $2,900 worth of more shampoo, the affidavit said.

Medina also took $279 worth of shampoo from the Canal Street CVS on Jan. 11 and then went back to the High Ridge store later that day and stole another $1,047 in shampoo, his arrest affidavit said.

Medina said he stole the shampoo to provide money for his family, the affidavit said. Medina said he sold the stolen items to a man for cash, but he refused to tell police who the person was or where the deals occurred, the affidavit said.

Medina was charged with three counts of fourth-degree larceny and two counts of sixth-degree larceny. He was held in lieu of a $32,500 court appearance bond.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com;
S o far, so good  but theres a long way to go. That is my assessment of the Brexit path we are taking. Brexit offers a fantastic opportunity for the UK to reposition itself in the changing global economy and to address issues that came to the fore during the referendum campaign.

These include the need to return sovereignty, have a sensible migration policy and a stronger economy that works for poor and ordinary households as well as for global firms that want to be based here.

We should not be surprised if there are near-term challenges. After all, it is not easy to leave something we have been in for 44 years. The beginning of any negotiation is when both sides can talk tough. This is also the time when major firms can warn of risks  perceived or real  in order to try and retain the status quo.

One of the initial difficulties is the negotiation process. Brussels believes that we need to pay a huge exit bill based on the EUs liabilities. But what about our share of the EUs assets? There will be a compromise on the size of this bill. Also, the EU believes this bill needs to be settled first before we discuss trade and our future relationship. It is important for the UK that these these are both discussed at the same time.

The issue over Gibraltar also suggests politicians need to be vigilant that civil servants on both sides of the Channel, who will work on the detail, do not sell the UK short.

For Brexit to be a success it needs to be judged alongside the Governments domestic economic and social agenda to deliver benefits for the whole country. This points to a business-friendly strategy as outlined in the Article 50 letter; recognising the huge opportunity afforded the UK by returning competencies from Brussels; and not losing sight of the longer-term vision as Brexit is positive for the UK.

The good news is the strategy being taken. Last weeks Article 50 letter outlined the UKs principles for negotiation and built upon the Prime Ministers impressive January speech at Lancaster House. There Theresa May made clear that the UK wished to be outside the single market and more or less outside the customs union, and wanted to conduct a comprehensive trade deal with the EU and agreements with the rest of the world. This has been reinforced by the message on overseas trips that the UK will be globally focused, not inward-looking.

The UK has been as open and transparent as it is possible to be in any negotiation. Moreover, it is not confrontational but constructive. As with any negotiation, we need to retain the option to walk away if needed. That is why it is right that the Prime Minister linked security with trade in the event of no deal.

Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures 1 /26 Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Common PA Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images European Council President Donald Tusk holds a news conference after receiving British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter in notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May takes her seat after announcing in the House of Commons PA The time 12:20pm shows on Big Ben on March 29, 2017 in London, England. The British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the Houses of Parliament as Article 50 is triggered and the process that will take the United Kingdom out of the European Union begins Carl Court/Getty Images D-day: pro-EU protesters outside of the Houses of Parliament today as Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50 AFP/Getty Images EU Council President Donald Tusk holds British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter which was delivered by Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow (not pictured) that gives notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters PMQ's in The House of Commons PA Jeremy Corbyn speaking at PMQ's in The House of Commons Sky News Theresa May leaving for the House of Commons Jeremy Selwyn Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at the headquarters of Vivendi in Paris where he took part in TV interviews to discuss the imminent triggering of Article 50 by the UK to leave the EU Stefan Rousseau/PA Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow arrives at the EU Council headquarters for as meeting before hand delivering British Prime Minister Theresa May's notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow arrives at the British representation of the European Union in Brussels Aurore Belot/AFP/Getty Images A giant headed Theresa May in Parliament Square, London during a protest by Avaaz after PM signed a letter to trigger Article 50 that starts the formal exit process by the UK from the European Union David Mirzoeff/PA British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walks down Whitehall Jack Taylor/Getty Images Britain's PM Theresa May signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, invoking Article 50. AFP/Getty Images

We want a clean Brexit, and based on that we can then negotiate. We need to be outside the single market to return law-making to Westminster and to implement a migration policy that suits our domestic needs. It makes economic sense too. The single market does not work properly in services  and remaining in it would mean the EUs rules and regulations apply to all UK companies and not just the eight per cent of our firms that sell into the EU. Why would we want our future rules and regulations for all our firms to be dictated by the EU?

Small and medium-sized firms across London should be empowered by this. In future they can lobby their domestic MP and she or he can influence our future law making directly.

The Opposition is right to say we should avoid a race to the bottom on workers rights and it is encouraging that the Government agrees. But we do need to cut taxes when possible.

It is good that a clear approach has been outlined, as business dislikes uncertainty. Yet the challenge is that nothing is agreed until the deal is signed at the last minute. In the coming months there will be a need for the Government to focus on the longer-term positive vision, addressing business worries and ensuring firms continue to invest here as they have done since last June.

We also need to start preparing more for life outside the EU. For instance, this has to include more spending on infrastructure at ports, as well as regional policy.

The issue of Scotland will be important but there is a big difference between Brexit and Scottish independence. In the EU, the UK was continuing to cede influence to Brussels. In contrast, Edinburgh continues to receive more power.

There is also a case for more fiscal devolution to London, but that can wait. For London the focus will include clarifying the issue of EU citizens based here, and on financial services. The City is in a strong position, directly mentioned by the Prime Minister in her Article 50 letter and given its combination of skills, knowledge and experience, and Europes need for access to a global capital market.

We should also not lose sight of the changing dynamics on the continent. Last Friday I spoke after Antonio Tajani, the President of the European Parliament, at a conference in Italy. He spoke about the need to focus on the real economy. What struck me was how pessimistic the mood was in Italy about Europe. Income per head is lower there than in 1999. Youth unemployment is 38 per cent. The policies of the euro have led to deep discontentment there and elsewhere. In economic terms it makes sense for the EU to do a deal with the UK. We need our government to play the politics well enough to ensure that this is the case. So far, so good.

Dr Gerard Lyons is chief economic strategist at Netwealth Investments
T he Supreme Court has ruled against a father who took his daughter out of school without permission, and it was right to do so. Jon Platt took his daughter on a weeks trip to Walt Disney World in Florida two years ago in defiance of her school head. He challenged his subsequent fine, successfully until now, on the basis that her attendance record had generally been good and that parents should be free to choose when they take holidays. The judges ruled that regular attendance should be in keeping with the rules of the school.

Of course the reason why parents want to take holidays during term time is that fares and hotel bookings during school holidays are exploitatively, prohibitively, expensive. That ruthless price hike at the end of term is onerous for parents. But its still no excuse for playing fast and loose with school rules. Schools have got to cover the curriculum in term time; they cannot be expected to do so if pupils simply arent there to teach. If one parent capriciously takes his child on an ad hoc holiday, there is no telling how many others will follow suit: this is one case where we must judge the issue in terms of what would happen if everyone behaved similarly. Children are likely to lose out if they miss lessons and teachers jobs are made impossible if they have to cover subjects repeatedly to take account of pupil absences.

There are some occasions when parents can reasonably argue that a childs absence is justified on educational grounds  but that emphatically does not apply to Walt Disney World. Heads should have the discretion to decide when an absence is authorised, and parents should support them  even if the most that schools do on the last day of term is make Easter bonnets.

Trump card

The initially robust response of the Trump administration to the apparent use by Syrian forces of chemical weapons against civilians may or may not translate into action. President Trump talked about the Assad regime crossing a red line in allegedly using poison gas in Idlib, a phrase reminiscent of his predecessors response the last time the Syrian army did this. But the French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has observed that Washington is now sending mixed messages over how it would respond to what appears to be a war crime. The priority at this stage, said M Ayrault, was to pursue diplomatic talks to try to agree on a United Nations Security Council resolution and above all to re-start peace negotiations in Geneva.

The Trump administration has, until now, given priority to the fight against Islamic State in Syria and less to displacing President Assad as Syrian leader. But it has also weathered scorching Democrat criticism about Mr Trumps relationship with President Putin. Yet it is now that this relationship could be useful: Mr Trump could bring pressure to bear on the Russians to distance themselves from President Assad. M Ayrault is right about one thing  the US and its allies, including Britain, must redouble their efforts to promote a political settlement to the war. Thats what matters most.

The show must go on

Damian Lewis and Sophie Okonedo star as Martin and Stevie in a new production of Edward Albees play The Goat, Or Who is Sylvia? at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Before taking the stage last night Lewis was forced to consult an emergency doctor who diagnosed a perforated eardrum and prescribed strong painkillers. As a result, Lewis says he was as high as a kite for the performance, which is one way to get through love scenes with a goat.
T he last portrait of the Duke of Wellington has been saved for the nation after a 1.3 million public appeal.

The unfinished oil painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence will now hang in the National Portrait Gallery, which has spent 150 years trying to acquire a significant picture of the soldier-turned-politician.

More than 500 members of the public donated to the appeal to buy it, also backed by the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund and the gallery itself.

Lawrence painted Wellington eight times but this portrait, which remained unfinished on the artists death in 1830, was commissioned at the height of Wellingtons power when he was Prime Minister after defeating Napoleon.
Review at a glance









B ack in the top 20 with their first album in two decades, The Jesus and Mary Chain are rebuilding a career that was prone to self-sabotage. Older and now sober, the Reid brothers may be less volatile but there was still a frisson of danger surrounding this performance. On a murky stage, William Reid was identifiable by his shock of grey hair and ear-splitting guitar, while Jim was a nonchalant presence crooning in the shadows.

Backed by a tight rhythm section, the Scottish siblings unleashed a ferocious sonic assault that offered occasional glimpses of light. April Skies, their biggest hit from 30 years ago, was greeted like an old friend by moshing fans.

New songs showed a similar lightness of touch, particularly the mellow fuzz-rock of Mood Rider and the bittersweet Always Sad, featuring guest vocalist Bernadette Denning. In the main, though, The Jesus and Mary Chain combined nihilistic lyrics and noisy indie-rock, including an incendiary Reverence.

Despite the hint of surliness, this performance ultimately felt celebratory during Some Candy Talking and the generous encore drawn from their seminal debut, Psychocandy.

Jim Reid was sheepish about ending on a sprawling new song, War on Peace, but at least his band are finally focused on the future as much as past glories.
A Cheese-themed tour of London aboard a red Routemaster bus is taking place as part of London Food Month.

Mathew Carver, founder of grilled- cheese street food van The Cheese Truck and its now permanent base The Cheese Bar in the Camden Stables, is to host his Urban Dairy Tour with cheese judge and writer Patrick McGuigan. The tour is one of hundreds of events taking place throughout London Food Month this June to celebrate the citys status as the worlds culinary capital.

Guests will meet at The Cheese Bar in the morning of June 9 and hop aboard The Cheese Bus  an original Routemaster from the Sixties with a capacity of 72. Then theyll hit the road north on what Carver, 30, describes as a one-off tour of Londons underground cheese scene.

First of the four stops will be at family-run Kupros Dairy in Cheshunt, which specialises in hard cheeses made from sheeps milk. From there, the bus goes west to La Latteria in Acton, whose ex-City worker founder Simona Di Vietri makes mozzarella and burrata. After a stop for lunch in Bermondseys Maltby Street Market, where Carver made his first grilled cheese from the back of a vintage Bedford Truck in 2014, the group will head south-east to visit Kappacasein Dairy  and its Bermondsey Hard Pressed cheese  and Gringa Dairy in Peckham, which makes Mexican-style cheeses.

Each of the visits, Carver says, will be about an hour long and include an explanation of the history of the venue and the cheese it makes plus tastings.

Lastly, the group will go back to Camden to dine on something cheesy. Carver says the final menu will likely be a selection of its best-sellers including deep-fried mozzarella sticks or grilled cheese stuffed with Somerset cheddar, plus a selection of the cheese sampled that day. The experience will cost 75 including all tastings and food. Drinks will be extra.

Carver, who worked in restaurants before opening The Cheese Truck, said: Like craft beer and artisan bread, artisan cheese is having its moment. There are a lot of cool young cheese makers in London. There is a resurgence. People in London care more about the food they eat and so independent makers are popular again.

On getting involved in London Food Month, he added: This tour is about celebrating the best cheeses in London and their makers, as a lot of people dont realise great cheese is being made in the capital. It is an opportunity to brag about how much is going on in the city. And an excuse to hire a big bus.

thecheesetruck.co.uk
I t's hard to feel sorry for Old Etonians, isnt it? Lord Robert Cecil, the third Marquess of Salisbury, detested his time at the school, calling it an existence among devils, and had to leave because of intense bullying. Still, goes the popular argument, he served three terms as Prime Minister, so how bad could it have been?

Its not just bad, its traumatic, argues journalist Alex Renton. He was a boarder in the Seventies from the age of eight to 18, first at Ashdown House, a prep school in East Sussex, and then at Eton. He recalls lying in his dormitory with a pillow over his face to stifle tears of homesickness, since any noise after lights out would trigger a beating from the older boys, sometimes with belt buckles. He was also the victim of sexual abuse from four different teachers, three at his prep school and one at Eton.

Since 2013 Renton has collected data about boarding school abuse. From 800 or so first-hand accounts he found 250 allegations that constituted criminal sexual assault with the highest number of cases from the Seventies. He estimates that at least a quarter of the schools of the privileged had harboured adult sexual abusers, and perhaps many more. The simple truth, he says, is that run-of-the-mill non-violent paedophilia did not get noticed.

As well as criminal sexual activity, Renton examines the ritualised brutality of punishment beatings from masters. He provides a scattered history of British boarding schools (with particular focus on their popularity in the Victorian era) and references many experiences from all sorts of public and historic figures who suffered the rod, from Winston Churchill to John le Carre. Their pain was deemed necessary in order for them to become civilised gentlemen: He that spareth his rod hateth his son.

One account of a Seventies headmaster of an unnamed school in the Midlands is especially frightful. He beat children with immense energy and obvious delight, for offences both absurd (using too much toothpaste) to tragic (crying in chapel). Boys anticipating his punishment would vomit from fear.

All-girls schools could be just as torturous, though more focused on public humiliation rather than flogging. Rentons correspondents tell of how they were forced by an angry teacher to drink salt water or, when their first period came, to carry a bloodied sheet through the corridors.

In the books longest and most compelling chapter, Renton recounts in focused detail his meeting with Maurice, a rehabilitated child molester who was honoured to be interviewed. When he was a boarding school pupil Maurice was sexually involved with other boys and some of the masters. Aside from one traumatic rape by older boys when he was 11, he speaks positively of his traditional underage experiences. As an adult he became a schoolmaster in Woking and moved to the other side of the coin. Since he had enjoyed his own underage encounters he assumed that other boys would enjoy it in the same way.

More book reviews 1 /24 More book reviews Recovery by Russell Brand Will Russells brand of self-help prove quite so addictive? By Nicholas Lezard. Read review A Life in Questions by Jeremy Paxman Paxo refuses to answer all the really good questions, says David Sexton. Read review Politics: Between: The Extremes by Nick Clegg The basis of this book makes it impossible not to warm to Clegg, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review Serious Sweet by A L Kennedy Thank heavens for London in this tale of self-obsessed lovers. Read review The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of Monmouth by Anna Keay Born a kings b****** and destined for a traitors death. Read review Man Up: Boys, Men and Breaking the Male Rules by Rebecca Asher Getting to the bottom of why boys will be boys. Read review The Course of Love by Alain de Botton A philosophical novel that does run smooth, says Johanna Thomas-Corr. Read review The Tree Climbers Guide: Adventures in the Urban Canopy by Jack Cooke How I gave this book a proper test and ended up with a broken ankle. Read review Reader, I Married Him: Stories Inspired by Jane Eyre Brontes classic tale in the imaginations of other writers, says Claire Harman. Read review Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran Caitlin comes clean about politics  the world according to our funniest feminist. By Rosamund Urwin. Read review Spark Joy An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying by Marie Kondo Theres no messing wih Marie, says Katie Law. Read review Cockfosters Stories by Helen Simpson After 50, a womans life gets better not worse. By Katie Law. Read review Stalins Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess by Andrew Lownie Joker in the spying pack. By Richard Bassett. Read review Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin The darkness that lies at the heart of the novel is offset by a lightness of touch, says Mark Sanderson. Read review Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello Elvis proves not quite so lyrical on the page, says Nick Curtis. Read review The Importance of Elsewhere: Philip Larkins Photographs by Richard Bradford His poetry paints better pictures than any camera, says David Sexton. Read review Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Morality wins out over macabre murders, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review The Grownup by Gillian Flynn Calling all Flynnies: the con girl whos like gone girl. Read review

Renton paints a mesmerising portrait of this contradictory man, with his forever shifting boundaries and moral outlook  forced sex and anal sex were wrong, he explains, but masturbation, oral sex and bribery for favours were acceptable. Maurice lost his job in Woking and was prosecuted for sexual assault in 1988 and 1994 and then a third time in 2003 for the possession of child pornography. Even though he now acknowledges that children cannot give consent he still cant deny his own tragic, perverse feelings: I literally loved them and they loved me.

This is not a book about me, Renton insists, but theres no escaping the gruelling and gripping sense of personal catharsis on every page.
S ayeeda Warsis new book catalogues some of the hypocrisy and double standards of the British Government, the rise of the far-Right and bigotry against Muslims, yet has a glaring blind spot when it comes to Islamism. According to Warsi, Islamist terrorism is the result of everything but Islamist ideology.

Since most of those killed by Islamists are Muslims in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa, her argument that terrorism is the result of Islamophobia, racism, foreign policy and social exclusion is unconvincing. Also, she fails to see that many aggrieved people end up involved in progressive political and civil rights work rather than inciting violence or murdering women, men and children in schools and marketplaces.

Without any apparent understanding of the context and rise of the contemporary transnational Islamist movement, including Irans key role in it, Warsi says simmering resentment began when the British Government apparently failed to prosecute Salman Rushdie for blasphemy. Muslims, she says, wanted British laws to protect Islam, and when it didnt happen, the Iranians were more than happy to step in with what she characterises as concern and moral support. According to her, Ayatollah Khomeinis fatwa put Iran in pole position, ready and willing to come out leading the collective Muslim sentiment.

Like any good apologist who is more concerned with blasphemy than murder, and who homogenises Muslim sentiment to coincide with her own, Warsi doesnt seem bothered that the act of concern was a fatwa against a British citizen, nor that it took place during the bloody Eighties, when thousands of Iranians were executed by the regime. Warsi also seems to conveniently overlook the fact that blasphemy laws continue to persecute freethinkers such as Ayaz Nizami in Pakistan and Sina Dehghan in Iran.

Her apologia for Islamism is shocking. She says, for example, that Islamist ideology has created a new generation of Muslim democrats such as the AKP in Turkey (though President Erdogan has arrested tens of thousands, limited freedoms and rights of citizens, and is murdering Kurds).

She approvingly quotes a former US assistant secretary of state saying Islamists are Muslims with political goals, which is like saying Pegida are Christians with political goals. She compares the young men who first went out to help as the Syrian civil war started with the International Brigades of the Spanish Civil War, which is like comparing fascists with anti-fascists.

She says prominent Islamists such as Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muslim Brotherhood are democratically engaged both in the UK and overseas (though in 1971 in Bangladesh, some members of Jamaat-e-Islami were implicated in organising lynchings against people demanding independence, and senior UK-based Muslim Brotherhood leader Kamal Helbawy has praised Osama Bin Laden).

Every Islamist agenda Warsi writes about, such as gender segregation, the veil or Sharia courts, is sanitised and trivialised, while almost every organisation or personality is either misunderstood, misrepresented or merely branded controversial.

Zakir Naik, for example, who promotes the death penalty for apostates and ex-Muslims is, according to Warsi, considered sectarian by some, an intellectual by others, an inciter of hatred by some and an enlightened orator by others.

Having bought into the Islamist narrative, she falsely conflates criticism of Islam and Islamism with bigotry against Muslims and uses Islamophobia to scaremonger people into silence. And while she is critical of identity politics and the homogenisation of Muslims, she  wittingly or unwittingly  promotes both.

More book reviews 1 /24 More book reviews Recovery by Russell Brand Will Russells brand of self-help prove quite so addictive? By Nicholas Lezard. Read review A Life in Questions by Jeremy Paxman Paxo refuses to answer all the really good questions, says David Sexton. Read review Politics: Between: The Extremes by Nick Clegg The basis of this book makes it impossible not to warm to Clegg, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review Serious Sweet by A L Kennedy Thank heavens for London in this tale of self-obsessed lovers. Read review The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of Monmouth by Anna Keay Born a kings b****** and destined for a traitors death. Read review Man Up: Boys, Men and Breaking the Male Rules by Rebecca Asher Getting to the bottom of why boys will be boys. Read review The Course of Love by Alain de Botton A philosophical novel that does run smooth, says Johanna Thomas-Corr. Read review The Tree Climbers Guide: Adventures in the Urban Canopy by Jack Cooke How I gave this book a proper test and ended up with a broken ankle. Read review Reader, I Married Him: Stories Inspired by Jane Eyre Brontes classic tale in the imaginations of other writers, says Claire Harman. Read review Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran Caitlin comes clean about politics  the world according to our funniest feminist. By Rosamund Urwin. Read review Spark Joy An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying by Marie Kondo Theres no messing wih Marie, says Katie Law. Read review Cockfosters Stories by Helen Simpson After 50, a womans life gets better not worse. By Katie Law. Read review Stalins Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess by Andrew Lownie Joker in the spying pack. By Richard Bassett. Read review Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin The darkness that lies at the heart of the novel is offset by a lightness of touch, says Mark Sanderson. Read review Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello Elvis proves not quite so lyrical on the page, says Nick Curtis. Read review The Importance of Elsewhere: Philip Larkins Photographs by Richard Bradford His poetry paints better pictures than any camera, says David Sexton. Read review Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith Morality wins out over macabre murders, says Melanie McDonagh. Read review The Grownup by Gillian Flynn Calling all Flynnies: the con girl whos like gone girl. Read review

Warsis solution to the situation we are faced with today is more of the same: more religion in the public space and stronger religious identities, though it is clearly less religion that we need, not more. And while she considers secularisation a threat, it is in fact the separation of religion from the state, universal values and citizenship rights that will provide minimum guarantees against the intolerance and violence of religion in politics and power.

Maryam Namazie is an Iranian-born co-spokesperson of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain and One Law for All.
I n London tech circles Amir Taaki is something of an enigma. When Bitcoin boomed in the late 2000s, the self-taught software engineer was at the centre of the hype, with speculation that he was the creator of the crypto-currency. Forbes magazine included him on its 2014 list of the most influential young people in technology (his mother was delighted) and he was tipped as a future billionaire.

Despite living on the fringes of society, Taaki, now aged 29, was well-known as one of the most talented coders of his generation, setting up networks in squats around Europe and building Dark Wallet, which allows Bitcoin transactions to go undetected.

Then, two years ago, he disappeared. This week he announced that he had been in Syria, fighting Islamic State with a radical Left-wing Kurdish unit.

I didnt tell many people I was going, says Taaki. My girlfriend at the time guessed because I couldnt stop talking about it but I didnt tell my parents. I didnt want anyone to stop me.

He says he spent three-and-a-half months on the frontline in Syria fighting IS with the YPG, a defence force from Rojava.

We meet in a derelict former pub in Essex, where he lives with an alternative community of creative people. He jokingly calls it the castle of Romford. Hes turned a dark room downstairs into his anarchist cell, decorated with revolutionary flags, gifts from friends in Rojava, political philosophy books and Nicaraguan cigars, which he offers me because cigars are fucking cool. Hes stuck here, and unhappy about it  police are holding his passport while they investigate whether his activity was linked to IS.

So how did this Londoner, the son of an Iranian property developer father and a Scottish-English mother, who was expelled from his grammar school and became a self-taught tech star, end up in a war zone?

Taaki had been living an itinerant life between Barcelona and the UK working on technology projects to do with the economy. He says he travelled to Syria in 2015 with the intention of doing whatever was needed. He had no military experience and didnt speak Kurdish but that was no barrier, he says. I had a huge black bag full of antennae and electrical equipment, and planned to set up an internet network.

Matt Writtle

He speaks in a mix of slang  friends are his crew  and grand absolutes. It was his destiny, he says, to help the new society built on anarchist political philosophy I heard was being built in Rojava. He hadnt expected to fight straight away. When I arrived the YPG divided us into two groups, one to be trained and the other to go to the front line. I was put in the wrong one. I was pissed off but there was no time for that because I was at the front.

Taakis conversational style switches between serious politics and banter, with stories like this: The day before I left for Syria I got lost in Barcelona buying bread. My friends were like Amir, you are going to a war and you just got lost in the street. I also made a goodbye video in case I died. It was terrible  I was mumbling about democracy  so Im glad I didnt die because that wouldnt have been a good goodbye.

He recalls that much of his time on the frontline was spent with a platoon of around 40 people from across the world, mostly in their mid-twenties, sitting around on guard duty drinking sweet tea. We passed the time by bantering, listening to Kurdish music and talking about politics. Ninety-nine per cent youd do nothing, then suddenly... he clicks his fingers ...you see IS two kilometres away, like ants. Then they ambush. You can hear the bullets when they go past, he makes a whooshing noise, fingers flying by his temples in imitation of gunfire. Youre running around trying to shoot them as well. Thats what a gun battle is like.

He shows me a photo of his commander, who he says was killed. Her hair is plaited and she looks at the camera with a serious expression.

She was a Kurdish woman in her thirties studying genetics in Italy and she went to join the YPG, says Taaki. She helped me get out where I needed to be, then after I left there was a big gun battle and she was shot. There was another guy, from Iran, smart, fit and healthy  he could do loads of press-ups. He wanted to go straight to the front. I told him to train first but he ended up going to fight. He got shot and bled to death.

They didnt get a chance to mourn because you are in a revolution. Coming back to England you realise the shock of it. Wow, I lost so many friends. I was walking in the street the other day, somebody opened a door and I thought there was a Kalashnikov there and jumped. When I was in Rojava I was fine. Now its difficult when people talk about normal things.

His fellow soldiers were a mix of Kurds, who invited me to chill with them most evenings and discuss political philosophy, and other foreigners. Im the most interesting foreigner who was there, though, he laughs.

Syrian refugee recalls ISIS horrors

He counts Kimmie Taylor, the 27-year-old from Blackburn who made headlines for fighting with the YPG, as a friend. I brought Kimmie into the revolution, claims Taaki. I met her when she was visiting and thought: Youre cool.

They lived the life of disciplined revolutionaries: We got up around 5am, had breakfast together  cheese, jam, bread and sweet tea  then cleaned and spent the day working.

It wasnt all action. Taaki jokes that he was getting fat. His worst injury was self-inflicted. It was a bit embarrassing. I decided to train my eyes to see at night, so I went out to piss and fell in a trench, then my Kalash hit me on the head.

When he finished his stint on the frontline, Taaki says he worked for the economics committee in Rojava. Younger Kurds apparently recognised him because of Bitcoin. Older ones teased him about his beard. They told me to shave because I looked like IS but I said: Im a hacker, Ive got to have a beard!

What does he make of the calls for Google to clamp down on IS? Hes dismissive. Its impossible to legislate. You are looking at it the wrong way. Its a pipedream. Youre not going to remove IS from the internet because the internet is too diffuse.

In May last year Taaki returned to London briefly for work. He told friends in Rojava hed be back soon but when he landed in Heathrow he was detained by police and put under house arrest at his mothers home in Broadstairs.

The UKs South-East Counter Terrorism Unit declined to comment on any ongoing investigation but the Metropolitan Police said: British citizens involved in terrorism in conflict zones have the potential to pose a significant threat to the UK upon their return. Everyone who returns from taking part in the conflict in Syria or Iraq must expect to be reviewed by the police to determine if they have committed criminal offences and to ensure that they do not pose a threat to our national security. Those who have committed criminal offences should expect to be prosecuted for their crimes under the full range of existing counter-terrorism legislation.

Trump Calls Obama the 'Founder of ISIS'

Hes unimpressed by politics back here. I went to a Corbyn supporters meeting because I was curious. They kept talking about the working class. The working class dont even vote for them any more, how out of touch are they with reality? He shows me his well-thumbed copy of Abdullah Ocalans Manifesto for a Democratic Civilisation and talks at length about its blueprint for society, as taken up in Rojava.

Would he ever settle or have children? Never. Instead, he operates under the radar, not spending much, although he insists Im a resourceful character. He isnt on Facebook, and prefers to speak via traditional media rather than putting his story on Twitter or a blog. What does he make of WikiLeaks? Its a good axis to challenge power. Julian Assange is a bit narcissistic but I respect him.

For now, hes planning his next steps with Dark Wallet and making friends in Romford  this week they had beers on the roof to celebrate the spring sunshine. But he is impatient. I want to get out of the UK, Im waiting for my passport, I have lots of work to do in Europe  with anarchist groups and economics. Will he go back to Rojava? When Im needed I will. A revolutionary goes where he is needed.

Follow Susannah Butter on Twitter: @susannahbutter
A drizzly night in Belgravia and the streets are deserted. A cab pulls up before Eaton Squares stuccoed columns. The passenger in the back is metres from her front door  but drenched in De Beers and toting a 10,000 handbag, she doesnt feel safe walking the distance alone. Thankfully she and her neighbours have their own immaculately turned-out private policeman on speed dial to escort them safely home, an ex-copper or soldier who keeps an eye on their properties all day and who, should an incident occur, has the power to arrest the perpetrator and launch his or her own investigation.

This is  or, at least, will be  My Local Bobby, a subscription-based service offering high-end security, with the full support of experienced detectives and the capability of prosecuting offences, says David McKelvey, 54, who co-founded the service with Tony Nash, 52, both of whom are former Met officers. From this month it will offer to patrol some of Londons most expensive streets in Belgravia, Mayfair and Kensington. Each uniformed bobby will have a microbeat covering up to 250 houses, the owners of which will pay a subscription fee of approximately 100-200 a month.

In return, clients receive a meet-and-greet service from their car or the Tube, and will have access to a hotline to their bobby, whose location they can track on their iPad. If theres a crime, says McKelvey, we would have a bobby on scene within minutes. My Local Bobby also offers a full surveillance fleet and its own undercover unit to investigate crimes  the only other undercover unit outside of law enforcement, according to McKelvey. In this day and age, weve got better resources than the police, he says. As well as being equipped with body cams for recording evidence, the bobbies will be able to apprehend suspects using a citizens arrest. And, if necessary, they can bring a private prosecution (that is, one brought by a private individual not acting on behalf of the police).

In doing this, My Local Bobby will introduce a bold new concept to the streets of the capital. Against a backdrop of stretched resources, private security has become a booming business. The Met has been forced to make 600m of savings since 2010, in part by reducing overtime and cutting managers, and according to an HMIC report last month on police effectiveness, London alone is 700 detectives short. Research done by the British Security Industry Association suggests, meanwhile, that the private security industry was worth more than 6bn to the UK economy  approximately 0.55 per cent of GDP  in 2015.

David McKelvey and Tony Nash

My Local Bobbys parent company, private investigation firm TM Eye, as McKelvey explains, has, through a strict process involving its legal team and the Acro Criminal Records Office, access to the offending history of those it prosecutes. This is only ever used for the benefit of the court in deciding on sentence. It also ensures all TM Eye convictions are recorded on the PNC [Police National Computer] for the information of law enforcement. Access is strictly monitored. He adds that theres no one else in the UK who brings private prosecutions. There are some law firms, but to my knowledge there are no other investigation companies that do. On its website, the Acro Criminal Records Office confirms that we maintain a number of information-sharing agreements with [non-police prosecuting] agencies to provide criminal conviction information solely for the purposes of the prosecution of offenders, legal proceedings or obtaining legal advice. It clarifies that it maintains two agreements with TM Eye in partnership with two law firms and that under the terms of these agreements, Acro provides criminal conviction information to the courts via the law firms for the express purpose of supporting the prosecution of offenders. The agreements do not allow for the general disclosure of PNC information for the purpose of conducting checks on members of the public.

Understandably, the news that so-called private police will be patrolling London has proven controversial. The Met Police Federation Chairman, Ken Marsh, warned on BBC radio that trying to recreate other policing actions or organisations becomes a very, very thin line and very dangerous, adding that the Office of Constable is held by the people who swear to serve the Queen so they are completely transparent, they have to answer to every single action.

Others have questioned whether a private company should have access to criminal records. But the PNC thing was a red herring, insists McKelvey, who argues that the use of the PNC is purely and simply when we prosecute someone, and its only for the benefit of the court, so that the court is aware of the previous criminal history for that person. Crucially, as Acro makes clear, its agreement with TM Eye (founded by McKelvey in 2007 and hitherto specialising in intellectual property theft and counterfeit luxury goods) doesnt allow for the general disclosure of PNC information for the purpose of conducting checks on members of the public.

Eaton Square in exclusive Belgravia / Alamy Stock Photo

Others have voiced concerns that such developments are tantamount to high-end vigilantism. Belgravia resident Katrina Kutchinsky, a 35-year-old PR director, worries about the risk of people being harmed as well as legal questions as a result about who can legally use force. We dont want mob rule. McKelvey counters such criticisms by highlighting the expertise of himself and his bobbies (at least 20 of whom have already been hired and trained). Almost everyone involved has been a serving police officer for 30 years Youre not getting some probationary police officer with less than six months service walking around the streets, youve got people with years of experience who know the law inside out. The bobbies have to be Security Industry Association-approved, have a Close Protection licence [required for all bodyguards] and weve got our own vetting and training process.

Still, McKelvey is aware of the importance of winning trust. Were going out, knocking on doors, going to local churches and residents groups, he says. And while news of the launch may have been controversial, it means hundreds of applications for policing jobs have already been received. One such hopeful, Koon Wai To, 51, has 12 years of experience in the military as well as experience in the police force. Close Protection-trained and currently working in private security, Koon thinks theres a real need for My Local Bobby. The forces are so stretched. Having been in the police force, Ive got [former] colleagues in there who are saying, We need a solution.

Both McKelvey and Nash are adamant that what they are offering is a supplement to conventional policing; they are not trying to supplant the existing force. The Met has some great officers  with Cressida Dick coming in, theyve got a fantastic commissioner. But theyve already had 600m worth of cuts, it appears theres about another 400m gap in finances... Somethings got to change. Nash also takes issue with the media characterisation of My Local Bobby as a private police force, pointing out that the bobbies will have the same powers as you and I have  but they are trained to deliver them. A large part of what they do is providing a deterrent. With government cuts to resources, you dont see policemen walk around any more, says McKelvey.

The pair are still trying to finesse some elements. For example, they havent pinned down the logistics of one bobby trying to perform a meet-and-greet service for up to 250 people all arriving home at 10pm in different places. But theres no doubt that, should it take off, the business model could prove lucrative.

McKelvey frequently emphasises the old-fashioned aspect of having a bobby on the beat, and My Local Bobbys logo shows a quaint illustration of one. His officers will wear a blue-grey military-style uniform, which McKelvey compares to a 1950s-style police tunic, designed after consultation with the London School of Fashion and former Jaeger boss Harold Tillman.

Nash, who retired as detective chief superintendent of the Met last month after 31 years in the service, readily recognises My Local Bobbys commercial potential. As well as the basic subscription services, My Local Bobby will offer what Nash calls bolt-ons. For additional security and investigation private criminal prosecutions, a bodyguard for events  there will be extra charges. Starting out in Londons richest residential neighbourhoods was a commercial decision to get the business up and running, he says. Should it expand to other areas, there will be a sliding scale, with residents in expensive areas paying more. Nash also suggests that in the future, potentially we could go to local authorities and look at them outsourcing their patrols. That, of course, could bring more controversy, though Nash argues theyre filling a gap in the market.

Education and health already have the private aspects. The police havent and I think this is the first step in opening that up to the market, he says. Its like people buy private health insurance the concept of people paying for something above what the state provides  this is no different.
A former council worker arrested after RAF fighter jets intercepted a passenger plane and escorted it to Stansted Airport was wanted by police for a 175 fraud, a court heard.

Khalid Baqa, 52, was detained when the Pakistan International Airlines flight from Lahore was diverted from Heathrow to Stansted, flanked by Typhoon jets, in February.

Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday that the British national was arrested and charged for failing to tell insurance firm Liverpool Victoria that he had been given three penalty points in June 2015 for running a red light, when he later renewed his car insurance.

Baqa, an unemployed former revenue officer at Hackney Borough Council, was jailed for two years in 2013 for possession and dissemination of terrorist material over extremist material found on discs at his home.

Photos posted on Twitter at the time of February's major flight incident over southern England showed several fire engines and a number of ambulances waiting on the ground at the Essex airport.

In court: Khalid Baqa / PA

Stansted is a designated airport for dealing with hijacks and major security alerts and incidents are dealt with in a remote part of the airfield to the north west of the terminal building.

An airline spokesman at the time said UK authorities had "received some vague security threat through an anonymous phone call".

Essex Police said the incident was "not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter".

No information about the background to Baqa's arrest or whether he was even linked to the flight diversion was given at Thursday's trial.

Police said at the time that he had been due to be arrested anyway when the flight arrived at Heathrow before it was diverted.

Baqa was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay 115 in costs and victim surcharge after being convicted of fraud by failure to disclose information.

The flight was escorted to Stansted Airport (John Stillwell/PA Wire ) / John Stillwell/PA Wire

Prosecutor Fabio Vitiello told the court: "The premium would have been 175 higher, therefore the prosecution case is that by not disclosing the conviction he made a benefit for himself by not paying the higher price."

The court heard that Baqa, of Priory Road in Barking, east London, was pulled over on the school run after going through the red light.

As well as the penalty points, Stratford magistrates fined him in June 2015 for not wearing a seatbelt or ensuring his daughter was wearing one in the back of the Renault Modus.

Giving evidence, Baqa said he believed he had not been given the points, only the fine, because it was not mentioned on a court letter he received.

His sister-in-law paid the insurance to allow him to drive around his wife, her sister, who was disabled, he said, and she could afford the higher premium anyway.

He said: "There was no reason for me to be dishonest."

But District Judge Paul Booty said he would have known at the earlier court hearing he had received points as well as a fine.

He told the defendant: "What you have tried to do today is put forward a smokescreen. I don't accept that evidence. Therefore you are guilty of the offence."

Additional reporting by Press Association.
T he ex-fiancee of a conman who pretended to be a multi-millionaire wine trader, fooling his victims out of more than 100,000, has spoken out about her ordeal.

Lasse Hartmann, a Danish national, used his relationship with lifestyle blogger Adanma Wokoh to get vast sums of money from her and her professional contacts.

His victims, numbering more than 20 people, lost in excess of 104,000 during the 17-month period of his scams, police said.

The 43-year-old convinced Ms Wokoh, with whom he had an 18-month relationship, they should rent a flat in the affluent Belgravia area of London, she said.

He bought her an engagement ring he told her had cost 50,000 which turned out to be worth just 20.

In his guise as a businessman, using the alias Lars Petraeus, Hartmann promised various investors wine packages that were never delivered, costing one trader almost 20,000.

Unbeknown to investors and Ms Wokoh, the professional fraudster was using much of the money to fund his gambling habit and lavish lifestyle, police said.

He was found guilty on Thursday at Snaresbrook Crown Court of 22 counts of fraud.

Ms Wokoh, who described giving evidence at his trial as "probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life", said despite the trauma she does not want to see herself as a victim.

She said: "I had a lucky escape. I feel like it could have been so much worse. I don't want to feel like a victim.

"I have come out of this quite strong. My family really rallied around me, and my friends."

The 32-year-old, who runs a blog about living in London, said she believes she lost close to 13,000 to her former partner, but because of her Christian faith she has decided to forgive him.

Asked what message she has for Hartmann, she said: "He really needs to look at what he is doing to people and get some kind of help or rehabilitation. He did not look like he was showing remorse (in court)."

She added: "People may think they will never be a victim of a con artist but I'm testimony it can happen to anyone.

"I went into the relationship hoping to find my life partner and finding out it was a sham almost broke me. When you hit rock bottom, the only way is up.

Pc Alex Ramsay, head of the Metropolitan Police unit in charge of the case, said of Hartmann: "He exploited everyone around him, not least the woman who thought that she was going to marry him. He used her status as a respected food blogger to give him credibility and from there managed to convince a number of businesses to go into partnership with him.

Hartmann, of Cardinals Way, north London, is due to be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 28.

Additional reporting by PA.
A group of north London residents confronted "reckless and brazen" moped thieves before a Mercedes was driven at police officers in north London.

One police officer was injured after the car was driven over his foot in an afternoon of reckless criminality in East Finchley, Scotland Yard said.

Police were first called to the High Road at 2.45pm on Wednesday after members of the public stopped two men in their tracks when they tried to steal a moped near the junction with Park Road.

The two men fled the scene and minutes later crashed the moped in Elmfield Road. Another member of the public tried to stop the thieves but was threatened with a knife, it is claimed.

Police arrived and chased the pair on foot through the streets of north London as they climbed over fences in a bid to get away.

Around two hours later, at 5.20pm, more members of the public called police about another attempted moped theft in William Close.

Police began chasing a man and found a Mercedes CLA 180 with four people inside.

As they approached, the driver ploughed the car over a police officers foot before fleeing the scene. The vehicle was later found abandoned nearby.

Superintendent Paula Light of Barnet police said: These incidents, which we are treating as linked, show how the Met and the public can work together to tackle crime - even when, and maybe especially when, offenders appear brazen and reckless.

"This group's attempts to steal mopeds in East Finchley were thwarted by the intervention of and information provided by the public, as well as the resolve of Barnet police officers.

"I must thank those members of the public who assisted police and also commend the bravery of the officers, especially the police constable who was injured.

"The suspects took considerable risks to avoid capture, crashing a moped even before police could consider whether to pursue them, and sustaining injuries while climbing over fences. Even more seriously, they drove a car straight towards police officers.

She added: I am pleased that a car and stolen moped have been seized; since I am certain that this group did not plan to complete their afternoon of reckless criminality with two fewer vehicles than when they set out. A good deal of forensic evidence has also been obtained which will assist police in identifying outstanding suspects."

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man over the incident.

Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to call Barnet CID via 101 or to contact the Met via Twitter @MetCC. To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit the crimestoppers-uk.org web site.
S ex crimes reported in London schools and nurseries have risen by nearly 60 per cent in the last three years, the Evening Standard can reveal.

Police figures show there were nearly 500 reports of sexual offences in the last academic year including rape, assault, grooming and exposure. The youngest victim was said to be two.

Lib-Dem education spokesman John Pugh said he was angered by the levels uncovered by his party through a Freedom of Information request.

I believe these figures are the tip of the iceberg in London and that is an utterly horrific thought, he said.

The youngest victim was two years old. This breaks your heart. It is good news that more victims have the confidence to report abuse, which I believe in part explains the figure.

He added that he was shocked by reports of serious and life-changing crimes being committed on very young children on school premises, even in a nursery. In 2013/14 there were 309 reported crimes.

This figure was 59 per cent higher in 2015/16 at 493 crimes. More than 35 types of sexual offence were reported each year during the period.

Among the most horrifying were the rape of girls and boys aged under 13 and activity with a child with mental disabilities.

Not all victims were necessarily pupils, but all incidents reported were on school premises.

The Met believes the increase could be down to more children reporting incidents, with issues such as sexting previously being dealt with by teachers without police involvement.

It is also possible some victims may have reported historical sexual offences which may have occurred when the victim was a child at a specific school.

Londons deputy mayor for policing Sophie Linden said: Every child should be safe at school and tackling violence against women and girls is at the heart of the Mayors Police and Crime Plan, to be published later this month.

We are working with schools in Croydon to trial a programme educating young people on healthy relationships, and investing in young peoples advocates to provide support and education for those affected by sexual exploitation.

The Mayors Office for Police and Crime gives the Safer London charity 276,000 a year for its Empower programme, aimed at reducing sexual offences.

This funds six young peoples advocates for Brent, Enfield, Haringey, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and west London. The number of Met safer schools officers has also risen from 282 to 550.
T wo former Southern Rail workers have been jailed for their part in a major fraud scheme which saw 100,000 worth of false compensation claims made for delayed trains.

Ringleader Abiodun Bamidele and his friend Jeffrey Opoku, who both live in London, were jailed for four years and two years respectively at Blackfriars Crown Court.

The pair, along with Elizabeth Howell and George Wangboje, carried out their crimes over five years, beginning in February 2010.

They exploited train operators Delay Repay compensation schemes which were established to compensate honest fare-paying passengers who have suffered delays.

Led by Bamidele, the group used more than 120 names and over 60 addresses to submit bogus claims for delayed trains which they hadnt been on.

Jeffrey Opoku was jailed for his part in the five-year fraud / British Transport Police

They used fake receipts, forged bank statements and fraudulently-produced rail tickets to hoodwink operators.

Transport police revealed that Bamidele, 54, and Opoku, 55, called each other names such as Mr Great Western Train Robber and Mr Hull Trains as they joked about their crimes.

But they were eventually identified due to the number of claims being filed using the same handwriting, which forensics analysis showed to be Bamideles.

All four were arrested in April 2015 but were not convicted until the end of a four-week trial at Blackfriars Crown Court which began in February this year.

They made 350 claims in total, amounting to 98,000 in value. Of these, 171 were paid out, amounting to 54,922.

One of the many fraudulent claim letters the group sent / British Transport Police

The court heard how on one occasion Bamidele contacted Howell and informed her of a delayed train from Glasgow that would get him in excess of 500. She immediately responded: Hehehe na mi na want diamond ring!

Howell, 46, of Coventry, was handed a nine-month jail sentence suspended for two years and was ordered to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work.

Wangboje, 58, of Essex, was given a 15-month sentence suspended for two years and 200 hours of unpaid work.

Southern's Fare Evasion Manager, Julia Burgess told the Standard: "We welcome genuine claims for delays to journeys of 15 minutes or more. However, this case demonstrates that if you abuse a scheme to compensate rail passengers who are delayed, it will be treated as serious fraud and you will be prosecuted.

GTR worked closely with BTP on this case, and will continue to highlight to them those cases where we believe that fraudulent claims are being made."
T his was the moment a moped rider was caught hiding on a rooftop after crashing into a police car and fleeing in east London.

Police said he collided with a Met vehicle in Chadwell Heath just before 1pm on Thursday, before disappearing on foot.

The search ended when officers spotted the man sat on the roof of a nearby house, with a black hood pulled over his head and his arms resting on his knees.

Officers persuaded him to come down off the roof and he soon agreed, safely climbing back down to the ground.

The male was then arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police a couple of hours earlier in Japan Road.

The Mets Roads and Transport Policing Command posted a picture of the moped rider atop the roof on Twitter.

They added the caption: A moped rider crashed into our traffic car in Japan Rd @MPSBarkDag and then legged it. Who can spot him?! Safely brought down and arrested.

A Met spokesman confirmed to the Standard: "A motorcycle was in a collision with a car. A man made off, he climbed a roof but was talked down and arrested."
B ritains top judges will today rule on taking children out of school during term-time after a father took his daughter to Disney World.

The Supreme Court announces its decision on Thursday in a landmark case between education chiefs and father Jon Platt who took his daughter on a seven-day family trip without her headteachers permission.

Mr Platt had asked to take his daughter out of school for a holiday in April 2015 but it was refused.

When he defied the school and went to Orlando in Florida, he was fined but refused to pay.

Isle of Wight council prosecuted Mr Platt for refusing to pay the penalty. A magistrates court found there was no case to answer but the council appealed to the High Court.

High court judges cleared Mr Platt, stating he was not acting unlawfully and his daughter had a good attendance record overall.

They added that the wider picture of a childs attendance should be taken into account.

But in a legal battle being closely watched by schools and parents all over the country, the council has now asked the Supreme Court justices to overturn the High Court decision, saying it raises important issues over what constitutes "regular attendance" at school.

Mays High Court ruling last year caused a surge in term-time bookings all over England.

At a hearing earlier this year the local authority, backed the Education Secretary, argued that a child's unauthorised absence from school "for even a single day, or even half a day" can amount to a criminal offence.

But a QC for Mr Platt described the submission as a new and radical interpretation of the law which was absurd and would "criminalise parents on an unprecedented scale".

James Eadie QC, for the Education Secretary, argued it would be "absurd" if parents could go on holiday with children when "the sun is out and foreign climes beckon" in a way that "undermined" Government policy on unauthorised absences.

Controversy was triggered when the Government ordered a crackdown on school absences in 2013.

New guidelines were introduced for English schools which only allow heads to permit pupils to miss classes in "exceptional circumstances".

Families complain that trips in official holiday periods are up to four times more expensive, and local councils have reported that the number of breaks in term time is increasing.

The Department for Education has told parents that their children missing just a few days in the classroom can damage GCSE results.

Additional reporting by Press Association.
T heresa May has told European Council President Donald Tusk that the sovereignty of Gibraltar is not up for negotiation in the Brexit talks.

The Prime Minister was meeting Mr Tusk face-to-face for the first time since triggering Article 50.

Following the meeting, European Union (EU) sources said both sides had recognised the need to "lower tensions" on contentious issues like the future of the Rock.

Downing Street said the Mrs May had made clear there could be no change to its status without the consent of its people.

Mrs May greets the European Council president outside 10 Downing Street / PA

The talks came after Mr Tusk suggested last week that Spain - which also claims sovereignty of Gibraltar - could veto its inclusion in any trade deal between Britain and the remaining EU member states.

The move caused fury in Gibraltar - which accused the EU of "bullying" - while former Conservative Party leader Lord Howard even suggested Mrs May could go to war to defend the Rock.

While few at Westminster seriously expect it to come to an armed conflict, there is concern among some MPs the EU intends to use the issue as leverage in the Brexit talks.

In a statement following the meeting, a No 10 spokesman said the Prime Minister had been clear she was determined to achieve the "best possible deal" for Gibraltar as well as the UK.

European Council President Donald Tusk departs 10 Downing Street after a meeting with Mrs May / EPA

"The PM also made clear that on the subject of Gibraltar, the UK's position had not changed: the UK would seek the best possible deal for Gibraltar as the UK exits the EU and there would be no negotiation on the sovereignty of Gibraltar without the consent of its people," the spokesman said.

EU sources said it had been a "good and friendly" meeting, with the talks running on for almost two hours.

"They agreed to stay in regular contact throughout the Brexit process to keep a constructive approach and seek to lower tensions that may arise, also when talks on some issues like Gibraltar inevitably will become difficult," one source said.

No 10 said the Prime Minister had reiterated her desire to secure a "deep and special partnership" with the remaining 27 member states, welcoming the European Council's "constructive approach" to the negotiations.

"Both leaders agreed that the tone of discussions had been positive on both sides and agreed that they would seek to remain in close touch as the negotiations progressed," a spokesman said.
R yanair has warned flights between the UK and European Union may be suspended for months during Brexit negotiations.

The Dublin-based budget airline claimed a delay in an aviation deal being reached during crucial talks could lead to flights being grounded.

The single market for aviation, created in the 1990s, means there are no commercial restrictions for airlines flying within the EU.

But a fresh deal must be secured if the UK's airline routes to Europe can continue after Britain leaves the EU, which is due to happen by March 2019.

Ryanair chief financial officer Neil Sorahan said: "We're looking at a scenario whereby today you can fly back and forth between the UK and Europe, tomorrow you can't.

Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures 1 /26 Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Common PA Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images European Council President Donald Tusk holds a news conference after receiving British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter in notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May takes her seat after announcing in the House of Commons PA The time 12:20pm shows on Big Ben on March 29, 2017 in London, England. The British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the Houses of Parliament as Article 50 is triggered and the process that will take the United Kingdom out of the European Union begins Carl Court/Getty Images D-day: pro-EU protesters outside of the Houses of Parliament today as Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50 AFP/Getty Images EU Council President Donald Tusk holds British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter which was delivered by Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow (not pictured) that gives notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters PMQ's in The House of Commons PA Jeremy Corbyn speaking at PMQ's in The House of Commons Sky News Theresa May leaving for the House of Commons Jeremy Selwyn Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at the headquarters of Vivendi in Paris where he took part in TV interviews to discuss the imminent triggering of Article 50 by the UK to leave the EU Stefan Rousseau/PA Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow arrives at the EU Council headquarters for as meeting before hand delivering British Prime Minister Theresa May's notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow arrives at the British representation of the European Union in Brussels Aurore Belot/AFP/Getty Images A giant headed Theresa May in Parliament Square, London during a protest by Avaaz after PM signed a letter to trigger Article 50 that starts the formal exit process by the UK from the European Union David Mirzoeff/PA British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walks down Whitehall Jack Taylor/Getty Images Britain's PM Theresa May signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, invoking Article 50. AFP/Getty Images

"Whether that is for a number of days, a number of weeks, a number of months, nobody knows at this point in time.

"But when you're dealing with a block of 27 countries that have to ratify something that's been agreed at the centre, we all know that politics moves slowly."

An "even worse scenario" would be for no agreement to be reached at all, he told a press conference in central London, before adding that "seems highly unlikely".

Airlines want aviation to be prioritised during the Brexit negotiations as flights are scheduled more than one year in advance.

"The clock is ticking down all the time," Mr Sorahan warned.

"Nobody really knows where this is going.

"We need that level of certainty so that ourselves and other airlines can make decisions and load flights for summer 2019 this time next year."

Ryanair expects it will need to apply for a UK operating licence after Brexit to continue domestic flights between destinations such as Belfast to London Gatwick and Glasgow to London Stansted.

But Mr Sorahan claimed the airline may prefer to cut the services completely.

He said: "It's a very small part of our business. It's less than 2 per cent of our capacity.

"The decision may be made not to go for an AOC (air operator certificate) and just to abandon domestic UK flying.

"It's not something that we particularly want to do but it's something that could happen."
A rmed police have been deployed to Aintree ahead of this weekends Grand National.

Bags and cars are being searched as punters enter the racecourse and heavily armed police are on patrol following last months terror attack in Westminster.

Merseyside Police said the extra armed officers are not a reaction to any direct threat, but a spokesman told the Standard that the race has not seen armed police for a while.

The Grand National is one of the UKs biggest events in the racing calendar and attracts more than 150,000 people over the three days.

Protection: Police said the armed police are not in response to any direct threat. / Peter Byrne/PA

From now until the final and most well-known race on Saturday, armed officers will be checking vehicles and peoples' badges.

Pictures taken at the course on Thursday showed officers holding large guns on roads leading into the festival and stationed around the site.

Merseyside Police said the festival has an excellent record of deterring crime but this year racegoers should expect extra security checks.

David Mullins riding Rule The World as he celebrates winning last year's Grand National. / Getty Images

Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Claire Richards, said: "Racegoers can help us by giving themselves extra time to get to the racecourse, arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring into the course.

They should also expect to undergo the normal security checks, including bag and transport searches and badge checks. Only pre-booked vehicles will be allowed onto the Aintree site and there are restrictions on parking around the course which will be rigorously enforced.

"Merseyside Police constantly reviews its staffing levels for any large-scale public events and as per normal racegoers can expect to see high visibility policing across the three days of the event.

"They may also see an armed presence but I want to reassure them that this is not in response to any direct threat aimed at the festival but just as a visible reassurance for the thousands of people who will come through the gates over the three days.

More than 70,000 spectators are expected at the racecourse for Saturdays race as 40 horses compete for some of the 1 million prize money.

The feature race  the sixth of seven on Saturday, April 8  will begin at 5.15pm.
T he Duchess of Cornwall was treated to a special performance by Vienna's celebrated Spanish Riding School today on the final leg of her European tour with Prince Charles.

Camilla spent more than an hour at the riding school in central Vienna while her husband went off to undertake his own solo royal duties.

The Duchess, a keen fan of equestrian sports, was shown around by Elisabeth Gurtler, the school's director, and toured the stables before watching a special performance in her honour in the Winter Riding School.

The horses and riders put on a display of classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the Haute Ecole. The school is listed on UNESCOs list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The Duchess of Cornwall (left) and Elisabeth Guertler, Director of the Spanish Riding School / EPA

"It was wonderful," Camilla said after the performance. "The last time I was here was in 1970," she added, after touring the historic buildings in the 450-year-old UNESCO-listed riding school, which takes the Spanish part of its name from the Lippizaner stallions, bred from horses originating from the Iberian peninsula in the 16th century.

Camilla armed herself with sugar lumps to tour the stables and treat the horses. "I normally bring my polo mints but I've forgotten them today," she said.

After the performance, she met the riders at a reception in a room above the Winter Riding School.
A father who lost a landmark legal battle after refusing to pay a fine for taking his daughter on holiday during term time has condemned the ruling as utterly shocking.

On Thursday Supreme Court judges backed a Government's policy on pupils who skip classes, ruling parents can be prosecuted under such circumstances.

They said it would be a "slap in the face" to law-abiding parents if others were allowed to break the rules.

Jon Platt brought the case to court after he defied his daughter's headteacher by taking her on a seven-day trip to DisneyWorld in Florida in 2015.

Speaking outside court after the ruling, he said he intends to continue fighting his case.

He said: "The issue is no longer, if it ever was, about term time holidays, is about the state taking the rights of parents away when it comes to making decisions about their children", he said.

Jon Platt has condemned the ruling / Stefan Rousseau/PA

He said parents may now face prosecution if their child is late for school and it is marked as an unauthorised absence, or if they decided to keep their child home for a morning because they appear tired.

He said previous legal precedents from the High Court have been "swept away" today, adding: "The consequences can only be described as shocking".

"I followed the law precisely", he said.

"They (legal precedents) told me to attend regularly was to attend very frequently so I decided not to pay a 60 penalty notice because my daughter had an otherwise prefect attendance record."

Mr Platt also called on parents to vote out local councillors who support prosecutions for unauthorised school absences.

He said he has "no intention" of pleading guilty when the case goes back to the magistrates court.

Mr Platt challenged a 60 fine issued by his local council, arguing his daughter had a good overall attendance record and parents should be free to choose when they take their children on holidays.

The legal battle began after Mr Platt was refused permission by the school to take his daughter to Orlando in Florida, but still went ahead with the trip.

But the Government fought the case, fearing its policy on unauthorised absences would be left in tatters if Mr Platt was victorious.
A s the headlines back home screamed about his troubled past, with his relationships and even his mental health issues exposed in yet another revelatory new book, the Prince of Wales let it all go over his head.

At 68 he has seen these so-called scandals come and go before. It was all such a long time ago, a source close to him said. The Prince has an important role to play today.

Prince Charles, in this post Brexit-era, is clearly focused on doing his duty for Britain amid the soft power battle to win hearts and minds abroad.

The Prince is much more than a glorified travelling salesman. Foreign Office mandarins have realised Charles and the other senior royals are key assets as we rebuild bilateral relations across Europe after triggering Article 50.

Europe minister Sir Alan Duncan, accompanying the Prince in Italy, agrees, describing the royal family as a great national resource. As the Queen, now nearly 91, no longer travels abroad, Charles is at the core at the subtle shift of emphasis in government strategy in using the royal brand.

Personally too Charles is in a far better place these days than at the time author Sally Bedell Smith focuses on in her latest tome, Prince Charles: The Passions And Paradoxes Of An Improbable Life. He and the Duchess of Cornwall are an accomplished double act on the international stage.

The Prince is, increasingly, taking the lead in monarchal business from his mother. I joined Charles and Camilla on their RAF jet as they schmoozed their way across Europe on a nine-day tour of Romania, Italy, the Papal See and Vienna, meeting presidents, prime ministers and the Pope. In Romania, where Charles went solo, he was on top form. He regularly visits the country privately and even owns two homes in Transylvania that he lets out. Paul Brummell, British ambassador to Romania, said: The Princes visit was a great success. He knows the country so well. That makes a real difference, fostering bilateral relations.

Within days Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson followed up on the Princes visit with a meeting with Romanias foreign minister and former director of foreign intelligence Teodor Melescanu, where they discussed bilateral relations and regional security.

There is a sense that after the tabloid headlines of the Nineties, focusing on his dysfunctional marriage to Princess Diana, Charles is now being recognised for what he does, not what he did.

Soft power is nothing new. Coined by Joseph Nye of Harvard University, it describes the ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce (hard power). There can be little doubt that Charles  while representing his mother on such tours  carries the clout of a king.

Covering this tour at close quarters, the allure of the monarchy is indisputable. It serves as a key soft power tool for attracting others to the values and culture of Britain.

The Prince is seen as pivotal in its use going forward. On the international stage he has increasing authority. When he talks to presidents and prime ministers they listen. With the Queen no longer expected to go abroad, the status of Charless foreign forays has been upgraded too. They are State visits in all but name.

Some detractors still harp on about half-truths and past myths as proof Charles may not have the right stuff to reign. First, the claim he doesnt want to be called Defender of the Faith but Defender of Faiths at his Coronation is wholly not true. Like the Queen he will take the Coronation Oath to be Defender of the Faith. Of course he believes passionately in inter-faith dialogue and wants to represent all his future subjects of every creed.

Other issues, such as the Camilla question have now also been resolved, informed sources say. Talk that Camilla, should the situation arise, will not take the title Queen Consort and will instead be Princess Consort on his ascension are wide of the mark. Make no mistake, Camilla, now a privy counsellor, will be queen. There would have to be a change in the law in Britain and several other realms before Charles becomes king for her not to be. There is little or no appetite for that.

To alter her status would be a PR own goal too, especially when the Government plans to use the royals to bolster our status on the world stage. She hasnt put a foot wrong on this tour.

Crucially, the question of Charles being a meddling king after the so-called black spider memos to ministers has been resolved too. Insiders say the Prince knows all the parameters of the top job and will not upset the constitutional apple cart for his own agenda.

Like the Queen, he is kept up to date with all government plans. He meets regularly with ministers, which is, of course, within his remit as heir to the throne.

He was confused recently by reports suggesting that when US president Donald Trump comes to Britain Charles will rant at him, metaphorically thrust a copy of his book on climate change into his hand and demand he act on it. Bemused, Charles asked aides: But why would they think I would do that? Why indeed.

To suggest such action is to misunderstand the complexity of a man driven by duty. Whenever he is asked about becoming king he has a stock answer: It is in the lap of the gods. Becoming king will have its personal sadness too  the passing of his mother. He is certainly in no hurry.

Using the soft power of brand royal is what senior sources say is part of a long-term plan. William and Kates recent trip to Paris and planned tour of Poland and Germany is part of the mix. Kate will also slot in a solo visit to Luxembourg. The Commonwealth will not be forgotten either, with trips to Canada by Charles and Camilla. Visits to Australia and New Zealand are pencilled in too. It is, in royal terms, all hands on deck.

In recent years all things royal have helped bolster brand Britain. The 2011 wedding of William and Kate and the 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations were huge global media events that drew viewers and crowds in their millions. Public support and media attention were repeated in 2013 with the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges first child, Prince George.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations generated 10 billion in tourist revenue for the British economy. Global viewing figures for the Olympic opening ceremony were at 900 million, peaking at the Queens James Bond cameo. The wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge brought an estimated 2 billion to the UK economy.

The balance between politics and a love for country can be neatly solved by a constitutional monarchy. It is a symbol of cooperation among nations, a byword for duty and peace.

This whistle-stop royal tour has confirmed Prince Charles as emblematic of Britain.

Crucially, when he becomes king he has shown on his travels that he has the natural abilities to transcend the grind of political demands and to stand as an active symbol of what is good about our country.
P arents can be prosecuted and fined if they take their children on holiday during term time, the Supreme Court said in a landmark ruling today.

Senior judges have backed the Government's policy on pupils who skip classes, saying it would be a "slap in the face" to law-abiding parents if others were allowed to break the rules.

The landmark ruling comes after a father, Jon Platt, defied his daughter's headteacher by taking her on a seven-day trip to DisneyWorld in Florida in 2015.

He challenged a 60 fine issued by his local council, arguing his daughter had a good overall attendance record and parents should be free to choose when they take their children on holidays.

But the Government fought the case, fearing its policy on unauthorised absences would be left in tatters if Mr Platt was victorious.

Lady Hale delivers her judgment at the Supreme Court

Delivering the judgement this morning, Lady Hale, sitting at the Supreme Court, said: "Unauthorised absences have a disruptive effect, not only on the education of the individual child, but also on the work of other pupils, and of their teachers.

"If one pupil can be taken out whenever it suits the parent, then so can others.

"Different pupils may be taken out at different times, multiplying the disruptive effect."

Lady Hale also pointed out that in this case, the child's mother had taken her out of school for a holiday in February 2015 and paid the fine without complaint.

"Parliament is unlikely to have found it acceptable that parents could take their children out of school in blatant disregard of the school rules, either without having asked for permission at all or, having asked for it, been refused", she said.

"This is not an approach to rule-keeping which any educational system can be expected to find acceptable.

"It is a slap in the face to those obedient parents who do keep the rules, whatever the cost or inconvenience to themselves."

Mr Platt's supporters argue this ruling will "criminalise parents on an unprecedented scale".

But Lady Hale pointed out that other "trivial" breaches - stealing a milk bottle and driving slightly over the speed limit - are also criminal that lead to low level fines.

The ruling will come as a relief to the Department of Education, which may have faced unprecedented disruption in schools if it had lost the case.

The legal battle began after Mr Platt was refused permission by the school to take his daughter to Orlando in Florida, but still went ahead with the trip.

Magistrates quashed the fine - 60 which doubled to 120 when Mr Platt refused to pay - but Isle of Wight council challenged the decision.

Mr Platt argued that his daughter had a 90.3 per cent attendance record at the time of the holiday, in April 2015.

At the High Court last year, judges backed Mr Platt, but referred the case to the Supreme Court because of general point of principle that it would affect parents around the country.

The five Supreme Court judges assessed the meaning of "fails to attend regularly" in the Education Act 1996, finding that this should be "in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school".

They rejected Mr Platt's case that the phrase should mean "sufficiently frequently", but judges disagreed.

Following the High Court ruling in May last year, there was a surge in bookings of term-time holidays and a string of local authorities changed their rules on pupil absences. Criminal prosecutions of other parents were also abandoned in light of the ruling.

The Supreme Court has ordered that Mr Platt's case will now go back to the magistrates court.

He can fight the case if he has a "statutory exception" for the absence, such as sickness or religious observance.
A growing number of parents are being prosecuted for children missing school, with some even being sent to prison.

The number facing court action increased by more than a fifth, with nearly 20,000 people taken to court in 2015 alone, according to the most recent figures.

The number of prosecutions has been rising steadily since a major government crackdown on children missing school began in 2013.

In total, 19,920 people in England were prosecuted in 2015 for making sure their child shows up.

This figure is equivalent to about 105 cases for each day of the school year.

This is up 21 per cent compared to 2014, when 16,430 faced prosecution, and a 61 per cent rise on 2011, when 12,344 cases were heard by the courts.

The Ministry of Justice statistics, gathered by the Press Association through freedom of information requests, cover two truancy-related offences under the Education Act 1996.

Parents may be prosecuted for a number of reasons, for example a child repeatedly truanting from school.

An analysis of the data shows that of those taken to court in 2015 - the latest year for which figures are available - three in four, 14,890 people, were found guilty.

Of these, the vast majority - 77 per cent - were handed fines. The average penalty was 176, up from 172 in 2014 and 155 in 2011.

Eight people were handed jail terms while 553 were given community sentences.

Justine Roberts, chief executive of parenting website Mumsnet, said: "Mumsnet users are supportive of teachers who want to minimise absences and disruption, but at the moment even trips with genuine educational value risk being refused - and if an older child is truanting without their parents' knowledge, fines are unlikely to resolve the problem."

She said parents would like to see head teachers given more discretion over absences.

Parents who take a child out of school without permission, for any reason, can face a fine of 60, rising to 120 if it is not paid quickly.

Those who do not pay can face prosecution.
P rince Charles' aides have denied claims that the Prime Minister was forced to charter a private jet to conduct Government business in the Middle East after he booked "her official plane" for a tour of Europe.

Royal sources dismissed suggestions that the Prince had "bumped" Theresa May off the plane and pointed out it was "not her plane."

They said that the aircraft was free when the royal tour  also carried out at the request of the Government  was booked several months ago.

They also added that as both trips were necessary there had been no undue cost to the taxpayer.

Royal sources have dismissed claims Prince Charles ousted the Prime Minister from using the jet / Getty

The surplus RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft was refitted at a cost of 10million last year to end the national embarrassment of British prime ministers arriving in foreign capitals in unflagged private planes.

But PM Mrs May could not use the jet for her trip to Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as Downing Street discovered it had been booked by the Prince of Wales for a nine-day visit to Romania, Italy and Austria

The clash meant the Prime Minister arrived in the Middle East on Monday in a Boeing 757, featuring the logo of private charter firm Air Partner.

She was in the region for three days to hold crunch talks on trade and security with King Abdullah of Jordan and King Salman of Saudi Arabia.

Prince Charles and Camilla used the plane for a charm offensive Foreign Office organised four country tour of Europe.

It was designed in part to win hearts and minds in the run-up to the Brexit negotiations.

Theresa May used a chartered jet for her official trip to the Gulf / AFP/Getty Images

Their schedule of almost 60 engagements concludes in Vienna today, where they will visit the Musikverein concert hall.

They have already spent time in Romania and Italy where Charles had talks with the President and Prime Minister.

The couple also had an audience with the Pope at the Vatican.

Around 15 members of royal staff accompanied them on the trip. Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan also accompanied them on the plane around Italy.

Ambassadorial staffs, the police protection team and scores Ministry of Defence Staff also were on the plane. A press contingent who paid for their seats were also on the plane.

Reports saying the plane is supposed to be a dedicated plane for the Prime Minister - a decision taken by David Cameron who claimed it would save the taxpayer 775,000 a year in private jet chartering fees - were dismissed by Palace officials.

Prince Charles dancing on a recent trip to Romania

The plane - also a refuelling aircraft - is earmarked for use by the Head of State, The Queen, The Heir to the Throne, when representing the Head of State and then the Prime Minister. In that order.

No 10 played down the significance of Mrs May spending tens of thousands to hire another jet.

An official said: "Ever since we first thought up the idea of the Voyager, it was always designed for use by the Queen and the Prime Minister or anyone attending international events representing the Queen or PM.

"The Prince of Wales is using it right now as he is representing the Queen on this tour he is on."

In reality the Queen, 91, this month is unlikely to use the plane as she nolonger undertakes long haul travel.

Prince Charles, her heir, carries out senior diplomatic missions overseas on her behalf - which are effectively at the same level of State visits as a result.

A Downing Street spokesman added: "Two visits at the same time means one aircraft will always have to be chartered.

"It makes no difference to the public purse whether Voyager is used by a member of the Royal Family or the Prime Minister."

But Labour MP Paul Flynn said: "Of course the Prime Minister should have the first call on the plane  she is the elected ruler."
A children's colouring book featuring Adolf Hitler has caused an outcry.

The book went on sale in the Netherlands showing the notorious dictator in typical pose with a swastika motif on his left arm and his right arm raised in a Nazi salute.

The retail chain Kruidvat has withdrawn the book from shelves after a storm of protest from locals as well as officials in Germany and Belgium.

We apologise unreservedly, said a company spokesman, blaming printers in India for a horrible mistake.

Ray Vervloed (R) with his daughter Kira and the coloured-in Hitler picture / EPA

The book Kleuren op Code - colouring by numbers - contains portraits of various famous people for children to fill in, including Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln.

I think the man who made the drawings picked a few famous people from another book. Unfortunately, Hitler was among them. Perhaps he didnt know him, a spokesperson for the publisher told local media in Belgium.

Kruidvat said several dozen were sold on Monday before the book was pulled. It is offering refunds to customers who return them.
F rance today warned against military strikes on the Syrian regime based on a rush of blood by Donald Trump after dozens were killed in a suspected chemical weapons attack.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also accused Washington of sending mixed messages over how it would respond to the alleged war crime by tyrant Bashar Assads forces.

The priority at this stage, he added, was to pursue diplomatic talks to try to reach a United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria.

Post mortem results have revealed that chemical weapons were used in the attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Syrias Idlib province which killed at least 70 people including 20 children, Turkish justice minister Bekir Bozdag said today.

'Dozens killed' in suspected chemical attack in Syrian province

Thirty-two victims of Tuesdays attack have been brought to Turkey and three have subsequently died.

The alleged war crime by tyrant Bashar Assads forces claimed the lives of civilians and children / Reuters

Britain, France and the US are pushing for a new UN resolution to condemn the attack, despite resistance from Russia.

France is still seeking to talk with its partners on the Security Council, especially the permanent members, and Russia in particular, said Mr Ayrault.

However, he was more cautious about a military response. He said: The first stage is to get a resolution vote and above all to restart peace negotiations in Geneva.

"It is not to go in ourselves, under the pretext that the US president may have a rush of blood to the head, and get onto a war footing.

Mr Trump stressed yesterday that Assads government had gone beyond a red line with the suspected poison attack on civilians, but did not detail how he might respond.

US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley warned that America could be compelled to act if the UN failed to respond.

But Mr Ayrault said the US response on Syria was still unclear, and that he was getting mixed messages from his counterpart, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson, and defence secretary Jim Mattis.

Theyre not saying the same thing, he said. Mr Tillerson has piled pressure on Russia not to block a new UN resolution.

Britain is also waiting to see what route Mr Trump takes, though Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has warned that the Assad regime must pay a price if it is found to have carried out the attack, which he believes it did.

Mr Johnson today said a UN resolution should be passed before any unilateral action was taken in Syria. It is very important to try first to get out a UN resolution, he told reporters in Sarajevo.

I cannot understand how anybody on the UN security council could fail to sign up to a motion condemning the actions of the regime that is almost certainly responsible for that crime.

Russia has claimed Syrian air strikes hit a rebel position where chemical weapons were being manufactured.

The Syrian regime denies it is to blame for the deaths.

In an interview conducted before the chemical weapons attack, Assad said that there is no option except victory with his forces making advances against the rebels.

Diplomatic experts believe that messages from Washington that it was no longer seeking to oust Assad may have emboldened his regime to launch the chemical weapons strike.
A dog is being hailed a hero for stopping a suicide bomber from killing guests at a Nigerian wedding.

A teenage terrorist tried to detonate her explosives among guests at the celebration in the village of Belbelo, near the north-eastern city of Maiduguri.

But the dog attacked the terrorist while she made her way to wedding, fighting with her until her explosives detonated  killing the heroic dog.

Witness Buba Ahmed said guests were grateful that the dog sacrificed itself to save their lives.

Police spokesman Victor Isuku said the bomber, believed to be from Boko Haram, had been making her way into the wedding party on Sunday morning when the dog pounced on her.

In a statement reported by Nigerian media, he said: "This forced the suspect to detonate her explosive, while battling to wriggle herself from the claws and jaws of the dog.

"The dog stopped the teenage suicide bomber from detonating her strapped improvised explosive devices on the wedding crowd of people."

The dog is understood to have belonged to one of the wedding party guests, Sky News reported.
T he Prime Minister of New Zealand has split opinion after bizarrely revealing he puts tinned spaghetti and pineapple on his pizzas.

In a message published online, the world leader shared a selfie of him posing next to a pizza and urged citizens to give their views on his chosen toppings.

It comes one month after the president of Iceland also joked out of the blue that he wanted to ban pineapple as a pizza topping.

A subsequent YouGov survey sparked a heated debate in the UK after pollsters found more than 50 per cent of Brits enjoy pineapple as a topping  while others passionately disagreed.

'Atrocious': The tinned spaghetti pizza / Bill English

But New Zealand PM Bill English has taken the discussion up a notch with a message asking for his countrys thoughts on tinned spaghetti as a topping.

He wrote on Facebook: Cooked dinner for the family last night  like if you agree with tinned spaghetti on pizza!

Hundreds of people commented on his message with opinions on both sides of the fence, calling tinned spaghetti on pizza both "atrocious" and awesome.

Alison Franklin, who lives in Palmerston North in New Zealand, wrote: Totally agree that spaghetti on pizza is yum BUT who else has noticed how runny canned spaghetti is nowadays.

The 55-year-old PM replied and said: I drained off some of the liquid but not quite enough since pizza was a bit soggy in the middle. Goes well with pineapple.

Others hit out at the politicians choices. Pierce-James Boreham said on Facebook: I fully support your policies, and I am behind tinned spaghetti on pizza, however pineapple on pizza is a policy I cannot support.

Aly Refaat said: Sorry Bill, any man who puts spaghetti on pizza is not fit to run my country, you cannot count on my vote come election time.

Some people slammed him for sharing a message about such a trivial topic.

Bill English, leader of the centre-right New Zealand National Party, took office as PM in December last year.
C hemical weapons were used in a deadly attack in northern Syria which killed dozens of civilians, Turkey has confirmed.

On Thursday the Turkish justice minister said autopsy results on the victims of the attack in Syria's Idlib province found chemical weapons had been used.

It is now thought more than 80 people were killed in the tragedy, with victims experiencing horrific symptoms similar to nerve gas.

Thirty-two victims of Tuesday's attack have been brought to Turkey and three have subsequently died.

'Dozens killed' in suspected chemical attack in Syrian province

Diplomats clashed over who was responsible for the tragedy, with members of the United Nations Security Council disagreeing over whether to hold the countrys president Bashar al-Assad to account for the attack.

Donald Trump and other world leaders said the government was behind the attack but Syrian ally Russia said it was caused by an airstrike which hit chemical weapons owned by rebels.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley holds photographs of victims during a meeting at the United Nations Security Council on Syria. / REUTERS

Israel's defence minister says he is "100 per cent certain" that President Assad's forces carried out the chemical attacks. Avigdor Lieberman told the Yediot Ahronot newspaper on Thursday the attacks were conducted under Assad's "direct and intentional order" and carried out with Syrian planes.

The US ambassador Nikki Haley said Trumps government could respond to the attack if the UN fail to take action.

France said they still want a resolution from the security council and said they preferred peace talks over military action.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson with the Swiss Federal Councillor and German Foreign Minister at the UN conference. / AFP/Getty Images

According to the Daily Mail, Downing Street sources said Britain has made no plans for military action in response to Syrias attack.

Foreign secretary Boris Johnson urged all countries to support the UK and France in condemning the deadly killing.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Johnson said no one could reasonably object to the UN resolution.

"We in the UK, together with our French friends, have called an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. We have tabled a resolution which I hope absolutely everybody feels able to sign up to.

"Because all we are saying is that there should be condemnation of that chemical weapons attack, and secondly, that there should be a thorough and urgent international investigation, and I don't think anybody could possibly, reasonably, oppose such a resolution."

The head of Israel's Holocaust memorial is urging world leaders to bring an end to the atrocities and give humanitarian aid to the victims.

Tuesdays attack was on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib. According to witnesses, victims were choking and foaming at the mouth.

Assessments by the US suggested they found traces of chlorine gas and nerve agent sarin were in the chemical used. Sarin is considered 20 times more toxic than the poison cyanide.
A n entire town in New Zealand was evacuated today as flooding in the region continued to wreak havoc.

Jet boats and tractors were used to rescue about 2,000 people in Edgecumbe  which sits on the Bay of Plenty in the countrys North Island  after the Rangitaiki river burst through a concrete levee, flooding hundreds of homes and businesses.

Meanwhile more than 200 homes were flooded in Rockhampton in north-east Australia.

Rockhampton sits near the mouth of the Fitzroy river, which draws water from a catchment area almost the size of Britain and has risen to dangerously high levels.

This body of water is incredible, Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

Jet boats and tractors were used to rescue about 2,000 people in Edgecumbe / AP

Both countries have been drenched in recent days by the remnants of Cyclone Debbie, which ripped across Queensland and New South Wales last week, leaving at least six people dead.

Meteorologists have described the extreme weather in both countries as a once-in-500-years event.

Flooding in Australian town of Rockhampton

In Edgecumbe, authorities declared a state of emergency after the levee failed. Local mayor Tony Bonne said the water was more than a metre deep in some homes and one nearby river had reached an all-time record height.

He added that some leaking had occurred around the levee on the Rangitaiki river before it failed. Crews had worked to reinforce the structure and thought they had it secured when she just let go.

Some people are in shock, of course, but many are accepting that this is something thats a part of nature which they have no control over, Mr Bonne said.

Two welfare centres have been set up for flood-hit residents. Local government minister Anne Tolley said: The message is, its not safe, your life could be at risk, dont go home.

Andy Best, a meteorologist with MetService, said a nearby weather monitoring station had recorded 191mm (7.5ins) of rain over the past couple of days, an amount that would typically fall over two months.

The town of Kaikoura on South Island, which was cut off when a powerful earthquake last November brought down hillsides, was isolated again by this weeks rain, as access roads were closed due to mudslides.
A lec Baldwin has had a furious Twitter row with Hollywood producer Dana Brunetti after claiming that he was unaware that he was starring opposite an underage actress.

In his new memoir, the US actor denies that he knew Nikki Reed was just 16 when they played lovers in 2006 film Minis First Time, saying that he was only told after filming.

I was forty-seven, and it never occurred to me to ask how old Nikki Reed was. When I found out, just as we finished, that she was seventeen, I flipped out on the producers, who had told me something different, Baldwin wrote.

Brunetti has now refuted Baldwins claims, branding him a liar in a series of angry tweets on Thursday evening.

My first indie film was Mini's starring @AlecBaldwin who knew @NikkiReed_I_Am was 16 (not 17) and he didn't mind, he posted.

In fact @NikkiReed_I_Am was 1 of 4 actresses @AlecBaldwin had approved and her being the only 1 of those 4 repped by HIS own agency CAA.

He continued: The only time @AlecBaldwin ever yelled at me was on the phone and it was about one of the producers who worked with the financier.

Alec Baldwin may retire impersonation of 'satire-resistant' Donald Trump

Baldwin then waded in, posting: And Hollywood producers like Brunetti never do anything shady or unethical?

The actor then challenged Brunetti to produce the release forms that he would have had to sign if Reed was underage.

He wrote: SAG rules require releases for scenes involving physical contact with minors. I take you have a copy of that?

I was told she was 16 by her hairdresser. At the end of the shoot. You're already buried, he added.

The pair then proceeded to sling a series of insults at each other in the public forum, with Brunetti saying that Baldwin was either a liar or a daft idiot.
S ir Michael Caine has admitted that his vote for Brexit was about freedom rather than racism.

The veteran actor said that he is confident that Britains exit from the European Union will be alright, despite the fact that politics is always chaotic.

I think it will be alright. I voted for Brexit ... what it is with me, I'd rather be a poor master than a rich servant, he told Sky News.

"It wasn't about the racism, immigrants or anything, it was about freedom.

TODO: define component type brightcove

The 84-year-old star added: Politics is always chaotic.

"In politics you're always going into areas you've never been before, so you're going to get lost and then you're going to find your way, and then it'll be alright."

Caine, who stars in new film Going in Style, said that he has no intentions of retiring anytime soon and is keen to keep working as long as possible.

Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures 1 /26 Brexit: Article 50 Triggered - In pictures Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Common PA Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow delivers British Prime Minister Theresa May's formal notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels AFP/Getty Images European Council President Donald Tusk holds a news conference after receiving British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter in notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May takes her seat after announcing in the House of Commons PA The time 12:20pm shows on Big Ben on March 29, 2017 in London, England. The British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the Houses of Parliament as Article 50 is triggered and the process that will take the United Kingdom out of the European Union begins Carl Court/Getty Images D-day: pro-EU protesters outside of the Houses of Parliament today as Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50 AFP/Getty Images EU Council President Donald Tusk holds British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter which was delivered by Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow (not pictured) that gives notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters PMQ's in The House of Commons PA Jeremy Corbyn speaking at PMQ's in The House of Commons Sky News Theresa May leaving for the House of Commons Jeremy Selwyn Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at the headquarters of Vivendi in Paris where he took part in TV interviews to discuss the imminent triggering of Article 50 by the UK to leave the EU Stefan Rousseau/PA Britain's permanent representative to the European Union Tim Barrow arrives at the EU Council headquarters for as meeting before hand delivering British Prime Minister Theresa May's notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium Yves Herman/Reuters Britain's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow arrives at the British representation of the European Union in Brussels Aurore Belot/AFP/Getty Images A giant headed Theresa May in Parliament Square, London during a protest by Avaaz after PM signed a letter to trigger Article 50 that starts the formal exit process by the UK from the European Union David Mirzoeff/PA British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walks down Whitehall Jack Taylor/Getty Images Britain's PM Theresa May signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, invoking Article 50. AFP/Getty Images

People always say 'are you going to retire?' and of course the movie business retires you, he said.

"You get paid a fortune for kissing the most beautiful women in the world - not a bad job is it? That's why none of us retire early."

Caine recently went on a health kick and lost two stone amid fears that his days are numbered.

The actor said he has cut down on drinking and eating sugar and salt as he wants to see his grandchildren grow up.

I know my days are numbered and thats the main worry, he told the Sun on Sunday.

Ive had to cut back on the drinking and Im always looking up whats the best thing against cancer, so Ill eat that or do this or not do that.
Speaking in tonights episode of the BBC cooking contest, Torode hails Wallace as delicious, comparing him to a spicy fish dish that a contestant whips up.

First impression? Sort of like the first time I met you, Torode says upon trying the food.

A bit frightened, but I got to know you and I realised it was delicious.

MasterChef is back with a snazzy new pantry for 2017 / BBC/Shine TV

Wallace jokes back: And then as you had more and more of it, you got a bit sick of it?

Torode replies: No, no!

The exchange is airing days after John Torode reportedly told The Mirror that he and Wallace havent got a strong relationship away from the show.

"It's funny, we've never been friends, he told the publication.

"We've not been to each other's houses. He's so OCD, he wouldn't know what to do.

MasterChef 2017 - BBC trailer

"If we go away to somewhere like South Africa, we do things separately.

"If we do go out for a drink, I'll invariably be at one end of a big old table and he'll be at the other."

However, Torode was Wallaces best man at his wedding to Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2016.

Gifts for Masterchefs - in pictures 1 /14 Gifts for Masterchefs - in pictures Masterchef inspired gift ideas - in pictures Click to find out our seasonal gifts for seasoned amateur chefs Lakeland Oven Gloves Ensure you arent all fingers and thumbs with these heat resistant oven gloves. Allowing for greater grip when youre dealing with hot pans and dishes, theyll allow you to be more hands-on with your cooking. 18.99, Lakeland Buy it now John Lewis Meat Thermometer Never worry about overcooked beef or underdone pork again with this handy meat thermometer. A must for any meat-handling cook, a temperature probe allows for better cooking results with minimal effort. 7.50, John Lewis Buy it now Wusthof Chef's Knife A workman should never blame his tools but every chef worth his salt invests in a good kitchen knife. This chefs knife from Wusthof is a top quality option for anyone who is serious about improving their knife skills. 72, Amazon Buy it now Sous Chef Food Tweezers Food tweezers are a marvellous way to plate up to a Masterchef level, and feel professional in the process. These 30cm ones from Sous Chef will allow you to place anything from vegetables to fish to ensure a winning plate. From 7.50, Sous Chef Buy it now Le Creuset Apron This stylish apron from Le Creuset is essential for any sartorial chef, professional or not. Featuring lots of pockets as well as an adjustable neck strap to maximise comfort, its a classic design that will be at home in any kitchen. 33, Le Creuset Buy it now Sous Chef Squeezy Bottle Ever wanted to plate a sauce or a jus to Michelin starred standards, a squeezy bottle is all it takes to add a little flair to your presentation. Perfect as an unusual stocking filler for the creative cook. 1.95, Sous Chef Buy it now Lakeland Copper Tri Ply Saucepan The competent cuisinier has always sung praises of the copper pan. Fusing practicality with beauty, this copper saucepan is a timeless edition to any hob. 61.99, Lakeland Buy it now Jamie Oliver Ridge Plate In order to showcase food in its best light, a set of minimal but sophisticated plates will ensure that all eyes are on the finished product. These plates from Jamie Oliver will bring a touch of simple modernity and restaurant flair to any dinner. From 5.20, Debenhams Buy it now Dunelm Chopping Board Set 10. Hygiene is vital in any kitchen and these colour coordinated chopping boards from Dunelm makes it effortless. Not only providing separate boards for meat and fish, the casing itself is a solid wooden board making it ideal for kitchens lacking in space. 17.99, Dunelm Buy it now Leith's School of Food and Wine Cookery Classes It might be you are wanting to gift the cook that has everything. Maybe a cookery class will do the trick. The renowned Leiths offers single evening classes which would make the perfect gift. Their Easy Gourmet class with Laoise Casey is running on two dates in January and March. Various prices, Leith's School of Food and Wine Buy it now

Wallace told ITVs Lorraine on Thursday: "I film with John six or seven months of the year, so we are very close to each other physically, and emotionally we are very close to each other.

"What's great about having a partnership is that if one of you is a bit off, a bit down, the other one naturally steps up, so I rely on John a lot."

After the Mirror interview was published, Torode posted a happy selfie with Wallace on Twitter to refute the claim.

A lovely day spent with the wonderful @GreggAWallace, he wrote. Love a newspaper #MasterChefUK

BBC One, 8pm
Riverside Discovery Center is looking for young scientists.

The Nebraska Science Festival is held each year in locations throughout the state. Last year was the first time the event was hosted in the Panhandle. More than 300 students turned out for the The Panhandle Science Festival to learn about science. Organizers are hoping for more students this year, especially with the addition of a student science project.

Riverside Discovery Center will be hosting the festival April 28-29. As part of the events on Saturday, April 29, staff are looking for students who are willing to create a science project and present them during the science fair.

Prizes are awarded for the top entries in each of three age groups  elementary, middle school and high school. Alex Henwood, education curator, is encouraging students to enter a project, regardless of the subject matter.

It could even be a research project about colors and asking why is the sky blue? she said. Its asking the question why and then doing the experiment using the scientific method.

The Nebraska Science Festival began in 2013 as an initiative of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). With the assistance of local organizations throughout the state, UNMC continues to administer the festival to further the advancement of science literacy.

Presentations at the Science Festival are designed to be fun for children and adults while making science interactive and accessible for visitors. Booths and activities will be featured throughout the zoo.

We are going to have local science groups here with crafts and activities and fun experiments for kids to learn, Henwood said. We will also have a lava experiment near the Dino Dig.

Whether students enter a project or drop by to learn from some local experts, Henwood is looking forward to all the science-related activities happening that weekend. The event is a fun way to bring science and animals together in an environment where they can learn about both.

The science festival shows kids the fun of asking the question, Why? and being able to find the answer, she said.

The deadline for science project entries is April 14. The event runs Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular admission rates at the zoo apply. Visit Riverside Discovery Centers website, http://riversidediscoverycenter.org/, for more information.

For more information about Nebraska Science Festival visit www.nescifest.com. For more information or guidelines and entry forms for science projects, visit the Riverside Discovery Center gift shop, 1600 S. Beltline Highway West.
H. Michael Edwards, a farming community kid from Lyman, Nebraska, called it a career on April 2 as he retired from 43 years of service with the Colorado National Guard with the rank of Major General.

More than 400 family and friends attended the ceremony at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado as Adjutant General Edwards was given his retirement orders, numerous honors and awards, as well as the Distinguished Service Medal.

My father served in the Army at the end of World War II and I always saw his uniform hanging in the closet, Edwards said.

As a graduate of Lyman High School in 1969, Edwards grew up in the 1950s.

Most of the people on school boards and in the community had family that served in the military back then, he said. I have two uncles who served in the Marine Corps, so I thought military service might be for me.

Graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1973, Edwards initially became a fighter pilot. He served in South Korea before finishing his active duty career in 1980 in New Mexico.

A friend from the academy said he was coming up to Denver to fly at Buckley and he recommended I drop them a resume, Edwards said. I was back working on the farm in Lyman when I was called in for an interview. They signed me on as a part-time pilot.

When one the officers making up the name tags asked what his call sign was, Edwards said he didnt have one. The officer asked what he did for a living, and Edwards told him he farmed with his father. Since then, his call sign has been Farmer.

To this day, a lot of people think my last name is Farmer, Edwards said.

For several of his active flying years, his connection to the area would bring Edwards to western Nebraska, performing flyovers during Gerings annual Oregon Trail Days parade.

Edwards status with the Colorado National Guard was still part-time from 1980 to 1992, while he continued to farm near Lyman.

Farming at that time wasnt doing so well, he said. When Buckley Air Base converted to the F-16 fighter jets, I had the opportunity to become a full timer on the National Guard side.

In 2007, he became the Adjutant General for the Colorado National Guard. His duties included making sure members of the guard have the necessary training to be ready to go in any federal or state emergency.

Two of those emergencies happened almost back to back in 2012 and 2013. Soldiers and airmen were deployed to help with safety and cleanup operations during 2012s Black Forest and Waldo Canyon fires. The following year, crews offered the same help after the historic flooding in Boulder Canyon.

Throughout his career, Edwards was highly respected by all who served with him. One of the people who worked frequently under his command was Nathaniel Johnson, Director of Bands at Western Nebraska Community College. His impression of the Adjutant General, called TAG, was the same as others who servedthat Edwards is a very nice person who genuinely likes his people.

Johnson said it made an impression on him that Edwards would often greet him by his first name, which isnt on the uniform. That means he has to know my first name. Given that he has about 5,000 people under his charge, it says something about his character. He takes a personal interest in them.

The state Command Chaplain also spoke at the ceremony and Johnson recalled his comments that when an airman was lost in battle, Edwards would notify the family face-to-face.

When soldiers came back from deployment, TAG would meet them at the airport to welcome them back personally and thank them for their service, Johnson said. One time, it was only one guy who arrived after midnight, but the general was there along with the chaplain. They even carried his luggage to the car.

Edwards said the people in his command are his responsibility, so its his responsibility to see them off and welcome them home. To him, everyone is equally important.

Now that hes retired, Edwards said the people of western Nebraska will probably see more of him.

My wife and I will continue to live in Colorado, but I plan to spend a lot more of my time on the farm, he said. Once you have farming in your blood, its hard to get it out, so I look forward to getting back on a tractor.
During a field trip, students might not be expected to be thrown to the ground or have their fingerprints dusted, but that is what happened on April 5 during the Criminal Justice Career Day at Western Nebraska Community College.

There were seven different sessions and in each one students got to practice the skills and gain knowledge about working in the criminal justice field. One of the sessions was taught by Det. Henry Moreno and officer Kristen Massie of the Gering Police Department. They presented on evidence collection and preserving and processing the evidence.

They went through the process of identifying evidence and obtaining evidence. Massie and Moreno also explained the different types of evidence.

It can make or break a case as far as collecting the right evidence and preserving it, Massie said.

Moreno said he wanted students to understand the safety and security of a crime scene is paramount.

We have to make sure the scene is rendered safe prior to starting the process of preservation of the scene, Moreno said.

He also wanted to make sure the students are aware of what they are getting into in the career field and one of the most important things when law enforcement arrive on scene is to preserve evidence.

Another spectrum of criminal justice is probations.

Stephanie Skinner, assistant probation officer, described probation as awesome and gets people the help they need if they can be engaged. Skinner described probation as a chance for someone to make choices to change their lives. She said being a probation officer is a lot like law enforcement.

A probationer is a person. They are there because they need help, Skinner said. Every person has a story and every story is different.

Tiffany Wasserburger, director of the WNCC criminal justice program, said it was considered a relaunch of the career day since it was not held last year due to the weather.

One hundred and twenty students were present at the Criminal Justice Career Day. Students came from local schools, including Scottsbluff and Gering, but also places farther away in Colorado and Wyoming.

We had a fantastic turnout, Wasserbuger said.

Wasserburger said the day was important because the college is such a huge resource for the Panhandle. The WNCC criminal justice program has internships set up with many local agencies.

When kids come to our college, they can go get real-life hands-on experience which builds their resume and prepares them for work, she said.

Wasserburger is in her third year instructing classes at WNCC and there are around 50 students in the criminal justice program.

Criminal justice is a much bigger field than people think it is, Wasserburger said.

She said there is not just law enforcement and attorneys. There is probation work, corrections and victim advocacy.

I want students to know there is a lot of opportunity out there and its a fascinating field and its really one where you can contribute to the well-being of society, Wasserburger said. Thats often difficult to find with employment.

Emma Sterkel, senior at Gering High School, said the day was informative and opened her eyes to new ideas for her future.

I really liked the DOVES program. They talked about victim advocacy and it showed me I can help people without being under any law agency, Sterkel said.

She finds the way people interact very interesting.

Im interested in forensics psychology and today, they talked about victim advocacy. I thought that would be really cool too, she said.

Elijah Robles, senior at Gering High School, said the day allowed students to get different perspectives about what to do in the future.
AARPs top volunteer leader will be in Scottsbluff on April 10 to visit informally with AARP members and the public.

We invite residents to learn more about what AARP is doing in the community and across the state on behalf of Nebraskans age 50 and over, said Dave Holmquist, state president of AARP Nebraska. Ill be on hand to answer questions, share information about our work on the federal, state and local level and hear whats on peoples minds.
With one hand holding a bottle of champagne and the other an oversized certificate declaring him the winner of $1 million from Publishers Clearing House, Bruce Saunders stood on the front porch of his western Davie County Monday and rattled off a list of things he plans spend his spend money on  medical bills, fixing his lawnmower and helping family members.
Every Sunday the Record & Landmark runs an item in the Crossroads section featuring a local individual and the vehicle he (she) cherishes. Most folks of my age have one or two cars they wish they had kept. My favorites were a '55 Oldsmobile sedan and a '65 Mustang. The Oldsmobile was so big and heavy that it smoothed out any road, but the Mustang had an engineering peculiarity that made me have to get rid of it. The frame around the front window extended uncomfortably into the space where the driver exited his seat and, every time I got out, I banged my kneecap. Had I kept that car I am sure I would be using a walker by now.
Justice Minister Tudorel Toader met on Wednesday Austria's Ambassador to Romania Gerhard Reiweger, in which context they discussed, among others, the technical measures carried out on the Justice Ministry (MJ) level to attain the objectives assumed under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM).

According to a MJ release sent to agerpres, on Wednesday Justice Minister Tudorel Toader and Secretary of State Marieta Safta had a meeting at the ministry's headquarters with Gerhard Reiweger, Austria's Ambassador, and Benedikt Saupe, the deputy of the diplomatic mission's chief.

During the meeting they approached aspects referring to the bilateral cooperation on Justice themes, including the judiciary cooperation in the criminal area and the academic collaboration between the two states.

"On this occasion, Gerhard Reiweger handed to the Romanian officials the letter of Mr Wolfgang Brandstetter, Austria's Federal Minister of Justice, on the establishment, at the shortest, of a bilateral meeting, following those agreed by the two officials on the sidelines of the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) carried out on 28 March, a demarche backed by Austria's Embassy to Romania," the release reads.

At the same time, they also discussed the technical measures conducted on the Justice Ministry level for the attainment of the objectives assumed under the CVM, as well as for the coordination with the other institutions with duties within the mechanism.

It was highlighted Romania's contribution within the decision-making process aimed at the proposal of Regulation on the establishment of the European Package, through the initiation, together with other 12 EU member states, of the procedure of setting-up the consolidated cooperation in accordance with the article 86, paragraph 1, part 3 of TFUE.

Moreover, the release points out, they underscored the importance of the good collaboration and coordination in the area of European affairs, from the perspective of Romania's exercising the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
ST. LOUIS  A federal appeals court has upheld a jury award of $500,000 to an Overland woman, saying that jurors had ample evidence to find that her mortgage services company acted with a reckless indifference to her rights.

Jeannie May, of Overland, has not received the money. Her lawyers said Thursday that Nationstar Mortgage LLC has several days to appeal the decision.

But May said her whole goal was to get them exposed, because nobody should have to go through this.

Theyre taking advantage of people, she said.

May called the experience completely devastating.

Youre fighting a big machine, and you have no control, she said.

At one point, she and her adult son had packed half their things and stored them with Mays ex-husband, out of fear that someone would show up at the door and kick them out.

Mays lawyer, Luke Wallace, of Tulsa, Okla., said that Mays case was the first to try and hold Nationstar accountable.

His colleague, David Humphrey, said the company has thousands of complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

They dont spend any money to do their job. They collect their fees. They bully the consumer if payments dont match what their records show, he said.

The CFPB fined the company $1.75 million last month, saying it consistently failing to report accurate data about mortgage transactions for 2012 through 2014. It is the largest fine by the agency to date.

The company, in a statement in response to the fine, said, The settlement does not reflect any wrongdoing impacting customers or fair lending; but rather, technical data issues that we have worked tirelessly to resolve through significant investments.

The statement says the company regrets the mistakes that led to the reporting errors. These data issues are not reflective of our customer and compliance-driven business practices, and we remain committed to treating every applicant fairly and responsibly.

The company declined to comment on Mays lawsuit.

The March 29 appeals court opinion says that May bought the house in 2007 with a $100,000 mortgage, and shortly thereafter filed for bankruptcy. As part of the bankruptcy process, she entered a five-year plan to pay down the mortgage, including the back payments.

Nationstar acquired her mortgage while the bankruptcy case was pending.

At the completion of the bankruptcy process in 2013, May asked for monthly mortgage statements.

The first mortgage statement erroneously included thousands of dollars in lender-paid expenses, and the company had improperly debited $5,162 instead of giving her a $51 credit, creating a $8,534.94 delinquency, the court opinion says.

Nationstar then initiated collection efforts.

Although May contacted the company repeatedly, Nationstar didnt correct the errors and repeatedly called May at home and at work.

Nationstar also told May to leave her home or accept a loan modification that would have added in the companys errors to her principal. She refused, but they modified her loan anyway and then stopped accepting her mortgage payments and started the foreclosure process because her payments didnt match what they thought due, the opinion says.

Even after May hired a lawyer, the company failed to research her claims, the opinion says.

May, then 59, sued in St. Louis County Circuit Court in 2014 after Nationstar began preparing for a foreclosure sale.

The company later removed the case to federal court.

After a trial in November 2015 in U.S. District Court in St. Louis, jurors awarded May actual damages of $50,000 and punitive damages of $400,000 for invasion of privacy, and $50,000 in actual damages for negligent violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

May testified at trial that Nationstar employees spoke to her in a mocking and sarcastic manner at times, and that the stress triggered physical ailments.

After the trial, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas C. Mummert III also awarded Mays lawyers $376,000 in attorneys fees and costs.

The three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Court of Appeals last month rejected Nationstars claims that the punitive damages were excessive. The court said there was evidence that Nationstars conduct was reprehensible, as the severe stress caused abdominal pain, vomiting, depression and anxiety to a financially vulnerable woman, and repeatedly invaded her privacy with phone calls and inspections of her home.

Nationstar was successful in excluding from the trial any discussion of other complaints against the company. The appeals court said that Mummert was within his discretion to avoid having a mini-trial about another borrowers experience.

Nationstar, based in Texas, also has employees in the St. Louis area. It calls itself one of the largest and fastest growing mortgage servicers in the U.S., citing a servicing portfolio of $473 billion, but ranks near the bottom of a recent J.D. Power satisfaction study.

May said that she wanted to move, but Nationstars errors made that impossible. She now hopes again to move and make sure I dont end up with Nationstar.
Q: Our son is a sophomore in high school and makes pretty good grades. However, if he wants a big ticket item, we tell him he can get a job and pay for it or make a straight A report card. We're kind of hoping he'll get a part-time job. Instead, he makes the straight A's even though he has to wait on the item until after we see his grades. We were wondering if this sometimes good grade situation will be looked at by colleges and will it keep him out of the better universities?

A: Most colleges will forgive and forget your son's roller-coaster grade slide as long as he keeps up their grade requirement for passing. But, major universities may see it as a potential problem that will lead to his failing and insist that he go to a junior college for a year or two. My daughter had spurts of good grades but she did not make it into the college of her choice. Once she completed two years at a junior college with a steady B average, she was able to get into the school she originally wanted. - John P. in Cincinnati, Ohio

FROM JODIE:

I'm sure you have already mentioned to your son the possibility of being alienated from certain colleges due to his on-again, off-again good grades syndrome. But, as you know, as parents we can try to drill our point home on whatever, but most kids need to hear it firsthand from the actual source before they will believe it.

The best thing for you to do with your son is to go visit some of the colleges that he is interested in. The summertime is ideal to make an appointment with the academic counselor at the school. There are usually less students in that office during this time and one on one with the counselor is the optimal way for you and your son to ask questions.

Another suggestion would be that if you've been the one to harp more heavily on the topic than his dad, it might be really helpful for his dad to take him to the appointment, if possible. It's a psychological thing. He will know right away that it's a big deal and should be taken seriously if Dad is taking time out of his work schedule to make the trip. The good news is that your son still has a couple of years to get this situation straightened out, especially if he talks to the counselor.

CAN YOU HELP?

We recently moved to a new city and state. Our son is in the fifth grade and doesn't know how to write in cursive. He can read it, but actually writing in cursive was taken out of the school curriculum a few years ago. It has been taught in the schools where we live now and the kids are really giving him a hard time. Most days, he comes home crying. How's the best way to handle this unfortunate situation? He doesn't want to get these kids in trouble because he'll be in school with them for a long time.

To share parenting tips or submit questions, write to: Parent to Parent, 2464 Taylor Road, Suite 131, Wildwood, MO 63040. Email direct2contact@parenttoparent.com,or go to parenttoparent.com which provides a secure and easy way to submit tips or questions. All tips must have city, state and first and last name or initials to be included in the column.
State Rep. T.J. Berry was driving home from the Capitol on a January afternoon when he received a call from a legislative aide.

You need to get back here, the aide said. The FBI was in your hearing. They want to talk to you.

Berry, a Republican from Kearney, turned his car around and went back to his Capitol office.

A bill he is sponsoring, House Bill 306, had just had a hearing in the House Special Committee on Technology and Innovation. The bill would remove alleged barriers in Missouri law to fair competition in the weigh station bypass industry for truckers. Right now, one company, a nonprofit called HELP Inc., is the only one allowed to operate in the state, using a technology called PrePass. The company has invested about $20 million installing sensors in state rights-of-way and transponder technology that allows big-rig drivers who pay for the service and meet certain criteria to avoid the extra time it takes to stop at weigh stations for full inspection.

Over the last year, state regulators have blocked a competitor, Dallas-based Drivewyze, from entering the Missouri market. Those same state regulators, though, from the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Highway Patrol, have a conflict.

They sit on the board of HELP Inc.

There is no doubt in my mind that there is a conflict of interest, Berry says.

Berrys bill passed two committees and landed on the desk of Speaker of the House Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff. But Richardson has refused since early March to put the bill on the House calendar.

On Wednesday, the speaker said he expects to put the bill on the calendar by the end of this week. He called it a deep concern that the FBI was asking questions about the issue.

Since at least January, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the situation surrounding the bill, the dispute between HELP Inc. and Drivewyze, and the relationship between state employees and the company the state regulates.

Officially, the FBI will neither confirm nor deny the existence of an ongoing investigation, said spokeswoman Bridget Patton. But Berry, the chief executives of both companies, and a lobbyist for Drivewyze all confirmed they have either spoken to the FBI or otherwise were aware of the investigation.

At the crux of the conflict is the relationship between state employees and HELP Inc., and whether those state employees, including the former superintendent of the State Highway Patrol, used their positions to help the nonprofit they also serve.

In 2014, Drivewyze, which operates jointly with HELP Inc. in 25 states, started a pilot project in Missouri, which because of its central location is one of the most important states to the nation in terms of the trucking industry. Drivewyze uses cellphone and GPS technology, which makes it different from HELP Inc., which needs physical infrastructure on the highways to read transponders in trucks. Almost immediately when the pilot project started, the company started getting resistance from state employees, says Drivewyze CEO Brian Heath.

Two of those state employees, Col. Bret Johnson, then-superintendent of the Highway Patrol, and Scott Marion, head of the Motor Carrier Services for MoDOT, were also board members of HELP Inc. When the nonprofit was started, after defense giant Lockheed Martin used a federal grant to study the weigh station bypass technology in the 1980s, it set as a strategy developing public-private partnerships with states. Most of the states where HELP Inc. operates have state employees on the board. Many of the state agencies, including Missouri, use federal transportation dollars to pay dues to belong to HELP Inc., which has $90 million a year in revenue.

In August, Johnson sent Drivewyze a letter canceling the pilot project. He was on the HELP Inc., board at the time. The issue, Johnson says, is that Drivewyze didnt have access to the weigh-in-motion data from sensors in the state highways that had been installed by HELP Inc. State law, Johnson says, requires Drivewyze to have that data to operate.

Drivewyze  and state lawmakers, including Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph  tried to get the data from the state, arguing it was public record. The state denied the requests.

I just asked for the data and they said no, Schaaf said. He is sponsoring a bill in the Senate similar to Barrys that would allow competitors to share the data.

Johnson said he was just following the law. He sees no conflict with the dual role he and Marion had on the HELP Inc. board while also regulating the company and its potential competitors.

The whole time I was superintendent I didnt attend any board meetings, Johnson said.

In February, Johnson retired from the Highway Patrol. He has since started a consulting company and has a contract as an adviser to HELP Inc. CEO Karen Rasmussen.

They approached me to do some consulting for them, he said. I dont understand what the complaint is.

Neither does Rasmussen, she says. Johnson wont work on Missouri projects, she said.

Rasmussen said she hasnt spoken with the FBI but is aware of what she termed their inquiry.

Johnson isnt the first Missouri employee who once regulated HELP Inc. to go to work for the company. It also employs Jan Skouby, Marions predecessor as head of motor carrier services, and former Highway Patrol Maj. Greg Kindle, who was directly involved with negotiations with Drivewyze over its canceled pilot project.

Schaaf compares the states relationship to HELP Inc., to the revolving door in the state Legislature through which elected officials often leave to become lobbyists.

The corruption Im seeing with state employees being on the board of the very entity they regulate is just absolutely bad, Schaaf said. Its really disgusting.

Hes not the only one to see it that way.

Richardson says he sees no reason why state employees should be on HELP Inc.s board. It certainly doesnt seem necessary or appropriate, he said.

In the past couple of years, both California and Florida have pulled state employees from the HELP Inc. board.

The fact that their sensors are in our right-of-way and that they have a competitor now, we didnt feel it was proper to serve on their board, said Brian Blanchard, assistant secretary for engineering with the Florida transportation agency.

Berry said hes spoken to the FBI several times. Heath has spoken to them also. So has his lobbyist, Richard McIntosh.

Ive never had anything like this happen to me before, said Berry, who just wants to see his bill debated before the full House. This thing stinks.
EAST ST. LOUIS  A federal judge here on Thursday quintupled the prison sentence that prosecutors and lawyers for a local official had once recommended, citing his theft of money from the poorest of the poor and a long history of corruption in the area.

In sentencing him to five years, U.S. District Judge Michael Reagan said that former East St. Louis Township Supervisor Oliver W. Hamilton stole from the weakest and spent the money on plane tickets to Las Vegas and his own child support obligations.

Hamilton pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge in December and admitted stealing roughly $40,000 from the impoverished township. Both Hamiltons lawyers and federal prosecutors agreed to recommend 366 days in prison as part of the deal.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Norm Smith on Thursday said that there were other questionable expenses, but he could only prove the theft of $40,001 with a preponderance of the evidence. Smith said he tried not to criminalize mismanagement, poor record-keeping or the padding of payrolls with unnecessary employees.

Smith and defense lawyer Clyde Kuehn had already adjusted their sentencing recommendation upward by a year Wednesday in response to a March 23 memo from Reagan, who had warned lawyers that a year might not be enough.

Reagan wrote that Hamiltons crime was more serious than the federal sentencing guidelines would suggest. He called Hamiltons misuse of township funds staggering, saying that he began stealing within months of being sworn in, and kept at it for more than five years. Reagan wrote that it appears Hamilton bought supplies for his construction businesses with public money. Hamilton looted the township as it plunged ever deeper into debt, he wrote.

Reagan also cited the long history of political corruption in the area, as he has in previous political corruption cases.

The Court intends to send a clear message that public corruption will not be tolerated. It is corrosive and will not end without harsh sentences for officials who scorn the woes of the people they are called to serve, Reagan wrote.

But Hamilton, 63, faced an even stiffer punishment for an email asking supporters to show up at his sentencing hearing and saying that he thought Reagan would be swayed by a newspapers lies and a Belleville political party.

The email caused Hamilton to lose credit for accepting responsibility for his crime. Smith pulled out of the two-year recommendation and instead suggested 30 months.

Smith said that Hamilton had engaged in small, really petty thefts, but over a five-year period, and targeting the poorest of the poor.

Saying East St. Louis residents are some of the most destitute in the country, suffering from among the highest rates of taxes and violent crimes, Smith pointed out that Hamilton was supposed to help those people. Thats what makes the case the most egregious, he said.

Smith said that Hamiltons actions would cause a further loss of faith and trust in East St. Louis officials.

Kuehn pointed out, as had Smith, that Hamilton pleaded guilty early in the investigation and waived his right to a grand jury indictment. Kuehn said that Hamilton cares about the community and will make amends. He suggested the upper end of the recommended sentencing range of 18 to 24 months.

Hamilton apologized and said that he understood that hed done wrong.

In his own remarks, Reagan said that the $40,001 loss understated the impact to the poor citizens of East St. Louis. The judge said he hoped that the five-year sentence would deter other officials, citing the areas culture of corruption.

As part of the sentence, Hamilton cannot work or volunteer for a group that receives public money, without court approval. Hamilton also will have to repay the money and will lose his public pension. Reagan said that he didnt fine Hamilton to avoid affecting his ability to pay his child support.

Hamilton, a Democrat, became supervisor in March 2011 and resigned, at Reagans insistence, after his guilty plea. He also agreed to resign from the St. Clair County Board and the East Side Health District board.

The township is supposed to provide valuable services to East St. Louis residents, including cash to those who dont qualify for other benefit programs, job training, prisoner re-entry services, tax preparation services, a food pantry, dental, medical and pharmaceutical services and an anti-violence program, Regan said. Some of those services had to be cut because of money troubles. At last count, the township was $3 million in debt, according to court testimony.
UPDATED at 6:30 p.m. information about previous incident on MetroLink involving victim

NORMANDY  A man shot to death on a MetroLink train late Wednesday at a station on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus had pleaded guilty last year to a violent robbery on a MetroLink train, authorities say.

In Wednesdays attack, police say a man shot Jesse Boone, 22, of St. Louis, in the chest as they rode in the back of the train about 11:15 p.m. The shooting followed a fight between Boone and the gunman as their MetroLink train approached the UMSL South station, near Natural Bridge Road. Authorities did not provide a motive.

Students riding in the same train car witnessed Wednesday nights shooting and called for help.

Police say they caught Djion Oates, 18, fleeing from the train station with a gun. He was charged Thursday with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was held with bail set at $500,000, cash-only.

The shooting came less than six months after the victim had pleaded guilty to a December 2015 robbery on a MetroLink train in St. Louis. Boone was given a suspended seven-year sentence and put on probation in October, according to court records.

Police said the man killed Wednesday lived in the 5600 block of Maple Avenue in St. Louis. The Jesse Boone who pleaded guilty to robbery last year lived in the 4900 block of Maple, according to court records, but a spokeswoman for the St. Louis circuit attorneys office confirmed that they are the same man.

St. Louis County police said they were aware of Boones prior robbery conviction in a MetroLink incident.

In the 2015 robbery, Boone was part of a group of men who attacked a passenger, leaving him bloodied while other passengers watched but did not intervene. Police said Boone had grabbed the victim from behind while another man hit the victim and others went through his pockets.

Boone was charged in March and was sentenced in October after pleading guilty.

In Wednesdays shooting, police say that about 50 people were on the train at the time and that about a dozen people witnessed some or all of the fight between Oates and Boone. There was no video surveillance available from the train, Metro said.

Neither Boone nor Oates was an UMSL student, police say. Investigators were still trying to determine whether the men knew each other.

When the train stopped, the doors opened and the gunman raced off, running south on the tracks. Police officers caught Oates within minutes and recovered a gun.

Oates lives in the 6700 block of Thurston Avenue in Berkeley, police said. He is on probation for robbing someone at gunpoint of a PlayStation on Oates 16th birthday. That crime took place in Florissant in 2014. Oates was certified to be charged as an adult. Court records show he pleaded guilty in February 2016, received a suspended execution of sentence and was put on five years probation.

As to what led to Wednesday nights fatal shooting, St. Louis County police Officer Benjamin Granda said. We do not have any type of motive for the incident at this time.

There were no police or MetroLink public safety officers on the train, though there were police officers and MetroLink officers nearby who were able to quickly respond, according to Granda and Metro spokeswoman Patti Beck.

UMSLs chief of police, Forrest Van Ness, said students on the train saw what happened and called police. The students also pressed a mobile app on their phones that alerts campus police.

Van Ness said his campus officers arrived at the platform with county police and helped with the preliminary investigation. At the same time, a campus police employee sent the first of three campus alerts via text. Such messages are mandated by federal law.

Counseling is available for students who witnessed the shooting.

Safety concerns

Crime on MetroLink has been an concern systemwide.

And last month, a man was fatally shot as he stood on the Busch Stadium platform. Mac Payne, 57, was killed when a gun went off inside a train during an assault and robbery. A bullet passed through a window and struck Payne in the head.

A state law on the books since 1993, when MetroLink opened, bars Metro Transit from having its own police force. About 215 people provide security, including 38 county and eight city officers, as well as about a dozen St. Clair County Sheriffs deputies, 120 security guards and 37 Metro public safety officers. The county was planning to go to 44.

Beck, the Metro spokeswoman, there arent police officers on every train, and theres not a security guard at every platform, she said.

Beck said rider safety is the agencys top priority, and it responded to the shooting at the Busch Stadium platform last month by adding patrols.

Obviously, our public safety department is adding patrols and we are using all available resources, she said. We depend on our police partners to keep the transit-riding public safe on the system. Were always looking for ways to make the system safer.

Denise Hollinshed of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Apprehensions at the southern border continue to fall dramatically, according to new numbers from Customs and Border Protection -- a drop that experts attribute to President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement policies.

There were roughly 12,000 total apprehensions at the southwest border in March, according to numbers obtained by CNN that are expected to be released this week. That represents a 35% drop from February and a 63% drop from March 2016.

In 17 years of CBP data, apprehensions had never dropped from February to March, typically rising slightly.

Former Acting Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner David Aguilar said Tuesday at a hearing in front of the Senate's Homeland Security Committee that through the end of March, immigration officials have seen a 67% drop in illegal crossings from Mexico as compared to the same period last year.

Aguilar attributed the drop to Trump's hardline position on immigration -- a focal point of his campaign and the first few weeks of his presidency.

"This has happened before when -- as it relates especially to immigration -- when the US stands strong and takes certain actions," Aguilar said. "This administration said we're going to address illegal immigration. ICE has started working in the interior unlike other times. So that message resonates."

CNN was told by current CBP officials on Tuesday that southwest border migration numbers are still being finalized and will be posted at a later date.

Attempts to enter the US illegally can vary based on a variety of factors, often referred to as push and pull. Violent, dangerous or desperate conditions in Central America, where a majority of migrants originate, can push individuals to make the journey north through Mexico. Homeland Security Secretary Kelly has talked about the importance of working with Central American countries to cut back on violence as another element in combating illegal immigration.

Trump's strict position on immigration is seen as affecting the so-called "pull factors" that attract would-be immigrants. The idea is that word of mouth and media coverage of Trump's low-tolerance policy for undocumented immigrants can be a deterrent to individuals considering making the journey.
On March 8th, the first ever UN report addressing the relationship between human rights and biodiversity by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, John Knox, was presented at the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council. It was followed by a dialogue with States and other stakeholders .



Claudia Ituarte-Lima, centre researcher and SwedBio international environmental law adviser, was part of the expert group consulted for the development of this thematic report on human rights and biodiversity.

Governments must do more

The report shows that for people to fully enjoy their human rights such as health and food, they need the services that healthy ecosystems provide. Because global biodiversity loss is increasing, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are necessary to ensure that ecosystems remain healthy and resilient.

In his presentation, the UN Special Rapporteur John Knox stated that governments must do more to safeguard biodiversity, including by protecting environmental human rights defenders who often have to risk their lives to protect the biodiversity that benefits all of us.



In the lead-up to presenting the report at the UN Human Rights Council session, Ituarte-Lima participated in a meeting convened by the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights and Environment to discuss actions to further the human rights, biodiversity and ecosystem nexus.

In particular, participants made proposals for implementing the recommendations in the report to help address the biodiversity crisis and its connection to human rights. This includes how to foster the protection of the rights of people especially vulnerable to the loss of access and degradation of ecosystems such as indigenous peoples, and other members of minorities groups who depend more directly on ecosystems for their food, water and culture.
THE Stratford-upon-Avon Herald has been recognised by a national industry award, in last night's Weekly Newspaper of the Year category. The Herald was awarded Highly Commended in the newsawards 2017, the only awards that celebrate the best in news media print, digital and business innovation.

Six other weekly newspapers were also on the shortlist: The Brecon & Radnor Express; Hackney Gazette; Newbury Weekly News; Newquay Voice; The Times of Tunbridge Wells, and Cambridge Independent, which was voted the winner.

Managing director and owner of the independent-owned Herald, Richard Boyden, said: "I am honoured that the Stratford Herald has been awarded Highly Commended, it is testament to the hard work of everyone associated with the Herald and a tribute to our valued readers and advertisers who loyally support their local newspaper.

"The Herald has been proudly at the heart of the community for almost 157 years, and this award is testament to the role that the Herald continues to play in our community."

A spokesperson for the newsawards judges, said: In a category dominated by tabloids and compacts, this broadsheet shone out for its stunning print production, with particular note made of its property supplement.

"A healthy sales performance also ticked the commercial criteria box, while further points were awarded for design and layout. Very impressive content and great stories. A lovely product."

All the winners assembled for a black tie gala dinner, last night, Thursday, at the London Lancaster Hotel.

Herald editor Amanda Chalmers said: "This is fantastic news for all of us here at the Herald - it's a great feeling that all the hard work that is put in by a small but very dedicated team of people has been recognised.

"But we aim to keep building on this success and keep developing the Herald as we strive to keep it at the centre of our community - as it has been for over 150 years.

"We thank all our contacts and our loyal readers, who buy the paper, as well as those who read us online, for their support. Long may it continue!"

To download the latest edition of the Herald click HERE
Winderfold House School

A FORMER teacher from Stratford-upon-Avon has pleaded guilty to a string of sexual offences against boys in the 1980s.

Seventy-three-year-old David Hutchings, of Swan Court, admitted six charges of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 and six charges of gross indecency with a boy under 16 years of age, during a hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, 28th March.

The offences, committed against two boys, took place at Winterfold House School in Chaddesley Corbett in the 1980s where Mr Hutchings was a teacher. Hutchings was granted bail and ordered to re-appear at Worcester Crown Court for sentence on 27th April.

Paul West, chair of governors at Winterfold House School, said: We are deeply sorry that a former member of our staff should have behaved in this way.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are very much with those affected, and also with their families.

"They were very badly let down.

Today, Winterfold takes its safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously, and our highest priority is ensuring the continued safety, happiness and general wellbeing of our pupils.
Claire Haydock, principal of Monkey Music Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington, collects her award.

WARWICKSHIRES Monkey Music franchise has been named the most successful in the UK.

The pre-school music group, which runs classes for babies and toddlers at venues across Stratford, Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth, has the highest number of class re-enrolments of any UK Monkey Music franchise.

And its principal, Claire Haydock, picked up a special award this month to applaud her 90 per cent re-enrolment record.

Claire, a mum-of-two from Stratford, was presented with the Customer Care Award at the annual Monkey Music Franchise Awards 2017 at the organisation's head office in Harpenden by its founder and chief executive, Angie Coates.

The award recognises Claires outstanding contribution to Monkey Music  the UKs leading music classes for babies and young children.

Claire started the Warwickshire franchise back in 2005 and now has more than 350 children now attend classes every week across six venues, and with a new venue launching in Wellesbourne next month. Another 350 children also enjoy Monkey Music at nursery schools across Warwickshire too.

Her award recognises the fact Claire's classes have the best record and the happiest customers.

Thats what makes this award so special, she said.

Its the fact it shows our Monkey Music families are loving what we do, and that means the world to us.

None of it would be possible without those wonderful families and without the wonderful teachers I am supported by, so a huge thank you to everyone.
Aizaz Chaudhry meets with Chairman of Asia Pacific Subcommittee of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep Ted Yoho.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Chaudhry met Chairman of Asia Pacific Subcommittee of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep Ted Yoho in Washington.

They had a productive exchange of views on bilateral relations, counter terrorism and economic cooperation during the meeting.

Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan's desire for a strong relationship with Washington based on mutual respect.

He said peace and stability in Afghanistan will be in interest of both the countries.
Philippine authorities said on Thursday they had foiled a possible terror attack after arresting a Kuwaiti man and his Syrian wife, both alleged members of Daesh.

Police nabbed Husayn Al-Dhafiri and Rahaf Zina at an upscale district of Manila following a tip-off from the Kuwaiti authorities late last month, but the arrests were kept secret while Filipino authorities investigated further, officials said.

The pair had entered the country repeatedly in recent months as part of plans for a bombing operation either in the Philippines or Kuwait, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told reporters.

Aguirre said Al-Dhafiri was an active Daesh member in the Middle East and said the United States authorities believed he could pose a threat to the national security of the Philippines.

He is alleged to have been involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly operational planning against Kuwait, Aguirre added.

He said Zina and Al-Dhafiri married after her husband, a high-ranking Daesh commander, was killed in Syria.

The Filipino official said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be sent back to Qatar from where she entered the Philippines.

Both of them will be properly received by the security forces of those countries, he added.

The Kuwaiti embassy in Manila could not be contacted for comment.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has previously warned that Daesh members might make their way into the South-east Asian nation by infiltrating its Muslim communities, concentrated in the south of the largely Catholic country.

The Philippines has been battling for years with Muslim extremist groups in the remote southern region, some of whom have since pledged allegiance to Daesh.

Aguirre said he could not confirm if the two suspects had any contact with local extremists.
Guwahati, Apr 6 (IBNS): Another multi crore rupees scam in the Assam government department has been unearthed after sleuths of Chief Ministeras vigilance conducted raids at the office of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in Guwahati.

According to the reports, five officials of CM vigilance raided the office in connection with Rs 31 crore scam under DIPR during the previous Congress led state government tenure.



The CM vigilance sleuths led by SP K Choudhury grilled director Ranjit Gogoi at his office for several hours.



A top official of CM vigilance said that, the previous Congress government had allocated Rs 31 crore in budget for Vision Assam Mission Assam project to make publicity the government schemes.



Following the government directives, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations had called tender for publicity the government schemes, works by advertising in print and electronic media and showing hoardings in various locations. Out of 15 agencies, which participating in the tender process, only four agencies were awarded the works, the top official said.



The top cop also said that, the works order awarded to Tatua agency for hoarding, Brahmaputra Television Network, Delta Publicity and Pradip Advertising for advertising in print and electronic media.



Among the four agencies, alone Pradip Advertising was awarded Rs 10 crore work order. But the initial probe cleared that 90% fund was siphoned, the official said.



Meanwhile an official of DIPR said that, the Vision Assam Mission Assam project was implemented only in papers and it was done just before the last assembly poll in the state.

On the other hand, the CM vigilance sleuth has prepared to grilled more persons including the owners of the four farms in connection with the scam.



The top official further said that, it seems to arrest several persons including Director Ranjit Gogoi.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Image: wallpapercave.com

Washington, Apr 6 (IBNS): Despite strong declines in the rate of tobacco smoking over the past 25 years, one out of every four men still smoke daily, as do one out of every 20 women.

In a new analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) published today (April 5, 2017) in The Lancet, authors discovered that the prevalence of daily smoking declined on a global scale  decreasing by 28 percent for men and 34 percent for women between 1990 and 2015.

But while the rate of smoking has fallen over the past few decades, the number of daily smokers globally continues to rise year-over-year due to population growth. As of 2015, there were 933 million daily smokers.

Robust tobacco control efforts have led to progress in reducing the deadly habit of smoking in much of the world, but much more can be done, said senior author Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou, Professor of Global Health at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Growth in the sheer number of daily smokers still outpaces the global decline in daily smoking rates, indicating the need to prevent more people from starting the tobacco habit and to encourage smokers to quit.

The three countries with the most male daily smokers in 2015 accounted for over half of all men who smoked daily worldwide.

Countries with the most male daily smokers in 2015 were China with 254 million, India with 91 million, and Indonesia with 50 million.

The three countries with the highest number of female daily smokers in 2015 accounted for just over 25 percent of all female daily smokers worldwide.

Countries with the most female daily smokers in 2015 were the Unites States with 17 million, followed by China with 14 million, and India with 13.5 million.

These results suggest that the tobacco smoking epidemic is less geographically concentrated for women than for men, with implications that global efforts may need to be different to reach male smokers compared to female smokers.

In an effort to encourage governments to implement tobacco control policies, the World Health Assembly in 2003 adopted the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

The WHO FCTC has been ratified by 180 Parties and sets the path forward for implementation of robust tobacco control programs.

To scale up implementation of the treatys key demand  reduction measures on the ground  in 2008 WHO established the MPOWER measures in line with the WHO FCTC, with a focus on cost-effectiveness, practicality, and impact.

The WHO FCTC and its guidelines provide the foundation for countries to implement and manage tobacco control. The MPOWER measures help make this a reality and have changed the landscape of global tobacco control, says Dr. Douglas Bettcher, Director of the Department of Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases at WHO headquarters in Geneva. Along with national and local governments and other partner organizations in high-burden countries, we are making positive change happen in some of the toughest tobacco industry strongholds. Together, we have protected nearly 1.8 billion people with at least one new MPOWER measure at the highest level of achievement since 2007.

India has seen remarkable reductions in daily smoking.

It became a Party to the WHO FCTC in 2005 and has created tobacco control initiatives.

These include a ban on smoking in many public places and offices, bans on tobacco advertising in many forms, and requiring pictures of tobaccos health effects that cover 85 percent of cigarette packaging.

The pictures will begin to appear on cigarette packs later in 2017.

Since the initial rollout of programs and policies, India has seen marked drops in daily smoking.

Daily smoking prevalence of Indian men fell by an average of 3 percent every year between 2005 and 2015, twice as fast as in the previous decade.

For women, the change in daily smoking prevalence flipped from an alarming 1 percent yearly increase from 1990 to 2005, to a 2 percent decrease from 2005 to 2015.

These estimates do not include smokeless tobacco, however, from which India still has a high burden.

Brazil, which also ratified the WHO FCTC and is a leader in tobacco control, saw the third-largest overall decline in daily smoking prevalence since 1990  a drop of 57 percent for men and 56 percent for women.

The country has implemented a combination of tobacco control policies, including advertising restrictions, smoking bans, and taxes on tobacco products.

The authors also examined the relationship between prevalence of daily smoking and development status  measured by using the Socio-demographic Index, which synthesizes income, education, and fertility rates.

Daily smoking prevalence varied by sex and level of development.

The highest smoking prevalence for men was observed in mid-level development countries, whereas the highest smoking prevalence for women was observed in highly developed countries.

The lowest smoking prevalence for both men and women was observed in countries of the lowest quintile of development.

When looking at age trends, daily smoking prevalence was consistent across development groups for men, with the highest prevalence generally seen between ages 25 and 35.

For women, however, age patterns were more varied across levels of development.

While countries with the lowest level of development generally showed the lowest prevalence of daily smoking, these countries have seen the greatest percent change in overall health burden in 2005 to 2015, mainly as the result of population growth.

With sustained commitment to implementing proven measures to reduce tobacco use, governments can help curb a global epidemic projected to kill 1 billion people this century, said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Countries that have acted decisively to implement policies like those called for in the FCTC have seen the most dramatic drops in tobacco use. Without urgent action, more than 80% of tobacco-related deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.

There were 13 countries that sustained significant annual rates of decline between both from 1990 to 2005 and 2005 to 2015, including Australia, the United States, and Brazil. Further, the daily smoking prevalence declined faster between 2005 and 2015 in 18 countries, including Nepal, Chile, and Ukraine.

Smoking is the second-leading cause of death globally.

More than 11 percent of all global deaths in 2015 were attributed to smoking, totaling 6.4 million.

Over half of these smoking-related deaths took place in just four countries: China, India, the United States, and Russia.

In addition, daily smoking still contributes to a significant amount of the worlds overall health burden, measured using the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) metric, which combines years of healthy life lost due to illness with those lost due to premature death. Most DALYs attributable to daily smoking were due to cardiovascular diseases (41 percent), cancers (28 percent), and chronic respiratory diseases (21 percent).

Countries with the highest number of deaths from smoking (rounded):

China (1.8 million)

India (743,000)

US (472,000)

Russia (283,000)

Indonesia (180,000)

Japan (166,000)

Bangladesh (153,000)

Brazil (149,000)

Germany (130,000)

Pakistan (124,000)

Countries with the highest prevalence of male daily smokers:

Kiribati (48 percent)

Indonesia (47 percent)

Laos (47 percent)

Northern Mariana Islands (46 percent)

Armenia (43 percent)

Greenland (43 percent)

Belarus (42 percent)

Ukraine (41 percent)

Azerbaijan (40 percent)

Timor-Leste (40 percent)

Countries with the highest prevalence of female daily smokers:

Greenland (44 percent)

Bulgaria (28 percent)

Greece (27 percent)

Montenegro (26 percent)

Croatia (26 percent)

Northern Mariana Islands (25 percent)

Kiribati (25 percent)

Macedonia (23 percent)

Hungary (23 percent)

Austria (23 percent)

Data on smoking trends is essential to continuing the progress were making reducing the death toll from tobacco. The more we know, the better we can target our efforts, the greater incentive national governments have to take action, and the more death and disease we can prevent, said Michael R. Bloomberg.

Michael R. Bloomberg has been a leading advocate in the fight against tobacco use.

Bloomberg has provided nearly $1 billion to tobacco control efforts including 10 years of support for the implementation of tobacco control laws and policies around the world through the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use.

To date the initiative has successfully supported 59 countries in passing laws or policies, reaching nearly 3.5 billion people and saving an estimated 30 million lives.

Daily smoking is defined in the study as the daily use of manufactured or hand-rolled cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, bidis, and other country-specific smoked tobacco products, when applicable. Smokeless tobacco products and burden due to secondhand smoke were not included in the analysis.

The study was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The entire township of Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty is being evacuated due to rising water on the Rangitaiki River.

Whakatane District Council spokesperson Ross Boreham says around 600 homes were being evacuated. Around 2000 people are being told to leave.

Police and fire officers are now going house to house telling people to leave immediately.

Residents could head to nearby Whakatane where two welfare centres were being set up at the Salvation Army Hall and War Memorial.

Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne is asking people to self-evacuate if they havent already.

He says the area is dealing with a "very serious situation". Here more from the mayor in the video below.

"There are issues with the breaches of the stopbanks on the Rangitaiki that are likely to create a significant flood event.

"Theres more water than you can believe."

The river runs along the east side of the town.

Flooding in the Eastern Bay yesterday afternoon. Photo: BOP Civil Defence Twitter.

The Whakatane River was also running extremely high and more evacuations were likely. Homes in the rural area of Poroporo west of the Whakatane River were also being evacuated.

Carole Quale says the Edgecumbe River has breached its bank at the concrete wall on College Road.

"Evacuations in full progress of College Road and Rata Ave."

The Whakatane District Council is wanting to tell all residents to avoid stopping on the Whakatane Bridge - its causing delays. Thanks team!  BOP Civil Defence (@BOPCivilDefence) April 5, 2017

The current heavy rain is impacting heavily on farmers and growers around the Bay of Plenty.

Land is flooded and growers arent able to harvest their fruit, says a statement from BOP Rural Support.

The Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust is there to help people living in the rural community who are struggling with any issue associated with this recent, or any other, event that is impacting on them.

"If you are concerned about someones stress levels or mental state  your partner, family, neighbour, friend, worker, or yourself - call the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254) for a free, private and confidential chat. We have coordinators who are trained to help.

"They can come and see you at a location of your choice, and, if needed, point you in the right direction for more assistance."

Sandy Scarrow, Chair of the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust says she knows that dairy farmers have struggled with low dairy payouts, meat and fibre farmers have not had it easy and, while for most the in kiwifruit industry cashflows are strong, for some things are tough - particularly those who were affected by Psa and are on low lying country affected by the current rain event.

Call us  our role is to be there in times like this to assist.
Wikimedia Commons

New Delhi, Apr 6 (IBNS): Depression affects nearly 86 million people in WHO South-East Asia Region and if left untreated, in its most severe form can lead to suicide.

WHO calls on individuals, communities and countries to talk more openly about depression and scale up the quality and reach of mental health services to prevent untold hardships and precious lives being cut short by depression, a condition that can be easily treated.

Depression is an issue that needs to be heard. It can affect anyone at any stage of life, impacting relationships, work and social interactions, and impeding our ability to live life to its fullest, whatever culture or community we belong to. Depression can be managed and overcome, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia, said on the occasion of World Health Day, celebrated on April 7 every year.

The World Health Day this year focuses on depression, a condition that involves persistent sadness or loss of interest or pleasure in things normally enjoyed. Talking about depression and raising awareness of its signs and symptoms can help people seek and get care, whether through informal support networks or the health system.

By talking about depression more openly, and by better understanding the sign and symptoms of the condition, we are in a stronger position to help ourselves if we experience depression-like symptoms. We are also better placed to support colleagues, friends or loved ones that may have depression, Dr Khetrapal Singh said.

Though depression affects all demographic groups, it is more commonly experienced by adolescents and young adults, women of childbearing age (particularly following childbirth), and adults over the age of 60.

Depression can also lead to suicide, which is the second highest cause of death among 15-29 year olds in the Region.

Depression often expresses itself as disturbed sleep or loss of appetite, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, or feelings of tiredness and lethargy. It may also manifest as agitation or physical restlessness, substance abuse, reduced concentration and suicidal thoughts or acts.

Acknowledging efforts being made by countries in the Region, Dr Khetrapal Singh said mental health has been among the top ten health priorities in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka in recent years. Eight of the 11 member countries have mental health policies or plans. She complimented India for its recent legislation that decriminalizes suicide and seeks to provide health care and services for persons with mental health conditions.

People experiencing depression often find a range of evidence-based coping mechanisms useful, from talking to someone they trust to exercising regularly or staying connected with loved ones. Avoiding or restricting alcohol intake and refraining from using illicit drugs helps keep depression at bay. But many people also find professional help an important part of managing the condition, particularly in terms of exploring treatment options, she said.

Dr Khetrapal Singh emphasized how support for persons experiencing depression is vitally important, outlining how each of us can play a positive role.

Listening without judgment and finding out more about depression is a great way to support someone with depression. We may also help them with everyday tasks, encourage eating and sleeping patterns, and join them for an exercise session such as yoga. If they are thinking about self-harm, we can seek professional medical help and stay by their side when they need our love and support most, she said.

Depression-related health services across the Region must be made more accessible and of higher quality, and this is possible even in low- and middle-income settings, she said.

The Regional Director said that health care workers at all levels can be better trained to detect the signs and symptoms of depression; community health facilities can be better integrated with national mental health networks; and a greater proportion of health funds can be allocated toward mental health services, adding that at present less than 1% of total government health expenditure in low- and middle-income countries is allocated to mental health.

Depression is a society-wide issue, and one that requires society-wide solutions. Each one of us must speak about depression openly and maturely, be aware of its signs and symptoms, and be able to access high-quality mental health services. This World Health Day, lets turn a new chapter in our understanding and approach towards this pressing public health issue, Dr Khetrapal Singh said.

World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.

Each year a theme is selected that highlights a priority area of public health. The Day provides an opportunity for individuals in every community to get involved in activities that can lead to better physical and mental health.


Geneva, Apr 6 (IBNS): Arts at CERN has announced the winners of the four artist residency awards for 2017: the studio hrm199 led by artist Haroon Mirza, Laura Couto Rosado, Cheolwon Chang and Tomo SavicI-Gecan.

Arts at CERN is CERNs arts and science programme, fostering dialogue between prominent scientists and visionary artists at the worlds leading centre for particle physics.

Since 2011, Arts at CERN has developed a wide network of partnerships with eminent cultural institutions around the globe. The programmes success now means four artistic residencies can take place every year here at CERN, bringing together the worlds of science and art to inspire each other in new creative expressions, says Charlotte Warakaulle, Director for International Relations at CERN.

I am thrilled to invite studio hrm199, Laura Couto, Cheolwon Chang and Tomo SavicI-Gecan to this unusual and highly scientific environment, where I am certain the artists research and ideas will be expanded with many different cultural and creative angles, thanks to the interactions with CERN scientists, affirms Monica Bello, head of Arts at CERN.

The winner of Collide Pro Helvetia, in partnership with the Swiss Arts Council, Pro Helvetia, is the artist and designer Laura Couto. She will spend three months at CERN exploring design principles inspired by fundamental particles and the way these are described by physicists.

Collide is a unique opportunity for a creator to confront his ideas to the actual practices and knowledge of renowned scientists. It is a life-and-career-changing experience. We are pleased to offer this chance to Laura Couto Rosado, who unanimously convinced the jury with her work at the crossroads between physics, interaction design and poetry says Michel Vust, Project Leader Pro Helvetia.

As part of the ongoing collaboration with FACT - Foundation for Art and Creative Technology in Liverpool - in Collide International, the artists Haroon Mirza and Jack Jelfs, forming studio hrm199, will reside at CERN for two months, where they will work in close collaboration with a research scientist. Afterwards, the artists will spend one month at the Liverpool institution to later engage in production. The jury chose the studio platform hrm199 for its ability to consistently extend the ambitious standards of creativity and to build on an ongoing fascination with media, time and transmission.

FACT's Director Prof. Mike Stubbs says: "The jury is very excited for the applicants for this second year of FACT and Arts at CERN's COLLIDE International Residency Award. In our first year, we have hosted Yunchul Kim and have, together with our partners LJMU, Liverpool University and Liverpool City Council, been stunned by the magic of his initial research. We were also very impressed by artists Julieta Aranda and James Bridle, who were runners up for the award in 2016. FACT intends Kim's new work and the work of Haroon (winner of 2017's award) to be displayed as part of a very exciting new exhibition in 2018."

Moreover, the two country-specific awards named Accelerate have been presented to South Korean and Croatian artists. Seoul-based artist Cheolwon Chang plans to investigate the geometric properties of nature and how mathematics influences further understanding of our universe. His award has been made possible thanks to collaboration between CERN and ARKO, the Korean Arts Council, and he plans to pursue his research in connection with particle physics.

The Croatian artist Tomo SavicI-Gecan will come to CERN for one month thanks to CERNs partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Croatia and Kontjener Bureau of Contemporary Art Praxis in Zagreb. He will gather inspiration through dialogue with theoretical and experimental physicists to develop a specific project for CERN, understanding the implications of time-space research.
UTICA, N.Y. -- A Central New York crime unit is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of a wanted sex offender.



Anthony Deninno, 22, of Utica, has been wanted by the Utica Police Department since Oct. 3, 2016, after failing to register a change of address, according to the Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers.

The crime stopper not-for-profit program began in 2015 and works with police, the public and the media to gather anonymous tips that could help lead to arrests.



Deninno is a level one sex offender, said Bill Williams, an investigator in the Utica police warrant division and a member of the U.S. Marshals Task Force. It is unclear when he originally registered or why.



Sex offender investigators regularly make home visits to registered individuals, Wiliams said. When the investigator showed up to Deninno's home in October, he wasn't there.

He hasn't been seen since, according to officials.



Deninno is described as 5-feet, 8-inches tall, weighing about 145 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.



His last known address is 301 Mohawk St., but Deninno is originally from the Herkimer and Little Falls areas, Williams said. He's known to visit local skateparks.



Officials also received a vague tip that he could be in the Syracuse area, said James Glorioso, executive director of the crime stoppers.



Williams stressed that anyone caught harboring Deninno or helping him in any way could also face charges.



Anyone with information on Deninno's location is asked to contact the crime stoppers online, via their app P3TIPS, or by calling 1-866-730-8477. The reward is only offered for tips that lead to Deninno's arrest and come through the crime stoppers program.
DNA pic

A criminologist examines DNA evidence in the Office of the New York City Medical Examiner in 2010.

(Mary Altaffer | The Associated Press)

Syracuse, NY - When blood, skin or some other genetic clue is left at a crime scene, that DNA is immediately searched in a database of ex-offenders.

It's a precise check for a hit among the 625,000 convicts in New York and 13 million convicts nationwide whose genetic profile sits in an FBI database. The crime scene evidence must match the convict's exact DNA profile in up to 20 areas stored in the database.

There is only one match, and that match is a powerful weapon to solve a crime.

But in cases where there is no exact match, what if authorities could cast a wider net?

What if authorities lowered the standard for the computer's DNA search? What if the check brought back dozens of names of ex-offenders who are not guilty of this crime, but could share some genetic link to the true perpetrator? Maybe, among all those low-grade hits, is the brother or son of the criminal.

New York authorities are considering approval of such a DNA dragnet, called "familial searching." It's a new tool that would use existing technology to crack difficult cases. It would give investigators new leads to chase down on important cases that have grown cold.

It's a controversial idea. Civil libertarians and others say it exposes dozens of innocent people with no connection to the true criminal to intrusive investigations. It unfairly victimizes families of ex-convicts who have done nothing else to arouse suspicion, they argue.

A New York panel is considering allowing familial searches. It could vote on the proposal as early as Wednesday. The searches could begin after a 45-day public comment period.

The proposal limits familial searching to investigations of homicides and the worst forms of kidnapping, arson and sex crimes, as well as terrorism or crimes posing a "significant" ongoing public safety threat. A search would require state approval and could only be conducted at a state crime lab.

Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming already perform the searches. On the other hand, Maryland and Washington, D.C., outlawed them a decade ago on civil liberties grounds.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick is a member of the panel that will decide on the use of these searches, the state's Commission on Forensic Science. He supports the expanded searching.

Fitzpatrick said it could reopen virtually any cold-case murder in which DNA was left at the scene, such as: Jill-Lyn Euto, 18, stabbed to death in 2001 in a Syracuse apartment building, and Jacqueline Saunders and Mary Anne Marzullo, 14-year-olds who went missing in 1967 while walking in North Syracuse. They were found dead the next morning.

He guessed that hundreds of familial searches would be requested statewide each year, with a hundred or so taking place.

Convicted serial killer Lonnie Franklin Jr., known as the "Grim Sleeper," at sentencing in Los Angeles in 2016.

Nationally, familial searching has a proven, if limited, track record. There's the "Roaming Rapist" in Sacramento, who spent six years raping women before authorities caught him through his imprisoned brother's DNA. Or the "Grim Sleeper" serial killer in Los Angeles, whose son had been convicted on a weapons charge. Or a woman beaten to death in Colorado whose perpetrator was caught after leaving DNA on the hammer.

The Denver police have a 30-percent rate in finding possible leads when doing a familial search on cold cases, according to an expert there. Not all led to convictions.

New York's current DNA searching is "like going to your favorite fishing hole in a rowboat and hoping fish will jump into your boat," Fitzpatrick said. With familial searching, "you're setting a lure and casting and reeling in fish."

Searching for a soda can?

Familial searching, at best, only gets you to an unknown relative of a criminal; you need to turn that information into a suspect, and then you need that suspect's DNA to compare against the crime-scene evidence. Remember: Your suspect is not in the computer.

The easiest way for law enforcement to quickly collect DNA, without a person's cooperation, is to stake out a target's trash. Discarded items are considered public domain, so Dumpster diving for DNA is legal.

A straw, toothbrush or soda can often provide the needed saliva to collect DNA.

Do citizens really want the government to go "snatching a soda can out of the trash" to obtain someone's DNA? wondered Brad Mauer, a Manhattan public defender who opposes the idea.

Fitzpatrick counters that authorities don't do that because it's not worth the effort unless there's another reason that person is under suspicion, he said.

"If I really want your DNA, I can get it," Fitzpatrick told a Syracuse.com reporter. "I can find your DNA, your wife's DNA."

But Maurer called that process "deeply troubling."

The other way to get someone's DNA is by asking him for it. That has its own set of problems, Maurer said: It's coercive (If you don't provide your DNA, what are you hiding?) and it's unsettling to be investigated for a crime, Maurer said.

In one case, a Michigan resident was caught up in a DNA dragnet targeting 150 people in a serial rape case between 1992 and 1994. The perpetrator's description? Black, between 25 and 35 years old and 5-feet, 7-inches to 6-feet, 2-inches tall.

One target, Blair Shelton, said he felt compelled to give a "voluntary" blood sample after a detective told him it was the only way to clear his name, according to a lawsuit filed later.

Police came to his workplace at TJMaxx and told his boss that Shelton was a suspect in a serial rape investigation, the lawsuit states.

He waited three months for the DNA to clear his name. In the meantime, he was fired from his job and was cast to his co-workers as a possible rapist. Shelton later won his lawsuit and regained control to his DNA after the actual rapist was caught.

William Moffitt, past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said there's very little voluntary about a voluntary dragnet. When do the ends justify the means?

"I suggest to you that if we ran a police state, we would be much more successful at solving crime," he told CBS News in 2004, speaking of DNA dragnets.

In the most well-known case of familial searching gone awry, a New Orleans filmmaker was placed under suspicion for a month after being considered a suspect in the sexual assault and murder of an Idaho woman in 1996.

How did authorities find him? Michael Usry's father had submitted DNA as part of a Mormon church genealogy project that had been acquired by Ancestry.com. DNA from the crime scene cleared the father, but suggested a family member might be responsible.

Usry became a promising suspect: His sisters had attended college about 25 miles from the crime scene in Idaho, he had friends in the state, and his films, like "Murderabilia," trafficked in the macabre.

Even though he was innocent, Usry said he spent a month in suspense until the DNA cleared him.

But a Long Island case shows how familial searching could help solve crime.

There, police believed a jailed inmate had sexually assaulted a woman in her home, Suffolk County prosecutor Robert Biancavilla said recently. When the suspect was released from jail on an unrelated charge, police scoured the trash in his cell for DNA.

The resulting DNA was not a match in the assault case, but it was close. It turned out the suspect's brother was the perpetrator, Biancavilla said.

Is DNA like your license plate?

How different is DNA from the license plate on your car?

Some law enforcement argue that DNA is nothing more than any other attribute: your job, your home or your car.

After all, wouldn't police chase down a lead from a bank robbery if a witness provided a partial license plate? Wouldn't innocent people be scrutinized simply for having a license plate that resembles that of the criminal?

Just like a license plate, DNA can exonerate people as easily as it can convict them, they argue.

But collecting DNA is far deeply personal, critics respond.

If DNA was such an important crime-fighting tool, why isn't everyone compelled to give the government their DNA?

Why not scrutinize all DNA databases -- of crime victims, or law enforcement, or military, or even crime lab personnel - for leads? All of their DNA is kept on file, but it's kept under the strongest assurances of privacy.

Why should relatives of criminals be singled out?

A familial search can create a list of hundreds of convicts with similar genetic makeups, ranked by their likelihood of being a relative of the wanted suspect. A second DNA test on a particular convict's DNA narrows the list considerably. But it could still lead to the scrutiny of dozens of a convict's family members, some who may be quickly ruled out but others who may become suspects after a traditional investigation.

The draft rules in New York would require a multi-step process for law enforcement to perform a familial search. It would require a joint application from police and prosecutors to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. If approved, the DNA search would be done only by the state police crime laboratory.

The proposal limits familial searches to only the most serious crimes and requires training for police and prosecutors. That "strikes a balance between enhancing public safety without compromising individual protection," DCJS spokeswoman Janine Kava said.

Just the first step

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick

Advocates say a familial search is only the first step in a long process. It's a lead, like a tip from an informant, Fitzpatrick said.

After the initial familial search, the lab would then pick a possible profile for further testing.

A second, specialized DNA test on that profile determines whether a specific Y chromosome - passed down nearly unchanged from father to son -- matches the crime-scene DNA. Because Y chromosomes are only found in men, that test is unable to identify a female suspect.

If the Y-chromosome test comes back a match, that information could be passed on to law enforcement. Authorities could then rule out people in the target family based on a routine investigation: maybe a brother was on vacation in California, Fitzpatrick said. Or someone is the wrong gender, age or lacks the physical ability.

Authorities might obtain DNA from remaining male family members.

Maurer, the public defender, expressed concern that familial searching would unfairly target poor communities of color, which typically have a higher percentage of convicted criminals. Innocent minority families would most fall under suspicion, he said.

Fitzpatrick said the tool would help communities of color the most. The fact is that 95 percent of Onondaga County's homicide victims are black or Hispanic, the DA said.

"This process will bring justice to those families," he said.

Another opponent of familial searching is the Innocence Project, which has used DNA itself to exonerate wrongfully convicted people.

Attorney Susan Friedman expressed concern that the searches unfairly put suspicion on innocent people.

Interestingly, another group that probes miscarriages of justice, the Medill Innocence Project at Northwestern University, supports familial searching as a way to find the actual perpetrator after a wrongful conviction.

Law enforcement, including Fitzpatrick, cast familial searching skeptics as naysayers who have always opposed DNA initiatives. Previous battles include the creation of the criminal database in 1996 and its expansion in 2012 to nearly all convicts of crime in New York.

Each step has caused some invasion of privacy and some disproportionate effect on poor, minority communities.

In 2010, the state allowed DNA labs to alert authorities if they stumbled across a near-match in the system. That's called a fortuitous partial match. But that has proven to be very infrequent, Fitzpatrick said. Authorities could not go in and look for near-matches.

Opponents want familial searching to be voted on in Albany. But the forensic science commission - that includes Fitzpatrick - is expected to make the final ruling. A DNA subcommittee drafted the proposal that will be discussed at the commission's meeting Wednesday.
Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse man will be listed in a public sex offender database after authorities say he exchanged inappropriate photos in 2015 with a 13-year-old girl in Arizona.

Joshua Schrock, now 25, flew to the Phoenix area to meet the underage girl, prosecutor Melanie Carden said today.

It's not clear how much sexual contact actually occurred, Carden said. The victim's story was not consistent, she said. Today, Schrock's lawyer maintained it was contact outside the clothing.

Without definitive proof, prosecutors could only charge with Schrock with disseminating indecent materials (the photos) to a minor, Carden said. He pleaded guilty to attempted disseminating and was placed on probation for 5 years.

Today, Schrock was back in court for a sex offender hearing. The factors considered at the hearing put him at the low end of a Level II offender, meaning his name would appear in the state's public sex offender registry.

His lawyer, Scott Micho, argued that Schrock should be rated only a Level I offender, meaning his name would not be searchable online. Micho argued that his client had sought help for his problems -- including drug and alcohol use -- and had straightened his life out.

But Carden noted that Schrock had "groomed" the victim through inappropriate photos and texts for months, then few to Arizona to meet the 13-year-old girl.

County Court Judge Stephen Dougherty said that, regardless of the victim's own conduct, she was still a 13-year-old girl.

The judge ruled that Schrock should be rated a Level II sex offender. His photo and crime will be published in the public database in the future.
Update 8:52 a.m. Thursday: Police: Man harasses Camillus schoolgirls, tells 1 he will come back for her

CAMILLUS, N.Y. -- Administrators with the West Genesee Central School District have issued a warning to its community after a suspicious vehicle was spotted in the area.

Superintendent Christopher Brown posted a notice -- titled "if you see something, say something" -- on the district's website around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday about a suspicious vehicle investigation.

A parent told school workers she spotted a suspicious vehicle in Orchard Village, which is down the street from West Genesee High School, Brown stated.

The school is located at 5201 West Genesee St.

The driver of the vehicle was located and apprehended at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday by the Camillus Police Department for questioning, according to the notice.

While the superintendent did not say exactly what made the person seem suspicious, he asked parents to ask their children if they'd been approached by strangers recently.

If they have, he said parents should call the Camillus police. Their administrative line is (315) 487-0102.

"Thank you to the parent who saw something and said something, as well as our administrators and the Camillus Police for quickly working together for the safety of our children," Brown stated.

Chief of Police Thomas Winn said he would be able to give out more information soon.

Check back later for updates.
2014-12-17-dl-camera2.JPG

A body camera worn by Manlius Police Captain Kevin Schafer. Wed. Dec. 17, 2014

(David Lassman | dlassman@syracuse.com )

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Nearly eight months after winning a federal grant to purchase body-worn cameras, the Syracuse Police Department has yet to use them.

The city received $59,000 last August to purchase 10 body-mounted cameras for cops. At the time, Mayor Stephanie Miner said she hoped to have the cameras deployed by the end of 2016.

Now, three months into 2017, the cameras are still sitting unused at police headquarters.

First Deputy Chief Joe Cecile said the department is working to develop a policy for using the cameras. He said recent rulings from federal courts and the American Civil Liberties Union have stalled the process. Cecile could not provide specifics on which rulings were holding up the policy.

"We had to go back to the drawing board," Cecile told the Syracuse Common Council Wednesday.

Cecile said the department hopes to have a policy in place by summer.

Councilor-At-Large Joe Nicoletti asked for a more detailed report at the next Council meeting in two weeks. He said he would like to see the cameras up and running soon, especially with the weather warming up.

Other councilors echoed his concerns about the delays in implementing the cameras. Councilor-At-Large Helen Hudson pointed out that other departments in the county are using body cameras and have working policies in place.

"I understand the councilors' concerns and that everyone is anxious to get this pilot program implemented," Cecile said. "But if we push out a faulty program, we risk many things, including jeopardizing additional funding for additional cameras down the road."

A handful of other local departments have been using body cameras for more than a year, including the Manlius Police Department and the Syracuse University Police Department.

Earlier last year, District Attorney William Fitzpatrick convened a group of local law enforcement agencies to develop policies for using body cameras. The Syracuse Police Department was the only local agency not to participate in those meetings, Fitzpatrick said at the time.

Fitzpatrick said Wednesday he has sent those policies to Syracuse police and is confident they will take them into consideration when creating their own policy. He was not aware of any new federal court rulings that would cause the policies to be held up.

The city has spent at least two years trying to get body cameras on its officers. Last year's grant provides for 10 cameras in a department of about 450 officers. Miner described it as a pilot program.

In 2015, the Bureau of Justice Assistance denied Syracuse's application for 222 body cameras, while approving cameras for Rochester and Albany. Syracuse's grant request was thin and poorly developed compared to the request from the other departments.

Rochester won a $600,000 grant to purchase 504 cameras for a department of 726 officers.
New Delhi, Apr 6 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Jharkhand for a day-long tour on Thursday.

The Prime Minister took to Twitter to break the news.

Modi will also visit the BJP headquarters in the national capital to pay floral tributes to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, on the BJP's foundation day.

"Before my day long Jharkhand tour, going to BJP HQ to offer tributes to our inspiration, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya ji on BJP's Sthapana Diwas," his tweet read.
Guwahati, Apr 6 (IBNS) : The Manipur police have apprehended three hardcore militants, including the president of United Kuki Liberation Army ( UKLA), from Senapati distric, officials said on Thursday.

Manipur DGP LM Khaute said based on intelligence inputs , a joint team of Senapati and Kangpokpi police had launched operation at Hotel Serena in Senapati on Wednesday and nabbed the militants from there.

UKLA Chief Thangkhosei Guite, who was nabbed along with his two associates, carries a Rs 1 lakh reward on his head.

The two other militants have been identified as Seigoulen Doungel and Lenkhomang Kipgen.

Security personnel have recovered incriminating documents from the possession of the three.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Trinity College has introduced a new Teacher Visitor Scheme to improve accessibility to Cambridge, acknowledging the importance of the teachers role in the application process.

The scheme is open to teachers from both the private and maintained sectors, and allows them to apply for either a half term residential (up to one week during the half-term break) or a summer term residential (two to four weeks during the summer term). Trinity College will offer up to four places for Teacher Visitors each year, with the programme including meetings with Admissions staff, being mentored by a member of Trinitys teaching fellowship, and the opportunity to work with academics from their relevant subject area.

While students often choose not to apply to Oxbridge because of their anxieties about the universities stereotypes and reputation, it is sometimes discouragement from their teachers that also contribute to the lack of application. The Sutton Trust published findings last year that showed 40 per cent of state secondary school teachers rarely or never advised their best students to apply to the universities, although Cambridges proportion of state school students has improved from 54 per cent to 62 per cent in the last decade.

The scheme is thus intended to improve the transparency of the admissions process, allowing Sixth Form teachers a better grasp of what Cambridge really is like, and what the university is looking for in prospective students. It will also allow admissions staff at the college to better understand the current challenges and mechanisms of the A-level system, particularly with the new removal of the AS Levels.

Trinitys website states, Trinity College is committed to working with schools in the UK, locally, regionally and nationally to raise aspirations and educational attainment among their pupils, and to widen participation in higher education.

Source: The Telegraph
Srinagar, Apr 6 (IBNS): Fresh snowfall and rainfall disrupted normal life across Kashmir valley on Thursday, prompting the local authorities to close schools and colleges.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed on Thursday due to landslides, official said.

According to reports, moderate to heavy snowfall was reported from the higher reaches of the valley. Snow and rain over the past three days have forced the state government to close schools in the valley till Sunday.

Weather department officials in Srinagar said, the Kashmir Valley experienced light rainfall while higher reaches, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Shopian, Jawahar Tunnel, Amarnath Cave and Sonamarg, received fresh snowfall.

Widespread rain and snow would occur at many places over the state for next 24 hours, MET officials said.

Meanwhile, Kashmir University postponed all examinations scheduled for Thursday.

All Kashmir University examinations scheduled to be held on April 6, 2017 (Thursday) are postponed. Fresh dates for the deferred examinations shall be notified separately, later, said a spokesman.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday issued a joint statement following the FCCs temporary stay of data security regulations.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and FTC Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen issued the statement to address the FCCs decision, in essence, to overturn rules designed to bolster broadband consumer privacy.

Both chairs had disagreed with the FCCs unilateral 2015 decision to strip the FTC of any authority over broadband providers privacy and data security practices.

Pai was one of the dissenting FCC commissioners, along with Michael ORielly, in last falls 3-2 vote that limited how much of Internet subscribers data companies could sell, share and trade.

The FTC has a long track record of having guarded privacy and security protection online, Pai and Ohlhausen noted, and the decision to remove it from that role did not serve consumers interest.

The stay will remain in place until the FCC is able to rule on a petition that would reconsider privacy rules online.

The federal government should not favor one set of companies over another, especially when it comes to a marketplace as dynamic as the Internet, the agencies maintained.

Winners and Losers

The FCCs recent privacy rulings have been controversial, and staying implementation of those rules likely will trigger more disagreement.

This is, in essence, a restoration of rules that favor Internet providers, said Roger Entner, principal analyst at Recon Analytics.

The new rules were meant to level the playing field for edge providers, including Google, Facebook and Amazon, he told the E-Commerce Times.

However, opponents viewed the new rules as distorting the market, so the losers now are Facebook and Google, and the winners are the ISPs, Entner said.

The negative consequences may not be limited to the tech giants, however.

Internet service providers benefit from this decision, and customers lose, suggested Steve Blum, principal analyst at Tellus Venture Associates.

At least they will if the FTC ultimately applies the same rules to ISPs as they currently do to run-of-the-mill websites, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Fair Competition

The agencies new stance met with enthusiasm from many who do business online.

Staying the data security provision will allow providers to avoid spending a potentially significant sum to retrain thousands of employees across the industry and alter their internal procedures in response to a regulation that might not even be on the books in a few months, said Ryan Radia, regulatory counsel at the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

Subscribers, in turn, will benefit from their provider investing more in services that actually matter to consumers, instead of complying with an unnecessary and legally dubious regulation, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Complying with last falls mandate could have caused irreparable injury to businesses and consumers, Radia maintained.

Privacy Concerns

Central to the rules is the issue of consumer privacy, a concern that is only likely to grow.

Its fine to say that everyone should play by the same rules, but thats only a valid argument if everyone is playing the same game, said Tellus Blum.

Theres a big difference between your ISP and, say, Facebook, which only has the information you voluntarily give it, he pointed out.

Users are the ones who choose to go to Facebook, pick a user name and password, and upload information about themselves, he suggested, but your ISP can see all that too  and you should be able to decide whether or not your ISP can use that information.

Regardless of how companies acquire data, Americans should have their privacy protected equally, argued Recon Analytics Entner, and there should be no expectation that privacy will be protected differently by ISPs and edge providers.
The UK's Transport Research Laboratory has announced it will test a self-driving shuttle service that will move people along a two-mile riverside path near the O2 Arena in North Greenwich. The driverless pod, dubbed "Harry", travels at a speed of just over 10mph, it can seat four people, and is completely controlled by a computer with no steering wheel or brake pedal, though a trained person on board at all times.

Harry was developed by Oxbotica, Heathrow Enterprises and Westfield Sportscars as part of the Gateway Project. It uses five cameras and three lasers to navigate along a riverside path used by pedestrians and cyclists. "The vehicle will see up to 100 metres ahead and if it detects something that it thinks is in its path it will come to a nice graceful halt. If it needs to emergency brake if somebody steps right in front, it can do that as well. It's been designed to be safe and fail-safe specifically in a pedestrianised environment."

Initially the trial is set to run for three weeks only and it is estimated only around 100 locals will be able to take rides during this time --- out of some 5,000 people that applied to take part. Passengers could begin using the system by 2019 on a trial basis and it may eventually be rolled out elsewhere.

"This needs to be like any other form of transportation. It shouldn't be a white-knuckle ride for passengers. We know we've got the software right when the journeys are unremarkable," Graeme Smith, chief executive of Oxbotica, the company developing the pod's self-driving systems, told The Telegraph.
Described as something that can drive the next green revolution, a leafy invention by Harvard University is able to produce fertilizer on-site, without the need for expensive industrial machinery.

The artificial leaf captures sunlight and uses this energy to create fertilizer in its own body. When released into the soil, the bioengineered fertilizer is potent enough to make surrounding plants grow 1.5 times bigger than normal.

The innovation, presented at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco, continues Harvard's previous work that resulted in a device mimicking natural leaves to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Making Fertilizer From Scratch

As Science Magazine explains, one of the key components of fertilizer is nitrogen. This element is available all around us in nature, but can only be accessed by certain bacteria, which have evolved special proteins to split nitrogen molecules from the air and fuse them with hydrogen in order to produce ammonia.

It's the ammonia in the soil that acts as fertilizer, enabling plants to absorb nitrogen and grow.

To develop their bionic leaf, researchers turned to these bacteria, called Xanthobacter autotrophicus, which they genetically engineered to harness hydrogen and combine it with carbon dioxide to create a type of bio-plastic.

Xanthobacter deposits this bio-plastic internally and uses it as a private hydrogen store, into which it can tap anytime to make ammonia by combining it with the nitrogen the bacterium already produces.

This process resulted in a new type of fertilizer. When tested on the field, the engineered Xanthobacter led to 150 percent larger crops after it had been sprayed in a solution on a plantation of radishes.

Bionic Leaves: From Hydrogen Fuels To Bigger Crops

This is not the first time the Harvard team, led by chemist Daniel Nocera, have used bacteria in their research to create bionic leaves.

In previous experiments, Nocera engineered another type of bacteria, Ralstonia eutropha, to harvest hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the air and produce hydrocarbon fuels.

The study, published last year, was in turn based on Nocera's earlier work. Six years ago, the scientist created a bionic leaf that was able to split water molecules into basic elements using sunlight.

At the time, Nocera focused his research on separating hydrogen from oxygen with the purpose of producing fuel and electricity.

His latest invention employs the same principles to create fertilizer from bio-plastic that internally stores hydrogen.

"We've basically bottled sunlight in the form of this bio-plastic," said Nocera.

Help For Struggling Agricultural Communities

Commercial fertilizer is manufactured following a similar method called the Haber-Bosch process, named after its inventors Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch. Chemical plants convert hydrogen (typically taken from methane) and nitrogen into ammonia.

However, the cost of supporting this technology on an industrial scale and later distributing the product to farmers makes it inaccessible to many impoverished rural areas.

The man-made leaf created by Nocera has the great advantage of producing fertilizer directly in farm soil and could help agricultural communities in developing countries significantly boost their crop yields.

Nocera believes his invention, which has a very low cost in terms of traditional fertilizers, could one day allow poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa or rural India produce their own fertilizer.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A suspected hantavirus infection has been reported in King County in the state of Washington. Hantavirus causes the deadly lung disease hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and the virus is spread by rodents.

According to health care sources, an Issaquah woman in her 50s has been hospitalized and she is in intensive care.

The death of an Issaquah man was reported this year from the disease. The woman is improving in intensive care and if HPS is confirmed, there is a possibility that more cases could follow.

Symptoms Of Hantavirus Infection

According to doctors, hantavirus infection symptoms are almost similar to flu in the beginning and show up one to eight weeks after the virus is inhaled.

The fever will be accompanied by a headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, and nausea. Further, it will escalate into breathing difficulties.

Dr. Jeff Duchin of Public Health-Seattle and King County noted that a third of people who contract the disease usually die. The worrying part is that people who get the viral infection are mostly healthy without any record of hard health conditions. Immediate medical care is recommended to save lives.

The common carrier of the hantavirus is the deer mouse found in the forests of North America. The animal is not found in urban areas but it may come into human contact at areas closer to forests and mountains, Duchin said.

"If the risk is elevated, it will stay that way for months because this is breeding season for deer mice," he said.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is another major disease caused by hantavirus.

People Warned About Infection From Rat Droppings

People have been warned by health officials to prevent mice from entering their homes or cars.

"The greatest risk is when people stir up dust that is contaminated with droppings from rodents and that dust is breathed in, and causes the infection," said Duchin.

Rainfall causes the mice to increase in numbers and may drive more mice to areas of human contact, Duchin cautioned.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also warned that rodent control must be a primary strategy to prevent hantavirus infection.

Meanwhile, physician Dr. Troy Madsen suggested some tips to stay safe from hantavirus infection. He called for more care while doing spring cleaning in case mouse droppings are spotted, as these may expose people to the lethal virus.

He also cited the big outbreak of hantavirus at Yosemite from a virus carried in the dried urine of rats.

While sweeping homes the mouse droppings and mouse urine usually mix up and the droppings aerosolize the latter. Once dry urine particles are up in the air they may enter the lungs of people and cause severe lung infection.

How To Neutralize Hantavirus In Mouse Droppings

Madsen offered some tips to handle mouse droppings at home when they are spotted during cleaning. He advises not sweeping them away and doing these instead:

1. Get some water, pour bleach in a 1:10 ratio.

2. Apply the mixture using a spray bottle or pour it on the mouse droppings and dried urine to make the area wet.

The bleach will neutralize the virus, and because the area is wet when wiped down, it won't create an aerosol from the dry urine that can be breathed in.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft apparently has such great confidence in its Xbox Project Scorpio that it's turning it in to its harshest critic for review.

Digital Foundry is a subsidiary of Eurogamer and its game hardware assessments have been pretty tough on Microsoft so far. In the past few years, Digital Foundry has basically slammed Microsoft's Xbox every chance it got, while singing praises for the PlayStation's superiority.

With this in mind, it seems quite a gamble for Microsoft to submit its upcoming Xbox Project Scorpio to Digital Foundry for an unconventional unveiling. At the same time, it also indicates how confident Microsoft is that it got it right this time.

Xbox Project Scorpio Reveal Through Digital Foundry

Microsoft has been teasing Project Scorpio for a good while now and the console is expected to be the company's most powerful one to date. The Xbox Scorpio console is yet to make its official debut, but the big reveal is just around the corner.

In an interesting and unexpected twist, Digital Foundry has announced that it will offer "exclusive" information about the upcoming Xbox Project Scorpio on Thursday, April 6, at 9 a.m. ET.

To clear up the speculation: @digitalfoundry will have an exclusive Xbox Scorpio reveal on @eurogamer this Thursday at 2pm UK / 6am Pacific. pic.twitter.com/bacxOGerjJ  Digital Foundry (@digitalfoundry) April 4, 2017

Such a specific date and time indicates that the Xbox team granted Digital Foundry a timed exclusive, which makes things all the more exciting. Over the past few years, Digital Foundry has repeatedly criticized the Xbox One for its game performance, deeming it inferior to the PlayStation 4.

Make It Or Break It

Microsoft's move to team up with Digital Foundry's brutal game hardware analysts for the Xbox Project Scorpio reveal indicates that the Xbox team is either positive that Scorpio is the force it needs, or desperate enough that it will try anything.

As it seems now, having Digital Foundry unveil the upgrade Xbox Project Scorpio could either doom the new console before it even hits the market, or give it the ammunition it needs to finally trump the PS4.

It remains to be seen, however, if Microsoft still stands a chance on the gaming market or it has already lost the war. Forbes' Erik Kain, for instance, believes that the war between Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation is pretty much over and the PS4 has won by a wide margin. Truth be told, the PS4 has been constantly and repeatedly outselling the Xbox One ever since both consoles hit the market back in 2013.

"That's not even a war. It's a slaughter," Kain argues.

In this context, Project Scorpio might be too little, too late, but it remains to be seen.

If it's powerful enough and delivers the right balance between pricing, performance, and content availability, it could finally manage to give Microsoft an edge against Sony on the gaming market. If so, a positive review by Digital Foundry, one of the toughest Xbox critics, could only boost its success. On the other hand, a negative review could drown it for good, so it will be interesting to see how things will pan out.

If you're excited to see how things unfold, tune in for the Xbox Scorpio Digital Foundry reveal tomorrow.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
New Delhi, Apr 6 (IBNS): The Rajya Sabha on Thursday witnessed noisy scenes on alleged incidents of organized gang attacking people who shuttle cows in trucks in Rajasthan, according to media reports.

Congress raised the issue of a man being killed in Rajasthan by a group of vigilantes who alleged he was smuggling cows, media reports said.

The media quoted Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of State for Parliamentary affairs as saying that the Rajasthan government has denied the incident.

The denial caused an uproar in the Rajya Sabha.

The Congress, in reply said that Rajasthan was facing a "constitutional breakdown" hit back.

Pehlu Khan, a dairy owner, and four of his companions were attacked and beaten while they were on their way back to Haryana after buying cows at a Jaipur fair.

Following the incident, the police filed cases against the men who were attacked and beaten unconscious, accusing them of smuggling cows, reported NDTV.

A murder case was filed by the police after Pehlu Khan died on Tuesday. Three of the attackers were arrested, according to local reports.
Ranchi, Apr 6 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Jharkhand on Thursday, said that the government is committed to serve the tribal communities and quicker development will lead to more empowerment of people, according to media reports.

He said that several development works being launched that will benefit the Santhal Pargana, media reported.

Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a multi-modal terminal on River Ganga at Sahebganj in Jharkhand.

The Prime Minister said, "These projects will provide employment to people of Jharkhand. Skill development will also be boosted."

In a series of tweets from the PMO, Modi said, "The multi-modal terminal is an important component of the development of the National Waterway-1 from Varanasi to Haldia."

"The state of the art terminal at Sahibganj will have a cargo handling capacity of 2.24 Million Tons Per Annum."

"Construction of multi-modal terminal at Sahibganj will contribute to the creation of business and employment opportunities in Jharkhand."

On Thursday, he also dedicated to the nation a Solar Power Facility located in Sahebganj District Court premises and Sahebganj District Hospital.

According to a tweet from the PM's office, Modi said, "I congratulate the Jharkhand Government for harnessing solar energy."

The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the Govindpur- Jamtara- Dumka- Sahebganj Highway during his visit to the state.



Image: PMO India Twitter
Venezuela and Colombia resumed air operations on Monday with an inaugural flight departing from Caracas to Bogota after more than two years of suspension, said the Caribbean country's... | Read More
Guwahati, Apr 6 (IBNS): While the nation continues to debate over cow slaughtering and consumption of beef, it has come to light that two adults and a minor were arrested by police in Upper Assam on Tuesday night on charges of carrying beef openly, which allegedly hurt religious sentiments.

It is the first such incident in Assam when police arrested someone for carrying beef for consumption.



According to reports, Shah Jamal Haque, Abdul Rahman and a minor boy were arrested by Jorhat police on charges of carrying beef openly in Jorhat town.



On Wednesday, of the accused, the adults were sent to 14-day judicial custody while the minor was sent to an observation home by the Jorhat CJM court.



Police had seized nearly half a kilogram of beef from the accused persons, who had bought it from a slaughterhouse in the upper Assam town for consumption.



According to reports, the accused, who worked at a private industrial training institute in the town were booked under section 295 (A) of IPC and section 568 of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950.



Meanwhile, Jorhat police has initiated a probe concerning the legal status of the slaughterhouse.



Assam became the first saffron state in north-east India after the BJP emerged victorious in the 2016 state assembly poll by winning 60 seats alone in the 126-member state assembly.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Kolkata, Apr 6 (IBNS): Police on Thursday lodged an FIR against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh for taking part in a Ram Navami special rally with a sharp sword at Kharagpur town in West Medinipur district, officials said.



Hours after state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated to take legal action against the rallies' organizers from an administrative meeting in Purulia district, Kharagpur Town Police Station's police registered the FIR against Ghosh on suo motto basis.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right wing organisation and the ideological mentor of the BJP, and its several sister organizations, including Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindu Samhati, held more than 150 rallies across West Bengal, 39 out of which were organized in Kolkata, to celebrate Ram Navami (A spring Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of god Rama).

Activists of these Hindu organizations, including school children, were seen walking with sharp weapons in those rallies.

Meanwhile, a local organization, Bharat Mata Samiti, had called for a Ram Navami rally at Kharagpur on Wednesday where Dilip Ghosh and chairman of TMC-ruled Kharagpur Municipality, Pradeep Sarkar, were present.

"A rally was organized at Kharagpur yesterday where deadly weapons were carried in public. As we are considering the activity a cognizable offence and violation of law, an FIR has been lodged against those, who walked in the rally with weapons," a senior official of West Bengal Police told IBNS.

According to police officials, charges under several non-bailable IPC and Arms Act sections have been slapped on Ghosh.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have registered cases against the organizers of Ram Navami rallies in the city, where 'deadly' sharp weapons were carried publicly, reports said.

"Over 39 Ram Navami possessions were held in Kolkata yesterday and weapons were showed off in three rallies, which were hosted at Posta, Entally and Bhawanipore areas," a Kolkata Police official told IBNS.

"As we found violation of law in the act, three FIRs on suo motto basis have been lodged against rallies' organizers at Posta, Entally and Bhawanipur Police Stations," the official added.

Reacting the matter, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh told IBNS, "Deadly weapons, including firearms, were carried publicly in Muharram rallies. Government took no action against them."

"Then why they are taking legal step against me, is law only applicable on Dilip Ghosh in the state! I'm ready to face the legal fight," Ghosh added.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)


Guwahati, Apr 6 (IBNS): The sleuths of Assam police on Thursday grilled the suspended Special Superintendent of Police (CID) who allegedly leaked information of the investigation process of the All Assam Students Union (AASU) office in Silapathar on March 6.

Guwahati city police commissioner Hiren Nath and other top officials on Thursday interrogated SSP (CID) Dr N Rajamarthandan for several hours at the CID office in Guwahati, who was suspended by the state government.



Nath said that, R Rajamarthandan has committed his illegal activities and investigation is going on.



The SSP (CID) provided investigation process information of the Silapathar case to the secretary of Nikhil Bharat Bangali Udbastu Samanvay Samiti (NIBBUSS) through RTI.



Assam police have already arrested mastermind of the incident Subodh Biswas who is the national president of NIBBUSS.



The Assam government hadd already notified that, the CID organization is exempted from providing information under RTI Act as per government notification no PLA.384/2005/54 dated March 8, 2006 and no details of investigation can be divulged to anyone without the permission of the competent court.



Meanwhile, the advocate of NIBBUSS has filed a bail petition of Subodh Biswas before the Gauhati High Court.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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Guwahati, Apr 6 (IBNS): Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama on Thursday inaugurated the Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery, located at Dirang, 45 km from Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh governor P.B. Acharya and States First Lady Kavita Acharya along with State Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the inaugural function.

Showering his blessings, the Dalai Lama advised that people and Lamas for proper and maximum utilization of the Monastery.

It should be a centre for learning for all. He advised to conduct debate on every aspect for healthy growth and advancement. There must be lots of activities, he said.

The Tibetan spiritual leader was felicitated the people of Dirang and nearby villages for the monastery, which is one of its kind.

Along with Lamas, the common people are also taught Buddhist culture, traditions and values.

Welcoming him to the State, the governor said that the spiritual spirit and compassion that the Dalai Lama disseminate will translate into positive energy and take the State towards path of eternal peace and development.

You are the living God and Saint. Your presence has strengthened and inspired all, the Governor said, while expressing his thoughts, the governor said.

The governor urged the Dalai Lama to guide the achievers, young people and believers for an equitable advancement of every section of the society.

The Speaker of State Legislative Assembly, Er. T.N. Thongdok and local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) Phurpa Tsering also spoke on the occasion.

Advisor to Chief Minister Japu Deru, Chief Secretary Shakuntala Doley Gamlin, former minister Tsering Gyumey and R.K. Khrimey were present on the occasion.

A presentation of dialectic debate by some laities, was presented on the occasion.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
TV grab

Srinagar, Apr 6 (IBNS): The snowfall in the month of April in Jammu and Kashmir led to the avalanches in which an Army Post was buried and three soldiers are missing, on Thursday, media reports.

Out of five soldiers who were buried, two were rescued leaving other three to go missing.

Army's Northern Command in a tweet said that they are carrying on the search operation while trained avalanche rescue teams have been employed.

"Rescue operation for balance three soldiers in progress. Specially trained & equipped Avalanche Rescue Teams employed" Northern Command said.

The warnings of avalanche were earlier sent by Chandigarh-based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment a day back for Jammu & Kashmir.


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New Delhi, Apr 7 (IBNS): Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who was accused of assaulting an Air India staff member, regretted the incident on Thursday, media reports.

Along with his regret, Gaikwad requested the Centre to lift the flight ban that was imposed on him by six Airlines, citing the reason that it is affecting him to discharge his duties.

Gaikwad, on March 23, assaulted a senior staff member of Air India which was followed by controversies and criticisms across the nation.

He also had to travel via train from New Delhi to Mumbai, because of the ban.

Earlier on Thursday, Sena MP said that he can beg pardon to the Parliament but not to the Airlines.


The Landrieu administration's proposal to bar vehicles from most of Bourbon Street faced nearly unanimous backlash from about 150 residents and business owners at a public meeting Tuesday night.

The proposal, part of the citys $40 million plan to enhance security citywide, is still being fleshed out, and both city officials and consultants acknowledged they have run into significant hurdles as theyve tried to develop a way to close Bourbon that would allow deliveries to stores, minimize the impact on residents and not create more traffic headaches in the French Quarter.

Mayor Mitch Landrieu and other city officials have said closing the often densely packed Bourbon Street is a precaution needed in the wake of terrorist attacks on crowded streets such as one in Nice, France, where 86 people were killed and more than 430 were injured when a truck drove into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day last year.

However, the residents and businesses, most of them from the French Quarter and most of whom had not had a chance to weigh in on the proposal before Tuesday night, panned the effort and said more should have been done to consult them earlier in the process.

Throughout the two-hour meeting, residents frequently broke in with questions or criticisms, arguing that the plan would exacerbate traffic problems and seriously hurt businesses' ability to get the deliveries they need, while having little to reduce street crime in the Quarter.

Officials appeared to take at least some of those concerns to heart, saying they planned to reach out to more residents and businesses who would be affected. After the meeting ended, AECOM Operations Manager Derek Chisholm, whose firm is conducting the traffic study connected to the project, said the message had come through.

The direction seems to be minimizing the amount of disruption and change, he said.

During the meeting, Chisholm laid out a range of options that are under consideration, ranging from closing only various sections of the first eight blocks of Bourbon Street to expanding the closure to side streets or to the greater area.

Lots of folks want partial closure, which would be similar to the current situation, Chisholm said. But that would require either barriers that could be raised or lowered to control the traffic getting through or else a heavy law enforcement presence, both of which would cost significant amounts of money, he said.

Chisholm said his firm was focusing on the area between Iberville Street and St. Ann Street, since the number of driveways along Bourbon farther downriver would create problems for extending the closure in that direction.

None of these (alternatives) is already rising to the top. None of these is our favorite; none of these is the Department of Public Works favorite. Were looking for some assistance in getting there, he said.

Closing the side streets presents a particular challenge because it would require shutting down more traffic and potentially coming up with a way to allow vehicles some access to residences and businesses, which could require people to back down streets or make tight U-turns.

We have four terrible ideas for you about how to close a side street, Chisholm said. If you have a better one, we have a job waiting for you at AECOM or the city.

The proposed closing of Bourbon for security reasons is distinct from a separate plan, unveiled Friday, to completely reconstruct the first eight blocks of Bourbon before the end of the year to fix both the roadway and the nearly century-old pipes beneath it. About $4 million for that project is slated to come from the security plans funding, with another $2 million from the Sewerage & Water Board.

The argument about closing Bourbon to prevent terrorism didnt carry much weight with the crowd.

Youre creating problems. Youre making up problems, Cassandra Sharpe said. The city is not keeping our city clean. The Quarter is filthy. The police  their hands are tied. People here are bothered (by panhandlers) as they go up and down the street.

AECOM surveyed 60 businesses on Bourbon Street before Tuesday's meeting, but it did not consult any residents or any establishments elsewhere in the Quarter. That led many to cry foul, arguing that the survey could not be taken seriously.

In the end, officials said they would reach out to more residents before the traffic study is completed. Originally that was slated for May, though Public Works Director Mark Jernigan said that might be changed based on the feedback at the meeting.

A variety of challenges would have to be handled to make the street closure work. AECOMs survey indicated that more than half of the businesses on Bourbon get deliveries every day. One owner said the closure would put his employees who change out ATMs at risk of armed robberies.

A representative of Royal Carriages said the closure could keep animal-drawn carriages from crossing Bourbon, causing major problems.

And some people in nearby neighborhoods including Treme, Marigny and the Central Business District fear that any street closures in the French Quarter would just push more traffic onto their streets.

Jernigan said there are no plans to eliminate the pedestrian mall on Royal Street, which provides a stage for many of the Quarters street performers, but he noted that any closure we do on Bourbon will have a ripple effect.

Meg Lousteau, executive director of Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents and Associates, said, The implications are far beyond Bourbon, because were talking about taking out a huge chunk of the streets.
New York, Apr 6 (Just Earth News): Protecting refugees and assuring the safety of countries that receive them are complementary goals, a senior United Nations official on Wednesday said in a special security forum that discussed denying safe havens to people who finance or commit terrorist acts, or to terrorists who try to abuse the asylum system.

Our collective experience gained over many years has taught us that security and protection need to go hand in hand  one is not possible without the other, Volker Turk, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), told the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee in New York.

There are some 21.7 million refugees around the world, some of whom are in Europe or trying to seek refuge there. While many have been welcomed with compassion, Turk said, others have faced national measures such as push-backs at borders, detention, and restricting access.

The impact of such measures is simply the diversion of refugee movements along other routes and the aggravation of already precarious situations in regions embroiled in conflict, said Turk, noting the threat from smugglers and trafficking, xenophobia and violence.

In contrast, Turk highlighted measures in line with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Measures such as biometric registration and background screening, ensure an orderly processing of refugees while also protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

When asylum-seekers and refugees are promptly registered and have their status determined in a fair and efficient manner, States can be more confident of who is on their territory, said Turk.

The 15-member Committee was established in the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks in the United States, and works to criminalize the financing of terrorism and cut safe havens to terrorists, among others. On Wednesday's briefing focused on  Denying safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts, or provide safe havens, and preventing terrorists from abusing the asylum system, in conformity with international law .

One of the issues also discussed at the meeting was information sharing and need for cooperation between law enforcement and judicial authorities.

The ability of States to assist one another quickly and successfully is an absolute necessity also for eliminating and preventing the creation of terrorists' safe havens, said Mauro Miedico, the acting chief of the Terrorism Prevention Branch at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC).

He urged Governments to further strengthen technology and abilities, particularly those in vulnerable regions with weak governance and criminal justice syste

Photo: OCHA/MB

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Failed builder Watersun Homes could have been trading insolvent for more than a year before its collapse, accepting money from customers while contractors complained about unpaid bills worth tens of thousands of dollars, according to the company's administrators.

More than 800 creditors claim they have been left out of pocket by the shock collapse and liquidation of the Victorian arm of Watersun Homes, WSH Group.

Many suppliers, tradespeople and home buyers say they are now fighting for their own financial survival, after an investigation by administrators revealed it was "highly unlikely" much of the estimated $20 million debt would be recovered.
Shocking cases of wage fraud in the big brands of 7-Eleven, Domino's, Caltex and United Petroleum, ricochet across the country, prompting all sides of politics to promise new legislation to rein in systemic wage fraud.

Or so we thought.

In the weeks before the election the Turnbull government promised to change the law to make franchisors jointly responsible with their franchisees for workplace abuses if they have significant control or influence on the franchisee.

It sounded reasonable enough.
It was all self-congratulation in a government press release last week praising timetable changes that would "increase services and reduce crowding" on Melbourne's trams. Well, that was last week and a week is a long time in politics.

This week the story broke that tram services will be slashed on some of Melbourne's busiest routes. Fewer services and more crowding is the reality from the operator locked in secret negotiations with the government for a new contract to run Melbourne's trams.

The 96 tram: among those suffering service cuts.

In a stroke of legal genius, the current contract of Yarra Trams gives it the exclusive right to negotiate with the government behind closed doors for a seven-year franchise agreement. It certainly makes the bidding process easier when you are not facing competition.

Secret negotiations are just the start of this clandestine operation. Yarra Trams received $2.2 million in "incentive payments" on top of the $2.2 billion the government has paid for the group to operate Melbourne's trams. How those incentive payments are calculated is shrouded in mystery, with three of the five contractually agreed criteria kept secret.
Mr Fraser, who was the head of Treasury for five years before serving as RBA governor from 1989 to 1996, is one of 75 prominent Australian economists and academics who have joined forces to pen an open letter deeply critical of the cut to some Sunday penalty rates.

In a rare public intervention, Mr Fraser has told Fairfax Media that Australia is approaching a "danger point" where the gap between rich and poor becomes so vast it could have "awful" far-reaching consequences at every level of Australian society.

Former Reserve Bank boss Bernie Fraser has savaged the Fair Work Commission's cuts to penalty rates and the Turnbull government's company tax cuts, saying the measures will further entrench inequality but do little to produce jobs and growth.

The letter  signed by leading economists from universities, think tanks and consultancies across the country  says the decision will not deliver any meaningful boost to employment and will ultimately undermine household incomes and national economic growth.

Former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser. Credit:Josh Robenstone

"While it is doubtful that lower penalty rates will result in any measurable increase in total employment in the retail and hospitality industries there is no doubt that this decision will reduce incomes for some of the most insecure and poorly paid workers in the economy," it reads.

But the widely respected Mr Fraser  who served both Liberal and Labor governments as a public servant for 35 years  has gone even further, extending his criticism to the government and the business community for supporting the cuts.

"It was another illustration of what I'm afraid is an increasing trend towards unfairness in so many ways in policy matters," Mr Fraser said. "Some people now have much more than they really need and so many more have not even enough to get through.
Labor has demanded the Turnbull government urgently probe the electoral eligibility of one of its own ministers, NSW National David Gillespie, following constitutional concerns that echo those which felled former senator Bob Day.

Fairfax Media revealed in February that Dr Gillespie, who holds the north coast NSW seat of Lyne, may have an indirect financial interest in the Commonwealth - grounds for disqualification under section 44(v) of the constitution.

Dr Gillespie, the assistant health minister, owns a small suburban shopping complex at Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie. One of the shops within the complex is an outlet of Australia Post  a government-owned corporation.

Labor first wrote to Attorney-General George Brandis in February asking whether he had sought legal advice about Dr Gillespie following Fairfax Media's report, noting the Turnbull government's lower house majority was on the line.
Los Angeles: US Vice-President Mike Pence will visit Australia later this month for meetings with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

The visit will be part of a comprehensive tour of the Asia-Pacific with stops also planned in South Korea, Japan and Indonesia.

Vice-President Mike Pence will meet Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. Credit:AP

It comes as US President Donald Trump and his administration work to firm up relationships with America's allies in the region after the real estate billionaire's inflammatory comments during his election campaign and behaviour in the White House, including his fiery January phone call with Mr Turnbull.

It also comes as the region contemplates action against North Korea's missile program and Mr Trump holds crucial meetings this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Florida Mar-a-Lago estate.
Parents have spoken out about Topshop's use of 'too-thin' mannequins to promote their clothing.

The high street chain two years ago promised to stop using stick-thin mannequins in their stores, but it appears they are now using new ones.

Mother Zoe Mason spoke out about the models used in Topshop. Credit:Facebook/Zoe Mason

Mother Zoe Mason spoke of how her 15-year-old daughter was shocked when she saw the figures in a shop window in Herefordshire.

She wrote on Facebook: "My Biggest Girl went into town with her friend after school yesterday. They went around the shops to try to find a birthday present for another friend of theirs.
An anaesthetist who abandoned his patient mid-operation and then passed out from intoxication has found new employment at Shellharbour Private Hospital.

Michal Petr, who had a history of drinking on the job, has not returned to work at Wollongong Hospital since the incident on its premises in May last year.

Shellharbour Private Hospital has employed an anaesthetist who was so intoxicated he abandoned a patient mid-operation at Wollongong Hospital last year. Credit:David Tease

But the NSW Medical Board allowed him to continue practising under certain conditions, including that he worked under supervision, did not participate in any on-call roster and other measures not disclosed "due to privacy considerations".

Shellharbour Hospital does not employ staff doctors, but has given Dr Petr visiting rights as an anaesthetist in the pre-admissions clinic.
Well-off Australians are slashing their personal tax bills at a cost of billions of dollars a year to other taxpayers through the widening use of secretive family trusts.

But while trusts are flourishing, and the government is battling a big budget deficit, neither the Coalition nor Labor has tackled what critics describe as the "sacred ground" of tax minimisation.

Unpublished figures provided exclusively to Fairfax Media by the Australian Taxation Office reveal almost 643,000 discretionary trusts (most family trusts are this kind) in Australia in the 2014-15 financial year, the most recent year for which figures are available. That is almost twice the number of 20 years earlier, an increase that far outstrips population growth.

The increase is likely to have been sharper in the two years since 2015 as other popular tax minimisation options  superannuation and negative gearing in particular  come under heavy political pressure, and financial planners and accountants market trusts as an alternative.
A man has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a lane in Surry Hills, police say.

The 22-year-old man is accused of attacking the 19-year-old woman on Christie Lane just before midnight on Friday, March 30.

Police said the woman did not know the man.

The woman reported the alleged attack to police at Surry Hills Local Area Command.

At 4.50pm on Wednesday, police arrested the 22-year-old man on Salisbury Road in Camperdown.
New York, Apr 6(Just Earth News): Addressing the Partnership Forum convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), senior UN officials on Wednesday discussed how to promote infrastructure growth in the least developed countries, particularly in Africa, to reach the world's development goals by 2030.

The theme of on Wednesday's Forum is Partnerships for promoting opportunities, increased prosperity and sustainable development for all. Since 2008, ECOSOC's Partnership Forum has brought together stakeholders, particularly from business and foundations, to discuss with governments ways in which to engage in support of the internationally agreed development goals.

In his welcoming remarks, ECOSOC President Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, noted that infrastructure plays a vital role in economic and social development of cities, regions and nations. He also highlighted the importance of public-private initiatives in developing resilient infrastructure.

In the context of achieving sustainable development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he said there is a valid case to be made for infrastructure development and industrialization, as well as bolstering broad, multi-stakeholder partnerships in that regard.

It is only through working together that we will be able to fully face and deal with the complexities of on Wednesday's development challenges which more often than not transcend borders in both their impacts and their solutions, Shava said.

The geographic focus of on Wednesday's discussions is on infrastructure development in the countries facing the largest infrastructure gaps, such as those in Africa, the least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing States (SIDs).

Not only does infrastructure improve access to agriculture, clean energy, education, water and sanitation, it also increases mobility, connects markets and helps create jobs, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said.

In a video message, the Deputy-Secretary-General called for the promotion of effective partnerships that emphasize innovation, impact, transparency, coherence, accountability and sustainability.

She said that the international community has a once-in-a-generation opportunity for peace, prosperity and dignity on a healthy planet  the aims of the 2030 Agenda  and cannot afford to fail.

Also speaking on Wednesday, the President of the General Assembly, Peter Thomson, urged the international community to let go of old grievances and scepticism and called for new and inclusive ways of thinking, partnering, financing, and delivering on the ground.

In the coming months, high-level events on SDG action will be held, including a financing lab on 18 April, an event on innovation and connectivity on 17 May, and on education on 28 June. The Ocean Conference will be held from 5-9 June.

'Climate change is incompatible with poverty eradication'  Mary Robinson

In her keynote address, Mary Robinson, who spoke on climate justice as the President of the Mary Robinson Foundation, called for removing silos between governments, civil society and the private sector.

Uncontrolled climate change is incompatible with the eradication of poverty, Robinson said, underscoring the need for collective action. And achievement of climate goals including access to sustainable energy for all is a driver of development.

She called climate justice the antithesis of the short termism that is on Wednesday causing nations to choose protectionism over international cooperation.

Our future security and prosperity depends not on the strength of our borders or the size of our armies, but on the depth of our education systems and the extent of global access to water, food and electricity, said Robinson.

She noted, however, that not all action which is good for the planet is automatically good for people, and stressed the importance of human rights in all climate action actions.

Robinson, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and a current member of The Elders, began her address by reiterating concern and moral outrage about the famines in parts of Africa and the Middle East. She also expressed concern about the purported chemical weapon attack in Syria calling it a war crime and a crime against humanity.

Photo: UNICEF/ Noorani

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been challenged to produce evidence that the government's policies have significantly reduced house prices, after claiming in Parliament that the average Sydney house is $50,000 lower than it would be thanks to state government policies.

Ms Berejiklian said that the record number of housing approvals under her government had stopped Sydney's housing affordability crisis from climbing even further.

"Recently Treasury did some numbers to suggest that because of the rate at which we are approving housing approvals and building and construction, the mean price of an average house in Sydney would have been $50,000 higher if not for our policies," Ms Berejiklian said in Parliament on Wednesday, in response to a question on housing affordability from Newtown's Greens MP Jenny Leong.

The ABS reported this week that there had been more than 75,000 building approvals in NSW in the past 12 months, and 53,000 completions.
However, he also has a history of committing petty offences around the Queanbeyan area and had issues with the drug ice. Police and emergency services at the scene of the Queanbeyan service station stabbing. Credit:Karleen Minney He had a current AVO out against him in Young Local Court to protect a female and is awaiting trial in a District Court on aggravated sexual assault to inflict actual bodily harm with a weapon. Ms Burn said another line of inquiry was whether the incident was drug related. Tarpaulin sheeting was set up around the service station. Credit:Karleen Minney

The boys are also accused of robbing a bottle shop, bashing a man with a tyre iron during a home invasion and bashing a homeless man in a park with a beer bottle, before stabbing another man in the stomach in Queanbeyan about 6.20am. They were arrested following a police pursuit that crossed into the ACT. The Caltex service station where an employee was fatally stabbed remained cordoned off on Friday morning. Credit:Karleen Minney Police are treating the three earlier attacks as motivated by robbery but the fatal stabbing of the service station attendant as a possible act of terrorism. Mr Akbar, from Pakistan, was stabbed multiple times in a "brutal" attack but police were not yet sure if he was specifically targeted.

NSW police sealed off the Caltex service station. Credit:Karleen Minney The man's colleague arrived at the service station to start his midnight shift, and found the victim lying on the floor and the front windows smashed. He could not be revived and died at the scene. Friends paid tribute to Mr Akbar, a Muslim man who was hoping to get his Australian citizenship. His friends had posted photos online of him celebrating New Year's Eve at Sydney Harbour and sightseeing at the Blue Mountains and Collins Beach in Manly. "This is really an unbearable loss for his family," one friend posted.

Superintendent Rod Smith, from the Monaro Local Area Command, described the night's events as "horrific". "It doesn't need to be said, but it doesn't get more serious than this," he said. "It's an absolutely horrific series of events." He said the service station's front doors had locked during the incident, trapping the two alleged offenders inside. They had to "smash their way out" of the front windows to escape, he said. Both boys were being questioned by ACT police on Friday evening.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the circumstances of the stabbing warranted the involvement of the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team. "I can say that the circumstances have raised sufficient concern, as I've discussed with the Commissioner of the AFP, Andrew Colvin, raised sufficient concern to warrant the involvement of the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team," he said. "The involvement in this crime of two males, two youths, teenagers, is a shocking matter and one that underlines many of the concerns we have raised in this field." Alan Webber, the owner of the Caltex store where the fatal stabbing took place, said he was shocked by the crime and "sincerely and desperately sorry" for the families involved. Queanbeyan residents quickly took to social media to share their distress at the news of the service station employee's death.
Washington: Devin Nunes, the embattled California Republican who is chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, announced on Thursday he would step aside from leading his committee's investigation into Russia's efforts to disrupt last year's US presidential election.

His announcement was made on the same morning that the House Committee on Ethics said Mr Nunes was under investigation because of public reports that "may have made unauthorised disclosures of classified information."

The congressman has been under growing criticism for his handling of the Russian inquiry. Many on Capitol Hill have said he is too eager to do the White House's bidding and cannot be an impartial investigator into questions about any role President Donald Trump's associates may have had in last year's Russian campaign to disrupt the election.

Mr Nunes said that his decision came after "left-wing activist groups" filed accusations against him with the Office of Congressional Ethics. He called the charges "entirely false and politically motivated," but said it was in the committee's best interests for him to temporarily step aside from the investigation.
Bangkok: A member of Malaysia's ruling coalition has sparked outrage in his majority Muslim nation by saying girls as young as nine are "physically and spiritually" ready for marriage.

Shabudin Yahaya also told Parliament there was "nothing wrong" with a rape victim marrying her rapist because she would then not face a "bleak future".

The MP's remarks on child marriage have been widely condemned. Credit:AP

The comments came as MPs passed a law on sexual offences against children without banning child marriage.

"They reach puberty at the age of nine or 12," Mr Shabudin said during a debate on the law. "And at that time, their body is already akin to them being 18 years old. So physically and spiritually, it is not a barrier for the girl to marry."
Gently Down the Stream, starring Harvey Fierstein and Gabriel Ebert, opened Wednesday, April 5, at the Public Theater. Playwright Martin Sherman's new work is directed by Sean Mathias and will run through May 14. Take a look at photos from the opening night party in the gallery below.

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Fierstein plays Beau, an American expat living in London, who meets Rufus (Ebert), an eccentric young lawyer, at the dawn of the internet dating revolution. After a life spent recovering from the disappointment and hurt of loving men in a world that refused to allow it, Beau is determined to keep his expectations low with Rufus. But Rufus comes from a new generation of gay men who believe happiness is as much their right as anyone else's, and what Beau assumed would be just another fling grows into one of the most surprising and defining relationships of his life.

Tony winners Fierstein and Ebert are joined by Christopher Sears, who completes the cast. The production features scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Michael Krass, lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen.

For tickets and more information, click here.
New York, Apr 6(Just Earth News): Briefing an emergency meeting of the Security Council following the reports of alleged chemical weapons use in Khan Shaykhun, southern rural Idleb, Syria, a senior United Nations official for disarmament affairs said that while many details are not yet fully known, new information continues to come in on the incident.

[However,] if confirmed, this would constitute the single largest chemical weapons attack in Syria since the attack on eastern Ghouta in August 2013, said Kim Won-soo, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs

Reports have stated that the attack was carried out through an airstrike on a residential area [but] the means of delivery of the alleged attack cannot be definitively confirmed, at this stage, he noted.

In his briefing, Kim informed the 15-member Council of reports indicating presentation of symptoms after the attack, including respiratory problems, vomiting, fainting and foaming at the mouth, and miosis (pupillary constriction).

This was visible in videos on social media, said to have been taken at the scene of the attack, he noted.

According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) at least 70 people have died and hundreds more have been affected in Khan Shaykhun.

In a statement, WHO noted that: The likelihood of exposure to a chemical attack is amplified by an apparent lack of external injuries reported in cases showing a rapid onset of similar symptoms, including acute respiratory distress as the main cause of death.

Some cases appear to show additional signs consistent with exposure to organophosphorus chemicals, a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents, it added.

The statement also noted that emergency rooms and intensive care units in Idlib are overwhelmed and reporting shortages in medicines required to treat injured patients and that many patients have been referred to hospitals in southern Turkey.

Also in his briefing, the UN High Representative informed the meeting on the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact Finding Mission (FFM) and the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM).

Yesterday, the UN Secretary-General as well as officials from the OPCW and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria expressed grave concern over the reports and reiterated their condemnation of any chemical weapons use.

UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

Source: www.justearthnews.com
City of Columbias Pet of the Week Meleas is a five-month-old pit bull puppy who is looking for a home to call her own. Meleas is happy to hang around with her humans, sunbath, snooze on a...

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A House Intelligence Committee Democrat tried to reach across the aisle to reboot the committees stalled Russia investigation. Republicans met his gesture with total silence.

Republicans boycotted a Wednesday briefing on Russian intelligence methods organized by Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who had hoped the committees members could gather in a bipartisan manner to hear non-controversial testimony from an expert.

Weeks ago, House Intelligence Committee staff and Swalwell reached out to a national-security specialist, Naveed Jamali. In the 2000s, Jamali was a double agent in the service of the FBI after the Russian government tried to recruit him as an asset.

Every single Republican lawmaker on the House Intelligence Committee was invited to the members-only briefing on Wednesday. Not one showed.

I want [the Republicans on the committee] to know that they had an opportunity to go, and I hope we can show the bipartisan cooperation that a lot of us have experienced before the investigation began, Swalwell told The Daily Beast. This was an effort to do that, and I will continue to reach out.

The idea was for Jamali to brief House Intelligence Committee on Russian methods for targeting and recruiting intelligence assets. The briefing was held in a private setting, and rather than discussing Russia-Trump ties, looked only at the Russian governments tactics. It was billed as an unclassified meeting that took place outside of the committees secure briefing area, and was not formally organized by the committee.

It was an informal opportunity for all members of the committee to meet someone who had a real-life, Russian recruiting experience, Swalwell said. So he shared with members how Russia used business entanglements to approach a U.S. person and to seek influence.

Jamali briefed the lawmakers on his personal experience as an FBI double agent who interacted with the Russian government, noting that Russian intelligence often didnt have a specific purpose for recruitmentthey found assets and looked for a use for them later.

When I look at what is out in the public domain about Michael Flynn and others, my concern is that there are echoes of what the Russians did with me, in what happened in [the presidential elections of] 2016, Jamali told The Daily Beast. It takes years to recruit an asset they say someone is of interest, lets recruit them and then it could be years after theyve been recruited when theyre put into play.

The incident was the latest example of the dysfunction, partisanship, and paralysis thats gripped the panel since Chairman Devin Nunes blew up the committees Russia investigation.

Swalwell said after Jamalis briefing that he had expected Republicans would attend, and had been assured by some that they would try to make it. A spokesman for Nunes had no comment Wednesday about the decision by Republicans on the committee to skip it.

The committee met for regular business Monday evening to pursue normal intelligence oversight duties, but did not discuss in detail how to restart their investigation into Russian inference in the U.S. presidential election. The committee will meet again for an all-hands briefing Thursday morning.

Two weeks ago, Nunes held a press conference with a shocking assessment: Information about Trump transition officials had been incidentally collected during legal foreign surveillance by the United States government. The chairman then rushed to brief the presidenta subject of the committees investigationwithout telling the rest of his committee what had happened.

In the intervening days, it was reported that Nunes had visited the White House privately the night before his press conference, and that his sources were White House staff. Nunes then cancelled a planned open hearing for the committee, where it had expected to receive testimony about Russia from senior national security officials who had served in the Obama administration.

The committee remains fractious and relationships are frayed. There is no word on if or when the panels hearings on Russia might resume.
David Zinns sumptuous stage design for the Broadway production of Present Laughter means that, rather like the possibly seduced and definitely abandoned ladies that find themselves there, wed all like to spend some time in aging idol Garry Essendines 1939 London apartment.

This large, light living space features a central chaise longue, paintings, and books, an unseen guest roomeven if it is freezing coldand an unseen office, where the actors poor, put-upon secretary Monica takes refuge from the madness frothing around her vain boss.

Unseen rooms are vital for farceserving as holding chambers for suddenly shoved bodiesas this production of Noel Cowards semi-autobiographical comedy, starring Kevin Kline as Garry, a nearly past-it roue who likes attention but not that much attention at close quarters, shows all too vividly.

Up some stairs, also unseen, there is Garrys bedroom, where you sense hed spend a lot more time in delicious peace if only he was darned well allowed to. And there is an unseen kitchen where his put-upon domestic staff, the stern Miss Erikson (Ellen Harvey) and happily servile Fred (Matt Bittner) appear from with trays of sustenance and other kinds of emergency help. They have seen it all before.

The first lady callerthey all come to seek refuge, having, ehem, forgotten their latch-keyis Daphne, a young actress played with a sweet but stubborn intensity by Tedra Millan. She smiles radiantly, and for all her girlishness, will not be easily cast aside.

Kline, a masterful comic actor in speech and gesture, and here using every scowl, smile, and feint at his disposal, plays an actor acting perfectly, mixing both charm and over-dramatic frustration when he cant get his own way. The dialogue is Coward at his most crisp and arch. Garry is so much the actor, the real him is the actor. Being an actor is one role he cannot cast off.

Many men watching Kline will inevitably covet the standout costumes of the night: his beautiful silk dressing gownshey, this is Coward, were not in jeans and T-shirt territorydesigned by Susan Hilferty.

As directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, Klines Garry flings himself on a couch in despair, and always when he goes to answer the door he performs a little check on his hair in the mirror. (The moment he chooses not to is delicious.) If Garry is frustrated by the fuss of romantic attention, he is also aware that aging means he must take as much as he can while he can.

Fortunately, his vanity and pomposity has an in-house puncture kit in the imposing and acid form of Monica. Her portrayer, the wonderful Kristine Nielsen, is Klines equal, if not his upstager. It is she who takes control of the romantic messes he makes, and she who parries expertly not just with Garry but also his estranged wife, the crisp, wry, and capable Liz (Kate Burton).

Liz and Garry are on such good terms that she too only rolls her eyes in weary, all-knowing amusement at the fixes he gets himself into, the most grave of which comes with his relationship with Joanna Lyppiatt (Cobie Smulders), wife of his producer Henry (Peter Francis James) and also passingly involved with another associate, Morris (Reg Rogers). She likes to think she is the seductive slayer of all these men, but is she? Will Garry leave for an upcoming tour of Africa unscathed? He is even more worried about returning unscathed.

Into the mix is also thrown Roland Maule (Bhavesh Patel), a fan and playwright who wants to be close to and spend time with Garry for unspecified reasons. Is it sexual? That isnt made clear, and it isnt played that way by Patel.

Theres more than a hint of danger to Maules lunacy: Its an all-consuming fandoma stalker by todays standards, but back in 1939 and within the determinedly pleasant confines of Present Laughter, Maule is just someone a little rum to accommodate and then try to discard as painlessly as possible.

If Maules desire to connect with Garry is undefined, it is also not clear what, if any, sex is even happening between Garry and Daphne and Joanna, so firmly sequestered in the spare room as the women are. His apartment seems a site of unfulfilled lust on the womens part. (Coward was gay, which perhaps explains all this shadow-play: The piece, first staged in 1942, was written long before homosexuality was seen on stage.)

In true farce, the audience knows all the points of stress before they are revealed and combust and so, while the women are shoved into the spare room and demented Maule into the office, we should be rubbing our hands for the moments of revelation.

However, we dont. Smulders plays Joanna with a glinting shrewishness, but Coward also defangs and mocks the character from withinand so she remains a non-threat, especially after she is verbally floored by Liz.

Something in the writing of Present Laughter never raises the stakes to the level of gasping hilarity that true farce can elicit. The urbanity, wit, self-possession, and control of Garry, Monica, and Liz mean that we never think the demons they have to ward off will do as much as even graze their knees.

Theres no real driving plot in Present Laughter, just a battery of Cowards mots at their most bon. And like the best houseguest, just before it outstays its welcome, it takes its leave.

Present Laughter is at the St. James Theatre. Book tickets here.
A Russian spy who worked to steal American secrets while undercover as a bank employee was sent back to Russia on Wednesdaymonths ahead of schedule.

As a non-official cover spy, Evgeny Buryakov worked an ordinary jobin his case, at the state-run development bank Vnesheconombankwhile conducting his covert duties on the side. He tried to gather financial information, including details about U.S. sanctions, for Russia, while his handlers sought to recruit Americans as intelligence assets.

Buryakov was asked to get information about the effects of economic sanctions on our country, according to his criminal complaint. He later searched the internet for sanctions Russia consiquences [sic].

He was busted in January 2015 in part because his handlers were sloppy and bragged about their exploits while bugged by the FBI. But they were able to flee the country without getting arrested, under diplomatic cover.

Buryakov pleaded guilty in May 2016 and sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiring to act in the United States as an unregistered agent of the Russian Federation.

The spys release comes amid increasing concerns about Russian intelligence operations against the United States. Just last week, Reuters reported that President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met with Vnesheconombank executives in December. The bank that Buryakov worked for while conducting espionage for Russia paid for his legal bills after his arrest and was also sanctioned after Russias invasion of Crimea.

As The Daily Beast reported last week, Sergei Gorkov, the chairman of VEB, has a spys pedigree. Senate investigators intend to question Kushner about those meetings last year.

Concerns over the Trump teams Russia ties have swirled for months. Notably, former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page was scrutinized over his tight Russia ties early in the presidential race. This week, it emerged that Page was the man Buryakovs handlers tried to recruit as an intelligence asset. And former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn resigned after lying about meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. After Flynns resignation, it emerged that, among other things, he failed to disclose hefty payments received from Russian propaganda network RT.

Buryakov shed nearly four months from his sentence for good behavior and was released from prison and into ICE custody on March 31. He was expected to be released in July.

Yet while his early exit from prison may be unexpected, it is not altogether uncommon, experts said.

Kara Gotsch, the director of strategic initiatives at The Sentencing Project, told The Daily Beast that those serving more than a year in federal prison are eligible for a 47-day reduction for good behavior on their sentence for every year they serve. There are other mechanisms for early release, toolike compassionate releasethough they are not commonly used.

The [Bureau of Prisons] does have discretion for up to six months prior to someones release, Gotsch said. They could go into a halfway house or home confinement or something like that.

That option was not given to Buryakov. He remained at an Ohio prison before being handed over to ICE and deported. In a statement, the agency defended his deportation.

Removing individuals like Mr. Buryakov represents ICEs highest enforcement priority, which is protecting the national security of the United States, said Rebecca Adducci, field office director for ICEs enforcement and removal operations in Michigan and Ohio.
Advertisers are fleeing The OReilly Factor in droves. President Trump is defending the Fox News host. And Seth Meyers is here for A Closer Look.

Before he got to the sexual-harassment scandal plaguing Bill OReilly, Meyers said he felt it was important to understand just how influential Fox News is right now, especially with its most loyal viewer, Donald Trump, who regularly cites the news channels reports on Twitter.

Summing up the symbiotic relationship, the Late Night host said, They give him glowing, unquestioning coverage, and in return he gives them unparalleled access. Trump also goes out of his way to promote Fox News shows, like he did last week when he asked his Twitter followers to watch Judge Jeanine Pirros show right before she called on House Speaker Paul Ryan to step down.

So Fox is basically the closest thing we have state TV, Meyers said, calling it a mutual appreciation society, in which the network and Trump heap praise on one another, even to the surprise of some of the channels hosts.

Meyers highlighted Chris Wallace and Shepard Smith as two Fox News anchors who have treated Trump fairly, but noted the president doesnt often quote them on Twitter. Hes more likely to crib notes from Bill OReillyfor instance, the time Trump hyped an alleged terrorist attack in Sweden that never took place. OReilly has routinely defended Trump, even when Trump has done the indefensible, Meyers said, pointing to OReillys refusal to play excerpts from the infamous Access Hollywood tape, calling it crude guy talk.

And if it seemed outrageous to you at the time that OReilly would dismiss Trumps apparent sexual assault confession as crude guy talk, it might make a little more sense now, Meyers continued, after The New York Times report on the $13 million paid out in settlement money to five women who sued the host for sexual harassment.

Soon, the only advertisers left on his show are going to be Ivanka Trumps clothing line and Steve Bannons skin worserner, Meyers joked. And yet, in spite of all of this, youll never guess who came to OReillys defense today: Donald Trump.

And just this past July, OReilly himself was defending his former boss Roger Ailes from sexual harassment charges to Meyers. Youre a target, Im a target. Any time, somebody could come out and sue us, attack us, go to the press or anything like that. And thats a deplorable situation, he said at the time, adding, I stand behind Roger 100 percent.

This is the network that the president relies on for information, Meyers said. A network with an archaic culture of sexual harassment, fear, and intimidation that also serves, with a few exceptions, as his propaganda arm.
As the king of awkward product placement on his old show, The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert knows a thing or two about what makes a good advertisement. And Pepsis latest attempt to harness the zeitgeist is not it.

During his Late Show monologue Wednesday night, Colbert walked his viewers through the commercial, which was pulled down by the company less than 24 hours after it was released online.

We have a deeply divided nation, Colbert said. But today, it seems that everyone has come together to join the protest against the new protest ad from Pepsi.

It starts with a throng of beautiful, multi-ethnic people protesting in the streets of, Im gonna guess Newport, Rhode Island, the host began, as footage from the spot played onscreen. So far, we dont know what has caused all of Americas hot extras to take to the streets. But Im guessing its a protest for Attractive Lives Matter.

As for the sign that says Join the Conversation, Colbert called it the most corporate message ever, adding, it might as well say, We are all the corporate demographic.

At first, this was a movement without a leader, he continued. Until the protest route just happened to pass by Kendall Jenner doing a fashion shoot for, apparently, aluminum siding. In the ad, Jenner rips off her blond wig and hands it to black woman, who, in Colberts words, is not thrilled about being Kendalls wig caddie.
So the Senate, as expected, went nuclear Thursday , and from this point forwardstarting Friday, and thereafter forever afterSupreme Court nominees will need only 51 votes to get on the Court.

I hate seeing Neil Gorsuch rammed through, which will happen Friday, as much as the next liberal. I suspect hes seriously right wing and will be a nightmare to have on the Court for three decades or more. (Now heres a grim thought: I will die with that man on the Court.) But he looks nice enough. Its terrible that in our day and age everything basically comes down to how a guy looks and presents. Somebody can be as right wing as Atilla the Hun, but if he doesnt look the caricatureif he literally doesnt have wild eyes and bushy eyebrows and a handlebar moustache that he twirls while answering senators questionshell skate through.

And yet, I say to my fellow liberals that all is not lost. People worry about two things here: one, the demise of a Senate tradition; two, the fact that now President Trump can nominate any kind of crazy right-winger to the Court, and he or she can be confirmed with 51 votes. Lets break those worries down.

On the first point, I say sod the Senates traditions. The Senates traditions stink. The Senates traditions are reactionary and have been used time and time again in our history to block progressive change. The Senate was a compromise in the first place between small states and large states, and the Connecticut Compromise that created our bicameral legislature passed by just one vote. Small states have always had too much representation, and in the main, they tend to be more conservative states.

Then you have this filibuster, which arose in the 1820s and as you probably know was rarely usedonly to block civil-rights billsuntil the 1970s and 1980s. Its a terrible rule because it makes an effective majority out of 41 no-voting senators. Like the guy from the Broadway show said in Federalist 22 : To give a minority a negative upon the majority (which is always the case where more than a majority is requisite to a decision) isto subject the sense of the greater number to that of the lesser number. He added that such a provision would destroy the energy of government, handing outsized power to an insignificant, turbulent or corrupt junto.

So now the minority side wont be able to filibuster a High Court nominee. The legislative filibuster remains in place (and in a better world, Id like to see the legislative filibuster go too, but were not in that world right now). But in truth, the filibuster has been rarely used for Supreme Court nomineesjust four times in the last half-century. The Democrats didnt even filibuster Clarence Thomas. Times were still different back then. Bet theyd like that one back.

All this leads to the second point, which is indeed more problematic. Trump could nominate anyone, and all theyd need is 51 votes. I dont know if Sebastian Gorka has a jurisprudential brother, but Trump could nominate him, fascist chest pin and all , and the Republican majority would confirm him in a flash. Or any of the actually-existing radicals. Roy Moore. Janice Rogers Brown. If you dont know these people, read about them . Theyre some of the greatest minds of the sixteenth century.

Thats something to worry about. Three current justices might not make it to 2021. Who knows what that bench could look like. Its a terrifying thought, and there isnt much we can do about it.

But two points. First, there wasnt much we could do about it before. If Mitch McConnell didnt go nuclear over Gorsuch, he was going to do it the next time, maybe over somebody even worse. So theres no way to stop the Republicans putting Roy Moore on the Court if they want to. But there wasnt any way to stop it last week, either. On that front, nothing really changed this week.

Second, inevitably in these matters, what goes around comes around. Those three justices might not hang on. But then again they might. And by 2021, God willing, the man who was (not) told by Elijah Cummings that hes destined for true greatness will be back on 57th Street.
Nothing riles an audience of (mostly) women quite like a hunky male politician agitating for the advancement of womens rights, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did at the annual Women in the World Summit on Thursday.

We cant just talk about how women need to be empowered without talking to the people who still have more powerthe men, Trudeau said in a wide-ranging conversation with host and Daily Beast founder Tina Brown on Thursday afternoon, presenting himself as the anti-Trump without ever mentioning the presidents name, and addressing topics that ranged from the refugee crisis to the importance of appointing women leaders in government.

While Trump continues to make an aggressive push for his immigration ban , Trudeau reiterated on Thursday that Canada welcomes refugees fleeing Syria and the Middle East. In addition to calling on the international community to condemn the actions of the Syrian government, Trudeau noted that Canada is one of the largest donors to the U.N. body that actually investigates war crimes.

While the Trump administrations health care bill proposed removing maternity care from standard insurance plans and defunding Planned Parenthood , Trudeau recently announced that the Canadian governmentwhich has offered paid family leave since 1991will spend $650 million on reproductive and sexual health initiatives around the world in the next three years.

We know that if you want to create success, particularly in the developing world, [you need to] empower women so that they can choose  like a manwhen and with whom they can have a family and make choices around how they want to live their lives, Trudeau said. The money weve given isnt just to maternal and reproductive health, its also to reproductive rights. Its fundamentally a question of rights.

Pressed by Brown about his bond with Ivanka Trump  and whether she represents a more sympathetic strand within the Trump administration, Trudeau avoided discussing the presidents daughter specifically but emphasized that the Canada-U.S. relationship is way bigger than a president-prime minister relationship.

There are lots of ways to reach out and highlight the need for women leadership, Trudeau continued, noting that he made a point of creating a gender-balanced cabinet and, for the first time, his administrations budget will include a gender-based analysis of any proposed initiative.

He also stressed that economies cannot thrive as long as women in the workforce are deprived of the opportunities afforded to men. Countries like the U.S. and Canada can only make meaningful social and economic progress when we realize that promoting women in positions of power isnt just the nice thing to do, Trudeau said to cheers, its the smartest possible thing to do.
His dads stint as president may have resulted in a series of record-low approval ratings, but this has not deterred the eldest Trump scion from wanting to follow in his fathers footsteps.

Raising the terrifying prospect of yet another family political tradition, Donald Trump Jr. has reportedly told members of an elite gun club that he has set his sights on becoming governor or mayor of New York.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has been a vocal opponent of Trump, is up for re-election in 2018.

According to Page Six, Trump Jr. told members of New York States F6 Labs gun club in Long Islands Hicksville, which bills itself as a private, indoor, state-of-the-art law-enforcement training facility that he was bored of working in business and had been bit by the politics bug.

Donald Jr. and his brother Eric are officially running the Trump Organization while their father is in office, although Trump retained his financial interest in the company, a structure that has drawn the ire of ethics officials.

Trump Jr. has said that he doesnt speak to his father anymore after he became president and gave control of his business to him and his brother.

I basically have zero contact with him at this point, Trump Jr. said last month.

A source told Page Six that Don Jr. said he is interested in running for office, such as governor of New York, but the position of mayor of New York would be less interesting to him.

Trump allegedly said: Do I want to be behind the scenes and be a mouthpiece and fight back against crazy liberal media? Maybe. He allegedly added: Going back to doing deals is boring after 18 months. The politics bug bit me.

Gov. Cuomo has been one of Trumps most high-profile critics.

Responding to President Donald Trumps temporary travel ban from some Muslim-majority countries, Cuomo said that New York was the laboratory of American democracy and that his state has no tolerance for intolerance.

He said: Is [the travel ban] what this country represents to me? No... this is New York, this is the Statue of Liberty we open our arms to people all across the country its what makes us special [the executive order instituting the ban] is the exact opposite of what I believe.

Cuomo has previously characterized extreme conservatives as right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay and said he has no tolerance for intolerance.

Trump Jr., who once posed with a dead leopard in a controversial Twitter post, seems to be laying the groundwork with the gun lobby.

Speaking at a GOP fundraiser in Dallas last month, Trump Jr. said, I thought I was out of politics after Election Day and [would] get back to my regular life and my family, but I couldnt.

A Trump source denied the rumors, saying, Don [Jr.] has no intentions of running for political office at this time... [He] is totally focused on running the Trump Organization with his brother.
President Trump on Wednesday went out of his way to defend Bill OReilly against accusations that he is a serial sexual-harasser. And one of the Fox News hosts newly unearthed accusers is firing back.

I think hes a person I know wellhe is a good person, the president told The New York Times in response to the papers revelation that five women have received payouts from Bill OReilly or Fox News in relation to sexual-harassment accusations against the ratings-leading blowhard. Dozens of major advertisers have ditched OReillys timeslot as a result.

Personally I think he shouldnt have settled, Trump continued, because you should have taken it all the way.

I dont think Bill did anything wrong, he declared of his long-time friend.

Former Fox Business Network host Rebecca Diamond, one of the three previously unreported accusers discovered by the Times, broke her silence on Wednesday evening to blast the president for his reckless absolving of his buddy for cases about which he likely knows nothing.

President Trump, the women were forced to settle, not the other way around, because of employment agreements prohibiting court trials, she explained on Twitterone of her first posts on the social-media site in nearly four years.

In 2011, according to the Times, Diamond revealed to her Fox bosses that she had secretly recorded conversations with OReilly containing inappropriate sexual behavior. She left the network, reportedly bound by a confidentiality agreement, and was paid a settlement of an unknown amount.

Fox has publicly acknowledged it requires employment agreements, which require mediation and prevent going to court. Their choice, she further tweeted at the president on Wednesday.

She added: If you don't believe in settlements, get rid of forced mediation employment agreements and women won't have to settle.

Diamond was a co-host of Happy Hour, one of Fox Businesss inaugural shows which ran from the networks launch in October 2007 until its cancellation in June 2010.

President Trump, I have personally met and interviewed three of your children several times while I was a host at Fox Business, she concluded. I'm saddened reading your comments. Truly disappointed and vilified all over again.

Such comments tell women they won't be believed.
In May 2016, the National Rifle Association gave Donald Trump an early, and critical, vote of confidence by endorsing his presidential bid while other conservative groups were still plotting to overthrow him. The NRA stood by Trump throughout the tumultuous campaign and spent $30 million to help get him elected. In turn, Trump vowed to the gun lobbys members that he would never let them down. Remember that, he said.

In the three months since his inauguration, while the media focused on Trumps Twitter feed like Mosess tablets and covered staff rivalries like a series of palace coups, the president and Republican lawmakers have quietly gone about the work of living up to his promise to the NRA. For gun-rights groups, this is the moment theyve been waiting for. For gun-safety advocates, its a dangerous new normal in Washington and state legislatures across the country.

The NRA was the largest investor in Donald Trumps campaign and they are looking for a return on that investment, said Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, a gun-safety group she founded after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Were starting to see that at the federal level, certainly.

Other gun-safety groups said theyd also seen a significant shift in gun-related legislation since Trump was elected.

Theres definitely a noticeable difference. The climate has changed here in Washington pretty dramatically now that Republicans control both chambers and the White House, said Robin Lloyd, director of government affairs for Americans for Responsible for Solutions. We definitely have seen a shift toward a much more defensive posture, but were still actively working to support bipartisan bills that are going to strengthen our gun laws.

Broadly bipartisan gun-related measures have been the exception on Capitol Hill this year. Much more common have been bills favored by the NRA and large majorities of Republicansbills that would have had no chance of passing under President Barack Obama.

In February, Trump signed a measure that rolled back an Obama-era rule to stop people who were labeled by the Social Security Administration as mentally incompetent from buying a weapon. The House also passed a rollback for a similar Obama rule meant to keep veterans, deemed by the VA as a danger to themselves or others, from weapons purchases. Gun-rights and disability groups argued that neither of the original rules would give due process to the people involved, but Democrats said they would keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldnt have them.

But its a federal bill currently waiting for Congressional action that has gun-safety groups most concerned. The proposed bill would grant concealed carry reciprocity to people traveling outside of their home states with their weapons, even in states with stricter gun laws, and would allow for the least restrictive standard to apply.

Another NRA priority, the Hearing Protection Act ,  sponsored by Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, would drastically cut the federal requirements for buying a silencer. That measure has 130 Republican co-sponsors and even won an endorsement from Donald Trump Jr., an avid hunter. Trump Jr. visited a silencer company in Utah during the campaign and told the CEO that cutting regulations on silencers was about a health issue, frankly.

For every gun-related measure at the federal level, dozens have been introduced across the country in state legislatures across the country. Kris Brown, the chief strategy officer for the Brady Campaign to prevent gun violence, said shes seen the same increase at the state level as at the federal level. Theres definitely an uptick in the activity, she said. They feel emboldened by the guy that they paid for to be in the White House.

Brown said similar bills often show up in different states, with nearly identical language, a sign of the national campaign thats happening. This isnt just random, she said. Its part of a larger effort in the corporate gun industry.

Among the trends Brown and others said theyve seen in states this year are a continuation of effort to allow guns on public or private college campuses, bills to limit or completely repeal restrictions on guns in public places, and a concerted effort to expand permitless carry, which would eliminate any requirement that a person have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Twelve states, including Alaska, Idaho, Mississippi, and Vermont, already have no requirement for residents to have a permit to carry a concealed gun. Brown also noted that Florida legislators are considering a law to change the burden of proof required to use the stand your ground law as a defense in a shooting.

One unexpected result of the flurry of bills being introduced is that some of the most aggressive bills loosening gun restrictions have been defeated, even in states with Republican legislatures or Republican governors. Bills to allow guns in K-12 schools failed in North Dakota and Kentucky this year, as did permitless-carry measures in Utah, South Dakota, and Montana. A campus carry bill was also defeated in Wyoming.

Despite the election, or maybe because of it, Shannon Watts from Moms Demand Action said that just as legislative activity has increased, her group has also seen an exponential increase in volunteers in states across the country since November. Whats different is the momentum on our side, she said. A lot of people came off the sidelines after the election.
Having lampooned Ivanka Trump in the now-infamous Complicit skit on SNL, actress Scarlett Johansson didnt mince words when criticizing the presidents daughter at the Women in the World Summit in New York.

You cant have it both ways, Johansson said of Ivanka in an interview with Arianna Huffington Thursday afternoon, sharpening her knife. If you take a job as a public advocate, then you must advocate publicly. Ivankas interview with CBS News Gayle King earlier in the week was baffling, Johansson said, adding that she was particularly disappointed in Ivankas admission that her positive impact on the administration will be mostly behind-the-scenes.

Well, thats empowering! Johansson, who gave a speech at the Womens March on Washington, said in a sarcastic nod to Ivankas pledge to advocate for womens economic empowerment in her new role as assistant to the president.

Johansson called out the presidents daughter for being a traditionalist rather than a feminist. Indeed, despite her so-called advocacy for womens rightsspeaking out about equal pay and the importance of paid maternal leaveIvanka has never identified as a feminist.

This idea that behind a great man is a great womanits such an old-fashioned concept, the actress said, lamenting the idea that powerful women like Ivanka Trump are too concerned about how people perceive them to wield their power publicly.

Johansson conceded that she cant imagine how complicated it must be to be in Ivankas position.

Its a unique and strange thing, but she has an opportunity to really make a big impact just by being vocal. And I have met her several times in the past, many years ago, and shes very well-spoken and intelligent and engaging, Johansson continued, stopping short of enumerating how she is complicit in her fathers illiberal administration.

Asked if she would ever consider entering politics, Johansson said that she wouldnt rule anything out, but I have a very full life right now and I think with a very young daughter and all I want to do with my career, I cant imagine [entering politics] would be a possibility for a long time.
The dispute over sanctuary cities is quickly shaping up to potentially be this generations civil rights struggle, with states, municipalities, universities and churches willing to stand up to the federal government to protect undocumented Americans. While California and Newark, New Jersey might receive most of the attention for their sanctuary city policies, a looming conflict has emerged in Attorney General Jeff Sessionss backyard.

Once upon a time people would say that nothing would ever change here in the South, youll always have lynchings, youll always have bombings, said Birmingham Mayor William Bell to The Daily Beast. The transition that Birmingham made to be an all-inclusive city from our segregated past can really demonstrate to the rest of the world that it can be done.

Last week, Sessions threatened to withhold or revoke law enforcement funding from sanctuary cities, or any state, city, or local government that blocks the police or sheriffs from telling federal authorities about undocumented immigrants in their custody. This position could place these two Alabamians in conflict over civil rights in the months to come.

In January, Mayor Bell, who is African American, signed a resolution designating Birmingham as a welcoming city, which is similar to a sanctuary city. Birminghams resolution does not create new policies and it is not a law. Civil rights advocates may argue that this resolution is all talk, but in Alabama this represents a controversial position. Bell likes to call Birmingham the blue heart in a red state (Hillary Clinton won Jefferson County, which includes Birmingham with over 52 percent.)

Embattled Alabama Governor Robert Bentleywho is currently under investigation for impeachment stemming from numerous corruption charges connected to an affair with a stafferquickly denounced the resolution. Alabama will not support sanctuary cities or institutions that harbor or shelter illegal immigrants, the Governor said.

Bell stood his ground. Every individual who resides, works, plays or comes through the city will know they are welcome and have no fear in interacting with their municipal government in any way, said Bell in January to local Fox affiliate WBCR, stressing that Birmingham police would not become an enforcement arm of the federal government.

Its ironic: In the 1960s, Bull Connor argued local autonomy to prevent federal intervention, so that he could sustain segregation and terrorize African Americans with water hoses and police attack dogs. Now Bell champions local independence to sustain racial equity and welcome people to Birmingham.

Following Sessionss announcement, Bell told The Daily Beast that he still remains committed to the welcoming city designation and has no problem cooperating with [the federal government in] detaining individuals that have committed major crimes such as murder, armed robbery and other crimes in that category. But he sees no need for local police to act as an extension of the federal government on minor issues such as not having a proper drivers license. These issues can best be handled at the local level, according to Bell.

Bell did not elaborate on whether he intends on making official policies or laws to formally protect Birminghams undocumented community, but he remains committed to establishing a diverse environment where people regardless of immigration status can trust their local government and law enforcement community.

In addition, week, Sessions also issued a sweeping review of federal consent decrees with local law enforcement. And while Birminghams local law enforcement is not under a consent decree, it were as of last month. The 2002 decree was ended by a judges order after the Jefferson County Sheriff department successfully made the necessary policing and hiring improvements. Sessions and Bell may not directly clash on this issue, but again the ideals of Birmingham certainly do not align with the Attorney Generals.

The parallels between the looming struggle and that of the 1960s are unavoidable. In both cases Birmingham, and America, must work to promote diversity and racial equity, and to protect peaceful Americans who have been demonized and their existence criminalized.

In one of his last actions in office, President Barack Obama designated Birminghams Civil Rights District as a national monument, preserving their rich civil rights history and showcasing the city as an example of progress. The majority of the sites in Birminghams new Civil Rights National Monument consist of places where African Americans were able to peacefully congregate and support civil rights beyond the specter of white terrorism, yet without exception the terror eventually found them.

The 16th Street Baptist Church, founded in 1873, was the first black church in Birmingham, and has always remained a vibrant and influential religious, intellectual, and social center for African Americans in the city and was the scene of the infamous bombing in 1963 that killed four girls. Freedom Riders Park, in Anniston, Alabama, also received the national monument designation. Thats where a mob set fire to a Greyhound Bus carrying Freedom Riders on May 14, 1961.

As churches prepare to shield undocumented immigrants from law enforcement and incidents of racially motivated white terror are on the rise, were forced to wonder about how far we can backslide as segments of our society perpetuate the demonization of non-white Americans. Would we really be surprised to see law enforcement officials invade a church to arrest undocumented Americans or bigoted Americans attacking and throwing rocks at a bus carrying Latino or Muslim Americans? Weve already seen Americans voluntarily contact immigration services or unlawfully demand identification for immigrants they assume are undocumented. How far removed are we from the horrors of the past?

Only time will tell how the federal government confronts the various state and local governments that remain committed to protecting their undocumented residents, but few anticipated that Alabamas largest city would be willing to take a stand. Most of us probably overlooked the citys rich civil rights history, and failed to recognize their commitment to the racial equity ideals of that era. Now due to their National Civil Rights Monument designation and their sustained commitment to civil rights the blue heart of a red state may receive the attention it deserves.
Donald Trumps chief strategist Stephen Bannon has called the presidents senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner a cuck and a globalist during a time of high tension between the two top aides, several Trump administration officials told The Daily Beast.

The fighting between Kushner and Bannon has been nonstop in recent weeks, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. Its been an open secret that Bannon and Kushner often clash face-to-face, according to senior officials.

One official said Bannon has lately complained about Kushner trying to shiv him and push him out the door and likened him to a fifth column in the White House.

[Steve] recently vented to us about Jared being a globalist and a cuckHe actually said cuck, as in cuckservative, the administration official told The Daily Beast.

Cuckservative, a portmanteau of cuckold and conservative, has become a favorite slur on the right, used like a sexually and racially charged version of RINO, a Republican In Name Only. Globalist is a term typically used by nationalist, pro-Trump right-wingers against political opponents; however, the term has also come under fire for at times carrying anti-Semitic tones. (Kushner is Jewish.)

Bannon is a self-described nationalist and long-time Republican, while Kushner was, until his father-in-law ran for president, a lifelong liberal and a Democratic donor.

Theres a big fight [going on], one senior official said. Its all about policy. Theres tension [between them] on trade, health care, immigration, taxes, [terrorism]you name it.

The White House and Bannon did not respond to emails seeking comment.

One senior Trump aide said that Bannon was also frustrated with Kushner continuing to bring in Zeke Emanuel to discuss health care options, for instance. The aide said Emanuel has had three White House meetings, including one with Trump.

In 2009, conservatives called Emanuel Dr. Death for advocating for end-of-life consultations during the crafting of the Affordable Care Act. (He is also the brother of Barack Obamas former chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.)

"Steve thinks Jared is worse than a Democrat, basically," another official close to Bannon said. "[Steve] has a very specific vision for what he believes, and what he shares [ideologically] with Trump. And he has for a long time now seen [Jared] as a major obstacle to achieving that."

Bannon was removed from his post on the National Security Council on Wednesday. One senior Trump administration official told The Daily Beast on Wednesday morning that Bannon was "only on [NSC] to babysit [Michael] Flynn" because Trump "was losing faith" in Flynn, and that Bannon "never went to meetings."

The official also said that the removal had been planned for a while and that it was "in the works from the day" Bannon met National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster. Another senior aide told the Beast that "that's [all] spin and CYA, but fine," but mentioned that Bannon still has security clearance.

Furthermore, two big efforts spearheaded by Bannon in the Trump administration recently failed. Trumps Muslim ban executive orders, crafted in large part by Bannon, are at best indefinitely tied up in court, and his pugilistic push on Trumpcare  which included Bannon urging Trump to keep a shit list of Republicans who opposed him  didnt get the job done.

On Wednesday, Politico and The New York Times reported that things had gotten so heated and tense that Bannon was even considering tendering his resignation. Bannon told Politico this was total nonsense.

However, its clear that Kushner has been expanding his reach and level of influence in Trumps core circle of advisers, and that the two men are essentially working against one another as they attempt to keep the presidents ear and affections.

I love a gunfight, Bannon told his associates and allies since Wednesday, according to Axios.

The Times also reported that Bannons Svengali-style reputation has chafed on a president who sees himself as the West Wings only leading man, and that several associates said the president had quietly expressed annoyance over the credit Mr. Bannon had received for setting the agendaand Mr. Trump was not pleased by the President Bannon puppet-master theme promoted by magazines, late-night talk shows and Twitter.

A Republican source close to Trump told The Daily Beast confirmed this level of insecurity over Bannons reputation coming from the president, and mentioned that the president was irked after catching a glimpse of a recent cold-open on Saturday Night Live.

Bannon was depicted as a Grim Reaper character who manipulates Alec Baldwins President Trump into sowing global chaos and diplomatic breakdown. At the end of the scene, Bannon tells Trump to give him his Oval Office desk back. Baldwins Trump calls the Reaper Mr. President, and then proceeds to go sit at his own much smaller, shorter desk, where the president plays with a kids toy instead of governing.

"Did you see this crap?" Trump asked the confidante, referring to the SNL sketch.

For the time being, both Bannon and Kushner, and their respective allies in the White House, are digging in for a cold, if not increasingly hotter, war. For instance, Bannons far-right media allies are ready to wage a sustained war on their new enemy, Kushner.

Jared Kushner, perhaps the one presidential aide who cannot be fired, is now in regular text message communications with Joe Scarborough, Roger Stone, a former longtime political adviser to Trump, claimed on Alex Joness show. Many of the anti-Steve Bannon stories that you see, the themes that you see on [MSNBCs] Morning Joe, are being dictated by Kushner. And while Mr. Kushners plate is very full with Middle Eastern peace and the China visit, and so on, in this case I think he is disserving the president.

Jared Kushner, Gary Cohn, Dina Powell: the three big-government liberals tightening their hold on the White House, influential right-wing radio host Mark Levin warned on Twitter on Wednesday night.
A Boston-raised computer scientist who rose to edit ISISs English-language propaganda magazines is dead. Ahmad Abousamra, a dual U.S. and Syrian citizen, was killed in Syria earlier this year, according to an ISIS eulogy in the magazine he helped create this week.

Abousamra was featured in Rumiyah magazines common Among the Believers are Men feature, which valorizes men who have died for ISISs cause. The biographical feature filled in some of the gaps about our knowledge of what happened to Abousamra between his departure from the U.S. and his death in an air strike in January 2017.

Fearing that he would be one who speaks hypocritically, he pursued the course to which he called others, so his end was as he wished: to be killed for the cause of Allah on the frontlines, the terrorist group wrote of the man they called Abu Sulayman ash-Shami in the eighth issue of Rumiyah.

Abousamras death marks the latest in a series of high-profile losses for the media-savvy terror groups production wing. Abousamras mentor and ISIS propaganda chief, Abu Muhammad al Furqan, was killed in September 2016. And the terrorist groups spokesman, planner, and most public face, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, was killed in August.

Capturing Abousamra remained a priority for the United States. The FBI had a $50,000 reward for information leading to Abousamra's whereabouts. His most-wanted page said he travelled to Pakistan and Yemen, "where he allegedly attempted to obtain military training for the purpose of killing American soldiers overseas." He left the U.S. in 2006 and was indicted alongside Tarek Mehanna in Boston in 2009.

Mehanna was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2012, though supporters maintain his actions fell under the category of free speech. But Abousamra, his indicted co-conspirator, was long on the lam.

In the complaint, Abousamra was charged with going to military-style terrorist training camps in Pakistan in April 2002. In the complaint, Abousamra was charged with going to military-style terrorist training camps in Pakistan in April 2002. The two men and a third co-conspirator were accused of watching jihadi videos as inspiration, and talking about their hope of the "glory of dying on the battlefield for Allah." The men and a third co-conspirator were accused of watching jihadi videos as inspiration, and talking about their hope of the "glory of dying on the battlefield for Allah."

They also went to Yemen for training, according to the complaint, and Abousamra eventually slipped into Iraq to fight. Both men were accused of giving false statements to the FBI when questioned. And Abousamra quickly left the country, after getting a degree in computer science in 2006.

Abousamras obituary in Rumiyah confirmed the mens travels and claimed he came close to carrying out an attack on America.

However, Allah decreed otherwise, and He does what He wills, the magazine said. Their plot was discovered just days before the operations appointed time.

Instead the hagiography says that Abousamra went to Syria, and connected with fragments of what would become ISIS fighting under the banner of the Nusra Front. He supposedly asked them to send him on a martyrdom operationa calling of the highest honor, ISIS tells recruitswhen they wouldnt transfer him to Iraq. But that was not his fate.

Instead the magazine says Abousamra went on to discover the treachery of the Nusra front and reaffirmed his oath of allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He fought with the rank and file and was finally selected for a martyrdom operationbefore being whisked from it at the last minute to join the media propaganda efforts.

In that role Abousamra was supposedly instrumental in the foreign languages wing of the media apparatus. He rose to become the head editor of ISISs first English-language propaganda magazine, Dabiq.

He would write many articles for the magazine, review what his fellow editors wrote, and scrutinize any materials that were translated for publishing, spending a great deal of time and effort doing so, the Rumiyah obituary wrote. He even began to draft legal articles under the pen name Abu Maysarah ash-Shami.

As early as September 2014, ABC News reported that Abousamra may have taken up an influential post in ISIS's propaganda wing, possibly aided by his computer science degree.

"ISIS understands very well that in order for an act of terrorism to be effective, it needs to actually terrorize people," said Peter Neumann, Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, told ABC at the time. "The act of communication that follows the act of violence is almost as important as the act of violence itself."

Like many far-flung jihadis, Abousamra was rumored to have brushed with death long before his actual demise. The Iraqi Interior Ministry said that he had been killed in June 2015, in a strike that killed 27 other terrorists.

But that doesnt seem to have been the case. According to Rumiyyah, Abousamra finally got permission to go fight in recent months. He was killed in battle by an airstrike near Tabaqah, Syria.
President Donald Trump said Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad might have to step down, as his defense officials spent Thursday discussing possible military options to punish the dictator for a suspected sarin gas attack this week against his own people.

What Assad did is terrible, Trump told reporters on a plane flight to Mar-a-Lago for meetings with the Chinese premier. What happened in Syria is truly one of the egregious crimes and...it shouldnt be allowed to happen.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said steps are already underway for organizing an international coalition to remove Assad.

Assads role in the future is uncertain, clearly, and with the acts that he has taken, it would seem that there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people, Tillerson said at a Palm Beach, Florida news conference a week after hinting the U.S. could tolerate Assad staying in power. The process by which Assad would leave is something that I think requires an international community effortboth to first defeat ISIS within Syria, to stabilize the Syrian country, to avoid further civil war, and then to work collectively with our partners around the world through a political process that would lead to Assad leaving.

Trump refused to be drawn on what he might do to punish the Syrian for Tuesday's strike, but Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is with Trump, and senior defense officials at the Pentagon are discussing options, three U.S. officials told The Daily Beast.

We're in the options business, one of the officials said.

Targets being suggested include anything related to the Syrian regime's military. "Logical targets include aircraft, chemical plants, areas of production, storage and delivery of chemical weapons," and anything related to military communications or "command and control," one of the officials said, referring to the network by which Assad directs military action.

Ideas are being exchanged back and forth between the Pentagon and National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, for eventual consideration by Trump, the officials said.

The Pentagon is also laying out what Assad would have left after any such kinetic strike to retaliate against U.S and other coalition-friendly forces.

U.S officials have radar-derived intelligence confirming that Syrian regime aircraft dropped munitions on the town at the time of the attack in Idlib.

Officials believe it was "some kind of chemical but do not yet have high confidence that it was Sarin," one of the officals said. The second said their main source of information on the suspected sarin attack is images provided by the World Health Organization of the victims.

The U.S. could theoretically use the ISIS air-ops deconfliction channel with Russia in case of an operation, but it's too early to discuss that before the President has decided a course of action, one of the officials said.

It's up to the president and National Security Council to determine whether they have the authority for punitive strikes without requesting action by Congress, all of the officials said.

A third U.S. official involved in the discussions said they are looking at if/then variables like, if you strike X target and damage or limit Russian aircraft mobility or risk killing Russian or Iranian advisors on the ground, does that preclude a warming of relations with Russia and risk stepping up hostilities with Iran?

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive and evolving discussions. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
For the Fox News Channelunder siege over star anchor Bill OReillys alleged serial sexual-harassment of female coworkersthe past five days have amounted to a perfect shit storm.

The unsightly OReilly factorsplashed Sunday on the front page of The New York Times, which reported that Fox and OReilly personally have paid out $13 million in return for the silence of six women who said they were his victimsruns very much counter to the conservative-leaning, family-friendly image that the channel has sought to project during its two-decade existence.

An exodus of at least 32 advertisers from OReillys top-rated prime-time programalong with two new lawsuits against Fox News executives charging racial discrimination, in one court filing, and sexual harassment and retaliation, in the otherhave only added to the cable channels corporate pain.

It has persisted since last July, when fired anchor Gretchen Carlsons sexual-harassment lawsuit against Roger Ailes forced the abrupt resignation of the networks chairman and founder.

The dam has burst at Fox News, and what used to be a completely containable situation when they had an autocratic ruler is now no longer controllable, said a media and political crisis-communications veteran who asked not to be named. It used to be run by Saddam Hussein, this person continued, making a joking reference to Ailes. Say what will about Saddam Hussein, at least he kept order.

Its highly unlikely, in other words, that Fox News will be able to make a silk purse out of a sows earsomething the network was able to accomplish two years ago when OReilly was unmasked as a serial fabulist and suffered zero consequences.

The best Fox News can hope for is, metaphorically speaking, to turn the sows ear into an ugly purse, to quote the insult that OReilly allegedly hurled at erstwhile OReilly Factor guest Wendy Walshs handbag after they shared dinner at the Bel Air Hotel and she rebuffed his attempt to lure her to his room.

Howard Bragman, founder of the Los Angeles-based Fifteen Minutes PR firm, said, however, that Fox News had been making the best of a bad situation.

I think what theyre doing is kind of basic PR practiceyou simply give a statement, but you dont give fuel to the other side, you try and keep it small, and you dont respond unless you have to.

So far Fox News has left the heavy lifting to 21st Century Fox, its corporate parent, and issued a single statement Tuesday night affirming its willingness to work with advertisers to place their commercials in non-OReilly programming.

Meanwhile, Fox Newss media correspondent, Howard Kurtz, briefly reported the OReilly controversy on his Sunday show, MediaBuzz, but since then has not mentioned what is arguably the top story on his beat, instead devoting reports to the political flap surrounding former Obama National Security Adviser Susan Rice. Kurtz didnt respond to an email seeking guidance.

Fox Newss outward passivity is in contrast to the aggressive pushback of OReillys personal crisis teamformer Bill Clinton scandal manager Mark Fabiani and attorney Fredric Newmanwho told the Times: We are now seriously considering legal action to defend Mr. OReillys reputation.

Thats the Bill Cosby methodthat never seems to work so well, does it? Bragman said about Team OReilly. Its not a good idea to go after accusers.

On the other hand, OReilly might benefit from the fact that people get weary. Theyve heard it before so its not shocking anymore The truth isnt the biggest factor in all these situations. We live in a time where people are pretty preposterous in what we believe.

The 67-year-old OReilly has worked at Fox News since its October 1996 launch. He is the top-rated personality on all of cable news. His audience has remained stratospheric in the wake of his latest scandal, drawing 3.65 million viewers for his 8 p.m. program on Monday nightmore than a million more than the two shows that followed and preceded him.

According to the Times, OReillys show has generated $446 million in advertising revenue over the past two years.

But Rupert, Lachlan, and James Murdochwho run 21st Century Fox, the cable channels parent companymust now decide whether OReillys money-making ability outweighs the damage his continued presence is doing to their corporate brand. Along with the departure of advertisers, demands for OReillys termination have proliferated on social media, and the National Organization for Women this week called on Fox News to take him off the air.

OReilly recently renewed his contract to the tune of a reported $20 million-plus per year. But the mere fact of a contract renewal doesnt mean job security; television networks occasionally re-up on-air personalities they plan to dismiss, and then pay out the value of those contracts in order to avoid an acrimonious and publicly embarrassing separation.

OReillywho in 2004 was sued by Fox News producer Andrea Mackris, who ultimately received a $9 million settlement after she recorded his sexually charged and graphic phone calls to herhas denied the allegations.

There is a corrosive effect within an organization when the management clearly demonstrates its values in the way that theyre doing right now, said the crisis-communications expert. Now you can say all the right things in a statementnot that theyve done thator you can stand by your employee whos in crisis and under assault. But if the act of doing so makes a large portion of your workforce feel ashamed to tell people where they work, or unhappy to be there, or feeling vulnerable in the workplace, then you can do substantial damage.

If the pugnacious Ailes were still on the throne, OReilly could have counted on a ringing corporate defense, along with under-the-radar attacks in various Fox-friendly media outlets casting doubt on the credibility of his accusers.

Yet the Murdochs have authorized only a carefully parsed and muted response to the Times story, claiming the company takes matters of workplace behavior very seriously and noting that we have discussed [the allegations] with Mr. OReilly. While he denies the merits of these claims, Mr. OReilly has resolved those he regarded as his personal responsibility.

In a phrase likely to offend Fox Newsers who have complained about rampant sexism in the cable outlets workplace culture, the statement noted that no current or former Fox News employee ever took advantage of the 21st Century Fox hotline to raise a concern about Bill OReilly, even anonymouslyan assertion that conveniently overlooks the fact that some women feared such complaints were subject to retaliation and that Ailes reportedly routinely surveilled employees.

As things stand, only President Trumphimself the target of sexual-harassment and assault allegations during last years campaignhas offered a full-throated defense of OReilly.

I think hes a person I know wellhe is a good person, Trump said Wednesday in an interview with the Times, on Day 5 of what his White House previously declared National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Personally, I think he shouldnt have settled. Because you should have taken it all the way; I dont think Bill did anything wrong.
Cookbook authors Joan Nathan and Julia Turshen joined the Washington Post Food staff to answer questions from readers. Here are edited excerpts from that chat. Recipes whose names are capitalized can be found in our Recipe Finder at washingtonpost. com/recipes.

Q: I bought a bag of shredded red cabbage to put on fish tacos. I made the tacos, but totally forgot about the cabbage until after dinner. Now I have a bag of unopened, nicely shredded red cabbage and I have no idea what to do with it.

A: Sounds like a good excuse to make more fish tacos! You can also make a lovely, easy slaw or substitute it for the radicchio in the All-Red Radicchio, Radish + Pomegranate Salad. I also love tossing shredded cabbage with olive oil and salt and then roasting it at 425 degrees until it's wilted and charred and serving it as a side dish, or folding it into an easy rice pilaf.

- Julia Turshen

Q: There are so many spring and summer recipes I want to try, but everything calls for pesto. I don't remember what pesto even taste like because I'm allergic to the nuts used in it. What is a good substitute for pesto?

A: Can I suggest that you make a pesto using pumpkin seeds (a.k.a. pepitas) instead of nuts? Two that you might try are part of these recipes: Pappardelle With Arugula Pumpkin Seed Pesto, and Creamy Lima Beans With Ancho Chile-Pepitas Pesto. And you can make a simple one-to-one swap in whatever pesto recipe you come across. Pesto is one of those versatile, adaptable, swap-able recipes!

- Kara Elder

Q: I found whole nutmegs while cleaning my spice drawer, They look fine, but I know they've been around for four years, or maybe longer. Should I toss them?

A: Four years is about the max, assuming they've been stored without exposure to extremes of heat. Best way to tell would be to buy a whole nutmeg from a bulk bin setup, like at Whole Foods. Grate some of it, and grate some of yours. Compare the aroma of each; if it's the same, I'm thinking yours is still good to go.

- Bonnie S. Benwick

Q: I am attempting to re-season my cast iron pans using organic virgin coconut oil. I wipe the inside with a light layer, put in a cold oven and leave in for one hour after the oven reaches 425 degrees. I then leave them until they are cool to the touch. The pans are coming out with sticky residue. What am I doing wrong?

A: Next time, try these tweaks: Be sure to rub the oil into the pan as much as you can, then wipe thoroughly after you distribute that light layer, so the pan looks practically dry. The temperature you're using seems high for an oil with a smoke point of 350, so reduce the oven heat to 325 degrees.

- B.S.B

Q: I have to make a side dish or salad to go with the Thai entree our host is making for our supper club, and I'm thinking Green Papaya Salad. I doubt that I can get a green papaya where I live, so I would appreciate any suggestions for a substitute.

A: While not the same thing exactly, I've had success substituting matchsticks of unripe mango and tart green apple for green papaya in salads. I once worked as a private chef in the middle of nowhere and was tasked with making a Thai menu, and the green apple salad was a huge hit.

- J.T.

A: I love the apple idea! I was also thinking that jicama could work well, although you may have as tough a time finding it as unripe papaya.

- Joe Yonan

Q: Some of my seder guests are vegans. Any suggestions for recipes for vegan Passover entrees and sides dishes? I am limited for the holiday and can't use grains, rice, beans or leavened products.

A: Quinoa is great for vegans. I have a wonderful recipe for quinoa salad with squash and pecans in "King Solomon's Table." I like to make lots of salads for my Passover table, so vegans always have plenty of options. My book also has a delicious Georgian spinach salad with walnuts and cilantro as well as many eggplant dishes. I think of a vegan entree as a medley of delicious dishes instead of one roast meat.

- Joan Nathan

Q: My family won't eat fish but they love every other ingredient in the Bene Israel Fish Curry With Fresh Ginger, Tamarind and Cilantro. Could I try it with chicken? Or is that just too far off the mark?

A: I have never tried it with chicken, but you absolutely should and tell me about it!

- J.N.

Q: Could you recommend a cookbook or two that would be a good gift for a cook just starting out? She has basic experience in the kitchen making simple meals, but this will be the first time she's living on her own and responsible for meals every day. I've got "The Joy of Cooking" on my list, but I remember receiving that as a newbie and being overwhelmed by the sheer number of tiny-font recipes, so I'd love to get her a book that won't make meal planning seem so daunting.

A: My first answer every time we get this is question is "Cooking School Secrets for Real World Cooks" by Linda Carucci, which was updated last year. There are easy recipes and ways to think about planning menus, but more importantly there are very readable sections on how to salt foods properly and how to choose fish, etc. - lessons that really stick with you. Carucci is a wonderful instructor in person, so if you ever notice she is conducting one in your friend's area, point her in that direction!

- B.S.B.

Q: I'm not Jewish, and have been invited to my first seder. I have some idea of all the rules about what not to bring, but is there a nice hostess gift to take along that's okay to bring into the house?

A: My favorite hostess gift in general is a bottle of really great olive oil - every home cook will appreciate it. And it's totally welcome for Passover!
Nine witnesses testified Wednesday, the second day of the capital murder trial of a 38-year-old man accused of killing a 7-month-old girl, with much of the testimony centered around the drug PCP.

Talawrence Tennell is charged in the death of Hailey Burleson on Feb. 25, 2015. Her mother, Crystal Harris, who had been living with Tennell at the time in an apartment complex in Bryan, had left Burleson with her then-boyfriend while she went to pick up her other daughter for a doctor's appointment, according to court documents.

Jurors on Tuesday heard testimony from six witnesses, during which they saw photos depicting the deceased child's injuries. Burleson had cuts and bruises across her body and had fractures in her skull, ribs, arm, leg and wrist.

Several witnesses testified Tuesday that it was fair to say Burleson's injuries had been intentionally inflicted -- a claim witnesses corroborated Wednesday.

Katherine Callahan, former deputy medical examiner for Travis County and a participant in Burleson's autopsy, testified Wednesday that the infant's death was caused by blunt force injury.

"A lot of force is required to fracture a baby's head like this," Callahan said.

The injuries, Callahan said, were "inflicted by a person knowingly. The number of injuries, the extent of the injuries ... this was not accidental."

Officer Roy Snell of the Bryan Police Department testified that Tennell had been "difficult" to question when Snell responded to the call at Harris's home on the day Burleson died.

"He had a hard time answering basic questions," Snell said.

Snell said he had smelled something in the home that smelled like PCP, a illegal dissociative drug known to cause psychological disturbances.

Renee Hawkins, forensic scientist at the Texas Department of Public Safety, said traces of PCP were found in Tennell's blood. Hawkins called PCP a dangerous drug that can cause confusion, disorientation, cognitive problems, paranoia and violent behavior, among other effects. The drug is prevalent in Texas, Hawkins testified.

"It's much more common than ... in other states," Hawkins said from the stand, adding that her office's analyses reveal the presence of PCP in 5 percent of their cases.

Lisa Coleman, who works in the medical division of the Brazos County Jail, testified that Tennell had told her he "had a lot of PCP" in him when police brought him into the jail shortly after Burleson's death.

Investigators found a travel-sized bottle of Scope mouthwash -- a type of container in which drug dealers often store PCP and sell to users, Snell testified -- containing residual traces of PCP on the ground outside Harris's home on the day Burleson died. Inside the home, police found a pair of jeans with a large stain between the front and back pockets that later tested positive for PCP. Earl Gray, one of Tennell's attorneys, presented the jeans to Rebecca Wendt, a crime scene investigator at the Bryan Police Department, during her testimony Wednesday.

After Tennell tried on the jeans and verified to the court that they fit and were the same jeans as the one pictured in the state's exhibit photo, Gray asked Wendt whether it was possible that the PCP from the Scope bottle had been contained in the stain on the jeans.

Wendt said it was "possible," but she couldn't say for sure whether the stain on the jeans represented the contents formerly held in the Scope bottle. She added "the bottle was found in a different location than the pants."

Hawkins testified that PCP can be absorbed through the skin but noted the lack of research on transdermal ingestion, since researchers cannot administer PCP to research subjects because of ethics laws.

If convicted of capital murder, Tennell will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The state is not seeking the death penalty.

As the nine witnesses testified over six and a half hours Wednesday, Tennell sat silently and watched their testimonies, occasionally resting his chin in the palm of his hand or drinking a Sprite.

The trial continues at 9 a.m. today in the 85th District courtroom at the Brazos County Courthouse.
The Normangee City Council voted during a special meeting to suspend police chief Charles Herford without pay.

The Leon County Sheriff's Department and the Texas Rangers are investigating Herford after he was arrested March 22 on charges of deadly conduct and evading arrest. Herford had been put on paid suspension by the city council before Tuesday's decision.

Officials have said a decision on Herford's employment will come once the investigation is complete. Normangee public works secretary Marla Henson said Wednesday that the council's next regularly scheduled meeting will be April 13, but nothing on that agenda relates to Herford.

Herford, 38, was released from the Leon County Jail on $8,500 bond following an episode in which he is accused of leading Leon County sheriff's deputies on a chase after authorities responded to a 911 call from his home.

A dispatcher who returned a 1:55 a.m. call from Herford's wife that had been disconnected reported hearing a gunshot, officials said, though no one was injured. Officials said the chief evaded sheriff's deputies who tried to stop his patrol vehicle before he returned to his home, where a standoff ensued. Herford surrendered after several hours of negotiations.
A University of Houston graduate student who found a lost work of poet Walt Whitman will speak about his discovery next week at Texas A&M.

Hosted by the Texas A&M University Libraries and Department of English, the talk -- titled "Under Your Bootsoles: Walt Whitman's Secret Writings and Where to Find Them" -- will be at 4:30 p.m. on April 12 in Cushing Memorial Library & Archives. Zachary Turpin will speak about his recent finding of an early published novel by Whitman. The talk is free and open to the public.

Turpin rediscovered Life and Adventures of Jack Engle, which Whitman had anonymously published in 1852 while working on Leaves of Grass, last year. Turpin traced the 36,000-word story back to Whitman after searching for key words from Whitman's journals in an online database of 19th-century newspapers. The novel had been published in six installments in a newspaper.

According to a press release, Turpin's find of the novel, along with Manly Health and Training, Whitman's lost wellness tract, shows a different side of the poet's literary career.

"Cushing Library holds a wealth of materials related to Walt Whitman among our literature collections," said Kevin O'Sullivan, Texas A&M University Libraries Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts, in a press release. "We are delighted to learn of this newly unearthed early material, and look forward to hearing about Mr. Turpin's research."
"review [of] existing regulations that potentially burden the development or use of domestically produced energy resources and appropriately suspend, revise, or rescind those that unduly burden the development of domestic energy resources."

One of the targets of this order is the Clean Power Plan, which requires a 32% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants by 2030, compared to 2005 emission rates. The standard, implemented by the Obama administration, was already seen as inadequate.

The increased danger raised by President Donald Trump's order was succinctly summed up by this headline on a Weather Underground article written by Jeff Masters: 'Trump's Executive Order Threatens to Wreck Earth as a Livable Planet for Humans'.

Threats don't get much graver than that, do they?

Given the gigantic size of the United States economy and the pollution thrown into the atmosphere, this is of serious concern to the entire world. The World Resources Institute estimates that the US accounts for almost 15% of Earth's current greenhouse gas emissions, second only to China's 20%.

Russia and the US emit more than twice the global average on a per capita basis, as does Canada, which, due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuel extraction, has the world's largest per-person greenhouse gas footprint.

When greenhouse gas emissions are calculated on a cumulative basis, then the responsibility of the global North comes into sharper focus: The United States has accounted for 27% of all greenhouse gases emitted since 1850, and the countries of the European Union contributed another 25%.

Carbon dioxide is the biggest single contributor to global warming - which is why the US Environmental Protection Agency had sought to regulate carbon dioxide emissions as a pollutant - but methane is also a significant contributor.

The EPA in 2016 issued an order requiring that owners and operators of oil and gas facilities provide data needed to help it determine how to best reduce methane and other harmful emissions. But the Trump administration has withdrawn the order to provide data.

Not everything can be reversed at the stroke a pen, however. The larger attack on the Clean Power Plan will likely take years to carry out, Dr. Masters wrote:

"The Clean Power Plan will be difficult to undo quickly. The plan was finalized by EPA in 2015, and is currently being reviewed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Under the new executive order, the Department of Justice will ask the court to suspend the case until the EPA can review and write a new version of the rule. (Before that happens, the court may still rule on the Plan as written, which will influence how the EPA can rewrite the rule.)

"Once the case is removed from the court, the EPA will have to legally withdraw the existing rule and propose a new rule to take its place, a process that could take years, as the new rule will have to be justified in court, and would likely be challenged in court by environmental groups."

Hundreds of thousands of lives in the balance

Nonetheless, a fightback is essential. Lives are literally at stake, in large numbers, if regulations safeguarding air quality are reversed.

The EPA estimates that 160,000 premature deaths were prevented in 2010 by the Clean Air Act, and estimates that 230,000 lives will be saved and 120,000 emergency-room visits saved in 2020 if the act is left intact. The EPA said the benefits of the act "exceeds costs by a factor of more than 30 to one."

This study, at least for the moment, hasn't been expunged from the Internet by the Trump administration.

A separate study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) estimates that air pollution causes 200,000 early deaths each year in the United States alone.

The two biggest contributors to that death toll, the MIT report found, are emissions from road transportation and power generation, which together account for just more than half the total. One of the study's authors, MIT professor Steven Barrett, said a person who dies from an air pollution-related cause typically dies about a decade earlier than he or she otherwise might have.

The Canadian government estimates that a 10% reduction in particulate-matter and ozone levels would result in a net social welfare benefit for Canadians of more than $4 billion. A separate study estimates that the cost to Canadian health care from air pollution will total $250 billion by 2031 without significant reductions.

This exercise can be repeated around the world. A 2015 World Health Organization study estimates that indoor and outdoor air pollution costs European economies as much as 1.2 trillion annually in deaths and diseases. This includes 54 billion and 29,000 deaths per year in Britain. For Australia, the cost from air pollution was estimated at $5.8 billion in 2010, a doubling in only five years.

Globally, air pollution could lead to nine million premature deaths and US$2.6 trillion in economic damage from the costs of sick days, medical bills and reduced agricultural output by 2060, according to an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development study.

Only a drastic reduction in emissions can reverse these costs in human health and the mounting dangers of global warming.

We'll have to go well beyond current plans

Cap-and-trade schemes, promoted by North American liberals and European social democrats, simply don't work. The European Union system, for example, issued so many free certificates that the price of pollution is a small fraction of the target price, and attempts by environmentalists to reduce the number of certifications are consistently rebuffed.

Moreover, cap-and-trade plans often allow 'offsets', whereby companies can buy emission credits from outside the program to 'offset' emissions above the allowable level, allowing polluters to substitute unverifiable reductions elsewhere for real reductions locally.

Nor are renewable energy sources, as vital as they are to any rational future, a substitute for reducing energy usage. Renewable energy is not necessarily clean nor without contributions to global warming.

Wind power and biomass, for example, have their own problems. The primary source of bioenergy is wood, which portends an increase in logging, counter to winning a struggle against global warming. Denmark and Britain are among the biggest users of biomass but must import wood to sustain that.

The turbines used to produce electricity from wind increasingly are built with the 'rare earth' element neodymium, which requires a highly toxic process to produce. Production of rare earths are environmentally destructive; increasing their extraction means more pollution and toxic waste.

The argument here certainly isn't that a switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy as quickly as practical isn't necessary; of course such a switch needs to be made. But if reversing pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions is the goal, then renewables are at most a partial measure.

The Paris Climate Summit ended with a surprise decision by the world's governments to limit the rise of the global average temperature to 1.5 C above the pre-industrial revolution average instead of the previously intended limit of 2C. The difficulty here, however, is that even if every national goal were met, the Earth's temperature would rise 2.2C to 3.4C by 2100 with more to come, and the Paris summit contains no mechanism to enforce these goals.

Adding to the difficulty of reducing fossil fuel usage sufficiently to meet the Paris summit's goals (and which would also reduce the damage to human health) is the astounding total of subsidies for them. A 2015 study that attempted to quantify the size of these subsidies on a global basis estimated them at US$5.6 trillion!

That includes not only direct government subsidies through tax breaks and other programs, but damage to the environment - these are not inconsequential as the costs of air pollution and global warming transferred to society account for nearly two-thirds of that total.

'Fracking' (hydraulic fracturing) of rock to blast out natural gas alone accounts for billions of dollars of damages through contaminated water, health problems from the chemicals used in the process, air pollution, methane that contributes to global warming, disruption to agriculture and damage to roads from trucks. That the cost of those is transferred to society is another mammoth subsidy to the energy industry.

Overshooting Earth's carrying capacity

The most recent estimate of planetary consumption is that humanity is using the equivalent of 1.6 Earths per year. By 2030, at present rates of increase, we'll be consuming two Earths - that is, twice the capacity of our planet to sustain.

Then there is the matter of global warming. Two scientific studies issued in 2015 suggest that so much carbon dioxide already has been thrown in the air that humanity may have already committed itself to a six-meter rise in sea level. A separate 2015 study, prepared by 18 scientists, found that the Earth is crossing several 'planetary boundaries' that together will render the planet much less hospitable.

What is the price of making Earth uninhabitable? No amount of strip-mining the Moon or the asteroid belt will reverse mass die-offs on Earth.

Illusions that 'green capitalism' will save us really must be abandoned. Beyond that capitalism requires constant growth (infinite growth is impossible on a finite planet) and discourages corporate responsibility because enterprises can offload their responsibilities onto society, every incentive is for more production.

Adding to that, capitalist economics discounts the future so much that future life is seen as nearly worthless. Thus, in this type of accounting, there is no cost for future pollution.

Authors Richard York, Brett Clark and John Bellamy Foster put this plainly in a thoughtful May 2009 article in Monthly Review. They wrote:

"Where [orthodox economists] primarily differ is not on their views of the science behind climate change but on their value assumptions about the propriety of shifting burdens to future generations. This lays bare the ideology embedded in orthodox neoclassical economics, a field which regularly presents itself as using objective, even naturalistic, methods for modeling the economy.

"However, past all of the equations and technical jargon, the dominant economic paradigm is built on a value system that prizes capital accumulation in the short-term, while de-valuing everything else in the present and everything altogether in the future."

As for the present day, capitalist enterprises aren't going to guarantee jobs to workers displaced from energy-extraction industries, and if those workers don't have any viable alternatives, it can't be expected they will do anything other than join their bosses in fighting for their industry.

Thus any rational plan to drastically shrink fossil fuel extraction has to be able to provide alternative jobs. Nor do the costs in human lives discussed above factor into capitalist economic calculations.

The drastic changes that are necessary to reverse the human and environmental tolls of pollution will come with a hefty price tag. But the cost of continuing business as usual is much higher - a price our descendants will pay if we don't move to an economic system that values life rather than only profits.

Pete Dolack is an activist, writer, poet and photographer, and writes on Systemic Disorder. His book 'It's Not Over: Lessons from the Socialist Experiment', a study of attempts to create societies on a basis other than capitalism, was recently published by Zero Books.

This article was originally published on Systemic Disorder.
Making a return to our two favourite summer locations, Mount Maunganui and Nelson in early January 2023, we've got whiff of the first release lineup and me oh my, yes boy
In a span of 24 hours, two separate incidents of violence by anti-liquor squads were reported in Burhanpur and Raisen districts of Madhya Pradesh

By Hemender Sharma: The anti-liquor campaign in Madhya Pradesh is taking a violent turn with protesters torching vehicles and liquor shops.

In a span of 24 hours, two separate incidents of violence by anti-liquor squads were reported in Burhanpur and Raisen districts.

Led mostly by women, people in various parts of the state have been protesting against liquor shops and demanding a total prohibition in Madhya Pradesh.

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Following the Supreme Court's order banning sale of liquor near highways and the Madhya Pradesh government's own ban on liquor shops within 500 metres of Narmada, several liquor shops now have to be relocated.

Since the SC order, anti-liquor protesters have taken to the streets to ensure liquor shops do not relocate to residential areas.

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW ANTI-LIQUOR CAMPAIGN HAS TURNED VIOLENT: Anti-liquor protesters today set fire to a fridge and liquor bottles outside a newly opened shop in Pragatai Nagar area, which is close to the municipal corporation office in Burhanapur. The protestors, mostly women, opposed shifting of the liquor shop from the highway to their locality. On Wednesday evening, a similar incident was reported in Kigni Road area of Raisen district. More than 100 protesters reportedly stopped excise officials and liquor shop owners from shifting their shops to their locality. A liquor shop employee allegedly pointed a gun at protesters following which violence broke out. Six people were injured in the violence while five vehicles of the excise department were torched. In Sagar district, a liquor shop had to down its shutters following protests by angry residents, particularly women and children, over the shop running from a residential area. Unidentified persons torched a liquor shop running from a tent in Vallabh Nagar area. In Chhatarpur district's Satai Road, women and children blocked traffic for over three hours while protesting against shifting liquor shops to residential areas. Similar protests have been reported from Vidisha, Narsinghpur, Satna, Morena, Dewas and Indore districts over the past five days. Finance minister Jayant Malaiya said he too was in favour of prohibition and claimed that banning liquor will not have a significant impact on the state's finances. "I too favour this (prohibition) but women should stop men from consuming liquor. Once no one goes to buy liquor, the shops will automatically shut down," he told India today. Jayant Malaiya said excise department officials have been directed to allow liquor shops to be opened only in places that cause least inconvenience to people. Rural development minister Gopal Bhargava's son Abhishek Bhargava, who is an office-bearer in the Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha, has announced formation of anti-liquor squads. "The squads will comprise women and children and will campaign against prohibition," he said. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has remained non-committal on imposing total prohibition in the state although he has repeatedly said that no new liquor shops would be opened in the state.

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LETTER: Remembering Canada's veterans

November is upon us with the cold fall air and soon the Remembrance Ceremony on the 11th will take place across Canada and all over the world. It is a sad time as we prepare for the winter and we will remember in our thoughts and prayers those men ...
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What issue do Iowa voters most often say is critical? You might be surprised
Wealthy Americans are giving away more money than ever to colleges and universities, according to a recent report.

About 200 philanthropists donated at least $10 million or more to colleges and universities around the country. These mega gifts rose by 11 percent in 2016 to a record high of $6.18 billion, according to a report by fundraising firm Marts & Lundy. More than 20 philanthropists gave $50 million or more to higher education.
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Shes a household name who challenged the good old boy network and won  $20 million.

And now this former Miss America with the Stanford diploma is plotting her next move.

Forget MSNBC. If Connecticuts Republican Party boss had his druthers, former Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson would run for the U.S. Senate in 2018.

Carlson has been the focus of an under-the-radar recruiting effort by state GOP Chairman J.R. Romano, a party source familiar with the discussions told Hearst Connecticut Media. Last year, the Greenwich resident received an eight-figure settlement and apology in her sexual harassment lawsuit against ousted Fox chief Roger Ailes.

Republicans are grappling to find a viable challenger to heavily favored incumbent Democrat Chris Murphy.

Thats news to me, Romano said Wednesday. Shed be a great candidate. I think shed be a tremendous asset to the ticket.

Carlson spokeswoman Jodie Magid distanced her client from the report, but would not outright dispute it.

We havent heard it to be true, Magid said.

So far, no Republicans have stepped forward to challenge Murphy, whose national profile and campaign coffers have experienced a growth spurt with his opposition to Donald Trump and last years filibuster on gun control. Murphys name has even been bandied for president in 2020.

Its been a generation since a Republican last won a U.S. Senate race in Connecticut and that candidate was an incumbent  Lowell Weicker Jr. in 1982. In two of the last three Senate races, the GOP nominated wrestling mogul Linda McMahon against Richard Blumenthal and Murphy. Now the head of the Small Business Administration, McMahon spent a combined $100 million on her two campaigns. Last year, Republicans unsuccessfully courted another flashy name.

You remember they tried to recruit Larry Kudlow, said Ronald Schurin, an associate professor of political science at the University of Connecticut. This is reminiscent of that.

Kudlow, a former Reagan budget adviser and Wall Street maven, opted to keep his CNBC television gig. Republicans eventually coalesced around Dan Carter, who gave up a safe seat as a state representative for an unsuccessful Blumenthal challenge.

The Republicans have tried different things, Schurin said. They tried the Fairfield County multimillionaire or billionaire route or they tried the celebrity route. It seems to me that the Republicans should really focus on their bench, which has been growing stronger as they have increased their numbers in the General Assembly. There are still a number of mayors and first selectmen.

Carlson, 50, has kept up her profile since her Fox News exit last year. She recently established a philanthropy called the Gift of Courage Fund to empower girls and young women, and to help them realize a safe and nurturing place in the workforce.

She has a pair of charity appearances scheduled for this month, starting with an April 20 dinner in Danbury benefiting the Womens Business Council (an arm of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce). The theme of the event is, The Boys Network, does it still exist?

Carlson will then headline the Sole Sisters Luncheon April 25 to support the Greenwich United Way.

Schurin said that its not outlandish that Republicans would try to draft Carlson for Senate, but that it remains a tough sell.

I would assume she wouldnt want to give up her promising media career for a longshot Senate race, Schurin said.

nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; twitter.com/gettinviggy
HARTFORD  In an attempt to salvage their attempt to jointly build a third casino to compete with a planned billion-dollar gambling palace in Springfield, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations on Thursday offered to sweeten the pot, with more revenue for Connecticut if the deal goes through.

But after meeting tribal leaders and representatives, Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz said that hes still not sure whether lawmakers will agree to creating a satellite casino, opening up the deal with the tribes, which last year provided $267-million in slot machine revenue to state.

Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, told Capitol reporters that he thought the joint casino proposed for East Windsor, was only a 50-50 bet. He wasnt sure whether pending legislation that could formalize the East Windsor location would be approved before the adjournment of the legislative session on June 7.

The tribes offered to guarantee the continued flow of slot-machine revenue from the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, as well as 25-percent of all money gambled in East Windsor, if they win the designation.

Legislation that could open up the entire process to public bidding, including a possible location in Bridgeport, is even less likely. Any change in the deal with the tribes, would have to be approved by the governor and the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

I think it would be very difficult to move forward with respect to designating the tribal nations as operators unless that issue got dealt with, Malloy told reporters Thursday afternoon. He stressed that Attorney General George Jepsen has warned that the exclusive deal with the tribes - called a compact - could be put in constitutional jeopardy if the tribes are granted the third casino. There are currently lawsuits pending on the issue and more would likely be filed if the Mohegans and Mashantucket Pequots go forward with theirs.

I dont intend to put that in jeopardy, Malloy said.

Uri Clinton, senior vice president for MGM Resorts International, which wants the bidding opened up statewide, said that the BIA could turn down a request. If the state follows the path the tribes are laying out it could well end up in the state, and its cities and towns, losing more than $200 million a year in revenue, Clinton said in a statement. And for a state facing the budget deficits Connecticut is facing, that would seem like a highly risky move legislators would want to avoid.

kdixon@ctpost.com; Twitter: @KenDixonCT
NORWALK  The public will have the opportunity weigh in on Norwalks nearly completed 2017-18 capital budget during a public hearing Thursday evening.

The hearing before the Common Councils Planning Committee is set for 7 p.m. April 6 in Room 231 of City Hall, 125 East Ave.

This has been an exceptionally long process due to the large investment into our schools, but I'm very pleased with the end result, said committee Chairman John Kydes. We have been able to collaborate with the Board of Education and come up with a plan that will greatly improve our schools while not cutting back on city amenities. My hope is that both the planning committee and the council approve the budget in its present form.

The full council is expected the vote on spending plan next Tuesday.

The capital budget pays for road paving, repairs to municipal buildings and other long-lasting infrastructure projects financed largely through the issuance of municipal bonds.

City departments and the Board of Education requested $158.6 million in capital spending for the fiscal year starting July 1.

Norwalk Director of Finance Robert O. Barron, after considering the citys ability to shoulder new debt, recommended paring the bottom line to $118.1 million. The citys Planning Commission, which also reviewed spending requests line-by-line, recommended $112.2 million. Mayor Harry W. Rilling has recommended raising that to $120.7 million.

I increased a net $5,617,000 for the Board Education to reflect its revised capital budget request which was finalized after the Director of Finance submitted his recommendation to the Planning Commission, Rilling wrote on March 15. This recommendation funds a revised construction plan for all four schools in the Board of Educations original capital request along with providing substantial funding for the repairs and renovations of existing schools in each of the years of this 5-year capital plan.

In dollars, school construction forms the largest chunk  71 percent  of the nearly adopted 2017-18 capital budget.

But other items have also drawn attention. The Norwalk Redevelopment Agencys request for $500,000 to spruce up and enliven 50 Washington Plaza received strong support from SoNo businesses and property owners during a public hearing before the Planning Commission in early February. The commission recommended paring that project to $300,000 and Rilling concurred.

Peter A. Stratton, senior vice president of Steven Winter Associates, Inc. at 61 Washington St., is among a number of SoNo employees who hope the council will approve the full funding.

It could only benefit the area, benefit the community, benefit the businesses and make it a place that people want to come to, Stratton said. Anything helps but $500,000 is really the number Id like to see being spent.

For $500,000, the project would create a central, water fountain-flanked walkway to the 13-story office building. A resilient lawn, designed to host events without being damaged, would form the bulk of the plaza area. New concrete walkways, lighting and trees along the perimeter are also part of the preliminary design prepared by Eric Rains Landscape Architecture LLC.
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NORWALK  Although still working out the details, Mayor Harry W. Rilling and Stand Up Norwalk are on the same page on protecting undocumented immigrants and others facing discrimination, according to the founder of the local citizens group.

I appreciate the fact that the mayor arranged for the meeting and that the Common Council leadership and Corporation Council attended, SUN founder Paul Cantor said. Everyone present demonstrated a genuine concern for the issues SUN is asking the city to address in an open and transparent manner.

Cantor said he and 14 other SUN members met Tuesday with Rilling, Common Council President John Igneri, Majority Leader John Kydes, Minority Leader Michelle Maggio, Corporation Counsel Mario F. Coppola and Chief of Staff Laoise King to discuss their concerns.

Since last year, SUN has asked the council to adopt a resolution directing local law enforcement officers to disregard federal policies that seek to deport law-abiding undocumented immigrants or discriminate in any manner against city residents because of their immigrant status, religion, ethnicity, race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Rilling, Norwalks former police chief, as well as current Police Chief Thomas E. Kulhawik, have said that local police do not enforce federal immigration laws. Rilling last month invited SUN members to sit down and discuss the groups concerns.

We had a very good meeting and we explained various positions that we may be able to take, Rilling said Thursday. All of them, obviously, would have to be looked at very carefully, and we would also have to have our corporation counsel work with us to put together whatever we feel is appropriate.

Rilling said he and SUN representatives have agreed to meet again and continue the discussion.

Cantor said SUN is looking for the city to pass a resolution condemning scapegoating rhetoric, policies and actions and reaffirming Norwalks pride in and support of our diversity. The group also wants the city to pass an ordinance that protects undocumented immigrants from being singled out for deportation and Muslim residents from unwanted and unnecessary surveillance.

Lastly, SUN has asked the city to establish a committee to monitor the concerns of parents and others regarding the fear scapegoating has generated among members of our community, especially children in and outside of our school rooms.

At Tuesdays meeting, Cantor read a message from Laura Veira-Ramirez, Brien McMahon High Schools 2016 valedictorian who is now a freshman at Harvard University and on the editorial board of the Harvard Crimson. She wrote that she and her family remain undocumented.

rkoch@hearstmediact.com
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NORWALK  A group of Norwalks top educational leaders launched Wednesday a one-stop shop for all of the citys summer learning.

Dubbed the Summer Resource Portal, the online directory is an interactive and comprehensive bank that currently holds 56 of the citys summer learning programs that can be searched via a map, date, age and type of program offered.

Providing a portal with the basic information allows parents to do their own search, but from a single source rather than going out hunting or pecking or hearing word of mouth, said Paula Palermo, the portals creator and data director for Norwalk ACTS.

Educational leaders  as a part of the group known as TEAM Summer  created the database in hopes that more of Norwalks students can attend a summer learning program.

The portal can be found by going to http://www.norwalkacts.org/teamsummer/ and clicking on the green link.

Research shows that students experience learning loss when they fail to partake in an educational activity during summer months  beginning in as short of a time span as just a few weeks off.

Further researches shows more than half of the achievement gap between lower- and high-income students can be attributed to unequal access to summer learning.

The idea with the database, the leaders said, is to be able to connect more families to summer learning opportunities, in an effort to help that so-called summer slide (or loss of learning during the summer).

We would love all kids to be able to engage in a meaningful summer experience, said Kate Ritter, associate director of Norwalk ACTS and co-lead for TEAM Summer. However, she added, Norwalk doesnt currently have the capacity to serve all of its students.

The last survey of Norwalk Public Schools students showed that 3,500 of the 14,000 students participated in summer programming.

Another aspect of the Summer Resource Portal is to collect data about the summer programs currently offered and to use that to identify the needs of the community, such as which programs may need to expand, which programs are most successful and more.

While all of the specific data to be collected is still to be determined, leaders said information such as attendance, dosage (number of hours attended and number of days), a student survey and a staff survey are expected to be included.

After the first year is finished and all data collected, TEAM Summer members will be able to determine changes necessary, such as expansions to the popular programs to be able to include more students and the addition of new programs to cover any gaps.

All of the programs that have joined the portal have signed an agreement with TEAM Summer stating each will follow through with the data collection process.

TEAM Summer members include more than 20 organizations, including Norwalk ACTS, Norwalk Public Schools, the city of Norwalk, the Carver Foundation, Stepping Stones Museum for Children and Norwalk Public Library.

Two of the biggest impediments to student access to summer programming are transportation and costs, said Tricia Massucco, extended learning coordinator for Norwalk Public Schools.

Transportation options, cost and scholarship opportunities are listed within the database as a way to remedy that, with future innovation to the programs expected to come down the pipeline as needed to ensure all students have access to a program.

We really come from the mind set that there are no barriers, said Anthony Allison, executive director of Norwalk ACTS. Any barriers can be eliminated with the right thinking and the right alignment.

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203-354-1049; @kevinedschultz
DANNEBROG  Harriett Nielsen is a happy Dane and always will be.

Nielsen, of Dannebrog, will turn 90 on Saturday (April 8). The former owner of a well-known restaurant in Dannebrog talked about her cooking days with a special flavor in her voice, as she reminisced before her milestone year.

For her birthday, Nielsen plans to gather nearly 100 people who she loves and who have inspired her, many of whom she knew through her restaurant.

Nielsen retired from her restaurant six years ago. She opened Harrietts Danish around 1989, she said.

Ive done several jobs, Nielsen said.

The restaurant wasnt her first rodeo. She owned a sundry store and a soda fountain in the mid-1950s to about 1970. She sold that business and did wallpapering. Each wall in Nielsens house is blanketed in different patterns and colors of wallpaper.

I really loved wallpapering, she said.

However, Nielsen said she fell on her knees while she was wallpapering one day and had to stop. She then worked for the bank in Dannebrog, which her family ran. As a bank clerk, Nielsen liked that she got to still interact with people. But something was still missing.

I just needed something more to do, Nielsen said. Harrietts Danish, on the corner, was empty then. I wanted to make it into a dessert and coffee shop.

Nielsen initially was going to serve pie, coffee and sandwiches, but she ended up with a much bigger plate. She served hearty Danish dishes throughout the week, with her Sunday beef being a hit. She said sometimes she served 80 people on Sundays. Nielsen also served breakfast, with some of her most popular items being her Danish hashbrowns and her Danish egg coffee.

Nielsen published a cookbook a few years ago. In it, Roger Welsch talks about Nielsens secret ingredient.

Of course, that could be the real secret of Harrietts food  Harriett. Her cooking is home cooking because Harrietts is just as comfortable as home, just as informal, just as friendly. Just like Harriett. I dont think that pecan pie would taste as good if the restaurant were called Erics or Russells or even Rogers, Welsch wrote.

Her restaurant offered family style dining, so visitors often sat and ate with people they didnt know. The family style dining often helped create new friendships and family members. Nielsen said some of her restaurant guests later ended up going on vacation together to Mount Rushmore.

Nielsen also got to know her guests, who were often from many places. She met a captain of a nuclear submarine in Georgia after he dined at Harrietts Danish. Nielsen said she kept in contact and was invited to his retirement party. Nielsen also said she met a woman who was from Frankfurt, Germany, whose husband was in the military. Nielsen said she developed a friendship with the woman, who later invited Nielsen to Germany to visit her.

We just kind of made vacation time with people I had met, Nielsen said.

She invited many people to her home, even if they were passing through on vacation. Nielsen said she received many letters from visitors, some telling her that she was the best part of their trip.

I think theyve done more for me than Ive done for them, Nielsen said. It makes me feel like Ive done a little bit to make it a better world.

Nielsen, who has lived in Dannebrog and in the same house since 1946 with her husband Forrest, said she enjoyed cooking and entertaining people. Her favorite dishes to make include her pan-fried chicken, macaroni salad, Danish pancakes and any kind of pie.

Nielsen said she learned how to cook from her mother and mother-in-law. She said Danish cooking is simple and usually includes what you have on hand.

Nielsen drinks at least four cups of coffee each day and keeps busy with her collecting and scrapbooking hobbies. But one thing thats kept her enjoying life is her positive thinking. Though she loved every minute of owning her restaurant, she said she really enjoys whatever Im doing at the time and lives in the moment.

Danes are the happiest people in the world, you know, Nielsen said.
A dream deferred ended up in joy and not disappointment for students who are part of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Straight Alliance at Grand Island Senior High.

The joy came from the handing over of an LGBTSA banner in one of the main hallways at GISH.

The LGBTSA extracurricular has had several different names since Becca Preisendorf worked to form a Gay Straight Alliance at Grand Island Senior High during the 2010-11 school year. During a 2014 interview, Preisendorf said it was very difficult to even get a Gay Straight Alliance club for students recognized at Grand Island Senior High seven years ago. In that same 2014 article, GISH senior Allisson Mueller said, The atmosphere at Senior high has changed dramatically from when I was a freshman. Mueller also lauded GISH administrators for having no patience for people who bully.

By 2014, the organizations name had changed to LGBT, with Mueller noting that change was a signal that the extracurricular club was open not just to lesbian and gay students, but also to students who are bisexual and transgender. Despite the changes that had occurred over the course of four school years, GISH junior Keren Gutierrez said in that 2014 articles that attitudes still needed changing among the younger generation of kids.

Meanwhile, Preisendorf said that the Baby Boom generation also presented a mixed bag, with some boomers very accepting of people who identify as LGBT, while other boomers having virulently homophobic views.

Perhaps that should not be surprising, because if any group ever achieved all of its goals, it would no longer have a reason to exist. The March of Dimes, for example, was created to eradicate polio in the United States. After that dream was realized, the March of Dimes shifted its focus to making sure that women enjoyed healthy pregnancies, which would help reduce the number of low-weight newborns, premature births and  as a result  also reduce the number of infants coming into the world with birth defects.

During the 2015-16 school year, students in the club also were developing new goals. They wanted to put up a banner in a school hallway that both recognized and advertised their organization. But that goal was never fully realized to their satisfaction. GISH art teacher Michael Lough, the student sponsor for the GISH LGBTSA organization, said a senior last year had an idea for a banner. He noted that she asked him if he could help her out with the design. That idea carried over to this school year.

One of the problems was coming up with the money to create the banner. Its kind of hard to figure out the funds sometimes, Lough said.

Then, Cindy Clement, a Hall County Sheriffs deputy who also acts as the departments LGBT liaison and a board member for the Grand Island chapter of PFLAG, stepped forward to pay for the banner. Clement said the banner has a great design and that T-Shirt Engineers did a great job of building it.

While an attractive design is important, the banner also has all the essentials: The name of the organization, the fact that it meets on Wednesdays after school and that Lough is the person who students should contact if they want more information about LGBTSA.

Clement and Brian Whitecalf, board president for the Grand Island chapter of PFLAG The kids needed it, Clement said. I think it helps them, gives them confidence, that there are allies out there (in the Grand Island community) for them and were going to do everything we can to support them.

On the Grand Island Senior High website, the LGBTSA organization is described as open to all students at Senior High. The group strives to educate, inform and support students at GISH concerning aspects of gender identity. Once again, the organizations name has been slightly altered to include the initials SA for straight alliance. That means the name has come full circle back to when Preisendorf worked to get the Gay Straight Alliance established.

Preisendorf said that gay and lesbian students need a place to hear fellow gay and lesbian teens talk about experiences that might be similar to their own. At the same time, she also believed it is important to have as many straight students at possible. As long as it is only people in the minority talking to each other, theyll always be in the minority, said Preisendorf, who noted things change when those in the minority join forces with those in the majority.
Preliminary preparations took place at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park on Wednesday for the Nebraska Mission of Mercy free dental clinic, which will be from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Dr. Steven Anderson, who is organizing the event, was busy with Fonner Park personnel on Wednesday getting the initial set-up underway for the event, which is expected to serve as many as 1,500 patients.

Volunteers will begin in earnest Thursday morning setting up nearly 100 dental stations and getting all the supplies and equipment ready.

This is the third time Mission of Mercy has set up a free dental clinic in Grand Island. In 2011, 1,378 patients received $617,317 in free dental care. In 2006, 1,788 patients received $638,853 in free dental care.

Last year, when the event was in Lincoln, 1,233 patients received $700,369 in care.

"What these numbers tell us is that there are a lot of people out there who need dental care," Anderson said.

On Friday and Saturday, Anderson said, dental professionals will see patients for extractions, and 25 patients will receive dentures. Dentists and other staff will do fillings on adults and children, clean teeth, perform oral surgery and a few root canals.

"There will also be patient education, teaching people to take better care of their teeth and maybe keep them out of trouble in the future," he said.

Anderson said nearly 50 percent of people have never seen a dentist.

"It is a crazy thing," Anderson said. "The half that does, dont do it on a regular basis. I dont know what the real fix is for that problem, but we are trying to help the way we can with our dental community in Nebraska."

A recent article in the New York Times reported that many older Americans dont make regular visits to their dentists as Medicare only covers dental visit in certain cases. The article said, "Fewer than half of Medicare beneficiaries have visited a dentist in the past year, a rate that sinks to 26 to 28 percent at lower income levels."

Anderson said the free dental clinic sees patients of all ages and incomes.

"Anyone who wants to show up and wait in line," he said. "Everything is done free. As long as their health history is good, we can work on them."

Anderson said he expects about 90 dentists and dental students to come to Grand Island to participate in the free clinic. Most of the dentists are from Nebraska, but there are dentists from Kansas, California, Virginia and Colorado.

There will also be dental students from Iowa Western Community College, Mid-Plains Community College, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Creighton School of Dentistry, Central Community College dental hygiene program and Mary Lanning School of Nursing.

The Central District Health Department will coordinate nearly 900 volunteers. In addition to the volunteer dentists and their staff, additional volunteers are needed to assist with child care, patient movement and food services. The event is also supported by donations from the community, such as $50,000 from the CHI Health St. Francis Foundation.

When asked why dentists volunteer for this endeavor, Anderson said, "I cant speak for other dentists, but for myself, I think we are put on this planet to produce and help others, and whenever we cant do that, I dont think there is much use for us."
The Nebraska State Bandmasters Association is trying something new this year with its Concert Band Festival, which takes place Saturday at Northwest High School.

In the past, schools or universities in the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas have always hosted the NSBA Concert Band Festival. This year, the Concert Band Festival was once again in Lincoln. But Duane Bierman, associate professor of music and the director of bands at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, said Northwest High School was added as a second site, a tradition that he hopes will continue.

This is the first year doing that and continuing next year, we will have two different sites, one in the metro area of Lincoln-Omaha, and another one somewhere else in the state, not always in the central part of the state, Bierman said, In fact, next year were planning it at Alliance High School. They have a wonderful performing arts center.

Bierman said he anticipates the rotating site in non-metropolitan Nebraska will create a little different mix of bands on the Concert Band Festival. There are a lot of bands in central and western parts of the state that would love to get the opportunity, but they cant afford the time and money. Having this second site that rotates around outside of the metro area gives that opportunity for some of those bands to participate.

However, he said one of the hurdles the event faces is pinning down a date. Scheduling is so, so complex and difficult because there are so many other events going on in the spring, many just for this Saturday. Many of the Tri-Cities Schools wanted to come, but couldnt, because they have kids gone for X amount of things going on.

As the host site, Northwest High School will have two bands performing, including its concert band and wind ensemble. Columbus, Central City, Grand Island Central Catholic and Cozad will also be performing at the festival. The UNK Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will round out the musical groups.

Admission for the Concert Band Festival is $5 for adults and $3 for students, Bierman said.

Northwest High School Band Director Shawn Pfanstiel said he is pleased that Northwest gets to host for the new dual festival format adopted this year. He said Saturdays festival will provide critiques for each of the bands. Two of the three judges will provide written critiques of the bands performance, which will last about 30 minutes. One of those judges then will meet with band members after their performance to give them a face-to-face critique on their strong points, as well as areas where the musicians might improve. The two remaining judges then will give written critiques of the next bands performance, with one of those judges again meeting with band members afterward.

Pfanstiel said the judge who just finished his or her verbal appraisal will return to the auditorium to provide a written critique of the third band. That rotation will continue through all eight concerts. Bierman said all the bands will be performing published school concert band literature.

The clinician-judges for the Concert Band Festival are Dr. Sharon Toulouse from the University of Kansas, Dr. Michael Golemo of Iowa State University and Dr. Robert Meunier of Drake University.

Bierman, who is a board member for the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association, said he has been talking for a year and a half about having a metropolitan and a non-metropolitan site each year. The board has been nothing but supportive, he said. Theyve been great the whole way through. We just had to work out details about budgets and things like that because this an event  no matter where it is held  that actually kind of runs in the red compared to the other things we do.

He noted that marching band contests, in contrast, usually end in slightly in the black financially.

Whether an event runs a little in the black or a little in the red is not the primary focus of the NSBA board, Bierman said. The board is completely comfortable using money to hire the best clinicians we can  and that costs a lot of money  in order for our band students and bands in Nebraska to have a really positive educational experience, a musical experience. So we dont think twice about it.

Bierman said he thinks the dual festival sites is a positive development. Our motto is Better Bands for Nebraska and that means the whole state.

Saturday Concert Band Festival Schedule at Northwest High School

11 a.m.  University of Nebraska at Kearney Symphonic Band

11:30 a.m.  Columbus High School Symphonic Band

12:30 p.m.  Central City High School Band

1 p.m.  University of Nebraska at Kearney Wind Ensemble

1:30 p.m.  Grand Island Northwest High School Concert Band

2 p.m.  Grand Island Central Catholic High School Concert Band

3 p.m.  Cozad High School Concert Band

3:30 p.m.  Grand Island Northwest High School Wind Ensemble
When Steve Clark first built his home in rural Hall County more than 10-and-a-half years ago, he said he had no issues with feedyards, as werent any near his property.

Fast-forward to today and Clark has two feedyards adjacent to his property. One is 3/8-mile away, while the other is 1/4-mile away.

When they put the first feedyard in, there was nothing we could do because they had a legal right, Clark said. They were required to have a half-mile setback. The flies and the odors  especially after a calm day or after it rains  is just like a giant umbrella over you.

Clark was one of five people who spoke before the Regional Planning Commission Wednesday night about proposed changes to the A-1 primary agriculture district zoning and a suggested animal feeding operation siting matrix.

Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity said that under the proposal, livestock operations between 1,001 and 5,000 animal units would be split into two categories and made a permitted use as long as they achieve the 75 points required on the livestock zoning matrix. Under the current regulations, a new operation with more than 1,000 animal units requires a conditional use permit.

Nabity explained that the first 25 points come from meeting Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requirements, while the second 25 points come from meeting setback and operation requirements. The third set of 25 points comes from the livestock operation management.

We split it into two, so the 1,001 to 3,000 is going to have a 3/8-mile setback instead of a 1/2-mile setback. Those of 3,001 to 5,000 would jump to 1/2 mile on an open lot, Nabity said previously. Environmentally controlled housing, which would be your dairy and hog confinement facilities, would still stay at a mile setback at both of those levels.

Ken Kohlhof, of C&I Cattle Co., said he was pleased the Regional Planning Commission was looking at the issue of agricultural zoning because livestock feeding in Hall County is a very viable business.

I think it creates a lot of businesses in Hall County, he said. The thing about it is what we are going to do going forward for the livestock businesses in Hall County? I spend about $6 million a year out there (at C&I). Thats a big number. If you times that by how many feedyards we have in this county, that adds up pretty quick.

K.C. Hehnke said livestock feeding operations have a huge impact on his property. He said that, like Clark, he never had any issues with flies when he first moved to his home in the country.

But I can tell you that after that feedyard went to 1,000 to 2,000 to 3,000 head, it had a huge impact on the property from a half-mile away, Hehnke said. Then, when they had another feedyard, it was about 1/4-mile away. Today, I still have flies in my house all day long, year-round.

Hehnke advised the planning commission to look at the rules neighboring counties have in place before making a final decision on changes to the agriculture zoning and siting matrix.

Commission member Jaye Monter asked commission members on the zoning review committee what they thought about the proposed setbacks.

We looked at what the other counties were doing and we looked at the Nebraska zoning matrix, said Commission member Greg Robb. Were actually more restrictive than what the state of Nebraska recommends.

Robb added the Nebraska zoning matrix uses wind rows, which is a variable moving target. He said the zoning review committee is proposing to use a stricter, more uniform siting matrix.

I think this is fair to the feedlot operators as it holds them accountable and it is fair to the neighbors, he said.

Planning commission chairman Pat ONeill encouraged the public to write written commentary to the commission, which he said will be reviewed by the zoning review committee before it makes its decision.

For the record:

- Held a public hearing on and voted to approve a request to rezone Robinson Estates Subdivision in Cairo from R-9 single-family residential to R-6 multiple-family residential.

- Held a public hearing on and voted to approve a request from the city of Wood River to amend its zoning ordinances to include dwelling units as a permitted use.
Election Day 2022: The stakes are high with all eyes on Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania voters on Election Day will make decisions that could reshape the future of both the commonwealth and nation.
REBEL AND MISFITS PRODUCTIONS, LLC is thrilled to announce Sex with Strangers, its first project in a new series called An Intimate Theatre Project. The provocative and timely play comes from Laura Eason (House of Cards) and will be directed by New York Citys Michelle Bossy. The event runs March 30 through April 15 at a private home in the Central West End (4632 McPherson Avenue). Starting nightly at 8pm, each performance will seat a small, intimate audience of approximately 50 people.

With An Intimate Theatre Project, Im sourcing some of the most honest and raw plays out there right now, beginning with Sex with Strangers, and looking to set them amongst a very small audience, said Kelly Hummert, Artistic Director of Rebel and Misfits. I want those in attendance to feel like voyeurs, flies on the wall, and totally overwhelmed by the content and proximity to the players. The atmosphere is intimate, and the acting isnt presentation but rather subtle with a focus on total realism. We want attendees to feel that this subject matter is difficult to watch, sexy and voyeuristic in nature. If you dont feel a little uncomfortable, we arent doing it right.

Sex with Strangers incubated at Chicagos Steppenwolf theatre in 2009 and had successful runs at Second Stage Theatre in New York, Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and The Hampstead in London. It was one of the top 10 produced plays in 2015 and 2016, receiving more than 30 productions in the United States and also internationally. Rebel and Misfits production will be the St Louis premier of the show.

As Laura Eason explains her play, How far will you go to get what you want? Will you be the same person if you do? When twenty-something star sex blogger and memoirist Ethan tracks down his idol, the gifted but obscure novelist Olivia, he finds they crave what the other possesses. As attraction turns to sex, and they inch closer to getting what they want, both most confront the dark side of ambition and the trouble of reinventing oneself when the past is only a click away.

The small two-person cast features New Yorks Christopher Tipp as Ethan and Kelly Hummert as Olivia. Both were recently featured in Rebel and Misfits immersive theatre production of Hamlet: See What I See (there, they played loving siblings, Laertes and Ophelia, whereas now they play complicated lovers).

Sex with Strangers is directed by Michelle Bossy, a Mexican-American theatre director and filmmaker dedicated to bringing original, new work to stage and screen. She recently directed short films 18, She Grinds Her Own Coffee, and The New 35; as well as collaborated on a new web series, TeleMAMAS. Michelles theatre productions include Every Good Girl Deserves Fun, Un Plugged In, South Beach Rapture and Sarajevos Child, among many other new plays. Michelle was the Associate Artistic Director of Primary Stages in New York, where she worked for 13 years. While there, she ran the Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group, where she worked with more than 25 emerging writers on the creation of new plays. Michelle holds the first undergraduate directing degree from Webster Universitys Conservatory of Theatre Arts. She teaches acting and playwriting for the Einhorn School of Performing Arts (ESPA) and directing for Syracuse Universitys Tepper Semester.

Tickets for Sex with Strangers are currently on sale via Metrotix (http://www.metrotix.com/events/detail/strangers). Admission is $25 (reduced to $10 for college students with valid photo ID). Doors open at 7:30pm with a hard start at 8:00pm. The performance takes place at a private home in the Central West End (4632 McPherson Avenue). All attendees in the plays small, intimate audience of 50 people, must be age 18+. More information is available at www.anintimatetheatreproject.com.

More about REBEL AND MISFITS PRODUCTIONSRebel and Misfits Productions is a St Louis-based theatre company founded by actor, artistic director and producer Kelly Hummert. Fall 2016s "Hamlet: See What I See" was its inaugural production and the first show in a series of true immersive theatre experiences  which create no line between the actors and spectators - called jointly "The Immersive Theatre Project." Hoping to provide St Louis audiences with personal theatre experiences in unique formats, The Immersive Theatre Project and An Intimate Theatre Project will run in tandem throughout 2017 and 2018. The name of Rebel and Misfits Productions is derived from the Steve Jobs quote, Heres to crazy ones. The rebels. The misfits. Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.

Kelly Hummert is originally from Illinois and attended Webster University. She returned to St Louis in 2011 after spending eight years doing theatre in New York including playing Viola in Twelfth Night at Brooklyn Shakespeare Experience, Maggie in After The Fall with Stage 15 Productions, Medea in Medea Redux in The 24 Hour Plays at the Public, the New York Premiere of Kato McNickles Swimming In The Ocean, and Helen in the workshop of Warning: Adult Content at MCC. Other roles: Jack in Lord of the Flies, Hermione in The Winters Tale, Lula in The Dutchman, and Antony in Julius Ceasar. Film Credits: The Devil Wears Prada, The Marconi Brothers, The Good Shepard, and Across the Universe.
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved Rich Walker as vice chancellor for administration (VCA) for the Edwardsville campus during its regularly scheduled meeting on the Carbondale campus.

Walker stepped into the role of interim vice chancellor for administration when former VCA Kenn Neher retired in May 2016. Prior to serving as interim VCA, Walker had served as the assistant vice chancellor for administration for planning and budgeting since 2001.
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Linkedin Vincent Lingga (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

A raid by the police at the East Kalimantan port of Samarinda on March 17 uncovered massive rent-seeking practices and confiscated Rp 6.1 billion (US$450,000), believed to be illegal fees collected by stevedores from coal mining companies.

A preliminary investigation found that most coal companies had been extorted by stevedores organized under the Komura cooperative. Some firms even claimed having to pay up to $220,000 in monthly illegal fees, otherwise their coal exports were not loaded. Police also found that stevedores charged up to Rp 180,000 per 20foot container and Rp 350,000 per 40-foot container, more than 15 times the fees charged at other major seaports.

The massive illegal levies are only a small part of the labyrinth of seaport handling in Indonesia, which has made our logistics costs the highest in Southeast Asia.
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Linkedin Ibnu Budiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

Indonesia still relies on imports to cope with a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is expected to worsen in the coming years because of surging demand.

Indonesias consumption of LPG rose to 6.67 million metric tons last year, up 1.5 percent from 2015, according to the data from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. The domestic production of LPG, however, dropped to 2.24 million metric tons in 2016 from 2.27 million the previous year. This has led to an increase in LPG imports to 4.42 million metric tons in 2016 from 4.3 million in 2015.

This LPG shortage was rooted in a massive energy program launched by the government in 2007 to switch from kerosene to LPG as cooking fuels. Meanwhile, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that 24.8 million households still rely on firewood for cooking.

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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

Since its inception almost 20 years ago the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) has played second fiddle in national politics, regardless of the fact that all its members have greater legitimacy than their more powerful colleagues in the 560-seat legislature. But the most recent and probably embarrassing divide plaguing the councillors simply underlines their incapability in articulating the interests of the people who voted for them.

Far from giving a lesson of statesmanship to the public, the DPD, in the latest episode in a series of infighting, shows that power, however small, is all that matters amid its constitutional responsibility in promoting regional autonomy and strengthening checks and balances as a legislative branch of power.

Regretfully, the Supreme Court as the last bastion of justice and holder of judiciary power has aggravated the internal conflict within the DPD. On behalf of Supreme Court Chief Justice Hatta Ali, who is on the minor haj, deputy chief justice Suwardi inaugurated Oesman Sapta Odang as the new speaker of the DPD and Nono Sampono and Darmayanti Lubis as his deputies in a session boycotted by many DPD members on Tuesday evening.
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Linkedin Tobias Basuki (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

A recent article by Amika Wardana was intriguing in its call for political Islam to adopt liberalism. The analysis also came at an interesting time where President Joko Jokowi Widodo recently stated that democracy had gone overboard as radicalism and liberalism had taken a toll on Indonesias identity.

Liberalism in the political sense is rooted in primacy of individual liberty often associated with Western thought deemed not Indonesian by more conservative thinkers.

President Jokowis statement certainly sparked concerns among many intellectuals. But it was a politically savvy move. His concern was mostly radicalism and the Islamist groups hijacking Indonesian Islam. But nowhere in recent Indonesian history had a leading politician dare to criticize Islamist groups for fear of being accused anti-Islam.

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Linkedin Wan Zain (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

The chairmanship of ASEAN is rotated alphabetically. This has been the norm, or, standing order, in the region's diplomatic template since its inception in 1967. But rules in ASEAN are occasionally observed in their breach, especially if Indonesia asked for the privilege to skip the order, as has happened before.

This year, the Philippines became the chair as a matter of routine, and will have to get all the member states, including the 12 dialogue partners, up to scratch on ASEAN Regional Forum, which will be held in June 2017, followed by the ASEAN Summit and East Asian Summit at the end of 2017.

This is a tall order in terms of logistics but also strategic language expected from the member states as well as key powers like the United States and China. First of all, President Rodrigo Duterte has the final say on the shape of the agenda. Would South China Sea emerge as a prominent issue? But as the chair, the Philippines are obliged to respect the will of other member states too.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 15:06 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7f1c48 1 People Malala-Yousafzai,justin-trudeau,Canada,citizenship,#citizenship Free

Activist and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is set to receive an honorary Canadian citizenship next week.

She reportedly would visit Canada on April 12 to receive the honorary citizenship and formally address parliament.

Ms. Yousafzais courageous response to those who threatened her life and her advocacy for girls education has inspired many millions of people around the world. Her story is one of determination and dignity and Canada is proud to call her an honorary citizen of this great country. I look forward to attending the upcoming ceremony and witnessing the historic moment when she becomes the youngest person to address the parliament of Canada," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a press release.

According to Mashable, Yousafzai was supposed to have received the citizenship back in 2014, but it was called off because of a shooting at the country's National War Memorial.

Read also: Malala Yousafzai to study at Oxford

On April 12, Malala Yousafzai will visit Canada, address Parliament, and receive honorary Canadian citizenship: https://t.co/5KIVLELtyR  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 3, 2017

Compliments also came from Yousafzai regarding Canada, The people of Canada are leading the world in their response to the refugee crisis. I am honored by parliament's invitation and look forward to visiting this great nation of heroes.

Both Canada and Yousafzai have been active supporters of Syrian refugees. Canada has opened its arms to Syrian and other refugees, while Yousafzais efforts entailed raising funds for a Syrian all-girls school in Lebanon.

Other than Yousafzai, five other people who have received the honorary Canadian citizenship were Raoul Wallenberg, Nelson Mandela, the 14th Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi and the Aga Khan. (vod/kes)
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6 2017

Will the operation of a cement factory in Rembang, Central Java, damage the environment and adversely affect the livelihood of the people who live there?

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministrys Geology Agency has said it needs to further study the Watuputih groundwater basin to answer the question, as academics from various disciplines wade into the debate.

The agency said it would conduct research to prove the existence of underground rivers at the site, where state-run cement maker Semen Indonesia planned to operate its newly constructed factory.

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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 19:28 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde8058aa 1 City anies-baswedan,disability Free

Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedan has said that he is aware that disabled Jakartans faced a lot of challenges in getting around the city and that he would pay greater attention to the matter.

During a meeting with dozens hearing-impaired people on Thursday, Anies listened to their complaints about public facilities, such as train stations, bus stops and airports, that used loudspeakers to make announcements and provided no written announcements.

We will consider your complaints in developing the city; we dont want you to feel left behind, Anies said through an interpreter.

He said one solution was to build a disabled information center and develop a secretariat in Jakarta that would open their doors to disabled residents as well as private companies that could build disabled-friendly facilities in their offices.

There are 5,000 hearing-impaired people in Jakarta. Compared to 10 million residents the number is quite small, but I assure you that everyone has the same rights in Jakarta, he said.
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Linkedin I Wayan Juniarta (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Thu, April 6 2017

The Ngerupuk street parade is a good reason to take a short leave and visit Denpasar.

Ngerupuk, a street parade held on the eve of Balinese Hinduisms Day of Silence, is without a doubt the biggest and loudest street party on the island, drawing the attention of both locals and tourists, some of whom plan their visit around the annual event.



The centerpieces of the parade are the ogoh-ogoh, menacing-looking gigantic statues. Some are built in the form of a terrifying demon, while others are inspired by the wrathful manifestation of Hindu deities. There is also a growing trend among local youths of looking for inspiration outside Hindu lore.



The appearance of a green dinosaur and red Ultraman in Denpasar as well as King Kong in Tegalalang, Gianyar, during this years Ngerupuk last week was a testament to that trend.



With each ogoh-ogoh accompanied by approximately 100 youths, who carried their statues on bamboo platforms alongside gamelan ensembles, an estimated 700,000 youths marched the islands streets that night. Taking into account the number of spectators, at least 1 million people crowded the streets during this years Ngerupuk.



It was no wonder then that traffic, particularly in the greater Denpasar area, which includes Sanur and Kuta, was brought to a standstill for hours during the parade.



Ogoh-ogoh started becoming a staple of the parade in the early 1980s. Prior to that, Ngerupuks participants roamed the streets carrying bamboo torches and making loud noises with percussion instruments to scare away the demons.



However, a smaller version of the ogoh-ogoh  carried at the front of the parade for large-scale Ngaben cremation ceremonies  had existed long before the 1980s.

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Baby Rivona, a 48-year-old single mother who lives in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, is haunted by the fear that one day she will die of hepatitis C, which she contracted 14 years ago.

That fear grips her even more every time she realizes she just cannot afford the medicines.

It doesnt really help that the government in July 2016 permitted state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Kimia Farma to distribute cheaper Indian-made generic medicines for hepatitis C. She reckons the prerequisite laboratory examinations and the drugs would still cost her more than Rp 20 million.

Alas, a sad memory keeps coming to her mind: Not long ago, a good friend of hers who suffered from HIV died of hepatitis C.

He didnt die of HIV. He died because of cirrhosis from his hepatitis C, said Baby, the coordinator of the Indonesia Positive Women Network (IPPI).

Despite regularly consuming ARV, an HIV drug provided by the government for free, her friend  whose name Baby does not want to reveal  did not have enough money to buy medicines for his hepatitis C condition.

I went to the hospital a fortnight ago and asked for the medicines, but the staff on duty told me they still didnt have them, Baby said.

According to the Health Ministry, 3 million people in Indonesia were infected with hepatitis C in 2013.

Last year, the government promised to provide 6,000 packages of Sofosbuvir combined with Ribavirin and Simeprevir, some of the most advanced hepatitis C medicines on the market today. Those packages could cover 0.2 percent of the hepatitis C patients in Indonesia. Unfortunately, none have been delivered.

These medicines are intended for patients who have no cirrhosis yet, the Health Ministrys director general for pharmaceutical and health equipment, Maura Linda Sitanggang, told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. Like HIV medicines, the hepatitis C drugs would be made available on a limited basis due to budget constraints, and the amount was determined by actual needs, she said.

Research reports show that patients show virological responses after consuming direct-acting antiviral drugs, one of which is Sofosbuvir. Sofosbuvir directly targets all HCV enzymes, which are essential for the replication of the hepatitis C virus.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sofosbuvir in combination with Ribavirin as an oral therapy for patients with hepatitis C infection in 2013.

Help is coming from the Indonesia Buyers Club (IBC). In response to the countrys lack of affordable, modern hepatitis C medication, the volunteer organization has been helping around 100 patients get medicines from India since 2015.

Things became more complicated two months ago, however, when the government mandated the individual Special Access Scheme (SAS) for importing medicine  a bureaucratic requirement that slows down the procurement process.

Irwan Widjaja, one of IBCs initiators, praised the government for a lot of progress in handling hepatitis C since 2011, but he warned that the SAS hampered efforts to provide affordable medicine for hepatitis C.

We sick people try to buy our own medicine without asking anyone for money, but why is it still so hard for us to exercise our right health? Irwan asked.

He has lost three friends who suffered from hepatitis C. They died after failing to immediately get desperately-needed medicine when their cirrhosis became critical.

In the governments defense, Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) head Penny K. Lukito said SAS was necessary for Customs and Excise authorities to ensure that all drugs enter the country legally and thus that their safety was assured.

If the process is regarded as time-consuming, we will review it with the Health Ministry officials in charge of handling the SAS, Penny said. A viable option would be to cut red tape, she added.

The BPOM plans to encourage local pharmaceutical companies to make hepatitis C medicine, with the government issuing the patent or authorizing a manufacturer to produce drugs under the license of a patent holder. (hol)
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Linkedin Ibnu Budiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6 2017

Indonesia still relies on imports to cope with a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is expected to worsen in the coming years because of surging demand.

Indonesias consumption of LPG rose to 6.67 million metric tons last year, up 1.5 percent from 2015, according to the data from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. The domestic production of LPG, however, dropped to 2.24 million metric tons in 2016 from 2.27 million the previous year. This has led to an increase in LPG imports to 4.42 million metric tons in 2016 from 4.3 million in 2015.

This LPG shortage was rooted in a massive energy program launched by the government in 2007 to switch from kerosene to LPG as cooking fuels. Meanwhile, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that 24.8 million households still rely on firewood for cooking.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 16:52 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7f9908 1 City #JakartaElection2017,Sumarno,Al-Khaththath,meeting Free

Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) head Sumarno has finally addressed his controversial meeting with firebrand cleric Muhammad Al-Khaththath, an initiator of the March 31 rally against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, following intense backlash on social media.

"The KPU's door is open to anyone, including institutions, civil groups, the police, the police chief, military commanders, governors, students and campaign teams as long as they come here to convey their aspirations," Sumarno explained.

Muslim Peoples Forum (FUI) secretary-general Al-Khaththath was arrested for alleged treason hours before last Fridays rally, which called on the government to dismiss Ahok from his post as governor.

Ulin Yusron, who is an Ahok supporter, uploaded a photo of Sumarno speaking with Al-Khaththath on March 28 to his Twitter account.

Ulin questioned the reason behind their meeting as it had taken place on a public holiday and Sumarno was not seen accompanied by other KPU Jakarta commissioners. Ulin then suggested that Sumarno was biased against Ahok in his ongoing blasphemy trial, and showed favor for gubernatorial candidates Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno.

In defense of his actions, Sumarno explained that during the election runoff, the KPU operated every day and only he had been available to meet with the cleric on the day in question, kompas.com reported.

He added that Al-Khaththath had not spoken about FUIs support of Anies and Sandiaga, but had asked about the KPUs rules involving unregistered voters and voting requirements.
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Linkedin Benedicto Haryono (Indonesian FinTech Association member and KoinWorks co-founder.) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

The majority of Indonesians are still highly reluctant to invest. They would rather keep their money in time-deposit accounts as opposed to in investment instruments. This is exhibited by that fact that out of approximately 60 million Indonesians who have savings accounts, only 3.8 million have time-deposit accounts. Meanwhile, only 1 million individuals have investment accounts with the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX).

Compared to other ASEAN nations, the ratio of local investors in Indonesia is among the lowest.

There are three reasons why Indonesians are reluctant to invest: They do not understand the objectives of investing, they do not have disposable income to be allocated for investments and they cannot tell the difference between investing and saving money.

The reluctance of most Indonesians to invest is also caused by a relatively low financial literacy rate about investment instruments, especially capital markets. Thus, Indonesians need to be provided with access to basic knowledge regarding the virtues and investment instrument options that are currently available. This will help them make sound decisions about the investments that would fit them best in terms of yield and risk management.

(Read also: Fintech Talk: Improving banks competitiveness with fintech)

Financial technology (fintech) business players that provide peer-to-peer (P2P) lending schemes can be ideal initial mediums of investment that need to be considered. They offer simple access to investment options with affordable entry scales. People can also learn the basics of investment through these platforms.

P2P lending companies provide technological platforms that are digitally integrated, in which people in possession of capital can allocate that capital to borrowers as an investment.

A major reason that makes investment with P2P lending firms promising is the competitive levels of return and relatively low volatility. Normally, the rate of return and risk of P2P lending are positioned between the rates of equity and sovereign bonds. In 2016, the rates of net return offered by four local P2P loan providers (KoinWorks, Investree, Modalku and Amartha) were between 17 percent and 20 percent. The levels are considerably more competitive than the return of investment (ROI) in the local capital market.

Investment landscape(JP/File)

Investing through P2P lending is also relatively cheap and affordable. The investment subscription varies between Rp 100,000 (US$7.50) and Rp 1 million and often does not require a minimum amount of retained portfolio.

Another benefit is the simplicity in the management of investment activities. Investors have the freedom to invest passively or actively. If an investor chooses to be a passive participant, P2P lending firms offer an auto-invest feature that is based on personal preferences. With this, investors do not need to constantly participate in all lending transactions manually. Investors have the luxury to access the investments only on a periodic basis to monitor the movement of their portfolio.

P2P lending firms also provide assistance in risk analysis so that investors only need to look at two variables: type of lending and diversification. Investors can choose the type of lending that fits the risk profile and rate of return that makes them comfortable. The higher the risk, the higher the projected rate of return. Risk versus return is a rule of thumb in the world of investing.

In terms of diversification, P2P lending platforms will constantly educate investors to spread their financing portfolio over several different industries. Investors are advised to participate in at least 20 lending transactions, even with a small amount of investment.

Investors will also learn about financial analysis and investment habits. The majority of P2P lending companies will include risk assessment ratings for all lending transactions, along with a fact sheet that contains a summary of information regarding the commercial activity, as well as the financial and loan performance data of all borrowers. With this information investors can learn to assess the factors that contribute to a risk profile of a commercial activity.

Since loan payments are made monthly, P2P lending platforms provide notifications for active investors so that they may opt to reinvest the return they receive. If no reinvestments are committed, then there will be unproductive capital so that the rate of return they receive will decline.

In most extreme scenarios, the rate of return investors receive may dip to as low as half of its actual projection. By maintaining an active portfolio, investors will learn to appreciate the concept of the compounding effect that may have significant repercussions in the years to come.

Investing through P2P lending may gradually assist Indonesians to understand the fundamental principles of investing. People will eventually get familiar with investment activities and would be ready to experiment with other investment instruments, such as stocks, mutual funds and bonds.

Apart from offering competitive rates of return, fintech firms operating in P2P lending businesses will serve as platforms to open up access for communities to capital. Thus, investors will contribute to a more equal distribution of the countrys economic growth.
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Linkedin Nurni Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) South Tapanuli, North Sumatra  Thu, April 6, 2017 20:02 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde8061eb 1 National environment,SIEJ,Mount-Lubukraya,Sibual-buali,conservation,South-Tapanuli,North-Sumatra Free

The Society of Environmental Journalists (SIEJ) North Sumatra staged on Thursday a fund-raising event for the restoration of forests on Mount Lubukraya and across the Sibual-Buali Nature Reserve in South Tapanuli regency, North Sumatra.

The group said both conservation zones, which have become water catchment areas and homes for protected animals such as Sumatran orangutans and hornbills, should be well-conserved and protected from any practices that may lead to environmental destruction.

Our sources have revealed that massive forest conversions have taken place in these areas. This is what has triggered flash floods there, SIEJ North Sumatra member Mei Leandha said at Thursdays event.

The activist was referring to flooding caused by the overflow of the Batang Ayumi River on March 26, which killed seven people, swept away livestock and damaged plantations, houses, schools and numerous public facilities.

Opening up access to conservation areas without implementing replanting and restoration activities would only bring further disasters, she added.

If we care about the Earth and all it has to offer, lets join this restoration movement, said Mei.

Money raised at the event will be used to restore forests affected by flash foods, and fund the planting of 1,000 trees along the Batam Ayumi River. The replanting activity will be held on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day. (ebf)
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Linkedin Djemi Amnifu (The Jakarta Post) So'e, East Nusa Tenggara  Thu, April 6, 2017 15:07 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7f2b69 1 National East-Nusa-Tenggara,EU,European-Union,livestock,animal-husbandry Free

The European Union is providing 750,000 (US$798,000) via Plan International Indonesia to improve the gender inclusiveness of animal husbandry and its related value chains in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The Strong CSOs [civil society organizations] for Inclusive Livestock Value Chain Development [SCILD] project is being conducted in 40 villages in five regencies. They are Belu, Kupang, Malaka, North Timor Tengah [TTU] and South Timor Tengah [TTS], said Nur Isravivani, the Trade, Local Economy and Social Protection Program manager with the EU delegation in Indonesia.

Accompanied by Ida Adu, the acting program area manager of Plan International Indonesia's Timor program area, Nur explained the SCILD project to journalists in Tesi Ayofanu village in Kie district, TTS, on Wednesday.

Working with two local partners, namely Yayasan Sanggar Suara Perempuan (YSSP) and Bengkel Advokasi Pemberdayaan and Pengembangan Kampung (APPeK), the Plan International Indonesia works to strengthen eight local CSOs in NTT so they become driving forces for young women to increase their participation in the development of their economy, ultimately making it equal to men's participation.

The SCILD project provides 50,000 worth of grants to each CSO, with which it will support 250 young people as beneficiaries. Of the total 2,000 young people involved in the project, 65 percent are women.

This project has supported the eight CSOs to increase their capacity, from soft skills, technical skills, to organizational capacity through various training activities. Its in line with the NTT administrations program to make it a livestock producing province, said Nur. (ebf)
The Hindu-majority island of Bali and the predominantly Catholic province of East Nusa Tenggara are rescheduling their vocational high school exams because the original agenda conflicted with their religious holidays.

Nationally, the exams have been set for April 3 to 6 but educational authorities on Bali have postponed them until April 10 to 13 alongside the regular high schools because of Galungan, the Hindu holiday celebrating the victory of dharma over adharma (good over evil), which occurs this Wednesday.

In contrast, in East Nusa Tenggara both the vocational and regular school national exams have been brought forward to this week so that people there can better focus on next weeks Good Friday and Easter.

In other provinces, the national exams have been proceeding as scheduled, the Education and Culture Ministry's inspector general, Daryanto, told the press on Monday.

Bali has set April 4 to 6 as the provinces official holidays to enable believers to observe Galungan peacefully. (hol)
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Linkedin Severianus Endi (The Jakarta Post) Pontianak, West Kalimantan  Thu, April 6, 2017 18:50 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde802389 1 National Catholic,Religious-Affairs-Ministry,Lukman-Hakim-Saifuddin,Pontianak,West-Kalimantan,STAKatN-Pontianak Free

Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin inaugurated on Thursday the Pontianak State Catholic Institute (STAKatN) in Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, saying the institute would hopefully support the spirit of unity in the diverse nation of Indonesia.

He acknowledged that it had taken quite a long time to award STAKatN Pontianak the status of a state institute because of bureaucratic procedures at the local level.

I was once feeling guilty when I saw that all religions in our country, except Catholics, had state institutes. It made me feel quite concerned, said Lukman.

The minister said he hoped the inauguration of STAKatN Pontianak would be followed with the development of similar institutions in other areas across Indonesia. This was because religious education was important to help Indonesia maintain unity among its diverse population.

Religion is not something we should debate in the public sphere. It is its values that we must implement, said Lukman.

Earlier, STAKatN Pontianak was a private institute called the Santo Agustinus Pastoral Institute (STP), which began to operate in 2006. Former STP Santo Agustinus head Andreas Muhrotien said the presence of the institute was initially a solution to fulfill a shortage of teachers for Catholic religious education.

We have taken a long journey in our process to make it a state institute. Thank God, it was realized today and this is a historic moment because this is the first Catholic state institute in Indonesia, said Andreas.

In the last 10 years, STAKatN Pontianak has produced 1,250 bachelors and 31 masters while 703 people have participated in a program to make their school degrees equal to a bachelor degree. (ebf)
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Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 15:39 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7f760e 1 National Singapore,land-and-forest-fires,el-nino,palm-oil,concession,haze,agroforestry Free

Singaporean Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli bin Masagos Mohamad has congratulated Indonesia on its success in reducing land and forest fires last year.

The accomplishment is a direct result of positive measures the country has taken to recover from devastating haze in 2015, he said.

"In 2016, there were just over 100 hot spots as compared to many thousands in 2015," he said during the fourth Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources on Thursday.

He added that longer-term measures, such as a moratorium plan on new licenses to establish oil palm concessions, should still be put into action despite the success.

Widespread fires in 2015 lead to Indonesias worst-ever haze crisis, which angered neighboring countries Singapore and Malaysia, and caused Rp 221 trillion (US$16.58 billion) in economic losses to the archipelago.

The fires, which damaged 2.6 million hectares of land and forests, claimed the lives of 24 people and brought on respiratory problems to hundreds of thousands of residents across Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Singapore Institute of International Affairs chairman Simon Tay warned, however, that another challenge would test Indonesia this year, with the weather phenomenon El Nino expected to trigger a longer dry season starting in July.

There is a need for all parties across the agroforestry sector  companies, buyers and sellers  to work together to address the problem, he said.




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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 18:43 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde8000a9 1 World #Russia,Russia,#Indonesia,Indonesia,#bilateral,antiterrorism,terror-attack,#TerrorAttack Free

Russia's bestowing of an international police cooperation award to National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, a former top antiterrorism official, was amplified in meaning given that the event came soon in the aftermath of a fatal terrorist attack in St. Petersburg earlier this week.

The ceremony in Jakarta on Thursday saw Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Y. Galuzin place a pin on the police chief's uniform in token of the commemorative medal of "100 years of international police cooperation" from the Russian Interior Affairs Ministry, which oversees Russias national police force.

Tito, who has an established background in counterterrorism as he previously led the National Police's counterterrorism unit, was recognized for his contribution for progressing the development of the National Polices partnership with their Russian counterparts.

"The relations between our police services are really close. The representatives of the National Police of Indonesia participate actively in interagency consultations between Russia and Indonesia in the format of a special working group to counter international terrorism and organized crime," Galuzin said.

The ambassador further praised Tito's contribution to the deepening of global police cooperation, noting the gathering of 167 countries at the Interpol General Assembly in Bali in November as a significant achievement.

Tito in turn conveyed his "highest appreciation" to Russia and "deepest and heartfelt" condolences on Mondays suicide bombing on the St. Petersburg metro that reportedly killed 14 people.

"This is again, our common problem that we should look after and deal with hand-in-hand," Tito added. (ipa)
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

President Joko Jokowi Widodo and his Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, appeared side by side at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday in a choreographed effort to demonstrate Indonesias willingness to strengthen its geopolitical influence in the war-torn country.

Still feeling the aftermath of a US invasion to dismantle terrorist group Al Qaeda, Afghanistan currently is hardly a place from which Indonesia can expect massive trade and investment, which is something Jokowi normally seeks in bilateral meetings with foreign counterparts.

Wednesdays meeting only briefly touched on trade and investment, while talks between the two presidents primarily focused on Indonesias commitments to rebuilding Afghanistan in multiple areas.

The event at the palace began with a welcoming ceremony and concluded with a private moment between the presidents after lunch, before the two witnessed the signing of five agreements on education, agriculture, statistics, bureaucratic reform and fiscal policy.

Jokowi offered, among other things, support with peace building and reconciliation efforts as well as capacity building for officials, as he boasted about the establishment of the Indonesia Islamic Center (IIC) in Kabul.

The IIC is set to serve as a religious, health and education center for residents of Kabul. The building could accommodate up to 2,500 people, said Jokowi, adding that the IIC would spread the teaching of Islam as rahmatan lil alamin, or blessing for the universe, which was compatible with Indonesias Islam Nusantara (archipelago).

We appreciate efforts taken by the Afghan government to create stability and peace, and Indonesia is ready to share its experience on reconciliation for peace, Jokowi said during a joint press conference with Ghani.

Jokowi said Indonesia would also soon build health and education centers to serve people in Afghanistan, adding that following the bilateral meeting Indonesia would also grant scholarships to around 100 Afghan students to study at universities in Indonesia.

Indonesia has so far trained 358 Afghans in 47 programs in various areas, including agriculture, law enforcement, womens empowerment and state administration. The number of participants is expected to grow after the Afghan presidents visit.

We have agreed to expand co- operation on capacity building in the fields of law, housing, higher education and fiscal policy in the near future, Jokowi said.

Jokowi said that Wednesdays meeting also agreed to open doors for interaction among businesspeople from the two countries to boost trade and economic ties. Indonesian and Afghan businesspeople are slated to hold a meeting in Jakarta on Thursday.

(Read also: Exhibition puts spotlight on Afghanistans Buddhist heritage site)

Indonesias General Elections Commission also invited its Afghan counterpart to share experience on holding peaceful and open elections, like Indonesias 2014 presidential and legislative elections.

Afghanistan is among the first countries that acknowledged Indonesias independence in 1945, and it also helped Indonesia implement the AsiaAfrica conference in 1955. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is now 62 years old.

Speaking after Jokowi, Ghani praised Indonesias success story in consolidating democracy, the rule of law and constitutional governance, adding that Afghanistan was looking to join Indonesias global efforts to interpret Islam as rahmatan lil alamin.

Our peace council and government look forward to receiving delegations from Indonesia that could share lessons with us, Ghani said.

The Afghan president said his country would also learn from Indonesias success in encouraging a civilization where women, especially female clerics, actively participated in public affairs.

Indonesia to build health and education centers in Afghanistan Indonesia to grant scholarships to around 100 Afghan students
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Thu, April 6 2017

Four people from one family died in a fire that burned a house on Jl. Milala in Medan Tuntungan, Medan, North Sumatra, on Wednesday morning.

The victims were a mother, Marita Sinuhaji, 58, her son Prengki, 31, and granddaughters Kristin, 3, and Selvy, 5. All four were found in the kitchen of the house.

A witness, Andrea Ginting, said the fire started at around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Bystanders immediately called the local fire department. Eight fire trucks were deployed to the location. However, as the firefighters put out the fire, the four victims were found face-down and dead.

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Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 07:00 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7cb15f 1 City hate-banners,#JakartaElection2017 Free

Acting Jakarta governor Sumarsono responded on Wednesday to a number of banners that were put up recently saying that Jakartans were fed up with the raising of ethnic, religious and racial (SARA) issues around the Jakarta gubernatorial election.

He said the banners, which were directed at incumbent candidate Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who is a non-Muslim of Chinese descent, were a form of protest from Jakarta residents who have been facing SARA issues.

"They [Jakartans] want peace. We understand that they are upset because SARA issues have appeared again while previously they had been long buried," he said.

He then called on Jakartans to consider all other Indonesians as their equals despite their different races, ethnicities and religions. "We are all brothers and sisters in one nation."

Following a number of hateful banners, the city is now seeing banners countering the raising of SARA issues, some of which read "Jakartans have had enough of ethnic, religious and racial issues" popping up in several strategic areas in the capital.

(Read also: 266 hate banners found in Jakarta)

Some of the banners were installed on pedestrian bridges near Bank Indonesia and the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, both in Central Jakarta, and in Slipi Jaya, West Jakarta.

However, by Wednesday afternoon, the city's Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) in cooperation with the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) had taken down the banners as they were installed without official permission.

Moreover, the authorities considered the banners to be related to election. The hanging of banners related to the upcoming election is currently illegal.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 18:45 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde801031 1 Business MNC-Bank,loan-disbursement,2017 Free

Private lender MNC Bank targets plans to disburse Rp 9 trillion (US$675.32 million) of loans by the end of this year, 55 percent of which will be for the consumer sector.

"We are focusing on the consumer sector in the credit disbursement because its yields are high and it has lower risks," MNC Bank president director Benny Purnomo said.

Benny said his bank would increase the number of its credit card holders by 100 percent in 2017 from its existing 100,000 holders.

In 2015, the company only had 3,000 credit card customers.

Meanwhile, another 45 percent of the loans would be distributed to the commercial and corporate sectors, Benny said.

In the commercial sector, the bank signed an agreement for a loan worth Rp 150 billion to property developer PT Prioritas Land Indonesia on Thursday.

Prioritas Land Indonesia president director Marcellus Chandra said the funds would be used to finance its Majestic Point Serpong Apartment project in South Tangerang, Banten.

"We expect the project will be completed this year and the handover [of the apartments] can be conducted in July or August," he said.

Benny said his company would eye five more property developers for the credit disbursement this year. The lender has 20 corporate clients including Pollux Group, Malioboro City, Ciputra Holding 2 and Premiere Indonesia. (yon/bbn)
BJP has come a long way and is celebrating its 37th foundation day today. In 1984, the party just won two seats but in 2014, Narendra Modi-led BJP won 282 seats making history. India, with time, saw lotus blooming.

By Mohak Gupta: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is celebrating its 37th foundation day today. Currently the largest political party in India, BJP was founded in 1980 when the Indian National Congress was the only prominent face of Indian politics.

BJP has given India many leaders and two prime ministers -- Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi -- both of them strong in their own merits.

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After the landslide victory in the 2014 General Election, today, BJP is the largest political party in terms of elected representatives and the biggest political party in the world in terms of primary membership.

1984

After the 1984-85 General Election, BJP had just two members in the Lok Sabha while Congress had 426 members. It was also the time when Indira Gandhi was assassinated and the Congress converted sympathy into many votes.

The two BJP MPs who won the 1984 election amid the Congress wave were Dr AK Patel, who won from Mehsana in Gujarat, and Chandupatla Janga Reddy, who won from Hanamkonda in Andhra Pradesh.

1986 to 1996

In 1986, Lal Krishna Advani, former deputy prime minister, took charge as the party President.

From 1989 to 1996, a lot happened for BJP. In the 9th Lok Sabha election, BJP won 85 seats and in 1990, Advani started the nationwide Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya. Lal Krishna Advani was replaced by Murli Manohar Joshi who became the new party president.

Then came 1991 when the BJP finally crossed the mark of 100, winning 120 seats in the 10th Lok Sabha election.

1996

In 1996, BJP formed its first government and was the single largest party in India with 161 seats in the 11th Lok Sabha election. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was sworn in as the prime minister. However, it lasted for merely 13 days as he failed to prove majority.

1998

In the 12th Lok Sabha election, BJP won 182 seats and Vajpayee became the prime minister of a coalition government with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The government collapsed after 13 months in late 1998 after All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) withdrew its support.

1999

The 13th Lok Sabha election was yet again won by the BJP and Atal Bihari Vajpayee came as the prime minister of India for a full term this time.

2000 to 2005

Bangaru Laxman became the party President and he was replaced by K Jana Krishnamurthy in 2001. In 2002, M Venkaiah Naidu became the President of the party. The 14th Lok Sabha election in 2004 served defeat for BJP as they lost the polls winning only 138 seats after which Advani became the President of the party for the third time.

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But in 2005, Rajnath Singh became the President of Bharatiya Janata Party.

2008 to 2009

The country saw something it had never seen before. In 2008, BJP formed its government in Karnataka and it became the first southern state in India to have BJP as its government. The 15th Lok Sabha election in 2009 brought another defeat for BJP as party won 116 seats.

2010 to 2013

Nitin Gadkari became the party President and was replaced by Rajnath Singh in 2013.

2014

Exceeding expectations, 2014 was memorable for the BJP as Narendra Modi-led party won 282 seats in the 16th Lok Sabha election, crowning Modi as the prime minister of India.

Amit Shah replaced Rajnath Singh as the party President. The BJP had another reason to celebrate as it was for the first time the party formed its government in Jammu and Kashmir in an alliance with People's Democratic Party (PDP).

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2016 to 2017

The election brought a change of power in the North East as BJP won Assam Assembly election defeating the Indian National Congress. INC government under Tarun Gogoi had worked in the state since 2001 but lost its majority to BJP which was led by Sarbananda Sonowal.

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This year, BJP saw another historic win in Uttar Pradesh. BJP formed its government winning 312 out of 403 seats which comes as a clean sweep by BJP in UP, bringing in Yogi Adityanath as the chief minister of the state.

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Here are BJP seats since 1980 (7th Lok Sabha) to 2014 (16th Lok Sabha):

IndiaToday: Mohak Gupta

FYI || BJP Sthapana Diwas: A brief timeline of the saffron party's growth since its inception ||

FYI || Bihar woman, who sought help from PM Modi to conquer Mount Everest, is still waiting ||

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Phillip Issa and Sarah El Deeb (Associated Press) Beirut  Thu, April 6, 2017

Diplomats at the U.N. Security council sparred Wednesday over whether to hold President Bashar Assad's government responsible for a chemical weapons attack that killed more than 80 people in northern Syria, while U.S. intelligence officials, Doctors Without Borders and the U.N. healthy agency said evidence pointed to nerve gas exposure.

The Trump administration and other world leaders said the Syrian government was to blame, but Moscow, a key ally of Assad, said the assault was caused by a Syrian airstrike that hit a rebel stockpile of chemical arms.

Early U.S. assessments showed the use of chlorine gas and traces of the nerve agent sarin in the attack Tuesday that terrorized the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun, according to two U.S. officials who weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.

Israeli military intelligence officers also believe Syrian government forces were behind the attack, Israeli defense officials told the Associated Press. Israel believes Assad has tons of chemical weapons still in his arsenal, despite a concerted operation three years ago by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to rid the government of its stockpile, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to brief the media. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also blamed the Syrian government for the attack.

(Read also: Chemical attack kills dozens in Syria, US blames Assad )

In Khan Sheikhoun, rescue workers found terrified survivors still hiding in shelters as another wave of airstrikes battered the town Wednesday. Those strikes appeared to deliver only conventional weapons damage.

Among those discovered alive were two women and a boy found hiding in a shelter beneath their home, the Civil Defense search and rescue group told the AP.

The effects of the attack overwhelmed hospitals around the town, leading paramedics to send patients to medical facilities across rebel-held areas in northern Syria, as well as to Turkey. The Turkish Health Ministry said three victims died receiving treatment inside its borders. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group put the toll at 86 killed.

Victims of the attack showed signs of nerve gas exposure, the World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders said, including suffocation, foaming at the mouth, convulsions, constricted pupils and involuntary defecation. Paramedics were using fire hoses to wash the chemicals from the bodies of victims.

Medical teams also reported smelling bleach on survivors of the attack, suggesting chlorine gas was also used, Doctors Without Borders said.

The magnitude of the attack was reflected in the images of the dead  children piled in heaps for burial, a father carrying his lifeless young twins.

The visuals from the scene were reminiscent of a 2013 nerve gas attack on the suburbs of Damascus that left hundreds dead and prompted an agreement brokered by the U.S. and Russia to disarm Assad's chemical stockpile. Western nations blamed government forces for that attack, where effects were concentrated on opposition-held areas.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 17:01 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7fae85 1 National Tito-Karnavian,National-Police,national-police-chief,Lampung,thief,#TitoKarnavian Free

National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian reprimanded on Thursday officers who posed with the bodies of five alleged thieves killed during a shoot-out early Saturday morning in Lampung.

Tito plans to fly to Lampung on Friday to personally lead an evaluation of the incident, which has sparked public outrage.

A picture that has gone viral on social media shows 13 officers striking a pose with fists raised over five bodies sprawled on a grass lawn.

I appreciate the officers success in stopping these criminals, who had stirred fear among local residents, but their actions were unethical, inhumane and unprofessional, he told reporters.

In the center of the controversy are Lampung Police officers who are members of the Lampung Anti-Bandit Squad (Tekab) 308. They reportedly caught the alleged motorcycles thieves in the act and surrounded them before engaging in a shoot-out.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen Rikwanto released a statement on Wednesday, saying the police will conduct an investigation into who had uploaded the picture, which was reportedly taken outside of a morgue at 2 a.m., mere hours after the shoot-out.

Rikwanto also apologized to the public for the gruesome picture. (hol)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

A male student of the Perbanas Banking Institute in Setiabudi, South Jakarta, was found dead Wednesday at 10 p.m., after falling from the seventh floor of the campus building.

Locals and fellow students did not see him fall but said they heard a thud.

Perbanas security guards refused to comment on the incident and stopped journalists from entering the campus.

(Read also: Student found dead in Central Jakarta sluice)

The body was taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for a postmortem examination, wartakota.tribunnews.com reported. Relatives and friends of the student were seen at the hospital on Thursday morning. (Vny/jun)
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Linkedin Iriina Titova and Vladimir Isachenkov (Associate Press) St. Petersburg, Russia  Thu, April 6, 2017

As part of a sweeping hunt for any accomplices of the St. Petersburg suicide bomber, investigators Wednesday rounded up seven suspected Islamic State recruiters from the Central Asia region of the former Soviet Union but found no immediate evidence of their involvement in the subway attack.

The Investigative Committee hasn't caught any associates of 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a native of the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan. The committee, Russia's top criminal investigation agency, said it's looking into the possibility that Dzhalilov, who carried out Monday's deadly attack, could have been linked to the militant group.

The impoverished, predominantly Muslim countries in Central Asia are seen as fertile ground for Islamic extremists, and thousands of their residents are believed to have joined IS in Syria and Iraq.

Meeting with the heads of security services from a regional alliance that includes most of Russia's Central Asian neighbors, President Vladimir Putin warned that terror threats still loom over the region.

"We see that, unfortunately, the situation is not improving," Putin said. "The recent tragic events in St. Petersburg are the best confirmation of this. We know that each of our countries, practically every one, is a possible and potential target of terrorist attacks."

In Wednesday's sweep in St. Petersburg, law enforcement agencies arrested seven Central Asian migrants who are suspected of acting as recruiters for the Islamic State and the al-Qaida's branch in Syria.

The detainees were accused of seeking "mostly immigrants from the republics of Central Asia to commit crimes of a terrorist nature and encourage them to get involved in the activities of terrorist organizations," the Investigative Committee said.

Investigators were still checking their contacts, it added, but noted that as of now, "there is no information about any links between the detainees and the perpetrator of the terror attack."

An unidentified law enforcement official told the Tass news agency that investigators were checking information that Dzhalilov may have trained with the Islamic State group in Syria. Tass said he reportedly flew to Turkey in November 2015 and spent a long time abroad.

The investigators have searched Dzhalilov's home and found objects similar to those used in the subway bomb, it said.

CCTV footage from outside his apartment building showed him leave home with a bag and a backpack on Monday.

The explosion on a train running along a busy north-south subway line killed the attacker and 13 other people. Another 55 have remained hospitalized, and several of them are in critical condition, according to the Russian Health Ministry.

Before blowing himself up, Dzhalilov left a second bomb, hidden in a bag, at another subway station. Police found and deactivated it, and Dzhalilov's DNA was found on the bag.

At Dzhalilov's hometown of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan, his schoolteacher described him as "well brought up, calm and balanced."

Fatima Saipjanova, who taught Dzhalilov at School-Gymnasium No. 26, said she never saw him get into any trouble. "I do not believe that this boy could do something wrong," she said.

Like many others from Central Asia, Dzhalilov moved to St. Petersburg with his parents and eventually got Russian citizenship. He worked at a car repair shop and a sushi bar, and stayed in the city when his family returned home.
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Linkedin Fachrul Sidiq (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 16:39 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7f8f2b 1 City #AhokTrial,sentence-demand,postponement Free

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Iriawan has asked the North Jakarta District Court to postpone sentencing demands against incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama until after the election runoff.

In an official letter obtained by The Jakarta Post on Thursday, Iriawan argued that based on intelligence reports and observations, proceeding with the trial might further stoke tension in the capital ahead of voting day, which is slated for April 19.

Based on an initial schedule, prosecutors are expected to make their sentence demand against Ahok next Tuesday, while the defendant is scheduled to read out his defense statement on April 17, just two days before voting in the runoff to Jakartas gubernatorial election.

Iriawan added that police and military personnel would have started to shift their focus on guarding the running of the election.

Based on those considerations, we suggest that the sentencing demand against Ahok in his blasphemy case be postponed until after the election runoff, he said in the statement.

He added that the police would postpone their interrogation of Ahok's gubernatorial rivals, Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno, who had also been reported for several alleged violations.

Ahoks legal team reported Anies for alleged defamation on Wednesday after the candidate publicly claimed Ahok would evict the residents of 300 areas across the city if he was re-elected as Jakarta governor.
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Thu, April 6, 2017

While facing more frequent exposure to HIV infection, few key populations in West Java get tested for HIV, hampering efforts to tackle the spread of the chronic illness in the province.

Certain groups, such as men who have sex with men, that engage in risky sexual behavior that increases exposure to HIV, make a significant contribution to new cases of the infection in West Java, an official has said.

Only around 13 percent of men who have sex with men have been tested for HIV. The problem is, around 60 percent of them are married so that their wives and children face the potential consequences of becoming infected with the virus, said West Java chapter National AIDS Commission (KPA) secretary Iman Tejarahmana after a meeting with West Java Deputy Governor Deddy Mizwar in Bandung on Tuesday.

With such a phenomenon, Iman said, public awareness to carry out HIV testing had become important.

The result of the tests could give the overall picture that all stakeholders, including the government, needed to implement precise HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs, he went on.

It is estimated that the number of people at risk of HIV in West Java reaches 1.3 million. Men who have sex with men are among the key populations, which include female commercial sex workers, clients of female sex workers, transgender people, transgender sex worker clients and injecting drug users.

(Read also: Most new HIV infections recorded in Jakarta)

The Health Ministry says risky sexual behavior, which also occurs in heterosexual relationships, was the highest factor in the transmission of HIV/AIDS in Indonesia at the end of 2016, potentially accounting for 66 percent of cases.

From the time it was first detected in 1987 to the second quarter of 2016, there have been 208,920 cases of HIV and 82,556 cases of AIDS in Indonesia, spread over 407 regencies and municipalities across the country. Based on KPA West Java data, the number of HIV cases recorded in the province from 1989 to December 2016 reached 26,422, while AIDS cases amounted to 8,043.

According to the data, as of December 2016, West Java ranks fourth out of provinces with the highest number of HIV positive cases after Jakarta, East Java and Papua. Meanwhile of AIDS cases, West Java ranked sixth after East Java, Papua, Jakarta, Bali and Central Java.

To increase peoples awareness about HIV testing, the West Java administration is working with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an international organization, which supports HIV/ AIDS prevention and control programs in Indonesia.

AHF senior vice president Peter Reis said his organization was committed to helping the program via a three-year partnership with the Health Ministry.

AHF has allocated Rp 31 billion (US$2.33 million) for HIV/ AIDS programs in four areas, which comprise Jakarta and three regencies in West Java, namely Indramayu, Pangandaran and Purwakarta. Most of the funds are allocated for HIV testing and treatment.

Reis hopes the partnership will increase peoples access to HIV/AIDS-related health care services, boost awareness on the importance of early HIV testing and provide quality but affordable HIV medical treatment for all people.

We will link with them programmatically on service delivery for health care, he said.
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Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 09:25 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7d91f5 1 Business Hutama-Karya,tanjung-priok-toll-road,operators Free

The government is preparing a government regulation (PP) to appoint state construction firm Hutama Karya as the operator of a toll road going toward Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.

The move was made to strengthen Hutama Karyas equity so the company could commence the trans-Sumatra mega project, for which it needs Rp 52.6 trillion (US$3.95 billion) in equity for the first eight sections alone.

The process should be fast, Public Works and Public Housing Ministrys Bina Marga director general, Arie Setiadi Moerwanto, said on Wednesday.

(Read also: Tanjung Priok toll road management concession may go to Hutama Karya)

The move is estimated to provide Hutama Karya with Rp 4.5 trillion from a bond issuance with the toll road as the underlying asset, in a securitization-like scheme. So the company can generate more loans, Arie added.

However, he said the toll road could operate before the regulation was issued, with possible temporary operation by state construction Jasa Marga, before being handed over to Hutama Karya.

Previously, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said the operation transfer of the toll road section, from the government to Hutama Karya, would have be ruled through a presidential regulation. (bbn)
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Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

Following an international outpouring of grief and solidarity for Russia over Mondays terror attack in St. Petersburg, a top Russian diplomat has said that the Kremlin hoped to deepen its bilateral relations with Indonesia on joint counterterror activities.

Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Y. Galuzin said he was certain that counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries would continue, especially as Jakarta had expressed its solidarity in the aftermath of the incident he called barbaric and brutal.

This is why I mentioned our appreciation of the statement of the Indonesian government for condemning terrorism and expressing solidarity with Russia, he said during an impromptu press briefing at the ambassadors residence in Jakarta on Wednesday.

It also means that the Indonesian government is ready to further cooperate with Russia against international terrorism.

Galuzin cited the two countries fruitful consultations in the field of cyber security last year, which focused on the increased use of the Internet and social media in propagating extremist views and facilitating terrorism.

At the time, former top security minister Luhut Pandjaitan and Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev agreed to engage in capacity-building in cyber security and the sharing of information.

The envoy also stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between countries in the fight against terrorism, as he reminded reporters that the scourge of international terror was not linked to any culture, religion or ethnicity.

Mondays bombing of a metro station in St. Petersburg killed 14 people and wounded around 50 more, according to Galuzin, and inflicted a personal blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was visiting his native city as the attack unfolded.

Associated Press has reported that six people have been arrested on suspicion of recruiting terrorists.

The Investigative Committee said on Wednesday that those arrested came from Central Asian countries that once were part of the Soviet Union. Officials have said the suicide attacker was a native of the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, identified as 22-yearold Akbardzhon Dhzalilov.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has since condemned the April 3 terror attack, conveying deep condolences to the victims and families of the deceased, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The Russian envoy also noted that six men from Central Asia were being held by the Russian police on Wednesday in connection to the terror attack.

(Read also: St. Petersburg subway bomber identified as Kyrgyz man)

Meanwhile, an official of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow confirmed there was no indication that any Indonesians were being interrogated by local authorities for any possible involvement in the terrorist attack.

All 119 Indonesians in St. Petersburg are safe, and none of them have undergone interrogation by Russian authorities seeking links to the bomb incident, said Nanang Fadillah, the Embassys secretary for sociocultural affairs, on Wednesday.

The Embassy is in continuous contact with Indonesian community leaders and students in Russia, and has asked that they remain vigilant, avoid potential target areas and comply with security rules enforced by the local authorities, the statement said.

A spokesperson from the Indonesian Students Association in Russia (PERMIRA) in St. Petersburg, Jeff Kalengkongan, issued a statement reassuring worried parents and guardians of students in Russia that the Indonesian community in Russia is safe.

According to the association, there are 95 Indonesian students currently studying in Russia across 8 higher education institutions in St. Petersburg, as well as 24 other Indonesian students in the area. Each and every one of them is reportedly safe, Jeff said in the statement.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 18:52 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde802db1 1 Business kalla,Afghanistan,investment,security,#Afghanistan,Afghanistan-President,Afghanistan-President-Mohammad-Ashraf-Ghani Free

Security concerns remain as one of the primary reasons behind Indonesian businesspeople's decision to avoid investment opportunities in Afghanistan, Vice President Jusuf Kalla has said.

Very few businessmen are interested in investing in areas with high security issues, said Kalla as quoted by Antara after meeting with Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in Jakarta on Thursday.

Kalla made the statement in response to the Afghanistan governments call for Indonesia to invest in the Central Asian country. They [Afghanistan delegation members] are scheduled to meet with our businessmen. It is likely there will be such [investment] offers in the meeting, but its better to start it with trade cooperation [talks] first, he said.

After having accepted Kallas honorary visit, President Ghani is scheduled to open an Indonesia-Afghanistan business meeting in Jakarta. Dozens of Afghanistan business delegates, Trade Minister Airlangga Hartarto and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) officials will attend the meeting.

The Afghanistan government will reportedly offer investment opportunities in oil and gas, copper mining and gemstones.

Commenting on the issue of security, Kalla said President Ghani wanted to learn from Indonesia on how best to resolve domestic conflicts.

They want to learn from Indonesia on how to maintain peace and solidity of national unity. Its very important because its very difficult to maintain peace in Afghanistan, said Kalla.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi and Indonesian Ambassador to Afghanistan Arief Rachman accompanied Kalla in his one-hour meeting with President Ghani. (rdi/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 19:32 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde805f13 1 City SenenMarket,traders Free

Property developer PT Jaya Real Property has asked traders of Senen Market, which was severely damaged in a fire earlier this year, to move their kiosks from the parking areas by next week, according to the markets superintendent.

Traders have set up temporary stalls in the parking areas as well as on a nearby street after more than 1,000 of them located in block I and II were gutted by a massive fire on Jan. 19. Firefighters worked for more than 24 hours to extinguish the blaze.

Edi Santoso, Senen Market superintendent from PT Jaya Real Property, said the developer made its decision despite protests from traders who had demanded an extra week to clear to parking lots, because the latter failed to attend a meeting to discuss the matter held on Wednesday.

They were not present during a discussion with [PT Jaya Real Property], which was supervised by the Senen district head, the police chief and the district military commander, Edi said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

He claimed that some 80 percent of traders had agreed to move to temporary kiosks measuring around 1.5 square meters, located on the second floor of Block V.

Senen Market will be rebuilt this month. (kkk)

Topics : SenenMarket traders
The BJP's journey to power and the premier position in Indian politics is marked by the rise of two charismatic leaders - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi - to the top positions. But, at one point of time they were engaged in a cut-throat game of politics within the party.

By Prabhash K Dutta: In its long journey to the largest political party in the world, the BJP has produced two prime ministers for India - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. Both have been charismatic in their own style.

Vajpayee is credited with openly declaring India as nuclear weapon state and then convincing the US and other global powers to withdraw sanctions imposed on India after 1998 Pokhran tests.

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Vajpayee consolidated India's story on world stage. The talk of 'Hindu growth rate' ended during Vajpayee reign. India Shining was the mantra to ahead to the 2004 Lok Sabha polls for the Vajpayee government, which saw the first successful experiment of coalition politics at the national level.

But, in the 2004 elections, formidable Vajpayee and resurgent BJP were vanquished. Vajpayee, later, went on record to blame the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's handling of Gujarat riots as one of the reasons for the electoral loss.

Vajpayee revealed that he was in favour of removing Narendra Modi as the Gujarat Chief Minister following the Gujarat riots of 2002.

What Vajpayee did not tell or could not gauge as to how Narendra Modi out-manoeuvred him to stay in the chair of Gujarat CM. Modi would go on to build his own brand of politics and lead the BJP to what is considered as miraculous electoral victory 10 years later.

HOW MODI COUNTERED VAJPAYEE

After Vajpayee made it known that he wanted Modi be replaced by someone, the then Gujarat Chief Minister used all his political, administrative, oratorical and deliberative acumen to win over other stalwarts of the BJP and convince the RSS.

Vajpayee had given enough hints that at the Goa session of the BJP, he would ensure the Modi is removed. But, by the time the national executive meet was held, Modi had several heavyweights including LK Advani and RSS top leadership on his side.

Modi' strategy was well crafted at Goa meet, where he seized the initiative and offered to quit as Gujarat CM. He announced but Modi's voice was drowned in the shouts of 'No, No'. Vajpayee push to unseat Modi ended there.

Now was the time to consolidate on his political victory within the party. Vajpayee was still the tallest leader of the BJP.

In graphics: BJP's political journey.

HOW MODI BUILT HIS BRAND IMAGE

Modi had become the Gujarat Chief Minister after the BJP lost Sabarmati Assembly by-poll, for which the then CM Keshubhai Patel was blamed. But, little over two years later in 2004 general elections, BJP won 14 of 26 Lok Sabha seats - six less than the previous parliamentary polls.

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Modi survived the Vajpayee scare and focused on building his own brand image.

MODI PROMOTED HIMSELF

Modi promoted himself with every Gujarat government scheme making a sudden transition from perception of the BJP government to the Modi government of Gujarat.

All the government schemes and the state-level BJP propaganda carried Narendra Modi's image. The size of Modi's photographs usually eclipsed the main event. Even the Republic Day was celebrated 'with Narendra Modi'.

The Gujarat state transport buses carried Narendra Modi's photographs. Modi's party colleagues used to complain that he promoted himself and did not listen to others.

MODI MIXED HINDUTVA WITH DEVELOPMENT

The 2002 riots cast Modi in an 'anti-Muslim' image. He turned it into Modi-brand of Hindutva by giving huge thrust on agenda of development in his speeches.

Modi let it be known that he fasted during Navaratri - a festival hugely popular in Gujarat. But, he resisted from giving any soft signal to Muslim community.

Modi plugged corruption in government and blocked stealing of electricity - a huge problem for the state government back then. Many BJP leaders blamed Modi's action against electricity leakage as the reason for only 14 of 26 Lok Sabha seats from Gujarat in 2004.

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Modi pursued economic agenda, which did not gel with the RSS think tank but improved revenue for the Gujarat government. With improved revenue, Modi implemented policies to provide benefits to farmers and other sections.

MODI EMERGED AS ONE-MAN ARMY

Modi had Z-category security cover as the Chief Minister. He used this cover politically to keep the BJP state leaders and even his cabinet members at a hand's distance. This put Modi head and shoulder above his potential rivals in the party.

Several BJP state unit leaders and Gujarat ministers complained that Modi suffered from a 'superiority complex'. But, this also meant that Modi had established himself as the one-man army in Gujarat - well fortified from any future Vajpayee scare.

Till 2014, BJP believed that Vajpayee was the best Prime Minister India had. The narrative seems to be changing in the party. With Narendra Modi at the helm of affairs, the BJP has reason to change its perception.

ALSO READ |

On BJP's foundation day, PM Narendra Modi says party will continue working for poor, marginalised

ALSO WATCH |

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 21:09 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde807881 1 City #AhokTrial,schedule Free

The North Jakarta District Court will not change its April 11 schedule for the sentencing demand of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja in a blasphemy case, despite a formal request for a postponement made by the Jakarta Police.

"Only the panel of judges has the authority to decide on this matter. They will announce their decision at the hearing, North Jakarta District Court spokesperson Hasoloan Sianturi said on Thursday as quoted by tempo.co.

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Iriawan had asked the court to postpone Ahoks sentencing demand to after the election runoff, expressing concerns that the trial might further stoke tension in the capital ahead of voting day on April 19.

Prosecutors are expected to make their sentence demand next Tuesday and Ahok is scheduled to read out his defense statement on April 17, just two days before voting in the runoff to Jakartas gubernatorial election.

Hasoloan said he did not know whether the court had received Iriawans letter asking to postpone the hearing. (kkk)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 08:36 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7d448a 1 National South-Sumatera,bribery,bribery-case,Propam,National-Police,Saber-Pungli,#SaberPungli,illegal-levies,illegal-levy-taskforce Free

Eight out of 15 South Sumatra Police members allegedly involved in bribery related to the police recruitment process for the 2015-2016 period have been moved to Jakarta for further investigation.

They have undergone intensive questioning by investigators from the National Polices internal affairs division [Propam], the polices spokesperson Brig. Gen. Rikwanto told journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The alleged crime was discovered after investigators from Propam and the Saber Pungli illegal levies eradication task force confiscated Rp 4.7 billion (US$ 352,667.79) from eight personnel of the South Sumatra Police. They were accused of taking bribes from police member applicants for the recruitment period for 2015-2016. The number of police officers implicated in the crime later increased to 15 people.

Rikwanto said investigators were still gathering evidence from documents of the police candidate selection process. Propam personnel are now fully handling the case.

It aims to give shock therapy to other police personnel organizing candidate recruitment. We hope there will be no more members taking advantage in our personnel recruitment process, Rikwanto said.

He said the police officers would face sanctions for violating discipline and code of ethics. They could be demoted, lose the chance of promotions or face difficulties in receiving promotions. In the worst case, they could be dismissed without honor, he said. (dis/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017 12:15 2042 a291276806121264c0bd211cde7e8432 1 Business Freeport-Indonesia,government,negotiation Free

Indonesia will never give in to copper and gold miner PT Freeport Indonesia over three specific points during negotiations with the firm, namely conversion of the contract of work (CoW) to a special mining license (IUPK), smelter construction and 51 percent divestment, an official has said.

What can be negotiated is how to implement them, said Hadi M. Djuraid, a special staff member of the energy and mineral resources minister, in a statement on Thursday.

He responded to criticism about the government agreement to provide Freeport with an eight-month concentrate export license, although the negotiations were still taking place.

He said during a press conference on Feb. 10 that Freeport CEO McMoran Richard Adkerson had rejected the conversion of the CoW into an IUPK, paying export tariffs on concentrate and divesting 51 percent of its shares to Indonesian entities, but Adkerson agreed to negotiate it in 120 days.

Hadi stressed that the negotiations began with the conversion of the CoW into an IUPK because it made social and economic impacts on the people in Papua, following the end of the mining operation in the province.

During the negotiations, Freeport agreed to accept an IUPK, but demanded the extension of the negotiations from six to eight months [since February], said Hadi.

The remaining six months would be used to negotiate over investment stability as demanded by Freeport, Freeport operational continuity and the divestment, he said, adding that the smelter construction will be evaluated within six months and if the progress was insignificant the export recommendation would be revoked. (bbn)
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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, April 6, 2017

The US Meat Export Federation has gone the extra mile to fly in a butcher shop packed with fresh cuts of prime beef and pork.

With its unique profile, the shop stood out at the Food and Hotel Indonesia fair at the Jakarta International Expo in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.

US beef has been imported to Indonesia for over 20 years. In between, there were some stops due to some issues, but since last year, Indonesia has allowed the imports again, said the federations ASEAN director, Sabrina Yin Foung May.

While promoting the quality of US beef compared to that sold in other countries, May stopped short of noting that the product was expensive and that only certain Indonesian consumers could easily afford it.

That premise has served as justification for Indonesian officials, who say uncompetitive US goods may in part explain the widening US deficit in trade with Indonesia.

US President Donald Trump last week called for an investigation into the trade imbalance between the US and 16 countries, including Indonesia.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla said late on Tuesday that he could not accept Trumps accusation that Indonesia was among cheating foreign importers.

The US should introspect about why Indonesia imports less from them. It is because their goods are very expensive, he said.

They cannot insist on labeling us as a cheater, because weve never forced them to buy our goods in the first place. They import our goods because of the high quality and the competitive price.

Kalla said the US, as a champion of free trade and capitalism, should not renege on the values it pioneered, adding that Indonesias trade with the US had always complied with the rules of fair play put in place by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Indonesia is in 15th place on Trumps trade hit list, with a trade surplus of US$13 billion over the US, followed by Canada with a surplus of $11 billion. China tops the list with a $347 billion surplus, followed by Japan, Germany, Mexico, Ireland, Vietnam, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, India, Thailand, France, Switzerland and Taiwan.

The bilateral trade figure provided by the US differs significantly from Indonesian Trade Ministry data, which put the surplus for last year at only $8.8 billion.

Indonesian exports to the US last year topped $16.14 billion, according to the ministry, making the US Indonesias biggest export destination with a share of 11.94 percent, followed closely by China with 11.49 percent and Japan with 10.06 percent.

Indonesias main import goods from the US, meanwhile, are machinery, mechanical appliances, power generation boilers and parts thereof, valued at a total of $1.36 billion in 2015, according to the International Trade Centers Trade Map.

Apparel and clothing accessories, where Indonesia is among the worlds most competitive producers, accounted for the biggest share of the countrys exports to the US in 2015 at a value of $3.7 billion, according to Trade Map data.

Trump has given his administration 90 days to devise and implement a strategy for combating violations of US trade and customs laws. The policy may see customs agents use anti-dumping laws to crack down more effectively on foreign manufacturers who flood the market with underpriced products.

A possible penalty on Indonesian apparel would deal a blow to the archipelago.

(Read also: Trump puts Indonesia on trade hit list)

The industry is among the biggest providers of jobs, particularly for low and medium-skilled workers who account for more than 60 percent of the total workforce, according to Indonesias Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The agency revealed that some 1.4 million people were employed in the industry last year.

The US deputy chief of mission to Indonesia, Brian McFeeters, said there was no talk of punishment in relation to Trumps recent executive order, as it was just an attempt to take a closer look at the hindrances to trade and how they could be resolved.

It is a continuation of our policy where were always looking for maximum trade opportunity, lowering trade barriers in both directions [and assessing] how we can address issues. And thats something that we work on all the time, he said.

McFeeters cited tariffs and quotas as among the problems and said the US kept trying to work on those.

He said the deficit suffered by the US was not necessarily due to regulatory issues but might stem from demand as well.

The WTOs dispute settlement body (DSB) ruled in December last year that a set of Indonesian measures affecting the importation of horticulture, animals and animal products failed to comply with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), demanding that Indonesia adjust them.

The dispute mechanism was launched by the US and New Zealand.

Since 2012, Indonesia has applied a wide array of import measures, including restrictions on import gateways, periodic and fixed import terms and reference prices for certain food commodities.

The US and other trading partners consider these import arrangements as barriers to the import of fruit and vegetables, including apples, grapes and potatoes, animal products, primarily poultry and beef, and other agricultural produce, to the fastgrowing market.

US Vice President Mike Pence is slated to visit Jakarta in the coming weeks with trade issues likely high on the agenda.
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Linkedin Safrin La Batu and Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, April 7, 2017 00:40 2041 a291276806121264c0bd211cde80c01f 1 National e-ID,#e-ID,setya,setya-novanto,Home-Ministry,KPK,graft,corruption Free

E-ID graft trial defendant Irman has rejected House of Representatives Speaker Setya Novantos testimony, in which he claimed that he did not know Irman and his fellow official at the Home Ministry, Sugiharto.

I still stand behind [my statements recorded in] the case investigation report. As far as I can remember, we [Irman and Sugiharto] met with Pak Setya Novanto three times, Irman said during a hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday.

He further said that the first meeting with Setya was held in a hotel in Jakarta in February 2010. Apart from the Golkar Party politician, Sugiharto, then Home Ministry secretary general Diah Anggraini and businessman Andi Agustinus, alias Andi Narogong, also attended the meeting.

(Read also: Golkar supported e-ID project: Setya Novanto)

Irman said the second meeting was held at the Golkar Party office room on the 12th floor of the House building. The meeting was attended by Andi, who was named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) last month for allegedly lobbying and bribing lawmakers to get their support to win the procurement project.

The third meeting was held in Jambi, as Setya had said, Irman continued. Sugiharto, who was presented in Thursdays hearing, agreed with Irmans statement.

Setya said earlier in the hearing he did not know either Irman or Sugiharto. He claimed he had only met Irman once in 2015 when he, along with several ministers, visited Jambi and Irman was then acting Jambi governor.

Responding to Irmans rejection, Setya insisted that he was not acquainted with the two high-ranking officials at the Home Ministry. I remain true to my statement and my confessions in the case report were taken under oath, he said. (ebf)
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Kuala Lumpur  Fri, April 7 2017

Indonesia, the worlds largest Muslim-majority nation, is seeking to leverage its halal business, including in tourism and the food and beverage sectors, through its participation in the 2017 Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas).

This years event, which runs from April 5 to April 8 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, expects to welcome around 25,000 visitors, up from about 22,000 visitors in 2016. This year the event hosts 580 exhibitors from 33 countries, including from South Africa, China, Thailand, Japan and Indonesia.

In 2016, the event generated 1.14 billion ringgit (US$257.3 million) in sales. This year, it offers four main clusters in its exhibition, namely food, non-food, sharia-compliant services and e-commerce.

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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang, Liza Yosephine and Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, April 7 2017

Indonesia has failed to improve its human rights record in the last four years, with the country seeing declining civil liberties, rising intolerance and the return of executions, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has said.

Representatives of Indonesian CSOs are currently in Geneva to attend the pre-session of the United Nations sponsored Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, Switzerland. The UPR pre-session, held by UPR Info, gathers civil society organizations from UN member states to discuss human rights issues that will be raised during the UPR evaluation meeting.

In its joint statement, the coalition said the Indonesian government has not had a formal, open and participatory mechanism to follow up on the UPR recommendations.

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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Manado  Fri, April 7 2017

Indonesia has long struggled to bring those accused of destroying its environment to justice.

One of the causes of this problem, many have argued, is that the country lacks judges with expertise in environmental issues and special courts assigned to handle environmental cases.

In 2015, for instance, a district court in Palembang, South Sumatra, came under fire for acquitting a company that had been accused of burning 20,000 hectares of forest. The ruling was disappointing, but many people seemed to be more enraged by the legal argument by the panel of judges.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Japan News/ANN) Tokyo  Thu, April 6, 2017

North Korea on Wednesday morning again fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, one month after it had launched ballistic missiles that landed in Japans exclusive economic zone.

Japan's defence ministry and other government ministries are heightening the alert regarding North Korea, which is proceeding with missile development, ignoring restraints from the international community.

The missile seems to have flown about 60 kilometers and landed outside Japans EEZ. It is considered to be a new type of medium-range ballistic missile.

Senior officials arrived at the ministry in the Ichigaya area of Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, early in the morning on Wednesday. At an emergency meeting, defence minister Tomomi Inada instructed the officials to conduct full-scale surveillance, monitoring and information-gathering.

Regarding the short range of about 60 kilometers, a senior official said, This is the first case Ive ever known of such a short range.

The official added: Whats the intention? Bearing in mind the possibility that the launch was a failure, we should analyse the case as soon as possible.

North Korea has repeatedly fired missiles since February and just failed with a launch on March 22. Japan, the United States and South Korea are strengthening cooperation through drills on missile information sharing using an Aegis-equipped destroyer in the Sea of Japan.

The Japan Coast Guard, meanwhile, issued a warning to vessels navigating around the area at approximately 8:30 a.m., about two hours after the missile launch, not to approach pieces of the missile. The JCG has not received any information on damage to ships. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministrys Civil Aviation

Bureau also has not received any information from airline companies on damage to planes.
The BJP, which was formed in 1980, is celebrating its 37th foundation day today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message on the occasion urged party workers to continue working for the people of the country.

By India Today Web Desk: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is celebrating its 37th foundation today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate party workers on the occasion and also thanked people for their support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with party president Amit Shah and other senior leaders visited BJP headquarters in New Delhi to pay tribute to party ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya

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"On the Sthapana Diwas of @BJP4India, I congratulate the entire family of BJP Karyakartas working across the length and breadth of India," PM Modi said.

THE BJP MAP OF INDIA

"We recall with pride the hardwork of generations of BJP Karyakartas who built the Party brick by brick with the endeavour to serve society. It is a matter of pride that people across India & across all sections of society have placed their trust in BJP. Gratitude to the people," PM Modi said in a series of tweets.

On the Sthapana Diwas of @BJP4India, I congratulate the entire family of BJP Karyakartas working across the length and breadth of India.- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2017

We recall with pride the hardwork of generations of BJP Karyakartas who built the Party brick by brick with the endeavour to serve society.- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2017

It is a matter of pride that people across India & across all sections of society have placed their trust in BJP. Gratitude to the people.- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2017

The BJP, which was formed in 1980, has seen many highs and lows since its inception. The party won an overwhelming majority in the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly election giving a boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aim of securing a second term in 2019.

The party not only won in Uttar Pradesh but formed government in four (Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur) out of the five states where Assembly elections were held in February March. The BJP now rules 16 states in the country.

ALSO READ:

BJP heating up civic battle with social media as political tool

Bihar-style Mahagathbandhan can defeat BJP in 2019, says Nitish Kumar

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin News Desk (The Star/ANN) Kuala Lumpur  Thu, April 6, 2017

A Malaysian lawmaker who said it was okay for rape victims to marry their rapist and claimed that some nine-year-olds were physically and spiritually ready for marriage has come in for some strong criticism.

MP Shabudin Yahaya, in trying to refute Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (Amanah-Kota Raja), told the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) yesterday that some 12- and 15-year-old girls looked older than their actual ages.

When we discuss the 12 and 15-year-old, we dont see their physical bodies because some children aged 12 or 15 have bodies like 18-year-old women, Shabudin cliamed,

The former Syariah court judge said some girls  who reached puberty when they were as young as nine  were physically and spiritually ready for marriage.

Its not impossible for them to get married, Shabudin said, adding that there was nothing wrong with a rape victim marrying the rapist as it could serve as a remedy to the increasing number of social problems.

Perhaps through marriage they can lead a better life. And the person who was raped need not necessarily have a bleak future.

She will have a husband, at least, and this could serve as a remedy to growing social problems, he said while debating the Sexual Offences Against Children Bill 2017.

Dr Siti Mariah, however, argued that allowing the rapist to marry the victim would not guarantee a better life. What if the husband is useless? she said.

Outside of the House, there were some strong reactions and outrage with The Star Online report on his statement receiving 1,700 comments, almost all criticising him.

CIMB group chairman Nazir Razak, the Prime Ministers brother, wrote on his Instagram: No, it is not (okay). And no, they cant (marry the victims)!

Another reader wrote: You are encouraging people to rape just to get a wife.

Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Rahman Dahlan posted in Facebook that he felt utter shock and disappointment.

It is abhorrent to suggest that a rapist, who should be prosecuted, has the means to escape legal responsibility simply by marrying his victim.
A local resident has launched a campaign to name the Williamsburg Bridge for jazz great Sonny Rollins.

You might already know the story. For a two-year period starting in 1959, Rollins ventured up to the bridge every single day to play the saxophone. The sabbatical, as it has famously become known, led to some of Rollins most brilliant work, including his 1962 album, The Bridge. Rollins played a starring role in our 2015 magazine cover story, which bid a fond farewell to 400 Grand St., which is now part of the Essex Crossing development site. Thats where he lived in the late 50s and early 60s.

Some time ago, Jeff Caltabiano started The Sonny Rollins Bridge Project, which according to the fledgling organizations social media channels, seeks to rename NYCs Williamsburg Bridge to commemorate Rollins musical sabbatical there from 1959-1961. Caltabiano was interviewed for a piece that popped up yesterday on The New Yorkers website.

Hes lived on the Lower East Side since 2004, having rented an apartment near the now-shuttered music club, Tonic. Writer Amanda Petrusich met Caltabiano for a stroll across the bridge recently, inquiring what inspired him to take on this project:

Last summer, Caltabiano had an epiphany of sorts after seeing an Instagram post by the horn player Ken Vandermark: a photo of the bridge with the caption, Its still Sonny Rollins bridge to me Now Caltabiano is working to convince the city to rename the bridge after Rollins. He would be content, he said, with a commemorative plaque to startanything to mark what he understands to be a sacred, important placethough he has fantasized about corralling a saxophone choir onto the bridge to pay true homage. He has fantasized about getting Rollins to return While Caltabiano and I walked across the bridge, toward Brooklyn, we discussed his plans for the renaming project. His proposal is still in its early stages. He wanted to get Rollinss blessing before making any formal moves, he saida couple of weeks ago, he mailed a letter to a P.O. box in Germantown, New York, which he was told Rollins (who is eighty-six, and lives near Woodstock) still empties from time to time.

You can read the whole article here. Starting next month, Caltabiano will be leading downtown jazz walks, which will include the Williamsburg Bridge. You can follow his campaign on Instagram and Twitter.
According to party functionaries, the Facebook page of the Delhi unit of the party had a membership of 22 lakh people.

By Arpan Rai, Siddhartha Rai: As MCD elections promise to be a referendum on the hitherto rule of the AAP as also the semi-final to Delhi Assembly polls for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the saffron outfit has effectively used its well-galvanised social media structures to woo voters.

The BJP was the first party to effectively use social media as a political tool to win elections, starting in 2014 and perfected over several state Assembly polls, including the recently concluded UP polls.

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According to party functionaries, the Facebook page of the Delhi unit of the party had a membership of 22 lakh people, while 1.45 lakh people followed the party's Delhi chapter on Twitter.

85K PARTY FUNCTIONARIES CONNECTED VIA WHATSAPP

If figures are any estimate of the strength of the party, nearly 85,000 party functionaries and activists from across the entire hierarchy ranging from state unit to the booth level are connected to each other via WhatsApp. Of these, 83,000 were booth-level karyakartas.

BJP claimed that apart from these functionaries and activists, nearly 3,500 volunteers have thrown in their lot with the party's poll efforts on social media. These volunteers, who were not BJP members, were engaged in independent dissemination of the party's messages, said the party.

"We have also customised the content that we share on the social media, to cater to the specific consumption needs of such categories as women, youth, retired personnel etc. The message that we are taking to the people comprises broadly two aspects - our achievements in MCD such as open gymnasiums and lush green parks, and the failures of the AAP and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"A lot of visually appealing content is also being used and that too has been customised to the needs of the different categories of the voters," said BJP's national head of IT and communications Amit Malviya.

THE STRATEGY

In action from last year, the WhatsApp corps of Delhi BJP have achieved the maximum member count (allowed of 200) in their nearly 8,000 active groups," said Sumit Bhasin, head of the party's IT cell at the BJP's state office.

Trickling down from the highest level - state WhatsApp groups - to the lowest level at the tehsil, the messages are exchanged robustly.

The strategy formulated by the team concentrates on ensuring BJP's presence by sending messages every day, just enough to trend and not enough to spam the users.

"We share six-seven graphics religiously every day on all 8,000 groups. At this pace, we are not spamming the WhatsApp space but at the same time, we are on voters' mind," said Kunal Kapur, co-convener of BJP's IT cell, operating from party's state office on Pandit Pant Marg.

GRAPHIC CONTENT SHARE

The WhatsApp groups cater to different sections of Delhi voters.

"We have groups such as Yuva Morcha and Mahila Morcha on several levels. These WhatsApp members then forward the graphics on their private chats and family WhatsApp groups," said Abhishek Sharma, a member of the core social media team.

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The drill followed by these WhatsApp warriors neatly charts the chain in which over 1.5 lakh Delhi residents are receiving messages every day. These messages highlight BJP's achievement on national and state level.

"Graphics on impact of demonetisation, GST bill, multi-level parking in Delhi, increase in Indian railways during PM Modi's regime are sent to our target voters," Kunal told Mail Today.

ALSO READ | MCD polls: BJP, Congress turned Delhi into garbage house, says Kejriwal in video message

ALSO READ | Delhi MCD elections: Nomination of 4 BJP candidates rejected

ALSO WATCH | Delhi Dangal: 10 reasons why the MCD poll is important for voters

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Students from the University of Texas at Austin have expressed outrage after seeing racist posters appearing across the campus.

(UTCSSA, Chinese Students and Scholars Association of The University of Texas at Austin)

The poster targets Chinese students, promoting a special class to teach Chinese more about ethics.

It says: Did you know copying someone elses intellectual property is actually stealing their work and its against the law? We know it isnt bad in your culture

Did you know faking yourself and your skills, when you are applying for a job or graduate school, is against the law?

Did you know burping and farting are unethical?  We know they arent bad in your culture, Oopse!

WE WILL TEACH YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

We're reviewing this incident under hate & bias incident policy. Working together, we will make UT more inclusive https://t.co/9xolD9Enjj  Greg Fenves (@gregfenves) April 3, 2017

As you can imagine, such blatant racism shocked many students.

After it came to the attention of the faculty, the universitys president, Gregory L Fenves, issued a statement saying: Such posters are completely unacceptable.

Consistent with UT Austins core values, every student, faculty member and staff member who sets foot on our campus has the right to learn, teach and work without fear and without being the object of hate and discrimination.

Update: We identified the student who may be responsible for hateful flyers, are reviewing under hate & bias policy https://t.co/D3zjcsEDif  Greg Fenves (@gregfenves) April 4, 2017

The university has since worked quickly to get rid of the posters and identify the culprit, which Fenves has said they have successfully done. The person responsible has not been named.

The incident comes after the university implemented a new Hate and Bias Incident Policy at the end of February which establishes that actions conducted with discriminatory and hateful intent on our campus will be punished rapidly and with greater consequences than in the past. It shows that such a policy is needed more than ever.

At UT, diversity & inclusion are priorities and hate & intolerance are unacceptable. Here are our goals, action plan https://t.co/qMI1EPO9C9 pic.twitter.com/vcBAuLdHfu  Greg Fenves (@gregfenves) March 30, 2017

The UTCSSA (Chinese Students and Scholars Association of The University of Texas at Austin) posted an open letter on its Facebook page saying: We are deeply saddened by this act of discrimination. These posters do not represent Chinese culture or traditions, nor the UT students who so proudly honour their country and heritage. They run counter to our universitys core values.

The UTCSSA also thanked the students who acted when they saw the posters, and the university for its swift response.
Thousands of employers will have to publish gender figures for the first time from today under new measures aimed at closing the pay gap between men and women.

Heres everything you need to know.

First up, what is the gender pay gap?

Mandatory #genderpaygap reporting comes into effect this Thursday  a key step to closing the gap! Are you ready? #mondaymotivation pic.twitter.com/QrQiMRm50E  Women and Equalities (@WomenEqualities) April 3, 2017

Its currently just over 18% in the UK.

What do the new rules mean?

Today is when a woman would have to work just to match what a man made in 2016 & that's not cool. Let's close the #GenderPayGap #EqualPayDay pic.twitter.com/iYvwFHDWkG  Eve (@EveByGlow) April 4, 2017

The measures mean that firms employing at least 250 workers will have to give wage figures by April next year, with the regulations covering over 15 million employees.

What will this do?

What gets measured gets done. We need more data and evidence to support the message that equality makes business sense #GenderPayGap https://t.co/ysGuZls9Hp  Jane Gotts (@JaneGotts) April 5, 2017

Ministers said the new regulations will help firms take action to close the difference in the pay of male and female workers.

What has the Government said?

Justine Greening (Ben Birchall/PA)

Minister for women and equalities Justine Greening said: We have more women in work, more women-led businesses than ever before and the highest proportion of women on the boards of our biggest companies. This has helped us to narrow the gender pay gap to a record 18.1%, but we want to eliminate it completely.

Helping women to reach their full potential isnt only the right thing to do, it makes good economic sense and is good for British business.

I am proud that the UK is championing gender equality and now those employers that are leading the way will clearly stand out with these requirements.

Why is it necessary?

Great to see the publication of gender gap pay in the uk today shocking that it is still 18% #GenderPayGap  Katie Sparrow (@katie07sparrow) April 6, 2017

Because of that 18% gender pay gap that still persists. Whilst the measure is by no means a magical quick fix to the problem of gender inequality, it is hoped that this new scheme will give more transparency to the workplace, encouraging leaders to close the gap.

It is important to note that it doesnt directly tackle gender discrimination. The Chartered Management Institute said its research showed that four out of five managers had witnessed gender discrimination in their workplace in the past year.

What criticisms are there of the scheme?

Sarah Champion (Atlantic Productions/PA)

Sarah Champion, shadow secretary of state for women and equalities, said: It is shameful that its taken the Tories seven years to bring into force this piece of equality legislation that Labour introduced in 2010.

It is disappointing the new reporting scheme has no enforcement system or sanctions for those employers who refuse to publish their pay gap data.

The Government has admitted that they do not have the ability, or intention, to identify employers who do not comply. Without ensuring compliance, this new reporting system could prove toothless.
It has just been announced that a Labour government will fund free, healthy meals for all primary school children - funded by charging VAT on private school fees.

Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner stated that the policy would remove the stigma attached to school meals, as well as improving the health and attainment of all children.

Ms Rayner, along with Mr Jeremy Corbyn, is set to accuse the Conservatives of limiting the number of children who can be fed because of cuts during a Lancashire launch of the policy.

No child in the UK should go hungry at school, Corbyn declared. The next Labour government will provide all primary school children with a free school meal, invest in our schools and make sure no child is held back because of their background.

Rayner backs up Corbyns statement, adding: While the Conservatives offer tax giveaways to their billionaire friends, they are cutting the schools budget and threatening the health and futures of all our children by denying children the basic right of a healthy lunch at school.

Research conducted by the House of Commons Library suggests that free school meals for all primary school children would cost between 700 million and 900 million. This is according to figures released by Labour.

Supporting this policy is research by The Fabian Society from 2010. It estimates that by introducing VAT to private schools the government could raise 1.5 billion a year  more than enough to feed all primary school children.
I have no sympathy with those who bang on about decolonising thought and expression. I study philosophy; my sexless yet loving harem contains such things as literature and history and science. I know many Old White Men and find that they often have interesting things to say. Id not be without them.

But my word, they can be obstinate fools as well. Those who now spend their days shuffling to and fro between the various broadcasting studios in London are not the best of their kind.

Michael Howard, for example. Darth Plagueis the Wise. Imposing himself upon the (quite sensitive) issue of Gibraltar, he decides to make a very silly comparison between The Rock and The Falklands, Spain and another Spanish-speaking country. Because what you really want, before negotiations with the EU have even begun, is an old vampire threating one of its member states with war.

Annoyingly, hes on my side of the Gibraltar argument, and the wider EU debate. A most unhelpful ally.

Not so another old Michael, this time Heseltine. Seldom a day goes by, it seems, without Tarzan appearing on our screens.

He was once an amusing figure. He strangled his mothers Alsatian, you know. And in 1976, during a particularly fractious argument in the Commons, he took up the royal mace, seemingly with the intent to attack the honourable members opposite him. This constituted an incident of grave disorder and Parliament had to be suspended.

But he has become something of a bore and a nuisance on the Europe question. He puts one in mind of Lord Marchmain, returning to Brideshead to die, and determined to be an inconvenience in the meantime. He seems to enjoy being an inconvenience.

This is an odd position for a Conservative to take, for it is quite radical and not at all conservative. But I must pay attention, for I am waiting for him to slip. Should he ever claim to respect the voters of this country -something to which he has hitherto never admitted - I shall be amongst the first to point out that he once thought, and presumably still thinks, that the people of this country shouldnt even have a parliament.

Im not old enough to know whether my impression is correct, but it seems to me that once, in the long, long ago, the before-times, a political grandee threatening war against an ally, or attacking the leadership of his own party, would have seemed most remarkable. The sort of event which would dominate headlines and gain a monopoly on political gossip and conversation. John Majors bastards spring to mind.

Yet this is no longer the case, for these outbursts are now mere footnotes to the events of the day; destined, it seems, to be trumped tomorrow by some other farce, something even more outstanding in its stupidity, something even more unpardonably tactless and nonsensical.

Ken Livingstone, in other words. Mr Livingstone has outdone Howard and Heseltine, and even managed to push Trump down the news agenda. This peculiar man has evolved into the apex predator of our times, the Bhagavad Gitas destroyer of worlds.

Political etiquette has many unwritten rules and codes of behaviour. There are certain subjects which no sensible person should touch; if forced, they do so with the utmost care. Hitler, for example, causes a bit of trouble; Boris Johnson was upbraided by a whole platoon of offence-takers last year when he suggested that the creation of a European superstate had been on the late fuhrers agenda. The Guardian called this ahistorical, which of course means that it was perfectly true. Yet even Basil Fawlty grasped that little good is done by mentioning the war.

The Jewish question is another touchy subject. There is a reason the Arab-Israeli conflict gone more than a century without resolution; neither side is renowned for taking criticism generously, or inspiring temperance in their critics.

It is a bitter subject within the Labour Party, especially since the ascension of one Jeremy Corbyn. This is because, according some on the Left of the party, the Israeli lobby has allied with the Labour Right in an attempt to smear (and eventually destroy) Corbyn and his allies. Alternatively, according to those on the Right of the party, Corbyns cabal is full of rabidly anti-Semitic lunatic-leftists in cahoots with Hamas, and others of the Islamist persuasion.

Ken Livingstone is on the Left of the party. He is particularly sensitive to what he considers to be unfounded, malicious attacks on Corbyn, believing them to be orchestrated in an effort to affect regime change. So you might think that hed be making a special effort to avoid controversy, so better to assist the Labour leadership. You might very well think that. Youd be entirely wrong.

To borrow from Malcolm Tucker, Ken Livingstone has blundered onto the scene like a clown running across a minefield. Not only has he embarked upon discussions of difficult issues with all the sensitivity of a necrophile at a funeral, he has actually managed to arrange the most difficult marriage one can imagine: Hitler and Zionism.

It began a year ago. Livingstone had come to the defense of Labour MP Naz Shah, who had been suspended by the party for a picture she shared on social media, showing the state of Israel superimposed on a map of the US. Problem solved, was only the most tasteful of her remarks. It was put to Mr. Livingstone that Jews are understandably averse to the suggestion of forced relocations and deportations. One thing led to another, and the fateful words were uttered: Hitler, he said, was supporting Zionism before he went mad and killed six million Jews.

I will say nothing about this reading of history, which is peculiar and mostly  though not entirely  without basis in fact. I will say that it was extremely unwise and unhelpful to his cause and his allies. More unhelpful, though, is the fact that Mr. Livingstone seems not to care about the damage he is causing to his own party. Rather than do the sensible thing  apologise and lay low  he has repeated those claims, time after time after time, for a whole year. It has become a matter of when and not if Ken Livingstone will say something about Hitler.

He has blamed opponents within the party for spreading lies and wilfully misquoting him. This is half true, which is to say that they are spreading lies but they havent made up his quotes.

Were I Jewish, I think I would be appalled and offended by the antics of people like Tom Watson and John Mann; people who have played on the fears of Jewish people in order to score points in a squalid political game.. But I would also be offended that Mr. Livingstone has taken an extremely precarious series of links, made of them a highly questionable narrative, which has caused offense, and not only defended but propagated that view for no apparent reason besides arrogance, and his own political interests.

Suspending him for a year is a pathetic compromise which has already begun to fall apart. Mr. Livingstone has said he will not apologise, and has made a point of repeating his claims, and the allegations that political enemies have besmirched his reputation. This is a point on which he is committed; he is hardly likely to renege upon it in a years time. The likes of Tom Watson and Keir Starmer have said on record that they want him expelled, and now Jeremy Corbyn has announced another investigation into the comments made by Mr. Livingstone since the result of the first one was declared.

So, this is where we stand. War with Spain, Tarzan, and now Hitler the Zionist. Its all quite ridiculous, and reflects poorly on the British character and the state of our politics. One almost admires Ken Livingstones resolve, and his comments regarding the politicking in the Labour Party are sound. But there comes a time when one must ask who it is thats being served by said resolve. I get the unfortunate impression that the only person served by Ken Livingstone is Ken Livingstone.

I think we would all be grateful of he, like the other old codgers making silly remarks in public, displayed a little more of the calm and reasoned temperament of the elder statesmen they are all supposed to be.
Most students would be stunned to be accepted into the prestigious Stanford University, but perhaps none more so than Ziad Ahmed.

Why? Because he answered the application question What matters to you, and why? in a pretty bold way: by writing #BlackLivesMatter 100 times. And thats it.

FYI  this was just one part of the application, but it is still admittedly a pretty daring move.

Also, it's important to note that this response was one answer on one application. Not my college essay or etc. There's a lot more to it.  Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) April 4, 2017

However, its pretty unsurprising that Ahmed was accepted into Stanford when you take into account what the 18-year-old has already achieved.

Ted Talk He has interned for Hillary Clintons presidential campaign and also given ain 2015 called Our age does limit our activism.

Redefy Not only this, but Ahmed founded a student organisation that addresses stereotypes  in 2013 because he believes fervently in justice for all, alongside running a a youth consulting company called JUV Consulting.

website In case Ahmed didnt already have enough going on, he also writes poetry and takes photographs. Hissays: Overwhelmingly though, Ziad is just your average teenager grappling with identity, struggling to balance it all, and pursuing his passions. We respect that, although something tells us that Ahmed is far from your average teenager.

As you can see, Ahmed dedicates a lot of his time to activism, so his answer promoting #BlackLivesMatter is hardly out of character  even though he is not black himself.

To me, to be Muslim is to be a BLM ally, and I honestly cant imagine it being any other way for me, Ahmed told Mic. Furthermore, its critical to realise that one-fourth to one-third of the Muslim community in America are black and to separate justice for Muslims from justice for the black community is to erase the realities of the plurality of our community.

This concept of being an ally is something that Ahmed is acutely aware of, showing again what a woke teenager he is.

I encourage everyone to follow @Blklivesmatter. I'm not here to co-opt a movement, I'm here to be an outspoken ally & suppport the work.  Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) April 4, 2017

.@opalayo @aliciagarza @OsopePatrisse It is my hope that I can learn to be a more constructive/knowledgeable ally, & that I can support the #BlackLivesMatter any way I can.  Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) April 4, 2017

Ahmed realises that activism needs to be more than just words on a page, and instead converted into action and real change.

I'm absolutely committed to continuing to find ways to engage with the work, & I look forward to expanding my efforts (as an ally). #BLM  Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) April 4, 2017

Let's stand together to support organizations & activists who have been on the frontline of change-making every single day.  Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) April 6, 2017

This is why Ahmed is using the buzz around the tweet about his application to direct peoples attention to other BLM activists and worthwhile endeavours.

I'm FLOORED by all this support, & I want to take this opportunity to direct attention to: @MsPackyetti, @zellieimani, @samswey, & others.  Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) April 3, 2017

.@MsPackyetti @zellieimani @samswey I wrote #BlackLivesMatter 100 times in an application, they are on the front lines making change happen. They deserve ALL of our support.  Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) April 3, 2017

His application and the way that hes followed it up is a powerful statement that people are absolutely loving.

This is so cool. Ziad Ahmed believes to be a Muslim is to be a #BlackLivesMatter ally. He took a risk for what he believes in, It paid off. https://t.co/66YzRqrnbl  Monique Judge (@thejournalista) April 4, 2017

@ziadtheactivist Congratulations. Your move was bold, unafraid, and commendable and I'm so proud of you even though we've never met.  Bee-Du (@BrienneKaye) April 6, 2017

@ziadtheactivist you are an inspiration to many  keep doing you. I can't wait to see the lives you impact in the near & distant future!  Jess Zayas (@JessZayas) April 6, 2017

Stanford has declined to comment on Ahmeds viral answer, telling Mic they do not discuss student applications.
American politics is often divided upon many important decisions the country should enact. From abortion and gender equality to immigration and religion, Democrats and Republicans are often rivalling to have the last word.

oversight committee hearing This was not the case though in last weeks House, where politicians unanimously criticised the FBI and called for stricter regulation of facial recognition technology, in a moment in history when it is silently and effectively spreading from law enforcement to businesses.

The data that emerged from the hearing is distressing. Approximately half of the adult population in America would have their photographs stored in the FBI facial recognition databases, allegedly for security purposes.

Of these more-than-400-million pictures, about 80% would be non-criminal entries. It has also emerged that the algorithm used to identify matches is far from accurate, with successful identification rates of 15%, and more likely to misidentify black people than white people.

"I have zero confidence in the FBI and the [Justice Department], frankly, to keep this in check," Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Massachusetts, said at the hearing.

"This is really Nazi Germany here, what we're talking about, and I see little difference in the way people are being tracked under this, just getting one wide net and getting information on all American citizens.

Kimberly Del Greco, the FBI's deputy assistant director of criminal justice information, said that "the only information the FBI has and has collected in our database are criminal mugshot photos" but on the same hearing it has been made clear that the FBI has reciprocal agreements with 18 states, giving it access to local pictures databases. Allegedly, the agency would want access to all of the rest and it sought an exemption from federal privacy laws that give Americans the right to check the accuracy of information the government has compiled about them.

Distressful indeed, especially in the Trump era. Alvaro Bedoya, executive director of the Center on Privacy and Technology at Georgetown University Law School, stressed that "We need to take a step back and ask: If this technology had been in place for the Boston Tea Party or the civil rights protests, what would have happened?"

With a dystopian future more closer than ever, this question remains at the centre of the debate.
Big Little Lies is a new HBO series based on the Australian book by Liane Moriarty. But of course, as with most adaptations, its been Americanised, automatically bringing many changes and taking away most of the story's original charm.

Jane (Shailene Woodley) moves to a new town and becomes friends with the beautiful but damaged Celeste (Nicole Kidman, who is, ironically, Australian) and high-maintenance Madeline (Reese Witherspoon), who bond due to having children of the same age, attending the same kindergarten. Its made clear in the first episode that someone has been murdered, but we have to keep watching to find out who it is.

With Shailene Woodley, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon cast in the leading roles, it seemed like this crime drama would be a huge success. Its surprising, then, that none of these three well-known and experienced actresses managed to bring any personality to their characters; they all seem extremely forced, with no chemistry between their characters at all.

Once the premise of murder has been set up in the pilot - and constantly reminded to us every few seconds with interrogation snippets - its hard to keep our concentration on anything else. While the interweaving of the police interrogation and main narrative works well to build suspense in the book, the format doesnt really translate on screen.

After 20 minutes into the first episode, I already wanted to give up. I found myself continuously thinking, is this actually going anywhere?. After attempting to give it the benefit of the doubt for a few more episodes, the answer became a firm no.

There is hardly any action in the story until the climax, which again works better in a book than onscreen, which has more pressure to provide ongoing excitement (which they attempt through painstakingly long dialogues, shots of the ocean, and violent sex scenes).

Once you realise that theyre trying to make an entire seven-hour series out of one stand-alone novel, it becomes clearer why its failing. While the series has so far been loyal to the book, the story on screen is very slow, dragging out every tedious detail. It wasnt long before I stopped caring.

So, if you want a good story with authentic characterisation, read the book. Or even better, listen to the audiobook - read brilliantly by Caroline Lee, who has more character in her voice than all of those on the TV series put together. Plus, she has a beautiful Australian accent to enjoy.

Big Little Lies broadcasts in the UK on Sky Atlantic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the entire family of BJP karyakartas working across the length and breadth of India.

By Brijesh Pandey: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Amit Shah, I&B Minister Venkaiah Naidu and several other ministers today visited party headquarters on the occasion of BJP's foundation day.

PM also tweeted, "On the sthapna diwas, I congratulate the entire family of BJP karyakartas working across the length and breadth of India. We recall with pride the hardwork of generations of BJP karyakartas who built the party brick by brick with the endeavour to serve society."

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Not only PM, but other senior ministers also took to Twitter to send the message on saffon party's foundation day.

After that the ministers went for the last Parliamentary party meet for the budget session of Parliament.

After the meet, Parliament Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said, "BJP was founded 38 years ago and party president Amit Shah had started anniversary celebration. From today till 14th April, we will go to every gram panchayat and campaign. Govt is working on good governance, development and upliftment of poor and government will take these things to masses.

"BJP is the biggest party and we have our government in 13 states. BJP has worked hard to remove politics based on caste, dynasty and appeasement and has taken a vow to render these thing inconsequential. We have only two things -- Namo track record and Namo role model. We also discussed that we have to take the benefit of GST and digital revolution to the people."

Ananth Kumar also said that for the first time it is happening that budget has been passed in both Houses and the financial year has begun from April 1st.

He further added, "Out of 1600 political parties, it is the BJP which practices internal democracy but, we also obey with smile."

He went on add that the party president Amit Shah has also said that wherever the party is because of its commitment to its ideology.

"We have never wavered in our ideology despite us being called communal and it is because of this unwavering commitment we have reached this place."

Also read:

BJP foundation day: 10 major challenges party faces as it completes 37 years of existence

BJP foundation day: When Narendra Modi out-manoeuvred Vajpayee after 2002 riots

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The bill was tabled in the Lower House by Animal Husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Following the footsteps of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra govt too passed the bill to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 paving way to legalize the bullock cart races in the state. The bill was tabled in the Lower House by Animal Husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar.

Last week, the state Cabinet had decided to appoint a cabinet sub-committee to study the draft of the amendment bill to revoke the ban on bullock-cart racing.

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The reasoning given to the amendment is to follow and promote tradition and culture and ensure preservation of native breeds of bulls as also their purity, safety, security and well-being.

The amendment will be applicable to bullock cart races in the state which are known by different names in different parts like "Chakadi", "Bailgada Sharyat" , or "Shankar Paat" .

Bullock cart races will be allowed in any district where it is being traditionally held at such places. Bullock cart races could be conducted with the prior permission of the collector on the condition of no pain or suffering envisaged by any person or person in charge of the animal used to conduct the bullock cart race.

According to the amendment, any person found guilty of injuring or causing harm to the animal shall be punished with three years imprisonment or a fine of upto Rs 5 lakh.

According to the Maharashtra amendment sec 28 (2) organising bullock cart races to follow and promote tradition and culture will not be an offense.

Also read:

Maharashtra govt to introduce bill to restart bullock cart racing

Exclusive: Maharashtra govt to seek legal opinion on lifting ban on bullock cart races

WATCH THE VIDEO:

--- ENDS ---
During his two-day stay in Florida, Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Trump in the Mar-a-Lago resort to exchange views on bilateral ties.

Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan greeted by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his wife Renda St Clair at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida US. (Photo: Reuters

By Indo-Asian News Service: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the state of Florida on Thursday for the first meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump, in a bid to chart the course of bilateral ties in a new era.

The plane carrying the Chinese president, First Lady Peng Liyuan and other members of the delegation landed early afternoon at an airport in the southeastern coastal town of Palm, Xinhua news agency reported.

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Under the gaze of an enthused welcoming crowd, including US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his wife, Xi and Peng stepped out of the hatch and waved before they walked down the ramp hand in hand.

During his two-day stay in Florida, Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Trump in the Mar-a-Lago resort, which Trump calls "the Southern White House", to exchange views on bilateral ties and major regional and global issues of common concern.

Xi and Peng will also attend a welcome banquet hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang told a press conference on March 31.

"The meeting will be of great significance to charting China-US relationship in a new era and advancing the development of bilateral ties...and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," Zheng said.

The US is the second leg of Xi's ongoing two-nation tour, which has already taken him to Finland for a state visit.

ALSO READ | Trump-Xi meet to chart way forward for bilateral ties between US-China

--- ENDS ---
The group has unanimously decided to oust the culprit from the society and even refrain from either inviting them to any function or allowing them marriage within the community.

By Shiv Pujan Jha: The All India Jamiatul Quresh, a body of meat traders and exporters, has issued a nationwide call banning cow slaughter or even dealing with beef. The organisation came up with this important decision at a high-level meeting called in Lucknow and said they will boycott those who are found guilty of killing cow.

Haji Shakeel Qureshi, vice president of the group, told India Today that it was because of few people that the entire community has been put in the dock and fingers are pointed at them. He said they respect the religious feelings of Hindus so they decided to pass this order. He indicated that committees on nature of vigilant groups are being set up across the country to ensure that not a single cow is killed.

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Any information regarding the same would be passed to the local police immediately and the organisation will move to socially boycott the concerned person. The committee will also ensure cow safety and will dissuade people from causing any harm to cow. They indicated that the orders have been cascaded to every member and attempts are afoot to set up vigilant groups.

Qureshi however lamented that because of wrongdoings of a couple of people the entire community was being blamed. The group has unanimously decided to oust the culprit from the society and even refrain from either inviting them to any function or allowing them marriage within the community.

The same group had recently met Yogi Adityanath after the massive crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and had demanded within legal framework a respite from the crackdown.

Yogi had assured them full support under the legal framework.

Also read:

Gujarat: Cow slaughter now a life term offence after Assembly amends law

Cow protection very important for us, says Uttar Pradesh CM Adityanath Yogi

--- ENDS ---
The situation in the 21st century will be miserable if it continues like this, said the Dalai Lama. (Photo: ANI)

By Manogya Loiwal : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has described the present situation in his home country as deplorable even as Chinese state media threatened that Beijing could interfere in Kashmir.

"Situation inside Tibet is tragic. The situation in the 21st century will be miserable if it continues like this. The world suffers from short sightedness which is not good. We shouldn't bully each other," the Dalai Lama told reporters at Thuphung Dhargeling monastery in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.

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"There is so much of poverty. Children not getting education. We need to work hard to take care of everyone. I am a half Buddhist monk and half scientist. I will spend my entire life in spreading happiness and love," he said.

The Dalai Lama thanked Indian government for letting him visit the frontier state.

He spoke fondly of Arunachal Pradesh and said he had a special connection with the state as it served as his point of entry when he arrived in India in 1959.

China has taken strong objections to the Dalai Lama's visit to the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims to be its territory.

Chinese state media on Thursday warned of unspecified repercussions, suggesting Beijing, if it chose to, could "interfere" in the Kashmir issue.

Global Times, a hard-line tabloid published by the People's Daily, said in an editorial: "With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?"

It added, "China has never provoked bilateral disputes or made any pressing demand on India over the Dalai Lama. New Delhi should respond to Beijing's goodwill with goodwill."

WATCH: Dalai Lama's visit: Chinese media warns India of Beijing interfering in Kashmir issue

ALSO READ:

Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal may force Beijing to 'interfere' in Kashmir issue: Chinese media

China slams 'obstinate' India, says Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit will 'escalate' border tensions

China summons Indian envoy, slams 'obstinate' India over Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit

--- ENDS ---
The Dalai Lama is on an over-a-week-long tour to the northeast, but China has raised serious objections to his visit to Arunachal's Tawang district in particular.

By Manogya Loiwal : The 14th Dalai Lama has sparked off a series of controversies with his spiritual visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the first in this decade.

The Dalai Lama is on an over-a-week-long tour to the northeast, but China has raised serious objections to his visit to Arunachal's Tawang district in particular.

The spiritual leader has not just taken potshots at Chinese communists for their 'hypocritical' jibe at him, but even invited Chinese representatives to come and see the work he is doing here in India.

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AM A STUDENT OF NALANDA TRADITION: DALAI LAMA

He said, "I am a student of the Nalanda tradition and use logic for everything. My visit to India's northeast is purely spiritual and religious. This is a non-political issue and the Chinese representatives should come here and see the work we are doing."

The Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal is being closely watched by Beijing and he too knows this. India and China are two big Asian nations.

Citing the example of the benefits and the assistance given to pilgrims here, he also has a proposal to make. "Historically, China is a Buddhist country and a follower of the Nalanda tradition. So I suggest that the concerned Indian officials see to it that specific arrangements are made to facilitate convenient travel of Chinese Buddhists to India. Buddhists have been living in China for more than 400 million years. Such arrangements will help Chinese Buddhists come for pilgrimage to India and see many sacred places."

DALAI LAMA CALLS CHINA AN AUTHORITARIAN COUNTRY

Calling China an authoritarian country, he advocated major changes in the country's judicial system. "Freedom of speech will be there. There can be more exposure also. I say that as many as 1.3 billion Chinese people have every right to know the reality and once they come to know what the truth is, they will be able to judge right from wrong. Even the censorship of media is a very harmful and regressive step. China's judiciary should also upgrade itself to an international level. I met a lot of peasants who were very poor. The local leader and people are only busy minting money for themselves and are not concerned about the condition of the farmers."

The Dalai Lama's message of spreading peace has reached millions of people and some of them happen to be in China as well.

He said, "Many Chinese Buddhists, mostly from the mainland, come to see me in tears. In most cases, they ask me not to forget them and invite me to China, and of course Tibet. I tell them as soon as the Chinese government starts showing some positivity towards me, I am ready to come. In the present circumstances, if I go there, I will be chained."

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Also read | Why is China nervous? The Dalai Lama has already visited Arunachal Pradesh six times

Also read | Dalai Lama Arunachal visit: Answer India's blows with blows if it plays dirty, says Chinese media

WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
The worst part of depression is that people who don't suffer from it don't understand the patient's situation.

By India Today Web Desk: DEPRESSION.

It is one of India's leading health problems, a problem people often avoid talking about.

A 23-year old man committed suicide by jumping off the 19th floor of a hotel in Mumbai's Bandra. The deceased, Arjun Bhardwaj, uploaded a video on Facebook giving a tutorial on how to commit suicide before breaking the window glass of his suite and jumping to his death. A friend of the third-year engineering college student told police that Arjun was depressed in the last couple of weeks.

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TALKING ABOUT DEPRESSION, SEEKING HELP

The Mumbai Police have been tweeting about depression and offering help since this incident and they have been using #WeAreListening in their tweets.

Actor Anushka Sharma responded to the news of Arjun's death stressing on the importance of talking about mental health issues openly.

THIS is why we HAVE to talk about mental health openly !! At home ! In school ! At work place ! it should NOT be a taboo! So so saddened - Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) April 4, 2017

Last year, Anushka had said that she is taking medication to treat anxiety.

"It's a biological problem. In my family there have been cases of depression. More and more people should talk openly about it. There is nothing shameful about it or something to hide. If you had a constant stomach pain, wouldn't you go to the doctor? It's that simple. I want to make this my mission, to take any shame out of this, to educate people about this," she said.

Actor Deepika Padukone opened up about depression during a TV interview. Saying she initially thought it was stress and that she tried distracting herself by focusing more on her work, Deepika said, "But the nagging feeling didn't go away. My breath was shallow, I suffered from lack of concentration and I broke down often."

Going a step ahead, Deepika set up a centre for mental health to help people battling depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

Comedy group AIB, in a sarcastic tweet, said how educational institutions should deal with students battling depression and slammed the colleges for not helping and supporting their students.

AIB slams educational institutions

EXPERT OPINION

In a conversation with India Today.in, Dr JM Wadhawan, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Delhi's Sri Ganga Ram Hospital said, "Increased stress is primarily the reason of depression."

When asked what could be reason of considerable rise in the number of depression cases, he said, "Long working hours, breaking up of joint families eventually leading to lack of support system around, drastic change in the lifestyle, long travelling hours for work are some other major reasons that precipitate depression at large."

Talking about people depending on anti-depressants, often without prescriptions or guidance, Dr Wadhawan said, "self medication in itself is harmful and very unhealthy practice. Since anti-depressants alter the chemistry of the brain, it could lead to under-dosing or over-dosing, and scheduling the intake without consulting a doctor could prove injurious."

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Dr Wadhawan considers attempt to suicide a cry for help. He told IndiaToday.in that he welcomes the government's decision of decriminalising suicides and said, "Most youngsters resort to suicides due to lack maturity when it comes to dealing with stress."

Talking about youngsters not seeking help, Dr Wadhawan said, "There is stigma attached to consulting a psychiatrist still, and in accepting the fact that you may also suffer from clinical depression."

Dr Wadhawan sees celebrities opening a conversation about depression as a welcome change. He said, "Celebrities talking about depression, and ways to deal with it, is good and this could be helpful in dealing with the disease as people look up to these celebrities and follow them. At least people will come forward and talk about it and get help."

DIARY OF A YOUNGSTER WHO SUFFERED FROM DEPRESSION

An assistant director and script writer in Bollywood, Sehaj Kaur Maini, was diagnosed with clinical depression at the age of 21. She did not hesitate in sharing her experiences with IndiaToday.in.

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Sehaj Maini

"Despite having a successful career and a perfect family, there was a constant feeling of emptiness and hollowness", she said. A fear of something she could not decipher was what she had to face each day. After considering the possibility of being depressed and reading up about it, Sehaj realised she should seek help. She opened up to her best friend and then visited a psychiatrist. She was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety.

Sehaj told IndiaToday.in, "Yes, my close friends supported me and made me walk through this problem in my life. My mother took time to accept that her daughter is suffering from a mental disease and my father has still not been able to understand the trouble I have been going through. He still feels that if we don't talk about it, it will be gone."

Sehaj thinks the following are some problems people suffering from depression face in India:

Not being able to realise that it is indeed depression that they're facing. Stigma that the Indian society attaches to depression and anyone who is suffering from it. Lack of solid support system.

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Helping yourself

"Depression kills your body mentally and hence it needs to be cured properly like any other disease say cancer. Being strong was the only option left with me at the end of the day," Sehaj said.

"You have to tackle and train your brain each day. It's a battle to cultivate and train your mind. I travel, write and indulge in my work and I believe all these small things help you tackle depression," she said.

On asking whether she ever contemplated suicide, Maini said, "Yes, but my will to live was stronger than the feeling to quit."

--- ENDS ---
Rollover results in passenger being injured after being enjected

The highway patrol and Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a rollover accident on Saturday. Passenger was thrown from the vehicle, sustaining injuries.
The Trump administration is currently in the process of reviewing its policy on Afghanistan, where the US has over 8,000 troops on the ground.

By Press Trust of India: US President Donald Trump spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed the Ukraine conflict and the situation in Afghanistan with her, the White House has said.

"The leaders discussed several issues of mutual concern and interest, including the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the situation in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement after the telephonic conversation between the two leaders.

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"The leaders pledged close cooperation and coordination on these and other issues. They agreed to remain in close contact," it said.

The Trump administration is currently in the process of reviewing its policy on Afghanistan, where the US has over 8,000 troops on the ground.

ALSO READ | US: In first Trump-Merkel meeting, awkward body language and a quip

--- ENDS ---
Action had been taken in three important cases connected with government servants in Uttar Pradesh, one in 'Smarak' case where it was suspected that government servants caused loss of more than Rs 1400 crore to the state government.

By Atir Khan: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted nationwide raids under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases involving government officials including those working in central public sector units and state government.

Sources said the searches had been conducted at 18 premises across ten states. ED had registered many cases under PMLA against these officials on the basis of FIRs registered by the law enforcement agencies such as CBI and state vigilance department.

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Action had been taken in three important cases connected with government servants in Uttar Pradesh, one in 'Smarak' case where it was suspected that government servants caused loss of more than Rs 1400 crore to the state government.

Second in the case of officials connected with Yadav Singh corruption case where property worth Rs 20 crore approximately has already been seized by ED.

Third action has been taken in National Human Health Mission (NRHM) scam in which government servants and several ministers had allegedly misused government funds and till now ED has attached proceeds of crime over Rs 250 crore. The searches had been carried out on officers of the top rank like Directorate General (Health), Project Engineers and Director of UP Jal Nigam.

The searches were also carried out on the premises of an IAS officer of West Bengal, on the basis of case registered against him under the PMLA by the West Bengal Government. It is alleged that the said IAS officer, in connivance with some engineers, had released Rs 60 crore by manipulation of tender documents.

Searches were also conducted in Delhi in cases of three retired officers of the State Trading Corporation (STC) including one ex-CMD. These officers had allowed transactions between STC and private parties which caused huge losses to STC. They had also approved credit limits to private parties against interests of STC.

In Tamil Nadu searches had been carried out against bank officials, who had allegedly sanctioned loans for extended credit facilities to private parties without obtaining proper documents / collateral securities and without following norms thus causing financial loss to the banks. Action had also been taken against one branch manager of State Cooperative Bank in Chhattisgarh who had allegedly acquired disproportionate assets by misusing his position.

Premises of one former Principal Chief Engineer of Public Work Department (PWD) in Goa were also searched. It is alleged that the officer had helped the former chief minister for concealing the main noting file of awarding of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Goa and he, on one occasion delivered inappropriate payment to the former PWD Minister in Goa government.

Action had been carried out against one chief fire officer in Rajasthan government who had earlier been booked by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Rajasthan for accepting bribe for issuance of no objection certificate to a hospital.

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New currency notes of Rs 2000 amounting Rs 41.06 lakh had been found by ACB, Rajasthan from his premises during the demonetization period. In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu action had been taken against certain officials of Employees Provident Fund Office (EPFO). One of these officers was allegedly involved in financial irregularities and had transferred EPFO funds of around Rs 2 crore to the accounts of his relatives and family members while the other officer had been caught while accepting bribe from one private institute for extending undue favors.

An officer who was working as managing director of Kaveri Neeravari Nigam Limited (Irrigation Corporation) in Karnataka was also under scanner on the basis of a disproportionate assets case against him filed by ACB.

In another case Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of Hyderabad who had allegedly committed irregularities of Rs 8 crore while working Andhra Pradesh Women's Co-operative Finance Corporation (APWCFC), Hyderabad was also examined.

ALSO READ:

Bikaner land PMLA case: ED attaches Rs 1.18 cr assets

Siliguri-Jalpaiguri Development Authority scam: ED raids residence of top Bengal IAS officer Godala Kiran Kumar

--- ENDS ---

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Amid weak Asian markets and profit booking at record highs, domestic bourses started Thursdays trading session with marginal declines.

At 9.30 am, the Sensex was trading 76 points or 0.25 per cent down at 29,900 while the Nifty50 was trading 25 points or 0.27 per cent lower at 9,240.

However, broader markets extended gains. BSE Midcap and BSE Smallcap indices surged 0.1 per cent 0.2 per cent respectively.

Among the BSE sectoral indices, Realty index registered the biggest gain with a jump of 0.8 per cent. Telecom index slipped 0.7 per cent. All the BSE sectoral indices were trading with modest moves.

On Wednesday, the NSE Nifty had closed at record-closing high, up 27 points or 0.30 per cent at 9,265. The BSE Sensex had closed 64 points or 0.21 per cent higher at 29,974.

Top gainers in the Sensex-30 pack: Bajaj Auto (up 1 per cent), Infosys (up 1.4 per cent), Gail (up 0.8 per cent), Tata Motors (up 1.2 per cent) and Axis Bank (up 0.4 per cent).

Top losers in the Sensex-30 pack: HUL (down 1.1 per cent), Bharti Airtel (down 1 per cent), Adani Ports (down 1 per cent), ITC (down 0.9 per cent) and ICICI Bank (down 0.8 per cent).

Asian markets were trading in the negative zone. Japans Nikkei 225 Index plunged 1.6 per cent, Singapores Straits Times Index slipped 0.4 per cent, Hong Kongs Hang Seng index declined 0.6 per cent, Koreas KOSPI index lost 0.5 per cent and Chinas Shanghai Composite Index inched up 0.1 per cent.

Back home, the Rupee was trading 15 paisa down at 65.02 against the US Dollar.
Peace talks with ULFA (Independent), led by Paresh Axom (Baruah), is only possible if the Centre comes forward for a dialogue process, pro-talk ULFA leader and its general secretary Anup Chetia on Thursday said.

Talks with the Paresh Baruah-led faction of ULFA is possible if the Central government comes forward honestly, Chetia said at the general meeting of the pro-talk ULFA cadre.

The ULFA founder leader declined to comment when asked if he has received any indication from Paresh Baruah for the peace talks.

The ULFA general secretary also expressed concern at the alleged apathetic attitude of the Central Government towards the peace talk process with the ULFA.

Dialogue cannot be a one way traffic and the environment for talks should be created from the government's side, he said.

Discussion with the ULFA depends upon the goodwill of the Central Government, Chetia said.

Referring to the proposed settlement of Hindu Bangladeshis in Assam, Chetia said that the issue is a complete political agenda of the BJP government.

The issue is being politicised by several forces. Not a single Hindu Bangladeshi family is willing to come to Assam when much hullaballoo is about the proposed amendment of the Citizenship Act, Chetia claimed.

Chetia was incarcerated in Dhaka after being arrested on December 21, 1997 under the Foreigners Act and the Passports Act for illegally carrying foreign currency and a satellite phone.

On being asked about Subudh Biswas, the prime accused of Silapathar incident, Chetia said that any move against the state must be opposed by the people of Assam.

The Silpathar violence took place on March 6 during the procession taken out by NiBBUSS leading to the destruction of an office of the local unit of AASU, Swahidbedi (memorial to Assam Agitation martyrs) and also causing damage to public and private properties and disruption of law and order situation in the area.

Anup Chetia was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by a Bangladeshi court and held at Kashimpur Jail till November 11, 2015 before he was handed over by Bangladesh Government to India.

Chetia was then lodged in Guwahati Central Jail from where he was released on bail on December 24, 2015.
The Chief Executive Officer and four media persons of a private TV channel involved in telecast of a purported sleaze audio clip which led to the resignation of Kerala minister AK Saseendran, were remanded to judicial custody by a court here on the night of April 5.

They were produced before the Judge at his residence, who remanded them in judicial custody for 14 days. CEO of Mangalam TV channel R Ajit Kumar, Chief of Investigation team K Jayachandran, coordinating editor MB Santhosh, and news editors Firoz Sali Muhammed and SV Pradeep are those remanded to custody.

They were arrested on the night of April 5 nearly after 13 hours of questioning.

According to sources, police would move a petition in the court on Thursday, seeking custody of Ajit kumar and Jayachandran.

Meanwhile, a woman journalist, with whom Saseendran is alleged to have conversed in the audio clip, filed a sexual harassment complaint against him before the Chief Judicial Magistrate. She also alleged that he misbehaved with her.

Police had last week registered an FIR against the nine persons, including the CEO, on a complaint by the youth wing of Nationalist Congress Party, for airing obscene conversation.

The channel on March 26 had aired the sleaze audio clip which led to the resignation of Saseendran, NCP representative in the LDF cabinet within hours.

The channel had later tendered an apology admitting that they had conducted a sting operation involving one of their women journalists and not a housewife, as claimed earlier. Meanwhile, Kerala Union of Working Journalist condemned the police activism of framing charges against innocent journalists.

KUWJ General Secretary C Narayanan said police summoned even a woman news reader, who had no role in the whole episode. KUWJ also said the union had no differences of opinion in taking action against those who were really behind the incident.
Alwar police have arrested three people, including the president of a local college student union, for abetting violence on pretext of cow vigilante. The accused were produced before a local court which send them on one-day police remand on Thursday.

"One of the accused Vipin Singh Yadav is student union president of a local college, efforts are being made for arrest of the remaining accused," a police officer said.

The incident took place few days ago on Jaipur-Delhi highway near Behror in Alwar district of Rajasthan when self-styled cow vigilante attacked a group of traders carrying cows. In the incident, 50-year-old Pehlu Khan had died.

Meanwhile, the incident took political turn as opposition claimed it to be an example of crumbling law and order in the state.

"Despite producing legal documents the traders were assaulted by criminals and such trend has been on rise in the BJP government," state congress vice-president Archana Sharma said.

A BJP MLA, though ridiculed the claims of death being caused due to assault, "the deceased had died of heart attack and it is unfair to blaim the cow vigilants for it" said BJP MLA Gyandev Ahuja.

In Rajasthan, the state laws prohibit sale and purchase of beef and prohibits cow slaughter. However, as cow smugglers are active along border districts, the nuisance of cow vigilante is also frequent in the areas. At several occasions, there are violent clashes between these groups and many times even legitimate cow traders and farmers become target of such elements.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 5 (PTI) Former AIIMS Director M C Misra has been appointed as honorary senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here, said the city-based hospital.

He will be with the Department of General and Laparoscopic Surgery, the hospital said in a statement.

Misra, one of Indias top general surgeons, served as director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for over three years.

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He had retired from AIIMS on January 31. PTI PLB KIS

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The fight for the legacy of the late Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary J.Jayalalithaa reached a new low on Thursday with the O. Panneerselvam faction seeking votes for their candidate with the dummy body of Jayalalithaa laid inside a coffin.

The coffin was covered with the National Flag.

Though it is said former Minister for Eduction P.Pandiarajan was against such a campaign, he nevertheless was seen standing with folded hands in a vehicle in which the dummy body and the coffin were kept.

The police removed the dummy body and the coffin and warned the party workers against such future moves.

Even members of Panneerselvam faction were opposed to such a stunt and termed it as a result of over-enthusiastic cadres.

The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Jayalalithaa last December.
Tripura is ready to supply an additional 60 MW of power to Bangladesh. The transmission is likely to start during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit to India, a minister said here on Thursday.

"We are ready to supply the additional 60 MW power to Bangladesh. Our engineers have tested the transmission lines and given an okay," Tripura Power and Transport Minister Manik Dey said.

He said: "Since last week, on experimental basis additional electricity was supplied to Bangladesh for several days. Formal supply of power is likely to start during Hasina's visit that begins on Friday."

Tripura has been supplying 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh since March 23, 2016, in addition to the 500 MW the country is receiving from West Bengal since 2013.

According to the Minister, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) and Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) are the two nodal agencies who will coordinate supply of electricity to Bangladesh.

The NVVN is a subsidiary of state owned National Thermal Power Corporation and TSECL is a Tripura government owned body.

Hasina is scheduled to visit New Delhi from April 7 to 10.

"Officials of India and Bangladesh governments met in Dhaka on March 17 and finalised technical and other issues realted to this extra electricity supply," a TSECL official said.

"Bangladesh has sought additional 100 MW electricity from India to solve its power crisis in the eastern part of the country. As Tripura government was ready to provide this additional power India informed Bangladesh accordingly," Dey said.

"Considering their existing technical feasibility now, they would take 60 MW electricity," he added.

A 47-km double circuit transmission line was erected, linking the power grid at Surjyamaninagar in western Tripura to the Comilla power grid in eastern Bangladesh, to supply electricity to the neighbouring country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina along with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on March 23, 2016, launched the supply of 100 MW power through video-conferencing from their offices in New Delhi, Dhaka and Agartala.

Dey said that Tripura had already become a power-surplus state. "If we supply additional power to Bangladesh we will be able to earn extra revenue."

During his visit to Dhaka on June 6-7 in 2015, Modi had discussed with Hasina power supply possibility from Tripura.

Modi had declared that India would eventually enhance the power supply to Bangladesh to 1,100 MW.

A TSECL official said that a Memorandum of Understanding on power sector cooperation between India and Bangladesh was signed in 2010.

Currently 500 MW of power is transferred through the Bherampur-Bheramara inter-connection in the West Bengal border and another 100 MW through the Surajmani Nagar (Agartala)  Comila interconnection.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will visit India from 9-12 April for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues. The two countries are expected to sign agreements in the fields of trade, security, sports, health and education.

reporters here today, Mr Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry, said the two PMs are expected to reiterate their commitment to an early conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between their two countries. In response to a question, he said Australia had been an important partner of India in keeping the sea lanes secured. We see a lot of scope for enhanced maritime cooperation between us, he added.

In a statement on the eve of his visit to India, the Australian PM said he would discuss with PM Modi the enormous opportunities for collaboration between India and Australia. With converging political, economic and strategic interests, we will use the meeting to strengthen our relationship even further for the benefit of both nations, he added.

Noting that India was the worlds fastest growing major economy, he said the two-way trade between India and Australia had exceeded $19 billion in 2015-16 and there was scope for significant growth.

Mr Turnbull would also visit Mumbai to meet leading Indian CEOs and business people to discuss growing two-way trade and investment. Australian energy and resources were helping to power Indias growth, while Australias collaboration on innovation and technology would open new business opportunities in the future.

He said Australia was home to a vibrant Indian community which made a significant contribution to the fabric of the countrys multicultural society. The Indian community provided a vital bridge between the two countries, and this visit would ensure that the ties between India and Australia become even stronger.

Coinciding with the Australian PMs visit, Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham is bringing one of the largest Australian delegations of skills providers and higher education representatives to India. Together with Mr Birmingham, Mr Turnbull will address a dinner convened to celebrate Australia's knowledge partnership with India.
The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plea for revival of conspiracy charges against LK Advani and other leaders in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

A bench of Justices PC Ghose and RF Nariman heard arguments by both sides at length before reserving the order.

The apex court will also decide whether the trial of the VVIP accused can be transferred from a court in Rae Bareli to Lucknow. During the hearing, the bench indicated that it is open to the idea of putting Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and others on trial.

There were two sets of cases relating to the demolition of the disputed structure on 6 December, 1992. The first involved unnamed 'karsevaks', the trial of which is taking place in a Lucknow court, while the second set of cases relates to the VVIPs in a Rae Bareli court. The bench also indicated that it may order holding of a joint trial of the two sets of cases by transferring the trial from Rae Bareli to a Lucknow court.

The bench said as 25 years have already passed, it will consider ordering a time-bound trial on day-to-day basis, to be completed preferably within two years. While senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for Advani and Joshi opposed the proposal for holding joint trial and transferring their case from Rae Bareli to Lucknow, the CBI clarified that it was not making any submission on the issue of the trial of the VVIP accused but was restricting itself to restoration of the charge of conspiracy against the accused.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the intervenors, supported the proposal for a joint trial, contending the two sets of cases had arisen from one incident which allegedly involved single conspiracy. The apex court also gave opportunity to all the parties to file their written submissions by 11 April.

The apex court had earlier decided to examine the appeal against dropping of conspiracy charge against Advani, Joshi, Uma Bharti and 10 others.

The clubbing of two FIRs was opposed by the counsel for the accused on the ground that there were different sets of persons named as accused in the two cases, the trial of which were at an advanced stage at two different places. They were of the view that joint trial would lead to the beginning of de novo (afresh) proceedings.

The conspiracy charge against 13 accused, including Advani, Joshi and Bharti was dropped in the case, the trial of which is being held at a special court in Rae Bareli.

The appeals were filed by one Haji Mahboob Ahmad (since dead) and the CBI against dropping of conspiracy charges against 21 accused including BJP leaders Advani, Joshi. Eight of them later died.

A supplementary charge sheet was filed against eight persons but not the 13 who were discharged for plotting the demolition.

Besides BJP leaders Advani, Joshi and Bharti, conspiracy charges were dropped against Kalyan Singh (currently the Governor of Rajasthan), Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and VHP leader Acharya Giriraj Kishore (both have since died).

The others against whom the conspiracy charge was dropped include Vinay Katiyar, Vishnu Hari Dalmiya, Satish Pradhan, C R Bansal, Ashok Singhal (now deceased), Sadhvi Ritambhara, Mahant Avaidhynath (now deceased), R V Vedanti, Paramhans Ram Chandra Das (now deceased), Jagdish Muni Maharaj, B L Sharma, Nritya Gopal Das, Dharam Das, Satish Nagar and Moreshwar Save (now deceased).

The appeals have sought setting aside the Allahabad High Court's order of 20 May 2010, dropping Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) under the IPC while upholding a special court's decision.

The CBI had charge-sheeted Advani and 20 others under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between classes), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 505 (false statements, rumours, etc., circulated with the intent to cause mutiny or disturb public peace) of the IPC.
In a major development to the Babri Masjid demolition case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday told the Supreme Court that conspiracy charges against BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and others must be revived.

The CBI told the top court that 14 persons, including BJP leaders, acquitted of the charges under criminal conspiracy, should be tried in Lucknow Court.

The CBI has challenged the Allahabad High Court order in May 2010 confirming the lower court's decision to drop conspiracy charges against the BJP veterans.

Earlier in the week, the top court had asked all parties to file their response in the matter. The apex court had said that it will hear the matter in two weeks time.

The lawyer appearing for the CBI told the top court that 195 witnesses had already been examined in the Lucknow trial court and approximately 300 more are to be examined.

The lawyer further said that in the Rai Bareilly Court, 57 witnesses had already been examined and 100 or more are likely to be examined over the issue.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, banned by airlines after assaulting an Air India staffer, on Thursday tendered apology to the Parliament and said he is a victim of justice.

"I am a victim of injustice, what is my mistake. The employee was shouting at me. When I told that I am an MP, the Air India employees said 'so what you are not Narendra Modi'," Gaikwad said in Parliament.

"They misbehaved with me. I can show you clippings as proof," he said.

"I apologise to the Parliament if I've caused any hurt, but not to the Air India official," he added.

Gaikwad said that the media has presented a lopsided version of events. "There was an attempt to spread wrong information about me," he said.

The manager he beat up has said that the MP refused to exit the plane for nearly an hour, keeping more than 100 passengers waiting for their next flight.

Demanding tough action against Air India and other airlines for banning Shiv Sena MPs disrupted the Parliament proceedings and demanded a discussion on the issue in the House.

Chanting anti-Air India slogans, Shiv Sena MPs demanded a discussion on the issue in the House to push for its demand to revoke the flying ban against Gaikwad.

Earlier Shiv Sena MPs had approached Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju seeking his intervention into the matter, but they failed to get any assurance from him.

The goon MP had on March 23 assaulted an Air India staffer for seat issues. Air India and four other airlines had banned Ravindra Gaikwad from their flights.
Decks have been cleared for a pan-India implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1 with the Rajya Sabha passing the much-awaited four enabling bills on Thursday.

The four bills  Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, Integrated GST Bill, Compensation GST Bill and Union Territory GST Bill 2017  were passed by the Rajya Sabha and returned to Lok Sabha, after a discussion of almost nine hours spread across two days.

Replying to the debate on the four bills in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the goods that are exempted from taxes currently will remain to be exempted once the GST is in place.

"Whatever goods are exempted from tax today, will remain exempted. The present status quo will continue," he said.

Jaitley said that to make tax filing easier under the GST, the provision of quarterly returns is there in the new indirect tax regime.

Noting that both the central and state governments are pooling their sovereignty to have this tax regime, Jaitley noted that India, despite being one political entity, remained different economic entities with states having different taxes.

"In the concept of goods and services tax, both Centre and states simultaneously have the power to levy tax. GST is the only tax which is simultaneously levied by Centre and states," he said.

Clarifying on the tax rate on petroleum products in the regime, Jaitley said that the Council has decided that the petroleum products though they have been included under GST, will remain zero rated as of now.

"The Council decided that we will take up the issue of petroleum products in a year after implementation of GST. Today, constitutionally petroleum products are under GST, but will be zero rated. So once Council decides it can be taxed under GST, we won't need to amend the Constitution," he said.

On demands of change in the structure of Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) that is creating the information technology (IT) backbone for the new indirect tax regime, Jaitley said that the shareholding pattern has been set after detailed discussions to ensure the flexibility of the company.

"Government can acquire 1-2 per cent more shares in GSTN, but not sure if the flexibility will remain. We have not felt the need of altering the arrangement. The management structure created has to face penal consequences if any information is leaked," he said.

The Centre owns 24.5 per cent stake in GSTN, state governments own another 24.5 per cent, while the HDFC, NSE Strategic Investment Corporation, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank own 10 per cent each.

LIC Finance holds 11 per cent stake in GSTN, according to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) filings, obtained by IANS from business research platform Tofler.

Discussing the Bills, most of the political parties favoured them but cautioned the government on all possible shortcomings the legislation may have.

Participating in the debate, Sharad Yadav of the Janata Dal-United said that "GST should be made easy, so people do not have any tax related problems".

Praful Patel of the Nationalist Congress Party expressed apprehension over the proposed "harsh punishments" in the GST Bills, and said they should be done away with to create a good atmosphere for business.

"Every economic offence should not lead to jail," he said.

The former minister also suggested that electricity and petroleum products should also come under the proposed legislation.

"If we are looking at one nation, one tax, than these issues should be looked into," he said.

Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India-Marxist said that the federal structure of the country must not be disturbed.

He expressed his unhappiness over the GST having been brought in the Rajya Sabha as a Finance Bill, saying that the government should not have treated it as a Finance Bill.

"Parliament cannot be ignored," he said, suggesting that GST should be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Jairam Ramesh of the Congress and D. Raja of the CPI also supported Yechury on the issue of GST having been brought in the Rajya Sabha as Finance Bill, with Ramesh saying that "Rajya Sabha was being bypassed".

"It should not have come to us as Finance Bill," he said.

The Lok Sabha had already passed the Bills on March 29, 2017.
Shiv Sena MPs on Thursday surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju over the flying ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad and threatened that unless it is lifted they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan till 12.45 pm over the Shiv Sena protest.

As soon as Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia rushed to him. He was followed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

They took Raju and Union Minister Ananth Geethe with them to the Speaker's chamber.

Sources said that Speaker Mahajan discussed the issue with the leaders.

Earlier, Shiv Sena MPs were agitated over a statement of the Civil Aviation Minister, who reiterated that the ban was not aimed at a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights.

This led to a protest by Shiv Sena members, and the House was adjourned.

Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India staff, said that he had been provoked and alleged that the airlines staff misbehaved with him.

Speaking on the issue during Zero Hour Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him be lifted.

He got support from other opposition parties. The Shiv Sena MP also said that he can apologise to Parliament but will not apologise to the airline staffer.


The absence of a responsive government in Fort St George and the seeming neglect of the Centre have added to the woes of farmers in Tamil Nadu. More than 150 farmers have died, either by suicide or due to governmental shortcomings as the state faces its worst-ever drought in 140 years. Added to it is the death of much lamented J Jayalalitha on 5 December last year, plunging the state in political chaos. Men wielding power in Fort St George are more interested in worsting the fortunes of the rival faction of the ruling AIADMK than in solving peoples problems. O Panneerselvam, who succeeded Jayalalitha as Chief Minister, announced on 10 January that Tamil Nadu would be declared a drought-hit state and that farmers who have incurred 33 per cent loss in paddy and other irrigation crops would be paid Rs 5,465 per acre and for long term crops Rs 7,287 per acre. Before implementing it, he was ousted by VK Sasikala who took control of the AIADMK by stealth and installed K Palanaswami as Chief Minister. The entire state machinery, including ministers, is now engaged in getting TTV Dhinakaran, Sasikalas nephew, elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency, represented by Jayalalitha. With no responsive government in Chennai, the farmers have taken their agitation to New Delhi. Carrying human skulls and other symbols of protest, they have occupied Jantar Mantar for the last three weeks. The BJP government of Narendra Modi has so far not given any definite assurance to them.

The only promise the BJP has given is to provide a Dravidian party-free government in Tamil Nadu in the near future. The Congress, on the other hand, did express solidarity with the hapless farmers campaigning in New Delhi who have adopted unique strategies like displaying skulls or disrobing to the barest in public. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who called on them in Jantar Mantar, assured his party would fight for them and raise their grievances in Parliament and the Assembly in Chennai. Claiming the Modi government has written off debts worth Rs 1.4 lakh crore of 50 industrialists, he wondered why it could not waive the agricultural loans of Tamil Nadu farmers who are in distress. When Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, Radhamohan Singh, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, blamed the Tamil Nadu government for not utilising funds provided by the Centre for the purpose. Money made available under the State Disaster Relief Fund could also be used to mitigate sufferings of farmers due to drought, he said. Tamil Nadu under SDRF was allotted Rs 3,000 crore, but the relief the state sought, including Rs 264.11 crore for the destruction caused by cyclone Vardha in December last year, was Rs 39,565 crore. Against this, the Centre has released Rs 2,014 crore only based on the recommendation of a high-level committee meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on 23 March.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has a kidney stone. It is his second. The first is an equally painful obstruction called Imran Khan.

This latest disclosure of the prime ministers medical problems has released yet another flurry of snowflake speculation. These will soon melt, as have all previous prognoses about his imminent departure on health grounds. Nawaz Sharif has no intention of quitting his post. As long as there is a country to be visited (even if it is Ruritania), a guard of honour to be inspected, a photo-op with a head of state to be had, another framed trophy to be added to the galaxy of dignitaries grinning from the walls of his Raiwind estate, he will preserve his fitness  in the supreme national interest.

His peripatetic travels have shown that nothing is as dear to him as the cause of international diplomacy. One suspects he has made more visits abroad than appearances on the floor of the National Assembly. MNAs are less familiar with his features than foreign hosts are.

One should not cavil about his obsessive interest in foreign policy. He is no different to any other leader of our hapless country. To them, foreign policy is a synonym for a personal insurance policy.

For example, havent the Sharif brothers been rescued repeatedly by Saudi largesse and Qatari amnesia? Doesnt Altaf Hussain continue to enjoy the hospitality of the United Kingdom? Doesnt former president Asif Zardari feel more at home in Dubai than in Karachi? Even their nemesis, retired Gen Musharraf, feels no embarrassment admitting that the plush property in London was a personal gift from a Saudi monarch. Nor does he blush when he discloses that organisers of lecture tours in the United States are eager to pay him $150,000 a pop for the sort of vacuous speeches he gave for free as president.

Musharraf has followed the example of illustrious names like Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan who charged enviably high fees after they left office. One recent Pakistani ambassador to the US took pains to hair-split his windfall income as a speaker. He drew a distinction between the fees he received when speaking as an ambassador from those he pocketed when speaking his mind. Needless to say, such talent did not go unnoticed in a country that appreciates innovation and initiative.

The most recent example of such lucrative diplomacy is the sinecure the Saudis have offered former Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif. After plucking petals for days  Should I? Shoudnt I?  he reached the final one. He decided to head the Saudi-led 39-nation coalition. The impression is that it is not against Yemen but against terror/the militant Islamic State group/Iran. Never has the ummah stood so united against an enemy of fellow Muslims.

Last week, it was reported that a spokesman for the coalition, the Saudi general Ahmed Asiri, while visiting the UK had an egg thrown at him. Many Pakistanis might feel that the former COAS in accepting this appointment in Saudi Arabia, has smeared egg on the face of the nation.

It was not all that long ago that the Pakistani people through their representatives in parliament voted against joining this coalition. Of course, it will be argued that permission to Gen Raheel Sharif has been granted by the competent authority. Authority does not presume competence, nor propriety. What will never be assuaged are the feelings of Pakistanis at this inexplicable volte face, this self-serving acceptance of a gilded sinecure.

One is reminded of the anguished words of remonstrance written by Queen Mary to her son King Edward VIII, after he announced his abdication in 1936. Even though they were written 80 years ago and in a different context, they are still poignantly applicable: You did not seem to be able to take any point of view but your own, she told her love-smitten son. It seemed inconceivable to those who had made such sacrifices during the war that you, as their King, refused a lesser sacrifice. Countless Pakistani martyrs have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is sad that our leaders find it impossible to make lesser sacrifices.

There may come a time when foreign policy will be transacted in the interest of the nation, not in the personal interest of rulers. There may come a time when the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies shall be treated by elected representatives as the dock of accountability, not as a springboard of unbridled opportunity, nor as pulpits of feigned piety. There may come a time when the dignity of service is regarded as its own reward. Until then, Pakistan is being treated like some Masai cow: milked daily and bled to sustain its ravenous masters.

Dawn/ANN.
The taxman can now ask you for proof of rent agreement, letter to the housing society stating that you are a tenant, electricity bill, water bill if you are claiming deduction under house rent allowance.

By India Today Web Desk: We all have, at some or the other point in time, submitted fake rent receipts to our employers to claim deductions under House Rent Allowance.

The Income Tax department, however, will now scrutinise receipts submitted under HRA with greater rigour and may ask you to provide more proof to show that you are staying in the accommodation.

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The stricter stand on HRA deduction comes after the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in Mumbai recently struck down the claim for HRA exemption of a chartered accountant who paid rent to his mother.

The ITAT bench came down heavily on the chartered accountant and said that claims under Section 10 (13A) of the Income Tax Act cannot be based on fake transactions.

The taxman can now ask you for proof of rent agreement, letter to the housing society stating that you are a tenant, electricity bill, water bill if you are claiming deduction under house rent allowance.

CLAIMING HRA DEDUCTION

If you are a salaried individual, you can claim house rent allowance which can be partially or completely exempted from taxes.

The tax deduction on HRA is the amount that is the minimum under these three options: 1) actual HRA that you get; 2) 50 per cent of your basic salary and dearness allowance if you are living in a metro (it is 40 per cent if you are living in a non-metro city); 3) actual rent paid by you is 10 per cent of the salary.

If you are paying a rent that is above Rs 8,333 per month, do obtain the PAN number of your landlord to claim exemption. This allows the taxman to check if your landlord has provided the details of the income from house rent in his/her tax return.

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ALSO WATCH

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If pigs could fly Using that unflattering comparison would certainly lend itself to being unfairly harsh and cynical, yet it is not entirely inappropriate when putting a realistic frame on the rosy picture presented by the civil aviation ministry on the ambitious bid to enhance regional connectivity via the Udan flight plan. The awarding of 128 routes to some 50 un-served and under-served airports does hold much potential, but there is scope for considerable buffeting between the plans drawn up at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan and what translates into action on the ground and in the air. Alas, apart from its unquestioned skill in poll manipulation, the performance of the NDA government does not inspire confidence in the management sphere, and Ashok Gajapati Raju and Jayant Sinha are not in the same league as Amit Shah and Narendra Modi when it comes to producing results. A range of mind-boggling figures were presented at the launch of Udan, as if the domestic civil aviation sector had been re-born. Yet even those figures trigger scope for skepticism, so it would be advisable to wait for the schemes to get airborne before making value-assessments. Sure there is much that merits appreciation, particularly the geographical spread of the towns being air-linked. But the scheme, at least at first glance, creates the impression of a hub-and-spoke exercise ~ linking small towns to a larger one in the region. Is that true regional connectivity if it means first touching base at a metro, then taking a connecting flight? Of course the direct links between the six or seven major towns to urban centres in the region are not to be scoffed at.

Much will depend on the schedules the airlines will formulate and implement, the frequency of flights, the type of aircraft to be deployed ~ and of course how effective will the authorities be in ensuring the fare cap on a specified number of seats per flight. The track-record on that front is not re-assuring and the minister has firmly ruled out fixing an upper limit on fares on general flights: so will the showing on Udan be markedly different? Airlines operate in accordance with market conditions ~ quite a few have crashed ~ so what guarantee they will persist with the scheme after the subsidies period runs out? A pessimistic view is that the Vayudoot fiasco could repeat itself, for private operators are not in the charity business that the feeder airline supposedly was. What about MPs using their free tickets on the Udan services? That would certainly impact financial viability, as well as leave Alliance Air, SpiceJet, Air Deccan, Turbo Megha Airways and Air Odisha Aviation vulnerable to much pressure. For MPs, as a recent happening underscored, do have clout.
The Constitutions preamble guarantees the dignity of every citizen. In March, the government of West Bengal fulfilled its constitutional duty with welcome alacrity.

Moved by the untimely demise of citizen Sanjay Roy on 24 February the administration moved the state Assembly to enact the West Bengal Clinical Establishment (Registration, Regulation and Transparency) Bill on 3 March, the governor gave his assent on 16 March and the bill became law.

On the very next day, an 11-member West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission was set up as per this new law. Undaunted by the absence of brevity in legislative nomenclature, the Commission held its first meeting on 22 March demonstrating rare speed of state governance. Forthwith, at one stroke, one expects the end of negligence, excess billing and lack of transparency in all private sector hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic clinics and medical establishments in West Bengal.

So far, things look good. A collective sigh of relief seems to have been heaved by sick denizens and their families. There is a general sense of relief that efficient and fair-priced medicare seems assured. After all, there is a statutory (not administrative) Commission to keep vigil over the two latter factors.

One must be aware, though, that there is usually a flip side to most good things. Within every silver lining, paraphrasing the proverb, hangs a dark cloud. Prima facie, in the current instance, an unusual and unfortunate hidden lacuna lurks behind the swathe of good deeds and intentions cited above.

The paradox lies in that not all medical practitioners are free birds, metaphorically, to provide succour to ill folks lined up at their doors. Why? Because unlike clinicians and physicians, surgeons need full back up services of adequately equipped and staffed operation theatres (OTs) to deliver services required of them. In a knee jerk reaction to perceived uncertainties in the newfound era of thorough vigilance over current practices in private sector medicare establishments, doctors and paramedic support staff across the board are reportedly fearful of penalties that might lie in wait under the law.

For surgeons, the emerging scenario is a genuine matter of concern. On one hand, they are obliged to clearly explain to patients and their families details of why certain procedures are being considered and the approximate cost and risk involved. On the other hand, the reliability of failsafe OT facilities is wobbly right now. As a result, generally speaking, honest surgeons are caught between the devil and the deep sea. The sooner this anachronism is resolved, the better for all concerned. To revert to the original point, surely surgeons too need to have their dignity guaranteed.

The writer pens non-fiction biographies and fictional short stories.
The long anticipated visit by Sheikh Hasina is an opportunity to freshen and re-animate ties between India and its important neighbour to the east. Not that there is any pressing need for new initiatives: relations are good, there is plenty of cooperation between India and Bangladesh, and few outstanding issues that demand attention. The closest there is to a dispute is the division of the waters of the Teesta, and that too need not be an insuperable problem, for the basic groundwork has been done, with extensive negotiations yielding an agreement in principle that former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, was all set to sign in Dhaka but was forced to delay owing to unexpected backing off by the West Bengal Chief Minister, whose support was ~ and is ~ crucial. Thus the technical basis of a balanced agreement has been established but the uncertainties of Centre-State relations in India have stood in the way of a final settlement.

Since the earlier near-miss on Teesta, much has changed, in that India is under a different leadership which is widely perceived as being more decisive, and certainly is much stronger in Parliament, hence expectations about river-sharing have revived, for New Delhi could well be in a better position today to come to terms on the water-sharing agreement that Bangladesh has been seeking. Another factor to be noted is that while India has undergone sweeping political change Bangladesh has remained under the same leadership ~ that of Sheikh Hasina ~ and this continuity could be helpful when it comes to reviving the earlier effort on the Teesta.

Sheikh Hasinas exceptional record as a discerning leader who has transcended differences and established meaningful cooperation with India should also be acknowledged. It was under her leadership that the landmark agreement on sharing of the Ganga waters at Farakka was concluded; indeed, it can be argued that without her the Ganga would have remained the biggest obstacle to good relations, as it was for the previous half-century. At that time, too, there were strong differences on water-sharing between Kolkata and New Delhi, which were ruled by parties that had strong political differences, but yet they were able to come together in the shared cause of peace and development. If Sheikh Hasina gave the lead from Dhaka, she was able to count on the participation and support of the State Government in Kolkata under Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, and of PM I.K.Gujrals government in New Delhi. The agreement on the Ganga waters, as it turned out, was a prelude to other water-related issues, of which the Teesta is currently the most prominent, though there are others that may well move up when Teesta is sorted out. As past experience indicates, sharing the river waters is always politically fraught and needs consistent high-level consideration, for problems can keep arising in dealing with the numerous trans-border rivers between India and Bangladesh.

As the lower riparian, Bangladesh may feel that its concerns tend to be overlooked: this was the case when the Ganga agreement was being negotiated, and echoes of the same sentiment are to be heard today when another water agreement is being put together. As a means of giving itself some leverage in dealing with its larger and geographically better placed neighbour Bangladesh has spoken of the possibility of a broader regional water-sharing agreement that would include China among the negotiating parties. The upper waters of the Teesta rise in Tibet so there is some apparent logic in the suggestion, even though India has never favoured third party association with bilateral issues of this nature and there can be little realistic expectation of bringing third parties into the Teesta discussion.

Apart from the rivers issue, there are several other matters that can be advanced during Sheikh Hasinas visit, some being projects to be financed out of a substantial loan that India is to provide. Infrastructure development and better connectivity have long been on the list of joint activities to which both countries are committed though the follow-up has remained insufficient. For India, revival of the route across Bangladesh is the most efficient way of getting across to the North-East, and it would make a big difference to the development of that region. Conceivably, should trans-border communications improve, Chittagong could resume its role as the port for the eastern part of the sub-continent and Bangladesh become a central element in the evolution of Indias Make East policy. The possibilities are unending. Some of these themes figure in the large number of bilateral agreements that are to be signed during Sheikh Hasinas visit and they could give real substance to the relationship.

An MOU on cooperation in defence manufactures is also part of the expected outcome from the visit, and this has drawn some criticism in Bangladesh from elements that do not welcome closer ties with India.That the Prime Minister of Bangladesh has not permitted such groups to call the tune indicates the firmness of her conviction in the matter. She has been a consistent advocate of better India-Bangladesh ties and has helped steer the relationship in a positive direction.

After long initial travail, Bangladesh has succeeded in overcoming many of its early problems and is today rightly to be regarded as a significant partner in Indias growth and development plans. In some respects Bangladesh has moved ahead of India, as for instance in its progress in programmes for poverty reduction, health, and education: India may have something to gain from closer interaction in these sectors. Indias constant effort to combat terrorism and to lead the international community in that direction is an important area of mutual interest. At one stage the authorities in Dhaka were reluctant to press too hard against religious extremists who often targeted India but ever since Sheikh Hasina came to power there has been none of the former ambiguity in this matter. Bangladesh itself has been targeted and is a resolute opponent of terrorism in all its manifestations.

One must also recall that Bangladesh has a fine record as a creative source of many significant regional initiatives. The most important of these is the setting up of SAARC, which is now an established part of the regional architecture but could scarcely have come into existence without Dhakas persistence and its creative diplomacy. Bangladesh has promoted projects of long distance connectivity and has drummed up multilateral support for development projects like new bridges and roads to bind the region closer.

Indias recent initiative to establish a rail link between Dhaka and Istanbul is in some respects an updating of an earlier Bangladeshi concept. Maybe this imaginative idea will receive a decisive boost from the meeting of the two Prime Ministers.

The writer is Indias former Foreign Secretary.
Vivekananda was asked by a young lady in London, What have you Indians done? You have never even conquered a single nation. That may be true from the point of view of the Englishman, the brave, the heroic, because for them conquest is the greatest glory that one can have over another. If I ask myself what has been the cause of Indias greatness, I answer, because we have never conquered. That is our glory. Vivekananda replied.

While conquerors habitually decimate their enemies, India seemed exceedingly driven to offer an olive branch to its enemies. This has been an integral part of our tradition which was endorsed by the Father of the Nation when he wrote, Repression has never worked. I challenge anybody to point me to a single episode in either ancient or modern history, which proves that repression has even once achieved the end to which it has been directed. The English failed in America,.it failed in South Africa after the Boer War, It failed in Ireland yesterday..it will fail in India tomorrow. If repression succeeds in anything, it is in advertising the cause of the enemy.

The recent Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Ordinance if it succeeds will certainly create a hostile environment in the country.

The Genealogy of Enemy Property Law Government estimates there are about 16,000 properties (movable and immovable) of migrants who left for Pakistan. There are some 149 immovable properties of Chinese nationals spread across Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi etc. There is no authentic valuation of such properties but a conservative estimate could place the figure at about Rs 1.7 lakh crore.

The outbreak of World War II in 1939 resulted in the Defence of India Act, 1939 and the Defence of India Rules, 1939 made thereunder. The office of the custodian of enemy property for India, Mumbai, was constituted to prevent paying money to the enemy and to administer enemy properties in India till peace was restored. Properties left by enemy subjects were vested in the custodian and continued to remain vested in it even after the war ended.

During the wars of 1962  with China  and of 1965 and 1971  with Pakistan  the government designated certain properties belonging to citizens of these two countries as enemy properties. After the 1965 war, India and Pakistan signed the Tashkent Declaration on 10 January 1966. The Declaration included a clause, which stated that the two countries would discuss the return of property and assets taken over by either side in connection with the conflict.

As a result the Government notified an Enemy Property Registration Order that was later replaced by the Enemy Property Act 1968. Enemy property under this law included properties of persons who were believed to be citizens of a country classified as an enemy country by the Government of India. These properties are vested in the Custodian of Enemy Property, an office constituted under the Act.

Besides managing the property, the custodian can declare any property to be enemy property and seize it, and order the sale of the property. The Custodian can also oppose court cases filed by an aggrieved individual whose property is divested. The 1968 Act prohibited transfer of enemy property by an enemy if it was against public interest or to evade vesting of property in the Custodian.

The Raison Detre

The principle behind the enemy property law, both the 1968 Act and the present Act, is that citizens of any country with which India has gone to war cannot be allowed to hold property in India. The 1968 Act provided that the Central government may order for an enemy property to be divested from the Custodian and returned to the owner or other

person.

The said Act also permitted the sale of enemy property by the Custodian only if it was in the interest of preserving the property, or to secure maintenance of the enemy or his family in India. Defying the Tashkent Agreement the Government of Pakistan disposed of all such properties in its country in 1971. Pakistans unilateral action perhaps became the rationale of the present Act.

The New Regime

The amendment aimed at capping the ambiguities in the 1968 Act is to ensure that enemy properties that have been vested in the Custodian remain so and do not revert to the enemy subject. Notwithstanding any court judgement now the magnified power of the Custodian under the new regime extends to sale or disposal of enemy property within a time period specified by the Central government.

The Act seeks to include the vesting of enemy properties in cases like the enemys death and if the legal heir is an Indian and the enemy changes his nationality to that of another country. It expands the definition of enemy to include legal heirs of enemies even if they are citizens of India or of another country which is not an enemy and nationals of an enemy country who subsequently changed their nationality to that of another country. It further provides that vesting of enemy property with the Custodian shall mean that all rights, titles and interests in the property will vest with the Custodian. No laws governing succession will be applicable to these enemy properties.

However, the amended Act prohibits all transfers by enemies and renders the transfers that had taken place before or after the commencement of the 1968 Act, as void. The Amended Act ousted the jurisdiction of civil courts and other authorities from entertaining cases against enemy properties, or against actions of the Central government or the Custodian under the Act.

The amended Act eliminates the duty to maintain the enemy and his family and allows the Custodian to carry out some measures (including selling, mortgaging or leasing enemy property). This incorporates few permissible actions such as fixing and collecting rent, license fee, etc. from enemy property, and evicting unauthorised occupants and removing unauthorised construction from such properties. Although the Public Premises Act, 1971 regulates elimination of unlawful occupants and construction from public premises but the amended Act is to include enemy properties within the definition of public premises.

Judicial Treatment

Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan kept fighting till his death to get back his bungalow Jinnah House in Mumbai. His daughter Deena Vaidya, too, failed to secure the ownership. However, Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan alias Sulaiman Khan, the son of the late Raja of Mehmoodabad, a close comrade of Jinnah and the Muslim League won the claims of his fathers property in the Supreme Court after a 32-year long legal battle. However, the fruits of this victory are now eclipsed by the new Ordinance promulgated by the President of India.

The apex Court in Union of India & Another vs. Raja Mohammed Amir Mohammad Khan, on 21 October 21 2005, while rendering the verdict in favour of Raja Mehmood Khan, opened space for further claims as genuine or ostensible relatives of persons who had migrated to Pakistan and produced deeds of gift claiming rightful owners of enemy properties. In a bid to obviate the Supreme Court ruling the Government of India brought series of ordinances and finally the present amendment Act.



New Law Sans Conscience

The new law if it stays alive would adversely affect the rights of a major chunk of citizens and especially the Muslims by making them enemies with retrospective effect. It would also undermine the decisions of Indian courts that have established the Custodian as the guardian of the property and not the owner. Attempt to make retrospective accomplishment would turn upside down the rights and obligations already vested in citizens.

Notwithstanding the constant and unequivocal admonition administered by the Supreme Court including in the latest Krishan Kumar v. State of Bihar (2017) that once again re-affirmed that re-promulgation is a colorable exercise of power and amounts to a fraud on the Constitution, the executive wing of the State continues to be in denial. Hence, another basic feature of the Constitution  democracy  stands dishonored. What is at stake here is not government, or governance, but the very essence of constitutional trinity of our national philosophy  liberty, equality and tolerance to meet Indias international commitments to the United Nations.



The writers are, respectively, Associate Professor of Law at NLU Odisha and an Advocate, Supreme Court of India.

The views expressed are personal.
Becoming an entrepreneur is not a part-time job. It is rather a lifestyle change that affects your day-to-day living. You have to work wisely and take decisions with a lot of responsibility to overcome every obstacle. Making strategies to achieve your company's goals and objectives is not a cake walk. It is a process that requires complete attention and innovative ideas. And your job does not end with just an idea or the execution plan as you have to prove yourself at every stage from impressing the angel investors to luring the potential customers. In fact, planning and strategy development is just a fraction of your massive responsibilities being the steward of a young organisation. While implementing these ideas, marketing them well and managing every core activity of the business with utmost perfection and efficiency demand a lot of dedication and hard-work.

Stay healthy for healthy returns:

You need to stay physically fit to resolve various day activities that an entrepreneur pursues round-the-clock and especially in the hours of emergency. And yes, it goes without saying that you need to be psychologically well-poised and passionate while chasing your business goals and targets. In such a challenging scenario maintaining physical health and keeping the mind at peace should be one of your prime objectives. You can quit a job if you want a change in industry or feel dissatisfied as an employee, but being an entrepreneur, the term give-up is out of your dictionary. You obviously cannot quit from a venture in which you have invested your time, energy, and lots of other precious resources.

Be confident to win others' confidence:

It is important to come out of your comfort zone as there will be a lot of situations that you might have to handle which you have never been in before. A common example can be of public speaking and most of the people want to run away from it and feel extremely uncomfortable doing it. You must stay confident while addressing the investors, clients, employees, and the media to get success in every business endeavour. A good beginning would be by looking good in order to feel good and confident.

Listen to your gut feelings but make well-informed decisions:

Making association with like-minded and intelligent people is the soul of business partnership. A point that can bring you to doom is a lack of managerial skills in the key people of your organisation. Choosing the right people to work with you and especially the right co-founder is crucial for the company. Some entrepreneurs end up picking a co-founder based on friendship, or an old work relationship, but that does not always seem to work. Listen to your gut feelings but make well-informed decisions.

Many a time, it happens such that in the excitement of starting a new venture, you may ignore the person you are about to pick who does not have enough managerial competence and would eventually pay a heavy price for it. Think if he or she will be a great helping hand or not, as someone weak on strategic thinking can be disastrous. Instead of aiding you in your weaknesses and obstacles, they compound them over the time.

The writer is senior Vice President, Judge Group.
At least 27 children were killed in the chemical attack in Idlib province of Syria, the UN Children's Fund said here on Thursday.

A further 546 people, among them many children, have been injured, the UN agency said in a press release. "Casualty figures are expected to rise."

"The killing of children in Syria cannot be allowed to continue," said the Unicef Regional Director, Geert Cappelaere, demanding: "All parties to the conflict and those with influence on them must immediately put an end to this horror."

UNICEF and partners continue to respond to the attack by supporting three mobile clinics and four hospitals to provide first aid and treatment, and nine ambulances to refer and transport patients to hospitals in the area.

UNICEF is also delivering critical medical supplies and working with health partners to raise awareness about medical response to chemical attacks, the press release added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said he is deeply disturbed by reports of alleged use of chemical weapons in an airstrike in Idlib.

Media reports said about 70 persons were killed and 200 others were wounded Tuesday in a gas attack in a rebel-held area in southern Idlib.

Also on Tuesday, a senior Syrian military officer denied reports of military toxic attack on rebel-held area in Idlib. The senior officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the rebels were the ones using the toxic gas against civilians to frame the Syrian army.

Earlier in the day, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said warplanes carried out intensive airstrikes on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in the countryside of Idlib province, killing dozens of people, mostly civilians.
Pakistan on Thursday termed the change in India's nuclear arms usage policy as "highly irresponsible and dangerous", and said it will "not help in promoting strategic restraint and stability in a nuclearised South Asia".

"Pakistan has long maintained that the ambiguous no-first-use declaration is not verifiable and hence nothing more than an empty political statement," said Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria.

The spokesman added that such ambiguous declaration cannot substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures.

"Pakistan has to consider capabilities and not intentions, which can change anytime," said Zakaria in its weekly briefing.

Recent reports suggested India may be considering revisiting its "no-first strike" policy, allowing its nuclear establishment to carry out a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Pakistan in the event of a war.

According to a media report, this would not only formally change India's nuclear doctrine, which bars it from launching a first strike, but would loosen its interpretation to deem pre-emptive strikes as defensive.

Earlier, former Defence Secretary Lt. Gen. (retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi claimed that Pakistan possesses second strike capability against India.

The second strike provides a military with the capability to hit back at an enemy in a situation where its land-based nuclear arsenal had been neutralised.

The nuclear deterrence, said the former Defence Secretary, had been augmented by the second strike capability, efficient delivery systems and effective command and control system.

Pakistan in January 2017 attained the credible "second strike capability" after successfully test-firing nuclear capable submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) Babur-III.

US Ambassador to United Nations Nikki Haley recently voiced concerns over the India-Pakistan tensions, saying Washington wanted to play a role in de-escalation.

The move, however, was promptly rejected by India, which has for long argued that Kashmir is a bilateral dispute, and will not accept any third-party mediation over it.

Pakistan, on the contrary, has welcomed the offer of mediation to resolve the longstanding issue. "The world's concerns have been developed in the backdrop of the deteriorating human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

"We welcome the statement of Ambassador Nikki Haley, expressing concerns over the rising tensions between Pakistan and India and the offer of mediation."

The spokesperson regretted that India reacted negatively to the US offer.

"India wants to speak of terrorism! We also insist on speaking of terrorism, which forms one of the elements of the comprehensive dialogue process. We need to address the Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. Kulbhushan Jadav and many other examples are irrefutable proof of Indian involvement in Pakistan," he said.
US President Donald Trump has said the chemical attack against Syrian civilians that killed over 70 people "crossed a lot of lines for me" and changed the way he views Syria and President Bashar al-Assad.

"I now have responsibility, and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly," Trump said on Wednesday at a press briefing responding to a question about a White House statement on Tuesday that blamed the attack in part on former President Barack Obama.

"It is now my responsibility. It was a great opportunity missed," CNN quoted Trump as saying.

The President condemned the attack as "heinous".

"Yesterday's (Tuesday) chemical attack was so horrific in Syria against innocent people, including women, small children and even beautiful little babies, their deaths were an affront to humanity," Trump said.

"These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated. The US stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack."

World leaders expressed shock and outrage at reports of the suspected targeted attack in northwestern Syria.

Activists said the Syrian regime was responsible for killing dozens of people, including many children, leading the UN to replace a scheduled Security Council session for Wednesday morning with an emergency meeting, reports CNN.

Assad's military denied using chemical weapons and blamed rebels for the carnage. Russia, Syria's strong ally, said it had no warplanes in the vicinity.

Rex Tillerson, Trump's Secretary of State, said there was "no doubt in our mind that the Syrian regime under the leadership of President Assad is responsible for these horrific attacks."

He called on Russia to "really think carefully" about their continued support for Assad's regime in Syria.
In an effort to ease the travel of Indian businessmen and tourists to the country, Israel on Thursday approved a new policy allowing multiple entry business visas for five years.

"Israel approves five-year, multiple entry visas for businessmen from India," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon was quoted as saying by a news agency.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated the gesture keeping in mind the growing ties between Jerusalem and New Delhi.

The initiative carries importance ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the country in July.

In March, reports stated that the country had increased its promotional budgetary allocation to $2.5 million in the last two years with the plan to ease visa norms for Indian tourists.

"We realise that India is going to be one of the top three countries sending tourists to Israel and so we have started to invest a lot in marketing our tourism potential there," Director General of Israel's Ministry of Tourism Amir Halevi was quoted as saying by a news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) condemned the alleged use of chemical weapons in the Syria attack, saying that it was "alarmed" at the use of toxic chemicals as a weapon in the war-torn Middle Eastern country.

"The images and reports coming from Idlib today leave me shocked, saddened and outraged," Xinhua news agency quoted Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme Peter Salama as saying in a statement.

"These types of weapons are banned by international law because they represent an intolerable barbarism," he added.

Located in southern rural Idlib, rebel-held Khan Shikhoun was reportedly struck by toxic chemicals in an attack on Tuesday which killed least 70 people and wounded hundreds more.

WHO warned that the capacity of hospitals in the area to cater to the needs of the wounded was limited amid shortages of medicines and damaged infrastructure.

The Geneva-based organisation said it had sent critical drugs to health care services in the area and that Turkey-based experts were providing advice on how best to diagnose and treat affected patients.
Ramesh reiterated that it was the former prime minister who asked him not seek amendments in the matter.

By Press Trust of India: As the Rajya Sabha approved four GST-supporting bills today, the House saw rare consensus between the government and the Congress, as a result of which the main opposition party did not press amendments, citing Manmohan Singh's advice.

While Congress members Jairam Ramesh and Vivek Tankha did not press their amendments, their party colleague Subbarami Reddy was absent altogether from the House even though he had proposed amendments to a number of clauses. It was Ramesh who then spilled the beans.

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"Yesterday the former Prime Minister (Singh) advised me not the move the amendment because it will be disturb the fine consensus that has been arrived in the GST Council. It is the former PM who told me that don't do this because it will send a wrong signal for a new federal framework," Ramesh said.

"In deference to what the former PM said, in spite of the former PM being at the receiving end of the jibes of his successor including rain coat and what not, I think in view of the statesman-like approach that the former PM Manmohan Singh has advised me not to move this amendment," he added.

NDA IS IN MINORITY

The ruling NDA is in a minority with only 74 seats in the 245-member House. Ramesh said he was not moving this amendment at all in keeping with the spirit of consensus, to maintain the federal framework and to give respect to the GST council.

Later, while not moving another amendment, Ramesh reiterated that it was the former prime minister who asked him not seek amendments in the matter. "It was Dr Manmohan Singh who advised me not to move it. I am just trying to highlight the difference between the former Prime Minister who is a statesman and the present Prime Minister who is a politician," Ramesh said.

While Congress members did not move their amendments, their counterparts from the Trinamool Congress and the Left pressed their amendments, and Division of votes was sought on two amendments. After the passage of the bills, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley went up to Congress benches and shook hands with Manmohan Singh and other Congress leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad to thank them.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien also congratulated all members of the House for the "excellent debate" on the important legislation. Earlier, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, while moving his amendment and seeking a division, said all matters related to GST should pass through the Parliament.

Jaitley asked O'Brien not to press for the division, saying if Parliament changes the tax rates approved by the GST Council, then state assemblies will also make changes.

"The moment we set this practice, we can forget GST...Let us not unilaterally upset the federal arrangement..it will become difficult to implement," Jaitley said but O'Brien did not relent. The amendment was, however, negated overwhelmingly, with 113 voting against it and only 9 voting in favour. There were 9 abstentions.

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Also read:

What is the GST bill? Here's all you need to know about India's biggest tax reform

Goods and Services Tax: All you need to know about the 'revolutionary' bill

Also watch:

Lok Sabha approves 4 supplementary GST Bills

--- ENDS ---
Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said on Thursday that the Syrian airstrike on the Islamic State-held town of Khan Sheikhoun struck a rebel depot containing chemical materials, and denied that the air force dropped poisonous gas bombs.

At a press conference held to comment on the international accusation that Syria allegedly fired toxic gas on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province on Tuesday, al-Moallem said the news reports were "lies".

He said it is not logical to use chemical weapons at a time when the Syrian government was optimistic that the international community was becoming closer to realising the extent of conspiracy against Syria.

He also asked how could the world powers be so quick to hurl accusation against the Syrian government within an hour of the attack.

The minister repeated his government's denial that "The Syrian army forces have not and will not use chemical weapons", and that the forces were no longer in possession of such weapons.

Al-Moallem said Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front and like-minded groups have been storing chemical materials they brought into Syria from Iraq.

The minister also said there were probably several reasons behind the accusation.

The first was to reverse the opinion of US President Donald Trump, who said after the attack that his opinion toward the Syrian government has changed. Previously, the US administration said that toppling President Bashar al-Assad was no longer a priority.

The second reason, al-Moallem said, was to exert pressure on Russia not to aid the Syrian army, which Moscow had said it will continue to in the fight against terrorist groups.

The third reason is to exert pressure on Damascus, which he said will not change its approach to fighting terrorism and will work on political solution at the same time.

The minister said a change in the stance that Trump talked of could have been achieved by the attack.

"I realise the seriousness of the American remarks and maybe their aim is to practice pressure on the Russian and Chinese sides toward the UN draft resolution" put forward on Wednesday, he said.

The draft resolution, proposed by the US, France and Britain, called on Syria to provide flight plans, flight logs and other information on its military operations on the day of the assault.

Damascus would be asked to provide the names of all commanders of helicopter squadrons to UN investigators and allow them to meet with generals and other high-ranking officials within five days of their request, the draft resolution said.

According to the draft, Syria would also allow UN and Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) teams to visit air bases from which the attacks involving chemical weapons may have been launched.

The draft threatened to impose sanctions under the UN Charter. Russia rejected the draft resolution.

About the possibility of forming an international probing mission to investigate the attack, the Syrian Minister said the mission should be organised and not politicised and "then there will be nothing wrong with that".

He added that his government was fully coordinating with the Russian side.

In October 2013, OPCW officials arrived in Syria to monitor the dismantlement of the Syrian chemical weapons arsenal, after Damascus officially joined the organisation.

The OPCW later said the Syrian government has made its chemical weapon production facilities inoperable.

The dismantlement came after a US-Russian understanding, the first of its kind between the two powers on the Syrian conflict.

Since then, reports of poisonous gas attacks have kept emerging once in a while.


Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

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"There will be pitfalls. But we learn as we go along," Singh told reporters after Parliament approved four GST-supporting legislations.

By Press Trust of India: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hailed the passage of GST bills by Parliament and sought to play down the fact that it could not happen during his tenure, saying "let bygones be bygones".

Observing that the new indirect tax regime could be a "game-changer", he, however, cautioned that there could be "difficulties" in its implementation. He pressed for constructive cooperation between the Centre and the states in resolving outstanding issues.

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"There will be pitfalls. But we learn as we go along," he told reporters after Parliament approved four GST-supporting legislations, clearing the decks for the rollout of the historic indirect tax regime from July 1.

Asked whether he felt disappointed that it could not happen during his tenure, the former Prime Minister said, "well I think, let bygones be bygones." On whether the measure would help increase the GDP, he said, "it could be a game-changer but we should not assume that there will be no difficulties on the way. There must be a constructive spirit of cooperation between the federal government and the states to resolve the outstanding issues."

The Central GST Bill, 2017; The Integrated GST Bill, 2017; The GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and The Union Territory GST Bill, 2017 were returned by the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote as all parties were on board.

Also read:

What is the GST bill? Here's all you need to know about India's biggest tax reform

Goods and Services Tax: All you need to know about the 'revolutionary' bill

Also watch:

Lok Sabha approves 4 supplementary GST Bills

--- ENDS ---
Another Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subba Reddy had also moved amendments but was not present in the Upper House. When his name was called, he was absent so amendments couldn't move.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: During the passing of GST Bill in Rajya Sabha today, an exchange of words took place between deputy chairman PJ Kurien and Congress MP Jairam Ramesh leaving the House in splits.

Ramesh had moved amendments but later on withdrew them. TMC MP Derek O'Brien also moved amendments. When the deputy chairman called out Derek's name even Ramesh got up to speak.

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What followed was an argument in a lighter vein between Kurien and Ramesh.

Jairam Ramesh: Dr Manmohan Singh advised me not to move the amendment to maintain the consensus and federal structure.

Kurien: Would have given you time after O'Brien!

Jairam Ramesh: Do you want me to repeat? It was Dr Manmohan Singh who advised me not to move amendments.

Kurien: Your explanation applies to all your amendments.

Then few other members took dig at Ramesh saying he was tutored.

Ramesh: No sir. I am trying to state the difference between the former PM who was a statesman and the current PM who is a politician.

Another Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subba Reddy had also moved amendments but was not present in the Upper House. When his name was called, he was absent so amendments couldn't move.

On this the deputy chairman said, Jairam Ramesh must have advised Dr Reddy.

This left the House in splits. All this while former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who was present in the House, was seen smiling.

Also read:

Rajya Sabha passes four GST Bills

What is the GST bill? Here's all you need to know about India's biggest tax reform

--- ENDS ---
India and Australia will look to increase collaboration in areas of trade and security, on occasion of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's visit to India, this Sunday.

Currently, the India-Australia trade figures stand at 11 billion US dollars, most of it loaded in favour of the latter. Indian exports are limited to 3.9 billion US dollars. Australia has also invested 7 billion US dollars in India.

Among the various sectors of cooperation that the two countries are looking at, one would be education. Over 60,000 Indian students are in Australia for studies, Jaideep Mazumdar, joint secretary (south), ministry of external affairs, said. Australia is looking to increase the numbers, so that it can earn more revenue.

Turnbull will be accompanied by his Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham, who is leading a delegation of education experts. Turnbull will address a dinner to celebrate the partnership in education, recognising how Australian expertise in skills training can help India meet its goal of training 400 million people by 2022.

The Australian PM will also meet Indian CEOs and business leaders in Mumbai.

Australian PM will visit India on the invitation of PM Narendra Modi, Mazumdar said.

India will look at finalising a number of agreements to meet its energy needs. Australia has promised coal, uranium, gas and renewable energy technology.

However, the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) will not be signed during the Australian PM's visit.
The Jammu and Kashmir government issued a flood warning as water levels have increased in Jhelum river. People living on the banks of the river have been asked to be vigilant.

The government is also keeping a close watch on the rising water level in rivers, especially Jhelum that swelled to unprecedented proportions in 2014 causing a deluge.

Several flood channels that join Jhelum in South Kashmir are already flowing close to the danger mark. The government has mobilised the irrigation and flood control departments to monitor the situation round the clock.

People living around Jhelum have been asked to keep a watch on the rising water level, '' said a flood control department official.'' Our teams are also on the spot at several points.''

Flood scare has already forced the government to close schools and colleges for the next three days.

In several areas in Srinagar, residents said water from the flood channels have spilled over to the colonies. ''Water has entered our lawns,'' said Nazir Ahmed, a resident. ''We have moved some of the items to upper floors.''

In Baramulla, floods have damaged several houses and a mosque. Many houses were damaged in Sheeri and Gantumulla as well. In Kripalpora and Pattan, a few houses were submerged.

The flood threat grew in view of the fresh snow and rains since Wednesday. The Meteorological Department has forecasted rains for the next three days.

Bad weather is likely to dampen the by-polls fever for Srinagar and Anantnag on April 9 and 12. Snow in April is a rare sight, but not unusual.
The Teesta Water pact is a work in progress, admitted Sripriya Ranganathan, joint secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar), ahead of Bangladesh Prime minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India. Hasina will arrive on April 7 on her first bilateral visit to India as a prime minister.

Though Hasina took over in 2014, her visit had been pushed back repeatedly because Bangladesh was keen that the interim water-sharing arrangement be formalised. But West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee had played spoilsport, protesting that the pact could give her state a shoddy deal.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he visited Bangladesh, said that the government was committed to the deal. But, in our federal system, we need the support of the state government," Ranganathan elaborated.

Banerjee has not shown any indication of providing this support. However, she has softened her anti-NDA government stance substantially enough to visit Delhi and meet Hasina. She will also attend the lunch that Modi will host in her honour.

While Hasina may not return home with the big prize, India has worked hard to sweeten the visit. A "big loan", the amount of which the government has not yet disclosed, will be sanctioned. That will be in addition to an existing line of credit of three billion dollars. The two governments are also expected to sign over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on a host of issues including space technology, infrastructure,shipping, mass media, connectivity, trade and two defence deals.

The last two will not just increase defence co-operation but also make it possible for Bangladesh to source defence supplies from India.

Banerjee will attend the bilateral meeting with Modi. She will also be present at the launch of some projects which involve West Bengal and Bangladesh, the details of which have not yet been revealed.

Chief ministers of other north-eastern states like Tripura and Assam, which share a border with Bangladesh, have also been invited for some of the events.

Hasina, a personal friend of President Pranab Mukherjee, will be a guest at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Her itinerary includes a visit to the Sufi shrine of Dargah Sharif at Ajmer. Another highlight of her visit is an interaction with veterans of the Indian army who fought in the 1971 Bangladesh war of liberation.
By Press Trust of India: Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 6 (PTI) Public vehicles were off the roads, while shops and business establishments downed shutters in support of a state-wide hartal called by the Congress-led UDF and the BJP to protest the alleged police high-handedness against relatives of a student who committed suicide.

Malappuram, which is in the thick of campaign for the April 12 bypoll, necessitated following the demise of former Union Minister E Ahamed, has been exempted from the hartal.

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Roads wore a deserted look with only private cars and two-wheelers plying.

No untoward incident was reported in the early hours of the strike.

Rail passengers had a difficult time to get conveyance to reach their destinations.

In Wayanad, police were seen trying to chase away strike supporters, who prevented buses coming from other states, from operating services.

In Thiruvananthapuram, police had made arrangements to transport rail passengers, especially those coming to the Regional Cancer Centre.

The UDF and BJP had called for a state-wide hartal after police prevented Mahija, mother of Jishnu, who allegedly killed himself following "harassment" by college authorities, and other relatives from staging a hunger strike in front of the DGPs office here yesterday.

Mahija and her brother have been admitted to Trivandrum Medical College Hospital.She will be observing hunger strike from the hospital.

Jishnus sister, Avishna, a Class X student, said she was also observing hunger strike at her home at Nadapuram in Kozhikode, seeking justice for her brother and against the police action on her parents.

Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi universities have postponed their examinations which were slated today.

There is however, no change in the recruitment examination being conducted today by Public service Commission (PSC) for various posts.

Jishnu Pranoy, a first year student of the private Nehru College of Engineering in Thrissur, was found hanging in the college hostel in January last following alleged harassment by college authorities. PTI UD ROH DV

--- ENDS ---
The United States warned that it could take unilateral action if the United Nations fails to respond to a suspected chemical attack in Syria that has left scores dead, including children.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," US Ambassador Nikki Haley said.

The warning came during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by France and Britain after the attack in the early hours on Tuesday on a rebel-held town in Idlib province.

Haley lashed out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria, standing in the council chamber to hold up photographs of victimsone showing a young child lying lifeless, a mask covering his face.

"How many more children have to die before Russia cares?" she asked.

"If Russia has the influence in Syria that it claims to have, we need to see them use it," she said. "We need to see them put an end to these horrific acts."

At least 72 people, among them 20 children, were killed in the strike on Khan Sheikhun, and dozens more were left gasping for air, convulsing, and foaming at the mouth, doctors said.

It is thought to be the worst chemical weapons attack in Syria since 2013, when sarin gas was used.

"If we are not prepared to act, then this council will keep meeting, month after month to express outrage at the continuing use of chemical weapons and it will not end," Haley said.

"We will see more conflict in Syria. We will see more pictures that we can never unsee."

Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack, but Russia said the text was "categorically unacceptable."

The draft resolution backs a probe by the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and demands that Syria cooperate to provide information on its military operations on the day of the assault.
By Press Trust of India: Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), Apr 5 (PTI) Former union minister Yashwant Sinha who was detained for taking out a Ramnavami procession near Mahudi village in Hazaribagh district on Tuesday was released today, the police said.

He was detained by the Hazaribagh district administration on charges of violating a prohibitory order imposed under section 144 of CrPC, the police said.

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Sinha was detained at camp jail that was set up at Soil Conservation Research Guest House at Demotand.

Sinha after his release today made it clear that his intention behind taking out Ramnavami procession through the disputed Mahudi route yesterday was to permanently resolve the old crisis.

Addressing a press conference soon after his release, Sinha appealed to the people of Hazaribagh to celebrate the Ramnavami festival cordially.

He claimed that he had taken the decision to take out the procession on the Mahudi route after 33 years because he was determined to break the deadlock.

He said that during a meeting today, representatives of both communities assured him that the old dispute would be resolved at any cost.

He alleged that it was the district administration which caused a problem on Tuesday since they did not give any importance to his appeal and assurance that there will be no problem since members of both communities were determined to resolve the crisis.

BJP MLA from Hazaribagh Sadar constituency, Manish Jaiswal, who was also detained along with Sinha on Tuesday, said that the district administration agreed to resolve the dispute that started since 1984.

People of both communities would be able to take out procession from this route which is a state-owned road, he said. PTI COR BS SBN

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 6 (PTI) The NIA has arrested an ISIS sympathiser, who was recently deported from Saudi Arabia, in connection with its probe into activities of the West Asia- based terror group and its affiliates in the country.

In a statement, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) today said Amzad Khan who operated online with a number of aliases was arrested yesterday after his deportation on April 4.

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37-year-old Khan, a resident of Rajasthan, had emerged as a major suspect in the case against unknown and unidentified persons involved in ISIS-related activities in countries at peace with India.

NIA had filed a charge-sheet and a supplementary charge- sheet last year in the case but the probe is still on.

"The name of one Rajasthan resident Ayan Khan Salafi alias Muhammadi Ayan alias Al Wala Wal Bara (online identities) had surfaced as a major suspect in the case," it said.

The agency claimed that he was working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, since 2014.

"On preliminary questioning, it was ascertained that the said Ayan Khan Salafis actual name is Amzad Khan, 37 years, resident of...District Churu, Rajasthan," it said.

According to the NIA, Khan had emerged as one of the principal characters in the conspiracy hatched by the absconding accused, Yusuf-al-Hindi alias Shafi Armar who has already been charge-sheeted and other members of the newly-formed organisation Junood-ul-Khilafa-Fil-Hind (JKH).

The group had allegedly pledged their allegiance to the proscribed terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) for carrying out subversive activities in India.

"During investigation it was established that he was also in regular online contact with accused Nafees Khan, Shafi Armar alias Yusuf-al-Hindi, Rizwan alias Khalid alias Azad Bhai and one more accused in the case who later turned approver, during November and December, 2015 and January, 2016," the NIA said.

It said they were communicating with one another through online platforms like Facebook, Nimbuzz, Trillian and Telegram messaging applications.

Khan had allegedly played a key role in motivating and linking members of the newly-formed JKH.

"Further, the said suspect was also in regular online contact on Nimbuzz chat application with Alamzeb Afridi during December 2015 to January, 2016," it said.

Afridi was the main accused in the Bengaluru Church Street Blast Case. A native of Ahmedabad, Afridi is now lodged in Bengaluru jail, the NIA said. PTI ABS KUN

--- ENDS ---
Warning the U.S. could act alone, President Donald Trump has vowed to deliver an ultimatum to Chinese leader Xi Jinping to rein in North Korea when the two men come face-to-face for the first time this week. But Trumps early retreat on Taiwan already has chipped away at his standing with Beijing, and another bluff could leave him looking the way he hates most: Weak.

While Trump enters first U.S.-Chinese summit short on foreign policy experience, he may have advantages to help him succeed where past presidents have failed. Trumps candor and unpredictability, combined with his veiled threats of possible sanctions on Chinese banks and even U.S. military action against North Korea, could provide him new leverage with Beijing. But if hes bluffing, and Xi calls him on it, that might prove damaging in future negotiations with China or in building a united front against North Koreas nuclear and missile programs.

The two-day meeting at Trumps Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, starts Thursday after yet another North Korean provocation: the latest test-launch of a ballistic missile. Although U.S. officials said the launch was a failure and didnt threaten North America, it underscored North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns intent to advance his weaponry in defiance of international law. The North may also be preparing for another nuclear test.

Trump warned this week, If China is not going to solve North Korea, we will. He didnt elaborate, but his administration is looking at sanctions against Chinese banks and companies that provide North Korea access to the international financial system, a move strongly backed by Congress. And on a recent trip to Asia, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reminded the region that the U.S. also retains the option of pre-emptive military force.

Trump discussed the issue Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The White House said Trump made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities.

Susan Thornton, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, on Wednesday called North Korea an urgent and global threat.

And its no longer one that just affects U.S. allies like South Korea and Japan, and the tens of thousands of American forces stationed in each. North Korea could develop a nuclear-tipped missile that can strike America within a few years. As that danger nears, Trumps diplomacy with Xi will only grow in importance.

Trump is making it seem like we are prepared to go to war or use military action  and I dont think that is going to be viable, said Kurt Campbell, top U.S. diplomat for the region during former President Barack Obamas first term. The devastation could be dramatic. South Koreas capital, Seoul, lies within retaliatory range of North Korean artillery and missiles.

The key about using leverage in negotiation is that you have to be credible, Campbell said. Of Trumps ultimatum, he said, I think the Chinese are likely to see through this.

In his two-and-a-half-months in office, Trump has backed off on one sensitive issue with China: Taiwan.

As president-elect, Trump said he didnt feel bound by existing U.S. policy toward the self-governing island that China considers part of its territory, demanding concessions from Beijing in trade and other areas. Within weeks, Trump reaffirmed Washingtons commitment to the 4-decade-old one China policy, smoothing the way for a February phone call with Xi.

Asked if Taiwan was up for negotiation, Thornton said Wednesday: We have basically moved on from there.

North Korea has faced some increased pressure from China, its main military and economic partner.

Beijing has suspended imports of North Korean coal through the end of the year, cutting off a key source of revenue for Pyongyang. The Chinese are reluctant, however, to exert economic pressure that would destabilize its isolated neighbor and fears any effort that might lead to a U.S.-allied unified Korea on its border. It wants the U.S. to negotiate directly with North Korea.

Winston Lord, the U.S. ambassador to China under former President Ronald Reagan and top diplomat to the region under former President Bill Clinton, said he assumes Trump isnt bluffing this time.

Trump is right that China is a problem on North Korea and has got to do more. Hes right to stir their anxieties on what the U.S. might do unilaterally if they dont act, Lord said. But he said Trumps back-pedaling on Taiwan made him look like a paper tiger.

Dennis Wilder, a China specialist who served under former President George W. Bush and Obama, likened Trumps approach to Obamas before a Xi summit in 2015. Then, the U.S. was threatening sanctions unless China stopped commercial cyberthefts. A bilateral agreement ensued and has had some impact, though the problem persists.

Wilder said past U.S. administrations preferred to be toughest with Beijing behind closed doors  something he said Bush did effectively. But he said Trumps more forceful approach may now be necessary.

We have been trying the softly-softly approach on the Chinese for years on North Korea, Wilder said. The Chinese have never gone far enough, as a result, to have a meaningful impact on the situation, he said.

So can Trump succeed where his predecessors have failed?

He faces some disadvantages.

Beijing has highly skilled negotiators and their position on North Korea is deeply entrenched. Trumps administration, by comparison, is thinly staffed and divided on China, Campbell said.

Lord, who participated in historic U.S.-Chinese meetings in the 1970s, said an informal summit with Xi allows for strategy and red lines to be exchanged. But he worried about Trumps knowledge of the issues and ability to negotiate solo.

I think he may end up being too soft, Lord said.

(AP)
President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday morning 8 Nissan at his residence, addressed a meeting of state comptrollers and heads of regional ombudsman organizations from 12 countries, accompanied by Israels State Comptroller, former Judge Yosef Shapira. The delegation, made up of state comptrollers and chief state auditors from the USA, Austria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, India, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and Sweden, were visiting Israel at the invitation of the State Comptrollers Office to attend a seminar on the issue of cyber-security.

President Rivlin thanked the delegates for coming from around the world for the important seminar, and welcomed them to Jerusalem. He said, In Israel, the State Comptrollers Office has become like a fourth branch of government; independent, efficient, and strong. A body which investigates issues in real time, soon after the event, or even many years before. He added, The assessments carried out by the State Comptroller have been shown to address the most important issues, and have placed the office of the Comptroller as an important tool of the State of Israel, and Israeli democracy.

He told the delegates, I know that you came here to deal with the complicated issue of cyber-security. This has become one of the most significant and even most dangerous threats for the whole free world, and stressed, We need to know how can we defend our government institutions, and essential industries. This has become a very real war and one we must fight together, side by side. Government to government, and together with private industry. We can all learn a lot from each other. Israel is known as a startup nation, and we have experience and knowledge to share. We will be happy and honored to work together for a safer world.

Israels State Comptroller Yosef Shapira, thanked the President for meeting the delegation, and said, In this era of uncertainty, and these challenging times when undemocratic forces try to change our way of living, and harm the fundamental roots of our countries, and the basic human and social rights of our citizens, it is important we stand together as one against these forces  as you are doing Mr. President, frequently, courageously, and without fear. Whether it be a cyber or any kind of threat, united against it, we will be stronger against it and will prevail.

U.S. Comptroller General, Mr. Eugene Dodaro, thanked the President for his warm welcome and spoke of the importance of the seminar. He praised the State Comptrollers Office for the initiative, and said, It has provided us with the forum to discuss opportunities to strengthen our efforts in our own countries. In the United States, I have designated this as one of the highest risks that our government faces; from a homeland and national security, as well as an economic and social perspective. He added the importance of global cooperation in facing the threat.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: GPO)
[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

A major operation is underway ahead of Pesach to deliver kimcha dpischa assistance to 4,500 homes to permit them to celebrate Yomtov in a suitable fashion. Twenty-two trucks are involved in delivering tens of thousands of cartons of goods which are packed by hundreds of volunteers filled with thousands of product under the banner of the Tov VChessed organization (  ) which is based in Yerushalayim but assists families nationwide.

The organization has been operating for over a decade, concentrating on homes that simply have nothing. Needless to say Pesach is one of its major drivers due to the nature of the Yomtov.

The organization is headed by R Yaakov Eliezer Shisha (   ), who carries the fundraising burden on his shoulders. Making him more unique is one of his decisions, to only deliver quality items to families, not just leftovers or second grade merchandise that is often channeled to the needy.

According to organization officials, each package delivered to the thousands of families is worth thousands of shekels, about NIS 4,000, and of course this depends on the familys size and the financial situation.

With Yomtov rapidly approaching, they are working double shifts to get the packages delivered in plenty of time. They are traveling to 35 cities and municipalities from Yerushalayim to Tzfat and Tiveria via the smaller municipalities too including Betar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Haifa, Modiin Illit and many more.

Tov VChessed in recent days delivered/is delivering over 100,000 tons of matzos, chickens, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, and an assortment of items to 4,500 families that include a combined 37,000 children blei ayin hora. Amid the mounting pressure for additional assistance, the rav has approved assisting an addition 500 families amid 1,500 new requests.





(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Thousands of members of Israel Police will spend seder night working, assigned around the country to various areas of law-enforcement and anti-terror responsibilities. At National Police Headquarters, the pre-Pesach briefings have been held and the Yomtov assignments handed out as the department is maintaining high operational status ahead of Pesach, well-aware terrorists are always interested in perpetrating attacks during holidays.

For Israel Police Chief Rabbi Rami Barchiyahu, preparations to kasher department facilities began about two months ago. As is the case with the IDF Rabbinate, the Israel Police Rabbinate is busy with kashering and preparing facilities for personnel serving in regular and border police facilities and outposts. Actual kashering of facilities around the country is carried out on 9 and 10 Nissan.

The department has special storage facilities for Kosher for Pesach goods and these are all under the departments Rabbinate. The kashrus for Yomtov includes detention facilities operated by the department as well to ensure prisoners are accommodated if the need arises.

There are also convenience stores in gas station that have a contract to supply food for police personnel during night shifts. These stores are also under the departments rabbinate to make sure Pesach demands are met. Special arrangements are also made regarding food for K-9 and mounted units over Yomtov.

As reported earlier, Police Chief Roni Alsheich and Chief Rabbi Barchiyahu sold the departments chametz to the Chief Rabbis of Israel.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Hamas terrorist Malik Nazar Yusef Kazmar, born in 1994, originally from the Kalkilye area, was arrested, on 26 February 2017, in a joint Shin Bet/IDF operation on suspicion of having been recruited by the Hamas command abroad and instructed to advance terrorist actions inside the State of Israel.

In his Shin Bet investigation, it was learned that Kazmar, who lived in Turkish Cyprus in recent years, was recruited by Hamas in August 2015 while he was in Jordan. In January 2016, he was sent to a military camp in Syria where he underwent firearms training and was instructed in the manufacture of IEDs.

In January 2017, shortly before his returned to Yehuda and Shomron, Kazmar met in Istanbul with Hamas militants who directed him to recruit additional members inside the State of Israel. Kazmar was arrested upon his return to Yehuda and Shomron before he was able to carry out his instructions

During his investigation, Kazmar handed over a memory card that he had received from his handlers in Turkey and which was loaded with encrypted material including extensive security instructions and information designed to aid him in his mission.

Kazmar was indicted in the Shomron Military Court on 30 March 2017 for a variety of severe security offenses.

The foregoing underscores the activity of Hamas overseas headquarters, including on Turkish soil, at the behest of Saleh Arouri, the head of the organizations West Bank Office.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit/Shin Bet Spokesman Unit)
Seattle police, considered by some to use force too fast and too often, reached an agreement with the federal government that gave all officers training on how to better handle people suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. Residents attitudes toward police improved.

New Orleans police, plagued by decades of corruption and abuse, came to a similar court-enforced agreement with the Justice Department that led to improvements in sexual assault investigations and changes to department policy. But the 2012 consent decree is expected to cost at least $55 million, and critics say it requires rank-and-file officers to complete time-consuming paperwork when they could be patrolling.

As new Attorney General Jeff Sessions signals his Justice Department may back out of such federal agreements with troubled police departments, a look at some of them shows they can be popular but also carry mixed results.

Theres no question that some of these consent decrees are arduous and complicated, but they will (force cities to) provide the kind of resources the department very often needs, said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, whose study of consent decrees found them costly but useful in helping departments deal with broad issues.

The Obama Justice Department saw such probes as essential in holding local law enforcement accountable for unconstitutional practices such as excessive force and racial bias. It opened roughly two dozen investigations of police departments, 14 of which ended in consent decrees.

But Sessions has a different view, expressing concern that the scrutiny can malign entire agencies and harm officer morale, something his predecessors disputed. Sessions believes federal intervention has led in some circumstances to less aggressive policing and a spike in violence in some cities, particularly Chicago, where negotiations over a possible consent decree are now uncertain under his leadership.

Cities involved in such agreements cite benefits as well as drawbacks.

Consent decrees take a major toll on local elected officials, police departments and stakeholders, said John Gaskin III of the NAACP in Ferguson, Missouri, whose leaders entered into such an agreement after Michael Browns shooting death at the hands of police in 2014 roiled the St. Louis suburb. They (consent orders) are not easy to put together. Theyre time-consuming and, quite honestly, emotionally draining, Gaskin said. I hope we dont turn back the clock with this decision of Sessions to retreat from the agreements.

Officials in Seattle say the results have been unequivocal. The Justice Departments investigation, after an officers fatal shooting of a Native American woodcarver in 2010, found officers had been too quick to be physical, especially in low-intensity encounters. The 2012 settlement overhauled the departments training, procedures and record-keeping. Since then, responding to roughly 10,000 calls a year in which people are in some type of behavioral crisis, officers used force just 2 percent of the time  and in the vast majority of those instances, they used the minimum level of force.

When they used force, 75 percent of the time it was against someone in a mental health crisis or drug and alcohol crisis, said Jenny Durkan, the former Seattle U.S. attorney who pressed for the consent decree. Now its an infinitesimal amount. That makes a huge difference on the streets, and its better for cops.

Mayor Ed Murray said officer morale actually improved with increasing respect and understanding from the community.

In New Orleans, the Justice Department opened a series of civil rights investigations focused on police misconduct in Hurricane Katrinas aftermath. It also embarked on a separate push to address systemic problems in the police department. The latter effort led to the signing of the consent decree.

Civil rights attorney Mary Howell said the court-mandated reforms have had an enormous impact on a police department plagued by decades of corruption and abuses. The police department in New Orleans has rewritten its policies governing officers use of force and is revamping its police academy, among other changes. A recent survey showed public satisfaction and confidence in the police have improved.

The reforms havent been cheap for the city, and the federal government isnt footing the bill.

Rafael Goyeneche, president of the independent watchdog New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission, said a massive paper trail is necessary for the courts to determine if police departments are complying with a consent decrees terms. And that paperwork flows down to the rank-and-file officers in the field, he said.

That becomes a more critical issue in a city like New Orleans, where there is a manpower crisis, Goyeneche added.

Officers realized the need for reforms, but would welcome a loosening of oversight and reviews that are redundant, said Mike Glasser, president of the Police Association of New Orleans. The bureaucracy involved can make officers think twice about making a traffic stop, he said, or approaching a suspicious person.

Im not going to say that happens to everybody categorically, Glasser said. But if you dont think that impacts the officers behavior, youre naive.

In Detroit, the Justice Department targeted the police departments use of excessive force and its treatment of crime suspects. A 2003 agreement to make improvements lasted under four mayors until the government found there was substantial compliance by 2014. A federal judge closed the case in 2016.

The results are compelling, the Justice Department said in a 2014 court filing, pointing to declines in use-of-force and the end of arresting and detaining witnesses. The agreement cost Detroit more than $50 million, including $15 million for court-appointed monitoring teams.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig said the department has been well-served by federal oversight, but that he believes Sessions goals are on point.

Craig said it would be less expensive to hire the right police chief rather than paying a monitor, which sometimes doesnt sit well with police officers.

When morale goes down, there is no real service to the community, Craig said.

(AP)
North Korea rarely misses an opportunity to conduct a banned missile test to coincide with a high-profile world event thats expected to discuss the impoverished yet nuclear-armed country.

On Wednesday, it fired a newly developed missile into the sea, this time on the eve of the first meeting between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

Did North Korea really want to steal the show ahead of the Trump-Xi summit? Or was the launch just part of its broader missile development programs, with outsiders reading too much from a routine weapons test?

What you should know about North Koreas latest missile test:



DUAL PURPOSES?

Initial U.S. and South Korean assessments indicated that what North Korea fired was a medium-range KN-15 missile. Known as Pukguksong-2 in North Korea, its a newly developed, solid-fuel missile whose first publicly known test occurred in February. North Korea called that test a success, but some outside analysts said it might test the weapon again before deploying it.

So North Korea may not have minded giving a fresh look of its capabilities ahead of the Trump-Xi summit while sticking to its own weapons development schedule, said Koh Yu-hwan, a professor at Seouls Dongguk University. South Koreas military issued a similar assessment.

North Korea has denied using big international events to get outside attention in order to wrest concessions and aid. When conducting nuclear and missiles tests in recent years, it has cited what it calls increasing U.S. military threats. Meanwhile, regional disarmament talks that provided the North with much-needed aid have been stalled for years.

For North Korea, making advancements on missile and nuclear weapons technology is the clear priority, and political and diplomatic considerations come second, said Kim Dong-yub, an analyst at Seouls Institute for Far Eastern Studies.



PAST PROVOCATIONS

North Korea has long fired missiles and detonated nuclear devices during major political events in South Korea and the United States, and before or during regional talks.

In 2009, weeks after Barack Obama took office for his first presidential term, it fired a long-range rocket in what critics called a disguised test of its long-range missile technology. Days before the 2013 inauguration of South Koreas then-President Park Geun-hye, the North conducted its third nuclear test, making world headlines again and inviting toughened U.N. sanctions.

The North has fired missiles when South Korea hosted the 2010 Group of 20 summit and other events, and while top U.S. officials were traveling in the region.

Ive joked before that they dont mind being hated, but they definitely hate to be ignored, Ralph Cossa, president of the Pacific Forum CSIS think tank in Honolulu, said after Wednesdays launch. But he also said the missile launch was hard to understand because North Korea benefits from the U.S. and China being at odds with one another.



NORTH KOREAS GOALS

North Korea may want to send a message to both Washington and Beijing that it doesnt want to be the subject of negotiations, with the countrys young leader, Kim Jong Un, vowing to build a powerful, prosperous nation. North Korea could also have used its latest missile launch to show that it wont back down to pressures by the Trump administration.

If the launch doesnt have any political or diplomatic meaning, it could just be part of its bigger goal to build up a nuclear and missile arsenal. The launch also came amid ongoing annual South Korea-U.S. military drills that North Korea usually responds to with its own military training and missile tests.

They cannot stop now and they are under heavy sanctions anyway, said Koh, the professor. Until their nuclear and missile programs reach a point where they feel it could be used as a deterrent against the United States, the North probably wont show strong willingness for talks.

Kim, the analyst, also said its likely the North will continue to test-fire missiles over the next few months as it continues to pursue a reliable nuclear-tipped missile that can reach the mainland U.S.

(AP)
The IRS is resuming the use of private debt collectors amid a wave of telephone scams in which fake government agents tell innocent taxpayers to pay up or face jail, the tax agency announced Tuesday.

The IRS stopped using private debt collectors in 2009 after the agency determined that IRS employees could better do the work. But Congress passed a law in 2015 requiring the IRS to restart the program.

The IRS says it will soon start turning over the accounts of 100 taxpayers a week to four private debt collectors. The program will grow to 1,000 accounts a week for each firm by the end of summer.

The firms can keep up to 25 percent of what they collect.

To combat fraud, the IRS says it is sending letters to taxpayers alerting them that their accounts are being turned over to private debt collectors. The private companies will then send letters to the taxpayers before calling them.

The IRS remains extremely concerned about the many con artists out there who masquerade as IRS employees or contractors, said Mary Beth Murphy, who heads the small business and self-employed division at the IRS.

We urge everyone to be on the lookout for scammers who might use this program as a cover to swindle taxpayers, she said.

Since the fall of 2013, more than 1.9 million people have received unsolicited telephone calls from fake government agents, according to the inspector general for tax administration. The callers demand money, saying the victim owes unpaid taxes. To date, over 10,300 victims have paid more than $55 million to the criminals.

The IRS has said the scam is so widespread that multiple criminal organizations are taking part.

In October, the Justice Department announced charges against 61 defendants in the United States and abroad in connection with call center operations based in India.

Callers worked off scripts posing as agents for the IRS or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They told unsuspecting victims that they had failed to pay taxes or were at risk of deportation, and that a fast payment was needed to get out of trouble.

Murphy offered several tips to detect con artists.

No one will hear from a private collection firm unless they have unpaid tax debts going back several years and theyve already heard from IRS multiple times about this debt, she said. We dont collect taxes on iTunes cards or gift cards, and we dont do it with aggressive, threatening phone calls.

We will never use a phone call to threaten to bring in the police or have someone arrested, Murphy added.

Even though private firms will be contacting taxpayers, all payments should be made to the U.S. Treasury, Murphy said.

The old private collection program was relatively small, collecting a little more than $80 million in three years. But it sparked a political and ideological debate over the value of public employees and government privatization.

The union representing IRS workers and the National Taxpayer Advocate, an independent ombudsman within the IRS, opposed the program. They were joined by some Democrats in Congress.

Other powerful lawmakers from both political parties supported it.

Nina Olson, the taxpayer advocate, says the new program doesnt provide enough protections for taxpayers, especially those facing financial hardship.

The new program could grow larger, depending on its success. The IRS will start by assigning cases in which the debt is less than $50,000. As it progresses, the agency will assign larger, more complicated cases to the private collectors, said Bill Banowsky, who will head the program for the IRS.

I think we learned some things from the last iteration, Banowsky said. One of those was to ensure the taxpayers are confident that they are talking to a private collection agency.

The collection firms are CBE Group of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Conserve of Fairport, New York; Performant of Livermore, California, and Pioneer of Horseheads, New York.

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said the new program is overdue.

Its been clear for a long time that the IRS isnt collecting the debt that these contractors will focus on. Collecting tax debt thats due and not in dispute is a matter of fairness to the many taxpayers who pay what they owe, Grassley said.

Its important to note that the IRS doesnt take financial information over the phone, so any scammers who ask for such information are just that, he said.

(AP)
Russia voiced hope Wednesday that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillersons planned visit next week will help improve relations between the former Cold War foes.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Tillersons talks next Wednesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will focus on the fight against terrorism, various regional conflicts including Syria and Ukraine, tensions around North Korea and nuclear arms control.

The U.S. State Department said Tillerson will meet with Lavrov and other Russian officials to discuss Ukraine, counterterrorism efforts, bilateral relations and other issues, including the DPRK (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, the department said, referring to a 2015 Minsk peace agreement for eastern Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry blamed Barack Obamas administration for a deep crisis in Russia-U.S. relations and said Russia welcomes the Trump administrations declared intention to mend the rift.

From our side, we are open to cooperation in various fields on the basis of equality, non-interference in domestic affairs and respect for mutual interests, it said in a statement.

The Kremlin has been encouraged by President Donald Trumps promises to improve relations. However, hopes for an early thaw have been dashed by the congressional investigation of possible links between his campaign and Russia.

We hope that the visit of the new U.S. secretary of state will help take the U.S.-Russian relations on a steady growth trajectory and increase the level of mutual understanding, the ministry said. It wouldnt only answer the interests of our peoples, but also the entire world.

(AP)
An 18-year-old South Carolina man told an undercover FBI agent he thought was an Islamic State recruiter that he wanted to fight for the terrorist organization and torture an American on a propaganda video, authorities said.

Zakaryia Abdin was arrested last week at the airport in Charleston as he tried to board a plane to Jordan. A grand jury indicted him Tuesday on a charge of providing material support to a terrorist organization. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

It wasnt Abdins first scrape with the law. Two years ago, authorities said he wanted to rob a gun store to get weapons to kill soldiers as revenge for American military action in the Middle East. He was arrested before the robbery, and a parole board last May agreed to his early release.

Abdin was aware federal authorities were watching him. He told the undercover agent if he couldnt get to the Middle East to fight, he would be willing to attack a site in the U.S. He praised the Florida man who killed 49 people last year in a terror attack at a nightclub, according to the FBI statement released after Abdins indictment.

Abdin said he wanted his face shown if he got to torture an American hostage because I want to be the one to send the message because they know who I am, according to the FBI statement.

Court records indicated Abdin is eligible for a public defender, but one has not been appointed.

The FBI said Abdin tried to hide his tracks. He contacted authorities to tell them about guns he bought for hunting and that his trip to the Middle East was a vacation to see the Dead Sea because he realized the FBI would be aware of his purchase and travel plans. He also called authorities and asked for a meeting where he told them he no longer held the extreme beliefs that led to his first arrest.

Abdin spoke with the undercover agent for a month as he saved around $1,800 for a flight to Jordan. Abdin asked if he could send back a photo of himself to his mother once he made it to the Middle East to ease her with his sudden disappearance, the FBI said.

Abdin also sent a video of him pledging his allegiance to the Islamic State in Arabic and told them he could do whatever was needed, according to the sworn statement.

I am coming to fight. Not play video games and sit, the undercover agent said Abdin told him.

Abdin practiced shooting several different guns during the first three months of 2017 and told the undercover agent he was being careful to avoid the authorities he figured were watching him, the FBI said.

We are most likely to contact an undercover agent than a real brother, Abdin told the undercover agent. That is why I carry guns in my house, in my car and even I used to secretly take to school. It is very humiliating to be captured.

(AP)
By Press Trust of India: From Harinder Mishra

Jerusalem, Apr 6 (PTI) Israel has signed a USD 2 billion contract with India to supply it with missile defence systems, the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries said today.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in an announcement said that it has been awarded its largest defence contract of almost USD 2 billion for supplying advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile systems (MRSAM) to India.

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IAI said it would also supply additional long-range air and missile defence systems (LRSAM) for the first locally produced Indian aircraft carrier.

The contract is worth USD 1.6 billion for IAI, with the rest going to another state-owned defence company Rafael, that will be providing components for the systems.

"The current contracts represent an enormous expression of confidence by the government of India in IAIs capabilities and advanced technologies, which are being developed with our local partners as part of the Indian governments Make in India policy," IAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joseph Weiss said in a statement.

President Reuven Rivlin, who is said to have discussed the deal with Indian leaders during his trip to India early this year, called to congratulate Weiss on this "historic" deal terming it truly "exceptional".

"Please pass on my congratulations to all who contributed to this important achievement. You have come such a long way to arrive at this point, it is truly exceptional," Rivlin told IAIs CEO.

"Israels willingness to share technology and form joint ventures with Indian companies to develop and manufacture military equipment supporting the Make in India initiative is said to have been well received in New Delhi.

In the case of MRSAM, an advanced air and missile defence system that provides protection against a variety of aerial threats, the technology is said to have been jointly developed by IAI and Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation in collaboration with Rafael and IAIs Elta division.

Indian companies such as Larsen & Toubro are said to have also participated in the project.

MRSAMs current version is operational with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

The system includes an advanced phased-array radar, command and control, mobile launchers and missiles with advanced RF seekers. PTI HM UZM

--- ENDS ---
Police in Paris are investigating a 27-year-old Arab man on suspicion that he murdered his neighbor Lucy Halimi, a 66-year-old Jewish Charedi woman, following a confrontation in her apartment.

Mrs. Halimis body was found on the street beneath her third-floor apartment Tuesday morning at approximately 4:00 a.m. Halimi lived in her apartment alone. One of her children lives in Israel while two other daughters live in France.

According to suspicions, the man, who is already known to the police, pushed her to her death from her apartment which was located on the third floor of the building.

Neighbors reportedly testified that they had heard the suspect shouting that he wanted to kill Halimi just before the incident. Others reported reports state that the suspect stabbed the woman in her bed while yelling Allah Akbar and then pushed her from the third floor.

Mrs. Halimi lived in Paris 11th district, which is home to a large population of immigrants from North Africa and is one of the most densely populated areas of the city.

A levayah was held on Wednesday afternoon in Paris.

Mrs. Halimi AH also lived near the site of the 2015 shooting at the Bataclan Theater that claimed the lives of 131 victims and wounded many others.

Baruch Dayan Haemes.
Citing no evidence, President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused his predecessors national security adviser of breaking the law, one month after he accused former President Barack Obama of illegally wiretapping him.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump said Obamas national security adviser, Susan Rice, committed a crime when she asked government analysts to disclose the names of Trump associates documented in intelligence reports. Trump would not say if he reviewed new intelligence to support his claim. He told the Times he would say more at the right time.

I think its going to be the biggest story, Trump said. Its such an important story for our country and the world. It is one of the big stories of our time.

Rice is the latest target for Trump and his embattled defenders. She has firmly denied that she did anything inappropriate in requesting the identities of Trump associates. As the national security adviser, Rice would have been authorized to seek identities of people whose names were redacted from intelligence reports. Officials typically unmask Americans if it is deemed necessary for understanding the information. Some Trump allies have accused Rice of unmasking officials for political reasons.

Absolutely false, Rice declared Tuesday.

Trump on Wednesday disagreed. When the Times asked him if Rice broke the law, he said, Do I think? Yes, I think. The president did not specify what law he thinks Rice may have broken.

Erin Pelton, a spokeswoman for Rice, said, Im not going to dignify the presidents ludicrous charge with a comment.

Trumps unfounded accusation fits a pattern for the president. Last month, he accused Obama of wiretapping his New York skyscraper and later said Obama had spied on his campaign. Neither allegation has been backed up by evidence.

Trumps first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, is under FBI scrutiny for his ties to Russia. Two congressional committees are also investigating Flynn as part of larger probes into the Kremlins influence on the 2016 election and possible coordination with Trump associates. Last week Trump said that Flynn, who resigned in February, should seek an immunity deal.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan said the House intelligence committee investigation looking into Russias role in the 2016 election was back on track after the committees chairman had a secret meeting on White House grounds about intelligence that Trump later said vindicated his Obama wiretapping claims. A congressional aide said the documents are being made available for all committee members to view at the White House.

Also, Republicans and Democrats have agreed on the witnesses to be called, Ryan said.

Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., a member of the committee, told CNN that Rice is on the witness list. A congressional aide said there were more than a dozen people on the list.

According to a U.S. official, Rice asked spy agencies to give her the names of Trump associates who surfaced in intelligence reports she was regularly briefed on. Rices official role would have given her the ability to make those requests for national security purposes.

In an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday, Rice acknowledged that she sometimes asked for the names of Americans referenced in reports. She would not say whether she saw intelligence related to Trump associates or whether she asked for their identities, though she did say that reports related to Russia increased in the final months of the presidential election campaign.

The Trump White House has been particularly incensed that intercepted conversations between Flynn and Russias ambassador to the U.S. surfaced in news reports before the inauguration.

Rice denied that she had leaked details about Flynns call, saying, I leaked nothing to nobody.

(AP)
New York state budget talks collapsed late Wednesday after members of the state Senate left Albany.

Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan said he will call his members back when and if there is a deal with Assembly Democrats and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo had said a short time earlier that he would keep negotiating on a budget as long as lawmakers stayed in Albany. The budget is now five days late.

He said disagreements remained over an affordable housing tax credit for New York City developers and a proposal to end a policy of automatically prosecuting and incarcerating 16- and 17-year-old offenders as adults.

Members of the Senate and Assembly said earlier Wednesday they hoped to strike a deal on the $152 billion spending plan this week. Lawmakers will not get paid until they pass the budget, which was due by Saturday.

But Lawmakers and Cuomo couldnt agree on issues to pass a budget in time.

Earlier this week, lawmakers authorized a two-month budget extension that Cuomo said will keep government functioning if lawmakers cannot reach a deal soon.

Cuomo introduced his $152 billion budget proposal in January. The proposal would keep the status quo when it comes to taxes, add $1 billion in new public education spending and include expanded child care tax credits and a new initiative making state college tuition free for students from families earning $125,000 or less annually.

(AP)
The IDF spokesman permits publicizing that the Israeli murdered in the morning vehicular terror attack was a soldier.

Corporal Elchai Taharlev HYD, 20, a resident of Yishuv Talmon in the Shomron, was killed when the Arab terrorist rammed a vehicle into persons at Ofra Junction.

Elchai served in the 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade and with his death, he is posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. As part of his hesder service, he was a talmid in Yeshivat Tekoa in Gush Etzion as well as a graduate of the Mekor Chaim Yeshiva High School.

A second soldier sustained light injuries and is being treated in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem.

Elchai is survived by his parents and three brothers and three sisters. His father, Rav Ohad, is head of Medreshet Lindenbaum, part of the Ohr Stone Network. His mother, Avital, is the deputy director of a Ministry of Education psychology unit.

The levaya will take place today, Thursday, 10 Nissan, at 6:30PM in the Har Herzl Military Cemetery in Yerushalayim.

  

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Police on Thursday morning 10 Nissan received calls for an explosion on Shmuel HaNavi Street in Yerushalayim. The fire department and EMS responded as well.

The cause of the blast was the explosion of a cooking gas cylinder. Bchasdei Hashem no one was killed or injured. there was damage to a kitchen.

Police and fire officials stress that despite having to prepare for Yomtov, people cannot ignore safety regulations and one must know how to properly set up hagolas keilim to avoid accidents and or injuries.



(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Chaim Golumb, News 24)
The Yaffo Military Court has sentenced Tzvi Dov Friedman, an Eida-affiliated avreich who resides in Beit Shemesh, to 75 days in military jail. Friedman was arrested during a raid of his home by military police three weeks ago for not registering with draft authorities, leading to protests.

His attorney tried arguing his client is mentally challenged but it was not accepted by the court. The court on Thursday morning 10 Nissan sentenced him to 75 days in jail. The court has however agreed to release him to his home for the first day of Pesach after which he will be compelled to return to jail.

The court explained the heavy sentence is due to the fact Friedman is unwilling to cooperate with authorities. Persons close to him tell the media no punishment will deter him and he is proud to be a prisoner on behalf of Torah and adhering to his rabbonim.

The Eida Chareidis has released a flyer signed by Gavaad Eida Chareidis HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Tuvia Weiss Shlita calling for pidyon shvuyim and to be Heard throughout the world until he is released.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Following the fatal terror attack at Ofra Junction that claimed the life of an IDF hesder soldier HYD, residents of Ofra are demanding the government act swiftly and immediately and raze the terrorists home.

MK (Likud) Dr. Anat Berko stated The time has come to do biur chametz in Silwad, the village from which the terrorist came, citing many a terrorist has come from the same village, a village overrun by Hamas.

In Yishuv Ofra, close to the cite of the attack, residents are calling on the government to act immediately and raze the home of the terrorist. They call on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman to act with an iron fist against those who teach hostility and hate towards murdering Jewsand to destroy the home of the terrorist today. The government should act in the Zionist way by adding life and buildings in the land [in response to the attack].

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is halting payments to Amtrak following a second derailment at New York Citys Penn Station that is causing headaches for commuters in the nations busiest rail hub.

In a letter to Amtraks chairman published Thursday in the New York Times, Christie said he directed New Jersey Transit to withhold funds until an independent inspection verifies Amtraks Northeast Corridor is in a state of good repair.

The governor also says he has asked the attorney general to consider filing a lawsuit to recover money that NJ Transit pays to use the rail line.

NJ Transit paid Amtrak $62 million last year for maintenance and upgrades.

Amtrak says it hopes to have full rail service restored by Friday as it repairs damage caused by Mondays derailment.

(AP)
The Republican chairman is stepping aside from leading a congressional investigation of Russian interference in last years U.S. presidential election, citing ethics complaints that he mishandled classified information.

The decision by Rep. Devin Nunes of California comes amid partisan turmoil on the House intelligence committee. Democrats have alleged that Nunes, who was on President Donald Trumps transition team, is too close to the White House and cannot lead an impartial inquiry, and the House ethics committee is investigating whether he improperly disclosed classified information.

Several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics, Nunes said in a statement. The charges are entirely false and politically motivated and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power.

Nunes move could be seen as a win for Democrats whose cries for an independent panel to investigate Russias possible ties with the Trump campaign have grown. They have pointed in particular to two Nunes trips to the White House  one announced, one not  as evidence that his loyalty to Trump outweighs his commitment to leading a bipartisan investigation.

By all accounts, the intelligence committees growing partisanship has become a distraction from its underlying investigations.

The top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff of California, said he appreciated Nunes decision to step aside from the Russia investigation.

We have a fresh opportunity to move forward in the unified and nonpartisan way that an investigation of this seriousness demands, he said.

As the majority party in the House, Republicans will keep the committee chairmanship. GOP Reps. Mike Conaway of Texas, with help from Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and Rep. Tom Rooney of Florida, will temporarily take charge of the investigation, said Speaker Paul Ryan.

Two watchdog groups, Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, had asked the House ethics committee to investigate whether Nunes disclosed classified information he learned from intelligence reports.

In a statement, CREW spokesman Jordan Libowitz said the group believes that Nunes potential violation of House ethics rules is so grave that it needs to be investigated right away.

Nunes last month disclosed that Trump associates communication had been swept up by U.S. spy agencies and, he suggested, mishandled by Obama administration officials.

The announcement was striking as it is unusual for a member of the committee to publicly discuss the existence of what would be classified intelligence reports.

Nunes later acknowledged that the material had been shared by a secret source on the White House grounds, raising fresh questions about his coordination with the White House. Trump seized on information as evidence backing up his unfounded claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped the phones at his New York skyscraper.

Schiff later saw the same material, but refused to publicly discuss what he learned. He said Thursday he understood the material was now to be shared with other intelligence committee members.

Republican Speaker Ryan said he supported Nunes decision to step aside.

It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House Intelligence Committees investigation into Russian interference in our election, Ryan said.

A Republican aide said Nunes and Ryan met Wednesday night to discuss stepping aside from the Russia probe. Thats when Ryan learned of the House ethics probe, according to the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss about private conversations.

Nunes said in his statement, I will continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as committee chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims.

The ethics committee investigation of Nunes actions will be led by Republican Chairwoman Susan Brooks of Indiana and Democrat Ted Deutch of Florida.

Conaway ascendance immediately drew attention to his statement earlier this year expressing skepticism about the subject of the investigation.

In January, Conaway compared Russias interference in the 2016 election to the Democrats employing Mexican entertainers to help turn out the Latino vote.

Those are foreign actors, foreign people, influencing the vote in Nevada, Conaway told the Dallas Morning News. You dont hear the Democrats screaming and saying one word about that.

During the committees first hearing on the Russia probe last month, his questions were focused on how intelligence agencies prove who is behind a hack and what a foreign leaders intent is.

All 17 intelligence agencies have agreed that Russia was behind the hack of Democratic email systems and tried to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump.

(AP)
The state prosecutor on Thursday 10 Nissan expressed support for a plea bargain agreement with former Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yonah Metzger. The agreement was presented to the High Court after a district court had rejected the deal earlier, sentencing the rabbi to 4.5 years imprisonment for his conviction of an plethora of white collar charges. Under the plea bargain, his sentence is 3.5 years, of which he will only have to serve 2 years, Walla News reports.

The prosecution told the High Court it has learned that there were errors in presenting the original plea bargain deal, errors the court called cardinal. Attorneys Tal Gabbai and Yehuda Fried told the High Court the deal had been accepted at the highest levels of the State Prosecutors Office and one of the reasons was to encourage public servants to admit to their actions and sign such agreements. The prosecution also explained there are difficulties regarding the integrity of the states main witness, Rabbi Metzgers former driver and personal assistant.

In addition, Rabbi Metzger addressed the fact the district court stated he has not expressed remorse, standing before the High Court in tears, seeking the courts mercy. I was asked by Justice Moshe HaKohen if I had anything to add. I was unaware I was expected to express remorse before the court. I am stating now that I transgressed, sinned and broke the state laws. I do not have to be punished more. I have accepted responsibility for my actions he told the High Court.

The rabbi is expected to begin serving his prison sentence on May 3, 2017. In addition, he has been fined NIS 5 million.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The Pakistani social media warriors are spreading messages to provide training to youth on social media applications and develop them into "power users".

By Ajit Kumar Dubey: The onset of summers in Jammu and Kashmir has brought a fresh challenge for security forces with Pakistani agencies and terror outfits across the border planning an all-out social media assault to create unrest in the Valley.

"Pakistani groups have more than 70,000 twitter handles and are also acting through WhatsApp groups to provoke locals for anti-India protests. They also have seven or eight very popular Facebook pages which are quite big in terms of followers, along with some websites which have been active for the last few years," Army sources said.

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The Pakistani social media warriors are spreading messages to provide training to youth on social media applications and develop them into "power users" and use them as "instrument for Kashmir uprise 2017."

Zaki Ur Rehman Lakhvi faction of the Lashkar-e-Toiba is also holding workshops on social media in cities like Rawalpindi, Multan, Lahore and Sargodha. "The Pakistanis are urging their youth to take up smart phones as weapons and use it for inciting people in Kashmir valley but we are also working on to match them on the social media front in a big way," the sources said.

INDIAN SECURITY, INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES JOIN HANDS

Indian security agencies have joined hands with intelligence agencies to counter the social media assault from Pakistan-backed groups, who first started using social media in 2010 for stone pelting. Agencies admit that the Pakistani social media operatives have an advantage over India as they have been active in the cyber domain to instigate Kashmiri population much before Indian forces started in this direction.

Through their social media presence, they have been able to penetrate deeply among the youth whereas it is taking time for us to mark presence in this area. It will take a few years for us to match considering the number of followers they have on Facebook," a source said.

Officials said the monitoring of WhatsApp groups which are generally used to instigate protests and gather stone pelters for demonstrations in the cities is also being done using special resources.

WHATSAPP, FACEBOOK USED TO GATHER YOUTH AT PLACES OF ENCOUNTER

"Some social media applications like WhatsApp and Facebook are used to gather youth at places of encounters. These groups are based in Pakistan. Security forces are dealing with terrorists exactly the way they should and will continue to do so. I want to say that we will definitely be successful," union home minister Rajnath Singh had stated in Parliament a few days ago.

Sources said the Pakistani agencies have been using social media in a very effective manner against Indian interests in multiple ways as they employ their personnel for blackmailing, honey-trapping and extracting information from military personnel.

On the other hand, they also use social media to provoke people in Kashmir to rise against India by putting fake videos of atrocities committed by the Indian security forces against Muslims or minorities to encourage youth to join the jihadi movement.

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Recently, the Pakistani social media groups backed by their Army had also tried to create a divide between officers and soldiers in Indian forces by posting a video about a Pakistani soldiers bragging about the high quality food provided to them by their officers.

ALSO READ | Pakistan's ISI paid Kashmiri separatists Rs 800 crore to fuel unrest in Kashmir, says Intelligence Bureau report

ALSO READ | Kashmir: Local cricket team, clad in Pakistan's national colours, sings country's anthem

--- ENDS ---
By Romita Datta: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be breaking bread with President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narandra Modi and Bangaldesh head of state Sheikh Hasina, during the latter's trip to India fro April 7-10.

Banerjee's office in Kolkata today confirmed that the Trinamool Congress leader has accepted the invitations of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Prime Minister's Office, which will be hosting dinner and lunch, respectively, in the honour of the Bangladeshi prime minister.

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The political circuit was earlier abuzz with speculation over whether Banerjee would accept Mukherjee's invitation and thereby agree to a face-to-face with Modi and Hasina. The Bengal chief minister, who until the other day was frowning at Modi, has surprisingly given her consent.

Apart from the president's dinner, Banerjee is also likely to stay back to attend the following day's lunch spread at Modi's request.

During the course of an recent interview with a regional TV channel, Banerjee had said that she does not know the "A,B,C,D" of any possible agreement with Bangladesh on the Teesta water-sharing deal. She expressed displeasure over being kept in the dark about Hasina's visit to India and her meeting with PM Modi.

However, the Centre soon dashed off a clarification, saying that West Bengal will be kept in the loop for all developments concerning Teesta.

Even after such assurances, Mamata was in two minds about her Delhi trip. Among the hurdles was that Teesta still continued to be a sensitive issue for the Bengal chief minister and she was in all probability not yet ready to commit anything on Teesta. That her meeting with Hasina would not take the Teesta talks foward by leaps and bounds was apparent and she obviously did not want to face Hasina with yet another "will-see" kind of face-saving promise foir the future.

However, the significance of attending the dinner and lunch lie somewhere else. The president's invitation gives Mamata an opportunity to meet Modi and mend her bridges with the Centre, after her nationwide anti-demonetisation campaign. It also opens up a window for her to negotiate for the future of her party leaders, who are facing CBI investigations in the Narada and Saradha scams.

ALSO READ | Don't hijack Ram Navami as your event, Mamata tells BJP; TMC cadres chant 'Jai Shree Ram' across Bengal

ALSO READ | Ahead of Bangladesh PM's visit, Mamata claims there is no water in Teesta river

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A bitter battle has broken out between a shamed Tory party donor and an Argentinian billionaire over control of key industries in the Falkland Islands.

Reclusive David Rowland, who resigned from his job as Tory party treasurer, wants full control of Falkland Island Holdings (FIH), which runs petrol stations, shops and property services on the British Overseas Territory.

But he is being challenged by Argentinas richest property developer Eduardo Elsztain. Last night, a deadline to settle the dispute passed with investors attacking Rowlands offer while the board of FIH warned off a bid from Elsztain.

Reclusive: David Rowland wants full control of Falkland Island Holdings

A deadline for shareholders to accept a bid from Rowland family investment vehicle Staunton Holdings Limited passed yesterday with the outcome unannounced. The 37m offer had been backed by FIHs independent directors as fair and appropriate.

But some shareholders are understood to be particularly unhappy with the 37m bid by Rowland, who has courted controversy. Although a 300p-per-share bid to take control of the company is a 27pc premium on the share price, the firm has assets of 37m including 4m in cash.

Others also feel aggrieved over how some very small shareholders had their stakes bought from them by the company in 2015. These stakes were eventually bought by Rowland. No dividend has been paid since late 2015.

Meanwhile, board members fear a coup from Elsztain. FIH charters space on Ministry of Defence vessels to and from the UK and there are concerns over an Argentinian firms involvement.

The dispute has become so furious it is causing a huge stir in the South Atlantic, with the local government pledging to scrutinise any takeover.

Elsztain, 57, who hasnt made a formal bid but is believed to be looking to take over the company through his Dolphin fund, has urged shareholders not to take up the Rowland offer, and accused the company of scaremongering.

Rowland, 71, quit as Tory treasurer in 2010 after a rebellion by Conservative donors following damaging revelations about his business affairs.

He has been accused of being a tax exile after basing his firms in Guernsey, and of falling foul of US authorities over a bid to move a company offshore.

The Falkland Islands government grants licences for land and assets, and controls where FIH can do business. If the firm was controlled by an Argentine backer, it may ultimately have these permissions refused.

After hearing of Elsztains interest, FIH managing director John Foster, and ex-army officer Jeremy Brade, a fellow independent director, said they believed the prospect of Argentinian-related control of the Falkland Islands Company seriously threatens to undermine the business and the interests of its employees.

The Falkland Island Government has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will scrutinise any proposed change of ownership.

Accordingly, the independent directors regard the Dolphin approach as unwelcome and posing a real hazard to FIH. Given recent history and the sensitivities there is real and understandable concern about any Argentinian-backed attempt to own assets or to exercise control over businesses in the islands, they added.

Dolphin has in turn accused Brade and Foster of scaremongering and saying they were trying to avoid their fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of FIH and its shareholders.

It added: Dolphin has no intention to disrupt the status quo in the Falkland Islands.
The fall in sterling and a reduction in pharmacy funding saw the owner of Boots post mixed results.

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Boots UKs parent company, blamed funding cuts for a decrease in international pharmacy sales.

Suffering: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Boots UKs parent company, blamed funding cuts for a decrease in international pharmacy sales

Revenues in the pharmacy division, which includes Boots UK, dropped by 3.7 per cent in the three months to February 28, compared to the year before, and group sales fell 2.4 per cent to 23.6bn.

But its international division saw a 0.6 per cent rise in comparable retailer sales, mainly due to growth in the UK, Ireland and Thailand.

The beauty and health division performed considerably well, net profits rose 14 per cent to 881m and earnings per share rose to 1.1bn.
Zombie lender Williams & Glyn will totter on for another six months  even though Royal Bank of Scotland has ditched plans to sell it.

Walking through a storm: Because they cant find a buyer bosses now want the European Commission to back a plan, that would see RBS give 750m to rivals to boost competition

Because they cant find a buyer bosses now want the European Commission to back a plan, that would see RBS give 750m to rivals to boost competition.

The commission is scrutinising the idea, with a decision due in May. The farce came to light yesterday as Williams & Glyn boss Jim Brown quit, along with three other senior chiefs.
By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna

London, Apr 5 (PTI) A 21-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested last week in Birmingham were today charged with terrorism offences.

Ummariyat Mirza and Zainub Mirza have been chargedwith the intention of "committing acts of terrorism engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to his intention, namely by conducting research and purchasing a knife and other items which would assist him carry out an attack in the UK", West Midlands Police said.

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An additional charge of possession of a document containing information of a kind likely to be of use to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism, namely the Anarchist Cookbook 2000 has also been made against Mirza.

Both will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

The UK has kept its terrorism threat level at "severe" following the Westminster assault. PTI AK UZM

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Shares in Mothercare are up 2.84 per cent to 117.5p this morning, after the baby and childcare retailer posted strong quarterly sales.

Enjoying a 13.6 per cent rise in online sales, Mothercare saw like-for-like UK sales increase by 4.5 per cent in its final quarter to 25 March. But, total sales are for the year are down 0.1 per cent.

While the group has refurbished 70 per cent of its UK stores in the last two years, the amount of floor space the retailer has across its high-street sites has dropped by nearly 6 per cent year-on-year.

Sales boost: Mothercare saw like-for-like UK sales increase by 4.5 per cent in its final quarter to 25 March

The group's UK sales are the strongest seen since the second quarter of 2015/16 and mark an upturn in fortunes from a poor Christmas period, which saw sales grow just 1 per cent.

Mothercare said sales were strong across China, Indonesia and Russia having been given a boost by favourable exchange rates.

But, the retailer said its Middle Eastern market remained 'challenging' in terms of sales.

Mark Newton-Jones, chief executive of Mothercare, said it had been a 'solid' quarter for the group.

He added: 'We have made further progress in the period, with the UK performing particularly well on a like-for-like basis.

'Customers' response to our spring/summer ranges has been positive, as has the feedback on the new website and our new store environment.'

Across the group's international operations, sales increased by 15.4 per cent in the 11 weeks to March 25, but fell 1.7 per cent on a constant currency basis.

Over forty per cent of all UK Mothercare sales are now made online, the group said.

Earlier this morning, Mothercare's share price increased to 119.63, but has since dropped back to the 117p mark.

Online presence: Over forty per cent of all UK Mothercare sales are now made online

In November last year, the boss of Mothercare said the retailer would have to raise its shop prices by between three and five per cent in the aftermath of sterling's depreciation since June's Brexit vote.

The firm said it purchased most of its ranges in US dollars from suppliers in the Far East and India, adding that increased importing costs meant it had to hike prices.

Mr Newton-Jones said the group had negotiated with suppliers to reduce the price hikes by a third, with the company shouldering a third of the extra costs and the rest passed on to customers from next month.
A total of 1,796 nominations have been rejected due to errors of different kind.

By Press Trust of India: Nearly 40 per cent of the total 4,605 nominations filed for April 23 elections to the 272 wards of the three municipal corporations have been rejected during scrutiny, Delhi State Election Commission said.

A total of 1,796 nominations have been rejected due to errors of different kind, said an Election Commission official. Maximum 758 nominations out of total 1,833 filed for 104 wards in South Delhi Municipal Corporation, were rejected in scrutiny.

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"The updates on scrutiny were being received from returning officers offices till late evening. It will take time to provide information regarding individual wards," said the Election Commission official.

NOMINATION OF BJP CANDIDATES REJECTED

The nomination papers of the four BJP candidates in MCD polls were also cancelled, sources claimed. The seats in question are Abul Fazal enclave, Bapraula, Kishanganj and West Vinod Nagar.

It was being said earlier that the "back up" party candidates will contest the polls in place of the candidates, whose nominations have been rejected.

However, it was later learnt that due to legal and technical faults in filing nominations, not only candidates but the back up candidates' nominations are likely to be rendered invalid.

The BJP candidates are now planning to approach the state Election Commission to file an appeal

If their appeal fails, the party may have to file the rebel candidates, who have filed nominations as independent candidates. If that also fails, the party may even have to surrender the respective seats.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections are slated for April 23 and counting will take place on April 25.

The North, South and East Delhi Municipal Corporations together constitute 272 seats, of which the BJP's current strength is 153.

ALSO READ| BJP heating up civic battle with social media as political tool

ALSO READ| Delhi MCD elections: Nomination of 4 BJP candidates rejected

--- ENDS ---
Protesting leaders requested AICC to constitute a committee of senior leaders to enquire the allegation of malpractices in distribution of tickets by Maken.

By Mail Today Bureau: A group of senior Congress leaders have come out in open and demanded removal of party's city unit chief Ajay Maken over "irregularities" in ticket distribution for the upcoming MCD polls.

Protesting leaders requested AICC to constitute a committee of senior leaders to enquire the allegation of malpractices in distribution of tickets by Maken and his team.

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"We are angry with the system of ticket distribution. Ajay Maken, who is the president, is responsible since he decides everything on his own," said Mangat Ram Singhal, minister under the former Shiela Dikshit regime.

Maken's rival camp also claimed that the process of ticket distribution was "bypassed" and "favourites" of the Delhi Congress leadership were chosen to contest the upcoming polls.

"Four family members of a party leader have been given tickets. There are also complaints of use of money which needs to be clarified by Maken," added Singhal who was addressing the media at Rajya Sabha MP Parvez Hashmi's residence.

PROTESTING LEADERS TO APPROACH SONIA GANDHI

Protesting leaders claimed that they were dissatisfied with the ticket distribution and will approach Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi to intervene.

"Senior leaders are being ignored and no suggestion has been taken by them. We request party members to stay calm and request AICC to intervene. The AICC should take over the election process as senior leaders and workers have been humiliated by Ajay Maken. The candidates of MLA election have also not been consulted by Maken and his team," said Sukhbir Sharma, officer bearer at the party.

Some senior leaders of the party, including AK Walia, Arvinder Singh Lovely and Haroon Yusuf, have also expressed unhappiness over the ticket distribution. While Walia has come out openly with allegations of irregularities in ticket distribution and threatened to quit the party, others reported the matter to the party high command.

MAJOR LOSSES

Three-time Congress MLA, Dalit leader and ex-deputy speaker of the Delhi Assembly Amrish Gautam made matters worse by joining the BJP on Monday. He has represented Kondli and erstwhile Patparganj seats.

Other leaders have said many candidates, whose names came from the feedback system set up by the DPCC, have been ignored to include others. However, DPCC maintained that they have followed transparent mechanism and have given ticket to suitable candidates.

"We have followed a very transparent process. We had set up a call centre and asked from party workers who they want to see as their candidate. We got huge response and around 90,000 numbers were shortlisted. Nearly, 39,000 expressed their choices, rest said that they will support whosoever the party will support. Everybody was consulted. Workers' voices had been given due weightage," said a party spokesperson.

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ALSO READ | Unhappy over MCD polls ticket distribution, AK Walia quits Congress

ALSO READ | MCD elections: Congress releases first list of 140 candidates

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MBABANE  Was Makhosazana Dlamini the author of her own misfortunes?



Dlamini is the woman who claimed that she was accosted by SRA officials and police officers at her workplace and later bundled into a police car.

This was after she allegedly refused to surrender keys of a car which SRA officials claimed she did not pay Customs duties for.

The car, an Audi A4, was later detained by SRA officers and she now wants it released to her.



In his answering affidavit, SRA Commissioner General Dumisani Masilela painted a picture of a person who chose not to comply with the law while she was aware of what she was expected to do.



He alleged that Dlamini was the one who was wrong and she allegedly forced SRA to enforce compliance as provided in the statute.

He contended that the SRA officers were acting within the law to seize the motor vehicle because it had not been properly imported into the country.



I have been advised that since the applicant (Dlamini), on her own volition breached the law regulating the importation and declaration of a motor vehicle, she cannot complain of suffering any harm because she has not complied with the law, submitted Masilela.

SRA also denied the allegations by Dlamini that its officers came and caused a scene at her workplace.



I wish to state it clear that the applicant began the process to permanently import the motor vehicle into Swaziland but she did not complete the process, which renders her use of the motor vehicle in the country to be illegal and makes it liable for detention and forfeiture in favour of the State, argued the commissioner general.



He pointed out that Dlamini used the services of clearing agents for purposes of importing the motor vehicle into Swaziland.

Masilela added that even though the applicant promised to bring the relevant documents to SRA on March 9, 2017, she did not.

According to the commissioner general, Dlamini only brought some documents the following day after the motor vehicle had already been detained earlier that morning.
Sithembiso Dlamini about to board a His Majestys Correctional Services vehicle after being sentenced to 15 years. (Pic by Kwanele Dlamini)

MBABANE  The man who raped a woman at Mangwaneni Cemetery will spend the next 15 years in prison.



Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi yesterday sentenced Sithembiso Dlamini (32) of Mangwaneni to 15 years without an option of a fine. This comes after the court found Dlamini guilty of rape.



He had sexual intercourse with *Sindi at the cemetery without her consent. Dlamini used a knife to threaten her.

The principal magistrate said the offence was accompanied by aggravating circumstances.



The court stated that the use of a knife by the convict to threaten the survivor to submit to sexual intercourse as an aggravating factor fell away because the weapon was not brought before court.

In passing the sentence, Principal Magistrate Nhlabatsi said the fact that the rape took place at a cemetery, it should have been listed as an aggravating factor.



According to the court, Dlamini kept stalking the woman leading to a period of long confusion and defencelessness on her part.

He had no regard to conscience. The offence took place at a cemetery. It was the utmost degrading occurrence to a human being, said the principal magistrate.



She mentioned that judges in the country and outside noted that rape dehumanised the survivor and caused long-term havoc on their emotional well-being and health.

The court said due to the disturbing prevalence or rape, the perpetrators should expect heavy sentences. The court further encouraged the Crown to lead expert witnesses to prove that the scourge caused lifelong trauma on the survivor.



Principal Magistrate Nhlabatsi informed Dlamini that in terms of Section 185 (b) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1938, when a court has ruled that the offence of rape was accompanied by aggravating circumstances, the sentence should not be less than nine years.

The court sentenced Dlamini to 15 years, which was backdated to October 2015.
By Press Trust of India: Washington, Apr 6 (PTI) Peggy Whitson - who broke Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams record for the most spacewalks by a woman - is poised to set a new record for cumulative time spent in space by a US astronaut, NASA said today.

NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, signed an agreement to extend Whitsons stay on the International Space Station by three months.

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Rather than returning to Earth with her Expedition 51 crew mates Oleg Novitsky of Roscosmos and Thomas Pesquet of European Space Agency, in June as originally planned, Whitson will remain on the space station and return home with NASAs Jack Fischer and Roscosmos Fyodor Yurchikhin in September.

"Living and working aboard the space station is where I feel like I make the greatest contribution, so I am constantly trying to squeeze every drop out of my time here. Having three more months to squeeze is just what I would wish for," Whitson said.

The arrangement takes advantage of a Soyuz seat left empty by the Roscosmos decision to temporarily reduce their crew complement to two cosmonauts.

Whitsons extension will ensure a full complement of six astronauts on board the station and increase the amount of valuable astronaut time available for experiments on board the station.

"Peggys skill and experience makes her an incredible asset aboard the space station," said Kirk Shireman, NASAs International Space Station Programme Manager.

"By extending the stay of one of NASAs most veteran astronauts, our research, our technology development, our commercial and our international partner communities will all benefit," said Shireman.

This is Whitsons third long-duration stay onboard the space station. She launched on November 17 with 377 days in space already under her belt, and on April 24 will break Jeff Williams standing US record of 534 cumulative days in space.

In 2008, Whitson became the first woman to command the space station, and on April 9 will become the first woman to command it twice. In addition, she holds the record for most spacewalks by a female. PTI MHN SAR MHN

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By Gina Martinez

A Flushing principal who has settled over $500,000 in lawsuits is being sued again, this time by his vice principal who is accusing him of harassment. Marc Einsohn, vice principal at John Bowne High School, is suing the Department of Education and Principal Howard Kwait for allegedly punishing him after he spoke out against inflating student grades.

According to the suit filed in U.S. Eastern District Court in Brooklyn, during a December 2015 cabinet meeting, Kwait suggested students grades should be adjusted to fix the low passing rate. Einsohn spoke out against the idea, and as a result was subjected to retaliatory harassment, punishment, and pressure to leave the school for not abiding to Kwaits vision.

The suit claims that after that meeting, Kwait began to punish Einsohn and pressure him to leave the school. On Jan. 13, 2016, Kwait threatened to write on Einsohns mid-year evaluation that he was failing to meet expectations for no justifiable reason and threatened to summon Einsohn to a disciplinary conference, the suit says.

The following day, Kwait gave Einsohns third period, junior Spanish class to another teacher and assigned him to a freshman native language arts Spanish class, the suit says.

On Feb. 4, 2016, Kwait told Einsohn to get coverage for his class and to leave the building for the day. Later in the day, the suit says, Einsohn was instructed by a District 25 Administrator to return and was hand-delivered a mid-year evaluation by Kwait that indicated Einshohn was not meeting expectations.

Kwait also allegedly handwrote a note on the evaluation that said Einsohn advised me in person in December that he was not qualified and doesnt feel comfortable teaching native Spanish speakers. Einsohn claims that never happened.

The handwritten notes also claimed that Einsohn told Kwait that Ill just tell her to inflate the grades, then the problem is solved.

According to the suit, the evaluation has led to Einsohn being disqualified from overtime work, reducing his income. Einsohn claims he also suffers from emotional distress because of Kwaits campaign of retaliation and harassment.

Einsohn is seeking $150,000 in monetary damages.

The DOE did not return phone calls requesting comment.

This is the fifth suit accusing Kwait of unprofessional behavior as principal at John Bowne.

In November 2016, former guidance counselor Lauren Prettitore sued Kwait for sexual harassment. In 2015, the city settled for $275,000 with teachers Maria Catenacci and Sally Maya, who sued over sexual harassment as well. In 2012, the city settled for an undisclosed amount with an assistant principal who accused Kwait of discriminating against her because she was pregnant, according to the New York Post. The city also paid $225,000 in a settlement over a student who was falsely accused of sending threatening e-mails.

Einsohns lawyer, Jonathan Tand, said the DOE needs to take a stand against Kwait.

Heres the thing, Tand said. Einsohn is a hardworking guy. How many times has Kwait been in trouble, and the Department of Education sticks their head in the sand when it comes to doing something? What does he have to do to finally do something about him? My client wants to help. Hes a fantastic educator and Kwait is pursuing his own agenda. Einsohn is a brave man for doing this.
Days before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese counterpart XI Jinping, the White House has said that North Korea is now a "strategic liability for China".

By Press Trust of India: North Korea is now a "strategic liability for China" and could disrupt the stability in the region, the White House has said after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan.

The remarks come ahead of the crucial meeting between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago in Florida this week. North Korea would be a prominent topic in the meeting.

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"It is now quite clearly a strategic liability, and it is one that is having an impact on the region. In terms of an area of co-operation, of course we would like to see China working closely with the United States to address the menace emanating from North Korea - their weapons programs, the provocations that we're seeing every week; missile launches, including one that we just had not too many hours ago," he said.

"I think it's in Beijing's interest. I think that North Korea long ago ceased to be a strategic asset for China," he added.

The news conference was also addressed by Susan Thornton, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, who said that the time to hold talks with North Korea is over.

"Strategic patience has run out. This problem has really become very urgent, and it is, destabilising to the entire region and actually further than the region now, reaches across the globe with the progress that North Korea is making in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile," she said.

The feeling on American side is that this problem has really become urgent, she added.

"So that the US would not only be talking with the Chinese on this issues, but also the the US Ambassador to the UN has convened a ministerial meeting in New York later this month to talk and galvanise a lot more support from our other partners and allies around the world," Thornton said.

The meeting would be chaired by by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and would chart a way forward in a very urgent way, she said.

"Because we feel that this problem has now crossed a certain line and we can no longer hope for some kind of reversion to negotiations. We need to do something proactive to change the situation and get some results, and we hope that the Chinese are going to be involved in that," she said.

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"We'll certainly be talking to them about that in the next couple of days. We think they have a lot to contribute, and so we'll see where we get on that," the White House official said.

Also Read

North Korea fires ballistic missile into Sea of Japan ahead of Trump-Jinping meet

North Korea free to take part in 2018 Games, says Seoul

--- ENDS ---
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By Lenore Skenazy

A new airport is about to open on 44th Street, just west of Times Square. It has 17 gates, plenty of parking, 34 gift stores and, of course, planes taking off and landing day and night. Best of all, a ticket only costs $25.

Thats because this airport is the jewel in the crown of Gullivers Gate, a mind-boggling scale model of the world, unlike anything Id ever seen (including that cool model of New York City at the Queens Museum).

Buildings the size of luggage, paperclip-high people, dogs no bigger than jellybeans, and hats the size of cake crumbs  the place is a riot of minutiae. But equally thrilling is the fact that as you walk though this world in miniature you take a couple of steps to tour Grand Central Station (peering at the 4, 5, and 6 subways underneath), then a few feet later youre in Paris, with a stopover in Rome. Then it is on to Beijing, Buenos Aires, Stonehenge, and Angkor Wat.

Can the Pyramids be far behind? Of course not. Theyre right across from the Red Square.

And all along the way, jokes and juxtapositions await anyone who looks a little closer: Who is crossing Londons Abby Road? Four mini mop-topped musicians. And look over there, below sea level: a yellow submarine!

The exhibit, the size of a city block, opened Thursday and represents the work of 600 artists. It is expected to welcome up to 4,000 people  real ones, life size  daily, and take 90 minutes to walk around. The adult ticket price becomes $36 after about a month of previews, with the place poised to become a Times Square attraction every bit as quintessential as a Broadway show, or hug from a slightly drunk Elmo.

And all the while, things are happening, said Gullivers marketing director, Jason Hackett, as he toured me around the world, still being assembled. Lights and bells  constant motion  its an amazing symphony of interaction.

Cars honk and trains toot above the hum of ambient sound recorded in whatever country youre looking at. And then there are 137 different keyholes you can put your key in to make something else happen: Your face appears in the pounding water of Niagara Falls, or a volcano erupts. Whats more, if you want to add yourself as a citizen of the world, you can have an itsy-bitsy 3D print of yourself placed in one of 15 crowd scenes  for instance, in front of the Louvre.

The day I visited, two sculptors were busy carving a mountain for Guangzhou, China, while boxes of parsley-sized trees were being unloaded into Europe. South America had been held up at customs  all the overseas countries were actually made overseas. And Melanie Jelacic, a model maker, was working on the airport.

We want it to look very modern,  said Jelacic, whod previously created window displays at stores including Macys and Tiffanys.

The Gulliver airport is hyper-realistic. That means that in the shops you can see  if you squint  candy, cosmetics, souvenirs, even a rack of neck pillows.

Each pillow is so tiny, smaller than a sequin, said Jelacic. And then there are the Gullivers Gate mugs. Theyre smaller than an ant  theyre like the back end of an ant. A lot of the times, if you drop them on the floor, they just disappear. Ive dropped chairs, which are a little easier to find, but I also dropped a tray of vases that just rolled onto the floor and I lost them.

Although were talking about a scale model airport, it is still bigger than most Manhattan apartments  2,000 square feet, with 11 workers weaving around each other.

Our team has to climb under and over the table, said Jelacic. Thats a knee-killer. Its a big dance trying to stay out of engineering and electricals way.

Inside the airport, there will be mini people sleeping in chairs, re-charging their phones, and, of course, racing to catch their planes. To add to the real-feel, the model makers even built an art deco abandoned terminal, surrounded by a pockmarked roadway and dead grass. Meantime, the in use tarmac will be buzzing with luggage trucks, and littered with tire rubber from the planes constantly taking to the sky.

Even after the exhibit opens, Jelanic and crew will be adding, tweaking, fixing, perhaps forever. Visitors will be able to watch it change.

That is pretty much how it works in the actual size world, too.
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By TimesLedger Staff

The president of Amtrak, which is scrambling to fix the damage caused by the derailment at Penn Station Monday, said he expected service to be fully restored by Friday morning.

Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit and Amtrak passengers have been coping with widespread delays and curtailed service since three cars of a New Jersey Transit train derailed inside the station at about 9 a.m. Monday, damaging eight of the 21 tracks at the rail center. The latest incident occurred 10 days after an Amtrak train derailed and bumped against an NJT train during rush hour March 25, creating chaos for riders of the three railroads at Penn Station.

Amtrak President and CEO Wick Moorman blamed both derailments on track problems. There were minor injuries in both accidents.

Its our job to make sure that all of passengers, both on Amtrak and on our commuter partners, can travel safely and reliably, he said. We know we let them down.

Amtrak is responsible for maintenance of the tunnels and tracks at Penn Station.

With only 13 tracks available to transport the 600,000 riders who use Penn Station daily, the LIRR, NJT and Amtrak have been forced to cut back service. The Long Island Rail Road canceled 13 westbound trains during the morning rush hour Thursday after a series of similar moves during the week, while NJ Transit trains for the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast were still operating on a holiday schedule. Midtown Direct trains were diverted to Hoboken.

Fernando Ferrer, acting chairman of the MTA, which operates the Long Island Rail Road, and Interim MTA Director Ronnie Hakim sent a letter to Moorman Wednesday saying the current state of affairs is unacceptable. The pair said Amtrak was slow to make the critical repairs.

At the news conference Moorman said the derailment occurred in a confined space, which has made it difficult for workers to complete the repairs as quickly as needed.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, the target of angry commuter frustration, threatened to sue Amtrak over the derailment and said he was withholding rent payments to Amtrak for the use of Penn Station until the railroad can guarantee that the Northeast Corridor is back in good shape.

Commuters in New Jersey have been particularly hard hit by the service delays, missing work in some cases and suffering long delays during their commutes. Some Queens riders have had their routes interrupted as well.
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Heres what to know in Beaver County this Election Day

If youre a registered voter in Beaver County planning to vote in person today, heres what you need to know.
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Mary Ann Bruno isn't afraid to leave the front door to her apartment at Summit Towers wide open even when she ventures upstairs to see another tenant.

"People just feel lighter," she said recently summing up her feelings about the safer environment at the once trouble-plagued U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-subsidized high-rise.

Her friend, Santa Melendez, who also lives at Summit Towers, said the apartment building is a "much better."

"Everything is all right," Melendez said of the 183-unit structure on Albany Street on the edge of the Hamilton Hill neighborhood.

The two women were among a group of residents who complained to the Times Union last year about problems in the building - including prostitution and drug dealing - that made life their miserable for tenants.

A lot has changed since then.

The building on the corner of Albany Street and Summit Avenue was purchased by Preservation Development Partners, a New York City development company and the new owners are in the middle of making $10 million in improvements.

A number of other improvements have already been made. Security enhancements included adding more surveillance cameras, locking stairwells where squatters used to take refuge, and implementing a system that restricts the movement of would be troublemakers.

"The traffic has stopped," added Melendez, who has lived at Summit Towers since 2012.

On one side of Summit Towers Executive Director Barbara McBride's office, a bank of surveillance monitors shows constant footage from just about everywhere inside and outside of the high rise. The footage is also displayed on monitors at the Schenectady Police Department.

All of the 510 square-feet apartments are being upgraded with new kitchen appliances as well as vanities and walk-in showers in the bathroom. The electrical system is also being retooled.

The upgraded surveillance system allows Summit Towers staff to scan license plates, McBride said.

The new owners also plan to upgrade the building's common areas. They also plan to replace or upgrade the heating, cooling and electrical systems.

McBride conceded that most of the questionable activity still takes place after she and her staff leave for the day. The building has two employees who live in the building to handle problems that do not need police involvement.

McBride, who has 30 years on the job, complained that some of the police officers, particularly later in the day, seem like they don't like to fill out police reports. Still, she insisted that overall the police response is improving and department leaders are more cooperative.

Sgt. Jeff McCutcheon, a Schenectady police spokesman, noted that officers only write a police report if a crime is committed.

So far this year, police have responded to 50 calls at the building. Most have been quality-of-life issues such as loud music and conflicts between neighbors, McCutcheon said.

He said the number of calls reached 200 for all of 2015, and again they were primarily quality-of-life problems, some domestic-related calls, and in some cases, property checks.

"There's a lot of times, for instance, if we go there for neighbor troubles, where one neighbor just wants the police to advise the next door neighbor of an issue rather than them going to talk to them themselves," he said McCutcheon. "There's no crime so there'd be no reason for a report. "

McBride said she continues to preach to tenants about doing their part to keep the building safe.

"It's tenant education, it's pushing it, saying 'you can't allow that in the building,'" said McBride. "I think we're a thorn in the side of whatever dealer normally wants to come in. It's harder for them to get around the building. "

She recounted how needy and homeless people used to take refuge in stairwells, which are now permanently locked. If a fire alarm sounds, those doors automatically open, McBride said. She and her maintenance staff have keys and can get into the stairwells at any time.

Tenants have a key fob that allows them into the building through the front door. All the apartments are outfitted with a closed-circuit monitor that allows them to see who is at the front door. Anyone visiting the building has to be buzzed in by the tenant.

Once that happens, it sends the elevator to the ground floor, and only takes that person to the floor of the person who let them in.

Bruno, who has lived at Summit Towers for the past 15 years, said the illegal activity is "way down."

"It's come a long way and I think a lot of elderly people have found a safe haven," said Bruno.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad said that media is conducting a trial against him without any basis and called it injustice against him.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: Both the houses of Parliament witnessed stormy scenes as Congress and Shiv Sena, armed with adjournment notices on Alwar incident and Gaikwad fly ban issue respectively, cornered the government.

Shiv Sena members created a ruckus in Parliament demanding removal of flying ban against its Osmanabad MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who thrashed an Air India employee with slipper at Delhi airport before being banned by airlines in return.

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BJP ally Shiv Sena moved an adjournment notice on Ravinder Gaikwad issue in Lok Sabha. Shiv Sena MP Anandrao Adsul gave the adjournment notice stating that decision taken by Air India and other private airlines is a violation of fundamental rights.

Congress has given adjournment notice to discuss Alwar lynching matter in which 55-year-old Pehlu Khan was attacked by a group of gau rakshaks (cow protection vigilantes) on National Highway near Alwar. Allegedly, Khan and four others were transporting cattle on Saturday. The matter came into light when the videos of the sordid affair surfaced in the media.

Here are the latest developments:

Shiv Sena will not attend NDA meeting on April 10 if the matter is not resolved: Sanjay Raut

Gaikwad's fly ban likely to be lifted today. Before that an apology letter from Sena MP is precondition.

Police cases against Gaikwad to stay.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is holding a meeting with home minister, civil aviation minister and Shiv Sena MPs.

Ahluwalia led Aviation minister to his chamber and Rajnath Singh reasoned with Anant Geete.

Situation defused when SS Ahluwalia and Home Minister intervened.

Shiv Sena's Anant Geete also shouted at Civil Aviation minister.

Shiv Sena MP tried to hackle Civil Aviation minister inside Lok Sabha.

Shiv Sena MPs shouted slogan against Ashok Gajapati Raju in the house.

Shiv Sena leaders "won't let airlines fly from Mumbai": Sources

Lok Sabha adjourned till 12:40 pm.

I apologies to the Parliament if I have caused any hurt, but not to the Air India official: Ravindra Gaikwad

I did not thrash anyone, this is injustice against me: Gaikwad

What was my crime, media is conducting a trial against me: Gaikwad

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad begins speaking in Lok Sabha.

I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times knows and the minister doesn't know: Ghulam Nabi Azad on Naqvi's statement

No such incident happened on ground as is being presented: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in Rajya Sabha on Alwar lynching incident

Gaikwad will most likely speak on the issue himself. Gaikwad had used his slipper to hit an Air India staffer following which the minister was banned from flying by various airlines.

Gaikwad was not attending the House from last few days but on Thursday arrived in the Parliament.

We will raise the issue Alwar lynching issue in Parliament: Rajiv Shukla ( Rajya Sabha) and Shashi Tharoor (Lok Sabha)

PM Modi should speak on the matter and ask his party people and followers not to do such things: Rajiv Shukla

Arrest the people who were involved in this crime: Shashi Tharoor

The Congress had last week asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to ban gau rakshaks just as SIMI was banned in 2001 in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks. It said that gau rakshaks pose a threat to law and order, and in case the Centre refuses to act, it would be 'compelled' to seek the Supreme Court's intervention.

Also Read:

Alwar gau rakshak attack: Murdered man was dairy farm owner, had come to Rajasthan to buy milch cows

Man killed by cow vigilantes: Rajasthan home minister holds both sides guilty

Facing flying ban by airlines, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad reaches Delhi via chartered flight

Slippergate: Shiv Sena to protest in Parliament if MP Ravindra Gaikwad's flying ban is not lifted

Grounded MP Gaikwad tweaked name 4 times to book Air India tickets

Ravindra Gaikwad row: Shiv Sena asks Speaker to take action against Air India staff

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Albany

Corn is still king on American farms. But a new rival is emerging, and it's thanks to China.

Farmers in New York and nationally are turning to soy as global demand for the crop rises and production costs remain viable.

"It's a really good cash crop for farmers in both dairy and grain," said Ralph Lott, a director at the New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association. For roughly a decade, he's been growing the crop on his 3,500-acre farm in Seneca Falls, and said more and more farmers are turning to soybeans "because they make a good crop to plant right in front of corn."

He has plans for about 1,800 acres of soy this year, adding to the roughly 325,000 acres that New York farmers are expected to grow in soy in 2017, according to forecasts released last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

That's down slightly from last year, but is higher than any point prior to that. In 2005, New York farmers harvested 188,000 acres of the crop, and soy totals did not top 150,000 acres at all between 1990 and 2000.

Amy Klein hasn't noticed a surge in soy among farms in the 11-county region in which she operates Capital Roots, a Troy-based nonprofit of which she is CEO. But she said it wasn't surprising that more farmers are turning to alternative crops as it gets "more and more difficult for smaller farmers to compete and make a living growing and selling their crops."

"The price of soybeans is relatively high and the economics of growing soybeans as compared to growing corn favors soybeans," said Blair Smith, a statistician with USDA New York field office. "Probably for about 10-15 years, it's been climbing in New York. In the past two to three years, it's leveled off ... but it's hard to say" if that's just an anomaly.

It's the same story nationally, with planted areas for corn expected to fall by four percent this year, to 90 million acres. Soy keeps climbing and hit an estimated record 89.5 million acres this year  a seven percent uptick since 2016.

Why the sudden rise? Look to China, at least in part.

Demand for soy in the 1.3 billion-person nation is skyrocketing, with 86 million tons of the crop estimated to be sent to the country this year, up from 82.5 million tons in 2016, according to the USDA.

America's second largest soy customer, the European Union, is expected to import just 13.8 million tons of the crop this year.

China, then, could provide a lifeline, even if temporary, for U.S. farmers, whose incomes have slid for four straight years.

That's especially true in New York, where farmers can send products by rail to New Jersey and then to Asian and South American markets.

"We have a very good market here in New York because most of our beans are exported," Lott said.

Whether the pipeline stays open depends on whether the White House dials back its stated hostility toward China. President Donald Trump is meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, after years in which Trump has scapegoated the Asian nation for much of America's economic woes.

He's previously said he wants American companies to stop investing in China as a way to spur domestic job growth, and has flirted with the idea of a U.S.-China trade war on numerous occasions.

That could be bad news for America's agriculture sector.

"A significant part of U.S. exports in China and greater China are agricultural products," Brad Setser, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said in January. "The Chinese have made it clear that if the U.S. were to impose some kind of duties ... China would respond in some way and on exports to China."

rdownen@timesunion.com  518-454-5018  @RobertDownenTU
ALBANY  Karen Cox, an Excelsior College graduate and leader in the health care and nursing fields, will address graduates at the school's 46th commencement on July 14.

The college will also present Cox with an honorary degree at the Empire State Plaza ceremony.
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At night when things were quiet in the "jaw ward," the wounded doughboys would take out their small trench mirrors and survey the damage to their faces.

Noses had been shot off in the fighting at Saint-Mihiel. Chins were destroyed in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Mouths had been torn apart in the battle of Belleau Wood.

It was 1918, and Clara Lewandoske, a 25-year-old Army nurse from Wisconsin, was caring for these cases in a Red Cross hospital in Paris. "They were wonderful boys," she recalled, and rarely complained.

But at night, if she saw one with a mirror, she would go to his bedside and start chatting. "Get them off of the subject," she said. "Invariably, you'd get them to sleep."

In time, they got used to their injuries. "We all did," she said. "It was just one of those things."

Lewandoske and her "boys" were among the millions of Americans who served in World War I  soldiers, sailors, nurses; white, black and Latino  who were caught up in the cataclysm, which the United States entered 100 years ago on April 6.

Among them was an Army sergeant from Iowa named Arnold Hoke, who would one day become Clara's husband.

Tens of thousands from their generation would perish on the battlefield  25,000 in one six-week period alone  and many thousands more would die of disease.

Others came home physically or emotionally broken.

This month, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial, in Kansas City, are marking the anniversary with exhibits, lectures and commemorations. To learn more, see www.worldwar1centennial.org.

World War I started in Europe in the summer of 1914, and ended on Nov. 11, 1918. The U.S. entered the conflict after France, Russia and Britain had battled Germany and its allies for almost three years.

And American might was brought to bear against Germany only in the closing months of the conflict, but just in time to help reverse the enemy's huge, last-gasp offensive and end the war.
COLONIE (AP)  The New York National Guard is marking the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I with a ceremony at its headquarters in suburban Albany.

A color guard wearing World War I uniforms will be part of the ceremony at the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
COLONIE -- The New York National Guard on Thursday marked the 100th anniversary of the country's entry into World War I.

The ceremony took place at the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters in Latham.
In 1932, the great comic director Ernst Lubitsch switched gears to make an agonizing, anti-war drama, "Broken Lullaby," that did not impress audiences or critics and remains under-appreciated 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 Ozon's 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, Frantz's German's fiancee, played brilliantly by newcomer Paula Beer.

Anna lives with the family of her fiancee, and it's 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 Frantz's grave, placed by the mysterious young man. Soon, she meets this man, Adrien (Pierre Niney), and she brings him to meet Frantz's parents. Like Frantz, Adrien was a music student, and his stories about friendship with Frantz, in pre-war Paris, bring some relief to the family's sorrow.

A sense of loss pervades "Frantz," one of tragedy that can't 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 pre-war 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.

More Information **** Review "Frantz" Rated: PG-13 Running time: 113 minutes **** Excellent *** Good ** Fair * Poor See More Collapse

For those few who have seen "Broken Lullaby," and even for those who haven't, it's worth noting that Ozon takes the story of "Frantz" months past the ending of the Lubitsch film. "Broken Lullaby" was anti-war  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. It's a meditation on the impact of tragedy and on the various ways different people are affected.

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Paula 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. Anna's 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 pre-war blitheness. What's 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 particularly dream and vision of what life might be.

The title, incidentally, is a curious choice. In "Broken Lullaby," the dead soldier's name was Walter. Here he's Frantz, which sounds almost identical to the way you'd pronounce "France" in French. That's a nice change that has some relevance to the course of the film.
THE ISSUE:

Operational problems are affecting the state center that protects the disabled.

THE STAKES:

The state Legislature should review the Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

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The lax oversight of facilities and programs serving some of New York's most vulnerable led to creation of the Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs. Now it's the Justice Center itself that needs a closer look.

The new Justice Center was given a monumental charge in 2013, becoming the monitor for six state oversight agencies and more than 3,000 licensees, facilities and providers. These programs serve the disabled and people in need. The center maintains a hotline and handles reports of allegations of abuse, neglect or other offenses by care providers. The center also handles discipline for situations when its investigators find violations. Using that power, it has ordered the suspension or dismissal of state employees it determined were guilty of mistreatment or neglect.

That's where one of the problems started. A Times Union story last year documented how program workers were becoming hesitant to step in and use force when clients at facilities became violent. Fearing accusations of abuse by what they saw as an overzealous Justice Center, these employees instead called in local police departments. Some complain the center's aggressive approach makes it difficult to hire and retain care workers.

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At that time, we called for a look at the Justice Center's operation with an eye toward possible adjustments in the approach. Since then, two other significant developments have made such a review even more necessary.

First was the revelation last month by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli that an audit of the Justice Center could not be completed because of the agency's refusal to provide "access to most of the relevant information needed." This included the database tracking reported abuses and violations. The center cited state law barring the access because the registry contained information on cases that had not been substantiated. This prompted bipartisan calls in the state Assembly for action.

Then, last week, the center's prosecutorial role came into question when State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Breslin dismissed a case involving the alleged rape of a client by an employee at an Albany facility for teens. The judge found the center hadn't worked under the supervision of the Albany County district attorney's office in its prosecution  which the employee argued was a constitutional violation.

The Justice Center's creation was an important step to help Gov. Andrew Cuomo clear the backlog of documented neglect and abuse cases at state facilities or institutions regulated by the state that care for disabled, addicted, mentally ill and troubled young people. Monitoring and corrective action were also inconsistent.

Lawmakers should take another look at how the Justice Center is structured and make changes needed to ensure criminal cases are properly prosecuted and audits can be completed. And that must happen quickly, not after legal appeals, which might take months or years. Thousands of vulnerable people are counting on the state's protection.
By Shreya Goswami: Which is the best Italian restaurant in Delhi? What's the best place for drinks in the capital?

If you ask any foodie, food writer or restaurant critic these two questions, they'll basically have just two answers to begin with--Ritu Dalmia's Diva, and Rakshay Dhariwal's Pass Code Only. And what if you could merge these two awesome places to get that one place that gives you everything you want?

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Delhi is just finding out the answer to this question with PDA. No, this PDA does not stand for public display of affection--though it might just be, given the level of affection they have shown for that perfect marriage of Italian food and martinis. PDA stands for PCO Diva Agenzia, and it's nothing short of the brainchild of the best Italian chef and one of the leading restaurateurs Delhi has to offer.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/pda_delhi

We were super-excited about visiting PDA from the moment it was launched, even more so because we took a sneak peek at the drinks menu. After all, who wouldn't crave a cocktail called First Kiss?

Also Read: Take a trip to France at this private members' club in Delhi

So last night, we took a trip down the lanes of Greater Kailash II and entered PDA with great expectations. The ambience was a blend of quirky and classic--the large photo of the girl with a moustache prop took centre-stage, almost like an eccentric goddess presiding over the food and drinks on offer. Her two High Priests, Head Chef Akriti Malhotra (who is also the Sous Chef to Ritu Dalmia) and Mixologist Vikas Kumar gave us the introduction to the concept of PDA. And so, the feast began.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/pda_delhi Picture courtesy: Instagram/pda_delhi

We started the evening with the Love in the Back Pocket Seelbach (a 19th century bourbon cocktail invented in Kentucky, USA) paired with some bruschettas. While the cocktail was sweet with a tangy twist, the bruschettas were outstanding. The Classic Tomato and Basil one might seem a little regular, but the Smoked Salmon bruschetta was quite good.

The standout in this category of appetizers was the Fig, Onion Jam and Goat Cheese bruschetta. It was sweet, meaty-despite-the-lack-of-meat, and slightly tangy. The Artichoke on Millefoglie was brought in along with the Rob Roy & Romeo cocktail (a Scotch-based cocktail created in Manhattan in 1894). The puff pastry was the perfect base for the millefoglie, and we wished we could do with more of those bite-sized delights.

The piece de resistance of the evening was the Prawns in a Blanket. The prosciutto wrapping was definitely thinner and crispier than regular bacon, and the prawns were juicy and spicy. We would definitely go back for a bag of these prawns, which, as Chef Akriti revealed, is one of their most popular dishes.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/pda_delhi

Also Read: Prayers Answered: A Delhi cafe that offers delicious food for the health-conscious

It was while we were savouring this superb dish that the First Kiss was brought out. And it was everything we hoped for--tangy, sweet, and savoury with every sip. A beautiful twist on the classic gin and tonic, this one took us straight back to colonial times, while making us fall in love with this Italian Apertivo bar all over again. While we followed this drink up with An Old-Fashioned Courtship and All Sortsa Hanky Panky--both outstanding cocktails you must get a few sips of when you're at PDA--the food continued to revel us.

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The mixed platter of Diva's famous Salumi and Cheese Board went as perfectly with the cocktails as the Arancine, the parmesan and chicken crusted Chicken Skewers, and the Calamari Basket. By the time the half-and-half Prosciutto and Funghi pizze arrived, we were sure we'd be coming back for more. And trust us when we say that you will wish the same, especially with the dessert platter which was just making its way to our table right then.

If you have a cheesecake, a salted caramel tart, and a tiramisu on the same plate, which one would you go for first? We were as confused as you would be. So we went with a bite of each to begin with, and decided that the tiramisu deserves to be savoured till the last moment. It really was that good--soft, light, with a slight note of coffee. We really couldn't ask for more.

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By the time we said our thanks to the outstanding chef and mixologist--who're the representatives of the core partnership this restaurant stands for--we were in the happiest state of mind. Our taste buds had been more than just satiated, and the drinks had actually added to make this effect even more glamorous. If Rakshay Dhariwal and Ritu Dalmia opened a few more cosy and quirky branches of PDA across this city, no foodie would ever want to leave Delhi.

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[April 06, 2017] Save a Car to Save America's Parks: Autotrader Partners with National Park Foundation for Earth Day 2017

ATLANTA, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Earth Day 2017, Autotrader is partnering with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, on a new initiative to raise environmental awareness and help benefit America's parks. As part of its Earth Drive campaign, Autotrader will donate $1.00 to the National Park Foundation, up to $50,000, for every eco-friendly car (31+ MPG or hybrid/electric vehicles) saved at http://autotradr.co/EarthDay from April 5-22. Saving a car on Autotrader through the "My Autotrader" personalized shopping feature puts the industry's most influential listing site1 to work directly for the car buyer by monitoring the car 24/7, making it easier than ever to find the right deal. Whether a car shopper is online or not, Autotrader keeps an eye on saved cars and will send email or text alerts with important details like if a price has dropped, if there are new incentives offered like cash back rebates, 0% financing and more, providing immediate notification if the deal has gotten even better. "Car shoppers visiting Autotrader over the next few weeks have a unique opportunity to help make a positive impact for America's treasured national parks quite literally with the push of a button," said Jessica Stafford, vice president of marketing, Cox Automotive Media. "We know Earth Day is a time when people examine the choices they make in their day-to-day lives and consider how they can better conserve and preserve, and for car shoppers this means adding environmentally friendly vehicles to their consideration sets. Autotrader's Earth Day 2017 partnership with the National Park Foundation encourages car shoppers to be more environmentally conscious as they consider their next vehicle purchase." When it comes to 'green' vehicles, the list of choices grows longer each year, from subcompacts to minivans to SUVs to luxury vehicles. While a hybrid or electric car may be ideal for some, other shoppers may be looking for a more traditional gasoline-powered car that get better-than-average mileage. Autotrader understands the varying needs and budgets of car shoppers, so their experts have several resources to help people figure out which eco-friendly ride is best for them, including Green Car Shopping Tips and Here Are the 10 Electric Vehicles with the Longest Range.



"We are grateful to partners like Autotrader for raising awareness and support for America's national parks," said Stefanie Mathew, vice president of corporate partnerships at the National Park Foundation. "This partnership will help protect the national parks we all love, make it possible for more people to experience them, and inspire the next generation to care for these treasured places." About the National Park Foundation

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and inspire the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service's 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America's National Parks, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org. Find out more at www.nationalparks.org.

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site, with the most engaged audience of in-market shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered consumer looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing solutions guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com. About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, vAuto, Xtime and a host of other brands. The global company has 33,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion and approximately 60,000 employees. Cox Enterprises' other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com. 1 2017 Cox Automotive Car Buyer Journey Study To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/save-a-car-to-save-americas-parks-autotrader-partners-with-national-park-foundation-for-earth-day-2017-300435905.html SOURCE Autotrader

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[April 06, 2017] Wireless service providers must join the National Public Alerting System

OTTAWA and GATINEAU, April 6, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today directed all wireless service providers to implement a wireless public alerting system on their LTE (long-term evolution) networks by April, 2018. This system will allow emergency management officials, such as fire marshals and police agencies, to warn Canadians on their mobile devices of dangers to life and property. The alerts will be sent to mobile devices connected to LTE networks, which are available to over 97% of Canadians. Service providers have also been tasked by the CRTC to work with their federal, provincial and territorial counterparts to develop an awareness campaign and test schedule. Quick Facts Emergency alert messages are issued by federal, provincial and territorial governments and emergency management officials to warn the public of imminent threats, such as fires, tornadoes, floods, water contamination and Amber Alerts.

Once the system is in place, an even greater number of Canadians will be notified in a timely manner of imminent or unfolding dangers through alerts sent via mobile networks.

In 2015, more than 82% of Canadians owned a mobile device, representing nearly 30 million wireless subscribers.

In 2014, the CRTC's Interconnection Steering Committee Network Technology Working Group, which included wireless service providers, assisted in the development of technical requirements for a wireless public alerting service in Canada .

. In August 2015 , the Canadian standard on the Wireless Public Alerting System was approved by Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions.

, the Canadian standard on the Wireless Public Alerting System was approved by Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions. Defence Research and Development Canada's Centre for Security Science, through the Canadian Safety and Security Program, initiated a pilot project between April 1 and September 30, 2016 , in the Durham Region of Ontario to build, test and operate an efective wireless public alerting service.

, in the Durham Region of to build, test and operate an efective wireless public alerting service. The CRTC's Interconnection Steering Committee Network Technology Working Group must report back to the Commission with a progress report by July 5, 2017 , and a final report by October, 3, 2017, detailing a proposed awareness campaign and test schedule.

, and a final report by October, 3, 2017, detailing a proposed awareness campaign and test schedule. The exact launch date for the distribution of alerts will be announced once the wireless industry has met the applicable standards and all required functionalities are in place.

Once alerts are distributed to mobile devices, Canadians will hear the same alert tone as they currently do while listening to the radio or watching television. Alerts on mobile devices will also trigger a unique vibration cadence when an alert is issued, and will contain a bilingual banner.

The wireless public alerting standard adopted by Canada has been adopted by governments across the world for emergency alerts services, including the European Union, the United States of America , Israel , Chile and Japan .

has been adopted by governments across the world for emergency alerts services, including the European Union, , , and . Canadian broadcasters and television service providers have distributed emergency alerts since 2014. As a result, the vast majority of Canadians currently receive emergency alerts through radio and television.

The CRTC created an interactive map identifying which Canadian radio and television stations distribute alert messages; a list of cable and satellite companies that distribute these messages is also included.

Public Safety Canada is the lead department responsible for emergency management and coordinates the development of policies for public alerting with federal, provincial and territorial stakeholders.

The CRTC's regulatory action announced today followed a public consultation initiated in 2016.



Quote "The Commission is working with the wireless industry and our partners in federal, provincial and territorial governments to provide Canadians with a reliable and efficient wireless public alerting system, as soon as possible. The National Public Alerting System is vital to Canadians, it has saved countless lives, including those of children through Amber Alerts. Once the system is in place, an even greater number of Canadians will receive alerts on their mobile phones and will be able to take appropriate safety measures."

Jean-Pierre Blais , CRTC Chairman and CEO. Related products Implementation of the National Public Alerting System by wireless service providers to protect Canadians

Telecom Notice of Consultation 2016-115 Associated Links TV and Radio Stations that broadcast Emergency Alert Messages

Emergency Alert Messages and the National Public Alerting System (NPAS) Ask a question or make a complaint Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter @CRTCeng

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/crtceng SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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[April 06, 2017] Segal Names New Public Sector Market Director

David Blumenstein, President and CEO of The Segal Group, has named Andrew D. Sherman the firm's National Public Sector Market Director, effective May 1, 2017. On that date, Mr. Sherman will succeed Cathie G. Eitelberg, who is retiring at the end of May after more than two decades with Segal. Mr. Sherman, a senior vice president, has been with Segal for more than 30 years. He currently manages the firm's public sector consulting for its Boston and Hartford offices. He has also been the firm's multiemployer health practice leader and he served on the Board of Directors of the Segal Group for the past 10 years. Mr. Sherman is the lead consultant to a number of large public sector employee benefit plans, including city and state health plans. He holds a BA in Economics from Brandeis University (News - Alert) (Waltham, MA) and a Masters of Public Policy with a concentration in Health Care Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. "Andrew has a deep understanding of public sector issues," said Mr. Blumenstein. "He is dedicated to our clients and assuring benefit security for their plan participants. I am confident that Segal Consulting's public sector practice will continue to thrive under his leadership." "I am excited to take on this role and grteful for the confidence bestowed by David and Cathie," commented Mr. Sherman. "Our team is filled with highly experienced and accomplished actuaries and benefits professionals, and together working with the public sector, we focus on benefit architectures that result in strong workforce environments."



Ms. Eitelberg's time with Segal caps a distinguished career that spans 40 years. She joined Segal from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), where she was the chief tax lobbyist and the founder and director of the GFOA's Pension and Benefits Center. "Under Cathie's leadership, Segal helped improve the lives of public sector workers throughout the country, working with leaders in cities, states and on the federal level to find the best benefits solutions possible. She deserves our collective thanks for her contributions in the field," said Mr. Blumenstein. "I am also grateful to Cathie for her friendship and collaboration over many years."

Segal Consulting (www.segalco.com), a member of The Segal Group, is a leading independent firm of benefit, compensation and human resources consultants. Clients include boards of trustees administering pension and health and welfare plans under the Taft-Hartley Act, state and local governments, corporations, non-profit organizations and professional service firms. The Segal Group (www.segalgroup.net) is a privately owned benefits, compensation and investment-consulting firm with more than 1,000 employees throughout the U.S. and Canada. Members of The Segal Group include: Segal Consulting, Sibson Consulting, Segal Select Insurance Services, Inc. and Segal Marco Advisors. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406005766/en/

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[April 06, 2017] Research and Markets Has Announced the Launch of their General Electric (GE) Market Research Portal

The new research portal will provide visitors with unparalleled access to company research on General Electric, alongside comprehensive market research on their position within the various industries in which they are active. GE's products and services range from aircraft engines and oil and gas production equipment to household appliances. For example, they are identified as a leading player in the World Cmmercial Airport Lighting Market. The report highlights the trends in the market in order to identify business opportunities.



The market is driven by increasing investment in infrastructure and the entry of private players. The limiting factors to the market are economic crisis in some economies, and regulatory & administrative issues subjected to airports. The market is expected to grow due to rapidly increasing number of international flights. "General Electric is a leading player within the airport lighting market and the new portal provides easy access to information on their performance as a company and their impact on the overall industry," says Ross Glover, CEO of Research and Markets.

For more information visit: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/companies/general-electric-ge-company?cid=lpdszj About Research and Markets Research and Markets is the world's leading market research store. With more than 1.5 million research resources, we deliver the largest collection of business information products on the market. We offer the most in-depth market analysis across a multitude of industries. Our products provide clients with an unrivalled understanding of their chosen market. No matter how specialist your field, we have the insights and market data to help you make efficient and effective decisions. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406005824/en/

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[April 06, 2017] Bishop Fox Tests Best Known Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for Privacy, Performance and Ease of Use

PHOENIX, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the repeal of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) internet privacy regulations that prevented internet service providers (ISPs) from selling users' browsing history, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been generating more and more attention. While VPNs  which allow you to use the internet without your ISP seeing your network traffic  are a valuable tool, they aren't a cure-all solution to everyone's internet privacy woes. And they certainly are not all created equal according to Bishop Fox, a leading global cybersecurity consulting firm. Bishop Fox's researchers analyzed 10 of the most popular VPNs to determine which ones offer the highest levels of privacy, performance, and ease of use. The team, led by security associate Kevin Sugihara and security analyst Kameron Tinsley, identified five VPNs (not ranked in any order) that performed the best across all the criteria. They are: ExpressVPN, PureVPN, TorGuard, TunnelBear, and CactusVPN. "Each of these fiv VPNs got high marks for ensuring privacy and preventing an ISP from gathering information about an individual's web traffic," said Sugihara. "They are all great for varying reasons, so you have to find the one that works best for your particular circumstances."



Bishop Fox's "A Guide to Choosing the Right VPN" explains the pros and cons of each of the cybersecurity experts' picks, and which VPNs weren't selected and why. To test privacy, the Bishop Fox team looked at the different encryption and protocols supported, then generated and analyzed traffic leaving the virtual "test" machine to ensure it was encrypted. More importantly, they wanted to make sure no traffic was leaked in plaintext. To test performance, Bishop Fox browsed the internet with the VPNs enabled and compared it to no VPN at all. The researchers also ran and tested five major speeds on the VPN. Ease of use was determined by how difficult it was to run and configure the VPN, how difficult it was to navigate through the user interface (UI), how easy it was to contact support and get questions resolved, what kind of device support was offered, and whether the program ever crashed or froze (as well as how it behaved when it was forced to).

"VPNs are not perfect, but they are one of the smartest ways to protect your data from being sold to the highest bidder to do with as they please," added Sugihara. About Bishop Fox

Bishop Fox is an independent cybersecurity firm that protects businesses from today's increasing security threats. Since 2005, the firm has provided assessment and penetration testing and enterprise security consulting services to the world's leading organizations. Contact:

Amy Blumenthal

617-879-1511

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bishop-fox-tests-best-known-virtual-private-networks-vpns-for-privacy-performance-and-ease-of-use-300435990.html SOURCE Bishop Fox

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[April 06, 2017] Sword & Shield Enterprise Security Establishes Federal Division

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sword & Shield Enterprise Security, a leading national cybersecurity firm headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, celebrates the launch of their new federal division by announcing the opening of a new office in Washington to better service their federal customers. The opening of the new office, located at 1655 North Fort Myer Dr., Suite 700, Arlington, VA, coincides with a recent Bloomberg Government report recognizing Sword & Shield as the federal government's top insider threat vendor, with more than $531 million in total insider threat contract obligations for fiscal years 2012  2016. "Federal contracts have been a steady, growing aspect of our business for many years," said John McNeely, president and CEO of Sword & Shield Enterprise Security. "It is why the new division and the expansion into Washington was necessary. We're excited to have an official presence in our nation's capital and look forward to improving our current relationships and developing new federal partnerships." Sword & Shield Feeral recently picked up two new federal contracts in 2016: NASA's SEWP V and The National Institute of Health's Commodities and Solutions (CIO-CS). Clients of Sword & Shield Federal include the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the Veterans Administration, and Health and Human Services.



"Over the past 20 years, we have been fortunate enough to develop deep relationships with agency contracting and security communities who have looked to Sword & Shield to help solve their security problems," said Raymond Kahre, vice president, Sword & Shield Federal. "We have become great partners to both government and industry, and our new presence in Washington provides Sword & Shield Federal the space to collaborate in a more effective and engaging manner." To contact the Washington office, call 703-382-6316 or visit https://www.swordshieldfederal.com/.

About Sword & Shield Federal

A division of Sword & Shield Enterprise Security, Inc., Sword & Shield Federal holds two federal government contracts to provide technology solutions to federal agencies. Sword & Shield Federal blends an active and engaged community of partners with their own core cybersecurity intelligences to offer customers the right solutions to combat emerging threats. For more information, visit https://www.swordshieldfederal.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 May 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

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Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi slammed the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre saying it allows lynch mobs to rule.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: A 50-year-old Muslim man -- Mohammad Akhlaq -- was dragged out of his house by a mob of at least 100 and thrashed to death in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri, accusing him of storing and consuming beef.

That was last year. On April 1, another Muslim man in his fifties was beaten to a pulp by self-proclaimed 'gau rakshaks' in Rajasthan's Alwar. He breathed his last the next day.

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Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi tweeted this morning, condemning the attack on the man who was accused of cow smuggling, but later found out to be a dairy farm owner.

Slamming the BJP government both in Rajasthan and the Centre Rahul Gandhi said, "When Govt abdicates responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow. Shocking breakdown of law and order in Alwar".

When Govt abdicates responsibility&allows lynch mobs to rule,tragedies of immense proportion follow.Shocking breakdown of law&order in Alwar- Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) April 6, 2017

Saying he expects the government to take strict action against those responsible for the "brutal and senseless" attack, Rahul Gandhi said, in another tweet, "All right minded Indians must condemn this blind brutality."

We expect Govt to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal & senseless attack- Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) April 6, 2017

All right thinking Indians must condemn this blind brutality- Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) April 6, 2017

|| FYI || Muslim man killed by cow vigilantes: Rajasthan home minister holds both sides guilty ||

Congress has given adjournment notices in both houses - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha - in Parliament to discuss Alwar lynching matter. The principal opposition party demanded arrest of the people who were involved in this crime.

The dairy farm owner, 55-year-old Pehlu Khan, and four others were transporting cattle on Saturday. The matter came into light when the videos of the sordid affair went viral.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "PM Modi should speak on the matter and ask his party people and followers not to do such things."

Talking to media in the Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said, "This is the new vision for India that Narendra Modiji is propagating. It is the vision where only one idea will prevail. Any other idea or anybody who doesn't agree with RSS and Modiji has no place in India."

"That is the vision and that is what they are doing," Rahul Gandhi said.

Stating that it is a "mindset" where in such incidents are being reported from various parts of country, Rahul Gandhi said, "This will have serious consequences in future."

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[April 06, 2017] Avivagen Announces a Follow-On Purchase Order of OxC-Beta Livestock From UNAHCO, Inc.

OTTAWA, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avivagen Inc. (TSXV:VIV) (OTC Pink:CHEXF) (Avivagen or the Corporation), a company with a proven and commercially-ready, patent protected product intended to replace the antibiotics added to livestock feeds as growth promoters, announces an additional purchase order of the same value and quantity from UNAHCO, Inc. (UNAHCO) in the Philippines for 150 kg of OxC-beta Livestock 10% premix at pricing in line with Avivagens target. The shipping date of the product is subject to receipt of an import permit. Based on recent conversations between executives at each of Avivagen and UNAHCO, Avivagen anticipates further orders from UNAHCO.

UNAHCO is the exclusive distributor for Avivagens OxC-beta Livestock in the Philippines, where it is now registered for use in all food animal species. UNAHCO is the wholly-owned feed and veterinary subsidiary of Unilab Inc., the biggest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines. UNAHCO provides a broad range of animal healthcare and nutrition products and programs to meet the requirements of both commercial and individual farmers in the Philippines as well as abroad. It is a leading producer of pig and poultry feed and has a distribution network that serves more than 3,000 outlets, supported by more than 100 field personnel. Avivagen intends to accelerate market access and the commercial uptake of its OxC-beta Livestock product. Avivagen operates in Canada with headquarters in Ottawa and is actively working with large, vertically integrated livestock producers and feed companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. About Avivagen

Avivagen Inc. is a public company traded on the TSXV under the symbol VIV and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, based in partnership facilities of the National Research Council of Canada and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For more information, visit www.avivagen.com. About OxC-beta Technology and OxC-beta Livestock

OxC-beta Technology is derived from Avivagen discoveries about carotenoids, compounds that give certain frits and vegetables their bright colors and is a non-antibiotic means of maintaining optimal health and growth. OxC-beta Livestock is a proprietary product shown to be effective and economic in replacing the antibiotics commonly added to livestock feeds. OxC-beta Livestock is currently registered and available for sale in the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.



Avivagens product addresses one of the worlds leading risks to human health: the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria, known as antimicrobial resistance. In order to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for human health, their use in the food chain as growth promoters for livestock animals must be eliminated. This use of antibiotics represents the single largest and majority use of antibiotics globally. Government agencies, global health organizations, livestock producers and end market food companies and their customers are now reaching consensus on the need to raise livestock without the use of antibiotics. Consequently the search is on for alternative products that will fill the gap to maintain health and productivity under modern production conditions. Avivagens OxC-beta Livestock product is safe, effective and could fulfill the global mandate to remove all in-feed antibiotics as growth promoters. Numerous international livestock trials with poultry and swine using OxC-beta Livestock have proven that the product performs as well as, and, sometimes, in some aspects, better than in-feed antibiotics.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon the current expectations of management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties associated with the business of Avivagen Inc. and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions aim, anticipate, appear, believe, consider, could, estimate, expect, if, intend, goal, helps, hope, likely, may, plan, possibly, potentially, pursue, seem, should, whether, will, would and similar expressions or opinions of management. Avivagen faces risks and uncertainties in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, the following: Avivagens ability to continue as a going concern; whether UNAHCO will continue to place orders; whether an import permit will be issued, if at all; the results of ongoing or future trials may not be positive or sufficiently positive; even if the results of trials are positive, there is no guarantee that Avivagens products will be commercially successful or that requisite registrations or regulatory approvals will be obtained or maintained; the timing and results of trials may be delayed or may not be completed at all; whether Avivagen will achieve any of the goals set out in this press release, if at all; whether Avivagen can obtain further commercial and trial alliances in Asia and elsewhere; whether the orders of OxC-Beta will increase as the product moves through sales and marketing; whether UNAHCOs orders will increase as product efficacy is demonstrated; whether UNAHCO, Inc. will anticipate an increase in its order backlog as it demonstrates the value of OxC-Beta Livestock; and intellectual property rights may not be granted, or, if granted, may prove inadequate to protect Avivagens inventions. Readers should also refer to the risk factors in Avivagens Annual Information Form and other securities law filings from time to time. Accordingly, readers should not place undue or even any reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Avivagen assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Copyright  2017 Avivagen Inc. OxC-beta is a trademark of Avivagen Inc. For more information: Avivagen Inc. Drew Basek, Director of Investor Relations 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6 Phone: 416-540-0733 E-mail: [email protected] Kym Anthony, Interim Chief Executive Officer 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6 Head Office Phone: 613-949-8164 Website: www.avivagen.com

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[April 06, 2017]

Government of Canada Continues Efforts to Build a Clean Tech Economy through Budget 2017

OTTAWA, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada continues to strive to be a global leader in clean technology by positioning Canada at the leading edge of innovation and ensuring that Canadians are able to access the jobs of the future.

Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, today highlighted Budget 2017's investments in the clean technology sector while visiting one of Carleton University's research facilities. Budget 2017 proposes nearly $1.4 billion in new financing be made available, on a cash basis, to help clean technology firms grow and expand.

Natural Resources Canada has worked with Carleton University to measure emissions from flaring that will help provide the information needed to reduce emissions from the oil and gas sector that contribute to climate change.

Budget 2017 takes further action to boost the growth of Canada's clean technology sector by providing fnancing that innovative companies need in order to grow: supporting research, development, demonstration and adoption of clean technologies; enhancing collaboration; and establishing new ways of measuring success.









Budget 2017 also takes important steps to support the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Addressing climate change and protecting our environment represent an opportunity to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and create good, middle-class jobs.

Quotes

"Canada has an opportunity to create a world-leading clean tech economy. Budget 2017 proposes actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help Canada adapt and build resilience to climate change and support clean technologies. We are also helping companies connect to global markets, take an innovative and collaborative approach to solving modern challenges, and get what they need to grow."

Jim Carr

Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

Related Links

http://www.budget.gc.ca/2017/docs/plan/toc-tdm-en.html

Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca.

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
[April 06, 2017] TransferWise calls out Canada's financial industry

"It's time to wake up and put Canadians first" TORONTO, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - On Thursday April 6, TransferWise, Europe's leading financial technology startup, took over the Brookfield Place Downtown Toronto with a message for Canada's Big 5: stop ripping off Canadians. In 2016, Canadians sent over CAD$30 billion out of the country. More than CAD$1 billion of that went into banks' profits due to misleading fees and bad, often undisclosed, exchange rates. TransferWise was born out of frustration with how the financial system is bogged down by such unfair practices. This does not need to be the norm. With the recent news of aggressive sales tactics being employed in Canada's top financial institutions, the firm decided to organize a wake up call. "The news of aggressive sales tactics being employed across the major financial institutions in Canada recently is deeply concerning. Deceptive practices should not be condoned and should never be the norm," says Joe Cross, General Manager North America, TransferWise. "Competition exists in the industry to provide people with options. A competitive landscape is not an excuse to encourage negligence internally: it's irresponsible and shows a depressing lck of respect for the people of Canada. This news hopefully serves as a wake-up call for people about how they are being taken advantage of. But it's also one for the industry: it's time to put people first," says Cross.



More than 70 pajama-clad TransferWise campaigners roamed the busy downtown Toronto area in a zombie-like sleep state during morning rush hour. Awakened by a giant alarm clock in Brookfield Place, the group then took part in a sweeping pillow fight to encourage Canadians to 'wake up' to hidden banking fees and embrace new alternatives. TransferWise is dedicated to moving money for as little possible, as fast as possible. The firm is dedicated to tackling the inefficiencies in the established system and passing those savings along to customers. This is why the company is excited to announce that its always transparent fees have been reduced further for transfers from Canada to 33 countries. And that's just the beginning as it continues to establish a base in Canada.

For more information on the campaign and it's call for more transparency in Canadian banking fees, please visit transferwise.com/wakey-wakey. About TransferWise

TransferWise is the international money transfer platform based on peer-to peer technology. Launched globally in 2011 and in Canada in 2016, it is one of the most successful European FinTech startups having raised $117m in funding from investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Sir Richard Branson, Valar Ventures and Max Levchin, the co-founders of PayPal. TransferWise was named a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer in 2015. Co-founded by Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Kaarmann, the company was created out of frustration with the high fees charged by banks on international money transfer. TransferWise uses the real exchange rate: the mid-market rate - without the hidden markup fees. Over $1 billion is transferred across the globe every month using the TransferWise platform, saving customers more than $1 million every day. TransferWise is working to make the world better by helping to make the financial system fair. www.transferwise.com SOURCE TransferWise

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[April 06, 2017] Salesforce and Community Leaders Gather to Celebrate "Topping Off" of Salesforce Tower San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the world's fastest growing Top 5 software company and #1 CRM leader, today celebrates the milestone "Topping Off" of Salesforce Tower San Francisco. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor Jane Kim, Salesforce Chairman and CEO Marc Benioff, Boston Properties Executive Vice President Bob Pester, Hines Senior Managing Director Paul Paradis, and local religious and spiritual leaders from the San Francisco Interfaith Council will join the construction crew at the event to commemorate the completion of the structural phase of the building's construction. Comments on the News

"I am deeply grateful to everyone working on Salesforce Tower as we celebrate this incredible milestone. My hope for this building is that its meaning goes beyond its beautiful glass and steel structure," said Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO, Salesforce. "May the meaning of Salesforce Tower be the people within it who are deeply committed to making this city a better place for all of its citizens. Salesforce employees don't just make great products for our customers' success. We're also devoted to giving back to the communities where we live and work. This includes improving our local public schools and hospitals, and taking care of those less fortunate than ourselves, especially San Francisco's homeless population." "For years, Salesforce has been a key partner to San Francisco, bringing thousands of jobs to the city and giving back through donations and volunteer programs," said Mayor Edwin M. Lee. "Salesforce Tower represents the company's significant impact in the city, and reflects Marc's commitment to San Francisco as the business continues to grow."



Salesforce: Fastest-Growing Top 5 Enterprise Software Company

Salesforce was founded in San Francisco 18 years ago and today is the city's largest technology employer, with more than 6,600 employees in the San Francisco Bay Area and more than 25,000 employees worldwide. The company plans to expand to 30,000 employees worldwide during its current fiscal year. In 2017, Salesforce was ranked by Fortune as the 20th most admired company in the world and the #1 workplace for giving back. People Magazine also ranked Salesforce as the #1 company on its Companies Who Care list. Introducing the Salesforce Tower Ohana Floor61st Floor to be Shared with the Community

The top floor of Salesforce Tower will be called the Salesforce Ohana Floor and will be designed as a fully open floorwithout offices or conference rooms. Ohana is the word "family" in Hawaiian, and represents Salesforce's family of employees, customers, partners and the community. The Ohana floor will be used for Salesforce meetings and collaboration for employees, customers and partners and will also be shared with the community.

Salesforce CampusTargeting 10,000 employees in San Francisco

Salesforce Tower is complemented by two additional office towers, Salesforce East and West, across the streets at 50 Fremont Street and 350 Mission Street as well as Rincon Center and One Market. Together, these buildings comprise Salesforce's urban campus. The company is targeting to employ a total of 10,000 employees in San Francisco within the next three years. Salesforce plans to start moving employees into the new Tower in early 2018. The 61-story Salesforce Tower is the tallest office building west of Chicago, transforming the San Francisco skyline. Salesforce is the anchor tenant of the building, and will occupy floors 3-30, as well as the 60th and 61st floors. Located in the Transbay District at 415 Mission Street, between Fremont and First Streets, Salesforce Tower occupies a full city block around the Transbay Terminal. As part of Salesforce's industry-leading global sustainability practices, Salesforce Tower is already LEED Core and Shell Platinum Certified. About Salesforce

Salesforce, the Customer Success Platform and world's #1 CRM, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com. Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase Salesforce applications should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Salesforce has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM." For more information please visit http://www.salesforce.com, or call 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salesforce-and-community-leaders-gather-to-celebrate-topping-off-of-salesforce-tower-san-francisco-300436060.html SOURCE Salesforce

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[April 06, 2017] WhereScape CTO Neil Barton to Present at Worldwide Data Vault Consortium

WhereScape CTO Neil Barton will be a featured speaker at Worldwide Data Vault Consortium 2017 (WWDVC 2017), hosted by Data Vault Founder and Inventor Dan Linstedt, which kicks off May 15 in Stowe, Vermont. WhereScape has a strategic partnership with Linstedt and is a Platinum Sponsor of WWDVC 2017. In the talk, WhereScape Automation for Data Vault 2.0, Barton, along with WhereScape's Paul Watson-Gover, a Certified Data Vault Data Modeler, will detail how WhereScape automation solutions enable agile Data Vault 2.0 project delivery through accelerated development, documentation and deployment without sacrificing quality or flexibility. Barton and Watson-Gover will discuss how WhereScape automation software uses powerful Data Vault code generation capabilities to automate the construction of ELT (extraction, transformation and load) processing, along with its DevOps capabilities to deploy, manage and operate Data Vault environments. They will also share customer case studies of organizations that have successfully used WhereScape to expedite Data Vault 2.0 development. "Businessesare looking to do things better, faster and cheaper, and you really can't do that without a metadata-driven tool that can automate or generate your solutions in your data warehouse, BI or analytics environment," Linstedt said. "Data Vault development can be achieved quickly and with agility by incorporating WhereScape's automation solutions. You are not going to get 100 percent automation in the changing business rule space, but 99 percent of the data acquisition side-because it is so standardized-should be automated," Linstedt said.



At WWDVC 2017, Micron Technology (News - Alert), a WhereScape customer, will be presenting a case study, "Big" Data Vault-Micron's journey with massive volumes on Data Vault 2.0, which details Micron's use of WhereScape's automation solutions to speed up Data Vault 2.0 development on high-volume, fast-moving data sets. Micron Technology has adopted Data Vault 2.0 for its new Global Enterprise Data Warehouse, collecting data from many manufacturing sites across the globe into a common model. Micron will share how Data Vault has performed on high-volume, fast-moving sets of data on the Teradata (News - Alert) platform using WhereScape tools for ELT automation.

In addition, WhereScape will also be hosting a Hands-On Lab on May 16 from 9am-12pm ET in which attendees will use WhereScape's profiling and development solutions to automate and generate Data Vault 2.0 solutions. "WhereScape provides metadata-driven, full life-cycle automation for discovering, designing, developing, deploying and managing Data Vault 2.0 environments," Barton said. "We fully automate the construction of load and stage processing, based on source to target metadata mappings while fully documenting the entire Data Vault development process." About WhereScape WhereScape is the data warehouse automation pioneer. WhereScape designs, develops, sells and supports WhereScape 3D, the industry's first data warehouse discovery tool; and WhereScape RED, the industry's first and best integrated development environment for building, deploying, managing and renovating data warehouses and analytic systems. WhereScape's products are used in every kind of today's commercial environment: from normal-form enterprise data warehouses and data vaults, through user access layers and tiers of dependent data marts, to standalone data marts and reporting systems. More than 700 customers use WhereScape's products to build data warehouses, with fewer people, fewer diversions, no missed deadlines, and no unmet user expectations - in day or weeks, instead of months or years. WhereScape has offices in Portland, Oregon; Auckland, New Zealand; Reading, UK and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.wherescape.com All products or company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406006011/en/

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[April 06, 2017] The Future is Bright with Sun King Brewery

INDIANAPOLIS, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunglass Warehouse, an Indianapolis e-commerce eyewear company that offers hundreds of affordable sunglasses, has partnered with Sun King Brewery for a product collaboration that includes branded Sun King sunglasses. As Sun King continually dedicates its resources to being fresh and local, it was a no-brainer that they partner with a local company to provide their new promotional products. "What makes working with Sunglass Warehouse so great is the fact that our missions align so well and our cultures are so community focused," said Beth Belange, Promotions Director at Sun King Brewery. Along with their new partnership, Sun King Brewery and Sunglass Warehouse will donate $1 towards Habitat for Humanity Women Build for every pair of sunglasses sold. "When Sun King approached us about a potential partnership, we immediately agreed to help. As companies that both want to see our community flourish, we knew this was a great opportunity," said Randy Stocklin, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunglass Warehouse. The Sun King sunglasses will make its official appearance on April 6 at Bike to the Ball Park and will also be sold in both Sun King Brewery locations, as well as online through sunkingbrewery.com and Sunglass Warehouse. About Sunglass Warehouse

Empowering people to experience more, Sunglass Warehouse was created in the home of Randy and Angie Stocklin. While both enjoy traveling the world, they began thinking of ways to start a company that believes in seizing life's adventures rather than spending money on expensive shades. Since 2005, Sunglass Warehouse has evolved into an ecommerce brand that encourages individuals to spend less while doing more by providing hundreds of affordable sunglasses. For more information about Sunglass Warehouse, visit www.sunglasswarehouse.com. About Sun King Brewery

Sun King Brewing Company is the brainchild of Dave Colt and Clay Robinson. With the help of family and friends, the first keg of Sun King beer rolled out the door for delivery in July 2009. Now available on tap and in cans at hundreds of locations statewide, Sun King has grown into the second-largest beer brewer in the state of Indiana  and the largest brewer in the state that distributes beer exclusively in Indiana. Visit www.sunkingbrewing.com for more information. Sun King Brewery is also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.







Contact: Kari Daffron

(317) 345-3608

[email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-future-is-bright-with-sun-king-brewery-300436077.html SOURCE Sunglass Warehouse

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Election day information: voting times, polling centers and races

Residents will have their final chance to cast votes in local races on Nov. 8, including seats on both the NLCS and MCS boards and Sheriff.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad finally relents and issues a regret letter to Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju.

In the letter he has 'requested' the ministry to lift the no-fly ban imposed on him after he was accused of abusing and manhandling 60-year-old Air India flight official.

He offered to apologise for his behaviour in Parliament but not to the 60-year-old flight official.

Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him should be lifted. He got support from other opposition parties.

"After 45 minutes, an officer came. I talked to him calmly, but he asked who are you. I asked him who are you, he said he is the 'father of Air India'. When I said that I was a politician, one of them said 'But you are not Narendra Modi. Are you?'" said the Shiv Sena MP, giving his version of the incident.

"I am staring at a ban across all airlines," Gaikwad said and claimed that the charges against him are "unfounded" and should be taken back.

"I have been charged under IPC 308, which is for 'attempt to murder'. Was I holding any weapon?.. Is this justice," he added.

"If the dignity of Parliament has been hurt, I apologise to the Parliament, but not to the officer," he said.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju reiterated that the ban was not for a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights. This led to a protest by Shiv Sena members, and the House was adjourned twice.

The MP was backed by Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete who questioned how a charge of attempt to murder can be slapped against the MP.

Meanwhile, Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani had a one-on-one meeting with the civil aviation minister. It is learnt that Lohani conveyed to the minister how the Gaikwad issue is extremely sensitive and also that Air India employees across departments have taken this issue personally.

Shiv Sena has threatened to boycott NDA meeting on April 10 if their MP's name was not removed from the blacklist of airlines.
Several people were injured during the clash which broke out between the two factions of the AIADMK- OPS and EPS camp.

By India Today Web Desk: The two factions of ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), OPS (O Panneerselvam) and EPS (Edappadi Palaniswami) engaged in a violent clash today leaving many injured. Senior party leader of OPS faction E Madhusudhanan's vehicle was also damaged during the clash.

Madhusudhanan is contesting against Sasikala-led AIADMK Amma candidate TTV Dhinakaran for the April 12 bypoll.

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Both the OPS and EPS faction have been hitting out at each other with just a few days left for the RK Nagar elections in Chennai. The Sasikala camp of the AIADMK had moved the Election Commission challenging the use of party symbol by the OPS camp.

The Panneerselvam faction earlier today created uproar after carrying a replica of the coffin of the late Jayalalithaa during their campaigns at RK Nagar.

ALSO READ | RK Nagar bypoll: Has AIADMK's OPS faction gone too far by using Amma's coffin replica?

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Samsung Galaxy S23 just tipped for big battery life upgrade  and early release date

We may see a new efficient performance mode added to the Galaxy S23, which may also come only with Snapdragon chips. And the phone could launch at the start of February.
Theres an old saying: Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. That seems to be the case for virtual private networks (VPNs), which are suddenly very popular following the U.S. governments recent decision to let internet service providers (ISPs) keep collecting and selling data about their customers' internet usage.

(Image credit: Would you use a VPN service run by this guy? Credit: Ronald Sumners)

While some paid VPN services do indeed route your data anonymously through countries with stricter privacy laws, others may just be scammers trying to make a quick buck. Consider the case of MySafeVPN as a cautionary tale.

Nicholas Deleon first wrote about MySafeVPN at Motherboard after he received a suspicious email message from the "Plex VPN team." The email claimed that Plex, a popular media server app, had added a VPN arm to its business, and the VPN was known as MySafeVPN. This Plex-developed program, the message continued, would keep Anglophone users safe from their countries increasingly intrusive laws.

MORE: Best VPN Services and Apps

This didn't seem like something Plex would do, and indeed Scott Olechowski, Plex's co-founder, was horrified to find out about MySafeVPNs claims and denied that his company had anything to do with MySafeVPN. Nor was Plex the only media server cited in MySafeVPNs e-mails; others claimed that Boxee, a former Plex rival, was now coming back as a VPN service.

How did MySafeVPN get the email addresses of Plex and Boxee users? Both Plex and Boxee suffered data breaches a few years back, and someone with a little money to spend on the black market could easily have bought copies of those databases to acquire vast lists of email addresses.

Furthermore, MySafeVPN may not have any idea how to run a virtual private network. Troy Hunt is a well-known Australian security expert who blogs about online security and runs the invaluable HaveIBeenPwned website, which lets you check to see if your email has been part of a data breach. He, too, received the "Plex VPN team" email.

Hilariously, Hunt found that MySafeVPN's website was itself not secured with HTTPS, a free and easy method of privatizing web traffic. (Every site that requires you to log in with a password ought to be secured with HTTPS.) Furthermore, the certificate for MySafeVPN's website led to an empty, and also unsecured, page.

Rather than simply slinking off in shame, MySafeVPN has doubled down on its claims, lashing out at users on Twitter. The company claims that it has every right to claim support from such well-known companies as Microsoft, Symantec, AVG and Trend Micro, because its employees either used to work at those companies, or still do and moonlight for MySafeVPN.

Never mind the fact that Hunt looked up the company's stated address on Google Maps and learned that it seems to be headquartered in a storefront Vietnamese restaurant in Toronto. (Although in all fairness, the restaurant has a respectable 3.5 stars on Yelp.)

Unlike Hunt, Motherboard's Deleon succeeded in getting through to a human on MySafeVPNs phone line. The results were not encouraging. The man on the other end lied to him about being affiliated with Plex. When Deleon tried to correct him, the man accused Deleon of receiving sexual favors from Plex chief Olechowski and called Deleon a "nerd in front of a computer."

The companys bizarre behavior was not confined to phone conversations. On Twitter, a MySafeVPN employee (perhaps the same man as in the phone conversation) hurled a racial slur against Kelvin Zhang, a high school software engineering enthusiast, then accused Zhang of Photoshopping the whole exchange. A MySafeVPN employee (again, maybe the same guy) has even tried his luck on an ill-conceived Reddit thread about the service.

The point of this article isn't just to point out that you might want to think twice about using MySafeVPN. Rather, its to illustrate that for every boneheaded security decision the government makes, there will always be scammers, cybercriminals, and malicious hackers waiting in the wings to profit off it.

Using a VPN has pros and cons; don't buy the first one you hear about just because you're worried about corporations mining your data. (You should also be worried about shady VPN services mining your data.) Truth be told, corporations have been doing that sort of thing for a while, and while there are big political and moral issues at stake, it doesnt pose an immediate, critical threat to your personal privacy or well-being.

Also, you probably shouldnt give your business to companies that deal primarily in lies and verbal abuse, but its not as though a similar situation has never happened before.
Britney Spears has definitely had a big impact on the world of music, but now shes putting her own stamp on politics too, although she isnt exactly running for office.

As Haaretz reports, Brit has a show coming up in Israel on July 3, but that also happens to be the same day as the Labour Partys leadership vote. So what, you might ask?

Well, apparently its a big enough deal that the party is postponing its all-important leadership vote until the following day, as theyre worried that Britney will be a big enough draw to throw the planned date into disarray.

With both the vote and gig happening in the same area of North Tel Aviv, theyre mostly concerned that the concert will be soaking up many of the available security guards and stewards, leaving the vote a bit understaffed and far too insecure.

While that makes sense, Haaretz source for the news also confirmed that the simple fact of clashing with a star of Britneys enduring popularity didnt exactly excite anyone either, with the traffic alone bound to be a nightmare.

So, while she may not have knocked Israels whole future off course, its reassuring to see that the name Britney Spears still holds plenty of sway all across the world.
Justice prevails, Shannon Noll exclaimed on Instagram, announcing that South Australian Police have dropped assault charges against him.

The charges were, of course, after Nollsie was arrested outside Adelaide strip joint The Crazy Horse earlier this year after a fracas which may or may not have involved him attempting to re-enter the club while yelling, Im Shannon Noll, let me back in.

As he says in his below statement, onwards and upwards from here. Check out our list of the Ten Most Nollsie Moments In Nollsie History to celebrate.
Besides being immoral, the OPS faction has faulted on at least two counts.

By India Today Web Desk: The OPS faction - All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) with electric pole as its symbol - has betrayed a desperate attempt to woo the voters. It may be termed unethical on the part of the faction to use the imagery of Jayalalithaa's dead body for narrow political ends.

Senior AIADMK leader E Madhusudhanan of the OPS faction is contesting against Sasikala-led AIADMK Amma candidate TTV Dhinakaran for the April 12 bypoll. The AIADMK Amma faction's election symbol is hat.

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Besides being immoral, the OPS faction has faulted on at least two counts.

First, the political party has misused the national flag for election purposes. This in itself is prohibited under law. No party can use the national flag for canvassing during elections.

Secondly, while allowing the unrestricted display of the national flag by the general public, the Flag Code 2002 has ensured that it is consistent with the honour and dignity of the tricolour. Questions can be raised about the manner in which the national flag has been used by the OPS faction of AIADMK to campaign for its candidate.

Either the Election Commission will take suo moto cognisance of the violation of Flag Code or it may take action if petitioned by any citizen or group.

Also read:

Jayalalithaa death row: Amma's medical reports made public, here's what they reveal

RK Nagar by-polls: Those distributing money to voters see them as 'dogs, servants,' says BJP's Gangai Amaran

Cash for votes in RK Nagar? Over 10 lakh seized during overnight rounds in Jaya's poll-bound constituency: Report

Also watch:

Jayalalithaa legacy war: Battle for Amma's constituency RK Nagar begins

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Kylr Victim Kinship???

Mothers of Kara Kopetsky and Jessica Runions form friendship during search for daughters Their bond was born of circumstance...by solidified by love and support

Celebrate GO Bond Payout

Kansas City contemplating another half-million-dollar lawsuit settlement The Kansas City Law Department has recommended that the City Council settle a discrimination lawsuit with a longtime Water Services employee for $557,567. The council will consider the settlement next week. It would resolve a case filed in 2015 by Wilbur Dunnell, a chemist and longtime supervisor with the Water Services lab division.

Nasty Allegations In Nice Suburb

Leawood man charged with child exploitation, allegedly had sexual picture of child OLATHE, Kan. -- A Leawood man has been charged in Johnson County, Kan., with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child by possession of a photo or video of a child under 18-years-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. According to the court documents, the alleged crimes occurred in 2014 and 2015.

Kansas City Tech Contemplation

Jeff Shackelford: Why would KC want to build the next Silicon Valley? Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author's alone. I recently read an article that shows you can slant a story anyway you want and that many authors write to match their preconceived notions - whether it's true or not. The article that got me thinking about this was from Bloomberg's Sarah McBride.

Wrist Slap Then Back To School

Teen is sentenced for sex assaults at Shawnee Mission East High School A teenager charged last year with sexually assaulting two girls at Shawnee Mission East High School was sentenced to probation Thursday. The 15-year-old Leawood boy pleaded guilty last December in the juvenile division of Johnson County District Court to two felony counts of aggravated battery.

Kansas City Granny Gets Some

Kansas City Writer's One-Act Play Is A Reminder: Older People Have Sex Lives, Too Playwright Alice Carroll of Overland Park recently dropped off donations at a thrift store. A man in her age bracket got her attention. He said he was collecting old toys to fix and give away. "Then he looked at me and he said, 'Tell me: How are you enjoying your old age?'

Curtain Call For Funny Man

Don Rickles, Equal Opportunity Offender of Comedy, Dies at 90 Recalling the first time he saw Mr. Rickles perform, Mr. Poitier said: "He was explosive. He was impactful. He was funny. I mean, outrageously funny." Mr. Rickles got his first break, the story goes, when Sinatra and some of his friends came to see him perform in 1957 - in Hollywood, according to most sources, although Mr. Rickles himself said it was in Miami.

Important news here but most of it is a bummer, scary or depressing. Enjoy!!!And this is thefor right now . . .
KMBC: Thursday morning police officers were called to Van Brunt Boulevard and Independence Avenue. Police Capt. Stacey Graves said a woman in her 30s was found dead inside a vehicle. The death is being investigated as a homicide

The latest local murder is mostly unreported amid today's busy news cycle. Thanks to this media outlet for providing the deets of this tragic urban neighborhood killing:Anyone with information that could help solve this case is encourage to call theDeveloping . . .
Keeping Kansas City 100

Kansas City's National WWI Memorial Prepares For Centenary As the centennial of the United States' entry into the First World War approaches, eyes across the globe are on Kansas City, Missouri. Today, we learn how

Northeast Politico Chatter

Northeast Newscast Episode 5 w/ 1st District Councilman Scott Wagner By Paul Thompson KANSAS CITY, Missouri - The April 4, 2017 election is over, and all five ballot questions have been approved by Kansas City, Missouri voters. Question 1 ($600 million for streets, sidewalks bridges) earned 66% of the vote, Question 2 ($150 million for flood control) earned 61%, Question 3 ($50 for new animal shelter, KC Museum renovation, ADA compliance) earned 67%.

Roundup To Ongoing Investigation

What you need to know about Jessica Runions's disappearance KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Jessica Runions went missing nearly seven months ago, and on Wednesday her family finally got some closure. Here are five things you need to know about her disappearance. 1. She was last seen at a party. Runions, 21, was last seen at a party in Belton, Missouri on Sept 8, 2016.

Kansas City Flooded With Requests

Residents in Kansas City flood zones rejoice with vote to help city address issue KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Residents in the metro say it's a priority. Tuesday night's election marks a win for improving flood control in Kansas City, as city leaders take a big step toward addressing areas of the city where floodwaters often rise.

Local Airborne Prep As Well

French Air Force demo team arrives in Kansas City Kansas City, MO - Fighter jets landed at Kansas City's downtown airport under cloudy skies and blustery winds Wednesday. They've come from France to participate in the WWI Centennial being held at the Liberty Memorial marking the U.S.'s entry into The Great War on April 6, 1917.

Kansas Health Conversation

Sebelius: Patients, not doctors or government, should drive end-of-life care Former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said doctors and government should back off and let patients drive end-of-life care decisions at the Center for Practical Bioethics' annual dinner Wednesday at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Sebelius said she tried to encourage that approach in 2009 as secretary of the U.S.

Sound Of Lady Kansas City

KCUR's Band Of The Week: Katy Guillen & The Girls Katy Guillen & the Girls - the blues-rock trio of guitarist Katy Guillen, bassist Claire Adams and drummer Stephanie Williams - is one of Kansas City's most accomplished bands, touring regularly throughout the country. Their attack recalls classic blues-rock power trios like Cream and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble.

hotness gets today started as we take a look at some of the top morning links for a day dedicated to misunderstanding the legacy of a forgotten war . . .The song of the day marking the Liberty Memorial centennial isand this is thefor right now . . .
IN THIS FIRST ISSUE IT SEEMS THAT THE PITCH DUMPED COLUMNIST DAN SAVAGE AND HIS DELIGHTFULLY RAUNCHY SYNDICATED SEX COLUMN!!!

At the outset of 2017 ourTKC blog community wasRecently,with the hope that this wasn't the end for the business given ongoing cutbacks, fewer pages and a focus on partisan op/ed over reporting and more classically "snarky" fare.After a cursory look, here are a few thoughts and thereview "hot take" (ew) of the debut issue before any other news outlet . . .Here we go:The glossy paper is nice but the pages feel cheap. It's much easier read but upon further handling the sheets are brittle, thin-feeling and crumple easily. Print experts can probably note the lower quality in paper stock but average consumers will be able to feel the difference between this and the Barnes & Noble magazine stand offerings.With an impressive 59 pages the Pitch still seems thin . . . This is their biggest issue in years but what we're seeing is that they've bulked up on advertising, not content -- Like it or not, this is good news for those of us who want to see the publication survive.More about the new "alt." partisan stance . . . The Pitch has told us time and again that they've always been "progressive" but the new direction of the magazine reads a lot more like the same old Democratic Party talking points that we can witness across the gamut of popular mainstream media from MSNBC, the local daily rag or by reading something that Facebook hotties shared fromto make themselves feel smarter.On the bright side, we like that the Pitch is picking up a lot of new writers and focusing on "long form" content. It's a move that's typical and the latest trend from magazines across the nation over the past couple of years . . . Only time will tell if the Interents hasn't killed attention spans far too much for the gambit to work.Still, the new offering from The Pitch doesn't quite feel like a "magazine" just yet and maybe that's the point.magazine pioneered this local-ish style in Missouri but delivers far more content with nearly double the pages. The new writers are great but they're mostly unknowns covering the same kind of topics that any local news outlet would be happy to take on as well . . . Sadly, there's very little here that challenges the status quo, local perceptions or the overall media landscape. While the debut is promising, this new "magazine" will have a long way to go to win readers away from their mobile phones.And here's the kicker . . .On paper (hehe) this makes sense in order to focus on local issues but we all know a great many people who have made thesex-advice column part of their weekly rituals for nearly two decades.In the final analysis, the new magazine reveals that The Pitch has removed a lot of what Kansas City readers have grown to love about the publication over the years while pushing unproven fare and a whole lot of ads into a new form factor.Again, this is just a preliminary review and we invite our blog community to weigh-in and tell us if these bold changes will save the local "alternative" print institution.You decide . . .
CHECK OUR TKC TOP 5 FORGOTTEN LIBERTY MEMORIAL FACTS FOR THIS TRAGIC KANSAS CITY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION!!!

WWI Sparked Horrific Large Scale Chemical Attacks That Persist To This Day

Liberty Memorial Was Once An Infamous Kansas City Anonymous Hookup Location

premier location for prostitution, drug deals and dangerous anonymous causal sex.

After all, many visitors notice that Liberty Memorial kinda looks like a gigantic

phallic symbol

pointed toward the sky.

As Kansas City entered the age of AIDS there were CDC concerns raised regarding some of the very same issues which plagued San Francisco bath houses . . . The restoration of the monument ended the crime and public sex problem for the most part but talk about security in the aftermath of 9/11 continues to confront the site.

Liberty Memorial Loses Money!!!

Kansas City WWI History Often Overlooks American Military Diversity

WWI Laid The Groundwork For Hitler

concocted by some of the very same imbecile politicos, dignitaries and generals whose memory we celebrate today.

More than anything we remind Kansas City denizens that Liberty Memorial is, at its heart, an antiwar tomb-like tribute serving as a message from the grave to the living that the cost of war is ALWAYS the death of the innocent despite the best laid plans of hapless leaders and sheepish crowds who unquestionably follow them to the slaughter.

Today Kansas City celebrates and mostly misinterprets the "War To End All Wars" at a monument that looms over downtown but still remains widely misunderstood.To wit . . .More than anything we hope this will be a change-up from the chest thumping mainstream media coverage that mostly forgets or misreads local history or the significance of the monument built across the way from a train station that took so many soldiers to their doom over the years . . . Either way, here's a few not-so-fun facts that will be probably be overlooked . . .The legacy of WWI continues to haunt the globe, mostly for the worse . . . The use of toxins as weapons dates back thousands of years, however,This week, Syria bombed its own people and manywhich has sparked international outcry that not onlybut also threatens to move the world closer to an all out war in this hotbed of ancient global conflict.Again, the theme from today's festivities is confused with patriotism when the lessons of WWI are far more complex and horrific than simple flag waving.The militaristic and glorious current condition of Liberty Memorial is a departure from its decrepit condition during the 1980s and early1990s when it was aBehind the scenes but still a part of the public record . . .and continue a desperate search to find some way unload thecosts of this memorial that helps drown Kansas City in even more debt.Upon the restoration of Liberty Memorial, a great many local activists rightfully argued that the stories of African-American soldiers were excluded from the institution . . . Former Council Member and local leadershows us: "This is the front of a t-shirt which I will be wearing today at the National World War I Centennial Celebration at The Liberty Memorial here in KCMO. This image is from A World War I Military Recruiting Poster.."While representation isn't yet equal, there is far more inclusion than at the time when the museum was newly restored thanks to the work of locals like the former Council Lady.History buffs think this is common knowledge but for the most partthat WWI should havebut didn't. Instead he survived and helped spark an even more horrific slaughterer inspired by vengeance, in part, against the remarkably unfairand ill-conceivedwhich wasStill . . .You decide . . .
Kyrgyzstans State Committee for National Security (GKNB) also identified the possible perpetrator of the attack as Akbarzhon Dzhalilov

The Russian Investigative Committee has identified 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a Kyrgyz-born Russian citizen, as the suspect believed to have carried out the terrorist bombing in the Saint Petersburg Metro. The investigators have identified a male suspect who set off an explosive device inside a metro train in Saint Petersburg, Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson of the Investigative Committee said in a statement. According to the Investigative Committee, the same suspect planted a second IED at Ploshchad Vosstaniya station, which did not explode.

Following a genetic examination and analysis of CCTV footages, the investigation assumes that this particular person who carried out the suicide attack also left a bag containing the explosive device at Ploshchad Vosstaniya, the committee said.

Earlier in the day, Petrenko told Interfax that the Investigative Committee, assisted by the FSB and the Interior Ministrys rapid response teams, conducted an examination of fragmented remains found inside the third car and were able to establish that the terrorist suspect was male.

The official noted that the authorities are carrying on with interrogations and inspecting CCTV cameras. The statement comes as the death toll continues to rise. Earlier on Tuesday, Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova said three more blast victims had succumbed to their injuries, increasing the number of fatalities from eleven to fourteen.

Earlier, Kyrgyzstans State Committee for National Security (GKNB) also identified the possible perpetrator of the attack as Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a person of Kyrgyz origin, [who] is now a Russian citizen.

Source: rt.com

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Egypt's Naeem Holding, one of the largest growing investment banks in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, said it has started a private placement for a real estate fund worth E1 billion ($65 million).



The country's first real estate investment fund will be managed by Naeem for Investment Fund Management, it stated.



The move comes following the approval from regulator Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority (EFSA) to Naeem for the real estate fund, said a top official.



The placement will take place over one month and will be followed by an initial public offering for the fund by May-end, remarked chief executive officer Youssef Elfar.



He revealed this during a meeting with Sahar Nassr, the Minister of Investment and International Co-operation, to discuss the current investment climate in Egypt.



Several senior members of Naeem Holding including its chairman Hussein Shobokshi, chief investment officer Omnia Kelig and managing director of exchange traded funds (ETFs) Alyaa Gomaa attended the meeting.



The officials discussed several key investment opportunities in national projects, namely the new administrative capital and Suez Canal projects, said the company statement.



The minister highlighted the governments current investments plan including new airports, potential projects in the industrial sector as well as pipeline investments in the free zones, it added.
Canon Middle East, a leader in imaging products and solutions, has unveiled the new concept of Explore, Inspire, Improve at an event in Bahrain as part of its Canon for Business offering.



Held in Manama, the event was the first of a series of Canon for Business events planned in countries within the Middle East as part Canons strategy of being closer to its customers, said a statement from the company.



Canon is exploring the changing world of business and information and is drawing inspiration from our customers challenges to help improve their business. Canons new concept of Explore, Inspire, Improve is reflective of these efforts which will provide a business process consultancy and work with its customers to build the best solution for their specific organisation, based on their business priorities, it said.



At the event attended by more than 100 customers from Bahrain, Canon highlighted its B2B strategy to its channel partners and key customers and showcased an innovative range of products catered to the evolving needs of businesses in verticals such as banking, healthcare, education and government, it added.



Anurag Agrawal, managing director, Canon Middle East, said: Digitisation is becoming an inevitable trend for organisations in the region however to uncover maximum benefits from this trend, businesses need solutions that offer workforce efficiency, stronger cost management, feature more robust data security features, and that function to the highest international sustainability standards.



Our companys solutions holistically address these pain points, and we are happy to demonstrate these capabilities to our Bahraini customers through this event, he said.



We are here to provide an end to end solution to consumers and businesses. This integration will further serve us to become closer to our customers and making technology more usable, he added.



With our corporate philosophy of `Kyosei`, meaning living and working together for the common good, we will look to maintain our growth and prosperity in the region. Agrawal further added.



Bahrain has been a witness to the cultural and economic transformation of this region. According to the latest figures published in the Economic Development Boards Bahrain Economic Quarterly, a growing number of regulatory reforms introduced in Bahrain have contributed to the countrys ability to foster innovation and growth.



Bahrains non-oil growth has seen an average growth rate of 4.7 per cent in 2016 which is a positive sign for the economy, it said.



Shadi Bakhour, B2B business unit director, Canon Middle East, said: As local businesses are turning to big data analytics which is driving IT investments embracing digital transformation to optimise costs, we are committed to strengthening the operational efficiency and productivity of our customers through our innovative suite of services and solutions.



We are committed to support the Bahrain`s business community and is aligned with its core agenda of creating a non-oil momentum driven economy, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
For the first time, Saudi Arabia will host the Top CEO Conference and Awards next week in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

The event which will see CEOs, CMOs, presidents and vice-presidents from across the Gulf region and beyond gather together on April 10 and 11 at Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina, KAEC.

The annual event, now in its third edition, serves to address the burning issues facing the corporate world today while also recognising the very best in GCC business leadership. It is organised by Trends magazine and Insead, a leading international business school.

The event will take place under the theme Adapting to Disruption: New Roles, New Realities, to reflect the transformation in the way C-level executives and businesses prepare to make agile strides toward a sustainable future.

Julien Hawari, co-chief executive officer of Mediaquest, said: The Top CEO Conference has carved a niche for itself not only as a pioneering regional business conference and awards ceremony, but also as an essential leadership event. Our well-thought-of conferences will bring global issues to light in a regional context. Businesses in the GCC and the Middle East are at a turning point, with the era of abundance coming to an end, old business models changing and slow growth haunting the region. New technologies are being ushered in and the region is fast embracing the concept of a new reality. So, we are trying to put these perennial issues at centre-stage, initiate a dialogue and draft a roadmap for a smooth transition.

The Top CEO Conference is an open discussion between thought leaders, executives and officials. Its purpose is to frame global issues  specifically disruptive leadership, innovative corporate strategies and changing dynamics of the business ecosystem  in a regional context, and help executives and leaders to navigate challenges, embrace a new reality, and take their organisations forward in the right direction.

The event will feature both on-record and off-record sessions, covering topics including New Technologies, Challenges of Slow Growth, The Broken Job Machine, Public-Private Partnerships, Leadership 2.0, Big Data & Artificial Intelligence, Vision 2030, Arab Image in the West, Women & Leadership, other sessions will explore investing in Saudi Arabia, the image wars and anti-trust laws.

For the first time the Society of Family Offices, the Singapore based association of family offices will hold its private meeting in Saudi Arabia during the Top CEO conference.

The awards will also be presented on April 11 and honour the regions 100 best-performing CEOs based on an evaluation of their companies performance, growth, profitability, corporate governance, and transparency.  TradeArabia News Service


Euro Motors, the exclusive importer and distributor for luxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain, has announced that the all-new Discovery will be launched in the kingdom on April 19.



The all-new Land Rover Discovery will be launched in impressive style at Bahrain Bay, in an unveiling ceremony that will see VIPs and exclusively invited guests of Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover, along with key members of the media, get their first glimpse of one of Land Rovers most complete 7-seater SUVs, said the company.



Gaining unprecedented popularity ever since its worldwide launch at last years Paris Motor Show, the new Discovery has been dubbed as the worlds most versatile and capable premium full-sized SUV. Tasked with carrying the Land Rover Above and Beyond journey forward, the new member of the Land Rover Discovery family embodies the unique blend of refinement, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability that epitomizes Land Rover vehicles, it said.



The unveiling is set to be launched in a dynamic style, with visitors being given the enviable opportunity to be amongst the first people to interact with the premium SUV in Bahrain. Guests will witness first-hand the capability and durability of the all-new Land Rover Discovery and experience the magnificence of its bold and daringly pioneering features.



Speaking about the launch, Euro Motors managing director Nawaf Khalid Al Zayani said: With the Discovery DNA etched into the core of the new SUV, the fifth-generation model has garnered an impressive amount of attention globally as well as in the region since its official unveiling in Paris. We are looking forward to having this highly capable SUV unveiled to our distinguished customers and VIPs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We enthusiastically wait in earnest to the fast approaching occasion and look forward to glamorously launching the new member of the Discovery family. I invite everyone to get a glimpse of and experience first-hand what the future holds at Jaguar Land Rover with our latest next generation SUV.



The Discovery family has always had a spirit of adventure and the new model provides a dramatic reinterpretation of Discoverys 27 years of heritage and practical DNA with a sophisticated design that pays homage to previous models without being restrained by them. Trademark design features include the stepped roofline, which has identified each of the four previous generations of Discovery and provides an elegant solution to a practical need. The design accommodates Discoverys customary stadium seating configuration ensuring every seat is the best seat in the house.



The All-New Discovery has been designed to deliver a confident, comfortable and engaging driving experience to make the kilometers go by virtually unnoticed. Unique features like Dynamic Stability Control and Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) ensure that on-road capabilities and ride quality are enhanced. Along with its performance on tarmac, the vehicles all-terrain capabilities, wading ability amongst other features ensure that the vehicle performs impeccably and consistently on even the harshest of terrains, Euro Motors said.



Since the start of its operations in 1998, Euro Motors has successfully positioned itself as the leader in the automotive industry in Bahrain. Continually striving to attain the highest standards, Euro Motors does not compromise on presentation, quality, technical service or customer care in accord with its belief in offering the utmost to customers, it added. - TradeArabia News Service


By Press Trust of India: prison rules

Bengaluru, Apr 5 (PTI) AIADMK chief VK Sasikala has met visitors 12 times in a month at the Parappana Agrahara central jail here, where she is lodged following her conviction in the disproportionate assets case, allegedly in violation of prison rules.

According to information made availableby the Central Prison in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query, Sasikala met the visitors between February 16 andMarch 18.

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Her relatives and co-convicts in the case, Elavarasi and VN Sudhakaran, met visitors four times and once respectively during thesaid period.

Among Sasikalas visitors were lawyers, her nephews TTV Dinakaran and Vivek J and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Thambidurai.

Activist Narasimha Murthy, who had filed the RTI application, claimed to PTI that this was in violation of jail rules.

Undertrials and convicts are entitled to meet visitors as per the Karnataka Prison Manual and Karnataka Prison Rules.

The rules state that undertrial prisoners are eligible forone such meeting a week with their relatives, friends and lawyers, while convicts are eligible to have visitors once in 15 days.

While the jail authorities were unavailable for comments, reports quoting prison officials suggest that the jailer can use discretion in this regard.

On February 15, Sasikala was sent to jail after she surrendered before a trial court here, a day after theSupreme Court restored her conviction in the disproportionateassets case. PTI KSU RA APR RC

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TCA Expands in FX

More than one quarter of buyside traders in the US and UK are using tools for transaction cost analysis in foreign exchange, which is now a major input to execution strategies according to consultancy Greenwich Associates.

Kevin McPartland, head of research for the market structure and technology practice at Greenwich Associates, said in a report that increasing efficiency on the desk is currently the biggest focus for head traders and nearly half of buyside foreign exchange desks now use vendor-provided order management systems.

Over one-quarter in the US and UK are using FX transaction cost analysis tools, whose output is now a major input to execution strategies, added McPartland. And the growth of multi-product trading continues to climb, with nearly 60% of FX spot traders also trading derivatives.

He expects the trend toward smarter, more automated trading to continue. The consultancy interviewed 78 buyside traders across the globe trading foreign exchange between June and August last year.

Consultancy Oliver Wyman and Morgan Stanley Research said in a report last week that best-in-class technology and data analytics have opened the door for new competition and non-bank liquidity providers have carved out a major role in FX, cash equities and listed derivatives.

We estimate $2bn to $3bn of further revenues are potentially in play for these models as they expand their offering, said the report. There is a case for smaller banks to consider outsourcing FX market-making.

There have been concerns that global foreign exchange volumes will be affected by the industrys new code of conduct. The Bank for International Settlements began pushing for a harmonised global code of conduct for the FX market in 2015 following regulators imposing fines for price rigging which led to banks including Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Citigroup and JP Morgan paying more than 6.3bn in penalties and dozens of traders being suspended or fired.

The first part of the new code for the wholesale market was released in May 2016 and the second part is slated for May this year. The first phase of the code covered areas such as ethics, information sharing, aspects of execution and confirmation and settlement. The second will cover further aspects of execution including e-trading and platforms, prime brokerage, as well as governance, and risk management and compliance.

Last week Guy Debelle, deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, said in a speech to the TradeTech FX Asia Conference that the code is on track to be released in two months time.

As I have stated before, the FX industry has been suffering from a lack of trust in its functioning, said Debelle. This lack of trust is evident both between participants in the market and, at least as importantly, between the public and the market.

He continued that all parts of the market have been involved in drafting the rules so there will be a single voluntary code for the whole industry globally rather than the existing codes used in different regions.

This is not a code for just the sellside, Debelle added. It is there for the sellside, the buyside, non-bank participants and the platforms; its breadth is both across the globe and across the whole structure of the industry.

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:
US President Donald Trump claims the current administration's predecessors have much to do with forcing the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime to use chemical weapons against civilians in a village. The attack, which killed hundreds of victims, used chemicals banned by conventional rules of engagement, and it happened because the former Obama administration was "weak and irresolute."

As reported by ABC News, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said a suspected chemical attack happened in the northern region of Syria, a village named Khan Sheikhoun. The Syrian government airstrike intended to flush out rebels had hit a rebel weapons cache, which accidentally released the toxic chemicals and killed more than 72 civilians and 20 children, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

According to the Syrian military, it did not use chemical weapons during its raid on the rebel-held village. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said Damascus is said to be committed to its legal obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention it signed in 2013.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported that US Envoy to the UN Nikki Haley said she would hold a special Security Council session on Syria Wednesday morning. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Al-Assad's regime operates "with brutal, unabashed barbarism" after its open attack against the village using "horrific attacks."

In Syria, a Syrian Civil Defense volunteer at the scene cited by ABC News said he was "moved" when a house they entered had an entire family with four children slowly asphyxiated by the chemical attack in the northern Syrian village. The only consolation for the family, according to the volunteer, was they died in their beds.

Obama's policy against Syria was that should the country use chemical weapons against civilians, the former US administration would declare it a "crossing of a 'red line'" where the US would be forced to act in an unspecified but aggressive manner. The regime did use the weapons, twice today counting the first chemical attack in Aleppo that killed dozens of children and hundreds of civilians. The former US administration did not perform any new measures except to condemn the attack.

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This Easter, why not pack your bags and go on an epic travel adventure? Around the world, Easter is celebrated in different ways, and it can be fun learning how some cultures represent this annual holiday.

Wondering where to go? Here are some of the best places to celebrate Easter this year:

Seville, Spain. Spain is a highly religious Catholic country, therefore Easter is a big deal for them. In Seville, Holy Week is known as "Semana Santa de Sevilla", and it's a great place to spend Easter if you are particular about the traditional Holy Week ceremonies. The week leading up to Easter, several processions are usually held all around the city, and statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ are paraded as well, according to Trippings.

Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Thai have their own version of the Holy Week, but theirs revolve around getting wet and throwing water balloons. From the April 13-15, locals celebrate the Songkran Water Festival or the Thai New Year, Lonely Planet reported. One of the most fun festivals in the world, participating in this wet-for-all festival means you'll rarely have a chance to get dry. On a more serious note, images of the Buddha are usually "bathed" in Songkran, and it's a chance for the young populace to gain blessings from their elders.

New York, New York. Everyone knows how New York is big for festivals, and Easter is no exception. Every year, New York City hosts a big Easter Parade that runs from 49th Street to 57th Street along Fifth Avenue and starts at 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Participants are dressed in their best Easter costumes, usually with the most dapper bonnet they could find. If you want to pray before having fun, make sure to purchase tickets to join the mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Vatican City, Italy. Of course, what better place to spend the Christian holiday of Easter than in the home of Christianity itself? In Vatican City, Easter masses are held all throughout, usually with no entrance fee required. It's also a chance to visit some of its religious attractions such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican museums.

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Emirates unveiled its mind-blowing plans of placing a swimming pool, gym and other recreational amenities aboard a triple-decker aircraft. The announcement, unfortunately, was made on April Fool's Day.

The world's fourth largest airline messed with people's fantasies when it pulled an April Fools prank this year. Emirates tweeted Saturday that it planned to launch the world's largest commercial aircraft, a triple-decker aptly named APR001, and that it would include impressive in-flight amenities such as a swimming pool, games room, gym and park. That's already a huge leap in flying experience considering airlines are just developing their own take on an in-flight beer to serve passengers.

Emirates' April Fools prank got the best of more than six thousand people who re-tweeted the ambitious announcement. The Dubai-based carrier also had time on its side since the Middle East changes calendar before the Western world does. It listed as among the best April Fools jokes this year, according to BBC.

Another airline that made it to the list was Virgin Australia, which announced the world's first canine in-flight crew members. Australia's second largest airline even released a video that runs slightly more than a minute. The canine crew supposedly trained for months, will give platinum and gold passengers a personalized handshake as they aboard the plane, help passengers pass the time, remind them to stretch their legs as they remain seated and even wait on their behalf to the lavatory.

Canadian airline WestJet also pulled an April Fools prank, even trolling its rival airline Canada Air, according to Huffington Post. WestJet released a video the morning before April Fools and captured the company's Vice President Richard Bartrem preparing to announce their plan of rebranding. Bartrem said in the video that the airline wants to be "the most Canadian Canadian airline" just before they unveiled their "Canada Air" planes, keeping the same WestJet logo of blue and green and the iconic maple leaf.

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When looking for a top tropical vacation, places like Hawaii and the Caribbean come to mind. Although granted, these places boast some of the best beaches in the world, their popularity has made them so commercialized. So unless you pay extra for a private beach trip, chances are you'll share the waters with large crowds.

Fortunately, there are still tons of less-known tropical destinations that are just as beautiful as Hawaii and the Caribbean, if not more. One of these places is the beautiful paradise, the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands is located in the middle of Hawaii and New Zealand in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. A total of 15 islands comprise this tropical oasis, and all of them are heart-stealers for anyone craving for crystal clear waters, fine, white sand, and overall tropical pleasure.

The Cook Islands is highly accessible by air. Flights are regularly available via Air New Zealand between Los Angeles and Rarotonga. Also, compared to other islands in the South Pacific, Cook Islands is the cheapest to travel by air, with discount coupons regularly handed out to the public. According to USA Today, you can get a roundtrip flight for only $499-$598.

Another reason why the Cook Islands is a must-travel destination is the locals. Meeting and learning other cultures is enriching, but it's more special here in the Cooks because of the locals' immense hospitality. Don't freak out when locals kiss you on the cheek on your first meeting! This is one of their local greetings and the locals are usually unabashed.

And of course, the activities you can experience here are irreplaceable. Ordinary Traveler elaborated on the details, but make sure to take your time exploring the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, go on cruise tours, and dive in their colorful reefs. Don't forget to bring your GoPro to record these unforgettable memories.

Also, being in the middle of the ocean, cell reception in the Cook Islands is expensive. The internet is almost non-existent, but if you insist, you can pay $10-$15 for data packages that go only as low as 100MB. It will make you double-think if it's worth it, so just forget about the rest of the world for a minute and wrap your minds in the extraordinary vacation you'll have in the Cook Islands.

So what are you waiting for? This tropical paradise is best for honeymooners, beach enthusiasts, and of course, if you're just simply tired of sharing earth's unspoiled beauty with large crowds. Make sure to check the weather before you go for fewer hassles on your trip.

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Sunny Arizona is known for its hot climate, but the dry heat does not deter tourists from venturing the state. In fact, Arizona got travelers covered from accommodation, tourist sites and cuisines, among many others. In a word, you can say that this sunny state has everything from A to Z. Did you get it? Because Arizona is known as AZ.

Activities

Engaged yourself with some Arizona activities like boating, kayaking, fishing, or hiking. For a desert environment, Arizona got some lakes and rivers perfect for boating or fishing set in amazing rock formations and picturesque landscapes. Head to Lake Havasu, the "Personal Watercraft Capital of the World," or at Prescott's for some hiking gig. The Grand Canyon still, however, is the best hiking trail to take foot. All in all, Arizona will pack your day with loads of activities.

Art and Culture

If you're an art enthusiast, you'll find an array of galleries and museums catering to Arizona's culture. There are even self-guided art tours during First Fridays. The top galleries and museum to visit are Heard Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: SMoCA, Phoenix Art Museum, and MOCA: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson. You can also head to art communities like Sedona, Jerome, and Bisbee. For some old west action, no other place than Arizona's Old West you can experience something like that.

Aliments

Arizona is a foodie's paradise. From Mexico's taco and chili-based snacks to high-end restaurants with their baby back ribs all sauteed with wine and soy. Dig in some of their ribs and grilled chicken in BBQ sauce, and you'll be okay. But if you want a more meaningful experience, go to Mesa's Fresh Foodie Trail, especially in Agritopia to get you a sense of where your food comes from. USA Today writes that Agritopia is a "fascinating and delicious route to the county's best local offerings."

Zen

Did the desert heat and all of that venturing of yours get you tired? Arizona keeps you refreshed with all of its spa and yoga services. The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa is an amazing boutique experience nestled in Camelback Mountain away from the crowd. That way, you can totally rest in a tranquil place. The Scott Resort & Spa is almost like an oasis of relaxation. You can also venture to nearby museums to refresh your mind. Above anything else, try the Arizona goat yoga. It'll be a unique experience ever to have.

Zymurgy

Do you want to know about brews and wines? Arizona has a couple of local microbreweries that will keep you interested in knowing all about booze. The Salt Mine Cellars serves the best pizza and beer while you get to listen to artists performing Friday and Saturday nights. Meanwhile, the Gordon Biersch Brewery offers its German-style lagers in its upscale dining establishment.

All in all, Arizona is one place you shouldn't miss during the summer. You can find more info about the state on their website.

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In defiance of an executive order by US President Donald Trump, California's State Senate passes its new Immigrant Sanctuary Bill that would allow it to hold the detention of illegal US immigrants by federal law enforcement. The Bill passed the senate with a 27-12 vote against the objection and lobbying of many pro-deportation lobbyists from Washington.

According to ABC News, the SB54 bill has advanced when Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon of the Democratic removed the requirement that the bill needs a two-thirds vote. However, this meant the measure would only take effect the first day of the following year on January 1, 2018.

According to the Senate President, California's Senate will cooperate with Washington "at the federal level with serious and violent felons" but the California Senate will not "cooperate or lift a finger or spend a single cent" when it comes to dividing families, especially children away from their parents.

According to CNN, the bill would disallow law enforcement from detention due to a hold request and provide a response to federal immigration enforcement's requests to be notified of any detainee's release date until it is made available. However, local agencies are allowed to transfer individuals to federal immigration authorities should they have incurred criminal cases or any form of violent felony.

Opposition against SB54 was heavy. According to Republican State Senator Jeff Stone, many "undocumented workers do not commit crime" and are great contributors to California, and so SB54 is not a helpful bill at all. He argues that "unfettered communications" with federal authorities is ceased by the bill and does not address other issues against illegal immigrants, including child abuse, trafficking and violent assault.

Republican Senator Ted Gaines said the measure does not advance the protection of American citizens. He said, "If we don't control our borders, we cease to be a nation."

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For people who are in their 20s, traveling plays a significant role in changing their perceptions in life, in widening their experiences and in enabling them to explore a new culture, people and environment. Hence, selecting the perfect place to travel alone during this age is important. You need to consider your safety, your finances and other aspects. Check out this list to give you an idea on where you must travel alone while you are still in your 20s.

Hawaii. Hawaii is one perfect place where you can definitely feel like you are far from where you have been while feeling secure and safe all at the same time, Buzzfeed says. With all the pristine beaches, happy faces and amazing activities to explore, Hawaii will let you connect deeper with yourself and discover a new perspective on life.

Morocco. If you are an adventurous type of person but you do not have a big budget to spend on your travel, Morocco is the perfect place for you. Traveling alone in this country can be a bit exhausting and challenging, but in the end, your heart will be filled with wonder, awe and rewarding experiences. You can take a bold and daring trip to the Sahara Desert and visit the Marrakech. You can definitely do many things in this country without spending a lot from your savings.

Southeast Asia. Miles away from the United States, the countries in Southeast Asia are some of the best (and cheapest) countries where people in their 20s can travel. You can visit Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan and Korea where you will be introduced to a totally different culture, language and environment. You will get to meet a lot of people and hear their stories that are inspired by their Asian roots. The gastronomic scene in Southeast Asia is one interesting thing to discover, too!

New Zealand. For people who are a bit blessed in terms of travel budget, New Zealand is a place that should not be missed. In terms of safety, there is no question that New Zealand has it for you. There are actually thousands of solo backpackers traveling to New Zealand every year and almost all of them have good stories and experiences to share. This is also where you can find the towns seen in the series of the "Lord of the Rings", The New York Times says.

Barcelona. This country has been a favorite destination for tourists, especially those who are in their 20s. Barcelona will make your first world travel an epic and unforgettable experience of your lifefrom bathing under the sun, discovering the authentic Spanish classics, meeting friendly and awesome locals, to partying all night. Even though Barcelona is quite a touristy destination, you will never get short of the surprising things and experiences that will perhaps change your outlook on life.

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A new bill will now require Customs and Border Patrol officers to present warrants before conducting phone searches to US citizen travelers. This also solves the Constitution's loophole that's allowed CBP to collect intelligence in what many have criticized as an invasion of privacy.

The new bill mandates CBP to present reasonable suspicion before conducting even "manual searches" through the traveling citizens' smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices. It also empowers the citizens to refuse to share their passwords without the threat of being barred from entry at the border. The four lawmakers who introduced the new legislation are Senators Ron Wyden and Rand Paul and Representatives Jared Polis and Blake Farenthold.

Sen. Wyden told BuzzFeed News in a statement that the new bill forces border agents to focus on criminals and terrorists instead of wasting their time on the "innocent Americans' personal photos and other data." Rep. Polis considered the bill "overdue" as he asserted that the Fourth Amendment protections should "extend regardless of location."

Mary Ellen Callahan, Department of Homeland Security's former chief privacy officer and the one who wrote the CBP guidelines on conducting electronic searches in 2009, told NBC News that The Fourth Amendment "doesn't apply at the border." This allowed CBP to legally conduct electronic searches to those within 100 miles of border entry. They can also just take away the devices from their owners with no need to provide any justification and even keep them for five days.

DHS officials warned that the number of phone searches by border agents will explode this year after the recent trend. They reported at least 5,000 in 2015, almost 25,000 last year and 5,000 in February alone. Many of the American citizens searched through at the borders happened to be Muslims. Sen. Wyden slammed the electronic searches as a "digital dragnet" and a government "overreach."

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
The actress' latest Instagram post is all about love and dreams.

By India Today Web Desk: TV star Mouni Roy, who shot to fame with her hit shows Naagin and Naagin 2, keeps her fans updated about her whereabouts through social media.

Recently, the pretty lady posted a super-cool picture of herself on her personal Instagram account, and the caption of the picture will make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

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Also read: Mouni Roy's birthday post for close friend Sriti Jha is the sweetest thing you will see today

The actress had written, "She found a way to escape the day!"

While working on a Sunday, thinking of one big holiday!!

Sun & sand & sunset & wine & jazz & long walks , a sidewalk cafe in the corner, coffee & croissant with the next book from my reading list, with the man you love, life is so beautiful. #miamibeach #nycbroadwaymusicals #beverlyhillsLA #santamonica #centralparkny. #dontremembernamesofalltheroadswalked #maurices #vegasvegas #madameliberty #daydreamer."

Take a look at the picture:

Yeah, we said wow too.

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Airline passengers going to and from Italy have experienced a widespread disruption yesterday when most flights were canceled because of airport strikes. Alitalia, Italy's national airline, has canceled over 60% of its scheduled flights yesterday, April 5. Among the flights that were canceled include to and from Heathrow, Rome, and Milan.

More strikes are still scheduled all throughout the month of April, with hundreds of aviation workers protesting about proper compensation and working conditions. Alitalia already posted some reminders and other helpful information about the strike in their website.

"To minimize disruptions, Alitalia was forced to cancel several flights and modify its domestic and international flight schedule between the late evening of 4 April and the early morning of 6 April," they said. "The airline has immediately taken special measures to minimize inconvenience to its customers, by rebooking as many of the passengers affected by cancellations as possible on the first available flights."

But because of the huge volume of flights being canceled, the amount of inconvenience it caused affected passengers would probably span for days. It would take a few days before canceled flights can be redirected and the passengers are taken to their chosen destinations.

Aside from Alitalia, British Airways also canceled some of their flights due to industrial action yesterday, but not as severe as Alitalia. The Independent reports that BA flights serving Genoa, Florence and Pisa were canceled.

Among the emergency measures executed by Alitalia to serve inconvenienced passengers include rerouting, rebooking, and changing of origin and/or destination of flights. Certain requirements have to be met first though before some passengers can avail these services. According to the website, all rebooking of flights must be completed no later than April 14 of this year.

A "strike calendar" was already posted by Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Details show that more impending strikes are still to be expected from the transport workers in Italy.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
The Travel Group specializes in exotic and colorful destinations



(TRAVPR.COM) NY - April 6th, 2017 -

These tours include Easter Island, India for Diwali Festival, Oaxaca, Japan, Australia and other exotic destinations.

The Women's Travel Group specializes in unusual tours for women to colorful destinations. The small group tours often include speakers, inside visits to homes and sites that are new sometimes overlooked by the general travel industry. Example of a speaker is a former political prisoner in Ethiopia. An example of an unusual visit is to a Mayan home in the Yucatan interior.

The company looks for new destinations. Upcoming trips are planned as soon as a destination becomes a viable one for Americans. Considerations are infrastructure, safety, intrinsic interest, hotel and food quality. Examples from last year were Iran and Ethiopia. Upcoming tours are listed on the company site.

An accompanying Travel Tips blog is full of information geared to women, encouragement to explore the world with the theme of seeing places as our mutual destiny.

For more information: see our site: www.thewomenstavelgroup.com or call our office 646 309 5607. Phyllis@thewomenstravelgroup.com is available for interviews.

###
By India Today Web Desk: When Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma team up with Imtiaz Ali for a film, you know it is going to be a cinematic treat. The details of the film have been kept closely under wraps; in fact, even the name is a mystery. While some are calling it The Ring, others are calling it Rehnuma. Although we're no closer to the answer to that one, we got our hands on some leaked photos from their Punjab schedule, where SRK and Anushka are reportedly shooting for a romantic song.

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Anushka, who nailed the Punjabi look in her last film Phillauri, is seen wearing a pink and orange salwar kameez and sporting a braid. SRK, meanwhile, is in a turbaned avatar. Fans are already excited and many are saying that Shah Rukh will recreate the Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge magic with his return to the fields of Punjab.

Meanwhile, reports say that the music rights of the film, which is set to release on August 11, have already been sold for a whopping Rs 15 crore.

ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan has a theatrical approach towards performance, says Imtiaz Ali

ALSO READ: Imtiaz Ali opens up on SRK-Anushka's film, AR Rahman and modern day relationships

WATCH: India Today presents Imtiaz Ali's short film - My Dream

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New Delhi, April 6

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday said that India's growth rate will improve to 7.4 per cent during 2017-18 and go up further to 7.6 per cent in the next fiscal, remaining ahead of China.

"The impact of the demonetisation of high-value banknotes is dissipating as the replacement banknotes enter circulation. Stronger consumption and fiscal reforms are also expected to improve business confidence and investment prospects in the country," said the Asian Development Outlook, ADB's flagship economic publication.

India recorded a growth rate of 7.1 per cent during 2016-17, notwithstanding the fears that demonetisation of high-value currency notes of Rs 500/1,000 in November last year would adversely impact the economic growth.

"In India, the sub-region's largest economy, growth is expected to pick up to 7.4 per cent in fiscal year (2017-18) and 7.6 per cent in 2018-19, following the 7.1 per cent registered last FY," it said.

With regard to China, the report said, the overall output is expected to slow to 6.5 per cent in 2017 and 6.2 per cent in 2018, down from 2016's 6.7 per cent.

Efforts of the Chinese government to maintain financial and fiscal stability would continue to be a modest drag on growth going forward, it said, adding the continued structural reform would help in maintain growth in the government's target range.

Over the last few years, India has taken a host of economic reforms initiative, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and liberalisation of the FDI regime, with a view to improve business climate and promote growth. The GST is expected to roll out from July.

The report further said that South Asia would remain the fastest growing of all subregions, with growth reaching 7 per cent in 2017 and 7.2 per cent in 2018.

Commenting on the future prospects, it said that in two-thirds of economies in developing Asia, the growth is being supported by higher external demand, rebounding global commodity prices, and domestic reforms, making the region the largest single contributor to global growth at 60 per cent.

PTI
The Bollywood star recently revealed that he might open up a restaurant chain in the future.

By India Today Web Desk: There are many Bollywood actors who have opened and maintained their own restaurants. Whether it's Shilpa Shetty or Suneil Shetty, or more recently with Govinda, Indian actors have always considered the food and beverage industry a good place to work at--apart from their own field of course.

Now it seems that Shah Rukh Khan is also joining this group!

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Also Read: Govinda just launched his restaurant and it's called Hero No 1, obviously

We've seen the actor play a chef long back, in a movie called Duplicate. But the idea that he will open a chain of restaurants has blown our minds.

SRK revealed this bit of news during a recent interview with Hindustan Times. He said: "I know it sounds very girlish (smiles). But then, I'm all for empowerment of women. I want to be equal to women. I want to go higher up to their level, instead of thinking that they have to go higher. But I genuinely want to cook. Imagine, if I open a chain of restaurants and stores, kitna business karunga main (smiles). Having said that, Juhi (Chawla) once asked me, 'Why have you named your company, Red Chillies?' And I was like, 'just in case film-making fails, I'll open a restaurant by the same name. Red Chillies Restaurant toh chalega hi (laughs)."

Also Read: Is Shilpa Shetty launching her own chain of vegetarian restaurants?

If this is anything to go by, we might soon get a restaurant chain--or maybe just one restaurant--under the Red Chillies banner. We hope to heaven that really happens, because as SRK has shown time and again, he loves to cook, eat and has a lot of love to share.

Don't believe us? Just check out this video of Shah Rukh Khan cooking pasta like a pro, here:

Celebrating Bob Dylan's Nobel while learning how to cook...The Times They Are a-Changin' A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) on Oct 13, 2016 at 3:39pm PDT

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Chandigarh, April 6

Two hearts and a liver, retrieved by the PGIMER from brain dead patients, were airlifted on three different flights from here to their recipients in the national capital on Thursday.

This is the first time that three organs have been sent on a single day from the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Medical Superintendent and Head of PGIMER's hospital administration Prof Anil K Gupta said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Green corridors were created thrice, within five hours, by the city administration to take the organs from the hospital to the airport, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation's (NOTTO) nodal officer Dr Vipin Koushal said.

Gupta said Jagat Singh (45), a resident of Himachal Pradesh's Sirmour district, was grievously injured after falling and was brought to PGIMER on April 2.

He was subsequently declared as brain dead and his heart, liver, kidneys and corneas were harvested, he said.

His heart was allocated to AIIMS and his liver to G B Pant Hospital in Delhi. The organs were sent to the airport through green corridors at 6.38 am and 8.30 am, respectively.

Similarly, Nancy Sharma (35) from Himachal Pradesh's Paonta Sahib was admitted here and was declared brain dead on April 5, Gupta said, adding her heart, kidneys and corneas were harvested too.

Nancy's heart was allocated to Fortis, Noida, and was sent at 11.22 am from here, he said.

"The bereaved families did not let these tragic deaths go in vain and consented for organ donation when the transplant coordinators raised the matter with them," the medical superintendent said, adding, subsequently, the organs were retrieved.

He said as there was no matching recipients for the hearts and liver in the hospital, the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) at PGIMER had to approach NOTTO for recipients .

The retrieved kidneys and corneas were used for matching recipients at PGIMER, Gupta said.

"Though there was huge time crunch but we ensured that the sentiments of the family are honoured. With NOTTO's quick intervention, the organs were airlifted as soon as they were retrieved," Koushal said.  PTI
Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 6

High-velocity dusty winds accompanied by rain left residents of many sectors without power for many hours. Though people heaved a sigh of relief from the heat wave conditions, they had to face long power cuts.

The agony of the residents increased with phone lines of complaint centres busy throughout the day.

Complaints continued to pour in at the centres till late in the evening, making the task difficult for the staff.

The outage was caused by branches of trees that fell on electricity wires due to the windy weather. The department also snapped power supply to many areas as a precautionary measure to avoid any mishap while carrying out the repair work. The affected areas included Sectors 23, 24, 25, 17, 19, 18, 21, 22, 41, 44, 8, 7, 37, 38, 39, 40, Burail and many villages.

Some areas where residents went without power for hours included Sectors 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46 and 47, and Mani Majra.

Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Dadu Majra, said it was a nightmare as they went without power for over seven hours today. JPS Kalra, a trader at Sector 17, said power cuts had now become routine whenever there was a storm.

Rajneesh, a resident of Sector 19, said he could not get in touch with the complaint centre as the phone lines were busy.

Pawan Kumar, a resident of Sector 32, said they did not have power supply for six hours last night.

An officer of the department said they started repair work soon after the storm and the power supply was restored to many parts. Over 600 complaints were received at complaint centres of various sub-stations after the storm. An officer of the Electricity Department said trees fell on wires, which made their task difficult.

Amit Agrawal, a resident of Sector 42, said the whole sector went without power for a long time and there was nobody to attend to their calls at the complaint centre. Residents of Sector 43 said they went without power for over two hours in the evening. A resident of Sector 37, Navin, said they faced power failure after the storm. Major parts of the Industrial Area were also affected by the storm.

Showers bring down mercury

Chandigarh: High winds and squall through the day followed by brief showers in the evening brought down the minimum temperature in the tricity by over 5C since Wednesday. The tricity recorded a rainfall of 5.3 mm over the past 24 hours. However, the rainfall recorded on Thursday was 0.1 mm, said an official of the Met Department. Met officials said the temperatures would fall by a couple of degrees on Friday but there was little possibility of rain even as the sky will remain cloudy. The weatherman has predicted dry days ahead.

Panchkula also faces the brunt

Panchkula: Winds at the speed of 70 km per hour left many parts of Panchkula without power for over two hours on Thursday. Between 10 am and 1 pm, Sectors 4, 5, 6, 10, 15, 25 and 26 faced power outages due to the breakdown of the line. SDO (Electricity) HC Goyal said the problem would have been greater had it rained too much as that could have caused problems with the main grid.
New York, April 6

Nikki Haley has said she has "no regrets" in her job as the US envoy to the UN asserted that her Indian parents raised her to be great at whatever she does and to ensure people remember her for it.

"No, there are no regrets," Haley said at a session at the 'Women in the World Summit' yesterday when asked if she has any regrets in her job.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

"I am the daughter of Indian parents where my mom always said 'whatever you do, be great at it and make sure people remember you for it' and so my focus is just to try and do the jobs as best as I can," the Indian-American said here.

Haley, 45, was speaking at the Summit, a premier annual gathering of influential women leaders, politicians and activists organised by media personality Tina Brown in association with the New York Times.

She speaks proudly about her Indian heritage, often bringing it up during her speeches and interactions.

Earlier this week, while addressing reporters at the UN headquarters, Haley brought up her Indian heritage when she asked about her qualities of being able to speak freely and openly.

"Every position that I have ever had, people have assumed that I'm looking towards something bigger when in reality I'm the daughter of Indian parents who said to me 'whatever you do be great at it and make sure people remember you for it'," she said.

That is all I am trying to do. That is all I have ever known how to be is to try and just do my job to the best of my ability and if that comes out blunt and if that comes out strong - I'm one of two brothers and a sister - my parents raised us all to be strong, Haley added.

When asked if she liked her new job as US' envoy to the UN, she said she does.

"I do like the job because you can move the ball. It's not just about talking, you can actually negotiate, you can actually change things," she said.

Haley said she has a "lot of" interaction with President Donald Trump, "I talked to him this morning" adding that she visits Washington at least once a week for the National Security Council meetings. PTI
Singapore, April 6

An Indian Imam is set to be repatriated from Singapore after he made offensive remarks against Jews and Christians during a sermon.

Imam Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel, 46 was handed a nearly US$ 3,000 fine on Monday after he pleaded guilty to a charge of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race.

The Imam had last week apologised in front of Christian, Sikh, Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu representatives as well as members of the Federation of Indian Muslims, saying that he was "filled with great remorse" for the inconvenience, tension and trauma caused by his remarks.

Nalla yesterday met Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam who told the Imam that he appreciated the sincerity of the his apology.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement on April 3 that the Imam will be repatriated.

The Imam will return home today under repatriation order, The Straits Times reported.

Yesterday, the imam said he fully understood and accepted the decision to prosecute him and the episode was a "priceless lesson" to him.

He said he was reassured that the charge against him "was not one out of witch hunt, but solely to preserve the sanctity of interfaith harmony".

"This is what I am bringing with me back to India," he said.

"This is the one thing I will not forget, and we all must not take for granted," The Straits Times quoted Nalla as saying. PTI
New York, April 6

Nikki Haley, the tough-talking and blunt US Ambassador to the UN, was booed and heckled during an annual summit on women here as she spoke about President Donald Trump and Russia.

Haley was speaking on Wednesday at the 'Women In The World' summit, a premier annual gathering of influential women leaders, politicians and activists organised by media personality Tina Brown in association with the New York Times.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

As she was answering questions during the session titled 'Trump's Diplomat: Nikki Haley' moderated by MSNBC anchor Greta Van Susteren, Haley was booed and heckled on several occasions.

At one point someone in the audience shouted "what about refugees" while another said "when is the next panel." During the nearly 22 minute session, a woman in the audience shouted "when is the next panel," to which the 45-year-old smiled and exclaimed "wow" as the audience tried to shush the heckler.

She was heckled again when asked how America deals with some of the world leaders who are dictators.

"You call them out when they do something wrong and you work with them when you can find ways to work with them."

As some members of the audience shouted at her remarks, Haley said "we have to express America's values. We are always the moral conscience of the world," to which someone from the audience shouted "what about the refugees", cutting off Haley.

Haley went silent. Van Susteren paused, and then said, "Moving on."

At the end of the day's programme, Brown commended Haley for attending the event even as she got a "boisterous reception" and for remaining gracious as she was heckled.

"We often complain and sneer and say Republicans never want to come on any kind of forum except Fox News or places where they can be asked questions that are soft," Brown said, adding that Haley did not put on any pre-conditions and sat very "graciously" while the audience heckled.

"She didn't get agitated about it, and she's in the middle of a lot of world crises. So I feel that we should really applaud the fact that she did come."

Van Susteren asked Haley why the world has not heard much from Trump about Russia, a question that drew a thunderous applause from the audience.

Haley said, "First of all keep in mind that I work for the Trump administration," a response that generated boos and heckles from the audience and prompted Van Susteren to ask the audience to "hold on, hold on. We got to get people fix these problems."

Haley added that she has "hit Russia over the head more times than I can count. It's because if they do something wrong we are going to call them out on it. If they want to help us defeat terrorism, fine."

"But the things they have done with Crimea and Ukraine, the things they have done with how they have covered up for (Syrian President Bashar) Assad, we are not going to give them a pass on."

Haley said she has had conversations with Trump "where he very much sees Russia as a problem and I think if you look at his actions, everybody wants to hear his words but look at his actions. The two things that Russia does not want to see the US do is strengthen the military and expand energy and the President has done both of those." She gave out a smile as her comments again drew prolonged boos from the audience.

On the chemical weapons attack on a Syrian town, Haley said Russia blamed it on a container of chemical weapons that ISIS had.

"There is no ounce of proof. They just make things up," she said.

Haley, earlier this year, scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indian-American to be appointed to a cabinet-level post in any US administration. PTI
ANOTHER vigilante action, another Muslim dead. This time in Rajasthan. But the beating of five persons transporting milch cows, leading to the death of a 55-year-old man, Pehlu Khan, was not surprising even if it was shocking. Circumstances of the case make it obvious that it was not part of any attempt to prevent smuggling of cows. It was an assault on a particular religious identity. For one, anyone familiar with cattle  especially those who claim to be passionately devoted to it  should be able to tell condemned cattle from a milch cow, as was the case here. Then, the man who died had documents to show he purchased the cows for milk as he ran a dairy. The more pertinent bit, however, is that one Hindu driver was let off by the gang, even though he was as much a part of the crew transporting the cattle.

The disturbing aspect is that this is not an action of fringe elements, if there is still any distinction to be made within the communal monolith called the Sangh. The police were as quick as the gau rakshaks to accuse the cattle buyers of being smuggles, and booked them too without even preliminary inquiries. The Rajasthan Home Minister defended the police action, and even the need for gau rakshaks to prevent cattle smuggling. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in the Rajya Sabha that the incident had been misreported. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the BJP to deny that it supports such vigilante action, given the systematic persecution of meat traders in certain states. UP has also seen anti-Romeo squads and instructions for teachers on how to dress decently.

The fast evolving cultural tyranny needs to be recognised for what it is  a devious ploy at sustaining animosity on communal lines. The motives for this are as much political as a sincere faith in a medieval ideology, not very different from the extreme Islamic intrusion seen in all public institutions in Pakistan. Unless this is understood, and no less than the top leadership of the BJP moves to put a stop to the moral policing, the consequences also may be very similar to as in Pakistan.
IT may be a little too early for Congressmen to forget why the Akali Dal-BJP combine had lost the last election in Punjab and why they were chosen instead to run the state affairs despite AAP offering an aggressive alternative. The majority perhaps thought the financial condition that Punjab was in did not warrant an experiment with a team of novices and Punjabis reposed their trust in the leadership of Capt Amarinder Singh having past experience of running a government. However, the Captain they had trusted to steer them out of troubled waters is taking the state ship on the same ruinous path laden with icebergs.

Among the most hated things the Badals did with disastrous consequences  for the state, the party and themselves  was the introduction of the halqa in-charge system. Media reports indicate the Congress government plans to revive the discredited practice without officially calling it so. Putting sons of serving Supreme Court judges on the government lawyers panel without their consent was embarrassing enough but could be explained away as a bad decision taken in a hurry, if not as a deliberate and crude attempt to court judges. But posting civil and police officers in consultation with the MLA of the area is no different from the Badals clever ploy to empower and enrich their local chieftains. It might still work if the legislators and officials do not hijack the law to target political opponents.

There is, however, absolutely no justification for issuing an ordinance or bringing in a Bill to create posts of Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Parliamentary Secretary. The financial burden notwithstanding, the move will violate the constitutional cap on the size of ministry a state can have apart from last years ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. If providing administrative training to MLAs is a motive, as Capt Amarinder Singh has stated in an interview, then that can be done without giving them the special post and minister-like pay and perks. Questions are already being raised over the army of advisers the Captain has raised. Is power already breeding arrogance and blurring judgement?
Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, April 6

Jagdish Singh Jhinda, president of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC ad hoc) today vehemently denied that he was awarded tankhah (religious punishment) for playing a part in the formation of a separate Sikh panel in 2014.

Jhinda said his appearance before the highest temporal seat was a personal religious issue and for the past two years, he had been looking for a suitable time for the same.

A resident of Assandh in Karnal district, Jhinda today reached the historic Chhevein Patshahi Gurdwara here with key aides and started the three-day tankhah.

Jhinda said he would reappear before the Akal Takht on April 9 after completing the religious punishment. After the HSGMC was officially formed by the Haryana Government, the Akal Takht summoned me and two other Sikh leaders in July 2014 for panthic (religious) discussions, he said.

The hukamnama (edict) did not mention a reason for the summon orders. When I asked about it, the Akal Takht Jathedar objected to it as the supreme institution cannot be questioned. I have highest regard for the Sikh institutions and religious traditions and appeared unconditionally, he said.

Jhinda said he avoided appearing before the Akal Takht in the last two years as the situation was not conducive. Jathedar Gurbachan Singh had summoned me to the Akal Takht in 2014 but I chose to avoid it. He still holds the seat and I decided to appear before him. I do not want to elaborate but certain situations have undergone a change that assured us of fair treatment, he said while hinting at the change in the political guard in Punjab.

Jhinda clarified that his legal and political battle for a religious body was independent and interference of the Shrimonai Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) would continue.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 6

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating and misuse of official position by public servants in the alleged re-allotment of a plot to Associated Journals Limited in Panchkula in 2005.

In an FIR registered by the CBI at Chandigarh on April 5, Hooda has not been mentioned by name, but as chairman of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), a position he held as CM at the time of re-allotment.

Besides the former CM, the then Chief Administrator and Administrator of the HUDA, Financial Commissioner of the Town and Country Planning Department and M/s Associate Journal Limited, the beneficiary of the re-allotment, have also been booked in the FIR.

Associated Journals limited is reportedly controlled by senior Congress leaders, including the Gandhi family. The group ran a now defunct newspaper National Herald.

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The FIR under Sections 409, 420 and 120-B of the IPC was registered at 5.35 pm on Wednesday on a written request of the Haryana government dated December 22, 2016 and January 22, 2017 and the notification dated January 27, 2017 of the Central government under Section 5 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946 and on the complaint of Ashok Kumar, DSP, State Vigilance Bureau, Haryana.

The FIR mentions RS Gunjiyal, a DSP in the CBI in Chandigarh as investigating officer (IO) of the case.

As per facts of the case mentioned in the written request of the Haryana government, HUDA allotted plot number C-17 in Sector 6 of Panchkula to Associated Journal Limited on August 24, 1982.

The same was resumed on October 30, 1992 for non construction.

The allottee company filed an appeal, which was dismissed by the Commissioner, Town and Country Planning Department on October 10, 1996.

The governments letter said that by abusing his position and power to give undue advantage to the allottee, in contravention of the policies and also against the advice rendered by the HUDA officials and the Legal Remembrance, Haryana, for re-advertising the plot, the resumed plot was re-allotted to the company at original rates plus interest thereon by the then chairman HUDA (the then CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda) on August 28, 2005.

The governments request further adds that an FIR under Sections 409, 420 and 120-B was registered at police station, State Vigilance Bureau, Panchkula on May 5, 2016.

The state government has considered the matter. Another case relating to the allotment of industrial plots of HUDA Panchkula is already under investigation with the CBI.

Keeping in view that persons in high positions are involved and in view of the complexities involved in the matter as well as the fact that the allottee company and its office-bearers have their offices/residences across many states, it has been decided to get the matter investigated from the CBI, the governments request to the CBI said.
The purpose of the meeting was to resolve apparent differences that party MLAs had with Shiv Sena ministers over being allotted lesser development funds as compared to their BJP counterparts.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday called a meeting of all party MLAs and ministers at his official residence Matoshree in Mumbai.

The purpose of the meeting was to resolve apparent differences that party MLAs had with Shiv Sena ministers over being allotted lesser development funds as compared to their BJP counterparts.

Uddhav met party MLAs and ministers separately. In a meeting with his MLAs that lasted about half-an-hour, he assured them that their concerns would be addressed adequately some time soon.

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MLAs ASSURED OF PROMPT MEASURES

Later, Shiv Sena ministers and MLAs had a direct face-to-face communication where the former heard the latter's grievances. The ministers assured the MLAs that they would see to it that the latter got development fund at par with their BJP counterparts.

Maharashtra Environment Minister and Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam said, "We are going to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday. We will raise the issue of our MLAs being provided development funds at par with our BJP counterparts. No other issue was discussed in the meeting. Reshuffling of Sena ministers was not even on the agenda. Our MLAs are not angry on Sena ministers."

Also read | Uddhav Thackeray asks Devendra Fadnavis to follow Yogi Adityanath, waive off farmers' loan

Also read | BMC election: We are the no. 1 party, says defiant Uddhav Thackeray

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Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 6

The state government today reinstated two more suspended HPS officers Sandeep Kumar and Pawan Kumar and posted them in the police headquarters at Panchkula. It had yesterday reinstated three HCS officers Pankaj Setia, Dharmender Singh and Jagdeep Singh and two HPS officers Satish Kumar and Jagat Singh. These officers were suspended on the basis of the Prakash Singh committees report in the Jat quota violence subject to the outcome of departmental inquiries against them.

Sources said the suspension of six other HPS officers was also likely to be revoked soon. The committee had submitted a detailed 451-page report on acts of omission and commission of government officials during the Jat quota violence in February last year that claimed 30 lives and caused loss of property worth several thousand of crores of rupees.

Former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh, while talking to The Tribune over phone, today said reinstatement without deciding what action, if any, to be taken against them, was not done. I am not against their reinstatement as such. Rather, I would say that the government should be put in the dock for having kept them under suspension for nearly a year without completing a departmental probe against them, he added.

He said keeping an officer under suspension for so long without any action was unfair to him (officer) too because it affects his family and education of his children. In fact, suspension should be ordered after a preliminary inquiry, which should bring out prima facie charges and then a departmental inquiry should immediately follow, he added.

Prakash Singh said their report submitted to the Haryana government not just named people but also pointed out their delinquencies and where they failed to perform their duties. The government could have easily taken these observations for a preliminary inquiry. Unfortunately, the state government chose to suspend a few officers to avoid criticism and show to people that some action is being taken. The government action has shown that it is not serious and the departmental inquiries against them will also be just eyewash, he asserted.

However, some observations made by Prakash Singh regarding the officers reinstated yesterday make an interesting reading. The report said Pankaj Setia, Jhajjar SDM, refused to sign the order for the Army to take action against the protesters and rioters even though they had burnt down several government establishments. The conduct of Gohana SDM Dharmender Singh and Gohana DSP Vinod Kumar and Hansi SDM Jagdeep Singh was extremely suspect and dubious. DSP Satish Kumar, the report said, did not initiate any action against miscreants at Murthal where vehicles and properties were burnt and the modesty of women was violated. The report recommended exemplary disciplinary/ departmental action against him so that it becomes a deterrent to all such officials who derelict their duties and fail to protect the life and property of people. Regarding other DSP Jagat Singh reinstated by the government, the report said he showed lack of commitment in protecting the police station.
Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Bhoranj, April 6

The corruption din seems to be echoing in the election campaign of the BJP with Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Congress candidate Pramila Devi being targeted even as the Opposition seems confident of retaining its hold on its bastion, Bhoranj.

The BJP, led by former Chief Minister PK Dhumal, is urging the voters to defeat the Congress which has become a synonymous with corruption. He may be crying hoarse about being a political victim but the fact is that it was during the UPA regime that he had to quit as Union Steel Minister and the registration of an FIR was recommended against him, said Dhumal, addressing a nukkad sabha in Dhoh village in Kanjian Panchayat today.

Other BJP leaders, including Vikram Jaryal, MLA, and Praveen Sharma, a former minister, also raked up corruption. While Shanta Kumar is remembered as paniwala CM and Dhumal as sadakwala CM, Virbhadra will go down in history for corruption, they remarked.

They also raised questions on the claims of the Congress candidate that she hailed from a humble Dalit family by pointing out that in her own election affidavit, she had mentioned that she had bank deposits worth over Rs 30 lakh.

The BJP leaders also pointed fingers at the local Congress leaders for running a transfer mafia and taking bribes for getting transfers of government employees done. Kamal ka button dabao, transfer karne walon ko hatao, said Dhumal. He said people were fed up with the rampant corruption in Himachal.

It is a mere coincidence that he happens to be the son of ID Dhiman, otherwise he was serving as Deputy Director in the Health Department and has a clean image, said Dhumal, countering the Congress propaganda of dynastic politics.

Dhumal also turned the tables on Congress allegations of playing up the card of regionalism by stating that Hamirpur had the highest literacy rate and the youth from here had made a mark in every field, especially the armed forces, but during the Congress rule, they were not considered fit to be recruited as a clerk and peon in the state Secretariat.

Everyone has the right to seek votes in a democracy but it is the right of the voter to question the candidate about his contribution, said Dhumal. Each one of you must ask Congress leaders about their contribution in Bhoranj as they even criticised Government Degree College here, he said.

Dhumal who is holding meeting every day was accompanied by MLAs Ravinder Singh Ravi and Govind Thakur. Let the people of Bhoranj repeat the history by laying the foundation for the formation of a BJP regime in HP similar to that when I contested the Lok Sabha byelection in 2007 and BJP came to power in 2007, he said.
Our Correspondent

Phagwara, April 6

A pregnant woman was killed and three others sustained serious injuries in a road mishap at the main chowk in Goraya this evening.

Reports received here said Ludhiana resident Paramjit Singh, along with his pregnant wife Gurjit Kaur and two daughters Gurpreet Kaur (4) and Sukhpreet Kaur (7), was returning to Ludhiana on Splender bike, number PB-10CM-5589, after meeting his sister in Banga, when a Ritz car PB-10DG-4989 hit their bike and they all fell. His wife died soon after the mishap, while the other three were admitted in a hospital here this evening.

The Goraya Police impounded the car and arrested the car owner Khanna resident Rajesh Kumar.

Maldivian student commits suicide

A resident of Maldives, identified as Ahmed Balal and studying in BSc at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling of his paying guest room in the local Santokhpura Mohalla today.

The cause for taking the extreme step could not be known, the police said. A suicide note, written in Maldivian language, was, however, found lying on the floor which was translated by experts, the police said.

The Satnampura police have registered a case and kept the body of the student in hospital mortuary in wait of his family members who have been informed about the incident.
Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 6

With just two days left for the byelection to the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, thousands of displaced Kashmiri Pandits may again be deprived of their voting rights as a majority of them, especially those who work outside the state, have not been able to fill the M-Forms.

Two parliamentary seats in Kashmir  Srinagar and Anantnag  will go to the polls on April 9 and April 12, respectively, where nearly 27 lakh voters, including 72,235 Pandit voters, will exercise their franchise.

There are a total of 92,103 migrant electors in the Valley. Of these, 38,278 Pandit voters are in Srinagar and 33,957 in Anantnag.

During the last Assembly and parliamentary elections, only 9,000 Pandits were able to vote while thousands of others were deprived of their right as forms had been rejected despite families giving full details.

During every election we have to give proof that we are original residents of the Valley. It has taken about four days to complete the entire process of filling the forms. Pandits, who earn livelihood outside the state, face a lot of problems, said Anshuman Bhat, who works in New Delhi and hails from Srinagar.

Living in camps far away from their constituencies, Pandits are perhaps the only community in the country who choose their representatives while staying away from their home constituency and have no direct link with their elected MLAs and MPs.

Assistant Returning Officer (ARO-Migrants) Zaffar Ahmed Bandey said the detailed electoral rolls would be released by Friday after scrutiny of the M-Forms.

About 21 polling stations will be set up in Jammu and one in Udhampur. The M-Form was introduced to check bogus voting and we are making every effort to streamline the process despite several challenges, Bandey said.

The process of scrutiny every time elections are held has deprived many people of their democratic rights. Community members refrain from registering themselves due to the cumbersome process. We still dont have a list of people whose M-Forms have been scrutinised, said MK Yogi, a political activist and National Conference (NC) minority cell leader.

Filling of M-Forms, introduced by the Election Commission after the exodus of 3.50 lakh Pandits in 1989-90, has always restricted their participation in the democratic process depriving them of their fundamental right.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 6

As flood-like situation prevails in Kashmir due to heavy rain, the Election Commission has not ruled out the possibility of postponing the byelection to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency which is scheduled on Sunday.

However, the Election Commission will take a final call tomorrow if the flood-like situation persists.

So far there is no change. We are waiting and watching the situation, J&K Chief Electoral Officer Shantmanu told The Tribune. If the situation persists, we may take a call tomorrow.

However, election officials in Srinagar are hopeful of conducting elections as the meteorological department has predicted an improvement in the conditions from Friday.

We are fully geared up for the polls and all preparations are in place. As the weatherman has predicted improvement in weather, we are hopeful to conduct elections smoothly, District Election Officer, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmed Lone said.

While the election staff has been asked to report on April 8, the immediate challenging task for the authorities will be to dispatch poll staff and election material to the areas badly hit by the continuous rain, that has created a flood-like situation in three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal that form the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency. The situation is quite similar in four districts of south Kashmir that form the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, that goes to polls on April 12.

The already low-key election campaigning in Srinagar and Anantnag has been hit by the bad weather.

The last day for campaigning in Srinagar is Friday, but I think today was the last day for the canvassing practically as there is always tension on Fridays. Separatists have called for protests tomorrow, said a lower-rung National Conference leader. However, we conducted some meetings, he added.

In Srinagar, political heavyweight Farooq Abdullah, who is the joint candidate of the National Conference and the Congress is up against PDPs Nazir Ahmad Khan.

In Anantnag, Tassaduq Mufti, brother of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is in a direct contest with J&K Congress president Ghulam Ahmad Mir.
Azhar Qadri

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 6

A rare mid-spring snowfall and stormy rainfall that continued for the third consecutive day on Thursday swelled the Jhelum river to an alarming level, prompting closure of the highway after landslides and evacuation of several low-lying localities in the Kashmir valley.

It was one of the highest recorded rainfall since the 2014 floods with Srinagar city receiving 83.9 mm precipitation in 24 hours. The extreme weather condition in the region also caused a significant drop in mercury, which came down by nearly 15 degrees from the normal, and led to a rare snowfall. Srinagar city recorded 3.8Celsius.

In the last 13 years, it is for the first time that the region has received snow this month.

The downpour made the Jhelum waters cross the flood alarm level in south and central Kashmir. At 6 pm on Thursday, the water level of the Jhelum had touched 20 feet at Sangam in south Kashmir, a foot away from the flood declaration level.

In Srinagar, the Jhelum water level at 6 pm had touched 18 feet  marking the point of flood declaration, an official of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department said.

The Jhelum, which snakes across the Valley from its origin in south Kashmir, was the source of a devastating flood in 2014 when rainfall had continued incessantly for almost a week.

Several of the rivers tributaries were also flowing above the danger mark. The water level of Vishov Nallah at 10 am stood at 7.74 metres, 0.74 meters above the danger level, a government spokesman said.

The heavy downpour also led to the continued blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar highway as rainfall triggered landslides along its mountainous stretches.

Several inter-district and intra-district roads were either blocked or inundated by the rain water. In Srinagar, several areas which included the citys commercial hub were inundated.

The state government took several preventive measures and announced closure of schools and colleges in the wake of the downpour. The state police launched rescue operations to evacuate residents from low-lying localities in north Kashmirs Sopore sub-district, and the Health Directorate announced helplines.

The Kashmir divisional administration issued a high-danger avalanche warning for the next 24 hours for Kargil district and medium danger avalanche warning for three districts of north Kashmir, asking residents to take precautions.

The Meteorological Department has forecast significant decrease in precipitation during the next 24 hours.
Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 6

A few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modis assertions to emotionally and physically connect Kashmir with the rest of the country, the J&K Government has decided to expedite the work on the Banihal-Qazigund road tunnel to complete another mega project of integration.

The work on the Banihal-Qazigund road tunnel, which is a part of the National Highways Authority of Indias (NHAI) flagship project of four-laning the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, is not going on the expected speed due some local issues. Now, the government has decided to speed up the work on the project to achieve another milestone in bringing Kashmir further close to other states of the country.

Official sources said a deadline had been fixed to complete the excavating work of the 8.45 km-long tunnel. The excavating work will be completed within one and half months, a source said, adding that the local authorities had been asked to complete the process of land acquisition, compensation and clearance from the Forest Department to complete the 36-km stretch of the Ramban-Banihal road.

Union Surface Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadhari assured people in Udhampur on Sunday that before August 15, 2018, the distance of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway would be further reduced. He said the distance would be covered in four hours after the completion of the highway as compared to the present time of nearly 8 to 10 hours.

Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aijaz told The Tribune that the acquisition process of land had almost completed. Our job is to provide land to the executing agency, he said.

While inaugurating the Chenani-Nashri tunnel on Sunday, the Prime Minister said, This tunnel is not just a physical connection between Jammu and Kashmir, but also a giant leap for the states development...This will be Kashmirs Bhagyarekha (line of good luck). The Prime Minister had said the tunnel would bring people of Kashmir closer to the nation, adding that it was not only a network of roads but of hearts too.
Lt Gen KJ Singh (Retd)

MUMTAZ was the first Pakistani I met and that was in 1991, during a UN peacekeeping mission in Angola, after I had already put in 14 years of commissioned service. Overcoming my excitement, I tried every bit of defence diplomacy by reaching out to him in the best Urdu that I had picked up from old Hindi films. But soon, I was fumbling for words and he enquired if I was a Mohajir, a derogatory expression for Urdu-speaking Indian-origin refugees. Switching to authentic and sweetest Punjabi that I had ever heard, Tazi (as he liked to be called) forged a bond which stretched to 20 months of camaraderie. Though 10 years older than me, this UN civilian officer became my mirror to Pakistani society.

We realised that we both came from the same Potohar region as my parents had migrated from Chakwal. My father sent him Idi, a traditional gift given by elders on Id. During outstation postings, he banked on me and stayed with me during his frequent visits to the HQ. Being an excellent cook, he would stock my fridge with choicest delicacies, but always took care of my sensitivities. He even found a Pakistani workers camp in Luanda, which had a tandoor and would get semi-baked naans and parathas. Together, we watched many classic films like Kanoon and Waqt, and heard Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh.

Having spent nearly two decades with the UN, Tazi was truly a liberal Muslim, fond of good life and married to an Austrian based in Vienna. He took a young second wife during his visit back home, justifying it as zakat (charity) for a poor girl in Pakistan. We agreed to disagree on many issues and concluded most arguments by blaming RAW, and I returning the compliments to the ISI.

On Independence Day eve, we got invited to a dinner at the Angolan defence ministers residence. At midnight, the host surprised us by wheeling out two cakes depicting the flags of India and Pakistan. There was a popular demand for me to cut the Pakistani flag and vice versa for him. I moved towards the cake and as I was about to do the honours, Tazi, who despite having imbibed more than his quota of beer, surprised me with a request that we cut our own flags whereas I thought they were just cakes.

While I complied with his request, the message was loud and clear  friends across the Radcliffe line carry deep-rooted insecurity. Mere candlelight marches and bus diplomacy are not enough. We may be largehearted and trusting by nature, but bridging this gulf is simply not a cakewalk. A long haul is required to address the inherent insecurity of the Pakistani awaam.

When we parted company at the end of my tour of duty, we avoided exchanging contact details, reminded of the efficiency of the ISI and RAW. Allah Hafiz, Tazi saheb, wonder if we will meet ever again.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 6 (PTI) More than one in 10 deaths globally was caused due to smoking in 2015 and over 50 per cent of them took place in just four countries, one of which was India, a new study today said.

Over 11 per cent of 6.4 million deaths worldwide was caused by smoking in 2015 and 52.2 per cent of them took place in China, India, USA, and Russia, according to the latest estimates in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study published in medical journal The Lancet.

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China, India, and Indonesia, the three leading countries with male smokers, accounted for 514 per cent of the worlds male smokers in 2015.

India has 112 per cent of the worlds total smokers.

Deaths attributable to smoking increased by 4.7 per cent in 2015 compared with 2005 and smoking was rated as a bigger burden on health ? moving from third to second highest cause of disability, the study said.

"In 2015, 115 per cent of global deaths (64 million) were attributable to smoking worldwide, of which 522 per cent took place in four countries - China, India, the USA, and Russia)," the study said.

The estimates are based on smoking habits in 195 countries and territories between 1990 and 2015, and illustrate that smoking remains a leading risk factor for death and disability.

The study said that with growing and ageing populations already heightening the burden of tobacco, it will be crucial to support more smokers in quitting and stopping people from starting to smoke.

"The USA, China and India, which were the leading three countries in total number of female smokers, accounted for only 273 per cent of the worlds female smokers," it said.

While Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Philippines did not have significant reductions in male prevalence of daily smoking since 1990, the Philippines, Germany, and India had no significant decreases in smoking among women.

The authors of the study warned the war against tobacco is far from won, and argued that despite implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005, policy makers need to make renewed and sustained efforts to tackle it.

Worldwide, between 1990 and 2015, smoking prevalence decreased by almost a third-- from 29.4 per cent to 15.3 per cent-- and presently one in four men (25 per cent) worldwide smoke, as do one in nearly 20 women (5.4 per cent).

Despite these improvements, population growth has led to an increase in the overall number of smokers from 870.4 million in 1990 to 933.1 million in 2015, the study said.

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The study said Pakistan, Panama and India stand out as three countries that have implemented a large number of tobacco control policies over the past decade and recorded marked declines in the prevalence of daily smoking since 2005, compared with decreases recorded between 1990 and 2005.

The study said the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), is necessary and vital for creating policy environment for more effective tobacco control worldwide but in not enough to fully address each countrys tobacco-control needs.

The nations will need to both implement FCTC-stipulated measures and supplement such policies and programmes with strong enforcement and high rates of compliance, it said.

"For example, India, where 112 per cent of the worlds smokers live, supplemented the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) with the creation of a National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in 2007.

"NTCP was created to strengthen implementation and enforcement of the various provisions of COTPA at the state and district level. It has been rolled out in phases and currently covers about 40 per cent of all districts in India," the study said.

The 10 countries with the largest number of smokers in 2015 were China, India, Indonesia, USA, Russia, Bangladesh, Japan, Brazil, Germany and the Philippines.

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Together they accounted for almost two-thirds of the worlds smokers (63.6 per cent), the study said.

"Despite more than half a century of unequivocal evidence of the harmful effects of tobacco on health, today, one in every four men in the world is a daily smoker.

"Smoking remains the second largest risk factor for early death and disability, and so to further reduce its impact we must intensify tobacco control (efforts)," said senior author Emmanuela Gakidou, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, USA. PTI TDS TIR ASV

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New York, April 6

Ten persons have been arrested and two others charged for allegedly duping persons in New York, Las Vegas and Mumbai to the tune of over $9 million through fraudulent diamond trade.

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Godel Sezanayev, Mark Mullakandov, Albert Foozailov, Imanil Muratov, Manashe Sezanayev, Nathan Itzchaki, Arkadiy Israilov, Ali Javidnezhad, Mark Natanzon, Sholom Muratov, Menachem Abramov and Nizamuden Akbari were arrested for defrauding diamond traders of more than $9 million, acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York Joon Kim said.

Two others named Javidnezhad and Akbari are absconding and have been charged, he said.

Centered in Manhattans diamond district, Americas busiest hub in the diamond trade, the defendants allegedly took advantage of an industrywide system of credit and trust to obtain largely untraceable diamonds, and then, using various allegedly illegal schemes, refused to pay, Kim said.

Since in or about 2015, the FBI has been investigating a series of predatory frauds perpetrated by a group of diamond merchants in the city. This group swindles diamond wholesalers in a variety of ways, and then resells the ill-gotten diamonds through Manhattans diamond district.

From at least January 2015 to November 2016, the defendants deployed an ad hoc strategy to obtain as much of the diamond inventory from the victims as possible without full payment, the attorney said.

The defendants also induced numerous victims in Mumbai to send diamonds by interstate carrier by purporting to agree to payment terms that they had no intention to, and did not, honour. The defendants caused these victims losses in excess of $7.44 million, Kim said.

According to the complaint, the victims in Mumbai worked in diamond wholesale businesses in and around the Indian city.

In about September 2016, the victims reported to Indian authorities claiming millions of dollars in losses caused by the defendants. They sent the diamonds ordered by the defendants, through a fraudulent scheme, to New York.

However, the victims did not get paid and were told over a period of time that the diamonds were with someone else or they did not have the money cash to pay. The victims have still not been paid for the diamonds that they sold in the scheme.

The 12 accused have been charged with conspiring to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  PTI
Our Correspondent

Jaipur, April 6

The Rajasthan Police on Wednesday night arrested three youths in Alwar in connection with death of a Muslim man, Pehlu Khan, who was brutally beaten up by cow vigilantes.

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#WATCH: 5 men beaten up & their vehicle vandalised by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar; later 1 man succumbed to injuries (01.04.2017) pic.twitter.com/almfW9W954  ANI (@ANI_news) April 5, 2017

A cash reward of Rs 5,000 each was also announced for anybody providing information about the remaining six suspects who have been identified.

Those arrested included Vipin Yadav, 19, a student union leader of government college; Ravindra Yadav, 30, and Kalu Ram Yadav, 40, Behrod SHO Ramesh Sinsinwar told The Tribune.

The police have registered a case under IPCs Sections 302 (murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly) and 427 (punishment for theft) with the Behrod Thana.

The police have launched a manhunt across the state to nab the suspects on the basis of video footage.

The incident occurred on Saturday when 15 persons were allegedly transporting cows in a mini-truck. After intercepting them, cow vigilantes beat them up and damaged their vehicles on the border of Haryana.

The police have also registered a case related to cow smuggling against 10 persons. Pehlu Khan, 55, succumbed to his injuries in a private hospital.

Additional SP, Neemrana, in Alwar, Pradeep Rinwa is probing the case.

Meanwhile, People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has asked the state government to provide Pehlu Khans family ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore.

Miscreants or criminals in the name of cow protection should not be allowed to have a free run in Rajasthan. Pehlu Khan, who was part of a group of 15 Muslims ferrying cattle to Haryana with valid documents, was beaten up in broad daylight by goons, PUCL convener Kavita Shrivastava alleged.

Rajasthan Home Minister G C Kataria had told media on Wednesday , "Cow vigilantes did a good job, but broke the law by beating up people.
New Delhi, April 6

The Congress on Thursday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths reported remarks on Hindu Rashtra theory.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said Adityanath needs a proper class in Indian Constitutional Law and he would be keen to give him one free of cost.

The Prime Ministers silence means that the Prime Minister believes, agrees and upholds this definition of India.

Clearly silence is consent when the speaker is a chief minister who is directly calling his own PM as agreeing with this view and him as implementing that view. So, I think unless we hear otherwise, you must assume that the PM has a much distorted definition, he said.

Adityanath reportedly said that there is nothing wrong in the Hindu Rashtra concept as the Supreme Court has defined Hinduism as a way of life.

Singhvi said the prime minister has maintained silence and as since he is extremely eloquent, who speaks at diverse issues and tweets on every issue, there has not even been a tweet on this.

He said the Hindu Rashtra theory was completely contrary to the ethos of our country and to the Idea of India and to all manner of spirit of the Constitution but what is more important is that your question should have received the answer from the Prime Minister.  PTI
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 6

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating and misuse of official position in the alleged re-allotment of a plot to Associated Journals Limited (AJL) in Panchkula in 2005.

In an FIR registered by the CBI on April 5, Hooda has not been mentioned by name but as Chairman of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), a position he held as CM at the time of re-allotment. Besides, the then HUDA Chief Administrator, the then HUDA Administrator, the then Financial Commissioner of the Town and Country Planning Department and the AJL, the beneficiary of the re-allotment, have been booked.

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The AJL is reportedly controlled by senior Congress leaders, including the Gandhi family. The group ran the newspaper National Herald. The FIR under Sections 409, 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code has been registered on the written requests of the Haryana Government, the notification of the Union Government and on the complaint of Ashok Kumar, DSP, State Vigilance Bureau, Haryana. The FIR mentions RS Gunjiyal, a DSP in the CBI, Chandigarh, as the investigating officer.

The Haryana Government in its letter stated that on August 24, 1982, HUDA allotted a plot (C-17) in Sector 6, Panchkula, to the AJL. The plot was resumed on October 30, 1992 because of non-construction.

The allottee filed an appeal which was dismissed by the Commissioner, Town and Country Planning Department, on October 10, 1996.

In contravention of the policies and going against the advice of HUDA officials and the Legal Remembrance, Haryana, for re-advertising the plot, the resumed plot was re-allotted to the company at original rates plus interest thereon by the then HUDA Chairman (the then CM Hooda) on August 28, 2005.

The state government has considered the matter. Another case relating to the allotment of industrial plots of HUDA, Panchkula, is already under probe with the CBI. Keeping in view that persons in high positions are involved and in view of the complexities involved and the fact that the allottee company and office-bearers have their offices/residences across many states, it has been decided to get the matter probed from CBI, the government said.
Beijing, April 6

China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, the Chinese official media said today.

Two English newspapers, China Daily and Global Times, have launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of Southern Tibet, is "an inseparable part of India".

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Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and UN ban on Jaish-e- Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

"New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said. "Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in an editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," it said.

"Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks," it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

The aggressive editorials came after China yesterday lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale here over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju.

When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino- India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.

"With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?" it said.

"China considers India as a friendly neighbour and partner. China has never provoked bilateral disputes or made any pressing demand on India over the Dalai Lama. New Delhi should respond to Beijing's goodwill with goodwill," it said.

"The Dalai question became one of the problems that upset the Sino-India relationship," it said.

"When India emphasises the relationship with China, it would place a tight control on the Dalai. When it has a grudge against China, it may prompt the Dalai to play certain tricks as a signal sent to China," it said.

Stating that India is dissatisfied with China over the NSG and Azhar issues, it said some Indians also called for boycott of Chinese goods.

"The Dalai's visit to Arunachal Pradesh this time is seen as New Delhi using the monk as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on China," it said. PTI
New Delhi, April 6

The Shiv Sena and its MP Ravindra Gaikwad, in the eye of a storm over assaulting an Air India staffer last month, on Thursday blew hot and cold over revocation of the flying ban on the Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad.

Declared persona non grata by all major domestic airlines, Gaikwad tendered apology to the Lok Sabha for the incident and also voiced regret over the unfortunate incident, while a combative Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt AI operations in Mumbai and Pune forced repeated adjournment of the House over the issue.

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Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad conveys regret to Civil Aviation Min Ashok Gajapathi Raju, requests to lift fly ban imposed on him pic.twitter.com/L933Cn2HKq  ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017

It also declared it would not attend the April 10 meeting of the NDA if the ban was not lifted.

Gaikwad, who attended the proceedings for the first time since the incident when he assaulted an Air India employee and boastfully claimed on national TV about having hit him with slippers 25 times, played a victim, insisting he had only retaliated against provocation.

As the ruling NDA ally made an all-out attempt to get the ban lifted, a string of meetings followed to break the impasse, with first signs of a possible resolution emerging when Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured the House that discussions will be held with the stakeholders to find an amicable solution at the earliest.

In the evening, Gaikwad wrote a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapthi Raju voicing regret over the unfortunate incident.

I write to convey my regrets for the unfortunate incident that took place on 23rd March, 2017 in the Air India Flight No. AI-852 seat No. 1F, Gaikwad, who has been steadfast in refusing to tender an apology to either the national carrier or the staffer concerned, said.

It could have been no ones intention to have let the situation aggravate to the level that it eventually did. While the on-going investigation will bring out the factual sequence of events to fix responsibility, this incident may kindly not be seen as a reason for likely recurrence of such an event in future also, he said in the letter.

The letter, according to official sources, followed a meeting in Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajans chamber in Parliament where Shiv Sena MPs were told that if Gaikwad issued a statement committing that he would not engage in any such incident in future, the government could intervene and have the ban revoked.

As the restriction on flying is affecting the effective discharge of my duties and responsibilities, I would request you to lift this restriction and let the investigation eventually determine the circumstances which led to the incident, Gaikwad said.

Air India sources, meanwhile, said the ban is still in force.

The day started with belligerent Shiv Sena MPs creating an uproar in the Lok Sabha where they surrounded Raju after the latter refused to concede their demand for lifting the ban.

The House watched in shock as Sena MPs banged Rajus bench in unbridled fury and refused to allow him to leave. Among those who joined in creating the ruckus was the lone Sena minister in the Union Cabinet Anant Geete.

Rajnath Singh had to intervene to placate the agitated Sena members and usher Raju out.

Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised, Raju had earlier said, while responding to the Shiv Senas demand. His response left the Sena MPs fuming.

Before Raju spoke, Geete too joined his colleagues in condemning the action against Gaikwad and appeared to be taking a dig at the government when he said it is a peoples government but the one-sided decision was shameful and tragic.

Gaikwad, the MP from Maharashtras Osmanabad, read out a statement in the House which was a mix of defiance and an attempt at reconciliation. However, all the while he played the victim card as he sought justice for himself.

Having repeatedly bragged about how he beat up the elderly Air India staffer R Sukumar, attempted to throw him off the stationary aircraft on landing at Delhi airport and held up the plane for an hour, Gaikwad today claimed he had only pushed him, that too after being provoked.

The Sena MP claimed that an official, when asked about his identity, told him that he was Air India ka baap (Air Indias father) and taunted him by asking are you Narendra Modi, when he said he was a Lok Sabha MP.

Gaikwad claimed he just pushed the official only after he was pushed around.

Air Indias charge that he fought with its officials over a seat was wrong, he said, adding that airline officials got angry with him when he demanded a complaint book. He also lashed out at Air India and other airlines for barring him from flying.

Many members were seen smiling when he said he has been a teacher and humility is his nature.

He said he had the video clippings of the incident which will prove my case. Gaikwad also cited the comments of an Air India air hostess, claiming she had blamed the airline official for the incident.

Gaikwad struck a somewhat conciliatory note when he tendered an apology to Parliament but insisted he owed no apology to the airline officials.

Soon after, Shiv Sena leaders held a press conference where they declared the party would not attend a proposed meeting of the ruling NDA on April 10 if the ban was not lifted by then.

If seperatists, rapists and terrorists are allowed to travel on flights then why not an MP. There are so many MPs, who are involved in agitation. Are you (the airlines) going to impose a travel ban on them as well?

We will not attend the NDA meeting on April 10 if the travel ban on Gaikwad is not revoked, Shiv Senas Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said. Seeking to add more weight to the threat, he told journalists it is an instruction from party chief Uddhav Thackeray.  PTI
New Delhi, April 6

The Park Street here will now be known after Bangladeshs founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with the NDMC approving its renaming a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrives on a four-day visit.

Hasina, who is Rahmans daughter, will have a series of meetings on various issues including on enhancing rail, road and water connectivity.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) arrived at a decision aimed at expressing a friendly gesture by circular motion.

It has been decided to rename Park Street after founder of BangladeshBangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahmanahead of Sheikh Hasinas visit. This is like a friendly gesture as India shares cordial relations with Bangladesh, a senior NDMC official told PTI.

The decision was arrived at through a circular motion as a council meeting could not be convened for the purpose due to shortage of time and with the model code of conduct being in place because of MCD polls, he added.

Rahman was the central figure in Bangladeshs liberation movement and served twice as the Bangladesh President. He studied law at Maulana Azad College in Kolkata and joined student politics there.

According to NDMC officials, while 12 of the council members, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, agreed to the proposal, AAP MLA from Delhi Cantt Surinder Singh refused to give his consent.

NDMC vice chairman Karan Singh Tanwar, said, The task of changing the sign boards will be carried out tonight to ensure that it is completed before the Bangladesh PMs arrival tomorrow.

This is the fourth time that the NDMC has renamed a road in less than two years. In 2015, Aurangzeb Road was named as APJ Abdul Kalam Road. Race Course Road, where the Prime Ministers residence is located, was renamed as Lok Kalyan Marg last year.

The civic body had also renamed Dalhousie Road in the national capital as Dara Shikoh Road after the elder brother of Mughal emperor Aurganzeb earlier this year.  PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 6

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrives here on a highly anticipated visit tomorrow. But the one agreement Bangladesh has been very keen on  the Teesta water-sharing pact  may not happen this time.

The primary reason is the objection of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the water treaty. In 2011, the then PM Manmohan Singh had visited Dhaka and the treaty was all set to be signed. But a last minute objection by Banerjee saw the treaty going for a toss.

Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh, especially in the leanest period from December to March, when the water flow often temporarily comes down to less than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs.

Hasina has also been a great supporter of India, especially when it comes to cross-border terrorism that India has been grappling with. Hasina wants India to sign on the Teesta agreement as that will give her a boost in the domestic quarter. It is learnt that matters between the Central Government and the West Bengal CM have been difficult and this is the primary stumbling block in the way of signing the agreement.

Banerjee will, however, be in attendance when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts a lunch in honour of Hasina and is also likely to attend a banquet hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee later. She will also attend the launch of two new trains and a bus between Kolkata and Bangladesh.

This is Hasinas first visit here in seven years and will see the signing of more than 30 agreements in various sectors. While Teesta will be a letdown for her, the defence cooperation is in for a major boost. Two memoranda of understanding on defence are expected to be inked.

India is also expected to announce a fresh credit worth about $5 billion for infrastructure projects such as railways, roads and waterways.

Australian PM Turnbull arrives on Sunday

Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull will arrive in India on Sunday on his first bilateral visit here since taking charge. The visit is expected to focus on areas such as education, trade and defence. Australias High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said: India is one of Australias most important international priorities. Our relationship has expanded dramatically since we established a Strategic Partnership in 2009, followed by two-way Prime Ministerial visits in 2014. We are taking forward an active and ambitious agenda.
Bahraich (UP), April 6

An eight-year-old girl was found living with a troop of monkeys in the Katarniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary here.

After being spotted by locals in the Motipur range of the sanctuary, a police team managed to rescue her in January, but not before overcoming stiff resistance from the monkeys.

Currently undergoing treatment at a hospital here, the girl is unable to communicate and screams whenever people go near her.

Chief Medical Superintendent Dr DK Singh said this has resulted in problems in giving her proper treatment.

ASP Dinesh Tripathi said though there is no information about the girl, it appears from her behaviour that she has been living with the monkeys in the wild for a long time.

Her curious condition came into limelight after visuals went viral on social media in the past couple of days, police said.

When rescued she had unkempt nails and hair and there were wounds all over her body...our priority as of now is to give her proper medical care and look for her parents, the ASP added.  PTI
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 6

The Supreme Court today ruled that a man is bound to pay maintenance to his divorced wife even if he obtains the divorce after proving desertion or adultery on her part.

Giving a liberal interpretation to Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) that deals with maintenance, a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar said it was a social welfare legislation meant to give succour to women in need and save them from destitution.

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Under Section 125(1) of the CrPC, a court can order a man to give monthly maintenance to his wife, including a divorced one, if there is sufficient proof that he neglected her or refused to keep her.

However, Section 125(4) says: No wife shall be entitled to receive an allowance under this section if she is living in adultery, or if, without any sufficient reason, she refuses to live with her husband, or if they are living separately by mutual consent. Section 125(5) makes adultery and desertion grounds for cancellation of maintenance.

The wifes lawyer, Anil Nag, argued that a strict interpretation of the law on maintenance would deprive a woman judicially separated from her husband of any financial help.

Noting that the purpose of Section 125 was to prevent destitution of women, the top court said: One has to see the legislative intent behind the law. It is a beneficial legislation. The interpretation should be to support the cause of woman.

The Benchs ruling is in tune with earlier verdicts by two-judge Benches that consistently took a liberal view of the law on maintenance.

The order came on a petition by a man from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh employed with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) who challenged an April 9, 2015 order of the HP High Court that upheld a sessions courts direction dated June 12, 2012, asking him to pay Rs 3,000 a month to his ex-wife.

The woman had left the matrimonial home on her own volition and there was no neglect on part of the husband. It was on this basis that he obtained a decree of divorce on September 4, 2008, after proving his wife had deserted him. Initially, he was ordered to pay a monthly maintenance of Rs 1,000, which was later enhanced to Rs 3,000 by the Mandi Sessions Court.

Citing Section 125(4) and (5) of CrPC, the husband  who has remarried and has two children  contended that if a woman was not entitled to financial assistance from husband during subsistence of marriage then how could she claim it after divorce.
Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, on Thursday directed the forest and environment department to conduct a probe into the alleged scam and file a report at the earliest.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: In a move which could spell further trouble for RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family, Bihar govt has ordered a probe into the "soil scam" allegedly involving RJD chief Lalu's eldest son and Minister for Forest and Environment Tej Pratap Yadav. Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, on Thursday directed the forest and environment department to conduct a probe into the alleged scam and file a report at the earliest.

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Singh, in a communication to the forest and environment department, has asked it to probe all the facts relating to the alleged scam involving Rs 90 lakh. He further asked the forest department, under which the Patna zoo comes, to provide details of soil purchased by the zoo authority along with the quotations it received for purchase the same. He also sought the files relating to the scam from the forest department.

BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who on Tuesday made sensational expose regarding the soil scam, had demanded setting up of an all-party committee to investigate the matter.

BJP, however, is not satisfied with the probe ordered by the Bihar govt as it feels that till the time Tej Pratap Yadav remains minister of the forest and environment department, a fair probe is not possible.

"How can the forest department conduct probe against its own minister on whom allegations are of indulging in soil scam. This probe is mere eyewash by CM Nitish Kumar," said Nitin Naveen, BJP legislator.

It is also being alleged by Sushil Modi that soil being dug out from the two acre plot in Patna worth Rs 30 crore on which a mall was coming up belonging to Lalu's family, was sold to Patna zoo for Rs 90 lakh which comes under forest and environment department of which Tej Pratap is a minister.

Also read:

Opposition for setting up of all party committee to probe soil scam in Bihar

Bihar: Lalu and sons face heat over an alleged Rs 90 lakh soil scam

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi, April 6

As the Rajya Sabha approved four GST-supporting Bills on Thursday, the House saw rare consensus between the government and the Congress, as a result of which the main opposition party did not press amendments, citing Manmohan Singh's advice.

While Congress members Jairam Ramesh and Vivek Tankha did not press their amendments, their party colleague Subbarami Reddy was absent altogether from the House even though he had proposed amendments to a number of clauses.

It was Ramesh who then spilled the beans.

"Yesterday the former Prime Minister (Singh) advised me not the move the amendment because it will be disturb the fine consensus that has been arrived in the GST Council. It is the former PM who told me that don't do this because it will send a wrong signal for a new federal framework," Ramesh said.

"In deference to what the former PM said, in spite of the former PM being at the receiving end of the jibes of his successor, including raincoat and what not, I think in view of the statesman-like approach that the former PM Manmohan Singh has advised me not to move this amendment," he added.

The ruling NDA is in a minority with only 74 seats in the 245-member House.

Ramesh said he was not moving this amendment at all in keeping with the spirit of consensus, to maintain the federal framework and to give respect to the GST council.

Later, while not moving another amendment, Ramesh reiterated that it was the former prime minister who asked him not to seek amendments in the matter.

"It was Dr Manmohan Singh who advised me not to move it.

I am just trying to highlight the difference between the former Prime Minister who is a statesman and the present Prime Minister who is a politician," Ramesh said.

While Congress members did not move their amendments, their counterparts from the Trinamool Congress and the Left pressed their amendments, and Division of votes was sought on two amendments.

After the passage of the bills, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley went up to Congress benches and shook hands with Manmohan Singh and other Congress leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad to thank them.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien also congratulated all members of the House for the "excellent debate" on the important legislation.

Earlier, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, while moving his amendment and seeking a division, said all matters related to GST should pass through the Parliament.

Jaitley asked O'Brien not to press for the division, saying if Parliament changes the tax rates approved by the GST Council, then state assemblies will also make changes.

"The moment we set this practice, we can forget GST...Let us not unilaterally upset the federal arrangement..it will become difficult to implement," Jaitley said but O'Brien did not relent.

The amendment was, however, negated overwhelmingly, with 113 voting against it and only 9 voting in favour. There were 9 abstentions.  PTI
Jitendra K Shrivastava

Tribune News Service

Ranchi, April 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of one of the longest river bridges on the Ganga at Sahebganj of Jharkhand on Thursday.

The bridge will connect Sahebganj district of Jharkhand with Katihar district of Bihar.

To be built with an estimated cost of Rs 2,266 crore, 5.8-km-long four-lane Ganga bridge will be constructed by the National Highway Authority of India. The bridge is expected to herald economic development and open new door for eastern states via Bihar too.

Before reaching Sahebganj, the PM arrived in Purnea by a special aircraft and met BJP leaders and officials. Modi will leave by a helicopter from Chunapur Air Force Station of Purnea to Sahebganj now.

Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmur, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das will also be present.

Once the bridge is constructed, people, especially from Seemanchal areas of Bihar, would have an easy access to Bengal and Jharkhand.

The PM will also address a public rally in Sahebganj.
New Delhi, April 6

No naxal-related activities have been reported among the students of Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the HRD Ministry has said.

The statement was made by Minister of State for HRD, Mahendra Nath Pandey in response to a written question in Rajya Sabha.

"JNU and DU have informed the government that no naxal-related activities have been reported among the students. DU has further clarified that the situation has not changed subsequent to the indictment of one of its Assistant Professors," he said.

DU Professor G N Saibaba was last month awarded life imprisonment for links with a Maoist front and carrying out "anti-national" activities.

The government's statement comes against the backdrop of allegations by several political leaders that naxal-related activities were being carried out in universities like JNU.

JNU has been at the centre of controversy after its students organised an event last year against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which alleged 'anti-national' slogans were raised.  PTI
Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 6

After days of obstinacy, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad today regretted his misconduct on a recent Air India flight, paving the way for revocation of the flying ban imposed on him by domestic airliners.

I write to convey my regrets for the unfortunate incident that took place on March 23 on the Air India Flight 852. It could have been no ones intention to let the situation aggravate to the level it eventually did. While the ongoing investigation will bring out the factual sequence of events to fix responsibility, this incident may kindly not be seen as a reason for likely recurrence of such an event in future, Gaikwad wrote in a letter to Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju hours after Shiv Sena colleagues heckled the latter triggering unruly scenes in the Lok Sabha.

The post-noon acrimony in the Lower House was triggered by Raju justifying the airline ban on Gaikwad and saying that it was really up to the MP to defuse or aggravate the situation. Minutes before Raju spoke in the LS, Gaikwad had refused to apologise to Air India staff for his misconduct, insisting: I am a teacher and I am very polite.

While Gaikwad apologised to Parliament, he said he had done nothing wrong with the AI staff and had in fact been victimised. Rajus refusal to relent to Sena pressure over lifting the ban on Gaikwad led to unprecedented scenes in the LS with senior Sena leader and minister Anant Geete thumping Rajus desk in rage. Geete had to be ushered away by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and his colleagues to defuse the tension.

Rajnath later assured the House of an amicable solution to the matter in consultation with stakeholders. Between these events the House saw three adjournments after Sena MPs surrounded Rajus desk not letting him leave. It was after Rajnath took Geete away with him to his seat that Raju was allowed to exit the LS.

The government had been insisting on Gaikwads apology even when Sena MPs threatened to stop all flights from Mumbai from tomorrow if their demand wasnt met.

Today Raju had his way when Gaikwad finally wrote to him regretting his conduct. In the letter, Gaikwad requested for the flying ban to be revoked.
New Delhi, April 6

Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday expressed grave concern over the killing of a man in Alwar district of Rajasthan by a mob of cow vigilantes, with Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien asking the government to probe it and inform the House about the facts.

Amid contradictory statements about the alleged incident by the Opposition and the Government, Kurien said the Chair had to be convinced whether the issue raised by Congress member Madhusudan Mistry was true or not.

During Zero Hour, Mistry said there was a complete breakdown of law and order in Rajasthan as a gang of gau-rakshaks (cow vigilantes) stopped a truck carrying cattle and mercilessly thrashed four of its occupants after letting off the Hindu truck driver. One of them succumbed to injuries later.

Read:

Three arrested in Alwar lynching case, search on for six more

As members of other opposition parties supported him, Mistry said similar incidents were taking place in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, all ruled by the BJP.

Squarely rejecting the allegations, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was a very sensitive issue, but no such incident has happened, the way the matter is being presented here.

A message should not be sent out that the House supports cow-slaughter, he said, adding, The state government has refuted (the allegations). We do not justify hooliganism.

To this, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times has reported (on it) and the minister does not know...I have not come across such an insensitive government.

As treasury and opposition benches indulged in heated exchanges, Kurien said he could not go by newspaper reports.

The minister said no such incident happened, he said, adding that there were two versions of the incident which had been brought before him.

The Deputy Chairman said if such an incident had happened, then it is a serious matter and if it had not happened and had been said in the House, then too it is a serious matter.

Let me know whether it is a fact or not. I am asking the minister to convey to the Home Minister to inquire and give a report to the House. I want to know the truth, Kurien said and proceeded with other listed Zero Hour mentions. PTI
GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 6

With the flow of the Beas towards the Ferozepur and Rajasthan feeder halted on March 27 for repair works, rare aquatic species at the Harike wetland are feared to have died for want of water. Efforts are now on to rescue the Indus dolphin, say sources.

Normally 30,000 cusecs of water flows into the Harike wetland, a confluence of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. However, it measures just 3,770 cusecs as of now. The wetland is home to at least 26 species of fish, including rohu, catla, puntius, cirrhina, chhanna, mystus, chitala, cyprinus, ambassis ranga, besides the Indus dolphin which was discovered in 2007 at two points upstream Beas.

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The World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF), Punjab, says pond areas in different pockets of the Harike wetland have dried up. Its chairman Gunbir Singh squarely blames the sudden stopping of waters for the rampant destruction of aquatic life.

At least 90 per cent of rare species of fish and turtle are dead. The Indus dolphin, the pride of this wetland, is in danger too. To make matters worse, encroachers have stepped up activities on the dry beds, he said. While the Irrigation Department blames the Forest and Wildlife Department for its failure to take timely measures, the latter, denying rare species have been lost, say Irrigation officials have been dilly dallying on releasing water into the wetland.

Gulshan Nagpal, XEN, Harike Division (Ferozepur), said they had to stop the water flow as gates on the Harike banks and the main head works needed immediate repairs. There are 31 gates downstream and 14 gates upstream. Nine gates are still to be repaired, he explained.

The water flow has been stopped till April 16 for repairs that have been undertaken after 12 years. The government had sent a copy of the notification in this regard to the head office of the Forest and Wildlife Department well in advance on March 8. They could have raised temporary embankments to hold back water. But they did not plan anything to rescue the water species, he said.

While Wildlife Block Officer Baljeet Singh claimed their repeated pleas to the Irrigation Department for releasing the water had been spurned, District Forest Officer (DFO) Baljeet Singh said the situation was not all that alarming and that the dolphins were safe.

We were worried about the dolphins. But all seven are in Beas safe zone where the water level is 3 feet. We found a few turtles on dry patches. These were saved, he said.
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 6

The Supreme Court today reserved its order on the CBIs plea to revive conspiracy charges against senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and others in the December 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case.

A Bench of Justices PC Ghose and RF Nariman, that heard the matter for several hours, lamented that the matter was hanging fire even after 25 years. It termed the delay as evasion of justice.

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Sixteen years after a Lucknow Special Court dropped the charge of criminal conspiracy against senior BJP and VHP leaders in the case on a technical ground, the saffron leaders may be in for legal trouble with the Supreme Court hinting that it might revive the case.

Indicating that it might shift the trial of the VVIP accused from a court in Rae Bareli to Lucknow, the Bench said in the interest of justice it would consider ordering a time-bound trial on a day-to-day basis to be completed preferably within two years.

People cannot be discharged like this on a technical ground, the Bench had said on March 6, hinting at allowing the CBI to file a supplementary chargesheet against them. Today, the Bench hinted it might order a joint trial of the two sets of cases by transferring the case of BJP leaders from Rae Bareli to Lucknow. The CBI said it was not averse to it.

The impugned order of the Allahabad High Court, upholding the lower court order dropping the charge of conspiracy, ought to be set aside, Additional Solicitor General NK Kaul told the Bench on behalf of the CBI.

Representing Advani and Joshi, senior counsel KK Venugopal opposed the possible shifting of trial and revival of criminal conspiracy, saying it would violate the fundamental right to life and liberty as also the right to fair and speedy trial. This honourable court cant use its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to undermine my fundamental rights, he said.

Venugopal maintained that the recording of evidence was near-complete and 183 witnesses would have to be recalled for cross-examination. It would require conducting the entire proceedings afresh.

In the Rae Bareli case, the court had examined 57 witnesses and another 105 were to be examined. In the Lucknow case against kar sevaks, 195 witnesses had been examined by the trial court and the testimonies of 800 more were yet to be examined.

He said the use of Article 142 should be in accordance with law and due process of law as guaranteed in Article 21. The Supreme Court is seized of the CBIs petition, challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court order upholding the trial courts order to discharge senior BJP leaders Advani, Joshi, Uma Bharti, Kalyan Singh and others.

Haji Mahboob Ahmad, president, Mahafiz-Masjid-Wa-Maqabir, too had moved the SC, claiming that with the BJP in power, the CBI may not press for reviving the criminal conspiracy charge.

The CBI had registered two sets of cases related to the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. The first one was against unnamed kar sevaks that was being tried in a court in Lucknow. The second one involved top BJP and VHP leaders. They were being tried at a Rae Bareli court.
New Delhi, April 6

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on a petition seeking restoration of conspiracy charges against senior BJP leaders, including L K Advani, M M Joshi and Uma Bharti, in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

The apex court will also decide whether the trial of the VVIP accused can be transferred from a court in Rae Bareli to Lucknow.

There were two sets of cases relating the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992. The first involved unnamed 'karsevaks', the trial in which is taking place in a Lucknow court in Lucknow, while the second set of cases relates to the VVIPs in a Rae Bareli court.

A bench comprising Justices P C Ghose and R F Nariman also indicated that they may order holding of joint trial of the two sets of cases by transferring the trial from Rae Bareli to a Lucknow court.

The bench also said since 25 years have already passed, in the interest of justice it will consider ordering a time-bound trial on day-to-day basis, to be completed preferably within two years.

Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for Advani and Joshi, vociferously opposed the proposal for holding joint trial and transferring their case from Rae Bareli to Lucknow.

The CBI clarified that it was not making any submission on the issue of the trial of the VVIP accused but restricting itself to restoration of the charge of conspiracy against the accused.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the intervenors, supported the proposal for a joint trial, contending the two sets of cases had arisen from one incident which allegedly involved single conspiracy.

The apex court also gave opportunity to all the parties to file their written submission by Tuesday.

The apex court had earlier decided to examine the appeal against dropping of conspiracy charge against Advani, Joshi, Uma Bharti and 10 others.

The clubbing of two FIRs was opposed by the counsel for the accused on the ground that there were different sets of persons named as accused in the two cases, the trial of which were at an advanced stage at two different places.

They were of the view that joint trial would lead to the beginning of de novo (afresh) proceedings.

The conspiracy charge against 13 accused, including Advani, Joshi and Bharti, was dropped in the case, the trial of which is being held at a special court in Rae Bareli.

The second set of case was against unknown 'karsevaks' who were in and around the disputed structure and pulled it down. The trial against them is being held in a Lucknow court.

The appeals were filed by one Haji Mahboob Ahmad (since dead) and the CBI against dropping of conspiracy charges against 21 accused, including BJP leaders Advani, Joshi. Eight of them later died.

A supplementary chargesheet was filed against eight persons but not the 13 who were discharged for plotting the demolition.

Besides BJP leaders Advani, Joshi and Bharti, conspiracy charges were dropped against Kalyan Singh (currently the Governor of Rajasthan), Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and VHP leader Acharya Giriraj Kishore (both have since died).

The others against whom the conspiracy charge was dropped include Vinay Katiyar, Vishnu Hari Dalmiya, Satish Pradhan, C R Bansal, Ashok Singhal (now deceased), Sadhvi Ritambhara, Mahant Avaidhynath (now deceased), R V Vedanti, Paramhans Ram Chandra Das (now deceased), Jagdish Muni Maharaj, B L Sharma, Nritya Gopal Das, Dharam Das, Satish Nagar and Moreshwar Save (now deceased).

The appeals have sought setting aside the Allahabad High Court's order of May 20, 2010, dropping section 120B (criminal conspiracy) under the IPC while upholding a special court's decision.

In September 2015, the CBI had told the apex court that its decision making was not influenced by anyone and the dropping of criminal conspiracy charge against senior BJP leaders in the case was not at the party's instance.

The agency had said all decisions by it were taken strictly in accordance with the provisions of the CBI Crime Manual and there was a "hierarchic" mechanism that allowed officers at each level to take decisions and make "reasoned recommendations in an independent manner".

The May 2010 order of the high court had said there was no merit in CBI's revision petition against the May 4, 2001 order of the special court which had directed dropping of criminal conspiracy charge against them.

CBI had charge-sheeted Advani and 20 others under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between classes), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 505 (false statements, rumours etc circulated with the intent to cause mutiny or disturb public peace) of the IPC.

It had subsequently invoked charges under section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC which was quashed by the special court whose decision was upheld by the high court.

While upholding the special court's order, the high court had said CBI at no point of time, either during the trial at Rae Bareily or in its revision petition, ever stated that there was offence of criminal conspiracy against the leaders.  PTI
New Delhi, April 6

India today expressed confidence that it would soon get a seat as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This was stated by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj while replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour today.

She said India had all credentials to become a permanent member of the Security Council and that four permanent members  the US, the UK, France and Russia  have extended support to India. The fifth member, China, has also not publicly opposed it, she said.

I am confident that if not this time, then next time, India will become a permanent member of the Security Council, she said.

India has been pushing for UNSC reforms for many years now and the argument has been that the UNSC today does not represent the reality of the present global structure. China, among the P5 members, is obviously not keen on India getting a seat on the high table.

There was some debate recently on whether new members in an extended Security Council would be given the veto power or not. The minister addressed the issue in her reply and said, We dont want any discrimination between old and new members. We dont want two classesthat there is a first class and a second class of permanent members. This should make it clear that India wants the same responsibilities, prerogatives and obligations as the current permanent members.
Sonakshi Sinha believes whoever made up a story about her announcing that she was single deserves one tight slap.

By India Today Web Desk: Sonakshi Sinha can outdo even her Akira avatar at this point of time. The actor is angry, very angry, at reports suggesting that she is single.

What happened is that a story in Spotboye a few days ago said that Sonakshi apparently announced at the Badrinath Ki Dulhania success bash that she was 'single'. Now, the actor has been spotted with rumoured boyfriend Bunty Sajdeh all around town for some time now. The two are believed to be dating, and Sonakshi's reaction at the story saying she's 'single' also seems a confirmation of that fact.

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Speaking to Filmfare, Sinha said about the story of her getting drunk and saying she's 'single', "Whoever made up that story deserves one tight slap. I want to know who wrote that story and I'd really like to meet him. I'm not that kind of a person who would go and make a mockery of herself anywhere. Especially, at a film party. It doesn't even sound like me when you read it."

The actor, who is gearing up for her upcoming film Noor, also said that she will announce to the world if she were to get married any time soon.

"When it's fixed, I myself will announce it to the world. I don't believe things like these should be hidden. I'm too involved with my work to even consider marriage. I haven't even thought about it yet. So I don't know why people make such assumptions..."

Just about a week ago, Sonakshi said in an interview how her marriage was not on the cards as of now.

"Marriage is not on the cards anytime soon. In fact, I don't even know what kind of guy I'd like to get married to. Let people talk... log toh kahenge ... logon ka kaam hai kehna," said the actor.

ALSO READ: Is Sonakshi Sinha ready to tie the knot with Bunty Sajdeh? This is what she has to say

ALSO WATCH: Sonakshi Sinha and Arjun Kapoor together on a deserted island? No way, says Sinha

--- ENDS ---
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 6



The Punjab Government has declared a public holiday on April 8, Saturday, in all its offices, educational institutes and boards/corporations on account of the birth anniversary of Guru Nabha Das.

An official spokesperson announced this here on Thursday.

Girdawari to assess damage to wheat due to hailstorm, rain

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has ordered a special girdawari (survey) to assess the damage caused to the wheat crop due to hailstorm and unseasonal rain across the state.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

A Punjab government spokesperson said the Chief Minister had directed all deputy commissioners to get the losses incurred by the farmers ascertained immediately to ensure adequate and timely compensation to them.

The DCs have been instructed to initiate the assessment process, especially in regions from where reports of damage to the rabi wheat crop have been received.

The state government is fully committed to adequately compensating the farmers for any losses suffered due to vagaries of the weather, said the spokesperson.
Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, April 6

Congress MLA from Balluana Nathu Ram was hospitalised here on Thursday after he suffered a heart attack.

He was about to address the public during his thanksgiving programme at Rajpura village in Balluana Assembly constituency, when he felt uneasiness. He was rushed to Civil Hospital, Abohar. Later, he was referred to Max Hospital, Bathinda. He is likely to be shifted to Chandigarh.

Naresh Kumar, an aide of Nathu Ram, speaking over phone, said, He (Nathu Ram) has suffered a minor cardiac attack, but is better now.

Nathu Ram is a former Malout MLA, also a native of Malout town.
Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 6

Police investigation in the state is set to get a fillip with the Home Department agreeing in principle for recruitment of Forensic Officers  one for every two police stations.

As many as 260 experts would be recruited soon. The proposal was first mooted during the SAD-BJP regime but it could not be realized. Punjab has 390 police stations and presently, just one forensic expert covers 14.

The Home Department has asked the Finance Department for comments. An official said the CM has already given his nod for more scientific investigations with the help of such experts. The move would also benefit jobless but qualified youngsters, which was also a poll promise of the Congress.

Forensic examination of a crime scene is vital in solving a crime. Most of the crime scenes are not examined properly or even protected due to the work overloaded. Apart from the public and media moving freely at the crime scene, even policemen are not scientifically equipped to gather leads from the scene and secure the area till the arrival of experts.

Upgrading the investigation skills and equipment of the police is a top priority of the new government in view of the several high-profile unsolved murder cases besides incidents of sacrilege.

DGP Suresh Arora had recently given a power point presentation to the CM on the urgent requirement of upgrading the investigation skills to make the state police truly world class.

ADGP Inderpreet Singh Sahota, who prepared the draft proposal, said at present there was one forensic expert per district who could not practically cover all the crime spots in a day. Now, we propose to have an expert for two police stations so that he can devote proper time to each crime scene and gather vital evidence, he added.

The department also wants to set up regional Forensic Examination Laboratories. Presently, there is only one laboratory at Kharar and it takes months to finalise examination of a case. Now, it has been proposed to have four regional laboratories at Amritsar, Bathinda, Phillaur and Moga besides upgrading the the Kharar laboratory.
Washington, April 6

Peggy Whitson  who broke Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams record for the most spacewalks by a woman  is poised to set a new record for cumulative time spent in space by a US astronaut, NASA said today.

NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, signed an agreement to extend Whitsons stay on the International Space Station by three months.

Rather than returning to Earth with her Expedition 51 crew mates Oleg Novitsky of Roscosmos and Thomas Pesquet of European Space Agency, in June as originally planned, Whitson will remain on the space station and return home with NASAs Jack Fischer and Roscosmos Fyodor Yurchikhin in September.

Living and working aboard the space station is where I feel like I make the greatest contribution, so I am constantly trying to squeeze every drop out of my time here. Having three more months to squeeze is just what I would wish for, Whitson said.

The arrangement takes advantage of a Soyuz seat left empty by the Roscosmos decision to temporarily reduce their crew complement to two cosmonauts.

Whitsons extension will ensure a full complement of six astronauts on board the station and increase the amount of valuable astronaut time available for experiments on board the station.

Peggys skill and experience makes her an incredible asset aboard the space station, said Kirk Shireman, NASAs International Space Station Programme Manager.

By extending the stay of one of NASAs most veteran astronauts, our research, our technology development, our commercial and our international partner communities will all benefit, said Shireman.

This is Whitsons third long-duration stay onboard the space station. She launched on November 17 with 377 days in space already under her belt, and on April 24 will break Jeff Williams standing US record of 534 cumulative days in space.

In 2008, Whitson became the first woman to command the space station, and on April 9 will become the first woman to command it twice. In addition, she holds the record for most spacewalks by a female.  PTI
London, April 6

An amateur inventor in the UK has built an Iron Man-like jet engine-powered exoskeleton suit that enables him to hover in the air like a superhero.

The futuristic ensemble consists of three sets of miniature jet engines attached to the arms and the back.

Richard Browning, a 38-year-old oil trader, had been secretly experimenting in his garage for 18 months, before he figured out the optimal number and position of the jet engines that allows him to fly with a minimal amount of equipment.

The human body is very good at being trained to do specific things, and its a useful structure, and the human mind is a pretty amazing machine, Browning said.

So, we had this idea  rather than go and rely on aluminium structures to build the machine, rely on gyros and computers in order to achieve stability, why not rely on the human machine, keep it as raw and original as possible? he said.

Piloting the device takes quite a lot of personal strength and body coordination, said Browning.

There is no steering mechanism, and speed and direction can be adjusted only by changing the direction of the engines thrust, solely using upper-body strength.

You have a trigger at your right hand, which controls the arm engines, and you have a trigger at your left hand, which controls the rear engines, Browning told the Live Science.

The inventor added that he was inspired to create the suit by the Greek myth of Daedalus, who made himself wings to escape from captivity. The suit takes its name from the myth.

Currently, Browning can stay in the air for up to 10 minutes using the exosuit. He has kept his experiments at a running speed of about eight kilometres per hour and an altitude of only one to two metres above the ground.

Eventually a user could fly over 100 kilometres per hour and to an altitude of about 100 metres, Browning said.  PTI
Neena Sharma

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 6

The tiff between District Magistrate of Almora Suveen Bansal and Uttarakhand Minister for State (Independent charge) Women and Child Development Rekha Arya has taken a political colour with the Opposition Congress urging the BJP-run government to rein in its ministers.

During her inspection visit to Almora, Arya had allegedly pressurised Suveen Bansal to withdraw cases against her husband.

Far from entertaining the request of the minister and acting upon it, Bansal is believed to have told her to recommend his transfer, if she was unhappy with his conduct.

The second time MLA, who had been earlier elected on the Congress ticket, Arya had voted against the Congress during the apex court monitored Trust Vote held last year. Later, she fought the 2017 Assembly elections on the BJP ticket and was elected from Someshwar.

Significantly a case against Aryas husband Girdhar Lal a resident of Bareilly was registered during the just concluded Assembly elections in the state.

My husband is a BJP worker, I had inquired about the cases from the District Magistrate. Besides, I wanted to make sure that he looked into the complaints of the BJP workers, said Rekha Arya.

The entire episode has not gone unnoticed by the Opposition and it has given a handle to the Congress to attack the BJP government on propriety and its ability to give good governance to the people of the state.

State Congress chief Kishore Upadhyay had questioned the BJP governments willingness to abide by its electoral promises. The party had promised to instil a clean administration was indulging in terrorising the bureaucracy. It should ensure that its ministers do not interfere in the functioning of the bureaucracy for personal reasons, he said.

While recognising the need to ensure the party workers of the BJP and ministers did not interfere in the day to day issues of government, BJP chief Ajay Bhatt dismissed this particular incident. The Congress is unable to digest the defeat that it received at the hands of the BJP in the elections. Now, the BJP government is in power, the bureaucracy has to ensure the party workers of the BJP are not ignored, he said.
Paris, April 6

France is still seeking a United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria, the countrys foreign minister said on Thursday, adding that diplomatic negotiations were a priority over possible military action.

France is still seeking to talk with its partners on the Security Council, especially the permanent members, and Russia in particular, Jean-Marc Ayrault told CNews television.

Asked whether France could join any possible US military action on Syria, following widespread condemnation of a suspected Syrian government poison gas attack on civilians this week, Ayrault replied that Frances priority remained seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

The first stage is to get a resolution vote and above all to re-start peace negotiations in Geneva. It is not to go in ourselves, under the pretext that the US President may have a rush of blood to the head, and get onto a war footing, said Ayrault.  Reuters
Seoul/Tokyo, April 6

The United States and South Korea agreed on Thursday to proceed with the deployment of an advanced US missile defence system that has angered China, a day after North Koreas latest test launch drew condemnation across the volatile region.

Leaders and senior officials from the United States, South Korea and Japan spoke on Thursday to discuss the latest provocation from Pyongyang, hours before US President Donald Trump begins a summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Analysts have said Wednesdays launch of a ballistic missile from North Koreas east coast probably took place with the summit in mind as the reclusive state presses ahead with its missile and nuclear programmes in defiance of United Nations resolutions and sanctions.

Trumps national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, agreed in a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on the need to proceed with the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea after Wednesdays launch.

South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of the advanced THAAD system is to defend against missile launches from North Korea. However, China says the systems powerful radar could penetrate into its territory.

Despite angry opposition from Beijing, the United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced anti-missile defence system in South Korea last month.

South Korean officials said McMaster spoke with his counterpart in Seoul, Kim Kwan-jin, on Thursday morning to discuss the Norths missile launch and the Trump-Xi summit.

Both sides agreed to pursue ... plans in order to substantially strengthen the international communitys sanctions and pressure on North Korea, South Koreas presidential Blue House said in a statement.

 ... both agreed to push forward the deployment of THAAD by US forces in Korea, the statement said.

Serious threat

In a phone call with Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the two leaders had agreed that North Koreas latest ballistic missile launch was a dangerous provocation and a serious threat.

Abe told reporters at his official residence he was watching to see how China would respond to Pyongyang after Xi meets Trump at the US leaders Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

In brief comments televised nationally, Abe also said Trump had told him all options were on the table.

The White House said in a statement Trump made clear that the United States would continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities.

Trump has repeatedly said he wants China to do more to exert its economic influence over its unpredictable ally in Pyongyang to restrain its nuclear and missile programmes, but China denies it has any overriding influence on North Korea.

On Sunday, Trump held out the possibility of using trade as a lever to secure Chinese cooperation, while suggesting Washington might deal with Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programmes on its own if need be.

Any launch of objects using ballistic missile technology is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The North has defied the ban, saying it infringes on its sovereign rights to self-defence and the pursuit of space exploration.

US officials said the missile launched on Wednesday appeared to be a liquid-fueled, extended-range Scud missile that only travelled a fraction of its range before spinning out of control.

They said it flew about 60 km (40 miles) from its launch site near Sinpo, a port city on the Norths east coast where a submarine base is located.

Military officials in the United States and South Korea had initially said assessments indicated it had been a KN-15 medium-range ballistic missile, the same kind North Korea test-launched in February.

As well as a growing list of ballistic missile launches, North Korea has also conducted two nuclear weapons tests since January 2016.  Reuters
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday that structures should be built on all of the nine to 10 islands, reefs and shoals held by the Philippines in the Spratly Islands.

By AP: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to occupy and fortify all Philippine-held islands in the disputed South China Sea to assert the country's claims amid what he says is a race to control territory in the area.

Duterte said Thursday that structures should be built on all of the nine to 10 islands, reefs and shoals held by the Philippines in the Spratly Islands.

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Duterte said he may visit one of the islands, Pag-asa, to plant a Philippine flag on Independence Day. He said money has been budgeted to repair the runway on Pag-asa, home to a small fishing community and Filipino troops.

Since taking office in June, Duterte has worked to mend ties with China that were strained under his predecessor over the territorial disputes.

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United Nations, April 5

The United States on Thursday warned that it could take unilateral action if the United Nations fails to respond to a suspected chemical attack in Syria that has left scores dead, including children.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," US Ambassador Nikki Haley said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The warning came during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by France and Britain after the attack in the early hours on Tuesday on a rebel-held town in Idlib province.

Haley lashed out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria, standing in the council chamber to hold up photographs of victims, one showing a young child lying lifeless, a mask covering his face.

"How many more children have to die before Russia cares?" she asked. "If Russia has the influence in Syria that it claims to have, we need to see them use it," she said. "We need to see them put an end to these horrific acts."

At least 72 people, among them 20 children, were killed in the strike on Khan Sheikhun, and dozens more were left gasping for air, convulsing, and foaming at the mouth, doctors said.

It is thought to be the worst chemical weapons attack in Syria since 2013, when sarin gas was used.

"If we are not prepared to act, then this council will keep meeting, month after month to express outrage at the continuing use of chemical weapons and it will not end," Haley said.

"We will see more conflict in Syria. We will see more pictures that we can never unsee."

Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack, but Russia said the text was "categorically unacceptable."

The draft resolution backs a probe by the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and demands that Syria cooperate to provide information on its military operations on the day of the assault. AFP
By Mini Dewan: It's just April, but it seems like summer has already arrived with all its might. With all the heat and dust around, many people have trouble maintaining their skin during these rough summers days. So, we bring you seven essential morning rituals for your skin to follow to beat the heat.

1. Keep yourself hydrated: You have to, have to consume a lot of water. You can also add a little bit of lemon to a bottle of water and watch it detoxify your skin like a charm.

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2. Use a cleanser: In summers, go for a mild cleanser with anti-oxidants. Cleansers help in removing dead skin cells, leaving your skin nourished and fresh.

3. Exfoliate with a scrub: Now that your skin is cleansed, it's time to exfoliate with a scrub, clean your pores and rejuvenate that skin. Also Read: 10 natural ingredients that will help you retain perfect skin

Also Read: Here's how you can avoid dry skin and look polished in winters

4. Wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth: So this one's my favourite in summers, take 2 ice cubes and wrap it in a clean cloth and gently just rub it all over your skin. It will reduce your pores, remove the dead skin and tighten it to make you feel hydrated and fresh.

5. Do not skip sunscreen: Always use sunscreen in summer. And try re-applying it every few hours. Go for a sunscreen with at least SPF 50 that protects you from UV rays. It's a must guys.

6. Use lip balm: Sun protection for your lips is as important as skin. In summers you can use a lip balm which has SPF in it (Lakme). Such lip balms give you colour as well as sun protection.

7. Use blotting paper: I carry blotting paper in my bag in summers. I just dab it on my skin and it just absorbs the excessive oil that builds up and keeps the skin fresh.

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: Although there is no hope for Sunil Grover to return to The Kapil Sharma Show, Sony TV has still not lost all hopes. According to DNA, the channel is trying hard to convince Sunil to make a comeback to Sony TV's top show.

He has been reportedly told that if he comes back, "his interactions with Kapil will be minimum or not at all", which means the two will not share same frame, and their scenes will be shot separately.

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Also read: Kapil Sharma asks for a fee hike, post fight with Sunil Grover?

Also the channel has asked Kapil to try and bring Sunil back, by hook or by crook.

The channel is also being extra cautious by not allowing cellphones and cameras on the sets of the show.

Also read: Kapil's rival Krushna Abhishek has bagged this big show with Colors

Meanwhile, the TRPs of the show continue to dip. The show that was at one point getting 7 million impressions is now at 5.3 million impressions. Sunil's return is the only ray of hope for the show and the channel.

--- ENDS ---
Trump said the attack, which killed at least 70 people, many of them children, "crosses many, many lines", an allusion to his predecessor Barack Obama's threat to topple Assad with air strikes if he used such weapons.

By Reuters: US President Donald Trump accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government of going "beyond a red line" with a poison gas attack on civilians and said his attitude toward Syria and Assad had changed, but gave no indication of how he would respond.

Trump said the attack, which killed at least 70 people, many of them children, "crosses many, many lines", an allusion to his predecessor Barack Obama's threat to topple Assad with air strikes if he used such weapons. His accusations against Assad put him directly at odds with Moscow, the Syrian's president principal backer.

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WHAT HAPPENED IN SYRIA IS UNACCEPTABLE

"I will tell you, what happened yesterday is unacceptable to me," Trump told reporters at a news conference with Jordan's King Abdullah on Wednesday.

"And I will tell you, it's already happened that my attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much," though when asked at an earlier meeting whether he was formulating a new policy on Syria, Trump said: "You'll see."

Vice President Mike Pence, when asked whether it was time to renew the call for Assad to be ousted and safe zones be established, told Fox News: "But let me be clear, all options are on the table," without elaborating.

US officials rejected Russia's assertion that Syrian rebels were to blame for the attack.

Trump's comments, which came just a few days after Washington said it was no longer focused on making Assad leave power, suggested a clash between the Kremlin and Trump's White House after initial signals of warmer ties. Trump did not mention Russia in his comments on Wednesday but Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was time for Russia to think carefully about its support for Assad.

Pence said the time had come for Moscow to "keep the word that they made to see to the elimination of chemical weapons so that they no longer threaten the people in that country."

Western countries, including the United States, blamed Assad's armed forces for the worst chemical attack in Syria for more than four years.

US intelligence officials, based on a preliminary assessment, said the deaths were most likely caused by sarin nerve gas dropped by Syrian aircraft on the town of Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday. A senior State Department official said Washington had not yet ascertained it was sarin.

Moscow offered an alternative explanation that would shield Assad: that the poison gas belonged to rebels and had leaked from an insurgent weapons depot hit by Syrian bombs.

A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Russian explanation was not credible. "We don't believe it," the official said.

COUNTER-RESOLUTION

The United States, Britain and France have proposed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that would condemn the attack; the Russian Foreign Ministry called it "unacceptable" and said it was based on "fake information".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would press its case blaming the rebels and Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said Russia would veto the draft if Western nations went to a vote without further consultations, Interfax news agency reported.

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Moscow has proposed its own draft, TASS news agency quoted a spokesman of Russia's U.N. mission, Fyodor Strzhizhovsky, as saying on Wednesday.

NIKKI HALEY ISSUES THREAT OF UNILATERAL ACTION

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, issued what appeared to be a threat of unilateral action if Security Council members could not agree.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," she told the council, without elaborating.

Trump described the attack as "horrible" and "unspeakable." He faulted Obama for failing to carry through on his "red line" threat and when asked if he had responsibility to respond to the attack, said: "I now have responsibility".

The new incident means Trump is faced with same dilemma that faced his predecessor: whether to openly challenge Moscow and risk deep involvement in a Middle East war by seeking to punish Assad for using banned weapons, or compromise and accept the Syrian leader remaining in power at the risk of looking weak.

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While some rebels hailed Trump's statement as an apparent shift in the US position, others said it was too early to say whether the comments would result in a real change in policy.

Fares al-Bayoush, a Free Syrian Army commander, told Reuters: "Today's statement contains a serious difference from the previous statements, and we expect positivity ... from the American role.

Others who declined to be identified said they would wait and see.

Video uploaded to social media showed civilians sprawled on the ground, some in convulsions, others lifeless. Rescue workers hose down the limp bodies of small children, trying to wash away chemicals. People wail and pound on the chests of victims.

The charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said one of its hospitals in Syria had treated patients "with symptoms - dilated pupils, muscle spasms, involuntary defecation - consistent with exposure to neuro-toxic agents such as sarin". The World Health Organization also said the symptoms were consistent with exposure to a nerve agent.

"We're talking about war crimes," French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters in New York.

Labib Nahhas, chief of foreign relations at Ahrar al-Sham, one of the biggest rebel groups in western Syria, called the Russian statement factually wrong and one which contradicted witness accounts.

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"This statement provides Assad with the required coverage and protection to continue his despicable slaughter of the Syrian people," Nahhas told Reuters.

The incident is the first time US intelligence officials have accused Assad of using sarin since 2013, when hundreds of people died in an attack on a Damascus suburb. At that time, Washington said Assad had crossed a "red line" set by then-President Obama.

Obama threatened an air campaign to topple Assad but called it off at the last minute when the Syrian leader agreed to give up his chemical arsenal under a deal brokered by Moscow, a decision which Trump has long said proved Obama's weakness.

SAME DILEMMA

The Western-drafted U.N. Security Council resolution condemns the attack and presses Syria to cooperate with international investigators. Russia has blocked seven resolutions to protect Assad's government, most recently in February.

Trump's response to a diplomatic confrontation with Moscow will be closely watched at home because of accusations by his political opponents that he is too supportive of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

US intelligence agencies say Russia intervened in the US presidential election last year through computer hacking to help Trump defeat Hillary Clinton. The FBI and two congressional committees are investigating whether figures from the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow, which the White House denies.

Trump's relationship with Russia has deteriorated since the presidential election campaign, when Trump praised Putin as a strong leader and vowed to improve relations between the two countries, including a more coordinated effort to defeat Islamic State in Syria.

But as Russia has grown more assertive, including interfering in European politics and deploying missiles in its western Kaliningrad region and a new ground-launched cruise missile near Volgograd in southern Russia - an apparent violation of the 1987 Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty - relations have cooled, US officials have said.

The chemical attack in Idlib province, one of the last major strongholds of rebels, who have fought since 2011 to topple Assad, complicates diplomatic efforts to end a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and driven half of Syrians from their homes.

Over the past several months, Western countries, including the United States, had been quietly dropping their demands that Assad leave power in any deal to end the war, accepting that the rebels no longer had the capability to topple him by force.

The use of banned chemical weapons would make it harder for the international community to sign off on any peace deal that does not remove him. Britain and France on Wednesday renewed their call for Assad to leave power.

Also read

Syria chemical attack kills 22 members of a single family

Pope Francis 'horrified' by Syria chemical weapons attack

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: Perhaps the biggest highlight of Naam Shabana is Taapsee Pannu, kicking ass like never before. The actor had told IndiaToday.in that although she was poles apart from Shabana, the one thing that stayed with her is the ability to defend herself. She was even a part of a video with Akshay Kumar, where she demonstrated self-defence techniques for women.

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Now, Taapsee wrote a letter to her school, Mata Jai Kaur Public School in Delhi and to her engineering college, Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute of Technology in Delhi, to introduce self-defence classes for young girls and women. She also assured the authorities that she will help in any way required for this initiative.

The actor said, "I think with the given situation we are in, it's important to empower girls from a young age... One should be strong and should be able to learn how to tackle a situation should it arise where their security is being threatened. I think a change always starts with small steps and for me, that was to reach out to my school and request and assist them to begin a course for self-defence for students from a young age." In fact, the principal of her school shared Taapsee's letter with management and they are in the process of introducing self-defence and karate classes.

ALSO READ | Taapsee Pannu EXCLUSIVE: Proud of my relationship status and the person I'm with

ALSO READ | Naam Shabana star Taapsee Pannu: I have lost films down South for being too fair

ALSO WATCH | What works and doesn't work in Akshay-Taapsee's spy film Naam Shabana

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Updated: A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack has been charged with allegedly sending child pornography material.

Nine this afternoon confirmed police searched his home and seized computers, mobile phone and electronic storage devices.

He has been granted bail and will appear in court next month.

News Corp reports detectives also seized a computer from his workplace at the A Current Affair office in Willoughby.

As many as seven police officers entered the Willoughby headquarters carrying evidence bags.

His lawyer indicated he expected he would be charged.

The Nine Network confirmed a police operation took place earlier today and was co-operating.

McCormack has been a reporter for Nine and A Current Affair for over a decade, including for the shows reportage on former Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes.

Nine Head of Publicity Victoria Buchan told the Daily Mail, We have not been given any further information by the police and we wont be making any further comment at this time.

Earlier:

New South Wales Police have raided the offices of A Current Affair at Nines Willoughby headquarters.

Nine is co-operating with police confirming the matter does not relate to an ACA story.

News Corp reports at least seven New South Wales Police officers entered the office armed with evidence bags this morning.

Staff members were asked to leave as a search warrant was carried out but Nine news boss Darren Wick and members of Nines legal team were present as the operation unfolded.

Nines head of publicity Victoria Buchan confirmed, There are police there and they are investigating.

We are co-operating.

In 2014 Australian Federal Police raided Sevens Pyrmont headquarters looking for evidence of payments for interviews related to Schapelle Corby before eventually apologising.

Updated: A NSW Police spokesman said: Police have conducted inquiries at an office in Willoughby this morning. The investigation relates to a personal matter of an employee, and as inquiries continue, no further information is available.
Dark UK period drama Taboo is getting a dual premiere on both BBC First and Showcase on July 17, to piggyback on Game of Thrones.

The series, created by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) with Tom Hardy and his father Chips Hardy, is set in 1814. Tom Hardy plays a man returning to England with fourteen stolen diamonds after twelve years in Africa.

But Australian viewers will also be kept waiting. The series premiered in the UK in January.

Tim Christlieb, Director of Branded Services, said; Taboo has been a hit in the UK and US with a broad audience and has seen a particularly strong reach with younger viewers who have been attracted by Hardy and the social media buzz. We believe that it will hold huge appeal for the Game of Thrones audience who may not necessarily be regular viewers of BBC First. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with Showcase to maximise the audience for this enthralling show on what will be a huge night of appointment-to-view drama on Foxtel.

Taboo follows James Keziah Delaney, a man who has been to the ends of the earth and comes back irrevocably changed. Believed to be long dead, he returns home to London from Africa to inherit what is left of his fathers shipping empire and rebuild a life for himself. But his fathers legacy is a poisoned chalice, and with enemies lurking in every dark corner, James must navigate increasingly complex territories to avoid his own death sentence. Encircled by conspiracy, murder and betrayal, a dark family mystery unfolds in a combustible tale of love and treachery.

In addition to Tom Hardy, Taboos star-studded cast also includes Jonathan Pryce (Game of Thrones), Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones), Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire), Michael Kelly (House of Cards), Jessie Buckley (War and Peace), Tom Hollander (The Night Manager), Jason Watkins (W1A), Franka Potente (The Bourne Identity), Jefferson Hall (Vikings) and Mark Gatiss (Sherlock).

Taboo is created by Steven Knight with Tom Hardy and Chips Hardy, who is also the shows consulting producer. It is produced by Ridley Scotts Scott Free London and Tom Hardys Hardy Son and Baker. Executive producers are Ridley Scott and Kate Crowe for Scott Free, Tom Hardy and Dean Baker for Hardy Son & Baker, and Steven Knight, with Timothy Bricknell producing. Taboo is directed by Kristoffer Nyholm (Eps. 1-4) and Anders Engstrom (Eps. 5-8).
Lawyers for Seven are attempting to block a bid to move Amber Harrisons legal claims in the Federal Court in Victoria.

The former lover of CEO Tim Worner has lodged a claim in the Federal Court in Melbourne seeking compensation and penalties from Seven for alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act.

Sevens barrister Andrew Bell SC described her case as a classic case of the tail wagging the dog and said most of the witnesses were based in Sydney.

He said that as the Supreme Court proceedings had started first then it should proceed.

Sevens legal team argued that Harrison is barred from suing the company because she signed an extremely broad deed of release promising not to take legal action after her affair with Worner soured in mid-2014.

But Julian Burnside QC said Seven was a national broadcaster and it was to say the least, very odd for it to take a parochial view that the dispute had to be heard in a Sydney court.

Today a judge also rebuked him after comments his client was taking on one of the countrys biggest boys clubs.

It was gratuitous, it was uncalled for, Im not even going to tolerate that  in this court, Supreme Court Justice John Sackar directed.

Meanwhile the Australian Financial Review has detailed expenses charged to Seven corporate cards after the pair stayed at Crown Towers in 2013, totalling nearly $1700.

Earlier this week The Australian published lengthy allegations about expenses incurred when Amber Harrison worked for UK bathroom fittings company The Water Monopoly in 2001 after a fling with her former boss, Justin Homewood.

Harrison denied expenses were unauthorised saying, Homewood and I had a fling. It ended. Quite clearly, he has held a very long grudge. Im guilty of poor choices in men.

Homewoods accountant Jennie Staunton denied there was any personal relationship between Amber Harrison and Homewood, currently travelling in Mexico.

Source: The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review
Stargazing Live has announced the remarkable discovery of four new planets  the biggest discovery in the shows history.

The FremantleMedia programme asked ABC viewers to analyse data from NASAs Kepler space telescope to uncover potential new planets.

ABC claimed four new planets orbiting a yellow parent star in the constellation of Aquarius, 600-light years away. The planets are each between two and three times the size of Earth.

Professor Brian Cox says, I couldnt be more excited about these discoveries  in the seven years Ive been making Stargazing Live this is the most significant scientific discovery weve made. The results are a wonderful and intriguing surprise.

Its wonderful that Stargazing Live viewers in Australia have made such an interesting discovery, said Professor Chris Lintott, Professor of Astrophysics, University of Oxford.

The discovery of such an unusual system, with four planets crammed together, will help us test our ideas about how planets are made  a question which has profound implications for understanding the history of our own Earth.

More than ten thousand viewers logged on to abc.net.au/stargazing to help analyse the data from NASAs Kepler space telescope, in collaboration with the Zooniverse project and with scientists at the University of California Santa Cruz and at Caltech.

Michelle Guthrie, Managing Director said: This incredible discovery showcases the pivotal role the ABC plays in building interest in and engagement with science issues  amongst not just Australias scientific community, but our everyday citizen scientists.

The breadth of content across the week on TV, Radio, iview and online, complementing this high quality and highly engaging TV program is strong evidence that ABCs science programming is of both wide and specialist appeal, educating and informing Australians about scientific news, research and innovations.

exoplanetexplorers.org
UK medical drama Casualty has announced plans for a one-shot episode, to mark the end of their 30th Anniversary series  a tall order given its nearly one hour running time.

The episode, named One will be filmed all in one take on a single camera, covering an hour in their emergency department as Duffy (Cathy Shipton) mentors two teenage girls being shown around the department for work experience.

To create the episode, a mobile camera will be required to be cable free and will also have to cover action from inside a moving ambulance. With 360 degree shots, a number of rooms in the Casualty Ambulance Station have been converted into control rooms for the crew. The sound will be achieved with 40 hidden radio microphones and five boom operators, disguised as part of the set.

Cathy Shipton says: It is so exciting and nerve-wracking to be working on this episode and unlike anything any of us cast or crew have ever attempted before. It is a brilliant fly on the wall episode in real time, placing nurses central in the storyline. It will become a classic Casualty.

Simon Harper, Acting Executive Producer for Casualty and Holby City, says: Its thrilling to have Paul (Unwin), as the co-creator of Casualty, conclude our 30th Anniversary series with this unique episode whose exciting concept is a first for the show.

Erika Hossington, Series Producer, says: This very special episode will give the audience a unique insight into an hour in A&E. It will be an intense, emotional hour where staff and patients are faced with life changing events. We want to reflect the front line in its unedited, rawest form, and this one shot episode with a brilliant script from Casualty creator Paul Unwin, has given us the opportunity to do that.

Casualty airs in Australia on BBC First, running about a month behind the UK.
Bearcats Landing is a desktop and mobile-friendly platform that develops and strengthens university-wide partnerships to support our future-facing evolution. It provides UC faculty and staff with the role-based tools and resources they need to increase communication and engagement.

Bearcats Landing is UCs employee home base to read news and announcements, discover events and workshops, and find information essential to keeping the university running smoothly. It works to strengthen our professional community and capitalizes on our workplace diversity to empower individuals to be leaders in workplace. Even as our community grows more remote, we are still connected through the information-sharing and collaboration that takes place on Bearcats Landing.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 6 (PTI) Homegrown auto major Tata Motors has received an order for 500 buses from Ivory Coast.

As part of the deal, the company has handed over the first lot of 117 low-floor urban city buses to the African nation, Tata Motors said in a statement today.

The buses are being financed under the Exim Bank of India for operation by SOTRA ? Abidjan Transport Company, it added.

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Built on Tata Motors next-generation heavy commercial vehicle platform, the Tata LPO 1924 RESLF buses have been developed with inputs from SOTRA, with a high degree of customisation based on feedback gathered through city trails over the last couple of months.

"Tata Motors is extremely proud to have received this order from SOTRA and has worked very closely with them to give Abidjan, a truly world-class solution, through a tried and tested partnership meant to bring about change in the transport system in Cote DIvoire," Tata Motors Head International Business ? Commercial Vehicles Rudrarup Maitra said. PTI MSS SBT BAL

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Published April 6, 2017

The University of Louisiana Monroe College of Visual and Performing Arts presents the ULM Wind Ensemble in its last public performance of the semester on Wednesday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Theater. The performance is free and open to the public.

Conductors of the Wind Ensemble are Derle R. Long and Steven Pederson.

"The Wind Ensemble is the premier student instrumental performing ensemble in the School of Visual and Performing Arts, Long said.

The program includes the March from Symphonic Metamorphosis by Paul Hindemith, Candide Suite by Leonard Bernstein, Symphonic Dance No 5 by James Clifton Williams, One Life Beautiful by Julie Giroux, and The Glory of the Yankee Navy by John Philip Sousa.

Monroe native Giroux is one of the most prolific and accomplished composers of her generation, according to Long. Giroux spent a large part of her career on the West Coast composing music for television and film, winning Emmy Awards along the way.



Her compositions for wind band are intelligent, creative, and impressionistic, often inspired by her own emotions and life experiences. Such is the case with One Life Beautiful, composed at the request of Ray Cramer and dedicated to his daughter Heather Cramer Reu. The title itself a double-entendre which in one sense refers to the person the work is dedicated to as in one life that was beautifully lived, and in the other sense an observation that having only one life is what makes life so sacred, tragic, and so very precious.



Of particular interest on this program is Williams Symphonic Dance No. 5, subtitled The New Generation. The piece is part of five symphonic dances Williams composed for the San Antonio Symphony and premiered by that ensemble in 1965 with the composer conducting.

Williams later transcribed Dances 2 (Maskers), 3 (Fiesta), and 5 for symphonic band, although 2 and 3 were the only ones published.

Williams complained that No. 5 was his first piece rejected by a published in more than 15 years. In his words, the piece is a wedding of symphonic music and old time big band jazz into one style. Part of it is supposed to be humorous; a facetious take-off on the big band style of the 1940s, and then it has my usual big wind-up.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today announced the appointment of internationally acclaimed actress and philanthropist Kristin Davis as its Goodwill Ambassador.

Three years ago, Davis started her journey with UNHCR by travelling to Northern Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, meeting South Sudanese refugees and hearing their stories. Moved by refugee accounts, Davis wrote about her trip.

Despite losing so much, despite having their lives re-set to zero, they still want to achieve  for their families, for their community, for their country. It seems to me that the very least that each one of us can give to refugees across the world  but particularly those in our own schools, in our own communities, in our own countries  is the promise of honouring these words: You are welcome here. You are safe now. We are here to help you.

Davis championed UNHCRs work through media interviews and via her social media channels. She has also supported key UNHCR advocacy and fundraising events and campaigns - including traveling to Australia in 2016 to help raise funds for women victims of sexual violence in DR Congo.

Most recently, last month, Davis visited resettled refugee families in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Those were emotional visits as Davis was reconnecting with refugees she had first met while in Rwanda with UNHCR, including Catherine, a Congolese refugee mother and her disabled daughter Makena.

The families I met in Rwanda arrived into the US during a time when refugee resettlement was in the news daily. We were worried that something would, at the last minute, block their long journey to safety. Luckily they were able to make it to the US and reunite with their family members, Davis said.

My experience with these families has shown me how a suspension of resettlement would seriously affect refugees who are victims of conflict and persecution. Without resettlement, women like Catherine and her disabled daughter would have their dreams put on hold of finding safety and rebuilding their lives.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, welcomed Kristin Davis as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR. Kristins advocacy helps us humanize the refugee issue and press the case for a more positive narrative about refugees; both their need for protection and support but also their contribution to communities, UNHCRs Grandi said.

This appointment builds on years of dedicated support from Kristin and at a time of increased need to support refugees, with conflicts forcing thousands to flee their homes every day, he added.

Accepting her new role, Davis said: I am delighted to be part of this incredible organization and my latest trip came at a time of great concern for the refugee community. Over 65 million people around the world are now displaced and my hope is that by sharing these stories and meeting people as individuals and not numbers will help bridge understanding and compassion.

Detailed info & links re: Kristin Davis support to date:

www.unhcr.org/kristin-davis

Photos and videos of Kristins work with UNHCR are available via Refugees Media (sign-in required):

http://media.unhcr.org/Package/2CZ7A2P5F2JK

To find out more about resettlement in the US go to:

For further information please contact:

Claire Lewis, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Team based in UK, [email protected]

Jennifer Abraham, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Team based in NY, [email protected]

Ame Van Iden, Publicist for Kristin Davis, [email protected]

About UNHCR:

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR safeguards the rights and well-being of refugees and stateless people. In more than six decades, the agency has helped tens of millions of people restart their lives. UNHCR is on the front lines of the world's major humanitarian crises, including Syria, Iraq, Central African Republic, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and countless other emergencies.
Crossing a mountain border between Iran and Turkey one and a half years ago, eight-year-old Farzad was separated from his mother in the middle of a snowstorm. He has not spoken a word ever since.  UNHCR/Roland Schonbauer

MYTILENE, Lesvos  Eight-year-old Afghan refugee Farzad withdrew into a world of silence after he was briefly separated from his family as they tried to flee across the mountainous Iran-Turkey border in the snow.

He was cut off from them for only 20 or 30 minutes, but has not spoken since. Farzad has not said a word since he got separated from his mother in the snowstorm at the border, said his father, Jalil*.

Farzad is among a growing number of refugee children whose health has been adversely affected by flight.

Symptoms range from development problems to self-harm, nightmares and depression. Particularly vulnerable are youngsters detained against the recommendations of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that children should not be detained. Mental health problems are also seen among children who travel alone without the protection of their parents, or who have no access to psychiatric or health care.

Farzad, his father and 22-year-old brother Awalmir* now live in a municipality-run camp at Karatepe on the Greek island of Lesvos. His mother Uzma* and his other brother Rafiq*, 18, are in Germany.

Jalil, previously a farmer, told the story of how he and his wife, fearing for their childrens safety in their war-torn home country, tried to reach Turkey via Iran in 2015. Snow was falling as they approached the Turkish border squeezed into a smugglers car with three other people. The smuggler did not have any snow chains, so he had difficulties to keep the car on track, Jalil said.

Suddenly, he told us to get out of the car  because the Iranian police were following us. He said they were at about 2,000 or 3,000 metres altitude at the time. They threw all the luggage out of the car, he added. In the ensuing chaos, Uzma and Rafiq set off in a different direction."

In the kindergarten, he only plays by himself.

Jalil, Farzad and Awalmir followed a steep path  too steep for Jalil, who is in his fifties and suffers from a heart condition. So I sat down in the snow until Awalmir came to drag me on, said Jalil. In all of this, we found out that we had lost Farzad.

The two men went back and surrendered to the Iranian police and were relieved to find that the police had already found Farzad, alone.

On that day, Farzad completely stopped talking, Jalil added. In the kindergarten, he only plays by himself. Previously the child had had no serious problems. He said basic words and counted up to 10, and he did play with other children.

Once in the hands of the Iranian police, Jalil asked to make a phone call. From relatives, he discovered that Uzma and Rafiq were still with the smugglers and he decided that they should continue their journey, while he would follow with their other two sons.

Mother and one son made it to Germany and Jalil and the others made five more attempts to reach Greece via the Iran-Turkey route and a hazardous sea crossing.

Having spent the past few months living in the site, Jalil hopes that efforts by UNHCR partner Metadrasi to reunite the family will succeed.

Farzads worrying condition is a stark reminder of how hard it is for families to be torn apart in flight.

Farzads worrying condition is a stark reminder of how hard it is for families to be torn apart in flight, said Astrid Castelein, head of the UNHCR office on Lesvos. For their psychosocial wellbeing, we reiterate our call to governments to speed up family reunifications from Greece.

She said the agency had paid for a paediatrician to treat Farzad and the three family members had been moved into a new prefabricated house close to the toilets. He is wetting his pants a lot, and I have to wash everything all the time, Jalil said.

This move into the prefabricated and heated house, funded with aid from the European Commission, helps Jalil deal with the challenge of getting his son to the toilet in time.

Castelein said they succeeded in enrolling Farzad in the Special Primary School in Mytilene, designed to help children with learning disabilities two months ago. Asked whether his son liked it, Jalil shrugged. I dont know, as he does not talk.

Farzad, who has not spoken since he was separated from his mother, is living with his father in Lesvos.  UNHCR/Roland Schonbauer

In the playground at Karatepe, Farzads face lights up when animator Gregoris Pallis approaches him and takes his hands.

Pallis works for the NGO Save the Children, which runs a UNHCR-funded child friendly space at Karatepe. He hugs Farzad, swings him round and has him smiling within two minutes. There has been a connection with Farzad from the first day we met, Pallis said.

Through its partner organizations, UNHCR provides psychological and social support to families and children, including unaccompanied children.

It also coordinates procedures for organizations to identify people with mental health needs so they can be referred to the right specialists.

*names have been changed
A Syrian refugee walks through an informal settlement in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, December 2016.  UNHCR/Diego Ibarra Sanchez

BRUSSELS, Belgium  International donors on Wednesday pledged more than US$6 billion in fresh funds to support more than 22 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria and the surrounding region in 2017.

The announcement came at the close of the two-day Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, which was attended by officials including the UN Secretary General, the Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Jordan and the Foreign Ministers of co-chairs Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, Kuwait and Qatar.

The conference also heard repeated calls for increased international solidarity with the people of Syria  and for stronger, concerted action to end their worsening humanitarian suffering.

Forty-one donors at the conference pledged a combined US$6 billion for 2017 in immediate and longer term support, and $3.7 billion for 2018 and beyond. It is to help 13.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria, and over five million refugees and 4.4 million people hosting them across the region.

The announcement in Brussels of fresh funds is timely. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warned this week that only a fraction of the money needed to support refugees and host communities has been received so far this year, leaving already vulnerable refugees at risk of deep cuts to services.

"Host countries in the region continue to bear the brunt of the response to the Syrian crisis in a manner that is not sustainable."

There have been important advances: policy shifts with regard to education and employment opportunities, improved access to international financing and preferential trade terms for host countries, and a growing convergence between humanitarian and development action, Kelly Clements, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, told the conference.

Despite this very important international support, there should be no ambiguity. Host countries in the region continue to bear the brunt of the response to the Syrian crisis in a manner that is not sustainable, and may ultimately generate further instability, she added.

The Brussels pledges come amid ongoing UN-backed negotiations in Geneva to end six years of conflict. A suspected chemical weapons attack in Khan Sheikhoun in Syrias Idlib province on Tuesday was widely condemned at the conference.

The Brussels conference was co-chaired by the UN, EU, Germany, Kuwait, Norway, Qatar and the United Kingdom and aimed to address the situation in Syria, the impact of the conflict on the region and to plan for the future.

We have to support Syrians inside Syria and in neighboring countries  the people in need including the most vulnerable cannot wait, they need our help right now, said Federica Mogherini, the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

The reconstruction of Syria will require a massive international effort  too many times we were unprepared for peace, we have to start preparing for that day, even if today that day seems very far away, she added.
Work can be particularly hectic on some days. Here's a sure-shot technique to keep that fatigue at bay.

By India Today Web Desk: Feeling tired or somewhat worn-out after work has become a part of the package in the life we now live. Feeling so tired that we cannot operate once we get home from work, however, is something most of us face regularly, but don't find alarming. It IS alarming, because it's interfering with our everyday lives, and thus must be dealt with on priority.

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So, according to some new research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, there's one sure-shot way to make your workday less tiring--take a work during lunchtime. Basically, don't return to your desk right after food.

Researchers wanted to see if people could get more out of their half-hour lunch break every day. They surveyed about 100 workers in a variety of fields about their normal lunch break routines, then told them to change what they did during that time for 10 work days in a row, reports Time.com.

Half of them took a leisurely walk at a nearby park, while the others did a series of relaxation exercises at a quiet corner inside their office buildings. Both activities took 15 minutes, and people did them after a quick lunch.

In the weeks before, during and after the experiment, people rated their levels of well-being, how much they enjoyed their lunch breaks and how much they were able to detach from work during them, reports Time.

As it turns out, people in both groups said they could concentrate better after the activity, had less strain and reported higher wellbeing on the afternoons they walked or relaxed.

"We were not sure beforehand whether the benefits would be observable some hours after the break," lead author Marjaana Sianoja, a psychology researcher at the University of Tampere, told Time.com. "These types of activities might have potential in maintaining productivity throughout the working day," she added.

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The most essential things that contribute to the success of a school usually involve money, including the use of technology, hiring of teachers and use of textbooks. But a new study has found that there is one thing that can help students succeed without having to spend so much. The key is what they call the social capital.

According to the new study, students can still find success even when they are from the most disadvantaged schools with the help of the so-called social capital, Science Daily reported. The researchers from the Ohio State University define this as the relationships between school officials, teachers, community and parents that establish trust, as well as norms that are crucial in a student's academic achievement.

The study was conducted involving 96 public schools in Ohio and what the scientists have found is that the students from the schools with higher social capital performed better on state-mandated math and reading tests. The same results were found from urban schools in high poverty areas, according to OSU's official website.

In the schools where high social capital was observed, teacher were seen to have established more contact with the parents and have gained higher trust from their students. They have also been able to build and maintain a serious and orderly learning environment.

Roger Goddard, co-author of the study and Novice G. Fawcett Chair and professor of educational administration at The Ohio State University, said that findings have shown some good news, because this means that something can be done to contribute to student achievement without having to cost money, and can be made available in all schools.

The scientists have agreed on the benefits of social capital which is why they consider the results really significant. It only implies that the success of the students in school does not depend on his own or anyone else's wealth.
Kevin Shaw, a student at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, was reprimanded by an administrator when he tried to distribute copies of the US Constitution in Spanish on the Pierce College campus. He was told that he can only distribute it in a designated area after obtaining a permit. If he was not to comply he would be removed from campus.

Pierce College is a part of the Los Angeles Community College District. Students are allowed to distribute materials in a prescribed location on campuses according to Pierce's free speech policy. Only if they are given permission to do so they may distribute the materials on a 616-square-foot area comprising .003% of Pierce's total campus.

Shaw claimed that his First Amendment rights were violated and has sued LACCD. The lawsuit was filed by Arthur Willner in partnership with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Education, an organization that advocates for freedom of speech on college campuses.

USA Today reported, Brynne Madway, an associate attorney at FIRE, said the effect of the free speech zones prevent students from interacting with peers and to be exposed to new ideas. He added that instead of encouraging students to speak with their peers and learn from them, the college is confining them to tiny boxes instead.

Free speech zones are typically located in areas that won't disrupt classes. There are four states that have laws that ban public colleges and universities from establishing free speech zones. According to a survey FIRE conducted of 450 top universities, 1 in 10 had restrictive policies similar to LACCD, said Madway.

Willner said he has seen an increase in restrictions over the past decades. He added that a student hast to fist submit an application for a permit which defeats the purpose of the First Amendment and freedom of speech.

A consultant for LACCD, Yusef Robb, said that the LACCD firmly stands behind every student's right to free expression. Shaw hopes the lawsuit will be a learning experience for LACCD to change its policies so that future students can exercise their rights without limitation, LA Times reported.
Cornerstone University has just received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer engineering program. Bob Sack, Vice President for University Advancement said they have started recruiting students.

Grand Valley State University and Cornerstone announced an agreement in October to allow students to concurrently enroll in engineering programs at both schools next year. Sack said the initiative was driven by high demand. He said that one in every five applicants was interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The university announced a nursing program in March in partnership with Detroit Mercy University. Both nursing and engineering programs will begin this fall.

Cornerstone President Joseph M. Stowell they are committed to offering students relevant and academically excellent programs. They desire to contribute to the flourishing of science related enterprises in West Michigan he said. He added that by producing highly competent students by expanding their programs in engineering, it is a giant step forward to contribution STEM field.

Grand Valley announced in October expansion of its engineering program is focused on four new emphasis areas were created in the interdisciplinary engineering major. It included environmental engineering, design and innovation engineering, engineering management, and data science and engineering.

Engineering jobs in West Michign have grown nearly 29 percent since 2010. It increased the number of high-skill, high-wage jobs in the region. CU's collaboration with GVSU provided students access to top-tier engineering educational technology.

M Live reported that on its website, Cornerstone featured three reasons why engineering majors should choose their new program. First is to expand career options, where students will be provided liberal arts education and specialized knowledge in engineering. They have the option to choose from concentrations in data science, design and innovation, engineering management and environmental engineering.

Second is that they can expect more interaction with expert faculty. Cornerstone limit class sizes because they value relational learning. Student will get more attention from professors.

Lastly, students can leverage the resources of two universities. Partner Grand Valley State University has extensive course offerings, hands-on training with top-tier engineering educational technology and more opportunities to customize programs.
City Year Jacksonville AmeriCorps members in Duval County Public School received great career advice and guidance from local Comcast seniors leaders. It is the fifth year in a row where members who were about to complete their year of service received top-notch professional development and training from their local sponsors.

AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year. They have 21,600 unique sites including nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country.

As a part of its local and national partnership with City Year, Comcast, the cable-television provider hosted the annual career day. City Year is a non-profit organization that places corps members in schools and low-income communities in the efforts to help reduce the high drop-out rates.

Comcast employees offered more than 100 AmeriCorps members helpful tips and information on career-related topics at the KIPP Impact Middle School on March 22. They gave tips on topics such as resume writing, interview preparation and networking. One of the speakers for the event was Tonya Smart, from Comcast's human resource department.

Dan Foley, executive director of City Year Jacksonville said the event was a great example of Comcast's continued support for City Year in Jacksonville. Most of their AmeriCorps members will embark on their first job searches when the academic year ends. Foley said their partners at Comcast were able to offer them helpful and practical information to prepare them to take the next step, The Jax Daily Record reported.

Local Comcast employees not only provided career advice but also practiced mock interviews to help AmeriCorps members transition to the next step in their professional journey. AmeriCorps was founded in 1994 and their programs are focused on moving communities forward by creating jobs and providing pathways to opportunity for young people entering the workforce.
Princeton University has filed a case to prevent the US Education Department from disclosing confidential documents about the school's admission policies. This move came in after a non-profit organization demanded the said information.

Apparently, the Students for Fair Admissions accused Princeton University of engaging in "anti-Asian" practices on campus. For the record, the same group sued Harvard University and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill with the same allegation. According to USA Today, Harvard refused to comment on the said matter while the other assured that "the University [of North Carolina] makes admissions decisions based on everything known about each student." It added that race and ethnicity are just two factors among the many.

For his part, Princeton spokesperson Daniel Day told the same source that their institution does not engage in practices that discriminate Asian students. In fact, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has already found "no evidence of anti-Asian" discernment during an investigation conducted in 2015. Additionally, OCR found that the university did not use separate admission processes, reviews, or tracks by race.

On the contrary, per a 2005 study published on the Princeton website, researcher Thomas Espenshade revealed that Asian-American applicants actually did face a "disadvantage" in admissions at elite US universities. In it, Espenshade wrote that Asians, who made up the 29.5 percent of total applicants in 1997, would make the 31.5 percent of the accepted students "if [the] affirmative action for racial minorities were removed." The actual proportion, he added, is 23.7 percent.

Thus, Edward Blum, the president of the Students for Fair Admissions, cited Espenshade's own study as a rationale for his lawsuit. Meanwhile, Princeton noted that its decision to block the Education Department from releasing official documents to Blum's group is for student privacy purposes only. In a statement, the school administration said that they "filed the lawsuit to honor the promise of confidentiality" they have made to all applicants and their families. If Princeton can protect their files now, then future applicants would know that the school respects all materials submitted to it.
By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Apr 6 (PTI) US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during their first meeting will try to establish a personal rapport and find out the key concerns in the bilateral ties like North Korea and trade disputes, the White House said today.

Xi and Trump are scheduled to have a series of meetings later in the day at the US Presidents Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, which is now being called the Southern White House.

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"Its fair to say that trade and the economic relationship generally will be a significant topic of discussion between the presidents at the summit," Matt Pottinger, Senior Director for Asia at the National Security Council at the White House told reporters.

However, he refrained from making any comment on the outcome of the summit.

"The spirit of this summit is for the two to develop a relationship, to really establish a relationship, and to lay out the key concerns that each side has about the relationship and to then begin moving towards some kind of a formal series of dialogues that will aim to address those issues as well as areas of longstanding cooperation between the two sides. Ill leave it at that for the moment," he said.

While the two leaders have talked a few times earlier, this will be the first time that they will meet, he added.

Pottinger said this would be an opportunity for the two leaders to get to know each other and talk about bilateral and regional issues, starting with areas of cooperation, but also various areas of difference in the US-China relationship.

The meeting comes in the aftermath of the recent Beijing trip of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, which laid the ground work of the US-China summit.

"Theyll have an opportunity to have tea together, meet some of their senior cabinet officials, so to speak, on both sides, and have a dinner," he said.

On Friday, there will be a series of meetings that will include a working lunch. Those meetings will have a variety of formats, the White House official said.

The two leaders will have some of their respective senior officials with them to cover a lot of ground.

"Well be talking about, of course, North Korea. Well be talking about trade and the economic relationship. Well be talking about maritime issues and a variety of other areas of cooperation and areas where we want to cooperate more closely with China," Pottinger said, adding that North Korea is now a "strategic liability" for China.

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"It is now quite clearly a strategic liability, and it is one that is having an impact on the region. It is one that has the potential to destabilise not only the peninsula but really the region as a whole," Pottinger said.

North Korea yesterday fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, following which the US said that it was considering all options to tackle the threat posed by the countrys repeated nuclear arms tests.

"In terms of an area of co-operation, of course we would like to see China working closely with the United States to address the menace emanating from North Korea ? their weapons programmes, the provocations that were seeing every week; missile launches, including one that we just had not too many hours ago," he said.

"I think its in Beijings interest. I think that North Korea long ago ceased to be a strategic asset for China," he added. PTI LKJ ASV NSA AKJ NSA

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A retired US general said North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is the only world leader who says he intends to use nuclear arms against the US. He wants the US to take the threat seriously.

By India Today Web Desk: North Korea recently conducted nuclear tests which, for obvious reasons, wasn't received well by many powerful countries.

After it made headlines, a retired four-star US General made a staggering statement. Retired US General Jack Keane said that bombing North Korea's nuclear facility "may be the only option left".

"There's not another world leader who says he intends to use nukes against the US...We have to take this threat very seriously," RT quoted Jack.

Reuters

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Jack told Fox News that if the US was facing an approaching attack from a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), President Donald Trump would have to act appropriately.

"We're rapidly and dangerously heading towards the reality that the military option is the only one left when it comes to getting North Korea to denuclearise and not weaponised [intercontinental ballistic missiles]," Keane told Fox News.

"The Trump administration cannot accept a nuclear launch," he said. "We cannot rely on our missile-defense system to defeat it and expose the American people to a nuclear attack."

Reuters Reuters

The retired US general also said that the former President Barack Obama never entirely kept the military option aside. However, the Trump administration has been more aggressive toward Kim Jong-un's empire of North Korean.

North Korea is behaving very badly. They have been "playing" the United States for years. China has done little to help!- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2017

THE US, CHINA AND NORTH KOREA

Today, Trump was scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Jack, who was Trump's first pick for secretary of defense, said that the president is likely going to "try the diplomatic option to reverse North Korea's nuclear program."

"As for the military option, we're moving there because Beijing, you've painted us into a corner. Let's work together and denuclearize North Korea. I don't know if they're going to do that. But we'll see," the retired US general said.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has also said that "the clock has now run out and all options are on the table" in regard to North Korea, according to CNN.

Tillerson issued a short statement Tuesday after North Korea's recent missile test, saying, "North Korea launched yet another intermediate range ballistic missile. The United States has spoken enough about North Korea. We have no further comment."

Secretary Tillerson: The United States has spoken enough about North Korea. We have no further comment. https://t.co/ccVPjWTWdX- Department of State (@StateDept) April 5, 2017

THE US, JAPAN AND NORTH KOREA

On Wednesday, Trump also spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about North Korea's recent missile test, and they both "agreed to stay in close communication to enhance cooperation on North Korea," according to The Hill.

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Curiosity Cube Brings Science to UW April 11-12

The Curiosity Cube, a mobile science lab housed in a shipping container, will visit UW April 11-12. (MilliporeSigma Photo)

The Curiosity Cube -- essentially science in a shipping container -- is coming to the University of Wyoming.

A retrofitted 22-foot x 10-foot shipping container turned mobile science lab, the MilliporeSigma Curiosity Cube is equipped with the latest technology. It provides a learning environment that allows visitors of all ages to become immersed in specific science topics -- from learning about how DNA works to building a custom microbe using a 3-D printer. The goal is to inspire curiosity in the next generation of scientists.

The Curiosity Cube will be on campus Tuesday, April 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for UW Lab School students; and Wednesday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., for all UW students. It will be located in front of the Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center both days.

Anyone is welcome in the Cube on the 12th -- students, parents, community members, says Andrea Burrows, assistant professor of science education in UWs Department of Secondary Education.

MilliporeSigma and UWs College of Education have partnered previously. Over the last four years, the two entities offered science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) summer camps for Wyoming upper elementary students, Burrows says.

MilliporeSigma recently reached out to me and asked if the Curiosity Cube could make UW a stop on its U.S. tour, Burrows says. With the College of Education, UW Lab School, and College of Arts and Sciences physics/astronomy support, we said yes.

Examples of STEM learning experiences in the Curiosity Cube include:

-- Learning about the role of DNA and the importance it plays in determining traits and characteristics through a hands-on DNA extraction and precipitation, and by interacting with individual cells through a touch screen or virtual reality interfaces.

-- Engaging in the concepts of precision medicine by building on the importance of DNA and how biomarkers help determine functionality, and then building a custom microbe.

-- Utilizing a 3-D printing pen to help highlight new materials, such as resins and pigments used in 3-D printing applications.

Each experiment takes about 3-4 minutes, and the Curiosity Cube can accommodate approximately 100 visitors per hour.

All Curiosity Cube experiments are staffed by MilliporeSigma employees. This allows visitors to ask questions and discuss the possibilities of a future career in STEM.

Its very hands-on. Students of all ages can participate in a variety of experiments, says Renee Connolly, head of communications and corporate responsibility, MilliporeSigma. We look forward to bringing the Curiosity Cube to the University of Wyoming.

In addition to the UW visit, the Curiosity Cube will make local stops at Laramie Junior High School, 1355 N. 22nd St., Friday, April 7, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Albany County Public Library, 310 S. Eighth St., Saturday, April 8, 1-5 p.m.; and Snowy Range Academy, 4037 Grand Ave., Monday, April 10, 8:20 a.m.-2:35 p.m.

During 2017, the Curiosity Cube is expected to make more than two dozen stops across the U.S., with the goal to reach approximately 350,000 students. Thus far, the Curiosity Cube has made stops in Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.

The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany -- which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada -- is a top-tier supplier of tools and services to the global life science industry. The company has 19,000 employees and 65 manufacturing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products enabling scientific discovery.
UW SBDC Hosts HUBZone Workshop in Riverton May 4

Every year, the federal government spends millions of dollars in Wyoming. For small-business owners interested in selling their products and services to the federal government, the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a workshop on the subject.

Small-business owners can learn how to become a HUBZone-designated firm that can benefit them, and receive an introduction to free resources that will assist them in navigating the federal procurement process. This workshop, titled HUBZone and Matchmaking Event, is scheduled Thursday, May 4, 2-4:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Fremont County Library, 1330 W. Park Ave., in Riverton.

The SBDC is a partnership among the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC focuses on educating small-business owners and potential owners on how to successfully start and operate small businesses. The SBDCs main office is located at UW.

The Wyoming District Office of the U.S. SBA, the Wyoming Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Native American Procurement Technical Assistance Center, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and F.E. Warren Air Force Base have teamed up to arrange a networking event. Participants will have the opportunity to meet individually with these agencies to discuss the supplies and services they buy and understand how they purchase them.

There will be a number of purchasing representatives from various government agencies at the event, and they are interested in networking with participants to discuss their buying needs and practices, says Cindy Beth Unger, business adviser for the Wyoming SBDC. This may be a great opportunity for some of our small businesses to approach that market.

The program is free of charge, but participants must register at www.wyomingsbdc.org.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. For further information, call Brett Housholder at (307) 234-3203 or email him at brett.housholder@uwyo.edu.

The Wyoming SBDC Network is a business advising group of the Wyoming SBDC, PTAC, Market Research Center and SBIR/STTR Initiative. The networks mission is to help Wyoming entrepreneurs succeed. Advising and most market research activities are free of charge to Wyoming residents.

The SBDC is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Business Council and UW.

For more information, go to www.wyomingsbdc.org.
By Press Trust of India: Panaji, Apr 6 (PTI) The block Congress committee members from Valpoi in North Goa have resigned in support of former party MLA Vishwajit Rane, who is slated to join the ruling BJP today.

Rane, who was elected from Valpoi constituency in the recently held state polls, had resigned from the Congress last month and quit his Assembly membership after absenting himself from the House when Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had sought the trust vote.

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In his support, all Valpoi block Congress committee members, led by Laxmi Halwalkar, tendered their resignation from the primary membership of the party late last night.

"We, the Valpoi block Congress committee members are hereby submitting our resignation from the primary membership of the Congress with immediate effect as we have no faith in the leadership at the state and national level," reads the resignation letter, signed by all block members.

The members said that Congress, which emerged as the largest party in the recent Goa Assembly elections, failed to form the government and betrayed the real party workers.

"We are with our leader Vishwajit Rane, who has taken the right step to join BJP. We are fully convinced that his step is for the development of our constituency. We cant sit in the opposition for next five years," Halwalkar told PTI.

"We have full faith in him. We have seen his leadership qualities and the development work he has done in Sattari taluka," she said.

BJPs state unit president Vinay Tendulkar yesterday said that Rane would be joining the party today.

Rane had quit the Congress last month after being upset that the party failed to form the government in Goa despite it emerging as the single largest party winning 17 seats in the 40-member Assembly.

He is the son of Congress veteran and former Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane, who was also elected to the Assembly from Poriem seat in North Goa during the recent state polls.

In the trust vote held in the House last month, Parrikar proved his majority with 12 legislators from BJP, three from Goa Forward Party, three from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, three Independents and one from NCP voting in favour of the trust motion.

The opposition benches included 16 MLAs from Congress, as Rane had remained absent during the voting.

After failing to defeat the trust motion, the Goa Congress said it would seek disqualification of Rane from contesting elections for defying its whip to vote against the motion. PTI RPS ARS GK

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A photo of Vinod Khanna from the hospital, looking in extreme bad health, has gone viral on social media and has sparked rumours that the actor is suffering from cancer.

By India Today Web Desk: A photo of Vinod Khanna looking extremely frail and in bad health has gone viral on social media. Netizens today woke up to the photo of the yesteryear actor. The actor, if reports are to be believed, is suffering from bladder cancer.

It was just yesterday when news broke that Vinod Khanna was admitted to the hospital for dehydration, his son Rahul Khanna confirmed. The veteran actor is supposed to be discharged after some days of treatment. However, the photo that has been leaked on social media seems to tell a different tale altogether.

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A report in Firstpost says that the hospital refused to comment on whether the actor is suffering from cancer. Khanna's family too, is yet to say anything about it.

This photo of Vinod Khanna from the hospital has taken social media by storm

Khanna, an MP from Gurdaspur, was said to be recovering after being hospitalised with severe dehydration last Friday. The Mumbai hospital that Vinod Khanna is admitted to, has not said anything about his health yet.

Rahul Khanna told the media, "Dad was hospitalised on Friday for severe dehydration. The situation was quickly brought under control, he's doing much better and the doctors are looking to discharge him soon. Our family is most grateful for the extraordinary care he's been receiving at the hospital and we are touched by all the good wishes pouring in."

We wish the actor a speedy recovery.

ALSO READ: Vinod Khanna hospitalised, son Rahul says he will be discharged soon

ALSO WATCH: Vinod Khanna's filmi attack on Bajwa

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 6 (PTI) In a shocking incident, a 45-year- old freelance journalist was brutally attacked by unidentified persons when she was out for a walk at a popular park in northwest Delhis Bharat Nagar area.

The incident took place last evening when Aparna Kalra had gone to Picnic Hut at Ashok Vihar, which is usually crowded with walkers around that time, for her routine walk, police said today.

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The victim was first rushed to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital which referred her to Fortis Hospital at Shalimar Bagh where she underwent an emergency cranial surgery, said Dr P K Sachdeva, Additional Director, Fortis Hospital, who operated on her.

"She was brought to our hospital last night, bleeding profusely from the scalp. After the investigation, we immediately wheeled her into the operation theatre. The initial surgery lasted for about two hours and 30 minutes, after which we put her into the ICU (intensive care unit).

"A CT scan was conducted which showed multiple fracture, huge blood clot in her scalp, which could have proved fatal. A part of her scalp had to be removed. She is currently stable and still in the ICU as cranial surgery cases need to be monitored," Sachdeva told PTI.

Police are still investigating the case and so far, no eyewitnesses have come forward to share details about the attack. Her family members are also clueless about the motive behind the assault, police said.

"She has sustained severe injuries to her brain and skull. She was hit with iron rods and parts of her skull have been reduced to powder," said her uncle H C Bhatia, adding, the doctors have asked the family to wait and watch.

"She had gone for an evening walk to the park which takes two minutes to reach from her home. She would leave around 6-6.15 PM everyday and return around 7 PM, before it gets dark," he said.

Yesterday, after leaving for the park at around her usual time, her family received calls at about 7.30 PM from Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital and the police, saying that she had been brought to the hospital in an injured condition.

On reaching the hospital, the family found her unconscious, severely bleeding from the head and nose. She regained consciousness just long enough to tell the police that she had been attacked.

Robbery doesnt appear to be a motive of the attack since she was neither wearing any jewellery nor carrying her mobile phone or any valuable item at the time of the attack, police said.

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"Till now, there is no clarity on the motive behind the attack or the weapon used in the offence. One of the reasons for this is that we havent been able to speak to the victim, who is still not fit for recording statement.

"Her family members are also clueless about the motive and only she can throw light on it. We have been informed that in a day or two, she might be in a position to record her statement," a senior police officer said.

Meanwhile, the entire North West Districts teams, including the special staff, are working on the case. A special team has been formed to probe the case. Around 30 notorious persons have also been rounded up from the area and are being questioned, the officer said.

"We keep sufficient police presence in and around crowded areas like such parks in the evening. There are special pickets outside such areas and surprise patrolling is also conducted inside the places to check incidents of snatching and other crimes," he added.

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The journalist has been employed with leading dailies and was freelancing for the last year or so. PTI SLB/KND ZMN

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The Stad Ship Tunnel will be the world's first sea tunnel to pass through a mountain. (Photo: AFP)

Built to bypass the Stad peninsula, a storm-swept area in western Norway, the Stad ship tunnel will be 1.7 kilometres (one mile) long and 36 meters wide, making journeys safer.

"The Stad tunnel for boats will finally be built," said Norwegian Transport Minister Ketil Solvik-Olsen, presenting a comprehensive transport plan for the period 2018-2029.

"The government is now ensuring a safer and more reliable passage of the most dangerous and harsh waters for the transport of goods along the Norwegian coasts," he said in a statement.

The North Sea is roughed up by fierce winds off the peninsula and many ships wait for storms to abate before continuing their journey.

Even the Vikings, who were talented sailors, preferred to avoid the waters, instead transporting their boats by land.

Tunnels for boats exist in other parts of the world such as the Canal du Midi in France, but the Stad tunnel will be the first to accommodate ships up to 16,000 tonnes for freight transport and passengers, including the iconic Bergen-Kirkenes Coastal Express, which connects the Nordic nation's south and north.

The project is estimated to cost 2.7 billion kroner (295 million, US$315 million).

It should take between three and four years to build, with work to begin in the first half of the multi-year plan, the government said.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives SCG President and CEO Roongrote Rangsiyopash

He said Vietnam hopes that SCG will reap success in its cooperation and investment projects in Vietnam, including the oil refinery and petrochemical project it is implementing in partnership with the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam).

The Vietnamese Government will provide the best possible conditions for SCG to carry out this project as soon as possible, he stressed.



The PM added that the groups investment in Vietnam is suitable and will benefit both sides at a time when Vietnam enjoys vigorous growth and wants to attract investment.



The SCG President and CEO thanked the Vietnamese Government for supporting the groups investment, noting that SCG is stepping up the joint petrochemical project with PetroVietnam since this is the firms most important project in Vietnam.



He also expressed his hope for continued support from the Government and relevant agencies for SCGs activities in Vietnam.
The bill, prepared by the Ministry of Finance, suggests lifting the maximum environmental protection tax on gasoline to VND8,000 per liter from the current VND3,000.

Higher tax rates for other fuel products, such as diesel and fuel oil, are also proposed in the draft amendment.

The finance ministry is scheduled to collect feedback for the bill in April and submit a final draft to government in May.

The government will then officially present the bill to the lawmaking National Assembly in June, which will assign various committees to appraise the draft before deciding its fate in October.

The environmental protection tax is intended to solicit resources from the public and increase state revenue in order to resolve environmental issues, according to the finance ministry.

The ministry revealed that revenue from this kind of tax has steadily increased, from VND11,160 billion (US$498.21 million) in 2012 to VND42,393 billion ($1.89 billion) in 2016.

The tax accounted for 1.5 percent to 4.1 percent of the states total budget collection, making up 0.3 percent to 0.9 percent of the countrys GDP.

With the tax rate for gasoline likely to more than double later this year, local consumers are worried that fuel prices will soon skyrocket.

A92 gasoline, the countrys most widely used fuel, currently sells for VND17,310 a liter under the VND3,000 environment tax.

Should the new tax rate be applied, the price would rise to more than VND22,000 a liter, according to analysts.

However, Ngo Tri Long, a price management expert, has said that VND8,000 a liter is only the proposed ceiling tax rate for gasoline, and that the finance ministry does not necessarily have to immediately apply it after it is approved.

Even so, the proposed ceiling rate is so high that it will surely impact consumers and the market in general, Long added.

Several regulatory bodies, including the foreign and justice ministries and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry have also expressed concerns about the negative impact the new tax rate will have on the economy.

Long therefore suggested that the finance ministry focus on measures to reduce tax losses in the fuel sector, at a time when the states budget is suffering huge losses from smuggled fuel.
Jointly organised by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO), Goethe Institute in Vietnam and the Japan Cultural Exchange Centre, the Subscription Concert Vol. 100 aims to celebrate the series of 100 concerts staged by the orchestra over the past 12 years.



Together artists from VNSO, the concert will see the participation of the bugler Premysl Vojta, the trombonist Michael Massong and the trumpeter Martin Griebl from Germanys WRD  Sinfornieorchester Koln with famous Japanese oboe artist Maekawa Kosei as special guest.



Under the leadership of conductor Honna Tetsujin, the artists will perform Tieng vong by musician Do Hong Quan and the Symphony No. 7, also called Leningrad Symphony, by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovitch.



Founded in 1959, the VNSO has played about 60 concerts worldwide every year.



Its annual concert series, which started in 2005, includes 10 concerts each year during which famous symphonies by Vietnamese and world composers are introduced to local music lovers.
The Uttar Pradesh police have launched a massive crackdown against those vandalising liquor shops across the state. Over 90 cases of attacks on liquor shops have been reported in past few day in Uttar Pradesh.

By Shiv Pujan Jha: While liquor ban could be the buzzword elsewhere, shops selling alcohol are being extended protection by the Yogi Adityanath government from vandals.

Uttar Pradesh police have launched a massive crackdown against those targeting liquor shops across the state.

Orders were given for the formation of flying squad to control attacks on liquor shops to all police station. The police have been asked to maintain vigil on all the liquor shops in the area.

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CRACKDOWN AGAINST VANDALISM AT LIQUOR SHOPS: THINGS TO KNOW Uttar Pradesh DGP Javeed Ahmed has ordered strict action against the trouble-makers and all district SSPs and senior officials have been asked to take stringent action against those found guilty of vandalism. Maximum instances of attacks were reported from Bareilly where 22 shops were reportedly targeted. Police have named 123 people in the FIR there and arrested 11 of them. In other incidents of attacks on liquor shops, 17 shops were vandalised in Agra, 16 in Lucknow and 15 in Varanasi. In a swift crackdown the UP police have registered 93 cases in connection with 94 cases of vandalism reported from across the state in the last couple of days. Over 676 people have been named in the FIRs and over 112 persons have been taken into custody. Orders have been issued to ensure that the relocation of the shops affected by the Supreme Court order warranting shifting liquor shops at least 500 meters away from schools, colleges, places of worship and residential areas. Earlier, chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar had already passed instructions for the formation of a committee comprising of SDM, circle officer and excise officer to help identify places where the liquor shops can be relocated.

ALSO READ |

Uttar Pradesh schools charging exorbitant fees; government to step in

ALSO WATCH | Allahabad High Court slams UP government for crackdown on slaughter houses

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Yesteryear actress Zeenat Aman is trying really hard to make a comeback; a little too hard, perhaps.

By India Today Web Desk: Unnecessarily explicit dialogues, out-of-context foul language, forced "coolness" and a trying-too-hard Zeenat Aman are the things that make the yesteryear actress' comeback web series, Love, Life & Screw Ups.

So, the show is about a group of friends who stand with each other through thick and thin, and revolves around each friend's personal life and the good and bad decisions they take, landing them in situations that require their friends' love and support.

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Director of the show, Kapil Kaustubh Sharma, told an English tabloid, "We were looking for a glamorous actress with great comic timing and Zeenatji fit the bill perfectly. She is a diva who can connect with any generation. International shows are gaining popularity in India but we don't have even one such show of our own; something cool and funny which the youth can connect with. Our story is a light-hearted take on eight friends and their relationship struggles ."

The show also features reality TV star Diandra Soares, and a visibly struggling-to-act Zeenat Aman. The trailer, released recently, looks like a shoddy compilation of a group of people who seem to be stuck doing the wrong job.

While you can watch the trailer and decide for yourself, here's hoping the show is better than it seems right now, because honestly, Zeenat Aman does deserve better:

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Chevron, the oil giant, has called on a U.S. court to dismiss a case brought by former opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who is hoping to force the firm to release footage of the murder of prominent political commentator Kem Ley, who was killed at one of its gas stations in Cambodia last year.

Chevron has argued that it does not possess the footage in question, which it claims was removed from the premises on the day of the murder, July 10.

Negotiations between Chevrons defense team and Rainsys lawyers reached an impasse after the court extended a deadline for a decision in the case to March 31.

Chevron lawyer Andrea Neuman said in a statement that The parties negotiations ultimately came to an impasse.

The defense requested the court quash the case entirely, according to a proposed order prepared for Judge Donna Ryu ahead of a hearing on May 25.

Rainsys counsel, Eva Schueller, made the application to force Chevron to release the footage late last year. The Caltex gas station where Ley was murdered is owned by Chevron (Cambodia) Limited, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation.

Cambodian police confiscated the recording equipment and video footages at the gas station, and has forbidden Chevron (Cambodia) from copying or disclosing picture/footage to the public, according to a statement signed by the gas station manager.

Chevron has submitted a number of press articles to the court to support its call for dismissal, arguing that as footage from the gas station was played during the trial of the murder suspect, Oeut Ang, which served to widely publicize key details underlying the application, another Chevron lawyer, Willian Thompson, said in a statement.

Chevron denied that it has any influence over its subsidiary in Cambodia.

Chevron (Cambodia) Ltd. is a separate legal entity from Chevron Corporation, with its own management, supervisory, and employee structures, said Frank Soler, a Chevrons senior liaison, in his statement to the court. Chevron Corporation owns neither the assets nor the stock of Chevron (Cambodia) Ltd.
The Afghan government is trying to grab the attention of President Donald Trump and gain greater U.S. support by dangling its massive and untouched wealth of minerals, including lithium, the silvery metal used in mobile phone and computer batteries that is considered essential to modern life.

But tapping into that wealth, which also includes coal, copper, rare earths and far more that estimates say could be worth from $1 trillion to $3 trillion, is likely a long way off.

Security has worsened in Afghanistan in the past year, with Taliban insurgents seizing territory and inflicting increasing casualties on Afghan forces. The regions with the greatest lithium deposits, for example, are too dangerous to enter.

So far, Trumps policy on Afghanistan remains unknown.

No direction on Afghanistan

He has said little about Americas longest-running war, beyond saying on the campaign trail that he wishes the United States were not involved in Afghanistan. Last month, the top U.S. military commander called for an increase in American forces to help bring security, a call Kabul enthusiastically backed. But the White House has not said which direction it will go  toward beefing up the American role, drawing it down further or something else entirely. There are around 8,400 U.S. troops in the country, involved in training Afghan forces and in counter-terrorism operations.

Kabul clearly hopes the promise of mineral wealth will entice Trump into making a greater commitment.

Afghanistan can be an appropriate place for U.S. industry, and specifically the mining sector, to look at opportunities for investment because so few potential deposits have been mined, said Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi, chief adviser to Afghan president on infrastructure, human capital and technology.

Afghanistan has always been interested in the U.S. investing in many areas, specifically the mining area. Within mining, there are some areas that are strategic materials such as lithium, Qayoumi told The Associated Press.

President Ashraf Ghani spoke with Trump in December, and they discussed the mineral wealth.

There was a quite good matter of interest from President Trumps administration, Qayoumi said. The two leaders spoke again in February for the first time since the inauguration in talks that focused on the security situation.

A White House official said the U.S. sees sustainable economic development as essential to Afghanistans stability, including in the mining sector. He said the U.S. will work with Afghan businessmen and officials on reforms that enhance private sector development and contribute to development. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Transformative resources

Mineral resources have been touted as potentially transformative for Afghanistan, a key to lifting it out of poverty and bringing major wealth for development.

Interest was particularly spiked by a 2007 report by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Afghan government that found the countrys deposits of a wide variety of minerals were much larger than had been known from surveys decades earlier by the Soviets.

The mountainous, land-locked nation has huge, largely untouched reserves of copper, iron ore, chromite, mercury, zinc, gems, including rubies and emeralds, as well as gold and silver. Particularly alluring is its lithium, crucial to laptop and cellphone batteries.

But getting those minerals out of the ground  and doing it in a way that benefits the country as a whole  has been elusive.

Lapis fuels the war

The war has scared away investors. Also, corruption is rife, and many of the mines that do exist are controlled by local warlords who reap the profits. The Taliban are believed to earn millions from illegal mining.

In 2016, anti-corruption watchdog Global Witness warned that the mining sector was fueling the war. It pointed to lapis lazuli  a blue stone found almost exclusively in Afghanistan  saying local strongmen, lawmakers and Taliban insurgents were all in a violent competition over control of the mines, earning $20 million a year from illegal mining and in the process destabilizing northeastern Badakhshan province.

Integrity Watch Afghanistan said in a 2015 report that the great majority of more than 300 mining contracts awarded so far may have been exploited by local strongmen under the protection of warlords. It examined five mines and estimated the government was losing tens of millions of dollars from those mines alone because of corruption that means taxes, rents and royalties are not collected.

Lithium and Taliban

The main lithium deposits are in three regions  Ghazni province in the east and Herat and Nimroz provinces in the west. Herat and Nimroz are the scene of regular fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban, and the arears of Ghazni where the lithium is located have a strong Taliban presence.

The governments mines and petroleum ministry has also been in disarray. The ministers post has been empty for nearly a year since the resignation of Daud Shah Saba, who often complained of powerbrokers controlling the mineral resources. Finally, last week, the government named Nargis Nehan, a prominent rights and anti-corruption campaigner, as acting minister.

Introducing her, Second Vice President Sarwar Danesh vowed action to reform the sector, sever the hands of traitors controlling minerals and bring balanced development.

Wahidullah Shahrani, who served as mines and petroleum minister from 2010 to 2013, said that at that time there was a major push by the government and international partners to lay a path for developing the sector. They worked out a clear timeline and strategy. Lithium was identified as a priority.

Security worsens

But since then, the security situation has dramatically worsened as U.S. troops, numbering more than 100,000 in 2011, began to withdraw and hand over the fight against the Taliban to Afghan forces. Multiple areas that were once considered safe have fallen into turmoil.

Shahrani said the priority now is for the ministry to clean up management of the mineral sector and draw up a plan going forward.

The U.S. can play a major role in helping that.

The government of Afghanistan right now doesnt have either the financial or the technical resources, he said.
Australia and New Zealand warned Thursday that extremists may be planning an attack on the commemoration of a World War I campaign in Turkey this month.

Australian Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan urged the nearly 500 Australians and New Zealanders registered to travel to Gallipoli, Turkey, to mark ANZAC Day April 25 to exercise a high degree of caution, but offered no specifics about the alleged threat. ANZAC Day is an annual holiday commemorating the April 25, 1915, landings in Gallipoli  the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I.

Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Mike Phelan declined to release details of what prompted the warning, saying only that the government had received information that extremists may attack the services planned on the Gallipoli peninsula. Phelan said there was no specific plot linked to the alert.

It is just that terrorists may indeed try to carry out a terrorist attack during the celebrations, Phelan told reporters in the nations capital, Canberra. That is all we have got at this stage.

Tehan said Australia and New Zealand were working closely with Turkish authorities on security arrangements, but that the commemoration was scheduled to continue as planned.

For the past two years, Australian police have said they thwarted planned attacks on ANZAC Day celebrations in Australia. In 2015, police in Melbourne arrested five teenagers on suspicion of plotting an Islamic State group-inspired attack intended to coincide with the citys ANZAC service. In 2016, police arrested a 16-year-old and charged him with planning an attack on an ANZAC ceremony in Sydney.

In a statement, New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully urged New Zealanders in Turkey to be vigilant in public places and monitor the media for updates on potential safety risks.
The White House and House Republicans appear short of a last-ditch deal on their long-promised repeal of Barack Obamas health care law. And in an unexpected twist, Obamacare  never very popular  seems to be rising in public opinion polls.

Theres no suggestion we should be changing our flights, moderate Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., said Wednesday afternoon, a day before lawmakers were slated to leave Washington for their two-week recess. Were going home ... without a deal.

From the partys right flank, Freedom Caucus member Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina said: Ive heard nothing of substance at this point that would break the logjam.

The Thursday schedule from House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., delivered the hard truth  no health bill vote.

Two weeks ago, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., was forced to call off a floor vote on a GOP measure to repeal much of the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, or ACA. The GOP legislation replacing it would have scaled back the federal role in health care, covering 24 million fewer people over time, while also cutting taxes for upper-income earners.

Then as now, deep differences among hardliners and moderates impeded the Republican march. Each side blames the other. The congressional recess could drain more momentum from the repeal drive although many Republicans say individually theyre not giving up.

Obamacare more popular

Meanwhile, weeks of truth-or-consequences debate on Capitol Hill may be shifting public attitudes on the ACA, which has remained divisive since Democrats passed it in 2010 without any Republican support.

Gallup said this week that the law gained majority approval for the first time, with 55 percent supporting it and 41 percent disapproving. It was the first majority for Obamacare since Gallup started asking the question in the same format in November 2012. It marked a major shift from five months ago when 42 percent approved and 53 percent disapproved.

Another nonpartisan survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found relief that Congress has not managed to repeal the health law. It showed that 3 in 4 Americans want the Trump administration to make the law work. About 2 in 3 said they were glad the House GOP bill didnt pass. But people split evenly between wanting to keep or repeal the statute.

Unwelcome fallout from translating the GOP vision into practical policy seems to be contributing to the partys difficulty selling its plans.

For example, experts said the latest idea floated this week would raise premiums for people with medical problems.

Chipping away at requirements

Roughed out in negotiations between the White House and leaders of the conservative Freedom Caucus, the idea would allow states to seek waivers of two ACA requirements. One, known as community rating, forbids insurers from charging higher premiums on account of peoples medical problems or pre-existing conditions. The other is the essential health benefits provision that spells out categories of benefits all insurance plans must cover.

Conservatives who want the federal government out of health care argue that those provisions have driven up premiums and decreased choice. The idea is to put states back in charge of insurance rules, reasoning that that would increase the availability of plans with lower premiums, attractive to younger, healthier customers.

But health care industry consultant Robert Laszewski said it would also open a back door to a system where the sick can get priced out of coverage.

Its hard for me to believe that any state would take us back ... when it comes to the protections that consumers have for pre-existing conditions, Laszewski said. There is no doubt that Obamacare as a system is not working very well, but nobody wants to go backward.

Pool for high risk

Republicans say their bill includes a fallback option for people with health problems. It would create a $100 billion fund that states can use for a variety of purposes, including high-risk insurance pools where people with medical problems can get coverage.

But Trish Riley, executive director of the National Academy for State Health Policy, said those didnt work well in the past. Patients tended to be very sick, and premiums were often too expensive.

There would be real challenges for people with illnesses to get affordable coverage, Riley said. You will get guaranteed access to coverage, but you wont be able to afford it. Her nonpartisan organization offers policy advice to states.

Trump administration officials and leading GOP legislators said they are not giving up trying to find common ground between conservatives and moderates. Ryan and McCarthy met with Pence at the White House Wednesday night to discuss their next steps on health care, an aide to Ryan said. They also talked briefly with President Donald Trump.

Democrats were dismissive.

Its as if the president and Paul Ryan went to some of the Republicans and the Freedom Caucus and said, We can make this worse, Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois said.
Cuba has agreed to a visit by a United Nations human rights investigator for the first time in decade, inviting an expert on human trafficking this month, a U.N. statement said on Thursday.



Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, U.N. special rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, will visit the Caribbean island nation from April 10-14, making stops in Havana, Matanzas and Artemisa.



"Her visit will be the first to the country in 10 years by an independent expert of the U.N. Human Rights Council," the statement said.



Authorities in communist-run Cuba have long resisted what they regard as external interference in their human rights record.



Former U.S. President Barack Obama initiated secret negotiations leading to normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations in 2015 after decades of enmity.



U.S. organizations that worked closely on the effort have called on the Trump administration not to act rashly toward Cuba, saying that the policy has improved human rights and internet access there.



Giammarinaro, an Italian judge and trafficking expert serving in the independent post since June 2017, said she would meet Cuban authorities and activists to discuss challenges in addressing trafficking for sexual and labor exploitation.



"Particular attention will be paid to measures in place and those planned to prevent trafficking, to protect victims and provide them with access to effective remedies," she said.



The last U.N. human rights expert to visit Cuba was the then U.N. special rapporteur on the right to food, Swiss expert Jean Ziegler, in November 2007.
The Trump administration has resumed efforts at getting divided congressional Republicans to agree on a replacement for former President Barack Obama's signature health care law.

Last month's failure to pass a replacement health care law exposed divisions among Republicans in Washington, but any attempt by President Donald Trump to reach out to opposition Democrats also carries risks.

Targeting House conservatives

Last month, the White House pulled a health care replacement bill when it became clear that too many conservative House members of the Freedom Caucus opposed the measure.

The resistance stood even after the president met with several House members opposed to the bill. "They are friends of mine. I'm disappointed because we could have had it. So, I'm disappointed," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on the day the health care measure failed.

But the president seemed to get angrier as time went by, and on March 30 he spoke out against conservatives who opposed him. "The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast," Trump said on Twitter. "We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!"

A Turn to Democrats?

Trump raised the possibility of turning to Democrats if some Republicans continue to oppose him. "If they got together with us and got a real health care bill, I would be totally open to it, and I think that is going to happen," he said.

But Democrats, including House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, expressed little interest.

"They are going to try to put repeal [of Obamacare] on the table [for consideration]," Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol. "We must resist repeal. There is a strong sentiment for that in the country."

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer added a more ominous note this week in an exchange with reporters.

"Trump is going to have problems until he learns that the only way to get things done in this place, even though he has the majority in the House and Senate, is in a bipartisan way," Schumer said. "If he doesn't, his presidency will be a disaster."

Republican risks

However, any move by Trump toward engaging Democrats could spark angst among Republicans.

"If we are going to do what we said we were going to do, which is repeal and replace Obamacare and save the American health care system, something tells me the Democrats are not going to help us repeal Obamacare," said Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. "They are the ones who created it in the first place."

Vice President Mike Pence is working to win over some members of the Freedom Caucus, but many insist they will stick to their principle of minimal government involvement in health care.

"Do we need to lower the bar in what we believe as conservatives simply because a Republican is now in the White House?" asked South Carolina Representative Mark Sanford.

Weak poll position

Trump's position in public opinion polls could limit his political leverage. The latest Quinnipiac University poll gave the president an approval rating of 35 percent, while 57 percent disapproved of his performance in office so far.

Quinnipiac's assistant polling director, Tim Malloy, issued a statement that the president "continues to struggle even among his most loyal supporters." Malloy added that many of his backers would be "hard pressed to see even a sliver of a silver lining in this troubling downward spiral."

Some analysts have warned that Trump's focus on catering to his political base and working around Democrats could limit his success.

"Mr. Trump's problem was that he started off with a divided electorate and relatively low approval ratings, and they have bumped up and down but appear to be on a downward path now and this will make his job of governing more difficult," said Brookings Institution scholar William Galston.

A new approach

A different approach from the president is needed for a revival of the health care effort, according to Republican strategist John Feehery.

"For this president to be successful, he's going to have to do more than paint in broad brushes," Feehery said. "He is going to have to get into the nitty-gritty and help the Congress to completion on these things because, frankly, you have to have the president resolve these disagreements."

Feehery also cautions that congressional conservatives could limit Trump's ability to work with Democrats. "This is going to be a challenge for him," he said. "If he makes the Democrats the enemy, it is going to be very difficult for him to get anything done."
Conservative candidate Guillermo Lasso says his campaign for the presidency of Ecuador detected irregularities at almost 2,000 polling tables where his opponent handily won in Sunday's presidential runoff.

Lasso, in a press conference Wednesday, presented the strongest argument yet backing up his claims that ruling-party candidate Lenin Moreno won the election through fraud.

The Lasso campaign said that it detected irregularities such as missing signatures, inverted results and incorrect tallies at 1,795 of the almost 40,000 voting acts processed nationwide. Those polling places together represent about 600,000 votes, more than double Moreno's margin of victory. It presented three such examples and said it would dispute results at the voting centers, some of which Moreno won by a 4-to-1 margin.

"Without a doubt there was fraud," Lasso said, standing before boxes of voting acts he said were scanned by campaign poll observers on election night and will form the basis of their challenge.

Hundreds of Lasso supporters gathered Tuesday night outside the National Electoral Council's headquarters in Quito for the third-straight night of mostly peaceful protests that contrasted with the more unruly behavior seen on election night, when supporters crashed through metal barricades in Quito and scuffled with riot police in several cities. On Thursday, some 200 supporters remained outside the Quito headquarters.

Electoral authorities said if necessary they will recount votes at polling centers where results are formally challenged, and dismissed as "slanderous" accusations of discrepancies between what poll observers witnessed and the voting acts uploaded to the National Electoral Council's system.

"Some political actors are talking of fraud, but if there was any, it was moral fraud due to so much lying," said National Electoral Council President Juan Pablo Pozo.

Authorities have 10 days to resolve any disputes. Amid the continued uncertainty, Roman Catholic bishops issued a statement Wednesday calling for calm and unity, saying that the country's peacefulness is in danger.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to launch military operations in Iraq and Syria against the Kurdish rebel group the PKK, which Ankara considers a terrorist organization.

In a television interview to curry support for next weeks referendum to extend his presidential powers, Erdogan announced the military is preparing new cross-border operations against the PKK. He said Turkey's ending of Operation Euphrates Shield, which targeted both the PKK and Islamic State in Syria, was not the end of such incursions into its southern neighbor.

Erdogan said, "...future operations would have an Iraqi dimension along with a Syrian dimension.

Observers point out that a tough stance against the PKK, which is fighting for minority rights, plays well with Turkish nationalists being courted by Erdogan in the referendum. Ankara has pledged to eradicate the Syrian Kurdish group the PYD and its YPG militia, which it accuses of being affiliated with the PKK.



The PYD controls large swathes of territory along Turkeys border and the Turkish army has deployed a large military force on the frontier.

The United States and Russia strongly back the Syrian Kurdish fighters who comprise the backbone of Syrian Democratic Forces besieging Raqqa, Islamic States self-declared capital.

Washingtons deepening collaboration with the SDF, has seen it stepping up its presence in the PYD controlled region, We see now four operational forward bases constructed by the United States, in addition to an extended airbase which will be operational, said Aydin Selcen, a former senior Turkish diplomat who severed widely across the region.

Selcen warned such a deployment has implications for Ankara too, The U.S. presence is definitely an insurance policy for the Kurds near future.

Voices are increasingly warning any Turkish military incursion into the Syrian Kurdish region would risk serious repercussions beyond its fight against the PKK.

It's not only going to be a matter of Turkish Kurdish relations, it's going to be Turkish Arab relations, Turkish Russian, Turkish American, Turkish Iraqi Turkish Syrian, predicted Ertugral Kurkcu a deputy for the pro-Kurdish HDP in the Turkish parliament. And maybe it's the abyss for Tayyip Erdogan if he cannot refrain from such miscalculated attempts. If this happens it's going to be total disaster for everyone. But I think others will help Turkey to refrain from such actions.

Erdogan warns Turkish troops may intervene against PKK backed militia in the Iraqi Sinjar region, as well as also targeting its bases deep in Iraqi Kurdistan.



Observers point out such operations are fraught with military risks and the possibility of further exacerbating already tense relations among neighbors.

Despite such risks some analysts don't rule out such a military operation, It's very difficult to know, if the president has been reckless enough to accuse Germany of Nazi like behavior you wonder how much rationality has been left in this administration, political consultant Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners pointed out.

I think it's a non-negligible possibility that there would be some kind of move against the Kurds directly from the border. I am very afraid of it because it would create a fire storm in the world community and it would mean war with the Syrian Kurds and could spread to Kurds in Turkey, he said.

Observers point out Turkish foreign policy is increasingly falling victim to the referendum campaign. With opinion polls indicating the result remaining too close to call political calculations could well trump all other considerations in the coming days.
The U.N. Security Council on Thursday strongly condemned North Korea for its ballistic missile test this week.

In a statement, the council said it was concerned about Pyongyang's "highly destabilizing behavior and flagrant and provocative defiance of the Security Council."

Earlier Thursday, the European Union imposed new sanctions in retaliation for North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile tests, including its launch of a rocket into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday.

The new sanctions include investment bans on aerospace, metalworking and conventional arms-related industries, as well as prohibitions against providing computer services to people involved with mining and chemical industries.

An EU statement said the new sanctions were imposed because North Korea had violated multiple U.N. resolutions and constituted "a grave threat to international peace and security."

The European Union asked North Korea to "cease its provocations and to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs," and to begin talks with the international community.

Four people were also added to the EU visa ban and asset freeze list. Their names were not released.

On Wednesday, North Korea launched a projectile about 60 kilometers into the Sea of Japan. Last month, North Korea fired four ballistic missiles into the sea in response to annual U.S.-South Korea military drills, which the North sees as a preparation for war.

Any launch of objects using the ballistic missile technology is a violation of Security Council resolutions, but the North has defied the ban as an infringement on its sovereign rights to self-defense and pursuit of space exploration.

The sanctions announced Thursday were the second round imposed on North Korea by the European Union since late February, when Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half brother of leader Kim Jong Un, was assassinated in Kuala Lumpur.
Russian authorities have made safe an explosive device found in a residential building in St. Petersburg, the TASS news agency reported on Thursday.

A law enforcement source told Reuters that fire engines had turned up at the building in question and that people living in flats on two stairwells had been evacuated.

The city is still reeling after a bomb ripped through the St. Petersburg metro on Monday, killing 14 people.

An explosion in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don early Thursday, injured one person, a law enforcement source told TASS.

REN-TV cited witnesses as saying that the explosion happened near a school on Sadovaya Street and that a maintenance worker was injured in the blast.
The winner of France's presidential election debate this week was a fast-talking, maverick leftist whose policies would prove just as much a shock to financial markets as those of the more prominent leader of the far right.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, a former Trotskyist who would pull France out of NATO and possibly out of the European Union too, is climbing fastest in the polls with just over two weeks to go before the first round of a closely-fought election.

In a snap poll after Tuesday night's four-hour debate, viewers found Melenchon, 65, the most convincing of the 11 candidates, outshining frontrunners Emmanuel Macron, an independent centrist, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, and mainstream conservative Francois Fillon.

Melenchon skirmished with Le Pen over religion and called for the debt of troubled eurozone states to be effectively written off to allow massive new investment to spur growth.

"The debt won't be paid either in France, Spain, Portugal or Greece. The European Central Bank must buy up all the debt ... so that our states can find a way to breathe again," he said.

Melenchon, founder of the "France Unbowed" party, has split the left-wing vote and turned the Socialists into also-rans after five years of unpopular rule by Socialist President Francois Hollande.

A Le Monde/Cevipof poll published on Tuesday put Melenchon's support at 15 percent, up 3.5 points from mid-March.

He is still well behind Le Pen and Macron, who both have about a quarter of the vote, according to the poll, and are favorites to go through to the May 7 run-off.

But he is breathing down the neck of early frontrunner Fillon, on 17.5 percent, and is well ahead of Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon, on 10 percent.

It is Melenchon's second run at the presidency. He finished fourth with 11 percent of the vote in 2012.

Kitted out in a revolutionary-style, high-lapelled Mao jacket and with a rapid-fire delivery sprinkled with quotes from Karl Marx and the 19th French writer Victor Hugo, Melenchon is the scourge of established party chiefs.

At a weekend rally in Chateauroux, he said "a chair, a table, a bench" had more chance of winning than did Le Pen.

His fellow left-winger, Hamon, has fared no better. Spurning Hamon's entreaties to unite behind him, Melenchon said he had no intention of hitching his campaign to a "funeral hearse."

EU Doubts

Melenchon may get another lift if Hamon's support erodes further. Only about half of Hamon's supporters are certain to vote for him - the lowest certainty score of any of the main candidates, according to Cevipof.

"I didn't think there would be such a big turnout," said Philippe Herault, 57, surveying thousands of cheering Melenchon supporters at the rally in Chateauroux in central France. "It is a sign that people want change, want something different."

Retired agricultural inspector Roger Barralis, 72, speaking after another campaign event in Paris, said he admired Melenchon's deep thinking and oratorical powers.

"But mostly, it's his intelligence, his ability to speak to everybody," he said.

Although Melenchon, who is backed by the French Communist Party, is from the other end of the political spectrum to Le Pen, he advocates policies similar to hers in some areas.

On Europe, his "Plan A" is to negotiate an overhaul of the EU along "democratic, social and ecological" lines.

In an echo of the process that led to Britons voting to leave the EU last June, Melenchon would put the results of the negotiation to a referendum on whether to stay or leave the EU.

If the negotiation option fails, he would suspend France's contributions to the EU budget and impose border controls on movement of capital and goods.

He calls the United States the world's "most dangerous" military power and would pull France out of NATO, impose a 90 percent tax on top earners and rewrite France's constitution.

There are major differences too between Melenchon, who quit the Socialist Party in 2008, and Le Pen.

In the debate, Melenchon poked fun at the National Front leader's proposal to reform the constitution to protect Catholic traditions like nativity scenes.

"Sixty percent of the French have no religion, so give us a break with religion," he said.
Sierra Leonean farmer Bockarie Swaray was sitting on his porch one morning when he heard a deep whirring noise and jumped up to see a bulldozer fell his banana, oil palm and kola nut trees.

"There was nothing I could do," he said, slumped on a plastic chair with a frown on his thin, lined face. "I just prayed to almighty God to help me."

Swaray said his 11 acres (4 hectares) of land, in Sierra Leone's southern Pujehun province, was taken to become part of a 45,000-acre (18,200-hectare) palm oil plantation run by international agro-investor Socfin.

But Socfin, which runs rubber and oil plantations in six African countries, maintains it respected all terms of an agreement with the government of Sierra Leone, one of the world's poorest nations, and all acquisitions were above board.

The Luxembourg-registered company, part of the empire of the French tycoon Vincent Bollore, has been embroiled since 2011 in a feud with local landowners in the Malen chiefdom in Pujehun, with landowners also fighting amongst themselves over the deal.

Now farmers and charities are demanding an independent investigation into the claims made by landowners who say their complaints and grievances were ignored.

"With Socfin everything has been shrouded in secrecy from day one," said Joseph Rahall, director of environmental charity and advocacy group Green Scenery.

A growing number of African land lease deals for mining and agribusiness have provoked tension and violence, with local communities claiming forcible eviction by foreign companies.

Socfin's general manager in Sierra Leone, Philip Tonks, told Reuters that 40 landowner representatives with community support signed an agreement to lease the land.

"When we first came in we began discussions with the paramount chief because he is the custodian of the land. Of course, in the early days there was mistrust, people didn't know who we were. Five years down the line, we've built up that trust," said Tonks.

"We're seen as land grabbers, but it was actually all done through consent."

Socfin has become the largest private employer in the West African country, employing more than 3,400 people from surrounding villages and providing extensive infrastructure projects and social services as well as jobs.

'Land is life'

But Swaray said all but one of his 14 children have dropped out of school since he lost his land in 2011 because he can no longer afford the fees.

"For us, land is life," he said. "We are not educated but with the money from this land we were educating our children."

The family now lives on 500,000 Leones ($68) his daughter Abi, 23, earns each month working as a laborer for Socfin.

"If she doesn't work for them, then we don't eat," said Swaray, who is a member of the Malen Affected Land Owners Association (MALOA), which opposes Socfin's investment.

Mineral-rich Sierra Leone, with iron ore, bauxite, diamonds and titanium ore, has attracted foreign investors since its civil war ended in 2002 but has no system of land titling, leaving land decisions open to corruption, experts say.

A 2011 agreement, seen by Reuters, shows the Malen chiefdom council, headed by Chief Braima Victor Sidi Kebbie, leased some land to the government for 50 years.

A 2013 agreement shows the government then sub-leased a slightly smaller parcel of land in the chiefdom to Socfin.

But residents say Socfin's annual payment of $5 per acre ($12.50 per hectare) is not enough and argue they did not understand the lease agreement  or were coerced into signing.

Arrests

When Socfin came to survey the land in October 2011, Swaray was among around 40 protesters arrested for blocking the road.

This was the first of six arrests of anti-Socfin protesters, who have been fined up to 20,000,000 Leones ($2,720) each for "riotous behavior," members of MALOA said.

Dozens were injured in 2013 when police opened fire on a group of armed protesters, and two Socfin staff were shot at during a protest in 2015. Six activists were jailed in 2016 for destroying trees belonging to Socfin.

MALOA's leader, Shiaka Sama, an outspoken former member of parliament, spent three weeks behind bars in 2015 for cutting branches off Socfin's crops  charges he denies  and accused Socfin employees of trying to bribe him to back off.

Kebbie said he called a village meeting in 2011 in Sahn Malen, the main village of the chiefdom, to get consent from landowners' representatives before leasing the community's land.

"Everybody was very happy," he said, while watching CNN in the airy living room of his vast two-year-old home. "The company would create jobs and open up the chiefdom."

Seven out of 10 young people in Sierra Leone are unemployed, according to U.N. figures, and more than half of Sierra Leone's seven million people do not have enough to eat, with Pujehun ranked as one of the most food insecure parts.

Others present at the meeting have different memories.

Farmer James Blango remembers standing up and asking what happened if people did not want to lease or sell the land to Socfin and being told by Kebbie to move live elsewhere.

Kebbie denied this.

"Those who leased their land signed for it," he said.

As Kebbie had little money in 2011, Socfin said it helped him, recognizing his importance as the custodian of the land.

"We bought him a car," said Tonks. "He had to move about and talk to people if there were any issues."

Under the Socfin contract, each farmer received 1 million Leones ($135) in compensation for the loss of their crops and $2.50 a year for lease of each acre, said Tonks.

Another $1 per acre goes to the chiefdom council, which is a local parliament, and to the district council, which can add up to some $45,000 each for the whole plantation, Rahall said.

Tonks said he thought the deal was fair for the landowners.

"There will always be some opposition, like Sama and his followers, but those are muddy waters because he has political motives," he said.
Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is threatening to turn Frances presidential election into a four-way race, the latest opinion polls show, confirming a surge of support for him after a strong showing in a TV debate this week.

Two polls conducted after a televised debate among candidates Tuesday night showed the 65-year-old Communist-party-backed candidate just a percentage point or two behind third-placed conservative Francois Fillon in an unpredictable contest in which over a third of voters are still undecided.

A Harris Interactive poll published Thursday showed centrist Emmanuel Macron holding onto a narrow first round lead over far-right leader Marine Le Pen, with the two frontrunners on 25 and 24 percent respectively.

Voting starts April 23

The two-stage election will be April 23 and May 7.With just over two weeks to go until voting starts, the big move, however, was the surge by Melenchon, a veteran campaigner of the far left.

Intentions to vote for him climbed to 17 percent in the first round, up from 13.5 percent two weeks ago, while Fillon, whose campaign has struggled as he faced nepotism allegations, saw his score hold steady at 18 percent.

A separate Elabe poll published Wednesday evening showed Melenchon up 2 points from a week ago, also at 17 percent, and also narrowing the gap with Fillon, who was up 1 point at 19 percent. It had Le Pen and Macron on 23.5 percent each.

Both polls showed Macron beating Le Pen comfortably in the second round.

Winning performance

A political showman who excoriates establishment politicians with his rapid-fire discourse, Melenchon was seen by pollsters as the most convincing performer in the four-hour TV debate Tuesday night that was watched by more than 6 million people.

He clashed with Le Pen during the debate over her focus on the tensions created by religion in politics, but his policies advocating greater worker protection, and his hostility to the European Union in its current form, are similar to hers.

He would also pull France out of NATO and called during the debate for the debt of troubled euro zone states to be effectively written off to allow massive new investment to spur growth.

Founder of the France Unbowed party, he has split the left-wing vote and turned the Socialists into also-rans after five years of rule by Socialist President Francois Hollande marked by high unemployment and low economic growth.

Pollsters say Melenchon is gaining votes from Hamon, who is struggling to stay above a 10 percent rating in the polls, but he is also getting votes from further afield.

Unexpected supporters

Gianni Pierson, 38, from the staunchly conservative town of Provins where Fillon campaigned Wednesday, had traditionally voted on the right, and plumped for ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy at the last election in 2012.

Partly as a result of losing his job as a salesman, he has turned more to the left, first Hamon, but now, he told Reuters, almost made my choice for Melenchon after being inspired by his performance in debates.

In a potential boost for Hamon though, Socialist Finance Minister Michel Sapin confirmed Thursday that he would vote for the partys official candidate.

Some other senior Socialists, including Jean-Yves Le Drian have jumped ship to join Macron.

The 29-year-old ex-banker was until 2016 a minister on the Socialist government, but is running as an independent having formed his own political movement called En Marche! (Onwards!)
German authorities are investigating 20 Turkish citizens on suspicion of conducting espionage in Germany, a newspaper reported on Thursday.

Die Welt said it received the information in an official government response to a question about the issue filed by Sevim Dagdelen, a German lawmaker with the hard left party Die Linke.

Tensions are running high between the two NATO allies ahead of a referendum in Turkey next month that proposes expanding the powers of President Tayyip Erdogan. Berlin infuriated Ankara after cancelling several campaign rallies by Turkish ministers in Germany, drawing accusations from Turkey of "Nazi" tactics.

Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office (GBA) said last month it had launched a probe into suspected spying by Turkey. German media said at the time that the entity being investigated was the Turkish Intelligence Agency (MIT) and that it was suspected of spying on supporters of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. Ankara accuses Gulen of organizing a failed coup last July, a charge he denies.

"At the moment we are investigating a total of 20 suspects on suspicion of conducting secret service agent activities on behalf of the Turkish government," the German government wrote in its answer to the German lawmaker, Die Welt said.

German police in February raided the apartments of four imams suspected of spying on followers of Gulen on behalf of the Turkish government.
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani's historic two-day visit to Indonesia was largely focused on economic ties between the young democracies. Indonesian president Joko Jokowi Widodo promised to build a large hospital and Islamic center in Afghanistan in addition to signing several agreements for further cooperation.

The leaders also discussed working together on deradicalization and extremism.

But there seems to have been no mention of the nearly 8,000 Afghan refugees and asylum seekers in Indonesia. Afghans, particularly ethnic Hazara, a persecuted group that is thought to be of Mongolian or Central Asian descent, make up about half of all refugees and asylum seekers in Indonesia.

Many originally hoped to continue on boats to Australia, but since that country closed its maritime borders in 2014, large groups of Hazara refugees have coalesced in West Java and Sumatra.

A few days before arriving in Indonesia, President Ghani was met with large Hazara protests in Canberra, Australia's capital.

No such protest transpired in Jakarta, but several Afghan refugees and humanitarian actors expressed dismay that the subject was ignored during the state visit.

Hardline stance on emigrants

President Ghani, a Columbia University-educated development expert, has expressed little concern for Afghan citizens who leave as either migrants or refugees.

I have no sympathy, he told the BBC in 2016. We have spent hundreds of millions of dollars [on people] who want to leave under the slightest pressure. He has called on Afghans to rebuild their war-torn country, although many have pointed out that Ghani's own children live in the United States.

He is terrible on the issue of refugees, said Justin, a young Hazara refugee living in West Java. He lives in an amazing castle in Afghanistan. He never can understand our lives. I'm sure that he will say something to Indonesias government like please send back our people, said Justin, referring to Ghanis calls for repatriation. I guarantee that Afghanistan is absolutely unsafe for me. If I go back, I will die.

Hazaras are a Shia Muslim group who live in the majority-Sunni countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan. They are said to be of Mongol or Turkic descent, and look visibly different from other ethnic groups in those countries, which has made them an easy target for sectarian violence, most recently from the Taliban. Hazaras have lived in Afghanistan at least since the 16th century.

Ghani has included several Hazaras in his administration, including his Second Vice President, Mohammad Sarwar Danish. Ghani himself is a Pashtun, the countrys largest ethnic group.

But Hazaras who remain in Afghanistan are concerned about both ongoing persecution in the nation at large and stunted development in Hazara provinces. In a 2016 human rights report, the U.S. State Department wrote that the Taliban continued to target and kidnap members of the Hazara ethnic community, executing Hazara hostages in certain instances. And last year, the TUTAP power line, which would have improved electricity and infrastructure, was rerouted away from the Hazara-majority Bamiyan province.

Afghan diaspora in crisis

Afghan refugees, like all refugees in Indonesia, cant work or go to school, so they lead listless lives between registering with UNHCR as refugees and eventually being resettled to a third country like the United States, which can take years if it happens at all. In the meantime, many Hazaras have set up their own, unaccredited schools and community welfare projects like the Refugee Women Support Group in Cisarua, West Java.

Resettlement prospects for refugees nearly everywhere have diminished this year, as the United States instituted a temporary moratorium on resettlement and most Western countries in Europe and Oceania decreased their annual quotas. Afghanistan was long the worlds biggest source of refugees, until Syria outpaced it in 2014 due to its ongoing civil war.



Resurgent Taliban

Despite huge international aid and no end in sight for American military involvement, Afghanistan has struggled to curb the Taliban insurgency. In fact, the group has reorganized after its leader Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansur was killed in a drone strike and is embracing an assertive, coherent identity, according to the Afghan Analyst Network. This means, among other things, a likely continuance of minority persecution in Afghanistan in the near future.

Even large cities and regional capitals, which Australian government once argued were safe for Hazaras when it forcibly deported some in 2014, are insecure.

There is no hope of life back in Afghanistan for Hazara minorities, said Mohammad Baqir, a Hazara refugee in Jakarta who was disappointed with Ghanis omission of refugee rights during his visit. Day after day a new group with a different name but the same objective  to eradicate the Hazara from every corner of the world  arises in Afghanistan with no obstacles from the government. We refugees prefer this life with an uncertain future over that life with no future.
Iranian-American Nilou Motamed began her second year as editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, an American lifestyle magazine dedicated to covering new trends in food, drink, travel, design and entertaining. In an interview with VOA Persian journalist Saman Arbabi in New York, the 45-year-old Motamed explains how her Iranian roots inspired her not only to pursue success in the competitive U.S. media industry, but also to highlight Iranian culture through her magazine.
Islamic State fighters shot down an Iraqi military helicopter over Mosul Thursday, killing both crew members on board, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The helicopter was providing support to federal police forces battling Islamic State militants in western Mosul, the statement said.

This is the first time a military helicopter has been shot down near the terror group's stronghold since the U.S.-backed offensive to retake the city began last October.
U.S. astronaut John Glenn, who died in December at age 95, will be buried Thursday in Arlington National Cemetery, a place of honor for members of the U.S. military.

His family and invited guests, including astronauts and dignitaries, will say goodbye to the first American to orbit Earth at a small private service at the Old Post Chapel beginning at 9 a.m.

The U.S. Marine Corps will begin a live stream at 9:40 a.m. (EDT) that will include a processional to the graveside by caisson, a flyover, a graveside service and taps. Streaming video also will be available on NASA TV.

Glenn served as a U.S. senator from Ohio for 24 years and founded the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University.

In Glenn's honor, President Donald Trump has ordered flags at federal entities and institutions flown at half-staff Thursday, his press secretary tweeted, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich has done the same at public grounds and buildings across Glenn's home state.

Glenn played a historic part in the U.S. space race, piloting one of the United States' earliest manned space missions and later, at age 77, returning to space to become the oldest astronaut ever to do so.

Glenn, seen as an all-American hero, has been the subject of heartfelt tributes since his death. After his death December 8, his body lay in state in the Ohio Capitol. He was memorialized in a service at Ohio State University, where his children told mourners that their father repeatedly asked them, "What have you done for your country today?"

Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden memorialized Glenn at that service by saying, "He knew by his upbringing that ordinary Americans can do extraordinary things."

Arlington Cemetery, Glenn's final resting place, is where many American military heroes and statesmen are buried. A national monument to unknown soldiers is located there, to honor soldiers whose wartime deaths could not be documented.

The cemetery sits on a hill in Virginia overlooking the Potomac River, with a clear view of the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument.

It is one of the most-visited sites in the Washington area.
Twenty-nine South Sudanese students on a government-sponsored scholarship to study at Zimbabwe's Harare Institute of Technology were forced to leave school a week ago after Juba officials failed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for their tuition and fees over three semesters..

A letter from the Harare institute, seen by VOA South Sudan in Focus and addressed to South Sudan's Cultural and Educational Attache, said the school was owed $241,894.

South Sudanese officials did not meet the March 31 payment deadline, and the students said they had no option but to leave campus and live in the embassy while they appealed to the government to pay the bill.

Students have since complained of living in cramped spaces with little food, in an embassy that has no kitchen and one shower with a broken spout and light fixture.

Giir Salfa Deng, 25, a biotechnology student in his second year at the institute, said the education he's been receiving is much needed in his country.

"We are doing all the sciences, so it could have been an advantage for the country," he said. "The only service that I could offer to my people is through my degree. If I could get a degree today, then this is the same degree that would be able to uplift the upcoming generation."

Sleeping on the compound

Gaaniko Bangoye Michael, 23, who is studying electronic commerce at HIT, said the embassy was so small that "students are just sleeping around the compound, under the trees, because we are not given rooms."

There are 147 South Sudanese students spread across other universities in Zimbabwe under the same South Sudan-sponsored scholarship program, according to the students in Harare. They said the government had not paid their fees either, and they expected the others to reach the embassy in the coming days.

But Agheer Marial, 25, studying electronic engineering, said the embassy is struggling to host the students already there.

"Me, personally, I have been sleeping in a chair in the reception room. So I think I spent about five days in that chair sleeping, somehow," said Marial.

He said that for him, the interruption was more than just a financial shock; the situation has taken an emotional toll. Marial said it was "heartbreaking" to come so far in the four-year program and not know what will happen.

"We have actually spent, like, two years already in the university, so we are almost to the last part of our courses," he said. "But unfortunately, it has happened that we have been kicked out of the university."

Up in the air

Rebecca Achok, a biotechnology student and one of five women in the group, said she was hoping to take her degree back home, but so far the government has not been responsive to their calls.

Students are "not yet sure if they will take us back or if they will pay our school fees," said Achok, who added that it had been difficult not knowing what would happen to them.

The students said the South Sudanese ambassador to Zimbabwe and the cultural attache were urging their government to pay the fees promptly.

Bangoye said they were in a situation that "we can't control by ourselves," and they urged Juba to look into their issue "as fast as possible" so that they can take exams in a couple of weeks.

Email and phone call requests for comment to the Harare Institute of Technology have gone unanswered. The government of South Sudan did not return a request for comment.
Iraq's Kurds plan to hold a referendum on independence this year to press their case for "the best deal" on self-determination once Islamic State is defeated, a senior Kurdish official said.

The Kurds already run their own autonomous region in northern Iraq and the official, Hoshiyar Zebari, indicated the expected "yes" outcome in a vote wouldn't mean automatically declaring independence.

But with Kurdish forces also controlling wider territory regained from Islamic State, the referendum plan adds to questions about Iraq's unity after the militants have been ousted from Mosul.

The two main Kurdish parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), agreed at a meeting Sunday that a referendum should be held this year, Zebari, a senior member of the KDP leadership, told Reuters.

"The idea of a referendum has been re-energized," Zebari, a former Iraqi foreign and finance minister, said in an interview in Erbil on Wednesday evening, commenting on the meeting held with the PUK's leadership.

The Kurds played a major role in the U.S.-backed campaign to defeat Islamic State, the ultra-hardline Sunni Muslim group that overran about a third of Iraq nearly three years ago.

The militants are now fighting off Iraqi forces in Mosul, their last major city stronghold in Iraq from where they declared a "caliphate" that also includes parts of Syria.

Deep divisions

While the fall of Mosul would effectively end the "caliphate," it will not solve deep divisions over power, land and resources between Iraq's Shi'ite Arab majority, and the important Sunni Arab and Kurdish communities.

The two rival Kurdish groups issued a joint statement Sunday declaring support for the plan of holding a referendum, leaving its exact timing to an agreement with other, smaller Kurdish groups.

Zebari described the aim as "self-determination," leaving open the exact nature of any deal with Baghdad following the referendum when Kurds would be likely to vote strongly for independence.

"It will give a strong mandate to the Kurdish leadership to engage in talks with Baghdad and the neighbors in order to get the best deal for Kurdish self-determination," he said.

Iraqi Kurdish independence has been historically opposed by Iraq and its neighbors, Iran, Turkey and Syria, as they fear the contagion for their own Kurdish populations.

Iraq's Kurds are the community to have advanced the most toward their long-held dream of independence. Iraq has been led by the Shi'ites since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, a Sunni, in 2003, following a U.S.-led invasion.

They run their own affairs in the north, through a Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), led by KDP leader Massoud Barzani.

They have their own armed force, the peshmerga, which prevented in 2014 Islamic State from capturing the oil region of Kirkuk, after the Iraqi army fled in the face of the militants.

Flag dispute

The Kurds have historical claims over Kirkuk, which is also inhabited by Turkmen and Arabs. Hardline Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias have threatened to expel the Kurds by force from this region and other disputed areas.

Kirkuk's Kurdish-led provincial council rejected this week a resolution by the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad to lower Kurdish flags raised since last month next to Iraqi flags over public buildings of the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also warned the Kurds on Tuesday that failure to lower the Kurdish flags would damage their relations with Turkey.

"We don't agree with the claim 'Kirkuk is for the Kurds' at all. Kirkuk is for the Turkmen, Arabs and Kurds, if they are there. Do not enter into a claim that it's yours or the price will be heavy. You will harm dialogue with Turkey," he said at a rally in the Black Sea province of Zonguldak.

The KRG government rejected the Iraqi and Turkish demands, arguing that the Kurds' role in defending Kirkuk against Islamic State justified the hoisting of their flag.

"If it wasn't for the peshmerga, there would be neither Iraq's flag in the city nor Kurdistan's," KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani told reporters in Erbil on Wednesday.

Masrour Barzani, head of the KRG's Security Council and son of President Barzani, said in June that Iraq should be divided into three separate entities to prevent further sectarian bloodshed, with a state each given to the Shi'ites, the Sunnis and the Kurds.

The Shi'ites live mainly in the south, the Sunnis and the Kurds are on opposite corners of the north, while the central region around Baghdad is mixed.
Lawyers for six states seeking to quash President Donald Trump's travel ban want to the government to cooperate if they decide to serve subpoenas on Trump and others who work in the White House, according to a report filed Wednesday in federal court in Seattle.

Trump's revised travel ban is blocked by a federal judge in Hawaii and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear the case May 15, but a case filed by Washington and five other states saying the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim nations is unconstitutional has continued.

In a 25-page report, the states said they want all email communications among people in the Trump administration and third parties before and after Trump took office to be preserved for the case. The relevant time period should start on June 16, 2015, when Trump declared his presidential candidacy, the lawyers said.

The underlying factual basis, intent, design, issuance and implementation of the executive orders may be contained in those email messages, the lawyers said.

Subpoena help requested

The Justice Department said discovery in the case is inappropriate, arguing the issues raised by the case will likely be resolved by the appeals court in the Hawaii case.



The second executive order is neutral with respect to religion, and plaintiffs cannot demonstrate that it infringes any of the constitutional or statutory provisions on which they rely, so the case should not go forward, the Justice Department said.



But should the judge require discovery, the lawyers said the data collected should be limited to the date Trump took office to the present.

The state lawyers also asked for cooperation from the Justice Department should they seek to serve subpoenas on Trump, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, White House staff or witness with a federal security detail.

Depositions opposed



The Justice Department opposes the deposition of any high-ranking government officials.

The states said the two sides should be allowed up to 30 depositions each, while the government said the limit should be 10 each.

Judge James Robart has yet to rule on the government's motion to put the case on hold until the appeal on the Hawaii case is decided.
The head of the U.N.-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) has met in Stuttgart, Germany with top U.S. officials, in hopes of finding a way forward for what one analyst is calling the Obama administrations Iraq.



Chuck Prichard, a spokesman for U.S. Africa Command, told VOA that GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj sat down Wednesday with U.S. General Thomas D. Waldhauser, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Ambassador to Libya Peter Bodde at the U.S. Africa Command headquarters.

The point was to catch up on how things are going in Libya and to brief about how civilian rule and military organizations work together, Prichard said. It was Sarrajs second visit to U.S. Africa Command headquarters.

The visit comes as Russian military officials have deployed to an airbase western Egypt, in what U.S. officials say appears to be a bid to support Khalifa Haftar, the military commander of Libyas rival eastern government.

U.S. officials told Reuters news organization last month that the United States had observed what appeared to be Russian special operations forces and drones at Sidi Barrani, about 100 kilometers from Egypts border with Libya.

When asked whether the U.S. Africa Command supported collaboration between the GNA and Khalifa Haftar, Prichard said the command was not really advocating a position one way or the other.

Were just trying to facilitate stability so that the Libyan people can sort out their government, he said.

'Irresponsible' approach

But this approach to allow Libyans to wade through political waters on their own has been irresponsible, especially when the Obama administration realized that U.S. allies in Europe were not going to effectively aid the Libyans, says Michael OHanlon, a senior fellow for defense strategy at the Brookings Institution.

I think weve done a horrible job in Libya. I think its the Obama administrations Iraq, OHanlon said, adding that the U.S. helped overthrow Libyan dictator Moammar Ghadafi with just the hope that once we eliminated a bad guy, things would get better.

He said that approach was the same type of mentality that then-President George W. Bush had toward overthrowing Iraqs Saddam Hussein in the early 2000s.

However, while the United States sent more than a hundred thousand troops into Iraq, analysts say U.S. forces in Libya lack the capacity and numbers to properly train Libyan forces on the ground. According to a U.S. official, only small numbers of U.S. forces are spread out in areas including Tripoli, Misrata and Benghazi.

To stabilize the country, theres no way these people [U.S. forces] can do what is needed because our basic political strategy doesnt hold water, OHanlon said.

The last six years of volatility left a window of opportunity for Islamic State militants to gain a foothold. Months of fighting, and eventual aid from U.S. airstrikes in and around Sirte, pushed the militants out of country.

Russian intervention?

But as the country still lacks a stable form of government, Libya is ripe for Russian intervention, according to Russian expert Dmitry Gorenburg of CNA, a nonprofit research and analysis organization based in Arlington, Virginia.

He said Russias support of Haftar would be a method to both increase its influence in Libya, where it once had an ally in Ghadafi, and build relations with Egypt.

"They [Russia] see an opportunity to regain some influence in a country that was pretty much lost to them post - and even to some extent prior - to Ghadafi's overthrow," Gorenburg noted.

Any thought of the U.S. working with Russia to stabilize Libya, however, has been complicated by a recent gas attack in rebel-held Idlib, Syria, which has killed scores of people, including children.

Its pretty clear the U.S. and Russia are going to take much more opposed points of view on Syria after the chemical attack, Gorenburg said.

Moscow has been Syrian President Bashar al-Assads principal supporter, but U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Assad's government of going "beyond a red line" with the poison gas attack, alluding to former president Barack Obama's threat to attack Assad if he used such weapons against civilians.

My attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much," Trump said.
A former leader of the Beltran Leyva Mexican drug-trafficking cartel that bears his name was sentenced on Wednesday to life in a U.S. prison for participating in an international narcotics trafficking conspiracy, the Justice Department said.

Alfredo Beltran Leyva, 46, also known as Mochomo, was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington to forfeit $529 million, the Justice Department said.

Since the 1990s, the Beltran Leyva Organization, together with the Sinaloa Cartel, directed a drug transportation network that shipped tons of cocaine and methamphetamines into the United States, U.S. law enforcement officials said.

At its peak, the Beltran Leyva Organization dominated drug trafficking in western Mexico and was responsible for countless murders, they said.

Alfredo Beltran Leyva is one of the Goliaths of Mexican drug traffickers known for his savage business tactics and responsible for flooding the United States with illegal drugs, said James Hunt, special agent in charge, of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Beltran Leyva was arrested by Mexican special forces in early 2008 in what his brothers Hector and Arturo reportedly believed to be a sell-out by the rival Sinaloa gang. Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the Sinaloa gang's former leader, was extradited to the United States in January and is awaiting trial in a New York jail, after having escaped twice from Mexican custody.

U.S. prosecutors indicted Beltran Leyva in August 2012, while he was still in Mexican custody, on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for importation into the United States. He was extradited from Mexico in November 2014 and pleaded guilty to the charge on Feb. 23, 2016.

Arturo Beltran Leyva was killed in a December 2009 shootout with the Mexican army, while Hector, the cartel's boss, was captured by Mexican soldiers in October 2014.
A cancer causing strain of the human papillomavirus, or HPV, has infected 25 percent of men and 20 percent of women in the United States, new statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Furthermore, some 45 percent of men have a genital form of the virus.

"Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually-transmitted infection in the United States," the team at the NCHS, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wrote.

"Some HPV types can cause genital warts and are considered low risk, with a small chance for causing cancer. Other types are considered high risk, causing cancer in different areas of the body including the cervix and vagina in women, penis in men, and anus and oropharynx [mouth and throat] in both men and women."

The virus has been linked to head and neck cancer as well as cervical cancer.

According to NBC News, doctors think about 70 percent of head and neck cancers are caused by HPV spread through oral sex. They add that by 2020, head and neck cancers will be more common than the cervical cancer caused by the virus.

Roughly four percent of adults are infected with an oral, cancer causing strain of HPV. Men had a higher rate than women.

For people under 25, there is a vaccine that can defend against the cancer causing strains of HPV. Among older adults, the virus continues to be passed around.

According to NBC, the FDA-approved vaccines are Cervarix and Gardasil.

There are 109 known strains of HPV.
A Pakistani lawmaker and deputy leader of a conservative religious party, accused of links with militant groups, has invited the Pakistani Taliban to join his Islamist political party.

As a three-day gathering of religious devotees and political followers got under way Thursday, the secretary general of Pakistani's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Abdul Ghafoor Haidari, called on the Taliban in Pakistan to lay down arms and pursue its objectives through political means.

Speaking to reporters the previous day in the northwestern restive city of Peshawar, Haidari said, "We invite them [Pakistani Taliban] to join JUI-F and achieve their objectives with the help of a peaceful and political struggle."

Over a quarter million people, including foreign guests, were expected to attend the gathering in Naushera, near Peshawar, which began to celebrate the centenary of the conservative party.

"We have sent invitations to 52 countries and have also invited ambassadors from Muslim and European Union countries," Jalil Jan, a spokesperson for JUI-F, told VOA's Deewa service. "Guests from 20 countries have already arrived. More guests are arriving today and tomorrow morning."

The guest list also includes the deputy Imam of the Kaaba  the Muslim holy place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Headed by Maulana Fazal-ur-Rahman, JUI-F is an offshoot of a Muslim Sunni clerics' political movement founded in British India by the Deobandi madrassa in 1919, which opposed the formation of a separate homeland for Indian Muslims  today's Pakistan.

Rahman's father, Mufti Mahmoud, was one of the leading members who parted ways with the party in 1945 and supported the creation of Pakistan.

The party has been a strong advocate of Sharia law in the country and has opposed liberal initiatives in the parliament.

According to Haidari, the gathering is being held to demonstrate to the world that there is no space for extremism in Islam, Pakistani media said.

"Islam's revered beliefs cannot be made controversial. It clearly states that the killing of one person means the murder of all humanity," said Haidari, who is also the vice chairman of Pakistan's senate.

Taliban agreement seen as unlikely

Analysts say the Islamist party's message is unlikely to appeal to Taliban members.

"This will not make TTP [Pakistani Taliban] surrender their arms or leave their movement and ideology," Amir Rana, a security and political analyst in Islamabad, told VOA. "Those who have joined the Taliban might not come back."

Peshawar-based political analyst Khadim Hussain said the Taliban does not believe in Pakistani government institutions or its constitution, nor do they accept democracy.

"How can Taliban join the political scenario of Pakistan while having such ideologies against the state?" Hussain told VOA.

Hussain added that unless the Islamist party condemns all forms of terrorist groups, including those that are fighting to topple the government in neighboring Afghanistan, its message would fall on deaf ears. JUI-F has historically supported the Taliban in Afghanistan.

"Fazal-ur-Rahman believes that Afghan Taliban are fighting for freedom or imposing Sharia in Afghanistan and it's justified," Hussain said. "But on the other hand, he has a completely different stance on Taliban active against the state in Pakistan. For JUI, if Taliban is used against Afghanistan, that's right, but if they fight against the state of Pakistan, it's wrong."

JUI-F has strongly opposed American drone strikes targeting militants in Pakistan's tribal areas, viewing it as a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty.

Following the 2011 U.S. raid in Abbottabad that killed al-Qaida's leader Osama bin Laden, the JUI-F condemned the drone strikes, calling on the government to stop the passage of supplies to U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan through Pakistan.
Videos of a mob beating last week went viral on Cambodian social media as police quelled the violence.

The videos show a man attempting to flee from the scene of an accident that left three dead on Phnom Penh's Monivong Boulevard. A mob pursues him as he drives on the wrong side of the street before being dragged from his car and beaten until police arrive.

The driver, hospitalized with serious injuries, survived.

On Friday, villagers armed with machetes circled the home of a fortune teller, who they suspected of using black magic to spread illnesses. Police and local officials in Kompong Speu province quieted the mob.

The victim and his wife requested relocation to another province.

Such events are not uncommon in Cambodia, where hit-and-run drivers, petty thieves, suspected sorcerers and others are frequently subjected to mob justice. Or as the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security put it, "Public perception regarding the responsiveness and abilities of the Cambodian National Police and justice system often leads to civilian vigilante-style justice  ."

Local rights group Licadho reported that two people have been killed in mob attacks this year. Mobs killed four people in 2016.

Lack of accountability

Experts who spoke to VOA Khmer said that a major factor driving mob beatings and killings continues to be a lack of accountability and perceived injustice in society.

Since the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge by Vietnam in 1979, and subsequent occupation by Vietnam until 1991, repairing Cambodia's justice system has been the focus of innumerable international commissions, studies and aid groups.

A 2011 study by California's UC Berkeley School of Law suggested that most Cambodians doubt ordinary people will receive fair treatment by police or a fair trial. Only 36 percent said that they trusted the court system, while just 37 percent said they trusted the judges. Almost 60 percent said they did not believe that justice is the same for everyone.

Also straining the newly woven social fabric is a doubling in population between 1980 and 2015, a widening income rift between rural and urban populations  and in cities, a growing discrepancy between a small elite and everyone else.

The result, according to Ear Chariya, an independent traffic safety expert, is that "the people lose trust in the authorities and choose to find justice by their own hands" because hit-and-run drivers were rarely seen to receive the proper punishment.

He added that the lack of police action had created a vicious cycle where the chance of mob killings had created a justification for drivers to flee the scene of accidents.

"If they escape the scene, there can't be any repercussions," he said.

Long history

Mob justice is not a new phenomenon. In 2005, Peter Leuprecht, then-U.N. special representative for human rights to Cambodia, noted that more than 100 people had been killed by mobs in the previous five years, often with the complicity of officials. Although there may be fewer instances of mob justice now, there is little effort by authorities to track down those involved in such attacks and no official records of mob attacks are maintained.

Yang Kim Eng, head of the People's Center for Development and Peace, said that because a crime had been committed, it was not justified to respond with violence.

"The bystanders who beat him are also committing a crime," he said. "When the public becomes the judge, society falls into chaos."

"Poverty, migration and other social insecurities and pressures could make people feel frustration and easily lose control of their anger and patience," he added.

Sok Eysan, ruling Cambodian People's Party spokesman, said while the government did what it could to punish offenders, it was impossible to prevent every mass outburst of anger.

"People are not gods who can always calm their anger," he said.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to seize and occupy a group of uninhabited islands in the South China Sea, a move sure to inflame a long-running territorial dispute with China.

Duterte revealed his plans Thursday during a visit to a military camp in the western province of Palawan, telling reporters he plans to raise the Philippine flag on "about nine or 10" islands in the hotly contested Spratly Island region.

China has claimed sovereignty over the entire 3.5-million-square-kilometer, resource-rich South China Sea  ignoring competing claims from such neighbors as Manila, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia  and has aggressively begun converting many reefs into artificial islands that can be used as military bases.

"We tried to be friends with everybody, but we have to maintain our jurisdiction now," Duterte told reporters, citing an apparent "grab" to seize territory. "Let us get what is ours now, and make a strong point that it is ours."

He said he may visit one of those islands, Pag-asa, to raise the Philippine flag on the nation's Independence Day, June 12.

Since taking office last year, Duterte has sought to mend fences with China, which were strained over the territorial disputes under his predecessor, Benigno Aquino. Aquino challenged Beijing's sweeping claim over the South China Sea with The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which ruled in Manila's favor last year.

The Philippines and China engaged in a tense standoff in 2012 over Scarborough Shoal, a tiny land feature 230 kilometers from Luzon Island claimed by both countries, now seized by China.
Hungarian charities on Thursday criticized a draft law that would require them to declare foreign funding, saying it would clamp down on freedom of speech and undermine their work with migrants and other vulnerable groups.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party said it would present a bill to parliament this week requiring nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) with a yearly foreign income of 7.2 million forints ($25,000) to register with authorities.

The bill said "foreign interest groups" could use their funding of local NGOs to "pursue their own interests" in Hungary, threatening the country's political and economic interests.

"This is an attempt to discredit NGOs in the eyes of the public," said Anika Bakonyi, project manager at the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a human rights watchdog group.

The Fidesz announcement came a day after parliament approved a law that could force out a university founded by Hungarian-born financier George Soros, despite protests against the move and condemnation abroad.

Orban, a critic of liberal civil organizations that receive grants from Soros' Open Society Foundation, said last week that Central European University had violated regulations in awarding diplomas, an allegation the college rejected.

European lawmakers have demanded disciplinary action against Hungary over the crackdown on foreign universities, the latest step by Orban to subdue independent institutions  including the judiciary, central bank, NGOs and media.

Goran Buldioski, the Hungarian-based director of the Soros-funded Open Society Initiative for Europe, said he expected small civil society organizations would suffer the most.

This "long-term policy" of the government was designed "to eradicate all voices that speak freely," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "We find it totally unnecessary, stigmatizing and discriminatory."
Mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a middle school student in China's southwestern Sichuan province has triggered large protests and sparked an outcry online, with demands for a full accounting of how the boy died. Others have focused their attention on police and their heavy-handed handling of the case.

Last Saturday, the body of a 14-year-old student, surnamed Zhao, was found outside his dormitory at Taifu Middle School in Luzhou with numerous bruises and broken limbs. Family members suspect Zhao was beaten to death, but authorities have ruled out homicide.

You Xiaohong, the mother of the deceased boy, is reportedly seeking the help of an independent forensic pathologist to find out the cause of her son's death.

VOA has been unable to reach You for comment and reports suggest she and others are under surveillance.

Luzhou police announced late Wednesday an autopsy will soon be performed, but did not say whether a third-party pathologist would be allowed to be present.

Cover up?

During the weekend, local authorities were quick to rule out the possibility of a murder, determining Zhao fell off a school building. Their conclusion was backed by the dormitory supervisor and one of Zhaos roommates, who told local media there were neither signs of break-in nor any noise of fighting to disrupt their sleep that night.

The supervisor said Zhao, who had a fever, remained awake in bed at around 2:00 am when she checked on him again.

Authorities initially did not allow the family to examine the victims body, a move that angered the family and thousands of local residents, who quickly staged protests outside the school and the morgue to demand access and safety for their own children.

That was when video clips showing Zhaos severely-bruised body, and alleged sightings of him being beaten up before his death, went viral on social media, triggering waves of criticism online and speculation over the boy's mysterious death.

Some suggested that Zhao was beaten to death by a group of five bullies, who had asked him for about $1,500 in protection fees. Others suggested that among those five bullies are the sons of the school principal, local police chief, and township chief, who shared a room with Zhao.

Truth, justice

All we need is truth, a user of Weibo, Chinas Twitter-like microblogging, wrote, saying this is a tragedy that may happen to anyone.

Another user, surnamed Hsiao, complained many of her postings surrounding the students death have been deleted, asking, Why is it so hard for the justice to prevail in China? How shall we love you, our mother country of China?

The other user, named One Bullet, questioned, Why the cover-up if the local government has had nothing to hide?

There is no way to independently confirm the online postings.

It appears authorities have put in place stability-maintenance measures, that include heavy censorship of online comments due to the hashtag Luzhou Taifu Middle School receiving millions of page views.

One social media user declined to speak with VOA, saying he had already been warned after forwarding a video posting alleged sightings of Zhao being beaten up before his death.

As of Thursday, the incident has remained as the top-trending topic on freeweibo.com, a website that captures censored social media posts.

Vowing to clamp down on rumor mongering, local police confirmed Tuesday that four people were arrested and charged with spreading fake information about the students death.

Tight security



Several local residents told VOA more than 100 protesters have also been detained after an army of 2,000 police officers was dispatched to tighten the small towns security.



They also confirmed many residents were asked to sign a letter, endorsing the authorities assessment that Zhao fell off the building, but many refused to do so and declined knowledge of a rumored payment of $7.50 each in return.



Many parents complained about the collection of protection fees by school bullies, which they said the school has turned a deaf ear to, a restaurant owner nearby told VOA.



Observers have called for the local government to ease its stability-maintenance policy, arguing only solid facts can put an end to rumors or public distrust.



In response to the incident and protests the school was closed for the past two days. Classes will resume Friday.



To ease the public outcry, several lawyers have offered to represent the victims family in future legal proceedings, which they say will expose the truth if fairness and transparency are ensured.



Lu Siwei, a lawyer from the provinces capital city of Chengdu, urged local authorities to allow the victims family to speak freely with their own choice of legal representation, independent forensic autopsy agencies, and witnesses.



The provincial governments public security bureau should also take over the investigation and make public findings periodically to clear doubt, the lawyer wrote on his Weibo account.
More gigawatts of renewable energy were installed worldwide in 2016 than in any previous year, according to a new report.

The Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2017 report shows the costs of solar and wind energy continue to fall dramatically. But it also documents a slowdown in investment in several major countries.

A total of 138.5 gigawatts of wind, solar, biomass and other renewable sources were installed worldwide last year, the report says, up 8 percent from 2015.

Clean power accounted for 55 percent of all new energy generation. That's the highest proportion ever, and the second year in a row in which renewables made up the majority of new installations.

Investment in renewables fell by 23 percent, however. That's partly because of good news.

"A lot of that is due to lower costs," lead author Angus McCrone, chief editor of Bloomberg New Energy Finance, told VOA. Onshore wind power, offshore wind and solar are by far the dominant technologies, and "all of them fell in price by at least 10 percent. That's a big part of the reason why you had capacity up and investment down."

Indigestion

But the report also documents slowdowns in some key countries, which contributed to the decline in investment.

After 11 consecutive years of increases, China put 32 percent less into renewables in 2016 than in 2015. That's partly because electricity demand has not grown as much as expected. But McCrone said China's infrastructure also had to catch up to what has been an extremely rapid pace of renewables growth.

"Their market for building new renewable energy projects has been red hot," he said. "There was an indigestion effect of actually getting those connected up to the grid and making sure they were working properly. That cooled things down."

Investments in developing countries fell by 37 percent overall, but that masks big differences among countries. Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, South Africa and Morocco declined by 60 percent or more. Some projects were in the process of securing financing. Others hit delays or suffered from policy shifts.

On the other hand, investments in Jordan topped $1.2 billion, a 148 percent increase over 2015, and India held steady at $9.7 billion.

Renewables trump coal

Renewable investment in the United States declined by 10 percent following a rush to build in 2015 when key tax credits were threatened.

McCrone said US prospects for renewables are still quite good, even with the election of President Donald Trump. His strongly pro-coal rhetoric matters "probably less than you'd think," McCrone says, because the economics of renewables have changed since the last election.

"In those 4 years, wind and solar have gained massively in competitiveness compared to other forms of generation," he said. They now compete with coal and natural gas in a growing number of locations. The cost of renewables set record lows in several developed and developing countries.

Unraveling President Obama's efforts on climate change is "certainly going to take the edge off with respect to the need for new capacity in certain markets," said research director Frank O'Sullivan at the MIT Energy Initiative, who was not involved in the report.

But O'Sullivan said utilities expect to rely less and less on fossil fuel.

"When it comes to making decisions about new facilities, gas is playing a role, but increasingly renewables are the preferred options," he said.
Rome is investing millions of euros in environmentally friendly, cost-saving LED street-lighting, but some residents of the Eternal City are unhappy to lose the softer, golden glow of the old sodium lamps.

This LED light is really bright, really blue, it feels like a hospital light, said Monica Larner, an American who lives in Romes historic center. She said she was shocked to find the old bulbs replaced in her neighborhood overnight, with no notice to residents.

Installation done by summer

The citys electricity company Acea says the new lighting, which should be fully installed by the summer, will improve visibility and safety as well as save money.

With an investment of about 50 million euros ($53.33 million) the town hall, run by the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, will save 260 million euros over the next 10 years, said the head of Aceas public lighting department.

Over the same period it will cut carbon dioxide production by 350,000 tons and reduce petrol consumption by 180,000 tons, Paolo Fioroni told Reuters.

This is a great step forward in terms of technological advancement and energy efficiency, he said.

Some like new lights

While the conversion is carried out, some central piazzas are now illuminated partly by the old softer light bulbs, encased in romantic glass, and partly by the brighter LED glow.

Not all residents prefer the former, even if it is more aesthetically pleasing.

I am more than happy. I find there is more light in this area and above all there is a real saving in energy level, said shop owner Luca Candolo. It was about time.
Russian police arrested three people Thursday in connection with a suicide bombing in the St. Petersburg subway system earlier this week.

Police said the suspects come from the same region of central Asia as the bomber, Akbarzhon Dzhalilov. A bomb also was found and disarmed in the apartment shared by the three suspects on the outskirts of St. Petersburg.

The Investigative Committee, Russias top criminal investigation agency, said investigators found other evidence in the apartment that will help in the case against the three suspects.

Reuters reports the unexploded bomb found in the apartment was similar to the unexploded bomb found Monday in the subway.

The arrests come a day after eight other central Asian men were arrested in St. Petersburg for allegedly recruiting people to join the Islamic State and other extremist groups.

The poverty-stricken countries in Central Asia have become a prime recruiting territory for the militant groups, with thousands of people from the region believed to be fighting alongside the IS group in Iraq and Syria.

Authorities said there is no immediate evidence linking the alleged recruiters to the subway bombing.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing Monday that left 14 people dead, including the bomber, and more than 50 others wounded.
Public pressure is mounting on South African President Jacob Zuma to resign, with a parliamentary no-confidence vote set for April 18. But in recent days some of Zumas most influential critics within the ruling African National Congress have rallied to support him, and the party that has dominated South African politics since 1994.

The perplexing reversal, analysts say, may not indicate the powerful party has changed its stance on the unpopular president. Instead, they say, it may mean the party is trying rally before growing opposition and public protests against Zuma over a litany of long-simmering corruption scandals and outrage about last weeks controversial Cabinet reorganization shuffle.

We will not vote against the ANC, secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said Wednesday, just days after he publicly blasted Zuma for ousting several respected ministers who had openly challenged him. ... No army respecting itself allows its foot soldiers to be commanded by an enemy army general. Nowhere in the world.

With those words, Mantashe drew a line in the sand in the upcoming parliamentary battle over whether to force Zuma to resign, and called the entire ANC, which holds a parliamentary majority, to Zumas side. Analysts say the party will tell its parliamentary members to attend the vote and support Zuma or face possible expulsion from the party, which would deprive them of their seat and salary.

Battle between party lines

But the ruling party may not be as unified as it looks, analysts say.

What appears to be going on is that theres an internal battle within the ANC for both the political, policy and ideological heart of the party, political analyst Ebrahim Fakir told VOA.

He said, ... what has happened in the last two days, dramatically, was that even those in the leadership of the ANC who accused [Zuma] of facilitating this kind of factionalism were decidedly in retreat, not necessarily apologizing, but apologizing for the fact that they made their disagreements public.

Zuma has also lost major outside support. In recent days, two powerful groups that have long been allies of the ANC, the Communist party and the nations largest trade union, called for Zuma to resign.

This turmoil has badly impacted the rand and also triggered major ratings agency S&P Global to downgrade South Africas credit rating to junk status.

A temporary reprieve?

Fakir said Zumas likely escape from a no-confidence vote may just be a temporary reprieve.

The ANC prefers to hash out their disagreements privately, and he predicts the party will replace Zuma as ANC leader in December when they hold their next major conference, and then ask Zuma to resign and put in a caretaker president until elections in 2019.

Those moves should be familiar to Zuma, that is how he became party president, and subsequently president, when the ANC brought him in to replace President Thabo Mbeki as ANC leader in 2008.

In this battle to dislodge Jacob Zuma, the most effective way, particularly between a national election year, is for the party itself is to recall him, or to prevail upon him to resign. And this is where the debate is currently headed, Fakir said.

In Zuma's head

And what of the man in the middle of this maelstrom?

Zumas recent schedule has kept him clear of loaded political events. He declined to attend a funeral of an anti-apartheid icon who had publicly called for him to resign. His recent speeches, several of them delivered at events in his rural strongholds, have focused on the importance of economic development and good governance, but avoided any mention of the presidents predicament.

In recent days, VOA has repeatedly called Zumas spokesman seeking insight into his thoughts on his position, but his spokesman did not comment.
South Korea is just one month away from a presidential election that is likely to produce a dramatic foreign policy shift that could ease inter-Korean tensions but put new strains on the U.S. alliance.

The early presidential election, scheduled for May 9, was precipitated by the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye for her alleged involvement in a multi-million dollar bribery scandal in which powerful Korean conglomerates were granted favors in exchange for donations to dubious foundations.

The impeachment of the conservative Park has disgraced the once popular leader, who is currently under arrest as prosecutors seek to gather sufficient evidence to indict her for bribery, extortion and abuse of power. If convicted she could face more than 10 years in prison.

In the wake of the scandal, Parks conservative polices have also been discredited and her party divided.

The major South Korean parties have all now selected their presidential candidates, and the two leading contenders in public opinion polls are from liberal parties that have been out of power since 2008.

Democratic Party

The Democratic Party candidate for president, Moon Jae-in, is the current frontrunner with a 41 percent approval rating in the most recent Realmeter poll. A South Korean human rights lawyer, Moon ran in the 2012 election but lost to Park in part because he was seen then as too conciliatory toward North Korea.

Parks hardline policies, however, have of late come under increased criticism as tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen over the Kim Jong Uns governments accelerated efforts to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Moon said the impeached presidents punitive only approach to cut ties and focus on sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to cease and desist its nuclear program has failed.

If elected, the Democratic Party leader said he would like to revive a limited version of the past Sunshine Policy of Engagement that in the early 2000s tried to build trust with North Korea through investment, exchanges and aid programs, while also maintaining strong deterrence and international sanctions.

We need to have two tracks of measures here. We need to be able to apply some pressure and coercion on North Korea, but on the other hand we should also start discussions and dialogue with North Korea, said Moon.

Moon said he would support some deal to put in place a temporary freeze on the North Korean nuclear program that might lead down the road to further disarmament talks. His support for inter-Korean dialogue could put the South Korean leader at odds with the Trump administration in Washington, which has rejected a similar freeze plan suggested by the leadership in Beijing.

While he has voiced strong support for the U.S. alliance, Moon has also said South Korea should learn to say No to the Americans. He has not directly opposed the U.S. THAAD anti-missile shield currently being deployed in South Korea, but has said it should be postponed until after the election, so the next president can better evaluate its diplomatic risk versus security benefit, and to better alleviate the concerns of China.

The interim conservative government in Seoul insists THAAD is needed to defend against North Koreas increasing nuclear and missile capabilities. But Beijing strongly opposes THAAD as an unnecessary and provocative regional military escalation and voiced concern that the systems powerful radar could be used to spy on them and other countries as well.

Peoples Party

The more centrist Ahn Cheol-soo this week won the People's Party nomination. He is currently second in the Realmeter poll at 34 percent, but he has been slowly closing the gap in recent weeks with Moon. The South Korean software mogul pulled out of the 2012 presidential election to support Moon, but this time he vows to stay in and expects to win.

On national security Ahn takes a somewhat tougher stance than Moon, supporting THAAD and international sanctions imposed on North Korea for breaching United Nations Security Council resolutions banning its nuclear program. But Ahn says he too would press for inter-Korean talks at some point.

What is the purpose of putting in sanctions against North Korea? Because we would like to persuade them to come to the negotiating table at the time we want and under the conditions that we want, said Ahn.

Nuclear option

Parks conservative Saenuri Party has split into loyalists who renamed themselves the Liberty Party Korea, and conservative impeachment supporters that left to form the Bareun Party. Both major conservative candidates stand to the right of impeached President Park on national security issues and neither is polling above 10 percent in the recent Realmeter poll.

Hong Joon-pyo, the Liberty Party Korea presidential candidate, is a former prosecutor. He currently stands at nine percent in the Realmeter poll. In his party nomination acceptance speech he promised to be a resolute strongman who can stand up to pressure from the United States, China, Japan, North Korea and Russia. A strong supporter of THAAD Hong said if elected he would, immediately start discussions with the U.S. on the re-deployment of nuclear weapons in South Korea.

In the early 1990s, the U.S. removed tactical nuclear weapons from South Korea and critics say reintroducing them would weaken international support for sanctions against the Norths nuclear program. Under the U.S. nuclear umbrella security arrangement, Washington has promised to use its offshore nuclear arsenal to defend the South from an attack from the North.

The Bareun Partys presidential candidate Yoo Seong-min is only at three percent in the public approval poll. Once an aide to ex-President Park, Yoo successfully ran as an independent for the National Assembly where he voted for impeachment and then went on to establish his rival conservative party.

Yoo also supports the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea to deter the Norths nuclear advancements. And on THAAD, Yoo says one anti-missile battery is not enough.

What I argued for was not the deployment of just one battery of THAAD owned by the U.S. forces in Korea, but what I argued for was that South Korea set up three THAAD batteries paid for with our national defense budget.

The stagnant South Korean economy will be a major issue in the upcoming election and the major candidates have different positions on limiting the influence of the powerful conglomerates and increasing opportunity for young people who are encountering difficulties finding good paying jobs.

While Moon is the current leader of the pack, fortunes can change in the next few weeks. There are scenarios being discussed in which lessor candidates would throw their support to Ahn that would put him in the lead.
The buses keep rolling in, bringing more South Sudanese from border points in northern Uganda to refugee settlements, their new homes for the foreseeable future. Africas biggest refugee crisis is becoming bigger by the day.



One of those border crossings is in Busia, where only a short footbridge separates South Sudan from Uganda. Rebel soldiers keep watch on the South Sudanese side, while Ugandan security forces directly opposite them check that refugees arent bringing weapons into the country. Men with motorcycles and bicycles make a bit of money ferrying luggage across this unassuming border. The newcomers often arrive malnourished, thirsty and exhausted.

Photo Gallery





One of the new arrivals is 30-year-old Abui John Tadeo, who was a mathematics teacher before he fled on foot with his wife and three children. As he waited for a bus to take him and his family to Kuluba, a collection point, before heading to a refugee settlement, he told VOA why he left South Sudan.



I need to leave Yei because there is a lot of shooting, looting, so we are tired, said Tadeo. That is why we need to leave Yei, so that we rest a little bit.





Like Tadeo, many of these new arrivals are from Yei and other places in the Equatoria region, which has experienced intense fighting. More than 816,000 South Sudanese refugees have come to Uganda fleeing violence.



I came to Uganda because life is hard and risky, said Susan Gune, who stays with her family in the Imvepi refugee settlement. We dont move because people were killing us, chasing us to the bush, burning us inside our houses. Here, we have a secure life.



Gune adds that sexual violence is another worry in South Sudan.



They rape the women, and after they rape you, sometimes they kill you. Sometimes, after raping you, they remove all your clothes, to leave you naked. Then they go, she said.



The United Nations says that more than 86 percent of new arrivals are women and children.



Esther Akujo is a 24-year-old refugee from Yei who traveled alone with her three children to Uganda. She says her husband was arrested before they left and she still doesnt know his whereabouts.





Theres no more food; people are starving; theres no medical access, said Akujo. There are no roads for the food to get into town. When people are bringing the food from the rural areas, the armed men collect it and the people are suffering in the town.



While life at home was difficult, Rose Nyonga said so too was the journey to Uganda.



For 14 days, we walked day and night, surviving on wild fruits and stagnant water, she said.



Fabian Richard Wani trekked for 10 days with his wife, children and a group of orphans from Yei. Despite the challenges, he said he still has hope for his country.



I am looking for the future of the country, said Wani. And for us to receive the peace, we need to be Godly fearing people and the leaders should also accept their mistakes and see the suffering of their own citizens so that the future of the country will be very bright.



Refugees in the Ugandan settlements are given a 50-meter by 50-meter plot of land to be used for shelter and small cultivation, in addition to food, water, non-food items, health services and childrens education. They also enjoy freedom of movement and are permitted to start their own businesses.


If confirmed as expected this week by the U.S. Senate, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee would join his new fellow justices in time to act on divisive cases concerning religion, guns and big business, underscoring Neil Gorsuch's importance as the fifth conservative on a nine-justice court.

The Senate's Republican leaders have pledged to confirm the Colorado-based appeals court judge on Friday. His first official task after being sworn in would come at an April 13 private meeting among the justices to discuss taking various appeals from lower courts.

There are appeals pending on expanding gun rights to include carrying concealed firearms in public, state voting restrictions critics say are aimed at reducing minority turnout, and allowing business owners to object on religious grounds to serving gay couples. All three could lead to landmark rulings if taken up.

Oral arguments

On April 17, the justices will begin hearing a new round of oral arguments, including a closely watched case on the separation of church and state focusing on whether a Missouri church was improperly denied state funds. The court is nearing the end of its current term, which runs from October to June.

Gorsuch also would play a key role in important cases the justices already have agreed to hear in their next term, including a bid by employers to prevent workers from bringing class action claims, a goal of big business.

The court has been divided between four conservatives and four liberals since the February 2016 death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia.

Major issues before the court highlight the significance of Gorsuch filling Scalia's seat and restoring the court's 5-4 conservative majority.

Senate Republicans paved the way for Trump to replace Scalia by refusing last year to consider Democratic former President Barack Obama's nomination of appellate judge Merrick Garland to fill the vacancy. That would have given the court a liberal majority for the first time in decades.

Legal experts suspect a conservative majority on the court could motivate conservative lawyers to bring cases in a hope that five justices will back abortion restrictions, oppose political spending limits, and favor wider gun and religious rights.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, a conservative who sometimes sides with the four liberals, will remain the court's swing vote. Most experts expect Gorsuch to be more aligned with the court's two most stalwart conservatives, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

"There's no reason to think he will be anything other than extremely conservative," said Chicago-Kent College of Law professor Carolyn Shapiro.

Pending appeals

With four votes needed to take up a case at the private meetings, each justice is important. Among pending appeals the court is likely to act on in the coming weeks is a case in which activists have asked the justices to rule for the first time that the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment, which protects the right to bear arms, extends to carrying firearms outside the home.

In another case, the court could decide whether to revive voter-identification and other restrictions in North Carolina blocked by a lower court. The justices also could hear a Christian baker's religious claim that he should not be forced to sell a cake to a gay couple.

Conservative justices generally take expansive views of gun and religious rights and may back state laws whose Republican backers say are intended to prevent voter fraud.

On April 19, the court will hear a religious rights case in which a church contends Missouri violated the Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom by denying it funds for a playground project due to a state ban on aid to religious organizations.

Gorsuch has ruled several times in favor of expansive religious rights during his decade as a judge.

"Given Gorsuch's solicitude for religious liberty, his joining the court can only help the church," said Ilya Shapiro, a lawyer with the libertarian Cato Institute think tank.

There are several cases the court has already heard but has not yet decided in which Gorsuch could play a role. The court has the option of hearing fresh arguments, with Gorsuch in a position to cast a potential deciding vote.

Predatory lending accusation

One such case is a bid by Miami to revive lawsuits accusing major banks of predatory mortgage lending to black and Hispanic home buyers.

Another concerns whether the family of a Mexican teenager can sue a U.S. Border Patrol agent who fatally shot the 15-year-old from across the border in Texas.

Longer term, an issue likely to return to the court is a conservative-backed challenge that could weaken organized labor.

The court was expected to deny unions a vital source of cash last year. But after Scalia died, it issued a 4-4 ruling leaving in place a lower court's decision favoring unions.

The court is also likely to weigh in on whether transgender students are protected under a federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education. The court took up that question last fall but in March sent the case back to a lower court without resolving the main legal question.
The grief-stricken father cradled his 9-month-old twins, Aya and Ahmed, each in the crook of an arm. Stroking their hair, he choked back tears, mumbling, Say goodbye, baby, say goodbye to their lifeless bodies.

Then Abdel Hameed Alyousef took them to a mass grave where 22 members of his family were being buried. Each branch of the clan got its own trench.

More than 80 people, including at least 30 children and 20 women, were killed in the chemical attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun early Tuesday, and the toll could rise. The Alyousef family, one of the towns main clans, was hardest hit.

All are dead now

Another member of the family, Aya Fadl, recalled running from her house with her 20-month-old son in her arms, thinking she could find safety from the toxic gas in the street. Instead, the 25-year-old English teacher was confronted face to face with the horror of it: A truck piled with bodies, including many of her own relatives and students.

Ammar, Aya, Mohammed, Ahmad, I love you my birds. Really they were like birds. Aunt Sana, Uncle Yasser, Abdul-Kareem, please hear me, Fadl said, choking back tears as she recalled how she said farewell to her relatives in the pile.

I saw them. They were dead. All are dead now, she said.

The tragedy has devastated the small town. It also deepened the frustration felt by many Syrians in opposition-held areas that such scenes of mass death, which have become routine in the countrys 6-year-old civil war, bring no retribution or even determination of responsibility.

The U.S. and other Western countries accused President Bashar Assad of being behind the attack, while Syria and its main backer, Russia, denied it. Despite world condemnation, bringing justice is difficult in the absence of independent investigation of Syrias chemical arsenal, which the government insists it has destroyed.

My heart is broken. Everything was terrible. Everyone was crying and couldnt breathe, Fadl told The Associated Press Wednesday. We had many circumstances in Syria and we had many difficult situations. This is the most difficult and most harmful situation I ever had.

Sarin attack in 2013

In 2013, horrific scenes of Syrians flooding hospitals or found dead in their homes after a sarin gas attack that killed hundreds in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Ghouta provoked international condemnation. A Russian-brokered deal followed allowing Assad to declare he has destroyed his chemical stockpile and joined the Chemical Weapons Convention.

But a year later, chlorine gas attacks became recurrent, killing scores of people.

However, Tuesdays massacre was not caused by chlorine, an irritant with limited ability to kill. The high number of casualties, as well as the grave symptoms including convulsions, constricted pupils and vomiting point to a more complex chemical gas.

A Doctors Without Borders medical team that examined a number of victims in a hospital near the border with Turkey said the symptoms are consistent with exposure to a neurotoxic agent  at least two different chemical agents. The early assessment of the U.S. is that it involved the use of chlorine and sarin, according to two U.S. officials who werent authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.

In Khan Sheikhoun, the tragedy was compounded because so many victims were from a single extended family, the Alyousef clan.

Some saved by the wind

Witnesses say four rockets hit around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, smashing a crater in the ground, but causing minimal structural damage. It quickly became clear this was not a conventional attack.

Alaa Alyousef said his family was sleeping and woke to the sound of the impact only a few hundred yards (meters) away. The first thing they saw was smoke. His father went outside then rushed back in. He had seen a woman walking near the strike suddenly collapse. The family frantically closed windows and dampened cloths with water and apple vinegar to put over their faces.

They were lucky, the wind went in the other direction, Alyousef said.

One clan suffers the most

The rockets hit on the edge of North Harah, a district where much of the Alyousef clan lives. Frantically the clans members and their neighbors fled, running from house to house trying to track down relatives.

Fadl remembered her panic when the rockets woke her.

My husband, where are you? Oh, where are you my lovely son? she recalled calling out. They were next to me but I couldnt see them. She said their eyes began hurting. The air became very heavy. There was no bad smell. But the air was so heavy to breathe.

The Alyousefs brought their dead to a family members home that was outside the worst attack area. The courtyard was turned into a makeshift morgue where surviving relatives tried for hours to resuscitate loved ones already dead.

Thats when Fadl finally collapsed, she said, only to wake up in a medical center.

While Fadl recovers along with her son at her parents home in a town north of Khan Sheikoun, her husband is still looking for survivors from his extended family.

Alaa Alyousef said not all homes have been searched for survivors yet.

We are still in shock, a big shock. Our family is devastated, the 27-year-old said. Many are still missing. We are afraid to enter homes sometimes lest we find more people dead.

Burying the dead

On Tuesday, he and other family members buried the clans dead in the mass grave.

On the way to the grave, Abdel Hameed Alyousef asked a cousin to video his farewell to his twin son and daughter as he sat in the front seat of a van being loaded with bodies.

When the airstrikes hit, he was with the twins.

I carried them outside the house with their mother, the 29-year-old shop owner told the AP. They were conscious at first, but 10 minutes later we could smell the odor.

The twins and his wife, Dalal Ahmed, fell sick.

He brought them to paramedics and, thinking they would be OK, went to look for the rest of his family. He found the bodies of two of his brothers, two nephews and a niece, as well as neighbors and friends.

I couldnt save anyone. Theyre all dead now, he said.

It was only later that his relatives could bring themselves to tell him that his children and wife had also died.

Abdel Hameed is in very bad shape, said his cousin, Alaa Alyousef. Hes being treated for exposure to the toxin, but hes especially broken down over his massive loss.
Syria's foreign minister, Walid Moallem, says the government was not responsible for the alleged chemical weapons attack in the northern Idlib town of Khan Sheikhoun.

Walid Moallem refuted allegations his government dropped chemical bombs against Khan Sheikhoun, now under the control of the Jabhat al-Nusra group, earlier this week. During a news conference Thursday in Damascus, he said the accusations were faulty.

Moallem says that the first allegations of a chemical weapons attack took place more than five hours before the Syrian Air Force attacked the Jabhat al-Nusra-held town. He says Syrian warplanes bombed an arms depot under Jabhat al Nusras control that may have contained such weapons.



Photo gallery: Aftermath of deadly gas attack on Khan Sheikhoun

Photo Gallery: A Day After Deadly Gas Attack in Kahn Sheikhoun, Syria The gas attack at Kahn Sheikhoun, described by the opposition Syrian National Coalition as a "horrifying massacre," is widely believed to be the worst such violation of international law in war-ravaged Syria since 2013, when a U.N. probe found credible evidence that sarin gas killed hundreds of civilians near Damascus. Share on Facebook

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Moallem maintained his government has not and will not use chemical weapons against its own people, adding it has no interest in using poison gas in any case.

He asks if it is logical the government would use chemical weapons at a time when it is starting to win on the ground and beginning to convince others of the merits of its cause.

The veteran Syrian foreign minister says he understands the implications of U.S. President Donald Trumps warning to Syria about taking unilateral action, but pointed out that permanent United Nations Security Council members are "bound to uphold" the U.N. Charter and not "take unilateral action.

Moallem also says U.S.-led coalition forces have struck civilian targets in the town of Mansoura, near Deir ez Zor, and in Raqqa.

"If the United States wants to apply humanitarian criteria [in the Khan Sheikhoun case], he said sarcastically, then let them start by applying it to themselves.

The U.S.-led coalition apologized for what it said was an accidental attack on Syrian government positions near Deir ez Zor, late last year.

Moallem went on to allege that a notorious case of chemical weapons usage in 2013 against the eastern suburbs of Damascus was perpetrated by Qatar and Turkey. The Syrian government supposedly gave up most of its chemical weapons stockpile following the incident. Western governments accused Damascus of that attack.

The Syrian foreign minister told another journalist that his government was willing to accept an international investigation of the Khan Sheikhoun attack, provided that it is not politicized, that it includes a wide array of different parties, and is not based outside of Syria, especially in Turkey, whose hostility toward Syria, he alleged, knows no boundaries.
The Trump administration has reportedly concluded its North Korea policy review, but there seems to be a great deal of uncertainty about how President Donald Trump will constrain the regimes nuclear weapons development.



Pyongyang yet again defied international warnings and launched a medium range ballistic missile into its eastern waters early Wednesday, in what appeared to be an effort to develop a nuclear-tipped missile that could strike the U.S. mainland. The missile fired at a land-based facility near the Norths eastern coastal city of Sinpo, flew a distance of about 60 kilometers, but did not pose a threat to North America, the U.S. Pacific Command said.

Shortly after the missile launch, Seoul and Tokyo responded with condemnation, calling the test a blunt challenge to U.N. Security Council resolutions and a path to self-destruction. Washington, however, issued a terse statement, prompting North Korea analysts to speculate about what could have been behind Washingtons unusual restraint.

"North Korea launched yet another intermediate range ballistic missile. The United States has spoken enough about North Korea. We have no further comment, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said.

Dennis Wilder, a former senior director for East Asian affairs at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush, views Tillersons statement as a dire warning to North Korea, and said Wednesday that it also appears to be part of an open strategy by Trumps White House to put pressure on China.

Yes, [it is] a warning that the United States is losing patience with the North Koreans and their antics, said Wilder, who is now a Georgetown University professor, and we are tired of giving [Kim Jong Un] attention and that as the president said, its time for the Chinese to make a strategic decision on North Korea.

With Trumps policy toward North Korea yet to be defined publicly, uncertainty runs high, making it difficult to pinpoint the intent of Tillersons statement, Bruce Klingner, a former CIA deputy division chief for Korea, said Wednesday.

Like so many of the statements by President Trump and Mr. Tillerson, it leaves itself open for different interpretations and misinterpretations, said Klingner, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation. But one would have hoped they would have at least pointed out that its a violation and reflects North Koreas continuing defiance of the international community.

Some experts question whether the statement was an appropriate response from the nations top diplomat, who until being sworn in Feb. 1, was ExxonMobil CEO.

Laura Rosenberger, a senior official in former President Barack Obamas National Security Council, said: Whats particularly troubling about Secretary Tillersons statement is that weve seen no sense from the Trump administration of what their policy and approach toward North Korea is, and this is particularly troubling for both the importance of reassuring our allies in the region as well as to ensure that North Korea understands the degree to which this raises serious concerns in the United States.

Over the weekend, Trump vowed that he would go it alone to constrain the Norths nuclear drive, if Beijing fails to weigh in.

"If China is not going to solve North Korea, we will," Trump told The Financial Times Sunday. China will either decide to help us with North Korea or they won't. If they do, that will be very good for China, and if they don't, it won't be good for anyone."

But Trump did not elaborate on how he would disarm North Korea without Chinas cooperation. A two-day summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to begin Thursday at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Florida estate. North Korea is likely to top the agenda.

Anthony Ruggiero, a North Korea expert in the use of targeted financial measures who spent more than 17 years in the U.S. government, said Trumps North Korea policy could take a harder line than that of previous administrations by bringing broader secondary sanctions on Chinese companies, banks and individuals that are complicit in North Koreas sanctions evasion using U.S. law.

Ruggiero, who is currently a senior fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the administration also could assist other countries to fully implement U.N. sanctions and increase military exercises, and deploy additional assets  whether they be more troops or more items -- in South Korea and Japan.

This report originated with the VOA Korean service.
Strong trade ties between the United States and nations in Southeast Asia are under a cloud as a U.S. investigation into trade imbalances gets underway. Regional governments say the apparent policy shift has spurred concern and anxiety.

A 90-day investigation by the U.S. Commerce Department of countries with large trade surpluses with the United States follows President Donald Trump's call for a crackdown on foreign importers that cheat. Trump said the shift will result in a historic reversal in U.S. trade policy.

While weve seen an improvement in the trade figures between January and February, we continue to be very focused on eliminating our nations trade imbalance, said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "This administration is determined to achieve free and fair trade, to protect hard working Americans, and to grow our economy.

Among the Asian economies singled out by Trump were those of China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, India, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Analysts say the review may mark a major change in Asias trading relationship with the United States.

Campaign rhetoric



After World War II, Southeast Asias emerging economies, beginning with Japan, looked to the U.S. economy to spur export led growth  key to the regions progress in lifting millions out of poverty.

But charges that some trade policies, particularly China's, had damaged the U.S. economy were a prominent feature of Trump campaign rallies.

Krystal Tan, an economist with the Singapore-based Capital Economics, said the trade investigation has led to concerns and uncertainties across the region.

At this stage its still quite difficult to see what kind of measures the U.S. might want to take. It does look like countries that are probably most nervous about potentially being named currency manipulators are [South] Korea and Taiwan, Tan told VOA.

The United States argues that currency manipulators deliberately keep their currency low in value against the U.S. dollar in order to boost their exports.

Taiwan trade officials say the trading relationship with the U.S. is not a hostile one, as over 80 percent of Taiwans exports to the U.S. are intermediate goods  those sent to the U.S. for final assembly.

David Hsu, deputy director general of Taiwans Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) told local media the trading relationship with the U.S. was mutually beneficial.

Taiwans main concern is the potential imposition of sanctions following the review.

Tan says South Korea and Taiwan, to avoid sanctions, will need to open their markets to more U.S. products.

Malaysias International Trade and Industry Minister, Ong Ka Chuan, told local media Malaysia was neither responsible for, nor taking advantage of, the U.S. trade deficit.

Ong said any sanctions could impact American manufacturers in Malaysia, such as Intel and Western Digital.

If Trump were to punish us for this [trade surplus] the American firms will be ones dealt a severe blow, he said.

Kuala Lumpur-based RHB Research chief economist Peck Boon Soon said the U.S. policy revision left Malaysian business cautious on the outlook.

Yes, certainly it remains very uncertain until [Trump] really implements those policies and whether those policies would be able to be implemented. We are watching these things quite closely and we would be waiting for more developments before we decide what to do with our forecasts on exports, Peck told VOA.

In late 2016, export growth boosted Malaysias economic growth rate to 4.5 percent  the strongest in the four quarters.

The United States is Thailands third largest trading partner after China and Japan. Two-way trade reached $36.5 billion in 2016, with $24.49 billion from Thai exports. The trade surplus with the U.S was $12.4 billion.

Major exports to the United States include machinery, electrical appliances, electronics and parts, rubber products and gems and jewelry.

Both Malaysia and Vietnam were key participants to the 12 nation Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), a key component of President Barack Obamas pivot to Asia policy intended to counter Chinas growing political and economic influence.

TPP withdrawal



Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP soon after taking office.

This week, Vietnams Prime Minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, criticized the U.S. policy shift, saying the trade policies would have a huge impact on Vietnams export driven economy.

Carl Thayer, a political scientist with the University of New South Wales, says Phucs comments were guarded, but with Hanoi looking to build trading ties under Chinas Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Vietnam had its heart and soul on the TPP. They have a massive surplus with the U.S. It almost equals their massive deficit with China. But theres not very much they can do, theyre being pragmatic and looking at the RCEP  the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Thayer said.

Thayer said Vietnam has banked on a strong U.S. presence in Asia as a counterweight to Chinas regional influence, especially in the South China Sea.

The more Trump goes his own way Vietnam has got to do a five power balance with India, Russia, Japan, as well as China and the U.S. weakness; the U.S. side. So Vietnam has a harder time preventing being sucked into Chinas orbit  in all of this  it needs a strong U.S. action, he said.

He says bilateral relations with Vietnam, built up over the past two decades, are a casualty of the trade policy shift.

Yes, it gets worse for Vietnam because they cant rely on the U.S. They have no idea what [the U.S.] is going to do, he said.
White House economic adviser Gary Cohn said he backed bringing back the Glass-Steagall Act, a Depression-era law that would revamp Wall Street banks by splitting their consumer-lending businesses from their investment arms.

The National Economic Council director, also a former Goldman Sachs president, expressed support to lawmakers for a banking system where firms would focus primarily on trading and underwriting securities or issuing loans.

Big banks have strongly opposed such a move that would fundamentally overhaul their business. Reinstating the law, which was repealed in 1999, has not attracted significant attention in Congress, but advocates in the White House and both parties now argue it would provide critical safeguards to prevent another financial crisis.

Critics of that approach say it lacks nuance and would not have prevented the last financial meltdown.

The fact Cohn, widely viewed as one of Wall Street's own, was willing to push that position spooked big banks' representatives in Washington.

The White House confirmed Cohn's remarks in a private meeting with lawmakers on Wednesday. A spokesperson said he was "simply discussing the President's previously stated position" in favor of a "21st century Glass-Steagall."

Cohn's remarks were first reported by Bloomberg.

The Trump administration has indicated support for a return to Glass-Steagall. The White House has stuck by the idea since it was included in the Republican Party platform during the presidential campaign, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expressed interest in a modernized version of the law.

When asked on Thursday when large financial institutions should begin to worry about Glass-Steagall becoming a reality, one industry representative said, "Right now."

However, any legislation establishing such a firewall faces long odds in the current Congress. The heads of the House and Senate banking committees have indicated support for alternative approaches, and efforts to move Glass-Steagall legislation in prior years have garnered little support.

"A new Glass-Steagall would require legislation, and it simply isn't a priority issue in Congress," wrote Ian Katz, a financial policy analyst for the research firm Capital Alpha Partners, in a note to clients.

In the meeting which was arranged by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, Cohn was asked by Senator Elizabeth Warren about Glass-Steagall. Cohn responded favorably, noting that the Republican Party platform supports the idea, according to sources familiar with the meeting. The meeting included lawmakers from both parties and their staff.

Bringing back Glass Steagall would likely have a significant impact on banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup that have large highly intertwined commercial lending and investment banking operations, say analysts.

It would impact Goldman Sachs Group and Morgan Stanley to a lesser degree although, they would likely have to revert to being standalone investment banks and shed their deposit funding.

Here are some details about the law, called the Glass-Steagall Act:

What is Glass-Steagall: Originally passed as part of the U.S. Banking Act of 1933, Glass-Steagall established a firewall between commercial and investment banking activity. The law was whittled away over time as banks gained permission to engage in more trading activity, and was repealed altogether in 1999 with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

Who supports it?: Since the 2008 financial crisis, Glass-Steagall has become a calling card for politicians eager to crack down on Wall Street. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren frequently invokes it, and Senator Bernie Sanders made it a major part of his presidential campaign. President Donald

Trump also seized on the policy during his campaign.

What does the White House say?: The Trump administration has not backed away from his campaign stance, but there are questions about how aggressively the president will push for a new law. The issue only tends to come up when officials are asked about it. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he supported a modern version of Glass-Steagall in response to a

question during his confirmation hearing. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the White House supports the proposal when asked by reporters. Cohn responded favorably when asked by Warren at a private meeting with senators.

What would a new Glass-Steagall look like?: There are number

of ideas to create what some refer to as a "21st Century Glass-Steagall." Warren has proposed splitting commercial and investment banking, and also barring depository institutions from using modern financial instruments like derivatives. Thomas Hoenig, the vice chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance

Corporation, has proposed a similar split, and would subject banks to a higher, 10 percent capital requirement. Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, would force big banks to take on so much capital they would prefer to split into smaller institutions.

Could it happen?: Although many Wall Street critics have seized on Glass-Steagall, efforts to change the law have garnered very little support. Warren's proposal received just a handful of legislative co-sponsors. And because Congress and the White House are still consumed with complex fights over health care and tax reform, there seems to be little appetite for a

broad, controversial overhaul of the financial system.

Are there risks for banks?: Big U.S. lenders including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup would be most impacted, because their commercial lending and investment banking operations are closely

intertwined, say analysts. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley might be less impacted, although they would likely have to revert to being standalone investment banks and shed their deposit funding. But even if Glass-Steagall does not become law, the industry may have to spend money, time and

energy lobbying against the idea, when they would rather focus on rolling back existing rules.
U.S. President Donald Trump is greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Florida resort Thursday for a two-day summit at which the U.S. leader hopes to pressure Beijing into doing more to rein in North Korea's nuclear weapons development.

In remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the roughly $310 billion U.S. trade deficit with China is high on the agenda.

We have been treated unfairly and have made terrible trade deals with China for many, many years. So thats one of the things were gonna be talking about.

But he also appeared to link that issue with U.S. concerns over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

The other thing, of course, is going to be North Korea and somehow they will mix. They really do mix. So were going to be talking about trade, North Korea and many other things, he said.

He did not elaborate.

Earlier this week Trump warned, "If China is not going to solve North Korea, we will." His administration is considering sanctions against Chinese banks and companies that give Pyongyang access to international financing.

China supplies North Korea with almost all its fuel oil, imported foods, consumer goods, and the raw materials used to construct its weapons program.

But China has also grown weary of the militaristic aspirations of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has yet to visit Beijing during his six-year rule. A series of U.N. sanctions against North Korea have not deterred it from a string of missile tests, the latest this week.

Trump and Xi, who oversee the world's two largest economies, are meeting for the first time and are set for a day of talks on Friday after having dinner Thursday with their wives at Trump's Mar-a-lago estate.

The U.S. president said Thursday he is not sure how the summit might play out, telling Fox News, "Well, it's going to be interesting. Nobody really knows."

On Wednesday, Trump said dealing with North Korea's nuclear development program could have "been made a lot easier if it was handled years ago. But the U.S. leader, in office less than three months, said he welcomed the challenge.

"We have a big problem, we have somebody that is not doing the right thing, and thats going to be my responsibility," Trump said.

According to advance thoughts on the summit from Beijing, Xi could offer the United States more Chinese investments, which would create more American jobs, a key Trump campaign pledge.

Under former U.S. President Barack Obama, Chinese-American relations were often focused on curbing greenhouse gas emissions in the two biggest polluting countries in the world. But Xi and Trump have taken sharply divergent paths on curbing pollution.

The Chinese government recently canceled construction of more than 100 coal-fired power plants and is investing at least $360 billion in green energy projects by 2020. Trump, meanwhile, has vowed to bring back mining jobs that have been lost through automation and closure of U.S. mines as the country has turned to the use of cheaper natural gas.

Trump in the past has described global warming as a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese to hurt the U.S. economy. Last week, he signed an executive order aimed at rolling back Obama-era policies regulating carbon emissions.

Beijing appears to be focused more on atmospherics and slogans at the summit. From what analysts and officials in Beijing say, China will be watching closely for telltale signs that Washington may be adopting its view of relations between the two countries, the so-called "new style of major power relations."



China expects Trump to reaffirm a pledge that was made by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last month, during his visit to Beijing.



The two presidents are going to define the nature of the relationship between China and the United States as characterized by this phrase, no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, said Wang Dong, a political scientist at Peking University.

Wang said China hopes the informal get together will inject some stability into the relationship and help reduce the uncertainties that have arisen during the transition to the new administration.
Turkish prosecutors are seeking up to 43 years in jail for journalists from a leading opposition newspaper on charges of supporting a terrorist organization and targeting President Tayyip Erdogan through asymmetric war methods.

An indictment seen by Reuters on Wednesday said Cumhuriyet had effectively been taken over by the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed for a failed coup last July, and used to veil the actions of terrorist groups.

Turkey has purged more than 113,000 people from the police, judiciary, military and elsewhere since the coup attempt, and has closed more than 130 media outlets, raising concerns among Western allies about deteriorating rights and freedoms.

The authorities say the measures are justified by the gravity of the coup attempt, in which rogue soldiers tried to overthrow the government and Erdogan, killing more than 240 people, most of them civilians.

[Cumhuriyet] started an intense perception operation targeting the government and president of the republic ... through asymmetric war methods, said the 324-page document, parts of which were published by Turkish media on Tuesday.

Newspaper accused of straying

Cumhuriyet, long a pillar of the secularist establishment, is accused of straying from its principles in the years leading up to the coup attempt and of writing stories that serve separatist manipulation.

The indictment named 19 journalists, of whom 12 have already been detained, including well-known columnist Kadri Gursel, and Ahmet Sik, who once wrote a book critical of Gulen's movement.

Three of the 19 could face up to 43 years in prison for aiding an armed terrorist group without being members of it.

The newspaper called the charges imaginary accusations and slander and said some of the testimonies in the indictment were from individuals previously seen as close to Gulen.

Set them free immediately, said its Wednesday front page.

Social media posts

Prosecutors are seeking 15 years in prison for former editor Can Dundar, jailed in 2015 on charges of publishing state secrets involving Turkish support for Syrian rebels, but later released. Dundar lives in Germany.

Current editor Murat Sabuncu and other senior staff were arrested late last year over alleged support for the failed coup, sparking protests in Istanbul.

Social media posts including Tweets comprised the bulk of evidence in the indictment, along with allegations that staff had been in contact with users of Bylock, an encrypted messaging app the government says was used by Gulen's followers.

'Another legal scandal'

Some suspects were accused of serving the interests of the PKK militant group, which has waged an insurgency in the mainly Kurdish southeast for three decades, and of the far-leftist DHKP/C, which was behind a series of armed attacks in recent years.

There are lots of organizations in Turkey. The Gulenist organization, the PKK, DHKP-C. We are being blamed for helping them all... and it seems I am the prime suspect, Dundar said in a video selfie on his website.

He said the fact Cumhuriyet staff had learned about the indictment in pro-government media was another legal scandal.

I stand with all of them and I will continue to be their voice until the end, he said on the website, which he set up from Germany to keep covering Turkish affairs.
The United States military, in partnership with Afghan forces, has promised to eliminate Islamic State terrorists in Afghanistan this year and contain a resurgent Taliban, citing recent battlefield successes against the two groups.

U.S. counterterrorism airstrikes in support of Afghan operations against IS strongholds in the eastern border provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar have killed more than 200 IS militants in March alone, Navy Captain Bill Salvin told a joint news conference Thursday in Kabul.

In March, Slavin told VOA's Afghan Service that the goal in 2017 is to defeat IS in Afghanistan.

Salvin speaks for both U.S. and NATO's Resolute Support military missions in the country. Salvin reiterated there is no U.S. military intelligence available suggesting IS is present elsewhere in Afghanistan.

The Middle East-based terrorist group launched its extremist operations in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region two years ago, naming it Islamic State Khorasan, or IS-K, and basing it in volatile southern parts of Nangarhar.

Salvin, however, said that counterterrorism operations, with Afghan forces in the lead, have since reduced IS-controlled territory by "two-thirds" and the number of its fighters by "more than 50 percent."

He estimated that currently there are fewer than 800 IS loyalists in Afghanistan and they remain under military pressure.

But Analysts caution that U.S. and Afghan officials may be overly optimistic when speaking of containing IS's spreading influence in Afghanistan.

"Ultimately, we should applaud U.S. efforts to cut down the presence of IS fighters in Afghanistan," said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia specialist at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington. "But the broader problem is the ideologies of hate that keep IS strong. Taking aim at the ideological drivers of IS will be very difficult."

U.S. training

The U.S. spokesman also shared details about efforts to train and equip Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, or ANDSF, under NATO's mission to enable them to fight the Taliban more effectively this year.

The recent introduction of new planes continues to enhance the Afghan Air Force and has led to "a dramatic improvement in the ability of the ANDSF to conduct combined armed operations across the country," Salvin noted.

"The Afghan air force is flying more missions than the U.S. Air Force and the Afghan pilots are making a critical difference for the Afghan troops on the ground.  during the winter, thousands of [Afghan] soldiers have completed additional training, many of these soldiers are already back in the fight."

Speaking for his forces, Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told reporters that since launching springtime counter-insurgency offensives in mid-March, Afghan forces have killed more than 1,000 Taliban insurgents, including dozens of their commanders, and destroyed scores of hideouts.

Waziri added that a new military offensive, called Khalid, has also been unleashed in 14 of the country's 34 provinces, where months of insurgent activities have led to a deterioration in security conditions.

Salvin said that NATO's train-advise-and-assist teams are also supporting the Khalid operation.

"This operation will isolate insurgent strongholds across the country so that the ANDSF can protect population centers, maintain flexibility to reposition and resupply forces based on conditions on the battlefield and deny resources and illicit funds to insurgent groups," Saldin said.

Taliban support

Waziri and Salvin again criticized Russia, Iran and Pakistan for maintaining overt contacts with, and secretly supporting, the Taliban.

"Support to reconcile the fighting in Afghanistan, that support needs to go to the Afghan government. Supporting the Taliban, or providing meeting space, or providing overt legitimacy to the Taliban is ultimately not helpful," cautioned Salvin.

Moscow and Tehran have publicly acknowledged their links with the insurgents, insisting such links are meant only to encourage the insurgents to engage in peace talks with the Afghan government to end hostilities.

For their part, Pakistani officials deny the presence of Taliban sanctuaries on their land, insisting insurgents have long relocated themselves to Afghan territory currently under their control, although Kabul and Washington dismiss Islamabad's assertions.

The U.S. military estimates that the Afghan government is in control of less than 60 percent of its territory, while the Taliban control 10 percent and the rest is contested. Most of the poppy-growing Afghan province of Helmand is controlled by insurgents. Helmand is among several provinces bordering Pakistan.
Struggling U.S. farmers are pressing their luck with soybeans this spring, sowing record acreage even though the world is awash with the oilseed, as demand from China offers a potential lifeline.

Soybean plantings could surpass corn for the first time this year, with rising exports holding up prices and providing a narrow path to profitability for U.S. farmers facing their fourth straight year of declining incomes.

But fierce competition to supply China threatens the bottom line for U.S. growers, and 2017 prices, while seen as up slightly from 2016, are still projected to be 50 cents per bushel lower than three years ago.

Diplomatic concerns also weigh heavily as the market eyes tense relations between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping meet this week in Florida.

Trump has said he wants U.S. companies to stop investing in China and instead create jobs at home. He has also accused China of manipulating its currency to boost exports.

Mike Jordan, a farmer from Beloit in north-central Kansas, plans to boost soy acreage by 10 percent after success both on the yield and price fronts for his crop in 2016.

The general sentiment is ... even though Kansas is a wheat state, beans look pretty good, Jordan said. If you told me five years ago beans were going to produce more than half the total income on my farm, I would have wondered where you were coming from.

Planting records

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts farmers will sow 89.482 million acres of soybeans this year, up 7.2 percent from the record 83.433 million acres in 2016. Corn acreage was seen falling to 89.996 million acres, just 514,000 greater than soybean intentions.

During the past decade, final soybean acreage has topped the March forecast by more than 500,000 acres five times, with the biggest gain in 2012, when plantings beat initial projections by 3.296 million acres. A year ago, final soybean plantings came in 1.197 million acres above March intentions.

Soybeans also are taking acreage from wheat, which has struggled on the export market. U.S. wheat plantings were seen falling to 46.059 million acres  the lowest since the government started tracking them in 1919.

The soybean crop is planted to be exported, part of its allure to farmers who see demand for wheat and corn declining on both the export and domestic fronts.

On average, 45 percent of the soybean crop has been exported during the past 10 years and the USDA projects that will rise above 50 percent in 2017/18. Corn is typically used for domestic feed or ethanol, with only about 14 percent exported.

The rising soy acreage is seeded with China in mind.

With China, if we can keep them as a good customer ... I am hoping that they can soak up the extra supplies and keep the price from collapsing, said Dave Newby, a farmer in Bondurant, Iowa, who plans to boost his soybean acreage by 50 percent this year.

China's soybean imports have grown for 13 years in a row and the USDA expects them to hit 87 million tonnes in the year ending Sept. 1. That would soak up one-fourth of the world crop and represent a 130 percent surge in demand in the last decade.

The next-biggest importer is the European Union  set to bring in just 13.80 million tonnes in the 2016/17 crop year.

The United States sold 62 percent of its exports to China in 2016, worth more than $14 billion, according to the American Soybean Association. Soybean exports helped spur the U.S. economy to its biggest gains in two years during the third quarter of 2016.

South America steps up

But growing Chinese demand does not guarantee a profit as stocks should be huge even after China satisfies its needs.

Chicago Board of Trade November soybean futures, which track the crop to be harvested this autumn, have fallen 1.0 percent since the USDA issued its acreage outlook on March 31. CBOT December corn has risen 2.1 percent.

Additionally, massive crops in Brazil and Argentina provide China with purchasing options, and the competition is likely to persist as South American farmers also have the export market at the forefront of planting decisions.

We plant soy in Brazil because there is global demand for the grain, said Elso Pozzobon, a farmer in Mato Grosso, Brazil's largest soy producing state. This crop gives producers a sense of security.

In Argentina, soybean acreage looks set to rise as an export tax that held back seedings is expected to decrease.

"Considering that world demand is still strong and prices are better than the alternatives," said David Hughes, who farms thousands of hectares in Argentina's bread basket Buenos Aires province. I would guess we are probably at a low level of acreage limit.
The United States formally entered World War I a hundred years ago, on April 6, 1917.

The nation set aside its posture of neutrality nearly three years after the start of the bloody conflict that came to be known as the "Great War."

The war began in July 2014, a tumultuous period in Europe. Following the assassination in Sarajevo of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, by a suspected Serbian nationalist gunman, the Central Powers  Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria  were pounding Russia, France and Britain.

The war was the most violent conflict in centuries, largely due to advances in the technology of warfare resulting from the Industrial Revolution. Armies were modernized, using tanks, high explosives, machine guns, trench warfare, airplanes and, to the horror of combat troops and civilians alike, poison gas  chemical weapons.

Shortly after Germany declared war on Russia and France in August 1914, President Woodrow Wilson told the U.S. Senate: "The United States must be neutral in fact, as well as in name. ... We must be impartial in thought as well as in action."

In November 1916, Wilson won re-election after campaigning on the slogan, "He kept us out of war!"

The United States remained neutral until a series of provocative acts by Germany, including deadly submarine assaults against U.S. merchant ships and a German U-boat's torpedo attack that sank the British cruise ship Lusitania off the coast of Ireland, shifted American public opinion about the war.

In early 1917, the United States learned about the Zimmermann Telegram, a coded message from German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann that tried to persuade Mexico to enter into an alliance against America, in return for Germany's help in restoring territory that Mexico lost to the United States.

That prompted Wilson to act.

In a speech to the U.S. Congress on April 2, 1917, Wilson made a compelling case to turn the United States into a world leader:

"We shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts  for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free."

Four days later, the United States declared war on Germany, formally entering World War I.

The first American troops arrived in France in June 1917. Less than a year later, by the spring of 1918, they were a significant fighting force for the Allies.

They brought in the men, the material, the resources that these allies needed desperately, historian Libby H. OConnell said.

The arrival of fresh U.S. troops was a key factor in breaking a stalemate that had developed among the beleaguered European troops and helped end the war on November 11, 1918, known as Armistice Day. (The United States still celebrates November 11 as a national holiday, but in 1954 its name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans of wartime service.)

The legacy of the Great War is hard to overstate.

Adjectives like cataclysmic, catastrophic and transformative are used by historians. In just four years, the world order was recast dramatically, killing off and creating new power brokers and ministates.

After only nine months in the war, the United States was suddenly a respected world power  and would go on to lead globally throughout the rest of the 20th Century. The country had become the world's largest economy shortly before the war broke out, and the challenge of mobilization spurred even faster growth.

The modernization of military effort that marked the Great War forever changed how wars are fought, and greatly magnified the cost of conflict. Combat alone resulted in a staggering loss of life - anywhere from 9 million to 14 million soldiers were said to have died during the war.

The end of World War I did not mark an end to Europe's troubles.

World War II broke out about two decades later - on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Many historians blame the second war on the weaknesses inherent in the Versailles Treaty of 1919 that ended World War I.
Tuesday's alleged chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, which has left dozens dead, was the latest outrage in a conflict marked by human rights violations carried out on an industrial scale, rights activists say.

From the start, the conflict saw a disregard of the rules of war the world has tried to establish since World War II. The warning signs came quickly.

A series of massacres occurred in spring 2012 in three districts of Homs involving government soldiers and members of the notorious Shabiha militia, ultra-loyal enforcers of the regime drawn from President Bashar al-Assad's minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam.

First came a siege, then homes were raided by assailants who raped and killed, according to locals interviewed by VOA shortly afterward and rights organizations. Dead bodies were burned, corpses were mutilated and rights activists documented the killing of at least 224 civilians, including 44 children and 48 women.

Months later, this correspondent interviewed Saima, a 38-year-old woman who had survived the massacre. Brandishing her scarred hand, she said she'd been shot in it, seen her husband's first wife slain by Shabiha and a neighbor raped. She and her three daughters escaped only because an Alawite militiaman took pity on them. Other girls weren't so lucky.

A mound of death

"They raped teenagers," Saima told me almost in a whisper, claiming that the day after the massacre she saw naked girls in a hospital piled up dead.

A 2015 report by the the U.N.'s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic concluded the war had been "characterized by a complete lack of adherence to the norms of international law."

From medieval-style torture in jails and detention centers, to the imposition of "surrender or starve" sieges aimed at denying whole communities food and medical supplies, to indiscriminate artillery bombardments and airstrikes on towns and villages, including the dropping of earth-shaking barrel bombs on residential areas, to the release of sarin and chlorine gases, the war has plumbed the depths of depravity.

Since World War II, few conflicts have come close to matching what's been happening in Syria. Rights experts and historians mention the conflicts in Biafra, the Congo, the Balkans and the 1994 Rwanda genocide as competitors in infamy.

The list of authoritative reports into rights abuses and war crimes in Syria is long. They include a 2014 U.N. report; a 2015 independent report on the credibility of allegations about torture and executions in Syrian jails; and a 2013 U.N. report on allegations of the use of chemical weapons.

As early as 2013, then-U.N. human rights commissioner Navi Pillay warned that the scale of viciousness "almost defies belief." She accused Assad of being implicated in war crimes. Assad and his top officials have denied responsibility for rights violations.

In an interview with the BBC in 2015, Assad denied his forces dropped barrel bombs. "I know about the army. They use bullets, missiles and bombs. I haven't heard of the army using barrels, or maybe, cooking pots," he said.

Atrocities in plain sight

What makes the Syria conflict different from Biafra, the Balkans or Rwanda is that war crimes have been happening in plain sight for the world to witness in real time, thanks to the internet, social media, cellphones, satellite imagery and digital cameras, say analysts.

And some of the armed groups have been all too happy to brag about their barbarity  especially the Islamic State terror group, which has used videos of the beheadings of Western journalists and aid workers, the hurling of gay men off roofs, and the fatal burnings and stonings of foes to scare opponents and recruit foreign fighters.

For those looking at Syria's six-year conflict from the outside, the slaughter appears to have had little or no pattern. U.N. investigators monitoring human rights abuses have accused rebel militias as well as jihadists of grave crimes, too.

Rebel war crimes have included recruitment of child soldiers, shelling of civilian-populated areas and hostage-taking, as well as the slaughter of members of religious minorities. A May 2013 U.N. report confirmed that rebel groups had used sarin gas.

But U.N. panels have been adamant that despite the killings by IS, the Syrian government has been responsible for many more deaths.

In 2015, a survey by the Syrian Network for Human Rights, a nonprofit based in Britain whose reports are considered highly reliable, broke down the details of 56 major massacres displaying obvious sectarian or ethnic-cleansing traits since the start of the war. Of those, 49 were carried out by forces linked to the Syrian government, undermining the narrative crafted by the regime, which has depicted itself as a bulwark against extremism.

U.N. investigators have compiled a list of government officials they say have been implicated in war crimes, and they have called on the Security Council to refer human rights violations to the International Criminal Court at The Hague. A growing number of Western politicians have called also for an ICC referral, peaking in 2014 when 55,000 photos of detainees' bodies taken by a forensic photographer, code-named Caesar, who worked in Assad jails were published.

Veto from Russia, China

Syria isn't a signatory to the treaty that set up the ICC. The court would have legal authority to investigate and prosecute war crimes in Syria only if directed to do so by the Security Council, but in 2014 Russia and China vetoed a proposal to involve the ICC.

In December, the U.N. General Assembly voted to establish an independent panel to assist in the investigation of those responsible for war crimes in Syria. The resolution was approved by 105 member countries; 15 voted against the resolution's adoption, and there were 52 abstentions.

But a single prosecution mechanism still remains elusive for war crimes committed in Syria. An option Western diplomats have discussed is setting up a U.N. tribunal like those established for the Cambodia and Rwanda genocides, but few hold out hope that such a tribunal would escape a Russian veto.

In the meantime, individual European states, including France, Germany and Spain, have been exploring ways to prosecute war criminals when they can, if only piecemeal, and are conducting investigations. All states have universal jurisdiction rights when it comes to war crimes. In 2015, two rebels who fled to Sweden were sentenced for crimes they committed in Syria.

"Six harrowing years on, there's no excuse for allowing the horrific crimes under international law that are being committed in Syria to go unpunished," Amnesty International's Samah Hadid said last month. But it will likely be some time, if ever, before senior Syrian officials see the inside of a courtroom.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will visit South Korea later this month as North Korea's showcasing of its nuclear and missile programs further escalates tensions in the East Asia region.

Pence will be on a 10-day, four-nation Asia-Pacific trip that is to include visits to Japan, Indonesia, Australia and Hawaii. He departs April 15, according to the White House.

This will be the vice president's first official travel to the Asia-Pacific rim, where he will meet with leaders to discuss military alliances, trade and economic issues.

Pence's trip to South Korea follows North Korea's April 5 launch of a ballistic missile into waters off its east coast, prompting warnings from President Donald Trump that the U.S. would act unilaterally to halt the North's acts of aggression.

The launch was the latest in a series of missile and nuclear tests North Korea has conducted over the last two years.

The trip is an opportunity for Pence to discuss Trump's decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an agreement that would have included Australia and Japan.

Trump's crackdown on immigration and travel from six Muslim-majority countries will likely be a topic of discussion with leaders of Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation in the world. Although Indonesia is not on the list of predominately Muslim countries included in Trump's travel ban, Indonesian leaders have expressed displeasure with the ban, which has been blocked by U.S. courts.
People were caught off guard when a devastating flash flood surged through a small city in southern Colombia, but not everyone was surprised.

Government agencies, land use experts, and environmental organizations had said for years that Mocoa could face dangerous flooding. Many who lived in the most vulnerable areas were aware of the warnings, even if they didn't heed them. And yet the city continued to spread into the floodplains west of downtown.

"Unfortunately, in Colombia we don't have a good assessment of risk, or good land use policies to prohibit people from settling in areas like these," said Marcela Quintero, a researcher with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, one of the organizations that raised the alarm about deforestation in the area.

Mocoa was vulnerable because of its location, amid a confluence of rivers in the wet subtropical Amazon region of southern Colombia. The danger had grown worse as trees were cut down for cattle ranching and other agriculture, removing critical protection against flooding and landslides. Then came an influx of new residents, many fleeing the violence from the government's long fight with guerrilla forces.

When a month's worth of rain fell in a single night late Friday and early Saturday, the long-predicted disaster had arrived.

Sixty-eight-year-old Deya Maria Toro, who moved to Mocoa 12 years earlier, said she realized what was happening in time and managed to flee to safety. "I woke up at 9 p.m. with this sensation: Is this when the avalanche comes?"

Many others didn't react in time.

Three of the six rivers surrounding Mocoa overran their banks. A wall of muddy brown water and tree limbs raced through the streets, destroying homes and carrying away cars and appliances like driftwood. At least 290 people, many of them children, were swept away, and died, according to the most recent count released by the government Wednesday. There were about 330 injured, including 19 in the hospital, and many still unaccounted for amid the wreckage.

It was one of the worst natural disasters in Colombia in recent years, and the finger-pointing started quickly. Headlines told of the "disaster foretold," a reference to "Chronicle of a Death Foretold," the 1981 novella by the late Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the country's most famous writer. Some media cited a 1989 report prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture, which outlined the scenario that played out over the weekend and recommended flood-control measures.

The Corporation for the Sustainable Development in the Southern Amazon, which has an office in Mocoa, has been warning of the danger as far back as 1995, when the government built a power station that was knocked out by the weekend's flood. The group says that similar disasters have occurred over the years in the area, the most significant in 1962.

A Catholic priest in Mocoa, the Rev. Omar Parra, said in an interview on radio station LA FM that he was dismissed as "paranoid" when he told local officials three years ago that the Taruca River was spilling over onto people's land and would soon burst. "It was a tragedy foretold and the authorities didn't do what they should have done," he said.

People in the city were also quick to lay blame, even when they acknowledged knowing that the steep, forested mountains looming above the river by their homes posed a potential threat. "It's the government's fault for letting us build homes here," said Carlos Garces, who came to Mocoa more than a decade ago with his young son and wife. "Everyone knew that it was going to flood but nobody did anything."

The national attorney general's office announced Tuesday that it was questioning the mayor of Mocoa and other officials to determine if any action, or inaction, on their part was responsible and whether an investigation is warranted. President Juan Manuel Santos met Tuesday in the city with the director of the Corporation for the Sustainable Development in the Southern Amazon.

It's not clear that even with the warnings Colombia could have done much about the situation in Mocoa. The country only emerged about a decade ago from a period of intense drug violence and a wave of kidnappings tied to its long civil war. Santos signed a peace deal last year with the largest of the insurgent groups, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

By some estimates, nearly half the population of Mocoa, a city of about 40,000, had come to escape violence in other parts of the country.

It also might have been hard to get people out. Jaime Martinez, a 38-year-old construction worker whose home was left in ruins, said he and others didn't take the threat seriously enough. "People were warned. It was known that the mountain was coming but nobody did anything because we don't pay attention to rumors," Martinez said.

Santos has pledged to rebuild Mocoa and make it better than before, though the government has not yet said whether that includes moving people out of the flood zones. Those who study the region say what's needed are better land-use policies aimed at preventing the deforestation that takes away the best natural protection from flooding, and will be even more critical if climate change brings additional rainfall.

"The most important thing here is that people should not settle again in areas that are very high risk and prone to flooding and that measures are put in place to conserve the areas upstream," Quintero said. "With those two things we can mitigate the risk."
1. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations and the Foreign Ministers of Germany, Kuwait, Norway, Qatar, and the United Kingdom chaired today in Brussels a conference on the Syrian conflict and its impact on the region. This conference brought together representatives of over 70 countries and international organisations, international and Syrian civil society, and built on previous years conferences in Kuwait and London.

2. The conflict in Syria has brought about destruction and human suffering on an enormous scale. In particular, the Conference condemned the use of chemical weapons by the Government and ISIL/Daesh, as identified by the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism, and the attacks on Khan Sheikhun yesterday. The use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, must stop immediately.

3. The international community is deeply committed to engaging and working together to support a peaceful future for Syria and all its people. To that effect, the conference stressed the importance of maintaining a sovereign, independent, unitary and territorially integral country where all Syrians will be able to live in peace and security. It aimed at further progress towards a sustainable inclusive peace, while addressing the urgent humanitarian and resilience needs inside Syria and supporting the efforts of neighbouring countries in hosting over five million refugees.

4. The conference recognised that the humanitarian and resilience needs of vulnerable people (especially women and children) inside Syria and in the region have never been greater. It took note of UN-coordinated appeals requesting $8 billion in 2017 to cover assistance and protection needs inside Syria as well as in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt. It acknowledged the continuing generosity of neighbouring host countries and their communities in providing refuge to millions of displaced people. Participants agreed that in order to meet the massive needs of populations inside Syria and in neighbouring countries and strengthen the resilience of host communities, significant financial support and innovative and holistic approaches are needed. The generosity of the participants has resulted in the pledging $ 6 billion ( 5.6 billion) for 2017, as well as multi-year pledges of $ 3.73 billion ( 3.47 billion) for 2018-2020. In addition, some international financial institutions and donors announced around $ 30 billion ( 27.9 billion) in loans of which elements are on concessional terms. Co-chairs and others agreed to widen the resource base and ensure greater predictability, coherence and effectiveness of the aid by translating the Grand Bargain commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit into action to deliver concrete dividends for the people affected by the Syrian conflict.

5. Humanitarian assistance alone, however, cannot stop the suffering of Syrias people in the absence of a political solution negotiated between the Syrian parties, on the basis of relevant UNSCRs, including 2254, and the 2012 Geneva Communique. The conference highlighted that any lasting solution to the conflict has to be centred on meeting the democratic aspirations and needs of the Syrian people and providing safety and security for all. Only through a genuine and inclusive political transition will there be an end to the conflict.

6. Participants therefore re-iterated their full support and commitment to the UN-moderated intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, as the only forum where a political solution should be negotiated. They welcomed the talks in Geneva, looked forward to further progress, and commended the tireless efforts of the UN Special Envoy. The role for civil society, including womens organisations, was recognised as a key part of a lasting solution. Participants explored how the international community and the region can contribute to ensuring the success of the talks.

7. Participants recognised the constructive role that regional actors can play in facilitating a resolution to the conflict and welcomed the initiative of the EU to find common ground between them on the future of Syria.

8. The Astana meetings have a potentially crucial role in consolidating and strengthening the nationwide ceasefire, guaranteed by Russia and Turkey, and, now, with the participation of Iran. Constructive contributions from the Astana meetings should complement the efforts of the Geneva Task Forces. While supporting these efforts, strong concerns were expressed about ongoing military activity and all sides were urged to redouble their efforts to achieve full compliance with the ceasefire. A genuine ceasefire should facilitate unimpeded, country-wide humanitarian access. Immediate practical measures such as the release of detainees/abductees, the exchange of prisoners and handover of bodies, to identify missing persons, were also recognised as important confidence building measures. Participants welcomed the UNs readiness to provide technical support to improve the efficiency of the trilateral mechanism to observe compliance with the ceasefire.

9. The protection of civilians remains paramount. Participants condemned the continued violations and abuses of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law by parties involved in the conflict, including the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, in particular medical and educational infrastructure and places of worship, and sexual and gender based violence. In particular they noted the findings of the UN Headquarters Board of Inquiry on the UN-Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy. In addition participants condemned the atrocities committed by ISIL/Daesh and other UN-designated terrorist groups and reaffirmed their strong commitment to defeat them. Co-chairs called for support, including through adequate financial means, for the implementation of the UNGA Resolution 71/248 establishing an International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) to ensure accountability for such systematic, widespread and gross violations and abuses of IHL and human rights in Syria.

10. Participants recalled the urgency of allowing rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered countrywide humanitarian access by UN agencies and NGOs to all those in need through the most direct routes, including across conflict lines and across borders, and to end all arbitrary denials of humanitarian access. Starvation of civilians through besiegement as a method of combat and their forcible displacement, as identified by the Commission of Inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council, are clear breaches of IHL, and as such, they are unacceptable and must cease immediately. Providing immediate humanitarian support and protection to all those in need throughout the country remains imperative. Participants praised the work of Syrian, regional and international aid organisations, and called on those responsible on the ground to ensure that humanitarian relief and medical workers can deliver assistance without facing the risk of violence. Humanitarian mine action to reduce the impact of explosive hazards in Syria was also recognised as a critical protection issue for civilians. Neighbouring countries were called upon to continue to facilitate humanitarian access.

11. Participants recognised the challenges faced by neighbouring countries, notably Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey due to the extended presence of millions of Syrian refugees, and commended those governments, together with Iraq, Egypt and others in the region including Gulf states hosting significant numbers of people from Syria, for providing leadership in responding to the impact of the conflict. Participants took note of the resolution of the League of Arab States on the Syrian refugee crisis and reaffirmed their strong commitment to support host countries in providing public services, protection and assistance to refugees and host communities. The conference paid particular tribute to all those who had delivered such support in the most difficult of circumstances. Substantial progress has been made by regional governments in meeting London Conference objectives and participants welcomed the generosity of the countries hosting refugees.12. The co-chairs and others acknowledged the need for support for the economic development of Jordan and Lebanon to address the impact of the protracted crisis as well as opportunities for Syrians to secure their livelihoods. They welcomed progress in opening labour markets to refugees and agreed to support job creation programmes aligned with the host country governments social and economic development strategies. Bearing in mind the need to accelerate progress to create 1.1 million jobs, the co-chairs undertook to support economic growth for the benefit of all, including through access to external markets and concessional funding, as well as infrastructure development. The co-chairs called upon the other participants to join them in supporting the necessary reforms, which would include improved regulation and investment climate, strengthened public-private sector links and adoption of clear reform strategies. Participants committed to increasing access to vocational training for refugees and host communities, closely aligned with private sector labour needs and accompanied by skills matching programmes. Details of how we will pursue this shared vision are set out in the documents in annex.

13. Participants agreed to continue to work towards the target of ensuring No Lost Generation of children, in Syria and in the region and increase efforts to reach the goal of getting all refugee children and vulnerable children in host communities into quality education with equal access for girls and boys. They committed to increase access to learning for 1.75 million children out of school in Syria itself. In this regard, it was also agreed to centre efforts on improving learning outcomes for boys and girls from the refugee and vulnerable host communities and to prevent drop out due to financial and non-financial barriers.

14. Participants highlighted the close links between protection, education and livelihood opportunities and welcomed host countries renewed commitment to the protection of refugees, including through addressing those factors that place them in a situation of illegality. Humanitarian assistance to support the basic needs of the most vulnerable refugees, with a specific emphasis on children and women, must be strengthened. Participants recognised the critical role of resettlement as a protection tool for particularly vulnerable refugees, in order to offer, together with other legal pathways, safe and dignified access to safety beyond the immediate region. The importance of safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees, in accordance with international law and once conditions are in place, was recognised.

15. Reconstruction and international support for its implementation will be a peace dividend only once a credible political transition is firmly underway. It is vital that post-agreement planning progresses in order to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively when the conditions outlined in the UNSCR 2254 and the Geneva Communique are in place. Participants therefore welcomed the work of the UN Inter-agency Task Force on UN post-agreement planning and its efforts to engage with relevant stakeholders and address international coordination, and took note of the principles for civilian stabilisation outlined at the London Conference. Damage and needs analyses are currently being undertaken by the UN, EU and World Bank, with a view to initiating a full Recovery and Peace Building Assessment when appropriate. Co-chairs and others reflected on ways in which Syrians and their neighbours could contribute to Syrian economic recovery and reconstruction once a credible political transition is firmly under way.

16. Participants acknowledged that reconstruction will be successful only in the context of a genuine and inclusive transition that benefits all the Syrians. The legitimate grievances and democratic aspirations of the Syrian people need to be addressed to secure lasting peace. Reconciliation and transitional justice will also be an integral part of rebuilding the country on a peaceful basis.

17. The attached fundraising annex sets out the pledges made at this Conference. The co-chairs committed to track and report on delivery of pledges, in coordination with the UN. They also undertook to review progress on the commitments of this conference regularly at key international events during the year.

18. Todays conference has agreed on a comprehensive approach to the Syrian crisis. It underlined the need to continue to respond to the dire humanitarian situation by ensuring principled assistance and protection for those populations in need and support to the neighbouring countries. The scale of suffering is such that a political solution is more urgent than ever before. Investment of political efforts in supporting a resolution to the crisis is therefore paramount in securing a future for Syria and its people. Only Syrians can make the agreement that will secure peace. But the commitment of the international community and the region to supporting them in achieving that peaceful future is essential. Sustainable and inclusive peace in Syria for the Syrians remains the objective of all our efforts.
Two weeks ago, Devin Nunes (the Representative for California), Chair of the Intelligence Committee of the House of Representatives confirmed that government agencies had accidentally listened to members of Donald Trumps campaign team.

The immediate response of the Democratic Party was to try to mobilize the Republican representatives to remove and replace Nunes.

Now, according to the former prosecutor, Joseph diGenova interviewed by The Daily Caller, the names of those placed under wire taps by the Obama Administration had been deleted in the report that Susan Rice handed over to the Intelligence Committee.

According to information gathered by Bloomberg and Fox News, it appears that the Obama Administration had in fact intentionally spied on Obamas political rival Donald Trump and his team. Not only Susan Rice but the following as well, appear to have organized this plot: her deputy Ben Rhodes (the author of the Bush Commission Report on September 11), the then Director of the CIA John Brennan and the then National Director of Intelligence, James Clapper.
1763. London is booming, reads the opening title card of Hulus newest series, Harlots. And one in five women makes a living selling sex. Thats the basic premise of this pastel-infused romp of a whores eye view drama, which follows the scathing battle between two brothel owners  both serving different social classes and clientele  as they attempt to scheme their way to the top of Londons very in-demand brothel business. But besides the central madame-on-madame drama, arguably the heart of the series is Jessica Brown Findlays complex portrayal of Charlotte, the daughter of one of the owners, who manages to climb up the social ranks to a more comfortable life as a popular upper-class courtesan. Life at the top, though, isnt as glamorous as it may appear to be. Speaking from a London bus en route to her theater production of Hamlet (shes currently starring as Ophelia) Findlay spoke to Vulture about her alienated role, what its like to shoot sex scenes, and why the media cant seem to move past her time on Downton Abbey.

Right off the bat, I was immediately impressed that the shows entire creative team was comprised of women. Did this make you want to do Harlots more, or do you think you wouldve done it anyway if it was more creatively male-skewing?

Its hard to answer that, I suppose, because I feel it wouldve been a very different beast and a very different thing if it involved men. The more I read it, the more I got to know the people involved, the more I loved it. Going forward, as I was doing the job, the atmosphere and the empowering energy was something Ive never experienced before. Its deemed high-risk when theres a primarily female-dominated and produced piece. I have no idea how I wouldve thought if it had been different because I honestly do feel it wouldve been an entirely different show. It definitely made the whole experience really special.

When you first got the script, was there any reluctance on your end regarding the subject matter?

I suppose some kind of caution should always be placed to make sure what the subject is and what direction a show is going in. You wouldnt be telling the story efficiently for Harlots if you didnt tell the more difficult sides of that subject  the sex, the grimmer aspects, you name it. As it goes forward, it really delves into that. To be honest, I actually spoke with the shows director and the showrunner, sat down with both of them, and had a big, long chat. I asked them a lot of questions. Because I did love the script, but I wanted to make sure and know what they were wanting from it. The conversation just meant that I felt really safe, really quickly. Youre giving your own choices.

And the entire series is shot from a female gaze, which I imagine was a major selling point.

Definitely. In the way certain things are done, and how things are referenced. When you see what women on the show are doing, youre just like, yeah, I get that. [Laughs.]

When I was talking with a colleague who also watched the show, we both agreed that Harlots is like a hypersexual version of Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette in terms of its tone and style. I was wondering how you viewed the shows overall aesthetic.

I love that comparison, I agree. Its playful; its allowed to be bright and colorful because these women, and what they wanted to give out, was appealing because they were somehow classified as other. They werent in the world of their parents, being wives and making children. These women are for having fun with. It doesnt always mean its fun, though. I thought it was really energetic and there was a lot of energy about it. There was a huge economic boom happening in London at the time, and so many different materials and buildings were cropping up everywhere. A whole city was growing. We wanted to capture that energy and the sense of this is the new. A lot of these people their age were like, yeah, this is changing, and were part of that. It was a lot of fun to wear massive powdered wigs. Heres a fun fact: Everyone in that era knew they were wigs, so they didnt have to make it look like it was real hair. You could have three different wigs a day, because everyone wore them. It was very playful; the natural look wasnt very in.

Oh god, how much hairspray did your wigs require?

It took a lot of maintenance. [Laughs.] I tended to forget that when the wigs were on, I was a foot and a half taller than my normal height. So getting in and out of doorways was quite funny.

Your character, whos described as the queen of pretend, was born into pretty grim circumstances before climbing up the social ladder to become a highly sought-after courtesan. The other women in her mothers brothel, though, arent so lucky. How do you think Charlotte was able to boost herself into a more comfortable life?

Well, she starting working when she was 12 and got sold to someone very high up. So her level of clientele has always been very high. I think her mom took a big risk with her, and that was a success. And then she was kept in good favor with certain people for a long time in a certain world. But it also alienated her from her roots as well. She doesnt really belong anywhere now. She doesnt belong in the world shes currently staying in, and then when she goes home, she looks so out of place. She struggles with the fact that theres no real home for her.

Im curious if you think Charlotte harbors any resentment toward her mother for pushing her into a career of prostitution. Because in some scenes, Charlotte is clearly thriving in and enjoying her upper-class life, but in others, shes slapping her mother and making her feel guilty for the circumstances.

Charlotte has gotten herself into a situation where she can sign a contract and be safe for the rest of her life with a wealthy man with status, and she wont sign it away. She loves the freedom that she used to have, and now she doesnt really have her mother for guidance. Her mom guided her into what Charlotte feels is a corner, and now shes beginning to grow skeptical of it. If she signs herself away, that means shes as locked down as a married woman would be. If she goes out or talks to someone or looks at someone in the wrong way, her life could be in jeopardy. Thats what shes angry about. I think she looks at Lucy, and sees how protective her mom is of Lucy, and wishes someone had done that for her a little bit more.

But at the same time, if you go to hug Charlotte, she will bite you. Shes so down that road of self-protection. Those walls that shes built around her are quite impenetrable and has allowed her to do what she does. Its more complicated than being jealous or being annoyed or resentful of her mom or sister. She knows in a way that shes got it good, but she also feels trapped in her life. There isnt anything else she can really do, or she feels like there isnt, anyway, because of how notorious she is. If she stopped doing what shes doing, everyone would know. If she married someone, everyone would know. Not that marriage is what she wants at all, though. She just feels that shes been born into this career and theres no changing it now.

I think its fair to say that when people hear a series is about prostitution or sex work, they have a preconceived notion into what type of narrative to expect. With that in mind, what do you think the biggest misconception of Harlots is?

I think people sometimes dont realize how much depth there is with the companionship of women and how diverse it can be  they can be on fire one minute, they can be really angry with each other or betrayed, and then make up in no time. These relationships run really deep and are very complicated, and thats all buzzing underneath the water of what on the surface might look very pretty or look fun. Underneath it theres so much more going on. Maybe people think its more lighthearted than it is.

The other unique thing I noticed is that sex scenes arent particularly lewd, and sometimes, theyre even humorous. Theres nothing gratuitous about them.

Yeah, I thought that was awesome.

And you have quite a few sex scenes peppered throughout the series. Do you have a trick to make those scenes easier or more fun?

Communication with each other is most important, as is working with directors who make you feel safe and valued. Making sure that you have breaks when you need and want to. At the same time, the way that the sex is portrayed is  you dont need to laugh through it all the time. Some of those scenes go to very dark places, and with that its more about feeling safe and having communication, which is why it not being gratuitous was so important. There are many, many forms of situations in which sex happens, so I think its important to make sure its not glossed over or make it seem lighter than they are. The whole way through, all of us actresses spoke to each other all the time and when people had a sex scene, we would be like, good luck! Theyre never sexy to shoot but they can be made to be quite funny. As long as you feel safe, thats the biggest thing.

A few years ago, you were pretty vocal about feeling owned by Downton Abbey despite a few years passing since you exited the series. Do you still feel that way now?

I think it boils down to the way social media and the media references people, not just myself but with other actors, too. I find its far more common with women. With men, the media will often have their name, and in a bracket next to their name there will be one or two things that they might be best known as. But with women, they really like to pick something and decide thats the way in which theyre going to be referenced. So for me, its always Downton Abbey, Jessica Brown Findlay. Its always followed me. Ive always felt, what a strange way to reference a human being in 2017. [Laughs.] Perhaps its more to do with achievement and being in something thats associated as one of many things that youve accomplished in your career. But really, they want to tie you down to something and define you by one role. And they never really let you grow beyond that. People shouldnt be tied down to one role based on their gender or their sexuality. Its like they want to put you into a little box that you fit into, which they want you to fit into, and keep you there. I think a world without boxes is a far better place. You can explore and keep your own identity. I love what I do, and Im also just myself. I feel quite strongly about it.

Thats a really interesting perspective.

It is interesting. Maybe its a generational thing. Maybe you have to do ten years more work before you get your name back. [Laughs.] Well see.
Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

Michael Caine, an all-around delightful Cockney chap and noted glasses icon, has revealed that he voted in favor of Brexit last year. While the U.K.s decision to withdraw from the European Union was deemed both controversial and surprising at the time, Caines reasoning was pretty simple, really: It was all about that sweet, sweet freedom. I voted for Brexit. What it is with me, Id rather be a poor master than a rich servant, he explained to Sky News. It wasnt about the racism, immigrants or anything, it was about freedom. Overall, he feels very confident about his countrys decision. Politics is always chaotic, he added. In politics, youre always going into areas youve never been before, so youre going to get lost and then youre going to find your way, and then itll be all right. Coogan, Brydon  start your Brexit-centric impression engines.
Anne Hathaway in Colossal. Photo: Toy Fight Productions

At the start of Colossal, a little girl in South Korea witnesses the coming of a Godzilla-like monster, only goofier looking so as not to be actionable. (The Godzilla people sued anyway, but theyre assholes. Its a parody and an homage.) Then a title says 25 Years Later, and were in New York, where a hungover, unemployed writer named Gloria (Anne Hathaway) wakes up amid the debris of a party and staggers home to her handsome boyfriend (Dan Stevens), who has packed her suitcases. He doesnt just throw her out. He also gives her a lecture about drinking, idleness, and personal responsibility.

The connection between a monster in Asia and a 30-ish Manhattan drunk with a dickish boyfriend a quarter-century on is a mite unclear: Its not just two different movies, its two different kinds of movie. What connects them is both a surprise and the movies very premise  which means, to avoid spoilers, Im going to have to tread more carefully than a friendly Godzilla(, schmucks) in a kiddie park. That is, I dont want to squash anyone, but I gotta give you your moneys worth.

The thing to know is that the Spanish writer-director Nacho Vigalondo (Timecrimes) has a rubbery notion of tone. After that Toho-ish prologue, Colossal becomes a giddy rom-com of debauchery that slowly transforms into a grim psychodrama about a womans loss  and recovery  of power. Plus, a giant dinosaur fighting a giant robot in Seoul. Its all over the map, literally and figuratively.

The bulk of Colossal, though, takes place in Glorias hometown, where she moves into her old family house, which has apparently stood empty for years. Literally empty: She buys an air mattress but is so drunk she passes out on it without blowing it up. Help comes in the form of Oscar (Jason Sudeikis), a nerdy guy who had a crush on her as a kid and now can play savior. He shows up with a TV set after they share a drunken night at the dive bar he inherited from his dad and offers her a job, which she accepts on the condition she can clean up the wing he closed off and make it special. Vigalondo is priming us for an upbeat, lets-clean-up-the-mess-of-our-lives scenario in which Gloria and Oscar will slowly become intimate.

Rescue fantasies are a staple of rom-coms, where unstable princesses often end up with sweet dorks. But Sudeikiss Oscar is right on the border between endearing and stalker-ish. Glorias all-night beer binges with Oscar and two dysfunctional pals played by Tim Blake Nelson and Austin Stowell are larkish  but also creepy, because these people are addicts in an emotional limbo. Although Hathaway does a lot of the schtick that Hatha-haters hate most  pulling faces, rolling her big eyes, showing off her flawless skin while pretending to be a drunk  she makes Glorias gradual feeling of entrapment very affecting. Putting a rom-com queen at the center of Colossal feels positively subversive.

As for the monster, it appears again in Seoul and is this time a worldwide news event. The creature is on TV  and looking puzzled. It scratches its head in a way that reminds Gloria of herself when shes nervous and perplexed. Thats not a spoiler, since the films poster shows Hathaway and the monster in an identical silly pose, mysteriously in sync in their bewilderment. At first the connection is hilarious. Then we begin to realize that the movies giant monsters (there are two) are avatars in a story of domestic abuse, addiction, and buried childhood trauma.

I wish I could say those disparate elements totally jell, but a lot of the air goes out of the movie in the last third, and the pacing of the climax is funereal. But given the seriousness of the story  a woman battling her own demons as well as a violent male  I dont know how Vigalondo could have lightened the tone. And I love the setup so much that I forgive Colossal almost everything. Vigalondo demonstrates that even the dumbest genres can be used to profound ends  not cheapening serious things but kicking them to the next metaphoric level. A woman finding her inner strength is inspiring. But a woman finding her inner giant monster who kicks butt  thats just so cool.
Photo: Logo

Its been almost a year since the shooting at Pulse nightclub, the site of the deadliest mass shooting in American history. The Orlando club was a hub of the gay and Latino community, as well as a popular spot for drag queens. Many of the queens from RuPauls Drag Race performed there, including all-stars Roxxxy Andrews and Coco Montrese. For the queens of season nine, they were competing on Drag Race, which airs on VH1 Fridays at 8 pm EST, just a couple of months after the shooting. In this exclusive clip from the upcoming episode of Drag Race, some of the queens including Trinity Taylor and Cynthia Lee Fontaine, who almost performed the night of the tragic shooting, remember the people they lost.
Photo: NBC

Ah, yes, the Soup Nazi. What a guy Yev Kassem was! Making the best damn soup in all of Manhattan with his unique temperament, only to be driven back home to Argentina due to Elaines armoire misadventures. But what if the Soup Nazi was an actual Nazi? Would you still want to consume his fictional soupy goodness? Per a new interview with the shows writer-producer David Mandel in EW, the writers room was playing around with a much more literal interpretation of the Soup Nazi, which wouldve been revealed in an additional scene when he arrived in South America. We joked a whole bunch about an end scene that would take place in the jungles of Brazil, a la The Boys From Brazil, where the Soup Nazi would return to the other Nazis  the actual former Nazi war criminals  with his soup recipes, he explained. It was sort of half-serious, half should we do this?, half were never going to do it. But it was much discussed. Going down a river and seeing lots of young boys with blue eyes from experimentation with the soups  it was a full coming together of soup and Nazi. Probably just as well that we didnt do that one. Full circle, indeed.
Malick. Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images

After a handful of ethereal movies light on dialogue, Terrence Malick might be moving back toward shooting his films with regular scripts. In his late-career resurgence, the Song to Song director has become notorious for handing his actors a few script pages irregularly through production, and not worrying about continuity. Because youre always creating these moments in his films, youre not just following a script and making whats happening on the page, Natalie Portman told Vulture, explaining the experience of working with him on Song to Song. (Portmans co-star Michael Fassbender told Vulture something similar, too.) But now, Malick is returning to a style that might be a bit more script-focused. During a Q&A after a screening of Voyage of Time at Washington, D.C.s Air and Space Museum in March, the director said his style presents a lot of problems during production and postproduction.

Well, there was a script, which was the evolutionary history of the universe [audience laughs]. And lately  I keep insisting, only very lately  have I been working without a script, and Ive lately repented the idea. The last picture we shot, and were now cutting, went back to a script that was very well ordered, he said. Theres a lot of strain when working without a script because you can lose track of where you are. Its very hard to coordinate with others who are working on the film. Production designers and location managers arrive in the morning and dont know what were going to shoot or where were going to shoot. The reason we did it was to try and get moments that are spontaneous and free. As a movie director, you always feel with a script that youre trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. And with no script, theres no round hole, theres just air. But Im backing away from that style now.

Malick doesnt name the movie directly, but hes probably talking about Radegund, his World War II drama expected to be released later this year.
The Get Down. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Unfold your own myth, blares a graffiti tag on the skin of a subway car in The Get Down. Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgiss 1970s musical melodrama about the birth of hip-hop and the fall of dirty-glorious Gotham is forever characterizing itself this way: like a rapper nimbly reframing a story as he tells it.

What picture are we seeing when we watch this new batch of episodes? Its a multimedia work: television, movies, a novel, a scrapbook; collage, decoupage, a montage barrage. The Get Down episode guide will likely describe it as part two of season one. But the long hiatus between fresh chapters (tacitly acknowledged by letting the narrative skip slightly forward, from summer to fall of 1977) makes it feel more like a compacted season two. Then again, as is often the case with this show, the best analogies are musical: Think of it as the second of two concert dates in a bands inaugural tour, the performance where they find their groove and never leave it. Any way you label them, these chapters are a major improvement for a show that was always fascinating, occasionally dazzling, but suffered from a cluttered, even scatterbrained too-muchness, and that often seemed, like its titular crew, to still be finding its style and voice.

No more. A promising show has become a terrific one. The first stage of evolution ended in the final moments of episode six, with hero-narrator Ezekiel (Justice Smith) getting trotted out as a prop at a Bronx rally for would-be mayor Ed Koch (Frank Wood) by South Bronx political boss Francisco Papa Fuerte Cruz (Jimmy Smits), doting uncle of his born-to-be-a-pop-star girlfriend Mylene Cruz (Herizen F. Guardiola). Zeke realized too late that Koch was chasing votes by scapegoating young citizens of color. He seemed to want to bolt, but instead launched into a poetic monologue about the poetry and promise of the streets. The young people arent the problem or the solution, he said, momentarily reclaiming the young voters that Koch had alienated with his rant about the scourge of graffiti artists.

Then he raced off to join a rap battle with his crew, DJ Shaolin Fantastic (Shameik Moore), comic-book artist and closeted gay kid Marcus Dizzee Kipling (Jaden Smith), his protective older brother Ra-Ra (Skylan Brooks), and his possibly-a-genius kid brother Boo-Boo (T.J. Brown Jr.).

Their triumph was foretold by one of my favorite transitions from 2016 TV: shots of a wrecking ball smashing a condemned building scored to the opening bars of the theme to Star Wars, which segued into a hero-worshiping dolly shot through the Get Down crew as they assembled, John Williamss fanfare syncing to Shaolins backbeat. Theres a goofily miraculous quality to moments like this, and even when the show got tangled in a subplot spiderweb, it still managed to produce five or six in each episode. Theyre extended cinematic drum breaks, moments when the shows storytelling throws off the shackles of literature and becomes pure visual music, spotlighting a realization or jumping among scenes or subplots like a DJ working multiple turntables. All of the great notions teased out in the first six episodes get shaped and honed to a fare-thee-well in this new batch.

The plot builds organically from the mid-season finale and moves all of the characters forward. Zekes impromptu stump speech revealed him as a natural-born politician, somebody who might have the moxie and verbosity to build the life he always fantasized about. That proposition is tested in subplots that prep Zeke for college, land him an internship (courtesy of Papa Fuertes largesse) with a protege of Robert Mosess (Mr. Robots Michel Gill). A sequence where Zeke spends the afternoon at his boss Yale alumni club, engaging proto-yuppies in a drinking contest and absorbing witheringly racist questions, showcases Smiths best acting to date; it also features one of many shamelessly crowd-pleasing punch lines.

Shaolin Fantastic, Sonny Corleone to Zekes Michael, chases success from the outside  or rather from ground level  by dealing the demon drug of the Carter era, angel dust. He lets himself get drawn deeper into the syndicate ruled by Fat Annie (Lillias White) and her disco-crazy son Cadillac (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who hasnt given up on making his only decent song, Disco Biscuit, into a bona fide hit, not a novelty single (though you wouldnt know it, the way he tries to position it as a roller-disco anthem). Mylenes career blossoms under the tutelage of her Svengali producer-songwriter Jackie Moreno (Kevin Corrigan), but the suits at Marrakesh Records, led by sleazy impresario Roy Ashton (Eric Bogosian), want her to abandon the godliness she absorbed from her God-fearing mother (Zabryna Guevara) and her Pentecostal preacher dad (Giancarlo Esposito) and become a sequined siren.

There are complications, of course, but as in part one, theyre TV complications that you know will be sorted out soon enough. Shaolin and Zeke have another falling out; Zeke and Mylenes relationship buckles under the strain of her celebrity and his refusal to abandon his crew for even one night; there are betrayals and misunderstandings, devastating setbacks and last-minute 98-yard dashes to victory.

But these stories and others are just sampled pieces in visual-musical tracks that are ultimately more interested in rhythm, atmosphere, and emotion than in validating old-school literary values. The editing leans even harder on stock footage. The gleeful way that the image texture changes from shot to shot (1970s TV news video, 16mm, what looks like enhanced YouTube footage) suggests the filmmakers are glorying in the collage aesthetic instead of knocking themselves out trying to make every piece seem like part of a seamless whole. Pedro Almodovar once said that its not enough for a movie to move, it needs to dance. This show dances across the screen. This new chapter adds a second narrator, and with it a second narrative frame, in the form of comic books drawn by Dizzee. These spring to life onscreen in the form of cheeky-grandiose cartoons that suggest underground comics come to life.

The show is never more alive than when it seems to be putting on a show, performing, tossing the spotlight to one character or another, or committing to live inside of choreographed stage performance or a hilariously period-accurate glimpse of a Soul Trainlike program hosted by cheeseball horndog Cool Calvin Moody. Frequent samplings from the film versions and soundtracks to The Wiz and Cabaret liken 1970s New York City to Oz and the Weimar Republic  an Eden of decadence starting to be reconfigured by AIDS, crack, and Ronald Reagans law-and-order mythos.

Dig, if you will, the nimbler way the episodes cross-cut between parallel stories at moments of epiphany for the characters; or the way that music, spoken lyrics/poetry, and voice-over narration glide on top of each other like layers of instrumentation in a song; or the super-fast cutting, which could seem like frenetic wasted motion the last time out, but that increasingly feel an integral part of the shows aesthetic, something that it cant do without, lest The Get Down feel like something other than The Get Down.

The shows rocky start  an everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink, Luhrmann-directed pilot followed by three episodes that felt as if the producer and crew said, Lets all figure out how to do this without killing ourselves  gets slyly acknowledged in the soundtracks sampling of the Rocky theme, Gonna Fly Now. Its one of many underdog classics (along with last seasons Star Wars and the now-ubiquitous Saturday Night Fever) that get sampled, highlighted, and integrated into this tall tale with a pulsing backbeat and a ceaseless flow of visual as well as lyrical rhymes. The series is so audacious now that it can show a character drawing a comic, folding the page into a paper airplane, and throwing it out the window, then have the airplane and the city morph into funky-charming cartoons, and follow the airplane through a window in Rikers Island, confident that we will accept it. And we do.

Look close, past tragic, Zeke rapped at the end of season one, because my home is fuckin magic.
Girls may have finally found the ultimate hack to TVs revival boom: Reunite before you ever get around to departing. Mere weeks before the series ends its run on HBO, Lena Dunham & Co. have debuted a look at their Golden Girlsified 2067 reunion special. Friends, there are some surprises in store. For one, Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, and Shoshanna actually all still talk to each other 50 years out, a revelation that is either heartwarming or utterly depressing, depending on exactly how much of a grind you think friendship should be. Indeed, from Elijahs youthful glow to Marnies unrelenting polish, Girls is more or less how it always was, though imagining a future where Hannah lacks the dexterity for indulgent baths is harrowing.
Pierce Brosnan. Photo: Van Redin/AMC

The Son is an AMC drama thats instantly identifiable as an AMC drama. If there were a blind TV-show taste test, a quick bite of The Son would make you go, Oh yeah, this ones on AMC.

Like many of the networks series, past and present, its got a strong current of testosterone running through it and a special interest in exploring the motivations of a man with an eroded connection to his conscience. Like the late Hell on Wheels, its a Western, one that regularly toggles between two key periods in the life of its protagonist, Eli McCullough: 1849, when Eli (portrayed as a teen by Justifieds Jacob Lofland) is taken captive by Comanches, and 1915, when Eli, as played by Pierce Brosnan, has become an old, powerful, and unscrupulous South Texas rancher whos determined to mine his land for lucrative oil.

The Son  co-created by Philipp Meyer, who wrote the Pulitzer Prizenominated novel that inspired this series, Brian McGreevy, and Lee Shipman, both of whom worked on the Netflix adaptation of McGreevys novel Hemlock Grove  is a handsomely shot, well-acted, and respectable piece of work. But it also isnt surprising or deeply insightful enough about its characters to truly stand out in the current over-capacity venue that is television in 2017. Thats the most AMC thing about it, really: Like many of the networks recent dramas, its decent but, most likely, not outstanding enough to generate a ton of buzz or attention. After watching a handful of episodes ahead of The Sons two-hour premiere on Saturday, my reaction ranged from tepid to warm; I could easily watch more of it without complaint, but if I never had time to return to it, Id be okay with that, too. Have we reached the point where TV reviews can be written as emoticons? Because if we have, my review of The Son would probably be \_()_/.

Actually, thats not entirely fair. As noted earlier, the acting in The Son is uniformly strong, starting with Brosnan, who returns to a starring role in an ongoing series for the first time since Remington Steele. Trading his James Bond suaveness for a more drawly sort of swagger, Brosnan makes a commanding, slightly world-weary megalomaniac. Nothing he does here is subtle  even when he takes a sip of ice-cold lemonade, he does it with the utmost conviction  but he stops short of outright chomping on the scenery. As his younger, softer-hearted son Pete, Henry Garrett is an effectively conflicted foil for him. Frustrated by his fathers overbearing reign over a ranch that Petes supposed to be running but also determined to be a more decent man, his behavior, at least in the early going, is the least predictable of anyones on the show.

Thats helpful because much of The Son feels either too predictable or too overt about its intentions. The bouncing between 1849 and 1915, for example, clearly illustrates how Elis childhood defined him, but also underlines the similarities between the white settler/Comanche rivalry and the conflicts that arise decades later between the McCulloughs and their Mexican-American neighbors, the Garcias. Just as the Native Americans wanted to protect their land from white settlers like young Eli and his family, the older Eli is increasingly paranoid about Mexicans attempting to encroach on his ranch. History repeats itself. We know this. Its unclear whether The Son has anything truly fresh or meaningful to add to that observation.

The Son deserves some credit for depicting the Comanches, led by Toshaway (Zahn McClarnon of Fargo), with some nuance, honestly displaying their brutality but without characterizing them as completely mindless savages. That said, certain moments in those flashbacks feel more scripted than organically earned, particularly the romance that develops rather abruptly between Eli and Prairie Flower (Elizabeth Frances), a young Native American woman who regularly beats and bosses the kid around, then suddenly is getting all up in his teepee.

Actually, the most interesting character in The Son isnt a son at all: Shes the granddaughter, Jeannie McCullough, the daughter of Pete who is less interested in practicing her piano than poking her nose around the ranch and asking questions that suggest she has a deeper understanding of how the business and family operate than she lets on. Sydney Lucas, who starred in the musical Fun Home, imbues Jeannie with intelligence and an impatience with withholding adults that make me wish the whole series was told specifically from her perspective.

According to the press materials AMC provided about The Son, that may be part of the long-term plan. Over many seasons, the show will dramatize her evolution from an 11-year-old tomboy, mentored by her beloved grandfather, to the ruthless CEO of an oil empire, says the networks bio of her character

The Son obviously hasnt gotten to that part of the story yet. The question is whether any viewers will have the time or fortitude to stick with it until it does. I dont know the answer. All I can say is \_()_/.
Laughters important. Even in the darkest times, its necessary to find lightness when you can. Ernestine taught Rosalee that when she was a girl. But now Ernestine is in a form of exiled bondage, having been banished to the Roe Plantation by Miss Suzanna, the same woman whose sheets she and Rosalee once joyfully mussed in moments of unguarded ease. Shes suicidal, addicted to opiates and in an abusive relationship she accepts as due punishment. Shes become far more like the stern midwife (memorably played two weeks prior by Angela Bassett) who scoffed at young Ernestines plans of surviving enslavement with dignity intact by cozying up to her master. So when Clara  now under her tutelage, for lack of a better way of putting it  comes running home, giddy after spending the night with Master Roe, Ernestine literally can hardly stomach the sight. But steering Clara toward a familiar path, one that enables delusions of control, could be Ernestines only escape route out of South Carolina.

All Cato wanted was empowerment, and to empower the cause. That much was revealed in Whiteface, which opened with his Powells Players performing a satirical minstrel act for horrified white theatergoers and hosting a stealth abolitionist fundraiser at his palatial home. We finally meet Frederick Douglass as embodied by Underground producer John Legend, though either Douglass was a far speedier casual conversationalist than he was an orator, or Legend was a bit over-caffeinated in his reading. William Still is there as well, and the strands of their plan are coming together. They discuss John Browns boys, who speak of Harriet Tubmans upcoming speech in Philadelphia, a topic that resonates with them both. Still has been corresponding with Elizabeth, who watches as Noah and Rosalee finally reunite.

But those seams start to tear just as quickly. We, and the local sheriffs, discover that Georgias been passing for white. With her home targeted as refuge for runaways, the cargo must be moved. As John Browns men get ready to usher Noah, Rosalee, Valentine, and other escapees through the tunnels, Elizabeth and Lucas pack a wagon and head out West, where theyre soon accosted and threatened by hooded supremacists. Theyre left to the animals with an imposing warning to cease and desist stealing slaves. Elizabeth is once again bloodied, but no less determined to fight, committed to waging war with shouts and fists as a way of amplifying her husbands quiet, and now muted, voice of reason.

Before parting ways, Elizabeth urges Noah to reconsider joining Rosalee on the dangerous mission toward Macon to find and rescue Ernestine and James. Weve seen how what Noah has endured since fleeing Georgia changed him; he spoke with William Still about the shock of being presented with choices, and the impulse toward self-preservation. Like Clara and every other Whiteface protagonist, Noah wants to seize what white Americans have always been entitled to: some say in their future. Not surprisingly, he cannot turn Rosalee aside, and she most certainly isnt giving up on family. She can, in fact, survive this, and shes going to prove that her mother, brother, and unborn child can too. Together. But as everyone splinters off from Virginia in different directions, their travels South all but ensure we wont see these faces gathered in the same safe space for some time, if at all.

The biggest mystery is what Patty Cannon and her men have in mind for Cato and Devi. Francis, having warned Cato about poking the bear with his provocation, is shot dead. Ditto for all of Catos hired guns, who outmanned Patty and August Pullman but were apparently no match for their wiles. (Hey, the script did observe that Pullman was reputed to be a singularly skilled bounty man.) And sadly, Devi may soon be exposed to the horrors and injustices of black life in America. In what can only be described as an instance of TV timing, Catos beloved  whom he had left behind in England  has arrived right as Patty and Pullman have laid waste to everyone in sight and squeezed info on Rosalees whereabouts out of Cato. Except unlike Elizabeth and Lucass brush with hunters, Patty and Pullman have no intention of letting Cato and Devi go with caution. Nor will Cato and Devi get to embrace and be together the way Noah and Rosalee did. (Happy engagement, by the way?) Pattys gonna take up residence at Catos mansion for a spell until her men  whom she has under every conceivable sort of sway  bring back her sought-after Black Rose. Though she shouldnt be surprised if John Brown and Harriet Tubman turn out to be deadly thorns in her side.

Apart from all that:

 We want Daniel.

 The less said about the graying-horse metaphor, the better.

 We know Pullmans dad was a discharged military man at odds with Andrew Jackson. I wonder what he, and August, would say about the slaveholding president being swapped for Tubman on the $20.

 Patty and Ernestine each have their way of exploiting male egos.

 Noah is strong and silent one minute, expressive and vulnerable the next. Its very jarring.

 Still said it best: War is inevitable. The world is getting hotter.
A major figure in recent American art died last weekend. James Rosenquist was a primary creator of Pop Art, one of the most culturally resonant, but short-lived styles to emerge in the past century.

Much more than that of his fellow Pop artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, who died in 1987 and 1997 respectively, Rosenquists work catalogued American abundance.

His close-up depiction of automobile grills, canned spaghetti, pieces of cake, beauty shop hair dryers, well-coiffed presidents and even strips of bacon were the celebratory antithesis of the work of an artist like Thomas Hart Benton, whose solemn engravings of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s evoked the scarcity of the Great Depression.

Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1933, Rosenquist moved to New York in 1955 to study at the Art Students League. He eventually found work as a billboard painter, often in and around Times Square, and this experience gradually pointed the way to a new kind of art that would change American culture.

The colors and the images  and the scale  of billboards began to appear in his original paintings. My chromatic alphabet came from Franco-American spaghetti and Kentucky bourbon, he once said. And his content was nothing less than the burgeoning wide-open world of the new American consumer.

In 1963, the esteemed Museum of Modern Art included eight of his pieces in an exhibit called Americans, 1963. Curator Henry Geldzahler believed that even though Rosenquists style may have been jarring, he was actually doing something quite traditional. Landscape painting has always made it possible for us to see more clearly and concretely the phenomena of the world that surrounds us. Formerly these phenomena were natural, though often man-shaped; now they are totally man-made, he wrote.

Two decades later, critic Robert Hughes said that no other recent artist scanned the American scene more faithfully and illustrated the vicissitudes of a certain kind of American dream better than Rosenquist.

In 2017, while we celebrate material abundance more than ever, his insight can still let us see both blessing and curse in something as familiar and banal as a plate of canned spaghetti or the shiny chrome grills of powerful automobiles.

He was a fine artist whose works offer not loud declarations, but, ironically, whispers of wisdom about our ideas of the good life.
What a new city of Waco study calls the 17th-18th-19th Corridor can be as awkward to travel as it is to say.

The transportation artery runs more than six miles from Gurley Lane to Lake Shore Drive, serving as Wacos main southeast-to-northwest axis. Its speedy enough between Interstate 35 and Waco Drive  all too speedy, given that the one-way pair of 17th and 18th Street offer up to eight lanes between them.

But past Waco Drive, 17th Street swerves into a residential area, then joins 18th at Homan Avenue at a confusing pinch point. Past that, it becomes a two-way street hemmed in by fading commercial buildings. And throughout the corridor, speeding cars and the lack of sidewalks make it difficult for neighbors and pedestrians.

Now the city and a consultant, Freese and Nichols, are rethinking the corridor with an eye to making it safer and more appealing for residents, businesses and pedestrians, as well as cross-town car commuters.

In some areas, that could include calming traffic by removing a traffic lane in each direction and replacing it with a buffered bike lane and a wider sidewalk. Other possible changes could include new sidewalks for pedestrian access and synchronization of traffic lights to ease congestion.

An initial public meeting Wednesday for the $224,000 study drew about 45 people and sparked a spirited debate about the future of the corridor and whether the priority should be traffic flow or neighborhood quality of life.

Freese and Nichols consultant Kevin St. Jacques said the corridor carries about 15,000 cars per day between Waco Drive and I-35  down from about 25,000 a decade ago.

St. Jacques suggested that the entire stretch between Gurley Lane and Homan Avenue could be reduced to two traffic lanes and one bike lane in each direction without creating congestion problems.

Youve got essentially a four-lane road carrying 15,000 people a day, he said. Thats very manageable.

Farther northwest, the four-lane, two-way stretches of 18th and 19th Streets between Cumberland Avenue and Park Lake Drive could be converted to one lane in either direction, plus a turn lane in the middle. That is already the configuration between Homan and Cumberland.

Some at the public meeting Wednesday objected to the idea of constricting the width of the corridor, arguing that the continued growth of China Spring and Bosqueville call for more capacity, not less. But others in the crowd said suburban traffic already uses other routes, including Lake Shore Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, to go toward I-35 and downtown.

Ralph Cooper, an attorney who lives on North 15th Street, said inner-city residents shouldnt have to sacrifice their quality of life so that suburban commuters can speed through their neighborhoods.

People who want to drive fast on the way to downtown should not be moving to China Spring, Cooper said.

St. Jacques said use of the corridor could grow in coming decades, but in that case, bike lanes could easily be removed.

Freese and Nichols consultants have been working on the study for the last month but plan to spend another year or so working on it. They have been doing traffic studies and interviewing neighbors, business owners and other stakeholders along the route.

Gabriela Colman, who grew up at 17th and Morrow Avenue and now lives across the street, met with the consultants this week. Colman said she appreciates the approach the team is taking in looking at complete streets, or streets that are designed to meet the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, residents and businesses as well as motorists.

Speeding around curve

She said 17th Street between Waco Drive and Homan Avenue isnt safe because people speed around the curve.

Ive witnessed several car wrecks, Colman said. There have been times when cars swing around the corner and hit parked cars. . . . We hesitate to walk around our property because cars barrel down the street so fast that its not safe to be on the sidewalk.

Mike Stone, executive director of Waco Community Development Corp., said the traffic speeds along 17th and 18th have kept his North Waco-based nonprofit group from building homes along those streets. It was a negative factor a few years ago when his group was looking at a development on the old Sanger Avenue School property between those streets.

At the meeting Wednesday, Stone suggested turning the stretch of 17th and 18th Streets two-way between Waco Drive and Homan Avenue to tame traffic. The two roads have been one-way streets since 1962.

St. Jacques said a two-way conversion can be studied further, but it would likely create congestion problems at Waco Drive and would interfere with traffic light synchronization.

The scope of the study does not include how the city would pay for any improvements that it might suggest.

Jim Reed, capital project manager for the citys public works department, said public input will be recorded and carefully considered as part of the study.

Nothing were doing is preconceived, Reed said. We want to make sure we have a consensus recommendation that accommodates all kinds of travelers  pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and transit riders.  Its a long process, but at the end we hope we can identify a series of changes that we need on that corridor.

For more information, visit 17-18-19corridorstudy.com.
Payless ShoeSource plans to close one of its three Waco-area locations after filing for bankruptcy Tuesday.

The chain that for decades has sold shoes at budget prices filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this week and announced it would immediately shutter almost 400 underperforming stores in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Texas led the nation in closings with 66, including its Bellmead location in the Eastgate shopping center on Bellmead Drive. Shops in Central Texas Marketplace and at 5201 Bosque Blvd. will remain open, according to a list the company posted online.

This is a difficult, but necessary, decision driven by the continued challenges of the retail environment, which will only intensify, Payless chief executive W. Paul Jones said in a statement. We will build a stronger Payless for our customers, vendors and suppliers, associates, business partners and other stakeholders.

Growing competition is forcing many retailers to make difficult decisions about the future of their brands. During the first three months of 2017, nine major retailers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, CNBC reported, adding that the tally puts the industry on pace for the highest number of filings since 2009, when 18 retailers resorted to that action.

Moodys, the bond rating firm, has listed 19 retailers as financially troubled, according to The Washington Post. These include Sears, J. Crew, Gymboree, Macys, J.C. Penney, RadioShack and The Limited, all of which have reported closings.

Meanwhile, Gander Mountain, which sells fishing, hunting and outdoors supplies, announced in March it had filed for bankruptcy protection and would close 32 stores, including Wacos at South Valley Mills Drive and the Interstate 35 frontage road.

Crystal Zambrono, an assistant manager at the Payless store in Bellmead, said Wednesday morning she had not yet heard the fate of that location in the companys plan to reorganize. Told that the store appears on the Payless closing list just released, Zambrono said she was surprised and disappointed.

Im a single mom with two kids, ages 6 and 7, and this is my only source of income, she said. I lost my husband last year.

Managers of the Waco areas other two Payless locations referred comment to the corporate office.

Some retail observers say the rise in popularity of online shopping is putting the squeeze on brick-and-mortar establishments and making retailers rethink the wisdom of opening more big boxes.

Urban Outfitters CEO Richard Hayne told The Washington Post the retail market is oversaturated.

Retail square feet per capita in the United States is more than six times that of Europe or Japan. And this doesnt count digital commerce, Hayne said. Our industry, not unlike the housing industry, saw too much square footage capacity added in the 1990s and early 2000s. Thousands of new doors opened, and rents soared. This created a bubble, and like housing, that bubble has burst.

The company said in a statement it was declaring bankruptcy not only to reorganize its debt but also to expand into potentially lucrative markets, such as Latin America, and to increase its online presence.

It also has indicated it may resort to closing additional stores and will pursue modified leases.

The company has 4,400 stores in 30 countries and employs nearly 22,000 people. It was bought in 2012 by private equity firms Golden Gate Capital and Blum Capital Partners.
Watching senators arguments on Judge Neil Gorsuchs confirmation and on the deployment of the filibuster and nuclear option reminds us how disingenuous politicians can be. Whether you favor Gorsuch or not, support keeping the filibuster or not, the talking points on both sides demonstrate how intellectually dishonest both Democrats and Republicans have become.

Republicans claim a filibuster is unprecedented. Well, refusing a vote on Merrick Garland for almost a year was the ultimate filibuster, really strong-arm politics beyond the pale. Inarguably, that action pushed one step closer to the situation in which we find ourselves.

Liberals claim Gorsuch doesnt represent all Americans. Thats actually a good thing. Judges dont represent anyone; they interpret the law. They are there not to represent the majority but the minority (politically speaking) and to vindicate the rights of those who havent won in the political process.

Conservatives (Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas for one) argue that you can tell liberal justices dont care about the Constitution because they rule in favor of the government on issues such as guns and campaign finance limits. Sigh. The Constitution is designed to protect our rights, in part by dividing power. However, determining precisely what the Constitution protects, what limits are put on the protection and who has power to decide do not lend themselves to such simplistic argument.

Were Justice Clarence Thomas and Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. against freedom because they dissented on gay marriage or find no protection of privacy that includes the right to abortion? Who is the one with the protected rights in Hobby Lobby  the corporation or the women? Liberals are protecting the little people when they, for example, want to retain the Voting Rights Act in its totality, while conservatives think the wronged parties are the states who cede control of their voting processes. Watch out for people arguing that only the other side is unprincipled or anti-constitutional.

Liberals claim Gorsuch is a wide-eyed radical, favoring corporations. For this they rely on a handful of cases among the 2,700 he has ruled upon and ignore the glowing recommendations of numerous liberal legal scholars and former Obama officials. You wish theyd just fess up: Gorsuch is a really good judge but we cannot get over losing the seat when Garland was denied a vote. That would be both accurate and fair.

Democrats insist the GOP president should have consulted with them on a nominee. Um, that hasnt been the practice of any president in recent times. The president can choose whomever he likes; the Senate can confirm or not.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says it is Democrats who are blowing up the Senate. Wait a minute. Does anyone honestly think he didnt light the fuse by blocking action on Garland? Liberals claim this all started with McConnell. But thats not fair considering then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid started dismantling the filibuster by getting rid of it for lower-court and executive-branch nominees.

You can see why we descended into trench warfare. Each side seeks ultimate partisan advantage, cloaking it in high-minded principle. The other side feigns outrage for running roughshod over Senate tradition  and then vows to do one better (or worse, depending on ones perspective) when the shoe is on the other foot. Gorsuch will wind up on the court and the Senate will get worse.
No one denies that congressional town hall meetings lately have become riotous affairs, brimming with constituents angry, confused or defensive about the state of our nation, just as we saw in 2009 and 2010. But any federal lawmaker  Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative  who skirts personally facing his or her constituents when theyre most riled up or afraid does not deserve the honor of representing them.

This paper has defended Republican Congressman Bill Flores from attacks on both the right and left, but theres no defending a congressman who, when the political environment becomes volatile, dodges the people in his own district. This is the time when lawmakers must demonstrate leadership  articulating their vision, explaining their votes  and, most important of all, hearing out their constituents concerns, hopes and fears so they can better represent them.

Amid a series of town hall meetings nationwide in recent weeks where constituents have angrily criticized elected representatives and senators  many of them Republican  Flores this week announced he would stage only telephone town hall meetings this month plus a radio call-in. Thats inexcusable given that the congressman seems quite able to personally show up for adoring audiences such as those offered by like-minded Republican groups.

In a statement Tuesday, Flores claimed that, because of the great interest in town hall meetings, he opted to use a medium which allows us to reach the maximum number of participants by connecting with thousands of constituents at each event. Given constituents reactions on his Facebook page, most werent buying it. One said she was saddened that you see some of us as a threat and not your constituents. Another raised a different possibility: I get the feeling Flores only considers the people who voted for him to be his constituents. This is the wrong attitude to have as a public servant. Yet another asked that Flores reconsider: Holding a telephone town hall makes it appear that you dont want to face your constituents in person, and I am sure you would not want to allow that impression to stand. A Flores defender responded by suggesting these people are national socialist worker party members. Right.

Some Republicans spin the idea that all these town hall spectacles are mayhem orchestrated by paid protesters. We dont know of other venues, but thats not only hogwash locally but an insult to many Central Texans. Even if paid protesters were in the mix, lawmakers should have sufficient resilience, courage and bark not only to endure the slings and arrows but also to refute criticism if unfounded.

This newspaper condemns all those who would attend a town hall meeting with the goal of disrupting the event. We condemn all those who seek to drown out constituents who want more information and insight from their elected lawmakers. We condemn all those whose sole mission is to heap embarrassment on lawmakers brave enough to show up and face the people they represent.

And we condemn any lawmaker who lacks the integrity to personally face constituents in the most trying of times. And these are the most trying of times.
ASHLAND  With severe weather season upon us, the public is being asked to keep track of local weather activity.

For everyday weather information like temperature and precipitation, local weather observer Russ Standage carries out the task of recording such data.

Standage records the high and low temperature of the day, plus any precipitation that falls at his west Ashland home. But he and the National Weather Service recognize that when it comes to severe weather like hail or strong winds, a matter of a few blocks can make a big difference.

Someone over in east Ashland may be getting different weather than I get, Standage said.

That is why the weather service wants and needs to know what type of severe weather is taking place and where so they can use the information while forecasting.

That information is good to know because it backs up their story on radar, added Standage.

Thats where the public comes in. Standage is asking Ashland residents to be on the lookout for inclement weather and to report it to him by calling him at 402-944-7019.

Standage will relay the severe weather information immediately to the National Weather Service office in Valley to help meteorologists know whats going on with the storm in real time.

The more people that triangulate the information on a storm, especially in real time, can only help Valley, he added.

The National Weather Services radar only tells part of the story when severe weather is happening, according to Brian Smith, NWS warning coordinator meteorologist.

Radar is only seeing the precipitation part of the storm above ground, Smith said. We dont know whats happening at ground level.

For example, hail may not be falling in the area of Ashland where Standage lives, but over on the east side the ice chunks could be coming down. Same for damaging winds, which can be very specific to a community spread out over several square miles like Ashland.

If we put out a warning we want to know whats happening with the storm, Smith said.

The information will also help meteorologists know whether or not they should extend a severe storm warning.

If they dont know whats going on, theyre wondering, Do I need to continue this warning? Smith said.

The public has been a vital component of the National Weather Services efforts for over a century. Along with severe weather information, the daily data provided by local weather observers like Standage is used to develop forecasts.

Smith said the data helps fill in the gaps for temperature readings and precipitation levels between official National Weather Service stations, which are typically found at airports. The closest airport to Ashland would be in Wahoo, 25 miles away.

So we get a more detailed picture than we would if we didnt have observers, Smith added.

The daily high and low temperature records go into a daily summary for eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa that is provided to the media and anyone else who wants the information, Smith said. The temperature and precipitation data is also saved into the climatology data base at the National Climactic Data Center, in Asheville, N.C.

The U.S. Army started the cooperative weather observation program in 1890 to establish weather and climate records. The National Weather Service took over the program in the 1940s.

Even before the Army began a weather observation program, Ashland area weather was being recorded. Since the 1880s, Ashland has had an official weather observer to note temperature, precipitation and unusual weather phenomenon. For decades, the weather station was located at Camp Ashland.

Standage took over weather observer duties in 2013, after long-time volunteer Vivian Maxwell retired. Maxwell had been getting up at 5 a.m. each day for 54 years to record the weather.

Now, Standage has the task of rising before dawn to head to his enclosed porch accompanied by his faithful weather assistant, his dog Bailey. There, a device shows the high and low temperature from the previous 24 hours. The electronic box is tied to a weather sensor located outside.

Once Standage records the high and low temperatures on a form, he resets the device. He then heads outside to see if there is any rain or snow in the precipitation gauge.

Standage has two gauges to measure precipitation. One, provided by the NWS, is located on the back fence of his yard. It is a large metal gauge and is somewhat bulky. Standage also purchased his own plastic gauge from the NWS that is located closer to his back door.

Both gauges are used to determine the amount of precipitation that has fallen, Standage said.

Once the temperature and precipitation are recorded, Standage emails the information to the National Weather Service office in Valley and to The Ashland Gazette. The Gazette has been publishing weekly summaries of the weather for many decades.

By 5:15 a.m., his work is done and the retired Ashland resident heads back to bed for a couple more hours of shut eye.

Standage said he doesnt mind rising so early to take care of these volunteer tasks, because he has no problem going back to sleep. While the NWS requests he record the temperature and precipitation at 5 a.m., he is not required to do so.

Other stations send in at other times in the day, he said. Its a strictly volunteer job, so theyre not going to set too many guidelines.

Now that its severe weather season, Standage and the rest of the public will be on the lookout for severe weather. Smith said the public should be familiar with the NWS terminology for severe weather, including the difference between a watch and a warning.

According to the NWS, a watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible for an area. A warning is issued when severe weather is indicated by radar or by observation.

Smith said the conditions necessary for a severe weather warning are 1 inch diameter hail (about the size of a quarter) or 58 mile per hour winds or greater. Of course, a tornado would also prompt a warning.

Thats the criteria which we would put out a warning, he said.

Lightning or thunder are not criteria for a severe weather warning, because a storm could have lots of lightning but not have hail, damaging winds or a tornado, Smith said.

You cant go by lightning, he added.

Severe weather season starts typically in March and lasts through summer and into the early fall, Smith said.

The peak months are April, May and June, especially for tornadoes, he added.

For more information on severe weather, the Saunders County Emergency Management will host a community emergency response training April 12 at 7 p.m. in the law enforcement training room at the Saunders County Law Enforcement and Judicial Center in Wahoo.
PRAGUE  The Nebraska Czechs of Prague have found a new Czech queen in Emily Berry of Waverly.

Berry was crowned March 31 at Kolach Korner in Prague.

Im excited to learn more knowledge about my heritage and share and spread it with other people, Berry said.

The 22-year old said it was by chance that she will represent the Prague chapter for the upcoming year.

She is the elementary music and beginning band instructor in Eagle and met Steve Steager, a member of the Nebraska Czechs of Prague, at a band clinic about three weeks prior to her crowning.

I was interested from the moment he started talking about it, she said.

The daughter of Jay and Shannon (Eaton) Berry, Berry has family in the Linwood, Schuyler and Prague area.

And of course, she also has some Czechoslovakian roots.

Berrys great-great grandmother on her mothers side emigrated from Bratislava, Slovakia.

Berry has had the opportunity to get a glimpse of her heritage up close. On a mission trip to Slovakia, she drove through Bratislava.

That was cool, she said. They call it a hidden treasure because there are not a lot of tourists.

As the Prague Czech queen, Berry will represent the chapter across the state in parades, festivals and other appearances.

Her appearances across the state will help her prepare for her biggest appearance June 24 at the state Czech queen competition in Clarkson.

I already know what Im going to do for my talent, she said. Ill play clarinet polka.

Berry wasted no time practicing, and performed the night of her crowning onstage with Jim Kucera.

But Fridays crowning was not her first meeting with the polka player. Kucera was Berrys music teacher in Waverly.

So it was really special to play with him, she said.

Berrys reign as the Prague Chapters queen follows Michaela Steagers, who was crowned in 2015. Steager was crowned as the state queen shortly after, and is now in the last months of her reign as Miss Czech-Slovak U.S.

Steager has nothing but appreciation for the Prague Czech Chapter in helping her journey to the national title.

The whole community gives back a lot and shows their appreciation, she said.
OMAHA - The Douglas County Health Department urged residents e to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) this weekend as southerly winds and agriculture fires in northeast Kansas may push air into the unhealthy category, according to a press release. This mostly is expected to be from particulates in the air.

This situation could mean anyone may experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. These conditions may develop as early as Friday afternoon in the Omaha and Lincoln areas and could continue into Sunday. Much of what develops depends on the speed and direction of the wind.

It is important for individuals with lung disease, respiratory disease or a heart condition to monitor the air quality. Parents should monitor conditions for their children. If you are healthy, you're usually not at a major risk from short-term exposures to smoke. Everyone should take the steps below when smoke is present.

Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to go outside for strenuous exercise.

Pay attention to local air quality reports. You can monitor the conditions at www.airnow.gov. Simply wait for the U.S. map to appear, then click on Omaha and zoom in. That page includes the forecast, and provides hourly updates.

If you are advised to stay indoors, take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Try to avoid using anything that burns. Don't vacuum and don't smoke.

If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
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One of the country's major energy companies, Origin Energy, has been slapped with a heavy fine by the industry regulator for failing to accurately report data  relating to hot water systems.

The Australian Energy Regulator said it has levied a $20,000 fine on the energy utility for failing to submit correct data, which was finally resubmitted four months late. A spokesman for the company said the error related to the reporting of bulk hot water systems, which was picked up in the December quarter, last year.

Origin Energy has been slapped with a heavy fine by the industry regulator.

The energy regulator said it had issued the notice because the company had breached the National Energy Retail Law by failing to submit accurate market performance data by the required date. Origin subsequently resubmitted the correct data, four months after it was due, it said.

"A key part of our role as the energy regulator is to monitor and report on energy markets and ensure retailers are meeting their obligations," regulator chairman Paula Conboy said. "The accurate and timely submission of performance data by retailers helps paint a clearer picture of what is going on in the homes of Australian energy customers.
They were both Americans, both going about their lives on city streets, and both brutally killed in acts deemed to be terrorism. But only one was publicly acknowledged by the US President.

Kurt Cochran, 54, was in London to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary on March 22, when he was mowed down on Westminster Bridge. The perpetrator was Khalid Masood, a British man police say held an "interest in jihad".

President Trump maintains a travel ban is what will keep Americans safe. Credit:AP

Two days earlier, Timothy Caughman, 66, was collecting cans in Manhattan when he was fatally stabbed with an 18-inch sword. Police have arrested James Jackson over the killing, a young American who they allege came to New York for the sole purpose of killing African-American men like Caughman and who held white supremacist views. Jackson has since been charged with murder as an act of terrorism (he entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday).

In the aftermath of the Westminster attack, Trump went to his favoured pulpit, Twitter, to pay tribute to Cochran, labelling him a "great American". But nearly a fortnight later, he's still said nothing publicly (nor tweeted a word) about Caughman.
Hairdresser Ilaina McKenzie is not looking for a partner, but the 35-year-old is in the market for someone who wants to help her make a baby.

Two months ago she joined a couple of "networking sites", including CoParents.com and Co-Parentmatch.com.

"I have been thinking about it for five years, trying to get pregnant, looking for a relationship, trying to have a baby," Ms McKenzie said.

"Every person I look at, I think, 'they are going to be the father of my child'. So I am getting into relationships that don't work, because I have this ulterior motive."
A gathering number of new influenza strains in the past five years has escalated the likelihood of a major influenza pandemic on the scale of the deadly Spanish flu, researchers say.

UNSW researchers in the school of public health are calling for better collaboration between countries and first responder agencies in the event of a flu pandemic.

Their study published in the Archives of Public Health identified 19 separate influenza strains that have emerged in humans during the past century, including seven in the past five years alone.

Raina MacIntyre, director of the UNSW's Integrated Systems for Epidemic Response, said the unprecedented rise in new strains appeared to be a true increase and not just a matter of more cases being detected.
The public service has more than 21,000 desks sitting empty in buildings it occupies around Australia with taxpayers picking up the tab for idle real estate.

But departments are pushing ahead with high-end new building leases in Canberra worth hundreds of millions of dollars and the Coalition is insisting on new office blocks in regional NSW towns despite the hectares of empty space it is paying for in Canberra and other centres around the nation.

Office buildings in Canberra. More than 21,000 desks are sitting empty in government buildings in the ACT and around Australia. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The government says the situation is improving and its efforts to do better managing the public service's vast real estate holdings have yielded $30 million in savings each year.

The latest Australian Government Office Occupancy Report, shows that progress is being made in reducing the hectares of empty office space around the nation being paid for by taxpayers.
The Melbourne pop-up store sells iced tea at $5 a cup at events such as the St Kilda Festival and the Queen Victoria night market. Those Girls iced tea is also wholesaled to a growing number of retailers across the country.

Lauren Davie and Elena Andoniou of Those Girls iced tea "couldn't be more thankful" for the constant hot days this summer.

Those Girls Beverage Co. experienced phenomenal growth of 150 per cent on the back of the relentless summer heat. Their earnings were just under $500,000 last financial year, but that figure will be significantly higher this financial year thanks to the sales generated during summer.

The business was launched three years ago by lifelong friends Lauren Davie and Elena Andoniou, both 30. It started as a hobby, but an appearance on Shark Tank opened their eyes to the possibility of substantial growth opportunities, prompting them to quit their day jobs to focus on the business.

Funky Trunks had a 40 per cent increase in sales over summer.

It's a major operation. The pair have a small fleet of vans, a commercial kitchen, have set up home offices to handle bookings and manage nine casual staff. Preparing for an event takes a few days, with the teas brewed the day before an event and stored in a cool room.

"We couldn't be more thankful for the constant hot summer days. It's fuelled massive sales for us, and has given us the courage to invest in our business in the lead-up to next summer," Davie says.

However it's not all beer and skittles. The mercury dipped on the day of the Yarraville Festival in February, meaning that the more than 60,000 people who attended weren't that keen on purchasing a refreshing iced tea, Davie says.
Teenager Amelia Walters says a bombardment of negative messages about the state of our world is ruining her generation's mental health.

In an alarming snapshot of Australian students' wellbeing, seven out of 10 surveyed by the National Union of Students last year rated their mental health as only "poor or fair".

Amelia Walters is a headspace ambassador after experiencing mental health problems at university. Credit:Chris Hopkins

Amelia, 19, was left paralysed with anxiety and depression after moving to Melbourne from Brisbane to take up a university scholarship last year.

Despite being the high school dux, who scored the highest possible ATAR, she found herself unable to get out of bed and attend classes at University of Melbourne.
Russian law-enforcement agents have detained six migrant workers from several central Asian countries suspected of being involved in terrorism, the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement on its website.

The six, who were not identified, are suspected of recruiting people from mostly Muslim central Asia to join terrorist organisations such as Islamic State and Al-Nusra.

Commuters have left flowers at a symbolic memorial in the St Petersburg metro system where 14 people died and up to 60 were injured in a suicide bombing. Credit:Dmitri Lovetsky

They were being recruited to commit attacks and to fight with militant groups in foreign countries, according to the statement.

Investigators said they had no information that would link those detained with the suspected suicide bomber who killed 14 people inside a subway carriage in St Petersburg on Monday.
The Spanish version of the WTO Advanced Course for Chairs of National Committees on Trade Facilitation (NCTFs) was held from 20 to 29 March 2017 at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The course benefitted 14 participants covering 13 countries and representing private and public sector agencies such as the Ministry of Trade and Customs Administration.

The WCO co-facilitated successfully the delivery of this workshop with other several major international organizations - the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Bank Group (WB). In addition, representatives from the Global Express Association (GEA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) were also invited to provide their expectations regarding trade facilitation and simplification of international trade from the perspective of the private sector.

It was the final course of a series of advanced courses, which the WTO organized in French and English. The Spanish version was the first one to be organized after the entry into force of the WTO TFA Agreement on 22 February, 2017. This workshop further strengthened the cooperation between the agencies involved, demonstrating that a coordinated approach to support Members with their efforts to implement the WTO TFA is the best way forward.

With approximately 36 technical provisions to be implemented, some of which require the coordination of many agencies, the establishment of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) is one of the fundamental steps needed to build national consensus and to procure the overall benefits of the Agreement.

Henceforth, the purpose of the course was to enhance the knowledge of the Chairs of the NCTFs, to familiarize them with their responsibilities and to provide them with some of the tools to effectively engage with their internal/external stakeholders and the donor community. The course was largely based on the WCO material on Stakeholder Consultations and Resource Mobilization.

In addition, the course provided participants with an opportunity to build a network of contacts including the organizations that have programmes, tools and instruments that support the implementation of the TFA. At this occasion the WCO was given the opportunity to present its TFA Implementation Guide and raise awareness about the Revised Kyoto Convention, the SAFE Framework of Standards and the Time Release Study.

As deliverables of the course, the participants were able to develop action plans to establish and/or enhance the performance of their NCTF and to provide a follow-up of their own learning experience.

The WTO Advanced Course for Chairs of National Committees on Trade Facilitation (NCTFs) in its English version was held from 28 November to 9 December 2016, while the French version was conducted from 30 January to 10 February 2017, both at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

For more information about this activity, please contact: facilitation@wcoomd.org or capacity.building@wcoomd.org
In Tehran, candidates must meet specific selection criteria to even be allowed on the ballot. Current President Hassan Rouhani underwent the same selection process, which some say that cleared the ballot of anyone else. He presents a moderate face to the West, which was important to the nuclear negotiations that the regime needed desperately, as it resulted in the release of $160 billion in frozen assets that revived the countrys failing economy.

Iranian dissident groups feel that this is hypocrisy, which explains the regimes long-running efforts to discredit any group that oppose the it. The regime has exerted diplomatic pressure, mass arrests and imprisonment, has outlawed participation or membership, attacked the groups in news media, and even resorted to launching online assaults and social media campaigns denouncing dissidents.

An article by Michael Tomlinson in Iran Lobby states that, In terms of technology, the Iran regime has sought to create a wide range of online front groups, web pages and blogs dedicated to discrediting any Iranian opposition group and attempt to give the perception of a social media wave of support for its policies. Of particular focus for these regime false fronts has been the National Council of Resistance of Iran, an umbrella opposition group housing various resistance efforts such as the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) or otherwise known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK).

There is a vast number of regime online fronts reaching across all platforms and includes Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIN, as well as websites and blogs and multimedia like YouTube. An example of one of those sites is the Campaign against Sanctions and Military Intervention in Iran (CASMII) which regularly denounces the MEK.

The CASMII website displays affiliated links to many of the Iran regimes websites, such as Stop Iran War, Code Pink: Iran, Mossadegh Project News and Iran Affairs. Also included are official regime news links such as Payvand News, the close alignment of CASMII to the regime in Tehran is evident.

What is not there is revealing. The CASMII site reveals no names of staff, no quotes by associates of CASMII, no indication who supports it, and no contact information. There are also no comments made by groups such as Amnesty International or any stories about the support of groups such as Hezbollah by Iran. No discussion of disputed elections or of the protests in the streets of Tehran. No mention of the Americans being held in Iranian prisons.

Many of the posts on CASMII, especially relating to the Iranian resistance, are cut and pasted from regime news sites, regime press statements, and articles written by regime supporters.

According to Tomlinson, CASMII, like many of the groups listed as links, serves essentially as a link farm to help boost page views and clicks to favorable articles, mostly on sympathetic sites and news organizations such as Huffington Post, Guardian newspaper, National Iranian American Council and Buzzfeed, and he adds, CASMII and these other sites do little to add to any real policy debate over the Iran nuclear deal and instead are just part of the background noise being generated by the regime in the hope of drowning out the real debate taking place in town halls across America as congressional representatives and senators go home to talk to their constituents.
 Meanwhile, during the Cold War, Cuban soldiers fought in Angola and across Latin America.

 Also during the Cold War, the Algeria-based Polisario Front forcibly took Sahwari children from their parents for re-education in Cuba, and eventual deployment in service of various liberation movements.

In his article for Commentary Magazine, Rubin, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, cites these examples, and writes, Such exploitation of whole countries as mercenary forces was a disgusting practice. It was one that should have ended with the fall of the Cold War.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is seemingly using these strategies increasingly in Syria, where its support of Bashar al-Assad has cost the lives of several thousand Iranian soldiers and cadets.

He says that Irans use of Hezbollah in Lebanon should have ended the belief that Hezbollah has become a Lebanese national organization. Instead, he says, Hezbollah remains a proxy for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hezbollah is not the only one. A couple of years ago, I noted the increasing number of funerals of foreign nationalsespecially Afghansoccurring in Iran whom Iranian news sources said had died fighting in Syria.

The mention of the Afghans has increased in recent weeks. Esmail Ghani, the deputy commander of the Qods Force, praised the entirely Afghan Shiite Fatimiyoun Brigade for its sacrifices in both Iraq and Syria on March 2. According to a translation from the American Enterprise Institutes Iran team, Ghani said, When the Fatimiyoun [Brigade] set foot in Syria, its streets were in Americas hands. Today [the Fatimiyoun] have slapped America on the mouth. [America] would never have come to the negotiations if it werent for [The Fatimiyouns] strength on the field. Following this, the Fatimiyoun Brigade announced the creation a dedicated mosque in Mashhad, which is Irans second-largest city, so that it could form its own Basij unit.

The Basij are a paramilitary and cultural organization that was formed to keep order in times of crisis. However, the Basij also recruits and indoctrinates, and are under the purview of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian leaders have said they seek a 100 million-strong Basij organization that will span national borders. And, It seems this was not mere rhetoric but rather a roadmap to Irans future plans.

Writer also calls Hezbollah a force for instability. As the Trump administration has now acquiesced to President Bashar al-Assad remaining in power in Syria, and underlines that, It is time to recognize that such stability comes at a price which makes the world decidedly less stable.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have implemented a strategy to radicalize not only Afghans, but are using Shiite mercenaries from Afghanistan, as well as Iraq and elsewhere, to take export of revolution ever further.
So writes Abdulrahman al-Rashed, former General Manager of Al Arabiya News.

He writes, I was certain that the war be will long and tough for several reasons. For instance, former president, Saleh, was still in control of the armed forces and the Houthi movement is a group that takes orders from Iran. This is in addition to the lack of a central authority in Yemen and the countrys rough terrains.

Irans links to the war can be traced since Iran did not hide them. It viewed the war as regional. Opening a front against Saudi Arabia in Yemen is part of the geopolitical balance in Syria and Bahrains conflicts, according to Irans beliefs, although many observers deny this possibility. However, they later admitted Irans involvement.

He says, Whats interesting is that Tehran had not even bothered to hide it.

The only option for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in Yemen was to confront the Iranians, who were using the Houthi and Salehs forces. Arrests of Iranian military men who were present in the war zones were reported and documented. The war seeks to defend Gulf countries against Iran.

Fear that Saleh and Houthis have a missile system that threatens Saudi Arabias security was confirmed by those Yemen fired deep into Saudi Arabia. International navy inspectors also found missiles in Iranian ships heading to Yemeni ports. Similar missiles were used by the rebels to shell southern Saudi areas.

Abdulrahman al-Rashed writes, The war in Yemen, just like other wars in the region, is not a mere dispute among local groups. It is planned and funded by regional powers, mainly Iran, which appears determined to expand its influence and besiege it neighbors.

It is important to remember the facts often forgotten amid the developments of war, two years after it began, according to al-Rashed. He writes, First of all, it was the Yemeni people who ousted Saleh and established a new political situation. The people revolted against Saleh as a result of his failure in governance. Saleh was the longest-serving leader in the world and the most unsuccessful as well.

He says that the desire of Gulf countries was not to alter the regime. It was a result of the Arab Spring, which toppled several rulers  Moammar Qaddafi in Libya, Hosni Mubarak in Egypt and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia.

The UN sought to organize the situation by assigning an envoy whose task was to maintain civil peace and propose a political plan which the GCC, the US and Europe agreed to, after protests erupted in Sanaa. A democratic system was established, through which a president and a parliament could be elected. All of the Yemeni parties agreed, and a temporary transitional government was formed for 18 months. A constitution was supposed to be drafted, and preparation made for the elections.

However, Saleh and the Houthis planned the coup, seized the whole of Yemen and arrested most ministers and political leaders, writes al-Rashed.

The rebels rejected international efforts that endeavored to convince them to retreat, and after they rejected all other concessions, military response was the only solution, writes al-Rashed, and he adds, The rebels had thus insisted to be in command and maintain their arms in what resembles Hezbollahs situation in Lebanon.

In this way, war was imposed on the Yemenis and the Saudis.

According to al-Rashed, It is unacceptable to let the Iranian regime use Yemen as a base to attack the latters neighbor without militarily confronting it.
Calvert City to help get letters to Santa
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Apr. 06, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 06, 2017 | 09:03 AM | PADUCAH, KY

The Lakes Area Senior Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol took possession this week of a Cessna 172 aircraft to be based at Paducahs Barkley Regional Airport.



The plane is one of twelve aircraft that the Kentucky Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has across the Commonwealth, and the first to be based in western Kentucky since the 1990s. The plane will be utilized for squadron operations in McCracken, Ballard, Marshall, Graves, Calloway, and Lyon counties.



The CAP plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Last year the Kentucky Wing assisted in 86 missions comprised of over 2,100 flying sorties within the state.



We are honored to have this plane assigned to our squadron, as we know it will only enhance the Civil Air Patrols missions in this end of the state, said Squadron Commander Maj. Gregory Siener. We are equally excited about the potential it holds for our cadets, pilots, and anyone who wants to be a part of CAP. And we are especially proud that it will enable us to provide law enforcement agencies in western Kentucky with an additional tool in their toolbox.



The Civil Air Patrol operates as part of the U.S. Air Forces Total Force initiative, which consists of regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, along with retired military and civilian employees.



Membership in the Civil Air Patrol is open to anyone interested in aviation, or community and emergency services. There are several roles available that enable people to combine flying with their service, including mission observers, mission scanners, or even aerial photographers.




By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 06, 2017 | 04:18 AM | MURRAY, KY

Two Murray men face multiple charges after leading police on a lengthy chase Wednesday.According to the Calloway County Sheriff's Office, a vehicle matching the description of a stolen truck was seen about 2:30 pm traveling south on 6th Street in Murray. Deputies joined in a chase onto Sycamore Street, 9th Street and Glendale. The chase was halted on West Glendale due to the safety of other vehicles in the area.Calloway County deputies and Murray Police officers searched the area southwest of Murray, where they located the truck abandoned in a field. One of the truck's occupants was found lying in a field north of Midway Road.

The Calloway County Sheriff received a call at approximately 4 pm about someone walking on Phillips Drive near where the truck was located. Deputies interviewed the man, who was later identified as the second occupant of the stolen truck.

Police arrested 19-year-old David K. Kingins and 23-year-old Zachary T. Allen, both of Murray.Kingins was charged with receiving stolen property over $10,000, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, assault of a police officer and speeding. Allen was charged with receiving stolen property over $10,000 and giving an officer a false name.Both were lodged in the Calloway County Jail.
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Raisi was born in 1960 in the city of Mashhad in northeast Iran where he continued his early education until 1975 when he transferred to the city of Qom to begin his religious studies.

Following the 1979 revolution in Iran he was appointed into government posts while continuing his higher education. He is known to have taught religious studies and from 1991 he participated in classes held by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for 15 years.

Raisi first began his work in the judiciary after 1979 when he joined a class in Tehran of 70 other clerics seeking to work for the government. In the early days Raisi accompanied the envoy of Iranian regime founder Ruhollah Khomeini to the city of Masjed Suleiman in western Iran, from where he went on to be appointed as a public prosecutor in Karaj, west of Tehran.

Two years later, while maintaining his previous post, he was also appointed as the public prosecutor in the city of Hamedan, western Iran. In 1984 he was transferred to Tehran and appointed as the capitals deputy public prosecutor.

Years later, after gaining Khomeinis personal attention, he was appointed as a member of the Death Commission tasked to supervise the 1988 massacre of thousands of political prisoner.

Following Khomeinis death, Ebrahim Raisi was appointed as Tehrans public prosecutor where he served the regime for five years until 1994. From there on he assumed the position of the regimes general inspector until 2004, and moved on to serve as the judiciarys first deputy until 2014. Continuing his climb up the regimes ranks, he was appointed also as the prosecutor in the regimes Special Clerics Court and went on to become Irans chief public prosecutor in 2014.

Following the death of Abbas Vaez-Tabasi, on March 7th, 2016 Khamenei appointed Raisi as head of the Astan Quds Razavi economic hub.

Ebrahim Raisis Role in Death Commission and 1988 massacre

In 1988, Khomeinis deputy Ayatollah Montazeri described Raisi (then Tehrans deputy public prosecutor) along with Morteza Eshraghi (a judge in Tehrans Evin Prison), Hossein Ali Nayeri (Tehrans public prosecutor) and Mostafa Pour Mohammadi (then representative of the Ministry of Intelligence and now Irans Minister of Justice) as perpetrators in the execution of political prisoners in (summer of 1988).

The names of the first two individuals have been stated in Khomeinis fatwa ordering the purge.To this day Resii has refused to make any public comments in this regard.

Over 30,000 political prisoners, mainly members and supporters of the Iranian opposition Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) were executed in a span of a mere few months.

Other managing and political posts

Khomeini was known to mission Raisi to a variety of different special judiciary missions across the country. Ebrahim Raisi was also appointed by Khamenei as a member of board of clerics in the Setad Ejraiye Farmane Hazrate Emam  Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam, supervising the supreme leaders assets.

He also served as the Iranian regimes first secretariat of the so-called Headquarters of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, a body that is associated with human rights and civil liberties abuses.
By The Associated Press

By The Associated Press Apr. 06, 2017 | 06:00 AM | FRANKFORT, KY

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear's office says training sessions planned this month will focus on the backlog of sexual assault forensic evidence kits.

The three-day training sessions are for law enforcement, prosecutors and victim advocates. The sessions are set for April 11-13 at the Embassy Suites in Lexington.

Beshear says prosecutors have requested the training to help them prosecute cases from the backlog of sexual assault evidence kits. Beshear's office says the training is another step toward helping sexual assault victims receive justice.

Warren County Commonwealth's Attorney Chris Cohron says the training will be invaluable for prosecutors across Kentucky.

Beshear's office has been working with lawmakers, law enforcement and advocates to end the kit backlog since last spring, when legislation was passed directing that the 3,000-plus untested kits be tested.
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Edward Albee was 73 when The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? first opened on Broadway in 2002 and the play makes me think of a late painting by Picasso or cut out by Matisse. It's a graceful tour de force, still full of challenge and dare and invention but executed with the precision of a master.

Part tragedy  what happens when a man with a perfect life is undone by a fatal flaw  and part ferocious social comedy  how far is society prepared to tolerate difference  it is both apparently simple and utterly complex. It also contains one of the single best dramatic jokes about the use of who' and whom' in the English language.

I think it is wonderful, invigorating and thrilling. Its premise is absolutely contained in that cryptic title; this is a story of a prize winning Manhattan architect called Martin, a man for whom the word uxorious might have been invented, who has never looked at anyone other than his wife Stevie in 22 years of marriage. But then he falls in love with Sylvia, a goat, and his entire life comes crashing down around him. Almost literally, as Stevie, in fury, destroys the trappings of their home, while their gay son Billy watches in horror.

The structure is, as you would expect from the man who won the Pulitzer Prize for drama three times, as sophisticated and exact as a Swiss watch. In the first act, there is revelation, when Martin is tempted to confess his affair' to his best friend Ross, a film maker he has known since they were 10. The second act brings confrontation, when Ross feels obliged  "I am mortified to tell you"  to write Stevie a letter revealing all. The third, brings various kinds of resolution, most of them shocking.

Within that shape, the language shares the same delicate justness. Over and over again, Albee finds exactly the right word or phrase whether making jokes about Goat Fuckers Anonymous and a man who is screwing a pig  "a small one" or dealing with the dangerous and morally ambivalent realms of how someone who is committing bestial acts can call his own son a "fucking faggot." The sheer density of the writing means that the play can be taken as being about many themes, and it does encompass all of them. But at its dark centre is a heartfelt examination of exactly what it takes to break a liberal, right-thinking family apart. Because Martin's problem isn't only his obsession with Sylvia; it is his belief he loves her. "I love you and I love her. There it is."

In Ian Rickson's carefully judged production, which on Rae Smith's imposing but slightly over-elaborate set travels from light to darkness both physically and metaphysically, it is Sophie Okonedo as Stevie who most perfectly catches the emotional tug that gives the play its impact. Her shock and righteous anger are beautifully but simply caught; she is funny but genuinely heart-breaking. She makes you believe and makes you care.

Damian Lewis's performance as Martin is more outward facing. It's full of clever detail like the way Martin's vagueness means he can never find a pocket in which to put his glasses, or the sense that he is caught unawares by his own emotion. He faces Stevie with a kind of defiance, his hands still at his sides, his head tilted as if bracing himself against her accusations. The conflict between them sometimes flows like a perfectly orchestrated aria but sometimes Lewis's prissy fastidiousness, the very eccentricity with which he endows Martin, seems to stand in their way.

The same hesitancy is also true of Archie Madekwe's Billy, the sad son who longs for love and attention amidst the wreckage, though I suspect both performances will relax as the run progresses. As Ross, the final player in this quartet, Jason Hughes captures just the right odious man about town air; he settles down to enjoy Martin's revelation about an affair, only to be shocked to his core not by the act, but by the fact that it might be discovered.

The revival of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf might seem a more obvious way of marking the genius of Edward Albee who died last year. But The Goat is a reminder of the way his genius did not fade; he could still nail the vagaries of the human soul right to the end.

The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? is currently booking at Theatre Royal Haymarket until 24 June.
As you may recall, Marca Bartra launched a Twitter crusade earlier in the week in a bid to track down the one lone, brave Dortmund fan spotting sitting among a sea of Schalke supporters during last Saturdays Ruhr derby.

Bartras quest was a success, with the Dortmund defender eventually being put in touch with Steffi Adam-Paap so he could invite her on a VIP trip to the clubs training ground.

Sure enough, come Thursday afternoon, the pair met face to face for the first time with Bartra handing over a signed jersey as promised

Great to meet Steffi today!!!!  Its been a worthy quest and a real pleasure! Thanks everybody! #SheLovesBVBMore #EchteLiebe  pic.twitter.com/MRqk53N1OT  Marc Bartra (@MarcBartra) April 6, 2017

However, the fun and frolics didnt end there, as Steffis Schalke-supporting husband Guido also came along for the ride  the pair having been sat together when the photo was taken.

Indeed, shortly after Bartra furnished his wife with a BVB jersey, Guido redressed the balance by presenting the Spaniard with his very own personalised Schalke shirt!

Und als Uberraschung bekommt @MarcBartra vom Mann der Dame ein @s04 Trikot mit der Nummer 5. #bvb pic.twitter.com/HG7ajtgsL3  Sebastian Kolsberger (@Kolsi85) April 6, 2017

I owed that to my Blues, Guido told ESPN FC, adding that he kept the Konigsblauen shirt, which had Bartras name and No.5 squad number on the back, hidden in a plastic bag until the very end of the meeting.

Nice one Guido, you old rascal!
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While claiming to be a moderate, Rouhani enjoyed very close relations with Iranian regime founder Ruhollah Khomeini in Paris even prior to Irans 1979 revolution.

Rouhani (first row, second from left) praying with the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and his followers in Neauphle-le-Chateau, France, 1978.

Rouhani has also been described as relic of the early days of the Iranian regime. He held numerous positions, including Secretary and Representative of the Supreme National Security Council, member of both the Assembly of Experts and Expediency Council, and different posts in the Majlis (parliament).

Rouhani has expressed support for blatant violations of international law over the past thirty years, including the 1979 U.S. embassy takeover, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeinis 1989 fatwa against Salman Rushdie, and the general use of extrajudicial, transnational violence (e.g., in 1987, he declared that Iranian forces had the capacity to destroy American economic interests around the world), according to The Washington Institute.

Early after the 1979 revolution Rouhani was appointed as the Military Coordinator during which he began purging the existing military, replacing them with those utterly loyal to Khomeini. Through the span of the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s that left millions of people killed and injured, and saw the regime even sending small children to battle and literally clear minefields, Rouhani is known to have served as the right hand of former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, then appointed by Khomeini himself as commander of the armed forces.

In the mid-1980s, as a military commander and nascent diplomat, Rouhani implicitly endorsed the development and use of chemical weapons, reports show.

During the 1999 student uprising that shook the Iranian regimes very foundations Rouhani headed the Supreme National Security Council and made his position known through his remarks.

These students are too pathetic and worthless for us to have to begin changing our directives. The continuance of this mess is not acceptable for our regime and the people. I issued strict orders against these elements [the students] to confront and severely deal with these opportunists. Wherever they are, we will handle them and suppress them. People will witness what todays security and disciplinary forces, the heroic members of the Basij (auxiliary militia) will do to these rabble-rousers and thugs, if they dare to imagine that they can continue their so-called peaceful campaign. The agent that has united our people today, is simply indestructible; that agent is Islam and Islamic rule which is the absolute symbol of the Supreme Leadership, he said.

Later on, Rouhani served as a nuclear negotiator and placed his effort to depict an image of a cooperative Iranian regime to the international community. However, Rouhani has been quoted of boasting about deceiving the West.

Gatestone Institute reported:

In April of 2006 during a speech at the Assembly of Clerics, Rouhani was caught on tape, boasting that while talks were taking place in Teheran, Iran was able to complete the installation of equipment for conversion of yellowcake  a key stage in the nuclear fuel process  at its Isfahan plant, but at the same time convince European diplomats that nothing was afoot. From the outset, he said, the Americans kept telling the Europeans, The Iranians are lying and deceiving you and they have not told you everything. The Europeans used to respond, We trust them!'

After reaching the regimes presidency in 2013, Rouhani pledged to loosen social restrictions, provide economic relief for the people and release political prisoners. Four years down the road, however, Iran continues to be known for its flagrant human rights violations. Rouhanis report card shows over 3,000 executions. The windfall provided through the deal that claimed to curb Irans nuclear program has only been used to further fuel Irans involvement in Syria and warmongering across the region, purchase weapons systems and further drive the regimes ballistic missile initiatives. And last but not least, the Iranian people have yet to feel any social or economic relief under Rouhanis tenure.
Reports indicate he served in the Ministry of Intelligence and the Department of Managing Crisis Zones during the final years of the Iran-Iraq War that spanned to the better portion of the 1980s. He was then appointed as head of the branch focusing on Israel and Iraq in the Counterintelligence Department, serving as head of the Office of Intelligence Evaluation. In 1993 he was transferred to the Interior Ministry and has a record of also serving in different posts of various governmental institutions, including state TV and radio, Tehrans municipality, Ministry of Science and the Cultural Heritage Organization.

On April 9th, 2011 Ahmadinejad appointed Baqai as his administrative deputy and caretaker of the presidency administration.

Baqai announced his candidacy in the 2017 presidential election back in February and described himself as an independent candidate and running on such a ticket. While Ahmadinejad had previously announced he would not support any candidate in the 2017 presidential election, he changed his position on March 19th and placed his weight behind Baqai.

Considered a controversial figure, Baqai has been the center of a long-lasting corruption scandal. Orders for his temporary detention had been extended on numerous occasions, while his lawyers complained if their defendants case was not politically motivated it should have been finalized long ago. One lawyer said the reason why his detention has been suspended yet again was Baqais complaint against the presidency of the incumbent Hassan Rouhani.

However, Irans semi-official ISNA news agency described Baqais theft dossier a catastrophe far worse than the case of (oil tycoon) Babak Zanjani.

Baqai has invested in 10 different countries and has stolen so much money that Iranian authorities must such for a few years to just identify his assets. Returning them to Iran is an entirely different dilemma, an Iranian official explained.
Born in 1961 in a town near the city of Mashhad in northeast Iran, Ghalibaf claims to have earned a PhD in political geography while being a member of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). He is also known to have undergone Airbus pilot training in France.

Ghalibaf joined the IRGC paramilitary Basij units during the 1979 revolution and went to Iranian Kurdistan as the regime launched a crackdown campaign against dissidents. An IRGC member from the very beginning, he went to frontlines as the Iran-Iraq War began in 1980.

Throughout the war he was a commander of various brigades, divisions and other senior posts in the IRGC, sending many young Iranians, and even children, into battle and the deadly minefields.

As the war dwindled he played a leading role in the crackdown of Irans northern provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran. In 1990 he went back to the IRGC and was appointed as the units Ground Forces chief of staff. A year later he moved on to the IRGC Joint Headquarters Coordination Office until being promoted in 1994 to deputy commander on the Khatam Al-Anbia Construction Company, a leading firm associated to the IRGC.

That same year he was transferred and appointed as the Basij deputy commander where he played an active role in popular crackdown and establishing bases associated to the Headquarters of Promoting Virtue and Prohibiting Vice, an entity known for its human rights violations.

Ghalibaf is also known as one of the main elements behind establishing Basij intelligence teams aimed at identifying resistance cells, arresting dissidents and imposing harsh crackdown on the people.

In 1997 he moved on to become the IRGC Air Force commander, replacing Brigadier General Jalali. During the 1999 student uprising across Iran, Ghalibaf and a number of other senior IRGC commanders had written confidential group letter to former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami calling for the government to control the unrest.

He is also known to have made startling remarks in this regard.

When [the protesters] poured to the streets and headed towards the leaders house, I was commander of the IRGC Air Force. There is an image of me holding a club and riding a motorcycle in the streets I was there to round up the protesters. When needed we will come to the streets and use our clubs. We are amongst the club-wielders and proud of it, he said.

Her served in this post until the year 2000 and was very active the IRGC missile units and expanding their numbers from three surface-to-surface missile units to five brigades, and mainly focusing on further developing the Shahab ballistic missile.

On June 27th, 2000, Khamenei appointed Ghalibaf as commander of Irans state police to replace Brigadier General Lotfiyan. Through the span of the next three years he commanded the state police in their crackdown of public dissent across Iran.

Ghalibaf expanded the police anti-riot units, established state police border posts and launched the repressive 110 Police units. He also imposed several fundamental changes in the police hierarchy and allocated huge budgets to provide these organs more equipment used in popular clampdown.

Ghalibaf participated in the 2005 presidential election and failed to receive a significant number of votes. After this defeat he was selected by the Tehran City Council as the city mayor. In 2013 he once again participated in the presidential election, failing yet again after finishing second. Afterwards, he once again received the majority of the Tehran City Council votes and was appointed as mayor for a third term.
During the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s time and again he went to the frontlines as a member of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards Basij units despite his high school and college studies.

He suffered a major injury in 1986, rendered an amputated leg in a field hospital. From the war he moved on to the Foreign Ministry in 1989 and served in various posts for 18 years. At the age of 30 he was appointed as head of the Foreign Ministry Inspections Office and remained at this position until 1996.

When Mohammad Khatami became Irans president in 1997, Jalili was appointed as the deputy of a sensitive Foreign Ministry department in charge of relations with the U.S. It was also during Khatamis tenure that Jalili was stripped of this position and appointed as manager of ongoing inspections in the office of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

With the beginning of Mahmoud Ahmadinejads tenure as president in 2005, Saeed Jalili was once again appointed to the Foreign Ministry and even considered Ahmadinejads first pick as the regimes top diplomat. However, various factors played in and he was eventually placed at the helm of the most important Foreign Ministry department, in charge of issues related to Europe and the U.S.

Enjoying Ahmadinejads all out trust in foreign policy, Jalili went on to be appointed as secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council in early fall of 2007 after current parliament speaker Ali Larijani resigned from this post. In early summer of 2008 Khamenei issued an order appointing Jalili as his representative in the council.

He served in this post and launched the Iran nuclear negotiations and during his years in the Supreme National Security Council the international community issued three U.N. Security Council resolutions under Article 41 of Chapter 7 in the U.N. Charter, describing Iran as a threat to world peace and security.

On September 10th, 2013, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani replaced Jalili with Ali Shamkhani as secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council. Jalili moved on to take part in the 2013 presidential elections and came in third.

He has also been a member of the regimes Expediency Council since September 12th, 2013 and member of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, chairing the bodys Political Commission from June 15th, 2014 to this day.

Inflexible, ideological and a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is how The Washington Post described Jalili back in 2013.

In the 2013 presidential elections Jalili was considered Khameneis desired candidate to lead the next government, according to Radio France International. However, he lacked any executive experience and the necessary colleagues for his cabinet. As a result, his cabinet would have been filled with former Revolutionary Guards commanders and clerics from Khameneis inner circle, RFI added.
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One in four voting-age Manitobans thinks its very unacceptable for the provinces premier to spend five to eight weeks of the year at his vacation home in Costa Rica.

A survey by Probe Research for the Winnipeg Free Press found that Manitobans are fairly evenly divided on whether it is appropriate for Brian Pallister to be away from the province for long periods of time.

Much of the split  although not all  was along party lines.

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Manitobans are divided on the issue of Brian Pallister being away from the province for long periods of time.

Fifty per cent (primarily Progressive Conservative supporters) found Pallisters absences acceptable, while 47 per cent (70 per cent among NDP supporters) said they were unacceptable. About four per cent said they didnt know or had no opinion. The figures do not add up to 100 per cent due to rounding.

Breaking down the numbers further, 26 per cent of those surveyed said it was very unacceptable for the premier to be away for so long, while 17 per cent found it very acceptable.

At various times, Pallister has said he intended to spend as few as five weeks and as many as eight weeks at his Central American retreat. He has said it does not affect his ability to fulfil his duties as premier, and he takes work with him while hes away. Hes also said he is reachable in an emergency.

The NDP has focused attention on the time the premier spends at his foreign home, making it the subject of mailouts to voters.

Probe research associate Mary Agnes Welch said the bulk of Manitobans dont appear to have strong opinions on Pallisters vacation plans.

I think for the most part a huge chunk of Manitobans are kind of willing to give him at least the benefit of the doubt on this, she said.

She noted that NDP supporters make up the vast majority of Manitobans who are most offended.

However, Welch said that those who find Pallisters absences somewhat unacceptable could see their views harden if a crisis occurred while he was abroad.

Winnipeg political scientist Paul Thomas said he doesnt think Pallisters absences will be uppermost in the minds of most voters when they go to the polls again in 2020.

Bread-and-butter issues such as taxes, government spending and the state of the economy will dominate, he said.

But if the premiers popularity is flagging, his trips abroad may become more of an issue, Thomas said.

If something goes badly wrong in the province and his popularity is falling, people will be looking for additional ways to blame him, he said.

The survey also asked Manitobans what they thought was an acceptable amount of time for the premier to spend in Costa Rica.

Forty per cent of respondents felt three to four weeks was appropriate, while 29 per cent said their preference was one to two weeks. Another 15 per cent indicated five to six weeks.

Meanwhile, younger adults were more supportive of the idea of the premier spending five to eight weeks out of the country than older folks.

Fifty-six per cent of those age 18-34 found it somewhat or very acceptable, while 46 per cent of 35-54-year-olds and 47 per cent of those 55-plus felt the same way.

Fifty-three per cent of those with a high school education or less found it somewhat or very acceptable for Pallister to be gone for a considerable time, while 54 per cent with some post-secondary education and 47 per cent with graduate degrees supported it.

Probe conducted telephone interviews with 1,000 adult Manitobans March 13-28. The results are considered accurate within plus or minus 3.1 percentage points 19 times our of 20.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
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First came a deluge of rain, then a string of winter blizzards. Now, April showers are threatening to heap further moisture on waterlogged fields just as Canadas farmers prepare to plant their fields this spring.

Parts of the Prairies will be wetter than normal in the last two weeks of April, costing farmers significant field work delays at the start of planting, said Joel Widenor, an agricultural meteorologist and founding partner with Commodity Weather Group in Bethesda, Md.

Thats bad news for growers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where some fields are already saturated after some areas have received 150 per cent of average precipitation since Sept. 1 following heavy fall rains and winter storms, according to the nations agriculture ministry.

Farmers in Saskatchewan still have more than one million metric tons of grain left to harvest after conditions were too wet to combine last fall. Thats adding to concerns spring planting could be delayed, since soils will have to dry out to support harvest equipment before seeding can happen.

Youd sink down in your rubber boots, Brent Flaten, an integrated pest-management specialist with the provincial agriculture ministry, said by telephone from Moose Jaw, Sask. You get a double-whammy of very wet conditions this time of year, plus in some areas theres still crop out.

Canada is the worlds largest grower of canola and a major exporter of wheat, including spring varieties. Prices for spring wheat are up about 0.2 per cent in the past year after wet fields contributed to lower crop quality, while a glut of winter grain sent futures of those varieties down about 10 per cent over the same period.

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation estimates there are still 1.3 million acres in the province that need to be combined ahead of this years spring planting  the most in 10 years.

The countrys farmers usually start to sow their crops from the end of April through the beginning of May, depending on the weather. This year, that period will coincide with a storm track that is poised to dump greater than average rainfall in southern areas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Widenor of Commodity Weather Group said.

Areas in southern Manitoba that were hit by a significant amount of rain last harvest still have high moisture conditions, and soils are at the saturation point across much of the province, said Rejean Picard, a farm production extension specialist with Manitobas agriculture ministry. Parts of the region are already bracing for possible flooding, and the potential for spring runoff is greater than normal, the province said in a March 24 statement.

Eight Manitoba municipalities have declared a state of emergency amid overland flooding from ice jams, according to an April 3 provincial bulletin.

If it starts raining, thats when the concern is going to start, said Dan Mazier, president of Manitoba-based Keystone Agricultural Producers. You get two, three inches of water in a short period of time, thats going to hurt.

It may be too early to speculate what impact planting delays could have on this years crop, said Jerry Klassen, a manager of Canadian operations and trading at Gap SA Grains & Produits in Winnipeg. Farmers have until early June to get their crops in, so extra moisture in late April may not have much of an effect, he said.

Still, with so much of last years crop still waiting to come out of the fields, farmers are hoping conditions dry out soon.

Its pretty soggy, said Norm Hall, the vice-president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, who still has as much as 12 per cent of his 2016 crop of flax and canary seed to harvest before he sows his acres on his Wynyard, Sask., farm. We are wet, but were waiting patiently. Its still early.

 Bloomberg News
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In the tech world, it is somewhat of a rite of passage to get mentioned in TechCrunch, Silicon Valleys must-read on startups and breaking news in the industry.

Winnipeg just had its own TechCrunch moment.

The citys technology sector gets some time in the limelight in a story posted to the website Wednesday with the headline, How Winnipeg focused on local strengths to create a tech hub in central Canada.

Local companies including Farmers Edge, Skip the Dishes, Sightlines Innovation, Invenia and Bold Commerce got mentioned and author Ben Fischberg did a good job noting how Winnipeggers collaboration serves to leverage existing talent.

Winnipeg, while home to 600,000 people, still manages to retain a small-town feel. Founders can easily speak with experts in any number of fields just by seeing who they went to high school with and who those people know, Fischberg wrote.

Marshall Ring, the CEO of Manitoba Technology Accelerator, said Winnipeg is the now the envy of many other centres trying to grow their tech sectors  now key to any communitys economic development.

For Winnipeg to be profiled in that website is incredible value, Ring said.

Jason Myers is one of four founders of Bold Commerce, the largest app developer for Shopify, which is already outgrowing its year-old Winnipeg location.

It now has 140 employees  40 per cent more than it had eight months ago.

I think its really good for Winnipeg, Myers said. Also, its officially the first time weve ever had our name mentioned in TechCrunch, so thats cool.

The 10-year-old digital publication now reaches more than 12 million unique visitors and has more than 37 million page views per month.

Ring and Myers were both impressed with the articles suggestion the citys success in nurturing the tech sector could be a model for other communities.

Fischberg wrote, Aiming to become a tech-friendlier city, not the next Silicon Valley, and solving brain-drain issues by encouraging tech entrepreneurship that leverages historical capabilities fuelled Winnipegs success and provides a replicable model for other cities to follow.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
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A four-year-old girl from Marchand was killed Wednesday after the ATV on which she was riding with her father flipped backwards onto both riders.

The RCMP said the incident happened at about 3:30 p.m. in the Marchand area, off of Twin River Road and Provincial Road 210.

Police said officers at the hospital were told by the 32-year-old father that he had his daughter seated in front of him as they were travelling up a hill on an ATV. The all-terrain vehicle flipped over backwards onto both riders and then continued to roll down the hill.

The child was taken to the local hospital by her father and later died. The father was not injured.
Opinion

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It is one of lifes greatest ironies that the more you shine light on mistakes made by government, the more determined government becomes to keep everything it does in the dark.

As a case in point, consider the fierce battle raging between the Free Press and various arms of the provincial government that are seeking to conceal the details of the brutal 2014 murder of a 21-month-year-old child by her mother, the tragic conclusion to a young life full of abuse and neglect.

The Free Press has followed this case for three years, during which time both the provincial child-welfare system and the provincial court system have undertaken extraordinary measures to keep secret the identities of the child and mother.

Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press Files The three volumes of The Legacy of Phoenix Sinclair, Achieving the Best for All Our Children report by The Hon. Ted Hughes.

This week, a Court of Queens Bench court judge ordered a publication ban to prevent any publication of the identities of child and mother, despite the fact the mother had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Normally, once a guilty verdict or plea is entered, the identities of parents and children involved in a case such as this would be part of the public record. The court elected to ignore this tradition, without citing any authority to support its decision.

That is not the only attempt being made to conceal details of this case. The provincial government has taken additional steps to conceal the intimate details of how the child-welfare system responded to this case before, during and after the toddlers tragic death.

In response to a freedom of information request by the Free Press, the province redacted huge portions of briefing notes on the case prepared for six different cabinet ministers. The omissions included nine recommendations from the Family Services Department in relation to this case and details of the strategy being employed to manage media inquiries.

This is an odd way to respond, if only for the fact that Manitoba only recently saw the value of a full and frank examination of failure in the child-welfare system.

In January 2014, the final report of the inquiry into the death of Phoenix Sinclair was made public despite years of effort by the province and the union representing social workers to derail or limit the review.

All told, it cost $14 million to examine the systemic issues that led to five-year-old Phoenixs horrible death at the hands of her mother and stepfather. The recommendations from that inquiry have led to profound and positive changes in the treatment of vulnerable children.

One would think after demonstrating the value of publicly exposing Phoenixs case, no one would be foolish enough to try to cloak other cases in secrecy. Remarkably, that is exactly what is happening.

In many ways, its not surprising. As mentioned earlier, an unblinking examination of a systemic failure can do more to harden the resolve of government and the people who toil within it to resist further exposure.

Five-year-old Phoenix Sinclair was murdered by her mother and stepfather in June 2005, prompting a public inquiry. The Legacy of Phoenix Sinclair: Achieving the Best for All Our Children (left), by Justice Ted Hughes, suggests improvements to Manitobas child-welfare system in light of Phoenixs death.

This was certainly the experience for those who have reported on wrongful convictions. After the Free Press reported extensively in the mid-2000s on the wrongful conviction of James Driskell, the province ordered a judicial inquiry. That inquiry confirmed a pattern of systemic corruption and manipulation by police and prosecutors in the case that was first suggested by a Free Press investigation.

Following the inquiry, the province paid Driskell $4 million in compensation, and pledged to make a more sincere effort to support the re-examination of a backlog of other cases of possible wrongful conviction, some involving the same prosecutor.

Unfortunately, lawyers and other advocates for the wrongly convicted would be hard-pressed to identify any changes in culture or attitude in the provincial Justice Department. In fact, the prosecutions branch appears for all intents and purposes to be less co-operative, and more hostile, to those who have followed in Driskells footsteps.

This mirrors the trends we are seeing now in the child-welfare system.

The inquiry into Phoenixs case was no doubt a torturous experience for the people on the front lines who have to make life-and-death decisions on when to remove children from their families, and when they should be returned. So torturous, it seems, that no one is interested in going through that experience again, despite the fact many of the problems identified in Phoenixs case seem to be persisting.

The Free Press recently reported on a special report from Manitoba childrens advocate, Darlene MacDonald, that documented the death of 14 children who had been monitored by the Island Lake First Nation Family Services. Of the cases studied, four of the children died of suicide, six in accidents, two by drowning, two from infections and two were categorized as unexplained infant deaths.

However, in 11 of the 14 cases, MacDonald found significant shortcomings in the performance of the agency involved, including gaps in service, an absence of routine monitoring and followup care and a lack of programming to address the family dysfunction that had put the children at risk. In publishing the details of the report, the Free Press kept confidential any information that would have identified the identity of the children or their families.

Remarkably, when the report was obtained by the Free Press, the childrens advocate demanded we not publish any of its details. In an email to reporter Mia Rabson, MacDonald suggested any use of the details of the report would further violate the lives of the families involved. She further suggested it was wrong to assume the public has a right to examine the histories of each family affected by such tragedy.

John Woods / The Canadian Press The Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry Report was released at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg Friday, January 31, 2014. Manitoba Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross acknowledged the failure of the child welfare system to protect Phoenix Sinclair and will act on the recommendations of Commissioner Ted Hughes' inquiry.

It might be possible to explain this as a mistake in judgment by the childrens advocate. In fact, it is a profound abuse of her power, a misguided attempt to console the families involved in these tragedies with confidentiality.

MacDonald, and others who are trying to keep the details of this most recent case from public view, are using the families involved in these cases as human shields to conceal the shortcomings of the child-welfare system.

Vulnerable children deserve better treatment. It will not come from a process that is left to fester in the darkness of secrecy. For progress to be made, it must be exposed to the light.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
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Manitoba has received a middle-of-the-pack B grade in the Conference Board of Canadas latest report card on the social performance of Canada and 15 peer countries.

Hampered by its homicide rate and poverty issues, Manitoba was ranked fifth among the 10 provinces and 15th overall on the How Canada Performs: Society list of 26 comparables that includes nations such as France, Germany and the U.K.

Manitoba is the top-performing Prairie province on the society report card, Craig Alexander, senior vice-president and chief economist for the Conference Board of Canada, said Wednesday in a news release. However, high marks on life satisfaction and social network support mask the provinces weak performance on poverty, income mobility, homicides, and immigrant and racial wage gaps.

John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files Manitoba fared best among the Prairie provinces with its fifth-place ranking of the 10 provinces.

Weighed down by poor rankings on income inequality and poverty, Canada also received an overall B grade, placing it 10th among the 16 countries (and 13th when factoring in the provinces) in the quality-of-life report.

Norway, Denmark and Sweden topped the rankings, respectively, each receiving an overall A; Japan and the United States were the lowest-ranked nations, both with a grade of D.

It is the first time the Conference Board report has broken out the provinces for individual ranking based on a comparison of social performances on 10 indicators. New Brunswick was the overall leader, with Newfoundland and Labrador in last place. The board plans to release a similar report on Canadas territories later in the year.

Manitoba received two As (life satisfaction and perceived social network support), five Bs (income inequality, gender wage gap, jobless youth, burglaries and suicides), two Cs (voter turnout and poverty) and one D  homicides (based on data from 2013-15 that placed it 25th, ahead of only the U.S.).

Canada was also a middle-of-the-pack performer with two As (including life satisfaction), five Bs and three Cs.

It is important Canada looks for ways to reduce income inequality and poverty. Sustained weak outcomes on income mean people are not fulfilling their potential and this can diminish economic growth and lead to increased social tension, Alexander said. A constructive approach is to remove barriers to opportunity for low- and middle-income Canadians.

Among the social indicators the report weighed but did not use in its overall rankings due to a lack of international data were intergenerational income mobility (a measure of the extent to which those born into low-income families struggle to move into a higher income bracket than their parents), immigrant wage gap and racial wage gap.

Manitoba faired poorly in all: ranking last among Canadian jurisdictions in income mobility (however, the number is based on 2000 data), while posting the highest immigrant wage gap  a 39 per cent difference in median hourly wages between university-educated landed immigrants and Canadian-born citizens (2015 data)  and third in racial wage gap (2010 data).

On a positive note, Manitoba was the best-performing province on income of people with disabilities  averaging 76.5 per cent that of people without disabilities (2012 data).

scott.emmerson@freepress.mb.ca
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The architect of a major success story in post-secondary education believes a partnership between the public system and private career-training firms would benefit all.

There is an opportunity for Manitobans to look at this world differently. There are opportunities for true partnership not just seen as competitors, said Paul Holden, who is about to step down after only three years as president of the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.

Holden said that he had expected to continue overseeing phenomenal growth at MITT, which describes itself as Manitobas first hybrid public college, but Robertson College made him and vice-president of business development Liz Choi offers they couldnt refuse.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / FREE PRESS FILES Paul Holden is stepping down after three years as president of the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.

Holden said that private training businesses such as Robertson and public colleges such as MITT, Red River College and Assiniboine Community College in Brandon should join forces with the help of government, not compete for students pursuing skilled trades.

He has plans to introduce the idea to the province after he starts work at Robertson May 15.

Education Minister Ian Wishart  who is about to launch public consultation on a review of the public education system  said earlier this week that hes heard interesting ideas from Holden in the past and hes ready to listen again.

I would expect some of his ideas would fit very well in there, Wishart said.

Two decades ago, Tory education minister Linda McIntosh appeared at the official opening of the downtown Robertson campus. But under 17 years of NDP government, Robertson and similar companies were, and are, treated as private businesses not classified as a private part of the education system.

In the last three years, enrolment at MITT has grown by about 30 per cent, he said. It operates two campuses, six adult learning centres and now has a campus in China.

Weve had a turnaround that I would argue is unprecedented, Holden said.

MITT has about 6,000 students, including about 1,000 non-Canadians, and expects enrolment close to 8,000 by 2020, he said, adding there is a year-and-a-half waiting list for admission.

Its through the roof, he said. Theres five applicants for every seat.

MITT was officially created by the legislature in 2014, after decades operating as the Winnipeg Technical College, which had been run jointly by several school divisions offering Grade 12 completion classes and some vocational training.

Now, said Holden, there are about 540 high school students and post-secondary trade skills training is the major focus. The college offers 19 different programs, which include auto mechanics, pharmacy technician, welding and culinary arts.

Information and communications technology  which includes elements such as cyber defence and cloud programming  is a growing area of study, Holden said.

Program details are available at http://mitt.ca/post-secondary.

MITT is unique among the provinces public post-secondary institutions in designing program materials to meet the stated needs of the business community, he said.

If we have a program that doesnt meet their needs, we dont offer it anymore; we turn it off quickly, he said

High school-level courses play a much smaller role than they once did, but Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine sends 200 students to MITT for trades education. Other high school students are enrolled in Pembina Trails division schools.

Holden said that MITT will have difficulty meeting growing demand unless it expands its facilities on its Kenaston-Scurfield boulevards campus.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

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When closing one of his House of Commons speeches condemning slavery in 1791, English abolitionist and member of Parliament William Wilberforce remarked that you may choose to look the other way but you can never again say you did not know.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) has ensured that most, if not all, Canadians have been exposed to its main finding: cultural genocide was committed against indigenous peoples through the Indian Residential Schools (IRS). There were approximately 130 residential schools across Canada that housed  akin to incarcerated  approximately 150,000 indigenous children from the 1870s to 1996. At least 6,000 children died due to systemic maltreatment and countless thousands more have suffered the direct and intergenerational effects of these institutions. Physical, mental and sexual abuse were not tangential elements of these places  they were woven into the very fabric of the IRS system in order to kill the Indian in the child.

Raphael Lemkin, the Polish Jewish lawyer who coined the term genocide, argued genocide can be perpetrated through physical or cultural methods. Physical genocide biologically destroys communities; cultural genocide destroys what it means to have community membership. Lemkin saw no difference in severity.

CPAC Senator Lynn Beyak during a Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples in March.

In this setting, Sen. Lynn Beyak has come under fire for not necessarily denying the genocidal residential schools, but for her praise of what she calls the good work of well-intentioned IRS employees. Her statements are troubling because they selectively accentuate partial histories and create opportunities for inaccurate understandings of the IRS system. Moreover, plenty of good people have committed  and will continue to commit  human rights violations in Canada and elsewhere. Beyak later argued her speech was not about residential schools, but about taxes and the need to audit indigenous communities. This red herring serves to confuse and repeats old discriminatory tropes.

Beyak undoubtedly has been exposed to at least the executive summary of the TRC and should understand Canadian colonial atrocity processes, as well as their current ramifications. Beyaks claim that she has suffered with indigenous peoples and her insidious attempts at silencing condemnation by claiming her controversy is fake news demonstrate an underlying resistance to reconciliation.

In making her comments, the senator may not have had malicious intent. But the comments are malevolent nonetheless. Numerous indigenous authors have spoken out against her suspect statements by setting historical records and present realities straight. I should certainly hope that one would find it difficult to contrive silver linings or progressive aspects of atrocities against indigenous children. Residential schools were not benevolently educational  they were both subtle and brutal forms of genocide. If a person with Beyaks power and privilege still possesses rose-coloured blinders of Canadian atrocities, what about the rest of us?

I believe Beyaks comments are garnering so much attention because every one of us knows at least one person who holds similar or even more discriminatory views about indigenous peoples. Beyaks comments are far from isolated. Her remarks are quickly becoming a national referendum on how to cultivate accurate understandings of the residential schools, understand the long-term negative effects of these places and enforce the rights of indigenous peoples. Beyaks ideas are unfortunately commonplace, but in this era of reconciliation it is our duty as Canadians  indigenous and settler alike  to create mutual understandings to truly create a nation of universal and equal human rights for all.

As a settler, I perhaps dont have the standing to lead conversations on the rights of indigenous peoples  that is for them to lead  but it is important to recognize that for reconciliation to work, it will take many thousands of settlers to be honest about the foundations of this country and how political processes have impacted groups differently, and to be solid allies for indigenous peoples. Some words that have been lost in this era of extreme politics, yellow journalism and discriminatory populism are empathy, compassion, understanding and honesty. These four things are required for progress on the creation of a more just society in Canada.

Empathetic and unwavering education is the most potent weapon to create this just society. Canadians want to be honest and moral and indigenizing understandings of Canadian history and contemporary society are the honest kind of national identity re-examination we need.

The Canada 150 campaigns ensure 2017 will be a year-long birthday party with an apex on Saturday, July 1. My hope is that the celebrations do not overshadow the very real problems indigenous communities face: displacement due to development projects, systemic underfunding of indigenous institutions, lack of child welfare resources, water supply problems and other violations of the rights of indigenous peoples. If the era of reconciliation should mean anything, it is that universal and equal human rights should be taken seriously in the next 150 years of Canadas existence.

Beyaks statements represent a moment of reflection. We cannot turn our backs to difficult problems that need solutions  that would be simply un-Canadian  and we can never say that we did not know.

Andrew Basso is a Ph.D. candidate in the department of political science at the University of Calgary. He focuses on human rights, displacement and indigenous issues.
Opinion

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Theres no doubt a key theme of the recent federal budget was innovation. Indeed, the word appears 261 times in the 280-page budget document.

While innovation is certainly an important driver of economic growth and prosperity, Ottawas current approach  doling out public funds to favoured industries and companies  is unlikely to spark innovation, and may, in fact, hinder it.

For instance, the government plans to spend $950 million over five years for the formation of superclusters to help create the next Silicon Valley.

ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Ottawa spends $23 billion each year on 147 separate programs and tax breaks aimed at innovation and skills training.

How precisely this will be accomplished is unclear, but the government has anointed particular industries  such as agri-food and clean technology  as the most likely originators of coming innovation.

The problem with trying to pick winners is that no one really knows which sectors will drive growth-enhancing innovation in the future.

Ironically, this is a point Finance Minister Bill Morneau recognized in his budget speech when he noted that a few decades ago no one would have imagined how much mobile computing would change the way we live.

Critically, handing out taxpayer money to the governments favoured industries takes resources away from other areas of the economy that could, in fact, be the source of future innovation.

The budget contains other handouts to businesses in the name of innovation, such as $400 million for a new government-sponsored venture capital fund and $1.4 billion in new available financing for businesses involved in clean technology.

While Ottawa hopes the private sector contributes financing for the venture capital fund, the auditor general recently found that a similar fund, created by the Harper Tories, failed to attract private investors owing to low returns and high management fees. Moreover, evidence shows that government-sponsored venture capital initiatives tend to underperform compared to initiatives funded by the private sector.

More broadly, its concerning to see the government announce new spending on innovation when theres no indication the considerable resources it currently spends are effective.

Ottawa already spends $23 billion each year on 147 separate programs and special tax breaks aimed at innovation and skills training. But as a recent study found, the government has not properly measured whether 90 per cent of this spending is achieving the stated goals.

Also concerning, the government has brought back the labour-sponsored venture capital corporation tax credit, a failed policy that is counterproductive to innovation. Again, the evidence shows this tax credit, which costs $150 million each year, displaces more effective private venture capital funding and lowers the level of overall capital available to Canadian entrepreneurs.

Rather than trying to pick winners (and losers), the government should instead foster an economic environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship broadly. This can be achieved in two important ways.

First, reduce regulations that protect industries and certain businesses from competition. When competitive pressures are lacking, theres less incentive to innovate, whether the desire is to protect or gain market share. Indeed, research shows that regulations restricting competition slow the introduction of innovative technologies and practices.

Second, ensure entrepreneurs are rewarded for taking risks on unproven ideas. Unfortunately, the federal governments record on this front is not positive, as it has raised the top marginal tax rate on personal income  a policy that research shows will adversely affect entrepreneurship by changing the risks and rewards associated with it. In other words, by raising the top tax rate, the federal government is discouraging the very people most likely to innovate.

If the government is serious about encouraging innovation, it should take steps to eliminate counterproductive policies and increase the rewards of innovative endeavours.

Charles Lammam is director of fiscal studies. Hugh MacIntyre is a policy analyst at the Fraser Institute (fraserinstitute.org).
Opinion

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In case you hadnt noticed, the province has gone hog wild for changes to the pork industry.

In March, the Progressive Conservative government introduced legislation that, in conjunction with an upcoming review of regulations concerning the industry, could roll back many of the restrictions introduced more than a decade ago by the former NDP government.

The Tories are not deregulating the hog industry. Far from it. In fact, many basic restrictions on hog operations will remain in place, including a prohibition on the spreading of manure on snow-covered or frozen fields and requirements that producers get expert advice in building manure-storage facilities. As well, producers will still have to create soil-testing and manure-management plans that must be approved by government.

CHUCK LIDDY / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE FILES Manitoba is the biggest pork producer in Canada.

However, in many other areas, the governments grip on the industry will loosen.

The proposed changes that reduce requirements for soil testing, allow for larger manure-storage facilities and offer increased flexibility in identifying fields on which to spray manure as fertilizer, are clearly designed to allow producers to increase the number of hogs they are raising.

With a little more than eight million hogs raised annually, Manitoba is the biggest pork producer in Canada. However, neither of Manitobas two main hog-processing plants is operating near capacity. The opportunity for hog farmers to increase production and improve their margins is rather compelling.

And yet, the hog industry is among the most environmentally challenged in all of agriculture. Hogs produce enormous amounts of manure, and the safe storage and disposal of said manure is a paramount concern. Right now, hog producers dilute the manure and then spray it as fertilizer on agricultural fields. For the industry to expand, producers would need access to more suitable land, as it is described in regulation  and be able to use it more frequently.

Do these regulations accomplish those goals? It is hard to say with certainty. Government officials claim the loosening of regulations is safe and justified based on evolving environmental and soil science. And yet, less-frequent testing of soil and land and greater flexibility in identifying suitable land for manure spraying doesnt seem to suggest safer.

The best option for the government is to subject all legal or regulatory changes to a full hearing of the Clean Environment Commission. Currently, there is no plan to do that.

Most of the current law and regulation up for debate was either informed or created by the commissions seminal review of the hog industry more than a decade ago. Certainly it makes sense now to call on the commission once again to review these changes.

Arms-length reviews of public law or policy are essential when government finds itself in an inherent conflict of interest, which is the case here. The province has a responsibility to promote economic growth through industrial activity. The province also has a solemn responsibility to safeguard the environment.

The only way to strike the balance is to have a fair and independent review by knowledgeable people who can make recommendations without political fear or favour.

Bypassing a review by the commission will serve only to undermine changes that very well could be safe and reasonable, which is ultimately a disservice to hog producers.
Working under a false identity resulted in charges of perjury, forgery, misidentification and identity theft being brought against a Winona woman

Miriam Patricia Guerrero Hernandez, 30, faces two counts of perjury; making false statements under oath or affirmation; giving a police officer a false name; forgery  for using a false Minnesota ID  as well as identity theft.

Police reports state that at the end of March, an Albert Lea woman received a letter from her landlord indicating that a credit check had been done, and she would need to provide pay stubs from a business in Winona where it was claimed she worked.

Because she didnt work or live in Winona the woman contacted police, but when the business was contacted they verified someone by her name did.

The woman also reported that in 2010 there had been issues with someone using her drivers license  which now had an address registered in Winona.

Police went to the Winona business and found copies of the womans documents, including birth certificate, drivers license, social security card, W-4 and other information.

Police met with Hernandez, who initially identified herself as the woman, but eventually said she was not a citizen and trying to work in the United States.

Hernandez said that she purchased the documents about six years ago from a woman she thought they belonged to.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  The Minnesota House has approved a $3.2 billion education bill that would freeze tuition next year for the state's two-year and technical colleges but the University of Minnesota will likely see a tuition increase.

The bill passed Tuesday in the Republican-controlled House by a vote of 77-53. Republicans said their bill helps students with rising educational costs through funding student debt counseling and a loan forgiveness program for agricultural, aviation and teaching jobs in rural Minnesota. It also creates a scholarship program for minority teachers and provides opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.

Republican Rep. Bud Nornes said the Legislature has a strong commitment to keeping costs low at state schools, denying Democrats' claims that his bill doesn't do enough to reign in schools' price tags.

"This will be the sixth year in a row for a freeze for the two-year schools," he said. "We have really done a lot to bend the curve and flatten that tuition."

Republicans' proposed $22 million for the University of Minnesota fell well short of the school's $147.2 million proposal, as well as Gov. Mark Dayton's $96.8 million. Earlier in the day, GOP lawmakers said the school had already committed to raising tuition, no matter how much the state awarded it, and that the school has never frozen tuition.

But University of Minnesota officials denied those claims, saying the school held tuition steady in 2013 and 2014 and its proposed numbers would have allowed for a freeze as well.

Two-year and technical colleges in the Minnesota State system fair better under the bill, with a tuition freeze planned for next year and a decrease the year after. Four-year state institutions, not including the University of Minnesota, would see tuition rise next year and stay steady the following year.

Democratic Rep. Gene Pelowski of Winona said the bill falls short of schools' needs and fails to address high debt loads.

"Student debt, now, is higher nationally than credit card debt," he said. "We are fourth and fifth in the nation in the amount of debt students carry and the number of students that carry debt."

The Legislature balanced the budget in past years when there was a deficit by slashing funding for higher education, Pelowski said, which he blamed for the high debt numbers in the state.

Negotiations between Dayton and the Republican-led Legislature show signs of stark differences. Though the Senate has a slightly higher amount proposed for places like the University of Minnesota, the Legislature's final number is sure to fall short of what the governor would like to see invested in the state's higher education system.
A Winona man wants to bring the City of Winona back to the city of Winona.

Ted Hazelton, former school board member and railroad enthusiast, has been trying to convince city officials to bring the retired DM&E 6366  the City of Winona  locomotive to display somewhere in the city.

The DM&E  Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern  railroads main line ran from Winona across Minnesota and South Dakota across the Wyoming border. The Class II regional line began operation in 1986 on track previously operated by the Chicago and Northwestern. The DM&E operated as an independent carrier until 2008 when it was acquired by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The DM&E adopted deep blue with a broad yellow band as the paint scheme for its locomotives. As locomotives were painted in DM&E livery, they were each named for a city or prominent locale along the route. DM&E 6366  an EMD SD40-2 built in 1974 for the Milwaukee Road  was given the name City of Winona.

Hazelton said he first heard in late January that the locomotive had been taken out of service and that it had been relegated to a scrap yard in Ohio and would likely be parted out. He thought it wold be fitting for the locomotive to be returned to Winona and could be displayed at a number of sites in the city, including a redesigned Levee Park near the bridge.

It has a connection here and spent most of its time here, Hazelton said  on the old Milwaukee Road, the DM&E, and CP Rail.

Mayor Mark Peterson noted that the Levee Park Committee had explored a similar idea several years ago, but hadn't been able to secure a train.

I think the desire was to find something connected to Winona, Peterson said.

While he said acquiring the City of Winona is a nice thought, the funds were not likely there to buy it outright and bring it here.

Youve got a lot of hurdles to jump before that would happen, Peterson said.

The biggest of which is the $100,000 price tag on the retired locomotive, a figure that doesnt include the costs to run the still fully-functioning locomotive to Winona on several different train lines  which, in itself, would require negotiation with one or two railroad companies.

Then there is the cost of having it repainted, which would run around $20,000.

Hazelton said part of the money could possibly be recouped by scrapping the trains engine and other parts once it is here, but that would require the assistance of a company with equipment and expertise to do so.

Another obstacle is the timetable the scrapyard is on.

According to Hazelton, LTE Rail Service  who currently owns the locomotive  had planned to scrap it out in April, but could hold it until July with a $2,500 deposit, then potentially for another month if theyre close to having the money in hand. After the sale, the new owners would have at most 30 days to remove it  no later than September.

Hazelton said that he had hopes of generating money and interest through a crowd funding effort. The money could be returned if plans didnt pan out, Hazelton said.

He said there may be a way to work out a tax deductible donation for the company if they were to give the locomotive to the city.

Hazelton said the process has been sort of a catch-22 so far.

You have to work out the logistics, Hazelton said. But you dont want to get too involved if you cant do it.

Currently, Hazelton is trying to get it onto the City Councils agenda for discussion.

And the City of Winona is in Ohio, going nowhere.

It has a connection here and spent most of its time here. Ted Hazelton, Winona
On the floor of Watkins Art Gallery at Winona State, there are hundreds of circles with a stream between them. On the left, the circles are turquoise. On the right, theyre a pink tone

ChunLok Mahs exhibit, WEnona Project, invites the visitor to participate.

Visitors can pick either a turquoise or pink circle and on the back theres a question or statement to respond to  what do you love about your community? If you could make a difference in the community, what would you do?

The more participation from community members, the smaller the stream between the different colored dots become.

There shouldnt be a line between the dots to begin with, Mah said. But the more we engage with the project, and each other, the more barriers we can break down.

Mah talked about the project and its meaning at a reception Wednesday afternoon.

Mah explained the inception of the idea for the project, and how the different components of the project work to create a dialogue about inclusiveness and empathy. The capacity crowd listened, sometimes laughed, as Mah told stories about his own experiences in America since he came here from Malaysia 20 years ago; experiences that ultimately led to the creation of the project.

He talked about fear, and how hes seen it affect the dialogue and interactions we have with one another.

Fear is invisible, Mah said. Sometimes we have so much fear, we cant develop the compassion we need to make our community a better place.

There are also a number of pictures with two words on the wall, but viewers can only see one at a time depending on where theyre standing or how theyre looking at the picture. Mah said he paired words that complement each other, and make you think about how correlate with each other.

Mah also talked about how people aspire to do something, but dont always think about ways to inspire others.

Jennifer Hoffman, Winona State Foundation coordinator, said hearing Mah talk about the project inspired a lot of thought about her own interactions with others.

She thought he did a good job connecting our differences, while illuminating our common goals, which, as Hoffman put it, creates a fabric of compassion and concern.

I want to aspire to inspire now, she said. Its important that we connect with each other more to dissolve barriers.

Peter Bagshaw, who moved to Winona 17 years ago from England, said he could relate to some of Mahs thoughts on fear, and how fear dictates the way people view each other.

He said the way Mah put together the WEnona Project was clever and impressive. He walked by the gallery a couple times before the artist talk, but didnt spend enough time with it in order to comprehend the meaning of the project.

The creativity is amazing, Bagshaw said. Im glad I went to (the artist talk) because it makes more sense ... the experience really enhanced my understanding.
Winona teachers and facilities deserve wholehearted and generous support, but closing schools will hurt that support by offending the wishes of a substantial part of the community.

We propose that all schools remain open. Though some improvements need to be made, existing schools are structurally sound and will be for decades to come. A realistic assessment has to be made that distinguishes necessary repairs from desirable renovations and other wish lists, and how changes will improve educational results. Space availability should be seen as an opportunity to create educational initiatives based on community involvement.

Neighborhood schools are better for communities than consolidated ones that require the cross-town busing of kids. Winonas schools are clearly vital to the sustainability and growth of Winonas historic central core. Winonas sense of community and its image as a desirable destination for new families depend on maintenance of its central core.

It is obvious that school closure debates have dominated discussions and divided our community for many years. It is time to focus on positive ways to improve educational quality. School closures will encourage parents to abandon our schools, and will continue to divide our community. This negativism will be expressed by affected constituencies when WAPS proposes another referendum vote.

The new superintendent should feel obligated to encourage the school board to work within its means to prioritize the sustainability of our elementary schools. Improvements could be made by stages, according to a strategic educational and funding plan that focuses on learning and growth. Upgrading existing schools will encourage Winonans to work together to support a facility referendum designed to make appropriate improvements in stages to all our schools.

This approach seems reasonable and much more affordable, and a direction that the majority of WAPS citizens are much more likely to support.
Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation President Ed Paradowski was among a group of manufacturers who visited the White House to chat with President Donald Trump about the state of manufacturing last week.

It made a lifetime memory for 14 regular people, Paradowski said.

The group was made up of small- to mid-size manufacturers in the United States. Of the 14 people, Paradowski and Thomas Riordan, CEO of Neenah Enterprises was there to represent Wisconsin manufacturing.

After Paradowski introduced himself to the president, he told him that he would love to see Trump visit Beaver Dam as he slid his business card across the table to him.

Well, I love the state of Wisconsin, Trump replied.

During the listening session, Paradowski said Trump was brief, but poignant. Vice President Mike Pence was also in attendance.

It was more him trying to understand us, Paradowski said.

According to a National Association of Manufacturers survey this year, 93 percent of manufacturers are either somewhat or very positive about their own companys outlook. This is up from 56 percent one year ago and 77 percent in December. The results state that this is a nearly 20-year high for the industry. Apache Stainless is a member of this association.

NAM is lobbying group for the manufacturing industry. NAM is the one of largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in all 50 states.

Its a surge of optimism that is spreading all across our land, Trump said during the meeting. These survey results are another vote of confidence in our plan that will bring back jobs, lower taxes and provide a level playing field our workers.

Paradowski said the survey results are one of the reasons why he and the others were invited to Washington D.C.

He genuinely wanted to know what was going on and that was encouraging, he said.

In Paradowskis opinion, President Barack Obamas administration wasnt too successful with building connections with the manufacturing industry. As a result, he said many people in the meeting shared challenges and pains with Trump.

We know there is much work to be done, not only on regulatory reform but also on infrastructure investment, workforce development and comprehensive tax reform, Paradowski said in a news release after the meeting.

After the meeting Paradowski said he was feeling more optimistic and the opportunity to stand in the Oval Office after the meeting was special to him.

Ill remember that for the rest of my life, he said.

Trump later tweeted a photo with Paradowski and the other manufacturers in the Oval Office.
Dozens of dairy farmers are scrambling to find buyers for their milk after a central Wisconsin producer of dairy products and ingredients announced it would no longer accept milk from them after May 1.

Behind this action is a new pricing structure implemented by Canada, which dramatically increased the cost of U.S. dairy imports and encouraged dairy companies there to purchase similar items from Canadian dairy producers.

Every day for years, Grassland Dairy Products in Greenwood has sent more than 1 million pounds of ultra-filtered milk, a product with elevated protein content that's typically used in cheese production, to Canada. But the company was informed by its Canadian customers last month they were immediately discontinuing buying the product from Grassland, which the company said left them little choice but to reduce its milk intake.

The timing couldn't be worse for farmers like Frank Behling of Randolph, as spring is a time of year when his 60 milking cows are producing the most milk. Behling, who has been in the dairy business for about four years as Wildweed Holsteins & Jerseys, shipped roughly 4,000 pounds of milk daily to Grassland for nearly 18 months.

Now he has less than a month to find a new place to send his milk.

"I've never encountered anything like this before," Behling said. "Finding a new processor fast (to replace Grassland) is my priority."

Grassland says on its website that it receives milk from more than 600 farms, but doesn't specify if all those sources are in Wisconsin. Goedhart Westers, vice president of business development at Grassland, would not say how many dairy farmers it informed of the cutoff in letters this week but said "several dozen" were told their milk no longer would be accepted by the company.

"When Canada implemented this new policy, it left us little to no response time," Westers said. "Our next move is to find a new home for this milk, and that will be tough."

Dairy experts say there is too much milk available on the market today, and contractual obligations at other milk processors or dairies that make yogurt and ice cream may not allow them to accept more milk from new sources.

Federal and state officials for the past year have known that Canada was exploring modifying its dairy policies and had been expressing its concerns with the Canadian government about how any changes would affect U.S. dairy businesses.

Ben Brancel, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said the state has had numerous meetings with trade representatives, and Gov. Scott Walker has sent letters on this issue to former President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump.

Brancel, who managed a dairy farm for more than 20 years, said it was hoped that some of the product being sent to Canada could be absorbed by other processors around the state. Wisconsin is home to about 400 facilities that produce a wide array of dairy products.

"The problem right now is that we've seen milk production go up in other states, including South Dakota and Michigan, and (Wisconsin processors have) bought up some of that milk, so the system is full right now and has left us less flexibility than we had hoped for," Brancel said.

He said the state is contacting all milk processors across Wisconsin and in other parts of the country to assist Wisconsin dairy farmers impacted by Grassland's decision.

Big ripple effects

When a major processor like Grassland reduces milk intake, that action is immediately felt, Brancel said. There also are no state or federal subsidies available to assist affected dairy farmers.

"They've invested in technology that enhances the value of product it sends out," Brancel said. The ultra-filtered milk Canadian purchasers got from Grassland helped cheese producers there make a higher-quality cheese at a lower cost.

Westers said his company overall was pleased with the milk quality from its Wisconsin suppliers.

"Basically right now we had more milk than we could physically process, which is why we had to take such a drastic action," he said.

Mike North, president of Commodity Risk Management Group in Platteville, said the impact of too much milk on the market won't translate to lower prices for consumers.

"Grassland's announcement really isn't good for anyone," North said. "There may be a drop in product prices, but it would be so temporary that the impact on the consumer level often isn't felt."
Old National Bank is sponsoring a $45,000 Choose Your Charity cash giveaway to benefit local nonprofit organizations. The winners will be chosen by the community. This promotion is only available at Old National banking centers in Wisconsin or online at www.oldnational.com/chooseyourcharity.

$1,000 will be given to the charitable organization receiving the most votes at each participating banking center. There are 45 banking center locations in Wisconsin. Winners must be non-profit organizations with a 501(3) legal tax exemption status.

Voting ends May 12. Community members must cast their votes in person at any Old National Bank location in Wisconsin or online. Voters must be 18 years or older and may only vote once per day.

Giving back to the community is at the heart of all we do at Old National, said Len Devaisher, Wisconsin Region CEO. The Choose Your Charity Giveaway provides a mechanism to support many local organizations within the greater Wisconsin community and is just one way we put our values into action.
[April 05, 2017] 'We are transforming meteorology:' ClimaCell, a startup with MIT Sloan roots, launches new technology using wireless communication networks as weather sensors to help organizations make better business decisions

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Every day, companies and organizations all over the world make multi-billion dollar business decisions based on the weather. But their decisions are only as good as a forecast, and most of today's weather forecasting models rely on data from 20th century radar tracking systems and/or expensive satellite technology. ClimaCell, a new weather data collection company that launches this week, seeks to change that. The Boston-based startup is pioneering the use of wireless communication networks as weather sensors to improve the precision of forecasts. "Most of today's weather observation instruments were introduced more than 50 years ago and since then, the technologies have experienced evolution in terms of improvements, but certainly no revolution," says Rei Goffer, the company's CSO and Co-Founder. "At ClimaCell, we are introducing an entirely new monitoring method that we believe will revolutionize weather forecasting." ClimaCell integrates several tiers of data from wireless networks, satellites, radars, and other sensors to create high-definition maps. These maps, which have a spatial resolution of hundreds of meterstwice the granularity of current solutions, provide up-to-the-minute, street-level weather forecasts. "When it comes to forecasting the weather, accuracy and timing are everything," says Shimon Elkabetz, CEO and Co-Founder of the company. "But current weather forecasts are not reliable enough, and so for organizations that need to make weather-based decisionsWhat impact will a drought have on crop production? How much insurance is needed for an office building in a flood-prone area? Or how will a prolonged heat wave affect retail sales?this presents a real challenge." Itai Zlotnik, the company's CTO and Co-Founder, adds, "Our novel technology, which analyzes a range of wireless communications, serves as an additional layer of data that vastly increases the accuracy of forecasts. As a result, companies and governments will be able to make better decisions and of course, save livs."



The idea for ClimaCell was born out of the founders' experiences in the military. (Goffer and Elkabetz served in the Israeli Air Force, while Zlotnik served in an elite commando unit of the Israeli Defense Forces.) "Weather-related near-death experiences are a common occurrence in the military," says Elkabetz. "In the air and on the ground, you often encounter unexpected fog or rain, which hamper visibility and can even cancel a mission. We knew there must be a better way to track and forecast weather and so the three of us started to look for solutions."

Zlotnik had previously worked with Prof. Hagit Messer-Yaron at Tel Aviv University, researching the possibility of using cellular networks to monitor weather patterns. The group set out to develop and license the technology into a viable commercial product, recruiting three PhDs to the mission.

Zlotnik is an MBA candidate at MIT Sloan School of Management; Goffer is a dual MBA/MPA candidate at MIT Sloan and Harvard Kennedy School of Government; and Elkabetz attends Harvard Business School. "The education provides helpful frameworks," says Goffer. "And the faculty here at MIT Sloan have been so supportivefrom helping us brainstorm use cases to opening doors to investment opportunities." Among others, Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Group, the Mumbai-based operating conglomerate, recently made a significant seed investment in the company. ClimaCell plans to expand to India in June. "We see a great deal of promise for ClimaCell in India and the developing world," says Goffer. "Because there's no need to install additional hardware, it's possible to implement our software immediately and achieve extremely accurate results. We see the potential for farmers to better monitor and predict rainfall to plan their next steps and improve their yields. An average of 3,400 people lose their lives every year due to flash floods in India. We dream of dramatically reducing that number with more accurate alerts and longer lead-times." As of today, ClimaCell's maps are available to customers in a controlled release via web-based software on a subscription basis or as an API for those who have systems in place and would like to use the granular data. "We want to be the most accurate weather data company in both developed and developing world," says Elkabetz. "Our goal is to fundamentally transform meteorology." About ClimaCell ClimaCell, Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides high-definition weather forecasting tools to businesses and governments worldwide. ClimaCell pioneered the commercial use of wireless communication networks as weather sensors. The technology provides updates every minute, spatial resolution of 300-500 meters, and twice the accuracy of weather radars. The company was founded in 2015 by a team from the MIT Sloan School of Business and the Harvard Business School. Ratan Naval Tata of the Tata Group backed the company with a seed investment in 2016, as did Project 11 Ventures. For more information, visit www.climacell.co. About the MIT Sloan School of Management

The MIT Sloan School of Management is where smart, independent leaders come together to solve problems, create new organizations, and improve the world. Learn more at http://mitsloan.mit.edu/. For further information, contact:

Paul Denning

Director of Media Relations

617-253-0576

[email protected] or Patricia Favreau

Associate Director of Media Relations

617-253-3492

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/we-are-transforming-meteorology-climacell-a-startup-with-mit-sloan-roots-launches-new-technology-using-wireless-communication-networks-as-weather-sensors-to-help-organizations-make-better-business-decisions-300434631.html SOURCE MIT Sloan School of Management

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Two town of Middleton board write-in candidates won rare victories Tuesday in a backlash against a bill that makes it easier for towns to withdraw from Dane County zoning.

One write-in candidate attributed the result to grassroots campaigning prevailing over pro-development interests, while the incumbents criticized their opponents for spreading misinformation. The victories also served to underscore the political repercussions of trying to scale back citizen input on a contentious local issue.

Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said he has never seen a successful write-in campaign in his 20 years in county politics.

Its obviously a reaction to the effort to prevent town residents from being able to vote on opting out of town zoning, said McDonell, a Democrat who supports the countys approach to limit sprawling rural development. If I were on a town board thinking about getting out of county zoning I would slow down.

Cynthia Richson, a 57-year-old semi-retired lawyer, and Richard Oberle, who previously served on the board for 12 years, ousted Town Board chairman Bill Kolar and four-term incumbent Tim Roehl after mounting a write-in campaign less than a month before Election Day. They both won more than 700 votes out of about 1,350 cast for the two at-large seats.

Mark Hazelbaker, a lawyer for the Dane County Towns Association, noted the incumbents easily won re-election in other towns contemplating withdrawal from county zoning. He said the results in Middleton were related to Roehls role in advocating for Assembly Bill 109, which initially would have eliminated a public vote on whether a Dane County town could opt out of county zoning oversight. The bill was later amended to require a vote, though it could take place at a special town meeting with 30 days notice, rather than the annual town meeting.

Richson and Oberle filed to run as write-in candidates shortly after a March 8 public hearing on AB 109 in which several town of Middleton residents testified in opposition.

Oberle did not respond to a request for comment.

Richson said when she started running it was such a longshot that she thought of it as a way to mobilize voters to oppose the town zoning vote at the annual town meeting on April 18. Middleton is one of eight Dane County towns holding votes that day on the town zoning issue.

Richson said she and Oberle along with a vocal contingent of town zoning opponents spent every day for three weeks knocking on doors to spread the word about AB 109. She said voters she spoke with were turned off by a barrage of robocalls supporting the incumbents in the final days before the election.

I am so happy for the citizens, for the town of Middleton, Richson said. Their voice has finally been heard, listened to and respected.

Roehl, 53, a realtor and vice president of the Dane County Towns Association, supported both the effort to withdraw from county zoning and AB 109, but Kolar, 65, a construction engineer set to retire Friday, never took a position on county zoning and didnt attend the March 8 hearing.

Kolar said Richson mischaracterized his position as being in support of the bill, but by the time he started knocking on doors voters had already made up their minds. He said in his eight years on the Town Board, including four as chairman, the town has achieved a AAA bond rating, built a $1 million rainy day reserve and has been run very efficiently.

She doesnt have any agenda other than Bill Kolar is going to put a cluster subdivision in your backyard,  Kolar said. Its about the rot in the campaign system that has filtered down from the presidential office to one of the lowest offices in the land. You can get elected to Town Board supervisor if you put enough garbage in front of the people.

Kolar said Roehl made a mistake in supporting AB 109 in its original form. Roehl, a lobbyist for the Dane County Towns Association, said he was representing the towns that want to get out of county zoning but view the process approved by the Legislature last year as burdensome.

What I was hearing from their supporters was unbelievable, Roehl said. Misdirection. Fabrications. Innuendos. It was not nice.

Richson, a town Plan Commission member who ran against Roehl and lost in 2013, said the town zoning issue was being pushed by the board. On two occasions the board asked the Plan Commission to take a position on the town zoning issue, and she voted against it both times.

The Assembly was scheduled Tuesday to vote on AB 109, but Democrats, who oppose the bill, used a procedural move to delay the debate until Thursday.

Not all Republicans are on board with the bill. Rep. Scott Allen, R-Waukesha, said he will oppose AB 109 because it scales back the public vote requirement.

AB 109 amends a law passed last year that allowed towns to opt out of Dane County zoning. Elsewhere in Wisconsin towns have been able to opt out of county zoning whenever the county conducts a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning laws, but Dane County hasnt done that in 80 years. Allen authored an amendment last year that required Dane County towns to hold a public vote before opting out.

Democracy is a slow and awkward process, Allen said. (Town zoning) is a significant change and the people who are going to be affected by that change ought to have a say in that process.
A controversial bill that makes it easier for towns to withdraw from Dane County zoning passed the state Assembly on Thursday.

The Assembly voted 57-34 to adopt Assembly Bill 109, which allows towns to call a special town vote within 30 days on whether to withdraw from county zoning during a one-year period every three years.

The proposal as originally written would have removed any public voting requirement, but that provision was modified after strong vocal opposition, particularly from residents of the town of Middleton.

Town of Middleton voters on Tuesday elected two write-in candidates over the incumbent board chairman and a board member who was instrumental in advocating for AB 109 through the Dane County Towns Association.

Democrats used the election result to argue the public doesnt support the bill and that Republicans shouldnt get behind the lobbying efforts of a local elected official who was voted out of office.

The people spoke, said Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison. You lost this issue to the will of the people. You dont come back into session and say the will of the people wasnt right.

Three Republicans bucked their party and voted against the bill. Some Republicans who supported it framed the issue as an attempt to free towns from the influence of Madison liberals who control Dane County government so they can develop more land and lower property costs in the city.

Youre paying more for the state of Wisconsin to have property leased because of restrictive zoning of Dane County, Rep. Bob Gannon, R-Slinger.

Democrats argued the bill would negate an upcoming April 18 vote on the town zoning issue in eight Dane County towns. As currently amended, the bill does not allow a town vote to occur at the annual town meeting unless it is called as a special meeting.

However, the bill would have to be signed into law before April 18 to negate the scheduled votes from taking place. The bill now moves to the Senate, which doesnt convene again until May. If it passes the Senate it would then go to Gov. Scott Walker for final approval.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said Thursday his caucus has had a lot of discussion about the bill and wont make a decision on whether to support it until after the April 18 town votes.

Democrats used a procedural move Tuesday to delay debate and passage of the bill until Thursday, a day after the Senate wrapped up its business for the month.

Mark Hazelbaker, a lawyer for the Dane County Towns Association, said the urgency of passing the bill early in the year was not tied to the April 18 votes, which will go on as planned. Rather it was intended to give other towns the time to withdraw this year. The next time towns can withdraw will be in 2020.
Information is taken from the records of the Portage Police Department and does not represent a comprehensive list of police activity. Each individual named in this report is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Between 6:08 a.m. Friday and 7:47 a.m. Tuesday police responded to 112 calls.

John Muir Elementary: Police on Friday at 8:54 a.m. assisted with a 10-year-old male, who caused a disturbance including breaking a door with a chair, resulting in a lockdown. The boy was referred to Columbia County Health and Human Services for disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and resisting an officer.

DeWitt Street and East Carroll Street: Police on Saturday at 12:23 a.m. stopped Dawson Greuder, 18, who was cited for operating a vehicle after suspension of a license, operating a vehicle without proof of insurance, failure to fasten a seat belt, and issued a city ordinance citation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

East Wisconsin Street: Police on Saturday at 2:45 a.m. responded to a report of an individual unconscious in a vehicle with the engine running. Jeremy Reichhoff, 21, of Fall River, was arrested and cited for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated as a second offense, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.

County Highway CX: Police on Saturday at 5:13 a.m. responded to a reported accident in which a vehicle had travelled about 230 feet in the ditch before striking a tree. The driver, Seth Enstad, 54, of Portage, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a first offense.

South Highway 16: Police on Saturday at 7:39 a.m. stopped Jenna DeWitt, 24, of Baraboo, who was cited for operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a third offense and driving without proof of insurance.

New Pinery Road: Police on Saturday at 11:29 a.m. stopped Joseph Troia II, 36, of Portage, who was cited for operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a second offense and driving without proof of insurance.

West Burns Street: Police on Saturday at 11 p.m. responded to a domestic disturbance in which a 34-year-old Portage woman was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct and battery.

Wood Street: Police on Sunday at 12:20 a.m. responded to a reported fight in which officers observed what appeared to be an underage alcohol party. Sawyer Timme, 20, and Evan Walz, 20, were stopped for reportedly fleeing from the scene. Both were cited for underage alcohol consumption as a first offense.

Jefferson Street: Police on Sunday at 7:13 a.m. stopped Randall Anderson, 24, of Portage, who was arrested for a probation hold and cited for operating a vehicle after revocation of a license as a second offense.

West Marion Street: Police on Sunday at 4:27 p.m. responded to a disturbance in which on online dispute reportedly escalated to an in-person confrontation. Sonja Peplinski, 31, of Portage, was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct and violation of probation.

West Wisconsin Street: Police on Sunday at 10:24 p.m. responded to a report of a woman lying on the sidewalk. Abigail Rott, 38, of Portage, was arrested and cited for felony bail jumping, battery to an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer.

Cattail Lodge: Police on Monday at 2:12 a.m. responded to a disturbance in which Gary L. Jordan, 53, of Wisconsin Dells, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.

Brooks Street: Police on Monday at 9:06 p.m. responded to a disturbance in which a 19-year-old male was arrested and cited for domestic disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.
[April 05, 2017] Panasonic Showcases Latest Video Surveillance Solutions at ISC West 2017

Panasonic (News - Alert) System Communications Company of North America (PSCNA) is bringing its extensive array of leading integrated security and video surveillance solutions to ISC West 2017, April 5-7 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Introduced to wide acclaim at ASIS International 2016, Panasonic will be showcasing new additions to its i-PRO Extreme technology platform which delivers a full H.265 system solution along with demonstrable enhancements in image quality, system reliability, IP security and embedded intelligence. Building on this initial introduction, Panasonic is pleased to announce the availability of its new i-PRO Extreme Recorder (WJ-NX400) and i-PRO Extreme Video Management Application (WV-ASM300), now making Panasonic one of the first surveillance solutions companies to be shipping a fully secure, end-to-end H.265 video surveillance platform including cameras, recorder and system software. In addition, all new i-PRO Extreme-based cameras and recorders now ship with a limited 5-year factory warranty. Panasonic is also introducing its new extension software plug-in (WV-AS306) for the WV-AS300 Video Management Application. The plug-in enables Video Insight servers to be utilized as video recorders on i-PRO Extreme-based software clients (ASM300) adding flexible migration and system architecture options for i-PRO customers. Also making its debut is an expanded lineup of new i-PRO Extreme cameras including Panasonic's newest H.265 Extreme PTZ camera featuring a powerful 40x optical zoom, gyro-driven zoom stabilization, and an optional Vehicle Incident Detection Analytics plug-in. The new PTZ Vehicle Analytics plug-in is the latest addition to Panasonic's full portfolio of Extreme Analytics technologies on exhibit at the show, which comprise a variety of solutions designed to automatically track both humans and vehicles, enhancing security efficiency and elevating situational awareness. New i-PRO Extreme Recorder WJ-NX400 Now available for delivery is the new WJ-NX400 i-PRO Extreme H.265 Secure System Recorder, the much-anticipated successor of the long-standing WJ-ND400 i-PRO recorder. The new 64 Channel WJ-NX400 recorder features H.265/H.264 recording and increased recording bandwidth up to 384Mbps and field expandable up to 128 recording channels. It also includes an integrated GUI capability, enabling a complete Camera/Recorder/Viewing solution without the need for a separate PC client. New i-PRO Extreme Video Management Application WV-ASM300 Also available now is the new WV-ASM300 i-PRO Extreme H.265 Secure Video Management Software application, a major new update of Panasonic's popular WV-ASM200 software. The new ASM300 software features an improved GUI design, integrated set-up and configuration functionality within the main GUI, a new time-line search capability and full H.265 compatibility among other improvements. ASM300 is a powerful Windows application that enables a secure, scalable H.265-ready, multi-camera, multi-recorder surveillance management environment and is fully compatible with Panasonic's legacy i-PRO line of H.264 cameras, recorders and encoders. Other Panasonic technology and solutions to be showcased in Booth #23057 include: New Video Insight VI MonitorPlus Video Management Software Panasonic will be previewing VI MonitorPlus, the latest generation of VI's open-platform video management software. Building on the success of VI's current Monitor 6 software, VI MonitorPlus software represents a comprehensive ground-up redesign delivering enhanced performance and stability, increased scalability and offering new premium functionality for key vertical markets. New VI MonitorPlus features include: New Client UI allows greater flexibility with UI customization and graphics with clear separation between UI and application logic

allows greater flexibility with UI customization and graphics with clear separation between UI and application logic Full H.265/HEVC compatible support improves performance by reducing bandwidth and data storage requirements while supporting live video streaming, playback, clipping and snapshot creation

compatible support improves performance by reducing bandwidth and data storage requirements while supporting live video streaming, playback, clipping and snapshot creation GPU Hardware Acceleration assists in video image processing to free up server CPU resources for other tasks, enhancing scalability and lowering TCO

assists in video image processing to free up server CPU resources for other tasks, enhancing scalability and lowering TCO Plug-in Ready allows users in specific markets to expand the functionality of the system, including Point of Sale, GPS Geolocation, FacePro analytics plug-ins and many mor

allows users in specific markets to expand the functionality of the system, including Point of Sale, GPS Geolocation, FacePro analytics plug-ins and many mor Enhanced Timeline (News - Alert) identifies motion apart from general recordings, making locating and retrieving evidence quicker and easier



New Extreme H.265 PTZ with Gyro-Stabilized 40x Zoom and Traffic Analytics Option

The new i-PRO Extreme X-series PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) cameras with optional Vehicle Incident Detection analytics feature a completely new imaging system based on Panasonic's recently introduced high-performance i-PRO Extreme platform. Boasting an enhanced optics package, the new H.265/H.264 compatible outdoor PTZ cameras feature high-quality Full HD (WV-X6531N) and HD (WV-X6511N) video resolution with outstanding low light sensitivity of 0.015lx. Offering full 360 continuous panning and an ultra-long 40x optical zoom lens with integrated gyro-sensor, the new PTZ provides Intelligent Zoom Stabilization (IZS) that produces remarkably stable images even at longer zoom distances. A highly durable mechanical design ensures a superior quality surveillance solution for outdoor applications. Aero PTZ Ruggedized Camera On exhibit and now available for shipping is Panasonic's newest and most durable PTZ camera, the Aero PTZ (WV-SUD638). Designed for a wide range of extreme environments, the Aero PTZ provides Full HD surveillance images at 60fps and includes a 30x optical zoom lens. The Aero PTZ is ideal for a variety of applications including ports, transit yards, airports, city surveillance, highways or any area or location prone to severe natural weather conditions or other factors that might wreak havoc on the operation and reliability of a typical video surveillance camera. First unveiled at ISC West 2016, the Panasonic Aero PTZ network camera provides reliable and sustainable operation for mission-critical and other applications under severe weather conditions, from rain and snow to extreme temperatures and hurricane force winds. Its highly rugged, 360-degree aerodynamic spherical surface design minimizes drag for heightened mechanical stability in high winds and the camera features built-in image-stabilization capability to maintain crisp images in the presence of mechanical vibration. Aero PTZ incorporates a strong but lightweight fiberglass body enabling the camera to be resistant to salt-air corrosion conforming to ISO14993. Further, the camera's wide operating temperature and rugged construction means it is resilient in arctic-to-desert climate ranges. i-PRO Transit Solution Panasonic's ruggedized multi-channel mobile transit surveillance video recorder solution is supported by an Intel (News - Alert) Core i7-based Platform with integrated 4-port PoE switch and wide DC input range (9V-36V). The Transit solution supports up to 16 IP network cameras with dual 2.5" storage bays and optional external MIC support. The WV-SBV131M 1080p resolution and WV-SBV111M 720p resolution and optional WV-SW458 (1080p) vandal resistant cameras feature H.264 streams, up to 30fps, a built-in SD Card (News - Alert) slot for edge recording and are IP66 AND EN50155 rated, making them ideal for interior transportation applications. The platform specifications conform to most major third-party VMS software requirements and is available through authorized Panasonic resellers. New Arbitrator Body-Worn Camera Panasonic's third generation Arbitrator body-worn camera (BWC) and enhanced Unified Evidence Management System (UEMS) offers customized capture, recording and storage solutions for fixed, mobile and body-worn video surveillance applications. The Arbitrator BWC features up to 1080p Full-HD video resolution and a 130 wide camera angle-capturing high-quality video and providing unbiased evidence of all officer interactions. Incorporating feedback from law enforcement agencies around the country, new upgrades to the Arbitrator BWC include increased battery life and durability, improved video image stabilization and audio quality, and integrated Bluetooth technology. Panasonic will showcase these and many other security solutions, analytics and software at this year's ISC West. For more information, please contact [email protected]. For more information about Panasonic's full line of surveillance solutions, please visit www.us.panasonic.com/security and follow us on Twitter. About Panasonic System Communications Company of North America Panasonic System Communications Company of North America (PSCNA), Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, delivers reliable technology solutions for government and commercial enterprises. Technologies include mobile computing devices and support services, point-of-sale solutions, video surveillance systems, video evidence capture and management solutions, professional displays, projectors, digital signage, video production equipment, and office communications and productivity solutions. To learn more call 877-803-8492 or visit us.panasonic.com/business-solutions/. About Panasonic Corporation of North America Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine's 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good. Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the electric vehicle revolution. Learn more about Panasonic at us.panasonic.com/news. Connect with Panasonic: Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, Facebook, YouTube View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170405006287/en/

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Why every generation of students must find, fulfil or betray its mission

Generational rebellion is the dynamic through which societies renew themselves and move forward.

In a recent opinion piece in the Business Day newspaper, author and academic Jonny Steinberg suggested that a generational estrangement deeper than we have acknowledged had emerged between the Fees Must Fall generation  those whove led protests against high university tuition fees and higher education structures they say are unjust  and their scorn for almost everyone over the age of 40.

At times over the past two years it may have seemed that a generation had emerged on South Africas campuses that has disowned the past. But generational rebellion is an enduring feature of all societies. Indeed, its the dynamic through which societies renew themselves and move forward.

Reflecting on more than 40 years of teaching three generations of University of Witwatersrand (Wits) students  incidentally, Steinberg was among them  I couldnt help observing how each generation developed a distinct self consciousness; a world view. Each generation was shaped by particular political icons and engaged in particular forms of political action.

Repression and state violence

The first generation, the Soweto generation, looked for theories of radical  even revolutionary  change. The central figure was Karl Marx, whether students chose to reject him and go in a different direction or to adopt one or other of the intellectual currents that had their source in Marx. These included Antonio Gramsci, Leon Trotsky, Ernest Laclau, Vladimir Lenin and so on.

In 1981 half of the students in my honours class in industrial sociology were held under the Terrorism Act. Some were detained for months without trial. It was the time of the United Democratic Front; of trade union militancy and nationwide resistance to apartheid.

But it was also a time of repression, of state violence  even assassination. The assassination of David Webster, a colleague in the department of anthropology, was a dramatic illustration of those times.

The release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 and 1994s new democratic government was an event that profoundly changed the classroom. This, the 1994 generation, was quite different from those whod come before.

Decolonisation of knowledge

For many, the classroom was an opportunity to escape the poverty and political turmoil of the townships for a career in a transformed public sector or the private sector. But they were rebels too. I recall students occupying the administrative building and trashing the campus in support of their demands for the transformation of Wits. Indeed, one of the demands was for free education.

By the end of the first decade of the 21st century, around 2009, I sensed a new assertive spirit in the corridors of the humanities faculty at Wits. A new generation was in the making, a third generation. It was to culminate in the Fees Must Fall movement of 2015 and 2016.

In February 2016 I was in discussions with my new, black female Masters interns about what they wanted to research for their theses. They announced: We are tired of white people studying blacks; we want to study whites. This generation had found its voice and the language to express their feelings of discomfort and sense of racial injustice in a world where knowledge production is still dominated by whites.

The decolonisation of knowledge was their aim. Post-colonial theory was their guide. Edward Said and Frantz Fanon, and African intellectuals such as Steve Biko and Ngugi Wa Thiongo were now the key theorists.

Whats striking about this, the third generation, is the leading role played by black female students. Black feminism, the black body and sexuality become the dominant discourse of this generation. This third generation had found its voice. They were now comfortable in their skin and proud of their identity.

The teacher student relationship  what I call the chalk face  is a crucial interface between the generations. Its here that academic generations are made. A central demand of the current generation of students is the need to recognise their dignity, their material needs, their distinct family and cultural backgrounds, and of course their language.

Discovering a new mission

But the generational rebellion that Steinberg refers to is not simply about the need for better communication.

Its a demand that goes back many generations. Indeed it was a demand made by Pan African Congress founder Robert Sobukwe when he was a tutor at Wits nearly 60 years ago.

Its a demand to change the content of the curriculum so that South Africans, especially black men and women from all over Africa, can become the producers of knowledge.

To rebuild trust and mutual respect between the generations we need to make our classrooms places where our students are not only the consumers of knowledge produced elsewhere. This is the challenge for the graduating class of 2016. In the memorable words of Fanon:

Each generation must discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it.

Your mission is to become the authors of the books the next generation of students read; the articles they cite and the theories that shape their thinking.

This is an edited extract of the authors speech on the occasion of being awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Edward Webster, Professor Emeritus, Society, Work and Development Institute, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
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Carter's, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, sources, and markets branded childrenswear under the Carter's, OshKosh, Skip Hop, Child of Mine, Just One You, Simple Joys, Carter's My First Love, little planet, and other brands in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International. Its Carter's products include babies and young children products, such as bodysuits, pants, dresses, knit sets, blankets, layette essentials, bibs, booties, sleep and play products, rompers, and jumpers; and OshKosh brand products comprise playclothes, such as denim apparel products with multiple wash treatments and coordinating garments, overalls, woven bottoms, knit tops, and bodysuits. The company also provides products for playtime, travel, mealtime, bathtime, and homegear, as well as kid's bags and diaper bags under the Skip Hop brand. In addition, it offers bedding, cribs, diaper bags, footwear, gift sets, hair accessories, jewelry, outerwear, paper goods, socks, shoes, swimwear, and toys. The company operates 18,800 wholesale locations, including department stores, national chain stores, and specialty stores. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 980 retail stores. The company also sells its products through its eCommerce websites, such as carters.com, oshkoshbgosh.com, oshkosh.com, and skiphop.com, as well as other international wholesale accounts and licensees. Carter's, Inc. was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
[April 05, 2017] Panasonic's Expanded Portfolio of i-PRO Extreme Surveillance Technology Now Shipping and On Display at ISC West 2017

Panasonic (News - Alert), a leading provider of integrated security and video surveillance solutions, today announced that its next generation i-PRO Extreme technology platform which began roll-out in September 2016 is now fully available for delivery. The new i-PRO Extreme technology solution sets a new bar for complete security and video surveillance systems with simplified automated setup, industry-leading image performance, proven reliability and enhanced data security-providing one of the industry's few pre-engineered, highly-secure and complete end-to-end H.265 surveillance systems, all from a single vendor. Since the introduction of the i-PRO Extreme platform last fall, Panasonic has expanded the system with a broader portfolio of high-performance cameras and today is announcing the immediate availability of its new Extreme recorder (WJ-NX400) and video management software (VMS) application (WV-ASM300) which now complete the full end-to-end solution that delivers secure H.265 image capture, recording and video management. The new i-PRO Extreme WJ-NX400 is an H.265 enterprise class system recorder that offers significant performance enhancements compared to its predecessor the popular WJ-ND400 i-PRO recorder. Its 4K GUI enables a complete camera/recorder/viewing solution with no additional client software required or can be used with Panasonic's new WV-ASM300 software and integrated with a larger solution for maximum flexibility. Key features include: Secure, High Bandwidth (News - Alert) Recording Records up to 128 H.265/H.264 camera streams with up to 384Mbps of recording bandwidth

Nine integrated internal HDD slots support 3TB, 4TB, and 6TB drive capacity in RAID 5/6

Dual Stream Ready with a narrow-band companion recording stream created for each main recording channel enabling support for mobile delivery applications

Includes the i-PRO Secure Communications suite and Symantec (News - Alert) Certificate Authentication for robust IP security Integrated Video Management and Auto Configuration Complete PC-less surveillance solution via built-in mouse driven 4K GUI and Dual HDMI display support

Automatic camera identification and configuration for easy network set-up and operation Scalable Storage, High Reliability and Redundancy External storage expansion up to 270TB via five optional WJ-HXE400 storage units

High Reliability HDD Power Management increases HDD life up to seven years*

Redundant fail-over ready* using second recorder and fast no-format RAID expansion No Channel License Fees and Full i-PRO H.264 Compatibility Backward compatibility with legacy i-PRO cameras, encoders and VMS software

No per-channel license fee and simple drop-in replacement for legacy ND400 recorder users

Limited 5-year Factory warranty Also available now is Panasonic's new i-PRO Extreme H.265 Secure Video Management Software (WV-ASM300), a powerful Windows-based application and a major step forward from the previous ASM200 version software. The new ASM300 software features an improved GUI design, integrated set-up and configuration functionality within the main GUI, a new timeline search capability and full H.265 compatibility among other improvements. ASM300 is a versatile management application that enables a secure, scalable H.265-ready, multi-camera, multi-recorder surveillance management environment and is fully compatible with Panasonic's legacy i-PRO line of H.264 cameras, recorders and encoders. The new ASM300 now supports Video Insight (VI) Servers as recorders via Panasonic's new extension software (WV-ASE306) enabling a virtually unlimited number of VI servers to be accessed by the ASM300 platform, depending on the specific configuration or other extensions in use. The ASM300 with the ASE306 extension now enables a seamless miration path to VI without requiring users to abandon their existing hardware investments and can also support VI compatible third-party cameras when connected through the VI server.



Key features include: Fully Integrated and Secure

Single application delivers full i-PRO camera control, viewing and recording management

Seamlessly integrates new H.265 i-PRO Extreme cameras and recorders with legacy i-PRO H.264 equipment

Includes Secure Communication suite and Symantec Certificate Authentication for robust IP security Powerful User Interface New UI design increases operator usability and supports 4K Native GUI

UI design increases operator usability and supports 4K Native GUI New powerful setup wizard automatically identifies and configures all i-PRO system components

powerful setup wizard automatically identifies and configures all i-PRO system components Now integrates native support for multiple monitors, MAP screens and WJ-CU950 Joystick Controller Scalable and Extendable Supports 100 recorders, 64 encoders and 256 directly connected cameras with base package; optional expansion models are capable of supporting thousands of additional cameras, recorders and encoders

Special optional software extension modules enable face-matching via FacePro

(ASF-900) and other expansions and capabilities Easy Trial Options with No Annual Fees Downloadable 90-day full version trial option

Free version updates and zero annual camera license fees

License upgrade options are available for existing ASM200 users Finally, Panasonic will also be exhibiting new Extreme Analytics capabilities as well as several of its popular advanced analytics technology solutions including: NEW Vehicle Incident Analytics are offered as an option on two new i-PRO Extreme PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) outdoor cameras announced today (WV-X6531/-X6511), enabling camera operators to monitor up to four lanes of vehicle traffic and receive automated alerts identifying unusual activity such as cars moving in the wrong direction or stopped on a highway.

are offered as an option on two new i-PRO Extreme PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) outdoor cameras announced today (WV-X6531/-X6511), enabling camera operators to monitor up to four lanes of vehicle traffic and receive automated alerts identifying unusual activity such as cars moving in the wrong direction or stopped on a highway. FacePro Facial Search and Recognition System is a server-based facial recognition and matching platform that provides high-speed facial search and improved matching capabilities on video from Panasonic i-PRO Cameras including enhanced age and gender analytics reporting.

is a server-based facial recognition and matching platform that provides high-speed facial search and improved matching capabilities on video from Panasonic i-PRO Cameras including enhanced age and gender analytics reporting. Advanced Business Intelligence Data via its ULTRA 360 indoor (WV-SFN480) and outdoor IP66 rated weather- and vandal-resistant (WV-SFV481) cameras utilizing advanced analytics capabilities such as heat mapping, people counting and moving object removal to deliver actionable information for retail and other environments.

via its ULTRA 360 indoor (WV-SFN480) and outdoor IP66 rated weather- and vandal-resistant (WV-SFV481) cameras utilizing advanced analytics capabilities such as heat mapping, people counting and moving object removal to deliver actionable information for retail and other environments. 360 Degree Microphone with Sound Analytics features advanced 360 microphone hardware technology and a proprietary digital signal processing algorithm coupled with Panasonic's popular 360 Network Camera (WV-SF438) for audio noise cancellation and sound isolation of selected video regions, even in very noisy environments. Announced last fall, Panasonic's end-to-end i-PRO Extreme technology platform delivers unmatched image quality, system reliability, IP security and embedded intelligence. Key technology capabilities delivered by i-PRO Extreme includes: EXTREME VISIBILITY: Captures the highest quality images automatically even in very dynamic and challenging lighting environments EXTREME COMPRESSION: Industry standard H.265 coupled with Panasonic's Smart Coding technology delivers the highest quality images with up to a 95 percent bandwidth reduction versus H.264 EXTREME RELIABILITY: Delivers low failure rates and redundancy along with Panasonic's i-PRO Preferred 5-year warranty program for unmatched service enhancements and support EXTREME DATA SECURITY: i-PRO's Secure Communication Suite ensures robust end-to-end IP security of the i-PRO Extreme-based surveillance network *Some features available in future releases. Panasonic's full portfolio of H.265 i-PRO Extreme integrated security and video surveillance solutions will be on display at ISC West in booth 23057 as well as the i-PRO Extreme Technology Showcase on Wednesday, April 5 - more info here. For more information about Panasonic's surveillance solutions please visit www.us.panasonic.com/security and follow us on Twitter. About Panasonic System Communications Company of North America Panasonic System Communications Company of North America (PSCNA), Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, delivers reliable technology solutions for government and commercial enterprises. Technologies include mobile computing devices and support services, point-of-sale solutions, video surveillance systems, video evidence capture and management solutions, professional displays, projectors, digital signage, video production equipment, and office communications and productivity solutions. To learn more call 877-803-8492 or visit us.panasonic.com/business-solutions/. About Panasonic Corporation of North America Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine's 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good. Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the electric vehicle revolution. Learn more about Panasonic at us.panasonic.com/news. Connect with Panasonic: Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, Facebook, YouTube View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170405006288/en/

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Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells. The company operates through five segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software. The company also offers REVit, an automated real time stick-slip mitigation system; ROCKit, a directional steering control system; SmartNAV, a collaborative guidance and advisory platform; SmartSLIDE, an advanced directional steering control system; and RigCLOUD, which provides the tools and infrastructure to integrate applications to deliver real-time insight into operations across the rig fleet. In addition, it manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and other drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools; and provides aftermarket sales and services for the installed base of its equipment. As of December 31, 2021, the company marketed approximately 301 rigs for land-based drilling operations in the United States, Canada, and in 20 other countries worldwide; and 29 rigs for offshore platform drilling operations in the United States and internationally. Nabors Industries Ltd. was founded in 1952 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. The company's Retail Banking segment offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services. This segment serves consumer and small business customers through a network of branches, ATMs, call centers, and online and mobile banking channels. Its Corporate & Institutional Banking segment provides secured and unsecured loans, letters of credit, and equipment leases; cash and investment management services, receivables and disbursement management services, funds transfer services, international payment services, and access to online/mobile information management and reporting; foreign exchange, derivatives, fixed income, securities underwriting, loan syndications, and mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets advisory related services; and commercial loan servicing and technology solutions. It serves mid-sized and large corporations, and government and not-for-profit entities. The company's Asset Management Group segment offers investment and retirement planning, customized investment management, credit and cash management solutions, and trust management and administration services for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals, and their families; and multi-generational family planning services for ultra high net worth individuals and their families. It also provides outsourced chief investment officer, custody, private real estate, cash and fixed income client solutions, and fiduciary retirement advisory services for institutional clients. The company has 2,591 branches and 9,502 ATMs. The company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The following companies are subsidiares of Allstate: AIMCO Private Fund I Holding LLC, AIMCO Private Fund I LLC, AIMCO Private Fund II LLC, ALIC Reinsurance Company, ALINV Mosaic LLC, ANIHI Newco LLC, AP Real Estate LLC, AP Riverway Plaza LLC, AP Timber LLC, Allstate Assignment Company, Allstate Assurance Company, Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company, Allstate Digital Ventures LLC, Allstate Distributors L.L.C., Allstate Enterprises LLC, Allstate Exchange Services LLC, Allstate Finance Company Agency Loans LLC, Allstate Finance Company LLC, Allstate Financial Advisors LLC, Allstate Financial Corporation, Allstate Financial Insurance Holdings Corporation, Allstate Financial LLC, Allstate Financial Services LLC (1), Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Global Holdings Limited, Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, Allstate Insurance Holdings LLC, Allstate International Assignments Ltd., Allstate International Holdings Inc., Allstate Investment Management Company, Allstate Investments LLC, Allstate Life Insurance Company (2), Allstate Life Insurance Company of Canada, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Allstate Motor Club Inc., Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company, Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Non-Insurance Holdings Inc., Allstate North American Insurance Company, Allstate Northbrook Indemnity Company, Allstate Northern Ireland Limited, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Settlement Corporation, Allstate Short Term Pool LLC, Allstate Solutions Private Limited, Allstate Texas Lloyds, Allstate Texas Lloyds Inc., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Company, American Heritage Life Insurance Company, American Heritage Service Company, Answer Financial Inc., Answer Marketplace LLC, Arity 875 LLC, Arity International Limited, Arity LLC, Arity Services LLC, CE Care Plan Corp, Castle Key Indemnity Company, Castle Key Insurance Company, Complete Product Care Corp, Current Creek Investments LLC, E.R.J. Insurance Group Inc. (3), Encompass Floridian Indemnity Company, Encompass Floridian Insurance Company, Encompass Home and Auto Insurance Company, Encompass Indemnity Company, Encompass Independent Insurance Company, Encompass Insurance Company, Encompass Insurance Company of America, Encompass Insurance Company of Massachusetts, Encompass Insurance Company of New Jersey, Encompass Insurance Holdings LLC, Encompass Property and Casualty Company, Encompass Property and Casualty Insurance Company of New Jersey, Esurance Holdings Inc., Esurance Insurance Company, Esurance Insurance Company of Canada, Esurance Insurance Company of New Jersey, Esurance Insurance Services Company of Canada, Esurance Insurance Services Inc. (4), Esurance Property and Casualty Insurance Company, First Colonial Insurance Company, Identity Protection Strategic Solutions LLC, InfoArmor Aggra Inc., InfoArmor Inc., Insurance Answer Center LLC (5), Intramerica Life Insurance Company, Ivantage Insurance Brokers Inc., Ivantage Select Agency Inc., Kennett Capital Inc., NBInv AF1 LLC, NBInv AF2 LLC, NBInv AF3 LLC, NBInv AF4 LLC, NBInv AF5 LLC, NBInv AF6 LLC, NBInv AP1 LLC, NBInv AP2 LLC, NBInv AP3 LLC, NBInv AP4 LLC, NBInv AP5 LLC, NBInv AP6 LLC, NBInv AP7 LLC, NBInv AP8 LLC, NBInv APAF1 LLC, NBInv Riverside Cars1 LLC, NBInv Riverside Management LLC, North Light Specialty Insurance Company, Northeast Agencies Inc. (6), Pablo Creek Services Inc., Pafco Insurance Company, Pembridge Insurance Company, PlumChoice Business Services Inc., PlumChoice Inc., Protection Plan Group Inc., Right Answer Insurance Agency LLC, Road Bay Investments LLC, ST Product Care Corp, Signature Agency Inc., Signature Motor Club Inc., Signature Motor Club of California Inc., Signature Nationwide Auto Club of California Inc., Signatures Nationwide Auto Club Inc., SquareTrade Australia Pty Ltd, SquareTrade Canada Inc., SquareTrade Europe Limited, SquareTrade Holding Company Inc., SquareTrade Inc. (7), SquareTrade Insurance Services Inc., SquareTrade Limited, SquareTrade Protection Solutions Inc., SquareTradeGo Inc., Tech-Cor LLC, and West Plaza RE Holdings LLC.

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[April 06, 2017] Wilcom International Launches Their Flagship Product Line EmbroideryStudio e4

SYDNEY, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilcom International, the leaders in professional embroidery and multi-decoration software, announced today the launch of their new flagship product line EmbroideryStudio e4. The Designing and Decorating product models are bundled and fully integrated with latest CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X8, making this the most powerful multi-decoration software for professional digitizers, custom embroidery shops, industry trainers and educators and apparel decorators. A new graphics approach to professional digitizing opens the door to many newcomers. Whilst increasing the capabilities and productivity of experienced digitizers, enhanced tools improve the creative capabilities as well as dramatically saves time when creating or editing designs. The exciting news in this major new version is the unveiling of Embroidery Studio's Order Job Feature and incredible new Integrated Design Library. They have integrated all the customer details, job information, special notes and more into their unique .EMB design file. The result is that all the customer information and job history relating to a design is instantly at your fingertips. There is no longer a need to manage all this information in a separate database. Wherever the design file goes, so does the information. "It was very satisfying seeing our customers and dealers so excited and impressed with the new e4 software. They very much appreciate how it makes their job quicker and easier. We provided real solutions to real problems they face daily in their business," said Bill Wilson - Chief Product Officer.



Denis Quaintance , Managing Director of Wilcom said, "EmbroideryStudio e4 is the result of extensive discussions with industry partners and customers, working closely together to provide them with embroidery software which greatly improves the productivity of their business. Wilcom is fully committed to providing the best commercial embroidery software available to the industry and e4 represents another important step forward in both creativity and efficiency." Watch the EmbroideryStudio e4 intro video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIOXCrn0gUc

About Wilcom International: In 1979 Wilcom's founders shared a vision for automating the embroidery industry that has changed the way people create and produce embroidered goods. Wilcom has led the industry with ongoing innovations that push the boundaries of creativity in personalized expressions and apparel decoration. With a reputation for excellence, Wilcom has become the world's favorite embroidery software for ease-of-use, quality and service. Wilcom is present in over 100 countries with products in over 12 languages and has a global community of more than 250,000 licensed customers. For more information visit www.wilcom.com or contact [email protected]. Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.jpg image4.jpg Related Links Wilcom International Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIOXCrn0gUc This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wilcom-international-launches-their-flagship-product-line-embroiderystudio-e4-300435881.html SOURCE Wilcom International

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Grover caps career of service to W&M with Aceto Award

A law student's best friend Among her many contributions, Susan Grover started the first student chapter of Lawyers Helping Lawyers at W&M. Soon, law schools throughout Virginia were following her lead. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption

Susan Grover and Shirley Aceto were more than just colleagues during their time together at William & Mary. They were friends.As the universitys Director of Equal Opportunity from 2002-07, Grover often relied upon Aceto for her knowledge of the history and personnel at the university. The two would often go to lunch together, and, according to Grover, Aceto was as helpful and supportive a colleague as one could desire. She often drew on knowledge and connections shed gained from years of working in the Office of the Provost. Shed help me know how to manage things, Grover recalled, and make happen what needed to happen, A lot of times simply by her ability to broker connections between people around campus.In 2010, when Aceto retired from W&M after more than 39 years, the university established an award in her honor. When Grover retires from the university in June, following 29 years of service, she will take with her the 2017 Aceto Award . She has served the university in several capacities  among them law professor, director of equal opportunity and, currently, vice provost for academic and faculty affairs.Im deeply honored, and inspired, and grateful for all of the guidance Shirley gave me, Grover said.The Aceto Award winner recognizes an employee who exhibits a commitment to the core values of William & Mary, proven leadership capabilities in working with students, faculty and staff, and a record of outstanding individual service to the university.In nominating Grover, Jayne Barnard, Cutler Professor of Law, Emeritus, wrote that Grovers core value was to make sure that each of her students could achieve their potential in the legal profession. For a variety of reasons, passing the bar for some students seemed an insurmountable challenge.Thats when Grover would roll up her sleeves and immerse herself in making sure goals and aspirations were realized.Susan  spent more than one summer individually meeting with at-risk students, reading hundreds of sample exam answers, providing moral support and letting them know that, as William & Mary law grads, they could and they would pass the bar exam, Barnard wrote. Her hands-on, tough-love program was exceptional and changed many students lives.In addition to providing outreach and counseling to law students who are at academic risk, since 2010, Grover has developed support materials and organized classes and workshops to help students improve academically, formulated and managed bar preparation curricula, recruited students and liaised between commercial bar review programs, law school administration and the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners.While acknowledging her contribution to W&M in every area in which she has worked, Dean and Arthur B. Hanson Professor of Law Davison Douglas wrote that Grover is perhaps best known for her dedication to law students and members of the legal community who struggle with mental health, substance abuse and other impairment issues.The vehicle for that dedication is Lawyers Helping Lawyers, with which she became involved in the 1990s after being introduced to it by Law School colleague, Judge Walter S. Felton, Jr. She brought the concept to William & Mary Law School, where she started the first student chapter. Soon, every other law school in the Commonwealth was following suit.Many law school students suffer from stress-related situations where they really need support, Grover explained. Some law students have substance abuse issues; its rare, but it happens. Weve had students whose parents are incarcerated. Weve had students with no financial resources. Weve had students who are homeless. So bringing these resources into the law school and creating a student group that would offer support, one law student to another, made a lot of sense.The law school employed the slogan You are part of a community that cares, which Grover personified complemented by setting up a healthy snack bar for students, and arranging for massage therapists to be on site in the days leading up to their first law school exams.Law school can seem very alienating and full of trials -- literally and figuratively -- and so to realize that we at the institution support you at every level, not just your academic accomplishments but your physical and mental well-being, was very encouraging to students, she said. They felt nurtured and thus they felt better about College of William & Mary Law School. It created better relationships with the institution, as well as serving those individuals.Students have shown their appreciation by according her the John Marshall Award for demonstrating character, leadership and a spirit of selfless service to the community; the Walter Williams Teaching Award, given by a graduating class to a faculty member for outstanding teaching; the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Jane Matilda Bolin Award, both from the Black Law Student Association.When I think of Vice Provost Grover, I think of a razor-sharp mind and the softest, most compassionate heart of nearly anyone I have ever met, wrote Leonard Simmons 16. She is my exact ideal of the citizen lawyers trained by the law school  devoted to serving everyone, from prisoners to neighbors, from teachers to faculty, and incoming and graduated students alike.Grover replied, simply, Students come to you with situations you would find unbelievable.  People overcome amazing obstacles, and someone like me has the privilege of encouraging them.
Live from W&M. Well, sort of.

Live from W&M, well sort-of. ABC's "Designated Survivor" had its main character, President Tom Kirman (played by Kiefer Sutherland, appear in a Town Hall meeting from William & Mary in episode 15 of season one. Well, virtually at least. Photo courtesy of ABC/Ben Mark Holzberg.

Quantico. Ryan Booth (played by actor Jake McLaughlin) in a scene from ABC's "Quantico." The characters in this scene are in the "Gold Leafe" bar, portrayed to be in Williamsburg. William & Mary is also mentioned in the scene. Screenshot

Dirty, Sexy Money (2007 - 2009). In the show, main characters Nick (Peter Krause) and Lisa (Zoe McLellan) George were portrayed as having met at William & Mary. Screenshot Photo - of - Hide Caption

Host to a U.S. president: Its a familiar role for William & Mary. But Wednesday nights breaking news mention of the university wasnt for a real President but a fictional dignitary  TV President Tom Kirkman, commander-in-chief in ABCs hit drama Designated Survivor.

In this week's episode Kirkman, played by actor Kiefer Sutherland, attended a Town Hall meeting staged at William & Mary. The episode aired April 5. The plot had the event broadcast live across the country.



If you think you missed a celebrity sighting, dont be sad. Sutherland and the shows crew didnt come to campus to film the scenes. Those were captured on a soundstage in Canada. But, the shows producers contacted University Communications in February asking for permission to use the William & Mary name.



Designated Survivor is in its first season on ABC. The shows premise is the rise to the Oval Office of a lower-level cabinet member, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, following an attack on the Capitol the night of a State of the Union address.

Government practice is that on the night of the State of the Union  when the entirety of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of the government are in one location  that one cabinet member (selected on an undisclosed rotating basis) is asked not to attend the address and instead wait in a secret and secure location in the event of a catastrophe. That cabinet member is known as the designated survivor.

This isnt the first time William & Mary has been named in TV or film. Just last week, the university was mentioned in another ABC program, Quantico. Characters in that show were even represented visiting the Gold Leafe bar in Williamsburg (sound familiar?). Several years ago, lead character Nick George of the television series Dirty, Sexy Money (also on ABC, hmmm  perhaps theres an insider) was cast as an alumnus of William & Mary Law School. It was even part of that shows plot that George (played by Peter Krause) and his wife met at the university, something they discussed in dialogue during the course of the show. You would have needed a keen eye, but that set also included a prop diploma provided by the university in Georges law office. Dirty, Sexy Money aired from 2007 to 2009.

In film, fans of actress Jodie Foster may recall seeing her character (Alexandra Rover) in 2008s Nims Island sporting a William & Mary T-shirt. At the time, a representative for Fox-Walden, U.S. distributors of the film, said it was the directors' recollection that while discussing the character with Foster during prep for the movie it was she who came up with the notion that her character should be an alumna of William & Mary.

On Designated Survivor, this weeks show didnt have Kirkman on campus long, but producers said theyd be happy to have him return.




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Japanese fuel fabrication plant cleared for restart

06 April 2017

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Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has approved the restart of Global Nuclear Fuel-Japan's (GNF-J's) fuel fabrication plant in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture. Last month the regulator concluded the facility meets revised safety standards.

GNF-J applied to the regulator in April 2014 for an assessment to confirm the Yokosuka plant meets revised safety standards, introduced in December 2013. GNF-J is part of the GE-led Global Nuclear Fuel joint venture with Hitachi and Toshiba, which designs and manufactures fuel for boiling water reactors.

On 8 March 2017, the NRA approved a draft review report confirming that GNF-J's uranium dioxide fuel fabrication facility is compatible with the new standards. The plant became the first fuel cycle facility to be confirmed as meet them.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry approved the restart of the facility on 29 March. At a meeting yesterday, the NRA commissioners gave the final approval needed for the plant to restart. Unlike with power reactors, the NRA said it was not necessary for GNF-J to seek approval from the Japan Atomic Energy Commission or the public to restart the facility.

Following the March 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japan revised the safety standards that apply to its fuel fabrication plants and its reprocessing facilities. Used fuel and radioactive waste storage and disposal facilities are also subject to the revised rules, as are research reactors (except the Monju prototype fast breeder reactor) and nuclear fuel research centres.

The requirements vary from facility to facility, but generally include reinforcement measures against natural threats such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and in some cases tornadoes, volcanoes and forest fires. The standards require that fuel fabrication plants are able to contain radioactive material in the event of an accident, and have measures in place to prevent accidental criticality events. Reprocessing plants need to demonstrate these as well as countermeasures specifically for terrorist attacks, hydrogen explosions, fires resulting from solvent leaks and vaporisation of liquid waste.

The NRA has allowed Japan's fuel cycle facilities to continue operating, but have until the end of 2018 to undergo inspections to ensure they meet the revised safety standards. However, only a small amount of fuel has been produced as most of the country's nuclear power plants remain offline.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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UK ABWR clears last Regulatory Issue

06 April 2017

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The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has closed the second and remaining Regulatory Issue (RI) for Hitachi-GE's UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (UK ABWR) design. A spokesman for Horizon Nuclear Power - which Hitachi acquired in 2012 - said today the company "remains on track" to complete the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process by the end of this year.

The ONR, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales said last month they expect to complete the GDA for the UK ABWR - and be able to issue a Design Acceptance Confirmation and a Statement of Design Acceptability - in December. The RI concerned Hitachi-GE developing and delivering a suitable and sufficient Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA) for the UK ABWR.

"Closure of this RI shows further progress, and we're extremely pleased to remain on track for GDA completion this year. Indeed, the regulators recently awarded us a Green project metric, showing confidence we can finish on schedule," the Horizon spokesman told World Nuclear News. "Of course, we take nothing for granted. There is much hard work ahead of us - for Hitachi-GE in finalising our ultimate submissions, and of course for the regulators in assessing those over the late summer and autumn."

The ONR said it was "content" that Hitachi-GE had provided sufficient information "to meet the intent of RI-ABWR-0002". The ONR said the RI had "represented a serious regulatory shortfall".

It added: "Hitachi-GE presented a resolution plan to address the issue, which is now completed. The regulators are satisfied that Hitachi-GE has delivered a comprehensive UK ABWR PSA submission, including consideration of internal events and hazards, for the reactor, spent fuel pool and other facilities. This is considered a positive step forward as Hitachi-GE continues to progress through ONR's step 4 of the GDA process. The regulators remain confident that Design Acceptance Confirmation and Statement of Design Acceptability are achievable in December 2017, subject to timely and quality submissions from Hitachi-GE."

The ONR closed RI-01 (identification and justification of source terms) on the UK ABWR last year, describing this as a "commendable achievement" by Hitachi-GE.

Horizon plans to deploy the UK ABWR at two sites - Wylfa Newydd, which is on the Isle of Anglesey, and Oldbury-on-Severn, in South Gloucestershire.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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200k Campus Improvements At Wrexham Glyndwr University Unveiled

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 6th, 2017

New coffee shops and food outlets are among 200,000 of improvements to catering facilities at Wrexham Glyndwr University.

Global brands Costa Coffee and Grumpy Mule  a Fairtrade organisation  are to open at the University in the coming months.

Food services company Aramark is creating a fresh look and feel to outlets on the Mold Road campus, as well as redeveloping the Scholars Rest canteen into a vibrant food court focused on offering freshly prepared products at affordable prices.

Costa Coffee will have a presence at the Fellows Cafe and at the Chapters Retail Grab and Go outlet, as well as the Universitys Regent Street building, home to the School of Creative Arts.

The Grumpy Mule will replace Cafe Darganfod on Crispin Lane, near Techniquest Glyndwr.

The Uni say Aramark will further enhance the student experience through promotions and value meal deals, using social media and a collaborative approach with the Students Union to drive satisfaction and participation as well as investing in a brand new IPOS system to support quick payment methods.

They will also be supporting the University in encouraging the local community to use the facilities and developing a strategy to improve hospitality on-site.

Lynda Powell, director of operations, said the revamp forms part of a wider overhaul of the University estate.

Plans include new student accommodation, car parking, upgraded academic and research rooms and transfiguration of main buildings.

We are delighted to have joined forces with Aramark to bring these global brands here to Wrexham Glyndwr University, said Lynda.

Working alongside the Students Union, we are aiming to improve facilities and enhance the student experience.

Improvement of our catering provision is just the first step, its definitely a case of watch this space as there is much more to come as we further develop the campus here in Wrexham.

Known as Campus 2025, the Universitys estates strategy will see significant improvements on-site over the next eight years.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, added: Students are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we will continue to strive for better, whether that be through teaching and learning or in working to improve the environment so they have the very best services available.

Frank Gleeson, MD of Aramark Northern Europe, is looking forward to joining the University and capitalising on the opportunity to work together for the students, staff and community in Wrexham.

We are extremely pleased to be investing in this site, said Frank, adding: Its a wonderful opportunity for us to expand on our education portfolio and to work with a wonderful team to deliver great customer experience and high-quality food.

The new-look coffee shops and cafes will be unveiled before the start of the new academic year in September.
Wales Smoking Ban Praised a Decade on From its Introduction

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 6th, 2017

It has been 10 years since the ground-breaking legislation banning smoking in enclosed public places came into force across Wales.

The flagship ban was introduced in Wales in April 2nd 2007  with the nation being the first in the UK to enact the legislation.

Its aim was to protect the public from second-hand smoke and research commissioned by the Welsh Government has revealed the ban has been a public health success.

Official figures show the percentage of adults smoking is now at a record low. In 2007, 24% of adults in Wales smoked now levels stand at 19%  over 94,000 less smokers.

A major cultural shift has taken place over the past decade. A vast decrease in the numbers of those who smoke in the home, from 80% to 46% since the bans implementation, suggests a better awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke, especially around children and families.

This has exceeded the Welsh Government target of reducing smoking rates to 20% by 2016.

The legislation has improved air quality and reduced exposure to second-hand smoke in venues across Wrexham and Wales, and local Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has praised its impact.

She said: The Welsh Labour Government led the way in banning smoking in public places and it is clear to see the positive progress that has been made.

Not only have smoking rates amongst adults and teenagers reduced drastically but future generations are also being protected from the effects of smoking as they do not grow up seeing it as a normal activity.

In addition, in recent years the Welsh Government has introduced further laws, such as banning cigarettes from being displayed in supermarkets and shops, which have all reinforced the notion of the ban, creating extra deterrents and helping change the nations perceptions.
CHARLESTON -- Christians Praying for Charleston will hold their monthly session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Thrift Store on State Street next to the railroad overpass.

Christians Praying for Charleston is a non-denominational outreach lifting unified prayer requests to our Heavenly Father as Jesus taught us to do, "Ask in My Name (Jesus) and you shall receive!"

Their entire time together is devoted to praying for the City of Charleston, churches, families, law enforcement, courts, city and county, our schools from pre-school through the EIU campus administration, teachers as well as students. They then pray for the State of Illinois law and court systems, judges, enforcement members, our National Guard, those who make the laws in Springfield. Then they pray for the federal government in Washington, those making and enforcing the laws, our military personal within and out of our country, and Christian outreach wherever it is found.

Everyone is invited to get a group together from their church and join Christians Praying for Charleston in lifting prayers to the Lord. There is strength in numbers; help us unite with a united endeavor and see what our Lord can do all around the city, county, state and nation.

The May meeting will return to the south pavilion in Morton Park. The group appreciates having winter meetings at the Thrift Store and thanks them for this opportunity.

For more information, contact Pastor Tom Skinner at pavingpreacher@yahoo.com.
Embarras Volunteer Conservation Day set

CHARLESTON -- The Embarras Volunteer Stewards will hold a Conservation Day at 9 a.m. Saturday with Grand Prairie Friends for invasive removal at Warbler Bottoms. Take Bypass Road opposite the entrance to Lake Charleston, turn right on CR 550N, and the site is just ahead.

All are welcome, and no prior experience is necessary. Sturdy footwear and gloves are recommended. Tools are provided, but extra loppers and shovels are welcome.

Visit www.embarrasstewards.org for more information. Updates are posted on the group's website. To receive email notifications, contact thorsenhutton@gmail.com.

Easter Egg Hunt to be held in Montrose

MONTROSE -- The annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Grove Township Community Center will be at 1 p.m. Saturday. This is open to all kids ages 8 and under.

Light refreshments will be provided starting at noon. There will be over 5,000 Easter eggs. There will also be a door prize basket raffle for all kids who attend the egg hunt. Anyone who would like to donate items for a basket for the door prize raffle should contact Kim Will at 217-683-2688 or grovetownshipcommunitycenter@gmail.com.

Central Illinois Lure Meet set

EFFINGHAM -- The NFLCC 2017 Central Illinois Lure Meet is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1501 W. Fayette.

The event will open to public entrance at 9 a.m., with general admission at $5 and free admission for those age 12 and under. This event will feature free appraisals. Items brought in from the public for sale will be auctioned, with no exceptions.

Club members not set up can enter at 8 a.m., with $10 admission. Members setting up can enter from 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday. Participation is $25 per table, with $10 registration fee prior to April 10. Late registration paid at the show is $30 per table with a $10 registration fee. There will be Friday room trading for NFLCC members at Comfort Inn Suites, 1502 W. Fayette. For hotel reservations, call 217-342-3151.

For more information, contact Dave Boyer at 217-644-2294 or at daveboyer@consolidated.net.

Rules of the Road refresher class planned

CHARLESTON -- Receive a refresher course on road rules and guidelines free of charge with the Rules of the Road Review Course at the LifeSpan Center, sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State.

This two-hour course is designed to give drivers -- especially older adults and people with disabilities -- the knowledge and confidence needed to renew or obtain a drivers license. The first class for 2017 is scheduled from 9:30-11:30 a.m. April 13 and will be taught by Patrick Deters, an instructor from Illinois Secretary of States office.

For those who wish to take advantage of the opportunity, the course includes a vision test. A signed certificate will be given to those whose vision complies with the Illinois Secretary of States parameters. The certificate will allow the recipient to forego having the vision test at the drivers license facility when renewing their license.

Need a ride for this class? Transportation can be arranged by calling Dial-A-Ride at 217-639-5169 two weeks in advance.
The administrative council of the Berlin student center (StuWe) decided at its last meeting on March 9 not to accept any advertising from the German army at any of Berlins universities until further notice. A final decision on the matter is to be taken at its next meeting in July.

In the lead-up to the meeting, several student representative bodies at Berlins Humboldt University (HU) and Free University (FU) voted in favour of banning advertising from the German army and for military purposes within Berlin university buildings.

The decision was triggered by an advertising campaign for the armys medical service, which was displayed in the canteen at the HUs northern campus in November and December. The campus is next to the universitys Charite hospital, meaning that many medical students are regular visitors.

A large section of the student body at the campus opposed the advertisements. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at HU subsequently introduced a motion in the student parliament rejecting German army advertising at universities in Berlin, which was adopted by a large majority in November.

The administrative council is the highest decision-making body of the StuWe, which not only operates canteens and student accommodation, but also administers student loans and advisory services for the Berlin student body. Meeting twice a year, the council is composed of 14 members: half of the positions are filled by student representatives from Berlins universities and the other half by officials from the Berlin State Senate, university management and the StuWe.

According to participants in the meeting who spoke to the World Socialist Web Site, the student representatives introduced a motion in which they asked how much income the StuWe had obtained from the German army adverts it had displayed. In addition, they cited the decision of HUs student parliament, which declared, The student parliament opposes all forms of advertising for the German army at our university and calls on the Berlin Student Center and university management not to permit any advertising for the army on the HU campus.

In addition, the student representatives made the demand at the meeting that the advertising guidelines for the StuWe be changed to ban in principle all advertising for the army or for military purposes at Berlins universities, as had been called for by the HU student parliament and the FUs general student committee (Asta).

According to information from the business managers, the StuWe secured a profit of just 190 for the advertisements, which were displayed for three weeks. This corresponds to the standard cost of advertising secured by the firm CAMPUSdirekt.

The decision on the second and central demand made by the student representatives, the changing of the advertising guidelines, was postponed until the next meeting of the administrative council by the meetings chair--with a reference to the order of business because a written motion had not been submitted in time. The discussion indicated that there was a majority on the Administrative Council in favour of the change.

Reacting to the widespread opposition among students to the armys advertising, the council pledged not to approve any further advertisements for the army until a final decision on the matter has been made by the Administrative Council in July.

The interim decision by the Administrative Council represents a significant victory for students in Berlin.

The decision amounts to a slap in the face for HU President Sabine Kunst. At a meeting of the academic senate in December, she presumptuously stated she could see no reason why advertisements for the army should be banned at Berlins universities. The army was after all an organisation in conformity with the Federal Republics constitutional order, she asserted to the students present. She went on to praise the career prospects in the army, which were very wide-ranging, from trainee medics to teachers, social workers and heaven knows what else.

At this point, the student parliament at her university had already supported the banning of army advertising by a large majority. This was followed in January and February by other student representative bodies, which expressed themselves no less decisively.

We call on the Berlin Student Center and those responsible at FU Berlin to change their advertising guidelines going forward so that advertising for the arms industry and military (and therefore also advertising for the army) will not be permitted. [] We support a Free University that is a research and educational establishment of peace, stated the decision of the FU student parliament on February 2.

This decision was confirmed by the FU Asta in its own press release. Fabian Bennewitz, a member of the university politics department, placed the rearming of the army in the context of the social cuts which have resulted in horrific consequences for the health sector, commenting, It is particularly cynical for the army to boast [on its advertising placards] about being well armed and equipped with doctors who allegedly do not fight for profits. This only seems credible because the facilities in hospitals like the Charite continue to deteriorate due to a lack of public investment, privatisation and the focus on profit-maximisation in the health sector associated with this.
On Tuesday night, all 11 French presidential candidates participated for over three hours in the first of two 11-party debates scheduled before the first round of the elections, on April 23. The unusual debate, which produced noisy and often fractious exchanges and a great deal of political posturing, reflected the deep and growing concerns of the French ruling class.

The financial aristocracy, facing a historic collapse in support for the candidates of its two traditional parties of rule, Benoit Hamon of the ruling Socialist Party (PS) and Francois Fillon of The Republicans (LR), is considering the deep crisis of the European Union (EU) and growing social anger. French and international banks are analyzing the possibility of a French exit from the EU and the euro, if Marine Le Pen of the neo-fascist National Front (FN) wins. And protests are erupting against police killings and sexual assaults that the PS, despite the state of emergency, no longer dares to ban.

Ruling circles, feeling increasingly at sea and concerned by polls showing that two-thirds of the French population believes the class struggle is a daily reality, want the political establishment to make a symbolic gesture, to appear to take popular sentiment into account.

Yesterday, in his editorial on the debate for Liberation titled Revolt, Laurent Joffrin complained of hard times for financial capitalism. France, he said, is a worried country, on edge, explosive, that is getting tired of reasonable solutions. He went on to welcome the fact that the less prominent candidates expressed something profound: a revolt against injustice, the rejection of a ruling class that has let money be king.

Expressions of opposition in the debate were hypocritical and empty, however, insofar as they came primarily from long-time, trusted allies of the PS such as Philippe Poutou of the New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA) or Nathalie Arthaud of Workers Struggle (LO). All the so-called little candidates cut their deals with the major parties to obtain the 500 signatures of elected officials required by anti-democratic electoral laws in order to present a presidential candidate.

Their positions offer nothing to the working class, and the debate moved within extremely narrow limits. No candidate in the debate, little or otherwise, raised the danger of a major war posed by NATOs threats against Russia and Syria, and heightened by the recent propositions of candidates Emmanuel Macron and Jean-Luc Melenchon to bring back the draft. No one proposed, either, to end the ongoing state of emergency imposed by the PS.

Nevertheless, Joffrins comments indicate why limited and hypocritical discussions of war and social inequality emerged in this tightly controlled debate.

Macron, the candidate supported by President Francois Hollande and his PS government, attacked Le Pen, declaring: What you are proposing, with the exit from the euro, its cutting purchasing power, destroying jobs, and economic war! You are proposing nationalism, and nationalism, that means war! Le Pen responded that Macrons statements were just tired old nonsense.

Poutou, a union bureaucrat at the Ford factory in Blanquefort whose party emerged from the post-1968 student movement as a classic example of a petty-bourgeois organization, played the role of the working class candidate that has netted him media coverage. Wearing a T-shirt, he refused to be photographed with the other candidates and indicated his solidarity with LOs Arthaud: They try to limit us to the role of a little candidate who represents nothing and should not be here, but we are the only ones to have real jobs...

Similarly, Arthaud postured as a fighter for working people, calling for consciousness, confrontation, combat and social struggle because nothing will ever be given to us. Its a vote of conscience and militancy. She later added, pessimistically, that things are getting harder, but we will get nothing without that.

The hypocrisy involved in these statements is staggering. Firstly, all of these candidates, the NPA and LO no less than Macron and Le Pen, are on record as supporting imperialist wars in Libya, Syria, and Eastern Europe. As Macron takes Le Pen to task for promoting nationalism and thus heightening the danger of war, he and Melenchon are demanding a return of the draft, to prepare the French army for war. Macron justified his call for the draft by declaring that we are living in an epoch in international relations in which war is again a possible outcome of politics.

As for LO and the NPA, these are organizations that have endorsed every trade union sell-out of workers struggles in France, and whose co-thinkers in Greece, in the Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left) government, are imposing deep EU austerity on the working class.

Asked about the significance of Europe and the euro, Arthaud light-mindedly and nationalistically dismissed the issue of Europe as a diversion, even as conflicts within Europe surge amid Brexit. If youre badly paid, be it in francs [the former French national currency] or in euros, youre still badly paid, she declared.

What came to predominate in the debate was nationalism and differences over foreign policy, as concern on the fate of the euro pushes Le Pen at least temporarily on the back foot, and candidates such as Melenchon or Le Pen tack away from their previous anti-EU policies.

After Le Pen has backed away from pledges to take France out of the euro, instead proposing to hold a referendum on whether to leave the EU and the euro if she is elected, Fillon attacked her: As we all know that an immense majority of French people does not want to abandon the European currency. This means in reality that Mrs. Le Pen has no economic policy, as her economic policy will collapse the minute that the French people take a position on the exit from the European currency.

At the same time, there were growing xenophobic attacks from all sides of the debate. When right-wing nationalist candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan denounced workers posted in France from abroad for supposedly stealing French workers jobs, he obtained support from Melenchon, who issued a nationalist rant against foreign workers. Having already accused them of stealing French workers jobs' last year, Melenchon accused them this year of destroying our social legal system, and added: If Im elected, there will be no more posted work.

The outcome of this debate underscores the bankruptcy of the entire political establishment in France. Aware and afraid of a coming social explosion of the working class, they themselves are firmly committed to the drive to war and escalating attacks on democratic rights.
Drivers have voted downfor the second timea sell-out deal cooked up behind the scenes by the drivers union ASLEF and Southern Govia Thameslink Rail (GTR). The deal, which the Conservative government fully backs, seeks to impose unsafe Driver Only Operation (DOO) trains on Southerns network.

The deal was first rejected by the drivers in March by a narrow majority of 54 percent. This weeks vote was by a narrower margin, with 372 drivers (51.8 percent) against to 346 (48.2 percent).

This testifies to the immense pressure placed on drivers by the ASLEF, Southern and the media.

Drivers and rail conductors have waged a bitter struggle against Southerns plans and the latest no vote is another blow to management, which was confident that ASLEF could finally wear its members down and deliver a yes vote.

GTR runs three major rail franchisesSouthern Rail, Southeastern and London Midlandand is the UKs busiest rail operator, running critical routes out of London and Birmingham. The Conservative government, whose aim is the removal of all 6,000 conductors from the rail network, requires DOO to be fully achieved on the GTR franchise.

Despite cosmetic changes, the new deal enabled GTR to enforce the expansion of DOO trains, making conductors On Board Supervisors (OBS) as a prelude to dismissal.

In response to the No vote, ASLEF General Secretary Mick Whelan once again announced his intention to re-enter negotiations. We understand and support the decision arrived at in a democratic vote, he said.

What a lie! ASLEF will force workers to ballot on another rotten agreement until the union executives get the result they want and suppress all opposition to DOO.

After launching a joint campaign with the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers union (RMT) against DOO in November 2015, and to eliminate it where it already exists, ASLEF now declares DOO is an acceptable form of train despatch.

An RMT-produced dossier last summer declared, Since January 2011 there have been 10 serious incidents at the passenger/train interface (PTI) that have been or are subjected to investigation by the UKs national investigation body the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB)... Eighty percent of these incidents have involved services being operated in driver-only operation (DOO) without a second on-board safety critical worker, a guard or train manager.

The second attempt by the union to ram through a sell-out agreement makes it clear that rank-and-file workers must take the conduct of this struggle in their own hands. Rail workers should elect rank-and-file committees, independent of all the pro-corporate unions to fight for a united struggle against the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and the Tories. Such committees must overcome all the artificial divisions imposed by the rail unions to divide and weaken workers and sabotage one strike after another.

Despite their verbal posturing against DOO, ASLEF and the RMT have facilitated its introduction and other attacks on working conditions for years.

ASLEF refused to oppose the removal of 130 conductors from London Overground in 2013/14, with the RMT collaborating to ensure a trouble-free destruction of the conductor grade through redundancies and transfers. On ScotRail last winter, the RMT agreed that drivers would open doors and conductors close thema step towards removing conductors altogether.

The RMT has done everything possible to isolate its conductor members, who work on the same trains as Southern drivers, from waging a joint struggle. They sought to force conductors to sign up to the new OBS role last December, saying it was in their best interests ahead of a threat by the company to sack them. This instruction was given while conductors were still engaged in strikes. Most of the 30 days of strikes by RMT conductors at Southern have been limited to 24 hours at a time, on days when drivers have not been on strike.

ASLEF refuses to ballot its members for strikes at any other train company where DOO is planned. This is brought into sharp focus by this Saturdays strikes being held by conductors against DOO at three train companiesArriva Trains Northern, Merseyrail and Southern GTR.

On March 13, during the first day of strikes by conductors at the three companies, ASLEF members at Merseyrail defied the union and refused to cross picket lines. Their action expressed the desire for a unified struggle. Without such a joint offensive, the rail companies will succeed in picking rail workers off one section at a time.

The sabotage of the rail unions has emboldened the bosses to escalate their attacks. The Department for Transports has advanced a Rail Capability Plan, to create high-value, low-cost railway innovations to drive down operational expense, not constrained by existing railway standards and delivering what it calls a high-value, low-cost railway. The plan lays out the stages they will go through to arrive at what they call Autonomous trains. These are Milestone A-Semi-automatic operation, Milestone-B Driverless operation, Milestone C-Unattended operations, Milestone D-Autonomous trains.

At the same time, the government-controlled Office of Road and Rail Regulation is threatening 1,000 track renewal workers jobs on Network Rail (the state sponsored company who maintain tracks and signalling). This follows the RMTs cancelling of two national strikes by 16,000 Network Rail workers in 2015. In return for a small pay rise, the RMT agreed to be part of an efficiency and Improvement Project to deliver savings and efficiencies.

A basic principle that has guided the struggles of the working class is the understanding that an injury to one is an injury to all. As the dispute over DOO demonstrates, the union bureaucracy is totally opposed to any such principles of basic class solidarity. Throughout the world, unions today function as arms of management, defending the profit interests of capitalists, and cannot be described in any meaningful sense as working class organisations.

Rail workers must break the stranglehold of the unions by creating their own organisations of struggle. Such rank-and-file bodies can create the basis for a genuine unification of workers, establishing lines of communication and common activity across all workplaces throughout the public and private sector.

The governments active support for the attack on rail workers makes clear that the defence of workers rights involves a fight against the state and its parties. This includes the Labour Party, which, despite the self-proclaimed left leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, are collaborating in local councils throughout the UK with private transport companies and the government to obtain new trains that are DOO enabled.

The Socialist Equality Party fights for a workers government, based on socialist policies. These include the nationalisation of public transportation, so that it can be run in the interests of the travelling public and rail workers and not the major corporations.
An in-principle four-year industrial agreement covering public school teachers in the state of Victoria marks another sell-out deal organised by the Australian Education Union (AEU).

Worked out last month with the state Labor government of Premier Daniel Andrews, after twelve months of back-door negotiations, the deal saw the union call off planned industrial action by teachers before it even began. Unlike previous industrial agreements, this one has been finalised without any strike action or mass meeting of teachers. The union aims to prevent any discussion among teachers and ram through the agreement by lying about its contents and claiming it represents a win for teachers.

In reality, on every key issue confronting school staff, the AEU and government have worked together to entrench and deepen the assault on the public education system.

Excessive teacher workload will continue, leading to increased teacher stress impacting on overall student learning

Meredith Peace, president of the Victorian branch of the AEU, claims that the agreement addresses crushing workload by giving teachers four Professional Practice Days a year, supposedly allowing them to catch up with out-of-classroom work while a relief teacher covers their classes.

In the lead-up to the sell-out deal, the union reported that negotiations had hit a sticking point over workload, and were preparing to strike over the issue. Before the ballot for industrial action had even begun, the union announced a win on the basis of the new Professional Practice Days. The new measure does not, however, even begin to address intense workload pressures.

Teachers are already working on average 15 hours of unpaid overtime each week. The unions claims that 7.5 hours time-release each term will resolve the situation is a cynical joke.

The agreement makes no change to face-to-face teaching time, class sizes, nor will it see any extra teachers employed in schools. As the agreement states, the one day release per term from scheduled duties must be negotiated with the principal and be in line with department and school priorities. In other words, it remains unclear whether teachers will be able to use their day each term to carry out work that would be of benefit to them and their students.

Insecure employment and contract teaching will continue

In an AEU statement to members, Peace claimed that changes to contract processes will see thousands of teachers and ES [Education Support] automatically translate to ongoing employment. Minister of Education James Merlino stated that at least 2,500 teachers and 5,000 Education Support staff would be given certainty moving them from contract to permanent roles.

In fact, secure employment for contract teachers is not guaranteed in the agreement, and the government has since admitted that the numbers of new permanent roles are merely Department of Education estimates. The AEU deal retains explicit statements contained in previous agreements endorsing contracts as continu[ing] to be necessary.

The new proposed agreement states that schools will offer ongoing employment to eligible teachers, whereas the previous agreement stated that schools should offer it. This change in wording, however, will not alter the widespread use of contracts in public schools. Previous sweeping loop-holes that principals have used to avoid transferring contract teachers onto ongoing positions, such as the employer having good reason not to, or predicted declining enrolments for a school, remain. One in five of all teachers are now on contracts, with 65 percent of graduate teachers on short term contracts in their first five years.

Insecure employment for underpaid Education Support staff will also continue

In a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) information sheet, the AEU states that Education Support (ES) staff that are linked to the Student Support Program (SSP) will be converted into ongoing positions. Student support funding is attached to students with disabilities, and other students requiring additional needs. Presently more than 45 percent of ES staff are on contract.

Again, the devil is in the detail for this supposed win. The proposed agreement details that if a student on the SSP leaves the school, or his or her funding is cut, then the ES staff member attached to that student will be dismissed, though now with 12 weeks notice rather than 10. Fewer and fewer ES staff are linked to the Student Support Program, with the government continually raising the threshold to either maintain or gain funding for students with additional needs. ES staff will continue to be grossly underpaid and face onerous working conditions, such as being compelled to work five hours straight without any break.

Real wage cuts continue , with Victorian teachers the lowest paid nationally

In a FAQ information sheet, the union states that teachers and ES staff have secured a 3.25 percent annual salary increase with an increase of 13.7 percent over the course of the agreement.

This falls far short of the initial 21 percent catch-up increase included in the initial log of claims. The last time Victorian teachers had a wage increase was in October 2015, and under the new agreement the next will be in April 2017. The deal provides no back pay, therefore equating to a wage freeze for more than one year. Victorian teachers will remain at or near the bottom of the wage scale compared with other states. This coincides with Victoria remaining the lowest state for government funding for schools per student, funded at $2,253 less than the national average.

Teacher performance monitoring processes will deepen

As with all previous industrial agreements, the union has agreed to government dictates that seek to tie teachers performance to education department criteria, school priorities and student data, creating the framework for so-called performance pay and targeted layoffs.

The proposed agreement deepens this process. As part of a list of union-government commitments, the AEU has signed off on electronically-managed and online performance and development reviews. Performance reviews were previously discussed and signed off on at the school level, but now the government will have the ability to monitor them centrally.

Another commitment includes a sweeping pledge by the AEU to the implementation of the [governments] education reform agenda and contribution to achieving targets.

A new teaching category has also been created, Learning Specialists. In addition to modelling exemplary teaching practice, they will use data for "whole school improvement, and develop protocols of teacher observation, practice and feedback. This initiative was first proposed by the AEU, which is effectively seeking to have classroom observations embedded in the industrial agreement. This follows the previous agreement where the union added a new clause allowing teachers accused of unsatisfactory performance to be sacked within 13 weeks.

AEU rewarded for its sell-out

As a result of its latest betrayal, the union has further entrenched its privileged position within the public education system. Union representatives will now be present during all induction processes for new school employees, union representatives on local consultative committees will be given 16 hours of time-release per year, union state councillors will be given two days paid leave per term, and any employee nominated by the union to attend a union training course will be given five paid days per year.

Whereas the union stands to gain from the proposed agreement, teaching and other school staff, students, and the public education system as a whole, will be worse off if it is rammed through.

Teachers should vote no to the rotten deal, as the starting point for a coordinated political campaign in defense of the public education system as a whole and for the rights and conditions of teachers and school staff within that system.

Such a fight cannot be undertaken through the AEU. Across the country, the teachers unions have helped impose the following education reforms: NAPLAN standardised testing, My School, school autonomy, a new Year One phonics test, so-called performance reviews, and now the reintroduction of school inspectors in New South Wales some 40 years after their abolition.

Teachers should form rank-and-file committees within every school, uniting teachers, students, families, and other layers of the working class across the country facing similar attacks on their jobs, wages, and working conditions. We urge workers and young people to contact the World Socialist Web Site to discuss how to advance this political struggle.

The author also recommends:

Australia: NSW government re-introduces public school inspectors to enforce unpopular measures

[17 November 2016]

Australian Education Union agrees to sell-out deal with Victorian state Labor government

[30 March 2017]
The flood crisis that has hit large parts of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales over the past week is continuing to affect thousands of people, with floodwaters peaking in the Queensland regional centre of Rockhampton today.

Outlying areas of the city, which has a population of around 80,000, have already been submerged by the slow-moving floodwaters, with the Fitzroy River rising to a level of nearly nine metres, the benchmark of a major flood disaster. Record rainfalls in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, which made landfall in south-east Queensland on Tuesday last week, have concentrated in the Fitzroy River catchment.

Over 200 homes in Rockhampton were thought to have been damaged by floodwaters as of Wednesday. The airport, along with schools and many businesses in the city have been closed since early this week.

Authorities have warned that another 300 homes and businesses are likely to be inundated today. Over 3,000 more properties are expected to be directly affected by the flood. Warnings have been issued that the disaster will have a devastating impact on the local economy.

The floodwaters are not expected to subside for between 24 and 48 hours, meaning that many residents will be isolated, with the prospect of widespread power outages.

Questions have already emerged over the lack of government action to prevent inundation of the city, which is one of the most flood prone in the country. The current flood is the fourth to have hit Rockhampton in the past seven years, but authorities at the local, state and federal levels have resisted calls for the construction of a protective levee.

In 2011, the city suffered substantial damage in floods that swept over large parts of Queensland. The economic cost was estimated at $35 million. Rockhampton was again struck by floods in 2013, and in 2015 it was hit by a cyclone and flow-on flooding.

Calls for the construction of a levee were first made in 1992, following severe floods the previous year. In 2015, proposals were discussed for a $50 million levee, which would have protected an estimated 1,500 properties, through the construction of a 7.2 kilometre embankment. The plan was scuttled over costs.

Responding to criticisms over the past days, Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow declared that the local council did not have sufficient funds to build a levee. Instead, it has prepared for the current inundation by erecting makeshift structures in parts of the city. The barriers are down the middle of flood-affected streets, meaning that residents on the wrong side will likely suffer inundation.

The council has suffered a number of budgetary crises. Between 2011 and 2013 it reportedly spent more than $6 million repairing flood-damaged roads and infrastructure.

Questioned about the absence of a levee on a Channel Nine television broadcast this morning, Queensland Labor premier Annastacia Palaszczuk blandly stated that her government was open to the idea. Any measures, however, she said, would need to be backed by the federal government, which has also resisted allocating funds to flood mitigation.

Residents have also voiced anger over the impact of power outages. Reg Dummett, told the Australian yesterday that his electricity had been off for the previous two days, the first time he has suffered a flood-related outage in 40 years.

Its ridiculous. Im a pensioner and Im having to run a generator paying, I dont know how much, for fuel, Dummett said. As in other areas of the state, those affected by the floods can apply for a government grant of just $180.

The dire social consequences of last weeks flooding in New South Wales (NSW) are also becoming clear. Damages across the state are estimated at $200 million. The regional centre of Lismore, in northern NSW, was among the worst hit.

Lismore has a flood levee, but the structure, built in 2005, was only designed to withstand one in ten year floods, and was breached last Friday by floodwaters that were the highest since 1974. The entire central business district was submerged and hundreds of homes were damaged.

On Monday, Liberal-National Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was confronted by Steven Krieg, a small business owner, during a stage-managed visit to Lismore.

Krieg denounced the state and federal government for offering loans, rather than grants, to small businesses devastated by the floods, and contrasted the response to the hundreds of millions of dollars provided by successive governments to the major car companies, which are ending production in Australia at the end of the year.

Krieg, who said he was already up to his eyeballs in debt, commented: If you come back in six months, youll just about see 50 to 80 percent of those businesses still not open ... Im facing the fact that if I dont open my doors Im going to have to sell my house to pay the rent. Many businesses and homes were uninsured, with some insurance companies charging premiums of $30,000 a year in flood-prone areas.

The city is littered with piles of debris and mud on front lawns, including severely damaged household items, and material that was scattered by the floods. The local council has declared that it is unable to move the volume of rubbish that has accumulated, and has said that some of it may remain in the city for up to a month.

Greg Bell from the North Coast Public Health Unit warned of the potential health impact of the debris, telling the ABC yesterday: Whatever was on the land ends up in the waterchemicals, oil, dead animals, septic tanks have overflown, sewerage plants have been on bypass so they cant pump and it goes into the floodwater. As the water goes down, that material goes into the mud.

The flood crisis in Queensland and NSW has claimed at least seven lives, while three men are still missing in Queensland. On Monday, tragedy struck when a car carrying Stephanie King and her three children slid into the Tweed River in northern NSW. King and two of her children perished.

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, police authorities stated that the road had been closed, before backtracking on the claim amid anger from local residents.

One of Kings friends, Sally Fraser, wrote on Facebook: I hope people keep demanding the truth, that the road was not closed. Even buses were using that road. I knew immediately when I heard, it couldnt have been closed, because I know for a fact you would never EVER put your kids in harms way. The deaths will be the subject of a coronial investigation.

As in previous disasters, the current floods have underscored the manifestly inadequate character of federal and state government preparations for natural disasters which are a predictable and routine occurrence. Flood-mitigation measures are stymied by governments committed to budget cuts on behalf of big business, while residents in affected areas are often left to fend for themselves.
The Spanish bourgeoisie has used the Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) to provocatively reassert its claims to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar.

The 6.7 square kilometre territory was seized by Britain in 1704 for its strategic military importance at the entrance to the Mediterranean. It has since become a major tax haven for the British and international ruling elite. Although the territorys 30,000 inhabitants rejected Spanish sovereignty in a referendum in 2002, they voted by 96 percent in last Junes Brexit referendum to remain in the EU.

Last year sections of the Spanish ruling class calculated that Brexit offered Spain a golden opportunity, not only to reclaim Gibraltar but also to possibly become Washingtons new strategic ally in Europe.

Former Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo declared that it would give Spain an opportunity to have an even more important role than the one we already have with the United States, and dont forget about one other thing: well be talking about Gibraltar the very next day.

The renewed moves by Spain have the backing of the EU. Brussels has dropped its traditional neutral position on conflicting Spanish/UK claims on Gibraltar and adopted an aggressive anti-British positionas it has done on every issue of controversy since the result of the Brexit referendum.

Last week, in response to UK Prime Minister Theresa Mays hardline demands on the terms of the UK-EU divorce, the EU sent its 27 remaining member a nine-page document containing its draft negotiating position. It warned, A non-member of the union cannot have the same rights and enjoy the same benefits as a member.

It made clear in a clause in the document that no agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom may apply to the territory of Gibraltar without agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom.

On Monday, the European Commissions chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas said, The guidelines presented on Friday have the complete backing of President [Jean-Claude] Juncker and [chief negotiator] Michel Barnier. We will give no more explanations.

Junckers endorsement of the Gibraltar clause comes just a few weeks after his intervention over the status of Northern Ireland in EU-UK negotiations. Juncker and Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny jointly declared that at some future time, there was a vote for a united Ireland, as laid down in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland would have ease of access to join as a member of the European Union again. The EU also indicated it opposes the re-establishing of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

In Britain, the Gibraltar clause led former Conservative Party leader Michael Howard to invoke Margaret Thatchers 1982 war against Argentina over the Malvinas/Falkland Islands to declare the UK was prepared to go to war with Spain over Gibraltar. Former minister Norman Tebbit warned that Gibraltar is a vital Western strategic interest and suggested inviting leaders of the Catalan independence movement to London, or even to raising their desire for independence at the United Nations. It took two days before UK Prime Minister May tried to make a joke of Howards bellicose talk.

In contrast, Spains ABC newspaper declared, The Spanish government achieves its first triumph after the opening up of Brexit negotiations.

El Pais stated that the clause is handing the Spanish government the negotiating key it needed in its claims over the territory.

For El Espanol, in what has become a major diplomatic victory, Spain has a powerful ally on its side in its dispute with the United Kingdom over The Rock: the European Union of the 27.

Soon after, the leaders of three of Spains main parties, the ruling Popular Party (PP), the main opposition Socialist Party (PSOE) and Citizens met with high-ranking foreign ministry officials to agree on a joint strategy for Gibraltar.

Amid this tense situation, on Tuesday Spain dispatched a warship into the disputed territorial waters around Gibraltar. The Spanish Ministry of Defence described this as routine operations against illicit drugs and migrants, while the British Foreign Office declared it to be an unlawful maritime incursion.

Unhindered control of the Straits of Gibraltar has always been one of Spanish imperialisms foreign policy priorities. Its repossession became official government policy during the fascist regime of General Francisco Franco (1939-1978) and following the Transition to democracy, the policy has remained in place under successive governments.

One of the main books dealing with Spanish foreign policy explains, The Straits of Gibraltar continues to be the main sea route in the world, both because of the number of ships passing through it (80,000 a year, about 220 a day), and because of its tonnage and the presence of ships with nuclear weapons. It acts as a key to the Mediterranean, which is not only important from a military point of view, but also because of the large oil tankers from North Africa and/or the Persian Gulf coming through Suez, which are part of the normal supply of energy to the European countries. Ensuring the free movement and preventing any form of blockade that would affect countries like Spain, which receives 82% of its supplies by sea, is therefore a priority objective. [Ricardo Mendez and Silva Marcu, La posicion geoestrategica de Espana p.137-138 in La politica exterior de Espana de 1800 hasta hoy (2010).]

Criticisms have been levelled at Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis other piece of political brinkmanship targeting the UKhis suggesting that Spain would not block Scotlands application for membership of the EU if it separated from the UK.

His remarks open the Pandora box regarding Catalonia and the Basque Country, which both have strong separatist movements that, like the Scottish National Party, are demanding independence as a first step to seeking EU membership. In Catalonia, a referendum on independence, declared illegal by the Spanish government, has been called in November by the regional Catalan government. The Catalan position can only be strengthened by Dastis tacit support for the SNPs own demand for a second independence referendum.

El Mundo said that when questioned about Scotland, a Spanish minister is expected, at this point in time, to put nationalism in its place, which is that of garbage... Dastis comments, it declared, had caused Tebbit to threaten to take the Catalan cause to the UN.

ABC posted an editorial, Dastis grave mistake, warning that any reference to Scotlands independence and eventual entry into the European Union from the mouth of a Member of the Government of Spain can be used against our national interests.

The Gibraltar crisis is also an expression of the growing antagonisms brought about by President Donald Trumps open declarations of support for Brexit and for the break-up of the EU, which he has described as a German-dominated economic competitor to the US.

While the UK is interested in defending the special relationship with the US after the UK leaves Europe and calculates it will have Trumps support on Gibraltar and the EU negotiations, Spain is attempting to become the new strategic partner of the US in post-Brexit Europe.

Last week, Spanish Defence Minister Maria Dolores de Cospedal visited US Secretary of Defence James Mattis in Washington for talks described as successful. This week, Spain complied with Trumps demand that NATO countries commit at least 2 percent of spending on defence, increasing its military spending by fully 32 percentfrom 5.7 billion in 2016 to 7.5 billion in 2017. Two years ago, Spain signed an agreement with the US making permanent its airbase at Moron and naval base at Rota, just 1.5 hours away from Gibraltar. Both bases have played a major role in all US-led wars since the First Gulf War in 1990.
Two weeks after the district court of Cologne decided on March 15 that the Asta (student government) of the University of Bremen is allowed to describe Jorg Baberowski as a right-wing extremist, the presidium of Humboldt University (HU) has thrown its weight behind the professor. It has declared that criticism of his positions is unacceptable, and is threatening critics of Baberowski with severe legal sanctions.

In a statement on the ruling of the Cologne district court, the HU presidium asserts that the professor is an outstanding scholar, whose integrity is beyond doubt. Further, it says: The scholarly statements by Jorg Baberowskiespecially if taken within their contextsare not right-wing extremist. .... The continuous media and personal attacks on members of Humboldt University are unacceptable. Then it refers to another casefor which it provides no factual detailsthat has also already been prosecuted criminally on behalf of Humboldt University.

This statement is an assault on freedom of speech, and is part of a right-wing political offensive in the German media. Its central target is the Socialist Equality Party (Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, SGP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Germany, which has exposed the connection between, on the one hand, Baberowskis right-wing historical revisionism (i.e., the relativization of the genocidal policies of the Nazi regime) and anti-immigrant demagogy, and, on the other hand, the growing state-sponsored campaign for a revival of German militarism. Last week, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germanys leading conservative newspaper, published two attacks on the SGP, including one on its front page. It expressed concern over the powerful influence exerted by the SGPs opposition to the transformation of universities into ideological centers of militarism.

In an attempt to mislead public opinion, the HU presidium is trying to portray Baberowski as the victim of an assault on free speech and academic freedom. This line of argument is utterly fraudulent. Baberowski is not a beleaguered scholar who is being persecuted for his scientific labors. He is, in fact, a right-wing political activist with a widely publicized reactionary political agenda. Baberowski is able to call upon the protection of an apparently limitless network of friends in high places. Despite his undistinguished scholarly opus, Baberowski is the subject of endless public tributes as Germanys preeminent historian. He appears on talk shows, gives interviews and writes newspaper articles that legitimize the hatred of refugees, advocate the ruthless deployment of state violence, and relativize the crimes of the Nazis.

On the internet, the connection between Baberowskis name and the German and American far-right scene is on plain display for everyone to see. After the ruling, he was defended by the right-wing radical magazine Compact, the far-right weekly Junge Freiheit (Young Freedom) and various right-wing radical blogs, including Politically Incorrect. The right-extremist American web sites Breitbart News and the Daily Stormer (a modern version of the anti-Semitic Nazi smear sheet Der Sturmer) have celebrated Baberowski for his campaign against refugees.

The HU presidium falsely claims that the Cologne ruling allows Baberowski to be called a right-wing extremist only because his accusers are protected by constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech. In fact, the ruling states that Baberowskis positions provide a sufficient starting point for describing him as a right-wing extremist. The court acknowledged that the criticism put forward by Bremen students of statements by Baberowski is not defamatory because the required reference to relevant objective facts is present.

Furthermore, Baberowski did not sue the Asta of Bremen because his scholarly statements were allegedly taken out of context, but, rather, because the students had criticized his campaign against refugees and his cold-blooded advocacy of military violence. The right-wing courts secondary rulingwhich asserted that Baberowski had been quoted out of contextis a judicial scandal. The Cologne court, known to be among the most conservative in Germany, bent over backwards to provide an exculpatory explanation of Baberowskis inflammatory statements. In their legitimate selection of passages from statements by Baberowski, the Bremen students did not falsify the content of his remarks. The speeches by Baberowski, especially when read in their entirety, leave no doubt about his far-right politics.

Baberowskis academic career and his political activities are inextricably linked. He does not distinguish between his public political positions and his scholarly statements. He includes on his official Humboldt University web site a list of all of his polemical statements on political issues. Baberowski lists no less than 101 radio appearances, 39 TV appearances and 32 newspaper interviews.

One issue constantly present in Baberowskis public statements is his campaign against refugees, which has included bitter attacks on Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Chancellor Angela Merkel. He wrote in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: The integration of several million people in a short time interrupts the continuity of our traditions (Uberlieferungszusammenhang), on which we base ourselves and which sustain a society and provide it with consistency.

Baberowskis attacks on immigrants have made him a favorite in the right-wing press beyond the borders of Germany. Two extreme right-wing US publicationsBreitbart News and the neo-Nazi web site, the Daily Stormerhave quoted Baberowski. American Nazis have no doubt at all about the meaning of the professors statements.

He also writes a monthly column for the Basler Zeitung, which belongs to the media empire of the Swiss right-wing anti-immigrant chauvinist, Christoph Blocher. Baberowskis arguments mirror those of the German far-right party AfD (Alternative fur Deutschland), which he defends against the groundless accusation that fascists were among its parliamentary deputies. Baberowski glorifies, in the name of the struggle against terrorism, the ruthless application of state violence against terrorists. Using the brutal language that is characteristic of the extreme right, he has written: Indifference is only another word for cowardice. If someone does not understand any other language than violence, then he should feel it.

Baberowskis right-wing political diatribes cannot be separated from his work as a historian.

His academic curriculum vitae includes an interview published in the German magazine Der Spiegel in February 2014, in which Baberowski declared: Hitler was no psychopath, and he wasnt vicious. He didnt want people to talk about the extermination of the Jews at his table. This statement is clear enough, and no amount of apologetic sophistries can disguise its monstrous meaning.

In the same interview, Baberowski defended the late Ernst Nolte, the most notorious apologist for Nazi crimes among the German post-war professors. Referring to the famous Struggle of Historians (Historikerstreit) of the late 1980s, in which leading German historians denounced Noltes justification of Nazi crimes, Baberowski stated: Historically speaking, he was right.

The relativization of Nazi crimes runs like a red thread through Baberowskis work. He denies that the Nazi regime waged a consciously planned Vernichtungskrieg (war of extermination) against the Soviet Union. Baberowski, following Noltes line of argument, presents the actions of the Wehrmacht against the Soviet Unionwhich included the genocidal extermination of the Jews and the mass killings directed against the civilian populationas a reaction to the resistance of the Red Army and the attacks of partisan forces.

The defense of Baberowski by Humboldt University is all the more extraordinary given the fact that his academic writings have been sharply attacked by well-known German historians for playing down of the crimes of the Nazis.

Dr. Benno Ennker, who teaches in Tubingen and St. Gallen, criticized Baberowskis book Verbrannte Erde for its implicit exoneration of the Wehrmacht. Regarding Baberowskis assertion that the Nazis were simply unable to bring their war of annihilation under control, Ennker wrote: Such acompletely unsubstantiatedexculpation of the ideologically planned policy of annihilation in the East by reference to situations and circumstances, has hitherto only been attempted by the Polish sensationalist [right-wing] historian Bogdan Musial.

Christoph Dieckmann from the Fritz Bauer Institute, a Center on the History and Impact of the Holocaust, accused Baberowski of failing to recognize the general state of research, which proves a far-reaching consensus of the German leadership and the upper echelons of the Wehrmacht, prior to the assault on the Soviet Union, to subject many millions of Soviet citizens to death by starvation within a few months. In light of this state of research, Baberowskis arguments appear, in Dieckmanns words, to be apologetic.

To be blunt, the term apologetic is a polite academic way of saying that Baberowski is advancing a lying excuse for the crimes of the Nazis. The claim that the Third Reich did not plan a war of annihilation against the Soviet Union flies in the face of everything that has been established by scholars throughout the world. The American historian Stephen G. Fritz has summed up the results of decades of research: From the outset, the war against the Soviet Union was planned as a war of annihilation, with the full knowledge and complicity of the Wehrmacht leadership. The title of Professor Fritzs 640-page work, published by the University Press of Kentucky in 2011, is Ostkrieg: Hitlers War of Extermination in the East.

As for the claim that Hitler was not vicious, is this a remark that sane people should lower themselves to argue with? One can only wonder what Mr. Baberowskis standard of acceptable human conduct is.

But the presidium of the most important university of the German capital now declares it unacceptable that Baberowskis right-wing and historically revisionist positions be criticized and condemned. No matter how provocative and repulsive his statements, they must be interpreted in a light most favorable to Baberowski. He must be held above reproach. Thus, Humboldt University declares that media and personal attacks on members of Humboldt University will no longer be tolerated. Hence, anyone who denounces Baberowskis assertion that Hitler was not vicious will have to reckon with severe legal sanctions. If such a statement cannot be criticized, and its author publically denounced, then we are truly living in a Dostoyevskian world where All is permitted.

Turning reality on its head, Humboldt University points an accusing finger at Baberowskis critics and attempts to discredit their actions: There is no place for violence and extremism at the Humboldt University of Berlin. This is a cynical, hypocritical and dishonest statement. Baberowski is free to incite hatred against immigrants, but those who write essays and hold lectures opposing him are associated with violence and extremism.

The Humboldt University administration does not provide a single example of violence being threatened, let alone used, by Baberowskis critics. The IYSSE has discussed his right-wing positions at numerous meetings, which have been attended by hundreds of students, and not a single incident has ever occurred. Baberowski, whose own writing reveal an unhealthy obsession with violence, has used vile language against IYSSE members and publicly demanded that the cranks be thrown out of the university.

The fact that the HU presidium declares Baberowski to be above criticism is the result of a political intervention. After the Cologne ruling, which many media outlets evaluated as a partial success for the Asta of Bremen, right-wing political and media circles launched a massive campaign in defense of Baberowski.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the most prominent German conservative daily, which supported Nolte in the 1980s, has pressured Humboldt University to publicly defend Baberowski, despite opposition to the professor within the university administration itself. The newspaper complained about the allegedly too restrained statement of solidarity for Baberowski on March 27. In response to this criticism, the president of Humboldt University, Sabine Kunst, promised that there would be a statement on the ruling by the Cologne district court.

Kunst is a high-ranking figure in the German Social Democratic Party (SPD). She was the minister of science in the state of Brandenburg from 2011 to 2016, and she maintains close relations to the foreign policy establishment and the German military. Kunst defends the right-wing professor not in the interests of a free and independent scholarly exchange, but, rather, for political reasons.

Within the ruling Grand Coalition, the SPD plays a leading role in demanding an aggressive great-power policy despite the resistance of the population. Former Foreign Minister and now President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for Germany to play a military role in Europe and internationally that corresponds to its economic power and influence.

The official closing of the ranks between the HU presidium and Baberowski, which is aimed at suppressing criticism of right-wing extremist standpoints, can only be explained within the context of a sharp shift to the right in ruling circles. In the field of domestic policy, both the SPD and sections of the Left Party are also adapting to, and even participating in, chauvinist campaigns against refugees. Baberowski is seen as an ally in this reactionary orientation.

Moreover, the effort to reestablish Germany as a major and active military power requires that the German population overcome its hostility to war, which is rooted in the tragic and bloody experiences of the 20th century. Thus, history has to be rewritten, and the crimes of German imperialism have to be whitewashed. In this foul and duplicitous project, Baberowski is playing an important role.

After the fall of the Third Reich and before committing suicide to evade the hangman's noose, Hermann Goering infamously declared that within one hundred years statues would again be mounted in Germany to honor the memory of the Fuehrer. Twenty-eight years still remain for Goering's horrifying prophesy to be fulfilled. But already, in 2017, the leadership of a German university has declared that whether the worst mass murderer in world history was "vicious" is a matter for legitimateto use the terminology of the presidium"argumentative dispute."

Neither Frau Kunst nor the members of the Presidium of Humboldt University are sympathetic to Hitler. But once again, as in the early 1930s, the duplicity of the Social Democrats and the well-known cowardice of the German academic mandarins are playing a shameful role. Whatever their intentions, their actions are clearing the way for the political resurgence of the extreme right and, yes, even the historical rehabilitation of Hitler.

Humboldt Universitys presentation of its endorsement of Baberowski as a defense of academic freedom is a despicable lie. The universitys statement is an intellectually unprincipled, deceitful and cowardly capitulation to the revival of German militarism, anti-immigrant chauvinism, and out-and-out pro-Nazi apologetics.

It should be noted that Jorg Baberowskis academic work had, until recently, attracted no significant attention outside of Germany. However, his latest work, Verbrannte Erde, has been published in English (as Scorched Earth) by Yale University Press, in collaboration with the viciously anti-communist Hoover Institution. Prior to the English-language release of this book, Baberowski was invited to participate in summer workshops at the Hoover Institution in 2007, 2013 and 2014.

The International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site endorses the protest of the German SGP and the IYSSE against the measures taken by the Humboldt University presidium. It is unacceptable that at the same university where Hitlers war of annihilation against the Soviet Union was planned, criticism of apologetics for Nazi crimes and anti-immigrant demagogy is declared illegal. It is high time for serious and principled historians in Germany and internationally to condemn Humboldt Universitys statement in support of Jorg Baberowski.

The World Socialist Web Site and the sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International have no intention of yielding to reactionary efforts to rewrite history and whitewash the crimes of the Nazis. We encourage and support the efforts of the German Trotskyistswho are the political heirs of a long and heroic history of struggle against Nazismto educate students and the broadest sections of the working class in the lessons of history. In this fight, our German comrades should be able to count on the principled support of all progressive forces.
The world faces the prospect of more tension with China over trade, security and human rights after Xi Jinping awarded himself another five-year term as leader of the ruling Communist Party and called for self-reliance in technology, a stronger military and protection of core interests abroad. At a party congress, Xi gave no sign of plans to change the "zero-COVID strategy that has frustrated Chinas public and disrupted business and trade. He called for faster military development and announced no change in policies that strain relations with Washington and Asian neighbors. Xi is tightening control at home and trying to use Chinas economic heft to increase its influence abroad.
In more than two hours of testimony before a Senate committee Wednesday morning, Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly defended the Trump administrations sweeping attacks on democratic rights, directed against immigrants, visitors and US citizens and permanent residents. Kelly is a retired Marine Corps general who most recently headed the Southern Command, controlling all US forces in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Kelly confirmed the substance of a report in the Wall Street Journal Tuesday that the Department of Homeland Security is considering requiring visitors to the United States to hand over their cellphones and social media passwords when they apply for a visa. They could also be asked about their views on political and social issues like the status of women. Similar requirements could also be applied to visitors from the 38 countries that now participate in the US Visa Waiver Program, including most European countries, Australia and Japan.

Gene Hamilton, a senior counselor to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), told the Journal, If there is any doubt about a persons intentions coming to the United States, they should have to overcomereally and truly prove to our satisfactionthat they are coming for legitimate reasons.

Kelly claimed that this extreme vetting would be carried out only rarely. He presented it as the extension of an existing policy, already carried out under the Obama administration, where visitors can be pulled from the line during immigration screening at airports and other ports of entry and required to turn over their devices and passwords.

Several senators criticized this policy during their questioning of Kelly, including Democrat Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky. McCaskill, the top Democrat on the committee, pointed out the likelihood that other countries would impose similar security requirements on American visitors. Every ambassador in Washington called back to their country after the article on extreme vetting appeared in the Wall Street Journal, she said.

She asked whether Kelly expected Americans to turn over their cellphones and passwords as a condition of visiting London or Tokyo, suggesting that the result of such requirements would be a general collapse of travel and tourism.

Rand Paul asked Kelly about recent press reports that US citizens and permanent residents had been required to turn over cellphones and passwords as a condition of reentering the country. I could be travelling abroad and denied entry to my own country, he said, calling such a practice obscene, and a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which bans arbitrary searches.

Kelly claimed, Its not happening to citizens. In some cases, its happening to non-citizens, but not routinely. He spoke unemotionally, as though the Bill of Rights did not apply to non-citizens, or that an occasional, rather than continuous, trampling on the Constitution was somehow acceptable.

The DHS secretary also confirmed the statement issued Tuesday by his department spokesman David Lapan that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would continue to arrest crime victims and witnesses inside courthouses where they had come to participate in judicial proceedings, if they were undocumented.

The DHS spokesman said at a press briefing, Just because theyre a victim in a certain case does not mean theres not something in their background that could cause them to be a removable alien. He added, Just because theyre a witness doesnt mean they might not pose a security threat for other reasons.

Senator Kamala Harris of California raised the subject, which has become a major political issue in California after a series of such arrests. State and local government officials in California complained that immigrants are refusing all collaboration with local police and prosecutors because of fear they will be arrested when they go to court to make a complaint or testify.

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye sent a letter to Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessions protesting, Courthouses should not be used as bait in the enforcement of immigration laws. Kelly and Sessions replied with a letter defending the policy on the grounds that this was necessary to overcome resistance to ICE operations by local jurisdictions, so-called sanctuary cities, counties and states.

This policy exposes the cynical hypocrisy of Trumps claims that his anti-immigrant crackdown is aimed at defending the rights of victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. In one recent case, a Houston woman was arrested by immigration agents when she filed to obtain a protective order against violent abuse by her citizen husband.

Kelly spoke extensively on two other important issues involving the US border with Mexico, comments which were immediately portrayed in the media as indicating a softer or more reasonable and pragmatic approach.

In response to suggestions from both Democratic and Republican senators, he declared that Trumps promise of a wall between the US and Mexico did not mean a physical wall along every inch of the nearly 2,000-mile border. Border control could be established through walls, fencing, electronic detection or aerial patrol, he said. The most important locations for physical walls would be in urban areas, he said, and those identified by Border Patrol agents as particularly sensitive. (This practice, also developed under Obama, forces immigrants to cross in more dangerous areas, increasing the number of deaths in transit.)

These comments were hailed by Democrats like McCaskill and Jon Tester of Montana, who flattered Kelly as being the adult in the room when it came to the discussions within the Trump administration.

Kelly also indicated that the DHS was revising a policy of separating women and children from Central America when they came across the southwest border seeking asylum in the US. This policy was introduced earlier this year, with the aim of intimidating refugees and deterring them from fleeing violence in their home countries.

The DHS chief flatly declared that children would not be separated from their mothers unless circumstances indicated the mothers were a danger to them, such as drug addiction. However, he emphasized that the decision to flee from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras and attempt the long journey to the United States was itself endangering the childrena potential loophole for reinstituting the separation policy at some point in the future.

In response to questions from Harris, Kelly also elaborated on the new latitude that the Trump administration has given to ICE agents, going well beyond the prioritizing of undocumented immigrants with criminal felony convictions. He made it clear that ICE agents now have discretion to target virtually anyone who they suspect of being undocumented.

Kelly smugly declared that by virtue of this policy, ICE agents were now being allowed to do their job, with a corresponding dramatic improvement in morale. In other words, the border and immigration police are happy because they have been given the green light and unleashed on a defenseless population.

The increasingly repressive methods being employed against immigrants will be used against the entire working class. This is not a matter of speculation, or prognostication, but accomplished fact. Kelly told the Senate hearing that the DHS would push ahead with the Real ID program, which requires state governments to adhere to federal standards in the issuance of drivers licenses, with a deadline of mid-January 2018.

There are 23 states likely not to be in compliance with Real ID by the deadline, according to Kelly. Residents of these states will not be able to use drivers licenses to board a domestic airline flight. They will have to show a passport, border card or military ID, or they will be denied passage.

The Real ID program is a major step towards the establishment of a national ID card, for the first time in US history, laying the basis for a massive government database on every citizen and resident.
Ken Livingstone was suspended from Labour Party membership for two years on Tuesday. He was dragged before the National Constitutional Committee (NCC), based on the spurious charge that he made anti-Semitic statements that brought the party into disrepute.

Livingstone has been suspended since April 2016, after he opposed the suspension of Labour MP Naz Shah based on similarly bogus charges of anti-Semitism.

During an interview last April, Livingstone told reporters, Lets remember, when Hitler won his election in 1932 [sic] his policy then was that Jews should be moved to Israel. He was supporting Zionism. [He then] went mad and ended up killing 6 million Jews.

The NCC suspended Livingstone for two years, upholding three charges against him of breaching party rules. In addition to the suspension he has just served, he will be unable to stand for office or represent the party at any level until April 2018. But he remains a party member, as the panel decided against expelling him.

Livingstone is the former leader of the now-defunct Greater London Council, the MP for the London constituency of Brent East from 1987 to 2001 and Labour mayor of London for eight years, from 2000 to 2008. The latest action against him, as with his original suspension, is an outrageous violation of democratic rights. Moreover, accusations that he is anti-Semitic are slanderous given that he is a long-standing opponent of all forms of racism.

As the World Socialist Web Site has previously stated, Livingstones remarks were made with insufficient care, Hitler was a virulent anti-Semite, and whatever support he and his regime gave to Zionism was steeped in the most cynical political calculations and always subordinate to the Nazi leaders unwavering and pathological hatred of Jews. However, it is a matter of historical record that after Hitler came to power in 1933, significant sections of the Zionist movement in Germany sought an accommodation with the regime.

Following the NCC hearing, Livingstone described the allegations against him as nonsense and said it was like sitting through a court in North Korea. He added, I expected them to expel me, so I have now got to consider whether I challenge this legally.

In a statement issued by Livingstone shortly after, he said he would campaign to overturn the NCCs decision. The suspension had been extended because of my political views, not because I have done anything to harm the Labour Party. The disciplinary process was not in accord with natural justice in a number or ways. For example, the panel hearing was not held in public, despite the fact that it could have been under Labours rules. I was suspended for more than 11 months before the hearing was held.

Dozens of right-wing Labour MPs immediately denounced the NCCs failure to expel Livingstone from the party. The vicious line-up was led by the chief coup plotters who have sought to remove Jeremy Corbyn as party leader ever since his landslide election in September 2015.

Those calling for Livingstones expulsion include Deputy Leader Tom Watson, former Labour leader Ed Miliband, Blairites Yvette Cooper, Liz Kendall and Andy Burnham (who unsuccessfully challenged Corbyn in the 2015 leadership ballot) and Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Michael Dugher, vice chairman of the pro-Zionist Labour Friends of Israel group, said, Ken Livingstone should be kicked out for good.

Simon Johnson, the chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), said, Livingstones inaccurate and antagonistic comments, including over the past 40 years, have had a huge impact on the Jewish community.

The Jewish Labour Movement had provided a 178-page dossier to the hearing.

Richard Angell, the director of the main Blairite think tank, Progress, called on Corbyn to take further action, saying, It isnt good enough for Jeremy Corbyn to hide behind the process here.

By Wednesday afternoon, 42 Labour MPs (nearly 20 percent of the parliamentary party) had called for further action against Livingstone.

Though he has been in a political alliance with Livingstone for decades as part of Labours left, the NCC verdict was the signal for Corbyn to prostrate himself once again. He announced that he had called a meeting of the National Executive Committee to open a further investigation into Livingstone, focussing on comments he had made in his defence since the panels decision.

Responding to Livingstones refusal to accept the politically motivated decision against him, Corbyn stated, It is deeply disappointing that, despite his long record of standing up to racism, Ken has failed to acknowledge or apologise for the hurt he has caused. Many people are understandably upset that he has continued to make offensive remarks which could open him to further disciplinary action.

Corbyn knows that convening the NECled by a right-wing cabaland his support for further disciplinary action opens the way for Livingstones expulsion. But this is of a piece with his kowtowing to the right wing throughout this entire filthy witch-hunt.

From the outset, Corbyn immediately agreed to the suspension of Shah, Livingstone and others. Then, in response to the Labour rights manufactured scandal claiming the party was rife with anti-Semitismallegedly due to Corbyns leadership and support for the Palestinianshe set up an inquiry into racism in the Labour Party headed by prominent human rights lawyer Shami Chakrabarti.

Chakrabarti completed her report and concluded, to the chagrin of the right, that the party is not overrun by anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of racism. Since then, Chakrabarti has been made a baroness, was appointed shadow attorney general, and then elevated at Corbyns recommendation to the House of Lords. Ignoring her earlier findings, she endorsed Livingstones suspension by the NCC, claiming it proves that Labour has the ability to look at itself fairly and carefully in the mirror in more difficult times, however painful this might be.

According to the Guardian, Livingstone is believed to have told the panel that the case against him was motivated by a plot to undermine the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and his supporters in the party.

Yet Corbyns prostration before his opponents is so complete that he thinks nothing of offering to lead a political witch-hunt launched by the Blairites and their supportersas part of the plot to remove him!

Livingstones persecution is an attack on the freedom of speech of all Labour members. It proceeds despite five Jewish members of the party presenting evidence in his defence at the hearing. Among the five was 93-year-old Walter Wolfgang, a former member of Labours NEC, who was born in Germany and whose family was persecuted by the Nazis.

The five Jewish members have since issued a statement condemning Livingstones continued suspension and pointing to its anti-democratic character: The case brought against Ken was not that he was antisemitic. Instead it was claimed that he upset a significant part of the UKs Jewish population. This upset had been caused by his (accurate) statement that some Zionists and Hitler had wanted to get Jews out of Germany, and that prior to the War they reached a temporary agreement to help bring this about. The Zionist motivation was to increase the numbers of Jews going to Palestine.

If a political party adopts the principle that it suspends every member that upsets some part of the population where would it all end? Labour should respect freedom of expression.

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[2 May 2016]

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[14 January 2017]
Late last month, the second of two federal judges approved a revised settlement of two long-standing lawsuits, Handschu v. Special Services Division and Raza v. City of New York, both filed in 2013, which were brought against the New York Police Department (NYPD) for illegal surveillance of Muslims following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The agreement establishes mechanisms which are supposed to permit oversight of police investigations regarding religious and political activities. However, the settlement establishes, in effect, little more than a rubber stamp by a well-vetted member of the legal establishment to legitimize the continuation of wide-ranging spying by the police.

Among the provisions of the agreement are:

 Prohibiting investigations in which race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin is a substantial or motivating factor.

 Requiring articulable and factual information regarding possible unlawful activity before the NYPD can launch a preliminary investigation into political or religious activity.

 Requiring the NYPD to account for the potential effect of investigative techniques on constitutionally protected activities such as religious worship and political meetings.

 Payment to plaintiffs by the city of approximately $1.67 million to cover legal fees.

According to the settlement, a civilian is to be appointed with the responsibility to oversee adherence to the terms of the agreement, including review of the use of undercover officers and confidential informants and how ongoing investigations are conducted.

The new civilian monitor will sit on the monthly meetings of an NYPD committee that discusses surveillance operations, and will report periodically or under special circumstances, and have the authority to refer violations to a court for review. The agreement will be in effect for five years. After that, the mayor would require judicial approval for its termination. An earlier version had been rejected as inadequate.

The city announced that the civilian monitor will be Stephen Robinson, a retired federal judge who was once deputy general counsel to the FBI. Muslim groups have voiced criticism of the selection, which was made by the administration of Democratic mayor Bill de Blasio without consultation.

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the city relaxed what are known as the Handschu guidelines, established in 1985 to limit the NYPDs activities in collecting intelligence on activities covered by the First Amendment to the Constitution including the free exercise of religion, free speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

For the decade and a half since 9/11, New York police have conducted a massive spying program under the guise of antiterrorism that profiled members of ethnic and religious groups as a class instead of conducting investigations on the basis of particular evidence of alleged unlawful activities by individuals.

The recent settlement is only the latest in a series of rulings that have permitted or only marginally impeded the NYPDs ability to carry out various forms of surveillance targeted at Muslims and any other group of people or organization.

A report published last year by the citys own Inspector General for the NYPD revealed that the police simply ignored existing reporting and other requirements, including their own internal guidelines, that are supposed to provide checks on and create a record of such activities. This is despite the fact that in 2014 the NYPD formally disbanded the so-called Demographics Unit, established by a CIA agent working within the police department in 2003, which had been charged with spying on Muslims.

An earlier 2016 court ruling upheld the NYPDs use of the so-called Glomar doctrine, first established at the federal level, authorizing the government to refuse information requests from individuals who suspect that they are under surveillance, by neither confirming nor denying the existence of secret operations, even in response to inquiries under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).

The department has a long tradition of violating any formal procedural guidelines, as in its well documented practice of conducting warrantless, and often violent residential searches.

Now, under the Trump administrations sweeping campaign of terror against undocumented workers, the collaboration of local police forces with federal agencies, such as ICE and Customs and Border Patrol, are being intensified. A broad range of racial, ethnic, and religious groups are being targeted with impunity.

As the economic crisis deepens and Trumps anti-working class policies increasingly take effect, the role of the police in suppressing all opposition will continue to expand, regardless of this or any other pro forma restraints.

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[2 September 2016]

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[10 June 2016]
The Trump administration publicly responded to unsubstantiated allegations that forces loyal to the government of President Bashar al-Assad bore responsibility for a chemical attack in Syrias northwestern Idlib province with the threat of a new escalation of the American intervention in the war-ravaged Middle Eastern country.

Speaking alongside one of Washingtons favorite Arab puppet rulers, Jordans King Abdullah II, during a joint news conference at the White House, Trump declared that the heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated and had crossed a lot of lines for me. While condemning his predecessor, Barack Obama, for failing to carry through on a threat to intervene militarily in Syria over alleged chemical weapons attacks in 2013, Trump declared I now have the responsibility, adding that his attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much.

Washingtons ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, meanwhile, issued an even more direct threat of unilateral US military action in the run-up to an anticipated Russian veto of a provocative Western-backed resolution that could serve as a fig leaf for aggression against Syria. When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action, she said.

Fourteen years after the US invaded Iraq, turning that country and much of the Middle East into a charnel house, Washington is at it again, employing a strikingly similar pretext for imperialist aggression.

Once again, the US and world public is being bombarded with unsubstantiated claims about weapons of mass destruction allegedly employed by an oppressed former colonial country, mixed with crocodile tears and feigned moral outrage from a government responsible for more civilian deaths and war crimes than any regime since the fall of the Nazi Third Reich.

The pretext for this orchestrated campaign has all the earmarks of an imperialist provocation planned and executed by the Central Intelligence Agency and allied Western secret services with the aim of shifting US policy in relation to Syria.

First, there is the question of motive. Who benefits from such a crime? Clearly, it is not the Assad regime, which, with the aid of Russia and Iran, has largely vanquished the Islamist rebels that were armed, financed and trained by the CIA and Washingtons regional allies in the bloody six-year-long war for regime change. The government now rules over 80 percent of the country, including all of its major cities, with the Islamists hold reduced to largely rural areas of Idlib province. Under conditions in which the Trump administration had been signaling a shift in focus from toppling Assad to fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), why would Damascus carry out such a provocative attack?

The CIA-backed rebels themselves, howeveralong with their patrons in the US military and intelligence apparatushave every interest in staging such a provocation as a means of thwarting the governments consolidation of its rule throughout Syria. Moreover, numerous investigations, including by the UNs own chemical disarmament agency, have made it clear that these forces, dominated by the Syrian Al Qaeda affiliate, the Al Nusra Front, have carried out similar attacks using both chlorine and sarin gas, which they have received from their regional backers in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey and which they themselves have proven capable of manufacturing.

Then there is the issue of timing. The alleged gas attack was launched Tuesday morning, coinciding with the opening in Brussels of a European Union-sponsored Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, which was to review proposals for political transition in Syria as well as Europes intervention in the potentially lucrative reconstruction of the ravaged country. The alleged chemical attack set the stage for renewed demands for regime change and criticism of the Trump administration for suggesting that the ouster of Assad was no longer a priority.

There is a definite pattern here. The last time that Washington and its allies accused the Assad regime of a major chemical weapons attack and nearly launched a full-scale war on that pretext was in August 2013. That alleged attack, which subsequent revelations exposed as a rebel provocation carried out with the help of Turkish intelligence, was launched on the very day that UN weapons inspectors arrived in Damascus.

The most telling aspect of the entire affair, however, is the extraordinary coordination of the entire corporate media in the launching of a full-throated campaign for military action before the basic facts of the incident were even known, much less a serious investigation conducted. It seemed that even before the alleged incident in Syria was reported, all of the major newspaper editors and columnists as well as the television news commentators had received the same talking points.

None of them, of course, bothered to inform their readers and viewers that the sole sources of the information they retailed as good coin consisted of Al Qaeda-connected activists in Syria along with US intelligence and military officials pushing for war.

Leading the pack, as usual, was the New York Times, which carried the headline Chemical Attack on Syrians Ignites Worlds Outrage. What evidence there is of such outrage, outside of the world of intelligence agencies, state officials and their media hacks was not clear. Nor, for that matter, was there any explanation for the selective character of this outrage.

It is noteworthy that this moral outpouring came just a day after Trump gave the red carpet treatment to Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the butcher of Cairo, who slaughtered 1,000 unarmed demonstrators in a single day. Nor, for that matter, did the Times evince any such outrage over the 200 Iraqi civilians killed in a single US bombing raid in Mosul last month, or the hundreds if not thousands more buried alive by US bombs and missiles dropped on schools, mosques and homes in Syria itself, not to mention in Yemen.

There are certain bylines that appear on such articles that brand them as the product of direct collaboration with US intelligence. In this case, it was that of Anne Barnard, who has provided such services over the entire course of the US-orchestrated war for regime change in Syria. Her work was supplemented by that of Thomas Friedman, who has backed every US imperialist intervention over the course of over a quarter century. He offers a modest proposal for the partition of Syria and the creation of protected zones enforced by the US military. It wont be pretty or easy, he allows, noting reassuringly that the US maintained 400,000 troops in Europe during the Cold War.

What is also strikingly uniform in the media propaganda campaign over the events in Syria is the across-the-board indictment of Iran and Russia as equally culpable in the alleged chemical attack. The Times editorial charged that the attack speaks to Assads depravity and that of his enablers, especially Russia and Iran.

A Washington Post editorial insisted: Now it is Mr. Trumps turn to decide whether to stand up to Mr. Assad and his Iranian and Russian sponsors.

The aim is clear. The murky events in Syria are to be exploited in order to shift the bitter internal debate on foreign policy within the US ruling establishment. The intention is to bring the Trump administration into line with the predominant tendency within the US military and intelligence apparatus which is pushing for an uninterrupted buildup to military confrontation with both Iran and Russia.

That these efforts are having their desired effect found concrete expression Wednesday not only in Trumps remarks on Syria, but also in the removal of Stephen Bannon, Trumps fascistic chief strategist, from the principals committee of the National Security Council. The ouster of the ideological architect of Trumps America first right-wing nationalist demagogy was reportedly dictated by Gen. H.R. McMaster, the presidents new national security adviser, an active duty officer who speaks for the Pentagon. Faced with intractable social and political crises at home, Trump, like his predecessors, appears to be turning toward war abroad.

The working class in both the US and internationally must take these developments, along with the CIA provocation in Syria and its accompanying media propaganda campaign, as a deadly serious warning. It faces the threat of being dragged not only into a renewed bloodbath in the Middle East, but a far more dangerous conflagration involving the worlds two major nuclear powers.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka held a successful public meeting in Colombo on Tuesday to demand the immediate release of the Maruti Suzuki workers. On March 18, an Indian court sentenced 13 workers to life imprisonment and another 18 to three to five years jail on trumped-up charges.

Last week, SEP and IYSSE members and supporters held a picket outside the capitals Fort Railway Station and widely leafletted parts of Colombo, Jaffna, Kandy and other areas, winning support for the online petition initiated by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI).

SEP political committee member K. Ratnayake, who chaired the public meeting, explained the significance of the ICFIs campaign to secure the release of the Maruti Suzuki auto workers.

Ratnayake said: These victimised workers were demanding job permanency, decent wages and working conditions and an end to ruthless exploitation under contract labour system.

The contract system, he said, had rapidly expanded in India since the ruling elite deregulated the economy, a process that accelerated in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. The speaker explained that about 40 percent of Indias total workforce were contract or casual workers, according to official reports in 20132014, and that this figure was growing. Sixty-eight percent of these workers had no written contract.

Ratnayake pointed out that 54 percent of workers in Sri Lanka were contract employees in 2012 and referred to the numerous articles on the WSWS about contract workers in America, Britain, Germany and Australia. The speaker also referred to the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe governments mobilisation of navy soldiers last December to repress strike action by contract workers seeking permanency at Hambantota Port.

SEP assistant national secretary Deepal Jayasekera told the meeting that the harsh sentences against Maruti Suzuki workers at the Japanese-owned plant in Manesar, northern India, were the outcome of a joint company-government vendetta. Its purpose, he said, was to crush all working-class opposition to the brutal labour conditions being imposed by foreign and local investors.

Jayasekara detailed the ICFIs ongoing exposure of the frame-up and victimisation of the Maruti Suzuki workers. The government and factory authorities feared that the struggle mounted by these workers against the sweatshop conditions at the Maruti Suzuki factory in Haryana would win the support of other workers in India suffering the same conditions.

The speaker reviewed the ongoing coverage on the WSWS, beginning in mid-2011 when workers launched a series of struggles, including walkouts, sit-down strikes and rallies, and its elaboration of an international program to take forward their fight.

Jayasekara explained the role played by the Indian Stalinist partiesthe Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM and the Communist Party of India (CPI) and their affiliated union federationswho politically isolated the Maruti Suzuki workers, creating the conditions for their persecution.

Delivering the main report, SEP general secretary Wije Dias said that workers around the world faced the same forces confronting the Maruti-Suzuki workersthe capitalist state, the union bureaucracies and various political parties falsely posturing as allies of the working class.

Dias explained that the brutal punishments handed out to the Maruti Suzuki workers revealed how the ruling elites, now facing their deepest ever financial crisis, would respond to a movement of the working class.

Placed within the context of the breakdown of the capitalist system, the ICFI recognised the far-reaching implications of the Maruti Suzuki workers struggle, the speaker said. This is why we decided to politically intervene from the very beginning, with WSWS reporting teams visiting industrial sites in Haryana, bringing the experiences of these workers to the attention of the international working class.

Dias demarcated the ICFIs fight for the release of the victimised Maruti Suzuki workers from the protests organised by various pseudo-left groups. Our struggle, he said, is not the same as these organisations who appeal to the employers, the government and judiciary responsible for incarcerating the Maruti Suzuki workers.

Dias said the ICFI campaign was based on three fundamental principles. First, it is aimed at asserting the political independence of the working class from all sections of the ruling class and their agents in the workers movement. Second, our campaign is focused on establishing the international unity of the working class. Third, it is part of the fight to build an international socialist alternative against the imperialist drive towards nuclear war.

The goal of our international campaign is to develop a mass working-class base of the sections of the world party of socialist revolution, the ICFI, and to build new sections in every country, including India, the speaker said.

The event concluded with a resolution condemning the victimisation of the Indian Maruti Suzuki workers and denouncing it as a deliberate political victimisation orchestrated by company management and the police, with the support of Indias entire political establishment. The resolution, which urged the Sri Lankan and international working class to support the struggle launched by the ICFI to defend democratic rights, was passed unanimously.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - You may see an increased police presence near several locations throughout Tallahassee.

The Florida Department of Transportation is partnering with local police to start high visibility enforcement at locations around the city where pedestrian and/or bicyclists are most involved in traffic crashes.

FDOT said that since 2011, 58 people have died in traffic crashes. Of these fatalities, 22 percent were pedestrians.

A total of 5 areas in Tallahassee will be monitored by officers to provide education to bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists:

West Pensacola Street between White Drive and Appleyard Drive. Ocala Road between West Tharpe Street and West Pensacola Street. North Monroe Street between Thomasville Road and Sharer Road. 500-700 block of West Tennessee Street. West Call Street between Stadium Drive and West Tennessee Street.

Once the "education" period ends, police will transition into zero tolerance enforcement in these areas.

Police recommend that both motorists and pedestrian/bicyclists obey traffic laws and be aware of other travelers.
Tallahassee, Fla., (WTXL) - Thursday, the Florida Senate is expected to vote on SB 416, a measure that would expand access to therapy animals for children and victims of violent crime in courtrooms across the state.

Right now, the Leon County Court offers children in criminal court (often victims of physical or sexual violence) and dependency court the comfort of an animal to sit with them while they review their testimony, or talk with a judge.

The service is provided in conjunction with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare's Animal Therapy Program, directed by Stephanie Perkins. Perkins says it was a volunteer with TMH's Animal Therapy Program who first championed the bill.

The first bill was limited, only offering protection for child victims who needed therapy dogs. This new bill will allow vulnerable adults access to service.

"With a child who has an ongoing case, we'll probably focus on criminal court mainly, she'll come in and sit with them through those traumatic events because telling their story is really scary."Perkins explains, "Every time they have to do it it's horribly embarrassing, and to have a dog there that's non judgmental really calms them down and makes them feel better.

Margot is one such therapy dog. She was raised by inmates, part of Leader Dogs for the Blind's prison program. She went on to advanced training to become a guide dog, but when she didn't make the cut she was career changed. Just 21 months old, she's a part of the TMH team. She shakes hands and lays her head in the lap of people that are going through trauma, helping to create the illusion of normalcy in a high stress environment.

Dogs like Margot make all the difference, according to certified Child Life specialist Olivia Burton. Burton describes her experience with the animals, saying she's seen therapy dogs climb into bed with patients, to distract them during painful and frightening procedures.

"A courtroom environment for a child could be very stressful, which is very similar to a hospital experience," Burton says, "So having an animal there as a therapy resource could be great for coping with that situation as well as normalizing that environment for that child."

If Senate Bill 416 passes access to courtroom animals will expand across the state. Support animals will be available to all children who were victims of sexual or physical abuse, abandonment, and neglect. It will also expand access to adults who have suffered sexual violence or have intellectual disabilities.

The measure would be implemented as early as July of this year, and isn't expected to cost anything for state and local governments.
CHARLESTON -- A man was ordered to continue the counseling he's receiving as part of the sentence he received for not renewing his registration as a convicted sex offender.

Derrick K. Reynolds, 29, for whom court records list an address of 1401 South Lawn Drive, Mattoon, pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to register as a sex offender accusing him of not re-registering within three months of when required in August.

Counseling was one of the probation terms ordered and Reynolds was allowed to continue with the treatment he's already started. He was also ordered to pay about $700 in fines and court fees.

Also with the agreement that was reached, the prosecution agreed to withdraw a petition seeking revocation of the probation sentence Reynolds received for a 2015 unlawful restraint conviction.

That means he'll remain on probation in that case also and won't be subject to resentencing for the earlier conviction, which could have resulted in prison time.

Records also show that Reynolds was required to register as a sex offender because of a juvenile offense conviction in 2001. He also has a prior conviction for failure to register.

Coles County Circuit Judge Brien O'Brien sentenced Reynolds based on the terms of a plea agreement that Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher and Public Defender Anthony Ortega recommended.

In other cases in court before O'Brien recently:

A domestic battery charge against Andrew L. Pearcy, 46, whose address on record is 205 W. State St., Charleston, was dismissed.

Pearcy was accused of hitting a woman on Sept. 15 and a prior domestic battery conviction made the latest charge a felony offense.

O'Brien dismissed the charge at the request of Assistant State's Attorney Rob Scales. Attorney Todd Reardon represented Pearcy.

Scales said he asked for the case to be dismissed because the woman Pearcy was accused of hitting requested it.

Case records also indicate that witnesses gave conflicting statements about whether Pearcy hit the woman.

Filbert C. Juarez, 47, for whom records list an address of 1305 Lafayette Ave., Apt. 6, Mattoon, to a theft charge alleging he stole a utility trailer on Sept. 4.

The charge was a felony offense because of the value of the stolen trailer and the terms of Juarez's 2 1/2-year probation sentence included about $900 in fines and fees.

State's Attorney Brian Bower and Assistant Public Defender Jesse Danley recommended the plea agreement.
It may have taken 63 years for Maria Magana to apply for citizenship, but the process became a little easier on Saturday.
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Before we send the IDFs 36th Armor Division to occupy Damascus, we should stop and examine the Israeli interest regarding the situation in Syria in light of recent events.

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Since the devastating images from the battles in the town of Idlib were published Monday, Israel is once again facing a moral dilemma regarding the required action in such a situation. With all the grief over the loss of lives, especially of innocent children, Israel should weigh its options carefully and responsibly and ask itself whether its strategic and tactical situation changed on Tuesday, and whether it requires a ground invasion or noisy Air Force strikes against Syrian President Bashar Assads army.

Senior Israeli officials are in agreement on the matter. Despite the calls for a military intervention, the defense establishments recommendation is different.

But there are other voices too, including that of former Military Intelligence Director Major-General (res.) Amos Yadlin, who believes Israel cannot ignore what has happened.

In his opinion, Israel should avoid a ground operation, but there are several other options in the IDFs tool box which can send a clear message to the Syrian regime that Israel finds such activity unacceptable, and that whoever carried it out will pay the price.

This approach reconciles Israels strategic interest to weaken the Iran-Syria-Hezbollah axis of evil with the moral position that employing chemical weapons cannot be tolerated.

Casualties of suspected chemical attack in Idlib. Israel would do well to put the offensive plans aside rather than sink in the Syrian mud (Photo: Reuters)

Tuesdays suspected chemical attackwhich was likely sanctioned by Russiais once again indicative of the feeling of self-confidence prevailing in the Syrian army and in Hezbollah as well, following recent successes.

Clearly, this serves as further proof that the Russians involvement damaged the delicate strategic balance vis-a-vis Israel. This situation requires Israel to pick the best of the least attractive options on the table: A continuation of the Assad regime, or any other rebel organization that awill replace it.

The axis of evil, which grew weaker in different stages of the civil war, may have reached its strongest level with additional plans to reach the line of contact with Israel in the Golan Heights. While they failed to do so in the past, they may succeed next time with Russian backing, with Iranian Shiite militias and with the initiative and offensiveness of Hezbollah, which can afford to do much more than it did in the past.

The alternatives to Assad seem a lot less terrible today, even if they represent the unknown. Anyone else who replaces him wont arm Hezbollah with precision missiles and aerial defense systems and wont allow an Iranian hegemony in Syria.

The way things look now, however, his replacement is nowhere in sight, and there is a need to deal with the new situation. The immediate action that has to be taken is to increase the Israeli humanitarian activity vis-a-vis Syria, while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic activity demanding effective international involvement. Until then, we would do well to put the offensive plans aside rather than sink into the Syrian mud.

(Translated and edited by Sandy Livak-Furmanski)
TOKYO -- US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift on Thursday said diplomatic and economic measures against North Korea have not had the results that people were expecting.

Swift, in Tokyo to meet senior Japanese Self Defence Force commanders, said at a briefing that any decision on a pre-emptive attack would be up to President Donald Trump.
Senior Fatah official and head of the Palestine Olympic Committee Jibril Rajoub landed in the US Wednesday only to receive a cause of action letter seeking $250 million in damages for involvement in the 1995 torture and murder of Azzam Rahim, an American-Palestinian citizen in a Palestinian security facility.

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In addition to receiving the cause of action, Rajoub also received a summons to appear in court.

Jibril Rajoub (Photo: Amit Shabi)

However, Rajoub is not expected to be arrested or interrogated by US authorities.

Rahim's family, who reside in Texas, filed the lawsuit against Rajoub, who at the time, worked as head of the Preventive Security Force (PSF) in the West Bank.

The cause of action letter states that on September 29, 1995, Rahim was arrested by PSF agents and tortured to death in a facility run by the organization.

According to the prosecution, as head of preventive security, Rajoub played a central role in the detention, torture and killing of Rahim.

Suit against Rajoub

Rahim's family testified that Azzam visited the village of Ein Yabrud near Ramallah in 1995. While sitting and playing cards in a cafe, PSF officers entered civilian clothes and arrested him without explanation.

From there he was taken to Jericho prison where his family's efforts to release him were unsuccessful.

Two days later, an ambulance arrived at the village of Ein Yabrud with Rahim's body, which his was covered only with a pair of pants.

The ambulance driver told the family that Azzam died of a heart attack at a hospital in Jericho and that he should be buried posthaste. However, when the family contacted the hospital, staff told them Azzam arrived lifeless.

Azzam Rahim

Moreover, an autopsy on the body revealed bruises on the body, face, broken teeth, a torn lip, broken ribs and cigarette burns on his back and legs. There was no damage to his heart, contrary to claims by Palestinian security officials.

The lawsuit was originally filed 11 years ago but was retracted because Rajoub was not present in the United States at the time. Wednesday was the first time Rajoub visited the United States and the family's lawyers took advantage of the opportunity when he entered the country.

According to family lawyers, "Rajoub, as head of Preventive Security, played a central role in the torture and brutal murder of American citizen Azzam Rahim in 1995. The State Department recognized Rahim as a victim of torture in the Palestinian Authority and demanded that Yasser Arafat apologize to the family and investigate the incident.

"This is the first time that Rajoub was allowed to enter the United States, and we are determined not to allow him to escape this time. We will bring him to pay compensation to the family, but the US Justice Department must investigate the case and also take the criminal steps against Rajoub."

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beiteinu) addressed the recent chemical weapons massacre in Syrias Idlib province, denouncing the idleness of the international community in response to the Syrian crisis.

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Speaking to Yedioth Ahronoth, Lieberman said that the two murderous chemical weapons attacks on civilians in the Idlib region in Syria and on the local hospital were carried out by direct and premeditated order of Syrian President Bashar Assad, with Syrian planes. I say this with 100 percent certainty.

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Photo: Ido Erez)

The cruelest thing, he added, is that those who were evacuated from the area of the bombing to the hospital were attacked a second time with chemical weapons as Syrian army planes bombed the hospital.

Lieberman attacked the indifference of the world in the face of the chemical weapons attack which claimed the lives of more than 100 people, including many children. The reaction of the international community is zero. It simply does not exist.

It brings me back to the conclusion that the State of Israel must rely only on itself. Assad tried in the past to obtain nuclear weapons through North Korea, and the other masters in the area like Hezbollah and Nasrallah are no different.

Lieberman added: What we have here are people who are cannibals. When they ask me why there isnt peace in the Middle East its like asking if a cannibal can be a vegetarian. The word peace is not relevant to the Middle East. We can come to regional arrangements, but not to peace.

To the question of whether Israel needs to respond to occurrences in Syria, the Defense Minister responded: why do we need to do it ourselves? Its the responsibility of the international community. I'm not ready for Israel to be the dick that the whole world pisses through. The world needs to take responsibility and, instead of just talking, needs to do something.

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
Britain's main opposition Labour Party faced criticism from Jewish leaders and a deepening internal feud Wednesday after it decided not to expel a senior politician who said Adolf Hitler had been a supporter of Zionism.

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A total of 107 MPs, along with 48 Labour peers, put their name to the Jewish Labour Movement statement criticizing the partys National Constitutional Committee (NCC) for handing former London Mayor Ken Livingstone an additional one-year suspension from holding office in the party but reinstating him as a member, pushing the party to announce a new investigation into the matter.

Photo: Reuters

On Thursday, UKs Prime Minister Theresa May accused the Labor Party of "betraying" the Jewish community by letting Ken Livingstone "off the hook."

"It could not be clearer that the Labor Party is now a long way away from the common, centre ground of British politics today," May added.

Livingstone was suspended from holding party office a year ago after claiming Hitler supported Zionism in the 1930s before he "went mad and ended up killing six million Jews." On Tuesday Labour officials extended his suspension for another 12 months.

Livingstone, who has repeatedly asserted collaboration between Zionists and Nazis before World War II, said the party hearing had been "like sitting through a court in North Korea."

He said he would appeal his suspension.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said Labour "has yet again failed to show that it is sufficiently serious about tackling the scourge of anti-Semitism."

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said Livingstone's suspension was "a slap on the wrist for a serial offender.

Allegations of Labour anti-Semitism have grown since pro-Palestinian socialist Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader of Britain's main opposition party in 2015.

Some in the left-of-center party say Corbyn, a longtime critic of Israeli actions against the Palestinians, has allowed abuse to go unchecked.

Deputy leader Tom Watson said the failure to expel Livingstone "shames us all, and I'm deeply saddened by it."

"My party is not living up to its commitment to have a zero-tolerance approach to anti-Semitism," Watson said. "I will continue the fight to ensure that it does, and I will press my colleagues to do so too."

Photo: World Economic Forum

Amid the growing furor, Corbyn said the party's governing executive council would investigate comments made by Livingstone in the wake of his suspension.

Corbyn said "it is deeply disappointing that, despite his long record of standing up to racism, Ken has failed to acknowledge or apologize for the hurt he has caused."

Corbyn, a longtime ally of the former mayor, said "Ken Livingstone's comments have been grossly insensitive, and he has caused deep offence and hurt to the Jewish community."

Livingstone, however, remained defiant.

Todays Labour Party panel extended my suspension for another year because of my political views, not because I have done anything to harm the Labour Party, he said.

Asked if he wanted to apologize to Jewish people who had been offended by his comments, the former London mayor replied: I apologize for the offense caused by those Labour MPs who lied and said I said Hitler was a Zionist.
An approximately 20-year-old man was killed and a 19-year-old one was injured in a vehicular attack on Thursday morning at a bus stop outside of Ofra, north of Jerusalem in the West Bank.

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Shortly after the attack ( )

X

Magen David Adom reported they attempted to revive the killed man, but they were unable to do so due to the gravity of his injuries. Along with IDF medics, they provided first aid to the lightly wounded man, who was afterwards taken to a hospital for further treatment.

(Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS)

The terrorist, driving a car with Palestinian license plates, apparently approached the bus stop before accelerating and striking the two young men. He was arrested on the scene.

He was later identified as Malak Hamed, a 21-year-old resident of Silwad whose family is closely tied to Hamas. Hamed had been arrested two years previously for attempting to enter the nearby settlement of Geva Binyamin.

Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai froze all entry permits into Israel for members of Hamed's family later in the day.

Hamed under arrested (Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS)

Malak Hamed





Scene of the attack (Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS)

(Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS)

(Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS)

Hamas praised the attack, commenting, "This is a response to Israel's crimes against the Palestinian people and a direct continuation of its heroism in the al-Quds Intifada." The organization was using a common term to refer to the escalation in violence that began in October 2015.

(Translated and edited by J. Herzog)
Syrian President Bashar Assad claimed in an interview with a Croatian newspaper that Israel is helping terrorists fighting his regime and waging a real war against Syria, two days after a suspected chemical attack killed scores of people, including children

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Arguing that Western nations are using terrorism as a means to advance political agendas, Assad said, "Western countries that declared war on terrorism are still supporting it and not fighting it. The things they say are just headlines for internal needs."

Syrian President Bashar Assad (Photo: AP)

Victims of chemical attack (Photo: AP)

When asked whether or not he fears a war with Israel as a result of Israeli Air Force (IAF) strikes against weapons depots, Assad said, "This fear is far from reality, because in actuality, we are already in a war like this whether it is defined as the Syrian-Israeli war or not.

"You can assume that these terrorists are fighting for Israel. If they aren't part of the regular Israeli army, they're fighting for Israel. Israel has common goals with Turkey, the United States, France, Britain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other countries. Israel is working on helping these terrorists wherever the Syrian army is advancing. It attacks in one form or another to provide them with assistance, and to stop the Syrian army's momentum in the face of the terrorists."

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
Hamas hanged three Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel Thursday morning.

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The three were sentenced to death before the assassination of Mazan Fukha and have no connection to Hamas's pursuit of those responsible.

Gallows erected for the execution in a Hamas police compound

The three executed prisoners were identified as a 55-year-old man from Khan Yunis, a 30-year-old man from Gaza City and a 42-year-old man whose place of residence was not disclosed.

The executions come a day after Hamas's attorney general announced that executions of collaborators would be carried out, trying to instill fear of cooperation with Israel among the strip's residents.

At the end of last week, the Interior Ministry in Gaza announced that the security services were facing a major operation against collaborators in the investigation of the assassination of Fukha.

Such operations often do not come with prior warnings, and it seems that Hamas was trying to shake things up to identify potential avenues for the escape of the assassin(s), despite the slight chance that they could still be found inside the strip.

The terrorist organization apparently has no leads as to the identity of the perpetrators or their collaborators.

One day after the announcement of an operation against the collaborators, the Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that it was opening a kind of system of pardons for the collaborators with Israel, and called on them to surrender within a week and receive security and legal protection.

Fukha's funeral procession (Photo: Reuters)

It is quite possible that Hamas will place the blame on innocents who will have to confess to things they have not done, only to broadcast victory, even if it is a false one.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
A new system developed by the Israel Airports Authority will make it unnecessary to question passengers on domestic flights to and from Eilat.

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Immediately after Passover, a pilot will be launched using the new system to examine all its operational and technological aspects, ahead of its full operation at the airport in Eilat, Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport and at Sde Dov.





The new system (Photo: Gideon Markovich)

The new system is basically a kiosk similar to the one that exists in the border control when leaving Israel for biometric passports, but it is not connected to that database. The registration for use in the system is one-time and is voluntary. Passengers who elect to register will answer a few identification questions and present ID, and their particulars will then be stamped on a magnetic card that will be issued to them.

On future visits, upon arriving at the airport, they swipe the card, face the machine that matches the details on the magnetic card to the passengers face and answer two questions on the screen: Do you have a weapon? and Do you have any luggage to check? If the answer to both questions is negative, the passenger will continue to the desk agents to check in for the flight.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Photo: Gideon Markovich)

The Israel Airports Authority notes that the new service will make it easier for passengers traveling regularly to and from Eilat for work, business or medical treatment, and will prevent unnecessary delays. Every year, over 1.5 million passengers pass through the various domestic airports.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, who inaugurated the system, lauded it as both efficient and maintaining a high level of security.

(Translated and edited by J. Herzog)
100 years ago, April 6, 1917

WASHINGTON -- The United States is now at war with the imperial German government. The U.S. House of Representatives this morning passed the Flood-Martin resolution, declaring that a state of war exists. The vote was 373-50 with nine members absent. Speaker Champ Clark did not vote. President Wilson signed the war resolution at 1:13 p.m. and immediately signed a proclamation calling for military volunteers. Germany's $51.3 million mercantile fleet, which had been held here since the outbreak of war, was seized. There are 27 passenger liners, freighters and sailing ships. More than 3,000 German officers and crew were taken to Ellis Island for internment... SULLIVAN -- Sheriff C.E. Tandy of Macon County and Sheriff W.O. Funston of Moultrie County figured in a thrilling fight with two horse thieves just west of Effingham yesterday morning. Two bay mares stolen from Long Creek were recovered. Sheriff Funston received several bloody blows to the head and the thieves escaped in a fusillade of shots. The two sheriffs were traveling together in a surrey and knew they were hot on the thieves' trail when they left Effingham. The lawmen stopped at a farmhouse to ask for some information. Sheriff Funston went around to the kitchen door at the back of the house. There were the men they were after, sitting around the stove. Sheriff Funston pulled his gun, stepped inside the door and told the men they were under arrest. When he pulled some handcuffs from his pockets, one of the men struck Sheriff Funston in the head with a club. Funston was dazed and the two men grabbed his gun. Sheriff Tandy did not know what was happening until he saw the two men dash out the kitchen door and run toward the timber. Although Tandy fired at them, the two men got away in the timber. The horses were found out back.

50 years ago, 1967

MATTOON -- Lake Land College is ready to begin accepting applications for admission to the college for the fall quarter of 1967. Virgil H. Judge, president of the junior college, said today that students interested in attending Lake Land next fall may now write to the college at 1921 Richmond for application blanks. Administrative and guidance offices in all high schools in the Lake Land district also have application blanks. Students may be admitted to four programs: College Transfer, Vocational-Technical, Vocational and Adult and Part-Time Student. Tuition will be $50 per quarter for a student enrolled for 12 or more quarter hours work... MATTOON -- Three people were named to the board of directors of Mattoon Memorial Hospital yesterday by Chief Circuit Judge John F. Spivey of Danville. Appointed to three-year terms were Jake Matz, A. Glen Hesler and Robert L. Fuqua, all of Mattoon. They will replace Martin T. Garbe, Leroy Cowger and Robert L. Tweed, whose terms expire this year. Tweed, however, has agreed to stay on the board for the remaining one year of the term of Alonzo Church, former chairman, who also resigned.

25 years ago, 1992

CHARLESTON -- About 100 people walked to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research at the areas first Super Cities Walk yesterday. Volunteer walkers from Charleston, Mattoon, Paris and Kansas raised about $1,000 while walking up to 15 kilometers on the Eastern Illinois University campus. The Rotaract Club, an EIU organization affiliated with the Charleston Rotary Club, raised $500 and won a free dinner from Don Ott, who owns Wrangler Roast Beef restaurants in Charleston and Mattoon. Ott agreed to donate a free dinner to the group raising the most money GREENUP -- Gary Kuhns was elected as president and chairman of the board of the Cumberland County development Corp. at a recently organization meeting at Scotts Building Center. Cliff Carrell is vice president-administration; Scott E. Bland, vice president-membership; Judi Beaumont, vice president-finance; Randy Callahan, vice president-at large; and Michele Carruthers, vice president-public relations. The primary purpose of CCDC is to unite the business community in the county, various economic development groups and government entities in an effort to enhance the quality of life.

100 years ago, April 7, 1917

MATTOON -- Homer C. Kelso, aged 22 years, son of Rev. and Mrs. A.H. Kelso, enlisted yesterday for service in the quartermaster department of the Army and was sent to Jefferson Barracks. He enlisted with qualifications as an expert stenographer and probably will be assigned to the quartermaster's office. Kelso has been employed by swift and Co., St. Louis, most of the time since graduation from Mattoon Business College in 1913. Five other men have enlisted at the Mattoon recruiting office. One new recruit is John H. Misenhimer of Sullivan, an 18-year-old boy who enlisted for service in the coast artillery. Armstrong Kern, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kern of Mattoon, enlisted today at the Great Lakes Station north of Chicago for the radio service of the Army. For the time being, Armstrong will be stationed at some point between Montana and Lake Erie... PARIS -- Edgar County Sheriff McCallister was called to the Sandford School today to quell a juvenile disturbance caused by the actions of Vern Reed and Robert Tolliver, both colored boys. They were wearing German flags they had saved from tobacco packages. The Tolliver boy is said to have torn an American button from a white boy's coat. The Tolliver boy said that he was instructed that the U.S. government was not treating the colored race right from a colored newspaper published in Chicago. Both boys were corrected by their parents and Sheriff McCallister decided to drop the matter, believing the boys did not know what they were doing.

50 years ago, 1967

SHELBYVILLE -- A Westervelt couple has become the parents of the first set of triplets born at Shelby County Memorial Hospital in its 50-year history. The triplets were born to Mr. and Mrs. George Davis about 8:45 a.m. yesterday. Dr. H.H. Pettry, who delivered the babies' mother, Arlene, when she was born 21 years ago, was the attending physician. The babies names are Tadd Aaron, Thad Eric and Bradley Max. All three babies weighed between 4 pounds, 3 ounces, and 4 pounds, 9 ounces. The Davises also have a 3-year-old son, Todd... SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House of Representatives has approved a Senate resolution providing for a memorial plaque honoring the late Sen. Paul (Red) Graham of Mattoon. The plaque will be installed at a rest area to be constructed 5 miles east of Mattoon on Illinois Route 16. The Route 16 project, which linked Charleston and Mattoon with a four-lane superhighway, was one of the major improvements strongly supported by Sen. Graham. He was serving in the state Senate at the time of his death in June 1965 at age 45.

25 years ago, 1992

CHARLESTON -- After a one-year hiatus, Celebration is returning to the Eastern Illinois University campus April 24-26. The weekend arts festival will be the 15th held at EIU. Although the spring festival has long been popular, drawing an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 visitors per year, its not a money-maker. Financial problems finally forced suspension of the event last year. The festival will shift east. While outdoor music performances will still be on the library quad, the food and art booths will line Seventh Street near the Buzzard Building MATTOON -- A $15,000 check from William and Peggy Podestas Will Tone Investments raised the Mattoon Area YMCAs fund-raising total over the $100,000 mark. Mrs. Podesta presented a check to Rob Wilkinson, executive director of the YMCA, and Tim Buford, the YMCA drive fund chairman yesterday. The YMCA is hoping to raise $300,000 over the next five years to retire a building debt created with the construction of the current facility SPRINGFIELD -- Growth in state revenues will not be enough to solve Illinois budget troubles, according to financial experts who warned Monday that new taxes or budget cuts are necessary to meet an expected shortfall. Income taxes and other sources of money could bring the state $600 million during the next budget year, said William Hall, head of the Legislatures Economic and Fiscal Commission. Illinois will have about the same amount of money net year as it had last year, Hall told a seminar for legislative candidates, sponsored by the Taxpayers Federation of Illinois.
Twenty-year-old Sgt. Elchai Teharlev of the Golani Brigades 13th Battalion was murdered in the vehicular attack carried out on Thursday morning in the West Bank.

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The combat soldier was from Talmon, a West Bank settlement near Ramallah. He had been standing behind the bus stop nearby Ofra when 21-year-old Malak Hamed struck him and another man with his car. The other man, a 19 year old, was lightly wounded.

Elchai Teharlev





The terrorist's car after the attack (Photo: AP)

Teharlev was a corporal at the time of his death. As is standard in the IDF, he was posthumously promoted one rank immediately after his death. His funeral was scheduled for 6:30pm on Thursday in Israels national cemetery on Mount Herzl.

His father, Rabbi Ohad Teharlev, is the head of MIdreshet Lindenbaum, a Jewish educational institution in Jerusalem. He is one of the leading rabbis who encourage religious women to enlist in the IDF. His mother, Avital Teharlev, is a psychologist.

Teharlev is also survived by six siblings. He studied in yeshiva one year behind Gil-Ad Shaer, one of the three teenage boys who was kidnapped and murdered in 2014.

(Translated and edited by J. Herzog)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that Netanyahu "called Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed his condolences following the attack in St. Petersburg as well as deep shock over the casualties in Idlib."

He also told Putin that "the international community must complete the effort to cleanse Syria of chemical weapons as agreed in 2013."

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Earlier, it was reported that Putin reprimanded Netanyahu and told him that his accusations of chemical weapons attack in Syria were unfounded and inconceivable.

Netanyahu and Putin (Photo: Reuters)

The statement said Putin had "highlighted that it was unacceptable to make groundless accusations against anyone without conducting a detailed and unbiased investigation."

Scores were reported killed by a suspected Syrian government chemical attack in Idlib province and the US government has suggested forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were responsible. Russia has said it was too early to accuse the Syrian government and called for an investigation.

Children killed in the attack (Photo: AP)

Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, had earlier warned the West against rushing to blame Syrian President Bashar Assad for the attack on Khan Sheikhoun. He said the West lacks objective evidence against Assad, adding that materials presented by local activists can't serve as a proof.

President Putin's spokesman then qualified his words by telling The Associated Press that Russia's support for Syrian President Assad is not unconditional.

President Assad (Photo: Reuters)

Russia has said the toxic gas was released when Syrian airstrikes hit a rebel arsenal containing chemical weapons. US and other Western officials have blamed the attack on Syrian government forces.

Israel's Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beytenu) addressed the chemical weapons massacre, denouncing the idleness of the international community in response to the Syrian crisis.

Speaking to Yedioth Ahronoth, Lieberman said that the two murderous chemical weapons attacks on civilians in the Idlib region in Syria and on the local hospital were carried out by direct and premeditated order of Syrian President Bashar Assad, with Syrian planes. I say this with 100 percent certainty.
State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has struck a deal worth almost $2 billion to supply India's army and navy with missile defense systems, the company said on Thursday, describing it as Israel's largest ever defense deal.

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Defense deal with India (:  )

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IAI said in a statement it would supply an advanced air defense system, including medium-range surface-to-air missiles, launchers and communications and control technology, to the Indian army for around $1.6 billion.





MR SAM Aerial defense system (Photo: IAI)

An additional naval defense system, including long-range surface-to-air missiles, will be deployed on India's first aircraft carrier, which is still being built, the statement said. While the value of that deal was not disclosed, IAI said the total package was worth nearly $2 billion.

Israel is one of the top three arms suppliers to India, which shares borders with nuclear-armed China and Pakistan.

Between 2008-2015, India was the world's second largest developing-world arms purchaser, according to the US Congress.

Until recently, India kept its defense ties with Israel under wraps, largely out of fear of upsetting Arab countries and its own large Muslim population.

But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose nationalist party sees Israel as an ally against Islamist militancy, has openly cultivated warmer ties, and is due to visit Israel later this year.
Israel's former chief rabbi has compared the atrocities in neighboring Syria to the killing of Jews in World War II.

The comments by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, who survived the Holocaust as a child, adds one of the country's leading voices to a growing chorus of condemnations of the violence in Syria. This week, dozens of civilians were killed in a chemical attack in northern Syria.

Memories of the Holocaust are still fresh in Israel, and Israelis tend to refrain from comparing other conflicts to the Nazi genocide.

But in a radio interview Thursday, Lau broke that taboo and said Syrians are experiencing their own Holocaust.

"It did not start today. It has been six years since a Holocaust landed on them," he said.
IDF soldier Sgt. Elchai Teharlev, 20, of the Golani Brigades 13th Battalion, was laid to rest on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on Thursday evening after being murdered in the vehicular attack carried out earlier the same day in the West Bank.

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With tears streaming down his face, his father, Rabbi Ohad Teharlev, delivered a eulogy for his son in the presence of hundreds, including Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett.

Sgt. Elchai Teharlev buried (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Elchai, Elchai, I remember your Brit Milah (circumcision), you wouldnt (stay still). You had all the strength and you had to be held tight. You were a dear son, with a thirst for God and everything life had to offer. To melodies, and psalms... You had the soul of an artist, he said.

Father delivers eulogy (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

You were everything Elchai. You looked for a life in everything, he continued, struggling to utter each word. You had so much strength and desire. You were a boy with a generous heart. You had such a big heart. When you were young you grabbed candies (during a Bar-Mitzvah) in the synagogue and divided them between the children who didnt catch them.

Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg

You were happy with your lot. You burst out light and life. You had a smile that filled hearts. Your magic grace never left anyone without a smile.

Avital Teharlev (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Elchais mother, Avital, also delivered an emotional eulogy. Our love, just a month short of 21 years ago, we received a giftthe magic of a boy who had a real souland now we are forced to return this gift, she began.

Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg

It is hard to digest the terrible, incomprehensible news that you are not with us. Your glowing look and your presence made the world a better place, a happier place. I thank God for the privilege and pleasure of being your mother," she went on.

Naftali Bennett attends the funeral (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Avital also listed the hobbies and talents with which she said her son was endowed, including music, writing, drawing and learning. Your death is a huge loss, for the family, friends, the community, the army, for the people of Israel and for the world, she lamented.

Sgt. Elchai Teharlev

Your pure heart touched everyone who knew you. I want to thank you for all the gifts you gave us during your time here, and I pray that we will succeed in continuing to preserve your unique spirit, even when your body is no longer with us. My boy, you have left us with a big challenge," she concluded.

(Translated and edited by Alexander J. Apfel)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that Netanyahu "called Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed his condolences following the attack in St. Petersburg and as well as deep shock over the casualties in Idlib." He also told Putin that "the international community must complete the effort to cleanse Syria of chemical weapons as agreed in 2013."

Earlier, it was reported that Putin reprimanded Netanyahu and told him that his accusations of a chemical attack in Syria were unfounded and inconceivable.
Israel's former chief rabbi on Thursday compared the atrocities in Syria to the killing of Jews in World War II and suggested that Israel should intervene to stop the bloodshed in the neighboring country.

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The comments by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau , who survived the Holocaust as a child, added one of the country's leading voices of morality to a growing chorus of condemnations of the violence in Syria.

This week, dozens of civilians were killed in a chemical attack in Syria that Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said was carried out by Syrian government forces . Lieberman told the Yediot Ahronoth he was "100 percent certain" the attacks were conducted under Syrian President Bashar Assad's "direct and intentional order" and carried out with Syrian planes.

Rabbi Meir Lau (Photo: Abigail Uzi)

Memories of the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews were systematically killed by the Nazis and their collaborators, are still fresh in Israel, and the country is home to a large population of aging survivors. Israelis tend to refrain from comparing other conflicts to the Holocaust.

But in a radio interview Thursday, Lau broke that taboo and said Syrians are experiencing their own Holocaust.

"This is certainly a 'Shoah' of the Syrian people and it did not start today, it has been six years since a 'Shoah' landed on them," Lau said, using the Hebrew word for Holocaust, in an interview with Army Radio.

He said he was not familiar with the political ramifications about intervening in Syria, but quoted a passage from the Bible that says not to "stand idly by your brother's blood."

Photo: Reuters

He explained this to mean "not just someone like you that shares your worldview or nationalism." He said it includes all people "created in the image of God."

"Even if we don't need to intervene and maybe are prohibited from intervening," he said, "who will ring the alarm bells? Innocent blood is being spilled. Do something! Stop this killing!" Lau pleaded.

Lau was incarcerated under horrific conditions in the Nazi's Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany as a boy and was among its youngest surviving prisoners when it was liberated by American troops. He went on to become one of Israel's most prominent spiritual leaders. He served as the country's chief rabbi between 1993-2003 and is chairman of the Yad Vashem Council, an advisory board to the country's national Holocaust memorial. He also is now the chief rabbi in Tel Aviv.

Israel has largely stayed out of the fighting in Syria, which has claimed over 400,000 lives. But it has carried out a number of airstrikes on suspected weapons shipments to Hezbollah, a bitter enemy that is fighting alongside Syrian government forces. Israel also has treated several thousand Syrians wounded in fighting and provided humanitarian aid to some Syrian communities near the Israeli frontier in the Golan Heights.

Earlier on Thursday, the head of Israel's Holocaust memorial, Avner Shalev, urged world leaders to end the bloodshed in Syria, saying the international community must "end the human suffering and provide humanitarian aid to the victims."
WASHINGTONUS Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday about a poison gas attack in Syria that the United States has blamed on the Russia-backed Syrian government, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.

The discussion came days before Tillerson goes to Moscow for talks with Russian officials expected to focus on the Syrian civil war and Russia's backing of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"We sought the Russian analysis or readout of what they thought had happened" in the poison gas attack, the official said on condition of anonymity.
Israel says it is looking into a Russian statement that recognizes its claim to Jerusalem while also recognizing the Palestinian claim.

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Russia's Foreign Ministry said Thursday it reaffirms "the status of east Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state...we regard west Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel."

Hitherto, recognizing Tel Aviv as the capital of Israel has always been a cornerstone of the Kremlin's Middle East policy, according to which Jerusalem should be placed under international rule.

President Putin and President Abbas (Photo: Reuters)

Moscow is deeply concerned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The sides have not conducted peace negotiations for years and the situation on the ground has deteriorated, the statement read.

The impasses in the peace process has set the stage for unilateral steps, it noted, which it said threatened the potential for an international agreement involving a two-state solution to the Palestinian problem, Israel and Palestine, so they can live side by side in peace and security as neighbors.

It went on to reaffirm its support for a two-state solution which provides an answer to national interests of the Palestinian and Israeli people, both of whom have friendly relations with Russia. We reaffirm and reiterate our commitment to the principles of the UN for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which includes east Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. And at the same time we seek to clarify that in this context, we view west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said Israel is "studying" the statement, the practical implications of which are unclear.

Israel has surmised that Russias sudden dramatic change in position on the city is part of its effort to gain a foothold in an American-led initiative for an international regional conference ahead of the possible renewal of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem (Photo: Eli Mendelbaum)

Indeed, in recent months several reports emerged that Moscow sought to arbitrate a meeting between Netanyahu and Abbas, an initiative which never came to fruition. While Abbas reportedly agreed to the talks, Netanyahu declined to attend.

The latest statement comes shortly after Putin reprimanded Netanyahu and told him that his accusations that Syria was responsible for the chemical weapons attack in Idlib prior to an investigation were unfounded and 'groundless.'

(Partially translated and edited by Alexander J. Apfel)
Netanyahu and Kahlon agreed that all the employees of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation will be transferred to the new news corporation where their professional future would be determined.

The employees of the Israel Broadcasting Authority will also be transferred to the same news corporation, so many employees from the IPBC are expected to be dismissed.

The directors of the IPBC, according to the agreement, will not be absorbed in the new news corporation.

Dozens of employees demonstrated outside the home of the attorney general and the director general of the Ministry of Communications.
Turn on the news or open up the paper today and theres a good chance you might see a story that says bipartisanship is dead in Congress.

As someone who serves in Congress, I dont believe that to be so. For the past five years, Ive had success in working with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to make meaningful progress for Nebraska families.

My working relationship with Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey is one example. Senator Booker and I are different people and we represent different states. Hes a Democrat and a vegan from New Jersey. Im a Republican and a cattle rancher from Nebraska. When I was a Nebraska state senator, my legislative district was the size of New Jersey.

Despite our differences, Senator Booker and I have developed a strong, bipartisan partnership in the Senate. I am the chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee; he is the top Democrat or ranking member. Together in this committee, weve had legislative successes on a wide-range of issues. Increasing pipeline safety and improving our maritime transportation system are two of them.

We also work together on new technology issues, particularly on the Internet of Things.

What is the Internet of Things? Its the rapidly developing, global network of connected technology that can change our lives. In fact, it already does. Fitbits can track our activity, refrigerators can tell us when we need more milk from the store, and thermostats let us control the temperature away from home.

Senator Booker and I recently spoke together at an event on Capitol Hill on this topic. Specifically, our discussion focused on this central question: is government taking the right steps to make America a world leader in the Internet of Things?

We both agree Congress should do more to clear obstacles for the people who will make us that world leader.

Those people work in Lincoln, Nebraska, in the Haymarket District, and in Omahas Old Market, two cities where the tech industry is doing so well its called Silicon Prairie. They are the innovators, inventors, programmers, coders, and restless dreamers who like to solve technical problems. They are also the millions who support them, by rewarding their ingenuity, by buying their products or stock, and by keeping alive that spirit of innovative discovery.

To help clear the way, Senator Booker and I joined Senators Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Cory Gardner of Colorado to reintroduce the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act. The bill would facilitate a working group of federal agencies and private sector stakeholders. That group would then provide recommendations to Congress about how to plan for, and encourage, the Internet of Things. It gives those innovators a forum to make their voices heard, but it would also help Congress identify problems: like regulatory silos. It would ensure Americans can seize the benefits of this growing, global network.

The most important parts of the Internet of Things arent things at all. They are people. We care about the Internet of Things because of what it can do for our families, our children, and our world: Solving everyday headaches, like being stuck in traffic on our daily commute. Connecting people living in the vastness of rural America. Delivering new, potentially lifesaving treatments for patients.

I look forward to continuing my bipartisan work with Senator Booker on this very important issue.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
YORK  According to the preliminary agenda for next weeks York County Commissioners, York City Attorney Charles Campbell has asked to discuss with the board two notices of intent to tax sent to the city about two specific properties.

One of those properties is the Holthus Convention Center and the other is a plot of agricultural land that was purchased by the city for future industrial use (located along Division Avenue, just east of the Nebraska Public Power District operations center).

Typically, government-owned land is tax exempt . . . unless certain circumstances exist and as of now, the county is contending that this is the case with these two specific properties.

Also on next weeks agenda will likely be another discussion about whether the countys elected officials and employees should financially participate in their health insurance premiums.

This was discussed at length during their last meeting, among the county commissioners, elected officials and department heads.

While this is not yet on the preliminary agenda, it was requested that it be included in order for a decision to be made.

The proposal was that those taking the countys insurance for individual coverage start paying 5 percent of their premium cost next year, 10 percent the year after that, 15 percent the year after that, then 20 percent the year after that. It is proposed that the 20 percent would be a cap of financial participation.

Right now, for individual insurance policies (not those with children, spouses or family coverage), employees and officials do not pay anything.

Another action on the preliminary agenda is the possible reinstatement of a former clients riding privileges when it comes to the countys transportation services.

The agenda will likely change between now and next Tuesday, as it can be altered up to 24 hours before the meeting.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, which will begin at 8:30 a.m., in the basement of the York County Courthouse, on Tuesday, April 11.
LINCOLN  NASA scientists have targeted Grand Island and Alliance for their High Altitude Ballooning Program during this summers total solar eclipse, according to Lora Young, representing the Nebraska Eclipse Coalition, an organization formed to promote Nebraska as a top travel destination for the Aug. 21 solar eclipse.

The Nebraska High Altitude Ballooning Program is one of over 50 teams participating in a nationwide project to launch weather balloons with scientific payloads during the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, Young said.

In what could be the space agencys most-watched livestream on record, more than 50 high-altitude balloons with video equipment attached to them will beam back live images of the eclipse from an altitude as high as 100,000 feet.

The Grand Island balloon launch will take place at the Stuhr Museum. That team is supported by NASA Nebraska Space Grant based at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and led by Dr. Kendra Sibbernsen from Metropolitan Community College. Sibbernsens student teams from Omaha are designing experimental payloads to collect data during the balloon flight from Stuhr Museum.

Grand Island was selected as a base of operations because it is easy to travel to on I-80, is near the center line of the path of totality and will provide us with over 2 1/2 minutes of darkness, Sibbernsen said.

She said that historical meteorological data suggests that Grand Island has a 70 to 75 percent chance of having favorable weather to see the eclipse and the Stuhr Museum has a large flat open observing field providing nice views of the sky.

Even if it is cloudy, we should get good images of the shadow of the eclipse once the balloon ascends above the clouds, Sibbernsen said.

In addition to the large public event planned at the Stuhr Museum, she said a research team plans to set up a tower and record meteorological data before, during and after the eclipse.

Therefore, a lot of science will be taking place amidst the fun and excitement of viewing the total solar eclipse, Sibbernsen said.

Dr. Peggy Norris, a physicist and science educator at Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, S.D., is leading a South Dakota team of undergraduates and high school students and teachers to conduct high-altitude balloon flights in western Nebraska.

The Eclipse Ballooning Project will launch a high-altitude balloon system from the Scottsbluff area to intercept the eclipse on Aug. 21 as it passes through western Nebraska, including tracking and cutdown systems, a video imaging payload with live streaming to a NASA website, and detectors to measure cosmic rays and look for changes due to changing atmospheric conditions during the eclipse, Norris said.

She said that the balloons, which reach heights of up to 100,000 feet, will be broadcasting live from 20 sites along the eclipse path, including Alliance.

The broadcast will be seen on NASA TV and NASA.gov with real time footage of the moons shadow on Earth and the darkened sun, Norris said.

The public is welcome to attend a viewing event in Alliance on the day of the eclipse that includes telescopes, pictures from the balloon and other eclipse-related activities in Alliance. The group will be set up at Alliance High School, one of the public viewing sites along the eclipse center line.

According to Michael Sibbernsen, a special projects facilitator for the NASA Nebraska Space Grant and lecturer of astronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, it has been 63 years since Nebraska has experienced a total solar eclipse.

Although solar eclipses of some type happen on an average of about 2.5 times per year, and total solar eclipses around every 18 months, what is rare is having the chance to experience one in your part of the world. The last total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States was 38 years ago, and 63 years for the state of Nebraska, he said.

Michael Sibbernsen said that on Aug. 21 the path of totality, where there will be the deepest part of the moons dark shadow, will forge a trail through the United States and diagonally through Nebraska from Scottsbluff to Falls City.

Nebraska is an ideal location for eclipse hunters because over 250 miles of Interstate 80 lies within the path of totality, allowing observers an easy route to travel to their home base of choice or to stay mobile should the weather turn overcast, he said.

The Nebraska Eclipse Coalition is made up of 10 Nebraska communities that will have some of the longest views of the total solar eclipse. They are Scottsbluff, Gering, Alliance, North Platte, Kearney, Hastings, Grand Island, Lincoln and Beatrice. Although Omaha is not in the direct path, it is also a coalition member due to the expected large demand on air travel and hotel rooms.

More than 200 Nebraska communities and nearly 30,000 square miles, or nearly 40 percent of Nebraska, lie within the path of totality of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Many of these communities are in the process of planning major hosting events, Young said.

Nebraskans are urged to learn more, checking out lodging options, special viewing events, best viewing areas and a countdown clock, by visiting neclipse17.com.
Half a million Aussie properties will be uninsurable within the next decade

Climate change is causing increased drought, hotter temperatures and more extreme storms and these changes are endangering our environment, lifestyles, our jobs and livelihoods, our crops and therefore food prices, our health and even our air quality.
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Ahmedabad: BJP is gearing up for the 2017 Gujarat Assembly Elections.

The saffron party on Wednesaday formed its new state parliamentary board and various other committees.

Members of the committees

The state parliamentary board consists 14 members, including state BJP chief Jitubhai Vaghani, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy CM Nitin Patel, a party release said.

Among others, former CM Anandiben Patel, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, former state party chief R C Faldu and Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama were also inducted in the board to scrutinise and shortlist probable candidates for the polls.

Senior BJP leader Kaushik Patel has been appointed as the in-charge of state BJP's campaign committee. The party also announced formation of its discipline committee having three local BJP leaders as members, it added.

BJP also announced formation of its election manifesto committee having 14 members.

Members of this committee include minister of state for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja, health minister Shankar Chaudhary, BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya and former cabinet minister Jaynarayan Vyas, said the release.
New York: United States President Donald Trump has told some members of the Congress that he is considering military action in Syria in retaliation for this week`s chemical attack.

Citing a source, a CNN report said the President had not firmly decided to go ahead with it but said that he was discussing possible actions with Defence Secretary James Mattis.

Trump is relying on the judgment of Mattis, according to the source. According to US officials, the Pentagon has long-standing options to strike Syria's chemical weapons capability and has presented those options to the administration.The sources stressed that a decision has not been made yet.

Trump yesterday called the chemical attack that killed more than 70 people in Syria as a "heinous" act that had changed his views on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Beijing: US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have been at odds over a range of issues since the billionaire businessman took office in November.

As the two leaders prepare to meet face-to-face for the first time at Trump`s luxury resort in Florida this week, these are the topics likely to top the agenda.

Even before North Korea`s ballistic missile launch on Wednesday, Pyongyang`s nuclear weapons programme was always going to dominate the Trump-Xi summit.

The North is economically reliant on its sole ally Beijing, and Washington has long pushed China to use its leverage to punish the hermit state.

While China has shown growing impatience with its neighbour`s bad behaviour, Beijing is reluctant to push the country too far for fear that the regime might collapse, unleashing a flood of refugees across the border.

Late last month, in a warm-up to this week`s meeting, Trump Tweet-lashed China for doing "little to help" rein in Pyongyang and he has since warned the US is prepared to go it alone in bringing the North to heel.

During the presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly bashed China for its "unfair" trade policies and accused it of artificially depressing its currency to give its exports an unfair advantage.

Since taking office, he has often returned to the theme, warning that he will slap the world`s second-largest economy with massive tariffs if it does not increase US access to its markets.

In a tweet last week, he highlighted China`s massive trade imbalance with the US -- over USD 310 billion last year -- as a serious problem that could make his upcoming talks with Xi "difficult".

But Trump has also hinted at his willingness to use trade issues as a bargaining chip to secure more cooperation from China on North Korea.

China has its own wish list, including fewer restrictions on exports of sensitive US technology.

Trump infuriated China by taking a protocol-breaking phone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and suggesting he might break from the US`s long-standing One China Policy, which nominally acknowledges the Asian giant`s claims over Taiwan without recognising them.

The situation cooled down after a conciliatory phone call in February with Xi, where Trump walked back his comments.

The move seems to have placated Beijing, but it left many in democratically ruled Taiwan wondering if the brash billionaire might use their home as a bargaining chip.

China`s claims to most of the South China Sea and its controversial moves to build on disputed islands and reefs in the area, including installing military facilities on some, have drawn strong criticism from Washington.

Several of Trump`s cabinet, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have warned Beijing against throwing its weight about in the region, insisting the US would intervene if necessary to preserve international rights of navigation.

Human rights have been a long-standing point of conflict in Sino-US relations.

When Trump took office, many Chinese dissidents thought he might be willing to take a hardline against Beijing on the issue.

But the president -- who praised China`s handling of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in a 1990 interview -- has so far demonstrated little interest in the issue.

The White House has said the topic will "continue to be brought up in the relationship", but human rights activists are worried the Trump administration has already missed several opportunities to spotlight Beijing`s abuses.

Without US pressure, they argue, the problems will only worsen.
United Nations: Britain, France and the United States asked the UN Security Council to hold a vote today on a resolution demanding an investigation of the suspected chemical attack in Syria, diplomats said.

It remained unclear whether Russia would support the measure, which was slightly revised following negotiations over the past two days.

Britain, France and the United States circulated the draft resolution following the strike Tuesday on a rebel-held town in Idlib province that left 86 people dead, including 27 children.

Results from post-mortems performed on victims from the town of Khan Sheikhun point to possible exposure to sarin, according to Turkish health officials.

Russia has rejected the proposed resolution as "categorically unacceptable" and proposed a rival draft that did not include demands for the Syrian government to cooperate with an investigation.

France earlier warned Russia against resorting to its veto power to block the measure from adoption at the Security Council.

"That would be a terrible responsibility in front of history," French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters.

Asked whether he expected Russia to resort to a veto, Delattre said: "I would not say that. I think there is still a chance. I hope so."

Diplomats said the council could hold the vote around 7:00 pm (2300 GMT).

Russia has used its veto power seven times to block UN action that would put pressure on its ally Syria.

The draft resolution backs an investigation by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and demands the Syrian government provide information about its military operations on the day of the strike.

The text calls on Syria to provide flight plans, flight logs and other information on its military operations on April 4 and to hand over the names of commanders of helicopter squadrons.

Britain, France and the United States blame President Bashar al-Assad's forces for the attack, but the Syrian army has denied any involvement.

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has told some members of the Congress that he is considering military action in Syria in retaliation for this week`s chemical attack.

Citing a source, a CNN report said the President had not firmly decided to go ahead with it but said that he was discussing possible actions with Defence Secretary James Mattis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was unacceptable to make "unfounded accusations" over the "incident with chemical weapons" in Syria, the Kremlin said.
Florida: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Florida on Thursday for his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump, taking place amid tensions over North Korea, trade and other issues.

The Boeing 747 aircraft carrying the Chinese leader and his delegation landed at around 1730 GMT at Palm Beach International airport, where it was greeted by a military honor guard.
Bengaluru: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader VK Sasikala, who is serving a four-year jail term in central prison Parappana Agahara after being convicted in a disproportionate assets case, has met visitors 12 times in a month in blatant violation of rules.

As per the information made available by the Central Prison in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query, Sasikala met the visitors between February 16 and March 18.

Her relatives and co-convicts in the case, Elavarasi and VN Sudhakaran, met visitors four times and once respectively during the said period.

Among Sasikala's visitors were lawyers, her nephews TTV Dinakaran and Vivek J and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Thambidurai.

The Times of India cites prison records as saying that Dinakaran met Sasikala on February 20 and March 8, and each interaction lasted over 45 minutes.

Former MP and Telugu Desam Party MLC Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy met Sasikala on March 1, showed the records.

Activist Narasimha Murthy, who had filed the RTI application, claimed to PTI that this was in violation of jail rules.

Undertrials and convicts are entitled to meet visitors as per the Karnataka Prison Manual and Karnataka Prison Rules.

The rules state that undertrial prisoners are eligible for one such meeting a week with their relatives, friends, and lawyers, while convicts are eligible to have visitors once in 15 days. However, the rule was flouted in the case of Convict No 9234, Sasikala.

While the jail authorities were unavailable for comments, reports quoting prison officials suggest that the jailer can use discretion in this regard.

On February 15, Sasikala was sent to jail after she surrendered before a trial court here, a day after the Supreme Court restored her conviction in the disproportionate assets case.

(With Agency inputs)
Patna: Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh on Thursday ordered a probe into alleged soil scam worth Rs 90 lakh involving Lalu Prasad Yadav's son and state Forest and Environment Minister Tej Pratap.

It has been alleged that the minister violated norms and handed over a contract to a private company worth Rs 90 lakh for the construction of pathways and improvement of the Sanjay Gandhi Zoological Park in Patna.

The allegation is that a huge amount of soil was removed from a mall site and sold to the Patna Zoo. It is also alleged that this was in nexus and at the behest of Tej Pratap.

According to the BJP, the shopping mall is being built on the land transferred to Delight Marketing Company Private limited in which Tej and his younger brother Tejaswi and sister Chanda are directors. Tejaswi is the deputy chief minister of Bihar.

On Tuesday, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi demanded the removal of Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tej Pratap as Bihar's environment and forest minister amid corruption allegations.

"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should order a high-level probe into the 'soil purchase scam' in which Environment and Forest Minister Tej Pratap Yadav is involved. The CM should sack Yadav from his Cabinet without making any delay," said Sushil Modi according to PTI.

Apart from Yadav's siblings, the minister and his mother are also a shareholder of the plot, The Indian Express reported.

"There was a complete nexus and at the behest of Tej Pratap Yadav, this soil was purchased," he added.

Meanwhile, Tej Pratap has denied any wrongdoings and has threatened to file a defamation suit against Sushil Modi for running a smear campaign against his family for alleging a conflict of interest.

Lalu Yadav too came in defense of his sons in the scam allegation and said that they are ready to face investigation.
Patna: Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Thursday urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to break his silence on the soil purchase scam involving family members of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav.

"The Chief Minister should break his silence (on soil purchase scam)," Sushil Modi said today.

Sushil Modi also accused the state government officials of trying to suppress the alleged scam on Prasad's direction and warned that such officials will be penalised and lose their jobs like it happened in the fodder scam.

"Half a dozen officials had lost their jobs in multi-crore fodder scam for colluding with the RJD supremo," he said.

The BJP leader alleged that earth filling work at Patna Zoo was carried out without a plan or approval and asked the state government to explain why the work was done at all.

He said that the soil was purchased from an under-construction mall registered in the name of a company whose board of directors include several members of Lalu Prasad's family. The names include those of his minister sons - Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejaswi Prasad Yadav.

"Five lakh cubic feet of soil was transported to Patna Zoo from the mall premises by trucks which made 1000 round trips over three months," he claimed.

The BJP leader also charged the Patna Zoo authorities for making a payment of Rs 90 lakh for soil from the corpus of Bihar Wildlife Conservation Fund by flouting guidelines under which the interest amount of the corpus of Rs 334.41 crore can be spent only wildlife conservation.

Sushil Modi said the Bihar Chief Secretary heads the Bihar Wildlife Conservation Fund and asked him to explain how the funds were used for soil purchase and whether any prior approval was taken in this regard.
New Delhi: Versatile actor Irrfan Khan is once again back with a bang to entertain the audiences with his impeccable style and class in 'Hindi Medium'. The film has been directed by Saket Chaudhary and will hit the screens on May 12, 2017.

'Hindi Medium' trailer has been released and Irrfan shared the link on Twitter. The film features Pakistani beauty Saba Qamar in the lead role opposite Irrfan. From the looks of it, we can easily say that this reel drama hits out the very much prevalent 'language prejudice' towards English which exists in the country.

The trailer has some hilarious moments and spotting Deepak Dobriyal in the flick makes it even more exciting.

Watch the 'Hindi Medium' trailer here:
Mumbai: Anurag Basus Jagga Jasoos release has been delayed further. The film which was already way behind its actual schedule was slated to hit the silverscreen on April 7 but the release has been postponed yet again because the films shoot is far from completion.

Jagga Jasoos has run into trouble umpteen times in the past and the film unfortunately looks jinxed!

And now according to a report in Bollywoodlife.com originally attributed to Mumbai Mirror, Katrina is apparently not happy with a creative poster that shows her kissing her former boyfriend and co-star Ranbir. She is not in favour of releasing the poster and has expressed her desire to see all the creatives before they are unveiled.

This has reportedly upset Basu, who has won applause of his previous work  Barfi!.

The trailer of the film which was unveiled a few weeks back looked mighty impressive. The graphics and special effects used are captivating. The trailer had no dialogues and was a knitted beautifully with breath-taking visuals.

Heres hoping to watch the film on the silverscreen soon!
New Delhi: After nailing the Punjabi look in 'Veer Zaara', Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has now teamed up with Anushka Sharma to flaunt some desi swag. The duo was recently clicked shooting in Punjab for filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's next.

In the pictures, the 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' couple can be seen filming a song sequence. If their attires are to be judged, it wouldn't be wrong to say that Shah Rukh and Anushka look like an ideal Punjabi couple.

Dont believe us? Well, have a look:

However,the makers have remained tight-lipped about the storyline and title of the flick. It is being said that King Khan will be seen playing a guide to the 28-year-old actress in the flick.

The film is expected to release on August 11 this year.
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank will release by this month end detailed guidelines on "banking outlet", aimed at covering the under-served areas.

These will supersede the branch licensing guidelines in force, RBI said in its first bi-monthly monetary policy of 2017-18 today.



"Final guidelines are proposed to be issued on banking outlets, clarifying on what is a 'banking outlet' and harmonising the treatment of different forms of bank presence for the purpose of opening outlets in under-served areas," it said.

This bank authorisation scheme is one where RBI is moving away from emphasis on brick and mortar branch to fixed locations where banking service is available, RBI Deputy Governor N S Vishwanathan said.



"This will enable banks to provide cost efficient service. Cost efficiency is more important to facilitate financial inclusion and we believe that this is going to result in further propping up to the financial inclusion measures by the banking industry in general," he said after the policy announcement.

RBI's branch licensing guidelines, while considering applications for opening branches, give weightage to the nature and scope of banking facilities provided by banks to common persons, particularly in under-banked areas.

It also takes into account actual credit flow to the priority sector, pricing of products and overall efforts for promoting financial inclusion.
New Delhi: FMCG major Colgate-Palmolive India today said it has roped in Bollywood star Anushka Sharma as the new brand ambassador for Colgate Active Salt toothpaste.

The actress will be seen in new TV advertisement essaying role of a reporter promoting the product, the company said in a statement.

Commenting on the development, Colgate-Palmolive India Marketing Director, Eric Jumbert said: "Colgate Active Salt is known for its modern, assertive, smart and confident image hence we are extremely excited to bring on board Anushka Sharma who perfectly personifies the brand".

The company claims the toothpaste contains salt which helps fight germs to protect teeth from cavities giving healthy gums and strong teeth.
A bill that would prohibit workplace discrimination for those people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender got its three hours in the sun Thursday.

But no vote was taken before senators adjourned at noon for their long weekend.

If the bill's supporters can show they have 33 votes, the number needed to break a filibuster and force a vote on the issue, it will get more time, said Speaker Jim Scheer after the debate ended. That's no different than any other controversial bill with extended debate, he said.

Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld, who introduced the bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected classes in the workplace, said he now will work with opponents to clarify points in the legislation and make it better.

Then he'll get a vote count based on an amended version of the bill and hope to get it on the schedule again, he said.

This year, he felt senators had a sincere willingness to work with supporters to sort through the issues.

"In the past the opposition had just been, 'dead no,'" he said. "In the past it was pretty fierce opposition."

During the debate, Morfeld told senators the bill (LB173) is one whose time has come, especially with the state needing to retain and attract young Nebraskans to build a 21st century atmosphere.

Morfeld said Omaha has had nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender residents for five years.

"None of the parade of horribles that opponents have suggested have occurred," he said.

Lincoln has no ordinances prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations or in the workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Six Lincoln area senators spoke in favor of the bill: Sens. Morfeld, Kate Bolz, Anna Wishart, Patty Pansing Brooks, Matt Hansen and Roy Baker.

Bolz said she considered the bill to be employment legislation. Workforce is the No. 1 priority in growing the Nebraska economy, she said, and this would help that.

Senators don't have to pass this bill to protect her gay son, said Pansing Brooks.

"He's already protected. He's moved away from here," she said.

Two Lincoln senators opposed the bill.

The LGBT community absolutely should not be treated like second-class citizens, said Sen. Suzanne Geist. But it is the job of lawmakers to affirm and uphold constitutionally protected freedoms.

"Tolerance is a two-way street," she said. "I support only those laws that don't pick and choose who gets freedom and who doesn't."

LB173 threatens the freedom of those who have and live by deeply held religious beliefs, including business owners, she said.

Sen. Mike Hilgers said businesses already treat people equally.

"This is the heavy hand of government trying to solve a problem that is being solved (already)," he said.

Two senators from Sarpy County -- Carol Blood and Sue Crawford -- talked about the importance of passing the bill and sending a positive message to businesses in their county.

Social media giant Facebook on Tuesday announced plans for a data center there. And PayPal has been a large employer in Sarpy County for years.

Sen. Paul Shumacher of Columbus watched the city of Omaha's ordinance play out with interest, he said.

He has been persuaded by the arguments of the chambers of commerce in the state and the business community that not having this protection against discrimination is one of the drags on the state's ability to attract talented people and to look like a state fully participating in the 21st century.

"This is a hangover from the past. And so the question's fairly simple. Shall we bring the future into being now?" he said.
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday dismissed bail plea of two Unitech promoters in the alleged real estate fraud case and sent them to judicial custody till April 20.

Unitech Ltd promoters Ajay Chandra and Sanjay Chandra are facing fraud charges related to a Gurugram-based real estate project.

The court had on April 1 sent both the accused to two-day police custody after the probe agency said their custodial interrogation was required to find out the alleged money trail, beneficiaries of the transactions and recovery of project related documents and other evidence.

In its plea, the police had sought remand of both the accused, claiming they were not cooperating in the probe.

According to police, the case was registered on July 31, 2015 in compliance of July 27, 2015 order passed by a Delhi court on the complaint of Delhi residents Arun Bedi and his mother Urmila Bedi.

They alleged that they were induced by the firm to book a flat in August 2011 in the residential project named 'Wild Flowers Country' in Gurugram for floors by the name Anthea Floors for total consideration of Rs 57.34 lakh.

They had alleged that after passing of stipulated time, the builder had not delivered the possession, adding that the firm, in connivance with others, cheated the public at large.

Later, 90 more complaints were received against the firm for the same project which were clubbed with the present FIR.

The agency claimed that around Rs 363 crore was collected by the firm, out of which over Rs 35 crore was received from 91 complainants who are part of the present complaint.

With PTI Inputs
New Delhi: Japan`s SoftBank is in talks with potential suitors to sell digital payments platform FreeCharge owned by Snapdeal, as per a newspaper report.

SoftBank is trying to sell FreeCharge separately for as low as $150-200 million, a Times of India report said.

Alibaba-owned Paytm is one of the front-runners to clinch Freecharge if terms between the two parties are agreed upon, the TOI report added.

The Softbank-backed Snapdeal had acquired FreeCharge in April 2015.

Last month Snapdeal appointed the CEO of FreeCharge and said it will infuse an additional USD 20 million into the e-wallet firm.
New Delhi: Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday dismissed the report furnished by the Shunglu Committee as "mud-slinging" and alleged that "no irregularity" has been committed by the Aam Aadmi Party government.

He claimed that officers were forced to write "false notes" in the report.

In a major setback to AAP government, the Shunglu Committee formed by former Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to look into decisions taken by the government has questioned several appointments made, including the appointment of Health Minister Satyendar Jain's daughter Soumya Jain in Mohalla Clinic project.

The committee reviewed 404 files of the Delhi government and found several irregularities with various appointments.

"I have not seen the report, but as far as we are concerned, there is no illegality or irregularity... Our government has worked as per the Constitution in force till August 4, 2016. After that the High Court made some amendment to it," Jain said.

He also rejected allegation on the appointment of his daughter as "mission director" of Delhi State Health Mission, saying it was "all lies". The approval for this appointment is made by the Centre, he added.

On the findings of the Committee, Jain alleged, "Officers were called by the LG, made to sit and write false notes in it under duress."

The term of former Lt Governor Najeeb Jung had witnessed a continuous war of words between the LG Office and the Arvind Kejriwal government over several issues.

"This is all mud-slinging. In fact, the probe should be done to find out why the files were suppressed for six months during Jung 'saheb's' time. We had targeted 1,000 mohalla clinics by December 31, 2016, but, they sat on the files for six months," he said.

"We did nothing wrong or illegal but what was within our authority. If the LG had thought, he could have changed it, then he could have changed it. We did what we deemed fit," Jain said.

Referring to Jain's daughter, the committee said in its report: Soumya, who is an architect, was made an adviser to Mission Director, Delhi State Health Mission. However, she asserted her expertise with regard to Mohalla Clinics even though her CV does not support her claim. Second, the memorandum of Association of State Health Society (Delhi) and rules and bylaws do not support such appointment.

The three-member Shunglu Committee, headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) VK Shunglu, was set up by then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung after Delhi High Court gave primacy to the LG in Delhi administrative affairs in August last year.

The LG office has called over 400 files on decisions taken by the AAP government in Delhi, for review.
New Delhi: Iran has dismissed India's decision to cut oil imports from Tehran by a fifth over delay in award of a gas field and said it has other buyers.

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), largest state buyers of Iranian crude will cut imports from Tehran to 4 million tonnes in 2017-18 from 5 million tonnes in the previous year, a top official said.

Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) will cut oil imports from Iran by 0.5 million tonnes each to 1.5 million tonnes as New Delhi built pressure on Tehran to award the Farzad-B field to its discoverer, ONGC Videsh Ltd.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh reacted saying, "We cannot enter deals under threats."

"Using language of threats is not appropriate," Zangeneh was quoted as saying by Iranian news agency Irna. "There are a lot of customers for Iranian oil and their demand surpasses our export capacity."

India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, however, refused to join the issue saying he does not interfere in commercial decisions of oil companies.

"I don't know," he said when asked about the decision by state-owned refiners to cut imports from Iran.



Oil companies take their own decisions, he told reporters on sidelines of an industry conference here. "It depends on oil companies (to buy crude oil from where). We do not interfere in those decisions."

India is Iran's second biggest oil buyer after China and was among a few which had continued to import crude despite Western sanctions against Tehran.

Since lifting of the sanctions last year, Iran is playing hardballs over award of rights to develop Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf to OVL, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC).

OVL has submitted a revised master development plan of over $5 billion for developing the field.

The new plan, filed with Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC), excludes liquefaction facilities to turn the gas into LNG for ease of shipping to nations like India, sources said.

The two nations were initially targeting concluding a deal on Farzad-B field development by November 2016 but later mutually agreed to push the timeline to February 2017.

Now, the deal is being targeted to be wrapped up by September after the two sides agree on a price and a rate of return for OVL's investments.

Farzad-B was discovered by OVL in the Farsi block about 10 years ago. The project has so far cost the OVL-led consortium, which also includes Oil India and Indian Oil Corp (IOC), over $80 million.

Iran was initially unhappy with the $10 billion plan submitted by OVL for development of the 12.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) reserves in Farzad-B field and an accompanying plant to liquefy the gas for transportation in ships.

It felt the $5 billion cost OVL and its partners have put for developing the field was on the higher side and wanted it to be reduced. OVL will earn a fixed rate of return and get to recover all the investment it has made in the field development.

The field in the Farsi block was discovered by the OVL-led consortium in 2008. It has an in-place gas reserve of 21.7 tcf, of which 12.5 tcf is recoverable.
Kolkata: IIT-Kharagpur is expected to induct the first batch of MBBS students in its medical college by 2020-21, after its hospital starts operation three years earlier.

"The first phase of construction of Dr B C Roy Institute of Medical Science & Research will get over by June this year and we are working towards making the hospital operational from 2018," IIG-KGP Deputy Director Prof Sriman Kumar Bhattacharyya said today.

"Then, as per regulation, we can start offering MBBS programme in another three-year time in 2020-21," said Bhattacharyya, in-charge of setting up the Medical College.

In the first phase of construction, the hospital and ancillary building were getting ready, while in the second phase, residential towers for doctors, students and support staff will be undertaken, he said.

The Dr B C Roy Institute of Medical Science & Research is coming up in Balarampur area adjoining IIT-KGP campus on an 18-acre land.

The Union HRD ministry has allowed IIT-KGP to start the hospital with 400 beds and has sanctioned Rs 150 crore.

As per plan, the hospital would later have 750 beds, he said adding that the project would cost around Rs 230 crore and there were plans to raise the rest of the funds through donations.

About healthcare facilities, Bhattacharyya said, "We will be collating details of the patients by videographing and with their permission can disseminate it to a doctor abroad. So if a patient wants to seek the opinion of a doctor in the US, he/she can easily do it."

Currently the institute is busy procuring equipment for cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, diagnostics, pathology and Out-Patients Department.

IIT-KGP is also in the process of setting up a society to run the hospital and the medical college.

"As per rule, IITs cannot offer medical courses. So this project will work as a special purpose vehicle. We will not run it directly but create a registered society. IIT-KGP will sign an MoU with the society so that functioning of the hospital can be in sync with IIT system," he said.

IIT-KGP is ensuring that the hospital is run on no-profit-no-loss mode.

IIT-KGP has been running the School of Medical Science and Technology from 2001.
New Delhi: Pandas are a cute animal that everyone would like to play with all day long. With its big black eyes, they are cuddly looking animal and are loved all over.

In the above picture, Chulina, the giant panda cub, has been captured playing with her mother Hua Zuiba outside the panda enclosure at Madrid Zoo in Madrid, Spain, April 5, 2017.

Chulina is the first female giant panda cub to be born at Madrid's Zoo Aquarium.

On Wednesday, she had two special visitors when she went for her first walk outside the pagoda where she has spent her life until now.

The cute panda cub was accompanied on her first trip outside by Queen Sofia of Spain and Lyu Fan, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Madrid.

Chulina was born on Aug 30, 2016 and made her first public debut on January 12 this year.
Brussels: EU President Donald Tusk will meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in London later Thursday, his office announced, as the two sides prepare for tough Brexit talks.

The visit was listed on an updated weekly schedule for Tusk and gave no reason for the visit nor details of what he would discuss with May.

The announcement comes after the European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted tough "red lines" for the Brexit negotiations, saying the divorce terms must be agreed first before any talk of a new trade deal.

The Parliament largely followed Tusk`s own draft guidelines issued last week after May formally triggered the historic Brexit process.

May has pressed hard for the divorce and trade deal talks to proceed in tandem but Brussels has repeatedly rebuffed her demands.

The remaining 27 European Union member states are due to sign off on Tusk`s guidelines at a summit on April 29, paving the way for formal negotiations to begin at the and of May.

The EU wants a draft deal by October 2018 so that national leaders will have time to approve it before ratification by the European Parliament, most likely in early 2019.
Panaji: Former Congress MLA Vishwajeet Rane on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.The former Valpoi legislator had resigned from the Congress as well as an MLA on March 16, the day Parrikar won a crucial trust vote on the floor of state assembly.

Rane is the son of Congress veteran and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane.Rane had quit the Congress last month after being upset that the party failed toform the government in Goa despite winning 17 seats in the 40-memberassembly.

During the trust vote held in the House, Parrikar had proved his majority with 12 legislators from the BJP, three from the Goa Forward Party , three from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, three Independents and one from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) voting in favour of the trust motion.

The opposition benches included 16 MLAs from the Congress, as Rane had remained absent during the voting.

Days after losing the trust vote, the Goa Congress had said that it would seekdisqualification of Rane from contesting the elections for defying its whip tovote against the motion.
Panaji: Former Congress legislator Vishwajit Rane on Thursday officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and state party President Vinay Tendulkar.

Vishwajit, who is the son of senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane, addressed media here and said that he was in the BJP to stay and had joined the party to "strengthen the hands" of Parrikar.

"We will work to strengthen the BJP in Sattari (a sub-district in North Goa district)," Rane said.

When asked if he had taken permission from his father, Pratapsingh, before joining the BJP, Rane said: "I have taken his blessings."

With the entry of Rane into the BJP, the legislative strength of the party now rises to 14 in the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly.

Rane, who is likely to be inducted into the Parrikar-led Cabinet soon, will be contesting from Valpoi assembly constituency which is heading for a by-poll.

Responding to a query if he had been assured a Cabinet berth by Parrikar, Rane said: "It is the Chief Minister`s prerogative."

Rane, who was elected from Valpoi assembly constituency in the February 4 polls, resigned from the Congress soon after the results were announced on March 11, accusing his party leadership of letting go the opportunity to form a government despite emerging as the single largest party with 17 MLAs.

Speaking on the occasion, Parrikar said that the BJP was a party which could accommodate leaders from other parties.

"BJP is a party which can accommodate," Parrikar said.
Panaji: Former Goa Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane, who defied the party whip to vote against the trust motion of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar last month, would be joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday.

Rane, who was elected from Valpoi constituency, had resigned from the Congress and quit his Assembly membership after absenting himself from the House when Parrikar sought the trust vote.

Rane is the son of Congress veteran and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane, who was also elected to the Assembly from Poriem seat in North Goa during the recent state polls.

State BJP president Vinay Tendulkar had told reporters on Wednesday that Rane had been in talks with the party leadership for several days.

The BJP Goa legislature wing recently adopted a resolution seeking Rane's induction into the party and also in the Cabinet.

BJP sources said Rane could soon be inducted into the Manohar Parrikar-led coalition cabinet.

Rane quit the Congress last month after being upset that the party failed to form the government in Goa despite it emerging as the single largest party winning 17 seats in the 40-member Assembly.

Rane had said internal bickering and failure of the Congress state leadership and the party high command, including All India Congress Committee General Secretary Digvijaya Singh, to stake claim had left him disillusioned.

"The Congress leadership had let us all down," Rane had said.

In the trust vote held in the House, Parrikar proved his majority with 12 legislators from BJP, three from Goa Forward Party , three from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, three Independents and one from NCP voting in favour of the trust motion.

The opposition benches included 16 MLAs from Congress, as Rane had remained absent during the voting.

After failing to defeat the trust motion, the Goa Congress said it would seek disqualification of Rane from contesting elections for defying its whip to vote against the motion.

(With Agency inputs)
Surat: In a tragic incident, a four-year-old boy, who fell into a borewell in Karsangadh village of Surendranagar in Gujarat on Thursday has died.

The rescuers along with locals had made all efforts to take the child out of the borewell that is almost 500 ft deep.

Government officials said that they received information about the boy falling into the tubewell on the farm of one Khoda Bharvad in Karsangadh village in Muli taluka of Surendranagar at around 1:30 pm.

The boy was identified as Sagar Devipujak, son of an agricultural labourer who was working on Bharwads farm.

Earlier today, Mohabatsinh Parmar, mamlatdar of Muli taluka told media that the boy seemed to have been stranded at the depth of around 150 feet in the tubewell. A medical team that was present at the site, had pumped oxygen in the borewell while making efforts to rescue the child.

In a similar incident last year, a one-year-old girl had accidently slipped into a borewell in Ghanshyamgadh village of Surendranagar district.

However, the girl had died minutes after the rescuers had pulled her out of the tubewell from the depth of around 120 ft by tying a rope into her hand.
New Delhi: The Shiv Sena on Thursday warned that it won't not attend the April 10 NDA meeting if the flying ban on its MP Ravindra Gaikwad, imposed by domestic airlines after he beat up an Air India officer, is not revoked.

However, the sources claimed that the travel ban on the Sena MP is likely to be revoked today.

Addressing a news conference, party MP Sanjay Raut said there has been a conspiracy behind the ban and the party will expose it at an appropriate time.

"We will not attend the NDA meeting on April 10 if the travel ban on Gaikwad is not revoked," Raut said, noting that this is an "instruction from party chief Uddhav Thackeray".

Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha witnessed chaos as Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju after he refused to heed to their demand for revoking the flying ban.

Intervening in the matter, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today said that the matter cannot be solved in the Parliament, adding that both Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad and the Air India must sit together and come out with a solution.

"Getting angry is normal so I had to adjourn the House. This matter cannot be solved in the session. Both the sides have to sit and talk and come up with a solution," Mahajan told the media here.

She added that Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said the ban happened according to law which is same for all.

"So, everybody was a bit angry with this because everybody thought he would say something that the matter will be considered," she said.

The Shiv Sena MPs earlier in the day surrounded Raju over the flying ban on Gaikwad and threatened that unless it is lifted they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India staff, said that he had been provoked and alleged that the airlines staff misbehaved with him.

Speaking on the issue during Zero Hour Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him be lifted.

He got support from other opposition parties.

The Shiv Sena MP also said that he can apologise to Parliament but will not apologise to the airline staffer.

With ANI inputs
New Delhi: The Alwar lynching case, in which five men were assaulted leading to the death of a Muslim man by a group of cow vigilantes, stalled both Houses of the Parliament on Thursday.

As a united opposition in the Rajya Sabha slammed the government for doing nothing against cow vigilante groups beating up people in order to protect cows from smuggling, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi denied the occurrence of any such incident and said that it did not happen.

"This is a sensitive issue. A message should not go that we are supporting cow slaughter! Such an incident did not happen on the ground. The state governmnet has denied the report. But let this House not send a message that it supports cow slaughter," Naqvi said.

Reacting to this, Leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that even the New York Times had carried a report on the lynching.

"I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times knows and the minister doesn't know," Azad said.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the matter in the Lok Sabha and said that the Rajasthan Government failed to act on the issue, adding that this was the fifth such incident in Rajasthan.

Kharge also demanded an immediate reaction from Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Congress MP Madhusudan Mistry said that there is a breakdown of constitutional machinery in Rajasthan.

After the members from both the sides raised their voices, Deputy Chairperson P.J. Kurien asked the government for the facts in the case.

Terming the matter serious in nature, Kurien said he was not convinced by both sides and asked Naqvi to ask Home Minister Rajnath Singh to submit a report to the House. "I cannot go by media reports," Kurien said.

To which, Rajnath Singh told the Lower House that the state government is taking cognizance of the matter.

Meanwhile, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi expressed his anguish and called the lynching a failure of law and order in Rajasthan.

"When government abdicates responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow. Shocking breakdown of law and order in Alwar. All right thinking Indians must condemn this blind brutality. We expect the governmnet to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal and senseless attack," he added.
Itanagar: As Beijing blows hot and cold over Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu's explosive comment that India shares border with Tibet and not China may have added fuel to the fire even as it made global headlines.

On Wednesday, Beijing warned New Delhi that it "severely damaged China-India relations" by enabling the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to Arunachal.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh is part of their territory while India says it is an inseparable part of the country.

Though Beijing considers the 81-year-old as a separatist, New Delhi has dismissed that description, saying he has a devoted following in the region.

"Beijing has no right to threaten Delhi on the Dalai Lama's movement within the country as India shares boundary with Tibet and not China," NDTV quoted Khandu as saying.

"China has no business telling us what to do and what not to do because it is not our next-door neighbour," he added.

Referring to his comment, The Washington Post wrote Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn't the only one making provocations.

The chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh decided to take a still less Chinese-friendly line over the Dalai Lama's visit."

On Tuesday, the Nobel peace laureate received a rapturous welcome in the town of Bomdila in Arunachal.

Dalai Lama had fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising.

He had entered India through Arunachal Pradesh.
Melbourne: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Thursday said he will use his first trip to India to further strengthen the bilateral ties and discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the "enormous opportunities" for collaboration in areas like trade and security.

Turnbull will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday on a four-day visit to India.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I will discuss the enormous opportunities for collaboration between Australia and India," he said.

"With converging political, economic and strategic interests, we will use the meeting to strengthen our relationship even further for the benefit of both nations."

India is the world's fastest growing major economy. Two-way trade exceeded 19 billion dollar in 2015-16.

Turnbull will be accompanied by his Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham who is?leading a strong delegation of education experts.

"With the Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, I will address a dinner to celebrate our partnership in education, recognising how Australian expertise in skills training can help India to meet its goal of training 400 million people by 2022," Turnbull said.

"In Mumbai, meetings with leading Indian CEOs and business people will focus on growing two-way trade and investment. Australian energy and resources are helping to power India's growth, while our collaboration on innovation and technology will open new business opportunities in the future," he added.

Turnbull also highlighted the vibrant Indian community which he said was making a significant contribution to the fabric of Australia's multicultural society.

"It provides a vital bridge between our two countries, and this visit will ensure that the ties between India and Australia become even stronger," he said.

Modi had invited Turnbull to India last year during the G-20 Summit in China.

Turnbull, 62, became Australia's Prime Minister on September 15, 2015.
Singapore: An Indian imam is set to be repatriated from Singapore after he made offensive remarks against Jews and Christians during a sermon.

Imam Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel, 46 was handed a nearly USD 3,000 fine on Monday after he pleaded guilty to a charge of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race.

The Imam had last week apologised in front of Christian, Sikh, Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu representatives as well as members of the Federation of Indian Muslims, saying that he was "filled with great remorse" for the inconvenience, tension and trauma caused by his remarks.

Nalla yesterday met Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam who told the Imam that he appreciated the sincerity of the his apology.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement on April 3 that the imam will be repatriated.

The Imam will return home today under repatriation order, The Straits Times reported.

Yesterday, the imam said he fully understood and accepted the decision to prosecute him and the episode was a "priceless lesson" to him.

He said he was reassured that the charge against him "was not one out of witch hunt, but solely to preserve the sanctity of interfaith harmony".

"This is what I am bringing with me back to India," he said.

"This is the one thing I will not forget, and we all must not take for granted,"?The Straits Times quoted Nalla as saying.
New Delhi: Many schools had become just mid-day meal schools and the students were not failed or detained in a particular class, after the passage of Right to Education law, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar said on Thursday.

"These schools were reduced to coming, eating and going," Javadekar told members in Rajya Sabha during Question Hour.

He said his ministry took it up as a challenge and now Learning Outcomes for all classes have been brought in.

A bill, which would allow students who do not reach a minimum level of learning to be failed and detained in class V and VIII, was also in the pipeline, as the states were demanding a change in the no-detention policy, he said.

It is a serious problem that a class VI child is unable to read a lesson meant for class II or a class VII student is unable to solve the mathematics question for class III, Javadekar said.

Responding to several questions related to quality of education, Javadekar said in last three years, new 47 Kendriya Vidyalayas have been operationalised and 50 more such schools had been sanctioned.

He said 62 new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are coming up for rural schools.

He said to improve quality, it has been decided that states which take steps to improve standards will get additional funds under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

To a question related to a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kolhapur, Javadekar said he would look at it favourably if a proposal through proper channel reaches his ministry.
New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, accused of beating up an Air India employee, on Thursday claimed innocence in the Parliament, saying the national carrier staffer misbehaved first.

Presenting his side of the story in Lok Sabha, Gaikwad said AI official's rude behaviour was responsible for the unruly incident.

While admitting to pushing the Air India employee, the Sena MP said he was ready to apologise to the Parliament if his act caused disrespect to the temple of democracy, but not to the Air India official.

The AI official spoke rudely, held my collar, but I remained calm, as humility is in my nature, said Gaikwad.

Gaikwad claimed he just pushed an official only after he was pushed around.

Gaikwad, who had confessed to hitting an Air India duty manager for not being given a business class seat, said in the House that on the day of the incident (March 23) he was made to travel in economy class despite having a business class ticket.

The Sena MP claimed that an official, when asked about his identity, told him that he was "Air India ka baap" (Air India's father) and taunted him by asking "are you Narendra Modi", when he said he was a Lok Sabha MP.

He demanded a thorough inquiry into the whole incident and action against all the airlines which have put him on no fly list.

Gaikwad also questioned Delhi Police's action of registering an FIR under Section 308 (attempt to murder) against him.

Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, 57-year-old Gaikwad accused the media of being biased towards him.

Gaikawad also said that different tickets were booked in his name by other people later, adding that the Aadhaar or other identity cards should be made mandatory for booking an airline ticket.



"Probe the whole incident, see who is guilty, and lift the flying ban on me," he urged.

The Sena MP had abused and assaulted a 60-year-old duty manager of Ait India with slippers over not being able to fly business class despite having boarded an all-economy Pune-New Delhi flight.

Following the incident, Air India and major domestic airlines have barred the 57-year-old MP from flying as he refused to apologise for the incident that triggered nationwide outrage.

The Sena MP has remained defiant and refused to apologise for repeatedly beating and trying to push down Sukumar from the aircraft. He also dared Delhi Police to arrest him and alleged that it was AI official Sukumar who hit him first.

Besides Air India, the airlines which won't allow Gaikwad to fly as FIA members are IndiGo, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and Go Air. AirAsia and Vistara, which are not with FIA, have also joined them.
Former University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken has been diagnosed with throat cancer, he announced on March 31.

Milliken, 60, who left NU in 2014 to become chancellor of City University of New York, told colleagues in a letter the cancer was discovered during a routine checkup in March.

"I am otherwise in excellent health, the cancer has not spread beyond the throat area, and my prognosis is very good," Milliken said.

Milliken, a native of Fremont, is undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, including radiation and chemotherapy. The treatment is scheduled to take seven weeks, followed by a recovery period.

"My doctors have advised me that I can continue a fairly routine work schedule during much of this period," he wrote, adding he would be meeting with administrators and staff to make plans for "minimal disruption" in the university's operations.

Milliken was president of NU from 2004 to 2014. Before that he was an administrator at the University of North Carolina system and a former vice president for external affairs at NU from 1988 to 1998.
London: The UK government has unveiled a plan to introduce the world's first public register of overseas companies and other legal entities that own property in the UK, in a move expected to increase transparency and curb money laundering.



The UK will become the first country to have a register showing the real owners of property controlled by overseas companies and other legal entities as part of the proposal unveiled yesterday.

"We are committed to protecting the integrity and reputation of the UK property market and this register would be a valuable measure to increase transparency and investor confidence," said UK business minister Margot James.

"The extension of transparency requirements, which UK owners are already subject to, levels the playing field and means we would know who owns and controls UK property wherever they are from," she said.

The government launched its call for evidence this week, asking overseas investors, property and transparency experts for their opinions on how this register could be delivered.

A research project, due to be launched shortly for the UK's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, will assess the likely impact of the overseas property register on inward investment and wider corporate transparency.

Donald Toon, Director for Economic Crime at the National Crime Agency said: "Criminals and their money launderers will always seek to hide the true ownership of assets, including property, to frustrate investigations and hold onto the profits of their crimes.

"Greater transparency over the true ownership and control of UK property held in the name of overseas companies will make the UK a less attractive place to launder money and will assist investigators track down and recover the proceeds of crime."



Since 2004, law enforcement investigations into international corruption have identified more than 180 million pounds of property in the UK as the suspected proceeds of corruption, with 75 percent of those investigated using overseas companies to hide their real owners.

This is a tactic that investigators pursuing high-level money laundering continue to encounter routinely, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy noted.

While the government welcomes legitimate foreign investment in the UK, overseas investors in the UK property market have also included criminals laundering the proceeds of crime, it added.
Srinagar: Incessant rain and untimely snowfall in the plains on Thursday have caused a flood-like situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The authorities have issued a flood advisory to residents living along embankments of River Jhelum in south, central Kashmir.

The Met office has, however, predicted overall improvement in weather from Friday.

Faced with untimely fresh snowfall in the plains and continuous rains during the last three days, the divisional administration on Thursday ordered the closure of all schools in the Kashmir Valley till Monday.

Most water bodies in the Valley including rivers, lakes, and streams were swollen.

The flood control department on Thursday alerted all its staff to be present at their places of posting round the clock so that the water level in local rivers, lakes and streams can be continuously monitored.

Authorities said the water level in Jhelum River at 1 am on Thursday was a metre below the danger mark at Sangam in south Kashmir, Ram Munshibagh in Srinagar and Asham in north Kashmir.

Reports, however, said Ferozepur stream in north Kashmir Baramulla district had breached its bank and entered some of its villages.

"Teams have been rushed to these areas to organise relief and rescue," police said.

"There would be a gradual decrease in snow and rainfall activity from Thursday afternoon and improvement in weather will start from tomorrow (Friday)," Sanam Lotus, the director of the J&K Met department, told news agency IANS on phone from Delhi.

"Therefore, there is no need to panic, but at the same time, people living in low-lying areas might face inconveniences due to water logging and problems allied with it," he added.

MeT office had issued an adverse weather advisory which ends on Thursday evening.

It had also forecast the likelihood of landslides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in addition to hailstorm and windy gales during this period.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday visit Jharkhand and lay the foundation stone of a multi-modal terminal on the River Ganga.

The multi-modal terminal at Sahebganj is an important component of the development of the proposed National Waterway-1 from Varanasi to Haldia, the Prime Minister's Office said on Wednesday.

The state-of-the-art terminal will have a cargo handling capacity of 2.24 million tons per annum, it said.

Construction of the multi-modal terminal at Sahebganj will contribute to the creation of business and employment opportunities in Jharkhand, the PMO said.

Rural areas in Jharkhand will particularly benefit from this project, it added.

PM Modi will also inaugurate the Govindpur-Jamtara-Dumka-Sahebganj Highway.

During the visit, he will dedicate to the nation a Solar Power Facility at the Sahebganj District Court premises and Sahebganj District Hospital.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who has been barred by all Indian airlines from flying on their aircraft, on Thursday reached Parliament to attend the proceedings in Lok Sabha.

The adamant Sena has backed its leader and moved an adjournment notice in the Lower House on Gaikwad issue.

Sena MP Anandrao Adsul accused the BJP-led government of taking no action on the issue.

Earlier, Adsul had threatened to create a ruckus if the issue of a flying ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad is not addressed by the government.

Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, 57-year-old Gaikwad had abused and assaulted a 60-year-old duty manager of Ait India with slippers over not being able to fly business class despite having boarded an all-economy Pune-New Delhi flight.

Following the incident, Air India and major domestic airlines have barred the 57-year-old MP from flying as he refused to apologise for the incident that triggered nationwide outrage.

The Sena MP has remained defiant and refused to apologise for repeatedly beating and trying to push down Sukumar from the aircraft. He also dared Delhi Police to arrest him and alleged that it was AI official Sukumar who hit him first.

Besides Air India, the airlines which won't allow Gaikwad to fly as FIA members are IndiGo, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and Go Air. AirAsia and Vistara, which are not with FIA, have also joined them.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a Bill to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 paving way to legalize the bullock cart races in the state.

The bill was tabled in the Lower House by Animal Husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar.

The assembly passed a bill suggesting to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, which legalises bullock cart race in the state.

The provision of the fine of up to Rs 5 lakh or imprisonment of three years has also been made in the bill if any cruelty to the animal is proved during the event.

The bill, which has been passed by the legislative assembly, will now be tabled before the Legislative Council for the approval.

Last week, the state Cabinet had decided to appoint a cabinet sub-committee to study the draft of the amendment bill to revoke the ban on bullock-cart racing.

The reasoning given to the amendment is to follow and promote tradition and culture and ensure the preservation of native breeds of bulls as also their purity, safety, security, and well-being.

Bullock cart races will be allowed in any district where it is being traditionally held at such places.

The ban on the bullock cart race was imposed in 2014.
Mumbai: As per the Maharashtra High Court undertaking, the State Government has tightened the security across government hospitals post the doctors' strike.

The Bombay High Court on March 23 ordered protesting doctors in the state to call off their strike and resume duties and give the government some time to provide them proper security.

This came Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to the doctors to call off their strike as well and assured them that the government would ensure their security in hospitals.

The HC also ordered the government to provide adequate security at government hospitals for the doctors, so that they could go to work without fear.

The High Court further said that it would hear the matter again after 15 days.

The High Court Chief Justice further asked the government that no punitive action was to be taken against the protesting doctors once they resume their duty.

Nearly 4,000 resident doctors were protesting, demanding enhanced security in the wake of a string of attacks on doctors by patients' relatives at government hospitals across the state.

The protests had hampered the services of Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) in various hospitals.The Maharashtra government had earlier promised to deploy 500 security personnel from Maharashtra State Security Corporation in the hospitals by April 1.
Chennai: The mutual fund industry is attracting more retail investors and it has become more relevant for Indians, said the Managing Director of HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd here on Thursday.



He also said an online financial planning tool will be helpful for investors to plan their savings.



"More number of retail investors are investing in mutual funds now. Of the total savings by Indians, around 16-17 per cent are in asset class that can be touched and felt - gold, real estate and 7-10 percent in financial assets. In the last 10 years, the investment landscape has changed," Milind Barve, Managing Director of HDFC Asset Management Company, said.



He was here to launch the online financial planning tool of Geojit Financial Services.



According to Barve, the mutual fund industry`s success is measured as a percentage of total bank deposits in the country.



He said the share of bank deposits in the savings has gone down while that of mutual fund has gone up during the last five years.



However, he said investments linked to life goals like planning for retirement, kid`s education and others are still in its infancy.



Barve said for HDFC Asset Management, the focus is on retail and it gets nearly 60 percent of the investments from retail investors.



The fund is expecting to log 35 percent growth this fiscal.



Speaking about online financial planning tool, Executive Director of Geojit Financial Services Satish Menon said the programme captures the personal profile and the risk appetite of an investor.



Based on the income, goals, risk appetite, the online tool can also suggest ideal investment options.



He said the fee for enrolment for online financial planning tool is Rs 999 (an introductory price valid for three months) while the actual fee is fixed at Rs 1,999 with subsequent renewal priced at Rs 999.
New Delhi: Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi kick started the Mi Fan Festival on Thursday, offering a host of Xiaomi products on sale.

The company is also hosting a Re 1 flash sale wherein you can get the Redmi Note 4, Mi Band 2 and 10000 mAh Mi Power Bank.

Xiaomi has tweeted:

Mi Fans! MFF is live now! Click the link to get your favorite products with amazing offers!- https://t.co/H8GdKvulca #MFF2017 pic.twitter.com/WxoAC69nyT  Mi India (@XiaomiIndia) April 6, 2017

However this sale is only for those using the app.

Here is how you can avail the flash sale.

User needs to download Mi Store APP to participate in Re 1 flash sale

Re 1 flash sale of Redmi Note 4 (2+32) will started at 10:00 AM and will be available till stock lasts

Re 1 flash sale of Mi Band 2 and 10000 mAh Mi Power Bank will start at 02:00 PM till stock lasts

Users must share to social media and register beforehand to be eligible for the sale

All flash sale results will be announced on Mi Store APP

All users who successfully add a Re 1 item to cart must pay within 2 hours, otherwise the order will be cancelled

Mi India reserves the right to review and cancel Re 1 orders in case of suspicious activity
Agartala: Tripura is ready to supply an additional 60 MW of power to Bangladesh. The transmission is likely to start during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s four-day visit to India, a Minister said here on Thursday.

"We are ready to supply the additional 60 MW power to Bangladesh. Our engineers have tested the transmission lines... and given an okay," Tripura Power and Transport Minister Manik Dey told IANS.

He said: "Since last week, on experimental basis additional electricity was supplied to Bangladesh for several days. Formal supply of power is likely to start during Hasina`s visit that begins on Friday."

Tripura has been supplying 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh since March 23, 2016, in addition to the 500 MW the country is receiving from West Bengal since 2013.

According to the Minister, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) and Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) are the two nodal agencies who will coordinate supply of electricity to Bangladesh.

The NVVN is a subsidiary of state owned National Thermal Power Corporation and TSECL is a Tripura government owned body.

Hasina is scheduled to visit New Delhi from April 7 to 10.

"Officials of India and Bangladesh governments met in Dhaka on March 17 and finalised technical and other issues realted to this extra electricity supply," a TSECL official told IANS.

"Bangladesh has sought additional 100 MW electricity from India to solve its power crisis in the eastern part of the country. As Tripura government was ready to provide this additional power... India informed Bangladesh accordingly," Dey said.

"Considering their existing technical feasibility now, they would take 60 MW electricity," he added.

A 47-km double circuit transmission line was erected, linking the power grid at Surjyamaninagar in western Tripura to the Comilla power grid in eastern Bangladesh, to supply electricity to the neighbouring country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina along with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on March 23, 2016, launched the supply of 100 MW power through video-conferencing from their offices in New Delhi, Dhaka and Agartala.

Dey said that Tripura had already become a power-surplus state. "If we supply additional power to Bangladesh we will be able to earn extra revenue."

During his visit to Dhaka on June 6-7 in 2015, Modi had discussed with Hasina power supply possibility from Tripura.

Modi had declared that India would eventually enhance the power supply to Bangladesh to 1,100 MW.

A TSECL official said that a Memorandum of Understanding on power sector cooperation between India and Bangladesh was signed in 2010.

Currently 500 MW of power is transferred through the Bherampur-Bheramara inter-connection in the West Bengal border and another 100 MW through the Surajmani Nagar (Agartala) - Comila interconnection.
Mumbai: Amid the ongoing controversy over her arrest, TV and Bollywood actress Rakhi Sawant has called a press conference on Thursday here to clarify the issue.

While the Punjab Police on Tuesday denied Rakhi had been taken into custody following an arrest warrant issued by a court in Ludhiana, her spokesperson said she would surrender. It was not immediately clear where she would do so.

Rakhi has now decided to come in front of the media and answer all the questions.

According to an invite shared by her spokesperson, Rakhi will clarify her stance at the event, to be held at Wows & Flutters Studio at Durga Chambers in Andheri West.

The invite read: "Hi! April 6, 2017, on Thursday at 4:30 p.m., Picture N Kraft, cordially seek your gracious presence where Sunidhi Chauhan will record a song for Rakhi Sawant's upcoming film at 3 p.m. Rakhi Sawant will clarify the air about her arrest by Punjab Police and put all the rumours to rest at 4.30 p.m."

The court in Punjab had issued an arrest warrant after the actress failed to appear before it on March 9 in a case filed against her for allegedly making derogatory remarks against sage Valmiki.

The complainant had accused Rakhi of "hurting the religious sentiments" of the Valmiki community. The case will be next heard on April 10.

Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner of Police Dharuman Nimbale on Tuesday said that a police team which had gone to Mumbai to execute the arrest warrant against Rakhi was returning as it failed to find her at the given address.
Ronnie Green on Thursday called on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to tackle the 21st century in a speech before faculty, staff, administrators and others during his installation as the campus' 20th chancellor.

Tracing education's role from before the founding of the United States, through the signing of the Morrill Act creating land-grant universities, and peering into the future, Green said UNL is intertwined in both the state and the nations DNA.

Green, 55, encouraged UNL to step forward and meet the grand challenges of our world.

We are not out in the middle of nowhere, but increasingly in the middle of everywhere and everything, Green told the audience gathered at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

UNL must graduate more students equipped to continually question, reason, rationalize, understand, empathize and synthesize for the betterment of the public  transforming into what Green called the state's "21st century peoples university.

The idea that Nebraska and UNL can become national and world leaders in areas of importance  agriculture, climate change, medicine and education  is one Green shared with Clayton Yeutter, a UNL alum and former Secretary of Agriculture and trade representative who served two presidents.

Yeutter, who died March 4, was asked by Green last fall to speak at the installation ceremony.

The 86-year-old recorded a video message from his home in Potomac, Maryland, on Jan. 25 and it was played during Thursdays ceremony.

Calling on UNL to emerge as a leader, Yeutter said he has never been so concerned about the lack of leadership both in the United States and the world over the last decade.

That has to be fixed, and hopefully UNL will turn out some people who have great leadership attributes and will play their role in providing leadership the world needs today, he said.

An increasingly complex world  Yeutter used agriculture as an example, pointing out how it carries a broader meaning now than it did when he led President George H.W. Bushs agriculture efforts from 1989-91  requires college graduates capable of understanding it.

Yeutter called Green a visionary and decisive leader who will be ranked as one of the top leaders of schools in the Big Ten Conference.

I see no reason why Nebraska should take a backseat to anyone, Yeutter said. I feel very good about the future of UNL and the future of the state of Nebraska and its citizens.

Gov. Pete Ricketts also praised Greens understanding of the state and its economy, particularly with how agriculture impacts both.

Citing statistics commonly rattled off by Green  by 2050, there will be 2 billion more people in the world, and because of rising standards of living in places such as Asia, we will have to produce 100 percent more food to feed them, and 70 percent of it will have to come from productivity and innovation. Ricketts joked he credits those facts to Green every time youre in the audience.

Its exactly why Chancellor Green is the perfect person to be chancellor at the University of Nebraska, Ricketts said.

Joy Castro, a professor of English, said Green has emerged as someone who understands UNL's role as a land-grant university during "challenging times for public higher education and for the state of Nebraska."

She said Green understands the "big picture" tied to higher education locally and nationally, while also holding a healthy combination of realism and ambition for UNL's future.

"Leading the University of Nebraska will require unusual vision and courage," Castro said. "But it's safe to say that Ronnie Green is a man not easily fooled and not easily led. As chancellor, he has begun already to demonstrate his extraordinary capacity to lead us well."

Quoting William Jennings Bryan, Green said UNLs destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice.

The choices we make today provide not just for the generations represented in this room or the generation that is in our lecture halls, laboratories, recital halls and the field today, but for the generations to come, he said.
Jaipur: Severe internal injuries in the stomach and chest led to death of the 55-year-old Pehlu Khan, who was thrashed by a mob over alleged cow smuggling, post mortem findings have shown.

Chairman of the medical board constituted to conduct post mortem, Dr Pushpendra Kumar Jain said that severe internal injuries in stomach and chest, it was found had led to Khan's death adding that the deceased's viscera sample had been taken as a final report would be submitted later.

"We have taken the viscera and a final report will be presented later," Jain said.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan police continued its manhunt and announced a reward of Rs 5,000 each on the six accused named in the FIR. Police have constituted different teams for their arrest, Alwar SP Rahul Prakash said.

Three persons already arrested in connection with the case were presented before a court today which sent them to one day of police custody.

Meanwhile, under fire over Khan's death, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria today said that a case of murder has been registered against all the accused and no one guilty would be spared.

"The police had registered a case under section 308 of the IPC immediately after (attempt to commit culpable homicide) and after the person died we have changed it was changed to section 302 (which relates to murder)," Kataria said today.

There has been a major outcry after the incident which was raised in the Parliament by opposition parties today.

The deceased's brother Yusuf meanwhile told a TV channel that he felt that top functionaries should condemn the incident as such happening spoil the atmosphere.

A similar incident in Dadri (in UP) had occurred before this, he said. He said that there was fear in the mind of the people when they mentioned about going to collect Khan's body.

Meanwhile, a ruling party MLA Gyan Deo Ahuja today claimed that the 55-year-old Pehlu Khan, who died after being thrashed by cow vigilantes, passed away due to "shock" rather than the beating he had received.

"He was beaten but he died of shock. Had he died of being thrashed by the mob, then other people carrying the bovines in vehicles should have died too as they were beaten as much," BJP MLA from Ramgarh assembly constituency Gyan Deo Ahuja said.

He however added that the viscera has been preserved and sent for further clarification. Ahuja added that he felt that the mob should not have beaten up Khan.

"If they were carrying bovines illegally, people should have handed over them to the police," he said adding cow smugglers hurt religious sentiments and people are sensitive about such issues.

He claimed that there was rampant smuggling of bovine animals and that "smugglers carry weapons with them and are taking laws into their hands without

having any fear of police".
New Delhi: A first-time inventor in UK has built an Iron Man-like jet engine-powered exoskeleton suit that enables him to hover in the air like a superhero.

The futuristic ensemble consists of three sets of miniature jet engines attached to the arms and the back.

Richard Browning, a 38-year-old oil trader, had been secretly experimenting in his garage for 18 months, before he figured out the optimal number and position of the jet engines that allows him to fly with a minimal amount of equipment.

"The human body is very good at being trained to do specific things, and it's a useful structure, and the human mind is a pretty amazing machine," Browning said.

"So, we had this idea - rather than go and rely on aluminium structures to build the machine, rely on gyros and computers in order to achieve stability, why not rely on the human machine, keep it as raw and original as possible?" he said.

Piloting the device takes quite a lot of personal strength and body coordination, said Browning.

There is no steering mechanism, and speed and direction can be adjusted only by changing the direction of the engines' thrust, solely using upper-body strength.

"You have a trigger at your right hand, which controls the arm engines, and you have a trigger at your left hand, which controls the rear engines," Browning told the 'Live Science'.

The inventor added that he was inspired to create the suit by the Greek myth of Daedalus, who made himself wings to escape from captivity. The suit takes its name from the myth.

Currently, Browning can stay in the air for up to 10 minutes using the exosuit. He has kept his experiments at a running speed of about eight kilometres per hour and an altitude of only one to two metres above the ground.

Eventually a user could fly over 100 kilometres per hour and to an altitude of about 100 metres, Browning said.

(With PTI inputs)
Chile: Chile's Atacama desert may seem to contain little besides red-grey rocks and sand -- but scientists are busy searching here for clues to life in a place it much resembles: Mars.



This desert in northern Chile, like the red planet, is hot, dusty and extremely dry.



Yet life exists here: tiny algae and bacteria that have evolved to survive in the parched earth on little more than sunlight.

If they have done it here, then why not on Mars, 225 million kilometers (140 million miles) away?

"If life existed there, it would probably be very similar to life here," says biologist Cristina Dorador from the nearby University of Antofagasta.

"We do not know if that is the case, because we do not have any evidence," she adds, as she breaks up bits of rock salt in an area of the desert known as Yungay Station.

"But if we manage to understand how these micro-organisms live, how they obtain moisture and how they adapt to these conditions, then probably very soon, when we have more information about life forms on other planets, we will have something here on Earth to compare it with."

Scratching the surface



Dorador will analyze the fragments in a mobile laboratory which she drives around the desert in search of tiny life forms.



She is one of dozens of scientists from various countries working on different Mars-related projects in the Atacama desert.



Separately, US space agency NASA in February carried out its second phase of practice-drilling for samples in the earth of Atacama with specially designed rovers.

"If life exists or ever existed on Mars, the planet's surface dryness and extensive (sunlight) radiation exposure would likely drive it underground," NASA said in a report.

"That makes locations like the Atacama good places to practice looking for life on Mars."

If fossil life on Mars resembled Atacama, it could shed light on our own origins.

"Studying Mars may help understand how life started on Earth," says Christian Nitschelm, a French astronomer at Antofagasta University.
New Delhi: Giving scientists hope of discovering evolutionary secrets of the universe, NASA's Hubble space telescope is keeping everyone on their toes with its incredible images.

In the past, Hubble has helped unearth massive revelations, most of which have turned out to be breakthroughs in the world of space.

Helping scientists reach out into the depths of the universe and discover numerous things that would have otherwise, been impossible, Hubble has been highly dependable.

The telescope has played the role of astronomers' and scientists' third eye, often digging out information that was least expected.

This time, it has beamed back something that would make space enthusiasts extremely joyful  a close-up of our solar system's giant planet, Jupiter!

As Jupiter made its closest approach to Earth in a year on April 3, 2017, Hubble viewed the solar systems largest planet in all of its up-close glory.

At a distance of 415 million miles (668 million kilometers) from Earth, Jupiter offered spectacular views of its colorful, roiling atmosphere, the legendary Great Red Spot, and it smaller companion at farther southern latitudes dubbed 'Red Spot Jr.'

As per NASA, the giant planet is now at opposition, positioned directly opposite the sun from the Earth. This means that the sun, Earth and Jupiter line up, with Earth sitting between the sun and the gas giant. Opposition also marks Jupiters closest point to us, and the planet appears brighter in the night sky than at any other time in the year.

Jupiter is best known for the Great Red Spot, an anticyclone that is larger than Earth and has raged for at least 150 years.
New Delhi: Ace comedian Sunil Pal on Wednesday urged Sunil Grover to sort out the differences with Kapil Sharma and re-join the 'The Kapil Sharma Show'. In the form of a Facebook video, 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge' winner also raised some serious concerns.

Pal not only appreciated Grover's talent but also made him realise the importance of a worthy platform. In the 5 minute 17 seconds long clip, Pal urged Grover to forgive Kapil and stated that the careers of 500 people are at stake.

Watch for yourself:

Kapil recently made headlines for misbehaving with Grover in an inebriated state. As a result, some of the most popular faces, including Grover, of the television show boycott the shoot.

It is still not clear whether or not Kapil and Grover will join forces once again!
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, who faced defeat in Assembly Elections, said that her election campaign was marred by party insiders.

Talking to The Times of India, Aparna further said that former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who is also her brother-in-law, should stick to his word and hand over the reins of the Samajwadi Party to her father-in-law Mulayam Singh, as he vowed before the polls.

"In January this year, Akhilesh bhaiyya promised that after the Assembly Elections, he will hand back the post of SP national president to Netaji. He says he is a man of his words and that he keeps his promises. Now, I think he should live up to his promise," Aparna said.

Akhilesh Yadav had "overthrown" his father as national president of the party in a political coup of sorts on January 1, after a bitter battle of power and supremacy in the party.

Akhilesh had also expelled Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh and sacked his uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav as the state unit president.

Mulayam Singh had not campaigned for party candidates in the state assembly polls and only addressed rallies for his brother Shivpal in Jaswantnagar and daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav in Lucknow.

"Right now, my family is everything to me. Netaji's word is final and until he is there, I can think of nothing else. I am upset that he was treated the way he was, and, that he is unhappy. I don't know what's in store in future. Now I only want the family to unite," Aparna told the daily.

Commenting on her defeat from the Lucknow Cantonment constituency, the wife of Prateek Yadav said: I contested from a constituency that the SP had never won. We built a team, but it could never work cohesively because of ego clashes. I took up the matter with both Netaji and (Akhilesh) Bhaiyya, but nothing could be done."

The Samajwadi Party leader also hailed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for bringing a "positive and secular" change in the state.

"He (Yogi) needs to be given time. So far, I have discussed animal welfare with him, and I have found him very positive. I thought the decision on slaughterhouses is good because it seeks to bring them within a legal framework. But the government should rehabilitate those who have lost their livelihoods because of this decision," Mulayam's 'chhoti bahu' said.

She also liked Yogi's statement of drawing parallels between the postures used while performing Surya Namaskar and offering Namaz.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that strengthening the law and order situation in the state and improving the quality of education here are among his top priorities.

The firebrand saint-politician made these remarks in his first televised interview to Doordarshan on Wednesday during which he spoke on a wide range of issues including ban on cow slaughter, anti-Romeo squads, crackdown against illegal slaughterhouses and India becoming a 'Hindu Rashtra'.

When asked if it was right for a saint like him to enter politics, the workaholic Chief Minister said, ''Politics is for 'yogis' and not for 'bhogis' (for those who sacrifice, not those who are greedy)''.

The outspoken BJP leader further said that there was nothing wrong with being a 'Yogi'. He even hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'Yogi'.

He stated that even after three years in office, the PM's popularity is intact. PM Modi enjoys the same trust which he had three years before.

Yogi Adityanath added that PM Modi was a sanyasi, and that his sacrifices for the nation was unprecedented.

Giving a tough message to his critics, the Chief Minister said that he was not bothered by what people said and that his work would speak for him.

He assured that he had asked anti-Romeo squads not to harass couples, and reiterated that the UP government would work for all without discrimination.

When asked about whether India was becoming a 'Hindu Rashtra', he said he did not care what people said.

However, he added that there was nothing wrong with India becoming a 'Hindu Rashtra', and that the Supreme Court had too said that 'Hindutva was a way of life.'

Yogi also stressed on ensuring delivery of government schemes to the poorest of the poor.

He said that if any starvation death is reported from any district, its district magistrate will be held accountable and if someone dies because of lack of medication or health facilities, onus will lie on the chief medical officer.
Bahraich: The Uttar Pradesh Police has found an eight-year-old girl in the jungles of Bahraich who can neither speak nor behave like normal human beings.

The girl was rescued from a troop of monkeys after she was spotted by sub-inspector Suresh Yadav during the routine patrol in Motipur range of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary two months back.

When Yadav tried to rescue the girl, she as well as the monkeys screeched at him.

Notably, the girl was found to be comfortable in the company of the apes.

However, police finally rescued the girl after making a number of efforts and got her admitted to the district hospital.

Notably, the girl can neither speak nor understand any language and gets scared at the sight of human beings, reported The Times of India.

As per the doctors, who are treating her, the girl often gets violent. She eats directly from her mouth. She walks like animals using her hands and legs together.

The girl was found two months back, eats and walks like animals, and runs away on seeing humans, Chief Medical officer DK Singh told news agency ANI.

She has marks on her skin. It seems she has lived with animals for quite some time. But now she is better and healthy, added Singh.

In Rudyard Kipling's `The Jungle Book`, Mowgli, the man-cub, is said to be brought up in 'Seeonee hills' by a pack of wolves.
Kolkata: A businessman has been arrested for allegedly adulterating edible oil after the state CID raided his oil mill in Nadia district, police said on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, the CID conducted a raid at the oil mill in Gobindapur Bazar and arrested its 51-year-old owner, a police officer said.

The CID seized an oil tanker loaded with 19.695 MT refine palmoline oil, a vehicle and other items from the mill, he said.

"The accused used to mix mustard and palm oil and sell it as a product of a popular branded and also in his own brand name. We are checking the involvement of others," the officer said, adding the investigation is underway.

A case has been registered at Santipur police station and he has been booked under 7(1)(a)(ii) of the Essential Commodity Act, Section 78/79 of Trade and Marchendise Mark Act, 1951 and Section 63 of Copy Right Act, police said.
Paris: The European Union on Thursday expanded sanctions against North Korea over the country`s nuclear tests and launches of ballistic missiles.

The new sanctions are aimed at the country`s metalworking, aerospace and arms-related industries, and services in computing, mining, chemicals and refining, the bloc said in a statement.

The EU first imposed sanctions against Pyongyang in late 2006 and has steadily expanded their range since to include embargoes on arms, trade in gold and precious metals and luxury goods.

It said on Thursday the new punitive measures were in response to actions that posed "a grave threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond."

The EU also added four people to its blacklist of those subject to travel bans and asset freezes because of links to the North Korean leadership and weapons programme.

North Korea has stepped up the frequency of missile and nuclear weapons tests over the past two years and experts say it is closing in on the ability to hit the United States with a missile.

Talks about North Korea are expected to feature high on the agenda of talks on Thursday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump has spoken repeatedly of the need to act more decisively against Pyongyang and demanded that Beijing puts more pressure on its reclusive neighbour.
In the early morning darkness, when sleep eluded Michael Cavender and the unexpected death of a friend got him thinking about his own life, the Florida business owner scrolled through his Facebook feed and thought why not?

Hed come across a post by a person whod located a long-lost someone through Facebook.

On the flight back from his friends funeral, Cavender had been thinking about people with whom hed like to reconnect.

One of them was Mrs. Kuhlman  a figure from his grade-school days in Lincoln, a bright light in a dark time in the 39-year-old mans childhood.

So he started writing.

I am wondering if someone in Lincoln, Nebraska area can help me? I am trying to find a teachers (aide) who saved my life when I was in elementary school during the years 1986-88 at West Lincoln elementary. ... This woman is my hero."

He hit Post at 3:55 a.m. on March 29, the predawn hours on a Wednesday.

Within 24 hours, hed gotten so many notifications on his phone he had to turn it off. To date, his post has been liked more than 2,500 times, shared more than 3,000, and has more than 450 comments.

Its completely nuts, he said. My phone was blowing up literally every three seconds.

Before long he was messaging  then talking on the phone  with a teacher whod seen the post, used to work at West Lincoln, was still friends with Mrs. Kuhlman  and was a tad suspicious.

She asked me lots of questions, thought it was some kind of fraud thing, Cavender said.

Then he talked about the details: Of being Alvin the Chipmunk in the school play, that Mrs. Kuhlman had horses, drove a tan Honda Accord.

* * *

At about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Deb Kuhlman got a text from a friend.

Read your Facebook.

A relative newcomer to the social-media site, she wasnt inclined to jump onto Facebook at that hour.

The next morning, she saw that her daughter Justina had shared Cavenders post with the words MOM!

I read the first three sentences and honestly I just burst out crying, she said. I knew who it was. I knew exactly who it was. I couldnt read the rest of the post.

Deb Kuhlman started working at West Lincoln Elementary in 1984 as a teachers aide  before people called them para-educators  helping teachers with worksheets, and making copies and laminating. She also helped students with reading and math. She had recess duty and lunch duty.

And she remembers, very clearly, a student named Michael who loved to talk.

I remember him because of our conversations, she said. He didnt talk about his home life, but he talked about his concerns.

He thought he was dumb, he worried about his old clothes and his too-big shoes.

I just knew he needed to talk. He needed someone to say You can do it.

Mrs. Kuhlman told him shed grown up wearing hand-me-down clothes and shoes that were too tight, that years ago she struggled to read, too. She encouraged him, believed in him. Told him if he worked hard, if he practiced and kept at it, things would get better.

Turns out, she was right.

* * *

Back in the late 1980s, when his name was Michael Biteler, he soaked up Mrs. Kuhlmans empathy and words of encouragement.

At the suggestion of his stepmom  and with the encouragement of Mrs. Kuhlman  he borrowed a neighbors push mower and in a week had enough money to buy it for $20. Within months he and his buddy had enough to buy a riding mower they accessorized with a CD player and speakers under the fenders.

He bought some new clothes, shoes that fit. He got a haircut and things looked up at school.

He went on to what was then Goodrich Junior High and when he was 14, he and his family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Cavenders early years were chaotic. He was born in Orlando, Florida, his mom just 15. She married his dad, divorced, remarried and moved to Lincoln. When her second marriage dissolved, she left. Three-year-old Michael and his brother stayed with his stepdad. They moved to Florida, then back to Lincoln. His stepdad remarried, then remarried again.

Money was tight and they moved to Gaslight Trailer Court  and Michael, now in fourth or fifth grade  started attending West Lincoln.

His stepparents were fighting their own demons with drugs and alcohol then, he said.

When they moved to South Dakota, they cleaned up and life improved. Today, his stepdad owns a roofing company, his stepmoms had a day care for 20 years and theyve adopted two foster children, he said.

Cavender never stopped working after the lawn-mowing gig, juggling multiple jobs during high school.

He worked for a couple years after high school, then joined the Army, but was honorably discharged after an injury quashed his plans to be a helicopter pilot.

Shortly thereafter, his birth mom  who he'd reconnected with while in high school  suggested he move to Florida.

He left in a 1993 Bonneville with a suitcase, a TV, a Sears credit card and enough money for gas. He got a job as a pizza delivery guy and then as an insurance investigator, then started a successful dock-building business.

He got married, had a child, got divorced, sold the business and started a construction business. He met his second wife  his sons preschool teacher  in 2008. They married two years later and had four children.

Hed tried to find Mrs. Kuhlman before but he had remembered her first name wrong and hadn't found her.

Today, Cavender  who changed his name when he moved to Florida  lives on a lake near Orlando with his family, 10 chickens, two ducks, two geese, three rabbits, three cats  and a dog named Louis, who woke Cavender up in the middle of the night last Thursday.

And he got on Facebook.

* * *

Cavender and Kuhlman exchanged messages but it took her a couple of days to call him.

She was just so emotional. Seeing the picture of his family he posted on Facebook, hearing how hed created a life for himself. It was overwhelming.

I wanted him to break out. I wanted him to succeed in life so badly because I knew back then he wanted a better life and I wanted him to be able to do that.

Today, Kuhlman has three grown daughters and 11 grandchildren and works as a secure-entrance monitor at Roper Elementary.

Cavender  who still comes to Lincoln regularly to visit his aunt  found Kuhlman much the same as he remembers her. Still kind and gentle, humble, still encouraging him all these years later.

The first thing she said (when they talked on the phone) is You made this happen, he said. It was all about me.

Shes not the only person who encouraged him, he said. But he thought she should know he remembered her words, lived by them.

Youll do something great some day. Youll get through this time. Youll be someone special. I believe in you.

Kuhlman said she hopes this story shines a light on all the people who work in the school system who impact childrens lives.

She works with fabulous teachers who do great things, she said. But custodians and school lunch workers and secure-entrance monitors also take the time to talk to students, to read with them, to listen.

Just put in there that anyone can make an impact on a childs life and all you have to do is listen to them talk. Because they love to talk. Maybe youll hear a concern, maybe youll say something that will influence them later in life, she said.

And maybe, if youre really lucky, youll have a Michael who will post something on Facebook.
Moscow: There was an explosion in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don early on Thursday, and one person was hurt, a law enforcement source told TASS news agency.

REN-TV cited witnesses as saying that the explosion happened near a school on Sadovaya Street and that a maintenance worker was injured in the blast.
New York: At least 33 people have reportedly killed execution-style by ISIS gunmen in eastern Syria, according to a monitoring group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that the terror incident took place in the the al-Mayadin desert near the strategic city of Deir Ezzor.

The CNN quoted the London-based monitoring group a saying that it was the largest execution operation carried out by the ISIS in 2017.

The report said the people were between ages 18 and 25 and were "killed by sharp tools.

The report came as ISIS killed at least 22 people in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, also on Wednesday.

ISIS gunmen indiscriminately opened fire on police and civilians in the central Iraqi city before they blew themselves up, police officials told CNN.
Baghdad: The Islamic State group shot down an Iraqi helicopter that was supporting federal police forces in Mosul, killing two crew members, the military said today.

"Their helicopter aircraft was attacked by enemy fire and destroyed on the battlefield," Iraq's Joint Operations Command said in a statement, putting the death toll at two.

It did not specify what type of helicopter was shot down, nor say whether it was hit by gunfire or a surface-to-air missile.

The IS attack comes after another helicopter went down south of Mosul at the beginning of the year due to a "technical failure," killing four crew members.

Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, recapturing its eastern side before setting their sights on the smaller but more densely populated west.

Strikes by Iraqi helicopters are especially important for the country's interior ministry forces, which consistently complain of not receiving sufficient air support from the US-led anti-IS coalition.
Damascus: The Islamic State (IS) terror group has executed 33 people in Syria, a UK-based monitoring group said on Thursday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the IS carried out the mass killing in the the al-Mayadin desert near the city of Deir Ezzor on Wednesday morning, CNN reported.

The monitoring group called it "the largest execution operation carried out by the IS in 2017".

The report said the people were between ages 18 and 25 and were "killed by sharp tools".

It added that it is unknown whether the victims were Syrian government forces, allied militia or rebel factions.
New York: At least 33 people have reportedly killed execution-style by ISIS gunmen in eastern Syria, according to a monitoring group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that the terror incident took place in the al-Mayadin desert near the strategic city of Deir Ezzor.

The CNN quoted the London-based monitoring group a saying that it was the largest execution operation carried out by the ISIS in 2017.

The report said the people were between ages 18 and 25 and were "killed by sharp tools.The report came as ISIS killed at least 22 people in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, also on Wednesday.

ISIS gunmen indiscriminately opened fire on police and civilians in the central Iraqi city before they blew themselves up, police officials told CNN.
Jerusalem: Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Thursday said he was "100 per cent sure" Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ordered a suspected chemical attack this week that provoked international outrage.

Lieberman said the alleged attack in the neighbouring country was carried out "on the direct and premeditated command of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with Syrian planes."

"I say this with 100 per cent certainty," Lieberman told the Yediot Aharonot daily, according to excerpts from an interview published on the paper's website.

He did not say what his certainty was based on.

At least 86 people were killed on Tuesday in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun in Idlib province in the suspected chemical attack.

The minister criticised the international community, saying there had been "zero" reaction.

Britain, France and the United States yesterday held off calling a vote at the UN Security Council on a resolution demanding an investigation after Russia suggested it would veto it.

Asked whether Israel should be more directly involved in the war in Syria, Lieberman replied, "Why would it be up to us to do the work of others? It is the responsibility of the international community."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the world must act to rid Syria of chemical weapons.

Israel has sought to avoid being dragged into the six-year Syrian conflict, but has acknowledged carrying out strikes to stop advanced weapons deliveries to Hezbollah, with whom it fought a devastating war in 2006.

Syria and Israel remain officially at war, though the border was quiet for decades until Syria's civil war began in 2011.

Assad is supported by Israel's enemies Iran and Lebanese movement Hezbollah.

Russia also supports Assad and Netanyahu has held a series of talks with President Vladimir Putin in recent months to avoid accidental clashes in Syria.
Moscow: The Kremlin on Thursday said US allegations that Syrian forces carried out a deadly chemical attack are not based on "objective" information.

"We consider a much more measured approach necessary and do not think it is possible to surrender oneself to hasty conclusions about what happened in Syria in the Idlib province," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"It was really a threatening development of events, very dangerous and a monstrous crime," he said, referring to the incident.

"No one could have any realistic, verified information. Any data that the American side or our colleagues in other countries could have cannot be based on objective materials or evidence."

The White House has accused the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of carrying out a suspected chemical attack in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun that killed scores.

Russia has sought to deflect blame from its ally Assad and said that Syrian jets hit a rebel arms depot holding "toxic substances" that were being placed in bombs.
Washington: A new study has found out that the number of babies born to Muslim women worldwide will surpass the number of Christian births within the next two decades.

In its report, non-profit Pew Research Center predicts that Islam could become the largest faith by the end of the century.

Notably, Islam is already the world's fastest-growing religion.

Albeit Christians accounted for 33 percent of global births in recent years -- slightly more than Muslim births -- they also accounted for 37 percent of worldwide deaths, nearly twice the share of deaths from other religions, reported Dailymail online.

Between 2015 and 2060, the global Muslim population is expected to grow by 70 percent, while Christianity is projected to grow by 34 percent -- at which point, the two religions will have similar numbers.

Researchers say migration is among factors helping to increase the Muslim population in some regions, including North America and Europe.

While Christianity remained the largest religious group globally in 2015 - comprising almost a third (31 percent) of the world's 7.3 billion people - its number is in decline in Europe.

'Christianity is literally dying in Europe,' Conrad Hackett, the lead researcher on the study, told the Wall Street Journal.

(With IANS inputs)
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday ordered the occupation of uninhabited islands and shoals it claims in the disputed South China Sea, asserting Philippine sovereignty in an apparent change of tack likely to anger China.

The firebrand leader, who on the campaign trail joked that he would jet ski to a Chinese man-made island in the South China Sea to reinforce Manila`s claim, also said he may visit a Philippine-controlled island to raise the national flag.

"The unoccupied, which are ours, let`s live on it," Duterte told reporters during a visit to a military base in Palawan, near the disputed waters.

"It looks like everyone is making a grab for the islands there. So we better live on those that are still unoccupied. What`s ours now, we claim it and make a strong point from there."

Duterte`s plan is unlikely to sit well with China, which lays claim to almost all the South China Sea, especially as it comes amid a fast-warming relationship in recent months.

China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Vietnam contest all or parts of the South China Sea. This has led to confrontations between China and some of its neighbors over the strategic trade route.

Duterte`s comments came just ahead of a first summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida on Thursday and Friday. China`s pursuit of territory in the South China Sea will be among the pressing security issues on the agenda.

The U.S. State Department declined comment on Duterte`s remarks, but has in the past urged rival South China Sea claimants to lower tensions and resolve differences in accordance with international law.

Duterte announced his "separation" from the United States in October, declaring he had realigned with China as the two agreed to resolve their South China Sea dispute through talks.

His efforts to engage China, months after a tribunal in the Hague ruled Beijing did not have historic rights to the South China Sea, in themselves marked a reversal in foreign policy.

The Philippines occupies nine "features", or islands and reefs, in the South China Sea, including a World War II-vintage transport ship which ran aground on Second Thomas Shoal in the late 1990s.

Asia expert Bonnie Glaser at Washington`s Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said Duterte`s remarks looked like "bluster" comparable to his jet-ski remarks. "Vintage Duterte. All bark, no bite," she wrote on Twitter.

"Duterte seems to be under greater domestic pressure and criticism on maritime issues," she added to Reuters. "Im inclined to believe that his latest comment is driven ... by domestic politics."

Duterte said he might visit the island of Thitu, the largest of the Philippine-controlled islands in the Spratly archipelago, and build a barracks for servicemen operating in the area.

The Philippines marks its independence day on June 12.

Thitu is close to Subi Reef, one of seven man-made islands in the Spratlys that China is accused of developing as military outposts.

Last month, Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines would strengthen its facilities in the Spratlys by building a new port and paving an existing rough airstrip.

Duterte said last month it was pointless trying to challenge China`s fortification of its man-made islands and ridiculed the media for taking his jet-ski comments seriously.

"We cannot stop them because they are building it with their mind fixed that they own the place. China will go to war," he said.
Smoke from controlled burns in Kansas could reach Lincoln and Omaha this weekend, beginning Friday evening.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality warned of potentially dangerous air quality conditions this weekend caused by burning of grassland in the Flint Hills region of Kansas.

Current forecasts indicate the smoke from Kansas, heightened by weather conditions, could be an issue in the Lincoln area on Saturday.

Farmers in the Flint Hills region of Kansas are allowed to burn up to 2 million acres of grassland each year to produce better grass for their cattle.

Because of the wet weather last month, farmers havent been able to burn. They are now nearing the end of the window to get the burn finished, said Jim Burnstock, with Nebraska DEQ.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department will be issuing health alerts when necessary, said Judy Halstead, department director.

Residents can monitor local air quality at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: air).
Seoul: South Korea has successfully test-fired a home-developed ballistic missile with a range long enough to hit any part of North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported today.

It comes a day after the North fired its own ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan -- which analysts dubbed a warning ahead of a China-US summit, at which Pyongyang's accelerating atomic weapons programme is set to top the agenda.

South Korea is protected under an American security umbrella and is home to thousands of US troops.

But in 2012 it reached an agreement with the United States to almost triple the range of its ballistic missile systems to guard against the North's nuclear threats, and has since been developing missiles with longer ranges.

Citing a high-ranking government official, Yonhap said the South's missile with a range of 800 kilometres (500 miles) could serve as a strong deterrent to Pyongyang.

"The test-firing was successful", the official was quoted as saying.

A defence ministry spokesman declined to comment.

The South plans to deploy the new missile this year following further tests to determine its reliability, Yonhap said.

The new missile could cover all of North Korea even when fired from a southern region of the country, it said.

In June last year, the South successfully test-fired two home-developed missiles capable of carrying a one-tonne payload up to 500 kilometres.

Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme is likely to dominate when US President Donald Trump meets China's leader Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida Thursday, their first face to face meeting.
Washington DC: United States President Donald Trump has said the chemical attack on Syria`s Idlib province affected his deeply and tranformed his thinking about the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

"I will tell you that attack on children yesterday had a big impact on me - big impact. My attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much. You`re now talking about a whole different level," the Guardian quoted Trump as saying.

However, during a joint press conference with King Abdullah of Jordan on Wednesday, Trump once again castigated his predecessor Barack Obama and his administration for drawing and then failing to enforce a "red line" over Assad`s use of chemical weapons.

"I think that set us back a long ways, not only in Syria but in many other parts of the world because it was a blank threat," Trump said.

"The chemical attack crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, babies, little babies, with a chemical gas that is so lethal - people were shocked to hear what gas it was. That crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line, many, many lines," he added.

When asked if he would opt for military intervention to oust Assad, Trump said, "I`m not saying I`m doing anything one way or another, but I`m certainly not going to be telling you . Militarily, I don`t like to say where I`m going and what I`m doing."

Dozens of people, including at least ten children, were killed and over 200 injured as a result of asphyxiation caused by exposure to an unknown gas on Tuesday.

According to Anas al-Diab, an activist with the Aleppo Media Center, airstrikes hit the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province giving off a poisonous gas that led to this asphyxiation.

Three more strikes hit the same city center location but did not result in any gas, al-Diab added.Activists said the Syrian regime dropped a chemical bomb and was responsible for the killings, leading the United Nations to replace a scheduled Security Council session for Wednesday morning with an emergency meeting.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad`s military denied using chemical weapons and blamed rebels for the carnage.

The death toll is said to be at least 67, according to al-Diab, while the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported it to be 58.

The High Negotiations Committee claimed the death toll could be as high as 100 with up to 400 injured.
Damascus: Survivors of a deadly chemical attack earlier in the week in Syria that killed over 70 people, say they were gassed as they slept, a media report said.

They also described that the gas bombs were dropped from planes, directly contradicting the government`s version of events.

Abdul Hamid Youssef told the CNN that the attack shook him from a deep sleep. He awoke, finding it difficult to breathe. Leaping from bed, Youssef scrambled to make sure his nine-month-old twins were still alive.

Apparently unharmed, he passed them to his wife and told her to stay in the house. Rushing outside to check on his parents next door, Youssef passed people staggering and falling in the street, the news report said.

Youssef and many members of his extended family live on the northern edge of Khan Sheikhoun, a town in Idlib province, where the attack took place.

On Tuesday, airstrikes battered an area near their local bakery, meters from Youssef`s home.

But it wasn't just any attack -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been accused of using chemical weapons in the strikes. It was meant to rattle the rebel-held area. Instead it killed many and injured more than 200.

Youssef arrived in his parents' house to find his two brothers dead. Panicked, he rushed back to his home to check on his wife and babies.

"There was foam coming out of their mouths, there were convulsions. They had all been on the floor," Youssef told CNN on Wednesday, sobbing.

"My kids, Ahmad and Aya, and my wife... they were all martyred. My entire family`s gone."

Global condemnation intensified on Wednesday, the day after the attack, one of the deadliest since the Syrian war began six years ago.

The White House and the UK blamed the Syrian President Assad's regime for the attack that struck at dawn in Khan Sheikhoun when many were still asleep, CNN report said.

At the UN, Western powers lambasted Russia for standing by the regime.

The World Health Organisation said victims bore the signs of exposure to nerve agents, and Amnesty International said evidence pointed to an "air-launched chemical attack."

International agencies are investigating the origin of the agents used in the strike, CNN said.

"We are still receiving information. Full details are still not known," Under Secretary-General in the UN and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Kim Won-soo said at the opening of a Security Council emergency meeting to discuss the incident.
New York: President Donald Trump does consider Russia a problem, his ambassador to the United Nations and rising US administration star Nikki Haley insisted before an often-hostile New York audience Wednesday.

"I have hit Russia over the head more times than I can count and it's because if they do something wrong we're going to call them out on it," she told the annual Women in the World Summit.

"The things they've done with Crimea and Ukraine... and how they've covered up for (Syrian President Bashar al-) Assad, those types of things we're not going to give them a pass on," she said.

"So I have had conversations with the president where he very much sees Russia as a problem."

The Republican president has come under sustained fire from political opponents for not voicing tougher criticism of Russia at a time when US law enforcement agencies and lawmakers are probing alleged ties between his campaign and the Kremlin.

"Everybody wants to hear his (Trump's) words, but look at his actions," said Haley, adding that Russia opposed strengthening of the US military and US energy expansion.

"The president has done both of those," she told the opening night of the eighth annual summit that was founded by journalist Tina Brown.

The remark was met by jeers from an, at times, hostile crowd in a largely Democratic-voting city where many dislike the president.

The United States and Russia are on a collision course over Syria after an horrific chemical attack early Tuesday killed at least 86 people in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun in northern Syria.

Trump came to office promising both to improve ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin but earlier Wednesday US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Russia to rethink its support for Assad.

Haley, a former Republican governor of South Carolina who endorsed Trump`s primary election rival Marco Rubio last year, said she had "a lot" of interaction with the president.

"I talked to him this morning," she said, adding that she was in Washington at least once if not twice a week for the president's National Security Council meetings and was also working to keep US senators informed.

Her conversation with a television anchor spanned just over 20 minutes and was several times interrupted by an apparent heckler. She was applauded for remarks in support of veterans and military families.
Ankara: Turkey said on Thursday the autopsies of three Syrians killed in an attack in rebel-held northwestern Syria confirmed that chemical weapons had been used by President Bashar al-Assad's regime, state media reported.

"Autopsies were carried out on three of the bodies after they were brought from Idlib. The results of the autopsy confirms that chemical weapons were used," Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said, quoted by state-run Anadolu news agency.

"This scientific investigation also confirms that Assad used chemical weapons," Bozdag added, without giving further details.

Thirty-two injured Syrians were brought to southern Turkey for medical treatment but three of them died in hospital.

At least 86 people were killed early on Tuesday in Khan Sheikhun and dozens more were being treated after they were found convulsing and foaming at the mouth.

Autopsies were conducted by officials from the World Health Organization in the southern province of Adana together with officials from Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Bozdag said.

Read Also: Kremlin says Syrian gas attack 'unacceptable' but US data on it not objective

The wounded had been brought from Idlib through Turkey's Cilvegozu border gate for the treatment in the Reyhanli district of Hatay province.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a vocal critic of Assad, called the Syrian president a "murderer" yesterday after denouncing the world's "silence" on the deaths.

Russia, Assad's main ally, has said a Syrian air strike had hit a "terrorist warehouse" but Erdogan has yet to make any reference to the Russian claim.

Moscow has been one of the regime's biggest supporters together with Iran while Turkey has given support to Syrian opposition fighters.

Recently Ankara said it "successfully completed" its military operation supporting Syrian rebels against the Islamic State group launched last August in northern Syria.
Seoul/Tokyo: The United States and South Korea agreed on Thursday to proceed with the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defence system that has angered China, a day after North Korea's latest test launch drew condemnation across the volatile region.

Leaders and senior officials from the United States, South Korea and Japan spoke on Thursday to discuss the latest provocation from Pyongyang, hours before U.S. President Donald Trump begins a summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Analysts have said Wednesday's launch of a ballistic missile from North Korea's east coast probably took place with the summit in mind as the reclusive state presses ahead with its missile and nuclear programmes in defiance of United Nations resolutions and sanctions.

Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, agreed in a phone call with his South Korean counterpart on the need to proceed with the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea after Wednesday's launch.

South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of the advanced THAAD system is to defend against missile launches from North Korea. However, China says the system's powerful radar could penetrate into its territory.

Despite angry opposition from Beijing, the United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced anti-missile defence system in South Korea last month.

South Korean officials said McMaster spoke with his counterpart in Seoul, Kim Kwan-jin, on Thursday morning to discuss the North`s missile launch and the Trump-Xi summit.

"Both sides agreed to pursue ... plans in order to substantially strengthen the international community`s sanctions and pressure on North Korea," South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.

" ... both agreed to push forward the deployment of THAAD by U.S. forces in Korea," the statement said.

In a phone call with Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the two leaders had agreed that North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch was "a dangerous provocation and a serious threat".

Abe told reporters at his official residence he was watching to see how China would respond to Pyongyang after Xi meets Trump at the U.S. leader`s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

In brief comments televised nationally, Abe also said Trump had told him all options were on the table.

The White House said in a statement Trump "made clear that the United States would continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities".

Trump has repeatedly said he wants China to do more to exert its economic influence over its unpredictable ally in Pyongyang to restrain its nuclear and missile programmes, but China denies it has any overriding influence on North Korea.

On Sunday, Trump held out the possibility of using trade as a lever to secure Chinese cooperation, while suggesting Washington might deal with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes on its own if need be.

Any launch of objects using ballistic missile technology is a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The North has defied the ban, saying it infringes on its sovereign rights to self-defence and the pursuit of space exploration.

U.S. officials said the missile launched on Wednesday appeared to be a liquid-fueled, extended-range Scud missile that only travelled a fraction of its range before spinning out of control.

They said it flew about 60 km (40 miles) from its launch site near Sinpo, a port city on the North`s east coast where a submarine base is located.

Military officials in the United States and South Korea had initially said assessments indicated it had been a KN-15 medium-range ballistic missile, the same kind North Korea test-launched in February.

As well as a growing list of ballistic missile launches, North Korea has also conducted two nuclear weapons tests since January 2016.
Washington: The US military is developing a division of "super SEALs" using brain-stimulation technology to create warriors of the future who would be faster, smarter and more deadly, according to a media report.

The US Navy is now actively testing devices, that look like headphones, that stimulate the brain using electricity to enhance soldiers' cognitive abilities.

Transcranial electrical stimulation was one of the technologies touted by then-Defence Secretary Ashton Carter in July 2016 as part of his Defense Innovation Unit (Experimental), or DIUx, initiative.

Since then, multiple SEAL units have begun actively testing the effectiveness of the technology, officials with Naval Special Warfare Command told Military.Com.

"Earlier this year, Naval Special Warfare units, working with DIUx, began a specific cognitive enhancement project with a small group of volunteers to test and evaluate achieving higher performance through the use of neuro-stimulation technology," Captain Jason Salata, a spokesman for the command, said in a statement.

The elements testing the technology include Naval Special Warfare Development Group, the unit known more popularly as SEAL Team Six. Other teams are also conducting tests, Salata said, without elaborating.

He said there have been positive outcomes so far.

"Based on this, we are encouraged to continue and are moving forward with our studies," Salata said.

The technology offers not cognitive enhancement, but neuro-priming, said Brett Wingeiere,the Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Halo Neuroscience, the company that makes the device.

Developed for elite athletes, the headset purports to work by stimulating the brain to enter a state of hyper-elasticity, allowing users to learn better and more efficiently.

For operators, the system could improve shooting performance, Wingeier said.

At a conference in February, the commander of all Navy special operations units made an unusual request to industry.

He asked them to develop and demonstrate technologies that offer "cognitive enhancement" capabilities to boost his elite forces' mental and physical performance.

"We plan on using that in mission enhancement. The performance piece is really critical to the life of our operators," Rear Admiral Tim Szymanski said.

"In experiments, people who were watching these screens ... Their ability to concentrate would fall off in about 20 minutes," Szymanski said.

"But they did studies whereby a little bit of electrical stimulation was applied, and they were able to maintain the same peak performance for 20 hours," he said.
Washington: The US Senate prepared for a vote on Thursday that will test the resolve of Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee and likely prompt Republicans to change the chamber's rules to allow conservative judge Neil Gorsuch's confirmation on Friday.

With ideological control of the nation's highest court at stake in the fierce political showdown, the Senate vote is a bid by Republicans to try to end a Democratic procedural tactic called a filibuster aimed at blocking Gorsuch's confirmation to a lifetime post on the court. The vote is expected at 11 am (1500 GMT).

Republicans were expected to fall short of being able to halt the filibuster, but have said they have the votes needed to change long-standing Senate rules to prohibit filibusters against Supreme Court nominees. Republicans said Gorsuch would be confirmed on Friday one way or the other.

"This will be the first and last partisan filibuster of the Supreme Court," Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor on Thursday ahead of the vote.

The rule change, which requires a simple majority, has been dubbed the "nuclear option" because it has been considered an extreme break with Senate traditions, and Trump has encouraged McConnell to "go nuclear." Republicans control the Senate 52-48.

Republicans insist Gorsuch is qualified and blame the Democrats for politicizing the confirmation process.

Democrats accuse Gorsuch of being so conservative as to be outside the judicial mainstream, favoring corporate interests over ordinary Americans in legal opinions, and displaying insufficient independence from Trump.

"This isnt really about the nominee anyway. The opposition to the this particular nominee is more about the man who nominated him and the party he represents than the nominee himself," McConnell said.

He blamed the escalation of fights over judicial nominees on the Democrats and their opposition starting three decades ago to nominees made by Republican former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.

McConnell called the Democratic effort against Gorsuch "another extreme escalation in the left`s never-ending drive to politicize the court and the confirmation process." He accused Gorsuch`s opponents of "a singular aim: securing raw power no matter the cost to the country or the institution."

MERRICK GARLAND

Democrats are also angry that Senate Republicans last year refused to consider Democratic former President Barack Obama`s nomination of appellate judge Merrick Garland to replace conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February 2016, the same seat Gorsuch has been named to fill.

Senate confirmation of Gorsuch, 49, would reinstate the nine-member court`s conservative majority, allowing Trump to leave an indelible mark on America`s highest judicial body and fulfill a top campaign promise by the Republican president.

A filibuster requires a super-majority of 60 votes in the 100-seat Senate in order to proceed to a simple majority vote on a Supreme Court nominee or legislation. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has amassed enough Democratic votes to be able to mount a successful filibuster.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said on Thursday Gorsuch did not answer senators` questions at his confirmation hearing last month, raising doubts about his views. "He evaded, he dodged," Blumenthal said.

Ahead of the vote, about 20 protesters with a group called Democracy Spring held a sit-in demonstration at one of the Senate`s office buildings, chanting, "Stop Gorsuch" as police officers surrounded and then arrested some of them.

"They try to stop us but we be comin` back," the protesters chanted.

The group argued that Gorsuch would protect big corporations instead of average citizens.

Experts said eliminating the filibuster for Supreme Court appointments could make it more likely that presidents, with little incentive to choose centrist justices who could attractive support from the other party, will pick ideologically extreme nominees in the future.

Ending the filibuster would make it easier for future Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed when the president and Senate leadership belong to the same party.

Republican Senator John McCain, known as a defender of Senate traditions, offered reluctant support for the rule change, but said it would likely lead to judicial nominees "from the extremes of both left and right."

The 60-vote threshold that gives the minority party power to hold up the majority party has forced the Senate over the decades to try to achieve bipartisanship in legislation and presidential appointments.
Washington: The United States will continue to build its military defenses against North Korea, Donald Trump told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, pledging all options are on the table.

The pair spoke by phone a day after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, in what analysts said was a warning ahead of Trump's summit with China's Xi Jinping at which North Korea is set to dominate the agenda.

Trump "made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities," the White House said in a statement about the call.

"The president emphasised that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose."

Though the White House has previously made similar statements, the call came hours before Trump hosts Chinese President Xi for a two-day summit at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Trump has said the United States is prepared to go it alone in bringing Pyongyang to heel if China, North Korea's top ally, does not step in.

In Tokyo, Abe said Trump reaffirmed that he is prepared to consider all possibilities in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

"I told (President Trump) that Japan is watching closely how China will cope with this North Korean issue," Abe told reporters after the 35-minute conversation.

"President Trump then made a strong remark, saying all options are on the table."Abe said the two leaders agreed that North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch was a "dangerous provocation and poses a great threat to Japan`s national security."

Japan sees itself as particularly vulnerable to North Korean missile launches, some of which have landed uncomfortably close to its northwestern coast.

Trump, since coming to power in January, has been careful to assure Japan that the US, which guarantees Tokyo's security, has its back in the face of North Korean provocations.

Abe and Trump were meeting at the Mar-a-Lago estate in February when North Korea launched a rocket, setting off a controversy when the leaders set up an impromptu "situation room" in full view of the resort`s guests.

That time the US leader responded by pledging "100 percent" support for Japan, which along with South Korea is Washington's key regional ally

Following North Korea`s test of four missiles last month, Trump affirmed Washington`s "ironclad commitment" to Japan and South Korea.

Trump's top diplomat, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, last month during a trip to the region vowed a fresh strategy to counter the North Korean nuclear threat, admitting that all previous efforts had failed.

Wednesday`s missile, launched days after Pyongyang warned of retaliation if the global community ramps up sanctions, flew 60 kilometres (about 40 miles), South Korea`s defence ministry said.

A US defence official later said that the missile was an extended range Scud and had suffered an in-flight failure.

"A Scud ER (extended range) flew about 60 kilometres before suffering an in-flight failure and crashing into the Sea of Japan," also known as the East Sea, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Artsakh Republic told Armenpress the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime over 30 times firing from various caliber small arms at the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Ministrys announcement reads: On April 5 and overnight April 6 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime over 30 times by firing more than 300 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Defense Army forces of Artsakh mainly refrained from taking countermeasures and continued confidently conducting the military service.
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. The historians and researchers studying the Armenian Genocide will have a chance to use over 5000 publications in the Armenian Genocide library in Washington, Voice of America reported.

The opening of the Armenian Genocide library of the Armenian National Institute was held on April 5 in Washington. The Armenian and English books presented here provide detailed information on the Armenian Genocide.

Director of the Armenian National Institute Ruben Adalyan said there are more than 5000 publications in the library, and they hope their number will increase.

The Armenian Genocide library is only one part of a program on establishing a complete research center. We create a system through which the researchers can make use of the valuable collection acquired by the Armenian Assembly of America and the Armenian National Institute within the last 40 years, Ruben Adalyan said.

Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan also attended the library opening ceremony. He welcomed the creation of the library and the cooperation prospect with Armenia.

The opening of Armenian information center-library in Washington is a very important event. Firstly, the establishment of such center in the US capital is already a serious achievement, and secondly this center will become a place for meetings and discussions, as well as a center for organizing coordinated activities. This is more than a library and information center, Hayk Demoyan said.

Although the library will not be available to the public, it will provide comprehensive information to historians and researchers studying the Armenian Genocide.
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. The government of Armenia announces the increase of capital expenditures by 50 billion drams by the state budget after the election, in order for nobody to have made accusations on engaging in populism, PM Karapetyan said at the Cabinet meeting in response to the finance ministers statement, according to which the government will increase capital spending by 50 billion drams in the event of revenue increase, for realizing programs worth 98 million dollars by external financing.

The PM positively assessed the State Revenue Committees work in the first quarter and mentioned that this work gives the government the right to take such actions.

We were taking this step knowingly and we are saying this after the election on purpose, so that nobody would accuse us that we are engaged in populism. We very well understand that we are putting a rather serious issue task for the SRC. This is generally unprecedented when we go for changes of programs by exceeding the years plan, Karapetyan said.

The PM said they are waiting for the 2nd stage program of reforms from the SRC and they will assist in realizing it.
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Finance minister of Armenia Vardan Aramyan says the PMs announcement on working under extraordinary regime is a step on setting a new and higher bar of the governments activities.

This means that we have put a new and higher bar, and it is necessary to work more to justify it. This literally means we have to work 10-12 hours instead of the 8 hours, including Saturdays, the minister said.

The PM announced at the Cabinet meeting on April 6 that the government will work under extraordinary regime.
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Vahan Martirosyan, Minister of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies, said the Government members must work so that firstly the citizen feels the changes on himself/herself, reports Armenpress.

Commenting on the Prime Ministers announcement on working under extraordinary regime, the Minister said: It means that we must work more actively, be more careful on solving the problems. Such changes must be made that will improve our life, we must work so that people will firstly feel those changes on themselves.

Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan announced the government will work under extraordinary regime. The elections passed in much more tolerant environment. Our team got the chance of making changes in our country. My urge is the following: We announce an extraordinary regime in terms of efforts, responsibility, working regime and all actions. Im cheering you up that our regime is getting tougher, the PM said during the Cabinet meeting.
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel has expressed readiness to continue involvement in peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Armenpress reports, citing Azerbaijani Trend agency, German Chancellor mentioned about this in a congratulatory message sent to Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

I am convinced that Azerbaijan, as well as the entire region, will be capable of utilizing their entire potentials only after the settlement of regional conflicts. As an OSCE Minsk Group member, Germany will continue its involvement in peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as well as will support the efforts of the Co-chairs, Merkel said.
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Midfielder of Armenia national team and Manchester United Henrikh Mkhitaryan has talked about the upcoming meetings of the Europa League.

"I know very well within myself I can do more, I want to say that, for next year, I am going to have more goals and more assists, Mkhitaryan said.

Asked if he feels he has fully adapted, he replied: "No, not yet. I still have places where I can improve and room to improve. I know myself very well and I am sure than I can do better, and I will do better, because I am confident.

"For me, its the team success in the first place, more than any individual one, so I will be happy if I can get to another final this year. You dont ever know what will happen tomorrow but we will keep our heads clear, try to think positively and get the best for us.

It is one of my goals for this season  to win the Europa League. Of course, I know it is not going to be easy, particularly at this stage of the competition as there are no easy opponents he said.

Manchester United will meet with Sunderland on April 9 and on April 13 with Anderlecht in the sidelines of the Europa League.
UK suppliers are diversifying their product ranges to tap soaring demand for frozen bakery goods, according to analysts.

Consulting and research firm Persistence Market Research (PMR) has predicted the frozen bakery market will grow considerably worldwide by 2020 in its latest report.

The study, entitled Frozen Bakery Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2020, states that health-conscious consumers prefer food that contains healthy ingredients that stays fresh for a long period of time.

Frozen products account for a 21% value share of the overall UK bakery products market, PMR senior consultant Sonal Shekhar told British Baker.

In order to gain exposure to faster-growing categories, frozen bakery products manufacturers are repositioning themselves by diversifying their product portfolios to gain exposure to faster-growing demand for frozen bakery products, he added.

Around the European region, the issues of health and wellness have become a key concern. Thus, organic frozen bakery products and products labelled as free from are an emerging trend in the country. Frozen bakery products marked as gluten-free is one of the most favoured labels among consumers.

Bakery chains and coffee shops are offering organic and gluten-free frozen bakery products. Also, bakery products manufacturers are expanding their product offering related to frozen bakery products in order to penetrate into the mature bakery product market in the UK.

In February 2017, during a visit toMumbai, leading Indian food distributor TJUK Trade Networks told British Bakerthe UK could learn from the Indian market concerning the frozen food category.
Hollands Pies has revealed a brand new look to its packaging as it embarks on a year of innovation and growth.

Rolling out to UK stores in the coming months, the branding will feature on packaging of all Hollands ranges, including its food-to-go, pies and pastries.

Developed from consumer research and industry insight, the new packaging highlights Hollands Pies Lancashire heritage and sees the return of Hollands gold logo.

The company said its deep-rooted connection to Lancashire is also celebrated through the new tagline, a proper Lancashire baker.

Leanne Holcroft, brand manager at Hollands Pies, said that with the new branding in place, the company was perfectly positioned to build on its success.

We have a great year ahead of us, driven by ambitious growth plans and filled with some of our most exciting product launches to date, added Holcroft.

Weve invested heavily in the innovation and expansion of our product range and it was vital that this was reflected in our branding, without losing any of the history we share with our loyal following. Were extremely proud to be the norths favourite pie brand.

In March 2017, Hollands extended its frozen range after unveiling two brand new Micro Pies.
Genius Foods is to make 115 workers redundant as part of plans to end production of non-branded products.

The gluten-free manufacturer said it was aiming to simplify its operation.

In order to support our market-leading position, we need to simplify and focus on developing and investing in a strong Genius brand, said Genius chief executive Jeremy Bradley.

As a result, the company will end production of its non-Genius branded business by the end of the year.

A formal employee consultation has begun and redundancies are expected to be made by the end of June this year.

We are committed to doing everything possible to support our employees, especially those who will be directly affected, added Bradley.

The company said it was committed to fully supporting those affected, helping them find alternative employment. The support package will include the opportunity for voluntary redundancy, outplacement assistance and options for relocation within the organisation.

Kantar Worldpanel recently announced its latest grocery market share figures, which showed more than half of Brits bought a free-from product in the past three months  3.3 million more shoppers than a year ago.
Rebecca Ireland, a partner at law firm Blake Morgan specialising in employment matters, looks at the costs and potential benefits of the Apprenticeship Levy

Any employer with a wage bill of 3m or more will be affected by the Apprenticeship Levy, although it appears many businesses are still unaware of its existence.

The levy came into force on 6 April, so getting to grips quickly with the legal framework to comply with the new regulations is vital. The key point is that employers who had a wage bill of 3m or more in the previous tax year, or expect to do so in a tax year commencing on or after 6 April, must notify HMRC of their levy liability. This amount is 0.5% of the wage bill, less an allowance of 15,000. The levy must be paid at the same time as PAYE payments, in monthly instalments.

Connected companies with a combined wage bill of 3m or more will be liable to pay, with one 15,000 allowance between them. They must notify HMRC on how to divide the allowance.

Anti-avoidance provisions prevent companies from moving a payroll liability into a different tax year to avoid the levy or gain an advantage. Employers are not allowed to recover the cost of the levy from employees.

Levy-paying companies in England can register for the online apprenticeship service, which opened on 13 February. This is a digital account with the levy funds available to pay for apprenticeships (funds not used within two years will be lost). The government will top up the employers payments by 10%.

The digital service only applies to England, as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will decide separately how to spend the levy. In Wales, for example, there will be no digital service and the proceeds of the levy will be spent in accordance with priorities identified by the Welsh Government.

One major criticism is that employers in England will not see any return on the levy unless they spend it directly on apprenticeship courses via registered providers. The levy cannot be used to cover management time and other resources spent helping apprentices.

Bakeries that can engage apprentices through these schemes (requiring 20% off-the-job training) stand to benefit, but if they cannot  or cannot engage enough to use up the levy fund  the levy will simply amount to a tax.

Because the levy can only be spent on apprenticeships, there is also a concern that other training provided by employers will be scrapped and/or rebadged as apprenticeships in order to make use of the levy.

Employers with the resources and who will benefit from apprenticeships may register as providers themselves. Others may restructure graduate training schemes, for example, to ensure they count as apprenticeships.

The Apprenticeship Levy may not be welcomed by many in the baking industry because it comes at a time when other costs are about to kick in or increase, such as the Immigration Skills Charge and National Living Wage.

While small- and medium-sized bakeries may well be breathing a sigh of relief that they fall outside the Apprenticeship Levy bracket, it is important to note that, for all bakeries and food manufacturers in England, funding changes will apply to apprenticeships that start on or after 1 May.

Non levy-paying bakeries (or levy-paying employers who want to spend more than their levy contribution) will be able to engage apprentices through the National Apprenticeship Service and will have to co-invest only 10% of the cost, with the other 90% met by the government.

New allocated funding bands, dependent on the relevant Apprenticeship Standard (or Framework), will also set the maximum the government will pay towards that apprenticeship.

Employers with fewer than 50 employees will not have to co-invest for 16- to 18-year-olds, or 19- to 24-year-olds who have been in care or with a Local Education Authority Health and Care plan. In some cases, an additional 20% funding will be available to adapt to the new funding model.

Many organisations in the sector have been planning how to utilise their levy funds effectively for some time. If you are not one of them, it is not too late. We suggest you start by looking at the future use of apprentices as part of your wider business and recruitment planning.
Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis, who are starring in the new film Colossal, recently sat down with Yahoo Celebrity to talk about their movie. They also addressed their lack of engagement on social media.

The 34-year-old actress said, I just wanted a break, and so I took a break. It wasnt that deep.

She also admits that she sometimes avoids her social media platform in order to focus. I had this big speech coming up at the U.N. that I gave a couple weeks ago and I didnt want to distract from that, she added.

Meanwhile, Sudeikis joined Twitter in 2011 but has posted zero tweets. He explains, I got the Twitter real estate even though its not verified because I woke up one morning  and someone had been tweeting as me, like, quoting my own movie lines. I was like, this guy is a real turkey, so we shot that down.

But the funnyman still uses Twitter for other things than coming up with 140 characters to post. I follow it for news. I follow family members and friends and [wife] Olivia [Wilde], who I think does a remarkable job of both being clever, but then also, you know, engaging and interesting  talking about things that are important to her.

Camila Cabello opened up about how she and her mom moved to America from Cuba:



Read more from Yahoo Celebrity:
By Andrea Hopkins and Matt Scuffham OTTAWA/TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa will meet to discuss housing affordability in Toronto amid fears that a real estate bubble has developed in the nation's largest city. A date was not set for the meeting to discuss ways to rein in speculation and soaring prices in Toronto, but the two policymakers exchanged letters agreeing on the urgency of the situation and the need to address it. While Sousa has urged the federal government to consider options to improve housing affordability, including increased taxes to discourage speculation or house "flipping," he stressed that policies must be planned carefully. "It is key that any future actions must ensure the stability of the market and do not negatively impact Ontario homeowners or the province's economy," Sousa said in a letter to Morneau on Thursday. Sousa's office provided the letter. Toronto prices have more than doubled since 2009, even after housing has moderated in other parts of the country, and the two levels of government have been jockeying for weeks about which is best placed to respond to what economists have called a bubble. A report released on Wednesday showed the average home price in Toronto was up 33.2 percent in March from a year earlier. Morneau wrote to Sousa late on Wednesday to request the meeting, and Sousa responded on Thursday, offering to host it at his office in Toronto "as soon as possible." "I believe we must take a closer look at these evolving market conditions and take stock of its implications for our largest urban area," Morneau said in his letter. Morneau also invited Toronto Mayor John Tory to the meeting. Spokesman Don Peat said Tory was looking forward to attending. Warnings about the overheated housing market in Canada's largest city have reached a fever pitch, with the country's biggest banks and lenders expressing concern. Royal Bank of Canada Chief Executive Officer Dave McKay said on Thursday that overheating housing markets could inhibit Canada's economic growth and urged the federal and provincial governments to work together to address the issue. "Any single solution is unlikely to be successful on its own," McKay said at the bank's annual meeting. "A complex problem like this requires a multi-faceted solution, which addresses supply constraints and speculative forces and is mindful of the rate environment, which can be a moderating force," McKay said at the bank's annual meeting. (Reporting by Andrea Hopkins in Ottawa and Matt Scuffham in Toronto; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Lisa Von Ahn)
By Florence Tan and Seng Li Peng SINGAPORE (Reuters) - ExxonMobil said on Wednesday it is in talks to buy a refining-petrochemical complex in Singapore that could boost its fuel and chemical production in Asia. "We can confirm that we are currently negotiating with the receiver for Jurong Aromatics Corporation Pte Ltd to acquire JAC's assets on Jurong Island," an ExxonMobil spokeswoman said. "While progress is being made, no agreement has been reached yet," she said. The U.S. oil company is the frontrunner to buy JAC which went into receivership in September 2015, Thomson Reuters publication Project Finance International reported on Tuesday. Borelli Walsh had been appointed the receivers and managers of JAC by lender BNP Paribas. Lotte Chemical Corp <011170.KS> said in March that it had dropped out of the race to buy JAC. Costing $2.4 billion, JAC's condensate splitter and petrochemical units started operations in Asia in 2014 to produce paraxylene, a raw material for textiles and bottles, to meet China's demand. Singapore is already ExxonMobil's biggest paraxylene production base in the world at 1 million tonnes per year (tpy), according to its 2016 annual report. The proposed JAC acquisition will boost ExxonMobil's paraxylene capacity to 1.8 million tpy and add another 2.5 million tpy of oil products output. JAC's debt problems mounted amid the global commodities rout and it stopped operations at the end of 2014 to fix a technical issue. The plant was restarted in July 2016 under tolling agreements with BP and Glencore . Once the deal is inked, ExxonMobil could take over the purchase of condensate for JAC from July, trade sources said. (Reporting by Florence Tan and Seng Li Peng in SINGAPORE, and Jane Chung in SEOUL; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
Perus transportation minister announced last week that citizens of the country are in desperate need of basic necessities to survive the floods and mudslides which have decimated the countrys infrastructure and killed more than 100 people since March.

More than 640,000 people have been affected by the flood, with an estimated 70,000 people left homeless. More than 200 bridges and 1,200 miles of highway have been ruined due to the floods and mudslide.

In the upcoming months there will be great needs in terms of water, shelter and assuring the health care of the population because of water-borne diseases, UNICEFs representative in Peru, Maria Luisa Fornara, said in a statement.

Economists have estimated that it will cost $6 billion to reconstruct the damage  about 3 percent of Perus GDP. Reconstruction will likely begin in August or September, after heavy rains have stopped. The United States will donate $775,000 to help rebuild Peru and China will donate $1.5 million.

Those wishing to help on a smaller scale can consider donating to organizations providing aid in Peru. The Embassy of Peru in the U.S. is collecting donations, which will be deposited in the National Civil Defense budget. Other local organizations seeking aid are ADRA Peru and CARE Peru.

International organizations on the ground in and sending help to Peru include AmeriCares, Save the Children, Convoy of Hope, All Hands Volunteers and Direct Relief. There is also a Gofundme page for donations set up by local NGO Meraki Peru.

Perus Transportation Minister Martin Vizcarra issued a formal cry for help and said that, in addition to monetary donations, Peruvians are also seeking goods like bottled water, canned food, tents and toilet paper for the next few months. Those who would prefer to donate supplies can find a local charity that is collecting clothing and supplies or start their own collection.
Automation replacing jobs is inevitable, according to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. But, instead of trying to ignore advancements, governments should help educate and train citizens to help them find sustainable careers.

"We know that the job market is changing, and instead of resisting in vain, we're focused on funding research and innovation, like in AI and quantum computing, that'll help lead the change here in Canada," Trudeau wrote on Quora. "And while we do that, we're preparing Canadians to find good jobs through investments in education and training.

Quora is a question-and-answer site founded by former Facebook Chief Technology Officer Adam D'Angelo and ex-Facebook engineer and manager Charlie Cheever. Trudeau was responding to a question on the site asking, "What should governments do to prepare for the technological automation of human jobs?"

Canada's budget this year includes more grants and interest-free loans for students, in addition to investing in 13,000 "work-integrated placements" for students, Trudeau said. It is also proposing an "Innovation and Skills Plan," which is focused on growing its middle-class economy, Trudeau explained. Citizens who are part of the Employment Insurance program will be able to keep their status if they are pursuing self-funded training. The current proposal provides 132.4 million Canadian dollars ($98.7 million) over four years for the program beginning in 2018, and CA$37.9 million per year each year after.

"For unemployed workers receiving EI, this will mean that they can return to school to get the training they need to find a new job  without fear of losing the EI benefits they need to support themselves and their families," he wrote. "This will provide greater security to Canadian families at a time when they need help most."





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CHICAGO -- Last year, in the Harvard Business Review, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox wrote that in order to get more women and minorities into corporate America, diversity initiatives must harness the credibility, power and political capital of white men.

"Most of the work of diversity and inclusion approaches in companies to date has focused on empowering the 'out' groups or training the 'in' groups about their unconscious biases. This has succeeded only in annoying everyone," wrote Wittenberg-Cox, the CEO of a consulting firm that focuses on gender matters. "When old majorities become new minorities, it's time to update our approach. ... And yet rarely have I ever seen inclusion strategies that stress the need to include, listen to, and work with the dominant group -- the one that is seeing its pre-eminence questioned. That is where leadership is most needed: in helping today's dominant group embrace tomorrow's reality."

Wittenberg-Cox's words rang in my ears in the aftermath of the recent shooting of a Mexican immigrant in his Chicago home, allegedly by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The 53-year-old man, Felix Torres, was wounded as agents attempted to serve an arrest warrant for his 23-year-old son. Torres and his wife have resided in Chicago for more than 25 years and are legal residents. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, there were six other people in the home at the time of the shooting, including three children who are U.S.-born citizens.

The son, Felix Torres Jr., who was also born in the U.S., was questioned about his citizenship before being released without charges, according to the family lawyer. (Agents reportedly say the father pointed a gun at them, but the family denies that he was armed.)

Chicago's immigrant community was horrified that their worst fears had come true. Emboldened by the Trump administration's vow to "take the shackles off" of ICE agents and reprioritize any unlawfully present immigrants for deportation, the focus is no longer on those with the most severe criminal convictions.

"First we've got an administration that is escalating the criminalization of our community, and now we've got ICE agents shooting into homes," said Analia Rodriguez, executive director of the Latino Union of Chicago. "It's driving a lot of fear in our community -- people are afraid to go shopping for their groceries, they're afraid to be in their homes because it's clear that [Department of Homeland Security and ICE agents] have guns and are ready to use them."

Rodriguez told me that the Latino Union, which organizes low-income immigrant and U.S.-born workers, views this incident as illustrative of the consequences of a president who rode into office with blustery rhetoric about getting "bad hombres" out.

"People need to see that ICE is planning and executing violent raids in our homes and in our workplaces, with no recourse for the people it targets," Rodriguez said. She said that change will not come until people who are not directly affected by the threat of deportations -- or have family or friends living under such a threat -- understand what's going on in immigrant communities.

"These sorts of incidents need to open the eyes and ears of people who, in the past, may have read about such incidents in the newspapers or saw something on the news and said, 'Oh this is really bad,' but never really did anything about it."

To put it another way, Hispanics -- both immigrant and U.S.-born alike -- need non-Hispanics to go to bat for them.

"The organizations are already out there, working on these issues," said Rodriguez, "and we already have people who are willing to sign an online petition or write a check to help us do our work. Some may even come out to a rally. But what we really need are people who will help us get our voices heard."

Imagine it: White people, and other non-immigrants, convincing their peers that not all Hispanics are immigrants, that not all immigrants are unlawfully present, and that not all unlawfully present immigrants are violent criminals deserving of aggressive, even deadly, removal.

"There's an opportunity here for whites -- and other -- allies to learn about us, learn about our stories and our struggles and then take that back to their communities. There are so many spaces where Hispanics are not invited or not welcome and that's where we need our story to be told," Rodriguez said. "It's much easier to join a rally than to go back home to have difficult conversations about race or deportation, but that's the challenge we put out to our white allies."

So, non-Hispanic America, are you up for the challenge?
MISRATA, Libya (Reuters) - Libyan authorities released on Wednesday 28 Eritreans and seven Nigerians who were captured and enslaved by Islamic State in Sirte and had been held in detention since the jihadist group lost the city in December. The group, all but two of whom are women and children, escaped from Sirte, a former Islamic State stronghold in central Libya, while forces from the nearby city of Misrata battled to oust the militants late last year. Some of the women were on their way to Europe when Islamic State fighters kidnapped and held them as sex slaves. After they escaped from Sirte, they were investigated for possible ties to the group and held for several months in a Misrata prison. Reuters has documented how Islamic State used enslaved refugee women to reward its fighters in Libya. In stories published last year, the women recounted how the group forced them to convert to Islam and sold them as sex slaves. In November, a Reuters reporter visited some of the captives at a military post in Misrata. Their new captors, the women said then, starved and humiliated them. At least one woman, a 16-year-old, was pregnant and in need of urgent care. The Libyan attorney-general's office announced that it had cleared the women of any wrongdoing in mid-February, but their release was delayed for several more weeks, with no explanation. On Wednesday, they were received by staff from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) and the Libyan Red Crescent, before being taken to a shelter for medical checks. "I'm very happy, I can't describe how I feel, but I am very happy, I can start a new life and see my family again," one 14-year-old Eritrean girl told Reuters before leaving the prison with the rest of the group on a Red Crescent bus. A UNHCR official said the entire group had scabies, but otherwise appeared to be in reasonable physical condition. The agency expects to resettle the Eritreans as refugees. "We will send them to a safe house where they can be treated if they need medical treatment, and receive assistance from us, and be protected," said Samer Haddadin, head of the UNHCR's Libya mission. "At the same time we will be processing them for refugee status determination ... and we are doing this to make sure we can find a resettlement country for those who meet the resettlement criteria." The Nigerians, five women and two children, will be able to apply for asylum or be offered repatriation. Dozens of women and children who escaped from Sirte or were picked up there by Libyan forces are still being held in Misrata. They include Libyans, Tunisians, and nationals from several sub-Saharan African countries. A group of Filipino nurses were freed in February. Islamic State took control of Sirte in early 2015, turning the coastal city into its most important base outside Syria and Iraq and stationing hundreds of foreign fighters there. It took Misrata-led forces almost seven months to recapture the city. (Reporting by Ayman al-Sahli in Misrata and Aidan Lewis in Tunis; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Louise Ireland)
Man linked to Calgary's jihadi cluster has been in Algerian jail for nearly a year

Abderrahmane Ghanem, a 30-year-old Canadian from Calgary, has been held for nearly a year in the El-Harrach prison in Algeria.

Ghanem, who also holds Algerian citizenship, is charged with being a member of a terrorist group outside Algeria. His trial is set to begin next month. If found guilty he likely faces up to 20 years in jail.

His family and lawyers are speaking out and told CBC and the Toronto Star they believe the charge has to do with Ghanem's past association with people who have been radicalized in Calgary and went to fight for extremist groups in the Middle East.

Gary Caroline, a Vancouver lawyer retained by Ghanem's father Mohamed, says he believes Canada's security agency shared critical information with Algeria that resulted in Ghanem's detention.

Omar Alghabra, Canada's parliamentary secretary for consular affairs, says he "has seen no evidence of that." He declined a request from CBC News and the Toronto Star for an interview, but provided the following statement:

"Our officials have been active on his case and are engaged with the Algerian authorities to ensure that his well-being and rights are protected. We are also engaged with his Canadian legal team."

Mohamed Ghanem denies that his son has ever joined a terrorist group and insists that he never committed a crime. "He is being punished for the actions of others," he said.

Ghanem's Algerian lawyer is accusing the Canadian government of "subcontracting" his client's prosecution to Algeria because it couldn't get away with prosecuting him in Canada, said Caroline.

He also says Ghanem is being held with 75 men in a unit that has only 36 beds and one shower that doubles as a toilet.

Asked whether the Canadian Security Intelligence Service was involved in the case, Tahera Mufti, its chief of public affairs, told CBC News, "For reasons of security and privacy, CSIS does not divulge details of the information it exchanges or the identity of the foreign agencies with which it partners.

Story continues

"CSIS' information sharing with foreign partners is conducted in strict accordance with the CSIS Act, ministerial direction and a robust system of internal policies and procedures."

CSIS has "a duty and a responsibility to share threat-related information with its foreign partners in order to mitigate risks to public safety here and abroad," Mufti said.

"If we do so, it is after careful consideration of all legal obligations and associated risks, and includes strict controls on the use and dissemination of information.

"As a general rule, information which CSIS shares with foreign partners may not be used in judicial proceedings without the service's express consent. Foreign governments may of course take legal action on the basis of their own information."

Mohamed Ghanem says his son, whom he calls Abdu, is prepared to return to Canada. "If he has to go to trial in Canada, it's fine," Mohamed told CBC News and the Toronto Star at his home in Muscat, Oman.

Mohamed admits that between 2010 and 2012 his son associated with several men from Calgary who eventually left to fight in Syria.

"The ones that he is hanging out the most are Damian Clairmont, Wassem Alhaj Youcef, and they used to hang out with Badi Hammadieh," said Ghanem's father.

Mohamed says that during one of his first meetings with Canadian authorities in Calgary he was informed that Badi Hammadieh, an associate of his son, was "pushing young Calgarians to go to Syria" and he was told that "this guy was brought out of jail in Syria by the Canadian government."

Secret meetings at a mosque

CBC News has reported that before many of the men began leaving in late 2012 for Syria and Iraq, nearly a dozen of them met secretly in a room above the 8th and 8th mosque in downtown Calgary.

Last week CBC News reported that the mosque has permanently closed its doors and is planning to move to a new location yet to be determined.

CBC News learned that members of the study group also met frequently in one of the apartments they rented in the highrise building connected to the 8th and 8th mosque.

Mohamed says that while he was concerned about his son's association with these men he "hadn't noticed anything abnormal with him."

"I know my son, he wasn't a violent person," said Mohamed. "He is not the type of person that will get involved in violence. He never fought with anyone in his life. Never," Mohamed told CBC News.

Navaid Aziz recalls his encounters with the men shortly after he was appointed an imam at the 8th and 8th mosque.

He says the men did nothing in front of him that would have aroused his suspicion.

Suddenly the men started leaving Canada in late 2012, said Aziz. First it was Clairmont, followed by his roommate Youcef, then Salman Ashrafi, and around the same time, Tamim Chowdhury. All four have been killed.

When Ghanem left Calgary, authorities must have thought he too was heading for the conflict zones, says Mohamed. But he says he had no doubt his son's destination was always Algeria, where he has extended family members.

Serious injuries on a hiking trip

Mohamed told CBC News his son left Calgary after suffering serious injuries during a hiking trip on May 19, 2012. Ghanem was hiking with friends Clairmont and Youcef in the Kananaskis mountains, Mohamed said.

"Waseem first got injured and Abdu was trying to help him when he stepped on a rock and rolled 75 feet down the hill," Mohamed said. He says his son dislocated his shoulder, broke his ribs and an arm and suffered head injuries.

"Damian Clairmont saved them. He helped them go down the mountain then drove to a gas station to call 911," said Mohamed.

He says his son took several months to recover but in the process he lost his job and became despondent. He decided to visit family in Algeria.

By the time Mohamed bought his son an airline ticket to Algeria in late 2012, the Calgary cluster was on the radar of CSIS and the RCMP.

Shortly after Ghanem left Calgary, his father was contacted by a CSIS agent, and they met at coffee shop.

Mohamed says the agent told him that friends of his son were leaving Canada for "conflict zones in the Middle East," and "they wanted to know about Abdu."

He says he provided his son's phone number and address in Algeria to the CSIS agent and he offered to call his son during the meeting.

While Ghanem was trying to set up a business in Cairo in mid-2013, Caroline says, brothers Gregory and Collin Gordon arrived and stayed with Ghanem for three weeks.

CBC News has reported the brothers were members of the Calgary cluster. They joined ISIS after transiting through Egypt. Both are believed to have been killed in December 2014 fighting for ISIS.

During his time in Egypt, Mohamed says, his son met with CSIS agents three times. During one of those meetings an agent "warned him not to go to places like Sinai or Syria," said Mohamed.

Mohamed says his son also met with CSIS and RCMP agents in Algeria around the time he was trying to renew his Canadian passport. His passport was not renewed. That forced him, his lawyer says, to travel with an Algerian passport.

"My son never hide himself. He was always in touch with CSIS when he was in Egypt. They have his number. They have his address," Mohamed said. "As a family we think we are being punished for something we have never done."

Caroline said, "He has become sort of the intelligence agency's whipping boy for all the ones who got away. He is being punished for being the guy who didn't go to Syria."
By Polina Nikolskaya and Denis Pinchuk ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - The main suspect in a suicide bombing on the St Petersburg metro that killed 14 people had rented an apartment in the city a month before the blast, neighbors and a building maintenance worker told Reuters on Wednesday. A day after Monday's attack, security officials raided the apartment and ordered other residents to leave -- a precaution often undertaken when police believe there may be explosives or bomb-making equipment inside. A witness who was present during the search, and who did not want to be identified, told Reuters she saw belongings packed into black bags and cardboard boxes, and household containers with an unidentified powder inside. The Investigative Committee, the state body leading the investigation, said footage from security cameras near the same building showed the suspect, Akbarzhon Jalilov, leaving home carrying a bag and a rucksack. It did not specify if that was on the day of the attack. Jalilov was born in 1995 in Kyrgyzstan, a mainly Muslim ex-Soviet republic in central Asia, and held a Russian passport. If it is proven that he was motivated by militant Islamist ideology, that will test Russian President Vladimir Putin's policy of military intervention in Syria. Some Russians may decide their country's intervention is making them a target for reprisal attacks by Islamists instead of making them safer as Putin had told them would happen. Jalilov moving into the rented apartment, in a Soviet-built nine-storey building in north-eastern St Petersburg, coincided with his return from a visit to his home city of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan. Two Kyrgyz government sources told Reuters that Jalilov made the trip in February, leaving in early March on a flight to Moscow. Osh is part of the Fergana Valley, a fertile strip of land that straddles Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and is mainly populated by ethnic Uzbeks. It has a tradition of Islamist radicalism and hundreds of people have set out from the area to join Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. Jalilov had previously lived in St Petersburg for several years. It was not clear where he had been living before his trip back to Osh, or why he moved to a new apartment. SILENT TENANT The apartment Jalilov rented in St Petersburg is about 20 km from the site of the explosion, in the center of the city. Neighbors at the building said that Jalilov had first moved into apartment 109 around a month ago. They said the young man they had seen around the building matched pictures of Jalilov released to Russian media since the bombing. "The apartment was always silent," said a resident of the same staircase, who gave her name as Margarita. "When the owner let (the apartment) I asked her and she said he was a decent guy and that I should call her if he makes noise." "But I never heard ... any music playing. Maybe he turned on the TV once." She said on one occasion about five people who appeared ethnically Russian had visited him, but there seemed nothing remarkable about that. A second resident also said Jalilov had been a tenant in the building. Security service officers arrived at the address on Tuesday, and ordered residents to vacate the building. The building maintenance worker, who asked not to be identified, said: "They forced open the apartment. There were various powders in jars. I could see that they had packed up his things. Lots in black bags, and two boxes." The Investigative Committee confirmed the search but a spokeswoman declined to give details about what they found. Jalilov's parents, who say they had not seen their son for a while, were due to fly into St Petersburg on Wednesday and a Reuters witness at Pulkovo airport reported heavy security. A middle-aged man and woman were escorted away after the flight arrived, the Reuters reporter said. Authorities refused to confirm that the couple were Jalilov's parents but the woman, in response to a Russian TV reporter's question, said she did not believe her son was the bomber. In the several years Jalilov spent living in Russia, he blended into the millions of migrants from central Asia, and led an outwardly secular lifestyle. His profile on VKontakte, the Russian equivalent of Facebook, showed he was interested in pop music, fast cars, and boxer Mike Tyson. His aunt, Surayo Jalilova, told Reuters in Osh: "We are speechless, we were all shocked, we never thought he could do something like this. He was the most obedient kid in the family, did well at school." Fatima Kadyrakhunova, who was his class teacher for four years at School no. 26 in Osh, said he was quiet and reserved, but did not excel at his studies. Six people of central Asian origin have been held on suspicion of recruiting for radical Islamist groups, but there is no proof linking the detainees to the metro bombing, Russian investigators said. Meanwhile authorities have beefed up security across major cities, with sniffer dogs and bag checks at several metro stations in Moscow. Putin touched on the attack at a previously scheduled meeting in Moscow with security service chiefs from ex-Soviet countries. "We see that, unfortunately, the situation is not getting better and the clearest confirmation of that is the recent tragic incident in St Petersburg," Putin said. "People died as a result of a terrorist act, many were hurt," he said. (Additional reporting by Maria Tsvetkova and Svetlana Reiter in MOSCOW, Hulkar Isamova in OSH, Kyrgyzstan, and Olzhas Auyezov in ALMATY; Writing by Sujata Rao and Christian Lowe; Editing by Giles Elgood)
By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Patpicha Tanakasempipat BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's king signed a military-backed constitution into law on Thursday, an essential step toward an election the junta has promised will restore democracy after the 12th successful coup in little over 80 years. The new constitution is the Southeast Asian country's 20th since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 and critics say it will still give the generals a powerful say over Thai politics for years, if not decades. King Maha Vajiralongkorn's power was also reinforced by recent changes made at the palace's request to the draft constitution approved in a referendum last August, analysts said. "May the Thai people be united in following and protecting the constitution to maintain democracy and their sovereignty," an officer with the Royal Scribes Bureau said at the glittering palace ceremony. He spoke on behalf of the king, a former army officer who signed the constitution in dress uniform. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who took power in the 2014 coup, said Thailand was now on course to an election within the 19 months set by the constitution - although because a number of steps are involved, he cannot set an exact date. "Once a new government is formed, this government will hand over its duties and cease its term," he said on state television. The army initially promised an election in 2015, after seizing power from a government run by Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist leader ousted in 2006. The army said the coup was to end political turmoil. Thailand's main political division remains between a Bangkok-based, strongly royalist and pro-army elite and poorer supporters of the Shinawatras' movement, particularly from the rural north and northeast. ELECTION CLOSER Ousted Prime Minister Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party said it was more optimistic about election prospects after the king endorsed the constitution. "With the constitution in place, an election seems more a reality," Chavalit Vichayasuthi, its acting deputy secretary-general, told Reuters. The government should lift a ban on political activities so parties can campaign, said Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former prime minister and leader of Thailand's other key political party, the Democrat Party. "We are ready for the election," he said. "We still aren't allowed to hold meetings, but we're doing what we can." One of the most controversial provisions of the new constitution is for the outgoing military government to appoint a senate that will have a say in appointing the prime minister. The junta has argued the measure is necessary to prevent coups in a transition period after the election. Thais approved the outline of the new constitution in a referendum last August but the palace requested changes in January after King Vajiralongkorn took over from his revered late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had ruled for more than seven decades. Six changes had been made to the constitution published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday. One change allows the king to travel abroad without appointing a regent. The king has spent much of the past few years in Germany, where he has a son in school. Another change was the removal of a clause giving power to the constitutional court and other institutions in the event of an unforeseen crisis. Removing it underlined the king's role. "In practice, the king will have more say, more power," Kan Yuenyong, executive director of think-tank Siam Intelligence Unit, told Reuters. Thursday was a public holiday to mark the establishment of the Chakri dynasty 235 years ago. The current king is also known as King Rama X in the dynasty. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Writing by Matthew Tostevin; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Catherine Evans)
Textbooks

Indiana U Students Save $3.5 Million Through Digital Textbook Program

Indiana University (IU) is out with a numbers update for its eText initiative that delivers digital course materials to students: In the 2016-17 academic year, IU students saved an estimated $3.5 million more than what they would have otherwise spent on traditional programs, according to a campus official. The program uses an inclusive-access model that delivers digital course materials directly to students in time for their first day of class. More than 40,000 IU students purchased at least one digital textbook through the initiative in the same academic year.

The university launched eText as a pilot in 2009. IU partnered with more than 20 higher ed publishers to drive costs down, while expanding catalogs and providing more options for teachers and students. Most importantly, IUs initiative goes beyond delivering course materials  it includes digital study tools that provide personalized, adaptive learning experiences. IU eTexts are powered by Unizins Engage e-reading platform, which integrates with IUs Canvas learning management system. Students and faculty are making extensive use of these tools, with more than 100,000 annotations in March alone.

Professor Nancy Evans, who teaches computer information technology at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus, said in an IU statement that she likes the fact that students receive their course materials before day one of class. I do a lot of active learning in my courses, and if you dont have the textbook, you cant really participate. eTexts help each student  and the whole class  get the most out of teaching and learning.
THURSDAY, April 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Syphilis rates among gay and bisexual men have skyrocketed in the past two decades, U.S. health officials reported Thursday.

In 2015, gay and bisexual men accounted for more than 60 percent of early stage syphilis cases overall. And the national rate of early stage syphilis for this group was estimated to be at 309 cases per 100,000, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That rate was 106 times higher than the rate among heterosexual men and 168 times higher than the rate among women, the CDC report noted.

"I think we need to step back and examine gay and bisexual men beyond the stats on syphilis," said Fred Wyand, spokesman for the American Sexual Health Association.

These men are vulnerable for many reasons, including social factors placing them at higher risk for a number of tough health outcomes, he explained.

"Better access to health care, more welcoming attitudes, better support systems are all important, of course," Wyand said. "So, while doing better on the medical side in terms of counseling, testing and treating is very important, there's probably more to it than that," he suggested.

"We need to understand there are challenges faced by many gay and bisexual men -- economic, social, health and well-being, and so on -- greater than what most folks endure," Wyand noted.

The report, which looked at syphilis rates in 44 states, was led by Alex de Voux of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service, and published April 7 in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The data showed syphilis rates among gay and bisexual men ranged widely among the 44 states -- from 73 per 100,000 in Alaska to 748 per 100,000 in North Carolina. The highest rates were in the South and West.

"People in the South often experience poorer health outcomes than the rest of the nation, due to multiple factors including income inequality, poverty, and high numbers of people without health insurance," according to the CDC.

In addition, in places where rates of syphilis are already high in the gay and bisexual community, these men face a greater risk of infection with each sexual encounter, the agency said.

Syphilis is divided into stages -- primary, secondary, latent and tertiary -- each associated with different signs and symptoms.

A person with primary syphilis generally has a sore or sores at the original site of infection. These sores usually occur on or around the genitals, around the anus or in the rectum, or in or around the mouth. These sores are usually, but not always, firm, round and painless.

Symptoms of secondary syphilis include skin rash, swollen lymph nodes and fever. The signs and symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis (early stage syphilis) can be mild, and they might not be noticed. During the latent stage, there are no signs or symptoms, the CDC said.

Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics, usually penicillin. Treatment might not, however, undo any damage that the infection has already caused.

"Having syphilis once does not protect someone from getting it again," the agency added. "Even after successful treatment, re-infection can occur."

Without treatment, syphilis can spread to the brain and nervous system or to the eye, the CDC said. This can happen during any of the stages.

Dr. David Rosenthal, medical director of the Center for Young Adult, Adolescent and Pediatric HIV in Great Neck, N.Y., said syphilis left untreated can be lethal.

One reason more cases of syphilis are known is that doctors are testing for it more among their gay and bisexual patients, Rosenthal said.

"As we started increasing the use of PrEP for HIV prevention, we are seeing gay men every three months that we used to see about every three years, and we are doing syphilis testing and we are finding more cases much earlier," he explained.

PrEP is a one-pill-a-day preventive treatment for people who don't have HIV but who are at very high risk of getting it, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"We need to continue to recommend safe sex, particularly using condoms, which are effective in preventing syphilis," Rosenthal said.

"If people have symptoms, they need to see a doctor as soon as possible, and not have sex with other people while they have their symptoms. In addition, people who are having sex with multiple people should regularly be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections," he added.

More information

For more information on syphilis, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Political blogger Marcio Prado was at his home in Rio Grande da Serra, one of the municipalities that ring Brazils biggest city Sao Paulo, in the early hours of April 1, 2017, when he heard gunshots, he told CPJ in a telephone interview. The blogger said he went downstairs to see what was going on but the streets in front and behind his house were empty and he did not see where the shots came from or who or what the attacker might be shooting at.

Prado said it was only the next morning that he noticed his Ford Fiesta, which was parked in front of his home, had been hit. It was clearly a direct attack, with five bullets fired, all of which hit the back of the vehicle, Prado wrote in a statement sent to journalists and published on his blog shortly after the attack. The blogger said he reported the incident, which happened at around 12.20 a.m., to police.

A police clerk in Rio Grande da Serra told CPJ on April 4, 2017, that so far no suspects have been identified and no arrests made.

Prado runs and writes Blog Marcio Peninha: Jornalismo Serio, (Serious Journalism) along with a colleague, who CPJ has not named for security reasons. Prado previously wrote for a string of papers based in and around the same region south-east of Sao Paulo. The blog focuses on local politics and corruption and has recently covered stories including a lack of transparency in municipal government contracts and politicians awarding themselves pay raises. It has encouraged readers to sign a petition calling for improved policing and reported on alleged domestic abuse in a marriage of local politicians.

Prado said he has been previously threatened for his work and received as many as 20 threats in the past decade, some while working for newspapers and others during his time producing the blog. The threats came both explicitly, from people telling him enemies he had angered in print were out to get him, or implicitly, from those warning him they were worried about his safety and that he should take care to protect himself, Prado told CPJ.

There are dozens of other stories that have been published in this space that hit powerful people and people in politics who, for different reasons, at one point or another, threatened the work of a free press, either directly or through intermediaries, with the same attempt to obstruct citizens rights to stay informed, he wrote in his statement.

Prado told CPJ he registered the April 1 attack with police but did not register any of the previous threats because police reports are public and he did not want personal information, such as his address, to be available online.

Prado said that a source inside the police, who he did not identify but who heard his complaints, warned him death squads have been offered 25,000 reais ($8,020) to kill him and his colleague. He said police did not specify what action they are taking to investigate or protect him.

The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalists (ABRAJI) condemned the April 1 attack and said it highlighted the precarious conditions that many Brazilian reporters face. The insecurity could lead Marcio Prado to do exactly what the attackers hope: stop investigating and bringing relevant information to societys attention, Abraji said in a statement.
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Brazilian journalist Erik Silva never imagined that printing information from a municipal government website would see him accused of defamation and lead to a drawn-out court case. But almost a year after writing about the size of salary earned by a municipal accountant in Corumba, a city of just under 100,000 people on Brazils western border with Bolivia, he is still fighting to clear his name.

Silva said he did some digging on the transparency section of the governments website and noted that an accountant, Julio Cesar Bravo, earned 45,769.87 reais ($14,788.15) in March 2016. The accountants pay for that month was well above the norm for government employees and more than Brazils Supreme Court justices, he said.

Silva said he did not name the accountant in his April 2016 piece for Folha MS, a paper with a weekly print run and a daily online edition, but later that month Bravowho denies wrongdoingused Brazils defamation laws to sue him for sullying his image.

Its a way of trying to stop me publishing these kind of details, Silva told CPJ. He could have sued the newspaper but he sued me to make it personaland in a criminal court. Its an attempt to criminalize what journalists do.

A judge ruled for Silva in December, but the accountant has appealed, forcing Silvaa 34-year-old editor of a three-person paperto spend countless hours and more than $1,300 of his own money to defend himself.

The case is indicative of an increasingly serious freedom of speech problem facing Brazils journalists and bloggers.

Under legislation dating from the 1940s individuals can sue for calunia if they feel they have been unfairly accused of committing a crime; injuria, a more subjective offense that can be used by persons who feel emotionally or psychologically hurt by opinions; and/or difamacao, which is similar to defamation.

Anyone in authority, such as police or judges, can also charge citizens who challenge them with desacatoinsulting a public officer or refusing to comply with orders. The maximum penalty for the charges range from six months for injuria to two years for calunia or desacato.

In a January report, Violence against Journalists and Freedom of the Press in Brazil, the National Federation of Journalists (Fenaj), an umbrella group of regional labor unions, found that the number of cases of journalists subject to such judicial action, including civil defamation cases, doubled to 18 last year from nine in 2015. Bloggers accounted for many more.

In some cases, more than one journalist is targeted, such as in Parana state where, as CPJ documented last year, dozens of identical or near identical civil suits were launched by judges, magistrates, and district attorneys against five staff members at the Gazeta do Povo newspaper. The cases are ongoing, the paper said.

We noted an increase in 2016 compared to 2015 and not only by politicians, Fenaj president Maria Jose Braga told CPJ from the capital, Brasilia. There is now a large number of judges, public prosecutors and attorneys trying to stop information from getting to the public. That is worrying because the judicial system should be there to help guarantee freedom of the press and freedom of expression and yet it has been an agent of intimidation.

Even more worryingly, judges are cracking down and sentencing journalists to jail time for such cases.

Up until recently, they were usually converted into alternative sentences but last year there were more prison sentences, Braga said. One journalist was sentenced to time in a minimum security jail but allowed to serve at home because there were no prison places available; a second is only not serving a custodial sentence because he is over 70 years old; and in Alagoas state two journalists are waiting to serve their sentences at any time.

Suits designed to limit freedom of expression are widespread, with the media themselves even resorting to their use.

Luis Nassif, a left-wing blogger who says his forthright views have made him the target of several suits including some filed by news outlets, said it was an unequal fight. This is part of the model, Nassif told CPJ. They have tremendous power with lawyers and money. Its not a war of arguments. Its an attempt to suffocate you.

Brazilian lawyer Tais Gasparian told CPJ that the current legislation is favorable to freedom of expression and pointed out that while such cases can be brought in a criminal court legislation is balanced. CPJ and Fenaj however, have long campaigned for such cases to be heard only in civil suits.

There is not the same kind of freedom as in the U.S. or Britain, said Gasparian, who has represented journalists in freedom of expression cases. If you call someone a thief and they are not a thief you lose.

Most important, Gasparian added, is that the public interest usually trumps other concerns.

We have laws that protect peoples honor and reputation, she said. But the public interest is more important. If there is a greater public interest then that takes precedence and there is no offense.

However, because Brazilian justice is so slow, with several chances to appeal, cases can take years to resolve and only those with the most determination, not to mention the most money, are able see them through to the end.

Brazils Congress has been debating changes to the relevant legislation since 2011 but there appears little hope of a more tolerant stance, according to members of Article 19, an organization dedicated to defending freedom of expression.

Early drafts suggested abolishing desacato while at the same time doubling penalties for defamation of a public servant, Camila Marques, Article 19s Legal Officer in Brazil, told CPJ.

Debate is ongoing but little progress is expected soon.

For Silva, until a final resolution is reached in his case he must struggle on, constrained by the cost and uncertain as to what comes next. It affects you, it affects my family, he said. Even though I know I did things properly you are always worried a judge might have a relationship with someone in power and rule against me.

Sometimes I think, what was the point of me writing that story? Nothing happened and I am out of pocket. I showed what was wrong and he keeps his job and his big salary. I was the one that paid a price.

[Reporting from Sao Paulo]
Florida's death chamber

Herman Lindsey can tell you what it's like to wait for a turn with death.





After being sentenced to die in 2006, he was put on Florida's death row in 2007, and sat caged inside a plain, box-like cell at the old, dusty state prison in Raiford, where winter and summer temperatures seemed harsher inside than out.





Lindsey was convicted of the murder of a store clerk who was fatally shot during a Fort Lauderdale robbery in 1994. He didn't get to say goodbye to his loved ones when he was sentenced to die, and it was hard for anyone to make the 5-hour trek from Broward County to the isolated facility up north. As he fought to prove his innocence, other men were taken into the white execution room, strapped with leather bonds onto a gurney and injected with a fatal cocktail of drugs. Most went quickly and quietly, but at least one execution was painfully botched. As he waited alone, Lindsey begged God to let him go.





"One thing Florida cannot guarantee is that they will not kill an innocent person," he says in an interview. "The system is intact to protect us, to seek justice for victims, but in my case, they created a victim."





And then, one seemingly miraculous day - Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - Lindsey was free. After fighting his case all the way to the Florida Supreme Court, all seven justices agreed the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction, much less the death sentence he received from an 8-4 jury. Lindsey became the 23rd prisoner exonerated and freed from death row in Florida, which leads the nation for exonerees.





Under the shade of the state Capitol building last Thursday, Lindsey told a crowd he's been fighting to abolish the death penalty since he was released in 2009. Lawmakers have heard about his struggles to move past the trauma and live a normal existence - whenever he applies for a job or a place to live, the murder still shows in his background check, and he feels this has wrecked his life. Lindsey felt ignored - until last month.





In March, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala put herself at the center of the death penalty debate, igniting a firestorm of criticism after she declared she wouldn't pursue an execution for murder suspect Markeith Loyd - or, for that matter, any other case during her tenure.





Hours after Ayala's announcement, she says she was asked by Florida Gov. Rick Scott in a 25-second phone call to recuse herself from the case. She refused and tried to explain the reasoning behind her conclusion - that the death penalty is costly, has no effect on public safety and does not deter crime - but Scott wouldn't listen. Before the end of the day, Scott used his executive authority to remove Ayala from the case and reassign it to another state attorney, saying it was "clear that she will not fight for justice." That move sparked further controversy and fueled a conversation Lindsey has been desperate to have.





"God was giving me the experience to be a voice," he said to the hundreds who traveled miles in buses and cars to support Ayala in Tallahassee. "This year, we actually are being heard. And what State Attorney Ayala is doing is helping us with our fight to end the death penalty."





Lindsey, 44, said he got no apology or compensation from the state after being wrongly imprisoned. Like a church on Sunday, the crowd seated on white plastic chairs listened with rapt attention to Lindsey's sermon, shouting every so often, "Amen!" They'd come from Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami to air their grievances in our lawmakers' playground.





"I done been to that governor's office. He won't even see me. But he says he wants somebody there for justice," Lindsey exclaimed to them, pointing toward the Capitol. "What would have happened if I would have died there?"

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: Orlando Weekly, April 5, 2017
"War is the health of the state. It automatically sets in motion throughout society those irresistible forces for uniformity, for passionate cooperation with the government in coercing into obedience the minority groups and individuals which lack the larger herd sense."

-- Randolph Bourne (1886-1918)

WASHINGTON -- One hundred years ago, two events three days apart set the 20th century's trajectory. On April 9, 1917, in Zurich, Vladimir Lenin boarded a train. Germany expedited its passage en route to Saint Petersburg -- known as Leningrad from 1924 to 1991 -- expecting him to exacerbate Russia's convulsions, causing Russia's withdrawal from World War I, allowing Germany to shift forces to the Western Front. Lenin boarded the train three days after the United States, responding to Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and other provocations, declared war. Soon 2 million Americans would be in Europe. They, and the promise of many more, compelled Germany to accept an armistice at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

Monday night and the next two nights, PBS' "American Experience" will present a six-hour documentary, "The Great War." Watch it and wince. It covers familiar diplomatic and military events, before and after America's bloodiest battle, the Meuse-Argonne offensive, in which American fatalities averaged 550 a day for 47 days.

Woodrow Wilson imposed and incited extraordinary repressions: "There are citizens of the United States ... born under other flags ... who have poured the poison of disloyalty into the very arteries of our national life. ... Such creatures of passion, disloyalty and anarchy must be crushed out. ... They are infinitely malignant, and the hand of our power should close over them."

His Committee on Public Information churned out domestic propaganda instructing the public how to detect pro-German sympathies. A 22-year-old Justice Department official named J. Edgar Hoover administered a program that photographed, fingerprinted and interrogated 500,000 suspects. Local newspapers published the names of people who were not buying war bonds or otherwise supporting the war. People were fired or ostracized for insufficient enthusiasm. The Espionage Act of 1917 made it a crime to "collect, record, publish or communicate" information useful to the enemy.

In Illinois, Robert Prager, a German-American coal miner suspected of spying, was stripped, marched through the streets and hanged. The Washington Post deplored such "excesses" but applauded the "healthful and wholesome awakening in the interior part of the country."

Josef Hofer and his two brothers were South Dakota Hutterites whose faith forbade any involvement in war, including wearing a military uniform. They were arrested in March 1918, and a week after the armistice they were sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Arriving at the military prison around midnight, they stood naked for hours in a 17-degree November night. Then they were suspended naked from the bars of their cells, their feet barely touching the ground, refusing to wear the uniforms left in their cells. Fed only bread and water, after two weeks David Hofer was allowed to telegraph to Josef's wife, telling her that her husband was dying. He died the morning after she arrived. Prison guards mocked his corpse by dressing it in a uniform.

The U.S. military was the world's 17th largest in April 1917, smaller (less than 250,000) than Romania's, and smaller than Britain's casualties in one battle. America's military became a melting pot for a nation in which one-third of the population had been born abroad or whose parents had been. Forty-three languages were spoken in one Army division raised in New York. One group was ineligible for melting: Printed at the bottom of draft registration cards were these words: "If person is of African descent, tear off this corner."

The African-Americans from around the nation who joined New York's 15th National Guard Regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters, included Leroy Johnston from Phillips County, Arkansas. He spent nine months in French hospitals recuperating from wounds suffered in the Meuse-Argonne, then in 1919 returned to an Arkansas seething with fears of an African-American insurrection because a returning African-American veteran had formed a union of black sharecroppers. The narrator of "The Great War" says that as groups of white men "roamed the countryside, killing hundreds of black people, a train pulled into the station. A crowd rushed aboard and dragged out four unsuspecting black men. They were Leroy Johnston and his three brothers." After a melee, "the mob shot the Johnston brothers to pieces."

The war unleashed a flu pandemic that killed more people in a year -- somewhere between 20 million and 50 million -- than the war killed in four years. The flu's victims included Randolph Bourne.
This article originally appeared on The Hill.

Many people in both parties agree that the United States needs corporate tax reform, but we have a harder time passing tax reform than our international competitors. Will we succeed this year?

The United States has been blessed with a system of checks and balances that require the House, Senate, and Executive Branch to sign off on new laws. This has the benefit of ensuring that legislation has broad appeal. It prevents much damaging legislation from passing, but it also makes it harder to pass worthwhile legislation.

In contrast, other countries can announce new tax laws and they pass right away. British Prime Minister Theresa May can announce that the top U.K. corporate rate will decline to 17 percent in 2020, and she has the power as leader of the ruling Parliamentary party to make it happen.

Prime Minister May and other leaders can lower their tax rates without having to prove revenue neutrality. Canada has steadily reduced its tax rates over the past 20 years without signoff from a Congressional Budget Officebecause they do not have one. In contrast, our Congress must consider numerous points of order while passing tax and revenue bills. These rules stem from the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and later budget resolutions and statutes.

The U.S. corporate tax rate has been at 35 percent since 1993. During the 1970s and 1980s, many other countries had rates in that range, or higher. However, over the past 15 years all other major countries have lowered their rates, leaving the United States with the highest in the world after the United Arab Emirates, according to a new CBO report comparing international tax rates.

Now the OECD average corporate tax rate is 23 percent, Canadas federal corporate tax rate stands at 15 percent, and the UK rate is 20 percent.

Not only is the U.S. corporate tax an outlier, but U.S. corporations are taxed on their worldwide incomea path taken by only 7 of the 34 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries (including the U.S.). This places America at a competitive disadvantage.

With our high corporate tax rate, reasonable people might believe that our debt as a share of GDP would be smaller than the OECD average. But in 2015, the latest year for which comparable data are available, the United States, at 104 percent, had a higher debt to GDP ratio than all EU countries except 5. The EU had a ratio of 85 percent as a whole. Only Greece (177 percent), Italy (132 percent), Portugal (129 percent), Cyprus (108 percent) and Belgium (106 percent) had a greater ratio of debt. Our rate is the highest since 1948.

The U.S. revenue and tax rules are supposed to be a disciplining process, to make sure we dont have higher deficits. But the more rules Congress has put on, the bigger the public debt has grown. The problem is that our entitlement spending is out of control and corporate tax code is driving businesses away.

Numerous inversions over the past few years show that companies profit from locating offshore. Medtronic inverted to Ireland by merging with Irelands Covidien Companies. Burger King merged with Canadas Tim Hortons Donuts. Even our trash companies are leaving: Texas-based Waste Connections merged with Canadas Progressive Waste Solutions.

If a U.S. company operates in the United States and Switzerland, its domestic affiliate pays U.S. taxes of 35 percent and its foreign affiliate pays U.S. taxes at 35 percent and Swiss taxes at 21 percent. America allows companies to deduct the taxes paid to foreign governments from U.S. taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service, but this means that corporations always pay the full U.S. rate and are unable to take advantage of low-tax jurisdictions.

A 20 percent corporate tax rate would bring the United States rate below the OECD average, making American firms more competitive. Lower rates would attract jobs back to America. President Trump has proposed a one-time repatriation of corporate profits held offshore at a rate of 10 percent.

America raised $300 billion from the corporate tax in 2016, according to the Office of Management and Budget, just 9 percent of all revenue. And the tax costs millions to administer.

American companies hold offshore about $2.6 trillion of earnings from foreign operations. Some would be repatriated with a lower U.S. tax, adding to investment and employment. These funds could be used for capital projects, dividends/share repurchases, consumption, or job creation  all of which represent a boost to the weak economy.

Under the status quo, firms have every incentive to keep profits abroad and little incentive to repatriate earnings. Its time for Republicans and Democrats to come together to catch up with the rest of the world by lowering corporate taxes.

Diana Furchtgott-Roth is a senior fellow and director of Economics21 at the Manhattan Institute. Follow her on Twitter here.

Interested in real economic insights? Want to stay ahead of the competition? Each weekday morning, E21 delivers a short email that includes E21 exclusive commentaries and the latest market news and updates from Washington. Sign up for the E21 Morning Ebrief.
Sen. Deb Fischer said Thursday afternoon she hoped the Trump administration would take "strong action" against Syria and President Bashar Assad in retaliation for a chemical attack that killed scores of civilians, including children.

"This was a crime," Fischer said during a telephone conference call from Washington.

Fischer said inaction by the Obama administration "made this region less secure" by emboldening Russia to enter the Syrian arena and increasing the influence of Iran in Syria.

"Assad is a puppet of Iran," the Republican senator said.

Later Thursday, the U.S. launched missiles at a Syrian air base as retaliation for the chemical attack.

President Donald Trump condemned the act and, in particular, its deadly impact on "beautiful babies" and other children.

"This is a president who feels the weight of the office and has an understanding of the role of the United States globally," Fischer said.

"The United States cannot continue to back away from our leadership position in the world," she said.

On another matter, Fischer said the Senate Republican majority's decision to eliminate the ability of the Senate minority to filibuster nominations of U.S. Supreme Court justices means "we've gone back to where the Senate was" before the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch was filibustered.

Senate Democrats had mounted a filibuster to prevent a vote on Trump's nomination of Gorsuch to the Supreme Court before Republicans wiped out that authority by changing a Senate rule. The GOP majority now is positioned to confirm the nomination Friday.

Neither of President Obama's nominations to the Supreme Court was filibustered by Senate Republicans, Fischer noted.

In answer to a question, Fischer said she has no town halls or listening sessions scheduled for the upcoming Senate recess, but she will travel the state during the two-week period for scheduled meetings with Nebraskans.
Lithuanian English

Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-04-06 08:31 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the initiative and decision of the Management company of INVL Technology the General Shareholders Meeting of INVL Technology (identification code 300893533, the registered address Gyneju str. 16 Vilnius, Lithuania) is to be held on 27 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 (20 April 2017) are entitled to participate and to vote at the General Shareholders meeting.



Shareholders rights accounting day will be 12 May 2017.

The agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting of INVL Technology includes:

1. Presentation of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology annual report.

2. Presentation of the independent auditor's report on the financial statements of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology.

3. On the approval of the financial statements for 2016 of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology.

4. Regarding the distribution of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology profit (loss).

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.

8. Changing registered address of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology.

9. Approval of the Amendment of the Services Agreement of special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology with AB SEB bank.

Draft resolutions of the General Shareholders meeting of INVL Technology:

1. Presentation of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology annual report.

Shareholders of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology are presented with the annual report of INVL Technology (enclosed) (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 private capital investment company INVL Technology.

Shareholders of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology are presented with the independent auditor's report on the financial statements of INVL Technology (There is no voting on this issue of agenda).

3. On the approval of the financial statements for 2016 of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology.

To approve the financial statements for 2016 of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology.

4. Regarding the distribution of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology profit (loss).

To distribute the profit (loss) of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology as follows:

Article (thousand EUR) Retained earnings (loss) at the beginning of the financial year of the reporting period 2,290 Net profit (loss) for the financial year (4,515) Profit (loss) not recognized in the income statement of the reporting financial year - Transfers from reserves 2,225 Shareholders contributions to cover loss Distributable profit (loss) in total Profit distribution: - Profit transfers to the legal reserves -Profit transfers to the reserves for own shares acquisition - Profit transfers to other reserves - Profit to be paid as dividends - Profit to be paid as annual payments (bonus) and for other purposes Retained earnings (loss) at the end of the financial year

5. Approval of the regulations of the Audit Committee.

To approve the regulations of the Audit Committee of INVL Technology (enclosed).



6. Regarding election of the Audit Committee members.

To cancel Danute Kadanaite and Tomas Bubinas from INVL Technology audit committee members. To elect Danguole Pranckeniene (independent member) and Tomas Bubinas (independent member) to the Audit Committee of INVL Technology 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 Technology, to set a rate not higher than EUR 145 per hour. To delegate to the Management company of INVL Technology to determine the remuneration payment procedure for the Audit Committee members.

8. Changing registered address of the special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology.

To change the Company registered address to Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius.

9. Approval of the Amendment of the Services Agreement of special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology with AB SEB bank.

According to the agreement on a 0.04 percentage point lower depository fee, approve the Amendment of the Services Agreement of special closed-ended type private capital investment company INVL Technology with AB SEB bank (enclosed as an annex to this notification Amendment of the Agreement No. 1).

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 Technology (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 Technology 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.invltechnology.lt
CLEARWATER, Fla., April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Using social media, members of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) Florida joined in the protest of the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Congress which was held in Florence on Saturday, April 1st by CCHR Italy. CCHR says the Congress promotes dangerous psychotropic drugs and brain-damaging interventions that put Italians and other Europeans mental health and lives at risk.



CCHR followed up the protest march with its opening of a world-acclaimed exhibition on psychiatry at the Auditorium del Duomo. The exhibit has displays and a multi-award-winning documentary that detail the harmful history of psychiatry and its contemporary abuses. This includes Italy being the birthplace of electroshock treatment that the protestors say should be banned.

According to Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida said, The EPA has serious conflicts of interest with at least eight pharmaceutical companies sponsoring the convention, including Janssen, Lundbeck, Sunovion, Pfizer, Pierre Fabre Laboratories, Otsuka, Shire, and Takeda. Many of these companies have paid out millions of Euros to settle lawsuits against them in the United States concerning the psychiatric drugs they manufacture.

The CCHR exhibit in Italy also exposes the conflicts of interests in the psychiatric-pharmaceutical industry. It comprises 75 panels and 13 video documentaries, covering 300 years of painful and harmful mental health treatments - from the early times in France until today, providing the visitors with factual evidence of psychiatric abuse that citizens need to be aware of.

This travelling exhibition has been seen by hundreds of thousands visitors in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Budapest, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, and Rome, and will stay open to visitors until April 10. For further information: www.ccdu.org

About CCHR:

Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHRs mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections.

It was L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, who brought the terror of psychiatric imprisonment to the notice of the world. In March 1969, he said, Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the free world tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of mental health.
BEATRICE, Nebraska and CONCEPTION, Chile, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rare Earth Salts (RES), a leading mineral and applications technology company, and Minera BioLantanidos (MBL), the first Chilean Rare Earth company, today announced the signing of a commercial agreement to produce separated rare earth oxides from MBLs ionic clay deposit. The Parties expect to produce fifteen (15) high purity rare earth oxides with initial saleable product expected in first half of 2019.



This is a significant milestone for the rare earth industry. Together we will be bringing into production and establishing a consistent, high value, low cost, and environmentally friendly rare earth supply chain outside of China, said Dr. Joseph Brewer, Chief Executive Officer of RES. MBL has the most advanced and attractive deposit we have tested globally and they are an ideal partner for RES to facilitate the full scale production of rare earth oxides. The deposit is very similar to those in Southern China which supply most, if not all of the worlds heavy rare earth production today.

This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to near term production in a manner that is both clean and cost competitive with the Chinese, said Ignacio Del Rio, Chief Executive Officer of MBL. The combination of our extraction technology and RES separation technology allows for the economic production of rare earths from our world class deposit despite the current depressed pricing environment. We are looking forward to bringing product to market.

The Commercial agreement will see initial production of 500 metric tons per annum of rare earth oxides.

MBL will produce a 95% pure Rare Earth Oxide Concentrate in Chile using its environmentally friendly and proprietary extraction process. The concentrate will be shipped to a RES facility for separation and purification using its proprietary technology.

About Rare Earth Salts

Rare Earth Salts is a leading industrial and applications technology company with the goal of achieving near term commercial production. The Company has developed a patent pending industrial technology proven to efficiently and economically separate and refine all 16 Rare Earth Elements to high purity. The process is environmentally friendly and projects significantly reduced cost versus standard processing. For more information visit: www.rareearthsalts.com.

About Minera BioLantanidos

Minera BioLantanidos is a Chilean company fully dedicated to the exploration and production of rare earth elements. The Company, the first of the region specialized in the REE industry, aims to provide these elements to the interested parties in a sustainable, secure and responsible way, with both the communities and the environment. To accomplish this, the Company has developed different processes, methodologies and equipment that maximize the efficiency of its operations, including the Close Continuous Leaching Process, validated in MBLs Pilot Plant and to be replicated in the Companys first Commercial Plant.
aphalleon wrote:

Hi everyone, my first post so bear with me. I'm planning on applying to the Harvard MBA admissions cycle in September 2017. I know its a bit early, but i want some time to organise myself especially because my job is so busy etc. etc.



so here is my profile:



Country: Australian citizen (although i am of Korean descent)



Education: BSc Mathematics and Economics at London School of Economics (UK) graduated with First Class Honours (ranked in top 10% of my year group).

MPhil in Economics at Cambridge University (ranked quite average in cohort).



Work Experience: Spent my last 3 years working in the Sales and Trading division of a mid tier American bulge bracket in London. Before that, internships in Big Four consulting, a major British bank and a small accounting firm (all in Korea).



GMAT: 730. Decent quant score, less good in verbal.



Extracurriculars:: President of a medium sized society during undergrad. Decent amount of community service as well as volunteer work with my company as well as in my personal life. Advisor to a tech startup in my spare time



Age:27



Goals: To move into a hedge fund and one day start my own hedge fund/fintech company.



Assuming i get decent recommendations, essays etc. What would you say my chances are?

Nisha Trivedi

mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant

35 positive reviews on GMATClub, 2020 Top 20 of admissions consultants across the industry per P&Q: https://poetsandquants.com/2020/08/26/best-mba-admission-consultants-of-2020/



Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation at https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/

Read our Insider's Guides to the top b-schools: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders Signature Read More

Hi there - thanks for writing, and props to you for thinking about the application process in advance!While HBS is extremely competitive, you do have strong academics, solid work experience, and good extracurriculars, which are the key building blocks of any application. Therefore, I wouldn't say that HBS is out of reach for you (though it's a stretch for everyone) so it's certainly worth applying. As you noted, I think the keys for you will be compelling essay that genuinely reflects who you are, and recommendations that show the strong progression you've made at your firm (esp. vs. peers) and the potential you show for thriving in your future career.Hope that helps! If you'd like to discuss your profile in greater detail, I highly recommend signing up for a free 30-min. consultation with here: https://www.mbamission.com/consult/?dis ... admissions Thanks!Nisha_________________
Records from the latter half of the 19th century show that [ #permalink

ratinarace wrote:

Records from the latter half of the 19th century show that in 1876 in Westbridge County there were 1,200 landowners, nearly 12 percent of the state landowner population, three times as many as 1852 .



A) three times as many as 1852

Compares 1,200 to the year 1852



B) three times as much as 1852

Compares 1,200 to the year 1852

"Much" is not used with countable nouns. Landowners are countable



C) triple what it was in 1852

"It" could be either 12 percent or 1,200



D) triple the figure for 1852

That works.



E) thrice the number that was recorded in 1852

 forces you into the position that 1,200 is being modified

Almost always in official questions, if a modifier has two potential antecedents that are both nouns, the closer noun is the referent.

Noun modifiers typically are placed as close to the noun entity they modify as possible to avoid ambiguity in modification.

If a modifier has two potential referents and both are nouns, without a good reason to refer to the noun antecedent farther away, the modifier refers to the closest noun.

That noun is "12 percent (of the landowning population)."

On the other hand, in context, none of these answers help us to decide. The referent is ambiguous at best.

Answer D does not force you to choose.

 Not as succinct as D (which is correct). .

If we think we have two correct answers and one is more succinct than the other, use the shorter answer.

Concision is important.

 "thrice" is obsolete in U.S. English (not definitive, but a consideration)

GMAT bulletin instructions include references to American and U.S. English.

All spelling conforms U.S. English.

I am NOT saying that the GMAT is entirely based on U.S. English.

I have never seen "thrice" used in an official question.

That absence may reflect the fact that in the United States, people do not say "thrice."

In the U.S., people use "twice," but "thrice" is obsolete

This question is really old and not official.

Official questions do test the word "twice."

If you have an official example that contains "thrice, please post it on this topic.

 Finally, "thrice" is an adverb; its seeming modification of "number" is problematic

Does "figure: refer to 1,200 or 12 percent?

Quote:

Doesn't figure in option D is ambiguous. It can represent that 12% or 1200.

If it is not.

What is it specifying : 12% or 1200 ?

13 years old;

I suspect that this issue is not going to be resolved.

other and better reasons to eliminate the options.

last

Meaning - my take

...there were 1,200 landowners in W. County in 1876, triple the figure for 1852.

the answer is D.

Records . . . show that in 1876 in Westbridge County there were 1,200 landowners, triple the figure for 1852.

Records . . . show that in 1876 in Westbridge County there were, nearly 12 percent of the state landowner population, triple the figure for 1852.

"Twice the figure FOR" is okay

Quote:

Half had developed [diabetes] by the age of 80 in a study of 4,200 people living in London - approximately twice the figure for Europeans .

Quote:

The size and scope of those storms is also noteworthy, with 2017 storms disrupting power to 1.3 million customers  which is nearly twice the figure for 2016 and more than double the 2015 total.

The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance. ~Einstein





I stand with Ukraine.

Donate to Help Ukraine! Signature Read More
Nebraska Liquor Control commissioners on Wednesday denied the liquor license request of a Chinese restaurant in Lincoln's Haymarket amid lingering ownership concerns.

Yanchun Xue and Jason Diong opened Ichiban Sichuan south of Eighth and P streets in November.

Diong said Thursday he was shocked by the commission's decision, which he learned from a reporter.

"I cannot operate without alcohol, he said, adding he will discuss the full-service restaurant's legal options with his lawyers.

Diong and Xue testified before the three commissioners in an hour-long hearing Wednesday that explored the restaurant's ownership and the checkered background of Diong, the restaurant's corporate manager.

Ichiban Sichuan has served alcohol on a temporary permit the restaurant received earlier this year.

Liquor regulators and law enforcement probe the criminal backgrounds of managers and owners, as well as the ownership structure, to ensure applicants can legally operate under a license.

Xue, through an interpreter, told commissioners he was the sole owner.

He put $400,000 into the Lincoln restaurant, proceeds from the sale of his parents' home in China, he said.

But officials questioned why he told a Nebraska State Patrol investigator in English during a phone interview as part of the application process that Diong had given him $50,000 as an investor.

"It doesn't matter what I said," Xue said Wednesday through an interpreter. "I'm the only owner."

Commission Executive Director Hobert Rupe disagreed.

"It does matter what you said," Rupe said. "That's why we're here today."

Xue later said he didn't know what he told the investigator but reiterated he held sole ownership of the restaurant.

Diong told a Journal Star restaurant reviewer in February he was the owner.

Xue and Diong knew each other through friends and each worked at Ichiban Sichuan restaurants in Wisconsin and Indiana, respectively.

Those restaurants are owned by separate companies, the two said.

Lincoln seemed like a good location to open a Ichiban Sichuan restaurant, Xue said, because of its large Chinese population. He moved here in October.

Diong moved here a month earlier to begin work on Ichiban Sichuan's kitchen, he said.

During the hearing, Assistant Attorney General Milissa Johnson-Wiles questioned Diong about a series of criminal charges, fines, convictions, unpaid child support and civil judgments against him.

Diong told her he had been convicted and fined for disorderly conduct in Wisconsin last year after someone called the police to report a rowdy party.

The protection order, domestic violence and child abuse charges on his record were dismissed, he said.

He's now current with his child support, he said. And the thousands of dollars in civil judgments against him resulted from his former work in corporate real estate, Diong said.

"I have no financial interest as an investment at this point," Diong said.

Xue submitted IRS documents stating he was the company's sole owner.

The commission took the case under advisement to review documents as well as the case file.

Late Wednesday, they denied the application on a unanimous vote.

The restaurant must cease its alcohol sales when the commission's order is finalized, which officials expect will be Friday or Monday.
In Nsukka, a group of masquerades in Enugu state, were reported to have broken the head of a Catholic seminarian for coming put when they were on a parade.

Lawrence Ezugwu

Legit.ng gathered that, a group of masquerades identified as Oriokpa Nsukka, attacked a senior seminarian from a Catholic Diocese, Lawrence Ezugwu and smashing him on the head on Wednesday, March 29, near Ugwuoye junction.

READ ALSO: HUGE 4.5m python weighing 65kg captured by snake hunters (photos, video)

It was further revealed that, the seminarian was leaving the premises of St. Theresas Cathedral, Nsukka when the group of masquerades beat him up and smashed his head with a big stone, leaving him in his pool of blood.

The man immediately lost consciousness and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital, Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka for quick medical attention.

Ezugwu said: "As I was waiting to know why the road was crowded, two masquerades came from behind me and started beating me mercilessly. As if that was not enough, before I knew what was happening, a heavy stone landed on my head. That was the extent I remembered until I regained consciousness in the hospital."

READ ALSO: Man deceives girlfriend into believing he tested positive to HIV on April Fool's day

Watch related video below:

Source: Legit.ng
Father of two and mathematics teacher at Ukpata Community secondary school, Uzouwani Local Government Area, Enugu state, Daniel Ekemezie, has been arrested for murder.

Legit.ng gathered that Daniel and his late uncle, 83-year-old Patrick Odoh, were involved in a land dispute for several years, which led to him eventually killing his uncle.

Daniel Ekemezie, was arrested for beheading his uncle over a land dispute

The Enugu state police command released a statement saying that Daniel had attacked his aged uncle on March 4.

According to the suspect, he had put plans in place to ensure his uncle would die, as a means of settling the lingering land dispute.

READ ALSO: Street boy who called for the mass burial of Nigerian leaders gets a better life

Daniel had woken his late uncle up, told him they had issues to discuss and when the man got up, he proceeded to stuff his mouth with a piece of cloth so that he wouldn't shout. He then tied him up before taking him away.

He took him to the Iyimkpafu/Ofiakputu forest at Ukpata, where he tied him to a tree and left him for four days (till March 8). On his return, he noticed that the man was dead. He then buried him in a shallow grave and went back home.

READ ALSO: Boy, 13, cries out as police killed his mother while trying to shoot at a Yahoo boy (photos)

He was apprehended after the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Enugu state police command, acted on a tip-off they had gotten earlier.

He took the police to the forest where he had hurriedly buried his uncle. He admitted to committing the crime, but blamed it on the devil. He said:

"I want to tell people to distance themselves from any issue of dragging of lands because it can lead to loss of lives and properties. I want the son of late Pa Patrick Odoh to forgive me and even take the land. I am ready to leave the land for them. I am regretting my action now. I recently lost my wife and I am left alone with my two kids. God please help me."

Meanwhile, this young man suggests that Nigerian leaders need to die and be buried for the Nigerian economy to progress:

Source: Legit.ng
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
Strikingly different portraits of the two-block strip of highway known as Whiteclay clashed in a state Capitol hearing room Thursday through nearly 10 hours of testimony before the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.

Abram Neumann, and Bruce and Marsha BonFleur  three of Whiteclay's eight official residents  described a filthy, sometimes frightening place where drunkenness and violence among the street population goes virtually untreated by area law enforcement.

Marsha BonFleur recalled responding to screams from a woman who was being followed by six men she claimed had gang-raped her. Another time, she found a woman passed out along the street with her jeans around her ankles and her underwear below her knees.

But local officials and owners of Whiteclay's four beer stores portrayed the unincorporated village as little more than a rough-edged row of family-run businesses, where policing could improve, but is far from insufficient.

"I think we have adequate law enforcement. In fact, probably a little better than that," said James Krotz, a county commissioner in Sheridan County, which includes Whiteclay.

Adequacy of law enforcement is the central question being considered by the Liquor Commission's three-member board as it weighs whether to renew the beer stores' licenses to sell alcohol.

It's a portion of a much larger issue, both in terms of Whiteclay's broader impacts on the neighboring Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, as well as further legal challenges the beer store owners will face in coming months.

The stores sell millions of cans of beer each year, much of it to residents of Pine Ridge, where alcohol is banned.

Critics blame Whiteclay beer sales for a host of ills on the reservation, from rampant alcoholism to an epidemic of fetal alcohol syndrome.

The Nebraska Attorney General's Office has also accused the beer stores of knowingly selling to bootleggers and other violations of state liquor law.

Hints of those issues emerged during Thursday's hearing, but it focused on whether the local sheriff's department and the Nebraska State Patrol offer the level of policing the four beer stores merit.

Liquor commissioners didn't make any immediate ruling, but Chairman Bob Batt of Omaha said they would review the "mountain of evidence" presented and reach a decision no later than May 2.

"This is a huge case," he said. "It's going to affect a lot of people one way or the other."

Any decision the commission makes will almost surely be appealed in court.

Andrew Snyder of Scottsbluff, attorney for the beer stores, has repeatedly argued the commission overstepped its legal authority by requiring the stores to reapply for their licenses, rather than have them automatically renewed before they expire April 30.

Last week, he accused Gov. Pete Ricketts and Attorney General Doug Peterson of waging a politically motivated campaign against the stores.

Batt called that claim "absolutely, 100 percent false." The governor has also denied it, noting the Liquor Commission is an independent agency not under his direct control.

Liquor Commission Executive Director Hobert Rupe presided over Thursday's hearing.

Testimony was guided by three attorneys: Snyder, Assistant Attorney General Milissa Johnson-Wiles and David Domina of Omaha, who represents five Sheridan County residents who are challenging the beer stores' licenses.

A crowd of about 150 spectators had dwindled to a few dozen by the time the final witnesses took the stand, around 8 p.m.

Sheriff Terry Robbins, a witness called by the beer stores, said his five deputies spend about 20 hours per week in Whiteclay, but rarely make arrests there and almost never for alcohol-related crimes.

Many times, he said, those visits are after the beer stores close for the night.

"We go and check for these people that may have had too much to drink, either passed out or asleep or whatever," Robbins said. "If they dont need medical attention, we try to get them home.

The last time the sheriff himself cited someone for carrying an open beer was about two years ago, he said: "When he wouldnt pour it out.

Still, Robbins acknowledged his department struggles to keep its ranks full.

The county doubled his budget last year, which Krotz, the county commissioner, said was in large part to help attract additional deputies.

Robbins insisted that his department provides round-the-clock policing, even with only five deputies.

People who opposed the licenses said they've learned better.

The times that I have called the police, they have done nothing to resolve the problems, Neumann said.

As for the Liquor Commission, he said, To be honest, I didnt really feel that they would do anything of consequence.

Neumann, 22, is a street minister for Whiteclay's Lakota Hope Ministry, which is run by the BonFleurs.

He described watching a man stagger from a van into one of the beer stores, Jumping Eagle Inn, and grasp repeatedly at what appeared to be change on the counter before staggering out with a bag of alcohol. Similar events happen regularly, he said.

Owners of all four beer stores denied ever selling alcohol to people who appear to be intoxicated, but said they sometimes have to shoo away drinkers who are loitering on their property.

"I tell them that its illegal there and they need to move," said Clay Brehmer, who owns State Line Liquor with his brother, Daniel.

The owners all said their relationships with local law enforcement are positive.

Tatewin Means, attorney general for Pine Ridges resident Oglala Lakota Tribe, described her relationship with Sheridan County's cops as nonexistent collaboration."

Tribal members regularly complain about open possession of alcohol, sex trafficking and other issues that originate in Whiteclay, but she gets no help from Robbins' department the way she does from sheriffs across the state line in South Dakota.
A hearing will go forward as planned Thursday over whether four beer sellers in Whiteclay should remain open after a district court judge refused to intervene and halt the hearing.

In a 14-page order Wednesday, Lancaster County District Judge Robert Otte found he lacked jurisdiction over the matters now pending before the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.

He went on to say that even if jurisdiction was permitted, the court "should and would decline to exercise its discretion to entertain the matter given the underlying facts and circumstances."

Last week, a lawyer for the four embattled beer stores accused Gov. Pete Ricketts and Attorney General Doug Peterson of mounting a politically motivated attack on his clients.

Ricketts, in turn, denied it.

Scottsbluff attorney Andrew Snyder had asked Otte to cancel the hearing, set for Thursday, and order automatic renewal of the stores' liquor licenses, arguing the state followed an illegal procedure when it required them to reapply for the licenses last year.

Ryan Post, a lawyer with the Attorney General's Office, dismissed the beer stores' move as an "end-run" attempt to avoid the Liquor Commission hearing at the Capitol.

The commission ordered the beer stores to reapply for their licenses in November, citing concerns about law enforcement in Whiteclay, an unincorporated village in northwest Nebraska.

And the hearing was scheduled after 13 residents from the surrounding county formally protested the beer stores' applications for renewal.

Whiteclay has a dozen permanent residents, but its four liquor stores sell millions of cans of beer each year, much of it to residents of the nearby Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where alcohol is banned. The village itself is a hub for vagrants and violence, and critics say Whiteclay beer sales contribute to a host of problems on the reservation, including rampant fetal alcohol syndrome.
KEARNEY  The teary-eyed officer, sitting in the defendants chair Thursday, mouthed thank you.

The jury of five men and seven women had just found Kearney Police Officer Derek Payton not guilty of felony assault after he shot Jose Klich after the man tried to flee last summer.

The jury deliberated about three hours. If he had been convicted, Payton would have faced up to 20 years in prison.

Outside the courtroom, defense attorney Charles Brewster said the takeaway is that the judicial process works.

I think the message this sends to law enforcement in this area and statewide and maybe even nationwide is that law enforcement officers can do their job the way that theyre trained and not be fearful of being charged with criminal acts when something bad happens, he said.

Earlier, in a type of case rarely played out in a Nebraska courtroom, Payton's defense attorney had argued that a guilty verdict would lead to hesitation by law enforcement officers across the state.

If they have hesitation, were going to have dead cops, Brewster told the jury in closing arguments in a nearly full courtroom. "Thats a problem.

But, the prosecutor countered, a guilty verdict wouldnt send a message that if officers use deadly force theyll end up in a courtroom.

If youre going to send a message, its that were going to hold people to the same standard. No matter who you are, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Doug Warner said.

Payton had been accused of going outside the bounds when he fired three times at Klich on the night of Sunday, June 5. Klitch, who was hit once in the torso, has recovered.

Whenever an officer fires his gun with the intent to kill, its a serious matter," Warner said.

Brewster argued self defense during the four-day criminal trial. But Warner said the incident, caught on video, showed Payton coming out of his cruiser hot, gun drawn, with no clear reason.

In the 7 p.m. stop, Klich didnt appear to be speeding away from Payton, who was following without his lights on. Klich pulled into a parking spot in a lot, nose facing a building.

Payton said he recognized the white Pontiac as one seen near a Lexus driven by a known drug dealer in Kearney. Brewster said Payton "smelled a rat and went to investigate.

And I dont see whats wrong with that. Thats his job, the defense attorney said.

When Klich got out, Payton asked him to get back inside, and Klich complied. But then, Klich started the car.

Brewster  who painted it as a case of a good cop vs. a bad guy, a former Marine against a meth addict and twice-convicted felon  told jurors to imagine if a mad man was driving a car around and they had to dodge it.

"Because thats what happened here, he said.

Unfortunately, because of Klichs actions, things went nuts, not because of Officer Payton, Brewster said.

He told the jury they needed to trust Payton and that he did the right thing.

Warner said while officers have the legal right to use deadly force if someone is trying to run them over or otherwise threaten their lives, they cant use it simply to stop a fleeing car, which he said is what happened.

Klichs first move was away from Payton -- not toward him, he said.

The video shows Klich backing slowly until contacting Paytons leg. Payton says hell shoot and orders him to stop several times, then darts alongside the passenger side of the car as Klich maneuvers to drive away. When Payton fired the shots, he wasnt in the path of the car.

This is not second-guessing, Warner said. This is inquiring, or asking what this officer is trying to accomplish.

He said people like Klich arent dealt with on the street by shooting them. Theres a process.

The jury got the case at 11 Thursday morning and returned a verdict a little after 2 p.m.

As Paytons supporters lined up in the courtroom to hug him, some questioned out loud whether the case should have been charged at all.

Brewster said that decision was up to the Nebraska Attorney Generals office.

This is the result that we got, he said.

Payton didnt comment. But when asked if he will interact differently on the job as a result of the experience, Brewster said Payton is "a pro, in every sense of the word."

"I think that hell go back to work, and I think that hell be as good an officer as he ever was -- and maybe even better.
Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee encourages cardiologists to continue using conventional metal stents (pictured), instead of the newer bioresorbable option. Credit: Tommie Morelos/TTUHSC El Paso.

In a New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) editorial published last week, Debabrata Mukherjee, M.D., provides expert commentary on bioresorbable stents, an alternative to the traditional stents used in patients with cardiac conditions. In his editorial, Dr. Mukherjee encourages cardiologists to continue using conventional drug-eluting stents, instead of the newer bioresorbable option.

Conventional stents have had their drawbacks for years. Made of stiff metal, the round, tubular structure is inserted into a narrowed artery to open up the pathway and improve blood flow. The drug-eluting stent is a step above this bare-metal structure; it's a device coated in an anti-tissue growth medication that's slowly released into the bloodstream upon insertion, preventing any recurrence of blockage.

"If you think about it, stents are pieces of metal that are permanently placed into the heart and people were not born with metal in their hearts; it's not normal and it may sometimes cause problems," Dr. Mukherjee explains. "Just by being there, the stent will affect the blood vessel lining."

Blood clots and scar tissue are more likely to form where a stent has been placed. There's also a possibility that the stent will fail and the artery will become blocked again at the same location, an effect known as restenosis.

"That's why bioresorbable stents were invented," Dr. Mukherjee says. "The premise is that you want to put in a stent that will go away completely after a few years, fixing the problem of potential side effects."

The first bioresorbable stent was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2016. Marketed as Absorb, the device naturally dissolves in the body three years after implant, helping the artery heal more naturally.

But this up-and-coming device is not all it's cracked up to be, Dr. Mukherjee warns.

In its most recent clinical trial, published in the NEJM in March, Absorb was tied to an increased risk of device thrombosisa dangerous side effect where a blood clot forms on the stent itself. While thrombosis formed in just eight patients with a drug-eluting stent, it occurred in 31 patients who had an Absorb implant.

In his review of the study, Dr. Mukherjee writes, "Because the current generation of metallic drug-eluting stents is associated with excellent outcomes, there is little rationale to use bioresorbable vascular scaffolds at this time."

"Bioresorbable stents cost more than the typical metallic stent and they take longer for cardiologists to insert," he further explains. "They are also no more effective, and less safe. As a physician, why I am going to use something that costs me more if it can cause risk or harm to my patients?"

He adds that while long-term, increased anti-clotting medicine may reduce thrombus formation with Absorb, the side effects of bleeding risk are likely not worth the risk.

Dr. Mukherjee acknowledges that the bioresorbable stents are a good idea in theory, and hopes that the next generation of the device will have improved results. He recommends that manufacturers focus on creating stents with quicker reabsorption rates, thinner struts and improved strength.

Dr. Mukherjee is the chief of cardiovascular medicine and chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso). He was invited to comment on the release of new clinical trial results based on his expertise in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Mukherjee received his Doctor of Medicine from India's Government Medical College and completed a fellowship in interventional cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Provided by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso
Penn yoga session. Credit: Penn Medicine

Men who attended a structured yoga class twice a week during prostate cancer radiation treatment reported less fatigue and better sexual and urinary function than those who didn't, according to a clinical trial led by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. It is the first randomized trial to look at the effect of twice-weekly yoga on the side-effects and quality of life issues caused by prostate cancer treatment. The results published this week in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics.

All of the patients in the trial underwent between six and nine weeks of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The patients were randomized into two groups: one arm participated in a yoga class that met twice a week and the other arm served as a control group. Patients who already practiced yoga on their own were not eligible for the study, nor were patients with a history of prior radiation therapy or those with metastatic disease.

Only two instructors led classes for this study, with the lead instructor teaching 75 percent of the classes. Each session lasted 75 minutes, beginning with five minutes of breathing and centering techniques and ending with five minutes of Savasana, a common yoga position. Typical sessions incorporated sitting, standing, and reclining positions that were modified using props to adapt to each patient's needs and restrictions.

Patients were primarily evaluated on their level of fatigue. Each man filled out a nine-item questionnaire assessing fatigue severity and impact on daily life. The first questionnaire was given between two and three weeks before the start of radiotherapy, then twice a week while receiving radiotherapy, with a final survey filled out within a week of their last yoga class or last radiation treatment, depending on the assigned study arm.

"At their baseline, before patients started treatment, patients in both groups were on the lower end of the scale, meaning they reported lower amounts of fatigue," said the trial's principal investigator Neha Vapiwala, MD, an associate professor of Radiation Oncology. "But as treatment went on, we observed a difference in the two groups." Patients in the yoga group reported lower fatigue scores over time, as they attended more yoga sessions, relative to where they started. Patients who did not participate in yoga trended in the opposite direction, reporting greater fatigue as treatment progressed.

"Levels of patient-reported fatigue are expected to increase by around the fourth or fifth week of a typical treatment course, but that did not happen in the yoga group," Vapiwala said. "Both the severity of the fatigue as well as the patients' ability to go about their normal lives appeared to be positively impacted in the yoga group."

Researchers also evaluated both groups in terms of their sexual health. Sexual dysfunction - including but not limited to erectile dysfunction (ED) - is reported by up to 85 percent of radiation therapy patients during treatment, often due to the concurrent use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The study utilized the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, in which scores range from 0-25. Scores greater than 21 are considered normal and scores below 12 indicate moderate to severe ED. Both groups started out with scores of around 11, and were balanced in terms of ADT exposure; but while the yoga group's score ended up largely unchanged from baseline, the non-yoga group saw a decline over the course of treatment.

"Yoga is known to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which is one of several postulated theories that may explain why this group did not demonstrate declining scores, as seen in the control group," Vapiwala said. "That may also explain the yoga patients' improved urinary function scores, another finding of this trial." Vapiwala pointed out that the findings on improved or stable urinary function are consistent with other research on the effects of physical therapy on pelvic floor muscles.

The trial also found that while the emotional well-being of both groups increased as patients progressed through treatment, the evaluation scores in the yoga group rose more rapidly than in the control group. An evaluation of physical well-being showed a similar pattern.

More information: Avital Mazar Ben-Josef et al, Impact of Eischens Yoga During Radiation Therapy on Prostate Cancer Patient Symptoms and Quality of Life: A Randomized Phase II Trial, International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics (2017). Journal information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics Avital Mazar Ben-Josef et al, Impact of Eischens Yoga During Radiation Therapy on Prostate Cancer Patient Symptoms and Quality of Life: A Randomized Phase II Trial,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.03.043
A study volunteer receives inoculation at Redemption Hospital in Monrovia on the opening day in Liberia of PREVAC, a Phase 2 Ebola vaccine trial in West Africa. Credit: NIAID

The French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in collaboration with health authorities in Guinea and Liberia, are launching a large clinical trial of candidate Ebola vaccines under the aegis of the PREVAC international consortium (Partnership for Research on Ebola VACcination).

This trial seeks to identify vaccination regimens that hold the most promise to protect people from Ebola virus disease in order to prevent or quickly control a future outbreak. More than 5,000 adults and children living in countries at the epicenter of the 2014-16 West Africa Ebola epidemic will be enrolled. An additional site in Sierra Leone is also being planned. The PREVAC trial results from a research partnership that involves Inserm, NIH, LSHTM, and the West African Clinical Research Consortium1. The pharmaceutical companies Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Bavarian Nordic and Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp (MSD outside USA and Canada), are supplying the experimental vaccines being tested in the PREVAC trial.

The trial will compare three experimental Ebola vaccination strategies with placebo regimens. It will be conducted in two stages, the first stage to take place in Guinea and Liberia. In Guinea, the trial is being conducted under the sponsorship of Inserm with the support of NIH and in collaboration with the Guinean authorities, and involves a partnership with the non-governmental organization ALIMA (The Alliance for International Medical Action). The NIH is sponsoring the trial based in Liberia, under its collaboration with the Liberia Ministry of Health in the Partnership for Research on Ebola Virus in Liberia (PREVAIL). Pending confirmation of funding, LSHTM will sponsor the planned site in Sierra Leone working with the University of Sierra Leone's College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, which would conduct the study.

In its first stage, the trial will evaluate one of the three strategies, a prime-boost vaccination combining two different vaccines (one made by Janssen and the other by Bavarian Nordic) compared with a similar placebo regimen. Enrollment into this stage in Guinea and Liberia began on 27th March and 3rd April 2017, respectively. In a second stage, which is expected to start in the second half of 2017, the trial will evaluate all three vaccination strategies, including two additional strategies involving the Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp vaccine.

On 29 March 2016, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern caused by the Ebola outbreak.2 At the end of this epidemic, although important advances have been achieved, several questions remain regarding the durability of the immune response of candidate vaccines under development. PREVAC trial will evaluate the rapidity, intensity and duration of the immune responses generated by the various vaccination strategies, and the safety and tolerability of the various vaccines, particularly in children.

According to Yves Levy, Inserm Chairman and CEO; Anthony S. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH; and Peter Piot, Director of the LSHTM: "We, Inserm, NIH and LSHTM, have designed and launched this unique international research partnership with our colleagues from the West African countries most affected by Ebola virus disease to answer remaining questions regarding the safety and immunogenicity of candidate Ebola vaccine strategies and thereby enable us to better fight future Ebola outbreaks."

The first stage of the PREVAC study will evaluate a prime-boost strategy that includes the Janssen and Bavarian Nordic experimental vaccines:

Ad26.ZEBOV administered as a first dose followed 8 weeks later by MVA-BN-Filo as a booster dose.3 This vaccination strategy will be compared to an identical regimen in terms of dosage and duration, but made up of two placebos.

The second stage of the PREVAC study will evaluate all three strategies: the one used in the first stage, and two different regimens involving the experimental Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp vaccine:

rVSV?G-ZEBOV-GP 4 administered as a first dose followed 8 weeks later by a booster dose of the same vaccine

administered as a first dose followed 8 weeks later by a booster dose of the same vaccine rVSV?G-ZEBOV-GP administered as a first dose followed 8 weeks later by an inert placebo Each of these vaccination strategies will be compared to an identical regimen in terms of dosage and duration, but made up of two placebos.

PREVAC in Brief

Currently, there is no approved vaccine to prevent Ebola virus disease, although some vaccines are at late stages of development. To better prepare for Ebola outbreaks and help contain them in future, it is essential to pursue research on vaccination strategies to prevent Ebola virus disease.

PREVAC (Partnership for Research on Ebola VACcination), is a research consortium that brings together the health authorities of three countries in West AfricaGuinea, Liberia and Sierra Leoneand their international partners, the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) in France, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (NIAID/NIH) in the United States, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in the United Kingdom. Additional partners in the consortium include the NGO field partner Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA). The pharmaceutical companies Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Bavarian Nordic and Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp (MSD outside USA and Canada), are supplying the experimental vaccines being tested in the PREVAC trial.

The PREVAC trial is a Phase 2 clinical trial being conducted in West Africa. It is a randomised trial that aims to compare three experimental Ebola vaccination strategies with placebos in order to determine whether these strategies are safe and able to trigger a durable immune response that can protect against Ebola virus disease. In the first stage, the trial intends to enroll up to 600 participants 12 years or older. In the second stage, the trial intends to enroll 4,900 participants: 3,500 healthy adults aged 18 years or older, and 1,400 children aged 1-17 years. The study will initially be conducted at two sites in Guinea (Conakry/Landreah and Maferinyah) and one site in Liberia (Monrovia), with an additional site in Sierra Leone awaiting confirmation.

The main objectives of the PREVAC Ebola vaccine trial are as follows:

To further explore the safety of three Ebola vaccination strategies and their ability to trigger a protective

To assess these vaccination strategies in the general population and in important groups, such as children, for which there is only limited information available

To obtain information on the duration of the immune response induced by the vaccines

In Guinea, two vaccination centres have been established, one in Conakry (in an urban area) and the other in Maferinyah (in a rural area). Liberia has one vaccination site in Monrovia.

According to Yazdan Yazdanpanah, PREVAC Principal Investigator, "Our challenge is to identify one or more safe, effective, and durable vaccines in order to prevent or control the next Ebola outbreak, for both adults and children."

"ALIMA's medical teams were at the front line in caring for patients with Ebola virus disease in Guinea. Today we know that this virus may reappear at any time. We therefore want to continue to support the population by pursuing the search for a vaccine capable of protecting the population from future epidemics," says Solenne Barbe, Programme Manager for ALIMA.

After the enrollment period, the participants will be followed up frequently at regular visits for at least 12 months. Teams of physicians, researchers and anthropologists will work in partnership in the field to ensure that the trial runs smoothly, and to answer questions from study participants and potential volunteers. Study staff will monitor participants' health, record any side effects, and obtain blood samples at follow-up visits after the vaccinations.

An independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will closely monitor safety and immune response information throughout the trial. Children under the age of 12 years will not be enrolled initially. The DSMB will first examine data in children ages 12 to 17 years to determine if it is safe to expand the trial to children ages five to 11 years. After another review of safety data, the DSMB will consider whether vaccination of children ages one to four years can begin.

There is no risk to participants in this trial of becoming infected with Ebola by the study vaccines. The vaccines being tested are not live Ebola virus. They contain a single gene coding for a single protein from the Ebola virus. This protein cannot cause infection. The principle is the same as for many other existing vaccines.
Magnetic resonance investigation. Credit: Thor Balkhed

Taking tissue samples from the liver to diagnose fatty liver can be replaced in most cases by a painless magnetic resonance investigation. This is the conclusion of a new study from Linkoping University in Sweden, published in the scientific journal Gastroenterology. The authors propose that the current value considered to be a normal amount of fat in the liver should be lowered.

Excess energy from food and drink can be stored in fat cells, or it can be stored as fat in the liver. The condition fatty liver has long been associated with unhealthy alcohol consumption. There is, however, a close correlation also between overweight and fatty liver, and the condition is in this case known as "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease", or "NAFLD".

Around 25% of adults in Sweden have NAFLD, many without knowing about it. The condition is often discovered as an incidental finding when people visit a doctor for something else, and the doctor takes blood samples that suggest that the liver is affected. Most people who have fatty liver will not experience impaired liver function. In some cases, however, scar tissue forms and liver cirrhosis can arise. This is a serious medical condition with possibly severe complications.

The standard method used to diagnose fatty liver is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, from the liver. A doctor examines the liver sample in a microscope and assesses the amount of fat present. Taking a biopsy can involve some discomfort for the patient, and there is a small risk of profuse bleeding, so researchers are attempting to develop non-invasive investigations that do not require sticking needles into the liver.

Microscopy image of liver. White areas represent accumulated fat. Fat content in this individual was 12 %, according to analysis of the biopsy, as well as magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Credit: Patrik Nasr

In the new study, researchers wanted to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance spectroscopy, or MRS, of fatty liver by comparing it with the conventional biopsy method. The study involved 94 people who were being investigated for elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Magnetic resonance technology can measure the percentage of the liver weight that consists of fat, even when this percentage is very low. Currently a level of 5% fat in the liver is considered to be the limit for a diagnosis of fatty liver by MRS.

"We know, however, that some people with a fat level in the liver lower than 5% suffer liver damage. Our study shows that everyone who had as low as 3% fat in the liver, as determined by MRS, was assessed to have a fatty liver when a tissue biopsy was examined in the microscope. Reducing the cut-off to 3% fat will still give us 100% accuracy in diagnosis, but we will find significantly more people who have fatty liver. These will receive an explanation for their elevated liver enzyme levels from this more gentle investigation," says Stergios Kechagias, professor in internal medicine at the Department of Medical and Health Sciences and consultant at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Linkoping University Hospital.

Fatty liver increases the risk of developing diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease. But the good news is that the amount of fat in the liver can be reduced by lifestyle changes, and this significantly reduces the risk of disease. MRS makes it possible to follow small changes in the amount of fat in the liver and how it changes with time, without needing to take tissue samples from the liver.

"This is a good example of research in advanced medical physics that is very close to clinical application," says Peter Lundberg, adjunct professor in magnetic resonance physics at the Department of Medical and Health Sciences and associated with the Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV). He has led the study together with Stergios Kechagias.

More information: Patrik Nasr et al. Using a 3% Proton Density Fat Fraction as a Cut-off Value Increases Sensitivity of Detection of Hepatic Steatosis, Based on Results from Histopathology Analysis, Gastroenterology (2017). Journal information: Gastroenterology Patrik Nasr et al. Using a 3% Proton Density Fat Fraction as a Cut-off Value Increases Sensitivity of Detection of Hepatic Steatosis, Based on Results from Histopathology Analysis,(2017). DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.03.005
Jamie Kurtzig, 12, holds some of her hybrid closed-loop system equipment. Credit: Kurtzig family

At 19 months old, Jamie Kurtzig was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. For the next 10 years, her parents would wake up every three hours during the night to prick their daughter's finger so they could check her blood glucose level. If her blood glucose was too low, they gave her food to avoid seizures or a loss of consciousness. If it was too high, they gave her an insulin injection to bring the level down to a normal range.

"It's caused a kind of PTSD for my husband and me," said Sara Kurtzig, who lives with her daughter and husband in Marin, California.

But for the past year, they've been able to sleep through most nights. That's because Jamie started using a hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system in 2016, thanks to a clinical trial at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and Stanford Medicine that assessed the system's use in children ages 7 to 14.

"The closed-loop system has completely changed our lives," Sara said. "It took me a month to trust it, but now I can go to bed at 11 p.m. and wake up at 6:30 a.m. almost every night."

The system is among the methods being tested by researchers at the School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in their efforts to find easier ways for younger children with type 1 diabetes to get the doses of insulin they need.

Bruce Buckingham, MD, professor of pediatric endocrinology, directs clinical trials of the closed-loop system, which modulates insulin delivery based on glucose sensor readings measured every five minutes. He called the system a "historic advance" for diabetes care.

"With this system, patients can achieve very reliable and safe overnight glucose control, mitigating overnight highs and lows with minimal manual intervention," said Buckingham, who treats patients at Packard Children's. The improved glucose control dramatically decreases the risk for overnight seizures and long-term complications associated with type 1 diabetes.

type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that brings glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells to be used as energy. Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose as energy. Too much insulin can cause severe low blood glucose levels, which can result in seizures, loss of consciousness and, in worst-case scenarios, death. Too little insulin can lead to high blood glucose levels and long-term complications. That's why people with type 1 diabetes have to frequently check their glucose levels.

Clinical trials lead to FDA-approved devices

In September 2016, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association detailed the successful multicenter trial of a hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system for patients with type 1 diabetes over the age of 14. Later that month, the FDA announced approval of the device tested in the study, the Medtronic MiniMed 670G system, for that age group.

The system, commonly referred to as an artificial pancreas, works by wirelessly linking an insulin pump and a glucose monitor. While some of the testing and blood-sugar adjustments can be made by the system, patients must still perform these tasks themselves prior to eating.

Buckingham, a co-author of the article, receives research support from Medtronic. He noted that Stanford conducted the initial studies on this system at a camp for children with diabetes in 2014.

"We are not yet to the point where these systems have been tested in all age groups or where they truly mimic all functions of a human pancreas, so there is more work to do," said Buckingham. Among the challenges: Current hybrid closed-loop systems still require patients to assess the amount of food (carbohydrates) they are eating and to deliver an insulin dose through their pump before meals.

Buckingham and his closed-loop team at Stanford continue to work toward improving the system. Their efforts include testing and adapting these devices for younger children as well as testing systems with different user interfaces and different methodologies that adjust for exercise and insulin delivery at meals.

Helping younger patients and their families

The sensor inserted into Jamies arm monitors her glucose levels and communicates the data to her insulin pump. She is especially happy it can stay on while swimming. Credit: Kurtzig family

The hybrid closed-loop system has other advantages, as well. Twelve-year-old Jamie Kurtzig, now old enough to want the freedom to do things like attend sleepovers at a friend's house, said, "When the system is in auto mode, it monitors my blood sugar every five minutes and keeps up the proper basal rate [of insulin]. Now I only have to check blood sugar four times a day. In the past, I had to check it a lot more, even up to 12 times a day."

Buckingham noted that the advance wouldn't be possible without the willingness of people like the Kurtzigs to participate in trials. "We have been very fortunate to have a diabetes community that's interested in doing studies and collaborating with us," he said.

Knowing that the device is not yet FDA approved for children younger than 14, Sara Kurtzig is committed to the importance of participating in trials.

"We've had such a positive experience and have reached a new level of stability in Jamie's glucose control. So if we can play a part in making this technology available to all type 1 diabetes patients, it feels like we are really making a difference," she said.

Jamie blogs about her experience and said the device has given her both freedom and responsibility she didn't have before. "I do more things for myself now, but I still have to deliver insulin manually when I'm eating carbs because it doesn't do that on its own yet," she said.

The Kurtzigs believe the improved control Jamie has seen with her closed-loop system has been worth the pricks, pokes and inconveniences that come with it. "I wanted to sleep better and I wanted my mom to sleep better. I also really wanted to help other families and to contribute to science all around the world. Because of the trial, I really feel like I get to be a part of diabetes history," Jamie said.

Refining the systems

The goal of hybrid closed-loop systems is to make patients' diabetes care less of a burden and to keep their glucose values in a safe range so they can be healthier. To make further progress toward this goal, the Stanford team has been part of a multicenter, NIH-funded study group that is trying to eliminate the need for patients to give themselves an insulin dose (or bolus, as it is known in the diabetes world) before eatingan onerous task, particularly when it has to be done at every snack and every meal.

"In today's closed-loop systems, the insulin comes on a little slower and lasts a little longer than we would like," said Buckingham. "Those lag times make it difficult to provide insulin delivery for a meal in a full closed-loop system. We are looking forward to working with fast-acting insulinsand more rapid deliveryto improve meal glucose control and decrease the daytime burden of diabetes."

To that end, Stanford is the only institution involved in four National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases research projects, which begin in the 2017-018 fiscal year. The projects will test multiple automated, closed-loop devices in what could be the final steps before requesting regulatory approval for permanent use.

Korey Hood, PhD, professor of pediatrics and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the School of Medicine, will lead the pediatric diabetes psychology research team that is investigating how to best help children and their families use these systems, and is partnering with Buckingham on the research.

"Part of our mission is to ensure that the system will be used properly by young patients, meaning that it has the desired impact on both a patient's health and quality of life," Hood said. "To that end, we evaluate the user experience by administering surveys and focus groups, and then we use those responses to generate new strategies and solutions to help the closed-loop system user."

Testing the "bionic pancreas"

Because the pancreas controls glucose both by releasing insulin to lower glucose levels and by releasing glucagon to raise glucose levels, another approach to closed-loop control is to give both insulin and glucagon. Stanford has participated in an NIH-funded, multicenter study that is testing the "bionic pancreas" developed at Boston University. This system has the potential to eliminate the need for carbohydrate counting before meals while also preventing hypoglycemia through the provision of glucagon. Lancet recently published an article on this study.

David Maahs, MD, the new division chief of pediatric endocrinology at Packard Children's, said the program will continue "paving the way for better care, not just for our patients at Packard Children's, but for people with type 1 diabetes everywhere."

More information: Richard M. Bergenstal et al. Safety of a Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery System in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes, JAMA (2016). Richard M. Bergenstal et al. Safety of a Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery System in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes,(2016). DOI: 10.1001/jama.2016.11708 Firas H El-Khatib et al. Home use of a bihormonal bionic pancreas versus insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: a multicentre randomised crossover trial, The Lancet (2017). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32567-3 Journal information: The Lancet , Journal of the American Medical Association
The neuropsychological profiles of murderers who solely kill children differ significantly from the profiles of those who kill both children and adults in the same homicidal act, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study.

Homicide with a child victim is one of the rarest and least understood categories of homicide. Identifying the differences in the two types of killers adds to the very limited research on the topic and could help predict which children may be at risk.

Individuals who solely kill children tend to have relatively low intelligence, poor communication skills and problem-solving abilities, and often are mentally ill. Individuals who murder only children also tend to kill impulsively with manual methods (e.g. beating, drowning), compared to individuals who murder children and one or more adults in the same homicidal act.

Those individuals who murder children and adults together tend to commit premeditated killings and use weapons. They have normal intelligence but antisocial traits and substance abuse that resulted in the killings.

"This study suggests many reasons some children may be at extreme risk of severe physical abuse and murder, which points to different preventive actions," said lead author Dr. Robert Hanlon, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine neuropsychologist.

The study was published March 27 in the journal Criminal Justice and Behavior.

The goal of the study was to examine the demographic, criminological, psychiatric and cognitive profiles of a group of homicide offenders who killed children.

Previous studies have primarily focused on women who killed infants and children. The current study expanded the focus to include both men and women who murdered children.

Eleven of the 27 men and two of the six women offenders in the study killed their own children. Many offenders in the current study murdered the children of friends and relatives. The homicide offenders in the study were responsible for the murders of 51 children.

Participants included 33 men and six women charged with and convicted of first-degree murder in Illinois, Missouri or Indiana. They were referred for forensic neuropsychological evaluations in relation to the assessment of fitness to stand trial, criminal responsibility or sentencing.

The mean age was 32 years. Approximately half (48.5 percent) of the sample was African American; 36.4 percent was Caucasian; 12.1 percent was Hispanic; and 3 percent was of other race/ethnicity. The majority was single (60.6 percent.)

"Many of the children in this study were murdered by the boyfriends of their mothers in impulsive acts of violence," Hanlon said. "Working with these individuals on anger management and nonviolent decision-making may help reduce the risk of harm to children."

As for individuals who killed both children and adults and executed premeditated, planned murders, warning signs like classic antisocial attitudes and behaviors may be more critical to address, Hanlon said.

"We were surprised by how few of these individuals matched the narrow media stereotype of psychotic mothers being the ones who kill children," Hanlon said. "Our findings caution us to challenge assumptions about the murder of children and encourage us to pay close attention to specific deficits, characteristics and situations that put children at risk."
Credit: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Social capabilities (working conditions and other benefits) can be decisive in the return of scientific talent. This is one of the main conclusions of a study carried out by a team of researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and the Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA). This research was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

The study was prepared with the collaboration of a total of 811 researchers, 293 of whom belong to health fields (147 young researchers in Spain, 114 Spanish scientists abroad and 32 from scientists that have returned to Spain). It concludes that there are a series of variables that indicate the incentives of young researchers and scientists from the field of health sciences to leave and to return.

In the case of Spanish scientists abroad, the results show that, along with salaries, the most decisive variables are basically centered on differential advantages of the destination sites, specifically, research career, training, funding and institutional prestige. However, in the case of scientists who return to the country, these decisive differential advantages are less influential. More important are aspects linked to social capabilities (working conditionsvacations, number of hours of workand complementary benefitsparental leave, job insurance, and quality of retirement pensions, among others).

From this it can be affirmed that "Spanish health organizations can influence the return of their scientists," according to the researchers of the study. Thus, the implementation of attractive policies that combine differential advantages with an intensification of social capabilities can end up being decisive not only for the return but also for the permanence and stability of Spanish researchers.

These policies can materialize in public-private collaboration initiatives, which would make it possible to obtain resources from companies (payments for social insurance or day care centers, for example). Moreover, among other measures, the labor integration of researchers in hospitals and companies or entrepreneurial support can be furthered with the goal of promoting new lines of research.

The conclusions of this study have implications for the improvement of national public health services, as adequate mobility of researchers allows rapid incorporation of new knowledge in clinical practice to improve the quality of life as well as the life expectancy of citizens.

In addition, the results of the research could be useful for more effective and efficient management of health services. These results could also help in the development of new drugs, vaccines, medical devices or equipment with the possibility of improving diagnoses and treatments of patients and becoming a new source of wealth and employment.

More information: Pedro Aceituno-Aceituno et al. Cumulative advantages and social capabilities in scientific mobility in the Health Sciences: The Spanish case, PLOS ONE (2017). Journal information: PLoS ONE Pedro Aceituno-Aceituno et al. Cumulative advantages and social capabilities in scientific mobility in the Health Sciences: The Spanish case,(2017). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173204
Cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer in men. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age and is quite rare in men under 50. One in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Prostate cancer can develop slowly, so there might be no sign of symptoms for years. It happens when the prostate has become enlarged enough to affect the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis).

Symptoms may include:

passing urine more often

getting up in the night to empty your bladder

difficulty passing urine

a sudden strong urge to empty your bladder

leaking urine after passing urine

blood in urine or semen

erection problems

Although it is important to remember that non-cancerous prostate enlargement is also a very common cause of the symptoms listed above, it is important to book an appointment with your GP as soon as you notice any symptoms.

For further information on prostate cancer please click here.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare cancer, with approximately 2200 new cases diagnosed in the UK each year. Around 47 per cent of men diagnosed with this disease will be under the age of 35. If caught at an early stage, men can expect a high cure rate with 98 per cent of men disease free at one year. If caught at any stage 96 per cent of men will be alive 10 years after treatment.

It is vital to perform a self-check each month. This page on the Orchid charity website provides information on how to do this.

It is important to remember that cancers found early are the most easily and successfully treated.

Common symptoms of testicular cancer include:

a lump or swelling in part of one testicle  cancerous lumps can be any size, as small as a pea or much larger

testicular cancer is not usually painful, but some men report feeling a sharp pain in the scrotum as a first symptom

the scrotum may feel heavy

If you do find anything out of the ordinary, please book an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible.
The HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) is an investigational chronic mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device intended for a broad range of advanced heart failure patients. Credit: Abbott

A six-month analysis of the pivotal MOMENTUM 3 trial found that patients implanted with the new HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist system (LVAS) had fewer adverse clotting and bleeding events than patients implanted with the control, HeartMate II LVAS.

In this randomized, non-blinded study, a multi-institutional team found that 69 percent of the 151 patients who received Abbott's Heartmate 3 survived without any bleeding or clotting-related adverse events, compared to 55 percent of those who received the Heartmate II. Both devices are made by Abbott.

The results were announced April 6 in a late-breaking session at the 2017 meeting of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation in San Diego and simultaneously published in the journal Circulation.

The researchers also devised a novel scoring system - the HemoCompatibility Score (HCS) - to quantify the burden of such events and their clinical relevance. Lower scores are better.

"For the HCS, mild events, such as two or fewer non-surgical bleeding episodes, receive one point," explained Nir Uriel, MD, professor of medicine and director of the heart failure, transplant and mechanical circulatory support programs at the University of Chicago. "A non-disabling stroke is assessed at 2 points. An operation to replace the device gets 3 points. A disabling stroke gets 4 points."

Patients with the HeartMate 3 had fewer of these adverse events - 28 percent of patients versus 38 percent for those on HeartMate II. Those on HeartMate 3 tended to have bleeding events, which are less likely to be severe. Those on HeartMate II had both bleeding and clotting events. They spent more time in the hospital.

The HeartMate II is a first-line intermediate-to-chronic left ventricular assist device. Credit: Abbott

There were 14 deaths overall in the first 30 days on the pump. Five of those patients were on the HeartMate 3; nine were on the HeartMate II.

The HeartMate 3 consequently scored numerically better on the HCS, collecting only 101 points, compared to 137 points acquired by the smaller group on HeartMate II. Those in whom the HCS score was higher, however, were less healthy overall. They were older, and also less likely to take aspirin to prevent blood clots.

Two thirds of the patients on the HeartMate 3 had no adverse events for six months, compared to half of those on the HeartMate II.

Overall, "patients implanted with the HeartMate 3 gained a significant increase in freedom from adverse events, driven predominantly by a reduction in non-disabling strokes and complete absence of pump thrombosis, compared with the HeartMate II," said senior author Mandeep R. Mehra, MD, medical director of the Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart and Vascular Center and chairman of the publications committee for MOMENTUM 3.

"No patients on the HeartMate 3 had pump-related clotting, requiring a pump reoperation," Mehra noted. "There was also no difference in disabling strokes, a typically devastating complication."

The Heartmate 3 has certain potential advantages because it was "designed to prevent thrombosis," Uriel explained. It was engineered to be less destructive to blood cells as they are swept through the pump and into the aorta. "It has a frictionless rotor, wide gaps for permissive blood flow and reduced shear stress," he said.

The study has significant limitations, the authors note. It followed a small number of patients for a limited time. It is difficult to distinguish between late post-operative bleeding, pre-existing issues such as a bleeding gastric ulcer, and early pump-related blood loss. The MOMENTUM 3 trial is "evaluating its long-term outcomes and hemocompatibility-related adverse-event profiles," Mehra said. "These will become clearer in subsequent analyses."
Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers

A new study has shown that women with intellectual and developmental disabilities had nearly twice the risk of a hospital or emergency department visit with the first few weeks after giving birth compared to women without these disabilities. The researchers reported their results and how medical versus psychiatric reasons contributed to the differences in the need for acute postpartum care in Journal of Women's Health.

Hilary Brown, PhD, and coauthors from Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada, and University of Ottawa, Canada, concluded that the higher rates of postpartum hospital and emergency department visits among women with intellectual and development disabilities demonstrates the potential vulnerability of these women to postpartum complications and the need for more preventive care. They discuss the potential implications of their findings in the article entitled "Postpartum Acute Care Utilization Among Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities."

An Editorial in Journal of Women's Health by Monika Mitra, PhD, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, emphasizes the additional postpartum challenges this population of women face, including limited social and emotional support and significant disparities in maternal and birth outcomes. In additional to these challenges, these women "are faced with significant discrimination that likely reflects societal bias against them," states Dr. Mitra in the article "Postpartum Health of Women with Intellectual and Development Disabilities: A Call to Action."

"Whereas it has been clear that women with disabilities are more likely to have pregnancy complications, this study sheds light on the greater health risks these women face during the postpartum period," says Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Women's Health, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA, and President of the Academy of Women's Health. "These results emphasize the need to monitor these patients more closely and consider safeguards that could lower their risk for postpartum health issues."

More information: Hilary K. Brown et al, Postpartum Acute Care Utilization Among Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Journal of Women's Health (2017). Journal information: Journal of Women's Health Hilary K. Brown et al, Postpartum Acute Care Utilization Among Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,(2017). DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2016.5979
Credit: The City University of New York

As counties and cities around the country look for ways to reduce the levels of pretrial detention, a new report from the Misdemeanor Justice Project (MJP) at John Jay College of Criminal Justice examines trends in custody status including bail amount set, length of stay, and discharge status for individuals admitted to the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) from 2000 to 2015. According to the study, the average pretrial length of stay increased significantly over a fifteen year period, 2000 to 2015, even as the admissions for pretrial detention decreased by almost half.

President Jeremy Travis and Professor Preeti Chauhan presented key findings of the report this morning at a forum co-sponsored by the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City.

"With the support of Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito, the Lippman Commission's recommendation for significant reductions in the City's jail population now moves from concept to implementation. Two overarching findings of this report shed light on that challenge," said President Travis. "First, as the number of New Yorkers held in Department of Correction custody has dropped sharply over twenty years, the profile of admissions to corrections custody has changed dramatically. Second, even though average bail amounts and length of stay have increased, the analyses reveal many areas for reform that could further reduce the DOC population. Given the broad-based support for the goal of reducing New York's jail population, the stage is set for the next chapter in criminal justice reform."

The report, Trends in Custody: New York City Department of Correction, 2000-2015, shows that the profile of those admitted to DOC custody changed in important ways. The incoming cohorts were less likely to be admitted for felony drug charges. Further, the admissions cohorts reflected a higher percentage of individuals charged with violent crimes. By 2015, the highest crime category was admission for violent crimes.

"Understanding trends in custody is complex and impacted by the characteristics of those coming through the front door of corrections," said Professor Chauhan. "In this report, we examine trends in bail amount, length of stay and discharge status by charge level and category, demographics and borough, and seek to provide background information about how the pretrial admissions population has changed over time. We hope this report adds to a better understanding of those detained pretrial in New York City; an understudied group."

Key findings of the report include:

The average pretrial length of stay increased significantly, from 40 days to 55 days. The average pretrial length of stay for felony admissions increased from 62 days to 80 days and for misdemeanor admissions from 13 days to 17 days.

For pretrial admissions, the charge categories with the largest increases in pretrial length of stay were violent crimes, burglary, and weapon charges. The average pretrial length of stay for violent crimes increased from 89 days to 119 days (a 34.9 percent increase), for burglary increased from 71 to 96 days (a 35.1 percent increase), and for weapon charges increased from 40 to 72 days (a 78.4 percent increase).

The average bail amount set for pretrial admissions more than doubled, from approximately $7,800 to $16,800. Average bail amounts increased for felony admissions ($12,600 to $26,000) and misdemeanor admissions ($1,500 to $2,100).

For pretrial admissions, the highest proportion of discharges were for bail paid, 30.3 percent in 2000 and 35.4 percent in 2015. Discharges for ROR, the second highest proportion of discharges, accounted for 23.3 percent in 2000 and 21.5 percent in 2015. The average length of stay for these discharge categories increased from 10 days to 14 days and 30 days to 36 days, respectively.

Pretrial admissions that resulted in a transfer to state prison had the highest bail amount set and highest average length of stay. Notably, the average bail amount set this category increased from $22,560 to $74,253, an almost three-fold increase (229.1 percent); and the average length of stay increased from 170 days to 284 days, a 66.4 percent increase.

"Even as our city experiences record low crime, we still have much more work to do to improve our criminal justice system  especially when it comes to pretrial detention," said Richard Aborn, President of the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City. "And, as New York looks to close Rikers Island in the next decade, reforming pretrial detention is a critical step towards making our city more safe, just, and compassionate. The John Jay report clearly highlights the urgent need to change the way we detain individuals accused of a crime, each of whom has a right to a speedy trial granted by the 6th Amendment. I would like to thank John Jay for putting forth this insightful and important report."

More information: Trends in Custody: New York City Department of Correction, 2000-2015: Trends in Custody: New York City Department of Correction, 2000-2015: misdemeanorjustice.org/publica  orrection-2000-2015/
Driving is an example of when the patients benefit from osseoperception  perception arising from mechanical stimulation of an osseointegrated prosthesis. Credit: Susanne Lindholm

A new study has found that people with a prosthesis attached directly to their skeleton can hear by means of vibrations in their implant. This sound transmission through bones is an important part of osseoperception  sensory awareness of the patient's surroundings provided by their prosthesis. The discovery sheds new light on the tactile and auditory perception of humans and can be used to develop improved prostheses.

How can we help amputees regain tactile sensations and other natural feelings while grasping an object or walking on uneven ground?

An international group of researchers in Sweden and Italy offers a new answer. They have demonstrated for the first time that patients with implanted osseointegrated prostheses (ones attached directly to the skeleton) are able to perceive external stimuli better by hearing through their limb implants.

The investigation was conducted jointly in Sweden by Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and the University of Gothenburg; all collaborating closely with Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Italy.

In a recent paper in Nature Scientific Reports, the researchers presented a discovery that opens up new scenarios for developing novel artificial limbs. Even though the transmission of sound through skull bones is a well-known phenomenon, widely studied by Professor Bo Hakansson at Chalmers who was a participant in this study, it was not clear whether this also occurs through bones in the arms and legs and thus contribute to osseoperception  "feeling" arising from the mechanical stimulation of an osseointegrated prosthesis.

"Until now, the consensus was that the sense of touch played the primary role in osseoperception for patients with artificial limbs fixated into their skeletons", says Max Ortiz Catalan, head of the Biomechatronics and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory (BNL) at Chalmers and supervisor of the research.

Francesco Clemente, who conducted the experiments as a visiting PhD student at BNL from the Biorobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, comments:

"Using four different psychophysical tests, we have demonstrated that even subtle sensory stimuli can travel through the body and be perceived as sound. This hearing increases the individual's sensory awareness, even in patients with osseointegrated implants in their legs."

These results show that osseointegration, which allows for stable mechanical attachment of robotic prostheses directly to the skeleton through a titanium implant, improves patients' functionality, comfort, and ability to perceive the world around them.

The researchers tested twelve patients with various degrees of amputation, both upper and lower limb amputees. All tests indicated that patients could perceive mechanical vibrations applied to their titanium implants, through hearing as well as touch. In particular, and synchronously with the vibrations in their arms or legs, patients reported audible sound. During the experiments, the researchers found that subjects with osseointegrated prostheses could perceive very small stimuli and react more quickly to them due to additional perception by hearing.

"In practice, the stimuli received by the patients are perceived more strongly and carry more information because they are composed of two modalities; touch and hearing," says Max Ortiz Catalan. "This is an important step forward in understanding the osseoperception phenomenon and, more generally, the tactile and auditory perception of humans. This discovery may offer a new starting point for implementing novel prostheses that provide enriched sensory feedback to the user."

More information: Francesco Clemente et al. Touch and Hearing Mediate Osseoperception, Scientific Reports (2017). Journal information: Scientific Reports Francesco Clemente et al. Touch and Hearing Mediate Osseoperception,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/srep45363
(HealthDay)Stem cell-sheet transplantation shows promise in the treatment of cardiomyopathy, according to research published online April 5 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

In the new study, researchers used stem cells from the patient's own thigh muscle to create a patch they placed on the heart. That's in contrast to many past studies, where researchers have injected stem cellsoften from a patient's bone marrowinto the heart. The patch tactic could have some advantages, senior researcher Yoshiki Sawa, M.D., Ph.D., of Osaka University in Japan, told HealthDay. He said animal research suggests that cells in sheet form survive for a longer period, compared to injections.

To test the safety of the approach, Sawa's team recruited 27 patients who had debilitating symptoms despite standard heart failure therapies (15 ischemic cardiomyopathy patients and 12 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy). The scientists extracted stem cells from each patient's thigh muscle, then cultured the cells so that they formed a sheet. The sheet was placed on each patient's heart. The process appeared safe, the researchers said, and there were signs of symptom improvements over the next six months to a year.

The stem cells don't grow into new heart muscle cells. Instead, Sawa explained, they seem to produce cytokines that can promote new blood vessel growth in damaged areas of the heart. The theory, he said, is that "hibernating" cells in the heart muscle can then function better.

The authors' laboratory received funding for cooperative research in cell sheet from the TERUMO Company.

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators raises the possibility of identifying children with Down syndrome who may also have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without the need for expensive and inconvenient sleep studies. In their report that has been published online in the journal Sleep Medicine, the research team describes identifying urinary biomarkers that appear to distinguish between patients with Down syndrome with OSA and those without OSA. They also found overall differences in biomarkers between all study participants with Down syndrome and a control group of typically developing young people.

"How great would it be if one day soon we could collect a simple urine sample from patients with Down syndrome and predict whether or not they might have apnea," says Brian Skotko, MD, MPP, co-director of the MGH Down Syndrome Program, who led the study. "It would be such a low-cost way of screening for apnea, that would save many patients and their families the hassle and discomfort of an overnight sleep study."

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when an individual's airway is restricted or blocked during sleep by some physical feature. Affected individuals may briefly stop and then resume breathing. In addition to disturbing sleep, the reduction in oxygen supply can cause cardiovascular problems - including hypertension and arrhythmias - and metabolic issues. The effects that OSA has on typically developing individuals are exacerbated in those with Down syndrome because of their physical and cognitive differences.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that all children with Down syndrome undergo sleep studies to determine the presence of OSA by age 4, these studies - conducted in hospital sleep labs - can be expensive and are not available in all parts of the country. Some of those with Down syndrome - particularly young children or those with more complex behavioral needs - are unable to tolerate the procedure, which involves measuring patients' brain waves, heart rate, blood oxygen level and respiration as they sleep.

Research by study co-author David Gozal, MD, of the University of Chicago, previously identified differences in urinary biomarkers between neurotypical children who did and did not have OSA. The current study was designed to investigate whether similar biomarker patterns could also be identified in children with Down syndrome. From participants in a larger Down syndrome research study, the team enrolled 47 patients ages 3 to 12 and a control group of 43 typically developing children, of the same ages.

Study participants provided urine samples collected before and after they completed hospital sleep studies called polysomnograms. Not only were there differences between the urinary biomarkers of participants with Down syndrome who did and did not have OSA - with a combination of four neurotransmitters most clearly distinguishing between the two groups - but there also were significant differences between the biomarker signatures of all participants with Down syndrome and those of the neurotypical control participants, regardless of the presence or absence of OSA.

An assistant professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Skotko stresses that the results of this study - the first to examine urinary biomarker differences between children with and without Down syndrome - need to be confirmed in larger groups before biomarker screening can be used to screen for the presence of OSA. "Our findings are not yet ready for prime time," he says. "Before they can be used in clinical practice, we will need to validate these findings in a new group of patients with Down syndrome, which we are working on right now."

More information on this work is available at http://www.massgeneral.org/children/research/researchlab.aspx?id=1568.

More information: Ibrahim Elsharkawi et al, Urinary Biomarkers and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Down Syndrome, Sleep Medicine (2017). Journal information: Sleep Medicine Ibrahim Elsharkawi et al, Urinary Biomarkers and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Down Syndrome,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.02.005
Root, in partnership with Standard Bank, will soon launch a lightweight bank account which comes with a programmable credit card, online banking interface, mobile app, and APIs.

Root is an OfferZen project, with Standard Bank providing the underlying banking service and the regulatory framework.

Root was co-founded by Louw Hopley, an entrepreneur who previously launched an iPhone app development company operating between New York and Silicon Valley.

He returned to South Africa to start Root, with the aim of eliminating the barrier to entry for innovation in the financial sector.

A Root account enables any software developer to build a fintech product without special access to the banking world.

Developers are able to create solutions to problems in almost any industry, but are severely limited in the fintech space by massive starting costs and barriers to entry, said Malan Joubert, co-founder of OfferZen.

Root is our experiment to change that fundamentally.

It is like a 24/7/365 hackathon that allows any developer to build life-enabling apps or solutions, said John Campbell, Head: Standard Bank EDGE.

Instead of relying only on people who work for Standard Bank, we are giving any developer the power to create opportunities or solve problems they experience.

The Root account and RootCode

At the centre of the account is the Root credit card, which is developer friendly and allows a user to write code that interacts with transactions in real-time.

The code, dubbed RootCode, is securely stored in the cloud by Root.

Through RootCode and other APIs to the bank account, users can build any feature they like and integrate it with other services to expand their accounts functionality.

As an example of what can be done, Root beta users have written many RootCode apps. These include:

Sending their transaction data to a Google Sheet in real-time, to make budgeting easy.

Limit the days on which they can buy fast food, as part of a diet plan.

Create a dedicated card and budget for Uber rides.

If a user has built something with Root, they can share it with other developers on the Root platform.

Standard Bank will also provide support for developers to scale Root apps to the broader market.

High-potential applications developed in Root can be launched to all Standard Bank customers through Standard Banks dedicated API strategy.

Root launch plans

Root is currently operating in private beta, and no firm launch date has been announced.

However, the company said it is working on a potential public launch before the end of June 2017.

People who are interested in the project can sign up on the Root website  Root.co.za.

Examples of what you can do with Root

Create an Uber card: Give your daughter R500 pocket money each month on a Root card, but place no spending limit on Uber usage.

Give your daughter R500 pocket money each month on a Root card, but place no spending limit on Uber usage. Custom notifications: Each time you buy a coffee you get a custom SMS notification that tells you how much money youve spent on coffee in the past week.

Each time you buy a coffee you get a custom SMS notification that tells you how much money youve spent on coffee in the past week. Savings card: Write code that rounds up each card transaction you make to the nearest R5, and adds that to your savings account.

Write code that rounds up each card transaction you make to the nearest R5, and adds that to your savings account. Budgeting: Send your transaction data to Google Sheets, where you can create charts comparing your weekly spend.

Root Interface

The images below provide an overview of the Root interface.

Root Credit Cards

Now read: How much you would have made today if you invested in Bitcoin 2 years ago
MyBroadbands latest speed test results show that Vox Telecom achieved the highest peak broadband speed in South Africa.

MyBroadbands new HTML 5 speed test servers are hosted in Teracos vendor-neutral data centres to ensure a neutral testing environment.

Through NAPAfrica, all network operators present at its peering points are provided with a free 1Gbps connection to the MyBroadband speed test platform.

The new MyBroadband speed test platform was designed to be lightweight and easy to use on mobile devices.

Over 55,000 speed tests have been conducted on the MyBroadband speed test platform since it launched in March.

ISP results

Many of the top speed test results peaked close to 1Gbps, and it is assumed these speed tests were performed on gigabit fibre connections.

Vox Telecom topped the list on 907Mbps, followed by CISP on 864Mbps and Optinet on 807Mbps.

The table below shows the peak speeds achieved on prominent South African Internet service provider networks.

ISP Download (kbps) Upload (kbps) Vox Telecom 907,456 381,520 Cool Ideas 864,060 97,370 Optinet 807,174 69,541 Afrihost 728,696 28,580 Cape-Connect 724,864 95,670 TENET 699,486 65,397 Cybersmart Lightspeed 554,190 311,389 BitCo 531,989 500,188 MWEB Business 526,224 869,593 Breedenet 493,460 399,901 iConnect 475,963 418,221 MTN SA 461,805 4,758 Frogfoot Networks 444,713 110,039 Bytes Connect 417,505 243,269 Vanilla 373,228 7,190 RSAWEB 367,094 61,777 MacroLan 333,212 279,162 Comtel 322,225 251,542 MWEB 280,917 481,951 Metrofibre Networx 246,381 91,210 Cybersmart 225,026 175,592 Vodacom WiMax 203,169 28,372 Converged Telecoms 194,846 198,947 ATEC 162,721 108,835 MTN Business 152,804 176,927 Neotel 138,066 3,869 Telkom Internet Broadband 131,591 10,902 VoiceandData-Network 100,322 49,496 BCSNET 97,282 47,951 Internet Solutions 96,837 45,090 ClearAccess 96,378 97,249 WebAfrica 96,164 64,412 CW-Fibre 95,276 94,000 Level 95,044 74,090 eNetworks 94,926 9,530 Smart Village 94,917 9,328 Vumatel 94,896 93,797 SEACOM 94,233 92,136 XDSL 93,959 20,631 Cipherwave 93,388 81,843 Vanilla 92,026 93,708 Hymax Talking Solutions 92,024 91,044 DataPro 91,405 93,359 Directel 90,584 93,624 Herotel 90,481 96,108 BCX 86,495 4,455 Sonic Wireless Solutions 83,150 91,844 Snowball 82,777 83,637 Interworks 80,200 75,389 Sonic Wireless 78,107 63,598 Kibo Connect 72,051 75,112 FFG Connection 63,250 49,544 Liquid VSAT 59,563 17,815 GilatSatcom 58,981 10,176 SkyVision 54,041 10,337 SAINET Internet 52,242 27,447 Telkom Mobile Wifi 50,296 3,788 Adept Internet 47,214 46,628 Axxess 46,580 18,205 Amobia Communications 46,287 9,784 iBurst 45,597 45,855 South African Digital Villages 44,863 14,261 Avanti Communications 41,759 4,470 Otel Telecoms 37,263 11,414 Bwired 34,038 31,728 AT&T 29,449 7,956 skyfi 28,820 19,966 Wirulink 28,209 9,213 Skyconnect 27,110 27,771 Saicom 25,913 90,881 Optic Networks 24,772 4,762 Cloudconnect Networks 22,011 39,207 Broadband Infraco 18,292 9,524 XNet Internet Services 17,866 9,302 ClaroConnect 17,845 19,290 Jenny Internet 17,672 24,973 SADV 17,180 10,089 Bluedust Wireless 16,857 7,675 Broadband Wireless 16,671 9,463 Mitsol 12,382 16,898 Letaba Wireless Internet 11,491 8,685 MIA Telecoms 9,563 4,729 Imagine IPS 6,047 1,820 LCOM 5,609 2,623 GConnect-InFlight 2,623 2,192

Now read: Surprise result in Johannesburg mobile speed tests
Nu-World Industries, the company behind Telefunken and JVC TVs in South Africa, is meeting with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) over mislabeled Full HD TVs in the country.

A recent investigation by MyBroadband and ISACA member Abu-Huraira Oman Abdalla revealed that a 32-inch Telefunken TV sold at Game as a Full HD unit actually contained an HD Ready panel.

Subsequent investigations by MyBroadband and Games parent company Massmart found that multiple Telefunken and JVC Full HD TVs sold in South Africa were incorrectly labelled.

We have quarantined the stock. We, like other retailers, now await the outcome of discussions between Nu-World Industries and the National Consumer Commission regarding the next steps, said Massmart.

NCC and Nu-World meeting

The NCC told MyBroadband it is meeting with Nu-World today to discuss the Full HD TV issue.

It is believed that a recall of affected models may be on the cards.

The NCC will pronounce on the way forward after its engagement with Nu-World, said NCC spokesperson Trevor Hattingh.

Game previously stated that its was committed to providing customers who purchased the 32-inch Telefunken TV (TLEDD-32FHDB) with a full refund.

Now read: How to test if your TV is Full HD
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, voicing concern about the latest decision to build a new settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, UN reported.

The Secretary-General took notice with disappointment and alarm of the decision by Israel to build a new settlement, according to a statement from his spokesman.

He condemns all unilateral actions that, like the present one, threaten peace and undermine the two-state solution, the spokesman added.

The UN and the international community have for years urged the establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security.

Mr. Guterres today reiterated the call adding that that there is no Plan B.

The settlement noted also that settlement activities are illegal under international law and present an obstacle to peace.
Survey: Georgia residents say Armenia is their friend

Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte: I realized that this project is the right one

Heads of general staffs of CSTO countries armies to discuss military cooperation development

President: Climate change agenda continues to remain priority for Armenia despite challenges, security concerns

Armenia discusses issue of EEU citizens' stay in country for more than 180 days

Economy minister: 74% of Diaspora Armenians ready to invest in Armenia

158 people die in Philippines storm

Close to $7.5M allocated for Armenia scientific infrastructure, material, technical base modernization

Byblos Bank Armenia finances the construction of two major solar parks

Bloomberg: EU mechanism to provide Ukraine with $18 billion implies conditions

Turkey voices its full and unconditional support for Azerbaijan

Ombudsperson attends Armenia-EU Human Rights Dialogue session, presents facts recorded in her ad hoc reports

Israeli embassy congratulates Azerbaijan on 'Victory Day'

World gold prices going down

Ankara offers its storage capacity for Russian grain

Zelenskiy calls key conditions for talks with Russia

Bitcoin price goes down

Copper price goes down

World oil prices dropping

Blinken: Armenia and Azerbaijan are taking courageous steps to achieve peace

Newspaper: What changes expected in "Brussels package" of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization talks?

13 billion cubic meters of natural gas found off Israel coast

State Security Service of Azerbaijan is scared by YouTube video about situation in Nakhichevan

MFA: Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs agree to expedite their negotiations

President: UAE is a responsible energy supplier as long as the world needs oil and gas

EU has serious concerns about US inflation reduction act

Head of IMF: The global surge in consumer prices may be close to the high point

Germany wants EU to resume trade talks with US as soon as possible

Pashinyan's closed meeting with MPs of ruling Civil Contract faction is over

Hungary will not support EU efforts to help Ukraine with joint funds

Greece to soon ban sale of spyware

U.S. military delegation arrives in Turkey

German industry calls for postponement of global minimum corporate tax

Podolyak: Ukraine has never refused to negotiate

Elon Musk calls on 'independent-minded' voters to vote for Republicans

Bezos Earth Fund pledges $1 billion by 2030 to protect carbon stocks and biodiversity

7 people killed in collision between truck and passenger bus in Turkey

Nikol Pashinyan holds closed meeting with members of ruling party faction

Qatar's foreign minister calls criticism of West 'arrogant' and 'racist'

Algeria officially applies to join BRICS group

Delegations headed by Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs meet in Washington

French Finance Minister calls on EU to oppose U.S.

Armenian President: Aliyev's statements about intentional destruction of mosques have nothing to do with reality

German MFA reports constructive talks in EU on new sanctions against Iran

Kazakhstani President Tokayev instructs to increase oil supplies bypassing Russia

President of Artsakh holds expanded working meeting

Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports to receive more than 250 billion drams in 2023

Borrell says EU is dependent on supplies from China

Armenia official: Peace treaty implies restoration of sovereign territory

Guterres thinks mankind is heading for climate hell

Dollar, euro gain value in Armenia

General: Iran riots were US plan to derail nuclear deal

Minister: 'Lydian Armenia' may start exploitation of gold mine on Mountain Amulsar

Armenia political scientist: Balance is formed in region thanks to Iran

Minister: 70 schools will be repaired or newly built in Armenia in 2023

UAE lifts most COVID-19 restrictions for tourists

Political scientist: There is no Armenian-American agenda

President of Finland says country has no plans to host nuclear weapons

Russian Ambassador to Armenia: We are not used to making PR and playing games

Flight restrictions extended to 11 airports in Russia

Kopirkin: Spiritual core will help Armenia, Russia overcome difficulties, challenges

Armenia ranks among top 5 CIS countries for winter tourism

Envoy: Russian president awarded Armenian philologist with medal

Iranian intelligence arrests 26 terrorists: an Azerbaijani citizen among them

Russian Defense Ministry confirms: Azerbaijan fired at Khramort village in Artsakh

Number of oil and gas drilling rigs is up in US

Economy minister: Azerbaijan aggression prevented increase of Armenia wheat sowing areas

Gegharkunik governor: There are observers who recorded that Azerbaijan carried out aggression against Armenia

The National Interest: Iran turns attention to the Caucasus

Tokayev: Kazakhstan is ready to use other measures, besides diplomacy, for its defense

Economy minister: Primary agricultural products ensure 11%-13% of Armenia GDP

FAO: World grain prices rise in October

Kremlin urges Yerevan and Baku to refrain from destabilization

Governor of Armenias Tavush on possible handover of enclaves to Azerbaijan: Not being discussed now

Governor of Armenias Vayots Dzor: We have pastures that are monitored by Azerbaijan

WSJ: Sullivan is in contact with Ushakov and Patrushev on Ukraine

Vayots Dzor governor: Azerbaijan military that infiltrated Armenia can be seen with naked eye from Jermuk city

Armenia President: Military clashes, hostilities have direct impact on soil, air pollution

IRGC seizes over 1,500 weapons in Iran riots

Minister: $879 million worth of agricultural products exported from Armenia

Japan to exterminate 150 thousand chickens because of bird flu outbreak

Armenia informational online platform for promoting highly qualified specialists engagement is launched

South Korea's president apologizes for crush in downtown Seoul

Documento: Greek PM Mitsotakis used intelligence services to spy on dozens of people

Close to $98M to be allocated from Armenia state budget for agricultural projects in 2023

Man who set self on fire near Armenia government mansion is in severe condition

Anti-Iranian action to take place in Baku

UN promises to lift restrictions on Russian grain exports in near future

Fighter jet crashes in Saudi Arabia

About $770M to be assigned to Armenia territorial administration, infrastructure ministry next year

Armenia parliament vice-speaker: There is very important note in Sochi statement

Copper falls in price

New York bank robberies up 42% this year

Armenia President to attend climate change convention in Egypt

Gold prices change slightly

World oil prices falling

Mirzoyan, Blinken, Bayramov to meet in Washington today

How long will it take to know US midterm elections results?

Iranian Armenian MP: Iran-Armenia trade is expected to reach $1B

U.S. National Park Service urges against licking the Sonora desert toad
France calls on the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to abide by the commitment to establish trust-building measures.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France has issued a respective statement, on Wednesday.

A year ago, the hostilities that had broken out in Nagorno-Karabakh between April 2 and 5, to the grief of the people of the region, were suspended. As co-chair of the Minsk Group, France worked actively with its Russian and American partners to end the fighting and resume negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

France reiterates its conviction that the current status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh is untenable and that there can be no military solution to the conflict. It calls on the parties to abide by the commitments taken at the Vienna summit on May 16, 2016, and the Saint Petersburg summit on June 20, 2016: to respect the cease fire, establish trust-building measures, and resume negotiations.

As President Hollande noted at recent meetings in Paris with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts, France remains fully committed to achieving a negotiated, lasting solution to this conflict that promotes stability and prosperity throughout the region, reads the French foreign ministry statement.
Blogger Alexander Lapshin who is under arrest in Baku, has no complaints about conditions of detention, Israel's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dan Stav stated.

Alexander Lapshin, who also has Israeli citizenship, has no complaints about conditions of detention, Dan Stav said at a briefing on Thursday.

According to him, the representative of the Israeli Embassy in Baku regularly meets the blogger and is interested in the course of the investigation.

After his visits to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2011 and 2012, Israeli Russian blogger and journalist Alexander Lapshin was blacklisted by Azerbaijan.

In June 2016, however, he paid a visit to Azerbaijan--but with a Ukrainian passport--and, subsequently, he published several articles criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities.

Afterward, Azerbaijan issued an international search for this famous blogger. On December 15, 2016, Lapshin was detained in the Belarusian capital city of Minsk, and based on this search.

On January 26 of the current year, the Minsk city court dismissed the blogger's appeal of the Belarusian General Prosecutor's Office decision to extradite him to Azerbaijan.

On February 7, the Supreme Court of Belarus dismissed the appeals that were filed into this case, and upheld the aforesaid decision by the General Prosecutors Office.

And on the evening of the same day, Belarus extradited Alexander Lapshin to the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, where he was taken into custody.
RACINE  After five years of drawing people to the citys lakefront for a chance to peppered with bright powders and foam, The Color Run will not return to Racine for a sixth year.

The company that operates popular run  bringing its staff to cities across the globe  told Racine Countys tourism bureau, Real Racine, in January that the event would not be coming to Racine this year.

Racine isnt the only city that wont be seeing the popular fun run return, Real Racine Events Manager Cari Greving said. The company isnt hosting a single Color Run event in Wisconsin this year, she said.

We were planning on them returning. Its just nowhere. No Green Bay. No La Crosse, Greving said.

Attempts to reach someone at The Color Runs corporate offices or with Bigsley Event House, the company that operates The Color Run and other nationally known fun runs such as The Electric Run, were unsuccessful on Wednesday. But Greving said Bigsley is reportedly cutting back on the number of events it does nationwide from 270 to 60.

They had all of these things scheduled, but participation was just going down. Their numbers were dropping, and its expensive for them to come here  to come anywhere  because they bring in their team and everything, Greving explained.

The first year Racine hosted The Color Run was 2012. At the runs peak here, it drew 7,000 runners. Last year the event drew about 3,000, Dave Blank, president and CEO of Real Racine, said last September.

Despite that decline in participation, Greving said she is anxious to see the event return in 2018. I am doing everything I can to get (The Color Run) to come back, she said. That is my hope and dream.

In the meantime area runners  be they trained athletes or just social joggers  will have plenty of reasons to lace up their sneakers. Iron Man is back this year, as are many runs hosted by the Racine Zoo and 5Kevents.
The delegation of PACE will discuss abusive use of Interpol system during the spring session that will start in Strasbour on April 24.

A motion for resolution is based on Abusive use of the Interpol system: the need for more stringent legal safeguards report authored by Bernd Fabritius.

The report says that in recent years, Interpols Red Notice system has been abused by some member States to persecute political opponents beyond their borders.

The author cites several examples of abusive use of Interpol system, in particular those involving Azerbaijan.

The report mentions the case of blogger Alexander Lapshin.

Mr Alexander Lapshin, a travel blogger holding Russian, Ukrainian and Israeli nationality, was arrested in Minsk in mid-December 2016 on the strength of a Red Notice requested by Azerbaijan on the basis of visits to Nagorno-Kharabakh in 2011 and 2012, which he had commented on in his blog, the report says.

The report also presents the story of Azerbaijani opposition activist Azer Samadov who left Azerbaijan for fear of political persecution after having supported a candidate opposing President Aliyev in 2003. He was first arrested in Georgia, but got a refugee status and moved to the Netherlands. There he also faced difficulties and was detained due to an Interpol alert issued by Azerbaijan. Samadov remained unable to travel, including to receive crucial medical treatment in Germany, because of the Red Notice. The notice was finally removed in 2015, eight years after it was first issued, on the basis of Interpols refugee policy.
The functioning of democratic institutions in Turkey is scheduled to be debated during the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) spring plenary part-session to be held in Strasbourg from 24 to 28 April 2017.

Other highlights on the agenda include debates on the situation of human rights in the North Caucasus, the increased income inequalities and the need for a citizenship income and the protection of refugee women from gender-based violence.

The President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, will be addressing the Assembly. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Niels Muiznieks, will present his annual activity report 2016. Thorbjrn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, will answer questions from parliamentarians, and Ioannis Kasoulides, the Cypriot Foreign Minister, will be speaking in the context of the Cypriot Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers.

Other highlights of the session will be the debates on 25 years of the CPT, achievements and improvements needed', Abusive use of the Interpol system: the need for more stringent legal safeguards' and The protection of the rights of parents and children belonging to religious minorities'.

There have also been requests for an urgent debate on Political consequences of the new Israeli Settlement Regulation Law' and for a current affairs debate on European values under threat: addressing rising populism, xenophobia, antisemitism and Islamophobia in Europe'.

The Assembly will decide its final agenda on the opening day of the session.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled 11 cases of Azerbaijan, informs Contact.az, referring to the website of the Strasbourg court. In particular, the court examined the cases of those who were detained and fined on 12 January 2013 and 26 March, 10 December 29 and on May 6, 2014, for participating in protests in Baku.

The ECHR proceeded from the fact, that the authorities dispersing the protesters and punishing the participants, did not have sufficient evidences to justify their actions. The court assessed the actions of the authorities as a violation of freedom of assembly and qualified judges as dishonest on these cases.

Vusal Bayramov was fined for participating in the protests that took place on January 12 and 26, Sahavat Mehdiyev on January 12, Tunchay Guliyev on January 26. Azer Sadigov, Javid Garayev, Osman Akhmedov were fined in connection with March 10 actions, whereas Khadija Ismayilova for participating in the rally on 26 January.

Javid Gajibeyli and Tural Sadegln were fined on December 29 for participing in the rally. Kamal Bananyarel and Orkhan Eyubadze were arrested on May 6, 2014, in the protest of NIDA activists sentence. The ECHR ruled, that the authorities need to pay 4-8 thousand euros to the plaintiffs as a compensation for moral damage.
RACINE  Charges were filed on Wednesday against the alleged trigger man in last years shooting of Super Steaks and Lemonade delivery driver James Norris.

Norris, 37, was shot and killed on the night of March 25, 2016, after making a delivery of food at an apartment in the 3900 block of Green Street on the citys north side.

Alex Adams, 28, of the same block of Green Street, is charged with felony first-degree intentional homicide and armed robbery in connection to the incident.

The arrest was welcome news for Stacy Blevins, who has four children with Norris.

Finally some justice for my kids dad and my husband, Belvins said.

According to the criminal complaint:

At about 11:33 p.m. that night, police were dispatched to the 3900 block of Green Street regarding a shots-fired call. Norris had just made a delivery and was on his way back to his vehicle when he was shot three times. No shell casings were reportedly found on scene, suggesting that the weapon used was a revolver, the complaint stated.

According to police, a witness stated that Adams was observed arriving at his nearby apartment before police arrived at the shooting scene and was breathing hard from running. The witness also stated that he saw Adams carrying something with a brown wooden handle, potentially a .38 revolver that he was reportedly known to carry, and that Adams had asked the witness to commit robberies with him in the past.

Two days after the homicide, a witness reportedly received a gun and a bag of ammunition from Adams, asking him to just hold this. The witness allegedly told police that Adams stated I had to shoot him, referring to Norris, and that Adams was only trying to rob the driver. It wasnt suppose to go down like that, Adams allegedly said.

Police probe

Adams had been taken into custody due to an unrelated warrant, and police were monitoring his jail calls. At approximately 10:47 p.m. Monday, Adams reportedly told the witness he gave the gun to to get rid of it and the ammunition because people are going to come to your door looking for it.

Police allegedly found the recovered gun and ammunition in a Walmart bag and reviewed security footage from Walmart, 3049 S. Oakes Road, Mount Pleasant, for the last ammunition sale for the type of ammunition in the bag. Footage reportedly shows Adams making the purchase, according to police.

The state crime lab determined that the three jacketed hollow-point bullets that killed Norris were fired from the same gun recovered from the witness.

Racine Police Chief Art Howell said Wednesday that hes grateful for the community support his department received during the investigation.

Todays arrest comes after a great deal of investigative work performed by many within the department, he said. From critical information obtained during the initial stage of this investigation, to the assessment of forensic evidence, todays arrest was achieved through the concentrated effort of many.

Community reaction

Although its been more than a year, the crime still haunts residents of the apartment complex on Green Street where it happened.

Jodie Janowitz remembers the grim scene, and the makeshift memorial and the grieving family in the days that followed.

I remember the whole thing like it was yesterday. I planned on moving, Janowitz said.

She was thankful the charges were finally announced against Adams.

A detective told me a year ago they had a guy, Janowitz said. Its good that justice is served. Most definitely. They need to serve justice on a lot more on these people.

Norris co-worker Jamin Nunn, a cook at Super Steaks and Lemonade, 1601 Taylor Ave., said Norris absence and how he died shook him up.

I didnt think it could happen. He wasnt in any trouble. He had no problems with anybody, Nunn said. I think about him all the time. He was one of our best drivers. He was so happy. He was a good guy, and he loved his family.

The crime forced Nunn and his other co-workers to change how they conducted business. We take more precautions when were taking orders, he said.

Adams has been in jail three times before and has a record of theft and drug convictions dating back to 2006. If convicted on his most serious charge, Adams could see life in prison.

His next appearance is a preliminary hearing scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 12 at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
STEPANAKERT.  The Republic of Artsakh Defense Army (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR DA) on Thursday issued a statement.

Accordingly, in the afternoon, the defense ministry of Azerbaijan had disseminated information that, allegedly, the Artsakh forces had violated the ceasefire and fired mortar shells toward Ghapanly village in Terter District of Azerbaijan; and as a result, a private farm was damaged.

The NKR Ministry of Defense, however, announced that this information was false.

Furthermore, between around 12:40pm and 1:15pm, the adversary fired four mortar shells toward the military positions located in the direction of Martakert town of Artsakh.

But the NKR Defense Army vanguard units mostly refrained from taking actions in response, and they continue confidently carrying out their military watch.

The DA has no casualties from the mortar attacks of the adversary, the statement also reads.
Survey: Georgia residents say Armenia is their friend

Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte: I realized that this project is the right one

Heads of general staffs of CSTO countries armies to discuss military cooperation development

President: Climate change agenda continues to remain priority for Armenia despite challenges, security concerns

158 people die in Philippines storm

Close to $7.5M allocated for Armenia scientific infrastructure, material, technical base modernization

Byblos Bank Armenia finances the construction of two major solar parks

Bloomberg: EU mechanism to provide Ukraine with $18 billion implies conditions

Turkey voices its full and unconditional support for Azerbaijan

Ombudsperson attends Armenia-EU Human Rights Dialogue session, presents facts recorded in her ad hoc reports

Israeli embassy congratulates Azerbaijan on 'Victory Day'

World gold prices going down

Ankara offers its storage capacity for Russian grain

Zelenskiy calls key conditions for talks with Russia

Bitcoin price goes down

Copper price goes down

World oil prices dropping

Blinken: Armenia and Azerbaijan are taking courageous steps to achieve peace

Newspaper: What changes expected in "Brussels package" of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization talks?

13 billion cubic meters of natural gas found off Israel coast

State Security Service of Azerbaijan is scared by YouTube video about situation in Nakhichevan

MFA: Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs agree to expedite their negotiations

President: UAE is a responsible energy supplier as long as the world needs oil and gas

EU has serious concerns about US inflation reduction act

Head of IMF: The global surge in consumer prices may be close to the high point

Germany wants EU to resume trade talks with US as soon as possible

Pashinyan's closed meeting with MPs of ruling Civil Contract faction is over

Hungary will not support EU efforts to help Ukraine with joint funds

Greece to soon ban sale of spyware

U.S. military delegation arrives in Turkey

German industry calls for postponement of global minimum corporate tax

Podolyak: Ukraine has never refused to negotiate

Elon Musk calls on 'independent-minded' voters to vote for Republicans

Bezos Earth Fund pledges $1 billion by 2030 to protect carbon stocks and biodiversity

7 people killed in collision between truck and passenger bus in Turkey

Nikol Pashinyan holds closed meeting with members of ruling party faction

Qatar's foreign minister calls criticism of West 'arrogant' and 'racist'

Algeria officially applies to join BRICS group

Delegations headed by Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs meet in Washington

French Finance Minister calls on EU to oppose U.S.

Armenian President: Aliyev's statements about intentional destruction of mosques have nothing to do with reality

German MFA reports constructive talks in EU on new sanctions against Iran

Kazakhstani President Tokayev instructs to increase oil supplies bypassing Russia

President of Artsakh holds expanded working meeting

Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports to receive more than 250 billion drams in 2023

Borrell says EU is dependent on supplies from China

Armenia official: Peace treaty implies restoration of sovereign territory

Guterres thinks mankind is heading for climate hell

Dollar, euro gain value in Armenia

General: Iran riots were US plan to derail nuclear deal

Minister: 'Lydian Armenia' may start exploitation of gold mine on Mountain Amulsar

Armenia political scientist: Balance is formed in region thanks to Iran

Minister: 70 schools will be repaired or newly built in Armenia in 2023

UAE lifts most COVID-19 restrictions for tourists

Political scientist: There is no Armenian-American agenda

President of Finland says country has no plans to host nuclear weapons

Russian Ambassador to Armenia: We are not used to making PR and playing games

Flight restrictions extended to 11 airports in Russia

Kopirkin: Spiritual core will help Armenia, Russia overcome difficulties, challenges

Armenia ranks among top 5 CIS countries for winter tourism

Envoy: Russian president awarded Armenian philologist with medal

Iranian intelligence arrests 26 terrorists: an Azerbaijani citizen among them

Russian Defense Ministry confirms: Azerbaijan fired at Khramort village in Artsakh

Number of oil and gas drilling rigs is up in US

Economy minister: Azerbaijan aggression prevented increase of Armenia wheat sowing areas

Gegharkunik governor: There are observers who recorded that Azerbaijan carried out aggression against Armenia

The National Interest: Iran turns attention to the Caucasus

Tokayev: Kazakhstan is ready to use other measures, besides diplomacy, for its defense

Economy minister: Primary agricultural products ensure 11%-13% of Armenia GDP

FAO: World grain prices rise in October

Kremlin urges Yerevan and Baku to refrain from destabilization

Governor of Armenias Tavush on possible handover of enclaves to Azerbaijan: Not being discussed now

Governor of Armenias Vayots Dzor: We have pastures that are monitored by Azerbaijan

WSJ: Sullivan is in contact with Ushakov and Patrushev on Ukraine

Vayots Dzor governor: Azerbaijan military that infiltrated Armenia can be seen with naked eye from Jermuk city

Armenia President: Military clashes, hostilities have direct impact on soil, air pollution

IRGC seizes over 1,500 weapons in Iran riots

Minister: $879 million worth of agricultural products exported from Armenia

Japan to exterminate 150 thousand chickens because of bird flu outbreak

Armenia informational online platform for promoting highly qualified specialists engagement is launched

South Korea's president apologizes for crush in downtown Seoul

Documento: Greek PM Mitsotakis used intelligence services to spy on dozens of people

Close to $98M to be allocated from Armenia state budget for agricultural projects in 2023

Man who set self on fire near Armenia government mansion is in severe condition

Anti-Iranian action to take place in Baku

UN promises to lift restrictions on Russian grain exports in near future

Fighter jet crashes in Saudi Arabia

About $770M to be assigned to Armenia territorial administration, infrastructure ministry next year

Armenia parliament vice-speaker: There is very important note in Sochi statement

Copper falls in price

New York bank robberies up 42% this year

Armenia President to attend climate change convention in Egypt

Gold prices change slightly

World oil prices falling

Mirzoyan, Blinken, Bayramov to meet in Washington today

How long will it take to know US midterm elections results?

Iranian Armenian MP: Iran-Armenia trade is expected to reach $1B

U.S. National Park Service urges against licking the Sonora desert toad

Azerbaijan army units open fire in direction of Armenia positions

Minister: Britain's government faces tough decisions
WATERFORD  Village of Waterford staffers will be featured guests on Outdoor Wisconsin on Milwaukee Public Television Thursday night.

Village Administrator Rebecca Ewald and Administrative Analyst Barbara Messick will join host and Union Grove High School graduate Emmy Fink to discuss regional efforts to develop the Fox River Water Trail, a 220-mile waterway that winds from Waukesha County through Waterford and to northern Illinois.

The episode, which was shot last September, will air at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 6, on Channel 10.

Viewers will learn about the Fox River Water Trail and the villages recently opened canoe and kayak launches which provide safe access around the Waterford and Rochester dams. Paddlers now can travel from the headwaters in Waukesha County through Racine and Kenosha counties to the Illinois state line and beyond.

The village has been working with the National Park Service and officials from governments and planning groups in Wisconsin and Illinois to develop the trail, meeting monthly in communities along the trail. Recently the group met in the northern Illinois suburb of Algonquin.

It has been this great collaborative, Ewald said about the effort. We are so passionate about the Fox River. Any opportunity we get to educate people about the Fox River is a huge thing for Racine County.
YEREVAN. - In the upcoming election of Yerevan city council, the candidate list of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) will be topped by incumbent Mayor Taron Margaryan,

RPA Spokesman, Eduard Sharmazanov, told the aforementioned to journalists after the RPA Executive Body session Thursday.

According to him, the participation in the election of Yerevan city council was discussed at the session. Upon the proposal of President Serzh Sargsyan, the RPA Executive Body unanimously decided that the city council candidate list will be headed by incumbent Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan, Sharmaznaov said, adding that grand master Smbat Lputyan and Hovik Musayelyan are respectively second and third on the mayor candidate list.

In the recent years, very serious changes took place in Yerevan and the RPA will continue those reforms under the leadership of the mayor, Sharmazanov said.

In the city council election the RPA will present a list of over hundred candidates, including new figures, but no big changes have been made. The Republican team of Yerevan is entirely included in the list, and we are following the path of continuity. They are ready to present their program provisions and, of course, the work done, the Spokesman said.

To the observation that the name of former mayor Gagik Beglaryan is circulated as a potential mayor candidate, Sharmazanov said that Beglaryan attended the session and voted in favor of Taron Margaryans candidacy.

In Sharmazanovs words, no issue related to the National Assembly election was discussed. Because the Central Electoral Commission hasnt summed up the final results, we do not consider it correct to speak about it. During next week the RPA may discuss issues on political situation, Sharmazanov said.

To the question as to whether coalition will be formed, he noted that they will discuss the issue and see. One thing is clear: the RPA has acquired the right to form a government,the Spokesman concluded.
Proposals Sought for IAEA Conference on Protecting Nuclear Facilities

The IAEA International Conference on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities will be held Nov. 13-17, 2017, in Vienna, Austria.

May 15 is the deadline for interested participants to submit a synopsis to present at the IAEA International Conference on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities, which will be held Nov. 13-17, 2017, in Vienna, Austria. The conference will feature plenary sessions, panels, keynote statements, technical presentations, and poster sessions and scientific papers.

"Physical protection against unauthorized removal of nuclear material during use, storage, and transport and against the sabotage of nuclear material and nuclear facilities during use, storage, and transport has long been a matter of national and international concern and cooperation," said Kenneth Brooks, senior nuclear security officer at IAEA and the scientific secretary of the conference. "The Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material entered into force last year, and this conference will provide an excellent platform for countries that have adopted the amendment to share with others their experience, challenges, and lessons learned in areas of physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities."

The convention is the only international, legally binding agreement on the physical protection of nuclear material. In 2016, the amendment broadened the scope of the convention to include protection for nuclear materials used for peaceful purposes in domestic use, storage, and transport, and IAEA provided Member States with recommendations on how to implement a comprehensive physical protection regime.

"To strengthen global nuclear security, universal adherence to and implementation of the CPPNM and its amendment are critical," said Gisele Irola, foreign affairs officer at the U.S. Department of State. "The international nuclear security framework is only as strong as its weakest link."
Three Points to Know About Post-Accident Drug Testing at Your Workplace

Working with employees who may have substance abuse problems can be perplexing for an organization. They often deal with issues ranging from lost productivity, absenteeism, injuries, fatalities, theft and low employee morale, and rise in medical expenses, legal liabilities and workers compensation costs. American companies lose billions of dollars every year because of employees alcohol and drug use, and related problems.

According to the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance (NDWA), more than 74 percent of all current illegal drug users and more than 74 percent of heavy alcohol users are employed in organizations in America. And up to 40 percent of industrial fatalities in the country can be linked to alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

In December 2016, there was a drastic change in the drug testing policy in America, both federally and locally. As per the OSHA 29 CFR 1904, the new regulations prohibit employers from retaliating against employees for reporting workplace injuries and illnesses. Employers, employees, and job applicants need to be aware of the changes applicable to workplace drug testing procedures post accidents and before hiring.

Read on to know about the three key aspects (old and new) that you should know about post-accident drug testing at the workplace.

1. Impact on Employers and Employees

OSHA's new rules on reporting of workplace injuries requires employers to implement a reasonable procedure for employees to be able to do so. Further, it does not prohibit drug testing of employees but disallows employers from using drug testing or the threat of drug testing as a form of retaliation against employees who report injuries or illnesses due to carelessness from substance use.

Companies that continue with post-accident drug testing need to provide a reasonable reason to suspect an employee based on information from employee records that mention prior workplace injury or illness.

Here are five key points from the new rules that an organization must focus on:

Employers ought to inform employees of their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without the fear of retaliation.

A reasonable basis is required for employers to perform a post-accident drug test.

The rule does not apply to drug-testing employees for reasons other than injury reporting.

Employers need to continue with the task of completing, retaining, and certifying injury and illness records. It only requires certain employers to electronically submit certain records to OSHA.

Three reasons of retaliation are required by OSHA to prove a violation of the revised rule, including a protected report of an injury or illness, an adverse action, and a causation.

2. Written Substance Abuse Policy

Employers planning to establish a written substance abuse policy need to inform the employees why the workplace is aiming to adopt a drug-free policy.

Recognizing an alcohol/drug problem early can make it easier to avoid workplace accidents and subsequently test employees for post-accident drug testing. Supervisors must document employee behaviors that demonstrate a possible alcohol/drug problem. With adequate training, they should be able to handle processes related to post-accident and random drug testing for employees, without retaliation.

Implementation and compliance schedule of the new reporting requirements will be phased in over two years. Establishments with 250 or more employees in industries covered by the record-keeping regulation must submit information from their 2016 Form 300A by July 1, 2017. They are required to submit information from all 2017 forms by July 1, 2018.

On the other hand, companies/business operations with 20-249 employees in some of the high-risk industries must submit the said information from their 2016 Form 300A by July 1, 2017, and their 2017 Form 300A by July 1, 2018. From 2019, both categories of organizations must submit the information electronically to the OSHA by March 2.

3. Critical Steps for Employers Regarding the Revised Rule

Compared to their peers, employees who use drugs/alcohol are more likely to be involved in workplace accidents and are also more likely to incur significantly higher medical expenses. Post-accident drug tests are dreaded by such employees and they fear reporting illnesses or injuries.

In several American states, the law disqualifies employees who are drug/alcohol users from receiving workers compensation and health benefits that can be claimed after a workplace accident. This becomes a significant source of savings for employers.

With the revised rules announced by the OSHA, employers need to update their Written Substance Abuse Policy to reduce the expenses that they can incur from accidents. These include:

a) Review Your Drug-Free Workplace Policy: Make sure your Written Substance Abuse Policy or the Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy distinctly defines the circumstances under which the post-accident testing will be conducted. Replace general testing provisions with a list of specific criteria. All post-accident policies should be reviewed and updated to ensure that the language is not retaliatory and does not deter or discourage the reporting of illnesses or injuries.

b) Review Your Policy Based on the State Laws: State laws need to be adhered to when an employer drafts his/her company's policies, especially those related to enforcement of post-accident or post-injury drug testing. Laws for a drug-free workplace and worker's compensation will remain unchanged. Further, companies won't be accused of violating OSHA rules if post-accident testing is conducted after reasonable suspicion.

c) Re-Train Staff: Supervisors need to be inducted into the revised rules announced by the OSHA. These training programs need to include aspects like building reasonable suspicion drug testing post workplace accidents.

Conclusion

Undergoing post-accident drug testing can be embarrassing for employees involved in a workplace accident. Drug testing at the workplace can be beneficial in identifying employees who are using drugs, and in offering them help. This can even clarify the misconception that drug use leads to termination from the job. Numerous businesses have Employee Assistance Programs to help their employees combat this habit by arranging for rehabilitation.

Nicole Kolly is a digital content manager at TestCountry. She is involved in drug addiction support groups for recovering addicts and their families. She is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and helping others do so as well. When she isn't working, she enjoys hiking, reading, and cooking for friends and family.
A fountain of lava erupts from Hawaii's Kilauea Iki crater on Dec. 5, 1959. Two rock samples from this eruption contain geochemical anomalies that could date back 4.5 billion years, shortly after the Earth first formed. Credit: USGS/J.P. Eaton

Earth's mantle is made of solid rock that nonetheless circulates slowly over millions of years. Some geologists assume that this slow circulation would have wiped away any geochemical traces of Earth's early history long ago. But a new study led by University of Maryland geologists has found new evidence that could date back more than 4.5 billion years.

The authors of the research paper, published April 7 in the journal Science, studied volcanic rocks that recently erupted from volcanoes in Hawaii and Samoa. The rocks contain surprising geochemical anomaliesthe "fingerprints" of conditions that existed shortly after the planet formed.

The researchers are not yet sure how Earth's mantle preserved these anomalies. But the group's results suggest that some of these rocks contain material that survived through all of Earth's historyand that the planet's interior may not be well mixed after all.

"We found geochemical signatures that must have been created nearly 4.5 billion years ago," said Andrea Mundl, a postdoctoral researcher in geology at UMD and the lead author of the study. "It was especially exciting to find these anomalies in such young rocks. We don't yet know how these signatures survived for so long, but we have some ideas."

The anomalous signatures are found in the ratios of key isotopes of two elements: tungsten and helium.

In the case of tungsten, which has many isotopes, the important ratio is tungsten-182 to tungsten-184. The heavier isotope, tungsten-184, is stable and has existed since the planet first formed. Tungsten-182, on the other hand, results from the decay of hafnium-182, which is highly unstable. All naturally occurring hafnium-182 decayed within the first 50 million years of Earth's history, leaving tungsten-182 in its place.

Tungsten and hafnium behaved very differently during the planet's first 50 million years. Tungsten tends to associate with metals, so most of it migrated to Earth's core, while hafnium, which tends to associate with silicate minerals, stayed in Earth's mantle and crust. Most of the rocks on Earth have a similar ratio of tungsten-182 to tungsten-184, and this ratio serves as a global baseline. Geologists can learn a lot from rocks with an unusually high or low amount of tungsten-182which indicates how much hafnium-182 was present in the rock long ago.

"Nearly all of these anomalies formed within the first 50 million years after the solar system formed," Mundl said. "Higher than normal levels of tungsten-182 are seen in very old rocks that most likely contained a lot of hafnium long ago. But lower levels of tungsten-182 are rare, and resemble what we might expect to see deep beneath the surface, in or near the planet's metallic core."

Sure enough, Mundl and her colleagues observed an unusually low amount of tungsten-182 in some of the rocks from Hawaii and Samoa. On its own, the tungsten isotope ratio is interesting, but not enough to make any convincing conclusions. But the researchers also observed that the same rocks contain an unusual ratio of helium isotopes.

Helium-3 is extremely rare on Earth, and tends to show up in samples of rock that have not been melted or otherwise recycled since the planet first formed. Helium-4, on the other hand, can form from the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium. A higher than normal ratio of helium-3 to helium-4 typically indicates very old rocks that have not been significantly altered since the planet formed.

"Variations in the isotopic composition of helium have been long known, but have never been correlated with other geochemical parameters," said Richard Walker, professor and department chair of geology at UMD and a co-author of the paper. "Rocks with high helium-3 to helium-4 ratios have commonly been speculated to contain 'primitive' mantle material, but how primitive was not known. Our tungsten data show that it is very primitive indeed, with the source region most likely forming within the first 50 million years of solar system history."

Mundl, Walker and their co-authors suggest a few different scenarios that could have produced the tungsten and helium anomalies they observed in volcanic rocks from Hawaii and Samoa. Perhaps the volcanoes are drawing material from Earth's core, where the ratios are expected to favor low tungsten-182 and high helium-3.

Alternatively, the rocky outer surface of the Earth might have formed in patches, with vast magma oceans in between. Parts of these magma oceans may have crystallized and sunk to the boundary between the mantle and the core, preserving the ancient tungsten and helium signatures.

"Each of these scenarios contain some inconsistencies that we can't yet explain," Mundl said. "But this is an exciting result that is sure to generate lots of interesting new research questions."
NASA's Dawn spacecraft determined the hydrogen content of the upper yard, or meter, of Ceres' surface. Blue indicates where hydrogen content is higher, near the poles, while red indicates lower content at lower latitudes. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA/PSI

Scientists have long thought that Ceres may have a very weak, transient atmosphere, but mysteries lingered about its origin and why it's not always present. Now, researchers suggest that this temporary atmosphere appears to be related to the behavior of the sun, rather than Ceres' proximity to the sun. The study was conducted by scientists from NASA's Dawn mission and others who previously identified water vapor at Ceres using other observatories.

"We think the occurrence of Ceres' transient atmosphere is the product of solar activity," said Michaela Villarreal, lead author of the new study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters and researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt that lies between Mars and Jupiter. When energetic particles from the sun hit exposed ice and ice near the surface of the dwarf planet, it transfers energy to the water molecules as they collide. This frees the water molecules from the ground, allowing them to escape and create a tenuous atmosphere that may last for a week or so.

"Our results also have implications for other airless, water-rich bodies of the solar system, including the polar regions of the moon and some asteroids," said Chris Russell, principal investigator of the Dawn mission, also at UCLA. "Atmospheric releases might be expected from their surfaces, too, when solar activity erupts."

Before Dawn arrived in orbit at Ceres in 2015, evidence for an atmosphere had been detected by some observatories at certain times, but not others, suggesting that it is a transient phenomenon. In 1991, the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite detected hydroxyl emission from Ceres, but not in 1990. Then, in 2007, the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope searched for a hydroxide emission, but came up empty. The European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory detected water in the possible weak atmosphere, or "exosphere," of Ceres on three occasions, but did not on a fourth attempt.

As Dawn began its thorough study of Ceres in March 2015, scientists found ample evidence for water in the form of ice. The spacecraft's gamma ray and neutron detector (GRaND) has found that the uppermost surface is rich in hydrogen, which is consistent with broad expanses of water ice. This ice is nearer to the surface at higher latitudes, where temperatures are lower, a 2016 study published in the journal Science found. Ice has been detected directly at the small bright crater called Oxo and in at least one of the craters that are persistently in shadow in the northern hemisphere. Other research has suggested that persistently shadowed craters are likely to harbor ice. Additionally, the shapes of craters and other features are consistent with significant water-ice content in the crust.

Because of this evidence for abundant ice, many scientists think that Ceres' exosphere is created in a process similar to what occurs on comets, even though they are much smaller. In that model, the closer Ceres gets to the sun, the more water vapor is released because of ice sublimating near or at the surface.

But the new study suggests comet-like behavior may not explain the mix of detections and non-detections of a weak atmosphere.

"Sublimation probably is present, but we don't think it's significant enough to produce the amount of exosphere that we're seeing," Villarreal said.

Villarreal and colleagues showed that past detections of the transient atmosphere coincided with higher concentrations of energetic protons from the sun. Non-detections coincided with lower concentrations of these particles. What's more, the best detections of Ceres' atmosphere did not occur at its closest approach to the sun. This suggests that solar activity, rather than Ceres' proximity to the sun, is a more important factor in generating an exosphere.

The research began with a 2016 Science study led by Chris Russell. The study, using GRaND data, suggested that, during a six-day period in 2015, Ceres had accelerated electrons from the solar wind to very high energies.

In its orbital path, Ceres is currently getting closer to the sun. But the sun is now in a particularly quiet period, expected to last for several more years. Since their results indicate Ceres' exosphere is related to solar activity, study authors are predicting that the dwarf planet will have little to no atmosphere for some time. However, they recommend that other observatories monitor Ceres for future emissions.

Dawn is now in its extended mission and studying Ceres in a highly elliptical orbit. Engineers are maneuvering the spacecraft to a different orbital plane so that Ceres can be viewed in a new geometry. The primary science objective is to measure cosmic rays to help determine which chemical elements lie near the surface of Ceres. As a bonus, in late April, the sun will be directly behind Dawn, when the spacecraft is at an altitude of about 12,300 miles (20,000 kilometers). Ceres will appear brighter than before in that configuration, and perhaps reveal more secrets about its composition and history.
Chile's Atacama desert, like Mars, is hot, and extremely dry, but tiny algae and bacteria that survive there could give clues to potential life on the Red planet

Chile's Atacama desert may seem to contain little besides red-grey rocks and sandbut scientists are busy searching here for clues to life in a place it much resembles: Mars.

This desert in northern Chile, like the red planet, is hot, dusty and extremely dry.

Yet life exists here: tiny algae and bacteria that have evolved to survive in the parched earth on little more than sunlight.

If they have done it here, then why not on Mars, 225 million kilometers (140 million miles) away?

"If life existed there, it would probably be very similar to life here," says biologist Cristina Dorador from the nearby University of Antofagasta.

"We do not know if that is the case, because we do not have any evidence," she adds, as she breaks up bits of rock salt in an area of the desert known as Yungay Station.

"But if we manage to understand how these micro-organisms live, how they obtain moisture and how they adapt to these conditions, then probably very soon, when we have more information about life forms on other planets, we will have something here on Earth to compare it with."

Scratching the surface

Dorador will analyze the fragments in a mobile laboratory which she drives around the desert in search of tiny life forms.

If life existed on Mars it "would probably be very similar" to life found in Chile's Atacama desert, says biologist Cristiana Dorador

She is one of dozens of scientists from various countries working on different Mars-related projects in the Atacama desert.

Separately, US space agency NASA in February carried out its second phase of practice-drilling for samples in the earth of Atacama with specially designed rovers.

"If life exists or ever existed on Mars, the planet's surface dryness and extensive (sunlight) radiation exposure would likely drive it underground," NASA said in a report.

"That makes locations like the Atacama good places to practice looking for life on Mars."

If fossil life on Mars resembled Atacama, it could shed light on our own origins.

"Studying Mars may help understand how life started on Earth," says Christian Nitschelm, a French astronomer at Antofagasta University.

Curiosity

Space agencies and science fiction writers alike have long been fascinated by Marsone of the closest planets to Earth.

From a mobile research station in Chile's Atacama desert scientists study algae and bacteria that survive on little more than sunlight for clues to possible life on Mars

The Soviet Union and United States started aiming probes there in the 1960s.

For the past four years NASA has had a robot, Curiosity, on the planet searching for life.

It has sent back photographs of the planet's surface whose grey rocks look much like those of Atacama.

NASA plans to send a second robot there in 2018. In 2020, Russia and the European Space Agency also aim to send one to drill the Martian soil.

US President Donald Trump has taken up his predecessor Barack Obama's pledge to send humans to Mars in the 2030s.

Scientists have detected traces of water and methane gas on Mars, raising hopes of finding life there.

Within our solar system, there is nowhere but Mars with such conditions for life, Nitschelm says.

"If there is no life on Mars, there is none anywhere" but on Earth, he says.

 2017 AFP
Scientists at Purdue University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have discovered how electrons move in a new crystalline material and this discovery could lead to doubling the efficiency of solar cells. Ultrafast microscope images, such as these, show that the electrons in material is able to move over 200 nanometers with minimal energy loss to heat. Credit: Purdue University image by Libai Huang

A new material has been shown to have the capability to double the efficiency of solar cells by researchers at Purdue University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Conventional solar cells are at most one-third efficient, a limit known to scientists as the Shockley-Queisser Limit. The new material, a crystalline structure that contains both inorganic materials (iodine and lead) and an organic material (methyl-ammonium), boosts the efficiency so that it can carry two-thirds of the energy from light without losing as much energy to heat.

In less technical terms, this material could double the amount of electricity produced without a significant cost increase.

Enough solar energy reaches the earth to supply all of the planet's energy needs multiple times over, but capturing that energy has been difficult  as of 2013, only about 1 percent of the world's grid electricity was produced from solar panels.

Libai Huang, assistant professor of chemistry at Purdue, says the new material, called a hybrid perovskites, would create solar cells thinner than conventional silicon solar cells, and is also flexible, cheap and easy to make.

"My graduate students learn how to make it in a few days," she says.

The breakthrough is published this week in the journal Science.

The potential to double the efficiency of solar cells using a new unique material has been discovered by Purdue University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The material, called a hybrid perovskite, has an inorganic crystal "cage" which contains an organic molecule, methyl-ammonium. Credit: Purdue University image by Libai Huang

The most common solar cells use silicon as a semiconductor, which can transmit only one-third of the energy because of the band gap, which is the amount of energy needed to boost an electron from a bound state to a conducting state, in which the electrons are able to move, creating electricity.

Incoming photons can have more energy than the band gap, and for a very short time  so short it's difficult to imagine  the electrons exist with extra energy. These electrons are called "hot carriers," and in silicon they exist for only one picosecond (which is 10-12 seconds) and only travel a maximum distance of 10 nanometers. At this point the hot carrier electrons give up their energy as heat. This is one of the main reasons for the inefficiency of solar cells.

Huang and her colleagues have developed a new technique that can track the range of the motion and the speed of the hot carriers by using fast lasers and microscopes.

"The distance hot carriers need to migrate is at least the thickness of a solar cell, or about 200 nanometers, which this new perovskite material can achieve," Huang says. "Also these carriers can live for about 100 picoseconds, two orders of magnitude longer than silicon."

Kai Zhu, senior scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, and one of the journal paper's co-authors, says that these are critical factors for creating a commercial hot-carrier solar cell.

"This study demonstrated that hot carriers in a standard polycrystalline perovskite thin film can travel for a distance that is similar to or longer than the film thickness required to build an efficient perovskite solar cell," he says. "This indicates that the potential for developing hot carrier perovskite solar cell is good."

However, before a commercial product is developed, researchers are trying to use the same techniques developed at Purdue by replacing lead in the material with other, less toxic, metals.

"The next step is to find or develop suitable contact materials or structures with proper energy levels to extract these hot carriers to generate power in the external circuit," Zhu says. "This may not be easy."

More information: "Long-range hot-carrier transport in hybrid perovskites visualized by ultrafast microscopy", Science (2017). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aam7744 Journal information: Science
UW scientists are combining theory with experiment to try to understand how life could arise from lifelike chemical reactions under the right conditions. If we find many different chemistries supporting lifelike reactions, we can expect more origins of life elsewhere in the universe, says botany Professor David Baum. Credit: Jeff Miller

On a lab benchtop, a handful of glass vials taped to a rocker gently sway back and forth. Inside the vials, a mixture of organic chemicals and tiny particles of fool's gold are begging a question seemingly beyond their humble appearance: Where did life come from?

Combining theory with experiment, University of WisconsinMadison scientists are trying to understand how life can arise from non-life. Researchers at the UWMadison Wisconsin Institute for Discovery are conducting experiments to test the idea that lifelike chemical reactions might develop readily under the right conditions. The work addresses some of the deepest mysteries in biology, and has implications for understanding how common life might be in the universe.

David Baum, chair and professor of botany at UWMadison and a Discovery Fellow at WID, thinks the earliest life might have relied on a primitive metabolism that originally started on mineral surfaces. Many central reactions in modern cells rely on iron-sulfur catalysts. This reliance on iron and sulfur could be a record stamped into cells of the environments where metabolism itself first evolved. Baum is testing this idea by turning to iron pyrite, a mineral of iron and sulfur better known as fool's gold.

Together with Mike Berg, a graduate student researching the origins of life, Baum is mixing microscopic beads of iron pyrite with a source of chemical energy and simple molecular building blocks. As vials of this mixture rock back and forth in the lab, small groups of chemicals bound to the mineral surface might aggregate and start assisting one another in producing more chemicals. If so, they're likely to spread to other iron pyrite beads, colonizing new surfaces.

When Berg transfers some beads to a fresh vial, the chemical groups could continue to spread. Generation after generation, vial after vial, the most efficient and competitive chemical mixtures would colonize the most iron pyrite. This is selection. Like natural selection, which has created the diversity and complexity of life on Earth, selecting for the colonizing ability of these chemical groups may reveal lifelike chemical cycles capable of changing over time.

"The view that I've come around to is that lifelike chemistry may pop up relatively easily in many, many geological settings," says Baum. "The problem then changes. It's no longer a problem of 'will it happen,' but how will we know it happened?"

They've gone through more than 30 generations so far, and are looking for any sign of change over time, whether that is heat generation, energy consumption or the amount of material bound to the beads.

Baum and UWMadison microbiologist and WID systems biologist Kalin Vetsigian published a paper last year that outlined the experiments, which are based in part on the principle of neighborhood selection. Normally, natural selection operates on a population of individuals. But the scientists proposed that even though no well-defined individuals exist in the chemical mixtures, the molecular communities that are best at colonizing new surfaces will prevail, and likely get better over time. Successful traits of the community as a whole can be selected for and passed on.

Vials containing a mixture of simple organic chemicals and microscopic beads of fools gold are taped to a rocker in the Baum lab at the UWMadison Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. Credit: University of Wisconsin-Madison

"This community-level selection could have taken place before there were individuals with traits that were both heritable and variable," says Vetsigian. "If you have good communities, they will persist."

The project recently received $2.5 million in funding from NASA. Baum is the lead investigator of the research, which includes Vetsigian, UWMadison chemist Tehshik Yoon, and collaborators from seven other institutions.

Cells need the kinds of metabolic reactions that Baum studies to produce energy and the components of more complex molecules. They also need a way to store information. All living cells pass on their genetic information with DNA. But UWMadison professor of chemical and biological engineering and WID systems biologist John Yin is exploring alternative ways to store and process information with simpler molecules in an effort to understand how information storage could evolve without cells or DNA.

Taking a cue from computer science, Yin is working with the most basic method of encoding information, binary. In place of electronic bits, his ones and zeros are the two simplest amino acids, glycine and alanine. Using a unique form of chemistry, Yin is drying out mixtures of the amino acids to encourage them to join together.

"We're seeing reproducibly different strings of alanine and glycine under different kinds of conditions," explains Yin. "So that's a first hint that in some ways the product is a way of representing a particular environment."

Yin's group is working on the technically challenging task of reading these sequences of amino acids so they can keep track of the molecular information. The Yin lab eventually hopes to discover groups of chemicals that can build off this molecular information to reproduce themselves. For both Baum and Yin, selectable systems require these cycles of chemicals able to make more of one another, what Yin calls "closing the loop."

Closing the loop in the lab is likely to be difficult. Only experimentation will tell for sure.

Yin, Baum and Vetsigian are interested not only in how life on Earth got started, but how it could get startedanywhere. If lifelike chemical reactions and molecular information are readily produced in the lab, that could change the calculus of how common life might be on other worlds.

"If we find many different chemistries supporting lifelike reactions, we can expect more origins of life elsewhere in the universe," says Baum.

More information: David A. Baum et al. An Experimental Framework for Generating Evolvable Chemical Systems in the Laboratory, Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres (2016). DOI: 10.1007/s11084-016-9526-x
RACINE  Tuesday nights city aldermanic races generally werent close, but the one notable exception, the 3rd District race between incumbent Michael Shields and John Tate II, was decided by the smallest of margins.

In unofficial preliminary results, Tate, a clinical social worker, defeated Shields by 184 votes to 179 votes, thanks to a 19-vote advantage in the citys 6th Ward which had the highest turnout in District 3.

Shields, who has served 13 terms as District 3 alderman, was set to run for council president later this month.

Shields said Tuesday night he wished Tate the best, but also said he planned to call for a recount. Tate conceded he would have done the same in Shields position.

City Clerk Janice Johnson-Martin said Wednesday that such a recount wouldnt come until next Tuesday at the earliest. Her office was working to get all of the citys election information to Racine County Wednesday.

Right now, at this point, theres nothing that can be done, Johnson-Martin said.

She said the recount cant happen until the city completes its election canvass which is scheduled for Monday. The canvass involves examining city ballots and fully verifying and finalizing vote totals.

Johnson-Martin added that the canvass should take most of Monday and end some time in the early afternoon.

Shields reiterated Wednesday that he still plans to request a recount.

The last time the city had a recount in an aldermanic race was 2015, in the 7th District contest between incumbent Ray DeHahn, who was a write-in candidate because of late paperwork, and challenger Eric Mohr. In that instance, the initial canvass showed Mohr ahead by 12 votes, but the recount led to DeHahn being declared the victor by a one-vote margin.
Giant virus acquiring genes from different eukaryotic host cells. This image complements the DOE Joint Genome Institute news release about the discovery of a novel group of giant viruses reported in the April 7, 2017 issue of Science. Credit: Ella Maru studio

Viruses have a ubiquitous presence in the world. Their population is estimated to be 1031, 10 times greater than the nonillion (1030) of microbes on the planeta figure that surpasses the number of stars in the Milky Way. Giant viruses are characterized by disproportionately large genomes and virions that house the viruses' genetic material. They can encode several genes potentially involved in protein biosynthesis, a unique feature which has led to diverging hypotheses about the origins of these viruses. But after discovering a novel group of giant viruses with a more complete set of translation machinery genes than any other virus known to date, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), a DOE Office of Science User Facility, believe that this group (dubbed "Klosneuviruses") significantly increases our understanding of viral evolution.

The predicted hosts for the Klosneuviruses are protists (single-celled eukaryotic (nucleus-containing) microorganisms) and while their direct impacts on protists are not yet worked out, these giant viruses are thought to have a large impact on these protists that help regulate the planet's biogeochemical cycles. DOE JGI published the findings in the journal Science on April 7, 2017 with collaborators from the National Institutes of Health, University of Vienna, and CalTech.

"The discovery presents virus evolution for us in new ways, vastly expanding our understanding of how many essential host genes viruses can capture during their evolution," said National Institutes of Health evolutionary and computational biologist Eugene Koonin, a study co-author whose lab collaborated with DOE JGI on analyzing the Klosneuvirus genome. "Since protein synthesis is one of the most prominent hallmarks of cellular life, it shows that these new viruses are more 'cell-like' than any virus anyone has ever seen before."

Scientists have been fascinated by giant viruses since 2003, when a group of French biologists led by Didier Raoult discovered the Mimiviruses. Since then, a handful of other giant virus groups have been found. The unique ability among them to encode proteins involved in translation (typically DNA to RNA to protein) piqued researchers' interests as to the origin of giant viruses. Since then, two evolutionary hypotheses have emerged. One posits that giant viruses evolved from an ancient cell, perhaps one from an extinct fourth domain of cellular life. Anothera scenario championed by Kooninpresents the idea that giant viruses arose from smaller viruses.

Bubbling nitrifying activated sludge tank in Klosterneuburg, Austria, which was the source of the sludge samples used for microcolony sorting. This image complements the DOE Joint Genome Institute news release about the discovery of a novel group of giant viruses reported in the April 7, 2017 issue of Science. Credit: Marton Palatinszky

The discovery of Klosneuvirus supports the latter idea, according to Tanja Woyke, DOE JGI Microbial Genomics Program lead and senior author of the paper. "In this scenario, a smaller virus infected different eukaryote hosts and picked up genes encoding translational machinery components from independent sources over long periods of time through piecemeal acquisition," she said.

At first glance, the suite of "cellular" genes in Klosneuvirus seemed to have a common origin, but when analyzing them in detail, the research team observed they came from different hosts. From the evolutionary trees the team built, they noticed that they were acquired by the viruses bit by bit, at different stages in their evolution. The Klosneuvirus genes contained aminoacyl-tRNA (transfer ribonucleic acid) enzymes with specificity for 19 out of 20 amino acids, along with more than 20 tRNAs and an array of translation factors and tRNA modifying enzymesan unprecedented finding among all viruses, including the previously known giant viruses.

JGI postdoctoral researcher Frederik Schulz and Woyke unearthed Klosneuvirus while analyzing microcolony sequence data from a wastewater treatment plant sample in Klosterneuburg, Austria. This data was generated under a DOE JGI Community Science Program (CSP) project focused on the diversity of nitrifying bacteria for converting ammonia to nitrate in industrial and sewage waste treatment. "We expected genome sequences of nitrifying bacteria in the microcolony sequence data," Woyke said. "Finding a giant virus genome took the project into a completely new and unexpected, yet very exciting direction."

Giant viruses grow by acquiring DNA from other organisms, as shown in this GIF. Credit: Carla Schaffer / AAAS

When Schulz, the study's first author, noticed that several of the metagenomes were viral in origin, he and Woyke conducted analyses to determine their source. They found that the Klosneuvirus group came from a novel viral lineage affiliated with Mimiviruses.

"Mining sequence data in DOE JGI's Integrated Microbial Genomes & Microbiomes system, which houses thousands of metagenomes, allowed us to find evolutionary relatives of our Klosneuvirus," Schulz said. He notes that while the metagenomic discovery of Klosneuviruses helped answer important evolutionary questions, the actual biological function of the translation system genes remains elusiveat least until these viruses are grown in the laboratory together with their hosts.

And Koonin believes there are more giant viruses waiting to be discovered in metagenomic data. "I'm quite confident that the current record of the genome size of giant viruses will be broken," he says. "We are going to see the real Goliaths of the giant virus world."

More information: "Giant viruses with an expanded complement of translation system components," Science (2017). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aal4657 Journal information: Science
This prescribed burn in n the Kootenai National Forest in northwestern Montana, is designed to reduce the chances of a large wildfire erupting, However, wildfire experts predict that the number of large, high-intensity fire events will increase, in part due to a 20 to 50 percent increase in the number of days when conditions are conducive to fires. Credit: South Dakota State University

When it comes to large, high-intensity forest fires, we can expect to see a lot more in the coming years, according to South Dakota State University professor Mark Cochrane, a senior scientist at the Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence.

Using satellite data from 2002 to 2013, Cochrane and researchers from the University of Tasmania and the University of Idaho examined nearly 23,000 fires worldwide, identifying 478 large, high-intensity fires which they defined as extreme wildfire events. Their work is described in the Feb. 2017 issue of Nature Ecology and Evolution.

"Almost all happened under bad conditionshigh temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds, which tell us that weather and climate are very important," Cochrane said. Using monthly world weather data from 2000 to 2014, the researchers modeled the likely changes in fire behavior from 2041 to 2070, predicting a 20 to 50 percent increase in the number of days when conditions are conducive to fires.

"Those conditions are based on business-as-usual carbon emissions," Cochrane continued. "This will continue to worsen after 2070 unless we get very serious about cutting global carbon emissions."

By 2041, there will likely be 35 percent more of these large, catastrophic fires per decade, according to Cochrane. "That translates to four extreme fire events for every three that occur now."

However, that risk is not spread evenly, Cochrane explained. Forests in the western United States, southeastern Australia, Europe and the eastern Mediterranean region that extends from Greece to Lebanon and Syria are among those areas at highest risk.

Defining extreme fire events

Though the concept of huge, devastating wildfires, sometimes called megafires, has been tossed around, Cochrane said, "There is no operational definition." Therefore, the research team, led by University of Tasmania professor David Bowman, examined fire intensity and area.

First, the researchers identified hotspots using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer, or MODIS, from two earth-imaging satellites to measure the amount of heat energy released, known as fire radiative power. To do this, they looked at the total energy being released in each 25,000-acre block across the planet, Cochrane explained. "It's a combination of the area that is burning and the intensity at which it is burning."

Through that analysis, the researchers identified 478 extreme fire events. "We limited ourselves to the top .003 percent," he said. "Anyone would agree that these are pretty intense, large events."

Determining impact on humans

They further narrowed the extreme fire events to ones that had the greatest impact on humans. "Fires in the boreal forest might be very large, but they do not impact many people," he pointed out. "We looked for those in which people had to clear out of the way."

The researchers identified 144 fires that were catastrophic, meaning people died and homes were destroyed. "Most of these fires were in the western United States and southeastern Australia, which have fairly high population densities," Cochrane said.

Wind-driven fires accounted for nearly 35 percent of these catastrophic events, while severe drought was a factor in nearly 22 percent. Other extreme fire weather conditions, largely due to high temperatures and low humidity, accounted for slightly more than 20 percent of these costly fires.

"Not only is climate making things worse, but people are building homes in these flammable landscapes," he said.

More information: David M. J. S. Bowman et al. Human exposure and sensitivity to globally extreme wildfire events, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-016-0058 Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution
Close-up of a leaf showing its veins. Credit: Christoph Rupprecht/Flickr

The natural structure found within leaves could improve the performance of everything from rechargeable batteries to high-performance gas sensors, according to an international team of scientists. The researchers have designed a porous, such as the veins of a leaf, and could make energy transfers more efficient. The material could improve the performance of rechargeable batteries, optimizing the charge and discharge process and relieving stresses within the battery electrodes, which, at the moment, limit their life span. The same material could be used for high performance gas sensing or for catalysis to break down organic pollutants in water.

To design this bio-inspired material, an international team comprising scientists from China, the United Kingdom, United States and Belgium is mimicking the rule known as 'Murray's Law' which helps natural organisms survive and grow. According to this Law, the entire network of pores existing on different scales in such biological systems is interconnected in a way to facilitate the transfer of liquids and minimize resistance throughout the network. The plant stems of a tree, or leaf veins, for example, optimize the flow of nutrients for photosynthesis with both high efficiency and minimum energy consumption by regularly branching out to smaller scales. In the same way, the surface area of the tracheal pores of insects remains constant along the diffusion pathway to maximize the delivery of carbon dioxide and oxygen in gaseous forms.

The team, led by Prof Bao-Lian Su, a life member of Clare Hall, University of Cambridge and who is also based at Wuhan University of Technology in China and at the University of Namur in Belgium, adapted Murray's Law for the fabrication of the first ever synthetic 'Murray material' and applied it to three processes: photocatalysis, gas sensing and lithium ion battery electrodes. In each, they found that the multi-scale porous networks of their synthetic material significantly enhanced the performance of these processes.

Prof Su says:

"This study demonstrates that by adapting Murray's Law from biology and applying it to chemistry, the performance of materials can be improved significantly. The adaptation could benefit a wide range of porous materials and improve functional ceramics and nano-metals used for energy and environmental applications." "The introduction of the concept of Murray's Law to industrial processes could revolutionize the design of reactors with highly enhanced efficiency, minimum energy, time, and raw material consumption for a sustainable future."

Writing in Nature Communications this week, the team describes how it used zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as the primary building block of their Murray material. These nanoparticles, containing small pores within them, form the lowest level of the porous network. The team arranged the ZnO particles through a layer-by layer evaporation-driven self-assembly process. This creates a second level of porous networks between the particles. During the evaporation process, the particles also form larger pores due to solvent evaporation, which represents the top level of pores, resulting in a three level Murray material. The team successfully fabricated these porous structures with the precise diameter ratios required to obey Murray's law, enabling the efficient transfer of materials across the multilevel pore network.

Co-author, Dr Tawfique Hasan, of the Cambridge Graphene Centre, part of the University's Department of Engineering, adds:

"This very first demonstration of a Murray material fabrication process is incredibly simple and is entirely driven by the nanoparticle self-assembly. Large scale manufacturability of this porous material is possible, making it an exciting, enabling technology, with potential impact across many applications."

With its synthetic Murray material, with precise diameter ratios between the pore levels, the team demonstrated an efficient breakdown of an organic dye in water by using photocatalysis. This showed it was easy for the dye to enter the porous network leading to efficient and repeated reaction cycles. The team also used the same Murray material with a structure similar to the breathing networks of insects, for fast and sensitive gas detection with high repeatability.

The team proved that its Murray material can significantly improve the long term stability and fast charge/discharge capability for lithium ion storage, with a capacity improvement of up to 25 times compared to state of the art graphite material currently used in lithium ion battery electrodes. The hierarchical nature of the pores also reduces the stresses in these electrodes during the charge/discharge processes, improving their structural stability and resulting in a longer life time for energy storage devices.

The team envisions that the strategy could be used effectively in materials designs for energy and environmental applications.

More information: Xianfeng Zheng et al, Bio-inspired Murray materials for mass transfer and activity, Nature Communications (2017). DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14921 Journal information: Nature Communications
Prof Jonathan Coleman has fabricated printed transistors consisting entirely of 2-dimensional nanomaterials for the first time. Credit: AMBER, Trinity College Dublin

Researchers in AMBER, the Science Foundation Ireland-funded materials science research centre hosted in Trinity College Dublin, have fabricated printed transistors consisting entirely of 2-dimensional nanomaterials for the first time. These 2D materials combine exciting electronic properties with the potential for low-cost production. This breakthrough could unlock the potential for applications such as food packaging that displays a digital countdown to warn you of spoiling, wine labels that alert you when your white wine is at its optimum temperature, or even a window pane that shows the day's forecast. The AMBER team's findings have been published today in the leading journal Science.

This discovery opens the path for industry, such as ICT and pharmaceutical, to cheaply print a host of electronic devices from solar cells to LEDs with applications from interactive smart food and drug labels to next-generation banknote security and e-passports.

Prof Jonathan Coleman, who is an investigator in AMBER and Trinity's School of Physics, said, "In the future, printed devices will be incorporated into even the most mundane objects such as labels, posters and packaging. Printed electronic circuitry (constructed from the devices we have created) will allow consumer products to gather, process, display and transmit information: for example, milk cartons could send messages to your phone warning that the milk is about to go out-of-date.

We believe that 2D nanomaterials can compete with the materials currently used for printed electronics. Compared to other materials employed in this field, our 2D nanomaterials have the capability to yield more cost effective and higher performance printed devices. However, while the last decade has underlined the potential of 2D materials for a range of electronic applications, only the first steps have been taken to demonstrate their worth in printed electronics. This publication is important because it shows that conducting, semiconducting and insulating 2D nanomaterials can be combined together in complex devices. We felt that it was critically important to focus on printing transistors as they are the electric switches at the heart of modern computing. We believe this work opens the way to print a whole host of devices solely from 2D nanosheets."

Prof Jonathan Coleman and team have fabricated printed transistors consisting entirely of 2-dimensional nanomaterials for the first time. Credit: AMBER, Trinity College Dublin

Led by Prof Coleman, in collaboration with the groups of Prof Georg Duesberg (AMBER) and Prof. Laurens Siebbeles (TU Delft, Netherlands), the team used standard printing techniques to combine graphene nanosheets as the electrodes with two other nanomaterials, tungsten diselenide and boron nitride as the channel and separator (two important parts of a transistor) to form an all-printed, all-nanosheet, working transistor.

Printable electronics have developed over the last thirty years based mainly on printable carbon-based molecules. While these molecules can easily be turned into printable inks, such materials are somewhat unstable and have well-known performance limitations. There have been many attempts to surpass these obstacles using alternative materials, such as carbon nanotubes or inorganic nanoparticles, but these materials have also shown limitations in either performance or in manufacturability. While the performance of printed 2D devices cannot yet compare with advanced transistors, the team believe there is a wide scope to improve performance beyond the current state-of-the-art for printed transistors.

The ability to print 2D nanomaterials is based on Prof. Coleman's scalable method of producing 2D nanomaterials, including graphene, boron nitride, and tungsten diselenide nanosheets, in liquids, a method he has licensed to Samsung and Thomas Swan. These nanosheets are flat nanoparticles that are a few nanometres thick but hundreds of nanometres wide. Critically, nanosheets made from different materials have electronic properties that can be conducting, insulating or semiconducting and so include all the building blocks of electronics. Liquid processing is especially advantageous in that it yields large quantities of high quality 2D materials in a form that is easy to process into inks. Prof. Coleman's publication provides the potential to print circuitry at extremely low cost which will facilitate a range of applications from animated posters to smart labels.

Provided by AMBER Centre
OCTOCAM's near-infrared optical bench. The near-infrared section is cryogenically cooled in a vacuum to operate at a temperature below 80 Kelvin. Credit: Gemini Observatory

Gemini Observatory announces the development of a major new facility-class broadband optical and near-infrared imager and spectrograph named OCTOCAM.

"OCTOCAM provides Gemini with a unique capability as we look ahead to the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope era," says Stephen Goodsell who manages the instrument program for Gemini. "The instrument will be able to rapidly acquire transient objects and simultaneously obtain eight images or spectral bands from each target," according to Goodsell. "This is important because it provides a much greater level of information and detail, which will undoubtedly lead to transformational scientific discoveries."

The power of the instrument comes from its ability to simultaneously observe over an extremely wide swath of the optical and infrared spectrum. It is expected that when the instrument begins commissioning and observations in 2022 it will serve as an ideal complement to the discoveries made with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) by providing rapid follow-up capabilities.

Once completed the instrument is slated for installation on the 8-meter Gemini South telescope which is located adjacent to the current construction site of the LSST on Cerro Pachon in Chile.

"Two core tenets of Gemini's future vision are to lead as a premier facility for taking advantage of the upcoming discoveries from the LSST; while offering broad, flexible capabilities that enable a wide-range of individual PI-driven science," says Scot Kleinman, Associate Director of Development at Gemini. "OCTOCAM, with its eight simultaneous channels, including both imaging and spectroscopic capabilities, moves Gemini a giant step closer to this vision. We are thrilled to make this transformative instrument available to our community in early 2022."

Chris Davis, Program Officer at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF, which also funds the LSST), notes that because Gemini has international funding participants that include the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, this project spans the globe. "All of the Gemini participants contribute to the development of instruments like OCTOCAM," says Davis. However, he adds, "OCTOCAM really captures the spirit of international cooperation with the global network of researchers that are designing and building this instrument."

OCTOCAM's visible optical bench. The visible section is kept at about the temperature of the outside telescope environment. Credit: Gemini Observatory

In late March the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA, which operates Gemini on behalf of the NSF) and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) signed a contract to build and commission the instrument. With the contract signed work began immediately on the conceptual design of the instrument.

"Using eight state-of-the-art detectors, OCTOCAM will simultaneously observe visible and invisible light spectra almost instantaneously, in tens of milliseconds," said Dr. Peter Roming, a staff scientist at SwRI who will serve as project manager and co-principal investigator. SwRI will oversee systems engineering, providing detectors, electronics, and software development for this refrigerator-sized, ground-based apparatus. The Institute will also lead the integration and testing of the device.

"It's really exciting to be working on an 8-meter class instrument that will be used to observe the whole Universe, from the oldest stars to nearby exoplanets," Roming said. "The imaging, spectral analysis, and temporal resolution combined with exceptional sensitivity make OCTOCAM a unique, unparalleled instrument."

"OCTOCAM has been designed to revolutionize the research in many fields of astrophysics. To achieve this, a large, international group of scientists determined the key science questions to be addressed in the coming decade and those were used subsequently to define the technical characteristics that will allow OCTOCAM to answer them," says Antonio de Ugarte Postigo, scientist at the Instituto de Astrofisica of Andalucia (IAA-CSIC) in Granada, Spain and principal investigator of the project.

"We look forward to a work that will involve the full scientific community of Gemini. OCTOCAM will open a new window of research by occupying a region in the spectral coverage-spectral resolution-time resolution diagram not covered by any other instrument in the world," says Christina Thone, scientist at IAA, Granada and Deputy Project Manager of OCTOCAM.

"I am very excited about the science that we will be able to do with OCTOCAM," said Dr. Alexander van der Horst, an assistant professor of astrophysics at the George Washington University in Washington, DC, and the project scientist for OCTOCAM. "The capabilities of OCTOCAM make it a unique instrument, and it will provide a wealth of information on a very broad range of objects, from rocks of ice in our own solar system to the most massive stars exploding at the edge of our Universe."
A false color scanning electron micrograph of cultured human neuron from induced pluripotent stem cell. Credit: Mark Ellisman and Thomas Deerinck, National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, UC San Diego.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), derived from human adult cells and capable of being differentiated to become a variety of cell types, are a powerful tool for studying everything from molecular processes underlying human diseases to elusive genetic variants associated with human phenotypes.

In a new paper published online April 6 in Stem Cell Reports, a large team of researchers led by senior author Kelly Frazer, PhD, professor of pediatrics and director of the Institute for Genomic Medicine at University of California San Diego School of Medicine describe a new collection of 222 systematically derived and characterized iPSC lines generated as part of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's NextGen consortium.

Dubbed iPSCORE for "iPSC Collection for Omic Research," Frazer said the novel collection addresses several significant issues that currently hamper using iPSCs as a model system for human genetic studies investigating the segregation of traits, such as lack of large numbers of molecularly well-phenotyped lines and representation of ethnic diversity as well as participants from families and genetically unrelated individuals.

"The iPSCORE collection contains 75 lines from people of non-European ancestry, including East Asian, South Asian, African American, Mexican American, and Multiracial. It includes multigenerational families and monozygotic twins," said Frazer. "This collection will enable us to study how genetic variation influences traits, both at a molecular and physiological level, in appropriate human cell types, such as heart muscle cells. It will help researchers investigate not only common but also rare, and even family-specific variations."

The Stem Cell Reports paper is, in fact, one of four related studies just published by different teams of scientists, each with Frazer as senior author. The other three studies all utilize the iPSCORE resource to either address important genetic questions or develop new tools for analyzing iPSC lines:

Writing in the April 6 online issue of Cell Stem Cell , Frazer and colleagues used whole genome sequencing and gene expression profiling of 215 human iPSC lines from different donors to identify genetic variants associated with RNA expression for 5,746 genes. The work highlights the value of iPSCs for genetic association analyses and investigating genetic regulation of gene expression in pluripotent stem cells.

, Frazer and colleagues used whole genome sequencing and gene expression profiling of 215 human iPSC lines from different donors to identify genetic variants associated with RNA expression for 5,746 genes. The work highlights the value of iPSCs for genetic association analyses and investigating genetic regulation of gene expression in pluripotent stem cells. Also in the same issue of Cell Stem Cell , Frazer and colleagues provided important insights into aberrant methylation patterns present in iPSCs that will enable better use of these cells to study development and disease.

, Frazer and colleagues provided important insights into aberrant methylation patterns present in iPSCs that will enable better use of these cells to study development and disease. Finally, in the April 6 issue of Stem Cell Reports, Frazer and colleagues developed a set of simple methods to reduce the cost and increase useful production of iPSC lines. Specifically, they outline less expensive methods for high-throughput quantification of surface markers, gene expression analysis of in vitro differentiation potential and high-resolution karyotyping to detect chromosomal aberrations.

More information: "iPSCORE: A Resource of 222 iPSC Lines Enabling Functional Characterization of Genetic Variation Across a Variety of Cell Types," Stem Cell Reports: DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.03.012 "Aberrant iPSC Methylation is Associated with Motif Enrichment and Gene Expression Changes in a Clone-Specific Manner Independent of Genetics," Cell Stem Cell: DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.03.010 "Large-Scale Profiling Reveals the Influence of Genetic Variation on Gene Expression in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells," Cell Stem Cell: DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.03.009 "High-Throughput and Cost-Effective Characterization of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells," Stem Cell Reports: DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.03.011 Journal information: Stem Cell Reports , Cell Stem Cell
The ice field on the Schnidejoch Pass (2,756 metres above sea level) has melted dramatically in the last few decades. The picture shows the situation in 2005. Credit: Kathrin Glauser

The people in Switzerland were on the move in the High Alps and running alpine pastures 7,000 years ago and therefore much earlier than previously assumed. A study by the University of Bern that combines archaeological knowledge with findings from palaeoecology comes to this conclusion. Prehistoric finds from the Schnidejoch Pass played a crucial part in this.

Did shepherds actually drive their herds from Lower Valais to the Bernese Oberland and graze their sheep there around 5,000 BC? Many factors indicate that this theory, which would have just been dismissed as speculation until recently, reflects reality. "We have strong indications that argue that people were on the move in the mountains with their animals much earlier than previously assumed," says Albert Hafner, Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology at University of Bern.

Albert Hafner and Christoph Schworer, environmental scientist and specialist in vegetation history at the Institute of Plant Sciences at University of Bern, have just provided the chain of evidence that supports this assumption in an article in the Quaternary International specialist journal. Both scientists are members of the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research at University of Bern "The combination of two approaches," explains Albert Hafner, "allowed us to collect better data and also interpret it with a new perspective. Neither archaeology nor palaeoecology would have come to these new findings on their own."

These rings from the Early Bronze Age were made out of braided branches. They were most probably used by early pastoralists to fix fence posts. Credit: Badri Redha

According to the study, this is how we have to imagine early alpine farming between Valais and the Bernese Oberland: the region around today's Sitten was populated by people who ran arable and cattle farming around 5,000 BC. They kept sheep and goats, among others. However, the steep and dry slopes in Lower Valais did not produce much feed, which is why the shepherds undertook a two-day hike as far as the Bernese Oberland where they found good grazing opportunities below the Schnidejoch Pass situated at 2,756 metres above sea level. This nomadic pasture farming was only possible as the glaciers drastically retreated during the so-called Holocene Climatic Optimum. The Schnidejoch did not have any ice for several centuries.

Sediment analysis and prehistoric finds

The two researchers support their theory on the one hand with prehistoric finds from the Schnidejoch situated above the Lenk and on the other hand by the analysis of sediment cores from Lake Iffig (Iffigensee) just a few kilometres away.

This undated photo (probably end 19th century) shows a ring or mobile fence in Teuffenthal near Thun. The man in the middle is holding a ring made out of plaited twigs, the man on the right in the photo is holding a whole bundle of rings. Credit: Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Volkskunde

A melting ice field on the Schnidejoch Pass has exposed several hundreds of these kinds of objects since 2003. Including remnants of containers made out of wood, which were very probably used to transport food. The Valais shepherds probably transported provisions in them for the time that they spent with their animals on the Bernese side of the pass. Indications of early alpine farming are also provided by the rings made out of plaited twigs which were used to hold the posts of mobile fences together. The rings originate from the Early Bronze Age (from 2,100 BC). What is interesting though is that one tradition from this phase of prehistoric alpine farming in the Bernese Oberland was preserved over thousands of years: cattle farmers can be seen in a historic photo from the Thun region who are building a mobile fence using rings made out of plaited twigs  probably using the same method that their Valais ancestors applied around 5,000 BC. "This is obviously an extremely simple and convenient technique that could last long in traditional communities ," says Albert Hafner.

Strong indications of very early pastoralism in the area of the Schnidejoch is mainly provided by the reconstruction of the region's vegetation history. Christoph Schworer analysed the composition of sediment deposits from Lake Iffig for this. The pollen was of particular interest in the process. From the composition of this pollen it can be deduced which plant species were very widespread in a specific location in the past. For example, nettles, among others, can be evidenced for the time after 5,000 BC. These nutrient-loving plants frequently appear in places where cattle were fenced in overnight. Spores from the Sporormiella, a fungus that thrives extremely well on cattle dung was also found in the sediment core. When the glaciers advanced again during a colder climatic phase just under a thousand years after the oldest Schnidejoch finds, the route over the pass became impassable again. There is also no indication of the Valais shepherds and their sheep in the lake sediments from Lake Iffig during this time.

Lake Iffig (Iffigensee) above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland. The analysis of sediment cores allowed for the local vegetation history to be reconstructed. Credit: Christoph Schworer

More information: Albert Hafner et al. Vertical mobility around the high-alpine Schnidejoch Pass. Indications of Neolithic and Bronze Age pastoralism in the Swiss Alps from paleoecological and archaeological sources, Quaternary International (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2016.12.049 Journal information: Quaternary International
Porcupine bones and teeth. Credit: Yaroslav Kuzmin

A team of specialists that included scientists from Siberia, the Urals, and the University of Arizona conducted radiocarbon dating of the teeth and bones of ancient porcupines found in the caves of Gorny Altai and the Urals. They established that these thermophilic animals lived in these territories 30,000 to 40,000 years ago and died out with the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum.

"There have been no similar publications based on Russian material," says Yaroslav Kuzmin of TSU, one of the authors of the article. "The reason is that the finds of porcupines in Siberia are extremely rare. The samples with which we worked were discovered by the famous Siberian paleontologist Nikolai Ovodov in the 1980s in the Altai (Razboynichya Cave). Later, in the 1990s and early 2000s, bones and teeth that were preserved in several caves of Altai and the Urals were added to them."

All this time, the age of ancient porcupines remained unknown, because the method of dating available to scientists required a large quantity of material for analysis.

"This method was not suitable for us," says Yaroslav Kuzmin. "First, in this case, material invaluable from the point of view of history will be completely lost in the course of dating. Second, the maximum size of the remains of animals found was only a few centimeters, so we simply did not have enough materials for analysis. Unique finds were preserved only because they were lying in caves of limestone, often at a temperature of about zero degrees, that is, they were not exposed to such destructive factors as heat, wind, and rain."

Therefore, the researchers were only recently able to reconstruct the past and establish the age of ancient mammals. This happened thanks to the close scientific collaboration of scientists from Russia and the US. The University of Arizona conducted a direct radiocarbon dating of porcupine bones and teeth with an accelerator mass spectrometer. This method requires a minimum amount of material (less than the fingernail of the little finger) but is an accurate way to determine geological age.

The results of the study showed that the fossils of porcupines living in the area of the modern Urals are more than 40,000 years old. Their Siberian relatives were significantly younger, from about 30,000 to 40,000 years ago. In the area that is now Russia, porcupines lived during an interstadial period, between two glacial maxima. According to the authors of the article, about 27,000 years ago, the cooling began, which changed the situation in the Altai Mountains: Forests decreased, the temperature and precipitation decreased, and the area occupied by grasses and bushes and other foliage increased. The conditions became unsuitable for the habitation of thermophilic mammals, and as a result, the porcupines permanently disappeared from the region.

More information about the results of the research can be found in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews.

More information: Yaroslav V. Kuzmin et al, The northernmost and latest occurrence of the fossil porcupine ( Hystrix brachyura vinogradoviArgyropulo, 1941) in the Altai Mountains in the Late Pleistocene (ca. 32,00041,000 cal BP), Quaternary Science Reviews (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2017.02.010 Journal information: Quaternary Science Reviews

Provided by National Research Tomsk State University
The green fluorescent label maps the distribution of calcium in sea urchin larvae. The label shows the elongated mineralized spicules and vesicles with large amounts of calcium. Credit: Weizmann Institute of Science

Some sea creatures cover themselves with hard shells and spines, while vertebrates build skeletons out of the same minerals. How do these animals get the calcium they need to build these strong mineral structures? Professors Lia Addadi and Steve Weiner of the Weizmann Institute of Science's Structural Biology Department asked this question about sea urchins, which need to extract quite a few calcium ions from sea water to build their spines. The answer surprised them, and it could change the way scientists think about the process of biomineralization.

Several years ago, Addadi and Weiner had discovered that sea urchins build their spines with tiny packets of "unorganized" material that hardens into crystal when laid in place. "So the question went back a step: How do they get the calcium ions they need to make this material in the first place?" says Addadi. "Free calcium is not abundant in sea water," adds Weiner, "so they need an efficient way to extract and concentrate the ions."

To answer the question the researchers, including Netta Vidavsky, needed methods to observe the animal's cells "as is," that is, as they are in life, water included. For this the group turned to Dr. Andreas Schertel of Carl Zeiss Microscopy in Germany and Dr. Sefi Addadi of the Weizmann Institute of Science's Life Sciences Core Facilities. Very new cutting-edge techniques enabled them to observe thin slices of the cells in sea urchin embryos and then to reconstruct three-dimensional images of these cells and their intake of labeled calcium ions. "Even a few years ago, we could not have done this study," says Addadi.

The images showed that sea urchin larval cells actually "drink" seawater, taking in drops of water and manipulating the ions in the water within the confines of the cell. This is in contrast to the theory that these cells take in only ions, one at a time, through special channels in their outer membranes. The cells they observed were filled with networks of bubbles called vacuoles that collect the calcium ions, evidently creating concentrated packages of calcium for building the spines.

This method may be more energy efficient than taking in ions through channels (which the cells also did), but it presents another problem: The cells must be able to pick out the calcium as well as expel other ions in the sea water, especially the sodium and chloride. "Researchers may be busy for years to come figuring out how these cells manipulate the ions in the sea water they drink," says Weiner.

Addadi and Weiner point out that this is not the first time this type of calcium ion intake has been observed. Prof. Jonathan Erez of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem had described this phenomenon in single-celled, hard-shelled microorganisms called foraminifera a decade ago. At the time, it was thought to be a "curiosity," but finding the same process in two very different creatures suggests that it may be quite widespread. Although we do not live in sea water, even the cells that build our bones may use a similar method to obtain calcium.

More information: Netta Vidavsky et al. Calcium transport into the cells of the sea urchin larva in relation to spicule formation, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2016). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1612017113 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
People always talk about robots taking over and replacing us, but you can actually use them to improve the human condition, especially that of homebound children, says Veronica Newhart, a Ph.D. candidate in UC Irvines School of Education. Just because these kids cant go to school doesnt mean they cant have a presence in the classroom. Credit: Steve Zylius/UC Irvine

As a child growing up in California, Veronica Newhart was absent from school for weeks at a time due to a congenital heart condition. The loneliness and isolation she felt so many years ago are similar to what children with chronic illnesses feel today, but Newhart says it doesn't have to be that way.

A Ph.D. candidate in UC Irvine's School of Education, she believes that interactive technologies can facilitate person-to-person connections, and her research on telepresence robots in the classroom explores just that.

"People always talk about robots taking over and replacing us, but you can actually use them to improve the human condition, especially that of homebound children," Newhart says. "Just because these kids can't go to school doesn't mean they can't have a presence in the classroom."

Telepresence robotsInternet-enabled, two-way-video-streaming automatons that have wheels for feet and a screen showing the child's face at the top of a vertical "body"act as surrogates. From home, a student controlling the device with a laptop or tablet can see and hear everything in the classroom, talk with friends and the teacher, "raise his or her hand" via flashing lights to ask or answer questions, move around and even go on field trips.

Preliminary results of a first-of-its-kind study Newhart conducted have shown that telepresence robots help homebound children feel more socially connected to their peers and more involved academically.

Technology that includes, not isolates

"What happens to humans when they're disconnected? They get depressed," she says. "This use of technology as a way to include children who are otherwise isolated fascinates me. Most importantly, we need to update the educational services provided to homebound children. We're using the same system that's been in place for more than 80 years: A tutor makes home visits for four to five hours a week and brings over stacks of paperwork for the child to complete. The tutor is the child's only connection to the classroom."

On April 19, Newhartone of four UC Irvine graduate students named 2017 Public Impact Distinguished Fellowswill be among 22 UC students gathering in Sacramento for the eighth annual Graduate Research Advocacy Day. They will visit lawmakers and discuss the importance of graduate-level scientific inquiry and its contributions to California's economy and progress.

"I am honored that my research has been selected for this opportunity to have an audience with our elected officials," Newhart says. "This is an interdisciplinary project involving education, medicine and informatics that's a new genre of learning, and we are the only university in the nation studying it."

Her current research examines how telepresence robots affect both academic and social learning on the part of homebound students and their classmates. Teachers, administrators and parents also participate in the project, as another goal is to develop best practices and guidelines for the use of this technology in schools and homes. In a separate study, the influence of remaining connected via a robot on a homebound child's health and well-being will be explored.

Funding for Newhart's initial work was provided by the UC Irvine Graduate Division and the School of Education. She and Mark Warschauer, UC Irvine professor of education and informatics, were recently awarded a one-year Institute for Clinical & Translational Science biomedical and health informatics grant to conduct interdisciplinary research and provide formal recommendations for the use of robots in the classroom. Judy Olson, Donald Bren Professor of Information & Computer Sciences, is co-primary investigator on the study.

"Telepresence robots in the classroom is a new idea, and without the financial and academic support from professors in education, informatics and medicine at UC Irvine, my research wouldn't have gotten this far," Newhart says. "This is a UC Irvine homegrown project, and I can't wait to have the opportunity to talk to our legislators about the impact our work is having at the local, state and national levels."
ROCHESTER  Tuesdays race for trustee in the Village of Rochester between Robert Gerber and Douglas Webb is heading into extra innings after two candidates tied with 256 votes apiece.

There were three open seats, and the candidates with the three highest vote totals were to fill those seats. Incumbents Gary Beck (351 votes) and Nick Ahlers (340 votes) were safe, but a tie between Gerber and Webb sends the contest for the final seat into overtime.

Village Clerk Betty Novy said the village consulted with the Wisconsin Election Commission, which suggested some sort of decision  such as flipping a coin  in the presence of the five village election officials.

Were going to let the candidates go with whatever theyre comfortable with, Novy said Wednesday. It could be a coin flip or a card draw, she said.

The decision will be made at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at the Village Hall, 300 W. Spring St.

Novy said a recount has not been conducted because a winner must first be declared. After the decision today, the loser has the option to ask for a recount, Novy said.

Stunned and relieved

When Gerber saw the election results on Tuesday he said he thought, How in the world could this happen?

I was dazed for a second, he said. I couldnt believe it.

For Webb, the feeling was one of relief.

Im glad I didnt lose, he said with a laugh.

Both Gerber and Webb said theyll bring their wives to the event on Thursday.

When it comes to what tie-breaking method he would prefer, Gerber said he would want to draw cards from a deck, where the highest card wins the seat.

With a coin toss, he said, there are too many questions. Whos going to flip it? Who decides whos heads and whos tails? Is someone going to catch it, or is the coin going hit the ground?

Gerber said he would like to have the election officials shuffle the deck.

Webb said he hasnt given any thought to what tie-breaking method he would prefer and said its possible the winner wont be decided on Thursday.

I would assume the loser of the decision is going to ask for a recount, Webb said. I dont think a flip of a coin is going to be the end of it.

It seems the method to decide the winner of the final trustee seat will be a game-time decision.
Stratification in Tibet sediment. Climate variations are reflected in color variations with the red sediment typically indicating a wetter climate and the white indicating a drier climate. "You can literally walk up time as you sample the sediment," Garzione says. Credit: Qingquan Meng

The Tibetan Plateau in China experiences the strongest monsoon system on Earth, with powerful windsand accompanying intense rains in the summer monthscaused by a complex system of global air circulation patterns and differences in surface temperatures between land and oceans.

These extreme weather patterns make this area an ideal location for climate scientists to study the delicate interconnected web of the global climate system.

Carmala Garzione, a professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Rochester, and Junsheng Nie, a visiting research associate at the University, surveyed sediment samples from the northern Tibetan Plateau's Qaidam Basin and were able to construct paleoclimate cycle records from the late Miocene epoch of Earth's history, which lasted from approximately 11 to 5.3 million years ago. They recently published their findings in Science Advances.

Reconstructing past climate records can help scientists determine both natural patterns and the ways in which future glacial events and greenhouse gas emissions may affect global systems.

Based on previous research on ice core, marine, and sediment records, researchers determined that for the past 800,000 years, Northern Hemisphere ice agesin which vast areas of North America, Europe, and Asia are covered with thick sheets of iceoccurred about every 100,000 years. Prior to that period, ice ages occurred more frequently, on cycles of 41,000 years, and scientists believed this was the norm.

Using the sediment samples from the Qaidam Basin, Nie and Garzione show that the East Asian monsoon patterns in the late Miocene also follow similar 100,000 year cycles, with stronger monsoons peaking at 100,000 years and diminishing in the periods in between. This reveals a greater than 6 million earlier onset of these 100,000 year cycles than was previously documented.

"People have been thinking that the 100,000 year cycle was a later Quaternary [present-day] climate anomaly," Nie says. "But from our results, we see that it's not an anomaly, it was present many years before."

Several factors affect these cycles, but they are ultimately determined by orbital forcingthe Sun's radiation received by the Earth due to variations in the Earth's orbit in the solar system. There are three types of variations that occur simultaneously, known as the Milankovitch Cycles:

Eccentricity: How the Earth rotates around the Sunthe shape of Earth's orbit gradually changes from being more oval to more round over a period of 100,000 years. Axial tilt: The Earth tilts toward the Sun at an angle that changes from an approximate 22-degree tilt to a 24.5-degree tilt over a period of 41,000 years. Precession of equinox: The Earth slowly wobbles as it spins, much like a toy top, while at the same time, the Earth's rotational axisthe line from the north to south polesrotates. The interaction of these two processes results in cyclical movement of equinoxes over a period of approximately 23,000 years.

"Each of these factors influences incoming solar radiation and how the earth is absorbing heat,"Garzione says.

Mysteries remain because eccentricity is the weakest cycle, so should logically not be the dominant cycle for climatic events. It is not only sunlight that plays a role in these cycles, but the influence of glaciers and atmospheric carbon dioxide.

For the past one million years, the waxing and waning of Northern Hemisphere ice sheetsmainly those in Canadahave controlled the climate cycles, by affecting ocean currents, temperatures, and wind patterns. Southern Hemisphere ice in Antarctica has remained relatively fixed, without any major glacial melting to catalyze advances and retreats.

During the late Miocene, this was the opposite, with ice in Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere waxing and waning. Nie and Garzione suggest that the fluctuating Antarctic ice sheet in the late Miocene, at a time when there was minimal ice in the Northern Hemisphere, exerted the dominant control on the 100,000 year cycles observed in the Qaidam Basin record.

"If one hemisphere sees major advances and retreats in ice sheets, that's when we get into this pattern of 100,000 year cycles dominating," Garzione says. "The question is, will we push carbon dioxide high enough in the future that the Northern Hemisphere remains ice free and the advances and retreats begin again with the Southern Hemisphere ice sheets."

If so, the Southern Hemisphere ice sheets may once again exert dominant influence on climate cycles.
A wooden structure near Davos sheltered the researchers' camera from the wind. Credit: LTE/EPFL

Imagine taking pictures of thousands of snowflakes from three different angles with a specialized instrument installed at an altitude of 2,500 meters. Then imagine using 3,500 of these pictures to manually train an algorithm to recognize six different classes of snowflakes. And, finally, imagine using this algorithm to classify the snowflakes in the millions of remaining pictures into those six classes at breakneck speed. That's exactly what researchers at EPFL's Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory (LTE) did, in a project spearheaded by Alexis Berne. Their pioneering approach was featured in the latest issue of Atmospheric Measurement Techniques.

"The scientific community has been trying to improve precipitation measurement and forecast for over 50 years. We now have a pretty good understanding of the mechanisms involved in rain," says Berne. "But snow is a lot more complicated. Many factors - like the shape, geometry and electromagnetic properties of individual snowflakes - affect how snow crystals reflect signals back to weather radars, making our task much harder. And we still don't have a good grasp of the equivalent liquid water content of snowflakes. Our goal with this study was to better understand exactly what's falling when it snows, so that we can eventually improve snowfall forecast at high altitudes." Berne also sees other applications for the team's findings, like a more accurate estimation of water equivalent stored in the snowpack for irrigation and hydropower.

Identifying snowflakes and their degree of riming

To reach their goal, the researchers acquired a Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera (MASC)- a sophisticated instrument composed by three synchronized cameras that simultaneously take high resolution (up to 35-micron) pictures of snowflakes as they pass through a metallic ring.

In collaboration with the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss and the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, they installed the MASC at a site near Davos, at an altitude of 2,500 meters, where it took pictures for an entire winter and at a site in coastal Antarctica, where it took pictures for an entire austral summer. They then ran their algorithm to classify the snowflake images into six main classes based on existing classification: planar crystals, columnar crystals, graupels, aggregates, combination of column and planar crystals, and small particles.

The researchers used the pictures taken by the MASC to also determine the degree of riming of each snowflake based on its surface roughness (image 3). "Snowflakes change shape as they fall down the atmosphere - especially through clouds," says Berne. "Some of them gather frost and become more or less rimed snow crystals [#3-5 in the image], while others remain pristin and have a very low riming index." Riming is important because it is the process that turns cloud water droplets into precipitation in the form of ice - in other words, snow.

Using a special multi-angle camera, EPFL researchers have gained important insights into the structure of snowflakes. Credit: EPFL

Comparing Alpine and Antarctic snowflakes

The next step was to compare the results obtained from the pictures taken near Davos in the Swiss Alps with those taken in Adelie Land on the coast of Antarctica. That revealed significant differences in how often every snowflake family appeared. Most of the snowflakes in the Alps are aggregates (49%), followed by small particles and graupels. However, in Antarctica, the majority were small particles (54%), followed by aggregates and graupels.

According to Berne, these differences can be explained. "The fierce Antarctic winds continually erode the snowpack and result in the formation of tiny snow particles. What's more, Antarctic snowflakes have much less riming than Alpine snowflakes because the Antarctic air is a lot drier." Another of the researchers' findings that will perhaps disappoint purists is that the 'stellar dendrite' type of snowflake - the one we typically associate with the 'ideal' snowflake - turned out to be rare at both sites, making up only 10% of snowflakes in the Alps and 5% of snowflakes in Antarctica.

A wooden structure near Davos sheltered the researchers' camera from the wind. Credit: LTE/EPFL

Multi-instrumental approach

To tackle the complexity of the multiple processes involved, scientists usually rely on several different instruments when making meteorological measurements and weather forecasts. The results obtained by Berne's team will therefore provide even more insights when combined with other instruments, such as weather radars, which collect data on clouds and precipitation across all layers of the atmosphere.

As part of the international Solid Precipitation Intercomparison Experiment (SPICE), MeteoSwiss set up a rain gauge next to the MASC at the Davos site. The data have not been yet fully analyzed, but by comparing the type of snowflakes photographed by the MASC with the amount of water collected over a given period, the team will be able to test various hypotheses on snowflake liquid water content, which remains an enigma for atmospheric scientists.

A measurement campaign during the 2018 Winter Olympics

To bolster their findings, Berne's team needs to gather more data. They sent their MASC back to Antarctica for another data-collecting round this year; it will then head to the mountains of South Korea in 2018 for the Winter Olympics which will take place in Pyeongchang. "The more data we have, the more reliable our calculations will be," says Berne.

This research project combines fundamental and applied research. It involves three scientists: Alexis Berne and Christophe Praz from EPFL's Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory and Yves-Alain Roulet from MeteoSwiss (the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology). MeteoSwiss has been working with EPFL for several years to improve its precipitation estimates and its numerical weather prediction model.

More information: Christophe Praz et al, Solid hydrometeor classification and riming degree estimation from pictures collected with a Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera, Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (2017). DOI: 10.5194/amt-10-1335-2017
Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether 

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Microsoft Outlines Privacy Changes in Windows 10 Creators Update

Microsoft announced today that it's on a "privacy journey" with its Windows 10 users and that the coming Windows 10 "creators update" will have new privacy options with better explanations.

The journey apparently started because of comments Microsoft received about those privacy controls in Windows 10. Microsoft specifically pointed to feedback from "the European Union's Article 29 Working Group and national data protection authorities" in its announcement by Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group and Marisa Rogers, privacy officer of the Windows and Devices Group.

Last year, France's data protection commission gave Microsoft three months to address alleged noncompliance with France's privacy laws by the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10. The complaints concerned the handling of data transfers, advertising IDs, cookies, PIN security and telemetry reporting. The Electronic Frontier Foundation had also accused Microsoft of disregarding user privacy with Windows 10.

New Privacy Choice Screens

Possibly, Microsoft addressed those past complaints. However, today's announcement focused on the newly revised privacy control screens that will appear with the Windows 10 creators update, which will start to arrive on April 11. Microsoft showed the screen views that consumers will see, as well as the ones seen by IT pros when performing a "clean install" of the operating system. The two types of screens are similar except for color. Some controls can't be turned off, such as the "Diagnostics" setting, which allows a choice between either "Basic" or "Full" telemetry reporting.

The new Windows 10 creators update privacy policies were previously described in January. Back then, Microsoft indicated it would eliminate the "Enhanced" telemetry reporting option with the rollout of the creators update. The Enhanced option previously was the "default" setting for the Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions, but it'll be gone with the creators update. Consequently, Windows 10 users who used the Enhanced option will have to specify their privacy choices again when the creators update arrives.

However, some privacy settings will be saved for users moving to the Windows 10 creators update.

"The actual values of the toggles on this [privacy settings] screen will be based on your current settings in Windows 10," Microsoft's announcement explained.

Microsoft's announcement claimed it has halved the amount of event data collected at the Basic privacy level with the creators update. Lists for both the Basic and Full privacy options, showing what gets collected, are now published.

The announcement didn't mention it, but another privacy telemetry option exists below the Basic level, called "Security." The Security privacy option is only available for some Windows 10 editions (Enterprise, Mobile Enterprise, Education and IoT Core), plus Windows Server 2016, as explained in this TechNet article.

Microsoft also has now published a portal, called the "Microsoft Privacy Dashboard," that shows the information it has collected on an individual user. The portal has controls to view and clear browsing history, search history and location information. Users also can edit collected Cortana data and Microsoft Health data using the portal.

Yet To Come

Microsoft's announcement promised to provide more information for enterprise Windows 10 users on privacy compliance. It's also planning to talk about Windows 10's compliance with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, which is a set of new rules on electronic communications and personal data protections for EU member countries. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation specifies privacy regulation on metadata, cookies and spam, but it's still one year away, with adoption planned for May 25, 2018.

Of course, with most governments and corporations viewing online privacy as secondary to spying and monetization efforts, Microsoft's newfound "transparency" on privacy controls in Windows 10 might not appear to be too hopeful. The company's alleged collaboration with the U.S. National Security Agency's secret PRISM data collection program is perhaps still recalled.

Microsoft's privacy announcement perhaps isn't hitting the right note, too, given the present milieu. For instance, this week, President Trump signed a law that rolls back Federal Communications Commission rules that had protected customers of Internet service providers from ISPs that might opt to sell their customer's data. Under the new law, the Federal Trade Commission is supposed to oversee consumer privacy, but it lacks the authority to do so.

"Because of the current legal landscape, the FTC can't police ISPs either, leaving customers without a federal agency that can clearly protect them in this space," the Electronic Frontier Foundation explained, in a blog post.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has published privacy advice with respect to using ISP services. The tips include picking an ISP that won't abuse privacy, opting out of tracking and supercookies, using the Tor Browser and the HTTPS Everywhere browser extension, and setting up a virtual private network.
Homeowners who opposed the collective sale of a private residential development are still required to pay the SSD...

National Development Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver a keynote address at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit, which takes place in June. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

A global line-up of real estate experts will be headlining a major real estate forum from 6 to 8 June at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Summit will see speakers from different real estate sectors and disciplines covering a range of topics including technology, housing and capital markets.

National Development Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver a keynote address on Creating Competitive and Innovative Cities.

The calibre and variety of speakers this year is second to none, noted John Fitzgerald, CEO of ULI Asia Pacific.

For instance, international keynote speaker Vivek Wadhwa, a futurist, author and emerging technologies expert, will talk on the topic Amazing or Scary? Technologys Impact on Our Lives, Jobs and Business.

Said Wadhwa: Advancing technologies are making amazing and scary things possible. On the one hand, we can build a Star Trek-like future in which all of our wants and needs are met. On the other, these technologies will disrupt entire industries and cause social upheaval. The advances are happening, whether we are ready or not. We need to understand these so that we can all benefit rather than being their casualty.

Other speakers include Dr. Cheong Koon Hean, CEO of the Housing and Development Board, who will be talking about the impact of smart cities; Tony Lombardo, CEO of Lendlease Asia, who will talk about how to improve the resilience of existing assets and cities; and Ming Z. Mei, Co-founder and CEO of Global Logistic Properties, who will share how e-commerce is changing retailers needs for logistics real estate.

The summit is expected to attract more than 500 industry players from across Asia Pacific and beyond, said ULI. Attendees will include institutional investors, funders, developers, advisers, planners, architects and city leaders.

Story continues

For more information, visit: apacsummit.uli.org

Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
A three-month internet blackout caused by sharp tension in Cameroon's English-speaking regions -- a holdover from colonial times -- is hurting burgeoning startups in Africa's "Silicon Mountain".

"Money is being lost, some of us can't work with foreign clients because of the cut in internet service... It's disruptive to everyone," said Churchill Mambe, owner of Njorku, an employment and hotel services company recently listed among the top 20 African startups by Forbes Magazine.

Churchill even had to move offices 50 kilometres (over 30 miles) down the coast towards Bonako, in a neighbouring region, to access the internet.

Cameroon's four internet providers, which include France's Orange and South African-owned MTN, told clients in January that internet services were no longer available due to "reasons outside of (our) control".

Tensions had erupted last November between President Paul Biya's government and the English-speaking minority in the northwest and southwest regions when a group of language-frustrated professors and lawyers demanded the return to a federalist system or even the creation of a separate state.

In January, the group, backed by students, called for protests in the regions, bringing several cities to a standstill.

Some members of the English-speaking opposition were arrested and face charges at a military court.

English-speakers, who have long complained of discrimination, account for around a fifth of the majority French-speaking population of nearly 23 million people, a legacy of the unification in 1961 of two colonial-era entities run by France and Britain.

- 'Unpleasant situations' -

Free speech activists launched a campaign on behalf of the regions under the hashtag #Bringbackourinternet which was supported by US fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden who tweeted in January: "This is the future of repression."

At the end of last month, authorities partly acknowledged responsibility for the blackout:

"There are unpleasant situations for which some decisions have been made," said Telecommunications Minister Minette Libom Li Likeng, according to reports in the local press, adding that internet service would soon be available everywhere.

Story continues

But patience is wearing thin among entrepreneurs based in the two regions bordering Nigeria, now termed "Silicon Mountain" because of proximity to Mount Cameroon and a large number of startups.

Before internet service was cut off, around five new startups were cropping up each month in Buea, the coastal capital of the southwest region.

- 'Leave internet up' -

But now long drives to find internet access are eating into work time, said Ashley Difo, a digital entrepreneur:

"It's not easy. We don't have enough time to work."

Difo's colleague Valery Colonge suggested authorities cut access to social networks, Facebook and Twitter to ensure security and stem the exchange of information but "leave internet up so we can work".

The internet blackout has cost Cameroon's economy nearly three million euros, and constitutes a violation by the government of freedom of expression, said French NGO Internet Without Borders, in a letter published in the French newspaper Le Monde.

The non-governmental organisation said it has seen a rise in the use of internet blackouts by governments in French-speaking Africa as a means to stifle opposition since 2015.

ln-st/cc/lp/msp/boc
(Bloomberg) -- Former South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan wont resign as a lawmaker for the ruling African National Congress before this months debate of a motion of no confidence in the nations leader who fired him last week.

Not yet, Gordhan said Thursday in an interview in Cape Town when asked if he will step down from his post in the National Assembly as three other former members of President Jacob Zumas executive have done. See you on the 18th of April, he said when asked if he will be on Parliament on the day of a no-confidence vote in Zuma.

Former Transport Minister Dipuo Peters, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, who was the energy minister, and ex-Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas resigned as members of parliament, effective March 31, the National Assembly said in emailed statements. Zuma fired Gordhan, Peters, Joemat-Pettersson and Jonas in a cabinet reshuffle announced shortly after midnight the same day.

By resigning immediately after their removal, the former ministers and Jonas may ensure they receive pensions according to their previous positions in the administration instead of what they would receive as lawmakers should they retire later.

While opposition leaders have urged ANC lawmakers to vote in line to their conscience, party Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe said Wednesday its member wont be allowed to oppose Zuma. The rules of parliament dont allow for a secret ballot. The ANC hold 62 percent of the seats in the National Assembly.

Read more on difficulty of pushing Zuma out of office

The ANC is allowed to fill those seats before the motion, according to parliamentary rules. The motion requires a simple majority of lawmakers at the time of the vote, provided there is a quorum, for it to carry or be rejected, parliamentary spokesman Moloto Mothapo said by phone from Cape Town.

Zumas decision to fire Gordhan as finance minister and make 19 other changes to his administration drew widespread criticism, prompted S&P Global Ratings to downgrade the nations credit rating to junk and weakened the rand.

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We didnt need the downgrade, we just gave it to ourselves, Gordhan said on Thursday.

--With assistance from Amogelang Mbatha

To contact the reporters on this story: Rene Vollgraaff in Johannesburg at rvollgraaff@bloomberg.net, Paul Vecchiatto in Cape Town at pvecchiatto@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Gordon Bell at gbell16@bloomberg.net, Karl Maier

2017 Bloomberg L.P.
RACINE  Police and fire investigators are trying to determine what caused a fire to break out in a home at 2214 Washington Ave. Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 3:30 p.m. after a resident on the second floor reported the carpet was on fire. When crews arrived a piece of burned carpet was lying outside the residence, already extinguished. They entered the building to make sure the fire had not spread and to make sure all the residents were out.

The fire was confined to the second floor. Crews ventilated the building of smoke before residents were allowed back inside.

No injuries were reported, and the damage was estimated to be about $300.

This fire is currently under investigation. Anyone with additional information may contact the Racine Fire Prevention Bureau at 262-635-7915.
AFP News

The UN's COP27 climate summit kicked off Sunday in Egypt with warnings against backsliding on efforts to cut emissions and calls for rich nations to compensate poor countries after a year of extreme weather disasters. Just in the past few months, climate-induced catastrophes have killed thousands, displaced millions and cost billions in damages across the world. Massive floods devastated swaths of Pakistan and Nigeria, droughts worsened in Africa and the western United States, cyclones whipped the Caribbean, and unprecedented heatwaves seared three continents. The conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh comes in a fraught year marked by Russia's war on Ukraine, an energy crunch, soaring inflation and the lingering effects from the Covid pandemic. But Simon Stiell, the UN's climate change executive secretary, said he would not be a "custodian of backsliding" on the goal of slashing greenhouse emissions 45 percent by 2030 to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above late-19th-century levels. "We will be holding people to account, be they presidents, prime ministers, CEOs," Stiell said as the 13-day summit opened. "The heart of implementation is everybody everywhere in the world every single day doing everything they possibly can to address the climate crisis," he said. Current trends would see carbon pollution increase 10 percent by the end of the decade and Earth's surface heat up 2.8C, according to findings unveiled last week. Promises made under the 2015 Paris Agreement would, if kept, only shave off a few tenths of a degree. "Whilst I do understand that leaders around the world have faced competing priorities this year, we must be clear: as challenging as our current moment is, inaction is myopic and can only defer climate catastrophe," said Alok Sharma, British president of the previous COP26 as he handed over the chairmanship to Egypt. "How many more wake-up calls does the world -- and world leaders -- actually need?", he said. In a dire warning, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said the past eight years are on track to be the eight warmest on record, with an acceleration in sea level rise, glacier melt and heatwaves. "As COP27 gets underway, our planet is sending a distress signal," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. - 'Loss and damage' - The COP27 summit will focus like never before on money -- a major sticking point that has soured relations between countries that got rich burning fossil fuels and the poorer ones suffering from the worst consequences of climate change. The United States and the European Union -- fearful of creating an open-ended reparations framework -- have dragged their feet and challenged the need for a separate funding stream. Delegates agreed on Sunday to put the "loss and damage" issue on the COP27 agenda, a first step toward what are sure to be fraught discussions. Inclusion of the agenda item "reflects a sense of solidarity and empathy for the suffering of the victims of climate induced disasters," said COP27 president Sameh Shoukry of Egypt. "We all owe a debt of gratitude to activists and civil society organisations who have persistently demanded the space to discuss funding for loss and damage," he said to applause. Shoukry also noted that rich nations have not fulfilled a separate pledge to deliver $100 billion per year to help developing countries green their economies and build resilience against future climate change. He also lamented that most climate financing is based on loans. "We do not have the luxury to continue this way. We have to change our approaches to this existential threat," he said, calling for solutions that "prove we are serious about not leaving anyone behind". - US-China tensions - After the first day of talks, more than 120 world leaders will join the summit on Monday and Tuesday. The most conspicuous no-show will be China's Xi Jinping, whose leadership was renewed last month at a Communist Party Congress. US President Joe Biden has said he will come, but only after legislative elections on Tuesday that could see either or both houses of Congress fall into the hands of Republicans hostile to international action on climate change. Cooperation between the United States and China -- the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters -- has been crucial to rare breakthroughs in the nearly 30-year saga of UN climate talks, including the 2015 Paris Agreement. But Sino-US relations have sunk to a 40-year low after a visit to Taiwan by House leader Nancy Pelosi and a US ban on the sale of high-level chip technology to China, leaving the outcome of COP27 in doubt. A meeting between Xi and Biden at the G20 summit in Bali days before the UN climate meeting ends, if it happens, could be decisive. One bright spot at COP27 will be the arrival of Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose campaign vowed to protect the Amazon and reverse the extractive policies of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro. bur-lth/fz
BEIRUT (AP)  The Latest on the suspected chemical attack in Syria (all times local):

5:15 a.m.

The United Nations humanitarian chief says that 41 donors have pledged $6 billion to help people in need in 2017 amid the Syrian crisis.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien said what is now needed is to see the pledges turned into "cash for action" as soon as possible.

"The needs have never been greater and the requirements have never been higher for the Syria crisis. Today has been a momentous opportunity for much of the world to come together to commit more support and solidarity for Syrians and those affected across the region," O'Brien said in welcoming the pledges, which came at the Supporting the future of Syria and the region conference in Brussels.

Another $3.7 billion was pledged for 2018 and beyond.

___

11 p.m.

U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces say the gates to the Tabqa Dam held by the Islamic State group in northern Syria are functioning again, releasing water from the swollen Lake Assad into the Euphrates River.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, which also includes Arab fighters, published a video filmed under sunny skies Wednesday showing water rushing out of the dam's main gates.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the gates were functioning.

Engineers and the Islamic State group warned last month that U.S. airstrikes had destroyed the dam's control room and locked its gates, causing water levels to rise dangerously.

There was no word on whether the dam's turbines were generating electricity again. The dam provides over 800 megawatts of electricity to Syria.

___

10:30 p.m.

A Syrian monitoring group says the death toll from a suspected chemical weapons attack on the northern town of Khan Sheikhoun has risen to 86.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says those killed in Tuesday's attack include 30 children and 20 women.

Story continues

U.S. intelligence officials, the World Health Organization, and Doctors Without Borders say the initial evidence points to the use of nerve gas in the attack.

The Trump administration and other international officials accuse the Syrian government of carrying out the strike, allegations Damascus has denied.

Moscow, a stalwart ally of the Syrian government, says toxic gases were released when Syrian government jets bombed a rebel munitions factory in the town's outskirts.

___

8:30 p.m.

EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Christos Stylianides says international donors have pledged $6 billion to help conflict-torn Syria this year, in line with their target.

Stylianides said donors from more than 70 countries meeting in Brussels on Wednesday made a "collective pledge of $6 billion for this year alone."

He said the country's "needs are massive. Our conference is sending a powerful message. We are not letting down the people of Syria."

He described the pledge made in Brussels as "an impressive figure. These commitments are significant."

The meeting was overshadowed by a suspected chemical weapons attack in northern Syria on Tuesday that killed more than 70 people, one of the worst attacks of its kind since the conflict began more than six years ago.

___

7:40 p.m.

The U.S. envoy to the U.N. has warned that the Trump administration may take action against chemical attacks in Syria that bear "all the hallmarks" of President Bashar Assad's government if the U.N. Security Council fails to act.

Ambassador Nikki Haley urged the council at an emergency meeting Wednesday to immediately approve a draft resolution sponsored by the U.S., Britain and France that condemns and threatens consequences for the use of chemical weapons.

Holding up photos of victims of a suspected chemical weapons attack the day before that killed dozens of people, she accused Russia of blocking action.

She said Moscow had closed its eyes to the "barbarity" of previous chemical attacks by vetoing a resolution in late February that would have imposed sanctions on those responsible.

Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov, opposed the draft resolution, saying it was based on information from "discredited" groups.

Haley ended her remarks by warning that "when the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action."

___

6:40 p.m.

The Turkish Health Ministry says three victims of a suspected chemical attack in northern Syria have died while being treated in Turkey.

A ministry statement said Wednesday that 29 people wounded in the attack were still being cared for in hospitals in the country.

Turkey set up a decontamination center at a border crossing in the province of Hatay following the attack where the victims are initially treated before being moved to area hospitals.

___

6:20 p.m.

Israeli defense officials say military intelligence believes Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces were behind the suspected chemical attack that killed dozens of civilians.

The officials said Israel believes Assad has tons of chemical weapons currently in his arsenal. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday as they are not allowed to brief media.

Israel has warned against "game-changing" weapons reaching Hezbollah in Lebanon from Syria, which along with Iran supports the militant group. Last month Israel shot down an anti-aircraft missile fired at its planes as they struck a suspected Hezbollah weapons convoy.

Chemical weapons have killed hundreds of people since the start of Syria's civil war, with the U.N. blaming three attacks on the Syrian government and a fourth on the Islamic State group.

Ian Deitch in Jerusalem

___

6:15 p.m.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed a suspected chemical attack that killed at least 72 people in northern Syria on the Syrian regime and has accused the world of not speaking out against the attack.

Addressing crowds in northwest Turkey on Wednesday, Erdogan said Syrian President Bashar Assad would suffer "from the curse" of the victims while the United Nations would be called to account for its alleged silence.

Erdogan, while campaigning for an upcoming referendum that would expand the president's powers, said, "Oh murderer Assad, how will you escape their curse? The United Nations who remained silent; how will it account for this?"

Erdogan also said Turkey was caring for some of the victims who were brought to the country.

He said: "We are doing our best but this is not enough ... I am sad as a father. Those children's situations are wounding our hearts."

___

6:10 p.m.

Britain's U.N. ambassador says the attack in Syria's rebel-held Idlib province "bears all the hallmarks" of President Bashar Assad's regime and the United Kingdom believes a nerve agent capable of killing over a hundred people was used.

Matthew Rycroft told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that Russia has said a government airstrike struck an opposition depot for munitions.

He said the U.K. has seen nothing that suggests any opposition groups "have the sort of chemical weapons that would be consistent with the symptoms that we saw yesterday,"

"We have every indication that this was a sustained attack using aircraft over a number of hours," Rycroft said. "We see all the signs of an attack using a nerve agent capable of killing over a hundred people and harming hundreds more."

He said only one air force has used such weapons in Syria and it is Assad's air force.

He urged support for the new resolution drafted by Britain, France and the United States condemning chemical attacks in Syria and urging government cooperation in an investigation and consequences.

___

5:50 p.m.

The international medical charity Doctors Without Borders (known by its French acronym MSF) says victims of a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria one day ago showed symptoms of exposure to nerve gas.

The group said victims the symptoms  constricted pupils, muscle spasms, and involuntary defecation  were consistent with exposure to sarin gas or similar agents.

An MSF medical team evaluated patients at the Bab al-Hawa Hospital near the Turkish border, in Syria, the group said in a statement Wednesday. The flow of victims of the attack Tuesday morning attack in Khan Sheikhoun overwhelmed local hospitals, and paramedics sent patients to medical centers across Idlib province and in neighboring Turkey.

MSF said its medical teams reported smelling bleach at other hospitals treating victims, suggesting they were also exposed to chlorine gas. The organization said the reports "strongly suggest that victims ... were exposed to at least two different chemical agents."

Sarin gas was used in a 2013 chemical weapons attack on opposition suburbs around the Syrian capital of Damascus, the U.N. has reported, killing hundreds of civilians. The U.S. said the Syrian government was responsible.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said it removed 1,300 tons of chemical weapons stocks, including sarin gas, from Syrian government stores after the Damascus area attacks. But rebels and opposition officials have maintained that the government held on to some of its stockpiles.

___

5:20 p.m.

A top Syrian rebel representative says he holds U.N. mediator Staffan De Mistura "personally responsible" for the suspected chemical weapons attack that killed more than 70 people in northern Syria one day ago.

Mohammad Alloush, the rebels' chief negotiator at U.N.-mediated talks with the Syrian government, said the U.N.'s Special Envoy for Syria's must begin labeling the Syrian government as responsible for killing civilians. He said U.N.'s silence "legitimizes" the strategy.

"The true solution for Syria is to put (Syrian President) Bashar Assad the chemical weapons user in court, and not at the negotiations table," said Alloush, who is an official in the Islam Army faction among the Syrian rebels.

Syria's rebels, and the Islam Army in particular, are also accused of killing civilians in Syria, but rights watchdogs attribute the overwhelming portion of civilian causalities over the course of the six-year-war to the actions of government forces and their allies.

___

5:10 p.m.

A proposed U.N. Security Council resolution would condemn the use of chemical weapons in Syria and stress the government's obligation to provide information about air operations on Tuesday when a suspected chemical attack killed dozens of people.

The resolution drafted by Britain, France and the United States would also stress Syria's requirement to give investigators the names of those in command of any helicopter squadrons on April 4.

And it calls for immediate access for investigators to air bases where attacks involving chemical weapons may have been launched.

Sponsors were hoping for a vote as early as Wednesday afternoon on the draft resolution.

The Security Council was holding an emergency meeting on the suspected attack in Syria's rebel-held Idlib province, one of the deadliest in the six-year civil war.

___

5 p.m.

The Russian Foreign Ministry says it opposes a Western draft U.N. resolution condemning a chemical attack in Syria.

The ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said Wednesday the draft blames the Syrian government for Tuesday's attack without any credible investigation.

Zakharova said that video and photo evidence of the attack presented by volunteer first responders could have been fabricated. She blamed the West for staging a "political show" and called for an international probe.

Tuesday's attack on Khan Sheikhoun has killed 72, causing an international outcry. Washington has put the blame on the Syrian government, saying that President Bashar Assad's patrons, Russia and Iran, bore "great moral responsibility" for it.

The Russian military said the chemicals were released after Syrian warplanes bombed a facility where rebels were making their own chemical weapons.

___

4:15 p.m.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says Britain and the United States were wrong when they failed to act against Syrian President Bashar Assad in 2013 after he crossed their "red line" and used chemical weapons.

Speaking at a donor conference for Syria a day after a new suspected chemical attack killed dozens of people, Johnson said "we are living today with the consequences, and I'm afraid the people of Syria are living today with the consequences, of that decision."

He said that with an estimated 400,000 people killed in Syria's six-year conflict, Assad has to go.

Johnson said Assad "is responsible for the vast majority of that butcher's bill, and you have to go back a long way in history to find a tyrant who has stayed in office in such circumstances."

___

4 p.m.

Russia says it will submit information from its Defense Ministry to a U.N. Security Council session called to discuss a suspected chemical attack in Syria that killed dozens of people.

Western countries say evidence indicates that Syrian pro-government forces were behind Tuesday's attack on the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun. Russia is a close ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad and is waging an air campaign on his behalf.

The Russian military has said the chemicals were released after Syrian warplanes bombed a facility where rebels were making their own chemical weapons.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, said that at the U.N. meeting Russia "will at least cite in a well-argued manner those data that were mentioned by our Defense Ministry."

___

3 p.m.

French president Francois Hollande is condemning what he calls a "war crime" after a suspected chemical attack in Syria.

Government spokesman Stephane Le Foll reported Hollande's comments Wednesday during a weekly Cabinet meeting.

Hollande recalled that France had pushed for an international military campaign against Syrian President Bashar Assad over his use of chemical weapons in 2013.

"France has not changed its position on this issue", he said according to Le Foll.

France has supported Syrian rebels against Assad for years.

___

2:40 p.m.

Turkish officials have raised the number of Syrians being treated in Turkey after a suspected chemical attack to 58.

A statement from the governor's office for the border province of Hatay says Wednesday the victims are being treated in several state and private hospitals in the towns of Antakya, Reyhanli and Iskenderun.

The statement did not provide any detail on their conditions.

Earlier, Turkey's health minister said about 30 people had been brought to Turkey and that the initial findings and symptoms pointed to a chemical attack.

He said Turkey was sharing its findings with the World Health Organization.

___

2:10 p.m.

The EU Council president has condemned a suspected chemical attack that killed dozens of people in an opposition-held town in northern Syria.

Donald Tusk says Tuesday's attack in Khan Sheikhoun is "another reminder of the brutality" of Syria's regime and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

Tusk said Wednesday that the Syrian regime bears "the primary responsibility for the atrocities," but also blamed supporters of President Bashar Assad's government who he said share the "moral and political responsibility."

Assad's government has denied involvement in the attack, saying it does not possess chemical weapons, and laid the blame on rebel forces.

Tusk spoke in Athens, following talks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

___

1:45 p.m.

A pair of Israeli lawmakers is urging parliaments around the world to hold "emergency" discussions on the suspected chemical attack in Syria.

Erel Margalit and Nachman Shai, both members of the opposition Zionist Union, sent their request to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, an organization of national parliaments around the world.

In Tuesday's letter, they urged fellow parliamentarians to condemn the alleged attack, which they said is "taking humanity 70 years backwards."

"The day when mass extermination measures are taken against people is the day when we as members of parliaments should stand fierce in the fire front and stop the horror," they wrote.

Israel has largely stayed out of the fighting in neighboring Syria, though it has carried out airstrikes on suspected arms shipments to Syrian ally Hezbollah.

___

12:20 p.m.

Pope Francis has called a suspected chemical weapons attack that killed dozens, including many children, in Syria "an unacceptable massacre."

The pope said Wednesday during his general audience that he was "watching with horror at the latest events in Syria," and said he "strongly deplored the unacceptable massacre."

He called on the "conscious of those with political responsibility both locally and internationally to cease this tragedy and bring relief to that dear population that for too long has been exhausted by war."

He also encouraged those bringing aid to the stricken population "even amid insecurity and discomfort."

___

12 p.m.

NATO's chief is condemning the chemical attack in northern Syria and calling for those responsible to be held to account.

Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement Wednesday that "this is the third report of the use of these barbaric weapons in the last month alone."

He recalled that the use of chemical weapons is prohibited and that "this international norm must be fully respected and upheld."

He said Syria "is responsible to ensure its full compliance with these obligations."

___

11:40 p.m.

Turkey's health minister says some 30 Syrians have been brought to the Turkish city of Gaziantep, bordering Syria, for treatment following a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria.

Recep Akdag said Wednesday that initial symptoms and findings confirm that the wounded were the victims of a chemical attack. His comments were reported by the Haber Turk news channel.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said that at least 72 people died, including 11 children, in Tuesday's attack in a rebel-held town in northern Syria.

___

11:30 p.m.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri says people should not be shocked by the chemical attack that killed dozens in Syria because the international community is allowing such acts to happen.

Hariri said Wednesday that "the world should not be shocked because it's letting such a regime do what it is doing. What should shock us is the increase of children dying and that the whole world is watching."

He told reporters at a Syria donor conference in Belgium that "everyone is coming to Brussels to make a statement and the regime made its statement in Syria."

Hariri also said that Lebanon has been overwhelmed by the arrival of some 1.5 million Syrian refugees and "cannot sustain this issue anymore. The international community has to do something."

___

11:20

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has called on Russia to endorse a planned United Nations Security Council resolution condemning a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria.

Gabriel said Wednesday in Brussels before the opening of the international conference on the Syria conflict that, "We appeal to Russia to approve this resolution, to investigate this case and to bring to justice those who are responsible."

The U.N. Security Council is to convene for an emergency meeting over a suspected deadly chemical attack in a town in northern Syria earlier this week, where at least 72 people were reported killed, including 11 children.

Nearly 400,000 people have been killed and half of Syria's population has been displaced by the six-year conflict.

___

11:10 a.m.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres says the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria the day before is a "moment of truth" that must be investigated.

Hs remarks came as a Syrian monitoring group said the death toll from the attack on a northern town the previous day has increased to 72 and activists reported renewed airstrikes on the same town.

Guterres told reporters at a Syria donor conference in Brussels on Wednesday that he hopes "this moment will be able to mobilize the capacity of all those that have responsibilities in this situation."

He says "the horrific events of yesterday demonstrate that unfortunately war crimes are going on in Syria, that international humanitarian law remains being violated frequently."

He added he is "confident that the Security Council will live up to its responsibilities," with major powers set to convene there later in the day.

___

9:50 a.m.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says that "all the evidence" he had seen so far in the latest chemical weapons attack in Syria "suggests this was the Assad regime who did it in the full knowledge that they were using illegal weapons in a barbaric attack on their own people."

Johnson also says that he does "not see how a government like that can continue to have any kind of legitimate administration over the people of Syria."

He added that he "would like to see those culpable pay a price for this."

Johnson spoke on Wednesday at the start of a Brussels pledging conference for Syria, where the United Nations, EU and world financial institutions have begun technical work to figure out what will be needed to rebuild war-ravaged Syria.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said that at least 58 people died, including 11 children, in Tuesday's chemical weapons attack in a rebel-held town in northern Syria.

___

8:10 a.m.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says his government condemns in the strongest possible terms the chemical weapons attack against civilians, including children, at Khan Sheikhoun.

He said in a statement Wednesday that the use of chemical weapons is "illegal and abhorrent."

He said, "While the full facts are still to be determined, if the Assad regime is responsible for this attack those who approved and deployed these weapons must be held accountable."

___

4 a.m.

The Russian Defense Ministry says a rebel-held town in northern Syria has been exposed to toxic agents from a rebel arsenal hit by a Syrian air strike.

The ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said in a statement early Wednesday that the Russian military assets registered a Syrian air force strike Tuesday on weapons depots and ammunition factory on the eastern outskirts of the town of Khan Sheikhoun.

Konashenkov said chemical weapons produced by the factory were used in Iraq.

He added that the same type of chemical weapons had been previously used by the rebels in Aleppo, where they had caused symptoms similar to those seen in images from Khan Sheikhoun.

Konashenkov said that Russia had provided relevant ground samples from Aleppo to the international chemical weapons watchdog.

The Russian statement follows an international outcry over what was described as a chemical weapons attack on Khan Sheikhoun. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 58 people died, including 11 children.

Both Russia and Syria both have denied launching the chemical attack.
AFP News

The UN's COP27 climate summit kicked off Sunday in Egypt with warnings against backsliding on efforts to cut emissions and calls for rich nations to compensate poor countries after a year of extreme weather disasters. An alarming UN report said the past eight years are on track to be the eight warmest on record, with an acceleration in sea level rise, glacier melt, heatwaves and other climate indicators. "As COP27 gets underway, our planet is sending a distress signal," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement, calling the report a "chronicle of climate chaos". Just in the past few months, floods devastated Pakistan and Nigeria, droughts worsened in Africa and the United States, cyclones whipped the Caribbean, and unprecedented heatwaves seared three continents. The conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh also comes against the backdrop of Russia's war on Ukraine, an energy crunch, soaring inflation and the lingering effects from the Covid-19 pandemic. But Simon Stiell, the UN's climate change executive secretary, said he would not be a "custodian of backsliding" on the goal of slashing greenhouse emissions 45 percent by 2030 to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above late 19th-century levels. "We will be holding people to account, be they presidents, prime ministers, CEOs," Stiell said as the 13-day summit opened. "The heart of implementation is everybody everywhere in the world every single day doing everything they possibly can to address the climate crisis," he said, noting that only 29 of 194 nations have presented improved plans as called for at COP26 in Glasgow last year. Current trends would see carbon pollution increase 10 percent by the end of the decade and the Earth's surface heat up 2.8C, according to findings unveiled last week. Promises made under the 2015 Paris Agreement would, if kept, only shave off a few tenths of a degree. Britain's Alok Sharma, who handed the COP presidency to Egypt, said that while world leaders have faced "competing priorities" this year, "inaction is myopic and can only defer climate catastrophe." "How many more wake-up calls does the world -- and world leaders -- actually need?" he said. - 'Loss and damage' - The COP27 summit will focus like never before on money -- a major sticking point that has soured relations between countries that got rich burning fossil fuels and the poorer ones suffering from the worst consequences of climate change. The United States and the European Union -- fearful of creating an open-ended reparations framework -- have dragged their feet and challenged the need for a separate funding stream. After two days of intense pre-summit negotiations, delegates agreed on Sunday to put the "loss and damage" issue on the COP27 agenda, a first step towards what are sure to be difficult discussions. Stiell said inclusion of loss and damage on the agenda after three decades of debate on the issue showed progress. "The fact that it is there as a substantive agenda item I believe bodes well," he told reporters. COP27 president Sameh Shoukry of Egypt said it would be unproductive to speculate on what outcome the negotiations will lead to, "but certainly everybody is hopeful." "Anything that we do effectively has to be on the basis of our common efforts and that we leave no one behind," he said. Shoukry also noted that rich nations have not fulfilled a separate pledge to deliver $100 billion per year to help developing countries green their economies and build resilience against future climate change. He lamented that most climate financing is based on loans. "We do not have the luxury to continue this way. We have to change our approaches to this existential threat," he said. - US-China tensions - After the first day of talks, some 110 world leaders will join the summit on Monday and Tuesday. The most conspicuous no-show will be China's Xi Jinping, whose leadership was renewed last month at a Communist Party Congress. US President Joe Biden has said he will come, but only after legislative elections on Tuesday that could see either or both houses of Congress fall into the hands of Republicans hostile to international action on climate change. Cooperation between the United States and China -- the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters -- has been crucial to rare breakthroughs in the nearly 30-year saga of UN climate talks, including the 2015 Paris Agreement. But Sino-US relations have sunk to a 40-year low after a visit to Taiwan by House leader Nancy Pelosi and a US ban on the sale of high-level chip technology to China, leaving the outcome of COP27 in doubt. A meeting between Xi and Biden at the G20 summit in Bali days before the UN climate meeting ends, if it happens, could be decisive. One bright spot at COP27 will be the arrival of Brazilian president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose campaign vowed to protect the Amazon and reverse the extractive policies of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro. bur-lth/mh/lg
Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now...
After a new law passed in Hungary, the Central European University may have to leave the country  but it is unlikely to move to Slovakia.

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The regions leading universitys possibly forced departure from Budapest could be a chance for another country in the region to become the home of this top educational institution. Slovakia, however, does not seem to be interested, the Sme daily wrote on April 6.

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The Central European University (CEU) was co-founded by George Soros in 1991 and situated in Budapest as graduate-level institution. Recent legislative activity of the Hungarian government of Viktor Orban may force the university to look for a home elsewhere, if all other possibilities that the universitys management is considering fail. The new law on foreign universities, also dubbed the lex CEU, is believed to be directed against this particular institution.

Several VIPs of Slovakias public life have published a call on the president and the government to try and get the CEU move to Slovakia.

We call on you to approach the CEU and its founder George Soros with the proposal to relocate it to Bratislava, as an expression of the will to preserve its activities in an unfavourable situation, the letter reads as quoted by Sme.

But none of the Slovak officials have responded positively to the call, the daily writes. The Education Ministry merely responded that it is an internal affair of the CEU and it has no reason to interfere with it. They failed to answer Smes question whether the ministry would be interested in having the CEU move to Slovakia.

Unlike Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Lithuania have extended an invitation to the CEU, which is one of the worlds 350 best universities based on the World University Rankings 2017, while Slovakias best, Comenius University, ranks 300 places lower.

Expert on education Renata Kralikova, who is a CEU alumna, believes it would be the best thing for science and education in Slovakia to have the CEU here. Such a school brings hundreds of millions of euros from EU grants and attracts top researchers, she noted.

Instead we attract various assembly halls that do not contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Slovakia that much at any price, she told Sme and added that the presence of a school like CEU in Slovakia would halt also the brain drain that the country is facing.

Slovakia had been considered as a location for the CEU when it was founded 25 years ago, when George Soros addressed the government with the offer. But the wave of nationalism and anti-Hungarian and anti-Jewish sentiments that was running through Slovakia forced him to scrap the idea, Sme wrote.
The Interior Ministry's stance that it's all about the money seems strange compared to the value they want to provide, says Eset.

The visualisation of the new Eset R&D Campus by a11 atelier. (Source: Courtesy of Eset)

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The Slovak company Eset, one of the most successful security software producers in the world, wants to build a brand new Research and Development campus on the premises of the former military hospital located in the Patronka borough of Bratislava. It is prepared to invest into the premises as much as 100 million, except money invested into the purchase of the land which is owned by the Interior Ministry.

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We would like to build a cutting-edge R&D centre, which would be at the same time the companys headquarters, explained Palo Luka, chief operating officer at Eset.

The Interior Ministry is searching for a new owner of the nine-hectare premises via a public tender currently in its fourth round. There are three bidders: Eset, Forest Hill Company by Frantisek Hodorovsky, and Forespo Reality 10 close to Postova Banka. The latter is part of the financial group J&T.

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Forespo Reality 10 offered the highest sum exceeding 24 million while Eset offered the lowest sum, 23.457 million, the Dennik N wrote.

Earlier in March, representatives of Eset met with Interior Minister Robert Kalinak. They introduced him to their plan for the R&D centre while they informed him about their willingnesw to increase their bid up to the highest level in the latest round of the tender.

Kalinak reiterated that the only criterion in the tender is the price.

Eset CEO Richard Marko sees this stance as strange.

Everywhere in the world such a type of investment is welcomed, said Marko, adding that the Interior Ministry should be also interested in cyber security, what is exactly the field in which Eset is doing its business.

The current premises of the military hospital at Patronka. (Source: Sme)

The ministry originally wanted 33 million for the premises. Bids of the fourth round of the tender should be assessed by April 10.

New centre

When drawing a new R&D centre, architects from the a11 atelier were inspired by the headquarters of the Apple company in Sillicon Valley.

It consists of buildings in the shape of circles with a lot of green as it borders with a popular recreation area Zelezna Studnicka. There should be new headquarters for Eset, labs for students, a centre for startups and a kindergarten for children of Eset employees while other features like underground garages, a sport pavilion, auditorium for 700 people, cyclopaths and others should serve also to the general public.

Eset has problems finding quality people in Slovakia, as do other companies in Slovakia, and hopes that the new centre may be attractive enough for talented workers from Slovakia but also other countries to work here.

The visualisation of the possible centre is preliminary. Eset indicated that in case it acquires the premises of the former hospital, it will announce an architectural competition for the new centre.

After Eset unveiled its plans to build a new centre, it received offers to build at other places in Bratislava or in other parts of Slovakia. It also received an offer to move to Austria.
The new investor entering the project, the hybrid car-plane, AeroMobil, can make a global change in passenger transport in a few years.

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The Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 recently announced that he wants to invest in another company.

The Aeromobil company, which develops innovative cars in Slovakia, will be joined by a new investor: Patrick Hessel, founder and CEO of the c2i company that produces composition parts for aviation and automotive industries, the Sme daily wrote on April 5.

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The advanced level of virtual design, simulations and calculations impressed me a lot, Hessel told Sme. Already during the past two years, AeroMobil 3.0 showed its flight and driving abilities.

Switching to serial production

This investment will enable the company to switch to production of the latest model and its prototypes, the investor claimed. The team that met in Aeromobil is absolutely unique and has great potential to achieve a global change in passenger transport, he added.

The financial backing of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 came shortly after the Korean company LG Hausys acquired a majority share in his company, c2i. It is a daughter of the Korean LG company.

This also happened at a time when, according to information of the Trend weekly, rumours of disputes between the founders of AeroMobil, Juraj Vaculik and Stefan Klein, spread on the market. Klein allegedly even left the company  which was denied by the firm, however.

Thanks to the new investor, the company will soon complete and present the physical model which will be very close to the final product for serial production, co-founder and head of the company Vaculik said.

The result of our engineering and analytical work is a very precise image of how our product will work, and we are also convinced that the vehicle we are going to present can be delivered without any big changes, Vaculik added, as cited by the daily.

In the second half of this year, the company wants to start accepting preliminary orders, and the first flying cars could be delivered to clients as soon as on the break of 2018 and 2019. It has not been published yet how much they will cost.

The c2i company, which enters as a new investor the AeroMobil, is not new in the automotive or aviation industry but produces ultra-light carbon components for it.

The Slovak company supplies components for carmakers and producers like BMW, Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover and B/E Aerospace.
For a newswire to seek to broaden its range of sources is understandable. But to do so with no regard for their accuracy or reliability is not.

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Slovakias state-run newswire, we learned in recent days, inked a deal to take news from a Russian website that NATO accuses of being part of the Kremlin propaganda machine.

Jaroslav Reznik, the director of TASR, the Slovak newswire, defended his organisations choice of a new partner for cooperation as an attempt to get first-hand access to the database of Sputnik, the Russian counterpart, in order to be able to better evaluate potential hoaxes.

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Perhaps he is thinking of the infamous hoax about an ethnic Russian child reportedly gang-raped by refugees in Germany? Or the one about zombie soldiers in Ukraine? Sputnik enthusiastically and unquestioningly reported these stories in recent months. Both were utter fabrications.

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Reznik is rumoured to harbour an ambition to lead RTVS, Slovakias public broadcaster, one day. RTVS has been the target of criticism from coalition member the Slovak National Party (SNS) since the very emergence of the current government a year ago; more recently it has also fallen out of favour with the prime minister.

On April 4, Premier Robert Fico, in a debate organised by the Hospodarske Noviny daily, accused the news service of RTVS of being opposition oriented. (And, as seems to have become a habit for Fico every time he has the media on his mind, he also added some stronger language. It pisses him off, he declared  not just RTVS, but the media in general.) He suggested that he cannot wait for a change to take place in the broadcasters management, which could occur in a couple of months time.

The TASR revelation, meanwhile, provoked a torrent of criticism from other media and the public which prompted the newswire, in just a matter of hours, to withdraw from the contract and claim that it had not actually published anything from Sputnik during the month that the deal had been in place.

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But Reznik continues to insist on his argument that when TASRs foreign editors choose a news story for the service, its original source is duly noted, and it depends on the editor of the final media outlet whether to use it or not.

It would certainly be very convenient for the state-run newswire (which is largely funded by taxpayers) if it could simply avoid responsibility in this way. The argument is reminiscent of comments by the head of Slovak conspiracy-theorists favourite radio station, Slobodny Vysielac, Boris Koroni, who admitted to an RTVS talk show a few weeks ago that his station takes most of its information from Hlavne Spravy  another alternative, and hopelessly unreliable, news website  and does not have capacity to check the sources.

But that is not how any newswire, let alone one funded with public money, should go about their business. A simple search of any keyword related to the current news in the media archive returns a galaxy of outlets, including well-known and lesser-known websites, which simply pass on TASR news, sometimes edited, more often not. The news service of the public-service newswire is widely available. And with that wide availability comes wide responsibility.

The responsibility of any media, and particularly a public-service newswire that could easily be described as the most-quoted source in the country, is not fulfilled only by the content that it provides. A reliable news source, and its director  especially if he aspires to lead the public broadcaster  must engender trust. And that, at the very least, should preclude any ties to sources whose integrity are so obviously questionable.
Bratislava airport recommends those travelling outside the Schengen zone to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before the departure.

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From Friday April 7, tighter checks at the EU passport-free Schengen areas external borders will mean longer waits at border crossings and airports including Slovakia. The European Parliament tightened the rules on March 15 in response to the increase in terrorist threats.

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The aim of the checks is especially to combat the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters travelling across the external borders, of whom many are members of the EU, said Police Corps spokesman Michal Slivka.

In practice in Slovakia, the tightened checks would mean that each person travelling outside the Schengen zone via the border crossing at the Slovak-Ukrainian borders and at airports will submit his or her travel document during the border check and the police will check it in international and national databases, explained Slivka. He warned that even though the information systems will give results in a few seconds, travellers should count on longer waiting times and adapt their travel plans accordingly.

Bratislava airport recommends travellers to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before the departure of the plane, when travelling outside the Schengen zone.

The new rules will apply on flights from Bratislava to the UK, Ireland, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, the Ukraine, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Serbia, Romania, Macedonia, Cyprus, Israel, Bulgaria, the Cape Verde Islands, Morocco, Oman and Albania as well as flights from these countries, Veronika Sevcikova, spokesperson of the M. R. Stefanik Airport in Bratislava wrote in a press release.

So far citizens of EU member countries have been through border crossings via special lines and they were not checked on a regular basis. Only citizens of non-EU member countries were subject to checks. Now citizens of EU member countries will also be checked regularly.

The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished border controls between them. The area functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The countries of Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus are part of the EU but are not members of the Schengen Area.
Friday, April 7th belongs to oncology patients.

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Everyone who pins a daffodil on their clothing expresses support and empathy for those fighting with cancer. The League Against Cancer NGO has organised its 21st year of money collection also known as The Day of Daffodils on April 7th.

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Hundreds of volunteers across the whole of Slovakia will take to the streets, collecting money in exchange for the yellow flowers. Money gathered in the collection will serve as a practical help to oncology patients and their families throughout Slovakia.

In 2016 the League against cancer collected 1 million, the highest amount of the history of the collection.

Every year around 17,000 people in Slovakia die because of cancer. In Europe it is about 1.3 million people. Slovakia belongs to the countries with the highest mortality related to cancer. Only in Hungary and Croatia is the situation worse. The healthiest populations in this instance are the inhabitants of Cyprus, Finland and Sweden, according to the National Health Information Centre.

The most common form of cancer for men in Slovakia is lung cancer, prostate cancer and large intestinal cancer and women are most likely to have breast cancer, lung cancer and large intestinal cancer.
Allegedly, Thursday's raids were due to grave economic crimes.

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Police have confirmed that members of the National Criminal Agency (NAKA) were deployed in an operation on April 6th.

We can confirm that in several places of Slovakia, members of the National Criminal Agency (NAKA) have been carrying out search and detention proceedings, Police Presidium spokesperosn Denisa Baloghova told the SITA newswire. However, due to ongoing operations by the prosecution, it is not possible to offer more detailed information in the case, as this could threaten, or mar, the securing of criminal evidence currently underway, she added.

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Since the small hours on Thursday, NAKA  probably the police finance unit  has been making house searches in several places in Slovakia, according to the Webnoviny.sk website. More than one hundred police officers raided several advertising companies around the whole of Slovakia but mostly in the Kosice and Bratislava regions.

The Police raided the companies because of serious economic criminality, the website wrote. The companies had been making unauthorised VAT returns, and optimised the taxes of clients. These allegedly concern losses amounting to millions of euros for the state. In one of the companies in eastern Slovakia, the raid lasted for more than six hours and the firm was still hermetically sealed by early evening, the website added.
Andre Staltz An off-grid social network

Scuttlebutt is slang for gossip, particularly among sailors. It is also the name of a peer-to-peer system ideal for social graphs, identity and messaging. Scuttlebutt was created by Dominic Tarr, a Node.js developer with more than 600 modules published on npm, who lives on a self-steering sailboat in New Zealand.

Dominic is often offline, but hes still able to use a social network to communicate with his friends such as James Halliday (a.k.a. substack), who is also often offline. James has also authored hundreds of npm modules, such as Browserify, and is building a shack with his partner Marina on top of 300-year old lava flows in Hawaii.

Dominic and James are a few key figures in a community of eccentric open source hackers gathering in a social network independent from mainstream internet. The unique properties of Secure Scuttlebutt (SSB) make it possible for digital information to spread easily even in the absence of Internet Service Providers (ISP) and the internets backbone. What makes that possible is a decentralized protocol based on the mechanics of word of mouth.

Scuttlebutt is decentralized in a similar way that Bitcoin or BitTorrent are. Unlike centralized systems like PayPal or Dropbox, there is no single website or server to connect when using decentralized services. Which in turn means there is no single company with control over the network.

However, Scuttlebutt differs from Bitcoin and BitTorrent because there are no singleton components in the network. When accessing the BitTorrent network, for instance, you need to connect to a Distributed Hash Table (DHT, think of it as a huge round table where anyone can come and take a seat). However, to get access to the DHT in the first place, you need to connect to a bootstrapping server, such as router.bittorrent.com:6881 or router.utorrent.com:6881. These are very lightweight servers which simply introduce you to the DHT. They still depend on the existence of ISPs and the internet backbone. Also, those systems are concerned about public information. For instance, with Bitcoin, each peer stores the entire log of all transactions ever sent by anyone.

Secure Scuttlebutt is also different to federated social networks like Mastodon, Diaspora, GNU social, OStatus. Those technologies are not peer-to-peer, because each component is either a server or a client, but not both. Federated social networks are slightly better than centralized services like Facebook because they provide some degree of choice where your data should be hosted. However, there is still trust and dependency on third-party servers and ISPs, which makes it possible for admistrators of those to abuse their power, through content policies, privacy violations or censorship.

In Scuttlebutt, the mesh suffices. With simply two computers, a local router, and electricity, you can exchange messages between the computers with minimal effort and no technical skills. Each account in Scuttlebutt is a diary (or log) of what a person has publicly and digitally said. As those people move around between different WiFi / LAN networks, their log gets copy-pasted to different computers, and so digital information spreads.

What word of mouth is for humans, Scuttlebutt is for social news feeds. It is unstoppable and spreads fast. Once the word is out (just an arbitrary example) that Apple is releasing a new iPhone model, there is no way to restrict that information from spreading. A person may tell that piece of information to any of their friends, and those friends may in turn spread that information onwards.

With typical gossip, however, information deteriorates as it spreads and eventually becomes harmful rumor. Scuttlebutt on the other hand makes word of mouth secure with cryptography. Each Scuttlebutt account is comprised of simply two things: an append-only diary and private/public asymmetric crypto keys. An accounts identity is its public key. There are no unique usernames, because you cant guarantee two people in separate places from choosing the same username, much like you cannot forbid the name John Smith to be given to a newborn in Canada if it is already taken by another person in Australia.

All information a person has published is registered in their diary. Public messages (like in Twitter) are the most common type of message in a diary, but youll also see I am friends with that person type of messages. To send a private message to someone, I simply record a message in my diary, but encrypt it first, so the message isnt plainly readable by anyone who gets their hands on a copy of the diary. Authenticity of diaries is preserved in that all diary entries reference the message that was written before, and then is signed. This prevents tampering and makes replication easier.

Every time two Scuttlebutt friends connect to the same WiFi, their computers will synchronize the latest messages in their diaries. Another way of synchronizing information is to connect to a common Scuttlebutt server, known as pub, set up by any member in the community. Pubs make information spread faster, and globally, but are totally dispensable. Its even feasible to exchange latest news through sneakernet, using e.g. USB sticks.

This architecture is built so that network connections accurately represent the social graph and word of mouth. Typically with social networks like Facebook or Twitter, the network connections are centralized with their servers. The network architecture looks completely different to social architecture. Most users dont care about this because the network architecture is invisible to them. However, it becomes a real problem once an authoritarian government or even the host company itself takes control over the network architecture in ways that disrupt the social architecture. It is not uncommon for a government to shut down a social network in a country for days/weeks, affecting how people communicate with each other. This has happened in Egypt, Cameroon, and Brazil.

With Scuttlebutt, the social graph is the network architecture, with peer-to-peer infrastructure accurately matching peer-to-peer interactions. It makes communication and the spread of information highly resilient, bringing improvements to freedom of speech with modern information technologies.

This peer-to-peer system has existed for more than two years and brought unique challenges and possibilities. For instance, unique usernames are impossible without a centralized username registry. On the other hand, this questions the need for a login system in the first place: why do you need to enter into the service? Scuttlebutt will not have a user registration flow, because such thing makes no sense in that world.

So far, the network has received a dedicated social network desktop app, a Soundcloud alternative, a Viewer webapp, and a git layer (putting distributed back into distributed version control). These work seemlessly together: a person using the git layer to push a commit will record that on their diary, which is visible also in the social network app, for their friends. Currently, the community is using this to eat their own dog food, coordinating team work and contributing code all on the same platform, without any intermediate company. GitHub being down will rarely be a problem for them.

The platform is being improved constantly, in areas such as: mobile support, an NPM alternative, WebRTC support for browser peers, and even legal transactions in New Zealand. It has proved to work as a platform setting the requirements and examples for a human-centered social network, as Dominic well described:

I wanted an open platform that anyone could build things on. () Also, we couldnt realistically plan to just sit down and create an app that everyone wants to use, we need many experiments so that one can succeed, therefore we need a decentralized application platform more than we need any given a decentralized application.

To use Scuttlebutt, I recommend reading the ssb handbook.

If you liked this article, consider sharing (tweeting) it to your followers.

Copyright (C) 2017 Andre 'Staltz' Medeiros, licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0, translations to other languages allowed. You can make sure that the author wrote this post by copy-pasting this signature into this Keybase page.
There have been nearly a hundred terrorism (Islamic or tribal) related deaths so far in 2017. Islamic terrorist violence was up nearly 50 percent (to 257 clashes) in 2016 for Mali and its neighbors Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Niger. Yet the violence does not appear to be continuing its growth. So far in 2017 the incidence of Islamic terrorist violence is about the same in these countries. The local Islamic terror groups have responded by forming JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems). In part this is a reaction to the growing threat from ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) which is hostile to everyone who is not ISIL and will attack or recruit from the JNIM members AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), Ansar Dine, FLM (Macina Liberation Front), and al Mourabitoun.

The major player in this new alliance is AQIM which was formed in 2007 from several of the 1990s era Algerian groups. AQIM now operates throughout northern and west-central Africa. Because AQIM leadership still contains a lot of Algerians the Algerian government has been helpful to African nations where AQIM is operating. AQIM now spends most of its time smuggling drugs, people and whatever else pays (like kidnapping Westerners). AQIM carries out or sponsors (with money, weapons and advice) smaller groups to carry out attacks and share the credit. AQIM likes to stay in the headlines but concentrates on staying solvent.

Two of the most active AQIM affiliates are in Mali, mainly because the government there has not yet resolved the ethnic feuds that have been a problem since the nation was formed in 1960. The oldest AQIM affiliate in Mali is Ansar Dine which was formed in the north near Timbuktu (because many of its leaders and members came from the area). Ansar Dine was unique in that it was the only Islamic terrorist group from Mali and was formed in 2012 by Tuareg Islamic radicals who were formerly secular rebels. Ansar Dine always saw itself as the only Malian group in AQIM, which many Malians consider a bunch of gangsters, dependent on its relationship with drug gangs (al Qaeda moves the drugs north to the Mediterranean coast) and kidnappers (who hold Europeans for multi-million dollar ransoms). All this cash gave AQIM a lot of power, both to buy weapons and hire locals. After France chased most Islamic terrorists out of the north in 2013 Ansar Dine became the main AQIM representative in Mali because it was not considered foreign and thus able to survive among kinsmen.

In central Mali the FLM (Macina Liberation Front) was created in 2015 with the help, and example, of Ansar Dine. FLM is composed mostly of young Fulani men. The Fulani tribes of central Mali are producing a growing number of recruits for Islamic terrorists. FLM openly identifies with the Fulani (Macina are the local branch of the Fulani). FLM became active in early 2015 and since then has claimed responsibility for a growing number of attacks. It started out with calls for Fulani people to live according to strict Islamic rules. That in turn led to violence against tribal and village leaders who opposed this. That escalated to attacks on businesses and government facilities. FLM considers Ansar Dine their friend and ally mainly because Ansar Dine was inspired by al Qaeda but was always composed of Malians, mainly Tuareg, northern Arabs and some Fulani. Although most Malians are Moslem few want anything to do with Islamic terrorism. But the Fulani have always seen themselves as a people apart, an attitude common with the nomadic peoples from the Sahel (the semi-desert area between the Sahara and the much greener areas to the south). That makes joining FLM more attractive to young men, especially since the Fulani have also been involved with smuggling for a long time and that is seen as an acceptable profession. Another thing that sets the Fulani apart is that still think of themselves as nomadic and thus dont really believe in borders.

Al Mourabitoun was formed in 2012 by Mokhtar Belmokhtar as a breakaway AQIM faction. Belmokhtar has survived numerous attempts to kill him and has a reputation for being elusive and effective at planning and carrying out major attacks. Belmokhtar is elusive within AQIM as well. He split from the organization in 2012 but rejoined during 2014 without disbanding Al Mourabitoun which he still leads. Since 2012 al Mourabitoun has been using bases in southern Libya and sometimes in northern Mali and Niger as well. The U.S. is offering a $5 million reward for information that would lead to the death or capture of Belmokhtar.

One thing all JNIM members have in common is suffering losses as personnel defect to ISIL. This has become a growing problem since 2015. This sort of thing is happening all over the Islamic world as the more fanatic Islamic terrorists seek to identify with what appears to be the most successful (or at least most violent and media savvy) Islamic terrorist group at the moment. Given the many setbacks ISIL has suffered in the last year and small number now active in North Africa the threat to JNIM has diminished but not disappeared. ISIL attempted to establish a major base in Libya but was crushed by local groups in mid-2016 and the surviving ISIL members were apparently ordered to return home and seek to maintain an ISIL presence there. That means some of these Libya survivors are arriving in Mali and adjacent states. Even with that ISIL will apparently remain a minor threat to JNIM. ISIL and JNIM will continue trying to outdo each other in gaining media attention. This is done by launching attacks on Westerners, especially hotels where foreign journalists live. That guarantees massive headlines and lots of young Moslem men, especially in the West, encouraged to become active supporters.

Solutions and Problems

Since 2012 increasingly effective French-led counter-terror efforts in Mali and adjacent areas (actually just Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso) have kept Islamic terrorists weak and disorganized. The local governments, especially the one in Mali, have been particularly inept in dealing with Islamic terrorist groups and is dependent on foreign help. This is largely because Mali has worse corruption and ethnic disputes than the neighbors. For example the dry (desert and semi-desert) north contains more than half of the territory but only about 12 percent of Mali's 15 million people. In the southern third of Mali, where 88 percent of Malians live the population is quite different from the northerners. While most Malians are Moslem there are some sharp ethnic and tribal differences. The Tuareg are the majority in the north and are North African while over 80 percent of Malians are various black African tribes. Most Malians live south of the Niger River (the Nile of West Africa) in areas that are more prosperous because they have more water. The hostility between the army (almost entirely composed of black Africans from the south) and the Tuareg (a lighter skinned group related to Arabs and ancient Egyptians) goes back a long time. Before 2012 the rebellious Tuareg around Timbuktu tried something different and adopted Islamic terrorism as a promising tool to help their fight for autonomy or a separate Tuareg state. That has often failed in the past because the Tuareg have been unable to unite. Islamic radicalism has not solved that problem either. Islamic radicalism didnt work but it did encourage more violence.

Until the French arrived in the 19th century and over the next 68 years created (for administrative purposes) a united "Mali", the black Africans in the south (along the Niger River) prospered and generally ignored the Tuareg in the desert north. But after the French left in 1960, and Mali became independent, the more populous south was forced to deal with the Tuareg dominated north they now owned and were not willing to give up. This has not worked out well for either side and JNIM is one result.

Even among the black majority there are some fatal divisions. In central Mali (near the junction of the Niger and Bani rivers) violence between Peul (Fulani) and Bambara tribesmen has gotten worse in 2017. For example in February some Bambara attacked a Peul village and killed at least 30 people and wounded many more. More than 500 villagers fled their homes to avoid the violence. That violence has continued and so far this year has forced over 5,000 people from their homes. This tribal feuding has been going on for years but got worse since 2015 when the Peul became widely known as a source of recruits for Islamic terrorist groups and for generally supporting AQIM. The more numerous Bambara (who tend to be pro-government) live north of the Niger and are about a third of the Mali population. The Fulani (who tend to be more rebellious) are largely from south of the Niger. This is not just a Mali problem as Nigeria complains that armed Fulani herders from Mali have showed up in northeast Nigeria and joined local Islamic terrorist groups.

All this ethnic and religious tensions has led to an increase in the number of families that obtain firearms to defend themselves. More AK-47s are showing up and this is the result of local traders responding to more requests for such weapons. The traders can obtain these weapons during their regular trips to Mauritania and Algeria and use bribes to help get the weapons across the border. This adds to the cost of the AK-47 (which used to go for under $100 in the 1990s) but locals are willing to pay $500 or more to get one.

April 4, 2017: A court indicted four suspects in a February 8 kidnapping of catholic nun Gloria Cecilia Argoti. The four men being prosecuted were known to the kidnapped nun, who is still being held somewhere. The kidnapping occurred in the south (300 kilometers east of the capital near the Burkina Faso border) when four armed men kidnapped a Catholic nun (from Colombia) who provided health care from a clinic in a parish compound. At first it was feared the kidnappers were Islamic terrorists, who prefer to attack non-Moslems (especially clergy) and kidnap foreigners. The four men claimed to be Islamic terrorists. Police concluded (based on testimony of the other three nuns in the compound) that the attackers were probably just common criminals. The other nuns were not killed by the armed men but rather locked up in a closet as the compound was looted of all valuables and the attackers left with the one nun. The getaway car was later found abandoned. Police soon arrested at least twenty people in the area, killing one of them in the process. There has not yet been a ransom demand and it is feared that the criminals plan to sell their captive to Islamic terrorists, who often buy such captives from criminals. Thats because the criminals dont want the long term problems with police because they made the country look bad by kidnapping a foreigner. The Islamic terrorists, on the other hand, seek that kind of attention and generally can obtain a much higher ransom, or die trying.

March 31, 2017: Down south parliament approved extending the state of emergency another ten days. This comes at the end of an eight month extension. The state of emergency has been in force since November 2015 and makes it illegal for crowds to assemble and demonstrations to take place without permission. The security forces can ignore some legal procedures when making arrests and holding people in custody. The state of emergency was first enacted, for ten days at a time, after the November 2015 terror attack but later extensions were longer. Before 2015 a previoust state of emergency ended in July 2013.

March 25, 2017: In the north the main Tuareg factions refuse to attend a government conference next week to discuss how to implement the 2015 peace deal worked out with the Tuareg but not yet agreed to by everyone. The boycott is an effort to force the government to include some more Tuareg factions in the deal.

March 13, 2017: In the north (near Timbuktu) French troops arrested eight AQIM members. Some 600 such arrests have taken place in the north since 2013 and most of them involved AQIM members. This includes those AQIM men smuggling drugs or other contraband north.

Elsewhere in the north (near the Niger border) two soldiers were killed along with two civilians when Islamic terrorists attacked a village market in Fafa. The attackers fled after the initial gun battle.

March 6, 2017: In the north (Timbuktu) local Tuareg militiamen surrounded government buildings and prevented southern officials from reestablishing government operations. The militias insist that should not happen until everyone agrees to the 2015 peace deal.

March 5, 2017: In Central Mali near the Burkina Faso border Islamic terrorists attacked the Boulikessi army base, killing 11 soldiers and wounding five.

March 2, 2017: A new Islamic terrorist coalition was announced. JNIM includes AQIM, Ansar Dine, FLM, and al Mourabitoun.
Social-Emotional Learning

Panorama Ed Social-Emotional Learning Platform Adds Student Reports

Panorama Education, a company known for its survey platform and educator resources, has introduced a new feature to its online platform that assesses social-emotional learning (SEL) growth for individual students.

New student SEL reports offer actionable insights into individual student progress, enabling teachers to personalize instruction and students to take charge of their learning. Image Credit: Panorama Ed.

The Panorama for Social-Emotional Learning online platform offers SEL assessments and data analytics to schools and districts, focusing on three areas: student competencies; student supports and environment; and teacher skills and perspectives. It launched last year, according to the Panorama Ed blog post announcement, and thousands of schools have been using the platforms data analytics tools to measure SEL progress among students at the school and district levels.

Now, the company has launched student SEL reports, which provide actionable information and insights for each student, so that educators can give individualized support to students.

As districts turn to better data to personalize academic instruction, Panoramas student social-emotional learning reports enable principals, teachers and counselors to ensure each student is getting appropriate, personalized support around social-emotional learning skills, such as grit, growth mindset, social awareness and self-management, according to the blog post.

Reports can be developed for online and print. Students can also track their SEL growth on the platform, taking control of their own social-emotional learning.

Further information is available on the Panorama Ed blog.
By Colin Packham and Tom Westbrook SYDNEY (Reuters) - The future of an Australia's controversial asylum-seeker detention centre in Papua New Guinea will be discussed during a two-day visit by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to the Pacific island nation starting Friday. Australia is under pressure from human rights groups and the United Nations to close its two Pacific island detention centres, which have been widely criticised for cramped conditions, inadequate medical care and violence. The Papua New Guinea Supreme Court ruled last year that the country's Manus island detention centre should close, forcing Australia and its Pacific island ally to confirm it would close the camp during 2017. "The primary reason for Turnbull's visit is to discuss economic prospects but the topic of Manus island will be addressed too," a source familiar with the visit told Reuters on Thursday. Turnbull's trip to Papua New Guinea comes a day after he met with Baron Waqa, the president of Nauru, and thanked him for hosting Australia's second detention centre in the Pacific. Waga later met Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to discuss the future of Nauru after the detention centre closes, though no timetable was given for the closure. "We want to look at the economic opportunities for Nauru post the regional processing centre," Bishop said at a meeting Waqa in Sydney. Australia has a strict policy of not allowing anyone who tries to reach the country by boat to settle there, instead detaining them in the Pacific camps, where asylum claims processing can take years, and even if they are found to be genuine refugees they are still barred from Australia. Australia agreed with former U.S. President Barack Obama late last year for the United States to resettle up to 1,250 asylum seekers held in the Australian-funded camps. In return, Australia would resettle refugees from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Any person not settled will be given the choice of residency in PNG or a 20-year visa on Nauru. Turnbull's visit to Papua New Guinea will overlap that of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which begun collecting biometric information of some of the near 900 men held on Manus Island earlier this week. U.S. officials collected similar information from asylum seekers on Nauru late last month, a move that reassured observers that despite U.S. President Trump describing the asylum seeker deal with Australia as "dumb", the deal was at this stage proceeding. After leaving Papua New Guinea, Turnbull will travel to India where he will seek to advance trade between the two countries. Trade between Australia and India was worth nearly A$20 billion ($15.08 billion) last year and both nations hope to accelerate it with a free trade agreement. ($1 = 1.3266 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Michael Perry)
RACINE  A Racine woman was charged Thursday with trying to kill her husband after allegedly telling him til death do us part as she was firing two gunshots. Three of the couples children were in the bedroom next door during the incident.

Latoya Lewis, 32, of the 1500 block of Taylor Avenue, was charged Thursday with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, three counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, misdemeanor battery and drug possession.

According to the criminal complaint:

Police were called to the couples home Monday at 6:18 p.m. for a domestic dispute, with four of the couples children present.

The victim told police they had been arguing over his admission of being unfaithful, and, as he was downloading divorce papers, Lewis attacked him in the bedroom.

Police discovered marks on his lip and ear consistent with being struck. The victim told police he had to wrap his arms around Lewis and took her to the floor to stop her from continuing to hit him. When he got up she grabbed a gun he kept near the bed for protection and fired the gun twice allegedly saying, till death do us part.

According to the report, the victim said he did not think Lewis would kill him.

Police found a bullet hole in the hallway near where he was allegedly standing and another in the bedroom wall.

Lewis told police the two were fighting over the gun when it went off.

Police also found 6.5 grams of marijuana in the bedroom during the investigation.

As of Thursday afternoon, Lewis remained in the Racine County Jail under a $50,000 cash bond.

If convicted on the most serious charge, Lewis faces up to life in prison.

Lewiss next court appearance is a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 12 at 9 a.m. at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
SANTIAGO (Reuters) - The Chilean government will grant asylum to a Venezuelan opposition politician who is currently in its ambassador's residence in Caracas if he asks for it, Chile's foreign minister said on Thursday. Venezuelan opposition COPEI party members Roberto Enriquez and Eduardo Vetancourt on Wednesday walked into the Chilean ambassador's residence in Caracas and asked for protection from the government. Earlier in the week, vice president of the ruling Socialist Party, Diosdado Cabello, accused the pair of conspiring to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. COPEI said the two had been arrested by military intelligence agents under accusations of "rebellion" and "treason." "If he asks for political asylum, we'll give it to him... It's a humanitarian situation," Chilean foreign minister, Heraldo Munoz, said in a recorded statement to journalists. It was not immediately clear if he was referring to Enriquez, Vetancourt, or both. In a controversial move last week, Venezuela's Supreme Court ruled that it was assuming functions of the opposition-led National Assembly, a move that was partially reversed. Critics viewed the ruling as a step toward dictatorship by Maduro's Socialist Party, which has ruled for 18 years, and the court ruling brought unusually strong condemnation from leaders throughout Latin America. On Wednesday, Cabello transmitted, via a weekly television program he hosts, a tape of alleged conversations between Vetancourt and an undercover intelligence agent. In the tape, Vetancourt is heard talking of possible armed attacks in Caracas that would precipitate a U.S. invasion. According to the recording, which has not been verified by any independent party, the plot would have had the blessing of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. Opposition politicians and activists in Venezuela say the Maduro government frequently fabricates evidence in order to jail opponents for political reasons, while the government claims it is under constant attack from imperialist foes. (Reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
By Erik Matzen COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark decided to turn down an offer last year from Chinese mining company General Nice Group to buy an abandoned naval base on Greenland due to security concerns, sources involved in the decision said. Danish politicians did not want to jeopardise their country's relationship with the United States, Copenhagen's main ally, by granting another power a potentially military foothold in Greenland, the sources told Reuters. In a statement to Reuters, the Danish defence ministry said the base at Gronnedal - which had been put up for sale - would be reopened as a strategic and logistical location for storing fuel and materiel and for training personnel. It did not comment on the Chinese offer. "The government does not want to sell the naval base to China, as we have a long, close partnership with the U.S. and a defence agreement for Greenland with the U.S. from April 1951 to think about," said a source with direct knowledge of the matter. Greenland is part of Denmark with self-government over domestic affairs, while Copenhagen handles defence and foreign policy. "It should be obvious to everyone that Denmark cannot have two superpowers playing hide-and-seek in Greenland. I don't think the U.S. would find such a situation amusing either," a second source said. Neither source wanted to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. General Nice Group, which is registered in Hong Kong, did not respond to email and telephone calls requesting comment. The U.S. government struck an agreement with Denmark in 1951 that gave it substantial military rights in Greenland to boost the defence of North America and the Arctic. Instead of selling the Gronnedal base, which was constructed by the United States in 1942 to protect the flight route between America and Europe, the sale was suddenly cancelled last year. The decision was supported by an overwhelming majority in the Danish parliament, which backed the decision to reestablish the base almost two years after it had been abandoned. The defence ministry intends to send six people to Gronnedal soon to reopen the buildings and the harbour facilities, a government source told Reuters. While the cancelled sale highlights western concerns over Chinese presence in the Arctic region, Greenland still hopes to attract foreign investment from China and other nations to bolster its economy with projects such as in gold, rare earths, iron ore and oil. A collapse in global commodity prices has put this ambition temporarily on hold. Because of the melting of Arctic ice in recent decades, the region has become increasingly interesting as a new route for shipping between Europe and the Far East. In 2013, China became a observer to the Arctic Council, whose members are the United States, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. (Reporting by Erik Matzen; Editing by Stine Jacobsen and Tom Heneghan)
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's king signed a new constitution in a ceremony on Thursday, an essential step towards holding an election that the military government has promised to restore democracy after a 2014 coup. But there are still many steps before the general election can take place to end military rule. Here are the steps and the maximum times prescribed for them in the constitution - although further delays for unforeseen reasons are not impossible. ** The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has to finish drafting 10 laws, four of which will determine the mechanics of the election. (Up to 240 days allowed, potentially running until Dec. 2017) ** The National Legislative Assembly (NLA), the country's parliamentary body, considers the laws proposed by the Constitution Drafting Committee. (Up to 60 days, potentially to Feb. 2018) ** The National Legislative Assembly submits the laws, with any proposed changes, to the Constitution Drafting Committee and the Constitutional Court. If there is any disagreement, a joint committee will be formed to consider the laws. (Up to 30 days, potentially to March 2018) ** Prime Minister submits the laws to the king for his signature. (Up to 90 days, potentially to June 2018) ** The laws enter into force and competition for the election can begin. (Election must be held within 150 days, potentially as late as Nov 2018). (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Compiled by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Matthew Tostevin and Clarence Fernandez)
kid cowboys, toy tractors

Reuters/ Rick Wilking

President Trump, congressional Republicans and most American farmers share common positions on climate change: They question the science showing human activity is altering the global climate and are skeptical of using public policy to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

But farmers are in a unique position to tackle climate change. We have the political power, economic incentive and policy tools to do so. What we dont yet have is the political will.

As a fifth-generation Iowa farmer and the resilient agriculture coordinator at the Drake University Agricultural Law Center, I deal with both the challenges and opportunities of climate change. I also see a need for the agriculture community to make tough choices about its policy priorities in the face of dramatic political shifts in Washington.

Pundits, agriculture groups and President Trump have identified farmers as a key demographic in the Republican victory. How we leverage this influence remains to be seen. Trade and immigration policy and the presidents fiscal 2018 budget proposal are already creating disagreements between farmers and the Trump administration. We will need to be strategic in using our political power to shape agriculture policy.

My research and farming experience convince me that even in todays unpromising political conditions, agriculture can play an important role in addressing climate change. American farmers can become global leaders in producing what the world needs as much as abundant food: a stable climate.

flood

Flooded properties are seen as water surrounds the village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England.

Farmers wrestle with climate change

Prior to 2009, thousands of farmers across the United States participated in two large-scale projects designed to maintain or increase carbon storage on farmlands: the National Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program and the Iowa Farm Bureau AgraGate program. These programs paid farmers for limiting the number of acres they tilled and for maintaining or establishing grasslands. Payments came through the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), a voluntary market in which businesses could buy and sell carbon credits.

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But after Barack Obama became president in 2009, farmers overwhelmingly joined the opposition to climate change action. As agriculture journalist Chris Clayton documents in his 2015 book The Elephant in the Cornfield, farmers viewed Obamas climate strategy  especially the push for cap-and-trade legislation in 2009-2010  as regulatory overreach by a Democratic Congress and president.

For example, after the Environmental Protection Agency briefly mentioned livestock in a 2008 report on regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, farmers and agriculture trade groups erupted in outrage at the prospect of a cow tax on methane releases from both ends of the animal. When Congress failed to enact the cap-and-trade bill in 2010, the CCX went out of business.

The election of President Trump and Republican majorities in both houses of Congress eliminates the regulatory bogeyman that many farmers organized to reject in 2009. In our opposition, farmers rejected an opportunity to be paid for providing environmental services. Forgoing new sources of income might have made economic sense during the historic commodity boom between 2009 and 2013, but it no longer does.

farm income

USDA

Recently the farm economy has soured. After several years of historic profitability, 2017 looks to be the fourth straight year of declining income. American farmers face forecasts of stagnant to declining revenues.

Farmers may now be willing to consider new ways of generating income by adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as planting cover crops, extending crop rotations or eliminating tillage. Many farmers are already using these practices on a small scale. To combat climate change, we need to apply them on nearly all of our acres. And we need to develop new environmentally friendly practices.

Farmers are motivated by economic incentives to implement environmental practices. As an example, they recently enrolled nearly 400,000 acres in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program CP-42 which pays farmers to take land out of production and establish habitat for pollinators. Ironically, today we may need to embrace a source of revenue that just eight years ago seemed to many like regulatory overreach.

Opportunities under the Paris Agreement

The world came together in December 2015 to complete the Paris Agreement, which signals a major advance in global commitments to address climate change. All participating countries commit to lowering their greenhouse gas emissions. A number of American businesses have started to support putting a price on carbon.

Agriculture was noticeably absent from global climate discussions, but farmers could profit from policies that monetize carbon and create new markets for carbon emission allowances. At the Paris conference, the French government introduced the 4 per 1000 Initiative, which challenges farmers to increase the carbon in their soils. Other national governments, universities and agricultural organizations have joined this effort to advance agriculture that captures and stores carbon.

Now American farmers face a choice. Do we want to explore ways of providing environmental services to fight climate change? Or will we sit back and allow farmers in other parts of the world to develop these agricultural solutions? California is already showing the way by inviting farmers to participate in public-private efforts to address climate change.

Leveraging the 2018 Farm Bill

The Trump administration rejects policy efforts to protect the climate and indicates the United States may pull out of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, farmers will need to flex our political muscle to support climate solutions. Fortunately, we have powerful policy tools at our disposal.

Agriculture organizations and lawmakers are developing the 2018 farm bill, which will guide U.S. agriculture policy for several years, likely through 2022. Forward-thinking farmers can use this legislation to develop programs to pay for climate-friendly environmental services without radically changing the way we farm. Relatively small innovations can deliver payments for environmental services, which initially would be supported by American taxpayers but later could be funded by carbon markets.

Farm Partner

Dig Inn

For example, conservation programs currently target soil erosion. Policymakers would need to add rewards for reducing emissions and sequestering carbon. As a starting point, the next farm bill can identify practices that produce these outcomes and incorporate them into existing programs. The bill could also develop new programs to accelerate farmer innovation.

Farmers have a history of working together. Federal programs supporting ethanol and biodiesel production and wind turbines on farmlands all came about because farmers advanced public policies to support these products before clear market demand existed. In the same way, we can use the farm bill to increase farm income by monetizing the public benefits of climate services.

How farmers can lead

When the CCX collapsed in 2010, farm groups had already lost money trying to develop a program before there was enough public support to sustain it. We learned that it requires both government action and business leadership to successfully reward farmers for environmental services.

By advancing payments for climate services in the next farm bill, we can make our farms more resilient and align American agriculture with global business interests. If history is a good predictor of our future, no one is going to do this for farmers. We will have to do it for ourselves.

NOW WATCH: People are outraged by a Pepsi ad starring Kendall Jenner  here's how the company responded

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By John Irish PARIS/NOUAKCHOTT (Reuters) - A French soldier was killed in Mali after a clash with armed militants, French President Francois Hollande's office said on Thursday, highlighting instability in the west African state which is vulnerable to attacks from jihadist groups. "The president has learned with great sadness of the death of a (soldier) ... following a clash with terrorists during an operation in the southeast of the country," Hollande's office said in a statement. The Sahel region with its huge expanse of remote desert is home to several jihadist groups. The area saw several armed attacks on targets inside neighbouring Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast last year. France intervened in Mali four years ago to drive out al Qaeda-linked militants who hijacked a rebellion in 2012 by ethnic Tuaregs and attempted to take control of the central government in Bamako. The former colonial power has since spread some 4,000 soldiers across the region, known as the Barkhane force, to hunt down Islamists, while United Nations' peacekeepers have also been deployed to ensure Mali's stability. France redeployed about 1,000 troops to Mali's Gao region to tackle renewed violence there after almost 80 people were killed at a military camp in Gao in January. That attack was claimed by al Qaeda's North African wing which said it wanted to punish groups cooperating with France. Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the soldier, the 19th to be killed since Paris' intervention, had died during a joint operation with Burkinabe and Malian forces on Wednesday afternoon near Hombari on Mali's southwestern border. He said the troops were attacked after an explosive device blew up an armoured vehicle, with the soldier killed in the ensuing clash. "The situation in Mali remains unstable," Le Drian told reporters on Thursday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, due in Gao on Friday with German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel, is undertaking a two-day trip to the region, as part of a move to boost regional counter-terrorism efforts and find ways for the various parties involved in Mali to stop the violence. (Additional reporting by Marine Pennetier in Paris; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Richard Balmforth)
By Karolina Tagaris and Angeliki Koutantou ATHENS (Reuters) - Kostas Argyros's unpaid electricity bills are piling up, among a mountain of debt owed to Greece's biggest power utility. His family owe 850 euros to the Public Power Corporation (PPC), a tiny fraction of the state-controlled firm's 2.6 billion euros (2.21 billion pounds) in unpaid bills. Argyros picks up only occasional work as an odd-job man. "When you only work once a week, what will you pay first?"said the 35-year-old, who lives in a tiny apartment in an Athens suburb with his unemployed wife and four small children. The Argyros family are emblematic of deepening poverty in Greece following seven years of austerity demanded by the country's international creditors. They burn wood to heat their home in winter, food is cooked on a small gas stove, and hot water is scarce. The only evening light is the blue glare of a TV screen, for fear of racking up more debt. Five-watt lightbulbs provide a dim glow and Argyros worries about the effect on their eyesight. More than 40 percent of Greeks are behind on their utility bills, higher than anywhere else in Europe. People in poor neighbourhoods are also increasingly turning to energy fraud, meaning that the problem for PPC is much higher than the mountain of unpaid bills suggests. Power theft is costing PPC around 500-600 million euros a year in lost income, an industry official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to divulge the numbers. PPC declined to comment on the figure. Public disclosures by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator HEDNO, which checks meters, show that verified cases of theft climbed to 10,600 last year, up from 8,880 in 2013 and 4,470 in 2012. Authorities believe theft is far higher than the cases verified by HEDNO, another official said, declining to be named. Households in the country are equipped with analogue meters, which are easy to hack. One of the most common tricks is using magnets, which slow down the rotating coils to show lessconsumption than the real amount, a HEDNO official said. Some websites even offer consumers tips and tricks on power fraud. BURDEN OF ARREARS For households who have had their electricity cut off, a group of activists calling themselves the "I Won't Pay" movement have taken it upon themselves to reconnect the supply. The group says it has done hundreds this year. PPC, which has a 90 percent share of the retail market and 60 percent of the wholesale market, is supposed to reduce this dominance to less than 50 percent by 2020 under Greece's third, 86 billion euro bailout deal. The lenders also want PPC to sell some of its assets, but the company is toiling under the debt of unpaid bills, a problem opposition lawmakers say will force a fire-sale. In little over a year from June 2015, overdue bills to the 51-percent state-owned firm grew by nearly a billion euros to 2.6 billion, Chief Executive Manolis Panagiotakis told lawmakers in March. Analysts estimate PPC's cash reserves have shrunk to about300 million euros, forcing it to secure a 200 million euro bank loan to repay a bond due in May. The tangle has left it with little leeway for new investments or to fund a switch to cleaner forms of energy from coal to improve environmental standards. "It is often said that PPC is undergoing the most critical phase of its history," Panagiotakis told lawmakers. "I will not argue with that." He declined a Reuters request for an interview. The burden of arrears for PPC is now "so big that some worry it will not be able to lift it for much longer", said energy expert Constantinos Filis. The apartment building where the Argyros family live is a testament to that. Many tenants struggle even to pay the 25 euro annual fee to light communal areas such as staircases. GROUND ZERO PPC has tried to recoup unpaid bills with phased repayment schemes.  total of 625,000 customers owing a total of 1.3 billion euros had signed up to the scheme by January. The Argyros family have also entered the scheme with the help of Theofilos, a local charity, which also contributes towards their monthly bills. Meanwhile, PPC's provisions for bad debt remain high. The schemes drove the figure down to 453 million euros in the nine months to September last year from 690 million a year earlier. Analysts expect PPC to swing back to a profit of between 63-109 million euros in 2016, with provisions of below 600 million euros. Filis, the energy expert, said the more things stayed the same, the closer PPC was to "ground zero" and he drew comparisons with the Greek state's brushes with near bankruptcy during the debt crisis. "It's reasonable to say that PPC is too big to allow it to collapse, particularly regarding energy security," he said. "On the other hand, a few years ago some argued that no country could fail either." (editing by David Stamp)
A dog is being hailed as a hero after stopping a suicide bomber from killing wedding guests.

The guests were in the Nigerian village of Belbelo, near the north-eastern city of Maiduguri, when the teenage bomber tried to detonate her explosives.

Police spokesman Victor Isuku said the bomber, believed to be from Boko Haram, had been making her way into the wedding party on Sunday morning when the dog attacked her.

"This forced the suspect to detonate her explosive, while battling to wriggle herself from the claws and jaws of the dog," he said in a statement reported by Nigerian media.

"The dog stopped the teenage suicide bomber from detonating her strapped improvised explosive devices on the wedding crowd of people."

No guests were injured but the dog was killed by the explosion, alongside the bomber.

No further details were given about the dog, which is understood to have belonged to one of the wedding party guests.

:: Boko Haram teen bride paid 40p for suicide bombing in northern Nigeria

Mr Isuku said the attempted bombing happened just a few hours after three other suicide bombers blew themselves up at two other locations not far from the wedding ceremony.

Islamist group Boko Haram has a history of using women or children for such assaults, especially in Borno state, of which Maiduguri is the capital.

The females can be used as sex slaves or human bombs, while boys are also abducted and forced to fight.

Back in December, two girls, thought to be aged seven or eight, were blamed for a double suicide bombing in Maiduguri that killed one person and injured 17.

Boko Haram has been fighting Nigeria's government since 2009 to impose hardline Islamic rule over the country's mainly Muslim north.

Since then, at least 20,000 people have been killed, more than 2.5 million have had to flee their homes and thousands of women and girls have been abducted by the group.

Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has said the Islamic uprising had been "technically defeated".

However, the Nigerian army is still struggling against the suicide attacks, looting and indiscriminate killing.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  A law on the foreign funding of non-governmental organizations is expected to be approved by mid-May, a deputy speaker of Hungary's parliament said Wednesday.

The proposal mainly targets groups like Transparency International and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee which are partly funded by Hungarian-born U.S. financier George Soros. Critics say the initiative is part of a wider crackdown on liberal democratic values by Prime Minister Viktor Orban that seeks to stigmatize the organizations and their members.

On Tuesday, Fidesz lawmakers approved changes to the law on higher education which could lead to the closure of Central European University, founded by Soros.

Deputy Speaker Gergely Gulyas, from the governing Fidesz party, said the NGOs "have no right to conceal who their real supporters are."

"Organizations funded by George Soros are attacking the Hungarian government more sharply than ever before," Gulyas said. "Hungary has to defend itself through transparency."

The draft bill discussed in a closed meeting in Parliament considers civic groups receiving more than 7.2 million forints ($24,750) a year from abroad to be "foreign-funded" and would make public the funds' amount and source. The NGOs would also have to include a notice on their websites and in all their publications that they are funded from abroad.

Failure to comply would lead to fines and even the possibility of being shut down.

"The government does not want to debate these organizations and the facts," said Akos Hadhazy, a lawmaker from the green Politics Can Be Different party. "Instead, it wants to eliminate the anti-corruption and human rights organizations."

The government has been especially angry with the Helsinki Committee, which represented two men from Bangladesh awarded 10,000 euros ($10,670) plus legal costs last month by the European Court of Human Rights in compensation for their illegal detention and deportation by Hungary in 2015.

"They want to destroy the Hungarian border protection system and force the free entry of migrants into Hungary," Gulyas said.
By Parisa Hafezi ANKARA (Reuters) - A bloc of conservative Iranian political parties has nominated a powerful cleric as their candidate to run in next month's presidential election to try to unseat the moderate Hassan Rouhani, Iran's state news agency IRNA said. Seeking to regain the presidency by stopping Rouhani winning a second four-year term, Iran's powerful hardliners have been gearing up for a showdown in the May 19 vote. Until next week's registration period for nominees is closed, it will not be confirmed that Ebrahim Raisi is the main conservative challenger. But Raisi is an ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and analysts believe his nomination has been approved by Khamenei. If an anti-Western hardliner wins, analysts expect more restrictions on social and political freedoms in Iran. Some prominent conservative leaders, including parliament speaker Ali Larijani, have thrown their support behind Rouhani, who is expected to seek re-election two years after he sealed a deal with world powers over curbing Iran's nuclear programme in return for some international sanctions being lifted in 2016. "If Rouhani's rival camp reaches a consensus over Raisi's nomination, he will be a strong rival for Rouhani," said analyst Hamid Farahvashian. Raisi was appointed by Khamenei in 2016 as the custodian of Astan Qods Razavi, an organisation in charge of Irans holiest shrine in the city of Mashhad. Ebrahim Raisi has accepted the calls to run for the election ... he will announce his plans soon, IRNA quoted Solat Mortazavi, the mayor of Mashhad, as saying. Rouhani won the presidency in 2013, with the backing of mainly of young people and women. He promised to bring Iran out of its international isolation and create a freer society. But many ordinary Iranians have lost faith in him because he has not been able to improve the economy despite the lifting of sanctions in January last year under the nuclear deal. Rights campaigners say there have been few, if any, moves to bring about greater political and cultural freedoms. The five-day registration of hopefuls for the vote will start on Tuesday. A hardline watchdog body, the Guardian Council, vets candidates for elections. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Alison Williams)
TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Four suspected migrant smugglers were killed in an exchange of fire with the Libyan coastguard off western Libya on Thursday, spokesman Ayoub Qassem said. Qassem said the clash started when the coastguards tried to apprehend heavily armed gunmen whose boat was located near a migrant vessel close to the city of Zawiya, about 45 km (28 miles) west of Tripoli. "The coastguard boat detected the gunmen's boat by radar during a patrol," Qassem told Reuters. "The gunmen were asked to stop but they refused to follow the rules, which means most likely they were smugglers of illegal migrants. They opened fire at the patrol. The coastguards fired back too." Two of the suspected smugglers were arrested and one was missing, Qassem said. A German journalist travelling on the coastguard boat suffered a minor injury when he tumbled during the clash, he said. Libya's western coast is the departure point for the vast majority of migrants trying to reach Europe by sea, and powerful smuggling networks have long operated with impunity in the area. They pack migrants into flimsy inflatable boats usually carrying barely enough fuel to reach international waters, where most are picked up by European rescue craft or other vessels. Libya's coastguard, parts of which are now receiving European Union training, occasionally intercepts migrant boats and returns them to Libya. Some boats sink or run out of fuel. By the end of last month, 23,125 migrants had crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy and 595 were known to have died, an increase compared with the same period last year, according to the International Organization for Migration. (Reporting by Ahmed Elumami; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Andrew Bolton and Toby Davis)
The April 3 bombing on the St Petersburg metro was the highest-profile terror attack on Russian soil since a suicide bombing at Moscows Domodedovo airport in January 2011. According to Russias National Antiterrorism Committee, at least 14 people were killed and 49 injured by an improvised explosive device; further casualties were prevented when a second device was disarmed at another station. Days later, another bomb was found and defused in a residential building.

The prime suspect is reportedly Kyrgyzstan-born Russian citizen Akbarzhon Jalilov, who was identified on CCTV and died in the attack.

The use of explosives and the success of the attack despite heightened security measures  President Putin was in St Petersburg at the time, and national newspapers Izvestiya and Kommersant both reported that the security services had advanced warning that an attack was planned  makes it unlikely he acted alone. Indeed, Russian authorities have detained three people suspected of being involved in the bombing.

Still unclear, then, is whether the attackers had the help of an organised group  and there are many organisations that could be considered plausible instigators.

An obvious candidate is the so-called Islamic State (IS), which has drawn plenty of recruits from across the country. Some of them have remained in Russia, and the group is now set on inspiring attacks globally as its strongholds in Iraq and Syria come under pressure. It has also claimed multiple attacks in Russia to date, as well as targeting Russian interests abroad  most notably downing a Russian passenger jet over Egypt in October 2015.

But IS is far from the only terrorist group that attracts Russian-speaking recruits. North Caucasians and Central Asian radicals have joined a range of al-Qaeda-affiliated and independent radical Islamist groups fighting in Syria and Iraq, many of whom are hostile to Russia.

Furthermore, although it has been under heavy pressure from the Russian state in recent years, the North Caucasus continues to deal with low-level insurgent violence. The most senior surviving insurgent leader, Chechnyas Aslan Byutukayev, is a former head of the reconstituted Riyadus Salikhin group that, as part of the Caucasus Emirate, was responsible for multiple suicide attacks, including that on Domodedovo airport.

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Pressure on the domestic insurgency has driven a number of key rebel commanders out of the region. Many have relocated to Turkey; after the metro attack, news agency Rosbalt claimed investigators were pursuing their involvement as one of two main theories, citing increased activity among these leaders. The other main grouping under suspicion, it said, is far-right nationalism: groups in St Petersburg are known to have close links with their Ukrainian counterparts, and have used explosives in previous attacks.

To make things more complicated, not all of these groups are mutually exclusive. Most of the rebels still active in the North Caucasus are aligned with IS, while multiple groups have links running through Turkey. That there are so many potential culprits at work gives some indication of the scale of the threat Russia faces.

Sophisticated attackers

Another particularly telling aspect of the St Petersburg attack is its relative sophistication. Since the inception of IS, groups led by or affiliated to it have used a range of methods, including sophisticated car and truck bomb attacks. Turkey has lately been hit by several co-ordinated incidents that caused considerable casualties, including the Ataturk airport attack in June 2016 and the Istanbul nightclub attack on New Years Day 2017.

Elsewhere, IS has targeted airliners and used co-ordinated suicide attacks and marauding shooter attacks, as well as mass hostage-taking with suicidal intent, as happened in the 2015 Paris attacks. But the group has also claimed responsibility for unsophisticated attacks using mundane weapons such as knives, as well as lorries and cars. These are low-cost, easily accessible tools that can cause havoc easily, and IS is apparently relying on them more and more  presumably in a bid to outmanoeuvre counter-terrorism strategies.

IS has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Russian soil, which have mostly been at the unsophisticated end of the spectrum. An August 2016 incident near Moscow and a December 2016 attack in Grozny both saw policemen attacked with hand-held weapons. A 4 April attack on police in Astrakhan, claimed by IS two days later, appears to have followed a similar pattern. A number of the IS-linked attacks occurred in the restive North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, a focal point of regional violence where its hard to distinguish between targeted terrorist acts and day-to-day instability.

The St Petersburg attack, on the other hand, was more sophisticated: The perpetrator was clearly able to build at least one viable explosive device  even if the second failed to detonate  and possibly received training in making them. He was also able to do what he did despite the fact that the authorities apparently had intelligence of some sort about this specific attack, and despite widespread awareness that a terrorist incident of some sort was likely  as with London, a question of when rather than if.

All this goes to show that Russia faces some very serious domestic terrorism threats. The group or groups behind them are clearly able to inspire, enable and/or support attackers from afar; the question is whether they can provide the training and equipment required for mass-casualty attacks.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Mark Youngman is an ESRC-funded doctoral student at the University of Birmingham

Cerwyn Moore is an academic based in POLSIS, College of Social Sciences, at the University of Birmingham and Actors and Narratives Programme Director in the Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats, an independent ESRC centre with funding from the UK security and intelligence agencies. He declined to provide a profile picture.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  A South Dakota man has been jailed on $1 million cash bond after prosecutors charged him in the death of his wife.

Forty-three-year-old Irving Jumping Eagle appeared in court Wednesday following his arrest in the death of 33-year-old Alicia Jumping Eagle. She was found dead in the couple's Sioux Falls apartment Monday.

Irving Jumping Eagle is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and four counts of manslaughter. His public defender did not return a phone call for comment.

Police allege Irving Jumping Eagle had blood on himself Monday afternoon while at a gas station about 300 miles away near Streeter, North Dakota. The Argus Leader (http://argusne.ws/2oE5HYP ) reports the car he was driving hit a bridge pillar Tuesday morning in Deuel County, in eastern South Dakota. He was taken to a hospital and then jailed in Sioux Falls.

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Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com
Shutterstock

What the hell is that? Scientists ask this question every day when trying to work out how different living things are related to each other. The answers arent easy or trivial. Biological affiliations are used not just to build a catalogue of life but also to understand how life has evolved into its many forms.

Viruses are an excellent example. They pose a problem for biologists because they dont have cells and so dont fall into any of the main three groups or domains of life that all other organisms do  bacteria, archaea (a different form of microbe) and eukaryota (plants, animals and fungi, among others). Some scientists argue that viruses dont count as living organisms and are better seen as rogue genetic material that cant reproduce on their own and need to hijack host cells. Others believe viruses evolved from cellular organisms and so count as a fourth domain of life.

The latter theory was boosted by the discovery a decade ago of giant viruses that are more similar to cellular lifeforms. But a new study, published in the journal Science, on the genomes of these giant viruses calls this idea into question. So will scientists have to start their search for the origins of viruses all over again?

Viruses are tiny, minimalistic beings that get away from the nuances of cellular life. They are usually composed of genetic material (DNA or its molecular cousin RNA), often surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid, sometimes with additional layers borrowed from a host cell. Viruses can only replicate within a host cell by hacking its metabolism, and each domain of life is infected by different versions of these cellular squatters.

This tremendous dependence on host cells push them to the limits of the definition of life, with some considering them alive and others dead. It is no wonder that most zombie stories involve a virus. Maybe it would be just easier to consider viruses undead. The big question is: where do they come from?

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Competing theories try to explain how viruses evolved. One portrays viruses as descendants of an ancient lineage of cellular organisms that lived within other cells and simplified their structure over time. This would make them the only survivors of a long-lost fourth domain of life that left the cell organisation behind. If viruses evolved from living organisms, it would make sense to think of them as alive now.

Rogue agents

Another theory proposes that viruses started as rogue genetic agents, vagrants in the genome that escaped their cellular confinement. They could be related to jumping genes that can copy or cut themselves from a genome and then paste themselves into other parts of the DNA. In that case, viruses would be the result of molecular accidents that became evolutionary stable. This would mean they have never been complete living organisms, just as a computer virus is not a complete computer.

Both these proposals have their flaws. The first fails to explain how simple viruses are. There are no other known organisms with that extreme degree of simplification. On the other hand, the second theory doesnt explain why viruses are so much more complex than other mobile genetic elements, none of which have anything comparable to a capsid coat.

Then, in 2004, scientists discovered a kind of giant virus (or girus) that seemed to tip the balance in favour of viruses having cellular origins. They are called giant for good reason. Some are ten times larger in both size and genome length than our beloved flu virus, and have as many 2,500 genes compared to influenzas meagre 11.

This additional genetic material includes instructions for making proteins, something sorely lacking in other viruses but present in all other lifeforms. The molecular system is not complete and giruses still need to invade cells to make more giruses. But some researchers suggested that these genes could be leftovers of a cellular past, backing up the existence of a fourth domain of life.

On the other hand, the jumpy genetic nature of viruses makes them prone to take genes from other organisms. This has prompted others to argue that all these additional genes in giruses are products of evolutionary thievery.

Giant problem

Now a new study has confirmed the borrowed nature of all these genes in viruses. The research uses the most advanced methods, named Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), to map out DNA extracted from a wastewater treatment plant in Klosterneuburg, Austria. In the last few years, NGS-based studies have uncovered myriad new types of lifeform, and in this instance NGS has revealed a completely new lineage of giant viruses, the Klosneuviruses.

Among all giruses, Klosneuviruses have the largest set of genes involved in making proteins. By comparing the genomes of different giant viruses and carefully reconstructing their evolution, the researchers persuasively show that the protein-making machinery in these giruses is a relatively recent genetic addition  not the scraps of a larger ancestral genome.

The study argues that the host cells these viruses tried to hijack may have evolved a defence strategy based on hiding proteins from the invaders. Then the viruses adapted by incorporating some of these genes into their genome. The researchers conclude that the giant viruses analysed in this study have evolved multiple times from smaller viruses, rejecting the idea they evolved from cellular lifeforms.

However, the new evidence doesnt kill viruses completely. New gnarls in the tree of life are discovered every day, and a new finding could still provide a link between cellular and acellular life  or prove the opposite. Until then, we will keep thinking about the nature of life, the relationship between zombies and viruses, and wondering what the hell is that?

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Jordi Paps 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.
Poker AI is Back: Chinese Players to Play AI for $290,000

April 06 2017 Katie Callahan

Carnegie Mellon University has produced another artificial intelligence bot to compete against six top Chinese poker players in no-limit Texas holdem for a $290,000 winner-take-all purse.

This AI, named Lengpudashi or cold poker master, will play 36,000 hands with the pros April 6-10. Lengpudashi is another version of Libratus, an artificial intelligence bot that collected $1,766,250 in chips, a statistically significant finding, and bested four other poker pros in January.

Alan (Yue) Du leads Team Dragons, the team taking on Lengpudashi. Du won the 2016 WSOP Event #59, the $5,000 buy-in no-limit holdem event.

The creators of Libratus are excited about bringing this new AI technology to China.

I want to explore various commercial opportunities for this in poker and a host of other application areas ranging from recreational games to business strategy to strategic pricing to cybersecurity and medicine, said Tuomas Sandholm, professor of computer science and co-creator of Libratus and Lengpudashi with Ph.D. student Noam Brown, in a release.

Sandholm has exclusively licensed Libratus and other technologies from Carnegie Mellon through his recently founded company, Strategic Machine, Inc.

Unlike the competition in January, which was more of a science experiment, these hands are part of an exhibition, with a smaller number of total hands.

Team Dragon will play against Lengpudashi in Hainan for 10 hours a day, playing two hands at a time on the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Centers Bridges Computer.

Sinovation Ventures, the organisers of the event, and Hainan Resort Software Community are hosting the event in a software park/resort in Haikou City.

Images courtesy of Carnegie Mellon University

Sharelines Chinese poker players will take on a new AI for a $290,000 winner-take-all purse.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

The three men who are charged in an Albuquerque shooting that left two men dead and two others injured last August are known to the FBI as suspected members of Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel, according to recently unsealed court documents.

The documents lay out the investigation into that case, as well as another fatal shooting several months later and the groups possible connection to a woman found dead by the side of the road in Taos County.

Eder Ortiz-Parra, 24, his brother Edwin Ortiz-Parra, 26, and his cousin Rafael Gonzalez-Parra, 25, are all charged with two counts of murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping and several other charges in the Aug. 8 death of Daniel Chumacero and Juan Carlos Saenz-Ponce. Eder Ortiz-Parra is also charged with murder in the Dec. 12 shooting of Gilberto Medina-Pena on Albuquerques West Side.

The FBI has been aware of all three, as well as a fourth man who has not been arrested, as members of the Sinaloa Cartel since at least last November, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. The Sinaloa Cartel is one of two major Mexican drug cartels active in New Mexico and controls 40 percent to 60 percent of illegal drugs used in the United States, according to an investigative report produced by the Journal in February.

A spokesman for the FBI did not respond to questions about the case, including how long the FBI had been aware of the suspects and their connection to the cartel. A spokeswoman for the Drug Enforcement Administration also did not respond to questions.

On the run

Eder Ortiz-Parra first drew the attention of New Mexico law enforcement in October 2014 when officers with the Las Vegas Police Department found him and two other men near a marijuana grow site in the Santa Fe forest.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the San Miguel County Magistrate Court, a concerned citizen noticed armed men shuttling hoses and other materials up County Road B55 toward Barillas Peak, and asked officers to check it out.

The officers went to investigate and followed a camouflage ATV down a trail off the county road. There, they heard volleys of gunshots and, a short time later, ran into three men in the area, according to the complaint. One of these men was Eder Ortiz-Parra.

The men were taken to the police department, but they were released later that afternoon.

The next day, officers returned to the area and found the grow site, which included a gravity flow system for watering, terraced land, an estimated 105 plants hung out to dry and 600 plants in various stages of the growing process, according to the complaint.

Police filed an arrest warrant for Ortiz-Parra and the two other men, but the men skipped town.

Two and a half years later, Ortiz-Parra was arrested in Albuquerque.

He was on the run all this time, said Thomas Clayton, the chief deputy district attorney in San Miguel County. When they took him into custody on the homicide in Albuquerque, the officer checked to see if he had outstanding warrant and our warrant was discovered.

Cartel links?

Last August, Chumacero and his girlfriend showed up at a relatives house in Santa Fe, saying he had fled Mexico on the run from a drug cartel boss.

The next day, on Aug. 8, police were called to a house on the 300 block of General Marshall NE in Albuquerque by a man who said he had been shot, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

When officers arrived, they found Chumacero, 24, and another man, Saenz-Ponce, 23, had been shot and killed. Two other men, Jose and Jorge Hernandez, had been shot and injured.

In the backyard, officers found several spent bullet casings, beer bottles and a large amount of blood. They also found several vehicles with hidden compartments typically used to transport drugs.

Almost immediately, detectives began hearing about the cartel. Chumaceros relative said he had been running drugs for a cartel boss in and out of Mexico. And Jorge Hernandez, one of the injured men, told police Chumacero and Saenz-Ponce had recently sold $7,500 of bad cocaine to someone who was angry and wanted money or the drugs back.

Hernandez said two men showed up inside the house, shot all four victims and stole his cellphone after he called 911.

Was it a hit?

A little more than a month later, in mid-September, the girlfriend of one of the men who lived in the house on General Marshall was found dead from a gunshot wound to her neck by the side of the road in Taos County, according to the complaint.

Taos County Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe said that, on Sept. 18, Carmen Celeste Velasquez, 33, of San Luis, Ariz., was found dead by a passerby on County Road 110 near State Road 68.

She was found there and then two days later her vehicle was found abandoned in an arroyo, Hogrefe said.

The detective investigating Velasquezs death told Albuquerque detectives he believed her death was related to their double homicide, according to the complaint.

He said a relative of Velasquez had told him that she and her boyfriend were running drugs for the cartel and her boyfriend had a green light or hit out on him.

She also said Velasquez owed someone $500 for drugs.

Concerned citizens

Eder Ortiz-Parra, Edwin Ortiz-Parra and Rafael Gonzalez-Parra were arrested in March in the August multiple shooting after someone came forward with new information.

A concerned citizen told police they had seen Eder Ortiz-Parra and Edwin Ortiz-Parra take one of the victims inside the house on General Marshall while Gonzalez-Parra and another man waited outside. Then the citizen heard multiple gunshots, and watched the four men leave the house and drive away.

Police charged the three with two counts of murder each, along with several other charges.

When they were arrested, another concerned citizen saw Eder Ortiz-Parra on the news and identified him as the man who had shot another Albuquerque victim in December.

On Dec. 12, police were called to the 1100 block of Palisades NW by a woman who said her boyfriend had been shot.

When they arrived, they found Gilberto Medina-Pena, 32, dead in the driveway, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

The woman told detectives two men had knocked on the front door and asked to speak to Medina-Pena. She said he went outside to speak to them and then she heard several gunshots. Medina-Penas relative told police he owed money to a man and had recently borrowed $500 to pay him back. Eder Ortiz-Parra was charged with that slaying.

Attorneys for Eder Ortiz-Parra and Rafael Gonzalez-Parra could not be reached Wednesday, but the attorney for Edwin Ortiz-Parra said he is looking forward to his day in court to prove his clients innocence.

Ben Ortega said his client Edwin was a stay-at-home father of three American children with rental properties he was managing in Mexico.

There is a specific time, place and manner where we can prove our innocence, Ortega said. We have to wait despite how hard it is for him and how bad these allegations against him make him look.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement could not say this week whether the suspects were in the country legally.
Albuquerque City Councilor Pat Davis filed paperwork this week to run for New Mexicos 1st Congressional District seat in 2018, becoming the first candidate from either political party to officially enter the race.

Im in, Davis said in a Wednesday interview, adding that he will make a formal campaign announcement sometime after Easter.

The Albuquerque-based congressional seat could attract a large field of candidates  both Democrats and Republicans  because incumbent U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, plans to vacate the seat and run for governor.

Other Democrats who have expressed interest include Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins, Albuquerque City Councilor Ken Sanchez, state Sen. Jacob Candelaria and state Rep. Javier Martinez.

On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. John Sanchez has said hes been encouraged to consider entering the race but has not decided whether to run.

Davis, a Democrat who was elected to the Albuquerque City Council in 2015, said having a strong and principled congressional delegation is key for the state during President Donald Trumps tenure.

Ive never been afraid of a fight, said Davis, who is also executive director of ProgressNow New Mexico, a left-leaning nonprofit group. He acknowledged hed have to relinquish the job if elected to Congress.

The 1st Congressional District has changed over time, but has been a Democratic-held seat since 2009. It covers Albuquerque, most of Bernalillo County, Torrance County and part of Valencia County.

CHANGE OF PLANS: It turns out Gov. Susana Martinez did not travel to Tennessee this week after all.

The governor had been scheduled to speak at a law enforcement conference in Nashville, Tenn., but made it only as far as Dallas, a Martinez spokesman said Wednesday.

When her flight out of Dallas was delayed late Tuesday due to inclement weather, Martinez opted to take another flight back to New Mexico, according to the Governors Office.

Martinez was one of several officials who had been invited to speak at a conference on women in law enforcement that was sponsored by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

But the timing of the travel also prompted criticism, as the governor is facing a Friday deadline to sign or veto more than 200 bills approved by the Legislature during this years 60-day session that have not been acted on.

Dan Boyd: dboyd@abqjournal.com
WASHINGTON  Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico joined other Democrats to filibuster the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court on Thursday, but Republicans deployed the so-called nuclear option to clear a path to the judges confirmation to Americas highest court today.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed a rule change eliminating the need for 60 votes to move to a final vote on a Supreme Court nominee, requiring a simple majority of 51 instead. McConnells maneuver passed on a 52-48 party-line vote.

This will be the first and last partisan filibuster of a Supreme Court nomination, the Kentucky Republican said at the outset of debate Thursday morning.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fretted over the rule shift, which drastically blunts the minority partys power to block a Supreme Court nominee.

The consequences for the Senate and for the future of the Supreme Court will be far-reaching, said Schumer, a New York Democrat.

Before the vote on the nuclear option, a GOP attempt to limit debate on Gorsuch to 30 hours and block a filibuster failed 55-45, with Udall and Heinrich in opposition.

Gorsuch is widely expected to gain final confirmation in a Senate vote today.

After the votes, Udall lamented the lack of cooperation and bipartisanship in the Senate that got us to this point  and the degree of partisanship we will see from here on.

The high drama on the Senate floor Thursday resulted from years of partisan wrangling over the Supreme Court. Many Democrats remain furious about McConnells refusal to bring former President Barack Obamas Supreme Court nominee  Merrick Garland  to a vote during the final year of Obamas presidency. The fuming spilled over into the debate over Gorsuch this week.

This wasnt President Trumps seat to fill, Udall said on the Senate floor Wednesday evening. Judge Garland was denied a hearing. Many of my Republican colleagues wouldnt even give him the courtesy of a meeting. He never got a vote. This was a disgrace. And it is an injustice that needs to be remedied before I could ever consider voting for Judge Gorsuch.

But McConnell on Thursday accused Democrats of using scorched-earth tactics to attempt to block previous GOP presidential nominees to the Supreme Court, including Robert Bork, a nominee of President Ronald Reagan, and Clarence Thomas, selected by President George H.W. Bush.

This is the latest escalation in the lefts never-ending judicial war, the most audacious yet, McConnell said Thursday. There cannot be two sets of standards: one for the nominees of the Democratic president and another for the nominees of Republican presidents.

Republicans cast Democratic opposition to Gorsuch as purely partisan Thursday, noting on the Senate floor that the chamber voted unanimously to approve him to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2006.

Thursday marked the second time in four years that the Senate has altered its rules for confirming presidential nominees. Former Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid deployed the nuclear option in 2013 to force a rule change that allowed confirmation of all executive branch nominees and lower-court picks with a simple-majority vote. Udall and Heinrich voted in favor of Reids maneuver, which did not apply the lower threshold to Supreme Court picks.

Although Gorsuch is widely respected for his keen legal intellect and deft courtroom demeanor, some Democrats say the conservative Westerner is out of the mainstream of American political thought. Udall complained last week that Gorsuch evaded questions about abortion, equal pay, LGBT rights and other issues during his confirmation hearings.

Gorsuch said during the hearings it would be unfair for him to prejudge future cases. I have offered no promises on how I would rule in any case to anyone, and I dont think its appropriate for a judge to do so, no matter who is doing the asking, Gorsuch said.

Heinrich, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee who is up for re-election in 2018, said last week that he could not vote to confirm Gorsuch until investigations into the Trump administrations ties to Russia are completed.

On Thursday, Heinrich described McConnells use of the nuclear option as extreme and unprecedented. The New Mexico Democrat also emailed supporters: This drastic and hypocritical move will cause lasting damage to the institution of the U.S. Senate, further politicize the Supreme Court and encourage more ideological and divisive nominees.
DENVER  A Colorado federal judge has ruled that a landlord who refused to rent property to a same-sex couple over concerns about their relationship was in violation of state and federal laws.

The Daily Camera reports (http://bit.ly/2o1g06m ) U.S. District Judge Raymond Moore ruled in favor of Rachel and Tanya Smith and their two minor children in their case against Deepika Avanti Wednesday. After the Smiths toured Avantis apartments in Gold Hill, she sent them emails saying she could not do business with them over fears of what residents would say about her given the Smiths same-sex relationship. The emails were used in the case.

The judge says Avantis actions violated the Federal Housing Act and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.

Avanti said in a 2016 interview her decision was due to the Smiths hyper children and that their sexuality was not a factor.

___

Information from: Daily Camera, http://www.dailycamera.com/
There is a competitive, aggressive appetite among reporters and news outlets to move the Trump-Russia story  no matter how remote or inconsistent the nexus might be. The media is straining to draw inferences any time they can make Trump and Russia appear in the same paragraph.

Tuesday, the media tried to turn stories about Carter Page and Erik Prince into two more logs on the supposed fire of the Trump-Russia non-scandal. But, in fact, these reports have no connection to or evidence of wrongdoing by the president, his staff, or his campaign.

First, the Trump teams naming of Carter Page, who nobody in Washington had ever even heard of until last year, as a foreign policy adviser was a mistake the campaign made at a time when they were desperate for names. And even though every reporter knows that, they embellish Pages role as if to rub it in.

Describing Page as an adviser to Trump is dishonest. But even if Page had been close to Trump, there still wouldnt be a legitimate story. This weeks reports say that Page shared portions of his college lectures, which included nothing more than publicly available information, to a junior attache at the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations. Its not at all uncommon for so-called spies to engage in lame conversations with nobodies just to submit a report.

Another media fixation concerns The Washington Posts reporting that Erik Prince was part of an effort that sought to establish a communications back channel between the United States and Russia. And considering the volume of secondary coverage that story received, one might think this revelation is a smoking gun that shows Trump was somehow in Putins pocket. But it isnt.

I know Erik Prince. And if the president were to ever need a back channel, pretty much anywhere, Erik Prince would be a good guy to call. He is reliable, selfless, and a true patriot. The notion that he might want to advance U.S. interests is a good thing. What is the issue with an American ally like the United Arab Emirates and a seasoned leader like Erik Prince trying to send the message that Russia should behave?

All this breathless reporting is taking place while some in the media have proudly affirmed, as if it is a badge of honor, to actively suppress the Susan Rice unmasking story. On Monday night, CNNs Don Lemon told his audience that he would not aid and abet the people who are trying to misinform you, the American people, by creating a diversion. Can a story with these essential facts be considered a diversion? No way. And comically, CNNs chief national security correspondent Jim Sciutto tweeted that according to a source close to Susan Rice, The idea that Ambassador Rice improperly sought the identities of Americans is false. Wow, breaking news.

The unmasking story has legs, though the president didnt help by telling the New York Times that he thought Rice had committed a crime. Tuesdday, a letter signed by Reps. Lou Barletta, R-Pa., Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Chris Collins, R-N.Y., was sent to leaders of the House and Senate intelligence committees, arguing that Rice should be called to testify before Congress as her behavior appears negligent at best and criminal at worst.

Still, the media will contrive stories they think add to the Trump-Russia connection. That a back-channel meeting may have occurred in the Seychelles in January before the inauguration is interesting, and perhaps even sexy in a James Bond sort of a way, but its completely irrelevant to and inconsistent with the notion that Trump is somehow in collusion with the Russian government.

And all Carter Page did was meet with a Russian in 2013. Four years ago, who thought Donald Trump would be president? The two stories arent evidence of anything, even if the presidents critics would like for you to think otherwise.

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BEIRUT  The chemical used in an attack that killed scores of Syrian civilians was most likely the deadly nerve agent sarin, the Turkish Health Ministry said Thursday.

Autopsies conducted on three victims by Turkish doctors confirmed that chemical weapons were used in a daybreak strike on Tuesday widely attributed to the Syrian government, providing the most concrete evidence to date for why so many people died.

According to the preliminary results, the findings suggest that the patients were exposed to a chemical substance (Sarin), the statement said.

Dozens of victims of the attack on the northwestern town of Khan Sheikhoun have been evacuated to Turkey for medical treatment. Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said that the World Health Organization supervised the autopsies and that the results were sent to The Hague for further analysis.

In August 2013, the Syrian governments use of sarin in an attack on a densely populated Damascus suburb killed hundreds of civilians, many as they slept.

At least 70 people were killed in Tuesdays attack, which witnesses described as a fog of chemicals that enveloped men, women and children, leaving many to suffocate, choke or foam at the mouth. In Khan Sheikhoun, a list of names compiled by residents put the death toll at 83.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem denied Thursday that the government had used chemical weapons in the past and maintained that it never would. Speaking in Damascus, the capital, he rejected the findings of the Turkish investigation, saying that Syrias experience with international inquiries has not been encouraging and insisting that a credible investigation into the attack must begin from Damascus, not Turkey.

Under the conditions of a 2013 deal brokered by Russia  one of President Bashar al-Assads main backers  Syria was required to declare the chemical weapons in its possession and hand its stockpiles over for destruction.

Chemical weapons inspectors have visited Syria on a number of occasions since then. Although the delegations movements have been heavily constrained by the Syrian government, experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said in May 2015 that they had found traces of chemicals used to make sarin and the nerve agent VX at a military research site.

The global chemical weapons watchdog said Thursday that it has initiated contact with Syrian authorities as it investigates the attack. In a statement reported by the Associated Press, the organization said it has been collecting and analyzing information as part of its ongoing fact-finding mission in Syria.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump accused Assads government of going beyond a red line with the attack on civilians, and he suggested that his anti-interventionist stance toward the conflict may be changing.

But there were few indications of what that might mean in practice. Syrias complex conflict has paralyzed a divided U.N. Security Council and left Western leaders reluctant to face the possible consequences of military intervention against Assad.

President Vladimir Putins spokesman said Thursday that Russias support for Assad is not unconditional but called for a full investigation of Tuesdays attack before the United Nations takes any action.

The incident puts Moscow in a tough spot: Condemning Assad could deal the final blow to Putins carefully assembled peace process, which brings together Turkey and Iran  regional powers that have backed opposing sides in the civil war. At the same time, the attack could indicate that Assad and his Iranian allies have no intention of being party to a power-sharing agreement, suggesting that Putins deal is all but dead.

The top U.N. humanitarian envoy for Syria, Jan Egeland, called the attack a possible watershed moment that could force world leaders to take stronger action to ease the suffering of the civilians that we see every day.

In an interview published Thursday, however, Assad insisted that a military victory was the governments only option. We have no choice in facing this war, and thats why we are confident, we are persistent, and we are determined, he told Vecernji List, a Croatian newspaper. His comments appeared to have come before Tuesdays attack.



The Washington Posts Zakaria Zakaria in Antakya and Brian Murphy in Washington contributed to this report.

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WASHINGTON  House Republican leaders presented a tweak to their stalled health-care bill Thursday after Vice President Mike Pence pressured them to show progress toward passing the bill before lawmakers leave for a two-week recess.

On Thursday morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., invited more than 20 fellow Republicans to his weekly news conference to reveal an amendment aimed at addressing coverage for sicker Americans  and also at pleasing conservative and moderate Republicans who had opposed the original proposal.

This brings us closer to the final agreement that we all want to achieve, Ryan said, later adding that it was a step in the right direction.

Those assurances, however, came even as larger divisions over the bills content appeared to remain.

The amendment that the Rules Committee approved Thursday afternoon on a party-line vote would set up a federal insurance pool for those with serious and expensive medical conditions such as cancer, congestive heart failure and AIDS. The fund is intended to subsidize coverage for patients with those serious preexisting conditions to lower premiums for healthier patients.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said the amendment, sponsored by conservative Reps. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., and David Schweikert, R-Ariz., demonstrates another example of House Republicans unwavering commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and provide immediate relief to those trapped in this failing law.

Pence made his request to Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., during a Wednesday evening visit to the White House, according to several individuals briefed on the meeting. These individuals spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.

According to a senior White House official not authorized to speak publicly, Pence conveyed in the intense discussion that President Donald Trump wanted the House to move immediately on health care to keep the effort to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act alive. Trump needs to score a short-term win on the issue, the vice president emphasized, because otherwise lawmakers might retreat.

A House aide said Pence and other White House officials painted a dire political picture of what would happen if Republicans fail to act on health care. Ryan also met briefly with Trump, the aide said.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Thursday, White House press secretary Sean Spicer described the state of the health-care talks as constructive.

The amendment that Speaker Ryan talked about putting forward in the Rules Committee is something that shows tremendous progress by the team, he said. As soon as we get [enough votes], well let you know.

We feel very good about where the discussion is going, he added.

GOP leaders have yet to demonstrate that this amendment alone will resolve the differences between moderates and conservatives that scuttled their initial health-care proposal late last month. The proposal has yet to alter anyones vote, according to a House GOP aide.

Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, one of the hard-right House Freedom Caucuss most outspoken members, called it a good amendment but said he is not yet ready to sign on to the underlying measure.

Theyre moving in the right direction, he said. Were still working on it.

Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-N.J., a co-chairman of the moderate Tuesday Group and a key player in the intraparty negotiations, praised the idea behind the amendment and said it simply reflected lawmakers ongoing policy work. Still, he would not say whether he backs the measure, which provides $15 billion in federal subsidies for insurers covering costly patients.

Nobody was grasping for an idea to go home with, MacArthur told reporters. The reality is were still needing to find an ultimate conclusion before we can vote on this bill, and were not there yet, obviously.

McCarthy and Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., said talks would continue through the recess and did not rule out returning lawmakers to Washington early if a compromise comes together.

Huge roadblocks remain in the way of such a deal. At a Politico event Thursday morning, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., the chairman of the Freedom Caucus, laid out a path to get the majority if not the entire Freedom Caucus to vote for the bill  by extending states ability to apply for waivers to key ACA insurance mandates. But there appears to be little appetite for doing that elsewhere in the House GOP.

Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., said Wednesday that rolling back those mandates  intended to protect insurance access for people with preexisting medical conditions  would be a non-starter: It goes counter to the presidents promises. It goes counter to the promises of more than 200 members of the House.

The amendment takes a slightly different approach from high-risk pools, which have long been a staple of conservative health-care retooling plans, and allow insurers to rope off patients with exponentially higher costs from the rest of the population they insure.

The proposal would allow the health and human services secretary to define certain conditions or situations in which insurers could charge higher premium rates, and then the federal government would pay insurers the difference between the customary and elevated rate. To fund it, House Republicans have proposed providing the federal government $15 billion over nine years in addition to the $100 billion in state stabilization funds, which can also be used to offset costs for mental-health treatment and out-of-pocket expenses.

Edwin Park, vice president for health policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said in an interview that although this approach was better than traditional risk pools, you are spending a lot of money in both the stability fund and this new fund because the rest of the House bill is destabilizing the market.

Policymakers have struggled for years with the question of how to cover Americans with costly conditions. The 2010 law created a temporary high-risk pool, called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), which operated from mid-2010 until Dec. 31, 2013, and received $5 billion to help cover consumers costs.

Although the law also allowed insurers to waive several federal mandates for this pool of customers  such as free preventive care services and the same premium charges for men and women  a December 2014 analysis by the Commonwealth Fund concluded that coverage was still very expensive for both enrollees and administrators.

Hoover Institution research fellow Lanhee Chen, a health-care policy expert who has advised 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said in a recent interview that although high-risk pools have encountered problems in the past, those problems could be addressed through sufficient federal subsidies.

The higher risk [consumers] would have high premiums, but youd have subsidies, he said.

Some House members  though not all  see the provision as a companion to potentially allowing states to opt out of the ACAs ban on charging those patients higher premiums, known as community rating, as well as its requirement for insurers to sell policies to all who wish to buy them, known as guaranteed issue.

Thursdays action appeared to be a move rooted more in politics than in policy, sparking a partisan fight at the Rules Committee on Thursday.

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, the panels chairman, said the addition of the amendment was intended to lock in ideas so that we now have several weeks to go home and to further amplify to constituents why the broader health-care bill is good.

Members can go back home and say, Thank you for the feedback,  he said.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., a Rules Committee member, said the amendment was poorly vetted and would only worsen the GOP bills impacts.

Will Rogers once said, If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging, and you guys are digging a damn trench here, he said. You keep on going into backrooms and coming out with amendments that might solve some of your political problems, but they do nothing to help the millions of Americans who will lose insurance thanks to your bill.

The White House meeting that Ryan and McCarthy attended took place inChief of Staff Reince Priebuss office. Along with Pence, they met with a slew of the presidents top aides, including budget director Mick Mulvaney, chief strategist Stephen Bannon and Domestic Policy Council Director Andrew Bremberg.

Priebus  who as Republican National Committee chairman developed close ties to Ryan and other congressional leaders  also pressed for action, one White House official said. Bannon has echoed these calls for action and was one of the most vocal players in pushing for a contentious floor vote in the hours before the legislation was initially shelved, saying that only a foot on the throat of House Republicans would get them to fall in line, according to one person close to Bannon.

But even as work on the House bill intensified, many Senate Republicans remained leery of efforts to shift the party debate on health-care policy to the right.

Until the meeting, there was no indication that there would be a formal effort to tweak the bill before lawmakers left Washington.

There may be no immediate independent estimate of the fiscal and coverage impacts that the amendment might have. According to a person with knowledge of discussions at a House Ways and Means Committee staff meeting Thursday morning, House Republicans dont plan to get a score from the Congressional Budget Office estimating how much a federal high-risk pool would lower premiums unless they are first assured that there are enough votes to pass it.

The $15 billion to pay for the federal pool would come out of the GOP health-care bills deficit reduction, reducing the measures savings from $150 billion to $135 billion.

  

The Washington Posts Robert Costa, Abby Phillip and Paul Kane contributed to this report.

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MOSCOW  Russian investigators said Thursday that they have arrested eight possible accomplices in the St. Petersburg subway attack Monday that killed 14 people and wounded dozens more, and a Russian news agency reported that the suspected bomber may have trained with the Islamic State in Syria.

The explosion in the heart of Russias cultural capital Monday shocked the nation and brought sincere outpourings of grief, followed by three days of mourning, for the victims. The first subway bombing in seven years also pierced the sense of security in Russia, and authorities moved Thursday to ease those fears.

As thousands of Russians attended carefully staged rallies in major cities across the country, state television broadcast dramatic footage of police breaking into a St. Petersburg apartment and bringing out three men in handcuffs.

The Investigative Committee, a federal authority with sweeping powers, said that six people had been detained in St. Petersburg and two more near Moscow. Investigators also discovered explosives identical to the unexploded device police discovered in Moscow soon after the subway attack.

The arrests are seen as a possible breakthrough in the investigation into what caused Akhbarzhon Dzhalilov, a 22-year-old Uzbek who came to Russia from a volatile area of Kyrgyzstan, to detonate a bomb on a train as it traveled between two central St. Petersburg subway stations.

Investigators said that all those arrested Thursday were from Central Asia, where impoverished, predominantly Muslim states that sprang from the ruins of the Soviet Union have become breeding grounds for Islamist fundamentalism. The Islamic State is believed to have recruited thousands of residents of these countries to join the militant movement in its strongholds in Iraq and Syria.

In a separate report, the Fontanka.ru agency said Dzhalilov had traveled to Syria in 2014 and trained with Islamic State militants. The report said Russian investigators were trying to determine Dzhalilovs travels, but they had ascertained that the device used in the subway attack bore the hallmarks of Syrian know-how, specifically traces of burnt sugar.

In Moscow, at least 10,000 people gathered in a square outside the red brick Kremlin wall for a hastily organized rally titled Peter, were with you! in reference to St. Petersburg. Participants streamed onto the square to the beat of pop music, many carrying red carnations.

There had been suspicions in Moscow about the motives of the organizers of the event, especially after an item  since deleted  appeared on the site Massovki.ru offering to pay $7 to anyone willing to sign up to attend the rally. The site is often used to attract crowds to television shows, concerts and pro-Kremlin rallies.

Some analysts suspected that authorities had organized the rallies, and urged people to show up, to show that they could get at least as many people out in the street as opposition leader Alexei Navalny did March 26, when tens of thousands across Russia rallied against official corruption.

This is an indirect response to the mass rallies against corruption, the large scale of which came as a surprise to the authorities, Alexei Makarkin, an analyst at the Center for Political Technologies, told the Vedemosti newspaper. Thursdays anti-terrorism rallies, he said, were intended to demonstrate that the opposition rallies were small in number.

Sergei Dorenko, editor of the Govorit Moscow radio station, encouraged his listeners to attend the Moscow event, even though he, too, said the countrywide rallies remind us of the strange Soviet tradition of mandatory participation in state demonstrations.

I, too, find that annoying, disgusting and unpleasant, Dorenko said. But everyone wants to express their solidarity with [the people of St. Petersburg] and say No to terror.

The government has taken pains to deny that the rally was political in nature. Putins spokesman denied government involvement, and several times during a national live broadcast of the Moscow rally on state-run Russian television, the announcer emphasized that the crowds had come here voluntarily.

But some people interviewed Thursday suggested that their presence was slightly less than voluntary. One of them, who gave his name as Sylvester Mikhalyov, said he was attending with nearly 100 fellow students of a Moscow university. He said administrators had handed out the carnations and told the students to attend.

Its a terrible thing, the loss of life, of course Im against it, so its not like I was against coming, he said.

Others said they had shown up without any official encouragement. Leaning against the brick facade of the State Historical Museum, Lyudmila Makarova, 58, said she and some friends had decided to attend the rally after hearing about it on television. She said she had called several relatives in St. Petersburg as soon as she heard about the attack, and then cried. The violence still frightened her, she said, repeatedly referring to the attack as a horror.

Though many of the protesters brought flags from political parties  the Communists and the ultranationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia were well represented, as was the pro-Kremlin National Liberation Movement  an organizer asked them to lower their banners because today is not the day for political ambitions.

A protester who gave only his first name, Vitaly, briefly held aloft a sign proclaiming Corruption Kills! It was an echo of the anti-corruption rally March 26, but also, he said, relevant to the terrorist attack. He told a correspondent that he believed terrorists in Russia were able to evade capture because police are corrupt.

Moments later, two police officers in neon green vests approached and told him to lower the sign.

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WASHINGTON  House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., temporarily stepped aside Thursday from the committees probe into Russian interference in the presidential election, as House investigators look into ethics charges against him.

The House Ethics Committee released a statement Thursday saying it had determined to investigate allegations that Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information, in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct.

Nunes has come under fire in recent weeks for speaking publicly about classified foreign surveillance reports he viewed on White House grounds. Nunes suggested that those reports identified President Donald Trump and members of his transition team, whose names may have been mentioned by individuals under surveillance  or whose conversations with those individuals may have been incidentally picked up.

On Thursday, Nunes dismissed the suggestion that he violated ethics laws as entirely false and politically motivated, blaming several left-wing activist groups for filing complaints with the Office of Congressional Ethics. He noted that he asked to speak with the Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims, and said his recusal  which applies only to the committees Russia investigation  would be in effect while the committee looks into the matter.

Nunes for weeks has resisted calls from Democrats to step aside. It was not clear Thursday whether his reversal was prompted by the Ethics Committees investigation  which was revealed just moments after Nunes made his announcement  or resulted from pressure from House leaders.

In the meantime, Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, will take the lead on the Russia investigation, Nunes said, with assistance from Reps. Thomas Rooney, R-Fla., and Trey Gowdy, R-S.C. Gowdy also sits on the Ethics Committee. Nunes also pledged in his statement to continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as Committee Chairman in matters unrelated to the Russia probe.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said Thursday that he does not think Nunes did anything wrong, but he fully support[s] his decision.

Chairman Nunes wants to make sure he is not a distraction to this very important investigation, Ryan said.

The House Intelligence Committees Russia investigation all but ran aground last week, after Nunes went to the media  and Trump  with information about the surveillance reports before informing committee Democrats.

The biggest mistake was not consulting with the Democrats, said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who has previously criticized Nunes actions, and who applauded his decision to step down. You have to do that if youre going to be successful around here, especially on national security issues.

Democrats accused Nunes, who served on Trumps transition team, of coordinating the disclosure with the White House, where at least three officials were tied to the files Nunes viewed. Democrats have also accused Nunes of working with the Trump administration to keep Acting Attorney General Sally Yates from testifying publicly before the committee.

On March 28, the heads of advocacy groups Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington sent a letter to the Office of Congressional Ethics asking investigators to look into whether Nunes disclosed classified information. It is not clear whether that letter inspired an inquiry.

But the House Ethics Committee cited public allegations Thursday in announcing its probe just over two weeks after Nuness controversial visit to White House grounds and just ten days after the advocacy groups sent their letter. That is an uncommonly quick turnaround for the committee, which often waits until it receives a formal referral and report from the Office of Congressional Ethics before taking up an inquiry.

The nature of the allegations against Nunes  that he potentially disclosed classified information  are rare, and oblige the committee to look into the matter, under House rules. In its statement, the committee cited an institutional obligation to investigate unauthorized disclosures of classified information.

Experts said the committees quick turnaround also suggests they may have stepped forward to keep the independent Office of Congressional Ethics at bay  potentially injecting partisanship into the probe by giving it over to an evenly divided panel of lawmakers.

Its a way of taking control, said Bryson Morgan, a former investigative counsel with the Office of Congressional Ethics, who explained that the House Ethics Committee can tell the OCE to stand down if it launches an investigation first. He also noted that because the Ethics Committee did not appoint a special panel to conduct the probe, there was no telling how seriously or quickly members planned to dig into the allegations against Nunes.

It is the black box of congressional ethics investigations, Morgan said of the Ethics Committees chosen category of probe. You just dont know what youre going to get.

In the meantime, stewarding the House Intelligence Committees Russia investigation will fall to Conaway, 68, who also serves as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. His reputation on Capitol Hill is that of a quiet and diligent lawmaker. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., said he was more than capable of carrying out the investigation. In a brief interview, Conaway pledged to work with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to complete the Russia probe.

But Conaway is also a Trump supporter, and he has on various occasions sought to sow doubt about the intelligence communitys conviction that Russia meddled in the 2016 elections to help Trumps candidacy.

A major part of both the House and Senate intelligence committee investigations involves potential links between Trumps campaign and transition teams and Russian officials. But when FBI Director James Comey and National Security Agency Director Michael S. Rogers endorsed that finding before the House Intelligence Committee in an open hearing last month, Conaway questioned the intelligence communitys rationale.

The logic is that because [Putin] really didnt like presidential candidate [Hillary] Clinton that he automatically liked Trump? Conaway asked Comey. That might work on Saturday afternoon when my wifes [Texas Tech] Red Raiders are playing the Texas Longhorns, he noted, but he suggested that such logic would not apply all the rest of the time.

Its based on more than that, Comey retorted, defending the intelligence communitys logic by continuing the football metaphor. Whoever the Red Raiders are playing, you want the Red Raiders to win; by definition you want their opponents to lose.

In the past, Conaway has also said that if Congress wants to probe foreign interference in the 2016 election, it should also look into how Harry Reid and the Democrats brought in Mexican soap opera stars, singers and entertainers who had immense influence to help get out the vote in Las Vegas.

Those are foreign actors, foreign people, influencing the vote in Nevada, Conaway told the Dallas Morning News in January. Mexican entertainers should be as troubling as Russian cyberhacking and propaganda dissemination efforts because its foreign influence, he argued, adding: If were worried about foreign influence, lets have the whole story.

Helping Conaway is Gowdy, another Intelligence Committee member who has drawn accusations from Democrats of letting partisanship seep into investigations. That was particularly the case when Gowdy chaired a select committee looking into the deaths of four Americans in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012.

Gowdy also sits on the House Ethics Committee, which is now investigating Nunes over allegations he may have disclosed classified information against House rules.

  

The Washington Posts Mike DeBonis contributed to this report.

  

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New Mexico continues to enchant filmmakers and productions.

The state was named as one of the 8 Hotspots for shooting in the United States or Canada by the Hollywood Reporter. The list was based on where to get the best film incentives.

The trade magazine also mentioned New York, California, Louisiana, Illinois, Georgia, Ontario and British Columbia.

Six states and two Canadian provinces are aggressively luring productions, the article said.

This is more evidence that our industry here is vibrant, productive and notable among industry insiders, said Nick Maniatis, New Mexico State Film Office director. New Mexico continues to rank high among the choices that film productions consider when looking for the best destinations to bring their business.

Since taking over the film office, Maniatis goal is to attract all types of film productions to the state  especially TV series.

He has said TV productions tend to stay in the state longer, which help create more jobs.

The article stated since New Mexico passed incentives 15 years ago, its film and TV infrastructure has grown significantly.

The state currently offers a 25 percent credit for film and 30 percent for TV and four soundstage facilities: two in Albuquerque  Albuquerque Studios and I-25 Studios  and two in Santa Fe  Santa Fe Studios and Garson Studios.

In 2016, the program resulted in $397 million in direct in-state spending, including on the Oscar-nominated film Hell or High Water, in addition to X-Men flick Logan, Netflixs Longmire and AMCs Better Call Saul,  the article stated.

The New Mexico Film Office will be in Burbank, Calif. this weekend at the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Locations, Global Production and Finance Conference.

The show is the premier marketplace connecting commercial, film and television professionals to global production locations and film funding resources in Los Angeles, the worlds largest production center.

New Mexico is a leading player among the more than 80 AFCI Film Commission Members & service industry partners exhibiting from more than 30 countries.
BEIRUT  The Latest on the suspected chemical attack in Syria (all times local):

3:15 a.m.

The United Kingdom says there will be no vote on a U.N. Security Council resolution Thursday night to condemn the reported use of chemical weapons in a northern Syria town that killed more than 80 people.

The British Missions political coordinator Stephen Hickey tweeted that the vote wouldnt take place because council members are still negotiating the text.

Russia strongly objected to provisions in the original draft circulated by Britain, France and the United States which it said blamed President Bashar Assads forces for the attack before an investigation. It presented a short rival draft.

The 10 elected members of the Security Council presented what they hoped would be a compromise text on Thursday that addressed a key Russian objection  spelling out Syrian government obligations to investigators.

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2:35 a.m.

Chinas U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi says he hopes the U.N. Security Council can reach consensus on a resolution condemning this weeks reported use of chemical weapons in northern Syria.

He spoke before heading into closed council consultations Thursday evening. The U.S. Mission said it was hoping for a vote late Thursday.

The latest text being discussed expresses horror at Tuesdays attack in Khan Sheikhoun that caused large-scale loss of life. It demands that all parties provide delay-free and safe access to all sites that investigators from the international chemical weapons watchdog and the U.N. want to visit.

A compromise text put forward by the 10 elected members of the council would drop five specific requirements for the Syrian government to provide investigators, including flight plans and logs for April 4th when Khan Sheikhoun was attacked, names of commanders of helicopter squadrons, and access to air bases where investigators believe attacks involving chemical weapons may have been launched.

Instead, that text would be replaced with exact language from the September 2013 resolution that condemned a Syrian chemical weapons attack the previous month in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta that killed hundreds of civilians.

The proposed new language would order the Syrian government to cooperate fully with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the U.N. and provide their investigators immediate and unfettered access and the right to inspect  any and all sites. It would also orders all parties in Syria to cooperate fully.

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9:45 p.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the chemical attack in Syria was barbaric and a war crime.

Merkel said Thursday that everything must be done to urgently investigate the attack and Germany would be a part of that.

She added that there were indications President Bashar Assads government was behind the attack and the subsequent bombing of a hospital.

Merkel also criticized the failure of the U.N. Security Council to pass a resolution condemning the attack.

She said those who refused to back the resolution should think about what responsibility they are shouldering.

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8:50 p.m.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump will take military action in Syria after this weeks chemical attack.

Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency quoted Erdogan as reacting to news reports Thursday that Trump was mulling military action after the assault in the northern Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun, which killed more than 80 people.

It quoted Erdogan as saying Turkey would be prepared to do whatever falls on us to support possible military action. Turkey is a leading supporter of the rebels fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Earlier, Turkish officials said that autopsies of the victims from the assault, which happened 60 miles (95 kilometers) from the Turkish border, show they were subjected to chemical weapons.

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8:45 p.m.

The global chemical weapons watchdog says it has initiated contact with Syrian authorities as it investigates the suspected chemical attack earlier this week that killed more than 80 people.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says in a statement it also has asked all members of the Chemical Weapons Convention to share any information they may have regarding the allegations of chemical weapons use in the Khan Sheikhun area of Idlib province in Syria.

The OPCW said Thursday that its Technical Secretariat has been collecting and analyzing information about the April 4 attack as part of its ongoing fact-finding mission which investigates allegations of the use of chemicals as weapons in Syrias civil war.

The secretive organization has not said if it has staff or investigators on the ground in Syria.

The fact-finding mission gathers information from witnesses and analyzes samples gathered from the sites of alleged attacks and from victims. In the past it has concluded that chlorine and sulfur mustard almost certainly have been used as weapons.

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8:15 p.m.

The United States says it hopes for a vote late Thursday on a resolution that would condemn the chemical attack in northern Syria that killed dozens of people.

The U.S. currently holds the presidency of the U.N. Security Council and drafted a resolution along with Britain and France that condemns the use of chemical weapons, particularly in Tuesdays attack on Khan Sheikhoun, in the strongest terms.

Russia objected to key provisions in the resolution and negotiations have been underway to try to bridge the differences.

A spokesman for the U.S. mission to the United Nations said were hoping to get a vote done later today.

Frances U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters Thursday that we need a robust text, adding that there are fundamentals we cannot compromise with when its about the barbaric murder of civilians, among them many children, with chemical weapons.

Delattre told The Associated Press he thought there was still a chance for an agreement with Russia.

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7:40 p.m.

France is sending half a ton of medicine and equipment to Syria after a suspected chemical attack earlier this week killed more than 80 people.

The French Foreign Ministry said Thursday that it is sending medicine to treat the victims and equipment to protect first responders in future attacks via Turkey to be distributed by the aid group UOSSM.

France condemned Tuesdays attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, which it blamed on President Bashar Assads government. The Trump administration and other Western officials have also blamed government forces, allegations denied by Damascus.

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7:15 p.m.

President Vladimir Putins spokesman tells The Associated Press that Russias support for Syrian President Bashar Assad is not unconditional.

Dmitry Peskov spoke two days after a suspected chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held province. Moscow, Assads key backer, has been supporting the Syrian government militarily since 2015.

Turkey said Thursday that autopsies of Syrian victims from this weeks assault in Idlib province, which happened 60 miles from the Turkish border, show they were subjected to chemical weapons.

The Syrian government maintains it didnt use chemical weapons, instead blaming the rebels for stockpiling the deadly chemicals. Russias Defense Ministry says the toxic agents were released when a Syrian airstrike hit a rebel chemical weapons arsenal and munitions factory on the towns eastern outskirts.

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6:45 p.m.

Israels former chief rabbi has compared the atrocities in neighboring Syria to the killing of Jews in World War II.

The comments by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, who survived the Holocaust as a child, adds one of the countrys leading voices to a growing chorus of condemnations of the violence in Syria. This week, dozens of civilians were killed in a chemical attack in northern Syria.

Memories of the Holocaust are still fresh in Israel, and Israelis tend to refrain from comparing other conflicts to the Nazi genocide.

But in a radio interview Thursday, Lau broke that taboo and said Syrians are experiencing their own Holocaust.

It did not start today. It has been six years since a Holocaust landed on them, he said.

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6:30 p.m.

The U.N. childrens agency says at least 27 children were among the more than 80 people killed in the suspected chemical attack in northern Syria.

UNICEF says another 546 people, including many children, were wounded in Tuesdays attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, and that casualty figures are expected to rise.

UNICEF Regional Director Geert Cappelaere said Thursday that the killing of children in Syria cannot be allowed to continue, and called on all parties to the conflict to immediately put an end to this horror.

The U.N. aid agency said it is supporting three mobile clinics and four hospitals in northern Syria.

The Trump administration and other Western officials have blamed the chemical attack on Syrian government forces, allegations denied by Damascus.

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5:20 p.m.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is warning against apportioning blame for a chemical weapons attack in Syria until an investigation has been carried out.

In a phone call with Israels prime minister on Thursday, Putin underlined that its unacceptable to make unfounded accusations against anyone until a thorough and unbiased international investigation, according to the Kremlin.

Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, had earlier warned the West against rushing to blame Syrian President Bashar Assad for the attack on Khan Sheikhoun. He said the West lacks objective evidence against Assad, adding that materials presented by local activists cant serve as a proof.

Russia has said the toxic gas was released when Syrian airstrikes hit a rebel arsenal containing chemical weapons. U.S. and other Western officials have blamed the attack on Syrian government forces.

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5 p.m.

Turkey says initial tests of samples from victims of a suspected chemical attack in northern Syria indicate they were exposed to sarin gas, a highly toxic nerve agent.

The Turkish Health Ministry said Thursday that according to the results of the first analysis, there were findings suggesting that the patients were exposed to chemical substance (Sarin), without elaborating.

The attack on Tuesday killed more than 80 people and sickened dozens more, many of whom are being treated across the border in Turkey.

The Trump administration and others have said the attack on the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun was carried out by government forces, allegations denied by Damascus.

The Turkish Health Ministry said the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons would also test the samples.

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3:20 p.m.

Germany has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trumps strong condemnation of a chemical attack in Syria.

Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel says Trumps statement Wednesday criticizing Syrian President Bashar Assads government is positive.

He says European countries were worried about earlier U.S. comments suggesting that ensuring Assad leaves office was a lesser priority than fighting the Islamic State group.

Gabriel said Thursday those comments irritated us in Europe at the time.

He says apart from the war on terror, its just as important to achieve a constitutional reform in Syria and free elections, and of course that cant mean Assad staying in power permanently.

Still, Gabriel warned against a military escalation and urged the U.S. to support U.N.-backed talks.

Germany has taken in 600,000 Syrian refugees in recent years.

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3 p.m.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Tugrul Turkes says he is unconvinced by Russias claim that Syrians killed in a northern town were the victims of toxic agents that were released by a Syrian airstrike hit a rebel chemical weapons arsenal.

Turkes spoke in an interview with Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency on Thursday. He described the Russian explanation as unfulfilling.

Turkes says that if the Syrian regime knew that there were chemical weapons in the warehouse, it should have also known that it should not have attacked it.

He added that there is no excuse. To me, this is evidence that strengthens the fact that it was the work of the (Syrian) regime and that it was an attack against civilians.

Earlier, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said in Damascus toxic agents were released after the Syrian army bombed a warehouse belonging to the al-Qaidas branch in Syria that contained chemical weapons

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2:30 p.m.

The top humanitarian aid official with the U.N.s Syria office says he believes an awareness of the need to protect civilians is sinking in after a deadly chemical weapons attack this week in Syrias northern Idlib province.

Jan Egeland expressed hopes for a watershed moment with all of these world leaders saying that say they have again woken up to the suffering of the civilians that we see every day.

Egeland spoke to reporters on Thursday after a meeting of the U.N.s humanitarian task force for Syria.

He said the world body needs a green light to reach 1 million people in hard-to-reach and besieged areas of the war-torn country. He also called for 72-hour cease fires in the key zones of fighting so aid can get in, and protection for hospitals and evacuees who choose to leave violent areas voluntarily

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2:10 p.m.

The Kremlin says differences with Washington over the use of chemical weapons in Syria are unlikely to worsen U.S.-Russia relations.

President Vladimir Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned the West on Thursday against rushing to blame Syrian President Bashar Assad for the attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in northern Syria.

He says the West lacks objective evidence against Assad, and materials presented by Syrian activist White Helmets first-responder team cannot serve as a proof.

Peskov says that Russia believes that the use of chemical weapons is absolutely inadmissible. He added that the Syrian army must act to prevent any chemical agents that can be used as weapons from falling into the terrorists hands.

The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that residents of Khan Sheikhoun have been exposed to chemicals contained in rebels chemical arsenal struck in a Syrian air raid.

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1:45 p.m.

Syrias foreign minister says Damascus needs assurances that any fact- finding mission into Idlibs attack would be impartial and not politicized.

Walid Moallem says Syrias experience with past missions is not encouraging.

He told a press conference in the Syrian capital on Thursday that any investigative mission would need to take off from Damascus and be far from the sphere of Turkish influence.

Moallem was asked if Syria would accept an international investigation. He said that when we are sure we have convincing answers to these questions, we will give you an answer.

He also said that Syria provides the United Nations with intel about the transport of chemical weapons by terrorists between Iraq and Syria.

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1:35 p.m.

British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson says he cannot understand how anyone on the U.N. Security Council could fail to sign up to a resolution condemning the chemical weapons attack this week that killed dozens in northern Syria.

Johnson said on Thursday during a visit to Sarajevo that he cannot understand how anybody on the U.N. Security Council could fail to sign up to a motion condemning the actions of the (Assad) regime that is almost certainly responsible for that crime.

Johnson described the attack that killed more than 80 people in Syrias Idlib province as abominable and contemptible and said those who did it deserve international condemnation.

He says work is now going on in New York on the exact language (of the resolution) and I think we should have no hesitation in forcing it to a vote.

Russia argued at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Wednesday against holding Assads government responsible, with Moscow insisting a Syrian air strike had hit a rebel ammunition store that held chemical weapons.

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1:25 p.m.

The Syrian foreign minister is categorically denying his government used chemical weapons in the attack this week in Idlib province or in any other attack.

Walid Moallem told reporters at a press conference in Damascus on Thursday that the Syrian Arab Army has never used chemical weapons and will not use chemical weapons against Syrians and even against terrorists.

He says the Syrian army bombed a warehouse for al-Qaidas branch in Syria that contained chemical weapons, echoing the Russian defense ministrys claim.

He denounced the chorus of accusations against Syria, which he says was launched by countries known for their hostility.

Moallem also says Israel is the main beneficiary of these accusations.

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11:45 a.m.

Frances foreign minister is urging for a resumption of Syria peace talks and wants President Bashar Assads government prosecuted over its alleged use of chemical weapons.

Jean-Marc Ayrault told CNews television on Thursday that a new U.N. resolution and Syrian peace negotiations should be a top priority  not rushing into new military interventions.

Ayrault says that France is still seeking to talk with its partners on the Security Council  Russia in particular.

Russia argued at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Wednesday against holding Assads government responsible for a chemical weapons attack this week that killed more than 80 people in Idlib province.

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, warned that the Trump administration would take action if the Security Council did not.

Ayrault says these crimes must not remain unpunished.  One day, international justice will rule on Assad.

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11:40 a.m.

Turkish media are quoting Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag as saying that results from autopsies conducted on three Syrians brought to Turkey after this weeks assault in Idlib province show they were subjected to a chemical weapons attack.

The private DHA news agency quotes Bozdag as saying on Thursday that it was determined after the autopsy that a chemical weapon was used.

More than 80 people were killed in the suspected chemical attack on Tuesday in the northern Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun. Turkish officials say that close to 60 victims of the attack were brought to Turkey for treatment and three of them died.

Turkish media have also reported that World Health Organization experts had taken part in the autopsies conducted in a hospital in the Turkish city of Adana late on Wednesday on Syrian victims.

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10:45 a.m.

The head of Israels Holocaust memorial is urging world leaders to end to the atrocities in Syria following a chemical weapon attack that killed dozens of civilians this week.

Yad Vashem chairman Avner Shalev on Thursday said the international community must end the human suffering and provide humanitarian aid to the victims.

He noted that after World War II world leaders enacted universal principles and instituted organizations aimed at preventing future crimes against humanity. He said those tools should be utilized now to stop atrocities in Syria.

About 6 million Jews were murdered in the systematic Nazi effort to kill all the Jews of Europe during WWII.

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10:30 a.m.

Israels defense minister says he is 100 percent certain that President Bashar Assads forces carried out the chemical attacks in Syria this week that killed dozens of civilians.

Avigdor Lieberman told the Yediot Ahronot newspaper on Thursday the attacks were conducted under Assads direct and intentional order and carried out with Syrian planes.

He gave no proof to support his position but his remarks mesh with earlier assessments from Israeli defense officials who said military intelligence believes Assads forces were behind the assault that killed 86.

The attacks in neighboring Syria have worried Israel, which has warned against game-changing weapons reaching Hezbollah in Lebanon from Syria, which along with Iran supports the militant group.

Channel 2 TV reported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus security Cabinet will convene later in the day to discuss the latest developments in Syria and their ramifications for Israel.

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5:15 a.m.

The United Nations humanitarian chief says that 41 donors have pledged $6 billion to help people in need in 2017 amid the Syrian crisis.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen OBrien said what is now needed is to see the pledges turned into cash for action as soon as possible.

OBrien welcomed the pledges, which came at a regional conference in Brussels in Wednesday.

He says that the needs have never been greater and the requirements have never been higher for the Syria crisis.

He added that the conference was a momentous opportunity for much of the world to come together to commit more support and solidarity for Syrians and those affected across the region.

Another $3.7 billion was pledged for 2018 and beyond.
CHICAGO  An Illinois man sentenced to 10 years in prison for bilking an acquaintance out of $93,000 has started two political action committees from behind bars.

The Center for Public Integrity reported (http://bit.ly/2nJqhDB ) that Angelo Pesce (PEY-shee) is a convicted felon and cannot vote, but theres nothing stopping him from creating the fundraising entities.

Papers filed last week with the Federal Election Commission identify the 51-year-old Pesce as the PACs treasurer and agent and list his mailing address as the Taylorville Correctional Center in central Illinois.

The filings dont explain who or what will benefit from the donations, but the name of one urges impeachment of an unnamed target referenced with an expletive and the other appears to support pedophiles.

Federal law doesnt ban felons from soliciting money via PACs.
BERLIN  Irelands prime minister says the European Union and Britain must be creative and imaginative to avoid creating a hard border between his country and the U.K. after Brexit.

Prime Minister Enda Kenny met Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss what implications Britains departure from the EU will have for Ireland.

Kenny told reporters in Berlin any solution must be compatible with EU law. But he stressed that we must not get lost in the technical detail at this stage and lose sight of the principles objective of maintaining peace and stability in Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK and borders Ireland.

Merkel acknowledge that Ireland was particularly affected by Britains divorce from the EU and said its fellow EU states would take great care with the issue.
The U.S. military launched 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield late on Thursday, in the first direct American assault on the government of President Bashar Assad since that countrys civil war began six years ago.

The operation, which the Trump administration authorized in retaliation for a chemical attack killing scores of civilians this week, dramatically expands U.S. military involvement in Syria and exposes the United States to heightened risk of direct confrontation with Russia and Iran, both backing Assad in his attempt to crush his opposition.

President Donald Trump said the strike was in the vital national security interest of the United States and called on all civilized nations to join us in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria. And also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types.

We ask for Gods wisdom as we face the challenge of our very troubled world, he continued. We pray for the lives of the wounded and for the souls of those who have passed and we hope that as long as America stands for justice then peace and harmony will in the end prevail.

The missiles were launched from two Navy destroyers  the USS Ross and USS Porter  in the eastern Mediterranean. They struck an airbase called Shayrat in Homs province, which is the site from which the planes that conducted the chemical attack in Idlib are believed to have originated. The targets included air defenses, aircraft, hangars and fuel.

The military said initial indications were that the strike had severely damaged or destroyed Syrian aircraft and support infrastructure.

Syrian state TV said a U.S. missile attack hit a number of military targets inside the country, calling the attack an aggression, according to the Associated Press.

U.S. officials said the Russians, who maintain significant forces in Syria, were given advance warning of the strike. There is a Russian military area at the base that was hit, but the U.S. took precautions not to strike that area, according to Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman.

In comparison, the start of the Iraq war in 2003 saw the use of roughly 500 cruise missiles and 47 were fired at the opening of the anti-Islamic State campaign in Syria in 2014.

The attack may put hundreds of American troops now stationed in Syria in greater danger. They are advising local forces in advance of a major assault on the Syrian city of Raqqa, the Islamic States de facto capital.

The decision to strike follows 48 hours of intense deliberations by U.S. officials, and represents a significant break with the previous administrations reluctance to wade militarily into the Syrian civil war and shift any focus from the campaign against the Islamic State.

Senior White House officials met on the issue of Syria Wednesday evening in a session that lasted into early Thursday, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the national security adviser, have communicated repeatedly since Tuesdays chemical attack, the officials said.

The U.S. Central Command has had plans for striking the Syrian government for years and currently has significant assets in the region, enabling a quick response once a decision was made.

While the Obama White House began operations against the Islamic State in 2014, it backed away from a planned assault on Syrian government sites a year earlier after a similar chemical attack on Syrian civilians.

Tuesdays apparent nerve gas attack in northern Idlib, with its widely circulated images of lifeless children, appears to have galvanized Trump and some of his top advisers to harden their position against the Syrian leader.

The assault adds new complexity to Syrias prolonged conflict, which includes fighters battling the Syrian government and others focused on combatting the Islamic State, which despite over two years of American and allied attacks remains a potent force.

Within the administration, some officials urged immediate action against Assad, warning against what one described as paralysis through analysis. But others were concerned about second- and third-order effects, including the response of Russia, which also has installed sophisticated air-defense systems in Syria, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

The Trump administrations position on the strongman appears to have quickly shifted in the wake of the chemical attack, as senior officials voiced new criticism of the Syrian leader.

On Thursday night, McMaster predicted the strikes would result in a big shift on Assads calculus. Its the first time United States has taken direct military action.

McMaster described a deliberative process inside the White House and National Security Council, where three options were examined at the request of the president. Trump made the final decision and the strike clearly indicate the president is willing to take decisive action when called for. He emphasized, however, that the move did not otherwise alter the U.S. militarys posture in Syria.

Earlier Thursday, Tillerson suggested that the United States and other nations would consider somehow removing Assad from power, but he did not say how. Just a few days ago, the White House had said that removing Assad was not realistic with press secretary Sean Spicer saying it was necessary to accept the political reality in Syria.

We are considering an appropriate response for this chemical weapons attack, Tillerson said in Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was meeting Thursday with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is a serious matter. It requires a serious response, he said.

The summit with the Chinese leader will continue Friday, and some U.S. officials believe the strike will also serve as a warning of U.S. willingness to strike North Korea, if China does not act to curtail the nuclear ambitions of the government there.

It was not immediately clear whether Thursdays assault marked the beginning of a broader campaign against the Assad government. While Thursdays operation was the first intentional attack on Syrian government targets, the United States accidentally struck a group of Syrian soldiers in eastern Syria last year in what officials concluded was the result of human error.

The Obama administration had insisted that Assad could never remain in any postwar Syria, and it supported rebel groups that have tried unsuccessfully to oust him.

The United States has a broad arsenal already in the region, including dozens of strike aircraft on the USS George H.W. Bush, an aircraft carrier that is deployed to the Middle East and accompanied by guided-missile destroyers and cruisers that can also launch Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Additionally, an amphibious naval force in the region includes the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit with Harrier jets and Cobra gunships. The Pentagon also has scores of aircraft in the region flying operations every day against the Islamic State group, including from Incirlik air base to the north in Turkey.

The attack appears to have involved only missiles. U.S. fighter planes, if used, would have had to contend with a modest web of Syrian air defenses and potentially more advanced types of surface-to-air missiles provided by Russia.

One of Assads more prevalent systems, the S-200, was used to target Israeli jets last month, but missiles were intercepted by Israeli defense systems. The S-200 has a range of roughly 186 miles, according to U.S. military documents, and can hit targets flying at altitudes of around 130,000 feet.

Russian S-300 and S-400 missiles, located primarily around Khmeimim air base in western Syria, have a shorter range than the S-200, but have more-advanced radar systems and fly considerably faster than their older counterparts used by Syrian forces. The S-300 has a range of roughly 90 miles and could also be used to target incoming U.S. cruise missiles.

In a joint statement, Sens. John McCain, R.-Ariz., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said the operation sent an important message the United States will no longer stand idly by as Assad, aided and abetted by Putins Russia, slaughters innocent Syrians with chemical weapons and barrel bombs.

They also called on the administration to take Assads air force out of the fight and follow through with a new, comprehensive strategy in coordination with our allies and partners to end the conflict in Syria.

  

The Washington Posts David Nakamura in Palm Beach, Fla., and Abby Phillip, Anne Gearan, Carol Morello and David Weigel in Washington contributed to this report.

  

Video: Trump: U.S. military has struck Syria in retaliation for chemical attack

President Trump on April 6 said the U.S. military struck a Syrian military airfield in retaliation for a chemical attack on Syrian civilians that occurred April 4. (The Washington Post)

Short URL: http://wapo.st/2oKYuX8

  

Video: Watch: President Trumps full remarks after ordering Syria strikes

President Trump made a statement on April 6 after U.S. forces launched approximately 50 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield late Thursday. The Trump administration authorized the attack in retaliation after a chemical attack against civilians. (The Washington Post)

Short URL: http://wapo.st/2oL2l6h

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The city of Albuquerque was bilked out of about $420,000 in March after falling for a scam in which payments meant for a vendor were sent to the scammer via wire transfers.

We have vendors that we make electronic payments to, and basically, those payments were compromised through electronic wire transfers, said Rob Perry, the citys chief administrative officer. Were working with the Albuquerque Police Department and FBI cybercrimes unit to conduct a preliminary investigation into this matter.

The fraudulent transfers were made in mid-March, and the city discovered that it had fallen victim to the scam about a week and a half ago, Perry said. He said the APD, the FBI and the citys inspector general were notified promptly, and the Office of the State Auditor was notified Thursday.

Perry said he is looking into whether the $420,000 loss will be covered by insurance. Although the city is self-insured, he said, it does have third-party cybercrime coverage that may cover the loss.

No other vendor payments appear to have been compromised.

Weve conducted (an) extensive search of other potential vulnerabilities in payments, and we havent discovered anything that indicates it goes any further than this particular fraud, Perry said.

He said he couldnt go into specifics about how the fraud was perpetrated, but the Office of the State Auditor said in a news release that the city had complied with a fraudulent request to change vendor payment information that diverted the public funds to the scammer.

Unfortunately, the city of Albuquerque was hit by a scam that cost it over $400,000 in taxpayer dollars, state Auditor Tim Keller said in the release. This is now the second entity in New Mexico that we are aware of that was tricked into diverting money to imposters posing as legitimate businesses.

An almost identical scam resulted in the loss of more than $200,000 in construction funds for a project at San Antonio Elementary School in Socorro, the Auditors Office said in its release.

That incident prompted Keller to issue an alert earlier this week, urging government employees to use best practices his office has previously outlined to prevent this type of fraud.

Those best practices include verifying the legitimacy of any request to change payment or banking information before processing the change. The Auditors Office recommends that vendors be contacted directly through a phone number or contact person obtained through a known source, such as their public website. The agency said government employees shouldnt use phone numbers included in emails requesting the change to verify the legitimacy of the request.

He said an investigation is underway into whether city policies and procedures were followed in this matter.

Theres nothing thus far in the investigation to indicate that there was any wrongdoing by city employees, Perry said. Weve put heightened security measures in place regarding all electronic payments.

Asked whether hes confident that the new measures will prevent this type of thing from happening again, he said, Id like to say Im confident, but I live in a world where hackers are able to get into CIA computers, all the national banks, and a lot of other governments.

It just seems to me that when we talk about computer crime and cyberfraud, were constantly evaluating our security procedures and protocols, and theyre always challenged, and theres always attempts to compromise them.

Albuquerque and the Socorro school district arent the only government agencies to fall victim to scammers.

In May, San Miguel County in northern New Mexico was bilked out of $38,000. A county employee fell for a fraudulent email purporting to be from the county manager directing her to transfer those funds to an outside account.
DENVER  Heroin deaths doubled between 2011 and 2015 in Colorado while arrests for heroin offenses grew six times during that time period, according to the states first report on the drug released Thursday. However, officials in law enforcement and public health said the states heroin problem is not as severe as that seen on the East Coast and Midwest and are hoping efforts to fight the abuse of prescription painkillers will eventually help keep the heroin problem from getting worse.

We want to jump ahead of the problem before it gets that bad, said Thomas Gorman, director of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which helps local, state and federal agencies coordinate drug enforcement.

There were 79 deaths related to heroin in Colorado in 2011 and 160 in 2015, the latest data available, according to the report. Pueblo County had the highest rate of heroin-related overdose deaths in the state while Denver and the southeastern corner of Colorado had heroin-related deaths that were above the overall state rate.

The report did not address whether marijuana has played any role in the amount of heroin use because the state is still trying to determine its impact. There are outside studies that show both that legal marijuana can increase heroin use and that marijuana can be used to wean heroin users off the drug, at least in the short term, said Dr. Larry Wolk, the states chief medical officer and executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The report included the results of a survey of over 700 heroin users being treated mainly at nine Denver area methadone clinics. Seventy percent of them said that their use of prescription pain killers played a role in their decision to try heroin. About 40 percent said they initially tried heroin because they were curious about while 20 percent said it was because it was cheaper than other alternatives.

Most of those surveyed were white and between the ages of 25 to 34 with some college education.
Twitter filed a lawsuit Thursday to block an order from the Department of Homeland Security that seeks to reveal the user of an account who has been critical of the Trump administrations immigration policies.

Tweets from the account  @ALT_uscis  indicate that it is run by someone who is an employee of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services division of Homeland Security.

Free speech advocates said the DHS order appeared to be the first time the government has attempted to use its powers to expose an anonymous critic  a development that, if successful, would have a grave chilling effect on the speech of that account as well as other accounts critical of the U.S. government, Twitter said.

DHS is unlawfully abusing a limited-purpose investigatory tool to find out who is behind the @ALT_uscis account, according to Twitters court filings.

DHS spokeswoman Jenny Burke declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

The case sets up a potential showdown over free speech between Silicon Valley and Washington, which has tussled over whether tech firms can resist government orders seeking the identity or personal information from criminals and suspected terrorists.

Apple, for instance, declined to unlock the phone of the shooter in San Bernardino, California, in 2015 and has refused to build back doors that would enable law enforcement to break into smartphones. The move sparked a pitched battle between the company and the FBI, which eventually paid a private expert to unlock the device.

But the Homeland Security case struck free speech advocates as more remarkable because the information request was about the identity of a government critic rather than public safety.

Twitter has a pretty strong argument, said Andrew Crocker, a staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation. It does look and smell like the government is going after a critic. Theres nothing in the summons that CBP [Customs and Border Protection] sent to Twitter that authorizes this request under the power that they have.

The @ALT_uscis account has not held back in firing attacks against the Trump administration.

In a Jan. 26 tweet, the Fact: More than 40% of illegal aliens in the US are Visa overstays from other developed countries not sounding like MEXICO #TheResistance.

The account has also called attention to mismanagement in agency operations. In a March 12 tweet, it said that USCIS turns down regularly private companies who propose collaboration to streamline the intake process, reducing costs and processing time.

The accounts description stresses that its views are Not the views of DHS or USCIS. As of the time of the court filing, the account had been active for two months and amassed more than 32,000 followers. By early Thursday evening, after news of the DHS action broke, that figure had grown to nearly 80,000.

In its court filing with the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, Twitter said that DHS officials delivered an administrative summons to the social-networking site on March 14, via a CBP agent, demanding that the company provide records that would unmask or likely lead to the unmasking of the person or people behind the account.

Twitter maintains that CBP does not have jurisdiction to demand such information, which includes names, account login, phone numbers, mailing addresses, and I.P. addresses, associated with the account.

But its primary objection, the company said, is that allowing the government to unmask Twitter critics violates the Constitutions First Amendment right to free speech. Twitter has defended its users rights to free expression  a position it has held for years, notably during the widespread Arab Spring protests in 2011. That right, the company said, is particularly important when discussing political speech.

First Amendment interests are at their zenith when, as here, the speech at issue touches on matters of public political life, the filing said.

Twitter added that it feared the government wants to punish the person or people responsible for the account. The summons, Twitter said, may reflect the very sort of official retaliation that can result from speech that criticizes government officials and agencies.

The company also has a lot at stake for its business, which would see a huge hit if anonymous users could suddenly be unmasked by the government. Unlike other social networks, Twitter allows its users to create accounts without publicly revealing their true identity.

This is not the first time Twitter has tangled with officials over its users personal information.

The company in 2012 appealed an order from the state of New York to reveal the identity of Occupy Wall Street protester Malcolm Harris. Twitter has also sued the Justice Department for the right to make federal information requests for user data public. And it has lent its support to other companies fights against the government, including Apples opposition to the FBI order.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing the user in this case, also expressed concern that the order is an attempt to curb free speech. To unmask an anonymous speaker online, the government must have a strong justification, ACLU attorney Nathan Freed Wessler said in a statement. But in this case the government has given no reason at all, leading to concerns that it is simply trying to stifle dissent.

The ACLU said it plans to make its own filing in the court on behalf of the user in the next few days.

Its about the broader right to speak anonymously on the Internet, said Esha Bhandari, an ACLU staff attorney,

The @ALT_uscis account is one of many alternative government accounts that have popped up since Donald Trumps election. Accounts apparently run by employees (or former employees) of the National Park Service, the National Weather Service, the Labor Department and other agencies have appeared to question the Trump administrations policies and fact-check its assertions on a variety of topics.



The Washington Posts Craig Timberg contributed to this report.

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PALM BEACH, Fla.  President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened their high-stakes summit at Trumps Florida beach resort Thursday, with the urgent threat of North Koreas nuclear ambitions and tensions over trade on the agenda for the first meeting between the leaders of the worlds two largest economies.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife at the Mar-a-Lago estate before making their way to dinner. The meeting kicked off amid suggestions the Trump administration was considering military action against Syria in response to a chemical weapons attack that killed more than 80 people.

The president pointed to the crisis in North Korea as a top priority in the meetings with Xi, telling reporters on Air Force One on his way to Florida on Thursday that he thinks China will want to be stepping up in trying to deter North Koreas nuclear ambitions.

Still, Trump appeared lighthearted as he greeted Xi, gesturing and pointing to journalists as they tussled to get a shot of the two leaders together for the first time.

Ahead of the dinner, Trump said he and Xi already had had a long discussion and had developed a friendship, and then joked, I have gotten nothing, absolutely nothing.

The White House said the location was selected to give the two days of discussions a more relaxed feel. A number of Trumps top advisers were in attendance, including his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Outside the dining room where the two delegations gathered for a lavish dinner, Mar-a-Lago club members packed the patio for dinner.

While Trump would not say what he wants China to do specifically with regard to North Korea, he suggested there was a link between terrible trade agreements the U.S. has made with China and Pyongyangs provocations. He says the two issues really do mix.

The president has said that if China doesnt exert more pressure on North Korea, the U.S. will act alone.

Both as a candidate and president, Trump has taken an aggressive posture toward China, labeling Beijing a tremendous problem and arguing that lopsided trade deals with China shortchange American businesses and workers. Last week, the president predicted in a tweet that his meeting with Xi would be very difficult.

The White House has downplayed expectations for a breakthrough on issues like trade and tariffs, insisting that the 24-hour summit is mostly an introductory meeting for the two leaders. And within Trumps administration, there are still divisions over how to approach China.

According to U.S. and foreign officials, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and economic adviser Gary Cohn are leading the charge for boosting ties and exploring the potential for greater economic cooperation. But economic adviser Peter Navarro, author of the book Death by China: Confronting the Dragon  a Global Call to Action, prefers trying to isolate China, in keeping with Trumps America First mantra.

Patrick Cronin, a China expert with the Center for a New American Security, said the Trump administration does not have a reconciled trade and economic policy yet, and the differing views on China in the White House underscore that.

Ahead of the summit, Trump signed a pair of executive orders focused on reducing the U.S. trade deficit. The moves appeared to be a shot at China, which accounted for the vast bulk  $347 billion  of last years $502 billion trade deficit. Chinese exports to the U.S. totaled some $388.1 billion last year.

Anthony Ruggiero, an East Asia expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said China may be more willing to accommodate Trump on trade and economic issues than on regional security issues, including North Korea. Xi, a shrewd political operator, is unlikely to want to rock the boat ahead of a Communist Party conclave later this year that will install new leadership.

Xi is also expected to seek assurances that Trump will not interfere in the territorial dispute over the South China Sea or question the One China policy by reaching out to Taiwans leader again, as he did during the transition. The move infuriated Beijing, leading Trump to eventually reiterate his commitment to the decades-old policy.

Previous White Houses have held China accountable for its human rights record, something this administration has made very little mention of, whether in China or elsewhere. It also remains to be seen whether the Obama administrations deal with Beijing to curb Chinese cybertheft for economic gain and its hacking of U.S. companies will be addressed.

_

Follow Vivian Salama at http://twitter.com/vmsalama and Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC
Deane Hinton, a career diplomat who served as U.S. envoy to five nations, most notably El Salvador in the early 1980s, where he presided over an embassy protected by sandbag gun emplacements amid civil war, died March 28 at his home in Escazu, Costa Rica. He was 94.

The cause was kidney infection and failure, said a son-in-law, Eric Chenoweth.

Hinton joined the Foreign Service in 1946, ascended to the rank of career ambassador and became known, journalist Christopher Dickey once wrote in Newsweek magazine, as Americas closest approximation to the Roman Empires troubleshooting proconsuls.

Hinton held his first ambassadorship under President Gerald R. Ford, serving as representative to what was then Zaire, where President Mobutu Sese Seko expelled him for an alleged assassination conspiracy. Total nonsense, Hinton said. If Id been out to get him, hed have been dead.

President Ronald Reagan selected Hinton to serve as ambassador to Pakistan and Costa Rica. President George H.W. Bush sent him to Panama in 1990, shortly after the U.S. invasion that removed President Manuel Antonio Noriega from power.

Hinton drew widest notice during his tenure in El Salvador, where he served from 1981 to 1983, and where he succeeded Robert White. White, serving under President Jimmy Carter, had aggressively denounced killings carried out by the Salvadoran military and its supporters.

Hinton generally voiced support for Reagans policy of providing substantial economic and military assistance to the ruling junta in its fight against leftist guerrillas. But in 1982, speaking in Spanish before the U.S.-Salvadoran Chamber of Commerce in San Salvador, he delivered a rebuke of the Salvadoran government, condemning political killings and kidnappings that he described as associated with some elements of the security forces. He compared rightist gorillas to leftist guerrillas.

Every day we receive new reports of disappearances under tragic circumstances, he said, in remarks uncharacteristically outspoken for an ambassador. American citizens in El Salvador have been among the murdered, among the disappeared. Is it any wonder that much of the world is predisposed to believe the worst of a system which almost never brings to justice either those who perpetrate these acts or those who order them?

He said that if the Salvadoran government did not improve on human rights  a condition for the U.S. aid that in 1982 amounted to more than $230 million  the United States, in spite of our other interests, in spite of our commitment in the struggle against communism, could be forced to deny assistance to El Salvador.

The speech was a bombshell in El Salvador, where the Chamber of Commerce and Industry declared the ambassadors remarks appropriate to a delegate of the Roman Empire before a conquered people. White House spokesman Larry Speakes said publicly that Hintons statements do represent United States policy, but an unnamed administration official told the New York Times shortly after Hintons address that the decibel level had risen higher than our policy has allowed in the past.

Interviewed later by The Washington Post, Hinton acknowledged that his speech represented a departure from the quiet diplomacy advocated by Reagan. But there is provision for exception, he added. I decided the time had come to go public.

In January 1983, Reagan certified sufficient progress in human rights for El Salvador to continue receiving aid. Any president or any administration that thinks it would be a disaster if this country was taken over by a totalitarian Marxist regime is going to hesitate a long time and the evidence would have to be very strong before he decides not to certify, Hinton said.

By April 1983, Hinton said that he was weary of the job. The next month, the administration announced that Hinton would be replaced. The post eventually went to Thomas Pickering, later ambassador to nations including Israel and Russia. Hinton retired in 1994.

Deane Roesch Hinton was born in Missoula, Montana, on March 12, 1923. He received a bachelors degree in social studies and economics from the University of Chicago in 1943 and served in the Army Signal Corps in North Africa and Italy during World War II.

His Foreign Service appointments including postings in Syria, Kenya, France and Belgium. In Guatemala and Chile, he oversaw USAID programs. In between ambassadorships, he served as U.S. representative to the European Union and assistant secretary of state for economic, energy and business affairs. He was the author of a memoir, Economics and Diplomacy (2015).

His first marriage, to Angela Peyraud, ended in divorce. His second wife, Miren de Aretxabala, whom he married in 1971, died in 1979.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Patricia Lopez of Escazu and Los Angeles; five children from his first marriage, Deborah Hinton of Garrett Park, Maryland, Christopher Hinton of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Jeffrey Hinton of Boulder, Colorado, Joanna Hinton of Toledo, Ohio, and Veronica Hinton of New York City; five children from his second marriage, Pedro Arrivillaga of Santiago, Chile, Guillermo Arrivillaga and Juan Jose Arrivillaga, both of Bethesda, Maryland, Miren Arrivillaga de Aretxabala of Panama City and Maria-Louisa Arrivillaga of Key Biscayne, Florida; two children from his third marriage, Sebastian Asturias Hinton of Los Angeles and Deane Patrick Hinton of Washington; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

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DENVER  Three Colorado proposals are among 11 finalists in the United States competing in a private companys challenge to move passengers at speeds of 700 mph using a pod and tube system.

The Denver Post reports (https://goo.gl/T9uVSB ) Los Angeles-based Hyperloop One announced the finalists Thursday. They join two dozen proposals outside of the U.S. and were picked from more than 2,000 worldwide.

A 360-mile route would connect Denver International Airport to Pueblo, Vail and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Another Colorado proposal includes a 242-mile route that would connect Wyoming to Pueblo, and the third proposal would run 1,152 miles between Cheyenne and Houston.

The idea is that pods would be lifted above a track using magnetic levitation and then would glide at airline speeds due to ultra-low aerodynamic drag in the tube.

Hyperloop One plans to pick three winners.

___

Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com
PHOENIX  Police say three people have been arrested in the disappearance and possible death of a Phoenix woman.

They say 21-year-old Taylorlynn Nelson went missing March 15 after she left her home.

Family members say they were concerned for her safety since she hadnt called anyone after arguing with her 27-year-old boyfriend, Kodi Bowe.

During the subsequent investigation, police say detectives inspected the trailer where Nelson lived with Bowe and found evidence including blood.

Police say cadaver dogs and detectives have been searching the Lake Pleasant area, but Nelsons body has yet to be located.

Based on evidence discovered so far, investigators developed probable cause to arrest Bowe on suspicion of first-degree murder, abandonment of a dead body and tampering with physical evidence.

Two other people are accused of hindering prosecution.
Edelman, a leading global communications marketing firm, has appointed Himanshu Saxena as the Brand Lead for India, effective immediately. Saxena will lead the firms brand and consumer marketing business in the country with immediate responsibility for vision, strategy and operations.

Saxenas announcement follows a string of senior hires across Edelmans global network in the integrated brand communications space, including Mark Renshaw, global chair of the Brand practice, and Rupen Desai, vice chairman, APACMEA. Based in Mumbai, Saxena reports to Rakesh Thukral, managing director of Edelman India, as well as Desai.

We have a proud portfolio of consumer brands that are seeking earned and digital solutions at their core, said Rakesh Thukral, managing director of Edelman India. Himanshus rich experience in brand communications and his understanding of what brands need will further accelerate our integrated offerings for our clients as we continue our journey towards communications marketing.

Saxena is an industry veteran with over 24 years of experience in marketing, advertising, branding, market research and brand management functions in South Asian markets. In his previous role, Saxena was leading the marketing function at Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. as Vice-President  Brand Management & Integrated Communications. He has held leadership positions at some of the leading advertising agencies in India such as Lowe, J. Walter Thompson and McCann Worldgroup.

Commenting on his appointment, Himanshu Saxena said, Marketing Communications creativity is undergoing a sea change around us with societal engagement right in the centre. Edelman globally is marching ahead on this transformation and I am extremely excited to be part of this journey."

Over the course of his career, Saxena has managed several marquee brands and companies such as Unilever, GSK, HSBC, PepsiCo, ESPN, Nike, Diageo, Barclays, Marico, Madura Garments, Asian Paints, Quikr, Jet Airways, AT&T, Airtel, Idea Cellular, among others.
Godrej Yummiez from the house of Godrej Tyson Foods, a leading player in the processed poultry segment, has commenced its BTL marketing to support its TV and digital marketing campaigns. To start with, they are presenting consumers a taste of their vast range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian ready-to-cook products readily available while they are out shopping at key retail outlets. Brand Street India, a leading integrated marketing agency from Delhi, is piloting the brands marketing activities across major cities.

The first set of tests for this BTL activity was rolled out proactively in Bangalore by Brand Street India. The taste of the activity will be carried forward to other major metro cities soon. A quantifiable mix of Modern Trade outlets as well as General Trade outlets are activated collectively at a given time on every weekend. In order to leverage product experience, Yummiez Chicken Nuggets & Cheese Corn Nuggets are fried on the spot and served piping hot to the consumers at these outlets. This idea is instrumental in augmenting the consumers interest, thereby leading to a purchase of the product and enhancing sales in the outlets. This activity also serves a dual purpose of achieving marketing as well as a sales objective for Godrej Yummiez.

Real Good Yummiez is from the house of Godrej Tyson Foods (a joint venture between Godrej Agrovet Ltd. And Tyson Foods Inc.), offering an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian ready-to-cook products. These products are easy to prepare at home and have high nutritious value. Their diverse portfolio includes an array of nuggets, burger patties, vadas, tikkis, popcorn, salami, sausages, nuggets, kebabs, parathas, French fries, sweet corn and green peas, which can be prepared without any fuss within minutes.

Speaking about their association, Surendra Singh, Brand Street India, said, We are extremely ecstatic about having convinced Godrej Tyson Foods of our expertise, and our concept that will help create value for their best known brand Godrej Yummiez.

Speaking about their concept, Business Director, Argha Sengupta, Brand Street India, said, It is indeed a matter of great pride to have this cutting-edge, the fastest growing brand aboard. The fast paced life that we dwell in today merges well with Godrej Yummiez ready to cook concept. We are sure our host of activities for the brand will resonate well with the target consumers.

Godrej chose BSI for the activation of the campaigns because of its successful streak of marketing campaigns for FMCG brands. BSI has, in the past, successfully carried out an experiential marketing campaign of Pepsico Emoji campaign in 2016, Quaker Kerela Blaster Campaign and Himalaya complete care campaign with Indian railways. Apart from this, the company has also been associated with Kraft Heinz India, Lipton, Tropicana, MTR Foods, Lhotse India and Muruguppa Group.
With pop-culture at its heart and a finger on the pulse of the trends, Pepsi is out to celebrate spontaneity by driving relevance with todays generation. As part of its new Moments campaign launched in India, Pepsi has unleashed over 80 of the most popular words that are entrenched in the vocabulary of todays generation.

Printed in eight regional languages on the iconic Pepsi cans and bottles, these words will inspire them to #FASTFORWARD into the moment and show their #SWAG. With these new packs, Pepsi is sure to grab the attention of all the #DHAAKADs in the north and get Mumbai screaming #DHAMAAL, as Kerala says #ADIPOLI!

Elaborating on this campaign, Vipul Prakash, Senior Vice President, Beverage Category, PepsiCo India, said, Through the Moments campaign, we have once again taken a progressive approach to truly reflect todays generation with a relatable packaging innovation. Socha Nahi Ji Gaya, Pepsi Thi, Pi Gaya is our campaign philosophy and we see our purpose in being able toseed spontaneity in the life of our new age consumer. At PepsiCo, we have always celebrated packaging, which is our strongest asset, and a key driver for our Shelf to Media approach. We are confident that our Moments campaign will truly make Pepsi stand out on the retail shelves.

According to Senthil Kumar, Chief Creative Officer, J Walter Thompson India, Pepsi has always been an iconic brand that mirrors millennials and creates popular culture. This summer, Pepsi is celebrating the spontaneity that defines todays generation, with a set of three summer special commercials that capture how icons and new age consumers themselves are seizing the moment and doing it with a swag that represents the great taste of Pepsi.The insight remains the same as our Pepsi Thi Pi Gaya campaign; there are some things in life that you cant say no to a chilled bottle or a chilled can of Pepsi.





Much like the spontaneity of reaching out for a can of Pepsi, life should also be as spontaneous. With a unique take on the global Moments campaign, Pepsi in India will roll out a series of four short format films, three of which will appear on television and all will be digitally released. These films bring alive the attitude of Socha Nahi Ji Gaya, Pepsi Thi, Pi Gaya, each film centered around a callout on the can  #SWAG, #FASTFORWARD, #GATECRASH.

The Socha Nahi Ji Gaya, Pepsi Thi, Pi Gaya summer experience covers every touch point with every can and bottle of Pepsi this summer packed with spontaneous expressions of today, like #SWAG, #AANDE, #BAJAO, #BOLDAAL, #MUAH, #FASTFORWARD, #GATECRASH, #BAWAAL, #KALTI, #WINGIT, #PANGA, #GOCRAY and cuts across most Indian languages with expressions like #JOOT, #DHOOL, #SEMMA, #TAKKARU, #GETHU and #JOLLUin Tamil, #FLAT, #FATAFATI, #GHYAAM, #FULLBAWAAL, #KORBO, #LORBO and #JEETBO in Bengali, #JORU, #DHAMMU, #DOOKUDU and #DHUMDHAM in Telugu and so on, embracing the multilingual vocabulary of todays generation.

Pepsi brand ambassador, Virat Kohli brings his cool quotient alive in one of the films, where he is seen fielding at the boundary. The film shows Virat seemingly drop a catch, which gets the rival fans excited. But then we see that the ball lands on Virats shoe. Virat, with his quintessential #SWAG, dances the ball around with his shoes a few times and then catches it again. The crowd goes silent when Virat looks at them and gestures shush. He turns around to pick up his can of Pepsi which says #SWAG.

Pepsi will be rolling out a 360-degree marketing plan, starting with the launch of the TVC on April 5. This will be supported by massive outdoor and digital surround. There will also be exclusive partner labels with KFC, Pizza Hut and PVR carrying promotions. The edgy new cans and PET bottles will be available to consumers across all modern and traditional outlets across the country.

Campaign credits:

Creative Agency: J Walter Thompson India

Chief Creative Officer: Senthil Kumar

Account Management

Jaibeer Ahmad: EBD & Senior VP

Anuj Sharma: Account Director

Creative

Harsh Maheshwari: Creative Director

Dushyant Chopra: Senior Creative Director

Planning

Mythili Chandrasekar: National Planning Director

Arnab Datta Chaudhuri: AVP & Strategic Planning Director

Production House: Curious Films

Director: Vivek Kakkad
Value 360 Communications has announced a new strategic partnership with independent global communications company, LEWIS. Known as LEWIS Value 360, the partnership will help fast growing Indian companies with international ambitions access communications expertise across 28 key global business locations covering Asia Pacific, Europe and the US. Additionally, LEWIS global client roster will be able to tap into Value 360s vast local expertise.

LEWIS, a global communications agency head-quartered in London, has more than 600 staff in 28 offices. The company has had its own branded presence in India since 2011, with offices in Bangalore and Mumbai. Value 360 Communications was founded in 2003 and is one of Indias fastest growing communications agencies, currently employing more than 200 staff across four offices.



Kunal Kishore, Founder Director at Value 360 said: At Value 360, we have carefully nurtured our identity as a branding and communications partner that enables emerging businesses to establish themselves as industry leaders, and global brand to effectively manage their Indian communication mandates. Joining hands with LEWIS will give us the competitive edge. Our existing and prospective clients will now be able to successfully fulfill their global ambitions. The partnership is a perfect synergistic match of two dynamic and fast-scaling communications agencies and were looking forward to creating a positive impact in the public relations industry worldwide.



Scott Pettet, SVP APAC at LEWIS said: Value 360 is an agency we have come to know and admire over some years. In a relatively short time they have solidified their position as one of Indias leading independent communications agencies. This new partnership will allow our clients to access a great depth of talent and knowledge in one of the worlds most fascinating and fastest growing economies.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 06.04.2017 - The FDFA's Human Security Division dedicated its annual conference to the prevention of violent extremism. The conference, which was opened by FDFA deputy state secretary Krystyna Marty Lang in Bern on Thursday 6 April 2017, highlighted the key role of political inclusion in preventing violent extremism. It was also an opportunity to showcase Switzerland's international efforts in this area.

Drawing on the recommendations of the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, Switzerland developed a Foreign Policy Action Plan on Preventing Violent Extremism in 2016. In particular, the plan aims to address the causes of violent extremism, which may be political, social or economic.

The Human Security Division (HSD) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has made a commitment to its partners to tackle these causes using tools that have proven effective in the field of human security. In the prevention of violent extremism, the HSD is particularly active in North Africa, the Sahel and the Middle East, as illustrated by two projects that were presented at the conference on Thursday.

The first project, which was realised in close collaboration with Switzerland, was implemented at the end of 2015 in Ettadhamen in Greater Tunis. The project aimed to tackle the political and social marginalisation felt by young people in this deprived neighbourhood, by reinforcing their participation in local governance. Local authorities encouraged 740 young people to speak out about their neighbourhood in order to understand their expectations with regard to their living conditions. Participants also took part in developing an information tool, the OpenStreetMap, an online mapping of the neighbourhood, which has subsequently been used by the local authorities. As a result of the project, the young people feel listened to and involved in local governance, as head of the FDFA Didier Burkhalter observed on his visit to Tunis in November 2016.

The second project is an initiative launched by Switzerland with the United Nations. It is a regional discussion forum on preventing violent extremism, which has drawn participants from around 15 countries in North, West and Central Africa. The first meeting took place last June in Dakar and the next will be held in May in NDjamena in Chad. The forum allowed participants to come together to debate potential ways of tackling violent extremism. Their discussions were based on a common assessment of the phenomenon, which affects their countries in different ways. These exchanges have created a regional dynamic which has reinforced the commitment of these actors to the preventive approach.

These two projects were cited by the panellists at the HSD's annual conference. The experts on the panel, from Mauritania, Tunisia, Nigeria, the United Nations and the African Union, spoke of their experiences in relation to their respective geographic and institutional contexts.

In her address, the FDFA deputy state secretary reiterated that violent extremism cannot be tolerated and must be combated and condemned. Ms Marty also highlighted the importance of prevention and Switzerland's efforts at international level to facilitate dialogue, manage and transform conflicts, promote good governance, human rights and the rule of law, but also to integrate marginalised groups, young people and women, improve education and employment, and reduce socioeconomic inequalities. In this way, Switzerland helps consolidate the bond of trust between citizens and their institutions, broaden horizons and on this basis, to work towards eliminating the factors that can lead to violent extremism.

Ambassador Heidi Grau, head of the HSD, pointed out that political exclusion is a central cause of violent extremism. She added that legitimate grievances should be expressed peacefully in political spaces and stressed that facilitating such spaces for inclusive political dialogue is at the heart of prevention efforts.

Address for enquiries

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html




A smartphone believed to be the Samsung Galaxy On7 Pro (2017) has now been spotted being benchmarked on GFXBench. If this sounds familiar, than that may be due to the Samsung Galaxy On7 Pro (2017) having been spotted being benchmarked on GFXBench back at the start of February of this year. However, the difference this time around is that one particular spec is a little different to what was noted before.

The current benchmark (dated April 5) suggests that the Samsung Galaxy On7 Pro will come equipped with a 5.7-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. While inside, the Galaxy On7 Pro will come loaded with 4GB RAM (listed as 3.6GB), 32GB internal storage (listed as 25GB) and powered by a MediaTek MT6757 octa-core SoC. In terms of cameras, the benchmark listing highlights a 12-megapixel rear camera will be provided, as well as another 12-megapixel camera on the front. While the only other notable reveal is that the Galaxy On7 Pro is listed to come running on Android 7.0 (Nougat) out of the box.

The change however, comes in the RAM department as while the current benchmark listing shows 4GB RAM, the previous benchmark listing suggested only 3GB RAM would be on board. Generally speaking, all of the rest of the specs seem to be the same, although the storage differs very slightly (24GB compared to 25GB). So the obvious assumption would be that Samsung intends to release two variants of the Galaxy On7 Pro which differ in RAM count. Although, such variance usually does also lead to a variance in storage capacity as well  which does not seem to be the case. While a very slight difference has been noted in storage between the two listings, overall, both listings suggest both versions will come with 32GB storage. For reference, both listings are for the exact same model number, SM-G615F. Differences aside, with the Galaxy On7 Pro making its way again to GFXBench, as well as also recently showing up at the Wi-Fi Alliance, it does stand to reason that the device is nearing its launch  where any and all variants will be confirmed. In the meantime, you can check out the results of this latest benchmarking below.
Taiwanese manufacturers, ASUS and HTC are beginning to feel the pressure from the many smartphone manufacturers that are popping up in China as of late, thats according to a report out of Digitimes. The report notes that these two manufacturers have felt the affect in China, but also India and other countries in Southeast Asia. This is due to the increasing competition in Asia, and the presence of stronger competitors like Huawei, Xiaomi and others. ASUS shipped about 20 million smartphones in 2016, that was below their target of 25 million. Part of this was due to the tight supply of displays and cameras for their smartphones, which lead to having less smartphones available for users to purchase, and that means a smaller number of sales.

HTCs recent decline is no surprise, the company has been struggling for a few years now worldwide, so to see them struggling in Asia is not a surprise either. Especially with there being many more competitors in that region, and competitors that are selling their products basically at cost. HTC has tried (like ASUS) to ramp up their shipments in the first quarter of the year in China and other markets in the Eastern part of the world, but it hasnt worked out as well as they had hoped. Some of the main companies bringing competition to these two smartphone manufacturers are Huawei, OPPO, Vivo, Gionee and Xiaomi. All of which are big names in Asia, and even in Europe as well.

Things wont be getting easier for ASUS or HTC in the near future, as these manufacturers from China wont be letting up and if anything there will be more popping up in the coming years. So its clear that both ASUS and HTC need to change how they market their devices, where they focus their efforts and even what devices they are wanting to sell to their customers. For example, in India, many prefer the cheaper devices, that sell for around Rs. 10,000 (thats just over $100 USD), so something like the HTC U Ultra isnt that popular over there, but one of their mid-range Desire smartphones might be. But HTC had decided to stop with the Desire lineup and stick to just high-end flagship smartphones in 2017.
A few weeks after launching in the United States, the HTC U Ultra is getting its first major software update. HTCs own Vice President of Product Management Mo Versi made the announcement on Twitter, noting that the new build was designed to not only fix a number of bugs but also to add new features to the second screen of the device.

An HTC U Ultra owner later took to Twitter to confirm theyre receiving the update, backing their claims by providing the screenshot you can see below. The new build ships with the software version 1.15.401.12 and weighs 638.2MB. Its changelog doesnt mention anything about new second screen features, but it does tell us HTCs AI-driven helper, the HTC Sense Companion app now comes pre-installed, in addition to mentioning some system performance enhancements. Strangely enough, when the HTC U Ultra landed in retail, it shipped without the Sense Companion and the Taiwanese company later chose to release the application separately through the Google Play Store. The app houses a personal companion that is capable of learning users habits, so it can serve relevant information which is displayed in the form of info cards. HTC recommends users to use a Wi-Fi connection to download and install the update, as expected.

The HTC U Ultra was officially unveiled a few days after CES 2017 wrapped up, boasting an attractive glossy design and a 5.7-inch display panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution plus a secondary 2-inch display. Like the LG G6, the HTC U Ultra is also powered by last years Snapdragon 821 and ships with 4GB of RAM, in addition to being sold in variants with 64GB and 128GB of internal storage. For users who need more than that, theres a microSD card slot onboard which supports up to 2TB of additional memory. HTCs latest flagship includes a 12-megapixel main camera with f/1.8, optical image stabilization (OIS), laser & phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash, and an advanced 16-megapixel selfie camera. The handset was launched with Android 7.0 Nougat running out of the box and will likely be updated to newer iterations of Googles operating system in the future.
The Motorola Moto Z handset was introduced back in June last year, and its successor seems to be fast approaching, as the Moto Z2 moniker just surfaced. A well-known tipster, Evan Blass aka @evleaks, shared an image of the Moto Z2 moniker with a So, like, this is happening caption. Now, the Moto Z2 probably wont arrive within the next month, as we are expecting the phone to drop in June, but who knows, maybe Motorola makes a different decision this time around, and opts to launch the phone sooner than expected.

That being said, the Moto Z is still quite a powerful smartphone, as it is fueled by the Snapdragon 820 64-bit quad-core SoC, which was Qualcomms flagship in 2016, alongside the Snapdragon 821, of course. The Moto Z arrived with a support for Moto Mods, and Motorola is actually expected to bring such functionality to the Moto Z2 as well. Now, in terms of the design, leaks are suggesting that the Moto Z2 will be made out of metal, compared to the metal and glass build of its predecessor, though nothing is certain just yet. That being said, the Moto Z2 popped up on Geekbench (XT1650) back in January, and if that listing is to be believed, the Moto Z2 will be quite a powerful smartphone. The phone managed to score 1,930 points in the single-core benchmark, and 6,207 points in the multi-core test. Geekbench also reported that the phone will be fueled by the Snapdragon 835 64-bit octa-core SoC, as expected, and that it will ship with 4GB of RAM and Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box.

Leaks have been suggesting that the company plans to include a fingerprint scanner below the Moto Z2s display, as was the case in the last years model. The Moto Z2 is one of the most anticipated flagships of this year, no doubt about that, and it will be interesting to see what will the company announce in the end. This is pretty much all the info that we have thus far, and will have to wait for Motorola to pull the trigger before we can share any more info with you, so, stay tuned, well report back soon.
LeEco is apparently gearing up for a new launch event scheduled for April 11. The company started sending out invites for the event yesterday, and while no device names have been specifically mentioned, the press invites seem to be teasing what could be the arrival of the LeEco Le Max 3. The smartphone was recently spotted in several leaked hands-on images showcasing a dual-camera setup, and according to rumors from March, the Le Max 3 will be unveiled on the aforementioned date.

Although the teaser image showcased by LeEco makes no mention of a specific smartphone, all of the leaked information so far indicates that the LeEco Le Max 3 will be the star of the upcoming April event. The teaser image confirms that the mysterious device will be equipped with a dual-camera setup, a feature of the Le Max 3, at least according to the recently leaked hands-on images. Furthermore, LeEcos press invite is also teasing an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant thats expected to ship alongside the upcoming device. This could mean that the Le Max 3 might become the companys first smartphone to take advantage of an AI assistant, but details on the matter are currently scarce, so it remains to be seen whether the AI in question was developed in-house by LeEco, or licensed from another tech giant like Google.

As for the smartphones hardware specifications, previous leaks and rumors suggested that the Le Max 3 will be equipped with a 5.7-inch display featuring a resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels, as well as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 system-on-chip (SoC) paired with the Adreno 530 graphics chip and 4GB of RAM. On the other hand, rumors also suggest that the Le Max 3 could be powered by the MediaTek Helio X27 processor sporting a total of ten CPU cores and the Mali-T880 MP4 (quad-core) GPU. Either way, the smartphone is said to carry two 13-megapixel main cameras on its back  one of which could be a monochrome sensor  as well as 16-megapixel front-facing shooter for selfie enthusiasts. While the Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer has yet to officially announce the device, most industry insiders agree on the specs outlined above.
Chinese smartphone vendor Xiaomi has denied that any of its smartphones in India suffer from a network quality issue recently detailed by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). In a letter to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the industry lobby recently alleged that the MediaTek chipsets used by some smartphone vendors are to be blamed for degrading cellular network connections on some LTE-enabled dual-SIM devices in India. According to the COAI, placing a SIM (which has only 4G LTE capability) in the number 2 slot (2G-only) significantly deteriorates the throughput of any other operators 4G SIM present in the main slot, by as much as 40 per cent. The devices that were tested reportedly include the Lenovo A7000, Lenovo K4 Note, Moto G4, Redmi 3S, Redmi Note 3, OPPO A35 and Galaxy J7.

While TRAI is yet to officially respond to the complaint, the regulator has apparently informally asked the COAI to furnish further details regarding its claims. In a statement released to the press earlier today, Xiaomi said that none of its devices in India should be affected by the network degradation issue because all its smartphones in the country ship with Qualcomm chips, while the COAI complaint specifically refers to MediaTek SoCs as the source of the problem. It is worth noting here that Xiaomi is legally barred from selling MediaTek-powered devices in the country because of an ongoing dispute with Ericsson over intellectual property rights. The company generally ships most of its Redmi-branded devices with MediaTek chips in China, but those same smartphones meant for the Indian market are powered by Qualcomm chips to comply with Indian IP (Intellectual Property) regulations. Meanwhile, even as Xiaomi already seems to have washed its hands off of the controversy, the other vendors named in the COAI complaint are yet to say anything on the matter.

Luckily for people using the affected handsets, COAI seems to believe that the network degradation problem has more to do with the lack of software optimization than any serious flaw in MediaTek hardware. That being the case, the organization has asked the telecom regulator to issue an order asking the vendors to roll out OTA updates within the next four weeks to fix the bug. In fact, COAIs letter to the TRAI also urges the regulator to take the alleged under-performing devices off the market in case of non-compliance within the four-week time-frame. MediaTek, on its part, seems to be aware of the issue, and according to reports, has been working to resolve it internally. The company has released a statement saying, We recently became aware of these reports and it is of the utmost priority to address. We are already working closely with all the telecom operators to ensure any reported issues are resolved.
Google Assistant on Google Home, shockingly, does not include commands to help you find your phone by default, but with some help from IFTTT, it can be done. All it takes is a bit of setup and an IFTTT account, and youll be able to simply say, OK Google, find my phone, and hear it ring at full volume as though you had triggered the ringing through Android Device Manager. It is worth noting, though, that Do Not Disturb mode can keep Google Home from cranking up your ringer volume, if your phone happens to be running any Android version older than Android 7.0 (Nougat).

Thanks to a purpose-built IFTTT applet from Google, the steps to enable this feature are actually pretty simple. Get an IFTTT account, if you dont already have one, then login to the Google Assistant channel with your Google login. From there, activate the channel, as well as the Phone Call channel, on IFTTT. From there, hunt down the applet to have Google Assistant call your phone, which is on the Google Assistant channel. Just turn on the applet, then set a phrase or two to trigger it, what you want Google Assistant to say in response, and what you want the phone call to say when you pick it up. Save all that on the applet page, and from then on, your Google Home will be able to call your phone whenever you ask it to.

The second part of the setup involves the Android Device channel. There is no pre-created applet for this, so youll have to create one, once youve activated the channel. Luckily, thats not all that hard. Simply create a new applet, and under This, go to the Google Assistant channel and set up trigger phrases identical to the ones you set up in the first step. Next, go to That, and pick the Android Device channel, where you will find Set ringtone volume under actions. Crank it to 100%, then hit Create Action, and finally, Finish. Once its all said and done, uttering one of your trigger phrases around your Google Home will make your phone ring at max volume.
Sprint started pushing out the Android 7.0 Nougat update to all Samsung Galaxy Note 5 units on its network, as some users already received the update on Wednesday. The package is just over 1.4GB in size and ships with the software version N920PVPU3DQC5, as evidenced by the screenshot below. The fourth largest wireless carrier in the United States is distributing the latest software package for the Galaxy Note 5 as an over-the-air (OTA) update, meaning the staged rollout will likely take a few days to be completed. If youre a Sprint subscriber and still havent received the notification telling you a software update is available for your device, you may search for the new software manually by opening the Settings app on your Galaxy Note 5, navigating to the About phone section and tapping the Download software updates option.

As always, its recommended your Galaxy Note 5 has at least 50 percent of battery left and enough free storage space before you attempt to download and install Android 7.0 Nougat. Given the size of the new software package, you should also make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network before downloading the new version of Googles operating system. As for Nougat itself, its initial build improves a number of features like the Doze and Multi-window modes, in addition to shipping with a wide variety of optimizations and tweaks meant to better the overall performance and battery life of your Galaxy Note 5.

A build of Android Nougat for the Galaxy Note 5 has been in testing since last year, but it wasnt until recently that Samsung started updating its 2015 phablet. Following a rollout in India and Turkey, other unlocked variants of the device started receiving Nougat in recent weeks, but Sprint is the first wireless carrier that introduced the update in the United States. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon will likely follow suit in the near future, though theres still no information regarding when exactly will that happen. Regardless, seeing how the Galaxy Note 5 initially launched running Android Lollipop out of the box, the Nougat update is likely the last major iteration of Googles operating system this smartphone will officially receive.
Samsung Electronics will pay $11.6 million to Huawei Technologies over patent infringement, a Chinese court ruled on Thursday. The Quanzhou Intermediary Court decided that three subsidiaries of the South Korean tech giant have infringed on certain intellectual properties of Huawei Device Co Limited, Huaweis smartphone unit. The sum awarded to Samsung is the first of several related damages that the Seoul-based consumer electronics manufacturer might have to pay to the Chinese company. Huawei previously filed patent infringement lawsuits against Samsung in both China and the United States, alleging the company is infringing on several of its smartphone patents. Huawei understandably welcomed the recent ruling in a statement given to local media outlets. A representative of Samsung later revealed the company is still in the process of deciding on its next course of action and will respond to the ruling in due time, implying Samsung may opt to appeal to the decision.

Huawei specifically sued over more than 20 smartphone and tablet models Samsung has been selling worldwide, claiming that those devices infringe on its patents and seeking $12.7 billion in damages for over 30 million of products Samsung sold. The Galaxy S7 lineup was among the devices allegedly infringing on Huaweis patents, local media reports. In light of that fact, the $11.6 million fine Samsung was ordered to pay can be interpreted as a win for the South Korean company given the massive discrepancy between the figure Huawei sought and the one that it was actually awarded by the Chinese court. On the other hand, Samsungs subsidiaries were ordered to immediately stop infringing on Huaweis patents or face further consequences, so it remains to be seen whether the ruling will somehow affect the companys manufacturing operations given how many of the devices that the court found infringe on Huaweis patents are still being manufactured and sold. Regardless, an update on the situation is expected to follow later this year.

Samsung is currently in the process of preparing for the launch of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus, both of which will be releasing worldwide later this month. Likewise, Huawei just released its own flagship duo  the P10 and the P10 Plus.
T-Mobile is expected to have lower postpaid growth than initially expected according to analysts at Wells Fargo Securities. Increased competition, along with other factors, prompted Wells Fargo to lower its expected net postpaid subscriber growth for T-Mobile from 897,000 to 850,000 this quarter. This estimate includes 714,000 net phone postpaid additions and 136,000 net tablet subscriber additions. There is also a reduction in the estimates of prepaid net ad numbers for T-Mobile, with the estimates reduced from 750,000 to 525,000. Increased competition in the form of unlimited data plans, delayed tax refund season, overall softer gross subscriber addition environment for the carriers, and delay in launching the Samsung Galaxy S8 have all been raised as possible factors in the decrease in the net subscriber growth. The other carriers did not perform any better either, with Sprints net subscriber add number lowered by Wells Fargo to 20,000, and AT&T and Verizon actually losing postpaid subscribers this quarter.

Intense competition in the wireless carrier industry has negatively impacted the bottom line of the carriers. With the reduction in net subscriber growth estimates, T-Mobile is now expected to earn $7.38 billion this quarter, lower than the previous estimate of $7.42 billion. Verizon, meanwhile, is expected to post negative growth this quarter and AT&T is also likely to perform less than initially expected this quarter, with the revenue estimates of the wireless division down to $14.7 billion from the initial $15.2 billion estimate. The chase for subscribers has essentially pressured the carriers to sacrifice the average revenue per user, with revenues decreased due to removal of overage fees and data caps, and costs increased through marketing and promotion.

To cushion the impact of the intense competition in the carriers core business, larger carriers like AT&T and Verizon have diversified to digital media and advertising. AT&T will likely merge with media giant Time Warner for $85.4 billion, giving the carrier access to media brands like HBO and CNN. Verizon, meanwhile, has been spending billions of dollars investing in digital media outlets like AOL and Yahoo. In an effort to further improve its digital media operations, Verizon recently announced that it will merge its digital media assets into an entity named Oath. Oath, according to AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, will bring together sites and services that serve more than a billion individuals.
Joe Flatman explores half a century of reports from the past.

Some of the CA issues mentioned by Joe Flatman in this months column below can be accessed for free for one month via Exact Editions, starting 5 April. Use the links within the text to jump to the individual issues, or click on the covers below. Print subscribers can add digital access to their account for just 12 a year  this includes everything from the last 50 years, right back to Issue 1! Call our dedicated subscriptions team on 020 8819 5580, quoting DIGI326, to add digital access to your account, or click here for more information.

Hadrians Wall has a special place in British archaeology and especially so in the history of Current Archaeology, being a place that the founders of CA knew and loved before they launched the magazine and to which they have returned repeatedly over the years. Indeed, it was when Andrew Selkirk toured the frontier on the Hadrians Wall pilgrimage in 2009 that he met the present-day editor of CA, Matthew Symonds, who was acting as one of the guides. Given this overlap, it is a special pleasure that this months excavation of the CA archive charts the magazines forays to Hadrians Wall over the years.

The best place to start an exploration of the reports on Hadrians Wall comes from one of Andrews blogs, which periodically appear on the CA website. As he writes, the Hadrians Wall pilgrimage is one of the great events of British archaeology. It began in 1849 when a group of young men decided they would walk the Wall and it has continued every ten years since then except for the war years: this is now the 13th pilgrimage. For me it is my fourth. I did the first in 1969, I missed out the 1979, but I did the 1989 and the 1999, all recorded in Current Archaeology. While the decennial pilgrimages are not the only times CA reports on the Wall, the dedicated issues devoted to them provide a handy framework on which to build an appreciation of how exploration and understanding of the Roman frontier has evolved over the years.

The first pilgrimage report arrived in CA 15 (July 1969): this was the 9th pilgrimage, Andrew Selkirks first, and the whole edition is dedicated to reporting on work at or near the Wall, including at Corbridge, Carrawburgh, Housesteads, and Vindolanda (then still known as Chesterholm). CA 15 also mentions a name later to become synonymous with the Wall: David J Breeze. As CA notes: the Durham University Excavation Committee, with the ready consent of Mr Richard Du Cane, the owner, decided to excavate in the fort [at Carrawburgh], and appointed Mr David Breeze, a recent Durham graduate, to be in charge of the work. We will be hearing more from this promising newcomer shortly

TO BE A PILGRIM

As CA missed the 10th pilgrimage in the summer of 1979, the next major report came in CA 116 (August 1989), which covered the 11th pilgrimage. By that time, the Wall was a very different place. The longstanding historiographical approach to disentangling the development of the frontier had been mortally wounded by David Breeze and Brian Dobsons celebrated Hadrians Wall. It could not have been more appropriate, therefore, that David Breeze himself provided an overview of the current situation along the frontier. CA also explored one of the most astonishing of all discoveries along the Wall: the Vindolanda writing tablets. The first one was unearthed in 1973, and by 1989 over 1,000 had been recovered. These tablets were mostly written by soldiers serving in the fort and they provide a potent impression of life on the edge of the Roman world. This edition of CA is also notable for the appearance of another name familiar to anyone interested in Hadrians Wall: Tony Wilmott. Back then he was leading the trailblazing English Heritage excavations at Birdoswald, but this was only one of the enviable list of sites along the Wall to receive his attention. The most recent of them was Maryport, alongside Newcastle Universitys Ian Haynes (see CA 259 and CA 289).

Hadrians Wall also cropped up in CA 153 (July 1997), when the magazine celebrated its 30th birthday and the Selkirks took the opportunity to feature some suitably stunning sites. Among them was Vindolanda, where an additional cache of writing tablets had recently been discovered, adding some 300 to the 1,300 or so already known. The article also provided an opportunity to examine the fruitful relationship between the Birley family and the site  which is still going strong  and to celebrate another achievement, that of Robin Birley being awarded an OBE in the January 1997 New Years Honours list. Two years later, CA was back on the Wall, this time in CA 164 (August 1999), celebrating the 12th pilgrimage with visits to, among other sites, Wallsend, Birdoswald, Carlisle, and South Shields.

Further coverage of frontier sites followed thick and fast in the early 2000s: CA 200 (November/December 2005) included detailed reports on Arbeia (South Shields) and Segedunum (Wallsend) forts; while CA 206 (November/ December 2006) used a new geophysical survey from Birdoswald showing extensive settlement beyond the fort rampart as a vehicle to delve into militarycivilian relations on the border. Although it had long been appreciated that buildings had grown up outside the military bases, the extent of the built-up area traced by the surveys revealed that the forts were only the most visible tip of the settlement iceberg. It was a powerful demonstration of the multigenerational impact of the Wall on local communities. CA 220 (July 2008), meanwhile, coincided with a major exhibition on the Emperor Hadrian at the British Museum, and saw David Breeze invited to reconsider the Wall 30 years after the first publication of his and Brian Dobsons revolutionary history of the Wall. CA 236 (November 2009) had Andrew Selkirk reporting back from the 13th pilgrimage, which was swiftly followed with a full-length special on walking Hadrians Wall in CA 240 (March 2010).

What of the Wall more recently? CA 259 (October 2011) and CA 289 (April 2014) provided new perspectives on familiar sites such as Maryport and South Shields, but recent years have also brought broader perspectives. CA 277 (April 2013) is crucial in this regard, reporting on how development control archaeology has rewritten our understanding of the upheaval the new border visited on the indigenous groups living in its shadow. In particular, the taxation or disruption of cross-border travel seems to have taken a heavy toll (pun intended) on established local communities. CAs own Matt Symonds followed this up in CA 293 (August 2014) with his exploration of the impact of the wider landscape on the border, both to the north and south. Meanwhile, the Walls protrusion into the realms of national narratives, culture, and even Game of Thrones offered a new angle on its legacy for Richard Hingley in CA 274 and Rob Collins and Stacy Gillis in CA 321. For the most recent assessment of the current state of play, you need look no further than this very issue. To conclude: Im hoping to see you all in the summer of 2019 on the next (14th) pilgrimage  after all, you never know who you might end up walking alongside and where that path could lead! It will be my first pilgrimage (and my daughters too shell be aged seven, so the ideal age to take her along), but it is in my diary already.

All images: A Selkirk

Discover old issues

Read a selection of issues discussed by Joe for free online via Exact Editions  you can find the links to the individual articles in the text above, or click here to see all issues of Current Archaeology. The articles mentioned in this column will be available for one month, from 5 April. Print subscribers can add digital access to the entire back catalogue of CA for just 12 a year  simply call us on 020 8819 5580 and quote DIGI326.
YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh issued a statement on the occasion of the anniversary of the end of military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh in April, 2016.

Armenpress presents the full statement:

Today marks exactly one year since the end of military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh with a view to resolving the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict by force. On the night of 1 to 2 April 2016, in flagrant violation of the ceasefire, the Azerbaijani armed forces launched a large-scale offensive along the entire border using heavy equipment, artillery and aviation. Only after suffering heavy losses in manpower and military equipment, on 5 April 2016, Azerbaijan was forced to ask for a cessation of hostilities with the mediation of Russia.

The April aggression of Azerbaijan against Artsakh, which was accompanied by numerous violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes, has become a serious challenge to regional peace and security and has caused great damage to the negotiation process for the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the mediation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

During the year that has passed since the end of the hostilities on 5 April 2016, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have been making efforts to ensure conditions for a full restoration of the negotiation process. The Republic of Artsakh has been consistently supporting the statements of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs on the need for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement of 12 May 1994, practical application of the provisions of the agreement of 6 February 1995 on strengthening the ceasefire regime, as well as implementation of the agreements reached in Vienna (16 May 2016) and in St. Petersburg (20 June, 2016) on introduction of a mechanism for investigating incidents and increasing the capacity of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

Azerbaijan not only rejects these proposals, but also disrupts any initiative aimed at excluding the possibility of resumption of hostilities. Moreover, throughout this time Azerbaijan has been sparing no effort to transfer the logic of confrontation to the spheres of economy, culture and even human contacts.

While demonstrating complete unwillingness to reach a negotiated peace settlement, the Azerbaijani authorities threaten to unleash another war. By consistently increasing the degree of tension on the Line of Contact between the armed forces of Artsakh and Azerbaijan and continuing the policy of confrontation and hostility, Baku deliberately deepens the mistrust between the parties and tries to make the process of peaceful settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict a hostage of its destructive policy and maximalist demands.
YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS. The Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations in France has expressed deep concern over the attack in front of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Alfortville on April 2. Armenpress reports, citing Nouvelles dArmenie, the statement assesses the incident as vandalism, which could have irreversible consequences on the Father and his wife.

This attack occurs during a worrisome atmosphere of religious intolerance both in our country and in the context of violence and extremism against Christians of the East. In addition this incident took place on the 1st anniversary of the 4-day war unleashed by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Artsakh, reads the statement.

The Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations in France has called on French leadership to pay more attention to the security of French-Armenian community and the religious establishments during the complicated period. The organization also expressed solidarity with Father Leonyan and his wife whose lives were jeopardized by the attack.

Unidentified persons attacked the Armenian Evangelical Church of Alfortville on April 2 trying to burn it down. The attack is the second incident during the last 12 months. 8 days prior to the incident unidentified people has thrown stones in the direction of the church. Alfortville Mayor has condemned the act expressing solidarity with the church followers.
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. The press service of Azerbaijans defense ministry released information after midday April 6 that the Artsakh forces violated the ceasefire regime in the line of contact and shelled the Ghapanli village of Terteri region, which resulted in damaged private property.

The defense ministry of the Republic of Artsakh announces that the Azerbaijani information is false.

Moreover, around 12:40-13:15 Azerbaijan fired four 60mm mortar shells at military positions in the direction of Martakert.

The Defense Army mostly refrained from taking countermeasures and confidently continues their service.

The Defense Army does not have any losses as result of the Azerbaijani shelling.
SUV

We already know that it will be called Grandland X , and we now have an official teaser image. The company's CEO published the photo on his verified Twitter account.The vehicle that is pictured has its headlights on, and that makes it difficult to perceive its shapes and design, but it appears to be a production-specification vehicle.The CEO of Opel has also mentioned that he is currently working with a team to film a video that will showcase the new product. The German brand is expected to launch the 2018 Grandland X during the Frankfurt Motor Show, but it may be revealed ahead of the event that takes place this fall.The Russelsheim brands largest crossover from the new family rides on the EMP2 platform from the PSA Group. The latter is currently the new owner of the marque, along with its British sibling , but the Grandland X was developed in a partnership between the two corporations, several years before this acquisition deal was signed.Opel will use the Grandland to replace the Zafira in its lineup, and it will be sized between the compact and the mid-sized segments. However, the Insignia Grand Sport will get a crossover later in its life, which will be bigger than the Grandland.Until that model arrives, theteased by the brands CEO is the largest crossover in the Opel lineup.Brand officials have previously explained that Grandland stands for an adventurous personality that is always prepared and willing to explore new things, both in urban and rural environments.A seven-seat version will be optionally available, which is supposed to help take the place of the Zafira in this companys lineup.We expect the marque to reveal more of the Grandland X in the upcoming weeks and months. It is possible that Opel/ Vauxhall will schedule an unveiling and a road test event for the media before the launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Having already gone through a facelift, the 208 is now headed to an all-new generation, which German magazine Auto Bild says will debut in 2018 at the Geneva Motor Show.That's less than a year from now, but we do not doubt their information because unlike their German counterparts, French automakers can take up to a year to put the car into production after it's been revealed. So actually, you probably won't be able to buy the new 208 until the end of 2018.The name will stay the same since every "premium" Peugeot must have an 8 at the end, while the cheaper models get a 1. But everything else is likely to change.Our recent spyshots suggest a wider chassis will be used. We also saw that the rear wheels were sitting a little further back, and the German report claims the 208 II will be roomier inside too.Recent developments in the supermini segment suggest customers are ready for grown-up hatchbacks with 5-door bodies and trunks that would have competed with compacts ten years ago. However, Peugeot and Fiat have intentionally targeted buyers in congested cities, where phobia of parking is a thing.The platform of the 208 is being co-developed with Chinese partner Dongfeng. Powertrains will come in the form of 3-cylinder gasoline engines and new four-cylinder diesel ones. The DS 7 Crossback has a 1.5-liter HDi, so they are probably talking about that.There's also going to be an electric version, as Citroen, Peugeot and Dongfeng plan to launch over a dozen EVs and plug-ins over the coming years. How long can the diesel engine survive in Europe? Probably not even Peugeot knows the answer to that one, but probably less than the lifespan of this new supermini.
A lawsuit between Waymo and Uber has revealed what kind of income can be made by a talented (we presume) engineer who is experienced with autonomous cars.Apparently, Mr. Anthony Levandowski, a former employee of Google , collected over $120 million in incentive payments from the Mountain View giant, Automotive News reports.The detailed nature of those incentives is not mentioned, but do not dream of earning that much money as a junior engineer if you don't have a clue about this type of work. The figures came to public attention after the conglomerates autonomous car division, renamed Waymo, asked for arbitration against its former employee.Levandowski was accused of breaching his contract with the conglomerate after attempting to recruit people from its ranks for its rivals, while he was still working there.The current employer of Mr. Levandowski is Uber , which bought Otto , a company where the former Google employee had participation without mentioning it to his employers. The Otto company was not started from scratch, as it was renamed from Tyto, a start-up that Google once considered acquiring.Tyto Lidar LCC was investigated for purchase by Google, and Levandowski was a part of that process, in spite of the fact that he had participation in the firm.Moreover, he was also involved in another business, which is named Odin Wave LLC. This involvement was more than just owning stocks, as the former Google employee helped found both enterprises.All of the facts above were discovered in a lawsuit between Waymo and Uber , which was started after a supplier accidentally CCd the former in reply to the latter. Until that response, the theft of intellectual property had not been discovered.Evidence that pointed to a tech theft were still in the company-issued laptops logs after one of the employees who stole proprietary designs copied it to an external drive. The defendant in the latest trial is one of those employees.
Speaking to Sportscar365 , Porsche Motorsport boss Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser explained that the level of interest in the tradition-challenging racecar is higher than expected.We'll remind you that, after the new RSR was introduced, the rumor mill went as far as talking about a street version of the mid-engined animal, but that seems like too much of a stretch. Instead, we're talking about customer teams being able to acquire the 2017 racecar for their WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportscCar activities."We did not make a final decision on [customer cars], but we have a lot of people asking for them, a surprisingly high number, Walliser told the aforementioned source. I could definitely easier sell [911] RSRs than [911 GT3] Rs,"Why are we having a hard time believing that Porsche didn't anticipate this? It's simple: the automaker switched the position of the flat-six and the gearbox, thus moving the 4.0-liter flat-six closer to the center of the car, in a bid to improve performance. So why wouldn't customers want a slice of the faster pie?Not only does the new layout bring weight distribution assets, but it also means the space which used to be occupied by the boxer unit now houses a massive diffuser that improves the machine's aerodynamic profile.The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR made its debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where only a Ford GT managed to beat it. The Porscha didn't make it to the podium for the 12 Hours os Sebring, but, once the German specialist moves past the initial stages of the racing effort, we should see the Neunelfer bringing plenty of champagne bottles home.At the moment, the Germans are engaged in their second favorite activity (after racing): playing with figures.We are preparing a business case at the moment and will, I hope in the next two or three months, make the final decisions. We should know following Le Mans, Walliser added.Until we get to enjoy a division of 2017 Porsche 911 RSR s hitting the tracks, we're inviting you to check out the brutal soundtrack of the racecar in the clip below, which comes from the Monza season prequel.
The latest creation of the brand from China will be publicly unveiled at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show . It is designed with the help of the Swedes at Koenigsegg , who have previously collaborated with the brand through their subsidiary, Freevalve , which has placed a "Qamfree" engine in a concept from Qoros The Chinese-Israeli funded company has not provided too many details about the project, but we notice an interesting three-door design. The left side of the vehicle has a single door, while the right features two. The monocoque body is made from carbon fiber, which would raise the price of a potential production version to the level of a supercar. Chinese media reports that the vehicle has a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of just three seconds, while its range is calculated at 500 kilometers (310 miles) with a full charge. The same values have been presented in Dutch media. At this time, we do not have any figures regarding power, torque, or battery capacity.Do not hold your breath for the production version of this concept vehicle, which may be exhibited just to showcase a few styling ideas. Many automakers have the same practice, and nobody bats an eye about it, even though some designs get turned into production models, while others are shelved for eternity.The concept vehicle is probably Koenigseggs attempt of gauging public reaction regarding the possibility of an electric vehicle from them, but presented under the brand of its Chinese partners.We shouldn't rule out a production automobile with these features in the next decade, but it all depends if the Swedish boutique manufacturer gets the right type of attention from wealthy customers.If the Qoros 9 Qelectric becomes a production car, it will be priced like a supercar , so we cannot even call this a rival for Tesla or any other manufacturer of EVs.
The truck-based utility vehicles name stands for Rally Sport Truck, a befitting nomenclature considering the Tahoe is pretty heavy. Having said these, what makes the RST an RST? First things first, the thing that goes suck-squeeze-bang-blow displaces 6.2 liters and is gifted with AFM, VVT, and direct injection. According to Chevy , the freely aspirated mill produces an estimated 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.Beyond the active fuel management this and continuously variable valve timing that, the 6.2L V8 boasts another asset in the form of a state-of-the-art transmission. More to the point, its a 10-speed auto very similar in design to the tranny that enables the bone-breaking Camaro ZL1 to accelerate like a bat out of hell. And theres more...To keep things nice and steady, the Tahoe RST ships out of the box with Magnetic Ride Control. The high-performance dampers analyze the road every millisecond, the golden bowtie says, and are capable of triggering damping changes in five milliseconds. This is no racing car, but improved body-motion control during cornering is fine by me. An added bonus of electronically controlled shock absorbers is that the ride is more comfortable while cruising compared to regular shocks.Zero to 60 mph? Less than 6 seconds. Top speed? Nobody cares. What customers may care about, though, is towing capacity. And that, as expected, is impressive at 8,400 pounds when the full-size behemoth is properly equipped. Optional extras? The RST can be fitted with some of those as well, including a Borla exhaust system and red Brembo six-piston brake calipers.On an ending note, the Tahoe RST will go on sale in the fall of 2017, and will be joined by... wait for it... the Suburban RST. The RST is designed for customers who want a street performance look without sacrificing capability or refinement, along with the option of increased performance as well, declared Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Truck Marketing director.
The Pentagon is presenting a series of military options  including strikes against air defenses, grounding Syrian aircraft and targeted strikes against those responsible for the recent chemical weapons attack  to the White House, per NBC News. Secretary of Defense James Mattis is expected to go over those options with Trump today at Mar-a-Lago.

The move follows reports that the U.S. actually saw a Syrian aircraft carry out the chemical weapons attack that has led President Trump to consider retaliatory military action agains the Assad regime. NBC News reported that U.S. military officials saw the aircraft on radar, and watched as the bombs were dropped.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Tillerson told reporters Thursday that the U.S. is prepared to lead an international coalition to oust Assad, and that "those steps are underway." He also noted that, "clearly with the acts that he has taken it would seem there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people."

Trump isn't going public with any plans yet, though. He told reporters on Air Force One: "I don't want to say what I'm going to be doing with respect to Syria."
President Trump kicked off his joint press conference with Jordan's King Abdullah II by condemning the chemical weapons attack in Syria, and stating that such a "heinous act cannot be tolerated." He added, "my attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much," but wouldn't say if he would consider military action. Other takeaways:

President Trump:

Obama's "blank threat" over chemical weapons in Syria: " It set us back a long ways," said Trump, but acknowledged that he bears the responsibly now. Added that the attack "crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children... that crosses many, many lines beyond a red line."

It set us back a long ways," said Trump, but acknowledged that he bears the responsibly now. Added that the attack "crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children... that crosses many, many lines beyond a red line." Fighting ISIS: "This will be a shorter fight than people are thinking... we will destroy ISIS, and we will protect civilization."

"This will be a shorter fight than people are thinking... we will destroy ISIS, and we will protect civilization." Peace in Middle East: Trump said that the king will help him, "at the highest level" to achieve peace, "including peace between the Israelis and Palestinians."

Trump said that the king will help him, "at the highest level" to achieve peace, "including peace between the Israelis and Palestinians." Iran Deal: "I will do what I have to do with respect to the Iran deal."

King Abdullah
Add Rex Tillerson to the list of top Trump administration officials who are intensifying their rhetoric toward the Assad regime and Russia after a chemical weapons attack in Syria on Tuesday left at least 70 people dead. Here's what the Secretary of State said today:

"There's no doubt in our mind that the Syrian regime under the leadership of Bashar Assad is responsible for this horrific attack, and we think it's time that the Russians really need to think carefully about their continued support for the Assad regime."

Earlier today, President Trump said the attack "crossed many, many lines" and changed his "attitude" toward Assad, while Nikki Haley confronted Russia at the UN over its support for the Syrian regime.

Flashback: It was only last week that Tillerson and Haley said the US would no longer make removing Assad from power a priority.
Secretary of State Tillerson told reporters Thursday that the U.S. is prepared to lead an international effort to remove Assad from power.

Those steps are underway. Rex Tillerson

He added that, "clearly with the acts that he has taken it would seem there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people." His remarks echo those of President Trump who, when asked if he thinks Assad should step down, said "I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity, and he's there, and I guess he's running things, so I guess something should happen."
When President Trump was asked yesterday if he'd change his Syria policy after a chemical attack by Bashar al-Assad on Syrian civilians, his response was cryptic: "you'll see." Now, Trump has told some senior members of Congress that he's considering military action in Syria as retaliation for the attack, per CNN.

Nothing is set in stone and no decisions have been made, but Trump is reportedly leaning on Defense Secretary James Mattis regarding any potential action.

On Wednesday, Trump said his attitude toward Assad had changed, adding that the attack, which killed at least 70 civilians, "crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children... that crosses many, many lines beyond a red line."
Donald Trump Jr. told members of an elite gun club in New York that he's interested in running for office:

Do I want to be behind the scenes and be a mouthpiece and fight back against crazy liberal media? Maybe.

The details: He's specifically interested in being governor of New York  not Mayor, nor a Senator, nor a member of Congress, an attendee told Page Six.

Why: "Going back to doing deals is boring after 18 months. The politics bug bit me," he said.

When: Governor Andrew Cuomo is up for reelection in 2018, but Don Jr. didn't specify when he would run, if he does.

His political platform: As an avid hunter, Don Jr. is pro-guns and has said he would oppose anything that limited the Second Amendment, Page Six reported.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

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1 killed, 2 injured in Parsa jeep accident

A man died and two others were injured when a jeep they were travelling in turned turtle at Mahuwan in Parsa district on Thursday morning.
Absconding human trafficker lands in police net after 18 years

A human trafficker, who was on the run for 18 years, has landed in police net, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said.
Photo: Instagram Peyton List, left, and Cameron Monaghan star in a movie being shot soon in Kelowna

Several B.C. TV series and other productions continue to relocate to Hollywood and California in general, as the state expands its film and TV tax credit program.

Two series being filmed in Vancouver, Lucifer and Legion, are moving back to California  but, Okanagan Film Commissioner Jon Summerland says it's not having an impact in the Okanagan.

"I think it's awesome we're going to be making movies in Hollywood again, but there's still plenty of content to be made in British Columbia and the Okanagan," said Summerland.

"I'm getting more shows every day, almost too many."

Summerland says Vancouver is almost too full, too busy.

"Finding qualified labour is hard.... We have the same issue here, so, to have more and more shows coming here, are we doing a disservice to our clients?"

Summerland says he has as many shows as he wants on the go right now  until the crew base grows, and until a studio is complete.

He said Mind's Eye and Sepia are both ready to begin shooting, with two feature motion pictures with budgets of US$10 million coming down the pipe. Also, two TV series are using Kelowna as a location.

The Central Okanagan has basically done everything except a regular, weekly television series. That, says Summerland, is next.

"That is our next step. That's going to happen. We will have a weekly series, and I'm believing it will be a very good one."

Summerland says he is not pitching the traditional networks, but instead, has been wooing the likes of Netflix and Amazon, who he says have a lot of scripts and like to scout out different locations.

As for the California film credit program, Summerland says not every production is fleeing for California.

Colony, renewed for a third season, is moving from California to Vancouver.
Evangelicals rally around Trump's Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch as he emerges unscathed from Senate hearing

Evangelical Christian leaders rallied around Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch as he was questioned for more than eleven hours yesterday during a Senate confirmation hearing.

The consensus was the conservative judge emerged largely unscathed after 20 senators on the committee questioned Gorsuch for 30 minutes each.

Gorsuch repeatedly stressed his independence. 'The bottom line that I'd like to convey to you, from the bottom of my heart, is that I'm a fair judge,' the Supreme Court nominee told the judiciary committee Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein.

On abortion, Gorsuch assured the committee that no member of the Trump Administration had asked him to commit to overturning Roe v. Wade, despite Trump's campaign pledge only to appoint pro-life judges.

'I have offered no promises on how I would rule in any case to anyone and I don't think it'd be appropriate for a judge to do so,' Gorsuch said. He added that Trump had mentioned abortion in a meeting only to say that 'one of the topics that came up during the campaign was abortion, and it was very divisive and split people evenly.'

The hearing came after the evangelist Franklin Graham said the high court was the paramount issue of the 2016 election and Christians should pray for Gorsuch. Graham added that 'atheist progressives' are working to 'strip God and all references to Him' from the public square and are pushing Christians 'into the shadows'.

Writing on Facebook on Monday, Graham said: 'The atheist progressives in this nation want to strip God and all references to Him out of our society. They want to marginalize Christians to the point of making them second-class citizens, forcing them into the shadows and penalizing them if they don't go there...This past election was about the Supreme Court, and the issue facing us today is not wiretaps, it's not Russia, it's still about the Supreme Court.'

Yesterday, Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, the President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), added his voice to those supporting Gorsuch's appointment, calling for an end to partisan division.

'As our nation's political divide has seemed more like a chasm in recent weeks, I urge our politicians on both sides of the aisle to give an honest confirmation hearing to President Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court,' he said. 'Rarely in modern history have politics felt as divisive and as poisonous as they do today, and rarely has an opportunity presented itself with such potential to bridge what divides us. The recent trend of blocking such nominees by both Republicans and Democrats must stop. These political games are not in the best interest of the United States.'

Dr. Rodriguez lavishly praised Gorsuch. 'Judge Gorsuch's credentials are impeccable, his track record is exemplary and his legal mind is universally regarded. The American Bar Association has publicly affirmed the nomination, and perhaps even more impressive, a bipartisan and diverse collection of Judge Gorsuch's classmates from Harvard Law School penned a joint letter expressing their enthusiastic support,' he said.

'I pray that our lawmakers in Washington would not use Judge Gorsuch's nomination as an opportunity to further pit Americans against each other, but rather as an opportunity to sanity, cooperation, and compromise. I pray that the Senate would have the political courage to move swiftly to confirm Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court as a Justice who will defend the rights of all Americans, and who will preserve and defend the Constitution with wisdom, integrity and impartiality.'
Australian envoy on women and girls stresses building back better

Sharman Stone, Australias ambassador for women and girls, has laid stress on building back better and safer for women and girls.
Nicky Morgan vows to keep asking questions because 'we have no effective opposition'

Nicky Morgan has vowed to continue asking questions and scrutinising the policies of Theresa May's government from the backbenches after she was sacked on the Prime Minister's first day in the job.

The former education secretary has not disguised her opposition to many of May's plans including moves towards a hard Brexit and allowing for more grammar schools.

Speaking at Spring Harvest, an evangelical Christian festival in Somerset, Morgan accused Jeremy Corbyn's Labour of failing to provide a real opposition.

'That is why a number of us on the backbenches think we have got to do that role of scrutinising government policy, because that is what democracy is all about,' she said.

An avowed Remainer in the European Union referendum campaign, Morgan spoke of deep tensions that have emerged since Brexit and her shock at the outcome.

'Friendships have been put under immense strain,' she said. 'The country we thought we knew is not the one we now have.

'It makes me think perhaps I have not been listening,' she added.

'I cannot remember a time when this country was as divided as it is now,' she told the conference which is looking at how to disagree well and build unity.

'We seemed to be slightly strained as a country in dealing with those tensions.'

With the prospect of a second Scottish independence referendum and two years of Brexit talks to negotiate Morgan went on to say the church was crucial to healing tensions and divisions in the UK.

'It is about talking, it is about listening and it is about relationship,' she said.

The spring conference attracts thousands each year with the Archbishop of Canterbury attending on Sunday to preach on healing 'healing profound disagreements'.

Opening the 2017 programme Baptist pastor Malcolm Duncan preached on the theme of 'one for all' - Christian unity  and lamented the divisions within the Church today.

'We are stronger when we stand together,' Duncan said. He is concerned about the ongoing fighting, dissent and disagreement in the Church.

He went on: 'We split over unimportant things...in ways that are so unattractive to the world.' But, he said, 'There is more that unites us than divides us...Don't let your denomination define you.'
Often feel unhappy? Try this spiritual practice, every day

I seem to spend a lot of time on this site unpacking and criticising beloved Christians phrases. I've suggested it's probably not helpful to talk about God's specific plan for your life; that we should retire 'love the sinner, hate the sin', and that we need to lose the idea that 'God's got someone special waiting for you'. Yet there are some entries in the Christian phrasebook which, while they might not directly appear in Scripture, are really wise and helpful.

It's not entirely clear where the phrase 'count your blessings' originates from. One possible source is an old American hymn by the wonderfully-titled Johnson Oatman Jr, written in 1897:

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

I don't know about you, but I often struggle to start the day with a hugely positive outlook in 2017. The world is tearing itself apart; injustice and pain seem to be everywhere. Instinctively, I don't wake each morning feeling entirely 'blessed'.

What Johnson Oatman Jr and all those who've co-opted that phrase are calling us to in these moments is a bigger perspective. It's easy to forget all the good things, or take them for granted, when the bad things seem to loom so large. Yet when we take a step back, there's a lot of blessing around  as well as all the discouragement and inequality. Of course we should mourn, but we should also choose to celebrate.

This encouragement to 'count your blessings' has two applications, and they're both important. The first is more individualistic, but that doesn't render it invalid or unhelpful. Simply, we should take time every day to remember the good things in our lives, and thank God for them. Turning this into a specific, regular spiritual discipline, just try taking a few minutes every day to write a list of the things  both big and small  for which you're thankful, and then taking a few more minutes to thank God for those things. Friends who have battled both mental and physical illness have reported this process to be absolutely transformative in their battle to recover (one popular derivation is to challenge yourself to write down three things each day for which you're thankful, and even to consider posting them to social media).

The interesting thing about this process is  as Oatman Jr. suggests  how surprising it is. Especially if we're feeling quite sad or negative, we might come to it imagining that we'll have very little to write down. But as we start to think through the things we're grateful for  friendships, family members, fond memories or things to look forward to  it's amazing how quickly the list begins to grow.

If we leave it there however, the risk is that we just reinforce the idea that God is simply there to make us feel better; to grant our wishes and improve our lives like a sort of cosmic genie. If we just remember what God has done for us, we're really embracing an individualistic faith which is arguably quite unbiblical. God relates to us as people, but more importantly perhaps as His People, a community of his followers; one body with many parts.

So when we take time to count our blessings, we should also do so in the context of a wider sense of 'our'. My ability to feel thankful shouldn't just sit within my own self-interest; I should be thankful for the good things going on in my friends lives; or in other parts of the nation or world. Counting our blessings shouldn't just be inwardly-focussed; it should be a vicarious act. So if you're writing a list of things for which you're thankful, make sure your eyes lift beyond your own circumstances  there's a great sense of pleasure and contentment to be derived from enjoying other people's good news.

It might feel a bit trite to say that 'counting your blessings' is the sure-fire cure for feelings of sadness and despair. If we were to swing too far the other way, we'd lose our empathy with a hurting world. But with so many encouragements toward negativity and cynicism in our culture, it's a really helpful counter-balance: a daily practice that anyone can adopt, and from which everyone will benefit.

Martin Saunders is a Contributing Editor for Christian Today and the Deputy CEO of Youthscape. Follow him on Twitter @martinsaunders.
Pakistani prosecutor who offered jailed Christians freedom if they convert to Islam suspended

A Pakistani public prosecutor who allegedly offered freedom to 42 on-trial Christians if they converted to Islam has been removed from his position.

Deputy public prosecutor (DDPP) Syed Anees Shah told 42 Christians accused of murder that they could 'embrace Islam and go free', it was reported last week.

The Christians in Lahore, the capital of Punjab, were accused of murder, charged with lynching two men believed to be connected with the March 2015 suicide bombing attacks on two churches in Youhanabad, Lahore, that killed at least 17 and injured more than 80.

In court, Mr Shah reportedly told the accused minority that he could 'guarantee their acquittal' if they renounced their Christian faith and 'embrace Islam'.

When Shah was approached about the alleged offer, he denied it at first. When he was told his bargain had been recorded on video, he admitted that he may have 'offered them a choice'.

Shah was removed from the anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday, according to The Express Tribune.

A source in the Punjab prosecution department said Shah would not be serving in any future cases.

'He has been asked to report to the office of Punjab Prosecutor General till further orders. A new DDPP named Muhammad Azir has replaced Anees at the ATC-1,' he said.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association, said: 'It is heartening to see that action has been taken by the Anti-Terrorism Court in suspending Mr Anees Shah, but quite frankly the whole debacle has only served to highlight ongoing prejudice in the Judicial system.

'Mr Shah's action implies that being Muslim places any citizen above the rule of law, a damning indictment of governance within the nation.'

He added: 'It would be foolish and unwise to assume that the removal of one obviously fundamental prosecutor has been a panacea for a flawed and biased judiciary.

'Quite the contrary, I believe the majority of law-makers in Pakistan treat Christians as anathema.'

The 42 suspects were indicted on 10 January 2016, and have been in prison for the past two years. Defence lawyers allege that at least 30 of the accused men are completely innocent.

Chowdhry added: 'the fact that no arrests were made for any of the men involved in the actual twin church bomb attack in 2015, yet 500 were arrested and 42 indicted for the ensuing riot that led to the death of two Muslim men, insidiously implies Christian lives are worth less them Muslim lives.'
Prince Charles' aides deny he 'bumped' Theresa May off 'prime ministerial plane' for trip to see the Pope

Aides to Prince Charles have denied claims that he 'bumped' Theresa May off a plane used by the Prime Minister after he booked it for a tour of Europe.

May was unable to use the surplus RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft, which was refitted at a cost of 10 million last year for use by prime ministers, after reportedly discovering it has been reserved by the Prince of Wales for a nine-day visit to Italy, Romania and Austria.

Royal sources pointed out it was 'not her plane' and that the aircraft was free when the royal tour, which they said was at the request of the Government, was booked several months ago.

The clash meant that May arrived in the Middle East on Monday in a Boeing 757, featuring the logo of private charter firm Air Partner. She was in the region for three days to hold talks with King Abdullah of Jordan and King Salman of Saudi Arabia.

Prince Charles and Camilla used the plane for a four-day 'charm offensive' in Europe designed in part to soften up leaders in the run-up to Brexit negotiations.

The royals met Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome and their schedule concludes in Vienna today, where they will visit the Musikverein concert hall.

Around 15 members of royal staff accompanied them on the trip. Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan also went with them on the plane around Italy.

Ambassadorial staffs, the police protection team and scores Ministry of Defence Staff also were on the plane, along with a press contingent who paid for their seats.

Palace officials dismissed reports that the plane is meant to be a dedicated plane for prime ministers. Former prime minister David Cameron claimed it would save the taxpayer 775,000 a year in private jet chartering fees.

The plane is reportedly earmarked for use by the Head of State (the Queen), the heir to the throne, when representing the Head of State and the Prime Minister respectively.

A Downing Street spokesperson played down the significance of Mrs May spending tens of thousands of pounds to hire another jet.

An official said: 'Ever since we first thought up the idea of the Voyager, it was always designed for use by the Queen and the Prime Minister or anyone attending international events representing the Queen or PM.

'The Prince of Wales is using it right now as he is representing the Queen on this tour he is on... Two visits at the same time means one aircraft will always have to be chartered.

'It makes no difference to the public purse whether Voyager is used by a member of the Royal Family or the Prime Minister.'

Labour MP Paul Flynn said: 'Of course the Prime Minister should have the first call on the plane  she is the elected ruler.'
Proof of God? 4 ways Christians can share their faith with atheists

If you had only 30 seconds, how would you explain your faith to an atheist?

It's a popular notion  sometimes seemingly true in internet comment threads  that Christians and atheists are at war. Are they locked in conflict, and must they be? Can good dialogue happen, and is conversion possible, or are the warring camps too pervasively entrenched?

Journalist and broadcaster Justin Brierley is well acquainted with atheist and Christian dialogue through his popular radio show and podcast Unbelievable?, which regularly features prominent atheist and Christian thinkers debating philosophy, theology and the evidence for God. Justin has himself interviewed renowned skeptics such as Richard Dawkins and Derren Brown.

At the Christian festival Spring Harvest 2017 in Somerset, England, Brierley shared some reflections on how Christians can better share their faith with those apparently opposed to it.

'It's like we inhabit different worlds', said Brierley, musing on the distance that can seem to pervade between the two groups. It can be hard to imagine people ever crossing the apparently vast chasm of beliefs.

Brierley notes that an experiential aspect of understanding faith is essential: 'You have to step into the faith to really understand what it's about'. Nonetheless, he says that even if dialogue with atheists might not convince them to convert on the spot, you can still try and get 'on the same page'.

'There are no magic answers. It's really about starting a conversation,' he said.

Justin gave four broad pointers for evangelising well, based on 1 Peter 3.15, where Peter gives his famous advice for sharing one's faith:

'But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...'

Gentleness and respect

'The way we say things matter just as much as what we say,' Justin said. Too often, Christian 'debate' with unbelievers can be motivated by an arrogant desire to correct the fact that 'someone is wrong on the internet'. Justin challenged the audience to ask themselves: 'Would spend as long praying for your atheist friends as you do debating them?' The answer may betray one's true priorities.

In clashes that can often become vitriolic and offensive, Christians 'must be the first to extend grace and love', just as Jesus did when he faced abuse.

Conflict may be challenging, and sometimes it may seem impossible that a convicted atheist might ever turn to Christ. Justin encouraged people to be positive and courageous. 'I've met many people who are a million miles away from faith, you'd be surprised at what can happen,' he said.

Reasons for hope

Secondly, Brierley emphasised the importance of giving good reasons for why Christian faith explains the world in a meaningful way. Particularly in the UK, we inhabit a post-Christian, increasingly biblically illiterate society, and as Brierley says, "It says so in the Bible" isn't going to get you very far'.

He highlighted his best two reasons for faith. Firstly, God makes sense of human existence. The universe is so finely tuned, against all the odds Justin said, that the best conclusion is that an intelligent mind created it. He explains this argument in a video that can be watched below, where Justin explains How a Dice can show that God exists.

Secondly, he said, God makes sense of human value. In a purely godless, materialistic world, it's difficult to make a case for meaning and human value that isn't entirely subjective. A God who made human beings in his image, however, gives a profound reason for saying that human rights exist, that people have objective value  which is grounded outside of ourselves.

The point is not to give knock-down arguments that prove the entirety of Christian doctrine to be true, but rather to seek 'the best explanation' for our world and ourselves. Atheism, just like theism, is an attempt at such explanation. The question then ceases to be 'can I prove that the virgin birth happened?', but instead, 'what belief provides the best explanation for the universe'?

Why do you believe?

Justin invited Christians to turn the tables somewhat, and ask their atheist friends  in a non-combative sense: 'Why do you believe what you believe?' Atheism itself is a belief system, Justin said, and requires significant faith. It involves trust that one reality is the case rather than another  and the realities in question have considerable stakes.

Another question to ask is simply: 'What is the point of life?' Justin says that many respond that life's purpose is to 'make your own meaning', but Justin asked, are some meanings better than others? If there is nothing transcendent that could tell you how meaning and value can be found  then how can you know?

Revere Christ as Lord

Justin closed by emphasising Peter's reminder, to 'revere Jesus Christ as Lord'. Such an approach reminds us that 'it's not about us' or our clever arguments. Conversion is a drama of both the head and the heart, and Christians cannot 'argue people into the Kingdom'. Rather they can simply, and mercifully, allow themselves to be used by God in his grace.

Not everyone will have time to engage their friends in the deep debates that Justin hosts on Unbelievable?. Nonetheless, as Justin's show makes clear: good, healthy dialogue alongside disagreement is possible, and can change lives. It simply starts with a little conversation.

You can follow @JosephHartropp on Twitter
Yoga is 'acceptable' for Christians but not a route to God, says Indian Church

One of India's largest Christian Churches says yoga is 'acceptable' but is 'not a means to experience the divine'.

The stance of the ancient Syro-Malabar Church is significant, because of the deep cultural and religious role played by yoga. The Church's five million adherants were told in a statement from the Church's synod of Bishops that yoga, 'must be considered as a physical exercise, a posture to concentrate or meditate," but that, 'the divine experience does not need any particular posture.'

Yoga is often practiced in schools in India. Last week it's reported a Pentecostal pastor objected to that practice, claiming it promotes a Hindu lifestyle. Hinduism is the major religion of India, while Christianity is the third largest with around two to three per cent of the population.

The Syro-Malabar Church, which is in full communion with the Roman Catholic church has now addressed the issue. Cardinal George Alencherry, who leads the Synod said, 'The God in whom we believe is a personal God... God is not someone who can be reached through a particular posture...It is not quite right to think that the experience of God and the personal encounter with the Lord is possible through Yoga.'

Yoga has exploded in popularity in the West, with some Christians objecting to it on the grounds of its religious roots, but others embracing it without its religious content.
What are the real-world effects of the rights revolutionthe legal revolution of the past thirty or so years in creating and expanding individual rights? What are its consequences for the well-being of our inner cities? Would the lawyers and judges making these rules want to live under the conditions that so many in the inner cities must endure? And do the answers to these questions suggest a moral basis for a restrained judiciary that proponents of the rights revolution have neglected to consider?

As part of this revolution, our courts have held that government could not suspend students from public schools or evict tenants from public housing without hearings and other procedures designed to ensure fairness, individual dignity, and a sense that justice has been done. The idea was that, for the poor and minorities, government benefits were forms of property that guaranteed well-being. Many, therefore, argued that to expose these benefits to arbitrary and unregulated state power would rob the underrepresented in our society of their one source of dignity and personal security.

In the same vein, vagrancy, loitering, and panhandling laws came under challenge because the poor and minorities could be victims of discrimination if the police had broad discretion to ensure public safety. Moreover, as a consequence of the modern tendency to challenge societys authority to shape social norms, the legal system began to prefer the ideal of self-expression, without much attention to the ideal of self-control. What resulted was a legal culture that declined to curb the excesses of self-indulgence: vagrants and others who regularly roamed the streets had rights that could not be circumscribed by the communitys sense of decency or decorum.

But look at the result. Providing extensive hearing rights for the student who carries drugs or weapons to school, or for the drug pusher or gang member who occupies public housing, is more than a mere abstraction. These decisions have incredibly significant effects on the ability of school principals and tenant organizations to enforce standards of decency and conduct, and they also have an enormous impact on the opportunities available to a community in solving the problems that plague the poorest of our citizens.

Young children cannot learn in school if they are besieged by drugs and violence. They cannot lead normal lives if so many street corners, sandlots, and apartment buildings are fixed places of business for drug dealers and other criminals. How can their parents or older brothers and sisters lead productive lives if rampant community violence and disorder stifle economic and educational opportunity? If they cant walk or drive down a street without fear of being shot or assaulted? There can be no hope for the future without serious legal and policy debate on these questions.

I want to address in some detail one further aspect of the rights revolution that has equally profound consequences for our inner citiesnamely, how the current state of our criminal justice system has affected the ideal of personal responsibility. I am convinced that there can be no freedom and no opportunity for many if our criminal law loses sight of the importance of individual responsibility. Indeed, the principal purpose of a criminal justice system is to hold people accountable for the consequences of their actions, to hold peoples feet to the fire when they do something harmful to individuals or society as a whole.

The chief reason we hold people accountable is this: the law cannot persuade where it cannot punish. As Alexander Hamilton said, It is essential to the idea of a law that it be attended with a sanction . . . a punishment for disobedience. Most of us are regularly faced with the deterrent effect of the law, the incentive not to engage in conduct that might harm others. To be sure, we choose to honor speed limits because such behavior might well save our own lives, but we just as surely follow the rules because of the legal consequences of speedingfines and possible loss of license. In a similar vein, a company might benevolently refrain from polluting a neighboring river to avoid harming others who rely on its clean water for drinking and recreation. Clearly, though, stiff fines give the company a tangible incentive to avoid such conduct. As Saint Thomas Aquinas said, It is not always through the perfect goodness of virtue that one obeys the law, but sometimes it is through fear of punishment.

Some underscore a different aspect of human nature in explaining why holding people responsible is central to our criminal justice system. Unlike any other creature, humans are moral, rational beings. We expect one another to be able to distinguish right from wrong and to act accordingly. Thus, when society punishes someone for breaking the lawwhen it holds him accountable for the consequences of his actswe are recognizing that only mankind is capable of being moral or rational. We are acknowledging the human dignity of our fellow man. Indeed, people thrive in our society because of the expectations we all have regarding the capacity of the human will to do good. To disregard this potentialas we do when we ignore the fact that someone has harmed others by breaking the law treats our fellow man as a being incapable of determining right from wrong and controlling his behavior. Ultimately, our hopes for the future of society can be no brighter than the expectations we have regarding the conduct of its individual citizens.

There are others who believe that the principal reason we hold people responsible is because of our mutual political or social obligations in a civilized, democratic society. In accepting and benefiting from the opportunities of our free society, we each consent to be bound by its rules and expect government to enforce them. When someone breaks the law, he violates a fundamental trust. In effect, the law-breaker is telling all of us that there can be no mutual expectation that societys ruleswhich protect all of uswill be followed. On this view, we punish the criminal because he owes a debt to society for violating our trust. To do otherwise would cheat those who abide by the law and dilute the threat of force that the law is supposed to convey. If our government failed to remedy wrongs by holding people responsible for their acts, we would be faced with the prospect of vigilante justice and all its accompanying evils.

The criminal law serves a signaling function when we hold people accountable for their harmful acts. Punishing people is an expression of societys resolve that certain behavior will not be tolerated because it hurts others, is counterproductive, or is offensive to the sensibilities of our culture. In the absence of such a signalif government does not punish harmful conductwe send a dangerous message to society: we end up sanctioning harmful behavior. What are we telling students who are trying hard to do well in school and to avoid drugs, or the upstanding public housing tenant who respects others property and well-being, when our law fails to express outrage at those who do wrong?

One must wonder, though, whether our system of criminal law is carrying out this vital signaling function. Why are so many of our streets rife with drug bazaars and other criminal enterprises? Why are so many of our schools devoid of the discipline that is necessary for a healthy learning environment and instead plagued by lawlessness? Why is there an unprecedented fear of violenceor just a plain unwillingness to cultivate neighborhood unity and spiritamong so many of our fellow citizens?

One reason, I believe, is that the rights revolution worked a fundamental transformation in our criminal law. The very same ideas that prompted the judicial revolution in due process rights for the poor, and that circumscribed the authority of local communities to set standards for decorum and civility on the streets or in the public schools, also made it far more difficult for the criminal justice system to hold people responsible for the consequences of their harmful acts. I want to focus on one particular force behind the rights revolution, one that in my view had the most profound effect on the direction of the criminal law: namely, the idea that our society had failed to safeguard the interests of minorities, the poor, and other groups; and, as a consequence, was primarily at fault for their plight.

Much of the judicial revolution in individual rights was justified on the ground that the dignity and well-being of large segments of our populationminorities, the poor, womenwere consistently ignored by our social and political institutions. As the victims of centuries of discrimination and oppression, blacks and other minorities could not enjoy the full benefits and opportunities that society had to offer. So too were the poor viewed as victimsuncontrollable forces contributed to their poverty, and their stake in welfare and other public benefits was not insulated from unregulated state power in the same way that the property interests of the more fortunate were.

These concerns greatly influenced our courts, which required that government hold hearings and comply with elaborate procedural requirements before terminating public benefits. The view was that these entitlements were worth protecting because they aided the poor and underrepresented in achieving security and well-being.

Procedural protections were also viewed as necessary to ensure that government interference with public benefits was not arbitrary and unfair. Because minority and disadvantaged students are the most frequent objects of school discipline, for example, advocates of greater constitutional protections insisted that the absence of stringent procedural requirements for suspension could lead to racial discrimination. Much the same arguments were made regarding limits on the power to evict tenants from public housing and to enforce broad vagrancy or panhandling lawsgovernment discretion had to be curbed in order to ensure that minorities or the poor were not singled out for unfair and discriminatory treatment.

In this way, the intellectual currents of the legal revolution in individual rights affected the management of community institutions such as schools and the civility of our streets, parks, and other common places. But how did these ideas affect the functioning of the criminal justice system?

Many began questioning whether the poor and minorities could be blamed for the crimes they committed. Our legal institutions and popular culture began identifying those accused of wrongdoing as victims of upbringing and circumstances. Many argued that human actions and choices, like events in the natural world, are often caused by factors beyond ones control. No longer was an individual identified as the cause of a harmful act. Rather, societal conditions or the actions of institutions or other people became the responsible causes of harm. These external causes might include poverty, poor education, a faltering family structure, systemic racism or other forms of bigotry, and spousal or child abuse, to name just a few. The consequence of this new way of thinking about accountability and responsibilityor the lack thereofwas that a large part of our society could escape being held accountable for the consequences of harmful conduct. The law punishes only those who are responsible for their actions, and in a world of countless uncontrollable causes of aggression or lawlessness, few will have to account for their behavior.

As a further extension of these ideas, some began challenging societys moral authority to hold many of our less fortunate citizens responsible for their harmful acts. Punishment is an expression of societys disapproval or reprobation, a way of directing societys moral indignation toward persons responsible for violating its rules. Critics insisted, though, that an individuals harmful conduct is not the only relevant factor in deciding whether punishment is justified. The individuals conduct must be judged in relation to how society has acted toward that individual in the past. Many began to hesitate to hold responsible those whose conduct might be explained as a response to societal injustice. How can we hold the poor responsible for their actions some asked, when our society does little to remedy the social conditions of the ill-educated and unemployed in our urban areas? Similarly, others questioned how we could tell blacks in our inner cities to face the consequences for breaking the law when the very legal systemand indeed the societythat will judge their conduct had perpetuated years of racism and unequal treatment under the law.

Once our legal system accepted the general premise that social conditions and upbringing could be excuses for harmful conduct, the range of causes that might prevent society from holding anyone accountable for his actions became potentially limitless. Do we punish the drunk driver who has a family history of alcoholism? A bigoted employer, reared in a segregationist environment, who was taught that blacks are inferior? The fraudulent and manipulative businessman who was raised in a poor family and who had never experienced the good life? The abusive father or husband whose parents mistreated him? A thief or drug pusher who was raised in a dysfunctional family and who received a poor education? A violent gang member, rioter, or murderer who attributes his rage, aggression, and lack of respect for authority to a racist society that has oppressed him since birth? Which of these individuals, if any, should be excused for his conduct? Can we really make any principled distinctions among them?

An effective criminal justice systemone that holds people accountable for harmful conductcannot be sustained when there are boundless excuses for violent behavior and no moral authority for the state to punish. If people know that they are not going to be held accountable because of a myriad of excuses, how will our society be able to influence behavior and provide incentives to follow the law? How can we teach future generations right from wrong if the idea of criminal responsibility is riddled with exceptions and our governing institutions and courts lack moral self-confidence? A society that does not hold someone accountable for harmful behavior can be viewed as condoning, even endorsing, such conduct. In the long run, a society that abandons personal responsibility will lose its moral sense, destroying, above all, the lives of the urban poor.

This is not surprising. A system that does not hold individuals accountable treats them as less than full citizens. In such a world, people are reduced to the status of children or, even worse, treated as though they were animals without a soul.

There may be a hard lesson here. In the face of societal injustice, it is natural and easy to demand recompense or a dispensation from conventional norms. But all too often, doing so involves the individual accepting diminished responsibility for his future. Doesnt the acceptance of diminished responsibility shackle the human spirit from rising above the tragedies of ones condition? When we demand something from our oppressorsmore lenient standards of conduct, for exampleare we merely going from a state of slavery to a more deceptive, but equally destructive, state of dependency?

Whats more, efforts to rehabilitate criminals will never work in a system that often neglects to assign blame to individuals for their harmful acts. How can we encourage criminals not to return to crime if our justice system fosters the idea that it is the society that has perpetuated racism and poverty that is to blame for aggression and crime, not the individual who engaged in harmful conduct? Thus, it is society, not the wrongdoer, that is in greatest need of rehabilitation and reform.

What a painful irony it is that the transformation of the criminal justice system has had and will continue to have its greatest negative impact on our urban areas. It is there that modern excuses for criminal behavior aboundpoverty, substandard education, faltering families, unemployment, a lack of respect for authority because of deep feelings of oppression. Doubtless the rights revolution had a noble purpose: to stop society from treating blacks, the urban poor, and others as if they were invisible, not worthy of attention. But the revolution missed a larger point by merely changing their status from invisible to victimized. Minorities and the poor are human beingscapable of dignity as well as shame, folly as well as success. We should be treated as such.

Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Third EPG meeting: Clause-wise discussion on 1950 treaty begins

The third meeting of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations (EPG-NIR) on Wednesday started clause-wise discussions on the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty.
Years ago, when I was a financial journalist covering the greater New York region, one of the biggest stories I covered was the relocation of the areas major companies to states like Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. Back then, a typical response of local political leaders to every departure was that those firms were short-sighted, preferring to save a few bucks on taxes for the sake of moving to places that under invested in quality of life. Their hospitals didnt save as many lives as ours, the story went, and their schools didnt create an educated workforce like ours did. Their infrastructure was rural, at best. Still, for some reason, the firms kept going. Some of us began wondering whether things werent quite as bad elsewhere as the defenders of the New York/New Jersey regions model of high taxes, high costs, and deference to special interests made them out to be.

I cant help recalling those days whenever the region experiences one of its increasingly common meltdownslike the current commuting fiasco thats plagued New Jersey Transit riders thanks to a Monday derailment in Penn Station. The spillover effects are also slamming commuters from Long Island and riders of the PATH trains. If you follow these issues closely, you know that the derailment itselfthe second in ten days at Pennis only a small part of the story of how the political culture of one of the nations richest regions has managed to squander its resources so thoroughly over the past several decades.

Consider the agencies tasked with dealing with the most recent mess. While its not clear yet whether Amtrak (which manages Penn Station and owns the tracks) or NJ Transit (whose train derailed) is at fault for the derailment, the accident has already led to a chain of negative consequences. When Penn Station riders were rerouted to Hoboken, for instance, they entered a station still under construction to fix the damage caused by the September 29 crash of a NJ Transit train that barreled in after the trains operator apparently fell asleep or blacked out at the wheel. The construction work on the Hoboken platform worsened the overcrowding. Meanwhile, NJ Transit riders directed into the PATH system, operated by the giant bi-state Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, found that switching problems had overburdened that service, too, so that a system that could barely accommodate all the extra traffic under the best circumstances became unbearable for some commuters, who just gave up. Delays are expected to continue until Friday.

These are not isolated incidents. NJ Transit, after all, is the agency that parked trains below sea level during superstorm Sandy, causing $100 million of damage and contributing to service shortfalls. Its also the agency that stranded thousands of people at Met Life Stadium after the Super Bowl in 2014, prompting fans to chant on the platforms, New Jersey sucks. The Port Authority, meanwhile, has already given the region some of the worlds worst airports. Neither Newark nor LaGuardia make the list of the worlds top 100 airports; Joe Biden famously described LaGuardia as Third World.

In the wake of accidents like Mondays, you will inevitably read that the region needs to invest more in infrastructure, even if that means ever-higher taxes. What you wont read about much is what resources we already have and how our political culturethe product of our voting habitshas frittered them away. One consequence is that we get higher taxesas when New Jersey raised its gasoline taxes after the Hoboken crashwithout reform, guaranteeing that many of the same practices that led to trouble in the first place will continue. New York and New Jersey are, respectively, first and third in taxes per capita collected from residents (Alaska and North Dakota collect more, but much of their tax revenue comes from energy companies). Even with all this tax revenue, transit agencies impose stratospheric fees. The Port Authoritys tolls for bridges and tunnels and its airline fees at Newark Airport rank among the highest in the nation, while NJ Transit charges riders the highest fares of any U.S. commuter train system.

Where this money goes is a mystery only to those who dont pay attention. Less than a decade ago, the big story about NJ Transit, for instance, was not underinvestment but the upward-spiraling subsidies that the state had to pay to keep the agency afloat. One big reason: the rich contracts it awarded workers, which resulted in the agency spending 80 cents on employee benefits for every dollar it paid in wages. (In the private sector, the average is about 43 cents for every dollar in salary for the average worker and 53 cents per dollar for those in transportation.) Though NJ Transit has tried to hold down costs for years, employee benefits alone consume half of all revenues the agency collects from riders. Reforms have failed at least in part because workers can strikea devastating tool for a government transit monopoly.

The Port Authority, for its part, infamously spent $4 billion on one PATH station, a classic boondoggle that came in at twice the original price. In addition, thanks to years of rich worker contracts and poor controls over overtime and other costs, the average worker at the Port Authoritys steeply unprofitable PATH service earned $91,000 in 2014, while officers who police its facilities took home an average of $153,000 in cash compensation. Those high tolls and airport fees, in other words, finance salaries and benefits that are rich even by the luxe standards of New York and New Jersey public-sector contracts. Not to be outdone, New Yorks Metropolitan Transportation Authority has taken a project to build a rail tunnel under the East River from Queens to Manhattanoriginally priced at $3 billion and slated for completion in 2010and turned it into at least a $10 billion undertaking that wont get finished until 2022, according to current projections, largely because the original estimates purposely hid the real price of the work and union featherbedding, among other things.

This history suggests that the parties associated with planning and building two new rail tunnels under the Hudson RiverNew Jersey, New York, the Port Authority, and Amtrak are all involvedwill do nothing to prevent something similar from happening again. Given that preliminary costs for the Hudson rail tunnels are already estimated at $23 billion, the project might well turn out to be the one that finally breaks the region financially. It wouldnt be the first time that such a megaproject undermined the stability of an economy.

Why do residents put up with it? Im often asked. Many dont, actually. Faced with a political system rigged against reform (both states political districts are among the most gerrymandered, making it difficult to oust incumbents), people are voting with their feet. New York and New Jersey are leaders in outmigration of residents, and they rank among the states whose residents would most like to leave if they could. New Jersey, despite its wealth, is broke; New Yorks budget sustains itself on the taxes that Wall Street throws off, but vast regions of the state resemble Appalachia, as Eliot Spitzer once said.

At times during my years covering the relocation story, I wondered how many of the businesses that fled the region would regret it. Ive stopped wondering.

Photo by Pancho Bernasconi/Getty Images
New York Citys plan to shut down Rikers Island is a bait-and-switch scheme. The report of Judge Jonathan Lippmanns blue-ribbon Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform, tasked with figuring out what to do with the nations largest jail complex, concludes that the city should close Rikers and replace it with smaller, borough-based modern jails. Before that can happen, however, the report says, the city must first reduce its jail population from its present level of about 10,000 to around 5,000.

Politically and logistically implausible, the Lippmann Reports recommendations are a ruse. The real purpose of the proposal isnt to close Rikers: its to let 5,000 people out of jail by pursuing a decriminalization agenda that would end Broken Windows policing as we know it and allow miscreants to commit quality-of-life offenses with impunity.

Anchoring the commissions report is a set of unstated premises which, if put into practice, would radically change the way New York City is policed, beginning with a focus on the negative effects of incarceration on arrestees. Spending time in jail is bad for you on a host of levels, the report says, as though the downsides of going to jail were an inadvertent mistake of the judicial system. Its the same kind of thinking that inspired the proposal of a notorious 2014 city council resolution (not passed) calling on the NYPD to stop arresting subway fare-beaters because in addition to being very disruptive, an arrest can cause significant stress to turnstile jumpers. The problem with crime, from this perspective, is the adverse consequences that getting caught has on the criminal.

One way to reduce such stress, then, is to stop viewing certain behavior as criminal. Thus, the commission recommends reclassifying four charges as civil, and not criminal, matters: theft of services (using public transportation without paying the fare), low-level possession of marijuana in public view, prostitution, and possession of gravity knives. By raising the bar of what constitutes crime, we would lower the crime rate and thus have fewer people to punish.

The commission also suggests that the city look to eliminate sentences of 30 days or fewer in favor of vaguely defined community-based alternatives. The notion that jail should rehabilitate as well as punish is commendable, but the Lippmann Report refuses to acknowledge that the unpleasantness of jail is meant also to deter crimethe threat of a five-day jail sentence for petty theft sounds pointless to liberal advocates, but not to a potential thief, for whom it can be a real restraint. For radical sociologists, however, punishment begets crime; as they see it, the best way to deter deviance is to eliminate its penalty.

The Lippmann Report traffics in pernicious myths about the role of racism in criminal justice, noting that, Blacks and Latinos comprise slightly more than half of our Citys overall population but are nearly 90 percent of our jail population. As a result of this imbalance, according to the commission, the system must make special efforts to address the overrepresentation of Black/African-Americans and Latinos in the citys jails.

Blacks and Latinos are overrepresented in the citys jail population because they commit a disproportionate amount of the citys crime. This tendency is borne out not just in arrest statistics, but in the descriptive reports of victims who register complaints with the police: in fact, the overlap in racial composition between proactive arrests and victim driven arrests for misdemeanors is almost exact. The data is uncontroversial and available on the NYPD website. Its not surprising to hear advocates and liberal politicians suggest continuously that nonwhites are the victims of a racist police state, but a commission that praises its own evidence-based approach to criminal justice should be more rigorous in its analysis.

The Lippmann Commissions report goes to a final extreme when it attempts to classify violent criminals themselves as a marginalized group. Certain populations remained underserved, the report reads, including women; young people; people who are LGBTQ; people with mental illnesses; people who suffer from an addiction and are convicted of property crimes; and people charged with serious or violent offenses. Women, youth, gay or trans people, and the mentally ill are demographic categories, individual members of which may or may not have been done wrong by society: in any case, they are who they are. But in what sense can convicted thieves or people charged with serious or violent offenses be considered a group that suffers discrimination, with a presumably actionable demand for restitution? The commissions report expands the universe of official victims to include those who victimize others.

In theory, closing Rikers is a reasonable idea. There is no reason why the city couldnt have county jails adjacent to its borough courthouses. New York City doesnt need to have an insular penal colony holding most of its inmates, who are largely awaiting trial and not guilty of anything (yet). It would be more humane to embed smaller jails in local communities, where family and lawyers would be able to visit more easily.

But if Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and the citys other leaders were really serious about closing Rikers Island because it is a violent, crumbling hellhole, they wouldnt insist on a ten-year timeframe contingent on lowering the citys jail population by 5,000. They would begin building new jails and transferring the Rikers population off-island at oncepublic opinion be damned.

The reality is that the plan to close Rikers and build smaller jails is politically unrealistic and probably impossible. But the pretense of that goal is a useful screen behind which to eviscerate Broken Windows policingand return New York to a justice system that focuses primarily on the welfare of the criminal instead of the community.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The Information Commissioners Office yesterday fined 11 charities for breaches of the Data Protection Act in relation to data sharing, data matching and tele-appending. The ICO seems keen to move on, but the sector remains unable or unwilling to do so, says Hugh Radojev.

Yesterdays fines will, hopefully, bring to a close what has been another dark chapter in the recent history of the charitable fundraising sector.

11 charities: including Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Oxfam, were handed fines worth collectively 138,000 for historic breaches of data protection law in regards to data sharing and matching, as well as tele-appending of donor information, usually through the use of external third party wealth screening agencies.

The ICO seems keen to move on from all of this now, but the fundraising sector, bizarrely, seems unwilling or unable to do so.

Despite the lenient fines for charities (in some cases a 90 per cent discount), the responses of many of the charities involved were worrying. Troubling too are the deep connections between the people who authorised these industrial scale practices to take place, and the regulatory and membership bodies ostensibly put in place to stop them.

With the EUs General Data Protection Legislation looming on the horizon, the sector needs to get a grip, and soon.

Charities got off lightly

The fines handed down by the ICO yesterday were, in reality, miniscule given the total incomes of the charities involved. The figures represent little more than a slap on the wrist and, yet, the responses from some of the organisations still complained of being disappointed in the ICOs decision.

It makes you wonder whether the charities have really learned anything from the last two years. Robust and strident responses to half-baked Daily Mail hatchet jobs is one thing, but to have reacted so petulantly to the actions of the ICO, particularly when being caught dead to rights swapping and sharing data and profiling millions of donors without their consent, smacks of pig-headedness.

The woe-is-me line from the fundraising sector has been constantly trotted out since the ICOs first round of fines in December. The tabloids have been incredibly quiet on the issue over the last day or so and the sector should frankly be breathing a sigh of relief for that. It wouldnt take much for a Daily Mail or Sun journalist to compare the size of the fines to the incomes of some of the charities involved to kick off another round of negative attack pieces. Not to mention the fire the ICO may come under.

Also, while these practices may well have been common practice at the time, they certainly weren't common knowledge to the donors and the public at large. This is what the ICO has been saying all along and yet some fundraisers refuse to accept it.

Fundraisers need to pick their battles and, when in the wrong, hold their hands up and apologise.

Conflicts of interest across the regulatory frameworks

After the media storms of 2015 and in the wake of the Etherington Review, the first thing organisations such as the Institute of Fundraising tried to do was make the case that, whatever the new system of fundraising regulation looked like, there needed to be a strong fundraising presence.

The argument that no regulatory body could possibly work for fundraising without fundraising expertise made sense at the time, but while the Fundraising Regulator in particular did try to appoint a number of members with experience on its various boards, it was never going to be enough for some in the sector.

The fact is that, the more fundraisers you bring into the regulatory system, the more vested interests there are. Although the Fundraising Regulator attempted to balance leadership in the sector with impartial voices, the truth is that vested interests will pervert the course of compliant regulation. Thats why the old system of self-regulation failed.

Yet, the findings from yesterday prove yet again that vested interests continue to harm the process. Two fundraising directors of charities fined yesterday currently sit on the board of the IoF, one as its chair.

This also hobbled the Fundraising Regulators first-ever adjudication into Neet Feet, when two members of its six-strong adjudication committee were forced to step back from the investigation due to conflicts of interest.

Fundraising is a relatively small and specialised sector in terms of staff and one where, more or less, everyone knows everybody else. Overlapping interests and relationships are to be expected and, yet, it still leaves a bad taste in the mouth from an outsiders perspective when the frameworks put in place to hold the sector to account are constantly hampered by them.

It comes back, as it always seems too, to trust.

No more retrospective action, hopefully

On a positive note, certain data protection experts Ive spoken to seem to think that the yesterdays fines represent the ICO moving back to its more default position on fundraising of promoting good practice and giving people credit for trying hard.

If charities can show that they are moving in the right direction and are ensuring they will be compliant with GDPR by 25 May 2018, then hopefully the ICO wont need to fine any charities for data protection breaches in the future.

In Fundraising Magazine

That being said, the ICO have shown no intention of backing down on their positions regarding profiling and wealth screening, despite protestations from major donor fundraisers in particular that its a necessary part of best practice. Bones of contention around this issue, and on the ICOs interpretation of what does and doesnt constitute legitimate interests when processing data may well be on the horizon.

The point is however, that if the charities think the sorts of fines weve seen under the old monetary penalty scheme in the Data Protection Act were bad, theyre going to be horrified by the prospect of an 18m fine under GDPR.

The time for fighting this is over, charities need to move forward and quickly. Otherwise theyre looking at much larger fines, the sort of fines that might even make a Cancer Research UK or Oxfam blink.

Civil Society Media is hosting two breakfast seminars discussing the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ahead of its introduction in May 2018. Booking is now open on events - click here to book in May, and here to book in June.
Alphabet, Google's parent company, is known for its aggressive approach to hiring top computer engineers. Now, it has its sights set on poaching top talent from life sciences and health care.

Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have stressed in the past that Google will not become a health care company, in part because of the regulatory complexity associated with the field. But today, three of Alphabet's "Other Bets" are focused on the $3 trillion sector. Both of its venture arms, GV (formerly Google Ventures) and CapitalG (formerly Google Capital) are also investing in the space.

Sidewalk Labs is perhaps the most surprising. The Alphabet subsidiary, which aims to use technology to solve "big urban problems," this month posted new job listings for health care positions, including engineers, a chief health officer (a primary care physician) and a head of community health for an effort called "Care Labs." Not much has been shared publicly about Care Labs, aside from a Medium post that spells out a big vision to imagine "how care delivery might look in the digital era."

Alphabet's Calico, a drug development shop focused on longevity, and Verily, which was Google's life sciences arm, and have also hired heavily from life sciences and health care.

The company's star talent in the field so far includes Arthur D. Levinson, former CEO of Genentech and an Apple chairman, who is Calico's CEO; Tom Insel, the former head of the National Institute of Mental Health, who is at Verily; and Jessica Mega, a star cardiologist at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, now at Verily.

Alphabet is currently looking to hire computational biologists, robotics experts and top academic researchers, which are among the most competitive positions to hire.
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New York, April 6, 2017Ethiopias Supreme Court today ruled that two bloggers from the Zone 9 collective, previously acquitted of terrorism charges, should be tried instead on charges of inciting violence through their writing. If convicted of the charge, Atnaf Berhane and Natnail Feleke would face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, according to the Addis Standard newspaper.

The court upheld the lower courts acquittal of two other Zone 9 bloggers, Soleyana S Gebremichael and Abel Wabella. Todays actions by the Supreme Court were a response to prosecutors appeal of the October 2015 acquittal of all four.

We urge Ethiopian authorities to do the right thing and drop any further prosecution of Atnaf Behane and Natnail Feleke on charges relating to their work, said Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal. Todays acquittal of two Zone 9 bloggers is a positive step, but there can be no celebration until this exhibition of legal harassment ends once and for all.

Ethiopia ranked fourth on CPJs 2015 list of the 10 Most Censored Countries and is the fifth worst jailer of journalists worldwide, according to CPJs 2016 prison census. CPJ awarded Zone 9 an International Press Freedom Award in 2015.

For more data and analysis on Ethiopia, visit CPJs Ethiopia page.


Passenger Ship Safety continued in Southampton on Wednesday with a full-scale event program, conference and seminar. Speakers including representatives from coast guards, cruise lines and other key stakeholders in the cruise ship safety arena.

"Safety rules today are reasonably steady, the focus is now on implementation," commented Katy Ware, director of maritime safety and standards and permanent representative of the UK to the IMO, Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Among the adjustments, she explained, is a new safety index linked to a ship's passenger capacity; as large ships remain a concern for safety stakeholders ashore.

Video safety is taking over too, said Rick Jeffress, director of business development for Fike Fire Safety. CCTV systems can see fire and also detect pressure leaks, he said. Video can produce a clear image before smoke finds its way to a detector, he said, adding the system is already in use aboard a number of ships from major cruise lines.

Cyber security is also becoming an increasing concern for the industry, according to Phil Tinsley, maritime security manager at BIMCO. A cyber-attack could, for example, compromise safety and emergency management onboard.

He advised better training against cyber attacks, and some ships had multiple points of vulnerability. Tinsley added some vessels were using the same computers they had 15 years ago, with outdated software and a lack of intrusion detection.

"We have to develop a cyber-security awareness culture," Tinsley noted.

Brad Schoenwald, senior marine inspector/ lead examiner for the Cruise Ship National Expertise and the United States Coast Guard explained the agency's role in overseeing new ship construction

"People can be confident that we do our job to verify that the ships coming to the U.S. are as safe as required," he said. The agency is involved in concept to delivery and performs routine inspections when ships are in U.S. waters.

We go onboard, we identify the deficiencies and their sources. All of that goes to the Port State Control Database, which is accessible to the public," Schoenwald said.

At Carnival UK, Martyn Thomas, acting head of maritime training, said the company goes beyond compliance.

He said the old-fashioned training model, with a classroom and homework is long ports. The training program now fits with people, generations, skills, including formal training, information training and job experience.

He said that among the goals was to improve training efficiency.

"Our crew can learn from any single drill," he noted. On-going training for officers, including routine trips to a simulator center in the Netherlands, are not additional work, he said, but instead seen as a long-term tool that can be used daily.

Joska Taipale, technical support and training adviser at Marioff, pointed to the company's high-pressure water mist system (HI-FOG) as key to fire suppression.

"Our system is simple," he said. The systems can be activated in as little as 30 seconds. This is as opposed to CO2 systems, which can take up to 30 minutes to deploy after spaces are evacuated and ventilation shut off.

Wiel Penders, executive vice president of sales and operations at DASPOS, talked about the company's oil mist and gas leakage detection systems, that can analyze air for oil or gas.

Penders is a former Carnival Corporation and Holland America Line executive that played a key role in the company's fire prevention programs.

Autotronica showed off its integrated safety management system with a presentation by Kai Thrones, vice president maritime.

By monitoring CCTV, fire zones, damage control, ventilation and more, the system can provide a complete and customizable view of an emergency, aligning with bridge resource management. The system can also be linked to passenger tracking should that technology continue to evolve.

Andrew Winbow, former assistant secretary-general and director, maritime safety division for the IMO, said it was clear there are modern solutions to fight fires as well as increasingly impressive but complex automation systems, meaning a future where the onboard IT department may play a major role.
In that Golden Age known as the 1980s, the American public had to endure not only a Cold War with the Soviet Union but also a Cola War pitting Coca-Cola against PepsiCo. The Cold War employed multiple marketing and advertising campaigns to win the attention of consumers.

As part of the Cola Wars, Pepsi started showing consumers conducting blind taste tests (yes, actually blindfolded, taking sips of both Pepsi and Coke and then describing which one they enjoyed more) dubbed the Pepsi Challenge. Could your bank or credit union brands survive a similar blind taste test when it comes to your brand?

Here are some key indicators of brand strength and what your brand must accomplish in order to win in the saturated financial products and services marketplace (note: these are sometimes referred to as the Three Rs of Branding).
From this definition you can likely see the value of content marketing, but the question remains why is it important to your financial institution? Well, here are 5 reasons you might consider making content marketing services a priority for your credit union:

1. Gives People a Reason to Visit Your Credit Union Website (From Social Media or Other Linking Site)

As you build and engage an audience on other networks and websites, its important to keep your eye on the prize. You are building relationships with people on social media, but eventually you do need to drive them to your owned-media, and thats your website. You control all the content there and thus you can better convert traffic to new members.

But users wont leave social networks for no reason, so content gives them the motivation they need to come see what you have to offer. Sharing a blog, e-book, or video is a great way to encourage people to leave social and head to your credit union website to learn more.
If you want to appeal to millennials, dont emulate the Rotary Club, generational research expert Jason Dorsey told attendees at CSCUs 2017 Solutions Conference Wednesday in Orlando.

Dorsey uses his local Rotary Club as an example of how not to stay relevant.

When he was young, the service clubs meetings were always packed, but now theyre lucky to fill a small room, he says.

Likewise, credit unions risk aging poorly if they dont get a handle on messaging to younger generations.

Millennials dont know what credit union means, he says, adding that some think it is a labor union or something similar.

If credit unions can break through with their messaging, they stand to do very well, he says, because younger generations are perfectly-aligned with credit unions on values.

But credit unions need to figure out what it means to be a digital business, too.

If we dont win in digital, we are not going to have a credit union, Dorsey says. Thats because banking is mobile for younger generations.
Experts for revisiting foreign policy

The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA), a foreign policy think-tank based in Kathmandu
CFPB Director Richard Cordray was challenged during a House Financial Services Committee hearing Wednesday for stating that the bureau cannot exempt credit unions from all its rules.

In an exchange with Rep. Andy Barr, Cordray said the CFPB cannot exempt credit unions from all rules. Barr disputed that.

In particular, Barr noted the negative impact of the bureaus remittance rule on credit unions on military bases, and he noted that NAFCU member Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, of Kentucky, has had to stop offering remittance products because of the compliance burden. Why wont you provide relief to servicemembers and their families? Barr asked. Cordray contended that Congress required the rule and that the CFPB cannot exempt credit unions from it.

Barr disagreed and said, The bureau has the discretion to provide the relief to these credit unions from the current rule.
FNCCI candidates play blame games

Candidates in the election for the post of senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) have launched a blame game with less than a week till election day.
Gachhadar accuses Madhes-centric parties of hypocrisy

Nepal Loktantrik Forum Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar has said the local level elections would be meaningful and result oriented only if all-sides took part in it.
In 1994, in a brief lull in the fighting during the Rwandan Genocide, Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire came across a young boy in the middle of a road. As Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda, LGen Dallaire was wary of the childs intentions, believing that he was being used as a distraction.

Upon closer inspection, however, LGen Dallaire quickly realized that this child was not unlike his own son at home. He instantly questioned why the Rwandan child was not being given the same right to life as his son. What made one more human than the other?

In the McInnes Room on Wednesday night, LGen Dallaire (Ret'd) shared this story with a rapt audience as he delivered this years Shaar Shalom Lecture at Dalhousie University. The lecture series hosts an annual talk that explores broad themes of tolerance, multiculturalism, diversity and difference in contemporary Canadian society, and is co-hosted by Dals Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Shaar Shalom Synagogue in Halifax.

This years lecture, titled All Humans Are Human, focused on the use of child soldiers as strategic weapons of war. For a talk about humanity in the face of such evil, few speakers are more fitting than LGen Dallaire.

Following his time in Rwanda, LGen Dallaire served on multiple UN Advisory Committees and as a Canadian senator. He has also written a number of bestselling books about his experiences during and following the genocide, including 2010s They Fight Like Soldiers, They Die Like Children: The Global Quest to Eradicate the Use of Child Soldiers. Today, LGen Dallaire has made it his lifes mission to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

The Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, based at Dalhousie since 2010, was started as a result of General Dallaires growing concern over the use of children as weapons of war. Despite NGOs and non-profit organizations working in nations where child soldiers are commonly used, the number of children used in war was not declining.

Read also: Dalhousie Magazine cover story, winter 2017  Ending the worlds use of child soldiers

All the NGO world has been looking at are child soldiers as a social, humanitarian and economic problem, said LGen Dallaire, who spoke with Dal News just ahead of his talk. Theyve looked at it as these poor kids as child soldiers; weve got to take care of them now. But in doing that, they havent reduced the numbers  they just take care of the ones that make it through. When I looked at it, I looked at it the other way. I said first of all, a lot of kids never make it to rehabilitation because theyre killed, so theres a massive loss there.

The Dallaire Initiative is the first in the world to change the direction of the approach. Instead of rehabilitating former child soldiers, the Dallaire Initiative seeks to prevent their use entirely through a comprehensive program of training and education. Security sector actors, like police and the military, are trained on how to handle the child soldiers they encounter. This is coupled with education programs aimed at young, children between the ages of 8 and 12 who are educated on concepts of peace and conflict and to avoid recruitment if war was to erupt.

I think that its the awareness of the fact that these conflicts are being fought by children in adult wars, says LGen Dallaire about the importance of the Dallaire Initiatives mission. The aim is to make child soldiers unthinkable as an instrument of war.

Towards the end of his lecture, General Dallaire compared the work of the Dallaire Initiative to eating a one tonne marshmallow  it will take time, it will require small steps, and it will be messy.

But it will be worth it in the end.

For more information about the Dallaire Initiative and what you can do to help, please visit its website at childsoldiers.org.
Health Profession Education Bill: House committee holds discussion with experts

The Women, Children, Elderly Citizen and Social Welfare Committee of the Legislature Parliament has begun discussion with experts on Health Profession Education Bill, seven months after it was registered at Parliament for endorsement.
AMSTERDAM  C&A will launch the first ever t-shirt certified to the Cradle to Cradle Gold standard in June 2017. The plain, 100 per cent organic cotton t-shirts have been produced in conjunction with Indian suppliers Prathiba Syntex and Cotton Blossom. Around 500,000 units will initially be sold at C&A stores in 19 EU countries as well as in Brazil and Mexico, retailing for between 7  9, according to Donald Brenninkmeijer, whose family owns the international Dutch fashion retailer.



The move is part of a larger in-store sustainability push from C&A in June this year.


WASHINGTON -- Since most people who hold radical views do not become terrorists, what are the factors that drive some to violent extremism? Is there a connection between mental illness and terrorist involvement? And why do some interrogators resort to torture when the body of evidence shows building rapport with suspects is more effective?

These questions and others are addressed in a special issue of American Psychologist, the flagship journal of the American Psychological Association. The articles look at such topics as how individuals become radicalized; how to predict who will become a terrorist; the progression from non-violence to radicalization to terrorism; and the role of community resilience in preventing youth from embracing violent extremism.

"Terrorism is one of the most complex social problems of our time," said John G. Horgan, PhD, guest editor of the issue and a psychology professor at Georgia State University. "Efforts to understand terrorism abound in every academic discipline but many questions regarding how to predict and prevent it remain unanswered. There has never been a more pressing need for greater engagement from psychology."

Among the articles in the special issue:

"Understanding Political Radicalization: The Two-Pyramids Model," by Clark McCauley, PhD, and Sophia Moskalenko, PhD, of Bryn Mawr College.

In this article, the authors propose that radicalization to extremist opinions is a different psychological phenomenon than is radicalization to extremist action. They describe an "opinion pyramid," consisting of people who share accelerating levels of extremist ideas, and an "action pyramid" with levels ranging from passivity to legal activism to political violence and terrorism. "The warrant for the two-pyramids model is the observation that 99 percent of those with radical ideas never act," they write. "Conversely, many join in radical action without radical ideas." Programs for countering violent extremism that do not distinguish extreme ideas from extremist actions will needlessly multiply the terrorist threat, they suggest.

Contacts: Dr. Clark McCauley at 610-420-7118 or cmccaule@brynmawr.edu; Dr. Sophia Moskalenko at 267-231-8370 or smoskale@gmail.com.

"Risk Assessment and the Prevention of Radicalization from Nonviolence Into Terrorism," by Kiran M. Sarma, PhD, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Is it possible to identify those who will and will not become involved in terrorism in the future? This question is of central importance to those given the task of assessing the risk posed by individuals who may be on a trajectory toward violence. In this article, Sarma discusses the challenges of conducting risk assessment for terrorism. He describes some of the current tools for screening people who have come to the attention to the authorities as being potentially at risk, and who may be on a trajectory from radical thought to violent behavior. Sarma argues that while risk assessment for terrorism is fraught with both ethical and empirical challenges, progress can be made in the area of human judgment and decision-making and in particular the way that assessors gather, synthesize and make decisions about information. The emphasis, he stresses, should be on structured judgments rather than just adding up scores on lists of "red flag behaviors." "In practice, evaluators consider both the presence of factors and the relevance of risk factors," Sarma writes.

Contact: Dr. Kiran M. Sarma at +35391493266 or kiran.sarma@nuigalway.ie.

"Building Community Resilience to Violent Extremism Through Genuine Partnerships," by B. Heidi Ellis, PhD, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Saida Abdi, PhD, Boston Children's Hospital and Boston University School of Social Work.

Social connection is at the heart of resilient communities and strategies aimed at preventing youth from embracing violent extremism, according to this article. Acknowledging the enormous controversy surrounding existing initiatives, the authors maintain that healthy partnerships between government agencies and community members can, if done right, provide appropriate early warning systems for the prevention of violent extremism. This may require a paradigm shift, from a traditional top-down to a bottom-up approach, they write. Done wrong, top-down efforts to define and respond to the risk of violent extremism run the risk of undermining the very community assets that contribute to resilience. For instance, an overemphasis on one particular group as vulnerable to violent extremist ideology will lead to stigma and discrimination, which can undermine a positive sense of social identity for members of that group and degrade community resilience, according to the article.

Contact: Dr. B. Heidi Ellis at Heidi.ellis@childrens.harvard.edu.

"Toward a Psychology of Humiliation in Asymmetric Conflict," by Clark McCauley, PhD, Bryn Mawr College.

This article explores how humiliation (defined as a corrosive combination of shame and anger) is often a key growth factor for terrorist conflicts. Research on humiliation as a psychological construct has barely begun, according to McCauley.

"When analysts discuss the role that humiliation plays in warfare, terrorism and genocide, they often speak as though we know what humiliation is and what it does," he writes. "But the fact is that humiliation will have to be better understood before it can help us understand intergroup violence."

Research on humiliation is equally vital for understanding government reactions to terrorism--something that has been little studied by those interested in terrorism, he writes. "Perhaps the most startling implication of this analysis is that it is not only the weak who can be humiliated," he adds. "The powerful can be humiliated by the weak if - as is often the case in terrorist attacks - the government targeted is unable to retaliate directly against the perpetrators."

"There and Back Again: The Study of Mental Disorder and Terrorist Involvement," by Paul Gill, PhD, and Emily Corner, University College London.

Summarizing the last 40 years of research on the connection between mental disorders and terrorist involvement, the authors conclude there is no common psychological profile for a terrorist. Rather, the evidence suggests that some types of terrorists may be more likely to possess certain psychological traits compared with the general population and that those terrorist subsamples with high rates of mental health disorders still fall below 50 percent. No single mental health disorder appears to be a predictor of terrorist involvement. They suggest that the experience of mental health disorders may be just one of many risk factors that push and pull an individual into terrorist activity.

Contact: Dr. Paul Gill at 02031083205 or Paul.Gill@ucl.ac.uk.

"Revenge Versus Rapport: Interrogation, Terrorism, and Torture," by Laurence Alison, PhD, and Emily Alison, PhD, University of Liverpool.

The idea that generating helplessness, dread and fear would be a reliable strategy for eliciting information runs counter to the research, according to this article. Tactics such as sleep deprivation, exposure to heat and cold and stress positions actually impair recall, damaging the value of any information generated, the authors write. So why is torture still used? "At least part of the reason why torture continues to emerge may lie in our human nature to accept that it is only used when there is no alternative, and it appears to be for the greater good," they write. Rapport building, on the other hand, appears to be a more effective tactic, but has been both difficult to define and to measure. The authors developed a technique for analyzing audio and video interrogation footage to measure the effectiveness of interrogation techniques, and they applied it to a large data set of terrorist interrogations. They found that, among many other interpersonal skills, an adaptive authoritative manner on the part of the interviewer (characterized by being in charge, setting the agenda and advising) yielded more information that than a maladaptive manner (characterized by being demanding, dogmatic, pedantic and rigid).

Contact: Dr. Laurence Alison at l.j.alison@liverpool.ac.uk.

For general questions about the special issue, contact Dr. John G. Horgan at (404) 413-6601 or jhorgan@gsu.edu.

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LOS ANGELES (April 6, 2017) -- Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute investigators have learned how cardiac muscle cells react to a certain type of injury that can be caused by open-heart surgery. The findings point to a new potential way to help these hearts recover more completely.

The cells, known as cardiomyocytes, can be damaged by the process of stopping and starting the heart during surgeries that use cardiopulmonary bypass machines to take over the heart's functions. Hundreds of thousands of these operations are performed each year in the U.S. to replace failing hearts, bypass clogged arteries, fix leaky valves and more.

While most patients recover easily enough, some patients suffer long-term effects or even fatal heart failure from the stresses of the surgery.

In their study, published in the JCI Insight journal of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the investigators scrutinized cardiac muscle cells in tissue samples taken from patients before and after open-heart surgeries. Their work demonstrates for the first time in human hearts that cardiac muscle cells react to this type of injury by both destroying and creating new mitochondria, the tiny energy factories inside each cell.

"By accelerating beneficial aspects of this process, doctors one day may be able to speed up healing from open-heart surgery," said Roberta Gottlieb, MD, director of Molecular Cardiobiology and professor of Medicine at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. She was the principal investigator of the study.

Currently, physicians try to protect the cardiac muscle during open-heart surgery by cooling it and infusing it with potassium to stop its contractions. The goal is to reduce the trauma produced by the one-two punch of first depriving the heart of blood (ischemia) and then flooding it with blood (reperfusion).

"Despite these measures, ischemia/reperfusion injury remains a major cause of complications after heart surgery," said Allen Andres, PhD, a research scientist in Gottlieb's laboratory and assistant professor of Medicine. He was the first author of the study, working with Robert Mentzer, MD, professor of Medicine, who initiated and designed the study.

Investigators for decades have tried to develop drugs to treat ischemia/reperfusion injury associated with cardiac surgeries, with little success, according to Gottlieb. "There have been wonderful results in animal tests, but not in people," she said. "We need to have a better understanding of the beneficial and deleterious processes that characterize the human heart's response to ischemia and reperfusion."

Prior to beginning the study, the Cedars-Sinai investigative team had expected to find that cardiac muscle cells would dismantle some of the mitochondria after ischemia/reperfusion injury. This process was known to occur in the hearts of laboratory animals. Cells and cell structures in various parts of the body often self-destruct after their genetic material gets damaged by stress or other events.

The investigators were gratified to confirm that self-destruction of mitochondria occurred in the human heart too. But they were surprised to learn that human cardiac muscle cells also assembled new mitochondria in response to ischemia/reperfusion injury. "We don't know if this mitochondrial production is good or bad news for the heart," Gottlieb said. "These could be better mitochondria or carry genetic defects. We intend to find out."

To learn more, the investigators are developing proposals to collect data on mitochondria from heart transplant patients over a period of months. And they are already investigating a pharmacological agent that shows promise in stimulating mitochondrial creation in animal models.

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Researchers from Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, and University of Alabama in Birmingham also contributed to this study. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health under award numbers P01 HL112730, R01 HL132075 and R01 HL103859; and by the American Heart Association.
Some people stay up late and have trouble getting up in the morning because their internal clock is genetically programmed to run slowly, according to a study published April 6 in Cell. A mutation in a gene called CRY1 alters the human circadian clock, which dictates rhythmic behavior such as sleep/wake cycles. Carriers of the gene variant experienced nighttime sleep delays of 2-2.5 hours compared to non-carriers.

"Carriers of the mutation have longer days than the planet gives them, so they are essentially playing catch-up for their entire lives," says first author Alina Patke, a research associate in the lab of principal investigator Michael Young, Richard and Jeanne Fisher Professor and Head of the Laboratory of Genetics at The Rockefeller University.

Night owls are often diagnosed at sleep clinics with delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD). This study is the first to implicate a gene mutation in the development of DSPD, which affects up to 10% of the public, according to clinical studies.

People with DSPD often struggle to fall asleep at night, and sometimes sleep comes so late that it fractures into a series of long naps. DSPD and other sleep disorders are associated with anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. People with DSPD also have trouble conforming to societal expectations and morning work schedules.

"It's as if these people have perpetual jet lag, moving eastward every day," says Young. "In the morning, they're not ready for the next day to arrive."

Patke is a night owl and usually works late into the night. She, however, does not carry the CRY1 variant. Not all cases of DSPD are attributable to this gene mutation. However, Young and Patke found it in 1 in 75 of individuals of non-Finnish, European ancestry in a gene database search. "Our variant has an effect on a large fraction of the population," she says.

Young, who has studied the genes involved in the circadian clock of the fruit fly, connected with clinical researchers at the Weill Cornell Medical College to understand the molecular underpinnings of human sleep disorders. By studying the skin cells of people with DSPD, he and Patke discovered a mutation in CRY1, which helps drive the circadian clock.

The circadian clock is a fundamental element of life on Earth and has remained more or less the same, genetically, throughout the evolution of animals. "It's basically the same clock from flies to humans," Young says.

Normally the clock begins its cycle by building up proteins, call activators, in a cell. These activators produce their own inhibitors that, over time, cause the activators to lose their potency. When all the activators in the cell have been silenced, inhibitors are no longer produced and eventually degrade. Once they've all gone, the potency of the activators surges, and the cycle begins again.

The CRY1 protein is one of the clock's inhibitors. The mutation Young and Patke found is a single-point mutation in the CRY1 gene, meaning just one letter in its genetic instructions is incorrect. Yet this change causes a chunk of the gene's resulting protein to be missing. That alteration causes the inhibitor to be overly active, prolonging the time that the activators are suppressed and stretching the daily cycle by half an hour or more.

In addition to their initial study of a multigenerational family in the U.S., Young and Patke collaborated with clinical researchers at Bilkent University to analyze the sleep patterns of six families of Turkish individuals, 39 carriers of the CRY1 variant and 31 non-carriers. The carriers had delayed sleep onset times and some had fractured, irregular sleep patterns. The mid-point of sleep for non-carriers was about 4 a. m. But for carriers, the mid-point was shifted to 6-8 a.m.

Because the mutation does not disable the protein, it can have an effect on individuals whether they carry one or two copies of the gene. Of the 39 Turkish carriers studied, 8 had inherited the mutation from both parents, and 31 had inherited only one copy of the mutation.

The circadian clock responds to external environmental cues, so it is possible for people to manage the effects of the mutation on sleep. For instance, one carrier in the study reported maintaining a sleep routine through self-enforced regular sleep and wake times and exposure to bright light during the day. "An external cycle and good sleep hygiene can help force a slow-running clock to accommodate a 24-hour day," says Patke. "We just have to work harder at it."

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This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medical College, Calico Life Sciences LLC, the Turkish Academy of Sciences, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.

Cell, Patke, et al.: "Mutation of the Human Circadian Clock Gene CRY1 in Familial Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder." http://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(17)30346-X

Cell (@CellCellPress), the flagship journal of Cell Press, is a bimonthly journal that publishes findings of unusual significance in any area of experimental biology, including but not limited to cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, virology and microbiology, cancer, human genetics, systems biology, signaling, and disease mechanisms and therapeutics. Visit: http://www.cell.com/cell. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com.
Areas of attitude convergence among parents, children, and restaurant executives offer opportunities for health promotion in restaurants, according to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 6, 2017 - Previous analyses of menu offerings at chain restaurants identified most meals marketed for children as poor in quality. Likewise, the majority of kids' meals at quick- and full-service restaurants in the United States fail to meet recommendations for calories, total fat, saturated fat, and sodium. Differences in opinions between parents and children and executives of restaurant chains represent a challenge in terms of promoting healthy eating habits. In order to better understand those opinions, researchers surveyed parents and children dining at participating restaurants, as well as executives of restaurant chains, to obtain more information on healthy children's meals.

"Incorporating perspectives of parents, children, and executives allows us to gain insight and develop future interventions. For example, our findings support the promise of targeting health promotion efforts at both parents and children and positioning healthier children's options as normative," said lead author Stephanie Anzman-Frasca, PhD, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. "Tests of these approaches should also recognize restaurants' priorities, including consumer demand and profitability."

For the study, parent-child pairs dining at one of two participating quick-service restaurants or one of two participating full-service restaurants were recruited. Fifty-nine families agreed to participate, with 59 parents and 58 children answering surveys. Just 8% of children's meals ordered were those matching national Kids LiveWell criteria for healthier kids' meals. A total of 76% of children reported that they had visited the restaurant before, of whom 64% placed their usual order, and 48% of children knew what they would order before arriving at the restaurant. Ninety-five percent of children reported positive responses regarding the taste of their meal and 48% intended to order the same item again.

Parents largely did not know their child's preference (37%) regarding Kids LiveWell options or did not know what these options were (42%). Regarding toys in meals, one third of parents disagreed with the practice and one third agreed, with parents dining in the quick-service restaurants more likely to agree with this practice.

In order to incorporate the views of restaurant executives, researchers interviewed two executives from large chains and two executives from small chains via telephone. Executives communicated greater demand for kids' meals at full-service restaurants, and that meal offerings must be readily accepted by kids. According to the executives, parents view dining out as a special occasion, allowing their children to eat items that are not necessarily available to them every day; thus, healthy options were less popular. Other barriers to healthier meals include the fact that children's menus are more static than regular menus and restaurants have low incentive to invest in healthier kids' meals. Some areas of common ground between families and restaurant executives were uncovered, including the importance of taste and familiarity.

"Our research can inform the development and implementation of efforts to make healthier choices easier for families in quick- or full-service restaurant settings, an important goal given the regularity with which children consume meals from restaurants." Anzman-Frasca said.

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During April 2017 Jupiter is in opposition: it is at its closest to Earth and the hemisphere facing Earth is fully illuminated by the Sun. The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope used this special configuration to capture an image of what is by far the largest planet in the Solar System. This image adds to many others made in the past, and together they allow astronomers to study changes in the atmosphere of the gas giant.

On 7 April Jupiter will come into opposition, the point at which the planet is located directly opposite the Sun in the sky. This means that the Sun, Earth and Jupiter line up, with Earth sitting in between the Sun and the gas giant.

Opposition also marks the planet's closest approach to Earth -- about 670 million kilometres -- so that Jupiter appears brighter in the night sky than at any other time in the year. This event allows astronomers using telescopes in space and on the ground to see more detail in the atmosphere of Jupiter.

On 3 April Hubble took advantage of this favourable alignment and turned its sharp eye towards Jupiter to add to the collection of images of our massive neighbour. Hubble observed Jupiter using its Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), which allows observations in ultraviolet, visible and infrared light. The final image shows a sharp view of Jupiter and reveals a wealth of features in its dense atmosphere. As it is so close, Hubble can resolve features as small as about 130 kilometres across.

The surface of Jupiter is divided into several distinct, colourful bands, running parallel to the equator. These bands are created by differences in the opacity of the clouds which have varying quantities of frozen ammonia in them; the lighter bands have higher concentrations than the darker bands. The differing concentrations are kept separate by fast winds which can reach speeds of up to 650 kilometres per hour.

The most recognisable feature on Jupiter is the huge anticyclonic storm, called the Great Red Spot -- this storm is large enough to engulf a whole Earth-sized planet at once. However, as with the last images of Jupiter taken by Hubble and telescopes on the ground, this new image confirms that the huge storm which has raged on Jupiter's surface for at least 150 years continues to shrink. The reason for this is still unknown. So Hubble will continue to observe Jupiter in the hope that scientists will solve this stormy riddle.

Next to the famous Great Red Spot a much smaller storm can be seen at farther southern latitudes. Because of its similar appearance but much smaller size it was dubbed "Red Spot Junior".

The observations of Jupiter form part of the Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) programme, which allows Hubble to dedicate time each year to observing the outer planets. This way scientists have access to a collection of maps, which helps them to understand not only the atmospheres of the giant planets in the Solar System, but also the atmospheres of our own planet and of the planets that are being discovered around other stars. The programme began in 2014 with Uranus, and has been studying Jupiter and Neptune since 2015. In 2018, it will begin viewing Saturn.

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More information

The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA.

Image credit: NASA, ESA, and A. Simon (GSFC)

Links

Images of Hubble - http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/archive/category/spacecraft/

Hubblesite release - http://hubblesite.org/news_release/news/2017-15

Hubble images of Jupiter - http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/archive/search/?subject_name=Jupiter

OPAL programme - https://archive.stsci.edu/prepds/opal/

Contacts

Mathias Jager

ESA/Hubble, Public Information Officer

Garching bei Munchen, Germany

Cell: +49 176 62397500

Email: mjaeger@partner.eso.org
Imagine taking pictures of thousands of snowflakes from three different angles with a specialized instrument installed at an altitude of 2,500 meters. Then imagine using 3,500 of these pictures to manually train an algorithm to recognize six different classes of snowflakes. And, finally, imagine using this algorithm to classify the snowflakes in the millions of remaining pictures into those six classes at breakneck speed. That's exactly what researchers at EPFL's Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory (LTE) did, in a project spearheaded by Alexis Berne. Their pioneering approach was featured in the latest issue of Atmospheric Measurement Techniques.

"The scientific community has been trying to improve precipitation measurement and forecast for over 50 years. We now have a pretty good understanding of the mechanisms involved in rain," says Berne. "But snow is a lot more complicated. Many factors - like the shape, geometry and electromagnetic properties of individual snowflakes - affect how snow crystals reflect signals back to weather radars, making our task much harder. And we still don't have a good grasp of the equivalent liquid water content of snowflakes. Our goal with this study was to better understand exactly what's falling when it snows, so that we can eventually improve snowfall forecast at high altitudes." Berne also sees other applications for the team's findings, like a more accurate estimation of water equivalent stored in the snowpack for irrigation and hydropower.

Identifying snowflakes and their degree of riming

To reach their goal, the researchers acquired a Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera (MASC)- a sophisticated instrument composed by three synchronized cameras that simultaneously take high resolution (up to 35-micron) pictures of snowflakes as they pass through a metallic ring.

In collaboration with the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss and the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, they installed the MASC at a site near Davos, at an altitude of 2,500 meters, where it took pictures for an entire winter and at a site in coastal Antarctica, where it took pictures for an entire austral summer. They then ran their algorithm to classify the snowflake images into six main classes based on existing classification: planar crystals, columnar crystals, graupels, aggregates, combination of column and planar crystals, and small particles.

The researchers used the pictures taken by the MASC to also determine the degree of riming of each snowflake based on its surface roughness (image 3). "Snowflakes change shape as they fall down the atmosphere - especially through clouds," says Berne. "Some of them gather frost and become more or less rimed snow crystals [#3-5 in the image], while others remain pristin and have a very low riming index." Riming is important because it is the process that turns cloud water droplets into precipitation in the form of ice - in other words, snow.

Comparing Alpine and Antarctic snowflakes

The next step was to compare the results obtained from the pictures taken near Davos in the Swiss Alps with those taken in Adelie Land on the coast of Antarctica. That revealed significant differences in how often every snowflake family appeared. Most of the snowflakes in the Alps are aggregates (49%), followed by small particles and graupels. However, in Antarctica, the majority were small particles (54%), followed by aggregates and graupels.

According to Berne, these differences can be explained. "The fierce Antarctic winds continually erode the snowpack and result in the formation of tiny snow particles. What's more, Antarctic snowflakes have much less riming than Alpine snowflakes because the Antarctic air is a lot drier." Another of the researchers' findings that will perhaps disappoint purists is that the 'stellar dendrite' type of snowflake - the one we typically associate with the 'ideal' snowflake - turned out to be rare at both sites, making up only 10% of snowflakes in the Alps and 5% of snowflakes in Antarctica.

Multi-instrumental approach

To tackle the complexity of the multiple processes involved, scientists usually rely on several different instruments when making meteorological measurements and weather forecasts. The results obtained by Berne's team will therefore provide even more insights when combined with other instruments, such as weather radars, which collect data on clouds and precipitation across all layers of the atmosphere.

As part of the international Solid Precipitation Intercomparison Experiment (SPICE), MeteoSwiss set up a rain gauge next to the MASC at the Davos site. The data have not been yet fully analyzed, but by comparing the type of snowflakes photographed by the MASC with the amount of water collected over a given period, the team will be able to test various hypotheses on snowflake liquid water content, which remains an enigma for atmospheric scientists.

A measurement campaign during the 2018 Winter Olympics

To bolster their findings, Berne's team needs to gather more data. They sent their MASC back to Antarctica for another data-collecting round this year; it will then head to the mountains of South Korea in 2018 for the Winter Olympics which will take place in Pyeongchang. "The more data we have, the more reliable our calculations will be," says Berne.

This research project combines fundamental and applied research. It involves three scientists: Alexis Berne and Christophe Praz from EPFL's Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory and Yves-Alain Roulet from MeteoSwiss (the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology). MeteoSwiss has been working with EPFL for several years to improve its precipitation estimates and its numerical weather prediction model.

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NEW YORK, NY--April 6, 2017--From 2007 to 2014, private insurance claim lines with opioid abuse and dependence diagnoses increased 1,459 percent in the New York City suburbs of Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties, according to data from FAIR Health, a national, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information.

The increase was greater than in New York City (324 percent) and the rest of the state (310 percent) for the same time period, as well as in New York State as a whole (487 percent). "Claim lines" are the individual services or procedures listed on an insurance claim.

Those trends were identified when FAIR Health investigated recent opioid-related data from New York State in its national database of over 23 billion privately billed healthcare claims, the largest such repository in the country. FAIR Health previously published two white papers on the national opioid crisis, The Opioid Crisis among the Privately Insured: The Opioid Abuse Epidemic as Documented in Private Claims Data and The Impact of the Opioid Crisis on the Healthcare System: A Study of Privately Billed Services.

Following are other pertinent New York-related findings from FAIR Health's research. (See also the article on this research in Crain's New York Business.)

Distribution of Opioid Abuse and Dependence Claim Lines

With 43 percent of the state's population, New York City is the most populous part of the state, compared to the New York City suburbs (21 percent) and the rest of the state (36 percent), according to US Census estimated figures from July 2016. Yet, New York City had the lowest share (13 percent) of the statewide total of claim lines for privately insured individuals with diagnoses of opioid abuse and dependence during the period 2007-2014. The largest share of the distribution (50 percent) was in the upstate and western parts of the state beyond New York City and its suburbs. In the New York City suburbs, the share was 37 percent.

There may be several reasons why New York City has a disproportionately smaller share of the private insurance claim lines with opioid-related diagnoses. It could be that, at least among the privately insured, the opioid epidemic is having a more severe impact on the rest of the state than on the city. It also could be that, in New York City, a greater share of patients with opioid-related diagnoses are receiving their healthcare under Medicaid than in the rest of the state. FAIR Health data do not show Medicaid utilization. And, it could be that in New York City there are a greater number of higher-income individuals who are not using insurance to cover their opioid-related treatment.

Opioid-Related Diagnoses by Category

There are a number of distinct categories of opioid-related diagnoses, and claim lines associated with them have risen at different rates in different regions of New York State. Of five diagnoses--heroin overdose, opioid overdose (excluding heroin), opioid abuse, opioid dependence and pregnancy drug dependence--the largest increase in New York City from 2007 to 2014 was in pregnancy drug dependence, which rose 2,600 percent. (Pregnancy drug dependence can include other drugs as well as opioids.) But, in the same period in the New York City suburbs, claim lines with an opioid dependence diagnosis rose at the greatest rate--1,867 percent. In the rest of New York, claim lines for one of the diagnoses actually decreased: opioid overdoses fell by 56 percent. Outside New York City and its suburbs, the largest increase was 470 percent for pregnancy drug dependence.

Overdoses by Age and Gender

In New York State in the period 2007-2014, age-related patterns differed for heroin overdoses and overdoses of opioids excluding heroin. Claim lines associated with heroin overdoses occurred overwhelmingly in the younger population, mostly in the age groups 23 to 30 years and 19 to 22 years, with the third most populous age group those 18 years and under. By contrast, claim lines associated with opioid overdoses excluding heroin occurred most often in the age group 51 to 60 years, followed by 41 to 50 years.

Gender-related patterns also differed with respect to heroin overdoses compared to overdoses of opioids excluding heroin. In the period 2007-2014 in New York State, claim lines associated with heroin overdoses were more numerous for males than females in all age groups but one (13 to 18 years). Claim lines associated with opioid overdoses excluding heroin, however, showed a different pattern. The frequency of such claim lines for males was greater than for females from ages 13 to 30, and again from 41 to 60. But, such claim lines occurred more frequently for females from ages 31 to 40, and again from ages 61 to over 80.

FAIR Health President Robin Gelburd commented, "As the opioid epidemic continues to spread across the nation, FAIR Health is committed to using its data to help all healthcare stakeholders understand the complexities and layered impact of this pressing national issue."

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Follow us on Twitter @FAIRHealth

About FAIR Health

FAIR Health is a national, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information through data products, consumer resources and health systems research support. FAIR Health oversees the nation's largest collection of healthcare claims data, which includes a repository of over 23 billion billed medical and dental procedures that reflect the claims experience of over 150 million privately insured individuals, and separate data representing the experience of more than 55 million individuals enrolled in Medicare. Certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a Qualified Entity, FAIR Health receives all of Medicare Parts A, B and D claims data for use in nationwide transparency efforts. FAIR Health licenses its privately billed data and data products--including benchmark modules, data visualizations, custom analytics, episodes of care analytics and market indices--to commercial insurers and self-insurers, employers, hospitals and healthcare systems, government agencies, researchers and others. FAIR Health has earned HITRUST CSF and Service Organization Controls (SOC 2) certifications by meeting the rigorous data security standards of those organizations. As a testament to FAIR Health's data security and validation protocols, its data have been incorporated in statutes and regulations around the country and designated as the official, neutral data source for a variety of state health programs, including workers' compensation and personal injury protection (PIP) programs. FAIR Health data serve as an official reference point in support of certain state balance billing laws that protect consumers against bills for surprise out-of-network and emergency services. FAIR Health also uses its database to power a free consumer website available in English and Spanish and as an English/Spanish mobile app, which enable consumers to estimate and plan their healthcare expenditures and offer a rich educational platform on health insurance. The website has been honored by the White House Summit on Smart Disclosure, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), URAC, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, appPicker, Employee Benefit News and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. FAIR Health also is named a top resource for patients in Elisabeth Rosenthal's new book, An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back. For more information on FAIR Health, visit fairhealth.org.

Contact:

Dean Sicoli

Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations

FAIR Health

646-664-1645

dsicoli@fairhealth.org
SEATTLE - Despite strong declines in the rate of tobacco smoking over the past 25 years, one out of every four men still smoke daily, as do one out of every 20 women.

In a new analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) published today (April 5, 2017) in The Lancet, authors discovered that the prevalence of daily smoking declined on a global scale - decreasing by 28% for men and 34% for women between 1990 and 2015.

But while the rate of smoking has fallen over the past few decades, the number of daily smokers globally continues to rise year-over-year due to population growth. As of 2015, there were 933 million daily smokers.

"Robust tobacco control efforts have led to progress in reducing the deadly habit of smoking in much of the world, but much more can be done," said senior author Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou, Professor of Global Health at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington in Seattle. "Growth in the sheer number of daily smokers still outpaces the global decline in daily smoking rates, indicating the need to prevent more people from starting the tobacco habit and to encourage smokers to quit."

The three countries with the most male daily smokers in 2015 accounted for over half of all men who smoked daily worldwide. Countries with the most male daily smokers in 2015 were China with 254 million, India with 91 million, and Indonesia with 50 million.

The three countries with the highest number of female daily smokers in 2015 accounted for just over 25% of all female daily smokers worldwide. Countries with the most female daily smokers in 2015 were the Unites States with 17 million, followed by China with 14 million, and India with 13.5 million. These results suggest that the tobacco smoking epidemic is less geographically concentrated for women than for men, with implications that global efforts may need to be different to reach male smokers compared to female smokers.

In an effort to encourage governments to implement tobacco control policies, the World Health Assembly in 2003 adopted the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The WHO FCTC has been ratified by 180 Parties and sets the path forward for implementation of robust tobacco control programs. To scale up implementation of the treaty's key demand - reduction measures on the ground - in 2008 WHO established the MPOWER measures in line with the WHO FCTC, with a focus on cost-effectiveness, practicality, and impact.

"The WHO FCTC and its guidelines provide the foundation for countries to implement and manage tobacco control. The MPOWER measures help make this a reality and have changed the landscape of global tobacco control," says Dr. Douglas Bettcher, Director of the Department of Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases at WHO headquarters in Geneva.

"Along with national and local governments and other partner organizations in high-burden countries, we are making positive change happen in some of the toughest tobacco industry strongholds. Together, we have protected nearly 1.8 billion people with at least one new MPOWER measure at the highest level of achievement since 2007."

India has seen remarkable reductions in daily smoking. It became a Party to the WHO FCTC in 2005 and has created tobacco control initiatives. These include a ban on smoking in many public places and offices, bans on tobacco advertising in many forms, and requiring pictures of tobacco's health effects that cover 85% of cigarette packaging. The pictures began to appear on cigarette packs in 2016.

Since the initial rollout of programs and policies, India has seen marked drops in daily smoking. Daily smoking prevalence of Indian men fell by an average of 3% every year between 2005 and 2015, twice as fast as in the previous decade. For women, the change in daily smoking prevalence flipped from an alarming 1% yearly increase from 1990 to 2005, to a 2% decrease from 2005 to 2015. These estimates do not include smokeless tobacco, however, from which India still has a high burden.

Brazil, which also ratified the WHO FCTC and is a leader in tobacco control, saw the third-largest overall decline in daily smoking prevalence since 1990 - a drop of 57% for men and 56% for women. The country has implemented a combination of tobacco control policies, including advertising restrictions, smoking bans, and taxes on tobacco products.

The authors also examined the relationship between prevalence of daily smoking and development status - measured by using the Socio-demographic Index, which synthesizes income, education, and fertility rates. Daily smoking prevalence varied by sex and level of development. The highest smoking prevalence for men was observed in mid-level development countries, whereas the highest smoking prevalence for women was observed in highly developed countries. The lowest smoking prevalence for both men and women was observed in countries of the lowest quintile of development.

When looking at age trends, daily smoking prevalence was consistent across development groups for men, with the highest prevalence generally seen between ages 25 and 35. For women, however, age patterns were more varied across levels of development.

While countries with the lowest level of development generally showed the lowest prevalence of daily smoking, these countries have seen the greatest percent change in overall health burden in 2005 to 2015, mainly as the result of population growth.

"With sustained commitment to implementing proven measures to reduce tobacco use, governments can help curb a global epidemic projected to kill 1 billion people this century," said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Countries that have acted decisively to implement policies like those called for in the FCTC have seen the most dramatic drops in tobacco use. Without urgent action, more than 80% of tobacco-related deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries by 2030."

There were 13 countries that sustained significant annual rates of decline between both from 1990 to 2005 and 2005 to 2015, including Australia, the United States, and Brazil. Further, the daily smoking prevalence declined faster between 2005 and 2015 in 18 countries, including Nepal, Chile, and Ukraine.

Smoking is the second-leading cause of death globally. More than 11% of all global deaths in 2015 were attributed to smoking, totaling 6.4 million. Over half of these smoking-related deaths took place in just four countries: China, India, the United States, and Russia.

In addition, daily smoking still contributes to a significant amount of the world's overall health burden, measured using the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) metric, which combines years of healthy life lost due to illness with those lost due to premature death. Most DALYs attributable to daily smoking were due to cardiovascular diseases (41%), cancers (28%), and chronic respiratory diseases (21%).

Countries with the highest number of deaths from smoking (rounded):

1. China (1.8 million)

2. India (743,000)

3. US (472,000)

4. Russia (283,000)

5. Indonesia (180,000)

6. Japan (166,000)

7. Bangladesh (153,000)

8. Brazil (149,000)

9. Germany (130,000)

10. Pakistan (124,000)

Countries with the highest prevalence of male daily smokers:

1. Kiribati (48%)

2. Indonesia (47%)

3. Laos (47%)

4. Northern Mariana Islands (46%)

5. Armenia (43%)

6. Greenland (43%)

7. Belarus (42%)

8. Ukraine (41%)

9. Azerbaijan (40%)

10. Timor-Leste (40%)

Countries with the highest prevalence of female daily smokers:

1. Greenland (44%)

2. Bulgaria (28%)

3. Greece (27%)

4. Montenegro (26%)

5. Croatia (26%)

6. Northern Mariana Islands (25%)

7. Kiribati (25%)

8. Macedonia (23%)

9. Hungary (23%)

10. Austria (23%)

"Data on smoking trends is essential to continuing the progress we're making reducing the death toll from tobacco. The more we know, the better we can target our efforts, the greater incentive national governments have to take action, and the more death and disease we can prevent," said Michael R. Bloomberg.

Michael R. Bloomberg has been a leading advocate in the fight against tobacco use. Bloomberg has provided nearly $1 billion to tobacco control efforts including 10 years of support for the implementation of tobacco control laws and policies around the world through the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use. To date the initiative has successfully supported 59 countries in passing laws or policies, reaching nearly 3.5 billion people and saving an estimated 30 million lives.

Daily smoking is defined in the study as the daily use of manufactured or hand-rolled cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, bidis, and other country-specific smoked tobacco products, when applicable. Smokeless tobacco products and burden due to secondhand smoke were not included in the analysis.

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The study was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In addition to the study, IHME updated its data visualization tool to reflect data through 2015. The tool can be accessed at http://www.vizhub.com/tobacco.

The open-access research article, published in The Lancet, is available at http://www.lancet.com/gbd.

Media contacts:

Kayla Albrecht, MPH, +1-206-897-3792 (office); +1-206-335-2669 (cell); albrek7@uw.edu

Dean R. Owen, +1-206-897-2858 (office); +1-206-434-5630 (cell); dean1227@uw.edu

Established in 2007, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is an independent global health research center within UW Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. IHME provides rigorous and comparable measurement of the world's most important health problems and evaluates strategies to address them. IHME makes this information available so that policymakers, donors, practitioners, researchers, and local and global decision-makers have the evidence they need to make informed decisions about how to allocate resources to best improve population health. For more information, visit http://www.healthdata.org.
Hunger strike against local restructuring

Six people in Sukhipur, Siraha, have staged started a fast unto death strike, demanding municipality status for Sukhipur Village Council.
Signal molecules called chemokines often work in tandem to recruit specific sets of immune cells to sites of tissue damage. A systematic analysis of their interactions by researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich pinpoints potential targets for new therapies.

Chemokines are small signal proteins that are secreted by their producer cells, and function as attractants for specific cell types, summoning them to sites in the body where they are needed. Most of these proteins act on cells of the immune system, and recruit them to sites of injury or infection. The cells reach their targets by following the rise in the concentration of the chemokine back to its cellular source in the tissues, a process known as chemotaxis. Hence, chemokines are involved in initiating and regulating inflammation reactions, which are triggered by acute tissue damage or metabolic imbalances. For example, chemokines are intimately involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, i.e. the localized infiltration with lipid-laden macrophages and deposition of fat-rich debris which can obstruct the flow of blood through major arteries. For these 'plaques' are themselves the product of chronic inflammation reactions. In a paper that has just appeared in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers led by LMU's Professor Christian Weber and Dr. Philipp von Hundelshausen now report the results of the first ever systematic survey of direct interactions between individual chemokines and characterized their biological effects.

Different chemokines are capable of binding to each other to form so-called heterodimers, i.e. functional units consisting of two distinct subunits, and such interactions may either potentiate or attenuate their function. This makes heterodimers interesting as drug targets for novel therapies for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation. "Up to now, however, only one heterodimer had been sufficiently well characterized to allow it to be targeted by synthetic peptides in the context of a therapeutic intervention. In that case, the heterodimer exacerbates the recruitment of monocytes that stimulate atherosclerosis to sites of inflammation in the blood vessel wall," Weber explains.

Weber and his collaborators have now, for the first time, systematically screened all pairwise combinations of the 50 or so known chemokines for their ability to form heterodimers, and identified those interactions that are functionally relevant and potentially targetable for therapeutic purposes. Using an array of analytical methods to probe structure-function relationships and a set of transgenic mouse strains as experimental models, the researchers found that chemokines that are secreted in the course of inflammatory reactions are particularly prone to heterodimerize with each other. Furthermore, the team was able to show that these binding interactions can be classified into two structural types, which are referred to as CC and CXC dimers. "Our results also demonstrate that these two subtypes differ functionally: Heterodimers of the CC class have a more potent chemoattractant effect, and in mouse models they promote acute inflammation of the lung and atherosclerosis. Dimers of the CXC type, on the other hand, repress chemotaxis. So the formation of chemokine heterodimers enables the organism to fine-tune the overall level of chemokine activity," von Hundelshausen says.

"In the course of our study, we were able to demonstrate that specially designed synthetic peptides selectively inhibit the ability of CC heterodimers to promote the development of atherosclerosis and acute inflammation of the lung, or mimic the capacity of CXC heterodimers to inhibit platelet aggregation, thus limiting the risk of thrombosis", Weber says. Appropriately designed peptides could therefore serve as the basis for the creation of new anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet compounds without side effects.

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New Rochelle, NY, April 6, 2017 -- A new study has shown that women with intellectual and developmental disabilities had nearly twice the risk of a hospital or emergency department visit with the first few weeks after giving birth compared to women without these disabilities. The researchers reported their results and how medical versus psychiatric reasons contributed to the differences in the need for acute postpartum care in Journal of Women's Health, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Journal of Women's Health website until May 6, 2017.

Hilary Brown, PhD, and coauthors from Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada, and University of Ottawa, Canada, concluded that the higher rates of postpartum hospital and emergency department visits among women with intellectual and development disabilities demonstrates the potential vulnerability of these women to postpartum complications and the need for more preventive care. They discuss the potential implications of their findings in the article entitled "Postpartum Acute Care Utilization Among Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities."

An Editorial in Journal of Women's Health by Monika Mitra, PhD, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, emphasizes the additional postpartum challenges this population of women face, including limited social and emotional support and significant disparities in maternal and birth outcomes. In additional to these challenges, these women "are faced with significant discrimination that likely reflects societal bias against them," states Dr. Mitra in the article "Postpartum Health of Women with Intellectual and Development Disabilities: A Call to Action."

"Whereas it has been clear that women with disabilities are more likely to have pregnancy complications, this study sheds light on the greater health risks these women face during the postpartum period," says Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Women's Health, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA, and President of the Academy of Women's Health. "These results emphasize the need to monitor these patients more closely and consider safeguards that could lower their risk for postpartum health issues."

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About the Journal

Journal of Women's Health, published monthly, is a core multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the diseases and conditions that hold greater risk for or are more prevalent among women, as well as diseases that present differently in women. Led by Editor-in-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA, and President of the Academy of Women's Health, the Journal covers the latest advances and clinical applications of new diagnostic procedures and therapeutic protocols for the prevention and management of women's healthcare issues. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Journal of Women's Health website. Journal of Women's Health is the official journal of the Academy of Women's Health and the Society for Women's Health Research.

About the Academy

Academy of Women's Health is an interdisciplinary, international association of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals who work across the broad field of women's health, providing its members with up-to-date advances and options in clinical care that will enable the best outcomes for their women patients. The Academy's focus includes the dissemination of translational research and evidence-based practices for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of women across the lifespan. Journal of Women's Health and the Academy of Women's Health are co-presenters of Women's Health 2017: The 25th Anniversary Congress which will take place April 28-30, 2017 in Washington, DC.

About the Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including LGBT Health, Transgender Health, Population Health Management, and Breastfeeding Medicine. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 140 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801 http://www.liebertpub.com Phone: (914) 740-2100 (800) M-LIEBERT Fax (914) 740-2101
WOODS HOLE, Mass.-- Octopus, squid, and cuttlefish are famous for engaging in complex behavior, from unlocking an aquarium tank and escaping to instantaneous skin camouflage to hide from predators. A new study suggests their evolutionary path to neural sophistication includes a novel mechanism: Prolific RNA editing at the expense of evolution in their genomic DNA.

The study, led by Joshua J.C. Rosenthal of the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), Woods Hole and Eli Eisenberg and Noa Liscovitch-Brauer of Tel Aviv University, is published this week in Cell.

The research builds on the scientists' prior discovery that squid display an extraordinarily high rate of editing in coding regions of their RNA -- particularly in nervous system cells -- which has the effect of diversifying the proteins that the cells can produce. (More than 60 percent of RNA transcripts in the squid brain are recoded by editing, while in humans or fruit flies, only a fraction of 1 percent of their RNAs have a recoding event.)

In the present study, the scientists found similarly high levels of RNA editing in three other "smart" cephalopod species (two octopus and one cuttlefish) and identified tens of thousands of evolutionarily conserved RNA recoding sites in this class of cephalopods, called coleoid. Editing is especially enriched in the coleoid nervous system, they found, affecting proteins that are the key players in neural excitability and neuronal morphology.

In contrast, RNA editing in the more primitive cephalopod Nautilus and in the mollusk Aplysia occurs at orders of magnitude lower levels than in the coleoids, they found. "This shows that high levels of RNA editing is not generally a molluscan thing; it's an invention of the coleoid cephalopods," Rosenthal says. In mammals, very few RNA editing sites are conserved; they are not thought to be under natural selection. "There is something fundamentally different going on in these cephalopods where many of the editing events are highly conserved and show clear signs of selection," Rosenthal says.

The scientists also discovered a striking trade-off between high levels of RNA recoding and genomic evolution in these cephalopods. The most common form of RNA editing is carried out by ADAR enzymes, which require large structures (dsRNA) flanking the editing sites. These structures, which can span hundreds of nucleotides, are conserved in the coleoid genome along with the editing sites themselves. The genetic mutation rate in these flanking regions is severely depressed, the team reported.

"The conclusion here is that in order to maintain this flexibility to edit RNA, the coleoids have had to give up the ability to evolve in the surrounding regions - a lot," Rosenthal says. "Mutation is usually thought of as the currency of natural selection, and these animals are suppressing that to maintain recoding flexibility at the RNA level."

Rosenthal and colleagues at the MBL are currently developing genetically tractable cephalopod model systems to explore the mechanisms and functional consequences of their prolific RNA editing. "When do they turn it on, and under what environmental influences? It could be something as simple as temperature changes or as complicated as experience, a form of memory," he says.

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Citation:

Liscovitch-Brauer et al (2017) Trade-off between transcriptome plasticity and genome evolution in cephalopods. Cell DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.03.025

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery - exploring fundamental biology, understanding marine biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago.
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Lying in a hospital bed, the last thing you should have to worry about is a personal data breach. Yet recent research co-authored by a Michigan State University business scholar found nearly 1,800 occurrences of large data breaches in patient information over a seven-year period.

The study, by Xuefeng "John" Jiang, MSU associate professor of accounting, and colleagues from Johns Hopkins and Ball State universities, is published in JAMA Internal Medicine. The data breaches occurred in health care facilities ranging from UC Davis Medical Center in California to Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan.

"Our findings underscore the critical need for increased data protection in the health care industry," Jiang said. "While the law requires health care professionals and systems to cross-share patient data, the more people who can access data, the less secure it is."

The researchers examined Department of Health and Human Services data for the period October 2009-December 2016. By law, hospitals covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPPA, must notify HHS of any breach affecting 500 or more individuals within 60 days from the discovery of the breach.

What they found was alarming:

Healthcare providers reported 1,225 of the 1,798 recorded breaches, while business associates, health plans and healthcare clearinghouses reported the rest.

257 breaches reported by 216 hospitals.

33 hospitals experienced more than one breach - many of which are large, major teaching hospitals.

This research reinforces the critical trade-off patients face: healthcare systems having access to information they need, versus a hacker planning to spend your savings at Best Buy.

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Montreal, April 6, 2017 - Researchers have identified the genetic mutation responsible for one patient's serious health problems, finally solving a medical mystery that has endured for over 30 years. Thanks to this discovery, the researcher developed a therapy that could also help a lot of people who have problems related to the immune system, whether they are genetic or due to a transplant or an illness.

"In the laboratory, we demonstrated that a molecule called Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotide could correct this kind of genetic anomaly and allow the patient's immune system to function properly," explains Dr. Donald Vinh, a researcher at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and the principal author of the study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Steven Francis, the MUHC patient at the centre of this discovery, has dealt with significant health issues his whole life. Followed at the MUHC since childhood, he has faced sinus infections, fungal infections, inflammations of the colon, shingles, respiratory problems, renal issues, and impeded growth, throughout all of which doctors were unable to discover an underlying cause; they suspected that it was genetic, but were unable to prove it. His family went so far as to consult specialists in the United States without success.

The tide finally turned in his favour when Dr. Vinh examined his case in 2012. "When this patient was referred to me, I went over his entire file in detail, covering some 30 years and literally filling two large cardboard boxes. I also looked at his family history. Since the 1980s, many new immune deficiencies have been identified, and I was able to apply the knowledge from these advances to solve the case," he explains.

Dr. Vinh discovered that Steven had a mutation on a gene that is critical for the proper function of the immune system, called ZAP70. It serves to synthesize a protein of the same name that helps activate our T cells. Without the ZAP70 protein, the body can't defend itself effectively against most infections.

"A mutation on this gene is known to be fatal, and the only treatment available up until now has been a bone marrow transplant that must take place before the age of five. With this new discovery, we have found out that genetic mutations of this kind are also found in adults, which could lead to tremendous advances in research. Solving this mystery has opened a new door into the way that the scientific community will look at immune system deficiencies," says Dr. Vinh. The discovery is all the more remarkable considering this gene cannot be studied in mice.

Steven is now 35 years old. In his case, Dr. Vinh and his team now understand exactly where to find the mutation and how it behaves. His specific mutation subtly affects the slicing of the gene and doesn't affect the amino acid sequence that synthesizes the ZAP70 protein. Inspired by a little known treatment used in cases of hypercholesterolemia, Dr. Vinh successfully developed a molecule that exclusively blocks the mutation while allowing the protein to be synthesized. In the process of helping Steven, the researchers have shown in their laboratory that it is possible to create a molecular therapy that might improve the human immune system.

For Dr. Vinh, the battle is still only half won: while all the pieces of the puzzle might be found, they haven't yet been fully put together. "There are definitely more steps to take before we can test this treatment. For one thing, we have to convince the industry to support us. When Steven can finally get the benefit of the treatment, I'll be able to count this as a victory."

Dr. Vinh: on the genetics trail

Dr. Vinh studies genetic defects of the immune system. He seeks to understand why the genetic make-up of certain individuals leaves them more vulnerable to rare, severe or recurrent infections.

In his clinic and in his laboratory, he receives patients with complicated health problems that seem to be linked to their immune system. He treats what are called rare and orphan diseases affecting less than 1 person in 2000.

Dr. Vinh knows that there are people like Steven all across Canada - they are getting sick but nobody knows why. His team is specialized in finding answers for complicated cases and more importantly, finding new solutions. It doesn't matter if you are in Montreal, Halifax or northern Quebec - he wants people to know they are here for them. Patients are referred to him from all of Eastern Canada.

Dr. Vinh is sometimes compared to Dr. Gregory House of the popular television series. Like House, Dr. Vinh has a reputation across the country for his interest in the most atypical medical conditions within his field of practice. "I may have a few things in common with him, but I'd like think people find me a nicer person than he is!" he jokes.

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About the study

L'etude Morpholino-based correction of hypomorphic ZAP70 mutation in an adult with combined immunodeficiency a ete coecrite par Christina Gavino?; Marija Landekic; Jibin Zeng; Ning Wu, Ph.D.; Sungmi Jung; Ming-Chao Zhong, Ph.D.; Alexis Blanchet-Cohen, Ph.D.; Melanie Langelier; Odile Neyret; Duncan Lejtenyi; Claudia Rochefort; Judith Cotton-Montpetit; Christine McCusker; Bruce Mazer; Andre Veillette; Donald C. Vinh, MD
BOULDER, Colo. -- The crippling wintertime droughts that struck California from 2013 to 2015, as well as this year's unusually wet California winter, appear to be associated with the same phenomenon: a distinctive wave pattern that emerges in the upper atmosphere and circles the globe.

Scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) found in a recent study that the persistent high-pressure ridge off the west coast of North America that blocked storms from coming onshore during the winters of 2013-14 and 2014-15 was associated with the wave pattern, which they call wavenumber-5. Follow-up work showed that wavenumber-5 emerged again this winter but with its high- and low-pressure features in a different position, allowing drenching storms from the Pacific to make landfall.

"This wave pattern is a global dynamic system that sometimes makes droughts or floods in California more likely to occur," said NCAR scientist Haiyan Teng, lead author of the California paper. "As we learn more, this may eventually open a new window to long-term predictability."

The finding is part of an emerging body of research into the wave pattern that holds the promise of better understanding seasonal weather patterns in California and elsewhere. Another new paper, led by NCAR scientist Grant Branstator, examines the powerful wave pattern in more depth, analyzing the physical processes that help lead to its formation as well as its seasonal variations and how it varies in strength and location.

The California study was published in the Journal of Climate while the comprehensive study into the wave patterns is appearing in the Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences. Both papers were funded by the National Science Foundation, which is NCAR's sponsor, as well as by the Department of Energy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA.

The new papers follow a 2013 study by Teng and Branstator showing that a pattern related to wavenumber-5 tended to emerge about 15-20 days before major summertime heat waves in the United States.

Strong impacts on local weather systems

Wavenumber-5 consists of five pairs of alternating high- and low-pressure features that encircle the globe about six miles (10 kilometers) above the ground. It is a type of atmospheric phenomenon known as a Rossby wave, a very large-scale planetary wave that can have strong impacts on local weather systems by moving heat and moisture between the tropics and higher latitudes as well as between oceanic and inland areas and by influencing where storms occur.

The slow-moving Rossby waves at times become almost stationary. When they do, the result can be persistent weather patterns that often lead to droughts, floods, and heat waves. Wavenumber-5 often has this stationary quality when it emerges during the northern winter, and, as a result, is associated with a greater likelihood of persistent extreme events.

To determine the degree to which the wave pattern influenced the California drought, Teng and Branstator used three specialized computer models, as well as California rainfall records and 20th century data about global atmospheric circulation patterns. The different windows into the atmosphere and precipitation patterns revealed that the formation of a ridge by the California coast is associated with the emergence of the distinctive wavenumber-5 pattern, which guides rain-producing low-pressure systems so that they travel well north of California.

Over the past winter, as California was lashed by a series of intense storms, wavenumber-5 was also present, the scientists said. But the pattern had shifted over North America, replacing the high-pressure ridge off the coast with a low-pressure trough. The result was that the storms that were forced north during the drought winters were, instead, allowed to make landfall.

Clues to seasonal weather patterns

Forecasters who predict seasonal weather patterns have largely looked to shifting sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, especially changes associated with El Nino and La Nina. But during the dry winters of 2013-14 and 2014-15, those conditions varied markedly: one featured the beginning of an El Nino while the sea surface temperatures during the other were not characteristic of either El Nino or La Nina.

The new research indicates that the wave pattern may provide an additional source of predictability that sometimes may be more important than the impacts of sea surface temperature changes. First, however, scientists need to better understand why and when the wave pattern emerges.

In the paper published in Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, Branstator and Teng explored the physics of the wave pattern. Using a simplified computer model of the climate system to identify the essential physical processes, the pair found that wavenumber-5 forms when strong jet streams act as wave guides, tightening the otherwise meandering Rossby wave into the signature configuration of five highs and five lows.

"The jets act to focus the energy," Branstator said. "When the jets are present, the energy is trapped and cannot escape." But even when the jets are present, the wavenumber-5 pattern does not always form, indicating that other forces requiring study are also at play.

The scientists also searched specifically for what might have caused the wave pattern linked to the severe California drought to form. In the paper published in the Journal of Climate, the pair found that extremely heavy rainfall from December to February in certain regions of the tropical Pacific could double the probability that the extreme ridge associated with wavenumber-5 will form. The reason may have to do with the tropical rain heating parts of the upper atmosphere in such a way that favors the formation of the wavenumber-5 pattern.

But the scientists cautioned that many questions remain.

"We need to search globally for factors that cause this wavenumber-5 behavior," Teng said, "Our studies are just the beginning of that search."

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The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research under sponsorship by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
The French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in collaboration with health authorities in Guinea and Liberia, are launching a large clinical trial of candidate Ebola vaccines under the aegis of the PREVAC international consortium (Partnership for Research on Ebola VACcination).

This trial seeks to identify vaccination regimens that hold the most promise to protect people from Ebola virus disease in order to prevent or quickly control a future outbreak. More than 5,000 adults and children living in countries at the epicenter of the 2014-16 West Africa Ebola epidemic will be enrolled. An additional site in Sierra Leone is also being planned. The PREVAC trial results from a research partnership that involves Inserm, NIH, LSHTM, and the West African Clinical Research Consortium1. The pharmaceutical companies Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Bavarian Nordic and Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp (MSD outside USA and Canada), are supplying the experimental vaccines being tested in the PREVAC trial.

The trial will compare three experimental Ebola vaccination strategies with placebo regimens. It will be conducted in two stages, the first stage to take place in Guinea and Liberia. In Guinea, the trial is being conducted under the sponsorship of Inserm with the support of NIH and in collaboration with the Guinean authorities, and involves a partnership with the non-governmental organization ALIMA (The Alliance for International Medical Action). The NIH is sponsoring the trial based in Liberia, under its collaboration with the Liberia Ministry of Health in the Partnership for Research on Ebola Virus in Liberia (PREVAIL). Pending confirmation of funding, LSHTM will sponsor the planned site in Sierra Leone working with the University of Sierra Leone's College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, which would conduct the study.

In its first stage, the trial will evaluate one of the three strategies, a prime-boost vaccination combining two different vaccines (one made by Janssen and the other by Bavarian Nordic) compared with a similar placebo regimen. Enrollment into this stage in Guinea and Liberia began on 27th March and 3rd April 2017, respectively. In a second stage, which is expected to start in the second half of 2017, the trial will evaluate all three vaccination strategies, including two additional strategies involving the Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp vaccine.

On 29 March 2016, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern caused by the Ebola outbreak.2 At the end of this epidemic, although important advances have been achieved, several questions remain regarding the durability of the immune response of candidate vaccines under development. PREVAC trial will evaluate the rapidity, intensity and duration of the immune responses generated by the various vaccination strategies, and the safety and tolerability of the various vaccines, particularly in children.

According to Yves Levy, Inserm Chairman and CEO; Anthony S. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH; and Peter Piot, Director of the LSHTM: "We, Inserm, NIH and LSHTM, have designed and launched this unique international research partnership with our colleagues from the West African countries most affected by Ebola virus disease to answer remaining questions regarding the safety and immunogenicity of candidate Ebola vaccine strategies and thereby enable us to better fight future Ebola outbreaks."

The first stage of the PREVAC study will evaluate a prime-boost strategy that includes the Janssen and Bavarian Nordic experimental vaccines:

Ad26.ZEBOV administered as a first dose followed 8 weeks later by MVA-BN-Filo as a booster dose.3 This vaccination strategy will be compared to an identical regimen in terms of dosage and duration, but made up of two placebos.

The second stage of the PREVAC study will evaluate all three strategies: the one used in the first stage, and two different regimens involving the experimental Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp vaccine:

rVSV?G-ZEBOV-GP 4 administered as a first dose followed 8 weeks later by a booster dose of the same vaccine

administered as a first dose followed 8 weeks later by a booster dose of the same vaccine rVSV?G-ZEBOV-GP administered as a first dose followed 8 weeks later by an inert placebo Each of these vaccination strategies will be compared to an identical regimen in terms of dosage and duration, but made up of two placebos.

PREVAC in Brief

Currently, there is no approved vaccine to prevent Ebola virus disease, although some vaccines are at late stages of development. To better prepare for Ebola outbreaks and help contain them in future, it is essential to pursue research on vaccination strategies to prevent Ebola virus disease.

PREVAC (Partnership for Research on Ebola VACcination), is a research consortium that brings together the health authorities of three countries in West Africa--Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone -- and their international partners, the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) in France, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (NIAID/NIH) in the United States, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in the United Kingdom. Additional partners in the consortium include the NGO field partner Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA). The pharmaceutical companies Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Bavarian Nordic and Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp (MSD outside USA and Canada), are supplying the experimental vaccines being tested in the PREVAC trial.

The PREVAC trial is a Phase 2 clinical trial being conducted in West Africa. It is a randomised trial that aims to compare three experimental Ebola vaccination strategies with placebos in order to determine whether these strategies are safe and able to trigger a durable immune response that can protect against Ebola virus disease. In the first stage, the trial intends to enroll up to 600 participants 12 years or older. In the second stage, the trial intends to enroll 4,900 participants: 3,500 healthy adults aged 18 years or older, and 1,400 children aged 1-17 years. The study will initially be conducted at two sites in Guinea (Conakry/Landreah and Maferinyah) and one site in Liberia (Monrovia), with an additional site in Sierra Leone awaiting confirmation.

The main objectives of the PREVAC Ebola vaccine trial are as follows:

To further explore the safety of three Ebola vaccination strategies and their ability to trigger a protective

To assess these vaccination strategies in the general population and in important groups, such as children, for which there is only limited information available

To obtain information on the duration of the immune response induced by the vaccines

In Guinea, two vaccination centres have been established, one in Conakry (in an urban area) and the other in Maferinyah (in a rural area). Liberia has one vaccination site in Monrovia.

According to Yazdan Yazdanpanah, PREVAC Principal Investigator, "Our challenge is to identify one or more safe, effective, and durable vaccines in order to prevent or control the next Ebola outbreak, for both adults and children."

"ALIMA's medical teams were at the front line in caring for patients with Ebola virus disease in Guinea. Today we know that this virus may reappear at any time. We therefore want to continue to support the population by pursuing the search for a vaccine capable of protecting the population from future epidemics," says Solenne Barbe, Programme Manager for ALIMA.

After the enrollment period, the participants will be followed up frequently at regular visits for at least 12 months. Teams of physicians, researchers and anthropologists will work in partnership in the field to ensure that the trial runs smoothly, and to answer questions from study participants and potential volunteers. Study staff will monitor participants' health, record any side effects, and obtain blood samples at follow-up visits after the vaccinations.

An independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will closely monitor safety and immune response information throughout the trial. Children under the age of 12 years will not be enrolled initially. The DSMB will first examine data in children ages 12 to 17 years to determine if it is safe to expand the trial to children ages five to 11 years. After another review of safety data, the DSMB will consider whether vaccination of children ages one to four years can begin.

There is no risk to participants in this trial of becoming infected with Ebola by the study vaccines. The vaccines being tested are not live Ebola virus. They contain a single gene coding for a single protein from the Ebola virus. This protein cannot cause infection. The principle is the same as for many other existing vaccines.

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Additional information about the trial can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT02876328 and in Questions and Answers: PREVAC--Partnership for Research on Ebola VACcination.

How does a preventive vaccine work?

Preventive vaccination usually involves administering an attenuated or inactivated form of an infectious agent (or one or more of the agent's components) to a healthy individual. The objective is to trigger an immune response that involves the development of "memory" cells of the immune system that can immediately recognise the pathogen if it subsequently infects the individual.

Media Contacts:

Inserm: presse@inserm.fr

NIH: niaidnews@niaid.nih.gov

LSHTM: press@lshtm.ac.uk

1The WACRC -- established in 2015 by scientific leaders in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, and now also including Mali -- conducts collaborative research to prevent or help respond to future outbreaks of Ebola and other infectious diseases and thereby advance health preparedness and security in this sub-region of West Africa.

2 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/ihr-emergency-committee-ebola/en/

3The Ad26.ZEBOV vaccine was developed by Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, and the MVA-BN-Filo vaccine was developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S. This investigational Ebola vaccine regimen was developed in a collaborative research program with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additional funders who have supported development of this vaccine regimen include Europe's Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), an office within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

4The rVSV ?G-ZEBOV-GP vaccine was developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The vaccine was licensed to NewLink Genetics, and on 24 November 2014, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (MSD outside USA and Canada) and NewLink Genetics Corp. entered into a worldwide and exclusive licensing agreement in which Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp assumes responsibility for research, development, manufacture and distribution of the experimental vaccine. The Canadian and US Governments, among others, have contributed financial support.

NIAID conducts and supports research -- at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide -- to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health
On April 3, 2017, as Jupiter made its nearest approach to Earth in a year, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope viewed the solar system's largest planet in all of its up-close glory. At a distance of 415 million miles (668 million kilometers) from Earth, Jupiter offered spectacular views of its colorful, roiling atmosphere, the legendary Great Red Spot, and it smaller companion at farther southern latitudes dubbed "Red Spot Jr."

The giant planet is now at "opposition," positioned directly opposite the sun from the Earth. This means that the sun, Earth and Jupiter line up, with Earth sitting between the sun and the gas giant. Opposition also marks Jupiter's closest point to us, and the planet appears brighter in the night sky than at any other time in the year.

This positioning allowed a team led by Amy Simon of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland to observe Jupiter using Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3. Hubble photographed exquisite details in Jupiter's atmosphere, as small as about 80 miles (129 kilometers) across.

With its immense and powerful storms and hundreds of smaller vortices, the atmosphere of Jupiter is divided into several distinct, colorful bands, parallel to the equator. These bands, with alternating wind motions, are created by differences in the thickness and height of the ammonia ice clouds; the lighter bands rise higher and have thicker clouds than the darker bands. The bands are separated by winds that can reach speeds of up to 400 miles (644 kilometers) per hour.

Jupiter is best known for the Great Red Spot, an anticyclone that has raged for at least 150 years. This famous storm is larger than Earth. However, the Great Red Spot is slowly shrinking--a trend seen since the late 1800s. The reason for this phenomenon is still unknown. Hubble will continue to observe Jupiter in hopes of solving this mysterious riddle.

The images are part of the Outer Planets Atmospheres Legacy program or OPAL. This program provides yearly Hubble global views of the outer planets to look for changes in their storms, winds, and clouds. It began in 2014 with Uranus, and has been studying Jupiter and Neptune since 2015. In 2018, it will begin viewing Saturn.

The team timed the Hubble observation to coincide with when NASA's space probe Juno would be near its closest point to Jupiter, so that scientists could get concurrent observations.

The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., in Washington, D.C.

###

For images and more information about the study and Hubble, visit:

http://hubblesite.org/news_release/news/2017-15

http://www.nasa.gov/hubble

Ann Jenkins / Ray Villard

Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland

410-338-4488 / 410-338-4514

jenkins@stsci.edu / villard@stsci.edu
Rowan University, in conjunction with Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Senate President Steve Sweeney, is pleased to announce that the Spanish multinational veterinary pharmaceutical company HIPRA will establish its North American headquarters at the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University in Mantua Township, New Jersey.

The firm will purchase 25 acres of the Tech Park's 180 acres on Rowan's West Campus, located about a mile from its main campus in Glassboro.

HIPRA, which develops vaccines for animal health, will build 375,000 square feet of space fronting Route 55 at the Route 322 interchange for office, research and development, manufacturing, warehouse and distribution facilities. HIPRA plans to develop the land in several phases, with a long-term investment that could reach $100 million and create 200 new high-technology jobs.

"The United States is a critical market for our firm and its continued growth," said Arnau Nogareda, HIPRA's managing director. "The South Jersey Technology Park will provide us with an ideal location to expand our operations in the United States and distribute our products worldwide as well as help us find our future workforce, including from among Rowan University graduates."

He added, "We selected the Technology Park after evaluating numerous first-class host sites. We were impressed by the research already being done at Rowan and the Technology Park, in particular in the areas of science and engineering; access to outstanding faculty and student teams; support from New Jersey, Gloucester County and Mantua Township; and a location in the heart of the East Coast."

The Rowan University Board of Trustees on April 5 authorized the administration to finalize negotiations of the sale of 25 acres to HIPRA on the north side of Rowan's West Campus in a Mantua Township redevelopment zone. The firm is expected to apply to Mantua Township for approvals soon and start construction of its first building as soon as approved.

"One of our goals as a research university is to attract established and startup firms that focus on practical research and impact the economy of the region. HIPRA does both," said Dr. Ali Houshmand, president of Rowan University. "We anticipate that in establishing its North American headquarters here HIPRA will create short- and long-term employment opportunities in diverse fields, from construction to biomedical engineering; open the door to spinoff companies; and benefit local businesses that will serve its employees. This partnership will be especially valuable for our faculty and students working in the sciences, engineering and business."

HIPRA approached the State of New Jersey about locating its North American headquarters in the mid-Atlantic region. The lieutenant governor's office elaborated on New Jersey's strengths, introducing the firm to South Jersey leaders and others.

"South Jersey has a lot to offer, and there's room for more businesses like HIPRA here. This is New Jersey being open for business," said Sweeney. "From Lt. Gov. Guadagno to Gloucester County to Mantua Township to Rowan, this process has demonstrated exceptional teamwork in drawing such a prestigious company to our region."

According to Dr. Shreekanth Mandayam, Rowan vice president for Research and executive director of the Technology Park, HIPRA is an ideal firm for the Technology Park, which is 20 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport and about two hours from New York City.

"HIPRA will be an excellent fit for our overall goals, which include attracting partners who provide opportunities for our faculty and students to conduct research and spinning off companies that develop the regional economy," Mandayam said.

###

About HIPRA

HIPRA is a multinational veterinary pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, production and marketing of products for prevention in animal health. More than 50 years old, the firm occupies one of the top positions in the industry, producing vaccines for the veterinary industry worldwide.

The company is expanding internationally and has branches in 30 countries and two strategically located production plants, one in Europe (Spain) and another in South America (Brazil). Together with a worldwide distribution network, HIPRA's products are available to customers in more than 100 countries across five continents.
Synthetic biologists at Rice University have engineered gut bacteria capable of sensing colitis, an inflammation of the colon, in mice. The research points the way to new experiments for studying how gut bacteria and human hosts interact at a molecular level and could eventually lead to orally ingestible bacteria for monitoring gut health and disease.

The research, published in a new study in Molecular Systems Biology, involved a series of breakthroughs in the lab of Jeffrey Tabor, assistant professor of bioengineering and of biosciences at Rice, and key contributions from collaborators Robert Britton and Noah Shroyer at Baylor College of Medicine. Tabor's team, including lead co-author and postdoctoral researcher Kristina Daeffler, identified the first genetically encoded sensor of a novel biomarker linked to inflammation, inserted the genes for the sensor into a well-studied gut bacterium and collaborated with Shroyer and Britton to use the engineered bacteria to detect colon inflammation in mice.

"The gut harbors trillions of microorganisms that play key roles in health and disease," Tabor said. "However, it is a dark and relatively inaccessible place, and few technologies have been developed to study these processes in detail. On the other hand, bacteria have evolved tens of thousands of genetically encoded sensors, many of which sense gut-linked molecules. Thus, genetically engineered sensor bacteria have tremendous potential for studying gut pathways and diagnosing gut diseases."

Synthetic biologists like Tabor specialize in programming single-celled organisms like bacteria in much the same way an engineer might program a robot. In particular, Tabor's team is working to develop bacterial sensors that can detect disease signals in the gut. Like electrical engineers who build circuits from wires and electronic components, Tabor's team uses genetic circuits to program single-celled creatures to carry out complex information processing.

Previous work has suggested that alterations to the gut microbiota, genetic predisposition and other environmental factors may play key roles in inflammatory bowel disease, a condition that includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and which affects as many as 1.6 million Americans.

"Based on a number of previous studies, we hypothesized that the molecule thiosulfate may be elevated during colitis," Daeffler said. "It has been difficult for scientists to study this link because there aren't tools for reliably measuring thiosulfate in living animals. Our first goal in this project was to engineer such a tool."

From the outset of the project in 2015, Daeffler said, the idea was to use sensor bacteria, in this case an engineered form of Escherichia coli, to sense thiosulfate and related sulfur-containing compounds that may also be biomarkers of colitis. There were well-understood methods for programming E. coli to produce a fluorescent green protein in response to specific stimuli, but there were no known genes -- in any organism -- that were used to sense thiosulfate, and few for the other compounds.

"There's a link between gut sulfur metabolism and inflammation, and we knew that we needed to be able to measure sulfur metabolites accurately to diagnose colon inflammation," she said.

Tabor said study co-author Ravi Sheth, an undergraduate researcher in the group in 2015, used a computer program to identify potential sensors of thiosulfate and other sulfur compounds in the genome of Shewanella, a type of bacteria that live in marine sediment. Tabor's group believes that Shewanella likely breathe these molecules and use the sensors to turn on the proper enzymes in their presence.

Daeffler spent one year engineering E. coli to express the sensor genes, validate their function and optimize them to respond to the potential biomarkers by producing a green fluorescent protein signal. It took another year to prove that the system worked and detected colon inflammation in mice.

The researchers administered orally two drops containing about a billion sensor bacteria to both healthy mice and to mice with colitis. They measured the activity of the sensor bacteria in each group six hours later. The tell-tale green fluorescent protein showed up in the feces of the mice. Though it was not visible to the unaided eye, it could easily be measured with a standard laboratory instrument called a flow cytometer.

The team found that the thiosulfate sensor was activated in the mice with inflammation, and was not activated in the healthy mice. Furthermore, the researchers found that the more inflammation the mouse had, the more the sensor was activated.

Tabor said the study shows that gut bacteria can be outfitted with engineered sensors and used to noninvasively measure specific metabolites and that this result could open the door to many new studies that could help elucidate a wide range of gut processes.

Though it would likely take several additional years of development, and it remains unknown if thiosulfate is a biomarker of human colitis, the sensor bacteria might eventually be re-engineered to function as a diagnostic of human colitis, Tabor said. In particular, the green fluorescent protein could be replaced with an enzyme that makes a colored pigment.

"We'd like to develop a home inflammation test where a person prone to colitis flare-ups would eat yogurt that contained the engineered bacteria and see blue pigment in the toilet if they were sick," he said.

Tabor said such a test could reduce unneeded and costly trips to the doctor and unneeded colonoscopy procedures, which are both expensive and invasive. He said his team has begun collaborations with gastroenterologists at Baylor to achieve this goal.

###

Additional co-authors include Britton, Shroyer, Jeffrey Galley and Laura Ortiz-Velez, all of Baylor College of Medicine, and Christopher Bibb of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The research was supported by the Welch Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University's Department of Bioengineering.

The DOI of the Science Advances paper is: 10.15252/msb.20167416

A copy of the paper is available at: http://msb.embopress.org/content/13/4/923

Related research stories from Rice:

Rice U. lab creates open-source optogenetics hardware, software -- Nov. 7, 2016

Photosynthetic bacteria give biologists a cool new tool -- May 10, 2016/

It's now easier to go with the flow -- May 3, 2016

Jeffrey Tabor wins CAREER Award -- April 4, 2016

Red means 'go' to therapeutic viruses -- Dec. 1, 2015

No bioengineered gut bacteria, no glory -- May 12, 2014

Rice synthetic biologists shine light on genetic circuit analysis -- March 9, 2014

Rice, UW win $2M grant for synthetic biology research -- Sept. 12, 2011

This release can be found online at news.rice.edu.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations on Twitter @RiceUNews.

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,879 undergraduates and 2,861 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for happiest students and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
IFC offers to invest $100m in tourism

International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector lending arm of the World Bank, has offered to invest up to $100 million in Nepals tourism sector to spur job creation by bringing the private sector and the government onboard.
PORTLAND, OR - Researchers have analyzed and reported on a sweeping data set on the Death with Dignity Act, Oregon's first-in-the-nation law that allows physicians to provide terminally ill patients with a lethal dose of medication.

The Death with Dignity Act became Oregon law in 1997, and today, the states of Washington, Vermont, Colorado, and California have passed similar legislation, as has the District of Columbia. Assisted dying is also legal in Montana through a state Supreme Court ruling. According to the non-profit Death with Dignity National Center, legislators in at least 20 other states are expected to consider assisted dying bills this year.

SWOG, part of the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network, conducted the research using data provided by the Oregon Health Authority, results of which appear in JAMA Oncology. For California and Colorado, where assisted dying laws went into effect in 2016, and in the District of Columbia, where the law took effect in 2017, Oregon's experience offers a potential preview:

Not everyone takes the lethal drugs. In Oregon, 1,545 prescriptions were written between the years 1998-2015, and 991 people - 64 percent - ingested the medication and subsequently died.

Older white, educated people use the law most frequently. State health data showed that 97 percent of people who opted for physician-aided dying were white, and 91 percent were over the age of 55. Along gender lines, the split was roughly even - 51 percent male, 49 percent female - and 72 percent had at least some college attendance.

Use of the law increases over time. From 1998-2013, the number of Oregon prescriptions written annually increased an average of 12 percent. During both 2014 and 2015, the number increased 24 percent.

The medication is effective. Only six patients awakened after getting a lethal dose, making the medications 99.4 percent effective. Relatively few patients experienced side effects such as vomiting.

Patients with cancer predominantly use the law. According to the data, 77 percent of patients who died had cancer as an underlying terminal illness, followed by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, respiratory and cardiac disease, and HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Charles D. Blanke is SWOG group chair and lead author of the JAMA Oncology article. An oncologist and professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, Blanke said he was surprised at the reasons people cited for opting for assisted dying. Untreatable pain was not the main reason people used the law, Blanke said. The most common reasons were the loss of autonomy and dignity and the inability to enjoy life.

"You can't easily palliate loss of dignity," Blanke said. "Patients' end of life concerns can't always be addressed through direct medical treatment."

Blanke said the research points up rich areas for future study. "If we knew more about how patients make decisions about assisted dying," he said, "we might be able to use that information data to ease end-of-life concerns and either delay the use of assisted dying or reduce the numbers altogether."

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The study team also included Michael LeBlanc, Ph.D. of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Dr. Dawn Hershman of Columbia University; Dr. Lee Ellis of University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; and Dr. Frank Meyskens of the University of California Irvine.

All authors are supported by funding from the National Cancer Institute, but this funding was not used in support of this manuscript and may not represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute or National Institute of Health.

SWOG designs and conducts cancer clinical trials as part of the publicly funded National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network and the NCI Community Oncology Research Program and is a major part of the cancer research infrastructure in the U.S. and the world. SWOG has over 12,000 members at more than 1,000 sites in 46 states and six foreign countries. Founded in 1956, SWOG trials have led to the approval of 14 cancer drugs, changed more than 100 standards of cancer care, and saved more than 2 million years of human life. SWOG is headquartered at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Ore., and its statistics and data management center is based at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. SWOG's operations office is located in San Antonio, Texas. Learn more at swog.org.
Structural racism, including ongoing residential segregation and punitive drug laws, worsen health and fuel inequalities in the USA

The richest 1% of Americans now live 10-15 years longer than the poorest 1%, and health inequalities are growing

The authors call for reform of the ACA, towards a single-payer system, to address growing health inequalities

Structural racism, mass incarceration, and the widening income gap between rich and poor all feed growing health inequalities in the USA, which the health care system -- by its very design and financing - only helps exacerbate, according to a new five paper Series published in The Lancet.

Published as the new administration approaches its first 100 days in office, the Series highlights the urgent need for broad initiatives to address racism and inequality, as well as health reform that move towards a single-payer system, to address growing health inequalities in the USA, and prevent a 21st century health-poverty trap.

Writing in The Lancet, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, says: "Health care is not a commodity. It is a human right. The goal of a health-care system should be to keep people well, not to make stockholders rich. The USA has the most expensive, bureaucratic, wasteful, and ineffective healthcare system in the world. Medicare-for-all would change that by eliminating private health insurers' profits and overhead costs, and much of the paperwork they inflict on hospitals and doctors, saving hundreds of billions in medical costs."

Income inequality

The survival gap between the richest and poorest Americans is widening, with low-income Americans being left further behind. Since 2001, the poorest 5% of Americans have experienced no gains in survival, while middle and high income Americans have seen their life expectancy increase by 2 years. Today, the richest 1% of Americans live 10-15 years longer than the poorest 1%.

The authors identify two trends during 2001-2014: 1) poverty deepened and 2) poverty became an increasingly important risk factor for poor health. Based on current trends, the authors predict that the gap in life expectancy between the poorest 20% and wealthiest 20% of Americans will increase by nearly a decade in a single generation - from 77 and 82 for the poorest and wealthiest Americans born in 1930, to 76 and 89 for those born in 1960.

Dr Jacob Bor, Boston University School of Public Health, says: "We are witnessing a slow-moving disaster unfolding for the health of lower-income Americans who have spent their working lives in a period of rising income inequalities. Rising economic insecurity among poor and middle class Americans has led to the persistence of smoking and the rise of obesity and opioid epidemics, with adverse consequences for health and life expectancy. At the same time, paying for health care in the USA today can bankrupt households and impoverish families. The growing link between income and health in the USA has potential to create a health-poverty trap." [1]

The Affordable Care Act

While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has reduced the number of Americans without health insurance from 48.6 million in 2010 to 28.6 million in 2015, the high cost of co-payments, deductibles and co-insurance still drive many households into debt, even bankruptcy.

The ACA's Medicaid expansion targeted the poorest Americans, but 19 states - mostly southern states with large minority populations and poor records of health care access - chose to opt out. Even if the ACA were not altered or repealed, an estimated 28 million people would remain uninsured in 2024. Health care access inequalities among income groups are stark - in 2015, 25.2% of poor Americans were uninsured, compared to 7.6% of non-poor Americans.

Dr David Himmelstein, City University of New York, co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program and lead author of the Series says: "Today, 43 million people in the USA are poor, and although the ACA has nearly halved the number of people without insurance, 29 million Americans, many of them poor or near-poor, remain uninsured. Health inequalities are more entrenched than ever, and rather than address them, the US health care system often exacerbates them. In order to tackle health inequalities in the US, it is essential that we move towards a non-market financing system that treats health care as a human right." [1]

Dr Adam Gaffney, Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School, says: "Republican proposals focus on market based reforms that would slash federal funding for Medicaid, replace the ACA's subsidies with regressive tax credits, and further privatise Medicare. Rather than improve the health inequalities that remain a grave problem even in the era of the Affordable Care Act, this approach would only make things worse. Real reform is now needed to take us towards a universal single-payer system." [1]

Structural racism

Significant health disparities exist among racial groups. For instance, the rate of infant mortality is twice as high for black Americans compared to white Americans. And, in 2013, median family wealth for the non-Hispanic white population was 10 times that of Hispanics and more than 12 times that of African-Americans.

Despite the passage of civil rights laws in the 1960s, structural racism in public and private policy - from discrimination in hiring decisions and housing to tough sentencing laws for drugs - contributes to health inequalities. Residential segregation relegates many black Americans to neighbourhoods with over-priced, substandard housing, often near busy roads and other sources of air pollution (such as factories, toxic sites). Residents experience under-funded public schools, few employment opportunities, increased rates of crime, and (as in the case of the Flint lead water contamination crisis) can suffer government neglect of public health issues.

"Racial and ethnic health disparities in the United States are well documented, but structural racism is rarely discussed as a root cause," says Dr Mary T. Bassett, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. "Structural racism refers to all the ways in which systems foster inequitable outcomes, whether in housing, education, employment, media, health care or the criminal justice system. All have profound effects on health. If we don't address structural racism, health inequities will persist." [1]

The authors point to several potential solutions to improve health equity by targeting structural racism, including community programmes to address housing and access to health care; policy reform to reduce sentencing laws and imprisonment; and training the next generation of health professionals.

Mass incarceration

The US has the highest incarceration rate of any country at 743 per 100000 people in 2005. Among other developed countries, its closest competitor is New Zealand at 173. Every step of the criminal justice system - from arrest to re-entry - influences health, and has wide repercussions for families and communities. Compared with non-incarcerated individuals, prisoners and ex-prisoners have higher rates of HIV, hepatitis C, hypertension, diabetes, substance use and mental health disorders. Moreover, the authors' analysis shows that people on probation and parole have particularly high mortality.

Research suggests that if incarceration had remained at its mid-1980s level, US life expectancy would have increased by an additional 51.1% and infant mortality would have fallen by an additional 39.6%. The annual rate of incarceration for black men is 3.8-10.5 times higher than for white men.

Dr Christopher Wildeman, Cornell University, Ithaca, says: "Soaring incarceration since the 1970s has profoundly affected health in the USA and, because of the uneven distribution of incarceration, the criminal justice system further contributes to racial health inequalities. Overcrowding, high costs and aggressive policing have led to increasing recognition that mass incarceration has failed. But, sweeping reforms are needed to reduce incarceration of technical parole violators, expand community corrections for low-level property and drug crimes, and medical paroles for elderly or sick inmates, in addition to expanded access to health care for individuals affected by the criminal justice system." [1]

KEY DATA: health inequalities in the USA

The US is one of the most unequal countries in the OECD - only Chile, Turkey and Mexico are more unequal.

The life expectancy gap between rich and poor is among the highest in developed countries. The richest 1% of Americans live 10-15 years longer than the poorest 1%.

The life expectancy gap has increased in recent decades, with poverty an increasingly strong risk factor for early death.

Many people forgo medical care altogether: 39% of low income Americans reported not seeing a doctor because of costs, compared to 7% in Canada and 1% in the UK.

The US health care system is the most expensive of any other country, yet people with serious illness commonly face financial hardship - 1 in 10 families with medical bill problems have declared bankruptcy.

The poorest fifth of American spend 6% of their income on private insurance - nearly twice what the wealthiest fifth pay at 3.2%

The ACA significantly reduced the number of people who are uninsured - from 48.6 million in 2010, to 28.6 million in 2015, mostly through Medicaid expansions which Congress recently threatened to roll back.

Before the 2014 implementation of the ACA, in 2012 43% of adults avoided needed care and 41% had medical bill difficulties, down to 36% and 35% in 2014.

In 2015, inequalities remain: 25.2% of poor Americans are uninsured, compared to 7.6% of non-poor Americans; 27.7% for Hispanics, 14.4% for non-Hispanic blacks and 8.7% for non-Hispanic whites.

US life expectancy would have increased 511% more and infant mortality would have fallen 396% more from 1983 to 2005 if incarceration had remained at its mid-1980s level.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

[1] Quotes direct from authors and cannot be found in the text of the articles.

IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE A LINK FOR YOUR READERS, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING, WHICH WILL GO LIVE AT THE TIME THE EMBARGO LIFTS: http://www.lancet.com/us-health
Neurons in the prefrontal cortex "teach" neurons in the hippocampus to "learn" rules that distinguish memory-based predictions in otherwise identical situations, suggesting that learning in the present helps guide learning in the future, according to research conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published April 5 in the journal Neuron.

The study, led by Matthew Shapiro, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, investigated memory flexibility and interference, the mechanisms by which the brain interprets events and anticipates their likely outcomes. The hippocampus is a temporal lobe brain structure needed for remembering recent events: for example, where you ate your last meal. The prefrontal cortex is where the brain uses context to switch flexibility between remembered rules, such as knowing to look left before crossing a street in North America but right before crossing in Britain. Without such rules, memories interfere with one another and predictions based on memory are inaccurate.

High-functioning individuals rapidly integrate memories with goals to choose their course of action. This cognitive flexibility requires interaction between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Previous research indicates that interactions between these two brain regions are disrupted in many neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, depression, and attention deficit disorder, but the mechanisms of these interactions have largely remained a mystery.

"We want to understand how our brains learn to think ahead and the mechanisms that use context to recall events, predict outcomes and inform decisions. For example, how does the brain know to answer a ringing telephone at home but not in someone else's house? " says Dr. Shapiro. "We found that 'rules' signaled by the medial prefrontal cortex 'teach' the hippocampus to distinguish goals, as rats learned to switch from one goal to another. We already knew that hippocampal cells predicted memory decisions through prospective coding, firing at different rates before rats chose different goals. We learned that inactivating the prefrontal cortex reduced prospective coding by the hippocampus. Furthermore, the more the prefrontal cortex altered hippocampal activity as rats learned one rule, the faster they switched to the next rule."

The research team tested spatial memory in rats using a plus-shaped maze in a task that depends on hippocampal function. The rats were trained to walk from the far end of a start arm (North or South) through a choice point to the end of one of two goal arms (West or East) to find hidden food. After the rat returned reliably to the rewarded spatial goal from each of the two start arms (e.g. "go East"), the opposite goal was rewarded and the animals had to learn a rule reversal (e.g. "go West"). The research team found that intact rats learned an initial goal and performed roughly three reversals each day, while rats with prefrontal cortex dysfunction learned only the initial goal; rats with hippocampal dysfunction learned none. This observation suggested that the prefrontal cortex might teach the hippocampus to differentiate goal-related memories.

To test this hypothesis, researchers placed micro-electrodes into both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and recorded the activity of ensembles of single neurons in both structures during learning and stable memory performance in the plus-shaped maze.

Because both brain regions were recorded simultaneously, the research team could test whether activity in one region changed before or at the same time as the other during different phases of learning and memory, as rats learned to approach one goal and switch to another.

"We found that neuronal activity was synchronized in the two structures, and that neurons in the prefrontal cortex modulated hippocampal place cell activity during learning," says Dr. Shapiro. "Prefrontal cortical and hippocampal cell activity predicted imminent choices, as though both structures were contributing to spatial memory retrieval."

They also found that the prefrontal cortex most strongly altered hippocampal place cell activity during reversals, just before a rat learned to reliably select a new goal. Moreover, the strength of the prefrontal modulation of hippocampal activity predicted how quickly the rats learned the next reversal. In other words, the more that the hippocampus "learned" what the prefrontal cortex "taught," the faster the rat learned the next rule.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies show how specific structures within the prefrontal cortex interact to use contextual information and modify emotional responses. These prefrontal dynamics are reduced in people suffering from depression and recover when depressive symptoms remit.

The new mechanisms uncovered by this study will likely improve our understanding of and inform new treatments for psychiatric conditions that involve hippocampal and prefrontal cortex interactions. Ongoing research is investigating whether the same mechanisms described in this study are at play between the hippocampus and other prefrontal structures.

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About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven member hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services--from community?based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care.

The System includes approximately 6,600 primary and specialty care physicians, 12?minority?owned free?standing ambulatory surgery centers, over 45 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, as well as 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the top 20 medical schools both in National Institutes of Health funding and by U.S. News & World Report.

For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
The study was prepared with the collaboration of a total of 811 researchers, 293 of whom belong to health fields (147 young researchers in Spain, 114 Spanish scientists abroad and 32 from scientists that have returned to Spain). It concludes that there are a series of variables that indicate the incentives of young researchers and scientists from the field of health sciences to leave and to return.

In the case of Spanish scientists abroad, the results show that, along with salaries, the most decisive variables are basically centered on differential advantages of the destination sites, specifically, research career, training, funding and institutional prestige. However, in the case of scientists who return to the country, these decisive differential advantages are less influential. More important are aspects linked to social capabilities (working conditions--vacations, number of hours of work--and complementary benefits--parental leave, job insurance, and quality of retirement pensions, among others).

From this it can be affirmed that "Spanish health organizations can influence the return of their scientists," according to the researchers of the study. Thus, the implementation of attractive policies that combine differential advantages with an intensification of social capabilities can end up being decisive not only for the return but also for the permanence and stability of Spanish researchers.

These policies can materialize in public-private collaboration initiatives, which would make it possible to obtain resources from companies (payments for social insurance or day care centers, for example). Moreover, among other measures, the labor integration of researchers in hospitals and companies or entrepreneurial support can be furthered with the goal of promoting new lines of research.

The conclusions of this study have implications for the improvement of national public health services, as adequate mobility of researchers allows rapid incorporation of new knowledge in clinical practice to improve the quality of life as well as the life expectancy of citizens.

In addition, the results of the research could be useful for more effective and efficient management of health services. These results could also help in the development of new drugs, vaccines, medical devices or equipment with the possibility of improving diagnoses and treatments of patients and becoming a new source of wealth and employment.

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Funding for this study comes from research projects carried out by the Direccion General de Migraciones del Ministerio de Empleo y Seguridad Social and Novanca/Caja Rural. The organizations that collaborated in the dissemination of the questionnaire to scientific groups are the following: Fundacion Universidad-Empresa (FUE), Federacion de Jovenes Investigadores, Colegio Oficial de Fisicos (COFIS), Federacion Espanola de Biotecnologos (FEBiotec), ARATECH, Centro de Innovacion de la Universidad de Oviedo, Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom/Comunidad de Cientificos Espanoles en el Reino Unido (SRUK/CERU), Cientificos Espanoles en la Republica Federal de Alemania. (CERFA), Asociacion de Cientificos Espanoles en Japon (ACE Japon), Espanoles Cientificos en Estados Unidos (ECUSA), Asociacion de Cientificos Espanoles en Suecia/Association of Spanish Scientists in Sweden (ACES/ FSFS), Spanish Research in Australia-Pacific/Investigadores Espanoles en Australia-Pacifico (SRAP/IEAP), Cientificos Espanoles en Dinamarca/Spanske Forskere i Danmark (CED) and Cientificos Retornados a Espana (CRE).

Bibliographical reference: Aceituno-Aceituno P., Melchor L., Danvila-del-Valle J., Bousono-Calzon C. (2017), "Cumulative Advantages and Social Capabilities in Scientific Mobility in the Health Sciences: The Spanish Case." PLOS ONE 12(3): e0173204. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0173204
Research conducted at the University of Adelaide has discovered that bees have much better vision than was previously known, offering new insights into the lives of honey bees, and new opportunities for translating this knowledge into fields such as robot vision.

The findings come from "eye tests" given to western honey bees (also known as European honey bees, Apis mellifera) by postdoctoral researcher Dr Elisa Rigosi (Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden) in the Adelaide Medical School, under the supervision of Dr Steven Wiederman (Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide) and Professor David O'Carroll (Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden).

The results of their work are published today in the Nature journal Scientific Reports.

Bee vision has been studied ever since the pioneering research of Dr Karl von Frisch in 1914, which reported bees' ability to see colors through a clever set of training experiments.

"Today, honey bees are still a fascinating model among scientists, in particular neuroscientists," Dr Rigosi says.

"Among other things, honey bees help to answer questions such as: how can a tiny brain of less than a million neurons achieve complex processes, and what are its utmost limits? In the last few decades it has been shown that bees can see and categorize objects and learn concepts through vision, such as the concept of 'symmetric' and 'above and below'.

"But one basic question that has only been partially addressed is: what actually is the visual acuity of the honey bee eye? Just how good is a bee's eyesight?"

Dr Wiederman says: "Previous researchers have measured the visual acuity of bees, but most of these experiments have been conducted in the dark. Bright daylight and dark laboratories are two completely different environments, resulting in anatomical and physiological changes in the resolution of the eye.

"Photoreceptors in the visual system detect variations in light intensity. There are eight photoreceptors beyond each hexagonal facet of a bee's compound eye, and their eyes are made out of thousands of facets! Naturally, we expected some differences in the quality of bees' eyesight from being tested in brightly lit conditions compared with dim light," he says.

Dr Rigosi, Dr Wiederman and Professor O'Carroll set out to answer two specific questions: first, what is the smallest well-defined object that a bee can see? (ie, its object resolution); and second, how far away can a bee see an object, even if it can't see that object clearly? (ie, maximum detectability limit).

To do so, the researchers took electrophysiological recordings of the neural responses occurring in single photoreceptors in a bee's eyes. The photoreceptors are detectors of light in the retina, and each time an object passes into the field of vision, it registers a neural response.

Dr Rigosi says: "We found that in the frontal part of the eye, where the resolution is maximized, honey bees can clearly see objects that are as small as 1.9 - that's approximately the width of your thumb when you stretch your arm out in front of you.

"This is 30% better eyesight than has been previously recorded," she says.

"In terms of the smallest object a bee can detect, but not clearly, this works out to be about 0.6 - that's one third of your thumb width at arm's length. This is about one third of what bees can clearly see and five times smaller than what has so far been detected in behavioral experiments.

"These new results suggest that bees have the chance to see a potential predator, and thus escape, far earlier than what we thought previously, or perceive landmarks in the environment better than we expected, which is useful for navigation and thus for survival," Dr Rigosi says.

Dr Wiederman says this research offers new and useful information about insect vision more broadly as well as for honey bees.

"We've shown that the honey bee has higher visual acuity than previously reported. They can resolve finer details than we originally thought, which has important implications in interpreting their responses to a range of cognitive experiments scientists have been conducting with bees for years.

"Importantly, these findings could also be useful in our work on designing bio-inspired robotics and robot vision, and for basic research on bee biology," he says.

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This research has been supported with funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Swedish Research Council, and the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education.

Media Contacts:

Dr Elisa Rigosi

Postdoctoral Fellow

Department of Biology

Lund University

Phone: +46 727296188 or +39 3485290910

elisa.rigosi@biol.lu.se or elisa.rigosi@gmail.com

Dr Steven Wiederman

ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher

Adelaide Medical School

The University of Adelaide

Phone: +61 8 8313 4435

steven.wiederman@adelaide.edu.au
After undergoing surgery, elderly patients often experience cloudy thinking that can last for weeks or even months. At one time researchers thought this cognitive decline might be caused by anesthesia, but mounting evidence suggests that heightened inflammation in the brain following surgery is the more likely cause.

Now a new study in mice by UC San Francisco researchers suggests that brain inflammation and cognitive decline following surgery are triggered by the brain's own specialized immune cells, called microglia. Mice given an experimental oral drug that temporarily depletes microglia ahead of an operation were much less likely to fail memory tests several days after surgery, the UCSF team found, suggesting a possible new approach to preventing the condition in humans.

The study, published April 6 in JCI Insight, an online, open-access companion publication to the Journal of Clinical Investigation, was led by collaborators Suneil Koliwad, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, and Mervyn Maze, MD, professor of anesthesia and perioperative care at UCSF. Koliwad has been studying microglia for several years, and Maze developed the mouse model that was used to investigate cognitive effects of surgery.

"There is an impact on memory in the mouse model that mirrors what has been observed in studies of post-surgical cognitive impairment in humans, and we can mitigate it with treatment that we think is not harmful to the animal," said Koliwad, who holds the Gerold Grodsky, PhD/JAB Chair in Diabetes Research at the UCSF Diabetes Center. "When we depleted microglia before surgery, the mice remembered much better after surgery in comparison to mice that did not receive the drug. Furthermore, we found much lower levels of inflammatory molecules in the hippocampus, a brain region that plays a key role in memory."

Excess Inflammation May Trigger Cognitive Decline After Surgery

Surgeries in elderly patients are becoming more common, and cognitive impairment is increasingly acknowledged by anesthesiologists to be a common side effect of surgery in these patients. A few studies in recent years have found that upwards of 10 percent of surgery patients ages 60 and older show some degree of cognitive impairment three months following surgery, although the diagnostic criteria for the condition have not yet been standardized, and causes and risk factors are still being explored.

Post-operative cognitive dysfunction was previously believed to be caused by deep anesthesia during surgery. But increasing evidence instead links the condition to an inflammatory reaction in the brain, now understood to be a normal response to tissue trauma occurring anywhere in the body -- even surgeries physically distant from the brain, such as hip replacement, may trigger this response. Studies have shown that when this inflammation is excessive or too persistent, as may be the case in the elderly, the normally protective response can negatively impact cognition.

"Previous studies on post-operative inflammation in the brain had focused on whether circulating immune cells invade the brain and contribute to cognitive decline," Koliwad said. "Based on our new research, we now know that the brain's own microglia initiate and orchestrate this response, including the infiltration of peripheral immune cells and the resultant memory loss."

Temporarily Eliminating Microglia During Surgery Prevents Cognitive Decline in Mice

In experiments led by UCSF postdoctoral fellows Xiaomei Feng, PhD, and Martin Valdearcos, PhD, the researchers examined how surgery impacted cognition in mice whose microglia were experimentally depleted. Normally, mice trained in a conditioned behavior task prior to surgery perform worse at remembering the task three days after the operation. Remarkably, when researchers gave 10 mice a drug treatment to deplete microglia levels to roughly five percent of normal for seven days before undergoing the surgery, the animals were completely protected against this form of cognitive decline.

"This work demonstrates the central importance of microglia as transducers of surgical trauma in the periphery," said Maze, who is also William K Hamilton Distinguished Professor of Anesthesia in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care at UCSF. "They dictate the downstream inflammatory and neurological consequences in the brain."

The experimental drug used in the study, PLX5622, is made by Plexxikon Inc., a Berkeley, Calif.-based biotech company, and targets a molecule called colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), which microglia require in order to survive and replenish or expand their numbers.

Importantly, microglial depletion was not associated with reduced surgical wound healing, or with altered levels of immune cells and molecules outside the brain, and microglia levels returned to normal within two days after the PLX5622 treatment was stopped. However, in this study the UCSF researchers did not investigate potential long-term effects of microglia depletion more than one week past surgery.

"Our plan is to conduct more preclinical research to explore the potential of this approach, in the hopes that it eventually proves to be clinically applicable not only in surgery, but also in other diseases that lead to cognitive decline," Koliwad said.

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The research was funded by grants to Koliwad and Maze from the National Institutes of Health (R01 DK103175-02, R01 GM104194). Yosuke Uchida, PhD, and David Lutrin of UCSF were also co-authors on the paper.
The natural structure found within leaves could improve the performance of everything from rechargeable batteries to high-performance gas sensors, according to an international team of scientists. The researchers have designed a porous, such as the veins of a leaf, and could make energy transfers more efficient. The material could improve the performance of rechargeable batteries, optimizing the charge and discharge process and relieving stresses within the battery electrodes, which, at the moment, limit their life span. The same material could be used for high performance gas sensing or for catalysis to break down organic pollutants in water.

To design this bio-inspired material, an international team comprising scientists from China, the United Kingdom, United States and Belgium is mimicking the rule known as 'Murray's Law' which helps natural organisms survive and grow. According to this Law, the entire network of pores existing on different scales in such biological systems is interconnected in a way to facilitate the transfer of liquids and minimize resistance throughout the network. The plant stems of a tree, or leaf veins, for example, optimize the flow of nutrients for photosynthesis with both high efficiency and minimum energy consumption by regularly branching out to smaller scales. In the same way, the surface area of the tracheal pores of insects remains constant along the diffusion pathway to maximize the delivery of carbon dioxide and oxygen in gaseous forms.

The team, led by Prof Bao-Lian Su, a life member of Clare Hall, University of Cambridge and who is also based at Wuhan University of Technology in China and at the University of Namur in Belgium, adapted Murray's Law for the fabrication of the first ever synthetic 'Murray material' and applied it to three processes: photocatalysis, gas sensing and lithium ion battery electrodes. In each, they found that the multi-scale porous networks of their synthetic material significantly enhanced the performance of these processes.

Prof Su says:

"This study demonstrates that by adapting Murray's Law from biology and applying it to chemistry, the performance of materials can be improved significantly. The adaptation could benefit a wide range of porous materials and improve functional ceramics and nano-metals used for energy and environmental applications." "The introduction of the concept of Murray's Law to industrial processes could revolutionize the design of reactors with highly enhanced efficiency, minimum energy, time, and raw material consumption for a sustainable future."

Writing in Nature Communications this week, the team describes how it used zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as the primary building block of their Murray material. These nanoparticles, containing small pores within them, form the lowest level of the porous network. The team arranged the ZnO particles through a layer-by layer evaporation-driven self-assembly process. This creates a second level of porous networks between the particles. During the evaporation process, the particles also form larger pores due to solvent evaporation, which represents the top level of pores, resulting in a three level Murray material. The team successfully fabricated these porous structures with the precise diameter ratios required to obey Murray's law, enabling the efficient transfer of materials across the multilevel pore network.

Co-author, Dr Tawfique Hasan, of the Cambridge Graphene Centre, part of the University's Department of Engineering, adds:

"This very first demonstration of a Murray material fabrication process is incredibly simple and is entirely driven by the nanoparticle self-assembly. Large scale manufacturability of this porous material is possible, making it an exciting, enabling technology, with potential impact across many applications."

With its synthetic Murray material, with precise diameter ratios between the pore levels, the team demonstrated an efficient breakdown of an organic dye in water by using photocatalysis. This showed it was easy for the dye to enter the porous network leading to efficient and repeated reaction cycles. The team also used the same Murray material with a structure similar to the breathing networks of insects, for fast and sensitive gas detection with high repeatability.

The team proved that its Murray material can significantly improve the long term stability and fast charge/discharge capability for lithium ion storage, with a capacity improvement of up to 25 times compared to state of the art graphite material currently used in lithium ion battery electrodes. The hierarchical nature of the pores also reduces the stresses in these electrodes during the charge/discharge processes, improving their structural stability and resulting in a longer life time for energy storage devices.

The team envisions that the strategy could be used effectively in materials designs for energy and environmental applications.

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The research was partially supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Reference

Xianfeng Zheng et al: 'Bio-inspired Murray materials for mass transfer and activity' Nature Communications http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms14921

Contact details

Paul Seagrove

Research Communications Officer,

University of Cambridge

Tel: +44 (0)1223 765542

Mob: +44 (0)7739 160561

Email: paul.seagrove@admin.cam.ac.uk

About the University of Cambridge

The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. To date, 96 affiliates of the University have won the Nobel Prize.

Founded in 1209, the University comprises 31 autonomous Colleges, which admit undergraduates and provide small-group tuition, and 150 departments, faculties and institutions.

Cambridge is a global university. Its 19,000 student body includes 3,700 international students from 120 countries. Cambridge researchers collaborate with colleagues worldwide, and the University has established larger-scale partnerships in Asia, Africa and America.

The University sits at the heart of one of the world's largest technology clusters. The 'Cambridge Phenomenon' has created 1,500 hi-tech companies, 14 of them valued at over US$1 billion and two at over US$10 billion. Cambridge promotes the interface between academia and business, and has a global reputation for innovation. http://www.cam.ac.uk
UChicago Medicine's Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation (Ci3) in Sexual and Reproductive Health to collaborate with others in Chicago, Boston, L.A.

The University of Chicago Medicine's Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation (Ci3) in Sexual and Reproductive Health has launched a research initiative aimed at reducing HIV infection and transmission among vulnerable youth of color, including young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women.

The goal of this project is to provide job readiness and employment skills to increase placement within companies with existing diversity and inclusion policies that protect LGBTQ young people.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions, this project, titled Work2Prevent, will explore how employment and job readiness skills can prevent adolescent homelessness, drug use, and migration to other "street economies" associated with increased risk for HIV infection.

"Recognizing economic hardship as a critical factor contributing to HIV risk, our goal is to help gear young people toward economic stability through job placement and training, identifying career trajectories for young people that embrace and support gender and sexual diversity," said Dr. Brandon Hill, Ci3's executive director. "This research intends not only to decrease the number of adolescent HIV infections among youth ages 16-24, but also highlight the significant role economics play in the spread of disease, as well as, overall health and well-being among marginalized youth."

In 2015, Chicago youth ages 30 and younger represented nearly 50 percent of all new HIV infections, with nearly 30 percent occurring among those ages 13-24. Individuals who identified as black/African American comprised 54 percent of all new infections and were more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age. Sexual and gender minority, including LGBTQ youth, are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Additionally, LGBTQ youth face social harassment and even violence, contributing to employment disparities including hiring bias, job discrimination, and unequal pay and benefits. As a result, studies suggest that a fair majority of LGBTQ youth, particularly those of color, live in poverty, experiencing high rates of homelessness, limited access to health care and HIV services, few economic opportunities, and increased reliance on survival sex work.

The project will work with collaborators from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Boston Children's Hospital, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Department of Psychiatry, Chicago House TransLife Center, and Thresholds to develop, tailor and test this new employment intervention program.

"Given shifting federal and state policies, including employment discrimination protections, restroom use laws, and access to legal name change on identification documents, understanding the potential impact such changes may have on LGBTQ health and well-being, including adolescent HIV infection, is crucial to the development of efficacious structural level interventions," said Hill.

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A six-month analysis of the pivotal MOMENTUM 3 trial found that patients implanted with the new HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist system (LVAS) had fewer adverse clotting and bleeding events than patients implanted with the control, HeartMate II LVAS.

In this randomized, non-blinded study, a multi-institutional team found that 69 percent of the 151 patients who received Abbott's Heartmate 3 survived without any bleeding or clotting-related adverse events, compared to 55 percent of those who received the Heartmate II. Both devices are made by Abbott.

The results were announced April 6 in a late-breaking session at the 2017 meeting of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation in San Diego and simultaneously published in the journal Circulation.

The researchers also devised a novel scoring system - the HemoCompatibility Score (HCS) - to quantify the burden of such events and their clinical relevance. Lower scores are better.

"For the HCS, mild events, such as two or fewer non-surgical bleeding episodes, receive one point," explained Nir Uriel, MD, professor of medicine and director of the heart failure, transplant and mechanical circulatory support programs at the University of Chicago. "A non-disabling stroke is assessed at 2 points. An operation to replace the device gets 3 points. A disabling stroke gets 4 points."

Patients with the HeartMate 3 had fewer of these adverse events - 28 percent of patients versus 38 percent for those on HeartMate II. Those on HeartMate 3 tended to have bleeding events, which are less likely to be severe. Those on HeartMate II had both bleeding and clotting events. They spent more time in the hospital.

There were 14 deaths overall in the first 30 days on the pump. Five of those patients were on the HeartMate 3; nine were on the HeartMate II.

The HeartMate 3 consequently scored numerically better on the HCS, collecting only 101 points, compared to 137 points acquired by the smaller group on HeartMate II. Those in whom the HCS score was higher, however, were less healthy overall. They were older, and also less likely to take aspirin to prevent blood clots.

Two thirds of the patients on the HeartMate 3 had no adverse events for six months, compared to half of those on the HeartMate II.

Overall, "patients implanted with the HeartMate 3 gained a significant increase in freedom from adverse events, driven predominantly by a reduction in non-disabling strokes and complete absence of pump thrombosis, compared with the HeartMate II," said senior author Mandeep R. Mehra, MD, medical director of the Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart and Vascular Center and chairman of the publications committee for MOMENTUM 3.

"No patients on the HeartMate 3 had pump-related clotting, requiring a pump reoperation," Mehra noted. "There was also no difference in disabling strokes, a typically devastating complication."

The Heartmate 3 has certain potential advantages because it was "designed to prevent thrombosis," Uriel explained. It was engineered to be less destructive to blood cells as they are swept through the pump and into the aorta. "It has a frictionless rotor, wide gaps for permissive blood flow and reduced shear stress," he said.

The study has significant limitations, the authors note. It followed a small number of patients for a limited time. It is difficult to distinguish between late post-operative bleeding, pre-existing issues such as a bleeding gastric ulcer, and early pump-related blood loss. The MOMENTUM 3 trial is "evaluating its long-term outcomes and hemocompatibility-related adverse-event profiles," Mehra said. "These will become clearer in subsequent analyses."

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The study was funded by Abbott, Abbott Park, IL. Additional authors were Paolo C. Colombo, MD; Joseph C. Cleveland, MD; James W. Long, MD; Christopher Salerno, MD; Daniel J. Goldstein, MD; Chetan B. Patel, MD; Gregory A. Ewald, MD; Antone J. Tatooles, MD; Scott C. Silvestry, MD; Ranjit John, MD; Christiano Caldeira, MD; Valluvan Jeevanandam, MD; Andrew J. Boyle, MD; Kartik S. Sundareswaran, PhD; and Poornima Sood, MD.
THE island of Sardinia is remarkable for the fact that an exceptionally high proportion of the population is seemingly descended from people who have occupied it since the Neolithic and Bronze Age, between 8,000 and 2,000 years ago. For centuries after that, they had little interaction with mainland Europe.

Now, University of Huddersfield researcher Dr Maria Pala has taken part in a project that has helped to unlock the genetic secrets of her Mediterranean homeland. One of the findings is that some modern Sardinians could have evolved from people who colonised the island at an even earlier period, the Mesolithic.

Dr Pala - whose first degree was from the University of Sassari in her native Sardinia - is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Huddersfield and a member of its Archaeogenetics Research Group. The group is led by Professor Martin Richards and includes Dr Francesca Gandini as Research Fellow. They are all co-authors of a new article, titled Mitogenome Diversity in Sardinians: A Genetic Window onto an Island's Past, appearing in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution.

It states that modern Sardinians are a "unique reservoir of distinct genetic signatures" and it describes how the research team, based at a number of UK, European and American universities and institutes, analysed 3,491 DNA samples from the present day population and compared them with 21 ancient samples taken from skeletal remains found in rock-cut tombs spanning from the Neolithic period to the Final Bronze Age.

Dr Pala explained that this new study focused on the mitochondrial genome - the maternal line from mothers to daughters - because it provided an unbroken line of descent, much less complex than the whole genome.

It emerged that 78.4 per cent of the modern mitogenomes actually cluster into "Sardinian-specific haplogroups".

"That percentage is extremely high," said Dr Pala. "If you look at Europeans as a whole, you cannot essentially distinguish an English person from an Italian or a French, because Europeans have mixed together for a long time."

Sardinia has always been an island, but it is believed that there was a time when a lower sea level meant it retained links with the continent, and through these links the first inhabitants reached the island from continental Europe. Then the sea level rose but, despite this, connections with the continent remained active through the Neolithic and Bronze Age, possibly fuelled by the abundance of natural resources such as obsidian and metals present in the island.

Then, whether suddenly or gradually, these connections were severed or became sporadic so that for thousands of years Sardinians were isolated, developing their own language, culture, society and sense of identity.

To this day, Sardinians speak their own tongue and they remain genetically distinctive, as the new article co-authored by Dr Pala demonstrates.

It concludes that: Contemporary Sardinians harbour a unique genetic heritage as a result of their distinct history and relative isolation from the demographic upheavals of continental Europe. Whilst the major signal appears to be the legacy of the first farmers on the island, our results hint at the possibility that the situation might have been much more complex, both for Sardinia but also, by implication, for Europe as a whole. It now seems plausible that human mobility, inter-communication and gene flow around the Mediterranean from Late Glacial times onwards may well have left signatures that survive to this day.

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Indian families occupying Nepals land for farming

An area near Nepal-India border in Gobargadha Tapu, Saptari, is being taken over by some families who have migrated from across the Indian border town.
Huddersfield researchers confirm spread of agriculture throughout Europe followed migration into the Mediterranean from the Near East -- thousands of years earlier than widely believed

A NEW article co-authored by experts at the University of Huddersfield bolsters a theory that the spread of agriculture throughout Europe followed migration into the Mediterranean from the Near East more than 13,000 years ago - thousands of years earlier than widely believed.

This was during the Late Glacial period and initially the migrants were hunter-gatherers. But they later developed a knowledge of agriculture from further newly-arrived populations from the Near East - where farming began - and during the Neolithic, approximately 8,000 years ago, they began to colonise other parts of Europe, taking their farming practices with them.

The University of Huddersfield is home to the Archaeogenetics Research Group, which uses DNA analysis to solve questions from archaeology, anthropology and history. It is headed by Professor Martin Richards, and the issue of the genetic ancestry of Europeans has been one of his major research areas for many years.

Now he is a principal contributor to the article that appears in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. It describes how the researchers used almost 1,500 mitochondrial genome lineages to date the arrival of people in different regions of Europe.

It was found that in central Europe and Iberia, these could mainly be traced to the Neolithic. However, in the central and eastern Mediterranean, they predominantly dated to the much earlier Late Glacial period.

The authors write that: "This supports a scenario in which the genetic pool of Mediterranean Europe was partly a result of Late Glacial expansions from a Near Eastern refuge, and that this formed an important source pool for subsequent Neolithic expansions into the rest of Europe".

Professor Richards explained that he and his co-researchers carried out their latest investigations using modern DNA samples because in Italy and Greece there is an acute shortage of pre-Neolithic skeletal remains from which ancient samples can be taken. The warmth of the climate has resulted in low levels of preservation.

"We haven't been able to fill the gap with ancient DNA, so we found a way to get round that by looking at modern samples. Instead of dating the lineages across Europe as a whole we have dated them firstly in the Mediterranean area and then we have looked at what happens if you assume that they have arrived in that area and then moved on," said Professor Richards.

Now he hopes that new sources of ancient DNA in Italy and Greece will be discovered, so that his migration scenario can be tested more directly.

"In the past, it's been difficult to recover DNA from these kinds of environments but there have been so many technical developments in the recovery of ancient DNA in the last few years that I think it will happen soon." In fact, another team of researchers has already confirmed one of the paper's main predictions, by looking at pre-Neolithic DNA from Sardinia, just one week ago.

The research was carried out primarily by Dr Joana Pereira as part of her PhD project, supervised jointly by Professor Richards and Dr Luisa Pereira of the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology at the University of Porto, alongside Dr Pedro Soares of the University of Minho, in Portugal. The authors of the new article - titled Reconciling evidence from ancient and contemporary genomes: a major source for the European Neolithic within Mediterranean Europe - also include Dr Maria Pala, who is Senior Lecturer at the University of Huddersfield and a key member of the archaeogenetics group.

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PHILADELPHIA - Men who attended a structured yoga class twice a week during prostate cancer radiation treatment reported less fatigue and better sexual and urinary function than those who didn't, according to a clinical trial led by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. It is the first randomized trial to look at the effect of twice-weekly yoga on the side-effects and quality of life issues caused by prostate cancer treatment. The results published this week in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics.

All of the patients in the trial underwent between six and nine weeks of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The patients were randomized into two groups: one arm participated in a yoga class that met twice a week and the other arm served as a control group. Patients who already practiced yoga on their own were not eligible for the study, nor were patients with a history of prior radiation therapy or those with metastatic disease.

Only two instructors led classes for this study, with the lead instructor teaching 75 percent of the classes. Each session lasted 75 minutes, beginning with five minutes of breathing and centering techniques and ending with five minutes of Savasana, a common yoga position. Typical sessions incorporated sitting, standing, and reclining positions that were modified using props to adapt to each patient's needs and restrictions.

Patients were primarily evaluated on their level of fatigue. Each man filled out a nine-item questionnaire assessing fatigue severity and impact on daily life. The first questionnaire was given between two and three weeks before the start of radiotherapy, then twice a week while receiving radiotherapy, with a final survey filled out within a week of their last yoga class or last radiation treatment, depending on the assigned study arm.

"At their baseline, before patients started treatment, patients in both groups were on the lower end of the scale, meaning they reported lower amounts of fatigue," said the trial's principal investigator Neha Vapiwala, MD, an associate professor of Radiation Oncology. "But as treatment went on, we observed a difference in the two groups." Patients in the yoga group reported lower fatigue scores over time, as they attended more yoga sessions, relative to where they started. Patients who did not participate in yoga trended in the opposite direction, reporting greater fatigue as treatment progressed.

"Levels of patient-reported fatigue are expected to increase by around the fourth or fifth week of a typical treatment course, but that did not happen in the yoga group," Vapiwala said. "Both the severity of the fatigue as well as the patients' ability to go about their normal lives appeared to be positively impacted in the yoga group."

Researchers also evaluated both groups in terms of their sexual health. Sexual dysfunction - including but not limited to erectile dysfunction (ED) - is reported by up to 85 percent of radiation therapy patients during treatment, often due to the concurrent use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The study utilized the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, in which scores range from 0-25. Scores greater than 21 are considered normal and scores below 12 indicate moderate to severe ED. Both groups started out with scores of around 11, and were balanced in terms of ADT exposure; but while the yoga group's score ended up largely unchanged from baseline, the non-yoga group saw a decline over the course of treatment.

"Yoga is known to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which is one of several postulated theories that may explain why this group did not demonstrate declining scores, as seen in the control group," Vapiwala said. "That may also explain the yoga patients' improved urinary function scores, another finding of this trial." Vapiwala pointed out that the findings on improved or stable urinary function are consistent with other research on the effects of physical therapy on pelvic floor muscles.

The trial also found that while the emotional well-being of both groups increased as patients progressed through treatment, the evaluation scores in the yoga group rose more rapidly than in the control group. An evaluation of physical well-being showed a similar pattern.

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This study was partially funded through an American Cancer Society Institutional Grant and a Prostate Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $6.7 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $392 million awarded in the 2016 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2016, Penn Medicine provided $393 million to benefit our community.
Children who are given high-quality education at an early age - starting at six weeks old and continuing through their first five years of life - are more likely to be employed full-time and have better relationships with their parents as adults, according to new results from a longitudinal study now entering its fifth decade.

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists will present the research results at the biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development at noon Central Daylight time Friday, April 7, in Austin, Texas. More than 6,000 child development professionals and other researchers are expected to connect and exchange ideas at the conference.

The study follows 96 children who have continuously participated in the Abecedarian Project, an early education program for at-risk infants and children that started in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1971. The National Institutes of Health funded the original study.

"The most recent findings from the Abecedarian Project are about the quality of life, tied to what the children experienced in the first five years of life," said Craig Ramey, a professor and distinguished research scholar of human development at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute.

Ramey spearheaded the Abecedarian Project over the past 45 years and led the team that produced the new follow-up report.

"We have demonstrated that when we provide vulnerable children and families with really high quality services - educationally, medically, socially - we have impacts of a large and practical magnitude all the way up to middle age," said Ramey, who also serves as a chief science officer of Roanoke, Virginia.

Both the control group and treatment group received health care, nutrition, and family support through social services; however, the treatment group also received five years of early care and education.

According to Ramey, high-quality education all day for five days a week, and for 50 weeks a year, beginning at six weeks of age and continuing until the child starts kindergarten, makes a lifetime of difference.

"And in our early education program, the most important thing is the quality of interaction between the teachers and the children," Ramey said, pointing to the teachers' abilities to tailor educational activities to a child's specific needs, in a fun and natural way, as a critical element of the study's results. "It's pretty clear that's what the magic ingredient is."

The quality of natural teaching - via social interaction between the teacher and child - is highly important, especially in infancy, according to Ramey. This includes such things as the conversational aspect of language and the focus on interactive reading as enjoyable, rather than a chore.

"The data show that children who received the educational treatment are successful socially, especially in a familial setting, as indicated by their close relationships with their mothers and fathers in middle age," said Libbie Sonnier-Netto, a doctoral student in human development at Virginia Tech's College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, who conducted the follow-up interviews for this study.

Sonnier-Netto also noted that individuals in the educational group are more likely to be employed full-time, with more assets, such as owning a car, a home, and having a savings account. According to Ramey, the connection between the results is obvious.

Ramey and his team have followed-up with 78 of the 96 participants so far, with more interviews and physical check-ups planned for most of the remaining participants. Of the 96 participants, only one has declined to participate. It's an unusually high retention rate for a study spanning so many decades.

"What we've discovered is that if you treat people well, they thrive and they, in turn, give back," Ramey said. "Part of our task is to make what we now know to be so important - high-quality, early childhood education and care - widely available to all who need it in this country."

Sharon Ramey, a professor and distinguished research scholar at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, has contributed to the Abecedarian research and analysis since 1987. She co-wrote the book on the Abecedarian approach with Ramey and Joseph Sparling, who helped plan the original early childhood curriculum.

Beyond the familial bond and employment status, Sharon Ramey says the researchers are seeing another trend among the treatment group participants.

"We also discovered that individuals who received early high-quality care and education also have a keen sense of social equality - and make decisions that balance the equation between those who 'have' and those who 'have much less,'" said Sharon Ramey, who is also a chief science officer of Roanoke, Virginia.

The researchers expect to continue analyzing the dataset about the effects of early care and education on the children as they progress through middle age.

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Some sea creatures cover themselves with hard shells and spines, while vertebrates build skeletons out of the same minerals. How do these animals get the calcium they need to build these strong mineral structures? Professors Lia Addadi and Steve Weiner of the Weizmann Institute of Science's Structural Biology Department asked this question about sea urchins, which need to extract quite a few calcium ions from sea water to build their spines. The answer surprised them, and it could change the way scientists think about the process of biomineralization.

Several years ago, Addadi and Weiner had discovered that sea urchins build their spines with tiny packets of "unorganized" material that hardens into crystal when laid in place. "So the question went back a step: How do they get the calcium ions they need to make this material in the first place?" says Addadi. "Free calcium is not abundant in sea water," adds Weiner, "so they need an efficient way to extract and concentrate the ions."

To answer the question the researchers, including Netta Vidavsky, needed methods to observe the animal's cells "as is," that is, as they are in life, water included. For this the group turned to Dr. Andreas Schertel of Carl Zeiss Microscopy in Germany and Dr. Sefi Addadi of the Weizmann Institute of Science's Life Sciences Core Facilities. Very new cutting-edge techniques enabled them to observe thin slices of the cells in sea urchin embryos and then to reconstruct three-dimensional images of these cells and their intake of labeled calcium ions. "Even a few years ago, we could not have done this study," says Addadi.

The images showed that sea urchin larval cells actually "drink" seawater, taking in drops of water and manipulating the ions in the water within the confines of the cell. This is in contrast to the theory that these cells take in only ions, one at a time, through special channels in their outer membranes. The cells they observed were filled with networks of bubbles called vacuoles that collect the calcium ions, evidently creating concentrated packages of calcium for building the spines.

This method may be more energy efficient than taking in ions through channels (which the cells also did), but it presents another problem: The cells must be able to pick out the calcium as well as expel other ions in the sea water, especially the sodium and chloride. "Researchers may be busy for years to come figuring out how these cells manipulate the ions in the sea water they drink," says Weiner.

Addadi and Weiner point out that this is not the first time this type of calcium ion intake has been observed. Prof. Jonathan Erez of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem had described this phenomenon in single-celled, hard-shelled microorganisms called foraminifera a decade ago. At the time, it was thought to be a "curiosity," but finding the same process in two very different creatures suggests that it may be quite widespread. Although we do not live in sea water, even the cells that build our bones may use a similar method to obtain calcium.

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Prof. Lia Addadi's research is supported by the Jeanne and Joseph Nissim Foundation for Life Sciences Research. Prof. Lia Addadi is the incumbent of the Dorothy and Patrick Gorman Professorial Chair.

Prof. Stephen Weiner's research is supported by the Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for Archaeological Science, which he heads; the Dangoor Accelerator Mass Spectrometer Laboratory; and the estate of George and Beatrice F. Schwartzman. Prof. Weiner is the incumbent of the Dr. Walter and Dr. Trude Borchardt Professorial Chair in Structural Biology.

The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, is one of the world's top-ranking multidisciplinary research institutions. Noted for its wide-ranging exploration of the natural and exact sciences, the Institute is home to scientists, students, technicians and supporting staff. Institute research efforts include the search for new ways of fighting disease and hunger, examining leading questions in mathematics and computer science, probing the physics of matter and the universe, creating novel materials and developing new strategies for protecting the environment.
A Jersey Magistrate's Court has disqualified a man from driving and given him 50 hours of community service after he drove a tractor through a pedestrian area whilst over the alcohol limit.

64-year old Trevor Alan Perron was found to have driven his grey Massey Ferguson tractor down Bath Street, St Helier, a pedestrianised zone, near a group of smokers outside the Havana Club on 19 February this year.

Mr Perron claimed he was on his way to the Harbour in the early hours of the morning to assist a friend with a broken gear box when the Police stopped him.

He said he thought he could take a shortcut through the pedestrianised part of the road because delivery vans were able to.

'Dangerous'

Magistrate Bridget Shaw described his actions as both 'dangerous' and 'reckless', not only due to the fact he had consumed alcohol, but also as he potentially endangered the people gathered outside Havana nightclub and walking in the area.

Its one thing to drive whilst over the limit on a public road where the public expect to see vehicles and will take care when crossing the road... it's another thing to turn onto the pedestrian area where you take the risk of coming into contact with pedestrians, she said.

Advocate Haines told the Court that Mr Perron had believed the action to be acceptable.

Magistrate Shaw rejected the claim, however, adding: A delivery driver would be sober one hopes.

This was not Mr Perrons first offence. He was also disqualified from driving in 1999 and was convicted for driving whilst disqualified in 2008.
The United States and European regulators have cleared a Chinese conglomerate's proposed $43 billion acquisition of Swiss agribusiness giant Syngenta on condition it sells some businesses to satisfy anti-monopoly objections.

The Federal Trade Commission's announcement comes alongside the approval by European regulators of the purchase by state-owned ChemChina. It would be China's biggest foreign acquisition to date.

The deal is one of several reshaping the agricultural chemicals and seeds market, and is seen as a major boost to China's domestic agricultural output capabilities.

However, there has been concern from farming that the deal would lead to a lack of competition and push up prices for European farmers and consumers, while also reducing choice.

'Effective competition'

"It is important for European farmers and ultimately consumers that there will be effective competition in pesticide markets, also after ChemChina's acquisition of Syngenta," European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

ChemChina will sell a large chunk of its subsidiary Adama's pesticide, herbicides and insecticides business, its seed treatment products for cereals and sugar beet and a substantial part of its plant growth regulator business for cereals.

American Vanguard said it struck a deal with Adama to acquire three crop protection product lines, without disclosing financial terms.

Last week, the European Commission approved the merger of Dupont and Dow.

There has been some concern about the recent takeovers, which will further concentrate agrochemicals into fewer hands.
UK farmers have said the European Commissions response to the Brazilian meat scandal does not go far enough, and that it is a 'major concern' for farmers.

One of the farming unions, Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), has previously called for Brazilian imports to be blocked.

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.

Ulster Farmers Union, president, Barclay Bell says tougher action is needed to protect European farmers and consumers.

'Major concern'

Commenting after the EU health commissioner met farm ministers and MEPs this week, the UFU president said the scandal remains a 'major concern' for farmers here and across Europe.

He said: It is deeply concerning that Brazil, a major meat exporting nation, has companies being investigated over meat treated with uncertified chemicals. This meat has gone to both home and export markets. I am alarmed by allegations that these companies bribed Brazilian government officials to secure hygiene certificates.

Mr Bell says that while the actions of the Brazilian police in investigating this scandal are welcome, the UFU is concerned the European Commission was unaware of events in Brazil.

It says that as a result Brussels was slow to block potentially contaminated meat.

'Checks have increased'

Mr Bell continued: The Commission has banned imports from the meat plants involved and checks on all Brazilian imports have increased.

These actions do not go far enough. What we need is a blanket ban on all Brazilian meat.

Mr Bell added that this is not the first time Brazil has been at the centre of investigations around its traceability and hygiene standards.

The UFU says it is unacceptable that Brazil, or any other country exporting food to Europe, believes it can get away with shipping products that do not comply with the standards met by European farmers  and which European consumers expect.

The Commission must send a stronger message to Brazil and others by withdrawing from the Mercosur trade discussions. These have lost all credibility in the wake of the Brazilian meat scandal, says the UFU president.
Lowest ever sales of livestock antibiotics recorded in UK
(ASX:LKE)

Hello, Im Carolyn Herbert for the Finance News Network. Joining me from lithium explorer Lake Resources Limitedis Managing Director, Steve Promnitz. Steve, welcome to FNN.Its great to be here, Carolyn.Can you start by giving us an introduction to Lake Resources?Lake Resourceshas actually been around for a number of years. In November 2016, we put a package of exciting lithium projects into the company. These are right in amongst the majors. Theyve got both scale and optionality  as well as significant opportunity for growth. The way we see it, theres a deep unlocked value because weve got three lithium brine projects and one hard rock lithium pegmatite project in the lithium triangle of Argentina. In northern Argentina and Chile, this is where half the worlds lithium comes from. And our project is right next door to the majors. Were moving towards a drill program. Theres going to be a significant amount of news flow that will unlock that value, and I think we can see significant upside for the company.Steve, youve just come back from Argentina. Can you bring us up to date with your projects?We have three lithium brine projects  two in the far-north, next to Orocobre, and one in Catamarca Province. This one called Kachi is the one were focusing on at the moment. Were moving to a maiden drill program in a project that has never been drilled before. Weve recently consolidated the title  more than 50,000 hectares on a 100% basis. Our project is nicely located in a basin next to Albemarle (NYSE:ALB), which is the biggest lithium producer in the world. As those results start to flow out through May, June and July, I think were going to see a significant catalyst to the share price  an uplift. At the same time, well be having discussions with potential offtake partners. So theres quite a lot happening. Argentina is really the place to be at the moment. A lot of explorers, a lot of news flow on the lithium sector.Whats planned, and are you fully-funded for 2017?Fortunately, we did a capital raising in February and that has us funded for this year. But if we moved into a major drill program and needed to upscale, perhaps we could look at further funding. At the moment, were funded for everything we have planned this year and thats drilling on the project were about to start  as well as one other. Furthermore, weve got sampling thats underway and our lithium pegmatite project and we expect some results to be coming out of that. At the moment, were well-set, weve got a team underway, and were going to lock down this drilling and follow-up with some further drilling.Finally Steve. Whats the priority for the next six months and for the longer term?Our main focus  theres a lot of lithium players in the market and its difficult to differentiate yourselves. Our difference is we have a large package, probably one of the largest in Argentina, and were amongst the majors. Our aim is to produce results from our lithium brine projects as well as the pegmatites  sufficient so we can put together a scoping study and initial resource, and we can continue our discussions with potential offtake partners. I was recently in Asia and theres a lot of interest in talking to juniors like ourselves and working together to develop these projects. We just need to produce enough news in the next few months and well be able to move that forward. Its going to be quite an exciting year and I think, by way of reference, theres a company that recently listed in Toronto in February called LSC (TSXV: LSC). They listed with a market cap 10 times ours and they have a similar property holding. So I think theres a lot of potential upside, a lot of catalysts to deliver that deep unlocked value in Lake.Steve Promnitz, thanks for the update.Thank you, Carolyn.
Just two months before Snap (SNAP 9.52%) went public, former employee Anthony Pompliano filed suit against the company and alleged that Snap was misrepresenting various operating metrics. Pompliano had been poached from Facebook over a year prior to head up Snap's growth efforts, only to be let go after less than a month. The ex-employee believes he was hired specifically so that Snap could obtain confidential information, not for the stated reason of leading the company's growth ambitions.

Business Insider reports that Snap is now trying to bring the case back to private arbitration while sealing the lawsuit, hiding it from public view. Snap maintains that these are little more than the ramblings of a "disgruntled former employee," and that Pompliano is effectively making the whole thing up. BI caught a glimpse of documents that Pompliano's lawyers filed yesterday evening, which include some pretty harsh allegations.

Pulling no punches

Pompliano's lawyers say that Snap's "outsized valuation is built on a house of cards" and that Snap's leadership team has been making concerted efforts to enrich themselves "by maliciously manipulating metrics [and] suppressing metrics that put the company in a negative light." The documents even allege that Snap has gone as far as to "blatantly mislea[d] professional investors, employees, advertisers, and now, retail investors." That includes user metrics, and possibly more.

Those are some pretty damning allegations if they're remotely true, particularly as Snap is now subject to far greater regulatory scrutiny from the SEC as a public company. The original suit, much of which has been redacted, alleges that Snap fired Pompliano because he was unwilling to share confidential information with his then-new employer. Presumably, Facebook has various non-disclosure agreements regarding confidential information, which is standard stuff at any large company.

The case is notable for a few reasons, since you can potentially see both sides.

For Snap

Pompliano's brief stint at Snap was in August and September of 2015, or a little over a year before Snap's most recent operating data that covers the end of 2016, when Snap says it had 158 million daily active users (DAUs). At the end of Q2 2015, which was right before Pompliano's employment, Snap's prospectus says that Snapchat had 86 million DAUs; this figure would grow to 94 million by the end of Q3 2015. So Snap's data suggests that DAUs nearly doubled since Q2 2015, but there's been a meaningful slowdown in sequential growth that hasn't gone unnoticed by investors.

Simply considering the timing, it's quite conceivable that any data that Pompliano had access to is now outdated.

Against Snap

On the flip side, if you consider Snap's short record in terms of ethics, transparency, and corporate governance, maybe the company is in fact culpable. I'm a rather vocal critic of Snap, and I do believe that Snap's IPO was a thinly veiled way for insiders and early investors to cash out. Easily the strongest evidence of this is the fact that Snap isn't giving public investors any votes whatsoever, which sends a pretty clear signal that Snap just wants investors' money and little else.

At the same time, Snap has opted not to disclose monthly active users (MAUs), which is a pretty critical figure when we're talking about the social media sector. To be clear, Snap is not required to report MAUs, but omitting this data makes you wonder what Snap is hiding. If you wanted to assume the worst, perhaps Snap has significantly more MAUs than DAUs, and a low ratio of DAUs could imply poor and/or declining engagement within the overall user base.

There are other examples of Snap employing dubious ethics, too. CEO Evan Spiegel refused to apologize for a major security breach in 2014 for some reason; Snapchat rose to popularity among younger demographics in part because it facilitated inappropriate and potentially illegal sharing of sexual content among minors; the ephemeral nature of the service makes it easier to invade other people's privacy in other contexts without recourse, potentially encouraging harassment and cyber stalking; Spiegel's preferred use of Snapchat for internal corporate communications calls into question the company's compliance with federal record retention laws.

As a critic of Snap, it's entirely believable that the company hoped to glean confidential information by hiring Pompliano, and was offended when he declined. The case is just beginning, but how it unfolds may potentially tell investors an awful lot about the freshly public social media company.
KMC to strictly monitor Valley abattoirs

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has announced strict monitoring of slaughter houses and meat supplying shops.
Lately, big oil has been a big disappointment, and the energy-industry landscape is littered with slashed dividends, sunken share prices, and red ink. But the industry is starting to show signs of life.

Oil prices seem to have stabilized around $50 a barrel, and some companies' cost-cutting moves are finally bearing fruit. Here are three top big oil stocks that look like good buys right now: ExxonMobil (XOM 1.18%), Total SA (TTE 0.75%), and Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) (RDS.B).

The big dog

Of course, the biggest name in big oil is the giant ExxonMobil. The industry juggernaut has a massive $340.4 billion market cap, dwarfing its publicly traded peers. (No. 2, Royal Dutch Shell, only has a $229.2 billion market cap.) But more importantly, it has a long history of rewarding shareholders.

ExxonMobil has increased its dividend annually for the last 34 years. That's much, much longer than most big oil companies -- only Chevron comes close, at 29 years. And in an era of dividends being slashed by industry heavyweights like ConocoPhillips ($0.74/share to $0.25/share in 2016), it's nothing to sneeze at. And the current 3.6% yield isn't too shabby, either.

ExxonMobil has rewarded its shareholders in other ways, too. The company's return on capital employed (ROCE), return on invested capital (ROIC), and return on equity (ROE), are among the industry's highest, indicating that management has an excellent track record of generating shareholder value through the company's operations and investments.

But it isn't just the company's past that looks bright: Its future also looks strong. It's the only integrated major with positive free cash flow, and maintains best-in-class credit ratings of Aaa from Moody's and AA+ from Standard & Poor's. The company is also increasing its capital spending, and has a vast number of active exploration and production projects around the world to keep the money rolling in. All this indicates Exxon is a top big oil stock.

The scrappy one

Everything about ExxonMobil is big, big, big, but there's another big oil company -- one that isn't quite so big -- that investors will want to consider. In fact, it's beating ExxonMobil on just about every metric other than size right now.

That company is Total SA. Total is the only integrated major that's currently beating ExxonMobil's returns, with its ROCE, ROIC, and ROE all higher than any of its peers. Also, despite producing only about half the oil and gas that ExxonMobil does, Total managed to nearly match its bigger rival's performance in 2016, posting $8.2 billion in adjusted net income compared to just $8.4 billion for ExxonMobil.

Much of this has to do with Total CEO Patrik Pouyanne's ability to cut costs to the point that the company can break even -- including maintaining its dividend -- with oil at less than $50/barrel. That's in stark contrast to fellow integrated oil major BP (BP 1.21%), which recently saw its breakeven point rise to $60/barrel. More incredibly, Pouyanne managed this feat while simultaneously increasing production by 14.3% over the past two years.

You might expect that, between the cost-cutting and the production increases, the company would have had to slash its dividend, as well. But you'd be wrong. In fact, Total raised its dividend, which now sits at a healthy 5.3% yield. In spite of all this, Total's stock hasn't significantly outperformed its peers, meaning now may be an excellent time to pick up some shares.

The question mark

Investors who feel like they can handle a little bit more risk may want to consider Royal Dutch Shell. While the company isn't quite as profitable as ExxonMobil and doesn't have quite as high returns as Total, it still has some advantages that make it worth a look.

First of all, the company's dividend yield of 7.1% is the best in the industry. Only BP's 6.9% even comes close. But it's not clear whether the company will be able to maintain that hefty yield if oil prices continue to stagnate.

Shell's CEO Ben Van Beurden has not given a clear breakeven price point for oil, saying in a recent CNBC interview that Shell must remain competitive "at every oil price level, and that means that we have to continue to work on reducing our breakeven price of the company." The company has been able to generate sufficient free cash flow to fully cover its dividend in the past two quarters, however.

Shell is also just finishing the integration of its recent major purchase, gas giant BG Group. This gives the company additional exposure to the booming liquefied natural gas market, for which global demand is expected to increase by 4%-5% per year through 2030. The flip side is that the BG purchase is going to require Shell to sell off more than $30 billion in unspecified assets by 2018, so there's quite a bit of uncertainty here.

If uncertainty doesn't bother you, that sweet dividend yield will certainly tide you over while Shell's next chapter unfolds.

Investor takeaway

ExxonMobil, Total, and Royal Dutch Shell may be the best big oil stocks to buy now, but anyone buying into this industry needs to remember that the price of oil is still stubbornly stuck around $50, which means that the truly juicy returns may be months -- if not years -- away. But with their solid dividend yields and decent returns, these three companies are best positioned to pay off for investors when that time finally rolls around.
Farmers Weekly is on the hunt for the Rising Stars of the UK agricultural, food and environmental industries.

Weve teamed up with the Woodland Trust to launch a search for individuals aged 18-35 who are ones to watch for the future.

Our aim is to recognise and promote the talents of the next generation of farmers, agricultural professionals, academics, researchers and others in the food and farming supply chain.

See also: Read more about Rising Stars 2017

We want to inspire young people from outside food and farming to consider this vibrant and fast-moving industry as a potential career choice.

Our Rising Stars may work in any part of the agricultural industry  it could be on the family farm, in a big multinational business or anywhere in between.

Become a Rising Star Fill out the short form at fwi.co.uk/rising-stars

You can nominate someone or enter yourself

Well contact you for further details

Deadline is midnight 28 May

You may nominate as many candidates as you like and it doesnt matter what your relationship with your nominee is  you may be a family member, friend, manager, colleague or mentor.

You can also self-nominate  we just need to know about the impact you feel you are having in your sector and what are your aspirations for the future.

The deadline for nominations is midnight on 28 May 2017.

The winners

Farmers Weeklys Rising Stars 2017 winners will be picked by a panel of judges and profiled in a special feature in July.

All winners will receive a free ticket to the Agroforestry 2017 conference at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, on 22 June 2017, where Farmers Weekly will stage a dedicated photo and video shoot with the group.

Agroforestry conference

The Agroforestry 2017 conference, organised by the Woodland Trust, Royal Forestry Society and Soil Association, will be a practical and inspiring day for farmers, foresters, landowners and researchers interested in agroforestry.

It is an opportunity to hear from people with hands-on experience of agroforestry, who can talk about the benefits, risks and how to get involved in this sector.

It will also highlight policy measures that would help accelerate the uptake of agroforestry and the public benefits it delivers.
Cattle breeders could benefit from a court injunction creating opportunity for competition in the sexed semen market, breeding company Genus ABS has announced.

A lengthy trial has enabled the genetics giant to produce sexed semen in-house, which will start globally this year under the Sexcel brand.

This follows a jury finding that Inguran LLC  trading as Sexing Technologies Inc (ST Genetics)  had wilfully maintained a monopoly in the market since 2012.

See also: How to get the most from sexed semen

Any subsequent sexed semen offering from Genus will now rival STs SexedULTRATM, which boasts conception rates on a par with conventional semen.

Patents

The ruling, reported by Genus ABS on 31 March, granted a permanent injunction preventing ST from enforcing research marketing and anti-competitive restrictions.

However, Genus will still be required to pay upfront patent payments of $500,000 and $750,000 and ongoing royalties of $1.25 and $0.50/straw to Inguran.

Responding to the trial outcome, ST chief executive officer Juan Moreno said:

As the pioneer of commercial sexed semen in the U.S., ST is committed to protecting the sorting technology that weve invested significant fiscal and manpower resources to create.

Sexcel

The approach to sexing semen used in Sexcel will work by oblation, Genus ABS global director of business development Jesus Martinez told Farmers Weekly.

We wont be separating cells, we will be sexing them, he said. This approach uses microfluid. We wont be using sheer force and high speeds as is the case with the current ST method.

He said farm trials suggested comparable cost and reliability performance between sexed Sexcel semen and conventional semen.

We sex the cells using the same dye that has been around for decades and interrogate cells and when they fluoresce the X and Ys can be identified. A laser is then used to delete those cells.
Former Defra secretary Owen Paterson has spelt out his Brexit vision for British agriculture and the environment with the publication of two reports.

Eurosceptic Mr Paterson, a staunch supporter of Brexit, believes the UK will flourish outside the EU and become a self-governing, free-trading nation able to strike better global trade deals.

Brexit will allow the UK to shape its own policies on agriculture and the environment, rather than unsuitable and sometimes disastrous policies imposed by unelected EU politicians.

See also: Devolved regions demand greater say on post-Brexit farm policy

Mr Paterson, Conservative MP for North Shropshire, argued the UK government could reform the farm payments system to ensure vulnerable farmers receive more support after Brexit.

Farmers Weekly has highlighted the key topics including views given by Mr Paterson in his two reports  UK 2020 Agricultural Policy Post Brexit and UK 2020 Environment Policy Post Brexit.

Subsidy reform beyond the CAP

As things stand, the EU contributes 2.9bn to the UK via the CAP and its related subsidies, yet our estimated net contribution is more than three times that, at 9.8bn.

Thus, unconstrained by EU rules, the government will now be in a position, if appropriate, to increase rural payments.

Trade and world bodies

Leaving the EU means the UK can retake a full seat on the world bodies that determine global regulation, at which we are currently represented by the EU collectively.

These include the [World Trade Organization (WTO)], the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which regulates guidelines on food and food safety.

Trade arrangements

The UK presently enjoys trading agreements with more than 50 countries across the world.

We must be determined in maintaining these relationships, and pro-active in exploring and fostering new ones, all the while requiring that imported goods be up to the same high standards of domestic products.

Labour

There are an estimated 67,000 seasonal workers of non-UK origin, chiefly from eastern European countries inside the EU, in UK agriculture.

Assuming an end to the free movement of labour, a new Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme will have to be devised and put in place before the end of the current free movement arrangements.

Devolution

If the UK is to be able to sign trade agreements and abide by WTO commitments, [the UK government] must decide overall national rural policy, replacing the EU as the ultimate authority.

Similarly, the UK must be represented as a whole on global bodies, including the WTO.

Devolved administrations will, nonetheless, play a part in shaping policy.

Combating animal and plant disease

By retaking control of our borders, we can implement a system with the kind of rigour found in Australia and New Zealand, to the benefit of our animal and plant health.

This will ensure the safety of British trees, plants and animals for generations to come.

Food production and public procurement

Public procurement by hospitals, schools, defence and prisons is worth 2.4bn/year and represents about 5.5% of food service sector sales.

We must direct this procurement towards UK producers create an expectation for authorities to source nutritious foods of the highest standards, and farmers empowered to supply those products.

Farm innovation

If British farming is to be kept globally competitive, we must be enthusiastic in our adoption of new technologies, be they autonomous tractors, gene editing, or nutraceuticals.

The EU, however, has obstinately refused to embrace technology, and is fast being outstripped by economies around the world.




Haiti - FLASH : Roadmap of the Minister of Tourism





Within the guidelines set by President Moise, translated into roadmaps, handed to each minister https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-20507-icihaiti-politics-handing-of-roadmaps-to-ministers.html , Prime Minister Lafontant asked the Minister of Tourism, Colombe Emilie Jessy Menos, to lead the necessary reforms to increase tourism at all levels.



In this perspective, I ask you to take the following actions :



Roadmap of the Minister of Tourism :



"- Establish a High Level Commission to define a master plan for the development of the sector for the next 25 years;

- Drafting and make vote by Parliament the law relating to the tourism code (general organization, activities and professions, accommodation, facilities, tourism taxation, etc...)

- Work with relevant ministries to facilitate the annual increase in the number of tourists visiting Haiti;

- Define and apply regional and local tourism patterns;

- Establish a National Tourism Development Agency (ANDT);

- Drafting the inter-ministerial decree regulating the development of the environmental framework for tourist sites;

- Continue and strengthen the promotion of the tourism industry;

- Work with the relevant agencies to create a guarantee fund for the tourism sector and reduce the risk of lending agencies that want to support this sector;

- Create a digital platform for the promotion of the tourist site of La Citadelle;

- Work with the relevant bodies to set up an incentive system to encourage the creation of retirement villages to accommodate members of the diaspora as well as foreigners. A partnership will be sought with the Haitian Medical Association (AMH) and the Haitian Medical Association of Foreign Countries (AMHE) and the private sector to develop a medical shelf of international standard in support of the implementation of this project;



- Work with the competent bodies in order to put in place a policy for the development of the Islands; Promote, in conjunction with the private sector, new industries oriented to tourist activities:

A) Turtle Island: theme park on piracy, valorisation of archaeological heritage, historic, seaside resort.

B) Cow Island: recreation and ecotourism.

C) La Gonave: financial center, ecotourism, maritime pavilion.



- Define plans for the development and enhancement of sites and develop Private Public Partnership Projects (PPPs), integrating the town halls to enhance the many high potential sites throughout the country by involving the diaspora;

- Reinforce the professional capacities of tourism operators by retraining staff providing tourist services;

- Work with the State University of Haiti (UEH) to strengthen training and research programs in History, Memory and Heritage to help develop tourist sites valuation projects;

- Launch, together with the private sector, the construction of a cable system linking Labadee to La Ferriere Citadel;

- Strengthen institutional capacities through the creation of regional directorates and the creation of a consultative framework between the public and private sectors, local authorities and host communities;

- Strengthen the capacities of public institutions involved in the management of tourism flows;

- Using multinational tourism companies to develop hotel chains, amusement parks and retirement villages;

- Make a systematic campaign on the offer of Haitian tourist products to the middle classes of the developed countries and the diaspora;

- Establish public / private partnerships to develop Priority Tourism Zones.



I ask you to start preparing the 2017-2018 Budget, which will have to be approved by the Council of Ministers, after arbitration by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, and filed within the required legal timeframe in Parliament.



You will also have the task of increasing transparency, the fight against corruption and the good management of public property. It will be up to you to organize, direct and animate the services, teams and agents of the State placed under your responsibility.



Jack Guy Lafontant, Prime Minister."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20559-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-the-diaspora.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20549-haiti-flash-big-roadmap-for-the-minister-of-agriculture.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20544-haiti-politics-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-trade-and-industry.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20529-haiti-politics-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-finance.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20519-haiti-politics-foreign-affairs-roadmap.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20508-haiti-flash-roadmap-for-the-establishment-of-the-haitian-army.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20446-haiti-politics-major-projects-of-the-ministry-of-tourism.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Nuwakot DAO denies 3 siblings citizenships in mothers name

The District Administration Office in Nuwakot has refused to issue citizenships by descent in mothers name to 20-year-old Sabitiri Thapa, 19 -year-old Sagar Thapa, and 17-year-old Shrawan Thapa of Likhu in Shivapuri Village Council.
Getting through the Complexities of Drug Testing and Hiring the Perfect Candidate

Posted by Nicole Kolly on Thursday, 04-06-2017 3:28 am

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In the HR circles, 2015 added to the dilemmas and complexities of drug testing for employees and potential employees. The scenario became grim and even more puzzling for human resource and recruitment professionals with medical marijuana getting legalized in more than 20 states and the consumption of medical marijuana becoming more permissible than ever. Can you really strike out a potential candidate on the basis of his marijuana consumption if it's legal in your state? How far can you take the testing procedure for potential employees without stepping in the gray area or breaching an individual's privacy? Is it okay to eliminate a candidate based on his social media posts from his school and university days? As a human resource professional, how can you charter through the complexities of drug testing when appointing the perfect candidate? Read on for more on this. Keep Reviewing and Updating Your Drug Testing Policy Drug testing policies cannot be archaic. You will need to ...

Close Forgot Your Password? Enter in your email address and we will send it to you. Send Email An HR.com member profile provides you with access to a multitude of information and education along with the opportunity to network with the largest HR community on the web.

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GhostDraft Partners with DocVentive to Deliver CCM Solutions to the North American Insurance Market

Posted by Press Releases on Thursday, 04-06-2017 1:27 pm

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GhostDraft, an innovator in document automation and customer communications, announced today it has established a business relationship with DocVentive, a leading expert in document publishing, forms, and archive services.TORONTO, ON (PRWEB) APRIL 04, 2017GhostDraft, an innovator in document automation and customer communications, announced today it has established a business relationship with DocVentive, a leading expert in document publishing, forms, and archive services. The partnership delivers a comprehensive, powerful CCM solution that is cloud enabled to the North American insurance market, especially carriers looking to migrate from legacy systems that are no longer supported.With decades of industry experience, DocVentive is an authority in customer communications management (CCM) and publishing solutions. GhostDraft transforms the customer experience with dynamic and responsive customer communication generation and management.We see GhostDraft as a promising next-generation ...

Close Forgot Your Password? Enter in your email address and we will send it to you. Send Email An HR.com member profile provides you with access to a multitude of information and education along with the opportunity to network with the largest HR community on the web.

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National Retirement Planning Coalition Encourages Americans to Rethink Retirement; Midland IRA, Inc. Joins Effort to Promote Retirement Planning

Posted by Press Releases on Wednesday, 04-05-2017 11:28 pm

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For the past seven years, Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) research has discovered that Baby Boomers confidence in their financial preparations for retirement is steadily dropping. In 2017, only 22% of Baby Boomers feel adequately financially prepared for retirement.Every day thousands of Baby Boomers enter their retirement years. They are, unfortunately, members of a generation who are largely unsure of their financial future. For the past seven years, Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) research has discovered that Baby Boomers confidence in their financial preparations for retirement is steadily dropping. In 2017, only 22% of Baby Boomers feel adequately financially prepared for retirement.Baby Boomers have redefined life at every turn and counted among their lasting legacy will be how Americans prepare for their retirement years. Through the course of their working years, Baby Boomers faced new and unique challenges, including: changes in employee benefits, longer life spans, un...

Close Forgot Your Password? Enter in your email address and we will send it to you. Send Email An HR.com member profile provides you with access to a multitude of information and education along with the opportunity to network with the largest HR community on the web.

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Phenom People Brings the Optimal Candidate Journey to SHRM Talent Management Conference

Posted by Press Releases on Wednesday, 04-05-2017 10:41 pm

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WHO:             Ed Newman, chief evangelist at Phenom People, the leader in Talent Relationship Marketing WHAT:            Will present the session Optimizing the Candidate Journey at the SHRM Talent Management Conference and Exposition. WHEN:            Monday, April 24 Wednesday, April 26, 2017                  Newman is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 8:15 a.m. CDT. WHERE:           Hyatt Regency Chicago151 E. Upper Wacker DriveChicago, Ill.  Phenom People will exhibit in Booth No. 615. DETAILS:          For employers looking to attract top talent, mapping out the candidate journey can generate excitement and increase job seekers interest in an organization. A powerful tool, the candidate journey is not the candidate experience, as each candidate and each journey will ultimately follow a different path. To leverage the candidate journey as part of the talent acquisition process, employers...

Close Forgot Your Password? Enter in your email address and we will send it to you. Send Email An HR.com member profile provides you with access to a multitude of information and education along with the opportunity to network with the largest HR community on the web.

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Okhaldhunga district is self-reliant on large cardamom saplings

Okhaldhunga district has become self-reliant on large cardamom saplings after a local cooperative initiated an increase to its production.
How many times have I heard experts that said such and such cant be done? It must have been a million times. Most recently we have former presidential candidate, now President Trump. The experts in both parties and I dont know how many news commentators said the same thing: It will never happen. Well, it did. But we dont need to look only at the Republicans. It was only a little over eight years ago, that I was a guest on the Presidential Yacht Sequoya for a cruise up the Potomac River. During the cruise, I had a discussion with Democratic Congresswoman and former Ambassador to Micronesia, Diane Watson about this new man, Barack Obama. Not being particularly knowledgeable about politics, but being a Republican, I had heard little previously about him. Ambassador Watson told me Barack Obama is a wonderful man, and hell be president one year, but not this year. This is Hillarys year. I can think of few that gave either Obama or Trump much of a chance, Yet, both succeeded in reaching their goals against incredible odds and countless naysayers. If either believed in limits based on anything, I doubt whether either would have become a candidate, much less get elected. Sinatra had it Right The point has to do with an old Frank Sinatra song related to animals and rubber tree plants called High Hopes. The song details two scenarios where first an ant and then a ram reach seemingly imp...
For people working in human resources and compliance, predicting  and avoiding - the next land mine is always part of the job. This year, the rise and dominance of social media will shape how you reach and influence employees  and how you plan and execute an effective compliance program. The Rise of Social Media in Compliance The rise of social media is hardly new news  but the statistics are mind bending. In a world of 7.3B people, there are 2.3B active social media users  an increase of 176M last year alone. Social media is also changing the way your audience expects to find, digest and validate information. According to the Pew Research Center, a majority of U.S. adults  62%  gets news from social media while Adweek says that more than 90% of retailers use multiple social media outlets to deliver polished, media-driven marketing messages. Compliance Organizations need to keep up Prediction No. 1: From Rules-Based Compliance to Media-inspired Messaging At some level, compliance has always been and will always need to be about following the rules. There are simply some kinds of behavior that are not acceptable, and compliance programs need to clearly identify those behaviors. However, compliance professionals are more than policemen, and there will never be enough compliance professionals to police all of the employees ...
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
Patient commits suicide at National Trauma Centre

A patient committed suicide by hanging herself from a window at the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Rent control and just cause eviction protections to take effect in Mountain View

In his ruling against an injunction against Measure V, Judge William J. Elfving basically declared that the moving parties (California Apartment Association & their attorneys) have not offered persuasive evidence that the landlords will suffer irreparable harm if Measure V was allowed to go into effect!
The nation's fascination with watching people watch TV continues tonight with another episode of Gogglebox Ireland.

Tonight the Gogglebox crew will be watching First Dates Ireland, Flashy Funerals, Ireland's Beauty Queens and The Zoo.

On First Dates Ireland Accountant Ross melts the hearts of the viewers as he explains his trouble with the dating world, I cant watch this, I get so upset! whines Lindsay in Cabra.

A match is predicted with Ross and waitress Sorcha, with an array of awwwwwhs coming from each couch.

Some dating tips are screamed at the telly with Dawn from Cork city yelling SMILE FINBAR! only to be corrected by her partner Dale I dont think thats his name. Angela and Eileen consider their own first dates application, but Angela is hesitant Well you can Eileen. I wouldnt have the nerve.

Flashy Funerals had goggleboxers talking about the business of funerals, Theres some money in that, someones always dyin said Jamie in Cabra, with one of the Pauls considering a career change. Id love to be a funeral director, always have a thing about funerals.

The evolution of funerals is discussed with the Cabra girls At funerals now youll be having Karaoke, Youd have to, sure what else would you be doing in the pub

A traveller family on the show require a double decker bus, five luxury cars, a Lamborghini, a red carpet and even farm yard animals for their funeral.

A documentary on Dublin Zoo called The Zoo causes great excitement on the couches. With one gorilla pregnant, and showing prominent signs. Isnt she very saggy, especially in certain areas said Tadgh in Clare Thank God for bras! said Laura in Kildare.

The pregnancy test for the gorilla consists of the zoo keepers testing her stool, using non-toxic glitter to determine her sample from the others. Disco poo! said excitable Dave from Portobello. Twin Fergal shows his soft side Im tellin ya, wouldnt you be tempted to open the gate and give him a hug.

Gogglebox Ireland airs tonight, Wednesday 5 April at 9pm on TV3.
Burma Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Says No Ethnic Cleansing in Arakan State

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi / State Counselor Office / Facebook

NAYPYIDAW  Burma leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said ethnic cleansing was too strong a term to describe what was happening in northern Arakan State, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

I dont think there is ethnic cleansing going on, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi told the BBC in an interview when asked if she would be remembered as the Nobel Peace Prize winner who ignored ethnic cleansing in her own country.

I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening, said the state counselor who is facing international criticism for her governments handling of a crisis in the Arakan region.

Attacks on Burma border guard posts in October last year by a previously unknown insurgent group ignited the biggest crisis of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis year in power, with more than 75,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh in the ensuing army crackdown.

A United Nations report issued earlier this year said Burmas security forces had committed mass killings and gang rapes against Rohingya during their campaign against the insurgents, which may amount to crimes against humanity.

The military has denied the accusations, saying it was engaged in a legitimate counterinsurgency operation.

What we are trying to go for is reconciliation not condemnation, the state counselor told the BBC.

When asked by the BBC whether perceptions of her as an amalgam of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa of Calcutta were incorrect as she was more similar to former British leader Margaret Thatcher, she said, Well no. I am just a politician. I am not quite like Margaret Thatcher, no. But on the other hand, I am no Mother Teresa either.
Burma KNU to Elect New Leaders

Karen National Union (KNU) chairman Saw Mutu Say Poe casts his vote in KNU elections in Lay Wah, Karen State. / Kwekalu.net.

MAE SOT, Thailand  Representatives of the Karen National Union (KNU) will elect their new leaders on Thursday at their 16th Congress in KNU headquarters in Karen States Lay Wah, also known as Law Khee Lar, with observers expecting few changes in leadership but predicting central standing committee (CSC) members who raise doubts over the peace process could be pushed out.

The KNU is in the third week of its annual congress, which is attended by more than 200 representatives from seven districts and seven brigades.

Representatives will cast secret votes to elect the 60 CSC members before electing 11 central executive committee (CEC) members from the CSC.

The CSC members will also contest the five top positions of chairperson, vice chairperson, general secretary, and two joint-secretaries, who will be elected by representatives in a secret ballot.

The Irrawaddy received a document from KNU officials that was circulated among KNU members and observers. According to the document, the KNUs current 11-member CEC has drafted three ideal scenarios for the five positions labeled plans A, B, and C.

Plan A lists current chairperson Saw Mutu Say Poe, Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Saw Tah Doh Moo, Saw Roger Khin, and Saw Hser Bwe, in the top five positions.

Plan B is for the leadership to be helmed by Saw Mutu Say Poe, Naw Zipporah Sein, Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Saw Tah Doh Moo, and Saw Hser Bwe.

Plan C, meanwhile, lists Saw Kwe Htoo, Naw Zipporah Sein, Saw Tah Doh Moo, Saw Roger Khin, and Saw Hser Bwe in the top tier of leadership.

In any of these three scenarios, KNUs approach to the peace process would not change significantly as these individuals are aligned with existing leaders, according to observers.

Observers speculate Saw Mutu Say Poe will be re-elected as chairman and an associate, such as Saw Kwe Htoo Win, will win the position of vice chairperson. Tah Doh Moo, Saw Roger Khin, and Saw Hser Bwe are close to Saw Mutu Say Poe.

It is unclear how the other six members of the CEC will be selected.

There is also a secret plan by the CEC to expel some leaders from the CSC, according to the document seen by the Irrawaddy.

Hardliners such as Naw Zipporah Sein, Mahn Mahn, Gen Baw Kyaw Heh, Saw Thaw Thee Bwe, and Saw Ner Dah Mya, who are skeptical of the governments peace process and the KNUs signing of the nationwide ceasefire agreement, are believed to be at risk of expulsion by the CEC.

Such a move could lead to a rift within the KNU, especially as the hardliners boast significant support from the Karen community overseas.

The election results will be announced on Thursday evening.
News China May Scrap Divisive Dam in Burma to Advance Other Interests: Sources

Graffiti seen on a stone at Myitsone, outside Myitkyina, Kachin State. / Reuters

NAYPYIDAW  China has shifted its position in a lengthy dispute with Burma over the building of a $3.6 billion dam, seven sources said, signaling its willingness to abandon the project in exchange for other economic and strategic opportunities in Burma.

Burma President U Htin Kyaw will discuss a potential deal on the massive Myitsone dam during a trip to China beginning on Thursday, two senior Burmese officials and a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Until recently, China had been pushing hard for the 6,000 megawatt project to go ahead despite widespread opposition within Burma which forced the suspension of work in 2011.

Now, it is discussing alternative options with Burma including developing a number of smaller hydropower projects and securing preferential access to a strategically important port to compensate it for shelving the project, the sources said.

The seven sources include senior Burmese government officials, a person familiar with the original deal and a person close to the Chinese state-owned operator of the dam. They declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Executives at the developer, the Sino-Burma joint venture Upstream Ayeyawady Confluence Basin Hydropower, are deeply concerned the project will get scrapped, according to a person close to the company.

In a statement, the company said it was looking forward to an impartial and fair review by the Burma government into the environmental and social impact of the project. It said it remained confident of an appropriate solution, without giving details.

Burmas national security advisor Thaung Tun said the review, led by Htin Kyaw, was in its final stages.

The person familiar with the original deal said the Chinese-owned operator of the dam, the State Power Investment Corp Yunnan International Power Investment (SPICYN) has not been actively pursuing the project over the last six months, in contrast to its more proactive stance previously.

SPICYN declined to comment.

Less Power Needed

China would maintain communications with Burma to handle any difficulties encountered in the course of cooperation on the project Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a regular media briefing.

The Myitsone dam was supposed to send 90 percent of its electricity to Chinas neighbouring Yunnan province, angering many in electricity-starved Burma.

But in recent months, Chinas appetite for the project has diminished because Yunnan now has an oversupply of electricity as it switches to less energy-intensive industries amid an economic slowdown, sources said.

Instead, China, with its One Belt, One Road ambitions of improving links with central Asia and Europe, wants a face-saving solution that would allow it to advance its other economic interests if it shelves Myitsone, said a top government official familiar with discussions.

A deal would mark a geopolitical shift away from the West, as Naypyidaw looks to improve ties with China at a time when the United States and the European Union are focussed more on domestic policies.

Beijing is an increasingly important partner for Burma leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has made ending decades of ethnic war her top priority. Burma needs Chinese support to stabilize their shared border amid increased fighting with armed ethnic groups.

Burma is likely to be liable to China for compensation on hundreds of millions of dollars already spent on the project, according to the source close to the deal and a person familiar with the governments position.

Myitsones developer and operator did not comment on potential compensation arrangements and it was not clear how that would be handled.

The compensation doesnt have to be cash, said one of the officials familiar with Suu Kyis thinking. China is interested in other infrastructure projects including smaller-scale dams.

China is also pushing for preferential access to the deep sea port of Kyauk Pyu on the Bay of Bengal, according to two sources familiar with the governments position.

Kyauk Pyu is the entry point for a Chinese oil and gas pipeline and the two countries are close to starting pumping oil through it. The pipeline will provide China an alternative route for receiving Middle Eastern oil.
News Kachin IDP Camps Cut Rations for Men

An internally displaced persons camp on the China-Burma border in Kachin State. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Food rations have been cut for men aged between 19 and 35 since the end of March at two camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in areas controlled by the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), according to camp organizers.

We are not giving food rations to men who can work, Tang Gun, an organizer of Hpun Lum Yang camp, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.

The cut is partly because of a shortage of rations and partly to encourage those who can work to stand on their own two feet, he said, but noted that it was just a trial.

About 200 men from Hpun Lum Yang and Woi Chyai camps will be affected.

Men with disabilities or health problems, those with elderly parents to support, and those volunteering in civil society organizations (CSOs) will continue to receive rations, according to Tang Gun.

The IDPs and Refugee Relief Committee under the KIO and a Britain-based NGO currently provide 25 kilograms of rice as well as salt and oil per person for 45 days at IDP camps in KIO-controlled areas, said Tang Gun.

Since January 2017, displaced persons taking shelter at camps in government-controlled areas have moved to camps in areas controlled by the KIO amid continued clashes between the Burma Army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of KIO.

Around 70 households have moved from Maga Yang camp in a government-controlled area to Hpun Lum Yang camp in a KIA-controlled area since January.

According to statistics from the Joint Strategy Team (JST)a network of CSOs in Kachin and northern Shan statesover 6,000 IDPs were forced to move from one camp to another in January alone because of clashes.

Reducing rations can create a problem for IDPs, currently, there is a shortage of food for them, JST secretary Gum Sha Awng told The Irrawaddy. Both the government and ethnic armed groups are responsible for IDPs, he added.

He said the Burma Army had blocked humanitarian aid provided by the World Food Program to some IDP camps in government-controlled areas since mid-2016 for fear that the aid would be sent to KIA troops.

He urged donors and authorities to provide cash and food to IDPs who have had to move from one camp to another.

There are over 100,000 IDPs in Kachin Stateroughly 50,000 each in both government- and KIO-controlled areas.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
News RCSS/SSA-S Clashes with Burma Army

SSA-S troops at a military parade at RCSS/SSA-S Headquarters. / Kyaw Kha / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  The Shan State Army-South (SSA-S), the armed wing of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), a signatory group of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), clashed with the Burma Army on Wednesday afternoon in Panglong in southern Shan State.

The clash broke out between SSA-S troops and the Burma Armys Light Infantry Battalion No. 246 at 12 p.m. near Nam Hsai village, around 10 miles north of Panglong, and lasted for half an hour, Lt-Col Sai Ngai, a RCAA/SSA spokesperson told The Irrawaddy.

Clashes broke out after about 60 Burma Army troops entered our area without prior notice, he told The Irrawaddy.

The SSA-S did not sustain any casualties or injuries, and there were no civilian casualties or injuries, he added.

The Irrawaddy called but was unable to obtain a comment from Maj-Gen Aung Ye Win, director of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare under the Ministry of Defense.

The RCSS/SSA-S has reported the clash to the state-level joint ceasefire monitoring committee, said the lieutenant colonel.

According to the NCA, the government and ethnic armed groups have agreed that each party must inform the other prior to crossing the others controlled areas, he added, blaming the Burma Army for the lack of prior notice.

This is our area, and the Burma Army knows that. According to the ceasefire agreement, they should have informed us in advance if they were going to enter, the lieutenant colonel said.

Dr. Min Zaw Oo, leader of the technical group of the Union-level Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee, said he received the report of the clash and had asked both sides for further details.

This is related to troop deployment. Unless and until that is settled, there will still be clashes. In moving troops from one place to another, it is natural that they open fire in encounters with the other side. This problem will be solved only when the two sides reach an agreement over the deployment of troops, Dr. Min Zaw Oo told The Irrawaddy.

Although the RCSS/SSA-S has signed the NCA with the government, there have been sporadic clashes with Burma Army troops due to deployment problems. On March 25, there was a skirmish between the two sides in Mongping Township.

There was also a skirmish between the two sides in Hsipaw Township in northern Shan State on March 7, and the joint ceasefire monitoring committees at the Union and state levels have not yet finished discussing it, said Dr. Min Zaw Oo.

The RCSS/SSA-S signed the NCA along with seven other ethnic armed groups on Oct. 15, 2015.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
News UNFC to Visit Wa

Gen. N Ban La (left) and Nai Hong Sar at the UNFC meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand at the beginning of April. / Nyein Nyein / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Representatives of the ethnic armed bloc the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) will travel to the Wa Self-Administered Zone to discuss Burmas peace process with the countrys largest non-state armed group the United Wa State Army (UWSA), a UNFC leader said on Thursday after a three-day emergency meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The move is a further show of unity between ethnic armed organizations by the UNFC after earlier this week it claimed it was united behind the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) amid suspicion of a rift within the bloc as the comprising groups disagreed over signing the NCA and its role in the peace process.

We will not cut our friendship with the UWSA as we are all ethnic people who have been forced to live without freedom, UNFC vice chairman Nai Hong Sar told The Irrawaddy on Thursday.

We need to make sure there are no misunderstandings [between UNFC and UWSA]we need to be strong as one force, he added.

Members of both the UNFC and the Northern Alliancethe KIA and the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N)attended a United Wa State Army (UWSA)-led summit in the Wa Self-Administered Zones capital of Panghsang in February.

The UWSA called for the NCA to be replaced, contrary to the UNFCs nine principals leading to all member groups signing the accord, and said it would lead a political negotiation team between ethnic armed groups and the government.

Last week, the government announced that five of the seven UNFC membersthe Karenni National Progressive Party, the New Mon State Party, the Arakan National Council, the Lahu Democratic Union and the Wa National Organizationwould sign the NCA, although the groups later said it had not been officially decided.

We need to talk with [the UWSA] to make our position on the NCA clear, as UNFC members joined the UWSA meeting, Nai Hong Sar said, referring to the February Panghsang summit.

The UWSA invited UNFC representatives to attend the summit and although UNFC chairman Gen N Ban La of the KIA did attend, he represented the KIA, not the UNFC.

Nai Hong Sar insisted there was no problem with the Northern Alliance UNFC members attending the Panghsang summit as they were under attack by the Burma Army and needed to be united to protect themselves.

He told The Irrawaddy, however, that all sides needed to keep tolerance to maintain peace and that political conflict cannot be solved by force.

Nai Hong Sar urged the government to prepare to meet with the new UWSA-led political negotiation team.

The UNFC will organize further meetings with political parties and NCA-signatory armed groups to further discussions on the July 2016 Kachin Independence Army (KIA)-led Mai Ja Yang summits basic principles of a federal state, he added.
Opinion What is in Store During U Htin Kyaws China Trip?

Burmas State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (L) and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping (R) lead their delegations in a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, on August 19, 2016 / Reuters

During his first official trip China, Burmese President U Htin Kyaw will discuss several key issues with Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping. With backing from State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Htin Kyaw will play an important role in advancing what has been described as paukpawor brotherhoodbetween the two nations.

One of the topics U Htin Kyaw will inevitably bring up will be the controversial Myitsone dam in Kachin State. Reuters reported on Thursday that China has expressed a willingness to abandon the US$3.6 billion project in order to pursue other investment opportunities in the country. Yet, concerns remain, as such a move could put Burma in a position in which it must compensate China for the millions already spent on the project.

The 6,000-megawatt dam was suspended under the former U Thein Sein government after strong protests nationwide, but the project was not totally dismantled. Ahead of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis last visit to China in August 2016, President U Htin Kyaw formed a new commission to evaluate all proposed hydropower projects on the Irrawaddy River, including the Myitsone. Some observers saw the formation of the commission as a signal to the West from Burma that the country was moving away from Chinas clout.

While the commission is not required to submit its first assessment report to the Presidents desk until November 11, it appears that a strategic decision on the unpopular project is imminent.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi received harsh criticism in 2013 when she gave the go-ahead to another Chinese investment project, the Letpadaung copper mine in central Burma.

The mining venture faced protests by locals, and the previous government sent in police to contain the unrest. They launched a pre-dawn raid on demonstrators in November 2012, injuring more than 100 people. Daw Aung San Suu Kyithen an elected MPwas asked to lead a commission investigating the incident and assess whether the project should go ahead in the face of growing opposition.

The commissions report advised the project to carry on, but recommended that environmental safeguards be upheld, benefits for the community be created, and villagers be compensated for land that had been seized. There is still simmering dissent and occasional bouts of protests regarding the minethe ruling, after all, was indeed in favor of China.

What is interesting is that key strategic projects carried out by China in Arakan State have received comparatively less media attention and fewer outcries from activists than Letpadaung and Myitsone. Among these is a deep seaport in Kyaukphyu, where China is heavily invested in the Kyaukphyu-Yunnan oil pipeline, and a Special Economic Zone. Meanwhile, a proposed Kyaukphyu-Yunnan railway project faced opposition and was reportedly canceled.

The developments in Kyaukphyu would give China strategic access to the Bay of Bengal, expand its influence throughout the Indian Ocean region and further its One Belt, One Road policy, linking trade routes and increasing its influence. To this aim, China has also developed several seaports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Kyaukphyu is key in facilitating the expansion of Beijings economic and political power.

Burma is no longer a pariah state, and is now nurturing relationships with allies in Asia as well as in the West. This places Burmese president U Htin Kyaw and his ministers in a unique position concerning the re-negotiation of previous contracts. The challenge for the delegation will be to act in Burmas national interests, and to refrain from bending to Beijings dominance.
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By Desmond Brown | (Inter Press Service) |  

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (IPS)  From tourism-dependent nations like Barbados to those rich with natural resources like Guyana, climate change poses one of the biggest challenges for the countries of the Caribbean.

Nearly all of these countries are vulnerable to natural events like hurricanes.

Why is this such a big deal? The Caribbean is facing a climate crisis, which we need to tackle now  with urgency. Dr. Warren Smith



President of the Caribbean Development Bank Dr. Warren Smith says the bank is giving high priority to addressing the fallout from climate change in the region. Credit: Desmond Brown/IPS

Not surprisingly, the climate change threat facing the countries of the Caribbean has not gone unnoticed by the regions premier financial institution, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

We are giving high priority to redressing the fallout from climate change, the banks president Dr. Warren Smith told journalists at a press conference here recently.

This is an inescapable reality, and we have made it our business to put in place the financial resources necessary to redress the effects of sea-level rise and more dangerous hurricanes.

CDB has also tapped new funding for renewable energy and for energy efficiency.

For the first time, the bank has accessed a 33-million-dollar credit facility from Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) to support sustainable infrastructure projects in select Caribbean countries and a 3 million euro grant to finance feasibility studies for projects eligible for financing under the credit facility.

At least 50 percent of those funds will be used for climate adaptation and mitigation projects, Smith explained.

We persuaded the Government of Canada to provide financing for a CAD 5 million Canadian Support to the Energy Sector in the Caribbean Fund, which will be administered by the CDB. This money will help to build capacity in the energy sector over the period 2016 to 2019.

In February, CBD also became an accredited partner institution of the Adaptation Fund, and in October 2016, the bank achieved the distinction of accreditation to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Why is this such a big deal? The Caribbean is facing a climate crisis, which we need to tackle now  with urgency, Smith said.

The Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund have opened new gateways to much-needed grant and or low-cost financing to address climate change vulnerabilities in all of our borrowing member countries (BMCs).

The financing options outlined by the CDB president would no doubt be welcome news to Caribbean countries in the wake of United States President Donald Trumps recently proposed budget cuts for climate change funding.

The proposed 2018 federal budget would end programmes to lower domestic greenhouse gas emissions, slash diplomatic efforts to slow climate change and cut scientific missions to study the climate.

The budget would cut the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding by 31 percent including ending Trumps predecessor Barack Obamas Clean Power Plan  the Obama administrations plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

At the U.S. State Department, the budget proposal eliminates the Global Climate Change Initiative and fulfills the presidents pledge to cease payments to the United Nations climate change programmes by eliminating U.S. funding related to the Green Climate Fund and its two precursor Climate Investment Funds.

The Green Climate Fund is the U.N. effort to help countries adapt to climate change or develop low-emission energy technologies, and the Global Climate Change Initiative is a kind of umbrella programme that paid for dozens of assistance programmess to other countries working on things such as clean energy.

The proposal would also cut big chunks out of climate-related programmes of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The USAID is the American agency through which the countries of the Caribbean get a lot of their funding for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

We would be foolish to have taken a lead role in getting the world to move on climate, to put innovation at its core and then walk away from that agenda, Dr Ernest Moniz said on CNN. Some of the statements being made about the science, I might say by non-scientists, are really disturbing because the evidence is clearly there for taking prudent steps.

I would not argue with the issue that different people in office may decide to take different pathways, different rates of change etc., but not the fundamental science, added Moniz, who was instrumental in negotiating the Paris Climate Agreement.

Throughout his election campaign, Trump consistently threatened to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate deal.

Moniz, a nuclear physicist and former Secretary of Energy serving under President Obama, from May 2013 to January 2017, said he would wait and see how this develops, but said of the threat to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, obviously, that would be a very bad idea noting that every country in the world is now committed to a low-carbon future.

Theres no going back. One of my friends in the industry would say you cant keep the waves off the beach. We are going to a low carbon future.

Since being sworn in as president in January, Trumps administration has been sending somewhat mixed signals about climate change. While Trump himself has described climate change as a hoax, he also said he had an open mind toward efforts to control it.

Caribbean countries, meanwhile, are watching with keen interest the developments in the United States.

Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Milton Haughton said fisheries is one of the industries being impacted by climate change.

Climate change, sea level rise, ocean acidification and disaster risk management are major challenges facing the fisheries sector and the wider economies of our countries, Haughton said ahead of a two-day meeting in Kingston to discuss measures for adaptation to climate change and disaster risk management in fisheries as well as the status of and recent trends in fisheries and aquaculture in the region.

These issues continue to be high priorities for policy-makers and stakeholders because we need to improve capacity, information base and policy, and institutional arrangements to respond to these threats and protect our future.

At this meeting, we will be discussing the USA-sponsored initiative to provide risk insurance for fishers, among other initiatives to improve and protect the fisheries sector and ensure food security, Haughton added.

Via Inter Press Service
Pepsi pulls Kendall Jenner advert amid outcry

Pepsi has pulled an advert that sparked an outcry and accusations that the drinks maker was trivialising recent street protests across the US.
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TeleSur |  

General McMaster has returned the NSC to its proper function, Bannon said in a statement.

U.S. President Donald Trumps chief strategist, Steve Bannon, has been removed from the National Security Councils principals committee, replaced by U.S. intelligence officials, according to a new presidential memorandum issued Wednesday.

The decision was made by Trumps new national security adviser, Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, a senior administration official told the Wall Street Journal. In the reshuffling of the council, Homeland security adviser, Tom Bossert, was downgraded to replace Bannon.

Bannon said in a statement, Susan Rice operationalized the NSC during the last administration. I was put on to ensure that it was de-operationalized. General McMaster has returned the NSC to its proper function.

Bannons appointment on the council when Trump was inaugurated in January even drew criticism from some members of Congress and Washingtons foreign policy establishment.

A White House official told Fox News said that Bannon was placed on the committee partly to monitor Trumps first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, but never attended a meeting.

Trump fired Flynn on Feb. 13 for not disclosing to him or Vice President Mike Pence the extent of his conversations with Russias ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, before Trumps inauguration.

Flynn set the record for holding the position of White House national security adviser for the shortest time in the 64-year history of the role  just 24 days.

Bannon, former executive chairman of Breitbart and widely considered a white supremecist, drew fury from many when he was appointed. The move comes as new polling shows that Bannon is even less popular than Trump, who is viewed unfavorably by U.S. citizens than any other president at this point in his term.

Via TeleSur



Related video added by Juan Cole:

The Young Turks: Why Was Steve Bannon Booted From National Security Council?
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Army in Idlib is an atrocity and the pictures of dead children tug at the heart. But the outrage of American politicians inside the beltway about it draws on the myths of American exceptionalism and Alzheimers of the political memory. It is also very suspicious in that the loudest voices of sympathy are the ones closest to the US military industrial complex, which has been regretting the missed opportunity of a Syria War.

If Trump and his circle are so tenderhearted, why did they propose, on taking office, permanently banning Syrian refugees from the United States? If it werent for some feisty Federal court judges, the Syrian refugee ban would be in effect. How sympathetic can you be if you dont even want to give children asylum from these heinous atrocities?

Then, why is how children are killed in war more important than that they are killed? The most conservative estimate for deaths in the Syrian Civil War is some 300,000, and you figure that although many of those are fighting men, some large proportion (33%?) are innocent noncombatants, including tens of thousands of children. Rebel groups have also killed tens of thousands of people, including innocent civilians, though the regime has been more deadly because better-armed. Why was it all right for the regime to use indiscriminate bombing and barrel bombs on civilian neighborhoods, but if they kill some 80 people with gas all of a sudden the Beltway Bandits want to Send in Trump?

And by the way, all the time the US was occupying Iraq, 2003-2011, it was intensively bombing civilian neighborhoods to get at Iraqi militias. It certainly killed thousands of innocent civilians this way, including children. I can remember just one Saturday afternoon in 2004, the US bombed Amara over and over again to get at the Shiite Mahdi Army militia. The Agence France Presse had a stringer on the ground who reported 84 deaths. They werent all combatants. The US media refused to run the AFP report.

All this isnt new. The US has long had a doctrine that it is all right to inflict large civilian casualties with the aim of limited troop casualties. The United States used nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, after which there were thousands and thousands of dead children. Some were carbonized so quickly that nothing was left of them but shadows on the wall. Little children. The US security elite has never apologized for this war crime and continues to menace other nations with this kind of indiscriminate and unspeakable violence every time it announces that all options are on the table.

As for chemical weapons, the US has studiedly avoided signing unreservedly the 1925 Geneva Protocol banning chemical weapons use. (It says it will use chem if others do, which means it could use chem in Syria now).

The Reagan administration shamefully ran interference for six years as Saddam Hussein of Iraq systematically deployed chemical weapons against Iranian troops at the front. Everyone knew this was going on. After then Searle CEO Donald Rumsfeld went to Baghdad in 1983 and famously shook Saddams hand, George Schultzs State Department complained about Saddams chem, provoking angry puzzlement in Baghdad. Did Reagan want a new ally against Khomeinis Iran, or not? Reagan had State back down. And, indeed, when Iran appealed to the United Nations Security Council to condemn what Iraq was doing, the Reagan administration maneuvered at the UN to make sure that Irans case was not taken up.

I saw an Iranian survivor interviewed. He said he wished he had been killed instead. His lungs had been permanently scarred by mustard gas, and every breath he took was pure torture. Imagine how many breaths a person draws every day.

Emboldened by Reagans running cover for him at the UN, Saddam went on to have his relative Chemical Ali al-Tikriti use sarin gas on the Kurdish town of Halabja. Again, lots of little children were among the thousands dead. Some were walking to school and their little hands were still grasping lunch pails. George H. W. Bush was vice president and must have been in the loop. His son, W., later invaded Iraq and gave as one of his pretexts that Saddam had used weapons of mass destruction on his own people.

Iraq used chemical weapons for the same reason that the Syrian army does. They are deployed to level the playing field in the face of superior manpower on the other side. Saddam Hussein had a country of 16 million and invaded a country of some 40 million. US military doctrine of the time was you should only invade at a ratio of 3 to 1. So Saddam would have needed a country of 120 million to invade Iran. Needless to say, he lost the war very badly after an initial lightning invasion, since Iran could always over time raise a much bigger army than Saddam could. Hence the use of mustard gas and sarin gas on Iranian troops at the front.

Some Syrian military units have a chem team in case they face being overwhelmed by a more numerous enemy. The Syrian army was 300,000 before the war. It is at most 50,000 now. That number is not sufficient to control the whole country, though with the help of the Lebanese Hizbullah and Iraqi militias and some Afghans dragooned by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, plus vigorous Russian air support, they have been able to fight off the rebels and to take most urban areas. The small number of troops means that when they fight in a rebel-held territory like Idlib Province, they are tempted to deploy chemical weapons to offset their small numbers.

But it is indiscriminate fire and reckless disregard for innocent life that is the war crime here, and indeed a repeated pattern of war crimes is considered a crime against humanity.

By the way, Russian bombing has often been indiscriminate, but somehow Moscow has skated on war crimes accusations growing out of its heavy-handed role in Syria.

As for those decrying Obama inaction they need to, like, read the news sometime. For the past several years the US has intervened in Syria in two ways. President Obama used the Saudis to deliver money and weaponry to some 40 vetted groups supported by the Central Intelligence Agency, which is certified as having no ties to al-Qaeda or international extremism. Except that several of these groups have in fact formed battlefield alliances with al-Qaeda in Syria (was Jabhat al-Nusra, now Jabhat Fateh Sham or the Syrian Conquest Front).

Why in the world the US government should have backed groups like the Saudi favorite Army of Islam, which wanted to oppress or kill non-Sunnis baffles me. The rebel groups committed their own massacres of civilians.

The other US intervention has been thousands of bombing raids against Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) in Raqqa and Deir al-Zor in Syrias far east.

Neither of these interventions has been effective to date, and both certainly have raised the death toll in the Civil War, including the civilian death toll.

Trump cant stop Syria from using poison gas by bombing Damascus. Since hes such a good buddy of Russian president Vladimir Putin, maybe he could pressure Putin to have Bashar al-Assad cut it out.

But that somehow the Syria situation can be made better if only Donald J. Trump would stick his fingers into it is a wildly implausible premise.



Related video:

Fmr. U.S. Ambassador On Syria: Donald Trumps Response Is Hard To Take | The 11th Hour | MSNBC
TORONTO, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: BGM) (the "Company" or "Barkerville") is pleased to announce an updated mineral resource estimate for Barkerville Mountain at the Company's flagship Cariboo Gold Project (the "CGP" or "Cariboo Gold Project").

The undiluted and in-situ mineral resource estimate incorporates the Bonanza Ledge ("BL") and BC Vein ("BCV") deposits reported at underground cutoff grades (3.50 grams per tonne ("g/t") of gold ("Au")). Table 1 summarizes the updated mineral resources estimate for Barkerville Mountain (including the BCV and BL deposits), whereas Table 2 and Table 3 summarize the mineral resource estimate for the BCV and BL deposits, respectively. The updated mineral resource estimate was conducted by InnovExplo Inc., an independent consulting firm based out of Val-d'Or, Quebec, and includes drilling campaigns from 2015 and 2016. The updated mineral resource estimate is supported by a new understanding of geological controls on gold mineralization at the Cariboo Gold Project developed by the Company's technical team. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), an updated technical report for the Cariboo Gold Project will be filed on SEDAR and the Company's website within 45 calendar days of this disclosure.

Chris Lodder, President and CEO of Barkerville commented, "These mineral resources on Barkerville Mountain are anticipated to support our recently announced initial underground operation at Bonanza Ledge on Barkerville Mountain which received all required permits as per News Release on April 4, 2017. BGM targets a mine life of just over 2 years from Bonanza Ledge and 2 further years from the nearby BC Vein. After completion of mining of these two deposits, we aim to have a new larger milling facility on site provided results at the larger targets we are presently exploring justify the facilities. Mine development is already initiated with mining contracts having been awarded and all required mining equipment delivered and assembled at site. The Company has also began commissioning its 100% owned and fully permitted QR mill with low grade stock pile. Processing of material from Bonanza Ledge is expected to begin in July 2017. The Company will provide regular operational updates as production advances throughout the course of 2017. At the same time, we continue to aggressively explore with eight drill rigs on Island Mountain and the Valley Zone between Cow and Island Mountains. The objective of this drilling campaign is the definition of a larger resource to support our principal business objective which is to develop a long life, low impact mine with a new on site processing facility."

Table 1: 2017 Barkerville Mountain Mineral Resource Estimate reported at a 3.50 g/t Au cut-off grade (BC Vein and Bonanza Ledge).

CATEGORY TONNES (T) AU (G/T) CONTAINED AU (OZ) MEASURED 248,200 8.07 64,400 INDICATED 436,700 6.72 94,400 TOTAL M+I 684,900 7.21 158,800 INFERRED 108,100 5.34 18,600

Table 2: BC Vein Mineral Resource Estimate reported at a 3.50 g/t Au cut-off grade.

CATEGORY TONNES (T) AU (G/T) CONTAINED AU (OZ) INDICATED 381,500 6.93 85,000 INFERRED 108,100 5.34 18,600

Table 3: Bonanza Ledge Mineral Resource Estimate reported at a 3.50 g/t Au cut-off grade.

CATEGORY TONNES (T) AU (G/T) CONTAINED AU (OZ) MEASURED 248,200 8.07 64,400 INDICATED 55,200 5.30 9,400 TOTAL M+I 303,400 7.57 73,800 INFERRED - - -

The mineral resources disclosed in this press release were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") standards on mineral resources and reserves, definitions, and guidelines prepared by the CIM standing committee on reserve definitions and adopted by the CIM council.

Technical considerations for the estimation:

Each of Karine Brousseau , P.Eng and Carl Pelletier , P.Geo, B.Sc. of InnovExplo Inc. is an independent "qualified person" (as defined in NI 43-101) responsible for the 2017 mineral resource estimate. The effective date of the 2017 mineral resource estimate is March 21, 2017 .

, P.Eng and , P.Geo, B.Sc. of InnovExplo Inc. is an independent "qualified person" (as defined in NI 43-101) responsible for the 2017 mineral resource estimate. The effective date of the 2017 mineral resource estimate is . Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Results are presented in-situ and undiluted.

The estimate includes two gold zones.

Sensitivity was assessed using cut-off grades of 1.50, 2.00, 2.50, 3.00, 3.50, 4.00, 4.50, 5.00 and 6.00 g/t Au. The final underground resource is reported at a cut-off grade of 3.50 g/t Au. Cut-off grades must be re-evaluated considering prevailing market conditions (including gold prices, exchange rates and mining costs).

Density (g/cm 3 ) data was established on a per zone basis and ranges from 2.72 to 3.20 g/cm 3 .

) data was established on a per zone basis and ranges from 2.72 to 3.20 g/cm . A minimum true thickness of 2.0 metres was applied, using the grade of the adjacent material when assayed, or a value of zero when not assayed.

Compositing was done on drill hole sections falling within the mineralized zones (composite = 2.0 metres for BC Vein and Bonanza Ledge with distributed tails).

High-grade capping (g/t Au) was done on composited data and varies from 32 to 70 g/t Au based on the statistical analysis of individual mineralized zones. Restricted search ellipsoids were used during the BC Vein interpolation using  variographic ranges and a threshold of 21 g/t Au.

Resources were estimated using GEOVIA GEMS 6.7 software from drill hole sampling, using a 2-pass Ordinary Kriging interpolation method in a block model (block size = 2 metres x 2 metres x 5 metres).

The "inferred mineral resource" category is only defined within areas where blocks were interpolated during Pass 1 or Pass 2, where continuity is sufficient to avoid isolated blocks being interpolated by only one drill hole. The "indicated mineral resource" category is only defined by blocks interpolated by a minimum of two drill holes in areas where the maximum distance to drill hole composites is less than 20 metres for blocks interpolated in Pass 1. The "measured mineral resource" category is only defined by blocks interpolated by a minimum of three drill holes in areas where the maximum distance to the closest drill hole composite is less than 10 metres for blocks interpolated in Pass 1 and in close proximity with the sampled open pit (< 40 metres).

Ounce (troy) = metric tons x grade / 31.10348. Calculations used metric units (metres, tonnes, g/t).

The number of metric tons was rounded to the nearest hundred. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects; rounding followed the recommendations as per NI 43-101.

Neither the Company nor InnovExplo Inc. is aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issue that could materially affect the mineral resource estimate.

Table 4: Input parameters used for determination of underground cut-off grade. Gold price and exchange rates are based upon three year trailing averages.

PARAMETER UNIT VALUE EXCHANGE RATE USD/CAD 1.31 GOLD PRICE $US/OZ $ 1,222.00 GOLD PRICE $CAD/OZ $ 1,602.00 PROCESSING COSTS $C/T $ 25.00 PROCESS RECOVERY % 95% DILUTION % 0% GLOBAL MINING COST $C/T $ 130.00 TOTAL COST $C/T $ 155.00

2017 Mineral Resource Estimation Methodology

The 2017 mineral resource for Barkerville Mountain was created in GEMS software using 3D block modelling and the ordinary kriging interpolation (OK) method. The resource area measures 1,525 metres along strike, 250 metres wide and 500 metres deep. The resource estimate is based on a compilation of historical and recent diamond drill holes and wireframed mineralized zones constructed by InnovExplo Inc.

The diamond drill hole database contains 659 surface diamond drill holes and 109 underground drill holes. A selection of 680 holes was considered for the resource estimate. From these, a subset of 496 holes (436 from surface and 60 from underground) cut across the mineralized zones. The database also contains 7,688 production blast holes, which were used as guidelines for interpretation purposes only.

Data verification included a site visit to the Barkerville Mountain field site as well as to the logging facilities. It also included a review and re-sampling of selected core intervals, drill hole collar locations, assays, the newly implemented QA/QC program, downhole surveys, information on mined-out areas, and the descriptions of lithologies, alteration and structures.

To conduct accurate resource modelling of the deposit, InnovExplo Inc. based its mineralized-zone wireframe model on the drill hole database and it's knowledge of the Bonanza Ledge deposit and similar deposits. In doing so, InnovExplo Inc. created two mineralized solids that honor the drill hole database. Construction lines were created on cross sections varying in spacing from 5 metres to 25 metres, which were snapped to drill hole intercepts to produce valid solids.

The Bonanza Ledge wireframe was inspired by a sulfide shell of previous work using a threshold of 3% pyrite content and clipped on the footwall fault located to the south-west, which was modeled from drill log descriptions. The BC Vein wireframe was largely inspired by Barkerville's geologist interpretation.

To minimize any bias introduced by the variable sample lengths, the raw gold assays of the drillholes were composited within each mineralized zone. The thickness of the mineralized domains, the proposed block size, and the original sample length were taken into consideration for the selected composite length. For the BC Vein and the Bonanza Ledge zones composites of 2.0 metres with distributed tails were selected. All intervals within solids that are not assayed were given a value of zero during compositing.

Given the density of the processed data, the search ellipse criteria, the drill hole density and the specific interpolation parameters, InnovExplo Inc. believes the current mineral resource estimate can be classified using the "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" categories. The estimate is compliant with CIM standards and guidelines for reporting mineral resources and mineral reserves.

Prior Technical Report on Non-Material Property Outdated

The Company's flagship Cariboo Gold Project described in this press release is the primary focus of the Company at this stage and is the only material mining property of the Company. The Company notes that while a prior technical report in respect of the Cariboo Gold Project, entitled "Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd., Cow Mountain NI 43-101 Technical Report, Project No. V1458" dated May 15, 2015 (effective date of March 31, 2015) was prepared by Snowden Mining Industry Consultants and filed, however, the Company cautions that the information in that report is outdated and should no longer be relied upon. The Company anticipates ongoing drilling work and geological modeling of the Cow Mountain, Valley Zone and Island Mountain areas will attenuate the prior understanding of the potential of the Cow Mountain resource. An updated resource estimate and technical report will be disclosed in due course.

Qualified Persons

Each of Karine Brousseau, P.Eng and Carl Pelletier, P.Geo, B.Sc. of InnovExplo Inc. is an independent "qualified person" (as defined in NI 43-101) responsible for this mineral resource estimate. InnovExplo Inc. acknowledges that it has reviewed the technical disclosure presented in this news release and that it is devoid of errors. Paul Geddes, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration of Barkerville, is a "qualified person" (as defined in NI 43-101) for the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practice Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on the Cariboo Gold Project.

About Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd.

The Company is focused on developing its extensive land package located in the historical Cariboo Mining District of central British Columbia. Barkerville's mineral tenures cover 2,110 square kilometres along a strike length of 67 kilometres which includes several past producing hard rock mines of the historic Barkerville Gold Mining Camp near the town of Wells, British Columbia. The QR Project, located approximately 110 kilometres by highway and all weather road from Wells was acquired by Barkerville in 2010 and boasts a fully permitted 900 tonne/day gold milling and tailings facility. Test mining of the Bonanza Ledge open pit was completed in March of 2015 with 91,489 tonnes of material milled producing 25,464 ounces of gold. The Company has completed several drilling and exploration programs over the past 20 years and has compiled this data with all historical information in order develop geologic models which are assisting management in defining new deposits in the Cariboo Gold Project. An extensive drill program is currently underway with the goal of delineating additional high grade gold mineralization.
VANCOUVER, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Nevada Sunrise Gold Corporation ("Nevada Sunrise" or the "Company") (TSXV: NEV) and its exploration partner Advantage Lithium Corp. ("Advantage Lithium") (TSXV: AAL) are pleased to announce that a regional drilling program has commenced at the Neptune Lithium Project ("Neptune") located in the southern Clayton Valley of Nevada, USA. One borehole to a depth of approximately 610 metres (2,000 feet) is planned to follow up on encouraging results from a 2016 lithium brine drilling program carried out by Nevada Sunrise. Other boreholes are planned at the Jackson Wash, Aquarius and Gemini projects in the coming months.

Neptune is the subject of an earn-in agreement between Nevada Sunrise and Advantage Lithium where Advantage Lithium can earn a 50% interest in Neptune from the Company by spending CDN$700,000 over a three-year period (see Nevada Sunrise news release dated June 20, 2016). At present, Neptune ownership is 75% Nevada Sunrise and 25% Resolve Ventures Inc. (TSXV: RSV), subject to a 3% gross overriding royalty according to the terms of an underlying option agreement with a Nevada vendor.

Nevada Sunrise completed two exploration holes at Neptune in late March 2016. Borehole N-2016-1, drilled to 457.2 metres (1,500 feet) showed anomalous lithium in a grab sample of groundwater of 6.8 mg/l lithium at a depth of 438.9 metres (1,440 feet). A third hole is underway approximately 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) to the east of hole N-2016-1 in an area interpreted from a 2016 geophysical survey to be a potential trap where denser, lithium-bearing brines could accumulate. If results from the third Neptune borehole warrant further work, a drill pad and access road have been prepared for a fourth hole location.

About Neptune

Neptune consists of 316 unpatented 20-acre placer claims totaling approximately 6,320 acres (2,557 hectares) and is located in an active area of lithium exploration and mining. The Silver Peak lithium mine operation, acquired by Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) in 2015, has extracted lithium minerals from brines continuously since 1966 and is located approximately 10 miles (15 kilometres) to the north of Neptune. Nevada Sunrise has an option to earn a 100% interest in Neptune, subject to a 3.0% gross overriding royalty (see Nevada Sunrise news release dated September 21, 2015 for further details of the Neptune underlying option agreement).

About Lithium Exploration at Neptune

Drill targets at Neptune have been generated from the integration of the results of: (1) a detailed gravity survey by a previous operator that outlined a deep, fault-bounded sub-basin, (2) a controlled source audio magnetotellurics follow-up survey that detected conductive horizons within the sub-basin, and (3) a 2016 time-domain electromagnetic survey that provided additional detail about the conductive horizons. In each of the two holes completed in 2016, permeable sedimentary, lacustrine strata interbedded with volcanic ash and other ejecta was logged at various levels throughout the holes. This type of sedimentary strata is interpreted as a requisite host horizon for lithium-bearing brines as seen in the northern Clayton Valley.

For further information on Neptune including maps showing its location and exploration plans please visit the Nevada Sunrise website at: "Projects  Nevada Lithium": http://www.nevadasunrise.ca/projects/nevadalithium/

A National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant technical report on Neptune dated February 29, 2016 can be accessed on the Nevada Sunrise website at "Investors  Downloads": http://www.nevadasunrise.ca/investors/

Initial water and sediment samples collected in 2016 were submitted to ALS Minerals in Reno, NV, and analyzed at ALS Minerals in Vancouver, BC. Water samples were analyzed by ICP-AES and ICP-OES, and composite sediment samples were analyzed by 48-element, four-acid ICP-MS. Re-analysis of groundwater was carried out by Western Environmental Testing Laboratory in Reno, Nevada, where testing included analysis for specific gravity, total hardness and alkalinity, bicarbonate, carbonate, hydroxide, TDS and electrical conductivity. Anions (chloride, sulfate) were analyzed by ion chromatography. Trace metals (lithium, magnesium, boron, calcium, potassium and sodium) were analyzed by ICP-OES. All depth measurements reported, including sample and interval widths are down-hole. As holes are oriented vertical and geologic stratigraphy is primarily horizontal to sub-horizontal, downhole measurements are assumed to be close to true thickness.

Robert M. Allender, Jr., CPG, RG, SME is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained herein.

About Nevada Sunrise

Nevada Sunrise is a junior mineral exploration company with a strong technical team based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, that holds interests in nine mineral exploration projects in the State of Nevada, USA. Nevada Sunrise began acquisitions of Nevada lithium properties in September 2015, which include options to earn a 75% interest in the Neptune project (Resolve Ventures Inc. (TSXV: RSV) owns a 25% interest), a 100% interest in the Clayton Northeast project, and a 100% interest in the Aquarius Project, all located in the Clayton Valley area. The Company also holds options to earn 100% interests in the Jackson Wash and Atlantis projects, and has a 50% participating interest in the Gemini project, each located in playas proximal to the Clayton Valley. The Company has optioned five of the Nevada lithium projects to Advantage Lithium Corp. (TSXV: AAL), and the Atlantis project is currently under option to American Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LI). The Salt Wells Lithium project, in the Carson Basin near Reno, is currently the subject of due diligence by the Company.

The Company's three key gold assets include a 21% interest in a joint venture with Pilot Gold Inc. (TSX: PLG) at Kinsley Mountain near Wendover, a 100% interest in the Golden Arrow project near Tonopah, and an option to earn a 100% interest in the Roulette gold property in the southeastern Carlin trend near Ely, with each of the properties subject to certain production royalties.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - April 6, 2017) - Osisko Mining Inc. (TSX:OSK) ("Osisko" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce new results from the ongoing drill program at its 100% owned Windfall Lake gold project located in Urban Township, Quebec. The current 400,000 metre drill program combines definition drilling above the Red Dog intrusion ("Red Dog"), expansion drilling above and below Red Dog, expansion drilling to the NE of the main deposit, and exploration drilling on the greater deposit and Urban-Barry Project area. New analytical results from five drill holes focused on infill and expansion drilling in the Caribou Corridor and Underdog Corridor are reported in this release, with significant assay results presented in the table below.

New results include: 34.1 g/t Au over 4.0 metres, 7.41 g/t Au over 10.4 metres (6.21 g/t Au over 10.4 metres cut), 10.6 g/t Au over 6.8 metres and 9.38 g/t Au over 4.0 metres in hole OSK-W-17-780; and 55.4 g/t Au over 2.6 metres (19.4 g/t Au over 2.6 metres cut) in hole OSK-W-17-743-W4. Maps showing hole locations and full analytical results are available at www.osiskomining.com.

Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) uncut Au (g/t) cut to 100 g/t Zone Corridor OSK-W-17-743-W4 1100.0 1103.0 3.0 6.86 FW1 HW Under Dog including 1101.8 1102.2 0.4 42.6 1139.0 1142.0 3.0 3.21 FW1 Under Dog 1194.6 1197.0 2.4 16.6 FW2 HW Under Dog including 1195.6 1196.0 0.4 95.1 1282.4 1284.4 2.0 5.42 FW2 FW Under Dog including 1282.4 1283.3 0.9 11.4 OSK-W-17-743-W5 964.5 967.0 2.5 5.36 FW0 HW Under Dog 1272.7 1275.3 2.6 55.4 19.4

FW2

Under Dog including 1273.7 1274.2 0.5 287 1289.3 1291.9 2.6 3.94 FW2 FW Under Dog including 1290.3 1290.8 0.5 12.4 OSK-W-17-780 435.9 439.3 3.4 4.46 New Caribou including 435.9 436.3 0.4 10.7 including 438.8 439.3 0.5 18.8 1036.5 1046.9 10.4 7.41 6.21 FW0 HW Under Dog including 1036.5 1037.0 0.5 125 1070.3 1074.3 4.0 3.3 FW0 Under Dog including 1072.1 1073.0 0.9 8.61 1271.6 1278.4 6.8 10.6 FW1 Under Dog including 1276.0 1278.4 2.4 28.9 including 1276.0 1277.0 1.0 65.8 1366.0 1370.0 4.0 34.1 FW3 Under Dog including 1368.5 1370.0 1.5 90.5 1400.0 1404.0 4.0 9.38 FW3 FW Under Dog including 1401.0 1402.5 1.5 24.4 OSK-W-17-784 767.0 770.0 3.0 4.89 Wolf HW Caribou including 769.5 770.0 0.5 15.1 780.4 786.1 5.7 3.21 Wolf HW Caribou including 785.1 786.1 1.0 13.6 OSK-W-17-789 538.9 544.1 5.2 7.31 6.39 CS1 FW Caribou including 543.8 544.1 0.3 116

Notes: (1) True Widths are estimated at 65 - 80% of the reported core length interval. See "Quality Control" below. (2) Definitions: HW = hanging wall; FW = footwall.

Hole Number Azimuth

() Dip

() Length

(m) UTM E UTM N Section OSK-W-17-743-W4 334 -64 4847.4 452651 5434237 2525 OSK-W-17-743-W5 334 -64 5103.4 452651 5434237 2525 OSK-W-17-780 332 -59 5093.5 452929 5434378 2850 OSK-W-17-784 330 -54 2938.0 452860 5434491 2825 OSK-W-17-789 316 -38 3526.9 452545 5434390 2500

OSK-W-17-743-W4 intersected four zones in the Underdog corridor. The first zone returned 6.88 g/t Au over 3 metres in FW1 hanging wall. The mineralization is composed of 5-7% pyrite stringers and a tourmaline-quartz vein with visible gold hosted in an altered fragmental intrusion. This intersect is part of the 50 metres spacing infill program. The second zone returned 3.21 g/t Au over 3.0 metres in the FW1 corridor, 70 metres vertically under the OBM-15-560 5.7 g/t Au over 13.0 metres (see January 28, 2016 press release). The mineralization consists of 5% pyrite stringers associated with silica altered contact area between two felsic porphyry dikes. The third zone, located in FW2 hanging wall, returned 16.6 g/t Au over 2.4 metres. The mineralization consists of up to 30% pyrite and chalcopyrite traces in the similar geological context. The last zone assayed 5.42 g/t Au over 2.0 metres in the Underdog corridor between FW2 and FW3 zones. The mineralzation is composed of 2-5% pyrite and trace of chalcopyrite associated to a porphyry dikes contact.

OSK-W-17-743-W5 tested Underdog Corridor and intersected 5.36 g/t Au over 2.5 metres in the hanging wall of FW0 in a bleached andesite containing 2% pyrite stringers. It correlates with 2.81 g/t Au over 2.0 metres in OSK-W-17-743-W3, located 70 metres to the south-west. This drill hole also intersected the FW2 zone 19.4 g/t Au over 2.6 metres (55.4 g/t Au over 2.6 metres uncut) including gold rich quartz veins 287 g/t Au over 0.5 metres. The FW2 foot wall zone was intersected 1060 metres below surface and returned 3.94 g/t Au over 2.6 metres.

OSK-W-17-780 intersected six parallel zones, one in the Caribou corridor and five in the Underdog corridor. The first returned 4.46 g/t Au over 3.4 metres 200 metres south-east of the main Caribou zone in strongly silicified andesite with disseminated pyrite. The second returned 6.21 g/t Au over 10.4 metres (7.41 g/t Au over 10.4 metres uncut). The mineralization includes up to 10% pyrite stringers, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and trace of electrum related to sericitized and silicified magmatic breccia. This new zone is located 35 metres in the hangingwall of the known FW0 Zone. The third zone, the FW0, returned 3.3 g/t Au over 4.0 metres in a sericitized and silicified fragmental porphyry dike containing 2 % pyrite stringers. This intersection extend the FW0 zone 60 metres to the east from the OBM-W-16-614 (see April 14, 2016 press release). The fourth zone, 100 metres spacing infill program on FW1, returned 10.6 g/t Au over 6.8 metres with the same lithological features. The FW3 Zone assayed 34.1 g/t Au over 4.0 metres hosted in a felsic intrusive with 1% pyrite stringers and disseminated pyrite. The last intersection is 35 metres deeper than the previous one and in strike with the FW3 zone. The analytical, results returned 9.38 g/t Au over 4.0 metres. The mineralization includes up to 10% pyrite stringers and extended the FW3 corridor 100 metres to the east from OSK-W-16-754 (see February 14, 2017 press release).

OSK-W-17-784 intersected two mineralized intervals in the hanging wall of the Wolf Zone. The first one returned 4.89 g/t Au over 3.0 metres hosted in a sericitized felsic large quartz eyes intrusive with 1 to 5 % disseminated pyrite, pyrite stringers and visible gold. The second intersection assayed 3.21 g/t Au over 5.7 metres associated with 5 to 10% pyrite stringers, local chalcopyrite and tourmaline veinlets. The mineralization is hosted in a sericitized, ankeritized and weakly slicified small quartz eyes felsic intrusive. This interval is located 20 meters to the south-west and below previously reported 17.1 g/t over 2.0 meters in OSK-W-16-708 (see August 31, 2016 press release).

OSK-W-17-789 is an infill hole testing the CS1 Zone. A 5.12 g/t Au over 7.4 metres zone was previously reported (see March 22, 2017 press release) and receipt of additional analytical results add on a new zone, 3.2 metres deeper in the hole, returning 6.39 g/t Au over 5.2 metres (7.31 g/t Au over 5.2 metres uncut). The mineralization include up to 8% pyrite stringers and trace of sphalerite associated to strongly sericite and silica altered felsic porphyry dike.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed, prepared and approved by Mr. Louis Grenier., P.Geo. Project Manager of the Windfall Lake gold project, who is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Quality Control and Reporting Protocols

True widths determinations in the Caribou and Underdog zones are estimated at 65-80% of the reported core length interval. Assays are uncut except where indicated, and calculated intervals are reported over a minimum length of 2 metres using a lower cutoff of 3 g/t Au. All NQ core assays reported were obtained by either 1 kilogram whole rock metallic screen/fire assay or standard 50 gram fire-assaying with AA or gravimetric finish at ALS Laboratories in Val d'Or, Quebec or Sudbury, Ontario. The 1 kilogram metallic screen assay method is selected by the geologist when samples contain coarse gold or present a higher percentage of pyrite than surrounding intervals. All samples are also analyzed for multi-elements, including silver, using an Aqua Regia-ICP-AES method at ALS laboratories. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results is performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards and blanks are included with every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Corporation as well as the lab. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to secondary laboratories for check assays.

About the Windfall Lake Gold Deposit

The Windfall Lake gold deposit is located between Val-d'Or and Chibougamau in the Abitibi region of Quebec, Canada. The current mineral resource comprises 2,762,000 tonnes at 8.42 g/t Au (748,000 ounces) in the indicated category and 3,512,000 tonnes at 7.62 g/t Au (860,000 ounces) in the inferred category (sourced from a technical report dated June 10, 2015 entitled "Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Windfall Lake Gold Property, Quebec, Canada" with an effective date of April 28, 2015, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101). The Windfall Lake gold deposit is currently one of the highest grade resource-stage gold projects in Canada. The bulk of the mineralization occurs in the Main Zone, a southwest/northeast trending zone of stacked mineralized lenses, measuring approximately 600 metres wide and at least 1,400 metres long. The deposit is well defined from surface to a depth of 500 metres, and remains open along strike and at depth. Mineralization has been identified only 30 metres from surface in some areas and as deep as 870 metres in others, with significant potential to extend mineralization up and down-plunge and at depth.

About Osisko Mining Inc.

Osisko is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal resource properties in Canada. Osisko holds a 100% in the high-grade Windfall Lake gold deposit located between Val-d'Or and Chibougamau in Quebec and holds a 100% undivided interest in a large area of claims in the surrounding Urban Barry area (82,400 hectares), a 100% interest in the Marban project located in the heart of Quebec's prolific Abitibi gold mining district, and properties in the Larder Lake Mining Division in northeast Ontario, including the Jonpol and Garrcon deposits on the Garrison property, the Buffonta past producing mine and the Gold Pike mine property. The Corporation also holds interests and options in a number of additional properties in northern Ontario. Osisko continues to be well financed with approximately $190 million in cash and investments.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - April 6, 2017) - Sama Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SRG) ("SRG" or the "Company") today announced the signature of a consulting agreement with Dorfner ANZAPLAN Co. in Germany ("Dorfner") for advanced graphite test work on the Company's 100%-owned Lola Graphite deposit in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. Laboratory work and analysis on the Lola Graphite concentrate is aimed at identifying the optimal procedure for shaping and purification in order to obtain high-purity spherical graphite, suitable for use in lithium-ion battery and technology grade graphite applications. The test work results, which are expected in August, will be documented in detail providing comparisons between the Lola graphite concentrate and concentrates currently available in the marketplace.

"We called upon Dorfner as they are renowned for their engineering expertise and the precision of their studies," said Marc-Antoine Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer, SRG. "The results of this characterization testwork will provide our Company with the specific characteristics of our graphite, thereby enabling us to maximize the potential of our product in what we expect to be the high tech and lithium-ion battery industry."

About Dofner

Dorfner is a leading European specialty minerals producer with more than a hundred years of experience in industrial minerals processing, delivering high quality mineral products to different industries. ANZAPLAN has been founded in 1985 to become the most independent venture within the Dorfner group of companies while concentrating the group's analytical and engineering know how to serve external customers. www.anzaplan.com

About Sama Graphite Inc. (SRG)

SRG is a Canadian-based company focused on developing the Lola Graphite deposit, located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. SRG is committed to operate in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner.

For additional information, please visit SRG's website at www.srggraphite.com.
MONTREAL, April 6, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - ALGOLD RESOURCES LTD. (TSXV: ALG) (the "Corporation") today announced preliminary assay results from its Phase III 20,000-meter drilling campaign carried out on its Tijirit property ("Tijirit") in Mauritania. Results continue to demonstrate the high-grade nature of the Eleonore zone, with the mineralization now extending to a vertical depth of up to 150 meters.

Highlights

Hole T17RC031 (Eleonore Central)  4 m @ 10.2 g/t Au, a new mineralized horizon on section S9000.

Hole T17RC032 (Eleonore Central)  10 m @ 3.19 g/t Au, including 4 m @ 7.1 g/t Au, situated on section 9080, 28 meters down dip from hole T16RC121, which intersected 2.02 g/t Au over 1 m (Figure 1).

Hole T17RC013 ( Eleonore South )  3 m @ 7.69 g/t Au, including 1 m @ 20.2 g/t Au, hit the main mineralized quartz vein at a vertical depth of 150 meters, thus demonstrating the continuity of this high-grade mineralized vein at depth in the southern section of Eleonore.

)  3 m @ 7.69 g/t Au, including 1 m @ 20.2 g/t Au, hit the main mineralized quartz vein at a vertical depth of 150 meters, thus demonstrating the continuity of this high-grade mineralized vein at depth in the southern section of Eleonore. Hole T17RC036 ( Eleonore South )  4 m @ 6.86 g/t Au, situated on section E7830, 40 meters south of hole T16RC027 (24.4 g/t Au over 6 m) and 50 meters north of hole T16RC133 (2.79 g/t Au over 3 m) (Figure 2).

The results from Eleonore South and Eleonore Central further validate the continuity of the multiple mineralized structures and associated gold-bearing quartz veins propagating along regional structures, and the associated splays identified to date. The mineralization is associated with pyrite, and to a lesser extent pyrrhotite and galena within biotite-rich shear zones.

Eleonore Central results are consistent with those from previous mineralized intersections drilled in 2016 as publish. Results also demonstrate the strike extension of the high-grade gold mineralized structure over more than 600 meters at surface and at the 50-meter vertical level. Drilling to test the 150-meter and 200-meter levels is ongoing.

On Eleonore South, new results confirm the continuity of the two sub-parallel gold structures trending north south, which appear offset in the middle of the zone and then tilt to the northeast, further delineating an economic gold horizon that stretches over 1.2 kilometers.

The Phase III 20,000-meter reverse-circulation ("RC") and 5,000 meters diamond-drill ("DDH") drilling program was initiated on February 1, 2017 with the objective to further delineate the high-grade gold deposit. As of March 31, 2017, some 75 RC holes, 11 diamond and 8 RC pre-collar/diamond tails were completed for 8,749 meters of RC and 2,215 meters of diamond drilling.

Results from Phase III drilling presented in this press release represent approximately 50% of total drill samples sent to the SGS Bamako lab facility in February and March 2017. More assay results from deeper intersections are expected in the coming weeks. Results from Eleonore North are expected later in the quarter. Algold anticipates filing an updated National Instrument 43-101 resources estimate by the end of April 2017.

Table 1: New Assay Result Highlights - Phase III Drilling Program

Hole ID Prospect East UTM North UTM From m To m Vertical Depth*

(m) Average Grade** (g/t Au) Width*** (m) Comments T17RC034 Eleonore North 482387 2250457 112 114 86.6 3.95 2 T17RC031 Eleonore Central 482179 2249756 62 66 49.0 10.20 4 T17RC032 Eleonore Central 482220 2249827 39 49 33.7 3.19 10 Including 4m @ 7.1g/t Au T17RC053 Eleonore Central 482354 2249829 84 88 65.9 4.28 4 T17RC013 Eleonore South 481830 2248751 182 184 140.2 1.86 2 197 200 152.1 7.69 3 Including 1m @ 20.2 g/t Au T17RC036 Eleonore South 481598 2248685 78 82 61.3 6.86 4

*Vertical depth of intersection below RL collar.

**Weighted average grade, composite based on a minimum grade of 0.3 g/t Au with an internal dilution of 0.005 g/t Au over 2 m and an edge grade of 0.25 g/t Au permitted.

***Down-hole length (believed to be close to true width)

No capping of higher values has been applied.

Note: Complete assay results are available on Algold's website (www.algold.com)

Detailed geological descriptions of all mineralized zones can be found on Algold's website (www.algold.com) and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) in the report entitled "Algold 43-101 Technical Report: Tijirit Maiden Mineral Resources Estimates for the Tijirit Gold Project in Mauritania".

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)

Analytical work for drill core and chips, geochemical samples and rock chip samples is being carried out at the independent SGS Laboratories Ltd. in Bamako, Mali. The 50 g fire assay with ASS finish analytical services are accredited by SANAS and are carried out with a quality assurance protocol in line with ISO 17025:2005. Samples are stored at the Corporation's field camps and put into sealed bags until delivered by a geologist on behalf of Algold to the laboratory in Bamako, Mali, where samples are prepared and analyzed. Until the end of 2016, samples were analyzed at ALS's facility in Loughrea, Ireland. Beginning in 2017, samples are analyzed at SGS Laboratory, Bamako. Samples are logged in the tracking system, weighed, dried and finely crushed to better than 70%, passing a 2 mm (Tyler 9 mesh, US Std. No.10) screen. A split of up to 1,000 g is taken and pulverized to better than 85%, passing a 75-micron (Tyler 200 mesh) screen, and a 50-gram split is analyzed by fire assay with an AA finish. Anomalous samples greater than 5 g/t Au are re-analyzed by 50 g fire assay with gravimetric finish. Selected samples may be re-analyzed using a 1 kg cyanide leach (Bottle Roll) using "LeachWELL" or the 1 kg screen fire assay method. Blanks, duplicates and certified reference material (standards) are inserted to monitor laboratory performance during the analysis.

This press release has been reviewed for accuracy and compliance under National Instrument 43-101 by Andre Ciesielski, DSc., PGeo., Algold Resources Ltd Lead Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person, and Alastair Gallaugher, C.Geo. (Chartered Geologist and Fellow of the Geological Society of London), BSc. Geology, Algold's Exploration Manager in Mauritania, Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Andre Ciesielski has further approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release.

ABOUT ALGOLD

Algold Resources Ltd is focused on the exploration and development of gold deposits in West Africa. The board of directors and management team are seasoned resource industry professionals with extensive experience in the exploration and development of world-class gold projects in Africa.

Algold is the operator of all of its exploration licenses in Mauritania. Algold owns 100% of Tijirit, which represents an area of more than 1,000 km2, situated approximately 25 kilometers southeast of the Tasiast gold mine as well as the Akjout properties, which were acquired from Gryphon Minerals (Australia) through a transaction completed earlier in 2016. Exploration is being carried out on the Eleonore, Sophie I, Sophie II-III and Lily zones. The Kneivissat property is 90% owned by Algold and the Legouessi property is being managed through a 51% earn-in interest agreement with Caracal Gold LLC. Algold can earn up to a 90% interest in the Legouessi exploration permit (reference Algold's press release dated October 10, 2013 for more details), however, Caracal has the right to participate in the joint venture at either 51% or 75% by funding its share of expenditures.
By Yi Whan-woo

The diplomatic row between Korea and Japan over "comfort women" may deepen in the years to come because no presidential candidate here respects a bilateral agreement signed in December 2015.

All five major presidential nominees  Moon Jae-in, Ahn Cheol-soo, Hong Joon-pyo, Yoo Seong-min and Sim Sang-jung  are pledging to either renegotiate or scrap the deal.

Their diplomatic principles are contrary to Japan's plan to ensure that the next Korean government will carry out the deal as promised by the outgoing conservative administration.

Analysts said Wednesday failing to narrow the gap may take Seoul-Tokyo relations to their lowest level. They said bilateral ties may become worse than before December 2015 when the two countries made the controversial agreement.

"At least one side may need to yield ground, and it is very unlikely to happen," said Kim Hyun-wook, a professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy.

Shin Yul, a politics science professor at Myongji University echoed a view, saying "Korea must get ready for the worst."

He pointed out that even the two conservative candidates  South Gyeongsang Gov. Hong of the Liberty Party of Korea (LDP) and Rep. Yoo of the Bareun Party  are with their liberal rivals in protesting the December 2015 deal.

Hong said it would be "right to scrap the deal," adding, "It is a betrayal of the spirit of the country."












Prez tells flood victims they will be compensated

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said she will take the initiative to provide compensation to the Koshi flood victims.
by Tobi Elkin @tobielkin, April 5, 2017

Poor ad quality, fraud and waste are top-of-mind issues for marketers. Low-quality ads cost U.S. marketers $7.4 billion last year, according to a new report from Forrester. The report said programmatic media and video are the primary causes of ad fraud spending wastage.

The research suggests the problem will grow to $10.9 billion by 2021 if steps are not taken to address it.

The Forrester report described a digital advertising supply chain riddled with problems, most directly connected to the lack of transparency in ad tech. The result is wasted time, effort, and money, and lackluster ROI.

Notably, it stated: The end of digital medias wild days will be good news for premium publishers that invest in their content, in growing their quality audiences, and in the ad tech partnerships that facilitate honest brokerage of their valuable inventory. The most desirable marketers with the biggest budgets are fed up, and rightly so. They want standards that apply to all digital media, like in television and print.

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Taking fraud and a lack of viewability into account, marketers are spending, but also wasting billions on digital advertising. The lack of transparency in ad tech only adds to marketers challenges.

Forrester noted that the speed and complexity of programmatic buying render the few tools that marketers have to manage the process useless.

Worst of all, the report suggested that until standards are set, the digital advertising pipeline will remain polluted. If marketers think they bought 100 impressions for $100, think again. The true cost was closer to double the original number.

While agencies and trade associations have taken up viewability ad nauseam in the last few years, Forrester suggests even measuring viewability remains a challenge because standards vary.

The Media Rating Council established a benchmark and accredited 13 vendors for display measurement, but their findings can vary widely, the report said. For example, media agency GroupM has a much stricter standard. As one ad-tech executive noted in the report: When you take away the non-viewable ads, theres not much left.
by Tanya Gazdik , April 6, 2017

While the country may be divided across political lines; the real-time reaction to brands pulling their advertising from The OReilly Factor proves the audience sees taking a hard stand against sexual harassment as a bipartisan issue, says Amobee Principal Brand Analyst Jonathan Cohen.

Nearly two dozen TV advertisers have left Fox News Channels The OReilly Factor following a recent story in The New York Times that five women had received payments totaling some $13 million from host Bill OReilly or Fox News parent 21st Century Fox to not pursue sexual harassment allegations.

Brands that pulled out as The OReilly Factor advertisers saw an average lift in digital content engagement of 141% on April 4 compared to April 3, according to Amobee, a global marketing technology company.

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The brands included in that average are Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, BMW, Lexus, Constant Contact, Ainsworth Pet Foods, Sanofi, Mitsubishi, GlaxoSmithKline, Orkin, Esurance, T. Rowe Price, Credit Karma, Wayfair, Truecar, Coldwell Banker, The Wonderful Company, The Society for Human Resource Management and Bayer.

Mercedes-Benz was seen as the first advertiser to back out of the show and saw their digital content engagement specifically go up 264% on April 4 compared to April 3. On April 4, 75% of the digital content engagement around Mercedes-Benz was related to The OReilly Factor.

Its also worth noting that Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai got an especially large lift in digital awareness around being the first brands to distance themselves from the show, Cohen says. Working with brands to pull their ad spend is one of the most effective checks and balances the audience has in speaking truth to power, and brands that take a leadership role in standing up to inappropriate behavior will especially ingratiate themselves to the audience."

There were 7.2K tweets around Mercedes-Benz on April 4 that mentioned The OReilly Factor, with sentiment around those Tweets being 45% positive, 54% neutral, and 1% negative toward Mercedes-Benz.

Also on April 4, there were 7.8K tweets mentioning both Hyundai and The OReilly Factor with Twitter sentiment around those tweets being 28% positive, 71% neutral, and 1% negative toward Hyundai.

There were 3.3K tweets around BMW that brought up The OReilly Factor, with Twitter sentiment being 19% positive, 80% neutral, and 1% negative towards BMW.

Overall in the tweets mentioning both The OReilly Factor and one of the initial brands backing out of advertising on the show on April 4, (Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, BMW, Constant Contact, Sanofi, Ainsworth Pet Foods, Allstate, UNTUCKit, and GlaxoSmithKline), Twitter sentiment was negative around the brand at most 1% of the time. There was no statistically relevant blowback from the real-time audience against brands taking a stand against sexual harassment.

Between April 3 and 4, there were 6.6K tweets around the hashtag #DropOReilly. The hashtag originated from the @WomensMarch Twitter handle as a tool to pressure brands to stop advertising on The OReilly Factor. A full 88% of all The OReilly Factor digital content engagement has been sexual harassment-related between April 1 and 4.
by Mike Azzara , Op-Ed Contributor, April 6, 2017

March was a milestone month for artificial intelligence M&A -- though there wasnt much directly applicable to marketers. Unless you factor in the fact that marketers are humans, too. Up to you.

There were a cool dozen deals in March 2017, roughly double last years monthly average. But this months big milestone was the first deal for AI technology to top $1 billion: Intel acquired Mobileye, a maker of machine-learning-infused autonomous driving systems, for a breathtaking $15.3 billion.

No surprise, Mobileye is another of those Israeli startups (if a company founded in 1999 can still be called a startup), with deals to supply the guts of autonomous driving systems to just about every major car manufacturer you can think of, regardless of home continent. Its technology lies at the core of Teslas auto pilot -- and yes, it was exonerated of guilt from that fatal Tesla crash last year.

What makes Mobileye particularly interesting to chip-maker Intel is that, unlike just about everyone else, its AI tech lives in a chip. That makes it smarter and faster than software solutions that run outside chips, a faster learner, and more easily embeddable into large rugged systems like cars. Intel missed mobile, and the key message here is that, come hell or high water, theres no way the company will miss the AI revolution.

Perhaps of most interest to marketers, though, are two Spotify acquisitions and one by Google (none of which had announced price tags).

Spotify acquired Sonalytic, whose AI does that Shazam thing of naming any tune from just a few bars of music, with the added twist of figuring out your taste and recommending new music for you to try out. The second deal was for MightyTV, another recommendation AI, but this time for video. Still, the tea leaves suggest that the MightyTV deal is destined to shape the future of programmatic advertising at Spotify, if not all of its marketing technology.

MightyTVs founder is Brian (not Bryan!) Adams, who previously founded AdMeld, sold it to Google in 2011, and ran DoubleClick Publisher Platform before launching MightyTV two years ago.

Heres what Spotifys announcement had to say: Adams will be joining Spotify as VP of Technology, focusing on advertising and marketing technology solutions. [He] will use his vast knowledge of programmatic advertising and personalized recommendations to further develop Spotifys advertising products, as well as our own marketing technology platforms.

Googles umpteenth AI acquisition is AI gamification company Kaggle. Any company from any industry can use Kaggle. You describe a business problem and provide a dataset, and Kaggle hosts a competition among the worldwide community of data scientists and assorted AI geeks to develop predictive models and other analytics that solve your problem. You can choose to deploy the winning model or not, but you have to offer prize money as incentive to get the contest going.

Of passing interest for marketers is HMS Holdings $170 million deal for Eliza Corp., whose healthcare patient outreach AI uses behavioral science, predictive analytics and voice recognition to figure out the best channel through which to contact patients and then engage them. It can provide information, offer guidance, gather feedback and schedule appointments. Sort of like a cross between your favorite doctor and Sarah Fays no-less-artificial assistant, Amy Ingram.

The other seven deals ran the usual gamut for AI targets so far this year: a couple of cybersecurity detection intelligences; a couple of foundational AI platforms that let you DIY your own predictive brains; a language translation AI; and an AI for interpreting body language (so the machines can feel your pain).

Finally, 36-year-old Progress Software, which specializes in integrating data sources from many disparate business applications, spent $30 million for AI technology that it claims will help its customers transition to integrating the hundreds or thousands or millions of different data sources envisioned to emerge in the coming Internet-of-Things era. Apparently, the companys humans just aint up to the job.

For new readers who like to follow AI M&A as avidly as I, we also have January and February deal roundups.
Rs72b urea plant to be set up in Nawalparasi

The Ministry of Supplies has decided to pave the way for the establishment of a urea factory in Bardaghat, Nawalparasi as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has agreed to provide the natural gas needed to produce the fertiliser.
by Sara Guaglione , April 6, 2017

Media companies are paying extra attention to women in media this week.

A partnership between Advantage Media and ForbesBooks is now the new corporate sponsor of The Women Presidents Organization,

Also, Outside magazines latest special issue is entirely created and sponsored by women.

Advantage Media will print a new coffee-table book for WPO, a peer advisory organization connecting women who own multi-million dollar companies, to commemorate its 20th anniversary.

Last year, Advantage published The WPO 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Guide to Growth.

Many of our members are respected authorities in their fields. Our partnership with Advantage will help them leverage their stories of success to build their brands as book authors, stated Dr. Marsha Firestone, president and founder of WPO.

Bea Wray, VP of corporate marketing, added the partnership embodies the need to amplify women's voices, especially in business.

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Book publishing imprint business ForbesBook launched last November, as a collaboration between Forbes Media and Advantage Media Group, a company which provides business professionals with resources to create, publish and market books.

Meanwhile, Outsides May special issue is entirely devoted to women and made by women, from the editorial to every advertisement.

Each ad was tailored by women from REI (the main sponsor of the issue), Eddie Bauer, Columbia, GoPro, Coors Light, Merrell, The North Face and Fjallraven.

Deputy editor Mary Turner edited the special issue, titled "XX Factor Issue," replacing editor Chris Keyes. All contributors and photographers were female.

The issue celebrates women who have made history over the course of Outsides 40-year run. In her editors note, Turner says 51% of outdoor consumers and half the annual 160 million adventure travelers are women.
by Larissa Faw , April 6, 2017

Bugaboo and its agency 72andSunny Amsterdam are launching "Move Freely, the first global brand campaign to promote the brands new collection of luggage, which is branded Bugaboo Boxer. The luggage line is Bugaboo's first product to go to market since its popular baby stroller lines were launched in the 1990s.

The centerpiece is a global brand film that follows the journeys of two travelers in parallel as they make their way through busy urban cities - New York City and Toronto - synced to a specially-commissioned version of Lee Marvins classic Wandrin Star.

The creative is designed to show how to "move freely through the world  whether its as a new parent or a devoted traveler  its about more than products that make your life easier, its a mindset. Its about changing the way people move and opening the door for where they can go," according to the agency.

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The film runs in select independent cinemas in the U.S, United Kingdom, and Spain. The media buy also includes targeted pre-roll ads, video-on-demand, and content partnerships with media outlets, such as Fast Company. In addition, Bugaboo will release smaller pieces of content distributed strategically across the brands digital and social channels.

The campaign will also be supported globally with partnerships with like-minded brands as well as via integrations with influencers across the balance of the year.

This rollout is similar to the strategy that initially launched its iconic baby strollers in the 1990s. Back then, Bugaboo relied primarily on word-of-mouth and focused on select higher-income demographics to raise awareness for its baby strollers before eventually filtering down to the mainstream.

Limited distribution is another key part of the brand's appeal. As such, Bugaboo Boxer is currently available only online.
BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California.
1:09pm: Maile was claimed, per MLB.coms Mark Feinsand (via Twitter).

12:47pm: The Blue Jays are set to acquire catcher Luke Maile from the Rays, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Maile was designated recently, but its not apparent at this point whether he is moving via trade or waiver claim.

Maile, 26, has struggled badly at the plate in his brief MLB time, striking out 44 times while drawing just four walks and slashing a meager .214/.234/.338 in 161 total plate appearances. And he hasnt shown much more at Triple-A; in 551 trips to the plate at the highest level of the minors, he owns a .221/.302/.314 batting line.

That said, Maile did provide more offense earlier in his minor-league career. And he has shown fairly well defensively in the majors. Last year, he rated well as a framer and cut down seven of 18 would-be base-stealers, which suggests he could be a useful depth piece. Maile will likely join Juan Graterol as 40-man members stashed at Triple-A in the Toronto organization.
06.04.2017 LISTEN

Asante The Alpha goes off hard on his H (h333333), freestyle single which marks his fourth release for the year 2017.

For over four minutes, Asante The Alpha drops bars about the lack of competition amongst rappers, the influx of Nigerian songs in Ghana which has caused highlife music to go down and touched on wack rappers.

I had to put on my beast mode; no thoughts, no filter, just display my feelings, spitting bars and metaphors and whats on my mind at the moment, he said.

The beat was produced by JnR.

Watch out for more bangers from Asante The Alpha soon.

Audio - https://soundcloud.com/asante1/heeeeeer

YouTube -



Twitter: @AsanteTheAlpha

Facebook: Asante The Alpha

Instagram: @AsanteTheAlpha
Hewale Sounds, a neo traditional/contemporary music, together with flutist Dela Botri, Danish saxophonist Katrin Suwalski, Gyedu Blay Ambolley and Amandzeba Brew will on Thursday, April 13 perform at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill in Accra.

The performance forms part of the 21st anniversary celebrations of the group, which also include workshops and seminars in a number of venues, with various artistes drawn from Accra and other parts of the country.

A workshop with the Central Police Band will be held at the Police Depot in Accra on Monday, April 10 with Katrin Suwalski, flute dynamo Dela Botri and Superintendent Dr Frank Hukporti as moderators.

Alliance Francaise in Accra will host a saxophone workshop on Tuesday, April 11 for local saxophonists by Suwalski, while the group will rock the Piano Bar in Accra with a performance on Friday April 14.

Hewale Sounds will on Saturday, April 15 equally treat contemporary music lovers with some of their recent compositions at the Royal Senchi Hotel in Akosombo. A final concert will take place at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra on Sunday, April 16.

Hewale Sounds is an ensemble that specialises in playing traditional and highlife music with their contemporary extensions. It has performed to highly enthusiastic audiences and participated in some major arts festivals in Europe and the United States.

Currently based at the WEB Dubois Centre in Accra, the group has been experimenting a vigorous blending of jazz with diverse traditional Ghanaian rhythms, which they have dubbed 'Hi-Jazz'.

Hewale Sounds has performed to enthusiastic audiences in Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, Egypt, South Africa, Jordan, Norway and the United States.
SC issues show cause notice to NC, Deuba in contempt of court writ

Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday issued a show cause notice to the Nepali Congress and its President Sher Bahadur Deuba in a contempt of court petition.
06.04.2017 LISTEN

The VGMA is usually an opportunity to see the brightest in the Ghanian music industry shine. Besides the countless musicians that come on the red carpet and answers the ultimate and most repeated, Who are you wearing question, there are also countless actors, actresses, media practitioners and fans, shuffling the red carpet, in the hopes of being spotted by a camera.

Glam Africa Magazines commitment to style and class, has pushed the company to support and encourage those who put in effort, in looking their best on nights like the VGMAs.

The lifestyle magazine, which has featured many Ghanaians, including Becca and Efya, will be giving rewarding the best dressed celebrity on the VGMA red carpet. Speaking with the Country Manager for Ghana, he confirmed that the winner wont only have that title for the next year, theyll also be leaving with special gifts from Vasties Sunglasses, Glams Makeup and a feature in the magazines next edition.

The company revealed that fans may also suggest who wins the best dressed on the night, using the hashtag #VGMAxGlamAfrica.
By Godwill Arthur-Mensah/Linda Baah, GNA

Accra, April 5, GNA - Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday said policy decisions of the Government were based on accurate data and, therefore, called for adequate investment in data gathering processes that would engender development.

He said without information it would be difficult for the Government to take accurate decisions concerning national priorities.

He said the data produced by various actors must be consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, match user needs and easily comprehensible.

The Vice President said this when he delivered the keynote address at Ghana's Data Roadmap Forum in Accra.

The forum aims at identifying data gaps and aligning national priorities geared towards achieving the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Vice President Bawumia said there was the need to strengthening administrative data drive by building the capacity of institutions to gather accurate data.

He said the Government had identified three fundamental pillars that would anchor the formalisation of the national economy.

These include the issuance of national identification cards, digital addressing system and enhancing the operability of the unbanked population that would ensure quality service delivery to the citizens.

He said Ghana required a robust data regime and that could be achieved through collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in the public and private institutions.

Dr Bawumia called for galvanisation of resources to ensure harmonious and accurate production of data as there was a synergy between data and development.

'The adoption of the SDGs at the time of data revolution provides us with unpatrolled opportunities to track the implementation of these ambitious goals at every level of our society.

''Country level commitment to the SDGs will not be feasible without fast-tracking the data revolution to provide the right information at the right time that is universally accessible to all,'' he noted.

Mr Baah Wadieh, the Acting Government Statistician, said the forum was happening at a time when there was considerable change and excitement for a global data community.

He said with the recent National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, Ghana's Statistical System had committed to producing accurate, relevant, reliable and timely statistics to meet varied user needs.

Mr wadieh said it had adopted new technologies and innovation for data collection, processing, sharing and dissemination in order to create a harmonious data ecosystem.

The Government Statistician said Ghana was not alone in the effort of data collection but it involved other statistical actors globally working together to remove barriers to data sharing.

"We're delighted to have recently joined the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, which is a global multi-stakeholder network to harnessing the data revolution for sustainable development," he said.

He said Ghana had also committed to various continental strategies such as the African Union Agenda 2063 that aimed at ensuring integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena

There are 17 SDGs including building an industrialised, inclusive and resilient economy, create equitable, healthy and disciplined society and building a safe and well-planned community while protecting the natural environment.

Others were building effective, efficient and dynamic institutions for national development and strengthening Ghana's role in international affairs.

The two-day event brought together delegations from Kenya, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Denmark and the United States of America.

There were also delegations from some state institutions that were directly involved in data gathering and some civil society organisations across the country.

GNA
The Majority leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has described as hypocritical the minority's decision to boycott sittings of Parliament's Appointments Committee.

According to him, the minority members still participate in other meetings of the House and therefore he finds it strange why it has decided to stay out of the Appointments Committee's sittings.

The Minority members on the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, April 05, 2017, boycotted sitting following concerns that they were being overstretched.

A minority member of the committee and Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who spoke to Citi News' Duke Mensah-Opoku on the matter, said the majority was rushing the vetting process, and preventing the minority side to work diligently.

Our leader, the Minority leader [Haruna Iddrisu] expressed concern that what has been agreed at the Business Committee meeting and at the Appointments Committee meeting was that, we take a break and we will return in May to continue with the vetting of the remaining Deputy Minister nominees.

What has happened is that, the Majority has sought to take us by surprise. Remember that we had expressed concern about the way we were being treated We were not being supported to carry out diligent work. CVs will come a night to the day and some of them will come on the day. Everything is being rushed, Okudzeto Ablakwa said.

But speaking on Eyewitness News, the Majority leader said, The only thing they are abstaining from is the Appointments Committee business. Other committee meetings they are participating in, and plenary business, they are participating in. Is that not hypocrisy? Who said the rest of them in the Chamber are not tired. Because today in plenary they participated in proceedings That is the issue that we should ask.

Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu argued that he found it strange the minority wanted siting to end suddenly when it had initially accepted the vetting of all the deputy ministers before Parliament rises.

When the deputy ministers list came, it was even the minority at the time who were insisting that as for the deputy ministers we can even do 8 each day. What has changed today that they are now saying that they are tired and they cannot do that? he quizzed.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader has assured that the House will duly rise on Friday, April 7, 2017 as advertised earlier.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @jnyabor
The government has raised $2.2 billion from a sale of long-dated domestic bonds on Friday, boosting its central bank reserves by a third, the Finance Ministry said on Monday.

A Finance Ministry statement issued in Accra said it successfully issued 15 and 7-year bonds with the same coupon of 19.75%, raising a total amount of $1.13 billion.

In addition, the Ministry of Finance raised the cedi equivalent of $1.12 billion in 5 and 10-year bonds via a tap-in arrangement.

These activities raised a total of $2.25 billion and resulted in the lengthening of the maturity profile of the instruments available on the domestic market.

This issuance represents the largest amount issued by a sub-Saharan African country in a day.

The pricing obtained was also consistent with the initial price range of 18.95% - 19.85%. The issuance attracted a number of global portfolio investors including a very substantial investment in the 15-year bond by a very well respected global financial investor.

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, stated that the issuance proceeds will be used to repurchase and/or retire a portion of the higher coupon short-term public debt instruments, meaning there will not be an overall increase in the total debt stock. This is in line with our liability management strategy which seeks to re-profile our public debt stock, extend tenors, reduce short-term rollover pressures, and lower domestic interest cost. Additionally, this issuance will further help improve our foreign exchange reserves by over USD2 billion and further support the cedi.

Ken Ofori-Atta

This successful bond issuance and the significant amount raised, especially the longer tenor 15 year, is an indication of the strong appetite for Ghana Bonds due to the markets renewed confidence in the long-term prospects of the economy and a major vote of confidence in the new governments economic policies, fiscal measures, and programmes as outlined in the 2017 Budget.

Also, on Friday the Parliament of Ghana passed the Appropriation Bill for the 2017 budget, including the landmark re-alignment of statutory funds which frees up about GHS4.5 billion in fiscal space for 2017.

The Ministry of Finance is pleased by the success of this bond offer. ..this is an indication of the markets belief in our commitment to building an effective public financial management system, improve the countrys debt sustainability outlook and mitigate the crowding out of the private sector. It is imperative that we re-profile our total debt stock of $30 billion which should help put us on a path of Ghana beyond Aid, Ken Ofori-Atta added.
In celebration of Global Money Week last week, Uber and Old Mutual have announced that they will be extending its free money management course that took place in South Africa to its driver-partners in Accra, (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria) and Nairobi, (Kenya). The course reflects Global Money Weeks theme - Learn. Save. Earn. Driver-partners attending the workshops will be empowered with the skills to manage their finances in order to grow their income and save for the future. Workshops begin this week and drivers will receive an invitation via email to reserve their seat.

Driver-partners across Africa are extremely important to Uber and their own financial wellbeing is an ongoing priority. The technology and flexibility of the Uber app enables driver-partners to start, run and grow a small business on their own terms. By offering skills development in financial management, Uber can assist entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses.

Recent statistics illustrate the contribution small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make to high growth economies on the African continent. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics notes that there are over 17 million SMEs registered in Kenya, with these businesses employing half of the Kenyan workforce. In Ghana, 92 per cent of companies registered are micro, small and medium enterprises and contribute 70 percent to the countrys GDP, while Nigeria has seen a 100% increase in small businesses in recent years.

However, this boom in entrepreneurship is not without its challenges. The findings of a study conducted by Invest In Africa (IIA) and Strathmore Business School illustrate that 70% of Kenyan SMEs fail within the first three years of operation owing to a failure to scale up. Nigerias national MSMEs survey conducted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) notes that only 69% of SMEs have business plans and 95% have no form of insurance. This lack of planning and financial savvy can cause the business to fail in their early stages. Through targeted education and skills development, entrepreneurs have a much stronger chance of ongoing success.

The Old Mutual On the Money workshops are free to Uber driver-partners in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. By attending, theyll learn to understand basic money principles, develop healthy savings habits and plan a path to financial well-being. The workshops were previously run in partnership with Uber in South Africa with great results and positive feedback from the driver-partners who attended.

Zweli Ngwenya, a driver-partner who attended the Old Mutual On the Money workshops in South Africa says, This course has helped me a lot in learning how to plan my budget.

Alon Lits, General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa says, Uber is a passionate champion of innovation, both in the transport sector and in the development of entrepreneurs. With this partnership we can foster the skills of emerging entrepreneurs, empower driver-partners using our app to grow their small business, support their families and begin saving.

John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual, says, Global Money Week highlights the importance of money management skills and we are excited to be able to play a role in helping entrepreneurs make the most of their hard-earned money. Small businesses are key to driving inclusive economic growth in Africa  and their success will ultimately benefit us all. By extending this partnership with Uber across Africa, we are able to further promote financial fitness across the continent.

Driver-partners can book the workshop directly via an email invitation.

About Uber

Ubers mission is to help people get a ride at the push of a button - everywhere and for everyone. We started in 2009 to solve a simple problem - how do you get a ride at the touch of a button? Six years and over two billion trips later, weve started tackling an even greater challenge: reducing congestion and pollution in our cities by getting more people into fewer cars.

The Uber network is now available in over 475 cities in over 75 countries spanning 6 continents. To request a ride, users must download the free application for Android, iPhone, Blackberry 7, or register for Uber at www.uber.com/go. For questions visitwww.uber.com

About Old Mutual

Old Mutual provides long-term savings, protection, investment and lending solutions to a broad range of customers  from individuals, businesses and corporates to institutions. Old Mutual Emerging Markets operates in 18 countries across Africa, Latin America and Asia.

We strive to be our customers most trusted financial partner, passionate about helping them to achieve their lifetime goals.
Beneficiaries of the ICT Business Incubation project launched in June 2016 by MTN Ghana Foundation in partnership with Ghana Multimedia Incubation Center (GMIC), continue to make very positive strides. The project, which is aimed at supportingincubates to develop products and services for commercialization, is focused on commercialization of new technologies, creation of jobs and wealth, improving livelihoods and strengthening local and national economies while encouraging young people with good business ideas to start their own businesses.

Six months after inception, the project is living up to its expectation. Eight start-ups that were selected for initial incubation are demonstrating tremendous progress. One of the start-ups, Adroit 360, a software development and website designer, has developed a secured messaging app for businesses called Mecrypt, which is set to transform business messaging in Ghana.

Other incubates include Andcorp Ghana, which has developed an interactive e-learning application with unique social features and educational and corporate training content; CliQafrica, which has signed major digital communication contracts with select banks and airline companies; and Irys K.O, which has introduced an innovative mobile and computer application with a business outlook to develop and induce innovative ways of cargo consolidation in the global freight industry.

MINT, another incubate, makes use of recycled materials to build robots, has partnered with schools to introduce robotics curriculum and established robotics and STEM labs. Finally, Bisa Health is a mobile app which has increased access to mobile health care by allowing smartphone users to interact with about 30 volunteer medical practitioners on a mobile platform.

Commenting on MTNs partnership with GMIC, Mrs Cynthia Lumor, Corporate Services Executive of MTN Ghana, said she was happy MTNs efforts to build a new crop of entrepreneurs and equip them with specialized skills is yielding positive results. Our overriding objective for this partnership is to provide young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources to build successful and financially viable businesses.

The project is to also help digitize the Ghanaian economy, while helping alleviate the rate of unemployment in the country, she said.

The MTN ICT business incubation projects is providing employment for the youth. Apart from the incubates who are directly involved in the project and have secured for themselves viable means of employment, National Service Personnel are also benefiting from the project.

In 2017, the project aims to build an efficient, effective, consistent and productive business incubator process to support many more businesses.

The Ghana Multimedia Incubation Center (GMIC) is a project under the National Information Technology Agency (NITA). GMIC provides Business Incubation/ICT Entrepreneurship Development and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Services in Ghana.

MTN Ghana in January 2014 signed an agreement with the Ministry of Communications to support an ICT Business IncubationProject initially aimed at supporting 10 start ups companies. This project support falls under the economic empowerment portfolio of the MTN Ghana Foundation.

Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, MTN has invested more than GH 32.2 million in over 140 major projects which are directly impacting lives of millions of Ghanaians.
Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central Constituency in the Central region, a supposedly maverick politician who cannot be muzzled, has sounded the alarm bells. He has warned the infant NPP government of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo against the possibility of losing Election 2020 should it not be strategically savvy and politically farsighted enough to do things in political correctness.

Many a Ghanaian has offered their opinion on the red alert to the NPP by Hon. Kennedy Agyapong. Some have condemned him for being a loudmouth and for issuing such a warning too early. Others have been very cautious in their condemnation hence not being definitive with their views while a few are in total agreement with him.

Before I declare my stand, we had better know what Hon. Kennedy Agyapong had said which has been captured on video. He said that the security of the nation in its current state is very weak. Therefore, the NDC-sympathising national security operatives/personnel at the National Security office must be replaced since they pose the potential risk of sabotaging His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo and his NPP-led government. Subsequently, he advised the Minister for National Security, Hon Albert Kan Dapaa, to sit up, replace those people and show aptness for the job as his ministry is crucial to the ability and capability of the President and his government to deliver on their electioneering promises to the people.

Yes, the expectation of the people for the President to deliver on his numerous promises made to them is very high. The failure of the government to meet the promises made will expose it to public anger and ridicule. This happening, may have the potency of turning the electorates against them. When it does occur as said, is the risk or the probability of NPP losing election 2020 not high?

What is wrong for someone to give you political-correctness advice? The medium where it was delivered, radio/TV studio, could be condemned as inappropriate by those who make claim to scruples, but not the admonition itself.

As most of the national security personnel might have known bribery and corruption under former President John Dramani Mahamas government but may not have the chance to enjoy such illegal freebies under President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addos NPP-led government, they may intentionally sabotage the government.

Unless the positions at the National Security are not by political appointment, I would rather reason with Hon. Kennedy Agyapong. Yes, they are Ghanaians and they need to work like any other Ghanaian without political witch hunt. However, some positions necessitate that trusted persons are put in there but not dubious partisans affiliated with your rival party. This is just common sense which does not need a rocket scientist to tell.

Any serious politician must be farsighted to be able to tell the consequences of an action.

Let me cite an example from the Tema Development Corporation where the Managing Director, an NDC activist by his actions, maltreated all those working at the corporation and were perceived to be NPP sympathisers. He did this during the President Mahamas NDC-led administration, with impunity. When the NPP won power on Wednesday, 7 December 2016 and the alleged NPP sympathisers went into momentary wild jubilation the next day at work, the Managing Director threatened them same as he used to do with impunity when NDC was in power. He is still in post. Will such a person not sabotage NPP with the aim of helping bring NDC back into power?

Is there any difficulty replacing such politically-appointed heads of the Civil Service Corporations? Is it that they will sue for unlawful dismissal?

The NPP as a political party is teeming with highly educated people or members called by some as the Book Long. However, it may lack equal number of political strategists.

Now, many are those that are questioning in private what the President, the NPP government and party gurus, are doing to preserve peoples loyalty to the party. From certain ongoing actions, some peoples loyalty to the party is waning.

Why is it that since the independence of Ghana in 1957, sixty years ago, the United Party (UP) through its metamorphosed stages of Progress Party (PP) under Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, Popular Front Party (PFP) under Mr Victor Owusu and National Patriotic Party (NPP) under Professor Adu Boahene/John Agyekum Kufuor/Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo, has been in power for a total of about 10 years 10 months until today, Thursday, 6 April 2017?

The UP in her latest metamorphosed state (NPP) is in power but the question is why are we unable to come to power and stay longer unlike the military regimes or the younger NDC political party, NPPs younger rival?

There are many reasons to that. The NPP must listen to Hon. Kennedy Agyapong even though he could be seen to talk a lot and louder. He is doing a marvellous job for Ghana and for the party.

A word to the wise is enough. I can write thesis on this topic but I shant as it is not worth it. A good ear easily assimilates a whisper or a word spoken into it.

Rockson Adofo

(Written on Thursday, 6 April 2017)
It has almost become general truth that strategizing or devising effective means to seeking and acquiring power is relatively easy compared to what to do with it or how to use the acquired power for the benefit of humanity. Put differently, the process of seeking power per se is poles apart of having the power and using it humanely. Power asserts itself through multiple trajectories. But, here we are talking about seeking, acquiring, and using political power sensibly.

Since acquiring political power on December 7, 2016 through resounding electoral victory, the triumphant NPPs top leader, President Akuffo Addo, has made it crystal clear to all Ghanaians, including his own party followers that he is going to be humble with power. In addition, Nana Akuffo Addo has stated on numerous occasions after becoming the president of Ghana that he will not let political power he has acquired corrupts him and his administration. Almost everyone in Ghana, many of us living abroad not excluded, has heard President Akuffo Addo reiterating the fact that he is not interested in abusing the political power Ghanaians have entrusted in him.

In view of these humble assurances from the current leader of the ruling NPP government, it is unsettling to see some groups of disgruntled followers of NPP, going by the names such as Delta Forces, Invincible Forces and whatever, appear to tarnishing the image of the party via their blatant misuse of power. What is nauseating about this power abuse and unruly vigilantism is the groups passionate but false claims that without them the NPP, and by implication, Nana Akuffo Addo couldnt have been elected president. Not only are these self-acclaimed NPP vigilantes assertions factually untrue, but more importantly, by their disorderly behaviors, the groups would end up turning off many non-committing Ghanaian electorates who may consider voting for NPP in any future election.

Surely, waging any effectively winsome political party campaign involves sustained grassroots mobilization and organization. To that end, if the so-called Delta-Invincible Forces are really grassroots enclaves within the NPP, then their efforts played pivotal role in contributing to the partys wrestling of power from the NDC and as such leading to the election of Nana Addo as president in 2016.

However, one most significant fact the partys fearsome vigilantes selfishly ignore is that their contributions alone couldnt have gained the NPP and its presidential candidate political mandate. It took other equally committed members of the NPP who did not belong to the Invincible or Delta Forces, and the majority of Ghanaians tired of the Mahama-led administration to ensure that the NPP became the ruling party. Those are the facts; therefore, its an unfortunate manipulation of events for some groups of people to parade around the country as the only true foot-soldiers of the ruling NPP seizing or taking over public properties because they see their party in power.

The NPP many of us knew and helped to bring into existence through grassroots activism in the late 1980s or early 1990s is never about violence regardless of what a bunch of people outside the party have been trying to paint it in that direction. Arguably, of all the political parties in Ghana, the NPP is the leading advocate of genuine democratic peace and ideals. This is why its so mind-boggling and shameful spectacle to see some attention-seeking individuals violently trying to hijack NPP and thus twist the arms of President Akuffo Addo so as to have their way. The unruly conduct of some of the vigilantes is gradually portraying NPP as a political organization that has acquired power but woefully struggling to manage it judiciously.

At any rate, it is dubious to shift all the blame on President Akuffo Addo for not singlehandedly stopping the unruly actions of the Delta Forces and other undisciplined groups within the NPP. It will take the combined effort and willingness among the MPs and all the nationwide constituency chairs and their executives to help curb the violent misbehaviors of the vigilantes. In fact, reading between the lines, it seems like those rowdy vigilantes have some supports from some well-positioned members of the NPP at the various constituency levels. These influential leaders indirectly are using the macho vigilantes as their bargaining chips to also get the attention from the top echelons of the NPP leaders in the Jubilee House. You can call this scenario intra-party power struggle and you may not go wrong.

As a former foot-soldier of the NPP in Kumasi in the early 1990s, some of us may have some sympathies for the partys grassroots organizers, especially, if whatever grievances they have are reasonably channeled through proper and peaceful avenues. But the use of violence and aggressive tactics as a means to an end are self-destructive and a recipe for failure of the NPP, including Nana Akuffo Addos presidency, too. Is that what the Delta and Invincible forces want happened to the party they say they helped bring to power? These over aggressive and unruly vigilante activism within NPP must stop because they are bad omen for the partys future prospects. Power indeed corrupts.

The writer is based in the United States and can be reached at: [email protected]
A new United Nations-backed report has revealed overwhelming consensus that renewable power will dominate in the future, with many experts saying that even large international corporations are increasingly choosing renewable energy products either from utilities or through direct investment in their own generating capacity.

[The report] is meant to spur discussion and debate about both the opportunities and challenges of achieving a 100 per cent renewable energy future by mid-century, said Christine Lins, the Executive Secretary of Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21)  a global renewable energy policy multi-stakeholder network hosted by the UN Environment Programme ( UNEP ).

Wishful thinking wont get us there; only by fully understanding the challenges and engaging in informed debate about how to overcome them, can governments adopt the right policies and financial incentives to accelerate the pace of deployment, she added.

At a press conference at UN Headquarters today, Ms. Lins said that 2016 was the third year in a row where the global economy continued to grow, by three per cent, but emissions related to the energy sector decreased. And that was mainly due to renewable energy and efficiency investment in China and in the United States.

And so, we actually really see that renewables are, on the one hand making their way into the energy systems of many countries, but also we see that we have come a long way. We have a 20 per cent of the worlds final energy consumption nowadays coming from renewables, she added.

Christine Lins, Executive Secretary of Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The Renewables Global Futures Report: Great debates towards 100 per cent renewable energy also noted that more than 70 per cent of the experts expressed that a global transition to 100 per cent renewable energy is both feasible and realistic, with European and Australian experts most strongly supporting this view.

The report also found that similar number expected the cost of renewables to continue to fall, beating all fossil fuels within the next ten years.

Noting some challenges in achieving the 100 per cent transition, the report mentioned that in some regions, most notably Africa, the US and Japan, experts were sceptical about reaching that figure in their own countries or regions by 2050, largely due to the vested interests of the conventional energy industry.

Also, the lack of long-term policy certainty and the absence of a stable climate for investment in energy efficiency and renewables hinder development in most countries, read the report.

When REN21 was founded in 2004, the future of renewable energy looked very different than it does today, noted Arthouros Zervos, the Chair of REN21, adding: at that time, calls for 100 per cent renewable energy were not taken seriously, today the worlds leading energy experts are engaged in rational discussions about its feasibility, and in what time frame.

The REN21 report is based on interviews with 114 renowned energy experts from all regions of the world.

In addition to governments, REN21 also includes international organizations, industry associations, science and academia and the civil society, as well as UN agencies including the UN Development Programme ( UNDP ) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Konkomba Patriotic Front (KKB-PF) is a confederate of all Konkomba youth groups of the New Patriotic Party who campaigned and played various roles in various constituencies across the country in the just ended presidential and parliamentary elections. The group wishes to register our disappointment with the appointments of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo insofar as Konkombas are concerned.

Appointments so far

The president has so far appointed one hundred and ten (110) ministers and deputy ministers. Furthermore, he has appointed the heads of majority of the governmental organizations and other parastatal institutions. But we have had just one appointment.

Konkombas in Ghanaian politics.

Konkombas are recorded as being 2.7% of the national population per year 2000 Population and Housing census of Ghana (We hold a contrary view as many of our people who farm in remote areas are usually not enumerated).

We are mindful of the constitutional provisions that abhors politics based on ethnic divisions, however we are also minded to say that from the inception of the fourth republican constitution in 1992, our people were more inclined to vote for the NDC than the NPP because of multiplicity of factors. The few of us, mostly the educated ones, who knew the difference in the ideologies, policies and programs between the NDC and the NPP, devoted our time and resources to convince our people to have a paradigm shift.

Our cause was boosted when former president J. A. Kufour won elections in 2000 and gave Konkombas more appointments than Konkombas got under former President Rawlings. Since then at every elections, we have more and more of our people willing to ditch the NDC for the NPP.

During election 2016, the youth of Konkombas in the NPP formed groups in all areas where our people live in Ghana and mounted a spirited campaign among them and debunked the palpable falsehood of the NDC campaign that the NPP is an Akan party and that President Mahama was the one to be voted for because he is a northerner. Many of us who are employees took out our annual leaves to go and campaign without any support whatsoever from the national office of the party.

With Chairman Daniel Bugri Naabu as the main protagonist, our main message to our people was that President John Mahama had a dislike for Konkombas hence his discrimination against us in terms of appointments. Reference; citifmonline.com October 1, 2014, ghanaweb.com December 7, 2015 ultimatefmonline.com 4th December 2015, ghanavisions.com December 1, 2015. Similarly one of our youth groups, Tikpaan 4 NPP, also did one Press Conference and another Press Release on this same subject. Reference; January 16th, 2015 by GNAat http://www.ghananewsagency.org/politics/konkomba-youth-group-accuses-president-mahama-84646 and Peace FM at https://m.peacefmonline.com/pages/local/news/201501/229060.php and we spoke on several radio stations across Ghana.

Unfortunately for us now, after the elections, our own brother Chairman Daniel Bugri Naabu has suddenly lost his voice and cannot lobby President Akuffo-Addo to get us appointed into his government. We feel let down by him.

Appointment of Konkombas to positions of trust

Under former President J. J. Rawlings, Konkombas had three (3) MPs on the ticket of NDC and he gave us only one (1) deputy minister for the two terms that he was president. When he was a military ruler, he didnt give us anything in his eleven years reign.

Under former President J. A. Kufour, Konkombas had only one (1) MP on the ticket of NPP and he gave us one (1) deputy minister. In 2004 when the number of Konkomba MPs on the ticket of the NPP was three (3), he increased the our appointees to three (3) ministers; one cabinet minister and two deputy ministers.

Under the late former President J. E. A. Mills, Konkombas had five (5) MPs on the ticket of the NDC and he gave us two (2) ministers.

Despite our campaign against President John Mahamas administration, below are the positions he gave to Konkombas when Konkomba had six (6) MPs on the tick of the NDC;

(i) One Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture (for 18 months),

(ii) One Deputy Minister for Local Government (for 2 months),

(iii) One Ambassador,

(iv) a 2nd Deputy Chief of Staff,

(v) One Presidential Staffer

(vi) Seven (7) DCEs.

(vii) The CEO of Ghana Supply Company Ltd

Fast forward to today, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Konkombas have four (4) MPs in this parliament on the ticket of NPP and we have a single ONE minister.

As we compare just one appointment so far by President Akufo-Addo to what President John Mahama gave us, and looking at our campaign message to our people, the question we ask is did we go or do we come? (To borrow from the Vice President H. E. Dr. Bawumia).

We feel obliged to speak now because we can foresee that there may be negative repercussions for the party in the subsequent elections so far as our people are concerned.

A few days ago, a former MP for Nanton-Mutala Mohammed-was reported to have said on Radio Golds Alhaji and Alhaji show on March 25, 2017 that one factor that accounted for the NDC lost of 2016 elections was due to the failure of President John Mahama to meet the demands of Konkombas for ministerial appointments. Ironically, it was this same Mutala Mohammed, who at the time the Konkomba youth in the NDC started agitating for appointments, said that the national security should pick them up because they were stoking ethnic tensions. Should be wait and learn a bitter lesson like the NDC did?

Basis of our claim

Our quest for more appointments from President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo stems from the fact that we have the numbers, and we contributed to the increase in his votes in the last elections. We contributed 2.4% of the current NPP MPs in parliament. We are still a virgin forest that the NPP can easily claim. And it is only by recognizing us and giving us our due share of the national cake that the goodwilll can be created for us to reach out to more of our people for subsequent electoral victories.

In the Northern region, Konkombas as an ethnic group are the second most populous and our vote haul to the NPP in the region is the largest. In the Volta region Konkombas are settlers but we contribute the largest votes to the NPP there. In the Brong-Ahafo, a swing region, Konkombas form one of the largest settler groups. And the party's success in the BA is partly due to the contribution and support of our people which is evident by the improved results from settlements of our people in constituencies like Kintampo North, Kintampo South, Pru West, Pru East, Atebubu/Amatin, Sene East, Sene West, Nkoranza South, Nkoranza North, and Tano South etc. Same can be said for the whole of the northern part of the Volta region as well as the Afram Plains of the Eastern region and the Ejura and Mampong areas of the Ashanti Region.

Conclusion

We pray that the President will duly give Konkomba men and women who have the required experiences and qualifications the opportunity to serve in his government and contribute to the advancement of Ghana. In that vain, we humbly plead with the President that when he is appointing DCEs, Ambassadors, Deputy CEOs, Board Members etc, he should kindly remember us.

Long Live President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo!

Long Live Ghana!!

.SGD.

Kennedy Jato

(Convener)

0244031693

.SGD.

Benjamin Nador

(Secretary)

0544331320)

.SGD.

Charles Yabanyi

(Organiser)

0265479999
Seto Machhindranath chariot pulling procession [in pictures]

Seto Machhindranath Jatra, one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Kathmandu, is a chariot procession dedicated to the god of rain.


Two suspected gays who attempted to blackmail a colleague by demanding some ransom from him or post his nude pictures on social media, have been nabbed by the Tesano police in Accra.

The two suspects, Stephen Torsu, 23 and Aikins Atitsogbe, 21, allegedly stripped naked the victim, took pictures of him and threatened to post them (pictures) on the internet if he did not pay an amount of GH1,000 to them.

The victim reported the case to the police and while he was about to pay the ransom to the suspects, they were accosted.

Four of their accomplices, only identified as Courage, Willie, Semanu and Dickson, are currently at large and are being wanted by the police.

The Tesano Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Lydia Donkor, confirmed that the two suspects are in custody assisting the police to investigate the matter

She said on April 1, 2017, the victim, who is a social worker, visited Grindr.com, (a website created for gays who are looking for partners) and became a friend with Torsu Stephen through the site.

On Saturday, April 1, 2017, Torsu invited the complainant to his home at Christian Village.

According to Chief Superintendent Donkor, the two met at about 3:30 pm at a spot that Saturday.

While in his bedroom with the complainant, Aikins Atitsogbe and the four others now at large, surged into the room and immediately locked the door.

They then stripped off the cloth of the complainant and while he was naked, they took pictures of his nudity.

They also collected the complainant's Samsung mobile phone, a power bank and GH70.00 after which they locked him up alone in the room for four hours, the police officer narrated.

Later, the commander said, the suspects asked the victim to give them GH1,000 or they would post the nude pictures on the internet.

The complainant was then asked to go and get the money for them that day or they would post the pictures.

The complainant reported the case to the police and so he was asked to feign interest in the deal.

While presenting the money to the suspects, the police, led by Chief Inspector S.K. Avenor, arrested the two men and brought them to the station.

The police are preparing their dockets to send them to court for prosecution.

By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey

([email protected])
The Gonja Traditional Council and the Gonjaland Youth Association of Ghana (representing the Chiefs and people of Gonja Traditional Area) have vowed to fiercely resist any attempt by the ruling government to include any portion or even an inch of their lands to the yet to be created Eastern Corridor Region out of the Northern Region.

According to the Gonja people, they are neither against the creation of a new region out of the present Northern Region nor where the capital of that region would be sited since it aims at accelerating the socio-economic development of the North.

However, they issued a strong warning to the ruling government not to make any mistake to demarcate even a small piece of the Gonja traditional lands and add it to the proposed Eastern Corridor region, since that could lead to serious conflict.

The Gonja people have gathered from intelligence that the creation of an Eastern Corridor Region would take away the East Gonja (Salaga and Kpembe) and Kpandai Districts of Gonjaland and add to Yendi, Chereponi, Saboba, Zabzugu, Tatale-Sanguli, Nanumba South, Nanumba North, West Mamprusi and East Mamprusi among others to form a Region with the capital at Yendi. But the rest of Gonjaland would still remain part of the existing Northern Region with the capital at Tamale.

Speaking at his Royal Palace in Buipe in a closed door meeting with the National Executives of the Gonjaland Youth Association of Ghana, Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor II maintained that there would be serious confusion in the Gonja traditional setup if any of their subjects (people) were added to the new region and forced to pay allegiance to new traditional authorities or unfamiliar culture and tradition.

This decision was arrived at when the Gonjaland Youth Association Executives who were on a serious mission to ascertain the position of the Gonja Traditional Council on the subject matter (creation of new region), first paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Bore Essa I who then referred them to Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor II who is also the Vice President of the Gonja Traditional Council for the passage of this resolution of not allowing any of the Gonja communities to be taken away.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his 2016 manifesto promised to create at least four new regions out of the existing 10 regions of Ghana, of which the Northern Region was also mentioned as one of the potential regions to be divided.

The Gonja Traditional Council recalled some of the conflicts that had arisen out of previous attempts by previous governments to demarcate certain traditional boundaries and that of Gonjaland.

Buipewura Jinapor II therefore cautioned the government to be cautious about the creation of the new regions in Ghana and respect the various traditional boundaries and authorities to avoid needless conflicts. The Buipe Chief who called for the right and necessary engagements to precede the creation of the new regions with the right traditional authorities and key stakeholders, also pleaded with Ghanaians not to read any politics into the actions of the Gonjas and allow the right things to be done in the interest of peace and development.The General Secretary and the National Treasurer of the Gonjaland Youth Association of Ghana, Mohammed A. Adams and Lawyer Mohammed Amin Osman respectively proposed that a horizontal division of the present Northern region would be the best for all.

According to them, the Northern Region already have four Kingdoms; Ya-na for Dagombas, Na-yiri for Mamprusis, Yagbonwura for Gonjas and Bimbilla-Na for Nanumbas and so therefore there should be two Kings in each of the regions to be created from Northern Region.

They were of the view that if the Gonjaland which is large enough to become a separate region on its own is not permissible, then the government could demarcate the region in such a way that Dagombas and Mamprusis should go on one side and Gonjas and Nanumbas on the other side.

The creation of the new Eastern Corridor Region with the capital in Yendi would mean that the two regional capitals would be in Dagomba land (Yendi and Tamale) which would not be fair to the other ethnic groups in the region.

But the horizontal demarcation would rather spare the anxieties because the capitals of the two regions would not be in a town of an ethnic group that already has a capital town; and it would also allow each of the groups to maintain their traditions and culture distinctively.

However, the Gonja Traditional Council and the Gonjaland Youth Association pledged their support to the government for the creation of a new region out of the Northern Region with the right approach and understanding.
Beneficiaries of the ICT Business Incubation project launched in June 2016 by MTN Ghana Foundation in partnership with Ghana Multimedia Incubation Center (GMIC), continue to make very positive strides. The project, which is aimed at supporting incubates to develop products and services for commercialization, is focused on commercialization of new technologies, creation of jobs and wealth, improving livelihoods and strengthening local and national economies while encouraging young people with good business ideas to start their own businesses.

Six months after inception, the project is living up to its expectation. Eight start-ups that were selected for initial incubation are demonstrating tremendous progress. One of the start-ups, Adroit 360, a software development and website designer, has developed a secured messaging app for businesses called Mecrypt, which is set to transform business messaging in Ghana.

Other incubates include Andcorp Ghana, which has developed an interactive e-learning application with unique social features and educational and corporate training content; CliQafrica, which has signed major digital communication contracts with select banks and airline companies; and Irys K.O, which has introduced an innovative mobile and computer application with a business outlook to develop and induce innovative ways of cargo consolidation in the global freight industry.

MINT, another incubate, makes use of recycled materials to build robots, has partnered with schools to introduce robotics curriculum and established robotics and STEM labs. Finally, Bisa Health is a mobile app which has increased access to mobile health care by allowing smartphone users to interact with about 30 volunteer medical practitioners on a mobile platform.

Commenting on MTNs partnership with GMIC, Mrs Cynthia Lumor, Corporate Services Executive of MTN Ghana, said she was happy MTNs efforts to build a new crop of entrepreneurs and equip them with specialized skills is yielding positive results. Our overriding objective for this partnership is to provide young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources to build successful and financially viable businesses.

The project is to also help digitize the Ghanaian economy, while helping alleviate the rate of unemployment in the country, she said.

The MTN ICT business incubation projects is providing employment for the youth. Apart from the incubates who are directly involved in the project and have secured for themselves viable means of employment, National Service Personnel are also benefiting from the project.

In 2017, the project aims to build an efficient, effective, consistent and productive business incubator process to support many more businesses.

The Ghana Multimedia Incubation Center (GMIC) is a project under the National Information Technology Agency (NITA). GMIC provides Business Incubation/ICT Entrepreneurship Development and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Services in Ghana.

MTN Ghana in January 2014 signed an agreement with the Ministry of Communications to support an ICT Business Incubation Project initially aimed at supporting 10 start ups companies. This project support falls under the economic empowerment portfolio of the MTN Ghana Foundation.

Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, MTN has invested more than GH 32.2 million in over 140 major projects which are directly impacting lives of millions of Ghanaians.

About The MTN Foundation:

The MTN Ghana Foundation was established in November 2007 as the vehicle to select and implement MTNs Corporate Social Investments. MTN Ghana Foundation has three areas of focus -Health, Education and Economic Empowerment. From inception to December 2016, the Foundation had undertaken 140 major projects across the country. Notable health projects include: construction of a Neonatal Care Center for Tamale Teaching Hospital, refurbishment of the 2nd floor maternity block of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, construction of a maternity block for Ejisu Government Hospital, and construction of an Emergency Center for Atua Government Hospital.

Education projects undertaken include: construction of a boys dormitory for Akropong School for the Blind, construction of a six-unit classroom block for Kodjonya Millennium School, establishment of 10 MTN ICT Learning Centers in each of Ghanas 10 regions and the institution of an Innovation Hub at KNUST to promote Telecoms Engineering and Research. Key projects undertaken in Economic Empowerment include: the construction of shea butter processing centers, provision of seed capital and skill training for Women of Tizaa Dini Association of Yendi and the Sung Suma Women Association of Wa.
Custodial management company, Spaklean will this month mark its 10th Anniversary in Ghana, having introduced innovation in its operations.

The company has over the years predominantly provided commercial cleaning services to corporate bodies in the financial services, educational, aviation and manufacturing industries.

Besides commercial cleaning, the company also offers facilities maintenance and project management services.

Managing Director of Spaklean, Dinah Owusu-Kissi, said in an interview that although there were many janitorial and cleaning services company in Ghana, the custodial management industry was still at an infant stage, largely unstructured and unregulated.

Consequently, many of these companies do not offer real professional service that enhances property value and facility managers have no standards for performance measurement.

Spaklean, however, has distinguished itself with professional procedures and cleaning service methodologies adapted to meet the facility needs of the Ghanaian environment, she said.

Mrs. Owusu-Kissi explained that Spaklean, which was founded in April 2007 by indigenous entrepreneurs, had evolved from its modest beginnings to become a pacesetter in the commercial cleaning space.

Janitorial training

She said Spaklean invested heavily in training manuals, videos and presentations to equip staff at all levels after it noticed the absence of formal training establishments for custodians, comprising janitors, cleaners and housekeepers in Ghana.

This, he said, was to help not only people with a technical appreciation of the science behind cleaning services, but enhance the ethics of the profession.

Having institutionalized these training curriculum over the past 10 years, Mrs Owusu-Kissi said the company was now extending its services to third parties, including hotels, restaurants and business within house janitorial teams.

She advocated the use of microfibers, steam cleaning, magnetic dry mopping and touch free cleaning systems.

Spakean, which has 31 corporate clients, provides commercial cleaning and facility maintenance for more than 80 corporate facilities, besides one-off projects and residential facilities.
Many Dagomba elites are disappointed that Hon Alhassan Suhyini would want to stoke the fire of the Abudu and Andani chieftaincy feud. Not this time when auspicious efforts are being made by a cross section of concerned educated Dagombas to deal a permanent blow to the costly dispute which has threatened development in this part of the country.

The last thing progressive youth from Dagbon would want is the re-enacting of the intra-ethnic feud directly or indirectly.

Whoever seeks to profit from concealed or open dividend by such efforts should be exposed by all means possible.

Alhassan Suhyini's questions when he took his turn to interview a deputy minister designate, a Dagomba, recently did not earn him accolades but condemnation and justifiably so. One did not have to strain so much to find out what he aimed to achieve when he was on the floor throwing questions relating to the dispute. His line of questioning was as tendentious as it was appalling especially for someone who should have been rather seeking to douse the fire permanently.

Seeking to bring to the front burner the unenviable troubles of Dagbon which have denied Dagombas the deference they are entitled to for several years is something which has attracted an ethnic opprobrium which he must work hard to reverse.

For a young learning the ropes of parliamentary practice, the bellicose and mischievous module does not serve his best interest. He would be better off steering off the minefield he wants to profit from rather crudely.

Nobody should be allowed at this time, be they Dagombas or not, to water the seed of discord which has stalled the growth of Dagbon unnecessarily.

Anybody who, at this time of peace-building initiative being championed by a group of elites as pointed out earlier, tries to pull the hand of the clock backwards must be stopped. The crusade for peace in Dagbon is a task for not only Dagombas but others outside the ethnic grouping. As an integral part of Ghana, anybody whose machinations are intended to see trouble flourish in Dagbon should be regarded as diabolic killjoys unworthy of respect by all well-meaning Ghanaians.

The peace being maintained in Dagbon must not be allowed to be blown away by the self-seeking agenda of individuals who erroneously think that such irresponsible interventions are the paths to fame.

The people's deputies should represent the interests of their people positively, if however, their individual interests overwhelm the general good of their people then they are becoming irresponsible and diabolic and failing to live up to the expectations of their people.

It is our take that had such persons told their people that they would champion the path of divisiveness in Dagbon they would not have had a single vote.

The MP refused to see the need for the development of the many tourist attractions in Dagbon and preferred to rather pitch camp on unproductive matters with no positive bearing on his people. By their body languages and demeanours, their true colours shall be known.
06.04.2017 LISTEN

The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) is disappointed at the minoritys boycott of the Appointment Committee vetting of Wednesday 5th April. We consider the reasons behind this boycott a lazy way, poor attitude to work and smacks of hypocrisy.

We are aware of a standoff between the Majority and Minority on the dates for parliamentary recess. Initially, Parliament was slated to have gone on recess on Friday 31st March, but it was not possible because of the Presidents quest to see the full operation of government business. By implication, the need to complete vetting of ministerial nominees.

However, the flexing of muscles and an attempt to embarrass the President has failed. Indeed, while the Minority portend they are exhausted and need a vacation, a reason attributed by the Hon Deputy Minority leader, another Minority MP consider the attempt to vet those ministerial nominees as a rush, and hence the need to go on vacation and resume vetting in May.

Ghanaians in the past have witnessed parliament been recalled whiles on vacation to sign some loan agreements. These among others include;

v IMF deal in 2015

v 3days emergency sitting to approve the over $140m construction of the Kasoa interchange in the Central Region, $170m in funding for additional works around Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Accra and $45.8m for the Accra street resurfacing project.

It will be recalled that a Joy FM reporter (Elton John Brobbey) described proceedings during the three days emergency sitting as speed was the order of the day in Parliament. The minorities action of today smacks of hypocrisy and an attempt to frustrate Ghanaians who want to see the full operation of government. Ghanaians want to see an end to our harsh economic circumstances through the implementation of government policies and not a certain parliamentary group who want to score needless political points.

RESOLUTION:

MPs must know that they are in parliament for the people's interest and not theirs. AFAG supports the cause for a hurried approach to government business. Campaigning is over and what we want to see is attempts to implement and witness a terrific improvement in the socio-economic circumstances of the Ghanaian.

AFAG Leadership
Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for not keeping to its campaign promise of not borrowing to undertake developmental projects. According to Bolgatanga Central Legislator, the President Nana Akufo-Addo led three months government has reneged on its promises and laid before Parliament several loans to be procured.

Speaking on Onua Fm morning show Yen Nsem Pa hosted by Bright Kwesi Asempa, the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and a Financial Consultant explained that the NPP led by the then flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and his running mate Dr Mahamoud Bawumia during the their bid to lead the country, told Ghanaians if given the chance to serve, the NPP government will not engage on borrowing for projects.

He said the NPP in opposition was emphatic that they would rely on the countrys natural resources to develop the country, nothing that it beat his imagination when the same party has now all of a sudden developed appetite for borrowing.

What beats my imagination presently is the sharp U-turned that the NPP in government has made already, laying before the House loan applications in the regions of 14 billion dollars over 15 years with 19% rate which is a clear case of departure from what they have preached in opposition, Isaac Adongo asserted.

Ghanaians now can see that NPP has lied to Ghanaians concerning borrowing. The President and his Vice told the whole world they will not borrow for any project, but what do we see now. As we are about rising, there several loan applications on our desk that we have to work on. They have told us lie for power and now they are struggling

Isaac Adongo noted that it has become a stock in trade for the NPP to accuse the NDC of peddling falsehood to justify their bad performance while in government, but finds it expedient to indulge in the same practice they vilify John Mahama led administration with. He added that the NPP in government has now seen the importance of borrowing and instead of eating the humble pie, they are justifying it with all sort of excuses

He said the NDC in opposition will continue to inform and expose the lies of the government to Ghanaians and will not wait until their four year term is over. We will not wait until the four years is over, we will ask the questions now. They have lied to Ghanaians and all these lies will be exposed he averred.
Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo presenting a certificate to one female graduating students.

First Lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo has commended young female students who have decided to acquire skills in electronics, which is perceived as a male dominated field.

Mrs. Akufo Addo said the bold decision by the young females inspired hope for the future and development of the country.

You understand the importance of electronics in our national development and you do not want to be left out, you ladies give me so much hope for the future, she said.

The First lady gave this commendation when she addressed young female graduates in electronics, at the Pentecost Vocational Training Institute (PVTI), under the Female Professionals in Electronics project.

The project, a joint venture by the governments of Korea and Germany in collaboration with local authorities, provides holistic electronic training for girls, comprising theoretical and intense practical competency-based trainings, with workplace experience.

It aims to equip girls to fully participate in the labour market and be financially independent.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Mrs. Akufo-Addo encouraged the students not to waver in their quest to acquire skills in an area largely dominated by men because of the many positive influences they will have on other women with similar ambitions.

You have set out on an exciting journey to positively affect our world, she added.

Mrs. Akufo-Addo commended also the partnership among Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the German Development Agency and their private sector partner Samsung for the project, noting that it will make girls participate meaningfully in the labour market and make them locally productive and globally competitive. 

She added that the country is not a passive recipient of the support indicating that government is committed to solve the challenge of unemployment and increase the avenue of female employment and economic wellbeing.

The First Lady said the Council for Technical and Vocational Education is pursuing strategies to provide industries with demand driven skills that are meaningful in the labour market.

Female full participation in the labour market is of equal importance to government as evident in our national gender policy. Women as well as men deserve to take up any jobs and to be financially independent, she added.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri


Season 3 of the MTN 'Heroes of Change' project, a serialised television programme which searches for and rewards persons engaged in extraordinary charity activities in Ghana, will this week focus on philanthropist extraordinaire Nana Dr Osei Darkwa III, chief of Patriensa in the Ashanti Region.

Nana Osei Darkwa, a professor and president of Ghana Technology University College (GTUC), in competing with nine other nominees for the 'Heroes of Change' project and the ultimate winner will receive as a cash amount of GH100,000 to use for a charity project.

There is also an amount of GH20,000 for each winner of three other categories within the 'Heroes of Change' project and an amount of GH5,000 for all six finalists.

This weekend, the heart touching story of Nana Osei Darkwa will be serialised on several television stations, including GTV on Saturday evening by 5:30 pm, TV3 on Sunday by 6:30 pm, GhOne also on Sunday by 7:00pm and on Joy Prime on Sunday by 5:00pm.

It tells an amazing story of a man who has used his personal funding to bring development in the areas of education, agriculture, health, employment and technology to the people of Patriensa in a way so significant that international news channel BBC, once did a story and called it Patriensa: 'first digital village in Africa'.

Nana Osei Darkwah explained his reason for investing his time resources and energy in such huge charity projects, saying, I am from here and I have known the needs of this village from my childhood. I already had plans of developing this village to a city standard, thus, all that I lacked growing up will be available for the young ones growing up.

After I ascended the throne in the year 2014, I called all leaders of this village and showed them the plans I had and where I want to see Patriensa in five years time.

Nana explained furtherThese projects have created direct employment for over 147 people of this village and several more indirectly. Patriensa was the first village to have had internet access available to everyone in the year 2000 and I have revived the farming in the village by providing transportation, accessible roads, rest stops and education on modern ways of farming. Cocoa production is now on the high. Seven students have benefited from my education fund so far and the water fountain in the center of the village has given Patriensa a great look.

He said there are plans to build a modern market for the community and land for the project has been cleared and development is about to start.

Also, the sites for the building of a modern cemetery and a bank have also been made available.

The 10 final nominees were shortlisted from some 2,396 nominations submitted across the country.

Contestants must have a proven record in the areas of a working on charity bases as a community crusader or in the areas of social protection, health, environment economic empowerment and education which forms the six categories.
The National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah, has urged Members of Parliament and politicians to desist from branding the fight against vigilante groups with political colours.

According to him, politicizing the fight will undermine the efforts of security agencies to clamp down on their illegal activities.

Addressing a question on the floor of Parliament by the Member of Parliament for Asawase constituency, Muntaka Mubarak, Mr. Kan Dapaah said such groups were not legally registered hence are not recognized by law.

I believe it is important that we stop the activities of all such groups irrespective of what political party they are affiliated to and I continue to urge the house to help us find a solution to this problem. Which I must repeat again, it has all the tendencies to create huge security problems for us in the future.

Let's all come together, let's get all such action groups to recognize that they are not to operate in the country and if they do, it will be taken as a law and order issue and they will have to go through the laws of the country as their punishment, he said.

Some vigilante groups particularly affiliated to the New Patriotic Party in recent times, are reported to have carried out various violent attacks on some individuals, and taken over some state agencies following the party's election victory.

One of such groups, Delta Force, recently stormed the premises of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and forcibly ejected the newly appointed regional security coordinator, Goerge Adjei from his office.

But speaking in Parliament on the matter, Kan Dapaah said, efforts are being made to stop such groups.

There are no legally registered vigilante groups in this country and for that matter, there are no such groups to be disbanded. However, I think we need to be pragmatic and accept that foot soldiers of the leading political parties are known to constitute themselves into action troops to molest and unleash violence on the peace loving people of this country.

Mr. Speaker, we need to stop these groups because they have the tendency to degenerate into militant groups that can have serious repercussions on the security of this country. We must not mix criminality with politics, lawlessness must be punished. Government has made it clear through the IGP to deal appropriately with all criminals, he said.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @jnyabor
Time to wake up

Socio-cultural barriers still make doctors hesitant to specialise in anaesthesiology
The Tema Regional Police Command has begun investigations into the robbery attack on former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, Ibrahim Baidoo.

Mr. Baidoo was attacked by three armed robbers on Wednesday evening when he was about entering his house at Tema Community 22.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Tema Regional Police Command, ASP Juliana Obeng, said the former MCE was shot beneath his right eye, when he was entering his house at community 22 in Tema and made away with his private Chrysler salon car.

The suspects, three armed men, who were on a motor bike with locally made pistols, took away the victims blue -black Chrysler saloon car with registration number, GN2015-16, the statement added.

The Police further called on the public to furnish them with information that could lead to the arrest of the robbers.

The Command would like to appeal to the general public to furnish it with accurate timely information that will lead to the arrest of these suspects, the statement added.

Ibrahim Baidoo receiving treatment

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Baidoo is currently receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

The Greater Accra Regional Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anthony Nukpenu, who narrated what happened to Citi News, said the incident happened after an NDC meeting in the area.

He explained that, the committee tasked to investigate the partys abysmal performance in the December 7, 2016 general elections, met with members of the NDC in the area earlier in the day.

Yesterday [Wednesday], we met the Kwesi Botchwey committee where they came to interact with the party people in the area. He [Ibrahim Baidoo] was there; we all left there after 6:30pm. So he [Baidoo] got home around 8:00pm, and just after entering his house, some two unidentified young men appeared on a motorbike and ordered him to get out of his car. While he was getting out one pulled a gun through his eyes and shot him. Then they took the car and bolted.

The other person with the former MCE had to call a friend to rush in and pick him to the hospital. So they got to the Tema General Hospital and he was referred to Korle Bu. So since last night [Wednesday], doctors have been treating him till this [Thursday] morning, Mr. Nukpenu added.



By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
The best argument against democracy is a five  minute conversation with the average voter -Winston Churchill

People shouldn't be afraid of government. Governments should be afraid of their people. - Alan Moore

LAWYER KWADWO OWUSU  AFRIYIE a.k.a. Sir John (Wonnoo krakye) must have been a thorn in the flesh of the NDC. Kobby Acheampong used to call him 'Kokoo  ase kuraaseni' to taunt him, and he had vaingloriously accepted the appellation and so had all of us who lived much of our youthful lives in the village. Now, he is a sophisticated legal practitioner with almost 40years in legal practice, and some of us 'nkuraasefoo' have equally become sophisticated, but none of those born after independence would believe we went to school barefooted and combed the forests at dawn for kola-nuts, mangoes, oranges, and leaves for wrapping foodto sell for stipends for school.

In September, 2013, Sir John made public his preferred choice for the NPP leader in the person of Nana Akufo Addo. He said: Nana Addo will lead NPP even if he is in a wheel chair the argument of age does not wash

On the question of age, he must have had in mind aged African leaders: Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe, 93years, Beji Caid Essebsi, Tunisia, 91years; Paul Biya, Cameroon, 84years; Manuel Pinto da Costa, Sao Tome and Principe, 80 years; Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria, 80 years; Alpha Conde, Guinea, 79years; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia, 79 years; Peter Mutherika Malawi, 77years; Alassane Ouattara, Cote d'Ivoire, 75 years; Jacob Zuma, South Africa, 75years; Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria, 74 years. On the 'rise and build' tour, Sir John said Nana Addo would 'rise' like biblical Nehemiah. When doubts emerged about Nana Addo's comeback after losing the 2012 elections and also losing the Supreme Court battle, it was statements such as these, depicting blind loyalty and devotion that whipped up support for Nana's return to the race. Some of us could not be spared for such outbursts. What was in Nana Akufo Addo we saw which other people did not see about the man.

There are people who understand the language of voters, and who know the strategy for campaigning, and Adisa Dagomba is one such. Her actions worked like magic and she got the 'Kayayei'(female head porters) to switch camp  and they berthed at the NPP. You could call her a ragamuffin or an urchin; she exerted great command over the 'Kayayei' and would always speak on 'Oman F.M.' to make a case for them. Despite the heavy grounds work he did in forming the NPP Youth Wing in Ashanti, Alhaji Kwasi Yeboah would not take any more glamorous job than the D.C.E. of Kwabre during Kufuor's time. His boys had done a yeoman's job protecting the ballot boxes all over the region.

Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan, they say. It is for these people and others like: Ayisi Boateng (Onipa Nua), Ms Derchie; other personalities and institutions like Ashh F.M., Otec FM, that Nana Addo called at Ashanti first in his planned tour of the regions of Ghana. The presidential votes had been overwhelming for the NPP flagbearer. Afigya Kwabre South gave Nana Addo 50,740 and John Mahama 8,096; Asokwa Constituency gave Nana Addo 56,242 and John Mahama 10,383; Atwima Kwanwoma gave Nana Addo 54,242 votes and John Mahama 8,233; Bantama Constituencygave Nana Addo 51,696 and John Mahama 6,562; Bekwai Constituency gave Nana Addo 51,769; and John Mahama 5,855; Ejisu Constituency gave Nana Addo 51,312 and John Mahama 9,449; Kwabre East Constituency gave Nana Addo 71,112 and John Mahama 15,303; Kwadaso Constituencygave Nana Addo 61,072 votes and John Mahama 7,011; Oforikrom Constituency gave Nana Addo 61, 191 and John Mahama 21,901; and Suame Constituency gave Nana Addo 67,589 and John Mahama 9,648. In the strongholds of the NDC (Volta Region)the highest votes came from Ketu South Constituency with 65,279 for John Mahama and 7,590 for Nana Addo. Bole-Bamboi gave John Mahama 14,039 and Nana Addo 3,647. Thus, the whole nation had voted for Nana Addo, but the overwhelming votes for him had come from Asante.

Nana Addo first went to the Manhyia Palace to pay a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. He assured the nation: It will not be under my watch that people will take the law into their own handsThat was in reaction to comments on the violent attack on the Regional Security Coordinator in his office by the Delta Force. Otumfuo advised the President that the people wanted to see improvements in their daily lives, and would hold the President responsible for any lapses. He further warned the President to be cautious of those around him, so that tomorrow he would not say, like Caesar, Et tu, Brute? Nana Addo met the transporters at the Cultural Centre. He first asked them to state their case and he answered appropriately. Of course, the 2017 Budget had had duty on spare parts abolished, and that was expected to boost transportation: what was left included the high insurance bill and the lack of parking space, given the rehabilitation project at Kejetia.

The market women were the next to meet the president at the same venue. They gave voice to their concerns. Later, the President and his entourage of ministers and party executives visited the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital where they inspected the maternity block that had lain uncompleted since General Kutu Acheampong started it more than 40 years ago.

Sunday saw the President attending church services at St Cyprian's Anglican and the Bantama Ebenezer Methodist Churches. He also visited the Central Mosque. The big rally was held at the Jubilee Park, and it was a lovely sight. Speaker after speaker reiterated the vision of the NPP to ensure progress of the nation. Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, assured the nation that the 2017 Budget had cancelled nuisance taxes that included 'Kayayei tax' and duty on spare parts. The 'Kayayei' were grateful, and led by their organiser, Adisa, they were at the Jubilee Park in their numbers, carrying pans. The President reassured the nation that the free SHS was on the way, and the Zongo Fund would uplift the Zongos.

The ball to crown the visit was held at Maame Dokuaa's Beauty Queen Hotel, Santasi. Various drinkables were available for all. The meal was sumptuous. Honourable Osafo Maafo, the Senior Minister, who was chosen as the Chairman for the occasion said he would have proclaimed himself 'Chairman' being the oldest person at the dais, if he had not been selected as such. Otiko Djaba, the Gender Minister had not forgotten her heyday in dancing at school. And like Nightingale, she captured the admiration of all when she took the floor with the President. It was the security agencies who had a hard time keeping away gate  crashers. The President would have liked to have all the persons outside trooping inbut that might have compromised his security.

Asantes had demonstrated their predilection for democracy. They had spurned CPP civilian dictatorship and welcomed UP democracy. They had repudiated Kutu Acheampong's military dictatorship even though Kutu was a 'local boy'  Asantes would not give Kutu the blind loyalty. They fought the atrocities of the PNDC, and personalities like Lawyers Appiah  Menka, Kwame Awuah, Mmieh, Obeng  Manu (Snr) sacrificed their time, money and other resources to resist the forces of evil in the PNDC.

To us in Asante, it is 'ka bi-ma-me  nka bi' (Talk, let me talk), not 'di-bi-ma-me-nni-bi' (Eat, let me eat). The first hints of democracy; the second smacks of corruption. Whoever will demonstrate democratic proclivities will find Asante a 'home', and Nana Addo had come home.

Africanus Owusu-Ansah

[email protected]
The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) has organised a one day procurement workshop for over 150 participants in Accra.

The workshop sought to orient the participants on MiDA and Millennium Challenge Corporations (MCC) Procurement Guidelines, Solicitation Documents and also present procurement opportunities available under the Power Compact Programme.

The participants, who comprised trade associations, financial institutions, consulting services, automobile, construction, power and electrical, were drawn from both local and international organisations.

They represented businesses that hold interests in bidding for contracts under the Ghana Power Compact Programme. Also present were senior executives from MiDA and the heads of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) team in Ghana.

Ing Owura Kwaku Sarfo, Chief Executive Officer of MiDA, explained that the workshop would expose participants to a broad understanding of the bidding processes for Goods, Works and Services as well as provide an opportunity to learn and build on their existing knowledge in order to improve on the quality of their bids and proposals.

The Resident Country Director of MCC, Ms Deidra Fair-James, traced the long standing partnership between Ghana and the MCC. She remarked that the corporation is excited about the workshop and its prospects to enhance the capacity of all bidders. She urged participants to take advantage of the session to network and also deepen sustainable partnerships among themselves.

MiDA has received over 200 applications from interested participants from both local and foreign organisations. As a result MiDA is considering arranging other similar workshops in due course for participants who could not be part of the just ended programme.

The Power Compact, is a treaty signed between Ghana and the United States of America represented by the MCC, and seeks to support Ghanas power sector with US$498 million in grant funds. Six projects make up the Power Compact; i) the ECG Financial and Operational Turnaround Project (EFOT), ii) The Northern Electricity Distribution Financial and Operational Turnaround Project (NFOT), iii) Access Project, iv) Energy Efficiency and Demand side Management Project v)Power Generation Sector Improvement Project and vi) Regulatory Strengthening and Capacity Building Project. Each project has a set of activities designed as interventions to address a specific constraint in the countrys power sector chain.

Under the Power Compact, public organisations such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Energy Commission (EC), and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) would receive grants to implement various infrastructure and reform programmes aimed at enhancing the quality of service delivery within the power sector.
06.04.2017 LISTEN

Atheism is a term that is not often associated with Africa and Africans. Studies have rather linked both ancient and modern Africa to religion and theism. The overwhelming impression is that Africans are hard-wired to mystical thinking and magic. In fact, a scholar of religion, John Mbiti, described Africans as notoriously religious.

Of course, many events that take place in Africa attest to this notoriety, whether it is the new religious movements that are emerging in different parts of the region, the violent campaign to implement Sharia by Boko Haram militants or rampant accusations and abuses in the name of witchcraft. In this piece, I discuss why religion/theism appears to be so visible in Africa and atheism invisible. And I attribute the situation to the worldliness of religion in Africa. What do I mean by that?

Religion has often been presented as a spiritual and supernatural ideology; as an otherworldly phenomenon that is divested from mundane ends and interests. No doubt, religion is a transcendental notion but it is much more than that. In highlighting belief in god, there has been too much emphasis on popular credulity and superstition, on abstract ideas, doctrines and dogmas. The material perks and benefits that are often used to lure and procure conversion and confession have largely been ignored. The metaphysical strand of theism is often highlighted but the physical (bread) element is overlooked. This bread aspect, the worldly aspect of religion, is my concern in this piece.

By worldly religion, I mean religion that is driven, motivated and sustained by a here-and-now, material, this-worldly interests, gains and benefits. Worldly religion is not content with praying for the kingdom to come. It works, fights, conquers, strives and struggles to realise that kingdom on earth as Christians say in their Lords Prayer. It is a daily bread religion. Central to propagating or embracing religion is the satisfaction of mundane needs and desires such as food, shelter and clothing; accessing socio-political capital and financial power.

Religious propagators distribute or promise goods and opportunities that appeal to the material desires of the people in return for religious conversion and commitment. They use religion as a device to legitimately acquire, dispossess, or lay claim to peoples property including money, livestock, cars, and houses.

Not too long ago, a friend from Sudan told me a story of how a Muslim man converted to Christianity in his country. This conversion narrative may not apply to all who have changed their religion in Sudan, but it contains insights which are pertinent to my argument and to understanding religion/god-belief in Africa.

As narrated by this friend, the man needed money to pay his childs school fees, and approached the Muslim establishment for some financial loan but they declined. Then the man went to the Christian aid group, and they gave him the money. This man left Islam and converted to Christianity. When his former Muslim colleagues asked why he left Islam, he told them that since they could not support him financially and the Christians did so he embraced Christianity. In this case, financial need not a special encounter with the Christian god was behind the switch from one faith/god to another.

This bread religion is not peculiar to Abrahamic faiths. In fact, worldliness features heavily in the indigenous religious enterprise. But worldly religion has been so manifest in contemporary Africa due to fierce competition for members, power and influence by the world religions of Islam and Christianity.

Indigenous Gods for Sale

Material entitlements sustain the priestly offices and duties. These material benefits motivate people to take up these positions as priests and diviners. A lecturer at the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana told me that the work of a shrine priest in his community in Northern Ghana was more lucrative than that of a university lecturer.

Indigenous religions thrive mainly in agriculture-based communities. Religious rituals are devices which these experts who double as healers use in growing their economies, in acquiring food or life stock for their own use and survival. People who are seeking spiritual and divine help bring or forfeit cash, food and other goods to the gods. These forfeited items automatically become the property of the priests. Priests ask those who patronise their shrines to bring money, goats, cows and chickens for sacrifice. Sometimes religious rituals involve eating and drinking that often exclude those who provided the materials for the rituals! Shrine priests and other members of the priestly class take part in supposed ritual activities which ultimately augment their meals. These material accessories help in sustaining and in ensuring the survival of theistic interests and beliefs. They motivate people to act as if they believe in these gods even when they doubt and disbelieve. I recall a brief encounter with a diviner in the North of Ghana. I went to see him in the course of trying to understand the link between divination and witchcraft. The diviner asked me to pay about 5 dollars before I could see him. I declined and I offered to pay a dollar. In the course of the bargain, he said Look I have children and pointed at some children in the compound. What do you expect me to use in paying their school fees? At one stage, he told me that if I could pay twice the amount, he was ready to give me all the items he used for divination. He said he would later replace them. Locals call these objects that diviners consult gods. In the end, I paid about 3 dollars for a consultation. I did not try buying the gods because I had no need for them.

The fact is that traditional priests benefit and profit from these gods whether their existence is actual or imaginary. Priests have vested interest in making people think that these gods exist. However, the economy of indigenous religion/gods has been shrinking due to severe pressure from the worldlier Christianity and Islam.

Worldly Christianity, Business and Private Jets

European missionaries brought the Christian faith to Africa, but they did not get Africans to embrace the Christian god by merely presenting the spiritual belief in the Jesus god. The missionaries made conversion to Christianity economically and politically rewarding. They provided worldly benefits to those who embraced their supposedly otherworldly deity.

One of these worldly goods is education. Missionaries built schools in rural communities and used these facilities to educate and convert people. They coerce people into believing and worshipping the Christian god. Churches in Europe and America sponsored and subsidised these schools and seminaries. They made it possible for families to send their children to school. My father told me that he embraced Catholic Christianity because that was the only way he could get a formal education. He went on to become a teacher in mission schools. Missionary education was a mechanism to promote the Christian god, but also the gateway to acquiring skills and employment. Such circumstances hardly give people the room to question aloud the existence of God. Even if people doubted or disbelieved, they are unable to voice their objections because of their educational and employment interests.

Today churches have universities across the region. Pastors use their own private jets. In Nigeria, Christian faith organisations own most of the private universities in the country. Churches or church people also build hospitals and clinics. They set up farm projects, transportation companies and other businesses. These schools are named after saints, or have religious mottoes. For instance, a very popular Christian university in Nigeria is called The Redeemers University. The redeemer here refers to Jesus. Another Pentecostal church called its own tertiary institution, Covenant University.

A high school in Imo state in Southern Nigeria is called the Holy Ghost College. Another is Emmanuel College. I taught in a private Christian school in Ibadan in South West Nigeria called Ise Oluwa which means the Work of (Christian) God. As a teacher in this school, one is forced to lead the pupils in morning prayers and devotions whether one is a Christian or not; whether one believes in god or not.

A popular transportation company in Nigeria is called God is Good. Another one is named Ekene Dili Chukwu which means Thanks be to God. Many of these companies start the days business with prayer. In fact, some of them have some pastors that pray and preach to passengers shortly before they depart.

A Nigerian Catholic priest owns a chain of institutions and businesses including Madonna University, Caritas University, Our Saviour Polytechnic, Our Saviour College of Education, Our Saviour Primary and Secondary Schools. He also established Our Saviour Diagnostic Centres and Madonna Hospitals. These schemes provide much-needed jobs to people, but at the same time, they contribute to perpetuating god-belief. They provide these services in exchange for a profession of faith in the Christian god, or at least in return for some lip service to the Jesus god.

You may now be wondering: But what is in a name? After all, those who bear Christian names still end up becoming atheists. Dont they? People who attended Christian schools and seminaries worked at Christian establishments  such as this author could still end up becoming atheists or atheist activists. But I make bold to say that there is something in the name. There is materiality and worldliness in the name.

To better appreciate the challenges that atheists face in this intense religious environment, it important to note that part of the official ritual at these places is to start every activity with prayers in which all the workers and students are expected to participate. Refusal to take part in such godly activities due to religious apathy or unbelief could lead to termination of ones job or education. And in a country where educational and employment opportunities are so limited and unemployment benefits are non-existent, many people do not want to take such risks, even the most ardent atheists.

Sharia, Money and Power

Worldly religion applies also to Islam. Nothing has been more revealing in this regard than my brief encounter with a famous Muslim woman in Nigeria, the late Hajia Bilikisu. In 2003, Hajia Bilikisu visited the stand of the Nigerian Humanist Movement during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that was held in Abuja. She saw an inscription on one of our banners that read: Keep Mosque and State Separate. Hajia Bilikisu stared at it for a while, smiled and said: If we separated mosque and state, where are we going to get money to finance our Sharia courts. I almost replied to her: But Allah the most gracious and most benevolent is there and should be able to send you money directly from Paradise. I did not.

Like Christianity, the spread of Islam had material motives and drivers. Islamic religion was introduced and promoted across Africa not by a mere preaching of the Quran or by teaching people to believe in Allah as the only God and in Muhammad as the messenger. Islamisation of Africa involved commerce, extension of financial and political support and patronage to those who converted to Islam. Belief in Allah was and is still the key to this-worldly kingdom of Islam. Embracing the Islamic god came with material benefits, business and financial incentives. Islamic foundations in North Africa and the Middle East provided sponsorship for scholars and preachers of Islam in Africa. They financed the construction and management of mosques and Quranic schools, and provided local converts funds to study Islam or Sharia Law at Islamic universities in North Africa and the Middle East in return for their championing the spread of Islam in their various constituencies.

Worldly Islam is evident in the introduction of Sharia in Nigeria. Sharia law was first introduced in 1999 by a state governor, Alhaji Sani Yerima. Yerima introduced Sharia to fulfil a promise he made during his election campaign. Other Muslim majority states in northern Nigeria subsequently introduced Sharia Law. With the adoption of Sharia as state law, politicians used state money to fund the Sharia court, and Sharia police. It became the duty of the state to construct mosques, and sponsor pilgrimages.[Unfortunately, Hajia Bilikisi was among the Nigerian Muslim pilgrims who died during a stampede in Mecca in 2015]

The government fed Muslims during the month of Ramadan and financially rewarded converts to Islam. In addition, the implementation of Sharia Law entailed the Islamisation of state structures, education and businesses. Schools, hospitals and clinics automatically become Islamic property.

In the case of Islam, worldly religion ensures that state money, jobs, contracts and other benefits and opportunities went to merchants and consumers of Islamic faith not to doubters and disbelievers in Allah. While Islamic theocrats used the implementation of Sharia Law to woo voters and win elections, the Muslim faithful in return reward the politicians by voting them into power. The Muslim faithful get politicians elected to ensure the continuous flow of cash to them. Consequently, politicians compete and try to outdo each other in worldly Islam; in using state resources for the benefit those who believe in Allah.

Religions wield a lot of worldly power and influence and use their power to sustain the belief in God or Allah. They hold atheists and atheism hostage. Propagators of god-belief take advantage of the harsh economic situation in Africa. They make god-belief rewarding socially, politically and financially. And in a situation where state institutions are weak or are under the total control of these worldly world religions, there is limited space for atheists and atheism to thrive and flourish. So, atheists are mainly in the closet. The future of atheism lies in effectively confronting, counteracting and resisting the power and pressure of worldly religion.
Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA, 6th April 2017  According to new research, almost a third of small business who commit to technology show demonstrable growth. The whitepaper* launched today and titled Tech-Savvy Businesses do it better was commissioned by market and technology leader in cloud accounting, Sage , and conducted by IDC .

With over 1 million new customers following Sage to the cloud in 2016, it is clear that small businesses are beginning to see the advantages of technology. Nevertheless, the research shows that over half (56%) of all small businesses interviewed have yet to adopt digital technologies - preferring to maintain their business with traditional methods, despite the rewards shown in the findings, which include:

1. Automation Drives Innovation:Small business owners that are digitally mature dedicate more time to innovation.

 32% of small business that have a significant focus on digitally innovating their business reported growth of more than 10% last year

 Despite innovation featuring in the top three challenges overall, only 8% of small businesses indicated that they spend quality time on innovation:

o Despite innovation featuring in the top three challenges overall, only 8% of small businesses indicated that they spend quality time on innovation; in contrast looking at tech-savvy businesses, this jumps to around 29%.

 Overall, 79% of small business owners very much enjoy working for their own business; with this percentage rising to 94% among those that use IT very well.

2. Digital Focus Enables Opportunity: With tools to automate and free up time easily available, many small business owners are seeing the opportunity.

 57% of the respondents see new digital business models as an opportunity for their business with 1/4 of the total calling it a "significant opportunity".

 Also, over 57% are focused on digitally innovating their business

3. Getting on Track with Technological Adoption: Some small businesses feel they have fallen a little behind their peers in terms of their use of technology.

 13% of business owners feel they are a bit behind their peers in their use of technology with an additional 2% feeling that they are far behind

 30% say they need to improve on their IT skills to make full use of the IT tools they have

Jennifer Warawa, EVP of Product Marketing, Sage commented: With the stakes high for business owners, Sage are solving for our customers needs with the following outlook. We want to make the cloud a reality for businesses of all sizes, without the need for them to migrate from their much loved Sage business management solution. We want to give our customers mobility choices and enable them to work from wherever, whenever in a way that that suits the way they run their business. Above all, these solutions need to be cost effective and part of the journey that our customers experience as they grow their businesses  we dont want growth to be prohibited by difficult choices.

Says Anton van Heerden , Managing Director and Executive Vice-President, Africa & Middle East at Sage: More and more African business builders are embracing mobile technology and the cloud to streamline red tape and to improve the agility of their businesses. Over the next three years, it will be exciting to see how innovations such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things will turn Sages vision of invisible admin into a reality. Our mission is to make admin seamless so our customers can focus on the stuff that really matters: growing their businesses and delighting their customers.

We have our foot on the pedal and will continue to deliver the solutions to market that our 3 million customers worldwide are demanding, adds van Heerden.

Driving a world of Invisible admin

With the research showing high rewards of adopting technology, Sage is on a mission to drive a world where admin is invisible for businesses of all sizes with world-class cloud products that free business builders up to focus on what is important to them.

To that end, Sage made several announcements regarding the cloud solutions at the Sage Summit Tour Africa & Middle East in South Africa during March: https://www.sage.com/za/newsroom/sage-south-africa/2017/03/01/sage-unveils-next-generation-of-cloud-solutions-for-africa-and-middle-east
The Ghana Armed Forces is investigating the Commanding Officer of the Southern Infantry Battalion in Takoradi for allegedly protecting small scale miners without authorization.

Lieutenant Colonel George Noble Hoenyedzi is reported to have positioned five of his men at a galamsey site at Maafokrom in the Central Region to protect the miners.

A highly placed source has disclosed the illegal mining site belongs to some Chinese who had some Ghanaians fronting for them.

Joy News Manasseh Azure Awuni visited the community and reports the water bodies have been polluted leaving residents dependent on satchet water for their daily needs.

An indigene who works for the Chinese told the reporter the soldiers are there to provide protection for the mine against armed attacks.

This is a mining site and it is gold we are dealing with so we need some security, he said.

Joy News source at GAF said the soldiers are there to provide protection for some licensed large scale and small scale miners in the community.

The development comes at a time there is a chorus of opposition against the activities of illegal miners that are polluting the countrys water bodies and destroying the vegetative cover.

The Tano River in the Brong Ahafo Region has dried up for the first time in 40 years, a development residents have blamed on unrestrained activities of illegal miners.

Also, the Brim River in the Eastern Region and River Ankobrah in the Western Region have been muddied making it impossible for the Ghana Water Company to treat the water from these rivers for consumption.

Lands Minister, John Peter Amewu, has suggested excavators seized from the miners have to be burned down to discourage the practice.

Lands Minister, John Peter Amewu

He told Kojo Yankson on Joy FM's Super Morning Show Thursday, the equipment used by the miners are responsible for the destruction caused the environment.

How do you take cocaine and say you are keeping it?" he asked. "You must destroy it for the public to see that it is a wrong thing. What is happening is not different from an illegal trade.

The investigation into the alleged protection of the illegal mine by the military personnel has been seen by a section of Ghanaians as a good step in the fight against the practice.

Meanwhile, available information indicates Lieutenant Colonel George Noble Hoenyedzi has been recalled to Accra to avoid possible interference with the investigation. He is likely to return to his base if he is cleared of the charge.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
Workers of the Electricity Company of Ghana who are members of the Public Utilities Workers Union have asked the president to initiate a dialogue on the privatisation of the company.

The workers say President Akufo-Addo must fulfill his promise, made to them months ago, to open a dialogue on the privatization of the power distributor.

Joy News Hannah Odame was a press conference organised by the group in Accra where its General Secretary Micheal Adumatta Nyantakyi called on the president to act.

We recall that the president in his own state of the nation address stressed the urgency of this dialogue, so if the president talked about something to be done urgently and for over two months nothing has happened with respect to that activity, then we think it is appropriate that we give him a reminder of what he said, Mr. Nyantakyi stated.

Workers of the ECG have registered their discontentment since government announced that the power distributor will be privatized.

The workers have argued that the privatization will not solve the numerous problems the company is facing.

Related: Dont privatise ECG, list on Stock Exchange instead  Staff tell gov't

They also fear that the privatization will result in the loss of jobs after five years of the privatization. They have embarked on numerous demonstrations to register their displeasure.

Although the current government has started consultations to address the issue, the General Secretary says they want to take part in the discussions in order that their concerns will be adequately presented.

We know that once the board of MIDA has been constituted, government is not sitting idle with respect to this concession. Definitely some discussions may be going on that we may not be privy to so we think it is important we call on government to honour its word and initiate this process.

He added that it is critical that the views of key stakeholders are taken on board before any major decision is taken.

That is why we think that after two months, it is time to remind the president of his promise, he stressed.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Naa Sakwaba Akwa | [email protected]
Bakau (Gambia) (AFP) - Gambians voted Thursday in the first election since longtime leader Yahya Jammeh left power, with opposition parties set to gain seats after being left in the cold for years during what was tantamount to one-party rule.

More than 880,000 Gambians are eligible to vote and polls are open until 5:00 pm, with many voters relishing the chance to express varied political opinions after 22 years under Jammeh.

"The only way Gambians can consolidate our newfound democracy is for people to ensure they elect competent individuals that will represent them in parliament and help in making the government's reform agenda a reality," said Fatou Suwareh, who was waiting in line to vote on the outskirts of Banjul.

The first results are expected during the evening and a full set by late morning on Friday.

The election is a key test for several former opposition parties that united to form the coalition in December to oust Jammeh from power and deliver flag bearer Adama Barrow to victory as the new president.

Internal tensions mean those parties are not running together in Thursday's legislative elections, and some voters expressed anger that the organisations involved had not been able to present a united front.

Posing a threat is the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), a youth-led party which did not join the governing coalition whose leader Mama Kandeh came third in last year's presidential vote.

"The coalition was my party but when things started falling apart with them, everyone has to go to their party," said Yaisa Jawara, casting her vote at a roadside polling station near the capital, Banjul, who chose the GDC as a protest vote.

"They (GDC) are not very experienced but they are willing to work with the government," she added.

Barrow attempted to shrug off accusations that his coalition was permanently damaged by infighting, which at times has broken out into the open in Gambian media.

"There is no (cabinet) split, this is about democracy and this is the new Gambia," he said after casting his vote.

Low turnout

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) expressed concern around midday that turnout appeared to be low, with many Jammeh supporters expected to stay at home as his Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) recovers from its shock loss in the presidential election.

"We just hope that the voter turnout increases," said Manneh Sallah, vice-chairman of the electoral commission.

EU observer Maria Arena, from Belgium, also told AFP that after a busy start "turnout is a little low".

Sallah hailed the "record number" of 238 candidates standing for office, saying it showed "a lot of interest in our democracy after the change."

There is no formal opinion polling in the small west African nation, making it difficult to establish voting intentions, but the APRC was only able to muster candidates in just over half the country's constituencies, meaning they cannot obtain the near-total majority achieved in past elections.

Alagie Bubacar Jallow, an unemployed hotel worker voting in Bakau, just outside the capital, said his town had long been ignored by the Jammeh regime because it was seen as an opposition stronghold.

"We need things to be done in Bakau," he told AFP. "I'm voting for Assan Touray, UDP, but more for the candidate. He is loyal, ambitious and respectful of all the people. He can try and fight for the needs of the town."

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has waited many years for the chance to take some of the 53 seats up for grabs in The Gambia's National Assembly, with its activists and leaders routinely imprisoned and abused by Jammeh's security forces.

"Gambians are coming out to complete the establishment of a new government," UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, who serves as foreign minister in Barrow's coalition cabinet, said after casting his vote.

Five extra places are appointed by the president, for a total of 58 seats in the legislative chamber, which was long derided as a rubber stamp for Jammeh's executive orders.

Roll of the marble

The Gambia uses a unique ballot system in which voters drop marbles into coloured drums

The African Union, the regional bloc ECOWAS and the European Union have all sent observers to monitor voters casting their ballots in The Gambia's unique system, where marbles are dropped into coloured metal barrels representing different candidates.

West African troops remain in The Gambia three months after Jammeh's departure, and will stay until Barrow is satisfied that reforms of the security service have removed rogue elements.

With no formalised polling, the result of Thursday's vote is hard to predict

Experts say that while the result could go feasibly in any direction, the relative novelty of a truly democratic election might fail to produce the unified front required to carry out the comprehensive overhaul of the state promised by Barrow.
If the opposition National Democratic Congress were to go to congress now to elect a flagbearer to lead the party in the 2020 elections, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu would have gotten a vote without campaigning.

This is because the former Greater Accra Region Minister Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo believes the leader of the Minority has better credentials to lead the party in the next elections.

He told Drive Time host Lexis Bill in the Personality Profile segment of the show that if he were a woman, he would have married him without blinking an eye.

He touted his eloquence and leadership style as some of the qualities that have endeared Mr Iddrisu to him.

Mr Iddrisu has yet to make public his presidential ambitions even though sources close to him have confirmed to Myjoyonline.com the Minority Leader's ambition to lead the party.

Per the party's constitution, a flagbearer can only be elected two years to an election when the party is in opposition and barely a year if the party is in power.

The NDC with president John Mahama lost the 2016 election to the then opposition New Patriotic Party led by Nana Akufo-Addo who is now the president.

John Mahama was seeking his second term in office, even though it would have been the party's third term in office if he had won.

This means the former president still has the chance to return as the leader of the NDC in 2020 when the country goes to the polls.

However there are a number of potential candidates who have not made public their ambitions but have supporters and identifiable groups within the party subtly campaigning for them.

Former Trades Minister Ekow Spio Garbrah, former NHIA boss, Sylvester Mensah and Prof Joshua Alabi's name have all come as possible flagbearers of the NDC in 2020.

But Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo's said even though he belongs to no camp within the party, he believes Haruna Iddrisu stands tall amongst the candidates.

When Lexis asked him to mention who his favourite candidate is apart from the former president Afotey Agbo said:

"For me there is one person that I have always admired based on his eloquence and his actions and what I have known him for and that is Haruna Iddrisu.

"That is my darling boy or my darling man. If I were to be a woman i would have married him," he said.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
By Sampson Adu-Poku, GNA

Kumasi, April 06, GNA - The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed strong desire to continue to work towards deepening ties with the British royal family.

The long standing warm relationship, which had existed between the two royal families, he indicated, had in no small way contributed to the friendship and mutual respect between Ghana and the former colonial power.

The Asantehene was speaking at a colorful durbar he held to welcome visiting Princess Anne to his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The Princess - the daughter of Queen Elizabeth, was accompanied by the British High Commissioner, Mr. Jon Benjamin.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu applauded her for what he said was her immeasurable service to humanity - assisting to lift women out of poverty through girl child education.

He encouraged her to continue with the good job she was doing to make the world a better place for everybody to live.

Princess Anne said the visit was to reinforce the bond of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

It would be used to explore ways of working together to bring socio-economic development and transform the lives of the people.

The Princess used the occasion to convey her condolences to the Asantehene and Asanteman for the loss of his mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

GNA
Tourists avoiding Chitwan due to bad road conditions

Tourism entrepreneurs on Thursday warned that adventure seekers may give the go-by to the popular jungle safari destination of Chitwan due to heightened road safety issues and the torture of travelling over the Narayanghat-Muglin highway.
By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA Accra, April 6, GNA - Sustainable Livelihoods and Transparent Local Authorities, a programme aimed at contributing to the promotion and growth of the informal local economy in the Brong Ahafo and the Greater Accra Regions, has been launched in Accra.

The programme is a partnership with ActionAid, Sunyani West District Assembly and the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly and funded by the European Union (EU).

The three-year programme is supported by the EU at a cost of 822,876 million Euros and has a co-financing component of 122,876 Euros by the three partners.

Mr Sumaila Abdul-Rahman, the Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, said the programme would collaborate with District Assemblies (DAs) to promote environmentally sustainable livelihoods and decent work for women groups and youth dependent on the informal economies as well as persons living with disabilities.

He said SLATLA would improve transparency, accountability and revenue mobilisation of the District Assemblies.

He said, like most developing countries, Ghana faced three key problems in the informal sector of her economy, which were affecting the livelihoods of the vulnerable populations in the sector.

'These three issues are limited job opportunities and inadequate economic activities at the local level, unsustainable environmental practices that reduced economic productivity and low revenue mobilisation of local authorities due to a down-turn in the local economy and with the introduction of SLATLA these challenges would be halted,' he said.

He noted that SLATLA would strengthen skills, and capacity, increase coordination as well as strengthen technical capacity of beneficiaries in the informal sector.

Mr Abdul-Rahman, therefore, called on stakeholders to analysise and access areas where they could support and complement each other to achieve developmental goals, especially in the informal sector which made up of 80 per cent of the country's population.

Madam Maria Luisa Troncoso, the Head of Governance at the European Commission noted that the project which was in line with EUs policies in the country would empower 7,800 women and youth aged 18-40, through vocational training and job creation, expansion of local economic activities and promotion of decent work.

She said the project would improve transparency, accountability and revenue mobilisation of the Local Authorities (LA) and their role in supporting the informal sector.

She noted that the project was being materialised as a result of ActionAid Ghana's proposal in 2005 adding that 'This was selected on merit based on of the laudable objectives of the project for the citizenry in the informal sector,' she said.

Madam Troncoso called for a collaboration between the two local authorities as that would help increase synergy and help mobilise citizens in the local level development process.

Alhaji Saouka Dramani, the Municipal Co-ordinating Director of the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly, said the project would reduce unemployment rate in the municipality and improve income that would enhance the capacity of the assembly.

Mr Douglas Annoful, the District Co-ordinating Director of the Sunyani West District Assembly, observed that the project which outlined the core of the assembly's functions would improve the living standards of beneficiaries.

'The time of implementation is very appropriate especially when unemployment is high in the country,' he said.

Mr Annoful called for committed efforts towards the effective realisation of the project.

Nii Maale DjahaI, the Chief of Teiman, said the initiative was welcome and it would conscientise as well broaden the vision of people in the informal sector especially women.

He advised the beneficiaries to take the opportunity given them seriously by availing themselves to benefit from it.

ActionAid is a global movement of people working together to further human rights for all to eliminate poverty. GNA
By Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA

Kumasi, April 06, GNA - The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has underlined its total commitment towards ensuring that its operation is defined by the core values of transparency and integrity.

Ms. Catherine Ashley, Advisor to the Bank, said it would continue to be guided by these values in every decision it took and whatever it did.

She was speaking at a day's sensitization forum held in Kumasi to provide the opportunity to aid people to know more about the commemorative GH5.00 notes, currently in circulation.

This brought together representatives from the various commercial banks doing business in the Ashanti Region and selected journalists.

It formed part of a nationwide programme launched by the Central Bank to educate the public on the distinct security features of the banknote.

Officials from the Currency Management and Communications Departments of the Bank had already been to Sunyani and Tamale for the purpose.

Ms. Ashley repeated that the commemorative note was not going to replace the existing five cedi note but 'one-off' - collector's item.

She therefore encouraged everybody to take good care of the note and to preserve it, telling them that, they could make a fortune from its sale in the future.

She delinked the government from the decision to print it, stating that, it took a minimum of one year to print the currency.

This was not something that could be done in three months because it involved a lot of security, she added.

Again, the Bank opted to print the commemorative note purely on the basis of the cost effectiveness - it was cheaper to do a note than to mint a gold or silver coin.

Mr. Dominic Owusu of the Currency Management Department, took the people through the enhanced security features of the new note, and ranked the currency among the best in the world.

Its special features include a security thread - when tilted, the black star motif is seen making an up and down pulsing motion, watermark showing the portrait of Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey, which is also visible from both sides when the banknote is view towards the light, tactile marks to assist the visually impaired and optically variable ink.

GNA
Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu is demanding the withdrawal of the nomination of deputy minister-designate for agriculture, George Oduro.

According to him, there is a damning report by the Bereau of National Investigation on the nominee, making him ineligible to serve as minister.

Joy News Joseph Opoku Gakpo is in Parliament and has reported that the Minority Leader wants the name of George Oduro, who is expected to be vetted Thursday, April 6, 2017, removed from the list of nominees.

Mr Iddrisu in his remarks on the Floor of Prliament said in respect of the nominees I am compelled to request that the president should consider withdrawing the nomination of one of the appointees named George Oduro because there is a damning BNI report on him.

The Minority Leader who is leading his side to boycott the ongoing deputy ministerial vetting said they have insisted on postponing the vetting to allow for proper background checks to be conducted on the nominees.

But before Mr Iddrisu could finish the submission, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu disagreed with him.

He said it was inappropriate for the Minority Leader to bring up the issue because the House was assessing a report on nominees who have already been vetted.

The person whose issue the Minority Leader is raising is not part of this report, so Mr Speaker, I am surprised that he is talking about it.

On the issue of relevance, the person is not being considered because he has not gone before the appointment committee. If it comes to considering the person and you raise it, yes, but it is not part of this.

But Mr Iddrisu disagreed. He insisted that the issue was still relevant.

However, the Speaker, Prof Mike Ocquaye agreed with the Majority Leader.

He said we will restrict ourselves to the report. We have a clear number of ministers, their names before us and we will speak to approving the report on them. And that is what we shall do.

He ordered the Minority Leader to continue but not with George Oduros issue.

Meanwhile, the Hosue has approved the nomination of 17 deputy ministers, including Deputy Communications minister designate George Andah and Deputy Roads and Highways minsiter designate, Anthony Karbo.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Naa Sakwaba Akwa | [email protected]
After eleven years of military rule, the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana was birthed  a constitution that brought about multi party democracy and its accompanied rights, responsibilities and limitations.

Sadly, political parties  especially National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have set up vigilante groups that go on the rampage at one time or the other  a phenomenon that betrays the constitution that gives the right and responsibilities of political parties in Ghana.

Chapter Seven of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana: Representation of the People, Article 55 (1), the right to form political parties is hereby guaranteed. Article 55 (5), adds: the internal organisation of a political party shall conform to democratic principles and its actions and purposes shall not contravene or be inconsistent with this Constitution or any other law

The constitution defines the internal organisation of all political parties  its organisation must conform to democratic principles  the raising of vigilante groups for the purposes of personal security may look harmless; however, it shows the distrust political parties have in state security services whether in opposition or in power  a phenomenon borne out of political polarisation of state security services

Vigilantism in the Ghanaian body politic is a scar on the political conscience of our state. The NDC and the NPP defend actions of vigilante groups of their political parties; instead of bowing their heads in shame because they have created monsters who are out of control and the ripple effects is staring them in the face.

Beyond the distrust that political parties have in state security, it shows that the state is ineffective in protecting them; thus the same mindset is handed down to these vigilante groups  thus monsters are created and set loose. If at any point in time a group of young men in a political party take the laws into their hands so as to get the attention of their paymasters, it says one thing  that theres break down of law and order.

Law and order is important to the holistic development of every nation. No nation has ever developed in an atmosphere of lawlessness, disorderliness and chaos. A typical incident that confirms the disregard for law and order was when after the President had condemned the actions of Delta Force  a vigilante group linked to the ruling party, another group  Invincible Forces locks up the offices of the Eastern Regional National Health Insurance Offices.

These acts of disrespect for law and order confirm the monsters that have been created out of these young men whose actions haunt their paymasters. The matter is a threat to national security  a source of worry as the President of Ghana puts it succinctly. The police are powerless in dealing with these young men due to the political strings tied to the phenomenon.

Frankly, as long as vigilante groups are created by political parties it will be an impossible task for the police to clamp down on these young men. The political parties have created monsters in the name of vigilante groups and it will take only these political parties to disband them.

The only way to deal with this matter is to use the legal system to compel the political parties to disband these monsters of vigilante groups  for in civil societies where all actions of the citizenry are ordered by the constitution, political parties dont raise vigilante groups, they exercise their rights as citizens by depending on the state to protect them.

Its for the purposes of law and order that we chose to have a constitution  lets show the whole world that our society is not one where political parties betray the very constitution that gives them their very existence.

The writer is a freelance journalist.

[email protected]/[email protected]
The Nigerian government has released 41.5 billion Naira (133 million dollars) to clear three years inherited arrears of pension benefits.

Nigerias Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun said another 12.5 billion Naira (39 million dollars) has been released to cover outstanding pensions payment for January, February and March 2017 bringing the total payment to 54 billion Naira (176 million dollars).

According to the West African nations Finance Minister despite conflicting demands for available cash, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed concern about the plight of workers and pensioners.

Kemi Adeosun said the payments will bring relief to thousands of elders who have served, and deserve to be paid their entitlements promptly and fully.

With these payments Im pleased to say that we have now cleared the Contributory Pension Scheme arrears that the Buhari Government inherited. she said.

Kemi Adeosun further said that to avoid fresh accumulation of arrears, we will from now on ensure that monthly allocations to National Pension Commission (PENCOM) are regularly made alongside monthly salaries to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
06.04.2017 LISTEN



The Movement For The Protection Of Local Entrepreneurs (MPLE) has warned Lebanese journalist based in Ghana, Fadi Dabbousi, to stop attacking innocent local businessmen and entrepreneurs.

The group wondered why Fadi is shamelessly defending his fellow compatriot in the Mawarko 'pepper scandal' but at the same time destroying genuine Ghanaian businessmen.



A worker at Marwarko Restaurant had her face dipped into a bowl of pepper by her Lebanese supervisor some weeks ago. The case is currently at an Accra High Court.

Ironically, Fadi, whose numerous illogical articles threaten the survival of Ghanaian businesses, is the person supporting Mawarko Restaurant over its recent inhuman 'Pepper Attack', an act that has been condemned by all loyal citizens of this country, including some statesmen, a statement signed by the Convener of the Movement, Patrick Duah Agyeman indicated.

According to the statement, in one of his vile articles, he claimed that the widespread condemnation of the assault had the potential of scaring investors and that the 'unjustified' attacks against Marwarko could cost over 400 jobs in the country.

Mr. Dabbousi went on to wear black attire to mourn and sympathise with Mawarko, with the lame excuse that the company was being vilified unnecessarily by the media and the general public
Lawyers for Marwako supervisor, Jihad Chaaban, who is in court for allegedly assault of a female worker, are pushing for a private settlement of the issue.

Lead counsel for the accused, Julio De Medeiros, told an Accra Magistrate's court Thursday their position is in line with Section 73 of the Courts Act which promotes reconciliation.

Related Article: Court grants bail to Marwako Abelemkpe branch manager

The section states that: Any court, with criminal jurisdiction may promote reconciliation, encourage and facilitate a settlement in an amicable manner of any offence not amounting to felony.

Victim, Evelyn Boakye

Mr Medeiros said managers of the company would like to continue to work with the victim, Evelyn Boakye, because she is hard working.

But Tesano Police Chief Inspector, Hanson Armah, who is leading the prosecution team, has strongly opposed the application.

He argued the issue could not be settled out of court because one of the charges leveled against the accused is causing harm, which he said is a second degree felony.

The Abelemkpe branch of the Fast Food company

Mr Armah told the Presiding judge Victoria Ghansah any decision to grant an out of court settlement will fly in the face of Section 73 of the Court Act.

The court has scheduled Monday to give its ruling on the matter, Joy News' Joseph Ackah-Blay who was in court has reported.

Mr Chaaban is facing three charges of assault, offensive conduct and causing harm after he alleged assaulted Ms Boakye on February 26.

He is reported to have dipped the victims face into pepper sauce in a manner described by some workers as mercilessly.

He allegedly hurled insults at Ms Boakye in Lebanese language, a colleague had told the media.

The Ghanaian-born Lebanese was arrested by the Tesano Police following public outcry over the incident.

Mr Chaaban has pleaded not guilty to the three charges, saying he did not manhandle the victim as has been reported in the media.

His lawyers had suggested Ms Boakye made the story up in order to extort money from the company.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
Jihad Chabaan, the Lebanese Supervisor of Marwako Restaurant accused of allegedly shoving the face of a Ghanaian female employee in pepper, has requested for an out of court settlement.

According to lawyers for Chabaan, who made the request in court today [Thursday], the charges preferred against their client are misdemeanors, and that the court has the power to order the parties to attempt an out of court settlement.

He cited section 73 of the Courts Act in his argument, to back his request. The application was however opposed by the prosecution, arguing that one of the charges of causing harm, is a second-degree felony.

Jihad Chabaan is alleged to have pushed the victim's face into blended pepper on Sunday, February 26, 2017. He has since been suspended by Management of Marwako, whiles he is facing trial.

The Police granted Mr. Chaaban bail of GHc 20,000 with two sureties, and as part of his bail conditions, he is expected to report to the Tesano District Police Station every Tuesday and Friday.

The case has been adjourned to April 10, 2017.



By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Mogadishu (AFP) - Somalia's new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Thursday declared war against Shabaab extremists, offering amnesty to militants who surrendered within 60 days and warning the rest would "face the consequences".

"I am announcing a state of war in the country and call on the public to stand with the national army to help fight terrorists," the president, widely known by his nickname Farmajo, told a press conference.

His remarks come a day after a car bomb in the Somali capital left seven dead in a restaurant.

According to an AFP tally around 80 people have died in bomb attacks on Mogadishu since January. The strikes have become a regular and bloody feature of daily life in the capital since the al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab were forced out of Mogadishu by African Union troops in 2011.

Farmajo, who took office in February, on Thursday replaced the heads of the army, police and national intelligence as he declared fresh war on the Islamists.

"We are very sorry for those kids who have been misled and we are offering the Shabaab fighters an ultimatum of 60 days to surrender otherwise they will face the consequences," he said.

"I also extend amnesty to the youth who have been misled with the wrong extremist ideas."

Farmajo said those who surrendered would receive accommodation and education.

"We request you put down your arms and call on you to come out of them and join the development of your people. We promise you will get good care if you join us," he said.

"We will not wait for the violent elements to continue blowing up people, we must attack them and liberate areas they are stationed."

Shortly after his election Farmajo offered a $100,000 (95,000 euro) reward for information on those carrying out attacks
Cape Town (AFP) - South Africa's former finance minister Pravin Gordhan, whose sacking has fuelled divisions within the ANC party, warned Thursday that the government risked being taken over by "a bunch of gangsters".

President Jacob Zuma sacked Gordhan last week in a cabinet overhaul that threatens to split the ANC party, which has been in power since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Gordhan, widely respected by many South Africans and financial investors, made no direct mention of Zuma in his speech and pledged his loyalty to the ANC.

"We are running the risk in South Africa that honest people don't want to participate in government institutions," Gordhan said.

"When the society reaches that point, then we know that we have handed over the state to a bunch of gangsters."

Gordhan, who was seen as a bulwark against corruption, also warned of "the abuse of state institutions for the wrong purposes."

"Instead of chasing criminals we have many agencies chasing up and trying to criminalise honest people," he said, speaking in Cape Town at a memorial service for anti-apartheid stalwart Ahmed Kathrada.

The axing of Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas saw Standard and Poor's cut South Africa's sovereign credit rating to below investment-grade, sending the local rand currency tumbling.

The reshuffle also strengthened calls for Zuma to resign, with several senior ANC figures criticising Gordhan's removal.

Gordhan's speech was greeted with loud cheers in the packed cathedral, with some people holding up posters saying: "Zuma must go".

On Friday opposition parties and civil groups plan to hold anti-Zuma demonstrations in the capital Pretoria, and Johannesburg.

Parliament will vote on a motion of no confidence in the president on April 18, though he has easily survived previous such votes against him.

Since coming to power in 2009, Zuma has been hit by a series of corruption scandals.

The president has been accused of being in the sway of the wealthy Gupta business family, allegedly granting them influence over government appointments, contracts and state-owned businesses.
US-Mexico border crossings at 17-year low

The number of people arrested crossing the Mexico border into the US has fallen to the lowest level in 17 years.
Bakau (Gambia) (AFP) - Gambians voted Thursday in the first ballot since longtime leader Yahya Jammeh left power, electing lawmakers who could make or break a raft of reforms promised by the new president.

More than 880,000 Gambians were eligible to vote before polls close at 5:00 pm, with many relishing the chance to express their opinion after 22 years under Jammeh, though turnout was reportedly low.

"The only way Gambians can consolidate our newfound democracy is for people to ensure they elect competent individuals that will represent them in parliament and help in making the government's reform agenda a reality," said Fatou Suwareh, who was waiting in line to vote on the outskirts of Banjul.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) expressed concern around midday however that fewer voters than expected had appeared.

"We just hope that the voter turnout increases," said Manneh Sallah, vice-chairman of the electoral commission, while EU observer Maria Arena, from Belgium, told AFP that after a busy start "turnout is a little low".

Many Jammeh supporters however were expected to stay at home as his Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) recovers from its shock loss in December's presidential vote.

Thursday's election is a key test for several former opposition parties that united to form a coalition to oust Jammeh from power and deliver flag bearer Adama Barrow to victory as the new president.

Internal tensions mean those parties are not running together in the legislative elections, and Barrow's promised overhaul of every aspect of the Gambian state will depend on their willingness to cooperate in parliament and in cabinet.

Posing a threat is the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), a youth-led party which did not join the governing coalition and whose leader Mama Kandeh came third in last year's presidential vote.

Barrow defends cabinet

Some voters expressed anger that the coalition parties had not been able to present a united front.

"The coalition was my party but when things started falling apart with them, everyone has to go to their party," said Yaisa Jawara, who chose the GDC as a protest vote.

"They (GDC) are not very experienced but they are willing to work with the government," she added, casting her vote at a roadside polling station near the capital, Banjul.

Barrow attempted to shrug off accusations that his coalition was permanently damaged by infighting which at times has broken out into the open in Gambian media.

"There is no (cabinet) split, this is about democracy and this is the new Gambia," he said after casting his vote.

Barrow was formerly a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), a movement which has waited many years for the chance to take some of the 53 seats up for grabs in The Gambia's National Assembly.

Five extra places are appointed by the president, for a total of 58 seats in the legislative chamber, which was long derided as a rubber stamp for Jammeh's executive orders.

The UDP's activists were routinely imprisoned and abused by Jammeh's security forces, and its leader Ousainou Darboe is seen in some quarters as a divisive figure with decades of political baggage in a country looking for a fresh start.

There is no formal opinion polling in the small west African nation, making it difficult to establish voting intentions, but the APRC was only able to muster candidates in just over half the country's constituencies, meaning they cannot obtain the near-total majority achieved in past elections.

Despite this, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the new leader of the APRC, said he was confident of their chances with Barrow apparently stumbling.

"Government came with a slogan 'Gambia has decided' but assessing their hundred days in office, it is full of failures in all domains," he said.

"Most people who were coalition supporters have now realised that the APRC has brought unprecedented development in the country," Tombong Jatta added.

Roll of the marble

The Gambia uses a unique ballot system in which voters drop marbles into coloured drums

The African Union, the regional bloc ECOWAS and the European Union have all sent observers to monitor voters casting their ballots in The Gambia's unique system, where marbles are dropped into coloured metal barrels representing different candidates.

West African troops remain in The Gambia three months after Jammeh's departure, and will stay until Barrow is satisfied that reforms of the security service have removed rogue elements.
The Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Derry, has given a strong indication that members of the vigilante group affiliated to the New Patriotic Party, Delta Force, who raided the Kumasi Circuit Court earlier today [Thursday] and freed some suspects, will be arrested and brought to book.

He said other security agencies will be engaged if necessary, to clamp down on the group and ensure that justice prevails.

Speaking at an emergency press conference in Accra, Ambrose Derry warned the perpetrators that it will be in their interest to resubmit themselves to the police.

The Minister's comments were on the back of the Delta Force's attack on the Kumasi Circuit Court earlier today [Thursday], where 13 of their members were forcibly freed, after they had been remanded to lawful custody over a March 24 bloody attack on the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Adjei.

We absolutely condemn the incident that took place in Kumasi. We are going to make sure that law takes it course and that no one in Ghana is above the law. The police are pursuing the 13 suspects, and I wish to make clear that we shall do all within our power to make sure that they are arrested and brought to face the law. Let the message go out there to the 13 persons that it is in their interest to resubmit themselves to the due process and have their day in court, that the police will pursue them, But if need be, we shall involve all other security agencies as it may be necessary to make sure that they are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has confirmed that it has arrested eight (8) members of the group who attacked the court.

The Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yaw Nketiah-Yeboah, told Citi News the eight were arrested around the Asafo overhead close to the Prempeh Assembly Hall in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @jnyabor
The Minority Leader is accusing the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) of misleading Parliament in a cocaine allegation case that is increasingly becoming a tale of mistaken identity.

Haruna Iddrisu had warned the president to withdraw the Deputy Agric Minister nominee George Oduro because of a damning report by the BNI which linked the nominee to a drug related offence in 2007.

Even though the Minority had boycotted the vetting of the deputy ministerial nominees, the leader minced no words in demanding the withdrawal of the Deputy Minister of Agric.

"In respect of the nominees, I am compelled to request that the president should consider withdrawing the nomination of one of the appointees named George Oduro because there is a damning BNI report on him, he said on the floor of Parliament Thursday.

The report said the nominee George Oduro was on May 2008 mentioned as a principal suspect in a cocaine syndicate. He was supposed to have travelled on a Canadian passport and had an accomplice named Nelson Troy Edward, the report suggested.

The BNI further recommended that the nominee be withdrawn to prevent future embarrassment to the country.

It turned out that the drug suspect, may not the nominee but has similar name- George Kwame Oduro.

After his vetting by a one-sided parliament, Thursday, the Deputy Agric Minister nominee, George Oduro told Joy News he never dealt in cocaine neither has he travelled to Canada before in his entire life.

He also stated emphatically that he does not know or ever met the supposed accomplice Troy Edward.

Even more dramatic, the nominee said his name is George Boahene Kofi Oduro and not George Kwame Oduro as the BNI report indicated.

He wondered why the BNI will write any such report without seeking to hear from him.

"I have never ever travelled on any Canadian passport, neither have i ever dealt in any narcotics trade," he told Joy News Editor Dzifa Bampoh.

In a response the Minority Leader indicted the BNI for misleading him and the Minority.

"This is more an indictment on the integrity and professional work of the BNI. As part of our work at the Appointment Committee we normally will request for background information of the nominees from the BNI, police, Ghana Revenue Authority," he pointed out.

He said his comments on the matter was informed by the report he received from the BNI in a letter dated 23 March 2017.

If there is a case of mistaken identity, he said the BNI must take responsibility for it.

"If we erred, we erred on the caution of the BNI, not on our own," he stated.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
Parliament has underlined urgent and pragmatic measures for effective check on Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM) that has hit parts of the country.

A number of people are reported dead from the disease, which often strikes more in the northern belt, usually when the weather is very warm.

Two students were reported to have died in Bawku in the Upper East Region, while 11 have been admitted to hospital.

The two deceased were second-year science students of the Bawku Senior High School and the Bawku Senior High Technical School.

In Kumasi, the autopsy reports have shown the cause of the mysterious deaths of four students at the Kumasi Academy Senior High School at Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti Region has been found to be Meningitis.

Students of the school demonstrated against the school authorities demanding to go home following the deaths and almost clashed with police officers maintaining law order.

It is estimated that 62 people have died in parts of northern Ghana when the disease, that rages from November to April resurfaced.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Nabdam, Dr Mark Kurt Naawane, in a statement on the floor of the House, cited fever, headache and malaria as some of the symptoms. He said the disease was caused by viral, fungal or bacterial infections.

He cautioned the public not to gather at densely populated areas as that could generate heat, which attracted the disease.

In a contribution, MP for Ledzokuku, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, a physician, noted that the infectious disease was found in Ghana and other parts of Africa, but an early diagnosis was needed to put the illness in check.

He said CSM could be cured, but the late arrival of cases at the health institutions had been the cause death.

He said: Doctors are there to cure diseases and not to raise the dead.

Dr Boye said there was the need to make more vaccines available and make them more available to prevent the disease.

Other contributions recognised the need to enhance education on the disease in order to prevent it.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
The Interior Minister has served notice to members of NPP-linked Delta Force, who escaped from police custody Thursday, to turn themselves or be smoked out.

Ambrose Dery at a news conference in Accra said he will not waiver in his application of the law to maintain law and order.

I have said that if you commit an offence, we shall arrest you, investigate the matter, and send you to court, he told the media.

There was pandemonium at a Circuit court in Kumasi when some members of the vigilante group, Delta Force, stormed the premises to release 13 of its members who are standing trial for assault and violent behaviour.

The men were arrested after they went to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to assault the newly appointed Security Coordinator, George Agyei.

The group had argued Mr Agyei did not play any role in the struggle to bring the NPP into power. They recommended to the President to appoint their leader.

The police arraigned 21 of the men before the court, but only 13 of them appeared. The remaining eight did not turn up.

In a Hollywood-style fashion, a total of 50 members of the group besieged the court amidst chanting. They broke into the court and freed their members.

Joy News Ashanti Regional Correspondent, Nurudeen Mohammed, reported the few police personnel who were present protected the Presiding judge, Mary M.E. Nsenkyire, to protect her.

The development has been widely condemned by Ghanaians who believe the security agencies were lax. They said the police failed to anticipate the situation.

NPP National Youth Organiser, Sammy Awuku, told Evans Mensah on Joy FMs Top Story the police erred because of their failure to handle the issue. "You can't take chances like this."

He said they expect the security agencies to be active because President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated he does not want to be involved in the matter.

But Mr Dery said although the group is believed to be affiliated to the governing NPP, they will insist on the full compliance with the dictates of the law.

The law is the law, the Interior Minister said, adding they will do everything within their power to re-arrest the men and put them before the court.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
06.04.2017 LISTEN

The government has commended the Management and Board of Directors of Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) for solely financing the construction of a $15 million Marine Gas Storage (MGS) at Takoradi Port.

On behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Boakye Agyarko; Deputy Minister-designate for Energy, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams, commended the management team headed by Patrick Akpe Kwame Akorli, for the tenacity and the financial capacity to construct the huge facility.

Government acknowledges that Goil has made tremendous progress...we applaud the Management Team and the Board of Directors, in the same vein, government will continue to encourage other local companies to follow the success story of Goil.

He said the President Nana Akufo-Addo administration was ready to support indigenous companies to deliver; stressing that the Goil MGS facility signified a great leap forward for players in the petroleum sector.

Dr Amin Adams who was spoke at the commissioning of the 13.5 million liter facility at the Takoradi Port on Wednesday described the Goil MGS as a major contributory step towards governments aim of making Ghana a petroleum hub in West Africa.

The Goil 13.5 million litre capacity MGS, which was constructed through the companys internally generated funds within 18 months would improve the bunkering industry in the country. It started in September 2015 and was commissioned on April 5, 2017.

The Goil MGS tank farm, the largest in the country consists of storage and dispatch of marine gas oil to upstream vessels, ships and FPSOs.

It also has a motorised valves and automatic control systems for dispatching products to the vessels, three pumps to provide product at a flow rate of 250 cubic metres an hour, with additional extra lines to meet customer needs.

It also has a separator system to ensure any affluent from the tank farm with properly treated and fire-fighting system with foam and water.

Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsiah V, joined the government to commend the Goil achievement and feat by Mr Akorli, the Goil Group Chief Executive Officer said the feat chalked by Goil demonstrated how determination and can-do spirit propel an individual or country into developmentGoil should continue to fly the flag of Ghana even higher.

This is a demonstration of the need to patronise made in Ghana goods and services and affirmation in Dr Kwame Nkrumahs declaration that the black man is capable of managing his own affairs.

Mr Akorli who is also the Goil Managing Director attributed the achievement to prudent management and total support from the Board of Directors and Staff of the company as well as a team of high-level technicians of the company.

The Goil Group CEO said the company is gradually taking hold of the bitumen sector, which is used for the construction of roads in the country.

A lot of the bitumen we use here are imported, all the roads that we are asphalting now we have to import the bitumen and some hold monopoly over and so we think as the largest oil marketing company in Ghana, we need a full hold there so we are working on things, he said.

He added that the bitumen plant was expected to go a long way to reduce the cost of road construction in the country as we as create jobs.

Mr. Akorli said some few years ago, Goil was at the number three spot of oil marketing companies in the country but through pragmatic and strategic initiatives, Goil is now blazing the trail ahead of all the multinationals.

Professor William Asomaning, Board Chairman of Goil said the MGS project would position Goil as an important player in bunkering business, redirect significant volume of business activity in the sector to the Takoradi Port and help the Goil to recoup the investment and increase the revenue of the port as well.

He said Goil already had a strategic collaborative agreement with Ghana Navy for the use of berthing facilities at Sekondi Naval Base for Goil's bunkering operations.

He said the Sekondi Naval Base facility enabled Goil to provide marine gas oil timeously to its clients, particularly to the supply vessels contracted by the Exploration and Production companies working in the Cape Three Points area of the Western Region.

He said, since 2004 we have acquired major stake holdings in the Ghana Bunkering Services, and acquired extensive experience in the bunkering market and has assumed a premier bunkering operation with a global footprint.

He said Goil would continue to provide quality petroleum and other energy products and services in all its branches in an ethical, healthy, safe, environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
06.04.2017 LISTEN

The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah believes that addressing the menace of illegal mining popularly known as galamsey is the first major test for the Akufo-Addo government.

According to him, the media is playing it role effectively in the campaign against the activity but government must take the necessary action to stop it.

In a Facebook post, Mr. Braimah said while the galamsey menace appear complex, it requires a bold, competent and visionary leadership to solve it.

we have on our hands now what is arguably the first and major test case of the leadership of President Akufo-Addo. That is the ongoing national crusade against Galamsey (illegal mining).

Almost all our rivers have been destroyed, forests are gone, cocoa farms are gone, lives have been lost and we face the prospects of importing water in the very near future. What makes matters worse is that Chinese (who dont care and have no basis to care for the future of this country) are the ones in the frontlines of the Galamsey business.

Since I grew up, I have never witnessed a case where almost all our major media organisations manage to do away with their competition to focus on a single issue for days. The fight against Galamsey by the media is historic.

I have been listening to Citi FM since Monday and their crusade has been compelling and legendary. Just yesterday, all the state-owned media and all the major media groupings in the country launched what they call the Media Coalition Against Galamsey. Today, the Daily Graphic dedicated its major pages to the issue. Kudos to the media.

The media are actively doing what they should do  set the agenda, educate the masses about the menace and demand action from the authorities. Will the authorities act?

Sulemana Braimah said the President must act decisively on the matter given the constitutional responsibility that has been placed on him to protect the country's mineral resources.

Article 257 Clause 6 of the 1992 Constitution states that Every mineral in its natural state in, under or upon any land in Ghana, rivers, streams, watercourses throughout Ghana, the exclusive economic zone and any area covered by the territorial sea or continental shelf is the property of the Republic of Ghana and shall be vested in the President on behalf of, and in trust for the people of Ghana, emphasizing the role of the President in ensuring that natural resources are not destroyed.

Many communities in Ghana are currently suffering the negative effects of galamsey which has left most of Ghana's fresh water poisonous.

Thousands of acres of fertile farmlands have also been destroyed as a result of galamsey. Although Ghana's laws are clear on illegal mining the activity, it has been allowed to continue for more than two decades.

Citi FM has been at the fore front of media advocacy and crusade for action against the illegal activity.

President Akufo-Addo has said his government is working to develop a policy that will deal with galamsey in the country but pressure is increasingly being mounted on him to act fast to arrest the situation.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @jnyabor
06.04.2017 LISTEN

By Joyce Danso, GNA

Accra, April 6, GNA - The Lead counsel for the accused person in the Marwako assault case is praying the Abeka District Court presided over by Mrs Victoria Ghansah for an 'out of court settlement'.

Mr Julio De Medieros, counsel for Jihad Chaaban the accused person informed the court that he had instructions from his client to pray the court for out of court settlement.

Referring to Section 73 of the Court's Act, the law allows reconciliation in criminal cases noting that the issue before the court was not a felony but a misdemeanour.

'As a mother, in your court you should trigger or order parties for settlement. Give us the opportunity to settle the matter without admitting guilt.

'My Lord, we hope out prayer finds favour in your heart, head and in hands,' counsel submitted.

According to counsel, the victim was very hard working and we are prepared to continue to work with her.

Counsel noted that it was not for nothing that the law made provision for reconciliation citing that when one take a look at the offence of causing harm then the matter ought not to be before the District Court.

However prosecuting Chief Inspector H. A. Hanson opposed to the defence counsel's prayer noting that the offence of causing harm was a second degree felony.

'If they are not admitting guilt then we must continue with the matter,' the prosecutor added.

The court therefore adjourned the matter to Monday, April 10 to rule on whether or not, it was prudent to settle the matter out of Court.

The court said it was also mindful of the assertion of defence counsel's pronouncements earlier that the victim, Ms Evelyn Boakye wanted to make money out of the matter.

Chaaban aged 26, is before the Court for allegedly dipping the face of Ms Boakye into a blender of blended pepper at the Abelenkpe branch of Marwako Restaurant.

Chaaban was charged with offensive conduct by calling the victim a prostitute, intentionally and unlawfully causing harm and assault.

Chaaban has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He was on February 28, this year, alleged to have assaulted the victim Evelyn Boakye for fidgeting with a blender and working slowly.

Chaaban, a brother -in-law of the owner of Marwako Restaurant at the Abelenkpe branch allegedly grabbed the neck of the victim angrily and dipped her face into a blender of blended pepper.

GNA
By Christabel Addo, GNA

Accra, April 06, GNA - Dr Franklin Asiedu Bekoe, the Head of Disease Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has cautioned media practitioners to desist from publishing unsubstantiated statistics on deaths resulting from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) this year.

He said such reports could spark fear and anxiety among the public, and, therefore, pleaded with journalists to first cross-check their facts thoroughly with the appropriate health authorities before going to press.

Dr Bekoe, who was speaking to the GNA interview in Accra on Thursday, on the current state of the CSM outbreak, said the Directorate had so far this year, received a total of six confirmed deaths resulting from the disease in the Upper East Region.

Three of them, he said, were from Bawku and the other three from the surrounding districts in the Region.

He, therefore, disputed the varied high figures of death tolls that were currently being circulated by some media organization on their platforms and bulletins, saying the Directorate had a problem with such publications as they were potential setbacks to efforts at addressing the CSM outbreak effectively.

Six students have reportedly died from the disease in Kumasi oover the past 20 days.

The CSM, which is prominent in the three Northern Regions, is an annual disease outbreak that is characterised by high temperature, fever, sudden headaches, stiffness, unconsciousness and photo phobia

This could affect and kill a patient within the shortest possible time.

The disease is caused by different bacteria, the commonest of which are Pneumococcal, Neisseria, and Haemophilia Influenza Type B.

Health authorities have over the years been working assiduously to reduce the devastating effect and ensure its eradication through effective public education within the endemic communities and also ensure widespread vaccination.

Due to the dry nature of the weather during the dry season, people of these areas, particularly the Upper East Region, which have recorded some deaths, are being advised to take in a lot of fluids, avoid overcrowding and sleep in well-ventilated rooms to prevent further transmission of the disease.

People living in these regions and others closely related, are also advised drink a lot of fluids, including water, to keep the throat wet because of the dust during this time, as dry throats could lead to cracks and coughs, through which the meningitis organism is released and transmitted. GNA
By Joyce Danso, GNA

Accra, April 6, GNA - Tetteh Samadzi a Police Constable who was jailed 15 years for being part of a gang of four who robbed some residents at Pokuase in Accra has been acquitted and discharged by the Supreme Court.

The Constable was a member of the Panthers' Unit of the Ghana Police Service sentenced to 15 year imprisonment on the charge of robbery by a lower court.

After spending eight years in prison, the level 300 student of a Public University, however appealed against his conviction at the Supreme Court.

The five member Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Jones Victor Dotse unanimously acquitted and discharged the Constable.

The court deferred its reasons.

His acquittal however attracted tears from his father and a relation at the court premises.

Reports from the initial trial opined that the Constable, was accused to had chauffeured the gang of robbers in a VW vehicle with registration number GT 2472 R,

According to reports, one Foster was said to have called for the assistance of the Constable to aid in the search of the robbers but on arriving at the scene he was accused by irate youth in the area who were then searching for the robbers as being part of the criminals.

The report indicated that a victim, alleged that the Constable was part of a gang of four men who came to his house at about 01:00 hours on Independence Day and robbed him of GH250.00 two mobile phones and a DVD player.

The victim alleged that his door was forcibly opened with concrete blocks and shots from sophisticated weapons were fired indiscriminately during the robbery, holding everyone spellbound. The robbers also assaulted him.

GNA
Will Cabinet today put Nidhi-Thapa row to rest?

The Cabinet is finally set to meet on Thursday after a hiatus of three weeks, and among other decisions, it is likely to settle the seniority row between Deputy Prime Ministers Bimalendra Nidhi and Kamal Thapa.
06.04.2017 LISTEN

By Benjamin Mensah, GNA

Accra, April 6, GNA - Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister for National Security on Thursday cautioned vigilante groups in Ghana that they had no legal recognition, which make them illegal, and without mandate to operate in the country.

'Let's get all such action groups to recognise that they are not to operate in the country and if they do, it will be taken as a law and order issue and they will have to go through the laws of the country as their punishment,' Mr Kan Dapaah told Parliament on Thursday.

He therefore urged Members of Parliament (MPs) and political actors to avoid giving such illegal groups party colours to make the fight against such moves successful.

Mr Dapaah said this when he was answering a question posed by Alhaji Muntaka, MP for Asawase on such action groups, on what the Ministry was doing to disband political vigilante groups.

The activities of violence of such groups have recently hit the headlines, but Mr Kan-Dapaah said politicising such groups would undermine efforts of security agencies to clamp down on their illegal activities.

Mr Kan Dapaah said such vigilante groups were not recognised by law since they were not legally registered.

'I believe it is important that we stop the activities of all such groups irrespective of what political party they are affiliated to; and I continue to urge the house to help us find a solution to this problem.

'... I must repeat again, it has all the tendencies to create huge security problems for us in the future.

A vigilante group is a group self-appointed citizens who undertake law enforcement in their community without legal authority, on the assumed grounds that the legal agencies are thought to be inadequate.

Post election times in Ghana in recent times have been characterised by the emergence of such illegal groups, often associated with the party that emerge victorious in a general election, and take the law into their hands, maltreating political opponents and vandalising private and state properties.

Sometimes dissenting members of the same political party are targeted.

Delta Force, one such group recently forced their way to the premises of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and forcibly ejected the newly appointed regional security coordinator, Goerge Adjei from his office.

Other such groups were Azorka Boys allegedly associated with the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP's Invincible Forces, suspected to be associated with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), which become very active when either parties won power.

However, Mr Kan-Dapaah said efforts were being made to stop such groups, adding that 'there are no legally registered vigilante groups in this country and for that matter, there are no such groups to be disbanded.

He indicated however that 'we need to be pragmatic and accept that foot soldiers of the leading political parties are known to constitute themselves into action troops to molest and unleash violence on the peace loving people of this country.

'Mr Speaker, we need to stop these groups because they have the tendency to degenerate into militant groups that can have serious repercussions on the security of this country. We must not mix criminality with politics, lawlessness must be punished.

He cautioned that the government had made it clear through the Inspector General of Police to deal appropriately with members of such criminals groups.

He urged the House to adopt a resolution that would ensure that all political leaders in the country to come together to deliberate on measures to discourage the establishment and recognition of such groups in political structures in the interest of state security.

'We must not mix criminality with politics, lawlessness must be punished as demanded by the laws of our country,' Mr Kan- Dapaah added.

Meanwhile the House has by consensus on Thursday approved 17 deputy ministers vetted by the Appointments Committee. After having approved already 11 last week, the total number of approved deputy ministers now stands at 28, remaining 22 of the 50 nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last month.

Below is the new set of Deputy ministers approved:

1.Joseph Dinkiok Kpemka Read - Deputy Attorney General

2.Godfred Dame - Deputy Attorney General

3.Kwabena Owusu Aduomi - Deputy minister of Roads and Highways

4.Anthony N-Yoh Puowele Karbo - Deputy minister of Roads and Highways

5.Patricia Appiagyei - Deputy Minister of Environment, Science and Technology and Innovation

6.Perry Curtis Kwabla Okudzeto - Deputy minister of Information

7.Osei Bonsu Amoah - Deputy minister of Local Government and Rural Dev't

8.Nii Kwartei Titus Glover - Deputy minister of Transport

9.Barbara Ayisi Acher - Deputy minister for Education

10.Michael Yaw Gyato - Deputy minister of Water Resources and Sanitation

11.Benito Owusu Bio - Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources

12.Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu Tina Mensah - Deputy minister of Health

13.Kwaku Agyenim Boateng - Deputy minister of Railways Development

14.Kwabena O. Darko-Mensah - Deputy minister of Aviation

15.Robert Ahomka-Lindsey - Deputy minister of Trade and Industry

16.George Andah - Deputy minister of Communications

17. Mohammed Habbib Tijani - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration

The Minority members on the Appointments Committee on Wednesday boycotted sittings, explaining that they needed more time to properly investigate the deputy minister nominees before vetting them.

The Majority ignored their complaint and went ahead with the vetting, as the House anticipates rising sine die on Friday, April 7, 2017 and return next month.

GNA
By Kodjo Adams, GNA

Accra, April 6, GNA - Mr Samuel Obiri, Senior Scientist, Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute has urged government to institute a framework to ensure effective use of wastewater in the country.

He said wastewater needed to be recognised in the water cycle since it was the greatest untapped opportunities to enhance sustainable development.

Mr Obiri said this in Accra in an interview with members of the Water and Sanitation Network of Journalist as part of activities to mark this year's national celebration of World Water Day on the theme 'Water and Wastewater'.

He said the country needed a policy direction to psyche the minds of Ghanaians to understand the importance of treating wastewater for its reuse since other countries like Singapore and Canada had done same.

Mr Obiri enumerated issues such as ineffective policies, weak regulations and laws, corruption and lack of appropriate infrastructure and lack of investment in human capacity building as factors that hindered the effectiveness of wastewater management.

He noted that it was imperative for government to allocate enough money to the sector and the willingness for the citizenry to pay taxes to invest in infrastructure for the water sector development.

Mr Obiri urged government to develop innovative ways of streamlining the water industry from activities of pollution such as illegal mining that affected the country's water bodies.

This he explained could be possible when there was effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the system.

He said the country need to consider wastewater as a resource because of a global climate change which caused disruptions in the world's natural hydrological cycles, thereby having effects on water quality and supply.

Mr Obiri said increased acceptance and reliance on reclaimed water would play a key role in mitigating the impacts of global climate change.

'Wastewater can act as a source of drinking water if treated well even though there were some health risk from associated pathogens and other contaminants from chemicals', he added

According to UN Water, the waste water from the homes, cities and industries, which could be reused was lost.

Some of the most important measures to practise water conservation in aroundd areas include re-use of effluent from industries, artificial aquifer recharge and the utilisation of sand storage dams to reduce evaporation.

GNA
By A.B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA

Ho, April 6, GNA - The Seven Seas Salt Company at Adina in the Ketu South Municipality and its host communities on Thursday signed a peace agreement to use mediation to resolve their misunderstandings.

The agreement, which was initiated by the Volta Regional office of the Peace Council, was signed by chiefs and youth leaders of the host communities and representatives of the company.

The parties, under the deal, agreed not to use violence to address issues related to the operation of the company in the area.

Atsu Nkegbe, 24, a native of Adina died instantly from alleged gunshots by police in a clash between youth of the community and the company after some two young men allegedly assaulted a staff of the company who attempted to stop them from stealing salt from the company's concession.

Two others, including a lady, were also wounded from the gunshots and were said to be receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

The communities, including Adina, Agbevekope and Adinamornu, blamed the company for causing drought in the area resulting in the drying up of domestic wells and destruction of coconut plantations through its drilling of underground water for production of salt.

At a stakeholders meeting organised by the Peace Council in Ho chaired by Dr Archibald Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, the parties mandated the Peace Council to begin a mediation process towards peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Monsignor Anthony Kornu, Chairman, Volta Region Peace Council, said dialogue remained the most effective way for conflict resolution and commended the parties for the decision.

He asked them to drop entrenched positions to live peacefully.

Mr Cornelius Binewoatsor, the Legal Advisor to the company, said the company came to Ghana peacefully and was operating for mutual benefit and cautioned against emotional outburst during the mediation.

He said the company was still in its gestation period and that it has not reneged on its social responsibility commitments.

Togbe Addo VII, Paramount Chief of Klikor, said the chiefs were happy that the company was located in the area and appealed that it employs the youth of the area to curb their migration to other city centres.

Mr Daniel Sorokpo, Youth Leader, Some/Klikor Traditional area, said it is important that the company addresses issues of remuneration for the few locals it employed, compensation to the original landowners and go by its business plan, which detailed supports for the communities.

Dr Letsa said it is untrue that the salt concession was given out by the chiefs and that all mineral resources were under the control of the state.

He appealed to the youth to be sober because, 'militancy does not solve problems,' saying the issue ought to be resolved to maintain investor confidence in the Region.

The meeting had representatives from the Regional Caucus of Members of Parliament under the chairmanship of Mr Emmanuel Bedzra.

GNA
The Minority leader has said the unbridled attacks carried out by loyalists of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) are threat to the stability of the country.

Haruna Iddrisu said Ghanaians are living in fear because of the repeated attacks by pro-NPP vigilante groups namely Invincible Forces and Delta Force.

The Tamale South MP told Evans Mensah on Joy FM's Newsnite Thursday, the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has failed to protect the citizens in the face of the wanton attacks.

Related Article: Video: NPP's Delta Force free vigilante suspects in court custody

Delta Force members after attack on Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Agyei

We are concerned and worried about the creeping lawlessness in the country and the inability of President Akufo-Addo and supported by the security agencies to nip this in the bud, he said.

The legislator's comments come hours after a total of 50 members of Delta Force thronged a Circuit court in Kumasi to release 13 of their members who are standing trial for violent behaviour and assault.

A total of 21 people were arrested when they stormed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to attack newly appointed Regional Security Coordinator, George Agyei. The group had said it does not want Mr Agyei to be appointed because he did not contribute to the victory of the NPP in the 2016 election.

Out of the 21 men who were arraigned, only 13 of them showed up. The rest did not turn up at the court premises resulting in the issuing of a bench warrant for their arrest.

The police have arrested eight members of the group who were involved in the release of the 13. Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Appeatu, has pledged the arrest of the rest.

Related Article: Delta Force escapees: Turn yourselves in or be flushed out - Interior Minister

The action by the group has been widely condemned by some Ghanaians, leadership of the NPP and National Democratic Congress (NDC). The police have been criticised for failing to anticipate the situation.

NPP National Youth Organiser, Sammy Awuku

NPP National Youth Organiser, Sammy Awuku, has told Joy News the blame should be laid at the door steps of the security agencies because of their inability to end the attacks.

"You can't take chances like this," he said, adding the President has directed the police to handle the issue because he does not want to be involved.

Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, has warned the 13 men who absconded following the attack on the court to turn themselves in or would be smoked out by a contingent of police and military men.

Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery

I have said that if you commit an offence, we shall arrest you, investigate the matter, and send you to court, he told the media at a news conference in Accra.

But Mr Iddrisu, who had earlier interrogated National Security Minister, Ken Dapaah in Parliament over activities of vigilante groups, said government has to demonstrate that it can guarantee the security of citizens.

"We are getting ambivalent about what they are doing and the handling of those matters [because] punitive measures have not been taken," he said.

He said they will monitor the situation keenly and highlight the worrying issues because things going on are not what Ghanaians negotiated for when they voted for the NPP.

"We are terribly disappointed by government's inability to contain the growing worrying security situation" he said.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
The Ghana Bar Association has described as "sickening and horrifying" news about the forceful release of the members of Delta Force who were standing trial for their attack of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council.

In a statement jointly signed by the Association President Benson Nutsukpui and General Secretary Justin Amenuvor the Association said such "glorification of violence and dastardly acts" cannot be tolerated.

The statement follows attack of the Circuit Court in Kumasi by members of the NPP vigilante group Delta Force.

The group, in a record breaking height of impunity, set free 13 suspects and members of Force who were facing prosecution for acts of vandalism.

The attack captured on video showed how the group, numbering about 50, besieged the Kumasi Circuit court premises Thursday, in chants and taunts, broke into the court cells and freed their members who had only weeks ago chased out the Regional Security Coordinator appointed by the president.

The Judge had announced that the suspects were going to be remanded for two weeks pending further investigation, a move that did not go down well with the members of the vigilante group who were in the court premises.

In anger, they charged at the judge and demanded the immediate release of the suspects, Joy News' Ashanti Region correspondent, Nurudeen Mohammed reported.

The 13 suspects freed are Kwadwo Fosu, Awal Sadat, Abubakar siddique, Jamel Issah, Hamza Mohammed, Salou Issahak, Akwasi Wusu.

Others are Kwabena Wusu, Kofi Kyei, Agya Baodu, Yussif Salou, Yussif Salou, Kwaku Awutwi.

The Interior Minister Ambrose Dery condemned in no uncertain terms the attack and warned the escapees that they will be hunted down.

But the GBA has joined the public in condemning the acts of lawlessness by members of the NPP security group.

"The GBA notes that any system that allows an individual, group of persons, institutions to disobey orders made by court of competent jurisdictions with impunity undermines the independence of the judiciary, creates room for anarchy, chaos and lawlessness. This certainly has no place under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana," the statement said.

The GBA therefore called on the IGP to rearrest the 13 suspects who were made to escape and also cause an investigation into the attack of the court and prosecute perpetrators as well.

Hours after, eight of the escapees have however been arrested.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
The Police have arrested eight men believed to have played a role in the release of 13 members of NPP-linked Delta Force group, Thursday.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Apeatu, told the media at a news conference the men are in their custody assisting with investigation on the matter.

He added a bench warrant has been issued to arrest the 13 men who escaped following the attack on the court.

Members of Delta Force minutes after attack on Mr Agyei

A Circuit court in Kumasi was thrown into chaos when some men numbering about 50 besieged the premises to release their members who are standing trial for violent behavior and assault.

A total of 21 men were arrested following attack on the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Agyei. They had said Mr Agyei did not deserve the position because he played no role in the struggle to bring the NPP into power.

Out of the 21 men arraigned, only 13 turned up. But shortly after the Presiding judge remanded the men in police custody to reappear on April 20, their supporters stormed the court to free them.

The IGP has said the men escaped through the back door reserved for only the judge.

NPP National Youth Organiser, Sammy Awuku

The development has been condemned by Ghanaians, the Ghana Bar Association, the NPP leadership and National Democratic Congress (NDC).

NPP National Youth Organiser, Sammy Awuku, has described the attack as unfortunate. He blamed the police for failing to anticipate the situation when the men were put before the court.

Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu

Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu, told Joy News he is worried about the wanton attacks perpetuated by the pro-NPP vigilante groups.

We are concerned and worried about the creeping lawlessness in the country and the inability of President Akufo-Addo and supported by the security agencies to nip this in the bud, he said.

Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery

Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, has said he will not waiver in his application of the law to ensure the maintenance of law and order.

He has cautioned the escapees to voluntarily turn themselves in or be smoked out by a team of police and military men.

I have said that if you commit an offence, we shall arrest you, investigate the matter, and send you to court, he said.

Mr Apeatu said they will despatch their men into the Kumasi municipality to arrest all persons in connection with the release as well as the escapees.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA), has condemned a violent attack on the Kumasi Circuit Court by some youth said to be members of the New Patriotic Party-affiliated vigilante group, Delta Force.

According to the Association, the Inspector General of Police must thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.

Some members of the group stormed the Kumasi Circuit Court on Thursday [April, 6] and freed 13 members of their group who were facing charges for causing disturbances at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council.

The group vandalized some court property, and almost assaulted the Judge, Mary Senkyere. The judge had ruled that they be remanded to reappear before the court on the 20th of April, 2017 after charges of conspiracy to assault a public officer and causing unlawful damage.

But according to a statement by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the act was a threat to the country's Judiciary and must not be tolerated.

The Ghana Bar Association is shocked and horrified at the news item and video recordings which have gone viral alleging that members of supposed Delta Force have attacked the Circuit Court in Kumasi earlier today after the Circuit Court presided over by Her Honour Mary Senkyere hard reportedly ordered the thirteen (13) persons who were charged with the offence on conspiracy to commit crime, assault on a public officer, causing unlawful damage and preventing a public officer from doing his lawful duty, to be remanded in custody to and re-appear on the 20th of April, 2017.

It is sickening and horrifying to watch the said videos of persons using violence as a means to defy the Court's orders. The GBA condemns in no uncertain terms this blatant disregard for the orders of a duly constituted court of law and attack on the judge in the discharge of her lawful duties. This is an affront to the independence of the Judiciary and an attack on the rule of law, the statement said.

It added that such glorification of violence, dastardly acts and threat to our Judiciary cannot be tolerated or allowed under our democratic dispensation. It is totally unacceptable under whatever presence to disobey orders of the court, attack or threatens to attack the person of the judge thereby endangering the peace of our country.

The statement noted that, the incident appeared to be creating room for anarchy, chaos and lawlessness which must not be condoned.

The Ghana Bar Association, however, called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately re-arrest the 13 suspects who were freed, and be remanded in custody while a thorough investigation is launched into the incident.

We also call on the Minister of Interior to as a matter of urgency take steps to ensure the immediate disbandment of the Delta Force and all other vigilante groups that have sprung up in our country.

We call in well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn this resort to violence in flagrant disobedience to court orders, the statement signed by GBA President Benson Nutsukpui and National secretary Justin Amenuvor further noted.

In a related development, the Minister of the Interior, Ambrose Derry, has given a strong indication that, members of the vigilante group will be arrested and brought to book.

He said other security agencies will be engaged if necessary, to clamp down on the group and ensure that justice prevails.

Speaking at an emergency press conference in Accra, Ambrose Derry warned the perpetrators that it will be in their interest to resubmit themselves to the police.

Eight Delta Force members arrested

Meanwhile, Eight members of perpetrators have been arrested by the Police. The Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yaw Nketiah-Yeboah said the eight were arrested around the Asafo overhead close to the Prempeh Assembly Hall in the capital, Kumasi.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmponline.com/Ghana

Follow @jnyabor
It has different names: Kunu drink, Kunu, Kunnu, Kunu zaki or Kununzaki. It is extremely popular in the North of Nigeria, most notably thanks to its pleasant sweet taste and special spicy nutty flavor. Do you know how to make Kunu drink? Keep reading to know the best recipe of Kunu drink.

How to make kunu drink?

You can prepare this drink with millet, rice, grain, maize or sorghum. Depending of the main ingredient, it has different names: the drink prepared with rice is called Kunu gyada; the drink made with millet has the name Kunu zaki. This drink has many nutritional benefits, especially thanks to lingnam  a special polynutrient, proteins, vitamin B, and carbohydrates.

How to make kunu drink?

READ ALSO: Benefits of Zobo Drink for Our Healh

Well, how to prepare Kunu drink?

Actually, it is very easy to make it. Be patient because to prepare the drink you will need from one to two days, because the fermentation process must be triggered by water.

Kunu drink recipe

Components

Millet- three cups;

Water  2 l.;

Sweet potato  a half;

2 average gingers;

Cloves  one tbsp;

Sugar to taste.

How to make kunu drink?

Preparation method

Clean millets from unnecessary elements as stones, for example.

Pour water to a bowl, after add millets, if there still are stones or send, all they will remain on the bottom of the bowl. Pour the millets with water carefully to another bowl, leaving dregs on the bottom.

Leave the millet in chill water for the night.

ut very small cloves, ginger, and sweet potato.

Mix soaked millets, chopped ginger, sweet potato and cloves, place into blender and blend all the components together.

Divide the made mixture into 2 equal parts. You will need one part a bit later.

Add boiling water to one of the separated parts of the mixture and stir thoroughly. Now this uncovered mixture need to chill.

Now it is a high time for the second part of the separated paste, pour it with water, stir thoroughly, and leave for overnight. It should be a little bit watery.

In the morning or at noon you need to filter it and add sugar, depending on your taste.

The drink should be served chilled, so put it into a fridge for a while.

Benefits of Kunu drink:

helps in cancer prevention;

lowers the risk of diabetes;

is highly beneficial in heart diseases treatment;

is advised during the menopause due to the relaxation influence on the muscles;

ginger as a component of this Kunu drink helps to overcome motion sickness, nausea, and lack of appetite;

increases the milk flow, so it is advisable for lactating mothers;

decreases the level of cholesterol and as a result lowers the possibility of blood clots formation;

positively influences the digestive organs thanks to the content of ginger;

prevents rheumatoid arthritis;

sweet potatoes with high content of vitamin A raise the blood level;

magnesium and potassium control the blood level sugar and strengthen heart.

Enjoy the process and result, dont forget to share with your family and friends.

READ ALSO: Legit.ng recipe: How to make kunu drink

Source: Legit.ng
Editors note: President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed zero tolerance for corruption and has always reiterated his commitment to rooting the menace out of the system.

In this open letter by Charly Boy, he urges President Buhari to face the National Assembly in his fight against corruption as that is where the menace is being bred.

Open letter

Dear Sir: A belated welcome back home. I trust you're taking it easy, because of old age

no dey lie. We even hear say you dey go back to continue your treatment; it is well sha.

During the 2015 election, a lot of foreign observers analyzed and sympathized with Nigerians because the choice we had was between the devil and the deep blue sea. Even I had lost hope in the leadership of my beloved country, and I remember telling Nigerians that what was needed to get us out of the mess we find ourselves, is a benevolent dictator: One whose sole aim would be to round up all looters and destroyers of this great country and deliver us from The vile, evil and wicked politicians/cabals that have enforced this kinda poverty, hunger, hopelessness on my people, with impunity.

READ ALSO: EFCC busts notorious syndicate in Kaduna

Funny, many thought I was talking about you. But a lot had gone wrong in our country for too long, and I am aware that it would take a long time to purge our country of habits that has hindered our collective growth as a people.

Sir, your re-entry into the leadership of this country was greeted with mixed feelings.

While some Nigerians felt you are the man for the job, others felt you belonged to the status quo and nothing will change. I know that Nigerians will need to bite the Bullet before the healing process can start.

Although your administration has made a lot of goofs in some areas, on the corruption fight, nonetheless, I clap for you small because now we can see how overwhelming corruption has become. So, I and my fellow frustrated Nigerians are with you on that. I am aware that the corruption fight cannot be fought only by you or a few well-meaning people in your kitchen cabinet; some of whom we the people don't even trust. This is also the people's fight if we all must see a better Nigeria. Like you said; "If we don't kill corruption, corruption will kill us." Corruption has for long empowered the criminal minority to terrorize the silent majority because many Nigerians see corruption as a victimless crime. But that is exactly what breeds all sorts of anomalies bedeviling the nation today. Our mumu don do.

Frustrated Nigerians know that this fight must start from the National Assembly. I am aware that you have had a running battle with some of the blackmailers, scammers, 419ers, certificate forgers and the riffraffs in the National Assembly.

I even hear say you don block some of the loopholes wey dem dey take chop money and how dem no dey get the kin awoof money dem dey chop before. Baba you bad o!!!!!!

However, how can this fight be intensified because my fellow frustrated Nigerians are aware of all the intrigues going on at the National Assembly, and frankly, we have had enough of this rubbish and jagbagantis. Abi Na till we die or till we craze?

Mr. President, Sir, it's time to show your bone face.

After all, Obasanjo dealt with many of them in the house: senator Evan/Evans Enwerem, senator Dr Chuba Okadigbo, senator Adolphus Wabara, Salisu Buhari on the House of Reps as their Speaker in 1999. Even our gentleman former President, Goodluck dealt with House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

Oga mi, you must decisively clamp down on these rogues before they finally ruin our lives. You can't go wrong since many of my fellow frustrated Nigerians are down for the biggest showdown. Isn't this the main reason why many voted for you? To liberate Nigeria from crooks, criminals, and gangsters occupying positions of power!

We can't continue like this anymore.

Our mumu don reach final bus stop. As a matter of urgency we must cut down on the excesses of our legislooters. We can't indefinitely continue to fund such a padded good-for-nothing expensive senate when Nigerians are poor, hungry, angry and hopeless. Because the battle for the heart and soul of Nigeria has begun.

READ ALSO: EFCC detains ex-Niger governor, Babangida Aliyu

We can't endlessly waste Nigeria's revenue on a bunch of certificate forgers, armed robbers and riffraffs. Na Wetin?

It's time to formulate our kind of democracy, because the Oyibo way no go work with us especially with these criminals. Let the people decide if we should scrap the Senate or drastically tone it down to a more manageable level.

Baba, boys wan Para o!!!!!!!!

Best regards

AreaFada Charly Boy.

President of Frustrated Nigerians.

This opinion first appeared on Sahara reporters

Source: Legit.ng
- Muhammadu Sanusi ll said the current economic model would cause problem for the country

- He faulted Nigeria's move to borrow from China

- The emir sad Nigeria has little to gain from the deal

Muhammadu Sanusi ll who is the Emir of Kano has said the President Muhammadu Buhari administrations economic model would not work as it will incur more debt.

The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria spoke at the spoke at the Kaduna State Economic Summit in Kaduna on Wednesday, April 6 on the theme: Promoting investments in the midst of economic challenges.

File photo of Emir Sanusi and President Buhari

Sanusi said the current economic model would be used to service debts and faulted the plan by the government to take a loan from China.

READ ALSO: Top 15 things Buhari said during the economic plan launch

He said China would benefit more from the deal while the light rail plan would be of no economic use.

He said: The Federal Government of Nigeria is spending 66 per cent of its revenues on interests on debts, which means only 34 per cent of revenues is available for capital and recurrent expenditures.

That model cannot work. If you look at the 2017 budget of the Federal Government, I sometimes wonder what Nigerian economists are doing? In the 2017 budget presented by the Federal Government, the amount earmarked for debt servicing is in excess of the entire non-oil revenue of the Federal Government, but that is not the problem. The problem is that it is a budget that is even going for more debts.

Growth can only come from investments. It cannot come from consumption. It cannot come from government balance sheet. It cannot come from borrowing because you cannot borrow unsustainably.

We have governors; they go to China and spend one month on a tour and what do they come back with, MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) on debts.

READ ALSO: How Jonathan's minister gave N30m bribe, for INEC official to rig 2015 election

China will lend you $1.8bn to build light rail. This light rail will be done by the rail workers from China. The trains will come from China. The engines will come from China. The labour comes from China. The driver is Chinese.

At the end of the day, what do you benefit from it? Your citizen will ride on a train and when you ride on a train, in northern Nigeria, in a state like Kano or Katsina, where are you going to? You are not going to an industrial estate to work. You are not going to school? You are not going to the farm. You borrow money from China to invest in trains so that your citizens can ride on them and go for weddings and naming ceremonies.

Recall that Legit.ng had reported how the revered emir had blamed northern governors for poor state of the region during his speech as the Kaduna investment forum

Source: Legit.ng
A High Court in Maitama, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja cleared Justice Adeniyi Ademola and his wife, Olubowale, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Joe Agi, of all the 18 corruption charges filed against them by the Attorney General of the Federation.

Ademola, a judge of the Federal High Court, was among judges whose houses were raided in October 2016 by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The judge declared Ademola not guilty on an 18-count charge of corruption and illegal possession of firearm brought against him by the federal government

Few weeks later, the AGF filed a suit against him and his wife over allegations that he received bribes during the discharge of his duties.

In his ruling, Justice Jude Okeke declared Ademola not guilty on an 18-count charge of corruption and illegal possession of firearm brought against him by the federal government.

READ ALSO: Until Babachir is charged, the anti-corruption war is a sham! - Omokri

Nigerians are not too pleased with the courts verdict and have taken to social media to say so. Some said this is a sad reflection of the fact that the judiciary cannot help this country while others are shaming the government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission also reacted to comments by Nigerians who think the anti-graft agency was responsible for Ademola's prosecution. The commission said it had nothing to do the trial.

Below are some of the reactions gathered by Legit.ng.

READ ALSO: 'I made a vow to God in 2007, my enemies have been shamed' - Orubebe breaks silence

READ ALSO: Aggrieved youths beat lawmaker into coma in Minna

Meanwhile, the former special aide to ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has to proof that he is a man of integrity by sacking his thirteen senior advocates and showing Nigerians his WAEC certificate.

The Legit.ng video below shows a man lamenting about the country. According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress is the worst party in Nigeria.

Source: Legit.ng
- The recent outbreak of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis, (CSM) in some parts of the country has left about 328 Nigerians dead and 2,524 affected

- Symptoms of the disease include stiff neck, high fever, rash, headache, vomiting, and confusion

- The ministry of health in a report says 90 local government areas across 16 states of the country have been affected so far

About 328 Nigerians have been confirmed dead and 2,524 affected as a result of the recent outbreak of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis, (CSM) in some parts of the country.

90 local government areas across 16 states of the country have been affected so far.

Medical experts have advised people to ensure good personal hygiene and sleep in well-ventilated rooms to curtail the spread of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) which is caused by excessive heat.

Symptoms of the disease include stiff neck, high fever, rash, headache, vomiting, and confusion.

READ ALSO: Edo woman spotted fighting man on the streets of Italy over money (photos, video)

According to the ministry of health in a report, 90 local government areas across 16 states of the country have been affected so far. They include:

1. Zamfara

2. Katsina

3. Sokoto

4. Kebbi

5. Niger

6. Nassarawa

7. Jigawa

8. FCT

9. Gombe

10. Taraba

11. Yobe

12. Kano

13. Osun

14. Cross Rivers

15. Lagos

16. Plateau

While Nigerians are currently baring their fangs against the governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari, for claiming the disease is God's punishment, here are 7 ways to prevent meningitis.

Legit.ng gathered that Governor Yari has denied saying the outbreak of the deadly Cerebral Spinal Meningitis, CSM, was a punishment from God.

Through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Enlightenment, Mr Ibrahim Magaji Dosara, the governor said he only lamented the scarcity of vaccines to confront the outbreak of the fatal disease in his state and called for urgent assistance from relevant government agencies to contain the ailment.

READ ALSO: Ahmed Musa arrested in England for beating his wife

He said all he asked Nigerians to do was to move closer to God and plead for his mercy to avert further infectious diseases and other health crises in the state and Nigeria since God has answers to all challenges.

Meanwhile, in a nation where health is still not at its optimum yet, Legit.ng has put together a video addressing a certain health issue Nigerians must be conscious of.

Source: Legit.ng
Report has it that a Federal High Court in Lagos has unfrozen former first lady Patience Jonathan's account containing $5.9m.

This is coming a few hours after Justice Adeniyi Ademola was discharged and acquitted by a High Court in Abuja of all the 18 corruption charges filed against him.

It was gathered that a large number of women were at the court this morning to show their solidarity for the former first lady.

Pictures from the court premises showed large number of women waiting for the judgment

Many Nigerians are of the opinion that this a setback for the anti-corruption war which is one of the main goals of President Muhammadu Buharis government.

READ ALSO: Emir Sanusi faults Buhari's economic plan

Some others think the war against corruption is selective and the executive is not doing a good job of arranging the cases before heading to court.

Below are some of the reactions gathered by Legit.ng.

READ ALSO: Court unfreezes Patience Jonathan's $5.9m account

A month ago, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly ransacked a mansion owned by George Turnah, a godson to former President Goodluck Jonathan. Cheque books and financial documents were taken away by the anti-graft agency.

Months ago, several bank accounts connected or controlled by Patience Jonathan were frozen following an order by the same Federal High Court in Lagos over criminal-related use.

The former first lady had sued the anti-graft agency, demanding $200 million as damages following the freezing of her bank accounts containing a total of $15 million.

The man in the Legit.ng video below is of the opinion that President Buhari is the general overseer of corruption.

Source: Legit.ng
Most Rev. Oliver Doeme, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, has revealed that no fewer than 500 Catholics were killed by Boko Haram members in Borno state, Daily Post reports.

Most Rev. Oliver Doeme, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, has revealed that no fewer than 500 Catholics were killed by Boko Haram members in Borno state

The cleric speaking in Maiduguri on Wednesday, April 5, lamented that 250 Catholic churches were set ablaze by the Boko Haram in 2014 alone in the North-East, while 25 reverend fathers and 40 reverend sisters have being rendered homeless.

Doeme, who described the birth of Boko Haram as an offshoot of corruption in the country, noted that 80,000 Catholics were displaced by the sect members, while 64,000 fled into Cameroon.

Legit.ng gathered that over 50 Catholic catechists were displaced in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.

READ ALSO: Court unfreezes Patience Jonathan's $5.9m account Read more:

In a related development, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, stated that some influential and selfish Nigerians are behind the Boko Haram sect.

The cleric praised President Muhammadu Buhari for the resounding success against Boko Haram in the North East and the military for restoring peace to the region.

In the video below, Legit.ng covered the Kaduna Investment program where the Emir of Kano, spoke on the various problems plaguing the north:

Source: Legit.ng
African lace aso ebi styles became trendy all over the world today. No doubts, it is one of the most juicy and vivid phenomenon in modern fashion trends.

Nigerian lace aso ebi drapery

It is characterized by natural light drapery of bright color palette: red, yellow, bronze, brown, blue, orange and others. As for materials Nigerian tailors use silk, flax, velvet, cotton and original leather. Beads, embroidery and other tiny nuances make better aso ebi styles.

Except of light textile women dresses are adorned with luxurious lace and velvet which make Nigerian ladies even more elegant.

READ ALSO: 8 adorable aso ebi styles we saw last weekend

The aso ebi cut

Concerning the patterns of clothing, it is made in the shape of a mermaid or fish. Thus, each gown has got an accented waist with the help of a corset and a skin-tight shirt to knee level with a bell-bottomed fish tail. It should be mentioned that such dresses make every fashionable woman elegant, stylish and trendy. That is why nollywood actresses aspire to put on lace styles and to glam up and amaze all their fans. However, the most popular among stars is gold lace aso ebi styles that highlight the beauty of stars so well. Some coquettes prefer to wear a white lace aso ebi styles dress that is also rather exquisite and elegant.

Lace styles accessories

It is important also to mention about accessories which are inseparable from lace and velvet aso ebi styles. Almost every lady in the gown of aso ebi has got also wooden or metal bijouterie, feather decorations or adornment made from animal canines and claws, shawls and turbans. Speaking about shoes which are well-combined with Nigerian lace aso ebi, no doubts, it is hand-made open-toe sandals.

What makes aso ebi styles so popular?

 Nigerian flavor;

 beautiful dress cut;

 splendid colors;

 combination of light drapery with velvet, leather and other fabrics;

 national and unique accessories.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Aso Ebi colour combinations

Source: Legit.ng
- Former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole left power after two tenure in office

- He handed over to the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki after a bitterly fought election

- The former governor recently paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in his first visit since he left office.

The former made the visit on Wednesday, April 6 and met the president at the State House.

READ ALSO: ISIS captures 5 Nigerian women, 30 others, what they do with them will make you cry

Oshiomhole visits Buhari at Aso Rock, presents gift

Ex-governor Oshiomhole presented the president which a picture frame of the presidents visit to Edo to commission some of the projects executed by the former governor during his administration.

Source: Legit.ng
- An off duty policeman named TBoy allegedly shot and killed one Mrs Kudirat Adebayo on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

- Her son Abayomi spoke exclusively to Legit.ng about how the police are trying to cover up the crime

- The police have responded saying that they are aware of the case and that they would not tolerate any injustice against members of the public.

Kudirat Adebayo, the 50-year-old petty trader who was shot and killed by a trigger happy policeman

If only petty trader Kudirat Adebayo had known that she would meet her death on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, perhaps she would have stayed indoors like she had initially planned to. Unfortunately, a trigger happy policeman named TBoy who allegedly was in pursuit of Yahoo boys fired the shot that instantly killed Mrs Adebayo.

READ ALSO: Emir Sanusi faults Buhari's economic plan

As a result of his action, TBoy the policeman involved has robbed the Adebayos of their breadwinner as they lost their father a few years back. Adebayo Abayomi the deceased son spoke to Legit.ng and he disclosed how the whole situation happened and how the police are trying to bury the case.

Abayomi Adebayo, the son of the deceased speaking to Legit.ng's Abisola Alawode

After I received the news that my mother had been gunned down by the police, we took her to the Mainland hospital in Yaba. After her body had been deposited in the morgue, we went to Olosan police station where we met the DPO who assured us that there would be justice. Surprisingly a few hours later at about 10 pm, the DPO changed his earlier statement saying that it was street touts that must have killed my mother saying the number of bullets they gave the men who were on patrol at Onipanu (where my mother was killed) are still complete in their guns and no bullets were missing. He also said that TBoy did not sign for ammunition and he was off duty and that he must have used his own personal pistol to shoot my mother. Right now, TBoy is on the run. What we just need is justice.

Legit.ng visited Olosan police station and on getting there, we were denied access to the DPO and instead we were referred to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Dolapo Badmus who confirmed that the police had heard about the case.

READ ALSO: If you live in these states you are at the risk of meningitis (SEE FULL LIST)

What I would say is that the report got to the attention of the AIG in charge of the zone who has ordered the commissioner to investigate the case and give him feedback. This case has gotten to the highest levels of the police force and I will assure you that the AIG will not tolerate any form of injustice to any member of the public. The case will be followed to a logical solution and the police sues for peace at this point, Mrs Badmus said.

Chidi Okereke a digital communications expert who brought the case to public knowledge shared his thoughts with Legit.ng about the case. He said Right now the government should take responsibility for this - starting with providing the family with a lawyer, ensuring autopsy is done quickly, and taking care of fees at the morgue. Just got off the phone with Abayomi, the morgue attendants have refused to treat Kudirat because they have not paid N50, 000.

Dolapo Badmus, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer confirmed that the force is aware of the case and that they are investigating it.

READ ALSO: Court unfreezes Patience Jonathan's $5.9m account

In a bid to get more clarity on Mrs Adebayos status, Legit.ng proceeded to the Mainland Hospital mortuary and the attendants refused to speak to us. In fact, one of the attendants threatened to burn our camera and equipment because we requested to speak to the director. The mortuary also said they could not conduct an autopsy on Mrs Adebayo anytime soon because they were severely understaffed and the only pathologist available can only come around in 3 weeks time. Meanwhile, the Adebayo family is being asked to pay the sum of N1, 000 for each day their mothers body is in the morgue.

As at the time of writing this report, the Lagos state government has not released a statement on this issue.

We at Legit.ng sincerely hope that this case is settled as soon as possible and the police officers involved in the case brought to justice so Mrs Kudirat Adebayo can rest in peace.

Watch Legit.ngs exclusive report on the case below:

READ ALSO: Ibori visits Alamieyeseighas grave, weeps profusely

Source: Legit.ng
- Omokri believes Yari is a disgrace and unworthy to remain as head of Governors Forum

- The former aide to Jonathan wondered why there was no meningitis during the ex-president's time if people also committed sins then as well

- Omokri had earlier slammed Yari for making such an impractical comment about a dangerous and fast-spreading disease

Omokri is disappointed in Yari's comments and wants him removed as Governors Forum chairman

Reno Omokri, former aide on new media to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, has slammed Nigerian governors over comments made by Zamfara governor Abdul Aziz Yari on the Meningitis outbreak in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: If you live in these states you are at the risk of meningitis (SEE FULL LIST)

In series of tweets on Thursday, April 6, Omokri, still disappointed at Yaris comments about Meningitis coming from God, advised governors to ask him to step down as chairman of their Governors Forum.

He also wondered why the country is suffering so much since the Jonathan left.

He tweeted:

READ ALSO: Oshiomhole visits Buhari at Aso Rock, presents gift

Legit.ng recalls that just days ago Yari claimed that the ongoing outbreak of Type C Cerebrospinal meningitis in Nigeria has the handwork of God in it.

He said that God is using it to vent his anger on Nigerians who are terrible sinners.

Yari told media men that the current meningitis outbreak has God's hand in it

The governor told journalists at the presidential villa Abuja shortly after meeting with President Muhammdu Buhari that Nigerians have turning their backs on God and hence, reason for the outbreak.

But Yari has denied it in a statement through his special adviser on media and public enlightenment Ibrahim Magaji Dosara.

He said all he asked Nigerians to do was to move closer to God and plead for his mercy to avert further infectious diseases and other health crises in the state and Nigeria since God has answers to all challenges.

Source: Legit.ng
Anemona Hartocollis, a higher education reporter for The Times, admits that, at first, the term transgender girl threw her. Before following Katherine Boone, an 18-year-old Syracuse high school student, through her sex reassignment surgery in 2015, Ms. Hartocollis did not know whether the term applied to people who identify as female or as male (the answer is the former). Its a system of nomenclature you have to be educated in, she said. There are a few basics, but perhaps the most fundamental: Use a persons preferred pronoun, whether its he, she, both or none of the above.

Coverage of transgender issues is becoming ever more a part of the political conversation, whether it is about access to health care, representation on film and TV or which bathrooms trans people are allowed to use. As these types of stories arise more frequently, reporters are among those confronting the limitations of modern vocabulary.

Over the last few decades, The Times has changed the way it writes about transgender men and women. In the 1999 edition of the newspapers style manual, for example, the term transgender wasnt included  transsexual, a term disliked by many for its pathological connotations, appears instead. By the 2013 edition, however, transgender appears prominently.

Grammar conventions are shifting just as quickly. Efforts to introduce nonstandard pronouns, some of which date to as early as the 1850s, have generated a vast array of alternatives, none of which have taken off, including xe, ze, phe, er, ou. In 1884, several newspapers tried to make thon happen. And increasingly, courtesy titles like Mr. and Ms. are having to make room for novel varieties like Mx.  pronounced mix. Today, many transgender people prefer the conventional he or she, but those who have adopted they, them and theirs as personal pronouns have become much more visible. Both The Washington Post and The Associated Press recently began permitting the singular they in their reporting on a case-by-case basis.
As train delays, cancellations and gridlock set off by a small derailment at Pennsylvania Station stretched into a third day on Wednesday, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey remained largely silent while his constituents screamed. In fact, the governor was far from where the chaos was unfolding, choosing to go to Atlantic City to celebrate the opening of a casino while travelers vented their frustration on social media, on radio call-in shows and on packed platforms.

The derailment on Monday of a New Jersey Transit train did not just cripple New Jersey Transit; it also disrupted service on Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road, the two other rail systems that share Penn Station. But it has been riders of New Jersey Transit, the nations third-busiest railroad, who have endured the worst travel experiences.

Along with anger, many riders said someone had to be responsible for the missed hours of work, the lost wages, the extra costs from extended day care, the wasted  and increasingly expensive  gas. And many of them set their sights on Mr. Christie.

Hes nowhere to be found, while literally hundreds of thousands of his constituents are struggling and businesses are losing money, said Dave Geller, 44, who had to work from his home in Maplewood on Wednesday. At some point the buck has to stop where? Youre the man in charge.
Its very important to me that we not put our financial feet into cement, the governor said during an hourlong briefing in the ceremonial Red Room in the State Capitol.

Mr. Cuomo suggested that the budget could remain a moving target throughout the year, citing the federal idea of a continuing resolution, which allows for budgetary changes. I am looking for continuing financial flexibility in the budget process, he said. But certainty and permanence in the operations that need to continue which is what we accomplished in the extender.

The budget process has dragged on past its April 1 deadline, resulting in the tardiest plan of Mr. Cuomos tenure, including a fruitless weekend session that the governor called a grace period.

The continuing delays seemed to further agitate an exhausted Legislature.

People miss their families, they have no clothes left, and nobody knows whats going on, said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, a Staten Island Republican.

Mr. Cuomo said he wanted the Legislature to continue working  I hope they will stay until its done, he said  while he seemingly floated the possibility that the negotiations could continue for the foreseeable future.

I will stay here as long as they stay here, he said.

The holdup in the budget has had a practical impact on lawmakers: Under state law, they receive their salaries only if a state budget is in place. (Mr. Cuomo is still getting paid  he earns $179,000 a year, and Wednesday was payday in Albany.)

Money may also have played a part in the current behind-the-scenes tension between the Legislature and Mr. Cuomo; last fall, the governor was effectively responsible for denying lawmakers a raise when his appointees to an independent pay commission refused to authorize an increase from their current base salary of $79,500.
It is the question on the minds of many in the New York City area: Why is a relatively minor train derailment still wreaking havoc on my commute?

Two days after a New Jersey Transit train derailed at Pennsylvania Station in New York on Monday, eight of the 21 tracks at the station, North Americas busiest, remained closed on Wednesday, prompting a third day of travel chaos across the region.

Officials at Amtrak, which owns Penn Station, said they were working to repair damage caused by the derailment but warned that service might not be fully restored until Friday.

Minor train derailments are not uncommon, but this one occurred at one of the worst possible spots: a switch point where multiple tracks connect and space for workers making repairs is tight.
The Trump administrations decision to remove its chief strategist, Stephen Bannon, from the National Security Councils principals committee, along with the deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarlands likely exile to Singapore, as the United States ambassador, seems to indicate that Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the national security adviser, is finally getting a little hard-earned bureaucratic traction.

Not so fast: Other signals suggest that President Trumps national security team remains as weak and dysfunctional as ever. And while some people are crediting General McMaster with a big win, the reality is much different.

Reportedly from the moment he hired General McMaster, President Trump gave him broad staffing freedom. Yet Ms. McFarland, whom General McMaster wanted out, remained in place for well over a month. More egregiously, in mid-March, General McMaster tried to fire Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence programs at the National Security Council. Mr. Cohen-Watnick, a holdover from Michael Flynns aborted stint as national security adviser, complained to Mr. Bannon and Jared Kushner, who prevailed on Mr. Trump to have him reinstated.

The idea that the 30-year-old Mr. Cohen-Watnick should be senior director for intelligence programs  a position held by senior career C.I.A. officers in the Obama administration and others  is dubious. Furthermore, General McMasters decision to get rid of Mr. Cohen-Watnick was well within his pay grade. And Mr. Trumps countermanding an understandable and routine staffing decision not only reneged on his deal with General McMaster, it also segued to an episode of clear White House obstructionism.
Mr. Trump has repeatedly made clear that he expects China, the Norths main supplier of food and fuel, to increase pressure beyond what it has been willing to do so far to force an end to the weapons programs. In an interview in The Financial Times on Monday, he was even more demanding, warning that the United States would take unilateral action to eliminate the nuclear threat if Beijing fails to act, presumably by curbing trade and assistance.

Analysts say China may be willing to increase pressure somewhat on North Korea, but well short of causing the regime in Pyongyang to collapse. Most experts believe that the North will not abandon its nuclear program unless the leadership at the top changes. China opposes this because it fears a surge of refugees into its territory and wants to keep North Korea as a buffer against a potentially unified Korean Peninsula dominated by the American military.

The United States and China may have a long-shot chance at an achievable solution if they agree to increase sanctions on North Korea and pursue more modest goals  halting North Korean missile tests and curbing the production of additional nuclear weapons  but there has been no serious sign of interest from the Trump administration.

Trade is another area where agreement is likely to be difficult, especially since these issues are still being fiercely debated inside the administration. During the campaign, Mr. Trump talked tough on China, promising to impose heavy tariffs on imports. But he has not followed through, and recently told The Financial Times that he hoped to reach some kind of deal with Mr. Xi. Administration officials said they hoped the summit meeting might produce concrete results, though that may be a lot to ask of the first encounter.

The risk in this meeting is that Mr. Trump knows little about diplomacy with China and does not have a team of China experts in place. He has already had to correct one major error; after calling into question Americas longstanding one-China policy, he retreated and told Mr. Xi in February that he would respect Beijing as the sole government of China and not recognize Taiwan.
MONTGOMERY, Ala.  Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama could face criminal prosecution after a state ethics panel found probable cause that he broke ethics and campaign finance laws in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for over a year.

The Alabama Ethics Commission, after an all-day meeting on Wednesday, voted to refer four issues to the district attorneys office, which will decide whether to pursue charges. The commission found probable cause to believe that Mr. Bentley had misused state resources and campaign funds, improperly accepted a campaign donation outside of an allowed fund-raising window, and lent himself campaign money when he was not a candidate.

The decision was a legal and political blow to Mr. Bentley, a Republican who has been under scrutiny since recordings surfaced last year of him making suggestive remarks to a female aide before his divorce. Mr. Bentley has acknowledged making personal mistakes but said that he did nothing legally wrong.

One of his lawyers, William C. Athanas, said Wednesday that the governor maintained his innocence.

We disagree strongly with the result, but I think it is important to keep in mind that it is a finding of probable cause, not finding of a violation, Mr. Athanas said. The battle goes on. He added that he planned to talk to prosecutors and that there was no basis for charges.
The Arkansas Parole Board has recommended that one of the eight men set to be executed during a 10-day span this month receive clemency and be spared capital punishment.

The boards nonbinding recommendation, approved by a vote of 6 to 1, is the latest twist in Arkansass effort to restart its capital punishment program, which has been suspended since 2005 because of legal and logistical challenges. While four other inmates on death row have been denied clemency in recent weeks, the parole board showed mercy for Jason McGehee, who killed a teenager in the Ozarks in 1996.

The recommendation is now in the hands of Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican who scheduled the stacked executions because a lethal-injection drug used by the state is about to expire. A spokesman for the governor said he was reviewing it.

Image Jason McGehee was sentenced to death for killing a teenager in the Ozarks in 1996. Credit... Arkansas Department of Corrections

If Mr. Hutchinson denies the recommendation and all eight inmates are put to death, Arkansas will be the first state to conduct that many executions in a month since capital punishment resumed in the United States in 1977, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, a Washington-based group that studies capital punishment. Six of the eight inmates applied for clemency after Mr. Hutchinson announced the executions in February. The final parole board hearing is on Friday.
If youve been oppressed so long, its hard for you to break out to a new idea, said Ms. Jones. And when youve been governed by fear and people telling you that the city is going to decline because an African-American person is going to be in charge, then you tend to listen to the rhetoric and dont open your mind to new possibilities.

Some of Ms. Joness voters said they did not make their choice enthusiastically. The number of votes cast on Tuesday was slightly less than those cast during the City Council election two years earlier, when the city was brimming with international attention in its first campaign after Mr. Browns death.

When you look at it, when the people had an opportunity to change what they said has been an oppressed system, they decided not to get out and change the system, Ms. Jones said a day after the election. You cannot complain about a system that you are unwilling to do the work to change.

Voters in nearby St. Louis, also a center of activism after the Brown shooting, also elected a white mayor, who received support from the departing white incumbent over a slew of well-known black candidates.

To me, Missouri as a whole is ground zero in the fight for racial justice, said Stefanie Brown James, a political strategist. For Ferguson and St. Louis to not elect black candidates, that frustrates and angers me.

Ms. Brown James and many other political observers said they were disappointed at the inability of the black political establishment to coalesce around a single candidate in last months Democratic primary. Several well-known black politicians ran and split the vote, allowing Lyda Krewson, an alderwoman who is white and who got the endorsement of the current mayor, Francis Slay, to defeat her closest competitor, Tishaura Jones, but only by about 800 votes.

That really, to me, is the onus on the black community to say, We cannot continue to have the status quo if we want to make our communities better, Ms. Brown James said.
On Nov. 10, Beth Sutinis sat at her desk in Brooklyn with a big task looming. As the executive editor for the childrens division of Time Inc. Books, she and her colleagues had worked through the fall to update their book Presidents of the United States. They added a spread about Barack Obama, another about the 2016 election and a third about Hillary Clinton, who polls had indicated would be elected the 45th president.

In the days after the election, Ms. Sutinis scrambled to produce a profile of the person who was elected instead. It was one of the harder things I have had to do in a long career of writing and editing nonfiction for kids, she said.

Presidential biographies are a staple of childrens book publishing, and of classrooms across the country. Nonfiction for children is a surging category, particularly in light of a Common Core mandate that schools put greater emphasis on it in their curriculum. Publishers like Penguin Young Readers, Scholastic and Time for Kids chronicle stories like the rise of Mr. Obama from Illinois state senator to president, or the political legacy of the Bush family, interspersing those accounts with facts about presidential history. The books hit bookshelves every four years, usually long before historians and writers of nonfiction for adults weigh in.

But the story of Donald J. Trump posed a unique set of challenges.

After an election cycle whose divisive effect on voters is still being felt, publishing books for classroom use has been unusually perilous. For Ms. Sutinis, the difficulty went beyond the time crunch to finding concise quotations from Mr. Trumps campaign appearances that didnt include contentious remarks.
THRUSH: What do you say to New Yorker officials that think those are really vital projects? What do you say to them? Do you support them?

TRUMP: Well, I may support them, Im going to look at them. So what Im doing  is you know  I did great in real estate in New York. I know all the developers. I know all of the folks. I know the good ones and the bad ones. And Im setting up a commission of very smart people that know how to spend money properly. That know how to build on time, on budget. And ideally, under time and under budget. Im setting up a commission. Its going to be headed by [the developer] Richard LeFrak and its going to be headed  theyre going to be co-  Steve Roth. R-O-T-H of Vornado. Two very talented, smart, tough people. And they are going to, along with me, put on a group of 20 people, 20 to 25 people on a commission. Were going to run projects through them. And they will have great expertise in that room. Well have it from both coasts, and right down the middle. Were going to have representatives from various parts of the country that are all are very, very successful in terms of infrastructure. From different fields, but always infrastructure. But everything is going to be run by them. One of the things  you probably saw what I said yesterday  did you see where I held up the deal?

HABERMAN: I did. The chart.

TRUMP: Thats a highway. Thats a highway. What is that, 17 agencies, Gary? Hundreds and hundreds of approvals. Some of which, statutorily, you have to wait six months before you ask for the next one. If we do the  when we do the infrastructure, its going to be very important to me that if we give billions of dollars to a state, like New York, California or any other state, that theyre going to have to start spending that money, theyre going to have to have approval within 120 days.

[Cross talk.]

TRUMP: And if they dont  well, otherwise, youll give them money and they wont start the highway till  which is something that no one has ever done.

THRUSH: Youve spent most of your career in New York. A, what do you think of the subway system in New York? Do you think its in good shape? And B, whens the last time you were on the train in the city?

TRUMP: Its been a long time. Its been a long time. It has been. I know the subway system very well. I used to take it to Kew-Forest School, in Forest Hills, when I lived in Queens. And Id take the subway to school. Seems a long time ago 

[Cross talk.]

TRUMP: Id take it from Jamaica, 179th Street. Jamaica, right? To Forest Hills. I understand the subway very well. I used to ride between the cars.
Nowhere has it galvanized such large numbers as in Quebec, where many people still refer to themselves as pure laine, or pure wool, direct descendants of the 17th-century settlers of New France. The most emotional response has focused on conservative Muslim immigrants, who perhaps present the greatest contrast to traditional European-based culture and the secularism that Quebec struggled hard to win from the Roman Catholic Church.

The concerns are outsize by any measure. Muslims represent just 3 percent of Canadas population, and while Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the country, Muslims will still account for less than 6 percent of the population in 2050, according to the Pew Research Center.

Nonetheless, Mr. Beaudry and his peers say they believe there is a real threat that Islamists are bending Canadas tolerant culture to their will. The groups main concern is political Islam pushed by the Muslim Brotherhood, the Pan-Arab movement that grew out of Egypt after the fall of the Ottoman Empire following World War I.

Political Islam is slowly invading our institutions, Mr. Beaudry declared, claiming that his group had documentary proof, though he was not prepared to show it. We have to wake up people and shake them up, and then we will be able to bring change.

The theme is popular among right-wing groups across North America and Europe, where the slow integration of conservative Muslim immigrants into Judeo-Christian cultures has excited fears among some of a global culture war.
Don Rickles became famous for throwing barbs at any group he could target, but he was often at his most caustic while roasting his fellow celebrities. Here are a few of his many insults.

Bob Hope

Theres no booing! Theres no booing! If theres another outburst were going to let Bob Hope get up and do his jokes.

We kid, we kid about great stars such as you, Bob. Why? Because youre old and washed up.

Bob Hope, as you all know, hes in the back standing there with three soldiers and an American flag saying find another war. 
Both The Jazz Age and its catalog were overseen by Sarah D. Coffin, a curator at the Cooper Hewitt, and Stephen Harrison, from the Cleveland Museum of Art, the collaborating institution on the show, with assistance from Emily M. Orr. It brings together the two museums deep holdings in American design for the first time, providing plenty to look at, much of it visually and historically fascinating.

The exhibition, which opens on the museums third floor and spills over onto the second, starts quietly, almost in reverse. The Persistence of Good Taste, the first of its six sections, features a handful of 20th-century reproductions of bygone styles, including a handsome Regency-style tea service and a painted blanket chest by Max Kuehne that once belonged to the wife of the American collector Albert C. Barnes.

From here the extravagance and craftsmanship of high-end Art Deco, and its accompanying social obliviousness, is prominent. In A New Look for Familiar Forms we encounter the exquisite custom-made cabinetry of Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann and a majestic gondola sofa by Marcel Coard, its cradling curve of base and arms made from rosewood carved to simulate rattan and edged in brass.
KEN TISA

Through April 23. Gordon Robichaux, 41 Union Square West (enter on 17th Street), Suite 925, Manhattan; 646-678-5532, gordonrobichaux.com.

The American artist Ken Tisa is a painter, a sculptor and a hunter-gatherer shopper. He likes objects and images, the more culturally varied the better, and what he makes from them are collages nested inside assemblages that are large enough to qualify as installations. His exhilarating show at Gordon Robichaux, Objects/Time/Offerings, has several installations, though precise borders between them tend to blur.

The best way to describe this show is with a selective inventory. Among hundreds of items, youll find a Japanese Noh mask; a Hopi kachina; an African power figure; a plastic Virgin Mary from Lourdes; a Mexican glass Christmas ornament in the form of Mickey Mouse; a Chinese hand puppet depicting an American Indian; paired marionettes of two men embracing from India; a carved-wood penis; a snake-vertebrae necklace; and a photograph of a tattoo  of a nude, dancing, madcap angel  that Mr. Tisa designed for the drag performer and playwright Ethyl Eichelberger.

One short gallery wall is papered in magazine and newspaper clips, and a long one is covered with hundreds of small paintings that Mr. Tisa turned out, one a day, in the 1980s and early 90s to maintain psychological balance during the early AIDS crisis. (Many of the paintings have inlaid snapshots of television screens showing advertisements, sitcoms and pornography.)
One night, on learning that some members of his audience were German, he said, Forty million Jews in this country, and I got four Nazis sitting here in front waiting for the rally to start. He said that America needed Italians to keep the cops busy and blacks so we can have cotton in the drugstore, and that Asians are nice people, but they burn a lot of shirts. He might ask a man in the audience, Is that your wife? and, when the man answered yes, respond: Oh, well. Keep your chin up.

As brutal as his remarks could be, they rarely left a mark. (Im not really a mean, vicious guy, he told an interviewer in 2000.) Sidney Poitier was said to have once been offended by Mr. Rickless racial jokes. But in Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project, a 2007 documentary directed by John Landis, Mr. Poitier sang Mr. Rickless praises.

Recalling the first time he saw Mr. Rickles perform, Mr. Poitier said: He was explosive. He was impactful. He was funny. I mean, outrageously funny.

Mr. Rickles got his first break, the story goes, when Sinatra and some of his friends came to see him perform in 1957  in Hollywood, according to most sources, although Mr. Rickles said it was in Miami. Make yourself at home, Frank, Mr. Rickles said to Sinatra, whom he had never met. Hit somebody. Sinatra laughed so hard, he fell out of his seat.

Mr. Rickles was soon being championed by Sinatra, Dean Martin and the other members of the show business circle known as the Rat Pack. Steady work in Las Vegas followed. But he was hardly an overnight success: He spent a decade in the comedy trenches before he broke through to a national audience.
Troubles  like ants  seldom walk alone. In GHACHAR GHOCHAR (Penguin, $15, paper), a new novella by the Indian writer Vivek Shanbhag, translated from Kannada by Srinath Perur, a family is besieged by both and develops a taste for responding with imaginative cruelty. Sudden wealth only makes them more ruthless. Its true what they say  its not we who control money, its the money that controls us, the nameless narrator realizes, a little late in the day. When theres only a little, it behaves meekly; when it grows, it becomes brash and has its way with us. Money had swept us up and flung us in the midst of a whirlwind.

This spiny, scary story of moral decline, crisply plotted and no thicker than my thumb, has been heralded as the finest Indian novel in a decade, notable for a book in bhasha, one of Indias vernacular languages. The Great Indian Novel has almost always referred to a particular kind of book: big, baggy, polyphonic and, crucially, written in English  Midnights Children, say, or The God of Small Things. Admirers of this austere little tale, who include Suketu Mehta and Katherine Boo, have compared Shanbhag to Chekhov. Folded into the compressed, densely psychological portrait of this family is a whole universe: a parable of rising India, an indictment of domestic violence, a taxonomy of ants and a sly commentary on translation itself.

The title is a nonsense phrase, meaning tangled beyond repair. Our narrator (who, with his excellent intentions and total lack of initiative, recalls Nick Carraway) hears it for the first time on his honeymoon. He has pounced on his new wife, Anita, in their hotel room, but cant untie the drawstring of her saris petticoat. Its all knotted up  ghachar ghochar, she says, reaching for a word from her childhood, a word invented by her little brother to describe a snarled kite string. The narrator is thrilled by this intimacy, to be welcomed into her secret language. In the morning, he gestures at the disheveled bedsheets, their entwined legs: ghachar ghochar.

All families are their own countries, with their own idioms, rites and taboos. Anita is not the only character who has grown up within the borders of a particular culture, yet when the narrator tries to share something of his own world, as new lovers will, Anita is understandably less charmed. To survive years of privation, his peculiar family has learned to move as one. The narrator can scarcely extricate himself in his own mind: What can I say of myself that is only about me and not tied up with the others? Wherever I try to start, I quickly run into one of three women . . . each more fearsome than the other. Everyone has a specific role. His uncle runs the family business, a spice packaging company. His fearsome mother and sister fight the familys battles and keep his father, a co-owner of the business, appeased until he makes a will. The narrators job is to stay out of the way, mainly, killing time with great dedication.
At the current rate of progress, it could take nearly a century before the gender pay gap is closed in Britain. So the government is trying to speed up the process.

Putting pressure on employers to tackle the nations gender pay gap, new rules taking effect on Thursday will require large companies to publish the average salaries of the men and the women they employ.

The regulation affects companies with 250 or more employees. The figures must reveal information like salary differences between men and women, differences in average bonuses and the proportion of men and women who received those bonuses.

The rules give the companies until April 2018 to report the information to the government and publish it on their websites and on a government website.
TOKYO  Seven & I Holdings, the Japanese retail giant that owns the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, said Thursday it had agreed to buy the Sunoco chain of gas stations for $3.3 billion, accelerating its expansion in the United States.

The acquisition is believed to be the largest ever for Seven & I and will add Sunocos more than 1,000 outlets  with their gas pumps and the convenience stores that operate alongside them, catering to motorists  to its growing portfolio of American businesses.

In addition to 7-Eleven  a business it took over in the early 1990s after initially licensing the brand for use in Japan  Seven & I has been buying up other American retailers. In a smaller deal in June, for instance, Seven & I bought 79 gas stations and convenience stores in California and Wyoming from CST Brands.

Seven & I will purchase the stores from Sunoco LP, which is also a major fuel supplier. The deal for Sunocos retail operation, which is concentrated in the Eastern half of the United States, includes an agreement under which Seven & I will continue to buy gasoline from Sunoco for 15 years.
LONDON  Under pressure after spurning a blockbuster $143 billion takeover offer, Unilever said on Thursday that it would explore the sale of its spreads business, restructure two major divisions, review its dual legal structure and buy back $5.3 billion in stock as it seeks to cut costs and appease investors.

The moves, which include overhauling its food and beverage operations, are meant to reassure investors who had seen the possibility of more grocery store shelf space and cost savings from the takeover bid in February by a fellow food giant, Kraft Heinz.

But Kraft Heinz withdrew its $143 billion offer for Unilever, the British-Dutch maker of Dove soap, Ben & Jerrys ice cream and Hellmanns mayonnaise, in the face of public criticism and of resistance from its prospective partner.

Unilever said that the plans unveiled on Thursday would potentially unlock billions of dollars in savings and return billions more to shareholders by increasing its dividend 12 percent. The company also said it would seek to buy back 5 billion euros, or about $5.3 billion, in stock.
The bars message will be unmistakable: Mr. DeRossi has commissioned artists to recreate some of the more clever signs that protesters have been brandishing at anti-Trump rallies and marches over the past few months. At Coup, they will become decor.

Coup wont be the first bar opened in protest of President Trump. During the week before the election and the week of the inauguration, Barrel, a saloon in Washington, converted its basement into a jokey, for-profit Trump-themed pop-up, with drinks like the Moscow Mole. Bar Ilegal, another Washington pop-up, sponsored by Ilegal Mezcal, ran for a week before the election, with all profits going to Ninos de Guatemala, a school for underprivileged children in that country.

There are certainly many bars across America with a pro-Trump atmosphere. But few on either side of the political divide are as ambitious as Coup.

Coup will have two bars, one reserved for a rotating roster of guest bartenders, who will put in from one to several nights work. Each will choose an organization to receive the profits from his or her shift. Noted New York barkeeps who have already signed up include Ivy Mix (of Leyenda), Jane Danger (Mother of Pearl), Giuseppe Gonzalez (Suffolk Arms), Damon Boelte (Grand Army) and Natasha David (Nitecap). Bartenders from as far as Austin, Tex., and San Diego (Erik Castro of Polite Provisions) have also signed on.

The current administration seems to be willfully tearing down the good works built up by administrations past, said Sother Teague, the head bartender at the amari-and-bitters bar Amor y Amargo, and Mr. DeRossis partner in the new bar. Coup is our opportunity to use the influence that we have and the good nature of our guests to highlight some of those works that need both support and visibility.
I did not expect sorcery from a preserved turnip.

It was the only ingredient in the omelet on my plate at Mama Lee, a small, plain-spoken Taiwanese restaurant in Bayside, Queens. The eggs had been beaten loosely, so flecks of white still showed, and hustled from the pan when patchy bronze. Inside, they were studded with tender nubs of turnip, yielding with a quiet crunch.

Nothing else had been added, not even salt. Everything is in the turnip, said Mei Lee, the restaurants eponymous owner. The roots briny flavor was diffuse, like a tint of rose in sunglasses. It made me think of surfacing after a plunge in the sea, that half-taste, half-scent of salt.

In Taiwan, you would categorize this dish as xiao chi: small eats. Its not fancy and not meant to be. And still I wanted to write ode upon ode to it.

This is simple, home-style food, Ms. Lee insisted. She is a no-nonsense figure in apron and bandanna, comfortingly bossy. Twice, she scolded me gently for ordering too much, concerned for my health.
The Beaujolais revival has been one of the most inspiring wine stories of the 21st century.

This region, which in the last quarter of the 20th century largely devoted itself to the mass production of fruity, treacly Beaujolais Nouveau, had been left moribund by a steep decline in demand. By the late 90s, the area was in crisis. Unsold wine was distilled into industrial alcohol, and whole vineyards went unharvested as some farmers cut their losses by letting the fruit rot rather than turn it into wine.

Since then, the evolution of Beaujolais has been astounding. A small group of growers, who clung to the notion of making fine wine despite the Nouveau craze, served as a model for others. They demonstrated that by emphasizing quality over quantity, they could sell their wines for higher prices and achieve greater profit margins than they could with Nouveau.

This approach required meticulous farming. Winemakers skipped the manipulations that characterized so much of Beaujolais Nouveau production. It proved that the region, which even in the days before the Nouveau craze was known for simple, thirst-quenching wines, could make complex wines as well.

This new Beaujolais earned a devoted following among people who recognized the value in wines that could combine the juicy joy inherent in gamay, the grape of red Beaujolais, with a clear sense of place.
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Joffrey Ballet returned to New York, performing at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on March 30 during a benefit gala for the Joyce Theater Foundation. On April 3, Alicia Keys and her husband, Kasseem Dean, who performs as Swizz Beatz, were honored at the Brooklyn Artists Ball, the largest annual fund-raising gala at the Brooklyn Museum. And on April 4, the New Museum hosted its 40th anniversary spring gala at Cipriani Wall Street, while the Paris Review held its annual Spring Revel the same night uptown at Cipriani 42nd Street.
It is a truism of the history of dress that decade-defining looks generally dont congeal until quite late in the period they eventually come to represent. The miniskirts and Crayola colors of the 1960s, the power shoulders of the 80s, the minimalism of the 90s  all reached critical mass well into the midpoint of those eras, when whatever had been bubbling up in wardrobes and on sidewalks found its reflection in the wider world.

Well, we have finally reached that stage in the 2010s. The tectonic plates of fashion have shifted. Look around. What do you see?

Look to the runway: During the recent round of fashion shows, suits  and sleeves and long skirts  dominated. Look to the street, and the stores.
Its none of your damned business!

Ive been told that. Just about anyone who wrote for The Times before June 20, 1986, was told that. So we learned to save the demeaning question for last when interviewing women: Are you a Mrs. or a Miss?

Before June 20, 1986, one could not be a Ms. in the pages of The Times.

The top editor had persuaded the publisher, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, that the usage was a passing fad, Betsy Wade wrote for an exhibition at the Manhattan borough presidents office. Grace Lichtenstein, a successful and aggressive reporter, shouted at that editor in the city room one day that it was not a fad. She said that the newspapers style barrier to Ms. was a big problem for all reporters. When writing of a woman, the lack of a title like Mr., which does not bespeak marital status, forced the reporter to ask a news source flat out: Are you married? Frequently, a reporter was told, Its none of your damned business! 

Ms. was scarcely a passing fad. It had been proposed at the dawn of the 20th century as an alternative to Miss and Mrs. In 1971, it was adopted as the name of a new magazine edited by Gloria Steinem. (Ms., The Times explained to readers, was the form of address preferred by feminists.) In 1972, it was accepted as a courtesy title by the American Heritage School Dictionary. In 1973, it was in such common use that the novelist Jean Stafford objected, saying she would reject any first-class mail addressed to Ms. Stafford  after first slitting open the envelope to make sure there wasnt a check inside.

In 1974, protesters gathered outside The Timess headquarters, then at 229 West 43rd Street, carrying signs like Miss, If She Chooses; Mrs., If She Chooses; Ms., If She Chooses and Form Follows Function  Ms. Now! and Weve Come to M-ESS Up The Times. Two photographs of the event, by Diana Mara Henry, are part of the exhibition. In the second photo, police are breaking up the demonstration.
President Trump has proposed a budget that eliminates the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Much more money would go, instead, to the military.

Do you think educational shows on PBS  like Sesame Street  make the United States smarter, stronger and safer? Thats what Stanley McChrystal, a retired Army general, argues in a recent Times op-ed.

Do you agree? Tell us in the comments, then read his piece to learn more.
Article: Haley Says U.S. May Take Our Own Action on Syrian Chemical Attack

Please note: The photographs in this article, and in the featured link to a graphic on the effects of chemical weapons and nerve gas, show disturbing images of injury and death. Please preview before assigning to students.

Before Reading

Read this information on chemical weapons from the United Nations. Pay particular attention to the paragraphs on the 1992 Chemical Weapons Convention. What did you learn?

Questions for Comprehension and Analysis

1. What three nations have accused the Syrian government of responsibility for the chemical weapons attacks? What three nations bitterly criticized Russia  Syrias main ally in the six-year-old war  for objecting to a resolution they drafted condemning the attack?

2. What did the United States ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki R. Haley, say at the emergency session of the Security Council April 5? What did she warn would happen if the United Nations Security Council failed to respond to the latest atrocity in the Syria war?
I punished myself when I lost patience, when I bribed, when I wanted to flee. I punished myself for resenting Lily when she came into our bed, night after night, which wasnt actually a bed but a futon we pulled out in the living room. Every feeling I had, I wondered: Would a real mother feel this? It wasnt the certainty that she wouldnt, but the uncertainty itself: How could I know?

I had imagined that I might feel most like a mother among strangers, who had no reason to believe I wasnt one, but it was actually among strangers that I felt most like a fraud. One day early in our relationship, Lily and I went to a Mister Softee, one of the ice cream trucks parked like land mines all over the city. I asked Lily what she wanted, and she pointed to the double cone of soft serve, the biggest one, covered in rainbow sprinkles. I said, Great! I was still at the Disney Store, still thrilled to find the sled set, still ready and willing to pass as mother by whatever means necessary, whatever reindeer necessary, whatever soft-serve necessary.

The double cone was so huge that Lily could barely hold it. Two hands, I would have known to say a few months later, but I didnt know to say it then. I heard a woman behind me ask her friend, What kind of parent gets her child that much ice cream? I felt myself go hot with shame. This parent. Which is to say: not a parent at all. I was afraid to turn around. I also wanted to turn around. I wanted to make the stranger feel ashamed, to speak back to the maternal superego she represented, to say: What kind of mother? A mother trying to replace a dead one. Instead I grabbed a wad of napkins and offered to carry Lilys cone back to our table so she wouldnt drop it on the way.

As a stepparent, I often felt like an impostor  or else I felt the particular loneliness of dwelling outside the bounds of the most familiar story line. I hadnt been pregnant, given birth, felt my body surge with the hormones of attachment. I woke up every morning to a daughter who called me Mommy but also missed her mother. I often called our situation singular, but as with so many kinds of singularity, it was a double-edged blade  a source of loneliness and pride at once  and its singularity was also, ultimately, a delusion. Lots of people are stepparents, my mother told me once, and of course she was right. A Pew Research Center survey found that four in 10 Americans say they have at least one step relationship. Twelve percent of women are stepmothers. I can guarantee you that almost all these women sometimes feel like frauds or failures.

In an essay about stepparents, Winnicott argues for the value of unsuccess stories. He even imagines the benefits of gathering a group of unsuccessful stepparents in a room together. I think such a meeting might be fruitful, he writes. It would be composed of ordinary men and women. When I read that passage, it stopped me dead with longing. I wanted to be in that meeting, sitting with those ordinary men and women  hearing about their ice-cream bribes, their everyday impatience, their frustration and felt fraudulence, their desperate sleds.

In the methodology portion of her Poisoned Apple study, Church admits that she disclosed to her subjects that she was also a stepmother before interviewing them. After an interview was finished, she sometimes described her own experiences. Many of her subjects confessed that they had told her things during their interviews that they had never told anyone. I could understand that  that they somehow would feel, by virtue of being in the presence of another stepmother, as if they had been granted permission to speak. It was something like the imagined gathering of unsuccessful stepparents, as if they were at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in a church basement, taking earned solace in the minor triumphs and frequent failures of their kind: a kind of kin.

The decision to call the stepmother Mother, or the decision not to call her Mother, is often a dramatic hinge in stories about stepmothers, a climactic moment of acceptance or refusal. In a story called My Step-Mother, published in The Decatur Republican in 1870, a young girl regards her new stepmother with skepticism. When her stepmother asks her to play a song on the piano, trying to earn her trust and affection, the girl decides to play I Sit and Weep by My Mothers Grave. But lo! The stepmother is undeterred. She not only compliments the girl on her moving performance; she shares that she also lost her mother when she was young and also used to love that song. The story ends on a triumphant note, with the daughter finally calling her Mother, an inverted christening  child naming the parent  that inaugurates the most perfect confidence that grows between them.
At any high school anywhere, there are always students who dont quite fit in, and its a good thing there are, because an entire genre of movies and television shows wouldnt exist without them. Speech & Debate is the latest film to explore that universe, doing so with some interesting performances in an indistinct package.

The film is an adaptation by Stephen Karam (a hot playwright thanks to The Humans) of his own play, which had a run in New York in 2007. Its about three high school students who band together to rail against grown-up hypocrisies and to try to create a forum where they can express themselves.

Diwata (Sarah Steele, who played the role onstage a decade ago) is a musical-theater nut with an interesting take on The Crucible. Howie (Austin P. McKenzie) is a gay student at a school that doesnt want to acknowledge the existence of gay students. Solomon (Liam James) wants to do crusading student journalism but is frustrated by censorship.

The three form a debate club, and a trip to a state competition that goes hilariously wrong is the films high point. A later scene involving a preposterous musical number staged in front of the school board is supposed to be the climax but was probably funnier onstage than it is here.
Love and laughter flow so naturally in Their Finest that it is almost (almost) easy to forget theres a war on. An unalloyed charmer, the movie tells a story of familiar British grit and resolve during World War II from an attractively different angle: that of an advertising copywriter, Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton), whos recruited by the government to join the film industry. Britain wants the United States to enter the war, and has decided cinematic propaganda is the way it can persuade the movie-mad Yanks to sign up. The world is facing a historic catastrophe, after all; but for this ambitious young woman its also a bittersweet opportunity.

Its the latest addition to an appealing British subgenre: the home-front story that reminds you that among grim air raids and explosions, people also just lived their lives, sometimes with laughter and unexpected new freedoms, as in John Boormans 1987 autobiographical film, Hope and Glory, about childhood during the Blitz. The director of Their Finest, Lone Scherfig, is Danish (her breakthrough was Italian for Beginners), but she has carved out a curious niche making British period stories, most notably An Education. She has fine timing and wit  the behind-the-scenes filmmaking sections in Their Finest are delightful, note-perfect sendups  and while her visuals tend to be overly buffed, shes more ambitious with her performers, who retain their rough, human edges.
But mainly he sold drugs, always with the same cadre of friends in the fenced courtyard behind 350 East 143rd Street. He operated independently of other dealers and often fought with them, the police said. He sold whatever he wanted; he sold to whomever he wanted, Detective Rosa said. There were no rules in his game.

Mr. Thomass sister said he enjoyed intimidating rivals. He was a never-back-down type of person, she said. I dont feel like anybody really liked him. They feared him. That was the problem. They feared him.

His pugnacity led to trouble. In July 2011, Mr. Thomas became embroiled in a fight with Jamel Fielder, then 21, a diminutive man from the Patterson Houses known as Pee-wee. Mr. Thomas stripped Mr. Fielder of a gun near the Mott Haven Houses and shot him in the buttocks as he ran away, the police said.

A month later, Mr. Fielder ambushed Mr. Thomas as he emerged from a pizza shop, shooting him eight times as he crossed the street, the police said. Mr. Thomas collapsed on a metal bench, a half-eaten pizza slice still in his hand, according to the police and the account of a witness. Doctors could remove only six of the slugs, and Mr. Thomas was left with long scars on his torso and arms. (Mr. Fielder was charged with attempted murder but later pleaded guilty to gun possession and received a two-year prison sentence.)

After the attack, Mr. Thomass mother tried to be moved to an apartment in a different project, arguing that her family had been traumatized. But she was never relocated. Once her son recovered, he went right back to selling in the courtyard, she said, despite her pleas.

In September 2015, Mr. Thomas again became a shooting victim. It happened after he accused another person in his circle of having been an informant in a federal drug case and took a swipe at him with a knife, according to one witness. The man shot Mr. Thomas in the leg, leaving him with a limp.

Though the police arrested a suspect in the shooting, Mr. Thomas refused to testify and the charges were eventually dropped, the police said. He told me, I say something, theyll come and kill me and all of us, his mother recalled.
When a top Justice Department official called him on March 10 to ask for his resignation, Mr. Bharara said he thought it was a mistake. He said it took nearly 24 hours before Justice Department officials could finally tell him whether the president actually wanted him fired.

Literally, no one was giving us an answer to that question, Mr. Bharara said.

Mr. Bharara spoke to The New York Times on Monday, his first day as a distinguished scholar in residence at New York University School of Law. On Thursday night, he is to deliver a lecture at The Cooper Union in Manhattan.

He said he was uncertain about his plans, but reiterated that he had no interest in seeking public office. He has had some time to contemplate life after being a prosecutor; in the interview, he said he initially expected that, like all United States attorneys, he would be asked to resign once Mr. Trump took office, a request that he said would have been perfectly appropriate.

His expectations began to change on Nov. 16, when he said he received a call from Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, for whom he had once worked as chief counsel and who had recommended him to Mr. Obama for the United States attorney post.

Mr. Schumer told Mr. Bharara he had gotten a call from Mr. Trump during which the president-elect said he wanted Mr. Bharara to stay on. That led to a meeting on Nov. 30, on the 26th floor at Trump Tower. Jared Kushner, Mr. Trumps son-in-law, and Stephen K. Bannon, his chief strategist, were waiting, Mr. Bharara said.

When Mr. Trump entered the room 10 to 15 minutes later, Mr. Bharara recalled, he quipped, This guy gets better press than me. Mr. Trump said he had read for years about the offices work under Mr. Bharara, and praised its accomplishments.

Mr. Bharara said he spoke briefly about his office, emphasizing that it prized its independence, and that he presumed that was why Mr. Trump wanted him to stay. He would be honored, he said he told Mr. Trump, to continue in the job.
The problem with turning 107, Joe Binder said, is that you cant work no more.

Mr. Binder turns 107 on Saturday, but he had the confidence to celebrate early during his regular Wednesday lunch at Marios on Arthur Avenue, the main drag in Belmont, a longstanding Italian neighborhood in the Bronx.

Until a few years ago, Mr. Binder was holding down two jobs. By day, he tended the Marios parking lot. By night, while working as a waiter of sorts, an occupational hazard upended his routine.

I was working as a house boy in a local gambling joint, serving coffee for the guys playing cards, he recalled. But the secondhand cigarette smoke was killing me.

Experiencing shortness of breath, he moved out of his apartment in the area and into an assisted living center nearby. Not that this, or his early retirement, put a dent in Mr. Binders social life on Arthur Avenue.
To the Editor:

Picked to Clean Up Graft, Now Accused of It Himself (news article, March 29) says the recent arrest of an Afghan general is a setback in efforts to fight official corruption. Maj. Gen. M. Moein Faqirs arrest should be seen as a victory in Afghanistans aggressive efforts to prosecute corruption.

Under President Ashraf Ghani, the government has made eradicating corruption a national priority, something the public overwhelmingly supports. Several high-ranking security officials have been prosecuted since the creation last year of the first-ever anti-corruption commission and anti-corruption justice center.

President Ghani heads a new high council that has compelled more than 90 percent of state officials, the president included, to publicly declare their assets.

Afghanistan has a new chief justice and attorney general committed to the rule of law, and more than 500 judges and prosecutors have been replaced; 25 percent of customs officials have been fired and numerous money-laundering cases prosecuted. A new National Procurement Authority has saved $350 million by scrutinizing fuel, food and construction contracts.
When asked Wednesday during a news conference with King Abdullah II of Jordan whether the chemical attack this week crossed a red line, Trump said: It crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, babies, little babies, with a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was, that crosses many many lines, beyond a red line. Many many lines.

He continued: Its very, very possible, and I will tell you its already happened, that my attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much.

But changed from what? From the soft pedal of a few days ago that may have provided cover for this attack, or from previous statements in which he warned that America should stay out of Syria?

To change a position, one must start from an established position. Trump is all over the place like a spider playing Twister. During the news conference, he said that he was a flexible person, but I believe him to be an obtuse one.

During the news conference, a reporter asked:

If I may, Mr. President: You know very well that the Iranian militias and Hezbollah have been propping the Syrian regime for a while, over a few years now. Will you go after them? What message will you give them today? And will you work with the Russians to stop, to ground, the Syrian Air Force and to establish safe zones?

Actually, it was clear that the president didnt know very well. In fact, he seemed lost by the question. So instead of answering, he opened an attack on the Iran nuclear deal and ISIS.

The reporter had to point out the ridiculousness of the answer: But sir, Im talking about the Iranian militias in Syria supporting the Syrian regime, separate of the nuclear deal. What message do you have for them today? Caught in his ignorance, Trump clumsily responded: You will see. They will have a message. You will see what the message will be, O.K.
The German first lady, not unlike her American counterpart, is the woman at his side, as many media outlets like to put it. She is active, but in a way that postwar Germany would have approved of, too. Traditionally, shes the patron of the Muttergenesungswerk, a charitable organization founded by Elly Heuss-Knapp, Germanys first first lady, which is dedicated to the health of mothers. Horst Kohler, the president from 2004 to 2010, and his wife, Eva Luise, for example, started a foundation for rare diseases. The first lady is in charge of organizing the presidents New Years reception and other tasks that comply with traditional female role requirements such as caretaking, tending and accommodating.

All of this is based on mere convention. The first lady has no constitutional role. The fact that she is acting as a state official equipped with an office, assistant and staffer could actually raise some difficult legal questions, as Sophie Schonberger, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Konstanz, recently noted in the Suddeutsche Zeitung, picking up on the question raised in the United States over whether Mrs. Trump should be paid. Or, as Norbert Lammert, president of the German Parliament, put it during Mr. Steinmeiers inauguration, addressing Ms. Budenbender: Yours is an office which, according to our Constitution, doesnt exist. Its as though he was trying to squeeze womens history into one sentence: Women have always managed without holding an office, acted without recognition, worked without pay, existed outside the written.

Theres a broad consensus in Germany that this must stop  despite recent attempts by populists to discredit the feminist agenda. In the past decade, German governments and Germanys civil society have invested considerable energy and money in promoting womens labor-market participation and visibility in the public sphere. The thing is: All of the political energy invested in setting up quotas and all the money poured into day care and shared parental leave have really not changed that much.

Which brings me back to whether the unofficial office of first lady represents Germany as it is. The answer is clearly yes.
When I write about people struggling with addictions or homelessness, liberals exude sympathy while conservatives respond with snarling hostility to losers who make bad choices.

When I write about voters who supported President Trump, its the reverse: Now its liberals who respond with venom, hoping that Trump voters suffer for their bad choice.

I absolutely despise these people, one woman tweeted at me after I interviewed Trump voters. Truly the worst of humanity. To hell with every one of them.

Maybe we all need a little more empathy?

I wrote my last column from Oklahoma, highlighting voters who had supported Trump and now find that he wants to cut programs that had helped them. One woman had recovered from a rape with the help of a womens center that stands to lose funding, another said that she would sit home and die without a job program facing cutbacks, and so on. Yet every one of them was still behind Trump  and that infuriated my readers.
One hundred years ago today, Congress voted to enter what was then the largest and bloodiest war in history. Four days earlier, President Woodrow Wilson had sought to unite a sharply divided populace with a stirring claim that the nation is privileged to spend her blood and her might for the principles that gave her birth and happiness and the peace which she has treasured. The war lasted only another year and a half, but in that time, an astounding 117,000 American soldiers were killed and 202,000 wounded.

Still, most Americans know little about why the United States fought in World War I, or why it mattered. The Great War that tore apart Europe and the Middle East and took the lives of over 17 million people worldwide lacks the high drama and moral gravity of the Civil War and World War II, in which the very survival of the nation seemed at stake.

World War I is less easy to explain. America intervened nearly three years after it began, and the doughboys, as our troops were called, engaged in serious combat for only a few months. More Americans in uniform died away from the battlefield  thousands from the Spanish flu  than with weapons in hand. After victory was achieved, Wilsons audacious hope of making a peace that would advance democracy and national self-determination blew up in his face when the Senate refused to ratify the treaty he had signed at the Palace of Versailles.

But attention should be paid. Americas decision to join the Allies was a turning point in world history. It altered the fortunes of the war and the course of the 20th century  and not necessarily for the better. Its entry most likely foreclosed the possibility of a negotiated peace among belligerent powers that were exhausted from years mired in trench warfare.
Stephen K. Bannon, the architect of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency, is a man with a lot of ideas. He believes that Western civilization is locked in an existential battle with the barbarians at the gates, that nationalists must wrest control from the aloof and corrupt globalist elite, and that America is a once great nation shackled by welfare for both the poor and the wealthy. It was a version of this narrative, market-tested on Breitbart News, that carried Mr. Trump to the presidency. One way to understand Trumpism is as applied Bannonism. The first few months of President Trumps term have been an attempt to put all of that theory into practice, and by any reasonable standard, that attempt has failed.

As it turns out, theres a difference between spinning yarns and the careful needlework of piecing together policy and political coalitions.

The travel ban was Mr. Bannons first high-profile defeat. The hastily written and sloppily executed executive order, intended to halt immigration and travel from seven Middle Eastern countries, was immediately met by widespread protests. Mr. Bannon attempted to spin this as a feature, not a bug, an attempt to provoke opposition from the right set of enemies, but even nominal allies recoiled from the bans capriciousness. Worse, the executive order was quickly halted by the courts, and even a revised version has not yet been able to pass muster with the judiciary.

Mr. Bannons most recent defeat is his removal from the National Security Council. As with the travel ban, he and his allies attempted to cast this as part of the plan. In his telling, he had taken a place on the council only to undo the work of Susan Rice, President Obamas national security adviser; his allies said he was there to monitor Michael Flynn, the first national security adviser under President Trump. With those tasks accomplished, his work on the council was done. These explanations were quickly countered by leaks that portrayed Mr. Bannon as the loser of an internal power struggle, a depiction implicitly confirmed by leaks from his own camp.
The Obama administration made the right call in 2015 when it barred debt collectors from gouging borrowers who default on student loans and then agree to payment plans that let them make good on the debt and rebuild their ruined credit.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, showing more concern for the lending industry  which is essentially on the federal dole  than the borrowers the industry ought to serve, recently rescinded the directive, allowing the companies, known as guaranty agencies, to charge a predatory 16 percent fee on the debt.

Federal student loan defaults are dragging on the economy  making it impossible for people to buy cars or homes  and are increasingly following people into old age, where their Social Security benefits are being garnished for loan payments.

People who default often do so because they do not know about income-based repayment plans that might cost as little as zero dollars per month. The guaranty agencies, which collect defaulted federally guaranteed loans made through banks, share some responsibility. But the loan servicers, which collect direct student loans and are supposed to guide people through the repayment process, can be especially destructive.
To the Editor:

Re American Envoy Calls U.N. Human Rights Council Corrupt  (news article, March 30):

As a longtime participant in United Nations deliberations on behalf of the private sector  which has not always enjoyed a warm welcome in the organization  I think that it is always better to be at the table than to walk away.

For us, this is important because the United Nations and its member governments are looking to business to make important contributions on climate change, human rights and many other challenges.

But I agree with Ambassador Nikki Haley that it is entirely appropriate for the United States, as the world bodys biggest funder, to apply some tough love.

In my view, some United Nations agencies, including the Human Rights Council, may need to be reformed so that they align with the expectations of United States taxpayers and better reflect the global consensus in favor of strong protection of human rights.
In an April 2 Washington Post story (Trumps budget would hit rural towns especially hard  but theyre willing to trust him), Jenna Johnson wrote from deep red Durant, Okla.:

At the Boys and Girls Club in this rural city in southern Oklahoma, the director is unsure how he will stay open if President Trumps proposed budget goes through, eliminating money for several staff positions. Similar conversations are happening at the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festivals after-school arts program, which relies on National Endowment for the Arts grants that Trump wants to eliminate. And at the county senior center, which already lost its state funding and could lose all or most of its federal funding, too. And at the Farm Service Center, which supports 1,200 local producers and is staffed with employees whose positions were targeted in the budget.

The predicament facing white conservatives is that after the enactment of civil rights laws, they have found it difficult, if not impossible, to structure programs to benefit the white working class and poor without also benefiting disadvantaged African-Americans and Hispanics.

Until now, the Tea Party-era Republican response has been to press for across the board cuts in safety net programs.

The recent pressure within the Republican Party to respond with greater immediacy to the needs of the white working class has increased interest in programs that direct more of the benefits of the modern welfare state to white Republican loyalists  often described as deserving  and fewer benefits to the minority and immigrant population.

Such programs are described as social policy by stealth by Rainer-Olaf Schultze, Roland Sturm and Dagmar Eberle in their chapter in Conservative Parties and Right-Wing Politics in North America: Reaping the Benefits of an Ideological Victory.

Rather than instituting new programs or terminating old ones, this strategy involved paring at the margins. Rules for access, eligibility and benefits were tightened up and adjusted,  they write, often through bureaucratic decisions kept out of the political limelight.

Conservatives, for example, often seek to achieve such ends by pushing for the replacement of federal programs with block grants to the states. The states are required to adopt race-blind rules, but at the state level it is far easier to approve work, drug testing or other restrictive requirements that frequently have the effect of eliminating more minority than white beneficiaries.
To the Editor:

Re Trump Suggests Bigger U.S. Role in Syria Conflict (front page, April 6):

President Trump described the chemical weapons attack this week in Syria, widely attributed to President Bashar al-Assad, as heinous. Apparently, he is now moved by the horrific images of innocent children, innocent babies gasping for air through poisonous gas.

But where was Mr. Trumps condemnation when Mr. Assads forces retook the city of Aleppo in December, a month after his own election? And why wasnt he moved to speak out by the viral image of 5-year-old Omran Daqneesh, his head and face crusted in blood, his eyes blank and tearless, as he sits in an ambulance after a Russian airstrike on Aleppo?

Instead, one of his first actions as president was to bar Syrian refugees from entering the United States. Perhaps Mr. Trumps latest words on Syria are nothing more than fake empathy.

SUZY SZASZ PALMER

RICHMOND, VA.

The writers mother was born in Aleppo in 1926.

To the Editor:

If the key to accessing President Trumps  I hesitate to say conscience, so lets say line, as in it crossed a lot of lines for me if the key is to show him pictures of dead children, I say, by all means, lets show him. Lets show pictures of dead refugee children on a beach in Greece, young girls who died from back-street abortions in Alabama, tiny famine victims in South Sudan, a dead child caught in crossfire in a New York City playground. We have a whole dismal portfolio for you, Mr. Trump, and you wont believe how complicated it is.

KATHY HIEATT, BROOKLYN

To the Editor:

Re The President Stands Up for OReilly (Business Day, April 6):

Perhaps in an attempt to create a diversion from the story of the banishment of Stephen Bannon from the National Security Council, President Trump has gone out of his way to defend Bill OReilly, telling The Times, I dont think Bill did anything wrong. Does he have some secret knowledge about the actions of Mr. OReilly that support this claim, or is the claim based upon Mr. Trumps belief that the conduct of which Mr. Reilly has been accused is not improper?
MEXICO CITY  The United States invasion of Mexico in 1846 inflicted a painful wound that, in the 170 years that followed, turned into a scar. Donald Trump has torn it open again.

Among the many lies that he has constructed, none is more ridiculous than his attempt to contradict history by presenting the United States as a victim of Mexico, a country that supposedly steals jobs, imposes onerous treaties and sends its bad hombres across the border.

To confront this fake history, some Mexicans are proposing to remind Mr. Trump exactly what country was the first victim of American imperialism. They are calling for a lawsuit that would aim to nullify the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (signed on Feb. 2, 1848), in which Mexico  invaded by American soldiers, its capital occupied, its ports and customs stations seized  was forced to accept the American annexation of Texas and concede more than half the rest of Mexican territory, now including most of the states of Arizona, New Mexico and California.

Image The last page of The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo with signatures and official seals. Credit... Hispanic Reading Room, Hispanic Division, Library of Congress

This effort is being led by Cuauhtemoc Cardenas, the elder statesman of the Mexican left. Mr. Cardenas is convinced that the Mexican government  especially given the need to confront Mr. Trumps aggression  has a solid legal case. In his opinion, the 1848 treaty violates essential international legal norms and a case can be brought before the International Court of Justice, proposing reparations and indemnification. And even if one admits the legal validity of much of the treaty, there are a number of crucial articles  such as those dealing with citizenship, property and the security of 100,000 Mexicans who remained on what became American territory  that have been ignored from the beginning.
 As Mr. Trump heads to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Chinas president, why his No. 1 complaint about China makes for better politics than economics. Peter Goodman joins to discuss.

Background reading:

 In his interview with Ms. Haberman and Mr. Thrush, Mr. Trump suggested, without evidence, that Susan E. Rice had committed a crime.

 Mr. Goodman writes about Mr. Trumps view of trade deficits.

Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if that isnt enough, we can even text.

How do I listen?

If you dont see an audio player on this page or to subscribe to The Daily for free, follow the instructions below.

On your iPhone or iPad:

Open the preloaded app called Podcasts; it has a purple icon. If youre reading this from your phone, tap this link, which will take you straight there. (You can also use the magnifying glass icon to search; type The Daily.)
Besides, Williamsburg was changing so rapidly that street pictures were quickly outdated.

Mr. Buchanan encountered a one-bedroom for rent in a South Williamsburg condo building, Williamsberry, on Berry Street, but was deterred by its location, near the base of the Williamsburg Bridge.

He liked a new rental building, 456 Grand in East Williamsburg, but the smallest apartment available was a one-bedroom for a bit more than $3,000. This one-bedroom was way bigger than I needed, he said. I couldnt really justify the price. That might sound like a couple of extra hundred bucks, but that stuff adds up.

He contacted the Ice Cream Factory, a 23-unit rental building on Berry Street that opened over the summer, and heard from Charles Fontana Machado, a salesman at Citi Habitats and a leasing agent there. Mr. Buchanan was unaware of the buildings location near the Williamsburg Bridge, just across the street from Williamsberry. But the location was moot  the buildings four studios had long since been rented, and the last one-bedroom had just been rented, too.

Mr. Machado, however, offered to line up some similar options.

By now, Mr. Buchanan knew that a one-bedroom was unnecessary. In his Arlington apartment, which rented for $2,100, I was always in my bedroom, he said. I would never go out to my living room. He knew that New Yorkers managed in one-bedrooms with spouses and children. I see other people  all I need is a studio.

So he declined a $3,000 one-bedroom for rent in a small, boutique condominium with no amenities.

Mr. Machado also suggested the 82-unit Williams on South Fifth Street, a new building not unlike the Ice Cream Factory but bigger and with more amenities. The local subway stop was the Marcy Avenue station on the J/M/Z line, rather than Williamsburgs popular L train, which is facing a shutdown for construction.
Coleoid cephalopods, a group encompassing octopuses, squid and cuttlefish, are the most intelligent invertebrates: Octopuses can open jars, squid communicate with their own Morse code and cuttlefish start learning to identify prey when theyre just embryos.

In fact, coleoids are the only animal lineage that has really achieved behavioral sophistication other than vertebrates, said Joshua Rosenthal, a senior scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. This sophistication could be related to a quirk in how their genes work, according to new research from Dr. Rosenthal and Eli Eisenberg, a biophysicist at Tel Aviv University.

In the journal Cell on Thursday, the scientists reported that octopuses, squid and cuttlefish make extensive use of RNA editing, a genetic process thought to have little functional significance in most other animals, to diversify proteins in their nervous system. And natural selection seems to have favored RNA editing in coleoids, even though it potentially slows the DNA-based evolution that typically helps organisms acquire beneficial adaptations over time.
By now, youve probably heard about advertising problems on Googles YouTube video service. The quick recap: It seems Googles automated ad system is dropping ads for well-known brands into videos posted by extremist organizations and other questionable material.

In some instances, those advertisers worry they are inadvertently supporting fringe groups because of a revenue-sharing plan that splits ad fees between Google and whoever posts content to YouTube.

Not surprisingly, YouTube is trying to fix the problem with these programmatic ads. But to critics of online ads, the problems on YouTube are just the latest example of an advertising system that is at best not as effective as its proponents say and at worst, well, offering financial support to extremist organizations.
As the chairman of Ferragamo USA, Massimo Ferragamo, 59, the youngest son of the founder of the fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo, has strong roots in fashion, but recently, hes unexpectedly found a second career in the world of hospitality. In 2003, Mr. Ferragamo, prompted by his penchant for Tuscan wine, purchased Castiglion del Bosco  an 800-year-old, 5,000-acre estate in Montalcino, Tuscany  and spent five years transforming the property into an upscale resort.

Mr. Ferragamo spends several months a year in Tuscany and spoke to The New York Times recently about his love of the region. Below are edited excerpts from the interview.

What gave you the idea you to turn Castiglion del Bosco into a resort?

I wanted to get involved in producing wine in Tuscany because I have always loved Tuscan wines, especially Brunellos, and a friend of mine heard that the property was for sale and took me to see it. It was a massive estate that was somewhat run-down, and the vineyards were only 150 acres out of 5,000. The best use of the land was to turn it into a resort, so thats what I ended up doing.

Tuscany is a well-traversed destination. What are some hidden gems?

Definitely Punta Ala, a town set on the Tyrrhenian Sea. I grew up going there in the summers with my family, and it has incredible sailing and a nice beach. Then, in the countryside, there are the most charming villages around Monte Amiata, which are untouched by time, like Abbadia San Salvatore and Piancastagnaio. And around the villages you have pristine pastureland thats rich with chestnut trees.
And come they have, to hidden-away gems like Ninth Street Espresso off the lobby of the Lombardy Hotel; Tobys Estate, at a stall in the UrbanSpace in Vanderbilt Market; and the San Francisco import Blue Bottle, with a location buried in the dim concourse of Rockefeller Center.

On a nondescript stretch of Lexington Avenue between East 55th and 56th Streets sits Little Collins, a tiny Australian-style cafe with a United Nations menu of sandwiches (gyro, country ham, schnitzel) and de rigueur Down Under coffee drinks including the flat white (steamed milk poured over espresso) and the piccolo (think of a baby latte). Before Leon Unglik opened the cafe in 2013, he was a corporate lawyer in Midtown and was quite depressed by his coffee options.
Focus on the causes of the trade deficit, not the number

Mr. Trump has similarly assailed the United States trade deficit with China and other countries, often characterizing it as a scorecard, evidence that China is winning at trade and the United States losing, to the tune of $310 billion a year.

The reality is more nuanced. The persistent trade deficit is indeed problematic, but thats because of the factors that drive it and the imbalances they cause to build. Simply targeting a lower trade deficit could well leave both American and Chinese workers worse off, if carried out the wrong way. For example, a trade war that significantly reduces American imports from China while also reducing American exports to China would reduce the trade deficit but would mean lower incomes and fewer jobs in both countries.

The U.S.-China trade imbalance is indeed driven in part by trade barriers that China enacts against American companies, including a 25 percent tariff on imported automobiles and various quotas and restrictions that reduce agricultural imports. If Mr. Trump can persuade China to loosen those restrictions, it might close the trade deficit by increasing American exports  the healthy kind of trade rebalancing.

But the trade gap isnt driven just by the details of trade arrangements. It is also driven by the flow of capital between countries. To oversimplify, when a company sells more abroad than it buys, it has to do something with that money.

The flip side of a current account deficit, as an economist might put it, is a capital account surplus. Chinas trade imbalances are a function not only of its trade practices, but also of its very high levels of savings, which are in turn invested around the world.

For China to change that, it would have to change the very structure of its economy: away from savings and big-ticket infrastructure investments, and toward consumer demand  including for products made both domestically and abroad.

If the Trump administration really wants the trade deficit with China to come down over time, its not enough to look at only one side of the international economic ledger  flows of goods  while ignoring the flow of capital.
For decades, hundreds of boys suffered abuse and neglect at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, a reform school in the Florida panhandle that closed in 2011.

On Tuesday, the victims and their families received an apology from one Florida lawmaker as the states legislature discussed a bill that would express official regret.

I cannot say with enough heartfelt remorse that its taken this long for a legislature, with all the evidence that is before us, to come forth and apologize for what has to be one of the blackest moments on our history, Richard Corcoran, a Republican and Floridas speaker of the house, said in a news conference.

The House heard from men who had endured abuses at the school on the same day the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a resolution for the official apology. A vote is expected later this month, and the measure is expected to pass.
In New York, there was talk of raids on trains headed to the Bronx and in Queens, and of checkpoints on Long Island  all later deemed false. In Kansas City, unsubstantiated word of roundups outside churches kept some people from going to Mass.

Any smidgen of information just spreads like wildfire, said Doris Meissner, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research group based in Washington.

This is the story of one such report, and how it spread, hour by hour. It is based on interviews with local activists, officials and residents, many of whom refused to be identified because they or their family members are not here legally or they fear retribution.

What was certain: a conversation overheard in a restaurant was quickly amplified and eventually sent much of this community into full-scale panic.

What no one knew for sure was whether it was true.

Noon, Monday, March 27

A woman from Guatemala who works in a Brockton restaurant overhears customers say that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are planning a raid Tuesday or Wednesday, according to Isabel Lopez, a community organizer who works in Brockton and knows the woman.
In the waning days of a high school career, it is an aspirational feat: gaining acceptance to not one, not two, but all eight Ivy League schools.

This year, at least three high school seniors in the country have already gone public with what has been nicknamed the Ivy League Sweep: Ifeoma White-Thorpe, of Denville, N.J., Cassandra Hsiao, of Walnut, Calif., and Martin Altenburg, of Fargo, N.D.

But despite the attention, experts say its unlikely that the number of sweeps has gone up significantly. Rather, it is the opportunity to promote the accomplishment on social media that is leading high achievers to publicize their feat. The news media takes care of the rest.

I will tell you that because social media makes these things more visible to reporters, theres a sense that this is happening more, said Aba Blankson, a spokeswoman for the Common Application, a standardized form that allows students to send one basic application to many different institutions.
America stood still that day  Feb. 20, 1962  as John Glenn, a Marine pilot, climbed into the Mercury capsule, named the Friendship 7, sitting on the launchpad at Cape Canaveral in Florida.

In a flight that took about five hours, Mr. Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. In that short time, he became a hero to his generation and those that followed.

After the flight, Mr. Glenn was honored by the White House, on Broadway and around country. He became a symbol of can-do spirit, lifting morale and restoring self-confidence at a time when many felt that the United States was falling behind the Soviet Union.
WASHINGTON  The continuing fallout from President Trumps unsubstantiated wiretapping allegation cost him another ally on Thursday, as the embattled Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee announced he would step aside from his panels investigation into Russias efforts to disrupt last years election.

The announcement from the committees chairman, Representative Devin Nunes of California, came shortly before the House Committee on Ethics said he was under investigation because of public reports that he may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information.

Mr. Nuness recusal from the Russia inquiry was a blow to Mr. Trump, who in less than three months in office has seen the imbroglio over Russias disruption campaign exact political damage on some of his closest advisers and most vigorous supporters. The furor over the contacts that some of the presidents aides had with Russian officials has already led to the firing of Michael T. Flynn, Mr. Trumps national security adviser, and the recusal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions from overseeing the F.B.I.s inquiry into the Russian efforts.

Now it has led to the recusal of Mr. Nunes from the House Intelligence Committees Russia investigation, and Mr. Trump faces the potential revival of that inquiry. The investigation had descended into a partisan sideshow in the two weeks since Mr. Nunes told reporters that Trump associates had been swept up in surveillance of foreign officials by American spy agencies during the transition, citing intelligence reports that were classified.
WASHINGTON  The conventional Washington wisdom dictates that the end of the judicial filibuster is also the end of life as it is currently known in the Senate.

In truth, it may not make that much of a difference at all. In an unexpected way, it may well herald the beginning of a better era for the Senate.

The Senate Republicans successful effort on Thursday to end the 60-vote threshold to proceed with confirmation of Supreme Court nominees was really only the final step in a process set in motion by Democrats in 2013, when they removed that threshold for other nominees.

That set off a far bigger firestorm, and Republicans have now simply extended that precedent.

Republicans are quick to point out  and many Democrats privately agree  that had former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won the White House last year and Democrats taken the Senate, a similar confrontation would have been likely in the other direction, and that Democrats might have needed to take the same step Republicans took to confirm any Supreme Court nominee Mrs. Clinton had chosen.
WASHINGTON  Senate Republicans on Thursday engineered a dramatic change in how the chamber confirms Supreme Court nominations, bypassing a Democratic blockade of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch in a move that will most likely reshape both the Senate and the court.

After Democrats held together Thursday morning and filibustered President Trumps nominee, Republicans voted to lower the threshold for advancing Supreme Court nominations from 60 votes to a simple majority.

In deploying this so-called nuclear option, lawmakers are fundamentally altering the way the Senate handles one of its most significant duties, further limiting the minoritys power in a chamber that was designed to be a slower and more deliberative body than the House.

The move, once unthinkable among senators, is a testament to the creeping partisan rancor in recent years, after decades of at least relative bipartisanship on Supreme Court matters. Both parties have warned of sweeping effects on the court itself, predicting the elevation of more ideologically extreme judges now that only a majority is required for confirmation.
In addition to the top officials and immediate family it is required by statute to protect, the agency is also providing round-the-clock protective details to the spouses and children of Mr. Trumps adult children, as well as to several of his top aides, including Reince Priebus, H. R. McMaster and Kellyanne Conway, at the presidents request. The numbers are likely to ease a tiny bit this summer, when former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his wife, along with Mr. Obamas eldest daughter, are expected to lose regular protection.

With so many of the new protectees living in New York, former Secret Service officials said the agency might eventually set up a fully staffed branch of the presidential protection division there, relocating agents from across the country.

For now, though, as it awaits a potential move to Washington by Mrs. Trump and Mr. Trumps youngest son, Barron, the agency has elected instead to fly agents in from around the country, as it would during a campaign or for a large security event. Doing so for a routine nonelection detail is less common and means the agency is paying for hotel rooms, transportation and living expenses  at Manhattan prices  the officials said.

The agency is also renting space inside Trump Tower for offices and temporary sleeping quarters, two officials said, though the details of the transaction have not been made public.

The New York field office appears to have been particularly hard hit. Of the dozens of agents stationed there, a third are involved in protection on a given day. That has diminished for now the kind of protective intelligence, financial crime and cybercrime cases that normally make up the bulk of their work, according to a former agency official briefed on its staffing. Such investigative work is seen within the agency as crucial to not only building agents skills and combating crime, but also sharpening their protection abilities.

Essentially the Secret Service is in a campaign mode all of the time right now, said James F. Tomsheck, who left the agency in 2006 after 23 years. It will greatly degrade the quality of life for most agents in the Secret Service, because of increased travel, protracted periods of time away from family.
WASHINGTON  The C.I.A. told senior lawmakers in classified briefings last summer that it had information indicating that Russia was working to help elect Donald J. Trump president, a finding that did not emerge publicly until after Mr. Trumps victory months later, former government officials say.

The briefings indicate that intelligence officials had evidence of Russias intentions to help Mr. Trump much earlier in the presidential campaign than previously thought. The briefings also reveal a critical split last summer between the C.I.A. and counterparts at the F.B.I., where a number of senior officials continued to believe through last fall that Russias cyberattacks were aimed primarily at disrupting Americas political system, and not at getting Mr. Trump elected, according to interviews.

The former officials said that in late August  10 weeks before the election  John O. Brennan, then the C.I.A. director, was so concerned about increasing evidence of Russias election meddling that he began a series of urgent, individual briefings for eight top members of Congress, some of them on secure phone lines while they were on their summer break.

It is unclear what new intelligence might have prompted the classified briefings. But with concerns growing both internally and publicly at the time about a significant Russian breach of the Democratic National Committee, the C.I.A. began seeing signs of possible connections to the Trump campaign, the officials said. By the campaigns final weeks, Congress and the intelligence agencies were racing to understand the scope of the Russia threat.
MOGADISHU, Somalia  The newly elected president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, declared war on the Shabab militant group on Thursday and offered amnesty to fighters, whom he referred to as brainwashed youth, if they surrendered within 60 days.

The country is in a state of war, said Mr. Mohamed, widely known by his nickname, Farmajo.

We want to attack them and liberate the areas they are in, Mr. Mohamed said, referring to the Shabab militants.

His announcement came just over a week after President Trump signed a directive that declared parts of Somalia an area of active hostilities. The order temporarily relaxes some rules for preventing civilian casualties when the American military carries out counterterrorism strikes in Somalia.

Somalia has been marred by severe draughts, terrorism, corruption and a new spike in piracy.

In the face of those challenges, the presidents cabinet on Thursday replaced the chief commanders of the army, the police and national intelligence, as well as the mayor of Mogadishu, the capital. The shake-up was greeted with skepticism among Mogadishu residents.
We are confronting a natural disaster caused by climate change, he said. We need to prepare because the rains that are coming will be more intense.

The wreckage in Peru points to an even larger problem in this part of the world: Years of economic expansion in Latin America have spurred migration and development, but these changes have not been buttressed by preparation for even the most basic natural disasters.

Peru is a prime example, experts say. Growth since the early 2000s drew thousands from rural areas to coastal desert towns and into new settlements on the outskirts of Lima looking for jobs. Many of the newcomers founded squatters towns on the fringes of cities.

Leopoldo Monzon, a civil engineer and urban planning expert in Peru, said many of these areas had long been unsettled precisely because they were susceptible to flash flooding. Yet some politicians developed the lands in exchange for votes from the new arrivals.

They never thought there would be such a flood, said Mr. Monzon, who estimates that more than 100,000 people now live in flash flooding zones around Lima alone.

Making matters worse, meteorologists say, is the arrival of a localized El Nino event, a sudden rise in ocean temperature in the Pacific, which this year has happened off the coast of South America. Normally scorched mountain towns have faced devastating mudslides, while residents of Lima, the capital, were cut off from water for five days after pumps were inundated.

The flash flooding in Peru even has a local name, huaycos, a Quechua word referring to the dry valleys where the severe floods appear without warning.
HONG KONG  Reporters Without Borders, which advocates press freedom, announced on Thursday that it would open its first Asian bureau in Taipei, Taiwans capital, rather than in Hong Kong, which is increasingly under Chinas sway.

Hong Kong was the place where we originally wanted to open an office in Asia, Christophe Deloire, the groups secretary general, said in an email, adding, It is not so easy now to run activities from there.

Mr. Deloire said that the Paris-based organization, also known as Reporters Sans Frontieres, decided against Hong Kong because of a lack of legal certainty for our entity and activities. He also cited the possibility that staff members would be put under surveillance.

The announcement is a reversal of fortune for both Hong Kong and Taiwan. When Reporters Without Borders was founded in 1985, Hong Kong was a British colony with a high degree of press freedom, while Taiwan was at the tail end of four decades of martial law.
MANILA  President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines ordered his countrys military on Thursday to deploy in areas of the South China Sea that are claimed by the Philippines. The step was a significant departure from Mr. Dutertes previous policy of not antagonizing China, which claims most of the sea.

Mr. Duterte said during a visit to a military headquarters on Palawan Island that he would personally raise the Philippine flag on Pag-asa Island on June 12, the countrys Independence Day.

Pag-asa, also known as Thitu, is one of the Spratly Islands, an archipelago of about 14 islets and dozens of reefs and shoals scattered near the middle of the South China Sea. China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the archipelago, which has no native population. They are west of Palawan Island.

The Philippines occupies nine of the roughly 50 islands and reefs that it claims in the Spratlys, including Pag-asa. In recent years, China has moved aggressively to advance its own claims in the sea by building shoals into artificial islands and putting military and other facilities on them. Vietnam and Taiwan also occupy some islands and reefs in the archipelago.
LONDON  A British man who took his daughter out of school without permission to visit Disney World in Florida broke the law and must pay a penalty, the British Supreme Court ruled on Thursday.

The case has been heavily debated in Britain, pitting as it did the rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit against stiff truancy laws in a nation where school attendance is compulsory.

The father, Jon Platt, had argued that the governments case represented a vast overreach by the nanny state.

You are not the final arbiter of whats right for your child, he said.

The Supreme Courts 18-page ruling overturned two lower courts decisions in favor of Mr. Platt, finding that he had no right to take his daughter out of school without a valid reason, such as illness.
From Amsterdam to New York, London to Havana, Dutch men across the world held hands this week to show solidarity with a gay couple who say they were brutally beaten in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

The outpouring of support came after the married couple, Jasper Vernes-Sewratan and Ronnie Sewratan-Vernes, said they were attacked by a gang of youths while holding hands on their way home from a party early Sunday.

According to a statement the Arnhem police posted on Facebook, the two said they had been attacked by men wielding bolt cutters; one had some of his teeth smashed out.
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia  The Russian security services disarmed an explosive device and detained eight people on Thursday in connection with a suicide attack on a metro train that killed 13 people on Monday.

The investigative committee, which is leading an inquiry into the bombing, said in a statement that six men were detained in St. Petersburg and two in Moscow. It said the explosive device, found in an apartment in St. Petersburg, was identical to the one the suicide bomber, Akbarzhon A. Dzhalilov, planted at the Vosstaniya Square station before he blew himself up between the Sennaya Square and the Technology Institute stations. The bomb at the Vosstaniya Square station was disarmed by a security officer before it could detonate.

Despite the arrests, it remains unclear whether Mr. Dzhalilov acted alone or as part of a wider network of militants.

The news added to an already tense atmosphere in St. Petersburg, the second-biggest city in Russia, which until Monday had been spared from any large-scale terrorist attacks.
Theres good reason for the caution: M.E. and E.K. are members of the Gulen movement, the vast and shadowy Islamic organization once allied with Mr. Erdogan, but now his hated enemy.

The government has hunted and jailed tens of thousands of the groups members, accusing them of leading the failed effort to oust the president last summer. And even the mere suspicion of association with the movement is cause enough for arrest or harassment.

Many in Turkey feel little pity for the Gulenists. For years, the groups members kept a firm grip on the countrys justice system and education sector. And when they were still allied with the government, their cadres in the judiciary were accused of persecuting secular soldiers and politicians in a purge that draws comparisons to Mr. Erdogans crackdown today.

The government describes the Gulen movement as a carefully structured conspiracy with a secret leadership that aims to infiltrate and take over the Turkish bureaucracy, and even those of the dozens of foreign nations, like the United States, where it owns schools.

For its part, the Gulen organization has maintained that it is simply a charitable group with no formal hierarchy, one that works to foster peace and interfaith dialogue and provide education.
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has gone to great lengths to cultivate an image of authority and masculinity.

Photos showing him bare-chested and riding a horse have become an online meme. Other widely publicized pictures show him in scuba diving gear, carrying a rifle with a scope or taking down an opponent in martial arts.

So when a Russian named Alexander V. Tsvetkov posted photos and comments last year depicting Mr. Putin quite differently on VKontakte, the countrys largest social network, the authorities took notice.

The Central District Court of Tver ruled that a number of the images  including one depicting the Russian leader wearing lipstick, eye shadow and fake eyelashes  were extremist. Last month, the Justice Ministry took it a step further and updated its federal list of extremist materials. Offenders face a fine of up to 3,000 rubles ($53) or 15 days of administrative detention.
ISTANBUL  The poison used in the deadly chemical bomb attack in a rebel-held part of northern Syria this week was the banned nerve agent sarin, the Turkish Health Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement from Turkey, where many of the stricken Syrians were taken after the assault on Tuesday, was the most specific about the cause.

According to the results of preliminary tests, the statement said, patients were exposed to chemical material (Sarin).

Western countries have accused the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad of carrying out the chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province, which left scores dead and hundreds sickened in one of the worst atrocities so far in the six-year-old Syria war.
JERUSALEM  The Hamas militant movement on Thursday hanged three men it accused of collaborating with the Israeli authorities, during a broader crackdown in the Gaza Strip after the assassination of one of the groups top military leaders.

The three executed men were not said to be involved in the killing of the Hamas commander, Mazen Fuqaha, who was shot four times at close range in his car late last month. But Hamas has blamed Israel, and the executions were viewed as a warning against cooperating with Israelis.

Since Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, it has executed 25 people through its judicial system.
The victims of a bombing in northern Syria this week were exposed to sarin, a banned but easily manufactured poison that has been widely used in chemical weapons, Turkish officials who conducted autopsies on the victims said on Thursday.

What is sarin?

Sarin is a nerve agent, one of a class of chemical weapons that affect the brains ability to communicate with the bodys organs through the nervous system. It is a colorless, tasteless, odorless liquid that was first synthesized in Germany in 1938 as a potential pesticide.

Sarin is considered the most volatile of the nerve agents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means it can easily and quickly evaporate from a liquid into a vapor and spread into the environment.

Sarin vapor does not last long, but it can be deadly if inhaled. Contact with sarin liquid on exposed surfaces, in food, or in water can also be fatal. Its effects may strike quickly or be delayed after exposure.
WASHINGTON  President Trump said Thursday night that the United States had carried out a missile strike in Syria in response to the Syrian governments chemical weapons attack this week, which killed more than 80 civilians.

Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the air base in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched, Mr. Trump said in remarks at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.

Mr. Trump  who was accompanied by senior advisers, including Stephen K. Bannon, his chief strategist; Reince Priebus, his chief of staff; his daughter Ivanka Trump; and others  said his decision had been prompted in part by what he called the failures by the world community to respond effectively to the Syrian civil war.
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"You have something special and important here. Somehow you manage to teach and suggest and introduce the reader to concepts in a way that feels inclusive. Like, we're thinking about it together. Partly it might be because the subject, bottom-up, is innately understood by all of us and so it feels like you're stirring up stuff we already know. But also I think it's because you truly are practiced at connection consciousness and so it's natural for you (I'm guessing) to write about it with a desire to include us. As a reader I was learning more because it feels like you're inviting me to think with you."



Tsara Shelton, author
In the previous article of this series, I described a system of ranked voting, IRRV, that offers what seem significant advantages over the popular IRV system. For anyone who has been following this series of articles, a natural question to ask should be whether there is a balanced version of IRRV - let's call it IRRBV - and whether it might be worth consideration.



Make it Balance

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The balanced voting systems we have studied in earlier articles are derived from traditional systems by allowing voters to indicate support or opposition whenever they express an opinion about a candidate; the numeric difference between the support and the opposition counts is used when counting the votes just as the support votes would be used in the corresponding traditional voting system.

For example, with plurality voting, a voter can choose only one candidate and that voter can only choose to support that candidate. However, with balanced plurality voting, while a voter can still only express an opinion about one candidate, the voter can choose to support or oppose that candidate; in the election count, the net votes (support votes minus opposition votes) determines the winner.

If we apply this to IRRV, a voter would be asked to list in order of importance (to that voter) of the candidates and to indicate for each one whether the candidate should or should not be removed from contention in the election. The counting of the votes is iterative with one candidate eliminated following each count; in each count, the ballots are treated as if the already eliminated candidates did not appear.

There is an element of psychology that enters here in that the preferences of voters may vary depending on how a question is phrased. But for the most part it would seem that the voter would prepare essentially the same list if asked to list the candidates in order of importance and to specify for each, support or opposition. The order of the candidates - from most important to least important would not change, though the oppose/favor choice would reverse (opposing the candidate rather than favoring that candidate's removal).

IRRBV is in no essential way different from an IRBV election. This would seem to confirm that IRBV is an improvement over IRRB.

On a slightly different topic, I noted in earlier articles, an important deficiency of these iterative systems is that they are complicated. In the comments of the previous article I noted that a specific problem with them is the difficulty of counting the votes in a distributed fashion and this can present serious logistic problems.

It turns out that in Maine, one of the constitutional challenges to the will of Maine voters to adopt IRV centers on this very issue. Apparently an interpretation of the Maine Constitution is that it specifies that the counting of votes must be distributed.
Some observers think that the Democratic Party is in a state of political paralysis and that Republicans, who currently control the entire government, are in the driver's seat and will not relinquish that control anytime soon.

That's what referred to as delusional thinking. They need to look at the bigger picture. Sure Democrats took a beating in the last election because they failed to connect with extremely frustrated, angry Americans, and largely because Hillary Clinton was telling the American people that conditions in this country were just fine when they most certainly were not.

While the GOP may be sitting in the driver's seat at this point in time, Democrats appear to be sitting in the catbird seat, i.e., in a very advantageous position with great opportunities opening up for them if they seize them. They may be down right now but the way that the Republicans are acting, conditions can change very quickly.

Why, how? Because Republicans, by implementing their cruel and vicious agenda are, in effect, pounding nails into their political coffins, seemingly not realizing the consequences of their actions. It's becoming very evident that most Americans are getting very upset with this destructive behavior and find it unacceptable. Look for payback from voters to follow, and sooner than one might think.

Following are two scenarios, both of which illustrate how and why Democrats can wrest control of this government from the GOP:

*Scenario one: if Trump is not impeached or doesn't resign his continued bizarre and misguided actions, many of which the majority of the American people reject, will prevent him from being re-elected; that is, if he even dares to run again.

But it will not be just Trump that convinces voters to once again support Democrats; it will also be due to the chaos and turmoil that the Republicans are generating in Washington.

Scenario two: should Trump be impeached or resigns, and Mike Pence becomes president, he and his fellow Republicans will not act as reckless and unstable as Trump. They will have a far easier time by cooperating to advance their twisted agenda. The more that they try to implement measures that damage this country and hurt Americans the more enemies they will be making; what monumental brilliance; that's like sticking your head into your own noose.

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"Bringing Rob Kall in as a consultant on making my business and its website more bottom-up was incredibly valuable. Rob's out-of-the-box member registration system suggestions led to a multi-leveled engagement process designed to maximally connect clients with the company, which took the company and the website to the next level. Rob's coaching in bottom-up thinking played a strong role in enabling me to sell my company for over a million dollars."



Don Brown, Founder, the International Wireless Industry Consortium (IWPC)
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Human whats? In the Middle East and elsewhere, the Trump administration has begun to signal that human rights aren't exactly on its agenda. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has taken the lead in this process in a round of personal diplomacy in the Middle East (with Trump's generals not far behind). In early March, he wrote various "advocacy groups" that the administration was considering withdrawing from the U.N. Human Rights Council to protest the records of some of its members, including Saudi Arabia and China. And then, as if to hint at what the value of such rights might really be in Washington, he signaled to Congress that the administration would, as the New York Times reported, "lift all human rights conditions on a major sale of F-16 fighter jets and other arms to Bahrain." This means American arms dealers can sell their weaponry to that Sunni Persian Gulf monarchy, despite its grim repression of its majority Shiite population. And that, in turn, means that we can finally put something like an initial price tag on human rights, at least for the Shiites of the tiny kingdom that houses the U.S. Fifth Fleet: $3.8 billion ($2.8 billion for those 19 new fighter planes and a billion dollars more to support that country's air force in various other ways).

We can similarly put a very partial price tag on the value of human rights when it comes to Yemenis. The citizens of that riven land are living at the edge of a potentially catastrophic famine and under regular air attack from Saudi Arabia and its allies (including Bahrain) in a disastrous American-backed two-year-old war that was meant to check Iranian influence in the region. It has already cost at least 10,000 lives and displaced millions. As for that very partial price tag, it's $350 million for 16,000 Raytheon guided munitions kits that will turn dumb bombs into "smart" ones. Their sale to the Saudis had previously been blocked by the Obama administration in response to news about their air strikes against civilians in Yemen. Now, as a signal of the sort of heightened support the Trump administration expects to offer that country's royal family -- you know, the crew with that terrible human rights record -- in its fight against Iranian influence in the region, it is releasing them. (Undoubtedly, more cluster bombs will be next on the list.)

We are, of course, at the very beginning of the Trump era, which means so much yet remains to be known, though The Donald's generals are clearly already ramping up America's wars (and the civilian casualties that go with them) in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Somalia. In turn, that means sooner or later other classic aspects of America's recent wars will undoubtedly be ramped up as well. With that in mind, we've turned to TomDispatchregular Rebecca Gordon, author of American Nuremberg and an expert on the "unholy trinity" of grim methods this country has brought to bear in its war on terror -- torture, extraordinary rendition, and indefinite detention (think: Guanta'namo) -- to read Washington's tea leaves and give us a preview of things to come and so of human rights in the age of Trump. Tom

Resurrecting the Unholy Trinity

Torture, Rendition, and Indefinite Detention Under Trump

By Rebecca Gordon When George W. Bush and Dick Cheney launched their forever wars -- under the banner of a "Global War on Terror" -- they unleashed an unholy trinity of tactics. Torture, rendition, and indefinite detention became the order of the day. After a partial suspension of these policies in the Obama years, they now appear poised for resurrection. For eight years under President Obama, this country's forever wars continued, although his administration retired the expression "war on terror," preferring to describe its war-making more vaguely as an effort to "degrade and destroy" violent jihadists like ISIS. Nevertheless, he made major efforts to suspend Bush-era violations of U.S. and international law, signing executive orders to that effect on the day he took office in 2009. Executive Order 13491, "Ensuring Lawful Interrogations," closed the CIA's secret torture centers -- the "black sites" -- and ended permission for the Agency to use what had euphemistically become known as "enhanced interrogation techniques." On that same day in 2009, Obama issued Executive Order 13492, designed -- unsuccessfully, as it turned out -- to close the U.S. military prison at Guanta'namo Bay, the site of apparently endless detention without charges or trials. In 2015, Congress reinforced Obama's first order in a clause for the next year's National Defense Authorization Act that limited permissible interrogation techniques to those described in the U.S. Army Field Manual section on "human intelligence collector operations." All of that already seems like such ancient history, especially as the first hints of the Trump era begin to appear, one in which torture, black sites, extraordinary rendition, and so much more may well come roaring back. Right now, it's a matter of reading the Trumpian tea leaves. Soon after the November election, Masha Gessen, a Russian e'migre'e who has written two books about Vladimir Putin's regime, gave us some pointers on how to do this. Rule number one: "Believe the autocrat." When he tells you what he wants to do -- build a wall, deport millions, bring back torture -- "he means what he says." Is Gessen right? Let's examine some of those leaves. Torture Redux It should come as no surprise to anyone who paid minimal attention to the election campaign of 2016 that Donald Trump has a passionate desire to bring back torture. In fact, he campaigned on a platform of committing war crimes of various kinds, occasionally even musing about whether the United States could use nukes against ISIS. He promised to return waterboarding to its rightful place among twenty-first-century U.S. practices and, as he so eloquently put it, "a hell of a lot worse." There's no reason, then, to be shocked that he's been staffing his administration with people who generally feel the same way (Secretary of Defense James "Mad Dog" Mattis being an obvious exception). The CIA was certainly not the only outfit engaged in torture in the Bush years, but it's the one whose practices were most thoroughly examined and publicized. Despite his enthusiasm for torture, Trump's relationship with the Agency has, to say the least, been frosty. Days before his inauguration, he responded to revelations of possible Russian influence on the U.S. election by accusing its operatives of behaving like Nazis, tweeting: "Intelligence agencies should never have allowed this fake news to 'leak' into the public. One last shot at me. Are we living in Nazi Germany?" He quickly appointed a new director of the CIA (as hasn't been true of quite a few other positions in his administration). He chose former Congressman Mike Pompeo, whose advice about torture he has also said he would consider seriously. A polite term for Pompeo's position on the issue might be: ambiguous. During his confirmation hearings, he maintained that he would "absolutely not" reinstate waterboarding or other "enhanced techniques," even if the president ordered him to. "Moreover," he added, "I can't imagine that I would be asked that." However, his written replies to the Senate Intelligence Committee told quite a different, far less forthright tale. Specifically, as the British Independent reported, he wrote that if a ban on waterboarding were shown to impede the "gathering of vital intelligence," he would consider lifting it. He added that he would reopen the question of whether interrogation techniques should be limited to those found in the Army Field Manual. ("If confirmed, I will consult with experts at the Agency and at other organizations in the U.S. government on whether the Army Field Manual uniform application is an impediment to gathering vital intelligence to protect the country.") In other words, as the Independent observed, if the law prohibits torture, then Pompeo is prepared to work to alter the law. "If experts believed current law was an impediment to gathering vital intelligence to protect the country," Pompeo wrote to the Senate committee, "I would want to understand such impediments and whether any recommendations were appropriate for changing current law." Unfortunately for both the president and him, there are laws against torture that neither they nor Congress have the power to change, including the U.N. Convention against Torture, and the Geneva Conventions. Nor is Mike Pompeo the only Trump nominee touched by the torture taint. Take, for instance, the president's pick for the Supreme Court. From 2005 to 2006, Neil Gorsuch worked in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, the wellspring for John Yoo's and Jay Bybee's infamous "torture memos." Gorsuch also assisted in drafting Bush's "signing statement" on the 2005 Detainee Treatment Act. That act included an amendment introduced by Senator John McCain prohibiting the torture of detainees. As the White House didn't want its favorite interrogation methods curtailed, Gorsuch recommended putting down "a marker to the effect that... McCain is best read as essentially codifying existing interrogation policies." In other words, the future Supreme Court nominee suggested that the McCain amendment would have no real effect, because the administration had never engaged in torture in the first place. This approach was the best strategy, he argued, to "help inoculate against the potential of having the administration criticized sometime in the future for not making sufficient changes in interrogation policy in light of the McCain portion of the amendment."

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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Rob Kall's book, Bottom-Up: Tapping the Power of the Connection Revolution has really caused me to relook and reframe many of my thoughts on where our connectedness using social media tools like LinkedIn is headed, and not just for career trajectory but for life. If you are looking for a new perspective on our sometimes zany digital world we live in, this book will keep you reading and may ultimately revise but for sure challenge your current paradigm."



Wayne Breitbarth, author of The Power Formula for Linkedin Success: Kick-Start Your Business, Brand, and Job Search
The Ossoff campaign is going gangbuster-- a lot better than the millions of fundraising emails portray. It's hopeful, but it's not a done deal. Jon Ossoff has raised a record breaking amount of money for his campaign, according to Politico. Ossoff according to his campaign, has raised over $8 million dollars-- more than any candidates except house speakers Boehner and Ryan, since 2012. And he has about $2.1 million cash on hand. More exciting, Ossoff has a huge lead over all of his GOP opponents. Politico reports, " A new internal poll for former GOP state Sen. Dan Moody, conducted by the firm Meeting Street Research, found Ossoff at 43 percent, followed by both former Secretary of State Karen Handel and former state Sen. Dan Moody tied at 12 percent. A third Republican, state Sen. Judson Hill, was just 2 points back at 10 percent, while fourteen other candidates don't break double digits. Another 9 percent of voters are still undecided on the race." That doesn't make the race a done deal. Ossoff needs 50% plus one to win the first round. Otherwise, there will be a runoff race. Meanwhile, an attack ad is accusing Ossoff of getting money from Al Jazeera.

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Rob Kall is an award winning journalist, inventor, software architect, connector and visionary. His work and his writing have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, ABC, the HuffingtonPost, Success, Discover and other media. Check out his platform at RobKall.com He is the author of The Bottom-up Revolution; Mastering the Emerging World of Connectivity He's given talks and workshops to Fortune 500 execs and national medical and psychological organizations, and pioneered first-of-their-kind conferences in Positive Psychology, Brain Science and Story. He hosts some of the world's smartest, most interesting and powerful people on his Bottom Up Radio Show, and founded and publishes one of the top Google- ranked progressive news and opinion sites, OpEdNews.com more detailed bio: Rob Kall has spent his adult life as an awakener and empowerer-- first in the field of biofeedback, inventing products, developing software and a music recording label, MuPsych, within the company he founded in 1978-- Futurehealth, and founding, organizing and running 3 conferences: Winter Brain, on Neurofeedback and consciousness, Optimal Functioning and Positive Psychology (a pioneer in the field of Positive Psychology, first presenting workshops on it in 1985) and Storycon Summit Meeting on the Art Science and Application of Story-- each the first of their kind. Then, when he found the process of raising people's consciousness and empowering them to take more control of their lives one person at a time was too slow, he founded Opednews.com-- which has been the top search result on Google for the terms liberal news and progressive opinion for several years. Rob began his Bottom-up Radio show, broadcast on WNJC 1360 AM to Metro Philly, also available on iTunes, covering the transition of our culture, business and world from predominantly Top-down (hierarchical, centralized, authoritarian, patriarchal, big) to bottom-up (egalitarian, local, interdependent, grassroots, archetypal feminine and small.) Recent long-term projects include a book, Bottom-up-- The Connection Revolution, debillionairizing the planet (more...)



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President Donald Trump on Monday, April 3, 2017, welcomed the Egyptian military dictator, General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who assumed the title of Field Marshal after arresting and deposing the democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

After the meeting Trump told the press: "We agree on so many things. I just want to let everybody know, in case there was any doubt, that we are very much behind President el-Sisi. He's done a fantastic job in a very difficult situation."

By "a fantastic job" Trump was apparently referring to the massacre of hundreds of innocent Egyptians in the aftermath of US-endorsed coup against a democratically elected President. It may be recalled, on 14 August 2013 el-Sisi's security forces raided two camps of protesters in Cairo: one at al-Nahda Square and a larger one at Rabaa al-Adawiya Square, massacring at least 817 pro-Morsi demonstrators, according to the Human Rights Watch. This is known as Rabaa Massacre. According to the Egyptian Health Ministry, 638 people were killed and at least 3,994 were injured on 14 August.

Since the overthrow of the popularly elected Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member, el-Sisi has cracked down on his group. El-Sisi also has taken a heavy hand on Egyptians who've deemed his presidency illegitimate.

In October last, a kangaroo court in Cairo confirmed a 20-year prison sentence against Mohamed Morsi. In April 2015, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for inciting violence against protesters who had staged a sit-in outside the Ittihadiya presidential palace in December 2012, when Morsi was still in power.

This was el-Sisi's first official state visit to Washington as Egypt's president. That's because although the US has long viewed Egypt as a vital strategic ally in the Middle East, President Obama steadfastly refused to meet with the Egyptian dictator probably over concerns about serious human-rights abuses carried out by el-Sisi's security forces -- including torture, mass detention, and forced disappearances of journalists, aid workers, activists and students.

According to Al Jazeera, ahead of the meeting, senior US officials had said the issue of human-rights violations in Egypt would not be addressed publicly during el-Sisi's visit, which was widely condemned by rights groups and protesting campaigners.

Since the July 2013 coup, a police crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood - which has been designated by Egypt's government as a "terrorist" group - has left hundreds dead and tens of thousands in jail. Last year, a UN investigation found that Egypt engages in the continuous persecution of women, human-rights activists, and journalists.

Human-rights groups estimate that at least 40,000 political prisoners have been detained by el-Sisi's government. "Inviting el-Sisi for an official visit to Washington as tens of thousands of Egyptians rot in jail and when torture is again the order of the day is a strange way to build a stable strategic relationship," Sarah Margon, Washington director at Human Rights Watch, said before the meeting.

Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, argues: "At the end of the day, the US administration, including under Obama and George W. Bush, would not make Egypt an enemy because of human rights - if anything, human rights have always been sidelined in favor of security and other cooperation between the US and Egypt. In fact, between the US and most totalitarian regimes in the Middle East, state interest and security has always trumped human rights."

According to Al-Monitor, one of the most critical and important issues for Cairo during el-Sisi's visit was to persuade the Trump administration to declare the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. An Egyptian parliamentary and political delegation accompanying Sisi sought congressional support for the bills introduced in the US Congress to declare Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group.

On January 9, 2017, U.S. Representative Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL), introduced a bill (H.R. 377) to ask the Secretary of State to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization. The following day, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced an identical bill (S. 38) in the Senate titled the The Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act. The bill states that the group has met the criteria of a terrorist group, and thus should be designated as such. Both Senator Cruz and Rep. Diaz Balart introduced similar bills in the 114th Session. The House version was passed by the Judiciary Committee but neither made it to a floor vote.

Not surprisingly the Washington Post and the Huffington Post were quick to point out the real motives behind the bills related to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Washington Post said it is also likely to have a far-reaching impact on American Muslims at a time when Muslim community leaders say the religious minority is facing the worst harassment it has seen since the aftermath of 9/11.

The Huffington Post pointed out that American Muslim advocates contend that the real intent of Cruz's bill has little to do with foreign policy; rather, the legislation would enable the U.S. government to target domestic Muslim groups that Cruz and others earnestly believe are part of a massive, covert conspiracy to destroy the U.S. from within.

"Proponents of the measure, including members of Trump's incoming administration, have long used the Muslim Brotherhood label as shorthand for Muslim organizations, politicians and government officials with whom they disagree, and civil rights advocates fear those allegations could be used as pretext to investigate and alienate those who challenge the government's treatment of Muslims," the Washington Post said, adding:

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Sarin gas attack occurred in Idlib, Syria (shaded purple) April 3, 2017

Here we go again. The horrific sarin gas attack in Khan Shaykhun, Idlib Province, Syria on Monday killing a reported 58 people including women and children was immediately blamed on the Syrian Arab Army of President Bashar al-Assad by "Western leaders including President Trump," [1] before any independent investigation had begun and before conclusive evidence was established as to the perpetrators of this crime. But what else is new.

Doesn't this sound similar to the sarin gas attack in August 2013 where the Assad government was immediately blamed by the US? Yet a subsequent UN Mission Report confirmed in December, 2013 "opposition" rebels used chemical weapons and not the government.

Prior to that time President Obama had issued a "red line" that if crossed would result in a US missile attack against the Syrian government. It was also conjectured after the attack al Qaeda wanted a greater US military presence in Syria so blaming the government for the attack would presumably force Obama's hand and retaliate against the Syrian government.

Luckily Obama was rescued by Russian President Vladimir Putin who diplomatically arranged for his ally Assad to agree to give up his chemical weapons arsenal and no US bombing campaign ensued.

So when one thinks about the latest gas attack blaming the Syrian Arab Army follows the similar pattern used in 2013; the US and its complicit MSM jumping to the immediate conclusion it had to be carried out by the Syrian government.

I suggest reading "Something is Not Adding Up in Idlib Chemical Weapons Attack" [2] by Paul Antonopoulos, an Australian analyst who makes an alternative argument using photos of al Qaeda associated "White Helmets" on the scene handling the dead gassed victims with bare hands and without gas masks.

From local sources he reveals "250 people from Majdal and Khattab were kidnapped by al Qaeda terrorists last week and claimed many of those dead from the chemical weapons were those from Majdal and Khattab". Antonopoulos "suggests that on the eve of upcoming peace negotiations, terrorist forces have again created a false flag scenario" resembling the 2013 Ghouta chemical weapons attack.

He includes a photo of pick-up trucks at the scene near the victims of the attack and people nearby without protective gear and not affected at all when sarin can begin attacking the body within seconds.

Antonopoulos concludes, "With Syrian Army and its allies in a comfortable position in Syria, making advances across the country...why would they resort to using chemical weapons in Nusra Front occupied Idlib? " Interestingly, even the Times admitted the area around Khan Shaykhun is held by al Qaeda militants. He adds, "It defies any logic that on the eve of a Syrian peace conference in Brussels and a week before peace negotiations are to resume, that the Syrian government would blatantly use the non-existent stock of chemical weapons."

"All evidence suggests this is another false chemical attack allegation made against the government as seen in the Ghouta 2103 attack".

Admittedly I've never heard of Paul Antonopoulos and so soon after such a horrific attack it's impossible to make a substantive judgment on who committed the atrocity.

But when the US government and western MSM headed by the New York Times comes to the immediate conclusion the Syrian government is to blame, making assertions and assessments without any investigation having taken place it's a tell tale sign something is amiss.

A jumped on bandwagon of accusations, assertions, assessments without substantiated proof does not make for honest, unbiased conclusions.

What it does reveal is we're living in a dangerous McCarthyesque time in the US. And that didn't start with the coming of the "Donald". He's just part of the bandwagon.





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History teaches us that in times of turmoil, public support of an oppressive government is solidified by fear and hate, usually fear of, and hatred toward an alleged foreign threat or of internal "subversion," and, more often than not, hatred focused upon the enemy leader.



This theme of "the essential villain" resounds, not only through history, but also through literature. There is no Othello without Iago, no Sherlock without Moriarty, no Batman without the Joker, no Superman without Lex Luthor.



George Orwell was well aware of this need for a hated enemy. In his dystopian novel, 1984, the totalitarian state, "Oceania," was at perpetual war with "Eastasia," or with "Eurasia" -- it was never entirely clear who was the enemy. But no matter, "the enemy of the moment always represented absolute evil, and it followed that any past or future agreement with him was impossible." (1984, Signet, 1992, p., 32) In any case, all the public believed was what the government chose to tell it through its propaganda mill, "The Ministry of Truth."





the renegade and backslider who once, long ago ... had been one of the leading figures of the Party, .., and then had engaged in counterrevolutionary activities, had been condemned to death, and had mysteriously escaped and disappeared. (14)

In order to focus this hate, the state scheduled a daily public "two minutes of hate," directed at Goldstein

... the Hate rose to a frenzy. People were leaping up and down in their places and shouting at the tops of their voices in an effort to drown the maddening bleating voice that came from the screen... The horrible thing about the Two Minutes Hate was not that one was obliged to act a part, but that it was impossible to avoid joining in. A hideous ecstacy of fear and vindictiveness ... seemed to flow through the whole group of people. (15-6) (See the "Two Minutes of Hate" portrayed in the 1984 film version).

And so to my question: Is Vladimir V. Putin our Emanuel Goldstein?



Russia is a land of numerous and diverse nationalities, languages, and yes, of competing political parties. It is the home of Peter the Great, of Tolstoy, of Dostoevsky, of Tchaikovsky, of Stravinsky, of Nureyev, of Sakharov and Gorbachev. Even within the Putin government there is a diversity of contending views about the United States and NATO: "Westerners," who desire accommodation, "nationalists" who distrust outsiders and seek to isolate Russia,, and "moderates" who seek "partnership" with the West (the same word in Russian: "partnerstvo"), while steadfastly defending Russian sovereignty and security.



Yet, in our media and political discourse, all this wealth of history, of artistic, scientific and political genius, all this diversity of ethnic identity and of political thought and activism has been set aside, as "Russia" has been distilled, reduced and identified as one man: Vladimir Putin -- our "Emanuel Goldstein."



Putin is the object of much more than "two minutes of hate;" that "hate" is reiterated, unabated and unchallenged, day in and day out, in our media. By comparison, Orwell's "Goldstein" had it easy.



Vladimir Putin may be as evil and as threatening as we are told. But before we agree to believe this, are we not entitled to evidence and a reasoned argument, along with informed rebuttal? If not, then what are we getting other than propaganda and "proof" by repetition, whereby Putin is presumed guilty until proven innocent, as scant evidence is offered as to either his guilt or innocence.



II



A personal disclosure is relevant here: In the decade of the nineties, my profession (philosophy professor) took me to Russia seven times, usually as an invited participant in academic conferences. In addition, during the school year 2005-6 my wife and I hosted a Russian high school student, who is now a military historian in Moscow. As result, I gained many Russian friends, and today remain in frequent email contact with several of them.




Key West is the southernmost point of the U.S.its actually closer to Cuba than Miami, which was probably why it has had a thriving Cuban community for generations (it was infamously the first stop for the Mariel boatlift). For a place thats only 7.5 square miles, theres a surfeit of Cuban coffeetouristy kiosks, restaurants, coffee shops. Cuban coffee culture is an ingrained part of Key West culture, and these shops have themselves become tourist destinations.

Cuban coffee, also known as cafe Cubano, originated when espresso machines were first imported from Italy. With all the sugar cane fields, Cubans will often heavily sweeten the espresso, sometimes holding a lump of sugartraditionally, a crude brown sugar called demerarabetween their lips while drinking. A Cuban pull adds this brown sugar to the espresso cup, the heat from the coffee hydrolyzes the sugar so you end up with an almost gooey cup. Cuban coffee is also a culture, a social event that brings people together throughout the day. Mario Machado, a Cuban-American doctoral student who studies agriculture and food systems in Latin America says coffee represents more than just a beverage, but a part of the Cuban cultural identity.

While coffee culture is as robust as ever in Cuba, for Cubans, the coffee is actually sub-par, doled out as part of a ration system, often cut with cheaper ingredients, like roasted soy. While tourists rave about the fresh-roasted coffee at the hotels and the airport, Carmen Machado, a writer, recalls her relatives getting their coffee from rations. Given centralized government control over agriculture, Cubans had to make do with what they had. Similarly, Machado said, my relatives served us seafoodfrozen and imported from Asia because the fresh seafood goes to hotels and tourists even though its an island nation, its people dont eat fresh fish. She has fond memories of them drinking it, highly sweetened, throughout the day and into the night, coffee made Italian style in metal espresso pots called cafetera over the stove.

Professor Evelyn Hu-DeHart, Director of the Brown (University)-in-Cuba program, says people in Cuba cannot afford to purchase good coffee, so the habit of sweetening it may have evolved to mask the low quality, while also reflecting of the centrality of sugar to Cubas agricultural history. She goes on to point out that even the ubiquitous stovetop espresso pots in Cuba are now made in China, not Italy.

Cubans brought their coffee culture to the U.S. by roasting their own coffee, which is packaged and sold throughout the country in supermarkets; the two main brands of Cuban coffee used Key West are Pilon and Cafe Bustelo; the expatriates who started Cafe Bustelo settled in East Harlem, which is why youll find the distinctive yellow cans in any bodega in New York. Mario Machado, (who happened to be drinking Cafe Bustelo as we spoke) said that, while the flavor profile of the beans is important, what often makes Cuban coffee taste so rich is the preparation, which is much stronger than most Americans are typically used to drinking(i.e, using a cafetera, whether Chinese- or Italian-made).

In Key West, then, excellent Cuban coffee is everywhere, at the food trucks lined up for the beachgoers at Smathers Beach and Cuban restaurants. If youre looking for something more accessible, Key Wests Starbucks is probably most prominently positionedat the base of a hotel on the main drag. Start your day with a cafe Cubano like Papa Hemingway. Later in the day, get a colada, a large espresso served in a styrofoam cup with three or four lumps of sugar thrown in. A colada comes with supplemental demitasse cupsthe drink is meant to be shared. Enjoy with friends in the shade as you watch the world go by.



425 Southard St.

Photo courtesy of Fritas Cuban Burger Cafe

Most Cuban coffee menus for tourists just list espresso and cafe con leche. But a stop at the bright, narrow Frida Kahlo-themed Fritas Cuban Burger Cafe brought me to Marcia, the Cuban-American owner, who set me right. For afternoon drinking, she said, skillfully working amidst the narrow coffee bar that is the transition space between an airy takeout window and a charmingly cluttered one-room restaurant, Cubans generally dont want a something like a heavy like a cafe con leche. She handed me an espresso that had the tiniest injection of steamed milk, the milk foam blending seamlessly into the espresso foamthis was a cortadita (which wasnt on the menu). It was delicious and just the right blend of espresso, sugar and milk for a pick-me-up. The tiny storefront just off the main drag was filled with unhurried diners, langorous locals and tourists alike. I just wished I had had time to try some of their conch fritters, which smelled delicious.



1222 White St.

Photo by Marie Lee

This spot shares space with a laundromat in the first floor of an apartment building. The space isnt really more than a takeout window, so I would have missed it without their bright banner. My eye was subsequently caught by the neon vests of all the construction workers crowding around the takeout windowthey were there getting their caffeine fix (Cuban speed, they called it). Here, I was introduced to the concept of the bucci, the thimbleful of espresso, sweetened or unsweetened, that allows people to sip throughout the day. It was tiny but powerful. I had opted to have it unsweetened, and its smoky goodness was so intense I almost couldnt finish what looked like a negligible amount of liquid. I biked back in half the time it took for me to get there.



930 Southard St.

Photo courtesy of Five Brothers

Five Brothers is like a Cuban 7-11, a one-room store with a counter in the back for takeaway only. For Cuban coffee, its the place where the locals go. Its a bit off the beaten path, plunked in the middle of a residential neighborhoodexpect to see a line. Their cafe con leches are thick and sweet. The store opened in 1978 and is now owned by Heriberto Pepe Paez Jr., the son of one of the original Five Brothers. Hes always in the place chatting, which distract him from preparing a dozen coffees at once. Theres no seating except for a few plastic chairs out frontnot a bad way to sit with your coffee, for which even a small contains two shots of espresso. Five Brothers originally was a grocery store and still maintains a charming mix of provisions: plantain chips, guava paste, wine and racy postcards.



284 Margaret St.

5 Key Lime Square

Photo by dcwriterdawn, CC BY-ND 2.0

Cuban Coffee Queen has two branches, a salt-box shack kiosk near the wharves of the historic Key West Seaport and a coffee bar that also sells food on Duval Street, the main drag. This seems more like a place youd see in Williamsburg, complete with tattooed hipster baristas. Its not traditionally Cuban, but their Cuban iced coffee (with coffee ice cubes) combined both Cuba and Key Wests tastes. The hipster barista made sure to tell me they use Cafe Domino instead of the usual Pilon or Cafe Bustelo because in a blind taste test 99 percent of our customers preferred it. The Duval Street spot is in the heart of touristy Key west, an open-air but shaded space where you can watch the local roosters strut as you sip your coffee. If it gets too hot out for you, they also deliver.

Main photo by dcwiterdawn, CC BY-ND 2.0
Well there it is, team. US vice president Mike Pence is coming to Australia. Lets unite as a nation and dack him in front of a bunch of girls, forcing him to resign from his post in utter shame and disgrace.

Pence is coming to Australia later this month as part of a whirlwind tour through the Asia-Pacific region  including stopovers in South Korea, Japan and Indonesia  to meet with Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten.

Team Trump is apparently doing their best to shore up relationships with key allies  including Australia, who suffered the full weight of expert international diplomacy when Trump yelled at Turnbull on the phone for a little bit and everyone kind of enjoyed it.

This trip will serve as the vice-presidents first official travel to the Asia-Pacific region, the White House announced in a statement.

During his trip, the vice-president will emphasise President Trumps continued commitment to US alliances and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, highlight the administrations economic agenda, and underscore Americas unwavering support for our troops at home and abroad.

Hell be landing in Sydney on April 22. The statement laid out Pences itinerary and agenda during his trip:

The vice-president will visit Sydney, Australia, where he will meet with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the White House statement continued.

Vice-President Pence will also meet with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, along with US and Australian service members. Focusing again on American businesses, jobs, and the economy, Vice-President Pence will join a listening session and give remarks to the US and Australian business community.

Again  I stress the absolute importance of dacking Mike Pence upon his arrival onto our golden shores. This is so, so important.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Photo: Getty Images.
1up USA is a relatively small company that manufactures their bike racks, as well as cargo carriers, trainers, and rollers, in their Wisconsin headquarters. Unlike the very large majority of tray-stay racks out there that employ a single adjustable arm that cinches down over your bike's front wheel, their Quik Rack makes use of two arms, one at each end, that fold down over each wheel. The arms only contact the tires - there is zero metal-on-metal touching  and the rack folds both up and down to allow access to your trunk.



1up USA sells single-bike (1 1/4'' and 2'') and two-bike (2'' only) racks, as well as add-ons and burly 'Super Duty' models, but it's their standard two-bike, $529 USD Quik Rack that's reviewed below.



Quik Rack Details



 Contact w/ only your bike's tires

 Carries two bikes (+2 add-on available)

 2'' hitch bar

 Aluminum construction

 Expanding wobble-free hitch system

 Anti-theft expander bolt

 Compatible w/ 16'' to 29'' wheels, up to a 52'' wheelbase

 Compatible w/ up to 3.125'' tires

 Weight: 48lbs

 Made in the U.S.A.

 MSRP: $529 USD

 www.1up-usa.com

 Contact w/ only your bike's tires Carries two bikes (+2 add-on available) 2'' hitch bar Aluminum construction Expanding wobble-free hitch system Anti-theft expander bolt Compatible w/ 16'' to 29'' wheels, up to a 52'' wheelbase Compatible w/ up to 3.125'' tires Weight: 48lbs Made in the U.S.A. MSRP: $529 USD

Ratcheting arms close down over both the front and rear wheels. The arms come down over the wheels, and the coupler squeezes down onto the tires.

Construction and Design

Lift up on this red lever to re-position the arm. The linkage locks down onto these teeth to hold the arm in place.

1up USA's choice to use two ratcheting arms rather than a single arm per bike, as well as having a slight height differential between the inner and outer trays, allows for one very important fact: you can easily keep multiple bikes from making contact with each other, without needing to lower seats or rotate handlebars or brake levers to prevent one bike from trying to beat the shit out of the one next to it like they're angry siblings strapped into the backseat during a long road trip.



Instead, it's as easy as using the dual arms to have one bike sit a little more to the left or right relative to its neighbor.

The height differential between the trays, and the ability to stagger the bikes side to side, means that the Quik Rack only sticks out 24.5'' from the back of my hitch receiver when folded down.

It sticks out 24.5'' when folded down. And just 9'' when folded up.

Pulling up on the spring-loaded black bar allows the rack to be folded up and down. 1up USA uses a security hex bolt to tighten the rack into the receiver with an expanding wedge.

Performance

If you want to stagger the bike to the left or right to prevent contact with its neighbor, which seems to be the bane of so many other designs on the market, you simply don't fold out one arm as much as the other so that the bike sits off-center. I've had at least six different types of bikes on the rack and had zero issues with any of them touching so long as I used the arms to stagger them off-center, regardless of frame size or bike type.



When you get to the mountain, lifting up on just one of the red levers to let a single arm rotate out of the way  you don't need to back both of them off to get your bike  and it's free. You do need to hold the release lever up throughout the entirety of the arm's travel.

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Keeping the bikes from touching is pointless if they fall off the rack on the way to the mountain, but I don't think that could ever happen when it comes to the Quik Rack. I mean, you'd have to really mess up the loading; like, actually forget to clamp one of the wheels with an arm, to have a bike eject at any point. And the bikes also feel pretty solid once they're on the rack due to the arms holding both the front and rear wheels, whereas a more traditional rack only grabs the front wheel.



The expanding hitch did back off a bit just once after about a month of use, but I suspect that this was everything settling in  it never happened again.

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Thule's T2 Pro The Kuat NV 2.0

Quik Rack vs T2 Pro vs NV 2.0

A single-bike add-on for the Quik Rack costs a hefty $199, although the two-bike add-on for the T2 Pro is $399.95, so they're both the same. The two-bike extension for the NV 2.0 is $429.00, again making the Kuat the more expensive setup overall.



Both the NV 2.0 and the T2 Pro feature integrated cable locks that extend out from the rack itself, whereas the Quik Rack makes use of standalone locks that have to be purchased separately from 1up USA for $19 each and run through the folding arms to lock only the wheel or wheels to the rack. Best to pick up a cable lock for the Quik Rack.

The NV 2.0 is expensive, but it includes a built-in repair stand.

All three racks do the same job, sure, but there's a clear winner in my mind.



The T2 Pro is a high-end unit, but the ratcheting arm (pictured to the right) that I used most often felt loose and rattle-y after awhile, and you're likely going to have some handlebar-to-seat contact if you don't slide the trays laterally to create more clearance between the bikes. A good rack, but not trouble-free, then. Kazimer clearly liked the NV 2.0 a lot and had no real issues with it but, at least to me, it doesn't appear to be as bomb-proof as the Quik Rack, and it costs $100 USD more.



If I'm buying one of those three, it's going to be the Quik Rack.

The T2 Pro's ratcheting arm became loose and rattle-y after awhile.

Issues

Pinkbike's Take:

The Quik Rack isn't quite perfect, but it's damn close. Not only is it less expensive than its direct competitors, but it's also easier to use when carrying more than just a single bike and it's more robust. Yes, $529 USD is a lot of money no matter how you slice it, but 1up USA is producing the best rack on the market for that price. - Mike Levy

A normal tray-style rack features one adjustable arm that grabs your bike's front tire up against the fork, as well as a wheel strap to hold the back-end on the tray. Sure, some companies do this a bit differently, but Thule, Yakima, Kuat, et al. pretty much follow a similar recipe. 1up USA does not, however. Instead, the Quik Rack employs symmetrical arms at the end of the trays that both go down over each wheel. They don't need to be up against, or even close to, your frame or fork, with the support coming from the arms encompassing about half of each wheel.The arms also have a cross-section coupler that can be repositioned to better fit different wheel sizes, although this does require some tools to do, and a set of snap-on adapters grip pinner road bike tires as well. The rack can carry everything from kids bikes with 16'' wheels to rigs with massive 29+ rubber.A ratcheting linkage is used to re-position each arm and hold it in place, so the Quik Rack's arms actually lock into position whereas the single arms on other tray-style racks are held in place by them ratcheting down onto your bike's tire. To open the arms, you pull up on the anodized red lever that frees each arm to fold out; the bike goes onto the tray, and then both the left and right arms can be lowered down over the wheels (without needing to pull on the release levers) evenly. The arms can't open unless you pull the release lever, but you can cinch them down over the wheels more as required.This also means that 1up USA isn't forced to have a ton of room in between each tray, letting the two-bike version protrude a reasonable 24.5'' from the receiver (this will vary a bit depending on how deep the hitch bar is loaded into the receiver) when folded down, and just 9'' when folded up.The Quik Rack's aluminum frame consists of a bunch of different pieces all bolted together and attached to a burly looking hitch bar with a built-in expanding edge to hold it into your vehicle's receiver. The wedge is tightened by turning a monster-sized, theft-resistant hex bolt with the supplied hex key. It's not a lock, but the chances of a POS scumbag having a recessed hex key is slim to none, and the access to it is nearly completely hidden inside of the hitch bar. If you're really concerned (and it doesn't hurt to be), you can pick up 1up USA's locking hitch pin, as well as their separate wheel locks that run through the arm and between the spokes, both of which sell for a reasonable $19 USD. My test rack came with the latter but not the locking hitch pin, which is probably the setup that I'd recommend.The Quik Rack folds up vertically, so it's out of the way when it isn't carrying your baby, down flat when it's loaded up, and also tipped down to allow access to your trunk or hatchback. A simple spring-loaded bar locks the rack into each position, and you only need to pull it up to let the rack rotate up or down.The Quik Rack comes completely assembled  you just need to slide it into your car's receiver and fold it down  so there was zero chance for me to lose any bolts or tiny washers before I got everything set up. It cinches down with that aforementioned expanding wedge and security hex bolt/key, which takes all of thirty seconds, and 1up USA also includes a Velcro safety strap that you run over the rack and through the loop in your receiver assembly. The strap feels kinda hokey, especially given the entire package's sturdy construction, but it's probably a better fallback than nothing at all.Here's a list of tasks that are more difficult than loading two bikes onto the Quik Rack: tying your shoes, making microwaveable oatmeal for dinner, putting on a pair of pants. You get it the idea. Lift the red levers to let the arms be folded out like wings, then put the bike on the tray and snug each arm down over the tire. If the bike is in the middle of the rack and the arms are brought down an equal distance, the bike will sit dead center behind your car.The Quik Rack has been completely trouble-free while I've had it attached to the back of my derelict van that's probably worth less than the rack. I'll be honest, though: with so many separate pieces and so much hardware holding it all together, I expected something or other to rattle loose, or maybe the aluminum teeth on the ratcheting system to wear down to nubs and not hold the arms in place. None of that has happened yet, though, despite months and months of use during what has to be the worst winter that I can remember. This thing looks like it'll last forever.Let's compare 1up USA's standard two-bike setup to two other racks, both of which are surely more commonly seen and that we've recently reviewed: Thule's T2 Pro that I tested in November of last year , and Kuat's NV 2.0 that was reviewed by Mike Kazimer this past January . At $529 USD, the Quik Rack is surprisingly the least expensive of the three, despite it being manufactured in the USA, with the T2 Pro costing about $20 more. At $629.00 USD, the Kuat is by far the priciest of the group, although that does include the NV 2.0's nifty built-in repair stand (pictured below).The Quik Rack is probably the most secure and easiest to use rack that I've ever had, with one somewhat annoying exception. The spring-loaded release bar that needs to be depressed to fold the rack up or down is kinda of a pain in the ass to use, especially because the rack's pivots are still quite stiff despite months and months of use throughout a whole lot of terrible weather. That in itself is a good thing  I'd rather it be stiff than loose and full of rattles  but having to reach up and over the rack to pull the bar, combined with the stiff pivots, makes it feel a bit awkward. Also, the release bar will often only disengage the detents on one side, even when I grab it smack dead in the middle.
Team 888poker Heads to Barcelona

April 06, 2017 Paul Seaton

The guarantee for the first 888Live Main Event in London back in November last year was $250,000, but that was bolstered to $280,291 by the end of registration.

Februarys visit to Rozvadov was even more spectacular, with the $320,000 guarantee smashed and an incredible $439,419 in the prize pool for everyone who finished in the money.

But 888poker is being even more ambitious across 12 days of tournament poker at the 888Live Barcelona Festival, with over 700,000 on offer at Gran Casino de Barcelona.

One player who will be chomping at the bit for action to begin is Catalin Pop, who took down the 888Live Main Event in Rozvadov, meaning he also won a seat to the Barcelona showpiece. He has this advice for other hopefuls.

"Have patience, be aggressive, and don't be afraid to bust," he said to 888poker.

888Lives arrival ahead of the summer season is going to inspire professional players to win big and bolster their Vegas fund just like it will motivate lower stakes players to qualify for as little as $0.01 via 888poker.com.

The festival will be well attended by 888Poker Ambassadors Bruno Politano, Kara Scott, Dominik Nitsche, Bruno Kawauti, Nicolau Villa Lobos, Sofia Lovgren and Natalie Hof. Each one of them is looking forward to running deep in the Main Event.

Barcelona isnt just well-known for poker tournaments. It is one of the most diverse cultural centers in Europe, with history and beauty abounding in Barcelona.

While there are always a number of fun ways to pass the time, with blue skies and golden sun-kissed beaches practically guaranteed, Barcelona has a rich history.

The works of Antoni Gaudi are sure to inspire, and with Barcelona Cathedral and the stunning Casa Mila on your doorstep, there are sights to see that dont involve a casino on your dinner break.

Barcelona is also famed for its many museums, so dont miss out if you get the chance to visit them during your stay.

Swedish pro Sofia Lovgren is already excited to be heading to the city.

The Barcelona Festival is great for both recreational and professional players...Its the perfect time to hang out with poker friends, catch some sun and make a deep run just before the WSOP! she said to 888poker.

Lovgrens thoughts are echoed by online pokers most successful tournament player of all-time, 888Poker ambassador Chris Moorman.

I think the 888live events are great tournaments for all types of players," he said to 888poker. "They feature a range of buy-ins and a good mix of participants from beginners to seasoned pros. I believe the 888live events have a much more relaxed environment surrounding them at the table as the buy-ins are more affordable for players. As a result, they are much more fun to play in, and everyone at the table manages to have a great time.

Natalie Hof was also in London and Rozvadov, so she hopes to make the third time lucky and bag the Main Event trophy.

As an 888ambassador Ive participated in both London and Rozvadov and we definitely made it big," she said. "I would honestly recommend these festivals to anyone due to having both lower and higher buy-ins in all festivals. I cant wait for Barcelona in May, its a wonderful place for playing poker and hanging by the beach if you bust is a win-win situation.

Kara Scott will be using success in Barcelonas Main Event as a springboard for more trophies later down the line.

I'm going to use Barcelona as my warmup and absolutely try to take it down. London feels like home turf to me, and I've done well there in the other two 888poker Main Events I've played, even coming third in the first I played with an 888poker patch on, so it feels like mine.

Bruno Politano declared that he ...will win Barcelona for sure. Main Event first place.

Not to be defeated pre-tournament, fellow Brazilian Nicolau Villa-Lobos told fans that he's always had a great connection with Barcelona, so this might be the one for him.

Bruno Kawauti was a little more realistic about his plan and had some positive words for players who may not have experienced live poker before.

I plan on winning the Main and the High Roller, but will probably spew in the High Roller and win the Main Event," Kawauti said. "The way that 888poker treats the players is different than any other place I played in. The qualifiers really feel at home. Every time I play an 888 tournament, I feel like the company is closer to the players than other companies.

The 888Live Festival May 11 through May 22 comes on the back of what is sure to be a very busy 888Live Kings Festival in Rozvadov.

You can check out the full tournament schedule here. The cash game action is likely to be off the chart in one of the most popular poker tourist destinations in Europe.
Writings on the Wall

Many years ago, I got a phone call from Troy Torres at a political candidates office. He had seen an election estimate I had written and didn Read morePower of polls and weekend talks
PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 11:45:02

The annual general meeting of Akastor ASA was held on Thursday 6 April 2017 at the company's premises at Oksenyveien 10, Lysaker, Norway.

All matters on the agenda were approved, cf. the notice of the Annual General Meeting that was published to Oslo Brs on 16 March 2017.

The complete minutes are attached to this release and are also available at www.akastor.com.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Tore D. Langballe

Head of Communications & Investor Relations

Mob: +47 907 77 841

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.





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: Akastor ASA via Globenewswire


Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Chromatography Resins Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.

Chromatography Resins Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 07:47:59

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Chromatography resins are used in purification and separation of proteins and other bio-molecules in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, and environmental analysis. Chromatography resins are of three types, viz., synthetic, natural and inorganic media. Natural and synthetic resins are preferred over inorganic media. Chromatography resins are used in affinity, mixed-mode, ion-exchange, hydrophobic interaction and size exclusion techniques. In terms of revenues, Protein A resins accounted for the highest share of the market.The main driver for the chromatography resins market is huge demand for monoclonal antibodies. Huge demand for monoclonal bodies is on account of the number of growing critical diseases resulting in these types of therapeutics to swiftly gain significance. Biotechnology & pharmaceutical are the leading end-users for chromatography resins and are likely to gain more importance in near future. Food manufacturing was second-largest end-user application for chromatography resins. Chromatography resins are also used in industrial applications, genetic engineering and drug recovery. However, presence of stringent regulations regarding manufacture and usage of this product is expected to hamper the growth of the market over the next few years. Research & development in chromatography resin for various applications is expected to open new opportunities for the growth of the market.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-274 In technology terms, ion-exchange chromatography had the highest consumption in past few years. Though, affinity chromatography resins hold the key share of the revenue. This is mainly due to the higher selling costs associated with affinity resins. Demand for chromatography resins was highest in North America. However, there is huge demand for chromatography resins from Asia Pacific region due to the growing pharmaceutical industry, particularly in India, China and South Korea. Additionally, the emergence of CMOs and CROs is driving the chromatography resins market in Asia Pacific region. Europe is expected to show steady growth over the forecast period.Some of the key players in the chromatography resins market are Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., GE Healthcare Life Sciences, Tosoh Corporation, Merck KGaA, Life Technologies Corporation and Pall Corporation among others.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-274
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Compliance Monitoring Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025report to their offering.

Compliance Monitoring Devices Market Value

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 09:17:23

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Compliance is an extent to which a patient acts in accordance with the prescribed interval dose and dose regimen. Compliance is measured over a particular period of time. This is operationalized in a prospective assessment of dose taking with respect to prescription. Compliance monitoring devices are electronic devices which provides sufficient details to calculate number of doses taken daily and doses at appropriate intervals. Compliance monitoring devices are majorly used in radiological diagnostic imaging centers .These dose monitor PACS (Picture archiving and communication system) based automated systems provide healthcare facilities such patient radiation dose exposure, dose monitoring and dose management. These devices provides a great accessibility to export the data. These system provides track the patents dose history. Personal Dosimeters are devices used by people who are dealing with the harmful radiations. These devices monitor and measures ionizing radiations such as X-rays, Beta rays, Gamma rays.Compliance Monitoring Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsCompliance Monitoring Device market is driven by these driving factors. Great technological advancements in these devices such as Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) which offers accurately measures minute levels of radiation is up surging Global compliance device market. More number of people become health conscious, increasing the need for patient safety. Increasing the incidence of chronic diseases and changes in diagnosis methods are vital driving factors of this market. Rapid innovation in the modelling technologies such as Computed Tomography and MRI scans are increasing around the globe. Now a days people are aware the consequences of prolonged radiation therapy. Stringent regulatory environment and Ignorance of radiation dose management by radiologists and healthcare professionals and lack of skilled professionals are major restraints of this market.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-966 Compliance Monitoring Devices Market: SegmentationCompliance Monitoring Devices market can be further segmented into following typesBy ApplicationRadiography / X-rayComputed TomographyMRIMammographyInterventional radiologyNuclear MedicineBy ProductMedical Radiation DosimetersRadiation Survey MetersAnalytical SoftwareBy End userDiagnostic centersHospitals and radiology centersResearch Institutes.Compliance Monitoring Devices Market: OverviewThe Compliance Monitoring Device market has a rapid technological advancement. These dosimeters associated with more accuracy and precision. The results any tests carried out to determine amount of radiation to which the person has been exposed. Increasing the awareness among the patients and health care providers this market is expected to grow at a healthy growth rate in forecasting period.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-966 Compliance Monitoring Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, Compliance Monitoring devices market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.Geographically, North America dominates compliance device market due to stringent regulations on patient safety. The significant spending power of population and increasing health care awareness among the people and technological advancement are major key factors to propel the market in this region.Compliance Monitoring Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players identified in global compliance monitoring device market are GE Health Care, Siemens Healthcare, Inc. Bayer AG, Toshiba Medical Systems, Fujifilm Corporation, and Phillips Healthcare.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 02:25:40

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Equitas Resources Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, BC (FSCWire) - Equitas Resources Corp. (TSX Venture:EQT). has issued a press release with the following headline:Equitas Resources Corp. Announces Closing of Non-Brokered Private Placement and Issues OptionsTo 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 Equitas Resources Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Equitas Resources Corp.Source: Equitas Resources Corp. (TSX Venture: EQT, WKN: A12CWK, ISIN: CA29458R2054, FWB: T6UP)Date: April 05, 2017Time: 8:12 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Equitas Resources Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Nerve Monitoring Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025report to their offering.

Nerve Monitoring Devices Market Growth

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 09:13:15

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Nerve Monitoring allows supervision of nervous system for intraoperative surgeries. Nerve monitoring is an essential part of the surgery also known as intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) or intraoperative neuromonitoring which implements electrophysiological methods like electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and evoked potentials to monitor the functional integrity of certain neural structures. Nerve monitoring devices are used to monitor the neurological functioning. Neurophysiologist keeps a track of the nerve functioning and work as an integral part of the surgical team nowadays to avoid situation like irreversible nerve damage during surgical procedures. Surgical neurophysiology monitoring offers wide range of testing modality. Some of them are mentioned below:SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potentials)TCeMEP ( Transcranial Electrical Motor Evoked Potentials)BSEP (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials)EMG (electromyography)Pedicle Screw StimulationEEG (Electroencephalogram)ECOG (Electrocorticography)Direct Cortical StimulationTCD (Transcranial Doppler)Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-958 Nerve Monitoring Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsNerve monitoring market is growing due to continuous advancement in medical technology both for the diagnosis and the treatment of neurological disorders have raised the demand of Nerve Monitoring devices. Rise in the ageing population leading to increase in the number of surgical procedures being performed at the global level and increase in the incidence of neurological disorders are some major factors driving the growth of Nerve Monitoring devices market. More awareness amongst the surgeons is helping the market to dwell in developed countries however the market of developed countries are more or less saturated and have a limited growth opportunity as compared to developing countries especially Asia Pacific countries where due to large population the market growth can be significant in the upcoming years. Lack of skilled professionals in the developing countries and poor or unstable reimbursement regulations are hampering the growth of Nerve monitoring devices in developing countries.Nerve Monitoring Devices Market: SegmentationNerve Monitoring Devices market is classified on the basis of product type, modality and geography.Based on product type, the global Nerve Monitoring market is segmented into the following:MonitorsCables, Lead wires, AdaptersElectrodesReusable Surface ElectrodesDisposable Surface ElectrodesBased on modality, the global Nerve Monitoring market is segmented into the following:Electroencephalography (EEG)Electromyography/nerve conduction studies/evoked potential (EMG/NCS/EP)Magnetoencephalography (MEG)Nerve Monitoring Devices Market: OverviewNerve monitoring has become an integral part in surgical procedures like spine, brain, vascular and orthopedic surgeries. Nerve monitoring is essential due to increasing incidence of neurological disorders. Nerve monitoring devices market is well established in the developed countries, however some developing countries, where healthcare sector is not much developed are still using alternatives to nerve monitoring. Majorly this market is driven by after sales service contracts. The software used in Nerve Monitoring devices can be outsourced to the developing countries to offer low cost solutions and help in the development of these high end equipment.Nerve Monitoring Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global Nerve Monitoring market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading region in Nerve Monitoring Devices market due to the high volumes of surgical procedures being performed. Also, the availability of established healthcare infrastructure, high contribution of healthcare to economy, patient compliance are the reasons for the high demand in North America. Europe has the second largest Nerve Monitoring Devices market due to vast technological advancement in terms of healthcare sector. Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at a good rate as compared to NA and Europe as there is ample market opportunity in countries like India and China. Nerve Monitoring Devices market in NA and Europe are almost saturated.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-958 Nerve Monitoring Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global Nerve Monitoring Devices market are Medtronic, NuVasive, Inc., Magtism, Inomed, NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION, EMS Biomedical, NeuroSign, Dr. Langer Medical GmbH, Natus Medical Incorporated, Deymed Diagnostic to name a few.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" report to their offering.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 11:33:01

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Spinal implants are devices used to treat disproportion of spine, provide stability and strengthen the spine of patients. These devices are broadly segmented as fusion and non-fusion spinal devices. Non-fusion technologies into spinal surgery has improved outcomes by providing patients to retain at least some movement and flexibility in the spine.Non fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices are used for the patients who are suffering from the problem of gradual disc damage, degenerative disc disease often results in disc herniation and chronic back or neck pain.According to WHO, back pain affects people of all ages, from children to the elderly, and is a very frequent reason for medical consultations. It is difficult to estimate the incidence of back pain as the incidence of back pain is already high by early adulthood and symptoms tend to recur over time. The lifetime prevalence of non-specific (common) back pain is estimated at 60% to 70% in industrialized countries.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-582 Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsNon fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices global market is driven by aging population, increase in the number of obesity patient, and rise in the demand for minimally invasive surgery proceduresNon fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices market is driven by new technological advancements. The huge population afflicted from obesity and back pain problem drives the global market. However, unstable reimbursement policies act as a major barrier for this market.Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: SegmentationNon fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices market is segmented into following types:Artificial Discs ReplacementCervical Discs ReplacementLumber Discs ReplacementDynamic Stabilization DevicesInterspinous Process Decompression (IPD) DevicesPedicle Screw-Based Dynamic Stabilization SystemsAnnulus Repair DevicesVisit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-582 Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement and wide acceptance of non-fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices among patients with back pain problem, the global non fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices market is expected to grow at healthy CAGR in the forecast period (2012-2025).Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global non fusion spinal technologies and disc diagnostic devices market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America contributes the largest market share as the degenerative disc disease affects almost 50% of the U.S. population above age 40 years. Asia pacific shows the fastest growth due to large number of population.Non Fusion Spinal Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating players in this market are Medtronic Inc., Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Holdings Inc., DePuy Synthes and others.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Key Opinion Leader Management Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" report to their offering.

Polyols Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 08:11:57

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Polyols are defined as sugar-free sweeteners, which are used in the same amount as sugar is used in food and beverage products. The chemical structure of polyols is partially sugar and alcohol thus, called as sugar alcohols. Different polyols available for use in food and beverage products include erythritol, sorbitol, maltitol, isomalt and others. Owing to demand for low calorie food and beverage products among consumers to overcome obesity, weight management and type-2 diabetes, the polyols market is predicted to witness significant growth in next five to six years.Also, benefits such as non-cariogenic nature, low insulin level for metabolism, less energy utilization and others have led manufactures adoption towards polyols as a replacement with sugar in the food and beverage products. Application of polyols as blends in food and beverage products, resulting in improved taste and stability is predicted to increase usage of polyols in food products. In addition, blending polyols offers flexibility to food manufacturers to take each sweeteners individual taste in the food product.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1025 Polyols Market SegmentationThe global polyols market is segmented on the basis of polyols type, application and regions. The polyols segmentation includes erythritol, sorbitol, maltitol, isomalt and others. Among, all the polyols type, sorbitol is expected to witness considerable growth in the near future. This is primarily attributed to versatility, low caloric value and other health benefits resulting in low fat or calories.On the basis of application, polyols market is segmented into food and beverage, pharmaceutical and personal care. In addition, food segment is further sub-segmented into candies, frozen desserts, syrups, cookies and others. Pharmaceutical sub-segmentation includes breath mints, cough medicines and chewing gum. Personal care is sub-segmented into mouthwash and toothpaste, perfumes, make-up, deodorants and lotions.On the basis of regions, the global polyols market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Of which, currently North America dominates the market in terms of % share contribution. However, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and South America are expected to record high growth as compared to the other regions by 2025. This is attributed to increasing health concerns among consumers, changing lifestyle particularly in countries such as India, China and Brazil.Polyols Market DynamicsConsumer inclination towards low calorie food, growing health concerns and changing consumer lifestyle are key factors fuelling the global polyols market growth. In addition, increasing obesity levels and diabetes concerns among population are anticipated to drive the demand for low calorie food products, resulting in significant contribution of these products among consumes. Moreover, increasing awareness among manufacturers of processed food products regarding benefits of polyols such as suspension, thickness and stabilization offered by xanthum gum is predicted to increase uptake of polyols in food and beverage products.Although, raw material availability in developing regions is restraining the market growth; strategic alliances among players in the global polyols market is expected to increase the growth in the near future. There are numerous benefits associated with application of polyols in food and beverage products, regulatory approvals is a major factor hampering the complete use of all polyols in food and beverage products.Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1025 Polyols Market Key PlayersSome of the prominent players operating in the global polyols market include Mitsubishi-Kagaku Foods, Cargill Inc., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Ecogreen Oleochemicals Gmbh, American International Foods and Archer Daniels Midland among others.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 10:17:01

6 April 2017, Limassol, Cyprus

SeaBird Exploration is pleased to announce that it has signed a letter of intent to provide a seismic source vessel for an upcoming survey in the Asia Pacific region. The project is due to commence in the second half of June and will have a duration of approximately five to six months. SeaBird will be using the Voyager Explorer for the project.

SeaBird is a global provider of marine acquisition for 2D/3D and 4D seismic data, and associated products and services to the oil and gas industry. SeaBird specializes in high quality operations within the high end of the source vessel and 2D market, as well as in the shallow/deep water 2D/3D and 4D market. Main focus for the company is proprietary seismic surveys (contract seismic). Main success criteria for the company are an unrelenting focus on QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment) with efficient collection of high quality seismic data. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include SeaBird`s reliance on a cyclical industry and the utilization of the company's vessels. Actual results may differ substantially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

For further queries contact:



Christophe Debouvry

CEO SeaBird Exploration

Phone: +47 22402705

or

Nils Haugestad

CFO SeaBird Exploration

Phone: +47 22402717

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: SeaBird Exploration Plc via Globenewswire


Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the  Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025report to their offering.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Market Share

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-06 09:12:13

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Therapeutic drug monitoring is a branch of clinical chemistry and clinical pharmacology which aims at maintaining the drug concentration levels in the body fluids within the particular therapeutic range. The purpose of therapeutic drug monitoring is refining patient care by individually adjusting the drug dosage for better outcomes.Some of the situations where measurement of drug dosage concentration is useful include, non-response at therapeutic dose, suboptimal tolerability, pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction and drug adherence. TDM is regarded as a module of personalized medicine that interacts with various other disciplines such as pharmacogenomics and pharmacokinetics. Most commonly monitored drugs are digoxin, valproate and carbamazepine.The global therapeutic drug monitoring market showed significant growth over the last few years and is projected to grow at a robust CAGR during the forecast period.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-953 Therapeutic Drug MonitoringMarket: Drivers and RestraintsTherapeutic drug monitoring is driven by various key factors which include, ageing population with better health care services, increasing demand for genetic testing, increased government and private sector participation in therapeutic drug monitoring markets, rise in drug profiling.Ongoing problems with reimbursement, retrenchment in the hospital fields and a weak global economy. Fluctuating exchange rates further weakens the global market.Therapeutic Drug MonitoringMarket: SegmentationGlobal therapeutic drug monitoring market is segmented on the basis of product type as following:AntibioticsAnticonvulsantsAntiarrhythmicAntineoplasticBronchodilatorsImmunosuppressiveHIV/AIDS drugsTherapeutic drug monitoring market is further segmented on the basis of technology as:SpectrometryChromatographyElectrophoresisProteomic technologyTherapeutic Drug MonitoringMarket: OverviewWith the advancement of technology and increase incidence in disease population, therapeutic drug monitoring, is gaining wide acceptance as a method of choice among patients. This market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR in the forecast period (2015-2025).In the upcoming years, the TDM market will undergo significant transformation. These alterations will be done by convergence of new and more stringent regulations improvements in diagnostic technologies, automation and system engineering.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-953 Therapeutic Drug MonitoringMarket: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, therapeutic drug monitoring market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.In terms of geography, North America dominates the therapeutic drug monitoring market, followed by Europe. During the earlier stages of this market development growth rates were higher, while the value of the market was relatively low. As the market value started to rise the annual growth rate declined slightly, but is expected to increase again as the market develops and the advantages of therapeutic drug monitoring is appreciated in the established markets and as the techniques and products appear in the emerging market.Therapeutic Drug MonitoringMarket: Key PlayersCoulter, BioChem Pharmaceuticals, BioRad, OraSure Technologies,and Roche Diagnostics. The market is currently led by Some of the key players in compression therapy market are,Abbott Laboratories, Bayer AG, Beckman Roche diagnostics followed by Abbott Laboratories.
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.




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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After four years of genocide, Syria's children and families are no strangers to Sarin Gas, which kills with a single drop on the skin.

By: Congress

Trott eating trout

Contact

Dennis Nazelli

***@gmail.com Dennis Nazelli

End

-- David A. Trott, US Congressman (MI-11), who serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, is at the forefront of shaping American foreign policy and promoting our nation's values of liberty and freedom throughout the world.However, Trott's existential view of the world as a freshman in congress, [to ensure other countries abide by basic human principles, promoting our nation's values of liberty and freedom of the numerous oppressed minorities throughout the world] certainly has been twisted in 2017 by the Trump administration.As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trott constructs legislation impacting the Department of State, tyrannized today by Secretary Rex Tillerson, whose Secret Service code name isSecretary of State, T-Rex in earshot of a television or radio heard and/or witnessed his terse statement that the defenseless children of Syria are on their own. As of the posting of this press release, Trott has not responded to requests for his reactions to yesterday's chemical attack of the families in Idlib, Syria.Basically, President Bashar Hafez al-Assad can gas his people with sarin, kill children, kill innocent civilians. People will complain, there'll be a meeting at the UN Security Council, and then life will go on and Assad will stay in power.Friday, Trott was eating trout at Casey's of Walled Lake Fish Fry.As the consummate enabler of misery to thousands of American families who lost homes during the foreclosure era, the wordless Trott stood behind the absurdity of his president: "This is all Obama's fault," and, "The world is a mess. I inherited a mess;" and this from T-Rex: "Assad's fate will be decided by the Syrian people," a euphemism used by Damascus, Moscow, and Tehran to indicate that he isn't going anywhere.The guilt on Trott's shoulders must have been elephantine. It was reported that he went into a weekend orgy of frenzied legislative activity. Here are some of the binge results:TROTT INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDEAs someone who is honored to be able to represent such a vibrant Armenian population in Southeast Michigan, I am proud to introduce this resolution and urge the United States government to stand in solidarity with the Armenian people to officially recognize the horrific events that transpired over a hundred years ago.Here's the paradox: After 100 years, grandstander, Trott will urge the United States to "stand in solidarity" with the Armenian people who were brutalized and murdered by the Ottoman Empire in a heinous attempt to wipe them off the face of the earth; yet, the Trottster, who remains mute-lipped about the same crimes taking place in Syria as we read this dispatch.TROTT URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO COMBAT DOMESTIC AND GLOBAL ANTI-SEMITISMThe United States has played an indispensable leadership role in promoting global tolerance, pluralism, and human rights, and we must continue to underscore our commitment to protecting everyone's right to practice their beliefs freely and openly around the world.Oh, the irony! Trott claims to be Italian; then it's possible he is also Catholic (remember the Fish Fry). Perhaps his pastor, at St. Hugo, listened to parishioner Trott's confession this past weekend; then, after his act of contrition, the pastor sent him out with the penance to disseminate the above proclamation to promote global tolerance plus ten Hail Marys.TROTT UNDERSCORES SUPPORT OF A SOVEREIGN MACEDONIAMacedonia has been a critical partner in advancing U.S. national security efforts around the world. Furthermore, the Macedonian diaspora in the United States has been a critical part of our community and has contributed to the diversity and advancement of our entire nation. A sovereign and strong Macedonia and Macedonian people serves to benefit our mutual interests and we must support, not undermine our important ally.The Macedonian diaspora in the United States! Indeed! Where the hell is this coming from? Is this the same Macedonia, whose ruler, Alexander the Great, conquered the known global world of antiquity? Why, all of a sudden does Trott need to underscore anything regarding this tiny Balkan country? Why doesn't he underscore today's reality of Macedonia's role in the hacking of American financial, industrial institutions or the very foundation of our democracy  the 2016 presidential election? A blatant example is a company located in the Macedonian capital, Skopje, called Hacker Service Macedonia.Congressman Trott has chosen to use the playbook of his Fuhrer! Titled:Shuck and Jive.
By: www.vistra.com

End

-- Vistra, one of the world's leading corporate service providers of international incorporations, trust, fiduciary, private office, and fund administration services, has announced the acquisition of optegra, a German based specialist in auditing, tax consultancy, legal advisory, and management consultancy services.With offices in Cologne, Hamburg and Munich, optegra has a staff of 120 professionals serving clients from a range of industries, including automotive, information technology, telecommunications, health care, private equity, real estate, renewable energy, and engineering. Their specialist knowledge enables optegra to provide expert solutions surrounding financial and regulatory services, transaction support, payroll accounting, tax consultancy and administration, as well as start-up support. The Partners of optegra will all remain with the business post-completion and will strengthen the range of services provided by Vistra in Germany, including the provision of audit and fund administration services to alternative investment funds and to alternative investment managers.Commenting on the acquisition, Arjan Schaapman, Group Managing Director, Corporate & Private Clients of Vistra, said: "optegra is no stranger to Vistra. As the German partner of Vistra Alliance, we have worked closely with them over the years and are excited for them to officially join the Vistra family. With the acquisition we hope to bridge the gap currently seen in terms of available service providers in the International Expansion market. In addition, their niche position in the German fund administration business gives us a unique position and great opportunities to work together with Vistra's existing fund administration platform. This also sees a significant expansion of our presence in Germany, the largest economy in Mainland Europe, which is a strategic move forward in growing our global footprint. We welcome the optegra family to our global team and really look forward to working with them to achieve our combined goals".Antoinette Hiebeler-Hasner, Managing Director of optegra, added, "We are extremely excited to be joining Vistra. With Vistra's global network, we will be able to extend our reach beyond Germany into Asia and other important markets, allowing our clients to benefit from experienced on-the-ground support in the region. We are looking forward to joining the Vistra family."For further information, please contact:Besy LeungEmail: media.enquiries@ vistra.com Telephone: +852 2848 0268Antoinette Hiebeler-HasnerEmail: a.hiebeler-hasner@ optegra.de Telephone: +49 (89) 13 99 00-11Ranked in the top four corporate service providers globally, Vistra is a versatile group of professionals, providing a uniquely broad range of services and solutions. Our capabilities span across company formations to trust, fiduciary, private office, and fund administration services. Vistra employs over 2,600 employees in 68 offices across 42 jurisdictions.For more information, please visit www.vistra.comoptegra is a medium-sized group of companies, based in Cologne, Hamburg and Munich, specialising in auditing services, tax consultancy, and legal advisory services. The optegra partners are committed to the principles of strategic partnerships. optegra's multi-disciplinary and highly qualified team of consultants delivers a comprehensive range of cross-industry, cross-border, success-oriented, and cost-effective services.
"Coastal Alaska is special. You just don't see Alaska's Fab Five in this concentration or magnitude elsewhere in the state."

By: AdventureSmith Explorations

Coastal Grizzlies - Kings of the Forest

Contact

Widness & Wiggins PR

***@travelnewssource.com Widness & Wiggins PR

End

-- Cruising Alaskan waterways by small ship may be the best way to guarantee sightings of Alaska's wildlife, including the "Fab Five."Almost effortless sightings are thanks to small ships that can maneuver skillfully and quietly into less-frequented waterways to access remote bays, coves and shorelines preferred by Alaska's "Fab Five", a group in which guests of AdventureSmith Explorations (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/)have affectionately included whales, brown bear, mountain goats, moose, and King salmon."Coastal Alaska is special. You just don't see Alaska's Fab Five in this concentration or magnitude elsewhere in the state. In my experience as a former guide, these are the animals that people come to Alaska to see," explained Todd Smith, founder and president of this company that specializes in small ship cruises.He underscored that wildlife viewing aboard a small ship allows better silent access and more predictability over big ship, land-based, river or air viewing. While itineraries may focus on one or more of the Fab Five, oftentimes all five can be spotted along the course of a voyage. Shallow natural harbors accessible only by small ship encourage guests to hop into zodiacs, kayaks or even atop paddle boards to gain prime viewing and intimate encounters.Smith and his staff shared their favorite cruises best suited for Fab Five viewing:- Alaska's Coastal Grizzlies ( http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/ alaska-coastal- ... ) is an eight-day journey on the eight-guest converted research vessel. This cruise itinerary, the most remote the company offers in Alaska, forages for one of the world's most formidable mammals, coastal grizzlies, in wilderness waterways (inaccessible to traditional cruise ships) of Katmai National Park. Guests absorb the drama of these creatures feeding on a summer's bounty of spawning salmon. Ingesting more than 30 fish per day each, a male can weigh over 1,000 pounds and measure more than five feet standing. Gateways are Kodiak or Homer, with an included pre- and post-cruise hotel night, day boat tour of either Kodiak Island or Kachemak Bay and a scenic floatplane flight to and from the. The per person double rate is from $9,295.- Sikumi Custom Alaska Cruise ( http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/ sikumi-custom- a... ) is a sevenday adventure aboard the eight-guestGuests can safely compete with shore bears in their own feeding grounds by fishing for King salmon right off the vessel. Common sights are whales, bears (brown and black), seals, sea lions, Dall's porpoises and bald eagles. Note: the largest known King salmon ever caught weighed 126 pounds.s captains, formerly commercial fishermen, bring a high level of experience in the art of salmon fishing. The chef will showcase guests' catch (accompanied by fresh-caught halibut, crab and shrimp) at dinner. Variations on the route and itinerary are offered with trips departing from Juneau, Petersburg or Sitka. The per person rate is from $5,950.- Inside Passage Catalyst (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/inside-passage-catalyst) is a seven-day program on the 12-guestthrough Southeast Alaska. Frederick Sound is among the migratory humpback whales' prime summer feeding grounds. These endangered animals may weigh over 35 tons and measure up to 50 feet long. Hydrophones onboard allow guests to listen to their songs. There are sightings of Orca, porpoise, Stellar sea lion and numerous sea birds. Seymour Canal, a 23-mile-long inlet, is home to the highest concentration of bald eagles in the region and a large population of energetic Dall's porpoise. This trip was featured inTop 50 Tours of a Lifetime. The journey begins in Juneau and disembarks in Petersburg. The per person rate is from $4,250.- Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/glacier-bay-adventure-cruise)is a six-day itinerary aboard the 12-guestThe good news is that there has been a recent uptick in the moose population and May and June are preferred sighting months. A bull moose can weigh in at 1,600 pounds but can stealthily fade into the wilderness. Wildlife encounters occur daily. Snow in the mountains makes the beaches a highway for wildlife in search of food. "We rarely saw wolves and now it is rare not to see them, and many times with pups," says Sea Wolf Caption Kimber Owen. Guests embark in Bartlett Cove and Geike Inlet and disembark in Juneau. The per person double rate is from $3,700.- Exploring Muir's Wilderness (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/exploring-muirs-wilderness) is an eight-day itinerary retracing some of the steps and sailings in Alaska's Inside Passage taken between 1879 and 1890 by famed naturalist John Muir. Guests can choose the newly refurbished 84-guestor the 36-guest. The glacially carved rock walls of Glacier Bay and the steep-walled fjords of Endicott Arm are home to mountain goat that follow the disappearing snowline. On this trip in Alaska, guests view spectacular tidewater glaciers and watch whales and bear in their natural habitat. This trip begins and ends in Juneau. The per person double rate is from $4,695.A full complement of AdventureSmith Explorations' Alaska adventures can be seen online at http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/alaska. For information on all of AdventureSmith's small ship cruises worldwide, itineraries, availability and reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of's prestigious World's Top Travel Specialists List as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.Sara Widness / sara@widnesspr.com / Ph: 802-234-6704Dave Wiggins / dave@travelnewssource.com / Ph: 720-301-3822
The rising popularity of Aroma Bravo on Amazon.com has made more people discover the flavorful taste of Honduras coffee.

Contact

Charles C Harmon Co LLC

***@gmail.com

5888-582-6650 Charles C Harmon Co LLC5888-582-6650

End

-- Nowadays, many customers on Amazon.com are beginning to appreciate the taste of true Honduras coffee. This new interest in roasted Honduran coffee online can be attributed to the rising popularity of Aroma Bravo, an organic coffee and tea company that specializes in whole bean coffee from Marcala, Honduras.Renowned for its impressive Arabica coffee production, Marcala has long been recognized by experts as one of the best places to get premium coffee beans. The Marcala region is an essential source of income for Honduras, and also the driving force behind the rise of the country's coffee in the global market.Although often overshadowed by neighboring countries like Guatemala, Honduras is now securing its place in the gourmet coffee market. It is currently the top coffee producer in Central America, greatly surpassing Guatemala and other coffee-producing countries in the area.Aroma Bravo discovered the smooth and well-balanced flavor of Honduras coffee while searching for the best coffee beans to offer to customers."In pursuit of the best coffee beans, we conducted several taste tests of coffees from different regions. In the end, Honduras coffee is the one that resonated the most with us. We were so impressed that we wanted to share the experience with our fellow coffee lovers as well. From then on, we made the decision to exclusively source our whole bean coffee from Marcala." A company spokesperson revealed.Sourcing coffee beans from Honduras has proven successful for the brand. Aroma Bravo has already attracted hundreds of orders despite only debuting a few months ago, and its growing popularity is prompting several customers to try Honduran coffee."We're so glad that people are finally taking notice of this delicious coffee that we love so much. We will keep delivering the best coffee beans from Marcala so that even more coffee lovers will know about it," the spokesperson added.Interested customers can buy Honduras whole bean coffee at https://www.amazon.com/ dp/B01M24DD64 Aroma Bravo sources whole coffee beans from Marcala, Honduras. Highly rated on Amazon.com, Aroma Bravo Coffee is a must-have for serious coffee aficionados.
East Capital Explorer AB (ECEX) has signed an agreement to acquire Vertas, an A class office building in central Vilnius, from Laurus, a joint venture between Partners Group and Northern Horizon Capital. The purchase price is 29m, corresponding to a yield of approximately 6.5%. The transaction is expected to close

[]
WASHINGTON -- Two Democratic lawmakers are pushing a new measure to keep U.S. President Donald Trump from altering current U.S. policy toward Russia until an ongoing FBI investigation is completed.

The resolution introduced April 5 by Representatives Eric Swalwell (California) and Eliot Engel (New York) echoes similar legislation announced in February by a group of Republicans and Democrats in the Senate.

Like the Senate effort, the proposed House resolution calls on the Trump administration "to make no alterations to sanctions, treaties, military aid, or diplomatic relations that might benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin or his government."

Any changes, the resolution said, should come only after the FBI completes its probe into possible ties between Russian officials and Trump aides.

During last year's election campaign, Trump called for a more conciliatory approach toward Moscow, saying the two countries had shared interests, such as the fight against terrorism.

Since taking office, however, that rhetoric has cooled, and Moscow, which had embraced Trump's conciliatory rhetoric, has also responded with growing criticism of the Trump administration.

With Republicans holding majorities in both houses of Congress, it is unlikely that either measure will be adopted.
Some demonstrations are apparently OK. Others, not so much.

In the aftermath of this week's attack in St. Petersburg, Yury Shvytkin, the deputy chair of the State Duma's Defense Committee, has proposed placing a "moratorium" on public protests.

Such a move is necessary for public safety, he said, because terrorists time their attacks to "significant events and significant dates."

And apparently is isn't just dangerous to hold anti-Kremlin demonstrations. It's also dangerous to even promote them.

Another lawmaker, Vitaly Milonov, is introducing legislation that would ban online calls for unsanctioned demonstrations and require all social- media users to register with their passport data.

But if anti-Kremlin protests pose a security hazard, state-sponsored demonstrations are another matter entirely.

Because the Kremlin is reportedly encouraging Russia's regional leaders to organize antiterrorism rallies of their own.

According to a report in Kommersant, the aim is to have such state-sponsored rallies in every large Russian city, especially those where large numbers took to the streets on March 26 to protest official corruption.

The first of these, according to media reports, is planned for April 6 in Moscow.

Vladimir Putin's regime is apparently wasting no time in using Russia's latest terrorist attack to change the subject and shift the conversation.

Which should come as no surprise. We have, after all, seen this movie before.

From the 2002 Nord-Ost theater siege in Moscow to the 2004 Beslan school massacre to the 2013 bus and train-station bombings in Volgograd, the Kremlin has treated terrorist acts as opportunities to consolidate power and stifle dissent.

Following the Nord-Ost siege, new press restrictions were placed on the media. In the aftermath of Beslan, the Kremlin eliminated the direct election of governors. And after the Volgograd bombings, the authorities tightened controls on the Internet.

"As concerns about a renewed terrorist threat echo through Russian media, we should be cautious -- but not cynical -- in watching how a new narrative on terrorism is used by the Kremlin," Molly McKew, a former adviser to the Georgian and Moldovan governments, writes in Foreign Policy.

In the short term, the Kremlin is clearly trying to shift public attention away from the mass nationwide protests on March 26 that were sparked by corruption allegations against Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

For a month after opposition leader Aleksei Navalny issued a report alleging that Medvedev owned a vast empire of mansions, estates, yachts, an Italian vineyard, and an 18th-century palace, the prime minister was silent.

He finally chose to respond to the allegations on April 4, one day after the St. Petersburg attacks, calling them "rubbish" and "nonsense."

The allegations, Medvedev added, were made "to try to drag people out into the streets for political purposes."

On the same day, according to Russian media reports, State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin called on lawmakers to defend Medvedev from attacks by Navalny, whom he accused of being "the voice of the Western security services."

In addition to seeking to use this week's attack to change the subject at home, the Kremlin also appears to be hoping that it will change the international conversation as well -- pushing issues like the war in Ukraine and Moscow's meddling in Western elections off the agenda.

Shortly after the attack, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said it illustrated "the importance of stepping up joint efforts to combat this evil."

But it is far from clear that the Kremlin will continue to be able to exploit the aftermath of terrorist attacks to advance its political goals.

They've been doing it for years. And as a result, power has been consolidated, dissent has been suppressed -- and terrorism has continued.

And with Moscow's intervention in Syria's civil war, Russia is increasingly becoming a target of choice for jihadists.

And as this threat grows, it will pierce the Kremlin's carefully crafted aura of competence, omnipotence, and omnipresence.

"Terrorist attacks are becoming part of the political agenda in Russia, and that agenda is increasingly not under the control of the authorities," the daily Vedomosti wrote in an editorial this week.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
MOSCOW -- A Russian LGBT activist group says it has received more than 10 appeals for help from homosexuals in Chechnya seeking to flee the southern Russian republic, where local authorities are accused of targeting homosexuals in an "unprecedented" campaign of persecution.



The Novaya Gazeta newspaper alleged on April 4 that Chechen authorities have rounded up and held scores of homosexuals in a "secret prison" and published testimony from alleged victims, one of whom said he was driven to the brink of suicide from the abuse he faced over his sexual orientation.

The report follows an earlier story, published by the newspaper on April 1, that more than 100 purportedly gay men in the Muslim-majority republic have been arrested by authorities in the past month -- and that at least three were killed. The allegations have since been corroborated by human rights activists but have been flatly denied by the Chechen authorities.

The head of the local Interior Ministry dismissed the earlier report as a "bad April Fools' joke," while the spokesman for Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya's strongman leader, claimed there were no homosexuals in Chechnya. If they did exist, the spokesman argued, detentions would be unnecessary as relatives themselves would "send them somewhere they wouldnt return from."



Activists with the Russian LGBT Network, an LGBT rights organization based in St. Petersburg, said they had become aware of the alleged abuses in Chechnya prior to Novaya Gazetas April 1 report and set up a hotline on March 29 to provide emergency help to homosexuals there.

'Terribly Scared'

Svetlana Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian LGBT network, told RFE/RL they have since received more than 10 appeals from men seeking help to leave the republic and find safe shelter elsewhere. Zakharova declined to provide concrete information related to the appeals out of concerns for the callers' safety.

She said processing the appeals is complicated by the need to verify the validity of the callers' claims, while the men phoning in are "terribly scared" and also appear doubtful their interlocutors can provide the security they need.



"We've verified three of the appeals and the information has checked out," Zakharova told RFE/RL. "We are already working on evacuating people."

Zakharova said the Russian LGBT network has past experience "evacuating" homosexuals from Chechnya and successfully relocated one man last year. She noted, however, the "unprecedented" scale of the current action against gay men.



"We have never before encountered information anywhere in Russia that hundreds of people have been detained, tortured, and even killed," she said. "I think this is an unprecedented case."

The campaign illustrates how the southern republic of Russia, ruled by Kadyrov with the backing of President Vladimir Putin, largely operates according to its own rules.

On April 3, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that police would "check" the allegations from Novaya Gazeta but said he was unable to confirm the existence of an investigation. He advised citizens who had complaints regarding police to appeal to the courts.



Tanya Lokshina, Human Rights Watch's Russia program director, on April 4 criticized the lack of a strong condemnation from Peskov, writing that it "is particularly disappointing that the Kremlin spokesman should tell the victims to use official channels to complain, without saying a word about any security guarantees."

Lokshina noted the vulnerability of LGBT people in Chechnya, "where homophobia is intense and rampant."



Novaya Gazeta said on April 4 that the recent campaign against homosexuals had come in two waves. It said the first began around February 20, when a man was detained under the influence of narcotics and was found to have revealing photos and videos on his phone, as well as the contacts of dozens of local homosexuals.

A second wave reportedly later began after GayRussia.Ru, a prominent Moscow-based gay-rights group, applied for official permission to hold gay-pride rallies in cities of the North Caucasus, not including Chechnya.



The gay-rights activists reportedly expected to receive refusals from local authorities so they could take the issue to the European Court of Human Rights. Their request was covered in the local press and roiled conservatives.



'Secret Prison'



Novaya Gazeta has alleged that homosexuals were held in a "secret prison" in the city of Argun, where they were beaten and tortured. It said some were released after the payment of a ransom which, in some cases, relatives were only able to raise by selling their apartments. The newspaper said that at least three homosexuals had been killed and that it had unconfirmed information about a fourth death.

The newspaper on April 4 also published testimony from earlier purported victims, posting photographs of bruising and welts on their legs, buttocks, and backs. One man recounted how police had found out about his homosexuality and blackmailed him into regularly paying them to remain silent.

"Despite the tribute money, I was periodically taken to the police station, beaten up, tortured," he was quoted as saying. "They mocked me and humiliated me."

He said he was led to reject his homosexuality, considering it to be an "illness," and got married and started a family. The abuses continued, however, prompting him to flee to Moscow to "start a new life." He told the newspaper that his persecutors found him in Moscow, beat him up, and told him to pay money.



"I wanted to kill myself. The only reason I didnt hang myself was because I found people who helped me leave the country," he was quoted as saying. "Now I go to a psychologist and I realize that it was stupid not to do this earlier."
BRUSSELS -- The European Parliament has approved visa liberalization for Ukraine, a crucial step toward enabling Ukrainians to travel to the European Union without obtaining visas.

The measure passed on April 6 by a vote of 521 to 75, with 36 EU lawmakers abstaining.*

EU member states must also approve visa liberalization for Ukraine before the measure enters into force.

Ambassadors representing the 28 EU member states are expected to approve the deal when they meet in Brussels on April 26, and EU sources have told RFE/RL that EU ministers are expected to rubber-stamp the decision on May 11.

The deal would be sealed in a signing ceremony expected shortly after that.

Diplomats have expressed hope that the visa-free regime will enter into force in mid-June.

The decision will apply to all Ukrainian citizens who have biometric passports, including residents of the areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists and of Crimea, the Ukrainian region that Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Many in Ukraine, which saw Russia seize Crimea in 2014 and has been mired in a deadly conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the east for three years, see the visa deal as a symbol of closer ties to the EU.

The decision will apply to all Ukrainian citizens who have biometric passports. They will be able to enter most EU member states for up to 90 days during any 180-day period.

Visa-free travel to the EU for citizens of Georgia, another former Soviet republic under pressure from Russia, began on March 28.

With reporting by Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels

*A previous version of this story misstated the number of EU lawmakers who abstained from the vote.
Male jumping spiders will try to mate with any female, but that lack of discretion could cost them their lives, says a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher.

In a newly published study, UF/IFAS entomologist Lisa Taylor and her team documented the courting techniques of jumping spiders. They found that male spiders spend much time and energy -- including singing and dancing -- trying to mate with potential females, even when these females are the wrong species.

"We think that one reason these displays have evolved in male jumping spiders is to compensate for the fact that they can't tell females of closely related species apart," Taylor said. "Males run around courting everything that looks remotely like a female, and they place themselves at a very high risk of cannibalism from hungry females of the wrong species who have no interest in mating with them."

For the study, scientists searched for spiders along the shores of a river in Phoenix, Arizona. When they found one, they watched and recorded everything it did, using a voice recorder. If it was a male, they monitored how many other females he encountered, which species and whether or not he tried to court them. If it was a female, they recorded how many males and which species tried to court her. They also recorded whether males were attacked or eaten by females.

Taylor thinks that a male's colorful courtship dance allows him to identify himself to a female from a safe distance. These displays likely allow females to tell the males of different species apart. Then females can decide what action to take while the male is still a safe distance away.

"This study provides some new insight into the age-old question of why males go to such ridiculous lengths to impress females," Taylor said.

In jumping spiders, the answer might be that these colorful displays let males identify themselves to females without being eaten.

The females of many species look a lot alike, and males don't seem to have a good way to tell them apart. But the males of most jumping spider species look different from one another, so females make the decisions. The male strategy seems to be to court anything that looks remotely like a female and hope for the best, Taylor said.

Jumping spiders are commonly found in residential backyards, and most people don't even know they're there, Taylor said, much less that the male spiders are singing and dancing.

"People might be interested to know that their yard is teeming with confused, but adorable, male jumping spiders that are running around singing and dancing for every female in sight and that these males spiders are pretty clueless about how to find the right species of female," she said.

The study is published in the online journal PLOS ONE.
Researchers have identified the genetic mutation responsible for one patient's serious health problems, finally solving a medical mystery that has endured for over 30 years. Thanks to this discovery, the researcher developed a therapy that could also help a lot of people who have problems related to the immune system, whether they are genetic or due to a transplant or an illness.

"In the laboratory, we demonstrated that a molecule called Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotide could correct this kind of genetic anomaly and allow the patient's immune system to function properly," explains Dr. Donald Vinh, a researcher at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and the principal author of the study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Steven Francis, the MUHC patient at the centre of this discovery, has dealt with significant health issues his whole life. Followed at the MUHC since childhood, he has faced sinus infections, fungal infections, inflammations of the colon, shingles, respiratory problems, renal issues, and impeded growth, throughout all of which doctors were unable to discover an underlying cause; they suspected that it was genetic, but were unable to prove it. His family went so far as to consult specialists in the United States without success.

The tide finally turned in his favour when Dr. Vinh examined his case in 2012. "When this patient was referred to me, I went over his entire file in detail, covering some 30 years and literally filling two large cardboard boxes. I also looked at his family history. Since the 1980s, many new immune deficiencies have been identified, and I was able to apply the knowledge from these advances to solve the case," he explains.

Dr. Vinh discovered that Steven had a mutation on a gene that is critical for the proper function of the immune system, called ZAP70. It serves to synthesize a protein of the same name that helps activate our T cells. Without the ZAP70 protein, the body can't defend itself effectively against most infections.

"A mutation on this gene is known to be fatal, and the only treatment available up until now has been a bone marrow transplant that must take place before the age of five. With this new discovery, we have found out that genetic mutations of this kind are also found in adults, which could lead to tremendous advances in research. Solving this mystery has opened a new door into the way that the scientific community will look at immune system deficiencies," says Dr. Vinh. The discovery is all the more remarkable considering this gene cannot be studied in mice.

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Steven is now 35 years old. In his case, Dr. Vinh and his team now understand exactly where to find the mutation and how it behaves. His specific mutation subtly affects the slicing of the gene and doesn't affect the amino acid sequence that synthesizes the ZAP70 protein. Inspired by a little known treatment used in cases of hypercholesterolemia, Dr. Vinh successfully developed a molecule that exclusively blocks the mutation while allowing the protein to be synthesized. In the process of helping Steven, the researchers have shown in their laboratory that it is possible to create a molecular therapy that might improve the human immune system.

For Dr. Vinh, the battle is still only half won: while all the pieces of the puzzle might be found, they haven't yet been fully put together. "There are definitely more steps to take before we can test this treatment. For one thing, we have to convince the industry to support us. When Steven can finally get the benefit of the treatment, I'll be able to count this as a victory."

Dr. Vinh: on the genetics trail

Dr. Vinh studies genetic defects of the immune system. He seeks to understand why the genetic make-up of certain individuals leaves them more vulnerable to rare, severe or recurrent infections.

In his clinic and in his laboratory, he receives patients with complicated health problems that seem to be linked to their immune system. He treats what are called rare and orphan diseases affecting less than 1 person in 2000.

Dr. Vinh knows that there are people like Steven all across Canada -- they are getting sick but nobody knows why. His team is specialized in finding answers for complicated cases and more importantly, finding new solutions. It doesn't matter if you are in Montreal, Halifax or northern Quebec -- he wants people to know they are here for them. Patients are referred to him from all of Eastern Canada.

Dr. Vinh is sometimes compared to Dr. Gregory House of the popular television series. Like House, Dr. Vinh has a reputation across the country for his interest in the most atypical medical conditions within his field of practice. "I may have a few things in common with him, but I'd like think people find me a nicer person than he is!" he jokes.
After undergoing surgery, elderly patients often experience cloudy thinking that can last for weeks or even months. At one time researchers thought this cognitive decline might be caused by anesthesia, but mounting evidence suggests that heightened inflammation in the brain following surgery is the more likely cause.

Now a new study in mice by UC San Francisco researchers suggests that brain inflammation and cognitive decline following surgery are triggered by the brain's own specialized immune cells, called microglia. Mice given an experimental oral drug that temporarily depletes microglia ahead of an operation were much less likely to fail memory tests several days after surgery, the UCSF team found, suggesting a possible new approach to preventing the condition in humans.

The study, published April 6 in JCI Insight, an online, open-access companion publication to the Journal of Clinical Investigation, was led by collaborators Suneil Koliwad, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, and Mervyn Maze, MD, professor of anesthesia and perioperative care at UCSF. Koliwad has been studying microglia for several years, and Maze developed the mouse model that was used to investigate cognitive effects of surgery.

"There is an impact on memory in the mouse model that mirrors what has been observed in studies of post-surgical cognitive impairment in humans, and we can mitigate it with treatment that we think is not harmful to the animal," said Koliwad, who holds the Gerold Grodsky, PhD/JAB Chair in Diabetes Research at the UCSF Diabetes Center. "When we depleted microglia before surgery, the mice remembered much better after surgery in comparison to mice that did not receive the drug. Furthermore, we found much lower levels of inflammatory molecules in the hippocampus, a brain region that plays a key role in memory."

Excess Inflammation May Trigger Cognitive Decline After Surgery

Surgeries in elderly patients are becoming more common, and cognitive impairment is increasingly acknowledged by anesthesiologists to be a common side effect of surgery in these patients. A few studies in recent years have found that upwards of 10 percent of surgery patients ages 60 and older show some degree of cognitive impairment three months following surgery, although the diagnostic criteria for the condition have not yet been standardized, and causes and risk factors are still being explored.

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Post-operative cognitive dysfunction was previously believed to be caused by deep anesthesia during surgery. But increasing evidence instead links the condition to an inflammatory reaction in the brain, now understood to be a normal response to tissue trauma occurring anywhere in the body -- even surgeries physically distant from the brain, such as hip replacement, may trigger this response. Studies have shown that when this inflammation is excessive or too persistent, as may be the case in the elderly, the normally protective response can negatively impact cognition.

"Previous studies on post-operative inflammation in the brain had focused on whether circulating immune cells invade the brain and contribute to cognitive decline," Koliwad said. "Based on our new research, we now know that the brain's own microglia initiate and orchestrate this response, including the infiltration of peripheral immune cells and the resultant memory loss."

Temporarily Eliminating Microglia During Surgery Prevents Cognitive Decline in Mice

In experiments led by UCSF postdoctoral fellows Xiaomei Feng, PhD, and Martin Valdearcos, PhD, the researchers examined how surgery impacted cognition in mice whose microglia were experimentally depleted. Normally, mice trained in a conditioned behavior task prior to surgery perform worse at remembering the task three days after the operation. Remarkably, when researchers gave 10 mice a drug treatment to deplete microglia levels to roughly five percent of normal for seven days before undergoing the surgery, the animals were completely protected against this form of cognitive decline.

"This work demonstrates the central importance of microglia as transducers of surgical trauma in the periphery," said Maze, who is also William K Hamilton Distinguished Professor of Anesthesia in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care at UCSF. "They dictate the downstream inflammatory and neurological consequences in the brain."

The experimental drug used in the study, PLX5622, is made by Plexxikon Inc., a Berkeley, Calif.-based biotech company, and targets a molecule called colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), which microglia require in order to survive and replenish or expand their numbers.

Importantly, microglial depletion was not associated with reduced surgical wound healing, or with altered levels of immune cells and molecules outside the brain, and microglia levels returned to normal within two days after the PLX5622 treatment was stopped. However, in this study the UCSF researchers did not investigate potential long-term effects of microglia depletion more than one week past surgery.

"Our plan is to conduct more preclinical research to explore the potential of this approach, in the hopes that it eventually proves to be clinically applicable not only in surgery, but also in other diseases that lead to cognitive decline," Koliwad said.
Viruses have a ubiquitous presence in the world. Their population is estimated to be 1031, 10 times greater than the nonillion (1030) of microbes on the planet -- a figure that surpasses the number of stars in the Milky Way. Giant viruses are characterized by disproportionately large genomes and virions that house the viruses' genetic material. They can encode several genes potentially involved in protein biosynthesis, a unique feature which has led to diverging hypotheses about the origins of these viruses. But after discovering a novel group of giant viruses with a more complete set of translation machinery genes than any other virus known to date, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), a DOE Office of Science User Facility, believe that this group (dubbed "Klosneuviruses") significantly increases our understanding of viral evolution.

The predicted hosts for the Klosneuviruses are protists (single-celled eukaryotic (nucleus-containing) microorganisms) and while their direct impacts on protists are not yet worked out, these giant viruses are thought to have a large impact on these protists that help regulate the planet's biogeochemical cycles. DOE JGI published the findings in the journal Science on April 7, 2017 with collaborators from the National Institutes of Health, University of Vienna, and CalTech.

"The discovery presents virus evolution for us in new ways, vastly expanding our understanding of how many essential host genes viruses can capture during their evolution," said National Institutes of Health evolutionary and computational biologist Eugene Koonin, a study co-author whose lab collaborated with DOE JGI on analyzing the Klosneuvirus genome. "Since protein synthesis is one of the most prominent hallmarks of cellular life, it shows that these new viruses are more 'cell-like' than any virus anyone has ever seen before."

Scientists have been fascinated by giant viruses since 2003, when a group of French biologists led by Didier Raoult discovered the Mimiviruses. Since then, a handful of other giant virus groups have been found. The unique ability among them to encode proteins involved in translation (typically DNA to RNA to protein) piqued researchers' interests as to the origin of giant viruses. Since then, two evolutionary hypotheses have emerged. One posits that giant viruses evolved from an ancient cell, perhaps one from an extinct fourth domain of cellular life. Another -- a scenario championed by Koonin -- presents the idea that giant viruses arose from smaller viruses.

The discovery of Klosneuvirus supports the latter idea, according to Tanja Woyke, DOE JGI Microbial Genomics Program lead and senior author of the paper. "In this scenario, a smaller virus infected different eukaryote hosts and picked up genes encoding translational machinery components from independent sources over long periods of time through piecemeal acquisition," she said.

At first glance, the suite of "cellular" genes in Klosneuvirus seemed to have a common origin, but when analyzing them in detail, the research team observed they came from different hosts. From the evolutionary trees the team built, they noticed that they were acquired by the viruses bit by bit, at different stages in their evolution. The Klosneuvirus genes contained aminoacyl-tRNA (transfer ribonucleic acid) enzymes with specificity for 19 out of 20 amino acids, along with more than 20 tRNAs and an array of translation factors and tRNA modifying enzymes -- an unprecedented finding among all viruses, including the previously known giant viruses.

JGI postdoctoral researcher Frederik Schulz and Woyke unearthed Klosneuvirus while analyzing microcolony sequence data from a wastewater treatment plant sample in Klosterneuburg, Austria. This data was generated under a DOE JGI Community Science Program (CSP) project focused on the diversity of nitrifying bacteria for converting ammonia to nitrate in industrial and sewage waste treatment. "We expected genome sequences of nitrifying bacteria in the microcolony sequence data," Woyke said. "Finding a giant virus genome took the project into a completely new and unexpected, yet very exciting direction."

When Schulz, the study's first author, noticed that several of the metagenomes were viral in origin, he and Woyke conducted analyses to determine their source. They found that the Klosneuvirus group came from a novel viral lineage affiliated with Mimiviruses.

"Mining sequence data in DOE JGI's Integrated Microbial Genomes & Microbiomes system, which houses thousands of metagenomes, allowed us to find evolutionary relatives of our Klosneuvirus," Schulz said. He notes that while the metagenomic discovery of Klosneuviruses helped answer important evolutionary questions, the actual biological function of the translation system genes remains elusive -- at least until these viruses are grown in the laboratory together with their hosts.

And Koonin believes there are more giant viruses waiting to be discovered in metagenomic data. "I'm quite confident that the current record of the genome size of giant viruses will be broken," he says. "We are going to see the real Goliaths of the giant virus world."
Researchers in AMBER, the Science Foundation Ireland-funded materials science research centre hosted in Trinity College Dublin, have fabricated printed transistors consisting entirely of 2-dimensional nanomaterials for the first time. These 2D materials combine exciting electronic properties with the potential for low-cost production. This breakthrough could unlock the potential for applications such as food packaging that displays a digital countdown to warn you of spoiling, wine labels that alert you when your white wine is at its optimum temperature, or even a window pane that shows the day's forecast. The AMBER team's findings have been published today in the journal Science.

This discovery opens the path for industry, such as ICT and pharmaceutical, to cheaply print a host of electronic devices from solar cells to LEDs with applications from interactive smart food and drug labels to next-generation banknote security and e-passports.

Prof Jonathan Coleman, who is an investigator in AMBER and Trinity's School of Physics, said, "In the future, printed devices will be incorporated into even the most mundane objects such as labels, posters and packaging. Printed electronic circuitry (constructed from the devices we have created) will allow consumer products to gather, process, display and transmit information: for example, milk cartons could send messages to your phone warning that the milk is about to go out-of-date.

We believe that 2D nanomaterials can compete with the materials currently used for printed electronics. Compared to other materials employed in this field, our 2D nanomaterials have the capability to yield more cost effective and higher performance printed devices. However, while the last decade has underlined the potential of 2D materials for a range of electronic applications, only the first steps have been taken to demonstrate their worth in printed electronics. This publication is important because it shows that conducting, semiconducting and insulating 2D nanomaterials can be combined together in complex devices. We felt that it was critically important to focus on printing transistors as they are the electric switches at the heart of modern computing. We believe this work opens the way to print a whole host of devices solely from 2D nanosheets."

Led by Prof Coleman, in collaboration with the groups of Prof Georg Duesberg (AMBER) and Prof. Laurens Siebbeles (TU Delft, Netherlands), the team used standard printing techniques to combine graphene nanosheets as the electrodes with two other nanomaterials, tungsten diselenide and boron nitride as the channel and separator (two important parts of a transistor) to form an all-printed, all-nanosheet, working transistor.

Printable electronics have developed over the last thirty years based mainly on printable carbon-based molecules. While these molecules can easily be turned into printable inks, such materials are somewhat unstable and have well-known performance limitations. There have been many attempts to surpass these obstacles using alternative materials, such as carbon nanotubes or inorganic nanoparticles, but these materials have also shown limitations in either performance or in manufacturability. While the performance of printed 2D devices cannot yet compare with advanced transistors, the team believe there is a wide scope to improve performance beyond the current state-of-the-art for printed transistors.

The ability to print 2D nanomaterials is based on Prof. Coleman's scalable method of producing 2D nanomaterials, including graphene, boron nitride, and tungsten diselenide nanosheets, in liquids, a method he has licensed to Samsung and Thomas Swan. These nanosheets are flat nanoparticles that are a few nanometres thick but hundreds of nanometres wide. Critically, nanosheets made from different materials have electronic properties that can be conducting, insulating or semiconducting and so include all the building blocks of electronics. Liquid processing is especially advantageous in that it yields large quantities of high quality 2D materials in a form that is easy to process into inks. Prof. Coleman's publication provides the potential to print circuitry at extremely low cost which will facilitate a range of applications from animated posters to smart labels.

Prof Coleman is a partner in Graphene flagship, a 1 billion EU initiative to boost new technologies and innovation during the next 10 years.
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The U.S. Department of Defense revealed recently that in 2016 it conducted FONOPs (freedom of navigation operations) in disputed waters near China, Albania, Brazil, Italy, Japan and Malta. The U.S. military (mainly the navy and air force) conducts dozens of these FONOPs each year worldwide. The FONOPs that get the most attention are those involving China, mainly those involving the Paracels and other islands in the South China Sea.

The United States and most major maritime powers consider FONOPs necessary to assure freedom of movement through international waters or air space. In the South China Sea China protests but does not oppose the American warships and aircraft carrying out these FONOPs. These operations are needed to affirm that many of the Chinese claims to the entire South China Sea are invalid that that the right to free passage through Chinas EEZ is assured.

By international law (a 1994 treaty), the waters 360 kilometers from land are considered the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), of the nation controlling the nearest land. The EEZ owner can control who fishes there, and extracts natural resources (mostly oil and gas) from the ocean floor. But the EEZ owner cannot prohibit free passage, or the laying of pipelines and communications cables. The American military has been regularly conducting FONOPS each year worldwide since 1983. In that time FONOPs have been conducted in areas involving 22 different nations. Most (13) of these nations are in East or South Asia. This is largely because of the many islands near Philippines and Indonesia as well as the South China Sea.
The six puppies were on fire. At least, that's how they felt to Kristina Rinaldi, executive director of Detroit Dog Rescue (DDR), when she picked them up from animal control. "When I say that these puppies were literally on fire, they were on fire," Rinaldi told The Dodo. "They were just burning up. They had high temperatures."

One of the sick puppies rescued from the basement in Detroit | Detroit Dog Rescue

Besides having dangerously high fevers, the puppies had severe cases of mange - so much so that they were pink and hairless and had painful sores all over their skin. "I've seen a lot of mange cases in my dog rescue career, but this was the worst mange I had ever seen," Rinaldi said. "Their lymph nodes were swollen. Their eyes were swollen shut. Their skin was peeling off."

Detroit Dog Rescue

These six puppies came into Rinaldi's care in November 2015 after they'd been seized from an abandoned house in Detroit, Michigan. At the time, the animal control shelter was at full capacity, and they didn't have the resources to care for these puppies. So the shelter manager reached out to Rinaldi, and asked if DDR could help.

Dodo Shows Odd Couples Kitten Isn't Sure About His Pittie Brother  At First

"The manager actually said, 'How do you feel about hairless puppies?'" Rinaldi said. "And I said, 'What?' She texted me a picture of the puppies, and I said, 'We'll be there to pick them up in a little bit.'" A team of DDR volunteers rushed the puppies to a vet. But for two of them, help came too late, and they passed away by the time they arrived at the clinic.

Detroit Dog Rescue

The others were barely holding on. "The veterinarian said, 'We're working against the impossible,'" Rinaldi said.

Detroit Dog Rescue

But Rinaldi refused to give up. Medical staff confirmed they could alleviate the puppies' pain while treating them, so she decided it was worth the fight. The four puppies, whom the DDR volunteers named Wilbur, Petunia, Pinkie and Arthur, stayed in medical boarding for about 12 weeks. "We would visit them every day," Rinaldi said. "We also have a great support system of veterinary technicians."

Detroit Dog Rescue

When the puppies were eventually released into foster care, they still needed around-the-clock attention to continue treating their mange. "Mange is caused by tiny insects called mites," Dr. Danielle Cobiella, a veterinarian with BluePearl Veterinary Clinic, told The Dodo. "Some mites cause scabies, which involves extremely uncomfortable itching that can lead to skin diseases. Scabies makes dogs absolutely miserable. Another type of mite lives in the hair follicles and can also cause itching." To help the puppies' itchy and tender skin heal, the DDR volunteers also dressed them in baby onesies.

The sick puppies in their baby onesies | Detroit Dog Rescue

"Everybody on our team who had had a baby dug into their boxes and brought baby onesies in for them because their skin was so delicate," Rinaldi said. "They lived in baby onesies for about four months." Eventually, the puppies' fur started to grow in. It started as peach fuzz, but after about six to eight months, their full coats grew in.

The puppies slowly getting their fur back | Detroit Dog Rescue

And once the puppies were healthy, they were all adopted into loving homes.

The puppies once they were fully recovered | Detroit Dog Rescue

Beth English, a DDR volunteer, is the one who adopted Wilbur.

Wilbur at his forever home | Beth English

"We gave [Wilbur] a beautiful home with a huge backyard to run around in," English told The Dodo. "He's got a puppy brother from another mother who also lives with him. They're both the same age  2-years-old. And he's spoiled like hell. My husband and I decided not to have kids, so these are our kids. He has a life of luxury."

Wilbur with his new parents | Beth English

Despite the medical issues he had as a puppy, Wilbur now has a clean bill of health, English said. And this is all thanks to Rinaldi and the other DDR volunteers.

Wilbur and his new dog brother, Winston | Beth English

"DDR takes on so many dogs who have been stabbed or shot or have the odds just stacked against them, and time and time again, we say, 'Let's sit back and assess the situation,'" Rinaldi said. "And ultimately, we always make the decision that if you try hard enough, you can do this. Nothing is impossible."

Wilbur at his forever home | Beth English
LONDONUnilever chief executive officer Paul Polman announced his most sweeping overhaul of the consumer-goods giant in a bid to protect its independence after being caught off guard by a failed takeover attempt from Kraft Heinz Co.

The Anglo-Dutch giant plans to sell Flora margarine and other slow-growing spreads brands while raising its target for cost savings, buying back stock and boosting its dividend. The company will combine its food and refreshments operations in a single entity in the Netherlands and review its dual nationality, a move that could result in more mergers-and-acquisition activity, according to Polman.

Restructuring and change is just a fact of life in our industry, chief financial officer Graeme Pitkethly said by phone as the owner of Ben & Jerrys ice cream and Dove soap announced the results of a strategic review prompted by the unsolicited $143-billion (U.S.) takeover offer that Kraft Heinz withdrew in February after only two days.

Read more:

Aborted Unilever takeover was a culture clash in the making: Wells

Kraft Heinz withdraws $143-billion bid to buy Unilever

Consumer-goods companies such as Unilever and Kraft Heinz have come under pressure from changing tastes, including a growing preference for fresh foods over packaged staples. Polman, who has contrasted what he describes as Unilevers long-term approach to creating shareholder value with a short-term focus at the U.S. company, said on a call with reporters that the bid has re-energized Unilever.

Polmans overhaul is enough to support the recent rise of the stock, but that is not enough to support further rerating in our view, Natixis analyst Pierre Tegner said in a note.

The spreads business, which also includes Stork and Country Crock, will be sold or spun off if the company cant find a buyer, Unilever said. The company has had lots and lots of approaches for the unit from private-equity firms and is confident it can sell it at a favourable price, Pitkethly said. The business is worth about 7.5 billion, Tegner said.

The review of the Anglo-Dutch structure could simplify a legal structure under which the company is both a public limited company in the U.K. and an NV, its equivalent in the Netherlands. That framework is a legacy of a 1920s merger that combined a Dutch margarine maker with a British soap provider. The change could make it easier for Unilever to make big acquisitions as it seeks to bolster its defences against future takeover approaches.

It opens up the door for major M&A activity that our current structure actually prevents, he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

The changes will result in some job cuts to senior and middle management, the CFO said, while the company also expects to wring savings from its procurement and marketing operations.

Unilever plans to reduce the number of advertisements it commissions by 30 per cent, Pitkethly said, without specifying how much actual marketing spending will be cut. WPP, which Liberum analysts say gets about 3 per cent to 4 per cent of revenue from the consumer-products giant, fell as much as 4.4 per cent on the news.

Unilever plans to buy back 5 billion ($5.3 billion) of stock. It raised its cost-savings target to 6 billion from 4 billion and said the dividend also will be increased by 12 per cent. The company said it expects 3.5 billion of costs over 2017 to 2019 related to the efficiency measures.

The company set a 2020 target for a 20-per-cent underlying operating margin, up from 16.4 per cent in 2016. Unilever also plans to borrow more, setting a target for net debt to earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization of about two times, saying this level will give it flexibility for acquisitions or returning cash to shareholders.

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S-Town, the new blockbuster podcast from the team behind Serial, begins with the spectre of murder.

From the first twang of main subject John B. McLemores Alabama accent  Somens happned!  the listener might be inclined to dub S-Town a kind of Serial: Deep South.

The podcast, narrated by longtime This American Life producer Brian Reed, was inspired by an email sent by ancient-clock restorer John B. McLemore from Woodstock, Alabama. Woodstock is an unassuming small town outside of Birmingham in Bibb County, but McLemore prefers to call it S--t Town, hence the podcast title.

Here are seven reasons to listen  right now  to the new seven-part podcast, which has already been downloaded more than 16 million times since March 28, faster than any podcast ever.

1. John B. McLemores brilliant rants

Ive about had enough of S--t Town and the things that goes on, he tells Reed in episode one. And hes just getting started. Much of S-Town is made up of phone calls where McLemore goes off on fascinating tangents about climate change, Darfur, acid reflux, Facebook and his S--t Town.

2. To gape at the crudeness of Trumps America

McLemore writes to Reed to decry murder, child molestation and police corruption in Woodstock and requesting the investigative rigour of the This American Life team. When Reed visits the backroom of a local tattoo parlour to investigate a murder, the towns prejudice is as enlightening as it is disturbing.

3. Youll learn more than thought you wanted to about horology

Thats the study of time and clock-making  McLemores trade. The podcast opens with a description of a horologists mazelike task of fixing a broken ancient clock. The intricate machines become a metaphor for life through McLemores eyes. At one point, he quotes from a sundial inscription: Life is tedious and brief.

4. Youd spend time on John B.s property too

When Reed makes his way to S--t Town and gets to know McLemore, he learns the man is in his late forties and lives with his elderly mother on a 128-acre property, where he takes in stray dogs and prunes an elaborate hedge maze, when hes not fixing clocks or obsessively researching climate change. After finishing S-Town, youll want to give the maze a go.

5. Its a murder mystery

McLemore had heard that a kid ended up dead in a fight and that someone has been going around Woodstock bragging about the murder. Thats just the spark that sets off the greater story thats difficult to define and becomes much more than a southern whodunit.

6. Its a treasure hunt

When a central character brags of being unbanked, youll wonder if you should start converting all your assets into gold and wrap that up in a towel in the freezer before cutting out the gold-diggers in your life.

7. S-Townis not what you think it is

Its not really a true-crime podcast, though it mimics much of Serials twisty-turny structure. But its still a riveting investigation, if not as deeply into murder as it first appears, then into the life of one Alabama man. At times S-Town goes so deep that some have accused Reed and his team of invasiveness.

If they go too far, its because theres a lot to mine from a man as fascinating as McLemore, the self-proclaimed black sheep in the community that he so despises but wont leave.

Listen at stownpodcast.org.

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Fans of the series Billions have spent much of the second season enamored of the relatively unknown Asia Kate Dillon, who portrays a gender non-binary character named Taylor Mason.

Dillons breakout performance has arguably surpassed those of the shows established stars, Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis and Maggie Siff. In fact, it so impressed Showtime that the U.S. network planned to submit Dillons performance to this years Emmy Awards. (It airs in Canada on the Movie Network.)

There was only one issue. Much like the Mason character, Dillon identifies as gender non-binary and uses the pronoun they. The Emmy Awards, meanwhile, only have two categories for best supporting performance: actor and actress. The network asked Dillon which category Dillon would rather be submitted to.

Read more:The realm between he and she

Dillon wasnt sure. The performer is new to the experience of identifying as non-binary. In fact, auditioning for the character of Mason led Dillon to self-discovery. As Dillon told Vulture:

. . . when I saw the breakdown for the character, it said female, nonbinary. And I thought, Interesting, I think I know about those words, but let me do research into every aspect of this character and their world and who they are. And so, female meaning sex and nonbinary meaning a gender identity that is an umbrella term for people who identify as neither man nor a woman. I just went, oh my gosh, there is language to express something about myself that Ive always known, but could never put words to.

So Dillon researched the language behind actor and actress, then wrote a letter to the Television Academy, questioning the current system.

Id like to know if in your eyes actor and actress denote anatomy or identity and why it is necessary to denote either in the first place? Dillon asked in the letter, which was obtained by Variety.

Dillon then pointed out, The reason Im hoping to engage you in a conversation about this is because if the categories of actor and actress are in fact supposed to represent best performance by a person who identifies as a woman and best performance by a person who identifies as a man then there is no room for my identity within that award system binary.

Added Dillon, Furthermore, if the categories of actor and actress are meant to denote assigned sex I ask, respectfully, why is that necessary?

The academy quickly responded, telling Dillon the rules state anyone can submit under either category for any reason, Dillon told the magazine.

The Emmy Awards 2015-16 official rules and procedures do not state any sort of gender or sex requirement for the various acting categories.

Dillon chose to enter the actor category, stating, Given the choice between actor and actress, actor is a non-gendered word that I use. Thats why I chose actor.

As Dillon explained to Variety, What I learned through my research is that the word actor, specifically in reference to those who performed in plays, came about in the late 1500s as a non-gendered word. It applied to all people, regardless of anatomical sex or gender identity.

The term actress didnt appear until hundreds of years later. As the Los Angeles Times reported:

In a convulsive late-17th century shift  dramatized in the 2004 feature Stage Beauty  the Restoration opened the stage doors of the English theatre to women (theyd already made their entrances in Italy and France). At that point they were known as actors, along with their male counterparts. It would be several decades before the word actress appeared  1700, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, more than a century after the word actor was first used to denote a theatrical performer, supplanting the less professional-sounding player. 

As some gendered terms like stewardess have evolved into terms like flight attendant, the term actress has remained part of the mainstream vernacular, partly because of awards shows such as the Emmys.

The Guardian and the Observer published a new joint style guide in 2010 with a new entry for actor. It stated, Use for both male and female actors; do not use actress except when in name of award, e.g. Oscar for best actress.

The terminology hasnt caused many logistical issues thus far. As the Hollywood Reporter pointed out, Dillons Mason is televisions first gender non-binary character. The character was received with such warmth, though, we can expect more representation of non-binary people like Mason in coming years. As Hollywood diversifies, we can also expect more actors like Dillon.

At that point, the academy might need to reconsider its categories.

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CAVE CREEK, ARIZ.-A couple clumps of dirt hit your ankle as the bull roars past, kicking up mud on the ground and cheers in the stands. The cowboy who was thrown off jumps up, grins and scurries atop the metal bars of the fence as the rodeo clowns chase the bull down the exit chute.

That guy got robbed like a liquor store on the south side of town! the announcer says over the PA, keeping the crowd entertained as the next rider gets ready, carefully lowering himself atop the bull thats snorting in the chute. The cowboy nods furiously when hes ready to go, the gate opens and the bull bursts into the ring, the man on his back hanging on for dear life.

Its Friday night at the Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek, a bar and amateur rodeo a 20-minute drive north of the glamourous hotels and plentiful spas of Scottsdale, and just down the road from the giant cowboy boot with Jesus Saves stamped in big white letters on its side.

Cave Creek, a town of 5,000, welcomes people with a stainless-steel bucking bronco at the edge of town. The shiny sculpture pays homage to the cattle ranchers that settled in the area in the 1880s and the dude ranches that followed. It also hints at some of the art and other gems youll find in the stores along the main drag, everything from bedazzled denim purses to expensive leather jackets and gorgeous handmade jewelry.

Day trippers drive up from Phoenix and Scottsdale to shop for art, furniture and cowboy gear, grab a bite and maybe hit up the Chip. The saloon started as a bait shop in 1951, a few years before street lights arrived in Cave Creek. It was rebuilt in 2016 after a fire destroyed the original building. The owner is a retired deputy police chief who fell into the hospitality industry by making chuck wagon food to cater search-and-rescue operations.

On Wednesday and Friday nights, locals, visitors and rodeo fans mingle at the Chip, drink beer (if theyre over 21) and watch people with day jobs  mostly men and a couple of women  pay up to $100 to try their luck on a bull. I do it for the adrenalin, a 24-year-old regular says. And then theres the money. His buddy, who works construction by day, just pocketed $1,000 for hanging onto an angry bull for eight seconds.

I almost puked, I was scared to death, says another adrenalin junkie, a guy visiting from Tennessee who tested his mettle a couple of days earlier, during Wednesday nights rodeo. I still cant sit down, he confides, his body swaying in time with the ice in his drink. Im hurting, he says, looking me straight in the eye, between the legs.

Hes got a certain charm, the drunk Tennessean with the sore crotch, but the cutest cowboy at this rodeo is busy pulling on tiny boots with spurs, fancy chaps and a padded black vest. Im going to ride a calf, 5-year-old Issac Tuffy Escobedo says from the other side of the fence. His dad says Tuffy got his nickname at three when a miniature bull bucked him off and he didnt cry. Others may win cash at the Buffalo Chip Saloon tonight, but Tuffy has already won every heart in the joint.

Between heats, those who want to get up close and personal with 1,500 pounds of bull but who dont want to risk hurting their nether (or other) regions peel off a few bucks to pose on the animal while its hanging out in the chute (sans cinch). Kids even smaller than Tuffy try mutton busting, wrapping their arms around a sheeps neck for a second or two and when they fall off a rodeo clown sweeps them up into the air to cheers from the crowd.

Then its back to bull riding. The chute opens and the cowboys body jerks for a few precious seconds until hes bucked off into the dirt. As he limps out of the arena, the announcer drawls, Hes got a hitch in his giddy up tonight. The clowns distract the bull as the next round of riders get geared up, swapping their cowboy hats for helmets, doing squats to warm up the groin and spitting chew. In the stands, the crowd sings along to Journey, high school girls belting out Dont stop believing and waving their phones in the air.

Jennifer Allford was a guest of Experience Scottsdale, which didnt review or approve this story.

When you go

Get there: From Phoenix, its about a 40-minute drive to Cave Creek.

Eat: Try Bryans Black Mountain Barbecueplus a pulled squash sandwich with fried egg. Its vegetarian like a meat eater would eat, says chef/owner Bryan Dooley.

Shop: The sprawling Town Dump sells fish slingshots, mounted bull trophys, art and jewelry from a collection of artists.

Worship: Go to the Buffalo Chip Saloon (buffalochipsaloon.com) for Sunday church. We spend all week making sinners out of them, we can spend one day showing them the other side of life, retired cop and owner Larry Wendt has said.

Stay: I stayed near Cave Creek at the Four Seasons Scottsdale (fourseasons.com).

Do your research: carefreecavecreek.org, experiencescottsdale.com

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OTTAWAThe federal Liberal government will soon move to eliminate criminal law consequences for marijuana use but Health Minister Jane Philpott turned aside calls Wednesday to decriminalize other illicit drugs in the face of an opioid crisis.

After an impassioned speech Wednesday to a drug policy conference on how she is personally fixated on ending opioid overdose deaths, Philpott said the government would not loosen criminal laws on any other controlled substances.

Philpott first said it wasnt solely up to her because she works with ministers of justice and public safety on drug policy. Finally, she suggested the only way to support a broader health approach to other drugs is to gather a lot more evidence through pilot projects.

Basically all I can say is youre absolutely right, thats part of the challenge, said Philpott. Thats going to take a whole lot of work on the part of a lot of people.

She was more emphatic afterwards in an interview with the Star.

We do not have plans for legalization and regulation of any other controlled substances other than cannabis, but having said that we are wanting to make sure that we respond to a very serious public health crisis. And if its necessary in a medically-controlled setting for people to have access to clean medications that they might otherwise purchase on the street then there needs to be broader opportunity for those evidence-based treatments.

Philpott said there is already a range of medical-assistance or substitution treatment options which could be used more in the response to the opioid epidemic, but she said many health professionals are not yet comfortable with those.

This is not about decriminalization, this is about finding ways in medically-supervised, physician-supervised settings for people to be given medications that could substitute for the opioids that theyre using that would allow them to stay alive, and have their substance use disorder treated in a way that would set them on a path to health.

In her speech, Philpott had underlined the need to ensure a compassionate approach towards people who develop addictions to drugs.

She told nearly 200 policy experts, frontline justice, policing, corrections, health, social and addiction workers, parent groups and advocates for people who use drugs that she believes patients with substance use disorders should not be stigmatized.

When we say that drug policy needs to be compassionate, it involves acknowledging that unresolved pain rests at the core of problematic substance use, said Philpott, citing the work of Vancouver physician and author, Dr. Gabor Mate, who writes extensively on the subject of addictive behaviour.

And yet Philpott had no real answer when challenged by those in the audience why she wouldnt then go beyond cannabis and decriminalize other drug use.

Nazlee Maghsoudi, of the International Centre for Science in Drug Policy, asked Philpott how meaningful de-stigmatization is possible in the context around criminalization.

I really see criminalization as systemic stigmatization, institutionalized stigmatization, and quite far from a compassionate and kind approach towards people who use drugs, said Maghsoudi.

Richard Elliott, of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Network, echoed Maghsoudis concerns, telling Philpott he believed the government should work with policy experts and community organizations to articulate why we need to move forward on decriminalization and not just stop at cannabis.

Similar calls had been heard throughout the two-day forum.

Ann Fordham, head of the International Drug Policy Consortium, said she supported legalization of cannabis but urged Canada to show leadership and go even further to decriminalize all drugs, not just cannabis, saying harsh punitive anti-drug measures fall most harshly on our most vulnerable and marginalized people.

Philpott told the conference the federal Liberal government has restored the principle of harm reduction to Canadas drug policy. The recent budget injected $100 million in new money to the national strategy on controlled drugs and substances, she said, and she reminded them the Liberals have allowed naloxone  the antidote to a fentanyl overdose  to be purchased without a prescription, and approved five new supervised injection sites while streamlining the application for others.

Philpott cited her experience as a medical doctor who gave up clinical practice to run for office in 2015, telling of a former patient who developed a dependence on opioids after a series of personal tragedies, including the death of two children in a car accident, chronic unemployment, homelessness, repetitive sexual abuse, and lack of social supports.

Philpott said people like the woman deserve compassion and excellent health care, and responding to their needs means calling out stigma and discrimination associated with drug use.

Philpott said despite all efforts, drug overdose mortality rates are rising month by month, calling it one of the biggest public health challenges that our country is facing. She bemoaned an appalling dearth of data, saying all stakeholders have to help fill in the information gaps.

We dont know how many people in Canada are currently affected by opioid use disorder. We dont know yet how many people in Canada died last year as a result of overdose, she said.

However, a Vancouver health-care leader and conference participant told an earlier session that theres no mystery to why authorities dont realize the full extent of illicit drug use  its because the law makes users criminals.

The health minister also told critics to stop airing their concerns in the media. She contrasted her work to that of the previous government and assured them I am listening to you.

She said every time you tweet at me to tell of lives saved because patients were given naloxone or to tell about a death, or lineups at the morgues in western Canada, I hear that, and it cuts me to the core.

I will work everyday to turn that around so please do not take the fact that I cannot fix this overnight, just like none of you can fix it overnight, does not mean I am not working every single day to solve this.

In the interview with the Star, Philpott agreed with comments made Tuesday by Dr. Mark Ware, a co-chair of Ottawas task force on marijuana legalization, that more public education and research into marijuana is needed. She again became defensive when asked to respond to Wares call for immediate spending before the legislation takes effect, possibly in 2018.

Theres investment in the budget 2017 which I encourage you to have a look at, and the initial investment of $9.6 million to go to public education. So the money is there, said Philpott. Theres been some initial rollout and people will increasingly see support for public education and research related to cannabis.

Asked what prompted her comment that critics should stop airing concerns in the media, Philpott said people are never happy with the amount of money invested. She said she got complaints that supervised consumption sites werent approved fast enough.

If theyre unhappy about the speed of things better that they come and talk to me directly.

Correction  April 6, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the name of International Centre for Science in Drug Policy.

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OTTAWASen. Lynn Beyak, who stirred controversy for saying there was an abundance of good in the residential school system has been removed from the Senate committee that oversees aboriginal issues.

Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose made the move Wednesday after continued pressure from critics who wanted Beyak, a Conservative senator, off the committee, even out of the Senate entirely.

Ms. Ambrose has been clear that Sen. Beyaks views do not reflect the Conservative Party's position on residential schools, Jake Enwright, press secretary for Ambrose, said in a statement that tried to distance the party from the controversy.

It was prime minister Stephen Harper who made an historic apology to the victims of residential schools and launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Enwright said.

In a speech on March 7, Beyak highlighted what she called the somewhat different side of the residential school story.

She spoke of the kindly and well-intentioned men and women . . . whose remarkable works, good deeds and historical tales in the residential schools go unacknowledged.

Obviously, the negative issues must be addressed, but it is unfortunate that they are sometimes magnified and considered more newsworthy than the abundance of good, Beyak said.

Those views sparked quick condemnation on Parliament Hill and across the country from critics who noted that the harmful legacy of residential schools continues to this day.

Even leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada, which administered schools that took in hundreds of students, penned a forceful letter to Beyak to declare there was nothing good about institutions rife with physical and sexual abuse, that stripped children from their families and denied them their heritage.

We are compelled to say that while there are those glimpses of good in the history of the residential schools, the overall view is grim. It is shadowed and dark; it is sad and shameful, the letter stated.

Some of Beyaks fellow Conservative senators had defended her right to free speech. But others said her viewpoints had made her position on the Senates aboriginal peoples committee untenable.

Despite the furor, Beyak had remained unapologetic, issuing a statement that said she was especially grateful to people who respectfully engaged with her in this era of fake news and exaggeration.

But she stoked further controversy at the committee when she asked a Cree woman, who had just tearfully related her own experiences in a residential school, about a proposed audit of First Nations spending.

The criticisms showed no sign of dying out. Earlier Wednesday, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said that indigenous people would find it very difficult to appear before the committee as long as Beyak remained a member.

It is hurting people that she doesnt think she has anything to learn from the survivors of residential schools, Bennett told reporters after a caucus meeting.

It is upsetting to all of us as parliamentarians that theres a parliamentarian who thinks she has nothing to learn on this file, she said.

NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair also questioned why no action had been taken against a senator who was so insulting toward indigenous peoples.

Can we remember why we had to apologize here in the House of Commons? It wasnt a good thing, the residential school system. And for that senator to continue turning the knife in the wound, I think its totally inadmissible, he said.

With files from Alex Ballingall

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Crucial information about investigations into deaths involving officers in Ontario will soon be routinely disclosed to the public following the release Thursday of a sweeping report on police oversight.

Ontario will also now require police watchdogs to begin collecting demographic data, including statistics on race, ethnicity and Indigenous status, Attorney General Yasir Naqvi announced shortly after the release of the much-anticipated Independent Police Oversight Review, led by Court of Appeal Justice Michael Tulloch.

Ive seen a great appetite for change in the province, Tulloch told a packed conference room at a downtown hotel Thursday afternoon.

The people of Ontario are entitled and deserve to know that, when it comes to the operation of police services in the province, justice is not only done, but is seen to be done.

Tullochs report makes 129 recommendations to improve police oversight in Ontario. These range from measures to increase transparency to the creation of a new professional policing college to the drafting of special watchdog legislation separate from the provinces Police Services Act.

Calling the report extremely thoughtful, Naqvi committed to taking immediate action on key elements of the report  our work begins today, he said  although he did not commit to the wholesale implementation of Tullochs report.

Naqvi said he would move on a central recommendation: the call for the release of past and future Special Investigations Unit (SIU) directors reports detailing cases where the watchdog has deemed no criminal charges should be laid.

However, the release comes with the significant caveat that no identifying information about officers or witnesses be released.

On the polarizing issue of naming officers who used lethal force, Tulloch and the review team determined the release of the officers name was not necessary.

Releasing the officers name would not make the SIU investigation any better. And it would not improve transparency in a meaningful way. That is, it would not make it any easier to understand what the SIU did to investigate, or why the SIU did not lay charges, the report states.

That decision drew significant criticism from rights groups Thursday, including from members of Black Lives Matter Toronto, whose protests of shootings of black people involving police helped prompt Tullochs government-commissioned review last spring.

Calling the decision to release all SIU directors reports a very, very positive step in the right direction, Pascale Diverlus, a co-founder of the group, said she is, nonetheless, upset the names of officers wont be routinely disclosed, saying they should be released in every case.

Donardo Jones, director of legal services with the African Canadian Legal Clinic, was equally disappointed, saying he doesnt understand why the consideration for possible retaliation against officers was given so much weight  particularly when the names of officers will ultimately come out at a coroners inquest.

The fact that police are being given special recognition, I think is almost a double standard, he said. Police are no exception; their job doesnt put them in some kind of sacred space.

Ontarios information and privacy commissioner Brian Beamish has previously said officers names may be disclosed in circumstances of significant public interest, despite government claims they are protected under freedom of information and privacy legislation.

Tullochs report says the calls for releasing officer names is a by-product of public mistrust of police oversight, caused in large part by a lack of transparency.

He, therefore, recommends the watchdog must begin publicly releasing, on its website, the SIU directors report, a document that currently can only be seen by Ontarios attorney general. The report must contain a detailed narrative of the event, the reasons for the directors decision, any audio, photo or video evidence, and more.

The public needs to know whether the SIU is doing the job it is supposed to be doing, the report states.

Tulloch also called for the release of all previous directors reports into police-involved deaths  prioritizing cases where no coroners inquest was held  but says the names of officers and witnesses must be withheld.

Naqvi committed to releasing those past reports, saying the timeline for the release from 2005 to today is December, and that, by summer, 2018 the government will release reports from 1990 to 2004.

Answering fervent calls from rights groups, including the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the report recommends oversight agencies begin collecting demographic data, including data related to gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity, mental health status, disability and indigenous status. Advisory committees should be established to advise the agencies on the best practices of data collection, it recommends.

Tulloch said Thursday that the data was vital for evidence-based policy and decision-making, accountability and transparency, and, if used properly, it may build public confidence in policing and police oversight.

University of Toronto criminology professor Scot Wortley praised Tulloch for the recommendation. The lack of data has made attempting to research racial disparities in the justice system exceedingly difficult, Wortley said.

In many ways, I think the lack of data has contributed to the crisis in confidence that the justice system has experienced over the last few years, Wortley said in an interview.

Rightly or wrongly, it can give the impression that the system has something to hide, and I think this (recommendation) will go a long way toward helping discovering disparities and addressing them.

In a brief statement issued after the reports release, SIU director Tony Loparco said the agency welcomed the review, but will need time to consider the contents carefully.

That being said, I am committing the SIU to take the steps required to implement the recommendations that may be legislated, with the increased resources Mr. Justice Tulloch has deemed necessary to conduct civilian oversight properly, Loparco said.

Tulloch recommends the creation of a regulatory body for police officers to create a culture of professionalism, just as many other professions in Ontario, such as doctors, lawyers and teachers, have in place.

Policing, Tulloch said, should be seen as a distinguished profession.

He recommends that the College of Policing develop a curriculum for a professional degree in policing, which would incorporate areas such as mental health, domestic abuse, the serving of vulnerable communities, and anti-racism and equity studies.

The college would set ethical and professional standards for the job of police officer, and should work to create a police culture that is more progressive and inclusive, describing the traditional culture as white, male and hyper-masculine.

While Tullochs review received praise for being a step in the right direction, many stressed the importance of moving from talk to action.

The million-dollar question is whether the government will act on the report, said former SIU director Andre Marin, who, in his subsequent role as Ontario ombudsman, prepared two reports on the SIU.

This report is a courageous and important step forward towards restoring the publics confidence in our police. It is critical for these recommendations to be implemented as soon as possible, said Daniel Brown, a Toronto director of the Criminal Lawyers Association.

Tullochs review was commissioned by the Liberal government last spring, amid growing controversy about police use of force and mounting public pressure for greater transparency from police watchdogs, including the SIU.

The review, tasked with enhancing the transparency and accountability of Ontarios police oversight bodies, was struck after weeks of protest sparked by the SIUs decision to clear an unnamed Toronto police officer in the July 2015 death of Andrew Loku, a mentally ill South Sudanese man shot dead in the hallway of his apartment building.

The SIU ruled the officers lethal force was justified because Loku was advancing on police while holding a hammer.

The watchdog did not explain how investigators weighed evidence from an eye witness who said Loku did not pose a threat at the time.

The decision prompted a 15-day camp-out by Black Lives Matter Toronto outside police headquarters.

Demonstrators demanded the name of the officer who shot Loku and more information about the incident.

Tulloch also recommends the SIU, the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) and the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) have their own legislation, separate from Ontarios Police Services Act. It could confirm their importance and their independence, the report says.

The recommendations for the OIPRD in the report would, if implemented and properly resourced, increase the transparency and accountability of the complaints system, said Gerry McNeilly, independent police review director.

Karyn Greenwood-Graham, whose son Trevor Graham was killed by Waterloo police in 2007 and who runs a group for families affected by fatal police incidents, commended Tulloch for reminding the Ministry of the Attorney General of what its supposed to be doing.

I really would like to thank Justice Tulloch. The affected families of police homicide were heard, they were valued, and were treated very well in this whole process, she said.

Joanne MacIsaac, whose brother Michael was shot and killed by Durham police in December 2013, said she was especially pleased that Naqvi is open to discussing legal funding for families at coroners inquests. An inquest into Michaels death is set to begin in July, and MacIsaac and her family are looking to meet with the attorney general soon to discuss legal aid coverage.

We sit around in these coroner meetings and the police officer has a lawyer there, the police service has a lawyer, the coroner has the Crown.

Were the only people who dont have any funding for a lawyer, MacIsaac said.

As for the recommendation to not name officers cleared of criminal wrongdoing, MacIsaac called the logic silly, as the names will eventually be released at the coroners inquest.

Give us the names. Dont make us wait, she said.

Some critics argued that Tulloch did not go far enough in his recommendations on the participation of the subject officer in an SIU investigation.

While the judge recommended that the officer be compelled to turn over his or her notes that were drafted prior to SIU involvement, Tulloch did not suggest that the officer should also be compelled to give investigators an interview.

The rationale has always been that a subject officer has the same right to silence enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as anyone else under criminal investigation, but observers have said its time to change that and let the courts decide whether this right actually applies to a police officer under investigation for actions taken while on the job.

I recognize theres a good argument that officers have the same Charter rights that you and I do, said lawyer and former SIU director Howard Morton, who said the lack of recommendations on the issue was a disappointment.

But Ive always felt that they do not have the same Charter rights because they are not only public servants, they are public servants of the highest order, they are authorized to use deadly force, and, to say that an officer should not be required to subject herself or himself to an SIU interview, is simply wrong.

Lawyer Peter Rosenthal, who has represented many families of people killed by police, shared Mortons disappointment.

I would recommend that (the subject officer) be required to give a statement, and then the courts would have the possibility of determining what, if any, use that statement would be.

Morton said the recommendation that officers would be open to being charged with an offence for failure to cooperate with the SIU was wonderful, saying he often struggled as SIU director in the mid-1990s in securing cooperation. He did say, however, that he believes this has improved.

Failure to cooperate should be an offence. The only way you can ensure cooperation is if theres a penalty for failing to do so, Rosenthal added.

Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack told the Star the duty to cooperate with an SIU investigation has always existed, and our officers have always cooperated fully with the investigators.

Bruce Chapman, president of the Police Association of Ontario, said in a statement Thursday that Tullochs report confirms what police officers have known for a long time: Ontario has a rigorous police accountability system in place.

No other jurisdiction in North America has more oversight than Ontario does, and we are pleased that we do . . . as it protects both the public and police officers.

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Two years after the Star highlighted problems with Ontarios onerous and intimidating medical review process for disabled people on welfare, Social Services Minister Helena Jaczek has introduced a more simple and streamlined approach.

Beginning this month, those whose medical conditions have not improved will no longer be required to fill out the same forms they completed for their initial application for benefits under the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Our government is committed to a more client-friendly and efficient adjudication process, Jaczek said Wednesday. These changes will reduce the burden on clients, health care professionals, stakeholders and staff, while maintaining a process that is fair and accountable.

The new, simplified medical review package is focused solely on determining whether the medical condition that caused the person to require support in the first place has improved.

If there is no improvement, or expected improvement, a statement from the patients health care provider will suffice, cutting the need for costly medical tests and referrals to specialists that had been required in the past.

Only in cases where improvement is reported or prognosis is unknown, will the health care professional be asked to provide further information, says an advisory posted on the social services ministry website.

ODSP recipient Kimberly Sturge, 31, says she is relieved she wont have to endure another medical review under the old system.

The Toronto single mother, who developed severe vertigo, an anxiety disorder and chronic depression in 2012 after a head injury left her unable to continue working as a legal assistant, suffered a mental-health set-back when her ODSP medical review was rejected twice in 2014.

I no longer feel anxious about my next review in two years, she said Wednesday. It makes me feel good to have been able to tell my story and make a difference.

Legal clinic case workers, who say the majority of their work involves helping people navigate access to ODSP benefits, were pleased by the governments willingness to address the long-standing issue.

This is the first minister who has acknowledged there was a problem with how they are adjudicating disability, said Mary Marrone, legal director of the Income Security Advocacy Centre, a legal aid clinic that advocates on behalf of people on social assistance.

The new forms are much simpler and focus on the legal test, which is: Has the client improved? said Marrone, who has been pressing the government to reform the process since 2010.

The process is clear, so doctors know why they are filling out these forms and there isnt the same demand for massive amounts of information, she added.

Due to rising ODSP caseloads, a backlog of more than 60,000 medical reviews prompted the province in the spring of 2015 to more than triple the number of forms issued each month, from 600 to 1,900. An outcry by legal clinics and medical professionals, highlighted by the Star, prompted Jaczek to re-examine the process.

People, especially with mental health issues, find (the current process) particularly difficult and intimidating, Jaczek told the Star a year ago when she struck a working group of medical professionals, social workers, lawyers and community advocates to solve the problem.

What were trying to do is lessen the burden on families and individuals and the health care providers and the legal clinics... who often end up appealing decisions made, Jaczek said at the time.

Almost one-third of about 350,000 households with a person receiving support under the program have disabilities that are expected to improve such as cancer, depression or an addiction. As a result, the government conducts medical reviews every two to five years to see if the person is still legally eligible for support.

Until now, the 21-page review form doctors and other health care providers were required to complete was the same one they fill out when patients first apply for benefits.

Doctors said it is costly for the medical system to repeat tests they dont believe are necessary. And legal clinics say appeals for clients who have been denied benefits are a waste of time and money, as half of the cases are upheld.

Social workers say the small number of people on ODSP who are difficult to reach due to homelessness or a medical condition that makes it hard for them to keep appointments, risk being cut off if they dont complete the forms.

Dr. Fatima Uddin, who works at the Regent Park Community Health Clinic, says many of her patients rely on ODSP and are overwhelmed by the medical review process.

It is quite stressful for patients who have already been approved for ODSP to go through that harrowing process all over again just to prove they continue to be as unwell as they were before, she said.

The new process is simple, efficient and reduces a lot of the stress for patients and (medical) providers, Uddin said. And it is going to save the health care and social service system a lot of unnecessary costs.

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As Rami Al-Saedi sat in the courtroom in February during his sentencing hearing, he looked out at a group of Grade 12 students watching in the gallery and decided he had something to say.

He had already pleaded guilty to personating a police officer and simple possession of cocaine. But at this point, the hearing took a somewhat unusual trajectory, wrote Ontario Court Justice Melvyn Green  the 27-year-old declined to address the court but asked if he could say something to the high school students in the courtroom.

Al-Saedi shifted the lecturn to face the students. So you guys heard what happened to me, he began. I wish I could go back to that night and do everything differently, but the (fact of the matter) is that I cant. And I can regret it, but at the same time, I learned a lesson. Look at me and take me as a lesson. If it would help you down the line to not make mistakes.

Al-Saedis speech urging the class to make the right choices made an impact, not only on the students but on Green as well, prompting him to comment in his sentencing decision on Al-Saedis abject humiliation and on the heartfelt nature of his remorse.

His statement also eloquently speaks to the offenders insight . . . and deep appreciation of the harm he risked not only to his personal prospects but to his family and the public as well, Green wrote, attaching a copy of the speech in his decision.

Green gave Al-Saedi a conditional discharge, and cited Al-Saedis expression of remorse as part of the reason he did so.

On Sept. 6, 2015, Al-Saedi was arguing with a bouncer trying to kick him out of a bar in downtown Toronto. He then called 911, said he was an undercover officer who was being assaulted during a drug investigation and asked for backup.

Officers from all over 52 Division responded to the scene, where they found Al-Saedi fighting with security. Police discovered he wasnt an officer, found about a gram of cocaine in his possession, and arrested him.

Al-Saedi pleaded guilty to impersonating a police officer and possession of cocaine.

That night was a wakeup call that changed my life, Al-Saedi told the Star.

While he was sitting in the courtroom, Al-Saedi said he wanted to explain what he learned from the experience so the students wouldnt repeat his mistakes.

Honestly, everything is a coincidence in life and this might not be a coincidence that the day that Im going to take the plea theres a class in court, he said at the time.

So honestly, you guys have to look at the big picture, always, and make sure you think about whatever you want to do twice. And if youre angry, count to ten. And if youre mad, walk away. Just respect, respect the people that serve us.

In his sentencing decision, Green wrote a conditional discharge affirms Al-Saedis expressions of remorse, through both speech and conduct, in securing the sentencing objectives.

He also wrote that falsely representing a police officer, while a serious offence, appears to be more of an offence of intoxication-fueled public mischief than one of deliberate exploitation or corruption.

Al-Saedi says he is grateful for everyone that helped his case along the way, including his lawyer Riaz Timol, who helped him connect with Habitat for Humanity, an organization he regularly volunteers with.

I just wanted to tell them there are simple choices  knowing your limits, who to spend time with  that they can make, he said. You dont want to go through what I went through.

Hes currently working as a project manager for a construction company, and hopes to one day own his own enterprise.

Obviously I regret everything that happened, he said. But it really changed my life. It changed me as a person.

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In October of last year, Toronto Life magazine solicited advice from former mayors for the current one  and John Tory was in the room while it was given. In the published transcript of that exchange, the man who will always be remembered as Torontos tiny, perfect mayor, David Crombie, talked about cash.

Its got to be done with the mayor leading the charge  if you dont mind me saying so, John. Youve got to nail their asses to the wall and create the constituency they need to obey, Crombie said.

Whose behind am I trying to nail to the wall? Mayor Tory asked. Just so Im clear on that. I want to make sure.

The lovely lady at Queens Park, Crombie said. Im talking about the province, of course! Listen, when we built the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, we didnt do it as the city. We didnt have a dime to do it, but we were able to enlist the power of the provincial and the federal governments by appealing to their constituency and their politicians. Your ability to create a constituency is far greater than your ability to create money.

Read more: Tory and Sousa spar over Torontos demand for a hotel tax

Not long after that, Tory tested his ability to create money for city priorities  despite Crombies advice, he announced a plan to toll the Gardiner and the Don Valley Parkway and to tax hotel rooms. And not long after that, in January, we saw the lovely lady at Queens Park nailing Torontos ass to the wall: after initially saying shed grant Torys wish, she drove a spike through the toll plan. It seems her constituency in the 905 wasnt too keen on Torontos plan to charge them for access to the city core, and her constituency beyond that wasnt keen on any precedent for municipal tolling.

And so Tory is trying it the other way. Publicly putting pressure on the province to deliver funding for transit, roads and social housing, and demanding the hotel tax be passed. The mayor has made the effort to pressure Wynne a full-court press, mentioning the provinces moral obligation to pay up at every opportunity. Just this week, he held a press conference at Yonge-Bloor subway station to demand cash for the relief line, and issued a letter to the finance minister outlining the citys demands.

Tory even got a little tough, threatening, The Yonge line wont move an inch closer to Richmond Hill until we have shovels in the ground digging out that much needed subway relief line. The finance minister acknowledged those pointed words, but mostly brushed aside the mayors comments, as other provincial cabinet ministers have.

That response  blowing off the mayor as if hes a demanding child in the midst of a tantrum  is the traditional Queens Park response to Torontos demands. Which is the problem with trying to take Crombies advice. You can try to build a constituency and use it to make demands of Queens Park all you want, but the city has very little leverage to make such demands.

Crombie will know that: hell remember that he was swept into office as mayor on the wings of a reform movement that used the power of Queens Park to stomp the plans of the elected officials of the city. The Metro and Toronto governments of the day were determined to build the Spadina Expressway, but at the behest of organized activists, Premier Bill Davis torpedoed the plan by proclamation.

Im reminded by an article on TVOs website that this month marks the 20th anniversary of the most vivid illustration of all of what little clout the city government can wield against the province if a premier is determined to thwart it: in April 1997, the government led by premier Mike Harris dissolved the six municipalities that made up Metropolitan Toronto and created the megacity. The mayors and councils of each municipality involved opposed the move, and a referendum held by the cities showed massive popular opposition. There was no constituency here for amalgamation, and people like Mel Lastman and Barbara Hall (and activists John Sewell and Kathleen Wynne) demonstrated the considerable constituency against it.

And yet Harris demonstrated the premiers prerogative. A majority government can, at any time it likes, through a simple act of parliament, eliminate the entire city government, if it so chooses. That can make it a hard entity to bargain against.

Which doesnt mean the city doesnt sometimes get what it wants from the province. Dalton McGuintys Liberals did pony up cash for David Millers Transit City projects, before skimping and delaying most of it. Either way, the city-spanning Eglinton Crosstown will be finished and 100 per cent paid for by the province.

Rob Ford appeared to have the province willing to do his bidding on transit matters for a while, when he first arrived in office and seemed capable of directing his Ford Nation constituency to alter the course of provincial elections. But that acquiescence faded as Fords mayoralty flew into disarray  leaving a legacy, though, of a subway for Scarborough and much-delayed LRT lines.

At every turn, the province is reacting to its own perceived electoral prospects, not the citys demands (and not, ha ha ha, a sense of right and wrong). If a politician can demonstrate that the balance of an election  or sometimes even a byelection  will be swung by a city priority, then Queens Park will fall into line. But they step right back out of the queue as soon as the electoral math appears to change.

Wynnes government faces troubling polls. Even in Toronto they are unpopular, as that TVO piece I mentioned points out. Its hard to see them having any path to victory that doesnt include their traditional 416 romping grounds.

The question, as Tory makes the case for provincial dollars for Toronto, is whether delivering on his requests will deliver them Torontos provincial seats. Has a constituency been built here for what Tory is demanding? Is that constituency likely to deliver more seats than catering to it will lose them elsewhere?

Well know what Wynne thinks the answer to that question is on budget day.

Edward Keenan writes on city issues ekeenan@thestar.ca . Follow: @thekeenanwire

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Staccato scenes play out in Jody McLennans mind on loop: her husband slumped in his chair, paramedics pumping his chest, his lifeless body splayed on their living room floor.

Only four hours earlier, McLennan and Oghenovo Avwunufe had been munching on chips and drinking beer before she fell asleep on the couch while he sat in front of the computer, working on a business project. Unbeknownst to McLennan, Avwunufe had snorted cocaine earlier with a friend.

He was still in the same chair when McLennan woke up at 6 a.m., she recalled in a recent interview.

I thought he was sleeping, so I went over and shook him, and I knew when I shook him that he wasnt alive, she said.

Paramedics arrived within minutes and immediately began pumping Avwunufes chest, but they were unable to revive him. A coroner arrived about five hours later and pronounced the 25-year-old dead.

The coroner told McLennan her husbands blood was sent to the Centre for Forensic Sciences  the scientific arm of Ontarios justice system  for a toxicological analysis. Once the results were in  the turnaround time is 37 days, according to the lab  the coroner would determine the cause of death and notify the victims family. The whole investigation takes months to conduct, according to a spokeswoman for Ontarios Office of the Chief Coroner.

Its been nearly two months since that morning on Feb. 12 and McLennan said shes still waiting for official word on what killed Avwunufe, a recreational drug user.

Toronto police said they found white powder near Avwunufes body and sent it to Health Canada for urgent testing on Feb. 14. Const. Victor Kwong said the force learned one day later that it contained cocaine, caffeine and fentanyl, a synthetic opioid roughly 100 times more potent than morphine that is increasingly being found in street drugs.

The often months-long wait for results of toxicology and drug tests involving fentanyl in Ontario is a major concern not just for victims families, but also for the provinces police forces and health units who say they require good and current data to plan public outreach and enforcement.

The lack of up-to-date statistics on opioid-related deaths and overdoses has now left police and health units struggling to come up with their own tracking methods for fentanyl.

The Toronto Board of Health, at a meeting on March 20, called for expedited development of a provincial overdose surveillance and monitoring system.

The truth is we do not have good data, said Susan Shepherd, manager of the Toronto Drug Strategy with the citys public health unit. One of the things we dont know is non-fatal overdoses, which happen a lot. And there is about a two-year lag on death data.

Rick Barnum, a self-described drug cop who worked undercover with provincial police when crack cocaine use exploded in Ontario in the 1990s, said getting more data faster would help focus the provincial polices efforts on fentanyl.

I think its absolutely vital that we get our tests back as quickly as possible to understand exactly what our officers and the public are dealing with out there, said Barnum, who is now deputy commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Its pretty hard to make an effective enforcement strategy or an effective treatment strategy or philosophy when youre always working six months, at least, behind.

The most recent data on Ontario opioid-related deaths is from 2015, when 166 people died from fentanyl toxicity  more than double the number from five years earlier  according to the Office of the Chief Coroner.

In October 2016, the provinces Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care designated Dr. David Williams, the provinces chief medical officer of health, as Ontarios first overdose co-ordinator and tasked him with launching a surveillance and reporting system to better respond to opioid overdoses.

Williams refused an interview with The Canadian Press to explain the provinces progress on the opioid crisis, but spokesman David Jensen said the ministry recognizes the pressing issue of problematic opioid use in Ontario.

On April 1, hospitals in the province began tracking opioid overdoses in their emergency departments on a weekly basis.

Every hospital and public health unit will have access to near real-time data, giving experts a more comprehensive understanding of whats happening on the ground, Jensen said.

He said Williams has convened an advisory committee  including public health, the medical community, law enforcement and paramedics  thats working to examine early warning and risk management systems to enable Ontario to detect and respond to critical situations associated with illicit opioids.

That includes compiling information on laboratory capabilities to understand provincial testing capacity, Jensen said.

Many health units and police forces in Ontario point to British Columbia, a province that has borne the brunt of the opioid crisis and where the Coroners Service releases monthly reports on overdose deaths. In B.C., drugs such as fentanyl and the much stronger opioid carfentanil are tracked through doctor-ordered urine tests done by a private lab on addicts and those who are prescribed fentanyl for pain. Those tests can be done in two to three days.

Theyre a good early-warning sign because theyre the ones consuming the drugs on a regular basis, said Thomas Marshall, director of government relations for the privately operated LifeLabs.

Marshall said the information is shared with a group that includes officials from the Ministry of Health, the RCMP, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the BC Centre for Substance Abuse.

On the policing side, a spokesman with Vancouver police said the force can get a rush analysis of seized drugs from Health Canada in one to three days, while regular analysis takes two months or more.

Our Burnaby-based Health Canada lab has been very supportive with analysis during the fentanyl crisis, said Staff Sgt. Randy Fincham.

Health Canada spokeswoman Suzane Aboueid said samples are analyzed on a first in, first out basis.

Health Canadas Drug Analysis Service (DAS) returns results to the submitting officer within a 60-day service standard, Aboueid said, adding it can provide analysis results in two business days, when necessary.

In light of the growing number of fentanyl cases, DAS is working in collaboration with police forces to meet their needs and address their turnaround time requirements.

In Ontario, some health units are not waiting for the provincial government to roll out its opioid strategy.

Read more:

Ontario to track hospital opioid overdoses

Overdose deaths in B.C. drop slightly in February for second straight month

Premier Kathleen Wynne to call meeting of Ontario mayors to plot strategies for opioid crisis

Hamiltons public health unit publishes weekly reports on opioid-related data they have begun collecting. Paramedics have created a category in their database to track suspected and confirmed opioid-related overdoses and administrations of naloxone, an opioid antidote. Between Jan. 10 and March 26, paramedics received 77 calls related to opioid overdoses. They said 79 per cent of the overdoses involved men with an average age of 36 years old.

Were trying to get a picture of the opioid problem here, and we need data to get that, said Dr. Jessica Hopkins, the associate medical officer of health in Hamilton.

A public health unit in southwestern Ontario is in the midst of gathering similar data after crunching numbers that showed the rate of opioid-linked deaths in the Windsor, Ont., area was more than double the provincial rate in 2015.

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, associate medical officer of health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, suspects fentanyl is playing a big role in overdoses in the area, but cannot say that conclusively.

There is a lack of data throughout the province in general, Ahmed said.

Because of that data void, Ahmed said the unit is trying to get front line numbers from doctors, hospitals, paramedics and pharmacies about fentanyl and other opioids to get a more fulsome, timely picture.

Meanwhile, Barnum said the OPP has developed its own system for tracking fentanyl using overdose reports from paramedics.

Fentanyl is a whole different level of addiction, he said, noting that the drug has affected every area of the province.

Many of the victims are casual drug users like Avwunufe, who may not know that fentanyl is now being cut into many drugs, including cocaine and heroin, that are sold on the street.

Avwunufes friend, Justin Meecham, said the pair had dabbled with cocaine that February night.

I did two bumps and, boom, my head hit the table shortly after, said Meecham, who woke when the paramedics were trying to revive his friend.

I woke up and he didnt. Its opened my eyes  I havent had a bump since. I had no idea fentanyl would be in cocaine.

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Fast-rising house prices make it crucial for federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau to meet as soon as possible on help for hard-pressed home buyers, his Ontario counterpart Charles Sousa says.

Sousa wants the gathering Morneau offered with him and Toronto Mayor John Tory to take place before the provincial budget, widely expected April 27.

Buyers are frustrated every time they get into these bidding wars and we recognize that more and more of them are occurring, Sousa, who has already promised aid in his fiscal blueprint, told reporters Thursday.

Its expanding beyond Toronto and the GTA . . . . Those are some of the things we want to discuss.

Morneaus offer to meet came after his budget last month spurned Sousas push for higher capital gains taxes on house-flippers who dont live in the homes they purchase for profitable re-sales in a skyrocketing market.

Sousa brushed that off, saying I appreciate his outreach, and noting the two levels of government have had continuing discussions about housing.

Profits on the sale of a principal residence are exempt from capital gains taxes.

But with many sellers hoping to cash in on the boom and some areas of the province not experiencing such overheated markets, Sousa is treading carefully and avoiding talk of specific solutions.

Whats important is we take the appropriate steps without harming anyone, he said after the Legislatures daily question period, warning some measures could have unintended consequences.

Theres no consensus. In fact, theres a wide degree of pros and cons on every decision thats being put forward.

One problem in the market Sousa has repeatedly mentioned centres around buyers who snap up large numbers of new homes and hold them until construction is completed, selling them for big profits.

After hearing anecdotal stories of that strategy, he is awaiting data.

I welcome further input from developers on the registrations of those purchases.

Progressive Conservative MPP Vic Fedeli (Nipissing), his partys finance critic, said he fears their go-to solution is to raise taxes on home purchases and sales.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath questioned why Morneau, who represents Toronto Centre, a downtown riding in the thick of many bidding wars, suddenly stepped up his concerns about the real estate market.

Its a crisis situation theyve allowed to continue to snowball. Now, everybodys, all of a sudden, jumping on a bandwagon that, really, they should have been addressing.

With the average home price in the GTA hitting $916,567 in March  up a stunning $228,556 from a year ago  a lot of people have no hope in hell of being able to afford houses, Horwath said.

New Democrats have also been pressing the government to move faster on expanding rent controls, which now apply only to buildings constructed before 1991.

Some landlords are raising rents dramatically and making it difficult for tenants to find affordable accommodation.

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The floor looks clean in this highrise apartment, seven stories above Kuwait City traffic. Not a smudge in sight on the picture window. On the other side of the glass, the maid is hanging on by one knuckle, screaming.

Oh crazy, come here, a woman says casually in Arabic, holding a camera up to the maid.

Hold on to me! Hold on to me! the maid yells.

Instead, the woman steps back. The maids grip finally slips, and she lands in a cloud of dust, many stories below.

The maid  an Ethiopian who had been working in the country for several years, according to the Kuwait Times  survived the fall. The videographer, her employer, was arrested last week on a charge of failing to help the worker.

Read more: Omans foreign maids can become trapped in slavery-like conditions: watchdog

Its still unclear what led to the fall. But it was not the first time a domestic servant had fallen off of a building in Kuwait, an oil-rich country where foreign workers are cheap, plentiful and live largely at the mercy of their employers.

Human Rights Watch has spent years documenting cases of workers abused, exploited, attacked or driven to desperation by a draconian labour system called kafala, in which foreigners surrender rights to be sponsored to get a work visa in the Persian Gulf.

Like thousands of others, its investigators are disturbed by the Kuwait City video.

Ive talked to workers who said they had to figure out a way to escape, and scrambled off buildings to do so, said Rothna Begum, a researcher for the rights group. What was shocking about this video is that the employer had filmed it from inside the flat  while she (the worker) is asking for help.

The woman, who reportedly landed on an awning and broke an arm in the fall, is one of more than 600,000 foreigners working in Kuwait, according to a Human Rights Watch estimate.

Thats about one servant for each family in a country of about three million people, Begum said.

Its becoming quite trendy, she said. Even low- and middle-income families will have a domestic worker. Theyre considered to be incredibly cheap, and you can exploit them.

In a 2010 report, the rights group collected anecdotes from workers across Kuwait, including an Ethiopian woman who called her boss Mama.

Mama would close the fridge; we were not allowed to take any food, the woman is quoted as saying. She also beat me if there was anything wrong, like a tiny speck of dust. I worked from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m.

Its not uncommon for employers to lock their servants inside apartments and compounds, Begum said  even though workers can be arrested and deported for leaving without their employers permission.

A Filipina worker, called Alida in the report, told Human Rights Watch what happened when her boss found out shed sought help after working long hours with little food.

After returning home, the employer hit Alida in the face and said, Ill let you die first before you go, the report reads. She (dragged me by) my blouse in her two hands and pushed me. She threw me out of the window from the third floor.

Alida woke up in a hospital, according to the report and learned that her employers had filed charges against her and said she tried to kill herself.

I came here to work, not to kill myself, she told the agency.

The Ethiopian womans fall was also reported as a suicide attempt, according to local reports. So were the injuries of eight other women Begum said she and her colleagues interviewed.

All of them said they were trying to escape abuse.

In 2015, Kuwait passed its first protections for foreign workers, prohibiting employers from confiscating their passports, granting them one day off each week, paid vacation and a maximum 12-hour working day.

But with no way to enforce those protections, Begum said, cruel practises endure, with workers often held prisoner in their employers homes until their contracts run out, abused in return for meagre wages, occasionally jumping to escape.

As bad as they were, Begum said, Kuwaits laws happen to be the most progressive the Gulf has.

A few years ago, Abigail Hauslohner reported for the Washington Post from a labour camp in Qatar, miles from the highrises and museums, where foreigners slept in crowded, bug-infested bunks after working all day to build the rich cities.

Last year, the Washington Post reported, an Indian man made a tearful video about his horrendous working conditions in Saudi Arabia.

Like the maids plummet in Kuwait, that video went viral.

Saudi authorities then arrested the worker for the spread of misinformation, and his employer had the video taken offline.

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MUSCAT, OMANAbderrahmane Ghanems family say they tried to do everything right, as Canadians, as concerned relatives, sometimes even going beyond expectations, mindful of the fact that Muslims and dual citizens are often regarded with greater suspicion these days.

So when Canadas police and spy services began investigating Ghanem and his friends six years ago, his parents and siblings agreed to talk with agents from the RCMP and CSIS. Repeatedly. And Ghanem, known to family and friends as Abdu, did as well.

They believed Ghanem had nothing to hide, even as his friends from Calgary began to leave one by one for Syria to join extremist groups, including the Al Qaeda affiliate al-Nusra.

But then suddenly last year, Ghanem, 30, an Algerian-born Canadian citizen, was imprisoned and charged  not in Canada, but in Algeria  with belonging to a terrorist group.

An indictment in the case states that Ghanems Algerian defence lawyer requested an important document containing information which was sent from outside Algeria but was denied.

His family and Canadian lawyers are speaking out for the first time to the Star and the CBC, as they believe Ghanems detention is based solely on information provided by Canadas security services. Its a damning allegation that comes as Ottawa spends millions of dollars settling cases for the roles CSIS and the RCMP played in the detentions and torture of Canadian citizens held abroad after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Two federal inquiries and multiple lawsuits have condemned the RCMP and CSIS for passing intelligence to regimes and paving the way for the torture of Canadian citizens during interrogations. Maher Arar received $10.1 million in compensation from Canadian taxpayers for his ordeal. Earlier this month, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland issued a written apology on behalf of the government and made multimillion-dollar settlements to three Canadian men who had been held for months in Syria or Egypt.

He has done nothing wrong. He hasnt hurt anyone, but if Canada has information on him they should try him in Canada, not Algeria, says his 62-year-old father, Mohamed, who has worked tirelessly with his wife, Houira Amiche, for their sons release.

His family believes Ghanems guilt is by association  his story going to the heart of debates confronting Canada and other Western countries: the power of the passport; how security services share information on citizens; and the global nature of terrorism.

Its Canada that has the issues, its not the Algerians, Ghanems Vancouver-based lawyer Gary Caroline insists. We believe at a minimum they told the Algerians about him, or at worst, they ask them to investigate him. Thats the crux of the problem, they basically subcontracted the prosecution of Abderrahmane to a country that is not governed by the rule of law, to put it politely.

Abderrahmane and the family have committed to voluntarily return to Canada and face any charge that the RCMP or the Crown may make against him  theres no problem. But his predicament is so divorced from what the accusations are. The accusations are all about Canada and hes in Algeria.

MP Omar Alghabra, parliamentary secretary responsible for Canadians held abroad, says he has seen no evidence to show the Algerians prosecution is based on Canadian intelligence, but said the case is being closely monitored.

There are important questions to ask about information-sharing. Where do we draw the line? said Alghabra in an interview in Ottawa this week. The government has in place checks and balances as to when and where to share information or not. We have to keep an eye out on the applications of those rules and constantly re-evaluate.

CSIS spokesperson Tahera Mufti says she cannot comment on Ghanems case specifically, but said that the service has a duty and a responsibility to share threat-related information with its foreign partners in order to mitigate risks to public safety here and abroad.

If we do so, it is after careful consideration of all legal obligations and associated risks, and includes strict controls on the use and dissemination of information.

**

In 2011, as Syria erupted in protest alongside other countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the young men began meeting in an apartment above a mosque at 835 8th Ave. S.W., known as the 8th and 8th.

Most of those friends, who became known as the Calgary group, are presumed dead: Damian Clairmont, a troubled convert to Islam who acted as one of the leaders in Calgary and was killed fighting for Daesh; the Gordon brothers  Collin and Gregory  also converts, also dead; Salman Ashrafi, who like Clairmont had struggled with mental illness, became a suicide bomber in Iraq in November 2013, killing 46; and Farah Shirdon who, if not dead, faces terrorism charges in Canada if hes captured or returns home.

Theres also Wassem Al Haj Youcef, who was Clairmonts roommate and whose name is now revealed publicly for the first time in Algerian court documents seen by the Star. Youcef, a mechanical engineer, left Canada in late 2012. His whereabouts are unknown.

The 8th and 8th mosque shut its doors last week because of the stigma of its association with this case.

It was there that Ghanem met Clairmont and Youcef six years ago and why he understandably became someone of interest to CSIS and RCMP. His parents noticed their outgoing son became increasingly sullen, while his brother Zak, who is just a year younger, recalled how argumentative his brother would be. I would just leave the house. I couldnt stand listening to him, he said.

But the most striking change in his personality came after a hiking accident in May 2012.

He had said he was going horseback riding but instead headed to Grizzly Peak, a challenging climb, along with Clairmont and Youcef. They ran into trouble when Youcefs arm was struck by a rock and in the rush of trying to get help, Ghanem slipped on the ice and tumbled 75 feet. The injured pair were taken to the hospital by Clairmont.

Ghanems parents arrived to find their son in the intensive care unit with a head injury, dislocated shoulder, broken arm and ribs. No longer able to drive, he lost a job as a consultant soon after.

He became too quiet, his father said. Then he started experiencing panic attacks almost every night.

They sent him to a psychiatrist but Ghanem was wary of taking pills.

Meanwhile, Clairmont and Youcef had left Canada, bound for Syria.

Ghanem also left Canada at this point, his father sending him to Algeria to live with his uncles and grandparents, where he could rest and recover. They believed he might have better luck finding an IT job abroad, as the opportunities in the region were better.

Shortly after Ghanem left, his father had his first contact with a CSIS agent, who wanted to know where his son had gone and mentioned they were investigating a potential recruiter of Syrian origin who lived in Calgary. They were warning me, he said. They told me my son is hanging with that guy and that guy is pushing young Calgarians to go to conflict zones.

**

Ghanem didnt stay in Algeria for long, leaving for Cairo to start a call centre. His father  worried about the calls from CSIS  told him to register with the Canadian embassy in Cairo, which Ghanem did.

In Egypt, Ghanem met three times with a CSIS agent who introduced himself as Jason. According to his father, the agent warned Ghanem to not travel to conflict zones, including Syria or Sinai.

In mid-2013, Collin and Gregory Gordon, the brothers from Calgary, stayed for a week at Ghanems Cairo apartment. They later left for Syria, where they were reportedly killed.

Meanwhile, the RCMP and CSIS continued to reach out to Ghanems father, his brother Zak and two of his three sisters. All complied and were questioned about Ghanems friends.

By June 2013, with Egypts political situation unstable and Ghanems business failing, Ghanem returned to Algeria. According to the Algerian indictment, Ghanem spoke with Clairmont via Skype  a claim he denies. But just months later, in September, he was travelling again, this time going to Turkey with his cousin.

For the first time, his Canadian passport was flagged  an indication that Canada believed he was using Turkey as a stopover to Syria.

While the Star could not reach Ghanem for a jailhouse interview, he denied through his family that he had intended to follow his friends to Syria in 2013, but was instead going from one bad business venture to another. Although he did tell his brother Zak during a visit this past weekend that he does see the world differently now and matured a lot from then.

From 2013 to 2015, Ghanem continued to have problems with his Canadian passport. In early 2015, he applied to renew his Canadian passport and was forced to use his Algerian passport until Ottawa issued a new one.

He claims that in February 2015, when he was in Algiers, he met a CSIS agent who identified himself as Philip, and who said he was working to get Ghanems passport application cleared. Ghanem told his family he was questioned again but only about the Calgary group  friends he had not seen in at least two years.

Ghanem alleges that Philip threatened him, saying if he did not co-operate he would get countries involved that wouldnt be as nice.

Two weeks later, as Ghanem returned to Oman with his grandmother, he was stopped and questioned by the Algerians for the first time about the Calgary group.

**

In Oman in the spring of 2015, Ghanem wrote to CSIS director Michel Coulombe, complaining of harassment. I co-operated with CSIS agents and spoke to them willingly. However, their approach tactics became more aggressive over time, and recently culminated in one of your agents making a direct threat to me, Ghanem wrote in the letter seen by the Star.

I do not understand why CSIS is going to such great lengths to accuse me of criminal actions I have no involvement with.

He did not receive a reply.

Ghanem continued to move between Algeria and Oman, where his parents now live, using his Algerian passport. He repeatedly contacted Passport Canada for the status of his new passport but was told his application was being processed.

Oman sits as a wealthy oasis of calm in this turbulent region, and according to his family, Ghanem had found peace when here. He spent evenings and weekends taking long walks and going fishing with his father, working as an IT consultant at a business he helped found.

Then suddenly, four years after leaving Canada, three years after his passport was first flagged and long after the deaths of his former friends, Omani police summoned him last May. He was held for a month and upon release Omani authorities told him he could not renew his visitors visa and had to leave.

He went to Algeria, the only place he could travel last minute on his Algerian passport and where he had family (his siblings had temporarily left Canada to study or work abroad by then). His parents accompanied him to Algiers on May 24, 2016.

As Ghanem tried to leave the airport with his family, three plain-clothed Algerian agents were waiting for him.

He has been held since in an Algerian prison, along with his Algerian cousin, Amiche Belkacem, who was also charged. There is no trial date yet and Algeria is known to hold suspects sometimes for years before prosecuting them.

But Ghanems family says they feel their trust was betrayed by co-operating with Canadian authorities. If Ghanem had intended to go to Syria in 2013, they say  it was the attention of the Canadian authorities and restrictions on his passport that disrupted those plans.

You dont save someone from drowning, says Ghanems father, and then throw them to the lions.

We did everything they asked. We trusted them.

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The Star wants to hear about your experiences at the U.S. border. Write us at border@thestar.ca .

WASHINGTONThey tried. Two senators, one Republican and one Democrat, prodded Donald Trumps Homeland Security secretary on Wednesday to spell out his concerns about Americas northern border.

John Kelly wouldnt much budge. His unexpected answer: Canada is fantastic, and the northern border should get less restrictive.

The absolutely great news story in the northern border is that we have Canada there. To say the least: a friend, an ally, Kelly, a retired Marine general, told the Senate Homeland Security committee.

The good news story up there is the Canadians. Their law enforcement, their commitment, he continued. I would say, actually, this might surprise you . . . Id like to see the northern border to be even thinner, if you will, so that the movement, safely and securely, of commerce and people can be even streamlined more.

Kelly did say he was monitoring a little recent increase in the number of Mexicans crossing illegally from Canada. On the whole, though, his words were among the most positive uttered by a senior U.S. security official about the border since the tightening that followed the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

It is not clear whether Kellys views are widely shared within the Trump administration. The president and his inner circle have frequently discarded or simply declined to seek the advice of his cabinet secretaries.

Still, Kellys praise offered a measure of reassurance amid Canadian concerns about the impact of Trump on their travel and trade.

The NDP is criticizing a Liberal bill to expand border pre-clearance on Canadian soil, arguing that the Trump-era U.S. should not be given expanded powers over Canadians. And the Wall Street Journal reported this week that Kellys department is considering a series of significant new intrusions on the privacy of people seeking to enter.

The Trump administration has declined to follow through on a number of potential policies it has floated through the media in such a manner. Canadians directly affected by border policy say they are unsure what might happen next.

Whats overhanging the situation now is uncertainty and the unknown, said David Bradley, president of the Canadian Trucking Alliance. Nobodys hitting the panic button, but there is uncertainty.

At present, there appears to be a gap between public perception and border reality.

The inauguration of the bellicose America First president was followed by a spate of media reports about Canadians turned away at U.S. crossings. But these anecdotes have not proven representative of a trend. According to statistics from Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, the U.S. deemed about 1,200 people from Canada inadmissible this February  down from about 1,700 under Barack Obama the February prior, a 29-per-cent decrease.

Goodales staff did not provide a total number of U.S. visits, so the proportion of Canadians declined in those months could not be calculated. Nonetheless: according to travellers and experts alike, there is no evidence of any lasting change in border operations since Trump took office.

Things, at least at our border region, are kind of moving along business as usual, said Laurie Trautman, director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University, 90 minutes from Vancouver. The only difference, she said, has been the level of speculation and uncertainty.

And thats not to say that that doesnt have a real impact, she said.

The uncertainty appears particularly acute among Muslims. Though Canadian citizens were not included in Trumps ban on travellers from six Muslim-majority countries, that policy and his general hostility to the community have prompted some Canadian Muslims to avoid non-essential travel.

People who dont have to go are deciding not to go, said Amira Elghawaby, spokesperson for the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

She said the organization has received accounts of Muslims who have had problems crossing. Others have travelled regularly under Trump without any new difficulties. More data is needed, she said, to determine what is happening.

The Journal article raised new alarms around the world. The story reported that the administration is thinking about fulfilling Trumps promise of extreme vetting by forcing visa applicants to hand over their social media passwords and their phones, and by asking travellers about their beliefs on social issues like the treatment of women in society.

The changes, the Journal reported, could even apply to the 38 allies in the visa waiver program that allows travellers to make short-term visits without a visa.

Canada, however, is in a category separate from the waiver program, and Canadians could conceivably get special treatment. The Canadian government successfully lobbied for privileged access under Trumps travel ban, which has been paused by the courts.

We do not comment on policy discussions taking place in other countries, said Goodale spokesperson Scott Bardsley.

U.S. border officers already have a huge amount of discretionary authority, Trautman said. And, in fact, they already sometimes ask travellers for access to their phones, laptops and social media accounts, though civil liberties advocates dispute their authority to do so.

Searches of cellphones rose from about 5,000 in 2015 to about 25,000 in 2016. They have skyrocketed in 2017, NBC reported, to 5,000 in February alone.

This is nothing new, Kelly said. He said officers make such requests of only very small numbers of visitors, and only for a reason.

Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, though, told Kelly her hair is on fire over the idea of turning the practice into widespread policy.

All of the bad guys are going to just lie. I dont get how we get anything out of it. Except damage, she said.

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ISTANBULThe poison used in the deadly chemical bomb attack in a rebel-held part of northern Syria this week was the banned nerve agent sarin, the Turkish health ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement from Turkey, where many of the stricken Syrians were taken after the assault on Tuesday, was the most specific about the cause.

According to the results of preliminary tests, the statement said, patients were exposed to chemical material (Sarin).

Western countries have accused the Syrian government of President Bashar Assad of carrying out the chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, which left scores dead and hundreds sickened in one of the worst atrocities so far in the six-year-old Syria war.

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The Syrian government has denied responsibility. Russia, its main ally, has accused Assads enemies of rushing to judgment and has threatened to veto a United Nations Security Council measure condemning the assault.

The Turkish statement said the sarin conclusion had been based on autopsies on three victims performed at Turkeys Adana Forensic Medicine Institution with the participation of representatives from the World Health Organization and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a group based in The Hague that monitors compliance with the global treaty that bans such munitions.

Assads government signed that treaty less than four years ago and agreed to give up its chemical arsenal after the first major chemical weapons attack in Syria, which left hundreds dead near Damascus.

Western governments accused the Syrian military of carrying out that attack, in August 2013, in which sarin was identified as the poison. It led then-U.S. president Barack Obama to threaten a direct military intervention in the conflict  an option he abandoned when Assad agreed to sign the chemical weapons ban.

The Turkish statement did not elaborate on how the sarin had been identified in the assault on Tuesday, but it said some of the telling symptoms seen in the victims included lung edema, increase in lung weight and bleeding in lungs.

The statement was issued hours after Syrias foreign minister challenged accounts by witnesses, experts and world leaders that his government had carried out the attack.

I stress to you once again: the Syrian Army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons  not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds, the minister, Walid al-Moallem, said at a news conference in Damascus.

Moallem repeated an explanation, which experts say is implausible, that the toxic substances were dispersed after the Syrian Army had conducted an 11:30 a.m. air raid on an insurgent depot that he said contained chemical weapons.

His statement echoed a Russian account of what had happened that witnesses and Western leaders say is contradicted by the evidence.

Moallem asserted that Al Qaedas Syria affiliate, commonly called Al Nusra Front, and its main jihadist rival, Daesh (also known as the Islamic State), harbour illicit chemical weapons in Syria.

Asked whether Syria would present proof that it was not involved in the attack, Moallem responded, How am I supposed to go to Khan Sheikhoun if its held by Al Nusra?

At least 86 people were killed in the assault including 28 children, according to a tally from the health department in rebel-held Idlib province, but that may not include victims sent to Turkey who have died. Some officials including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey have said the attack killed more than 100 people. UNICEF said in a statement on Thursday that 546 people were injured, among them many children.

Independent evidence continued to suggest that the Syrian military was to blame.

Monzer Khalil, the health director of Idlib province, said medical teams had collected samples of blood, urine, hair and clothing from the victims and of soil and other materials in the areas where the poison spread. The samples were being preserved and offered to international agencies and governments as evidence, he said in an interview via Skype.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has in the past refused to accept samples not collected by its own teams and has accepted others but given them less credibility as evidence, according to Syrians who have worked for years to collect samples from what were suspected to be attacks.

Turkeys deputy prime minister, Tugrul Turkes, told the state-run Anadolu Agency on Thursday that the Russian explanation was unfulfilling.

If the Syrian regime knew that there were chemical weapons in the warehouse, it should have also known that it should not have attacked it, he said.

He added that he believed the attack was the work of the regime and that it was an attack against civilians.

In Russia, officials said the case against Assad was far from clear.

The Kremlins spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, warned the West on Thursday against rushing to blame Assad.

He said that the West lacked objective evidence, and that materials presented by the White Helmets, a Syrian humanitarian group, did not suffice as proof.

The use of chemical weapons is absolutely inadmissible, Peskov said, adding that the Syrian army must act to prevent any chemical agents that can be used as weapons from falling into the terrorists hands.

Later on Thursday, however, Peskov said that the Russian government supported a full investigation into the attack and that the Kremlins support for Assads government was not unconditional.

The Russian-Syrian posture came under immediate attack from Western leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who had urged his predecessor, Obama, in 2013 not to intervene in Syria. On Wednesday, Trump said that the chemical attack had crossed a lot of lines for me, and added, My attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much. He did not specify his plans.

France, Britain and the U.S. have circulated a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council condemning the attack and demanding Syrias co-operation  including access to all military flight logs of Syrian aircraft operating in Idlib during the attack.

Diplomats negotiating the draft resolution said they expected to put it up for a vote late Thursday. It remained unclear whether Russia would veto the measure, which would make it the eighth veto by Russia of a Security Council resolution regarding Syria.

Britains foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said he cannot understand how anybody on the UN Security Council could fail to sign up to a motion condemning the actions of the regime that is almost certainly responsible for that crime.

Jean-Marc Ayrault, the French foreign minister, took a more moderate stance, telling CNews television that France is still seeking to talk with its partners on the Security Council, including Russia in particular.

These crimes must not remain unpunished, he said, adding, One day, international justice will rule on Assad.

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MOSUL, IRAQThe Iraqi government says Daesh militants have shot down an Iraqi army helicopter over Mosul, killing the two-member crew.

The Ministry of Defence says in a statement that the incident happened during the operation to retake the city from Daesh militants, also known as ISIS or ISIL.

Read more:

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Battle for west Mosul could be deadliest yet for Iraqis

Officials say the chopper came down as a result of ground fire and landed somewhere in eastern Mosul. Footage from an AP cameraman shows a large ball of fire with a long trail of thick black smoke as the aircraft falling out of the sky Thursday afternoon.

Iraqi air force and army aircraft conduct regular strike operations over the city to support police and special forces units battling the militants. The operation to retake Mosul from Daesh started last October.

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WASHINGTONThe Republican chairman is stepping aside from leading a congressional investigation of Russian interference in last years U.S. presidential election, citing ethics complaints that he mishandled classified information.

The decision by Rep. Devin Nunes of California comes amid partisan turmoil on the House intelligence committee. Democrats have alleged that Nunes, who was on President Donald Trumps transition team, is too close to the White House and cannot lead an impartial inquiry. In an extraordinary step, the usually-quiet House ethics committee said that it is investigating whether Nunes improperly disclosed classified information. U.S. President Donald Trump said Nunes is a very honourable guy.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Nunes blamed left-wing activist groups for filing accusations against him with the Office of Congressional Ethics.

The charges are entirely false and politically motivated and are being levelled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power, Nunes said in a statement.

Nunes move could be seen as a win for Democrats whose cries for an independent panel to investigate Russias possible ties with the Trump campaign have grown. They have pointed in particular to two Nunes trips to the White House  one announced, one not  as evidence that his loyalty to Trump outweighs his commitment to leading a bipartisan investigation.

By all accounts, the intelligence committees growing partisanship has become a distraction from its underlying investigations.

Read more: Republican Devin Nunes wont step away from Russia probe despite pressure from Democrats

The top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff of California, said he appreciated Nunes decision to step aside from the Russia investigation.

There was a cloud hanging over us after the White House incident, Schiff told The Associated Press on Thursday. While Schiff said the panels investigation is back on track, the Republicans had not signed off on rescheduling a public hearing with former Obama administration officials. Schiff said it was important that the public hear testimony from former acting Attorney General Sally Yates about why Trumps first national security adviser was fired. Nunes cancelled the hearing.

As the majority party in the House, Republicans will keep the committee chairmanship. GOP Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, with help from Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and Rep. Tom Rooney of Florida, will temporarily take charge of the investigation, said Speaker Paul Ryan.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday that he doesnt know Conaway, but he heard he was well-respected. High quality, Trump said.

House Speaker Ryan tells reporters that Nunes has his trust. Nunes, the chairman of the House of Representatives' Intelligence Committee, is stepping down from the panel's investigation into Russia.

Schiff said Conaway does not have the same history with the White House that Nunes does.

Two watchdog groups, Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, had asked the House ethics committee to investigate whether Nunes disclosed classified information he learned from intelligence reports.

In a statement, CREW spokesman Jordan Libowitz said the group believes that Nunes potential violation of House ethics rules is so grave that it needs to be investigated right away.

Nunes last month disclosed that Trump associates communications had been swept up by U.S. spy agencies and, he suggested, mishandled by Obama administration officials.

Read more: Trump communications wound up in surveillance intercepts, says top Republican

The announcement was striking, as it is unusual for a member of the committee to publicly discuss the existence of what would be classified intelligence reports.

Nunes later acknowledged that the material had been shared by a secret source on the White House grounds, raising fresh questions about his co-ordination with the White House. Trump seized on the information as evidence backing up his unfounded claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped the phones at his New York skyscraper.

Schiff later saw the same material, but refused to publicly discuss what he learned. He said Thursday he understood the material was now to be shared with other intelligence committee members.

Republican Speaker Ryan said he supported Nunes decision to step aside.

It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House intelligence committees investigation into Russian interference in our election, Ryan said.

A Republican aide said Nunes met with Ryan on Wednesday night to discuss stepping aside from the Russia probe. Thats when Ryan learned of the House ethics probe, according to the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Nunes said in his statement, I will continue to fulfil all my other responsibilities as committee chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the ethics committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims.

Read more: Reality catching up to U.S. President Donald Trump on FBIs Russia probe: analysis

The ethics committee investigation of Nunes actions will be led by Republican Chairwoman Susan Brooks of Indiana and Democrat Ted Deutch of Florida.

Conaways ascendance immediately drew attention to his statement earlier this year expressing skepticism about the subject of the investigation.

In January, Conaway compared Russias interference in the 2016 election to the Democrats employing Mexican entertainers to help turn out the Latino vote.

Those are foreign actors, foreign people, influencing the vote in Nevada, Conaway told the Dallas Morning News. You dont hear the Democrats screaming and saying one word about that.

During the committees first hearing on the Russia probe last month, his questions were focused on how intelligence agencies prove who is behind a hack and what a foreign leaders intent is.

All 17 intelligence agencies have agreed that Russia was behind the hack of Democratic email systems and tried to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump.

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PARISConservative French presidential candidate Francois Fillon is campaigning for a tougher, more united Europe that can defend itself against violent extremists and unfair trade  and warns that a Frexit would lead to chaos and the death of the EU.

Most of the 11 French presidential candidates are skeptical about the 28-nation European Union, amid growing nationalist sentiment around Europe and Britains pending exit from the bloc, called Brexit. Some, like far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, even support Frexit  a French departure from the EU.

But Fillon argued Thursday the EU is indispensable to ensure the French, and all Europeans, security and economic prosperity.

Fillon warned that Le Pens proposals to leave the EU and the shared euro currency would be assured chaos, and the implosion of Europe.

If France were to quit the EU  founded 60 years ago to prevent future world wars  the bloc would likely collapse.

Fillon was once the front-runner in the French presidential race but corruption allegations have hurt his chances in the two-round April 23-May 7 election.

Read more: French presidential candidate Fillon wont back down amid corruption allegations

In this video from January, French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon and his wife were questioned for five hours by police investigators as part of a probe into allegations that Penelope Fillon had been paid for fake jobs.

Fillon acknowledged that the Brussels machine has become too powerful and that the bloc has become too heavily regulated and needs to recreate itself. So he proposed tougher protection for the EUs external borders and said EU members should align their asylum and deportation practices.

He also said Europe should defend itself against trade threats, arguing for tougher EU rules against possible trade dumping and tax evasion by U.S. or Asian companies.

We are in a world of competition where each defends its interests tooth and nail. We should do the same, he told reporters in Paris.

Pledging to boost French defence spending, he said European countries should stop assuming that NATO or the U.S. will defend Europe.

Several of the 11 candidates argue either for a Frexit  a French departure from the EU  or some other reduced role for the EU.

Rival independent candidate Emmanuel Macron, seen as the front-runner in the presidential race, says the EU needs to defend its common ideals of peace, prosperity and freedom. He wants the EU to stand up to those who openly want a weakening of Europe: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, as well as the main authoritarian leaders of the Middle East.

The top two vote-getters on the April 23 presidential ballot will go into a presidential runoff on May 7.

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One of Israels biggest political parties has a key election coming up. But they had to delay it. Party bosses quickly ran into that age-old problem of trying to schedule democracy around Britney Spears concerts. Rookie mistake.

The Labor Party was slated to cast ballots for a new chairperson on July 3 in Tel Aviv, the same day Americas pop icon is scheduled to perform at the citys Hayarkon Park. For some reason, the Labor Party couldnt compete with her popularity that day, so they decided to push their vote back a day.

A Labor Party spokesperson told the Times of Israel pushing back the vote would make it easier for people to reach polling stations lest they get caught in the concert-goers traffic. The spokesperson also said theyd had a difficulty recruiting security guards for their vote, since apparently most are busy staffing the concert.

Seeing Britney Spears live must be exciting, but the Labor Party has an exciting race of its own. Seven candidates are jockeying to oust incumbent Isaac Herzog, including former tech magnate and Member of the Knesset Erel Margalit, the former Labor chair and defence minister MK Amir Peretz, and the former chief of an elite military unit Sayeret Matkal.

Peretz, widely seen as the top challenger to Herzog, said the new date works well as a symbol of the U.S.-Israeli alliance. American independence day has a lot of messages we can take on board, he told Israeli radio network Army Radio. The 4th July suits us very well.

No word on whether he, Herzog, or their party rivals will be heading to the concert themselves. But who could blame them if they did, VIP lounge tickets for her Tel Aviv show are going for the bargain-bin price of about $300. What a deal.

And who knows, that extra day of campaigning could help a candidate out. Sometimes people are just stronger than yesterday.

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ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIARussian security agents on Thursday arrested three people suspected of links to a suicide bomber accused of attacking the citys subway and deactivated an explosive device in the apartment where they lived.

The Investigative Committee said the suspects are residents of the former Soviet Central Asia region like the bomber, 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a native of Kyrgyzstan. Dzhalilov blew himself up on a busy subway line Monday, killing himself and 13 others and wounding over 50 people.

The impoverished, predominantly Muslim countries in Central Asia are seen as fertile ground for Islamic extremists, and thousands of their citizens are believed to have joined Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, in Syria and Iraq.

Read more:Suicide bomber behind St. Petersburg subway explosion, Russian investigators say

The committee, the nations top criminal investigation agency, said investigators also found objects that would help advance the probe during a search of the home on St. Petersburgs eastern outskirts.

The Federal Security Service, the main KGB successor agency, said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies that its experts defused a self-made explosive device at the apartment. The news reports said three people were arrested.

A leading St. Petersburg news portal, Fontanka.ru, said materials used in the explosive device found Thursday matched those used by militants in Syria.

An unidentified law enforcement official told the Tass news agency that investigators were checking information that Dzhalilov may have trained with Daesh in Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said between 5,000 and 7,000 people from Russia and other former Soviet republics were fighting alongside Daesh and other militants in Syria. He has named Daesh as one of the reasons behind Russias military campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Reports emerge that the St. Petersburg metro blast, which killed 14 people, was the work of a suicide bomber, possibly from Kyrgyzstan.

Thursdays arrest came a day after law enforcement agencies detained eight Central Asian migrants suspected of acting as recruiters for Daesh and Al Qaedas Syria branch. The investigators found no immediate evidence of their involvement in the subway attack.

No one has claimed responsibility for Mondays subway bombing, but Russian trains and planes long have been targeted by bombings by Islamist militants.

One of the victims of Mondays attack, 50-year-old Irina Medyantseva, an artist well-known for the dolls she made, was buried Thursday in a funeral attended by a few dozen relatives and friends.

Im thankful to all those who want to help us, said her husband, Alexander Kaminskiy. The country and the entire world share our pain.

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MOSCOWRussias Supreme Court has upheld the decision of a Russian city to ban Jehovahs Witnesses as an extremist group.

The decision Thursday came amid proceedings on a Justice Ministry suit to ban the religious organization in Russia altogether.

Jehovahs Witnesses claim more than 170,000 adherents in Russia. The group, however, has come under increasing pressure over the past year, including a ban on distributing literature deemed to violate Russias anti-extremism laws and an outright ban in the Far East city of Birobidzhan.

In February, Russian investigators inspected the religions headquarters in St. Petersburg.

Prior to the ruling, David Semonian, a spokesman at its world headquarters in New York, said the group hopes Russias Supreme Court will uphold the rights of our fellow believers in Russia to freely carry out their peaceful worship.

Note  April 7, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version to update the headline.

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BEIRUTPresident Bashar Assad took an enormous gamble if his forces were behind the chemical weapons attack that killed dozens in northern Syria: committing an overt war crime just as the Trump administration and most Western leaders had made clear they are no longer seeking his immediate removal.

Although Assad can count on the backing of his top allies, Russia and Iran, the attack has revived international outrage at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is still formulating his policy on Syria.

So why do it? Especially when Syrian government troops have the upper hand in the 6-year-old civil war?

There is a military rationale, as well as a political one, analysts say.

Politically, Assad may have been emboldened to act to crush his opponents, thinking he could do so with impunity after recent statements from Washington, along with Trumps inclination to align with Russia.

On a visit to Turkey last week, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Assads future was up to the Syrian people to decide, while Nikki Haley, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the United States isnt ruling out co-operation with Assad to defeat Daesh, also known as ISIS.

Militarily, Tuesdays attack took place in an area of Idlib province where rebels recently launched a heavy offensive against government troops. The assault brought insurgents to within miles of the key, government-held city of Hama. Khan Sheikhoun, the town targeted by Tuesdays attack, is right up the road from Hama, and although Syrian forces have since launched a counter-offensive and regained some ground, there is a clear government incentive to rid the area of insurgents.

Read more: Suspected gas attack kills nearly 60 in Syria, including children

These weapons are frightening and disorienting to the targeted populations, and they also highlight to the local population and the rebels that there is no international limitation on regime behaviour and that resistance is therefore futile, said Faysal Itani, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Councils Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East.

Still, a chemical weapons attack of this magnitude carries significant risk.

The images of lifeless children and others gasping for breath were reminiscent of the 2013 attack near Damascus that killed hundreds of civilians, and triggered a blitz of denunciations by world leaders and organizations, who urged the U.S. to commit to a Syria solution.

Read more: Say goodbye, baby: Syrian father tearfully bids farewell to twins after chemical attack

U.S. President Donald Trump says the chemical attack in Syria is an "affront to humanity" and "crosses many, many lines."

Trumps condemnation of Tuesdays attack has been surprisingly strong, even if he did not give any clear indication about how the U.S. might respond.

On Wednesday, Trump denounced the attack as an affront to humanity and blamed Assad, saying it cannot be tolerated. At the U.N., Haley threatened unilateral U.S. action if the world body failed to act.

Although Trump has not drawn a public red line concerning chemical weapons as his predecessor did  and he spoke out against military action against Assad before his presidency  such an atrocity may prove embarrassing enough for him to change course, or take stronger action to prove hes tougher than Barack Obama, whose weakness after the 2013 chemical attack Trump also blamed for Tuesdays assault.

The attack has caused sparring between the U.S. and Russia over who was responsible.

Read more: Trump has strong words after Syrian gas attack but no plan on U.S. response

The Syrian government has strongly denied involvement, accusing the opposition of trying to frame it to make up for military losses on the ground. The Russian Defence Ministry said a Syrian government airstrike hit a rebel chemical weapons factory, causing the disaster.

Part of the equation, for any perpetrator, is the difficulty of proving anything in the aftermath of such attacks, largely due to the lack of immediate access. And, in the complex terrain of opposition-held northern Syria, which is closed off to investigators and journalists, various scenarios cannot be completely discounted.

Dozens were killed and more than 100 injured in gas attacks suspected to have been carried out by the Syrian government on Tuesday.

A Syrian lawmaker, Omar Osse, suggested Wednesday that the attack on Khan Sheikhoun was fabricated to abort the recent change in U.S. policies toward Syria.

Assad may be betting on further deniability by striking in an area where extremists hold sway, further casting a cloud of confusion on the attack. Idlib province, which is packed with rebels and civilians alike, is dominated by the Al Qaeda group.

Some analysts suggested Assad may be signalling he wants quicker action to end the war on his own terms.

Rather than making concessions or political gestures, the regime is further raising the stakes and the political cost for the West of not co-operating, said Jihad Yazigi, editor-in-chief of The Syria Report.

Assad, he wrote in an op-ed Wednesday, knows he is unlikely to pay a major price for Tuesdays attack.

Since former U.S. President Barack Obamas green light in September 2013, Assad knows that a large-scale attack against its civilians is a short-term public relations liability but a long-term political asset, he said.

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Lyudmila Putin was the wife of Vladimir Putin for three decades. They met in Leningrad, married in 1983 and moved to East Germany, where her husband was a KGB spy. When the Iron Curtain crumbled, they returned to Russia, where Vladimir Putin began his remarkable journey to becoming the most powerful person in the country, if not the planet.

But as Vladimir reigned in Moscow, Lyudmila was seen less and less in public. Wild rumours in the Russian press suggested that he had packed her off to a monastery. In June 2013, the couple attended a Kremlin production of the ballet La Esmeralda. In the intermission, they announced to reporters that they would be divorcing.

Read more:Russian leader Vladimir Putin and wife Lyudmila split

Since then, Russians have heard little about Lyudmila. Putins press secretary refused to answer questions about her life, while the Kremlin biography of Russias president deleted all mention of her. But many ordinary citizens remained fascinated by her, eager to know what had happened to the woman who may have gotten closer to Putin than anyone else.

Now, almost four years later, details about Lyudmilas new life are emerging. And rather than turning up at a remote monastery, she appears to be planning a lavish life at a European villa, with a new husband 20 years her junior.

These new details offer not only a glimpse into the notoriously private world of Putins family, barely acknowledged in official accounts and the subject of tabloid gossip, but also a hint of the wealth that critics say the Russian president and those in his inner circle have acquired over recent years.

The Russian news website Sobesednik revealed Lyudmilas new relationship last year, when it reported on documents that appeared to show that the 58-year-old divorcee had remarried and changed her last name to that of her new husband, businessman Artur Ocheretny, then 37. Photographs appearing to show the couple at Londons Heathrow Airport were published this weekend by the website Starhit.

The couples link to the European villa was revealed Wednesday when the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) published an article that suggested Ocheretny was the owner of a mini-palace in a village called Anglet, near Biarritz in the southwest of France, that is worth up to $7.46 million (U.S.) and is undergoing an extensive renovation. The villa was bought six months after the Putins announced their divorce, the OCCRP reported.

One local resident told a reporter from the OCCRP that the art deco villa was a landmark. The buyer is Putins ex-wife, we all know this here, the local was reported to have said, apparently unaware that Artur Ocheretny was the legal owner.

It seems like a happy ending for Lyudmila. Accounts of the Putins long marriage werent always pretty, and the sensitive Lyudmila is said to have struggled with her harsher husband. As Nataliya Gevorkyan, a biographer of Putin, told the Washington Post shortly before the divorce was announced, She was a woman who loved and was not loved.

But the OCCRPs discovery of the luxury villa in France also raised questions about how Lyudmila or her new husband could afford such a lavish property. Artur Ocheretny is the director of a non-profit organization, the Center for the Development of Interpersonal Communications, which is best known for being closely linked to Lyudmila. Before that, he worked at an event agency that often worked with government clients. The OCCRP notes that Russian NGO directors do not generally receive high salaries, and none of Ocheretnys business ventures appear to be a success.

Lyudmila is not officially wealthy, either. Until her divorce, she was required by law to declare her assets and income, and she never declared much. In fact, Vladimir Putins own wealth declarations are similarly sparse, with a $147,000 salary and limited assets, including a Moscow apartment, a plot of land and three cars, listed on his 2015 statement.

There has long been speculation, however, that Putin and those close to him are significantly wealthier than they let on. Some estimates for the Russian presidents personal wealth go as high as $200 billion, though they are backed by sparse evidence. A 2016 leak of records from a law firm based in Panama did suggest that associates known to be close to Putin held as much as $2 billion through offshore accounts.

The Russian president may well have reason to keep such details quiet. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny recently released a video that accused Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of accepting more than $1 billion in bribes. The allegations sparked major protests in Russian cities.

Reuters reported in 2015 that Katerina Tikhonova, widely said to be the younger of Putins two daughters, owned a seaside villa in Biarritz that was worth about $3.7 million at the time. She and her husband, Kirill Shamalov, the son of a friend of the Russian president, together were worth around $2 billion, the news agency reported.

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BEIJINGWhen Wang Ge, a business school student, wakes up, she often asks herself, What would Ivanka do?

That would be Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, a woman Wang has never met but worships.

In the United States, Ivanka Trump has become a controversial figure, battling persistent questions about business conflicts and criticism for not doing more to moderate her fathers policies toward women.

But in China, she is widely adored. Her lavish lifestyle and business acumen resonate with many young professionals who are hungry for fame and fortune in a society that often equates material wealth with success.

Wang keeps photos of Ivanka Trump on her iPad. She counsels burned-out friends to read Trumps self-help tips (Find strength in others and Be an optimist). And she models her day on Trumps, waking at 6 a.m. to increase productivity and setting aside at least a half-hour to read.

Shes pretty, she has her own career, shes hardworking and she has a beautiful family, said Wang, 26, a student at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing. She inspires me.

While Donald Trump, who meets President Xi Jinping of China in Florida on Thursday, has bluntly assailed China on issues like trade and North Korea, Ivanka Trump has helped soften her fathers volcanic image.

She is called a goddess on social media. A video of her daughter singing in Chinese went viral, attracting tens of millions of viewers. Working mothers have latched onto her brand of have-it-all feminism, even if most lack her financial resources, and entrepreneurs have studied her speeches for clues on making successful pitches.

Xinhua, the official news agency, weighed in last week, describing Ivanka Trump as having an elegant and poised style.

A lot of people think Ivanka is the real president, said Li Moya, 31, who runs an app for renting venue space in Beijing. We think she has the brains, not her father.

Young Chinese women working in sectors like technology and finance have been especially taken by the presidents daughter, whom they see as an elegant symbol of power and ambition. They say they have sought to mimic her tenacity and confidence as they confront chauvinism and stereotypes in the workplace and in family life.

Ivanka Trump urges her critics "not to conflate lack of public denouncement with silence," saying that she is candid with her father, U.S. President Donald Trump, on issues she disagrees with.

Many are also impressed by her decision to start her own fashion brand rather than simply focus on the family real estate business.

Shes very independent, said Wang Jiabao, 28, a reality television producer in Beijing. She represents what were looking for  to marry into a decent family, to look good, and to also have your own career.

Some also believe Ivanka Trump embodies Confucian values, pointing to her decision to convert to Judaism for her husband and her steadfast defence of her father, both seen as illustrations of a devotion to family.

In Chinas stressed-out urban centres, her tips on leading a balanced life (Dont sleep with your BlackBerry next to your bed, says one) have found a large audience.

On messaging apps, young professionals trade translations of her self-help guides, while working mothers share her advice on carving out time for loved ones.

Chinese companies have also tried to profit from Ivanka Trumps popularity, filing hundreds of trademark applications using her name  Yi Wan Ka in Chinese  on products and services such as shoes, spa treatments, plastic surgery and pottery.

Still, she has her critics. Some are skeptical of her fathers policies and disturbed by her decision to join his administration, in which she serves as assistant to the president. Others believe that as a child of privilege she is a poor role model for everyday Chinese people.

Shes trying too hard and pretending too much, said Shi Yixuan, 22, an administrative staff member at Peking University in Beijing.

Read more: Ivanka Trump responds to criticism, says lack of public denouncement isnt silence

But many women see recognizable Chinese attributes.

Underneath her image are very traditional values, said Dai Linjia, a communications consultant. Her family is almost like a dynasty.

While her father has threatened a trade war with China and criticized Chinas efforts to build outposts in the South China Sea, Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, have embarked on a charm offensive with the country.

It helps that her daughter, Arabella, speaks Chinese, which she began learning from her Chinese nanny. Ivanka Trump and Arabella attended a Lunar New Year festival at the Chinese embassy in Washington in February, an event broadcast on Chinas prime-time news.

On Tuesday, two days before her father was to meet Xi, Ivanka Trump posted a photo of her younger son, Theodore, playing with wooden blocks emblazoned with Chinese characters.

Read more: Daughter diplomacy: Trudeaus unorthodox play for Donald Trumps approval

Analysts said her popularity could help ease the relationship between China and the United States at a tense time.

Her father is a regular critic of China, so Ivankas moves sort of compensate for that, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing. The Chinese government will see there are both ugly and positive messages coming out of the U.S.

Many younger Chinese will be watching this weeks meeting between Donald Trump and Xi for signs of Ivanka Trump.

Wang, the business school student, said she hoped that Ivanka Trump could help improve Chinas standing in the U.S.

Shes a very good role model, she said. I think she can help the two countries grow closer.

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Last week, the world mourned the death and celebrated the life of Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada, a stalwart in the fight against South African apartheid, and close confidante and parliamentary adviser to Nelson Mandela. (Kathrada was sentenced to life imprisonment alongside Mandela in the infamous Rivonia Trial of 1964, and was incarcerated for more than 26 years, 18 of them on Robben Island.)

There is now a prevailing mythology in Canada that our government was a steadfast champion of the struggle against apartheid. However, this is more idealized history than an accurate rendition of reality.

As political science professor Linda Freeman documented in her book The Ambiguous Champion: Canada and South Africa in the Trudeau and Mulroney Years: Canadian officials, like their counterparts in other Western countries, made increasingly strong statements against apartheid, but continued to support full economic and diplomatic relations with the white minority regime ... and denied meaningful support to South Africas black population for decades after South Africa first implemented apartheid officially in 1948.

Throughout the 1950s, Canada repeatedly voted against or abstained from resolutions condemning the racism of apartheid at the United Nations. Canada also refused to sign the 1973 UN Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid; like other Western states opposed to the convention, Canada was worried that its own citizens and corporations might face prosecution for aiding and abetting apartheid.

Canadian companies, such as Bata Shoes, which had two plants in the KwaZulu bantustan, took advantage of the low wages made possible by racist subjugation of black South Africans, and influential actors in the private sector advocated constructive engagement with apartheid rather than divestment. Until the mid-1980s, Canadian MPs went on trips to South Africa sponsored by the South African government, and returned full of praises for its system of rule.

If Canada cannot support our struggle, will it at least be able to refrain from giving comfort and help to those who would deny freedom and dignity to us? asked Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, in a speech at the University of Toronto in 1969.

But the Canadian government only laxly enforced the military embargo imposed by the UN against South Africa in 1977 and Canadian companies persisted in arming the apartheid regime. The Quebec-based Space Research Corporation, for instance, provided South Africa with an artillery system that could fire tactical nuclear weapons.

Ahmed Kathrada, a liberation struggle stalwart who spent years in prison alongside Nelson Mandela, is buried in the South African city of Johannesburg.

And while the Mulroney government did apply economic sanctions in 1986 after many years of protest by South African exiles, churches, unions, and other participants in the Canadian anti-apartheid movement, these sanctions were merely voluntary for many sectors  so that Canadian trade with South Africa actually increased from 1987 to 1988.

Groups opposing the terror of apartheid were smeared as terrorists themselves, and denied support. When the president of the African National Congress, Oliver Tambo, visited Ottawa in 1987, Prime Minister Mulroney confronted him with an advertisement put in the Globe and Mail by the South African embassy denouncing the ANC as a violent Communist organization. (To which Tambo responded: If you want to talk about violence, what violence exceeds that of apartheid?)

Canada continued to place visa restrictions on members of the ANC for more than 20 years after Mandela was freed from prison; Kathrada himself was denied visas to Canada in 1996 and 2006.

It is important that we dont forget the conflicted truth about Canadas relationship with apartheid South Africa. This history reminds us that the arc of the moral universe does not bend towards justice by itself  and that those responsible for moving it in that direction are usually not treated as heroes at the time, but as terrorists and subversives and criminals.

While figures like Kathrada and Mandela have been valorized after the vindication of their cause, those working to dismantle structures of racial oppression today are stigmatized and surveilled as security threats.

For example, indigenous activists, non-violently resisting the legacy of Canadas own policies of anti-indigenous apartheid, have been investigated and put on watch lists by security agencies under operations like Project SITKA.

Canadas ambiguous relationship with apartheid reminds us that it is easy to claim a place on the right side of history with the moral clarity of hindsight, but much harder to stand for justice against powerful interests in the present.

In the end, as Ahmed Kathrada knew, No people have been given their freedom without having to struggle for it.

Azeezah Kanji is a legal analyst based in Toronto. She writes in the Star every other Thursday.

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Toronto sculptor Walter Allwards magnificent Vimy Memorial is an ode to peace, reflecting the predominant Canadian sentiment in the decades after the First World War. The disastrous war killed some 60,000 Canadians, scarring countless others in body and spirit.

Allward originally planned that one of the Rodin-inspired figures adorning his mournful masterpiece would show a Defender stomping on a pickelhaube, a definitively German military helmet. Then he changed his mind. The suggestion was too militaristic.

The Defender is breaking his sword. The biblical reference is clear. They shall beat their swords into ploughshares. Allward described his monument as a sermon against the futility of war.

When the memorial was finally completed, thousands of Canadian pilgrims (religious symbolism abounds) attended the 1936 unveiling ceremony. They listened to The Peace Hymn. They heard Guns, a poem by Geoffrey OHara  Crush out the hated curse of war.

Canadas first Silver Cross mother was an important participant at the ceremony. And Charlotte Susan Wood said something that mirrored the spirit of those years. I just cant figure out why our boys had to go through that, she told King Edward VIII.

A working class mother from Winnipeg, Wood lost five sons to Britains imperial wars. The youngest, Percy, was killed at Vimy Ridge. He was 17 years old.

Why is it, then, that peace and questioning war have been largely airbrushed from commemorations surrounding Canadas Vimy 100 commemorations?

Theyve been replaced by two themes that have mythologized Vimy beyond the tactical victory in the inconclusive Battle of Arras.

One is traditional militarist-patriotic understanding. Death-so-noble. Bravery. Heroism. The drum-and-bugle tone is clear. We honour their valour, offers a Canada Post ad featuring the Vimy memorial. We salute the brave Canadians ...

Such narratives are common enough in war commemoration, always contested terrain. Just as Canadians struggled with loss and grief in the years after the Great War, some embraced militarist remembrance. A 1921 Armistice ball in Calgary featured an arch fashioned from bayonets and machine guns.

Another Great War interpretation emerged to dominate the Vimy story in the latter part of the last century. Pierre Bertons 1986 ripping yarn, Vimy, helped set the stage. Ever the Anglo-Canadian nationalist, Berton had it that most of the soldiers were rugged sons of the Canadian frontier. But at least half were British-born.

The Legion sells ball caps emblazoned with Vimy: Birth of a Nation. The Vimy Foundation is going a step further with pricey, full page newspaper ads declaring April 9, 1917 The day CANADA became a nation. It was, were told, Canadas coming-of-age on the world stage.

Historian Ian McKay and I have coined a term for such fanciful claims. Vimyism asserts that soldiers from across Canada, unified by ideals of self-sacrifice, worked together to take the ridge. And, in their unity, these men of long ago today provide Canada with memories of a long-lasting source of national inspiration.

Except that when I visited the Vimy Memorial I counted the name Tayor carved more than 40 times into the limestone, among the thousands of Canadian missing. But there was only a single Tremblay, one of Quebecs most common names. The simplistic Vimyist narrative ignores the way that the war ripped Canada apart, dividing French and English. The birth of which nation?

Quebecers may well remember what Vimyist mythology ignores. The battle was not primarily a Canadian, but a British victory, under British leadership, using largely British tactics, with a British-born army.

Public rememberings of the Battle of Vimy Ridge need to be stripped of their nationalistic parochialism, suggests Canadian War Museum historian Nic Clarke, suggesting a wider understanding of the war and Canadian identity.

Yet Vimyism has become the Official Story, promoted by government and martial nationalists in English Canada. From Don Cherrys crude home-team boosterism to Gov. Gen. David Johnstons dotty claim that Vimy constituted the birth of the nation because the Canadians were not subordinate to the British on that sleet-swept hill.

Other views persist. Montreal playwright David Fennarios working class Verdun community was decimated by the war. Introducing his 2014 iconoclastic drama Motherhouse, he offers a distinctly anti-Vimyist interpretation. Lets keep it in mind as the terrible battles centenary approaches.

More and more as we observe the hundredth anniversary of the First World War, we come across films, novels, and plays that condole or celebrate that war as something honourable, rather than critique and condemn it as one of the worst crimes ever committed against humanity.

Lest we forget.

Kingston writer Jamie Swift is the author of numerous books, most recently The Vimy Trap: Or, How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Great War (with Ian McKay, Wilson Chair in Canadian History, McMaster University). Hell be speaking about Vimyism at the Toronto Reference Library, April 18, at 7 p.m.

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When Robin Camp, in his former capacity as a federal court judge, asked a woman why she couldnt just keep her knees together to prevent an alleged rape, he contributed to the widely held view that the justice system is incapable of sensitively or effectively dealing with sexual assault cases.

This impression is often cited as among the chief reasons for the chronic underreporting of sexual assaults in Canada, around 90 per cent of which are never brought to police. A 2014 survey by the Department of Justice found lack of trust in the justice system was the second most common reason, next to shame, for choosing not to come forward.

Now two politicians have proposed welcome private members bills aimed at rebuilding that trust. If passed, they would ensure that federal and provincial judges are given complete and comprehensive training in the law of sexual assault, including in how rape myths are sometimes used to subvert justice.

Both interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambroses federal bill, introduced in February, and Liberal MPP Cristina Martins bill, set to be tabled this week at Queens Park, should receive all-party support.

Its no wonder victims trust in the system continues to lag. Of the 10 per cent of sexual assaults that are reported, only 43 per cent result in charges, and only 43 per cent of those in convictions. That represents the lowest conviction rate for any type of violent crime by far.

Part of the problem is judges like Camp, who seem to buy into the stereotypes and myths around sexual assault complainants. Another recent high-profile example was the acquittal of a taxi driver charged with sexually assaulting a woman who was so drunk she had urinated and passed out in the back of his cab.

In that case, Halifax Judge Gregory Lenehan acknowledged that, under Canadian law, someone who is unconscious or is so intoxicated as to be incapable of understanding or perceiving the situation that presents itself cannot provide consent. He then offered this dubious addendum: This does not mean, however, that an intoxicated person cannot give consent to sexual activity. Clearly, a drunk can consent.

Lenehans verdict, which is being appealed, should not come as a surprise. Studies indicate the most difficult cases to prosecute are those in which victims claims arent found to be credible because of how they dressed, their earlier willing sexual involvement with the accused, the fact they had been drinking or that they went back to the aggressors home.

That is why it is so imperative that before being appointed to the bench, all lawyers be educated on the rapidly evolving understanding of the meaning of consent and on the rape myths that have so often been used to deny victims justice.

The bills put forward by Ambrose and Martins bills will go a long way to help accomplish this. They should be passed.

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Donald Trump had a remarkable first reaction to the horrifying chemical gas attack that killed some 72 Syrian civilians this week: he blamed Barack Obama.

The government of Bashar al-Assad stands accused of gassing scores of its own people. Yet Trump focused his outrage not on the Syrian dictator but on his own predecessor for supposedly showing weakness and irresolution in the face of Assads terror against civilians back in 2013.

In fact, if Trump wanted to blame an American president for this weeks atrocity, he would have done better to look in the mirror. For months, even years, he has sent a clear, unmistakable message to Assad that a Trump administration had no interest in getting involved in Syria.

As long ago as 2013, he tweeted that Syria is not our problem. He advised Obama do NOT attack Syria since there is no upside and tremendous downside. In a television interview last year he repeated that the United States had bigger problems than Assad and said his priority was defeating Daesh (aka ISIS or ISIL).

How much clearer could he be? And how else could Assad, newly emboldened by military support from Russia, interpret the presidents words other than: go ahead, do what you want, we wont get in your way.

Obama may have been weak in dealing with Assad, as many have charged. But at least he did not overtly embolden the dictator and flash him the green light for whatever action he chose to take against rebel forces and innocent civilians.

Its impossible not to conclude that there was a direct line between this weeks atrocity, the worst chemical attack in years, and Trumps repeated declarations of non-interest and non-involvement in the Syrian conflict.

On Wednesday, as international outrage at the attack grew, the president seemed to change his tune.

He said the images of death from the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun crosses many lines, and the death of innocent children, innocent babies, little babies made him re-think the situation in Syria and how to deal with Assad himself. My attitude, he said, has changed very much.

That at least brings him closer in line with other U.S. officials, who have condemned the chemical attack in no uncertain terms and blamed Russia for blocking a robust response by the United Nations Security Council.

But Trump has only replaced callousness with incoherence. He refused to spell out what his new attitude amounts to or what the United States might be prepared to do in the face of Assads actions. At the same time, his ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, warned that if the UN cannot act collectively then the United States may be compelled to take our own action.

What does that mean? U.S. allies are understandably confused. And in the meantime, Assad has a free hand to inflict terror on unprotected civilians.

The primary blame for this horror, of course, lies with Assads government, which has shown it will stop at nothing to keep power. Close behind are his regimes direct supporters in Moscow and Tehran.

But theres another type of culpability that falls on those whose words and actions lead the dictator to conclude that he is free to act with impunity. Trump cannot escape a full share of that responsibility.

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Re: Parents dreading legal weed should chill out, Teitel, April 4

Parents dreading legal weed should chill out, Teitel, April 4

Id like to thank Emma Teitel for her unsolicited and largely unproven parenting advice regarding pot use.

We practiced democratic parenting when our children were younger in the 1990s and tried very hard to parent by example. While there was some booze in the house, it was always used in moderation and the children were allowed to partake under controlled circumstances. There was never any drug use.

We had open discussions about drugs, sex and booze. In fact, we were open about just about everything with our children when age appropriate.

One of our children eschewed pot and built a fairly strong life for herself with a career and a good future. The other abused alcohol and marijuana starting when he was a very young teenager and while now (in his 30s) has a more settled life, has little education and basically no transferable skills, lacks the kind of ambition and future needed for success in this world.

Perhaps Ms. Teitel should refrain from parenting advice until she has experienced some parenting of her own and shown that her methods are successful.

Habitual marijuana use can be dangerous and detrimental to a young persons future. Parents should not chill out but be aware of their childs behaviours and, while openness is important, so is some measure of teaching control.

Stephen Bloom, Toronto

I am glad to read that there has been no major influx of teenage cannabis use in Colorado after its legalization. Perhaps it is due in part, to the legal age of cannabis use in Colorado being 21 years. Perhaps the teenagers in Colorado should celebrate 4/20 up here, as our federal government wants the legal age of cannabis use to be 18.

James G. Wigmore, forensic toxicologist, Toronto

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Updated from April 5 with additional information.

A senior Chinese official said that Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google may have a harder time re-entering the Chinese market if the 24-hour meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Mar-a-Lago on Thursday and Friday doesn't go well.

In 2010, Google was forced to pull its search services from mainland China after a disagreement with Beijing over censorship rules, but the company is currently working with China to unblock its search engine in the country. "China's relationship [with Google] is improving, and both sides' leaders have met on several different occasions," senior parliamentarian Liu Binjie told the Financial Times.

However, the future timeline for Google's move back into China depends on Sino-American relations, Liu told the publication. "Trump has said some very severe things about Chinese trade. If this continues, progress will be affected," he claimed.

Trump has attacked China for its trade policy numerous times. In May 2016, he tweeted, "We can't continue to allow China to rape our country and that's what they're doing. It's the greatest theft in the world."

The Chinese official's comments come as tech companies and investors alike are speculating about the tone and substance of the meeting between the two leaders, particularly with respect to trade policy. Trump has already tweeted that the meeting will be "very difficult" because the U.S. simply can't continue to have massive trade deficits and job losses due to its relations with China.

In the past, the U.S. has had a very open relationship and willingness to purchase Chinese products because they can be made much more cheaply there, Height Securities analyst Pete Cohn said. At the same time, China has had a very export-driven economy. The U.S. and other countries have felt that by having a good relationship with China, they would be able to get more of a foothold on the market in China.

But since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, it has been criticized for cheating on its own foreign obligations to WTO members, such as by dumping aluminum. In addition, U.S. manufacturing jobs have generally seen a decline since 2001, leading to criticism of the open trade relationship the U.S. has with China.

During this week's meeting, Trump will most likely argue that the U.S. and China need to rebalance its trade relationship, Cohn predicted. In other words, China needs to open its markets more and get rid of barriers to U.S. exports to make it easier for U.S. companies to sell goods. In turn, Xi will most likely work to make it clear that China is very much open to trade and is not putting up barriers to U.S. goods.

This is in line with what a White House official said about the meeting in a press briefing on Wednesday: "This is really an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on each other's respective priorities and to chart a way forward for the U.S.-China bilateral relationship...President Trump really views this meeting as a first step toward building a constructive and a results-oriented relationship that's going to deliver benefits to both countries."

Another topic that may come up is the role of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), which is in charge of reviewing foreign takeovers. Trump may use this as a bargaining tool by telling Xi that if Chinese companies want to buy more U.S. companies and assets, then China needs to reciprocate when n US companies want to expand in China, Cohn explained.

So far in the Trump administration, CFIUS has both blocked and approved deals. The blocks that have occurred have been because of operational issues, such as whether the underlying company poses a defense risk, rather than on protectionist grounds, according to Height Securities. The firm said this means that cautious optimism surrounds pending CFIUS transactions, such as the acquisition of Lattice Semiconductors (LSCC) by Canyon Bridge, the Stillwater Mining (SWC) /Sibanye Gold acquisition, the acquisition of MoneyGram (MGI) by Ant Financial and other pending deals.

Tech companies are paying particularly close attention to the meetings, considering China is the world's second-largest economy and a huge market for their goods. Thus, tech companies worry that Trump's proposed 45% tariff on all Chinese goods will hurt overall relations with China and their ability to gain market share there. "There's a lot at stake for tech companies," said Daniel J. Ikenson, director of Cato's Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. "If bad blood comes between the two leaders, then the way a proxy war would be handled would be to go after the other country's most important companies by reducing access to important markets."

U.S. companies that could be hurt by hostility with China include the big US tech companies such as Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google, Tesla (TSLA) , Oracle (ORCL) , Cisco (CSCO) , Intel (INTC) , Western Digital (WDC) and Nvidia (NVDA) because they have the most to lose from damaged relations between the countries, according to Ikenson. Additionally, if relations warm up between the two country's, then Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba (BABA) might be able to do more in the U.S. market as a competitor to Amazon.com (AMZN) .

Some analysts wonder just how serious Trump is about imposing a tariff, especially one as large as the 45% tariff he proposed during his campaign. "Trump is coming to realize that he can talk a tough game, but it's different when there's pressure to act on it," said Ikenson.

However, a trade war between the US and China is definitely possible, particularly since a number of safeguards have fallen away recently, Ikenson said. The multinational community that used to push for peaceful relations with China to ensure continued access to its market has become less energized, he explained.

Trade wars tend to come about when a country goes outside of the WTO rules to reposition trade barriers in order to create a protectionist environment, he said. "Protectionism is when a country kind of goes rogue and makes unilateral measures with no justifiable basis under the WTO," Ikenson explained.

For example, some think that because China depends on the U.S. more than the U.S. depends on China, Trump may actually try to implement a more reasonable 10% to 20% tariff on Chinese imports, which would then inspire China to retaliate against the US with a tariff. "Then the whole world could get caught up in it because China is such a key player and it could do real damage to the global economy," he explained.

Certain industries, such as the chip sector, are especially worried about the prospect of trade tariffs being imposed. SEMI, which represents 2,000 member companies in the semiconductor sector and other related industries, is "very concerned about the tone on trade seen during the election and from the new administration in the past few months," SEMI senior director of North American public policy Jamie Girard said. The U.S. is the world leader in chip equipment and materials and of the 85% of its products that it exports, more than three-quarters of that goes to Asia.

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In addition, China said it will spend about $150 billion over the next decade to become a leader in the semiconductor space, which actually presents an opportunity for U.S. chip companies, Girard said since that means they will be buying more equipment and materials from the U.S. "So any face-to-face time that Trump can get with Xi to help calm any political animosity is a good thing," Girard added.

With respect to a potential trade war, Girard noted that we have seen retaliatory tariffs in the past, such as when the US put tariffs on Chinese solar panelsin 2012 and China responded by slapping a tariff on U.S. producers of the materials used in solar panels. "It's concerning that the same thing could happen again," he said, noting that all of the big companies that SEMI represents are exposed to changes in US-China relations. "Any trade uncertainty will hurt them," he explained.

Another concern for tech companies is how strongly the new administration will push for protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, which prevents manufacturers in China from pirating and selling U.S. products below cost, Cohn said. China is currently responsible for three-fourths of the value of all infringing and counterfeit products seized by U.S. customers, according to The Hill. During the campaign trail, Trump commented on IP rights by claiming that he would "use every lawful presidential power to remedy trade disputes if China does not stop its illegal activities."

However, a new China cybersecurity law that will go into effect this June will require U.S. tech companies to provide the Chinese government with proprietary source code to prove that they can't be hacked. "That's foreboding," Ikenson said.

Other topics that will be discussed at the meeting include currency manipulation, which China used in the past to help make its goods cheaper in the U.S. and other countries, as well as North Korea's nuclear program and China's military plans for the South China Sea pathway. In addition, it's worth noting that tensions between the two leaders were seen to ease up after a phone call on February 9 in which Trump told Xi that the U.S. would uphold the "One China" policy that holds that Taiwan is a part of China and recognizes only one official Chinese government. "This was important to preserving future relations with China," Cohn said.

Of course, while these concerns weigh on the minds of the top U.S. tech executives, not much is expected to happen at this first meeting, Ikenson and Cohn both said. This first talk is more about a step in the right direction. Trump's willingness to host Xi at his resort instead of at the White House is a positive sign, Cohn said. Xi himself was in favor of meeting in a more relaxed atmosphere at Trump's Florida resort instead of the White House, according to the New York Times.

"It's doubtful they'll come to a global understanding that resolves criticism on both sides, but it's constructive that Trumps is hosting Xi at his own home in Mar-a-Lago," Cohn said.
Shares of some of the leading makers of painkillers fell in mid-day trading Wednesday after President Trump's pick to run the Food and Drug Administration called the opioid crisis a "public health emergency on par with Ebola and Zika."

"We don't fully recognize the addictive nature of these products," Scott Gottlieb, nominated to be FDA Commissioner, told members of the Senate Health Committee.

Gottlieb said Washington has a role to play in preventing overuse of the opioids but said the FDA will need help from Congress to take meaningful steps against abuse, which is blamed not only for destroying lives in its own right but also for being the major cause of rising heroin addiction in the U.S.

Gottlieb didn't spell out the specific steps Washington should take but suggested Congress could give the agency authority to consider the broader public health impact of opioids when considering approvals of new painkillers.

Shares in some of the leading opioid producers fell after he he made his remarks shortly before noon. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) , whose Janssen division is a leading painkiller producer, fell from $125.59 at 10.40 a.m. to $125.09 at noon before rebounding some. Insys (INSY) dropped from $10.51 to $10.21 through mid-day trading and Depomedundefined dropped from a high of $12.73 this morning to $12.21

Those three companies, along with privately held Purdue Pharma and Mylan (MYL) , were the subject of a demand for information about their sales and marketing practices, internal studies on addictions, details on their compliance with legal settlements and donations to advocacy groups late last month by Sen. Claire McCaskill, ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. Mylan shares were largely unchanged after Gottlieb's remarks.

Lawmakers in Washington and in the states are considering a number of measures to combat opioid addiction, including making anti-overdose drugs like Naxalone more widely available, limiting the amount of opioids a doctor may prescribe and expanding state-run prescription monitoring databases.

Gottlieb's comments also hit shares of two companies that make Naxalone products, such as Pfizer (PFE) subsidiary Hospira and Amphastar Pharmaceuticals (AMPH) , producers of injectable naloxone for years and the targets of ire for Naxalone price hikes that have seen the price hike of a Naxalone price hike rise from $690 for a two-pack in 2014 to $4,500 today.

Gottlieb suggested that the FDA could help lower the price of Naxalone products by finding ways to speed the approval of generic versions of the drug.

Pfizer shares dropped from $44.50 around 11 a.m. to as low as $34.27 in early afternoon trading. Amphastar dropped from $14.41 at 9.50 a.m. to $14.10.

Shares of Lightlake Therapeuticsundefined , which developed the intranasal opioid antagonist platform technology used in Adapt Pharma Ltd.'s NARCAN Nasal Spray formulation, share its shares spike from $7.21 to $7.36 before falling off to $7.24 later in the afternoon.

Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota tried in vain to get Gottlieb to speak against GOP lawmakers plan to let states drop drug treatment from the list of mandate coverage that must be included in health insurance policies under legislation being negotiated to repeal and replace Obamacare. A compromise package being worked out between the Trump Administration and Republican moderate and conservative wings would reduce or eliminate the rundown of coverages that must be included in health insurance packages eligible for federal subsidies.

Gottlieb said he was "reluctant to opine" on matters outside the scope of the FDA's jurisdiction, which insurance is.

Franken countered: "Residential treatment is a really good thing. If you're talking about a crisis the scope of Ebola and you don't keep residential treatment as part of the essential benefits package of insurance I don't think you're taking it as seriously as Ebola."

Much of Gottlieb's hearing was taken up by Democrats' questioning about potential conflicts of interest posed by his work as an investor an venture capitalist. Gottlieb has promised to recuse himself from FDA decisions involving 20 companies affiliated with venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates, where he has been a partner. Gottlieb said those 20 companies are ones in which has had direct involvement with. Democrats suggested he should recuse himself from decisions involving all 82 NEA portfolio firms with matters pending before the FDA.

"I do struggle to see how this will ensure your views and decisions will not be shaped by your investments," said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the committee's top Democrat.

But Health Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said Gottlieb's experience should be a benefit. "In my view it helps to have somebody who knows something about the subject."
European benchmarks sank in early trading as caution hung in the air following Wednesday's Federal Reverse meeting minutes, ex-dividend stocks weighed and investors braced for a potentially acrimonious meeting between the leaders of the world's two largest economies.

The FTSE 100 slipped by around 0.80% in London after the opening bell. The CAC 40 dropped 0.60% in Paris and the DAX fell 0.70% in Frankfurt.

Benchmarks in southern Europe were also weaker, with the FTSE MIB in Milan down by more than 1% and the IBEX in Madrid slipping nearly 0.50%.

A renewed sense of caution swept through markets overnight and hung in the air at the opening of the European session after the Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes, released Wednesday, suggested that the Fed may begin to shrink its balance sheet by selling bonds later in the year.

Ex-dividend stocks were an added weight on markets, with education publisher Pearson (PSO) , Lloyds Banking Group (LYG) , Aviva (AVVIY) and Paddy Power Betfair (PDYPF) , all ex-dividend this Thursday, topping the list of fallers in London with losses ranging between 3% and 7.9%.

Adding further to tensions across markets was a key meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which is scheduled to get underway Thursday, in which the leaders of the world's two largest economies are expected to discuss the pair's relationship.

Trade will be top of the agenda, with President Trump having made clear via his Twitter feed that the meeting will be difficult. Investors are watching closely for a renewed escalation of protectionist rhetoric.

A dovish tone struck by European Central Bank head Mario Draghi in speech on Thursday morning, where he indicated that European monetary policy will remain loose for longer, proved unable to lift markets out of their decline. Although it did send the euro reeling against the U.S. dollar and pound sterling.

Top fallers in Frankfurt were Deutsche Lufthansa (DLAKY) , Volkswagen (VLKAY) , Commerzbank (CRZBY) and BMW (BMWYY) , all with losses of 1.5% or more.

In Paris, Peugeot (PEUGF) , Renault (RNSDF) and Credit Agricole (CRARY) were all found swimming deep in the red, with losses of 1.5% or more.
White House economic adviser and former Goldman Sachs (GS) exec Gary Cohn thinks the country's biggest financial institutions should separate their consumer-lending businesses from their investment banks.

The National Economic Council director said in a private meeting with lawmakers he generally favors returning banks to their structure before the turn of the 21st century, when certain firms focused on trading and underwriting securities and others primarily issued loans, Bloomberg reports. The remarks echo rumblings from President Donald Trump's orbit regarding establishing a modernized version of Glass-Steagall, the Depression-era law repealed under the Clinton administration in 1999.

Cohn reportedly made the remarks in a meeting with senators and staffers organized by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, an Idaho Republican.

And on Thursday Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and three other senators reintroduced a bill they had been advocating for in recent years called the "21st Century Glass-Steagall Act." The bill seeks to separate commercial lending institutions from their investment banking divisions but it has yet to mobilize significant support among lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The timing of the move was likely an effort to capitalize on momentum from Cohn's comments.

This isn't the first time people in Trump's circle have floated the idea of bringing back Glass-Steagall or some version of it. The Republican National Convention's official campaign platform last July included a provision endorsing reinstatement.

At the time, Mark Calabria, a former Cato Institute director who has since been hired as Vice President Mike Pence's chief economist, said he perceived the provision as an attempt to pick off Bernie Sanders supporters from Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Reinstating Glass-Steagall was a major part of the Vermont senator's insurgent presidential campaign.

The law's repeal was widely blamed for the 2008 financial crisis, since it had enabled the formation of banking behemoths through deals such as Bank of America's purchase of Merrill Lynch at the height of the crisis, a move partly responsible for the company's need of a $45 billion government bailout.

And among Trump's team, support for restoring a firewall between commercial and investment banking didn't end with the real estate mogul's victory against Clinton in November.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, also a Goldman alum, said in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee in January that he would support a "21st century version" of Glass-Steagall but not going back to the original version of the law. Trump used similar language ahead of the election, and a person familiar with the matter said Thursday that Cohn was simply reiterating Trump's position.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer in a March 9 press briefing said that the administration is committed to restoring Glass-Steagall, but the president hadn't made plans to meet with Sanders on the matter.

What will move markets this quarter and how should investors position themselves ahead of time? Jim Cramer sat down with four of TheStreet's top columnists recently to get their views. Click here to listen to his latest Trading Strategies roundtable with them and read their advice for stocks, bonds, forex and gold.

Splitting consumer lending and investment banking businesses would arguably affect Goldman, whose former personnel hold several posts in Trump's administration, less than major rivals such as JPMorgan Chase (JPM) .

While Goldman recently added unsecured consumer loans through its Marcus platform to offerings of secured loans for high net worth individuals, its revenue from debt securities and lending accounted for less than 5% of last year's $30.6 billion in revenue. Trading and investment banking made up more than two-thirds of the total.

Among its rivals, the consumer business accounted for 45% of companywide revenue at JPMorgan Chase and 38% at Bank of America (BAC) .

To be sure, exactly what Cohn, Mnuchin, Spicer and Trump mean by "21st century" Glass-Steagall isn't clear, and given the at-times competing factions within the administration, it's quite possible they might not mean the same thing in the first place.

It's doubtful their interpretations of the law would line up with proposals from Sanders or progressive firebrand Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who has proposed a 21st Century Glass-Steagall Act of her own.

Moreover, the support could be simply a smoke-and-mirrors routine to appeal to Trump's populist base.

Cowen and Company analyst Jaret Seiberg said in a note on Thursday that, given Cohn's comments, the firm believes a return of Glass-Steagall is likely.

"Cohn was the most likely obstacle within the Trump White House. With him supporting Glass Steagall's restoration, there is no one in the inner circle left to fight it," Seiberg wrote.

Cowen believes the likeliest structure is not preventing a banking company from owning a broker-dealer but instead for the government to require the broker-dealer to be the subsidiary of the holding company rather than the bank. "This would force the broker dealer to be separately funded and separately capitalized from the bank," Seiberg wrote, adding it could be accomplished through regulation or legislation.

If the Trump administration produces and discloses a cohesive 21st century Glass-Steagall proposal, it is likely to face significant pushback on Capitol Hill.

Democrats, many of whom would like to see the biggest banks broken up, are unlikely to support it because it will probably be attached to significant changes to the Dodd-Frank Act written in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

For example, Democrats wouldn't back any move by Republicans to attach the measure to a repeal of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which oversees mortgages and other credit products. In addition, Republicans might oppose it because they feel they aren't getting enough in terms of dismantling Dodd-Frank in return.

There is one softer variation that could pass muster on Capitol Hill. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. vice chairman Tom Hoenig last month proposed setting up separately capitalized banking and investment bank units at one too-big-to-fail bank rather than an outright break-up.

To help ensure that the separately capitalized divisions are maintained, the biggest banks would need to set up two corporate boards, one for each partitioned business. In exchange, Hoenig said big banks could get some relief from key aspects of Dodd-Frank, including the Volcker Rule, which seeks to limit speculative trading by big banks.

It's unclear whether the Trump administration or Cohn in particular support the Hoenig measure. However, the Trump administration has yet to nominate anyone for a top Federal Reserve bank supervision post. A decision by the White House to pick Hoenig for the job would send a loud message that his proposal is one that White House wants to support.

Editors' pick: Originally published April 6.
Cable One, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides data, video, and voice services in the United States. The company offers residential data services, a service to enhance Wi-Fi signal throughout the home. It also provides residential video services, such as local networks; local community programming that includes governmental and public access; and other channels, as well as digital video services, including national and regional cable networks, music channels, and an interactive and electronic programming guide with parental controls. In addition, the company offers premium channels that offer movies, original programming, live sporting events, and concerts and other features; and advanced video services, such as whole-home DVRs and high-definition set-top boxes, as well as TV Everywhere product, which enables its video customers to stream various channels and shows to mobile devices and computers. Further, it provides residential voice services comprising local and long-distance calling, voicemail, call waiting, three-way calling, caller ID, anonymous call rejection, and other features, as well as international calling by the minute services. Additionally, the company offers data, voice, and video products to business customers, including small to mid-markets, enterprises, and wholesale and carrier customers. As of December 31, 2021, it served approximately 1.2 million residential and business customers in 24 states through its Sparklight, Fidelity, and Clearwave brands. Cable One, Inc. was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
Black Diamond Group Limited rents and sells modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. It operates through two segments, Modular Space Solutions and Workforce Solutions. The Modular Space Solutions segment provides modular space rentals to customers in the construction, real estate development, education, manufacturing, health care, financial, government, and defense industries in North America. Its products include office units, lavatories, storage units, large multi-unit office complexes, classroom facilities, banking and health care facilities, custom manufactured modular facilities, and blast resistant structures. This segment also sells new and used space rentals units; and provides delivery, installation, project management, and ancillary products and services. The Workforce Solutions segment provides workforce housing solutions, including rental of accommodations and surface equipment, and provision of turnkey lodging and travel management logistics services in Canada, the United States, and Australia. This segment also provides associated services, such as installation, transportation, dismantlement, and sale of used fleet assets. This segment primarily serves the resource, infrastructure, construction, disaster recovery, and education sectors. company also provides specialized field rentals to oil and gas industries. Black Diamond Group Limited markets its rental assets, custom sales, and ancillary products and services through in-house sales personnel, its website, social media, web campaigns, and its digital marketplace. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Alaska Airlines and Virgin America yesterday announced new daily, nonstop service between Portland, Oregon, and New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) beginning Nov. 6; Portland and Detroit beginning Aug. 30; and Los Angeles and Philadelphia beginning Sept. 1.

Alaska Airlines and Virgin America yesterday announced new daily, nonstop service between Portland, Oregon, and New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) beginning Nov. 6; Portland and Detroit beginning Aug. 30; and Los Angeles and Philadelphia beginning Sept. 1.

"Alaska Airlines continues to expand service from our West Coast hubs by adding convenient, nonstop flights to popular destinations like New York City, Philadelphia and Detroit," said John Kirby, vice president of capacity planning at Alaska Airlines. "Whether traveling for business or leisure, we continue to meet the needs of our valued guests with more than 800 daily flights in over 300 markets originating from the West Coast."

With this new service, Alaska and Virgin America will provide Portland residents access to 130 daily nonstop flights to 58 destinations, more than any other carrier serving Portland International Airport.

This added service provides Rose City flyers greater access to two New York metropolitan area airports  JFK and Newark. JFK is the country's busiest international gateway, and is a prime jumping off point for customers traveling to Europe and beyond on Alaska Global Partners including British Airways, Icelandair and Condor. Members of the Alaska Mileage Plan can earn and redeem miles when flying on one of Alaska's global airline partners to over 900 destinations around the globe.

With the new service to Detroit, Alaska Airlines will offer the only daily, year-round nonstop service from Portland to the Motor City, home to auto industry giants such as General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Guests will now have access to low fare options, with the reliability and award-winning customer service they have come to expect from their go-to airline on the West Coast.

The new Los Angeles-Philadelphia flight builds on the 27 new markets the combined airline has added from California, since merging with Virgin America in December. Virgin America previously served this market from April 2012 to October 2014.

Schedule of new service:

Start Date City pair Departs Arrives Aircraft Frequency Aug 30 Portland-Detroit 10:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. B737 Daily Aug 31 Detroit-Portland 7 a.m. 8:45 a.m. B737 Daily Sep 1 Los Angeles-Philadelphia 8:45 p.m. 5 a.m. A320 family Daily Sep 2 Philadelphia-Los Angeles 6:30 a.m. 9:26 a.m. A320 family Daily Nov 6 Portland-New York (JFK) 11:05 p.m. 7:30 a.m. B737 Daily Nov 7 New York (JFK)-Portland 9:30 a.m. 12:55 p.m. B737 Daily

Flight times based on local time zones.

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 2022 Travel Industry Wire
Militants launched 29 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.

The tensest situation was observed in Mariupol direction, where the enemy used 82mm mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machine guns to launch attacks on Krasnohorivka (29 km west of Donetsk). Ukrainian positions near Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk) and Pavlopol (30 km northeast of Mariupol) came under grenade launcher and heavy machine gun fire.

In Donetsk direction, terrorists used 82mm mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machine guns to shell ATO troops outside Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk). Militants also fired at Pisky (12km north-west of Donetsk) and Zaitseve (67km north-north-east of Donetsk), using machine guns and small arms.

In Luhansk direction, Russian-backed militants fired at Ukrainian positions outside Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk), using tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns.

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Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov held a meeting with President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Paolo Alli.

This has been reported by the press center of the National Security and Defense Council.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed the current situation in Ukraine developed as a result of the Crimea annexation and Russian aggression in the east of our country.

According to Turchynov, Ukrainian secret services are documenting intense activities of the Russian Federation in stepping up its military potential "primarily on the Western and Southern strategic directions".

"Analyzing these data we cannot exclude the escalation of military aggression against our country," Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine said.

"Moreover, Russian-terrorist groups are blatantly neglecting the Minsk agreements and the recent cease-fire agreement. By continuing shellings of our positions using weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements, they are trying to change the delimitation line by military means," Turchynov said.

Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine emphasized that in this context it is essential to resume Ukraine's military-technical cooperation with its Western partners, "which was artificially blocked in 2014".

According to President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Paolo Alli, there can be no compromises on this issue: "NATO member states take a strong position on this issue. We do not put people's freedom at stake".

The President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly noted that NATO member states supported reforms taking place in Ukraine and our state's aspiration to Euro-Atlantic integration.

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Ukraine can ease restrictions on the activities of the subsidiaries of the Russias state-owned banks in Ukraine only when the security situation improves.

This is stated in the letter to IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, the press service of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) reports.

"The recent events caused an outcry against the activities of Russias state-owned banks in Ukraine. We imposed the restrictions on the conduct of operations between these banks and their parent institutions for the sake of the national security and notified the IMF Executive Board about such activities. We will ease these restrictions as soon as the security situation allows this to be done," the letter reads.

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Ukraine is planning to increase the number of enterprises licensed to export poultry meat to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, arrange beef exports and expand the range of food exports.

The press service of the Ukrainian State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection reports this, referring to Ukrainian State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection Chairman Volodymyr Lapa.

Currently, four Ukrainian enterprises are licensed to export poultry meat and derived products to Saudi Arabia. We are interested in increasing their number and expanding the range of food exports to Saudi Arabia, Lapa said during his meeting with Deputy Executive Chairman of the Food Sector at Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Salah Al-Maiman.

According to the press service, Ukraine is currently waiting for the results of application processing, related to beef exports to Saudi Arabia. Afterwards, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to inspect Ukrainian enterprises interested in beef exports.

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Both Canada and Ukraine are interested in making Russia comply with the international law.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko said this in a commentary to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We have an absolutely clear common defensive interest: the neighbor, which does not respect the borders, and the need to make this neighbor play by the rules," Shevchenko said.

He stressed that the signing of the Canada-Ukraine defense agreement sent a clear signal to Russia.

"Perhaps, if there had been no war and no Russian aggression, there would have been no deal, and we would have been engaged in other areas. It was a blessing in disguise. Now we can work out effective mechanisms for our cooperation for generations ahead," the Ambassador noted.

Shevchenko stressed that he was satisfied with the reached agreement and considered it to be "a good, full-fledged, public and legitimate recognition of our partnership."

As reported, the agreements on defense cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of National Defense of Canada and the Armed Forces of Canada were signed in Ottawa on Monday. The agreements are to enhance bilateral cooperation between the states in many areas.

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During the debates in the European Parliament on Wednesday in Strasbourg, representatives of the major political groups of the European Parliament have resolutely expressed support for abolition of the visa regime for Ukrainian citizens.

The final vote is scheduled for April 6.

According to the procedure, this decision should be approved by the Council of the European Union. The document must be also signed in May by the President of the European Parliament and the representative of Malta presiding in the Council of the EU. The decision will come into force on the 20th day after publication.

The Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports can travel to the EU countries for 90 days during the period of every 180 days.

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Estonias Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a good opportunity for Ukraine to strengthen partnership.

Prime Minister of Estonia Juri Ratas said this during the tenth Kyiv Security Forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

In less than three months, Estonia will hold the presidency of the EU. Together with the chairman of the European Council, weve planned an Eastern Partnership Summit, which will be held in Brussels on November 24. It is an excellent opportunity for Ukrainian leaders to present the results of reforms and strengthen our cooperation," Ratas said.

He also stressed that during this period of time a large number of joint forums will be held in Tallinn and Kyiv.

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April 6, the European Parliament has voted for the legislative resolution, allowing visa-free short-term travels to the EU countries for the Ukrainian citizens.

The resolution was supported by 521 MEPs, 75 voted against, 36 abstained, an Ukrinform own correspondent reports.

Pursuant to the procedure, the decision on granting Ukraine visa-free regime should be approved twice by the Council of the European Union at the level of ambassadors and ministers of the Member States. The document must be signed by the President of the European Parliament and the representative of the Maltese Council Presidency. The decision will come into force on the 20th day after publication.

Once the visa waiver for Ukrainians enters into force, and provided citizens of Ukraine have biometric passports, they will be able to enter the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day-period for business, tourist or family purposes. The visa waiver will apply to all EU member states except Ireland and the United Kingdom. It does not confer a right to work in the EU.

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Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin is convinced that todays vote in the European Parliament for the visa-free regime for Ukraine is extremely important for Ukrainians and Europe.

He said this on the sidelines of the 10th Kyiv Security Forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Voting in the European Parliament in 521 votes is a very good result. This decision is important for Ukrainians and for Europe," Klimkin said.

According to him, now the Ukrainian side together with the European partners will work "on the technical side of registration of the visa-free regime". The foreign minister believes that all procedures regarding introduction of the visa-free regime should be completed after 1.5-2 months.

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The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine is launching a campaign to plant cherry blossoms throughout the country so that Ukrainians could enjoy the beauty of these trees.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Shigeki Sumi announced this at the press conference at the Ukrinform news agency.

"We will plant these trees, and then every year we will recall how the Year of Japan in Ukraine passed," Mr. Ambassador said, noting that a cherry blossom tree is a symbol of his state.

According to him, the trees will be planted in more than 20 cities of Ukraine starting from April. The campaign will be carried out with the support and in close cooperation with the JTI Company Ukraine and the local authorities with the participation of the head of the Japanese diplomatic mission and the mayors.

Mr. Sumi noted that the Japanese Embassy receives many appeals from Ukrainians with a proposal to plant cherry blossom trees on their own. "I hope that many will be interested in this campaign, and 2,500 cherry blossoms will be planted in Ukraine by the end of the year," the Ambassador said.

Immediately after the campaigns presentation, the participants in the event, including Mr. Ambassador and Information Policy Minister of Ukraine Yuri Stets, planted a cherry blossom in the yard of the Ukrinform news agency.

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The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine is launching a campaign to plant cherry blossoms throughout the country so that Ukrainians could enjoy the beauty of these trees.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Shigeki Sumi announced this at the press conference at the Ukrinform news agency.

"We will plant these trees, and then every year we will recall how the Year of Japan in Ukraine passed," Mr. Ambassador said, noting that a cherry blossom tree is a symbol of his state.

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Afghanistan is calling on Pakistan to stop fencing off the border between the two countries, suggesting that Kabul might resort to military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the issue.

The Pakistani military launched the fencing project last month after the fortification of regular border crossings and construction of new security installations along portions of the 2,600-kilometer, largely porous frontier, known as the Durand Line.

Islamabad says the measures will help address mutual terrorism concerns and prevent illegal crossings as well as terrorist infiltration in both directions.

The border security project, however, has outraged Afghan political circles and media commentators. The turmoil-hit nation historically has disputed portions of the 1893 demarcation undertaken under then-British rulers of the Indian subcontinent.

Days of heated debate on the issue in the Afghan parliament prompted the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday to issue a formal government response.

We have clearly stated that any type of unilateral actions taken along the Durand Line without the agreement of the government of Afghanistan [are] going to be ineffective, impractical and impossible, ministry spokesman Ahmed Shakib Mostaghani told a news conference in Kabul. Afghanistan has long referred to the border with Pakistan as an imaginary boundary.

Mostaghani again dismissed as mere excuses Islamabads assertions that militants are entering Pakistan from the Afghan side to launch terrorist attacks in the neighboring country. Mostaghani added that his government has taken up the issue with Pakistani authorities to resolve it through diplomatic channels.

If this is not going to result in prevention of the unilateral actions taken by the Pakistani side along the Durand Line, and if the violations continue, the government of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces are ready to defend the countrys territorial integrity and national sovereignty, he responded when asked whether Kabul might consider using force to stop the fencing.

The spokesman also said that instead of indulging in "unjustified" steps like fencing the border and shutting legal crossings, Islamabad should move against insurgents and sanctuaries on Pakistani soil who are being used against Afghanistan.

There was no immediate reaction from Pakistan to the assertions made by the Afghan side on Wednesday.

During this weeks debate in the Afghan parliament, angry lawmakers even called for a fellow member to be stoned to death for publicly stating that the Durand Line is an international border.

Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the fencing is being undertaken well within their territory and once completed, will address mutual security concerns and improve understanding between the two countries.

Islamabad has also dismissed Afghan objections over the international status of the Durand Line, saying Pakistan inherited it when the country gained independence from Britain in 1947.

Afghanistan and Pakistan blame each other for supporting anti-state militants and sponsoring cross-border terrorist attacks, a major source of tensions and deterioration in bilateral relations. Pakistan says anti-state militants sheltering in "ungoverned" Afghan areas are behind a recent wave of terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
A shy federal judge based in a provincial capital has become an unlikely celebrity in Brazil, where he is shaking up the nation's power structure while overseeing what may be the largest corruption probe in Latin American history.

Passers-by mostly cheer  but sometimes jeer  Sergio Moro when he goes into restaurants. Concert-goers break into applause when performers point him out in the audience. Tourists are bused in to gawk at the office where he works in the Parana state capital of Curitiba.

Many Brazilians see the 44-year-old judge as a hero who is cleaning up a nation plagued by corruption, while critics accuse him of unfairly targeting figures from the leftist Workers Party government that led the country from 2003 until mid-2016.

Over the past three years, Moro has been instrumental in the so-called Car Wash probe that already has sent dozens of top businessmen and politicians to jail and is still expanding.

"The Car Wash investigation could not have just one hero. There are judges, prosecutors, detectives," said Igor Romario, the lead federal police investigator on the case. "But Moro is the center of it. Without him, we wouldn't be where we are."

Friends, colleagues and journalists who have covered the case closely say Moro is a deeply private man  a law wonk who voraciously pores over legal cases in several languages.

He's noted for writing meticulous legal decisions  much faster than most Brazilian judges do  that are rarely overturned by higher courts.

"We are talking about the best lawyers, the most influential people in Brazil going up against Moro" in court, said Vladimir Netto, a journalist for Globo News who wrote a definitive book on the case. "These guys are used to always winning, but they have not this time."

Moro is also known as a stickler for even minor rules.

While teaching in 1996, he warned law student Rosangela Wolff de Quadros that she'd be marked absent and might flunk his course if she skipped a Friday night seminar to attend a friend's wedding.

"I detested him. Detested," Quadros told Netto for his book, Car Wash.

A few years later, when Moro was no longer teaching, the two began dating and wed. Today they have two children.

Uncovering corruption

That stern streak has led to less happy outcomes for defendants.

Moro is famed for prying information out of suspects by imposing lengthy pre-trial detentions and prodding them into plea bargains that implicate higher-ups. That has helped turn what initially appeared to be a routine money-laundering case into a mega-scandal.

The investigation launched in March 2014 and exploded later that year when Paulo Roberto Costa, a top executive at state oil company Petrobras, and Alberto Yousseff, who delivered huge sums of money to politicians and others, cut plea deals that unveiled the depth of the corruption.

Piece by piece, Moro and a team of investigators revealed that top officials in construction companies such as Odebrecht, OAS and Andrade Gutierrez effectively formed a cartel handing out multibillion-dollar contracts that were inflated to pay kickbacks and bribes to scores of politicians.

Moro rarely grants interviews and he declined to comment for this story.

The son of two teachers, Moro grew up in Maringa, a city about 265 miles (425 kilometers) northwest of Curitiba in southwestern Brazil.

After graduating in law from Maringa State University, Moro began working as a federal judge in 1996 while also earning a doctorate and participating in an exchange program for lawyers at Harvard University.

Power of leaks

Presiding over several money-laundering cases, Moro gained expertise with white-collar crime, and he took a particular interest in a massive corruption probe in Italy that ensnared many politicians there in the early 1990s.

In a 2004 article for a legal journal, Moro noted the way Italian judges used plea bargains to advance investigations, keeping suspects in jail while their cases were processed and taking advantage of news media to shape public opinion.

"Leaks serve a useful purpose," wrote Moro. "The constant flow of revelations keeps public interest up and party leaders on the defensive."

Today, many legal experts see that article as a blueprint for his management of the Car Wash probe.

Critics in the highly polarized country often accuse Moro of taking sides.

Last year, he was sharply criticized for releasing a wiretapped conversation showing then-President Dilma Rousseff discussing the details of a chief of staff job for her mentor, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. That appointment, eventually blocked, would have removed Silva from Moro's jurisdiction because only the Supreme Court can decide whether to prosecute elected federal officials and Cabinet members.

Moro defended the move in his legal decision, writing that "democracy in a free society requires that the governed know what their governors are doing, even when they seek to act within the protections of the shadows."

Unmoved by fame

Moro's judgments have hit those across the political gamut. Last week, he sentenced Eduardo Cunha, the former speaker of the lower Chamber of Deputies who led the impeachment push against Rousseff, to 15 years in prison.

Moro's prominence has earned him numerous international awards, but he appears more put off by the fame than moved by it. His daily life is like it always was  though now with bodyguards. He jogs at a park, has long days at work, and his home life centers around family and a very small group of friends.

"It's hard to know who is close to him," said Christianne Machiavelli, head of the press department of the federal courthouse in Curitiba, where Moro works. "His private life is very separated from his work life."

Curitiba, however, is proud to claim him. Many in the city of 1.7 million have lawn signs and banners supporting the investigation and the judge. Interest in the case is so great that a tourism agency has begun offering tours that show the building where Moro works, artwork that has been seized in Car Wash raids and the jail that houses suspects.

"Tourists often express their hope that Brazil is changing," said Bibiana Antonicomi, director of the tour company Special Parana. "When the investigation started, it was unimaginable that rich and powerful people would be arrested."
Congo's president said Wednesday he would appoint a prime minister within 48 hours as a political impasse looms, and he promised that long-delayed presidential elections would take place without saying when.

President Joseph Kabila's comments to parliament were his first since his party reached a deal with the opposition on Dec. 31 to hold elections without him by the end of this year. Concerns have grown about the deal's implementation. Catholic bishops who mediated the talks walked away last week, and the opposition this week refused to participate.

Under the deal, the prime minister would come from the opposition. If opposition members don't work together to agree on a candidate, Kabila said, he will name one instead.

This vast Central African nation has seen widespread anger over Kabila's stay in power after his mandate ended in December. His government has delayed elections, saying preparations take time.

"I would like to solemnly announce to our people that the elections will indeed take place" in accordance with a timetable set by the independent electoral commission, the president said.

Kabila also addressed the growing violence in the once-calm central Kasai region where the bodies of an American and a Swedish investigator for the United Nations were found last month in a shallow grave. They had been investigating recent fighting between the local Kamwina Nsapu militia and government forces.

The United Nations has said 23 mass graves have been found in the region, and at least 434,000 people have been displaced. More than 400 people have been killed since government troops killed the militia's leader in August.

Kabila said those responsible for the violence in the region would be held accountable, and he promised increased security. He blamed the Kamwina Nsapu militia for acts of terrorism.

"It is necessary to restore the authority of the state by all possible legal means," Kabila said, adding that he would sanction any members of the security forces responsible for violence. Already, seven armed forces members have been arrested.

Kabila promised justice for the killings of the U.N. experts.

"Crimes committed by the militia against citizens, security agents and against the United Nations will not go unpunished," he said, calling for armed groups to lay down their weapons.
A court paved the way Wednesday for Poland's government to take control of a new World War Two museum that has been the focus of a major ideological standoff over how to remember the war.

The conflict has pitted the creators of the Museum of the Second World War -- who place Poland's war experiences in an international context and emphasize the fate of civilian populations -- against the nationalistic ruling party, which prefers to focus on Polish suffering and military heroism.

Culture Minister Piotr Glinski sought to take control of the museum last year by merging it with an as-yet-unbuilt museum, the Museum of Westerplatte and the War of 1939.

Critics of the government described the maneuver as a legal trick aimed at pushing out the managers of the original museum.

The attempt was held up for months in the courts, giving director Pawel Machcewicz time to open the World War Two museum to the public in March after more than eight years of development. It is located in Gdansk, where Germany fired some of the war's opening shots against Poland.

Merger can proceed

A decision Wednesday by the Supreme Administrative Court now paves the way for the Culture Ministry to take control of the Museum of the Second World War. The court overruled a lower court's decision to suspend the merger, which now can proceed.

The ministry said in a statement that the merger of the two institutions would take place "immediately" and will mean "a significant increase of their potential."

The ministry argues that it is not economically justifiable to operate two state museums on a similar subject in the same city.

Opponents of the ruling Law and Justice party see the step as part of the party's broader agenda to take control of state institutions and to reshape the nation to conform to its nationalistic worldview.

The museum project was launched in 2008 by then-Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is now one of the European Union's top leaders.

Tusk is a longtime rival of Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the ruling party's leader, and many political observers think Kaczynski's opposition to the museum is at least partly rooted in that rivalry.

Kaczynski has for years also criticized the museum's concept and said he preferred a museum that would focus exclusively on Polish suffering and military heroism.

Poland was occupied during the war by both Germany and the Soviet Union and subjected to unthinkable horrors by the regimes of Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin. Nearly 6 million Polish citizens were killed.

Many Poles feel that the world has never truly understood the magnitude of their country's devastation, a belief that has bolstered the views of some museum critics who argue Poland's tragedy must be told as its own story.

Wartime suffering

Director Machcewicz argues that Poland's wartime suffering, which features heavily in the museum, is much more meaningful, especially to foreign visitors, when placed alongside information about the suffering also inflicted across Europe and beyond.

Machcewicz is expected to lose his position now that the government has been cleared to take control of the Museum of the Second World War.

He expressed satisfaction that he was at least able to open the facility, allowing thousands of visitors to see it before the exhibition is potentially changed. But he also appealed to the government not to change the exhibition.

"I will keep fighting for the integrity of the exhibition even after I am fired," he said.
When rain clouds darken the skies over this government seat in Haiti's southwestern peninsula, Roland Despeines retreats to a mountain cave. There, he and scores of other Haitians have taken shelter from storms ever since October 4, when deadly Hurricane Matthew tore up their homes and upended their lives.

Despeines is among 240 people whom the Florida-based Food for the Poor last month discovered were spending nights huddled in two caves about seven kilometers from the capital. The aid group was searching for land to plant food crops, it said in a statement on what it called a humanitarian crisis. It said the cave dwellers included 84 women and 62 children.

"Whenever the rain is about to fall, all of us come to stay here," Despeines told a VOA correspondent who made the rocky trek to the cave Friday. He spotted kerosene lamps and sheets woven from palm fronds.

Haiti's new president, Jovenel Moise, and its prime minister, Jack Guy Lafontant, along with local officials, also visited Friday. They promised to deliver food and shelter.

The United Nations has reported that at least 70 percent of crops were destroyed in Grand'Anse, the jurisdiction in which Jeremie lies.

"The children are crying all the time because they are hungry," Despeines said. "  When a vehicle comes to the area, the people run after it," hoping for food, he added. "If a car brings a bag of rice, we cook it right away, and it isn't enough to feed all of us."

A young woman named Bernie Josee also complained of hunger: "Sometimes, visitors come to this area and they bring us food. But this week, we have nothing to eat."

The Miami Herald recently reported food was so scarce on the peninsula that some Haitians, desperate to ease hunger pangs, were eating poisonous plants.

Government workers and aid groups periodically distribute food such as rice and beans. A low-priced government-run restaurant is planned for Fond Rouge D'Ayere, a community near Jeremie, and Moise has ordered plans for new homes.

The U.S. Agency for International Development provided emergency supplies such as plastic sheeting after the hurricane, and it partnered with a local organization to hire carpenters for home repairs.

A U.N. Development Program flash appeal for $138 million in post-hurricane aid to Haiti indicates it remains short of its goal by at least one-third.

This story was reported by VOA's Creole Service. Belenfant Magloire of VOA affiliate Radio Tele Ginen contributed from Jeremie.
Thousands of protesters, mainly students, rallied for the third straight night in Belgrade on Wednesday to protest against the overwhelming victory of Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic in a weekend presidential election.

Throngs gathered in front of the Serbian parliament, blowing whistles and chanting "Vucic, you stole the election" and "End the dictatorship". Their numbers swelled as they marched through the city center.

Protesters said they see Vucic as an autocrat and his Serbian Progressive Party as corrupt and instrumental in what they say was a fraudulent election.

Demands posted on social media by one group of students included dismissing the election commission, the media regulator and top editors of the state RTS TV for allegedly failing to facilitate a free and fair vote.

Students also want Maja Gojkovic, the parliament speaker and a top Vucic ally, to go as it was she who decided to adjourn parliamentary sessions until after the vote.

Demanding more democracy

"We are here to demand more democracy, an end to Vucic's dictatorial regime and a better future, more jobs and a better education system," said Djordje Peric, 21, a student.

Students who rally supporters through social networks, reject alliances with political parties. They instead invited trade unions to join in. Similar protests have been staged in several other towns throughout the EU candidate country.

According to the state election commission's preliminary data, Vucic, 47, won on Sunday with 55.02 percent of votes.

Although his new post will be largely ceremonial, he is expected to maintain his grip on power through his Serbian Progressive Party and to continue a balancing act between the West and Russia, an Orthodox Christian and Slavic ally.

Sasa Jankovic, a former human rights advocate, came in second, with only 16.36 percent, while Luka Maksimovic, a student, came in third with 9.43 percent.
International donors pledged $6 billion in aid for war-ravaged Syria on Wednesday as the U.N. Security Council held emergency talks over a suspected chemical attack that killed dozens in a rebel-held province.



Donors from more than 70 countries meeting at a conference on Syria in Brussels made a collective pledge of $6 billion for this year alone, EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Christos Stylianides said.



Stylianides described the pledge - which appeared to approach the conference hosts' target - as an impressive figure.



Syria's needs are massive. Our conference is sending a powerful message, he said. We are not letting down the people of Syria.



However, the good will at the meeting was shadowed by the chemical attack Tuesday in Idlib that killed 75 people.



Responding to the grim news, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for Syria's warring factions and government backers such as Russia and Iran to bring an end to a six-year conflict that has taken the lives of almost 400,000 people.



Nobody is winning this war, everybody is losing, Guterres said. It is having a detrimental and destabilizing effect on the entire region and it is providing a focus that is feeding the new threat of global terrorism.



Nearly half the Syrian population has been displaced by the violence, with millions seeking sanctuary in neighboring Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, or heading further west to Europe. U.N. agencies estimate war damage across Syria so far at $350 billion, including physical destruction and the loss of economic activity. Four out of five people are living in poverty.



Behind these figures lies a gradual draining of hope and a turn toward despair that we must reverse, Guterres said.



While it was unclear who was responsible for the chemical attack, many fingers at the Brussels conference pointed toward Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.



World has to do something

The world should not be shocked because it's letting such a regime do what it is doing. What should shock us is the increase of children dying and that the whole world is watching, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said. Everyone is coming to Brussels to make a statement, and the regime made its statement in Syria.

Hariri said Lebanon has been overwhelmed by the arrival of some 1.5 million Syrian refugees and cannot sustain this issue anymore. The international community has to do something.



German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel noted that with the European Union divided over the refugee emergency, the bloc has failed to share responsibility for even a quarter of the 160,000 refugees that member countries promised to relocate from Italy and Greece. By contrast, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey as shining examples, he said.



They've taken in an unbelievable number of refugees and they are relatively poor countries, Gabriel said. Sometimes I'm ashamed looking at the European debate going on.



The aim of the conference, hosted by the EU with the United Nations, Britain, Germany, Kuwait, Norway and Qatar, was to drum up funds for Syria and the region and to support efforts to secure a lasting political solution to the war.



The long and onerous task of rebuilding Syria was also on the table, but no action will be taken until a political solution to the conflict is found.



Amid concerns about donor fatigue, the EU hoped the event would generate financial support at the same levels of recent years. Last year's conference in London raised more than $12 billion in pledges - $6 billion for 2016 and a further $6.1 billion for 2017-20.



According to U.N. relief coordinator Stephen O'Brien for the immediate needs of 2017, we need about $8 billion, but he said that aid cannot reach those in need without a cease-fire.



You have to have access, you have to have security, he said. Once we have the funds we can deliver the programs that save lives and help to seek to protect civilians.



EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc aims to remain the top humanitarian donor and is to provide 560 million euros in 2018 for Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. It is also providing up to six billion euros over the next few years to Turkey for Syrian refugees there.



We can start preparing the post-conflict. I know it sounds surreal, especially today. But if you want peace, you have to start building, she said.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday in the aftermath of the chemical-weapons attack this week that killed nearly 100 people in a rebel-held town and sickened another 350.

"The process by which Assad would leave is something that requires an international community effort, both to first defeat ISIS [Islamic State extremists] within Syria, to stabilize the Syrian country to avoid further civil war, and then to work collectively with our partners around the world through a political process that would lead to Assad leaving," Tillerson told reporters in Florida.

Signaling an abrupt shift in U.S. policy about Assad's future in Syria, Tillerson said there would be "no role for him to govern the Syrian people."

Tillerson's remarks contrasted with comments at the White House just last week, where spokesman Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump's administration is moving away from the stance taken by former President Barack Obama, who had called for Assad's removal.

"There is a political reality that we have to accept in terms of where we are right now," Spicer said Friday. "We lost a lot of opportunity [during] the last administration, with respect to Assad." Spicer said then, as Tillerson had, that Assad's fate should be decided by "the Syrian people"  comments taken by the world as a signal that Washington no longer attached a top priority on dislodging Assad from power in Damascus.

Trump was in accord with Tillerson's new position on Syria, as he arrived in Florida late Thursday for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The president said Assad is "running things" in Syria, and clearly in charge there, "so something should happen" in response to the chemical weapons attack.

A day earlier, Trump deplored the gas attack in Syria as "an affront to humanity that cannot be tolerated." The attack killed untold numbers of children, sparking global moral outrage against Assad and Russia, Syria's biggest ally.

"We are considering an appropriate response" to the chemical attack in Syria, Tillerson said, and the United States is consulting with other countries to determine how best to respond. "It's a serious matter; it requires a serious response."

U.S.: Assad 'responsible' for attack

The top U.S. diplomat said Tuesday's attack "horrified all of us. ... There is no doubt in our minds, and the information we have supports this, that Syria, the Syrian regime" under Assad, is "responsible for this attack. And, I think, further it is very important that the Russian government consider carefully their continued support for the Assad regime."

The U.S. military said Syrian attack planes dropped the chemical bombs on a rebel-held town.

"People on the ground were observed reacting to a nerve agent, and the building hit was determined to be a hospital," a U.S. military official told VOA.

The official said that Syrian fixed-wing aircraft carried out the attack, and rejected Russian and Syrian claims that the target hit was a rebel-controlled warehouse stockpiling chemical weapons.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said in Damascus his country did not use chemical weapons during airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, and insisted they would never be used, "even against terrorists." He repeated Russia's report that the airstrikes hit a warehouse, not a hospital.

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "underlined that it's unacceptable to make unfounded accusations against anyone until a thorough and unbiased international investigation" has been conducted. But a Putin spokesman also said that Russia's support for Assad is not unconditional.

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said in Ankara that autopsy results on three Syrians killed in the attack show they died as a result of exposure to chemical weapons. The three were among at least 30 others who were sent to Turkey. Bozdag said the autopsies were conducted by officials from the World Health Organization late Wednesday in Adana.

Moallem demanded any investigation into the bombing not be politicized, stressing that it begin in Damascus, not Ankara.

Jordanian King Abdullah II, meeting with Trump at the White House on Wednesday, said, "This is another testament to the failure of international diplomacy to find solutions to this crisis."

Britain, France and the United States strongly condemned Russia on Wednesday during an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

The fate of a draft U.N. resolution condemning the attack written by the three Western powers remains in limbo, as Russia's envoy said at the emergency session he did not think the time was right for such action.

Expert analysis

When asked about the validity of Russia's assertion that Syrian warplanes struck a facility housing chemical weapons possessed by rebel forces, American expert Craig Williams told VOA, "Anything is possible, though it strikes me as a bit far-fetched."

Williams, an informal adviser to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a U.N. agency, says it is possible that sarin gas stored in a building and hit by an airstrike using conventional weapons could be released.

"That could be one scenario, but it is not the most likely," he said. "If sarin was stored there and hit by a missile, it would most likely be consumed in the subsequent fireball, but if any sarin molecules escaped and weren't consumed in the explosion, then they would disperse. There are too many variables to take into account, and I have no way of knowing from afar.

"I think the most likely cause is that an agent was dropped by regime warplanes," he said.
Seven of the eight current Supreme Court justices joined the highest court after holding a seat on an appeals court. To show how nominee Neil Gorsuchs experience measures up, The Washington Post compared how often the judges published precedent-setting opinions on topics at the appeals level with how frequently cases on the same topics are heard at the highest court. Gorsuchs tenure on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit reveals how relevant his decade of experience on the bench really is for the topics the Supreme Court tackles most often.

Relative exposure to frequent Supreme Court legal topics





In his decade on the 10th Circuit, Gorsuch heard and wrote opinions on hundreds of cases that set legal precedent. Judges on appeals courts face a vastly larger volume of cases than those on the highest court, and there isnt as much information available about each case, said Adam Feldman, a scholar of the court who created the blog Empirical SCOTUS blog.

Feldman provided data from the legal research service Westlaw, which categorizes judges published, precedent-setting opinions by topic. By comparing how frequently a judge saw one of 23 legal topics on the appeals court with how frequently the same topics reached the Supreme Court in the last three years, The Washington Post created a relative exposure index that measures how prepared a justice might be for the job.

The distinct focus of each appeals court circuit accounts for some of the differences in each judges record. Generally, the 10th Circuit hears more standard cases in criminal law and private civil litigation than the D.C appeals court, which handles more administrative agency appeals. A Congressional Research Service report on Gorsuchs experience said the Tenth Circuit rarely has the opportunity to address certain topics, such as international law and foreign affairs, terrorism and national security, and major agency actions in the field of environmental law.

Heres how the cases that the nominee and the justices heard in various areas of law compare. The topics are sorted in order of how frequently they are heard on the Supreme Court.

Criminal





According to the CRS report, more than 40 percent of the cases on the 10th Circuits docket each year involve criminal law or petitions from federal or state prisoners. Judges dont write opinions for most of these. When he did write opinions in criminal cases, Gorsuch tended to side with the state and thus gained a reputation as a tough-on-crime judge, Feldman said.

Criminal cases that reach the Supreme Court are typically more complex, and the justices there must decide how the Constitution sets the rules of criminal procedure. Gorsuch has ruled on these larger issues, though. In one case on the 10th Circuit, the majority of judges decided No Trespassing signs at a house where the defendant was staying did not prevent federal agents from knocking on the door to try to find him. Gorsuch dissented. State officials no less than private visitors could be liable for trespass when entering without the homeowners consent, Gorsuch wrote.

Intellectual property





Intellectual property law covers copyrights, trademarks and patents. Judges on appeals courts dont see a lot of precedent-setting cases in this area because their decisions often only apply to specific companies at the local and regional level.

Corporate governance





Gorsuchs experience with corporate governance law, which deals with how companies are organized and who has major stakes in them, is a good example of his textualist approach to judicial decision-making.

Feldman said Gorsuch appears to follow the methodology taught in law school statutory interpretation classes. First, lawyers are taught to consider the Constitution; second, other statutes; and third, as a last resort, other documents that might hint at what lawmakers who wrote the law intended for it to do. Judge Gorsuch has expressed skepticism about a jurists ability to discern a single legislative intent, the CRS report said.

All this means people shouldnt peg him down as a strict liberal or conservative  he interprets the law as its written, Feldman said.

Taxation





Tax law is another area where Gorsuchs textualist approach informs his decision making. However, Feldman said the Supreme Court sees fewer tax cases now than in the 1930s, and generally only when taxes are related to larger constitutional issues.

Immigration





One of Gorsuchs immigration cases is a good lens for looking at one area of law where he differs from the sitting justices  a legal doctrine known as Chevron deference.

In a 1984 case called Chevron v. NRDC, the Supreme Court said that when the words of a statute are ambiguous, judges should defer to the expert opinions of the federal agencies charged with carrying out the law.

In a case involving how long an illegal immigrant named Hugo Rosario Gutierrez-Brizuela had to wait before trying to win lawful residence in the country, Gorsuch called for reconsidering this doctrine. Post reporter Robert Barnes wrote that some conservatives fear that  Chevron deference gives the executive branch an ability to write the law instead of simply enforcing it.

Environment





Challenges to national environmental laws are usually filed directly in the D.C. Circuit Court, so most environment-related cases that Gorsuch saw on the 10th Circuit were narrow in scope. Hes going to face these federalism issues on the Supreme Court, where it has implications beyond just the local level, Feldman said. The CRS report said the Supreme Court is often closely divided on environmental issues, so Gorsuchs vote could be key.

Products liability





Gorsuch stands to have great influence on the court in civil liability.

One of the cases that Gorsuch listed on a Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire as among the the 10 most significant cases over which you presided was a products liability suit. In that case, he upheld the lower courts decision against a defendant who was injured by the off-label use of a medical device.

Though he has relatively less experience writing on products liability law than some of his potential Supreme Court colleagues did when they were on appeals courts, Gorsuch stands to influence how the court handles civil liability if he is confirmed. He has supported other liability decisions seen as pro-business, the CRS report said.
Senate tradition took a major hit Thursday as all 52 Republicans voted to invoke the so-called nuclear option, which makes it easier for Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed. All 48 Democrats voted against the change.

After the rule change, three Democrats voted with the GOP to advance President Trumps nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, to a final up-or-down vote. He is expected to be confirmed to the court Friday. Heres how the series of votes unfolded:

1. Short of 60 debate-ending votes, Gorsuch was temporarily denied a confirmation vote





Under the old rules, 60 senators had to agree to overcome a filibuster and force a final vote. In an unprecedented move, more than 40 Senate Democrats voted no on this first hurdle, temporarily blocking Gorsuch from getting a final confirmation vote.

2. But Republicans voted to overturn that rule





Republicans ended the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, so the minority party will no longer be able to block a vote on their confirmation. Democrats took a similar step for most political and judicial nominees in 2013, but the 60-vote threshold for Supreme Court appointees was left intact until today.

3. Now, only 50 votes are needed to force a confirmation vote





Three Democrats voted with the Republicans to advance the nomination to a vote after the rule change: Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.) and Joe Manchin III (W.Va.). Another Democrat, Sen. Michael F. Bennet (Colo.), supported the initial vote to end floor debate but voted against the second one, after the nuclear option was invoked.

4. A final vote is expected Friday

Gorsuch needs to get at least 50 votes to be confirmed, assuming all 100 senators vote. (Vice President Pence could cast a tie-breaking vote to give Gorsuch a simple majority.) Historically, Supreme Court nominees have easily sailed past that threshold. But these nominations have become more partisan over time, so the vote is expected to fall largely along party lines.

Heres how each senator came down on the three votes so far:








There is an appealing air of youthfulness in every room of the National Gallery of Arts Frederic Bazille exhibition. The show covers a mere seven years of the French artists career, from an album of student sketches he began making as early as 1863 to his last paintings, before he was killed in 1870 fighting in the Franco-Prussian War. The pervasive sense of high spirits is in part an ironic shadow cast by his premature death at age 28, in a despicable war, which tagged him posthumously as one of the most tragic figures of the generation that came of age with Renoir and Monet.

But it also has to do with subject matter  often young people, some of them nudes, all of them appealing. And with his bold, sun-drenched color palette, which some critics attribute to his origins in the southern French region of Languedoc, an area that remained a source of inspiration and material for him even after he began building a career in Paris. Finally, and most important, it has to do with the work itself, its experimentation and variety, its unresolved tension between roughness and boldness. The best of Bazille is almost surreal, growing stranger the longer you look at it, and ever more unlike how we imagine we actually see the world.

Bazilles short career but huge talent has made him a perennial but sacred footnote to the early or pre-Impressionist years of the 1860s. He was born to a prosperous bourgeois family, discouraged from studying art professionally, and spent time (not very valiantly) pursuing medicine before turning to painting as an aspiring professional. He left behind a relatively small number of paintings  only about 60 have been firmly attributed to him  but several of these are large, striking and unforgettable. The National Gallery of Art exhibition includes about three-quarters of his output, with complementary works by Monet, including a tender portrait of Bazille rendered with blunt candor, a landscape by Theodore Rousseau, several Renoirs, including nudes and still lifes, and works by Cezanne, Manet, Courbet and Berthe Morisot, among others.

[Kennicott on Gustave Caillebotte]

Bazille forged relationships with other artists early in his Paris days, first as a student in the studio of Charles Gleyre, where he met Monet, Renoir and Alfred Sisley, and in the salon hosted by a cousin in Paris, where he encountered leading figures of the larger Parisian avant-garde, including Baudelaire, Verlaine and Zola. His friendship with Monet was stormy  this was Monets fault  but it may have improved his work, especially his landscapes. Bazille identified with the impulses of the avant-garde, even as his own painting oscillated between traditional and radical tendencies.

Frederic Bazilles painting The Family Gathering, is part of the National Gallery of Arts exhibition Frederic Bazille and the Birth of Impressionism. (Patrice Schmidt)

Bazille painted ordinary people, in everyday dress, sometimes posing out of doors, and all of these decisions were relatively unconventional in an age that celebrated luminous and perfectly idealized figures, often borrowed from history or myth. But one of his last paintings, the 1870 Ruth and Boaz, takes a languid, biblical turn, romanticizing an episode made famous by Victor Hugo. And while he and his close artistic allies were in open rebellion against the conventions, polish and formula of academic painting, he was more than capable of working on those turns, as in another late work, La Toilette, from 1870. This painting, of a naked woman attended by a dark-skinned servant, played to the Orientalist fantasies and conventional appetites of the mainstream art audience, including the powerful arbiters of taste who controlled the official Salon.

Was he choosing his subjects with calculated bourgeois pragmatism, using different manners to appeal to different audiences? Or was he still searching for his own manner and style? He died too young for anyone to be certain.

Indeed, the paintings by which he is defined today may not be the paintings he would have chosen as his best or most characteristic work, had he lived long enough to have a career. Given the many directions he seemed to be going all at once, he could easily have become a much more boring artist. Fortunately, well never know if mediocrity was his ultimate calling.

Instead, his memory is defined by stunning works like The Family Gathering from 1867-1868 and Summer Scene (Bathers) from 1869-1870. The former is considered his masterpiece, a large and exuberantly colorful image of Bazilles family gathered on a terrace, while the latter shows a group of men swimming and relaxing in a lush landscape. The two paintings make sense considered together, as two different images of family, both rendered in natural sunlight. The first is Bazilles biological and extended family, grouped together in the shade of a richly foliated tree and with a deep-green landscape in the distance. They stare at the viewer with a mix of irritation and familiarity  almost as if this was a photographic snapshot, some of the figures posing, others clearly annoyed at the intrusion  while a self-portrait of the artist stands sheepishly at the far left. The group of men bathing, wrestling and lounging around an inviting swimming hole in Summer Scene might be considered Bazilles chosen family, an imagined and idealized group that includes male figures  borrowed from art history  who helped form his artistic sensibility.

Bazille never married, always seemed to have some good excuse for his failed efforts at heterosexual romance, and enjoyed deep friendships with men throughout his youth. These two large-format family portraits may get at a tension the artist felt between his conventional upbringing and his life as an artist in Paris, and his relation to innovation and tradition.

[On the long history of homophobia in the art world]

The Family Gathering is one of the first group portraits made in France out of doors (and the earliest family portrait in that kind of setting), so it was unconventional from the beginning. It also shows the artist divided, present as a figure among the group, but also present by implication as the figure at which everyone is staring, and none too happily. He has defined himself against his family, yet cannot separate from them. They exist to propel him into the world.

A self-portrait by Frederic Bazille. (Art Institute of Chicago)

The figures in Summer Scene seem strikingly more conventional, even though the men are wearing only bathing togs and the painting is on a square canvas, which wasnt common at the time. The Adonis at left is a classic Saint Sebastian, resting against a tree; another young man reclining on the ground recalls any number of somnolent shepherds or mythological figures sated with love; and the wrestling figures in the back recall episodes from the life of Hercules or Jacob. Critics have identified specific paintings Bazille may have been referencing for some of the figures in this painting.

If Bazilles given family propels him into the world, into reaction against convention and conventional painting, his chosen family sends him into the past, into a mythological space where homoeroticism flourishes without fear of censure. This is a classic psychological response among homosexual 19th-century artists and literary figures. But how far would it have driven him? Was Bazille heading down the path being forged by Monet, toward ever more virtuosic and even abstract renderings of the world as pattern and color? Or would he end up in an invented world of dreamy figures, sexy and vacant, bearing false names borrowed from Greek myth?

On Aug. 16, 1870, Bazille surprised everyone and enlisted in the French army to fight the Germans. His intimates were scandalized: Why not talk it over with a friend? You have no right to make this commitment, wrote his closest male companion, Edmond Maitre, with whom he often played four-hand piano. On Nov. 28, Bazille was shot twice and killed. His father, who had struggled to keep his son from pursuing art, was disconsolate.

Can a personality steeped in his art like Bazille have felt a higher calling, when the fatherland was facing impending danger? the essayist Philippe Mariot, asks in the catalogue. Mariot concludes that Bazilles decision to enlist  and to enlist in a unit that was highly likely to face great danger in the war  is a mystery. There is no clear documentary evidence to explain Bazilles decision.

But there are those family portraits, one conventional, bourgeois, and somewhat forbidding; the other a fantasy of homosocial existence. So, we might conclude this: His family sent him to war. But which family? Was he asserting conventional patriotic pieties? Covering up for a perceived masculine deficiency? Seeking the stimulus of a homosocial environment? Or some combination of all these? He may not have known the answer himself.

Frederic Bazille and the Birth of Impressionism is on view at the National Gallery of Art through July 9. For more information, visit nga.gov.
The Get Down (Netflix streaming) Baz Luhrmanns musical drama about the early days of hip-hop returns with six new episodes that find Mylene (Herizen Guardiola) and Zeke (Justice Smith) continuing their quests for musical fame. (Netflix/Netflix)

MacGyver (CBS at 8) Mac poses as the assassin known as Murdoc in an investigation involving a terror group.

Rosewood (Fox at 8) Rosie and Villa investigate a double homicide in Little Havana, where Villa learns her brother has a surprising connection to the case.

Shark Tank (ABC at 9) A wine for cats (seriously) is among this weeks pitches.

Great Performances: Young Men (WETA at 9; MPT at 9:30) A story about a group of World War I soldiers is told through dance in this film, featuring the all-male dance company Balletboyz.

PREMIERES

American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story (Amazon Prime streaming) This docu-series chronicles the life and influential career of the Playboy magazine founder, as told from his perspective.

First Dates (NBC at 8) This dating show, from executive producer Ellen DeGeneres, follows couples on first dates, narrated by Drew Barrymore.

The Toy Box (ABC at 8) Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) hosts this competition show, which finds toy designers presenting their latest designs to the toughest judges of all: kids.

Andi Mack (Disney at 8:30) This family drama follows a 13-year-old girl whose world is thrown upside down when her estranged older sister returns home to reveal a family secret.

You the Jury (Fox at 9) Fox Newss Jeanine Piro hosts this series, which presents unresolved civil cases and asks viewers (America, in TV parlance) to vote on a verdict.

Special

Steve Byrne: Tell the Damn Joke (Showtime at 9) The comedian pulls no punches in this stand-up special, filmed in Chicago.

Finale

Mama June: From Not to Hot

(We TV at 9) Season 1 ends with June attending Sugar Bears wedding  to the surprise of several other guests.

Late Night

Bill Maher (HBO at 10) Jelani Cobb, Chelsea Handler, Ted Lieu, Evan McMullin, Ana Navarro.

Colbert (CBS at 11:35) Mandy Patinkin, Zosia Mamet.


The bubble waffle dessert at Tiger Fork. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post)

Between doughnuts, flash-frozen nitro ice cream, smores everything and over-the-top milkshakes, you may have thought you had reached dessert-trend nirvana.

[Smores: Not just for the campfire anymore]

Now, meet the bubble waffle.

Inspired by a Hong Kong street food known as gai daan jai, this confection is continuing to make inroads around Washington, the country and other parts of the world, much to the delight of Asian expats, experienced travelers and sweet tooths.

Instead of a Belgian waffles grid, a bubble waffle, or egg waffle, consists of an interconnected hive of spheres. Think bubble wrap, but edible (and much less noisy).

[What to expect at Tiger Fork, an upcoming dim sum spot in Blagden Alley]

Tiger Fork executive chef Irvin Van Oordt initially tried bubble waffles when he lived in Singapore and then sampled more the first time he went to Hong Kong a few years ago. There, the waffles are eaten on the go, served plain or very simply adorned, such as with condensed milk.

It was awesome, Van Oordt said. I fell in love with it.

He needed to up the ante for the Hong Kong-inspired restaurant, which recently opened in Washingtons Shaw neighborhood. So Tiger Forks bubble waffles (cooked to order in two special irons) are shaped into a cone and served with green curry ice cream, Pocky sticks, burnt coconut cream, cajeta (caramelized goats milk) and two types of sprinkles.

In other words, a long way from its post-World War II origins. As one tale goes, the bubble waffle was the creation of a thrifty vendor looking to do something with cracked eggs that could not be used otherwise. The eggs, plus a custard powder incorporated into the batter, make for a waffle that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. In Hong Kong, youll often see the batter cooked in pans with the trademark spherical indentations held over an open flame.

Elsewhere around Washington, youll find the treat (with or without ice cream) at Snowbots in Rockville. Eggloo in New York specializes in the cones, and recently in London, a new shop, called Bubblewrap, drew around-the-block lines of eager diners.

Desiree Le knows the feeling. She and her Chinese-born partner, Terence Lioe, were looking for a special vessel when they opened Cauldron Ice Cream in Santa Ana, Calif., in 2015, and given Lioes childhood eating bubble waffles, they seemed like a natural fit.

Customers, and the Internet, went bonkers. I think its pretty novel, Le said. A lot of people have never tried anything like that before. Plus, its pretty picture-worthy.

We didnt really do any marketing for it, Le said about the puffle cone, which is available in such flavors as churro and red velvet. It marketed itself.


(The Washington Post)

Kitchens are the heart of every home, says Coco of the design site Cococozy, so its important that they remain functional, organized and clean.

No matter what the occasion, people will always end up gathering in the kitchen, the Los Angeles-based interior designer and blogger says.

To maintain an orderly and efficient kitchen, she says, you should have lots of chic and functional storage solutions, such as utensil holders, salt keepers and fruit bowls.

Here are a few of her must-have items to help you organize and style your space.



(Williams Sonoma; Crate & Barrel )

Utensil holder

SPLURGE: Williams Sonoma marble partitioned utensil holder (williams-sonoma.com), left. SAVE: French kitchen marble utensil holder (crateandbarrel.com).



(Wayfair; Crate & Barrel)

Salt keeper

SPLURGE: Double salt box by Totally Bamboo (wayfair.com), left. SAVE: Acacia double bar cart salt cellar (crateandbarrel.com).

Fruit bowl

SPLURGE: Mediterraneo fruit basket in stainless steel, large (lumens.com), left. SAVE: Hammered 10-inch stainless-steel wave serving bowl (amazon.com).

Wine chiller

SPLURGE: Stainless-steel wine chiller (williams-sonoma.com), left. SAVE: Hammered-metal wine bottle holder (target.com).

Canister set

SPLURGE: Copper-plated canister set (anthropologie.com), left. SAVE: Amici four-piece round hammered canister set (wayfair.com).
Steve Scully, 56, is the senior executive producer, political editor and on-air host for C-SPAN, where he has worked since 1990. He and his wife, Katie, have four children. They live in Fairfax, Va.

You are the 14th of 16 children.

Yeah, five sets of twins.

I was amazed when I learned that.

My parents had eight kids in five years. Then three singles, another set of twins, and then three more singles. When I was 16 I wrote a letter to To Tell the Truth because my mom was supposed to be on [Ive] Got a Secret, but she couldnt go because she was eight months pregnant with twins. So I sent To Tell the Truth a letter. They never accepted her, but they had me come up, and I was one of the impostors on one of their shows.

Did being from such a large family make you a better listener?

Oh, I have Rachel Maddow and Rush Limbaugh in my family. If you want to understand what our callers are all about, come to a Scully Thanksgiving dinner, because they are all ends of the spectrum. My dad was a Republican, my mom was a Democrat, very Catholic. Politics and reading the paper was a big part of growing up. We had and have and will continue to have some pretty raucous debates in my family.

Do any of them ever call in?

My brother called in once. My mother, who has since passed away, always threatened to call. And Ive had assorted cousins and long-lost friends who call in on occasion.

John Oliver has a running sketch calling you the most patient man on television. Have you ever lost your temper with a caller?

No, I havent lost my temper. But sometimes you bite your tongue a little bit. If you only knew what were thinking but not saying.

You should start adding thought bubbles.

That could be dangerous.

How have callers changed over the years?

The callers, I think, are smarter and better educated. I think in large part because of the Web. There certainly is a higher decibel of either anger or frustration or emotion by the callers. If you had watched this network last year, the election of Donald Trump would not have surprised you. Because that was reflected by the people who were calling in. From Michigan, from Pennsylvania. They were very vocal and adamant.

Do you think politics is broken in America, or is it working the way it should?

Its not broken. Weve been through this before. If you look at the civil rights movement. Look at Vietnam. Look at the Clinton impeachment. You go back and read those stories. It was broken back then. Hamilton is such a popular show  you can go back and say that politics was broken then. No one is dying now. No one is killing each other in a duel. The difference is the cacophony of voices out there and the media, which is so disparate and getting so many different headlines out there instantaneously. It was a divided election, so that contributes to it. Wed have the same conversation if Hillary Clinton was president right now.

How would you describe yourself as a journalist?

Down the middle. Asking questions you were taught in J-school. Who, what, when, where, why and how. You want to present all the facts and give the person you interview the benefit of the doubt. But you also want to hold them accountable. You want to have a robust conversation and an interview that is interesting and informative but without an agenda. Because sometimes I think that too often the biggest criticism that journalism has is that you have an anchor or interviewer or reporter who has an agenda.

On a lot of television news shows, hosts are required to be personalities. On C-SPAN, the hosts are sort of anti-personalities. Its not about you?

I think youre right. If you watch MSNBC or Fox or CNN, its all about them. And thats whats different about C-SPAN. Its all about the person were interviewing. Theres a kaleidoscope of media out there. There are so many choices. You can get news and information through a plethora of websites and radio and cable and broadcast television and newspapers and magazines and blogs. Whats interesting is that if you look at where C-SPAN was when we started and where we are today, its the same mission. Its unfiltered coverage of events and speeches and debates. Its a chance for viewers and listeners to call in. And its a chance to bring newsmakers to the table and ask them not always the tough questions, but the direct questions. And sometimes they can be tough. But its about them and not about us, and thats what makes it different.

C-SPAN has long requested televised coverage of Supreme Court hearings. Whats the best argument against allowing that?

Well, the justices like their anonymity, and I think they feel that television cameras would change the dynamics inside the oral arguments. Really the decisions are made behind closed doors, and we will not have cameras in there. But our point is that one-third of the government really is not covered adequately. We have the House and the Senate, and we certainly cover the president and the campaigns. We can do it with very small cameras. Dont have to add a whole lot of lighting, and it wouldnt interfere with the oral arguments. What a great lesson for people who really want to see what happens. To the chief justices credit, they have released the audio, so thats a step in the right direction. So Im not sure when, but I think someday we will have cameras in the court. Were ready for it. The challenge is getting the justices to agree to it.

What is C-SPANs greatest attribute?

Opening up the process to the American people. And showing it. Every other network is talking over the pictures, which is fine  thats what they do. We just let the pictures tell the story. And whether its a political convention, a speech, a campaign rally, a debate, thats what we do best. Theres no agenda.

Okay, this is something Ive always wanted to say: Thank you for C-SPAN.

Thank you.

More Just Asking

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March 19 Issue

Target Lessons by Leigh Ann henion

Thanks for the excellent article on archery in Japan. It brought back wonderful memories. I traveled to Tokyo for work in April 1991. On a Saturday off, two colleagues and I traveled by train to Kamakura to visit a shrine and the coast. Unbeknownst to us, not only was there a beautiful wedding ceremony at the temple but also a demonstration of yabusame (mounted archery). The pageantry of both was unforgettable.

R. Craig Matthiessen, Burke, Va.

March 12 Issue

Brown by Lavanya ramanathan

You voiced everything that has gone through my brain for the last 50-plus years. I have always been asked What are you? I will be 67 in May. I have been called multiple things, N being the most frequent.

I had varied responses: being quiet and pleading ignorance, answering as honestly as I could, or asking in return, What difference does it make?

And yes, I, like you, tend to identify with the African American community. Sometimes I have thought it would have been easier for me had I known my racial background. Now I dont care. I can see from your words that had I known, it would not have made a difference. Ive sent my DNA for testing at my granddaughters request  for college applications.

Linda Slimp, Seattle

Im confused. I dont have a gaydar or racedar, because I dont care.

I took in a friend of my teenage daughter because she needed a place to stay. She was light-skinned black. One day, after shed been with us for a while, she told me, Youre the only person who hasnt asked about my background. She had a white grandmother, she said. I listened attentively because it was important to her, and therefore important to me. I had ignored a key part of what made her her.

A co-worker was routinely curt with me. I later learned he was gay when another co-worker mentioned it. Was he curt because I didnt acknowledge his otherness? I just never thought about it because it didnt matter to me. ... Im the same way with religion, or country of origin. Besides, is radar sufficient when the human experience is so much more complex?

Cindy La Covey, Arlington


Mary Hall Surface instructs participants during a writing salon in a tower full of Alexander Calder works in the National Gallery of Arts East Wing. (Pete Marovich/For The Washington Post)

Thirty eager adults wind their way to the top floor of the National Gallery of Arts recently renovated East Building. Their destination is a stunning skylit tower gallery of Alexander Calder works that today will host one of the museums writing salons.

In a space notable for movement  the gentle shifting of Calders mobiles, the steady flow of admiring visitors  instructor Mary Hall Surface invites her group to linger. For the next 2 1/2 hours, salon participants will examine and discuss Calders art and use it as poetic inspiration.

The goal of the free workshops is to encourage participants to look carefully at works of art while offering a new lens through which to view the collection, says Education Division Director Lynn Russell. The salons, which began in late 2015 and are offered several times a year, cover different forms and aspects of writing, such as memoir or character. Beginning and advanced writers are welcome, and no art expertise is required.

Julie Segal Walters, a lawyer and civil rights advocate turned childrens book author, is a salon regular. She says the workshops allow her to expand my creativity and craft, take risks and feed my soul while surrounded by one of the greatest collections of masterpieces in the world.

When planning a workshop, playwright and theater director Surface searches for a powerful link between a work of art and an aspect of writing. For example, she featured Mary Cassatts The Boating Party in a fall salon on character-revealing conversations, finding that the enigmatic paintings composition of a mother, child and boatman parallels dialogue that hides as much as it reveals.

The museums Tower 2 is filled with artworks well-suited to a session on poetry. It houses the largest display in the world of Calders mobiles, sculptures and paintings  more than 40, including 19 long-term loans from the Calder Foundation.

Calders mobiles  bold, graphic, with groupings and solitary elements  especially lend themselves to lyrical expression. Like a poem, every element of a Calder mobile is essential to the whole, to achieving just the right balance. The artist himself saw the connection: When everything goes right, a mobile is a piece of poetry that dances with the joy of life and surprises.

Todays salon begins with a writing warm-up: Participants offer descriptions of the mobile Black, White and Ten Red, based on a reading about the art of the trapeze. A single castout describes the mobiles lone white orb, while the black high flier peaks, releases. The 10 red pieces become a spinning group.

Wallace Stevenss poem Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird inspires the next assignment: 13 ways of looking at the graceful hanging mobile Eucalyptus. The participants walk around the mobile, peer up from the bottom, linger over a swaying, leaflike element as they confer.

They are assigned to write a three-stanza lyric poem in response to Eucalyptus and an American cinquain based on a work of their choice.

Segal Walters shares her poem with her instructor and with The Washington Post. It begins, Wings of the swallows soaring in formation / Amid floating leaves. Sharing her work is an expression of gratitude, Segal Walters says, to Mary Hall Surface and to the National Gallery, for offering mind-freeing, inspiring, educational and free craft workshops to the community.

EUCALYPTUS, AND THE POEMS IT INSPIRED

(Pete Marovich/For The Washington Post)

About the mobile

On long-term loan to the National Gallery of Art from the Calder Foundation.

According to the foundation, it is

a majestic hanging mobile that exemplifies Calders mature vocabulary. With a large, surreal element hanging in palpable tension with the floor, Eucalyptus premiered in Calders 1940 exhibition at Pierre Matisse Gallery and went on to be included in nearly all of the major exhibitions staged during the artists life. A favorite among art historians, curators, and the general public alike, Eucalyptus moves with hypnotic grace and almost human emotion.

Quote from the 2013 Los Angeles County Museum of Art exhibition guide: Eucalyptus (1940), one of Calders first mature mobiles, was created during World War II. The piece can be seen as a composition of violent, tortured biomorphic shapes that suggest gaping mouths, body parts, sexual organs, and sinister weapons.

Calder sometimes titled his mobiles after they were completed: You dont name a baby until it is born.

About the assignment

After the writing exercise and the study, participants write a three-stanza lyric poem in response to Eucalyptus, including references to shape, line, color and movement.

Excerpts from selected poems inspired by eucalyptus

Wings of the swallows soaring in formation

Amid floating leaves, signaling the time

To flee again as freeze descends.

By Julie Segal Walters

What moves you and why?

Searching, observing,

Feeling, wondering, why?

By Angelita Ventura

This arabesque of swirling skirts

and laughter, let loose in the bright light

of morning, yearning

to explore, held in place

by a memory of home, bone.

By Stacie Marinelli

With each rotation, each spin

time shifts, swirls, evaporates

as pale shapes

stretch, bulge and disappear

into the afternoon

By Sheila Janega

There need be no word for this

tuxedo crispness, this origami

of evening elegance. The stem

connects the bud to the root,

to the beginning of light and

movement, beginning and end.

By Sheila Martel

ribs of ink blots rotate

through negative space. obsidian shadows

like dug graves.

By Roke Iko

The National Gallery of Arts next writing salon is Setting: The Power of Place. The workshops are April 21, 22 and 23, and April 29 and 30. Registration is required and opens at noon April 18 at nga.gov/writingsalon. Information about the museums educational offerings can be found at nga.gov/education.

Kristin OKeefe is a freelance writer in Kensington, Md.

Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com.

For more articles, as well as features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine.

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U.S. Marine Corp assaultman Kirk Dalrymple watches as a statue of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein falls in central Baghdad in this April 9, 2003 file photo. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic/Files (GORAN TOMASEVIC/Reuters)

April 9, 2003 U.S. and British troops rolled into Baghdad 14 years ago, a few weeks after invading the country from Kuwait. Thousands of Baghdad residents poured into the streets to celebrate the governments defeat and welcome the U.S. forces in scenes of thanks and jubilation, wrote The Washington Posts Anthony Shadid. The jubilation turned out to be short-lived. The countrys former dictator, Saddam Hussein, was captured that December, tried for crimes against humanity and executed in 2006. But a major pretext for the invasion  that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction  was later refuted. By 2007, U.S. casualties had topped 3,000. Tens of thousands of Iraqis also died during the occupation. The U.S. officially ended its mission in Iraq in late 2011. In 2014, a terrorist group calling itself the Islamic State began seizing territory in western and northern Iraq as part of its efforts to establish a caliphate.
Our readers share tales of their ramblings around the world.

Who: Mark Wessels (the author) and his wife, Lelia Zenner, of Silver Spring, Md. They were joined by Marks twin brother, Mike Wessels, his wife, Jennifer Wessels, and their children Trish and John, all of Memphis.

Where, when, why: We traveled to Moorea, Tahiti, in September. My wife, brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephew and I had been to Maui, Hawaii, several times to see the humpback whales. The whales annual migration takes them from summer feeding in Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters in January and February for mating and also to give birth. As great as it is to see them from the shore or from whale-watching boats and kayaks, Hawaii does not allow you to get into the water when the whales are near, a situation that was not the case in Tahiti.

A humpback whale approaches the surface during a snorkeling trip off the north shore of Mo'orea in Tahiti. (Mark Wessels)

Luckily, Tahiti is not a difficult trip. Its about an eight-hour nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Papeete on Air Tahiti or Air France. Moorea is a 50-square-mile island about 15 miles off the coast of Tahiti and a 30-minute ferry ride from Papeete. We departed LAX at midnight, arrived in Tahiti, drove to the ferry dock and we were on the island before noon. The weather was perfect. Highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s, with a refreshing breeze and warm ocean water temperatures . . . essentially my idea of heaven on Earth!

Highlights and high points: Moorea is a perfect picture postcard of a South Pacific island. There are jagged, tree-covered mountains in the center of the island and white, sandy beaches with swaying palm trees along its edges. We rented a beautiful (and reasonably priced) four-bedroom, oceanfront house on the north shore of Moorea. It sat on the edge of the lagoon, providing easy access for snorkeling and kayaking. There are lots of small patches of coral within the lagoon, so you can see a wide variety of tropical fish, moray eels, sting rays and reef sharks in the calm waters. It was some of the best and easiest snorkeling I have ever done. At night, the sky lights up with stars. The Milky Way was easily visible, as were the constellations of the Southern sky, which was a beautiful sight before going to bed each night.

Cultural connection or disconnect: A few weeks before we departed, my wife mentioned to a client of hers that she was going to Moorea. To my wifes surprise, her friend replied: I used to live there! She was able to introduce us to a dear friend of hers still living there, who generously offered suggestions, recommendations and general information about the island. She also insisted on giving us a tour, where she pointed out several landmarks and vistas and told us about the Polynesian legends that accompany them. This was truly special and most definitely a highlight of our visit.

Biggest laugh or cry: Swimming with the humpback whales was a fun and memorable experience. I was expecting, or at least hoping, that Moorea would be a lot like Maui and we would see hundreds of humpback whales. This was not the case, as we only saw four whales during entire trip.

On our second day, we went out on a small whale-watching boat  just the six of us and two guides. After two hours of bouncing around and not seeing anything, I was ready to call it quits, but then we saw a pair of humpbacks rising to the surface. We slowly motored over as the pair dove down. One of the guides said: Ill get in and swim around and see if I can find them. I looked at my wife and said, Fat chance of that happening. But after a few minutes the guide whistled and said, Get in, they are over here. We all slid in and swam over, and were rewarded with two whales resting at about 40 feet in the prettiest and purest blue water you have ever seen. It was a brief but absolutely thrilling encounter that made the whole trip worthwhile.

How unexpected: Although it is called French Polynesia, Tahiti is on the opposite side of the world from France. However, it is a very French island. Everyone speaks French (many residents speak English) and there are a lot of French expats and French restaurants. The other surprise was how many pearl shops there are on Moorea. Tahiti is well known for its cultured pearl production, but Moorea is a small island with a population of around 17,000 people, but I swear there must be 100 pearl shops on the island. And, yes, we brought some home with us. One last surprise was that Papeete is perhaps the food truck capital of the world  or at least the South Pacific. The Air France flight back to LAX leaves at 7:30 a.m. so we spent our last night in Papeete. Each night from 6 p.m. to midnight at least 40 trucks, or les roulottes, set up on the large square next to the harbor. Here, you can dine inexpensively on a wide variety of cuisines from around the world and be entertained by street performers.

Favorite memento or memory: Swimming with humpback whales was an unforgettable experience. I love being in, on or under the water (as long as it is warm), so swimming in balmy water near these majestic animals in their natural environment was, for us, a dream come true. This alone will certainly bring me back to Tahiti. The beauty of the lagoon at sunrise and the millions of stars in the night sky are also memories that will last a lifetime.

To tell us about your own trip, go to washingtonpost.com/travel and fill out the What a Trip form with your fondest memories, finest moments and favorite photos.


Mayor Muriel Bowser discusses the economic state of the city during an interview in this file photo. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

The nations capital is grappling with a problem inconceivable in the not-long-distant days when the city was a byword for fiscal recklessness: It has too much money.

Flush with carefully stewarded tax dollars from almost two decades of uninterrupted growth, the District today is unrecognizable as the bureaucracy that was hurtling toward financial ruin when it was rescued by Congress in the 1990s.

But many are questioning whether the city has learned too well the lessons of its humiliating stint under a federal financial control board. They say D.C. officials are now hoarding money better spent on social ills, such as an alarmingly high rate of homelessness, that continue to mar the citys much-celebrated revival.

The debate intensified this week, as Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) delivered a $13.8 billion budget to the D.C. Council that proposes only modest spending increases for affordable housing, homeless services and education. Meanwhile, the budget would continue to build up reserves that have grown to $2.4 billion.

That amount  about enough to run the city of San Antonio for a year  is more than triple the Districts deficit when then-Mayor Marion Barry Jr. (D) went to Capitol Hill pleading for a bailout and precipitating the control boards creation in 1995. How it is used could profoundly influence the Districts direction in uncertain times.

As they face growing pressure to spend, D.C. officials are also trying to gauge the threat posed by the White House to their hard-won financial stability. President Trump wants federal budget cuts that could weaken city social programs and decimate the federal workforce, which accounts for 1 in 4 District jobs.

Former mayor Anthony Williams (D), who also served as chief financial officer during the early years of the control board, said now is not the time to begin experimenting with a more relaxed approach to fiscal management.

Where do you think the mayor and D.C. council should appropriate its extra money? Voting is closed on this poll User Poll Results: Where do you think the mayor and D.C. council should appropriate its extra money?

Metro Schools Housing for the homeless Other Pardon the interruption! We need to verify that you are an actual person. Metro Schools Housing for the homeless Other View Results This is a non-scientific user poll. Results are not statistically valid and cannot be assumed to reflect the views of Washington Post users as a group or the general population.

Everybodys running around town and talking about how great everything is, said Williams, now executive director of the Federal City Council, a civic-improvement group. There are a lot of forces now that are beginning to forget what the control board was like, and why we had a control board.

The circumstances that begot Congresss six-year takeover of the Districts finances after years of budgetary missteps by mayors Barry and Sharon Pratt Kelly (D) were not simple. But Williams said the predicament was shaped in part by the same noble impulses driving current criticism of how the District manages its money.

We had promised everything to everybody and were doing practically nothing for anyone, he said. Theres only so much you as a city can do to solve all the worlds problems.

Since then, the District has come a long way.

A mix of financial restructuring and assistance imposed by the control board  including the establishment of a powerful, independent chief financial officer and the federal governments assumption of much of the citys old pension burden  laid the groundwork for the Districts renaissance.

The citys booming population  now at 681,000, up from a post-World War II low of 565,000 in 1998  has also flooded its coffers with tax dollars. The District faces unusual financial handicaps, such as its inability to tax federal property or the incomes of nonresident workers, but it compensates by levying a trifecta of property, income and sales taxes. Few cities have all three, said Michael A. Pagano, dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Tom Davis, a former Republican congressman from Virginia who served on the committee overseeing District affairs during the control board era, said some of his successors on Capitol Hill still do not understand the extent to which the city has outgrown its once-deserved reputation as a financial basket case.

I dont think word has gotten back to members of Congress that this city is actually pretty responsible, Davis said. On the fiscal issues, on building a tax base, on the issues that are just basic to governance, this city is a leader.

But Ed Lazere, executive director of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank, said the District has erred by placing an absolutist vision of financial responsibility ahead of the needs of residents who have been harmed by gentrification.

I dont think anybody can disagree that the Districts finances are amazingly strong, and maybe stronger than theyve ever been, Lazere said. Its been a tremendous missed opportunity in recent years that we havent used our surplus . . . to reinvest in the city and to address the uneven impacts of the citys growing prosperity.

The Fiscal Policy Institute was one of more than 90 organizations, many of them providers of social services, that sent a letter to Bowser last month urging her to delay tax cuts scheduled to take effect next year and instead spend surplus dollars on affordable housing, schools or public transit.

The tax reductions, some aimed at lower- and middle-income D.C. families, are triggered when the city brings in more revenue than expected; essentially, the District is giving away some of its surplus money in the form of tax relief.

In the letter, the organizations said the citys strict rules for managing its money force District officials to govern with their hands tied.

D.C. Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey S. DeWitt said the city has nearly reached its goal of having enough money in the reserves to run the government for 60 days. Once that mark is hit, future surpluses will go toward affordable housing and infrastructure under a formula established by the council.

Those amounts could be substantial: By the end of this fiscal year, DeWitt projects, the city will have raked in surplus revenue of $128 million.

DeWitt cautioned against easy prescriptions for drawing on the reserves to fund social programs. Only about $1.2 billion of the reserves is now accessible, he said, with the rest locked up for special purposes, such as debt payments or cleanup of the Anacostia River.

Dipping into the available money prematurely, DeWitt said, could have counterintuitive effects, causing bond-rating agencies to downgrade the Districts credit rating and leading to higher borrowing costs that would force cuts to existing programs.

Furthermore, under the rules established by the control board, a drawdown on the reserves must be paid back within two years, he said. Theyre not spending it, DeWitt said. Theyre borrowing it, and they have to pay it back in two years.

Bowser said this week that she does not intend to move money out of the reserves or delay tax cuts. It remains unclear whether any council members will prove sympathetic to those protesting the Districts rigid fiscal policies.

The District already spends large sums on education and social services, which account for more than half  about $4 billion  of local spending in Bowsers proposed budget.

Close inspection of the Districts government programs regularly raises questions about whether funds are well-spent. Just last month, a report by the D.C. auditor found that the city has mismanaged its trust fund for affordable housing, which has doled out $700 million to help developers over the past 15 years.

There is a feeling among many that were spending a lot without a clear vision for how to actually achieve results, council member Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7), a former mayor, said at the councils first budget hearing Thursday.

Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) was blunt about proposals to tap the reserves. If we spend it, we dont have it, he said. The point is to have it, so were protected.

Mendelson was nevertheless unable to resist sounding an optimistic note in his April newsletter, which pointed out that the Districts operating revenue would grow by $312 million next year even after the required amounts had been siphoned into the reserves.

The newsletter had a headline that would have seemed like a bad joke in 1998, when Mendelson was first elected and the control board held sway:

Budget Season is Here and A Lot of Money is Available.

Aaron C. Davis contributed to this report.


In 1996, Stacy Steward  diagnosed with brain cancer at age 5  went to the Oval Office to watch President Bill Clinton sign the Cancer Control Month proclamation. She is 27 now. (White House)

There were days when Stacy Steward had 25 seizures.

And months when she had just two.

There were days when Stacys blood platelet count dropped so low, she was sealed in an isolation ward, and her mom had to suit up and wear gloves and a mask to visit her.

And there were months when Stacy happily went to the mall and to the movies.

Coping with such unpredictability is motherhood when your 27-year-old daughter  diagnosed with brain cancer when she was 5  still needs help.

And this is the kind of caregiving that the Family and Medical Leave Act was designed to protect.

Except in Beverly Stewards case, she believes it didnt.

Beverly Steward, Stacys mom, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court this week alleging she was harassed, badgered and eventually fired from her supervisor job at Walmart in Northwest Washington because she took the federally protected days off to take care of her sick adult child. She wants her job back and $250,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

Walmart denies Steward was targeted for using family leave.

Our policy is to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Ms. Steward was terminated from the company for legitimate business reasons, said Ragan Dickens, director of national media relations for Walmart. We deny all of the allegations and will defend ourselves in court.

For Steward, the struggle began in 1995. She had just given birth to a second daughter when she learned that the first had brain cancer. The doctor said Stacy, then 5, probably had only five years to live.

The following year, Stacy went to the Oval Office to watch President Bill Clinton sign the Cancer Control Month Proclamation in 1996. She met Socks, the Clintons cat. And she went on to beat the brain cancer, graduating from high school on time.

But as a result of her cancer treatments, Stacy suffered cognitive delays, seizures, thyroid disease and osteoporosis. She also has a blood disorder that has left her with a compromised immune system and repeated hospitalizations. She wears hearing aides, but she is almost deaf. She functions like a 13-year-old.

Eventually, juggling all that care devastated the working-class family, and they landed in a city homeless shelter.

[I wasnt crazy: A homeless womans long war to prove the feds owe her $100,000]

The job at Walmart saved them.

Walmart gave me a very good opportunity to put my life back on track, Steward said. I remember moving into my apartment at last and crying. Stacy was in a safe place. That job was everything for us.

Then-President Bill Clinton greets Stacy Steward as her mother, Beverly Steward, stands behind her during their White House visit in 1996. (White House)

Steward loved working at Walmart. She was one of the first employees to be hired at the Georgia Avenue location in 2013. She knew the customers, and they knew her. She got consistently good reviews of her performance as one of the night-shift supervisors, she said. And a raise.

And for years, the system for granting her leave worked perfectly. And it definitely served the country. A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that family caregivers help save about $35 billion in special-needs care costs to public and private health-care providers every year.

But this kind of family leave can be complicated for employers, said Sara Faulman, a labor lawyer who is representing Steward.

The 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act  which doesnt grant anyone paid leave, but rather protects their employment status when they take unpaid leave for a number of approved reasons  is easy to understand when its applied to a maternity leave.

You have the baby, take 12 weeks off, its a chunk of time, Faulman said.

But intermittent leave is a little harder to understand, especially in a case like Stacys, where the long-lasting effects from her childhood cancer treatments can send her into a medical crisis one week, but subside and leave her without major problems for two weeks.

Each time Steward took the intermittent leave, Walmarts managers approved it, and they were kind and thoughtful afterward, she said.

They always asked me, How is your daughter doing now?  Steward said.

But it all changed last year, the lawsuit asserts, when she was promoted to a daytime job. Her new supervisor wasnt supportive, she says.

[The District expands paid family and medical leave]

Although the human resources department cleared her to take intermittent leave throughout October 2016, the lawsuit alleges that her new supervisor harassed her every time she took an unpaid day, which was an average of once a month.

He told her he was tired of having to document her absences as family leave in Walmarts timekeeping system, according to the lawsuit. It contends he warned her that hed find a way to fire the folks who bothered him with this kind of leave.

After she filed a written complaint about him in May, she got her first bad performance review, the lawsuit charges. In July, after she took two days of leave to get Stacy to doctors, she was fired.

The official reason? According to the lawsuit, it was because Steward charged the cash register 5 cents to open the drawer for the start of the shift, something she contends all the cashiers do.

Steward said she is heartsick. She really liked it there.

But shes moved on. She has a new job working as a counselor and manager at a halfway house. She is sharing Stacys caregiving duties with her younger daughter, who is now 21 and a student at Trinity University.

They call themselves the Three Musketeers, and theyre happiest when theyre all home, together, watching a movie and laughing.

Its critical that I keep working, that I keep fighting for us and to keep our home, Steward said.

Back in 1996, meeting Socks the cat and putting on a brave face in her pretty blue dress and with her bald head, Stacy was a poster child for the urgent need for childrens cancer care. Twenty years later, the whole family was a poster-perfect example of how corporations can work with federal regulations so everyone wins.

And today? Theyre a perfect example of what can happen when the systems protections dont work.


The Maryland State House in Annapolis. (Mark Gail/The Washington Post)

On the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, Maryland Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan (D-Montgomery) usually hosts a Seder in her home, surrounded by family and friends.

But this Monday night, when the holiday begins at sundown, Kagan will be in Annapolis for sine die, finishing up the General Assemblys final business on the last day of the 90-day session.

With the cooperation of the presiding officers, she and other Jews at work in the State House complex wont have to skip celebrating one of the most widely observed holidays of their faith.

Between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates are scheduled to take a break, allowing Kagan and other Jewish lawmakers, along with staffers and lobbyists of all faiths, to participate in an interfaith Seder dinner.

The meal will be held in the Miller Senate Office building. Like all Seders, it will combine Jewish rituals and discussions of freedom, redemption and the Exodus story with food, fellowship and camaraderie.

Then theyll get back to work to meet a midnight deadline for adjournment.

Whether it is 10 of us or 40 of us, it will be nice to unplug and celebrate, Kagan said.

The start of Passover has occurred during past legislative sessions, but no one can recall it coinciding with sine die, the busiest day of the session.

Passover is about freedom, Kagan said. Its kind of ironic that it is happening on sine die when we are about to liberated, returning to our homes and our jobs.
Montgomery County State Senator Richard Madaleno, who may run for governor of Maryland, was a champion of legislation to fund Planned Parenthood in the event of federal cuts. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post)

Maryland became the first state in the nation to agree to reimburse Planned Parenthood clinics for their services if Congress defunds the organization, after Republican Gov. Larry Hogan allowed the bill to become law Thursday without his signature.

And in a second victory for progressives, a top aide to House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) said a bill to allow judges to require bail for poor defendants would not get a vote in the House.

Alexandra Hughes, Buschs chief of staff, said the speaker made the decision after Democratic legislative leaders polled their caucus and concluded the measure did not have enough support to pass.

The Planned Parenthood bill was one of 15 measures that advanced without the governors signature. Among them was a measure that provides state money to the attorney generals office to sue the Trump administration on policies dealing with health care, immigration and the environment.

Today, Maryland makes history . . . unfortunately without the support of the governor, said Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery), who sponsored the bill to fund Planned Parenthood. While I wish our state didnt need to fight the attacks on comprehensive health care by Congress, we are proud to stand up and protect access in Maryland.

(The Washington Post)

Hogan had until midnight Wednesday to decide whether to sign or veto the bills that the General Assembly sent to his desk last week.

Amelia Chasse, a spokeswoman for Hogan, declined to comment on why the governor allowed the 15 bills to move forward without his signature.

The only legislation Hogan rejected was an education accountability measure that prohibits the state school board from converting failing schools into charter schools, giving students taxpayer-funded vouchers to attend private schools and placing the schools in a state-run recovery school district.

Democrats in the Maryland General Assembly overturned the governors veto after a long debate over how to identify and fix the states failing schools.

Hogan had labeled the bill misguided and irresponsible, a measure that would have a disastrous effect on the states education system.

Sen. Paul G. Pinsky (D-Prince Georges) said the bill protects schools from privatization and other quick fixes.

The education accountability legislation, which was backed by the state teachers union and opposed by the State Board of Education, sets up a new accountability system for schools. It bases 65 percent of ratings on academic indicators, including schools standardized test scores.

Hogan, a supporter of charter schools and private-school vouchers, has argued that the rating system ought to give greater weight to academic indicators, including test scores.

Instead of being a national leader in education, Maryland would become a national leader in deprioritizing student learning, Hogan said in a veto letter sent to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) and Busch on Wednesday.

House Minority Leader Nicholaus R. Kipke (R-Anne Arundel) said high-stakes testing should not be central to determining a schools success, but he railed against provisions that would bar the state from using charter schools, private-school vouchers or private management teams to deal with struggling schools.

This bill, while well-intended, traps students in failing schools and lessens accountability in the bureaucracy of education, he said. It will not help the little boys and little girls that were here to serve.

Democrats said the heavy focus on standardized testing that began more than a decade ago has done virtually nothing to close achievement gaps.

It is impossible to test children out of poverty, said Del. Eric G. Luedtke (D-Montgomery), a middle school teacher who sponsored the bill. What it has done is force our schools and our educators to teach to the test. . . . Its time for a new era in education, where we value more than just test scores.

Other bills that will become law without the governors signature include the states capital budget, $100 million in funding to Prince Georges County Regional Medical Center, a repeal of a requirement that transit systems cover at least 35 percent of their operating costs through passenger revenue, and legislation that blocks watermen from harvesting within oyster sanctuaries until the state conducts a survey of the mollusk population.

The governor signed 11 of the 27 bills forwarded by the General Assembly, including a permanent ban on hydraulic fracturing, an extension of the time frame in which sexually abused children can sue their abusers, and an agreement with Virginia and the District to develop a safety oversight commission for Metro.

The bill that would have resurrected Marylands bail system had sparked extensive debate in the legislature.

Its failure effectively leaves in place a recent Court of Appeals rules change that instructs judges to use the least onerous conditions when setting bail for a defendant who is not considered a danger or a flight risk.

Buschs decision was first reported by the Baltimore Sun.

Progressive advocates and lawmakers in Maryland have tried for years to abolish bail for poor defendants, saying it can leave defendants who are not flight risks languishing in jail before trial simply because they lack the money to post bond.

But the Court of Appeals decision was strongly opposed by the bail bond industry, who said it took away judges discretion and would mean more criminals on the street.

Also on Thursday, the Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would make Maryland the first state in the country to authorize the attorney general to take legal action to prevent price gouging of off-patent or generic drugs.

The House gave preliminary approval to a Senate bill that would set up a nonpartisan redistricting commission to draw Marylands congressional voting boundaries if five other states agree to do the same, with the goal of ending partisan gerrymandering. The other states are New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Hogan this year proposed competing legislation that would require Maryland alone to establish a nonpartisan redistricting commission. A House committee rejected the proposal, and the relevant Senate committee has not voted on it.

The House also gave preliminary approval to a heavily amended bill from Hogan that would roll back a new law that requires the state to use a ranking system to determine which transportation projects deserve funding priority. The legislature enacted the measure last year despite a veto by the governor.

Hogan, who has dubbed the statute road kill because he believes it favors transit over roads, proposed a repeal. But lawmakers revised Hogans bill so it would require the state to rank transportation projects and publish the results but not for officials to base their funding decisions on the scores.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks to law enforcement officers at the Thomas Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis, Mo., on March 31, 2017. (Lawrence Bryant/Reuters)

The Trump administrations suggestion that it may ease federal oversight of police departments was greeted with praise from police unions but pushback from local law enforcement leaders, who pledged to continue pressing for reforms amid intense scrutiny of fatal shootings by police.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, in a memo made public this week, promised that his Justice Department will back police officers and support civil rights, ordering his top deputies to review reform agreements to make sure they abide by those goals. Echoing his prior criticism of these pacts, Sessions said the federal government should not manage non-federal law enforcement agencies and that the misdeeds of individual bad actors should not impugn or undermine all law enforcement.

[Sessions orders Justice Department to review all police reform agreements]

Local leaders in Baltimore and Chicago, two cities where Justice Department probes have decried police practices, quickly moved to say they will continue reform efforts no matter what the federal government does.

In Baltimore, where Justice Department lawyers sought to postpone a Thursday public hearing on one such proposed agreement, known as a consent decree, Police Commissioner Kevin Davis called the requested delay a punch in the gut. A federal judge on Wednesday denied the request, saying the hearing would go on.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) said in a joint statement that reform is in our self-interest and that is why Chicago has been, is, and always will be committed to reform. They did not directly address what the Justice Departments review could mean for a potential consent decree there.

At the same time, unions in both cities said they welcomed Sessionss move.

Jim Pasco, executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police, said members of the major union had met with President Trump and Sessions days before the memo was signed and conveyed their view that oversight isnt being used correctly in the context of the consent decree.

Pasco said federal civil rights investigations looked at good policing and saw overly aggressive policing. They looked at stops being overwhelmingly in minority neighborhoods as unfair, but thats where the crime is.

In recent years, increased scrutiny has been placed on policing across the country following the controversial deaths of black men in encounters with officers, including the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., the chokehold death of Eric Garner in New York and the death of Freddie Gray after suffering a severe neck injury in a Baltimore police van.

Demonstrations that followed led to changes in many departments, with prominent policing leaders pushing for training in how to de-escalate tense situations and to help officers recognize potential bias. President Barack Obama created a panel to recommend good policing practices, and his Justice Department aggressively conducted civil rights investigations of potentially troubled departments.

The Trump administration has said it would make fighting violent crime a priority and decried what it sees as a lack of support for police officers. Sessions wrote in his memo that one of the Justice Departments goals under the new administration is to help promote officer safety, officer morale, and public respect for their work.

Sessions has been a longtime critic of court-enforced consent agreements, calling them dangerous. His memo called for reviews of existing or contemplated consent decrees  which would extend to the decree in Baltimore, which was signed by federal and local officials but not by a judge, as well as any decree that could emerge in Chicago.

Dean C. Angelo Sr., president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, who had criticized the federal review pillorying that citys police practices and supports giving it a fresh look, said he stopped worrying about a consent decree after Trumps election in November.

I wasnt all that concerned that a consent decree was going to occur, and I believe this helps reinforce that, Angelo said. Taking care of your own agency and your own needs is something I believe the attorney general has not only stated in the past but restates here.

Police leaders and experts said no matter what happens with particular consent decrees, they believe a broader effort to reform policing practices will continue. They said departments have recognized they need to mend fractured relationships with their communities.

In the post-Ferguson environment, there is so much more attention to those issues, I dont think its going to simply slide into the night, Ronal W. Serpas, a former police superintendent in New Orleans and police chief in Nashville, said Tuesday.

While in New Orleans, Serpas oversaw the department as it was being investigated by the Justice Departments civil rights division, and he signed the 2013 consent decree still in effect between that city and the federal government.

Consent decrees give departments time and breathing space to enact reforms and change their cultures, Serpas said. He said this was true of New Orleans, where he took over the police force in 2010 and retired in 2014.

The police department had essentially come off the tracks, he said of the New Orleans police force after Hurricane Katrina. I have been a supporter of the consent decree in New Orleans since it happened and still am.

But advocates for reform worry that the Justice Departments stance could delay reforms and destroy the trust that has built up in the community, said Rebecca Nagle, co-director of a resident-led advocacy group in Baltimore.

Sessionss memo left unsaid what would happen to consent decrees already in place and approved by judges. In some of those places, including Seattle and New Orleans, officials said their decrees would be unchanged.

Chuck Wexler, head of the Police Executive Research Forum think tank backed by many big city chiefs, said it takes local policing many years to change directions, but once they change, its hard to stop that direction.

The Justice Department has a role in the conversation, he said. But at the end of the day, its going to be that local police department that decides policies and training. And if weve learned nothing else the last two years, there are better ways to do things.

Wexler said some cities have welcomed consent decrees because they provided them with training and funding their police departments couldnt get when they were floundering. He also noted that out of 18,000 police departments in the United States, only 25 were under federal investigation.

Terry Cunningham, the former president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, noted that many departments that proactively launched reforms to use-of-force and other policies have found the changes to be positive.

From that groups view, he said, a lot of the policy reforms weve seen in the last 10 years were necessary and appropriate to the profession.
Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Kevin Davis, right, speaks alongside Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh at a news conference at City Hall in Baltimore on Tuesday in response to the Justice Departments request for a 90-day delay of a hearing on its proposed overhaul of the Baltimore Police Department. (Patrick Semansky/Associated Press)

A Justice Department attorney expressed grave concerns Thursday about moving forward with a federal plan to make changes to this citys police department, telling a federal judge that the Trump administration prefers that revisions be made and overseen by local government.

The hearing to gather public input on the proposed consent decree became a clash over the future of police departments, as Baltimore residents affected by police shootings and beatings forcefully pushed back against any delays.

The hearing came just days after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that he would have top deputies review such agreements with departments nationwide.

[Read Attorney General Sessionss memo]

Sessions said he wanted to ensure the agreements align with administration priorities of promoting officer safety and morale while fighting violent crime, but advocates say the move could stymie much-needed changes to departments in the wake of high-profile police shootings of minorities in recent years.

The tension was on display Thursday, as well as an unusual role reversal  the Justice Department distanced itself from its plan negotiated by President Barack Obamas administration, while Baltimore officials, residents and activists openly embraced it.

Please do not delay this decree, implored Greta Carter-Willis, whose 14-year-old son was fatally shot by a police officer several years ago. We need to turn this police department around.

She later broke down crying.

The consent decree follows a blistering Justice Department report that found widespread constitutional violations and discrimination in the Baltimore Police Department. The report was prompted by the 2015 death of Freddie Gray, who was fatally injured in police custody.

John Gore, the acting assistant attorney general for the civil rights division of Justice, said in court Thursday that the department wanted a 30-day delay on a decision to implement the plan so new leadership can reanalyze and engage with the city as necessary.

Ultimately, it is up to local communities to try and work with police to try and ensure reforms are implemented fully, Gore said. We have grave concerns that this consent decree is what is needed as the means to change the police force and help fight crime.

U.S. District Court Judge James K. Bredar did not say whether he would agree to the 30-day request. Bredar had rejected a request made Monday by Justice lawyers to push back Thursdays hearing by three months.

Jonathan Smith, executive director of the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, called the situation in Baltimore unprecedented and extraordinary. He said there is no precedent for a lead party to pull out after a consent decree is signed and the matter is before the court. We are in uncharted territory.

Smith, was in the Justice Departments civil rights division under the Obama administration from 2010 through 2015 and negotiated a consent decree with the New Orleans Police Department.

In New Orleans, Smith said, the city tried to pull out of the consent decree, but the federal judge refused, noting the decree was for the residents. But New Orleans was the entity being sued. In Baltimore, it is the federal government, which brought the civil rights suit, that is having second thoughts.

Gore and Robert Moossy, the civil rights divisions deputy assistant attorney general, were in court Thursday. The team of civil rights lawyers who worked to negotiate the Baltimore consent decree were not present.

David E. Ralph, a lawyer for Baltimore, said in court that federal oversight is needed while the department is undergoing changes such as outfitting police with body cameras and crafting new ways to address police encounters with mentally disabled residents.

The city is preparing to allocate $10 million to implement the agreement in the first year, which includes a monitor who would answer to the judge and ensure the changes are being made.

A better-equipped police department will have the trust of the community, Ralph said. We have to repair trust in the community.

The exchange came in a packed courtroom. Nearly 50 residents and advocates appeared in court to complain about mistreatment by city police and urge federal oversight.

Civil rights leaders spoke, as did a rabbi, community organizers and four relatives of people killed by police.

The Department of Justice decision to seek a delay would deny relief to the citizens of Baltimore, said Kenneth Parsons, who has lived in the city for 30 years. The decree may not be what everyone wants, but it is a good-faith step in the right direction. Trust must be restored.

Since 2009, the Justice Department has opened 25 investigations into police departments and has been enforcing 14 consent decrees in places as diverse as Ferguson, Mo., Seattle and New Orleans. The department has six open investigations or pending consent decrees, including Baltimore.

The Obama administration aggressively pursued these investigations as a tool to bring about police accountability and scrambled to get many consent decrees finalized before Obama left office.

Sessions has expressed deep skepticism about consent decrees, saying they have undermined local policing.

Thursdays hearing prompted the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to move to have two additional plaintiffs  a nonprofit collaboration of six local pastors called Community Churches for Community Development, as well as Ralph E. Moore Jr., a 64-year-old Baltimore resident who has spent decades as a social worker in the city  added to the consent decree suit as plaintiffs.

If the intervention court filing, entered late Thursday, is granted by the judge, the church group and Moore would have to be included in any efforts to renegotiate the terms of the consent decree and would have to sign off on any changes.

We feel like there is sufficient evidence that our clients and the residents of Baltimore and their right to be free of unconstitutional policing are not adequately represented by the DOJ, said Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

At one point Thursday, Bredar, a former public defender who was appointed to the federal bench under Obama, reminded Gore that the Justice Department has already signed the consent decree and that Baltimore is ready to finalize the document and move forward.

Many of the residents who spoke in court said they hoped that would happen.

Justice delayed is justice denied, said Baltimore resident Alecia Dean. We have been murdered, abused, oppressed, suppressed and humiliated by the Baltimore Police Department.

Wesley Lowery and Sari Horwitz contributed to this report.
On March 10, 2004, two teenagers in Northeast Washington apparently had an argument about a gun.

What exactly Devaun Drayton and Terik McLeod  the former a skilled but troubled juvenile boxer just 17 years old, the latter a high school dropout  discussed behind Phelps High School in Northeast isnt clear.

But according to police, McLeod would later claim that Drayton kept a weapon that was supposed to be his. Whatever was said, at the end of the meeting, Drayton was fatally shot.

A break in the case came 13 years later, when McLeod on Wednesday was arrested and charged in Draytons slaying  and for allegedly killing a witness in the case. McLeod had accused that man, Carlton Fisher, 23, of snitching, the documents said.

Soon after Draytons killing, according to charging documents, McLeod confided in Fisher, saying he had shot Drayton in the head. Fisher then relayed that story to police, the documents state. The motive, according to another witness, was a dispute over a gun.

I had to get him before he got me, Fisher told police McLeod said, according to charging documents.

[Devaun Drayton, 17]

D.C. police detectives quickly focused on McLeod as a possible suspect in Draytons killing.

In April 2004, McLeod was arrested with a gun in his possession, and he later pleaded guilty to weapons charges.

On Oct. 1, 2006, Fisher ended up dead  shot six times in the 1100 block of 21st Street NE, less than a mile away from where Drayton was killed.

McLeod was later arrested at least two other times  in 2006 and in 2007  on gun charges. He was even shot himself.

But until now, he was not charged with the slayings of Drayton and Fisher.

In both of these cases, they had a decent amount of information, but not enough to take it to the point where we could swear out warrant, said acting D.C. police chief Peter Newsham.

On Wednesday, after identifying another witness, police arrested McLeod, now 31 and living in Southeast. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed. A lawyer representing McLeod did not immediately return requests for comment.

Newsham credited cold case detectives with developing the new witness. Police did not immediately disclose additional information about that witness.

Noting that one of the shootings occurred near a school, Newsham said McLeod was a violent offender responsible for two murders in our city.

[Boxings Russell family may have saved the best Gary for last]

Drayton was the son of Gary Russell Sr., the patriarch of a boxing clan that includes a featherweight world champion and an Olympian.

Winner of the Silver Gloves, a national youth tournament, he had spent time at a school for troubled youth and was headed to training in Miami when he was killed.

He was buried with his plane ticket in his pocket.

He was an incredible boxer, coach Milton LaCroix told The Washington Post shortly after Drayton was killed. Gutsy little kid.
Federal prosecutors on Thursday leveled charges of child-pornography production against a 31-year-old Maryland man already accused of sexually assaulting young girls inside his apartment and in a nearby wooded area.

The 18-count indictment, filed in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Md., lists 18 times over the past two years that Kyle Stephen Thompson allegedly made underage victims engage in sexually explicit conduct with him to make pornography. The most recent event, according to the indictment, occurred Jan. 28. The indictment said there were three victims.

The new case signals the breadth of investigations developing around Thompson, a commercial HVAC technician who for years had lived in a basement apartment of a townhouse community in Burtonsville, 10 miles north of Washington. The federal charges carry a potential combined sentence of more than 100 years.

[Just horrific: Police say man video-recorded his sexual assaults of girls younger than 5]

The federal case comes after authorities in Montgomery County charged Thompson with sexually assaulting three young girls and video-recording an unspecified number of the encounters. Those cases date to 2013, according to Montgomery police affidavits filed in court in recent weeks.

Kyle Thompson has been charged in Marylands Montgomery County with sex abuse counts for alleged incidents stretching back four years. (Montgomery County Police)

In one of the Montgomery County cases, authorities allege that Thompson can be seen on a video sexually assaulting a girl younger than 5 who was tied with a belt and calling for Mommy. In another, according to the allegations, Thompson molested a different girl, also younger than 5, as she cried. Police also accused Thompson of molesting a slightly older girl near a small pond and creek in woods behind his apartment.

Federal and local investigators think that Thompson befriended women with young girls to gain access to the children.

We believe there are other victims out there, Scott Hinckley, an assistant special agent in charge at the FBIs Baltimore field office, said in an interview Thursday.

Since his arrest on March 17, Thompson has been held without bond at the Montgomery County jail.

Hinckley said agents learned about Thompsons possible crimes last month and moved swiftly to investigate.

The alleged behavior is, to say the least, gruesome and disturbing, Hinckley said.

He cited the age of two of the known victims  less than 5 years old  and relayed what some of his agents working the case have told him.

Seasoned FBI investigators who specialize in violent crimes against children have said these are some of the most disturbing allegations they have ever seen, Hinckley said.

According to the indictment, Kyle Stephen Thompson knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced the victims in the child pornography case.

In a statement Thursday, the U.S. attorneys office in Maryland asked anyone with information about Thompson to call the FBI in Baltimore at 410-265-8080.
A District woman was charged Thursday with throwing a rock at and damaging a glass window at D.C. Superior Court, causing an estimated $50,000 in damage.

Prosecutors charged Tyree Nolan, 20, of no fixed address, with felony destruction of government property and domestic violence threats. Authorities say Nolan got into an altercation with another woman inside the courthouse on Wednesday during a domestic hearing involving a man who had dated both women at some point.

During the hearing, court documents say, Nolan repeatedly threatened to kill the other woman, causing the boyfriend and court security officers to intervene. Neither woman knew of the other before the hearing, according to the documents. Nolan and the boyfriend have a child together.

Nolan was escorted out of the courthouse by security. While outside, she picked up a rock and threw it at the glass window of the courthouse, causing a part of it to shatter.

No one was injured.

Nolan has been released from custody. Her next hearing is April 26.
People take the inaugural ride on a Fairfax Connector bus to the Tysons transit bus station at Jones Branch Drive on Jan. 13, 2013. (Tracy A. Woodward/The Washington Post)

Hundreds of Fairfax Connector drivers and mechanics have threatened to walk off the job as early as Monday, potentially shutting down the countys bus system and disrupting thousands of commutes in Northern Virginia.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1764, which represents about 600 workers in the Fairfax County bus system, said a job action, up to and including a strike, is likely if the union does not reach an agreement this week with MV Transportation, the contractor that runs the transit system.

Workers authorized such action in February after labor negotiations over wages, bathroom breaks and a pension plan stalled. Fairfax County, which funds and provides oversight of the 86-route system, says it is urging both sides to resolve the remaining issues so that an agreement is sent to the union members for a vote this weekend.

We want to avoid having any work stoppages, County Transportation Director Tom Biesiadny said. I want the parties to negotiate in good faith and to resolve the contract.

Biesiadny said there is a contingency plan in the event of a strike, but it is unclear what level of service the county, which owns the buses, could provide without a majority of the workforce. At least 75 percent of the Connectors workers are union members.

Fairfax Connector workers and union leaders say disrupting the commutes of thousands of passengers who use the regions third-largest bus system is their last resort. But they say negotiations with MV Transportation for over a year have all but stalled.

The union is asking for a commitment from the contractor  and the county  to provide retirement security for the workers. They say they also want respectful and equitable treatment and fair disciplinary procedures for employees in all divisions.

In a statement Thursday afternoon, MV Transportation said the company is working to reach an agreement this week. MV has been reviewing the language of a verbal tentative agreement reached with the union in February, the statement said.

We are jointly doing a line by line review of the contract over the next two days and hope to get a contract signed on Friday followed soon by a ratification vote, the statement said.

The company, which operates several other bus systems across the United States, has run the Connector since 2009 and has a $70 million contract that expires next year, according to Fairfax County.

Connector drivers have been rallying for equity in salaries, saying wages differ at the three Connector garages. Starting pay at the Huntington garage, which has about 270 workers, is $19.55, more than the $16.16 start pay at the Herndon and West Ox garages, which have more than 250 and 200 workers, respectively.

They also want equal benefits, including bonuses, at all garages.

When you have a company taking advantage of individuals, drivers get so fed up. We are tired. It is that simple, said Luis Santiago, a bus operator and shop steward at the Connectors Herndon garage.

He said workers are scheduled on eight-hour runs without breaks and are disciplined if they take time to eat lunch. In recent months, he said, MV has started running consumer surveys on employees, and in at least one case fired a worker over the results.

Some employees have worked with the bus system for decades, he said, staying through multiple county contractors, but lacking benefits that other public-sector workers have, such as a 401(k) plan.

We have reached out to the county, and the county just brushes it off, Santiago said. Enough is enough.

[Ripple effect of Metros troubles: plummeting bus ridership across the region]

The bus system has a weekday ridership of 30,000. It provides connections from Fairfax neighborhoods to Metro. In recent years, it expanded its route network to better serve Metros Silver Line, which opened in mid-2014.

Fairfax officials say the county cannot intervene in the negotiations between MV Transportation and the union. In the event that a labor action is taken, the county will work with MV to operate as much service as possible, they said.

A strike would be unusual in the Washington region, where labor agreements forbid such work stoppages. But the Fairfax Connector workers contract with MV expired in November. The 32-year-old bus system has had at least two work stoppages in its history, including one 10 years ago at one of its garages.

This time, the labor dispute has rallied workers to hold protests around the county and at government offices where they have sought the countys support. In letters to county leaders, they have laid out concerns about bus safety, maintenance and employee mistreatment.

We have exercised extraordinary restraint in the face of persistent obstruction by MV and seeming disinterest from some county officials, the union said in a letter sent to Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D) last week, which warned of the possibility of a strike.

Our members are rightfully at their wits end, the letter said.

Officials at Bulovas office said she was unavailable for comment Wednesday and Thursday.

Should MV continue to stall, we intend to immediately take whatever actions necessary, up to and including strike, in order to bring these negotiations to a final conclusion, the letter said. The patience of the membership with MV is exhausted. Time is up.

The union and the company are meeting Thursday and Friday. Sesil Rubain, the trustee with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1764, said their goal is to get a deal and avoid a strike.

But as of Wednesday, union leaders said they were drafting leaflets for riders and preparing materials to assign strike captains and schedule picketing. Rubain said concessions were close on several of the demands including wages and breaks, but an impasse remained Thursday over the pension plan.

[D.C. Circulator drivers reach wage parity deal]

Few privately run transit systems offer retirement plans, but the union argues that MV agreed to a plan in its last contract and that it was never implemented. Now, the union says it wants the company and the county at the table to set up a plan that will continue even if Connector operations are eventually awarded to another contractor.

Biesiadny said the county is not in a position to be engaged in discussions directly with the union on the pension issue.

If the outstanding issues are not resolved by Friday, the members will vote Saturday on a job action.

The county has been very polite, but they like to be hands off, Rubain said. My feeling is their bus system is not their priority.
Ed Gillespie, a former Washington lobbyist and Republican strategist running for governor of Virginia, vowed Thursday to ban the personal use of campaign funds and to slow the revolving door between government service and the lucrative world of lobbying.

Gillespie made those promises at a news conference on Richmonds Capitol Square, where the GOP-controlled legislature has repeatedly killed bills intended to prevent candidates from using political cash for personal expenses.

Since a gifts scandal engulfed former governor Robert F. McDonnell (R) in 2013, Virginias legislature has moved to tighten the states notoriously lax ethics and campaign-finance rules year after year. But loopholes remain. And the Republicans who control both chambers in Richmond have been flatly opposed to bans on personal use, arguing that restrictions would trip up even honest public servants.

[Virginia has one of the nations most lax ethics laws for politicians]

Gillespies proposals were part of a broader ethics and government-transparency plan he unveiled in the company of the outgoing and incoming speakers of Virginias House of Delegates  a powerful signal that Gillespies personal-use ban would fare better than the one Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) endorsed to no avail this year. Among other things, it would require administration officials to wait at least two years before lobbying their prior office.

This plan will take necessary steps to give Virginians a greater say in the decisions of their government, close campaign finance loopholes, and level the playing field, Gillespie said. It will ensure that the governors office is both accountable and transparent to the people it is meant to serve.

Gillespies proposals were met with derision from Democrats and Republican rivals, who noted his own turns in Washingtons revolving door. Gillespie got his start in politics as a U.S. Senate parking lot attendant, but went on to become a White House counselor to President George W. Bush, the chairman of the Republican National Committee and a highly successful lobbyist.

From the Democratic Governors Association: HAHAHAHAHA: Gillespie Claims Ability to Clean Up Lobbying in Virginia. From a spokeswoman for Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, one of two Democrats seeking to succeed the term-limited McAuliffe: Ed Gillespie proposing ethics reform is like a gator going vegan. From a spokesman for the other Democrat, former congressman Tom Perriello: Ed Gillespie will carry the water of any corporation large enough to write him a fat check.

From Corey A. Stewart, one of two rivals in the GOPs June 13 primary: This is laughable coming from Enron Ed, a 30-year Washington insider. The other Republican contender, state Sen. Frank W. Wagner (Virginia Beach), said, To hear this from a D.C. lobbyist who traded his influence and made millions of dollars . . . is absolutely ludicrous.

Del. Marcus B. Simon (D-

Fairfax), who has proposed personal-use bans all four years he has been in the House, wondered why Gillespie thinks the legislature will have a change of heart.

I dont know what kind of buy-in he has from House Republicans, but I wish him luck, Simon said.

Asked about that, Gillespie said he would work closely with the General Assembly to get the details right.

Im not going to impose this on somebody, he said. I couldnt if I tried. We dont want to set up traps. We dont want to make it harder for good people to serve in public office.

House Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox (R-Colonial Heights), slated to become speaker after the retirement of Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) next year, said Republican leaders were wary of backing a ban under McAuliffe because of a lack of trust in the governors motives and attention to detail.

What does that bill look like when Terry McAuliffe tries to craft certain amendments? Cox said. Are those gotcha amendments?

McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy called that a preposterous thing to say.

The Governors pen bleeds the same color ink as a Republican Governors would, Coy said in an email. If Del. Cox and his caucus were serious about this they could have passed a bill closing this loophole. Gov. McAuliffe would have signed it. Instead theyve fought tooth and nail to preserve their slush funds.

Gillespies plan also calls for a ban on bait-and-switch campaign finance practices: spending funds raised for one office on a bid for a different office. Under current law, Stewart and Wagner legally transferred large sums they had raised for past state Senate and county supervisor races to their gubernatorial accounts.

He also proposed prohibiting fundraising during special legislative sessions. Fundraising is banned only during regular sessions. And he proposed several measures aimed at transparency, including live-streaming a handful of public cabinet meetings and all agency and board meetings.
Deane R. Hinton, a career diplomat who served as U.S. envoy to five nations, most notably El Salvador in the early 1980s, where he presided over an embassy protected by sandbag gun emplacements amid civil war, died March 28 at his home in Escazu, Costa Rica. He was 94.

The cause was kidney infection and failure, said a son-in-law, Eric Chenoweth.

Mr. Hinton joined the Foreign Service in 1946, ascended to the rank of career ambassador and became known, journalist Christopher Dickey once wrote in Newsweek magazine, as Americas closest approximation to the Roman Empires troubleshooting proconsuls.

Mr. Hinton held his first ambassadorship under President Gerald R. Ford, serving as representative to what was then Zaire, where President Mobutu Sese Seko expelled him for an alleged assassination conspiracy. Total nonsense, Mr. Hinton said. If Id been out to get him, hed have been dead.

President Ronald Reagan selected Mr. Hinton to serve as ambassador to Pakistan and Costa Rica. President George H.W. Bush sent him to Panama in 1990, shortly after the U.S. invasion that removed President Manuel Antonio Noriega from power.

Mr. Hinton drew widest notice during his tenure in El Salvador, where he served from 1981 to 1983, and where he succeeded Robert E. White. White, serving under President Jimmy Carter, had aggressively denounced killings carried out by the Salvadoran military and its supporters.

Mr. Hinton generally voiced support for Reagans policy of providing substantial economic and military assistance to the ruling junta in its fight against leftist guerrillas. But in 1982, speaking in Spanish before the U.S.-Salvadoran Chamber of Commerce in San Salvador, he delivered a rebuke of the Salvadoran government, condemning political killings and kidnappings that he described as associated with some elements of the security forces. He compared rightist gorillas to leftist guerrillas.

Every day we receive new reports of disappearances under tragic circumstances, he said, in remarks uncharacteristically outspoken for an ambassador. American citizens in El Salvador have been among the murdered, among the disappeared. Is it any wonder that much of the world is predisposed to believe the worst of a system which almost never brings to justice either those who perpetrate these acts or those who order them?

He said that if the Salvadoran government did not improve on human rights  a condition for the U.S. aid that in 1982 amounted to more than $230 million  the United States, in spite of our other interests, in spite of our commitment in the struggle against communism, could be forced to deny assistance to El Salvador.

The speech was a bombshell in El Salvador, where the Chamber of Commerce and Industry declared the ambassadors remarks appropriate to a delegate of the Roman Empire before a conquered people. White House spokesman Larry Speakes said publicly that Mr. Hintons statements do represent United States policy, but an unnamed administration official told the New York Times shortly after Mr. Hintons address that the decibel level had risen higher than our policy has allowed in the past.

Interviewed later by The Washington Post, Mr. Hinton acknowledged that his speech represented a departure from the quiet diplomacy advocated by Reagan. But there is provision for exception, he added. I decided the time had come to go public.

In January 1983, Reagan certified sufficient progress in human rights for El Salvador to continue receiving aid. Any president or any administration that thinks it would be a disaster if this country was taken over by a totalitarian Marxist regime is going to hesitate a long time and the evidence would have to be very strong before he decides not to certify, Mr. Hinton said.

By April 1983, Mr. Hinton said that he was weary of the job. The next month, the administration announced that Mr. Hinton would be replaced. The post eventually went to Thomas R. Pickering, later ambassador to nations including Israel and Russia. Mr. Hinton retired in 1994.

Deane Roesch Hinton was born in Missoula, Mont., on March 12, 1923. He received a bachelors degree in social studies and economics from the University of Chicago in 1943 and served in the Army Signal Corps in North Africa and Italy during World War II.

His Foreign Service appointments including postings in Syria, Kenya, France and Belgium. In Guatemala and Chile, he oversaw USAID programs. In between ambassadorships, he served as U.S. representative to the European Union and assistant secretary of state for economic, energy and business affairs. He was the author of a memoir, Economics and Diplomacy (2015).

His first marriage, to Angela Peyraud, ended in divorce. His second wife, Miren de Aretxabala, whom he married in 1971, died in 1979.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Patricia Lopez of Escazu and Los Angeles; five children from his first marriage, Deborah Hinton of Garrett Park, Md., Christopher Hinton of Gettysburg, Pa., Jeffrey Hinton of Boulder, Colo., Joanna Hinton of Toledo, Ohio, and Veronica Hinton of New York City; five children from his second marriage, Pedro Arrivillaga of Santiago, Chile, Guillermo Arrivillaga and Juan Jose Arrivillaga, both of Bethesda, Md., Miren Arrivillaga de Aretxabala of Panama City and Maria-Louisa Arrivillaga of Key Biscayne, Fla.; two children from his third marriage, Sebastian Asturias Hinton of Los Angeles and Deane Patrick Hinton of Washington; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
MILITARY

Marine drill instructors face hazing charges

The Marine Corps is moving forward with the prosecution of two drill instructors accused of hazing and abusing recruits, including one who allegedly put a recruit in an industrial-size clothes dryer and turned it on repeatedly.

Gunnery Sgt. Joseph A. Felix and Sgt. Michael K. Eldridge will be arraigned at Camp Lejeune, N.C., at a date that has not been determined, the service said a statement Wednesday. Both Marines trained recruits at the services installation at Parris Island, S.C., and face charges of cruelty and maltreatment, being drunk and disorderly, failing to obey a lawful order and making false official statements. Felix also is accused of obstruction of justice.

Felix is accused of calling a Muslim recruit a terrorist before putting him in a dryer one night in July 2015, according to documents previously released by the service. His name is redacted from them, but two U.S. officials with knowledge of the case identified Felix as the Marine involved.

Felix also is accused of hazing another Muslim recruit, Pvt. Raheel Siddiqui, after Marine officials allowed Felix to continue training recruits. Siddiqui, 20, fell about 40 feet to his death March 18, 2016, after running away from Felix and careening over a railing, a Marine Corps investigation found last year. His death was ruled a suicide, but his family has contested that.

The Siddiqui case opened a window into maltreatment by numerous drill instructors at Parris Island, one of two training centers the Marine Corps runs for enlisted recruits. Hundreds of hazing and abuse cases have been investigated there in the past few years alone, according to Marine Corps documents.

Marine officials said last fall that up to 20 officers and enlisted Marines could face some form of discipline in connection with the Siddiqui case. At least two officers and a senior enlisted Marine were removed from their jobs at Parris Island last year.

 Dan Lamothe

OHIO

States lethal injection process rejected

A federal appeals court Thursday rejected Ohios new three-drug lethal injection process, jeopardizing the upcoming executions of several condemned killers.

In a 2-to-1 decision, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit in Cincinnati found the proposed use of a contested sedative, midazolam, unconstitutional. The court also ruled that Ohios planned use of two other drugs the state abandoned years ago prevents their reintroduction in a new execution system.

After repeatedly saying that it would no longer use those drugs  pancuronium bromide and potassium chloride  but now attempting to execute condemned inmates with these very drugs, the State had taken directly contradictory positions, Judge Karen Nelson Moore ruled for the majority.

The court also favored arguments by attorneys for death row inmates that the use of another drug  pentobarbital  is still an option, despite Ohios arguments that it cant find supplies of that drug.

An appeal is likely. Options including asking the full appeals court to consider the case or appealing straight to the U.S. Supreme Court, said Dan Tierney, a spokesman for the Ohio attorney generals office.

The ruling was a blow to the state, which hoped to begin executing several condemned killers next month.

 Associated Press

New Mexico to provide all law enforcement officers with drug antidote kits: New Mexico is the first state to require all local and state law enforcement agencies to provide officers with antidote kits as the state works to curb deaths from opioid and heroin overdoses. Gov. Susana Martinez (R) on Thursday signed legislation approved unanimously by lawmakers during their recent session. Under the legislation, certified opioid treatment centers would be asked to consider providing education along with two doses of the overdose antidote naloxone and a prescription to patients. New Mexico in 2001 also was the first state to enact legislation increasing access to naloxone.

Cat doused in gasoline, thrown into trash truck: The Humane Society of Berks County, Pa., is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest after a cat was found tied up, doused in gasoline and placed into a plastic trash bag that was nearly crushed in a Reading, Pa., garbage truck. Two workers from Harold Adam Refuse Removal had tossed the bag into their truck Tuesday morning but later discovered the cat when they heard it making sounds inside the bag. Officials arent sure how the cat, named Miracle Maisy by shelter workers, survived an estimated six hours in the bag breathing the gasoline fumes.

 From news services
SOMALIA

Shake-up announced as security deteriorates

Somalias new president on Thursday declared the country a war zone and replaced its military and intelligence chiefs while instructing the army to prepare a new offensive against al-Shabab extremists.

The shake-up is an attempt to improve the worsening security situation in Somalia. The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab has stepped up deadly bombings in the capital since Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed was elected president in February. A car bombing on Wednesday at a Mogadishu restaurant killed at least seven people.

Mohamed, a Somali American, said his government will focus on the security of the capital first, then the rest of the country.

Thursdays announcement is seen as an attempt by the new president to consolidate power in this long-chaotic Horn of Africa nation. He also replaced the countrys police chief and Mogadishus mayor.

The changes announced by Mohamed come roughly a week after the Trump administration approved greater U.S. military authority to pursue al-Shabab in Somalia, including more aggressive airstrikes as parts of southern Somalia will be considered areas of active hostilities.

Also Thursday, a roadside bomb killed at least 20 people in a minibus in Somalias Lower Shabelle region, the regions governor said, blaming al-Shabab.

 Associated Press

GAZA STRIP

Hamas executes 3 over suspected ties to Israel

Hamas, the Islamist militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, on Thursday executed three Palestinians it had accused of collaborating with Israel. The development was probably spurred by the killing of a

senior Hamas commander last month.

The three were sentenced months ago for relaying information on attack tunnels and other military details to Israel and were not directly connected to the killing of the senior commander.

Hamas imposed a lockdown in the wake of the mysterious killing of Mazen Faqha, 38, who was shot at the entrance of his Gaza City home.

The group blamed Israel and Gaza collaborators for his death but has provided no evidence.

Israel had sentenced Faqha to nine terms of life imprisonment for directing deadly suicide attacks. He was freed along with more than 1,000 other Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single Israeli soldier in 2011.

Meanwhile, a Palestinian rammed his vehicle into a group of people near a West Bank settlement on Thursday, killing an Israeli soldier and wounding another, the military said.

The military said the Palestinian was caught after the attack near the Ofra settlement. Rescue services said the slain Israeli soldier was 20. The wounded soldier was taken to a hospital.

 Associated Press

U.S.-educated Islamic State propagandist killed in Syria:A U.S.-Syrian Islamic State militant who helped run an online media campaign disseminating extremist material to sympathizers worldwide has been killed in Syria, the group said. Ahmad Abousamra was killed in January in an airstrike north of the Syrian city of Tabqa, according to Islamic State publications, including the English-language online magazine Rumiyah, which he helped set up. Abousamra, 35, was born in Paris but brought up in Boston, Rumiyah said.

Thai king endorses military-backed charter: Thailands king signed the countrys new military-backed constitution, under which the ruling junta could allow fresh elections but limit the authority of the politicians who take office. The military junta, which seized control in a coup about three years ago, has said that the promulgation of the constitution will clear the way for elections no later than November 2018. Critics say the constitution is undemocratic and will allow the military to keep its grip on power even after elections.

1,350 migrants rescued in Mediterranean: Italys coast guard and humanitarian ships rescued 1,350 migrants in 12 operations over one day in the Mediterranean, and one person was found dead. The migrants were found in an area about 16 miles north of the Libyan coast. Italy has become the main arrival point in Europe for people fleeing persecution and poverty in Africa, most of them crossing the Mediterranean from Libya.

Iranian conservative to run in presidential race, report says: A bloc of conservative Iranian political parties has nominated a powerful cleric as its candidate in next months presidential election in a bid to unseat moderate Hassan Rouhani, Irans state news agency said. Until next weeks registration period for nominees is closed, it will not be confirmed that Ebrahim Raisi is the main conservative challenger. But Raisi is an ally of Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and analysts believe his nomination has been approved by Khamenei.

Dalai Lamas visit to Indian border region angers China: The Dalai Lama consecrated a Buddhist monastery in Indias remote northeast, amid Chinese warnings that the exiled Tibetan spiritual leaders visit to a disputed border region would damage Beijings relations with New Delhi. The visit to the state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China also claims as its territory, has raised tensions between India and China. China considers the monk, who fled to India in 1959 amid an uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, a separatist seeking Tibets independence.

 From news services
Robert D. Atkinson is president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

Of all the issues that will be on the table when President Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping this week at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, none is more important for the U.S. and global economies than Chinas mercantilist campaign to dominate advanced industries by flouting the rules of the international trading system. China has been kidney-punching its competitors and has received in return only the occasional sheepish rebuke at ministerial dialogues. Trump is right when he says that China has been eating our lunch and that it is time to do something about it.

Doing something about it requires that Washington neither continue its flaccid appeasement nor retreat toward economic nationalism. Instead, the United States should adopt a strategy of constructive, alliance-backed confrontation. Only by leading an international coalition of market-based, rule-of-law economies will it be able to prevail on Chinas leaders to start competing fairly.

For such a strategy to work, however, Washingtons pro-trade establishment first must come to grips with the reality that China is a conspicuous outlier  and that its unremitting mercantilist behavior represents a threat not only to the U.S. economy but also to the very soul of the global trading system.

Xi has unabashedly trumpeted a goal of making China the master of its own technologies, by which he means Chinese firms should produce most of the technological goods and services that China consumes while also having free rein to dominate global markets. To achieve this, Xi has promulgated policies such as the Made in China 2025 strategy, which calls for using at least 70 percent locally produced code, content and components in an array of advanced-manufacturing products, as well as a cybersecurity strategy aimed at mastering core technologies such as operating systems, integrated circuits, big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things. Indeed, from computing to biotech to aerospace, almost no advanced U.S. industry is immune. Losing in these industries would mean fewer good U.S. jobs, a weaker dollar and severe vulnerabilities in the nations defense-industrial base.

It would be one thing if China were just another middle-of-the-pack nation following international norms to reach ambitious industrial goals. But when the worlds second-largest economy makes by-hook-or-crook mercantilism the animating force of its economic and trade policies, that is a whole different kettle of fish. In addition to stealing intellectual property, forcing competitors to hand over their technologies and thumbing the scales on behalf of its state-owned enterprises, Chinas unfair policies include a pattern of flatly denying some foreign firms access to its markets; weaponizing its antitrust laws to extort concessions; and underwriting acquisitions of foreign technology firms. These policies are especially damaging in the absence of a true rule of law or an independent judiciary to constrain Chinese officials.

The previous three U.S. administrations sought dialogue with Chinese leaders in the hope that they would have an epiphany and embrace the one true path of Western, market-based economics. But it should be clear by now that approach has failed miserably. Indeed, rather than reform, China has been doubling down.

Trump is right that China is flouting global trade rules to the detriment of the United States, but adopting a policy of economic nationalism  simply slapping tariffs on foreign goods, for example  will not solve the problem. In fact, it would simultaneously crimp U.S. prospects for growth, leave the global playing field wide open for China to dominate, and alienate allies who would have no choice but to cut flawed deals with the worlds new economic hegemon. But neither is it a viable option to blithely accept Chinese domination of advanced industries.

So what should the Trump administration do? One step would be to resurrect a new and improved version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Much of the opposition to the TPP was based on a combination of ideology and misinformation, but it is true that the agreement could have been better. Trump should make it his own by adding new protections, such as strong curbs on currency manipulation, and then claim victory. Another step would be to more vigorously prosecute trade cases against China. But doing this would only chip away at the core problem. Neither approach represents a direct challenge to Chinas systematic pattern of abuse.

To fundamentally change Chinese government behavior, Trump needs to assemble an alliance of nations that collectively raise the stakes. China wont willingly abandon its mercantilist policies unless it is compelled to do so by outside pressure that goes beyond the narrow, legalistic limits of the World Trade Organization. This fight will be won or lost not in the tribunals of Geneva, but in the court of global opinion where countries are held accountable for delivering tangible results. That means the Trump administration needs to enlist the international community to pressure China to show by its actions that it can be a responsible player in the global trading system.

The first step in enacting this new doctrine should be to build an ironclad prosecutors case that catalogues all of the unfair, mercantilist practices China engages in and explains how they harm the entire world economy, rich and poor nations alike. Next, Trump should have top administration officials fan out around the world to line up allies, including in Europe, the British commonwealth nations, Japan and South Korea, to develop a coordinated response. This could even include orchestrating a Group of 19 meeting that excludes China  for the express purpose of formulating an agenda for how market-based, rule-of-law economies can respond both in unison and individually to Chinese mercantilism.

Isolation is not a formula for economic greatness; leading the defense of the global trading system is. Other countries lack the heft to push back against Chinas mercantilism on their own for the (very real) fear of retaliation. But the United States can and should lead this effort. America First should mean standing in the vanguard and pointing the way forward.
THERE IS reason for concern that President Trump, who will begin a two-day summit Thursday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, is not prepared to inaugurate what will probably be the most important foreign relationship of his presidency. Mr. Xi will arrive with a polished list of Chinese demands; Mr. Trump, who has yet to staff most of the senior Asia positions in his administration or conduct a review of China policy, appears to be improvising. The danger is that he, like Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his recent visit to Beijing, could be drawn into Chinas conception of a new form of great power relations before he has had the chance to formulate one of his own.

The confusion about administration policy is partly the result of a positive development: Mr. Trump has retreated from some of the counterproductive China-bashing he promoted during the presidential campaign and immediately afterward. He did not designate the Xi regime as a currency manipulator on day one of his presidency; he told the Financial Times this week that he would postpone any talk of punitive tariffs on Chinese goods. He assured Mr. Xi during their first substantial phone call that he supported the one-China policy, reversing a hint that he might not.

These necessary adjustments have been accompanied by less explicable retreats. Since Mr. Trump took office, U.S. naval forces reportedly have not received administration permission to challenge Chinese claims in the South China Sea through freedom of navigation exercises. And Mr. Trump handed Beijing a major geopolitical coup by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a step that left Mr. Xi with the opportunity to set the economic rules for the region.

If the administration has focused on an issue for the summit, it would appear to be North Korea, which a White House briefer says is a matter of urgent interest for the president. Mr. Trump appears to be betting that he can, unlike the three presidents before him, persuade the Chinese leadership to bring serious pressure to bear on the Pyongyang regime, which is racing to develop the capability to strike the United States with nuclear-armed intercontinental missiles.

The president is right to push Mr. Xi on the North Korean threat; he should make clear that the United States will proceed with the deployment of the THAAD antimissile system in South Korea in spite of Chinas objections. But it is not certain that Mr. Trump can deliver on his threat that if China is not going to solve North Korea, we will. Rather than tempt Mr. Xi to call his bluff, Mr. Trump should be offering assurances that change on the Korean Peninsula can be managed in a way that protects Beijings legitimate interests. The stick Washington can credibly wield is not the threat of unilateral military action, but steps to punish Chinese banks and companies that fail to observe U.N. sanctions.

Administration officials suggest the summit discussions will span a variety of issues; one of these should be human rights. Mr. Xi has presided over the most aggressive crackdown on dissent in China in decades, and he is in the midst of stifling Hong Kongs relative freedom. By raising these issues, Mr. Trump can not only side with those in China who believe in democratic values, he can also make clear to Mr. Xi that their great power relations will not be exclusively on Beijings terms.
King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Trump held a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House on Wednesday. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)

Just before his first official White House meeting with President Trump on Wednesday, King Abdullah II of Jordan spoke to The Washington Posts Lally Weymouth about the key role he expects to play with the president in reviving the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. He also talked about the need for the United States to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and perhaps make some concessions to solve the crisis in Syria. Excerpts follow:

Q. What would you like to come out of your meeting with President Trump?

A. The president, when I met him [in February], was very keen to solve the Israeli-Palestinian issue as quickly as possible. Now all of us have got to do the heavy lifting.

Q. When you met President Trump before, you told him that moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would be disastrous in the region ?

A. I was asked about this, and my response was there is going to be a fallout if it is not part of something more comprehensive. The president said, Look, I am very keen to move the Israelis and Palestinians forward and to find a peace process that actually works, and lets all work on this together.

Q. You also talked to President Trump about stopping settlements, right?

A. All I said was these issues do create animosity and difficulty  when I know that the priority of the president is to fight extremism and terrorism globally. These issues give ammunition to the Iranians, to [Islamic State leader Abu Bakr] al-Baghdadi and ISIS.

Q. Wasnt it right after your conversation that Trump encouraged Israel to freeze settlements ?

A. I think people are giving me way too much credit. They are saying that I had something to do with it. I dont know if I did. I just expressed my views.

Q. What do you think about the ban on immigration from certain Muslim countries that the administration is trying to impose?

A. I am not so much worried about foreign fighters coming into America, because you have a fairly robust system in place. . . . The danger is more the ideological battle. If Muslims in the Western community feel victimized, that is more dangerous, because lone-wolf attacks from homegrown terrorists are something we have seen recently in Britain and a couple of times in the United States.

Q. And youve had that in Jordan?

A. In 2016, for the first time, we captured and killed 40 ISIS terrorists in two major incidents. Ninety-six percent of them were of Palestinian origin. So if we dont move the Israeli-Palestinian process forward, that is a major recruiting [opportunity] for disenfranchised and frustrated people.

Q. Do you engage with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?

A. I have been in contact with Netanyahu. . . . Egypt and Jordan have a special relationship with Israel, and so if we dont move forward, it puts more pressure on the Jordanians and the Egyptians.

[The point of] my visit here  and the American administration agrees with me  is that we have got to put this all together. If there are settlements, how does this affect the peace process? I think the major challenge that we have is: Are we for a two-state solution? I dont see any alternative but the two-state solution.

Q. How do you see the situation in Syria? Is Raqqa [which the Islamic State claims as its capital] about to fall? And if so, what happens next?

A. I think Raqqa will fall. I think things are going well in Syria and Iraq in defeating terrorism. The only problem is [militants] are going to move down towards us [in Jordan], which is a challenge, but we are ready for it in coordination with the U.S. and the British.

But they are also going elsewhere  you see them shift to Libya, and, as we succeed in Libya, they will move down into the Chad Basin, and that is going to strengthen Boko Haram. If Boko Haram is strengthened, then that is going to affect al-Shabab. Many members of the U.S. administration get that, and I think you are seeing a new strategy. We cant just focus on Syria and Iraq. We have to focus internationally  wherever these people are, we have to take the fight to them.

Regarding the chemical attacks we saw in Syria this week, we have the moral obligation as members of the international community to fight this horrendous tragedy that is befalling civilians in Syria.

Q. But the attacks on civilians in Syria were most likely caused by President Bashar al-Assad.

A. Yes. We have to have a unified policy on what is acceptable and what is not.

Q. Does that include getting rid of President Assad?

A. Getting rid of Assad is a discussion for [future] Geneva [talks]. The Astana talks [backed by Russia, Iran and Turkey] that were involved in are purely related to getting a military cease-fire. We all know that the Russians want [Assad] there longer than the rest of us do, but I dont think the Russians are wed to Assad. Common sense dictates that somebody who is the figurehead of such bloodshed towards his people probably will move on.

Q. So you think that at forthcoming Geneva talks, the Russians will get rid of Assad?

A. I think they will barter on how Assad exits. At the end of the day, we need a regime that is accepted by all Syrian people.

Q. Do you want to see the U.S. engage with Russia over Syria?

A. Ill tell you why that works: From the Russian point of view, they play what I describe as a three-dimensional chess game. To them, Crimea is important, Syria is important, Ukraine, and we see them in Libya. The Americans and Europeans must deal with the Russians on all these issues simultaneously.

Q. Once you understand these issues together, what do you do?

A. Then you horse-trade. For the Russians I think the most important thing is Crimea. If you come to an understanding on Crimea, I think you will see much more flexibility on Syria, and I think Ukraine then becomes the least problematic.

From Putins point of view, he has a major challenge with terrorism. ISIS international is heading towards Moscow. I think [the subway attack in] St. Petersburg is the start of foreign fighters moving to another battleground. Putin has to find a political solution sooner rather than later in Syria. If European countries have problems with foreign fighters, the Russians have 10 times more problems. They have all the terrorists from the Caucasus and have had two wars in Chechnya.

Q. What do you expect from President Putin?

A. A Russian-American dialogue will help. Otherwise, the Americans and Russians will fight it out in Syria and Libya. If you keep this tension going, the next problem will be in Moldova. . . . Russians are going to continue to shake the tree, unless we come to a meeting of minds.

Q. Is that a good solution for the West?

A. If we can solve Syria and come to a common understanding that is fair for the Syrian people, then yes. Crimea is Putins No. 1 issue, and I think that you say, Lets discuss Crimea, but when it comes to Syria, you have to move.

Q. Is it true that Arab leaders are rejoicing because they feel that President Trump will be tougher on Iran than his predecessor?

A. Some countries do, some countries dont.

Q. What is your view?

A. There are some strategic problems that Iran is involved in in our area. But here, again, is an opportunity: bringing Israel and the Arabs closer together. Because of the Iranian regimes potential threat to the region, Israel wants to have a relationship with the Arabs. But the problem that is [standing] between the Arabs and the Israelis is the Palestinians. The whole point of our peace initiative is for us to be the guarantors of Israels security. If we can solve the Palestinian problem, then this is a new era of stability in our area, where Israelis are truly a part of the neighborhood.

Q. Are you worried when you look north that Iran will remain dominant in a post-Raqqa Syria?

A. There is an attempt to forge a geographic link between Iran, Iraq, Syria and Hezbollah/Lebanon. I raised this with President Putin, who was fully aware of . . . Irans strategic intent to have power there.

Q. On your border, dont you have Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps?

A. Yes, the Revolutionary Guard is about 70 kilometers away [in southern Syria]. If it is bad news for us, you have to put the Israeli equation into this.

Q. They must be very concerned. What will you do about it?

A. We were very explicit with the Russians, as were the Israelis, that nonstate actors from outside coming towards our border are not going to be tolerated. I think we came to an understanding with the Russians.

Q. Will Iran dominate Iraq in the future, if nothing changes?

A. We have had a hand in the reconciliation between all the Iraqis  Kurds, Sunnis and Shia. I will be meeting with Sunni, Shia and Kurdish leaders in the near future, so we can build the atmosphere of reconciliation.

Q. But right now it looks like Iran will dominate a future Iraq. Am I wrong?

A. It has tremendous influence in Baghdad. I think bringing the nationalists together who believe in Iraq . . . tends to level the balance more.

Q. But isnt the growing influence of Iran a threat to the region? Isnt Iran backing the Shia-led Houthi militias in Yemen?

A. Iran is there. Iran is also in east Africa and in Africa in general. They have been there for a while trying to dominate. That has been somewhat nipped in the bud. But unless we strengthen the African countries, then other players will come in and try to dictate their policies. So the U.S. is more engaged in Somalia and is strengthening its relationships with Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti, because those are the critical countries fighting al-Shabab.

Q. What about U.S. aid to Jordan? Do you want to see it continued at its present level or increased?

A. We want to stop being a country that receives aid within the next four or five years. So increasing aid will allow us to increase growth and be able to wean ourselves off aid more quickly. We are going through a massive restructuring of the armed forces  we are coming down in size. We are shedding all our heavy equipment, because we cant afford it. So support to the military is also important. With 20 percent of our countrys population being refugees, that puts an immense burden on our government. We are covering their health and education. The U.S. is our biggest supporter. We received $1.275 billion last year.

Q. What was your impression of President Trump?

A. He wants to engage and make a deal for Israelis and Palestinians. I was really struck by the commitment he had in bringing the Israelis and Palestinians together.

Q. What do you worry about the most?

A. My people and their economic situation.

Q. Unemployment is very high in Jordan, isnt it?

A. There is a lot of unemployment, and that could lead to radicalization. That is what has kept me up for the past five or six years: the economy. Not the politics or the military or security situation. I am trying to grow the economy and look after my people.

Twitter: @LallyWeymouth

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Regarding the April 3 editorial Mr. Hogans flexibility:

The fracking process releases enough methane (with 86 times the global warming potential of carbon) to cause more global warming than coal-fired power plants. Hundreds of scientific studies have overwhelmingly shown fracking to be harmful to human health, including a recent Johns Hopkins study that found it causes a 40 percent increase in the risk of premature births. No amount of regulation can protect against this. Even after pressure from the fracking industry, the Environmental Protection Agency admitted that fracking poisons drinking water. Most of the jobs fracking creates are short-term. The renewable-energy industry provides more jobs.

For all of these reasons, the citizens of Maryland rose up to tell the legislature and Gov. Larry Hogan to ban fracking. Our ability to persuade even a Republican governor to ban this practice is a great victory of grass-roots activism, which should be celebrated by those who care about the environment.

Jill Clark-Gollub, Silver Spring

The writer is co-chair of the

Maryland Sierra Club Beyond Gas

Steering Committee.

The editorial boards tortured reasoning would have Maryland commence fracking because President Trump is abandoning climate policies. To the contrary, given the presidents vow to welcome all pipelines, ignore climate science and stop monitoring leaks of the greenhouse gas methane, Maryland and its governor made the right decision to ban fracking.

Scientists say we must leave three-fourths of known fossil-fuel reserves in the ground if humanity is to avoid calamitous climate disruption. Any state that hasnt started fracking should stand down. Recent studies find serious health threats, no safe way to manage wastewater and no long-term plan to monitor the toxic water abandoned underground. The market forces The Post lauds dont take into account ruined tourism businesses, the industrys habit of preying on poorer communities, and catastrophic storms and sea-level rise.

We are all downwind and downstream. Our legislators and governor drew a line, putting Maryland on the right side of climate history on fracking. Its time to turn to energy efficiency (the true bridge fuel) and renewable energy.

Elisabeth Hoffman, Clarksville

The writer serves on the board of Citizen Shale.
Say what you will about Rahm Emanuel, Chicagos Democratic mayor, but he has been in the thick of just about every major policy and political battle in recent history. Few politicians bring more savvy to whatever the fight may be.

Emanuels latest provocative move is to recast the Chicago public schools pension-funding woes as a modern-day lawsuit equivalent to Brown v. Board of Education.

Though the problems behind the case were made in Illinois, its implications are national. Emanuels city isnt the first U.S. jurisdiction to face brutal trade-offs between the contractual entitlements of unionized teachers and the educational needs of Americas public school kids  most of whom, as of 2014, are minorities. And it wont be the last.

To be sure, Chicagos lawsuit expressly disavows attacking the teachers, or their pensions; Emanuel, having endured a 2012 teacher strike, isnt going there. The defendant is the state government, for allegedly sending a disproportionate share of its annual $10.6 billion in education aid to mostly white school systems outside of Chicago, whose students are 88 percent black, Hispanic or Asian. Thats separate and unequal, the lawsuit claims, in violation of state civil rights law.

Chicagos chronically underfunded teacher pensions are the heart of the matter, however. A state-law requirement to pay into them from city resources accounts for Chicagos financial desperation. The city owes 13 percent of the schools operating budget, or nearly $1,900 a year per student in 2017, for teacher pensions.

Without a quick injection of $215 million, Emanuel has said, Chicago public schools may face drastic service cuts, imperiling the fragile but real progress they have made during his administration.

The proximate cause of the lawsuit was Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauners (R) veto late last year of a bill that would have supplied the $215 million pension fill-in. Rauner refused the money pending wider restructuring of the states troubled public sector pensions. And he had a point; the veto gave him leverage, which he is wielding in high-stakes negotiations with the Democratic legislature and with Emanuel. The outcome is anyones guess.

As for the lawsuit, the state has urged a state judge to dismiss it, denying that funding formulas shortchange Chicago and calling attention to the citys past financial mismanagement.

The details of this dispute are less important, however, than the fact that it has to occur in the first place.

Teachers, like other public employees, oppose changes in existing pension arrangements, and courts, including, recently, Illinoiss Supreme Court, have often ruled that agreed-upon benefits cannot be reduced.

Yet absent reforms that reduce school systems legacy costs, intergenerational injustice will deepen. In a financially troubled state such as Illinois, where taxes are already high, it seems wrong to exempt any politically influential group of grown-ups from shared sacrifice, while children compete for resources.

Teachers do a vital, difficult job and should be compensated accordingly, including with retirement benefits. This could be done far more efficiently through a 401(k)-style plan paid for by both teachers and their employers, as in the private sector.

Whats more, theres evidence that traditional defined-benefit pensions, with their upfront payroll deductions and backloaded benefits, are not optimal for teachers in todays high-turnover market.

Unlike a 401(k), theyre not fully portable; teachers who go from one system to another over a career, as is common, can find themselves contributing to multiple pensions without fully vesting in any of them. They can withdraw contributions upon changing jobs, but with little or no interest.

A 2015 Urban Institute report estimated that more than three-quarters of teachers age 25 or older who would start in the profession that year could look forward to getting less out of a pension plan than they paid in.

The situation in bankrupt Puerto Rico illustrates what lies at the bottom of this slippery slope: New teachers will soon be contributing 14 percent of their salary to cover $55 million in monthly pensions for 42,000 retirees, even though the younger generation may never see a dime because the fund will be empty by next year, according to a recent New York Times report.

As it happens, Chicagos teachers are relatively privileged in this respect, since the city pays most of their pension contribution for them, 7 percent of salary . The teachers union negotiated this perk as a short-term salve for pay cuts suffered amid a funding crisis four decades ago; it subsequently morphed into a permanent rule. When Emanuel proposed phasing it out, in the interest of financial stability, last year, the union threatened to strike.

Decades of political log-rolling, contradictory unfunded legal mandates and short-term funding patches have brought Illinois to its fiscal predicament, of which Chicagos crisis over teacher pensions is only one manifestation.

Whatever its legal merits, or chances of success, the citys lawsuit does serve one purpose: to remind everyone of the status quos costs, and who really bears them.

Read more from Charles Lanes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
It doesnt take four years of higher education to see the unintended consequences of requiring D.C.s child-care workers to have college degrees [A higher degree of child care, Metro, April 1].

The Districts new restrictions will undoubtedly make child care more expensive. For many workers, staying in a job that now requires an expensive degree is not realistic. The result will be a needless shortage of good people to care for our kids.

The Districts new policy tells people who cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on an education that the only way to continue to work is to comply with increasingly burdensome licensing requirements. The policy also implies that working-class people are unworthy of caring for children and that the achievement gap can be solved only by the government. This is shortsighted and mistaken, and it does not put the District ahead of the curve.

Renee Flaherty, Arlington

The writer is a lawyer at the Institute for Justice.
Tom Cotton, a Republican, represents Arkansas in the U.S. Senate.

Gen. Paul Selva recently became the first Pentagon official to state publicly that Russia has deployed a land-based cruise missile in direct violation of its treaty obligations to the United States. Selva, who serves as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee: We believe that the Russians have deliberately deployed it in order to pose a threat to NATO. He also noted  to the best of his knowledge  that they do not intend to return to compliance.

In other words, the Russians have calculated that it costs them more to fulfill their treaty commitments than to break them. The only proper response to this provocation is to increase the costs and change Russias calculation.

The agreement in question is the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which the Soviet Union and the United States signed in 1987 to eliminate an entire class of land-based missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. Reasons for the treaty date back to the late 1970s, when the Soviet Union deployed intermediate-range nuclear missiles to Europe, reducing warning times and threatening to divide Europe from North America. NATO responded by deploying U.S. intermediate-range nuclear missiles in 1983. The increased tensions ultimately led to arms-control negotiations and the landmark INF Treaty.

From Vladimir Putins perspective, the treaty is a one-sided deal. Since only the United States and Russia are parties to the treaty, Russias neighbors may develop intermediate-range forces. For that reason, the Kremlin sees itself as surrounded by hostile countries. Moreover, land-based cruise missiles simply dont pose the same threat to the United States  guarded as it is by two oceans.

As a result, Putins government has been subverting the treaty for eight years. By some accounts, Russia started testing a new cruise missile that could strike Western Europe as early as 2008, thus violating the treaty. The Obama administration repeatedly warned the Kremlin to cease and desist. The State Department formally declared Russia in violation of the treaty in 2014  and every year thereafter. But all of Americas protests were treated as so much hot air  just another meaningless red line.

As long as the United States refuses to back up its words with actions, violating the treaty is a low-risk, high-reward proposition for Russia. The missile deployment not only sows divisions between the United States and its allies, but also yields no consequences. Thats why Ive introduced legislation with a group of senators that would direct the Pentagon to take four measures until Russia lives up to its obligations.

First, the bill would invest $100 million in developing a new intermediate-range cruise missile. Under the treaty, the United States cant test, produce or possess this kind of missile, but it can conduct research on possible improvements to other missiles, such as extending their range or adapting them for different environments. For instance, the United States could develop a land-based version of the Tomahawk missile, which is usually launched from Navy ships or submarines. This kind of research would keep us in compliance  for now  but also prepare us in case the treaty becomes obsolete.

Second, the bill would provide $500 million in funding for new defense capabilities that could neutralize whatever advantage Russia gains by violating the treaty. For instance, we could continue and accelerate the deployment of sea- and land-based missile-defense sites. A new Russian cruise missile becomes much less valuable if the United States and its allies can easily shoot it down.

Third, the bill would direct the Pentagon to facilitate the transfer of cruise missiles among our allies. Even if the United States cannot keep these kinds of weapons itself, it can arrange business deals among our allies who can. The Polish government has been acquiring air-launched cruise missiles for some time; perhaps if we helped add intermediate-range ground-launched missiles to their arsenal, Russia might think twice about its reckless strategy.

Finally, the bill curtails funding for two treaties that Russia wants to preserve. The first is a possible extension of the New START Treaty, which limits each countrys strategic nuclear forces (such as longer-range, intercontinental systems). The second is the Open Skies Treaty, which allows Russia to conduct aerial surveillance over the United States (and vice versa). If the Russians wont keep their INF commitments  which benefit us  why should the United States continue other treaties that benefit them?

Russias new cruise missile is an incredibly dangerous threat to the United States and our allies. Unless we act now, Russia will only continue its campaign of aggression. Congress should heed Selvas warning and make Russia pay for its actions. Only by increasing the costs of defying our country will we bring the geopolitical scales back to balance.
Impulse control is unfashionable as well as unpresidential, but perhaps you should resist the urge to trip people who stride briskly down the sidewalk fixated on their phone screens, absorbed in texting and feeling entitled to expect others to make way. New technologies are shaping behaviors and dissolving civilities.

In 2005, Lynne Truss, in her book Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home and Bolt the Door, presciently said we were slouching into an age of social autism with a Universal Eff-Off Reflex. Long before progress, understood as streaming, brought us binge-watching, she foresaw people entertaining themselves into inanition with portable technologies that enable limitless self-absorption, making people solipsistic and unmannerly. Truss foresaw an age of hair-trigger sensitivity and lazy moral relativism combined with aggressive social insolence. This was 12 years before some Wellesley College professors said, last month, that inviting controversial, a.k.a. conservative, speakers to campus injures students by forcing them to invest time and energy in rebutting the speakers arguments.

In the latest issue of the American Interest, the Hudson Institutes Carolyn Stewart, revisiting Trusss book, wonders, What is it about social media that compels us to throw off the gloves? Stewart notes that, as Truss anticipated, people have taken an expectation that previously applied to the private sphere  control over our environment  and are increasingly applying it to the public sphere. Social medias self-affirming feedback loop encourages expectations for a custom-made reality and indignation about anything that deviates from our preferences.

The consequences of what Stewart calls our growing intolerance of an unedited reality are enumerated in Tom Nicholss new book, The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters. Our devices and social media are, he says, producing people who confuse Internet grazing with research and this faux research with higher education, defined by a wit as those magical seven years between high school and your first warehouse job. Years when students demand to run institutions that the students insist should treat them as fragile children.

It is, Nichols writes, a new Declaration of Independence: no longer do we hold these truths to be self-evident, we hold all truths to be self-evident, even the ones that arent true. All things are knowable and every opinion on any subject is as good as any other. In the movie Animal House, when the epically unruly fraternity is hauled before the student court, the fraternity member who is going to defend it, when asked by a fellow member if he knows what he is doing, replies, Take it easy, Im pre-law. When someone says, I thought you were pre-med, he replies, Whats the difference? What indeed.

In todays therapeutic culture, which seems designed to validate every opinion and feeling, there will rarely be disagreement without anger between thin-skinned people who cannot distinguish the phrase youre wrong from youre stupid. Equating critical thinking with relentless criticism results in worse than the indiscriminate rejection not merely of this or that expert. Nichols says this equation produces a Google-fueled, Wikipedia-based, blog-sodden disdain for even the ideal of expertise. This ideal becomes an affront in a culture that cannot endure even the slightest hint of inequality of any kind. Unfortunately, Nichols tartly notes, specialization is necessarily exclusive.

And arent we glad: When you take an elevator to the top of a tall building, the certificate in the elevator does not say good luck up there; it says that a civic authority, relying on engineers educated and examined by other engineers, have looked at that box and know, with as much certainty as anyone can, that youll be safe.

The spreading epidemic of misinformation, nowadays known as alternative facts, gives rise to a corollary to Greshams Law (bad money drives out good): Misinformation pushes aside knowledge. Everyone with a smartphone has in his or her pocket, Nichols says, more information than ever existed in the entire Library of Alexandria, which can produce a self-deluding veneer of erudition.

Nichols recounts an old joke about a British Foreign Office official who retired after 40 years: Every morning I went to the prime minister and assured him there would be no world war today. And I am pleased to note that in a career of 40 years, I was only wrong twice. This official deserved an A grade, like everyone else.

Read more from George F. Wills archive or follow him on Facebook.
Why are Democrats filibustering Judge Neil Gorsuch? Because theyve had enough with the politics of power-grabbing and bullying.

At the root of this fight is a long-term conservative effort to dominate the Supreme Court and turn it to the political objectives of the right.

This is thus about far more than retaliation, however understandable, for the Senate Republicans refusal to give even a hearing to Judge Merrick Garland, President Barack Obamas nominee for the seat Gorsuch would fill. Behind the current judicial struggle lies a series of highly politicized Supreme Court rulings.

It started with Bush v. Gore, when five conservative justices abruptly halted the recount of Floridas ballots in the 2000 election and made George W. Bush president.

The unsigned majority opinion unmasked (to use the word of the moment) the unprincipled and unmistakably results-oriented nature of the decision with this lovely little sentence: Our consideration is limited to the present circumstances, for the problem of equal protection in election processes generally presents many complexities.

(Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

Translation: Dont you dare use this case as precedent in any future decisions. Were just doing this to achieve the outcome we want in this election.

[Mitch McConnell can explain that he doesnt trifle with American institutions]

Bush v. Gore had consequences for the court itself, because Bush got to pick two Supreme Court justices. He chose John G. Roberts Jr. as chief justice. Roberts, its worth noting, went to Florida as a volunteer lawyer advising then-Gov. Jeb Bush, who had a rather large interest in his brothers victory. Can we please acknowledge that few court nominees are pristinely above politics?

Later, Bush filled his second vacancy with Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., and he and Roberts were key to two of the most activist decisions in court history on matters central to how our elections work.

In 2010, Roberts and Alito voted with the 5-to-4 majority in Citizens United that overturned decades of law and precedent to widen the gates to big money in campaigns. Then, in 2013, they were integral to another 5-to-4 decision, Shelby County, that gutted the Voting Rights Act. Many Republican-controlled states rushed in with new laws, including voter ID requirements, that impeded access to the ballot by African Americans and other minorities.

You do not have to believe in conspiracies to see how Shelby County and Citizens United fit together. In tandem, they empowered the most privileged parts of our society and undercut the rights of those who had historically faced discrimination and exclusion. They also tilted the electoral playing field toward Republicans and the right.

So lets can all of these original-sin arguments about who started what and when in our struggles over the judiciary. From Bush v. Gore to Citizens United to Shelby County, it is the right wing that chose to thrust the court into the middle of electoral politics in an entirely unprecedented and hugely damaging way.

And the Republican-led Senate was ready to use any means necessary to hold on to this partisan advantage. When Obama chose Garland for the court, he picked the nominee Republicans themselves had said they could confirm. In 2010, for example, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) called Garland a consensus nominee about whom there was no question that he would win Senate confirmation. Hatchs view became inoperative when Garland threatened to break the conservatives 5-to-4 advantage.

[Supreme Court thieves]

Obama took grief from many progressives who saw Garland as too moderate. Gorsuch, by contrast, passes all of his sides litmus tests. During the campaign, Trump added Gorsuch to his roster of potential justices in response to lists from the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society. There is nothing moderate about Gorsuch except his demeanor. The demand for a 60-vote threshold is really a plea that Republican presidents put forward choices who can win broad support by reflecting Garland-style restraint.

In the coming days, we will hear moans about how terrible filibustering a Supreme Court choice is. Democrats will be dismissed as catering to their base. Justified outrage over the blockade against Garland will be reduced to score-settling, as if those who started a fight should be allowed to recast themselves as pious, gentle peace-lovers when the other side dares to strike back.

Its said that with the odds against them in this fight, progressives would be wise to back off now and wait for the next battle. But graciousness and tactical caution have only emboldened the right. Its past time to have it out. From now on, conservatives must encounter tough resistance as they try to turn the highest court in the land into a cog in their political machine.

Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
A springtime stroll at Keukenhof Park in Lisse, Netherlands, this month. Dutch children spend more time playing, and Dutch parents spend less time working, than their American counterparts. (Paulo Amorim/Sipa USA via AP Images)

Vicky Hallett, a former Washington Post reporter, is a freelance writer in Florence, Italy.

Whats wrong with the American way of parenting?

Pretty much everything, according to an outpouring of child-rearing wisdom from our compatriots abroad. Were a nation of helicoptering sanctimommies blinded by flashcards and Pinterest projects  and in desperate need of help. The 2012 bestseller Bringing Up Bebe touted the wisdom of French parenting, such as serving kids multi-course meals and letting them curse with an age-appropriate word. Then it was all about The Danish Way of Parenting, which promised to show us what the happiest people in the world know about raising confident, capable kids. (In short, get cozy and dont yell.)

Now, apparently, its time to go Dutch. In their new book, The Happiest Kids in the World, two expat moms want to share what theyve discovered about the Netherlands: Childhood over here consists of lots of freedom, plenty of play and little academic stress. As a result, Dutch kids are pleasant to be around. Moreover, co-authors Rina Mae Acosta and Michele Hutchison add, a UNICEF report rated Dutch children the happiest in the world. Take that, Denmark!

Acosta, an American, and Hutchison, a Brit, are both married to Dutch men; each couple is raising two children in the Netherlands. The authors have come to embrace the Dutch lifestyle, largely because of how the culture and government policies help create laid-back parents and self-assured children. By compiling expert interviews and sharing (and, at times, oversharing) their personal stories, the duo promises to reveal what it is that the Dutch know and their British and American counterparts have forgotten or overlooked.

[Are they the worlds most relaxed moms? What we can all learn from the Dutch.]

Early on, The Happiest Kids in the World introduces readers to the Dutch expression Rust, Regelmaat en Reinheid. The idea is that babies need these three Rs (rest, regularity and cleanliness). And to make sure they get them, the governments consultatiebureau  which monitors kids growth and development  hands out a parent instruction manual. Some key takeaways: Give babies a predictable routine, limit outings to just once a day and prevent outside distractions, such as TV.

Staying home and doing the exact same thing all the time  and not even getting to binge-watch Scandal? That sounds like a total snooze. Because thats the point, Acosta and Hutchison explain. According to a study that compared child-rearing practices in the United States and the Netherlands, Dutch 6-month-olds slept two hours more each day than their American counterparts. Plus, the authors add, the idea of the parent-infant sleep struggle, ubiquitous among both Americans and the British, was not an issue for the Dutch.

Digging deeper into this magic, a Dutch pediatrician offers an intriguing view on rest. He describes a common scenario: Your child wakes up with a fever at the crack of dawn, you need to get to work, and everyone in the family is on edge. How about instead, you decide to take a sick day and go with the flow? The baby will be much calmer, the doctor says. You can just pick up your child, take her into bed with you and stay relaxed until her temperature goes down. If the mother is stressed, the child will be stressed, and that will make matters worse.

True enough, but what if youre out of sick leave and cant take the day off?

Such concerns just arent very Dutch. As Acosta and Hutchison point out, nearly half of the countrys population works part-time, and even people in full-time jobs are at the office only 36 hours per week. A telling anecdote comes from the American professors behind that two-hour sleep-gap study. When they were collecting data in the Netherlands, they realized they needed a few extra interviews with Dutch families. But their Dutch research assistants refused to help them with any additional tasks: They had no more time allotted for work.

Its this work-life balance that seems more responsible for the countrys happiness than any specific parenting technique. Its how men are able to schedule a regular papadag (or daddy day) to spend quality time with their kids. Its why its not a struggle to get the entire family together for both breakfast and dinner. Its what allows for relaxed, extended vacations.

After a few chapters, it becomes clear that its not really moms and dads who need to adopt the Dutch way. The conclusion (titled Lets Start a Revolution) lays much of the responsibility on the state itself. Want to instill Dutch-style independence? Build a vast network of safe bike lanes. Wish kids were less anxious about grades? Overhaul the school system to make it less competitive.

[Stop the Scandimania: Nordic nations arent the utopias theyre made out to be]

Reading this, American parents should probably just acknowledge that we will not be raising Dutch children  no matter how many cargo bicycles we own  unless we move to the Netherlands.

But Acosta and Hutchison wont let us off the hook entirely. There are tip boxes with bullet-pointed suggestions such as set ground rules and praise good behavior. Theres a collection of low-key Dutch birthday party ideas, including a snow party. This involves waiting until it snows and then having a party. For breakfast, they endorse the Dutch tradition of serving toast piled high with butter and chocolate sprinkles.

It all sounds quite quaint  as the authors describe it, a childhood from black-and-white photographs.

And perhaps therein is the key to our obsession with this genre: a yearning for simplicity. Add to that a dash of insecurity and guilt. Has modern American life somehow erased our parental instincts? Is our ignorance harming our children?

My husband and I didnt need a book to stir up such thoughts. When we moved from Washington to Florence, Italy, in the summer of 2015 with our 5-month-old, we had never considered our parenting style particularly American  whatever that means  until our plane landed.

Then, mamma mia! We bristled at the parade of random strangers tickling our daughters feet. She apparently never wore enough clothes  one woman reprimanded us for not having her in a scarf in August. Our new pediatrician deemed her 8 p.m. bedtime way too early and suggested introducing solid food in the form of a veggie soup sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Slurping her delicious leftovers, it was hard not to wonder whether I had been doing this parenting thing all wrong.

I was beginning to toy with the idea of investing in a baby scarf collection when I struck up a conversation with a Norwegian mom at my daughters day care. She complained that kids in Italy dont get to nap outside, which is standard practice in Norway, even in the snow. (Acosta and Hutchison report that some Dutch day-care centers are following this trend and are installing special insulated outdoor cribs.)

What dawned on me in that moment  and what any reader will learn after country-hopping through enough of these books  is that theres an entire planets worth of parenting wisdom. Following all of it would be like trying to hunt down every stray Lego in the house  impossible, and perhaps foolish.

Of course theres still value in learning about how things work in other countries. For instance, Im now a believer in that multi-course meal trick from Bringing Up Bebe: Serve cut-up fruit first at breakfast, and do the same with veggies for lunch and dinner. The healthy stuff ends up getting eaten instead of pushed aside. The Danish Way of Parenting has me practicing my ability to reframe, which is apparently what Danes do whenever dealing with anything negative. (Like their weather.) The idea is to face the facts but give them the most optimistic spin possible. My Italian experience has taught me that although baby scarves may not be necessary  particularly in a Mediterranean climate  theyre kind of adorable.

And from The Happiest Kids in the World, Ive picked up a Dutch mantra: Doe maar gewoon dan doe je al gek genoeg. In other words, Acosta and Hutchison explain, Just act normal, thats crazy enough, or Calm down.

For American parents reading too many of these books, that may be the most important advice of all.
AFTER A quarter-century of planning, several hundred million dollars in public money, scores of public hearings and endless studies, the Purple Line, one of the Washington areas most important transit projects, may be facing extinction. If that happens, it would be a testament to dysfunction, inertia and judicial negligence.

Having come within five days of receiving $900 million in federal funding, the 16-mile light-rail line was dealt an unwarranted setback last summer by a federal judge, whose ongoing foot-dragging, combined with the Trump administrations hostility to new transit ventures, imperils an east-west link that would be a lifeline for tens of thousands of residents of Montgomery and Prince Georges counties and would revitalize an arc of close-in suburban communities.

With every passing day, the Purple Lines prospects are dimming. The federal funding agreement frozen in August by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon was the projects linchpin; without it, a multibillion-dollar public-private partnership cannot go forward, and investors who were ready to start building are stuck.

Without a green light now from Mr. Leon, it may be all but impossible to revive the federal funding agreement for the foreseeable future. Thats because the Trump administration has proposed halting all cash for transit projects that lack signed funding agreements, starting almost immediately and lasting for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Beyond that, there is no sign that the Trump administration is interested in improving the United States transit networks. To the contrary, the administrations current stance suggests indifference toward transportation projects that dont serve automobiles.

Mr. Leon halted the Purple Lines federal funding on the grounds that the project had not adequately taken into account falling ridership levels on Metro, on which the Purple Line would depend for about a quarter of its passengers. But even if Metros ridership stagnates or continues to slip for another decade, which is far from certain, the net effect on Purple Line ridership would be modest. According to federal officials, the Purple Line would be among the busiest new transit projects in the country for which federal funding has been approved recently  regardless of Metros ridership levels. Mr. Leons ruling, which calls for a supplemental study of the Purple Lines environmental impact, is at odds with Supreme Court precedent that cautions against ordering burdensome new studies in the absence of new information that paints a seriously different picture of the environmental landscape.

Fundamentally, the Purple Line makes sense as a transportation link for tens of thousands of daily riders who head to Bethesda, Silver Spring and College Park every workday. It makes sense as an economic catalyst for the region, which is why it has attracted significant private funding. Without the federal contribution, the Purple Line is dead, and so is a cornerstone of rational urban planning in the national capital region.
DESPITE COCKAMAMIE conservative conspiracy theories, actual cases of intentional or even possibly intentional voting fraud are so rare in the United States that when one does crop up, Republicans get themselves in a lather. That explains the ugly tone of self-righteousness and retribution attending the scapegoating of Rosa Ortega, whose sentence of eight years in prison for voting illegally in Texas is a travesty of justice.

Eight years, really? That falls in the midrange of sentences for second-degree felonies in Texas, which include manslaughter, aggravated assault, sexual assault, possession of up to 2,000 pounds of marijuana and human trafficking. Its a draconian and absurdly severe punishment for Ms. Ortega, who has a sixth-grade education and guilelessly exposed her intention to cast an illegal vote to elections officials.

Ms. Ortega, 37, has lived most of her life in Texas. As a legal permanent resident of the United States, she is eligible to work, serve in the military, pay taxes and receive most public benefits. But her green card does not entitle her to vote; therefore she committed a crime by having done so while living in Dallas County in 2012 and 2014.

Generally speaking, illegal voting has been punished in Texas by a short prison sentence or even just probation. In the case of Ms. Ortega, however, Texass Republican attorney general, Ken Paxton, was only too happy to scapegoat her by means of what he called a punishment that sends a message that violations of the states election law will be prosecuted to the fullest.

Mr. Paxton has been part of the chorus of Republican officials nationwide, including President Trump, who have conjured up the specter of fraudulent ballots cast by Democratic voters on a massive scale  despite the fact that not a shred of evidence exists to support that view and that study after study has refuted it. The GOP was determined to make an example of Ms. Ortega, even though she voted for Republicans.

Ms. Ortega has a family full of U.S. citizens, including her four teenage children and two brothers, all born in Texas. She says she believed she was eligible to vote, having done so without difficulty in Dallas County after checking a box saying she was a citizen. After moving to an adjacent county, her voter registration application was rejected after she checked a box affirming she was not a citizen. She then called election officials to say shed previously voted with no problem, and asked for another application, this time checking the box asserting that she was a citizen. That tipped off officials, who arrested her on fraud charges.

For now, Ms. Ortega is out of jail on appeal. It is conceivable that her sentence will be reduced, as it should be if Texas courts have any sense of proportion. However, she is also likely to be deported after serving whatever term she ultimately receives, and separated from her family. That, too, would be an injustice.
President Trump on Wednesday removed controversial White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon from the National Security Council, part of a sweeping staff reshuffling that elevated military, intelligence and Cabinet officials to greater roles on the council and left Bannon less directly involved in shaping the administrations day-to-day national security policy.

The restructuring reflects the growing influence of national security adviser H.R. McMaster, an Army three-star general who took over the post after retired general Michael Flynn was ousted in February and who is increasingly asserting himself over the flow of national security information in the White House.

McMaster has become a blunt force within the administration who has made clear to several top officials and the president that he does not want the NSC to have any political elements.

Two senior White House officials said that Bannons departure was in no way a demotion and that he had rarely attended meetings since being placed on the council. They and others interviewed spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.

[Stephen K. Bannon, architect of anti-globalist policies, got rich as a global capitalist]

1 of 13 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  13 things you may not have known about Stephen K. Bannon View Photos Trumps chief strategist served in the Navy, has a daughter in the Army and once referred to himself as a Leninist. Caption Trumps chief strategist served in the Navy, has a daughter in the Army and once referred to himself as a Leninist. He served in the Navy According to Bloomberg, Bannon signed up right after college, serving from 1976 to 1983. He spent four years at sea working as an auxiliary engineer and a navigator aboard a destroyer. Courtesy of the Bannon family Wait 1 second to continue.

In conversations Wednesday afternoon, several Trump associates described Bannon as overstretched, with multiple portfolios within the White House, and said the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, has been paying close attention to how to better use Bannons skills as the administration works to recover from a rocky and dramatic first few months.

In a statement, Bannon framed his removal as the culmination of an effort to change the makeup of the NSC as it operated under President Barack Obamas national security adviser, Susan E. Rice, whose tenure was heavily criticized by Republicans.

Susan E. Rice operationalized the NSC during the last administration, Bannon said. I was put on to ensure that it was de-operationalized. General McMaster has returned the NSC to its proper function.

Obamas NSC, like those of virtually all presidents since the council was established in the late 1940s, grew rapidly during his first term, and some Cabinet officials complained that it micromanaged their departments and decision-making. When Rice became national security adviser in 2013, she embarked on a somewhat successful effort to shrink its size. Her direct involvement in what some considered operational activities  including secret negotiations with Iran and Cuba  was relatively minimal compared with others.

Bannons view of the NSC under Obama is reflective of his broader efforts to deconstruct the federal government, including slimming down bureaucracies, as well as the ad hoc nature of foreign policymaking and blurred lines of authority in the Trump White House so far.

Bannon says he was put on NSC to de-operationalize it. Think the word he was looking for was dysfunctionalize,  tweeted Rep. Adam B. Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Mission accomplished.

Bannons place on the NSCs principals committee generated intense controversy when the move was announced in January. National security experts, including Rice, characterized it as an elevation of a White House official with no national security experience, even while other national security officials in the administration were included on the NSC only when issues pertaining to their responsibilities and expertise were involved.

(Alice Li/The Washington Post)

The White House strongly disputed that characterization, saying Trump chose to change the structure of the principals committee from the one in place during the Obama administration to reduce the number of meetings in which senior intelligence officials were required to participate if the meetings did not pertain to their areas of expertise.

[Trump strategist Stephen Bannon wont face voter fraud prosecution in Florida]

Bannons role early on, one of the officials said, was to guide and in essence keep watch over Flynn, who was tasked with reshaping the operation but whose management style could be combative. That official and a second official said Bannon did this from afar, attending one or two meetings of the group.

National security experts acknowledged that the Obama structure had been rife with complaints about too many meetings involving a glut of decision-makers, but they say those issues could also have been resolved at the discretion of the national security adviser.

Whether it was too operational or too much micromanagement, that criticism did exist, but you dont need the chief strategist to be the one to try to rein that in, said John B. Bellinger III, who was the legal adviser to the National Security Council in the George W. Bush administration.

Unease about Bannons strident nationalism and call to deconstruct the administrative state has led to clashes of temperament and policy even within the West Wing, officials said, with Bannon and particularly National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn disagreeing about aspects of Trumps agenda and forming their own informal power networks within the executive branch.

Cohn, who is a registered Democrat, has grown close to Kushner in recent months, and another one of his allies inside of the White House, Dina Powell, was named deputy national security adviser for strategy last month.

While Bannon has been removed from the council, the list of invitees to the councils principals and deputies meetings has expanded to include Powell, an Egyptian-born former national security official in the Bush administration and a Goldman Sachs official whose influence within the West Wing has expanded rapidly.

Kushner, Cohn and Powell, along with McMaster, have all become more powerful forces within the White House since the inauguration in liaising with foreign dignitaries and building relationships with key players on various policies.

Bannon remains a confidant of the president who is working closely with other advisers on domestic and foreign policy.

Along with Bannons removal, other changes outlined Wednesday in a memorandum further strengthen McMasters position. He is now in charge of the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council headed by Tom Bossert  a reversal from earlier in the year, when the NSC and HSC were put on equal footing.

[Who is Julia Hahn? The unlikely rise of Steve Bannons right-hand woman.]

The new NSC structure also restores the position of the director of national intelligence and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the principals committee, which was their role in the Obama administration. The director of the CIA has also been added to the principals committee.

In addition, the secretary and deputy secretary of the Energy Department  which oversees the nations nuclear arsenal  have been added as members of the principals and deputies committee meetings, respectively.

William Kristol, a Trump critic and longtime hawkish conservative voice, said the Republican foreign policy community was generally pleased to see the changes at the White House.

McMaster is in charge and trying to chart policy in a reasonable way, Kristol said, noting that the news was sudden and unexpected since McMaster has been pretty quiet since hes been there, being behind the scenes and avoiding interviews.

Several officials said McMaster is putting his own stamp on the NSC process and trying to formalize it, despite ongoing concerns that Trumps top White House aides  and some NSC staffers particularly close to them  continue to hold strategy meetings outside that process.

McMaster is trying to put them under his control and either removing or downgrading people who had independent linkages to the White House so that advice will flow through him, which is normal, said Mark Cancian, a national security expert and former White House official who is at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

While McMaster has tried to inject new hires and remove some existing staff, many of Flynns original hires and proteges remain in place. They include Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the senior director for intelligence, who several weeks ago enlisted Bannon and Kushner in a successful effort to reverse McMasters effort to replace him.

Trumps NSC became embroiled in the controversy over Russian interference in the 2016 election. The Washington Post reported last week that three officials from the NSC  including Cohen-Watnick  collected and distributed documents to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), whose panel is investigating contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian officials during the election. Nunes later held a news conference and briefed the president on those documents, which he said suggested that Trump associates were the subjects of incidental and legal surveillance by the Obama administration.

McMaster, who has become a conduit for foreign diplomatic leaders, has kept a low public profile since joining the administration, avoiding interviews and speeches. But inside the White House, he has gained significant influence and his plans for the council have largely been encouraged by the presidents closest aides.

A key part of McMasters resume is his 1997 book, Dereliction of Duty, which highlighted the failure of military leaders to give candid advice to the president in the lead-up to the Vietnam War and sets a high bar for advisers to the president.

He was very critical of the Joint Chiefs and how they didnt speak up more forcefully against the war, Cancian said. He put a mark on the wall here, and he has to live up to it.

Its going to drive him to be very clear and pointed in his advice, particularly if he disagrees with the president or other elements of government, he added.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, fourth from left, speaks with his generals upon arrival in the town of Talavera on April 5, 2017. (King Rodriguez-Ho Handout/EPA)

The Philippine president appeared to revive his quarrels with China on Thursday, ordering his troops to occupy islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea  and saying he may even stop by for a visit.

Rodrigo Duterte said the military should build structures on all of the Philippine-held islands, reefs and shoals in the contested Spratly Islands  not far from seven man-made Chinese islands in the area.

Chinas construction of the islands is part of its claims of territorial sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, an important route for sea trade across Southeast Asia. Neighboring nations strongly oppose Beijings moves and worry that the runways and docks on the artificial islands could eventually serve a military purpose.

Since winning the presidency last summer, the bombastic Duterte has struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone with Beijing, playing down a landmark ruling that rejected Chinese maritime claims and signaling that he was willing to work with Beijing in return for Chinese investment.

It is not clear whether Duterte was making a policy statement on Thursday or another of his high-stakes quips, which have included mocking figures such as then-President Barack Obama and Pope Francis.

(Jason Aldag,Julie Vitkovskaya/The Washington Post / Satellite photos courtesy of CSIS)

It could suggest, however, that Duterte is returning to his confrontational stance with China after powerful domestic critics questioned his light-touch approach toward Beijing.

Duterte also mentioned that he would like to plant a flag on one island for Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant, he said.

At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours, he added.

When Duterte was campaigning for president, he once quipped that he would ride a Jet Ski to the Spratly Islands to plant a flag. Later, he mocked the press for taking his claim seriously.

Regardless of whether he is serious, Thursdays remarks are sure to unnerve Beijing, which claims the Spratlys and other disputed South China Sea islands and has been working diligently to get Duterte on its side.



Dutertes latest comments are strikingly at odds with what he and members of his cabinet have been saying.

Just two days ago, acting foreign secretary Enrique Manalo said the Philippines, China and neighboring countries were making progress on a new code of conduct for the South China Sea.

When Duterte visited Beijing last fall, he secured loans and deals worth billions of dollars. In a speech in the Chinese capital, he derided Americans, called for a separation from the United States and said he hoped to align himself with Chinas ideological flow.

Though Duterte enjoys considerable popular support, much of the military and political elite is wary of working with China  they dont much like its ideology, or its maritime claims.

When Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana recently raised concerns about Chinese ships surveying an area off the Philippine coast known as Benham Rise, Duterte brushed the critique aside  and was later forced to backtrack.

Dutertes office has since suggested changing the name from Benham Rise to Philippine Rise or Philippine Ridge in an apparent nod to patriotic sentiment.

Richard Javad Heydarian, an assistant professor of political science at Manilas De La Salle University, said Thursdays comments were meant to calm nerves within the defense establishment.

He definitely felt the heat, so is now scrambling to rebuild his patriotic credentials, Heydarian said.

If Duterte were to push ahead with the deployment or the visit, he would surely face fierce resistance from Beijing. But experts stressed that the plan would be next to impossible to implement and could hurt the standing of the Philippines.

There are no islands left to occupy, and we filed and won a case against China for occupying reefs, said Jay L. Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines.

Hes playing to the galleries, Batongbacal said.

Read more:

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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People gather in central Moscow on April 6, 2017, to pay tribute to the victims of the April 3 St. Petersburg metro blast. (Maxim Shemetov/Reuters)

Russian investigators said Thursday that they have arrested eight possible accomplices in the St. Petersburg subway attack Monday that killed 14 people and wounded dozens more, and a Russian news agency reported that the suspected bomber may have trained with the Islamic State in Syria.

The explosion in the heart of Russias cultural capital shocked the nation and brought outpourings of grief, followed by three days of official mourning. The first subway bombing in seven years also pierced a sense of security in Russia, and authorities moved Thursday to ease those fears.

As thousands of Russians attended carefully staged rallies in major cities across the country, state television broadcast dramatic footage of police breaking into a St. Petersburg apartment and bringing out three men in handcuffs.

The Investigative Committee, a federal authority with broad powers, said six people were detained in St. Petersburg and two in Moscow. Investigators also turned up explosives identical to those police discovered in another St. Petersburg station soon after the subway attack.

The arrests are considered a possible breakthrough in the investigation of what led Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a 22-year-old ethnic Uzbek who came to Russia from a volatile area of Kyrgyzstan, allegedly to detonate a bomb on a train as it traveled between two central St. Petersburg subway stations. Investigators so far have not been able to determine whether Dzhalilov acted alone or with accomplices. No group has asserted responsibility for the attack.

(The Washington Post)

[St. Petersburg bombing sets a city on edge]

Kyrgyzstan is one of the impoverished, majority-Muslim Central Asian countries that sprang from the ruins of the Soviet Union and have become breeding grounds for Islamist fundamentalism. The Islamic State is believed to have recruited thousands of residents of these countries to join the militant movement in its strongholds in Iraq and Syria.

The Fontanka.ru agency said Dzhalilov had traveled to Syria in 2014 and trained with Islamic State militants. The report said that Russian investigators were trying to determine his travels but that they had ascertained that the device used in the subway attack bore the hallmarks of Syrian know-how, specifically traces of burned sugar.

In Moscow, at least 10,000 people gathered in a square outside the red-brick Kremlin wall for a hastily organized rally titled Piter, were with you!  using Russian slang for St. Petersburg. Participants streamed into the square to the beat of pop music, many carrying red carnations.

There had been suspicions among Muscovites about the motives of the organizers of the event, especially after an item  since deleted  appeared on the site massovki.net offering $7 to anyone willing to sign up to attend the gathering. The site is often used to attract crowds to television shows, concerts and pro-Kremlin rallies.

Some analysts suspected that authorities had organized the demonstrations and had urged people to attend in order to show that they could get at least as many people out in the street as opposition leader Alexei Navalny did March 26, when tens of thousands across Russia rallied against official corruption.

This is an indirect response to the mass rallies against corruption, the large scale of which came as a surprise to the authorities, Alexei Makarkin, an analyst at the Center for Political Technologies, told the Vedomosti newspaper. Thursdays anti-terrorism rallies, he said, were intended to demonstrate that the opposition rallies were small in number.

1 of 18 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The scene in St. Petersburg after a subway blast killed at least 9 people View Photos An explosion tore apart a train as it traveled between two central St. Petersburg metro stations. Caption An explosion tore apart a train as it traveled between two central St. Petersburg metro stations. April 3, 2017 Men carry an injured person on a stretcher outside a metro station. Alexander Tarasenkov/AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue.

[ Russias mass protests were a win for Navalny. How will the Kremlin respond? ]

Sergei Dorenko, editor of the Govorit Moscow radio station, encouraged his listeners to attend the Moscow event, even though he said the countrywide rallies remind us of the strange Soviet tradition of mandatory participation in state demonstrations.

I, too, find that annoying, disgusting and unpleasant, Dorenko said. But everyone wants to express their solidarity with [the people of St. Petersburg] and say No to terror.

The government has taken pains to deny that the rally was political in nature. A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin denied government involvement, and several times during a national live broadcast of the Moscow rally on state-run television, the announcer asserted that the crowds had come here voluntarily.

But some people interviewed Thursday suggested that their presence was slightly less than voluntary. One of them, who gave his name as Sylvester Mikhalyov, said he was attending with nearly 100 fellow students of a Moscow university. He said administrators had handed out the carnations and told the students to attend.

Its a terrible thing, the loss of life. Of course Im against it, so its not like I was against coming, he said.

Others said they had shown up without any official encouragement. Leaning against the brick facade of the State Historical Museum, Lyudmila Makarova, 58, said she and some friends decided to attend the rally after hearing about it on television. She said she called several relatives in St. Petersburg as soon as she found out about the attack, and then cried. The violence still frightened her, she said, and she repeatedly referred to the attack as a horror.

Although many of the protesters carried flags of political parties  the Communists and the ultranationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia were well represented, as was the pro-Kremlin National Liberation Movement  an organizer asked them to lower their banners because today is not the day for political ambitions.

A protester who gave only his first name, Vitaly, briefly held aloft a sign proclaiming Corruption Kills! It was an echo of the anti-corruption rallies last month, but also, he said, was relevant to the terrorist attack. He told a correspondent that he believed terrorists in Russia were able to evade capture because police are corrupt.

Moments later, two police officers in neon-green vests approached and told him to lower the sign.

Natalya Abbakumova in Moscow contributed to this report.

Read more:

Mourners gather for the young victims of St. Petersburg

Ethic violence spreads in Kyrgyzstan

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The U.S. military launched 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield early Friday in the first direct American assault on the government of President Bashar al-Assad since that countrys civil war began nearly six years ago.

The operation, which the Trump administration authorized in retaliation for a chemical attack killing scores of civilians this week, dramatically expands U.S. military involvement in Syria and exposes the United States to heightened risk of direct confrontation with Russia and Iran, both backing Assad in his attempt to crush his opposition.

Syria and Russia swiftly denounced the attack, launched at around 3:40 a.m. local time Friday (8:40 p.m. EDT Thursday) from U.S. ships in the eastern Mediterranean.

[Russia condemns U.S. missile strike on Syria, suspends key air agreement]

Assad called the missile strikes an unjust and arrogant aggression and Syrian officials said they would hamper the countrys ability to fight militant groups, Syrias state news agency reported.





Talal al-Barazi, the governor of Homs province that includes the air base, said at least 13 people were killed in the missile strikes, including five soldiers on the base and eight civilians in areas surrounding the facility. The figures could not be independently confirmed.

In Moscow, Russia announced it was pulling out of a pact with Washington to share information about warplane missions over Syria, where a U.S.-led coalition is also waging airstrikes on Islamic State targets.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an immediate meeting of the U.N. Security Council, and his spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, called the U.S. missile strikes violations of the norms of international law, and under a far-fetched pretext.

But President Trump said the strike was in the vital national security interest of the United States and called on all civilized nations to join us in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria. And also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types.

We ask for Gods wisdom as we face the challenge of our very troubled world, he continued. We pray for the lives of the wounded and for the souls of those who have passed and we hope that as long as America stands for justice then peace and harmony will in the end prevail.

[U.S. strike against Syria: How did we get here?]

The missiles were launched from two Navy destroyers  the USS Ross and USS Porter  in the eastern Mediterranean. They struck an air base called Shayrat in Homs province, which is the site from which the planes that conducted the chemical attack in Idlib are believed to have originated. The targets included air defenses, aircraft, hangars and fuel.

(The Washington Post)

The U.S. military said initial indications were that the strike had severely damaged or destroyed Syrian aircraft and support infrastructure.

Syrian state TV said a U.S. missile attack hit a number of military targets inside the country, according to the Associated Press.

U.S. officials said the Russians, who maintain significant forces in Syria, were given advance warning of the strike. There is a Russian military area at the base that was hit, but the United States took precautions not to strike that area, according to Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman.

In comparison, the start of the Iraq War in 2003 saw the use of roughly 500 cruise missiles, and 47 were fired at the opening of the anti-Islamic State campaign in Syria in 2014.

[These are the missiles the U.S. used in the strike against Syria]

The attack may put hundreds of American troops now stationed in Syria in greater danger. They are advising local forces in advance of a major assault on the Syrian city of Raqqa, the Islamic States de facto capital.

The decision to strike follows 48 hours of deliberations by U.S. officials and represents a significant break with the previous administrations reluctance to wade militarily into the Syrian civil war and shift any focus from the campaign against the Islamic State.

Senior White House officials met on the issue of Syria on Wednesday evening in a session that lasted into early Thursday, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, Trumps national security adviser, have communicated repeatedly since Tuesdays chemical attack, the officials said.

The U.S. Central Command has had plans for striking the Syrian government for years and has significant assets in the region, enabling a quick response once a decision was made.

While the Obama White House began operations against the Islamic State in 2014, it backed away from a planned assault on Syrian government sites a year earlier after a similar chemical attack on Syrian civilians.

Tuesdays apparent nerve-agent attack in northern Idlib, with its widely circulated images of lifeless children, appears to have galvanized Trump and some of his top advisers to harden their position against the Syrian leader.

The assault adds new complexity to Syrias prolonged conflict, which includes fighters battling the Syrian government and others focused on combating the Islamic State, which despite over two years of American and allied attacks remains a potent force.

[Deadly nerve agent sarin used in Syria attack, Turkish Health Ministry says]

Within the administration, some officials urged immediate action against Assad, warning against what one described as paralysis through analysis. But others were concerned about second- and third-order effects, including the response of Russia, which also has installed sophisticated air defense systems in Syria, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

The Trump administrations position on the strongman appears to have quickly shifted in the wake of the chemical attack as senior officials voiced new criticism of the Syrian leader.

On Thursday night, McMaster predicted the strikes would result in a big shift on Assads calculus. Its the first time the United States has taken direct military action.

McMaster described a deliberative process inside the White House and on the National Security Council, where three options were examined at the request of the president. He said that Trump made the final decision and that the strikes clearly indicate the president is willing to take decisive action when called for. He emphasized, however, that the move did not otherwise alter the U.S. militarys posture in Syria.

Earlier Thursday, Tillerson suggested that the United States and other nations would consider somehow removing Assad from power, but he did not say how. Just a few days ago, the White House had said that removing Assad was not realistic, with press secretary Sean Spicer saying it was necessary to accept the political reality in Syria.

We are considering an appropriate response for this chemical weapons attack, Tillerson said in Palm Beach, Fla., where Trump was meeting Thursday with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is a serious matter. It requires a serious response, he said.

Speaking later Thursday, Tillerson recalled a 2013 agreement with Syria to hand over its chemical stockpile and for Russia to act as a monitor to ensure Assad did not renege on that deal. Clearly, Russia has failed in its responsibility on that commitment, he said. Either Russia has been complicit or has been incompetent on its ability to deliver.

The summit with the Chinese leader will continue Friday, and some U.S. officials say the strike will also serve as a warning of U.S. willingness to strike North Korea if China does not act to curtail the nuclear ambitions of the government there.

[Trump condemns Syria chemical attack and suggests he will act]

It was not immediately clear whether Fridays assault marked the beginning of a broader campaign against the Assad government. While the operation was the first intentional attack on Syrian government targets, the United States accidentally struck a group of Syrian soldiers in eastern Syria last year in what officials concluded was the result of human error.

The Obama administration had insisted that Assad could never remain in any postwar Syria, and it supported rebel groups that have tried unsuccessfully to oust him.

The United States has a broad arsenal already in the region, including dozens of strike aircraft on the USS George H.W. Bush, an aircraft carrier that is deployed to the Middle East and accompanied by guided-missile destroyers and cruisers that can also launch Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Additionally, an amphibious naval force in the region includes the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit with Harrier jets and Cobra gunships. The Pentagon also has scores of aircraft in the region flying operations every day against the Islamic State group, including from Incirlik air base to the north in Turkey.

[Hospitals were slaughterhouses: A journey into Syrias secret torture wards]

The attack appears to have involved only missiles. U.S. fighter planes, if used, would have had to contend with a modest web of Syrian air defenses and potentially more-advanced types of surface-to-air missiles provided by Russia.

One of Assads more prevalent systems, the S-200, was used to target Israeli jets last month, but missiles were intercepted by Israeli defense systems. The S-200 has a range of roughly 186 miles, according to U.S. military documents, and can hit targets flying at altitudes of around 130,000 feet.

Russian S-300 and S-400 missiles, located primarily around Khmeimim air base in western Syria, have a shorter range than the S-200 but have more-advanced radar systems and fly considerably faster than their older counterparts used by Syrian forces. The S-300 has a range of roughly 90 miles and could also be used to target incoming U.S. cruise missiles.

In a joint statement, Sens. John McCain (R.-Ariz.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) said the operation sent an important message the United States will no longer stand idly by as Assad, aided and abetted by Putins Russia, slaughters innocent Syrians with chemical weapons and barrel bombs.

They also called on the administration to take Assads air force out of the fight and follow through with a new, comprehensive strategy in coordination with our allies and partners to end the conflict in Syria.

David Nakamura in Palm Beach, Fla., and Abby Phillip, Anne Gearan, Carol Morello, David Weigel and Brian Murphy in Washington contributed to this report.

Read more:

Trump and his America First philosophy face first moral quandary in Syria

Mideast divided over U.S. strikes on Syria, much the way it is over the whole war

Which chemical weapon was used in Syria? Heres what investigators know.
Venezuelan National Police clash with opposition activists during protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro on April 6 in Caracas. (Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images)

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans flooded a main highway in the capital on Thursday in the latest protest over what opponents consider an attempt by the government to seize power from the legislature and further sideline the opposition.

What began as a peaceful demonstration turned violent in the afternoon, as soldiers used tear gas and water hoses to disperse crowds and protesters hurled rocks. Protests earlier this week also resulted in injuries and arrests.

Opponents of President Nicolas Maduros embattled socialist government have taken to the streets since Friday to condemn a move by the supreme court to strip legislative powers from the congress amid a long-running economic and political crisis.

Blasted at home and abroad, the supreme court quickly rolled back its decision, but that has not stopped the opposition to Maduros government from taking to the streets. By Thursday morning, crowds had massed in eastern Caracas carrying flags and signs that read No more dictatorship and I am the National Assembly.

Im tired of being scared, said Mery Santiago, 60, an accountant who attended in part out of frustration with rising crime rates. Almost every month I get robbed, and I cant stand it anymore.

In recent years, Venezuelans have endured extreme shortages of food and medicine because of government mismanagement and low oil prices. Maduro, the hand-picked successor to Hugo Chavez, has largely ruled by decree for the past two years. Opponents in the legislature have so far failed to organize a recall referendum and early elections. Electoral institutions and the courts are stacked with Maduro supporters.

Maria Auxiliadora Soler, an 80-year-old protester, said this has been a terrible year as she searches for blood-pressure medicine. She now relies on pills that family and friends buy for her on travels abroad.

Now I just have a couple of them. I count them every day, and it feels like counting the days I have left to live, she said.

Jose Noguera, an 18-year-old university student, said that his grandfather died last year because he couldnt find treatment for his cancer.

I hope this time people will actually stay in the streets until we see a real change, he said.

Partlow reported from Mexico City.

Read more

Venezuelans are storming supermarkets and attacking trucks as food supplies dwindle

How the crash in oil prices devastated Venezuela and Angola

In a hungry Venezuela, buying too much food can get you arrested

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
In this photo taken late Wednesday, April 5, World Health Organization experts work during an autopsy in a hospital in Adana, Turkey. (Associated Press)

The chemical used in an attack that killed scores of Syrian civilians was most likely the deadly nerve agent sarin, the Turkish Health Ministry said Thursday.

Autopsies conducted on three victims by Turkish doctors confirmed that chemical weapons were used in a daybreak strike on Tuesday widely attributed to the Syrian government, providing the most concrete evidence to date for why so many people died.

According to the preliminary results, the findings suggest that the patients were exposed to a chemical substance (Sarin), the statement said.

[Which chemical weapon was used in Syria? Heres what investigators know.]

Dozens of victims of the attack on the northwestern town of Khan Sheikhoun have been evacuated to Turkey for medical treatment. Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said that the World Health Organization supervised the autopsies and that the results were sent to The Hague for further analysis.

In August 2013, the Syrian governments use of sarin in an attack on a densely populated Damascus suburb killed hundreds of civilians, many as they slept.

At least 70 people were killed in Tuesdays attack, which witnesses described as a fog of chemicals that enveloped men, women and children, leaving many to suffocate, choke or foam at the mouth. In Khan Sheikhoun, a list of names compiled by residents put the death toll at 83.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem denied Thursday that the government had used chemical weapons in the past and maintained that it never would. Speaking in Damascus, the capital, he rejected the findings of the Turkish investigation, saying that Syrias experience with international inquiries has not been encouraging and insisting that a credible investigation into the attack must begin from Damascus, not Turkey.

Under the conditions of a 2013 deal brokered by Russia  one of President Bashar al-Assads main backers  Syria was required to declare the chemical weapons in its possession and hand its stockpiles over for destruction.

[Trump and America First views face first international crisis]

Chemical weapons inspectors have visited Syria on a number of occasions since then. Although the delegations movements have been heavily constrained by the Syrian government, experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said in May 2015 that they had found traces of chemicals used to make sarin and the nerve agent VX at a military research site.

The global chemical weapons watchdog said Thursday that it has initiated contact with Syrian authorities as it investigates the attack. In a statement reported by the Associated Press, the organization said it has been collecting and analyzing information as part of its ongoing fact-finding mission in Syria.





On Wednesday, President Trump accused Assads government of going beyond a red line with the attack on civilians, and he suggested that his anti-interventionist stance toward the conflict may be changing.

But there were few indications of what that might mean in practice. Syrias complex conflict has paralyzed a divided U.N. Security Council and left Western leaders reluctant to face the possible consequences of military intervention against Assad.

President Vladimir Putins spokesman said Thursday that Russias support for Assad is not unconditional but called for a full investigation of Tuesdays attack before the United Nations takes any action.

The incident puts Moscow in a tough spot: Condemning Assad could deal the final blow to Putins carefully assembled peace process, which brings together Turkey and Iran  regional powers that have backed opposing sides in the civil war. At the same time, the attack could indicate that Assad and his Iranian allies have no intention of being party to a power-sharing agreement, suggesting that Putins deal is all but dead.

The top U.N. humanitarian envoy for Syria, Jan Egeland, called the attack a possible watershed moment that could force world leaders to take stronger action to ease the suffering of the civilians that we see every day.

In an interview published Thursday, however, Assad insisted that a military victory was the governments only option. We have no choice in facing this war, and thats why we are confident, we are persistent, and we are determined, he told Vecernji List, a Croatian newspaper. His comments appeared to have come before Tuesdays attack.

Zakaria Zakaria in Antakya, Turkey, and Brian Murphy in Washington contributed to this report.

Read more:

WHO says chemical agents used in Syria attack that killed 72

Syrian forces used gas to help retake Aleppo, says Human Rights Watch

Even after so many deaths, chemical attack in Syria provoked visceral response

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
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The Trump administration has seized on allegations Tuesday that the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad carried out a gas attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in the rebel-controlled province of Idlib to push for a further escalation of military conflict in the Middle East.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring body linked to the Syrian opposition, 58 people, among them 11 children aged eight or younger, were killed in the early morning attack.

Rebel forces, which control the area, accused the government of using chemical weapons in an air strike. Pro-government sources argued that the blast had been caused by an explosion at a weapons factory run by the Islamist al-Nusra Front, which has a strong presence in the region and has previously conducted chemical weapons attacks.

The Syrian government released a statement denying all responsibility, while Russia confirmed it had not launched any air strikes in the area.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov stated that the Syrian air force struck a munitions factory east of the town, where rebels were producing shells filled with toxic gas to be sent to Iraq. He added that Islamist militants had used similar chemical weapons last year during the fighting in the city of Aleppo.

While it remains unclear who bears responsibility for the reported attack, the circumstances surrounding it are highly dubious. Late last week, high-ranking Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, stated publicly that Washingtons main priority in Syria was not the removal of Assad but the waging of the conflict against Islamic State.

This prompted a sharp rebuke from leading Republicans and Democrats. Senator John McCain denounced any shift away from regime-change as a recipe for more war, more terror, more refugees, and more instability.

In the wake of Tuesdays alleged attack, the tone was quite different. The Trump administration and the corporate-controlled media wasted no time in declaring the guilt of the Assad regime to be beyond doubt.

Todays chemical attack in Syria against innocent people, including women and children, is reprehensible and cannot be ignored by the civilized world, a statement from the White House declared. These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administrations weakness and irresolution. President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a red line against the use of chemical weapons, and then did nothing.

This was an explicit criticism of the Obama administration, which incited the Syrian civil war in 2011, for its failure to launch an all-out US-led intervention in 2013 to topple Assad. At the time, Obama was on the verge of throwing the full force of the US military into battle against the Assad regime, following a weeks-long lying propaganda campaign about an alleged August 21, 2013 sarin gas attack on Gouta, east of Damascus. He was forced to pull back due to divisions within the military-intelligence establishment over the tactical advisability of a war in Syria, as well as deep-seated popular opposition to yet another act of US imperialist aggression.

The Western powers, led by the United States, have repeatedly seized on unverified allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria to ratchet up pressure on the Assad regime. The attack on Gouta, which claimed the lives of up to 1,000, was the most infamous. No concrete evidence was ever presented by the Obama administration linking Assads forces to the atrocity.

It was later revealed, in an article by investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, that the US deliberately ignored intelligence that al-Nusra was capable of manufacturing poison gas, including sarin, in bulk.

Trump and Tillerson have made no secret of their intentions to vastly escalate Washingtons wars in the Middle East. Last weeks remarks by Tillerson and Haley were in no sense a retreat from the US plan to assert hegemony over the energy-rich region, but a recognition that the US-backed rebel forces are in disarray after being driven out of Aleppo in December by Assads military and Russian airpower.

Two weeks ago, Tillerson told a meeting of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition that Washington was preparing for long-term occupations of Iraq and Syria. He proposed the creation of interim zones of stability to be overseen by US-installed politicians and protected by the US militaryin other words, safe zones for the proxy US militias opposed to the Assad government.

The prospect of a direct US-led assault on the Syrian regime cannot be underestimated. The alleged gas attack has provided the pretext.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer stated ominously Tuesday: I think the president has made it clear in the past and will reiterate that today, that he is not here to telegraph what were going to do. But rest assured that I think he has been speaking with his national security team this morning, and we will continue to have that discussion.

That such an attack would be directed not only at Assad, but at Washingtons chief regional rivals in the Middle East, was made clear by Tillersons response to Tuesdays events. The secretary of state denounced Assad for his brutal, unabashed barbarism, before adding that Russia and Iran bore moral responsibility for the attack.

Tillersons provocative remarks come on the heels of last weeks comments from General Joseph Votel, chief of the US Central Command, who told a House Armed Services Committee hearing that Iran poses the greatest long-term threat to security in this part of the world.

Since Trump took office, the war initiated by Obama in Syria and Iraq has been drastically intensified. Trump has given a free hand to commanders on the ground to launch air strikes and other attacks, while increasing the number of troops deployed on the ground and expanding their mandates to act closer to the front lines of fighting. The result has been a devastating rise in civilian casualties in both countries, with the death of hundreds of civilians in the Iraqi city of Mosul and hundreds more in air strikes in northern Syria.

Trump has also moved to limit information released by the Pentagon on US military operations in the Middle East. In order to maintain tactical surprise, ensure operational security and force protection, the coalition will not routinely announce or confirm information about the capabilities, force numbers, locations, or movement of forces in or out of Iraq and Syria, Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesman, stated recently.

The Syrian conflict is becoming even more explosive as Washingtons imperialist rivals seek to assert their own interests with ever-more aggressiveness. A day prior to the gas attack, the European Union (EU) Council adopted a new Syrian strategy which demanded Assads removal and the implementation of a political transition in the country. Federica Mogherini, the EUs High Representative, was one of the first to denounce Assad for the awful attack.

French President Francois Hollande and British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson have urged that Assad be held accountable for the gas attack. Both countries have military personnel operating in the country, as does Germany, which has been seeking to advance its own imperialist ambitions in the Middle East and Africa over recent years and has openly spoken of the need to stand up to the US in the wake of Trumps assumption of the presidency.

An emergency session of the UN Security Council will take place on Wednesday, where an outpouring of anti-Assad, anti-Iranian and anti-Russian rhetoric can be expected from the US and European powers.

Working people in the United States and internationally must reject with contempt the feigned outrage of Trump, Hollande and other imperialist politicians over the slaughter of civilians. As demonstrated most recently by the bloodbath in Mosul, US imperialism has no qualms about indiscriminately massacring innocent civilians if it suits its own imperialist goals. Over the past quarter century, the unending series of wars waged by Washington have cost millions of people their lives and forced millions more to flee their homes.

The only way to put an end to the horrific conflict in Syria and Iraq is through the construction of an international anti-war movement dedicated to the struggle against war and the social system from which it arises: capitalism.
When Maria Arias first met Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez years ago through family, she was not impressed.

It was definitely not love at first sight - he was a center of attention type guy and Im not that way, she jokingly recalls in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

But after seeing his softer side when he made a heartfelt toast at a group dinner, the psychology student and the rising athlete became fast friends and eventually fell in love.

He expressed how much he valued this family, and how grateful he was to feel like a part of it, she says. He expressed himself in a more serious way, and I began to see him differently.

Maria Arias with her baby Penelope

Fernandez emigrated to the U.S. from Cuba in 2008 after three failed attempts, even serving time in a Cuban prison for treason. On his fourth and final attempt, he saved his mother Maritza from drowning after she had fallen overboard before successfully landing in Mexico in 2007. After attending school in Tampa, Fernandez was drafted to the Miami Marlins in 2011 and made his MLB debut in 2013 at 21 years old. He was named Rookie of the Year that same season.

As the two became friends, they would stay up talking until five in the morning after family functions, she says.

The couple soon fell in love, and last June, they found out they were expecting.

Honestly, I was scared, because it was a relationship that was so recent. Im not ignorant to that, and I didnt want people to judge me, she says of the news.

Yet Fernandezs love, devotion and conviction comforted her.

He knew who I was, and my intentions. He made me feel so good about the pregnancy, that I didnt care what I had to face. I never thought it would be to this magnitude, but I felt strong, I felt confident, she says.

Sadly, Arias happiness didnt last for long.

On the morning of September 25th, Fernandez died in a tragic boating accident when his high-speed 32-ft. power-boat struck a rocky jetty off Miami Beach, instantly killing the Cuban-American ballplayer and the two passengers on board -Eduardo Rivero and Emilio Jesus Macias. (The jetty is a notorious threat to sea vessels. After the accident, Senator Marco Rubio who paid tribute to Fernandez on the Senate floor asked the Coast Guard to look into whether the location was a chronic danger to boaters.)

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Jose Fernandez

Arias was immediately caught up in funerals, memorials, an official investigation, and persistent media, all while dealing with her pregnancy. It felt very robotic, she says of that time. All I wanted to do was lock myself in our room and be alone.

Then, after a six-month investigation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission concluded that Fernandez had been driving the boat at the time of the crash and had traces of cocaine in his system and a blood-alcohol level of .147, nearly twice the legal limit. The other two passengers also had alcohol and cocaine in their systems, according to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office report. (Attorneys for the estate have disputed whether the evidence is enough to conclusively place Fernandez behind the wheel).

David Samson, President of the Miami Marlins, tells PEOPLE, The tragic death of Jose Fernandez has left a hole in all of our hearts that matches the larger than life personality that embodied Jose. The level of emotion that permeated not just Miami, but the entire baseball community, was and is difficult to fathom. He was one of those unique men who is missed both on and off the playing field. His legacy will be the freedom he so cherished in America and giving back to the community.

Its hard to imagine that just weeks earlier, Fernandez and Arias had reveled in one of the happiest moments of their lives - finding out they were having a baby girl.

He loved her from the moment she was conceived, Arias says of Fernandez, who also picked her name, Penelope, after a Spanish song. Everyone knew how excited he was to be a dad, he made sure of it.

Following the accident, Arias tried to focus on the impending birth of her daughter, and on February 24th, Penelope Jo Fernandez came into the world.

FROM COINAGE: Dwayne The Rock Johnsons Career

It was so emotional - I had Maritza holding one leg and my mom holding the other. Everyone was crying, she recalls.

Arias also found ways to include Fernandez in the birthing process, I kept a piece of his clothing since he passed that I sleep with every night, and I took it with me. I had it around my neck the whole time. So, when they put her on top of me it was kind of like both of us being present, she says.

Penelope, who has her fathers light brown hair and her grandmothers blue eyes, has brought much joy to her family.

You have days that you look at her and you feel happiness and gratitude. And then there are other days where you feel afraid and you feel lonely and you feel the weight of his absence again. Arias says. He makes such an impact in your life, that his absence just feels so heavy.

Adds Maritza: Penelopes birth will not relieve me from my reminiscing about my son. I think about him every second. He is always in my mind, very much alive. Penelope will be a reflection of what he means to us. To be able to see her grow will make every moment of his childhood come alive. To be able to tell her everything and all the stories about her daddy since he was born it will be a memorable experience I am looking forward to.

Most importantly, Arias remains devoted to telling Penelope all about her father.

I will forever talk about him. I will never let his memory die. I will always keep him alive, no matter how much that hurts me. Because she deserves that from me; and from all of us. And so does he, she says. He was a beautiful person, we who truly knew him talk about him that way and value him that way, and well continue to do that.

This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com
Two-year-old Sophia Benner of Clover, South Carolina, loves dolls. She also loves doctors. So when she stumbled across a doll dressed as a doctor during a trip to Target to celebrate the end of her potty training, she had to have it.

She was looking at all the dolls and telling me they were all so pretty and when she saw the doctor one she stopped and said, Mommy, shes a doctor like me! I want this one,  Sophias mom, Brandi Benner, tells PEOPLE.

But when Sophia, who turns 3 in June, took the doll to the cashier, her choice wasnt met with the same enthusiasm.

Are you sure this is the doll you want, honey? the cashier asked the little girl, according to Brandi, who shared the exchange on Facebook. Yes, please! Sophia responded. The cashier then replied, But she doesnt look like you. We have lots of other dolls that look more like you.

Brandi says she was about to step in when her daughter quickly responded, Yes, she does. Shes a doctor like Im a doctor. And Im a pretty girl and shes a pretty girl. See her pretty hair? And see her stethoscope?

The cashier then dropped the issue and responded, Oh, thats nice.

She thought Sophia was the cutest, Brandi says of the cashier. She was trying to make conversation with her. She was an elderly woman who looked like my own grandma. I dont think she understood the implications of her words or how discouraging it could be to anyone elses daughter.

Brandi says shes proud of her daughters response and says she wasnt at all surprised with her daughters doll choice - shes just surprised that it has received such an overwhelming response.

A kid of one color wanting a doll of another color shouldnt be a big deal, Brandi says. I just shared it for my friends and family and thought it was cool my daughter stuck up for herself without me having to do anything.

But Im so grateful that people have been touched by it. It was a really proud mom moment.

Brandi credits Sophias mature response to her parenting style.

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My husband Nick and I, at the heart of our parenting is love, because at the heart of our marriage is love, says Brandi, who is also mom to 7-month-old daughter Isabelle.

We just want the focus to be love. Were not going to do everything right, but if we can get them to have big hearts then we have done something right, she adds.

As for Sophias fascination with doctors, its nothing new.

She has been Dr. Sophia for about a year now, Brandi says. The obsession started with a checkup with her pediatrician. She let Sophia go through her doctor bag and Sophia was thrilled. She started giving everyone checkups at home.

Sophia is also a big fan of the childrens show, Doc McStuffins, which is where she learned the word stethoscope.

Shes been saying that for a long time, although she doesnt quite say it properly! Brandi says.

This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com
PANAMA CITY  Cocote, by Dominican Republic director Nelson Carlo dos Santos and Panama music documentary Una Noche de Calypso, from Argentine director Fernando Munoz topped the 3rd Primera Mirada, announced as its joint winners during the closing ceremony of IFF Panama, that wrapped Wednesday.

Each film will receive a $7,500 award  a 50/50 split of the sidebars total prize. Cocote will screen at the Cannes Film Market and its producers receive Cannes Film Festival accreditation, full travel and accommodation.

Meanwhile, in IFF Panama prizes, all determined by public vote, Aquarius, from Brazils Kleber Mendonca Filho took the Peoples Choice Copa Airlines Audience Award for best Ibero-American fiction feature, and Delfina Vidals La Matamoros best picture in the Panama Fests key Central America and Caribbean competition, while Bellas de Noche won best documentary.

Cocote turns on an Evangelical Christian who attends the burial of his father in his hometown, where he has to participate in religious cults that clash with his own beliefs. Calypso is about a once famous Calypso band that is getting together again. The project was also screened in the works-in-progress sidebar at the Havana, where it won the ARACNE DC Post-Production prize.

The other two projects in competition were Trinidad and Tobago filmmaker Mariel Brown Unfinished Sentences, about a daughter coming to terms with the death of her father and Puerto Rican helmer Ari Maniel Cruzs Who are You? -about a distinguished doctor whose wife is diagnosed with Alzheimers.

Starring Sonia Braga as a moneyed widow who resists a real-estate development companys pressure to abandon her home, Aquarius was always one of the frontrunners of Ibero-American films at IFF Panama, well-received at Cannes and a follow-up to Neighboring Sounds that is a more subtle film but no less mature, according to Variety.

A prize for Vidals womens rights leader portrait La Matamoros marks welcome recognition for an emerging doc auteur whose Caja 25, screened at the IFF Panama in 2015, delivered a fresh take on Panama-U.S. relations.

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Portraying the past and present of Mexicos top 70s/80s showgirls. Bellas de Noche snagged a Morelia best documentary plaudit, a theatrical bow from exhibition giant Cinepolis, and a Netflix pick-up. Produced by Cinepantera and Detalle Films, two top Mexican outfits, it marks director Maria Jose Cuevas maiden feature.

A total of 48 eligible films were submitted to the Primera Mirada competition this year  compared to 46 in 2016 and 32 in 2015.

The projects were evaluated by a three-person jury formed by Julio Hernandez Cordon, director of Behind Theres Lightning and 2015 Primera Mirada winner with I Promise You Anarchy, Carlos A. Gutierrez, of New York non-profit media arts organization Cinema Tropical: and Virgine Devesa, co-founder of Paris-based independent sales company, Alpha Violet.

During the festivals closing press conference it was announced that Puerto Rican post production house Reaktor Post, has decided to offer DCP copies to all four films playing in the sidebar, due to the strength of the selection, even though it had originally only pledged to offer a DCP copy to the winning film.

This was the first year that the Inter-American Development Bank was involved in Primera Mirada, by contributing the $15,000 prize money.

IFF Panamas director Pituka Ortega Heilbron said the joint-prize decision was due such a strong and inspiring set of films. This is quite extraordinary whats happening. The fact that businesses are becoming involved in the development of a burgeoning industry. She added: The IDB is tapping into the fact that film is such a powerful medium for these countries, says Heilbron. Film is not just an industry. It has a tremendous educational impact. Film is an identity builder.

During IFF Panamas closing ceremony, it was also announced that the IDB is launching a short film competition in Panama for 3-5 minute videos, that can be produced in any format, from cell phone to animation. They want to be super flexible in the format because they want to open up the creative juices of the local talent, explained Heilbron.

Toronto Fest programmer Diana Sanchez, artistic director of Primera Mirada and IFF Panama, said filmmakers received lots of feedback, and in many cases it was the first time that the projects were ever shown to an audience beyond the core technical team.

The filmmakers have been hanging out and talking with each other, often coming up with new ideas to complete their films, she added.

This year, weve reinforced the industry dimension of the festival, through a strong selection of films in Primera Mirada and the launch of the Campus Latino initiative, in conjunction with the Goethe Institut in Mexico, concluded Heilbron.

Since we launched the Festival in 2012, our objective has been to build a major industry meeting-place for Latin American filmmakers, especially those from Central America and the Caribbean, and were extremely happy with our increasingly strong industry presence.

John Hopewell contributed to this article
The Fast and the Furious franchise has never exactly been known for subtlety. Over the previous seven installments, the series has dropped cars out of planes, catapulted a bus off a cliff, strapped actresses to oil tankers, and driven cars from one Dubai skyscraper to another. But for eighth installment, The Fate of the Furious, director F. Gary Gray tackled one of the series steepest logistical challenges yet: mounting a full-scale, big-budget action shoot in the middle of Havana.

As one of the first major Hollywood shoots to take place in Cuba since the trade embargo ended, Gray had to contend with a host of unusual trials, most notably the near absence of internet while on the island. If its a challenge to send a simple email, you can imagine how difficult it is to bring in the entire infrastructure to support a movie this big, Gray says. We were this close to renting a cruise ship, just because there werent enough hotel rooms in the city.

He nonetheless insists the experience was entirely worth the hassles.

The people were amazing, the place was amazing, and you could basically just throw your camera up in the air and itll land on a perfect shot. And you get to see the resilient nature of the Cuban people  they know how to do without, so they also know how to create and improvise.

Gray recalls one unexpectedly poignant moment, as the crew was preparing to shoot on a busy Havana boulevard and brought in a camera-ship helicopter for aerial shots.

I remember watching the crowd watch the helicopter almost as if they were watching a spaceship. So I put up a monitor for them to see what the helicopter saw, and realized a lot of them were seeing Havana from the sky for the first time. Some people started to cry, and then we started to cry. This is something we take for granted, but for these people who have never left the ground because of some of the restrictions, theyve never seen where they lived from that angle. It was profound all around.
CANNES  Ondi Timoner  a two-time Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner  spent much of 2016 trekking through the Panamanian jungle for her 10-part documentary series, Jungletown, the first episode of which bowed on Viceland in late March 2017. She also plans a release as a feature length documentary.

The docuseries charts entrepreneur Jimmy Stices venture to create the worlds greatest sustainable modern town, called Kalu Yala, or sacred land, on a 500-acre plot of land he bought in the middle of Panamas rain forest.

Timoner first met Stice in 2013 in the Hatch entrepreneurship conference in Montana. At the time she turned down the possibility of documenting his project because she was contemplating leaving the documentary world and focusing on fiction, with her upcoming projects Mapplethorpe and Air Florida, But after bumping into each other on several occasions following this initial encounter, and given her self-confessed interest in visionary disruptors, she decided to take the leap.

Timoner filmed the exploits of a group of young Millennials  many with doctorates or masters degrees  who pay $5,000 each, covering tuition and board, to serve as interns in the jungle.

Speaking to Variety at IFF Panama, she says that she was aware that the project could be criticized as a white bubble in the middle of a poor country, featuring a bunch of rich kids roughing it out in the jungle. She therefore took care to intercut scenes shot in Panama with back-home footage of the participants, showing that they come from all walks of life, and are lured by the vision of building a different form of urban living. In this manner, the series essentially uses the jungle experience as a prism to talk about modern Western lifestyles, for example when the participants have to care for a goat, while preparing to slaughter it for food.

There are a lot of grey areas in a project like this, which I like to explore, she says. Between commune living and a private owned business, between venture capitalism, neo-colonialism, socialism and communism. With Millennials thinking they deserve a legacy. The project gave me the chance to address serious issues in a way thats fun, sexy and suspense-driven and personal and intimate, with characters you care about.

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Stices real-estate venture stimulated some doubts and criticism within Panama itself, together with a desire to learn more about the project, but Stice explained at the special screening organized during IFF Panama that some people asked us why we havent told people what were doing here, well its a small country and its best to tell people once you know actually know what youre doing.

The learning by doing approach underpins both the venture and the filming process. Timoner emphasizes the tremendous challenges that the production posed, including the immense task of editing 1,500 hours of footage, simple logistical problems, such as charging camera batteries and the fact that much of it was shot during the rainy season which frequently made the roads unusable. Somewhat ominously the approach to the town was via a place called Suicide Hill.

Timoner emphasizes that the series is based on exploring the conflict inherent to the true-life story, rather than a reality show. There is no cast nor competition, she stresses. What happens takes place naturally when 150 young Millennials, aged 18-25 move to the jungle in search of solutions in face of climate disaster. Ultimately, they come face to face with their own struggles. Thats what really interested me. The gap between the utopian vision and the reality of living there: Man vs. man and man vs nature.

This was a crazy experience, the equivalent of making five feature length documentaries, back-to-back, in five months, she says. I would never do this again, at least not in the same way. I would structure it differently. With much more time for post.

Every project makes me better, she adds. Jungleland really pushed me beyond the limit. Im a hard worker and take on crazy projects, but I didnt know my personal limit until this project. It wasnt so much the jungle itself but the sheer amount of material, in post. The need to chart every character and ensure that every storyline is told with all the right parts simultaneously pruning language as quickly as possible and finding the best visuals to bring it to life.

She says that the project nonetheless gave her the right timing for her upcoming feature, Mapplethorpe, which she says is now fully-financed, having cast Matt Smith (Dr Who) as Robert Mapplethorpe, following a jaw-dropping audition tape.

Timoner is now casting the other roles and hopes to start shooting June 12. She says that she thinks that the experience of filming Jungletown will help her work with actors and coax out the best performances.

Her Panama experience has also made her fall in love with the country. I have so many friends here in Panama. I love this country. I love the people. The entrepreneurial spirit. The sense of independence from having got the canal back, which has brought in a steady income that allows for innovation. I love the food and architecture especially in the Casco Viejo.

She adds that her favorite directors and cinematographers are also from Latin America, such as Fernando Meirelles, Sebastian Cordero and Maria Bovan, and she has attended several events organized by Ambulante in Mexico.

After completing Mapplethorpe, Timonero aims to shoot another scripted project, Air Florida, based on the life of her father, the entrepreneur Eli Timoner, who created the worlds fastest-growing airline and then had a stroke when she was aged nine. My father is one of my biggest inspirations. The logo of my company is an airplane, because I want to make films that transport you somewhere else.

She describes the film as a love story, with her mother changing overnight from jet-setting to care-taking. They have spent 50 years together and went from being millionaires to being bankrupt. I think its extremely relevant given the ups and down of modern life.

For the future, she has multiple plans including the desire to make an animated film. I want to keep my life interesting. If somethings going on thats worth documenting, Im the right person. I want to be the one making it.
Ouagadougou (AFP) - A military tribunal on Thursday jailed 15 Burkinabe soldiers for up to 17 years each over a failed raid on an arms depot last year.

The soldiers on trial included 10 members of the former elite presidential guard (RSP) of ousted leader Blaise Compaore.

They were found guilty of taking the arms which were allegedly to be used to attack Ouagadougou military prison in order to release former RSP head General Gilbert Diendere and other soldiers jailed for their alleged involvement in a failed coup in September 2015.

The coup bid was thwarted by street protesters and support from the army, which attacked the plotters' barracks.

Two of the accused, including the suspected ringleader Sergeant-Major Ali Sanou, received the 17-year-term for "military conspiracy".

Thirteen other soldiers were handed 10-year jail terms.

The military prosecutor has sought prison terms of up to 20 years for the accused.

The convicted troops have complained of being tortured to extract confessions.

"The verdict surprised us" said Fako Bruno Ouattara, lawyer for Sanou, adding that the troops had taken the arms "to save people's lives". He said there would be an appeal.
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP)  Zimbabwe police say as many as 17 people are feared dead after a bus went up in flames Wednesday night after colliding with a truck.

Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said Thursday that more than 40 other people suffered serious injuries.

She says people were trapped in the bus and died before help could arrive.

Charamba says the bus was travelling to neighboring South Africa from the capital, Harare.

Road accidents are common in Zimbabwe, with many attributed to bad roads and speeding.
To mark Canada's 150th birthday, the country's park service is offering free admission to more than 200 top national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas throughout 2017. So, if you want to discover Canada's unique natural treasures, plan a high-octane adventure or partake in celebratory festivities at a bargain-friendly price, now is the time to head north. Here are cost-effective ways to explore the country's diverse national parks, landmarks and attractions this year.

[See: 10 Bargain-Friendly Family Vacations in Canada to Book Now.]

Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 1

Nova Scotia, Canada

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will feature a traveling exhibition as a legacy project of the nation's 150th anniversary filled with a variety of workshops and performances that pay homage to Canada's rich heritage. Canada Day at Pier 21, which will take place on July 1, will offer free musical shows and activities to commemorate the immigrants who defined the country. Best of all, the museum offers low admission prices starting at $12.61 Canadian dollars for adult visitors, and children ages 5 and under are granted free entry.

Partake in Rendez-Vous 2017

Quebec City

For a memorable experience commemorating the country's history, consider taking in the Rendez-Vous 2017 from July 18 to 23, the naval celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. During the spectacle, you can observe more than 40 tall ships from around the world setting sail for Quebec City, the main rallying point in a transatlantic race covering 7,000 nautical miles to honor the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. The ships will navigate to host ports in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, giving you the opportunity to take in the striking ships in their full glory, and take part in variety of free kid-friendly activities.

[See: The 8 Top National Parks to Visit This Spring.]

Explore the New Wing for the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Montreal

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The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts recently opened a new wing, adding 600 pieces of international art, including the works received as gifts from Michal and Renata Hornstein, two patrons of the arts. To commemorate the lives of holocaust survivors, the MMFA named the fifth building on its museum campus the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace. The social mission of the new pavilion is to send a strong message of peace, consistent with the image of the city itself, which has given refuge to so many people from around the world, says Nathalie Bondil, director and chief curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Best of all, you can take advantage of wallet-friendly admission prices. Entry to major exhibitions start at $15 Canadian dollars for visitors ages 13 to 30; admission for visitors 12 and under is free.

Attend Montreal Avudo

Montreal

In honor of Montreal's 375th anniversary, visitors can attend Montreal Avudo, an exclusive performance created for the occasion. The work will be produced and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca. Some 100 performances of the production will be offered for free to more than 180,000 spectators throughout the summer in the Old Port of Montreal, from May 17 through Sept. 2. Located along the water, Montreal Avudo will honor the St. Lawrence River with innovative installations relaying the tales of those who depended on the river and connected Montreal to other destinations across the globe.

Check Out La Machine

Ottawa, Ontario

La Machine, a lively theatrical spectacle with larger-than-life machines, will make its North American debut in late July in Ottawa as part of the yearlong celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. Giant, eye-popping mechanical creatures will roam Ottawa's streets, bringing science fiction to life. What's more, a giant dragon breathing fire will interact with crowds and stroll the streets of Canada's capital from July 26 to 30.

[See: 15 Must-Visit National Park Attractions.]

Participate in Canada Place Events

Vancouver, British Columbia

Welcoming nearly 1 million people each year, Canada Place hosts the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa. Even better, 2017 marks both the 30th anniversary of the event and Canada's 150th birthday. Many of the much-loved elements of past Canada Day at Canada Place events will take place for an extended three-day celebration from July 1 to 3, including the Canadian Forces Zone, the citizenship ceremony, the youth zone, the food trucks and the fireworks show, with added enhancements for 2017.

Sery Kim, trained as an attorney at The University of Texas at Austin School of Law, has written for U.S. News Travel since 2015. Additionally, she currently appears on-air each month for ABC and FOX while writing stories for several publications including the prestigious Travel and Leisure Magazine, Food and Wine Magazine, Forbes Travel Guide, Manifesto's Brand USA and Brand America, as well as Washington Life Magazine, Business Traveler USA and Fairmont Raffles Swisshotel Magazine. Recently, Sery also began writing for Fox News National Travel, as well as Town and Country Magazine and Washingtonian Magazine. You can find out more information about Sery on her personal blog www.AdventuresInSery.com.
The United States entered World War I one hundred years ago today. Much has changed since then, obviously. And a lot of whats changed has done so because the United States finally entered the fight.

Here are seven of them  not even counting the simple fact that the U.S. entry on the Allied side saved a mutinous French army and blunted Germanys last-ditch offensive in 1918.

1. Woodrow Wilson and Americas liberal internationalism  After winning re-election on a promise to stay out of the war, Wilson took the doughboys in, effectively launching a new chapter in U.S. foreign policy that lasts, with variations, to the present day. Sure, the League of Nations was spurned by the Senate and ended up being a toothless organization that failed to stop World War II, but the notion that European affairs can threaten the United States took hold, as did the idea of collective security  which led directly to the creation of the United Nations at the end of WWII.

2. 1930s Germany  Wilsons insistence on an end to Prussian militarism meant that Germanys socialist government, and not the military dictatorship, was associated with the armistice, which did not exactly help the Weimar moderates reputation and helped fuel the stab in the back meme that simmered for years in Germany. That, coupled with France and the United Kingdoms insistence that Germany pay dearly for the war, helped ensure that the Great War was not, in fact, the war to end all wars.

3. All those little countries  Wilson loved national self-determination. He loved it so much he made it one of his 14 Points. And so the American entry into WWI can also be seen as the final nail in the coffin of Europes land empires. Austria-Hungary? Auf wiedersehen. That transformed the map of Europe and created a quiltwork of smaller, ethnic/nationality-based countries out of the Hapsburg ruins, like Austria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. (Self-determination also set the stage for U.S. animosity toward Europes colonial empires, with consequences like the Britains Suez Canal debacle decades later.)

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4. The importance of oil  Lord Curzon, days after the Armistice, noted that the Allies floated to victory on a flood of oil. That crude was mostly American  as were the trucks that gave Allied armies an edge over their rail- and foot-bound Central Power rivals. (That same motorized edge would again pay off in WWII, and help power the Red Armys eastward march.) U.S. preoccupation with securing an ample supply of oil for itself and its friends was a key theme after the war  and continues to this day with the 5th Fleets patrolling of the Persian Gulf.

5. America started spy-hunting  Two months after the United States entered the war, Congress passed the Espionage Act, formally criminalizing spying, sharing national security information, or hampering U.S. war efforts on behalf of a foreign power. The following year, Congress cracked down on spying further with the Sedition Act, which outlined harsh penalties for a broad array of subversive acts, from spying to interfering in war efforts, to even insulting the U.S. government or military. Congress repealed the Sedition Act in 1921, but the federal government wielded the Espionage Act as a blunt legal instrument to crackdown on socialists, anti-war activists, and later suspected communists during the Cold Wars Red Scare. The act remains in place to this day (it even cropped up this year, when some constitutional experts warned President Donald Trump could, in theory, pursue criminal charges against journalists and government leakers under the law).

6. It foreshadowed the U.S.-Soviet Cold War Face-Off  While the United States was still wrapping up World War I, Wilson decided U.S. troops needed to intervene in another part of Europe: Russia. While war was raging on the western front, Wilson deployed two contingents totalling some 11,000 U.S. troops to northern Russia to shore up imperialist White Russian forces fighting Soviet revolutionaries. It was the first and only time U.S. troops deployed to Russian soil. During their 19 month stint in the harsh Russian north, some 420 American soldiers died. Its an oft-forgotten chapter of American history, but the victorious communist forces didnt forget. And it didnt exactly get U.S.-Soviet relations off to a great start, foreshadowing the U.S.-Soviet standoff that defined the post-World War II order.

7. The start of U.S. global naval supremacy  Washington was still on the sidelines as Britains and Germanys steel castles duked it out in big naval battles like Jutland. But Wilson knew that naval power was key to American security. The 1916 naval bill, and U.S. entry into the fight against German U-boats, laid the groundwork for an unmatched U.S. naval supremacy the world still sees today. (When warned in 1916 building a big navy could anger seafaring power Britain, Wilson replied Let us build a navy bigger than hers and do what we please! So they did just that.)

Photo credit: EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ/AFP/Getty Images
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  Four Nebraska beer stores on the border of a South Dakota Indian reservation should close because the area doesn't have sufficient law enforcement to respond to the frequent fights, drunken driving and other crimes in the tiny village, opponents of the liquor stores said Thursday.

Their testimony came during a hearing before state alcohol regulators who are considering whether renew their licenses to sell alcohol in Whiteclay, a northwest Nebraska village with nine full-time residents.

The stores sold the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of alcohol last year because they are near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, home of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, which is plagued with alcoholism. Critics of the stores blame Whiteclay for the tribe's high rates of fetal alcohol syndrome and poverty. The town draws regular panhandlers who are known to loiter, fight and pass out in fields lined with dirty clothes and empty beer cans.

Tatewin Means, the tribe's attorney general, said the problems in Whiteclay spill over into the reservation, but Nebraska law enforcement seldom works with the tribe's police force. Means said the tribe currently has about 25 officers to patrol a reservation with 40,000 people that's geographically larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.

"It's been a nonexistent collaboration," Means said in sworn testimony to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.

Means said tribe members who are released from the nearby jail frequently go to Whiteclay, in violation of their probation, but the tribe has no authority to arrest them again in Nebraska and local law enforcement doesn't help.

Bruce BonFleur, who lives and runs a faith ministry in Whiteclay, said he doesn't believe the town has adequate law enforcement. BonFleur said conditions are so unsanitary that he once had to leave his office because the smell of human waste outside was overwhelming. His wife, Marsha BonFleur, said she had encountered a woman who claimed to have been gang-raped but was too scared to report the crime.

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"Nearly everyone who's on the street is in some state of intoxication," Bruce BonFleur said.

Sheridan County Sheriff Terry Robbins disputed allegations that his deputies ignore the problems. He said deputies spend an average of 90 minutes to two hours a day in Whiteclay, but acknowledged under questioning that deputies don't visit every day. Deputies dedicate more time during the 1st and 15th of each month, when tribe members receive government benefit checks, he said.

If deputies see a person passed out in the street, "We get them up, see if they need medical attention, and try to see if we can get them home," Robbins said.

Nebraska State Patrol Investigator Rob Jackson said the patrol has received four formal complaints against the stores in the last two years, but he wasn't able to substantiate any of them. Jackson, based in Scottsbluff, said he inspected the four stores last year and never found any liquor law violations.

Andrew Snyder, an attorney for the beer stores, noted that Nebraska law enforcement currently has no way to look up tribal arrest warrants in its system.

Abram Neumann, who moved to Whiteclay in 2015 as part of a faith ministry, recounted a March 28 encounter in which he had to bandage a man who had been wounded in a knife fight. He said he saw the man the next day and his wounds appeared infected, so he persuaded him to go to the hospital.

Then in an April 2 incident in the village, Neumann said he saw a man nearly get run over by his girlfriend. He said the woman jumped out of the car and started beating the man.

Owners of the four beer stores said they haven't broken any laws. They also said they've seen a sharp increase in law enforcement over the last year.

Earlier this month, the Nebraska attorney general's office said it had filed 22 citations against the businesses for selling to bootleggers, failing to cooperate with investigators and other liquor-law violations. Those allegations are set for a separate hearing in May and can't be used as evidence in the license-renewal case.

Clay Brehmer, who owns Stateline Liquors in Whiteclay, said he doesn't sell to people who are regularly on the street and shoos away drinkers who stand too close to his store.

"I tell my employees to not let anyone stand out front, not let anyone loiter," he said.

___

Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte
In India's cash-guzzling startup ecosystem, profit stories are a bit of an aberration. So much so that even its poster-child, Flipkart, hasn't turned a profit in a decade of its existence.

But here's a success story and only the second one from India.

SEE ALSO: Softbank reportedly wants to merge India's top online retailers to take on Amazon

Mobile advertising firm InMobi, one of India's 10 unicorns, is now a profit-making venture. Data analytics firm Mu Sigma is the only other Indian unicorn with that distinction. (India's other unicorns are Flipkart, Snapdeal, Ola, Paytm, Quikr, Hike, ShopClues and Zomato.)

InMobi, backed by Japanese telecom giant Softbank, competes with the likes of Facebook and Google in the ad tech space and was also the first Indian startup to be valued at over $1 billion six years ago. It began operations in 2007.

Sharp growth in video ads on its platform and a burgeoning market in China saw InMobi record a profit of $8-10 million on revenues of $300 million in 2016, say reports.

"Revenues from the advanced video ad platform grew 4.22X year on year, and is projected to be the biggest driver of growth in 2017," the company said in a statement to Mashable.

We're happy to announce that @InMobi has become profitable. Thank you InMobians for your grit, focus & execution. https://t.co/VnFgATW1Xd  InMobi (@InMobi) April 5, 2017

Naveen Tewari, Co-founder & CEO of InModi said: "We are no longer dependent on anyone, the business can scale on its own."

China is now InMobi's second-largest market after the US, accounting for 28 percent of its revenues, according to Tech In Asia. The US contributes 30 percent. India, Indonesia and Australia complete the top five geographies.

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InMobi's software development tools are integrated in 30,000+ apps, which allows it to gather a wealth of information about users. It then uses that information to offer customized ads to nearly 1.5 billion users.

Social media is abuzz with congratulatory messages for the Bangalore-based startup.

@InMobi @NaveenTewari Beware! You are going against the trend... Much needed for the ecosystem, though :)  Sagar Bedmutha (@SagarBedmutha) April 5, 2017

Pleasantly surprised at @InMobi turnaround. Personally didn't find it to be a great network to scale on! Maybe, things have changed!  Varun (@_varunparikh) April 6, 2017

Its hard to beat an organization that never gives up!! Big Congratulations to Inmobi :) https://t.co/VxHHSxBMOx  Aditi Tewari (@ad_te) April 5, 2017

InMobi turns profitable ! Proud of how we came together as a team last year, stayed low with heads-down execution,https://t.co/gFCDK2UKKL  Piyush Shah (@shahbuckler) April 4, 2017

At a time when #Sotbank is mum on its India bets, their bullishness on #InMobi matters to the start-up ecosystem - https://t.co/BD7t5gkuVB  Adithya Venkatesan (@adadithya) April 5, 2017

InMobi is profitable! All the hard work and focus paying off.. https://t.co/F4BtrOYCB6  Varsha (@7varsha) April 5, 2017

@PKGulati maybe the nth time but worth saying it again... @InMobi that rare combination of vision and execution @NaveenTewari @amitgupta007  Sandeep Todi -Remitr (@sandeeptodi) April 6, 2017

WATCH: Qualcomm's Mobile Tech of the Future
How can relatives confront contentious money concerns without dynamiting family ties? Because personal finance is as much personal as it is finance, we asked experts from a range of disciplinesfinance, law, psychology, and even preschool educationto address common family money scenarios. Here are a couple you may have encountered with an adult child. Weve added our own practical advice.

Failure to Launch

Its time for your 24-year-old college grad to move out of your basement. But after landing a few short-term jobs, he hasnt worked for months and seems in no rush to find gainful employment. And the fact that hes grazing on your food, monopolizing the TV with video games, and trimming his beard in your powder-room sink is taxing your nerves and your spouses.

A psychotherapistss take. Try not to let your frustration get the better of you, says Eileen Gallo, Ph.D., a psychotherapist based in Santa Monica, Calif., who focuses on financial concerns facing young adults. Instead of telling your son he needs to get his s#!t together, focus on helping him explore what he wants to do, Gallo suggests, adding that its best to use encouraging words that will foster his confidence. You want to encourage autonomy, not paralysis, she says. Its natural to struggle through the stage between adolescence and young adulthood. So use the words normal and natural to describe the difficulty hes having. Tell him, I want to help. 

If your child is resistant to the conversation, you have a bigger problem than just getting him to grow up, Gallo says. In that case, you can suggest family or individual therapy. She also recommends that parents offer to foot the bill for vocational testing. If hes willing to go to graduate school or pursue special training, help with tuition if youre in a position to do so. After hes independent, consider helping him pay for health insurance until hes firmly on his financial feet.

A financial planners take. If theres a compelling medical issue that keeps him home, thats one thing, says Robert Karn, a certified financial planner, former tax attorney, and principal of Karn Couzens & Associates, wealth managers in Farmington, Conn. But short of that, youre not helping him by enabling him to shirk responsibilities.

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Karn suggests that you mince no words and that you propose a timeline outlining when your child should take the next step toward independence. Lay out what youre effectively paying for him to live there for free: rent, food, cable, phone, insurance. You can say: You have 30 to 90 days. Well help you look for an apartment and write a resume. If you dont leave, youre paying for your share of expenses.  In Karns experience, young people approached this way generally come to their senses and leave.

The challenge will be, are you emotionally willing to enforce your ultimatum? Karn asks. For this approach to work, both parents have to be on the same page.

CR says: When your adult child is working toward a financial goalsay, paying off college loans or saving for an apartment depositallowing him to live at home can be a smart financial move.

But when he seems perpetually stuck in neutral, you might naturally worry whether hell ever get off the family dole. A vocational testing service such as Highlands, publisher of the Highlands Ability Battery, might help give your adult child direction. The National Career Development Association offers an online referral program to trained career counselors (search using the Need Career Help? box on the home page).

An interim step toward financial independence is to charge your child rent. Increasing the amount each month until it approaches market rates could help coax your child out the door sooner. You can either keep the rent or add it to a savings account on his behalf.

More on Family Money Issues

Blended-Family Fallout

You paid for your sons college education, and now hes asking for help financing law school. You want to help, but his stepmother, your wifewho paid her own way through grad schoolis opposed. How can you come to an agreement?

A financial therapists take. Explore with your wife her underlying values concerning funding education, says Megan Ford, a financial therapist and coordinator of the ASPIRE Clinic, a counseling center at the University of Georgia in Athens. Does she believe that paying your own way fosters self-reliance? Also talk about your own values. Could it be that youve planned to help your son all along, but your partner fears it may take away from your future together?

Crunch the numbers together, Ford advises. As a compromise, perhaps you fund only the first year of school.

A blended-family educators take. Even if a prenup says the money is yours to spend, the decision has to be both of yours, says Ron Deal, director of FamilyLife Blended, a resource for stepfamilies, and author of The Smart Stepfamily (Bethany House, 2014). When biological parents resort to unilateral decision-making, they undercut the bonding between their spouse and the child, Deal notes. It makes family harmony more difficult.

Depending on the blended-family relationship, you might want to deliver the bad news alone, Deal advises. Start the conversation with: Because we love you and believe in your ability to get this done on your own, were choosing not to contribute. We want to support you, but not by writing a check. If he says, You would help me if she wasnt in the picture, you say, I understand your disappointment, and Im sorry. But my wife is part of the picture, and Im in agreement with the decision. This isnt on her, its on us. 

CR says: Encourage your son to find federal loans. If you lend him money, outline the terms in writing. If the loan exceeds $14,000, it should include interest so that you can avoid the federal gift tax. Use the IRSs current Applicable Federal Rate; find it through National Family Mortgage, which helps create intrafamily loans.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc.
Jennie Stout, a nurse in Ocala, Fla., was finishing an afternoon shift when she got a panicked call from home. Her 13-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, had tripped and fallen into smothered embers left over from burning leaves in their backyard, scorching her hands, knees, and shins.

Ambulance paramedics on the scene when Jennie arrived said that Ashlyn should be sent by helicopter to a burn center in Gainesville for fast treatment.

Jennie was surprised: The hospital was only about 40 miles away and the burns didnt seem extensive to her. But in that situation, she recalled, Im a mom first, so she didnt question the decision.

Ashlyn left the hospital after four days and was back at school within two weeks. The Stouts insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, covered her hospital bills and outpatient therapy.

But two months later, the family got another shock: A notice from Med-Trans, the air-ambulance company, telling them that the transport was $24,000.

It turns out that medical-emergency helicopters are often out of network and not fully covered by insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield paid only $5,700, leaving the family with the balance: $18,300.

Today, four years after the accident, Ashlyn has only a few minor scars. But the unpaid balance has a left a lasting mark on the family. They hired a lawyer to challenge the bill, which has now gone to a collection agency.

And the debt has hurt Jennies credit score, making it more difficult to get a loan for needed repairs to the aging roof on the familys house.

I have never not paid a bill in my life, Jennie says. I am not paying a dime because on principle the whole thing is just wrong.

Related Articles

The Worst Kind of Surprise

Getting hit with a medical bill you thought insurance would pay is all too common (get more information at the end of this article).

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And air-ambulance bills can be especially difficult. Consumer Reportswhich collects patient stories about surprise medical billshas seen a spike in complaints about air ambulances in the last year, including the Stouts.

Consumers seem to have plenty to complain about. For one thing, the bills are expensive, averaging more than $30,000, research shows. And consumers have little recourse. Deregulation of the airline industry in the late 1970s left states unable to regulate air-ambulance services or to protect consumers from predatory practices.

The most frustrating part, according to industry experts we spoke with, is that many people taken by air ambulance could have been safely transported by ground ambulance.

In Ashlyn's case, although her burns were painful, they covered just 12 percent of her body. Patients less than 200 miles from a burn center with burns covering less than 30 percent of their body can usually be safely transported by ground, says Gary A. Vercruysse, M.D., a trauma specialist at the University of Arizona Medical Center who has written about the overuse of air ambulances.

Being taken by air ambulance may actually increase the risk of something else going wrong. They crash more often than other air taxis, research shows. Thats partly because of poor decisions pilots may sometimes make when they feel pressure to transport patients quickly, says Ira Blumen, M.D., medical director of the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network, who researches air-ambulance accidents.

But Consumer Reports analysis of data from the National Transportation Safety Board on air-ambulance accidents between 2010 and 2016 suggests another reason. We found safety differences between for-profit operators and nonprofits.

Patients Caught in the Middle

More than 1,000 air ambulances now operate in the U.S., twice as many as in 2000, according to industry data.

For-profit companies are a major factor in driving that expansion as they take over nonprofit programs run by hospitals and municipalities and buy up smaller operators. Today, four private air-ambulance companiesincluding Air Medical Group Holdings, which owns Med-Trans, the company that transported Ashlynaccount for half of the industrys revenue.

Bills for those services are growing. The average charge from Air Methods, the largest operator, rose from about $13,000 in 2007 to $50,200 in 2016, according to Research 360, an independent firm that tracks the industry. The average bill for the industry overall was $32,895 in 2014, the most recent year for which there is data.

The real cost of providing air transport averages about $7,000, according to Jon Hanlon, founder of Research 360. And analysis by New Mexicos Office of Superintendent of Insurance put the cost at an average of about $10,000.

Rick Sherlock, president and CEO of the Association of Air Medical Services, a trade group, says that many air-ambulance patients are on Medicare or Medicaid, and that those programs pay $200 to $6,000 per transport. So, Sherlock says, air-ambulance operators must collect more from people with private insurance to make up the difference.

As a result, patients who are privately insured are often stuck in the middle, paying the price for a dysfunctional system they have little control over.

An Unnecessary Cost?

When someone is traumatically injured and far from a hospital, air transport can be essential. And for people in rural areas, air transport may be their only hope in the event of a heart attack or other emergency.

But advocates and medical experts say that people with injuries that arent life-threatening are too often flown when driving would be just as effective and much cheaper. I see a lot of people brought by helicopter with very minor injuries, Vercruysse, a trauma surgeon who specializes in burn injuries, says. His March 2015 study in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery concluded that almost one-third of air-ambulance rides werent medically necessary.

In some cases, air ambulances are used even though it would be as fastor fasterto go by ground. Ashlyns father, for example, arrived at the hospital just as she was being wheeled into the ER, even though he drove a similar distance. The helicopter had been delayed as it looked for a safe place to land while Ashlyn waited in the ambulance.

Why the overuse? Many air transports occur when patients are transferred between hospitals, and some doctors, fearful of lawsuits due to a delay in care, resort to that option too often, Vercruysse says. Physicians and first responders need clearer guidelines on when an air ambulance is warranted, he says.

John Franchini, the chief regulator of insurance companies for New Mexico, says his office has seen an increase in consumer complaints about air ambulances, 12 of them from December 2015 to January 2017 alone. In six of those cases, insurance companies later determined the flights werent medically necessary.

Billing consumers thousands of dollars for a service that they have no control over is wrong, Franchini says, especially if the service isnt needed.

High-Risk Flying

Then theres the issue of safety. The accident rate for medical helicopters has dropped in the past decade, according to Blumens research. But they still crash at twice the rate of other air taxis, he says.

The National Transportation Safety Board says it recognizes the risks of these flights, citing, for example, the difficulty of flying at night, in unfamiliar terrain, or in bad weather.

And for-profit air-ambulance companies have a spottier safety record than nonprofit operators, according to a Consumer Reports analysis of recent NTSB data. We found that the four largest for-profit operatorsAir Methods, PHI Air Medical, Air Medical Group Holdings, and Metro Aviationaccounted for 68 percent of industry accidents from 2010 to 2016 (37 out of 54 crashes), even though they account for 51 percent of the air-transport market.

Data from a 2014 study in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery were even more lopsided. It found that of 139 crashes between 1998 and 2012, 118 involved for-profit operators. The authors said potentially preventable human errors related to the crashes are significantly higher among those operators. They attributed the increased risk to deficiencies in training, reduced availability of equipment and resources, and questionable flight selection among for-profit air-ambulance companies.

Sherlock from the Association of Air Medical Services says the study didnt take into account safety improvements, such as the installation of terrain awareness systems, directed by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2014. Though all of the regulations wont be fully implemented until 2018, he says many companies have voluntarily adopted many of those changes.

Consumers and Legislators Push Back

Consumers in at least five states who are suing Air Methods are seeking to turn their cases into class-action lawsuits. Several states have taken steps to help consumers facing high air-ambulance bills. Theres also bipartisan support in Congress to investigate the problem and to give states more power to regulate the industry. Consumer Reports supports these efforts (see details below).

Theres movement on the local front, too. Some local municipalities are taking back air ambulance services that had been outsourced. For example, in January, Monroe County in the Florida Keys, where the nearest trauma hospital is about 120 miles away, voted to expand its county-operated air-ambulance service after residents complained about bills from LifeNet, a private air-ambulance company owned by Air Methods.

Air Methods said in a statement that it bills only for what insurance wont cover as a last resort and that it works with patients to determine what they can reasonably pay.

Smart Steps to Battle Unwanted Bills

If you get stuck with a high air-ambulance bill, industry experts and consumer advocates say there are things you can do. Ask your insurance company to advocate on your behalf, or challenge the bill directly with the air-ambulance provider. To bolster your odds, file a formal complaint with the appropriate agency in your state government. Some air operators also offer charity-care programs.

To avoid these bills, you might want to consider a membership program offered by some air-ambulance operators, particularly if you live far from a hospital. The programs, which cost as little as $65 per year, are meant to cover costs that your insurance doesnt pay. But that works only if the ambulance company you sign up with is the one that arrives at your emergency, something you may have little control over.

As for the Stouts, they have exhausted their appeals and are now contemplating filing a class-action lawsuit. Jennie says she wishes she had questioned the need for an air ambulance the day her daughter was hurt. Her advice to others in a similar situation? If it doesnt seem right, ask questions.

Protecting Consumers

Efforts to rein in excessive air-ambulance bills have rare bipartisan support in Congress.

Reps. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Peter A. DeFazio (D-Ore.) recently asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate pricing and competition in the industry.

And Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) have introduced bills to give states more power to regulate how air ambulances operate and charge customers.

Consumer Reports supports those and other efforts to protect consumers from surprise medical bills.

All Americans deserve access to affordable healthcare, including emergency medical transport, says Betsy Imholz, who oversees Consumer Reports Surprise Medical Bills campaign.

Read more about our work on air ambulances. And learn more about our efforts to combat all surprise medical bills, and to share your story about one.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the May 2017 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.





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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc.
Photo credit: Air Force photo.

From Popular Mechanics

The head of the U.S. Air Force's tanker fleet wants a "cloaking device" capable of hiding his giant aerial refueling planes from enemy eyes. The service is worried that such planes would become easy targets in a war scenario involving large, capable air forces such as Russia or China.

Almost all major air forces rely on aerial refueling tankers to extend keep their planes flying, to extend their patrol times or help them cross vast distances. Without tankers, the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter would have a combat radius (the distance a combat aircraft can travel one way, expecting combat, fully loaded with weapons) of less than 600 miles.

The reliance on tankers makes them an air force's Achilles' heel, and prime targets in wartime. Large, slow, and easy to spot, such planes typically circle behind the air battle, positioning themselves behind a wall of friendly planes. Some air forces including China and Russia train to hunt such planes down. Russia even created an extremely fast, long range air-to-air missile, the Novator K-100, capable of downing tankers, E-3 AWACS airborne early warning and control planes, and other support aircraft at ranges of up to 248 miles.

The Air Force has a new tanker, the KC-46 Pegasus, rolling off assembly lines and set to enter service in 2018. Based on the 767 airliner, the KC-46 has zero stealth capability. The only alternative is to add it electronically, and that's where the idea of a "cloaking device" comes in.

General Carlton Everhart, head of the Air Mobility Command, told Bloomberg News that the solution may involve "technology to alter the plane's radar image, or waveform, so it appears to be 'either in a different location in the air' or 'reduced or disappears altogether: Now you see me, now you don't.'" That would be far more affordable than scrapping the KC-46 project -- which has already seen billions invested in it -- and starting over with a stealthier design.

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What would such a device look like? Defense contractor Raytheon, which is working on the Next Generation Jammer for the EA-18G Growler electronic attack plane, speculates such a device could be a radar jammer "that can interpret radar signals and adapt quickly to keep aircraft hidden".

Raytheon says one key requirement would be a "cognitive electronic warfare" system that can learn enemy radar signals and quickly adapt to them, deceiving the enemy as to where the tanker is coming from. The speed with which enemy signals would need to be analyzed and responded to means that artificial intelligence would likely operate the jammers and not a human being. Another key requirement: the ability to generate lots amounts of electricity to power the jammers.

Whatever the solution, if Air Mobility Command develops such a system for its tankers the entire Air Force will benefit. Eventually all Air Force planes could carry a system, even fifth generation fighters such as the F-22 and F-35, to give them an extra measure of protection. In the meantime, the service's tankers need all the help they can get.

Source: Bloomberg

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Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley could face criminal prosecution following a state ethics panel ruling Wednesday that there might be a probable cause of infringement of ethics and campaign finance law by Bentley for his involvement in a sex-tinged scandal for over a year.

The Alabama Ethics Commission voted Wednesday to refer four issues to the district attorney's office for which the latter would decide whether to levy charges for a possible prosecution. The commission found probable cause that the 74-year-old governor used campaign money for personal reasons when he was not a candidate, illegally accepted a campaign donation and misused campaign funds and other state resources.

Bentley admitted that he made personal mistakes, but he did not accept the commission's findings and asserted he did nothing illegal. The commission is expected to conduct further investigations on the matter on Wednesday.

Bentley's attorney Bill Athanas defended the governor. "We disagree strongly with the result, but I think it is important to keep in mind that it is a finding of probable cause, not finding of a violation. ... The battle goes on," Athanas said. Athanas also mentioned that he would talk to prosecutors and said there was no basis for the charges, according to New York Times.

Bentley has been facing accusations and questions after recordings of phone calls surfaced a year ago of him making suggestive sexually charged remarks to a female aide before his divorce. State Auditor Jim Zeigler filed an ethics complaint against the Republican governor and accused him of misusing state resources for a relationship with the aide. Rebekah Caldwell Mason, the female aide, resigned soon after the recordings came to light.

Zeigler supported the commission's decision, but also highlighted that it was "only the first step."

"I am pleased that the governor is going to finally face accountability and sad for the state of Alabama that we've had to go through this the last year-and-a-half," he said, according to ABC News.

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A former dermatologist and Baptist deacon, Bentley became governor in 2010 with his "nice guy" image. He won re-election in 2014 by a stark margin, however, after the scandal his popularity decreased and degraded his reputation.

The commission's action came almost a year after the surfacing of the recordings, in which Bentley could be heard telling a woman, "I worry about loving you so much," and spoke about touching her breasts.

In a press conference following the emergence of the scandal, the governor tried to convince his voters that he had done nothing illegal, but committed personal mistakes for which he apologized to his family and the state.

"I made a mistake. Two years ago, I made a mistake," Bentley said last year, according to the Associated Press.

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The day before the U.S. Senate was poised to deal what some consider a serious blow to democracy, no one seemed to care.

None of the major national newspapers front pages had articles about the debate over plans to eliminate the filibuster. The U.S. Capitol was oddly quiet, with none of the buzz of activity and press attention that accompanied deliberations over the Republican health care bill just three weeks earlier.

And as the vote to employ the so-called nuclear option neared, members of the Senate were under no political pressure from voters to find a way to resolve the ever-escalating legislative war between Republicans and Democrats.

Rather, liberal groups demanded that Democratic senators block President Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch. And Republicans were under equally intense pressure not to back down from the confrontation.

Republicans arent going to be played for suckers and chumps, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said on the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon.

And so Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will on Thursday move to change long-standing Senate rules that require majorities to marshal 60 votes to overcome a filibuster when it comes to Supreme Court nominations.

If the rule change receives at least 50 votes from the 52 Republican senators, then the Senate will have eliminated a check on majority rule that McConnell, in 2012, called one of the most cherished safeguards of liberty in our government  the right of a political minority to have a voice.

Without the filibuster, the extreme polarization in American politics that has produced its demise will only worsen. Constraints that force both parties to work together will be reduced. The spinning top of American democracy, already wobbly, will be set to gyrate even more wildly.

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., flanked by other Republicans, speaks in support of Judge Neil Gorsuchs nomination to the Supreme Court. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Sen. John McCain, R-ArIz., was one of the few senators from either side to say anything critical about their own party, even though the recently reelected war veteran said he would reluctantly vote for the rule change.

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I believe our actions will haunt us, McCain said on the Senate floor Wednesday morning. I fear that someday we will regret what were about to do. In fact, Im confident we will.

McCain read from a 2012 McConnell op-ed in which the then-Senate minority leader decried Democrats for planning to eliminate the filibuster on confirming judges for courts below the Supreme Court.

McConnell said that senators have traditionally defended the Senate as an institution, because they knew that the Senate was the last legislative check for political minorities and small states against the kind of raw exercise of power large states and majority parties have always been tempted to wield.

Do Democrats really want to go down this road? McConnell wrote then.

The argument in favor of requiring the current 60-vote supermajority to approve a judge is that it prevents extremists or partisans who are obviously unqualified from being nominated, because votes from the minority party are usually required to reach that number.

McCain also read a 2013 quote from Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who said that if sweeping legislation and lifetime appointments cannot muster 60 votes in the United States Senate, then its probably not a good idea to force either on the American people. That is the exact argument made by Democrats now in opposition to the Gorsuch nomination.

McCain said that Republicans needed to remember our own words and heed our own warnings.

But McCain also read quotes from Democratic senators who just a few years ago were calling for then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., to get rid of the filibuster for lower-court nominees.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said in 2013 that if Republicans continued to filibuster former President Barack Obamas nominees, then senators have a duty to change the filibuster rules. And Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said that its time for the Democratic leadership to do what the American people want and that is to have a majority rule in the United States Senate.

McConnell now argues that he is only allowing the Senate to get to a vote on the Gorsuch nomination, and that he would not get rid of the filibuster with regard to passing laws. But senators like McCain argue that a removal of the legislative filibuster will be inevitable if the judicial filibuster goes down.

Republicans complain that no Supreme Court nominee has ever been filibustered in a partisan fashion. Democrats are incensed that McConnell refused to allow a vote on Judge Merrick Garland, the nominee put forward last year by Obama after Justice Antonin Scalia died.

The recriminations go back and forth. The debate in the Senate this week has largely consisted of finger pointing. The argument on both sides is essentially that they are being forced to do the wrong thing because the other side started it and because their opponent will take advantage of them if they dont respond in kind.

We cannot have one set of rules for Democratic presidents and another set of rules for Republican presidents, Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., said this week.

The only way to break the cycle is for someone to do what they say they wish they could and take a stand on principle, even if it costs their side politically in the short term, and even if it costs them their seat in the Senate. If no one does this, it will be a triumph of short-term thinking for political gain, putting political interests above country and posterity.

And while lawmakers of both parties will be failing a test of leadership, they will be doing so according to the normal rules of politics, by which politicians respond to pressure from voters. And there is no loud outcry from average citizens over the Senates impending diminution.

It will be the most obvious example of a lamentable fact: Institutions  especially those that prioritize slowing down and putting a brake on the passions of the nations popular will  no longer hold much of a place in the popular imagination or in the affections of the average citizen.

And, McCain said during his floor speech, this action will be done by an institution that is no longer trusted by most Americans, which will lead to a further undermining of another American institution that undergirds democracy: the rule of law.

We will see more and more nominees from the extremes of both left and right, McCain said. Americans will no longer be confident of equal protection under the law.

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Carrie Hojnicki. Photo by: Getty Images.

"It appears that each Balinese native/ From the womb to the tomb is creative/ And although the results are quite clever/ There is too much artistic endeavor, wrote the famously cheeky playwright Noel Coward of his early 20th-century travels to the Indonesian Isle of the Gods. And almost a century later, Cowards words (stripped of their snark, of course) ring ever true, with millions of travelers utterly bewitched by the artistic culture that seems to permeate every inch of the volcanic island. Today, even within the islands increasingly touristic factions, Balinese arts are alive and well, and, AD would argue, are its most tantalizing offer of all. Here, our guide to exploring Balinese craftsmanship and its history.

Painting, Ubud

Dont let Ubuds yogi stereotype fool you, the expat-haven boasts a centuries-long painting tradition that, thanks to the towns royal family, who founded the pivotal Pitamaha Art Guild in 1936, hasnt shuddered in the face of tourism. Make sure to stop by the Agung Rai Museum of Art or Neka Art Museum, which each display fine examples of local painting as well as work from nearby village Batuan, famous for its dark, densely patterned depictions of everyday life.

To bring a piece of artistry home, theres the Ubud Art Market, which, in addition to the areas typical tourist wares (basket handbags, sarongs), also offers a veritable and well-priced selection of handcrafted trinkets. Be prepared to haggle.

Woodcarving, Mas

Just south of Ubud, Mas dazzles visitors with its fine wooden sculptures. One can catch master carvers in action by visiting long-standing studio-galleries like Adil Artshop and Njana Tilem Gallery, which also offer exquisite works for sale. While youre there, dont miss Mass beautiful Pura Taman temple, a destination during the Balinese festival of Manis Kuningan.

Silver- and Gold-smithing, Celuk

In Bali, precious metalsmithing is synonymous with the town of Celuk, whose main street is lined with several large jewelry outlets like Prapen, where its possible to watch smithing in action before perusing what seems like an endless supply of handcrafted baubles and bits. Be wary of tourist pricing.

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Those favoring a more contemporary aesthetic may enjo a trip to John Hardys workshop and showroom, nestled in a field of rice paddies in the nearby town of Mumbal. Hardy, who founded his eponymous jewelry line in Bali in 1975, continues to honor local craft tradition in the making of his contemporary designs.

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This story originally appeared on Architectural Digest.

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Associated Press

Concerns over the Buffalo Bills troubling loss to the New York Jets were quickly overshadowed by even bigger worries regarding the status of Josh Allens throwing elbow on Monday. Suddenly, the entirety of the organization and its fanbase is holding its collective breath while awaiting the results of medical tests to determine the severity of Allens injury sustained in the final minutes of a 20-17 loss to the Jets  and what impact it will have on the second half of the season and the franchises Super Bowl aspirations. The reality, however, is bracing for the potential of having to turn over a very Allen-centric offense to journeyman backup Case Keenum to keep the AFC-leading Bills (6-2) afloat in the interim.
Consider Online Student Services

Between work, family obligations and education, online students often stay busy. Experts say it's essential that a program offer robust student services to help them juggle those responsibilities and ultimately boost their career through advising and networking.

When evaluating an online degree program, ask the following 10 questions about student services.

1. What services are offered?

Programs vary in the specific services they provide online students. That's an important consideration for online students, who often can't interact with professors and advisers in person. Prospective students should check a school's website to see whether the offered services meet their needs.

"Online students are learning at a distance," Susan Aldridge, president of Drexel University Online, told U.S. News. "Student services make a difference in whether these students can be successful or not."

2. Is the quality comparable to on-campus services?

Though online students might be far from campus, the quality of student support should be similar -- if not the same -- to those offered on campus, experts say. The only difference is the mode of communication.

For instance, students at Arizona State University's online arm, ASU Online, can chat online in real time with career services advisers who might be able to answer their questions on topics such as finding a job.

3. When are these services available?

Online students live in different time zones, so it's important for them to check if they can access services either 24 hours a day or at the times that work for them given their jobs and other responsibilities.

"What I tell people is that for every time zone you're in, you have to have extended hours in order to support your students, especially for tech support," Aldridge says.

4. Is tech support an option?

Because online education depends on technology, access to tech support is essential. Online colleges such as LSU Online at Louisiana State University--Baton Rouge have virtual "help desks," where students can chat online with a support specialist.

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Mari Moxley, who earned her bachelor's online at Pennsylvania State University--World Campus, told U.S. News that prospective students should consider tech support's hours, asking, "What time is their close of business versus what time is your close of business?"

5. On what platforms is support accessible?

Aldridge, of Drexel, also suggests prospective online students check whether they can access student services in various formats, such as through text message, a mobile app, phone, social media or email.

"Particularly in this mobile environment, it's important to be mobile-friendly so students can access this information readily," Aldridge says.

6. Can online students network with alumni?

Many online students are career changers and would benefit from networking with alumni and classmates, experts say. At the for-profit Kaplan University, students and graduates can access a social platform to interact.

Heather Duhart, then academic and career services director for the online Master of Public Administration at the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, told U.S. News that online students should be able to say: "Okay, this person came through this program and then they went on to do these things, and does that look like a path I might want to take?"

7. Are there chances to network with employers?

In some programs, career services allows online students to attend virtual career fairs to network with potential employers. At MPA@UNC, Duhart says, employers speak with several students at once about their company and then break out into chat rooms with individual students.

At Kaplan, "employer spotlights" are broadcast to students, recorded and archived. Employers also answer questions from students and career services staff.

8. Do you have access to all library resources?

Books, reference materials and research assistance are important for any student's success. Ann Campion Riley, then president of the Association of College & Research Libraries, told U.S. News that online students should be able to access the same resources as those on campus.

Some online school libraries will mail print books to students, though these are often instantly accessible as e-books, Riley says. Online students might also need to complete a library orientation.

9. How do you communicate with librarians?

For online students, librarians are sometimes accessible through chat services, email and even text messaging, experts say. But prospective students should check whether that assistance is available at the times they need.

"That would be a major red flag, if they are only available maybe 40 hours per week," A. James Bothmer, university librarian at Creighton University, told U.S. News.

10. Are tutors available for online students?

Many online programs offer free tutoring for students or recommend services such as Smarthinking. Whether these are available around the clock varies.

Renee Fuller, then a senior in the online MBA program at Ohio University, used the service InstaEDU -- now Chegg Tutors -- for her accounting class, she told U.S. News. The tool paired online and traditional students with tutors from reputable universities. "It was a pretty rapid response," she says.

More About Online Education

Find advice about applying to and selecting an online program on the Online Learning Lessons blog, and check out the 2017 Best Online Programs rankings.

For more tips and information, follow U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook.

Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com.


SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia said on Thursday it had received information that terrorists may be planning to attack a World War One commemoration service at Gallipoli in Turkey later in the month. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in a statement that Turkish authorities were aware of the information "and traditionally provide a high level of protective security around Anzac Day commemorations on the peninsula". Anzac Day, on April 25, marks the first major battle involving troops from Australia and New Zealand in Gallipoli, Turkey in 1915. Hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders make a pilgrimage to the site every year for a military dawn service. "The Australian government has received information to suggest terrorists may seek to target ANZAC Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula," Bishop said in an emailed statement. Dan Tehan, Australia's minister for veteran affairs, said intelligence gathered did not indicate a specific plan, but rather a general aim. Australia updated its travel advice for Turkey on Thursday, but did not change its statement that recommends visitors exercise a high degree of caution in the country and reconsider the need to visit Ankara and Istanbul. New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully also urged the country's citizens to avoid travel to Ankara and Istanbul, while also recommending caution in Gallipoli and elsewhere in Turkey. Despite urging Australians to reconsider any plans to attend the annual event, Tehan said he was confident Turkey would ensure sufficient security. "The Turkish authorities are taking this extremely seriously. The celebrations on Gallipoli are as important to the Turkish authorities and Turkish people as they are to Australians," Tehan told reporters. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook. Editing by Jane Wardell and Michael Perry)
The outrage against Pepsi has not yet fizzled, despite the soda company pulling and apologizing for a controversial ad featuring Kendall Jenner joining a street protest and handing a can of soda to a cop.

Read: Pepsi Apologizes, Yanks Controversial Kendall Jenner Ad: 'Clearly We Missed the Mark'

We did not intend to make light of any serious issue," the company said in an apology to its Twitter followers Wednesday. "We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position."

Some critics are confused as to why Jenner got her own apology.

"Its incredible that @pepsi apologized to Kendall," tweeted DeRay Mckesson, a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement, on which some say the ad was based. "She chose to be a part of that ad. Pepsi needs to apologize to the protestors."

The fact that Pepsi even thought Kendall Jenner being the face of that ad was a good idea really says a lot about their perspective lol, he said in another tweet.

Other tweets went:

@pepsi Kendall chose to do it... but you're apologizing to her... pic.twitter.com/sf7gm9KGFa  Protect Louis (@_blissfularry) April 5, 2017

@pepsi apologizing to Kendall makes this even more comical bruh  how u gonna apologize to a grown woman for makin her own decisions??done pic.twitter.com/vcjpfEfOkk  Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) April 5, 2017

"We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position" .This is Kendall right now though  ... pic.twitter.com/7ZdWla6zpC  Cruella de Ville ... (@Tshego_McTWiGGY) April 5, 2017

Jenner covered her face and kept silent while bombarded with questions after landing in Paris Wednesday.

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During a city council meeting in Portland Wednesday, a man identifying himself as Carlos Enrique who claimed he was a journalist invoked the ad while "interviewing" to Mayor Ted Wheeler and began discussing how the leader of the Oregon city faces backlash from the public.

As Wheeler tried to get Enrique back on track to discuss the topics at hand, the civilian stood up and walked over to the panel on which Wheeler was sitting and handed him a Pepsi, a clear nod to the ad.

"What I realized is that the language of resistance has not been properly translated [to] you," Enrique said. "So this is for you."

A shocked Wheeler told him never do that again and the man was confronted by security before leaving on his own.

The reaction continued on social media, Madonna weighed in on Twitter with a not-so-subtle photo of her holding a can of Coke.

The ad, which dropped on April 4  the 49th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death  prompted the civil rights leader's daughter Bernice to tweet a photo of her dad in a standoff with cops, writing: "If only daddy would have known about the power of #pepsi.

If only Daddy would have known about the power of #Pepsi. pic.twitter.com/FA6JPrY72V  Be A King (@BerniceKing) April 5, 2017

Pepsi responded directly to Ms. Kings tweet, writing: We at Pepsi believe in the legacy of Dr. King & meant absolutely no disrespect to him & others who fight for justice."

Late night jokesters couldn't resist making the commercial a part of their opening bits Wednesday night.

Steven Colbert poked fun at the ad on The Late Show Wednesday night.

We have a deeply divided nation," he said. But today, it seems that everyone has come together to join the protest against the new protest ad from Pepsi.

Tonight: Stephen wades into the uproar around Pepsi's "protest" ad, and finds there may be a hidden message. #LSSC pic.twitter.com/PCm2q6VijU  The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) April 6, 2017

He joked about how the ad was a protest for "Attractive Lives Matter" and "caused all of Americas hot extras to take to the streets" to vent their anger at something, but he can't figure out what.

Read: Casey Anthony Comes Out of Hiding to Protest Trump Outside Mar-a-Lago Estate

"Once Kendall Jenner has made the ultimate sacrifice of whipping off her lipstick, it is super fun until the march meets the worlds least intimidating police force," Colbert joked. "They are also extremely attractive. Watch out Kendall, those unarmed cops might start stripping!"

On The Daily Show, host Trevor Noah revealed how frightened he was over the recent chemical attack in Syria. As the host expressed his paranoia, correspondent Desi Lydic mimicked the Pepsi ad and handed him a can of soda, jokingly letting the South African comic know everything will be fine.

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By Donna Owens

BALTIMORE (Reuters) - Dozens of Baltimore residents said on Thursday the city's police department needs the reforms negotiated under a proposed consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice because they fear more incidents like the 2015 death of a black man while in police custody.

About 50 citizens and members of civil rights groups gathered in a downtown U.S. District courtroom to urge Judge James Bredar to approve the agreement.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has ordered a review of all federal reform agreements with police departments across the United States, which has alarmed civil rights advocates who fear the administration of President Donald Trump will pull back on efforts to stop police abuses.

Thursday's hearing was to allow the public to voice opinions on the decree before the judge finalizes it. Bredar on Wednesday rejected a request by Justice officials to delay the hearing.

"For decades we've dealt with a militarized police force, who have done racial profiling, committed brutality and every level of disrespect," West Baltimore resident Ray Kelly told the judge. Kelly is a community organizer with the No Boundaries Coalition.

"This decree will bring much needed federal oversight," he said during the somber, four-hour hearing. "It's time."

The proposed consent decree was hammered out between Baltimore officials and the Justice Department in the final days of former President Barack Obama's administration after a federal investigation found widespread constitutional violations within the city's police department, particularly in the way police treated minorities.

That investigation was launched after the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who was fatally injured while being transported in a police van in April 2015.

Baltimore city and police officials support the proposed agreement, while the National Fraternal Order of Police said Justice officials needed more time to review it.

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John Gore, deputy assistant attorney general in the Justice Department's Civil Rights division, said on Thursday that Sessions had "some grave concerns" about the Baltimore agreement, but he did not elaborate.

Several women, all African American, spoke in court about past abuses by city police involving their families and called on Bredar to approve the settlement.

Where is his justice? asked an emotional Marcella Hill, holding a photo of her 31-year-old son Maurice, whom she said was shot by police inside their home in 2012.

(Reporting by Donna Owens; Editing by Ben Klayman, Toni Reinhold)
The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it would remove White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon from the National Security Council (NSC). National security wonks on the left and right alike, many of whom had criticized the president for putting one of his top political advisors on the council, applauded the decision. Irrespective of party, past presidents have always understood the dangers of mixing politics and national security. Trump arrived in office either unaware of that precedent or determined to upend it. But it appears that his very capable national security advisor, H.R. McMaster (perhaps joined by others across the interagency process), succeeded in helping him understand why Bannon needed to be removed. After having Bannon involved in several national security decisions, it probably wasnt that hard to understand why he didnt belong there. And Bannon probably came to realize that such meetings arent as exciting as he thought they would be.

This isnt the first piece of evidence that the administration is learning on the job. There are other encouraging indications that the administration is coming to appreciate why longstanding traditions and processes associated with governing actually matter, and even if it wants to disrupt the foreign policy establishment and its mores, it has to understand and work with that establishment. In addition to removing Bannon from the NSC, McMaster has succeeded in installing or replacing senior NSC staff with competent and experienced pros, and the logjam of agency nominations is slowly starting to break open. Theres a long way to go before Defense and State political teams are filled out, but that theyve advanced at all is a good sign that the administration is starting to view these organizations as assets, not enemies.

Another example is Secretary of State Rex Tillersons original decision to skip the NATO ministerial summit last Friday. He and his inner circle supposedly saw no value in attending the last meeting scheduled to lay groundwork for the upcoming NATO summit in late May, despite the administrations plans to shake up the alliance. They also didnt understand the troubling signal Tillerson would send to European allies if he met the Russians before sitting down in Brussels with all of NATOs 28 members. Fortunately, after an outcry from Washington and allied capitals, the State Department eventually reversed course and asked NATO to move the meeting so that Tillerson could indeed make it. The move reassured anxious allies and set the alliance  and more importantly, the administration  on a better course for the summit.

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Similarly, Tillersons announcement that he would be traveling to Asia without press spurred both disbelief and criticism. Why would a U.S. secretary of state let his Chinese counterparts control the narrative at a time when the region was fraught with so much uncertainty and tension? After days of pressure, he finally agreed to take a single journalist. Unfortunately for her, she was put in an impossible bind, as North Korea tested yet another missile and the press legitimately expected that she serve as a pool reporter, even while her editors asked her to focus on a longform piece that would come out after her return to the United States. After the poorly reviewed trip, an ultimately unflattering profile, and assessments that Tillerson did little to establish a useful U.S. narrative in preparation for Chinese President Xi Jingpings visit, it is hard to imagine the secretary of state making that mistake again.

This weeks summit at Mar-a-Lago will be a good test of whether McMaster has established some good order and discipline in his national security process, or if foreign policy is still a haphazard portfolio of freelancers. Such summits are typically the work of months of preparation, preceded by endless interagency meetings and joint statement coordination, and attended by the senior foreign policy leadership of an administration. The outcomes are planned, the desired press highlights are queued up, and the possibility of embarrassing the leaders with any surprises or stray voltage is minimized. McMaster, though new to the job and still lacking political appointee networks, has nascent bones of a process in place to make this happen  though arguably it is far too early in the administration to expect much. But press reporting has indicated that Jared Kushner, Trumps senior advisor and son-in-law  who is neither a member of the NSC nor a China specialist  took the lead on summit preparation. Whether he and Bannon are at the table as opposed to McMaster and Tillerson, or whether Trump again parrots the Chinese preferred language on great power relations as opposed to asserting a less acquiescent take, may be indicators of whether the new memo actually made any difference.

While the day-to-day operations and staffing of this administration are finally starting to resemble those of past administrations, we still cant ignore that the president himself appears to be doing very little learning. He and Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, continue to hold to the preposterous accusation that President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower, and Trump continues to shock the country and the world with his tweets each and every week. Even the administrations foray into normal statements on U.S. foreign policy positions have been contradictory (the range of takes on the tragic Syrian chemical weapons attack), if not bizarre (the non-statement on the North Korean missile test).

We should celebrate McMasters staffing and organizational wins, but it remains to be seen whether they are superficial nods to a largely irrelevant NSC process or indicators that Trumps foreign policy might be able to grow up. As for Bannon, we shouldnt forget that he isnt actually going anywhere and will remain just steps away from the Oval Office.

Photo credit: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
President Donald Trump removed White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon from his role on the National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday. However, Bannon was not convinced with the plan and had threatened to resign if the change was made, the New York Times reported.

The former chairman of conservative news outlet Breitbart resisted the move over changes in his position on the NSC and warned the Trump team he would resign from his current job, an anonymous White House official told the Times. Bannons team, however, told the daily he never made such a threat and the change did not indicate any diminution of his outsize influence.

Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster was behind Bannons removal from the NSC, the Times reported. McMaster reportedly insisted ousting Bannon from the White House Situation Room where the latest information on a military or political situation is discussed.

However, CNNs senior White House correspondent tweeted late Wednesday saying Bannon was, in fact, in the Situation Room despite being removed from the NSC.

In January, Trump put Bannon on the NSC principals committee triggering criticism that the president was attempting to politicize the council. In this process, the roles of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and director of national intelligence were reportedly downgraded.

Bannons camp told the Times that he was given a role on the principals committee to keep a watch on Trumps first National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn. The retired Army lieutenant general was forced to resign in February after information surfaced he misled Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials about the nature of the content he discussed with Russian ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak.

According to the Times, Trump was also bothered with the recognition Bannon received for his work on the Trump administrations agenda and was not pleased with the media calling his top adviser President Bannon.

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Republicans in Congress couldnt make Barack Obama a one-term president. And theyve failed to repeal his signature domestic legacy.

Yet the GOP is succeeding in a more discreet project: In vote after vote this year, they are steadily erasing the final year of Obamas presidency.

The clearest result of that operation will come on Friday, when the Senate plans to confirm President Trumps nominee to the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, more than a year after Republicans refused to consider Merrick Garland, Obamas pick for the same seat. As Democrats argued at the time, the blockade (which later extended to lower-court nominees as well) had the effect of denying Obama the ability to shape the federal judiciary for the full eight years of his two terms in office.

Since January, the congressional GOP has moved to overturn other aspects of Obamas presidency retroactively, by tossing aside major regulations his administration finalized during the final months of his tenure. Republican majorities have passed, and Trump has signed, 11 resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, a 1996 law granting the legislature expedited power to throw out recent rules written by the executive branch.

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Gone are regulations protecting streams from industrial waste, a rule prohibiting the sale of certain consumer internet data, a ban on states requiring drug testing for unemployment benefits, a requirement that companies report certain workplace injuries and illnesses, a measure tightening background checks for gun buyers, and a half dozen other regulations. The House and Senate hope to eliminate several other Obama-era rules in the next month before their window for action under the CRA closes in early May.

Along with the Gorsuch confirmation, the deregulatory blitz is likely to be the only legislative victory of Trumps first 100 days in office, and GOP leaders have hailed the CRA bills as a promise kept. After years of talk about cutting red tape, it is now actually happening, House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Tuesday. We are reversing the Obama administrations most recent and last regulatory onslaught. And, more fundamentally, we are returning power from unelected bureaucrats in Washington to the states and the people that we represent.

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But the scope of the Republican achievement is necessarily limited: None of these regulations were on the books even a year ago, and some of them had yet to take effect at all. And while GOP leaders have made a more aggressive use of the Congressional Review Act than some experts predicted after the November election, the vast majority of the Obama administrations regulatory architecture will survive well into Trumps term. The dozen or so rule reversals the House and Senate have passed so far represent less than 2 percent of the 689 major regulations finalized while Obama was president, according to a tally kept by the right-leaning American Action Forum.

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Unwinding a presidency, as Republicans are finding, is simply a lot harder than political rhetoric makes it seem. Along with just about every other GOP candidate last year, Trump promised to roll back Obamas policies immediately upon taking office. Republican opposition to many of his priorities had forced Obama to go around Congress and take action unilaterally in many areas, particularly to combat climate change and tighten labor protections. For his critics, the upshot was that a new Republican president could sign away the policies Obama had implemented on his own. And true to his word, Trump has signed an array of executive orders targeting his predecessors record on immigration, the environment, and law enforcement.

But Trump cannot take a weed-whacker to the federal bureaucracy in one swing. Under federal law, major regulations generally must go out the way they came inthrough a lengthy, painstaking process that can take years and be subject to litigation. The accepted law and custom is that it cannot just be unceremoniously reversed because the next administration doesnt like it, said Philip Wallach, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution. They will have to have go through an equivalent rule-making process with notice and comment procedures in order to repeal the old rules.

Technically, the Clean Power Plan outlasted an entire term of an administration. I imagine repeal of it will probably take an entire term of President Trump.

The Clean Power Plan is a prime example. The Obama administrations signature climate policy took six years to write and finalize, and Trump signed an executive order last week to roll it back. As a whole, the directive fundamentally reorients the federal governments approach to tackling climate change over time, at a minimum delaying actions that environmental scientists believe are urgently needed.

But while headlines suggested the new president had wiped out a complex regime of energy and environmental rules with the stroke of a pen, the reality is his order only initiated a series of steps that could extend beyond his term. The practical impact is further limited by the fact that the implementation of Clean Power Plan itself has been suspended by a court ruling for the last year. Technically, the Clean Power Plan outlasted an entire term of an administration, said Sam Batkins, director of regulatory policy at the American Action Forum. I imagine repeal of it will probably take an entire term of President Trump, when you consider there will definitely be a legal challenge to the repeal.

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For congressional Republicans and the Trump administration, the only way to quickly cut red tape without running into another thicket of red tape is through the Congressional Review Act. Though it had previously been used successfully just once before, under President George W. Bush in 2001, the law is ideally designed for reversing the final actions of an outgoing administration. With a simple majority vote, Congress can wipe out any rule finalized in the previous 60 legislative days, and as a bonus, the act prohibits future presidents from re-instating a substantially similar regulation without approval from lawmakers. Because the House and Senate are in session so rarely during the final months before an election, the window for CRA bills goes back to the middle of 2016. GOP officials have determined that it will close as soon as the end of April for some regulations and early May for a couple of others.

With other parts of its agenda flagging, the White House has embraced the CRA legislation as a centerpiece of Trumps first 100 days. Marc Short, the presidents director of legislative affairs, told reporters that 11 bills Trump has signed reversing Obama-era regulations would boost the economy by $10 billion. This is a huge accomplishment in the first quarter, he said, later lamenting that the regulatory action has gotten short shrift in the media. There is a concern that this is an important story that is not being told.

Yet the GOPs decision about which rules to targetand which it has left alonehas puzzled regulatory experts. According to Batkins, the Obama administration finalized 88 regulations in its last 60 legislative days that could be vulnerable to reversal by Congress. Republicans have gone after 15 so far and sent 13 to Trumps desk for his signature. (He has signed 11, but is expected to approve two others.)

But while the president has touted the regulatory-reform agenda as an economic issue, several of the CRA bills target rules that have little or no economic impact. They include the repeal of the FCCs rules protecting Internet privacy and a bill allowing states to once again block funds from going to Planned Parenthood. The estimated cost of the Planned Parenthood regulation, Batkins said, was just $24,000. Not every one of these, Short acknowledged, is necessarily a job-creator.

Republicans also scrapped educational accountability standards established under the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act, a law the GOP had hailed as one of the few significant bipartisan accords of Obamas second term. Lawmakers said the regulation went far beyond their intent when they passed the bill, but its not clear what the Trump administration will try to put in its place. That sort of leaves education policy in a big mystery, Wallach said.

Though Congress has reversed major environmental regulations issued by the Department of the Interior, Republicans havent touched a few costly rules finalized last year by the EPA, which is usually a top conservative target. The most expensive regulation eligible for reversal under the CRA identified by Batkins is on greenhouse gas emissions of commercial trucks and buses. Yet neither the House nor the Senate has acted to overturn it.

The biggest challenge for Republicans is finding floor time in the Senate, where Democrat used procedural maneuvers to drag out the confirmation of Trumps Cabinet for weeks after his inauguration. And just like any piece of legislation, they also need the votes. The party has just a 52-48 majority in the Senate, and with Democrats opposing many of the resolutions en masse, Republicans have struggled to get all of their members on board for a few of them. Vice President Mike Pence had to break a tie to pass the CRA bill targeting Planned Parenthood.

Republican congressional aides said the party prioritized axing regulations that were the most egregious, but input from industries has also played a role in the decisions. Businesses may have opposed regulations when the Obama administration initially proposed them, but if they spent millions of dollars in compliance costs, they might not want to spend even more to go back to the way they were operating before, nor would they want Congress to suddenly make it easier for a new competitor to start up. Thats especially true in the energy sector.

If a plant switches from coal to natural gas, which many of the plants were able to do, theyre not just suddenly going to switch back to coal, especially because of the market dynamics right now with natural gas, Batkins said.

Trump and Republicans in Congress have other ways to undermine Obamas regulatory scheme in the short term once the window closes for the Congressional Review Act, but none are as clean or as simple. Lawmakers could try to withhold funding for the implementation of certain policies that remain in effect, although they would need Democratic support in the Senate to be successful. And the Trump administration ultimately will decide how aggressively to enforce regulations it disagrees with before they are formally repealed.

Its unclear whether the government could get away with a lack of enforcement altogether, since that, too, could spur lawsuits from liberal advocacy organizations. The rules are still on the books, but thats not the same thing as saying they are enforced energetically, Wallach said. Its still hard to make the executive branch prosecute people if it doesnt want to. It has a lot of discretion on that.

For Trump, the upcoming 100-day mark of his presidency will show, at best, a mixed legislative record. He will, in all likelihood, see his own legacy cemented with the confirmation of a justice to the Supreme Court. And he will have signed more than a dozen pieces of substantive legislation, which would otherwise signal a productive period for Congress. But nearly all of those bills look backward, not ahead, and they serve only to lighten the imprint left on the nation by the president who preceded himrather than to deepen his own.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
By Isla Binnie and Rodrigo De Miguel MADRID (Reuters) - The Basque parliament on Thursday urged ETA to disarm as soon as possible, focusing attention on a pledge by the separatist group to surrender its entire arsenal two days before that handover is due to take place. ETA declared the end of its bid to establish an independent Basque state in northern Spain and southern France in 2011 but has only handed over part of its weapons cache to authorities. It has said it will give up the rest in the French city of Bayonne on Saturday. However, it is not yet clear how the handover will be organized and if it will be formally accepted by the Spanish and French governments. The Basque regional parliament in Vitoria-Gasteiz voted by 65 to 9 in support of a motion urging ETA to "carry out a single act of unilateral, complete, definitive and verified disarmament as soon as possible". It also called for an international verification commission, which was set up when ETA declared a ceasefire in 2011, to continue supporting the process. Spain's ruling Popular Party (PP) refuses to negotiate with ETA, instead calling for its total dissolution. Its representative in the Basque parliament, Alfonso Alonso, said the planned handover was "a dramatization of surrender". "ETA lasted such a long time because it had social and political support. The process of socially disarming ETA is not over," Alonso said. The Spanish state prosecutor has asked the High Court to examine any arms cache for murder weapons used in unresolved cases, but the judge has yet to give a ruling, a court spokeswoman said. (Additional reporting by Inmaculada Sanz; Editing by Sonya Dowsett and John Stonestreet)
What if there was one skill set you could acquire that would help you secure a new job across every industry and in almost any occupation? Companies are screaming for employees with talent in this field and it doesn't (yet) require a four-year degree. What is it?

Data science and analytics, or DSA.

Data science is the study of data. It requires an understanding of mathematics (especially statistics) and may also require familiarity with information from machine learning, how to mine data or visualizing data.

[See: 7 Excellent Sales and Marketing Jobs for 2017.]

The interesting thing about DSA skills is that they fall across multiple occupations and industries. In other words, you'll find these skills used by corporate leaders, human resource managers and even front line managers who are now required to analyze vast amounts of data to make strategic and operational decisions. You'll also see titles requiring DSA skills within finance, marketing and information technology divisions. Acquiring DSA skills can help you be more valuable to employers, which translates into job stability. And because every company needs these skills, you'll be able to freely transition to new industries should you decide you want a new environment or culture.

Data science jobs are in demand. There is a growing need for candidates to fill DSA jobs, as the number of openings continues to climb. By 2020, there will be 2.72 million postings for data science and analytics roles, according to a report by PwC and the Business-Higher Education Forum. And to make matters worse for employers, there is a shortage of qualified candidates with these skills. In a poll by Gallup for the PwC and Business-Higher Education Forum report, only 23 percent of college and university leaders say their graduates will have those skills. The good news for you is, 69 percent of employers expect candidates with DSA skills to get preference for jobs in their organizations by 2021. Due to the scarcity of these skills, in many instances the bar to entry has been lowered in order to meet demand.

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[See: The 10 Most Common Interview Questions.]

The "new collar" jobs. Traditional white-collar and blue-collar jobs are no longer the only options. "New collar" jobs are new jobs that rapidly emerge from new technology. These jobs rely on experience or vocational training and typically don't require a four-year college degree. IBM's CEO, Ginni Rometty used the term "new collar" jobs for USA Today, where she wrote, "As industries from manufacturing to agriculture are reshaped by data science and cloud computing, jobs are being created that demand new skills -- which in turn requires new approaches to education, training and recruiting." According to Rometty, "new collar" jobs include titles such as "cloud computing technicians" and "services delivery specialists."

Hot industry titles to watch. DSA jobs most frequently appear in the finance and insurance; information technology; and professional, scientific and technical services industries, according to the report from PwC and the Business-Higher Education Forum. Be on the lookout for titles such as financial analyst, business analyst or intelligence analyst. If you have a technical background, set your target on database architect or business intelligence architect roles that will tap into your knowledge of databases and programming. The report cited these industries also had a strong need for DSA skills: health care and social assistance, retail trade and manufacturing.

[See: 8 Ways Millennials Can Build Leadership Skills.]

Training and education opportunities. If you are interested in delving into data science and analytics, you may want to begin by honing your math skills first. These skills will provide the foundation to help you understand how to analyze data. Colleges and universities have been slow to add the requisite skills to their curricula, but community colleges who partner with local businesses have been a bit faster to add certificate programs. You'll also need to learn how to use software associated with extracting and analyzing data. Software-specific training is available through a variety of mediums and software companies sometimes offer online training themselves. PwC and IBM both offer employees training to help equip them with these hard-to-find skills. In fact, PwC has made their DSA courses publicly available on the Coursera online learning platform. The entry-level courses cover data analysis and visualization skills.

Doing more to bridge the gap. Experts agree that the best way to bridge the skills gap is through partnerships. Companies and colleges that align will mutually benefit and will determine how well this gap gets filled. IBM has designed six-year high school programs combining community college educating to instill these skills, according to Rometty in USA Today. Self-study is another option. Stay up to date by reading industry publications, attending industry events and attending training sessions. Investing your time and energy into learning a new skill set or tools will help you stand out and hold on to your job.
MADRID (Reuters) - Basque separatist group ETA is due to hand over its weapons on Saturday, signaling an end to Western Europe's last insurgency, which killed more than 850 people in Spain over half a century. Here is a timeline of major events since the founding of ETA, whose initials stand for Euskadi ta Askatasuna (Basque Country and Freedom), and its gradual weakening. 1959 - Students in Madrid form ETA during dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who suppressed Basque culture, to fight for independent state in northern Spain and southern France. 1968 - ETA carries out first known killing, shooting Meliton Manzanas, secret police chief in Basque city of San Sebastian. Six members are later sentenced to death. 1973 - Franco's Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco is killed when his car drives over explosives planted by ETA in Madrid. 1974 - Explosion at "Rolando" cafe in Madrid kills 12. 1975 - Spain becomes democracy but ETA continues its violent campaign, altering previous public perception of movement as force for resistance against fascism. 1978 - ETA founds political wing Herri Batasuna. 1980 - In its bloodiest year, ETA kills about 100 people. 1983 - Government officials set up illegal death squads known as Anti-Terrorist Liberation Groups. 1985 - ETA car bomb explodes in Madrid. A U.S. tourist is killed and 16 Civil Guards wounded. 1986 - Twelve Civil Guards are killed and 50 wounded in Madrid in July. Juan Manuel Soares is later sentenced to 1,401 years in jail for killings. 1987 - Twenty-one shoppers are killed by bomb at Barcelona supermarket in June. ETA apologizes. Car bomb outside barracks in Zaragoza kills 11. 1991 - Ten people killed by car bomb outside Civil Guard barracks in Barcelona. 1995 - ETA members attempt to kill Jose Maria Aznar, leader of right-wing Popular Party, with car bomb. He survives and becomes prime minister in March 1996. 1995 - Attempt to assassinate King Juan Carlos in Mallorca. 1997 - Basque police foil plot to assassinate King Juan Carlos at Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. One officer dies in shootout, ETA member Eneko Gogeaskoetxea escapes. 1997 - ETA kidnaps and kills Basque Popular Party member and Ermua town councilor Miguel Angel Blanco. Outrage spreads through Spain and 6 million take to streets. 1998 - ETA announces truce which ends in Dec. 1999. 1999 - ETA meets Spanish government in Switzerland. In November, it announces ceasefire for Dec. 3. 2000 - Car bombs in Madrid mark return to violent campaign. 2003 - Supreme Court outlaws Batasuna party, which denies links to ETA but refuses to condemn attacks. 2003 - Two bombs in resort towns of Alicante and Benidorm injure more than 10 people. Santander airport is also bombed. 2004 - Suspected top leader Mikel Albisu Iriarte, alias "Mikel Antza" is arrested in France. Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero appeals to ETA to give up fight. 2005 - Parliament lower house approves resolution authorizing government to negotiate disarmament, with agreement of all groups except Popular Party. 2006 - ETA declares permanent ceasefire in March. Zapatero tells parliament he will seek peace talks. In December, car bomb explodes at Madrid airport killing two Ecuadorians. Zapatero breaks off peace process. 2007 - Zapatero rejects an offer from Arnaldo Otegi, leader of the Batasuna, to restart peace talks without demanding major concessions from Spain. In April, ETA says it is willing to compromise if Spain stops arresting militants in Basque Country. 2007 - ETA announces end to ceasefire in June. Two Guardia Civil working undercover in France are killed in December. 2008 - Zapatero rules out any chance of peace talks with ETA and says only option is unilateral surrender. Isaias Carrasco, former Socialist Party councilor, is killed in Mondragon. In November, ETA claims responsibility for 10 bombings and says it will press its campaign for Basque rights. - Suspected military leader, Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubina, known by his alias "Txeroki" or "Cherokee", is arrested in France. - In December, Ignacio Uria, owner of construction company Altuna y Uria which was building high-speed train line, is shot dead in Azpeitia. ETA claims responsibility. French police arrest man identified as Balak, presumed successor to Txeroki. 2009 - Jurdan Martitegi, ETA's new military leader known as "the giant", is arrested in southern France in April. Two Civil Guard officers are killed in explosion at barracks in Mallorca, near royal holiday home, in July. - French police arrest three suspected members in ski resort and raid 13 weapons stashes in southern France in August, dealing heavy blow to the group. - In November, Batasuna calls for talks between ETA and Spain based on principles used in Northern Ireland's peace process. Spain rejects overtures the next day. 2010 - Ibon Gogeascoechea, ETA's latest leader and on run since escaping scene of assassination attempt on King Juan Carlos in 1997, is arrested in Normandy. - French police officer is shot and killed near Paris after suspected rebels fire on his patrol. French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy vows to pursue group. - Suspected military leader Mikel Kabikoitz Karrera Sarobe, known as "Ata", is arrested in France. - In September, ETA says it has decided to stop carrying out armed attacks. Spain is skeptical and insists ETA must lay down its arms for good. ETA lays out conditions for end to its violent campaign. - Batasuna says it will reject violence in its drive to be legalized but government says it must go further to be allowed to participate in elections. 2011 - ETA declares permanent, general and verifiable ceasefire in January. The government rejects it and demands ETA permanently renounce violence and all its activities. - U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams attend conference in San Sebastian as pressure grows on ETA to renounce violence. - In October, ETA announces "definitive end" to violence and moves to negotiate with France and Spain, which demand it gives up weapons. ETA makes no mention of possible weapons handover or disbanding. - ETA says deal with France and Spain would be a condition to end armed fight but Spain says it must disband unconditionally. 2015 - Leading member Egoitz Urrutikoetxea arrested in Paris. Incumbent leader Mikel Irastorza arrested in France. 2017 - France's Le Monde reports on March 17 ETA has given activist group responsibility for weapons handover. A day later, Spain says it will give nothing in return. - On April 6, Basque parliament votes on motion of support for ETA's disarmament. (Reporting by Madrid newsroom, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
A Washington state boy has lost his arm after authorities say he reached into the kennel of possible wolf-dog hybrids reportedly being bred by his family and was badly mauled.

According to Thurston County law enforcement, the boy put his arm into the kennel containing two animals and was attacked by at least one of them Monday.

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The 3-year-old was flown to a Seattle hospital, where doctors weren't able to save the limb.

The boy was listed in stable condition Monday night after undergoing a traumatic arm amputation," hospital staff said.

Watch: 4-Year-Old Boy Mauled to Death While Walking Down Street With Mom

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office said the animals were owned by the boy's mother, who has reportedly been cooperative as officials secured the animals "per their protocol for further investigation."

The animals have been turned over to Thurston County Animal Control, which is handling the investigation.

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LONDON/KUWAIT (Reuters) - Fahad al-Rajaan, the former head of Kuwait's social security fund convicted in his home country of corruption and embezzling public money, has been arrested on behalf of the Kuwaiti authorities, London police said on Thursday. Last year, al-Rajaan was sentenced to a 10-year prison term in absentia and an international arrest warrant was issued. "Fahad Al-Rajaan, 68, a Kuwaiti national, appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, April 5, after being arrested on behalf of the authorities in Kuwait, where he is wanted in connection with allegations of fraud and theft," London police said in a statement. The Westminster court handles extradition cases and Kuwait's attorney general Dherar al-Assousi told al-Qabas and al-Jarida newspapers that Britain had agreed to a Kuwaiti government request to extradite al-Rajaan. "He was arrested and he will be extradited once the procedures are completed," al-Assoussi told al-Qabas. Al-Rajaan faced accusations including embezzlement of public funds, betrayal of public trust and money laundering relating to when he was the head of Kuwait's Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS). Al-Assousi said a Swiss judge had ordered in December 2014 that $100 million in 15 bank accounts belonging to al-Rajaan be frozen, out of $390 million suspected to have been embezzled. Kuwait's government has signed an extradition treaty with the United Kingdom but the parliaments of both countries have yet to ratify it. "The extradition of al-Rajaan will be based on a special agreement signed between Kuwait and Britain, and his arrest warrant there was kept secret so he wouldn't leave the country, and so we succeeded," al-Assoussi said. (Reporting by Ahmed Hagagy and Michael Holden; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
London (AFP) - Britain's main opposition Labour Party was in turmoil Thursday just weeks before local elections, after deciding not to expel a senior party member who made comments about Adolf Hitler and Zionism.

Deputy leader Tom Watson said the "incomprehensible" decision by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) not to throw out former London mayor Ken Livingstone brought "shame on us all".

More than 100 out of 229 Labour MPs signed a statement saying the decision was a betrayal of the party's values and was "not done in our name".

Current Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan added to growing calls Thursday for Livingstone's expulsion.

And Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May weighed in, saying Labour had plunged to new lows.

Labour had "revealed the depths to which it has now sunk, betraying the Jewish community in our country by letting Ken Livingstone off the hook", she said in a party campaign speech.

The disarray comes ahead of the May 4 local authority elections in Britain, with Labour trailing badly in the opinion polls.

Livingstone, 71, was suspended in April last year after saying on a radio show that when Hitler won power in Germany in the early 1930s, "his policy then was that Jews should be moved to Israel. He was supporting Zionism before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews".

On Tuesday, the NEC formally suspended him for two years backdated to last April, meaning he cannot stand in parliamentary or local authority elections -- which he was not seeking to do.

- 'Telling the truth' -

An unrepentant Livingstone, who was London's mayor from 2000 to 2008, insisted he had not brought the party into disrepute, which he said was the chief reason behind his suspension.

"Should someone be disciplined for stating a historical truth?" he asked.

"You can't apologise for telling the truth."

Livingstone said he believed the NEC decided to suspend him because they thought they could not win a threatened judicial review if they expelled him.

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Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said Labour had failed Britain's Jews.

"This was a chance for the Labour Party to show that it would not tolerate wilful and unapologetic baiting of the Jewish community," he said.

"The party has yet again failed to show that it is sufficiently serious about tackling the scourge of anti-Semitism."

The Livingstone row overshadowed the launch of Labour's local elections campaign.

Livingstone is a long-time ally of fellow veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, and claims restive Labour MPs were trying to undermine Corbyn by attacking him.

Corbyn said Wednesday that the NEC would launch a new probe into Livingstone's unrepentant behaviour since Tuesday's decision.

"What he said was unacceptable and was offensive to the community," said Corbyn.

"I'm asking him to apologise for offences he has caused but also to desist from this public debate on these issues and recognise that we need to oppose anti-Semitism, as we do any form of racism."
Keeping Patients Safer

About 650,000 patients acquire an infection while in a hospital each year and 75,000 of them die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vast majority of these infections are preventable, yet many hospitals continue to report high infection rates.

Consumer Reports' Safe Patient Project has worked for more than a decade to push hospitals to improve and standardize infection-control efforts. In January we filed a petition in California that called for the state to do more to hold hospitals accountable.

Why California? CR found that its Department of Public Health (CDPH) withheld from inspectors infection data it collected until long after that data was reported, preventing inspectors from taking timely action to protect patients.

To make matters worse, many California hospitals with some of the worst infection rates haven't been inspected by the state in the past five years.

In response to our petition, the CDPH announced that it is now sharing infection data with state inspectors so that they can use the information to prioritize those hospitals with the worst rates.

"Now California needs to use its enforcement authority to require poor-performing hospitals to take action," says Lisa McGiffert, director of the Safe Patient Project. "For too long, the state has relied on voluntary efforts by hospitals to lower infection rates, and that clearly hasnt been working."

Go to SafePatientProject.org for steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones when in a hospital. And read our article "Take Charge of Your Heart Health" to learn about the top hospitals for heart surgery.

Driving Up Electric Car Sales

Once a technological novelty, electric vehiclesor EVshit a new sales record in 2016, up 37 percent from 2015. Despite low gas prices, shoppers purchased 70 percent more EVs during January 2017 compared with the previous January.

The increase is impressive, but EVs still account for only 1 percent of the auto market. That's why CR continues to advocate for programs that encourage EV ownership and the lower operating costs and emissions associated with them.

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There's fuel for further growth: A survey by CR and the Union of Concerned Scientists conducted in California and several Northeastern states recently found growing demand for EVs. More than half of the California residents said they would consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase, and more than one-third of the Northeastern residents agreed.

Fuel-economy standards and zero-emission vehicle targets in California and other states have helped put automakers on track to produce more electric cars by the end of the decade.

But for EVs to become mainstream, automakers must increase the driving range.

Chevrolets new Bolt is a step in the right direction, with an estimated range of 238 miles. Ranges typically vary from about 60 to 100 miles per charge, and the public charging infrastructure remains in its infancy.

Some of the nation's largest utility companies have made a commitment to help facilitate the deployment of new public charging stations so that more drivers have access at home and on the go.

We'll keep pushing to maintain government and industry support. If you're thinking about making the switch to battery power, go to CR.org/evs0517 for answers to all of your questions about electric vehicles. Then head over to CR.org/cars, where youll find our latest ratings and first impressions on the newest plug-in rides.

Many of the current crop of EVs carry hefty prices, but remember that federal and state incentives could take as much as $10,000 off the cost of a new one.

Defeating Bad Mergers

In our November 2016 issue, we told you about proposed mergers involving four of the nation's five largest health insurers. Consumer Reports opposed Anthem's $54 billion bid to buy Cigna and Aetna's $37 billion attempt to take over Humana. We were concerned that the corporate marriages would leave consumers with fewer policy options, higher premiums, and less access to quality healthcare. Experience has shown that similar mergers haven't worked out well for consumers.

Our advocates offered forceful testimony against these deals before both Congress and California regulators. We also took our concerns to the Department of Justice. The agency shared our views and sued to block the mergers, arguing that they would seriously harm consumers across the country. The courts ultimately agreedwhich was a big win for consumers in a very unsteady insurance market.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc.
New York (AFP) - Wildly popular among liberal Americans, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wowed the crowd at a women's summit in New York on Thursday, drawing cheer after cheer for his pro-feminist politics.

In a city bitterly opposed to President Donald Trump, appalled by Republican attempts to roll back women's health care, restrict immigration and review climate reform, he represents everything Democrats feel they have lost in Barack Obama.

The audience at the eighth annual Women in the World Summit, organized by the British-born journalist Tina Brown, treated him to a rock-star reception, loudly applauding his almost every answer.

It was a stark contrast to the often hostile reception Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, received at the same forum late Wednesday, when she found herself jeered and heckled.

Sitting on stage in conversation with Brown, his white shirt sleeves rolled up and wearing a pink tie, Trudeau repeatedly stressed the importance of women taking on more prominent roles in politics and business.

The self-declared feminist won cheers for his gender-balanced cabinet, condemnation of the recent chemical weapons attack in Syria and his country's welcome of Syrian refugees -- from a crowd already converted to his brand of politics.

But with liberal Americans looking longingly north of the border at Canada's universal healthcare, gun control, paid maternity leave and open attitude toward refugees, Trudeau sounded a note of caution.

"Canada's not a magical place that is some sort of unicorn," the telegenic 45-year-old said to laughter.

"We had a very divisive election campaign in the last election that featured snitch lines for Muslim crimes," he added. "It featured extremely divisive narratives and ruthless, brutal personal attack ads."

"We have the same kinds of questions and divisions within our community as any other one, we've just been able to pull together in a way that understands that we do succeed better when we all succeed," he said.

"It didn't happen by accident and it won't continue without effort. It takes a lot of deliberate, positive leadership."

As if there were any doubt about Trudeau's reception, Brown later tweeted a photograph of the two together, calling the Canadian leader "fabulous," adding: "He wowed the audience!"
Nearly 60 people, including 11 children, died during a chemical attack in Syria's northern Idlib province yesterday (April 4), according to news sources. The deadly gas has yet to be identified, but experts suspect it's a type of nerve agent.

Another recent, high-profile death was also due to a nerve agent  VX nerve agent was used to kill Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in February. But what exactly are these deadly chemicals, and what sort of treatments can save those who have been exposed?

Nerve agents are highly poisonous chemicals that can interfere with the nervous system's signaling, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are several types, but the most well-known nerve agent is probably sarin, which first gained widespread recognition after the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo used it during the Tokyo subway attacks in 1995, killing 12 people. [5 Lethal Chemical Warfare Agents]

In a more recent sarin attack, the Syrian government deployed the gas in the suburbs of Damascus in 2013, killing more than 1,000 people, according to The New York Times. After that attack, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he would forfeit Syria's chemical weapons and demolish chemical production and storage facilities in the country.

Other nerve agents include soman and tabun, which are clear, colorless, tasteless liquids that have a slightly fruity smell, according to the CDC. Both can become vapors when heated.

Sarin, soman and tabun are all based on insecticides that were developed in the 1930s and 1940s. These pesticides, as well as nerve agents, belong to a class of chemicals called organophosphates. The nerve agents and insecticides work in similar ways but affect the body in different places, although there is some overlap in symptoms, said Dr. Lewis Nelson, the chairman of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

How they work

Organophosphate pesticides and nerve agents both bind to an enzyme that turns off the nerve-signaling molecule acetylcholine. Without the enzyme to turn it off, acetylcholine will continue to "aggressively" stimulate certain receptors on nerve cells, Nelson told Live Science.

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But organophosphate pesticides tend to bind to this enzyme within glands, causing a lot of fluid release. People exposed to these pesticides may experience excessive salivation, tears and sweat, diarrhea, urination, small (constricted) pupils and pulmonary edema, a condition caused by fluid in the lungs, which can lead to death, Nelson said.

In contrast, organophosphate nerve agents tend to target the enzyme within the body's neuromuscular junctions, where nerves meet muscles. Once nerve agents disable the enzyme that turns off acetylcholine, there can be a buildup of acetylcholine in the muscles, which can lead to excessive twitching, Nelson said.

"Some people describe it like a bag of worms," Nelson told Live Science. "You get these little movements of all of the muscles in your body. Then, after a minute or two of that, your muscle gets paralyzed," and you aren't able to operate the muscles needed to breathe, he said.

Excessive active acetylcholine in the brain can also lead to seizures, Patrick Forcelli, an assistant professor of pharmacology at Georgetown University Medical Center, told Live Science previously. [The 10 Most Outrageous Military Experiments]

Available treatments

Nerve agents work quickly, often causing symptoms within minutes. If people are exposed to nerve agents, they should immediately decontaminate themselves  that is, remove their clothing and wash their skin with soap and water, Nelson said. They can also flush their eyes with water, and gargle water in their mouths, he said.

If a person becomes paralyzed, a caretaker can give them an oxygen mask attached to a device that will help them breathe, Nelson said. However, caretakers who aren't properly protected could suddenly become victims themselves by having skin-to-skin contact with an affected person, or by breathing in the nerve agent, Nelson said.

If a person has breathed in a nerve agent, an antidote can help, Nelson said. One antidote, called atropine, blocks acetylcholine receptors, preventing overstimulation, he said. Another, known as pralidoxime, or 2-PAM, removes the organophosphate from the enzyme that stops acetylcholine from building up.

However, both atropine and pralidoxime must be given quickly, within about 10 minutes of exposure, in order to work, Nelson said.

"If it's not immediately available, it's going to be almost too late," Nelson said.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
The White House is weighing strikes against the Syrian regime in response to a chemical weapons attack earlier this week that killed at least 70 civilians in Idlib province, which President Donald Trump said on Wednesday had changed his thinking about U.S. policy in the war-torn country.

But shifting the ongoing U.S. military effort in Syria to target the regime of Bashar al Assad and his forces, rather than the Islamic State, would be legally and operationally tricky. Syrias air defenses are robust, and existing legal authorities to fight Islamist terrorists likely wouldnt apply to a sovereign state like Syria.

Pentagon officials say Syrian aircraft were operating in the vicinity of the attack on Tuesday, but the Syrian government and their Russian allies deny any involvement. Soil samples have been sent to Turkey for examination, and international chemical weapons inspectors are investigating the incident.

Trump said Wednesday that the use of chemical weapons by Damascus, at least the fourth such strike in recent years, had crossed a lot of lines. Other administration officials, led by Americas U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, took an even more strident tone. When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action, she said Wednesday.

Speaking with reporters briefly in Florida Thursday, Trump wouldnt expand on his plans but said since Assad is in power, and I guess hes running things, so I guess something should happen.

On Thursday, top GOP lawmakers also called for punitive strikes on Assad, who just days ago the Trump administration suggested would be left untroubled to finish wiping out rebel forces opposed to his rule.

Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement Thursday that Assad must pay a punitive cost for this horrific attack, and the U.S.-led coalition bombing Islamic State targets should be repurposed to ground Assads air force.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday voiced support for U.S. airstrikes against the regime of Assad, whom Turkey has long wanted to see ousted.

A senior defense official told Foreign Policy that if ordered, U.S. forces in the region would be prepared in short order to proceed against a variety of targets, including chemical facilities and airfields. Defense Secretary James Mattis is expected to brief Trump on potential targets in Syria over the coming days while Trump is in Florida meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping.

But shifting the U.S. effort away from battling terrorists and toward the regime would do more than mark an abrupt change in the U.S. approach to the Syrian conflict. It would raise a series of legal questions, threaten deadly clashes with Syrian and even Russian forces, and risks collateral damage on the ground.

The Pentagon has long had a list of Syrian weapons-research facilities the Assad regime kept from weapons inspectors in 2014 when the Obama administration celebrated the supposed dismantling of Syrias chemical weapons stockpiles.

Military officials warn that before any attacks occur against either chemical plants or Syrian government sites, theyll careful weigh potential side effects, including hitting sites that could spread dangerous chemicals to civilian areas.

There have been a series of cases in recent weeks where U.S. pilots have been accused of bombing civilian targets in Iraq and Syria. The largest was in Mosul, where more than 100 people may have died in a building near an airstrike. Several U.S.-led investigations are ongoing.

Further, there are questions over what legal authorities would permit American strikes against the Syrian government. The 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force  which authorizes U.S. forces to attack the Taliban and al Qaeda  is already stretched dangerously thin to justify strikes against the Islamic State. It would not seem to authorize strikes against the Syrian government. Some Democratic lawmakers have warned Trump he would need congressional authorization to strike Syria.

There is also little chance the Trump administration would be able to obtain a U.N. Security Council resolution approving military action, as Russia and China would certainly object to any strikes against a regime they support.

But government lawyers can look back to the military interventions in Kosovo and Bosnia under the Bill Clinton administration for controversial precedents to support short-term bombing campaigns ordered by the president for humanitarian ends.

The key part is the claim that this is a limited military involvement, said Bobby Chesney, a legal professor at the University of Texas who specializes in international law. But these are things that dont get resolved in court, they get resolved politically, by Congress funding the operation, he added.

Traveling with the president in Florida, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson suggested Thursday that Assads days may be numbered, a direct refutation of his comments last week that the Syrian people were the only ones who could remove him from power.

Assads role in the future is uncertain clearly and with the acts that he has taken, it will seem that there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people, Tillerson said.

Defense Department officials arent worried by the legal questions, though. I dont think there would be a problem with authorities, the defense official said, but said military commanders need to be clear in every way what we want, both in statements and actions, before any actions were taken.

Many in uniform are also concerned about Syrias advanced, Russian-made air defenses, which one officer said are substantial, as well as the potential of even more advanced Russian air defenses in western Syria locking on to American aircraft or cruise missiles.

Given the Russian military presence in Syria, the risk of hitting Russian troops is real.

The dangers of confusion on the battlefield are real. Last September, U.S. and coalition aircraft mistakenly bombed a Syrian army unit, killing dozens of soldiers.

It would be up to the Russians to figure out if they would even acknowledge where their forces are to the U.S. military, said Michael Kofner, a Russia analyst at the CNA Corporation.

Last fall, Russian military officials warned that their air defense systems would target any unidentified object that came with their range, even if they were U.S. aircraft or cruise missiles.

Under that scenario, Washington and Moscow could end up in this very tense standoff in Syria, Kofman said. The military reality is that this can get hairy at the operational level, very quickly.

Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
Estacion Yungay (Chile) (AFP) - Chile's Atacama desert may seem to contain little besides red-grey rocks and sand -- but scientists are busy searching here for clues to life in a place it much resembles: Mars.

This desert in northern Chile, like the red planet, is hot, dusty and extremely dry.

Yet life exists here: tiny algae and bacteria that have evolved to survive in the parched earth on little more than sunlight.

If they have done it here, then why not on Mars, 225 million kilometers (140 million miles) away?

"If life existed there, it would probably be very similar to life here," says biologist Cristina Dorador from the nearby University of Antofagasta.

"We do not know if that is the case, because we do not have any evidence," she adds, as she breaks up bits of rock salt in an area of the desert known as Yungay Station.

"But if we manage to understand how these micro-organisms live, how they obtain moisture and how they adapt to these conditions, then probably very soon, when we have more information about life forms on other planets, we will have something here on Earth to compare it with."

- Scratching the surface -

Dorador will analyze the fragments in a mobile laboratory which she drives around the desert in search of tiny life forms.

She is one of dozens of scientists from various countries working on different Mars-related projects in the Atacama desert.

Separately, US space agency NASA in February carried out its second phase of practice-drilling for samples in the earth of Atacama with specially designed rovers.

"If life exists or ever existed on Mars, the planet's surface dryness and extensive (sunlight) radiation exposure would likely drive it underground," NASA said in a report.

"That makes locations like the Atacama good places to practice looking for life on Mars."

If fossil life on Mars resembled Atacama, it could shed light on our own origins.

"Studying Mars may help understand how life started on Earth," says Christian Nitschelm, a French astronomer at Antofagasta University.

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- Curiosity -

Space agencies and science fiction writers alike have long been fascinated by Mars -- one of the closest planets to Earth.

The Soviet Union and United States started aiming probes there in the 1960s.

For the past four years NASA has had a robot, Curiosity, on the planet searching for life.

It has sent back photographs of the planet's surface whose grey rocks look much like those of Atacama.

NASA plans to send a second robot there in 2018. In 2020, Russia and the European Space Agency also aim to send one to drill the Martian soil.

US President Donald Trump has taken up his predecessor Barack Obama's pledge to send humans to Mars in the 2030s.

Scientists have detected traces of water and methane gas on Mars, raising hopes of finding life there.

Within our solar system, there is nowhere but Mars with such conditions for life, Nitschelm says.

"If there is no life on Mars, there is none anywhere" but on Earth, he says.
By Rosalba O'Brien TALAGANTE, Chile (Reuters) - A torrid summer and devastating fires across central Chile's wine belt have forced an earlier harvest this year, but there are no signs that volume or flavor will be affected, local industry experts said on Thursday. High temperatures can lead to excessive sugar and alcohol in the grapes and the harvest needed to take place as soon as the right level was reached, they said. Climate change is contributing to record droughts, heat and wildfires in Chile, the world's No. 4 exporter of wine by volume and the biggest among New World producers, threatening crops and spurring growers to move south to cooler climes. In December, temperatures in central Chile hit their highest level in a century. The hot, dry conditions sparked the biggest wildfires in the country's modern history, burning homes and forests and blanketing the entire region in thick smoke. Most vines had escaped the flames and the bigger worry was the effect of the smoke on the flavor of the grapes, said Angelica Valenzuela, commercial director of industry body Wines of Chile. "The number of vines burnt was low. But there could be an effect from the smoke which we will see when the harvest is done," she said in an interview at the Undurraga vineyard near Talagante, 22 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of the capital of Santiago. "For now, the first results are not showing signs of any problems." Close to where some of the worst fires raged, Undurraga produces around 2 million cases a year, some 70 percent of which is exported. The hot conditions in the southern hemisphere summer had forced growers like Undurraga to bring forward the harvest by about a month, with the first varieties picked as early as January, company spokesman Fernando Anania said. That earlier-than-usual harvest was a challenge to Chile's winegrowers in logistics terms, but should not have a major effect on volumes or taste, said Anania in an interview. Exports of Chilean wine grew 0.9 percent in 2016 by volume and 3.5 percent by value, according to Wines of Chile. Last year, for the first time, China overtook the United States to become the industry's top export destination. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Richard Chang)
BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink told CNBC on Thursday that China's relationship with North Korea is the worst it has ever been.

Fink, speaking ahead of President Donald Trump 's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida, said China is slowly changing its behavior with North Korea.

"I think obviously North Korea will be a major component of the conversations, but let's be clear: China's relationship with North Korea at this moment is the worst it's ever been," Fink said on "Squawk Box."

The president, who previously declared China the "grand champion" of currency manipulation, is expected to discuss a range of issues with the Chinese president, including trade, North Korea and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Last week, Trump predicted a "difficult" meeting in a tweet.

Fink said Thursday he believes that the Chinese government is going to be a good listener.

"I actually am optimistic about this going on to be a good meeting," Fink said. "Both sides, actually need some form of success. I think they're going to find ways to improve the relationship."

Read more from Fink's interview:
By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - China called off a visit by two Australian politicians after it took offence to a letter that called on it to address allegations of human right abuses, two sources familiar with the planned tour told Reuters on Thursday. The members of parliament, one from the ruling coalition government and one from the opposition Labor Party, were scheduled to visit as part a parliamentary investigation into a rising tide of synthetic drugs trafficked from southern China. But after the receipt of a letter from 11 countries - including Australia, Canada and Japan - calling on Beijing to investigate allegations of torture against human rights lawyers - the tour was cancelled, the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to talk to the media, told Reuters. "They were told from Beijing that their visit could not be accommodated and following advice from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the tour was cancelled," said one source. Chinese President Xi Jinping's administration has tightened control over almost every aspect of civil society since 2012, citing the need to buttress national security and stability. During that time, China has detained or questioned hundreds of human rights lawyers and other government critics, international rights groups have said. It routinely accuses rights lawyers of collaborating with "foreign hostile forces" to undermine state power. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was last week forced to hold an emergency meeting with the Chinese ambassador to head off any possible diplomatic fallout after Canberra failed to ratify an extradition treaty with China. The failure was a rare dent to Sino-Australia relations, which have improved in recent months, culminating in the spate of trade agreements signed in March following a visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Nick Macfie)
HONOLULU (AP)  A Chinese man is facing deportation after being convicted of trafficking women from his native country to work as prostitutes in Hawaii massage parlors.

Wei Li, also known as Xin Li, pleaded no contest to racketeering-related charges, the Honolulu prosecuting attorney's office said Thursday.

"This is the first time that a foreign national was prosecuted and convicted of trafficking foreign women into Hawaii for prostitution," Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro said in a news release.

Li also brought women from China to work in New York massage parlors, Kaneshiro said.

Confidential informants helped prove the women he brought worked in the Mayflower and Empire Relax massage parlors in Honolulu, Kaneshiro said.

A federal jury on Monday convicted Biyu Situ, who ran the now-closed Mayflower, of bribing federal agents to protect her business from prostitution raids.

Situ offered money to agents in exchange for protection, help with the U.S. citizenship test and recruitment of prostitutes, according to court documents. She made the offer in 2015 after two Chinese women at the massage business were arrested for prostitution during a joint operation with police and federal agents to find potential human trafficking victims, the documents said.

Jurors at Situ's trial heard recordings of her saying she wanted the same protection deal a friend received from police, Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Butrick said.

Prosecutors dropped a prostitution case against her in state court because she was a cooperating witness in the case against Li, said Kaneshiro spokesman, Chuck Parker.

Li was charged with two counts of unlawful ownership or operation of a business.

"We felt it was a more appropriate statute to use according to the evidence," Parker said.

A judge sentenced Li to five years of probation and credit for the year he already served in a Honolulu jail, Kaneshiro's news release said.
Jerusalem (AFP) - Christians in Jerusalem said Thursday that they are hoping for an "open Jerusalem" ahead of Passover and Easter celebrations in the city.

Palestinian Christians from the West Bank and Gaza receive special permits to enter Jerusalem for Easter, where the traditional sites of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection are located in the Israeli-occupied east of the city.

But Palestinian Christian Youssef Daher said the sparse allocation of permits can sometimes cut across families.

"Many families, in Gaza for example, get them only for some members and are therefore separated for the festival," said Daher of the Jerusalem Inter-Church Center.

In 1980, the Jewish state annexed east Jerusalem in an act never recognised by the international community.

Israel says the whole city is its united capital, while the Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Sites holy to Christians, Muslims and Jews are on the east side, under Israeli control.

This Easter Sunday falls on April 16, during the Jewish Passover festival which runs from sunset April 10 until the evening of April 17.

But during Passover, when Jewish worshippers flock to the Western Wall, even Palestinians from east Jerusalem need a permit to enter its walled Old City, site of the wall and the church of the Holy Sepulchre, said local Christian resident Nora Karmi.

"Gradually, with the occupation and the introduction of permits and checkpoints, we became further and further removed from Jerusalem," Father Jamal Khader, director of the Latin Patriarchate seminary, told AFP in Arabic.

"It is awful to see young Palestinians living all their lives without seeing Jerusalem," he said.

"They don't know the Holy Sepulchre or the Dome of the Rock (Muslim shrine) except from pictures," he added. "They are forbidden to enter (by Israel) on the pretext of security reasons."

"We want an open Jerusalem: Jerusalem should receive all Christian, Muslim and Jewish visitors and pilgrims."

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In the past, Karmi said, Palestinians were not the only Arab visitors to the Old City.

"You could hear Lebanese Arabic, Syrian Arabic, Egyptian Arabic, everybody was gathering here," she said.

"Since the occupation, sadly the people from Arab countries stopped coming."

Lebanon and Syria, both technically at war with Israel, forbid their citizens to visit Israel or the Palestinian territories, access to which is controlled by the Jewish state, except for a single crossing from Egypt to the Gaza Strip, which is almost permanently closed.

Egypt has a peace treaty with Israel but its Christian leaders do not encourage their faithful to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land as long as the occupation continues.
The 20-year-old college student who choked to death after a pancake-eating contest died of asphyxia, according to a newly released autopsy report.

Read: Cop Describes Desperate Attempts to Save College Student Who Died After Pancake-Eating Contest

Caitlin Nelson, of New Jersey, was competing in a Greek Week event for her sorority at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., Thursday when she choked on the pancakes.

According to the autopsy, she died "due to obstruction of airway by bolus of food." Her death was classified as an accident, according to officials.

Nelson, whose father died in the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City, passed away Sunday in the hospital.

According to the CT Post, her organs were removed Tuesday and will be donated to those in need.

"She showed no signs of life  she was unconscious completely," Fairfield Police Sgt. Mike Paris told Inside Edition. "We are doing CPR; we are trying to clear the airway. Her mouth was compacted with pancakes, almost to her teeth. I was pulling, with my bare hands, the pancakes out of her mouth."

Read: High School Baseball Player Severely Beaten as He Walked Home: 'He's Not Recognizable'

On Monday, the school held a candlelight vigil on campus to mourn Nelson.

The 21-year-old was studying social work as a major. In December 2012, she aided the survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, which is not far from Sacred Heart.

The family and friends of the New Jersey native are now left in mourning.

Watch: Father of 4 Left Paralyzed After Being Hit by Freak Wave on Family Vacation

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DETROIT (AP)  Charges are pending against a juvenile after a Michigan mother said a social media prank in which her 11-year-old son's girlfriend faked her own suicide led the boy to take his own life.

Katrina Goss said Thursday that she found her son, Tysen Benz, hanging by the neck March 14 in his room after seeing social media posts and texts that his 13-year-old girlfriend had killed herself.

Goss said the girl and some of her friends orchestrated the prank. It was not clear who faces charges.

"She had pranked her own death," Goss, 41, said of her son's girlfriend. "I don't know what possessed her to do such a weird prank. It's a twisted, sick joke."

The unnamed juvenile is being charged in Marquette County with telecommunication services-malicious use and using a computer to commit a crime, Marquette city police Capt. Michael Kohler said in a news release.

Police would not release the age of the juvenile charged or comment on what relationship the person had with the boy. The prosecutor's office declined to comment Thursday.

Goss said that after seeing posts about his girlfriend, Tysen replied over social media that he was going to kill himself. She said those involved in the prank didn't tell an adult even then.

"The whole thing happened in about 40 minutes," Goss said. "He was fine and then I found him. I don't know what she said she did to herself."

Tysen was rushed to an area hospital and later transferred to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, near Detroit. He died Tuesday.

"Social media harassment, bullying and pranking is a huge issue," Goss added. "The way it's used nowadays, kids are desensitized to social media and it really does hurt people."
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  A former aide to Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie sentenced to prison for his role in a political revenge plot at the George Washington Bridge has had his law license stripped.

The state Supreme Court on Thursday suspended Bill Baroni's law license pending ethics proceedings against him.

Baroni was convicted in November over lane closures near the busy bridge, which links New Jersey and New York. He was sentenced last week to two years in prison but is appealing his conviction.

Baroni was the deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which controls the bridge.

A prosecution witness who pleaded guilty testified the plot was to punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Christie. Fort Lee suffered four days of gridlock in September 2013.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP)  A Pennsylvania man used a homemade, high-pressure air gun to fatally shoot a neighbor with whom he had an affair, a prosecutor and police said.

Josef Raszler, 35, was charged Wednesday with criminal homicide in the Sept. 13 shooting of 46-year-old Stephanie Roof. She was shot with a homemade metal projectile about 1 a.m. in the driveway of her home across the street from Raszler's in Lower Macungie Township.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said investigators haven't found the weapon Raszler allegedly used, but they have evidence he researched making it and practiced with it at his parents' lake house days before Roof's killing. A county detective even made such a gun using materials and information that correspond to the online research Raszler allegedly did, and that device was displayed Wednesday at Martin's news conference announcing the charges.

Raszler at first denied knowing Roof well, but eventually confessed to having an intimate relationship with her, Martin said. Items in her home and information from her cellphone confirmed that, investigators said.

Roof reportedly ended the relationship in the summer of 2015, but Martin said Raszler was angry and "not accepting" of that.

Roof was found shot in the chest and her live-in boyfriend performed CPR before she died at a hospital. Roof had four daughters, two of whom are adults.

Investigators found the metal projectile they believe was used to kill Roof, and DNA from blood on it matched her, investigators said.

Authorities believe Raszler drove to his parents' lake home in Schuylkill County and practiced firing the weapon he had made. Witnesses recalled hearing sounds like a pneumatic nail gun being fired repeatedly on Sept. 9 and 10 and two projectiles similar to those investigators believe killed Roof were found on the lakeside property.

Police later found copper tubing and piping, air tanks, an air gun trigger and melted lead at Raszler's home, along with receipts for air gauges, air tanks and other items he allegedly bought in May and June. His home computer revealed numerous searches for items including "high pressure air pumps for air rifles," ''high pressure air pump gun" and "most powerful air rifle," according to a criminal complaint.

Court records indicate Raszler has applied for a public defender, but an employee with that office said Thursday that no attorney there has been assigned to represent him.

He remained jailed without bond Thursday and was scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 12.
On the spectrum of wokeness, American multinational soda corporations tend to land somewhere near dead last  and good ol' PepsiCo just took a giant nosedive toward the bottom.

The company incited well-deserved social media outrage after its ad, featuring Kendall Jenner pacifying a bunch of cops with a can of Pepsi, went viral Tuesday. Viewers accused the company of appropriating the Black Lives Matter movement to sell its sugary soda, instead of doing what socially conscious consumers have been begging food and beverage corporations to do forever: use their power for social good.

SEE ALSO: What actual activists have to say about that terrible Pepsi ad

To be fair, Pepsi has made tangible efforts in recent years to be socially responsible  at least more than you'd expect from a company that markets soda and orange dust. And there's no way for any corporation to ever be fully "woke" when its ultimate responsibility is to its shareholders, not society.

But that's no excuse for taking advantage of a growing social movement for a viral marketing campaign. Even though the company later pulled the ad and apologized, its behavior was part of a larger pattern: companies often co-opt social causes to promote their brands, without ever addressing the roots of the injustices themselves.

If I had carried Pepsi I guess I never would've gotten arrested. Who knew?  deray mckesson (@deray) April 5, 2017

PepsiCo can't attach itself to a social movement like Black Lives Matter, which explicitly rejects capitalism, without completely embarrassing itself. Chester Cheetah will never be Che Guevara.

But there are things big corporations like Pepsi can do to actually support social justice efforts in the future.

1. Support company unionization efforts and offer a living wage

You'd be hard-pressed to find any major corporation behind a unionization or living wage campaign. Still, paying people enough so they can live  hence the term "living wage"  is, by definition, almost always the moral choice.

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Some corporations have even voluntarily surpassed federal and state laws and offered their lowest paid staff a living wage. Aetna, for example, announced in January 2015 that they'd raise all of the wages of their lowest paid workers to $16 per hour.

Other companies should take note: If you want to do good, start with your own employees.

2. Examine the company's historical relationship with communities of color

In the 1940s, when Coca-Cola and many other brands aggressively marketed their products to white consumers, PepsiCo chose instead to focus on a neglected market: the black community. The relationship lasted for decades, but it's obviously complicated. PepsiCo was tapping into a community that other companies simply wouldn't acknowledge, yet selling them a product that didn't exactly promote public health  which many called exploitative.

Fast forward to 2013, when a report from the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University found that black youth  who disproportionately live with diabetes, obesity, and other negative health issues  were twice as likely to to view ads for sugary drinks like Pepsi than white youth.

Corporations need to be exceptionally sensitive in how they advertise to marginalized communities. Their marketing should be responsible, catering to diverse communities across race and nationality without exploiting them.

3. Recruit more women and people of color for management positions

As a woman of color, PepsiCo's CEO and Chairman Indra Nooyi is pretty unique in her field. A survey conducted by professional services firm Grant Thornton found that women make up just 25 percent of senior executives worldwide. Meanwhile, less than 3 percent of board directors at Fortune 500 companies are black, Asian or Latina women.

Promoting women  and specifically women of color  to management positions may not solve larger structural inequalities, but it can inspire social change on a micro level. A 2016 study by Peterson Institute for International Economics found that companies with female leadership were actually more profitable than those who lacked it.

4. Use foundation money to support a wide variety of nonprofits

.@pepsi, I'm assuming you'll be using the money you make to support @ACLU, @PPact, #CampaignZero + other social change.



That's all I got.  Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) April 4, 2017

PepsiCo has donated more than $900 million to charity since 2005, according to the corporation. It supports a broad range of causes, including access to clean water, sustainable agriculture, and empowerment programs for women and young girls.

As much as PepsiCo gives  and fairly generously, Inside Philanthropy reports  it often directs its donations to large, well-established NGOs like the Red Cross and Save the Children. Lesser known grassroots and community-based nonprofits, like Water.org, are reportedly less likely to receive funding.

With the kind of reach and pocketbook these corporations have, supporting small and impactful organizations could make a huge difference.

5. Be transparent about manufacturing

Image: J. Harpaz/AP/REX/Shutterstock

An Oxfam report recently gave PepsiCo a score of 49 percent on its sustainability report card, slightly less than its rival Coca-Cola (which scored 57 percent) but more than other similarly sized companies.

The organization credited Pepsi's "zero tolerance" commitment to land grabs, but said the company falls short in its support of women and local farmers. According to the report, Pepsi didn't appear to have a system for identifying countries where the most basic labor rights were at risk.

Consumers have a right to know if their junk food was responsibly produced, as depressing as that undoubtedly feels to read.

6. Don't be a jerk

The next time you're thinking of appropriating a major social justice movement to help market your #brand, take a minute. Ask yourself what you're doing and if it'll get you in trouble, and not just because you're worried about your stock price.

Corporations will never be "woke"  but they still have a responsibility to care.

WATCH: Across the globe, protesters hit the streets one day after Trump's inauguration
Prague (AFP) - Czech president Milos Zeman said Thursday the next general election in the EU member country would take place on October 20-21 this year.

"I will schedule the parliamentary vote for the latest date possible (under the Constitution), which is October 20-21," Zeman said in an interview on the private TV Barrandov.

The current Czech government, which took office after a 2013 vote, comprises the leftwing Social Democrats, the centrist ANO movement and the centrist Christian Democrats.

Led by billionnaire and Finance Minister Andrej Babis, ANO has emerged as a clear odds-on favourite of the next vote in recent polls.

A March survey by the Kantar TNS agency put ANO at the top with 32-percent support, way ahead of the Social Democrats with 12.5 percent and the Communists with 11.5 percent, the public Czech TV said Sunday.

Also conducted in March, a poll by the Czech Academy of Sciences showed ANO up front with 21 percent, followed by the Social Democrats with 16.5 percent and the Communists with nine percent.

Zeman, a 72-year-old veteran leftwinger with strong anti-migrant, pro-Russian and pro-Chinese views, said last month he would run for a second five-year term himself in a direct presidential vote scheduled for early 2018.
A father in Syria bid a heartbreaking farewell at the graves of his twins Wednesday after they were killed in a suspected chemical weapon attack before reaching their first birthday.

Abdel Hameed al-Youssef's wife was also among the more than 20 members of his family killed Tuesday in a northern Syria airstrike that killed at least 80 people.

Watch: 17-Year-Old Syrian Refugee Carries Puppy 300 Miles to Safety

Cameras were there for the heart-wrenching moment two men held al-Youssef upright as his unimaginable grief kept pulling him down to the freshly turned ground of his loved ones' graves.

Earlier, the 29-year-old was driven to the graves with the tiny, lifeless bodies of 9-month-old twins Aya and Ahmed cradled in his lap.

"Say goodbye, baby, say goodbye," he told them.

"I was right beside them and I carried them outside the house with their mother," al-Youssef, a shop owner, later recalled to The Associated Press about the chaotic moments that followed the strike. "They were conscious at first, but 10 minutes later we could smell the odor."

While taking shelter together in a basement, the twins, their mother and other family all started choking as al-Youssef watched helplessly.

Al-Youssef would also find the bodies of two of his brothers, two nephews and a niece, as well as neighbors and other victims before losing consciousness at the scene.

He'd later get the news that his wife and children had died. The bereaved father would personally lay them to rest in an unmarked mass grave.

"I took Ahmed and Aya and buried them with my brothers. I buried my kids with my own hands. My wife and my brothers," al-Youssef said Wednesday.

Al-Youssef's was an outsize loss, even for war-torn Syria, where the U.S. and others have accused President Bashar Assad of being behind the attack on his own people, even though the government has insisted its chemical weapons have all been destroyed.

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Watch: Feds: 'Hipster Terrorist' Planned to Join ISIS, Was Living a Double Life

Assad made the claim after a 2013 sarin gas attack killed hundreds outside the capital city of Damascus. Video from the attack showed convulsing children and bodies in rubble-filled streets.

The Trump administration said this most recent attack was carried out by Assad's forces. The Syrian government has denied being behind the attack.

Watch: Syrian Refugee, a 'Master Tailor,' Becomes Unlikely Hero When Bride's Wedding Dress Rips

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* Editors Note: On April 12 at 12 p.m., historians come together at the National Constitution Center to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States entry into World War I. Learn more and get tickets.

On April 6, 1917, Congress approved President Woodrow Wilsons declaration of war against Germany by a vote of 82-6 in the Senate and 373-50 in the House, thus plunging the nation into World War I. On December 7, war was declared on Austria-Hungary as well. The Great War had begun in 1914, and the United States had done all it could to remain neutral. But in the end, the Central Powers arguably gave the U.S. no choice but to get involved.

In 1914, after the outbreak of war in Europe, President Wilson declared that the U.S. would operate under a non-interventionist policy. This policy worked very well for the American economy, helping pull the country out of a recession. Major banks like J.P. Morgan took the opportunity to provide financial assistance to Britain and France in the form of large loans. Industrial production of exports doubled from 1913-1917, as both sides had trade relations with the U.S. that continued throughout the war.

But neither the Allied nor Central Powers allowed goods to flow freely to the other side. The British set up an embargo on the Germans and attempted to seize American merchant ships going to Germany. On the other side, Germany violated international law by sinking U.S. ships headed to Britain or France. The sinking of the Lusitania, as well as the Sussex, caused an uproar in the states. Wilson, still trying to avoid war, forced Germany to enter into the Sussex pledge, in which they promised to allow American crew members to abandon ship before it was sunk.

The war was a major issue in the 1916 election. Wilsons reelection platform was anchored by the fact that he had kept the U.S. out of war. His opponent, former Supreme Court Justice Charles Evan Hughes, wanted a policy of preparedness, fearing that the U.S. would be dragged into the war one way or another. The election was hotly contested and most people expected that the result would be extremely close. On election night, the story goes, Hughes went to bed believing he was President, as he was ahead in California at that time. In the morning, a reporter called Hughes for a comment. Someone else answered and said, The President is asleep. The reporter responded, When he wakes up, tell him hes not President. Wilson had pulled out a victory in California, giving him a 277-254 Electoral College win.

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After the election, despite Wilson running as the peace candidate, it became more and more likely that the U.S. would enter the war. The Germans violated the Sussex pledge and continued their strategy of unrestricted submarine warfare, thinking that the continual sinking of American ships would force the British to surrender quickly. But this led Wilson to ask Congress for permission to arm merchant ships going to Britain, as well as to sever all diplomatic ties with Germany. Congress ultimately filibustered the request, but regardless, the relationship had soured with the Germans.

But this was not the tipping point. That would ultimately be the Zimmerman Telegram. In February 1917, British intelligence picked up a telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman intended for Mexico, hoping to entice them to attack the United States. The British forwarded this to Wilson, and the press got wind of it a week later. The telegram was published, and public opinion flipped in favor of entering the war.

In order to raise an army, the U.S. passed the Selective Service Act in 1917, which authorized a draft that added 2.8 million people to the armed forces. These forces arrived in France in late 1917 and early 1918perfect timing, as both sides had been worn down by the four-year-old war. Americans helped fight against the German Spring Offensive, and then finished them off in the Hundred Days Offensive. An armistice was signed on November 11, 1918.

Chris Calabrese is an intern at the National Constitution Center. He is also a recent graduate of St. Josephs University.

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Washington (AFP) - A political earthquake rocked the US Senate Thursday as Democrats blocked President Donald Trump's Supreme Court pick, triggering a Republican move to change longstanding rules in order to ram the nomination through.

A procedural vote on Judge Neil Gorsuch failed when 44 Democrats opposed the nomination in the 100 member chamber, leaving Republicans shy of the 60 needed to end the debate and move to a confirmation vote.

Senator Mitch McConnell, the chamber's majority leader, responded by signalling he would work immediately to change the rules so that the approval of Gorsuch -- and all subsequent presidential nominees to the high court -- is no longer subject to the 60-vote threshold, but only a simple majority vote.

McConnell blasted the Democratic blocking tactic, known as a filibuster, as a "radical move" that has never until now been successfully employed to block a Supreme Court nominee.

"This should not be allowed to succeed or to continue, for the sake of the Senate, for the sake of the court and for the sake of the country."

But McConnell's rule change -- the so-called "nuclear option" -- is equally explosive, as lawmakers warn it will dramatically reduce the chamber's tradition of bipartisanship and compromise when it comes to Supreme Court appointments.

The tit-for-tat maneuvers are almost certain to change the tone and temper of the Senate, and lead to more fringe high-court justices being approved on either political side.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer pointed the finger at Republicans, but said he took "no solace" in blaming his political rivals because the consequences of the change will be so dramatic.

"The nuclear option means the end of a long history of consensus on Supreme Court nominations," he said moments before the vote, describing the Senate's ability to use the 60-vote threshold as "the guardrail of our democracy."

"The answer is not to undo the guardrails, the rules. It's to steer back to the middle, and get a more mainstream candidate."
By Renita D. Young and Tom Polansek WINTERSET, IOWA (Reuters) - A U.S. government program designed to convert farmland to wildlife habitat has triggered the spread of a fast-growing weed that threatens to strangle crops in America's rural heartland. The weed is hard to kill and, if left unchecked, destroys as much as 91 percent of corn on infested land, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is spreading across Iowa, which accounts for nearly a fifth of U.S. corn production and in 2016 exported more than $1 billion of corn and soy. The federal Conservation Reserve Program pays farmers to remove land from production to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and protect endangered species. The destructive weed - Palmer amaranth  has spread through seed sold to farmers in the conservation program, according to Iowa's top weeds scientist, Bob Hartzler, and the conservation group Pheasants Forever. "We are very confident that some of these seed mixes were contaminated," Hartzler said. Hartzler, an Iowa State University agronomy professor, said one seller was Allendan Seed Company, the state's largest producer of local grass and wildflower seeds for conservation land. In written responses to questions from Reuters, Allendan said it was "possible that pigweed seed ... was present in some mixes." Palmer amaranth is a type of pigweed. Allendan did not confirm it had found the seed in any of its supplies. It said outside labs that the firm hires to test seed quality had been unable to distinguish Palmer amaranath from other pigweeds. The company said it started using a new DNA test in February to check its seed for Palmer amaranth. Many farmers joined the conservation program in the past year as prices for their crops tanked amid a global grains glut. The weed can be killed, but the cost of clearing it would be another hit to the cash-strapped farming community in the United States, the world's top corn supplier. The program is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA), units of the USDA. NRCS officials have acknowledged that contaminated seed mixes for conservation land have spread Palmer amaranth. In another state, Minnesota, authorities are also investigating whether the conservation program inadvertently introduced the weed to that state. Keith Smith, a corn and soybean farmer in Gladbrook, Iowa, said he yanked Palmer amaranth out of land he set aside in the conservation program after finding the weeds last year. He doused them in diesel and torched them with old tires. Smith now regrets joining the program. "I thought I'd help out the Earth," he said. 2016 Conservation Reserve Program - http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/USA-GRAINS-WEEDS/010040ES0YN/index.html ONE PLANT, HALF A MILLION SEEDS The NRCS and FSA denied responsibility for the infestation because they do not supply or test the seed that farmers use to turn cropland into a refuge for wildlife. Landowners are responsible for finding their own seed. None of the companies or organizations involved in the program should be blamed, said Jimmy Bramblett, the NRCS's deputy chief of science and technology. "It's just something that happened," he said. The NRCS is nonetheless considering giving financial assistance to Iowa farmers to help control the weed and is working with the farming community and other government agencies to control it, Bramblett said. Palmer amaranth, which is native to the southwestern United States, grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) a day and can reach a height of 10 feet. It produces up to 500,000 seeds the size of a pepper grain, which travel easily on the wind, in manure or stuck to farm equipment and vehicles. Midwest farmers now face increased costs for the herbicide and labor to eradicate the weed. Fighting Palmer amaranth has doubled or tripled annual herbicide and labor costs to between $60 and $80 per acre for cotton farmers in Georgia, said Stanley Culpepper, a weed science professor for the University of Georgia. Iowa farmers currently spend between $35 to $40 per acre on herbicides, Iowa State University research shows. If Palmer amaranth is firmly established, costs could increase by up to 50 percent, Hartzler said. Corn and soybeans can compete better with weeds than cotton plants, so the expense of controlling it could be less than on cotton farms. DETECTIVE WORK Palmer amaranth first arrived in Iowa in 2013 but exploded across the state last year, spreading from 5 to 48 of the state's 99 counties, according to Iowa State University. In at least 35 of those counties, the weed was found on land in the conservation program. The rapid rise in the incidence of the weed came after landowners in Iowa signed more contracts to put fields into the program than any other state - 108,799 out of the 637,164 total U.S. conservation program contracts, according to the USDA. An Iowa landowner contacted Iowa State's Hartzler after Palmer amaranth infested 70 acres of farmland he planted with the conservation seed mix. "The Palmer amaranth was uniformly distributed across those 70 acres, so that was a good sign that it came in the seed," Hartzler said. Hartzler said he and his intern found the tiny black Palmer amaranth seeds in samples they took from seed bags the landowner purchased from Allendan. He then grew some of the seeds in a greenhouse, he said, and they produced Palmer amaranth. (Editing by Jo Winterbottom, Simon Webb and Brian Thevenot)
Baghdad (AFP) - The Islamic State group shot down an Iraqi helicopter that was supporting federal police forces in Mosul, killing two crew members, the military said on Thursday.

"Their helicopter aircraft was attacked by enemy fire and destroyed on the battlefield," Iraq's Joint Operations Command said in a statement, putting the death toll at two.

It did not specify what type of helicopter was shot down, nor say whether it was hit by gunfire or a surface-to-air missile.

The IS attack comes after another helicopter went down south of Mosul at the beginning of the year due to a "technical failure," killing four crew members.

Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, recapturing its eastern side before setting their sights on the smaller but more densely populated west.

Strikes by Iraqi helicopters are especially important for the country's interior ministry forces, which consistently complain of not receiving sufficient air support from the US-led anti-IS coalition.
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dozens of Dutch citizens of Turkish descent, many linked to the opposition Gulen movement, are being prevented from leaving Turkey, a Dutch foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Thursday, confirming an earlier television report. Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan has led a crackdown on people suspected of involvement with the movement led by exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, which he blames for last year's failed military coup. Public broadcaster NOS said as many as 100 Dutch citizens were unable to leave the country, but the spokeswoman said precise numbers were difficult to obtain since the ministry knew only of those who had sought consular help. "The reasons why they have been detained are very diverse, but it looks like some of them may be connected to the Gulen movement," the spokeswoman said, adding that all those they were aware of were Turkish-Dutch dual citizens. Turkey votes next week in a referendum on giving Erdogan, who has run the country through over a decade of strong economic growth, the sweeping new powers he says he needs to restore order after the coup. The votes of Turkish expatriates in western Europe could play an important role. The country's economy, already under strain from floods of refugees, war on its south-east frontier with Syria and an ever present militant threat, stands to be seriously harmed if diaspora communities' fear of detention cuts tourism further. Relations between Turkey and the European Union have grown fraught since the signing of a deal under which Ankara helped stem the flood of Syrian war refugees in return for European financial assistance. Many have criticized Europe's engagement with a government accused of authoritarianism. "We are prepared to help people who actively seek assistance," the Dutch foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkish authorities had been informed. "It appears that other countries' citizens are having similar problems in Turkey." Other European countries, including Austria and Switzerland, have also seen citizens of Turkish descent prevented from leaving the country. (Reporting by Thomas Escritt)
QUITO, Ecuador (AP)  Wikileaks founder Julian Assange may have narrowly escaped eviction from Ecuador's embassy in London but he has some work to do building trust with his new host.

President-elect Lenin Moreno on Thursday reminded Assange that as a condition for the asylum granted him in 2012 he's not allowed to meddle in politics.

The stern warning was in response to Assange's celebrating the results of Sunday's presidential runoff with a blast on Twitter at losing candidate Guillermo Lasso, who had pledged to evict the Australian within 30 days of taking office. Moreno said he would allow Assange to stay.

"I cordially invite Lasso to leave Ecuador within 30 days," Assange wrote, alluding to allegations the banker had stashed money abroad.

Assange later apologized but blamed Lasso for starting the feud.
Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - The EU will abolish mobile phone roaming charges from June 15 following a vote in the European Parliament on Thursday.

MEPs backed a deal between operators and European Union member states that will mean the end of extra charges when people use their phones abroad in other EU states.

"Europeans will no longer be in a state of shock when they get their telephone bills," said Finnish MEP Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, who backed the resolution.

From mid-June, EU citizens will no longer pay extra charges for calls, SMS messages or internet outside their home countries, when travelling in the EU.

Operators will still have to pay a charge.

EU digital affairs commissioner Andrus Ansip said it would have an "immediate positive impact on the life of millions of Europeans."

The move will cap 10 years of efforts by the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, to end roaming charges.
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union has increased its sanctions on North Korea because of its nuclear program and the threat it poses to the region with its recent ballistic missile testing.

The EU said in a statement Thursday that it has expanded bans on EU investments, including in the conventional arms and aerospace industry. It also includes bans on providing computer services and those in the chemical, mining and refining industry.

The bloc also added four North Koreans to an existing travel ban and asset freeze regime, bringing the total to 41. There was no immediate information on the identity of the four.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Thursday expanded sanctions against North Korea over the country's nuclear tests and launches of ballistic missiles. The new sanctions are aimed at the country's metalworking, aerospace and arms-related industries, and services in computing, mining, chemicals and refining, the bloc said in a statement. The EU first imposed sanctions against Pyongyang in late 2006 and has steadily expanded their range since to include embargoes on arms, trade in gold and precious metals and luxury goods. It said on Thursday the new punitive measures were in response to actions that posed "a grave threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond." The EU also added four people to its blacklist of those subject to travel bans and asset freezes because of links to the North Korean leadership and weapons program. North Korea has stepped up the frequency of missile and nuclear weapons tests over the past two years and experts say it is closing in on the ability to hit the United States with a missile. Talks about North Korea are expected to feature high on the agenda of talks on Thursday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump has spoken repeatedly of the need to act more decisively against Pyongyang and demanded that Beijing puts more pressure on its reclusive neighbor. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; editing by John Stonestreet)
By Francesco Guarascio and Marton Dunai STRASBOURG/BUDAPEST (Reuters) - A group representing a majority of European Union lawmakers said on Wednesday they wanted the European Parliament to start disciplinary proceedings against Hungary after a crackdown on foreign universities pushed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary's parliament approved a law on Tuesday that could force out a university founded by financier George Soros - the Central European University (CEU) - despite international condemnation and protests by thousands of Hungarians. Also on Wednesday, Orban's Fidesz party said it would present a bill to parliament this week that requires non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a yearly foreign income of 7.2 million forints ($25,000) to register with authorities. "Support from unknown foreign sources could allow foreign interest groups to pursue their own interests via the influence of these (NGOs) in Hungary ... which threatens the country's political and economic interests," the bill says. NGOs, many of whom receive grants from Soros' Open Society Foundation, often speak up on behalf of migrants, clashing with the view expressed by Orban and other eastern European leaders that migration is an existential threat. "Like Fidesz crossed a red line yesterday with the CEU bill so they did again with the NGO's," Akos Hadhazy, a lawmaker from the opposition green-liberal LMP party, told Reuters. "Sadly the red lines are so many they look like a red carpet by now." "This is a dirty little law," Hadhazy said. "All it does is mark the government's least favorite NGOs with a yellow star," he said, referring to Jews being required to wear stars on their clothes under the Nazi regime. The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union said the law was "unnecessary" from a legislative perspective. However, Fidesz has a parliamentary majority and can pass laws on its own. In Strasbourg, European lawmakers (MEPs) from all leftist groupings, liberals and some from the conservative European People's Party (EPP), the largest grouping in the parliament, said they wanted action taken against Hungary. DISCIPLINE A disciplinary procedure can mean suspension of an EU state's voting rights, but such an action has never been taken. The start of a procedure would also require two-thirds of the chamber to support the start of such a procedure, a threshold that would not be reached if enough of the EPP does not back the measure. Orban's Fidesz party is a member of the EPP, which has so far opposed taking action against Hungary. An official from the group said that it was too early to consider such a move. The EU Commission or the European Council could also start a disciplinary procedure but have been reluctant to do so as it could fuel anti-EU feelings at a time when the EU is grappling with Britain's departure and rising euroskepticism. On Wednesday, the Commission said it was studying the new Hungarian law on university funding and that it would discuss it in a meeting of commissioners next week. The Polish government has been rebuked on several occasions by Brussels for reforms of the judiciary, but the Commission has so far fallen short of starting a disciplinary procedure, and resorted instead to monitoring Polish reforms. The conservative MEPs who support starting the procedure against Hungary are from Poland's Civic Platform party, the same as EU summits chair Donald Tusk, who strongly oppose the Law and Justice (PiS) party which is in power in Poland. (Additional reporting by Krizstina Than in Budapest, Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels and Madeline Chambers in Berlin; Editing by Louise Ireland)
By Victoria Bryan and Tim Hepher BERLIN/PARIS (Reuters) - Europe's aviation regulator voiced concern on Wednesday over the risk of battery fires in the cargo holds of passenger planes after U.S. and British authorities banned certain electronics from passenger cabins despite U.S. assurances that its agency had been thoroughly briefed on the proper handling of electronics. The European Aviation Safety Agency, which is responsible for safe flying in 32 countries, said personal electronic devices (PED) carried a fire risk due to their lithium batteries and should preferably be carried inside passenger cabins so that any problems could be identified and dealt with. In regard to the European agency's concerns, the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration said it had "coordinated closely with the FAA" (Federal Aviation Administration) on the logistics of the ban and that the agency had provided information to airlines regarding appropriate handling of electronics and lithium batteries. The European agency, however, warned in a bulletin: "When the carriage of PEDs in the cabin is not allowed, it leads to a significant increase of the number of PEDs in the cargo compartment. Certain precautions should therefore be observed to mitigate the risk of accidental fire in the cargo hold." Computers in checked baggage must be completely switched off and "well protected from accidental activation," it added. The Cologne, Germany-based agency issued its guidance two weeks after the United States and Britain banned gadgets larger than a smartphone from passenger cabins on flights from certain countries because of security concerns. The European safety recommendation is not mandatory, but is likely to rekindle a debate about the new rules, which some airline chiefs have criticised as inconsistent or ineffective. A group representing 38,000 European pilots said last week it was "seriously concerned" about the ban, on the grounds that it could create new safety risks. "With current airplane cargo hold fire suppression systems, it might prove to be impossible to extinguish a lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, especially when the batteries are stored together. Therefore, any event of this nature during flight would more than likely be catastrophic," the European Cockpit Association said. It is not the first time regulators have called for personal devices to be carried in the cabin, but possibly the first time such measures have clashed so directly with security considerations. In 2015, international regulators urged airlines to transport lithium-powered hoverboards in the cabin following reports of the popular devices catching fire. Several airlines went even further and banned them altogether, but travel experts say such a draconian ban on computers would carry little support from the industry or its lucrative business travellers. JUGGLING RISKS Security experts say the decision to place electronics into checked bags on U.S.-bound flights from eight Middle East or North African countries suggests Washington has intelligence that enough material can now be packed into a laptop, usually disguised as its battery, to cause catastrophic damage. Placing such objects in checked baggage would expose them to greater screening for explosives and reduce the chances that a hidden bomb could be deliberately placed next to the cabin wall. France has been studying whether and how to apply similar restrictions on cabin baggage, security sources say. Last year, a suspected suicide bomber tried to blow up a Somali jetliner as it was taking off from Mogadishu by placing a computer bomb near the window. He was sucked out of the jet without causing it to crash, but the incident focussed attention on the threat of bombs hidden inside ordinary-looking gadgets. Reuters last month reported that the rules banning many items from passenger cabins on U.S.- and Britain-bound flights would, however, force a rethink on fire safety concerns now that they were being consigned to the hold. EASA's warning highlights the struggle to juggle rules on safety with increasingly stringent security protections and the wider risk that rules to solve one problem can lead to another. The FAA says such "unintended effects" are one of the common themes it has identified in its database on lessons learned from past crashes. "The recent laptop ban on certain routes to the USA has brought into sharp relief exactly this challenge," said UK-based aviation consultant John Strickland. "Simply taking items powered by lithium batteries and stashing them in the hold is not an option unless done with sufficient attention to safety," he added. Safety regulators have focussed for years on the growing headache caused by temperamental lithium-ion batteries. In 2015, the FAA told airlines not to let passengers pack extra lithium-ion batteries inside their checked baggage. Airlines had already been alerted to the risk of carrying large shipments of lithium batteries as cargo after a UPS Boeing 747 cargo jet crashed in 2010, killing both crew. But current FAA advice suggests it has fewer concerns than its European counterpart about the threat of fires from batteries already installed in individual passenger's devices. (Writing by Tim Hepher, additional reporting by Alana Wise, David Shepardson; editing by Susan Fenton, G Crosse)
By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Parliament on Thursday supported easing travel rules for Ukrainians, driving on a Western integration viewed with great suspicion by Moscow. Ukraine has been the scene of the worst confrontation between Russia and the West in Europe since the Cold War with Moscow annexing Crimea from Kiev in 2014 and backing separatist rebels in the east of the country. The West has sided with Ukraine, where Russia intervened after a Moscow-allied president was toppled by street protests demanding an end to corruption and closer EU ties. Russia denies direct military involvement in its southern neighbor. European lawmakers voted 521 to 75 to grant Ukrainians holding biometric passports the right to visit for up to 90 days for tourism, business or visiting relatives and friends. "Great day for the people of Europe and Ukraine," said Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, a Swedish member of the Parliament. The visa waiver, which does not give Ukrainians the right to work in the EU, is expected to take effect this summer. The pro-Western government in Kiev is moving closer to the EU and NATO. But a weak economy and endemic corruption would hinder any move to accession, and some states would be unwilling to further anger Ukraine's Soviet-era ruler, Russia, by incorporating it into an alliance it views as hostile. The waiver covers all EU states except Ireland and Britain, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland - not in the EU but members of Europe's free-travel Schengen zone. Kiev's Europe Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said the vote on Thursday was "a strong signal to the aggressor that Ukraine is on its way back to the European family." Three years of fighting in Ukraine's industrial east killed more than 10,000 people. While the heaviest battles have died down, the conflict is still simmering and peace efforts are stalled amid mutual recriminations by Kiev, EU and NATO on the one side, and Russia and the rebels on the other. (Editing by Ralph Boulton)
Brussels (AFP) - EU President Donald Tusk will meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in London later Thursday, his office announced, as the two sides prepare for tough Brexit talks.

The visit was listed on an updated weekly schedule for Tusk and gave no reason for it nor details of what he would discuss with May.

An EU source told AFP separately that the visit forms part of the regular contacts Tusk and May agreed last week should take place during the negotiation process.

"May and Tusk agreed during their phone call on 28 March to establish a regular contact at the highest political level to create a channel for facilitating the Brexit process outside the day-to-day talks," the source said.

"The meeting is not part of the negotiations".

The announcement comes after the European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted tough "red lines" for the Brexit negotiations, saying the divorce terms must be agreed first before any talk of a new trade deal.

The parliament largely followed Tusk's own draft guidelines issued last week after May formally triggered the historic Brexit process.

The EU source said the meeting with May in London, expected around 1200 GMT, "will be a first opportunity for Tusk to explain his draft Brexit guidelines to be adopted on 29 April (by the remaining member states) as well as to discuss the next steps."

May has pressed hard for the divorce and trade deal talks to proceed in tandem but Brussels has repeatedly rebuffed her demands.

The 27 European Union states are due to sign off on Tusk's guidelines at a summit on April 29, paving the way for formal negotiations to begin at the and of May.

The EU wants a draft deal by October 2018 so that national leaders will have time to approve it before ratification by the European Parliament, most likely in early 2019.
Istanbul (AFP) - Two men chat in a cartoon in Turkey's top satirical weekly Penguen. One asks the other: "Will you say 'Yes' or 'No' in the referendum?" The other responds: "Ah? Was there any other option than 'Yes'?"

Wandering around Istanbul, it's clear that the resources of the campaign backing an expansion of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers in the April 16 referendum vastly exceed those of his opponents.

"For the nation and for the flag: 'Yes' ('Evet' in Turkish) with all our hearts," one poster reads. "'Yes' for our tomorrows" says another, advertising a mass meeting by Erdogan on Saturday.

Advertising for the "No" campaign ("Hayir" in Turkish) is less widespread but still conspicuous, showing a simple picture of a young girl and the slogan "For our Future".

According to Penguen, the airtime for live broadcasts for the "Yes" campaign on television outstrips 10-fold that of the "No" campaign.

Yet despite what "No" supporters complain is an uneven playing field, the campaign is ferocious, with pundits predicting a tight outcome that will determine the future of modern Turkey.

- Loaded words -

The watershed nature of the vote and the expected cloe outcome have pushed the campaigns on both sides to extremes, loading the words "Evet" and "Hayir" with additional meaning.

Erdogan and his allies have repeatedly tried to stigmatise the word "No", saying the naysayers have also rejected all his projects to develop Turkey in the last few years.

The president has also said that a "No" is exactly what is wanted by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as well as the group of US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for the failed coup last July.

In March, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu asked a crowd in the Black Sea city of Trabzon if violence had in any way helped the rise of the ruling party.

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The crowd responded: "No!". A smiling Soylu said: "Don't say 'No'! Say there cannot be any such thing."

- 'I will denounce you' -

The Turkish satellite television provider Digiturk, for its part, withdrew a planned broadcast of the well-received Chilean 2012 Oscar-nominated movie "No", without any explanation.

The movie, starring Gael Garcia Bernal, shows how a low-resourced but well-planned campaign ensured victory for the "No" vote in the 1988 referendum on whether to extend Augusto Pinochet's term.

Deniz Zeyrek, a columnist at the Hurriyet newspaper, even said the faithful attending Friday prayers had stopped wishing each other "Hayirli Cumalar" (Have a good Friday) greetings because the widely used saying contains the word "hayir", which can also be used to mean "auspicious".

Hurriyet refused in February to publish an interview with Nobel-winning novelist Orhan Pamuk because he said he would vote "No" in the referendum.

Satirists have also derided such excesses, with Penguen producing a memorable cover showing a woman saying "No" to a man's proposal to marry her. "I will denounce you," the suitor says.

In campaign rallies, Erdogan often ask questions to supporters who shout back "Yes!"

"Are you for a strong Turkey? Are you for a stable Turkey?" Erdogan asked supporters in Balikesir on Thursday. "Yes!" the crowd responded.

A couple from Ergani, a district in the Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir province, even named their newborn baby girl "Evet", CNN-Turk television reported.

"Our relatives reacted positively," the father, Mustafa Celik, said. "We will already vote yes."

In a rare gesture of reconciliation last month, Erdogan made a brief stop at a "No" campaign tent in Istanbul and chatted with the campaigners.

Some commentators saw the gesture as an acknowledgement by Erdogan that his abrasive attacks on the "No" campaign were not helping the "Yes" camp in opinion polls.

- 'Trying to marginalise 'No'' -

At the secular bastion of Kadikoy in Istanbul, "No" volunteers hand out pamphlets with the slogan: "I wouldn't give that much power even to my father."

"We are writing messages with stencils in the streets. At the same time, we're talking with people about why we refuse to give that much power to Erdogan," activist Demet Koca told AFP.

Engin Kara, a university student and leader of "No volunteers", accused the government of trying to make a "No" vote socially unacceptable.

"All they are saying is that 'No' supporters are terrorists... They are trying to marginalise the 'No' voters."
By Ricardo Brito BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's top electoral court must consider the country's plight when deciding a case accusing President Michel Temer of illegal campaign funding, an incoming justice said, suggesting the tribunal should avoid pitching the nation deeper into crisis. Admar Gonzaga, picked by Temer to join the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) later this month, said the court must weigh Brazil's difficult economic and political situation, not just the facts of the case involving the alleged use of graft money in the 2014 election. "The TSE has a political responsibility ... We have to base our ruling on our vision of the political environment," Gonzaga told Reuters late on Wednesday. He alluded to the fact that all major parties in the South American country stand accused of accepting bribes and illegal funds at the time of the election. "The whole political scene was contaminated," Gonzaga said, declining to indicate how he might vote in the case. While Gonzaga will be just one voice on the seven-seat tribunal, his arrival on April 16 suggests the balance is swinging in Temer's favor. The president can appoint another justice next month to fill a second vacancy, and can already expect a favorable hearing from TSE President Gilmar Mendes, who is close to a party in Temer's coalition. That would put Temer just one vote shy of a potential victory that lifts the legal cloud over his administration. Temer, who replaced impeached leftist President Dilma Rousseff last year, is struggling to lift Latin America's largest economy out of a two-year recession, with business confidence reeling from the massive corruption scandal convulsing the political class. If the TSE decides that Rousseff and Temer, her running mate, used illegal money to fund their victorious campaign, it could annul the election result and force Temer from office. Congress would then have 30 days to elect a successor, deepening the political turmoil. In an interview with Reuters last month, TSE President Mendes defended Temer's request to have his campaign accounts separated from Rousseff's by the court so he could avoid a ban on holding political office. Temer called on Thursday for the TSE to reach a quick verdict to remove uncertainty over his government as it presses ahead with a key reform to tackle the pension deficit, which faces resistance in Congress and on the streets. Gonzaga, a lawyer by training, said the tribunal should press ahead quickly to reach a verdict by August at the latest. By law, electoral justice cases should not take more than a year and this one was 2-1/2 years old, he said. "If we stay at this pace, the trial will become endless," he said. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Tom Brown)
By Hadley Keller. Photos courtesy of the Related Companies and Zaha Hadid.

"Its sculpture inhabited." That's how Tiago Correia, the U.S. director of Zaha Hadid Architects describes his firm's condo building at 520 West 28th Street. "We made a building that very deliberately blurs the lines between art and architecture," he explains. "Thats our way to pay tribute to the location, to Zahas work, and to the burgeoning lifestyle in the area." The architect's first project in New Yorkand also one of the last to bear Hadid's personal stamp after her unexpected death last year520 West 28th is, indeed, a monumental tribute both to the architect's signature style and to the city of New York.

To those who worked closely with Hadid, her first New York City project was a long time coming. "I remember Zaha saying that when she visited New York City she loved to walk around this neighborhood and visit the galleries," recalls Correia. "She would frequently walk the High Line and she was intrigued by its function as an alternative public space."

Hadid's fascination with the public park served as a jumping-off point for the building's design. "For a pedestrian, the High Line creates a new way to see the city," Correia explains. "For the fist time, pedestrians can see it from an elevated perspective, as though they were on an urban balcony. So this sense of layering is something we tried to develop in the project."

To do so, Hadid conceived a facade of stacked balconies in her signature curvaceous style, each providing a generous view of the city and High Line while still maintaining privacy. "The split, what we call the chevron shape, became the theme of the project, and we expressed it very strongly on the facade with these handcrafted, dark stainless-steel panels," Correia says. Such a choice of material is significant: Though the building's silhouette maintains Hadid's trademark organic fluidity, making it a standout in a skyline of linear skyscrapers, the architect and her team channelled the city's history through their use of stainless steel. "We were keen to pick those panels, because its a reference to the iron of the High Line and the materiality of Chelsea as a neighborhood," says Correia. "We wanted it to very directly embrace the historic quality of the neighborhood and the High Line."

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More: Tour Zaha Hadid's Dazzling Superyachts

This connection between city life and personal life carries through to the interiors, which were also conceived by Hadid. "One of the foundations of Zaha's work is a strong connection between building and landscape, in this case the urban landscape," explains Correia. "So with this building, we have, on the outside, a very curved facade that creates a very recognizable new point of visual interest that also embodies the history of the neighborhood. Inside, we use the same curves to delicately frame the beautiful vista that opens from the project: the High Line, midtown, the Empire State, the Hudson. The building has this shape that captures the best in every facade and frames these views. Its very deliberately done in an impactful way."

Though Hadid's interiors are instantly recognizable, Correia insists upon their livability. "Its not a blank canvas, its a rich canvas, the interior, but it really takes well to all kinds of design." To demonstrate this, the building's real estate firm, The Related Companies, enlisted two interior designers to outfit model apartments in strikingly different styles. West Chin and Jennifer Post created interiors that both highlight Hadid's work and, in a sense, soften it for everyday living. "Zaha has captured the edginess of New York with her dynamic design and sculptural architectural elements," explains Chin. "What we tried to do was embrace these foundations and add to that a sensitivity and ease that allows the home to become a haven from the fast-paced lifestyle that many New Yorkers live."

If there's one thing upon which all parties can agree, it is that the essence of the building is intrinsically tied to the heartbeat of its city. "It is difficult not to be influenced and inspired by the city in an apartment like this," says Post. "The views onto the High Line and the cityscape are iconic. The energy around this building at the heart of the citys thriving art community is palpable. The apartments both look out onto and are an integral part of New York."

Tour the building's striking interiors below.

More: The 30 Best NYC Architectural Landmarks to Visit

This story originally appeared on Architectural Digest.

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By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans are poised to repeal a U.S. Senate rule that allows minority-party Democrats to block confirmation of Supreme Court nominees, including President Donald Trump's choice of Neil Gorsuch for the lifetime post. The expected rule change, amid deepening partisanship in a chamber known as "the world's greatest deliberative body," is raising questions over whether there could be a future move to prohibit "filibusters" on legislation. Here is how the filibuster has been used and what curtailing it could mean: WHAT IS A FILIBUSTER? It is a procedural move, often by a minority of senators, to block legislation or Supreme Court nominations that typically enjoy the support of majority-party senators, in this case, Republicans. According to Senate historians, "filibuster" comes from a Dutch word meaning "pirate." The practice became popular in the 1850s and was also used by House of Representatives members, until that body became so large with an expanding U.S. population as to require stricter rules governing floor debates. Senate Democrats have gathered more than the 41 votes they need in the 100-seat chamber to mount a filibuster against Gorsuch, a conservative appeals court judge. WHAT DOES GEORGE WASHINGTON HAVE TO DO WITH FILIBUSTERS? The first U.S. president is said to have observed that the Senate was created to cool legislation from the hot-tempered House just as a saucer was used to cool hot tea. The filibuster is just such a coolant. HOW IT WORKS When a bill or Supreme Court nomination hits the Senate floor, senators who oppose it can talk until at least 60 senators band together to limit debate. That gives a minority of senators huge power. If a bill or a nomination fails to draw the needed 60 votes, it is effectively killed. The all-time record for a Senate filibuster speech - 24 hours, 18 minutes - was set by the late segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond, who tried unsuccessfully in 1957 to kill a civil rights bill. This week, Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley delivered the eighth-longest speech, against Gorsuch, that was 15 hours, 26 minutes. WHAT IS THE 'NUCLEAR OPTION?'? It is Senate slang for banning filibusters through a rules change by the majority party. In recent years, as filibusters have added to Senate gridlock, there have been threats to execute the nuclear option. Groups of senators, known as "gangs," have sometimes defused the threats. In 2013, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid deployed the nuclear option when he became fed up with Republican filibusters against then-President Barack Obama's nominees. He changed Senate rules to ban filibusters against the president's judicial and executive-branch nominees but left it in place for Supreme Court appointees. Now, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, is thought to be ready to expand the ban to Supreme Court nominees. WILL FILIBUSTERS ON LEGISLATION BE BANNED? McConnell has told reporters he will not broaden the ban on filibusters to legislation and does not believe Republican senators would want to do that. Some political scientists think Democrats have more to gain than Republicans by ending filibusters on legislation. "My sense has always been that Democratic policy priorities have suffered more from the filibuster than Republican priorities," said George Washington University political science professor Sarah Binder. That is because Democrats are more likely than Republicans to back an expansion of government programs, which generally requires legislation. But Binder said she could imagine Democrats or Republicans trying to score a major win on an issue central to their constituencies. For Democrats: No filibuster could mean trying to pass another major healthcare or campaign finance reform or new gun controls. For Republicans: Some sort of major deregulation of an industry or changes to "entitlement" programs such as Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. (Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Caren Bohan and Peter Cooney)
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Wednesday ahead of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping in Florida, where North Korea's weapons programmes is expected to be one of the prime topics. The following is a timeline of North's Korea's nuclear and missile tests. Aug. 1998: North Korea fires a multistage, long-range missile called Taepodong-I over Japan into the Pacific Ocean. North Korea called it a satellite launch. July 2006: North Korea test-fires a Taepodong-2 missile, which the United States says failed after launch. Oct. 2006: North Korea conducts first nuclear test. April 2009: North Korea says it successfully launches three-stage Unha-2 rocket carrying satellite. Washington says it failed. May 2009: North Korea explodes a nuclear device underground. April 2012: A slightly modified Unha-3 rocket explodes just after take-off. The North concedes failure. Dec. 2012: North Korea again launches a Unha-3 rocket, saying it successfully put a satellite into orbit. U.S. officials confirm an object in orbit, but no signal is detected. Feb. 2013: North Korea carries out third nuclear test. Jan. 6, 2016: North Korea says it successfully tests a hydrogen bomb. Feb. 7, 2016: North Korea launches a long-range rocket, which it says put a satellite into orbit June 22, 2016: North Korea conducts two tests of an intermediate range Musudan missile after four failed launches of the same kind. July 18, 2016: North Korea fires three ballistic missiles off its east coast with a 500 km-600 km range. Aug. 3, 2016: North Korea fires two missiles, one of them landing in Japan's economic exclusion zone. Aug. 24, 2016: North Korea launches ballistic missile from a submarine, which flies 500 km. Sept. 5, 2016: North Korea fires three ballistic missiles about 1,000 kms (620 miles), one of which enters Japans air defence zone Sept. 9, 2016: North Korea conducts fifth nuclear test Sept. 20, 2016: North Korea says it complete ground test of a new rocket engine, which South Korea says is likely to be used for a long-range missile. Feb. 12, 2017: North Korea fires intermediate-range Pukguksong-2 ballistic missile into nearby seas. March 6, 2017: North Korea fires four ballistic missiles, three of them falling into Japans exclusive economic zone. March 19, 2017: North Korea announces rocket engine test, saying it will help country achieve world-class satellite launch capability March 22, 2017: A North Korean missile appears to explode just after launch. April 5, 2017: North Korea fires ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast. U.S. officials say it appears to be a liquid-fueled, extended-range Scud missile. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
There are a lot of things in the universe we dont know much about, and among the most puzzling of those enigmatic objects are black holes. We know they have a very strong gravitational pull that doesnt let even light escape, that they exist in varying sizes and sometimes in pairs, and we know that supermassive black holes are at the centers of many galaxies, but since direct observation of a black hole has never been possible, there is a whole lot more about them we are completely clueless about.

A new observation campaign that started Wednesday is trying to change that by making the first-ever images of the event horizon  the boundary beyond which any light coming from the black hole cannot escape  of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The project, called the Event Horizon Telescope, uses eight large telescopes from around the world to create one large observational instrument. EHT will operate till April 14.

Read: How Did Supermassive Black Holes Form In The Very Early Universe?

The images that EHT will hopefully produce will be used to try determine the mass and spin of the event horizon of our central black hole, whose mass is 4 million times that of the sun. The distance of 26,000 light-years makes it so small from our point of view that it requires an Earth-size instrument to observe it.

EHT uses telescopes in Hawaii, Arizona, at the South Pole, in Chile, Mexico and Spain. According to a statement Wednesday by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass), that explains the project: Using Earths rotation and aiming each telescope at the same object, over the course of many hours their sampled curves, combined, resemble the observational effect of one large instrument. The strategy of combining several telescopes to create a simulated larger dish area, known as Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), is not new.  It has been in use for decades, but this is the first time millimeter-wave VLBI to be undertaken on such a massive scale.

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EHT project

Photo: ESO/O. Furtak

UMass is one of the operators of the Large Millimeter Telescope in Mexico, which is one of the participating telescopes in EHT. Gopal Narayanan from the university said in the statement: These are the observations that will help us to sort through all the wild theories about black holes. And there are many wild theories. With data from this project, we will understand things about black holes that we have never understood before.

Data from EHT will also be used for other things, such as testing some notions in Einsteins general theory of relativity. Given the extreme limits of physics that are at play in an event horizon, it would be the right place to test if general relativity and quantum mechanics can be brought together, Narayanan said.

Read: Gravitational Waves Kicked A Supermassive Black Hole Out Of Galactic Core

Sagittarius A-

Photo: Image: NASA/UMass/D.Wang et al. Inset: NASA/STScI.

Along with Sagittarius A*, EHT will also image another supermassive black hole, one that sits in the center of Messier 87. It is a massive elliptical galaxy, one of the largest in the local universe, located about 53.5 million light-years away, and its central black hole is about 6 billion solar masses. Given its size, it has a much larger event horizon around it compared to the one at the center of the Milky Way, and therefore can perhaps be imaged despite the distance.

Among EHTs other goals is to study the physics behind accretion and the creation of accretion disks, understanding plasma jets associated with central black holes, and maybe even explore the information paradox put forth by Stephen Hawking, which says matter falling into a black hole cannot disappear from the known universe.

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By Phoebe Fronista ATHENS (Reuters) - Documenta, one of Europe's most important modern art exhibitions, opens in Athens on Saturday, the first time in its history it is being held outside the German city of Kassel. Documenta 14 - "Learning from Athens" - will run in the Greek capital until July 16, extending over more than 40 landmark locations including squares, cinemas, and libraries. It will also still run in Kassel this year - from June 10 to Sept. 17. More than 160 artists are showcasing new works in documenta 14, touching upon issues such as migration, the financial crisis and censorship. Adam Szymczyk, its artistic director, described the long process of organising the event in Athens as both "excruciatingly difficult" and "amazingly beautiful". "And yet, the journey has only begun," he said. Organisers have said Greece's role at the centre of Europe's financial and migration crises drove the decision to twin the fair between Athens and Kassel, though exhibits will not be limited to those themes. One exhibit in the Athens National Museum of Contemporary Art features thousands of green and black olives and is titled "Payment of Greek Debt to Germany with Olives and Art." Greece's long economic crisis has strained relations with Germany and many in the country blame Berlin, their biggest creditor, for the painful austerity and record unemployment associated with three financial bailouts. Other exhibits include an open kitchen in a central Athens square where visitors are encouraged to grab a bite to eat with strangers. And there are exhibits at landmarks such as the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus and the First Cemetery of Athens. Held every five years, documenta - first run in 1955 - is one of Europe's top exhibitions, alongside the Venice Biennale, Art Basel and Monumenta in Paris. In 2012, it drew more than 900,000 visitors. It takes pride in its avant-garde image - in 2007, China's Ai Weiwei brought 1,001 of his compatriots to Kassel as "live exhibits". The fair was founded by Arnold Bode, a curator, artist and teacher, who was one of many German artists forbidden to work by the Nazis. A native of Kassel, he hoped to provoke Germans with forms of international modern art after the stifling Nazi era. (Writing by Karolina Tagaris; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
Two years ago, Dr. Margaret Hamburg stepped down as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. During her six-year tenure, she weathered various political and regulatory storms, such as a fracas over whether to sell a contraceptive pill over the counter, controversies over drugs made in India and China, and the safety of compounded medicines. An FDA commissioner confronts a lot, after all. So we asked Hamburg for her thoughts on Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who was nominated to lead the FDA, and some of the issues the agency faces. This is an edited version of our conversation 

Pharmalot: So what do you think about Scott Gottlieb? His nomination has sparked concern about his ties to industry, but he worked at FDA, knows the industry 

Read the rest...
Paris (AFP) - The French government on Thursday gave its approval to the sale of STX France, the last gem in the country's once-thriving shipbuilding industry, to its Italian rival Fincantieri.

The shipyard, on the Atlantic coast of Brittany at Saint-Nazaire, has a storied history, producing such luxury liners as the Queen Mary 2 and the Normandie.

It has been majority owned by South Korea's STX Shipbuilding since 2008, but that company nearly went bankrupt a few years ago, and it has been looking to sell the profitable STX France business since 2013.

The government holds a minority 33 percent stake in the shipyard, and had considered nationalising the business in order to maintain the roughly 2,600 jobs at the site -- which also sustains a further 5,000 subcontracting jobs.

The deal approved Thursday calls for Fincantieri to acquire a stake of about 48 percent, while France's state-controlled naval shipbuilding DCNS will acquire 12 percent.

France will keep its 33 percent stake as well as a veto right, while an Italian investment group, Fundazione CR Trieste, will acquire the remaining shares.

Industry Minister Christophe Sirugue said Fincantieri would pursue "an ambitious industrial project" to bolster its cruise ship activity while diversifying into areas such as marine power.

STX, whose origins date to 1861, has 14 cruise ships on order between now and 2026 for its two main clients, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Fincantieri, based in Trieste and with about 19,000 employees worldwide, was the only company to eventually bid for STX.

It has pledged to maintain jobs and activity at Saint-Nazaire, Sirugue said, but no financial terms of the deal were disclosed.
Dax (France) (AFP) - A French bishop resigned Thursday over "inappropriate behaviour" towards youths after a rare initiative by the Vatican just weeks after complaints came to the attention of his diocese.

Herve Gaschignard, 57, bishop of the southwest diocese of Dax, tendered his resignation at the suggestion of the Vatican's envoy to France, Archbishop Luigi Ventura, the French Catholic Church said in a statement.

Gaschignard's deputy Denis Cazeaux said at a news conference that three young people had come forward with allegations, but "it is not about paedophile acts."

Instead, it was about the bishop getting too close to young parishioners. "Anyone involved in teaching youths should find the right distance," he said.

Pope Francis accepted Gaschignard's resignation, the church statement said.

A spokesman for the diocese, Paul Perromat, told AFP that "no complaint has been lodged" with local prosecutors.

The archbishop of nearby Bordeaux, Jean-Pierre Ricard, said in a statement that two church workers "in contact with youths" had approached him on March 21 to voice their concerns over Gaschignard.

"His behaviour upset and troubled a certain number of these young people, who spoke to their families about it," Ricard said.

The head of a regional association that fights paedophilia told AFP that two teenagers had approached it with allegations against Gaschignard.

A 14-year-old boy said the bishop asked him about his sexual habits, while a girl, also aged 14, said he had stroked her thigh, kissed her on the cheek, and whispered "a lot of inappropriate things" to her.

The Catholic daily La Croix reported that Gaschignard raised concerns in 2011 in nearby Toulouse where he was auxiliary bishop with duties that included instructing young people.

Four chaperones on a youth pilgrimage trip wrote to Toulouse Archbishop Robert Le Gall expressing alarm over Gaschignard's behaviour.

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Le Gall alerted local prosecutors, who decided not to act on the information, the association said.

Gaschignard was named to the Dax diocese in 2012.

- Cover-ups -

The Vatican intervened in the case with a directness and rapidity it has often been accused of lacking over other cases, especially with high-ranking clerics accused of abuse or covering up for it.

The French church was rocked last year by allegations that the Archbishop of Lyon, Philippe Barbarin, covered up the abuse of scouts and failed to remove a priest despite being aware he had sexually abused the boys a quarter-century ago.

A string of historic paedophilia cases in North America and Europe has unleashed widespread criticism of the Catholic hierarchy.

The Barbarin scandal was the worst to hit the church in France since 2001, when a bishop was given a three-month suspended jail sentence for failing to inform authorities about a paedophile priest.

Barbarin, who has claimed his innocence, remains in his post, but the scandal has tarnished the image of one of the church's most media-friendly figures.

In response to the scandal, the church's hierarchy announced a series of measures last April, including the creation of a dedicated secure email address for victims to report abuse.
"Clouds of Sils Maria" director Olivier Assayas has signed on to helm a Cuban spy thriller titled "Wasp Network".

Assayas, who most recently directed US actress Kristen Stewart in the film "Personal Shopper", will also pen the script for "Wasp Network"  an adaptation of Fernando Morais' 2015 novel "The Last Soldiers of the Cold War".

The plot, based on a true story, centres on Cuban spies in American territory during the 1990s when anti-Castro groups based in Florida carried out military attacks on Cuba, and the Cuban government struck back with the Wasp Network to infiltrate those organisations (via Variety).

Assayas also wrote and directed "Clouds of Sils Maria", which earned Stewart France's Cesar Award for best supporting actress for her role in the movie  making her the first American actress to earn the honor.
Banjul (Gambia) (AFP) - Polls closed on Thursday evening in The Gambia with voters expected to usher in a new generation of lawmakers to scrutinise a raft of reforms promised by President Adama Barrow, in the first election since longtime leader Yahya Jammeh left power.

Turnout was low when polling stations across the tiny west African nation closed at 5:00pm (1700 GMT), the vice-chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said, though hopes remain high for a revitalised parliament after years of rubberstamping Jammeh's executive orders.

More than 880,000 Gambians were eligible to vote for the body's 53 elected seats, with five more appointed by the president, and many relished the chance to express their opinion after 22 years of iron-fisted rule.

"The only way Gambians can consolidate our newfound democracy is for people to ensure they elect competent individuals that will represent them in parliament and help in making the government's reform agenda a reality," said Fatou Suwareh, who was waiting in line to vote on the outskirts of Banjul.

Manneh Sallah, vice-chairman of the electoral commission, speaking to AFP by phone after the polls closed, said "turnout is still going to be very low," adding that although National Assembly elections generally have a poorer turnout he had been surprised by the scarcity of voters.

Thursday's election is a key test for several former opposition parties that united to form a coalition to oust Jammeh from power and deliver flag bearer Adama Barrow to victory as the new president.

Internal tensions mean those parties are not running together in the legislative elections, and Barrow's promised overhaul of every aspect of the Gambian state will depend on their willingness to cooperate in parliament and in cabinet.

Posing a threat is the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), a youth-led party which did not join the governing coalition and whose leader Mama Kandeh came third in last year's presidential vote.

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- Barrow defends cabinet -

Some voters expressed anger that the coalition parties had not been able to present a united front.

"The coalition was my party but when things started falling apart with them, everyone has to go to their own party," said Yaisa Jawara, who chose the GDC as a protest vote, at a roadside polling station near the capital Banjul.

Barrow attempted to shrug off accusations that his coalition was permanently damaged by infighting which at times has broken out into the open in Gambian media, saying after voting that there was "no split".

Barrow was formerly a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), a movement which has waited many years for the chance to take office.

The UDP's activists were routinely imprisoned and abused by Jammeh's security forces, and its leader Ousainou Darboe is seen in some quarters as a divisive figure with decades of political baggage in a country looking for a fresh start.

Ousman Addo a Gambian electoral observer for Anti-Corruption International, said allies of Jammeh's Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) were "staying away because they feel they have already los,".

Meanwhile undecided voters "don't know who to vote for, they have had a short time to get to know these parties," he added, blaming a lack of civic education under Jammeh where the APRC party was promoted above all others.

- Roll of the marble -

There is no formal opinion polling in The Gambia, making it difficult to establish voting intentions, but the APRC was only able to muster candidates in just over half the country's constituencies, meaning they cannot obtain the near-total majority achieved in past elections.

Despite this, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the new leader of the APRC, said he was confident of their chances with Barrow apparently stumbling.

"Government came with a slogan 'Gambia has decided' but assessing their hundred days in office, it is full of failures in all domains," he said.

The African Union, the regional bloc ECOWAS and the European Union all sent observers to monitor the votes cast under The Gambia's unique system, where marbles are dropped into coloured metal barrels representing different candidates.

The marbles are then sifted into trays to be counted, though several observers and Gambian politicians told AFP this could be the last election to make use of the system, which is expensive to maintain.

West African troops remained on the ground to assure security three months after Jammeh's departure, and will stay until Barrow is satisfied that reforms of the security service have removed rogue elements.
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Fuad Skik has been waiting in vain since December for permission from Israel to leave the Gaza Strip for cancer treatments, illustrating a problem that has concerned global health officials.

"At the end of 2016, I asked for an Israeli exit permit and I registered my wife to accompany me, but I still have not received a response," the 53-year-old said, adding that his cancer had since spread.

Palestinian officials say the problem for those in situations similar to Skik's has recently become worse due to an increase in the number of those needing treatment and the slow process of getting permits.

For many, this means delays and for some a refusal means they can't even go.

Israeli authorities say more permits are being granted than in the past and note that careful consideration must be given to each due to security risks.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and Israel tightly controls who and what enters and exits the enclave of some two million people.

It has maintained a blockade on the strip run by Islamist movement Hamas for 10 years.

In recent days, the problem has been further complicated by Hamas also restricting exits for Gazans as it investigates the assassination of one of its officials, a killing it blames on Israel.

The World Health Organization and others have pointed to the effect the Israeli blockade has had on medical crossings, a crucial issue for impoverished Gaza, which lacks proper medical equipment in many cases.

Many patients seek treatment in Israel, and some in the occupied West Bank, the other Palestinian territory separated geographically from Gaza.

- Slowed by security -

Permission from Israeli authorities is required to cross, and the WHO has in particular highlighted the case of a 17-year-old who died in January while waiting.

According to the WHO, more than 53 percent of nearly 3,000 patients who requested an exit permit in January were refused or did not receive a response.

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The number was more than 61 percent for those meant to accompany them.

The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees such permits says more have been granted than in the past.

According to its numbers, 22,380 patients and those accompanying them were provided permits in 2013, while 30,768 were granted in 2016.

The defence ministry unit, known as COGAT, also alleged there has been "an increase in attempts by Hamas to take advantage of Israeli assistance for terrorist aims," requiring careful scrutiny of applications.

It is a difficult explanation to accept for those legitimately sick and required to wait.

The Gaza Strip does not have the capacity for radiation therapy and lacks chemotherapy drugs.

For those reasons, some six out of 10 cancer patients in Gaza require treatment not available in the enclave, said Mahmoud Daher of the WHO.

Further complicating the problem, cancer rates are seen as rising in the Gaza Strip.

"Every year there are between 1,600 and 1,800 (cases detected), or 20 percent more than in past years," said Khaled Thabet, head of the oncology department at the Rantissi hospital, which treats patients from the northern Gaza Strip.

- Teen dies waiting -

In 2006, 8,000 Gazans required medical treatment outside the strip, while the number rose to 22,000 in 2016, he said, adding that only 60 percent were able to obtain a permit.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) says that it requested 1,040 refused applications in 2016 be re-examined, leading to 418 approvals.

But in the case of 17-year-old Ahmed Shbair, it was already too late.

He died in January after failing to receive permission to exit for treatment for a congenital heart condition, said Mohammed Bseiso, a lawyer with the PCHR.

His family made four requests for permits beginning in November, with he and his mother were interrogated by Israeli authorities, according to the WHO.

Two of the requests were refused, while a third had not been given a response. He applied for a fourth time just before dying, the WHO said.

Some are seeking to provide medical services that Gazans would otherwise seek elsewhere.

Tharwat al-Helou recently opened the first private clinic in the Gaza Strip, with a plan of eventually having 90 beds.

Such clinics could alleviate shortages in the strip, which has slightly more than one bed per 1,000 residents, said Abdellatif al-Hajj, who oversees hospitals for the Gazan authorities.

As an example, the number is five to six times higher in Israel.

But clinics will also face the difficulty of receiving Israeli permission to import equipment due to the country's concerns over "terrorist" activities.
A Georgia woman allegedly killed her paraplegic ex-boyfriend last month by dropping him off in the woods and leaving him to die in the freezing cold, PEOPLE confirms.

Ruby Kate Coursey, 27, was charged Monday with felony murder and neglect of a disabled adult, a felony, in connection with the death of 33-year-old Troymaine Johnson, Upson County, Georgia, Sheriff Dan Kilgore tells PEOPLE.

Johnson was last seen alive on March 14 and was found dead by authorities after midnight on March 17, Kilgore says. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation later determined he died of hypothermia.

Kilgore says that Coursey, Johnsons ex-girlfriend, allegedly dropped him off on a dirt road in the area of a hunting camp in Upson County, in Middle Georgia.

To access the road, she allegedly crashed her vehicle through a gate, he says.

Kilgore says Johnson didnt have the use of his legs and had only partial use of one arm: He was totally immobile. ... There was absolutely no way hed be able to get out of there or call for help.

As Johnson was stranded overnight, the temperatures dipped into the 20s, Kilgore says.

That would have been a very painful way to meet your demise, he says.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

Coursey remains in the Upson County Jail, according to Kilgore.

She has not yet been arraigned, to enter a plea to her charges, and it was not immediately clear whether she has an attorney.

A motive remains unclear, Kilgore says.

Courseys brother and sister-in-law called 911 after she showed up to her brothers home and [said] she had left [Johnson] in the woods, that shed done a bad thing, authorities allege.

During the investigation, Coursey allegedly said she she put Johnson out of her car and left him in the woods, according to the Upson County Sheriffs Office.

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Pick up PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: Cases That Shocked America, on sale now, for the latest on Casey Anthony, JonBenet Ramsey and more.

Johnsons aunt, Sharon Rumph, described him to WMAZ as beloved in his hometown of Fort Valley, Georgia.

Its sad that he left here at such an early age, but I believe that God is too wise to make a mistake, Rumph told the station. (His family could not immediately be reached by PEOPLE)

Johnsons cousin Sade Owens told WMAZ he had a passion for rapping.

Just rapped whenever he got a chance, she said. He could just see somebody and start rapping about them right off the top.

Kilgore tells PEOPLE that from a human perspective, its tragic and painful to see someone suffer like that.

I cant imagine how he must have felt.

This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com
Paris (AFP) - The percentage of men and women who use tobacco every day has dropped in most nations since 1990, but the total number of smokers and tobacco-related deaths has increased, a consortium of researchers reported Thursday.

Mortality could rise even further as major tobacco companies aggressively target new markets, especially in the developing world, they warned in a major study, published in the medical journal The Lancet.

One in four men and one in 20 women smoked daily in 2015, according to the Global Burden of Diseases report, compiled by hundreds of scientists.

That was a significant drop compared to 25 years earlier, when one in three men, and one in 12 women, lit up every day.

But the number of deaths attributed to tobacco -- which topped 6.4 million in 2015 -- went up by 4.7 percent over the same period due to the expanding world population, the report found.

"Sadly, all those deaths were preventable," senior author Emmanuela Gakidou from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington told AFP.

"The deaths of all the people who will die next year and the year after that, and so on, are also preventable."

More than 930 million people smoked daily in 2015, compared to 870 million in 1990 -- a seven percent jump.

Smoking causes one in ten deaths worldwide, half of them in just four countries: China, India, the United States and Russia.

Together with Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Japan, Brazil, and Germany, they account for fully two-thirds of global tobacco use.

"Smoking remains the second largest risk factor for early death and disability" after high blood pressure, Gakidou said.

- 'Lives for profit' -

Some countries have seen sharp reductions in smoking driven by some combination of higher taxes, education campaigns, package warnings and programmes to help people kick the nicotine habit.

Brazil was among the leaders over the 25-year period examined, with the percentage of daily smokers dropping from 29 to 12 percent among men, and from 19 to eight percent among women.

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But Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Philippines -- where 47, 38 and 35 percent of men smoke, respectively -- saw no change from 1990 to 2015.

In Russia -- where tobacco control policies were not put into place until 2014 -- the percentage of women who smoke climbed by more than four percent over the same period.

Similar trends are emerging in much of Africa, the authors cautioned.

The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that the number of men and women smoking in sub-Saharan Africa will go up 50 percent by 2025, compared to 2010 levels.

"Future mortality in low- and middle-income countries is likely to be huge," John Britton from the University of Nottingham's UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies wrote in a comment, also in The Lancet.

Responsibility for the global tobacco epidemic lies mainly with a handful of multinational companies based in rich countries, he said.

"The modern tobacco industry profits from enslaving children and young people in poor countries into a lifelong addiction, and ultimately taking their lives for profit," he told AFP.

The global response -- including a 180-nation "tobacco control" treaty inked in 2005 -- has focused mostly on users and not the supply, he added.

The WHO has noted that "tobacco is the only legal drug that kills many of its users when used exactly as intended by the manufacturers."

It is estimated that half of daily smokers will die prematurely due to their tobacco habit unless they quit.

Failure to stop the epidemic means that "scarce resources will be used to treat tobacco-caused problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancers and chronic respiratory disease," Gakidou said.
President Donald Trump wants to reinvigorate the domestic fossil fuel industry, which he says will create jobs, and to defend the move, which is categorically catastrophic for the planet, he has either denied human-induced climate change outright or at best, been non-committal in acknowledging. But irrespective of what the president, who is not a scientist, may say, the fact that burning fossil fuels is a major contributor to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in Earths atmosphere is undeniable, as evidenced by numerous scientific studies and climate data from across the world.

A study published Tuesday puts another nail in that coffin (not that it needed one) by predicting that if we exhaust all readily available fossil fuel resources and also fail to control the already existing concentration of greenhouse gases, the global warming caused as a consequence could make Earth warmer than it has been in the last 420 million years.

Read: Warming Temperatures Could Wipe Out Deep Ocean Life-Forms

Titled Future climate forcing potentially without precedent in the last 420 million years, the open-access study was published in the journal Nature Communications. It is based on a compilation of data from over 1,200 studies that estimate the concentration of carbon dioxide in the planets atmosphere for nearly the last half a billion years.

The studys authors found that carbon dioxide concentration has fluctuated naturally  from as low as 200-400 ppm during cold periods to up to 3,000 ppm during the warm periods  a number of times during that period, but on multi-million year timescales. The current pace of climate change is highly unusual, according to a statement by the researchers. Currently at over 405 ppm, it is far higher than the 280 ppm less than 150 years ago in pre-industrial era.

climate change

Photo: reuters/Ina Fassbender

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Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are not the only contributing factors to a changing climate; the amount of sunlight received by Earth has a large role to play as well.

Dan Lunt from the University of Bristol, who co-authored the study, explained in the statement: Due to nuclear reactions in stars, like our sun, over time they become brighter. This means that, although carbon dioxide concentrations were high hundreds of millions of years ago, the net warming effect of CO2 and sunlight was less. Our new CO2 compilation appears on average to have gradually declined over time by about 3-4 ppm per million years. This may not sound like much, but it is actually just about enough to cancel out the warming effect caused by the sun brightening through time, so in the long-term it appears the net effect of both was pretty much constant on average.

This explains why our planet has had temperatures in the habitable range for hundreds of millions of years. But if we continue our use of fossil fuels, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration could reach about 2,000 ppm by 2250, a level last seen 200 million years ago.

Gavin Foster from University of Southampton, who was lead author of the study, said of the implications: Because the sun was dimmer back then, the net climate forcing 200 million years ago was lower than we would experience in such a high CO2 future. So not only will the resultant climate change be faster than anything the Earth has seen for millions of years, the climate that will exist is likely to have no natural counterpart, as far as we can tell, in at least the last 420 million years.

Dana Royer, from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, was also a co-author of the study.

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Over the past decade, scientists have been wrestling with the possibility that many published findings may not actually be true. The worry is that poorly designed studies, intense pressures to publish eye-catching results, andmore rarelymisconduct, have led to a reproducibility crisis. In a survey of 1,500 researchers, conducted last year by the leading journal Nature, 90 percent agreed that such a crisis exists, with 38 percent billing it slight and 52 percent calling it significant.

These introspective concerns have fueled a burgeoning reproducibility movement, where researchers in psychology, cancer research, neuroscience, genetics, and other disciplines are developing ways of making science more reliable. One solution is to encourage open science, where researchers share their data so that others can more easily verify their work, and where they publish in freely accessible journals so their results arent locked behind expensive paywalls.

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Both the reproducibility and open-science movements have built up a lot of steam. But both have matured during an auspicious time for American sciencea time that many sense has come to an end with the election of Donald Trump to the presidency.

President Trump and members of his administration have repeatedly denied the reality of human-made climate change and are attempting to roll back measures to curb it. They have questioned the repeatedly proven safety of vaccines, gagged federal researchers, and proposed huge funding cuts that would hamstring the nations scientific infrastructure. In this environment, many are concerned that attempts to improve science could be judo-flipped into ways of decrying or defunding it. Its been on our minds since the first week of November, says Stuart Buck, Vice President of Research Integrity at the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, which funds attempts to improve reproducibility.

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The worry is that policy-makers might ask why so much money should be poured into science if so many studies are weak or wrong? Or why should studies be allowed into the policy-making process if they're inaccessible to public scrutiny? At a recent conference on reproducibility run by the National Academies of Sciences, clinical epidemiologist Hilda Bastian says that she and other speakers were told to consider these dangers when preparing their talks.

But thats like saying the roads have a lot of potholes, so we should ban driving.

Openness and reproducibility may be core to how science works, but they can be misused or turned into ways of pursuing ideological attacks, says Brian Nosek from the Center of Open Science, a figurehead of the reproducibility movement. They can be applied selectively, so that demands are made only of certain fields, like climate research. They can be applied asymmetrically, so that its about this position, rather than that one where we need openness, says Nosek. Or they can be applied inflexibly, so that studies that have good reasons for being less reproducible or open are excluded from policy-making.

These moves are evident in the HONEST Acta bill that was passed by the House last week. As I wrote last month, the act would restrict the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to developing regulations based only on studies whose methods, materials, software code, and data were open and accessible. Theres a lot of sloppy science thats out thereirreproducible science, a House Science Committee aide told me. If the scientific data is public, and other scientists are able to look at it, we think that would make the underlying science of these rules less contentious.

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This rhetoric exactly matches what the reproducibility and open-science movements have been saying, and it describes genuine problems in science. Theyre right that government agencies should strive to use science that people have access to, says geneticist Michael Eisen, an open-science firebrand who is running for Senate. The EPA is problematic when it relies on hidden industry data that people cant evaluate, and the public has every right to be skeptical of those decisions. The best way to protect against that is to have sunshine on the data.

But he and others say that the HONEST Act is a disingenuous solution to that real problem. In practice, it would gratuitously handcuff the EPA and prevent it from considering studies are necessarily less transparent, including those that use confidential medical records or proprietary information. The Act would also force the agency to do a lot of extra costly workeither redacting confidential information, or asking scientists to dredge up all the data and code from old studies. It wont produce regulations based on more open science, says Eisen. Itll just produce fewer regulations.

Calling for reproducibility is a good thing if being done in an economic vacuum, but given their budget, thats a crippling constraint, adds Jeff Leek, a statistician at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the HONEST Act would take $250 million a year to enforce, and Trumps recent budget blueprint would slash ten times that from the agencys pocket. Im very much in favor of reproducibility, but if we make those kinds of demands we need to fund them, says Leek.

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The reproducibility movement is already asking researchers to do more with less. At a time when federal science funding had hit a plateau, scientists were told to upload their data to online repositories, and spend more time replicating each others work. That takes time, money, and effort, and is less likely to secure the glamorous publications that are critical for grants, careers, and prestige.

On top of that, Trump is now proposing to cut $5.8 billion from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $900 million from the Office of Science at the Department of Energy, and $250 million from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These cuts would worsen the very conditions that lead to sloppy science in the first place, by creating a hyper-competitive world in which researchers are incentivized to cut corners and get exciting but unreliable results.

You cant just ignore sciences problems if people take our criticisms in a way we dont like. I think the answer is more openness not less.

Some scientists are also worried that the reproducibility movement could provide law-makers with justification for their cuts. The way it could get weaponized is by saying: Just stop the false stuff, keep the true stuff, and we can cut half the budget, says Nosek. But thats like saying the roads have a lot of potholes, so we should ban driving.

These concerns are keenly felt in psychologythe field at the epicenter of reproducibility shake-up. For years, there have been attempts by Republicans to do away with social science funding at the National Science Foundation, says Buck. Thats led to sensitivity about attacking the reproducibility of social science research, because it could play into those efforts. Lets not talk about the problems in research because itll cause ourselves too much trouble and sweep it under the rug.

Everyone I spoke to felt that this is the wrong approach. Do we say: Hey, lets not self-scrutinize? Thats not even a consideration, says Nosek. I dont really understand what the option is here, echoes Bastian. You cant just ignore sciences problems if people take our criticisms in a way we dont like. I think the answer is more openness not less.

The right response from the scientific community isnt to focus on an external threat from the government. We must recognize that part of the reason were in this situation is weve been lax in thinking about our internal problems, says Eisen. We have to face up to them. We get a lot of public support and funding and we owe it to them to make science work in the best possible way.

He notes that the open science movement owes a significant victory to Republican congressman Ernest Istook, who repeatedly demanded that the NIH should make all its funded research freely available. This isnt a guy whos politics I would agree on, but that was an example where not hiding a problem had a good outcome, he says. Not every criticism of science is invalid just because its being made by Republicans.

Leek agrees that science should be open about its problems, but he argues that the reproducibility movement suffers from the same overblown claims that it decries in other fields. A seminal 2005 paper titled Why Most Published Research Findings Are False was based on a theoretical argument, but is often taken for established fact. A paper by pharmaceutical company Amgen claimed that the firm could only confirm the findings in 11 percent of landmark cancer papers, but never produced a single shred of data to support that claim. Another paper claimed that the U.S. wastes $28 billion every year on irreproducible researcha huge claim without sufficient evidence. All of these headline-grabbing claims are in danger of being repurposed. says Leek. I think that its important to be careful about our rhetoric.

Christie Aschwanden, a reporter at FiveThirtyEight who has won awards for her coverage of the reproducibility movement, adds that scientists and journalists have to be better about communicating uncertainty. It feels like there are two opposite things that the public thinks about science: that its a magic wand that turns everything it touches to truth, or that its all bullshit because what we used to think has changed, she says. The truth is in between. Science is a process of uncertainty reduction. If you dont show that uncertainty is part of the process, you allow doubt-makers to take genuine uncertainty and use it to undermine things.

And its absolutely crucial that we continue to call out bad science, Aschwanden says. If this environment forces scientists to be more rigorous, thats not a bad thing.

Bastian concurs, noting that the cost of downplaying the reproducibility movement are greater than the risks of the movements rhetoric being co-opted. The possibility that there might not be really serious improvements in the way we deal with science is more of a concern to me than anything else, she says.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Eyeing a trip to Paris in June? Best book now to get the hottest hotel deal. And if you're looking to travel somewhere in South America, the US or Asia this summer, you're going to want to plan ahead and book three months out.

That's according to new research from online travel and review site TripAdvisor, which looked at its hotel pricing data to find the least expensive times for reserving hotels this summer in popular destinations around the world.

For the report, analysts defined the best times to book as periods when hotel prices are consistently less than the destination average.

If Paris is on your radar this summer, for instance, the numbers show that booking within two months of your trip can shave 23 percent off your hotel bill versus peak rates.

Other big savings can be found for travelers headed to the Middle East, who can stand to save 19 percent if they book two months out and travelers planning a trip to South America, where booking within three months can shave 15 percent off their hotel rates.

"Bargain hunters know that timing is crucial when it comes to booking the lowest hotel prices," said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor in a statement.

"TripAdvisor data shows that travelers can often find the best prices on summer hotels months in advance, with a booking sweet spot typically within 3 months of their trip. By doing their homework...travelers can discover the best deals on their hotels for summer."

Overall, minimum lead times for US, South and Central America and Asia is three months for hotel savings, while Africa and the Caribbean is four months.

Travelers headed to the Middle East and the South Pacific have a bit more leeway, with just two months needed to find a sweet deal.

Here are some of the cities that offer the best savings with a little advance planning:

New York: Book 2 months ahead to save 23 percent

Chicago: Book within 2 months for 18 percent savings

Bangkok: Book 3 to 9 months ahead to save 33 percent

Budapest: Book 3 to 5 months out to save 35 percent

Dubai: Book within 6 months for 24 percent savings

Hong Kong: Book within 5 months to save 23 percent

Istanbul: Book within 5 months for 33 percent savings

Mumbai: Book within 3 months for 24 percent savings

Prague: Book 3 to 7 months out for 24 percent savings

Rome: Book 4 to 8 months to save 21 percent
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Gaza's Hamas rulers hanged three men they accused of collaborating with Israel on Thursday following calls for revenge for the killing of one of their commanders last month.

The men, dressed in red prison jumpsuits, were shackled hand and foot and hooded as they were put to death at an exercise ground inside a police facility, an AFP correspondent reported.

Senior Hamas officials, representatives of other Gaza-based groups and a few journalists observed the hangings.

Hamas says that the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and its Palestinian "collaborators" killed Mazen Faqha in the Palestinian territory on March 24, but has offered no evidence.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in the Gaza Strip since the group wrested power from its Fatah rival in bloody fighting a decade ago.

Israel has killed several Hamas leaders in the past and has accused Mazen Faqha of being behind several deadly bombing attacks against Israelis during the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, of 2000-2005.

Hams says that Faqha formed units of the Islamist group's military wing in the West Bank cities of Tubas, where he was born, and Jenin.

The men who were hanged on Thursday were not implicated in his killing but were accused of past acts of "treason and collaborating", a Hamas interior ministry statement said.

"The military court in Gaza sentenced them to death by hanging, and the decision was upheld by each military appeals court and the high military court," it said.

They were aged 55, 42 and 31, the ministry said but did not name them.

The Islamist group has pledged "radical measures" against Palestinians who "collaborated" with Israel.

Hamas has offered "collaborators" a brief chance to turn themselves in and receive clemency.

"The doors of repentance will be open for one week, from Tuesday, April 4 to Tuesday, April 11," the interior ministry said on Tuesday.

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Hamas also tightly restricted movement out of the enclave following the assassination.

The measure remains in place despite calls from NGOs and human rights groups to lift it.

The restrictions have stopped male patients aged between 15 and 45 from using the territory's sole crossing for people to enter Israel to receive medical treatment, Human Rights Watch said.

Security checks and searches have increased, including roadblocks.

The territory has been under an Israeli blockade for the past 10 years.
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Gaza's Hamas rulers on Thursday hanged three men they convicted of collaborating with Israel, fulfilling vows of revenge for the mysterious killing of one of their commanders last month.

The men, dressed in red prison jumpsuits, were shackled hand and foot and hooded as they were put to death at an exercise ground inside a police facility in Gaza City, an AFP correspondent reported.

Senior Hamas officials and representatives of other Gaza-based groups observed the hangings.

A few journalists also attended, though they were not allowed to take photographs.

The men were aged 55, 42 and 31, the Hamas-run interior ministry said, without naming them.

Human Rights Watch and other rights groups condemned the "barbaric" deaths.

Hamas accuses the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and its Palestinian "collaborators" of killing senior military leader Mazen Faqha near his home in Gaza on March 24.

Hamas's police chief Taysir al-Batsh said the three men were not linked to the killing but were accused of past acts of treason and collaborating.

The deaths, he said, "represent a message to the (Israeli) enemy security sources and to the collaborators."

The men were brought individually to the gallows and hanged at 15-minute intervals.

- 'Barbaric practice' -

Each convict climbed a steel ladder accompanied by masked police, where a rope was fitted around their necks before the hangings.

The square was blocked from three sides by a black curtain, with the chief military prosecutor reading out a list of charges before each man was put to death.

Hamas has previously carried out death sentences for "collaborators," including in 2014, when six people were shot dead in public during that year's war between Palestinian militants in Gaza and Israel.

The interior ministry said those executed Thursday had received due process.

"The decision was upheld by each military appeals court and the high military court," said the interior ministry.

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Human Rights Watch condemned the executions.

"The death penalty is a barbaric practice," it said.

"The abhorrent executions by Hamas authorities of three men in Gaza deemed to be collaborators project weakness, not strength.

"Hamas authorities will never achieve true security or stability through firing squads or by the gallows, but rather through respect for international norms and the rule of law."

Hamdi Shaqura from the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights also condemned the punishment.

He called the death penalty a "punishment that must be abolished, a punishment that doesn't represent a deterrent to crime."

An Israeli government spokesman pointed to the recent election of hardliner Yahya Sinwar as Hamas's Gaza chief as reason for the killings, saying he had "executed many Palestinians before," referring to a Hamas intelligence unit he set up that flushed out "collaborators".

Hamas has offered no evidence of its claims Israel killed Faqha.

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman has implied he may have been killed in an internal Hamas feud, but the Jewish state remains a plausible suspect.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in the Gaza Strip since the group wrested power from the rival Fatah movement of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in bloody fighting a decade ago.

- 'Radical measures' -

Israel has killed several Hamas leaders in the past and has accused Faqha of being behind several deadly bomb attacks against Israelis during the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, of 2000 to 2005.

Hamas says Faqha formed units of the Islamist group's military wing in the West Bank cities of Tubas, where he was born, and Jenin.

The Islamist group has pledged "radical measures" against Palestinians who "collaborated" with Israel.

Hamas has also offered "collaborators" with Israel a chance to turn themselves in and receive clemency.

"The doors of repentance will be open for one week, from Tuesday, April 4 to Tuesday, April 11," the interior ministry said this week.

Hamas also tightly restricted movement out of the enclave following the assassination.

The restrictions had stopped male patients aged between 15 and 45 from using the territory's sole crossing for people to enter Israel to receive medical treatment, said Human Rights Watch.

Security checks and searches also increased, including roadblocks.

On Thursday the interior ministry announced the measures had been eased.

The territory has been under an Israeli blockade for 10 years.
Paris (AFP) - With just 17 days left before the first round of France's presidential election, a protester blanketed scandal-plagued candidate Francois Fillon with flour, and the two frontrunners fell back slightly in the polls.

Here are three things that happened in the campaign on Thursday:

- Flour power -

At a campaign event in the eastern city of Strasbourg, a young man wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan "Students for Fillon" emptied a packet of flour on the candidate, who has been charged with abuse of public funds in a fake jobs scandal.

"I'm the target of merciless persecution," Fillon said at the rally.

Once the odds-on favourite in the race, Fillon, 63, had to overcome intense pressure to step aside after revelations in January that he had hired his wife as a parliamentary aide with little work to show for her generous pay.

Other scandals have piled up, including a revelation that Fillon accepted gifts of luxury suits from a wealthy benefactor -- which he has since returned.

Earlier Thursday, Fillon said he knew who was behind the "fake jobs" revelations.

"I have the date, the days, the people who passed on the documents," he told France Inter radio, again accusing President Francois Hollande of being behind a conspiracy to defame him.

The co-editor of the Canard Enchaine newspaper, which broke the story, laughed off the accusations that documents had been handed to its reporters.

"As an editor I would love to find an envelope stuffed with revelations like these every morning!" Louis-Marie Horeau told AFP.

- Is the race tightening? -

A new poll of voter intentions by the Elabe survey group showed independent centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen still out in front before the first round on April 23, but both lost some momentum.

Macron was at 23.5 percent, down two points over a week, and at the same level as Le Pen, who lost half a point.

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Scandal-hit Republicans party candidate Fillon was projected at 19 percent, up a point, while hard-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon continued his late surge, gaining two points to 17 percent.

Melenchon meanwhile topped Elabe's latest popularity survey, with 51 percent of respondents saying they had a positive view of him.

Macron is second with a 44 percent standing, while Fillon scored 23 percent.

- Macron at the beach? -

The sister of far-right leader Marine Le Pen was acid-tongued about Macron's performance during Tuesday night's debate.

Macron, a former economy minister and investment banker, is bidding to be the youngest president in modern French history at the age of 39.

"He looked like a little boy with his bucket and spade," Marie-Caroline Le Pen told the Parisien newspaper on Thursday.
On this day in 1789, the First Congress under our current Constitution met in its first joint session in New York and undertook an important order of business: confirming George Washingtons election as President.

Its predecessors, the Continental Congress and the Confederation Congress, had met under the Articles of Confederation (and without it) since 1774.

The new Congress was actually set to start functioning on March 4, 1789 in Federal Hall, but bad weather, travel problems and some hesitation prevented enough Representatives and Senators from arriving in town to conduct joint business for about a month.

The Founders who made it to New York on March 4 met briefly at Federal Hall in the morning, and they realized most of their fellow Congressmen hadnt shown up for the historic event. On March 11, James Madison and Richard Lee arrived from Virginia, and others soon followed.

But the House had to wait until April 1, when James Schureman of New Jersey and Thomas Scott of Pennsylvania entered Federal Hall, and set the quorum needed to appoint House leaders. Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania was named as the Houses first speaker.

Links: Read The Minutes From The First Congress (House) | (Senate)

The House adjourned again and met briefly as it waited for the Senate to establish its own quorum, with Madison, Lee, Roger Sherman and others writing the Houses rules during the lull.

It took an additional week for four more Senators to show up in New York, and on April 6th, the House and Senate took up their first official joint business: convening the Electoral College to confirm George Washington as President and John Adams as Vice President.

In a note from Oliver Ellsworth, the House was notified that the election was underway in the Senate above them in a room in Federal Hall, and Muhlenberg and two other Representatives went to the Senate to monitor the vote count.

Washington received 69 votes, Adams had 34 votes, and John Jay led the runners-up with 9 votes. Under the original election system, each Electoral College vote had two votes to cast, and the first- and second-place finishers became President and Vice President.

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Madison then appeared in the Senate to state that the House agreed that messages should be sent to Washington and Adams about their election. (The losers wont notify of their fate.) Both the House and Senate quickly ended the first session of both institutions that conducted cooperative business under the Constitution. (The House also agreed on a constitutional oath that day and the Senate chose a doorkeeper.)

The First Congress was arguably the most important of the 144 Congresses that have met in New York, Philadelphia and Washington. It approved the submission of the Bill of Rights to the states for ratification; passed a Judiciary Act that set up court systems; defined Cabinet departments; and saw the Compromise of 1790 between Madison and Alexander Hamilton that moved the capital to Washington on the condition the federal government could assume state debts.

Familiar names in the First Congress included Madison, Ellsworth, Sherman, Robert Morris, Fisher Ames, James Monroe and Rufus King.
Solar-panel installation on the roof of the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum. (Photo: Courtesy of Tre Sexton/Bluegrass Solar)

A coal-mining museum in the heart of coal country is turning to solar power in an effort to save money and help the surrounding community.

The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum is located in Benham, in the southeast corner of the Bluegrass State. Housed in what was originally an International Harvester commissary, the museum opened in 1994 and contains tributes to the industry for which the area is best known.

The installation of solar panels by Bluegrass Solar began this week. Tre Sexton, the owner of the company, told Yahoo News that the installation was the first step in a program to help supplement the Benham-area power grid. Sexton said the project involved multiple companies and that funding was coming from many sources, including philanthropists in the area. Excess power from the panels will be fed back into the Benham grid.

As an example of the long-term goals of the program, Sexton referred Yahoo News to the community of Berea, Ky., where more than 150 residents have been leasing power from a solar farm that opened in 2012. Although a small farm with just 246 panels, the Berea facility has helped provide a model for larger cities like Louisville as the state looks to improve its ranking of 45th among the 50 states in renewable-energy production.

The museum is owned by Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, and Brandon Robinson, the communications director for the college, sees the irony in the situation.

It is a little ironic, said Robinson in an interview with EKB-TV, but you know, coal and solar and all the different energy sources work together hand in hand. Of course, coal is still king around here, but when you talk about using other sources to start power, its always good to have more than one.

We believe that this project will help save at least $8,000 to $10,000 off the energy costs on this building alone, so its a very worthy effort, and its going to save the college money in the long run, added Robinson in an interview with WYMT.

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Benham is located in Harlan County, perhaps the area of the United States most synonymous with coal. The 1976 documentary Harlan County, USA  about a miners strike  won an Oscar. The FX series Justified was based in Harlan and often made reference to the coal-digging past of the two main characters, and the Darrell Scott song Youll Never Leave Harlan Alive  also about the effects of mining on a community  has been covered by a number of musicians, including Brad Paisley and Patty Loveless.

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - For many patients suffering from life-threatening diseases in the Gaza Strip, treatment in neighboring Israel or the occupied West Bank is a much sought-after option. But Israel tightly restricts Palestinian passage from the Gaza Strip, one of its bitterest enemies. Although it exempts from the ban Gazans seeking "life-saving or life-changing medical treatment" if it is unavailable in the territory, crossing the border isn't easy. Gaza, an enclave of two million Palestinians ruled by the anti-Israel Hamas movement, suffers from a chronic shortage of hospital beds, medical equipment and specialist physicians, says Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesman for Gaza's Health Ministry. Egypt, Gaza's neighbor to the south, is an option for those seeking medical checks, not urgent surgery, and patients who are barred from entering Israel. But the Egyptian government is at odds with Hamas and keeps its own frontier with the Palestinian territory largely closed. It opens the crossing once every 40 days, for a few days each time. Qidra said at least half those who apply for treatment in Israel or the occupied West Bank are turned down by Israeli authorities. "Should we have the proper medications and equipment, our doctors would be capable of handling the treatment of many patients," Qidra told Reuters. "The ban not only worsens health conditions of those patients but some had actually died waiting." Gaza human rights groups say Israeli security at the crossing with the territory sometimes question patients in an attempt to gather intelligence or recruit them as informers. Treatment for an estimated 6,000 cerebral palsy patients poses a particular problem. Many families cannot afford the cost of care and some do not want to expose their loved ones' affliction to outsiders. Gazan healthcare providers complain the Israeli blockade deprives them of vital resources. "The major difficulties are known, as they are mainly financial problems because of the siege," said Jamila Alewa, who runs the Saja Centre, which treats some of the roughly 6,000 people in Gaza that have cerebral palsy. "The poor financial conditions of families (means they) cannot take responsibility for their children who suffer from cerebral palsy or provide them with medical care such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy." Israel says requests for medical care are reviewed on their merits in coordination with Palestinian representatives. The country's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the group that liaises with Palestinian authorities on border crossings, said about 20,000 Gazans enter Israel per month, mainly for medical treatment. "We see medical care as the highest priority and there is no compromise on the subject; we're doing whatever it takes to save a life," COGAT said on its website. In figures posted on the website a month ago, COGAT said that between January 2015 and September 2016, some 200 medical personnel from the Gaza Strip participated in training courses at leading hospitals in Israel. (Editing by Larry King)
(Reuters) - Highlights of the day for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday: BANNON REMOVED Trump removes his chief strategist, Steve Bannon, from the National Security Council, reversing his controversial decision early this year to give a political adviser an unprecedented role in security discussions. SYRIA CHEMICAL ATTACK Trump accuses Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government of going "beyond a red line" with a poison gas attack on civilians and says his attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed, but gave no indication of how he will respond. NO HEALTHCARE DEAL Deep divisions cut short Republican hopes for a quick revival of Obamacare replacement legislation, as Congress prepares to leave town for a two-week recess without a deal to end party infighting. SUPREME COURT NOMINATION A Democratic senator delivers a 15-1/2-hour, all-night speech denouncing Trump's U.S. Supreme Court nominee, joining an effort to block Senate confirmation of Neil Gorsuch in a heated political showdown with Republicans. SUSAN RICE Trump says he thinks Susan Rice, a former top adviser to President Barack Obama, committed a crime by seeking the identities of Trump associates mentioned in intercepted communications, but he declines requests for evidence, the New York Times reports. IMMIGRATION The Trump administration is no longer considering separating women and children at the southern U.S. border as a means of deterring their migration, a Department of Homeland Security spokesman says. NORTH KOREA Trump's top security adviser agrees in a telephone call to proceed with the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defence system, known as THAAD, as planned, South Korea's presidential office says. Trump speaks by phone with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discuss North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile, among other regional issues, the White House says. FDA NOMINEE Democratic senators question Trump's nominee to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, over his ties to the pharmaceutical industry, with one citing "a level of discomfort" over his nomination. ENVIRONMENT A coalition of 17 U.S. states file a legal challenge against efforts by President Trump's administration to roll back climate change regulations, deepening a political rift over his emerging energy policies. DEFENDING O'REILLY Trump defends TV anchor Bill O'Reilly after a report that the conservative commentator and his employer, 21st Century Fox, paid $13 million to five women to settle claims he sexually harassed them. (Compiled by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney; Editing by Grant McCool and Lisa Shumaker)
Everyone has that one meme that leaves them belly laughing for hours. For Joe Biden, it's an Obama bromance meme, for Hillary Clinton, its a meme involving women's health.

Clinton appeared at Women in the World Summit in New York City on Thursday, where she was interviewed by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof. There, she revealed that her favorite thing on the internet is a meme where a bunch of dogs are sitting around a table at a meeting. The meme has been passed around a few times in the past few weeks with different phrasing, but basically, the pooches are about to discuss feline health.

"My favorite gif on the internet is the dogs sitting around the table saying "now we will discuss feline health" -@HillaryClinton #WITW  Kate Byrne (@Byrne2Kate) April 6, 2017

BREAKING: HILLARY SAYS THIS IS HER FAVORITE THING ON THE INTERNET pic.twitter.com/4AdfFavYTe  marisa kabas (@MarisaKabas) April 6, 2017

It appears this tweet from Justin Shanes may be the source of the meme, but it is hard to tell.

Meanwhile, at today's meeting on feline healthcare... pic.twitter.com/wApNyFS7jz  Justin Shanes (@justinshanes) March 24, 2017

Regardless, the sentiment of the meme remains. A bunch of dogs discuss feline health just as a bunch of men in Washington debate the future of women's health.

Appreciated joining @POTUS for meeting with the Freedom Caucus again today. This is it. #PassTheBill pic.twitter.com/XG6lQIy5a6  Vice President Pence (@VP) March 23, 2017

Here's the moment:

This isn't the first time Clinton has shared this little tidbit about her meme preferences. She also mentioned it when she spoke in San Francisco last month, so we know she really, really likes that meme.

UPDATE: April 6, 2017, 4:35 p.m. PDT Shanes confirmed to Mashable the he did indeed create the meme, but the photo was originally taken by Brian Eckert.

That day a picture you created goes viral and you get no credit. pic.twitter.com/PLCtJLSFVU  Brian Eckert (@brianeckert) March 24, 2017

WATCH: Hillary Clinton in first speech since conceding says: 'Never, ever give up'
BELTON, Mo. (AP)  One of two sets of human remains found in rural western Missouri has been identified as those of a 21-year-old woman who disappeared in September, police said Wednesday.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office says a medical examiner identified the remains as Jessica Runions, of Raymore, Missouri, who was last seen on Sept. 8 leaving a gathering in south Kansas City. Her burned vehicle was found two days later. Runions left the gathering with 27-year-old Kylr Yust, who was later charged with burning Runions' vehicle. A judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

The remains of a second person found in the same area have not been identified.

A mushroom hunter found the remains Monday in an area south of Belton and a second skull was found nearby Tuesday.

After they were discovered, authorities notified the family of Runions and Kara Kopetsky, who was last seen at Belton High School in May 2007 when she was 17.

Yust also has been questioned in Kopetsky's disappearance. Court records indicated Kopetsky filed for a protection order against Yust in April 2007. A hearing was scheduled for May 10, 2007 but Kopetsky went missing six days before the hearing.

Yust has not been charged in the disappearance of either Runions or Kopetsky.

Runions' family has searched rural areas nearly every weekend since she went missing. In January, they found the remains of two men on consecutive weekends.

Belton is about 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) south of Kansas City.
Ciudad Juarez (Mexico) (AFP) - Mexican immigrant Roberto Beristain's own American wife voted for Donald Trump as US president because he promised to expel crooks from the country.

Now, after 20 years living and working in the United States, it is Beristain himself, a 43-year-old father of three, who has been deported.

"My wife is not very happy, because she supported him," Trump, he told AFP at the migrant shelter where he is staying in the Mexican border town of Ciudad Juarez.

"We thought he was going to be a good president because we wanted security. His promises to expel criminals from the country seemed like a good idea," he added.

"We never thought it would end like this."

- Responsibilities -

After leaving his home in Mexico City, Beristain entered the United States illegally in 1998.

He met his wife there and they married 17 years ago.

"I became what I had not been in Mexico -- a responsible person."

Their children were all born in the United States: Maria, 15; Jasmine, 14 and Demetri, eight.

Despite never fully settling his residency status, he was able to buy a restaurant in Indianapolis.

Now, "I feel betrayed, because they were going to get criminals out of the country but now we see that they are not doing that," he said.

"They are removing good people, who pay their taxes and have never committed a crime in their lives."

- Treated like criminal -

He was arrested in early February this year when he went to a routine appointment with immigration authorities.

He was then sent to a detention center in Wisconsin shortly after Trump ordered deportations to be stepped up, and was deported on Monday night.

Beristain's case hit the headlines when his wife Helen spoke publicly about how she had voted for Trump.

She said she thought her husband would be safe from deportation since he had committed no crime -- he had never gotten so much as a parking ticket.

"What hurt most was having my family see me arrested, as if I was a criminal," Beristain said, his voice breaking.

Story continues

"I don't want my children to have that image of me."

- 'Deporting the innocent' -

Trump campaigned for the presidency on vows to kick out what he called "bad hombres" -- criminals who enter the United States from Mexico.

Since Trump ordered deportations to be stepped up in late February, immigrants have been terrified of being rounded up and torn away from their families.

Beristain arrived in Ciudad Juarez with nothing but the clothes he was wearing when detained two months ago.

Alone, without family or friends in the city, he is trying to get back to the United States, to work in his restaurant and raise his family.

He hopes his US lawyers can help.

In the Ciudad Juarez Migrant Center, he sits on the edge of his seat with his cell phone, waiting for them to call.

"I don't know much about politics, but there is one thing I am sure of," he said.

"It is not fair that they are deporting innocent people like me."
Ciudad Juarez (Mexico) (AFP) - Roberto Beristain was a Mexican immigrant to the United States whose own American wife voted for Donald Trump as US president because he promised to expel crooks from the country.

Now Beristain himself has been deported after 20 years living and working in the United States.

"My wife is not very happy because she supported him," the 43-year-old father of three told AFP at the migrant shelter where he is staying in the Mexican border town of Ciudad Juarez.

"We thought he was going to be a good president because we wanted security," he added. "His promises to expel criminals from the country seemed like a good idea."

"We never thought it would end like this."

Despite his marriage and work record, Beristain was still living in the United States with provisional residency papers after all these years.

He was expecting to soon obtain permanent residency in the United States.

But he says officials suddenly deported him after Trump ordered deportations to be stepped up in February.

The move was made on the basis of an earlier deportation order dating to 2000 that predated his current legal provisional residency status.

- Responsibilities -

Beristain entered the United States illegally in 1998 after leaving his home in Mexico City.

He met his wife there and they married 17 years ago.

"I became what I had not been in Mexico -- a responsible person."

Their children were all born in the United States: Maria, 15; Jasmine, 14; and Demetri, eight.

Despite never having obtained permanent resident status, he was able to buy a restaurant in Indianapolis.

"I feel betrayed because they were going to get criminals out of the country, but now we see that they are not doing that," he said.

"They are removing good people who pay their taxes and have never committed a crime in their lives."

- Treated like criminal -

He was arrested in early February this year when he went to a routine appointment with immigration authorities.

Story continues

Sent to a detention center in Wisconsin, he was deported on Monday night.

Beristain's case hit the headlines when his wife Helen spoke publicly about how she had voted for Trump.

She said she thought her husband would be safe from deportation since he had committed no crime -- he had never received so much as a parking ticket.

"What hurt most was having my family see me arrested, as if I was a criminal," Beristain said, his voice breaking.

"I don't want my children to have that image of me."

- 'Deporting the innocent' -

Trump campaigned for the presidency promising to kick out what he called "bad hombres" -- criminals who enter the United States from Mexico.

But since he ordered deportations to be stepped up in late February, immigrants have been terrified of being rounded up and torn away from their families.

Beristain arrived in Ciudad Juarez with nothing but the clothes he was wearing when he was detained two months ago.

Alone, with no family or friends in the city, he is trying to get back to the United States, to work in his restaurant and raise his family.

He hopes his US lawyers can help.

In the Ciudad Juarez Migrant Center, he sits on the edge of his seat with his cell phone, waiting for them to call.

"I don't know much about politics, but there is one thing I am sure of," he said.

"It is not fair that they are deporting innocent people like me."
Beirut (AFP) - The northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, site of a presumed chemical attack, is the last remaining rebel bastion after six years of civil war.

- The Idlib battleground -

Idlib city has taken in masses of displaced Syrians, swelling its population from nearly 120,000 people before the war began in 2011 to around 200,000 today.

Before fighting broke out, the majority of Idlib's inhabitants worked in agriculture, mainly cotton and cereals, or commuted to the neighbouring province of Aleppo.

The surrounding province is strategically important, sharing a border with Turkey, which backs the rebels.

It is also adjacent to the coastal Syrian province of Latakia, home to President Bashar al-Assad's clan and a regime stronghold.

On March 28, 2015, a coalition of Islamist rebel groups including Ahrar al-Sham and jihadists from the Al-Nusra Front, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front, seized the Sunni-majority city.

It was a serious setback for Assad because it was the second regional capital to fall after Raqa, which became an Islamic State group (IS) stronghold.

On April 25 the same year, the rebel coalition captured Jisr al-Shughur, one of the government's last outposts in the province.

Syrian warplanes, and later Russian jets, have repeatedly targeted cities and towns in Idlib province.

- Chemical attacks -

Idlib province has been hit by several suspected chemical attacks, most recently on Tuesday in Khan Sheikhun.

At least 86 people, including 30 children, died after air strikes on the town of Khan Sheikhun, and doctors said victims showed symptoms consistent with the use of a nerve agent such as sarin.

In 2016, a UN commission found helicopters from two regime-controlled air bases dropped chlorine barrel-bombs on the Idlib villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin in 2014 and 2015.

- Fuaa and Kafraya -

These two Shiite towns in Idlib province have remained loyal to Assad and are besieged by mainly Sunni Islamist rebels.

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Along with Zabadani and Madaya, two towns near Damascus surrounded by government forces, they make up the "Four Towns" agreement.

The agreement has seen simultaneous evacuations and aid deliveries to all four areas.

In late March, another deal was struck that would see more than 30,000 evacuated from the four towns, but its implementation has been delayed over last-minute negotiations.

- Next regime target -

Thousands of rebels and civilians from across Syria have been bussed into Idlib province as part of local truces struck with government forces in their hometowns.

As early as December 2015, a security source in Damascus said Russian and Syrian forces had been training in Latakia province to prepare for an offensive against Idlib.

"In the next stage, Idlib will become the major destination and most important target of joint Russian-Syrian military operations," the source said.

In December 2016, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura warned that unless a comprehensive ceasefire agreement was reached, "Idlib will become the next Aleppo".

The army retook the whole of Aleppo city from the rebels in December last year.

- Internal strife -

In January 2017, fighting erupted between Fateh al-Sham militants and members of other rebel groups for regional influence.

The Syrian opposition split into two factions, one opposed to any talks with the regime in Damascus that included Fateh al-Sham and took the name Tahrir al-Sham, and others that were willing to join talks, and who allied themselves with the Salafist group Ahrar al-Sham.

- Ancient Ebla -

Idlib province's site of Ebla is the seat of one of ancient Syria's earliest kingdoms, and home to a famed collection of clay tablets dating back to 2400-2300 BC and discovered in 1964, which bear witness to the invention of the first alphabet.

But according to APSA, the association charged with protecting Syrian architecture, tunnels have been dug on the site, which has been looted, and it has been ravaged by fighting between army and rebels.
Kim Jong Un provides guidance on a nuclear weapons program North Korean leader Kim Jong Un provides guidance on a nuclear weapons program in this undated photo released by North Koreas Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang, Sept. 3, 2017. (KCNA via Reuters)

Tensions between North Korea and the U.S. continued to rise as the North on Sept. 3 claimed its most powerful nuclear test so far  another step in its development of weapons capable of striking anywhere in the U.S.  was a perfect success. President Trump said the latest provocation reinforces the danger America faces, and that talk of appeasement is pointless.

They only understand one thing! Trump said in a tweet, without elaborating, as he prepared to meet with his national security team. It was the first nuclear test since Trump took office in January.

In August, Trump promised to meet any threat from North Korea with fire and fury.

The country is pushing hard to upgrade its weapons systems to cope with what it calls U.S. hostility. North Korea is an impoverished yet nuclear-armed country, and weapons experts say it could have a functioning nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the continental U.S. within a few years. The country carried out two nuclear tests last year. (AP/Yahoo News)

Here is a look inside the Korean Peoples Army and the reclusive nations displays of its military forces.

See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr
One night last spring, Amiran Chaduneli, a flea-market trader in the ex-Soviet Republic of Georgia, met with two strangers on a bridge at the edge of Kobuleti, a small town on the countrys Black Sea coast.

Over the phone, the men had introduced themselves as foreignersone Turkish, the other Russianand they were looking for an item so rare on the black market that it tends to be worth more, ounce for ounce, than gold. Chaduneli knew where to get it. He didnt know that his clients were undercover cops.

From the bridge, he took them to inspect the merchandise at a nearby apartment where his acquaintance had been storing it: a lead box about the size of a smartphone, containing a few pounds of radioactive uranium, including small amounts of the weapons-grade material known as uranium-235. The stash wasnt nearly enough to make a nuclear weapon. But if packed together with high explosives, these metallic lumps could produce whats known as a dirty bombone that could poison the area around the blast zone with toxic levels of radiation.

In the popular culture, the dealers who traffic in such cargo are usually cast as lords of war with tailored suits and access to submarines. The reality is much less cinematic. According to police records reviewed by TIME in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, Chadunelis associates in the attempted uranium sale last spring included construction workers and scrap-metal traders. Looking at the sunken cheeks and lazy left eye in his mug shot, it seems improbable that lousy capers like this one could rise to the level of a national-security threat. But the ease of acquiring ingredients for a dirty bomb is precisely what makes them so worrying.

As the number of nuclear-armed countries has grown from at least five to as many as nine since the 1970s, the danger of World War III has been joined by a host of secondary nuclear threats. The possibility that a warhead, or the material to build one, could fall into the hands of a rogue state or terrorist helped drive President Barack Obamas deal to temporarily halt Irans alleged weapons program. North Korea, which is now believed to have more than a dozen warheads and has been busily testing intercontinental missiles to carry them, has also been the worlds most active seller of nuclear know-how. Pakistan is developing battlefield tactical nuclear weapons, which are smaller and more portable than strategic ones, even as its domestic extremist threat grows.

The danger from dirty bombs is spreading even faster. For starters, they pose none of the technical challenges of splitting an atom. Chadunelis type of uranium was particularly hard to come by, but many hospitals and other industries use highly radioactive materials for medical imaging and other purposes. If these toxic substances are packed around conventional explosives, a device no bigger than a suitcase could contaminate several city blocksand potentially much more if the wind helps the fallout to spread. The force of the initial blast would be only as deadly as that of a regular bomb, but those nearby could be stricken with radiation poisoning if they rushed to help the injured or breathed in tainted dust. Entire neighborhoods, airports or subway stations might need to be sealed off for months after such an attack.

The lasting effects of a dirty bomb make this weapon especially attractive to terrorists. Fear of contamination would drive away tourists and customers, and cleanup would be costly: the economic impact could be worse than that of the attacks of 9/11, according to a study conducted in 2004 by the National Defense University. It would change our world, President Obama said of a potential dirty bomb in April 2016. We cannot be complacent.

Obamas successor is certainly alive to the nuclear threat. In a Republican primary debate in December 2015, Donald Trump said the risk of some maniac getting a nuclear weapon is the single biggest problem the country faces. But he suggested that the world would be safer if more countries acquired nukes. His Administration has yet to set out a policy for countering the danger of a dirty bomb; the position Trump takes could be crucial. By training and equipping foreign governments to stop nuclear traffickers, the U.S. has played a central role in fragile or unstable areas of the world where highly dangerous materials can fall into the wrong hands. The goal, according to Simon Limage, who led the State Departments nonproliferation efforts during the last five years of the Obama Administration, is to push the threat away from U.S. shores.

Georgia is one of the best examples of how these efforts have worked on the ground. Over the past 12 years, the U.S. government has provided more than $50 million in aid to help the former Soviet republic, a nation of only 3.7 million people, in combatting the trade in nuclear materials. Though it possesses no nuclear fuel of its own, Georgia sits in the middle of what atomic-energy experts sometimes refer to as the nuclear highwaya smuggling route that runs from Russia down through the Caucasus Mountains to Iran, Turkey and, from there, to the territory that ISIS still controls in Syria and Iraq.

All along that route, the U.S. has helped install nuclear detectors at borders, trained police units to intercept traffickers and provided intelligence and equipment to local regulators of nuclear material. The Americans brought all the technology, says Vasil Gedevanishvili, director of Georgias Agency of Nuclear and Radiation Safety. They secured every border around Georgia.

The payoff was clear in 2016, when Georgian police busted three separate groups of smugglers for attempting to traffic in nuclear materialsa spike in arrests the region hadnt seen in at least a decade. They foiled an attempt in January to smuggle cesium-137a nasty form of nuclear waste that could be used in a dirty bombacross the border into Turkey. Three months later, on April 17, Georgian police caught a group of traffickers trying to sell a consignment of uranium for $200 million.

At the end of that month, Chaduneli and four of his associates were arrested in Kobuleti by a team devoted to countering nuclear trafficking that has received training, equipment and intelligence from various arms of the U.S. government. So in some sense this was a success story, says Limage, who met the team during a visit to Georgia in December, less than two months before he resigned from his post as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. But none of the gains weve made with these partnerships are permanent. Theyre all reversible.

And theyre becoming even more essential to international security. Over roughly the past three years, as the U.S.-led coalition has advanced against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, the terrorist group has been shifting tactics. Rather than urging its followers to come join the fight in Syria, ISIS recruiters now call for attacks against the West using whatever weapons are available. The continued erosion of the groups territory may not make it any less dangerous. It may make them more desperate, says Andrew Bieniawski, vice president of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a U.S. nonprofit that works to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons and materials. And they may try to raise the stakes.

There have already been plenty of signs that ISIS would like to go nuclear. After the series of ISIS-linked bombings in Brussels killed at least 32 people in March 2016, Belgian authorities revealed that a suspected member of a terrorist cell had surveillance footage of a Belgian nuclear official with access to radioactive materials. The countrys nuclear-safety agency then said there were concrete indications that the cell intended to do something involving one of our four nuclear sites. About a year earlier, in May 2015, ISIS suggested in an issue of its propaganda magazine that it was wealthy enough to purchase a nuclear device on the black marketand to pull off something truly epic.

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Though the group is unlikely to possess the technical skill to build an actual nuclear weapon, there are indications it could already possess nuclear materials. After the groups fighters took control of the Iraqi city of Mosul in 2014, they seized about 40 kg of uranium compounds that were stored at a university, according to a letter an Iraqi diplomat sent to the U.N. in July of that year. But the U.N.s nuclear agency said the material was likely low grade and not potentially harmful. In a sense weve been lucky so far, says Sharon Squassoni, who heads the program to stop nuclear proliferation at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. I honestly think it is only a matter of time before we see one of these dirty-bomb attacks.

Obtaining ingredients for such a weapon is not, it turns out, the hard part. According to Chadunelis lawyer, Tamila Kutateladze, his associates found the box of uranium in one of the scrapyards where he would find old bric-a-brac to sell. His co-defendant in the case, Mikheil Jincharadze, told police that unknown persons had delivered the box inside a sack of scrap iron, according to interrogation records and other court documents obtained by TIME in Georgia.

That version of the story did not convince investigators, and even Chadunelis lawyer wondered how such a thing could turn up in a pile of trash. A mere mortal cannot just get his hands on this stuff, Kutateladze told TIME in her office in Tbilisi. You have to have a source.

Oleg Khintsagov tried to sell highly enriched uranium (in bags) to an undercover Georgian police officer.

But the Georgian authorities have so far been unable to determine that source with any certainty. Similar investigations in the past, most recently in 2010 and 2011, have traced the nuclear material back to reactors in Russia. Among the most famous cases involved a small-time Russian smuggler named Oleg Khintsagov, who tried to sell a sample of highly enriched uranium in 2006 to a Georgian police officer posing as a wealthy Turkish trafficker. He said he could get much larger quantities from his sources in Siberia, recalls Shota Utiashvili, who oversaw that case as Georgias Deputy Interior Minister at the time. We think its from an old stockpile of this stuff thats been laying around and periodically looking for a buyer.

During the chaos that followed the Soviet collapse in the early 1990s, radioactive material was frequently stolen from poorly guarded reactors and nuclear facilities in Russia and its former satellite states. Police intercepted shipments of it transiting through cities as faraway as Munich and Prague in those years, and nuclear experts believe that large batches of Soviet nuclear fuel are still unaccounted for and most likely accessible for well-connected traders on the black market.

The potential source that most concerns investigators in Georgia is the region of Abkhazia, a Russian protectorate that broke away from Georgian control in the early 1990s. It is one of several unrecognized pseudo statesoften referred to as frozen conflict zonesthat Russia has helped maintain in the former Soviet space. With no internationally acknowledged borders, these regions often function as way stations for smugglers, allowing everything from guns and cigarettes to contraband caviar to be trafficked under the radar of international law. These spaces are ungoverned, says Squassoni of CSIS. So what we risk when we look at these conflict-torn regions is that people will try to make a living any way they can, and they may not have any scruples about what theyre smuggling across these borders.

On the border between Moldova and Ukraine is the pro-Russian enclave of Trans-Dniestr, where Moscow has stationed about a thousand troops since the regions violent split from Moldova in the early 1990s. This sliver of land along the Dniestr River was a base for one of the worlds most notorious nuclear smugglers, Alexandr Agheenco, a dual Russian-Ukrainian citizen nicknamed the Colonel, who is wanted by U.S. and Moldovan authorities for attempting to sell weapons-grade uranium to Islamist terrorist groups in 2011. One of his middlemen was caught that year in a Moldovan sting operation; police reportedly found the blueprints for a dirty bomb in his home. But the Colonel remains at large.

More recently, Russia has carved a fresh pair of conflict zones out of eastern Ukraine, where separatist rebels used weapons and fighters from Russia in 2014 to seize territory around the cities of Luhansk and Donetsk. According to research compiled by CSIS, the war has destroyed 29 of the radiation detectors that would normally monitor the movement of nuclear material along the border between Russia and Ukraine.

But Abkhazia is the only one of these conflict zones that has ever possessed its own nuclear facilities. Physicists recruited from Germany after World War II set up the first Soviet centrifuges at the Sukhumi Institute of Physics and Technology, which remained a key pillar in the Soviet nuclear program through the Cold War. After the fall of Soviet Union, the newly independent Georgian government fought separatists who wanted to keep Abkhazia within Moscows orbit.

When the civil war reached Sukhumi in 1992, its scientists set up patrols to protect their stores of radioactive material from looters and paramilitaries. The war ended the following year with Abkhazias de facto secession from the rest of Georgia, and the fate of its nuclear stockpiles has been something of a mystery for international observers ever since.

Officials in Russia say there is no longer any nuclear material in Abkhazia. But Georgia disputes this. Gedevanishvili, the head of the countrys nuclear-safety agency, says the Sukhumi Institute still conducts experiments using radioactive sources. We dont know what security measures they take. We know nothing about their work.

Border police patrol Georgias frontier with Russia in the eastern Caucasus, part of a nuclear smuggling route.

Russia has its own reasons to worry about dirty bombs. The explosion that killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens of others in the St. Petersburg metro on April 3 was just the latest of dozens of terrorist attacks since the early 1990s. Over that time, Moscow has worked to secure nuclear stockpiles throughout the former Soviet Union, often with help and funding from the U.S. But as relations with Washington have eroded, Moscow has cut off cooperation, insisting it no longer needs American assistance.

Whether he wants to or not, President Trump will play a key role in determining the danger from dirty bombs in coming years. Since his election, Trump has denounced the work of the U.N. as a waste of time and money, even though U.N. organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency are responsible for monitoring nuclear stockpiles and advising countries on keeping them safe. Trumps pick to lead the Department of Energy, former Texas governor Rick Perry, previously called for its dissolution, but defended its mission during nomination hearings; the department oversees the U.S. nuclear arsenal and safety at nuclear sites.

Trumps new budget proposal, which the White House published on March 16 under the title America First, would slash programs that contribute to U.S. security in ways subtler than guns and walls. It would cut foreign aid, diplomacy and development programsall of which have helped the U.S. forge a global network of alliances against nuclear trafficking. This isnt rocket science, says Limage, the former State Department official. A lot of the nonproliferation progress that has been made around the world has been through patient, careful diplomacy. Countries that would otherwise not have the means or the motivation to target smugglers of nuclear material have received regular encouragement, training and aid from the U.S. in these efforts.

The Trump Administration takes the threat very seriously, Tom Bossert, President Trumps Homeland Security Advisor, tells TIME. The Presidents budget blueprint specifically calls out U.S. programs dedicated to reducing the dangers of WMD terrorism or nuclear proliferation, he says. We continue to work domestically and with a broad set of international partners and international organizations to better secure any materials that might contribute to WMD terrorism and to mitigate the effects of an attack, should one occur. The prospect of WMD terrorism is one of the many reasons that we must remain vigilant in our counterterrorism efforts across the globe.

In Georgia, there are obvious risks to letting partnerships lapse. From the bridge where Chaduneli went to meet his buyers, it would take just a couple hours for a dirty bombs ingredients to reach Turkey by car or boat, and only days more to reach Syria or Iraq. His family home stands within view of the border with Azerbaijan, a notoriously corrupt dictatorship with links to Iran. Local kids often ride their bikes next to the border crossing, a barbed-wire fence guarded by a few lethargic soldiers.

They are a thin line of defense in an era when nuclear threats emerge not only from military and rogue regimes, but from the hard economic reality of some of the worlds most forgotten places. An honest job in this region brings in a few hundred dollars per month. So the lure of trafficking across these borders is constant, says Chadunelis mother Tamila.

The undercover agents who arrested him offered to pay $3 million for that box of uranium. At the end of their trial in December, all of the suspects in Chadunelis case took a plea deal in exchange for lighter sentences; Chaduneli got three years in prison. In his one-story home, which has an outdoor kitchen with a wood-burning stove and gets intermittent electricity, his mother says she has no idea how his friends got their hands on a batch of nuclear materialor why her son joined a plot to sell it. The money, she says, might have clouded his eyes.

With reporting by ZEKE J. MILLER/WASHINGTON
Even the smallest of symbolic details can't escape the changes of life in Trump's America. The government agency responsible for overseeing a staggering 258 million acres of land, including ecologically vital conservation areas, has changed the image on its homepage from a scenic park vista to a massive, tall pile of coal.

The website change, which happened in the past 24 hours, is in keeping with the Trump administration's push to drill for oil, natural gas, and minerals on public lands.

SEE ALSO: 22 photos that prove science is beautiful

The new picture at the top of the site appears to be from Peabody Energy, via Wikimedia Commons. This page identifies it as "an 80 foot coal seam at the North Antelope Rochelle open cut coal mine," and was taken in 2004.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is part of the Interior Department, is the lesser-known conservation agency whose vast land holdings take up about one-eighth of the United States, particularly across the West. When most people think about conservation areas, they think of national parks, which are also housed within the same cabinet agency.

What the BLM homepage looked like on April 5, 2017.

Image: internet wayback machine

But BLM oversees national monuments, national conservation areas, wilderness areas, and 5,761 miles of national scenic and historic trails, in addition to 2,400 miles of wild and scenic rivers, among other areas.

The bureau also manages about 700 million acres of subsurface minerals, which account for about 40 percent of U.S. coal production.

By putting up a coal photo, the BLM is simply showcasing another aspect of its wide-ranging mission, Paul Ross, a spokesman for the Interior Department, said in an email. He clarified that Interior Department bureaus and agencies manage their content separately from the main department's accounts.

"We applaud their creativity in getting their message out," Ross said. He added that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke "has made it clear that he will manage our public lands in accordance with President Teddy Roosevelt's mixed use philosophy, where development of our natural resources is done in a way that balances conservation and public access."

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Travis Nichols, a spokesman for environmental group Greenpeace, said the photo-swap still can't erase the fact that U.S. states and other countries are steadily ditching coal-fired power plants in favor of cheaper natural gas and increasingly affordable renewable energy.

Image: energy information administration

"Putting a giant pile of coal on the BLM page won't bring back coal jobs ... or make our necessary transition to a clean energy economy any quicker," he said in an email. "Empty promises and PR won't change the fact that the world has moved on from dirty polluting coal power."

The website change is a temporary move, with other banner images to come during the course of the administration, but it's noteworthy, if only because it throws the Trump administration's staunchly pro-fossil fuels energy policy into stark relief.

"As part of the BLM's transition to a new website design, we will be regularly rotating the banner with photos that reflect the many uses our public lands have to offer," a BLM spokesperson said. "Tomorrow [April 7], the second photo in our rotation will be posted, reflecting recreation on public lands."

Secretary Zinke, who hails from Montana, a coal-producing state, has moved to cancel a moratorium of leasing oil and coal drilling rights on public lands, as well as a review of the leasing program. Environmentalists are challenging these policy decisions on procedural and other grounds, with the matter likely to be settled in courts.

OMFG: This is the home page of the Bureau of Land Management: pic.twitter.com/KjXtFQHYBV  Paul Rauber (@paulrauber) April 6, 2017

Under the Obama administration, the Interior Department put in place a moratorium on new coal leases on public lands in 2016. More importantly, it also launched an environmental review of the entire leasing program, partly to determine if it made economic sense for taxpayers (but also, if it was in line with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to combat global warming). That review was slated to be completed in 2019 or later.

"American energy powers our national and local economies. But for too many local communities, energy on public lands has been more of a missed opportunity and has failed to include local consultation and partnership," Zinke said at the ceremony marking the move to overturn the Obama administration's policy.

The BLM also leases lands for renewable energy installations, such as wind and solar power, but the size of these operations pale in comparison to the fossil fuel footprint on public lands.

This story was updated April 6, 2017, at 1:25 p.m. EDT to include comments from Greenpeace. It was updated at 3 p.m. EDT to include a response from the Interior Department.

Editor's Note: The headline of this story was altered at 5 p.m. EDT to clarify an "Interior Dept. agency" changed its website, not the "Interior Dept."

WATCH: Merriam-Webster throws shade at Ivanka Trump after she can't define the word 'complicit'
By Timothy Mclaughlin

(Reuters) - Iowa lawmakers on Thursday approved amended legislation that would enact sweeping changes to the state's gun regulations, including a "stand your ground" provision, and sent it to the governor for final approval.

The bill, backed by the National Rifle Association, says a law-abiding person does not have to retreat before using deadly force.

A similar measure in Florida was thrust into the national spotlight in 2012 after the shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin by neighborhood watch member George Zimmerman, who was acquitted of murder after the law was included in jury instructions.

At least 24 other states have similar measures, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The Iowa bill allows for children under the age of 14 to use handguns while under the supervision of an adult who is 21 or older. It also says gun owners with permits can bring concealed handguns into capitol buildings.

Republican state Representative Matt Windschitl said on the House floor on Thursday the bill was, "the most monumental piece of Second Amendment legislation this state has ever seen."

The bill also would make gun permits valid for five years, with a background check required when the permit is issued. Under the current law, permits are valid for one year with an annual background check.

The bill passed the state Senate on Tuesday and the House last month. The House voted on it again on Thursday to approve changes made in the Senate before advancing it to the desk of Republican Governor Terry Branstad.

A spokesman for Branstad did not immediately respond to request for comment.

The bill has been criticized by gun control advocates, who say it could increase gun violence.

"We have had very good gun laws," the Reverend Cheryl Thomas of Iowans for Gun Safety said by telephone. "With the passage of this law, we are going to lose that status."

Iowans for Gun Safety want Branstad to veto the measure.

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Previous attempts to change the state's gun regulations have been blocked by Democrats, who held a majority in the Senate until November.

Following the election, Republican lawmakers control the Senate, House and governor's office for the first time in nearly two decades.

Republicans have used their majority to push through a number of bills during this legislative session, including drastic changes to the state's collective bargaining laws.

(Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Editing by Bill Trott)
MOSUL, Iraq (AP)  The Iraqi government says Islamic State group militants have shot down an Iraqi army helicopter over Mosul, killing the two-member crew.

The Ministry of Defense says in a statement that the incident happened during the operation to retake the city from IS militants.

Officials say the chopper came down as a result of ground fire and landed somewhere in eastern Mosul. Footage from an AP cameraman shows a large ball of fire with a long trail of thick black smoke as the aircraft falling out of the sky Thursday afternoon.

Iraqi air force and army aircraft conduct regular strike operations over the city to support police and special forces units battling the militants. The operation to retake Mosul from IS started last October.
Arbil (Iraq) (AFP) - The Islamic State group shot down an Iraqi helicopter operating over Mosul Thursday, as security forces announced they recaptured another neighbourhood in their nearly six-month-old offensive against the jihadist stronghold.

The operation to retake west Mosul -- which the helicopter was supporting when it was downed -- has become a slow, grinding battle that has taken a heavy toll on civilians and pushed more than 200,000 to flee.

"The helicopter was supporting federal police forces in (west Mosul) and was hit by fire and crashed in the Mohandiseen neighbourhood in east Mosul," Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, the spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command, told AFP.

The city is divided by the Tigris River. East Mosul was recaptured earlier this year, but IS still holds significant ground on the city's western side.

Federal police are operating alongside interior ministry special forces in Mosul's Old City -- a densely populated warren of narrow streets and closely spaced buildings that is home to hundreds of thousands of people.

Rasool said the US-made Bell helicopter crashed about 3:00 pm (1200 GMT) on Thursday, and that he believed it was hit by 57 mm anti-aircraft fire.

Iraqi army aviation operates armed versions of the Bell 407 helicopter.

Strikes by Iraqi helicopters are especially important for the country's interior ministry forces, which have consistently complained of not receiving sufficient air support from the US-led anti-IS coalition during the Mosul operation.

The downing of the aircraft on Thursday comes after another helicopter crashed south of Mosul at the beginning of the year due to a "technical failure," killing four crew members.

- Neighbourhood retaken -

Rasool also said Thursday that Iraqi forces had recaptured a west Mosul neighbourhood called Yarmuk al-Thaniya.

Iraqi forces have retaken a series of neighbourhoods since launching the operation to recapture west Mosul in mid-February, though progress in the Old City area has been slow.

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Civilian casualties in Mosul have come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, with the UN human rights office saying more than 300 were killed in the fighting.

The US-led coalition -- which has admitted that it "probably" played a role in recent civilian casualties in Mosul -- has said that the militants are surreptitiously forcing civilians into homes and then seeking to encourage air strikes on them.

IS has repeatedly targeted civilians with snipers, bombs and shelling in and around Mosul, and seized them for use as human shields.

The government has encouraged residents not to flee during the Mosul operation -- a policy aimed at easing ease the burden of widespread displacement but which can heighten the risk of injury or death for civilians.

The military announced on Wednesday that it had dropped hundreds of thousands of leaflets over IS-held areas of west Mosul and elsewhere urging civilians to shelter in their homes.

"Aerial bombing will target (IS) gangs and not civilians," the military said in a statement.

But irrespective of whether or not they are directly targeted, residents still can be, and have been, the victims of strikes aimed at IS fighters who are deployed in areas still populated by large numbers of civilians.

Iraqi forces backed by coalition air strikes have regained much of the territory they lost to IS in 2014, and launched the operation to retake Mosul in October.
One of Israels biggest political parties has a key election coming up. But party bosses had to delay it. They quickly ran into that age-old problem of trying to schedule democracy around Britney Spears concerts. Rookie mistake.

The Labor Party was slated to cast ballots for a new chairperson on July 3 in Tel Aviv, the same day Americas pop icon is scheduled to perform at the citys Hayarkon Park. For some reason, the Labor Party couldnt compete with her popularity that day, so it decided to push the vote back a day.

A Labor Party spokesperson told the Times of Israel pushing back the vote would make it easier for people to reach polling stations lest they get caught in the concert-goers traffic. The spokesperson also said theyd had difficulty in recruiting security guards for their vote, since apparently most are busy staffing the concert.

Seeing Spears live must be exciting, but the Labor Party has an exciting race of its own. Seven candidates are jockeying to oust incumbent Isaac Herzog, including former tech magnate and member of the Knesset Erel Margalit, former Labor chair and Defense Minister Amir Peretz, and the former chief of an elite military unit, Sayeret Matkal.

Peretz, widely seen as the top challenger to Herzog, said the new date works well as a symbol of the U.S.-Israeli alliance. American independence day has a lot of messages we can take on board, he told Israeli radio network Army Radio. The 4th [of] July suits us very well.

No word on whether he, Herzog, or their party rivals will be heading to the concert themselves. But who could blame them if they did? VIP lounge tickets for her Tel Aviv show are going for the bargain-bin price of about $300. What a deal.

And who knows, that extra day of campaigning could help a candidate out. Sometimes people are just stronger than yesterday.

Photo credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for iHeartMedia
Britney Spears pop prowess is so great that it has the power to influence international politics; in this particular case, changing the date of an Israeli primary election.

According to an interview with the Times of Israel, the pop princess Tel Aviv concert is the reason why the Israeli Labor Party postponed its leadership contest by 24 hours. While the two events were initially slated for the same day, it turns out that Spears concert will use the bulk of security guards, which would leave the Labor party event with slim staff pickings and potential traffic issues.

A Labor party spokesperson said that the decision to move the election would make it easier for people to reach the polling stations. When asked whether or not current Labor party chair Isaac Herzog would take advantage of the extra day to attend Spears concert, Herzogs spokesperson said that he was unaware of plans for the incumbent Labor leader to attend, which, honestly, is his prerogative.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
From Popular Mechanics

China's first stealth fighter, the Chengdu J-20, "has the potential to provide China with a variety of previously unavailable air combat options and enhance its capability to project power." That's the conclusion of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington D.C.-based security think tank. CSIS also concludes that the fighter, first flown in 2011, could enter service as soon as 2018.

The J-20 shocked the world in 2011, when China unveiled the plane during a state visit by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Although China was known to be working on a large fighter, known as the J-XX, the extent to which the country had made progress on a so-called "fifth generation fighter"-which only the United States had successfully developed-shocked experts.

CSIS assesses the J-20 as a full fifth-generation fighter, which means it includes stealth technology, supersonic cruising speed, and highly integrated avionics as part of the criteria. It also believes that at 34,000 to 37,000 kilograms, the J-20 is slightly lighter than the American F-22 Raptor.

Like the F-22, the J-20 is powered by two afterburning turbofan engines. The rearward placement of the engines, according to CSIS, likely means it has more useable internal volume than the F-22. Stealthy aircraft, to remain stealthy, must hide weapons and fuel in internal bays within their fuselages. The J-20 has three such bays, two for smaller air-to-air missiles and a single large belly bay for larger air-to-air, anti-ship, and air-to-ground missiles.

Photo credit: Getty

CSIS notes that others see the J-20 going in one of two directions: a long range air-to-air fighter or a strike fighter capable of penetrating advanced air defenses. The aircraft is large and heavy enough to do either, but its emphasis on frontal stealth and relative weakness when scanned by radar from different angles suggests it would not do well penetrating deep into enemy territory.

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The most obvious weakness at this point is the lack of a suitable engine. China originally wanted to purchase Saturn AL-41F1S engines for the J-20, the same engine that powers the Su-35 fighter, but Russia would rather sell whole aircraft (complete with higher profit margins) instead of merely engines. China has encountered problems designing high performance aircraft engines but is committed to developing a domestic engine for the J-20.

One mystery: as this article points out, if the J-20 is such an amazing plane, why is China buying Su-35 fighters? China is purchasing 24 modernized Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role fighters from Russia that fit a similar role. China may be doing so in order to harvest the technology, particularly the engines, phased-array radar, and electronic warfare capabilities.

Read more here: Does China's J-20 rival other stealth fighters?

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Americans have mixed views of President Donald Trump's budget proposal, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

They are more likely to favor than oppose increased spending for the military and border patrol, along with decreased foreign aid spending. They overwhelmingly support increased spending on veterans. But most oppose decreased spending on scientific and medical research, new spending for a Mexican border wall and decreased spending on the environment.

Key findings:

Most Americans oppose new spending for a wall along the Mexican border, 58 percent to 28 percent. Eighty-six percent of Democrats and 57 percent of independents are opposed. Republicans favor funding the wall by a 54 percent to 26 percent margin.

In contrast to their views on the wall, 50 percent of Americans favor and 32 percent oppose increased spending on border patrol. Eighty percent of Republicans and 49 percent of independents, but just 26 percent of Democrats, favor increased border patrol spending

Most oppose decreasing spending on scientific and medical research, 64 percent to 19 percent. Opposition to this proposal crosses party lines, including 78 percent of Democrats, 58 percent of independents and 51 percent of Republicans.

The most popular proposal by far in the Trump budget is increasing spending on Veterans Affairs, supported by 74 percent of Americans and opposed by just 8 percent. Large majorities across party lines favor greater funding for veterans.

By 50 percent to 30 percent margin, more favor than opposed decreased spending on foreign aid. Majorities of Republicans (72 percent) and independents (54 percent) want to decrease foreign aid, but just 30 percent of Democrats agree.

More favor than oppose increasing spending on defense and the military, 47 percent to 34 percent. Seventy-five percent of Republicans but just 40 percent of independents and 26 percent of Democrats are in favor.

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Most Americans also oppose decreasing spending on the environment and for fighting climate change. About half of Republicans (49 percent) favor decreasing spending on the environment, compared with just 27 percent of independents and 11 percent of Democrats. Americans are more likely to oppose than favor cutting spending for public television, radio and the arts, 44 percent to 32 percent.

___

The AP-NORC poll of 1,110 adults was conducted March 23-27 using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.

Interviews were conducted online and using landlines and cellphones.

___

Online:

AP-NORC: http://www.apnorc.org/
You could have diabetes and not know it.

The symptoms of diabetes can be very mild. Although symptoms are similar for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes symptoms are especially hard to pinpoint. "In many patients with Type 2 diabetes, the disease progresses slowly, and they may not realize that they have developed it without screening. There are millions of patients who have diabetes who are not aware that they have it," says Dr. Asha M. Thomas, an endocrinologist with Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.

In fact, of the 29 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes, 8 million are undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association.

However, you don't know just by your symptoms if you have diabetes. You need to see a doctor who can check your blood sugar levels. Those numbers tracked by doctors will reveal if you are living with diabetes.

[See: The 12 Best Diets to Prevent and Manage Diabetes.]

So what are the most common symptoms of diabetes?

You have to urinate more often. This is because your kidneys are working harder to process extra sugar in your urine.

You feel more thirsty than usual. As you urinate more, you feel more dehydrated -- and that makes you want to drink more liquids. Some people also feel hungrier than usual.

You have increased urinary tract, yeast or vaginal infections. Sometimes, OB-GYNs help to diagnose diabetes based on an increased frequency of these infections, says Lucille Hughes, a certified diabetes educator and director of diabetes education at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside, New York. Changes to the body's immune system put those with diabetes at higher risk for these infections, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

You experience unintentional weight loss. While many people want to lose weight, the weight loss that occurs when you have uncontrolled diabetes is not a healthy weight loss. It happens because your body can't properly use insulin to help process glucose, a sugar found in food, for fuel. So your body starts to process fat and muscle for fuel, says Susan M. De Abate, a nurse, certified diabetes educator and team coordinator of the diabetes education program at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

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You have flu-like symptoms or feel more fatigued. Sometimes a spouse may complain that his or her partner used to love going out but now just wants to stay home. "They'll say, 'I knew something was different about them,'" Hughes says, describing the fatigue.

The fatigue comes from a lack of glucose, your body's No. 1 energy source. "It's as if you're a car and you run on gasoline, but the gas is outside the car and can't make it in," Hughes says.

You experience occasional blurred vision. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which affects your vision. Eye doctors sometimes play a role in helping to diagnose diabetes because of the vision symptoms a patient experiences.

[Read: Got Diabetes? Why You Must Protect Your Feet.]

How Symptoms Differ Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are usually similar to those of Type 2, but they come about more suddenly. For example, a child may have flu-like symptoms that in only a few days lead a parent to take the child to the emergency room where Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed, Hughes says. Parents may bring their child to the emergency room because "their child looks like a lump on a log," Hughes says.

In contrast, the symptoms for Type 2 diabetes can be drawn out over several years before the symptoms are bad enough for someone to notice the difference.

Why Diabetes Symptoms Are Confusing

The symptoms of diabetes, particularly Type 2, can be hard to track because they appear slowly over time and because the signs of aging and the signs of diabetes can overlap. "People have dry skin or they use the bathroom a lot [when they are older]. It's hard to tell which is which," De Abate says.

Your symptoms could also overlap with the effects of certain drugs. For instance, if you take a type of drug called a diuretic, which makes you urinate more, you might think your increased urination is only from the medication.

Some patients get so used to living with certain symptoms -- be it fatigue or increased urination -- it would never occur to them that it could indicate a health problem. "Some people go undiagnosed for years, and their bodies handle it because they still produce some insulin," De Abate says. Still, that doesn't mean they are producing enough insulin or processing it properly.

[Read: How to Exercise When You're Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes.]

When to See a Doctor

"If someone has any of the symptoms, I would recommend seeking medical therapy as soon as possible," Thomas says.

Set an appointment with your doctor and ask about a fasting blood sugar check. You should also inquire about a hemoglobin A1C check, which measures your average blood sugar over the previous three months. "Not all doctors use the A1C test unless the person has risk factors that jump out. I encourage patients to ask for this test," De Abate says. The test could also reveal if you have prediabetes -- which means you still have time to change your eating habits and physical activity so you don't develop full-blown Type 2 diabetes.

Although anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes, your risk is higher if you are overweight or have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. You're also at a higher risk if you smoke or have a family history of diabetes.

If you see your doctor regularly, you can keep a closer eye on possible symptoms and risk factors. "If someone has an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, such as a family history, a history of gestational diabetes, obesity, age or increased risk by race, we would carefully watch for any symptoms," Thomas says. "These are the patients we routinely counsel on the importance of prevention for Type 2 diabetes."

Vanessa Caceres is a Health freelancer for U.S. News. She's a nationally published health, travel and food writer, and she has an undergraduate degree in journalism and psychology from Hampshire College and a graduate degree in linguistics/bilingual education from Georgetown University. Connect with her on Twitter at @FloridaCulture.
South Korea has successfully test-fired a home-developed ballistic missile with a range long enough to hit any part of North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported Thursday.

It comes a day after the North fired its own ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan -- which analysts dubbed a warning ahead of a China-US summit, at which Pyongyang's accelerating atomic weapons programme is set to top the agenda.

South Korea is protected under an American security umbrella and is home to thousands of US troops.

But in 2012 it reached an agreement with the United States to almost triple the range of its ballistic missile systems to guard against the North's nuclear threats, and has since been developing missiles with longer ranges.

Citing a high-ranking government official, Yonhap said the South's missile with a range of 800 kilometres (500 miles) could serve as a strong deterrent to Pyongyang.

"The test-firing was successful", the official was quoted as saying.

A defence ministry spokesman declined to comment.

The South plans to deploy the new missile this year following further tests to determine its reliability, Yonhap said.

The new missile could cover all of North Korea even when fired from a southern region of the country, it said.

In June last year, the South successfully test-fired two home-developed missiles capable of carrying a one-tonne payload up to 500 kilometres.

Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme is likely to dominate when US President Donald Trump meets China's leader Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida Thursday, their first face to face meeting.
MOSCOW (AP)  President Vladimir Putin's spokesman said Thursday that Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar Assad is not unconditional, but that the country demands a full investigation of the suspected chemical attack on a rebel-held province in Syria before the United Nations takes any action.

Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov's remarks came two days after the suspected chemical attack killed at least 72 people. Moscow, Assad's key backer, has supported the Syrian government militarily in the ongoing conflict since 2015.

Peskov told The Associated Press in an interview that "unconditional support is not possible in this current world," but added that "it is not correct to say that Moscow can convince Mr. Assad to do whatever is wanted in Moscow. This is totally wrong."

Moscow and Damascus "enjoy a relationship of cooperation, of exchange of views and full mutual support," Peskov said. Assad and his army are "the only real power in Syria that can resist terrorists on the ground," he said.

At United Nations headquarters on Thursday, key Security Council members, including the United States and Russia, met behind closed doors to try to reach agreement on a resolution that would condemn the attack and authorize an independent investigation.

Peskov said Russia expects a full international investigation into the attack before the U.N. Security Council considers any resolution condemning the chemical attack that he described as "very tragic." Doing otherwise, he said, would be "simply unfair in terms of international law."

Russia's Defense Ministry said the toxic agents were released when a Syrian airstrike hit a rebel chemical weapons arsenal and munitions factory on the town's eastern outskirts. Asked what proof Moscow has for that assessment, Peskov said that Russia is the only legitimate foreign power on the ground in Syria and therefore has "more wide information about what is going on there."

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Turkey said Thursday that autopsies of the victims from the Tuesday attack in Idlib province showed they were subjected to chemical weapons. In France, the foreign minister called for the prosecution of Assad's government.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is traveling to Moscow early next week in what will be the first visit of a senior Trump administration official to Russia since President Donald Trump was elected.

Relations between Russia and the U.S. hit their lowest point since the end of the Cold War after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula. Throughout the election campaign, the Kremlin said it hoped the new U.S. president would be open to improving ties.

Peskov said "there is a minor exchange of information going on" with Washington "but it's far away from what is necessary."

Moscow hopes "maybe the upcoming visit of State Secretary Tillerson in Moscow will somehow highlight the attitude of the American side toward the rising tensions in Syria," he said.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  The Latest on an appeals court ruling rejecting Ohio's lethal injection system (all times local):

1:35 p.m.

A lawyer for death row inmates is applauding an appeals court decision rejecting Ohio's lethal injection system.

Defense attorney Allen Bohnert says the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was correct Thursday when it ruled that the state's new three-drug lethal injection process should not be used.

Bohnert says a judge whose earlier decision was upheld by the court held one of the most comprehensive hearings in the country about the contested sedative midazolam (mih-DAY'-zoh-lam).

The ruling was a blow to the state, which hopes to execute several condemned killers beginning next month.

A spokesman for the Ohio attorney general's office says options include asking for a full appeals court review or an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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11:35 a.m.

A federal appeals court has rejected Ohio's new three-drug lethal injection process as the state struggles to resume executions.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati in a 2-1 decision Thursday ruled the state's proposed use of a contested sedative called midazolam (mih-DAY'-zoh-lam) unconstitutional.

The court also said the state's decision to use two other drugs in the process that Ohio abandoned years ago prevents the reintroduction of their use.

The ruling is a blow to the state, which hopes to execute several condemned killers beginning next month.

A spokesman for the Ohio attorney general's office says options include asking for a full appeals court review or an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on the congressional inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election (all times local):

4 p.m.

The chairman of the Senate intelligence committee says he thinks his counterpart in the House made a good decision in recusing himself from the investigation into Russian activities during the election.

Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina spoke Thursday after a closed-door committee meeting that was attended by CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Pompeo did not speak to reporters as he left the meeting.

Burr says he thinks Rep. Devin Nunes' move to temporarily step aside will help minimize the politicization of the probes.

He says Rep. Mike Conaway is more than capable of leading the House investigation.

Burr says he has not yet seen the materials Nunes and the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee saw at the White House, but he will.

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3:15 p.m.

President Donald Trump says House intelligence chairman Devin Nunes (NOO'-nehs) is a "good person" and "a very honorable guy."

Trump says he only recently heard that Nunes stepped aside from the committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible ties to the Trump campaign.

The president spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on the way to his Florida resort.

Nunes recused himself earlier Thursday. The House ethics committee is investigating whether he improperly disclosed classified information.

Democrats have criticized Nunes for being too close to Trump. He was a member of the president's transition team and had a secret meeting on the White House grounds last month to review classified information.

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12:10 p.m.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi says President Donald Trump's suggestion that the Obama administration's national security adviser broke the law is "weird" and "beneath the dignity" of the presidency.

Pelosi called on Trump to "declassify the basis" of his comment and said, "It's time for him to be president, to be the manager."

Story continues

Pelosi said Thursday that Trump's comments about former national security adviser Susan Rice were unfounded and said Trump "keeps doing a limbo dance. How low can you go?"

Trump told The New York Times on Wednesday that Rice committed a crime when she asked government analysts to disclose the names of Trump associates documented in intelligence reports. Trump would not say whether he reviewed new intelligence to support his claim.

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11:25 a.m.

A watchdog group says it believes Republican Devin Nunes (NOO'-nehs) has gravely violated House ethics rules governing classified information and should be investigated immediately.

Jordan Libowitz is spokesman for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Libowitz says the group is encouraged by the House Ethics Committee launching an investigation.

Libowitz also says Nunes did the right thing by stepping aside from the House intelligence committee's investigation into contacts between Trump associates and Russia.

The group and another called Democracy 21 asked for the ethics investigation after Nunes disclosed last month that U.S. intelligence intercepts had swept up foreign communications of Trump transition team members.

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10:55 a.m.

The White House is keeping silent on the House intelligence chairman's decision to step aside from the investigation into Russian interference in the election.

Spokesman Sean Spicer declined to comment Thursday, saying House decisions about committee chairman or their activities are "up to them."

California Republican Devin Nunes (NOO'-nehs) said Thursday that several left-wing groups have filed accusations against him with the office of congressional ethics.

Nunes says the charges are false, but also that it's best for the committee that he step aside temporarily from the Russia investigation.

The California Republican's decision comes amid partisan turmoil on the committee.

Democrats have alleged that Nunes is too close to the Trump White House and can't lead an impartial inquiry.

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10:20 a.m.

The House Ethics Committee is investigating allegations that intelligence committee Chairman Devin Nunes (NOO'-nehs) may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information.

The full 10-member committee is investigating the allegations, a departure from the usual procedure of having a smaller subcommittee handle a probe, and an indication of the seriousness of the claims.

The California Republican congressman says several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against him with the office of congressional ethics.

Nunes says the charges are false and politically motivated. But he says it's in the best interest of the committee to have Republican Mike Conaway of Texas temporarily take charge of the committee's investigation.

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10:15 a.m.

Two ethics watchdog groups filed complaints about the chairman of the House intelligence committee, Republican Devin Nunes of California.

Nunes says he's temporarily stepping aside from the panel's investigation of Russian meddling in the election because of the complaints.

Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington say Nunes disclosed classified information, which violates House ethics rules.

The groups say Nunes publicly disclosed information he learned by viewing classified material.

Two of the four people who signed the March 28 letter alleging ethics violations served as White House counsels in Republican and Democratic administrations.

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10:05 a.m.

Speaker Paul Ryan says Texas Republican Mike Conaway will take over the House investigation into Russian meddling in last year's election.

Ryan says an ethics complaint filed against Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes of California by government watchdog groups would be a "distraction" and that Nunes should no longer lead the probe.

Nunes has come under intense criticism for meeting secretly with White House officials to view intelligence regarding Trump associates.

Ryan says he is confident that Conaway "will oversee a professional investigation into Russia's actions and follow the facts wherever they lead."

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9:49 a.m.

The chairman of the House intelligence committee says he will temporarily step aside from the panel's probe into Russian meddling in the election.

In a statement on Thursday, Republican congressman Devin Nunes (NOO'-nehs) of California says that several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against him with the office of congressional ethics.

Nunes says the charges are false and politically motivated. But he says it's in the best interest of the committee to have GOP congressman Mike Conaway of Texas temporarily take charge of the committee's investigation.

He says he will continue fulfilling other duties with the committee and wants to talk to the ethics committee as soon as possible to defend himself.
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP)  The Latest on President Donald Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping (all times local):

3:00 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he thinks China will "want to be stepping up" in trying to deter North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One on his way to a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

While Trump would not say what he wants China to do specifically with regards to North Korea, he suggested there was a link between "terrible" trade agreements the U.S. has made with China and Pyongyang's provocations. He says the two issues "really do mix."

The president has said that if China doesn't exert more pressure on North Korea, the U.S. will act alone.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  A popular television meteorologist in Maine's largest city is missing.

The Portland Press Herald reports that Tom Johnston from WCSH-TV was reported missing Monday after he failed to return from a weekend event at the Sunday River ski resort.

Old Orchard Beach Police Detective Sgt. David Hemingway said Johnston is considered a missing person, but there's been no indication that he's in danger. Johnston's last social media postings were made on Saturday, when a storm produced heavy snow in parts of Maine.

Brian Cliffe, general manager of WCSH, declined to comment Thursday, telling the newspaper that the situation is a "personal matter."
A man accused of gunning down an Atlanta attorney on a busy downtown street has been hospitalized after he was found chewing on his arm in a padded cell, according to authorities.

Raylon Browning, 39, missed his first court appearance Wednesday after guards found him biting himself and spitting blood Tuesday night, according to Fulton County Jail officials.

Read: Mom and 8-Year-Old Daughter Killed in Separate Crashes Just 30 Minutes Apart

He had been arrested Monday in Cobb County during a traffic stop, hours after he allegedly shot and killed lawyer Trinh Huynh, 40, in broad daylight as she crossed Peachtree Street, authorities said.

He was also wanted for attacking two former co-workers with a knife on Sunday.

After Huynh was killed, investigators reviewing surveillance tapes recognized Browning as the suspect from Sundays attacks, police said.

The tapes showed Browning walking and running on downtown streets, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and shorts, authorities said.

Read: Utah Woman Who Survived London Attack That Killed Her Husband Stands Up on Her Own

Witnesses said Huynh was shot three times during the morning rush hour, CBS affiliate WGCL-TV reported.

The woman, whose parents came to Georgia from Vietnam when she was just a child, dropped to her knees and then collapsed in the street, according to bystanders.

Police have not released a motive for her killing, or for the Sunday knife attacks.

Browning has been charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a misdemeanor charge of simple battery.

His initial court appearance was rescheduled for Thursday.

Watch: Attorney, Wife and 2 Kids Killed in Plane Crash During Vacation

Related Articles:
BERLIN (AP)  Germany has deported an alleged Islamic extremist deemed dangerous by authorities to Nigeria.

The dpa news agency reports that the 22-year-old man, who was born in Germany and who hadn't committed a crime, arrived in Lagos Thursday.

The unnamed man was one of two detained in February in Goettingen during an investigation of suspected attack plans.

When the two men were picked up, investigators found two weapons, at least one of them a firearm that had been altered to fire live ammunition.

Also found were ammunition, flags of the Islamic State group and a machete.

The man deported to Nigeria is banned from entering Germany for life.

Following attacks by Islamic extremists last year, German authorities vowed to step up deportations of foreigners deemed to be threats.
SHEFFIELD LAKE, Ohio (AP)  A man who spray-painted a marriage proposal on an Ohio shopping center has been fined for criminal mischief and sentenced to community service but says he doesn't regret it.

After all, she said yes.

The Chronicle-Telegram (http://bit.ly/2nbshrG ) in Elyria (eh-LEER'-ee-uh) reports a magistrate in Sheffield Lake told 23-year-old Kyle Stump that the more traditional down-on-one-knee proposal might have been preferable.

Stump says he thinks authorities overreacted.

Stump pleaded no contest this week in mayor's court in Sheffield Lake, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Cleveland. He was ordered to pay over $300 in restitution for cleaning the wall, and his community service might include painting fire hydrants.

The mayor says romantic gesture or not, it's still a crime with a penalty.

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Information from: The Chronicle-Telegram, http://www.chronicletelegram.com
A California 7-Eleven customer flew into a rage after his credit card was declined while making a 75-cent purchase, cops say.

Santa Ana police released surveillance video of the February incident in which they say the suspect ransacked the convenience store after attempting to buy a pack of M&Ms.

Watch: Terrifying 911 Call Reveals Woman's Road Rage Ordeal: 'He's Trying to Kill Me!'

"In a fit of anger, the suspect struck the cashier in the head, pushed one cash register and printer to the floor, threw bananas at the other cashier, and pushed the other register off the counter," police said in a statement.

All told, the suspect allegedly caused $700 worth of damage to the store.

"Based on his actions over a 75-cent bag of M&M's, Im not sure what his reaction would be to something thats really serious," Cpl. Anthony Bertagna told KTLA.

Nearly two months on with no arrest in the odd case, Santa Ana police released the video in hopes of bringing the suspect to justice with the public's help.

Read: 'Don't Touch My Sidewalk!' Bizarre Snow Rage Erupts In Violence

Cops described him as white and between 30 and 35 years old with a medium to heavy build and short black hair. In the video, he is wearing black prescription glasses, a green fleece sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Investigators ask anyone with information about the suspect to call (714) 245-8647.

Watch: Listen to the 911 Call From Road Rage Shooting That Left 3-Year-Old Dead

Related Articles:
QUANTICO, Va. (AP)  A gunnery sergeant faces a court martial in connection with the death of a recruit at a South Carolina training base, the U.S. Marine Corps said Thursday.

A statement issued by Marine Corps Base Quantico said Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Felix faces multiple charges in the death of 20-year-old Raheel Siddiqui at Parris Island, South Carolina. The charges include failure to obey a lawful general order and cruelty and maltreatment.

The court martial is to be held at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. No date has been announced.

Last September, the Marine Corps said Siddiqui committed suicide. But the service also said it had uncovered widespread hazing and maltreatment of recruits and young drill instructors dating back to 2015.

Siddiqui's family contends he was hazed before his death.

Marine Corps officials insisted at the time that the hazing had been found only in Siddiqui's training group, the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, which is one of four training battalions at the site.

The Marine Corps also said it had identified up to 20 officers, drill instructors and other leaders who face administrative or potential criminal charges for taking part in the misconduct or turning a blind eye to it.

Two recruits died at Parris Island in an eight-month span in 2016, sparking renewed calls for congressional scrutiny into the service's tough training regimen.

"The loss of a second recruit raises serious questions," Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, said in a statement issued in Michigan. "I am committed to getting to the root of this issue."

Dingell had pressed the Marine Corps for months to look into the March 18, 2016 death of Siddiqui. He was from Taylor, Michigan.
London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU president Donald Tusk on Thursday held their first face-to-face talks since she triggered the process for leaving the bloc as Brexit negotiations loom.

The visit follows an outcry in Britain over Tusk last week outlining draft negotiating guidelines which say that Spain should have a veto on any trade deal agreed with Britain being extended to Gibraltar.

And it comes a day after the European Parliament approved a series of Brexit demands, including calling for "substantial progress" to be made on an exit deal before talks on future trade relations can begin.

"I'll be talking with president Tusk about how we can ensure, within the timescale we have got, that we can deliver a deal," May said ahead of the meeting.

A European Union source told AFP that the meeting was "not part of the negotiations" but would be "a first opportunity for Tusk to explain his draft Brexit guidelines to be adopted on April 29".

EU leaders are holding a special summit in Brussels on that date to decide a negotiation strategy.

The actual talks on Britain leaving the EU are not expected to start until May at the earliest.

Britain last week formally notified the EU of its intention to quit the bloc -- the first member state ever to do so -- following a shock referendum vote on June 23 last year in favour of leaving.

- May 'backtracking' -

When announcing Britain's intention to leave the EU, May called for the divorce and future trade deal talks to proceed in tandem, but she was rebuffed by Tusk who said that there should first be progress on the exit agreement before trade negotiations can begin.

Asked about this divergence of views on the timing of the negotiations during her trip to Jordan and Saudi Arabia this week, May hinted at a compromise.

"Let's look at the whole question of where we end up. At the end of this negotiation, will we have looked at both withdrawal and the future relationship? That's what's important," she said.

Story continues

May also suggested she could envisage free movement of EU nationals into Britain continuing during a transition period even after the country's expected departure from the bloc in March 2019.

Asked about this possibility, she told Sky News television: "Once we've got the deal, once we've agreed what the new relationship will be for the future, it will be necessary for there to be a period of time when businesses and governments are adjusting systems and so forth," she said.

That led to criticism from the pro-Brexit Leave.eu campaign group, which accused May of "backtracking".

It published a mocked-up image of May alongside a crowd of migrants reading: "We're going to take back control of our borders... Eventually".

Cutting down on the hundreds of thousands of EU citizens who move to Britain every year was one of the main arguments in the referendum campaign.
By Katie Paul RIYADH (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday she would raise "hard issues" with Saudi Arabia's leaders on a visit to the country, as critics urged her to pressure Riyadh over its air war in Yemen and human rights record. May also said she was appalled by reports of a chemical weapons attack in northern Syria that killed dozens of people, including 11 children, and called for a prompt investigation. She was expected to explore ways of boosting trade with the kingdom during the two-day visit, her second to a Gulf Arab state since Britain voted to leave the European Union. Saudi Arabia is the country's largest Middle East trading partner, with British exports worth 6.57 billion pounds ($8 billion) in 2015. May, who has launched a drive to secure trade deals after launching divorce proceedings with the EU, said she would stand up for both human rights and Britain's national interests in her talks in the world's top oil exporter. Saudi Arabia is a major customer for British defense companies and an ally in the fight against Islamist militancy. Britain's supply of aircraft and weapons has come under scrutiny because of the war in Yemen. A Saudi-led coalition of Arab states has launched thousands of air strikes in an effort to dislodge Iranian-aligned Houthis from the capital Sanaa and restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power. The two-year-old civil war has killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians. "We have no difficulty in raising hard issues with those that we meet with, be it in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere around the world," May told reporters in Jordan before heading to Riyadh where she is expected to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef. "The strong British tradition of standing up for human rights is there, the strong British tradition of standing up for British national interest is there," she said. May, who landed in Riyadh on Tuesday, will be joined by the chief executive of the London Stock Exchange for a financial roundtable at the kingdom's bourse. The London Stock Exchange is among those pitching to win a piece of state oil company Saudi Aramco's initial public offering, which is expected to be the world's largest. TRADE DEALS May has come under fire over her foreign trips since becoming prime minister last year. She was accused of failing to challenge U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan earlier this year. The leader of the opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, said May must put human rights and international law at the center of her talks with the Saudis. "Unless the prime minister challenges the Saudi regime over its abuses this week, it will be clear she is ready to sacrifice human rights and security on the altar of the arms trade," he said in a statement. May attended the annual Gulf Arab summit in Bahrain in December to cement ties with oil producers. "Britain is introducing itself to countries of the region in its new form," said Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Jeddah-based Gulf Research Center. "This means that Britain will be in direct competition with European Union powers and that it presents itself as an alternative to them." May must try to strengthen her hand in talks with the EU without annoying its leaders and secure trade deals elsewhere in case the talks fail and Britain crashes out of the bloc without an agreement. "I want to see the United Kingdom as a truly global Britain," May said. "A good continuing deep partnership with the European Union, but also trading and working with others around the world." (Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper and Michael Holden in London; Editing by Andrew Roche and David Stamp)
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., bemoaned the state of the Senate on Thursday as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved to change the chambers rules in order to break through the Democratic filibuster of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch with a simple majority. Earlier in the day, Republicans failed to reach the 60-vote supermajority needed to end debate and proceed to a vote.

Its a bad day for democracy, McCain said before entering the Senate chamber, where he later voted with fellow Republicans to change the rules. I think its a terrible mistake that we will regret for many, many years to come.

McCain called the rule-change a slippery slope that will clearly lead to more extreme appointments for both sides  and could embolden senators to change the rules for considering legislation, too.

We went from judges, to [a] Supreme Court justice, McCain said. Whats next?

McConnell has said he would not change the Senate rules for legislation.

Related: Republicans nuke Supreme Court filibuster to squeeze through Gorsuch

Theres not a single senator in the majority who thinks we ought to change the legislative filibuster, not one, he told reporters Tuesday. We all understand thats what makes the Senate the Senate.

McConnell triggered the change after Democrats successfully blocked Gorsuchs nomination in a 55-45 vote Thursday, with just four Democrats voting to advance him.

In 2012, the Kentucky lawmaker called the 60-vote threshold one of the most cherished safeguards of liberty in our government  the right of a political minority to have a voice.

But earlier this week, McConnell defended the idea of a simple majority, saying it would return what was the tradition in the Senate for confirming justices viewed as qualified for the high court.

Look at the Senate through the long history of the body, McConnell said. The practical effect of all this will be to take us back to where we were.

McCain speaks to reporters after the Senate voted to remove the filibuster rule for Supreme Court nominees on Thursday. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)

McCain did not mince words on Tuesday when asked to respond to the idea that changing the rules for Gorsuch was a good thing.

Story continues

I would like to meet that idiot, Id like to meet the numskull that would say that, McCain said then. Whoever says that is a stupid idiot, who has not been here and seen what Ive been through and how we were able to avoid that on several occasions. And they are stupid and theyve deceived their voters because they are so stupid.

Speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday, McCain said that the rule change would come back to haunt us like he says it did for Democrats, who in 2013 killed the filibuster for lower court nominations.

Also read: America is not mourning the death of the filibuster, but it should

We warned that the Democrats would not be in control of the White House or Senate forever, and would come to regret their actions, and we were right, he said.

But in the end, McCain said he had no choice but to support McConnells rule change.

I find myself torn between protecting the traditions and practices of the Senate and the importance of having a full complement of justices on the Supreme Court, he said. Im left with no choice. I will vote to change the rules an allow Judge Gorsuch to be confirmed by a simple majority.

The dark deed is done. McConnell has just put a knife into the heart of our We the People republic.  Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) April 6, 2017

Senate Democrats derided the rule change.

The dark deed is done, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., who earlier this week mounted a 15-hour protest over Gorsuch, wrote on Twitter. McConnell has just put a knife into the heart of our We the People republic.

Read more from Yahoo News:
First lady Melania Trump visited Washington D.C.'s first girls-only public charter school Wednesday with Queen Rania of Jordan and U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. The school teaches students from pre-K to eighth grade. The monarch and the first lady visited Excel Academy, situated in southeast Washington and were greeted with bouquets of flowers.

"That's so beautiful, thank you," the first lady said while accepting the flowers and hugged one of the students. The queen also interacted with some parents and asked the school authorities about their mission in building life skills. "We believe that in educating a girl, we educate a family, we educate a community," school CEO Deborah Lockhart said while discussing the school's various programs focusing on extracurricular activities, social services and special needs programs, according to CNN.

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Photo: REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

The queen was visiting Washington with her husband, King Abdullah II, who had a meeting President Donald Trump.

During the school visit, they entered an 8th grade art class and a 5th grade science class, where Melania encouraged students who were working on Van Gogh-inspired watercolor paintings of daffodils. In the science class, both of them spoke to students who were busy dissecting owl pellets wearing safety glasses and lab coats.

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Photo: REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

The pair took part in a listening session, which was open to the media. The queen asked the school's CEO about the curriculum during the session and did most of the talking.

The first lady said later in a written statement to the Associated press that education helps "shine a light on gender equality and empowerment of women." She said Excel Academy is an "exceptional example" of a school that's "preparing young women to succeed in a global community."

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"Hearing directly from teachers and the students who attend the school was an important step in the dialog needed to further my agenda as first lady of the United States," Melania said.

Queen Rania of Jordan has visited four U.S. first ladies since her husband took the throne in 1999. When the former first lady Michelle Obama left office, the queen praised her in one of her Instagram posts.

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BERLIN (AP)  Angela Merkel's spokesman says the German chancellor has talked with U.S. President Donald Trump, exchanging thoughts on the current situation in Afghanistan and in eastern Ukraine.

Steffen Seibert said in a statement Thursday that the two leaders had talked by phone Wednesday afternoon. He says Merkel emphasized her concerns about the implementation of the so-called Minsk agreement in the Ukraine conflict, and that the two agreed to remain in close contact.

No further details were released.
A Mexican man whose American wife voted for Donald Trump has been deported after decades living in the U.S.

Roberto Beristain, 43, who lived with his wife Helen and four American-born children in Mishawaka, Ind., had been in ICE custody since a routine check-in on February 6.

Watch: Father of 4 Faces Deportation to Mexico for Incident That Happened 17 Years Ago

After weeks spent in detention facilities across multiple states, attorneys for Beristain said in a statement Wednesday that their client was taken across the border to Juarez, Mexico, late Tuesday.

"The Beristain Family is distraught this morning as the U.S. government conducted a middle-of-the-night deportation," wrote the attorneys, who referred to the move by ICE officials as "highly unusual."

This, despite his wife's belief that Trump's immigration crack-down would only be on who he referred to on the campaign trail as "bad hombres."

"We don't want to have cartels here, you dont want to have drugs in your high schools, you don't want killers next to you," Helen Beristain told reporters. "You want to feel safe when you leave your house. I truly believe that. And, this is why I voted for Mr. Trump. [Trump] did say the good people would not be deported, the good people would be checked."

Beristain had been held at detention facilities in Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas. He argued that his removal order was legally improper, and had asked an immigration judge to rescind the removal order, and to order a stay of his removal.

However, he was deported before a judge could rule.

They suddenly told me it was time to go," Roberto said. "They told me to get my stuff, they put me in the back of a van, and sped toward the border. They took me to another facility while in transport to sign paperwork. I asked to speak with my attorney, but was told there wasnt time for that. At around 10:00 pm, I was dropped off at the Mexico-U.S. Border and walked into Mexico."

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Officials learned of Beristains status in 2000 when, while on vacation at Niagara Falls, he and his wife accidentally crossed the border into Canada.

The couple tried to come back into the U.S., but border patrol agents denied him entry and placed a deportation order on him.

He was able to post bail and was told to voluntarily leave the U.S. within a month, but Beristain stayed.

"He was very nervous, but he had to stay because my mother was pregnant with my sister," his daughter said.

For years, Beristain reported for his annual U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement check-in without issue, but in February, he was arrested and detained.

"They said your husband has been detained due to a deportation 16 years ago, Helen Beristain told WTIU-TV earlier this month. "And, I said, 'That's a joke.' And, they said, 'No, it's true.'"

Read: Mother of 2 Deported to Mexico as Family Continues to Fight for Her Safe Return

ICE officials said in a statement that when Beristain failed to depart the United States by that time as required, his voluntary departure order reverted to a final order of removal.

An ICE spokeswoman out of El Paso declined to address Beristain's attorneys' allegations of misconduct but confirmed he was "turned over to Mexican authorities."

Watch: Family of Convicted Felon Torn Apart After Mother is Deported to Mexico

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We've got some bad news, everyone. Michael Caine voted for Brexit.

Yeah, yeah, and that's not all.

In an interview with Sky News on Thursday, the legendary actor revealed a fair share of enlightening thoughts about politics that sparked some serious references to Caine's classic film, The Italian Job.

Lovely.

SEE ALSO: Ice age waterfalls caused the original 'Brexit,' scientists say

Despite the political chaos and controversy surrounding the UK's 2016 vote to leave the European Union, the 84-year-old actor explained he thinks everything will be all right in the end.

"I voted for Brexit," he admitted. Then he added, "I'd rather be a poor master than a rich servant."

As you could probably guess, Caine's latter comment sparked a slew of jokes on Twitter from fans of The Italian Job who related the statement to the film. Fans couldn't help but recall the famous scene when Caine's character found himself inside a bus teetering over a cliff, attempting to save a bag full of gold before disaster struck.

It's no surprise Michael Caine is pro-Brexit as he's already associated with a bus that takes everyone to the edge of a precipice. pic.twitter.com/tOk43AvEnY  David Schneider (@davidschneider) April 6, 2017

This is the selfish generation society



The selfish generation society.#michaelcaine #brexshit  Johnny Two Hats (@Johnny_Spacey) April 6, 2017

"You were only supposed to lie your bloody arse off"  Rick Burin (@rickburin) April 6, 2017

Sir Michael Caine does, indeed, sum up Brexit. pic.twitter.com/Lp3RSyRQLd  Nev Pierce (@nevpierce) April 6, 2017

Caine continued the interview by attempting to clarify the purpose of Brexit.

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"It wasn't about the racism, immigrants or anything, it was about freedom," he said. "Politics is always chaotic ... you're always going into areas you've never been before, so you're going to get lost and then you're going to find your way, and then it'll be alright."

Despite his explanations, some people couldn't help but be disappointed in Caine's vote.

Oh Michael Caine, you voted leave. I'm disappointed pic.twitter.com/Qvob4G11jS  Paul  (@Paulf1979) April 6, 2017

Michael Caine, if "freedom" is restricting a population to an island where getting out gets harder, what do you think restraints are? pic.twitter.com/U8AYeD1EP1  Yorkshire For Europe (@EuropeanYorks) April 6, 2017

Michael Caine.



Also Michael Caine. pic.twitter.com/0gm98c22kj  Ethan Spibey (@EthanLDN) April 6, 2017

Caine's vote wasn't the only topic featured in the Sky News interview. The actor also strayed from chatting about Brexit to discuss his new film, Going In Style, which is about yet another bank heist, and features Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin.

So yeah, that's pretty cool, but it doesn't take back his vote.

WATCH: Merriam-Webster throws shade at Ivanka Trump after she can't define the word 'complicit'
April 7, 2017: This story has been updated

The Panama Papers project published by the Center for Public Integritys International Consortium of Investigative Journalists has this week been honored in three prestigious journalism competitions, the latest in a series of awards for the landmark international collaboration.

Panama Papers won two prizes in the 2016 Investigative Reporters and Editors Awards: Innovation in Investigative Journalism  Large and the Gannett Award for Innovation in Watchdog Journalism. Judges said the international consortium showed exceptional ingenuity and skill by developing new tools and approaches that facilitated the unprecedented collaboration, and demonstrated a new model for journalistic cooperation to expose dealings of hundreds of thousands of entities.

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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Investigative Reporters & Editors, founded in 1975, is a nonprofit national organization dedicated to training and supporting journalists who pursue investigative stories.

Panama Papers also received the OBrien Fellowship Award for Impact in Public Service Journalism from the American Society of News Editors. Judges in that contest said the project was honored because of the breadth of its reporting, the strength of the partnership that yielded this effort and the global impact that resulted.

(Update, April 7, 2017, 9:47 a.m.: The White House Correspondents' Association recognized the project with an honorable mention in its annual journalism awards, as well.)

These latest prizes marked the sixth, seventh and eighth major American journalism awards for Panama Papers, which was published last spring. The international consortium was a project of the Center for Public Integrity when the Panama Papers series was published but has since spun off into a separate entity.

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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.
A decade ago, United Nations officials implored the pharmaceutical industry to expand access to medicines to low- and middle-income countries, and many companies have heeded the call. But a new analysis finds that evidence to evaluate and report the effectiveness of these initiatives is lacking.

First, the good news: The number of initiatives operated by 21 global drug makers increased to 102 in 2015 from just 17 in 2000. And of the 120 access to medicines programs that were identified, 48 percent donated pharmaceuticals and 44 percent relied on a strategy for reducing prices. Only 22 percent involved licensing to other companies.

Read the rest...
By Tom Gardner BERBERA, Somaliland (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The land along the road into Berbera is barren and empty. Somaliland's small, rusty Gulf of Aden port which for centuries made the town prosperous rises suddenly out of the ground as the road hits the coast. The crumbling town has languished for decades, but its fortunes look set to change following a multi-million dollar deal to revamp the port which has triggered a rush to buy land. Berbera, along the coast from Djibouti, has been a backwater since 1991 when Somaliland broke away from Somalia following a bloody civil war. The town's buildings, some dating back to the Ottoman era, stand neglected. Unemployment is rampant, exacerbated by a devastating drought that has decimated livestock, a backbone of the export economy. But last September Somaliland's government, which is not recognised internationally, signed its largest-ever investment deal which could allow Berbera to become a major trading hub for goods to and from the Horn of Africa. The development will be carried out by DP World, a multinational port operator from the United Arab Emirates, which has valued the project at more than $400 million. The deal was followed by another with the UAE, signed in March, for a military base a few kilometres down the road. Locals and investors believe Berbera is on the brink of an economic boom that will make the town wealthy once more. Adan Abokor, a researcher at the Rift Valley Institute in the capital Hargeisa, says the project has sparked a "land rush", as diaspora Somalilanders and wealthy businessmen from nearby regions flock to buy a piece of the town. Though the surrounding land appears deserted, brick foundations enclose recently demarcated plots from the airport to the coast. Freshly built walls sprout into the distance. "There has been more building in the last two years than in the whole period from 1991," said Jimale Abdulahi, a local government official. But not all residents are happy. LAND TENSIONS Land has long caused trouble throughout Somaliland, and is behind the majority of violent incidents recorded in towns and cities, the Hargeisa-based Academy for Peace and Development (APD) reported in 2010. Clan disputes have for years been drivers of conflict, aggravated by the destruction or loss of legal documentation during the civil war, leading to competing title claims. Despite the existence of a national land law since 2001, clan ownership is still seen as the dominant, if unofficial property ownership system throughout most of the country. In Berbera, the Ise Musa clan has dominated local politics since the late 1990s, and some fear the arrival of outsiders will threaten this. Sayeed "Sonny" Sayeed, a young resident, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that many in the town are suspicious of the port deal, suspecting the plans will alter Berbera's clan composition. "People from other regions want to take over," he said. "If they move here then new people will be born in this place, so that they can vote here." His friend, Ahmed Nazal, said returning members of the diaspora were welcome, but only if they originally hailed from the area. "If not, they should go and invest in their own regions," he said. Others who spoke to the Thomson Reuters Foundation disagreed, saying diaspora investment would be good for the town. "These lands were empty, no one was investing here," said Salelan Adel, a young unemployed man. "It will give locals the chance to finally develop the lands that we own." SIMMERING UNEASE The port deal has also highlighted other tensions, with the role of the local council targeted for particular criticism. Unlike many other major towns in Somaliland, Berbera's government controls swathes of land, including a 70-km (44 miles) "free zone" around the port. This undeveloped land had been reserved for use by the port, but has been hurriedly allocated to newcomers since the DP World deal was signed, according to locals and Hargeisa-based experts. "It is being sold off without clear procedures and guidelines," said Mohamed Farah, director of the APD think tank. Critics say most of this land has been allocated to those with government connections. "What we are seeing is land grabbing," said Ahmed Hussein Esse, president of Abaarso Tech University in Hargeisa. There is now almost no public land left in Somaliland, he added. Local official Abdulahi confirmed the council had been distributing public land, including parts of the "free zone", but said it had done so transparently. Last summer it allocated plots to more than 700 Somalilanders returning from abroad, in a special area to be turned into a European-style village, he said. However some worry that poorer residents will be driven out as the town gentrifies. The average price of a 12 by 12 metre plot has more than doubled since last year, reaching $100,000 in places along the coast. "The makeup of Berbera will definitely change," said Mohamed Aden Hassan, head of news channel StarTV. "It is already showing signs of becoming an increasingly exclusive club." Jama Musse Jama, head of the Red Sea Cultural Foundation in Hargeisa, said if poorer residents felt excluded from development "then for the first time the risk is of class rather than clan conflict". NEW LAND RULES The government has now embarked on the creation of a National Land Policy which aims to bring clarity to the country's overlapping systems of tenure, while clearing out corruption in local land administration. But for many Berbera residents, the most pressing concern is jobs. "DP World has brought order to the port, but it hasn't brought salaries," said Yusuf Heebed, a guard at the port since 1977. Last month workers demonstrated against wage cuts brought in by the new operator and 280 have been laid off. Young men like Adel and his friends are still hopeful that investment will bring employment, though they worry that foreigners might be given preference. "If the new deals do not bring the promised prosperity to Berbera, there will be real anger," said local journalist Mahmoud Hassan. (Reporting by Tom Gardner, Editing by Paola Totaro and Emma Batha. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
NASA is expected to preview the final months of the Cassini spacecraft Saturn mission during a news conference Tuesday at 3 p.m. EDT. Cassini has been traveling and exploring for two decades and has reached its final days.

The craft will spend the next five months sending data back to Earth on its final flyby of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, and dives it will complete between the planet and its rings. It will then burn up in Saturn's atmosphere in its final mission.

Read: NASA's Cassini Will Burn Up In Saturn's Atmosphere In 'Grand Finale': Images From Its Mission

The news conference will be held at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and the panelists involved are Jim Green, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, Earl Maize and Linda Spilker, Cassini project managers, and Joan Stupik, Cassini guidance and control engineer.

Watch the NASA Saturn news live stream below:

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NBC 10 and Telemundo 62 are putting their storied Bala Cynwyd broadcast studio on the market, clearing the way for fresh development at the site as they prepare to move into a new skyscraper being built for their parent, Comcast Corp., in Center City.

Real estate firm Binswanger Management Corp. is marketing the 5.12-acre property at 10 Monument Rd. off City Avenue, which has been the site of news and production studios since the early 1950s, for its redevelopment potential.

The site remains a gateway to western suburbs with all of those inherent benefits, but can be developed into an exciting multi-use project that can attract the millennial generation, Binswanger president and chief executive David R. Binswanger said in a release. It can truly accelerate the transformation in the area that has already begun.

The sites studio building  now a 97,600-square-foot structure  was completed in 1952 for then-CBS affiliate WCAU, which was moving from a smaller broadcast space at 1622 Chestnut St. in Center City, Paul Gluck, a media studies professor at Temple Universitys Klein College of Media and Communication , said in an interview.

Early broadcasts included the childrens program Pixanne, with singer-actress Jane Norman, and the circus show Big Top, where Ed McMahon  in clown makeup  got what may have been his first national exposure, said Gluck, who later worked in the studio as a WCAU news director.

Ten Monument Road has a unique history in the Philadelphia media market, Ric Harris, president and general manager of NBC 10 and Telemundo 62, said in Thursdays release. It will forever be etched in local broadcast-history books.

NBC assumed ownership of the studio in 1995, when it took over WCAU in a station swap with CBS. WCAU was branded NBC 10.

In 2014, Comcast, by then NBCs parent, said NBC 10 and Spanish-language affiliate Telemundo 62 would move to the 60-story Comcast Technology Center under development at 1800 Arch St. upon its completion in 2018.

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Gluck said that the Bala Cynwyd facility had likely grown outdated, and that space there was probably becoming tight with the addition of affiliates of new NBCUniversal networks such as Cozi TV, which airs classic sitcoms and dramas.

I can understand why its time to get out of there: Theres just no room at the inn, Gluck said. You never want to turn your back on history, but they need to build their future.

The move from Bala Cynwyd is the only known wholesale relocation planned by Comcast as a result of the new tower, said Lauren Gilchrist, Philadelphia research director at commercial services firm JLL.

Terry Foley, chief executive of the nonprofit City Avenue Special Services District, said in an interview that the departures present an opportunity for development at the site that takes advantage of recent zoning changes aimed at making the area more pedestrian-friendly, in part by allowing taller buildings there.

Foley said an office or residential building with ground-level shopping would be a good fit for the site.

Similar projects underway nearby include Keystone Property Groups work at 150 Monument Rd., where it is building apartments and a parking garage with first-floor retail beside an existing office building, and Post Bros. $100 million gut rehab of the Presidential City apartment complex across City Avenue in Philadelphia.

Its a great development site, Foley, whose group works to foster commercial development along the artery separating Philadelphia from Lower Merion, said of the broadcast-studio property. Were excited that its finally hitting the market.

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Nikki Haley (Photo: AP)

U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley received an icy reception at the Women in the World summit in New York City Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Haley had delivered a harsh critique of the Russian government and its support for Syrian President Bashar Assad at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council following this weeks deadly chemical attack on Syrian civilians. But at the kickoff of the annual feminist conference at Lincoln Center, Haley was the one under fire.

Following a panel discussion that featured two doctors whove been on the front lines of the Syrian civil war and have witnessed the Assad regimes attacks on hospitals, Haley expressed outrage over the heartbreaking situation in Syria and, once again, pointed the finger at Russia.

If they supposedly have so much clout in Syria, they need to do their job, Haley said of Vladimir Putins government, as a largely nonresponsive crowd began growing restless.

The panel was moderated by MSNBCs Greta Van Susteren, who elicited the nights biggest round of applause when she asked the ambassador why, despite his recent condemnations of Assad, President Trump has been largely silent concerning Russias role in Syria.

Keep in mind I work for the Trump administration, Haley said, as a wave of boos rippled softly through the audience.

I have hit Russia over the head more times than I can count, she continued, despite rumblings from the crowd. Because if they do something wrong, were gonna call them out on it.

Haley, who said that she had spoken to the president earlier in the day, insisted that Trump is concerned about Russia, an assertion that further incited the audience.

U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley shows pictures of Syrian victims of chemical attacks as she addresses a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Syria, April 5. (Photo: AP)

I have had conversations with the president where he very much sees Russia as a problem, she said, the hecklers growing progressively louder. I think if you look at his actions, you know, everybody wants to hear his words, but look at his actions. The two things that Russia doesnt want to see the U.S. do is strengthen our military and expand energy, and the president has done both of those.

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Asked about her approach to dealing with dictators in her new role, the former South Carolina governor said that her goal was to call them out when they do something wrong and to work with them when you can.

Get to the next panel! an audience member shouted in response.

It was not exactly a shock that a member of the Trump administration would receive a less-than-warm welcome from a room full of people whod paid to hear speakers like Hillary Clinton and Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards discuss feminism for three days, but Haley managed to carry on with the interview unfazed, telling Van Susteren that she has no regrets about taking on the U.N. job.

Everyone was waiting to see what the U.S. was going to do, she said. What we have to do is lead.

After Haley finished, Women in the World founder Tina Brown addressed the boisterous reception for Haley and commended the ambassador for showing up.

We often complain and sneer and say Republicans never want to come on any kind of forum except Fox News or places where they can be, you know, asked questions that are soft, Brown said, adding that Haley graciously remained calm amid the heckling. She didnt get agitated about it, and shes in the middle of a lot of world crises.

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Photo credit: Getty

From Esquire

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the waters off its east coast on Wednesday, South Korean officials said, in a continuation of its weapons launches made as the country is angrily reacting to annual military drills between U.S. and South Korean troops.

The missile fired from the North's eastern coastal town of Sinpo on Wednesday morning flew about 60 kilometers (37 miles), Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. It gave no further details like exactly what type of missile the North launched.

The 60 kilometers is a relatively short flight compared with the distances that other North Korean missiles flew. Two weeks ago, the South Korean and U.S. militaries said they detected what they called a failed North Korean ballistic missile launch. But earlier in March, North Korea fired four ballistic missiles that flew about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), with three of them landing in waters that Japan claims as its exclusive economic zone.

The firing was made as South Korean and U.S. troops were conducting their springtime drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. The allies say the drills set to run until the end of this month are defensive in nature.

North Korea often responds to the drills with its own military training and harsh rhetoric.

North Korea is pushing hard to upgrade its weapons systems to cope with what it calls U.S. hostility. Many weapons experts say the North could have a functioning nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the continental U.S. within a few years. North Korea carried out two nuclear tests last year.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  A bribery complaint against President Donald Trump and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi lacks enough evidence to move forward, a state prosecutor told the governor Thursday.

The complaint filed by a Massachusetts attorney stemmed from scrutiny last year over a $25,000 campaign contribution Bondi received from Trump in 2013. Bondi asked for the donation near the same time that her office was being asked about a New York investigation of alleged fraud at Trump University.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott handed the case to a southwest Florida prosecutor after another prosecutor said he could not investigate the case because Bondi used to work him.

A prosecutor working in State Attorney Stephen Russell's office concluded that there is no reasonable suspicion that Trump or Bondi broke Florida's bribery law.

Amira Fox, the chief assistant state attorney, said in a memo about the case that the complaint against Bondi was "insufficient on its face to conduct a criminal investigation" and was based almost entirely on media coverage.

"The majority of the complaint consists of insinuation without any material evidence in support," Fox wrote.

Fox added that although a campaign contribution could be viewed as a type of bribe, there was no evidence that Bondi asked for the money in exchange for any official act.

J. Whitfield Larrabee, who has filed numerous complaints against Bondi, questioned the scope of the investigation. He said there was no evidence in the memo that prosecutors spoke to any witnesses. Larrabee called Russell's decision to drop the case "a gutless move that was politically motivated."

Bondi, who endorsed Trump's bid for president right before the Florida Republican primary, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and defended her decision to accept the contribution. Recent frequent trips to Washington have stirred media speculation that she might wind up taking a job in the Trump administration.

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The 2013 check to a committee supporting Bondi's re-election campaign from the Donald J. Trump Foundation violated a federal prohibition against charities giving money to political groups. But the issue flared back to life last summer amid media coverage of Trump's presidential campaign and news that his foundation paid a $2,500 fine to the IRS over the donation. Whitfield filed his complaint last August.

Though both Trump University and the Florida-based Trump Institute had stopped offering classes by the time Bondi took office in 2011, more than 20 complaints had been filed by former students who claimed they were swindled.

A judge last week approved an agreement for the president to pay $25 million to settle lawsuits over Trump University, ending nearly seven years of legal battles with customers who claimed they were misled by failed promises to teach success in real estate.

The Associated Press reported last June that Bondi personally asked Trump for help for her 2014 re-election. She has said she turned to him because he was on a list of "friends and family" she sought money from when she first ramped up fundraising efforts.

Though Bondi has not given a precise date for her call with Trump, documents show the political action committee she was asking donors to support was created in early August 2013. Trump signed a check on Sept. 9 and it was received by Bondi's political committee on Sept. 17 of that year.

But by that time, emails show that top officials in her office  including her chief of staff  were being asked by reporters in Florida about a lawsuit against Trump University by the New York attorney general.

Bondi's office said at the time that it was "reviewing" the lawsuit, but it never took any other action. Bondi said her office receives tens of thousands of such complaints each year. Bondi said that she was unaware that her office had been asked about the New York lawsuit until a Florida columnist highlighted the case and the October 2013 donation from Trump.

She said she tried to return the $25,000 check to Trump this year when she found out that the money came from his foundation and not from his personal funds. But the Trump Foundation returned the money and told Bondi's accountant that Trump himself had reimbursed the money.

___

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Facing a firestorm of criticism that he is running political interference on behalf of the Trump administration, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R.-Calif.) said Thursday he is temporarily stepping back from leading the panels investigation of the Russian campaign to meddle in the U.S. election.

In a statement Thursday, Nunes said that he will hand over leadership of the probe to Rep. Mike Conaway (R.-Texas), with the aid of Reps. Trey Gowdy (R.-S.C.) and Tom Rooney (R-Fla.), while the chairman is investigated by the Office of Congressional Ethics.

Activist groups have filed complaints against Nunes for allegedly improperly disclosing classified information. Nunes called the charges entirely false and politically motivated and said they come just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power.

Nunes has claimed that American intelligence agencies improperly revealed the identities of Trump aides mentioned in foreign intelligence reports and that Trump lieutenants may have been improperly surveilled.

That information was reportedly supplied to Nunes by White House aides, raising questions about whether the California Republican has sufficient independence from the Trump administration  for which he served as a transition official  to run a credible investigation. The scope of that investigation includes an examination of whether Trump aides coordinated with the Kremlin in its campaign to boost the GOP real estate moguls electoral chances.

Those hoping to see a more independent investigation by the House panel may not be much assuaged by the elevation of Conway and Gowdy. During last months high-profile open hearing with FBI director James Comey, in which he revealed the agency had been investigating the Trump camps ties to Russia since last summer, Conway pressed Comey to explain why he thought the Kremlin was trying to boost Trump. He has also claimed that Hispanic artists who played at Hillary Clinton rallies during the campaign are the equivalent of Russias foreign interference in the election.

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And Gowdy was the driving force behind the two-and-a-half-year inquisition into the attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012 that sought to pillory the former secretary of state. After burning through millions of dollars of taxpayer money, the panel could find no evidence of wrongdoing on Clintons part.

In a statement, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif), the ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said he looked forward to working with Conaway to get the investigation fully back on track.

The important work of investigating the Russian involvement in our election never subsided, but we have a fresh opportunity to move forward in the unified and nonpartisan way that an investigation of this seriousness demands, Schiff said.

The House Intelligence Committee is running one of the two marquee congressional investigations of the Russian campaign  the other led by the Senate Intelligence Committee  but its efforts have become mired in partisan political differences. Republicans on the committee have tried to refocus the probe on leaks of classified information, and in recent days have pushed the probe toward examining what Nunes has described as the improper unmasking of the identities of Trump aides named in U.S. surveillance reports.

Republicans now appear to be focusing their investigation on the actions of former National Security Adviser Susan Rice, who reportedly requested the unmasking of U.S. persons mentioned in intelligence reports about the Russian meddling campaign.

In a Wednesday interview with the New York Times, President Trump claimed with no evidence that Rice had committed an unspecified crime by requesting the unmasking, a routine procedure intelligence officials use when the identity of a person is needed to evaluate the intelligence value of a report.
By Patricia Zengerle and Dustin Volz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican head of a congressional inquiry into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election said he would temporarily step aside from the probe on Thursday because he is under investigation for disclosing classified information. Devin Nunes, chairman of the House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and an ally of Republican President Donald Trump, characterized charges that he made unauthorized disclosures of classified information as "entirely false and politically motivated." "Several leftwing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics," he said in a statement. The surprise disclosure that Nunes was under investigation injected new uncertainty into the wider Russia probe by his committee. The investigation is one of several in Congress examining whether Russia tried to influence the election in Trumps favor, mostly by hacking Democratic operatives' emails and releasing embarrassing information, or possibly by colluding with Trump associates. Russia denies the allegations, which Trump also dismisses. The House Ethics Committee issued a statement saying it would investigate allegations Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information "in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct." Nunes said in a statement he had decided to step aside from the Russia investigation to fight the allegations and wanted "to expedite the dismissal of these false claims." He remains committee chairman. Representative Mike Conaway, the second-ranked Republican on the intelligence committee, will now lead the probe. While he was a strong Trump supporter last year, the seven-term congressman was not a member of Trump's transition team, unlike Nunes. The intelligence panel's top Democrat, Representative Adam Schiff, said Nunes' decision to step aside was made in "the best interests of the committee, and I respect that decision." Schiff had called on Nunes to recuse himself. Conaway, who is also chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and a former House Ethics chairman, is respected as an administrator and investigator. "I have great admiration and respect for Mr. Conaway and look forward to continuing to work on that together," Schiff told reporters. Democrats, and some Republicans, had said the House panel risked losing all credibility after Nunes received information at the White House that information about Trump aides had been swept up in routine surveillance, held a news conference and briefed Trump on it - all before sharing it with other members of his committee. Lawmakers said Nunes' decision was welcome. "We need to move on. We need to have an independent, credible investigation that makes progress," Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democratic committee member, said in an interview. Trump praised Nunes as "honorable," calling both him and Conaway "high-quality" people in comments to reporters traveling to Florida on Air Force One. 'THE HOUSE IS ON TRIAL' The ethics investigation stems from whether Nunes disclosed classified information while publicly discussing the contents of foreign intelligence reports. Jane Harman, a former top House Intelligence Democrat who is now president of the Wilson Center think tank, said she hoped the committee could "overcome the paralysis" gripping the investigation. "Most people recognize that the House as an institution needs to do serious oversight here and that the House is on trial," she said. House Republican leaders, including Speaker Paul Ryan, praised Nunes. "He's just making sure that as he works through this other (ethics) process and makes sure that people understand he didnt do anything wrong. He's fully cooperating, and I believe he will be cleared," Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who leads the House Republican Conference, told reporters. "But until that happens, it protects the integrity of the Russia investigation," she said. Trump sparked a controversy in March when he tweeted, without giving evidence, that Obama had wiretapped him as he competed with Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016. Two and a half weeks later, Nunes held the news conference saying an unidentified source had shown him intelligence reports containing "unmasked" names of Trump associates incidentally caught up in routine foreign surveillance. Immediately afterward, critics said he had disclosed classified information in what many saw as an effort to provide cover to Trump's wiretapping claim and distract from the wider Russia investigation, a day after FBI Director James Comey confirmed at a hearing that his agency was investigating the matter. Nunes said surveillance of Trump associates appeared legal but expressed concern that Americans' names may have been improperly revealed. That allegation kicked off an evolving, unsubstantiated controversy about whether the Obama White House spied on the incoming Trump administration. U.S. foreign intelligence activities are classified, but the president can authorize the release of information about them. It is not clear whether Trump authorized Nunes to discuss the foreign surveillance. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, David Morgan, Steve Holland, Amanda Becker, Susan Heavey, David Alexander and Mark Hosenball; Writing by Arshad Mohammed and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Alistair Bell and Jonathan Oatis)
By Patricia Zengerle and Dustin Volz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican head of a congressional inquiry into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election said he would temporarily step aside from the probe on Thursday because he is under investigation for disclosing classified information. Devin Nunes, chairman of the House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and an ally of Republican President Donald Trump, characterized charges that he made unauthorised disclosures of classified information as "entirely false and politically motivated." "Several leftwing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics," he said in a statement. The surprise disclosure that Nunes was under investigation injected new uncertainty into the wider Russia probe by his committee. The investigation is one of several in Congress examining whether Russia tried to influence the election in Trumps favour, mostly by hacking Democratic operatives' emails and releasing embarrassing information, or possibly by colluding with Trump associates. Russia denies the allegations, which Trump also dismisses. The House Ethics Committee issued a statement saying it would investigate allegations Nunes may have made unauthorised disclosures of classified information "in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct." Nunes said in a statement he had decided to step aside from the Russia investigation to fight the allegations and wanted "to expedite the dismissal of these false claims." He remains committee chairman. Representative Mike Conaway, the second-ranked Republican on the intelligence committee, will now lead the probe. While he was a strong Trump supporter last year, the seven-term congressman was not a member of Trump's transition team, unlike Nunes. The intelligence panel's top Democrat, Representative Adam Schiff, said Nunes' decision to step aside was made in "the best interests of the committee, and I respect that decision." Schiff had called on Nunes to recuse himself. Conaway, who is also chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and a former House Ethics chairman, is respected as an administrator and investigator. "I have great admiration and respect for Mr. Conaway and look forward to continuing to work on that together," Schiff told reporters. Democrats, and some Republicans, had said the House panel risked losing all credibility after Nunes received information at the White House that information about Trump aides had been swept up in routine surveillance, held a news conference and briefed Trump on it - all before sharing it with other members of his committee. Lawmakers said Nunes' decision was welcome. "We need to move on. We need to have an independent, credible investigation that makes progress," Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democratic committee member, said in an interview. Trump praised Nunes as "honourable," calling both him and Conaway "high-quality" people in comments to reporters travelling to Florida on Air Force One. 'THE HOUSE IS ON TRIAL' The ethics investigation stems from whether Nunes disclosed classified information while publicly discussing the contents of foreign intelligence reports. Jane Harman, a former top House Intelligence Democrat who is now president of the Wilson Centre think tank, said she hoped the committee could "overcome the paralysis" gripping the investigation. "Most people recognise that the House as an institution needs to do serious oversight here and that the House is on trial," she said. House Republican leaders, including Speaker Paul Ryan, praised Nunes. "He's just making sure that as he works through this other (ethics) process and makes sure that people understand he didnt do anything wrong. He's fully cooperating, and I believe he will be cleared," Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who leads the House Republican Conference, told reporters. "But until that happens, it protects the integrity of the Russia investigation," she said. Trump sparked a controversy in March when he tweeted, without giving evidence, that Obama had wiretapped him as he competed with Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016. Two and a half weeks later, Nunes held the news conference saying an unidentified source had shown him intelligence reports containing "unmasked" names of Trump associates incidentally caught up in routine foreign surveillance. Immediately afterward, critics said he had disclosed classified information in what many saw as an effort to provide cover to Trump's wiretapping claim and distract from the wider Russia investigation, a day after FBI Director James Comey confirmed at a hearing that his agency was investigating the matter. Nunes said surveillance of Trump associates appeared legal but expressed concern that Americans' names may have been improperly revealed. That allegation kicked off an evolving, unsubstantiated controversy about whether the Obama White House spied on the incoming Trump administration. U.S. foreign intelligence activities are classified, but the president can authorise the release of information about them. It is not clear whether Trump authorized Nunes to discuss the foreign surveillance. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, David Morgan, Steve Holland, Amanda Becker, Susan Heavey, David Alexander and Mark Hosenball; Writing by Arshad Mohammed and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Alistair Bell and Jonathan Oatis)
A New Zealand school finally apologised Thursday a year after a near-fatal mishap in which the throats of two pupils were sliced open during a production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street".

The accident occurred last April when two 16-year-old boys were injured while performing in the musical about a murderous barber who slits his victims' throats.

"During the production, there was a scene in which two characters were being shaved by Sweeney Todd," employment safety watchdog WorkSafe said late Wednesday.

"After being shaved there was a simulation of these characters having their throats cut."

But the blood-curling scene became all-too real when the razor wielded by Sweeney Todd cut the teens' throats and they were rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Auckland's exclusive Saint Kentigern College said at the time that a prop -- a genuine straight razor with its edge covered by tape -- malfunctioned during the performance.

WorkSafe found the school was at fault but decided against prosecuting it, describing the circumstances as "specific and narrow".

Instead it ordered the school to apologise and make amends to the affected pupils, including an unspecified payment.

It listed the victims as both injured pupils and the teen playing Sweeney Todd, whose performance as a homicidal maniac went to a new level when he almost killed his two classmates.

The regulator said all three pupils may suffer ongoing psychological and emotional trauma.

St Kentigern's issued a statement Thursday saying it was sorry for the mishap and the harm to the families involved.

It also apologised for initially playing down the seriousness of the incident when it became public.

"The injuries were not minor. The injuries were significant and life threatening," it said.

The Stephen Sondheim musical "Sweeney Todd" is the story of a revenge-crazed London barber whose victims are killed then cooked into meat pies.

Saint Kentigern's did not stage a repeat performance this year.

According to the school's Facebook page it instead opted for "Les Miserables", which has a significantly lower body count.
By Andy Thibault

HARTFORD, Conn. (Reuters) - An 81-year-old accused mobster who prosecutors believe may hold some of the last remaining clues needed to solve the largest art heist in U.S. history pleaded guilty on Thursday to illegally selling guns, but did not say a word about the missing art.

Robert Gentile admitted to illegally selling a loaded firearm to a convicted killer, the result of what his lawyer calls a Federal Bureau of Investigation sting operation aimed at pressuring him into providing details on paintings stolen from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in March 1990.

The accused mobster, who appeared in Hartford federal court in a wheelchair, wearing an untucked T-shirt and rolled-up khaki pants, made his plea after U.S. District Judge Robert Chatigny first held a hearing to determine if he was competent.

"It's good, it's good. I know what's happening," Gentile told the judge. He also bemoaned the two years he has spent in custody since his 2015 arrest, telling prosecutor John Durham: "You should feel sorry for me and my wife."

Gentile has repeatedly denied knowing the whereabouts of any of the art valued at an estimated $500 million taken in one of the longest unsolved high-profile crimes in Boston and did not address the matter during the hearing.

But during a polygraph test performed as part of the Gardner investigation, Gentile had an intense reaction when he was shown images of the missing paintings, while he remained calm when shown unrelated artwork, according to a law enforcement source briefed on the test.

Gentile's attorney, Ryan McGuigan, disputed the validity of the test. An FBI spokesman in Connecticut did not respond to a request for comment.

He is due to be sentenced on Aug. 25, and could face up to almost six years in prison, though McGuigan said he was looking for half that.

The Gardner heist was carried out by two men dressed in police uniforms who apparently overpowered a night security guard who had buzzed them in. None of the 13 stolen artworks, which include Rembrandt's "Storm on the Sea of Galilee," and Vermeer's "The Concert," has been recovered.

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At a 2015 hearing, prosecutors said Gentile was secretly recorded telling an undercover FBI agent he had access to at least two of the paintings and could sell them for $500,000 each.

A 2012 search by the FBI of Gentile's home turned up a handwritten list of the stolen art, its estimated value and police uniforms, according to court documents.

(Writing by Scott Malone; editing by Tom Brown, G Crosse)
CINCINNATI (AP)  A man has been indicted on two murder charges and dozens of other counts in a nightclub gunbattle that developed from a "feud over nothing," a prosecutor said Thursday.

Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters said the indictment charges Cornell Beckley with murder in the March 26 shootings of O'Bryan Spikes and Deondre Davis. Fifteen other people were injured. Beckley also was indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter, inducing panic, weapons offenses and felonious assault.

Davis also was charged in Spikes' slaying, but those charges were dismissed after Davis died on Tuesday. Deters said Davis would have faced a similar indictment if he had survived. Davis' family denies he was involved.

Beckley's attorney, Clyde Bennett II, said Beckley denies the allegations against him.

"You have no video, and you have no ballistics indicating that Mr. Beckley fired a shot at anyone," Bennett said.

Bennett said he gave no credence to "purported" eyewitness accounts from people at a club where patrons were partying and drinking liquor.

"I also have witnesses who will say they saw individuals firing shots, and Mr. Beckley was not one of them," Bennett said.

The dispute, which Deters said was apparently between two groups from two neighborhoods in Cincinnati, escalated into violence while about 200 people were in the Cameo club east of downtown. The club has since closed.

A group from one neighborhood apparently had left a friend's funeral, Deters said. The group was upset that people from the other neighborhood were there, and some people started "aiming their fingers at each other like they've got a fake gun in their hand," he said.

That's when, Deters said, witnesses report Beckley got up on a riser and "started shooting his gun."

Beckley is accused of firing four rounds at club patrons, and Davis had been charged with firing numerous times after Beckley began shooting, Deters said.

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"People died because of a feud over nothing," the prosecutor said.

There was no evidence that Spikes fired a gun or was targeted in the shooting, Deters said.

Authorities found a third gun and were investigating to determine who fired it. The prosecutor said there might have been other shooters who used guns that don't leave shell casings.

The prosecutor said it doesn't matter whose bullet killed Spikes because anyone shooting that night at the club would be charged with murder.

"Once they went in there with guns and started shooting, if someone dies in the course of that event, that is felony murder," he said.

Beckley could face up to 230 years in prison if convicted.
The European Peoples Party (EPP) is a transnational European party. It is the party most represented in the European Commission. And, at present, it is waging a fight amongst itself.

Why? Because, on Tuesday, Hungarys parliament approved a law that would effectively shut down Central European University (CEU), or at least force it out of Budapest (CEU was founded by George Soros, who is something of a bogeyman for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban). The move was criticized by Hungarian institutions and individuals as well as politicians and academics around the world. But the Hungarian government is standing its (arguably illiberal) ground.

The problem here is that the Hungarian ruling party is Fidesz. Fidesz is a member of the European Peoples Party. Which means that the European Peoples Party is finding it  how to put this?  difficult to react forcefully to what many are calling a crackdown on academic freedom.

In an email to their EPP brethren on Wednesday, Hungarian party members wrote, As in the world of George Orwells Animal Farm, there are the equals and there are some more equals (sic) than others. Some non-Hungarian EPPs responded by questioning why Fidesz was even in their party.

EPP chairman Manfred Weber, who acknowledged on Twitter that academic freedom is essential for our European identity, is asking the European Commission to deal with Hungarys law, which some might say is an attempt to kick the issue to the commission. Per a Politico Europe report, one EPP member of parliament, Frank Engel, responded to the Hungarian email (and the Hungarians general outrage at the Europeans unsupportive reaction to their new legislation), by writing, Why dont you leave both the EPP and the EU on your own terms?  Youre practically and factually out anyway. So go. Please go.

But thats just the point. Despite pressure from other members of the European Commission and some in their own party, Fidesz isnt out of the EPP, and Hungary is still in the EU (and Poland would likely block any definitive action the EU tried to take against Hungary, just as Hungary said it would do for Poland). And a strongly worded email is not the same thing as decisive political action. Neither, for that matter, is a tweet from Weber saying the EPP will defend academic freedom at any cost.

The EPP email back and forth is not the problem. Its a symptom of the problem facing European institutions, which is that they want to stand united for certain stated values while actions that they either cant or wont stop are taken by their own members to undermine them.

Photo credit: GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images
ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Coast Guard and humanitarian ships rescued 1,350 migrants in 12 separate operations in the Mediterranean on Thursday and one person was found dead. The migrants were all found in an area some 25 km (16 miles) north of the Libyan coast, They traveling on a larger boat, five dinghies and 6 smaller vessels, a Coast Guard spokesperson told Reuters. The body of a dead person was found on one of the dinghies, a statement said. Search and rescue operations were carried out by the Coast Guard and two boats operated by NGOs Sea Watch and Proactiva Open Arms, it added. The Coast Guard spokesman said operations were still being carried out and there were still no details regarding where the migrants would be sent. Italy has become the main arrival point in Europe for people fleeing persecution and poverty in Africa, most of them crossing the Mediterranean from Libya. Overall, 181,000 migrants reached Italy in 2016, about half of the total who arrived in the European Union by sea. (Reporting by Giulia Segreti Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
The Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain could be set to direct Tom Hardy in this post-9/11 drama about the fate of a hate-crime attacker facing execution. Kathryn Bigelow, who was initially signed up to direct the movie, will stay on the project as a producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In May 2014, Kathryn Bigelow was announced as director of "The True American," based on a book by Anand Giridharadas released a few weeks earlier. Three years later, the project is reportedly changing hands, with Pablo Larrain possibly taking over as director.

Larrain -- known for biopics "Neruda" and "Jackie" -- could reportedly take the helm of this upcoming movie about the fate of Mark Stroman. After supposedly losing a half-sister in the 9/11 attacks on New York, the Texan and white supremacist set out on a personal revenge campaign a few days later by attacking Middle-Eastern immigrants. After killing a Pakistani, an Indian and injuring a Bangladeshi in the eye, Mark Stroman was sentenced to the death penalty. Despite the best efforts of his victim Rais Bhuiyan, a Muslim immigrant and Bangladesh Air Force veteran who fought to have his attacker's sentence changed to life in prison, Mark Stroman was executed on July 20, 2011.

Tom Hardy -- linked to the project since it was first announced in 2104 -- is apparently still lined up for the role of the murderer and self-proclaimed "American terrorist." This would be his first movie with Pablo Larrain, whose "Jackie" biopic saw Natalie Portman nominated for an Oscar back in February for her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy.

Reportedly switching to the role of producer, Kathryn Bigelow -- the only female winner of the Best Director Oscar -- is currently tied up with her movie about the 1967 Detroit riot. John Boyega, John Krasinski and Anthony Mackie star in the film, up for US release August 4.
Asuncion (AFP) - Paraguay will face the threat of fresh unrest Monday as rival demonstrators march for and against President Horacio Cartes's controversial bid to allow himself re-election, which triggered deadly riots last week.

A political crisis has erupted in the South American country over plans to amend the constitution to allow re-election -- a taboo since the 35-year dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner ended in 1989.

The 1992 constitution underpinning Paraguay's young democracy limits presidents to a single five-year term.

However, Cartes, a conservative, wants to run for a second term next year. The plan has the backing of his leftist rival Fernando Lugo, who was president from 2008 to 2012 and also wants to run again.

But the reform is bitterly opposed by the main opposition Liberal Party.

Opposition activists stormed Congress Friday as lawmakers prepared to push the bill through the lower house, ransacking lawmakers' offices and starting fires.

Police shot dead one opposition activist in a raid during the riots.

That triggered calls for crisis talks, backed by Pope Francis.

But the negotiations broke down when the Liberal Party boycotted them.

Cartes's backers in Congress responded on Thursday by boycotting a Senate session, preventing it from reaching a quorum and grinding the chamber to a halt.

They called for demonstrations on Monday -- the same day the opposition plans protests of its own.

The rival demos will come a day before Congress holds an extraordinary session to decide the fate of the re-election reform.
Washington (AFP) - The Pentagon is presenting a range of possible military options the United States could take in response to the suspected chemical attack in Syria, a US official said Thursday.

Options include strikes to ground the Syrian air force, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis is presenting the options to President Donald Trump and administration officials in response to White House requests, the official added.

Mattis had been communicating extensively with Trump's National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, the official said, stressing that no decisions had been taken.

Trump on Wednesday warned that Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime had crossed a line with its latest alleged chemical attack.

He called the strike that killed at least 86 an "affront to humanity" and suggested some sort of US response.

The Pentagon has long maintained a variety of military options for Syria, and the United States has been striking jihadist targets in the north since late 2014.

But any US military action targeting the Assad regime would mark a fundamental shift in Syria's brutal six-year conflict.

Russia has been propping up Assad since late 2015, and any action to ground his air force could be subject to skirting Russian air defenses and would carry the risk of inadvertently hitting Russian personnel.

But the drumbeat for military action has picked up in Washington.

Senior Republican senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain said Assad was trying to test the Trump administration and that America must take swift action.

"Assad has crossed a line with his latest use of chemical weapons. The message from the United States must be that this will not stand," the pair said in a statement.

"We must show that no foreign power can or will protect Assad now. He must pay a punitive cost for this horrific attack."
(MCALLEN, TEXAS) - Just five people were eating dinner on a recent weeknight at a Texas church that is a stopping point for newly arrived immigrants on the U.S.-Mexico border. On a typical night last year, hundreds of immigrants might come through the church.

Immigrants who are still coming say many people in their home countries are staying home amid fears about President Donald Trumps immigration rhetoric, putting off coming to the U.S. until they see how his policies play out.

There are mothers who heard that Trump might change the law to remove parents and keep the children here, said Jose Gonzalez, a 29-year-old father of two from El Salvador. That stopped a lot of people.

The first months of the new administration have seen a huge drop in the number of people being caught by agents on the U.S.-Mexico border, raising the possibility that a Trump effect is keeping migrants away.

Fewer than 12,500 people were caught at the southern border in March, the lowest monthly figure in at least 17 years and the second straight month that border arrests dropped sharply. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, in testimony submitted to a Senate committee, called the decline no accident and credited Trump. The White House issued a statement Wednesday saying Trumps commitment to securing our border and supporting law enforcement is already showing results.

But those working in shelters and experts on migration say it will take several more months to judge whether any drop-off is lasting, and that the numbers could surge again as quickly as theyve fallen.

Trumps vows to step up deportations and build his signature border wall were widely spread in Central America, according to three migrants who recently arrived in Texas and spoke to the Associated Press. Kelly also announced last month that authorities might start separating adults and children crossing the border, to deter families from trying to enter the U.S.

For years, tens of thousands of migrants every month would cross the United States southern border. Traffic has surged in recent years of people crossing into Texas from three Central American countries torn by gang violence and poverty: El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

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Former President Barack Obamas administration also publicized deportations and tried to dissuade Central Americans from heading north, particularly during the 2014 surge of families and children traveling alone to cross the border. Officials took credit when border arrests fell during his tenure, only to see the numbers rise again.

Some think the real Trump effect was pushing fearful people to move up their journeys and get to the U.S. before he took office. Border arrests in October, November and December increased by about a third compared to the same period in 2015, before falling this year.

The election and the possibility that the wall, everything was going to happen, encouraged them to come now, said Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, which operates the shelter at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen.

Trump focused on the constant flow of migrants from the start of his campaign, when he denounced border crossers as criminals and rapists, and repeatedly promised to build a wall and step up deportations. His administration has started taking bids to build a wall and requested funding for more immigration judges and Border Patrol agents.

Most agree Trumps statements affected migrant traffic. Four shelters along the Texas portion of the border, where most crossers enter the United States, say theyve seen their numbers fall to a fraction of what they were seeing late last year. And La 72, a shelter near the Mexico-Guatemala border, saw its numbers in February and March fall by nearly half compared to the same months in 2016, suggesting that fewer people are leaving Central America.

Traffickers that operate in cartel-dominated parts of Mexico, known as coyotes, were rumored to use the American election as a marketing tool. Rumors spread that if Democrat Hillary Clinton won, would-be migrants were told to make it to the U.S. ahead of the election to get a free pass to stay in the country. And if Trump won, they should rush north before he could build a border wall.

Higher demand allowed the smugglers to charge more to get to the U.S. last year, according to Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a professor at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

Experts say they want to see if migrant numbers stay low during the summer months, when migration generally rises. Those who have long worked with migrants predict that as long as parts of Central America remain in turmoil, people will try to head north - whether or not the U.S. builds a wall or separates immigrant parents and children.

If things get worse in their countries, and the situation with gangs does not get better, we will see them come, Pimentel said.

Gonzalez said he left El Salvador because he feared the gangs and the constant threat of being robbed or attacked. Relatives in the United States lent him $15,000 to hire a smuggler for him and his children, ages 10 and 8. They rode in buses and a trailer through Mexico before safely sneaking across the Rio Grande in a month-long journey.

Sitting at Sacred Heart last month, Gonzalez and his children finished bowls of soup and waited for a bus to take them west toward relatives in California.

He hoped that if even if he was deported, his children would be allowed to stay and go to school, while he tried to come back.

Youre conscious of taking that risk coming here, Gonzalez said. But its a risk you take to make things better for your family.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? We are doing just fine, thank you, despite a spot of rain descending on the Pharmalot campus. After all, as the Morning Mayor taught us, Every brand new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift. So while you tug on the ribbon, please join us for a cup of stimulation. As always, here are some tidbits. Hope you conquer the world and please do keep in touch 

So how did Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who has been nominated to head the Food and Drug Administration, do during his Senate testimony? By most accounts, he parried questions deftly and looks to win the job, especially since he appears to be a more mainstream choice compared to some other names that were floated. But brand-name drug makers likely noted some warning signs as he indicated he favors steps to speed approvals of generics and biosimilars.

Allergan will move Botox into Phase 3 testing for treating depression even though a mid-stage study just missed showing significant improvement in combating the illness, Reuters says. The study found results were close to what was seen with more traditional antidepressants. But Jeffrey Lieberman, the psychiatry chair at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, tells Forbes, the results as they stand are not convincing at all.

After 23 years at Sanofi, and six years running the Genzyme unit, David Meeker will leave the drug maker in June and be replaced by Bill Sibold, who currently runs the global multiple sclerosis, oncology, and immunology unit at Genzyme. During his tenure, Meeker oversaw the ups and downs of two MS drugs  Aubagio and Lemtrada  that now account for a significant part of Sanofi revenue.

More drug makers are pulling their ads from the The OReilly Factor, the embattled Fox News program. The list now includes Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer, and Sanofi, which took the step after a $13 million settlement was reached with five women in exchange for dropping sexual harassment lawsuits against the host, Bill OReilly. Glaxo pulled its ads as soon as its new chief executive, Emma Walmsley, the first female CEO of a large drug maker, started work this week.

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The European Medicines Agency is preparing to relocate from London, now that the UK has triggered the process of leaving the European Union, Reuters informs us. And EMA executive director Guido Rossi wants a decision on a new home as fast as possible because uprooting the 900-person staff could disrupt the agencys work, unless the move is done very carefully.

India may shift two departments  the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority and the Department of Pharmaceuticals  to the health ministry, the Economic Times reports. The move is being considered in response to demands from industry and health advocacy groups that want one ministry to take responsibility for all health-related issues. The proposed structure may end up curbing some of the powers of the NPPA.

Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie have successfully added multiple new indications to the Imbruvica blood cancer medication, and are now seeking approval for treating diseases other than cancer, PMLive tells us. The companies submitted an application to the FDA seeking approval as a second-line treatment for graft-versus-host disease, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of stem cell or bone marrow transplant procedures.

Drug makers are increasingly looking to provide more services beyond the pill, Medical Marketing & Media tells us. The companies are using technology to shift marketing away from one-way messaging and simple reminders and hope these kinds of programs, which often come in the form of apps or connected devices, can help patients stay on their treatment regimen and ultimately improve health outcomes.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals stock is below $10 a share again, Bloomberg News reports. The shares fell as much as 6.4 percent to $9.52 on Wednesday, which was its lowest intraday trading level since 2009, after the Australian Business Review reported the drug maker is struggling to sell a distribution unit for as much as it sought. This is only the latest sign that Valeant is having trouble divesting some of its businesses.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte ordered his military to deploy troops to uninhabited islands in the disputed South China Sea in a significant policy shift widely seen as a challenge to China.

It looks like everyone is making a grab for the islands there. So we better live on those that are still unoccupied. Whats ours now, we claim it and make a strong point from there, Duterte said. He took it a step further, pledging to personally raise his countrys flag on the Pag-Asa Island in the Spratly Islands archipelago on Philippines Independence Day, June 12.

The unoccupied, which are ours, lets live on it, Duterte said, exuding his cavalier fashion thats won him international notoriety. He gave his surprise announcement during a visit to a Philippines military base on Palawan.

Dutertes remarks, if followed through, could lead to escalation in the region, though China has already opened the door to the militarization of the normally-uninhabited features with the construction of airfields, hangars, and air defense systems on islands that it claims. Moreover, Manilas abrupt decision  just months after it ditched Washington and moved closer to Beijing  complicates an already tricky situation for the United States, which has sought to dissuade China from grabbing more land in the region but which does not want to spark a conflict. The Philippines is a longtime U.S. military ally.

China, in contravention of international law and a 2016 ruling from an international tribunal, lays claim to a huge chunk of the South China Sea, including plenty of the islets and atolls, man-made and otherwise. Several countries have conflicting claims over islands in the region, which is one of the worlds busiest commercial thoroughfares. The disputes have stoked years of geopolitical tensions between Beijing and its neighbors, many of whom are backed by the United States.

Last October, Duterte pledged to cut military and economic ties with the United States in favor of China, undermining Washingtons footing in the strategic region.

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I have separated from them so I will be dependent on you [China] for a long time but dont worry we will also help, he said in a rambling, expletive-filled 40-minute speech announcing the policy shift. He poured salt into the wound of the ailing U.S.-Philippines relationship, saying hed also seek a new friendship with Russia. I realign myself in your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, Duterte said. There are three of us against the world. China, Philippines, Russia.

The apparent 180 shift in policy in Manila came hours before a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida, prompting experts to question whether Duterte was clumsily attempting to play off Beijing and Washington against each other. Though the South China Sea disputes are not expected to play a big part in the Xi-Trump summit, U.S. officials said they will be on the agenda. Previously, the Trump administration had threatened China with a very tough line on its maritime expansion.

China and others in the neighborhood have developed some unorthodox ways to stake out their claims in the rough and tumble South China Sea. Beijing is building its own islands, much to the consternation of the United States, and then fortifying them with military installations, as well as ringing them with government-subsidized fishing craft as pickets. Indonesia is at loggerheads with Beijing over water around Indonesian-controlled Natuna islands, and Taiwan built military facilities on the disputed Taiping Island, drawing Beijings ire. The Philippines opted for an even cheaper, if odder, route, ramming one of its aging World War II-era transport ships into one shoal to claim the spot of land as its own. It constantly rotates crews through to the ship to maintain its claim.

In all, the Philippines claims nine of some 50 reefs and islands in the Spratly Islands, an archipelago at the eye of the geopolitical storm in the South China Sea. China, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam all have competing claims in the region.

Photo credit: TED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the country's military to build structures in the islands in South China Sea. The president said Thursday that he plans to visit the disputed region and raise the Philippine flag.

"We have to maintain our jurisdiction over South China Sea," Duterte told reporters in Palawan, according to the ABS-CBN network. "I have ordered the Armed Forces to occupy all" the islands claimed by the Philippines and raise the country's flag on them.

Duterte will be visiting the island of Thitu on the country's Independence Day in June. The Thitu island is located close to the Subi Reef, which is one of the seven manmade islands in the Spratlys that China is accused of militarizing with surface-to-air missiles.

Read: Are China And Japan At War Over The South China Sea?

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which over $5 trillion of maritime trade passes annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan also have conflicting claims to the waters. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, it is estimated that 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas sit below the surface of the South China Sea.

China has been accused of accelerating its military developments with military aircraft and ships near the disputed islands. Beijing's island building and military prowess have been slammed by several Southeast Asian countries and the West. China has also built runways and ports on some islands in the region, claiming it adds to the safety of the region.

Last month, tensions between China and the Philippines escalated after the latter accused Beijing of sending survey ships into its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Chinese ships were found in recent months near its coast and a warship was spotted 70 miles off its western coast in the South China Sea, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last month. However, China dismissed the claims saying the Chinese vessels had the right to freedom of navigation in the waters.

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Pierce Brosnan has admitted that cancer changed his perspective in life. After losing two loved ones to cancer, the James Bond star has lost his optimism amd developed a more cynical view of life.

In a new interview, the 63-year-old actor talked about how some devastating events in his life changed him. I dont look at the cup as half full, believe me, Brosnan told Esquire. The dark, melancholy Irish black dog sits beside me from time to time.

Brosnan married Cassandra Harris in 1980, and the couple had been together for over a decade until she died in 1991 due to ovarian cancer. The actor and his late wife had a son, actor Sean Brosnan, now 33. The Golden Eye star also adopted his late wifes children, Charlotte and Christopher, who are now both 44. Unfortunately, in 2013, Charlotte also died of ovarian cancer.

READ: Pierce Brosnan denies rumors about Deadpool 2 casting

Brosnan remarried in 2001, tying the knot with Keely Shaye Smith. The Die Another Day actor and Smith have two sons: Dylan, 20, and Paris, 16.

Brosnan has learned to channel his grief into art and is currently enjoying a leisurely life. He spends most of his time painting and appreciates the downtime. My days are full in a leisurely sort of way, he said. This morning I worked out, read The New York Times, enjoyed watching my wife in the editing room, then came to meet you.

Brosnan had an unconventional upbringing. His Irish father left him and his mom shortly after he was born. His mother later left him as well because of work, so Brosnan grew up with relatives. In 1984, he met his father for the first time when he was filming Remington Steele in Ireland.

According to the actor, his fatherly instincts were purely his own because there was no one who taught him this growing up. Although his dad abandoned him, the actor still wanted to get to know his father.

Meanwhile, Brosnan will headline AMCs upcoming series, The Son, which Deadline considers as a nice ride in the networks western tradition. Aside from the TV series, Brosnan was rumored to be joining Deadpool 2. However, the actor cleared this up and denied that he was approached by producers to play Cable in the film. Not true. Nothing has come my way yet, Brosnan told Jimmy Kimmel. Its completely made up.

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Do you want Brosnan to join Deadpool 2 as Cable? Drop a comment below.

Pierce Brosnan

Photo: Reuters/Danny Moloshok

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Earlier this week, Senate Democrats announced that they have enough votes to sustain a filibuster of the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. It is widely expected that Senate Republicans will amend Senate rules to allow a simple majority to end the filibuster.

Is the filibuster an integral part of the Senates role and character? Or is it an impediment to a functional legislature?

Joining We the People to discuss are two leading experts on Congress and the filibuster.

Richard Arenberg is Adjunct Lecturer in International and Public Affairs at Brown University and author of Defending the Filibuster: The Soul of the Senate.

Josh Chafetz is Professor of Law at Cornell Law School and author of The Constitutionality of the Filibuster in the Connecticut Law Review.

Show Notes

This show was engineered by David Stotz and produced by Nicandro Iannacci. Research was provided by Lana Ulrich and Tom Donnelly. The host of We the People is Jeffrey Rosen.

Continue todays conversation on Facebook and Twitter using @ConstitutionCtr.

Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate, at bit.ly/constitutionweekly.

Please subscribe to We the People and our companion podcast, Live at Americas Town Hall, on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

We the People is a member of Slates Panoply network. Check out the full roster of podcasts at Panoply.fm.

Despite our congressional charter, the National Constitution Center is a private nonprofit; we receive little government support, and we rely on the generosity of people around the country who are inspired by our nonpartisan mission of constitutional debate and education. Please consider becoming a member to support our work, including this podcast. Visit constitutioncenter.org to learn more.

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Police in Sacramento, California, warned people against taking selfies in dangerous locations after a girl fell sixty feet from Foresthill Bridge, in Placer County, near Sacramento on April 4, while attempting to take a photo.

The girl and her group of friends were walking on the girders underneath the bridge when she fell. Placer County Sheriffs Office shared videos from the scene, and said she was airlifted to a nearby medical center and is expected to survive. Credit: Facebook/Placer County Sheriffs Office via Storyful
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  The 89-year-old president of the Mormon church is expected to return to his normal schedule after being released from the hospital.

Eric Hawkins, a spokesman for the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says that President Thomas S. Monson was released from the hospital in Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening.

Hawkins said Thursday that Monson plans to resume his normal schedule and duties.

Monson, considered by followers to be the religion's prophet, was taken to the hospital Monday evening because he was not feeling well. He's since received treatment and fluids.

Monson spoke to church members last weekend at the religion's twice-yearly conference in Salt Lake City but skipped some sessions on Saturday and Sunday.

He's been the church's leader since 2008.
President Trump forcefully condemned Tuesdays chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria, saying it has let him to rethink his posture with regard to the regime of strongman Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking during a joint press conference with King Abdullah of Jordan, Trump called the attack, which killed women and children, an affront to humanity.

Trump continued to lay blame for the situation in Syria on his predecessor, President Obama, saying his failure to enforce his red line threat against the use of chemical weapons set the international community back in responding to Assad. But for the first time, Trump acknowledged he also bears responsibility for events that occur under his tenure as president.

It crossed a lot of lines for me, Trump said, when asked if the attack violated his own red line. I now have responsibility, he added.

Noting that hes generally a flexible person, Trump offered a rare moment of public introspection. That attack on children yesterday had a big impact, on me, he said. A big impact.

The chemical strike came just days after the Trump Administration expressed the belief that Assads continued rule had become a political reality, breaking with the Obama-era calls for his swift ouster. But Trump signaled that might be changing, saying that his attitude toward Assad has changed very much since the attack.

Trump indicated he was open to a more forceful posture after the attack, but when pressed declined to go into details. Im not saying Im doing anything one way or the other, but Im also not going to be telling you, he said.

Trump and Abdullah used the meeting to tout their common views on the fight to defeat the Islamic State, which has strongholds in swaths of Syria and Iraq. We will destroy ISIS and we will protect civilization, Trump said. He also announced that additional humanitarian aide will be freed up to assist Jordan in its vital role in resettling Syrian refugees.

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Trump said the U.S. would work with whomever is appropriate to defeat ISIS, and warned that the group is metastasizing. ISIS is one group, but others have formed, he said.

The president has been reviewing a Department of Defense review of the U.S. strategy to combat ISIS, but Trump has yet to reveal its contents. Praising Abddullahs role in the fight, Trump offered Itll be a shorter fight than a lot of people are thinking about.

Abdullah used his opening remarks to pay service to Trumps push to reshape American leadership in the world to an America First worldview, highlighting the role that other countries have in assisting in the fight.

Its not just the fact that we should expect the United States to do all the heavy lifting, Abdullah said. The heavy lifting has to be done by all of us in the international community to support the United States in being able to translate that vision into the right direction.

Trump also used the opportunity to preview his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the early-Wednesday launch attempt of a ballistic missile by North Korea. Trump says he takes responsibility for that situation as well, as his administration warns that time is running out for a diplomatic solution to the rogue nations pursuit of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the U.S.

The world is a mess, Trump said. I inherited a mess. He added, Were going to fix it.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
The remains of one of two people discovered in a rural area this week belong to a 21-year-old Missouri woman who vanished in September, authorities said Thursday.

A medical examiner positively identified the remains as Jessica Runions, who was last seen leaving a party in south Kansas City on September 8, the Cass County Sheriffs Office said on Wednesday.

Her burned out vehicle was found two days later.

The partys host reportedly told Runions' family that she left with 28-year-old Kylr Yust, a friend of her boyfriend.

He was arrested and charged with knowingly burning Runions car, cops said.

A judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. His trial is set for October.

Yust had been previously questioned in the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend Kara Kopetsky, who was 17 years old when she was last seen at Belton High School on May 4, 2007.

Read: Police Meet With Families of Missing Women After Unidentified Remains Are Discovered

Kopetsky disappeared just days after filing an order of protection against Yust, who she claimed kidnapped and restrained her, choked her and threatened to cut her throat during their nine-month relationship, according to a filing obtained by The Associated Press.

The remains of the second person discovered about 20 miles away from Kansas City have not yet been identified, police said.

Kopetskys mother, Rhonda Beckford, told KCTV that the second set of remains could take months, if not a year, to identify.

She and Runions loved ones were contacted by police after the remains were uncovered by a mushroom hunter earlier this week.

"We need a resolution to this," Beckford told reporters after their meeting with police.

She spoke as Runions' mother, Jamie Runions, stood by her side.

Read: Missing College Student's Remains Found In Shallow Grave, Boyfriend Charged

"We need to find out," she continued.

Jamie Runions took to social media after officials determined her daughters remains had been found, posting, "No matter what, I will never let you go."

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Friends responded to the mothers post, offering their condolences and prayers for her daughter, who they said was taken too soon.

"Im so so sorry. Ill always remember the sweet little girl that she was," one commenter wrote.

"Jamie, there are no words to tell you how sorry I am for the pain that you and the entire family are going through! I am sending you all my love and keeping you all in my prayers," another person posted.

Yust has not been charged in the disappearance of Runions or Kopetsky.

Nearly 100 investigators were expected to search the area where the remains were discovered Thursday, officials said.

Watch: Searchers Emotional Over Finding Remains of Hiker Missing 2 Years

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WASHINGTON  Senate Republicans scrapped a long-standing precedent requiring 60 votes to end filibusters of Supreme Court nominees in order to push through President Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch.

Most Democrats joined a filibuster of the nominee, arguing that he was outside of the legal mainstream and that Republicans owed them a consensus nominee after they blocked a hearing on former President Obamas nominee Merrick Garland last year. The first vote to end debate on Gorsuch failed, 55 to 45 Thursday morning, with just four Democrats joining Republicans to end a filibuster.

Then, Republicans changed the 60-vote precedent on a party-line vote, 52 to 48. The Senate then voted to end debate on Gorsuch with 55 votes: three Democratic senators  Joe Donnelly, Heidi Heitkamp, and Joe Manchin, all of whom are up for reelection next year in conservative-leaning states  joined the Republicans. Now, just 51 votes are required to end a filibuster and proceed to a floor vote to confirm a Supreme Court nominee.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was always clear that he would change the precedent of the Senate if Democrats refused to allow a vote on Gorsuch. We need to restore the norms and traditions of the Senate and get past this unprecedented partisan filibuster, McConnell said on the floor, before starting the process.

Senate Democrats may still take 30 hours of debate before the final vote, which is now expected to take place on Friday evening.

The battle over changing the rules has caused much handwringing in the Senate, which prides itself on being more deliberative and bipartisan than the rowdier House. Some Senate Republicans, such as Bob Corker of Tennessee, have argued this was a step that could destroy the Senate, and possibly lead the body to also change its rules and only require 51 votes to end debate on legislation. That would mean a majority party could quickly push through bills, instead of requiring some buy-in from the other side.

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Judge Neil Gorsuch testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, March 22, 2017. (Photo: Ron Sachs/CNP/MediaPunch/IPX via AP)

But McConnell said Tuesday that not a single member of his caucus would vote to change the legislative filibuster, since it makes the Senate the Senate. Republicans blame Democrats because they eliminated the filibuster for lower-court judges in 2013 and because they blocked Gorsuch. The Colorado jurists backers note that he attracted some support from liberal lawyers and is widely viewed as qualified for the job. The majority of my Democratic counterparts simply disagree with the notion that the filibuster should only be used in the nomination process under extraordinary circumstances, said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana speaks on behalf of Judge Neil Gorsuchs nomination to the Supreme Court. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech before the cloture vote that he believed the blame should be apportioned more on Republicans than Democrats. We believe that what the Republicans did to Merrick Garland was worse than a filibuster, declaring mere hours after Justice Scalias death that they would deny the constitutional prerogative of a president with 11 months of his term left, Schumer said.

In a post-nuclear world, if the Senate and the presidency are in the hands of the same party, theres no incentive to even speak to the Senate minority, Schumer said. Thats a recipe for more conflict and bad blood between the parties, not less.

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is one of a handful of Democrats who voted to end a filibuster on Gorsuch, criticized the hypocrisy of both sides in a statement right before the vote  saying both parties are sticking to talking points instead of trying to fix the situation.

This is precisely what is wrong with Washington, and if it happens, both Democrats and Republicans will bear the shame, Manchin said.

Read more from Yahoo News:
In all likelihood, Neil Gorsuch will be confirmed to the Supreme Court later this week. But senators from both parties fear that the fight to put him there will dramatically change the upper chamber and the court.

To overcome a threatened filibuster, Republicans will need to trigger the so-called nuclear option to change Senate rules, allowing Gorsuch to be seated with a simple majority.

But some warn that will erode important traditions in the Senate while also reducing the incentive for presidents to nominate more moderate judges who would receive bipartisan support.

I believe our actions will haunt us, Arizona Sen. John McCain of Arizona warned on the Senate floor Wednesday. We will see more and more nominees from the extremes of both left and right.

Sarah Binder, a professor at George Washington University who specializes in Congress, says that the rule change is symptomatic of a Congress that has become increasingly divided along partisan lines.

This is part and parcel of a longer term partisan and parliamentary arms race between the two political parties in the Senate, she said. Its just another notch, another step forward in turning the Senate into a much stronger majority rule institution. ... Theres only an incentive to stop it if senators think about the future.

Other Republican senators were also worried about the long-term effects.

I think that is truly tragic, Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said. It gets bad for the Senate as an institution, and I think it is bad for the court, as well.

Using the nuclear option will be damaging to the Senate... and damaging to the country, said Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee.

Not everyone is convinced. Some experts note that since filibusters havent historically been used on Supreme Court nominations, doing away with them wont change how this process actually works. There has been potential to attempt one, but it was rarely used and hardly a factor in the reality of the appointments. (Abe Fortas was subject to a bipartisan filibuster in 1968. Most recently, a cloture vote was called on Samuel Alitos nomination in 2006, but he easily overcame it.)

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The concern would be better placed if there was a long history of filibusters on [Supreme Court] nominations that had demonstrably led to certain nominations not being made, said Martin Gold, a partner with Capitol Counsel LLC and the author of Senate Procedure and Practice. I dont think [the filibuster] has had a moderating influence at all.

The filibuster has already been scrapped for lower court nominations and executive appointments, thanks to then-Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2013. Many of the Republicans who decried the rule change then and now plan to vote for it anyway, because they feel theyve been backed into a corner by the Democrats set to pull off the first-ever partisan filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee.

I guarantee you, just as the Democrats regretted what Harry Reid did, we will regret doing this, McCain said. I have no choice. Because we need to confirm Gorsuch.

Leonard Leo, an adviser to President Trump on this process, also blamed Democrats.

At the end of the day, if the Senate Democrats want to point the finger at whats causing the Senate to decline in terms of its deliberative nature, they should basically look in the mirror rather than point the finger at the nuclear option, he said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rejects this argument, placing the blame ultimately on Republicans rather than on his own caucuss decision to filibuster.

No one is making our Republican colleagues change the rules, he said on the floor Tuesday. Senator McConnell and my Republican colleagues are completely free actors and making a choice, a very bad one in our opinion. And he warned later that day that Republicans risk tarnishing their image in this fight: They will lose if they do it, he said. It will be symbolized to the American people that Mitch McConnell will do anything, anything, even hurting the Senate, to get his people on the court.

To be sure, on a short-term strategic level, deploying the nuclear option is a good thing for Republicans, who will have an easier time confirming any future Supreme Court openings under President Trump.

But neither political party can count on being in the majority forever, and at its core, abolishing the filibuster curbs minority power.

The big risk here is that every time the Senate goes nuclear, it lowers the political cost, said Binder. It makes it easier for the next majority to go nuclear over something else.

In 2013 when Reid first used the nuclear option, Republican South Dakota Sen. John Thune told TIME, I think Democrats are playing with fire. This is very dangerous in terms of what it means for the Senate. What goes around comes around, and someday theyre going to be in the minority.

Now it has come around, with Republicans temporarily in control. And it seems the only thing about Gorsuchs confirmation process thats bipartisan is a sense of regret about the state of the Senate.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
A massive 1,278,791 people from around the world have responded to that cute student survey that went viral last month  and their answers have taught us some valuable things about favorite foods and the popularity of Pokemon.

The quiz, which was put online by Kara Porter from North Vermillion Elementary School in Cayuga, Indiana, was designed to help second grade students learn about graphs. Each kid submitted one question for the survey and the topics were predictably adorable.

Now, several weeks later, the school has revealed the answers to the kids' burning questions.

SEE ALSO: You can help a second grade class learn about graphs by taking this cute survey

The seemingly random assortment of questions about everything from marital status to culinary preferences went up online in mid March. But the online survey, which was designed to gather data points to graph, quickly spread way beyond friends and family.

Once the survey made it onto the school's Facebook page it moved way beyond the school community. Like way beyond. To the point where Google Docs was so overloaded you had to wait to take the survey.

Here are the kind of questions the curious second-graders were asking:

Just some of the hard-hitting questions students asked in their survey.

Image: google doc/screengrab

With the results out this week we finally got definitive answers to all the questions, such as "Do you like ice cream?" (everyone but 47,470 creamy dessert haters said yes) and "Which state do you like more?" The two options were Illinois or Indiana; Illinois was the clear winner.

Another big winner: consonant-starting names. More than 1 million people had names that start with a letter that isn't a vowel. What a question. Lego was also very popular, with more than 1.1 million respondents answering yes to "Do you like Legos?"

The full results are on the school's Facebook page:

The school teachers shared their appreciation as they posted the results, saying, "A 'BIG' thank you to everyone who participated! We never anticipated this type of response, but are so appreciative!!!!"

No, Mrs. Porter's class  thank you! We've learned so much.

WATCH: Surprise! Turns out blue eyes aren't really blue
How does a country become a democracy? How does a previously isolated country decide either to join the liberal international order or to stay out of it? These big questions remain relevant, even in this moment of democracy recession, in which the liberal international order is being challenged. Right now, these questions are being contested in Myanmar. Someday soon, these questions will be contested in Belarus, Cuba, and Iran. Democracy requires activists, intellectuals, organizers, and politicians to take personal risks  to their careers and even their lives  to make the case for it.

These questions came up as I read Looking Back Without Anger, by Javier Ruperez  the memoir of a man who helped Spain become a democracy and a full-fledged member of the liberal international order. The book reminds us that Spains success and the success of democracy elsewhere is not preordained.

Ruperez grew up in an upper-middle class family in Madrid. His family was on the winning side of the Spanish Civil War. However, he opposed authoritarianism. He became active early in the underground, center-right Christian democratic movement. He was a founder of an influential conservative magazine (think National Review for Spaniards), which launched a number of political careers.

He came of age in the mid-1960s, when General Francisco Franco was still dictator of Spain. Ruperez joined the Spanish Diplomatic Corps. He describes the fine line he had to walk and the complex emotions he felt representing a government with which he did not fully agree. When democracy emerged in 1977, Ruperez joined the transition government and shortly thereafter ran for parliament.

As a member of parliament, Ruperez pushed for Spain to join NATO. At the time, there were strong anti-American feelings in Spain and the most popular party in the country, the Socialist party, has decided to actively oppose NATO membership. Spains popular transitional president, Adolfo Suarez, was not enthusiastic about joining NATO and flirted with Spain joining the Non-Aligned Movement  a bloc of states that were not aligned with the Soviets or the Americans. Through a series of lucky breaks, NATO membership for Spain won in a referendum, largely due to the active campaigning of politicians like Ruperez who stood up for an unpopular but important principle.

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Along with his role in his political party, Ruperez was also tasked with creating ties between Spain and the rest of the world. He helped create the Ibero-American Christian democratic movement. Ruperez was in the process of hosting the inaugural Madrid meeting when Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA), a Basque separatist terrorist group, kidnapped him. Over 30 years, ETA killed hundreds, and most people who the group kidnapped were killed. However, due to massive international pressure, Ruperezs life was miraculously spared.

As a member of parliament, Ruperez was present for the nearly catastrophic coup attempt in 1982. The infamous Colonel Antonio Tejero entered with other members of the Guardia Civil and shot several bullets into the ceiling. During this hostage drama, Ruperez considered seeking asylum at the American or Dutch embassies. Luckily, King Juan Carlos I donned his commander-in-chief military uniform and commanded the coup plotters to stand down.

The transition government began to unravel, and Ruperez joined a small center right party, then called the Peoples Alliance, which eventually became the Partido Popular, or Peoples Party, the current governing party of Spain. Ruperez was tasked with using his international network to enable the Peoples Alliance to become a member of the Christian Democrats of Europe.

Ruperez also had a parallel career as a political diplomat. He served as ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. He briefly served as ambassador to NATO. When Jose Maria Aznar won re-election as prime minister in 2000, Ruperez was named ambassador to the United States.

The memoir is a fascinating journey along the trajectory Spain took from the 1970s to the 1990s. It shows that the journey was not pre-ordained, but rather required the efforts and sacrifice of politicians and activists to nudge Spain along the path to democracy.

Likewise, joining the liberal international order today is not pre-ordained for those states that are not already full-fledged members. It will require domestic champions.

Yet the memoir shows why the goal is worthy of such champions  because outsiders like Ruperez can see the benefits of fully joining the liberal international order. Joining is the fastest way to become more prosperous. Participating in the global trading and financial system and in the miracles of global progress, such as science and medicine, make joiners better off than those who take a different path. Of course, membership comes with responsibilities as well as privileges. Membership means that a country is willing to share the burdens of global problems. But on balance, the benefits far exceed the burdens. The liberal international order has had competitors  such as the Non-Aligned Movement or the commodity-based vassal state system China apparently wants to build  yet it still remains the proven, superior way.

The lessons of this book remain relevant for many countries on the path to joining the liberal international order. The book also contains a useful lesson for those countries already in the club: Freedom is not free, so we have to work with our potential friends and allies when they need us.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Traditionally, Americas top diplomat is the secretary of state. But from Iraq to Israel to Mexico to a meeting with the Chinese, the Trump administrations point man doesnt seem to be Rex Tillerson. Rather, it appears to be the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Its a role that has Democrats scratching their heads. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., told Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric, He doesnt have experience in any of these areas, and hes acting as a sort of supersecretary of state.

So who is Jared Kushner?

Hes the grandson of Holocaust survivors and the heir to a vast fortune in New Jersey real estate. Kushners leadership of the family business came unexpectedly; his father, Charles, a major Democratic donor, was sent to prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering.

Hes also a Harvard and NYU grad who got his first taste of media attention at age 25, paying $10 million to buy the New York Observer. Kushner turned that paper into a tabloid and feuded with some editors but expanded the papers digital footprint.

In the process, Kushner embraced the spotlight. He did interviews, partied with boldfaced names, paid the highest price ever for a New York skyscraper, 666 Fifth Ave., and, in 2009, married Ivanka Trump, an even higher-profile real estate scion.

Ivanka converted to Judaism for Jared, who was raised Modern Orthodox. Some have even speculated that President Trump is less restrained on Twitter during the weekly Jewish Sabbath, when his son-in-law cant work and isnt around.

Last year, Kushner was key to his father-in-laws campaign, instrumental in firing two campaign managers and tapping tech friends to help spread the campaigns message.

Following President Trumps unexpected victory, Kushner took on an unexpected role, senior adviser to the president, with a job that spans not just foreign policy but domestic issues  from opioid addiction to veterans affairs  and running a new Office of American Innovation.

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Criticism of his role hasnt just come from Democrats. Founder and CEO of Mercury Radio Arts Glenn Beck told Yahoo News and Finance Anchor Bianna Golodryga that Kushners role is professional nepotism.

Kushners test will be whether he can translate experience running a real estate empire to a policy portfolio unprecedented for a presidential adviser. Whether he succeeds or fails, at least when you hear the name Jared Kushner, you can say, Now I Get It.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered military personnel to occupy and raise the Philippine flag on Manila-claimed islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea.

The troop deployment was announced Thursday as Duterte visited a military camp on Palawan, near the contested Spratley Islands, Agence France-Presse reports. It represents a surprise departure from his laissez-faire approach to Chinas competing claims in the highly strategic territory.

It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant, Duterte told reporters.

I have ordered the armed forces to occupy all, Duterte said, noting that Manila was claiming nine or 10 islands, reefs or cays near the Spratelys. At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours.

He also said that he was considering visiting the islands on Philippine Independence Day, which falls on June 12.

Beijing asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, and has built artificial reef-top islands that are capable of accommodating missiles and military planes.

Although the Hagues Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines claims against Chinas nine dash line in June 2016, Duterte had previously said he would set aside that ruling as he sought closer ties with Beijing.

[AFP]

This article was originally published on TIME.com
In 2014, the United States government made a commitment to extend NASAs funding for the International Space Station by four years, from 2020 to 2024. A year later, Russia announced its space agency Roscosmos would also support the ISS mission till 2024, leading many people to consider the orbiting space laboratory may be dismantled at the end of that time.

However, Russia signaled Tuesday it is willing to consider extending the ISS partnership with NASA, and space agencies from Canada, Europe and Japan, beyond 2024. Speaking at the U.S. Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, General Director of Roscosmos Igor Komarov replied in the affirmative when asked if Russia would consider another four-year extension to the mission, Reuters reported.

Read: Russia Working With NASA On Restarting Venera Missions To Study Venus

While space agencies, as well as private companies like SpaceX, are now often talking about crewed missions to destinations much farther out than the ISS orbit (about 250 miles above Earth), such as the moon and even Mars, Komarov said there were numerous technological and medical issues that needed fixing before humans could make journeys beyond the ISS orbit.

I think that we need to prolong our cooperation in low-Earth orbit because we havent resolved all the issues and problems that we face now, he reportedly said.

spacestation

Photo: REUTERS

NASA and Roscosmos are the two biggest partners of the international collaboration. The U.S. space agency spends about $3 billion a year on ISS and conducts a very large number of scientific experiments and studies. However, it is Russian Soyuz rockets that carry the astronauts to the space station and back. NASA is hoping that a private company like SpaceX or Boeing could develop a rocket that it could use instead of Soyuz by 2024.

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For its part, Russia has unveiled a plan for after 2024, which involves detaching its modules from the ISS, and adding some more to them to create a new orbiting outpost. According to a report Tuesday in Russian newspaper Pravda, Roscosmos plans to send three scientific modules to the ISS by 2020. The same report also cited Andrei Ionin, chief analyst of the Russian Academy of Cosmonautics, who said the Russian version of the space station may come into existence before 2024, and it maybe in cooperation with China.

Last week, Komarov said Russia was planning at least 30 launches during 2017. In mid-March, Roscosmos also said it was taking applications from cosmonauts who wanted to be the first Russians to walk on the lunar surface, when the country sends a crewed mission to the moon, which it hopes to conduct successfully by 2031. Russia is also, in partnership with NASA and others, considering restarting its Venera series of missions to explore Venus.

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The Russian government has questioned United States stance on Syrian President Bashar Assad, after President Donald Trump criticized a reported chemical weapons attack in Syrias Idlib province by government forces.

The attack has killed at least 86 people, including 26 children, CNN reports. Countries including the U.S., the U.K. and Turkey have linked the attack to Assads forces. Russia has repeatedly supported the Assad regime, and did so again in the aftermath of the latest deaths, suggesting the deaths had been caused by a Syrian strike hitting a rebel stockpile of chemical weapons.

Trump, whose administration had previously signaled that removing Assad was not a priority, said Wednesday that the attack had caused him to change his mind about the Syrian President. He added that the use of chemical weapons was heinous and crossed a lot of lines.

But Assad had previously been suspected of using chemical weapons, and Trump did not offer any clarity on what a revised U.S. strategy in dealing with the Syria strongman would look like. So Russia posted the question on Thursday:

This article was originally published on TIME.com
On Thursday in Moscow, hundreds came together for a rally called, Together Against Terrorism.

The rally comes two days after an explosion in the St. Petersburg metro by a suicide bomber killed 14 and less than two weeks after the anti-corruption protests that swept the country and saw hundreds arrested. And Russias State Duma decided on Thursday that it would launch an investigation into the allegations of corruption leveled against Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev that inspired the protests in the first place.

Some, then, might suspect that the rally against terrorism is a way to demonstrate that the state, too, can bring people to the streets, and that opposition supporters are not welcome by their fellow citizens in Russia at this time. This, after all, is one of Russian President Vladimir Putins time-tested tactics. And, certainly, it would have been understandable for the government or Kremlin to come forward and say it was organizing some sort of gathering to honor the victims of a tragic attack.

But the Kremlin says it has nothing to do with the rally. Per a Financial Times report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said, The Kremlin does not organize rallies. Moreover, they are not needed, because the consolidation of society and the expression of solidarity are evident.

And so, on Thursday, Muscovites spontaneously gathered in line to rally. It looked like this:

Hundreds lining up to attend totally spontaneous rally against terrorism in Moscow that the Kremlin (100m away) definitely didn't organize pic.twitter.com/21H39Lf4xr  max seddon (@maxseddon) April 6, 2017

In St. Petersburg, the governor did away with the charade and announced the regional rally himself.

Photo credit: NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP/Getty Images
MOSCOW (AP)  State news agency RIA Novosti says Russia's Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the city court in Birobidzhan to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses, a decision that comes amid proceedings on a Justice Ministry suit to ban the religious organization in Russia altogether.

Jehovah's Witnesses claim more than 170,000 adherents in Russia. The group, however, has come under increasing pressure over the past year, including a ban on distributing literature deemed to violate Russia's anti-extremism laws.

Russian investigators inspected the religion's headquarters in St. Petersburg in February.

David Semonian, a spokesman at its world headquarters in New York, said regarding the proposed national ban that the Jehovah's Witnesses hope "Russia's Supreme Court will uphold the rights of our fellow believers in Russia to freely carry out their peaceful worship."
As part of its latest customer service upgrade, on Thursday April 6, the low cost airline announced that passengers will now be able to book Ryanair connecting flights online. This is a first step towards a new system in which passengers will soon be able to book connecting flights offered by other carriers via Ryanair.

Ryanair has presented the fourth phase (year 4) "always getting better" initiative aimed at improving customer services, both on the web and in the air. Among the novelties on offer in this upgrade, the option to reserve connecting flights will be seen as a major step forward. Ryanair has yet to provide details of the date in 2017 when it will be possible to book connecting flights offered by other airlines.

The Irish carrier also plans to introduce an "express booking" system that will allow travelers to save preferred bundles of bags, extras, seat preferences and so on in their user profiles, and thus purchase a flight with two or three clicks. Travelers who purchase seats will also benefit from auto check-in, which will enable them to simultaneously check in for both legs of round trip flights.

Finally, the low-cost company has promised an upgrade to its "Ryanair Rooms" system, which enables passengers to book hotel rooms.
"As we come down from the dizzying high of Women's History Month, let's appreciate a woman who's blazing trails right now," Samantha Bee said on her Wednesday show, her voice dripping with sarcasm. That woman is Ivanka Trump, the perceived beacon of hope in the dystopic Trump White House  who, Bee explains, isn't much of a beacon at all.

SEE ALSO: Watch Scarlett Johansson skewer Ivanka Trump in 'SNL' perfume ad

Bee critically examines Ivanka's role and recent work to deconstruct the notion that she's in the White House as "your secret progressive buddy." Democrats and people who fear Trump's administration and its policies have been leaving "Dear Ivanka" notes at the White House, which Bee all but rolls her eyes at. Ivanka, she said, remains loyal to her father, and as inexperienced and unqualified as anyone in his White House.

"Anyone with a dad knows they have invincible old-man-opinion strength!" Bee said, before pointing out that Ivanka was also implicated in Trump's ties to illicit business deals in Azerbaijan. A later segment examined Russia's election hacking, including a flashback to her own pre-election trip to Russia when she spoke with the hackers themselves.

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee airs Wednesdays at 10 P.M. on TBS.
Photo credit: Mike Garten

From Delish

Once upon a time, Sarah Michelle Gellar was best known for slaying vampires. Now she kills it in the kitchen on the regular. When we met up with Gellar this time last year, she'd recently released Foodstirs, a collection of all-natural baking kits meant to bring kids into the kitchen. And when we caught up with her again earlier this week at a cooking class in The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Gellar had even more exciting news: She's a cookbook author. Stirring Up Fun With Food has even more likeminded recipes, meaning they're good-for-you, fun to make, and so, so Pinterest-worthy. Here's what Gellar had to say about staying healthy through the whole thing.

She keeps it all in the family.

Gellar's a native New Yorker, and she's the first to admit she spent more time making reservations than making dinner for the first half of her life. The problem is, you can't know the ingredients that go into every dish when you're eating out. Now, she and husband Freddie Prinze, Jr. commit to making more food at home. He's culinary school-trained - she's not - but as of this week, they're both cookbook authors, and their recipes are in constant rotation come mealtime. "I love his pulled pork, and his Brussels sprouts are really good," she told us. "And he does this pasta that's one of my favorites!"

She sees cooking as a teachable moment.

For kids that learn how to use an iPad before they can ride a bike, the fact that food doesn't come from a phone is revelatory. It's how we buy groceries and order takeout. Gellar is hyper-aware of this, which is why she tries to make the kitchen a no-phone zone. (Her baking kit company Foodstirs even has the motto, "Put down your phone, pick up a whisk!"). It's a time for her to connect with her kids, sneak in some math lessons, and teach them about the food they're eating. "We have to be aware of not just what we put in our body but where it comes from and what it's doing to our planet," she says. Another plus she writes about in her book: "I learned quickly that to get my kids to be adventurous in their choices, I had to involve them in the process of preparing food."

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She eats with her eyes first.

You're not likely to find a legit definition for "food crafting," anywhere but in Sarah Michelle Gellar's new cookbook, but it's not for lack of trying on her part. (By the way, she defines it as taking basic food preparation and elevating it to a level that is both fun and creative.) In fact, before Gellar decided to organize her cookbook by month (heart-shaped strawberry skewers in February, orange Jack-o-lanterns in October), she had it laid out differently: a chapter for muffin tin recipes, one for skewered food, another for food served in jars. "The more aesthetically pleasing something looks, the more likely we're going to want it." It's how she tricks her kids into eating fruit - by putting in on a sweet pizza - or how she makes spaghetti squash seem just as appetizing as actual spaghetti - by baking it in cupcake shape.

She riffs on classic junk food.

Find us someone who's never craved a French fry in their life, and we'll pay you a million bucks. There's not a living, breathing human on this planet who doesn't love to chow down on a not-so-healthy snack every now and again, including Sarah Michelle Gellar. So she developed versions of them that feel just as indulgent but don't come with as much regret. "I love the asparagus fries," she told us of the recipe in her book. They're crispy, like the real thing but sneak in veggies and are baked, not fried. The same goes for cauliflower popcorn, another one of Gellar's go-to recipes. She tops the stuff with nutritional yeast, a common cheese alternative for vegans that's loaded with B vitamins.

Follow Delish on Instagram.

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LUMBERTON, Texas (AP)  Twenty-four people  23 of them fourth-graders  were sent to Southeast Texas hospitals after an accident involving their school bus, a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler.

The Wednesday afternoon crash happened on U.S. 69 in Lumberton, about 15 miles north of Beaumont, as the Beaumont school district bus was taking 44 Charlton-Pollard Elementary School students and four adults back to school from a Big Thicket field trip.

Beaumont school district spokeswoman Nakisha Burns says one student was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Houston. A hospital spokeswoman says most of the others went to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital for examination. A nursing supervisor said none were admitted.

Police haven't explained what caused the crash.
self heal ArtificialMuscle

If you drop your phone and the screen shatters, you usually have two options: Get it repaired or replace the phone entirely.

Chemists at the University of California at Riverside have invented what could become a third option: a phone screen material that can heal itself.

The researchers conducted several tests on the material, including its ability to repair itself from cuts and scratches. After they tore the material in half, it automatically stitched itself back together in under 24 hours, Chao Wang, a chemist leading the self-healing material research, tells Business Insider.

The material, which can stretch to 50 times its original size, is made of a stretchable polymer and an ionic salt. It features a special type of bond called an ion-dipole interaction, which is a force between charged ions and polar molecules. This means that when the material breaks or has a scratch, the ions and molecules attract to each other to heal the material.

This is the first time scientists have created a self-healing material that can conduct electricity, making it especially useful for use for cellphone screens and batteries, Wang says.

self healing

Some LG phones, like the G Flex, already include a similar material on its back covers that can heal scratches. But this material can't conduct electricity, so manufacturers can't use it for screens. Most phone screens have a grid of electrodes underneath, and when you touch it, your finger (which is also conductive) completes a circuit, telling the phone what to do.

Wang predicts that this new self-healing material will be used for phone screens and batteries by 2020.

The team will present its research at a Tuesday meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific organization devoted to the study of chemistry.

"Self-healing materials may seem far away for real application, but I believe they will come out very soon with cellphones," he said. "Within three years, more self-healing products will go to market and change our everyday life. It will make our cellphones achieve much better performance than what they can achieve right now."

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NOW WATCH: Forget the iPhone 7  here are 13 reasons the next iPhone will blow everyone away





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Photo credit: YouTube

From Woman's Day

In case you thought the original 1984 rendition of "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen was your favorite version of this song, think again. While there have been several attempts to make the cover of the infamous song go viral over the years, this latest cover is going to give you chills.

With nearly 2 million views on YouTube, this viral video of 17-year-old Tiffany Day singing a mesmerizing acoustic cover of "Hallelujah" is captivating people across the internet. But there's a catch: In the video you can see that Day is singing into a well, making her voice sound that much richer.

The Kansas native was on spring break in Venice, Italy, with her high school choir, so she probably knew singing into the old well would provide amazing acoustics, and that's exactly what she got.

Just a casual stop and and a quick song into a well, and this teen is already going viral. Keep singing, Tiffany!

(h/t Bored Panda)

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A Republican Senate majority killed the chambers historic filibuster rule for Supreme Court nominations in a contentious Thursday vote. Earlier, several Democrats joined the Republicans in a failed attempt to invoke cloture and override the filibuster by conventional means.

Before the first cloture vote, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decried the expected move to kill the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees. I know that in 20, 30, or 40 years we will sadly point to today as a turning point in the history of the Senate and the Supreme Court. This is a day when we irrevocably move away from the principles our founders intended for these institutions," Schumer said.

"You know in your hearts of heart that he deserves to be confirmed. And that is why this is an especially sad state of affairs," Senate Judiciary chair Chuck Grassley said before Schumer spoke, referring to nominee Neil Gorsuch.

After the cloture motion was defeated in a 55-45 vote twice, Schumer failed in an attempt to postpone Gorsuch's consideration until April 24. Using a tactic called the Nuclear Option, which was deployed by Harry Reid in 2013, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made a motion, which could not be appealed, for the full Senate to vote on a point of order he raised, requesting that the Gorsuch nomination go forward with a simple majority vote to limit the debate about his nomination. That motion was approved by a 52-48 vote.

The move clears the way for the full Senate to confirm Gorsuch as the next Supreme Court Justice on Friday, in what is expected to be a mostly party-line vote.

On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-9 to send a report to the Senate recommending Gorsuch to replace the late Antonin Scalia on the Court. Since then, the Senate has debated the nomination, a process which included a 15-hour speech by Democrat Jeff Merkley from Oregon.

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Last week, Schumer has said he would filibuster the Gorsuch nomination, forcing the Republicans to get 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a cloture motion and move the confirmation to the full floor. McConnell then indicated he would use the procedural move to kill the filibuster process for Supreme Court nominees, leaving just one filibuster process in place for the Senate for legislative votes.

That rule will now likely stand until the next two-year Senate session convenes in January 2019, unless the Democrats regain control of the chamber by some unforeseen circumstances

The Supreme Court filibuster was a rarely used measure in the Senates rule arsenal. Schumers attempted filibuster was only the fourth (or fifth) mounted against a Supreme Court nominee in modern times.

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 had 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.

At the get-go, the odds seemed to be very good for getting a Senate vote on Gorsuch, despite the Democrats anger over McConnells decision to stall any consideration of Merrick Garlands nomination last year.

In every instance since 1945 when the same party controlled the White House and the Senate, that Supreme Court nominee has been approved. (There were two nominees in the Lyndon Johnson administration who didnt make it to the voting stage in the Senate.)

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 this case, McConnell clearly indicated in the past week he would use the Nuclear Option, if needed, to get Gorsuch confirmed by this weekend. If Gorsuch is approved, as expected, on Friday, he will be able to join the bench to hear the next rounds of arguments at the Court, as well as attend a private conference to consider new Court cases.

Scott Bomboy is the editor in chief of the National Constitution Center.

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By Lawrence Hurley and Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Republicans on Thursday crushed a Democratic blockade of President Donald Trump's U.S. Supreme Court nominee in a fierce partisan brawl, approving a rule change dubbed the "nuclear option" to allow for conservative judge Neil Gorsuch's confirmation by Friday. With ideological control of the nation's highest court at stake, the Republican-led Senate voted 52-48 along party lines to change its long-standing rules in order to prohibit a procedural tactic called a filibuster against Supreme Court nominees. That came after Republicans failed by a 55-45 tally to muster the 60-vote super-majority needed to end the Democratic filibuster that had sought to deny Gorsuch confirmation to the lifetime post. The Senate's action cleared the way to confirm Gorsuch by simple majority on Friday. Republicans control the Senate 52-48. The rule change was called the "nuclear option" because it was considered an extreme break with Senate tradition. Trump had encouraged Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to "go nuclear." Confirmation of Gorsuch would represent Trump's first major victory since taking office on Jan. 20, after setbacks on healthcare legislation and blocking of his order to prevent people from several Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States. Senate confirmation of Gorsuch, a Colorado-based federal appeals could judge, would restore the nine-seat court's 5-4 conservative majority, enable Trump to leave an indelible mark on America's highest judicial body and fulfil a top campaign promise by the Republican president. Gorsuch, 49, could be expected to serve for decades. "This will be the first and last partisan filibuster of the Supreme Court," McConnell said on the Senate floor, accusing Democrats of trying to inflict political damage on Trump and to keep more conservatives from joining the high court. "In 20 or 30 or 40 years, we will sadly point to today as a turning point in the history of the Senate and the Supreme Court, a day when we irrevocably moved further away from the principles our founders intended for these institutions: principles of bipartisanship, moderation and consensus," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor. Schumer ridiculed McConnell's contention that the Democratic action was unprecedented. He noted the Republican-led Senate refused last year to consider Democratic former President Barack Obama's nomination of appellate judge Merrick Garland for the same seat that Trump selected Gorsuch to fill following the death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia in February 2016. With three of the court's justices 78 or older, Trump told reporters he hoped to appoint as many as four Supreme Court justices, a move likely to make it overwhelmingly conservative. "In fact, under a certain scenario there could even be more than that," Trump said aboard Air Force One en route to a meeting with China's president in Florida, adding that the Senate rule change would not alter how he picks court nominees. Gorsuch could be sworn in as early as Friday, with a formal ceremony expected at the White House next week, a White House official said. That would allow him to begin preparing for the court's next session of oral arguments, starting on April 17. CONSERVATIVE INFLUENCE A conservative-majority court is more likely to support broad gun rights, an expansive view of religious liberty, abortion regulations and Republican-backed voting restrictions, while opposing curbs on political spending. The court also is likely to tackle transgender rights and union funding in coming years. A 60-vote threshold giving the minority party power to hold up the majority party has forced the Senate over the decades to try to achieve bipartisanship in legislation and presidential appointments. In the final procedural vote that paved the way for confirmation, three Democratic senators up for re-election in 2018 in states won by Trump last year - Indiana's Joe Donnelly, West Virginia's Joe Manchin and North Dakota's Heidi Heitkamp - broke with their party and voted with Republicans to bring about a confirmation vote, although they opposed the rule change. A fourth Democrat, Michael Bennet, who represents Gorsuch's home state of Colorado, voted with Republicans on Thursday's first procedural vote to bring debate to a close. But he stuck with fellow Democrats in opposing the final vote to end the filibuster, the one that succeeded following the rule change. Republicans have called Gorsuch superbly qualified and one of the nation's most distinguished appellate judges. Democrats accused him of being so conservative as to be outside the judicial mainstream, favouring corporate interests over ordinary Americans in legal opinions, and displaying insufficient independence from Trump. What Republicans did to Obama's nominee Garland was worse than a filibuster, Schumer said. Schumer said Republicans denied "the constitutional prerogative of a president with 11 months left in his term." "The nuclear option was used by Senator McConnell when he stopped Merrick Garland," Democratic Senator Richard Durbin added on the Senate floor. "What we face today is the fallout." McConnell blamed the escalation of fights over judicial nominees on the Democrats and their opposition starting three decades ago to nominees made by Republican former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Experts said eliminating the filibuster for Supreme Court appointments could make it more likely that presidents, with little incentive to choose centrist justices who could attract support from the other party, will pick ideologically extreme nominees in the future. Ending the filibuster also would make it easier for future Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed when the president and Senate leadership belong to the same party. The filibuster in one form or another dates back to the 19th century but assumed its current form in the 1970s. While Democrats opposed the rule change and accused Republicans of a power grab, it was their party that first resorted to the nuclear option when they controlled the Senate in 2013. In the face of Republican filibusters of Obama appointments, they barred filibusters for executive branch nominees and federal judges aside from Supreme Court justices but still allowed it for Supreme Court nominees and legislation. The Republican-backed rule change maintains the ability to filibuster legislation. (Reporting by Richard Cowan, Lawrence Hurley and Andrew Chung; Additional reporting by Steve Holland aboard Air Force One; Editing by Will Dunham and Bill Trott)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had good reason to be walking on air this week. He received a warm welcome in the Donald Trump White House on Monday, in marked contrast to the attitude of the Obama administration, which in effect declared him persona non grata. Indeed, the contrast between the treatment of Egypt by the Tump and Obama administrations could not be more stark. Whereas President Barack Obama and his team did not hesitate to welcome the Muslim Brotherhoods takeover of Egypt, while summarily dismissing former President Hosni Mubarak, the current administration is debating whether to go so far as to label the Brotherhood a terrorist organization.

Sisis Egypt is in a parlous state, and to right itself, it needs the help of the United States. Sisi still must confront terrorism in the Sinai Peninsula, as well as a fractured Libya that could easily go the way of Somalia and Yemen, if it has not already done so. Egypt needs to modernize and upgrade its military. It also needs to reassert itself in the Arab world. It has gone from leader to bystander, which is bad not only for Cairo, but for the all Arab countries, particularly in light of dangerous meddling by both Turkey and Iran in Iraq and Syria. Finally, Egypts economy is in shambles, with tourism, a major source of income, only beginning to recover after several dreadful years during which foreigners kept Egypt off their travel itineraries.

Despite Trumps warm words, his administrations budget proposal cuts assistance for virtually every country but Israel. Egypts aid has not been formally reduced, but it is still being evaluated. Cuts to Egypts $1.3 billion in military aid would be especially painful for an army that is heavily engaged in fighting terrorists in Sinai, that must be alert to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Libya, and that must upgrade its weapons systems and readiness in order to minimize the impact of the Obama administrations two-year freeze on military aid.

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Egypts need for increased economic assistance is equally urgent. Considering Egypt received only about $61 million last year apart from military assistance, 16 million of which was for democracy promotion and human rights, and only $26 million for direct economic support, any reductions would undermine the credibility of the Trump administrations reset. By allocating more than 25 percent of all aid to human rights and related areas, the Obama administration may have patted itself on the shoulder for doing good, but in doing so, shortchanged efforts to improve the economic lot of Egypts 94 million people. The Trump administration needs to do much better than that.

In short, Sisis Egypt needs a boost in both military and economic assistance, not a cutback. There is some consolation for Cairo in that it is highly probable that in the economic sphere, costly human rights initiatives, whose efficacy is open to question, will no longer take away from whatever Egypt does receive. Still, if Trump is serious about developing the kind of tight relationship he described after meetings with his Egyptian counterpart, he needs to do more, not less, for Sisi in the realm of economic aid, while preserving the longstanding level of American military assistance.

Of course, a budget proposal is only a proposal, and it is Congress that will determine how much assistance Egypt receives in fiscal year 2017, assuming the legislature adopts no additional continuing resolution, after the current one ends on April 28. The importance of Congressional action clearly was one reason why Sisis off-the-record meeting with a large group of opinion leaders was noteworthy for the heavy presence of leaders of American Jewish organizations. That they tended to dominate the question-and-answer period that followed Sisis prepared remarks was also no coincidence. Sisis emphasis throughout his Washington visit was on the related issues of combatting terrorism and working with Israel, two subjects dear to the hearts of both Trump and the leadership of the American Jewish community. They certainly responded to him positively, and for his part, he must believe that the communitys leadership could help swing Congressional sentiment in favor of the assistance he seeks.

Sisis relationship with Israel could also prove particularly useful should the Trump administration make a serious attempt to spur some degree of progress in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. It is noteworthy that those Arab states least hostile to Israel (if it can be put that way)  namely the Gulf States, Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt  have ratcheted back their demands for the immediate creation of a Palestinian state. They recognize that Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, simply is not capable of reaching a full-blown agreement with Israel, but they are looking for some measure of progress. Sisi is well positioned to help in that regard, and American Jewish leaders appear to trust his views on Israel, which would enable him to act as something of a broker, not merely a participant.

All in all, it has been a good week for Egypts retired general. That the president has also warmly welcomed King Abdullah II of Jordan to the White House, and, at the kings prodding, seems to have reversed a previous, seemingly indifferent attitude as to whether Syrian President Bashar al-Assad does or does not remain in power, is an indication of the presidents increasing engagement with the region. Coupled with the departure of White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon from the National Security Council, the outcome of these meetings with key Arab leaders  and Israels only formal Arab interlocutors  also appears to reflect Trumps growing interest in having America close the leadership vacuum in the Middle East, whch was bequeathed to him by his predecessor. The sooner that happens, the better.

Photo credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
By Chris Kahn and James Oliphant NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans generally agree that politicians should not enrich themselves while running the country. Yet most think it is okay for President Donald Trump to do so. Democrats largely support the idea of government-run healthcare. But their support plummets when they learn that Trump once backed the idea. At a time of already deep fissures among American voters on political, cultural and economic issues, Trump further polarizes the public as soon as he wades into the debate, according to the results of a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The poll suggests any effort to reach a consensus on key policy issues could be complicated simply by Trump's involvement. The survey from Feb. 1 to March 15 of nearly 14,000 people asked respondents to consider a series of statements Trump has made on taxes, crime and the news media, among other issues. In many cases, the data showed that people will orient their opinions according to what they think of Trump. Republicans, for example, were more likely to criticize American exceptionalism  the notion that the United States holds a unique place in history - when told that Trump once said it was insulting to other countries. They were more likely to agree that the country should install more nuclear weapons, and they were more supportive of government spending for infrastructure, when they knew that Trump felt the same way. Democrats moved in the opposite direction. They were less supportive of infrastructure spending, less critical of the judiciary and less likely to agree that urban crime was on the rise when they knew that those concerns were shared by Trump. For a graphic on the poll results, see http://tmsnrt.rs/2o5nbfF Im basically in disagreement with everything he says, said Howard House, 58, a Democrat from Jacksonville, Florida, who took the poll. Ive almost closed my mind to the guy. Trump is not the first president to polarize the public. A 1995 poll by the Washington Post found that Democrats appeared to favor legislative action when they thought it was then-President Bill Clintons idea, and a 2013 survey by Hart Research Associates showed that both positive and negative attitudes about the 2010 Affordable Care Act intensified when called by its other name, Obamacare. But previous presidents were more popular than Trump at this point, according to the Gallup polling service, and they may have been better positioned to address the public divide because of it. Gallup had Trump at a 42 percent approval rating on Tuesday. He was as low as 35 percent last week. That leaves Trump facing a largely disapproving electorate, even as the White House signals that in the coming months it wants to pass a sweeping tax-reform package, a large infrastructure plan, and perhaps try again to supplant the Affordable Care Act. The White House said that Trump has tried to reach out to those who did not support him during the campaign in an attempt to build political consensus. The door to the White House has been open to a variety of people who are willing to come to the table and have honest discussions with the President about the ways we can make our country better, a White House spokeswoman wrote in an email. THE HYPER-PARTISAN ERA OF TRUMP Poll respondents were split into two groups. Each received nearly identical questions about statements Trump has made in recent years. One group, however, was not told the statements came from Trump. The poll then asked if people agreed or disagreed with those statements. In a few cases, Trump made little to no impact on the answers. But most of the time the inclusion of his name changed the results. A series of questions about conflicts of interest produced the biggest swings. Some 33 percent of Republicans said it was okay if an official financially benefits from a government position. However, when a separate group was asked the same question with Trumps name added in, more than twice as many Republicans  70 percent  said it was okay. When interviewed afterward, some respondents said they knew they were making special exceptions for Trump. Susie Stewart, a 73-year-old healthcare worker from Fort Worth, Texas, said it came down to trust. While most politicians should be forbidden from mixing their personal fortunes with government business, Stewart, who voted for Trump, said the president had earned the right to do so. "He is a very intelligent man, Stewart said. Hes proved himself to be one hell of a manager. A builder. I think he has the business sense to do whats best for the country. On the other side of the political spectrum, House, the Democrat from Florida and a Hillary Clinton supporter, said he also made an exception for Trump. But in this instance it meant that House disagreed with everything Trump supported. If Trump said the sky was blue, Im going to go outside and check, he said. It is impossible to say exactly what motivates people to answer a certain way in a political poll, said John Bullock, an expert in partisanship at the University of Texas at Austin. Some respondents may have looked past the question and answered in a way that they thought would support or oppose Trump, Bullock said. But he said it was also likely that others simply have not thought deeply about the issue and are looking to Trump as a guide for how to answer. They think of him either as a man who shares their values or someone who manifestly does not, Bullock said. (Editing by Jason Szep and Paul Thomasch)
ATLANTA (AP)  Delta Air Lines bought pizza for stranded passengers after canceling about 300 flights in the Southeast because of severe weather.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://on-ajc.com/2o0Q230 ) reports the Atlanta-based airline ordered more than 450 pies for passengers in states including Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida after storms on Wednesday caused flights to be canceled or delayed. The storms produced strong winds and pounded the region with hail.

Delta communications manager Michael Thomas says stranded passengers at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee received 160 pizzas along with 60 footlong subs. He says employees ordered 60 pizzas and 20 trays of chicken biscuits to feed more than 300 customers in Panama City, Florida.

Some workers even handed out coloring books and games to passengers traveling with small children.
In her 15 years as a financial planner who works with families, Carol Fabbri has seen it all, and it often isnt pretty. Couples locked in a struggle over spending. Siblings crossing swords over inheritances. Parents warring over whether to throw a financial lifeline to an adult child. When the subject is money and the people doing the talking are family members, Ive seen gentle souls morph into demons, says Fabbri, who is based in Denver. People are rarely rational in these situations.

You may be a whiz at Quicken and a disciplined index investor, but that doesnt mean you can completely remove the raw human emotion from financial decisions: Money attitudes and habits run deep. We learn early in life to be spenders or savers, and formative experiences may lead us to associate money with powerful emotions such as love and the need to remain in control. So when theres a financial decision to be made by family members with conflicting money perspectives, worlds can collide.

Tactics to Take the Sting Out of a Thorny Talk

 Meet in a neutral place. People tend to keep their voices down and control their anger more when theyre not at home, says state district court Judge John Roach in Collin County, Texas, co-author, with his wife, Laura, of Divorce in Peace: Alternatives to War From a Judge and Lawyer (Wheatmark, 2016). A casual restaurant is a good venue, Roach says. Or talk while walking in a natural setting such as a park, says Holly Gillian Kindel, a certified financial planner with Mosaic Financial Partners in San Francisco. Studies find people are better able to process information and come up with creative ideas while engaged in physical activity in nature, she explains.

 Focus on one topic. Too many people try to tackle too much at once, Roach notes. If you and your siblings have to deal with a parents daily care, for instance, focus first on what it will cost and how youll pay. Later, discuss who will oversee the care.

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 Hire a pro. If the issue is a particularly contentious one, hiring a neutral person, such as a financial planner or CPA, can help keep conversations on track. The facilitator can also take responsibility for assigning tasks or requiring parties to share documents. Having a pro involved takes the pressure off of you, says Robert Karn, a wealth manager based in Farmington, Conn. Let him be the bad guy.

 Listen actively. Mirroring what someone said in your own words allows them to feel heard and to say whether youre understanding each other, says Jennifer Safian, a divorce mediator based in New York City.

 Be respectful. When someones talking, we tend to anticipate what theyre about to say and interrupt them, Roach says. Conversations break down at that moment. Fight the temptation and wait your turn.

 Agree to disagree. No amount of talking can guarantee that youll get another person to see things your way, Roach says. When you reach an impasse, you sometimes have to be prepared to let it go and move on.

Having the Money Conversation With Family

How can relatives confront contentious money concerns without dynamiting family ties? Because personal finance is as much personal as it is finance, we asked experts from a range of disciplinesfinance, law, psychology, and even preschool educationto address common family money scenarios, below, with spouses, adult children, siblings, elderly parents, and new partners. Weve also added our own practical advice. Some of our experts prescribe a warm and fuzzy approach; others tout tough love. Choose the counsel that best fits your style and situation to maintain (or restore) the peace and set out on a secure financial course.



Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the May 2017 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc.
By Katharine Houreld and Abdi Sheikh MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Somali dentist Abdikadir Adem spent all his savings on a battered van to rescue wounded people after he watched neighbours hit by bomb blasts bleed to death in wheelbarrows on a desperate five kilometre dash to hospital. Ten years later, his single van has grown into a fleet of second-hand ambulances whose red, hand-stencilled Aamin Ambulance logo and nasal sirens are instantly recognised on the battle-scarred streets of Mogadishu. Adem's initiative, funded by dollars cajoled out of his medical students and donations wheedled from businessmen, highlights how private citizens in Somalia, Syria and Pakistan can provide lifesaving social services in countries abandoned by their governments and devastated by violence. "It was so hard to watch people dying, we had to do something," said the slim 40-year-old, whose elder brother was killed in a bombing in 2010. "Where people need me, there I go." Somalia has been mired in conflict since 1991, when clan warlords overthrew a dictator then turned on each other. Now al Qaeda-linked Islamists are detonating increasingly large bombs as they battle to overthrow the weak U.N.-backed government. At least 723 people were killed and 1,116 wounded in bomb attacks in Somalia last year, according to Nairobi-based think-tank Sahan Research, up from 193 dead and 442 wounded in 2015. Most are civilians. There could be many more dead if it were not for Aamin, Somalia's only free ambulance service. Ambulance staff sometimes end up treating their own families. Adem's other brother and his 10-year-old nephew were badly hurt in a double bombing at the Ambassador hotel in June. "He called me and told me he was injured and I raced there," Adem said. "We are always the first on the scene." It's dangerous work. In 2008, Ethiopian troops battling the Islamists obliterated an Aamin Ambulance, its driver and a patient with a tank shell. This February, ambulance crews narrowly escaped a secondary blast that erupted moments after they took the patients from the first blast to hospital. Once a graduation ceremony for medical students was bombed. Panicking victims, clothes afire, swamped the ambulances. "We had to get them all out and put the fires out," said an ambulance driver who has worked for Adem for years but asked that his name be withheld. "There were so many we took them to the hospital 14 at a time." The 10 ambulances are imported second-hand from Dubai for around $5,000 each and have basic first aid equipment, a stretcher and a bench for paramedics or a second victim. The service costs around $12,000 per month in fuel, salaries and supplies. International aid agencies sometimes help: the World Health Organisation donated two vehicles, and the Red Cross gave paramedics a first aid course last year. But the vast majority of cash comes from Somalis themselves, and Aden's earnings as one of Somalia's few foreign-trained dentists. HOME-GROWN HEROES He got his degree in Pakistan in 2005, where he met philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, who founded his own network of free ambulances and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize before his death last year. "Edhi inspired me," Adem said. Some aid groups compare Adem to Syria's White Helmets, a voluntary organisation whose work rescuing bomb victims has won global acclaim. But most Somalis don't care about foreign comparisons. The Aamin crews are their own home-grown heroes. "I would be dead today if it were not them," Ali Nur told Reuters from his hospital bed. Aamin picked up the 30-year-old with major shrapnel injuries to the leg after a bombing earlier this month. Aamin wants to expand beyond the capital, but there will be little help from the Somali government, which is dogged by allegations of corruption and whose tiny health budget is mostly eaten by salaries. Out of a budget of $246 million last year, only $1 million was set aside for health. The prime minister and president's offices got nearly $5 million each. "We have no budget for emergency health," Dr Abdullahi Hashi Ali, the director general of Somalia's health ministry told Reuters. "We have given an honorary certificate to Aamin Ambulance. We do not fund them. We encourage them and recommend aid agencies to help them. Aamin ambulances are doing a great service." Somalia has just inaugurated a new government this month, but there is unlikely to be more cash available. Aamin's ambulance crews say they don't do it for the money. "The people who are dying daily are our wives, our children, our brothers," said paramedic Mohamed, the sun glinting off his bifocals. "Anyone with feeling cannot just stand by." (Additional reporting by Feisal Omar; editing by Anna Willard)
Thank goodness Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad werent paying much attention to Donald Trump in September 2013.

At that time, many of my Obama administration colleagues and I were spending most of our days on Capitol Hill, struggling to persuade a jittery and skeptical Congress to authorize U.S. airstrikes against Assads forces in Syria in response to a horrific chemical weapons attack that left nearly 1,500 civilians dead. It was an uphill fight. Both Republicans and Democrats were asking tough questions about how the planned strikes would work and what they would lead to, worried that the U.S. would get dragged into the Syrian morass.

President Barack Obamas determination to threaten force ignited a frenzied national debate, one that Trump was more than happy to jump into. Trump reflected and fueled a national mood wary of Middle East conflicts, tweeting, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA and warning that Obamas war in Syria would escalate into a worldwide conflict with Russia. This echoed what we were hearing from many Republicans on Capitol Hill, who were far more comfortable talking tough than sharing accountability for U.S. military actions.

Despite the doubts Trump and others expressed at the time  asserting that an attack had no upside and a tremendous downside  Putin and Assad clearly believed American bombs were coming, and to prevent that from happening they ended up agreeing to something that was unexpected and no one thought possible: a diplomatic deal to remove nearly 1,300 metric tons of Syrias chemical weapons, then the worlds third-largest stockpile. Without a bomb being dropped, Syria had admitted to having massive chemical weapons program it had never before acknowledged, agreed to give it up, and submitted to an international coalition that removed the weapons and destroyed them at sea. This was an example of the threat of force achieving something the use of military power could not itself accomplish.

Of course, despite the peaceful removal of such weapons, Obamas decision to take the diplomatic option rather than barrel forward with strikes that Trump and others were warning against is now seen as an original sin  evidence of Obamas core weakness that, Trump now asserts, led to the Syrian tragedy we are dealing with today. It is true that this did not end the Syrian civil war (something the red line was never intended to achieve), and the Assad regime manufactured homemade weapons with industrial chemicals like chlorine and, we now know after this weeks attack, did not give up its entire stockpile. Does this diminish the accomplishment? Absolutely, although I am sure Trump is happy he is not dealing with a Syria that still has 1,300 tons of chemical weapons.

So the question is what to do. Trump appears ready for an about-face as dramatic as Obamas surprise decision to seek Congressional approval in 2013  just a few days ago the White House said it would submit to the political reality that Assad would remain in power, but now it seems poised to strike back. I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity, Trump told reporters on Thursday. [Assad is] there, and I guess hes running things, so something should happen.

An American military response is clearly justified  after all, the United States has been bombing Syria every day for two-and-a-half years, conducting nearly 7,500 strikes against Islamic State targets. The challenge, however, is that Assad now enjoys Russias protective cover, and that any U.S. attack risks killing Russians on the ground (something that was acutely on our minds when we were planning targets four years ago, but is much worse today). There is an even greater risk of the kind of conflict Trump warned against four years ago.

Yet there are options  which the U.S. military is certainly drawing up. The U.S. could use stand-off weapons to strike those forces responsible for the attack, or could hit things Assad values, like his helicopter fleet or a favorite residence. This must be accompanied by a stern message to Moscow to control escalation, although it is uncertain how much credibility Trump has to deliver this.

Trumps instinct is always to punch back  and now that Syrias actions have crossed not just a red line, but a lot of them, he has created an expectation that he will do so. But the question is what this will lead to, and how he thinks his actions will serve the countrys larger strategic goals. A response is necessary, but Trump needs to answer the question he posed in 2013: What will we get for bombing Syria besides more debt and a possible long term conflict? President Trump, welcome to the NFL.

Photo credit: Donald Trump and King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Wednesday. ALEX WONG/Getty Images
By Olwethu Boso JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Three cabinet ministers removed by President Jacob Zuma in a reshuffle last week quit as lawmakers of his African National Congress on Thursday ahead of a vote of no-confidence in him that the ANC has said it will defeat. Mcebisi Jonas, an outspoken critic of government corruption who was deputy finance minister until Zuma sacked him, resigned as a member of parliament along with Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Dipuo Peters, axed as energy and transport ministers last week. They will be replaced with candidates from an ANC list. The ANC has rejected calls from opponents and some long-time political allies for Zuma to resign after the reshuffle, centred on the sacking of Pravin Gordhan as finance minister, cost the country one of its investment-grade credit ratings. South Africa's rand has tumbled more than 11 percent since March 27 when Zuma ordered Gordhan home from overseas meetings with investors. It was not clear if Gordhan would also step down as an MP. "I am resting now. I will see you on the 18th," he said when asked on Thursday. Parliament will vote on the no confidence motion against Zuma on April 18. Jonas made headlines last year when he said he had been offered the finance minister's job by members of the Gupta family, Indian businessmen who have close ties with Zuma and have been accused of influence-peddling. Zuma and the Gupta family have denied any wrongdoing. The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party encouraged Jonas to challenge Zuma, who has denied repeated allegations of corruption since winning power in 2009. "We can only hope the former deputy minister will have the courage and energy to fight on against 'state capture'," its shadow finance minister David Maynier said, referring to accusations against the Guptas which they have rejected. NO CONFIDENCE VOTE Zuma, 74, has survived four previous no confidence votes. The ANC has a commanding majority in the national assembly and said on Thursday that its members would vote against the motion. The ANC Chief Whip's office rejected calls for a secret ballot for the no-confidence motion. The opposition has said this could make it possible for ANC lawmakers to vote against Zuma without facing reprisals. In another blow to Zuma, the Treasury said its Director General Lungisa Fuzile, who is well respected in financial markets and worked closely with Gordhan and Jonas, would leave after new Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba takes the reins. Gigaba has declared plans to redistribute wealth in the economy to poor black people as part of a programme of "radical socio-economic transformation" promised by Zuma.. Inequality still festers in South Africa more than 20 years after the end of white-minority rule. Fears that budget discipline could falter under Gigaba have contributed to market jitters, but he and Zuma have assured investors they will maintain policies established under Gordhan. Zuma has pledged to expropriate land but analysts said violent seizures of farms like those in neighbouring Zimbabwe were unlikely. Fitch Ratings is likely to follow S&P by downgrading South Africa's credit rating to "junk", analysts said, which would further push up the country's borrowing costs. S&P cited the sacking of Gordhan, a two-time finance minister regarded as a steady hand by the international investors on whom South Africa relies to finance its hefty budget and current account deficits, to explain the rating cut. "We didn't need the downgrade, by the way, if we had just behaved ourselves," Gordhan said on Thursday at a memorial in Cape Town for veteran anti-apartheid stalwart Ahmed Kathrada. FRIDAY MARCHES Thursday's resignations are an embarrassment rather than a direct threat to Zuma. But he still faces demands to step down from political and civil society groups that will march on Friday in protest against the president, who they say will hurt the economy and cost yet more jobs by staying in office. Zuma welcomed civil society group SaveSA's plans to protest outside his office, saying it was their legal right to do so. The DA will march in the commercial hub Johannesburg. The South African Communist Party, a historic ally of the ANC which has also demanded that Zuma step down, said it had postponed its planned march in Pretoria to a later date. A "holding hands" picket is planned in Cape Town. "The marches in themselves will not have an effect on the ANC, the only thing that will have an effect will be the internal ebb and flow of its factions," said political analyst Daniel Silke. (Additional reporting by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo, Mfuneko Toyana and TJ Styrdom in Johannesburg and Wendell Roelf in Cape Town; Writing by James Macharia; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Stockholm (AFP) - Spotify, the world's largest music streaming company, is considering registering its shares directly on a stock market instead of an initial public offering (IPO), the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

"Spotify is seriously considering a direct listing, in which the company would simply register its shares on a public exchange and let them trade freely, according to people familiar with the matter," the daily wrote.

"The company wouldn't raise any new money or use underwriters to place new blocks of stock," it said.

Direct listings are relatively rare for major companies.

The inconvenience of such an operation is that a company is then required to comply with stock exchange quarterly reporting regulations -- without pulling in any fresh capital.

But the young Swedish company sees other advantages, according to the Wall Street Journal.

For starters, the process would be less costly, simpler and faster.

Furthermore, "having a public stock would also give Spotify's investors and employees the opportunity to cash in their shares," it said.

If it chooses to go this route, Spotify would itself set a selling price for its stock.

According to the newspaper, "the Swedish company is targeting a public valuation of more than $10 billion" (9.4 billion euros).

Contacted by AFP, Spotify refused to comment on the report.

The last valuation of the company that was made public was $8.2 billion in June 2015.

The company's list of stockholders is not public. But after occasionally turning to investors to finance its development, it has accumulated a number of them.

On Tuesday, the company announced it had signed a multi-year global licence agreement with Universal Music Group which, according to industry analysts, is expected to reduce the amount of money paid to the record major for rights, and would thereby enable Spotify to generate its first profits.
With Earth Day almost here, many people -- including students -- will turn their attention toward conservation and sustainability, at least for 24 hours. But rising and currently enrolled college students whose interest in the environment extends beyond one day could find themselves first in line for scholarships that could conserve their -- and their parents' -- bank accounts.

Here are some of the scholarships available to students who can and will continue to demonstrate their concern for the world and sustainability.

Waterlogic, which specializes in purified water dispensers for homes and offices, offers a $1,500 World Water Issue Scholarship. Applicants must write an essay about one way water conservation can combat world water scarcity.

This scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in college or entering college within 12 months. The application deadline is April 30.

Good360, an Alexandria, Virginia-based nonprofit, works with companies, charities and individual donors to make the process of giving simpler and more effective. It offers the $1,000 Good360 Sustainability Scholarship to high school seniors or college students who have an interest in environmentalism or sustainability.

The scholarship is open to students in all majors with a minimum GPA of 3.3. To apply, students must submit a 200-300-word essay on what sustainability means to them and a photo on Instagram or Twitter. The current application cycle is closed, but look for the next application round to start in fall.

[Discover these scholarships for outdoors lovers.]

Dubuque, Illinois-based Crescent Electric Supply Co., which distributes electrical hardware and supplies, offers the $1,000 Crescent Electric Sustainability scholarship to a student who is planning to attend college this year or is already enrolled as an undergraduate freshman, sophomore or junior. Applicants must be between ages 16 and 22.

The application is a little different than most: Applicants must submit a photo, with the hashtag #CEscholarship, to Twitter or Instagram showing how they minimize their carbon footprint. They must then complete the online submission form, including a link to their social media post. Submissions are due by midnight Aug. 8.

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Sleeping Organic, a South Carolina-based company that makes sustainable mattresses and bedding products, semi-annually awards the $1,200 Sleeping Organic's Sustainability Scholarship to incoming or current college students who are determined to go beyond the basics of sustainability in the industry they plan to pursue after college.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA. They must also answer two questions about sustainability in either an essay or personal video. The application deadlines are Oct. 1 for the spring semester 2018 award and April 1, 2018, for the fall 2018 semester.

The National Society of High School Scholars Foundation and the Captain Planet Foundation present up to 10 Earth Day Awards worth $500 to high school students who are working on an environmental project. Applicants must submit details of the project and a drawing, painting, video or other creative component that demonstrates the project. The current application cycle is closed, but check the website for announcements for the 2018 applications.

In additional to these national scholarships, a number of organizations offer scholarships aimed at students in specific regions or states. For example, the Air & Waste Management Association: Allegheny Mountain Section offers up to $4,000 in scholarships for undergraduates pursuing environmental careers at eligible universities in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania. In addition to the application, students must submit transcripts, a letter of recommendation and a one-page essay detailing their interest in environmentally related fields.

The 2017-2018 application period has closed, but check the website for updates on the 2018-2019 deadlines.

[Learn more about paying for college.]

Here are a few other state-specific scholarships for environmentally focused college students.

-- The Alabama Environmental Health Association presents a $1,000 scholarship to a junior or senior undergrad studying environmental health or a strongly related field who has made significant contributions to the field and shown dedication to the state. Check the association's website for updates on when the 2017 application cycle opens.

-- California's Calaveras Big Trees Association administers the Emily M. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship, a $1,500 award for a full-time undergraduate or graduate student attending an accredited California university. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in environmental protection, forestry, wildlife and fisheries biology, parks and recreation, park management, environmental law and public policy, environmental art or California history. The application deadline each year is April 15.

-- Illinois' Friends of Volo Bog offers the Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program, which awards two $1,000 scholarships -- one for students entering college and the other for students continuing college. To be eligible, applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties. The 2017 application period has ended, but check the website for announcements for the 2018 round.

Working toward a sustainable world benefits the environment, but your efforts could also win you a scholarship and help you avoid taking on excessive student loan debt.

Arthur Murray, a graduate of the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, is managing editor of the GoodCall.com newsroom. The organization provides access to information, data, technology and tools, including a scholarship engine, to help visitors make important decisions.
If you're an undergraduate or graduate student, you're probably starting to look into and apply to internships. Or if you're not, get on it! It's hard to know where to start. Here are answers to some of your burning internship questions.

[See: 8 Ways Millennials Can Build Leadership Skills.]

Q: What are some good online resources for finding internships?

A: There are many websites for finding internships. Here are some to check out.

-- Internships.com -- This is the best-known internship site, featuring over 185,000 internships at close to 120,000 companies across all 50 states. It also houses tips for applying and interview preparation.

-- CollegeRecruiter.com -- This site is for current students and recent graduates. You can find entry-level opportunities and internships. It offers a wealth of job-related advice, including a salary calculator and free resume critique.

-- iHipo.com -- Catering to graduate-level students and those who've obtained their degree, this site enables you to find international opportunities, including internships, jobs and graduate programs. It also provides advice on resume writing and interviewing.

-- CreativeInterns.com -- The site has internships and entry-level jobs in creative fields such as graphic design, web design, social media, video production and communications, among others.

-- U.S. federal government internships -- This includes a listing of federal internships and links to those available at each agency.

Q: If it's an unpaid internship, can I ask to be paid?

A: When an organization states that the internship is unpaid, it's unpaid. Sure, you can ask, but they mean what they say. This is especially true for the federal government. It may be possible to negotiate a small stipend for living or commuting expenses in an unpaid private sector internship.

Turning this around, if you don't need to be paid, and there's a company where you want to work that doesn't list internship opportunities, find some contacts there through your school or LinkedIn first- and second-degree connections. Express your interest in working there as an intern. They may just create a spot for you.

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[See: The 25 Best Social Services Jobs of 2017.]

Q: Unpaid isn't an option for me. Where can I find paid internships?

A: Paid internships exist but they can take some extra digging. Medium- and large-sized companies are more likely to offer them. Talk to professionals in your career center at school in addition to using the resources listed above. Keep in mind that former students may have held paid internships, and perhaps the career center can put you in touch with them.

Q: I want to find a communications internship but I have no experience in it. What can I do?

A: Perhaps you do have experience in it but you haven't really thought about it. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

-- Do you have experience from school in communications (e.g., writing articles for a newspaper)?

-- What coursework have you taken that is relevant to communications?

-- Do you belong to an association or organization in school or externally related to public relations or communications?

-- Have you published anything, including op-eds?

If you've got it, flaunt it -- all of the information above that applies to you should be included in your resume. If none of the above apply (or even if they do) seek out a mentor in the field who can help you figure out how to develop the required skills. This person could help translate your skills or recommend a position that will help you work towards your eventual career goals.

[See: 10 Ways Social Media Can Help You Land a Job.]

Q: Once I get an internship, how do I ensure I leave a good impression?

A: Be proactive, perform your very best and be reliable. Offer to help colleagues and perform tasks outside of your designated duties. Expand your network while in the workplace by identifying people with whom you want to connect. Reach out to them, as talking to other employees could help foster your broader understanding of the company and enable you to make invaluable connections for job opportunities down the road. You may even find a career mentor with whom you can continue a relationship after the internship ends.

Internships can be just as rewarding and esteemed as a job, but it's up to you to find one that's right for you and make the most of it. It will add a great deal to your resume and professional repertoire, allowing you to land a better entry-level job in the future.
By Timothy Mclaughlin

(Reuters) - A grand jury in Ohio indicted a man suspected of opening fire in a crowded Cincinnati nightclub on a second murder charge Thursday after another suspect died this week.

The charge was one of 38 brought against Cornell Beckley, 27, who faces 230 years in prison if convicted on all charges in the shooting, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters told a news conference in Cincinnati.

"We identified him (Beckley) through multiple sources as the initial shooter," Deters said.

A second suspect, Deondre Davis, 29, who was charged with murder while critically injured, died Tuesday morning at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, according to police.

Bryan Spikes, 27, died shortly after the March 26 shooting at the Cameo Nightlife club in which 16 other people were injured.

Beckley pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing in Cincinnati Municipal Court last week on the initial charge and is being held on a $1.7 million bond.

Davis and Beckley would have faced identical indictments had Davis lived, Deters said. A third gun was found in the club and police are searching for a third shooter.

The gunfire, which sent hundreds of patrons fleeing and ducking for cover, erupted from a dispute inside the club between two groups from different neighborhoods, Deters said.

Beckley climbed onto the club's stage and began shooting at around 1:30 a.m., prosecutors said. Davis started shooting after Beckley opened fire.

The club had persistent problems with violence, according to police. The club's owner surrendered his liquor license and the club was closed, police said on Thursday.

Unlike last year's Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, Florida, in which 49 people died, making it the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, there were no indications the Cincinnati shooting was "terrorism-related," according to authorities.

"People say this was a mass shooting. It was a shoot-out," Deters said.

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Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley called the incident the worst mass shooting in the citys history.

One victim remains in critical condition, Deters said.

(Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Editing by James Dalgleish)
MILFORD, Pa. (AP)  The trial of an anti-government sharpshooter charged with killing a Pennsylvania police trooper in a 2014 ambush at their barracks has resumed after the suspect was briefly hospitalized.

Eric Frein's parents said they were told he fell while brushing his teeth and hit his head.

Testimony resumed Thursday afternoon with Frein in the courtroom. A man told jurors he found the suspect's abandoned Jeep three days after the ambush. Frein had run the Jeep into a swamp shortly after the shooting and fled on foot. He remained on the loose for 48 days before his capture.

Frein faces a potential death sentence if he's convicted in the attack that killed Cpl. Bryon Dickson II and critically wounded Trooper Alex Douglass. Frein's lawyer has said his client won't take the stand.
After a chemical attack killed over 1,000 people Eastern Ghouta in August 2013, the field hospital in Idlib province where Dr. Abdel Hay Tennari works scrambled to get stocks of Pralidoxime and Atropine.

Pralidoxime is the antidote for Sarin, says Tennari - referring to the deadly nerve gas considered a weapon of mass destruction. The hospital was only able to secure a limited number of doses of Pralidoxime due to both its high cost and the difficulty of obtaining it. Instead they bought thousands of milligrams of the much cheaper Atropine, which can be used to counter moderate cases of Sarin poisoning.

Those stocks helped save lives on Tuesday. Tennari, who spoke to TIME by telephone from Idlib, says hes sure the deadliest chemical attack in Syria in almost four years was the result of Sarin or a highly similar gas. The 22 patients his hospital received on Tuesday showed clear signs of a nerve agent-difficulty breathing, weak muscles and constricted pupils. But more importantly, he says, he gave Pralidoxime to the five most severe cases and they responded almost immediately to the antidote. (Pralidoxime can also be used as treatment for other types of nerve agent poisoning, such as Soman and VX)

International leaders condemned the attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday, with the U.S. pointing the finger at the Syrian government of President Bashar Al-Assad. An attack, chemical or not, would be in defiance of ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey last year.

The regime has denied using chemical weapons in this case and others, though government forces have been accused of using chlorine gas on numerous occasions, as well as Sarin in the 2013 Eastern Ghouta attack that prompted Tennaris hospital to stock up on the antidotes.

All signs seem to point to Sarin, which has long been prohibited as a battlefield weapon by international law. Hes been using chlorine for years and no one seems to give a st, Dan Kaszeta, a chemical weapons expert and Managing Director of Strongpoint Security Limited, said of Assad. But chlorine is really a poormans chemical weapon. Chlorine is not only just cheap, its accessible and unregulated as a chemical but can be used as a weapon to create panic and flush people out of areas so they can be targeted by conventional weapons. Its glorified tear gas, says Kaszeta.

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Ammar Abdullah-ReutersA man carries the body of a dead child, after what rescue workers described as a suspected gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, on April 4, 2017.

The Syrian government also had the ability to make VX, according to Kaszeta, a nerve agent similar to Sarin, but one that evaporates much more slowly leaving the area contaminated. VX is classified as an area denial weapon because it leaves land unusable. Kaszeta says the Syrian government would have been unlikely to use it in territories it was attempting to occupy.

If you want to kill a lot of people and not contaminate the area for long, Sarin is the way to do it, says Kaszeta, pointing out that Saddam Hussein also used it to attack Kurds in the north of Iraq. You dont do that with mustard gas, you dont do that with VX and you cant do that with chlorine.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama said in 2012 the use of chemical weapons in Syria would be a red line for his administration, but instead of taking military action after the 2013 attack, he negotiated a deal through Moscow for Syria to give-up its chemical weapons arsenal and sign the Chemical Weapons Convention.

This raises questions for some about how the Syrian government could have carried out an attack like the one on Tuesday. Kaszeta says there are two options-its possible the Syrian government didnt declare everything to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in 2013, or they simply made more. Plus monitoring is difficult in active war zone.

They didnt lose their technical knowledge. Its not like the OPCW took away their scientists and chemical engineers, says Kaszeta. They took away some precursor chemicals and smashed up some labs. The know-how is still there.

Kaszeta says while signs seem to point to a nerve agent, we wont know for sure without lab results. He says its also possible that Tabun was used, a chemical that has similar effects to Sarin but is much easier to produce. The chemicals needed to make either Sarin or Tabun are generally prohibited or highly restricted on the world market.

Instead of trying to buy the chemicals that would send up a red flag, Syria would buy the chemicals to make those chemicals, says Kaszeta. If you go far enough down you can start with rocks and end up with Sarin.

Haid Haid, an associate fellow at London-based think tank Chatham House, says the lack of response from the international community to previous chemical attacks, particularly the 2013 Eastern Ghouta attack, has created an environment of impunity. That was the turning point, says Haid. After that the regime knew no matter what happened in Syria the international community will not intervene.

Assad has since become more comfortable, he says, as regional and international powers have made it clear that changing Assads rule over Syria is no longer a priority.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has called Assad a war criminal, but hinted that Washington may cooperate with him to achieve its main goal in Syria - defeating ISIS. However, President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the attack might have changed his thinking on Assad.

Justin Lane-EPANikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., holds up pictures of victims of a chemical attack in Syria during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council at the United Nations in New York on April 5, 2017.

Haid says despite Assads quest for international legitimacy, the use of chemical weapons is strategic for re-taking all of Syria. The government is using both chemical and conventional weapons to push civilians out of some areas, according to Haid, and also to create an environment of fear. They want to show civilians there is no hope to change the regime. The only hope they have is to make a deal with the regime, says Haid. The regime is playing the long game here.

Meanwhile, residents of Syria like Tennari live in fear of it happening again. He says they theyve used almost all their supplies of Pralidoxime. If there will be another attack, says Tennari, we wont have enough of the antidote.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Syrian government set conditions on Thursday for any international inquiry into a suspected chemical attack that killed scores of people, saying it must not be "politicized" and should set out from Damascus and not Turkey. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem said Syria's past experience with international inquiries had not been encouraging. The government would only decide on the idea once its concerns were addressed, he said. Moualem also reiterated the government's strong denial that it was behind the attack on Tuesday in Khan Sheikhoun in the northwestern province of Idlib, an area mostly controlled by rebel groups at the border with Turkey. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said President Bashar al-Assad's government had gone "beyond a red line" and said his attitude toward Syria and Assad had changed. But he gave no indication of how he would respond. Moualem did not directly respond to questions about Trump's comments. But he said he recognized "the gravity" of recent U.S. statements, and cited speculation U.S. comments may have been a means of exercising diplomatic pressure at the United Nations. Moualem, speaking at a news conference in Damascus, said the Syrian government's Russian allies had put forward ideas for the formation of a "non-politicized commission of inquiry". "It must not be politicized, it must leave from Damascus and not Turkey. We have numerous questions about this subject. When we are certain these questions are addressed with convincing answers, we will give you our response," he said. Western states have accused the Syrian government of carrying out the chemical attack on Tuesday that killed at least 70 people including at least 20 children. Russia has said the deaths were caused by a gas leak from a depot where rebel groups were storing chemical weapons, after a Syrian air strike. Moualem said a Syrian air strike had hit a store where the Nusra Front was storing chemical weapons. The Nusra Front is a jihadist group that now operates as part of an alliance called Tahrir al-Sham. He said the Nusra Front and Islamic State had both been storing chemical weapons in urban areas of Syria. Rebels have denied that there were any military positions in the area targeted in Tuesday's air strike. Moualem also said the first Syrian air strike carried out in the area took place at 11:30 a.m. (0830 GMT), some five hours after an air raid observer in Khan Sheikhoun reported that a lone Syrian jet had dropped at least four bombs there, including one that released a cloud of white smoke. "I confirm to you once again that the Syrian Arab Army has not and will not use this type of weapon against our people and our children, and not even against the terrorists who kill our people," Moualem said. Moualem also said he saw a basis for an eventual "understanding" with Kurdish groups that have established control over wide areas of northern Syria, where they are fighting Islamic State with U.S. support. He said the Kurds wanted to remain part of Syria. "I am confident we will reach an understanding with them after accomplishing the struggle against terrorism", he said. The head of the main Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG, last month indicated it was ready to reach an accommodation with the Syrian government once Kurdish rights are secured. The dominant Syrian Kurdish parties say they want to maintain a form of local autonomy in an eventual settlement to the Syrian war. (Reporting by Tom Perry, Ellen Francis, Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
A 17-year-old West Philadelphia boy who has been charged as an adult in several robberies during an alleged crime spree last month now also faces homicide charges, police said Thursday.



Ma-King Stewart was charged Wednesday with murder, robbery and related offenses in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Tyshiem Chainey in West Philadelphia.



Police, responding to a report of gunshots about 11:20 p.m. March 26 on the 5900 block of Larchwood Avenue, found Chainey suffering from several gunshot wounds to his chest. Chainey, of the 5700 block of Delancey Street, was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he died that night.

Lt. John Walker of Southwest Detectives has said that fired cartridge casings at the scene of the Larchwood Avenue shooting matched a gun allegedly stolen by Stewart earlier that same day.

On March 26, about 1:30 a.m., Stewart, allegedly armed with a handgun, robbed a 22-year-old man of his .40-caliber Glock pistol near 61st and Market Streets, police said.



Walker said Stewart then went "on a tear," committing several armed robberies over the next few days, including that of a 15- and 16-year-old on the 6100 block of Market Street on March 28.

After the younger boy's father confronted the person who allegedly stole $40 from his son and nephew, he was shot once in the face and once in the hand, Walker has said. The 37-year-old father was in stable condition at a hospital.



Stewart has been charged with robbing the teens and is expected to also be charged in the shooting of the father, Walker has said. He also faces several other robbery counts, one count of robbery of a motor vehicle, two counts of attempted murder, numerous gun offenses and related charges.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee's attorney general has questioned the constitutionality of current legislative proposals that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks.

The opinion from Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III, the top law enforcement official in a conservative Republican state, is the second this year to raise concerns over whether an abortion ban bill is constitutional. Last month, Slatery wrote that a push to outlaw most abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, as early as six weeks, may not be able to withstand a court challenge.

Slatery is a former top legal adviser to Republican Gov. Bill Haslam, but was named to his post by the Supreme Court. Tennessee is the only state where the attorney general is appointed by the state's high court.

The opinion looks into a bill by two Republican lawmakers that would outlaw abortion after 20 weeks in gestational age, unless the doctor determines through a testing mechanism that the fetus is not viable. The test wouldn't be required in a medical emergency.

Additionally, a post-viability abortion, defined as a minimum of 24 weeks gestational age, could only be performed by a licensed physician who determines that the fetus is not viable, or that the abortion would prevent the death or irreversible impairment of a major body function of the mother.

For doctors, violating the post-viability ban would be a Class C felony. Violating the viability testing requirement would be a Class A misdemeanor.

Slatery's opinion says both components are "constitutionally suspect" under existing 6th Circuit Court of Appeals precedent, pointing to similar post-viability regulations in Ohio that were struck down in court.

Without proving the doctor has "guilty knowledge" or recklessness, Slatery wrote that "such statutes impermissibly subject a physician to criminal liability even though he was acting in good faith in determining whether a medical emergency or medical necessity exists."

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The opinion also says the bill could be unconstitutional because it does not account for severe mental and emotional harm when considering if an abortion is medically necessary.

The bill's ban on abortions would still apply when a woman claims, or it is diagnosed, that her mental health will make her do something to kill herself or irreversibly impair a major bodily function.

The legislation by Rep. Matthew Hill, a Republican from Jonesborough, and Sen. Joey Hensley, a Republican from Hohenwald, has passed a House subcommittee and committee.

Another similar bill would prohibit abortions at a gestational age of 20 weeks, unless a doctor deems abortion necessary to preserve the mother's life or health. Slatery's opinion says the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a similar law in Arizona.

The bill also would require abortions after three months, but before 20 weeks, to be performed in a state-licensed hospital by a licensed physician. The opinion says this would be constitutionally suspect.

That legislation, sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet and Republican Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver of Lancaster, has not been considered in committee yet this year.

The Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights, says 16 states have some prohibitions on abortion at about 20 weeks post-fertilization.

Republican Rep. Bob Ramsey of Maryville requested the attorney general's opinion.

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This story has been corrected to reflect that the opinion was filed last week, not Thursday and that Haslam is still governor.
Caracas (AFP) - Violence erupted for a third straight day at protests against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, leaving one demonstrator dead amid escalating tension over moves to keep the leftist leader in power.

Police said a 19-year old youth died after being shot in the chest during a demonstration in the capital.

The teen, Jairo Ortizo, died from a gunshot wound when National Guard troops tried to disperse crowds of protesters who had blocked a road on the outskirts of Caracas, authorities said.

Outraged dissidents called the shooting, which occurred at the end of daylong demonstrations in Caracas, yet another sign of the violent oppression they are subjected to under the Maduro regime.

In addition to the slain youth, dozens of people were injured Thursday, including at least 19 who required medical attention, mostly for breathing problems after inhaling tear gas.

AFP reporters also witnessed a National Guard soldier lying unconscious after having been struck by a large rock.

Maduro, who issued a televised appeal for order, said 30 people had been detained by late Thursday and that more arrests were possible.

"We are looking for all of them -- we've identified them all," he said of opposition activists who had scattered after skirmishing with police.

"One by one, they are going to fall and face justice," Maduro declared on state television.

- 'No more dictatorship!' -

Earlier Thursday, protesters chanting "No more dictatorship!" hurled stones at National Guard riot police who blocked them from marching on central Caracas.

The police responded with tear gas and water cannons, prompting chaos on the eight-lane highway where some 10,000 protesters had tried to break through security barricades.

Scores of protesters were also hurt at violent protests on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the opposition vowing to return to the streets Saturday as a political crisis in the volatile oil-exporting country is raising concerns about democracy and stability.

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Street protests are among the few options left for the center-right opposition to pressure Maduro, whom they blame for the country's descent into economic calamity.

Negotiations have failed and he has resisted international pressure, while retaining backing from the military and control over most state institutions.

The opposition is accusing pro-Maduro Supreme Court judges of attempting an internal "coup d'etat" for attempting to take over the opposition-majority legislature's powers last week.

The socialist president's supporters held counter-demonstrations on Thursday, condemning Maduro's opponents as "imperialists" plotting with the United States to oust him.

- 'Tired of dictatorship' -

Last week, the Supreme Court issued rulings transferring the National Assembly's legislative powers to itself and revoking lawmakers' immunity from prosecution.

The court later reversed the rulings after an international outcry, but kept in place other measures limiting the assembly's powers.

Opposition lawmakers launched an effort to impeach the judges on Wednesday. But that would require a green light from the attorney general, prosecutor general and comptroller, all Maduro allies.

They refused Thursday to give the go-ahead -- though the attorney general had sharply criticized the Supreme Court rulings, in a rare display of dissent in Maduro's camp.

On the streets, protesters said they want to get rid of Maduro.

"We're tired of this dictatorship," said Yoleidy Rodriguez, a 22-year-old university student. "We're not afraid."

A group of protesters eventually managed to march up to the metal police barricade, their hands in the air, and spray paint "Freedom" on it in blue letters.

An opposition politician, Roberto Enriquez, meanwhile fled to the Chilean ambassador's residence in Caracas, alleging political persecution.

Chile vowed to protect Enriquez, the head of the Christian social democratic party, whom Maduro's allies accused of plotting a coup.

- Days of protest -

Scores of people were hurt on Tuesday when riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest march in Caracas, opposition groups said.

On Wednesday, similar clashes broke out in the western city of San Cristobal, the scene of deadly riots and looting last year, and in the city of Valencia.

The wave of protests has revived fears of broader unrest in Venezuela, where 43 people were killed during riots in 2014.

The country has undergone three attempted military coups since 1992.

Maduro is resisting opposition efforts to hold a vote on removing him from power.

Venezuela's next general election is due in December 2018. Regional elections last December were postponed indefinitely, and no date has been set for local polls due this year.

The collapse in energy prices has sapped the country's revenues, prompting shortages of food, medicine and basic goods along with a surge in violent crime.

The opposition blames Maduro for the economic crisis. He says it is due to a capitalist conspiracy.

Although he has retained the crucial support of the army so far, that could be changing, political analyst Luis Salamanca said.

"At this point, Maduro can't say he's sure of anyone's support," he said, "including the armed forces."
BANGKOK (AP)  Thailand's king signed the country's new military-backed constitution on Thursday, approving a charter that could see the ruling junta allow fresh elections but limit the authority of the politicians who eventually take office.

King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun endorsed the document in an elaborate ceremony at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall attended by senior members of the country's military government as well as foreign diplomats. It becomes the nation's 20th constitution since the absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932.

The military junta, which seized control of the country in a coup nearly three years ago, has said the promulgation of the constitution will clear the way for new elections no later than November 2018, though it has repeatedly delayed previous promised poll dates.

In a televised speech Thursday night, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the government's timetable did not allow for an exact date for the elections to be set because of the need to pass several laws to allow polling to be held.

"Once the elections are held and the new government is formed, this government will hand over its duties to the new government and will cease its duties," he said.

An earlier version of the new charter was approved by voters in a public referendum last year, though campaigns against the document were outlawed by the junta, which still restricts freedom of speech and assembly in the country. The military government says the document is needed to move the country past more than a decade of political unrest and social division that been punctuated by two coups and multiple rounds of deadly street protests.

Critics say the constitution  drafted by a junta-appointed panel  is undemocratic, will allow the military to keep its grip on power even after elections, and will ultimately deepen the country's divisions. They say the charter limits the power of voters by empowering unelected bodies, creating a fully appointed senate that includes military commanders, and neutering the authority of elected officials.

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"In addition to the military, the judiciary and other accountability-promoting agencies are less connected and accountable to the electorate because the upper chamber is now a military domain, no longer elected by the people," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University.

He said Thursday's "major" ceremony meant the constitution "has a better chance of staying around longer than its predecessors, and therefore democratic aspirations in the charter will have to be expressed via amendments rather than a complete rewrite."

The draft signed Thursday was modified after last year's referendum to give Vajiralongkorn more powers. The signing ceremony took place on Chakri Day, an annual holiday marking the establishment of the Chakri dynasty. Vajiralongkorn is the 10th king in the dynasty, having inherited the throne from his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October.

The new constitution will do little to reverse human rights problems that arose under military rule, London-based human rights group Amnesty International said.

"Thailand's military government retains its carte blanche authority to rule by diktat until elections are held, and future governments will have free rein to restrict human rights on various vaguely defined grounds," said Champa Patel, the group's director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. "The new constitution also keeps in place the full gamut of orders and decrees imposed by the military government since the 2014 coup, which have facilitated widespread human rights violations."
Thailand's king signed a new military-backed constitution on Thursday that strengthens the army's hand in government and puts the country on the path to polls after three years of junta rule.

The military says the charter -- Thailand's twentieth since 1932 -- will curb unrest in the politically-split kingdom and keep out corrupt lawmakers.

But opponents say the new document means any polls, whose date keeps slipping, will only offer Thais a form of neutered democracy with a fully appointed senate and tough controls on elected politicians.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne following the October death of his widely revered father Bhumibol Adulyadej, signed the document in a televised ceremony in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon.

In a pomp filled ceremony, the king then bestowed the signed charter to Thailand's junta chief inside a ornate throne hall filled with white-clad political grandees and foreign dignitaries.

Vajiralongkorn surprised many earlier this year by ordering rewrites to parts of the charter that deal with his powers.

But in a sign of the opacity surrounding all things royal in Thailand, authorities have yet to release the wording of those new sections.

Thailand has stumbled through more than a decade of political instability that has hampered growth in what was once one of the region's fastest growing economies.

In a period dubbed "the lost decade" Thais witnessed repeated rounds of deadly protests, a string of short-lived governments and two military coups.

- Back to the future? -

The charter received popular approval in a referendum last August, although the junta banned political campaigning against it and the public was not aware of the new king's desire to tweak it.

Analysts say the latest constitution harks back to the Cold War-era when Thailand's elected lawmakers were often kept in check by unelected bodies and committees in what many called "guided democracy".

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Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a politics expert at Chulalongkorn University, said the document is a far cry from Thailand's most liberal charter, the 1997 so-called "People's Constitution".

"The new charter reverses progress on people's representation that culminated with the 1997 constitution," he told AFP.

"Now appointments are back en masse at the expense of elected representatives."

The kingdom's political rift broadly pits rural and poor supporters of ousted premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra versus a military-backed Bangkok middle class and business elite.

Shinawatra-linked parties have won every election since 2001. Their opponents accuse them of corruption and damaging populist policies.

In addition to an appointed upper house, the new constitution bolsters the powers of the country's interventionist constitutional court and makes it easier to impeach a civilian leader.

With royal approval secured, the junta's drafting committee will now draw up a raft of organic laws that critics fear could further hem-in political parties, who have been barred from organising since the coup.

The military says the charter will help purge Thailand of corrupt civilian politicians and raise the possibility of elections being held by mid-2018 once it is signed.

They have also said they will draw up a "20-year plan" for the country that any future government will be bound to follow.

This week ousted PM Yingluck Shinawtra, who is entangled in a negligence trial since the coup that could see her jailed, said she hoped the charter would speed the kingdom's return to democracy.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday that there is no doubt Syrian President Bashar Assad is responsible for the suspected chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of people, including children, earlier this week  and that diplomatic steps to remove him from power are underway.

There is no doubt in our minds and the information that we have supports that Syria and the Syrian regime under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad are responsible for this attack, Tillerson said in a press briefing at Palm Beach International Airport. And furthermore, I think it is very important that the Russian government consider very carefully their continued support for the Assad regime.

Assads role in the future is uncertain, clearly, Tillerson said. And with the acts that he has taken, it would seem there would be no role for him to govern.

For Assad to leave, the secretary said, would require an international community effort that would include the defeat of the Islamic State group in Syria, stabilization of the war-torn country and a political process that would lead to Assad leaving.

When asked if President Trump would be organizing an international coalition to remove Assad, Tillerson said, Those steps are underway.

Tillerson speaks to reporters at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday. (Joe Skipper/Reuters)

He added: We are considering an appropriate response for this chemical weapons attack, which violates all previous U.N. resolutions, which violates international norms and long-held agreements of parties including the Syrian regime, the Russian government and all other members of the U.N. Security Council.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested Assad may have to leave.

Hes there, and I guess hes running things, the president said, on his way to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the U.S. presidents Mar-a-Lago estate. So something should happen.

Related: Trump hints at military action to retaliate against Assad

But Trump declined to offer specifics when pressed on what the U.S. response would be to the attack in Syria, saying only it shouldnt have happened, and it shouldnt be allowed to happen.

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At a joint press conference with King Abdullah II of Jordan on Wednesday afternoon in Washington, Trump condemned the attack, saying, It crossed a lot of lines for me.

A chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria against innocent people, including women, small children and even beautiful little babies. Their deaths were an affront to humanity, Trump said. These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated.

Speaking in Turkey last week, Tillerson said, The status and the longer-term status of President Assad will be decided by the Syrian people.

Those comments drew sharp criticism from some Republican lawmakers, including Arizona Sen. John McCain, who called it one of the more incredible statements Ive ever heard.

Syrian people cannot decide the fate of Assad or the future of their country when they are being slaughtered by Assads barrel bombs, Putins aircraft and Irans terrorist proxies, McCain said in a statement. U.S. policy must reflect such basic facts.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said Tillersons remarks may have given Assad an opening to carry out this weeks attack without fear of reprisal.

In essence [its] almost nodding to the idea that Assad was gonna get to stay in some capacity, Rubio said in a radio interview on Wednesday. I dont think its a coincidence that a few days later we see this.

Read more from Yahoo News:
WASHINGTON (AP)  A proxy battle with Russia in Syria and multiple Russia-related investigations in the U.S. will follow Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to Moscow next week on a trip designed to test the Trump administration's hopes for closer ties to the former Cold War foe.

Tillerson will make the first visit to Russia by a Trump administration official just days after the U.S. launched cruise missiles against an air base in Syria, where Russia's military is on the ground propping up its ally, President Bashar Assad. Until Thursday, the U.S. had avoided striking Assad's forces, largely out of concern about being pulled into a military conflict with Russia.

Tillerson, speaking just after the strikes were announced, said Russia had "failed in its responsibility" to deliver on a 2013 deal it helped broker to destroy Syria's chemical weapons arsenal.

"So either Russia has been complicit, or Russia has been simply incompetent on its ability to deliver," Tillerson said.

Growing disagreements about Syria are just the latest obstacle to any plans President Donald Trump had to closer align the U.S. and Russia on the world stage. Trump and his associates are embroiled in mushrooming investigations into potential collusion between his presidential campaign and Russian President Vladimir Putin's government, accused by America's spy agencies of interfering in the election to help elect Trump.

Despite Trump's much-hyped campaign talk about a Russia reset, there's no appetite for that from either political party in the U.S. Skepticism about Russia's intentions was only compounded by its defense of Assad after a deadly chemical attack that the U.S. says was no doubt carried out by Assad's forces.

Even minor concessions to Russia would trigger immediate accusations from Trump's opponents that the president  who has praised Putin generously and repeatedly  is beholden to Putin, a former KBG agent. Add to that Trump's anger at Russia for violating a nuclear arms treaty and continued global outrage over Putin's actions in Ukraine, and it's difficult to see realistic chances for near-term rapprochement.

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"I think the Russians have adjusted their expectations down as to the possibilities of a breakthrough, and what happened in Syria is going to add to that," said Michael McFaul, the U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Barack Obama. Still, he said the Russians would likely treat Tillerson warmly in hopes his trip could smooth the path toward a Trump-Putin meeting.

Tillerson arrives in Moscow on Tuesday after a brief visit to Lucca, Italy, to meet with counterparts from the Group of 7 industrialized economies. While in Russia, Tillerson plans to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The State Department said Tillerson had spoken by phone to Lavrov after the chemical attack to get Russia's take on what happened. Russia has maintained that Syrian airstrikes hit a depot where anti-Assad rebels were building chemical weapons, a claim the U.S. has vigorously disputed.

Tillerson may also meet with Putin, in what would be a reunion of sorts for two men who did business when Tillerson, the former Exxon Mobil CEO, was negotiating oil deals in Russia. Tillerson's close ties to Russia  Putin once gave him the "Order of Friendship" award  drew serious concerns during Tillerson's confirmation hearings, but he's since emerged as one of the Trump administration's more sober voices about Russia's behavior.

Senior State Department officials described Tillerson's visit as an "exploratory trip" aimed at determining any potential for cooperation, adding that no decisions to increase cooperation had been made. The officials briefed reporters on condition of anonymity despite Trump's condemnations of the press for using anonymous sources.

Tillerson may or may not meet with pro-democracy activists in Russia, as members of Congress have urged, the officials said.

Relations with Russia have steadily deteriorated since 2014, when Russia annexed the Ukrainian territory of Crimea and then began arming and assisting pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. The Obama administration and Western countries slapped Moscow with severe economic sanctions that Trump has so far vowed to keep in place until Russia gives Crimea back.

Still, Putin's government has been optimistic about Trump's presidency. Until Tuesday's chemical attack in Syria, Trump and his deputies said their top focus in Syria was fighting the Islamic State group  not ousting Assad  a position that aligned with Putin's own publicly stated goal.

For Trump, who said Thursday that "something should happen" to Assad, the attack clearly was an inflection point that focused his administration on Assad's atrocities and the support he receives from Russia, Syria's most powerful ally.

In an Associated Press interview, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia's support for Assad is not unconditional, but also pushed back on the notion that Putin had unfettered influence over Assad.

"It is not correct to say that Moscow can convince Mr. Assad to do whatever is wanted in Moscow," Peskov said.

James Carafano, a Heritage Foundation scholar who advised Trump's transition team on foreign policy, said the notion that Trump would have a special relationship with Putin was always overblown.

"Nobody was talking about, 'We're just going to cut a deal with Russia and be done here,'" Carafano said.

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Associated Press writer Vivian Salama in Palm Beach, Florida contributed.

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Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP
When Mary Ellen Mannix was told that her newborn son would need heart surgery to repair a birth defect, she wanted to know two things right away: What were his chances for survival, and where was the best place to go for his operation.

Those were difficult questions to answer. Some 40,000 babies are born with congenital heart disease each year, and at least a quarter of those tiny patients require multiple surgeries in their first months of life. But until recently, its been hard for families to identify high-quality pediatric heart centers or individual surgeons.

I had to make do with word of mouth, and with what doctors and surgeons were willing to voluntarily tell me, Mannix says.

Mannix has since become a leading advocate for greater transparency in medicine, especially in congenital heart disease and pediatric heart surgery. She has volunteered with several groups, including The Newborn Coalition and Mothers Against Medical Errors, co-authored an article in a medical journal, and was recently appointed to Pennsylvanias Patient Safety Authority Governing Board.

More than a decade after her son died, things are finally improving.

More on Heart Health

In 2015, the Society of Thoracic Surgeonsthe professional group that represents surgeons who operate on the chest and heartlaunched a voluntary public reporting program for congenital heart surgery, making it possible to find high-performing hospitals.



Now, 117 hospitals across the U.S. that perform surgery to treat congenital heart surgery have submitted data to STS, and 50 have agreed to share that information with Consumer Reports, making them the first such ratings of hospitals that perform pediatric heart surgery.

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Families have been desperate for this information, says Doris Peter, Ph.D., director of Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center. We congratulate those surgery programs who have decided to share their data with the public. We know it will help parents make some critical decisions at a crucial moment in their lives.

To rate a hospital, statisticians compare the percentage of its patients who die in the hospital or within 30 days of discharge, after adjusting for the difficulty of the patients' cases, as determined by the types of procedures that were performed and how sick patients were at the time of surgery.

Of the 50 pediatric hospitals that shared their data with Consumer Reports, eight received the highest possible rating, one the lowest score, and the rest fell in between, as shown in the charts below.



What to Look for in a Pediatric Heart Hospital

Though the new ratings provide a good starting point for parents whose babies have congenital heart disease and need heart surgery, they do have some limitations.

For example, they dont include any information about individual surgeons, or about mortality rates for specific procedures or diagnoses. Instead, theyre all grouped together.

The ratings also cant tell you how well patients tend to do years after their surgerieshow good their quality of life tends to be or how great their overall life expectancy.

Tara Karamlou, M.D., a pediatric heart surgeon at Phoenix Childrens Hospital, says STS and its member surgeons are hoping to provide that and other information in the future. We dont yet have a way to measure all aspects of care, she says. But we are working to get there.

In the meantime, if youre trying to figure out which hospital to take your baby to, start with the ratings, but take these additional steps as well.

Research your options. If the facility youre considering isnt in our ratings, check the STS website, because it includes some information about other hospitals. If the hospital has no publicly reported outcome data, and wont share it with you, consider another facility. In general, even a low rating is better than no rating because public reporting at least shows the hospital believes in transparency and is committed to improvement.

Talk to the surgeon. Youll especially want to know how often he or she performs the surgery in question and what the success rate is. In general, the more often a doctor or hospital performs a given operation, the better the outcome is likely to be.



Find out about the surgical team. Ask about the nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare specialists who work with your surgeon. What is their level of experience and how focused are they on pediatric heart cases?

Think before you travel. The doctors we spoke with say that even medium-rated programs can provide excellent care, especially if their surgical team has experience treating your childs specific abnormality. If you do decide to travel to another area (especially if that area is outside your state), expect some resistance from your insurance company. But also know that larger pediatric heart centers often have services to help out-of-towners.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the May 2017 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.





More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc.
Washington (AFP) - The United States will continue to build its military defenses against North Korea, Donald Trump told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, pledging all options are on the table.

The pair spoke by phone a day after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, in what analysts said was a warning ahead of Trump's summit with China's Xi Jinping at which North Korea is set to dominate the agenda.

Trump "made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities," the White House said in a statement about the call.

"The president emphasised that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose."

Though the White House has previously made similar statements, the call came hours before Trump hosts Chinese President Xi for a two-day summit at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Trump has said the United States is prepared to go it alone in bringing Pyongyang to heel if China -- North Korea's top ally -- does not step in.

In Tokyo, Abe said Trump reaffirmed that he is prepared to consider all possibilities in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

"I told (President Trump) that Japan is watching closely how China will cope with this North Korean issue," Abe told reporters after the 35-minute conversation.

"President Trump then made a strong remark, saying all options are on the table."

- 'In-flight failure' -

Abe said the two leaders agreed that North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch was a "dangerous provocation and poses a great threat to Japan's national security."

Japan sees itself as particularly vulnerable to North Korean missile launches, some of which have landed uncomfortably close to its northwestern coast.

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Trump, since coming to power in January, has been careful to assure Japan that the US, which guarantees Tokyo's security, has its back in the face of North Korean provocations.

Abe and Trump were meeting at the Mar-a-Lago estate in February when North Korea launched a rocket, setting off a controversy when the leaders set up an impromptu "situation room" in full view of the resort's guests.

That time the US leader responded by pledging "100 percent" support for Japan, which along with South Korea is Washington's key regional ally

Following North Korea's test of four missiles last month, Trump affirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment" to Japan and South Korea.

Trump's top diplomat, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, last month during a trip to the region vowed a fresh strategy to counter the North Korean nuclear threat, admitting that all previous efforts had failed.

Wednesday's missile, launched days after Pyongyang warned of retaliation if the global community ramps up sanctions, flew 60 kilometres (about 40 miles), South Korea's defence ministry said.

A US defence official later said that the missile was an extended range Scud and had suffered an in-flight failure.

"A Scud ER (extended range) flew about 60 kilometres before suffering an in-flight failure and crashing into the Sea of Japan," also known as the East Sea, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump told Japanese leader Shinzo Abe Washington will continue to build its military capabilities to defend against a North Korean attack, the White House said.

The pair spoke by phone a day after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, in what analysts said was a warning ahead of a US-China summit at which North Korea's accelerating atomic weapons program is set to top the agenda.

Trump "made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities," the White House said in a statement about the call.

"The President emphasized that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose."

Though the White House has previously made similar statements, the call came hours before Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping for a two-day summit at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Trump has said the United States is prepared to go it alone in bringing Pyongyang to heel if China -- North Korea's top ally -- does not step in.

In Tokyo, Abe said Trump had reaffirmed that all options are available in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

"I told (President Trump) that Japan is watching closely how China will cope with this North Korean issue," the prime minister told reporters after the 35-minute conversation.

"President Trump then made a strong remark, saying all options are on the table."

Abe was meeting Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in February when North Korea launched a rocket, setting off a controversy when the leaders set up an impromptu, alfresco "situation room" in full view of the resort's guests.
By Pete Schroeder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - White House economic adviser Gary Cohn said he backed bringing back the Glass-Steagall Act, a Depression-era law that would revamp Wall Street banks by splitting their consumer-lending businesses from their investment arms. The National Economic Council director, also a former Goldman Sachs president, expressed support to lawmakers for a banking system where firms would focus primarily on trading and underwriting securities or issuing loans. Big banks have strongly opposed such a move that would fundamentally overhaul their business. Reinstating the law, which was repealed in 1999, has not attracted significant attention in Congress, but advocates in the White House and both parties now argue it would provide critical safeguards to prevent another financial crisis. Critics of that approach say it lacks nuance and would not have prevented the last financial meltdown. The fact Cohn, widely viewed as one of Wall Street's own, was willing to push that position spooked big banks' representatives in Washington. The White House confirmed Cohn's remarks in a private meeting with lawmakers on Wednesday. A spokesperson said he was "simply discussing the President's previously stated position" in favor of a "21st century Glass-Steagall." Cohn's remarks were first reported by Bloomberg. https://bloom.bg/2nZK5n1 The Trump administration has indicated support for a return to Glass-Steagall. The White House has stuck by the idea since it was included in the Republican Party platform during the presidential campaign, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expressed interest in a modernized version of the law. When asked on Thursday when large financial institutions should begin to worry about Glass-Steagall becoming a reality, one industry representative said, "Right now." However, any legislation establishing such a firewall faces long odds in the current Congress. The heads of the House and Senate banking committees have indicated support for alternative approaches, and efforts to move Glass-Steagall legislation in prior years have garnered little support. "A new Glass-Steagall would require legislation, and it simply isnt a priority issue in Congress," wrote Ian Katz, a financial policy analyst for the research firm Capital Alpha Partners, in a note to clients. In the meeting which was arranged by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, Cohn was asked by Senator Elizabeth Warren about Glass-Steagall. Cohn responded favorably, noting that the Republican Party platform supports the idea, according to sources familiar with the meeting. The meeting included lawmakers from both parties and their staff. Bringing back Glass Steagall would likely have a significant impact on banks like JPMorgan Chase & Co , Bank of America Corp and Citigroup that have large highly intertwined commercial lending and investment banking operations, say analysts. It would impact Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Morgan Stanley to a lesser degree although, they would likely have to revert to being standalone investment banks and shed their deposit funding. (Reporting by Pete Schroeder, Sarah N. Lynch and Olivia Oran; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Andrew Hay)
Photo credit: Gleason

From Popular Mechanics

A wall full of fiber optics? Anti-climbing coating? Solar panels? Trump's wall may become the most high-tech barrier in history if builders get their way.

The deadline for proposals to build Trump's big wall between Mexico and the United States came and went on Tuesday, and while the government will wait until June 1 to announce which companies made the first cut to make models of their proposals, several of those companies have released their plans to the public.

Specifications for the wall include that it must be able to repel pickaxes and sledgehammers for at least an hour, and be "aesthetically pleasing" on the north side that would face the United States. Builders must show that they have experience "executing high-profile, high-visibility, and politically contentious" projects. Preventing tunnels must be taken into account, too. U.S officials have told the Associated Press that they expect to choose four to 10 bidders that would build prototypes for $200,000 to $500,000 each.

"For the younger generation, they say if there is going to be a wall, let's have it be green," says Thomas Gleason, whose company, Gleason Partners, has submitted a proposal with solar panels. Numerous proposals take the aesthetics of the wall seriously, from Gleason's solars panels or Concrete Contractors Interstate's plan to build a "polished concrete wall augmented with stones and artifacts" specifically tailored for each region of the wall.

"The idea is to make the wall a piece of art," said Russ Baumgartner, chief executive officer of the San Diego-based company, to the AP. It's a sentiment shared by iCON Wall, which would feature recycled glass on both sides of the wall, going beyond the government's requirements. WTC Construction of St. Andrews, Texas, would want a precast concrete system that would look like its desert surroundings. The "Rammed Earth" model, as WTC calls it, would "provide a beautiful structure that will reflect the beauty of the border lands."

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While such appeals hope to garner the interest of a president who has put a premium on aesthetics, not all proposals share such a concern. One that has been garnering hype on Fox News, the President's preferred method of getting information, is the "Smart Wall" from Scottsdale, Arizona's DarkPulse Technologies. It'd be stuffed full of fiber optics capable of detecting any physical tampering, as well as anti-climb coating.

Photo credit: DarkPulse

Another proposal, from Clayton Industries of Pittsburgh, has one crazy idea bound to keep people away from the wall: fill it with nuclear waste. Using trenches at least 100 feet deep to store the waste, Clayton would also draw funds from the Department of Energy to further fund the wall. The company would also build a railroad along the wall as a further disincentive to try to cross it. Proposals adding elements like this to wall reflect the reality that it will likely generate no economic benefits on its own.

Photo credit: Clayton Industries

Whichever proposal is met with final approval is bound to be met with an extreme pushback and headaches befitting a project unique in American history. There's the cost of the wall, estimated by the Department of Homeland Security to cost $21.6 billion (President Trump has maintained that Mexico will pay for a wall, a position roundly refuted by the Mexican government). Given the lack of unity within the President's own party, there is little guarantee that such funding would actually materialize.

Then there's the hot, dry climate of the American Southwest, which would screw up the chemical reactions within concrete that causes the material to harden. The wall will most likely use over three times the amount of concrete than the Hoover Dam, and the massive building project could create boomtowns along its construction, with a massive amount of supplies needed to house, feed, bathe, and entertain its workers.

Some have taken the submission process as a chance to protest the wall itself. The group Otra Nation has submitted a plan with no wall at all, but rather a transcontinental Hyperloop train that could increase travel between the two countries. It is not likely to make it to the next stage.

Source: AP, San Diego Times-Union

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WASHINGTON  President Trump on Thursday considered whether to unleash American military might to punish Syrian strongman Bashar Assad after a chemical attack this week that killed dozens of civilians, including children, and drew global outrage. As Trump weighed the use of force, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the president had also begun a difficult diplomatic campaign to remove Assad from power.

Privately, top U.S. officials dismissed the notion that Trump planned to forcibly remove Assad. One top administration official told Yahoo News that any strikes under consideration would be designed as a response to Tuesdays attack in a mostly rebel-controlled area near the Turkish border  not for regime change in Damascus.

We are looking at a range of options, not simply military, the official said, on condition of anonymity.

Trump huddled with top advisers including Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster in Palm Beach, Fla., where he was to dine with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday night to kick off their first summit. In a sign of how quickly events were unfolding, White House officials had said just a day earlier that McMaster would not travel with Trump.

It was unclear what specific military options  if any  the president would choose. The Pentagon has long resisted the creation of safe zones in Syria because defending them could place Americans at risk. The United States has hundreds of troops on the ground, but they are part of a plan to capture the city of Raqqa, the capital of the so-called Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

One of the more likely options, one national security official said, was the use of air strikes, perhaps cruise missiles, to take out runways necessary for Assads air campaign. The official cautioned that one problem would be making sure that no Russian forces are present, lest the situation escalate to direct conflict between Washington and Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent forces to shore up Assads depleted military against rebels who are locked in a multifaceted civil war that has left some 500,000 dead, sent a flood of refugees to Syrias neighbors and Europe and helped fuel the rise of ISIS.

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President Trump. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters)

The chemical attack is a serious matter, it requires a serious response, Tillerson told reporters at a press conference in Florida. The top U.S. diplomat sketched out a long, difficult and potentially fruitless effort to push Assad from power.

The process by which Assad would leave is something that I think requires an international community effort, both to first defeat ISIS within Syria, to stabilize the Syrian country, to avoid further civil war, and then to work collectively with our partners around the world through a political process that would lead to Assad leaving, he said. Pressed on whether he and Trump were working to assemble an international coalition to achieve that goal, Tillerson replied: Those steps are underway.

The secretary of state also had tough words for Moscow, Assads patron. It is very important that the Russian government consider carefully their continued support for the Assad regime, he said.

And he reaffirmed what senior U.S. officials have said since the world first saw footage and photographs of gasping, dying or dead children in Khan Sheikhoun, a locality in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib  Assad is to blame.

There is no doubt in our minds and the information we have supports that Syria, the Syrian regime on the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, are responsible for this attack, Tillerson said.

Trump contacted key lawmakers early Wednesday about Syria. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain told Fox News that he had spoken by telephone with the president. Hes angry, as he well should be, and hes consulting with his military leadership as well as his secretary of state, and I have some optimism that he will take some concrete action here, the Arizona Republican said.

Later in the day, Trump held a joint press conference with Jordans King Abdullah II and declared I now have the responsibility to lead the global response to the attack.

The frenzy of diplomatic and military planning capped a chaotic 10 days that began with Tillerson and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, dropping longtime U.S. demands that Assad must go. And White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that there is a political reality we have to accept.

Read more from Yahoo News:
With just over two months under his belt as president, Donald Trumps time in office has been marked by a frenzied pace on domestic issues, with harsh new immigration and explosive health care debates in the foreground. With less hysteria, but equally disconcerting, is a chaotic approach to foreign policy that departs from the long-standing practice of advancing human rights and democratic values overseas.

Through words and now actions it is clear the Trump administration intends to severely downplay  if not eliminate  the promotion of human rights from its approach to foreign policy. This is a wholesale retreat from the position of every U.S. administration since Jimmy Carters. Although there have been inconsistencies and even policies adopted that were antithetical to human rights, every administration has championed their advancement. This norm has become an integral part of U.S. foreign policy not only because supporting human rights, good governance, and the rule of law has enhanced the lives of countless people around the globe, but because it has also been in the U.S. national interest.

Far from being the check on this agenda that many had hoped for, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has been one of its primary enablers. Although his moves have not been particularly dramatic, an accumulation of smaller steps sends a clear and dangerous signal, especially with bigger ones waiting in the wings.

First, Washingtons press corps, and the news media more generally, has been subject to frequent vitriolic attacks. This disdain for the media doesnt stop at the White House gates. Tillerson has thus far done very few public events, avoided reporters, and limited daily media briefings. On his recent trip to Asia, Tillerson chose only one journalist, from a minimally critical media outlet, to accompany him  unlike previous secretaries, who traveled with a much larger group. Other journalists had to fly commercial, creating logistical hurdles so steep that many couldnt make the trip.

Dodging the media or attacking it outright impedes U.S. policy objectives while eroding long-standing commitments to a free press. By rejecting the vigorous debate and discussion that the media brings, the Trump administration is legitimizing an approach used by repressive leaders around the world as they evade media engagement that can help bring a deeper understanding of policymaking to a wider public. Conducting diplomacy solely in private decreases the cost of abuse. Repressive leaders no longer have to respond to public criticism  as was the case earlier this week during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis White House visit.

Second, the release of the State Departments annual Human Rights Report is usually a public event hosted by the secretary of state, whose involvement signals the important place human rights occupies in U.S. foreign policy. This year, however, the report was released quietly without an appearance or even a comment from the secretary. Instead, an anonymous State Department official hosted a background briefing by phone and told reporters that the secretary didnt need to be there because the facts in this report speak for themselves. In fact, it was the secretarys absence that spoke for itself, suggesting that the State Department will be virtually silent when it comes to repression, abuse, and exploitation by foreign governments.

Third, the Trump administrations proposed 2018 budget seeks to severely cut foreign assistance and funding for multilateral institutions. Initial reports that Tillerson was fighting to save the foreign aid budget turned out to be utterly incorrect. The White House budget director, Mike Mulvaney, also left no room for doubt about the administrations intention: This is a hard-power budget, he said, [a]nd that was done intentionally. The president very clearly wants to send a message to US allies and potential adversaries that this is a strong power administration. Cuts to foreign aid instead say that helping marginalized populations  assisting those whose human rights are most at risk  is not only inconsequential for U.S. national security, but is of little concern to the American people. Its a clear, grim message: The promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law is a waste of time.

Fourth, under the guise of leveling the playing field for U.S. businesses, Congress gutted rules  with Trumps blessing  that would require oil and mining companies to disclose payments to foreign governments. These rules, besides promoting better governance, are important to prevent or mitigate grand corruption  wholesale theft of national wealth  the sort of massive stealing that empowers rights abusers and affects basic social services. The move downgrades the bipartisan priorities of good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption, despite strong evidence that economic growth and investment opportunities are riskier and more limited in a climate of opacity.

Fifth, the Trump administration is considering withdrawing from the United Nations Human Rights Council, primarily because of its treatment of Israel. For all the councils flaws, it has successfully documented and exposed a wide range of human rights issues that have been of concern for many U.S. policymakers and lawmakers. These include the councils unprecedented U.S.-led statement criticizing Chinas crackdown on journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders and the 2012 North Korea Commission of Inquiry. In the end, pulling out of the council rather than working to make it more effective only decreases the avenues for making U.S. contributions to progress on human rights.

Finally, an obvious example that the Trump administrations foreign policy is primed to dispense with human rights considerations is last weeks decision to lift the human rights conditions attached to the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain. These conditions, attached by the Obama administration, were an effort to provide leverage to Bahraini government reformers over the hard-liners, who have been deeply hostile to moving toward a more reform-minded and tolerant governing approach. But now, as the Trump administration looks for new ways to confront Iran, the decision to lift conditions could amount to a warning for Iran while signaling to governments throughout the region that stifling opposition and aggressively silencing dissent will not be a hurdle for U.S. support. The expectation that this administration will soon move forward with arms sales to Saudi Arabia and Nigeria  again, without any conditions or consideration for human rights concerns  shows unmistakably that good governance and universal values are no longer part of the security calculus.

For decades, a values-based approach to foreign policy has been a core tenet for Republicans and Democrats alike, with democratic and human rights principles seen as pillars of prosperity rather than as constraints. But now, over the course of fewer than 100 days, Trump and his closest advisors have made clear their disdain for that approach. Instead they have signaled their intent to turn campaign proposals and rhetoric that exclusively advance the narrow interests of some to the exclusion of others into both policy and law.

The response to Trumps aggressive actions and rhetoric is growing. Many organizations are activating their networks and opposition to these actions, and new groups are being formed every day. The media are forging ahead  determined to uncover the truth and hold the White House to account. More than 1,000 foreign and civil service staff expressed internal dissent about Trumps initial executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim majority nations, while other U.S. officials are using public speeches to offer their own response, veiled as it may be. Key political appointees are finding their footing, and members of Congress  on both sides of the aisle  are starting to be explicit about their rejection of the White Houses attempts to undermine fundamental rights.

Traditional U.S. allies are also responding. Washington-based diplomats and U.N. dignitaries are visiting Capitol Hill, making the case for continued U.S. engagement and a robust foreign aid budget. They are encouraging a more humane approach to immigration, refugee settlement, and the need to maintain global alliances.

Building common ground to contain the Trump administrations assault on human rights values is essential to undercutting the new foreign-policy normal the White House wants Americans to accept. This is neither a progressive agenda nor a conservative one  it is a bipartisan one that requires a collective recognition that going it alone would make Americans less safe and less prosperous. Instead of allowing human rights to be sidelined, lets all get to work defending and maintaining this foundational pillar of U.S. foreign policy.

Photo credit: RALPH FRESO/Getty Images
New York (AFP) - President Donald Trump does consider Russia a problem, his ambassador to the United Nations and rising US administration star Nikki Haley insisted before an often-hostile New York audience.

"I have hit Russia over the head more times than I can count and it's because if they do something wrong we're going to call them out on it," she told the annual Women in the World Summit.

"The things they've done with Crimea and Ukraine... and how they've covered up for (Syrian President Bashar al-) Assad, those types of things we're not going to give them a pass on," she said.

"So I have had conversations with the president where he very much sees Russia as a problem."

The Republican president has come under sustained fire from political opponents for not voicing tougher criticism of Russia at a time when US law enforcement agencies and lawmakers are probing alleged ties between his campaign and the Kremlin.

"Everybody wants to hear his (Trump's) words, but look at his actions," said Haley, adding that Russia opposed strengthening of the US military and US energy expansion.

"The president has done both of those," she told the opening night of the eighth annual summit that was founded by journalist Tina Brown.

The remark was met by jeers from an, at times, hostile crowd in a largely Democratic-voting city where many dislike the president.

The United States and Russia are on a collision course over Syria after an horrific chemical attack early Tuesday killed at least 86 people in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun in northern Syria.

Trump came to office promising both to improve ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin but earlier Wednesday US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Russia to rethink its support for Assad.

Haley, a former Republican governor of South Carolina who endorsed Trump's primary election rival Marco Rubio last year, said she had "a lot" of interaction with the president.

"I talked to him this morning," she said, adding that she was in Washington at least once if not twice a week for the president's National Security Council meetings and was also working to keep US senators informed.

Her conversation with a television anchor spanned just over 20 minutes and was several times interrupted by an apparent heckler. She was applauded for remarks in support of veterans and military families.
Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump departed Thursday for Florida for his first face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid tensions over North Korea, trade and other issues.

Air Force One departed from Joint Base Andrews in rainy weather shortly after 12:30 pm (1630 GMT).

Few details have been released on the leaders' agenda apart from plans for Trump and Xi to dine Thursday night at the president's Mar-a-Lago estate with their respective wives Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan before holding a series of meetings on Friday.

The Republican president, whose stance on China has been in flux, will be closely watched for signals as to the direction of US relations with the rising Asian giant under his administration.

"It's going to be very interesting. Nobody really knows," Trump said on Fox News before his departure.

Reaffirming his dim view of US-Chinese trade relations, Trump insisted the United States has "not been treated fairly on trade for many, many years."

"No president has taken care of this the way they should have," he added.

According to diplomatic sources in Beijing, Xi might make concessions on trade and investment if he obtains guarantees that Washington will renounce a big arms deal with Taiwan.

Washington has been pressing Beijing for weeks to step up the pressure on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program and missile tests.

"We have a big problem with North Korea and we are going to see what happens. We're going to see what happens," Trump said.

"We'll be in there pitching and I think we are going to do very well," he said.

On Thursday, Pyongyang threatened to deliver "the most ruthless blow" if there is "even the smallest provocation" from the United States.
By Steve Holland and Phil Stewart ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that "something should happen" with President Bashar al-Assad after a deadly poison gas attack in Syria, as the Pentagon and the White House studied military options. Facing his biggest foreign crisis since taking office in January, Trump suggested he may be taking a stronger stance against Assad, an ally of Iran and Russia, whose country has been torn apart by six years of civil war. "I think what Assad did is terrible," Trump told reporters traveling with him on Air Force One en route to Florida. "I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity and hes there, and I guess hes running things, so something should happen," Trump said, stopping short of calling on Assad to leave office. The poison gas attack on Tuesday in the rebel-held northern Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun killed at least 70 people, many of them children. Washington has blamed the attack on the Syrian government, putting it at odds with Russia, which has air and ground forces in Syria. The Syrian government has denied it was behind the attack. Striking Assad could put the United States on a collision course with Russia, which intervened on the Syrian president's side in 2015, turning the tide of the conflict against mostly Sunni Muslim rebel groups in his favor. Trump has until now focused his Syria policy almost exclusively on defeating Islamic State militants in northern Syria, where U.S. special forces are supporting Arab and Kurdish armed groups. Only last week, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the U.S. diplomatic policy on Syria for now was no longer focused on making Assad leave power, one of former President Barack Obama's aims. Trump said on Wednesday the gas attack in Idlib province, which angered people around the world, had caused him to think again about Assad. MILITARY OPTIONS Going further than Trump's comments, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said there may be no future for Assad as Syria's leader. Assad's role in the future is uncertain, clearly, and with the acts that he has taken it would seem that there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people, he said. A U.S. official said detailed military options being discussed by the Pentagon and White House after the gas attack could include grounding aircraft used by Assad's forces. Such options would also include the use of cruise missiles, allowing the United States to strike targets without putting piloted aircraft in the skies above Syria. Assad appears militarily unassailable in the areas of western Syria where he has shored up his rule with decisive help from Russia and Iranian-backed militias. The U.S. official did not comment on how likely military action might be or suggest which, if any, options might be recommended by the Pentagon. The official added that U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster had already been in talks on the matter. Mattis will presumably discuss the options when he meets with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida, the official said. Mattis is due in Florida later on Thursday as part of a scheduled trip. A Syrian opposition leader urged the United States to assume a leading role in Syria. "The United States of America must assume its leadership position amongst the allies in a civilizational challenge to protect freedom and democracy, Riad Hijab, from the opposition High Negotiations Committee, told an event in Washington. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday it was unacceptable to make "groundless" accusations over the Idlib attack. Moscow has suggested it will publicly stand by Assad and says the chemical weapons incident was likely caused by a leak from a depot controlled by Syrian rebels. European Union governments called on the U.N. Security Council to strongly condemn the attack. Turkey, a NATO ally of Washington, would welcome U.S. military action in Syria following the gas attack and would be ready to assist if needed, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying. Ankara has been a steadfast opponent of Assad and repeatedly called for his ouster. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday a U.N.-authorized international military force should intervene in Syria if it is proven that Assad's government used chemical weapons. (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton in Washington; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and Peter Cooney)
Washington (AFP) - Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet face-to-face for the first time Thursday, opening a new chapter in the world's most consequential relationship amid growing crises over North Korea and trade.

The presidents of the world's two pre-eminent economic and military powers will rendezvous in the south Florida sun at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate for a summit already clouded by geopolitical storms.

North Korea's provocative missile launch Wednesday -- barely 48 hours before the summit starts -- will only accentuate differences over whether to confront or contain that recalcitrant regime.

The Trump White House worries Pyongyang is just months away from marrying nuclear and long-range missile technology and putting the west coast of the United States within striking distance.

During his first meeting with then president Barack Obama in November, Trump was warned he may have to make an early decision on the use of force against North Korea.

The tough-talking new president has repeatedly and very publicly indicated his openness to military action.

Even before news of the latest missile test became public, a senior US official echoed that message, saying "the clock has now run out" on dealing with the North Korean threat and "all options are on the table for us."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson responded to the missile test with a terse statement, saying: "The United States has spoken enough about North Korea."

But according to the official, Trump is also willing to consider other ways of pressuring the regime, including sanctioning Chinese banks who do business with Pyongyang if Beijing does not move to choke the North's finances.

That could have a chilling effect on global finance, even though diplomats say North Korea is increasingly alive to the risk and has steadily been funneling cash to Singapore and other jurisdictions outside China.

Xi's government -- which is treaty-bound to defend North Korea -- fears US military action would set off a general war on the Korean Peninsula and generate millions of refugees.

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And Chinese analysts scoffed at the idea that Trump's tough talk would have any impact on Beijings approach to its renegade neighbor.

"China has established principles on the DPRK issue," said Yang Xiyu, researcher at China Institute of International Studies.

"There will definitely be in-depth discussion of the DPRK's denuclearization, but the Chinese side will not change its positions because of anything Trump says."

But behind the tactical differences in how to approach North Korea is a broader strategic struggle -- one that pits an established hegemon against a fast-rising challenger.

Increased tensions in North Korea would almost certainly prompt an larger US military presence in Northeast Asia, encroaching on what China increasingly sees as its sphere of influence.

Beijing has already expressed its displeasure at the deployment of a US anti-missile system in South Korea.

On trade, there may be more room for maneuver.

Experts predict that Xi could come bearing concessions on sectors like steel, or repackage already planned Chinese investments in the United States.

That would offer Trump the prospect of a triumphalist tweet about bringing jobs to the United States and forestall measures to levy heavy tariffs on Chinese exports.

- Personal chemistry -

How much tensions are soothed or exacerbated may depend on the chemistry between the two men.

But no one -- not diplomats, not even aides planning the meeting -- are 100 percent sure what will happen when the most powerful Chinese leader in a generation meets a mercurial American president who has been in office fewer than 100 days.

China is hoping that Trump's sun-kissed beach club -- beloved of realtors and Rotarians -- while an unlikely setting for a superpower summit, will help build rapport.

In 2002, George W. Bush hosted Jiang Zemin at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Obama met Xi at the Sunnylands resort in the California desert.

Trump has delighted in warmly welcoming his guests on his frequent visits to what he calls the "winter White House," shaking hands with them as they enter and doing the rounds of each table at formal daily dinners.

Xi will hope he is greeted by Trump the gracious host rather than the rhetorical bomb thrower who has spoken about China's "rape" of the US economy and predicted a "very difficult" meeting with Xi.
Palm Beach (United States) (AFP) - Donald Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping at his sun-kissed Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Thursday, a high-stakes first summit replete with pitfalls for both leaders.

The stage is set for a carefully choreographed dinners with family and displays of bonhomie, but beneath the facade runs a wary, almost palpable, anxiety -- as the men face a make or break moment.

Xi is arriving at the resort with a gift-basket of "tweetable deliverables", sources say, peace offerings on Trump's signature issues -- trade and jobs -- that he hopes will smooth over a relationship that began on shaky ground following disagreements over Taiwan.

In return, he hopes to get assurances from Trump on American sales of arms to the island, as well as trade.

But what Trump wants is less clear.

No one -- neither diplomats nor aides -- can be sure what will happen when the most powerful Chinese leader in a generation meets a mercurial American president who has been in office less than 100 days and is capable of unravelling the most carefully-laid plans with a single 140-character tweet.

The stakes, both domestic and international, are high.

Disagreements over approaches to North Korea or bilateral trade could, if mishandled, destabilise North East Asia or tank the global economy.

On the domestic front, Xi is heading into a critical political meeting later this year. He needs to show that he can deal with the US leader as an equal and eliminate the potential for unwelcome surprises in the run-up to the event that could assure his power for years to come.

He "cannot afford to lose face while China aspires to be the new centre of gravity for the world order," China political analyst Willy Lam told AFP.

Meanwhile, Trump -- who is reeling from legislative defeats, low approval ratings and unrelenting scandals -- desperately needs a win.

He may not have much room to maneuver, however, with a country he has castigated for "stealing" American jobs and doing "little" to rein in North Korea's nuclear program.

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Even though the two leaders "want to project themselves as very forceful, very decisive and also getting the best for the benefit of their own countries, they are also anxious not to get into difficult negotiating positions," according to Lam.

- 'Win-win' -

Amid such high stakes, Xi plans to offer "win-win" gifts calculated to make it easy for Trump to make concessions while burnishing his hard-charging, deal-making public persona.

Top of the list, according to a source briefed on Xi's plans, will be a package of Chinese investments aimed at creating more than 700,000 American jobs -- the number pledged to Trump by China's regional rival Japan, during Prime Minister Abe's February Mar-a-Lago visit.

There may also be offers to further open China's auto and agricultural markets, insiders say, and even some concessions on Chinese banks' transactions with North Korea, a vital financial lifeline for the country.

He may also offer Chinese assistance in Trump's infrastructure renewal plan and a stake in China's newly established infrastructure bank.

In exchange, according to the source, Xi will ask Trump to delay planned weapons sales to Taiwan and loosen export restrictions on biotech and water treatment sectors.

Xi's main objective will not be establishing a relationship "for the next three or four years, but stable ties during the next three quarters" through China's 19th Party Congress, according to the source.

Trump's position on the democratically-ruled Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province, has been a major irritant in the Sino-US relationship since the billionaire politician accepted a protocol-breaking phone call from the Taiwanese president after his election victory.

For Xi, an olive branch on Taiwan is a key objective, according to Shen Dengli, a US-China expert at Shanghai's Fudan University: "Expect just one thing: Taiwan."

- Diverging interests -

On the US side, however, North Korea will likely be on the top of the agenda following a provocative missile launch Wednesday -- barely 48 hours before the summit was due to start.

The Trump White House worries Pyongyang is just months away from marrying nuclear and long-range missile technology and putting the west coast of the United States within striking distance.

The tough-talking new president has repeatedly and very publicly indicated his openness to military action.

While Beijing has condemned the missile tests, it has hesitated to take dramatic action against Pyongyang, fearing that the country's collapse would generate a flood of refugees across its borders and leave the US military on its doorstep.

But coming to an agreement on the issue will not be easy, according to Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

"I don't think they're talking about solutions... at the end of the day, their interests are not really the same as the United States'"

Yang Xiyu, a researcher at China Institute of International Studies, agreed: "The Chinese side will not change its positions because of anything Trump says."
Kids aren't cheap. That's the consensus among both the government and parents. The U.S. Department of Agriculture pegs the cost of raising a child born in 2015 to a middle-income, married couple at $233,610. That number may seem staggering, but some parents think it's right on target.

"I live in New York City. This is not a surprise to me," says Kathleen Reynolds, a 34-year-old public relations professional and mother of two. Reynolds lives in Queens with her husband, 3-year-old son and 10-month-old daughter. Child care makes up the bulk of her costs, and she says children can be expensive right from the start. "Just to have my daughter in the hospital, that was $2,000 off the bat," Reynolds says, referencing her insurance deductible.

[Read: Thinking of Having Kids? 4 Ways Your Expenses Can Skyrocket.]

However, not everyone is sure the government numbers are right. What's more, many parents, including Reynolds, say the figures only tell part of the story.

What the numbers say. The USDA comes to its figure by using data from the annual Consumer Expenditures Survey. Of the cost, the largest chunk -- nearly one-third of the total -- is devoted to housing. Child care, education, food and transportation also figure in as major expenses. Of the $233,610 expected to be spent raising a child, the USDA estimates $12,680 of that will come in the first year of life.

NerdWallet, however, thinks that number for the first year might be a bit low. The personal finance website used a different methodology to determine that a baby's first year might cost anywhere from $21,248 for a household earning $40,000 a year to $51,985 for a household making $200,000 annually. Those numbers were derived using information from a variety of public and private sources and include some expenses, such as life insurance and college education, not factored into the USDA formula.

While publishing average costs can be helpful for budgeting purposes, some people worry the data may paint an overly bleak picture of parenting. "You don't want to scare [young couples] away from children," says Gina McKague, president and CEO of McKague Financial in Livonia, Michigan. "Those numbers are daunting."

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[Read: 8 Financial Gift Ideas for Children.]

Parents are confused about costs. The USDA and NerdWallet aren't the only ones with widely different estimates on the cost of raising children. Parents also differ significantly when estimating their expenses.

Adults estimate that the average cost to raise a newborn to age 1 is $24,131, according to a 2017 Bankrate.com survey of 1,003 adults. That's about double the USDA figure for the first year. NerdWallet conducted its own survey and found 18 percent of Americans who expect to have a child in the next three years believe the first year will cost them less than $1,000.

People may have significantly different estimates because of varying priorities. "It's easy to get distracted by the diapers and the cute clothes and miss the longer term goals," says Amy Danise, an insurance expert at NerdWallet. In that case, people may be forgetting significant expenses such as college savings.

Plus, adults may not foresee some of the realities of parenting before they are in the thick of it. "We've had the double whammy of having two children who use two different types of care," Reynolds says. Her son is enrolled in a private preschool while her daughter is cared for by a nanny three days a week. Prior to the start of preschool, Reynolds says it hadn't occurred to her that she would ever be in a situation in which she was essentially paying double child care costs.

Some expenses may be forgotten, others overstated. While cost estimates can be a helpful benchmark for parents, they may overstate certain costs while ignoring others. McKague, a mother of four, says she sees parents shelling out a significant amount for kids' activities and electronic devices. "I don't know a child under 12 anymore who doesn't have a device with a data plan," she says.

Those expenses, which can add up quickly, typically aren't included in child cost calculations. However, the USDA does count housing, which McKague says people would be paying even if they didn't have children. "Almost everyone I know who's single has a two-bedroom house," she says.

However, Danise says the data do support an added housing cost after the birth of a child. She notes the NerdWallet study uses numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to that government agency, married couples with a child do spend more on their homes than married couples without a child. "It looks like couples with kids are saying they need a bigger house or want to move to a family friendly neighborhood," Danise says.

Claes Bell, a data analyst for Bankrate.com, says the government may be missing something even bigger in their calculation. "The USDA doesn't factor lost income. That's a huge issue," he says. "Women may take a less-demanding job so they could have time to care for [children]."

[Read: 7 Ways to Save Money During Your Baby's First Year.]

Budgeting for baby. For would-be parents, the various numbers come with bad news and good news. The bad news is that the savings they have prepared might not be enough. "It's great if you have $10,000 banked for a baby, but it won't even take you through the first year," Danise says.

However, the good news is the reason there is wide variation in the cost estimates is that so many expenses can be optional. "The cost of raising a child can be whatever you want it to be," Bell says.

McKague agrees, saying kids don't have to be as expensive as the numbers suggest. "The reason our upper class is spending so much is we feel obligated to keep up," McKague says. Rather than buying expensive gadgets, upsizing the house for more space and insisting on new items, parents can keep costs down by making due with what they have already.

Kids can't be looked at as business transactions. "You can't calculate return on investment," Reynolds says. "We've had our share of tense moments, but we've never had regret." Both McKague and Reynolds agree there is only one word to describe the cost of kids: priceless.
Ankara (AFP) - Turkey said Thursday the autopsies of three Syrians killed in an attack in rebel-held northwestern Syria confirmed that chemical weapons had been used by President Bashar al-Assad's regime, state media reported.

"Autopsies were carried out on three of the bodies after they were brought from Idlib. The results of the autopsy confirms that chemical weapons were used," Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said, quoted by state-run Anadolu news agency.

"This scientific investigation also confirms that Assad used chemical weapons," Bozdag added, without giving further details.

Thirty-two injured Syrians were brought to southern Turkey for medical treatment but three of them died in hospital.

At least 86 people were killed early on Tuesday in Khan Sheikhun and dozens more were being treated after they were found convulsing and foaming at the mouth.

Autopsies were conducted by officials from the World Health Organization in the southern province of Adana together with officials from Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Bozdag said.

The wounded had been brought from Idlib through Turkey's Cilvegozu border gate for the treatment in the Reyhanli district of Hatay province.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a vocal critic of Assad, called the Syrian president a "murderer" on Wednesday after denouncing the world's "silence" on the deaths.

Russia, Assad's main ally, has said a Syrian air strike had hit a "terrorist warehouse" but Erdogan has yet to make any reference to the Russian claim.

Moscow has been one of the regime's biggest supporters together with Iran while Turkey has given support to Syrian opposition fighters.

Recently Ankara said it "successfully completed" its military operation supporting Syrian rebels against the Islamic State group launched last August in northern Syria.
By Daren Butler and Tulay Karadeniz ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan cast Europe as a "center of Nazism" on Thursday, entering the final 10 days of campaigning for a historic referendum on a wave of nationalism, the latest poll suggesting support is swinging in his favor. Pollster Gezici, whose research has tended to overestimate opposition support, put the "yes" vote ahead for the first time on 53.3 percent in a survey conducted in early April. Last month, its founder Murat Gezici put "no" ahead on 51.1 percent. It said Erdogan had benefited from strong nationalist sentiment following last July's failed coup. "Nationalism has risen in Turkey since July 15 and the opposition remain weak in creating a narrative to consolidate society in this respect," Gezici said in a statement. The April 16 vote will decide constitutional changes which would replace Turkey's parliamentary system with an executive presidency, a change Erdogan says is needed to give the NATO member and EU candidate nation strong leadership and stability in the face of mounting security challenges. "EUROPE IS OVER" The referendum has bitterly divided the country. Opponents fear increasing authoritianism from a leader they see as bent on eroding modern Turkey's democracy and secular foundations. Erdogan's campaign, in which he and government ministers have dominated the airwaves with multiple speeches each day broadcast on all major networks, has strongly played the nationalist card to woo voters at home and abroad. To the horror of European leaders, he has accused Germany and the Netherlands of "Nazi methods" for banning campaign rallies by Turkish officials seeking to court the expatriate vote, and threatened to "re-evaluate relations" with the EU. "Europe has now become the center of oppression, violence and Nazism," he told a sea of supporters waving red Turkish flags in the northwestern province of Balikesir on Thursday. "Europe is over, it has nothing to say to the world or to us," he told the cheering crowd. Publicly-available polls suggest a far closer race than Erdogan might like. Some still put "no" ahead. Ruling AK Party officials have privately said they expect "yes" to win around 56 percent, well below the 60 percent Erdogan wants. He is counting on the support of expatriates in Europe, including the 1.4 million Turks eligible to vote in Germany, to pass the constitutional changes that would give him sweeping presidential powers. At the last nationwide parliamentary election in November 2015, 59 percent of Turks who voted in Germany backed the AKP, although turnout was low. Gezici's latest survey, conducted in 24 provinces on April 1-2, forecast 82-83 percent voter participation and predicted a "yes" vote as high as 56 percent if the turnout is lower. (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Ralph Boulton)
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkish F-16 warplanes launched air strikes on Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey on Wednesday, killing eight of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters, a provincial governor's office said. PKK militants had opened fire on Turkish soldiers at a military outpost near the Iraqi border in the mountainous Cukurca area, triggering a clash between the two sides, the Hakkari governor's office said in a statement. It said the Turkish military had sent a drone to the area which located the militants, before the F-16 jets carried out their strikes. One Turkish soldier was wounded in the clash and taken to hospital for treatment. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the PKK's insurgency, launched against the Turkish state in 1984. Turkey, the United States and European Union have designated the PKK a terrorist group. Since the collapse of a two-year ceasefire in July 2015 the mainly Kurdish southeast has suffered some of the worst violence since the conflict began. (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Two Iraqi army pilots were killed on Thursday when their helicopter was shot down over the city of Mosul by Islamic State, according to a military statement. The helicopter was providing air support to Federal Police forces battling Islamic State fighters on the western side of Mosul, the statement said. It is the first aircraft downed by Islamic State over Mosul since the start of the U.S.-backed offensive on the northern Iraqi city, in October. Mosul is Islamic State's last major city stronghold in Iraq. The hardline group seized the city nearly three years ago, declaring from one of its old mosques a "caliphate" that also spans parts of Syria. Islamic State's news agency Amaq said the helicopter crashed in al-Ghabat, east of the Tigris river which runs through Mosul. The Iraqi military statement also located the crash on the eastern side, which was recaptured from the militants in January, after 100 days of fighting. The insurgents are putting up stiff resistance in the remaining district under their control in northwestern Mosul and the densely populated Old City. The militants are dug in surrounded by civilians, effectively using them as human shields and taking advantage of the narrow streets of the Old City that restrict the movements of the Iraqi forces and limit the use of artillery and air power. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Manila (AFP) - Philippine authorities said Thursday they had foiled a possible terror attack after arresting a Kuwaiti man and his Syrian wife, both alleged members of the Islamic State (IS) group.

Police nabbed Husayn Al-Dhafiri and Rahaf Zina at an upscale district of Manila following a tip-off from the Kuwaiti authorities late last month, but the arrests were kept secret while Filipino authorities investigated further, officials said.

The pair had entered the country repeatedly in recent months as part of plans for "a bombing operation" either in the Philippines or Kuwait, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told reporters.

Aguirre said Al-Dhafiri was an active IS member in the Middle East and said the United States authorities believed he could "pose a threat to the national security of the Philippines".

"He is alleged to have been involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly operational planning against Kuwait," Aguirre added.

He said Zina and Al Dhafiri married after her husband, a high-ranking IS commander, was killed in Syria.

The Filipino official said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be sent back to Qatar from where she entered the Philippines.

"Both of them will be properly received by the security forces of those countries," he added.

The Kuwaiti embassy in Manila could not be contacted for comment.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has previously warned that IS members might make their way into the Southeast Asian nation by infiltrating its Muslim communities, concentrated in the south of the largely Catholic country.

The Philippines has been battling for years with Muslim extremist groups in the remote southern region, some of whom have since pledged allegiance to IS.

Aguirre said he could not confirm if the two suspects had any contact with local extremists.
By Tim Kelly and Ju-min Park TOKYO/SEOUL (Reuters) - Diplomatic and economic measures taken to rein in North Korea's missile program have not had the desired effect, a senior U.S. military commander said on Thursday after the North's latest test triggered a flurry of calls among world leaders. U.S President Donald Trump led calls with leaders and senior officials from Japan and South Korea on Thursday to discuss the latest provocation from Pyongyang, hours before Trump begins a much-anticipated summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. "Up to this point I think it is fair to say ... that economic and diplomatic efforts have not supported the progress people have been anticipating and looking forward to," U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift said in Tokyo, where he was meeting Japanese Self Defence Force commanders and foreign ministry officials. North Korea's nuclear and missile programs will be high on the agenda when Trump and Xi meet at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida later on Thursday, with anger in Beijing simmering over the deployment of an advanced U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea. Analysts have said Wednesday's launch of a ballistic missile from North Korea's east coast probably took place with the Trump-Xi summit in mind as the reclusive state presses ahead in defiance of United Nations resolutions and sanctions. In a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, Trump again said that all options were on the table when it came to North Korea's continued missile tests. Swift said a military response remained among those options. "That decision would be up to the president," he told reporters. "The military was always an option." Tensions on the Korean peninsula and the Trump-Xi summit began to worry markets on Thursday, with the dollar and Wall Street shares slipping. "The market is only starting to factor in recent developments regarding North Korea, and it now wants to figure out the geopolitical implications of the U.S.-China summit," said Shusuke Yamada, a senior strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Tokyo. "DANGEROUS PROVOCATION" Abe said the two leaders had agreed that North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch was "a dangerous provocation and a serious threat". He told reporters at his Tokyo residence he was watching to see how China would respond to Pyongyang after Xi meets Trump. The White House said in a statement after the Abe call Trump "made clear that the United States would continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities". Trump has repeatedly said he wants China to do more to exert its economic influence over its unpredictable ally in Pyongyang to restrain its nuclear and missile programs, but China denies it has any overriding influence on North Korea. On Sunday, Trump held out the possibility of using trade as a lever to secure Chinese cooperation, while suggesting Washington might deal with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs on its own if need be. Any launch of objects using ballistic missile technology is a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The North has defied the ban, saying it infringes on its sovereign rights to self-defense and the pursuit of space exploration. In another call on Thursday, Trump's national security adviser H.R. McMaster told his South Korean counterpart that Washington remained committed to the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea. South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of the THAAD system is to defend against missile launches from North Korea but China says the system's powerful radar could penetrate into its territory. The United States began deploying the first elements of the THAAD system in South Korea last month, despite angry opposition from China. South Korean officials said McMaster discussed the North's latest missile launch and the Trump-Xi summit in a call with his counterpart in Seoul, Kim Kwan-jin. "Both sides agreed to pursue ... plans in order to substantially strengthen the international community's sanctions and pressure on North Korea," South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement. " ... both agreed to push forward the deployment of THAAD by U.S. forces in Korea," it said. U.S. officials said the missile launched on Wednesday appeared to be a liquid-fueled, extended-range Scud missile that only traveled a fraction of its range before spinning out of control. They said it flew about 60 km (40 miles) from its launch site near Sinpo, a port city on the North's east coast where a submarine base is located. As well as a growing list of ballistic missile launches, North Korea has also conducted two nuclear weapons tests since January 2016. (For a graphic on North Korea's missile launches, see: http://tmsnrt.rs/2m9l4oj) (This story has been refiled to correct spelling of Bank of America Merrill Lynch strategist's first name to Shusuke in paragraph 10) (Additional reporting by William Mallard, Kiyoshi Takenaka and Shinichi Saoshiro in TOKYO Eric Beech in WASHINGTON; Editing by Paul Tait)
By Hamuda Hasan and Maher Chmaytelli MOSUL/ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - The United Nations said on Tuesday it was expanding camps for people fleeing Mosul, as air strikes resumed on Islamic State positions in Iraq's second largest city. More than 300,000 people have fled Mosul since the start of the U.S.-backed campaign in October, the office of the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq said in a statement. Before the operation to drive Islamic State from the city began, Mosul had a population of about a million and half, split about evenly between the areas east and west of the Tigris river that runs through the middle. Iraqi forces captured the eastern side in January and in February launched a second phase to take the western side, with air and ground support from a U.S.-led coalition. They are now battling to take the northwestern part, but the civilian death toll has mounted in the old city, where the militants are dug in amongst residents. More people are expected to flee the fighting and camps for the displaced north and east of Mosul are expanding, the U.N. statement said. Air strikes on the city by the Iraqi air force resumed on Tuesday as the sky cleared after several days of bad weather, the Iraqi military said. The Iraqi air force carried out at least three air strikes in western Mosul, killing several dozens of Islamic State fighters, according to Iraqi military statements on Tuesday. A number of Islamic State commanders were killed in an air strike on a position in Hay al-Tanak, a stronghold of the group, they said. Among those killed were commanders in charge of booby traps, of Arab suicide fighters and child recruitment, the statement added, without identifying them by name. The two other strikes killed militants and destroyed weapons and vehicles. Islamic State's media outlets did not mention the strikes when they aired comments from Abi al-Hassan Al-Muhajer, who took over the role of spokesman after the death last year of the group's notorious media head, Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, in an air strike. "O soldiers of the caliphate, beware not to withdraw from any inch before turning it into hell," he said in an audio recording on Telegram, echoing a similar call made by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi when the campaign on Mosul started. "Ambush them in the houses, the alleyways and the streets, mine the arcades and carry out raid after raid," he said. "NO FOOD" A Reuters TV crew saw dozens of people fleeing their homes near or across the frontline, braving sniper and mortar fire, while a helicopter strafed positions further north. "Shells were falling on us and there is no food, no water, no electricity," said Hamda Bakheet, a woman in her mid-60s from the Nablus district, adding that the militants were firing on people who leave the city. Bakheet said one of her sons was killed when the Islamists first overran Mosul and the other was accused of being a "renegade" and jailed a year ago. "I hope the army will free him soon." The improved weather should also allow ground forces to resume their advance toward the Grand al-Nuri Mosque, where Baghdadi, declared a "caliphate" nearly three years ago over parts of Iraq and Syria. Heavy fighting with machine guns, rocket propelled grenade launchers and mortars was heard by the Reuters TV crew coming from the area around the mosque, located in the old city and famous for its leaning minaret. The current phase of the campaign is the most difficult as narrow alleyways in the densely populated old city limit the use of artillery, air power and armoured vehicles. An explosion in western Mosul last month killed between 60 and 240 people, according to various accounts. U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, flew into Iraq on Monday with the top U.S. general to get a first-hand assessment of the battle against Islamic State from U.S. commanders on the ground and Iraqi leaders. The trip comes as Trump examines ways to accelerate a campaign that U.S. and Iraqi officials say has so far largely succeeded in uprooting Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. In the first official remarks by the group referring to Trump since he took office, the Islamic State spokesman Al-Muhajer said: "... You (the U.S.) are bankrupt and the signs of your demise are evident to every eye." "... There is no more evidence than the fact that you are being run by an idiot who does not know what Syria or Iraq or Islam is," he said. (Editing by Giles Elgood and Alison Williams)
By Joseph Menn SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A sophisticated hacking group that pursues Chinese government interests broke into the website of a private U.S. trade group ahead of Thursday's summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to researchers. The hackers left a malicious link on web pages where members of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) register for upcoming meetings, according to researchers at Fidelis Cybersecurity and a person familiar with the trade group. The nonprofit NFTC is a prominent advocate on international trade policy, with corporate members including Wal-Mart Stores Inc , Johnson & Johnson , Amazon.com Inc , Ford Motor Co and Microsoft Corp . The malicious link deployed a spying tool called Scanbox, which would have recorded the type and versions of software running on the computers of those exposed to it, said Fidelis researcher John Bambenek. Such reconnaissance is typically followed by new attacks using known flaws in the detected software, especially older versions. Scanbox has only been used by groups associated with the Chinese government, Fidelis said, and was recently seen on a political site aimed at Uyghurs, an ethnic minority under close government scrutiny in China. The breach was detected about five weeks ago by a NFTC director who is a customer of Fidelis, the security company said. Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the NFTC were notified and the malicious link removed, and Fidelis said it had no evidence of NFTC members being infected. The FBI and the NFTC declined to comment. A spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Bambenek said he believed the attack was classic espionage related to international trade talks, rather than a violation of a 2015 agreement between former U.S. President Barack Obama and Xi to end spying for commercial motives. The summit starting on Thursday is the first meeting between Xi and Trump, who blamed China on the campaign trail for the loss of many U.S. jobs and vowed to confront the country's leaders on the matters of trade and currency manipulation. I think its traditional espionage that happens ahead of any summit, said Bambenek. They would like to know what we, the Americans, really care about and use that for leverage. Other security firms agreed that wholesale theft of U.S. intellectual property has not returned. Instead, FireEye Inc and BAE Systems Plc said that the hacking group identified by Fidelis, called APT10, has recently attacked government and commercial targets in Europe. FireEye researcher John Hultquist said heavy industries in Nordic countries have been hacked more often as Beijing switches priorities. They are certainly taking those resources and pushing them to other places where they can still get away with this behavior," Hultquist said. (Reporting by Joseph Menn in San Francisco; Addtional reporting by Dustin Volz in Washington; Editing by Bill Rigby)
LONDON (AP)  A trip to Disney World has sparked a battle in Britain's highest court.

In a case with implications for millions of parents, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a father broke the law by taking his daughter on vacation to Florida during school time.

Jon Platt was fined 120 pounds ($150) after taking his 6-year-old daughter out of school for a week in 2015, and prosecuted when he failed to pay.

Lower courts found he had not acted unlawfully because his daughter had a good overall attendance record. Those rulings led to a surge in British parents taking children on vacation during school terms, when airplane fares and hotel prices are significantly cheaper.

But local officials, backed by the British government, took the case to the country's top court.

Five justices ruled unanimously Thursday that U.K. schools had the right to set rules about what constitutes "regular" attendance. Judge Brenda Hale said unauthorized absences were "a slap in the face to those obedient parents who do keep the rules."

Platt said the ruling means millions of parents in Britain no longer have the power to make decisions about their own children.

He said he has no plans to plead guilty or pay the fine.
The Hague (AFP) - Anglo-Dutch food and consumer products giant Unilever said Thursday it is selling off its margarine division as it seeks to appease investors after spurning a takeover bid from US rival Kraft Heinz.

The Rotterdam-based group is also planning to increase dividends in 2017 by 12 percent, and launch a shares buy-back of some five billion euros ($5.3 billion) by the end of the year.

Unilever was unveiling a 3.5-billion-euro restructuring plan as part of a company review launched in the wake of the takeover bid by US food and beverage giant Kraft Heinz in February.

"After a long history in Unilever, we have decided that the future of the spreads business now lies outside the group," chief executive Paul Polman said in a statement.

Analysts said the Kraft Heinz bid had been a "massive wake-up call" for the company.

"Unilever realised it needed to do more for shareholders, but it also has to improve margins," said analyst Neil Wilson at EXT Capital.

One poll showed only half of the company's shareholders had agreed with Polman's flat refusal to even consider Kraft's offer.

With the moves announced on Thursday, Unilever "wants to make sure shareholders are not tempted by another bid and is throwing cash at the problem," Wilson added, warning it "smacks a little of short-termism."

Ironically, Kraft could now be one of the companies interested in taking on parts of the margarines and spreads business, which includes such household names as Flora, and Stork along with Blue Band and Rama.

They were formed into a separate Unilever unit in 2015, but had remained "challenged in developed markets and we have now taken the decision to launch a process to either sell or de-merge spreads," the company said.

- 'Leaner' Unilever -

The latest moves are aimed at making the company more attractive to investors and forestall any further unwelcome advances from rivals.

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Unilever snubbed Kraft's offer which would have valued it at a whopping $143 billion, saying it "fundamentally undervalued" the group.

The merger would have married the maker of Kraft cheese and Heinz ketchup with its European counterpart, whose products include Q-tips, Hellmann's mayonnaise and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Unilever also has an extensive homecare and personal care section, including such brands as Dove.

Global food companies have been struggling with anaemic economic growth in many key markets amid changing and health-conscious lifestyles.

Polman said Unilever was merging food and refreshments into one unit to become "a leaner, more focused business... better able to compete."

"The reality of 21st century life is that people are more likely to grab breakfast 'on the go' rather than sit around the table with a few slices of toast," said George Salmon, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

While the sale of the spreads unit may "grab the headlines... the big news for shareholders is the more aggressive plans for increasing profitability," he added.

- Dual-listing review -

Polman said that Unilever was targeting an underlying operating margin of 20 percent by 2020, up from 16.4 percent last year, and is on track to see sales growth of three-to-five percent this year, and in the next few years to come.

Unilever also intends to look at changing its historic status as a dual-listed company in two countries.

If it decides to spin-off the spreads business, then it would be easier to do so with a simplified structure, Polman told reporters on a conference call.

Without anticipating the outcome of such a review, Polman argued that Unilever also needed to be able to act quickly as the speed of future opportunities accelerated in the sector.

Unilever is listed in both London and on the Amsterdam AEX, where after initially dipping share prices were up by early afternoon Thursday by 0.71 percent at 46.90 euros a share.
Montevideo (AFP) - Uruguay will become the world's first country to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in pharmacies starting in July, the president's office said Thursday.

The move is the last step in implementing a revolutionary law that the South American country adopted in 2013 that fully legalized the production, sale and consumption of marijuana.

The most innovative -- and controversial -- aspect of the law, pharmacy sales, had been on hold, with no clear timeline for when it would begin.

But President Tabare Vazquez's administration put an end to the uncertainty at a news conference.

"Cannabis will be dispensed in pharmacies starting in the month of July," said presidential aide Juan Andres Roballo, the head of the National Drugs Council.

"Sometime in the first two weeks of July," he added when asked by reporters.

Under the law, buyers must sign up for a national registry of marijuana users to ensure they have fulfilled licensing procedures and do not exceed the monthly maximum purchase of 40 grams (1.4 ounces).

The registry -- which is open only to Uruguayan citizens and permanent residents -- will be up and running on May 2, Roballo said.

A gram of pot will cost $1.30, said the secretary general of the National Drugs Council, Diego Olivera.

The drug will be sold in packets of five or 10 grams, with only the smaller size available initially, he said.

Part of the proceeds will fund government drug-use prevention programs.

- Far from covering demand -

The marijuana sold in pharmacies is being grown by private companies in state-supervised fields.

The country has so far stockpiled 400 kilograms (880 pounds), produced by two different firms.

"We're far from covering the real demand," said Roballo.

But starting sales will enable the companies to ramp up production, he said.

Under the law, users also have the option to grow their own pot at home, or join cannabis clubs that grow it in cooperatives.

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Only 16 pharmacies have signed agreements with the government to supply marijuana so far. The government is hoping to reach at least 30 by the time sales begin.

Uruguay, a country of 3.4 million people, has an estimated 150,000 regular marijuana users.

Advocates of the law say it will funnel money away from drug traffickers, toward legal businesses and the state.

Roballo said the government's marijuana would be "every bit" as potent as that sold by dealers.

"Buyers will have complete certainty about the quality of the product they are consuming, and so the risks will diminish considerably," he said.

The marijuana law was passed under former president Jose Mujica (2010-2015), a colorful ex-guerrilla fighter known for living in a run-down farmhouse, driving a beat-up Volkswagen Beetle and giving most of his salary to charity.

It made an uncomfortable inheritance for his ally and successor, Vazquez -- a cancer doctor who passed strict anti-smoking legislation when he served a first presidential term from 2005 to 2010.

Vazquez's government said in 2015 that it was in "no hurry" to implement the law. But it reluctantly agreed to follow through in the end.
Washington (AFP) - The Pentagon can defend against any North Korean missile threat, but Pyongyang's rapidly evolving weapons program is shrinking the warning time ahead of a launch, a top US general said Thursday.

General Lori Robinson told lawmakers she was "extremely confident" of US capability to intercept an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) bound for America, should North Korean leader Kim Jong-un succeed in developing that technology.

"Right now... he can't reach our homeland, but I am confident, should he do that," said Robinson, who heads the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) that provides missile detection and defense for the region.

Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, the latest in a string of recent missile tests just ahead of President Donald Trump's summit with China's Xi Jinping, at which North Korea was set to dominate the agenda.

The Pentagon says Wednesday's test was of an extended-range Scud missile that suffered an in-flight failure before crashing into the sea.

Scuds are filled with liquid fuel that make them harder to transport and prepare for launch than the more sophisticated solid-fuel rockets that the United States and other nations use.

North Korea is now building and testing an intercontinental ballistic missile with a solid-fuel motor that could be carried by a small, easily hidden road convoy.

On February 11, Pyongyang said it had successfully tested a new ballistic missile powered by a solid-fuel engine.

Such rockets are harder for existing US and South Korean technology to detect, Robinson warned.

"Amidst an unprecedented pace of North Korean strategic weapons testing, our ability to provide actionable warning continues to diminish," Robinson said in written testimony to senators.

Robinson told lawmakers that America must continue to invest in the latest sensors and radar systems to keep up with threats.

"As adversaries continue to pursue credible and advanced capabilities, we too must evolve our missile defense capabilities to outpace increasingly complex threats," she said.
Washington (AFP) - New claims for jobless benefits in the United States fell precipitously at the close of March, posting their biggest weekly drop in nearly two years, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

For the week ending April 1, new claims for unemployment insurance stood at a seasonally adjusted 234,000, down 25,000 from the prior week, the biggest weekly decline since April 2015.

Analysts had been expecting a decrease of only 14,000 claims.

The less volatile four-week moving average was 250,000 new claims, down 4,500 from the prior week.

Though they see large weekly swings, unemployment claims can be used to gauge the prevalence of layoffs and the health of labor markets. The level of weekly jobless claims has remained below 300,000 for more than two years, the longest such streak recorded since 1970.

For the week ending March 25, continuing claims for unemployment benefits fell 24,000 to 2,028,000, according to the Labor Department. The four-week moving average for this figure also fell 7,750 to 2,023,000 -- its lowest level in nearly 17 years.

The weekly figures come a day before the Labor Department is due to publish monthly job creation numbers, with analysts expecting another strong month of hiring in a relatively solid economy.

The world's largest economy has steadily pumped out jobs since mid-2016, with economists pointing to an increasingly tight labor market in which employers fear they may not be able to replace workers they let go.
Washington (AFP) - A US judge on Thursday blocked the planned execution of one of eight prisoners whose deaths were scheduled to take place in Arkansas this month.

Federal Judge Price Marshall issued his decision in the case of Jason McGehee, saying his execution should be stayed an additional 30 days for his case to be considered after the state's parole board recommended he be granted clemency.

The delay may push McGehee's execution well past that period because one of the lethal injection drugs the state uses expires at the end of April. Arkansas was trying to carry out the unprecedented series of executions before then.

McGehee was convicted in the kidnapping and murder of an adolescent in 1996.

The state's Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson has stirred intense controversy since announcing the executions of eight men in 10 days, citing shortages of a drug used in lethal injections.

Use of the death penalty in the United States has fallen in recent years partly because procuring deadly drugs that meet constitutional standards has become more difficult.

The seven other prisoners in the group are still scheduled for execution between April 17 and 27.

Their lawyers have launched a variety of legal challenges and judgments are expected in the coming days.

No single US state has held eight executions in 10 days since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Tens of thousands of Venezuelans shut down much of the capital on Thursday and clashed with police to protest what they call an attempted coup by the socialist administration.

It was the largest opposition demonstration the country has seen in half a year. Many protesters carried signs reading "No More Dictatorship" as they crowded the principal highway that cuts from Caracas' wealthy eastern section to downtown.

Later in the day, a smaller group confronted lines of riot police who turned the crowd away from the city center with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons. Some young protesters covered their faces with bandanas and threw rocks and spent tear gas canisters. Opposition leaders said more than a dozen protesters were injured in the clashes.

The South American country has seen near-daily protests since the Supreme Court issued a ruling nullifying congress last week. The court pulled that decision back after it came under heavy criticism, but opposition leaders said the attempt to invalidate a branch of power revealed the administration's true dictatorial nature.

Dubbed a "traffic jam against the coup," Thursday's demonstration was an attempt to show the government that the opposition will not let up pressure until early national elections are called. Many of those those who braved the choking tropical heat under umbrellas and baseball caps said they had also participated in a Tuesday protest that led to handful of serious injuries and arrests.

"When I left this morning, my grandkids said: 'Grandma, aren't you scared?' But I told them you cannot let yourself be intimidated. You have to get rid of this government," said Asusena Aquilera, a 57-year-old retired finance worker who came to the protest with a flag draped around her shoulders. She said she is struggling to get enough to eat amid food shortages.

The government responded to Thursday's march by creating a traffic jam of its own, closing more than a dozen Caracas metro stations and staging its own counter-protest in the heart of the city. Many streets were blocked off in the early morning and some workers decided to stay home after seeing the traffic snarls.

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Bodyguards escorted opposition leaders through the crowds at the opposition protest. Government supporters wearing red shirts and carrying pipes could be seen on idling motorcycles at the outskirts of the march.

Last week's court ruling led to an outcry from the international community over what some countries said was a turn toward dictatorship. The Organization of American States issued its strongest warning to President Nicolas Maduro yet and several countries around the region recalled their ambassadors. Even Venezuela's most recognizable international movie star, Edgar Ramirez, joined the calls for protests.

On Wednesday lawmakers, some still injured from the previous day's protest, began a symbolic process of removing Supreme Court justices.

Later that day, the president of a leading Venezuelan opposition party took refuge at the residence of the Chilean ambassador in Caracas and asked for protection.

The Chilean Foreign Ministry said Roberto Enriquez, president of the COPEI Christian democrat opposition party, had been granted guest status there. The party said other COPEI leaders had been arrested in recent days and accused of treason. Human rights groups say Venezuela is holding more than 100 political prisoners.

Caracas saw two similarly large anti-government demonstrations last fall, but protesters on Thursday said they thought this time might be different, with steady protests combined with escalating international criticism and intolerable shortages of food and medicine.

"This time we are not going to let up the pressure. I can't believe the government has been sitting with its arms crossed watching this country just fall apart," said maintenance worker Freddy Munoz as he ate a tamarind slush to cool down. "I have three little kids at home. We can't find them milk."

One test will come when Venezuelans take next week off for Easter holidays.

Moderate opposition leader Henrique Capriles said the point is not the protests, it's the ultimate outcome.

"We're not taking to the streets because we don't like Maduro," he said. "The way we get rid of Maduro is with elections. That is how we change the worst government our country has ever seen."

At a counter-rally, socialist party heavyweight Diosdado Cabello said the mounting protests were unsustainable.

"Today they gave the people the gift of a traffic jam. These guys are desperate," he said.

___

Hannah Dreier is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/hannahdreier. Her work can be found at https://www.ap.org/explore/venezuela-undone .
A viral meme appears to have hurt poor Russian President Vladimir Putin's very sensitive feelings.

Last week, the Russian justice ministry added an image of Putin as a gay clown to its list of banned extremist images. The government now has a list of over 4,000 images they consider "extremist propaganda," including, apparently, memes of clowns.

SEE ALSO: Obsessed with the Trump-Russia drama? You're doing it right.

The meme emerged in 2013 after Russia began to crack down on the LGBTQ community and banned sharing "nontraditional sexual relations propaganda" with children.

The meme has exploded in recent years as the government aggressively policed free speech and sexual minorities.

There are now multiple variations of the meme, and it's unclear which one specifically is banned.

Its now illegal in Russia to share an image of Putin as a gay clown, but for now it's still legal here. Share away b4 Trump outlaws it too. pic.twitter.com/bsLwnuQOd0  A Once Great Nation (@USARedOrchestra) April 5, 2017

Image: Medina/Epa/REX/Shutterstock

The ministry banned the image because it suggested that Putin suffered from an "alleged nonstandard sexual orientation" (aka is gay). According to Radio Free Europe, the ministry based its ruling on the criminal case of Aleksandr Tsvetkov, who was accused of sharing hate speech by posting gay Putin memes on Vkontakte, a Russian social networking site.

He was sent to psychiatric care after his trial, so yea, things are bleak in Russia.

WATCH: This inventor built a real-life 'Iron Man' suit and it's awesome
* Editors Note: This post is part of a symposium commemorating the 100thanniversary of the United States entry into World War I. It is adapted from War Against War: The American Fight for Peace, 1914-1918. Another contribution comes from Will Englund.

This book is about Americans who tried to stop their nation from fighting in what was historys most destructive war and then endured the wrath of a government that punished them for refusing to change their minds. They came from a variety of backgrounds: wealthy and middle and working class, recent immigrant and old stock, urban and rural, white and black, Christian and Jewish and atheist. They lived in every region of the country and belonged to every political party. Most wanted to make big changes in American society, although not always the same changes and not always by expanding the powers of the state. But they shared a profound revulsion toward the conflict that was taking the lives of millions of soldiers and civilians in Europe and the Middle East. In print and in person, they urged President Woodrow Wilson to help stop the carnage rather than joining one side in order to vanquish the other.

As anti-militarists, they saw every war as a tragedy, a failure to resolve serious differences of interest and ideology. And the Great War was the most tragic conflict they had ever known. The major protagonists in 1914 were prepared to fight a war, but none wanted or expected to engage in anything like the long and unprecedentedly bloody one that ensued. On the late June day in Sarajevo when a Serbian terrorist murdered the archduke and archduchess of Austria-Hungary, authorities in the German port city of Kiel had just hosted a gala luncheon for a group of visiting officers from the British Royal Navy, whose ships lay peacefully at harbor. The British commander, reported Londons Sunday Times, thanked the German authorities for their splendid reception and spoke of his pleasure at renewing his acquaintance with old German naval friends. That evening, he and his wife dined as the guests of the Emperor on one of the Kaisers most prized battleships. Six weeks later, all these people had become mortal enemies. They would remain so until November of 1918, after at least 15 million soldiers and civilians had died.

The foes of militarism in the United States tried to prevent such horrors from occurring at all. Until the United States entered the conflict nearly three years later, they organized the largest, most diverse, and most sophisticated peace coalition to that point in U.S. history. Not until the movement to end the Vietnam War half a century later would there be as large, as influential, and as tactically adroit a campaign against U.S. intervention in another land. There has been none to rival it since. From 1914 to 1917, cosmopolitan Socialists and feminists worked closely with members of Congress from the small-town South and the agrarian Midwest. They mounted street demonstrations and popular exhibitions, founded such new organizations as the Womans Peace Party and the American Union Against Militarism, attracted prominent leaders from the labor and suffrage movements, and ran peace candidates for local and federal office. For almost three years, they helped prevent Congress from authorizing a massive increase in the size of the U.S. Army, a step that, under the name of preparedness, was advocated by some of the richest and most powerful men in the landex-president Theodore Roosevelt foremost among them.

Anti-war leaders met often in the White House with President Woodrow Wilson. Usually he assured them he also wanted the United States to remain neutral, so that he might broker an equitable peace. The relationship between articulate activists dedicated to stopping the Great War and creating a cooperative world order and a president who claimed to share their lofty goals was critical to the strategy the peace coalition followed. By arguing that they only wanted Americas actions to live up to Wilsons rhetoric, the anti-militarists appealed to progressives in both parties. Until the president changed his mind in the early spring of 1917 and asked Congress to declare war, most members of the peace alliance took him at his word. In the end, their credulousness hindered their ability to oppose him forthrightly when that became necessary.

What the advocates of peace were able to achieve depended on a coalition of four major parts. One individual in each group spoke out most prominently for its grievances and visions. Morris Hillquit, a suave labor lawyer, played that role for the Socialist Party, then at the zenith of its historical influence, as well as for left-wing trade unionists. Crystal Eastman, a professional organizer with charisma and prodigious energy, spearheaded the efforts of feminists and liberal pacifists, many of whom were, like Jane Addams, famous and well connected. In the House of Representatives, the Majority LeaderClaude Kitchin from North Carolinarallied dozens of his fellow Democrats to arrest the drift toward war and, at times, to oppose the president and leader of their own party. Over in the Senate, Robert La Follette of Wisconsin spoke out, with combative eloquence, for many like-minded Republicans from the Midwest and West who suspected that big businessmen with close ties to Great Britain were pushing the United States to enter the conflict. This combination of movement activists outside government and lawmakers doing their best to back up their efforts inside the halls of federal power gave the anti-war cause a breadth and influence neither contingent could have achieved alone.

These four leaders of the peace coalition did not agree about every key issue that roiled the nation. Kitchin opposed woman suffrage and was a stalwart defender of the Jim Crow laws that kept black people down. Only Hillquit was ready to abolish private enterprise. But all four believed that industrial corporations wielded too much sway over how Americans worked and what they earned, the taxes they had to pay, the officeholders they elected, and the future of the economy on which they depended. And all four were convinced that the men at the helm of American industry and finance (most of whom were Republicans) were eager to use war and preparations for war to augment their profits and power.

This quartet of leaders and their fellow activists had many reasons to fight for peace, but isolationism was not among them. That sharply pejorative term, which became popular only in the 1920s, accurately describes neither the thought nor the actions of key participants in the peace coalition. Jane Addams presided over meetings with her sister feminists in Europe. Morris Hillquit sought to keep alive the ties of his Socialist Party to its comrades abroad. Senator Robert La Follette filled many a speech with praise for progressives in other countries who shared his hatred for militarism. Henry Ford chartered an ocean liner to transport himself and dozens of other activists across the Atlantic, where they lobbied neutral governments to embrace a peace plan they would press on the warring powers. These Americans, like most critics of the war elsewhere in the world, wanted to create a new global order based on cooperative relationships between nation states and their gradual disarmament. Militarism, they argued, isolated peoples behind walls of mutual fear and loathing.

Until April 1917, this formidable coalition of idealistsor realistsdid much to keep the nation at peace. They may even have had a majority of Americans on their side until just weeks before Congress, at Wilsons behest, voted to declare war. To prevent that from happening, peace activists pressed for a national referendum on the question, confident that the people would recoil from fighting and paying the bills in order to help one group of European powers conquer another.

Once the United States chose to enter the fray, the president, with the aid of the courts, prosecuted opponents of the war with a ferocity neither his defenders nor his adversaries had expected. The whole terrific force of the State is brought to bear against the heretics, wrote the critic Randolph Bourne. The persistence of anti-war sentiment was used to justify the creation of a large and pervasive federal apparatus of propaganda and repression, with both civilian and military officials at the controls. From Wilson on down, they resolved that their adversaries had to keep silent or suffer for their dissent.

The U.S. decision to join the Allies was a turning point in world history. It altered the fortunes of the war and, quite likely, the course of the twentieth century. It foreclosed the possibility of a negotiated peace among belligerents exhausted by nearly three years of fighting. The American Expeditionary Force engaged in heavy combat in France for less than six months. But the fear that those millions of fresh U.S. troops would alter the course of the war had led the Kaisers generals to launch one last, desperate offensive in the spring of 1918 that pushed to the outskirts of Paris. When that campaign collapsed, Germanys defeat was inevitable.

Michael Kazin is a professor of history at Georgetown University and editor of Dissent magazine. He is also the author of the new book, War Against War: The American Fight for Peace, 1914-1918. He will speak at the National Constitution Center on Wednesday, April 12 at 12 p.m. Learn more and get tickets.

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Late night talk show host and funnyman Jimmy Fallon inaugurated his new attraction at Universal Orlando Resort Thursday, which whisks guests from Florida to New York on an action-packed ride through the Big Apple.

Billed as the world's first 'flying theater,' "Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon" takes up to 72 "audience members" on an action-packed race through New York that takes them past iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building.

The attraction also recreates Studio 6B in Rockefeller Center where the show is recorded, and features cameos by some of the show's popular characters like Sara from "Ew," Jimmy in "Tight Pants," "Tonight Show" announcer Steve Higgins and the band "The Roots."

Fans can also take turns playing a talk show host themselves at the Interactive Desk, where they can write their own version of Fallon's popular "Thank you Notes" to their friends and family and watch clips from the show.

"The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" is the highest-rated US late night show in the US and boasts a 62-year-history that began in 1954 with hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and Fallon.

Watch Fallon tour his attraction for the first time with Universal Creative president Mark Woodbury at https://youtu.be/dDeRl2iEthw.
President Donald Trump declared a war on the war on coal, promising to repeal environmental regulations in a bid to revive the moribund coal industry. But in the United States and much of the world, reaching for the defibrillator may not be enough to save King Coal: A flood of cheap natural gas and increasingly competitive renewable energy has undercut a once-dominant source of energy. And while the U.S. coal patch in recent years could look overseas for a beacon of hope, exports wont offer much of a lifeline in the future, either.

The contrasts between the United States under Trump and most of the rest of the world are striking. China, long considered the environmental villain for its embrace of coal-fired power plants and huge increases in greenhouse gas emissions, is now positioning itself as a global leader in the fight against climate change. And while Trump has stacked his administration with climate change deniers and is tearing up environmental protections in a desperate bid to revive an industry that employs fewer people than fast-food chain Arbys, many other industrialized economies arent even trying to resuscitate coal.

Just this week, Europe swore off the stuff. EURELECTRIC, a consortium of 3,500 European utilities, pledged not to build any new coal plants after 2020, citing the need to meet climate-change goals laid out at the big Paris accord in 2015.

The European electricity sector believes that achieving the decarbonization objectives agreed in the Paris Agreement is essential to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the global economy, the group said, in a direct rebuttal to the 19th-century energy policies being pursued in Washington.

The power sector is determined to lead the energy transition and back our commitment to the low-carbon economy with concrete action, said Antonio Mexia, EURELECTRIC chief and CEO of Portuguese energy group EDP.

Europes decision reflects its commitment, on paper at least, to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. And it doesnt even have the advantage of a flood of cheap, cleaner-burning natural gas as a substitute, like the United States does.

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Because for all the years of GOP wailing about Obama-era regulations on coal pollution, the stake through the heart of the industry came from another fossil fuel  the fracking revolution that unleashed a torrent of natural gas  as well as steady advances in wind power and solar energy.

U.S. coal production peaked in 2008 at 1.1 billion tons. Since then, its plunged precipitously to 739 million short tons last year, according to the Energy Information Agency. Thats a reflection of falling demand for steam coal to run power plants. Even top coal executives admit Trump cant magically boost jobs in coal mining, though they welcomed his pledges to gut federal industry regulations.

Trumps plans to scuttle the Obama administrations Clean Power Plan, which would have made states find ways to generate electricity more cleanly, will remove the federal governments main tool for cleaning up the power sector. But it may not matter very much. Many states have their own environmental and emission standards. Few companies are willing to make billion-dollar bets that todays lighter regulations will still be law in four years time.

And ultimately, economics matter: Natural gas plants are cheaper and quicker to build than big coal plants. A recent Reuters survey of 32 domestic utilities found that, despite the Trump administrations boosterism, most have no plans to alter their multi-billion dollar, years-long shift away from coal.

If domestic demand cant keep the coal industry afloat, what about foreign markets? That proved a lifesaver as recently as 2012, when U.S. coal exports peaked at 125 million tons, including plenty to Europe. Looking ahead, coal companies then eyeing Asia saw fast-growing economies hungry for new power plants and expected to find new markets across the ocean. A consortium of coal companies bid to build six new West coast export terminals to open access to those Asian markets. Since then, four of the six projects were killed, one is on life support, and the future of the last, the Millennium Bulk Terminals on the Columbia River in Washington, is uncertain.

The hurdles for U.S. coal exports are plentiful. Transit costs and logistics issues can quickly price U.S. coal out of foreign markets, especially with limited West-coast infrastructure. China sorted out its own domestic coal production, slashing imports of steam coal; the market thats left is dominated by Australia, a big low-cost coal producer nearby. And Europe, which gobbled up American coal displaced by the flood of gas just a few years ago, is swearing off the stuff. U.S. coal exports have dropped over 50 percent since the 2012 peak, to 60 million tons last year.

A lot of industry leaders today would say their worst domestic deal would be better than their best export deal, said Andrew Moore, managing editor of S&P Platts Coal Trader. Pricing has to be really good for foreign trade to sustain itself, he told Foreign Policy.

There is one tiny potential bright spot for the sector: high-quality metallurgical coal used in steelmaking. Europe still imports sizeable amounts of met coal from the United States  a boon to beleaguered Appalachian miners  and China this month is snapping up U.S. met coal to replace Australian shipments knocked offline by storms. But it remains a tiny slice of overall production, and with the steel sector struggling with production overcapacity nearly everywhere, doesnt really look like much of a growth industry.

That doesnt mean King Coals obituary is ready to be written. Industry experts expect a rebound in coals fortunes in the United States this year, if only because 2016 was so awful. Despite plenty of plant closures and the boom in renewables, coal still generates about 30 percent of U.S. electricity, likely a natural floor for the fuel that once dominated the sector and the skyline.

The coal industry in the U.S. isnt growing, but its certainly not going away either, Moore said.

Photo credit: George Frey/Getty Images
Many Americans are using Uber and other car services to get to the emergency room rather than calling for an ambulance.

Tech writer Chandra Steele is one of them. She recently suffered from internal bleeding, for which she was already seeking treatment, and didn't want to call 911 because, "I knew it was an emergency, but I wasn't sure if it really required an ambulance."

Read: Doctor Who Attacked Uber Driver: He's Accepted My Apology

"I just used the Uber app and in three minutes somebody was there, Steele, 42, told Inside Edition.

Actress Jaime King has also taken an Uber to the emergency room. She told late night host Conan O'Brien in 2014 that she turned to the app as she was going into labor "because I thought an ambulance would be too dramatic" and "I didn't have a ride."

One reason why so many people are taking app-based car services to the emergency room are largely because of it's price, as ambulances can run you anywhere from $400 to $1,000 if you don't have insurance.

Another factor is the ambulance response time, which in New York City is 9 minutes and 22 seconds, according to a 2015 report from the Fire Department of the City of New York. Compare that with an Uber, which can sometimes be as close as a minute away.

But many Uber drivers are not happy about taking patients to the hospital in an emergency scenario.

"I had someone try to get a ride with me to the E.R. with a badly cut hand," one driver wrote on UberPeople.net. "They didn't want to get blood in their car so they called an Uber. I said 'no thanks' and drove off."

Read: College Student, 21, Who Vanished After Saying She Was Taking an Uber Is Found Safe

Dr. Robert Glatter of Lennox Hill Hospital told Inside Edition that "Uber E.R.," as it's been nicknamed, is not a smart idea in a crisis.

"They don't have any kind of oxygen, they don't have any intravenous fluids or IV's," he said. "They don't have paramedics! That is the main difference. They have a driver."

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Uber agrees.

"Uber is not a substitute for medical professionals," the company said in a statement. "In the event of any medical emergency, we encourage people to call 911."

Watch: The Voice Behind AOL's 'You've Got Mail' Now an Uber Driver, Was Only Paid $200 for Slogan

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The Utah widow whose husband was killed in the horrific Westminster terror attack two weeks ago has broken her silence, saying she was "crushed" when she found out her husband had perished.

Read: James Corden Gives Impassioned Speech on Terror Attack: 'This Will Bring London Closer Together'

In an interview with the BBC, Melissa Cochran praised her husband, Kurt, following his death at the hands of terrorist Khalid Masood, who plowed through a crowd in an SUV on the Westminster Bridge, not far from the Houses of Parliament.

"Kurt was probably the best man I ever met," she said as tears streamed down her face. "He was sweet and kind. He was the love of my life."

Cochran also revealed the heartbreaking moment she found out Kurt, 54, didnt survive.

"My parents walked out of the room and came back in and grabbed my hand and said that he didnt make it, which crushed me," Cochran said.

Melissa, who was seriously injured in the March 22 attack, says she forgives the man who turned her life upside down.

"I dont feel any ill will towards him," she said. "I actually kind of feel a little sorry for him. No hate."

She recalled the moments prior to the attack, which occurred on the last day of their trip.

"We just were having another wonderful day on our vacation and just enjoying the sites, taking pictures, making our way to the Abbey," she told the BBC. "I don't remember much more after that so crossing the bridge, we were almost there."

Read: Family Mourns American Dad Killed in London Terror Attack: 'This Pain is So Heart-Wrenching'

The Cochrans were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in London at the time. Following the attack, a wheelchair-bound Melissa was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry at a memorial service for families and survivors at Westminster Abbey, just feet from where the attack occurred.

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Five people, including the terrorist, were killed and dozens of others were injured in the attack.

Watch: Utah Woman Who Survived London Attack That Killed Her Husband Stands Up on Her Own

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin residents who love Irish butter will soon be able to buy it in their dairy-obsessed home state, thanks to a creamery's workaround to a decades-old state law.

Old World Creamery of Sheboygan announced Thursday that it will import Irishgold butter from Ireland, process and package it  then have the company's five state-licensed butter graders rate it. That will allow Irishgold to be sold legally in Wisconsin, which bans the sale of any butter that hasn't been graded for quality.

Residents tired of crossing state lines to load up on Irish butter filed a lawsuit against the state last month over the law, the only of its kind in the U.S.

"This will be a big day for Wisconsin residents who love the rich taste of Irish butter," Steve Knaus, Old World Creamery's managing partner, said in a news release announcing the workaround. Knaus said the company will import the butter in bulk and grade it both before and after packaging. He said the plan was in the works before the lawsuit was filed.

Jake Curtis, the attorney for the residents suing the state, applauded Old World's efforts, but said his clients would press forward with their lawsuit. Curtis called the ban "irrational" and said it inhibits access to all international butters.

"This story illustrates the extreme measures retailers have to go through," Curtis said. "Only in Wisconsin."

The lawsuit characterizes the law as a "government-mandated taste test." But Knaus said he appreciates that Wisconsin's law holds butter to high standards.

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections spokesman Bill Cosh has said his agency has to uphold state law, but that enforcement "has been limited to notifying retailers of what the law says." Irish butter does sometimes appear on grocery store shelves around the state.

___

Follow Cara Lombardo on Twitter at https://Twitter.com/CaraRLombardo
A California mother accused of killing the father of her two children has managed to raise an astronomical $35 million to be bailed out of jail.

Tiffany Li, 31, is awaiting trial for allegedly directing her boyfriend and another man to kill 27-year-old Keith Green and dispose of his body last year.

Read: Dad Shot and Killed His Twin Teen Daughters Before Turning Gun on Himself

This week, Li posted the bail with the help of wealthy friends, family and associates with ties to China who reportedly managed to raise $4 million cash as well as pledge $62 million in property, the AP reports.

In California, twice the bail amount is required when property is used instead of cash.

The $35 million bail is reportedly the most ever in San Mateo County, and one of the highest ever reported in the U.S.

Prosecutors originally asked for no bail at all in part because of Li's family wealth before settling on a $100 million bail request. According to San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, prosecutors fear she'll flee to her native China.

"If convicted, she faces the rest of her life in prison," Wagstaffe said. "That's plenty enough incentive to flee back to her native China."

Li has pleaded not guilty to charges she conspired to murder Green, whose body was found May 11, 2016 in Sonoma County.

Li's attorney, Geoff Carr, said the people who posted Li's bail believe she is innocent and will not flee.

"She is well-liked in the community and is a straight shooter. I think people believe she is not guilty," he told the Los Angeles Times.

Read: Father Charged After Allegedly Stabbing His 2-Year-Old and 4-Day-Old Daughters To Death

Prosecutors have suggested Li feared losing custody of their young children to Green.

Li has been in held in lieu of the $35 million bail for nearly a year. Her trial is slated to begin in September.

Watch: Woman Killed by Cops After Shooting Her Kids to Death Was Pro-Gun Advocate

Story continues

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A Georgia woman has been arrested for allegedly killing of her paraplegic ex-boyfriend, who investigators say she left in the woods to freeze to death.

Troymaine Johnson, 33, was last seen alive March 14, when his ex-girlfriend Ruby Kate Coursey, 27, allegedly picked him up to go for a ride or trip to the store, leaving his wheelchair at home, Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore said in a statement.

But instead, Coursey allegedly drove to a hunting campground about 70 miles south of Atlanta, left Johnson next to a camper and drove off, investigators said.

His body was found there three days later, after Courseys brother and sister-in-law told Thomaston police she had left him there, The Telegraph reported.

Johnson did not have use of his legs and only had partial use of one arm, making it impossible for him to escape the bitter cold that hit the area.

Read: Woman Accused of Hiring Hitman to Kill Ex Found Dead in Apparent Suicide: Report

Records show temperatures at that time had plunged into the mid-20s.

"Those were some of the coldest nights in recent days," Kilgore said in the release.

Coursey was initially taken into custody for an outstanding probation warrant.

She was charged Monday with murder and neglect of a disabled adult  both felonies  after autopsy reports concluded Johnson was alive when he was left at the camp. His death was ruled a homicide as a result of hypothermia.

"That would have been a very painful way to meet your demise," Kilgore told People magazine.

Red paint on the camping gate that had been crashed through also matched the Saturn VUE Coursey was driving, authorities said.

Read: Elderly Woman Freezes to Death After Falling Trying to Help Husband Get Up

A motive for the alleged killing remains unclear, officials said.

Johnson, who was affectionately known as "Troy," was remembered as a talented rapper as well as a funny and kindhearted man, WMAZ-TV reported.

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He could just see somebody and start rapping about them right off the top, his cousin Sade Owens told the television station.

Johnson was laid to rest on March 23 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, relatives said.

"We will remember him forever," his loved ones wrote on a memorial page.

Coursey was being held at the Upson County Jail, online records show.

Watch: Bodycam Shows Couple Argue Over Keys Before Man Kills Girlfriend and Her Son: Cops

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By Carolyn Crist (Reuters Health) - Women who experience vaginal and urinary problems associated with menopause should seek help from their doctors, according to a new patient resource page from the JAMA journal. Women with pre- and post-menopausal symptoms, as well as their doctors, need to remember that these common complaints are treatable in ways that can easily improve quality of life, writes Dr. Jill Jin. We created this resource based on a reader request, and I see many patients in my own practice with these complaints, so its highly relevant, said Jin, an internist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, who wrote the one-page primer intended for patients. The page discusses genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which used to be known as atrophic vaginitis. The new term was introduced in a 2016 review article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (http://bit.ly/2oDcPF4), which notes that the syndrome affects more than half of postmenopausal women. I see a wide variety of patients who look up health information online, and its useful to have reliable sources to direct them to when they have questions, Jin told Reuters Health. Theres a lot of false health information online, and journals such as JAMA are great places for concise, accurate information. The JAMA patient resource explains that estrogen levels drop during menopause, and the walls of the vagina become thin, dry and inflamed. The related symptoms of burning, irritation and urinary issues are common but can be more bothersome for some women than for others. Doctors can recommend both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options, such as over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers or estrogen treatments administered by pill or through the skin. Women presume these symptoms are just signs of aging, but they can be corrected by talking to a gynecologist or urologist, said Sardar Khan of Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York, a co-author of the 2016 review. Typically, doctors recommend trying vaginal estrogen first as a cream, tablet or ring inserted into the vagina. This provides estrogen to the vaginal area without circulating through the bloodstream first, which can lower the chance of health risks associated with hormonal treatments during menopause. Women who have other symptoms associated with menopause, such as night sweats, hot flashes or other whole-body problems, may need to take estrogen treatments by a pill or skin patch, the patient resource notes. Women who take this type of estrogen should also take progesterone. Khan and his co-authors reviewed additional treatments as well, including synthetic steroids, laser therapies, homeopathic remedies and lifestyle modifications. Importantly, early detection and individually-tailored treatment plans are key, the study authors wrote. Women should not suffer in silence, Khan told Reuters Health. The days are gone when we accept these symptoms as merely signs of aging. The JAMA patient page also suggests seeking additional information on the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website about menopause (http://bit.ly/1Ml5Vcf ). The site features a comprehensive FAQ section about menopause, symptoms, osteoporosis, hormone therapy and healthy lifestyle advice. Women should begin talking to their doctors about these symptoms in the perimenopause period and share any concerns they have, Khan said. Health providers should ask about menopause, quality of life, and pain routinely during visits, he added. Ive found its often up to caregivers to make patients feel comfortable enough to open up and talk. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2o4AlJT JAMA, online April 4, 2017.
For 11 years, Karla Quezada assembled sandwiches at the Subway in the food court of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, a sprawling complex in downtown Washington, D.C., owned by the U.S. General Services Administration.

She routinely worked more than 40 hours a week, with no overtime pay. She worked holidays, also without extra compensation. Her paychecks took a hit whenever she stayed home sick.

"I knew it was a federal building, but since everyone else was paying low wages, too, I just figured that's how it was supposed to be," Quezada, 40, said in a recent interview at her home in Arlington, Virginia.

Actually, thats not how its supposed to be. But each year, thousands of contractors enriched by tax dollars skirt federal labor laws and shortchange workers. In fact, U.S. Department of Labor data show that upwards of 70 percent of all cases lodged against federal contractors and investigated by the department since 2012 yielded substantive violations.

But many of these violators go on to receive more federal contracts. An Obama administration effort to change that practice was derailed in late March by President Donald Trump.

The Center for Public Integrity examined a subset of 1,154 egregious violators  those with the biggest fines, highest number of violations or most employees impacted  included in the Labor Departments Wage and Hour Division enforcement database and cross-referenced them with more than 300,000 contract records from the Treasury Department. The Center found that between January 2015 and July 2016:

Federal agencies modified or granted contracts worth a total of $18 billion to 68 contractors with proven wage violations. Among them: health-care provider Sterling Medical Associates, Cornell University and Corrections Corporation of America

Of all agencies, the U.S. Department of Defense employed the most wage violators  49, which collectively owed $4.7 million in back pay to almost 6,200 workers. The department paid those 49 contractors a combined $15 billion.

Violations by the 68 contractors affected some 11,000 workers around the country  about the same number of people who moved to D.C. in 2016.

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This story is part of Hard Labor. Threats to Americas workers, and the fragile federal net that protects them. Click here to read more stories in this investigation.

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Federal contractors account for almost a quarter of the American workforce and took in more than $470 billion in taxpayer funds in 2016, according to USASpending.gov. But the governments methods for tracking labor-law scofflaws are unreliable, making it easy for violations to go unnoticed. Even when violations are documented, they rarely play a role in contracting decisions.

The Labor Department tried to address the problem in 2016 with a rule that would have required federal contractors to disclose wage and safety violations and come into compliance with the law if they wanted to keep doing business with the government. Invoking a statute rarely used prior to the Trump administration, however, Congress voted to undo the regulation  already on hold because of a legal challenge  and Trump sealed its fate with his signature.

In a statement in February, the White House said the rule would bog down Federal procurement with unnecessary and burdensome processes Now that it has been repealed, labor advocates say more cases like Karla Quezadas can be expected.

In 2013, having worked at Subway more than a decade, the native of El Salvador filed a complaint with the Labor Department, seeking thousands of dollars in back pay. She recalls regularly working up to 15 hours of overtime each week, but says she was never paid the time-and-a-half owed to her under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Some weeks, her pay stub wouldnt explicitly say how many hours she had worked; other weeks, she would get two stubs  as if she had worked less than 40 hours at separate Subway locations.

Sometimes, out of necessity, you just work, Quezada said in Spanish. Im a single mom, and I would work from 6 to 6 sometimes, more than 40 hours. To me, the check seemed okay, but Ive come to realize they were cheating.

Quezada and other food-court workers at the Reagan building, organized by the labor group Good Jobs Nation, went on strike 15 times from 2013 to 2016. Management, she said, cut her hours sharply in response and threatened to call immigration officials on workers who were undocumented. Quezada, a permanent U.S. resident, said she encouraged them to continue striking.

In 2014, the White House recognized Quezada as a Champion of Change" for her efforts. But the reduction in her hours forced her to quit, she said. She took on two part-time jobs that together pay less than her old one, and she and her 12-year-old son had to move into a single room in a relatives apartment. Her two older children remain in El Salvador.

After two years, the Labor Department found in Quezadas favor, but the statute of limitations and missing documentation led to an unsatisfying payout: $226.

Ive had to deprive my kids of many things, she said. We ended up completely screwed."

Investigators determined that the Subway in the Reagan building owed eight workers, including Quezada, about $3,000 in back wages. They opened investigations into the eight other Subways owned by Quezadas employer, Amer Ghalayini, and found wage violations affecting 28 workers.

The Labor Department reached a settlement with Ghalayini, who agreed to pay more than $33,000 in back wages and damages while admitting no wrongdoing. The department also found overtime and minimum-wage violations at four other restaurants in the Reagan buildings food court.

The Subway that employed Quezada is licensed by Trade Center Management Associates, which holds a contract with the General Services Administration to operate restaurants in the Reagan building. Officials at Subways corporate offices and at Trade Center Management Associates declined to comment.

Reached by phone, Ghalayini disputed Quezadas claims but declined to elaborate.

What happened, happened, he said.

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I feel like Im being robbed

In theory, ensuring federal contractor compliance with labor laws should be easy. In practice, its complicated.

The task of policing the nations businesses lies with the Labor Departments Wage and Hour Division. Established under Franklin D. Roosevelt and long housed in the departments Employment Standards Administration, the division enforces laws governing pay, family and medical leave and visas, among other things. When the administration was abolished in 2009, its four components  Wage and Hour and the offices of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Labor Management Standards and Workers Compensation Programs  became stand-alone divisions. Since then, the Wage and Hour Divisions budget has remained relatively flat; it was $227.5 million in fiscal year 2016.

The division relies heavily on complaints from workers to identify delinquent employers, placing the workers in a precarious position while they try to retrieve the wages they believe they're owed. Once a case enters the system, it can stagnate because of employer appeals or disputes over legal technicalities.

In fiscal year 2011, the division took, on average, six months to resolve a complaint and closed 33,000 cases. In fiscal year 2016, the average complaint was resolved in four months but only 29,000 cases were closed.

Its often hard for workers to know what exactly constitutes wage theft  a $50 billion-a-year problem in the U.S., one 2014 study found  since it can take so many forms. Employers can skirt overtime regulations or artificially depress wages. Or, workers can be asked to perform increased responsibilities without a corresponding bump in pay, a potential violation.

ObamasFair Pay and Safe Workplaces order, which led to last years rule, was supposed to ensure that wage and other labor violations were taken into consideration during the contracting process. The order came on the heels of a 2013report by Senate Democrats, which found that 49 companies collectively cited for 1,776 violations between 2007 and 2012 were awarded $81 billion in federal contracts in 2012.

When contractors don't follow the law, workers like Latoya Williams feel the squeeze.

As a senior customer service representative for a subcontractor to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Williams spends her days helping agents, homeowners and mortgage companies untangle the details of the National Flood Insurance Program. Most calls are routine, but sometimes distraught homeowners need help filing a claim.

You have to let people know that you care  like, you really care, said Williams, who lives in Kensington, Maryland, and has worked at Lionel Henderson & Co. for six years. Someone just lost their whole house underwater, [and] you want me to be on the phone just straight talking about policies? No. I want to know how youre doing.

Williams can empathize with the callers: She was homeless for her first two years on the job, paying friends who let her stay with them.

I understand the struggle, Williams said. I understand what it is to lose everything, to not have somewhere to lay your head at night. I put myself [in their place] when they call.

Williams is paid $14.28 an hour by Lionel Henderson, a subcontractor until recently to Aon National Flood Services Inc., which has a contract with FEMA, worth up to $163.4 million, to administer the flood insurance program. Under prevailing-wage classifications in the Service Contract Act, she should be getting between $16.24 and $18.74 an hour, according to the Communications Workers of America, which filed a complaint with the Labor Department in December seeking back wages for Williams and her colleagues. The department opened an investigation of Williams case in March.

Reached by phone at Lionel Hendersons corporate office in Atlanta, the companys human resources director, Alanna Smith, declined to comment.Torrent Technologies Inc. won the FEMA contract in September, but won't begin administering it until later this year. Torrent's chief executive officer, Ian Macartney, said the company had no role in deciding Williams's pay.

Today, Lionel Hendersons starting pay for a customer-service representative with two years experience is 22 cents an hour higher than what Williams makes after six. Williams said she has trained company representatives who perform the same duties as she does but earn more. And Im just sitting there like  I feel like Im being robbed.

An asthmatic, Williams said she cant afford inhalers on her current salary. Nor can she afford doctor copays. Some months, she gets donations from churches, takes out small loans or calls her parents to see if they can help with expenses. To supplement her income, she styles hair out of her home on weekends. She takes just a few clients because a bulging disc in her back makes it hard to stand for long periods.

Im a hard worker, Williams said. And, you know, when you tell people where you work, theyre like, Aw, man, youre working there? I know you making good money. But youre just sitting there like, Only if you knew.

Uncertain future for wage enforcement

Its unclear how the Trump administration will approach enforcement of the nations panoply of labor laws, from the Family and Medical Leave Act, which provides employees with unpaid maternity and health leave, to the Davis-Bacon Act, which sets a prevailing wage for workers on government construction jobs.

Trump has tapped R. Alexander Acosta  dean of the Florida International University law school  to lead the Labor Department. Acosta is a former member of the National Labor Relations Board and a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida. The previous nominee, fast-food executive Andrew Puzder, withdrew amid outcry over his support of workplace automation, an undocumented housekeeper he employed tax-free, and domestic violence allegations stemming from his 1987 divorce.

Days after his inauguration, Trump issued an order to freeze hiring throughout the federal government, raising concerns that the much-criticized Wage and Hour Division may end up losing ground. Trumps fiscal year 2018 budget calls for an overall Labor Department cut of 21 percent. The department did not respond to interview requests.

The Wage and Hour Division had been in the midst of an overhaul following missteps during the George W. Bush administration. In 2009, the Government Accountability Office reported that the division had mishandled nine of every 10 complaints lodged by auditors posing as victims of wage theft.

Far too often many of Americas most vulnerable workers find themselves dealing with an agency concerned about resource limitations, with ineffective processes, and without certain tools necessary to perform timely and effective investigations of wage theft complaints, the GAO concluded.

On one occasion, an auditor posing as a janitor claimed to have been paid less than the minimum wage. The Labor Department investigator didnt try to call the fictitious employer until months later, didnt respond to the complainant when he tried to follow up and ultimately suggested he look for another job instead of pursuing his case. The complaint was never recorded in the Wage and Hour Divisions database.

The sting operation was a black eye for the department and led to the hiring of about 300 investigators early in Barack Obama's first term.

In May 2014, the division got its first permanent administrator in a decade: David Weil, a Boston University professor who had been fiercely critical of the Labor Departments ability to oversee work-on-demand employment and the proliferation of subcontractors hired to do what were once core company functions. The number of investigators had dropped steadily during the Bush administration, from a high of 949 to a 40-year low of 731 investigators in 2008, shortly before Obama took office.

Under Obama, the number of investigators jumped to about 1,000  the highest level since the 1980s. Even so, the division is stretched thin: those investigators must monitor 7.3 million businesses.

The division investigated 2,025 cases involving federal contractors in 2016. It found violations in 77 percent of these cases.

If you get the benefit of doing work for the public through a federal contract, you should be treating your workforce in the way we as a society have said is the appropriate way, Weil said in an interview in December. You should be models of what we do.

Last fiscal year, the division found 32,487 violations of the Service Contract Act, which sets prevailing wages and benefits for workers on most service contracts, and 12,567 violations of the Davis-Bacon Act. The Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, which applies to construction contracts, accounted for 4,044 violations in 389 cases.

In all, the division found, nearly 32,000 federal contract workers were owed slightly more than $50 million in back pay due to wage-law violations.

Violators during the 18-month period covered by the Centers analysis include names familiar and arcane. Sterling Medical Associates, a healthcare provider that holds at least $53 million in contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies, was flagged for 730 violations and ordered to pay nearly $1.6 million in back wages. Cornell University, which received around $21 million worth of contracts with various agencies, recorded 1,460 violations and was told to repay nearly $200,000. Corrections Corporation of America, the nations second-largest private prison firm, received more than $500 million in contracts with the departments of Justice and Homeland Security. It had 750 violations and had to pay more than $600,000 in back wages.

Officials with Sterling Medical Associates and Cornell University did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for Corrections Corporation of America, recently rebranded as CoreCivic, said that both of the facilities where the Labor Department found wage violations are in compliance with the Service Contract Act today.

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Burdensome new regulatory regime

During the most recent fiscal year, the government entered into or modified contracts with nearly 70,000 companies or their subsidiaries to deliver hundreds of thousands of distinct goods and services.

To figure out which companies to hire, agencies begin by posting solicitations, usually on FedBizOpps.gov, where registered contractors can sift through opportunities. When an agency puts out a solicitation, dozens of companies might submit proposals. Each one, in theory, should be vetted to ensure it is a cost-conscious, responsible seller.

Federal guidelines offer some clues along these lines: How solid are the companys finances? How did it perform on previous contracts, if any? Businesses that fall into certain categories  including small, veteran and minority-owned enterprises  may be given preference.

When contracting officers need to research a companys history, they can access the Past Performance Information Retrieval System, or PPIRS. But the information kept in the database doesnt include contractor compliance with labor laws. And some of the data PPIRS pulls in from other databases like the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System or FAPIIS, is not reliable.

The 2013 Senate report, for example, found that energy company BP had no misconduct entries in FAPIIS related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig explosion, which killed 11 workers and sullied the Gulf of Mexico with 4 million barrels of crude oil. The accident prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban BP from all federal contracts for 16 months, but the ban wasnt reflected in the database.

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy, which oversees contracting standards, issued a memo in 2013 calling for staff to submit company performance reviews more often. It found that such reviews were entered less than 30 percent of the time at some agencies, leaving the government "vulnerable to poor acquisition outcomes in the future.

Obamas executive order expanded procurement guidelines to include a review of would-be contractors labor records. The subsequent Labor Department rule required contracting staff to consider a companys history of compliance with 14 labor laws. Among them were the Fair Labor Standards Act, which covers wages; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; and laws forbidding discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion and disability, to name a few. The rule required any company seeking a contract to check a box to indicate whether it had blemishes on its record, going back three years.

The vehicle for the rules undoing by Congress was the rarely used Congressional Review Act, through which recently finalized regulations can be dismantled by simple majorities in the House and Senate. The act prohibits federal agencies from crafting similar rules in the future unless authorized to do so by Congress.

Even without the short-lived regulation, companies that break the law on a federal job can be debarred or suspended from receiving further contracts. Last year, the Labor Department debarred 49 firms.

The [Obama] executive order was not intended to deny a contractor an award, or to send them to suspending and debarring; it was about getting them into compliance, said Lafe Solomon, who joined the Labor Department in 2014 to develop what became the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule. Specialists would help agencies decide how to address violations by contractors. Companies with more serious violations would be allowed to develop corrective plans.

Among the 939 written comments on the rule sent to the Labor Department were letters of support from groups such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and individuals such as William Clegg, who used to work for a halfway house under contract with the federal government in Greensboro, North Carolina.

If I hadn't been living with my mother, I would have been sleeping on the street with what I was getting paid and would have been forced to go on public assistance, Clegg wrote. How safe do you think our communities [will be] when we can't pay a living wage to those that assist with our safety?

But the rule was wildly unpopular with many contractors and their trade associations. Associated General Contractors of America, for example, denounced an early version as unfounded, unnecessary, unworkable and unlawful.

The AGCs regulatory counsel, Jimmy Christianson, elaborated in an interview. The government, he said, should improve its own contractor vetting instead of laying the burden on companies.

"You're the federal government, Christianson said. You're the ones that are citing the contractors, don't you have the information? Why does the contractor have to report it? Isn't that kind of a joke?"

Two other trade groups went further than AGC. In October, Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Association of Security Companies sued the Labor Department and other agencies responsible for the rules implementation weeks before its first phase was to kick in. The groups called the rule unlawful, saying contractors could be penalized for cases that had been settled with no admissions of guilt or were still being contested.

A cumbersome and burdensome new regulatory regime is being created to implement this misguided executive policy, which  violates the rights of government contractors, at considerable cost and with no benefits to taxpayers, the complaint said.

A federal district court in Texas agreed that the groups had a strong case. The night before the rule was to have gone into effect, Judge Marcia Crone, who was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2003, enjoined most of its requirements, though one aspect was preserved: paycheck transparency. Employers that received contracts after January 1 had to give employees breakdowns of their pay rates and benefits so they could monitor their own paychecks for accuracy.

On the Senate floor March 6, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., urged her colleagues not to side with vested interests and vote for a resolution that would spell near-certain doom for the rule. Instead of creating jobs or raising wages, theyre trying to make it easier for the companies that get big-time, taxpayer-funded government contracts to steal wages from their employees and injure their workers without admitting responsibility, she said.

But the political muscle of government contractors is hard to overestimate.

In fiscal year 2016, the defense industry, which did $297.5 billion in business with the government, collectively spent $126 million on lobbying and gave almost $13 million to candidates for federal office  59 percent to Republicans and 41 percent to Democrats, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.

The construction industry, whose contracting totaled $28.6 billion, spent $52.2 million on lobbying and gave $32.6 million to candidates for federal office  67 percent to Republicans and 33 percent to Democrats.

We just get by check to check

When the U.S. Army was deciding whether to keep doing business with a cleaning company it employed at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, it checked the companys record in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. FAPIIS is supposed to record contractors most serious missteps; the company, Brown & Pipkins, had a clean record. It hadnt been debarred or suspended, nor had it been found guilty of defective pricing, human trafficking, or anything else FAPIIS tracks.

What the record didnt show was that in 2013, a Labor Department investigation found that Brown & Pipkins owed its cleaning staff about $330,000 in back wages. It owed several thousand dollars to one worker: Carlos Umana, a union leader. He was abruptly fired in December 2012 after he and his colleagues came to work wearing hats bearing the Service Employees International Unions logo.

It was our way of showing that we do have a voice in this, Umana, 72, said in Spanish during a recent interview in his Silver Spring, Maryland, home.

Umana began working at Fort Belvoir in 1997. Within two years, the janitorial staff decided to join SEIU to protect its wages. The Army gives Fort Belvoirs cleaning contracts to different companies every few years; once Brown & Pipkins took over in 2012, it stopped paying Umana and 67 workers the wages outlined in their collective bargaining agreement. The Labor Department found that workers were underpaid between $4.08 and $5.73 an hour and didnt receive paid holidays and sick leave.

After Umanas union filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, Brown & Pipkins reinstated him. But during the half-year he was idled, he could find only part-time work. His pay  and wages earned by his wife, Cecilia, who does janitorial work at Walter Reed Army Medical Center  werent enough to cover expenses.

With these jobs, we cant save, Cecilia said. We just get by check to check.

The Umanas are still working their way through the debt they accumulated. Their financial troubles weigh heavily on their 22-year-old son, who shares his fathers name. Carlos is trying to earn an associates degree by taking online classes after work. When his father was fired in 2012, he put off going to college full-time to help with the familys expenses.

Who doesn't like seeing they're going to get a job [done] cheaper? Carlos said. But there are people attached to it. There's an income attached to it.

Brown & Pipkins did not respond to requests for comment.

The company reached a settlement with the NLRB over the Fort Belvoir allegations in February 2017. In 2016, it received contracts totaling about $4.5 million from the Army, primarily for janitorial work in Virginia.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Army Contracting Command said the agency considered Brown & Pipkins labor record before awarding the contracts, but didnt find the as-yet unproven allegations to be disqualifying. Data reviewed by the Center show that the Army contracted with 34 companies with wage violations from the beginning of 2015 until mid-2016, for a total of $20 billion.

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Trump and federal contractors

In the weeks before Election Day, Donald Trump released a 30-second television message to voters that crystallized his philosophy on how to help the American worker.

The ad  Deals focused on Trumps plan to renegotiate trade agreements and cut taxes on manufacturers. The voiceover ended with this promise: Donald Trump knows business and hell fight for the American worker.

Some of Trumps biggest fights, even before he took office, involved federal contractors.

He threatened General Motors with higher taxes for moving its operations outside of the U.S. He decried out of control costs for Lockheed Martins F-35 military fighter jet and Boeings contract for a new Air Force One, which he suggestedbe canceled.

Since his inauguration, Trump has claimed he spurred job creation by federal contractors Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Amazon, Walmart, GM, Intel, and Lockheed Martin. (All the companies said their investments were in place before Trump took office.)

In December, as president-elect, Trump negotiated with the Carrier Corporation to keep jobs from moving to Mexico in exchange for $7 million in tax credits over 10 years. Trump said the deal saved 1,100 jobs, but union officials said only 730 people would be retained in the U.S. while 553 positions would still move across the border.

Greg HayesCEO of Carriers parent company, United Technologies Corp.  said there was no quid pro quo and that federal contracts were not mentioned during the discussions. But in a CNBC interview, he implied that the company agreed to negotiate, in part, to ensure a good relationship with the administration.

There was a cost as we thought about keeping the Indiana plant open, Hayes said. At the same time  I was born at night, but not last night. I also know that about 10 percent of our revenue comes from the U.S. government.

United Technologies received about $5.6 billion in revenue from federal contracts in 2016.

Labor organizers such as Joseph Geevarghese, director of Good Jobs Nation, a grassroots organization that advocates for federal contract workers, are hoping Trump will become an ally.

As the CEO of the United States government, you have an opportunity to negotiate for all federal contractors, right? To make sure that federal contractors dont screw workers who serve the American people, Geevarghese said.

Best-case scenario in his view? Trump does what the labor movement spent eight years trying to get Obama to do: give preference in federal contracts to employers that pay living wages of at least $15 an hour with benefits, and are neutral on workplace organizing. Worst case? The gains federal contract workers have seen  a higher minimum wage, more benefits and stronger protections against harassment or discrimination  are erased.

Debbie Berkowitz, a senior fellow with the National Employment Law Project and a former senior policy advisor with the Labor Departments Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said the undoing of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule was like the opening salvo of the war on workers.

The president and [Congress], if they wanted to do something for the American worker, this [was] the rule to keep in place, Berkowitz said. It would assure that companies that get taxpayer money to build the planes, provide the food for the military, or build large projects are providing good jobs.

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On a snowy day in February, federal contract workers rallied by Good Jobs Nationgathered outside the Capitol. The rally had been organized to protest Puzders scheduled Senate confirmation hearing. When he withdrew the day before, it became a celebration.

You are the ones who make America great! Geevarghese shouted into a microphone. Youre the ones who get up every day and serve the American people! And you should be proud!"

Some workers waved American flags, while others held up cardboard shields etched with the words Good Jobs Defense, a campaign of Good Jobs Nation. Supporters, including Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and actor Danny Glover riled up the crowd.

We have shown that we are watching, we are going to pay attention and we are willing to fight, Warren said. And we know that when we fight ...

We win! the audience responded.

When we fight ...

... we win!

Federal workers, Geevarghese said in an interview, will remind Trump of his promises.

You won because you said youre going to be a champion for the working class. Do it. And if you dont? If you betray us? Well resist.

This story is part of Hard Labor. Threats to Americas workers, and the fragile federal net that protects them. Click here to read more stories in this investigation.

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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.
A century ago, on April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I.

When historians remind us that the first World War was once known as the great war or the war to end all wars, they usually do it with an ironic nod toward the carnage to come a generation later. Yet, World War I remains the conflict that opened the modern age. It brought down the Ottoman and Russian Empires and speeded the decline of Britains global empire, as well. Its aftermath opened the debates and drew the borders that continue to incite violence to this day. It brought the first failed attempt at an international architecture to promote peace and democracy. And it brought the United States of America onto the largest stage. Teddy Roosevelt gave the U.S. its earliest imperial ambitions in the first decade of the new century, but it was Woodrow Wilsons decision in 1917 to move the U.S. into its first European war that made the U.S. a crucial, if reluctant, international power.

In the years that followed, Wilsons health failed him, and the unpopularity, in Congress and across much of the country, of U.S. participation in the post-war League of Nations forced those who favored U.S. international leadership into retreat. The wounds inflicted by the U.Ss (relatively limited) exposure to war-and the influenza pandemic brought home by returning troops that killed an estimated 675,000 Americans, ten times the number that died on the battle field-helped poison the debate. It took another world war to persuade most Americans that U.S. leadership was essential for a just and peaceful world-and that a just and peaceful world was necessary for U.S. national security and prosperity.

The historical moment that opened with U.S. entry into World War I has now closed, just in the past few months. Donald Trump is the first president in 80 years who does not accept the premise that U.S. international leadership is in the U.S. national interest. Why must the U.S. play such a large role in safeguarding Europes security? Why do just five of NATOs 28 members spend the required 2 percent of GDP on defense? Why must the United States accept responsibility for the security of wealthy countries like Germany and France and of faraway nations like Albania, Estonia, and Slovenia? A century on from World War I and more than seven decades from World War II, isnt Europe now rich enough to fight its own battles, he asks?

There are thoughtful answers to these questions, but the president speaks to the resentments and anxieties of millions of Americans who feel that others continue to freeride on American generosity. The U.S. will not retreat into the isolationism of an earlier era; the interconnected world we live in makes that impossible. But Trumps foreign policy innovation is to call into question the notion, first articulated by Wilson, that the U.S. is indispensable for the promotion of peace and justice in the world, and that a world made safe for democracy will bolster Americas security and strength.

Our problems, of course, are not that simple. As we mark this important anniversary on April 6, we must recognize that competition among rising powers is back on the worlds agenda. What better time to look back, to remember, to weigh the costs of adventurism-and the risks that develop when the world lacks forceful leadership.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Under Australian law, each breach can attract a fine of up to Aus$1.1 million (US$830 million), although it is up to the court to determine the size of the penalty (AFP Photo/KARIM SAHIB)

Apple was Thursday taken to court by Australia's consumer watchdog for violating laws by allegedly refusing to look at or repair some iPads and iPhones previously serviced by a third party.

The tech giant "made false, misleading, or deceptive representations about consumers' rights under the Australian Consumer Law," the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) charged.

The proceedings, against Apple Pty Limited and its US-based parent Apple Inc, were brought on behalf of 275 consumers.

Under Australian law, each breach can attract a fine of up to Aus$1.1 million (US$830 million), although it is up to the court to determine the size of the penalty.

The case followed an ACCC investigation into reports users who had an "Error 53" that disabled their iPads or iPhones after updating their operating systems were "routinely refused" by Apple to have their devices looked at or serviced.

These customers previously had their devices serviced by a third-party, "even where that repair was unrelated to the fault", the government body said.

"Consumer guarantee rights under the Australian Consumer Law exist independently of any manufacturer's warranty and are not extinguished simply because a consumer has goods repaired by a third party," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement.

He said to deny those rights had an impact beyond the affected consumers.

"(It) can dissuade other customers from making informed choices about their repair options including where they may be offered at lower cost than the manufacturer."

Apple in Australia had no immediate response.

- Error 53 -

The legal action is likely to be closely watched globally, amid concerns raised by consumer advocates about Error 53, which they claim makes devices unworkable if they were repaired by a third-party.

Apple describes the error as appearing "when a device fails a security test", and released an operating system update to fix the issue.

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"This test was designed to check whether Touch ID (fingerprint-recognition feature) works properly before the device leaves the factory, and wasn't intended to affect customers," the company said on its website.

Sims said companies must remember that consumer rights extended to software or software updates on goods they sell.

"Faults with software or software updates may entitle consumers to a free remedy under the Australian Consumer Law," he said, adding that the ACCC was seeking remedies including financial penalties.

It is not the first time Apple has fallen foul of the ACCC.

In 2013, it worked with the watchdog over a court-enforceable undertaking after alleged "misleading representations" to customers that it did not need to refund, replace or repair some products even though required to under Australian law.
Blue Origins billionaire founder, Jeff Bezos, peers out the window of a New Shepard crew capsule mock-up. (GeekWire Photo / Kevin Lisota)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos has long said that hes using his personal fortune to fund his Blue Origin space venture, and today he hinted at just how many billions of dollars he intends to spend.

My business model right now for Blue Origin is, I sell about $1 billion a year of Amazon stock, and I use it to invest in Blue Origin, he told reporters here at the 33rd Space Symposium. So the business model for Blue Origin is very robust.

Bezos threw out the figure half-jokingly, after noting that he typically doesnt reveal how much hes spending. But he made clear that his in-house space effort, headquartered in Kent, Wash., takes a noticeable chunk out of his estimated $78 billion fortune.

He said the development cost for Blue Origins New Glenn orbital launch system, which should be taking off from a Florida launch facility by 2020 or so, is likely to be on the order of $2.5 billion.

And then theres the New Shepard suborbital rocket ship, which has successfully flown to space and back five times during uncrewed test flights launched from Blue Origins West Texas facility. The space-flown booster and a mock-up of New Shepards crew capsule are on display this week at the Space Symposium.

The crew capsule was the centerpiece for Bezos appearance today. Hey, guys, if its OK with you, I think Ill just go in first, he said. With that, he climbed inside the mock-up  and made a reference to New Shepards namesake, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard, who became the first American in space thanks to a suborbital Mercury spaceflight in 1961.

Can you imagine how Alan Shepard must have felt all those years ago? Bezos said from inside the mock-up. It must have been pretty cool.

Bezos aim for Blue Origin is to follow up on a childhood dream, and have millions of people living and working in space. In recent days, the 53-year-old has freely acknowledged that he started up Amazon with a mind toward using the money from his success to fund Blue Origin.

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But he doesnt expect Blue Origin to be a not-for-profit venture forever: Once New Shepard starts flying passengers, perhaps in the next year or two, thatll start bringing in revenue. And once New Glenn starts launching satellites, sometime in the 2020s, that could point the way to positive cash flow.

I think its very important that Blue Origin stand on its own feet, and be a profitable, sustainable enterprise, Bezos said. Thats how real progress gets made.

Last month, Bezos announced the first satellite launch contracts for the New Glenn rocket, but today he said he sees such contracts as mere stepping stones for his bigger vision.

My singular focus is people in space, Bezos said. I want humans in space. And when you build something that has a high fixed cost, like New Glenn, to make the business model close, you have to use it for other things. And so our satellite customers are going to be a super-important customer base for us, because theyre going to help cover the costs in the early innings. I think ultimately, most of our flights will be taking people up into space.

Bezos shied away from saying exactly what those people will be doing, but said that he expects lower-cost launches to be as disruptive for the space industry as Amazons innovations have been for the retail industry.

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos talks with reporters with the New Shepard booster and a crew capsule mock-up as a backdrop. (GeekWire Photo / Kevin Lisota)

Will Blue Origin be as competitive in the space industry as Amazon is in retail? Well, of course well be just as competitive, he said with a laugh.

He said Blue Origin would rely on the same formula that has driven Amazons success: a talented team, lots of money  and lots of patience. But he emphasized that money and smarts alone wont lead to Amazon-level disruption in the space business.

At Amazon, we had a lot of inventions that we were very excited about, and customers didnt care at all, he said. And believe me, those inventions were not disruptive in any way. The only thing thats disruptive is customer adoption. If you can invent a better way, and if customers agree that its a better way, then they will use that. Thats exactly what were trying to do at Blue Origin.

Bezos said the disruption will take hold as Blue Origin, and other players such as SpaceX, advance their efforts to enhance rocket reusability.

If we can make access to space low-cost, then entrepreneurs will be unleashed, you will see creativity, you will see dynamism, he said. You will see the same thing in space that Ive witnessed on the internet over the last 20 years. And believe me, thats fun.

Other nuggets from Jeff Bezos:

In the past, Bezos has said test astronauts might take their first flights on New Shepard in 2017. Today he said I dont think its going to be 2017, but he still thought paying passengers could start flying in 2018. He emphasized that well put humans on this vehicle when were ready, and not a second sooner.

The price for a suborbital ticket to space hasnt yet been set, and reservations arent yet being taken. When one reporter suggested that some tickets could be raffled off, Bezos replied, I kind of like that idea. You want a marketing job?

Blue Origin is making great progress on New Shepard as well as on the BE-4 rocket engine that will be used New Glenns first stage. The BE-4, is due to be put through full-scale testing in Texas soon. Bezos said progress on New Shepard is not constrained by BE-4 activities. Both teams are fully staffed, he said. During an earlier space conference, Bezos said Blue Origins total employee count had passed the 1,000 mark.

Bezos said that he and SpaceX founder Elon Musk are very like-minded in a lot of different ways, especially in their passion for rocket reusability, but theres still a rivalry between them. When Bezos was asked what lessons could be transferred from suborbital to orbital boosters, he replied, All boosters are suborbital. There is no such thing as an orbital booster. (Musk, however, makes a big distinction between New Shepards booster and the Falcon 9s first stage.)

Following up on that comment, Bezos said it might be interesting to build a small second stage for this New Shepard booster, because we could use it to put small sats into orbit. But the primary focus for Blue Origin would continue to be suborbital trips for passengers and payloads.

More from GeekWire:
AI assistants arent going away any time soon, but their implementation is constantly shifting and evolving. Alexa is invading every gadget in our homes, Siri might soon do the same, and Google Assistant will probably be uploaded to our brains before too long. Now theres another one to consider, called Duo  no, not Googles video chat app, a totally different Duo. Its an AI-powered, 27 inch smart mirror with multitouch, built-in apps with its own app store, connectivity to smart devices, facial recognition, multi-user support, and natural language recognition. You can buy one right now, though you wont actually get it until the estimated shipping date of October. You probably shouldnt do that.

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The team behind Duo  which, according to the companys own staff page, consists of two individuals  are going all-in, promising native apps including a news app and music app which uses the Spotify API, and its all running on Duos own HomeOS platform, which it says will integrate lighting and temperature control for your home. Theyre also promising a standalone app store where developers can make apps specifically for the smart mirror, along with voice-powered apps for Instagram, YouTube, Giphy, and many others.

Theres a number of things here that should throw up a red flag or two for anyone doing their homework before preordering one of these devices  which are $399, by the way. On its website, Duo says its being backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, though the company doesnt actually appear on the VCs huge portfolio list. Some of the features that the company says the mirror has also vary depending on where you look, such as the Duo tech demo video stating the device has ten-point multitouch, while the Duo site lists it as having five-point.

The mirrors extremely impressive list of capabilities  brand new OS, dedicated app store, totally original AI voice assistant with personality packs, games, streaming video, etc  would be impressive even if it were coming from a company like Samsung. The fact that all of this is coming from a company with a brand new website and a physical contact address that seems to be an apartment in New York City doesnt fill us with confidence.

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Its not that the Duo seems like a bad product. In fact, if the device works like the one shown in the companys own video showcase, it would be a pretty amazing thing to have on the wall of your living room or kitchen. The issue is that this is essentially an extremely ambitious Kickstarter-esque project being conducted outside of the typical crowdfunding environment, which makes it even more risky to dive into. If by some miracle the device ends up going into production, and it has even half of the stated features, itll probably be a pretty solid product, but you should wait until October to see if fantasy can become reality.

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Facebook on Wednesday announced a new plan to fight revenge porn, a term coined to describe the practice of sharing private pictures of a person online without their permission. The company revealed that itll use a variety of measures to put a stop to revenge porn across its online properties, including Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. But the plan does have one flaw.

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Facebook said that starting Wednesday, people who may find themselves at the center of revenge porn campaigns will be able to report the content to Facebook.

Once thats done, specially trained representatives will review the image and remove it if it violates the Community Standards. Facebook will also disable the account for sharing images without permission in most cases.

Facebook will go one step further to purge these images from Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram, using photo-matching technologies. That should put a stop to re-shares coming from third parties.

The company says the tools were developed in partnership with safety experts, and Facebook partnered up with safety organizations to offer other resources to victims.

The problem with the system is that, while its great in theory, it wont work by default. Someone still has to report that intimate images were shared. Its unclear what happens if such images were to be shared online in private groups inside Facebook, Messenger, or Instagram.

It goes without saying that Facebook will only stop revenge porn from being shared inside its own apps. Once an image is online and accessible to users, it can soon land in various other places, which our out of Facebooks reach.

Even so, this is a step in the right direction. Facebook partnered with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Center for Social Research, the Revenge Porn Helpline (UK), and the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative for this new program.

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), whos looking to push legislation against the dissemination of revenge porn, praised Facebooks initiative.

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These new tools are a huge advancement in combatting non-consensual pornography, and I applaud Facebook for their dedication in addressing this insidious issue, which impacts the lives of individuals and their loved ones across the country and around the world, Speier said, according to The Hill.

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The Galaxy S8 is not even available in stores yet, and Samsung has already started developing its successor. While that may not sound surprising, its still a lot earlier than expected. And its great news for fans of Samsungs flagship smartphones.

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For starters, we know that Samsung is now simply too big to keep secrets. The company wasnt able to prevent any Galaxy S8 leaks in the months preceding the phones launch. The earlier it starts developing the Galaxy S9, the more well know about the phone.

But thats not the real reason why its great to hear the Galaxy S9 development is underway. The fact that Samsung is working on the next-gen Galaxy S flagship some six months ahead of schedule suggests that Samsung is indeed paying extra attention to product quality, and thats great news for buyers.

Furthermore, an early start may lead to an earlier launch. This year, Samsung had to postpone the Galaxy S8s announcement and release to deal with the fallout of the Galaxy Note 7 recall, and to make sure its next flagship wont see a similar fate.

A report from The Bell says the Galaxy S9 development started precisely because of the Galaxy Note 7 debacle last year.

Since late last month, a display team for the S9 has started the development work with aims to supply samples from mid-April, a source said. About a month after the display, other key parts such as modules are expected to be developed in phases.

The Galaxy S9 is expected to come in two sizes similar to the Galaxy S8, but other specific details arent known at this time.

The report also mentions the Galaxy Note 8, known internally as Project Great, which is also in development. The phone will supposedly have a 6.32-inch Infinity display and should feature a fingerprint sensor incorporated into the screen like Apples upcoming iPhone 8. Samsung is said to have tried to build the Galaxy S8s fingerprint scanner into the display, but it couldnt get the tech ready for mass production.

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The Bell also says Samsungs DJ Koh told reporters that Samsung is working on a foldable phone, but the timing of the launch hasnt yet been decided. A report earlier this week said Samsungs Galaxy X phone is at least two years away, dispelling rumors that the first foldable Galaxy handset would launch later this year.

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FILE- In this Sept 15, 2016 file photo, a replica World War 1 Mk IV is displayed in Trafalgar Square in London to mark the 100th anniversary of the first use of the tank in battle during the Battle of the Somme. On Sept. 15, 1916 the British Army sent tanks into battle for the first time and introduced the armored fighting vehicle into modern warfare. Thursday, April 6, 2017, marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, and many of the technology innovations developed during the conflict are still with us today, from machine guns and tanks to trench coats and wristwatches. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland, File)

Machine guns. Tanks. Chemical weapons. Warplanes. Submarines. Trench coats. Wristwatches.

Thursday marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, and some of the innovations that were developed or came into wide use during the conflict are still with us today.

America entered nearly three years after the war began, joining Britain, France and Russia in the fight against Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When it ended on Nov. 11, 1918, more than 4.7 million Americans had served and some 115,000 died.

The world's first mechanized war introduced enhanced weaponry and equipment, most of it designed to take lives but some of it aimed at saving lives. A look at some of the things that were new to the doughboys that we take for granted today:

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MACHINE GUNS

Hand-cranked, high-capacity, rapid-firing firearms had been used as far back as the Civil War. But it was American inventor Hiram Maxim's 1880s design for a single-barrel, portable machine gun and other later versions that became ubiquitous on both sides during World War I. It forced opposing forces to dig hundreds of miles of trenches, with a deadly "no man's land" in between where soldiers could get mowed down.

This kind of fighting was unfamiliar to most American forces, who had been trained in the tactics of mobile warfare, always advancing. "Then it becomes, 'How do we get out of the trenches?'" said Maj. Kyle Hatzinger, a history instructor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. "The Americans by 1917 have to figure this out."

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TANKS

One way to break out of the trenches along the Western Front was to bust through with newly developed armored tracked vehicles dubbed tanks. The British introduced a large number of tanks to the battlefield for the first time in September 1916, during the battle of the Somme. Other armies soon were developing their own versions. In September 1918, a 32-year-old Army lieutenant colonel named George Patton led a U.S. tank unit into battle for the first time. A quarter century later, during World War II, he was the most famous commander of American armored units.

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CHEMICAL WEAPONS

Germany launched the first use of a chemical weapon, chlorine gas, at Ypres, Belgium, in April 1915, against French troops. By 1917 other chemicals, including mustard gas, were being used by both sides. Some estimates put the number of deaths from gas attacks at about 900,000, with another 1 million injured. Gas masks were developed. But using gas could result in friendly fire casualties when winds blew the toxic fumes back into the attackers' positions.

"And if you attack you now have to go through the gas cloud you've created," Hatzinger said. "There's a lot of trial and error with the technology."

Outrage over the use of chemicals weapons in WWI led to the 1925 Geneva Protocol treaty that banned the use of chemical or biological weapons in international armed conflicts.

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AIR WARFARE

A little more than a decade after the Wright Brothers flew their first airplane, WWI combatants took to the skies to spy on one another  and then to shoot each other down. Early in the war, aircraft were equipped with cameras for taking reconnaissance photographs. Pilots started arming themselves with handguns and rifles to shoot down enemy biplanes. Soon, mounted machine guns were being used in aerial combat known as dogfights, giving rise to such legendary fighter aces as Germany's Manfred von Richthofen (aka 'The Red Baron'), American Eddie Rickenbacker and Canada's Billy Bishop.

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SUBMARINES

Using submersible vessels to attack enemy ships had been tried as far back as the American Revolution. It wasn't until WWI that submarines were used in large numbers as part of naval operations. Germany was the first nation to fully utilize submarine technology, attacking Allied shipping in the Atlantic and infamously sinking the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania off the Irish coast in May 1915, killing 1,200 people, including 128 Americans. The outcry from the U.S. over the attack prompted Germany to shift much of its submarine attacks elsewhere. But the Germans resumed submarine attacks in early 1917 and sank several U.S. vessels, one of the key reasons for America entering the war.

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BARBED WIRE

Invented in post-Civil War America for Midwestern homesteaders to confine their livestock, the strands of twisted wire with sharpened spurs could also be used to keep soldiers from reaching an enemy's positions. During WWI it was placed in front of trenches or arranged in such a way that enemy ground assaults were funneled into areas covered by machine gun and artillery fire. Barbed wire fences were ubiquitous on the Western Front, where snared soldiers made easy targets for small-arms fire.

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PORTABLE X-RAYS

Radiology pioneer Marie Curie is credited with coming up with the idea of loading X-ray machines onto vehicles and driving to the front lines outside Paris to treat wounded French soldiers. The fleet of modified vehicles she assembled served as mobile X-ray units that were credited with saving thousands of lives. Today's military medical support units can take the high-tech versions as close to the fighting as possible to examine wounded soldiers before sending them to larger field hospitals.

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TRENCH COATS AND WRISTWATCHES

They weren't fashion accessories.

Trench coats replaced the earlier era's full-length, woolen great coats, which became heavy when wet. British officers serving in the trenches turned to established English clothing firms such as Burberry and Aquascutum for khaki-colored, waterproof coats with deep pockets large enough to hold maps and a belt at the waist with metal D-rings for attaching gear.

Wristwatches had been around in some form for decades, mostly as jewelry worn by women, but they became standard equipment for soldiers and pilots who didn't want to be fumbling for the traditional pocket watch while launching artillery-supported ground assaults or flying combat missions.

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WOMEN IN UNIFORM

WWI was the first time in the nation's history that women were officially attached to branches of the U.S. military, and more than 30,000 served in uniform, mostly as nurses or switchboard operators. Thousands of other women joined the various stateside private organizations aiding the war effort, and they also wore uniforms.

A cartoon in popular Life magazine at the time showed two American soldiers looking at a young woman working at a desk job. "What will you do after the war if you can't get your old job back?" one asked. The other replied: "Marry the girl who's holding it down."

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PATRIOTIC PROPAGANDA

American James Montgomery Flagg created the now-famous poster of a pointing Uncle Sam under the words "I Want You." Some 4 million copies of the U.S. version of the Army recruitment poster were printed in 1917-18, according to the Library of Congress website. The poster proved so popular it was re-introduced during World War II, when millions more were printed.

Similarly popular was George M. Cohan's jaunty wartime ditty "Over There," which proudly spread word to Europe that "the Yanks are coming." More than 2 million copies of the song's sheet music were sold by the end of the war.
Are you one of the three people in America whos always wanted to get cell service from Americas most-hated company? Well, good news: Comcast has taken time out of its busy schedule of customer service, and put together a cellphone division.

Sometime in the near future, Comcast will launch Xfinity Mobile, a virtual cell company operating on Verizons towers. Initially, service will only be open to the companys existing customers, so youll need to have Comcast cable, internet or home phone to qualify.

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Details on the plans are scarce for now, but we know that pricing will start at $65 per month for unlimited data. That price can drop as low as $45 per month depending on your cable package, as Comcast seems to intend to bundle the wireless service heavily with its other plans. Theres also a pay-as-you-go service for $12 per gigabyte, which thanks to the lack of line access fees, could work out to be a good deal for low-use customers.

When it launches, Comcasts service will support the most recent phones from Apple, Samsung and LG. The selection is far from exhaustive, but with the most recent Galaxy and iPhone models available, it should be enough for most users.

Comcasts big trick in this whole thing is to try and use its existing Wi-Fi network to reduce the load on Verizons cell network. Comcast has access to 16 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, including many piggybacking off residential home internet. The idea is that whenever an Xfinity Mobile subscriber is within range of a Wi-Fi hotspot, their phone will switch off the LTE network and onto Wi-Fi.

Its supposed to reduce the load on Verizons network and ultimately cost less money, but it could end up being a headache for Comcast. Switching off between Wi-Fi and LTE is already a headache for many users; hopping between hundreds of different Wi-Fi networks could prove to be incredibly frustrating for subscribers. But then again, it wouldnt be a Comcast program without a little bit of customer frustration, so it all sounds about right.

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The Galaxy Note 7 ended up being a nightmare for Samsung last year when battery fires caused the company to recall and discontinue the device. But this year, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have been nothing short of a dream so far for Samsung. Leaks and rumors stirred up tons of buzz ahead of the new flagship phones unveiling last month, and early hands-on Galaxy S8 previews have been nothing short of glowing. Now, for a little extra icing on top of an already well-decorated cake, a new report suggests that demand for Samsungs higher-priced Galaxy S8+ is even better than expected, so Samsung is cranking up production to meet increased demand.

Don't Miss: 5 features on the LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8 you wont find on any iPhone

Samsungs actual BOM and margins on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will likely never be known by anyone outside the company. In general, however, companies tend to enjoy bigger margins on pricier phablets. For that reason, the better-than-expected demand for Samsungs larger Galaxy S8+ has surely come as great news for the company, which is expecting record sales of its new flagship smartphones.

A report from South Korean site The Investor states that Samsung had initially planned on a 60/40 sales split, where 60% of all new Galaxy S phones would be smaller Galaxy S8 models, while 40% would be larger Galaxy S8+ models. Now that preorders are underway and Samsung is getting a better idea of demand, the company has reportedly bumped up the Galaxy S8+ to 45% of total production as opposed to 40%.

The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger housing, a bigger display, a bigger battery and more glass than the smaller model, but those additions likely cost the company less than the $100 premium its charging over the $750 price of the smaller Galaxy S8. Samsung might not have had the most festive Christmas last year thanks to the Note 7, but it looks like Christmas is coming early in 2017.

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In the wake of the repeal of protections for broadband customers that would have prevented internet service providers from collecting and selling user data without permission, Senate Democrats are asking telecommunications companies to provide more details about their privacy policies.

The group of Senators, led by Ed Markey of Massachusetts, sent a list of questions about privacy practices to major mobile carriers Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint, and internet service providers Charter and CenturyLink.

Read: Congress Decides To Kill Rules Preventing ISPs From Collecting, Selling Data

The questions focus primarily on the companys policies regarding the use of sensitive user information for the purposes of advertising.

Many of the queries posed by the Senators revolve around some of the requirements that would have been imposed on the ISPs had the Broadband Consumer Privacy Rules, passed by the Federal Communications Commission in October 2016 under President Barack Obama.

The Senators ask if ISPs get opt-in consent from users before using or selling any sensitive information, including web browsing history and app usage data. ISPs have argued that browsing history and app usage is not sensitive information and should not require an opt-in from users before it can be collected and used.

The group also asked about data security practices and how companies choose to report potential data breaches to customers. Under the Broadband Consumer Privacy Rules, ISPs would have been required to alert users within 30 days of identifying a breach. That protection was stayed by FCC chairman Ajit Pai before it was eventually repealed through the use of the Congressional Review Act.

Read: How To Protect Your Browsing History: Internet Service Providers Argue Against Your Privacy

The list of 16 questions, which closes with a request for ISPs to disclose any changes they have made to their privacy policies since the repeal of the Broadband Consumer Privacy Rules, was signed by Senators Al Franken of Minnesota, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders and Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Chris Van Hollen Maryland.

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The senators have requested a response to their questions by May 1.

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Twitter plans to broaden restrictions on hateful content that would include a ban on tweets dehumanizing people based on race, religion, sexual orientation (AFP Photo/LOIC VENANCE) (AFP/File)

Washington (AFP) - Twitter filed suit Thursday against the US government, asking a court to back its refusal to hand over the identities of users claiming to be dissenting federal employees.

The lawsuit revealed that the Department of Homeland Security and US Customs and Border Protection had sought the unmasking of the @ALT_USCIS account holder who has been criticizing President Donald Trump's administration.

The suit could portend a contentious battle between the social network and the US administration over efforts to crack down on government leaks.

The account in question is purportedly run by one or more current employees of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a unit within Homeland Security.

It is one of several "alternative" handles apparently created by government workers after Trump's inauguration in January that have sometimes revealed data the new administration sought to suppress or remove from official websites.

"The rights of free speech afforded Twitter's users and Twitter itself under the First Amendment of the US Constitution include a right to disseminate such anonymous or pseudonymous political speech," the lawsuit says.

It was filed in a California federal court.

The government "may not compel Twitter to disclose information regarding the real identities of these users without first demonstrating that some criminal or civil offense has been committed," it said.

The so-called social media resistance movement began after the deletion of tweets and data from official US accounts and websites that proved embarrassing to the new president, including government reports about climate change.

After some took to Twitter with "alternative" handles -- claiming to be federal employees exercising their free-speech rights -- the resistance mushroomed into a movement.

Twitter said it received a summons on March 14 to produce the name or names of the account holder, saying the document asked the company "not to disclose the existence of this summons for an indefinite period of time."

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The company said it contacted the agent who delivered the summons, who "stated vaguely that he is conducting an investigation" but "did not identify any law or laws that he believed had been broken."

- Fear of retribution -

Twitter's lawsuit noted that "those who speak through these 'alternative agency' accounts do so pseudonymously, often going to considerable lengths to avoid disclosing their real identities" for fear of retribution.

"Such fears are likely to be especially great for users of 'alternative agency' accounts who are currently employed by the very agency that is a principal target of the commentary, in light of the retaliation, harassment, or even loss of livelihood that might occur if their real identities became known to their superiors," the complaint said.

Twitter said the government agencies, in seeking the identities of the account holders, would be "unlawfully abusing a limited-purpose investigatory tool," and asked the court to invalidate any summons for the data.

The American Civil Liberties Union praised Twitter's action, tweeting: "We're glad Twitter is pushing back. We'll be going to court to defend this user's right to anonymous speech."

The US Justice Department declined to comment on the case. Twitter had no additional comment beyond the lawsuit.
UPDATED with Nunes statement: House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes this morning said he will temporarily recuse himself from the groups probe into ties between Russia and President Donald Trumps campaign. On his way out, Nunes blamed several left-wing activist groups he said have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics.

The move comes amid growing Dem calls for Nunes (R-CA) to step down, which grew a lot louder after a newspaper report naming the White House staffers who had facilitated his dramatic dark-of-night dash to the White House, to view secret documents. Nunes then held a news conference to say hed discovered docs indicating Trump associates had been swept up in intelligence gathering during President Barack Obamas administration, then headed straight to the White House to inform Trump of the details of the surveillance info. Very Scandal  or maybe Homeland.

Anyway, after Nunes announcement, the House Ethics Committee stepped in to elaborate on his left-wing activist conspiracy theory, saying it has received a series of complaints alleging Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information during all that secret-White-House-visit rannygazoo. The committee confirmed it is now investigating the guy who was heading the investigation. That ethics committee has subpoena power.

House Speaker Paul Ryan then stepped to the microphone, naming Rep. Mike Conoway (R-Texas) to take over as committee head during its investigation of ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. Ryan insisted Nunes has earned my trust over many years and continues to have it. Ryan declined, however to answer a question as to whether hed asked Nunes to step down.

The announcement surprised journalists who had been covering Nunes closely. It also surprised his committee members because hed mentioned nary a word while running their morning meeting. Committee member Jackie Speier this morning told CNN philosophically that behavior is par for the course.

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House Intel Committee ranking Dem, Adam Schiff, meanwhile, celebrated this morning with a quickly called news conference in which he expressed his appreciation for Nunes getting out of the top seat, saying its in the best interest of the investigation, and that he looked forward to getting back on track with Conoway. Schiff had early on called for Nunes to decide whether hes head of the intel committee or a Trump adviser, as he had been during Trumps transition from POTUS-elect to POTUS.

Not surprisingly, Nunes, in this mornings Im a Victim Of Left-Wingers statement, insisted the charges are entirely false and politically motivated, and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of the U.S. citizens and other abuses of power.

But, he said, despite the baselessness of the charges, I believe it is in the best interest of the House Intelligence Committee and the Congress for me to haves Representative Mike Conaway, with assistance from Representatives Trey Gowdy and Tom Rooney, temporarily take charge of the Committees Russia Investigation while the House Ethics Committee looks into this matter.

In his statement, Nunes said he has asked to speak to the House Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims.

Busy morning in Washington.

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Menlo Park, Calif.  X-ray studies done in part at the Department of Energys SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have produced surprising insights into the workings of a hormone receptor associated with blood pressure regulation. Researchers believe it could be a target for new medicines related to cardiovascular conditions, neuropathic pain and tissue growth.

Using powerful X-rays from SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source (APS), scientists discovered new structural details of an angiotensin II receptor called AT2 that has puzzled researchers for two decades. It is one of two angiotensin II receptors, and its partner, AT1, has been successfully used as a target for high blood pressure medications.

The information they uncovered could give drug developers a new path for compounds that combat pain and inflammation or promote tissue regeneration by docking snugly into a pocket in AT2.

"Unlike its sibling AT1, the AT2 receptor has not been fully understood," said Vadim Cherezov, chemistry professor at the University of Southern California and principal investigator of the study published today in Nature. "Through this study we uncovered many important details about the AT2 receptor structure and how it binds to chemical compounds, information that will stimulate further studies of the recepors function and could enable an exciting next step in drug discovery."

Two Receptors, Many Mysteries

Both angiotensin II receptors, AT1 and AT2, are key components of a hormone system that helps regulate blood pressure and sodium levels in the blood. They are known as membrane proteins because they straddle the plasma membranes of cells, where they receive signals from hormones outside the cell and pass them along to soluble partners inside the cell, such as G proteins or -arrestins, setting off a cascade of events that spread the signal cell-wide.

Many hypertension medications currently on the market target the AT1 receptor because of its well-understood role in blood pressure regulation; they block AT1 to bring blood pressure down. Cherezov led earlier experiments at LCLS that provided structural details of receptor blockers bound to AT1. The AT2 receptor, on the other hand, is still an elusive drug target despite multiple studies of its function. Some, but not all, have shown it counteracts the effects of AT1; others point to its potential for tissue protection and regeneration; and still others suggest it could play a role in blocking pain.

"There are no approved drugs yet that act on AT2 receptors, but pharmaceutical companies are actively working on developing compounds that will activate or block these receptors," Cherezov said. "One such compound, called EMA401, is being tested in patients for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

In the latest study, Cherezov's team set out to do two things: find out how AT2 differs from AT1, so they can find ways of selectively activating or blocking it; and better understand why AT2  which like AT1 has all the classic features of a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)  fails to activate G-proteins, which spread signals inside cells, or interact with arrestin, which turns those signals off.

Biology Under X-Ray Light

In the experiments, the researchers looked at two different kinds of samples, which were formed into crystals for examination with X-rays. In one, the AT2 receptor was bound to a selective compound, one that binds only to AT2. These crystals were so small that they could only be studied at SLAC's X-ray free-electron laser LCLS, where they were streamed across a beam of ultrafast X-ray pulses.

In the other, a non-selective compound was bound to both AT1 and AT2. These samples, which formed larger crystals, were probed at Argonne's APS synchrotron light source. APS and LCLS are DOE Office of Science User Facilities.

Although the two angiotensin II receptors are thought to be very similar, an X-ray study showed clear differences in the pockets where the receptors bind to drug-like compounds. This illustration shows details in the pocket structures of AT2 (left) and AT1 (right). (Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Unexpected Outcomes

The results of the experiments were surprising in several ways, according to Cherezov. First, although both compounds were designed to block and deactivate the receptors, they left AT2 in a state that appeared to be active. But on the inward-facing side of AT2, the site where a G-protein would normally bind and spread the signal was blocked. "This basically explains why these receptors do not activate G-proteins," Cherezov said. "They are activated but self-inhibited."

In addition, although AT1 and AT2 were thought to be very similar, the pockets where the receptors bind to the compounds exhibited marked differences.

"This is something we have never seen with GPCRs," Cherezov said. "The idea was always that receptors that bind to the same compounds would have very similar pockets, so efforts to develop drugs that act on AT2 started with the same basic structures as drugs that act on AT1. Now we see that we may have to start with entirely different drug-like molecules that are tailored to fit the AT2 receptor, which could set the drug discovery process in a different direction."

SLAC staff scientist Mark Hunter said, "This kind of room-temperature measurement on interesting membrane protein targets is something that LCLS is well-suited to perform. Membrane proteins remain elusive targets for high-resolution structural studies, and researchers can spend many years trying to obtain crystals that are well ordered and large enough to use at conventional light sources."

Researchers from Zhejiang University in China; Merck & Co.; the Center for Free Electron Laser Science at the DESY lab in Germany; and Arizona State University also contributed to the study. The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the Helmholtz Association. LCLS and APS are funded by the DOE Office of Science.

-Written by Angela Anderson

Citation: Zhang et al., Nature, 05 April 2017 (10.1038/nature22035)

Press Office Contact: Andy Freeberg, afreeberg@slac.stanford.edu, (650) 926-4359

SLAC is a multi-program laboratory exploring frontier questions in photon science, astrophysics, particle physics and accelerator research. Located in Menlo Park, California, SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. To learn more, please visit www.slac.stanford.edu.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov.
Samson Lardy Anyenini, a lawyer and journalist with Multimedia, has been involved in a terrible accident on the Accra-Tema motorway.

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READ ALSO: Your cruel gov't is making us teach on empty stomachs - Teachers angrily blast Akufo-Addo

Anyenini took to Facebook on Wednesday after to express appreciation to God for saving his life.

Stressing that he had been saved by grace, the lawyer said he was on his way back to Accra from a court session in Tema when another car which was heading to Tema suddenly rose into the sky and landed on his vehicle. He said the vehicle then fell into the bush.

Anyenini said the driver of the other car died instantly.

I was Accra bound after a court session in Tema. He was Tema bound. How his vehicle found itself on top of mine before it headed to the bush killing him I cant tell.

All I saw was his car was in the skies. All I realized was I was alive after it landed on mine," he said.

On social media, many Ghanaians have been celebrating with Anyenini and expressing gratitude to God for his life.

Share your views on this with u in the comments section below.

READ ALSO: Addai-Mensah has just called Akufo-Addo's bluff and shocked him at Flagstaff House over a top appointment

Source: YEN.com.gh
Four Kumasi Academy Senior High School (KUMACA) who were suspected to have died from food poisoning have had a new autopsy report by the Ghana Health Service debunk earlier assumptions.

Get all the latest news from Ghana here

READ ALSO: Maternal mortality in Tamale on the rise

The report showed that the students died of meningitis, a contagious disease caused by a bacteria that affects the brain and spinal cord and can sometimes be fatal.

The death of the students forced some parents to withdraw their wards from the school fearing that another case of the suspected food poisoning could break out again.

However, after days of investigation, the report which was read out by the Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei Mensah indicated that a thorough research was done to arrive at this conclusion.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, the minister said Through the collaborative effort of experts from the Ghana Health Services at the district, regional and national levels together with an experience colleague from the Komfo Anokye teaching hospital and the school of Medical Sciences, we can propose the cause of these deaths as meningitis.

READ ALSO: Asantehene adopts Indian woman and gives her Ashanti name

The minister further indicated that they will continue to keep a close eye on the situation so that cases can be detected and managed appropriately.

He said to contain the situation especially amongst students, every Secondary school would be assigned a hospital to monitor them so early detection can be managed immediately.

Source: YEN.com.gh
By Ruth Anderah

High Court Kampala has summoned Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Attorney General to defend themselves on the allegations that it illegally evicted former Ndeeba market traders.

According to the documents signed by Deputy Registrar in charge of civil matters Alex Ajiji, KCCA has been given only fifteen days within which to file defence on the said allegations before the Court decides otherwise.

Yesterday over 400 former Ndeeba market vendors petitioned court seeking over shs1.5bn in compensation as damages for purported illegal eviction that resulted into destruction of their property and loss of livelihood.

The aggrieved traders led by one Abudallah Kato filed a suit in the High court against KCCA, its Executive Director Jennifer Musisi, Attorney General and Director Physical Planning Moses Atwine.

In this suit the vendors want court to compensate them for among other things; inconvenience, mental anguish and suffering caused to them as a result of the defendants actions since they were not first consulted.
By Samuel Ssebuliba

The European Union has advised government to focus on political dialogue now as a way of preparing the country adequately for 2021.

The call comes a day after government distanced its self from reports of possible dialogue between president Museveni and his main opponent Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)s Dr. Kiiza Besigye.

Speaking to media at his residence today, the head of European Union delegation to Uganda Amb.Kristian Schmidt said there is no better time than now to talk about political dialogue.

He said that the warring parties should not wait for political crisis to start talking about re-shaping Ugandas political future.

The European Union is meanwhile refocusing its energies on the future of the continent following the exit of the UK from the bloc.

The move comes as the union prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary since its formation in Rome after the Second World War.

Speaking to media at his residence today, the head of the European Union delegation to Uganda Amb Kristian schmidt said that the exit of the UK was a huge blow, but Europe is strong enough to live on with its equally strong members.

He adds that moving forward, the remaining 27 members are now set to meet to re-shape the feature of this union but values and foreign policies will not be affected.

The EUs 60th anniversary celebrations are scheduled for a full week with the climax set for 9th May.
By Moses Kyeyune

Parliament has adopted amendments to the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, to remove the requirement for Parliamentary approval of regulations made by the minister.

The Principle Act under section 93 (1) requires parliament to approve all regulations prior to their implementation.

Under the new arrangement, the minister is free to come up with regulations in the media industry without seeking approval of the House.

The law however provides that parliament may revoke the regulations or any particular provision of the regulations that may be found to be inconsistent with the Constitution.

What the amendments mean:

The Act grants the Minister powers to make regulations relating to among other things: ees payable upon the grant or renewal of a license; the classification or categories of licenses; the use of any communications station, apparatus or license; and anti-competitive practices.

In addition, the Minister has powers to make regulations on the retention of records relating to programmes or broadcasts; the obligations of proprietors, producers or broadcaster in respect of public broadcasts; and the regulation of community broadcasting.

The Uganda Communications Act, 2013 was enacted to consolidate and harmonise the Uganda Communications Act and the Electronic Media Act; to dissolve the Uganda Communications Commission and the Broadcasting Council and reconstitute them as one body known as the Uganda Communications Commission.
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ANGOLA  Members of the Angola Historic Preservation Commission got a sneak peek of a May 5 tour of the Edwin W. Selman Jr. Public Safety Building in their Tuesday meeting.

Brad Miller of Indiana Landmarks was present on the tour. Miller is one of the two consultants from Indiana Landmarks that the City of Angola has as staff to assist the HPC in working with historic downtown properties.

The firm has been involved with the HPC on the intended repairs to the roof and facade of the public safety building. The building currently houses the Angola City Police Department and the Angola Fire Department.

Angola Police Chief Stu Hamblen led the tour, giving historic information about both the building and the city as he went. He included a story on why the outside steps look the way that they do, a story about former Angola mayor Gerald Lett living in the building while serving as police chief and other department history.

Weve outgrown our space, he said. The city currently has 17 full time officers, with plans to hire another.

Hamblen took the group through the building, showing off the offices, the kitchen, training room and both the police and fire garages. He also talked about how the police department has had to remodel parts of the inside of the building already to better service themselves.

Hamblen said there used to be a holding cell in the building. That has since been remodeled into office space for the department.

The pre-tour gave the commission the chance to decide who and how to best present the historic and architectural history of the building to the public. It was a chance to let them prepare, ask questions of the public safety employees and to learn more about the building.

The tour will be on May 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the building, 202 W. Gilmore St. Members of the commission will give the tour, which will include stories on the history of the building, the architecture style and whats being done for continued preservation and expansion.
ANGOLA  Project Prom is a long-standing institution dedicated making sure all teens get to go to the prom.

It is open Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 1583 S. Wayne St., Angola, in a former furniture store and consignment shop. Project Prom is operated by Deb Rodriguez, who sells donated dresses, suits and accessories for a very low rate. The funds go back into cleaning and simple alterations, also handled by Rodriguez.

She has been doing it for a number of years, and said she believes strongly that all youths, not just those who can afford fancy formal outfits, should have the opportunity to attend their school proms. While it has been a fulfilling venture, Rodriguez said she is ready to pass the project on, and encourages local individuals or community groups that are interested to contact her at 316-6148.

Project Prom has found a niche not just during prom season, but throughout the school year. Show choirs and theater groups take advantage of the colorful, expansive formal stock and borrow clothing that fits their needs.

This year, Angola High School choir has assisted with Project Prom, and Rodriguez said she is very thankful for the help.

Its nice to have the young girls involved, said Rodriguez. They go out of their way to help the young ladies that come in. I just have to stand back and love it.

There is a Facebook page at Project Prom with contact information, and the shop can also be opened for special appointments for those who cannot be there on Saturdays.

Generally the cost is $5 for a short dress and $20 for a full-length gown. The first week, Rodriguez said the shop was very busy with people checking out the stock, getting ideas and trying dresses on. Families come from 100 miles away to take advantage of the outreach.

Saturday, a student from Edon, Ohio, returned to get the dress she loved, and spent some time working with Rodriguez on a few upgrades to make it her own.

When she left, Rodriguez gave her a flier with tear-off tabs, encouraging her to hang it up at her school.

We dont turn anybody down, said Rodriguez. I think every kid should go to the prom.
One of Bangors creative problem solving teams is headed to the Odyssey of the Minds Worlds competition at Michigan State University in East Lansing May 24-27 after placing second in the state competition last month.

The team was invited to attend worlds because there more than 10 entries for problem five, To be continued: Superhero Cliffhanger.

The problem tasked the team with coming up with a theatrical skit involving a superhero and his clumsy sidekick who could rescue creativity from an archnemesis and return it to the world. As part of the skit, the hero had to have an unorthodox back story, feature three challenges to overcome in an unusual way, a creative costume change and a choreographed battle.

Two Bangor teams participated in the problem, the division one team made up of elementary school students and the division two team made up of middle school students. The division one team was invited to attend worlds.

Bangor had 40 students in grades one through seven participate March 18 in one of six teams at the state competition at Madison Area Technical College. All six teams placed in second or third.

Odyssey of the Mind adviser Deb Gerke said another unusual challenge at the state competition was the schools first child challenge in nearly 15 years.

Both an elementary and middle school team competed in the build challenge which tasked teams to create structure using balsa wood and glue which would support as much weight as possible. The balsa wood was precut into predetermined lengths and the teams earned more points for using as many of the pieces as possible.

When complete the teams had to present their creation as part of a skit about solving problems with what is readily available.

Other problems included a skit involving a car chase in a parking garage and a time traveling artist.

To help support the Odyssey of the Mind teams trip to Michigan the team is selling pizzas from OvenWorks from April 3-18. Anyone interested in purchasing a pizza should contact Amy Kratochvill at 608-486-5244 or Deb Gerke at 608-486-5275.
We would like to thank everyone who attended our budget listening session last Tuesday, March 21, in West Salem. As your representatives, it is a privilege to listen to local voices and advocate for our communities in the state legislature. We appreciate that so many of you took the time out of your day to share your views with us regarding the current budget proposal.

It is clear from the comments we heard that working families and seniors are worried about the direction of our state and the harmful effects the proposed budget could have on our communities. Tax breaks to companies that outsource jobs, limits on health care coverage, crumbling roads and school funding uncertainty make it more difficult to grow Wisconsins economy and strengthen our middle class.

We will continue working to improve the budget and incorporate the values and ideas weve heard from local residents. Again, thank you to everyone who attended our listening session and shared opinions with us. As the budget process continues, we encourage local citizens to stay engaged and continue sharing your thoughts with us at Rep.Doyle@legis.wi.gov and Sen.Shilling@legis.wi.gov.

Rep. Steve Doyle

Onalaska AND

Sen. Jennifer Shilling

La Crosse
Tom Volding, who answered my call to the lutefisk hotline Monday, sounded surprised that I had eaten lutefisk the night before. It is out of season after all.

The hotline is operated by the Olsen Fish Co. in Minneapolis, the self-acknowledged big fish in the lutefisk business having purchased smaller competitors over the years.

He asked if I had attended a church dinner. The company provides the lutefisk for some 500 fundraisers for churches and other organizations each year.

I responded that it was a small dinner party for four couples who had attended a lutefisk dinner together at the Halfway Creek Lutheran Church some years ago.

I had been whining and pining for lutefisk for some time since our family no longer prepares it on Christmas eve. Gretchen finally relented in a big way, bringing together others to share this wonderful delicacy  wonderful for its evocation of times past if not exactly for its flavor. A delicious part of the meal  lutefisk, lefse, mashed rutabaga with brown sugar, fruit salad, mashed potatoes and meatballs and topped off with a Norwegian rhubarb cake  is the exchange of stories about family gatherings and mishaps related to the dried and reconstituted cod.

My contribution to the story-telling was the Christmas Eve when my mother fainted when she lifted the lid on the lutefisk kettle and had to have bed rest for the evening.

Volding acknowledged that cooking odor can be a problem with lutefisk.

They make us cook outside, he said regarding the companys participation in some of the large festivals that include lutefisk dinners.

He cited the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival at Fargo-Moorhead where some 250 to 300 pounds of lutefisk are served.

The Halfway Creek Lutheran Church built a cook shack out back for lutefisk preparation because church-goers objected to the smell of the church on the Sunday after the annual dinners. The dinners were discontinued about 10 years ago, according to Ruth Jostad, church member who was one of the lutefisk workers.

The generation represented at our dinner table can explain why the sales of lutefisk are down; our children have no interest in it other than as an example of their parents poor taste.

Volding said the Olsen sales are down from three-quarters of a million pounds in the 1990s to around 600,000 pounds recently. The company buys the dried cod from a distributor in Norway and reconstitutes the fish in a 14- to 17-day rinsing at its facilities in Minneapolis. They are working on certification from the Marine Stewardship Council.

After inquiring about our preparation  boiling in cheesecloth after thawing the frozen product  Volding suggested that we might have noticed a little weeping when the product came from the plastic packaging. He recommended soaking the thawed lutefisk overnight in salted water (one tablespoon salt to about a gallon of water) would help firm up the fish.

Most of the lutefisk turned out well, firm and flaky, but there was a residue of gelatinous goo that is so reviled by lutefisk naysayers  a byproduct that makes cleanup a chore. I asked for a recommendation for easy cleaning. His response was, in a nutshell, elbow grease and abrasive scrubbers.

When I told Gretchen about my conversation with the hotline guy, she gave me a look and suggested that I keep that in mind. I took that to mean that there will be another lutefisk dinner in my future, another opportunity to share memories of lutefisk dinners past with our friends who favor it. There is one thing about lutefisk. If you only invite those who love it, the guest list is small.
BEMIDJI, Minn.  Anglers on Lake Winnibigoshish return to shore.

The fund that pays for fish and wildlife management in Minnesota has fallen from more than $20 million a few years ago to less than $10 million. Next year, it will be half that.

By 2019, itll be gone, says Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr, whos pressing the Legislature now for a series of price increases to close a long-standing funding gap.

Under DFL Gov. Mark Daytons budget proposal, a deer hunting tag would go from $30, to about $34. A fishing license would be $25, $3 more than it is now. The cost of a state park pass would also go up, by $1 per day. The last time that fee saw an increase was more than a decade ago.

The money would help pay for everything from state park maintenance to deer population research to walleye stocking in Lake Mille Lacs. We stock over 1,000 lakes with walleye, said Landwehr. Without the fee increase we would have to stop stocking on at least 200 lakes.

The increase, if passed, would keep fish and wildlife, and the parks department solvent for five or six more years, he added.

The fee hikes, however, are largely absent from the bills up for debate this week in Minnesotas Republican-controlled House and Senate. GOP leaders are skeptical of the increases. House Environment and Natural Resources Committee Chair Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, says people hes talked to want the DNR to do a better job of managing resources.

They need to show more of a willingness to make some reforms within the agency, said Fabian. I met with the commissioner before the session started, and said I realize were going to have to come to some sort of an agreement on the budget eventually, but bring me your ideas for reforms, bring me your ideas for streamlining.

The House bill has no fee increase for hunting and fishing licenses, though it includes the one for state parks, Fabian added.

Landwehr hopes Fabian and other lawmakers put the rest of his fee increases in the budget backed by the Legislature. If not, we could face potentially losing camping at 34 state parks, he said. We would throw the doors open, but we would not have camping, because we cant provide the services at those state parks.

Any fee increase has the potential to be controversial, but angler and business owner Duane Peterson says this one is necessary, and pretty small.

I buy hunting licenses, fishing licenses, licenses for my boat. I use a state park sticker. I think if I added the increases for all of those it would be $50 or $60, said Peterson, who owns Northland Fishing Tackle in Bemidji. Its a small price to pay for the fishery and the hunting opportunities that we have.

Most of the hunters and anglers who come through his doors wouldnt mind paying a little more for a license and wouldnt even notice the $3 increase, he said.

They would care, a lot, he added, if the DNR quit stocking their favorite lakes with walleye.
A journey from La Crescent to Swaziland passes one ocean, two continents, the equator, a switch in hemispheres and covers over 9,000 miles.

Liesl Allen has made that trip twice in order to help former La Crescent-Hokah High School English teacher Mary-Kate Martins nonprofit Hoseas Heart empower women in Swaziland, a country of about 1.25 million people near Africas southern tip.

Martin has also inspired some of her former students in Motivation Nation at La Crescent-Hokah High School to run a Hoseas Heart fundraiser, which will garner donations from students in a penny war through the month of April.

She made it a part of the classroom, thats how I got into it, Allen said.

Martin, who left the school in 2013, now lives in Swaziland and runs her Christian nonprofit to save women from sexual abuse full-time. She has inspired Allen and a couple other girls to go to Swaziland to help.

As a former freshman English teacher, her last group of students are graduating this year.

I just think it is so important to go experience new cultures, Allen said. We live so comfortably here in La Crescent. Its heartbreaking to see children running around naked. I always felt a cause to do mission ... The second trip when we drove up on the driveway the girls came out, and they were so excited. One of the girls ran up to me and she showed me that she hadnt taken off the friendship bracelet I made her.

Allen went last July and then again this January.

The thing about prostitution there is that pimps are not a thing. There is so much abuse. Prostitution is something to fall back on since the women keep the money, she said. So what we do is when they are young, we try to education them, and if they are older we try to give them job, resume building resources. Theres a workshop to make jewelry that we sell state-side.

On her last trip, Allen helped the nonprofit clear land for larger facilities to house the women. The new space will be able to house 56 women. They hope to have the first buildinga recreation centerin June.

Those girls have some pipes, Allen said. Their dance moves put us to shame. There is so much joy and hope in them.

Martin originally went to Swaziland to teach for a year but after seeing the need for help she stayed. She moved there in 2014.

This year they are building a new home for the girls, so we wanted to increase student involvement, said Motivation Nation member Sophia Dady. A lot of the students have bonds with Ms. Martin and the cause because of her. We are excited to up the ante in the school, and we really appreciate what she does for the girls.

La Crescent-Hokah High Schools fundraiser kicked off with a video Allen made about the nonprofit.

I think the students are excited about doing another international project, Assistant Principal and Activities Director Jeff Copp said. There is so much opportunity here. We are safe. Education is provided by the community. Its so contrasting to see kids the same age as the ones here working in prostitution.

Last year Motivation Nation hosted a similar fundraiser named Change for Change. They changed the name to emphasize that the donations are going to Hoseas Heart.

We are going to have a penny war, Copp said. Students will donate pennies and dollars in to raise money and have some healthy competition between classes.

The classroom that wins will get ice cream.
The reinvention of William Shakespeares plays has been a point of frustration for high school English teachers around the country.

Teachers have tried rapping the un-rhythmed iambic pentameter and performing the acts in unconventional settingssee Romeo in board shortswhatever works to bring the seemingly unattached Shakespearean world to life for todays youth.

La Crescent-Hokah High Schools freshman English teacher Amy Brinkman took a different route. She brought in a professional actor and director from Winonas Great River Shakespeare Festivalan equity theater that performs Shakespeare plays throughout the summer with actors from across the countryto help teach her students the complexity of Romeo and Juliet.

This is our third year working with them, she said. The students get a lot more experience than just reading the book. We do activities that explore the drama based pedagogy of the book.

With Jess Shoemaker, a professional director from Texas, and Stephanie Lambourn, a professional actor from Colorado, the class explored the depths of Romeo and Juliet for five class periods.

Its wonderful to bring Shakespeare alive, Shoemaker said. We are training the next generation of audience members, and hopefully actors and directors ... Its always great to see kids take on what is taught to them in their own terms and meet the material with their own strengths.

They practiced comprehension activities taught by the in-residence artists.

We played this game called Defender, Brinkman said. Its a high energy exercise that allows the students to understand their characters enemy. It teaches them that its a complex relationship. Some characters go from enemy to defender by the end of the play, so it lets them visually see that.

Brinkman attended a training session last summer at the Great River Shakespeare Festival that taught her strategies to bring into the classroom.

As a conclusion to the Shakespeare unit, Brinkmans classes performed a group fight scene between Thibault and Mercutio, as well as two to three group presentations. Each group got to choose their own presentation.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

They also received support from the District 300 Foundation with an Apple Grant.

Student Rebecca Idekers group performed the infamous balcony scene. They made their fake brick balcony, and Ideker performed Romeos part with a few personal touches.

It was really fun and intense, Ideker said. It was interesting to see how all of the characters were impacted by Romeo and Juliets choices ... We wanted to do our own twist so we showed him hiding and moving his sword around aimlessly. We wanted to show that he was having fun with Juliet a little bit.

Students Austin Embke, 15 and Garrick Horton, 14, also wanted to show some creativity in their performance of the balcony scene.

We wanted to spice things up a little bit, Embke said. We wanted to show a new perspective with some humor and action.

Embke played Juliet and Horton played Romeo.

It was really fun that we got to do this, Horton said. I dont think a lot of schools get to have this.

The group fight scene emphasized working in a crowd.

The students continue to impress and surprise me, Brinkman said. We get to get out of the traditional classroom setting and really do something creative and fun.

English 12 also got to work with Shoemaker and Lambourn, although they did not present a showcase like the freshman.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (TNS)  A century after the United States joined its allies in the muddy trenches of Europe in a war unlike one the world had endured before, a Kansas City ceremony Thursday morning recalled the tragedy and heroism of the time.

Under clear skies and chilled air, a crowd gathered at the National World War I Museum and Memorial to mark the sacrifices, military and civilian, of a now-gone generation.

Dignitaries from 30-some nations joined Americans at the foot of the Liberty Memorial amid period music and military pomp and circumstance. Cannons fired. Music played. Military re-enactors gathered in period dress.

Descendants came, too. Helen Patton, whose grandfather George S. Patton led a tank squadron through France in World War I, was there. So were descendants of Gen. John Pershing, of Sgt. Alvin York, and of one of the bilingual Signal Corps switchboard operators known as the Hello Girls.

Patton talked about her grandfather honoring the first four American war deaths in France.

He gathered strength from their sacrifices, she said, and taught others to never underestimate how much it means to hold a soldier in your heart.

She read a poem and, a capella, sang about the yearning of those at home worried about soldiers at war. Its the spirit of the match that pulls you through  but at home shes waiting  

Several hundred who attended the ceremony heard a band play the songs of the different branches of the service, watched short films recalling the human cost of the war and listened to speeches about American troops crossing the Atlantic in defense of democracy.

Today, we honor a generation of Americans no longer among us physically, but we can all sense their presence  a century later, said Charles E. Schmidt, the national commander of the American Legion. Their success in the Great War  laid a foundation not only for the American military, but for America itself.

A century after April 6, 1917, the Kansas City gathering observed the worlds introduction to the carnage of modern warfare fought with tanks, from the air, with mustard gas and the devastating power of machine guns. Soldiers began the war on horseback and ended it in armored vehicles.

They would become the parents of the greatest generation, said Rob Dalessandro, the chairman of the World War I Centennial Commission. World War I marked the true beginning of the American century.

It came with dramatic changes in technology, medicine and society, he said, and marked the rise of U.S. influence around the globe.

We still live in the long shadow of World War I in every aspect of our lives, he told the crowd.

The European war began in 1914 but the United States did not enter the conflict until 1917 after Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare and continued to sink American merchant ships. The infusion of American forces on the side of France and the United Kingdom tipped the balance in favor of the Allies and against Germany. The war on the Western Front, and Americas participation, ended on Nov. 11, 1918.

The United States lost more than 116,000 people in the conflict to combat and disease.

It did not turn out to be the war to end all wars it was imagined at the time, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver told Thursdays crowd.

Even at this very hour, the threats loom large, he said. Still the Kansas City Democrat said this memorial reminds us of the sacrifice, the service and the significance of a determined nation.  The best of our country rose to the surface.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, a Republican who worked with Cleaver to establish the Kansas City site as a national monument, said it recognizes an important part of our history that is also part of our present.

The United States World War I Centennial Commission selected Kansas City as the site for the observance because of the Liberty Memorial, which is a national historic landmark and is designated by Congress as the National World War I Museum and Memorial. After the war, Kansas Citians raised the money to build the monument, with its 217-foot tower, on the hill opposite Union Station. It was dedicated in 1926 by President Calvin Coolidge.

Heads of state from France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Canada and Australia were invited to attend the centennial event, including President Donald Trump. Instead, the several nations were represented by ambassadors, ministers and other dignitaries. Representing the United States were Gen. Paul J. Selva, vice chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of the Army Robert M. Speer.

(EDITORS: STORY CAN END HERE)

Honorary hosts were Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, Sens. Claire McCaskill and Blunt, Cleaver and Mayor Sly James. The mayor noted that 83,000 Kansas Citians in the 1920s raised $2.5 million the equivalent of $34 million in 2017 dollars  to build the Liberty Memorial.

It is a reminder of the high price of war.  fought in an effort to achieve peace, James said. That mission for peace is still being pursued.

C-SPAN 3 is recording the 90-minute ceremony and will air it Sunday.
Criminal charges are pending against two felons with federal convictions involved in a shooting and police standoff Wednesday on La Crosses South Side.

The La Crosse Police Departments tactical team was en route to 2612 S. 17th St. to search for Damon Taylor, wanted on a probation warrant, when investigators watching the apartment building saw Jonlazaire Burch and Trevongh Martin arrive at 5:38 p.m., according to police.

Gunfire erupted as Burch and Martin entered the apartment. Someone inside shot Burch in the leg, and Martin returned fire as both men fled, according to police.

Police arrested Martin in the 2800 block of South Avenue, while Burch was transported and treated at Gundersen Health System.

Ontario Lowery, who lives at 2612 S. 17th St., fled his apartment and was arrested at 15th Street and Castle Place.

Police arrested Damon Taylor inside the apartment about 12:20 a.m. Thursday after he failed to surrender during negotiations and the deployment of tear gas.

Lowery, 37, and Taylor, 35, face charges of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, Lowery as party to the crime, when they appear Friday in La Crosse County Circuit Court. Taylor also faces charges gun and drug charges.

Martin, 21, of Mount Horeb, Wis., is jailed on a probation hold. A Dane County judge placed Martin, who has a juvenile criminal record, on five years of probation in May 2014 for attempted armed robbery.

Lowery and Taylor also are on probation. All three men are jailed and additional charges are pending.

La Crosse County Circuit Judge Elliott Levine in February 2016 sentenced Taylor, who has a criminal record that spans 18 years, to three years on probation for possessing heroin while he was on federal supervision for the illegal purchase of a firearm.

A federal judge in September 2011 sentenced Taylor to two years in prison and three years on supervision for having a woman buy a pistol for him at Monsoors Sport Shop, 517 Copeland Ave., according to court records.

La Crosse police discovered Taylor with 5.7 grams of heroin packaged for sale on July 8, 2015, although he told officers he only conducts middle deals, according to the complaint. Taylor pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver heroin and denied he was a dealer, telling the judge he turned to heroin when he withdrew from powerful painkillers prescribed for injuries he suffered after a car crash.

I look at this more as an addict case than a drug dealer case, Levine said during the hearing.

A warrant for violating the conditions of his federal release was granted in September 2015 and Taylor faced sentencing on Feb. 22, 2016, although a federal court sealed records from the hearing.

Lowerys criminal record in circuit court stretches back to 2000 and includes drug and battery convictions. In November 2013, he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in Utah for forcing four women to travel across several states to act as prostitutes in 2011.

Two of the women told police in Salt Lake City that they were afraid to leave because Lowery assaulted them, took their identifications, slept with the car keys, and kept the money they earned, according to court records.

A judge in September 2014 sentenced him to 40 months in prison and three years on supervised release. His release was transferred to Wisconsin in October.

In February, a judge issued a warrant after he tested positive for using marijuana and drove drunk in Madison on Nov. 30. He failed to attend substance abuse treatment in February and March and tested positive for cocaine and marijuana on March 7, according to court records. Lowery has a judicial review hearing in federal court on April 19.
A New Lisbon man faces two charges, including physical abuse of a child, after he allegedly tried to shoot a cat that had defecated in a home. A child intervened in defense of the cat.

David A. Schultz, 41, was charged with one count of child abuse, intentionally cause bodily harm, and disorderly conduct. Both are considered domestic abuse charges. Schultz was arrested on March 31 and could face a fine of $10,000 or a prison term of six years or both for the first offense and a possible fine of $10,000 or a 90-day prison term or both for the second charge.

According to the criminal complaint:

On March 31, Juneau County officers were called to a disturbance complaint/man with a gun incident in the town of Clearfield. The caller claimed Schultz was intoxicated. They stated Schultz was in a garage on the property, but authorities could not locate him upon initial investigation.

While being interviewed by officers, the caller had Schultz on the phone who stated to police he was walking along Highway 80 towards 37th Street. Officers located Schultz and he was taken into custody without incident and brought back to the home.

Based on interviews with witnesses, Schultz was drinking heavily earlier in the day. Their house cat had defecated on some clothing, angering Schultz. According to a criminal complaint, the suspect said he had enough and grabbed a hand gun and the cat. He went to the garage to get ammunition when two juvenile males tried to stop him. A 14-year-old male wrestled the gun from Schultz. The suspect, however, slapped the boy on the face and punched him twice with a closed fist.

The gun was located by authorities in a master bedroom and removed for evidence. Schultz was transported to the Juneau County Jail. The alleged victim told police he was in pain and red marks were seen on both sides of his face. He completed a lack of consent form but decided not to complete a voluntary statement form.

Schultz is scheduled to have an initial appearance at the Juneau County Justice Center on May 3 at 9 a.m.
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For Jim Bialecki, being a county administrator is nothing new. He has been involved with local government and administration for over 30 years.

The Monroe County Board of Supervisors officially named Bialecki Monroe County administrator Feb. 23. He had held the job on an interim basis since December, when former administrator Catherine Schmit left for an administrator position in Green Lake County.

Bialecki said he was drawn to the position because it sounded interesting.

I came up and met with the county administrative and personnel committee and talked to them about it and I thought, Well, Im going to do this, he said. Ive got a type A personality and dont know when to sit down,

A native of Merrill, Bialecki graduated from high school in 1968 and enlisted in the Navy, where he served until 1972, spending two years is southeast Asia and another two in California.

After leaving the military Bialecki returned to Wisconsin, where he went to technical school in Wausau and then to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

From there, Bialecki eventually got a job as business manager for the Lincoln County Health Care Center in his hometown. He later became the administrator for the facility.

Bialecki also held an administrator position at the Portage County Health Care Center until 1983, when he took an administration position in La Crosse County at the countys health care center.

After five years with La Crosse County, Bialecki went to work with Catholic Charities and St. Josephs Rehab and Nursing Center.

In 1985 Bialecki ran for city council in Onalaska and served for 15 years.

Bialecki also served as the mayor of Onalaska from 2000 to 2008.

Then from June 2008 to December 2012, Bialecki was city administrator for the city of Tomah until he had to leave for medical reasons.

In 2013 Bialecki returned to the Onalaska City Council. His final term will end later this month.

Bialecki said its not surprising he ended up coming to Monroe County.

If you follow my career path, working in county government is nothing new to me, he said. Theyre very similar in certain ways.

Bialecki still lives in Onalaska with his wife of nearly 42 years, Susan. Together they have four children.

What made the Monroe County position appealing, Bialecki said, is how the county is positioned for the future.

(In Onalaska) during the time from 1983-84, I was very fortunate to be involved, he said. In 1983 the city roughly had a population of 9,000 people ... and the opportunity to be involved, to grow that area both commercially and residentially, you learn a lot. Now the population is in excess of 18,500. It has been quite an experience, a lot of history. But its fun. I love the development aspect.

Bialecki looks forward to being involved and seeing the development of Monroe County while he serves as administrator. Three things Bialecki wants to see happen for the county involve development.

First, he would like to see something happen with the Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center.

The facility has had its time  there are a lot of repair issues, he said. Ive got the right answer with my background, but Im going to walk very carefully to make sure if the county were to go forward with a new facility, that the state and federal government is keeping their end of the bargain up with their reimbursement rates.

Second, Bialecki would like to see the human services building re-purposed.

That building, for the use it has now ... it just isnt worth it anymore. Theres been talk about after human services relocates to spend oodles of money to knock it down, but is that the best and right option? That remains to be seen, he said. What I would like for the county to consider is to ... have a developer convert it into something like ... an apartment complex for seniors.

Third, Bialecki wants to see some kind of development done with the county-owned land by the county offices north of Sparta.

There are 300 acres of land out here, no real purpose for it yet, he said. Is there a possibility that maybe this land could be developed? ... If you look at the whole area, this would be ideal for both residential and multi-housing. Just a thought, but we could explore that. ...To me county development is a good thing.

A memory of progress  of moving the county forward  is what Bialecki wants to leave behind for the county once his tenure is over.

Someday I, just like Catherine, will move on for whatever reason, he said. But you almost like to leave where youve done your job, youve done it well and people remember you. What did you do that was above and beyond?
Tomah Memorial Hospital paid tribute to area doctors by donating to two Tomah area not-for-profit organizations.

Jill McMullen, MD, presented a $750 check to Neighbor for Neighbor Food Pantry executive director Doug Staller, while Julie Howard, MD, presented a $750 check to Chasing Daylight Animal Shelter treasurer Sharel Martin.

Dr. McMullen is a family medicine provider at the Gundersen Health System-Tomah Clinic. Dr. Howard is a family medicine provider at the Mayo Clinic Health System-Tomah Clinic and a hospitalist at TMH. Both are among over 80 MDs credentialed to care for patients at Tomah Memorial Hospital.

Hospital marketing and public relations director Eric Prise said the donations were made on behalf of Tomah Memorial providers in recognition of Doctors Day.

Over the years, Tomah Memorial has been marking Doctors Day by giving back to the local community, said Prise. This year we looked at helping groups that help others.

The very first Doctors Day observance was organized in the state of Georgia on March 30, 1933, and included the mailing of cards to physicians. Prise said Tomah Memorial has continued that tradition by sending cards to local providers thanking them for their dedication.
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On Wednesday, Los Angeles City Council approved $133,000 in funding for the creation an online virtual reality tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Hollyhock House.

The 1921 Mayan Revival-style home is more than just an L.A. iconit's also a National Historic Landmark that's considered to be one of Wrights masterpieces. However, because the house was designed in 1919seven decades before the landmark passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that public buildings be handicap-accessibleparts of the home remain inaccessible to those with disabilities. The structure can't be retrofitted to make it more accessible because of its historic landmark status, according to Urbanize LA, who first reported the story.



Undated portrait of Aline Barnsdall holding her daughter, Betty. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection)

The story of the structure began in 1919, when Pennsylvanian oil heiress Aline Barnsdall purchased a 36-acre site in East Hollywood on what is now Barnsdall Park and commissioned the famed architect to build a theater where she could produce avant-garde plays. The project soon "morphed into creating a performing arts complex that included her residence," according to the Department of Cultural Affairs. Only three of the structures for Barnsdall's grand plans were produced before the philanthropist and art collector fired Wright, citing costs as the reason for terminating the contract, at least according to the Department of Cultural Affairs. The New York Times remembers things a little differently:

But [Frank Lloyd] Wright was so wrapped up in preparing to build the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo that he neglected her project, handing off oversight to his less experienced son Lloyd and Rudolph Schindler, an employee at the time. Costs soared, and she fired Wright midconstruction (later hiring Mr. Schindler to finish up). Disappointed by the experience and the house, Ms. Barnsdall donated it and the ancillary buildings, with 12 acres now known as the Barnsdall Art Park, to Los Angeles in 1927.

In 1927, she gave the land (and the structures) to the city to serve as an arts center in honor of her late father, Theodore Barnsdall. It became a public museum in the late 1970s, after undergoing a city-led renovation. Hollyhock House is operated by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs, which provides educational programming, conservation services and tours of the historic site. It reopened in 2015 after undergoing another extensive renovation.



A 1945 photograph of a sign at Barnsdall Park. (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection)

Hollyhock House gets its name from Barnsdall's favorite flower, ornamental tributes to which are incorporated throughout the site. The home's architectural significance simply can't be understated. It's currently under consideration for the Unesco World Heritage List (which includes the Stonehenge and the Taj Mahal), and was the first home built during Wright's California period. According to Hollyhock House curator Jeffrey Herr, the building also "influenced Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra, and thus California modernism."

The virtual reality tour will allow DCA to provide "virtual access to previously inaccessible areas of the location to visitors with disabilities," according to a city report. Previously inaccessible areas of the structure will be available through both an on-site virtual reality tour and remotely through a web browser. The tour will expand the accessible area of Hollyhock House by 210%, according to the report.



Hollyhock House (Photo by Joshua White)

This vote by the City Council will allow everyone, everywhere, the opportunity to visit the Hollyhock House, Councilmember Mitch OFarrell said in a statement. The video project will make the amazing historic landmark accessible to more people than ever before, shattering the notion of limited access due to challenges because of its unusual design or obstacles inside the structure."

Hollyhock House is located at 4800 Hollywood Boulevard at Barnsdall Park.
4 A Hindu girl arrives to take part in the Kumari Puja at the Adyapeath Ashram on the outskirts of Kolkata, India.


Walk into most any classroom, and you will see a large world map hanging somewhere on the wall.

Teachers use maps for subjects like geography and social studies.

In the United States and other countries, schoolchildren have long learned from one kind of world map. It is called the Mercator projection.

This version of map is more than 400 years old. Gerardus Mercator, a European mapmaker, designed it for the purpose of helping sailors and ships on the high seas.

Today, the Mercator projection is the map of choice for modern-day direction-finding services like Apple Maps and Google Maps.

It is also the map of choice in school classrooms and textbooks.

But map experts and other people say the Mercator projection should not be used in schools. They say it does not correctly show the sizes of countries and continents.

It is not an easy thing to show our three-dimensional planet in just two dimensions  length and width. Gerardus Mercators 16th-century method made countries far from Earths equator appear larger than they are. Countries close to the equator appear small in comparison.

On Mercator maps, for example, Africa appears smaller than North America. In reality, the African continent is larger than all of North America. Mercator maps also make Greenland appear bigger than China. In fact, China is about four times larger than Greenland.

The Peters projection

Now, school officials in the U.S. state of Massachusetts are replacing the Mercator map with one that presents a different view of the world.

Boston Public Schools is Americas oldest public school system. It is also the first-known American school system to use the Gall-Peters projection world map.

German historian Arno Peters worked on the projection in the 1970s. James Gall of Scotland first developed it in the middle 1800s.

Peters aim was to fix Mercators problems with sizes. He believed that map showed what critics called a Eurocentric world view.

Officials announced the change last month. Soon, Peters world maps will hang in classrooms across the city.

The change from Mercator to Peters is part of the school systems efforts to decolonize the curriculum, said Colin Rose, an official with Boston Public Schools. He recently spoke with The Guardian newspaper.

Hayden Frederick-Clarke is also with Boston Public Schools. He told National Public Radio that 86 percent of the school systems students are individuals of color. Maps such as the Mercator, he said, generally classify the places that theyre from as small and insignificant."

It only seems right that we would present them with an accurate view of themselves, he told NPR.

Ward Kaiser is a writer, publisher and an expert on maps. In 1983, his publishing business produced the first English-language Peters maps in North America.

Kaiser supports Boston Public Schools' decision to move beyond the Mercator projection.

I think on the whole it is a great decision, a right decision, because it helps enlarge the understanding of those students.

Seeing a Peters map for the first time can be a strange experience. Land masses may look stretched compared to how they look on the Mercator and some other world maps.

Kaiser says he expects Boston students to be surprised when they have their first look at a Peters map.

I hope that they will have an aha! moment. My experience is that in any school where this new map, the Peters map is being used, that does happen."

A maps purpose

Every map has its purpose. At first, the main purpose of Gerardus Mercators map was to help sailors get across the open seas without getting lost.

It was not supposed to be an educational tool, Kaiser says.

When the (Mercator) map is used for other purposes than navigating, such as on classroom walls as a representation of the real world, thats like using a telephone to brush your teeth. Its the wrong use of the map.

He adds that the aim of the Peters projection was to show all countries, all regions, all continents, at their actual size.

"...And people from Nigeria, or Thailand, or Venezuela, can gain a sense of their own value in the world, their place. They are not shrunk down. They are not marginalized. They are treated with respect in that sense.

The world belongs to everybody

The Mercator and Peters projections are just two of many kinds of world maps that may hang in school classrooms. Many public schools in China, for example, use a map that shows East Asia near the center.

Kaiser said it is human nature to view ones own place near the center of the world. Mercator himself put Germany -- his adopted homeland  near the middle of his map.

We all tend, no matter who we are, to see ourselves at the center of the world," he said. "Of course, not all maps do it so obviously.

Maps are powerful tools, Kaiser says. And the map from which a student learns about the world can make a big difference in their understanding of -- and feelings toward  others.

The world is not their oyster. The world belongs to everybody. And if we treat people with respect and understanding, we may even get a better set of relationships in the world.

Im Ashley Thompson.

Ashley Thompson wrote this report for Learning English, with additional materials from NPR and The Guardian. George Grow was the editor.

Do you think learning from different styles of maps can have an effect on students? Write to us in the comments section.

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Words in This Story

three-dimensional - adj. having or seeming to have length, width, and depth

equator - n. an imaginary circle around the middle of the Earth that is the same distance from the North Pole and the South Pole

view - n. an opinion or way of thinking about something

curriculum - n. the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc.

accurate - adj. free from mistakes or errors

aha! - interjection. used when something is suddenly seen, found, or understood

navigate - v. to find the way to get to a place when you are traveling in a ship, airplane, car, etc.

marginalize - v. to put or keep (someone) in a powerless or unimportant position within a society or group

region - n. a part of a country, of the world, etc., that is different or separate from other parts in some way

the world is your oyster - idiomatic expression. you are in a position to take the good chances that life has to offer (oyster - n. a type of shellfish that has a rough shell with two parts and that is eaten both cooked and raw)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered troops to seize and occupy unpopulated islands that his country claims in the South China Sea.

Duterte said that he may visit a Philippine-controlled island in the sea to raise the national flag.

The unoccupied, which are ours, lets live on it, Duterte told reporters Thursday during a visit to a military camp in Palawan, near the disputed waters.

"It looks like everyone is making a grab for the islands there, he continued. So we better live on those that are still unoccupied. What's ours now, we claim it and make a strong point from there."

Dutertes plan is likely to anger Chinese officials. China claims almost all of the South China Sea.

China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Vietnam claim all or parts of the sea. This has led to disputes between China and some of its neighbors. Each year, an estimated five trillion dollars in trade passes through the waterway.

Dutertes comments came just before the opening of talks between the presidents of China and the United States. The two leaders, Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, are meeting in Florida. China's claims in the South China Sea were to be among the issues discussed.

The U.S. State Department did not comment on Duterte's comments. However, in the past it has urged countries with competing claims in the area to reduce tensions and find a solution to their differences.

Duterte announced his "separation" from the United States in October 2016. He also said the Philippines and China had agreed to work together. The two nations agreed to resolve their South China Sea dispute through talks.

Duterte's efforts to work with China marked a major change in foreign policy.

The Philippines occupies nine "features," or islands and coral reefs, in the South China Sea. They include a World War 2 transport ship that struck a shoal in the late 1990s.

Bonnie Glaser is an Asia expert at Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies. She compared the Philippine leaders latest comments to statements he made as a presidential candidate.

Duterte once joked that he would ride a jet ski to a Chinese man-made island in the South China Sea to strengthen his countrys claim to the territory.

Glaser told Reuters news agency that Duterte seems to be under great domestic pressure and criticism on issues connected to the South China Sea. She said his comments may have been driven by Philippine politics, not international politics.

Duterte also said he might visit Thitu, the largest of the Philippine-controlled islands in the Spratly archipelago. He said he would build housing for servicemen operating in the area.

Thitu is close to Subi Reef. Subi is one of seven man-made islands in the Spratlys that China is accused of developing for its forces.

Duterte said last month there was no good reason to dispute China's activities on the man-made islands. He also made fun of the media for taking his jet-ski comments seriously.

We cannot stop them because they are building it with their mind fixed that they own the place. China will go to war," he said.

Im Caty Weaver.

Reporter Manuel Mogato in Manila wrote this story for the Reuters news agency. Ashley Thompson adapted his report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

___________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

grab - n. the act of taking something in a forceful or illegal way

shoal - n. a small, raised area of sand just below the surface of the water

jet ski - n. a small and fast vehicle that is used on water and carries one or two people

archipelago - n. a group of islands


In less than two weeks, Turkish voters will decide whether to extend the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The constitutional referendum is set for April 16.

Public opinion studies show the vote will be close.

Most television news channels in Turkey broadcast at least three campaign speeches a day in support of a "Yes" vote on the presidential powers issue. The so-called "No" campaign gets only about 10 percent of the air time that the Yes vote gets.

So, the no campaign is turning increasingly to social media.

But that comes with risks.

Rights groups say prosecutors are targeting people who use social media to help the no campaign gain strength.

Ali Gul is a law student in Turkey. He made an internet video that explained why people should vote no. The humorous video told of the dangers of putting too much power into one persons hands. At the end of the video, Gul asked, Will I get arrested if this video is popular?

Guls video spread quickly on social media. Days later, he published another video. In it, he said he knew he would be soon be arrested.

But it is not important, I am not afraid, he said. The children and youth of this nation deserve freedom and happiness  and not fear, imprisonment and death."



Gul was later arrested but, apparently, not for the video. He was detained instead for Twitter messages the government says he wrote. The two-year-old tweets were considered insulting to the president -- a crime punishable by three years in jail.

Gul denies writing the tweets. But his lawyers say he is likely to remain detained for many months as he waits for a trial.

Gul is not alone. In the past six months, more than 2,500 people have been accused of insulting the president online.

Observers say such risks are likely to remain as the power bill campaign comes to an end.

Im Ashley Thompson.

Dorian Jones reported this story for VOA News from Istanbul. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story



referendum - n. an event in which the people of a county, state, etc., vote for or against a law that deals with a specific issue : a public vote on a particular issue

channel - n. a television or radio station

prosecutor - n. a lawyer who represents the side in a court case that accuses a person of a crime and who tries to prove that the person is guilty


Many people have been contacting United States offices around the world since the governments H1-B visa program for foreign workers opened on Monday.

H1-B visas give American businesses permission to employ skilled foreign workers in the United States for three years. Many technology companies have used the program to fill job openings.

This year, there are 85,000 visas available: 65,000 for people with a bachelors degree from a college or university, and 20,000 visas for those with higher education.

In recent years, there have been so many visa requests that the U.S. government stopped accepting them within a week. Visa winners are chosen through a computer-generated lottery system.

This year, there is additional pressure because the programs future is not clear: President Donald Trump has said that he will not let foreigners holding H1-B visas displace U.S. workers.

On Monday, the Department of Justice warned U.S. companies not to discriminate against American citizens.

Tom Wheeler is Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division. He said: U.S. workers should not be placed in a disfavored status, and the department is wholeheartedly committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting these claims.

At the same time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services warned it will take a more targeted approach as its agents inspect businesses across the country. It promised to investigate companies with a high percentage of H1-B workers compared to U.S. citizens. It also plans to investigate employers who ask for permission to let H1-B workers perform their duties away from the traditional workplace.

Outsourcing

The Department of Homeland Security noted that 71 percent of H-1B visas were given in 2015 to people from India. That year, 10 percent were given to Chinese.

Experts say India has such a high number because of the countrys many outsourcing companies. Those businesses supply workers and services to other employers.

Supporters of the H1-B visa program say there are not enough skilled American workers to fill all the positions for which skilled workers are needed.

A group called New American Economy says there are persistent and dramatic worker shortages in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The group is made up of American business leaders and city officials who support immigration reform. It reported that in 2016, there were 12 or more job openings in the STEM areas for every unemployed American worker.

Some bills in the U.S. Congress expand the visa program. Others seek to limit it.

Im Kevin Turner.

VOA News reported this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

bachelors degree  n. a recognition given to a student by a college or university, usually after four years of study

generate  v. to bring into existence; to be the cause of something

disfavored  adj. disapproving or disliking

status  n. a position or rating in relation to something else

vigorously  adj. of or related to full physical or mental force

prosecuting - v. to follow to an end; to bring legal action against

approach  n. passage; path or way

persistent  adj. existing for a long or longer than usual time

dramatic  adj. historic; theatrical
Four people were injured on Wednesday when the pickup truck they were riding in flipped onto the median guard wall of Interstate 5 just north 
Here's how many have already voted. Also, there are more observers than one county knows what to do with.
On Nov. 1, Linn Benton Food Shares warehouse in Tangent received two truckloads of food and household supplies arranged by the local branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Previous posts have discussed U.S. proceedings for extradition to Spain of Inocente Orlando Montano Morales (Montano), a former Salvadoran military officer, for his alleged participation in the murder of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador in November 1989. Such extradition was approved in February 2016 by a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and thereafter Montano challenged that decision by filing an application for a writ of habeas corpus in that court with a hearing in November 2016 on that application and the Governments motion to dismiss the application.

Four months later, on March 27, 2017, U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle entered an order denying the Governments dismissal motion without prejudice and requesting the parties to submit new briefs to address certain issues.

Judge Boyles analysis started with the assertions that (a) Spains criminal case against Montano and others was based upon its law prohibiting terrorist murder in other countries of its nationals, five of whom were the murdered Jesuit priests; and (b) the bilateral extradition treaty between Spain and the U.S. required under these circumstances that U.S. law provided for the punishment of such an offense committed in similar circumstances.

Thus, for Judge Boyle, the issue to be addressed by the parties in subsequent briefs was whether the U.S. Constitution and law and international law provided for U.S. prosecution of such an offense under similar circumstances. The balance of the Judges Order suggests that he has serious doubts that this is so.

He starts with this legitimate premise: Universal jurisdiction is an international law doctrine that recognizes a narrow and unique exception to the general requirement that nations have a jurisdictional nexus before punishing extraterritorial conduct committed by non-nationals (quoting an Eastern District of Virginia case that was affirmed by the Fourth Circuit, which has jurisdiction over Judge Boyles court). This narrow and unique exception, he implicitly says, is limited to offenses that rise to the level of universal concern.

Judge Boyle then makes a questionable assertion, which he pins on the parties alleged previous arguments, that Spains charges for terrorist acts involving the murder of five Jesuit priests do not rise to the level of universal concern, such as piracy or genocide.

For a number of years, a court in Spain has had before it a case involving the 1989 murder of the Jesuit priests at the University of Central America. Although the case is before the court, none of the former military officer defendants are before the court. El Salvador's Supreme Court has twice denied extradition of the officers who are in the country. That leaves Inocente Orlando Montano Morales, a former colonel in the Salvadoran army who is in custody in the US, and who has a pending extradition order to Spain. But so far, Montano's lawyers have managed to prevent that order from taking effect.Most recently, Montano's lawyers filed a habeas corpus action in federal court in North Carolina to stop the extradition. The US government moved to dismiss the petition, but in an order issued last week, the federal judge refused to dismiss the petition and ordered more briefing from the parties and further delaying the process.Duane Krohnke, a scholar of international human rights law, analyzed this latest order in a recent post on his blog:Read the rest of the post here If professor Krohnke is correct that Judge Boyle might be leaning in favor of Montano on the habeas corpus petition, it could be the death knell for the Spanish court case regarding the Jesuit murders. Without any defendants extradited by El Salvador or the US, the case cannot proceed. That would leave the case up to the Salvadoran courts, where it should have been originally but where there is so far little prospect for movement forward.
Moxy Hotels, Marriott International's experiential hotel brand, continues its expansion in Europe with the launch of Moxy Vienna Airport, the brand's first hotel in Austria. Characterised by a vibrant, playful design and an energetic crew, Moxy Vienna Airport offers a new way of travelling, with communal and spirited experiences at a surprisingly affordable price and joins an ever-evolving portfolio of nine global destinations including Munich, Milan, Berlin, New Orleans and London.

"Moxy continues to fulfill its ambition to launch a new, disruptive hotel experience that caters to the next generation of travellers who are less interested in a cookie-cutter experience," said Vicki Poulos, global brand director, Moxy Hotels. "These travellers want to discover something new while taking in the city, the food and the local scene, whether they are there for a day or a week. We're thrilled to introduce Moxy Hotels to a city known for its vibrant urban culture and offer travellers a fun hotel experience to match."

Conveniently located at Vienna airport and only a 15-minute train journey from the city centre, Moxy Vienna Airport provides the perfect gateway to explore the museums, music and coffee house culture that characterises Austria's elegant capital. In true Moxy fashion, Moxy Vienna Airport will be a 24/7 spot for all things fun and impromptu with playful communal spaces, a buzzing bar and thoughtfully crafted offerings designed for travellers and locals who want to hang-out with their friends and meet new ones, without breaking the bank.

Welcome #ATTHEMOXY

Moxy's fun, inclusive and youthful spirit is reflected in the combination of bold design and affordable style where communal engagement is at the centre of the experience. The interiors fuse refined and raw materials, organic and linear lines, and shared spaces. The Moxy experience kicks-off with a bright, airy and buzzing lobby. The contemporary lobby's modern furniture invites guests to relax, pick up a book from the Moxy library, connect and catch up with friends or retreat to the gym to re-energise by punching the pink Moxy punching bag. Guests of Moxy Vienna Airport are encouraged to take a selfie in the photo booth inspired hotel elevators, complete with props.

Living Room #ATTHEMOXY

Moxy Vienna Airport's Living Room is the centre of activity, offering guests fun ways to work and play hard. Sealed concrete floors, walls lined with intriguing art and fun references to local culture including artistic beer jugs displayed on the walls are complemented by ambient lighting and comfortable accents of colour. The Living Room also features abundant power and USB outlets, and furiously fast and free Wi-Fi for ultimate connectivity. A high-energy yet cosy space for gatherings, special events or cocktails, the lounge plays host to eclectic upbeat music.

Stay #ATTHEMOXY

The hotel's 405 contemporary guest rooms, ranging from standard to family size, are outfitted with sound-reducing walls, 42 LCD flat screen televisions, complimentary super-fast Wi-Fi, abundant USB ports, comfortable bedding and deep-seated armchairs in calming, neutral fabrics. Every bedroom makes a statement with a fun floor to ceiling art piece. The design is functional, flexible and uncluttered with simple, thoughtful touches including glass shelving and an open storage concept featuring a peg wall for ultimate flexibility when unpacking, in lieu of a traditional closet. Stylish bathrooms feature complimentary Muk toiletries, bright pink hair dryers, power showers and large mirrors alongside a spacious vanity area.

24/7 Dining #ATTHEMOXY

Moxy's 24/7 B&F (Beverage & Food), smart and fun self-service concept gives guests access to what they want, whenever they want it. The Moxy dining area offers lots of options for food and drink including fresh juices and a coffee bar. Guests can enjoy fresh Panini sandwiches and a range of healthy alternatives from salad to antipasti. An evening Crockpot entree will be served along with a variety of cocktails, craft beers and specialty wines. The bar is full-service and the hub of activity in the lobby  it also doubles as the hotel's physical check-in, where guests are greeted with a complimentary 'Got Moxy' cocktail upon arrival.

Meetings #ATTHEMOXY

Moxy Vienna Airport has three flexible events spaces able to accommodate up to 20 attendees.

Marriott Rewards #ATTHEMOXY

Moxy guests who are members of the award-winning Marriott Rewards loyalty programme will get exclusive access to even more digital features through the Marriott Mobile app when they book direct, including mobile check-in and check-out, keyless entry and Mobile Requests to make their travel experience seamless. Marriott Rewards members will also earn points for their stay at Moxy Hotels and can redeem for hotel stays across the Marriott Rewards portfolio of brands.

Rates #ATTHEMOXY

Special opening rates at the new Moxy Vienna Airport begin from 89.

Moxy Hotels first launched in Milan in September 2014. Moxy Tempe and Moxy Munich Airport opened in March 2016, Moxy New Orleans in May 2016 and Moxy Frankfurt Eschborn in August 2016. Moxy Aberdeen Airport opened in December 2016 with Moxy London Excel following in March 2017. The brand is entering the market in a bold way, with several additional identified projects slated for major metropolitan locations including Amsterdam, New York, San Francisco, Boston and Frankfurt.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.
A Canadian accused of hacking Yahoo! Inc. email accounts on behalf of the Russian government appeared in court seeking bail ahead of a hearing to determine whether he should be extradited to the U.S. for trial.

Karim Baratov, 22, was one of four people indicted by the U.S. government last month and charged with working for Dmitry Dokuchaev, a hacker for Russias FSB security service. Its not clear whether Baratov knew he was working for the FSB.

The 2014 hack affected at least 500 million accounts at Yahoo, damaging the companys reputation and threatening a takeover bid from Verizon Communications Inc. Verizon cut its offer by USD350 million to $4.48 billion following news of the breach.

Baratov, who was born in Kazakhstan and is a Canadian citizen, entered court in Hamilton, Ontario, wearing black sweatpants, black t-shirt, with his ankles chained. He put on a beige blazer as he sat down in the prisoners box.

He told the court he lived with his parents until 2015. He said he had a Mercedes and a BMW while attending high school and started his own business protecting web servers from hackers in 2014. He said earned CAD10,000 ($7,500) a month that year, less in the ensuing years.

At 20, Baratov said he moved into a CAD642,000 home, and over time added a CAD155,000 Lamborghini, a Porsche 911, an Aston Martin and another BMW to his car collection. His parents helped pay for the cars, he said.

Baratov said he had about CAD260,000 of equity in his home when it was sold following his arrest. Baratov said he had no money in his personal bank account and about CAD5,000 in his business bank account when he was arrested. Police found about CAD31,000 in cash when they searched his home.

According to the U.S. government, Baratov was paid to gain access to 80 email accounts, including 50 Google accounts, belonging to Russian politicians and bureaucrats. He used spear-phishing attacks to target his victims, using fake emails to compel them to provide sensitive information, and would then sell their passwords to Dokuchaev for $100 each, according to the Justice Department.

The hackers were allegedly looking for people of political interest and others who might be vulnerable to financial fraud, and the list of victims included the White House and its military and diplomatic corps. They ultimately stole the contents of 6,500 Yahoo accounts in an attack the company called state-sponsored.

The U.S. government is seeking to seize assets he is alleged to have obtained through illegal activity, including his black Mercedes Benz C54 and Aston Martin DBS.

Baratovs father offered to put up CAD845,000 equity in his home, saying it represented his lifes savings.

Its not a risk, the father, Akhmet Tokbergenov, told the judge. Its a great desire on my part and my wifes part to help him. Kristine Owram, Bloomberg
U.S. and European regulators have cleared a Chinese conglomerates proposed USD43 billion acquisition of Swiss agribusiness giant Syngenta on condition it sells some businesses to satisfy anti-monopoly objections.

The Federal Trade Commissions announcement comes alongside the approval by European regulators of the purchase by state-owned ChemChina. It would be Chinas biggest foreign acquisition to date.

ChemChina, also known as China National Chemical Corp., agreed to sell businesses that make an herbicide, an insecticide and a fungicide whose combined market shares with Syngenta would harm competition, the FTC and European Commission say yesterday.

ChemChina has offered significant remedies, which fully address our competition concerns. This has allowed us to approve the transaction, Margrethe Vestager, the EUs antitrust commissioner, said.

Chinese companies are engaged in a multibillion-dollar global buying spree to acquire technology and brands to improve their competitive edge as explosive growth in their home economy slows.

At the same time, the global industry that supplies farm chemicals, biotechnology and other inputs is in the midst of a shake- up as tumbling commodity prices squeeze spending by farmers.

A U.S. government national security panel approved the ChemChina-Syngenta tie-up in August despite complaints by some legislators who cited the potential for risks to our food system.

ChemChina subsidiary Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd. agreed to sell businesses in the United States that produce the herbicide paraquat, the insecticide abamectin and the fungicide chlorothalonil to American Vanguard Corp. and its affiliate Amvac Chemical Corp.

The FTC said Syngenta owns branded versions of all three chemicals, while Adama is the No. 1 or 2 supplier of generic versions in the United States.

ChemChina has also agreed to sell significant parts of its European operations in pesticides and plant growth regulation products. AP
Australias highest court yesterday rejected British company Reckitt Benckisers appeal of a 6 million Australian dollar (USD4.5 million) fine for misleading consumers about the effectiveness of a popular painkiller.

The High Court full-bench refused to hear the appeal after Reckitt Benckisers lawyers outlined its argument for why the fine imposed by the Federal Court in December was too high.

The Federal Court had upheld an appeal by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the watchdog that launched the court action, against the leniency of a AUD1.7 million fine.

Reckitt Benckiser sold Nurofen painkillers that were marketed to relieve specific ailments, such as back pain and menstrual pain, when all of the products contained an identical amount of the same active ingredient, ibuprofen lysine. The court ordered the company to remove the products from Australian stores.

The specific pain products were nearly double the price of Nurofens standard ibuprofen painkiller and other general pain relief products sold by competitors. The company sold 5.9 million packets of the specific pain products over four years for AUD45 million.

Rod Sims, chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, welcomed the High Court ruling. He told Australian Broadcasting Corp that the same offenses would likely be punished by fines of between AUD40 million and AUD50 million under proposed amendments to consumer law that could be legislated this year. AP
Portugals prime minister said this week the countrys finance minister was recently asked whether he would be available to become the eurozones top official, replacing Jeroen Dijsselbloem.

Antonio Costa said in an interview with Lisbons Radio Renascenca that Portugal rejected the approach because Finance Minister Mario Centeno is still guiding the country out of its recent financial crisis.

Costa did not say who approached Portugal nor when, but he confirmed a report in Portuguese weekly Expresso last weekend that said Centeno was a potential candidate to chair meetings of the 19-country eurozones finance ministers.

Portugal called last month for Dijsselbloem to quit after he made what some saw as derogatory remarks about southern EU nations.

In an interview last month with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Dijsselbloem said: I cannot spend all my money on liquor and women and then ask for your support, in reference to European countries that needed state bailouts. Those countries include three from southern Europe  Greece, Portugal, and Cyprus  as well as Ireland.

Dijsselbloems future is unclear after his Labor Partys weak showing in recent Dutch elections and he faced fierce criticism in the European Parliament this week for not attending a meeting.

Leftist German European lawmaker Fabio De Masi called Dijsselbloem gutless for not showing up and said his comments in the German newspaper demonstrate his incompetence and utter lack of character.

In a letter to members of the European Parliament on Tuesday, Dijsselbloem said his comments in the interview were intended to underscore the importance of solidarity and reciprocity within the European Union and were not aimed at southern EU member states.

But he also expressed regret at having caused offense.

Choice of words is of course personal as is the way they are picked up, Dijsselbloem wrote. I shall be even more careful in the future as it is never my intention to insult people. AP
Sands China Ltd. honored outstanding team members and teams last week with a ceremony for the Because We Care Team Member Awards, held at The Parisian Macaos Parisian Theatre.

Celebrating for four consecutive years to recognize outstanding team members, a total of 497 team members were named top nominees, after being shortlisted by a judging panel of previous award winners and top nominees.

The top nominees for each award category were then decided by team members as a whole through a company-wide vote, according to a statement issued by the gaming operator.

A total of 16 team members and seven outstanding teams (totaling 248 team members) emerged as gold, silver and bronze award winners in seven categories: the Influential Service Award and the Exceptional Spirit Award amongst others.

The expansion of the awards saw more top nominees and award winners receive prizes in recognition of their performances, including cash prizes totaling over MOP440,000.

MGM donates mop 300,000 to holy house of mercy welfare shop

For the fifth year in a row, MGM donated MOP300,000 to the Macau Holy House of Mercy Welfare Shop project, funding the distribution of food hampers to more than 350 local low-income households.

According to a statement released by MGM, its senior executives led a team of over 40 volunteers to help distribute food hampers and MGMs custom- made eco-friendly handcarts to the families.

Grant Bowie, CEO and executive director of MGM China Holdings Limited, presented a donation check of MOP300,000 to Antonio Jose de Freitas, president of the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Holy House of Mercy.

More than 1,600 low-income families have received MGMs food hampers and handcarts under the Welfare Shop project since its launch in 2013.

During the distribution of food hampers, the volunteers divided into six groups, and each of them took up specific parts in helping to pack basic food and daily necessities, including rice, noodles, canned food, and cooking oil into MGMs tailor-made handcarts and distributed them to the families.
Since my article, The Failed Land Law, in MDT of July last year, much has changed, but nothing in the right direction. There is certainly more awareness and a unanimous agreement that there is something very wrong with the Land Law and in the whole political process. The report released last week by the Legislative Assembly offered more clear evidence that this is so.

In the past year, there were numerous media investigations, press conferences involving legislators, legal advisors and land owners, and institutional meetings between associations and stakeholders, all raising awareness of the extreme injustice of Article 48 in the Land Law.

As we all now know, in 2010 the Government, through a special commission, concluded that for 65 plots of land (to which 16 were later added) the causes for non-development were not imputable to their respective owners. And, according to the Land Law, enacted in 2013, there are multiple references to exceptions granted to concessionaires when they cannot be held liable for certain breaches or delays. To extend these exceptions to allow non-culpable concessionaires to develop their expired land concessions would not only be the reasonable solution, but also the fairest. The proposal by legislator Gabriel Tong was a viable solution to allow non-culpable concessionaires the opportunity to develop their land, but his efforts were rejected.

In response, the president of the Legislative Assembly revealed that the tapes of the meetings regarding the preparatory land law were to be released to ascertain the true intentions of the Government, namely if, as mentioned by a number of legislators, the Government had pledged at the time to find an administrative solution to allow the non-culpable land owners to develop their land plots thus avoiding the injustice of a blind enforcement of Article 48.

All of this even reached the attention of the chairman of the National Peoples Congress, Zhang Dejiang, who mentioned certain profound issues regarding land and transport, which should be solved under the One Country, Two Systems and the Basic Law framework. This was a clear message to the Macau Government to determine a solution to these profound problems efficiently and fairly. Moreover, it seems that now virtually all legislators  even the ones that most fiercely opposed it  consider the Land Law to have deficiencies requiring a solution by an amendment or by administrative action.

Nevertheless, according to a report released last week by the Legislative Assembly, nothing seems to be wrong with the Land Law and the proposal by Gabriel Tong was subsequently rejected. In the 562-page report nothing is mentioned as to whether Article 48 of the Land Law is fair or just to the land concessionaires that, for more than 20 years, were prevented by the Government from developing their land and are now having their properties confiscated.

However, and more shockingly, the report mentions that there are no transcripts of the tapes of the preparatory meetings because they were held in chambers. This means that for eight months, we were all waiting for something that the Government never had the intention to disclose. Or maybe they had the intention, but decided not to upon hearing the tapes Now we can but wonder what promises were made by the Government during such meetings: probably promises as steadfast as those made to disclose the transcripts of the tapes.

Now it seems that all hope of a legislative or administrative solution is lost. The Chief Executive has been issuing declarations of expiry nearly every month. So it seems that in the absence of a Government that protects the basic foundations of our legal and political system  such as the principles of justice, equality and good faith  it is now up to the Courts to make this happen.

*Partner, MdME Lawyers

Editors Note: The author is a partner of MdME, a law firm representing clients involved in this matter. The opinions expressed within this article are solely the personal opinions of the writer.


The 2017 Smiling Report, conducted by a Swedish consultancy company, has indicated that Macau was amongst the countries that smile the least in customer service, placing the region as one of territories with the lowest Smile and Greeting scores.

The report focuses on customer service data from evaluations conducted across a spectrum of industries; and provides a summary focusing on Smile, Greeting and Add-on sales metrics in 67 countries and regions in 2016.

Better Business World Wide is currently in its 13th year of publication; with the report compiled from information supplied by Mystery Shopping Providers.

At the bottom of the list of smiling countries were Macau and Hong Kong. However, it was not the first for Macau to be at the bottom list as it has been the case previously, according to a statement issued by the company.

Hong Kong scored 57 percent, increasing their score by a good margin from 48 percent last year.

Overall in Hong Kong, 79 percent of the customers received a smile, 81 percent were greeted, while only 58 percent received an add-on sale suggestion.

The aggregated scores have decreased, for smiling by -4 and greeting by -6 compared to 2015, the firm stated.

Ireland was placed at the top of the Smile ranking for the third year, with 96 percent, slightly lower than their 100 percent score in the previous year.

According to the study, the highest scoring industries were Health & Beauty with 89 percent and Hospitality with 86 percent, while the lowest was Transport with only 58 percent.

Meanwhile, Macau also stood at the bottom with its lowest greeting scores of 54 percent; below Hong Kong, India and Moldova at 62 percent.

Eight countries in South America scored 100 percent on greeting, including Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras and Mexico amongst others.

The best European countries were Greece and Ireland with 97 percent, while the best country in Asia was China with 92 percent.

Add-on sales data has historically posted a lower score than Smile and Greeting, but has still maintained a steady increase since the first Smiling Report was published in 2004; it has risen in this time from 45 percent to 58 percent.
Results of an independent poll released yesterday showed a drop in the number of Filipinos who trust President Rodrigo Duterte, although he was still considered trustworthy by three-quarters of the respondents despite an impeachment complaint pending against him.

Results released by Pulse Asia Research Inc. showed that 76 percent of the 1,200 respondents expressed trust in Duterte, down 7 percentage points from December. Some 78 percent of respondents approved of his performance, down from 83 percent.

The nationwide survey was conducted March 15-20  around the time a lawmaker filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte because of alleged corruption and the thousands of deaths in the presidents anti-drug crackdown.

Rep. Gary Alejanos complaint alleges that Duterte violated the constitution, committed bribery and corruption, and betrayed the public trust with his actions, including the crackdown, which has sparked extrajudicial killings. It also alleges that Duterte failed to declare huge bank deposits as required by law.

The impeachment bid faces an uphill battle, with the presidents allies holding an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives.

The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, according to the pollster.

On Tuesday, President Duterte sacked his interior secretary and close political ally over reports of alleged corruption, in what his officials said was a warning that he will not tolerate wrongdoing even in his Cabinet.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte announced the dismissal of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismail Sueno at the end of a Cabinet meeting late Monday after asking him some questions, citing loss of trust and confidence.

The summary dismissal served as a warning that Mr. Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions by any member of the Cabinet, Abella said in a statement.

Sueno was in charge of local governments and the national police, making him among the most powerful Cabinet members. He denied the corruption allegations, saying Duterte must have been fed with the wrong information.

If only the president asked Department of the Interior and Local Government personnel from the central down to the regional and field offices, he would have known who amongst us are more credible and trustworthy, Sueno said in a statement, adding he was ready to face an investigation.

Regarding an allegation that he was linked to irregularities in the import of firetrucks, Sueno said the contract was finalized and signed by previous officials, not by him.

Sueno was among political allies who convinced Duterte, a longtime mayor of southern Davao city, to run for the presidency last year, but this did not deter the president from pursuing his drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption, Abella said.

Duterte won last years election with a wide margin on a promise to fight crime, particularly illegal drugs, corruption and terrorism. Since taking office in June, Dutertes anti-drug crackdown has left thousands of suspects dead, alarming Western governments led by the United States and the European Union and U.N. rights officials.

Sueno had a reported rift with his three undersecretaries, who accused him of corruption, shielding a politician linked to illegal drugs, and other wrongdoing.

Abella said the president checked those accusations before he decided to dismiss Sueno.

He is the highest official to be removed from office over alleged wrongdoing, though Duterte has fired a number of lower-ranking officials in other government agencies.

Its not clear if Sueno will be formally investigated or prosecuted. MDT/AP
A stunning 59.6 carat diamond known as the Pink Star sold for USD71.2 million at a Sothebys auction Tuesday in Hong Kong, setting a new world record for any diamond or jewel, according to the auction house.

The oval mixed-cut diamond smashed the $60 million pre-sale estimate set by Sothebys when it went on the block.

The sale comes three years after the gem was sold at an even higher price at another Sothebys auction in Geneva. That deal later fell apart after the buyer defaulted.

The gem is the largest flawless fancy vivid pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.

Three telephone bidders competed for the stone during five tense minutes of bidding. The crowd in the packed auction room applauded when it was sold for a hammer price of $63 million , not including the buyers premium.

Sothebys Asia Chairwoman Patti Wong said the winning bidder was Hong Kong jeweler Chow Tai Fook.

Were very happy, Wong said. I know there was a lot of talk about the economy in China not being as positive as it was a few years ago, but the results from its jewelry auction Tuesday, which included nearly 200 other lots, were very strong, she said.

Wong said the company is not worried about another default because the bidders were vetted and have longstanding relationships with Sothebys. Were very, very confident that all three bidders had the financial capability, and of course the buyer definitely had the financial capability, she said.

Until now, the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction was the Oppenheimer Blue, which fetched 56.8 million Swiss francs (then $57.6 million) last May. The previous world auction record for a pink diamond was $46.2 million for the 24.78 carat Graff Pink in 2010.

Sothebys decided the time was right to bring the diamond back to the market because of rising demand from wealthy Asian buyers.

The Asian element in the jewelry market is extremely important and from what Ive been hearing from members of the trade Ive been talking to, in the last six months they have become more and more important, said David Bennett, chairman of the auction houses jewelry division.

The Pink Star was mined in Africa by De Beers in 1999 as a raw 132.5 carat gem and cut over a two-year period. In November 2013 it was auctioned for a record $83 million to New York diamond cutter Isaac Wolf, who failed to pay.

The auction house was then forced to buy the diamond itself because had guaranteed a $60 million sale price. Last year it sold an unspecified stake in the diamond, valued at $72 million on its balance sheet, to two companies, diamond specialist Diacore and New York jeweler Mellen Inc. AP
As the residents of Russias second-largest city try to regain their nerve in the wake of a fatal subway bombing, officials announced yesterday that six people have been arrested on suspicion of recruiting terrorists.

The statement from the Investigative Committee gave few details, but said those arrested came from Central Asian countries that once were part of the Soviet Union. Officials have said the suicide attacker behind Mondays blast that killed 14 people in St. Petersburg was a native of the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan.

There was no immediate information tying those arrested with the suspected bomber, identified as 22-year-old Akbardzhon Dhzalilov. Fifty-five people wounded in the blast remain hospitalized, deputy mayor Anna Mityanina said.

The parents of Dhzalilov have arrived in St. Petersburg for questioning.

State-owned Rossiya 24 television yesterday showed footage of a middle-aged woman in a red coat and a white headscarf and a man in a black jacket, chased by journalists.

Akbardzhon is believed to have moved to St. Petersburg from Kyrgyzstan when he was a teenager.

The predominantly Muslim Central Asian states are seen as a prime recruiting ground for Islamic militants.

Meeting with the heads of security services from a regional alliance that includes most of Russias Central Asian neighbors, President Vladimir Putin warned that terrorism remained a threat to all in the region.

Putin met yesterday with heads of the security services from the Commonwealth of Independent States, a grouping of most former Soviet republics. The meeting came two days after a bomb blast on a subway in Russias second-largest city killed 14 people.

We see that, unfortunately, the situation is not improving. The recent tragic events in St. Petersburg are the best confirmation of this, Putin said. We know that each of our countries, practically every one, is a possible and potential target of terrorist attacks.

Earlier yesterday, the Investigative Committee said in a statement they searched the home of Dhzalilov in St. Petersburg. They also examined CCTV footage from outside Dzhalilovs home which shows him leave home with a bag and a backpack.

The bomb went off on a train under Russias second-largest city on Monday. Another bomb, hidden in a bag, was found and de-activated at another St. Petersburg station just half an hour before the blast. Dzhalilovs DNA was found on the bag.

After the attack, several Russian politicians have called for ending the moratorium on capital punishment. But parliament speaker Vyacheslav Volodin dismissed the statements as attention-getting devices and upbraided the politicians, saying One must not use a tragedy to promote oneself.

One of the stations where the attack took place was closed by a bomb threat Tuesday and again yesterday as officials checked for anything suspicious. MDT/AP

Czech court to decide on alleged russian hacker extradition

A Russian man who faces charges in the United States of hacking and stealing information from computers at LinkedIn, Dropbox and other San Francisco Bay Area companies can be extradited either to the United States or Russia, the state prosecution in Prague said yesterday.

Yevgeniy Nikulin, who remained in detention, was arrested in Prague on Oct. 5 after Interpol issued an international warrant. Czech officers cooperated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the case.

Moscow wants him extradited on a separate charge of internet theft in 2009. Spokeswoman Stepanka Zenklova said the Czech prosecution established that both extradition requests are acceptable and Pragues Municipal Court will decide. A date for an extradition hearing has not been set, but court spokeswoman Marketa Puci said its a question of days or a week. Justice Minister Robert Pelikan will have the final say.
Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday agreed to send a pair of pandas to Finland, the latest installment of his countrys panda diplomacy that makes use of one of Chinas cutest natural assets to gain international concessions.

After talks with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, the two countries signed protocols, including finalizing an agreement on panda protection as well as sending the pandas to a Finnish nature reserve. Officials have been talking about conditions for sending pandas to Finland since December 2014.

Ahtari Zoo nature reserve said the animals will be loaned for 15 years and are expected to arrive by the end of the year. It said it has also signed an agreement on the research and protection of giant pandas with Chinese panda protection officials.

Niinisto said he was grateful to China for the pandas.

I would like to thank President Xi for the trust you have extended to Finland over the protection of pandas, Niinisto said. We know that pandas are a national treasure of China and we shall respect and we value that.

Officials also signed agreements on environmental and judicial cooperation.

The two-day state visit by Xi, accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, is the second- ever visit to Finland by a Chinese leader. Xi today will head to Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials.

Niinisto hosted welcoming ceremonies at the presidential palace in downtown Helsinki.

On arrival, Xi noted that Finland opened political ties with China in 1950 and was the first Western country to sign a governmental bilateral trade agreement with Beijing. He also congratulated the Finns on the centenary of their independence from Russia.

During his visit, Xi will also meet Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila and Speaker of Parliament Maria Lohela. AP
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TWIN FALLS  Birders are learning how to help butterflies and bees tonight, and you're welcome to join them.

Ross Winton, an Idaho Department of Fish and Game regional wildlife biologist, will speak on "Idaho pollinators and citizen scientists: Monarchs, bumblebees and you" at the Prairie Falcon Audubon meeting tonight.

The chapter meets at 7 p.m. in Room 201 of the Shields Building on the College of Southern Idaho campus.

Tonight's message: Pollinators are in decline worldwide, and habitat loss, invasive species, parasites and pesticides are largely to blame. But you can help.

Winton will describe his research projects on the monarch and other pollinators  and perhaps inspire his listeners to join citizen science projects.
Volunteers  Explore Volunteer Opportunities Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Twin Falls Senior Center, 530 Shoshone St. W. Representatives will be available from local nonprofits, including Idaho Hospice Visions, CASA, Interlink Volunteer Caregivers, Idaho Youth Ranch, The Crisis Center, La Posada Ministries, Mustard Seed, Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center, Office on Agings Senior Companion Program and the Twin Falls Senior Center to discuss their services and the need for volunteers. Information: Twin Falls Senior Center, 208-734-5084, or Nora Wells at Hospice Visions, 208-735-0121.

Volunteers  Community volunteers are needed to become CASA volunteer advocates to represent the best interest of abused children during the court process. Volunteer candidates must pass a background check and receive training and continued support as they speak up and make the difference in the lives of abused children. The program covers all eight counties in south-central Idaho. Information: Tahna Barton, 208-735-1177.

Volunteers  The Senior Companion Program at the CSI Office on Aging needs volunteers, age 55 and older, to assist homebound seniors by providing friendly visits, transportation or other assistance as needed. Senior Companions make positive impacts by helping to improve the mental and emotional status of their clients. Senior Companions receive a stipend per hour of service (to income eligible seniors) and can work between 15 to 40 hours a week. They receive reimbursement for mileage, and training on age-related problems. Information: Dandre, 208-736-2122, or toll free, 800-574-8656.

Volunteers  Pomerelle Place Senior Living in Burley is looking for volunteers who want to have fun making new friends and bringing happiness to others. Volunteers can play bingo, games and cards with the residents, complete crafts, cook, or help paint fingernails for the ladies. Information: Carla Thompson at Pomerelle Place, 208-677-8212.

Volunteers  Stanton Healthcare Pregnancy Resource Center is looking for that special person who will be facing an empty nest in the near future. The Stanton center offers video based parenting classes and needs a class facilitator. The center will provide training and will offer encouragement as you prepare to send your child out into the world. Stay busy by helping clients improve their parenting skills. Time commitment is two hours per week. Information: stantonmv.org or Kim, 208-734-7472.

Volunteers  Hospice Visions Inc. is looking for volunteers to visit with patients and their families, and volunteers to provide handyman services, play the piano at assisted living centers, and help with art projects for their patients at assisted living centers. If you have a special talent to share with others, contact Nora Wells at Hospice Visions, 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org.

Volunteers  Hospice Visions Inc is looking for men and women to serve as Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers for their veteran patients. All ages of veterans from all branches of service are welcome to join Hospice Visions volunteer forces as part of the We Honor Veterans program. Information: Nora Wells, volunteer coordinator at Hospice Visions, 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org.

Drivers  The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program. Volunteers are needed to drive cancer patients to and from medical treatment facilities, especially for appointments in Twin Falls. The Cancer Society trains volunteer drivers and schedules rides for patients for free. Drivers must have a current and valid drivers license, a good driving record, a safe and reliable car, and proof of car insurance. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their vehicles. The program is flexible for volunteers to provide as many rides as they want. Information: 1-800-227-2345.

Volunteers  Encompass Hospices work can be supported by volunteers in many ways. Patients need loving and compassionate volunteers to provide companionship, caregiver respite, light housekeeping, shopping, yardwork, or to be there. If you are a veteran who needs to make a connection of shared experiences that only a Veteran to Veteran can share, we need you. Bring your touching hands and hearts to share a smile, hold hands, listen to a story and laugh with Encompass Hospice patients. Information: Cindy, 208-733-8600 or ckeithley@ehhi.com.

Volunteers  The Twin Falls County Historical Society is seeking volunteers for various programs and general support. Volunteers are needed to paint, clean or work on docent projects and fundraising. No minimum amount of hours, commitment is flexible. Fill out an application at the Twin Falls County Historical Museum (Union School at Curry), open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: 208-736-4675.
KIMBERLY  Dangerous, icy roads, blowing and drifting snow, and an all-around miserable winter meant many mornings of bleary-eyed students rejoicing at snow days. Now theyre making that lost class time up. But theyre not the only ones.

In Kimberly, at least 10 teachers plan to volunteer after school is out for the summer with projects including cleaning school buses, landscaping work and organizing school libraries. They say its their way to make up work days in their contract that were canceled this winter because of snowy weather.

Lance Butler, a fourth-grade teacher at Kimberly Elementary School, came up with the idea after thinking about how other professionals dont get paid if they dont work. He wants to honor his contract and set a good example for his students.

We signed contracts and said we would work a certain number of days, and we need to honor our word, said Butler, who has taught at Kimberly Elementary for about 15 years.

Kimberly teachers are on a 190-day contract and five of those days are paid holidays.

Butler said hes still working out the details of how interested teachers will volunteer. Some may wait until a few weeks into the summer in order to help out with summer school.

Butler plans to volunteer for five days  the number of snow days this school year.

It was a particularly harsh winter, and many Magic Valley school districts had the most snow days theyd seen in two decades.

Kimberly had five snow days, plus one early release day. The school board decided to schedule one makeup school day, set for Friday.

More than a month ago, Butler sent out an email to all Kimberly School District teachers about the idea of volunteering beyond their scheduled end date.

Butler said the responses were positive, although a few teachers were concerned about the idea. But he said he stressed its purely optional and a volunteer opportunity.

He expects more teachers will show up than the approximately 10 who gave a definitive yes.

Kami Michelli, a fifth-grade teacher at Kimberly Elementary School, is among those who plans to volunteer.

Kimberly schools are the heart of the community and many people put in volunteer hours, said Michelli, who has worked at the elementary school for about eight years. Its really important that we show as much commitment to the school as they do.

The five snow days this winter came with a hefty price tag for the school district. It spent about $150,000 just for its regular payroll  $30,000 per day.

But employees werent at work, students werent in class, and children missed a week of instructional time.

Idaho requires students to be in class for a minimum of 450 hours for kindergarten, 810 for first through third grades, 900 for fourth through eighth grades and 990 for ninth through 12th grades.

Local school boards can waive up to 11 hours of instructional time for weather or facility issues.

Many Magic Valley school districts build in plenty of extra hours into their school year calendar. But some districts are requiring students to make up some of the hours they missed.

The large number of snow days has been interesting, Butler said. Students start standardized testing soon, and snow days have led to less preparation time.

Those are five days we can never get back, he said.

Snow days are miserable, Michelli said, adding they make a teachers job more difficult. We dont want a snow day.

It means bumping back planned lessons and spelling tests, for example.

Theres a lot of rearranging, Michelli said, and the children come back super excited after getting a day off.

Its really tough to have a plan for the week and have it disrupted, she said.

Students who are absent from school under any other circumstance are expected to make up missed work.

And while snow days are a treat for children, Butler said, he explains to his students that adults still have to go to work, find a way to get it done from home or risk not being paid.

Volunteering for missed school days is his way of taking his lesson from the classroom to the real world.
TWIN FALLS  Idahos biggest day of giving is a month away, but nonprofits have just more than a week to sign up.

The deadline for nonprofit organizations to sign up for Idaho Gives is April 15. In addition to reaching potential new donors, nonprofits stand to share in an award pool that has a number of prizes throughout the day.

Interlink Volunteer Caregivers, a nonprofit that provides volunteer assistance to the elderly, frail, chronically ill and disabled, has participated in Idaho Gives for the past five years.

The benefit of participating in Idaho Gives is to really bring awareness to all the work that all the nonprofits do, said Edie Schab, executive director of Interlink Volunteer Caregivers. It attracts new and younger donors to nonprofits. Weve been extremely successful and we actually consider it as one of our main fundraisers of the year.

Idaho Gives is slated for May 4 and is the fifth year for the event.

The Idaho Nonprofit Center has set a goal of raising $1 for every adult in Idaho or about $1.2 million. Idaho Gives has raised more than $3.5 million for charitable causes in the state since 2012. The minimum for online donations is $10.

Schab said her staff will have two donation centers available May 4 to make a donation to any nonprofit. A donation center will be at Java from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and at Scooters from 11:30 a.m. until close on May 4.

This year, we are aiming to raise more funds for Idaho nonprofits than ever before, said Amy Little, executive director of the Idaho Nonprofit Center, in a statement. Hundreds of causes both big and small have joined together to raise money  giving Idahoans unlimited ways to help build strong communities.

Idaho Gives has upgraded its donation platform to GiveGab. The new platform will allow for a number of enhancements, including lower fees and faster payout of donations, says a statement.

Idaho nonprofits bring both economic and intrinsic value to our state, Little said. We want to make it as easy as possible for them to engage with donors and boost their fundraising, so they can put more dollars to work supporting their missions.

Nonprofits can sign up at IdahoGives.org. Idahoans can also make their online donations at IdahoGives.org on May 4.
Dorthy Nguyen Morrison, 67, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away March 27, 2017. She was the wife of Richard Morrison, formerly of Buhl and Twin Falls. No services are planned.

Norval Wildman, 87, of Chandler, AZ and previously of the Magic Valley passed away, Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at his home. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home

June Lorraine Emberton, 91, of Twin Falls passed away Wednesday morning, April 5, 2017 at Willowbrook Assisted Living Center in Twin Falls. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.

Jessie Grace Olson, 84, of Filer, passed away on April 5, 2017 at her home. Funeral arrangements under the direction of White Mortuary Chapel by the Park.

David Funke, 75, passed away at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center on Tuesday April 4, 2017. Arrangements are pending under the Direction of Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home, Twin Falls, Idaho.

Marvin Seth Fletcher, 86, of Rupert passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Minidoka Memorial Hospital. Services are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.
March 16, 1924  March 25, 2017

WENDELL  Dorothy Welles Hagerman, 93, a resident of Fruitland and formerly of Wendell, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2017 in Payette.

Dorothy was born to J. Sloat and Arvilla Welles on March 16, 1924 in Elmira, New York. She attended a country school followed by four years of high school at Corning Free Academy in Corning, New York. In 1943, she attended Michigan State College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree with a teaching certificate in Home Economics. She qualified and received training in Child Development through the Meryll Palmer Institute in Detroit, Michigan. She taught one year in Granville, Michigan before marrying Richard H. Hagerman in 1947. She received her PHT (Putting Hubby Through) teaching in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1951, her husband graduated from dental school, and they were blessed with their first daughter born the same month.

In the fall of 1951, Dick and Dot moved to Wendell, Idaho where they raised three daughters: Mary Lou Koto, Christine Jensen and Anne Wilcox. Dorothy enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was involved in the United Presbyterian Women and Womens Circle. She was a Bible study teacher and elder in the Living Waters Presbyterian Church of Wendell. Dorothys community service included PTA boards, 4-H Clubs and a Home Economics Teachers Club. After her daughters were grown, Dorothy led home Bible studies in Wendell and attended Bible Study Fellowship in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Dorothy wanted others to know the joy she had experienced in knowing a Savior, Jesus Christ and so supported many missionary and service organizations.

Dorothy was preceded in death by: a daughter, Christine and three older brothers, George, William and J. Sloat, Jr (Welles).

She is survived by: her husband, Dick; daughters, Mary Lou (Mike) Koto and Anne Wilcox; granddaughters, Erica Jensen, Amy Jensen, Jaime Wilcox and Noel Koto; along with nine great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Living Waters Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Wendell, Idaho on Tuesday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service  Wendell Chapel.

Memorials may be sent to: Living Waters Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 821 East Main Street, Wendell, ID 83355.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.
March 18, 1939  April 1, 2017

Kolen (Shorty) Zufelt was called home to join his beloved wife, LaVera (Blondie) on April 1, 2017. He was surrounded by several of his eight children and one of his many grandchildren. He was born March 18, 1939 in Durango, Colorado.

Shorty is survived by his sister, Klea; his eight children, Shirlene (Frank), Kathlene, Kristine (Mike), Carolyn (Victor), Robert, Toni (Randy), Auddie (Cheyenne), and Kandy (Bob). He was preceded in death by his eternal companion LaVera (Blondie); his parents, James and Erma Zufelt; and his brothers, Jim, Oren, Val, and Dennis.

Shorty was greatly loved by all who met him. He knew that one of his missions in life was to make people smile and laugh which he surely accomplished. Shortys signature was his cowboy hat and his YA-TA-HEY to all he made contact with. Shorty was a true cowboy and would tell you if you were a real cowboy or a drugstore cowboy!

He was loved and nurtured by everyone that knew him and cared for him at the Central Utah Veterans Home.

Shorty was a foster grandparent and played Santa Clause for many years. He touched countless children and adults hearts and lives. They loved him so much! He was in the height of his glory when surrounded by children.

Shorty served our country with great pride and joy, in the Army. He loved our country and was very patriotic and loyal to Her.

Above and beyond all of this, his greatest love was his Blondie; his children; his 116 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and his relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday evening, April 6, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Walker Funeral Home, 187 S Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Avenue E, Twin Falls, Idaho with Bishop Jared Walker conducting. A viewing for family and friends will take place from 12:00-1:45 PM prior to services at Reynolds Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park with military honors by the Magic Valley Honor Guard and Idaho National Guard.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.reynoldschapel.com.
HANSEN  A baby delivered 16 weeks prematurely last month in Twin Falls is battling medical complications.

Born weighing 1 pound, 1 ounce March 13 at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, Rainna Crabb is now three weeks old. She has a hole in her heart, and her kidneys arent functioning properly.

Doctors gave Rainna medication to try to close the hole, her aunt Kindra Perez said Wednesday. After taking two of three doses, her kidney stopped working because of the medication.

Despite the obstacles, Perez said the baby is doing OK.

Doctors are letting Rainna try to gain strength, she said, and its too early to tell if the baby will need to undergo surgery.

Rainnas mother, Hansen resident Samantha Crabb, thought everything was on track last month with her pregnancy. Just a couple of days after a checkup, she went to the hospital with stomach pain and ended up going into labor at 24 weeks.

Tiny Rainna now weighs 1 pound, 4 ounces  up just three ounces from her birth weight.

She remains at St. Lukes Childrens Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit in Boise, where shell stay at least until her original due date of July 2.

Rainnas parents havent left the hospital in three weeks except to get food nearby, Perez said. Rainna is their first child.

One positive development: Rainna has been able to cuddle with her parents. Mom and Dad have gotten to hold her already, Perez said.

Perez is still raising money to help the couple with medical expenses and to allow them to continue to stay in Boise with their daughter.

So far, she has raised $850 toward a $3,000 goal.

There was also a great turnout at a pig roast dinner, auction and raffle Saturday at Kimberly City Park, Perez said.

She said the family is thankful for the community support theyve received.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  The chairman of the House intelligence committee announced Thursday he is temporarily stepping aside from the panel's probe into Russian meddling in last year's presidential election.

The decision by Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., comes amid partisan turmoil on the committee. Democrats have alleged that Nunes, who was on President Donald Trump's transition team, is too close to the White House and cannot lead an impartial inquiry.

"Several leftwing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics," Nunes said in a statement. "The charges are entirely false and politically motivated, and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power."

Nunes did not disclose details of the allegations.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he supported Nunes' decision and said the congressman is eager to talk to the ethics panel.

"It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in our election," Ryan said.

He said he believes it is in the best interests of the committee and Congress to have GOP Reps. Mike Conaway of Texas, with help from Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and Rep. Tom Rooney of Florida, temporarily take charge of the investigation while the House Ethics Committee looks into the issue.

"I will continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as committee chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims," Nunes said.

He said he is confident that Conaway will oversee a professional investigation into Russia's actions and follow the facts wherever they lead.
After five months of deadlock and few weeks of suspense, a coalition Government came into being Wednesday and its 39 members were sworn-in at a ceremony in Rabat chaired by King Mohammed VI.

The 39-member Cabinet, led by the moderate Islamist Party for Justice and Development (PJD), is composed of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and Constitutional Union (UC), both liberal parties, the traditionalist Popular Movement (MP) and the leftist Party for progress and Socialism (PPS) and Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP).

Twenty members of the new Government of Saad Eddine El Othmani were part of the outgoing cabinet, including eight PJD ministers (Mostafa Ramid, Mustapha El Khalfi, Mohamed Najib Boulif, Aziz Rabbah, Abdelkader Amara, Jamila Moussalli, Lahcen Daoudi and Bassima Hakkaoui), four RNI ministers (Aziz Akhannouch, Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Mohamed Boussaid, and Mbarka Bouaida) and three PPS ministers (Nabil Benabdallah, Lhoussaine Louardi and Charafat Afilal).

Leaders of three political parties were positioned at the helm of mega-ministries. These are RNIs Aziz Akhannouch who holds the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, PPSs Mohamed Nabil Benabdallah, who was appointed Minister of National Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and Urban Policy and UCs Mohamed Sajid, appointed Minister of Tourism, Air Transport, Crafts and Social Economy.

The Ministries of Culture and Communication have been merged and the new portfolio is held by Mohamed Laaraj, author of nearly twenty books and dozens of papers and analyses.

The cabinet also includes technocrats, i.e. ministers without political affiliation. These are Mohamed Hassad who leaves the Interior Ministry to head the Ministry of Education, Nasser Bourita who has been promoted from Junior Foreign Minister to Minister of Foreign affairs and International Cooperation in replacement of Salaheddine Mezouar, as well as Ahmed Toufiq and Abdellatif Loudyi, who keep the portfolios respectively of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and of the Administration of National Defense.

Driss Dahhak was replaced in the position of Secretary General of the Government by Mohamed El Hajjoui.

The El Othmani Government includes nine women, i.e. three more than in the outgoing cabinet formation, but only one, Bassima Hakkaoui, holds the position of Minister (Women, Family and Solidarity), all her other female colleagues are Junior Ministers or Secretaries of State. Besides Hakkaoui, Mbarka Bouaida, Charafat Afailal and Jamila El Moussali were part of the outgoing Government, while Lamia Boutaleb, Mounia Boucetta, Nezha El Ouafi, Rkia Derham, and Fatna El Khiyel are new comers.

The participation of six parties in the new coalition gives the El Othmani Government a comfortable majority of 240 seats out of 395. The opposition, to be led mainly by the liberal Party for Authenticity and Modernity (PAM/102 seats) and the conservative Istiqlal Party (PI/46 seats) will find it hard to challenge the governmental coalition.
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.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco named on Wednesday a new government coalition headed by a member of the ruling Islamist party, the Party for Justice and Development (PJD), after unprecedented six-month political deadlock in the North African country.

The new cabinet, headed by Saad-Eddine El Othmani, president of the National Council of the PJD, which won last October elections, includes moderate Islamists, liberals and leftists. It consists of 39 ministers, state ministers and state secretaries, including nine women.

Besides the PJD, the government of El Othmani, a former foreign Affairs minister, includes members from the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the Popular Movement (MP), the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), the Constitutional Union (UC) and the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP).

Key posts such as defense, security, religious & foreign affairs were given to personalities with no political affiliation. Some members of the past PJD-led government stayed in the new cabinet such as economy minister Mohamed Boussaid, minister of Trade & Industry Moulay Hafid Elalamy and minister of agriculture and fisheries Aziz Akhannouch.

Nasser Bourita, a former delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is Moroccos new foreign minister, while Mohamed Aujar, former permanent representative of the Kingdom to the United Nations in Geneva, becomes the new justice minister.

The PJD, which lost its control of the justice department, has been given ministries of Human rights, transport, energy, Labor and family affairs. Following the October elections, the PJD succeeded in convincing two other parties, the PPS and the Istiqlal Party to join a coalition, and needed only one other party to achieve a majority and form a government. But Aziz Akhanouch, the new head of RNI has put conditions on joining the coalition. He insisted on the exclusion of the Istiqlal Party and the inclusion of three parties: the UC, the MP and the USFP, which gained modest votes in the latest parliamentary elections.

Abdelilah Benkirane, the former Head of Government, argued he made enough concessions in favor of the RNI as it excluded the Istiqlal Party and relinquished the presidency of the parliament to the USFP, but refused the USFP participation in his cabinet. The Benkirane-Akhannouch showdown deadlocked the negotiations.

To unlock the impasse, King Mohammed VI picked El Othmani who accepted the presence of the USFP in the new government coalition, a move, which helped to break the ice, reach a compromise and open a new page in Moroccos political life.
Nigerias former oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has been charged for money laundering by the West African nations Federal High Court in Lagos.

Alison-Madueke, who was minister from 2010 until May 2015 under former president Goodluck Jonathan, is accused of bribing members of the National Electoral Commission before the 2015 national election, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said in a statement.

She was arrested in 2015 in London on allegations of money-laundering and has been granted bail.

The Lagos-based Federal High Court has recently issued an order allowing the countrys anti-graft body to confiscate over $150m belonging to her.

The funds, misappropriated from the Nigerian national oil company NNPC, which was overseen by Allison-Madueke, were seized by the anti-corruption agency, EFCC. Allison-Madueke, 56, has denied any wrongdoing.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari who came to power in 2015, vowed to trace and recover what he called the mindboggling sums that have been stolen from the oil sector.

The anti-graft agency says it has recovered up to $9.1 billion in stolen funds, but has refused to identify the looters.

Allison-Madueke was the first woman oil minister in Nigeria  Africas largest producer  and the first female president of the global oil cartel OPEC.
President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila on Wednesday vowed to appoint a new Prime Minister within 48 hours, calling on opposition coalition to nominate candidates for the position.

The move comes barely 5 months after Kabila appointed opposition politician Samy Badibanga as Prime Minister, under a controversial power-sharing deal reached after months of talks. The main opposition coalition created by late opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi boycotted the peace agreement, which they described as non-inclusive, and promised to protest till Kabila steps down.

The coalition now chaired by the son of Etienne Tshisekedi called for ghost towns and general strike on April 5 and planned a series of protests as of April 10.

According to Felix Tshisekedi, the protests are meant to showcase the discontent of the opposition at the failure of political negotiations undertaken by the Catholic Church in the DRC.

Violent anti-Kabila protests in September triggered by the political instability claimed 53 lives, according to the UN.

President Joseph Kabila is expected to step down after elections that must be held before the end of this year.
Four Malians arrested on Tuesday as part of investigations into the abduction of a Columbia nun were charged on Wednesday, Prosecutor General Boubacar Sidiki Samake said.

Gloria Cecilia Narvaez Argoti was abducted in February in the village of Karangasoo near the border with Burkina Faso.

The 56-year-old Franciscan nun was one of four nuns working in Karangasso, southern Mali, and the only one to have been taken hostage, the Colombian Embassy in the West African capital of Accra, Ghana said.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the kidnapping. Search and rescue operations by Malis security forces are still ongoing.

The north fell under the control of Tuareg-led rebels and jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012. They were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013. But attacks and kidnappings are still rampant.

A national peace summit in Mali ended last week with a call for negotiations with jihadists in the countrys north.

The conference, enshrined in the countrys 2015 peace deal, was intended to bring together the government, armed groups that support it, former rebels and the political opposition.

Malis jihadists did not sign the 2015 peace deal that aimed to quell separatist uprisings in the north.
About 880,000 eligible voters are going to the polls Thursday in the first free parliamentary election in 22 years in Gambia.

A total of 238 candidates from nine parties are competing for the 53 seats in the West African tiny nations national assembly.

Observers from the European Union, African Union and ECOWAS are monitoring the election process.

Our electoral system is second to none in terms of its transparency, credibility, fairness and accuracy. No one can rig it, The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairman Alieu Momarr Njai said.

The results of each of the 53 Constituencies must be collated at each of the 7 Administrative Areas before being announced by the Returning Officer and transmitted to me for announcement over GRTS, he said.

The coalition of seven political parties led by new President Adama Barrow who won the 2016 presidential election agreed to split and stand for the parliamentary election under their individual parties.

Among the candidates registered, about thirty belong to former President Yahya Jammehs Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) party.
The International Chamber of Commerce-Georgia filed an official claim at the High Council of Justice against Tbilisi City Court Judge Vladimir Kakabadze

The International Chamber of Commerce-Georgia has filed an official claim on March 24, 2017 at the High Council of Justice against Tbilisi City Court Judge Vladimir Kakabadze.In its claim ICC-Georgia details all the irregularities committed by Judge Kakabadze against three ICC members, Terabank, Phillip Morris International and British American Tobacco.Those irregularities have caused the three foreign companies a cumulative prejudice of about 150 million USD.In its claim the International Chamber of Commerce has requested the following:1. To take disciplinary measures against Judge Kakabadze and suspend his salary.2. To study the cases of the three damaged companies and the way the legal process was handled by Judge Kakabadze.3. To investigate why those three cases that were initially sent to different judges were all transferred to Judge Kakabadze and who was the person who ordered this transfer.4. To investigate all the trips that Judge Kakabadze took outside Georgia in the past two years.5. To ensure the immediate transfer of Terabank case to a trusted judge.The International Chamber of Commerce expresses it deepest concerns regarding the actions of Judge Kakabadze and will be following very closely the investigation by the High Council of Justice.ICC will be following very closely the investigation of the High Council of Justice, we sincerely hope that the High Council of Justice will perform its duties diligently. ICC expresses its full support to the government of Georgia under the leadership of Prime Minister Kvirikashvili and considers that the actions of Judge Kakabadze have not only harmed major investors and weakened the investment climate but have as well seriously harmed and in the first place the hard work of the government. said Fady Asly Chairman of ICC-Georgia.ICC Georgia is the largest and most vocal global Business Association in the country; it includes over 350 corporate and youth members and 28 business associations. The International Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the world that includes over 6.5 million businesses and chambers of commerce. ICC is a permanent observer member of the United Nations and consults regularly at the global level with the G8, G20, the World Bank, WTO and WCO.
Ural Airlines to launch flight from Saint Petersburg to Kutaisi

Russian Air Company Ural Airlines plans to carry out direct flights from the Russian town of St. Petersburg to Georgias western town of Kutaisi.Flights on the route St. PetersburgKutaisiSt. Petersburg will be performed once a week, on Wednesdays, starting April 28.Flights will be carried out by Airbus A319/320/321 type aircrafts.Ural Airlines carried out its debut flight from Russias capital of Moscow to Georgias Black Sea resort town of Batumi last year and offered service five times a week.However, starting this May, the company promises to have nine flights instead, including two flights on Wednesdays and Sundays.Both Kutaisi and Batumi airports are operated by TAV Georgia, the daughter company of Turkey-based TAV Airports Holding.
Kazakhstan reveals plans for cargo transportation via Azerbaijan

Kazakhstan plans to export over 450,000 tons of gas oil via the new Kuryk port and then through Azerbaijan and Georgia until late 2017, Head of Kazakhstan Railways National Company Kanat Alpysbayev told reporters in Baku.He made the remarks on the sidelines of the general meeting of the Union of Legal Entities of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route association.He noted that currently the work is underway to expand the line of cargoes transported through the port of Kuryk, and first of all, the export of goods from Kazakhstan is being considered.Also, the opportunities for the transportation of transit cargo, for example, raw sugar, in the volume of over 150,000-200,000 tons back to Uzbekistan before the end of the year through the Kuryk port are being worked out, he added.Alpysbayev said that more than 15,000 tons of cargoes have been transported through the port of Kuryk so far.Until the end of the year, it is planned to transport about one million tons of cargoes in all directions, he said.The first cargo arrived at the Baku International Sea Trade Port from Kazakhstans new port Kuryk in Alat on March 25, 2017.The Kuryk port with a total area of 40 hectares is located on the Trans-Caspian international transport route, which is of great importance for handling the cargo going via this route.The new complex is located closer to the Baku port, than the Aktau port, through which transit was carried out previously. The voyage from Kuryk to Baku takes 18 hours.
Georgia targets at EU membership

By Messenger Staff

We feel ambitious to become the EU plenipotentiary member, Georgias Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze said when holding a meeting with locals at western Kutaisi University on the weekend.Georgia needs to prepare as best as possible in this respect, it should establish the EU standards and become closer and closer to the EU, the minister added.He stressed the EU membership could be achieved only by means of complex and comprehensive views and an action plan.We are the European country, a route to Asia for Europe and a door to Europe for our Asian partners. We are no bridge, but part of Europe, Janelidze stated.Several days ago Georgia was granted visa waiver in the EUs Schengen area that was a big achievement for the country, meaning Georgians could travel without visas in the Schengen zone for 90 days in any 180-day period.This was a massage that Europe perceived Georgia as its part and Georgia was also doing its best to return to its historic roots.One day Georgia may become a member of the European Union. However, taking Georgias current socioeconomic situation into account this shouldnt be in the near future.Of course, EU wont open its door for us soon, but in case the Union did this, the results may have been quite negative for Georgia.The fact is that any country must be well-prepared for the membership of big unions.Currently majority of the Georgian people live in poverty. The countrys key problem is unemployment and many social and economic problems remain unresolved.Membership of the EU means introducing EU standards in all directions, which are really good for any state from democratic and development point of view.However, the EU membership could also mean increased expenses and taxes the country is not ready for.The most important aspect in any reform is that it must bring benefits for the country and its population.The best indicator of successful reforms is the quality of living conditions for the people.Georgia still vitally requires the reforms that will provide high living standards for the people of Georgia.
The News in Brief

UNM, European Georgia at EPP Congress



On March 29-30, some 2,500 delegates have gathered at the European Peoples Party (EPP) Congress in Malta to debate a range of foreign and security policies affecting Europe, as well as economic development and social inclusion. Representatives of two Georgian opposition parties were also present. The United National Movement (UNM) has been an observer member since 2008, while the Movement for Liberty-European Georgia has split off from UNM and applied to become EPP observers this January.



Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who represented the UNM in his capacity as the partys honorary chairman, spoke at the Plenary Session under the Non-EU Opposition Leaders segment on March 29.



Saakashvili began his speech by thanking EPP for speaking very strongly in favor of Georgias visa liberalization process. Starting from yesterday, Georgian citizens can travel without visas to every European country. My government started the negotiations, we presided over them, we prepared them ... but we still could not believe until it happened, Mikheil Saakashvili stated.



Its like a dream come true, he added.



Calling his nine-year rule the successful reform experiment in the Post-Soviet world, MikheilSaakashvili underlined that the United National Movement managed to change the country beyond recognition and set examples for other countries in the region.



In 2012 we had one more proud achievement, he went on. For the first time in my countrys history we had a nonviolent, peaceful and democratic transfer of power to the next government. But the only problem, Saakashvili added, was that the power was transferred to the people who do not seem to happen to ever be ready to wield power peacefully again through reforms, through changes and through democracy.



Power was taken over by the biggest shareholder of Gazprom [Bidzina] Ivanishvili (Georgias former Prime Minister) and he proceeded to imprison all the main opposition leaders, to exile the others and I still cannot go back to my country, ex-President explained.



Mikheil Saakashvili stated that the Government with the support of the international community managed to stop Russia in 2008, but four years later the Russian oligarch and the Russian state applied active measures, provocations, bribery, all the methods we see now all around the world ... and captured the power and the very Georgian state.



We had a capture of the state not through military means but through elections. And here we are in this situation, when we have formally a democracy, but what they achieved [is that] they killed the most daring reform experiment in post-Soviet space that challenged the very essence of Putins system and the Russian regime, Saakashvili said.



This is one of the biggest challenges we have now to the European democracies, Mikheil Saakashvili argued, referring to the capture of power by oligarchs in countries such as Georgia and Moldova. This is an overall threat that menaces the very core of values for which we stand.



I think freedom is freedom everywhere, in all parts of the continent, democracy means democracy, elections mean elections, freedom of expression means freedom of expression everywhere [and] as the most value-based political family of the European continent we really count on you as a family to raise your voice for our values, Saakashvili concluded.



MP Gigi Tsereteli, member of the Movement for Liberty-European Georgia, spoke at the Plenary Sessions panel discussion on social inclusion on March 29.



According to Tsereteli, in order to establish inclusive societies it is decisive to engage individuals in the processes by which the society is managed and represented. The main principles for inclusive society are respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, cultural and religious diversity, social justice and support for the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, democratic participation and rule of law.



Our policy frameworks must uphold and promote just and inclusive processes in all areas of implementation and equal access to basic education, public space, facilities and information must be ensured One of the critical issues for the inclusive society is the fairness in distribution of wealth and resources, MP Tsereteli said.

(civil.ge)







Open Society criticizes Hungarys government for anti-NGO law



Open Society Foundations criticizes the Hungarian government and accuses it of trying to silence academic freedom by proposing a law against internationally funded NGOs, which will make it impossible for the Central European University in Budapest to operate.



OSFs statement is dated March 29 and was given to DFWatch by Open Society Georgia Foundation.



In a breach of the freedom and autonomy of higher education institutions in Hungary and around the world, the Hungarian government has proposed amendments to the National Higher Education Law that would make it impossible for Central European University  and possibly other international institutions  to continue operations within the country.



These changes would endanger the academic freedom vital for CEUs continued operation in Budapest and would strike a blow against the academic freedom that enables all universities to flourish.



It is time for friends, supporters, and educational and academic communities to defend our institution and the independence of higher education institutions around the globe, the OSGF statement reads.



Budapests Central European University is a hub of liberal international education in Hungary and in much of Eastern Europe. There are over 300 CEU graduates in Georgia.



Hungary is being ruled by the right-wing prime minister Viktor Urban and his Fidesz party.



Statement by Open Society Foundations:



With the proposed legislation targeting the Central European University, the Hungarian government has taken a step towards silencing academic freedom at a university that is private and independent, funded by a generous endowment but independent in its academic activities. Any legislative measure that makes it impossible for CEU to operate in Budapest would destroy the fabric of cooperation with Hungarian institutions and the Hungarian public and would damage Hungarys reputation as a center of innovation, academic excellence, and scientific inquiry.



The government has also threatened to pass a law against internationally funded NGOs, which would further diminish the voices of average Hungarians on education, health and anti-corruption initiatives.



The victims of this unprecedented crack down on academic independence and civil society will be ordinary Hungarians.



George Soros started a foundation in Hungary in 1984 and helped the transition to democracy from communism there and across eastern Europe. He established the Central European University in 1991. Today, the Open Society Foundations and the Central European University are separate institutions, sharing a founder and values.

(DF WATCH)




@amysherman1

The Volusia County Republican Party says that the federal government is promoting Islam to public school children.

"The United States Department of Education has introduced an Islamic indoctrination program for the public schools, called Access Islam," states the mass email sent by the party April 2.

The email said that classroom instructions have students learning "the core duties of Muslims" and "what it means to proclaim faith or belief as a Muslim."

"The Education Department offers no similar learning material for Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism or any other major world religion. Just Islam," the email said.

This claim earns a failing grade, though.

Access Islam is a real program for school teachers looking to offer lesson plans on the religion of Islam. But to say its part of an "indoctrination program" delivered from the federal government isnt accurate.

Heres your tutorial on the facts from PolitiFact Florida.
@JeremySWallace

The insurance industry isnt happy.

For the last two years, the industry has pressed the Florida Legislature to pass legislation aimed at curbing a spike in lawsuits over disputed water claims from homeowners, particularly in South Florida. But House and Senate versions of what to do are dramatically different, raising the possibility that nothing will ultimately pass this year to address what one Miami area insurance agent called a growing cancer.

We are holding this press conference today, because we are here halfway through the 2017 legislative session and it appears another year may pass without reforms, said Dulce Suarez-Resnick at a rally at the Florida Capitol Building.

She said if reforms do not come, consumers are looking at rate increases to offset the cost of litigation. She said Citizens Property Insurance is looking at a 50 percent rate increase all because the Legislature is tolerating an undeniable problem.

Suarez-Resnick was with a press conference organized by a group calling itself The Consumer Protection Coalition, which includes Citizens Property Insurance Corporation officials, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.

To address water claims, insurance companies have backed legislation that would make it harder for contractors representing consumers to get attorneys fees paid for if they take the insurance companies to court over claims. The way it works now, is that a homeowner can do an assignment of benefits that allows a contractor to sue an insurance company on their behalf to get claims for work paid.

The House is moving with a bill to do what the insurance industry wants. But in the Senate, Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, is moving a bill that doesnt address the attorney fee issue at all, and instead focuses more on requiring water restoration companies to get licensed in Florida.

After the press conference Farmer was unapologetic about pushing a bill that the insurance industry opposes. He said the assignment of benefits process is a key resource for homeowners to get insurance companies to pay up claims and avoid getting low-balled when they have a legitimate claim.

The Assignment of Benefits enables consumers to get claims more quickly, Farmer said.

PHOTO: Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier was part of a press conference on Thursday at the State Capitol Building urging the Florida Legislature to pass reforms to halt a surge in lawsuits related to water loss claims.
Hes not the only one.

Retired New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is also showing interest in the club, according to Fox Business Network.

Marlins officials would neither confirm nor deny the reports.

I have no comment, said Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, who is in Washington to watch his team.

The former Florida governor expressed interest in ownership of the Marlins in 2013. But that was before team officials announced the franchise was for sale.
via @amyhollyfield

On Wednesday night, the immensely popular game show Jeopardy featured a question about PolitiFact, the Tampa Bay Times' award-winning fact-checking website. The $1,000 question came up in the Double Jeopardy round. Category: TV Talk.

"The website politifact has a page called THISfact to check the experts who come on political talk shows."

Returning champion Abigail Myers, an education administrator from Brooklyn, N.Y., did not hestiate with the correct answer: "What is PunditFact?" "Yes," Alex Trebek responded.

PunditFact is dedicated to checking the accuracy of claims by pundits, columnists, bloggers, political analysts, the hosts and guests of talk shows, and other members of the media.

Watch the fun in real time, about 7 minutes into this video.

The Miami Herald is a partner in PolitiFact Florida.
The 2017 Great Rockies Sport Show tour in Montana concluded last weekend at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman.

I attended all of the Great Rockies shows in Montana this year, which were held in Billings, Helena, Missoula and Bozeman. All the shows were well-attended with families enjoying all the activities and seminars that the shows offered. I was there representing the Montana Outdoor Radio Show in a booth, so it gave me a chance to meet thousands of folks who enjoy the great Montana outdoors just like I do.

It is interesting to me what the people attending each year want to talk about  or maybe I should say, what trips their trigger. A few years back it was the wolves and how they were hurting the states elk population. A couple of years ago it seemed like more anglers were wanting to know more about how to catch walleyes.

The past few months at the shows, one topic really dominated most of the conversations. People wanted to know about Fort Peck Reservoir and they wanted to know how to fish for the Chinook salmon that were caught by more than a few anglers trolling on the lake last year.

Where do these king salmon come from? Are they natural to the lake? Do they taste like the salmon you catch out of the ocean, or the salmon that come back to spawn up the Clearwater and Salmon rivers in Idaho in the spring?

To begin, Chinook salmon are not natural to Fort Peck. This is what the state's website, mt.gov, had to say how salmon initially got into Fort Peck Reservoir:

One of two Pacific salmon species in Montana, the Chinook salmon was introduced into Fort Peck Reservoir during the 1980s in an effort to produce a trophy fishery. Like all Pacific salmon species, the Chinook dies after spawning. It is doubtful that these fish will reproduce in Fort Peck, but due to their intense homing instinct they will return to where they were stocked when they are ready to spawn. They may then be captured and artificially propagated in the hatchery."

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks collect eggs every fall from salmon that come into the bays attempting to spawn where were stocked. How good the salmon fishing will be three to four years from that point depends on two things. One, how many eggs did they collect on any given year? (In 2012, FWP collected 574,229 salmon eggs.)

Two, how many salmon smolt did they stock the following year from those eggs that they collected? The goal is to grow the salmon smolt in the Fort Peck fish hatchery to around 4.5 inches and release them the following year in June.

From that point the salmon will grow as big as 29 pounds. Most salmon that were caught last year were in the 12- to 14-pound range. Anglers targeting salmon typically fish with downriggers in depths ranging from 60-110 feet. They troll 2-2.4 miles per hour trolling an 8- or 11-inch flasher trailed by a squid, fly, or Brads cut plug.

The best time to fish for salmon seems to be the middle of July to late August, even though salmon were caught last year by anglers before and after that window. Salmon in Fort Peck feed on cisco and do taste like ocean salmon, which target herring. The meat on the Fort Peck salmon is not as pink, but I think they taste as good either baked, barbecued or smoked.
BILLINGS  American Indians are too often left in the dark by federal government campaigns to raise public health awareness, a Billings ad firm told U.S. House candidate Rob Quist on Wednesday.

Federal agencies spend into nine figures to alert the public about basic health dangers like unsafe sex or tobacco use, but messaging to American Indians is often underfunded, the co-owners of G&G Advertising said. They asked Quist, a Democrat, to do something about it, if elected.

The FDA has a $600 million campaign to combat smoking throughout the country. Who has the highest rates and who gets the least amount of money? Indian Country, Michael Gray said. Drugs, alcohol, seatbelt usage, everything about that. Its like a constant battle for us to get to the table.

G&G is a full-service advertising and public relations agency that specializes in populations that are hard to reach, like American Indians. Grays father is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe.

Quist, Republican Greg Gianforte and Libertarian Mark Wicks are vying to replace Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke as Montanas only Congressman. Zinke resigned last month after being appointed to his cabinet position. Absentee ballots for a special election will be mailed April 28. Voting ends May 25.

The upcoming 2020 U.S. Census is a major concern, Gray said, because so much of what the federal government does is based on population. American Indian communities are usually under-counted.

After the 2010 Census, the federal government estimated that American Indians and Alaska Natives living on reservations had been under-counted by 4.9 percent.

Were one of the hardest groups of people to count, Gray said. But were one of those communities or areas that depends so highly on an accurate count.

Quist said he is committed to helping American Indians in Congress. He was meeting with G&G to discuss Indian small business issues.

I really feel like this is going to be a top priority for me because throughout my full life Ive really studied Native cultures and history and its just been a fascination of mine, Quist said.

A Cut Bank native, Quist grew up on the edge of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, where his mother was a teacher. American Indians were a focus of his days in southcentral Montana. Earlier in the day, Quist spoke with Western Native Voice, a nonprofit social justice organization serving American Indians.

Quist said his priority would be getting assigned to the House Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee, which is part of the House Natural Resources committee. In the U.S. House, the subcommittee oversees all federal issues affecting 1.9 million enrolled members from 566 federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native corporations.

I know there are so many problems that have to be dealt with in terms of the meth situation, and alcohol fetal syndrome and health care, Quist said. The candidate outlined ideas for addressing nutrition and housing problems on reservations and expressed support for getting federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe and getting qualified doctors onto reservations.
HELENA  The remaining bill intended to battle suicide in Montana was heavily amended Wednesday to broaden its scope and divide $1 million among multiple programs, although some legislators said its missing important policy.

Legislators in House Appropriations were up against a deadline last week and decided to move only one of three suicide prevention bills forward to the Senate and table the other two. Committee members said they hoped a working group could combine multiple pieces into one comprehensive bill, but some House legislators had spent years drafting their legislation and worried the final version wouldnt include the best policy. At the end of last week, it was unclear who, if anyone, would lead a working group and who would have their input included.

Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, who is the sponsor of the remaining bill, introduced House Bill 118 to a Senate committee with five pages of amendments requested by Sen. Albert Olszewski, R-Kalispell. Olszewski was said to be in charge of leading a working group, but he said he didnt expect a formal sit-down.

Both Rep. Jessica Karjala, D-Billings, and Rep. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena, had bills to address suicide prevention tabled last week. They were told by several legislators they likely wouldnt be included in the working group, regardless of its formality.

Dunwells bill would have created a suicide grant prevention program in schools and require schools to have an evidence-based prevention plan. Dunwell said she was able to reach out to Sen. Edie McClafferty, D-Butte, and make recommendations on which parts of her bill to include. The requirement of schools to have a prevention plan didnt make the cut.

Its certainly a move forward, she said. I would argue we need a lot more.

Dunwells bill would have created a special revenue account to establish a reliable funding source, but the amended version appropriates half the funds as one-time-only. She said $1 million isnt enough to solve a problem and legislators will have to justify asking for more money in the next biennium.

Its not something youre going to fix overnight, she said. Were changing a culture of suicide in Montana thats generational."

The amendment appropriates $1 million to three different prevention programs administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. A recurring $500,000 from the national Master Settlement Agreement with tobacco companies will go into a state special revenue account to fund a suicide grant prevention program, including for veterans. A one-time-only appropriation of $250,000 from the health and medicaid special revenue account will help DPHHS implement the action steps in the Montana Native American youth suicide reduction plan. The final $250,000 is also one-time-only and will provide grants for school-based prevention programs.

Karjala saw some important parts of her bill included but said she had to track down Olszewski during a brief recess to make recommendations. She said the inclusion of language to increase the knowledge of adverse childhood experiences, such as a child experiencing abuse, was crucial. She was disappointed to see its counterpart to provide trauma-based care wasnt included, since 80 percent of suicides can be attributed to an experience of trauma, she said.

House Bill 118 also added language to make sure the programs implemented are evidence-based and requires communities receiving grants to report outcomes at the end of the biennium to DPHHS.

While Karjala and Dunwell said they were frustrated to see parts of their bills missing, Dee Brown, Republican chair of the Senate State Administration committee, said the bill included everyones work.

Everyone is pulling on the same rope, and everyone is pulling in the same direction, Brown said. Everyone had part of their (bill) survive.

Brown said the committee should move the bill forward and explained the amendments to the rest of the committee. Before voting, she said she supports the bill because it allows communities to approach suicide prevention with their own evidence-based strategy.

Its also addressing that one size doesnt fit all, she said. Your community is different from my community is different from his community.

The bill will move to the Senate floor for debate.
A district judge has denied a motion to dismiss 400 felony charges, including negligent homicide, against a Florence physician accused of prescribing powerful narcotics without checking the medical history of patients.

Dr. Chris Christensen, 69, asked the court to drop the two counts of negligent homicide, 389 counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs and nine counts of criminal endangerment in January.

Ravalli County District Judge Jeffrey Langton filed his 19-page ruling just before 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Christensen was arrested in August 2015 following a year-long investigation that included a raid on his former Florence clinic on April 1, 2014, in a move law enforcement called Operation Hippocrates.

The Florence doctor is charged with providing methadone to two Missoula patients who overdosed and died, according to charging documents.

Christensens trial was originally scheduled to begin in October 2016. But it was delayed to allow him to hire a private attorney after his request for a public defender was turned down when it was determined he didnt financially qualify.

After hiring Missoula attorney Josh Van de Wetering in August, a new trial date was set for this October. The trial is expected to take a month.

In his first action for Christensen, Van de Wetering sought to have all the charges dismissed.

Van de Wetering said the state had failed to show probable cause that Christensens decision to prescribe methadone caused the death of his two patients.

On the criminal endangerment charges, Van de Wetering argued the state statute was unconstitutionally vague as applied in Christensens case.

And on the charges of drug distribution, the lawyer said state laws do not prohibit a physician from prescribing or dispensing dangerous drugs. In addition, he argued that state law exempts physicians acting in their professional practice.

Langton disagreed on all counts.

In his ruling, the judge said the state isnt required to prove its case in the initial charging affidavit. Instead, it needs to present a mere probability that the defendant had committed the offense.

From there, Langton said a district judge uses common sense to determine whether the states affidavit contains enough information to support a filing.

In this case, Langton said both he and District Judge James Haynes determined the allegations met the measure that there was a mere probability that Christensen had committed the offenses.

After the state presents its case at trial, Christensens attorney can ask for the charges to be dismissed if he believes that sufficient evidence was not presented.

Langtons ruling said the state contends that Christensen handed his victims a loaded gun in the form of powerful narcotics despite knowing they had a history of drug addiction, and as a result, they diedas a physician, he knew the risks associated with narcotics and disregarded them by making no attempt to review his victims medical records, contact their treating physicians, conduct physical examinations or review the Montana Prescriptive Drug Registry for their prior prescription history.

Langton said the states argument was persuasive enough that it should be allowed to go to a jury for determination on whether the negligent homicide charges can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

Van de Weterings argument that charging Christensen with criminal endangerment puts other physicians who prescribe similar drugs at risk also didnt resonate with Langton.

In his ruling, Langton said that argument borders on the absurd. Langton said the state claims that Christensen used what appeared to be a professional medical practice as a cover for prescribing controlled substances outside the course of a professional practice.

As for the argument that state criminal endangerment laws were vague, Langton said the state claims Christensen has been required to obtain advanced medical training to practice in Montana and cannot argue now that he didnt know the dangers associated with the uncontrolled use of controlled substances.

In addition, the judges ruling said the state points out that Christensen has specific personal knowledge of the risks associated with his conduct by the virtue of his investigation by the State of Idaho for similar conduct, in which overdose deaths occurred, for which he surrendered his Idaho medical license and was the subject of a federal indictment for distribution of controlled substances outside the course of a professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.

Whether Christensen did prescribe controlled substances to persons he knew might use the substances in an improper manner is a question for a jury, Langton said.

The judge said his court ruled in July that the issue of whether the act of prescribing controlled substances could constitute the offense of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs would be addressed in jury instructions.

Christensen faces a potential prison sentence of up to 388 life terms, plus 135 years and a fine of up to $20 million if convicted on all charges. He remains free on a $200,000 bond.
A heralded director at the University of Montana is under investigation by the Montana Human Rights Bureau for allegations of discrimination based on gender and disability.

Mark LoParco, subject of the investigation, is retiring in May after 25 years as head of UM Dining Services. LoParco denied this week that UM asked him to retire or that his coming departure is linked to allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination.

UM spokeswoman Paula Short said the university respects the privacy of its employees and cannot comment on personnel issues.

"The University of Montana has denied the allegations in the complaint filed with the Human Rights Bureau, though we cannot comment further while the matter is still pending," Short said in an email.

In September 2016, former UM Dining staff Kathleen "Kate" Slack and Rebecca "Becca" Shern filed a complaint against LoParco.

In it, the women allege LoParco, their ultimate supervisor, bullied and belittled them and other women, subjected them to misogynistic and sexist treatment, and unfairly promoted and compensated men while denying advancement to women.

Slack and Shern declined to comment through their attorney, Matthew Lowy, of Lowy Law in Missoula.

However, the document alleges UM had ample opportunity to remedy their concerns and those of other staff. The complaint alleges discrimination, constructive (that is, forced) discharge, and a hostile work environment, and it asks for expedited mediation and compensation.

"A legend has grown around Mark LoParco," said the complaint. "The University's awareness of these problems is documented through exit interviews, EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) complaints, union grievances, and whatever HR collected but was not destroyed."

UM is a top employer in Missoula, hiring thousands of students, faculty, staff and administrators. In an email, President Sheila Stearns noted that challenges are inherent with personnel.

"Like all employers, we occasionally receive complaints about workplace issues," Stearns said. "We address them with respect and diligence.

"We can never address particular complaints through the media because of personnel privacy of all involved. The basic fact is that we take all concerns raised about improper behavior seriously and address them in accordance with our policies and procedures.

***

The complaint pending with the Human Rights Bureau of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry notes numerous examples, including the following allegations:

LoParco's behavior included "commenting on women employee's bodies, describing an employee as 'Eeyore' for her appearance and demeanor, dancing with a 'g-string' on his head at a national conference, complaining about the amount he had to pay female employees, and telling female students at the omelet bar that he was making them an 'orgasm on a plate.'"

In 2011, Slack discovered she had vision problems and could not drive at night, and UM Dining accommodated her "mild disability," the complaint said. But Slack had a foot surgery in December 2015, and when she returned to work in February 2016, her supervisor told her that her job had changed, and she would be doing tasks such as waitressing and cooking, "problematic because she would still be in a boot." Slack learned her schedule also had changed to end at 7 p.m., "even more problematic since she has night blindness and cannot see to drive in the dark." When she met with LoParco, he told her he actually wanted her to work until 9 p.m., and he said "she had to choose to either take the job the way it is or to quit."

Several department reorganizations left Shern performing three separate jobs  director of health and professional development, registered sanitarian, and registered dietitian  "accomplishing more than the male associate directors." When Shern presented LoParco a plan to pay her fair wages, he "countered Becca's request with a demotion," making her a contract employee and stripping key responsibilities.

The complaint also discussed treatment against other staff. "Kate witnessed horrible treatment by Mr. LoParco of his former assistant, Christina Voyles," said the document. "Voyles was given a higher position at a lower wage than some of the people she then supervised."

Shern and Slack both left UM Dining last spring.

On Slack's departure: "March 9, 2016, was Kate Slack's last day of work at UM Dining," the complaint said. "The stated reason her firing occurred was her position had been eliminated. This was a pretext. Two weeks to the day after being told the position as assistant director of retail was being eliminated and there was no place left in UM Dining for Kate to work, (a man) was asked by (Slack's supervisor) if he would please consider applying for the position of assistant director of retail."

On Shern's departure: "April 8, 2016, Becca notified Mr. LoParco that in response to his offer of a demotion, she was resigning her position of nine years, effective April 22, 2016," the complaint said. "In effect, his sexist, misogynistic, contemptible behavior was too much for her. Like (four former staff), and other former employees who have not yet been unearthed or want to put the terrible chapter of employment under LoParco behind them, Becca was constructively fired from her position by Mark LoParco."

The complaint notes men in the department also disapproved of the director's acts.

"Many male employees have expressed discomfort with Mr. LoParco's behavior as well," the complaint said. "They have voiced concerns ranging from his poor management, egregious treatment of subordinates, and misogynistic treatment of his female employees."

***

Last month, UM officials suggested the Missoulian feature retiring employee LoParco, a "dynamo" who has earned many awards and been "sort (of) an over-sized figure on campus." LoParco has been honored by UM for his work in sustainability and by a national association for his leadership in the collegiate food industry.

Last week, the Missoulian published a profile of LoParco noting his accomplishments in food service at UM and his contributions to the industry. Voyles, who previously worked at UM Dining, read the story and wrote a letter to UM in response and copied the Missoulian.

In the lengthy correspondence, Voyles described her own experience with LoParco and her disappointment with UM's "administrative incompetence." She worked seven years for UM Dining and said she watched LoParco "get away with poor, unethical management and financially questionable behavior."

"UM's continued drop in enrollment is a culmination of the poor choices UM makes: from covering up a variety of inexcusable behaviors by ingrates like LoParco to punishing the wrong people, it affects everything,'' she said.

"From the student who wants out of their meal plan because they are tired of being harassed by 'an old, balding, fat guy in tights,' at omelet bars. To staff whose careers were ended by LoParco simply because he decided he no longer liked them ...

"Perhaps what I find most disappointing is that there have been women every step of the way that have been made aware of LoParco's behavior and have done nothing to stop it."

***

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice investigated UM for failing to properly handle reports of sexual assaults and doing so in a manner that has a disparate impact on women. Under former President Royce Engstrom, UM fired staff, changed policies, mandated training, and completed an agreement with the federal agency to address gender bias.

In the complaint, Slack and Shern suggest more training is needed for UM Dining.

"Managers, supervisors, and the human resources department at UM Dining Services appear to require additional training and commitment to the fact that gender and disability are protected by federal law, must not be the reason for formal criticism, denied opportunities, or informal complaining.

"Disabilities and gender cannot be held against an employee."

UM didn't directly address whether a culture shift must still take place on campus. Spokeswoman Short said the following:

"The university seeks out best practices involving personnel management, including training in sexual harassment/equal opportunity, discrimination prevention, drug-free workplace, diversity, safety, mandatory reporting on sexual misconduct and supervision.

"The university follows its policies and processes in addressing every complaint, and we do it respectfully and fairly for all parties.

"There will be individuals who are dissatisfied with the outcome, and they will take further steps as is their prerogative, be it engaging in other processes, appealing to the media or other actions,'' Short said.
The Missoula Police Department is investigating a reported stabbing Thursday morning near Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

Sgt. Travis Welsh said a man called police just before 9 a.m. to say he had been stabbed. Officers responded to the 2900 block of Brooks Street near the entrance to the Southgate Mall parking lot, where the man had driven himself after being injured.

Welsh said originally the man told police he saw a vehicle in the alley near the doughnut shop that morning that he believed a family member had reported as stolen, and that he was stabbed in an altercation with the men inside the car.

Police went to the alleyway and began an investigation. The vehicle and the two men inside were gone by the time officers arrived.

Further investigation Thursday found the vehicle hadnt been reported stolen, but that it appeared to be a dispute over the ownership of the car, according to Welsh, and that the man who was stabbed knew the men inside the vehicle.

Welsh said the man was taken to the hospital, treated and released Thursday afternoon. He allegedly doesnt want or need help from the police and has been only semi-cooperative with the investigation.

The man's name has not been released. Welsh said there is no evidence to suggest an ongoing threat to the community.
Dawn was still hours away in Washington, D.C., on Good Friday, April 6, 1917, when Wellington Rankin and his big sister, Jeannette, walked home from the Capitol.

She was weeping, which should have been no big deal after what shed just been through.

Following a long debate that began the previous morning and stretched on until 3 a.m., Rankin, 36-year-old suffragist and Missoula native, had cast her first vote in the U.S. House of Representatives as the nations and the worlds first female national legislator.

On the matter of President Woodrow Wilsons request for authorization to declare war on Germany, Rankin had said, I want to stand by my country, but I cannot vote for war.

The measure passed overwhelmingly anyway, and America geared up for its part in the first world war.

Think what youve done, an exasperated Wellington Rankin, Jeannettes financier and campaign director, persisted as they entered her apartment on California Street.

His sisters response, according to biographer Kevin Giles: Wellington, you know Im not interested in that. All Im interested in is what they will say in 50 years.

***

Thursday marks the 100-year anniversary of the United States entrance into World War I, and Jeannette Rankin again begs attention.

We think that her vote needs interpretation, Jim Lopach said this week in the living room of the home he and Jean Luckowski share in the Slant Street area.

Both are retired University of Montana professors, he in political science, she in education. Together they researched and wrote the 2005 biography, Jeannette Rankin: A Political Woman.

The quick-draw summary of that woman is this: Oldest child of a prominent Missoula family, suffragette, first woman in Congress, voted against U.S. participation in both world wars, passionately engaged in a lifetime of pacifism that lasted through much of the Vietnam War. When she died in California, Rankins ashes were scattered in an ocean called Pacific.

Reality is much more complex, of course, and what Lopach and Luckowski found and wrote about the enigma of Jeannette Rankin didnt please everyone.

Shes not Saint Jeannette up on that pedestal, Lopach noted.

For me that makes her much more interesting, Luckowski said. It just reminds me again and again that nothing about Jeannette was simple.

***

The authors say among the myths that need busting is that Rankin voted against entering World War I because of her pacifistic tendencies.

Its true, Lopach said, that Rankin entered the Congressional race in 1940 specifically to raise her voice and vote against U.S. entry into World War II. She cast the lone no vote in all of Congress on Dec. 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

She was an absolute pacifist by that time, he said.

Lopach and Luckowski say that Rankins 1917 vote, on the other hand, was explained not by her passion against war but by her feminist ideals. She clearly felt her historic role in Congress was to represent the women and families of America.

I thought I must vote as I did in order to make a protest against war for the women of the future, Rankin said later.

A key national crusader for the womens right to vote, which Montana became the 11th state to pass in 1914, Rankin helped draft a national suffrage amendment in 1918 that passed the House but failed in the Senate. A year later, after her term expired, a similar measure passed both chambers, and in August 1920 the 19th Amendment became the law of the land.

But in the wee hours of April 6, 1917, Rankin was the prize in a tug-of-war between two feminist factions. The National American Woman Suffrage Association was headed by Carrie Chapman Catt, the Congressional Union by Alice Paul.

Pauls group was comprised of the younger feminists who pushed for a national amendment.

They were probably the pacifists, Luckowski said.

Catt and the older, more conservative NAWSA favored state-by-state suffrage. Catt didnt like Rankin, Lopach said, and that really came out when she ran in 1918. Catt opposed Rankin.

Jeannette had worked with them for several years across the country promoting suffrage and was very successful, Luckowski said. And then they couldnt believe that she was the one who got elected. It should have been someone from the East Coast, someone with a better pedigree, someone from their circles.

Now Catt made it clear her belief that a vote against war would set back the womens movement.

"That, said Luckowski, was a big source of tension for her, those two groups of feminists.

Then there was Wellington.

A prominent Helena attorney and state Republican leader, he served in the U.S. Army during the war and became Montanas Attorney General afterward.

He was a big deal, he really was, especially in Montana, Lopach said.

Four years his sisters junior, Wellington Rankin proved a master strategist when it came to her campaign. But his own ambitions for national office met with abject failure. He ran half a dozen times for either the House or U.S. Senate and lost each attempt, Lopach said.

Wellington was Jeannettes primary speechwriter and arranged a lucrative national lecture tour for her after she was elected. The tour was interrupted when President Wilson called a special session of Congress to vote on the war issue. One of the last stops was at Carnegie Hall in New York, at which time Wellington set up a dinner visit to ex-president Theodore Roosevelt at his Oyster Bay home on Long Island.

Wellington hoped Roosevelt would encourage Jeannette to support war should a vote occur, Lopach said, but the subject never came up. He then joined his sister in Washington to convince her that a negative vote would destroy her politically.

Clashing feminist groups, a beloved brother and campaign promises all came crashing down on Jeannette Rankin in the predawn hours of April 6. She was subjected, said friend and fellow suffragist Harriet Laidlaw, to one of the most terrible mental struggles any woman ever had.

All of the important influences in her life were pressed upon her, not in unison but as opposing forces, Lopach and Luckowski wrote.

When the first roll call came around, Rankin passed. She then broke protocol on the second roll call by giving her short speech instead of saying aye or nay.

Despite the outcry that followed, Luckowski said the Rankins smoothed things over in succeeding months.

Jeannette made speeches supporting the sale of war bonds, and voted in favor of the explosive issue of instituting a draft.

In December 1917 another war declaration vote came up. This time the subject was Austria, and it passed the House 365-1.

Sick from food poisoning, Rankin climbed out of bed against doctors orders, went up the hill and cast her vote  for war. The sole opposing vote was from Meyer London, a Socialist from New York.
On Aug. 24, 2016, United States Sen. Steve Daines said at a public meeting in Livingston on the Yellowstone fish kill that he wanted to find out what caused it and prevent it from ever happening again. 

Global warming driven by the burning of fossil fuels caused it.

Although the immediate cause was proliferative kidney disease, or PKD, the parasite that causes the disease thrives in the low stream flows and high water temperatures caused by climate change. In fact Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported at the time of the outbreak that Yellowstone River flows were near historic lows and daytime high water temperature in the Yellowstone at Livingston hovered around 70 degrees for more than a month, starting in mid-July. Ideal temperature for mountain whitefish and trout is in the mid-50s.

Global warming is caused by human activity, a finding accepted by over 99.99 percent of published climate scientists.

Yet Daines has the audacity to reject this indisputable scientific fact. We view science as a way to deepen our appreciation and wonder at the majesty of Gods creation, including the complex, beautiful and life-sustaining planet earth. We see no conflict between our religious faith and the findings of science.

We cannot remain silent while a U.S. senator from Montana chooses willful ignorance of the greatest threat this state has ever faced and which is already causing extreme damage to our cherished Montana environment.

The simple moral truth is that United States is by far the worlds largest historic contributor to the climate crisis and therefore bears the greatest responsibility for addressing it. Why do you look at the speck of dust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? as Jesus once asked.

The Carbon Vulnerability Monitor reports that many hundreds of children, per day, are dying from climate change, mostly from hunger and communicable diseases. But since the overwhelming majority of these victims are poor and live in distant lands, it may be easy for a U.S. senator to think he can write them off. We remind the senator that no one is left out in the vision of humanity that we believe that Jesus of Nazareth embodied in his life and teaching, least of all the poor and marginalized that were such an abiding focus of his concern.

Furthermore, Daines voted to confirm the nomination of Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Scott Pruitt, like Daines, also chooses to deny the reality of climate change, including stating recently that he does not believe that carbon dioxide is causing global warming, when in fact its excess accumulation in the atmosphere is the primary cause of the climate crisis. When the head of a federal agency has trouble accepting a fact the average fifth-grader grasps, its probably because the federal official is not interested in the truth.

Daines has said that he cares about Montanas environment. He has also stressed how important his Christian faith is to him. Well, as someone once said, Don't tell me what you believe in. I'll observe how you behave and I will make my own determination.

Daines can prove both of his convictions by immediately and publicly declaring that he accepts the scientific fact that currently unfolding climate change is caused by human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.

By transforming gratitude for creation into action at this critical time, Senator Daines could help to bestow much-needed care and protection for Montana and all humanity.
As Montanas senator, one of my most important responsibilities is to advise and consent on Supreme Court nominees.

I took my time with this process because the Supreme Court is too important to play politics with and my decision needed to be informed by Montanans, our shared values and due diligence.

This decision was not easy. It came with thoughtful deliberation, late nights and the counsel of thousands of Montanans.

After meeting with Judge Neil Gorsuch face-to-face, giving him a fair hearing and reviewing his qualifications, I cannot support his confirmation.

Gorsuch is a smart man but that doesnt make him right for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.

I cannot support a nominee who refuses to answer important questions.

With Gorsuch on the bench, Im deeply concerned that dark money will continue to drown out the voices and votes of citizens, the court will stand between women and their doctors, and the government will reach into the private lives of law-abiding Americans.

These are not Montana values.

Lawyers with degrees from Ivy League schools often get good at dodging questions, but a judge cannot hide from his opinions.

Over the years, Gorsuch gave corporations the same constitutional rights as a nurse from Plentywood, a teacher from Kalispell, or a farmer from Fort Benton.

In the controversial Sebelius v Hobby Lobby decision, he ruled that a corporation can have religious beliefs just like people.

When it comes to the letter of the law, he believes corporations are people.

If that were true, then I invite Wells Fargo out to my farm to spend a few long days picking rock in the fields.

And, according to Gorsuchs opinion in Riddle v. Hickenlooper, he believes campaign contributions deserve First Amendment protections.

Montanans know: money is not speech.

And not only does Gorsuch think corporations have the same rights as people, in Hobby Lobby he decided that the rights of a corporation outweighed the rights of Montana women.

Montana and America deserve a Supreme Court justice who will protect our freedom to make private health care decisions.

Its clear to me that, if confirmed, Gorsuch would threaten our access to a doctor and endanger the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

While he is good on the Second Amendment, his views on the Fourth Amendment  guaranteeing the right to privacy  should be concerning to everyone.

In this country, we are innocent until proven guilty and we value our civil liberties.

Gorsuch has argued for a narrow interpretation of the Fourth Amendment which could subject Montanans to government overreach.

Whether its searching a car that was illegally pulled over or trying to meddle in a private health care decision, Montanans rightfully want to keep the government out.

This decision is about the future of this country.

I am concerned that if Judge Gorsuch is confirmed, our future will be shaped with dark money and an expanding government that violates our fundamental freedoms.

This is not a future that works for Montana, and I cannot support this nomination.
For politicians who talk a lot about creating jobs and growing the economy, the members of the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee sure have some explaining to do. On Tuesday, instead of supporting a burgeoning industry, they gutted a bill aimed at allowing Montanas breweries to meet the growing demand for craft beer. The amendment, in fact, might force one of Missoulas breweries to close one of its taprooms.

The original version of the bill was a sterling example of bipartisan cooperation from two Missoula legislators: Republican Rep. Adam Hertz and Democratic Rep. Ellie Hill. It would have raised the allowable production limit for breweries that operate a taproom from 10,000 barrels to 60,000 barrels.

The representatives of the House found the original version of House Bill 541 reasonable, and approved the bill 85-14 on its third reading. The Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee, unfortunately, had other ideas, and voted 7-3 for an amended version that would raise the limit by just 2,000 barrels  a pittance that offers no incentive at all to growing breweries.

The arbitrary limits on Montanas breweries is a discussion well leave for another day. Suffice to say to say that they operate under much stricter rules than bars and restaurants. Breweries, for example, must undergo complex machinations to purchase a license to sell beer and wine; they have curtailed hours and must stop serving by 8 p.m.; and they even have limits on how much they can serve (48 ounces per customer per day).

The laws seem expressly designed to stifle the growth of this one industry. Nevertheless, the popularity of craft beer has soared over the past decade, and new breweries and taprooms have sprouted throughout the state. In fact, at last count, the Brewers Association ranked Montana No. 3 in the nation for its number of craft breweries per capita. Missoula alone counts at least eight.

With so many craft beer fans drinking up their product, its little wonder that some of most well-established breweries are bumping up against their 10,000-barrel production cap. Unfortunately, under current law, if they exceed this number they must close their taprooms.

Why does Montana have any cap at all? Doesnt that just stifle competition? Does a law that forces growing breweries to lay off their taproom employees make any sense?

The Montana Tavern Association seems to think so, and has taken every opportunity to oppose legislation that would allow breweries to grow. Its worth noting here that the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee chair, Sen. Ed Buttrey, owns a bar.

Perhaps thats why the amendment to House Bill 541 feels almost like punishment  a message to breweries that if they dare try to grow, they will be slapped down.

It might actually punish one brewery in particular. Missoulas KettleHouse Brewing sent out an urgent message to its customers on Facebook, alerting them to the possibility that the new rules could force the business to shut down its Northside taproom. KettleHouse is the maker of Coldsmoke, and operates from two locations in Montana under a complicated ownership system designed to work around the restrictions on beer production and licensing. The new version of HB 541 adds language that would make such workarounds untenable.

It should be clear that the current limits  or even a 2,000-barrel increase  are not working for Missoulas most popular breweries. Big Sky Brewery, the makers of Moose Drool, makes a lot more than 10,000 barrels of their beer, and therefore is not allowed to sell beer on its premises. So it gives beer away for free in its tasting room. Not only has this cost the company an estimated $4 million, it has cost the state tax revenue it could have collected had the business been allowed to sell its product on-site.

Missoulas Bayern Brewing, too, is limiting its production to less than 10,000 barrels because it doesnt make sense  financially or from a customer loyalty standpoint  to make more and close its taproom.

The amended version of HB 541 will now go to the Senate floor. The original version of the bill made a lot of sense. The amended version is a job-killing, competition-stifling, anti-business bill. Every craft beer fan in western Montana should contact their state senators and tell them so.
Rob Quist or Greg Gianforte?

Education:

Quist went to the University of Montana (degree unknown) and became a banjo picker.

Gianforte - degree in electrical engineering and MS in computer science from the Stevens Institute of Technology.

Career:

Quist - mediocre banjo/guitar picker.

Gianforte - went to work at AT&T Bell Laboratories, engineer on AT&T StarLAN, co-founder of Brightwork Development and founder of RightNow Technologies employing 500 people in Bozeman.

Accomplishments:

Quist - still a picker.

Gianforte - successful technical engineer, entrepreneur and businessman.

Honors:

Quist - picked guitar in Nashville with a few far more successful musicians.

Gianforte - honorary doctorate from Stevens Institute of Technology, honorary doctorate from Montana State University, inducted into the CRM Hall of Fame, named Pacific Northwest Entrepreneur of the Year and awarded CRM Magazine 2003 influential leader.

On a personal level:

Quist - continuous financial problems with more excuses than fish in the Missouri river.

Gianforte: Gianforte Family Foundation, donating millions of dollars to various charities.

My point of view:

Gianforte is not from Montana, but if you are not a Native American, your family came from somewhere out of state at one point. Even Native Americans came here from somewhere else a long time ago.

Here is your choice: grownup banjo picker Rob Quist or a proven leader, Greg Gianforte.

Richard Chadwick,

Choteau
The sturdy little building at 407 E. Main St. is Missoula's very first schoolhouse. It's 146 years old. Emma Dickinson, who had arrived in Missoula only two years prior to its construction, was the first school teacher there. It's very likely the most historic building in town. And it's about to be unceremoniously destroyed.
It may interest voters to know that Rob Quist, the democratic nominee for Congress, is a supporter of sanctuary cities. He stated such on Voices of Montana - the statewide radio program.

Sanctuary cities directly violate the rule of law and U.S. immigration policy. Why would any candidate support illegal practices? If Quist doesn't respect the rule of law, how can he uphold the Constitution? Successful candidates swear to uphold said Constitution. Either he doesn't understand the precepts of law, or he has no intention of fulfilling the oath of office.

Quist is a fine musician. However, such does not qualify him to be a congressman. His opponent, Greg Gianforte, has a successful business record, provided high-wage jobs, knows about finance and budgets, etc. - issues businesses (and government) face daily.

Gianforte is branded an "out-of-stater." So what? He came here and was successful - should we hold that against him? Are we so xenophobic that we won't recognize the talents of folks, regardless of their place of origin?

In a nation that's now $20 trillion in debt, we need a congressman who can balance budgets and, most importantly, who believes in the rule of law and will uphold the Constitution.

Rob Quist is not that person.

C.A. Disney,

Libby
HELENA  Montana lawmakers are trying to do what other states have failed to do before them: regulate the air ambulance industry to keep patients who need life-saving flights from receiving whopping bills.

Four measures advanced on the House floor Wednesday and one was heard later in the day in the House Human Services Committee. All are in response to complaints by Montana residents who were charged tens of thousands of dollars for emergency flights because their insurance didn't cover the out-of-network costs.

The sponsor of one of the bills, Republican Sen. Gordon Vance of Belgrade, told the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday that just the threat of legislation has resulted in air ambulance companies and insurance companies striking agreements to provide better in-network coverage in Montana.

"Everyone else has come to the realization that they need to sit down at the table with the insurance companies and work this thing out and not leave these folks in the middle," Vance said.

Air ambulance company representatives say the legislation is pre-empted by federal law and would be struck down in court if challenged.

They are particularly concerned by the bill in the Human Services Committee that would impose a 12 percent tax on air ambulance charges that are a certain percentage above allowable Medicare costs.

Representatives of Oregon-based Life Flight Network said Tuesday the bill could cause it to close its Montana operations. On Wednesday, after learning that Republican Sen. Ed Buttrey of Great Falls planned to amend the measure to provide exemptions for companies that are in the network of at least two insurers, Life Flight CEO Michael Griffiths said he would not oppose it.

The bill is still unconstitutional, but Life Flight will not challenge it in court, he said.

Life Flight is in the network of PacificSource and expects an agreement with the state's largest insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, within days, Griffiths said.

Two or three air ambulance companies would have to pay the tax if the bill is amended, Buttrey said.

Scott Boulanger, a lobbyist for the Montana Air Ambulance Coalition, which includes Reach Air Medical Services, one of those companies, staunchly opposed the measure.

"The solution is not to amend it again, but to vote no," he told the committee.

Blue Cross spokesman John Doran said Life Flight and Reach are the two providers that have accounted for most of the insurer's out-of-network cases.

Instead of legislation, Blue Cross would rather let the market take care of the issue, Doran said.

"That's why we are continuing to work on expanding our network to make sure our members are flown by an in-network provider in every possible instance," he said.

The federal Airline Deregulation Act prohibits states from regulating the prices, routes or services of air carriers. A federal judge cited it last year in striking down a North Dakota law that required air ambulance companies to have deals with insurers covering three-quarters of the state to be included on a primary call list.

In August, another federal judge rejected a Wyoming law that would have limited how much air ambulance companies could charge the state for transporting workers injured on the job.

Vance's bill would require insurers and air ambulance companies to resolve price disputes through mediation or the courts, and patients would be responsible only for co-pays and co-insurance costs.

The measure passed a final House vote Wednesday, and the Senate must agree with the House's amendments before it goes to the governor.

Also passing a final House vote was a proposal by Democratic state Sen. Tom Facey of Missoula that would bar air ambulance companies from telling credit reporting agencies that a patient didn't pay a bill in full.

The House also voted to agree with the Senate's amendments on legislation by Democratic Rep. Ryan Lynch of Butte, which would regulate as insurance products the memberships that air ambulance companies offer to Montana residents.

The final measure the House endorsed was a resolution by Facey urging Congress to address air ambulance billing issues. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, has introduced a bill that would allow states to regulate air ambulance billing.
HELENA  Republican lawmakers took steps Thursday to kill a proposed increase in Montana's tobacco tax by voting for a procedural motion that will make it extremely difficult to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote.

The tax hike, which passed the Senate last week on a 27-22 vote, would raise more than $30 million a year that would go, in part, to increase the wages of the caregivers of elderly and disabled Medicaid patients.

It also would boost the bottom line of the proposed 2018-2019 state budget, which is now short of the $200 million reserve Republican leaders want to leave to protect against potential revenue shortfalls over the next two years.

However, that gap appears likely to close after the House Taxation Committee raised the state's revenue estimate that is used to set the budget. The new estimate, adopted earlier Thursday, aligns with a forecast that predicts the state will collect an additional $100 million by 2019.

Democrats on the committee objected to adopting the higher estimate, saying it's not clear that extra money will actually materialize.

Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock said the higher revenue estimate gives the Republican leaders a way to walk away from the legislative session without having to make hard decisions about tax increases to help boost revenue.

"Banking on a $100 million windfall is probably a roll of the dice that Montanans can't afford because if we don't have that unprecedented growth in the next three months, as that estimate suggests, we'd be forced by law to be making harmful cuts," Bullock said.

Hours after passing the higher revenue estimate, the committee voted on party lines to effectively kill the tobacco tax bill. The committee voted 12-8 to submit what's called an adverse committee report, meaning that 60 of the 100 representatives would have to vote Friday to bring the bill to the House floor.

A day earlier, supporters lined up to tell the House Taxation Committee that the bill would help reduce smoking, make cigarettes too expensive for children to buy and help caregivers who are desperately in need of a raise.

Sen. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, is the bill's sponsor and she acknowledges the votes aren't there.

"I think it's dead," she said. "It looks like this Legislature is going to turn its back on people who have disabilities, and senior citizens, and ignore the problems of the people who care for them."

Rep. Kerry White, R-Bozeman, made the motion to effectively kill the bill. He said he had grave concerns about the tax hike's impact on poor people, and that the price disparity that would result between Montana and neighboring states could create a black market for cigarettes.

"We're talking about a $30 profit on a carton," White said. "I've got a big problem with that."

Democrats on the committee objected that the bill should get a vote on the House floor instead of 12 Republicans on the committee unilaterally deciding to kill it.

"I hope the public in Montana is looking at what the majority party is doing to our democratic process," said Rep. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena. "You are making it a sham."

Under the bill, the tax on a pack of cigarettes would rise from $1.70 to $3.20, and taxes would also be raised on snuff, other tobacco products and, for the first time, e-cigarettes.
BILLINGS  The group heard the animals before they actually saw them.

But there in the darkened Night House, lounging in separate pens, the two newest additions to ZooMontana's menagerie of wildlife hissed and growled, staring up with glassy black eyes at the visitors.

The two wolverines, Sid and Ahmari, are from Sweden and Norway, and will be the first wolverines ZooMontana has had since 2012.

The group there on Thursday afternoon to see Sid and Ahmari were business leaders and special guests invited to see the new habitat and meet the new residents.

The new enclosure will be open to the public within the next few weeks.

The habitat was constructed through a $50,000 grant from Phillips 66. Businesses like Yellowstone Electric, Hardy Construction and others donated funds, labor and materials. Each sent representatives to attend the tour.

Ewelt led the tour of the new habitat, which sits near the tiger enclosure, and includes a small cement pond, dozens of trees with slick, gray plastic wrapped around the trunks, and objects with which the wolverines can amuse themselves.

Wolverines like to climb, hence the plastic-wrapped trees. And they like to dig. Ewelt said the habitat's fencing extends five feet underground.

"Despite their small size, they're fierce animals," Ewelt said. They like to be active and they can be aggressive.

Adding to the aggression, it's nearly mating season for the two. But Sid and Ahmari won't be allowed to get intimate until 2019, Ewelt said. And so they'll have to stay separated until August, when mating season ends.

It was the pair's breeding habits that brought them to ZooMontana. In the next couple of years, they'll be participating in a special breeding program used to bolster wolverine numbers at zoos worldwide. ZooMontana was one of six in the country selected to participate, and Ewelt sees it as a big honor for the zoo and a vote of confidence in the new habitat they've built.

But more than anything, he's excited to have wolverines back at the zoo. They're secretive, nocturnal animals, notorious for rarely being spied in the wild.

At ZooMontana, folks can get a good look, he said.

"It's a fun animal to see."
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Butte will soon get a new radio station thanks to an agreement between Helena-based Montana Radio Company and Denvers Cherry Creek Media.

The two companies announced Wednesday they will swap several Montana stations as part of a deal that will allow Montana Radio to expand its footprint in Helena and Cherry Creek to focus its attention on the Mining City and Great Falls.

One of the stations involved is the silent Butte station KMTZ at 107.7 FM.

Montana Radio, which is transferring the station to the Denver-based company as part of the agreement, currently owns the rights to the 107.7 frequency. The station doesnt broadcast any programming nor does it have any staff.

But under the new ownership, thats all about to change.

Jonathan Brewster, chief executive officer of Cherry Creek, said Thursday his company  which owns three other stations in Butte: rock station KMBR, country station KAAR, and news station KXTL at 95.5 FM, 92.5 FM, and 1370 AM, respectively  plans to staff and house the station in the companys existing property at 831 Dewey Blvd.

The new station will broadcast content based on market research. The exact nature of the content is yet to be determined, Brewster said.

As per the agreement, Montana Radio will acquire two FM stations and one AM station serving Helena from Cherry Creek Media; in exchange, the Helena company will offer the KMTZ Butte station, three FM translators serving Great Falls, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

If the swap and the divestment of another Montana Radio Company radio station are approved by the Federal Communications Commission, all of the companys Montana radio stations will be in Helena.

This is where we want to focus, said Helena resident Kevin Terry, chief executive officer of The Montana Radio Company. Were turning all of our focus toward Helena.

Montana Radio Company plans to retain the staff of the stations it is acquiring and will likely need to move into a bigger facility in the coming months to house them all, Terry said.

Were very excited to have the folks over at Cherry Creek come and join us, he said.

Brewster said his company is proud of what its Helena team has achieved.

While it was a difficult decision to part with the (Helena) stations, were looking forward to strengthening our existing clusters in Great Falls and Butte to better serve their communities, he said in a press release.
A proposed slag-processing plant that could initially create 50 to 60 jobs near Anaconda is moving forward, but its ultimate size and scope and a timeline are still being determined, a spokesman said this week.

The Missoula-based Premier Industries wants to use 93 acres along Mill Creek Highway to build a plant that will process slag from the defunct Washoe Smelter into proppant, a material used in fracking oil and natural gas.

Bob Kelly, a consultant for Premier Industries, said Monday that Premier needs to finalize its engineering plan, file for permits with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and complete other pre-site preparation tasks before it can break ground.

We want to walk before we run, said Kelly, noting that the company hopes to move slowly and deliberately instead of rushing ahead.

In December, Premier was granted a county lease for the Mill Creek property, 1.5 miles southwest of Highway 1, after commissioners unanimously approved the agreement. The lease is for 99 years at a rate of $100 per year with an option to purchase the property for $1.

The Anaconda Leader reported last week that Rick Tabish, former principal for Premier who is now a contractor and consultant on the project through his company FX Solutions Inc., said his goal is to get the facility built by September 2017 and operating by the end of the year. Similarly, in January, Tabish told members of the Mill Creek TIFID Board, a tax increment financing district in Anaconda, that he hoped to get the plants first furnace built by June.

Kelly said he couldnt speak to the September goal.

That would be a little optimistic, he said, but added that it would be great if Premier could reach the milestone.

When called, Tabish directed The Standard to Kelly for this story.

Kelly said, in the short term, the company would like to get one to two furnaces up and running, but he couldnt provide an exact timeline of when that can happen.

He added that the site is capable of supporting at least 10 furnaces, which represents an informal long-term goal.

But before Premier can build anything it needs to secure permits from DEQ.

We havent even submitted a DEQ application yet, said Kelly, adding that doing so at this point would be premature.

Kristi Ponozzo, spokesperson at DEQ, said that, without having received a permit application and seeing the finer details of the project, its difficult to determine what permits the company might need. She said DEQ has a variety of permits, ranging from basic water- and air-quality permits, to heavy hitters like a Title V permit, which is intended for major producers of air pollutants. Title V permits are issued after a project is already in operation, she said.

Ponozzo said in an email the permitting process for a Montana Air Quality Permit takes 75 to 90 days once the application is complete, adding that the public would have an opportunity to comment on the draft permit during the process.

As with any construction project, time is money. But time is also a factor in the companys lease agreement with the county.

The company has to secure a building permit and begin construction before Dec. 31, 2018  a task that can't happen until it gets the green light from DEQ. If the company cannot begin construction by that date, Anaconda can terminate the lease through what's known as a "callback clause" that's written into the lease agreement.

A representative of the Montana Department of Transportation, meanwhile, said Premier will likely not need any major permits from that agency.

Jeff Ebert, Butte District administrator for MDT, said Monday that the agency will issue an encroachment permit for the companys use of Mill Creek Highway and Highway 1, and that the company plans to conduct a majority of its activity on internal roads to be constructed at the site.

We all agree (the traffic)s going to be pretty minimal, said Ebert.

Ebert said that a document the company presented to MDT estimates that six trucks per day will travel between the slag and processing plant during its first week of operation. The closest slag pile is less than a mile away from the plant as the crow flies. By 2.3 years, the company estimates that 130 trucks will leave the slag pile per 24-hour period.

Meanwhile, Premier held a public meeting last week in Anaconda to discuss the project.

I thought it went well, said Kelly, noting that about 200 Smelter City residents attended.

Kelly said the meeting gave Anaconda residents the opportunity to ask questions about the project and several inquired about when and how many jobs would become available.

On Monday, he said he couldnt give a long-term projection on how many jobs will ultimately result when the project is completed, but did say that, once the company gets its first two furnaces up and running, Anacondans will have access to salaried positions with benefits, starting at the high $30,000-per-year range.

Were looking at 50 to 60 jobs, Kelly said, of the initial one- to two-furnace build out. In a December interview with The Montana Standard, Kelly said the plant could produce job numbers into the hundreds when built to full capacity.

Kelly added that Premier is hoping to hire local people and will provide training for those who initially lack skills the positions require.
By the time you declare an engineering major, its all about networking.

Civic-minded Alexis Lexi Brandon, a Montana Tech sophomore, is all over it and professional mingling is paying off.

Brandon, 20, is the first petroleum engineering major named a 2017 Newman Civic Fellow, a one-year opportunity with five other Montana students to expand professional, civic and personal growth. She joins 272 students nationwide making up the 2017 educational group.

She said she decided her career goal as a third-grader.

When I grew up, my dad was an electrician, so wed always go from construction site to construction site  thats when I knew I wanted to be in engineering, she told The Standard.

Her family was based in Butte, but she traveled the state with her father, who helped her get an early jump on networking.

We were talking about all the different engineering marvels, so I knew engineering is what I wanted to do, she added. We talked about buildings, high rises and pouring concrete. It was amazing to watch.

The fellowship, announced by the Boston-based nonprofit Campus Compact, selects committed students who invest in finding solutions in their communities.

The program looks for students with an interest in social justice issues, said Carrie Vath, director of Student Success at Tech, who mentors Brandon. Lexi is really passionate about promoting women in STEM because while growing up she didnt see much support for women in engineering. Trying to change that mentality is kind of her social issue.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math  a nationwide movement that engages students of all ages in those high-demand industries.

A leader on campus, Brandon is president of the Society of Women Engineers and vice president of American Association of Drilling Engineers  key Tech chapters to head when job-hunting even before graduation.

But her motives go deeper than that, starting with the 30 Society of Women Engineers members. She and 22 others will attend an upcoming American Association of Drilling Engineers conference in Houston, Texas, where they can network.

Theres no career fair at that particular conference, but there are really interesting people to meet, she said. All the leading innovators come in and present their new product lines, so its a good way for our members to see whats new in the industry.

EARLY INFLUENCE

Without her fathers early influence, she may not have been fast-tracked into the sciences and ultimately Tech, where most engineering majors are male.

For me personally, its been a great experience  and I really love going into a STEM field, said Brandon. But when I got here at Tech, I realized not everyone has that same experience.

So like her other mentor, graduate Brooklyn Vosen, Brandon pays it forward. Lexi mentors girls at Butte Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS), an after-school science club for fifth- through eighth-graders.

We encourage women to go into the STEM fields, through GEMS, mostly. Hopefully with the fellowship, I can branch out with SWE, she said.

At GEMS, the hands-on teaching inspires Brandon.

I help the teacher, she said. Its a lot of fun to explain more from an engineering standpoint. Teaching the unmixable properties of oil and water is one example of a typical lesson.

Ronda Coguill, GEMS co-founder with new state Commerce Director Pam Haxby-Cote, said Brandon brings great enthusiasm to GEMS, started in 2014.

Without Lexis presence on campus, I would struggle to connect with students who are interested in mentoring and interacting with our STEM Academy activities, said Coguill, Tech research scientist.

Picking up where Vosen left off last year after graduation, Brandon leads the pack. They, along with former classmate Ashley Belvin, are breaking through the all-male engineering stereotypes.

By encouraging more young women to pursue STEM degrees, it will hopefully normalize and erase the false stereotype that girls arent good at math and science, and allow girls to believe they can be anything they want to be, said Brandon.

Vosen, based in Houston, works on a Chevron oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Tech grad Belvin works for a petroleum company in Denver. Both are drilling engineers.

REMAINING INCLUSIVE

Yet in light of the strides women are making in engineering, Brandon remains inclusive. The fellowship award, she said, will give her the tools to do so.

Im really hoping SWE benefits from it and that we can do more for men and women on campus, added Brandon. But mostly, for the outreach portion of our community events, especially the youngsters and high schools.

No money is involved in the fellowship. But it provides training and resources that nurture students assets and passions to help them develop strategies to achieve social change  in addressing public problems and building equitable communities, reads the www.compact.org host website.

For Brandon, her give-and-take strategy meeting folks of all ages seems to work.

I think it helps a lot to hear other peoples stories and know youre not alone, she said.
A man who told police during his drunk driving arrest in February that he had 22 prior DUI convictions pleaded guilty to felony DUI at his arraignment in Butte district court on Thursday before Judge Kurt Krueger.

Guilty pleas at arraignments are rare, as nearly all defendants plead not guilty when first charged and only enter guilty pleas after making a deal with the prosecution.

Judge Krueger repeatedly asked Clinton Sproles, 54, whether he understood he had no obligation to plead guilty as well as the penalties of a felony DUI conviction.

Sproles said he understood.

Sproles's attorney, Walter Hennessey, said his client had only been out of prison since July of 2016 and that Gallatin County still had a relevant pre-sentencing document that could be used to save time.

Sproles was arrested on Feb. 25 around 11 p.m. on the 700 block of Front Street after a traffic stop when officers determined he was drunk, had a revoked license, and had violated parole.

Police said Sproles told them he had 22 prior DUIs, though police have yet to determine whether that number is correct. Police are working with the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's office to determine the extent of Sproles's criminal history and believe the number to be at least roughly accurate, they said.
The Montana Supreme Court denied an appeal Tuesday to dismiss charges against an Anaconda nurse convicted of raping an inmate at an Anaconda drug treatment center in 2012, among dozens of other convictions.

Tisha Brunell, 48, was employed as a nurse at the START program where court records say she smuggled contraband to prisoners, engaged in inappropriate phone conversations and had sex with prisoners. Under state and federal law, inmates cannot consent to sex with correctional workers.

Brunell was charged in February 2013 with 52 criminal counts including several rape and smuggling charges. Over the next year Brunells legal representation asked that nearly all of the charges be dismissed, which Judge Ray Dayton declined in every instance.

After a week-long trial in March of 2014, a jury found Brunell guilty of 47 charges; one count of sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of transferring illegal items and 43 misdemeanor charges of unauthorized communication. The remaining charges were either dismissed by the prosecution, amended into other charges by the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorneys Office or found by the jury to be unsubstantiated.

Brunells legal representation appealed Judge Daytons denial of her motions to dismiss her unauthorized communication and rape charges to the Montana Supreme Court in September of 2014, and over the next two years was granted 14 extensions, finally filing an opening brief in July of 2016.

In her appeal, Brunell argued the language of Montana laws defining unauthorized communication with prisoners and sexual assault are so vague as to be unconstitutional, and that the Supreme Court should reverse Judge Daytons ruling and dismiss the charges as well as their sentences.

The citizens of Montana are entitled to proper legal notice that contemplated conduct is illegal prior to the imposition of criminal sanctions, her brief read.

The district court found the law was not unconstitutionally vague and therefore void as applied to Brunell as she could have reasonably understood that taking calls from START inmates, and then discussing sex and smuggling contraband, was proscribed.

The Supreme Court agreed with the district court, stating in its opinion that Brunell should have been familiar with her duties as a START nurse and her employers policies prohibiting communication with inmates outside of her professional role.

The Supreme Court sided with the lower courts decision that Montanans sexual assault definitions are not unconstitutionally vague, finding Brunell could have reasonably understood that, under (state consent definitions), she had authority over the START inmates, thus making them legally incapable of consenting to sexual intercourse with her.

Brunell is incarcerated at the Montana Women's Prison in Billings, according to Wednesday's Correctional Offender Network Search website.
The unmanned boat Montana Resources and Atlantic Richfield Co. had planned to launch into the Berkeley Pit for close to a year made a successful trial run Wednesday afternoon, seen here in this photo. Due to sloughing on the pits southeast wall in 2013, it is no longer safe to use a manned boat. This watercraft was designed by Tech electrical engineering student Abdullah Alangari with a $50,000 grant donated by both companies to Tech. Tech student Patrick Cote, in a pit overlook, used a laptop to manipulate the boat for several hours Wednesday as it took water samples. Seen here is Tech electrical engineering professor Bryce Hill making the final preparations to get the boat ready to launch.
We are one step closer to a vaccine against the Zika virus.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, said Friday that the DNA vaccine candidate developed by scientists at NIAID's Vaccine Research Center has been a success in animal trials and in the first human trial of the vaccine.

It has been such a success that the agency has moved into the next stage of testing, on track with its projected timeline.

Volunteers have been signing up at clinics across the Americas to help test it. The vaccine is being tested at 11 sites including in Miami, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Mexico.

The next step of the trial will involve 90 healthy adults divided into groups who will get different doses to test its safety.

Then, starting around June, researchers will conduct a randomized control trial in 2,400 adults and adolescents who have not been infected with the virus but who live in areas where it has been detected. Some of the volunteers will get the vaccine, and some will get a placebo, in order to see if it can prevent Zika.

The vaccine will not be tested in pregnant women, but it will be tested in women of child-bearing age.

If all goes according to schedule, the vaccine could be moved to the next phase by the end of the year.

The trial, which will cost $100 million, is fully funded through this phase, but Fauci said it is unclear whether there is funding for the next phase. Fauci's boss, National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, is meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, but it was unclear whether they would discuss the vaccine trials.

The Trump administration has proposed an 18% cut to the institutes' budget, but it is unclear what would be lost if the proposed cuts get through Congress unchanged.

Fauci said the third phase of the trial is "a very high priority for us, and we will keep this as one of our higher priorities."

Scientists have seen evidence of mosquito-transmitted Zika virus in at least 84 countries, meaning there are thousands of fetuses at risk for birth defects if their mothers become infected. Birth defects linked to the virus include microcephaly, in which the head and brain don't develop properly; vision and hearing defects; and learning disabilities.

People who are infected with Zika can experience heart problems. The viral infection can also trigger Guillain-Barre, a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks nerves, leading to potential paralysis and even death.

Scientists around the world are scrambling to create viable versions of a Zika vaccine.

Fauci said Zika will not probably go away any time soon. One of his goals is to develop a vaccine to keep children safe so when people of that generation grow up and have children of their own, they will not pass the virus along during pregnancy.
One of three prospective sites for the county vehicle and maintenance shops may already be off the table, potentially narrowing the decision of where to relocate the shops to just two  the north side of Civic Center Road and a property off Beef Trail Road.

The shops relocation has been controversial since last July when the community group Restore Our Creek Coalition fought to have the Council of Commissioners hold off on voting to put the shops on the north side of Civic Center Road. The council agreed and the state has been waiting since for a decision on where the county wants the shops to go.

The state needs to move the shops in order to begin removal of the source of toxic tailings waste behind the Civic Center deposited there from smelting over a century ago. The tailings are buried 50 feet below ground. The state has long argued that the tailings need to be excavated in order to protect nearby Silver Bow Creek.

The state wants a decision so it can begin work this summer. The longer the wait, the greater the potential for costs to go up. The state has $18.5 million set aside for the work, which may not be enough to remove the tailings and relocate the shops, Harley Harris, director of the Natural Resource Damage Program, said Wednesday.

But Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Dave Palmer said one of three locations  land near the Metro Sewer Plant  might essentially be off the table because the owner wants more than market value. The county and the state can only pay appraised value.

That leaves just the Beef Trail Road property, which is located in a flood plain, and the north side of Civic Center Road site. Considerable earthwork is needed to prepare the Beef Trail Road site. The state would also have to further dip into the $18.5 million to acquire that land, which has been offered at the appraised value, officials said.

We dont have unlimited funding, said Harris.

He visited Butte Wednesday to discuss the situation with Restore Our Creek Coalition and then gave a brief update to the Butte Natural Resource Damage Council meeting.

One of the advantages of the north side of Civic Center Road site is that the county owns the property. Both state and county officials agree it is the most cost-effective option.

B-SB Public Works Director Dave Schultz said if the shops are moved to north of Civic Center Road, where the ballfield sits now, the contractors would be able to jack the current buildings up and move them whole. That alone would save money.

But Restore Our Creek Coalition spokesperson Northey Tretheway said, "we're not compromising on anything."

Although the group adamantly wants the tailings removed, Tretheway said he does not see a conundrum. He said the group is meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency, the state and Atlantic Richfield Co. to discuss the Butte Hills cleanup.

It (the extra money) needs to come from ARCO, said Tretheway Wednesday.

But the state has given no indication that ARCO is willing to provide money toward the removal of the Parrot tailings. EPA says the tailings do not need to be removed. As long as EPA holds that position, ARCO does not have to contribute toward the project.

Schultz said he thinks a compromise with the community group could be reached if it is willing. The county shops could be placed on the north side of Civic Center Road and there would still be room for the estimated $65 million park Restore Our Creek wants to run from Texas Avenue to George Street. Restore Our Creek also wants ARCO to pay for the park, which was created out of vision workshops held with the public last year.

But Tretheway calls keeping the shops close to the Civic Center an albatross for Butte.

Thousands come to the Civic Center; we have to put our best foot forward, he said.

He sees removing the shops to a different location as a step toward de-industrializing the area.

The open pit mining operation, run by Montana Resources, plus an active railroad track and the largest contaminated water body in the U.S.  the Berkeley Pit  are located north of the Civic Center.

The state has so far spent close to $100,000 on preparation work for the removal. Of that, $12,000 was spent in recent months to pay for an analysis so the council can revisit the issue of where to put the shops.

Harris said that if the council cannot make a decision in two weeks, the state may have to move forward regardless, but did not elaborate.

Every dollar is valuable, Harris said. We need to see this process move forward.

Palmer said he hopes commissioners have enough information on the shops relocation to make a decision at their April 19 meeting.
A Helena legislator introduced a bill Thursday that would create a committee to study the effects of legalizing recreational marijuana in Montana for presentation to the 2019 Legislature.

House Joint Resolution 35, introduced by Rep. Mary Dunwell, D-Helena, would request the legislative committee which oversees interim committees to form one to examine the legalization, regulation, taxation, and public health and safety aspects of recreational marijuana in Montana.

According to the proposed legislation, the interim committee would examine whether the states liquor control system would make a good model, how legalization would affect the states medical marijuana program, and how legalization in other states has affected tax revenues, spending on public health and safety, and child drug use.

The study would be completed by September 15, 2018, and include input from the Departments of Public Health and Human Services, Justice, Revenue, and Agriculture as well as local police, the district courts, schools, and lobbying groups. Committees often propose legislation based on the result of their studies.

Dunwell said marijuana legalization is not a question of if but when and that taking the time between sessions to get the science ready for whenever the day comes is smarter than trying to cram legalization through a 90-day session.

You dont have time to do good research, Dunwell said.

If HJ35 passes, House and Senate leaders on the bipartisan Legislative Council will appoint an interim committee which will meet for 20 months between the 65th and 66th sessions  that is, if legislators vote the bill as one of the top 20 proposed interim committees.

Legislation creating 40 other interim committees has already been introduced with another several dozen unintroduced proposals languishing in various draft states.

While the states medical marijuana industry does not oppose Dunwells resolution, it doesnt see it as its fight.

The lobbyist group for Montanas medical marijuana growers and providers, the Montana Cannabis Industry Association, has not prioritized legalizing recreational marijuana for the legislative session.

Embroiled in a five-year lawsuit to preserve patient access to medical marijuana that ended with a citizens initiative in the 2016 election and further court battles, the MTCIA 2017 legislative agenda is to solidify the medical program.

Spokesperson Kate Cholewa said all the MTCIAs energy now is behind passing Senate Bill 333, which would regulate the states medical marijuana program to be more in line with whats seen in other states.

According to the MTCIAs white paper on its 2017 legislative goals, building a better medical marijuana program is best done piecemeal. When medical marijuana was first legalized in 2004, some saw the law as lax, leading to abuse of the system and blowback in the form of the 2011 Legislatures quasi-repeal.

While 2016s I-182 restored access for patients, the program itself isnt that efficient of a machine, and SB333 adds provisions like seed-to-sale tracking and defining marijuana cultivation caps by canopy size, not plant quantity, the paper said.

Despite some problematic holdovers from the 2011 law, the initiatives provisions can maintain the program. However, we do not wish to see the same mistakes made in 2017 that were made in 2011 and the years leading up to it, the paper read.
HELENA  An effort to increase the number of barrels of beer Montana breweries can produce each year appears to be back on track after what some are calling a "backroom deal" Thursday morning.

Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas from Stevensville said a meeting between breweries, members of the state tavern association, and distributors reached an agreement that increases the number of barrels a brewery can produce a year to 60,000.

Under House Bill 541, carried by Rep. Adam Hertz, R-Missoula, breweries asked to be allowed to increase the amount of beer they can produce each year. But amendments tacked on by a Senate committee earlier this week lowered that to 12,000, just a 2,000-barrel-a-year increase over the current limit.

Brewers and some lawmakers cried foul, saying the Montana Tavern Association leaned on lawmakers to drop the limit and pointing out that the chairman of the Senate Business and Labor Committee is a bar owner. Several of the state's larger businesses, including Big Sky Brewery, KettleHouse Brewing Co., and Bayern Brewing in Missoula, all are over or near the current limit and said the change would hurt their operations.

Bars and breweries have long butted heads, with bar owners upset that breweries can sell their product from taprooms without having to buy expensive liquor licenses that bars must have to operate.

Fifty-three breweries operate in Montana, according to the Montana Brewers Association. That's up from 33 in 2011 and puts the state near top in the nation in terms of breweries per capita.

Thomas's amendment also would limit breweries to three locations and selling no more than 2,000 barrels annually for consumption on-site. Thomas said that works out to about 400 people drinking about three beers a night.

Breweries are good for the state's economy, Thomas said, and employ people in small towns and are a popular Montana product both in-state and as an export.

But Sen. Ed Buttrey, who chairs the committee that lowered the proposed barrel cap, said breweries are not artificially stifled by the state and are free to brew as much as they want, given they shut down their taprooms after passing a certain level.

"You've all been sold a bill of (goods)," Buttrey said. "This is not about increasing production, this is about being able to still act as a bar."

Buttrey said brewers came to an agreement years ago with the tavern association that they would use their taprooms to help generate revenue as they started their businesses and as production grew they would close down on-site sales.

Tim O'Leary, who owns KettleHouse in Missoula, said the amendment would let the brewery keep its location on Missoula's Northside open. He also said his brewery would not have a problem staying under the 2,000-barrel-a-year cap for on-site consumption. That cap does not affect growler sales or anything else sold to be consumed off-site.

"Tavern owners bent over backward to accommodate growth in our industry," he said. "We have to respect their business model, and we do just fine on three pints (a day) and (closing at) 8 o'clock."

John Iverson, a lobbyist for the Montana Tavern Association, called the amendment a good compromise and said that taverns need to work with breweries, whose products they sell.

"We're glad to be a part of the process. This compromise focuses on some of the concerns we have."

Sen. Dee Brown, R-Hungry Horse, said she didn't support the amendment, which passed on a 31-19 vote, because it came out of a "backroom deal."

"We have been the playground supervisors for a bunch of people who can't get along. I'm tired of it; I'm over it; and if we are going to do anything, let's have it out (in) the public eye and not in some backroom deal."

Thomas said the bill's sponsor, Hertz, would reject his amendment in the House, meaning it could go back to a public committee where breweries, the tavern association, and other interested parties could discuss in a public meeting the deal they came to Thursday.

Meetings like Thursday's happen often, Thomas said.

"If there was never a private meeting to come to some terms, we'd never get anything done. Let's be candid with each other."

The bill passed an initial vote in the Senate on Thursday 42-8. After the vote, Hertz said he wasn't allowed into the meeting Thursday morning and added he wouldn't have attended anyway.

"Backroom deals aren't my thing."

While he's generally OK with the amendment, Hertz said he would need a few days to read through them and determine what effects they would have. He wasn't sure Thursday evening if he'd ask the House to pass the amendments or vote them down, which would send the bill to a committee for more work.

"It's not exactly the bill I started with, but that's part of the process."
DILLON  Shayla McGregor, an elementary education major with a minor in special education at Montana Western in Dillon, has been awarded a Newman Civic Fellowship by the nonprofit Campus Compact.

The fellowship is a one-year program for students in which they are taught different strategies to address problems in their communities. It is awarded to students who have shown a commitment to public outreach.

McGregor, who graduates in 2019, is a resident assistant, Student Senator, and a student worker in the TRiO Student Success Program. This past year, she implemented a program for residence life titled "Coming Out Stars," according to a news release from the college. This event was designed by McGregor to give Montana Western students a chance to experience life from another perspective.

"This program allowed students to take on the persona of an LGBTQ+ community member and experience their own mock coming out process; they were then encouraged to contribute their thoughts and emotions in a conversation addressing social issues and stigmas that those marginalized by society face daily," McGregor said.

LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other marginalized gender and sexual identities.

"Coming Out Stars" was a big success, the release said.

"This program was one of our most powerful and best attended programs and allowed for multiple members of the campus community to participate and express themselves in a safe environment," said Montana Western Chancellor Beth Weatherby.

McGregor has also brought different groups together to create a more cohesive team of student leaders working together to bring about positive change, the chancellor said.

"Shayla is committed to working hard to bring about awareness and change," she said.

McGregor said as a first-generation college student, she greatly appreciates the value of education.

"As one of my core values, I hope to assist and inspire others to develop a passion for learning and exploring the world around them."

McGregor believes that education is the key to promoting social change.

"I believe that lack of education and awareness set the foundation for all social issues. Those that lack an open and empathetic mind cannot overcome the stigmatic facade created by centuries of ignorance."

Lexi Brandon, a petroleum engineering student at Montana Tech, also received the fellowship. She was featured in Thursday's Montana Standard.
One of the most important votes a U.S. Senator casts is a vote for a U.S. Supreme Court nominee. An Associate Justice for the Supreme Court is a lifetime appointment.

Thats why a decision on who to vote for, who to stand behind, and who to stand with is so important  not only to me but to our children and grandchildren.

We want a Supreme Court Justice who upholds the rule of law and follows the Constitution.

We want a Supreme Court Justice who doesnt legislate from the bench.

We want a Supreme Court Justice with superb academic credentials who is well-prepared to serve the American people on our highest court.

When President Trump announced that he was appointing Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court, the American people knew he was a Supreme pick.

He is a brilliant legal mind who understands the role a judge plays in our justice system: to interpret the law and not legislate from the bench. On the night he was announced, I was thrilled to hear him say, A judge who likes every outcome he reaches is very likely a bad judge, stretching for results he prefers rather than those the law demands.

Judge Gorsuch has impeccable legal qualifications demonstrating that he will be the type of justice that every American deserves on our nations highest court. He earned his bachelor's degree Columbia University in 1988. He graduated from Harvard Law School as a Harry Truman Scholar with honors in 1991. He attended Oxford University as a Marshall Scholar and received his Doctorate in Philosophy in 2004.

He has clerked for Justice Byron White and Justice Anthony Kennedy of the Supreme Court of the United States. And in 2006, Judge Gorsuch was nominated by President George Bush to the Tenth Circuit in Denver, Colorado  he was confirmed without any opposition. Some of those Democrats who did not oppose included Harvard Law classmate Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

During his time as a judge on the Tenth Circuit he built a solid reputation as a respected jurist with a distinguished record. He has a consistent record of defending the Constitution, including respecting the separation of powers, federalism and the Bill of Rights to protect our government from overreach and abuse.

When I had the opportunity to sit down with Judge Gorsuch in my office, we spoke about the role of government and federalism, the Second Amendment, protecting life and upholding our civil liberties.

We spoke of our shared Western values: mine as a native Montanan, his as a native Coloradoan. He understands our way of life and Montana values. His face lit up as he talked about his love of the outdoors and his passion for fishing.

Neil Gorsuch is the mainstream judge the American people deserve.

Im excited for our country that we have such a qualified nominee. I look forward to casting my vote this week to confirm him to the highest court in our country.
Re: Funding for Legal Services Corporation and AmeriCorps

Dear Senators Tester and Daines:

As current and former Justices of the Montana Supreme Court, we write to express our deep concern with the proposal to eliminate funding for the Legal Services Corporation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. These programs are critical partners in ensuring that the Montana justice system meets the Constitutions command to establish Justice ... and secure the Blessings of Liberty to all Montanans.

For 50 years, the Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) has provided civil legal aid to Montanans with basic human needs. MLSA helps protect domestic violence victims and obtain support for their children; secure housing for veterans; relieve seniors from consumer scams; and obtain access to justice in rural Montana where few, if any, other legal services are available.

And for nearly a decade, dozens of AmeriCorps members have devoted a year or two years of service to Montanas Court Help Program, giving tens of thousands of Montanans legal information to help understand and navigate the court system to resolve their own legal issues when they cannot afford an attorney.

Together, these programs help meet a vital need in a Montana court system that is simply overwhelmed with record-setting caseloads, self-represented litigants, and alarming increases in time-intensive cases involving abused and neglected children. When people show up in court unprepared and with their lives in crisis, the system becomes inefficient and hurts all court users. Because children and families in crisis take the courts priority, other cases move to the back of the line, and justice waits.

The plain truth is that MLSA and AmeriCorps Justice For Montanans Program are an incredibly effective use of a small amount of federal dollars that deliver results to Montana every day. Our justice system depends on them, as partners with the courts, the private bar, and non-profit community organizations to address the demands on Montana courts and to achieve our Nations promise of Justice for All.

We encourage your leadership and strong support for current-level funding of the Legal Services Corporation and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Chief Justice Mike McGrath

Justice Beth Baker

Justice Laurie McKinnon

Justice Michael E. Wheat

Justice Dirk Sandefur

Justice James Jeremiah Shea

Justice Jim Rice

Ret. Justice Patricia Cotter

Ret. Justice James C. Nelson

Ret. Justice W. William Leaphart

Ret. Justice John Warner

Ret. Justice Jim Regnier

Ret. Justice Terry N. Trieweiler

Ret. Justice Russell C. McDonough

Ret. Justice John C. Sheehy
MISSOULA  Dawn was still hours away in Washington, D.C., on Good Friday, April 6, 1917, when Wellington Rankin and his big sister, Jeannette, walked home from the Capitol.

She was weeping, which should have been no big deal after what shed just been through.

Following a long debate that began the previous morning and stretched on until 3 a.m., Rankin, 36-year-old suffragist and Missoula native, had cast her first vote in the U.S. House of Representatives as the nations and the worlds first female national legislator.

On the matter of President Woodrow Wilsons request for authorization to declare war on Germany, Rankin had said, I want to stand by my country, but I cannot vote for war.

The measure passed overwhelmingly anyway, and America geared up for its part in the first world war.

Think what youve done, an exasperated Wellington Rankin, Jeannettes financier and campaign director, persisted as they entered her apartment on California Street.

His sisters response, according to biographer Kevin Giles: Wellington, you know Im not interested in that. All Im interested in is what they will say in 50 years.

***

Thursday marks the 100-year anniversary of the United States entrance into World War I, and Jeannette Rankin again begs attention.

We think that her vote needs interpretation, Jim Lopach said this week in the living room of the home he and Jean Luckowski share in the Slant Street area.

Both are retired University of Montana professors, he in political science, she in education. Together they researched and wrote the 2005 biography, Jeannette Rankin: A Political Woman.

The quick-draw summary of that woman is this: Oldest child of a prominent Missoula family, suffragette, first woman in Congress, voted against U.S. participation in both world wars, passionately engaged in a lifetime of pacifism that lasted through much of the Vietnam War. When she died in California, Rankins ashes were scattered in an ocean called Pacific.

Reality is much more complex, of course, and what Lopach and Luckowski found and wrote about the enigma of Jeannette Rankin didnt please everyone.

Shes not Saint Jeannette up on that pedestal, Lopach noted.

For me that makes her much more interesting, Luckowski said. It just reminds me again and again that nothing about Jeannette was simple.

***

The authors say among the myths that need busting is that Rankin voted against entering World War I because of her pacifistic tendencies.

Its true, Lopach said, that Rankin entered the Congressional race in 1940 specifically to raise her voice and vote against U.S. entry into World War II. She cast the lone no vote in all of Congress on Dec. 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

She was an absolute pacifist by that time, he said.

Lopach and Luckowski say that Rankins 1917 vote, on the other hand, was explained not by her passion against war but by her feminist ideals. She clearly felt her historic role in Congress was to represent the women and families of America.

I thought I must vote as I did in order to make a protest against war for the women of the future, Rankin said later.

A key national crusader for the womens right to vote, which Montana became the 11th state to pass in 1914, Rankin helped draft a national suffrage amendment in 1918 that passed the House but failed in the Senate. A year later, after her term expired, a similar measure passed both chambers, and in August 1920 the 19th Amendment became the law of the land.

But in the wee hours of April 6, 1917, Rankin was the prize in a tug-of-war between two feminist factions. The National American Woman Suffrage Association was headed by Carrie Chapman Catt, the Congressional Union by Alice Paul.

Pauls group was comprised of the younger feminists who pushed for a national amendment.

They were probably the pacifists, Luckowski said.

Catt and the older, more conservative NAWSA favored state-by-state suffrage. Catt didnt like Rankin, Lopach said, and that really came out when she ran in 1918. Catt opposed Rankin.

Jeannette had worked with them for several years across the country promoting suffrage and was very successful, Luckowski said. And then they couldnt believe that she was the one who got elected. It should have been someone from the East Coast, someone with a better pedigree, someone from their circles.

Now Catt made it clear her belief that a vote against war would set back the womens movement.

"That, said Luckowski, was a big source of tension for her, those two groups of feminists.

Then there was Wellington.

A prominent Helena attorney and state Republican leader, he served in the U.S. Army during the war and became Montanas Attorney General afterward.

He was a big deal, he really was, especially in Montana, Lopach said.

Four years his sisters junior, Wellington Rankin proved a master strategist when it came to her campaign. But his own ambitions for national office met with abject failure. He ran half a dozen times for either the House or U.S. Senate and lost each attempt, Lopach said.

Wellington was Jeannettes primary speechwriter and arranged a lucrative national lecture tour for her after she was elected. The tour was interrupted when President Wilson called a special session of Congress to vote on the war issue. One of the last stops was at Carnegie Hall in New York, at which time Wellington set up a dinner visit to ex-president Theodore Roosevelt at his Oyster Bay home on Long Island.

Wellington hoped Roosevelt would encourage Jeannette to support war should a vote occur, Lopach said, but the subject never came up. He then joined his sister in Washington to convince her that a negative vote would destroy her politically.

Clashing feminist groups, a beloved brother and campaign promises all came crashing down on Jeannette Rankin in the predawn hours of April 6. She was subjected, said friend and fellow suffragist Harriet Laidlaw, to one of the most terrible mental struggles any woman ever had.

All of the important influences in her life were pressed upon her, not in unison but as opposing forces, Lopach and Luckowski wrote.

When the first roll call came around, Rankin passed. She then broke protocol on the second roll call by giving her short speech instead of saying aye or nay.

Despite the outcry that followed, Luckowski said the Rankins smoothed things over in succeeding months.

Jeannette made speeches supporting the sale of war bonds, and voted in favor of the explosive issue of instituting a draft.

In December 1917 another war declaration vote came up. This time the subject was Austria, and it passed the House 365-1.

Sick from food poisoning, Rankin climbed out of bed against doctors orders, went up the hill and cast her vote  for war. The sole opposing vote was from Meyer London, a Socialist from New York.
MISSOULA  America and Montana knew what they were getting into when war was declared on Germany on April 6, 1917.

It wasnt pretty.

The next days Daily Missoulian provided a glimpse of some of the explosive issues brewing on the home front.

Sharing the banner Page 1 headline Wilson Signs War Declaration was the addendum Sixty Plotters Arrested.

Then came the subheads:

Proclamation Issued Calling For Loyalty

Every Man Arrested by Attorney General Known to Be an Intriguer

Bail To Be Refused; Men to Be Locked Up

For First Time in Century Arrests Are Made Without Reference to Courts

From Helena came word that a miner named John Lundstadt made a call at the capitol and demanded to see Governor (Sam) Stewart.

Lundstadt claimed he had an invention that would render ships immune from torpedo attacks. He was deemed insane and arrested.

Europe had been at war since 1914, and the horrors of mustard gas attacks and trench warfare were well-known. Now the domestic face of war was revealed.

Martha Kohl, historical specialist at the Montana Historical Society, quotes Seattle historian David Kennedy to make the point.

Americans went to war in 1917 not only against Germans in the fields of France but against each other at home, Kennedy said.

That was especially true in Montana, said Kohl.

Two of every three Montanans were either immigrants or children of immigrants. Not only Germans but populations of anti-British Irish and anti-Russian Finnish populations still had political ties to their homelands.

You dont leave those at the door, Kohl said.

Percolating labor agitation ignited in June when 168 miners died in the Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine disaster in Butte. Weeks later Frank Little, an organizer of the Industrial Workers of the World, was lynched.

From the copper mines in Butte to the lumber camps of western Montana to the coal mines in Red Lodge, the IWW was espousing the belief that "this was a rich mans war and a poor mans fight, Kohl said.

"Copper, coal and lumber were going to make a lot of people really rich and the people who were going to get slaughtered were the workers, many of whom were fighting against their brothers, Kohl said.

So you have those tensions going, and then nationally theres the push to mobilize for this all-out global war. There was a propaganda campaign, and that was naturally picked up here in Montana.

Each state had a Council of Defense, originally created to encourage agricultural production but that seemed to expand its mission and powers when we went to war. The Montana council was given governing power by the Legislature in 1918 when it passed the infamous Sedition Act.

Seventy-six men and three women would be convicted of sedition in 1918 and 1919, victims of perhaps the harshest anti-speech law in U.S. history. More than half were sent to the state prison in Deer Lodge with sentences of up to 20 years.

Kohl said Montanas World War I experience is really a hard story to condense. It ranges from acts of supreme sacrifice and patriotism to riots, book burnings and atrocious human rights violations, such as when Finnish IWW leaders were taken to the basement of the Elks Lodge in Red Lodge and shown a noose.

One guy was strung up three times before he finally told the names of other sympathizers, Kohl said.

Kohl was project manager for a major effort by the Montana Historical Society to chronicle the complicated war years in a web-based project titled Montana and the Great War.

It was launched this week and features teaching materials and a story map presenting images and events from across Montana, exploring the different ways the war and its aftermath affected Montanans, according to a press release.

The website is available at mhs.mt.gov/education/WWI or by searching for Montana Historical Society WWI.
Commissioners have agreed to spend up to $17,820 for a Billings firm to market the old NorthWestern Energy building the county took on as part of an agreement to keep the utilitys Montana headquarters in Uptown Butte.

We dont have the experience in pushing this out on a national scale to a national audience, Community Development Director Karen Byrnes told council members Wednesday night. We need partners.

Commissioners Jim Fisher and Cindy Perdue-Dolan suggested more be done locally to find buyers for the vacant, 110,000-square-foot complex at 40 E. Broadway St., but they were easily outnumbered on a voice vote to hire Billings-based NAI Business Properties to market it.

Byrnes said Thursday that several people who have shown interest in the complex  including some from Bozeman and Helena  will meet with her and other county representatives on Friday to discuss the proposal process, possible uses for the building, timelines, and joint-ownership possibilities.

We are hoping we can foster some partnerships between them, she said.

The aim is to find a buyer or buyers who will provide the highest and best use for the building and be successful in it, she said. The complex is actually five buildings joined together over many years.

Eric Fulton, chief executive officer of a Helena-based company called Treasure State Internet that provides internet services, said he planned to be among those meeting with Byrnes on Friday.

He said it was "a spectacular building" but was so massive it might take a group of people to put it to use.

The county took ownership last September as part of a 2014 agreement with NorthWestern to stay in Butte. The company built a $25 million office building at Park and Main streets, keeping more than 200 employees here and pumping new property tax revenue into a special Uptown taxing district.

In return, the county gave up land for the new building, is building a parking garage where some NorthWestern employees can park, and agreed to take ownership of the old building at 40 E. Broadway if the company couldnt find new owners within 18 months.

NorthWestern hung onto it longer than 18 months, but early and repeated claims of optimism by the company and county officials that it would sell have not panned out.

The county has been paying to keep the lights and heat on so the building can be shown on short notice, but utility bills were $6,000 to $7,000 per month this winter, Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Dave Palmer said this week.

Byrnes told commissioners that NAI is the premiere business real estate firm in Montana with offices in Billings and Missoula. It approached the county about marketing the building, she said, because it is doing the same for other properties in Butte.

The firm has national outreach, she said, and that should increase chances of getting good offers. Money to pay NAI is coming from revolving grant funds, she said.

Commissioner Brendan McDonough suggested that structural engineers or contractors examine the complex first to see if it could be broken down into smaller buildings first. That might make it easier to find buyers, he said.

Byrnes said NorthWestern determined it could be separated into three buildings, but that would require major electrical upgrades. And Commissioner John Morgan said that should only be considered if a prospective buyer shows great interest in doing that.

Fisher said there were ample people in our community  including the Butte Local Development Corp., Headwaters RC&D, and the county officials  that could network and seek buyers first.

I just think we need a more concerted effort between the people in our community before we go spending money for an out-of-town firm from Billings, he said.

Byrnes said those talks and efforts had been made, and Commissioners Sheryl Ralph, John Sorich, and Cindi Shaw all said the professional marketing push was a good idea.

I think we need to have someone with new ideas, Sorich said.
Smart Rating: 90.73

Series premiere: 10/01/2006

Series finale: 9/22/2013

Genre: Crime drama

Dexter Morgan is a Miami-based blood splatter expert who doesn't just solve murders; he commits them too. In fact, he's a serial killer - but he only murders the guilty, so he feels justified with his lifestyle choices. His policewoman sister and his cop co-workers have no idea Dexter lives a double life; however, adoptive father Harry knows his secret, and does, in fact, help Dexter hone his "skills." It's a unique brand of justice for which charming Dexter feels a psychological hunger.
There are enemies lurking in our society that could be just as deadly as a terrorist attack. They are known as viruses and diseases.

"Over the last 10 decades there have been about 30 newly emerging diseases that have the potential to be pandemics," says Dr. Larry Brilliant, an epidemiologist featured in CNN Films' "Unseen Enemy."

"If we do nothing, it's not a matter of if there will be a global pandemic, it's just a matter of when -- and which virus, and how bad."

Take Zika, for example. The virus first emerged in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947. It made headlines in November 2015 when health officials reported a concerning number of babies born in Brazil with microcephaly, a neurological birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and can have underdeveloped brains.

In 2016, Zika was imported to the US by travelers who were infected while visiting areas where the virus was being transmitted. In July 2016 the first locally transmitted cases in the continental US were reported in Florida and in November 2016 local transmission was confirmed in Texas.

The virus is transmitted primarily by infected mosquitoes and unprotected sex, and can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

There is currently no vaccine available, but the United Nations health agency released a strategic response plan to fight the spread of Zika. It focuses on preventing and managing medical complications caused by the infection, which could cost up to $121.9 million, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are several organizations aiding those already infected with the virus and helping others with prevention by providing insect repellant and awareness, in addition to funding for diagnostic tests and vaccines.

Like Zika, mosquitoes of a different type, are the culprit behind malaria.

Typically, malaria causes fever, chills, vomiting and flu-like illness, according to the CDC. If not treated, it can be deadly.

The disease infects more than 200 million people each year around the globe, killing nearly half a million, according to the World Health Organization. The United Nations Foundation reports that every 45 seconds a child in Africa dies from malaria.

The global malaria eradication program set out to make the world malaria-free when it launched in 1955. The campaign helped eliminate the disease from Europe, North America, the Caribbean and parts of Asia and South America, but had virtually no success in sub-Saharan Africa.

Today 80% of those with malaria live in that area. (It is interesting to note that small pox is currently the only disease that has ever been eradicated.)

There are charities responding to malaria by providing insecticide-treated nets and funding to help educate people about the disease.

Even as technology advances and scientific discoveries are made, diseases like malaria and viruses like Zika will undoubtedly strike.

"We are more vulnerable because of our mobility," says Dr. Peter Piot, a microbiologist featured in "Unseen Enemy."

"We are living more and more in very crowded cities. That's fantastic from the perspective of a virus because in no time it can infect hundreds of thousands of people."

But there is a way we can help prevent sickness -- giving everyone access to clean water, according to the CDC.

One billion people do not use drinking water from improved sources. More than 2 billion do not use a sanitary toilet, according to the WHO.

Clean water is essential for drinking, cooking and bathing...for life.

Many organizations have heeded the call and are helping provide clean water by repairing pipes on damaged wells, mobilizing drill rigs and donating tanks that collect and store rainwater that runs off roofs.

You can make an impact on an unseen enemy.

CNN's Christopher Dawson contributed to this report.
MUSCATINE  The first Muscatine City Council meeting since the impeachment hearings of Muscatine Mayor Diana Broderson will be held Thursday night.

Broderson will preside at the meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. The agenda includes public hearings and a final vote on changes to the citys zoning ordinance.

In the Charges for Removal  filed by City Attorney Matthew Brick  Broderson is accused of making baseless complaints and claims about council members, city staff and members of the public, actions the charges allege constitute willful misconduct and maladministration of office.

She has also been charged with neglect and refusal to perform the duties of her office.

Broderson "feeling very good"

"Im going to continue doing my job that the people have elected me to do, just as I have done before," Broderson said Wednesday.

Muscatine City Council members have not commented on the hearing, but Councilman Bob Bynum said after the hearing that Broderson will continue to preside unless the council reaches a decision, by a two-thirds majority, to remove her. No date is set for that decision.

Broderson said the meetings are part of her job, so she will continue to be in attendance, adding she and her lawyer, William Sueppel are "feeling very good."

"We are feeling very good after the hearing that the truth is coming out, so that people can see and realize what the situation is or has been," she said.

Broderson said she does not know what the council's decision will be. She and her lawyer, Broderson said, may decide to take the fight to district court, depending on the council's decision.

"If the council votes to remove, we will continue to fight the removal in whatever way we need to," she said.

But, she said, "theres nothing to do right now except wait."

Alleged offer

At the end of the second day of testimony, Broderson said the council was willing to make this all go away and give me back my appointment powers if I would just agree not to run again in November."

The offer, Broderson said Wednesday, was made before the hearing on her removal began.

So its not an offer thats being worked on now, she said.

Bynum said council members have been advised not to comment on that matter. Other council members did not return or answer calls Wednesday.

Petition status

Muscatine resident Ann Brumback said she filed a petition with more than 1,000 Muscatine resident signatures to the Iowa Attorney General's Office seeking the removal of the Muscatine City Council.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office confirmed receipt of the petition. A process and timeline for the AG's review of that matter have not been announced, but Chapter 66 of the Iowa Code provides guidelines and reasons for an elected official to be removed from office.

Leslie Soule, the Muscatine County auditor, said Iowa does not hold recall elections, as some states do, so the matter would likely have to move through the courts, if it moved forward.

Next steps

Written briefs and proposed decisions are due from Sueppel and prosecutor John Nahra to the Muscatine City Clerk by 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. After reviewing the submissions, the council will vote whether it will remove Broderson from office, a vote that requires a two-thirds majority. No deadline has been set for the council's decision.
MUSCATINE  The man charged with shooting into an occupied home on King Avenue in October pleaded guilty this week.

Benito Martinez, 21, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty Tuesday to intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a class D felony; going armed with intent, a class D felony; and third-degree criminal mischief, an aggravated misdemeanor, according to a blog post by Muscatine County Attorney Alan Ostergren.

He was charged with second-degree criminal mischief, a class D felony, but pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal mischief, an aggravated misdemeanor, as part of a plea agreement.

The Muscatine Police Department responded to a call around 8:37 a.m. Oct. 30, and discovered 20 .40 caliber rounds had been shot into an occupied residence, causing an estimated $3,000 of damage to the residence and personal property, according to the criminal complaint.

According to Ostergren, gunfire also struck a second house nearby.

Martinez discharged a .40 caliber firearm from his vehicle, a red 2005 Dodge Durango, into the home at 1411 King Ave. on Oct. 30.

No one was injured during the shooting, but a 12-year-old male was sitting in the living room of the home at the time of the incident, according to court documents.

Benito faces imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years. The first two offenses are class D felonies punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years. Criminal mischief is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed two years

His sentencing has been set for 9 a.m. Friday, May 19, in Muscatine County District Court.
A new proposal for the replacement of the County Highway 99 bridge at Wapello has been floated, and it could bring $1 million in savings and allow for continued traffic access during construction, Louisa County Board of Supervisors learned Tuesday.

The plan would require the acquisition of two private properties on the west bank of the Iowa River.

Despite that, the supervisors indicated they wanted to learn more about the idea.

Its a no-brainer, supervisor Brad Quigley said, after hearing the news from county engineer Larry Roehl during a presentation on the countys five-year capital improvement plan.

Roehl said HR Green, Johnston, came up with the new proposal following a Feb. 21 public meeting on the project. During that meeting, residents questioned the impact to the area if the replacement bridge was not constructed at the same location as the current bridge.

Roehl said the new plan would create a replacement bridge just north of the current structure, which would remain open to traffic while the replacement bridge was constructed.

The relocated site would cost less compared to the currently favored design, which calls for half of the existing bridge to remain open for travel while the other half was replaced.

Roehl said the savings resulted from fewer modifications made to the existing structure as the work was done. The project would be delayed by three months because new plans and approvals would be needed, and there would need to be negotiations to purchase the impacted private properties.

Even with the possible delay, Supervisors Chris Ball and Randy Griffin agreed with Quigley the relocation idea sounded good.

(We) keep (the bridge) completely open without any (traffic stoppage). Thats interesting, Griffin said.

The estimated $11.5 million cost would be reduced by $1 million, but still faces a funding gap of around $1.2 million.

The supervisors asked Roehl to continue discussions with the Iowa Department of Transportation about borrowing on the countys Farm-to -Market fund to cover that shortfall. Quigley said Roehl should ask for the loan to be extended over a 10-year period to ensure the county has enough money remaining to complete other needed work.

During the meeting, Roehl also outlined more than $16 million in bridge, roadway and other capital projects scheduled for 2018 to 2022, including trail work on County Road X61 and F Avenue, 160th Street upgrading and other projects are also projected.

The supervisors also reported receiving complaints over increased assessments that were recently mailed to residents.

In other action, the supervisors:

 Met with Technology Director Chuck Borschel and Zoning Administrator Julian West for their monthly office updates;

 Approved the Hogback Hill Subdivision;

 Approved a right of way contract with Caren Schneider for the 160th Street project;

 Approved a three-year auditing contract with Eide-Bailly, Dubuque;

 Agreed to abate back taxes on a mobile home that had been demolished and was no longer on the site;

 Approved $103,199 in claims.
MUSCATINE  The Iowa Department of Public Health amended its rules last January, introducing new bacterial meningitis vaccine requirements for seventh and twelfth grade students. The new rule goes into effect in the 2017-2018 school year and requires students entering seventh and twelfth grades to be vaccinated before the school year begins.

Meningitis can be spread through respiratory droplets and saliva when groups of people are gathered together. It can be quickly life-threatening, and kills an estimated 10-15 percent of the people who contract it. Those who recover can suffer brain damage, hearing loss, loss of limbs and other side effects. To prevent meningitis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children receive two doses of the vaccine: one at age 11 or 12 and one at age 16.

We will help in any way we can to make sure that the first day of school for your child is a successful one. That you walk in through the door and you can come and this wont be a barrier, said Wendy Davis, nurse coordinator at the Muscatine Community School District.

Heres what you need to know about the new rule:

It applies to seventh and twelfth graders, with caveats

Seventh graders who were born after Sept. 15, 2004 will need proof of having received one dose of the meningitis vaccine. Twelfth graders who were born after Sept. 15, 1999 will need proof of two doses. If the student is 16 years or older when they receive the first dose of the vaccine, they will only need to receive one dose to attend school.

Students who have religious or medical exemptions will be able to attend school without proof of vaccination, but must file exemption paperwork, available on the Iowa Department of Public Health website.

Students without proof of vaccination will not be allowed to attend school

Seventh and twelfth graders who arent vaccinated by the first day of school must stay home until they provide proof of vaccination or the exemption paperwork.

Davis stressed the Muscatine Community School District did not create the new requirement, but must follow the new rule.

We will follow the law as we always have, she said.

Children can get the vaccine at their health care providers office

Davis recommended that parents and guardians consult with their childs health care providers on when and where to vaccinate their child. Other options, she said, include area pharmacies, but she suggested parents and guardians call the pharmacy first to check if the vaccine is available.

Other vaccination requirements will remain unchanged

The new rule only applies to the meningitis vaccine. Other vaccine schedules have not changed.
The West Liberty City Council has set an April 18 public hearing to take public comment about a proposal to borrow $2.2 million for the Maxson Avenue improvement project. The funding would be used for construction of the road, water system and sanitary sewer system, and storm water drainage improvements. The loan would be paid with tax increment finance proceeds with payments extending through 2032 at an average annual interest of 2.1 percent. The city expects to receive the funding June 1.

The hearing will be part of the City Council meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Waldo C. Meyers Municipal Building, William M. Phelps Council Chambers, 101 West Fourth St.

Contracts awarded for utility project

The council also awarded contracts for the Municipal Electric Utility switchgear and transformer project. The winning bids were:

$774,161 from Powercon of Severn, Maryland, for the switchgear;

$466,021 from Virginia Transformer of Roanoke, Virginia, for the transformer;

$42,700 from Irby Utilities of Ankeny, Iowa, for the circuit switcher;

$24,960 from V&S Schuler of Canton, Ohio, for the structures.

Water line dispute

The city of West Liberty will not become involved in a dispute between neighbors about a water line. The water line for 408 North Columbus Street, owned by Carolyn Lamp, runs through the basement of 301 East Fourth St., owned by Wendy Torres. The property owners are in a civil dispute involving the location of the water line. A leak in the basement of Torres' property caused the service to be shut off. Lamp requested the minimum monthly charges be removed from her billings, but the council Tuesday night declined to take action.

"I'm going to assume this item is dead for lack of a motion," Mayor Robert Hartman said.

"It's more of a civil matter between the two parties," said City Manager Lawrence McNaul.

In other business

The council approved payment of claims totaling $286,454.

The council approved submitting 6 outstanding utility accounts totaling $2,518 to Iowa's Income Offset Program and approved writing off two accounts totaling $1,784 as noncollectable.

The council approved operating procedures for the West Liberty Downtown Task Force and the Muscatine County Historic Preservation Commission.

The council approved Hartman's appointment of Kelly Daufeldt as the county member of the Public Library Board.

The council again tabled acceptance of the audit report for the previous fiscal year, pending clarification of several items.

The council set a work session for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 to review the annexation study and draft website.

The council went into closed session to discuss possible litigation.
NASA's Cassini spacecraft is preparing for its final plunge into Saturn after spending two decades traveling around the planet.

The grand finale of the spacecraft is to begin on April 26 when Cassini will soar through the first of Saturn's rings.

"No spacecraft has ever gone through the unique region that we'll attempt to boldly cross 22 times," Thomas Zurbuchen of NASA said.

The final death plunge of Saturn is expected to take place on Sept. 15.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that "something should happen" with regard to Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in the wake of this week's chemical attack, which US officials say he perpetrated.
Smart Rating: 91.43

Series premiere: 7/25/2010

Genre: Adventure, crime drama

In this contemporary version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective stories, Dr. John Watson is a war vet just home from Afghanistan. He meets the brilliant but eccentric Holmes when the latter, who serves as a consultant to Scotland Yard, advertises for a flatmate. Almost as soon as Watson moves into the Baker Street flat, they are embroiled in mysteries, and Sherlock's nemesis, Moriarty, appears to have a hand in the crimes.
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 []
Brandy Dreibelbis, executive chef and district manager with the School Food Project at Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, has been named the Napa Valley Unified School Districts first nutrition director, starting July 1.

In this new position, Dreibelbis will oversee all aspects of the Districts nutrition programs, including school lunches and campus food offerings, assuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with nutrition, sanitation, safety and record-keeping requirements.

She will also manage the shift away from Sodexo, the company that has provided NVUSD food services for more than 30 years, to an in-house program.

We are pleased to welcome Dreibelbis to our District, said Superintendent Patrick Sweeney.

"She has the background and expertise to help us achieve our nutrition goals for our students, including fresher, more nutritious choices and more families choosing school lunch. Students cant learn if they are hungry or fueling their bodies with unhealthy food.

Dreibelbis has led the Boulder Valley School District program since 2009. She also has worked as a chef at restaurants and at Whole Foods. She attended the Culinary School of the Rockies in Boulder and has a bachelors degree in restaurant management from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania.

Im looking forward to being a part of the team and community at Napa Valley Unified School District, Dreibelbis said. Were going to do great things and make great food together.

NVUSD has more than 17,000 students at 31 schools sites. The Food Service program currently serves about 9,200 meals, including breakfasts and lunches, each day.
The National Congress of American Indians commenced its campaign against the use of American Indian imagery as mascots in 1963. Why did it take so long? Consider for reference, until 1954, black children were in segregated classrooms and their parents were ignored in school boards as they fought for an equal education.

Today, Native peoples are at the table, at school boards, in ceremony, saying, I Am Not Your Mascot. I have five points for the Minority Reports authors, mascot supporters.

1. You say the founders had respect and admiration for the original peoples of our Valley, but were native peoples invited to the table or consulted about the founding? No. Today, Native peoples cannot be ignored and must be consulted. Native peoples were consulted and cooperated in having the conversation - they say no to the mascot.

2. You are trying to preserve his presence and pay homage, but it is not your choice to decide how to commemorate the genocide of Native peoples, or how to venerate the survivors. Survivors decide. You can follow their lead, their efforts. The collective indigenous community decided, I Am Not Your Mascot.

3. You contend that the mascot issue should be put behind and move on to more important things. Put red-face behind. Much like black-face, red-face is not yours to play with. Listen to Native peoples and do as they ask: let the mascot go.

4. You argue AB 30 only addresses the word Redskins but laws are interpreted as a whole. The law starts by finding that racially derogatory or discriminatory mascots hinder an equal education to all. Then, the law says Redskins is forbidden. That prohibition does not sanction other images or names. The Supreme Courts 1954 case Brown v. Board of Education protects black students and students similarly situated.

5. Stand with Council Director Charlie Toledo. Be one to whom she can say, Thanks for your continued support to help change this past due injustice! Remember, the mascot is not actually your symbol -- you are playing with a human beings personhood. Native peoples are not yours to play with; we have cultural values. The Brown decision held that education is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values, in preparing him for later professional training, and in helping him to adjust normally to his environment.

Laura P. Lopez

Napa
A dog that was aboard a boat that capsized Monday in Tomales Bay, killing a man on board, was found alive Thursday by Marin County firefighters.

Two battalion chiefs were scouting locations for a firefighters' water rescue orientation around 11:30 a.m. Thursday when they encountered Yoda hunkered down under a rock outcropping.

The yellow Labrador retriever named after the Star Wars Jedi master had been on board a 13-foot Boston Whaler that capsized in rough surf at the mouth of Tomales Bay around noon Monday.

Brian Phidat Ho, 47, of San Jose died. Ho's fishing partner and another dog survived but Yoda was missing and presumed drowned.

Battalion Chiefs Chris Martinelli and Graham Groneman were in a boat a quarter-mile north of Dillon Beach when they spotted a pale yellow object on the rocky beach.

Survived, he did. Yoda was wet and shivering, had no apparent injuries and he matched the description of the missing dog.

He was brought to the Tomales Fire Station to warm up by a fireplace and be fed. The Marin Humane Society checked him out before releasing him to a family member.

Marin County Fire Battalion Chief Bret McTigue said the family was at Ho's funeral when they were informed Yoda was alive.
WANAQUE, N.J.  A New Jersey cat that went missing more than two years ago is back home.

Jimmy, a brown tabby, disappeared after being let out of its Wanaque home on Sept. 13, 2014.

Owner Susan Zelitsky told The Record (https://njersy.co/2p0zCHm ) it wasn't unusual for Jimmy to spend time outside. On the night that Jimmy went missing, Zelitsky said her husband let Jimmy go outside, but when she called for the cat to come in, he was nowhere to be found.

She and her family searched and put up posters, but couldn't find the cat.

The West Milford Animal Shelter Society said Jimmy was found 10 miles (16 kilometers) from home in the town's High Crest section during the March blizzard. Zelitsky said a friend on Facebook posted the shelter's picture of the cat.

Zelitsky went to the shelter and Jimmy started to rub against her. He nipped her when she rubbed his belly, which he always did.

"I was convinced it was my boy," she said. "I called my husband and he came to the shelter. When he saw Bob, he did the same head-butt."

Zelitsky said the cat was very familiar with the layout of her home, and has been doing many of the things he had done in the past, like sleeping on his favorite dining room chair.

"If it wasn't for the wonderful people at WMASS, we would have never had this happy reunion," she said.
KENT, Ohio  Ohio police say a suspected shoplifter called 911 for help after she hid in a fitting room at closing time and got locked inside a department store.

Brimfield Township police say surveillance video from the incident at a Kohl's store late last month shows her taking clothing items, then realizing she's trapped in the store near Kent, roughly 35 miles (56 kilometers) southeast of Cleveland. Police say officers already were heading to the store when she called 911 because she set off alarms.

WJW-TV (http://bit.ly/2oBol3Q ) reports 35-year-old Joanne Havens told police she heard the store-closing announcements and simply didn't leave in time.

But officers say they found stolen items in her purse.




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MELBOURNE, Florida  A 58-year-old Florida man is facing a First Degree Murder charge for allegedly bludgeoning his roommate to death with an elephant statue in Melbourne, Florida On March 22, Melbourne Police were called to 301 Palmetto Avenue regarding a death. Investigators determined that Michael Barlow had died several days prior to his discovery by his two roommates, Roger Goodrich and Donald Beyers. A later autopsy determined that Barlow had died of blunt force trauma to the head.



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During an interview with detectives a week later, Goodrich told police that he obtained the heavy, wooden elephant statute from the living room and went to Barlows bedroom where Barlow was lying in bed.

According to the arrest affidavit, Goodrich admitted to striking Barlow in the head with the statute because he wanted to put his roommate out of his misery and because he felt other people were taking financial advantage of Barlow. Goodrich was then arrested and booked into the Brevard County Jail where he is being held on a no bond status.

According to police reports, Goodrich had only been Barlows roommate for one month prior to the murder.
Emotive Arts Series: Disability & the Humanities The Emotive Arts Series will be held Tuesday, April 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Miller Ward Alumni House. RSVP online.

Somnath Das graduates this spring from Emory College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in chemistry and neuroscience and behavioral biology (NBB), with medical school on the horizon. But he believes it was an English class that will make him a better doctor.

English professor Laura Otis, who began her career as a scientist, taught Languages of Emotion by comparing the way creative writers and scientists wrote about emotions. Das realized that understanding different perspectives would help in medicine, and learning in general.

Students can often struggle with what medicine truly looks like, but Ive learned the humanities can provide the framework to understand people and the experience of illness, says Das, who is organizing a conference on health humanities on April 11.

The Emotive Arts Series will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Miller Ward Alumni House. The conference will focus on the issue of disability and the humanities, looking at the experience of disability from various disciplines in a bid to start more students talking about areas of intersection.

Students from both the sciences, where multiple samples of information are used to generalize trends, and from the humanities, where single narratives can often illustrate a broader point, are encouraged to attend.

Events include a student art gala, spoken word performances with American Sign Language interpretations and keynote addresses by Jennifer Sarrett, a lecturer in the Center for the Study of Human Health and co-director of the Emory Disability Studies Initiative (DSI), and Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, a professor who teaches English and bioethics and is a founding director of the DSI.

Garland-Thomson says she is heartened that the event is student-led, noting that because anyone can become disabled at any point in their lives, the discussion has broad appeal.

She plans to discuss her 2016 piece in the New York Times, Becoming Disabled, addressing both the issues of solidarity it raises and the ongoing response to her essay.

A doctors job is to see us as medical subjects who need to be fixed, but what they also must be aware of is that everyone, who can become disabled at any point and often will if they live long enough, should be seen as political or culture-making subjects, Garland-Thomson says.

First-year students Anna Farrell and Preethi Reddi are co-organizing the conference, in the hopes of making it an annual event when Das graduates.

Farrell, who just declared a major in NBB while also considering English, said her interest in the issue came from her own readings about end-of-life care and mortality.

Reddi, who also recently declared an NBB major, says Emory has been an ideal place for understanding the connections between science and the humanities after first being exposed to such collaborations in the World Food Prize program in high school.

Its a good idea to bring awareness of the importance of the human aspect to medicine, whether youre going to be a physician or a patient, Reddi says.
A unique Emory College fellowship program has built an intellectual community of undergraduates who are leading fellow students in how to make sense of their education as they head off into the world.

Now in its second full year, the Interdisciplinary Exploration and Scholarship (IDEAS) Fellowship takes the Colleges commitment to an intensive liberal arts education beyond increasing students breadth of knowledge and into synthesizing what they have learned.

I was in conversation with a medical doctor who said he loved his liberal arts education, but he never felt it came together as a coherent whole. IDEAS seeks to address that, says Kim Loudermilk, the IDEAS director, senior lecturer in the Institute for Liberal Arts (ILA) and director of the Program in American Studies.

Another student said he had been a leader in college his whole life but IDEAS was the first time he felt like an academic leader, she adds. These are active learners, who are really engaging with the idea of what it means to be a scholar.

The fellowship has expanded from its pilot program of 12 students in 2015 to 30 members this year. The program received 80 applications for just 18 openings in the last application period.

The fellowship is part of an overall ILA effort to showcase the values of the liberal arts  critical thinking, tackling different perspectives  and to encourage thinking across and between disciplines. It also builds a coalition of students who can engage in explaining how a liberal arts education informs their planned professions.

Farah Al Chammas, a sophomore Woodruff Scholar majoring in interdisciplinary studies and anthropology, became interested in IDEAS after becoming discouraged shadowing physicians. She was nearly pushed away from her plans to be an endocrinologist when she saw the lack of a holistic approach to patients. IDEAS, she says, gave her the space to be encouraged about a different approach.

Its a great approach, to think about something from your perspective, then from another perspective, then another perspective, Al Chammas says. I want to challenge myself, challenge my own biases, to consider everything that I can.

Fellows meet for weekly luncheons to debate current issues and collect ideas from one another. They have partnered with TableTalk to host a weekly coffee hour with faculty members available to chat with students.

They also plan events such as the Best of Emory, which provides a platform for students to discuss their favorite courses just before registration, so that others can get class recommendations.

You dont grow up dreaming of working in mental health policy, says Hannah Heitz, a senior psychology and human health major who now plans just that career.

IDEAS is about exposure to other classes, topics and people that open your experience, adds Heitz, who came to the fellowship after the Summer Enrichment Program on health care inequalities at the University of Michigan.

Bridging disciplines

Fellows also sponsor sidecar classes as a way for other students to explore the intersection of disciplines. The students serve as teaching assistants for the sidecars, bringing together two faculty members to lead a one-credit course on the areas where their work overlaps.

Previous sidecars have linked a theater course with emergency medicine to "read the scene" in an emergency room, and linked a bioethics course with a religion course on Buddhism to explore the ethics of the Dalai Lama.

With majors in economics and quantitative sciences, junior John Wang was an unlikely teaching assistant for Bodies in Space, the sidecar this spring that focused on the physiological process by combining professors from biology and dance.

In a recent class, students were instructed to walk around the room with their eyes closed, with the goal to avoid bumping into each other. Students had to rely on the wind created while brushing past one another, or the heat from each others bodies, to understand how to extend their spatial awareness beyond just vision, Wang says.

With IDEAS, I feel like I am the dumbest person in the room, which is good," he says. "The rich conversations and discussions blow me away with seeing how everyone else's mind works  especially someone with a different academic background."

Loudermilk says such exchanges allow faculty to learn from students as much as students learn from professors. It also gives IDEAS fellows the skills to take what they learn in IDEAS to other students.

Its not an opportunity undergraduates get very often, to have that agency to learn and to teach others, Loudermilk says. I so enjoy working with these students because they understand that, and they become catalysts to bring these ideas out into the community.
Biological science faculty mentor Veronica Jimenez, center, with student researchers Kristy Nguyen, from left, Heather Lynch, Christopher Skorka and Noopur Dave, who starts her doctoral studies this fall.

Graduate student Noopur Dave is often asked why she studies the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes an infection called Chagas disease.

The disease, spread by insects called triatomine bugs or kissing bugs, was once endemic only in Latin America, but today, it is spreading to the U.S. and Europe, said Daves faculty mentor, Veronica Jimenez, assistant professor of biological science.

The threat of this infectious disease is here in the United States, Dave adds. Its important to study this parasite to pinpoint a potential drug therapy because currently, there is no FDA-approved drug to cure Chagas.

With over 300,000 cases in the U.S., it is considered a preventable infection, yet it can cause heart diseases and has been associated with increased risk of stroke, Jimenez explained. Due to the lack of research on such tropical diseases, Chagas disease is one of five parasitic diseases targeted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for public health action.

Its spread is raising concerns regarding its globalization and epidemiological importance, Jimenez said.

To advance her faculty-student investigation on Chagas disease, Jimenez has received multiple grants, totaling more than $1 million. Most recently, she has been awarded over $550,000, including a $404,813, three-year grant from the National Institutes of Health. The American Heart Association has awarded her $154,000 over two years, including first-year funding of $77,000.

Dave, whose masters thesis is based on her research, is one of eight graduate and undergraduate students working with Jimenez to find treatment options for this parasitic infection.

I strongly believe in empowering women and minorities to actively participate in science. Research gets more creative and productive when we incorporate different points of view and think outside the box, Jimenez said. Bringing people from different backgrounds is a great way of making better science, while providing opportunities for growth in our communities.

The researchers are investigating how the parasite is able to sense changes in its environment, successfully adapting to them and infecting human hosts.

Our studies could contribute to the identification of selective drug targets that lead to the elimination of the parasite without negatively affecting humans, Jimenez added.

Their work also could be useful to better understand vector-borne diseases like Zika and West Nile viruses and Lyme disease.

Dave, who earned her bachelors degree in biological science in 2013 at CSUF, has won numerous accolades for her research. She also has been invited to present her research at an international molecular cell biology meeting April 22-26 in Massachusetts.

After she completes the masters program in biology this summer, Dave will begin her doctoral studies in biomedical sciences at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and plans on a career in academia  teaching and studying infectious diseases.

By working in Dr. Jimenezs lab I have gained a tremendous repertoire of skills relating to basic molecular and cell biology techniques, she said. Dr. Jimenez taught me how to be a good researcher, and overall, has been a great role model.
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10:42





K P Nayar reports in The Telegraph, Calcutta, that Sheikh Hasina is in India officially after a seven-year gap to bid farewell to Mukherjee as he enters the twilight months of his presidency.





The President, Nayar reports, was given the honorary role of abhibhabak -- guardian -- to Bangladesh, a role entrusted to him by Indira Gandhi on June 15, 1971.





'Mukherjee mentored Hasina during a long spell when she lived in New Delhi's Pandara Road after the assassination of her father, "Bangabandhu" Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and almost her entire family on India's Independence Day in 1975.





'But Mukherjee's protectiveness about Hasina did not end when she returned to Dhaka or even after she became Prime Minister,' informs Nayar, and that 'Mukherjee may have more recently saved Hasina from a "colour revolution" of the kind that successfully attempted regime change in countries as diverse as Ukraine, Georgia and Egypt.'





'Mukherjee, who was then finance minister in the UPA government, one day got a phone call from Clinton,' reports Nayar, and according to to multiple sources from both the Indian and American sides, 'Clinton made an impassioned plea that India should support (Grameen Bank founder Mohammed) Yunus in his bid to frustrate Hasina and her efforts to prise Grameen Bank away from its founder.'





But Mukherjee would hear none of it and asserted his faith and complete confidence in Hasina, says Nayar.





To know more of this episode, and the warmth and closeness between the Mukherjees and Hasina's family that has brought the Bangladesh prime minister to India after seven years, click here





Image: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offering her condolences to President Pranab Mukherjee on the demise of his wife Suvra, in August 2015.

So now it can be told. Of how Pranab Mukherjee saved Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from then US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's attempts to oust her from office.
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NEW DELHI: Offering music lovers a fresh take on streaming that is easier and consumes little data, Google India on Thursday launched 'Google Play Music' subscription in India.

'Google Play Music' is available across Android, iOS and web. By signing up at early stages, users can get a free trial on all three platforms, the company said in a statement.

"As an introductory offer, it is available for a discounted subscription offer of 89 per month if you sign up within the first 45 days," it added.

'Google Play Music' offers a music catalogue of over 40 million local and international hits.

"With 'Google Play Music' subscription, Indian subscribers can listen to their favourite music across a variety of languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil and more," said Elias Roman, Lead Product Manager at Google Play Music.

The company has integrated contextual tools in Google Play Music, tapping into the power of machine learning to recommend music based on the listener's preference, activity and location.

Additionally, Google Play Music will curate hand-picked playlists to personalise music for the listeners for a variety of occasions.

The music can be accessed from any device with your Google Account. 'Google Play Music' will also allow users to stream music using minimal data on mobile.

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Three northeastern states -- Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim -- topped the country in the just-concluded 2016-17 fiscal in providing work under a flagship rural jobs scheme while two others -- Manipur and Assam -- are at the very bottom in its execution, an official report has revealed. While the rest of the country lags, Congress-ruled Mizoram topped for the first time in providing jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) -- a staggering 88.43 person days per household -- during the fiscal that is almost double the national average of 45.21 days. Left-ruled Tripura, which until fiscal 2015-16 had occupied the top spot for seven consecutive years, dropped to second position with 79.88 person days per household in the last fiscal. The Himalayan state of Sikkim, like in the previous year (2015-16), kept its third position with 66.77 person days per household during the fiscal. According to a performance report of the Union Rural Development Ministry, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim had provided 94.46, 68.95 and 66.98 days of jobs in the fiscal. In sharp contrast, two other northeastern states -- Manipur and Assam -- were at the very bottom among India's 29 states by providing only 20.94 and 29.38 days of jobs, respectively, between April 2016 and March 2017. The MGNREGA, which is considered a pioneering rights-based legislation in the world, was introduced in February 2006 by the then Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government. It mandates 100 days of work in a financial year to at least one member of each rural household -- but this has never been achieved in any state. The scheme aims to generate rural assets and create rural infrastructure like roads, ponds and water reservoirs. The average wage rate was Rs 161.87 per day per person in the last financial year. "Of the total works, women workers on an average got 55.98 days of jobs across the country in the last fiscal. Of the 262,252 gram panchayats all over India, no job was given in 19,434 gram panchayats in 2016-17," said the performance report, available with IANS. The northeastern states' repeated success in providing work is attributed by experts to the lack of any other such scheme and absence of major industries in the region. "Most of the northeastern states have no state government-run rural jobs schemes to provide viable employment to the needy workforce. These states also lack major employment-oriented industries," Tripura (Central) University's Rural Management and Development Department head Jayanta Choudhury told IANS. "In Tripura, due to good governance, efficient implementation and good work-wise and ward-wise monitoring also contributed to the success of MGNREGA," he added. Choudhury, who has written books on rural development in the northeastern states, said that implementation of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) is also good in some of these states. India's northeastern region, comprising eight states and home to 45.58 million people (2011 census), has limited employment opportunities due to the absence of medium and big industries, projects and job-centric ventures. Allocation of funds and timely release of the central share of funds under MGNREGA is also a big issue in the northeast. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government is trying to scuttle MGNREGA even though his Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has been demanding 200 days of work in a year under MGNREGA. "The present central government is gradually curtailing the allocation of funds under the MGNREGA to close the rural job scheme," Sarkar said in Agartala. "In the outgoing financial year, Tripura has provided around 80 man-days of rural jobs per household under the MGNREGA, but in the current financial year (2017-18), as per the indication of central allocation, the state would be able to provide only 38 to 42 man-days of jobs per household under the scheme," he added. A senior ministry official, who recently visited Tripura to study the implementation of the schme in the state, denied the central government had planned to scuttle it. "MGNREGA is an act, it cannot be shut or tailored by the government without the approval of parliament," the official told IANS, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media. To demand the required allocation so that Tripura could provide more than 90 days of jobs, Sarkar asked state Rural Development Minister Naresh Jamatia and the three members of parliament from the state to meet Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in New Delhi at the earliest. "We have already communicated to the union Rural Development Minister about our desire to meet him. We expect that the proposed meeting is likely to be held next week," Jamatia told IANS. ( can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in ) --IANS sc/vm/sac ( 792 Words) 2017-04-06-11:44:22 (IANS)
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar on Thursday distributed some consumer items to inmates of a relief camp at Langol within his Uripok constituency. He said, "The heavy downpour in the past six days has destroyed 29 houses at Langol, displacing 121 persons who are staying in the relief camp," he said.

The rains caused a 20-feet long stretch of the Imphal-Tolloi road in Ukhrul district to subside on Wednesday evening making it impossible for vehicles to ply.

Police said that portions of National Highway 37 were breached at Nung Dollan in Tamenglong district. Border Roads Organisation employees cleared the debris and traffic was restored after some hours.

There were reports of minor landslides along the NH 2 that passes through Nagaland. However, traffic was restored within a few hours.

Rains and strong winds had uprooted trees and felled or twisted electric poles and snapped the transmission lines disrupting power supply.

On Thursday, several areas were plunged in darkness while hundreds of houses, roads and playgrounds were submerged in the flash flood waters.

Hails and rains have destroyed the standing crop and vegetables.

There is distress sale of potato and green vegetables since these were damaged by rain waters and hail.

More rain accompanied by strong winds has been forecast for the next two days.

The government is collecting reports of the wide-spread damages in many parts of Manipur through the district collectors.

--IANS il/sm/rn

( 282 Words)

2017-04-06-18:26:08 (IANS)
An RTI query on Thursday revealed that a huge plot of acquired land here was allegedly 'gifted' to the Tata Group at throwaway rates by the previous Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) government in Maharashtra. The land measuring 32,182.20 sq. metres was given to the Tata Group by the previous government shortly before it demitted office. Prominent Right to Information (RTI) activist Anil Galgali has now demanded that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should order a probe into the matter and cancel the allotment as the land could have been used for housing the poor. Giving details, he said the acquired piece of prime land in Borivali East, opposite the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, worth over Rs 3,000-crore, was allotted to Tata Group at dirt cheap rates. "This acquired land could have been used for public or low-cost housing, but now it will be utilised for construction high-end luxury apartments. It is a good example of how land acquired from the poor is handed over to the rich," Galgali said. When asked for their response, a Tata Steel spokesperson said they needed time to study the matter before replying. According to documents acquired by Galgali from the Mumbai Suburban District collectorate under the RTI, the state government had acquired the plot (32,182.20 sq. mt.) in the 1960s under the Land Acquisition Act. It was meant for extending godowns and making residential quarters for the workers of the company, Special Steels Ltd, which was later taken over by Tata Steel. In 2001, new owners Tata Steel sold a part of the land, 3,051.80 sq. mt. to a leading private builder for commercial and residential purposes. However, Galgali said, in the process Tata Steel violated government rules which stipulated that before handing it over to any other party, it must take the government's permission but it defaulted and sent a request to the collector only subsequently, seeking transfer of the property. The government asked Tata Steel to return the land but when it appealed and ruling went in its favour, Tata Steel paid Rs 8.40 crore as 'unearned income'. Later, the company applied for transfer of the remaining 29,130.40 sq. mt. land to exploit it for residential and commercial purposes, ostensibly with help from government officials. This was despite the fact that the government's Committee for Land Acquisition had decided to reject any proposal for transfer from Tata Steel for purposes other than what was stipulated in the beginning, and approved by the then Congress government's Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat. The matter again went to Thorat in appeal but strangely, he overruled the earlier decision of the Committee for Land Acquisition and around 2014 allowed the transfer to Tata Steel which paid up Rs 44.98 crore. "The land is worth minimum Rs 3,000-crore, besides the value of the commercial and residential construction on it which will be sold in the open market at current high rates. Tata Steel violated the provisions of the agreement and Thorat misused his status for a huge loss to the exchequer," Galgali said. He said in 2014, even if the government had allowed the change of user, there is no evidence that the company had paid the necessary fees for it, making it clear the land is being illegally developed for commercial gains, though both the collector and the revenue departments had given proposals to take it back. After the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government assumed office, then Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse issued an order on November 21, 2014, that since the decision was taken by the previous regime just prior to the October 2014 assembly elections, it should be reviewed. On February 20, 2015, the Konkan Divisional Commissioner scheduled a hearing in the matter of which no information is available on government records. Accordingly, Galgali pointed out that since even the new government suspected it was a wrong decision by the previous government, Fadnavis must order a detailed probe into the case, put on hold all construction activities on site and take action against concerned officials. --IANS qn/pgh/vt ( 685 Words) 2017-04-06-20:10:08 (IANS)
"And it begins! Fight training for 'Sanghamitra' with the awesome Timklotzklotz," Shruti tweeted on Thursday.

She also shared a training video along with the tweet.

Also starring Arya and Jayam Ravi, the film will be made on a budget of Rs 150 crore.

Shruti, who is basking in the success of Tamil actioner "SI3", will commence shooting for "Sanghamitra" from May onwards.

"It will be the biggest project of her career so far. She is very excited because her role will give her an opportunity to attempt something she hasn't done so far," a source close to Shruti had told IANS.

Being bankrolled by Sri Thenandal Films, the film will have music by A.R. Rahman.

--IANS hp/rb/vm

( 149 Words)

2017-04-06-13:56:07 (IANS)
Post the Supreme Court's order of banning of liquor sale within 500 metres of National and State Highways, at least half-a-dozen states including Rajasthan and Punjab have scurried to the Centre with requests to get stretches of National Highways (NH) passing through their territories denotified as State Highways.

The states have been approaching the Union Minister for Road and Transport because once a particular NH stretch is denotified, states can bypass the apex court's order by declaring them either as urban or district roads.

The apex court earlier on March 31 reserved its order on banning off liquor vends on state and national highways.

Hearing a batch of petitions seeking modification of its December 2016 order banning liquor outlets within 500 metres of state and national highways across the country, the apex court bench, headed by, Chief Justice C.J. Khehar reserved the order.

Several states, including Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and Haryana and various others had told the apex court that 500-metre distance should be reduced. (ANI)
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who is on anine- day trip to the frontier state Arunachal Pradesh, reached Tawang today amidst persistent China's threat to India over his visit to the "disputed territory". Fifty eight years after he crossed the China border, 65 km to the north from here, to seek political asylum in India and eight years after his last visit in 2009 Tawang dressed up to welcome His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Scores of residents of this town in northwestern Arunachal Pradesh, mostlymembers of the Tibetan refugee community of Monpas, were out on the streets,to welcome the spiritual leader. From April 8 to 10, the Dalai Lama will deliver discourses in Tawang. Amid persistent Chinese objections to the Dalai Lama's trip to Arunachal Pradesh, India yesterday said that no "artificial controversy" should be created around the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit. The government asked China not to interfere in its internal affairs, saying it respects the "One-China" policy and expects Beijing to reciprocate. Making a statement on the visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister of state for Home Kiren Rijiju said in New Delhi that the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the border state is completely religious and no political motive should be ascribed to it. "There is no political angle behind His Holiness's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. It is completely religious. Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of India and China should not object to his visit and interfere in India's internal affairs," he had told reporters in New Delhi.UNI ABI KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1218422.Xml
A local court of West Tripura rejected the anticipatory bail petition of Rose Valley chief Goutam Kundu yesterday. The prosecution had earlier appealed for police custody of Kundu alleging him of cheating Rs 5,000 crore from common people promising hefty returns. During hearing of the case West Tripura District Judge Ruhidas Paul said since the Court itself issued a custodial warrant in the name of the accused, it couldn't possibly counteract its own order by granting advance bail plea. The Court would next hear the case on Rose Valley Group and its multi crore scam on April 26. An investigating team of Tripura police is now in Kolkata to bring Kundu to produce him in the court here for further investigation of the case. Kundu and Shibamoy Dutta were produced before an Enforcement Department (WD) Court in Kolkata and is currently under CBI trial and custody since his arrest in 2015. Tripura government after being instructed by High Court of Tripura in 2016,set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the illegal business of Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). The SIT has been investigating 78 cases against 48 such Ponzi firms.UNI BB KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1218443.Xml
Unidentified criminals shot dead a prominent businessman and fired at a book merchant under different police station areas in the district today. Police said here that armed criminals shot dead a businessman Atul Shahi (40) near Shivshankar lane under Mithanpura police station area. Outlaws fired at the businessman near the main door of his house when he was returning from somewhere. Mr Shahi died on the spot, police added. Mr Shahi was a railway contractor and he also used to rent out vehicles to earn money, police added. The reason behind the murder was stated to be dispute over some contract work. The body has been sent to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital for autopsy. In another incident, criminals shot at a book merchant due to old enmity at Ram Bangari village under Kanti police station area in the district. Police said here that outlaws fired at the businessman Lalan Ram soon after he opened his shop. Mr Ram who was critically injured in the shoot-out, had been admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital. A massive manhunt is on to nab criminals, police added.UNI XC DH KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1218535.Xml
The Meghalaya police have filed another chargesheet in connection with a case of human trafficking and sexual abuse of a minor girl, police said today. The chargesheet was filed against Kantlee Tangsang (66), who has sexually abused the14-year-old girl. Tangsang, a resident of Wahkdait village near the Indo-Bangla border, wasone of the 16 people who have been arrested in connection with this high-profile case. Police have also arrested sitting Independent legislator Julius Kitbok Dorphang and Edmund Kharir, the manager of Marvelene Inn, which is ownedby Home Minister H.D.R.Lyngdoh's family members. Police said Tangsang has been chargesheeted under Section 5(c)/(1)/6 of Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, 2012 for "committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault by a public servant and committing the same more than once". Earlier, Meghalaya police has chargesheeted legislator Dorphang and five others in connection with a case of human trafficking and sexual abuse of a 14-year-old. Apart from Dorphang, the police have also chargesheeted Mamoni Parbin, 27, Darisha Mary Kharbamon, 22, and Monalisa Shangpliang, 22, under Section 366A of the IPC to be read with Section 77 of Juvenile Justice Act, Section 5 of Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act, Section 17 of POSCO Act for "procuration and inducement" of a minor for illicit intercourse, inducement for prostitution and abetment for any offence under POSCO Act. Moreover, the chargesheet has named Sandeep Biswa, 27, and Elbert Shemphrang Kharlukhi, 31. They have been chargesheeted under Section 17 of POSCO Act. UNI RRK KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1218582.Xml
Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur) or IIT-K,plans to start MBBS course initially with 50 students from the academicyear of 2019. If plans fructify within the next two years, then IIT-K, run by the Central government in West Bengal, would be the first such technical and engineering institute to impart the medical course, a published report today said. The IIT-K campus will also have a 400-bed hospital where patients of various diseases will be admitted from 2018 onwards, the report added. The IIT-K authorities after establishing the hospital, would move toMedical Council of India (MCI) for licence and permission for setting up MBBS studies from 2019 onward. " In the first batch some 50 students- both boys and girls- would be admitted in the first academic year," the report, quoting IIT-K deputy director Kumar Bhattacharya, said. The institution would provide degree and certificates to the successful students, he said and added that regarding admission of students, process would be sorted out shortly.UNI PC KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1218596.Xml
The issue of alleged killing of a man by cow vigilantes in the Alwar district of Rajasthan was today raised in the Rajya Sabha with the Opposition demanding a discussion on the incident.Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Madhusudan Mistry of the Congress said Gau Rakshak gangs had stopped a truck carrying cows which were being transported to a dairy farm. They mercilessly beat the occupants resulting in the death of one person.He said the receipt of the purchase of cattle was also shown and despite that they were beaten and Rs 35,000 robbed from them.Mr Mistry said the victim was a dairy farm owner who had purchased the cows from a fair for his farm. He said there was "complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in Rajasthan". Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi while responding to the issue said the state government had denied that any such incident had taken place, which infuriated the Opposition. Terming the Government insensitive, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government was ''ill-informed and insensitive'' about the issue as not only the Indian media but also the foreign media has highlighted the matter. Deputy Chairperson Prof P J Kurien said there were two versions in front of him. The one that Mr Mistry said about an incident taking place and a death being reported and on the other hand the Government denying of any such incident taking place.Prof Kurien said, "The Chair cannot go by newspaper reports let the government come with a detailed report about the fact of the case. A discussion cannot take place until the incident is verified by the Government". UNI RBE AE 1319 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0427-1218555.Xml
More than 20 people got trapped in flash floods in Poonch district while a woman died due to lightning in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir today."Due to continuous heavy rains, flash floods hit different parts of Poonch," police spokesman here said.He said nearly 20 people got trapped at Kalai bridge and in Surankote area of the district due to sudden flash floods, adding, "rescue teams are on job to evacuate the trapped persons."Meanwhile, one woman and a cattle died this morning when lightening struck in Budhal area of of Rajouri, said the police spokesman."The location is far away from the town while police team is on job," he added.District administration Ramban has also ordered closure of schools in view of inclement weather condition.UNI VBH CJ 1407 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1218541.Xml
Australia's High Commissioner to India, Ms Harinder Sidhu, has welcomed the announcement of the visit to India by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, from 9 to 12 April 2017. The Prime Minister is visiting India at the invitation of Mr Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and will cover the full breadth of the fast growing Australia-India relationship including education, trade and defence. "India is one of Australia's most important international priorities. Our relationship has expanded dramatically since we established a Strategic Partnership in 2009, followed by two-way Prime Ministerial visits in 2014. We are taking forward an active and ambitious agenda," Ms Sidhu said. In New Delhi, the Prime Minister will call on the President and Vice-President of India and meet with his counterpart, Mr Modi, to discuss areas in which the two countries can strengthen their collaboration. The two Prime Ministers last met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in China in September 2016. Coinciding with the Prime Minister's visit, Australia's Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, is bringing one of the largest Australian delegations of skills providers and higher education representatives to visit India. Together with Mr Birmingham, the Prime Minister will address a dinner convened to celebrate Australia's knowledge partnership with India. The Prime Minister will then travel to Mumbai to engage with leading Indian CEOs and business people. These meetings will focus on growing two-way trade and investment. (ANI)
Terming the Goods and services tax Bill a legislation that was becoming a reality due to the contribution by all state governments, political parties and successive regimes, Finance Minister Arun jaitley today said no single person or government could take credit for the Bill.''It is a collective property in which state governments, political parties, the Centre and successive governments have all contributed. I have no hesitation in conceding that it is not a bill for which one person or one government should take credit,'' Mr Jaitley said while replying to the debate on the four GST Bills in the Rajya Sabha.Calling it a landmark legislation, Mr Jaitley said he was extremely grateful for all the support across party lines for the GST.Calling the GST Bill a contribution by successive governments, he said, ''The idea of GST was first mooted in 2006. Many taxes like Octroi, Entry tax, VAT etc were added. So states were worried about losing their rights. ''Manufacturing states were concerned about losing revenue to consuming states. Hence, GST State Compensation was introduced."Seeking to allay apprehensions of members about the increased power to the government in the GST council, he said,''GST Council consists of 32 representatives from the Centre, States & the UTs. One party unilaterally cannot disturb this arrangement.''In this context, he pointed out that the GST council had in its meetings, taken decisions through consensus.''Not on one issue has the GST council divided itself on political lines,'' Mr Jaitley said .He said all states were co-operating in making GST a reality."With great difficulty we have persuaded states that we'll bring petroleum into ambit at zero rate till they come to an agreement. About Real Estate, states decided that they didn't want to bring it into this. The Chief Economic Adviser made a detailed presentation. After the Delhi Finance Minister circulated a note, some states started supporting this idea. And then a few weeks ago, we decided to revisit this decision in the first year. Speaking for myself, I was in favour of Real Estate into GST," Mr Jaitley said.More UNI AR RSA 1811 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0092-1219130.Xml
Earlier, the locals made all efforts to take the child out of the borewell.

In a similar incident last year, a one-year-old girl had fallen into a borewell in Surendranagar district. She later died during the treatment after being rescued. (ANI)
Amidst ongoing row over beef in the country, Assam police have arrested three persons including a minor in Jorhat town of Assam for openly carrying beef through a street. The arrested persons, Abdur Rehman, Shahjamal Haque were working as a construction labourer and were allegedly openly carrying half kg of beef near a religious place in Kenduguri area near Jorhat town. They were charged for hurting religious sentiment. The police said they received a complaint from residents of Kenduguri locality that the three persons including one minor were provoking people by showing the meat to people near a Namghar, a prayer place. The two men were remanded in judicial custody by a local court while the minor has been sent to a juvenile home, police added.UNI ABI -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1219332.Xml
The Supreme Court today declined to extend the time granted to Sahara group founder, Subrata Roy, to deposit Rs 5,100 crore with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Sahara had been earlier directed by the apex court to deposit an approximate amount of Rs 5,100 crore by April 17.Subrata Roy was sent to Tihar jail on March 4, 2014, for not complying with the orders of the Supreme Court in connection with a long dispute with the market regulator, SEBI.The SEBI alleged that Mr Roy had allegedly failed to comply with the apex court's order directing him to return the investors' money of more than Rs 20,000 crore with 15% interest that his two companies - - Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd and Sahara Housing Finance Corp Ltd - - had raised in 2007 and 2008 through optionally fully convertible debentures .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.It says it has paid more than 80 percent of the dues to shareholders, but SEBI has disputed that and said the company has not shelled out more than Rs 15,000 crores.A two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, refused to extend the time limit earlier granted to Mr Roy to deposit the amount in the SEBI account. Mr Salman Khurshid, senior lawyer appearing for Mr Roy, mentioned the matter before the division bench headed by Justice Misra, seeking extension of the time for depositing the money. The bench did not find any merit in the mentioning of Mr Khurshid and refused to allow his plea. It also warned Sahara, and said, it would auction Ambey Valley project if it fails to deposit the money within the time given by it. UNI XC RP1944 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1219369.Xml
The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) today asked the Meghalaya government to revisit the 2.27 acres of land which was allotted to Nagaland government near North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in New Shillong Township. The powerful student's body said the land should be use for building a state-owned House to facilitate people of the state from rural areas who come for treatment at the super specialty hospital. The Meghalaya urban affairs department had allotted around 2.27 acres for Nagaland. "We are not opposed to giving land to Nagaland, but we questioned the manner in which the state government treated its own people. We would like our government to accommodate the needs of the people of the state first and build houses to accommodate the people of the state who are in need," KSU president, Lambokstarwell Marngar told reporters after meeting Urban Affairs Minister Ronnie V Lyngdoh He said the establishment of NEIGRIHMS has been able to attract patients from all over the Northeast and even from nearby countries. "One of the biggest problems being faced by patients coming from remote and far-flung corners of Khasi and Jaintia Hills as well as from Garo Hills of Meghalaya is a place to stay while undergoing treatment at NEIGRIHMS," Mr Marngar said. Moreover, he said their expenses doubled and tripled as they are forced to seek accommodation in hotels of Shillong and have to commute daily around 12 kms between Shillong and NEIGRIHMS. This is the greatest disadvantage that Meghalaya patients face," he added. UNI RRK BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1219534.Xml
''A woman identified as Mamta Sharma, wife of Deepak Kumar, resident of Dassal was referred to Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu as the patient had excess bleeding after delivering a baby,'' sources here said.

They said the woman died on way to Jammu. ''The family had alleged negligence of doctors and staged protest against the health department,'' they added.

In the past three months, five women had died of medical negligence in different parts across Jammu region.

On March 28, a woman allegedly died due to negligence of doctors in district hospital Rajouri, while she was undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Earlier on February 18, a woman died after she was not provided timely medicare in Rajouri district hospital, following which the attendants ransacked the hospital infrastructure.

The lady doctor was also placed under suspension over absentism from the duty.

On February 15, at least nine medicos were suspended as shortage of staff sparked protest in Surankote area of Poonch district.UNI VBH RJ 2112

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-1219570.Xml
Taking to his Twitter page, Trump wrote, "I am deeply committed to preserving our strong relationship & to strengthening America's long-standing support for Jordan. @KingAbdullahII."

Trump and first lady Melania greeted King Abdullah and Queen Rania Al-Abdullah at the West Wing portico.

About the meeting, the U.S. President tweeted, "The King has been a leader in calling for a plan to defeat ISIS once and for all. This is what we spoke about today, and that is what we are going to do - we will destroy ISIS, and we will protect civilization. King Abdullah and I also discussed measures to combat the evil ideology that inspires ISIS and plagues our planet."

He further wrote, "The historical ties and close friendship between our two countries date back three-quarters of a century. In that time, the Middle East has faced many periods of crisis and unrest. Through them all, America has looked to Jordan as a valued partner, an advocate for the values of civilization and a source of stability and hope." (ANI)
Trump and Merkel spoke on Wednesday and "pledged close cooperation and coordination on these and other issues," the statement said, Efe news reported.

Merkel had also addressed the issue of Ukraine on Monday during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Francois Hollande, urging Putin to use his influence on the separatists.

The Chancellor met Trump in March, after which the US President accused Germany of owing a vast sum of money to the US and NATO.

--IANS in/

( 122 Words)

2017-04-06-08:18:07 (IANS)
United States President Donald Trump has said the chemical attack on Syria's Idlib province affected his deeply and tranformed his thinking about the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. "I will tell you that attack on children yesterday had a big impact on me - big impact. My attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much . You're now talking about a whole different level," the Guardian quoted Trump as saying. However, during a joint press conference with King Abdullah of Jordan on Wednesday, Trump once again castigated his predecessor Barack Obama and his administration for drawing and then failing to enforce a "red line" over Assad's use of chemical weapons. "I think that set us back a long ways, not only in Syria but in many other parts of the world because it was a blank threat," Trump said. "The chemical attack crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, babies, little babies, with a chemical gas that is so lethal - people were shocked to hear what gas it was. That crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line, many, many lines," he added. When asked if he would opt for military intervention to oust Assad, Trump said, "I'm not saying I'm doing anything one way or another, but I'm certainly not going to be telling you . Militarily, I don't like to say where I'm going and what I'm doing." Dozens of people, including at least ten children, were killed and over 200 injured as a result of asphyxiation caused by exposure to an unknown gas on Tuesday. According to Anas al-Diab, an activist with the Aleppo Media Center, airstrikes hit the city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province giving off a poisonous gas that led to this asphyxiation. Three more strikes hit the same city center location but did not result in any gas, al-Diab added. Activists said the Syrian regime dropped a chemical bomb and was responsible for the killings, leading the United Nations to replace a scheduled Security Council session for Wednesday morning with an emergency meeting. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's military denied using chemical weapons and blamed rebels for the carnage. The death toll is said to be at least 67, according to al-Diab, while the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported it to be 58. The High Negotiations Committee claimed the death toll could be as high as 100 with up to 400 injured. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump spoke by phone today with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile, among other regional issues, the White House said in a statement.Trump "made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities," the statement said.REUTERS SDR 0627 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1218316.Xml
The Cherry Blossom tree in Japanese culture has great significance, and corporates are taking it forward to protect the environment. The AEON Environmental Foundation held a cherry tree planting ceremony at Hoa Binh Park in Hanoi, Vietnam. AEON has carried out tree planting projects in several countries, mainly in Asia. In Vietnam, 75,000 trees were planted at Lang Co Beach in Hue Province, and 15,000 trees in Ba V National Park near Hanoi. Yasutsugu Iwamura, General Director, Aeon Mall Vietnam Co., Ltd., said, "As a modern retailer, we don't only contribute to the modernization of this country or help people continue to store goods, but we are also contributing to the environment by working with people based in the local area. Our company always acts with balance, such as planting trees with local Vietnamese people." Over those six years, a total of 3,200 volunteers from both Japan and Vietnam participated in the tree-planting activities. Now, tree planting participants include many high school students from Vietnam and Japan who are participating in the Aeon one percent Club High School exchange program "Teenage Ambassador." The Aeon Group companies contribute one percent of their pre-tax profits to Aeon's One Percent Club to hold projects for "sound development of the next generation," "promotion of friendship with foreign countries," and "sustainable development of regional communities." Yohsei Honda, Secretary General, AEON One Percent Club Foundation, "This is a gathering among high school students, which is very enjoyable. The popular part is experiencing the culture and moving their bodies around. Everyone was fully engaged. We believe it will become a long-lasting memory." A new scenic spot for cherry blossoms, symbols of friendship between the two countries will carry over a world filled with life and nature to the children of the future. Jun Kanayama, Teenage Ambassador, "We must appreciate being in Japan and we feel encouraged to work harder at our studies and activities." Truong Phuong Thao, Teenage Ambassador, "I think this program is a wonderful thing, it's very interesting, it's very exciting, I hope to once again participate this kind of program if I possibly can." In South East Asia, along with the development of the country and industrialization, many schools offer lectures on pumps. However, there is a shortage in text material. As the biggest pump manufacturer in Japan and part of the contribution to foreign societies, Ebara has held free technical pump seminars centered in South East Asia. Also, the company donated cutting models and water supply units as part of the materials that help students learn about building, structures, operation control of pumps that are indispensable from lecture and research. Doung Ratha of the Department of Rural Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia said, "It is easy for students when they see the actual structure, actual point, and actual place where it is better than to hear my lecture. It is better for them to do the actual work than just learning the theory in the classroom. It's important to study the pump, because pumps can help farmers pump water to their farms in the irrigation sector. In the city, we use pumps to boost water up to high buildings. Students study in this department, this faculty. After studying, they practice to have a concept for water pumping, and they can find a job outside easily because many companies and industries are working in this sector." Chin Chandy, Year 4, Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, "In the book, we need to think. We can't practice the real work. I think it's easier to understand (here)." Chum Kim Leang, Year 4, Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, "I want to be an irrigation and water supply innovating engineer." Expectations are high from the youth on the development of the country based on the advancement of advanced technology. (ANI)
South Africa's former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas has resigned as a member of parliament, a week after President Jacob Zuma sacked him from the cabinet, the African National Congress said today."Comrade Jonas has served both as Deputy Minister and MP with absolute distinction and dedication," the office of the ANC Chief Whip said in a statement. REUTERS CJ RK1320 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1218556.Xml
"Pakistan does not want to create tensions in the region and does not believe in proxy wars," the Dawn quoted Major General Ghafoor, as saying.

He made these remarks while addressing a press conference in London during Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa's visit to the United Kingdom.

The senior army official also said that the appointment of former Army Chief General Raheel Sharif as head of the Saudi-led 39-nation Islamic military alliance is a decision of the state.

He also said that the Pakistan wishes for better relationship with Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The Pakistan Government has given its approval to former chief of army staff general (Retd) Raheel Sharif to lead a 39-nation alliance of Muslim states led by Saudi Arabia by providing him with a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).

In 2015, Saudi Arabia had announced the formation of a 34-state Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism and Pakistan was made a member of the coalition.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua on Tuesday said that Islamabad remains committed to its policy of non-interference in the conflicts of Muslim countries.

She gave the assurance during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs which discussed the issue of clearance given to former army chief retired General Raheel Sharif to lead the Saudi-led 39-nation Islamic military alliance and Pakistan's relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

"The Islamic [military] alliance is against terrorism, not any [specific] country," Janjua said in response to a question by committee chairman Awais Leghari.

Earlier, Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost had expressed concerns about Pakistan Government's approval to former army chief General Raheel Sharif to lead a 39-nation military alliance put together by Saudi Arabia. (ANI)
A Chinese state-run daily has slammed India, especially Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju, over the status of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as "Southern Tibet", and said if India "chooses to play dirty" then Beijing "should not hesitate to answer blows with blows". In an editorial, titled 'India's use of Dalai Lama as leverage irresponsible', the state-run China Daily said that New Delhi "not only allowed the Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as "Arunachal Pradesh", but the spiritual leader of "Tibetan independence" was also escorted on his trip by India's junior minister of home affairs. "To Beijing, that is a double affront." It slammed Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, for terming the northeastern state "an inseparable part of India". "Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here." It says that like Taiwan and any other part of China, "Tibet is a part of Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not". But "Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China" by the British during its rule "taking advantage of China's internal strife". It advised Rijiju to "consult the historical archives" in case of doubt on the matter. "Neither the "McMahon Line", by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet, nor the present-day "Arunachal Pradesh" has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical. It is outright illicit," said the editorial. The editorial comes a day after Beijing summoned the Indian envoy Vijay Gokhale to protest the visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh. India has maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of its territory. --IANS ksk/rn/vm ( 319 Words) 2017-04-06-15:48:08 (IANS)
The remarks were made by Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman Gen. Dawlat Waziri, according to Tolo News.

"Waziri says air force has conducted 70 flights across the country and night raids were successful #Afghanistan," tweeted Tolo News.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MInistry of Defense spokesman Dawlat Waziri says 15 operations have been conducted in 14 provinces in past 24 hours <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash">#Afghanistan</a></p> TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/849920337026445313">April 6, 2017</a></blockquote>

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Waziri said that 96 Daesh militants were killed during these operations including some of their commanders and added that Pakistani fighters were also among the insurgents killed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Waziri says 96 Daesh militants were killed during these operations including some of their commanders <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash">#Afghanistan</a></p> TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/849920617361047552">April 6, 2017</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Waziri says Pakistani fighters were also among the insurgents killed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash">#Afghanistan</a></p> TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/849920769979285504">April 6, 2017</a></blockquote>

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The spokesperson informed that military operation is moving forward in the Nangarhar province - where Daesh is significantly active.

Waziri stated that a number of civilians captured by the insurgents in Helmand province have also been rescued, adding that 18 suicide bombers were killed in an airstrike in Zabul province.

He said that the Defence Ministry has plans to provide weapons stock to every corp across the country that only commanders will be able to use.

He added that 80 percent of all troops already have their required equipment.

The spokesperson also disclosed that a fact-finding commission will soon provide findings on recent Kabul hospital attack that claimed around 50 lives as militants armed with guns, grenades and knives targeted patients and staff at the hospital. (ANI)
Thailand's king signed a military-backed constitution into law today, an essential step towards an election the junta has promised will restore democracy after the 12th successful coup in little over 80 years.The new constitution is the Southeast Asian country's 20th since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 and critics say it will still give the generals a powerful say over Thai politics for years, if not decades.King Maha Vajiralongkorn's power was also reinforced by recent changes made at the palace's request to the draft constitution approved in a referendum last August, analysts said."May the Thai people be united in following and protecting the constitution to maintain democracy and their sovereignty," an officer with the Royal Scribes Bureau said at the glittering palace ceremony. He spoke on behalf of the king, a former army officer who signed the constitution in dress uniform.Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who took power in the 2014 coup, said Thailand was now on course to an election within the 19 months set by the constitution - although because a number of steps are involved, he cannot set an exact date."Once a new government is formed, this government will hand over its duties and cease its term," he said on state television.The army initially promised an election in 2015, after seizing power from a government run by Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist leader ousted in 2006. The army said the coup was to end political turmoil.Thailand's main political division remains between a Bangkok-based, strongly royalist and pro-army elite and poorer supporters of the Shinawatras' movement, particularly from the rural north and northeast.ELECTION CLOSEROusted Prime Minister Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party said it was more optimistic about election prospects after the king endorsed the constitution."With the constitution in place, an election seems more a reality," Chavalit Vichayasuthi, its acting deputy secretary-general, told Reuters.The government should lift a ban on political activities so parties can campaign, said Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former prime minister and leader of Thailand's other key political party, the Democrat Party."We are ready for the election," he said. "We still aren't allowed to hold meetings, but we're doing what we can."One of the most controversial provisions of the new constitution is for the outgoing military government to appoint a senate that will have a say in appointing the prime minister.The junta has argued the measure is necessary to prevent coups in a transition period after the election.Thais approved the outline of the new constitution in a referendum last August but the palace requested changes in January after King Vajiralongkorn took over from his revered late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had ruled for more than seven decades.Six changes had been made to the constitution published in the Royal Gazette today.One change allows the king to travel abroad without appointing a regent. The king has spent much of the past few years in Germany, where he has a son in school.Another change was the removal of a clause giving power to the constitutional court and other institutions in the event of an unforeseen crisis. Removing it underlined the king's role."In practice, the king will have more say, more power," Kan Yuenyong, executive director of think-tank Siam Intelligence Unit, told Reuters.Today was a public holiday to mark the establishment of the Chakri dynasty 235 years ago. The current king is also known as King Rama X in the dynasty. REUTERS RJ PR2211 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-1219636.Xml
The Republican head of a congressional inquiry into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election said he would temporarily step aside from the probe today because he is under investigation for disclosing classified information.Devin Nunes, chairman of the House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and an ally of Republican President Donald Trump, described charges that he made unauthorised disclosures of classified information as "entirely false and politically motivated."The surprise disclosure that Nunes was under investigation added new uncertainty to the wider Russia probe his committee is carrying out. The investigation is one of several in Congress examining whether Russia tried to influence the election in Trump's favor, mostly by hacking Democratic operatives' emails and releasing embarrassing information. Russia denies the allegations.The House Ethics Committee issued a rare statement saying it would investigate allegations Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information "in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct."Nunes said in a statement that he had decided to step aside from the Russia investigation to fight the allegations and wanted "to expedite the dismissal of these false claims."Representative Mike Conaway, the most senior Republican on the intelligence committee, will be the new leader of the probe.The top Democrat on the panel, Representative Adam Schiff, said Nunes' decision to step aside from the probe was made in "the best interests of the committee, and I respect that decision."Democrats have criticized Nunes, a member of Trump's transition team, for his handling of the Russia investigation after he received information at the White House, held a news conference about it and briefed Trump on it, all before sharing it with other members of his committee.The ethics investigation stems from whether Nunes disclosed classified information while publicly discussing the contents of foreign intelligence reports.Nunes and his spokesman have insisted that no classified information was revealed, but Democrats and former intelligence lawyers said it was clear he had done so. Nunes himself at one point said during his March 22 news conference that what he was discussing was "all classified information."Trump sparked a controversy in early March when he tweeted, without giving evidence, that Obama had wiretapped him while the New York businessman competed with Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race.Two and a half weeks later, Nunes held a news conference saying an unidentified source had shown him intelligence reports containing "unmasked" names of Trump associates who were incidentally caught up in routine foreign surveillance.Immediately after Nunes' news conference, critics argued that he had disclosed classified information in what many saw as an effort to provide cover to Trump's wiretapping claim and to distract from the wider Russia investigation.Nunes said the surveillance of Trump associates appeared legal but expressed concern that names of U.S. citizens may have been improperly revealed in the reports and widely disseminated among government officials.That allegation, in turn, has kicked off an evolving, unsubstantiated controversy about whether the Obama White House tried to spy on the incoming Trump administration.A House of Representatives' rule, first reported on by The Daily Beast, requires an ethics probe of "any unauthorized disclosure of intelligence or intelligence-related information."US foreign intelligence activities are classified, but the president can authorize the release of information about them. It is not clear whether Trump authorized Nunes to discuss the foreign surveillance.The ethics probe came just weeks after Nunes and other Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee used a public hearing with FBI Director James Comey to decry leaks of classified intelligence to the media that have fueled concern about Trump's ties to Russia and led to the ouster of former national security adviser Michael Flynn. REUTERS RJ PM2213 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-1219638.Xml
Three cabinet ministers removed by President Jacob Zuma in a reshuffle last week quit as lawmakers of his African National Congress today ahead of a vote of no-confidence in him that the ANC has vowed to defeat.Mcebisi Jonas, an outspoken critic of government corruption who was deputy finance minister until Zuma sacked him, resigned as a member of parliament along with Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Dipuo Peters, axed as energy and transport ministers last week.They will be replaced with candidates from an ANC list.The ANC has rejected calls from opponents and some long-time political allies for Zuma to resign after the reshuffle centred on the sacking of Pravin Gordhan as finance minister cost the country one of its investment-grade credit ratings.South Africa's rand has tumbled more than 11 per cent since March 27 when Zuma ordered Gordhan home from overseas meetings with investors.It was not clear if Gordhan would also step down as an MP."I am resting now. I will see you on the 18th," he said when asked today. Parliament will vote on the no confidence motion against Zuma on April 18.Jonas made headlines last year when he said he had been offered the finance minister's job by members of the Gupta family, Indian businessmen who have close ties with Zuma and have been accused of influence-peddling. Zuma and the Gupta family have denied any wrongdoing.The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party encouraged Jonas to challenge Zuma, who has denied repeated allegations of corruption since winning power in 2009."We can only hope the former deputy minister will have the courage and energy to fight on against 'state capture'," its shadow finance minister David Maynier said, referring to accusations against the Guptas which they have rejected.NO CONFIDENCE VOTEZuma, 74, has survived four previous no confidence votes. The ANC has a commanding majority in the national assembly and said today that its members would vote against the motion.The ANC Chief Whip's office rejected calls for a secret ballot for the no-confidence motion. The opposition has said this could make it possible for ANC lawmakers to vote against Zuma without facing reprisals.In another blow to Zuma, the Treasury said its Director General Lungisa Fuzile, who is well respected in financial markets and worked closely with Gordhan and Jonas, would leave after new Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba takes the reins.Gigaba has declared plans to redistribute wealth in the economy to poor black people as part of a programme of "radical socio-economic transformation" promised by Zuma..Inequality still festers in South Africa more than 20 years after the end of white-minority rule.Fears that budget discipline could falter under Gigaba have contributed to market jitters, but he and Zuma have assured investors they will maintain policies established under Gordhan.Zuma has pledged to expropriate land but analysts said violent seizures of farms like those in neighbouring Zimbabwe were unlikely.Fitch Ratings is likely to follow S&P by downgrading South Africa's credit rating to "junk", analysts said, which would further push up the country's borrowing costs.S&P cited the sacking of Gordhan, a two-time finance minister regarded as a steady hand by the international investors on whom South Africa relies to finance its hefty budget and current account deficits, to explain the rating cut."We didn't need the downgrade, by the way, if we had just behaved ourselves," Gordhan said today at a memorial in Cape Town for veteran anti-apartheid stalwart Ahmed Kathrada.FRIDAY MARCHESToday's resignations are an embarrassment rather than a direct threat to Zuma. But he still faces demands to step down from political and civil society groups that will march tomorrow in protest against Zuma, whom they say will hurt the economy and cost yet more jobs by staying in office.The DA will march in the commercial hub Johannesburg, while the South African Communist Party, a historic ally of the ANC which has also demanded that Zuma step down, will march in Pretoria alongside civil society groups. A "holding hands" picket is planned in Cape Town."The marches in themselves will not have an effect on the ANC, the only thing that will have an effect will be the internal ebb and flow of its factions," said political analyst Daniel Silke.REUTERS RJ PM2338 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-1219705.Xml
A roadside explosion killed 10 people in a minibus in Somalia's lower Shabelle region today, a military officer and residents said.The attack happened in Golweyn village, controlled by Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, 110 km (70 miles) to south west of the capital, Mogadishu."We have confirmed from residents there that at least 10 civilians died and 10 others were wounded after their minibus hit a roadside bomb in Golweyn village this afternoon," Colonel Hassan Mohamed, a military officer in a nearby village told Reuters from Bulamarer district.REUTERS SDR PM2338 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1219709.Xml
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 03:00:01|Editor: Yamei

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ISLAMABAD, April 5 (Xinhua) -- China and Pakistan on Wednesday agreed to further promote their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

The pledge was made during a meeting here between Chinese top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng and Pakistani Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani.

Yu, who is chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China and Pakistan are good neighbors, good partners, good friends and good brothers.

He said that since Chinese President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Pakistan in 2015, China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has maintained strong momentum of development.

He highlighted the frequent high-level exchanges, enhanced practical cooperation, and close coordination and collaboration on major issues between the two countries.

The Chinese top political advisor called on the two countries to work together to push ahead with the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and to implement the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative.

The two countries should strengthen cooperation in the fields of port, energy and processing industry, and boost exchanges in culture, education, healthcare and sports, he said.

Yu also urged the two countries to deepen defense and security cooperation so as to pursue shared security for the two sides as well as regional peace and stability.

The CPPCC stands ready to enhance exchanges with the Pakistani Senate, he said, calling on the CPPCC and the Pakistani Senate to learn from each other and make contributions to the development of their countries.

For his part, Rabbani said Pakistan and China have enjoyed a long history of friendship with ever-closer ties that have stood the test of history.

He pointed out that developing relations with China is not only the cornerstone of Pakistan's diplomacy, but also the consensus of all the political parties in the country.

The Pakistani Senate is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the CPPCC and push for the shared development of the two countries, he said.

On Wednesday, Yu also met with acting Speaker of the Pakistani National Assembly Javed Abbasi.
WARSAW, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said Wednesday that Poland would continue its sensible migration policy.

Szydlo made the remarks during a press conference held in Warsaw.

She said Poland would continue its "very sensible" migration policy, and added she was resistant to "any pressure."

In Szydlo's opinion, Brexit was also one of the negative effects of irresponsible migration policy.

"The EU made a terrible mistake when under pressure of various lobbies... it adopted solutions which proved ineffective and did not resolve the migration problem," she said.

Asked about the possible financial consequences following refusal to accept migrants, Szydlo said the Polish government has declared that it would not accept a solution it considers "bad", especially for Europe.

"We do not agree to conduct irresponsible policy which might influence the security of Poland," Szydlo added.

She also declared that Poland would provide humanitarian help on site to the people who really needed it.

Regarding the relations between the European Union and Britain, the Polish prime minister said they should be built on the basis of reciprocity and partnership.

Asked about the resolution adopted Wednesday by the European Parliament on the Brexit conditions, Szydlo said: "We believe that Great Britain should meet all its financial obligations taken this term."

She also underlined that the acquired rights of EU citizens, also Poles living in Britain were her government's priority.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 03:25:47|Editor: ZD

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WASHINGTON, April 5 (Xinhua) -- White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon was removed from his controversial seat in the National Security Council(NSC), U.S. media reported Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump made the adjustment in a National Security Presidential Memorandum that outlined the members and their respective duties in the NSC, which did not include Bannon's role.

National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster was left in charge of setting meeting agendas and overseeing Tom Bossert, the Homeland Security Advisor.

Bannon was given a seat the NSC shortly after Trump ascended into the White House, a rare responsibility for senior White House advisers.

In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Bannon said "Susan Rice operationalized the NSC during the last administration. I was put on to ensure that it was de-operationalized," Bannon was quoted as saying.

"General McMaster has returned the NSC to its proper function," Bannon said.

Multiple U.S. media cited White House officials as saying that Bannon's leave was not a demotion nor a result of power struggle, but that his role was no longer needed.

Under the new arrangement, Bannon can still participate in NSC meetings, but not necessarily all NSC meetings.

Flynn was ousted in February due to a scandal that involved inappropriate connection between Flynn and Russia, McMaster was appointed to succeed Flynn.
VILNIUS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian government plans to completely ban advertisements for alcoholic beverages and shorten the hours alcohol can be sold, it was agreed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

"Maximum compromise between limiting the access (to alcohol), diminishing the consequences of alcohol intake, and addressing the needs of businesses and the economy has been achieved," Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis was quoted as saying by local media after the meeting.

The final decision on the restrictions will be adopted by Seimas (parliament).

The government is proposing to introduce an age restriction on sales of alcoholic beverages of older than 20 years. It also proposed restricting the time alcohol can be sold from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on working days and Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Currently, the hours alchol is available for purchase in the country is from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The cabinet also endorsed a total ban of alcohol advertising.

However, the government suggested postponing the debates on establishing specialized shops for alcohol. According to Skvernelis, the feasibility of such shops will be analyzed further.

Skvernelis said he expected the parliamentary debates about the proposals to be passionate.

In recent years, Lithuania's authorities have been considering measures to restrict access to alcohol due to concerns over alcohol abuse in the Baltic country.

According to the existing law, alcohol is not sold on Sept. 1, the first official day of the new school year.

Starting from January 2016, selling alcohol at petrol stations was banned in Lithuania.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 03:40:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- UN peacekeepers were prevented "twice in as many days" from accessing area of reported killing in South Sudan by government troops in the world's youngest country, Eri Kaneko, the UN associate spokesperson, told reporters here Wednesday.

"The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reports that UN peacekeepers have been prevented twice, in as many days, from accessing Pajok in Eastern Equatoria by the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA)," Kaneko said at a daily news briefing here.

The UN mission has received reports of fighting between SPLA troops and the Opposition there and is trying to follow-up on reports of civilians killed in the area, she said.

"This morning, the UN mission's patrol was stopped at a checkpoint seven km outside Torit and was prevented from proceeding further," Kaneko said. "The patrol remains at the checkpoint and is continuing to negotiate access."

"UNMISS is concerned by these reports and calls on the government to immediately allow the mission access to Pajok, as obligated by the Status of Forces Agreement, so it can fully implement its mandate, including to protect civilians and report on human rights violations," she said.

South Sudanese rebels (SPLA-IO) on Wednesday blamed the killings of over 16 civilians on Monday in the border town of Pajok on government troops (SPLA) in fresh clashes that have further displaced thousands across the Ugandan border.

In early July last year, close to the fifth anniversary of the country's independence from Sudan, South Sudan was plunged into fresh violence due to clashes between rival forces -- the SPLA, loyal to President Salva Kiir, and the SPLA in Opposition (SPLA-IO), backing former First Vice-President Riek Machar. That led to deaths and injuries, including many civilians and several UNMISS peacekeepers, jeopardizing the peace agreement between the political rivals in August 2015, which formally ended their differences.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013, pitting President Kiir against Machar after political dispute caused fighting to spread along ethnic lines between Kiir's mainly Dinka ethnic group and Machar's Nuer.

The fighting has since killed thousands and displaced more than two million from their homes with the United Nations Refugee agency confirming 1.5 million refugees in neighbouring countries.

The UN agencies declared in February a man-made famine with 100,000 people starving and further one million on the brink in the northern counties of Mayendit and Leer in northern Unity state.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 03:50:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, April 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday condemned the "horrific" chemical attack in Syria, saying it cannot be tolerated.

Speaking at a joint news conference in the White House with visiting King Abdullah II of Jordan, Trump blamed Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad for the Tuesday gas attack in northwestern Syria, in which at least 70 civilians were killed and scores of others were wounded.

"Their deaths was an affront to humanity. These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated," Trump said.

"The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack and all other horrific attacks, for that matter," Trump added.

In response to a media question whether the attack crossed a red line, Trump said it "crossed many, many lines," and that his attitude toward al-Assad "has changed very much."

He did not elaborate, but this could signal his change of mind after recent statements by U.S. officials that the Trump administration's priority on Syria is no longer on removing al-Assad from power.

The previous Obama administration insisted that al-Assad should play no role in any solution to the Syrian crisis.

Trump's remarks came after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Russia and Iran to exercise influence on Syria to prevent further chemical attack in the war-torn country.

Tillerson said in a statement late Tuesday that Russia and Iran should "exercise their influence over the Syrian regime and to guarantee that this sort of horrific attack never happens again."

Earlier Tuesday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer condemned the gas attack as "heinous actions" carried by the Syrian government, without providing proof.

But the Syrian army on Tuesday refuted the accusations against it as completely baseless, saying it had not used, nor would use such weapons in the future. It also held "terrorist groups" responsible for using chemical weapons.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry also said that the Syrian army doesn't possess any kind of chemical weapons.

In Moscow, Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that the deadly contamination in Syria was caused by the explosion of chemical weapons produced by the rebels.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the suspected chemical attack in Syria.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said he was deeply disturbed by reports of alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The UN is not currently in a position to independently verify these reports, but it has begun gathering information to confirm the use of chemical weapons, Guterres said in a statement.
MOGADISHU, April 5 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were injured after mortar shell rounds landed at a residential area near Qatari embassy in Somalia capital Mogadishu on Wednesday evening, the police said.

Police officer Mohamed Nur told Xinhua the mortar shells landed near the embassy shortly after 8 pm local time, hours after a car bomb claimed six lives and ten injuries in Mogadishu.

"A number of mortar shells hit an area near the Qatar embassy...we are still following leads on the incident," Nur said.

The police said the blast, the second attack in the restive city on the same day, happened at KM-4 intersection in the city.

Mogadishu city spokesman Abdifitah Halane blamed the incident on the militant group Al-Shabaab. The group has not claimed responsibility so far.

A resident, Abdullahi Shire, 29, told Xinhua the explosion was huge and sounded like bomb explosions.

"We heard heavy explosions near the Qatari embassy and we thought they were bombs. We learn they were mortar shells," said Shire.
DHAKA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese lawmaker has called for full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the 136th assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held here from March 31 to April 5.

The theme of the assembly was "Redressing Inequalities: Delivering on Dignity and Well-being for All."

Chen Changzhi, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, led China's delegation at the gathering.

Chen, speaking at the assembly, said the elimination of inequality is the common aspiration of all peoples and the common task facing the international community.

He said countries around the world should fully implement the 2030 agenda, improve global economic governance, strengthen parliament participation and exchanges, so as to achieve inclusive, fair, open and win-win development.

On the sidelines of the assembly, Chen met respectively with IPU President Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Bangladeshi National Assembly Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Georgian Parliamentary Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze, and exchanged views with them on promoting ties and cooperation between each other.
DHAKA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The assembly of the 136th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) closed here Wednesday after five days of intensive activities including the adoption of a declaration on ending social, economic and political inequalities worldwide.

The assembly brought together some 1,500 delegates, including 650 parliament members, 53 speakers, deputy speakers and 209 female parliamentarians to seek ways to assess the extent of economic, social and political inequalities and to ensure the needs of the poor and marginalized are addressed at all levels of decision-making.

Chen Changzhi, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, led China's delegation at the 136th IPU Assembly.

Chen and his delegation members participated in various standing committees and related meetings and presented the Chinese government's efforts to achieve development for the Chinese people and support countries across the world.

The mega IPU assembly has been jointly organized by the IPU and the Bangladesh National Parliament.

At the closing ceremony, Bangladeshi parliament speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, also the chairperson of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association(CPU), pledged Dhaka's full support for the implementation of the declaration.

"The assembly was very meaningful in that Bangladesh, as the host country, led the adoption of the Dhaka Declaration, which provides a milestone for the world's parliamentarians," said Chaudhury who presided over the 136th IPU assembly.

IPU President Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the declaration will work as the guideline for next summits to be held in Russia and Switzerland respectively.

He said the Dhaka Declaration will also be a foundation for parliaments to suggest ideas, contribute to peace, friendship and cooperation among countries, parliaments and advance the next development step in the international community beyond 2017.

Among other things, the declaration stressed the need for finding own solutions of the countries as no single policy prescription can meet all needs.

The declaration also urged parliamentarians to renew their commitment to combat gender inequality, which is rooted in discrimination against women, as a particularly important dimension of this multifaceted problem.

"Economic, social and political inequalities are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. This is why our response will take a holistic approach, ensuring that policymaking and decision-making processes are inclusive, participatory and take into account the needs of all."

Dhaka Declaration expressed its concern saying that while income and wealth are disproportionately concentrated in the top 1 to 10 percent of the global population.

It said a growing number of people around the world, particularly young people, are unemployed or under-employed; and lack productive assets. They are underpaid; have limited access to education, health care and other social services; often live in unsafe communities. They are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of environmental degradation and climate change, said the declaration.

The assembly this year was based on the theme: "Readdressing inequalities: Delivering on Dignity and Well-being for All."
PRAGUE, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The reconstruction of the Baroque complex in Kuks, Czech Republic, and the educational project promoting historical sights of Czech National Heritage Institute (NPU) were awarded the EU's prestigious Europa Nostra 2017 prize, said NPU spokesman Jan Cieslar on Wednesday.

Cieslar said the prize is a parallel to film Oscars in the heritage conservation branch.

Representatives of the European Commission and Europa Nostra have selected 29 winners out of more than two hundred projects submitted from European countries.

Both of the two projects are in the 29 winners. Seven Grand Prix winners will be chosen from the 29 Europa Nostra prize winners on May 15, in Turku, Finland.

NPU director Nada Goryczkova said the success of both the projects proves that they are not only able to reconstruct buildings, but also to return real life to them as an attractive cultural site and to educate new generations.

She said she is very pleased that their results acknowledged not only by Czech public, but also the whole of Europe.

The Europa Nostra prize was established 15 years ago and it is awarded for outstanding contributions in the categories of heritage conservation, research and outstanding contributions to the cultural heritage preservation and in the area of education.
ALGIERS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 international observers will monitor Algerian parliamentary elections on May 4, an Algerian official said on Wednesday.

Abdelouahab Derbal, head of the Independent High Electoral Commission, said that the number of the observers, who belong to various international bodies, is between 310 and 320.

"Some 150 observers belong to the Arab League, while 150 others are from the African Union, in addition to about 20 observers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation," he said, adding that "the number of the European Union and the United Nations is yet to be determined."

He further noted that these observers are due to come to Algeria a day before the election day.

Marked by the participation of 12,591 candidates, May 4 elections are the sixth electoral contest since 1989, when the North African nation has adopted multi-party system.

The two ruling parties of the National Liberation Front (FLN) and the National Democratic Rally (RND) confirmed their participation, saying their objective is to safeguard their majority in local assemblies and the two houses of parliament.

The majority of opposition parties, either Islamists or secular, have decided to participate in this next electoral contest.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 06:31:31|Editor: ZD

A Syrian man receives treatment at a hospital following a suspected toxic gas attack in Khan Sheikhun, a rebel-held town in Syria's Idlib province, on April 4, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

by Hummam Sheikh Ali

DAMASCUS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Pictures and video footages of the reported toxic attack in Syria's Idlib province grabbed the headlines across the globe, and unleashed a crescendo of international condemnation, accusing the Syrian government forces of being behind it.

Activists of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian air force on Tuesday carried out a toxic gas attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in the countryside of Idlib, killing 70 people and wounding tens of others.

The anti-President Bashar al-Assad rhetoric spread like wildfire, and the incident pushed U.S. President Donald Trump to say that his position of Assad has changed, after previous comments by his administration that ousting Assad was no longer a priority.

"It's very, very possible, and I will tell you it's already happened that my attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much," Trump said.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson called reports of the attack "horrific," adding that the incident "must be investigated and perpetrators held to account."

UN special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura said the attack was believed to be chemical and launched from the air, noting that there should be a "clear identification of responsibilities and accountability."

Britain, France and the United States have circulated a draft Security Council resolution demanding a swift investigation, after pointing the finger at al-Assad's government for the attack.

But the videos and hunting images have apparently hypnotized the international opinion, or at least was used as a smoke screen that eclipsed a question: Why would the Syrian army use such weapon?

TOXIC GAS ATTACK REVIVES MORE ANTI-GOV'T SENTIMENT

For the Syrian government, which has been fighting for six years to prove that the country was subject to terrorism, carrying out such attack at this time would be wrong, particularly in Idlib, which is not a priority for the Syrian army.

Just a few days ago, officials at the Trump administration said ousting Assad was no longer a priority.

On top of that, media reports close to Damascus released a report about a secret visit by U.S. Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to Syria, during which she reportedly met with Assad and conveyed a message from Trump, according to the Lebanese Akhbar newspaper.

According to the report, Gabbard told Assad whether to accept a call from Trump. Assad said yes immediately, and even gave her his direct number.

The congresswoman even asked the president if she could visit Aleppo city and she did.

All of these moves were read by observers as a shift in the U.S. stance toward the Syrian government.

Therefore, launching such an attack in Idlib would throw all these achievement away and draw in foreign military action against the government.

The Syrian army made notable gains against the rebels in key Syrian areas like Hama province in central Syria, and the countryside of Damascus, which would not push them to unleash such an attack.

SYRIA DENIES POSSESSING ANY CHEMICAL WEAPONS

In a response to the accusation, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said that the Syrian army doesn't possess any sort of chemical weapons, stressing that the Syrian government was committed to its deal with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told pan-Arab Mayadeen TV that the rebels who are supported by France, Britain, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia were the ones carrying out the chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun.

The Syrian official also urged the international community to hold accountable the parties behind the attack.

Mekdad noted that the Syrian government had provided information to the OPCW weeks ago about the smuggling of toxic materials by the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front into northern Syria.

In October 2013, the OPCW officials arrived in Syria to monitor the dismantlement of the Syrian chemical weapons arsenal, after Damascus officially joined the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Convention.

The OPCW later said that the government has made its chemical weapon production facilities inoperable.

The dismantlement of the Syrian chemical weapons was due to a U.S.-Russian understanding, the first sign of a consensus between both powers on the Syrian conflict.

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED

While the Syrian government categorically denied using the toxic weapon, it didn't explicitly deny carrying out the strike, and what Russia, the main ally of the Syrian government, pointed out.

Moscow said the deaths were caused when a Syrian air strike hit a "terrorist warehouse" used for making bombs containing "toxic substances."

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major-General Igor Konashenkov said in a statement that the strike, which was launched mid Tuesday, targeted a major rebel ammunition depot east of the town of Khan Sheikhoun.

Konashenkov said that the warehouse was used to both produce and store shells containing toxic gas, adding that the shells were delivered to Iraq and repeatedly used there.

He pointed out that both Iraq and international organizations have confirmed the use of such weapons by militants.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 06:41:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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QUITO, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Colombia's government and National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas on Wednesday said they will conclude the first round of peace talks on Thursday.

The talks, aimed at ending five decades of fighting between the state forces and the leftist rebels, are being held on the outskirts of Ecuador's capital Quito.

"Tomorrow the first round will close with a joint pronouncement by the ELN-Government," the rebels posted to Twitter.

Talks began Feb. 7, not long after the administration of President Juan Manuel Santos signed a definitive peace deal with the country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The two sides will take a month-long break and resume talks on May 3, the chief government negotiator Juan Camilo Restrepo said earlier this week.

The FARC and the government reached a peace agreement in November, 2016, following four years of negotiations.

The FARC are currently in the process of transitioning from an armed group to a political movement, but there have been hiccups in the process, due to continued violence from paramilitary groups, and a lack of preparation and funding on the part of the government.
Liu Jieyi (C, front), China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting on the situation in Darfur at the UN headquarters in New York, April 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- China supports the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and related UN entities in carrying out comprehensive, objective and fair investigations into uses of chemicals as weapons in Syria, said a Chinese envoy here on Wednesday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council emergency meeting on alleged chemical weapon attack in Syria.

It is reported that at least 70 people were killed, 200 others were wounded Tuesday in a gas attack in a rebel-held area in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib.

Liu said that China is "profoundly shocked" by the suspected use of chemicals as weapons which has resulted in enormous civilian casualties.

He said there have been several cases of use of chemicals as weapons in Syria, and therefore China supports OPCW in conducting the probes into all cases so as to reach conclusions based on substantive evidence that can "stand the test of time and facts."

"China firmly opposes the use of chemicals as weapons by any country, any organization or any person under any circumstances," said Liu. "We strongly condemn any attacks against civilians."

"It is essential to hold to account all the related perpetrators and responsible parties in cases of chemical weapons," he added.

Liu also reiterated that political settlement is the only way out of the Syrian question.

"It is the hope of China that all the parties will create conditions for the political settlement rather than creating trouble or difficulties," he said.

The 15-nation council is working on a draft resolution which asks for an inquiry into the alleged attack.

However, due to disagreements among Security Council members, more time is needed for negotiations on the text before it is put to a vote.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 07:01:36|Editor: ZD

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TUNIS, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The 34th session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council called on its members here Wednesday to coordinate to face the disturbed climate in Arab region.

The session started at the General Secretariat of the Council in Tunis with the presence of representatives of the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab Tourism Organization and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

The session comes in a regional and global context marked by a disturbed climate with ascending threats of organized crimes, said the Tunisian Interior Minister Hadi Majdoub in an inaugural speech delivered on behalf of the Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi.

Moreover, Majdoub also pointed to combat against extremist groups, noting that financial and logistical resources as well as technological progress in some Arab countries will not allow these countries to eradicate terrorism solemnly.

The Arab interior ministers will also discuss other issues, including road safety, drug trafficking, the Arab civil protection strategy and the Arab strategy for intellectual security.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 07:06:37|Editor: ZD

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have found a way to turn the tables on cancer cells in the oxygen-poor areas of solid tumors using a "prodrug" loaded into nanostructured platforms.

Carcinomas that affect the breast, lung, prostate and colon are among the solid-tumor cancers, as are malignancies in the lymphatic system, known as lymphomas, and the much less common sarcomas that arise in connective tissue.

The solid masses often contain hypoxic regions, where the concentration of oxygen in the tissue is low.

Hypoxic cancer cells grow slowly, making them less susceptible to the drugs prescribed to kill or damage them, and to standard chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

"One of the hallmarks of these solid tumors is their hypoxic regions," said Adam Alani of the OSU College of Pharmacy and lead author of a study published in the Journal of Controlled Release. "One reason these cancers become very aggressive is the development of this hypoxia."

The tumor model chosen by the researchers was lung cancer, which is known to have a very strong hypoxia association.

A prodrug is a pharmacologically inactive compound that the body metabolizes into an active drug, in the OSU case the cancer drug vinblastine-N-oxide provided by research partners at Cascade Prodrug Inc. of Eugene, Oregon.

The OSU researchers developed two different lipid-based platform formulations known as liposomes to carry the prodrug to the tumor's hypoxic regions.

There, the lack of oxygen triggers its metabolic conversion to vinblastine.

In both formulations, one with polyethylene glycol on its surface and the other without, the prodrug proved both safe and much more effective against non-small cell lung cancer than when it was delivered without a liposome.

And by itself, vinblastine-N-oxide had shown less than optimal efficacy in testing by Cascade Prodrug because of how fast the body clears it from the system, as it has a half-life of less than half an hour.

But the liposomes, both the "pegylated" one containing polyethylene glycol and the non-pegylated one, increased the half-life dramatically: to 9.5 and 5.5 hours, respectively.

The research began with laboratory cultures and progressed to safety and efficacy testing in animals.

"We made sure the nanostructure platform worked properly against lung cancer in vitro, then looked at the safety of the formulation in healthy mice and looked at the maximum tolerated dose -- the biggest dose you can use without producing side effects," Alani said. "Then we determined how long the nano carriers could keep the drug in the blood compared to the drug without the nanostructures."

Without any liposome, the drug showed some tumor suppression, but the mice that had received the drug alone had to be euthanized after 70 days because of tumors that were no longer being controlled.

Mice that had received the drug with one of the liposomes were healthy and tumor-free for the nearly 100-day run of the experiment.

"The nano carriers performed much better than the prodrug itself," Alani was quoted as saying in a news release. "We were able to literally cure the tumor."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 07:33:43|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

Boys play with a smart phone as they visit Wat Pratthat Doi Kongmu during the Poi Sang Long novice monk ordination rituals in northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son, April 1, 2017. Considered as one of the biggest moments in a boy's life, the Poi Sang Long novice monk ordination rituals are held every year by the Shan peoples, also known as the Tai Yai, who mainly dwell in Myanmar and northern Thailand. Aged between 7 and 14 years old, the boys, called "Sang Long" in the Shan language, will undergo a series of ritual procedures during a typical Poi Sang Long that lasts for three to four days: hair-shaving, going on temple pilgrimages, attending a grand parade and visiting family relatives, until they are eventually ordained as novice monks at the temple. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 07:41:40|Editor: ZD

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have found that the unmet sleep needs of the elderly elevate their risk of memory loss and a wide range of mental and physical disorders.

In an article published Wednesday in the journal Neuron, the researchers argue that unlike more cosmetic markers of aging, such as wrinkles and gray hair, sleep deterioration has been linked to such conditions as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and stroke.

"Nearly every disease killing us in later life has a causal link to lack of sleep," said the article's senior author, Matthew Walker, a UC Berkeley professor of psychology and neuroscience. "We've done a good job of extending life span, but a poor job of extending our health span. We now see sleep, and improving sleep, as a new pathway for helping remedy that."

Though older people are less likely than younger cohorts to notice and/or report mental fogginess and other symptoms of sleep deprivation, numerous brain studies reveal how poor sleep leaves them cognitively worse off.

Moreover, the shift from deep, consolidated sleep in youth to fitful, dissatisfying sleep can start as early as one's 30s, paving the way for sleep-related cognitive and physical ailments in middle age.

Walker and fellow researchers cite studies that show the aging brain has trouble generating the kind of slow brain waves that promote deep curative sleep, as well as the neurochemicals that help us switch stably from sleep to wakefulness.

"The parts of the brain deteriorating earliest are the same regions that give us deep sleep," said article lead author Bryce Mander, a postdoctoral researcher in Walker's Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory at UC Berkeley.

Aging typically brings on a decline in deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) or "slow wave sleep," and the characteristic brain waves associated with it, including both slow waves and faster bursts of brain waves known as "sleep spindles."

Youthful, healthy slow waves and spindles help transfer memories and information from the hippocampus, which provides the brain's short-term storage, to the prefrontal cortex, which consolidates the information, acting as the brain's long-term storage.

"Sadly, both these types of sleep brain waves diminish markedly as we grow old, and we are now discovering that this sleep decline is related to memory decline in later life," said Joseph Winer, a doctoral student in Walker's lab.

Another deficiency in later life is the inability to regulate neurochemicals that stabilize our sleep and help us transition from sleep to waking states. These neurochemicals include galanin, which promotes sleep, and orexin, which promotes wakefulness.

"The American College of Physicians has acknowledged that sleeping pills should not be the first-line kneejerk response to sleep problems," Walker said. "Sleeping pills sedate the brain, rather than help it sleep naturally. We must find better treatments for restoring healthy sleep in older adults, and that is now one of our dedicated research missions."

Also important is the question of quantity versus quality. "Previously, the conversation has focused on how many hours you need to sleep," Mander said. "However, you can sleep for a sufficient number of hours, but not obtain the right quality of sleep."

"Indeed, we need both quantity and quality," Walker was quoted as saying in a news release.
SUVA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 600 people overstayed in Fiji in 2016 and 400 had been deported already, Director of Immigration Nemani Vuniwaqa has said.

Most of the overstayers came into Fiji under a visitor's visa and the majority of overstayers came from regional countries, Vuniwaqa told a Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense earlier this week.

He said usually the visitors were advised and given a month after arrival to apply to the Immigration Department for a student's visa but most of them failed to do so.

He said foreigners on a visitor's visa were given up to four months under the law and it could be extended by another two months to sort out their papers.

In February, human rights groups in Fiji condemned what they described as illegal and arbitrary deportation of a refugee from Iran seeking asylum in Fiji.

Loghman Sawari, 21, fled to Fiji from Papua New Guinea's Manus Island but on his way to Suva with his lawyer to meet immigration officers to apply for asylum he was stopped by police and put on a plane back to PNG.
SYDNEY, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Two Victorian restaurants have made the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time.

Attica, located 10 km southeast of Melbourne in Ripponlea, retained its position as Australia's best restaurant at the gala ceremony in Melbourne, coming in at No.32.

Attica was joined by Dan Hunter's Brae in Birregurra, 140 km west of Melbourne, which made its debut on the list at No.44 just four years after opening its doors for the first time.

The two Victorian institutions were the only Australian restaurants to make the top 50 with celebrity chef Neil Perry's Quay, located on the Sydney Harbor, making the extended list of 100 at No.95.

New York City's Eleven Madison Park was named the world's best restaurant with 2016's winner, Italy's Osteria Francescana, came second while previous winner El Celler de Can Roca in Spain rounded out the top three.

Swiss chef Daniel Humm and general manager Will Guidara purchased Eleven Madison Park in 2011 and quickly transformed it into one of the world's best fine dining experiences.

"All of us here, we have the chance to give people the grace to forget about something for a moment, we get to give them a bit of magic in a world that needs more of it," Humm said in accepting the award.

The ceremony was just the second time the event, dubbed the Oscars of the culinary world, was held outside of London.

Ben Shewry, owner and head chef of Attica, said the two Victorian restaurants making the top 50 was made even sweeter by the event taking place in Melbourne.

"We're a small restaurant and we work really hard. It's an incredible achievement for the team - 32 people and they're just incredible," Shewry said.

The 39-year-old, who has earned a reputation for using native Australian ingredients, said that Brae making the top 50 was particularly significant.

"It's better than our own award. The guys at Brae are our friends and they push us and inspire us every day. There's never any jealousy, it's just great for us and for Victoria,"

Bangkok's Gaggan was named the best restaurant in Asia, coming in at number seven, while Hong Kong's Amber and Shanghai's Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet were the two Chinese restaurants on the list at No.24 and No.41 respectively.
CANBERRA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Canberra Zoo has bred an endangered siamang gibbon, with the baby, unnamed at this stage, making its public debut on Thursday.

The siamang gibbon is native to Southeast Asian nations Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, and is considered endangered, but zookeepers at the Canberra Zoo have announced that Tunku, an 11-year-old female, successfully gave birth late last month.

Tunku and the baby's father, Sian, a six-year-old male, were brought to the zoo last year, and zookeeper Georgia Clark said they were "very lucky" that the pair had bred so soon.

"Currently there are only two pairs of siamang gibbons breeding (in captivity) in the Australian region," Clark told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday. "So we're very lucky."

Clark said the baby "still has no name" as the zoo is unsure of the sex of the child, which is being protected by Tunku day and night.

"We're hoping in the next few months we should be able to get a clearer view and be able to tell if it's a little boy or a girl," Clark said.

Clark added that the baby's father was also beginning to take a greater interest in caring for the child.

"Sian was very interested in baby but gave Tunku and baby a little bit of space to begin with," she said.

"Sometimes (he's) a little bit roughly, but (he's) really quite good."

Siamang gibbons are recognizable due to their distinctive "pouch" of skin under their chin, which can be puffed up and used for "singing."
SYDNEY, April 6 (Xinhua) -- One in three Australian tertiary education students have thought about suicide or self-harm in the last 12 months, a study has found.

The research, published by mental health group Headspace with the National Union of Students, found an "alarming" level of anxiety among university and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) students.

The study surveyed 2,600 tertiary students aged between 17 and 25 with 35 percent, or 910, saying they have considered self-harm or suicide in the past 12 months.

"We know that self-harm rates are increasing, with one in three experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm over the last 12 months," Jason Trethowan, CEO of Headspace, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday.

"Relatively speaking, the number is extremely high and it's a point of real concern."

Among the most common challenges reported by the survey respondents were increased workloads, looming deadlines and financial hardship.

"They might have moved out of home for the first time, and might have greater responsibilities financially (or) domestically," Trethowan said.

"The changing external factors compared to the past decade creates an environment, where people need to be more aware of their mental health.

"I just want young people to recognize that you're not alone, mental health is a problem across the country, getting onto of your issues, there is help out there, so seek help."

Some 65 percent of students who took part in the survey reported high to very high levels of psychological stress while more than half had suffered panic attacks.

Amelia Walters, 18, who moved from Brisbane to Melbourne to attend university, said she can identify with those challenges.

"My life here rested on that academic performance essentially," Walters said.

"I felt completely paralyzed ... At that point I could see it wasn't only affecting me but the people around me.

"(Then) I got to the point where I felt so paralyzed by the different responsibilities I felt to myself ... I was no longer able to engage in my studies."
YANGON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw left Nay Pyi Taw for Beijing on Thursday morning to begin a six-day state visit to China.

The visit is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and promoting friendly relations and cooperation between Myanmar and China, according to official sources.

U Htin Kyaw is expected to meet Chinese leaders and exchange views on furthering bilateral relations and cooperation.

In August last year, Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi also visited Beijing.

Myanmar-China relations have been traditionally good since Myanmar's independence and the founding of the People's Republic of China with frequent reciprocal visits made by leaders of the two countries.

China topped Myanmar's foreign investment line-up, accounting for 26.57 percent of the total.
CANBERRA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The female head of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has expressed her disappointment at the lack of women in high ranking positions within the organization, saying there has never been a female ambassador in major cities such as Jakarta, Washington and London.

Speaking at a conference discussing the role of women in Australia's national security landscape, DFAT secretary Frances Adamson said it was "not good enough" that women were not represented in senior roles within the organization.

Adamson herself broke a glass ceiling in 2016 when she was named the first female DFAT Secretary.

She told the conference at the Australian National University (ANU) it was unacceptable that, in 105 years, there had never been a female head of the Australian High Commission in London.

"It's not good enough that there are only two women ministers on the National Security Committee of Cabinet," Adamson said overnight.

While many women were not being given the chance to prove themselves in these roles, she admitted there were also a lot of women who were reluctant to even apply for high-up roles out of fear of rejection.

"So many good women are waiting to be tapped on the shoulder and not putting themselves forward," she said.

"I didn't think I'd have to deal with targets, now I embrace it."

In 2015, DFAT implemented a "Women in Leadership" program which aimed at increasing the female representation within the organization, while it also required all high-up managers to undergo "unconscious bias" training to ensure women would fill 43 percent of the organization's 'senior executive' positions by 2020.
SYDNEY, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Visiting President of Nauru Baron Waqa met here Thursday with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on people smuggling and economy.

"We know who our friends are and we always try to work alongside them with this fight against people smuggling, and I think the program is working very well," said Waqa, who is on the first day of a four-day visit to Australia.

Nauru is currently the home to one of the largest processing facilities for asylum seekers wishing to enter Australia, with over 300 people being held on the island.

Turnbull was eager to stress the cooperation between the two nations, and showed his gratitude to Waqa, who he said is helping to deal with the "scourge" of people smuggling.

"We have got a lot of other things to discuss, on development, growing the economies of the Pacific and of course in dealing with the big environmental challenges you face as well." Turnbull said.

The leader of Nauru will meet with representatives of the Asian Development Bank for economic talks, during his visit to Australia.
Photo taken shows Nguyen Duc Quyet, 69-year-old keeper of Kim Anh Cemetery of Martyrs managing the plants before the tomb of a Chinese martyr buried in Soc Son County of Vietnam's capital Hanoi on April 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Le Yanna)

by Le Yanna, Taojun

HANOI, April 5 (Xinhua) -- "The Chinese martyrs who died helping Vietnam in the war against the Americans, are interred here and I am taking good care of them as if they are my own people," Nguyen Duc Quyet, the 69-year-old custodian of Kim Anh Chinese Martyr Cemetery, told Xinhua on Wednesday.

On the same day, a delegation of the Chinese embassy officials in Vietnam, Chinese companies, institutions, students and media representatives, together with accompanying Vietnamese officials, paid tributes at the cemetery on the occasion of Tomb Sweeping Day, or Qingming Festival.

"I live nearby to better take care of the cemetery," said Quyet, who has been the custodian at the cemetery, located in Minh Phu Village in Soc Son County, some 40 km away from the capital Hanoi, for the past 25 years.

He said as a soldier, who also fought in the war against the American invaders, he felt grateful for the help from China, especially from the martyrs.

According to the Chinese embassy in Vietnam, in the latter part of the 20th Century, especially in the war against the United States invasion in the 1960s, upon the request of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese people, more than 320,000 Chinese troops joined Vietnam's army in defending the country's independence and territory.

After the war, more than 1,400 Chinese who died in the fighting were laid to rest in Vietnam.

The Chinese martyrs were buried in 40 cemeteries in 22 provinces across northern and central Vietnam.

Five soldiers, from four provinces and cities of China, were buried in Kim Anh Chinese Martyr Cemetery.

"People from both Vietnam and China come to pay their respects to the martyrs during particular festivals and holidays, showing the martyrs are not forgotten," stated Quyet, while trimming the flowers in front of one of the tombs.

"The current development of China-Vietnam relations, characterized as a comprehensive strategic partnership, has proved that Chinese blood spilt during the Vietnam-U.S. war was not in vain," said Hong during his address.

"They are Chinese martyrs who sacrificed themselves here in Vietnam for our country's independence, therefore, we are taking care of them the same as we take care of our Vietnamese martyrs," Quyet said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 11:33:12|Editor: Yamei

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by Xinhua writer Liu Chang

BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Germaine Colette Menyeng does not have to worry anymore.

With the arrival of solar-powered lights, the 51-year-old headmaster of a primary school in Ngang village, western Cameroon, no longer needs to grade her students' homework in dusky oil lamps, which had seriously harmed her eyesight.

Rural areas like Ngang in the western African nation used to be without electricity because of the high cost of connecting to the national power grid. A solar panel plant, sponsored by Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, has not only ended the dark days there, but also brought fundamental changes to the day-to-day life of the local population.

PUBLIC GOODS PROVIDER

Huawei's efforts to boost sustainable development in Africa finds its roots in China's Belt and Road Initiative, which pursues global cooperation by building or improving infrastructure to raise living standards in the countries along its routes.

A new report released by the Asian Development Bank in late February shows that Asia alone needs some 26 trillion U.S. dollars between 2016 and 2030 to meet its infrastructure needs, not to mention the huge funding gap for the rest of the world.

Coupled with the establishment of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to make up for the financing, China's modern-day land and maritime Silk Road initiative, first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, has now become one of China's most important public goods offered to the world, and a key vehicle for Beijing to improve global governance.

So far, China has invested more than 50 billion dollars into the program. It has won support from over 100 countries and international bodies, and more than 40 of them have signed cooperation agreements with China.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently told the China Development Forum in Beijing that unbalanced development is the root cause of many of the world's major problems, adding that Beijing proposes that all nations should pursue their interests through common development.

Pieter P. Bottelier, a China scholar at Johns Hopkins University, said the initiative illustrates China's vision of collaborating with countries not only in its neighborhood, but in Europe, Latin America and Africa as a way that bolsters the global economy and meets China's long-term interests.

GUARDIAN OF PEACE

For Bai Shuo, a young Chinese sailor, her job to steer the giant navy ship Honghu, a new 23,000-ton offshore supply ship, in an expansive and rough sea is challenging. Yet she knows that her mission represents China's steadfast commitment to helping shape a more peaceful world.

The 24-year-old helmswoman, along with her other more than 700 comrade-in-arms, belongs to the 25th convoy fleet of the Chinese navy. They have been carrying out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden to protect passing ships against pirate attacks and maintain the freedom of navigation along the waterway, which passes nearly 30 percent of the world's crude oil and 12 percent of global maritime trade.

China initiated such missions in 2008, and has escorted about 6,300 ships through this vital sea route. Because of China's joint efforts with some 20 international partners, the passage of goods through the Gulf of Aden is more secure.

Meanwhile, China is an important peacekeeping force within the UN. China began to participate in the UN peacekeeping missions in 1990. It is now the largest contributor to the peacekeeping force, deploying more than 2,600 of the total 88,000 "blue berets" in 10 peacekeeping missions in countries like South Sudan, Lebanon and Liberia.

China also uses multilateral platforms such as the Xiangshan Forum and the Shangri-La Dialogue to discuss security and defense cooperation with Asia-Pacific members and others.

In his January speech at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, Xi said China remains committed to upholding world peace.

"We Chinese firmly believe that peace and stability is the only way to development and prosperity," he said, adding that "China will never waver in its pursuit of peaceful development."

A PIONEERING REFORMER

To have a better global governance system, reforming current institutions is a must.

The current global governing bodies, including the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), were largely formed in the post-war period.

For many years, China has called for necessary changes to these bodies, especially regarding the quota reforms within the World Bank and the IMF, to better reflect the growing needs of the developing world. It also insists that the AIIB and the New Development Bank are set up as a supplement, not replacement, for global financial institutions.

Beijing has also sought to tackle many of world's most pressing challenges like supporting free trade and globalization, combating climate change, reducing poverty and boosting common development by offering its proposals and solutions via such important international gatherings as the APEC meetings and the G20 summits.

The notion of building a community of a shared future for all humankind, which was first put forward in late 2012, epitomizes the direction in which the Chinese government believes global governance should head in the future.

This March, the UN Security Council for the first time incorporated this concept into its resolution on promoting security and stability in Afghanistan and the region, showing that the proposal has won growing recognition worldwide.

Kerry Brown, a professor of China studies at King's College in London, said China is now "exposed in ways it was not before and it has a prominence it did not have ... it is going to have to take a pretty big leadership position."

But Joseph Nye, a Harvard professor and prominent U.S. foreign policy expert, warned in a recently published article that the world needs to acknowledge what he calls "the Kindleberger Trap," by which he worries that China could fail to provide global public goods while the global system could sink into "depression, genocide, and world war."

In fact, what Beijing has done over the years has proved Nye's worry largely unfounded.

Looking back, China's stunning economic and social development over the past four decades has benefited greatly from an open and increasingly interdependent global system. It is in the vital interests of China and the world to jointly patch up the gap in global governance.

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic told Xinhua recently that China "does not use hard power, does not use weapons, but uses projects, and positively helps others to live better through economic integration."

"China has moved all countries in the world to forge ahead. This is a chance for the humankind to have a much better future," he said.
HANOI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A 56-year-old man with a pallid and wizened face slowly touched his right foot, which was being wrapped in layers of bandages here on Wednesday afternoon, but could not remember the terrible pains he had suffered over the past years.

Cao Sanzi from China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was hospitalized at the Vietnam-Germany Hospital in the capital city of Hanoi 10 days ago with symptoms of chronic anemia. His feet also showed signs of necrosis that needed urgent treatment.

More notably, however, he could barely remember who he was.

Previously, he had been admitted to a hospital in the central Ha Tinh province before being transferred to Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, but could not receive any treatment due to lack of personal identity and relatives' consent.

"He must have had a very difficult life with his chronic disease and his foggy mind. He could not get used to sleeping on the bed as if he had no proper place to sleep for a long time," Cao's doctor, Nguyen Xuan Vinh, at the Vietnam-German Hospital, told Xinhua.

Cao's appearance shocked everyone when they came to know that he was just in his late 50s.

"We could not believe that he was born in 1960. He looks so much older than his real age. He is a poor man," the doctor said, with a long sigh.

It all started in 1995 when Cao's business went downward. Money went up in smoke and took away his sharp mind. No one knew where he had disappeared to until the Chinese embassy in Vietnam found him in the hospital.

Within two days after being notified that there seemed to be a Chinese citizen at the hospital, the embassy confirmed repeatedly with Cao about his name, family and hometown, then contacted authorities of the autonomous region to shortlist missing cases.

Cao, with his vague memory, struggled to answer questions about himself as his memory had truly become a blur.

"How could they found Cao's family after only a couple of days? It's nearly impossible," Vinh exclaimed while expressing his admiration for the Chinese embassy's efforts.

To Cao's 34-year-old son, Cao Zhengming, the embassy's detective work was nothing short of miraculous for him and his family.

Photos were sent to him to confirm whether Cao was his father.

Being 80 percent sure, the son identified his father by talking to him directly using WeChat, the popular social messaging app.

Two days ago, the son and his wife rushed to take a flight and arrived in Hanoi.

"I was so excited to hear the news about my father after 22 years," Cao said while repeating his heartfelt thanks to the Chinese embassy for helping his family so immeasurably.

With a lot of smile on their bright faces, Cao's hospital roommates, who have also been worried about him, were now happy for their newly-made Chinese friend.

"We thought that he had no family and was homeless as he could neither talk nor remember anything. Thank God, his son found him now," Nguyen Duy Thoa, a 59-year-old patient who was in the same treatment room with Cao, said with a strong sigh of relief.

Though Cao could not express his feelings, his Vietnamese friends could fully understand all of his emotional expressions.

"It was after Cao talked to his son, he kept going in and out the room continuously as if he was waiting for someone. And he even smiled, a lot," Thoa said of his foreign friend's actions with a glint in his eyes.

Cao's son will take him home to China on Thursday for further and sustainable treatment.

"It's good for you to be going back home. Have a nice trip," wished China's Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong while holding Cao's hands and comforting him in the hospital.

In his jokes, Cao's doctor bet that the man would miss his Vietnamese friends.

According to Vinh, patients in Cao's room and their family members voluntarily helped the hospital to take care of the Chinese man by buying him food and keeping a close eye on him.

"It's simply the empathy between neighbors, no matter where you may come from," Vinh told Xinhua.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 12:52:39|Editor: Liu

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BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Users of urban shared-bike programs have called for regulation to address bike vandalism, and suggested that shared bike schemes should be an urban planning consideration, according to a survey by China Youth Daily.

The survey, which was published by the paper Thursday, revealed that 50.5 percent of respondents said vandalized bikes had forced them to rethink their travel plans, and 78.8 percent suggested shared bikes should be incorporated into urban planning management.

The survey was based on the answers of 2,000 respondents. The top complaint relating to shared bike programs was shared bikes crowding the sidewalks, with 63.6 percent saying it was a common sight. The other concerns related to vandalism and theft.

"It is not unusual to see shared bikes secured with private locks," Miao Yue, an undergraduate in Guangzhou, told China Youth Daily. "During rush hour, sometimes it takes 20 minutes to find a usable shared bike."

In addition, 88.6 percent voiced support for a law that would address the vandalizing of public facilities.

There are government-run shared-bike programs, but they only offer bicycles that must be returned to docking stations.

"Dockless bicycle-sharing is more efficient and convenient," Zhao Jie, a transportation expert with the China Academy of Urban Planning & Design, was quoted as saying.

Zhao suggested that there should be a system that tracks user's conduct.

According to the survey, 78.6 percent of respondents have used shared bikes, with 0.7 percent born after 2000, 21.1 percent born in the 1990s, 54.4 percent in the 1980s, 18.1 percent in the 1970s, and 5.6 percent in the 1950s and 1960s.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 13:13:27|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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Susan Thornton, U.S. acting Assistant Secretary of State, speaks during a briefing at Foreign Press Center in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, April 5, 2017. The United States wants to have high-level engagement with China, Susan Thornton said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan)

WASHINGTON, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The United States wants to have high-level engagement with China, a senior U.S. State Department official said Wednesday.

"I think we always want to have high-level engagement in the U.S.-China relationship. It's a very important relationship, and it's really broad and wide-ranging, and so we want to be able to establish that kind of good relationship," said Susan Thornton, acting Assistant Secretary of State, in a briefing.

Speaking on the eve of the first meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Thornton said the United States will be looking to make the meeting "very constructive."

"This is a chance for the two leaders to get to know one another. We want to have them establish a good working relationship so that they can, in times of both opportunity and crisis, reach out to one another and have a good rapport," she added.

Matt Pottinger, senior director for Asia at the National Security Council, said the first meeting between Xi and Trump will cover bilateral issues, regional issues and a variety of areas of cooperation.
LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Two Afghan soldiers sustained injuries after the attacker blew himself up next to a security checkpoint in southern Afghanistan Wednesday night, district police chief Mohammad Ismael Hotak said Thursday.

The suicide bomber who was approaching the security checkpoint in Gereshk district of the southern Helmand province Wednesday night but security man on duty ordered him to stop.

He ignored and blew himself up, killing himself and injuring two soldiers, the official added.

Hotak blamed Taliban militants for organizing the attack. However, the armed outfit, which is largely relying on suicide and roadside bombings, has yet to claim responsibility.

The poppy-growing Helmand province with Lashkar Gah as its capital, 555 km south of Kabul, has been the scene of bloody fighting between government forces and Taliban militants over the past few years.
SEOUL, April 6 (Xinhua) -- South Korean prosecutors looking into a corruption scandal embroiling former President Park Geun-hye on Thursday summoned a former senior presidential secretary.

Woo Byung-woo, former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, was called in for multiple charges including abuse of power and dereliction of duty.

It was the third time that Woo appeared in the prosecutors' office for questioning.

In November last year, he was grilled for his alleged embezzlement and breach of duty in the management of a company his family controls.

In February, he was questioned by special prosecutors who had investigated the corruption scandal that led to Park's impeachment and arrest.

Since March, the investigation has been taken over by the special investigation headquarters of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office which summoned Woo.

Woo is suspected of assisting or at least conniving at Choi Soon-sil's meddling in state affairs behind the scenes.

Choi is Park's decades-long friend who is at the center of the corruption scandal and is now in custody.

He is also accused of intervening in the appointment of government officials, inspecting civilians and affecting the probe into the Sewol ferry disaster that claimed 304 lives, mostly high school students, on a school trip.

On April 16, 2014, the passenger ferry capsized and sank off the country's southwest coast. Only 172 passengers were rescued, and nine are still unaccounted for.

Former President Park had been under intense criticism following the country's worst maritime disaster because of the initial bungling of rescue operations that were blamed on the absence of control tower led by Park.

Park's lost seven hours on the day of the disaster remains a mystery until now.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 13:32:47|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (C) cuts the ribbon at the inauguration of a section of the China-funded national road No. 6, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on April 6, 2017. Cambodia on Thursday inaugurated a section of the China-funded national road No. 6, part of an arterial pathway that plays a vital role for tourism and trade activity. (Xinhua/Zhang Yanfang)

PHNOM PENH, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Thursday inaugurated a section of the China-funded national road No. 6, part of an arterial pathway that plays a vital role for tourism and trade activity.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo presided over the inauguration ceremony which was attended by government officials, local authorities, residents and students.

According to a report by Cambodian Transport Minister Sun Chanthol, the 40.5-km section of the national road stretches from the capital of Phnom Penh to Bateay district of Kampong Cham province.

He said 26 bridges had been built along the section that cost 70.2 million U.S. dollars, in which 68 million U.S. dollars was a concessional loan from the Chinese government and the remaining amount was covered by the Cambodian government.

He added that the four-lane road was constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group in a period of four years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hun Sen said the national road No. 6 plays a crucial role for tourism and trade activity since it connects Phnom Penh to the Angkor Wat Temple, a world heritage site, in Siem Reap province, and other provinces along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

"This is a huge achievement for Cambodia," he said. "This achievement was born from the fruitful strategic cooperation between Cambodia and China."

The prime minister expressed his sincere and heartfelt thanks to the government and people of China for having provided a great amount of grant aid and concessional loans to Cambodia for socio-economic development.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Xiong said that China was very pleased to assist Cambodia in its efforts to boost economy and reduce poverty.

He said many infrastructure development projects with Chinese support have been underway in Cambodia, especially under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 13:48:33|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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WASHINGTON, April 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday vowed to further boost U.S. ability to defend itself and its allies, said the White House.

Trump discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regional matters of concern in a phone conversation after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) reportedly launched a ballistic missile on Wednesday, the White House said in a statement.

"The president emphasized that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose," it said.

Trump "made it clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to defend itself and its allies with a full range of military capabilities," the statement said.

The two men "agreed to stay in close communication to enhance cooperation in North Korea and other regional issues of mutual interest," the statement added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 13:53:33|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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RIO DE JANEIRO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Brazil has over 2.48 million minors aged between four and 17 without access to school, according to a study published Wednesday.

The figure represents 6 percent of the total number of children and teenagers in that age bracket in Brazil, said the study, which was carried out by nongovernmental organization All for Education.

Priscila Cruz, chief executive of All for Education, considered the situation worrying, saying those who cannot afford schooling are the most vulnerable social groups, such as children from poor families, children with disabilities and those who live in remote areas.

The study shows that over 1.54 million of school dropouts are aged from 15 to 17.

Reasons for this alarming situation ranges from teenage pregnancy, financial difficulties, violence, to other difficulties faced by the teen's family.

Cruz believes that the reform of high school system, which was signed into law earlier this year, may help address these concerns and reduce school dropouts, but it depends on how the new system will work out.

Despite the fact that there are still millions of children unable to go to school, the percentage of Brazilian minors aged between four and 17 with access to school education rose from 89.5 percent in 2005 to 94.2 percent in 2015.

The data used in the study are from the National Sample Survey of Households.
SYDNEY, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A veteran television reporter was arrested on Thursday for allegedly being in possession of child pornography.

Ben McCormack, a reporter for the popular Channel Nine nightly primetime program "A Current Affair," was apprehended by police on early Thursday, while police subsequently raided the studio offices of the station later in the day.

McCormack was taken to Redfern police station for questioning and is expected to be charged.

Darren Wick, news and current affairs director at Channel Nine, spoke to staff on Thursday afternoon, saying that police have been investigating matters related to a staff member at the network.

"However, we are not in a position to comment any further as this is an ongoing investigation," Wick said.
PHNOM PENH, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Thursday that the country would focus on connectivity infrastructure development during a Belt and Road forum in Beijing next month.

"I will attend the Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation in China in May. At the same time, I will also pay an official visit to China," he said during the inauguration ceremony of a China-funded road on the eastern outskirts of Phnom Penh.

"Our main goal is to focus on infrastructure development," the prime minister said.

He added that Cambodia needs between 500 and 700 million U.S. dollars a year for infrastructure development such as roads, bridges, electric power and irrigation system.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen highly valued the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that it would provide enormous benefits to Cambodia and all participating countries.

Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo said the Cambodian prime minister's forthcoming trip to China would definitely elevate the Sino-Cambodian relationship to a new high.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, known as Belt and Road Initiative, was proposed by China in 2013 with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.

To support the initiative, China has established the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with an initial capital of 100 billion U.S. dollars and the Silk Road Fund with a funding of 40 billion U.S. dollars.
HO CHI MINH CITY, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A boat, rented by a group of high school students in Vietnam's southern Bac Lieu province to attend a whale-worshipping festival, capsized on Thursday morning, killing three youths.

The accident happened near Ganh Hao fishing port in Dong Hai district, and bodies of the three local male students aged 16-17 have been found, said the district's police.

When the boat was some 500 meters away from the port and on the way to attend the annual traditional festival, it capsized and then sank due to strong waves.
SYDNEY, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The University of Technology (UTS) Sydney has become the first Australian institute to break into the top 20 for universities under 50 years old.

The ranking system by Times Higher Education, placed UTS 15th out of the world's top 200 young universities, at a summit in Brisbane on Thursday.

"I think that is a terrific achievement; it reflects a great deal of credit on the administration of the university," former Foreign Minister of Australia and international relations professor at UTS, Bob Carr, told Xinhua.

"I'm glad that my think tank, the Australia-China Relations Institute is a modest part of that."

Ranking editor Phil Baty referred to the university's research environment as the reason for making it so high on the list.

"It's about driving innovative approaches to our teaching, trying to get internships for all our students, and changing the way we engage with industry," UTS vice-chancellor Attila Brung told Fairfax Media.

"This year more programs than ever have real industry problems coming in as part of the curriculum. And our ongoing research is continuing to be better than before."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 15:18:05|Editor: xuxin

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RIO DE JANEIRO, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Brazil is looking to sign new free-trade agreements with Mexico and the European Union (EU) as a way to counter U.S. protectionism, a Brazilian official said on Wednesday.

"We are also looking for commitments in such areas as government purchases and services among others," Marcos Pereira, Brazil's minister of industry, foreign trade and services, told the regional daily Folha de Sao Paulo.

Pereira said he would talk with Mexico's Economic Minister Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal during the three-day World Economic Forum on Latin America which opened on April 5 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Meetings of trade ministers from regional trade blocs, such as the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and the Pacific Alliance, will also provide opportunities for exploring free trade, said Pereira.

Currently, Brazil and Mexico have a limited free-trade agreement that covers some 800 products, which is expected to be expanded into a full-blown deal that applies to all 2,500 types of trade goods.

"Brazil is bent on swiftly advancing" towards such an agreement, said Pereira, and Mexico aims to diversify its trade markets given that a more protectionist government is in power in the United States.

However, the true impact of U.S. trade restrictions on Mexico will not be known until the two countries re-negotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, a two-decade-old accord that U.S. President Donald Trump claims has unfairly benefited Mexico.

Brazil is also hoping to reach a free-trade agreement with the EU by the end of the year, though Mercosur's founding members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay have been pursuing a deal with the European bloc for nearly two decades.

Diego Bonomo, executive manager of foreign trade for Brazil's National Confederation of Industry, underscored the impact the deal would have on the country's industrial sector, saying "it would be akin to our entry into Mercosur."
MOSCOW, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Four suspects accused of killing two policemen in Russia's southern city of Astrakhan have been killed, TASS reported Thursday, citing a spokesman for the Russian Guard.

"Four suspects who shot dead two traffic police officers on April 4 have been killed in a special operation. Thus, all the four criminals have been neutralized," the spokesman announced.

On Tuesday, two traffic police officers were attacked and killed by four armed men at a road accident scene in Astrakhan. The four suspects were put on the Russian and international wanted lists.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 15:48:15|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Xiongan New Area, a new economic zone near Beijing, will play an important role in boosting the economy in the region around the capital, an official told Xinhua.

Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province will not only help with the ongoing drive to transfer "non-capital" functions out of Beijing, but also improve the business environment in Hebei and attract more talent and investment, said Zhang Junkuo, deputy director with the Development Research Center of the State Council.

After the educational, scientific and technological resources currently concentrated in Beijing flow into the region, the investment environment in Hebei will improve substantially, said Zhang, who is also a member of the expert committee advising the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (Jing-Jin-Ji).

High standard must be present across the whole Xiongan New Area project, and more support policies are needed to better integrate the capital with its surrounding areas.

China announced plans to create Xiongan New Area on Saturday, which authorities described as a "major historic and strategic choice" that would be "crucial for the millennium to come."

The new area, some 100 kilometers southwest of downtown Beijing, is designed to advance coordinated development in the Jing-Jin-Ji region and cure "urban ills" such as traffic congestion and air pollution in the capital.

The three counties that the new area covers reported a combined GDP of about 20 billion yuan (2.94 billion U.S. dollars) last year, less than 1 percent of Beijing's economic output.

The new area will create a favorable environment for innovation and attract innovative talent and teams to benefit the industrial upgrade in Hebei Province and its innovative development, said Zhang.

Meanwhile, the new area will also promote the ecological protection of the surrounding area and improve people's well-being, Zhang said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 15:53:16|Editor: xuxin

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JERUSALEM, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian rammed a car into Israelis in the occupied West Bank on Thursday morning, killing one Israeli and injuring another, the military said.

Initial reports said that soldiers shot and killed the driver, but the military stated in a later statement that the man was arrested and taken into custody.

An army spokesperson said that the incident, near the Israeli settlement of Ofra in the central West Bank, was an apparent car-ramming attack.

"One Israeli was killed and another Israeli was injured," the spokesperson said in a statement. "The injured was taken to the hospital for medical treatment."

Some Israeli media reported that the casualties were soldiers but the Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson's Unit said it cannot confirm this information.

The attack was part of a spate of violence that broke out in September 2015 but has abated in recent months.

Over the past two weeks, however, the frequency of the Palestinian attacks seems to be on the rise again.

On Saturday, Israeli police shot dead a Palestinian knifeman after he stabbed and wounded two civilians and a policeman in East Jerusalem's Old City.

Since the beginning of the unrest, Palestinians have killed 41 Israelis and two U.S. nationals, while Israeli forces and civilians killed at least 241 Palestinians, a Jordanian, and two African asylum seekers, most of them alleged attackers, according to Israel.

Israel accuses the Palestinian National Authority of "inciting" the unrest. The Palestinians say it is the result of 50 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, home to more than 5 million Palestinians.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 15:59:02|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The nomination of candidates who will be considered to stand in the election of delegates to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is proceeding in a "smooth and orderly way," the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee announced Thursday.

The 19th CPC National Congress, a major event in the political life of the Party and the state, will be held in Beijing in the second half of 2017. A total of 2,300 delegates will be elected by 40 electoral units from across the country.

Candidates must exhibit the beliefs, political integrity and moral qualities expected in upstanding Party members, according to the department.

The election, which will be completed by June, follows five procedures -- the nomination of candidates by Party members; nominee review; public notification of the candidates for feedback; candidate short list; and the final vote.

The nomination of candidates is one way in which Party members exercise their democratic rights and participate in intra-Party political life.

At the nomination stage, group discussions are an integral part of the nomination process.

Liang Shaohua, a migrant worker from Xinyi, Guangdong Province, returned to his hometown to be involved in the local Party committee candidate nomination process.

"As a Party member, I need to be present for important occasions, like this, no matter how far away or busy I am," Liang said. "I came to cast my vote and recommend the most suitable Party members from our organization."

The 2,300 elected delegates will represent more than 88 million CPC members and 4.4 million Party organizations.

This year, more workers, farmers and professionals will be nominated.

These "front-line workers" should account for no less than one third of the delegates representing provincial level regions, the central financial sector and Beijing-based centrally-administered enterprises, up 1.33, 13.3 and 1.33 percentage points respectively, compared to the 18th CPC National Congress.

Local election units have rolled out measures to increase the number of front-line delegates, taking into consideration different industries and regions.

Southwest China's Yunnan Province has 25 ethnic minority groups that have a population of more than 6,000.

Li Jiansong, an official with the CPC Yunnan provincial committee, told Xinhua: "Half of the province's 54 candidates identify as ethnic minorities, almost one from each of our 25 ethnic minority groups."

The CPC said intra-Party democracy will ensure the results fully reflect the will of all cadres.

Party committees at various levels have held meetings to recommend candidates and the initial nominee lists have been reviewed to solicit opinions.

"The election of nominees has been strict and prudent," said Fang Jianhua, a CPC member in a village in Jiangxi Province. "The process starts from the lowest level and takes full consideration of the situation at the coal face. I believe the elected delegates will be worthy of our trust."

The election features a strong emphasis on discipline and rules, with all electoral units pledging zero tolerance to fraud.

During the recommendation and nomination of delegates, Party organizations in Liaoning Province held 44,000 courses on election laws and Party code of conduct, which were available to its nearly 1.2 million CPC members.

Officials in the province had to learn a hard lesson from a huge election fraud case exposed last year, which saw 45 National People's Congress deputies, the country's top legislature, disqualified for bribing voters in 2013. The province elected 40 new national lawmakers early this year.

Discipline and organizational departments in Hunan Province have also enhanced supervision to prevent fraud, after 56 provincial legislators in Hengyang City were found guilty of offering bribes to municipal lawmakers in 2013. Tong Mingqian, a former senior official of the province, was sentenced to five years in prison for neglect of duty.

The CPC has vowed to punish any violations of laws and regulations including vote-buying and bribery.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 16:04:03|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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File photo taken on Sept. 24, 2015 shows China's flag is displayed next to the American flag on the side of the Old Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. (Xinhua/AP)

BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- For global stability, prosperity and governance, nothing may matter more than how the world's two largest economies handle their relationship.

The upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump is expected to set the direction for the development of bilateral ties.

As ballast in the China-U.S. relationship, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has generated huge benefits for people of both sides.

Here are some facts and figures about China-U.S. economic and trade ties:

-- As the world's largest and second largest economies, China and the United States have substantial stakes in nearly all of each other's important economic areas.

-- China has become the largest trade partner of the United States, while the latter is China's second largest. Bilateral trade surged nearly 207-fold to 519.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, from the level in 1979 when the countries established diplomatic ties.

-- Such robust growth is due to the complementary nature of the two countries' economic situations and trade structures. Growth of this kind is unimaginable without the presence of mutual benefits.

-- China is the destination for 26 percent of U.S. exported Boeing aircraft, 56 percent of its soy beans, 16 percent of its automobiles, and 15 percent of its farm products and integrated circuits.

-- China's trade surplus does not necessarily mean China benefits while the United States loses. About 40 percent of the trade surplus is actually generated by U.S. companies in China. Trade with China helps each American family save 850 dollars every year. Bilateral trade and mutual investment in 2015 created 2.6 million jobs for the United States.

-- As the two countries try to restructure their economies, the structure of bilateral trade is changing. Over the past decade, U.S. exports to China increased 11 percent annually on average, while China's exports to the U.S. rose 6.6 percent. Bilateral trade in the service sector has surpassed 100 billion dollars, with the U.S. maintaining a surplus with China.

-- Bilateral investment amounted to more than 170 billion dollars at the end of 2016, helping boost the economies of both countries.

-- By the end of 2016, U.S. companies had invested nearly 80 billion U.S. dollars in 67,000 projects in China, accounting for 7.8 percent of China's approved foreign-funded enterprises and 4.5 percent of its actualized foreign investment. Around 90 percent of U.S. companies in China have been profitable, according to a report released October by the U.S.-China Business Council based Washington.

-- As China continues reform and opening up, the investment environment for foreign businesses will be further improved and U.S. companies will have more opportunities in the world's fastest-growing consumer market.

-- Investment by Chinese companies, which recorded fast expansion over the past years, has also helped boost growth and employment in the United States.

-- Chinese investment in the United States outstripped U.S. investment in China for the first time in 2015, and hit a record 45.6 billion dollars in 2016, triple the amount of 2015, according to the Rhodium Group, a New York-based consultancy. With production costs between the two countries narrowing fast, the consultancy estimated that by 2020, Chinese investment in the U.S. could reach 200 billion U.S. dollars.

-- Jack Ma, the founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, said earlier this year that his company would help create U.S. jobs by enabling 1 million small businesses to sell American goods on Alibaba's platform.
BUDAPEST - The Hungarian renminbi (RMB) market has grown successfully, and Chinese yuan-based loans, accounts and deposits are available, Hungarian National Bank (MNB)'s executive director Daniel Palotai said Wednesday at the Budapest RMB Initiative conference.

"This year, we expect growth in the use of renminbi in commerce, in clearing transactions, and the renminbi quota of the MNB is also increasing, strengthening the RMB-HUF (Hungarian forint) market as well," said Palotai, who is also the chief economist at the central bank.

"It is not yet sure if the Panda bond (a bond issued in Chinese yuan for the internal Chinese market) will be available in Hungary," he said. "It is also to be seen how the Budapest Stock Exchange wants to develop the renminbi market," he said.

The purpose of the Budapest RMB Initiative is to expand the investment spectrum and financing sources of Hungary and to foster Chinese-Hungarian economic partnership. MNB's goals for the initiative are to create money, foreign exchange, and capital market infrastructures; develop the settlement system; and start negotiations about Chinese capital market licences with the major stakeholders of renminbi settlements.

Chinese-Hungarian commercial relations are continuously developing and the relations between the central banks of the two countries are excellent, Palotai said.

"Last year, Chinese exports towards Hungary reached 4.4 billion euros ($4.7 billion), as the Chinese imports from Hungary reached two billion euros," Palotai said. "In 2015, the Bank of China opened a yuan clearing center in Budapest," he added.

Chen Xin, director of the economic division of the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, spoke about the importance of the internalization of renminbi.

After a short briefing on the Chinese economy, he said that China "was still in a growing phase, even though its speed has slowed somewhat."
File photo shows victims of post-election crisis demonstrate in Abidjan, economic capital of Cote D'ivoire, on June 17, 2013, to protest the International Criminal Court's decision to request additional evidence before a possible trial against former Cote d'Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo. (Xinhua/Coulibaly)

LUSAKA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government's decision to consult citizens on whether the country should leave or remain in the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sparked debate in the southern African nation.

In February, President Edgar Lungu, upon his return from the 29th African Union (AU) Summit in Ethiopia, said the government will consult citizens on whether the country should remain or leave the international court.

This followed a resolution adopted by African leaders at the summit where they called for a collective withdrawal from the ICC, although the decision is non-binding after accusing the court of only targeting African leaders.

Last month, Minister of Justice Given Lubinda announced that the government was to hold public hearings on the matter in 30 districts in all 10 provinces. The sittings, which started on March 27, will end on May 31 while a national symposium will be held on April 11 and 12 to come up with a final document to be presented to the AU Summit in June.

But some stakeholders, including opposition figures, have reacted differently to the decision to hold the hearings and accused the government of having a stance on the matter, calling on the government to halt the meetings.

They believe that it was not necessary for the government to hold the public hearings as it is a sheer waste of resources that could have been channeled to other developmental areas.

"It is prudent for citizens to shun the consultations which have already gobbled up huge chunks of public money. Citizens are urged to stay away from those consultations as something stinking and dangerous is in the air," said Nason Msoni, an opposition leader from the All People's Congress (APC) party.

The opposition leader said it does not make sense to waste money on an exercise whose outcome has already been decided.

His views have been supported by the Non-Governmental Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC), an umbrella body of women organizations in the country.

"Given the over-stretched treasury, it is irresponsible for the government to spend on a non-issue. On behalf of the women movement, we believe there are more pressing issues such as completing the education and health infrastructure that the government should focus on other than chasing the wind on issues to do with the ICC," the organization said.

Hakainde Hichilema, the country's leading opposition leader, has since threatened to take legal action if Zambia follows through with government's alleged plans to withdraw from the ICC.

He told reporters during a press briefing at his residence on Monday that his party will not allow the Zambian leader to withdraw the country from the ICC, adding that he has already made consultations with the international community on the matter.

But the government has expressed shock that some stakeholders in the country want to curtail the process of citizens participating in the process on the country's future position on the ICC.

The justice minister said the government decided to consult citizens in keeping with the tenets of democracy and dismissed reports that it has already taken a position on the matter.

The government has since stated that it will not halt the proceedings, adding that, like other African countries, the country was required to submit a report to the AU during the June summit.

The government has since expressed happiness over the interest shown by citizens in the public hearings held so far, saying the exercise has received overwhelming response.

The government has since been backed by the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) over its decision to consult citizens on the matter.

The organization said citizens needed to be consulted on matters of public concern as democracy demands the involvement of people in governance and national affairs.

The Zambian Voice, a local civic organization has also supported the government's decision to consult citizens on the ICC membership, according to its executive director Chilufya Tayali.

The ICC was formally established in 2002 after the adoption of the Rome Statute of the Court in 1998. As of December 3, 2016, a total of 124 countries had ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute.

Zambia signed the Rome Statute on February 17, 1998 and ratified it on November 13, 2002.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 17:14:14|Editor: xuxin

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BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli Thursday called for strict controls on property development in Xiongan New Area.

He said the area should see a "reasonable pace of development" while underscoring that large-scale real estate development and illegal construction would by no means be allowed.

Zhang was speaking at a conference on coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region.

He demanded measures to strictly control housing prices, planning and population in regions around the new area, guard against speculation in the land and property markets and control industries seeking to establish a presence there.

He said "high standard, high quality and high level" should be applied in the planning of the area, stressing innovation, policy support, and environmental protection.

Xiongan should be "a green, livable modern urban area, a region led by innovation-driven development, a demonstration area of balanced development and a pioneering region of open development," he said.
WELLINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand navy will deploy an inshore patrol vessel and crew to help protect Fiji's fisheries for six months from May, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said Thursday.

Brownlee and Fijian counterpart Ratu Inoke Kubuabola announced the deployment at the third South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting in Auckland.

"This is an excellent opportunity for New Zealand to partner with Fiji on maritime security and protecting fisheries - important issues not only to Fiji, but also to New Zealand and the wider region," Brownlee said in a statement.

"Fiji is an Island nation, like New Zealand, and therefore protecting our maritime resources is extremely important."

Kubuabola welcomed the New Zealand vessel supporting Fiji to patrol its exclusive economic zone and protect its regional fisheries resources.

"The Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Fijian fisheries personnel will work closely with the New Zealand crew on board during the course of the deployment to Fiji," Kubuabola said in the statement.

Both ministers also acknowledged the positive discussions at the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting and the agreement on a number of important areas to the region.
WELLINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A young Vietnamese couple are facing drug charges in New Zealand after allegedly receiving methamphetamine packages from Canada, New Zealand Customs officials said Thursday.

Customs officers linked the pair to three packages containing a total of 11.6 kg methamphetamine with a potential street value of up to 11.6 million NZ dollars (8.09 million U.S. dollars).

The drugs were concealed inside a home drinking water system in one package, and in the packaging of two consignments of alloy wheel trims, said a customs statement.

The packages had different names and addresses of Auckland inner-city apartments, but customs investigators linked them to the couple living in one of the apartments.

They were arrested after customs officials searched their apartment on March 31, where a further 900 grams of methamphetamine, 800 grams of cannabis, 13,000 NZ dollars (9,066 U.S. dollars) in cash, and drugs paraphernalia were located.

The man, 23, and the woman aged 25 appeared in the Auckland District Court Thursday, facing multiple charges and were due to reappear in court on May 2.

Customs investigations manager Bruce Berry said criminals kept trying different tactics for smuggling drugs into the country.

"This four-month operation is a great example of how Customs uses intelligence to link several shipments to the same criminal syndicate and hold them accountable," Berry said in the statement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 17:53:38|Editor: xuxin

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LHASA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Construction started Thursday on the world's highest power transmission project in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

The 16.2 billion yuan (2.35 billion U.S. dollars) project includes the construction or upgrade of 16 110-kv substations and transmission lines, with a total length of 2,738 km. The average altitude is 3,750 meters, with the biggest altitude gap of 494 meters between two adjacent transmission towers.

The project also includes power supply facilities for the railway between Lhasa, the regional capital, and Nyingchi. The Lhasa-Nyingchi section of the Sichuan-Tibet railway began construction in December 2014.

Shu Yinbiao, chairman of the State Grid, said the project would ensure stable power supply and assist with the transmission of Tibet's clean energy to other places.

Currently, the backbone grids in Tibet are not all interconnected, resulting in unstable operation.

The complicated grid project will be completed in 2018.

From 2011 to 2015, the State Grid spent 27 billion yuan building key power projects, connecting Tibet's grids to those of Sichuan and Qinghai provinces and enabling 480,000 people in Tibet to have power.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 17:53:39|Editor: xuxin

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BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday called on relevant parties of the Korean Peninsula issue to exercise restraint and to refrain from actions that may be taken as provocations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the call at a daily briefing, when commenting on reports by the Republic of Korea (ROK) defense sources that a 800-kilometer range ballistic missile had been tested on the peninsula.

"We are aware of the reports. The Korean Peninsula situation is highly complicated and sensitive," said Hua, adding that relevant parties should do more to deescalate tensions instead of the opposite.
NEW DELHI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- There was massive uproar at the Indian parliament Thursday after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s coalition partner Shiv Sena created ruckus over an air travel ban on one of its lawmakers by all airlines in the country.

The lawmaker of the western state of Maharashtra-based Hindu fundamentalist Shiv Sena party, Ravindra Gaikwad, has been banned by all private and state-run airlines in India for assualting an employee of national carrier Air India two weeks back just because he was refused a business-class seat in a flight to Delhi that only had economy class.

Upset over the travel ban on their collagues, Shiv Sena lawmakers created ruckus at the Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha), demanding immediate lifting of the ban on Gaikwad.

When Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju stood his ground, saying the "law should take its course. Aircraft are machines where people fly and safety is important. Safety will not be compromised", Shiv Sena members charged towards him and surrounded him, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior ministers had to rush to his side to shield him.

"No flight will take off from Mumbai from tomorrow (Friday) if the travel ban is not lifted," Shiv Sena parliamentatian Anand Geethe shouted repeatedly at the Indian Aviation Minister, who did not at all react to the situation.

The home minister later said the civil aviation minister would talk to all stakeholders to reach an amicable solution at the earliest.

Earlier in the day, Gaikwad presented his version of the Air India incident and said he had only shoved the manager when he insulted parliamentarians.

"I apologize for my behavior but not to the Air India official who abused and manhandled me," Gaikwad told the parliament.

Some two weeks back, all Indian airlines, in a first in the country, banned the lawmaker from their flights in the wake of him beating the Air India employee with his slippers multiple times and later braggging about the incident.
JAKARTA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian authorities are preparing for evacuation of nearly 1,000 people living in dangerous zones as Banda Api volcano in Maluku province of eastern Indonesia has increased seismic activity, Bob Rachmat, head of operational unit at disaster agency in the province told Xinhua by phone on Thursday.
Photo taken on Feb. 15, 2012 shows Xi Jinping (L), then Chinese Vice President, presents the granddaughter of his old friend Sarah Lande with a panda doll in Muscatine, Iowa, the United States. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping will travel to Florida, the United States, for meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday and Friday.

In addition to being the first meeting between the two heads of state, it will be Xi's eighth trip to the United States.

Following is a summary of Xi's previous visits to the United States:

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and his wife Peng Liyuan wave upon their arrival in Seattle, the United States, Sept. 22, 2015. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

September 2015

It was Xi's first state visit to the United States and first visit to the UN headquarters.

The visit resulted in a China-U.S. joint presidential statement on climate change released alongside a 49-item outcome list.

Concluding his state visit to the United States, Xi attended a series of UN summits and conferences in New York, which were arranged to mark the 70th anniversary of the world body.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and Barack Obama, then U.S. president, take a walk before heading into their second meeting, at the Annenberg Retreat in California of the U.S., June 8, 2013. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

June 2013

As Chinese president, Xi traveled to California to meet then U.S. President Barack Obama at Sunnylands, Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage. It was the first face-to-face meeting between the two presidents.

Xi and Obama held two rounds of talks over two days and agreed to build bilateral ties featuring no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

Photo taken on Feb. 15, 2012 shows Xi Jinping (3rd R, front), then Chinese Vice President, joined dozens of Americans for tea at a local house owned by his old friend Sarah Lande (3rd, L) in Muscatine, Iowa, the United States. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

February 2012

As Chinese vice president, Xi visited Washington DC, Iowa and Los Angeles during a five-day trip. In Iowa, he visited a dozen acquaintances he met during his 1985 visit.

2006

As party chief of East China's Zhejiang Province, Xi led a delegation on economic and trade cooperation and communication to the United States. The delegation attended the "Zhejiang Week" trade mission and was present at a celebration for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of friendly province/state relations between Zhejiang and New Jersey.

1993

East China's Fujian Province sent a friendship and trade delegation to the United States. Xi, who was then party chief of Fuzhou City, was a member of the delegation. Besides cultural exchanges and trade talks, Xi talked to overseas Chinese in New York and Los Angeles.

1992

As party chief of Fuzhou City, Xi led a municipal trade and commerce delegation to the United States.

File photo taken in 1985 shows Xi Jinping, then secretary of the Zhengding County Committee of the Communist Party of China, poses for a photo as he visits San Francisco in the United States. (Xinhua)

1985

This is believed to be Xi's first trip outside China and perhaps his first and only experience of staying with an American family. He was then a young and promising junior official, party secretary of Zhengding County in China's northern province of Hebei. He led a five-person agricultural delegation to Muscatine, Iowa.

During his stay, Xi visited farms, attended a birthday party and picnicked on a boat with his hosts on the Mississippi River.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 19:19:41|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Cao Feng had to be careful when choosing presents for his friends while on vacation in Finland at the start of the year.

"While trying to find something unique I came across many items made in China, probably in Yiwu, I guess," the 30-year-old Beijing law professional recalled.

Cao's guess was right.

Yiwu City in east China is the world's largest small commodity market and transfer hub, and is reported to produce about 60 percent of all Christmas-related products in the world.

The Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe cargo line, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is making bilateral trade easier as products can now be transported through Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Europe.

Actually, Jinhua City, which administers Yiwu, established friendly relations with Kouvola of Finland in 2004. Kouvola is home to northern Europe's first Chinese commodity trade center.

Finland was one of the first Western nations to establish diplomatic ties with China and the first Western nation to sign an inter-government trade agreement with China. China has been Finland's largest trade partner in Asia for 14 years.

By the end of 2016, China had invested about 217 million U.S. dollars in Finland, while Finland had 541 projects in China, which involved actual investment of 1.36 billion U.S. dollars.

"I have witnessed two trends during my term in China, one is that Chinese investment in Finland is growing and another is the rapid growth of Chinese tourists visiting Finland," said Finland's ambassador to China Marja Rislakki.

Kaidi, a Chinese renewable energy investment company, last year announced it would invest one billion euros in a cutting-edge biodiesel refinery in Finland, while Chinese Internet giant Tencent and its partners decided to buy a majority stake in Finland game publisher Supercell.

The number of Chinese tourists to Finland reached a record high in 2016, and now Finland is working with Alibaba to promote tourism, according to Rislakki.

Rislakki pointed out that China and Finland have much potential to cooperate over digitalization, green technology, health and education.

China commits itself to green development by improving energy efficiency and reducing pollution while Finland, one of the world's greenest countries, offers green solution expertise, she added.

Meanwhile, the two countries are working on projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Sino-Finland ties will see fresh momentum from Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Finland from April 4 to 6, the first visit by a top Chinese leader in 22 years.

China and Finland agreed Wednesday to establish and promote a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership, with both sides pledging to enhance political mutual trust and deepen pragmatic cooperation.

On the economic front, the two sides pledged to explore how their economic development plans complement each other, discuss Belt and Road Initiative cooperation and jointly promote the interconnectivity of Eurasia.

Bilateral investment should be boosted and bilateral trade should grow in a more balanced way, the two countries' leaders said during their talks.

Cooperation will be deepened in a wide range of areas, including circular economy, efficient resource utilization, sustainable development, environmental protection, new-type urbanization and green, smart cities, agriculture, forestry, transport, information and communication technology, and innovation.

Sino-Finland ties are better now than ever before, and, as both countries are undergoing critical economic transformation, they are seeking to expand cooperation, said Chen Li, Chinese ambassador to Finland.
JAKARTA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Two Malaysian men reported missing in Jakarta, Indonesia, since March 30, the Malaysian Embassy said in statement on Thursday.

Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta said they are now cooperating with Indonesia authorities to track down the missing persons.

"Two days ago, we received a report on two Malaysian men namely Kamarol Arifin Mohamad Darus and Mohd Shafa Ahmad that are believed to be missing after arrived in Jakarta on March 30," said the statement issued here.

The families of two missing individual have arrived here on Thursday to help the Malaysian Embassy with the searching effort.

According to local media report, the missing duo with six others went to Indonesian capital to attend DJ Armin Van Buuren's concert at the Jakarta International Expo.

The missing men boarded an Air Asia aircraft for Jakarta from KL International Airport 2 on March 30, two hours earlier than their six friends.

The missing duo had not contacted their families since their arrival in Jakarta and reportedly did not check into their booked hotel.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 19:24:42|Editor: Xiang Bo

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VLADIVOSTOK, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui and Rolik Alexander, Chairman of Legislative Assembly of Russia's Province Primorsky Krai, on Thursday attended the inauguration ceremony of Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok in the Russia's far eastern city.

Li Hui said that the establishment of Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok is a major event in China-Russia relationship as the two countries are "good neighbors, friends and partners."

It has a great significance in promoting and deepening the cooperation between Northeast China and Russia's Far East as well as its Siberian region in economy, culture and tourism, Li noted.

It will also play an important role in connecting China's the Belt and Road Initiative and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, added the ambassador.

For his part, Alexander said the establishment of Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok proved the important role that Primorsky Krai province (Maritime Province) has played and will continue to promote cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

Primorsky Krai, informally known as Primorye, is the southeasternmost province of Russia. It has the largest economy in the Russian Far East, and its administrative center is in the city of Vladivostok.

Local overseas Chinese warmly welcomed the establishment of Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok, saying it helps strengthen cohesion among them and integrates them into local communities, to which they are always willing to make more contributions.
COLOMBO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Transport Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva on Thursday declared open a renovated runway at the country's main international airport leading to the resumption of airport services after three months.

The overlay and construction works of the 30-year-old runway was carried out by China National Aero- Technology International Engineering Corporation(CATIC-ENG).

Transport Minister De Silva declared open the runway at a grand ceremony after which, a Sri Lankan Airlines flight made its landing on the newly-laid widened runway.

The taxi way leading up to the runway was also paved as brand new.

Henk De Lange, the consultant team leader of the project, told Xinhua that he was proud of what they had achieved by completing the runway construction on time and commended the efforts of the Chinese and local workers.

"I am pretty proud that it has been achieved although at times I doubted if we could complete it on time. But gradually things moved very fast. The weather was also favorable so we were lucky. A tremendous effort was put into it," De Lange said.

"The Chinese team has done a very good job," he added.

The newly-renovated runway was completed 18 days ahead of schedule by the CATIC team.

Some 310 Chinese nationals were employed for the project while more than 500 Sri Lankan staff were also employed to complete the runway construction on time. 230 units of machinery were also used on site since January.

Officials said large aircraft such as the A380 could now land at the BIA and Sri Lanka was looking forward to welcoming more international flights in the future.

Sri Lanka's national airline carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines also announced that it would resume normal operations throughout its global route network from April 7.

The construction of the runway led to an eight-hour closure of the airport from Jan. 5 to April 6.

Due to the partial closure, passengers were advised to arrive at the airport five hours prior to their departure time as all airlines had to re-adjust their arrival and departure times into and out of Colombo.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 19:31:35|Editor: xuxin

Residents look for reusable materials after a fire at a coastal slum area in Cavite Province, the Philippines, April 6, 2017. More than 600 shanties were razed in the fire, leaving 1,000 families homeless. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
PARIS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A French soldier was killed in a "clash with terrorists" on Wednesday night during an operation in southeastern Mali, French President Francois Hollande's office said Thursday.

The master corporal of the 6th Engineer Regiment of Angers, Julien Barbe, was shot dead overnight during a clash with terrorists, the statement said.

Hollande paid tribute to "the sacrifice of this soldier killed during his mission's accomplishment for the defense of our country and the protection of citizens."

In a separate statement, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Barbe succumbed to his injuries after armed extremists opened fire on a group of military officers who intervened following an explosion which hit a light armored vehicle and wounded two soldiers.

A total of 17 French soldiers have been killed so far in Mali since France launched its military offensive in January 2013 to crack down on Islamist fighters who seized control of Mali's northern region a year earlier.

The French-led intervention drove out terrorists from strongholds in northern Mali, but sporadic attacks continue, forcing Paris and African countries to deploy 4,000 troops in the Sahel region to try restore security.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 19:29:43|Editor: Xiang Bo

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YANGON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese giant telecommunication equipment company, Huawei, launched a program Thursday to send 10 outstanding students from Myanmar to learn the culture and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in China.

Under the program of "Seeds for the Future", the selected students to be sent to China to study in the Huawei Office, are from the Yangon University of Computer Science and Thanlyin Technological University.

Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Myanmar's Ministry of Transport and Communication on cooperation in ICT development and founded its Network Academy in Yangon's Thanlyin Technological University last year.

According to Zhang Liman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Huawei Myanmar, as a drive to push Myanmar's ICT development, the company plans to enter another MoU for a five-year project with Yangon regional government for ICT Talent Development.

U Win Khaing Moe, Director General from Research and Innovation Department of Myanmar's Ministry of Education, expressed his gratitude to Huawei for Myanmar's ICT developmen.

Since the program was launched in 2008, over 2,700 students from 96 nations across the world have been sent to China by the company for studying.
NAIROBI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Britain has donated six new remotely operated vehicles and associated equipment to help train Kenyan soldiers counter explosive devices during their peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

Visiting British Minister for Armed Forces Mike Penning who handed over the equipment to the joint UK/Kenya Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) wing of the Humanitarian Peace Support School said the training will help save soldiers' lives in Somalia and contribute to the defeat of Al-Shabaab.

Speaking during the visit at the school late Wednesday, Penning said the vehicles allow improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to be destroyed or disarmed remotely at a safe distance, preventing specialized CIED operators from having to put their lives at risk.

"The equipment and expertise we give to this country is not one-off, we will keep on coming back with instructors," he said in Nairobi.

The Wing combines UK CIED support with Kenyan facilities and manpower. The joint CIED Wing was established in 2015 and provides vital CIED training for KDF soldiers.

Nic Hailey, British High Commissioner to Kenya said the training and equipment being provided at this counter IED centre will help them deal with one of the biggest threats they face in that fight.

"It will bring together UK and Kenyan expertise and manpower to provide training which saves soldiers' and civilians' lives," Hailey said, noting that brave soldiers from Kenya and the region are daily risking their lives in the fight against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

The centre is part of a big international effort to build a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia and to support countries such as Kenya which are giving so much to that effort.

The different CIED equipment to the Wing included six Remotely Operated Vehicles to assist with 'IED Defeat' training. In addition to equipment, the Britain also provides CIED training through the joint Wing.

Over the past two years, 15 courses have trained a cross-government audience drawn from the KDF, the police, the airports authority, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as well as other regional military forces.

Penning who was in Kenya as part of a regional tour in advance of the London Somalia Conference in May, said Britain intends to increase the number of courses delivered here by a further 50 percent over the next two years.

Last month, the UK Foreign Secretary chaired the UN Security Council on Somalia and next month, Prime Minister Theresa May will host the London Somalia Conference to inject new momentum into the international effort to support Somalia on its path towards stability and prosperity.
TALUQAN, Afghanistan, April 6 (Xinhua) -- At least three Taliban militants were killed and two police injured after firefight flared up in Khawja Bahaudin district of the northern Takhar province on Thursday, a local police officer Abdul Mohammad said.

The clash, according to the officer occurred when police were escorting the governor of the troubled Darqad district along the border with Tajikistan, when a group of Taliban militants attacked the convoy of the governor, triggering gun battle during which three attackers lost their lives on the spot, forcing others to flee.

Governor of Darqat district escaped unhurt, the official asserted.

Meanwhile, provincial police spokesman Abdul Khalil Asir has confirmed the incident but without providing details said investigation has been initiated into the case.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of Khawja Bahaudin and the neighboring Darqad district haven't commented.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 19:59:05|Editor: Xiang Bo

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NAIROBI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The China-Africa partnership in scientific research, engineering and innovations that has flourished in recent times has unleashed benefits on both sides, a Chinese official said on Wednesday.

Yan Wang, a Senior Specialist at the National Institute of Educational Sciences noted that Beijing has forged strategic collaboration with African allies to advance scientific and technological progress in the world's second largest continent.

"The Chinese government has prioritized scientific and technical collaboration with African countries and this is one area that has a promising future," Yan told Xinhua late on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 4th Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) Forum held in Nairobi.

Supported by the World Bank, China and other emerging economies, PASET was launched in 2013 to promote applied sciences, technology and innovations in Africa.

Yan noted the initiative has provided a platform for China and African countries to share expertise that is required to boost scientific research and vocational training.

"Bilateral cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has provided Africa's youth with lifelong skills and stable income sources," said Yan.

She revealed that China and the World Bank would jointly host the Africa Forum on Science and Technology in Higher Education to be held in July in Beijing.

"More than sixty African university chancellors and directors of centers of excellence have been invited to the July forum that will also include field trips and high level policy dialogue on science and technology," Yan told Xinhua.

China and African countries should advance collaboration in research and development (R&D) alongside man power development to achieve mutual benefits.

Yan said that African states could harness Chinese experience and expertise to transform key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, health and energy.

"China has vast experience in manufacturing and has pioneered innovative practices that can be replicated in Africa to drive economic growth," said Yan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 19:59:06|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SHIJIAZHUANG, April 6 (Xinhua) -- First she was in disbelief. Then she was amazed. Then she realized everyone around her was talking about the same thing.

Those were Zhang Suti's first hours after news broke that a new economic zone would be built in her hometown.

"I was overjoyed to find out I am now a local from the national new area," said Zhang, the 50-year-old owner of a farmhouse resort.

China announced Saturday it would establish the Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province, which neighbors Beijing, as a measure to advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

The Xiongan New Area is another new area of national significance after the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Shanghai Pudong New Area, according to the announcement.

Zhang's hometown of Baiyangdian, 160 km southwest of Beijing, is located in Anxin County, one of three counties under the planned Xiongan New Area.

Dubbed the "Pearl of North China," Baiyangdian is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in north China, essential to conserving water for the North China Plain.

"I don't know what the other new areas are like, as I have never been there," Zhang said. "I don't know what Xiongan will be like either, but I believe that the environment and life here will improve."

Covering an area of 366 square kilometers, Baiyangdian has 143 small lakes. Various aquatic products, including fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, lotus roots, gorgon fruit, and water chestnuts are harvested here.

Reeds were once a major product and women could be found weaving mats at home for a living, though this scene is disappearing as reed mats are no longer popular.

Now, while most villagers work elsewhere, Zhang has stayed behind to run a family inn, offering farmhouse accommodation and food for visitors.

"I can earn about 80,000 yuan (about 12,000 U.S. dollars) to 90,000 yuan a year," said Zhang. She promotes her inn via social media, which lets her communicate with the outside world.

In addition to the environment, the wetlands' revolutionary history also draws tourists. The domestic film "Little Soldier Zhang Ga" tells the story of a teen guerrilla from Baiyangdian who fights against the invasion of Japanese troops during World War II.

A specific plan on developing the area has not been released yet, but the move will help phase out some non-capital functions from Beijing, explore a new model of optimized development in densely populated areas, and restructure the urban layout in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, according to the circular.

The Baiyangdian high-speed railway station opened in December 2015, which has allowed people and products to flow in.

"Xiongan New Area is intended to receive part of Beijing's population. We have made up our mind to attract them with our unique culture and extraordinary environment," said Liu Wuqi, deputy manager at Baiyangdian Wenhuayuan Tourism Company.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 20:09:09|Editor: Xiang Bo

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CHANGCHUN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A research center focusing on South Manchuria Railway Co. during World War II opened in northeast China's Jilin province Thursday.

The research center, under the Jilin provincial academy of social sciences, will focus on the conduct of the occupying forces in northeast China, especially in terms of economy.

The company was founded in 1906 under the auspices of "economic development." By 1945, when the Japanese surrendered, it was linked to the exploitation of a substantial amount of energy and economic resources.

According to Xue Xueshi, a 90-year-old researcher, the company also collected information for the Japanese Army.

"It was the largest organization formed by the Japanese, and spanned politics, military, economy and culture," he said. "In a way, people from the company were invaders without military uniforms."

After the Japanese pulled out of China, a lot of evidence of their wartime crimes was left by South Manchuria Railway. The Jilin academy of social sciences has 28,000 files of evidence on paper and microfilm.

Jin Yilin, vice head of the Institute of Modern History, said studying South Manchuria Railway could help people understand Chinese society before and during World War II.

During the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, China suffered a total of 35 million military and non-military casualties, accounting for a third of the total casualties of all the countries in WWII.

Starting this spring, Chinese textbooks include the phrase "14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," instead of "eight-year," as an official acknowledgment that Japan invaded northeast China on Sept. 18, 1931 as the start of the war.
YANGON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar is striving to meet local power demand in summer which began in March, official sources said Thursday.

The country's power supply for domestic use in this summer will be 2,856 megawatt (MW), unlikely to meet the demand of 3,100 MW, said the Ministry of Power and Electricity.

Under the status, the country has planned to fill the required electricity demand by fully operating its hydro-power plants.

The country's main power resources are gas and hydro power.

The power production of the country did increase in the fiscal year 2016-2017, during which 4.05 million households out of 10.8 million were accessible to electricity.

However, with the power consumption of the country increasing by 15-17 percent annually, Energymix comprising hydropower, natural gas, charcoal and renewable energy is needed for implementation, the ministry said.

With World Bank's loan, the country is undertaking National Electrification Plan-NEP in an effort to increase access to electricity.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 20:39:59|Editor: xuxin

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PHNOM PENH, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Li Yong, director general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), pledged on Thursday to help encourage foreign investors to Cambodia, a senior Cambodian official said.

Li made the remarks during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in capital Phnom Penh, said Kao Kim Hourn, a minister attached to the prime minister.

"Li told the prime minister that UNIDO would help attract foreign investors in the UN member countries to invest in Cambodia," Kao told reporters after the meeting.

For his part, Hun Sen said the Southeast Asian country was encouraging investments in agriculture and light manufacturing industry.

He asked UNIDO to continue assisting Cambodia in speeding up the implementation of the Industrial Development Policy 2015-2025.

The prime minister said Cambodia has its own dream to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030.

Earlier in the day, Li met with Cham Prasidh, Minister of Industry and Handicraft, and Veng Sakhon, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery, to discuss possibilities for cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 20:39:59|Editor: xuxin

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DAMASCUS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in a interview that his government deems the idea of federalization of Syria as a prelude to dividing the country, state news agency SANA reported on Thursday.

In an interview with Croatian newspaper Vecernji List, Assad said there is no justification for federalization, as its aim is to bring Syria to a situation close to that of Iraq.

"With federalization, they could use this part or that part against the state, which should be strong, and you will have a weak state, a weak government and people," the president said.

Such an idea has emerged with Kurds' attempts to have their own autonomy in northern Syria, amid the talk that the end of the crisis would lie in federalizing the country, he added.

"What helped Syria steadfast today is being united, and if we had walked into the sectarian project akin to the Lebanese and Iraqi ways, as the Americans want, we would have been a country that is really having a civil war," Assad said, adding that what Syria is suffering from is not a civil war but a foreign scheme aiming to make it weak.

Meanwhile, the president said the presence of any power in Syria without the consent of the Syrian government is considered an invasion.

Assad also said his country was left no option but victory in Syria.

"We have big hope and this hope is linked to our faith and if there was no faith, there will be no hope," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 20:54:19|Editor: Xiang Bo

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MACAO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Macao can have a big share of the Chinese mainland tourism market and promote its development into world tourism and leisure center, China's tourism administration vice chief said in a work meeting held here on Thursday.

Representatives from Macao Social Affairs and Culture authorities, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and other related departments from the Chinese mainland and Macao attended the 2017 annual work meeting of the Joint Working Committee on Tourism to Support Macao's Aspirations to Build a World Tourism and Leisure Centre.

In the meeting, CNTA vice chairman Li Shihong said the tourism industry has become one of the backbone industries in China's economy. Macao should grasp the opportunity with the Chinese mainland and deepen the tourism cooperation to explore the global market.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the tourism situation and work completed in 2016, and discussed major projects for 2017, including deepening regional co-operation between Guangdong and Macao, strengthening collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, further reinforcing co-operation on tourism industry management, and continuing support for the development of the meeting and exhibition industry in Macao.

After the meeting, the joint working committee published the major programs for 2017, including joint tourism market supervision, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao tourism integration and maritime cooperation through Guangdong-Macao free yacht travel scheme.

In June 2015, the Macao SAR government signed an agreement with CNTA to set up the joint working committee to support Macao in building a world tourism and leisure center, which will convene a work meeting every year since 2016.
LIVERPOOL, England, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Tight security was in place Thursday as thousands of people converged on the famous Aintree racecourse as the iconic three-day Grand National Festival got underway in Liverpool.

Police in the city warned that massive security measures will be in place for what is the 20th anniversary of Britain's biggest ever mass evacuation from a sporting event, with armed officers on duty at the course.

Merseyside Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Claire Richards, said: "Racegoers can expect to see high visibility policing across the three days of the event.

"They may also see an armed presence but I want to reassure them that this is not in response to any direct threat aimed at the festival but just as a visible reassurance for the thousands of people who will come through the gates over the three days."

More than 60,000 people were evacuated from the course in 1997 after a credible coded message was received that pro-republican Irish Republican Army (IRA) had planted a bomb on the course.

Although no incendiary devices were found thousands of people were marooned in the city with nowhere to stay, until local families opened their doors to offer free hospitality in their homes.

On a happier note, this year's racing festival marks the 40th year that local hero Red Rum won the legendary Grand National, claimed to be the world's toughest horse race, for a record breaking third time.

Red Rum's famous trainer Ginger McCain put the horse through its paces on the sandy beach just a few kilometers from the course. Red Rum was buried at Aintree when he died, with a bronze statue of the champion horse a permanent reminder of the triple winner.

Around 150,000 people will head to the course over the next three days, with the biggest crowd of a capacity 70,000 packing Aintree Saturday for the big steeplechase race, the Grand National.

Forty riders will battle it out on Saturday afternoon for a million pound prize plus the glory of entering the record books.

The first Grand National in Liverpool was ran in 1839, and at Aintree covers a tough course stretching for almost 7 kilometers, earning the title as the most valuable horse race in Europe. To win the million pound race, the winner has to navigate 30 of the world's toughest hurdles in what has been described as the ultimate test of horse and rider.

Animal welfare campaigners have for many years called for the Grand National to be scrapped, citing the deaths of 40 horses over the 3-day event between 2000 and 2013.
File photo shows insurgents stand guard as the extremist movement of Al-Shabaab launches a mine-sweeping operation in areas vacated by Ethiopian troops in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Jan. 19. 2009. (Xinhua/Abdurrahman Warsameh)

MOGADISHU, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Thursday declared all-out war against Al-Shabaab militants, shaking up security and intelligence chiefs a day after twin bombings killed six people and injured over 10 others.

The president named former ambassador to Britain Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe the new intelligence chief while Jimale Irfid will be the new chief of defense forces in a reshuffle that saw Sanbaloolshe return to his position three years after he was sacked by former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

President Mohamed also brought back former police Chief Abdihakim Dahir Said to head the police in a day while deputy ambassador to the United States Thabit Mohamed Abdi was named as new Mogadishu Mayor and Governor of Banadir, replacing Yusuf Hussein Jimale.

"The country is at war, this war is against Al-Shabaab. We give the fighters of this group 60 days to surrender to the government, and we will give them a good life," Mohamed told journalists in Mogadishu.

He said the new military and police leadership will steer the war against the militants who have killed several people in their effort to topple the Western-backed government.

"We have new military commanders, whether the army, police and intelligence. We want to strengthen efforts to fight anyone who tries to disrupt the security situation in the country," he said.
ADEN, Yemen, April 6 (Xinhua) -- An overnight airstrike by a U.S. drone killed two militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch, including the nephew of a dead top leader of the terrorist group, a security official said on Thursday.

The U.S. drone strike targeted Khattab Wuhayshi, the nephew of Nasir al-Wuhayshi, the slain founder of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Sawmaa district of al-Bayda Province, the security source said on condition of anonymity.

Khattab was killed along with his bodyguard when a missile hit their motorcycle in al-Bayda on Wednesday night, according to the security source.

Nasir al-Wuhayshi was killed by an airstrike in June 2015 in Yemen's coastal city of Mukalla in the southeastern part of the country.

The al-Qaida militant group that has lost several of its commanders in recent U.S. airstrikes has yet to make comments about the death of Khattab.

Yemen, an impoverished Arab country, has been gripped by one of the most active regional Al-Qaida insurgencies in the Middle East.

The Yemen-based AQAP, also known locally as Ansar al-Sharia, emerged in January 2009, has claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist attacks against Yemen's army and government institutions.

So far, the AQAP and other IS-linked terrorists have taken advantage of the security vacuum and ongoing civil war to expand their influence and seize more territories in southern Yemen.

Security in Yemen has deteriorated since March 2015, when a war broke out between the Shiite Houthi group, supported by former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the government forces backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition.

Since then, more than 10,000 people, many of them civilians, have been killed in ground battles and airstrikes in Yemen.
COLOMBO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Over 600,000 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in the first three months of this year with a 3.4-percent growth from the previous year, statistics released from Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry showed on Thursday.

However, due to the partial closure of the country's international airport in capital Colombo, tourist arrivals in March fell by 2.5 percent with 188,076 arrivals recorded throughout the month.

Sri Lanka's main Bandaranaike International Airport was closed for three months since January to April, due to repairs on its runway. However, the airport resumed normal operations from Thursday.

India and China remained the leading markets with the most number of tourist arrivals in the first three months of this year with 27,075 Indian tourists arriving in March followed by 22,172 Chinese tourists.

However, visitors from South Asia recorded a -3.7 percent growth from January to March resulting in 116,422 tourists compared to the 120,892 visitors who arrived during the same period last year.

In March, visitors from West Europe dropped 6.2 percent to 65,640 with the Netherlands rising 24 percent to 3,043 but Britain dropping 9.2 percent to 19,451 and Germany dropping 6.5 percent to 15,207.

In the first quarter, West European arrivals were up 3.7 percent to 214,910, East Asian arrivals were up 7.4 percent to 128,263.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 21:40:14|Editor: Xiang Bo

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CHENGDU, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw arrived in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan, on Thursday to start his six-day trip in China.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, U Htin Kyaw will pay a state visit to China from April 6 to 11, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

He is accompanied by a delegation of over 30 members, including ministers of Myanmar's commerce and construction departments.

China is the largest trading partner and the biggest source of foreign funding for Myanmar, and the two countries maintain close high-level contacts. Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi had a five-day official visit to China last August.
Giant panda cub Chulina plays outside the panda enclosure at Madrid Zoo in Madrid, Spain, April 5, 2017.(Xinhua/Feng Junwei)

MADRID, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Chulina, the first female giant panda cub to be born here at Zoo Aquarium, had two special visitors on Wednesday when she went for her first walk outside the pagoda where she has spent her life until now.

She was accompanied on her first trip outside by Queen Sofia of Spain and Lyu Fan, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Madrid.

The event was also commemorated by a band playing traditional Chinese music and a group of local school children, dressed as pandas, who exhibited their paintings of the cub.

Queen Sofia of Spain(L) and Lyu Fan, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Madrid visit giant pandas at Madrid Zoo in Madrid, Spain, April 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Feng Junwei)

Chulina was born on Aug. 30, 2016 and made her first public appearance on Jan. 12 this year. She is the fifth giant panda cub to be born at the Madrid Zoo thanks to its collaboration with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

She was given her name, which means "treasure of the bamboo" in homage to Chulin, who in 1982 became the first giant panda to be born in Madrid after his parents, Shao-Shao and Chang-Chang were given as gifts to Queen Sofia and her husband, King Juan Carlos I, on their visit to China in 1978.

Queen Sofia was enchanted by the giant pandas and became one of the key figures in promoting the giant panda breeding program in Madrid.

Therefore, it was only fitting that she should be Chulina's chaperone for the youngster's first walk outside of the pagoda.

Lyu recently said "Giant pandas are the messengers of China's friendship to the world," and in Chulina, China clearly has one of the friendliest and most attractive messengers of all.
NAIROBI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is facilitating robust collaboration between academic institutions and industry to advance the green and sustainability agenda through research, innovations and capacity development, officials said on Thursday.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources Judi Wakhungu said implementation of projects that advances green growth hinges on structured collaboration between private sector and research institutions.

"Participation of industry and academic institutions is crucial to implement the UN 2030 goals and the Paris accord on climate change. Both institutions can provide finance, technology and manpower to help us accelerate low carbon transition," Wakhungu said.

She spoke in Nairobi during a forum on harnessing ICT and big data to hasten implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) on energy, health and food security.

Senior policymakers, industry executives and scholars attending the forum noted there is a global consensus on the need to strengthen partnership among businesses and research institutions to address pressing challenges like climate change, infectious diseases, water scarcity and hunger.

"Kenya is at the forefront of addressing climate change impacts through a multi-stakeholder approach involving the government, industry, academia and the civil society," said Wakhungu.

She noted that enactment of progressive regulatory and policy frameworks has encouraged local industries to invest in green projects in diverse sectors like energy, manufacturing, agriculture and water.

"Our national climate change adaptation plan has the full backing of investors in renewable energy, waste management and agribusiness. There is a realization that investing in green business promise returns in the long-run," said Wakhungu.

Kenyan academic institutions have mobilized domestic resources to stimulate climate change research and promote green innovations.

The Vice-Chancellor of Nairobi University, Professor Philip Mbithi said that institutions of higher learning have prioritized research on novel technologies and innovations that can help communities cope with climatic shocks.

"Kenyan universities are behind ground breaking research that is being disseminated at the grassroots to help communities adapt to negative impacts of climate change," said Mbithi.
A Syrian child receives treatment at a small hospital in the town of Maaret al-Noman following a suspected toxic gas attack in Idlib province, on April 4, 2017. (AFP photo)

DAMASCUS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said on Thursday that the Syrian airstrike on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun struck a rebel depot containing chemical materials, denying that the air force fired toxic gas during the attack.

In a press conference held to comment on the international accusation to Syria of allegedly firing toxic gas on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province on Tuesday, al-Moallem said the news reports are "lies."

He said it's not logical to use chemical weapons at a time when the Syrian government was optimistic that the international community was becoming closer to realizing the size of conspiracy on Syria.

He questioned how come world powers were so quick to hurl accusation at the Syrian government, just an hour after the attack.

The minister repeated his government's denying line that "the Syrian army forces haven't and will not use chemical weapons," and that the forces are no longer in possession of such weapons.

Al-Moallem said al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and like-minded groups have been storing chemical materials they brought into Syria from Iraq.

Meanwhile, the minister said there were probably several reasons behind the accusation.

The first is to reverse the opinion of U.S. President Donald Trump, who said after the attack that his opinion toward the Syrian government has changed, after previous remarks by the U.S. administration that toppling President Bashar al-Assad was no longer a priority.

The second reason, al-Moallem said, is to exert pressure on Russia, which has failed after Moscow said it will continue to aid the Syrian army in the fight against terrorist groups.

The third reason is to exert pressure on Damascus, which he said has also failed as the Syrian government will not change its approach to fighting terrorism and will work on political solution at the same time.

The minister said a change in the stance that Trump talked of could have been achieved by the attack.

"I realize the seriousness of the American remarks and maybe their aim is to practice pressure on the Russian and Chinese sides toward the UN draft resolution" put forward on Wednesday, he said.

The draft resolution, proposed by United States, France and Britain, called on Syria to provide flight plans, flight logs and other information on its military operations on the day of the assault.

Damascus would be asked to provide the names of all commanders of helicopter squadrons to UN investigators and allow them to meet with generals and other high-ranking officials within five days of their request, the draft resolution said.

According to the draft, Syria would also allow UN and Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) teams to visit air bases from which the attacks involving chemical weapons may have been launched.

It also threatened to impose sanctions under chapter seven of the UN charter. Russia rejected the draft resolution.

About the possibility of forming an international probing mission to investigate the attack, the minister said the mission should be organized and not politicized and "then there will be nothing wrong with that."

He added that his government is fully coordinating with the Russian side.

In October 2013, OPCW officials arrived in Syria to monitor the dismantlement of the Syrian chemical weapons arsenal, after Damascus officially joined the organization.

The OPCW later said the Syrian government has made its chemical weapon production facilities inoperable.

The dismantlement came after a U.S.-Russian understanding, the first of its kind between the two powers on the Syrian conflict.

Since then, reports of poisonous gas attacks have kept emerging once in a while.
NEW DELHI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- New Delhi Thursday said it would sign a civil nuclear energy agreement with Dhaka during upcoming visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India.

"We would be entering an inter-governmental agreement on civil nuclear energy with Bangladesh," Sripriya Ranganathan,joint secretary with India's foreign ministry, said during a media briefing in New Delhi.

"Like all our civil nuclear energy agreements that cover all aspects of generation of civil nuclear energy, cooperation in putting up nuclear plants, issues relating to safety and security, all of that is covered under this agreement."

Hasina is scheduled to visit India on Friday for a four-day visit, during which she is expected to sign several agreements with India, besides meeting her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, the Indian president and several other leaders.

The two countries would also sign string of agreements in a bid to improve bilateral relations.

"We are expecting to sign over 20 agreements with Bangladesh during this visit," Ranganathan said. "They are all meaningful agreements in information and communications technology (ICT), science and technology, cyber security, defense, development partnership, trade and investment, shipping, bus services, mass media and so on."

Ranganathan said the two countries would also be launching bus service connecting two cities of India and Bangladesh and a train service between India's state of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

The two prime ministers are scheduled to launch a few cross-border initiatives on Sunday.

The trade between the two countries is currently about 6.5 billion U.S. dollars, of which Indian exports are approximately 5.7 billion U.S. dollars.

Officials say India has invested about 3 billion U.S. dollars in Bangladesh and has extended highly concessional 3 billion U.S. dollars loan credit to the country.
NAIROBI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese construction firm, China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) is on course to complete the first berth of the Lamu port in mid 2018, Kenyan officials said on Thursday.

Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Development Authority Director General Sylvester Kasuku told a media briefing in Nairobi that dredging works began in October 2016 and the work is currently 20 percent complete.

"China Communication Construction Company is expected to complete construction of the three berths by the year 2020 at a cost of 480 million U.S. dollars," Kasuku said.

The East African nation has so far spent 120 million dollars for the construction of the port with another 100 million dollars earmarked for the next financial year.

Lamu port will have a total of 32 berths and is part of the LAPSSET Corridor Program which will cost over 26 billion dollars to complete.

Kasuku said that the Kenya government will fund construction of the first three berths while the rest are expected to be funded by private sector under a public private sector framework.

The South African government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the first three berths in the Lamu port.

"The South Africans are currently in the phase of submission of proposals and are undertaking discussions with relevant government agencies before commencing construction works," Kasuku said.

The port has also received inquiries from ten private firms seeking to invest in the infrastructure project.

Kasuku said that Lamu port is expected to surpass Mombasa port to become the largest port in Kenya in the next ten years.

The Director General said that the Mombasa port currently handles 1.2 million Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually and has a maximum capacity of 2.5 million TEUs.

The first three berths of Lamu Port will be able to handle 1.2 million TEUs and when fully operational will handle 20 million TEUs.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 22:20:30|Editor: xuxin

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MOSUL, Iraq, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Two Iraqi pilots were killed on Thursday when their helicopter was shot down in the western side of Mosul while fighting Islamic State (IS) militants, the Iraqi army said.

The helicopter was providing air support to the Iraqi federal police forces in the battles near the old city center when enemy fire shot it down, the Iraqi Joint Operations Command said in a statement.

The federal police and interior ministry special forces, known as Rapid Response, have been fighting in heavy clashes on the southern and western front lines at the edge of the old city center, in an attempt to surround the extremist militants in the areas around historical al-Nuri Mosque in the middle of the IS-held old city center in the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River.

Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
JOHANNESBURG, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The international rating agency S&P downgraded South Africa's seven financial institutions to non investment grade on Thursday.

This came three days after S&P downgraded the country's foreign currency ratings to sub investment (junk status). The banks whose ratings were lowered include Barclays bank, BNP Paribas Personal Finance South Africa, Investec bank, Nedbank, FirstRand bank, Absa and FirstRand.

"We lowered our ratings on the financial institutions because we do not rate South African banks above the foreign currency sovereign credit ratings. This is because of the likely direct and indirect influence of sovereign distress on domestic banks' operations, including their ability to service foreign currency obligations, " S&P noted in a statement.

S&P warned that they could lower the banks with a negative outlook ratings again when they downgrade the country's foreign currency rating. Weak economic growth and political instability are cited as among the reasons for the downgrade.

The rating agency however noted that the country' financial institutions have been resilient. Last year, the country's economic growth was about 0.3 percent while this year it's expected to be slightly above one percent.

"The lowering of the ratings on South Africa reflects our view that political and institutional stability in the country has weakened. However, amid slow economic growth and political turbulence, South African banks have been performing resiliently, " S&P added.
MANILA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez urged the investors on Thursday to sink in their capital in Southeast Asia, saying it is the best time to do business in the economies of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Dominguez, who is this year's host of the ASEAN Finance Ministers Investors' Seminar (AFMIS) and ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting, said the regional bloc envisioned single market and production base under ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) will require massive investments.

He said the AEC presents to investors various benefits and advantages, such as a strong market of 600 million people and a 300 million-strong-labor force that is young, talented and dynamic, and the 10-nation bloc is expected to collectively become a strong driver of global growth in the next decade.

"The regional economy we envision is a truly ambitious undertaking that will require massive investments. But we have momentum and opportunity on our side. The support of the investor community will be indispensable for this undertaking to succeed," Dominguez said in his opening remarks at the AFMIS, which is holding its 12th meeting in Cebu, the central Philippines.

"Our governments are convinced that globalization is the way to progress. Our economies have much headroom for rapid expansion, beginning from a massive infrastructure build-up that will bring our region increased efficiency."

Dominguez said, "towards realizing an ASEAN Economic Community, the regional grouping is promoting e-commerce in the region, pooling resources to develop the infrastructure we need, facilitating trade and supporting each other's rising expanding consumer markets."

"We have developed a Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and a detailed AEC Blueprint 2025. In less than a decade, we aspire to build a truly dynamic regional economy," Dominguez said.

He said more extensive cooperation and more intensive integration have been beneficial to the economies of this dynamic region.

"All our economies are driven to a large extent by trade. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) provided us a framework for dramatically increasing intra-regional trade and investments," he said.

"This allowed us to negotiate as a bloc with the larger trading economies around us through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Over the longer term, we envision an ASEAN Economic Community that will provide a strong driver for growth among ourselves and global growth," he added.

Dominguez said over the longer term, ASEAN envision an AEC that will provide a strong driver for global growth.

The AFMIS is among the series of conferences held in Cebu in the run up to the meetings to be conducted separately and jointly among the ASEAN Finance Ministers and the ASEAN Central Bank Governors that will kick off Friday.

The Philippines is this year's chair of the ASEAN, which is marking its golden anniversary.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
SINGAPORE, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Singapore discovered another new Zika cluster at Flower Road/Hendry Close, nearing to the North-East Region, said National Environment Agency (NEA) in a press release on Thursday.

NEA has commenced vector control operations in the affected regions. The agency urged the residents and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and continue to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats.

There could still be undiagnosed cases which may result in further transmission of the virus, it added.

Together with grassroots volunteers, NEA also distributes Zika information leaflets and insect repellents to households to raise general awareness of Zika.

As most people infected with Zika do not develop symptoms, it could increase the risk of a resurgence of the virus as "it may take some time before a reintroduced Zika virus is detected", NEA added.

Two cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore were confirmed last month.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 22:45:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOSUL, Iraq, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi forces battling Islamic State (IS) militants in the western side of Mosul retook control of a neighborhood after heavy clashes with the extremist militants on Thursday, the Iraq military said.

The elite forces, known as Counter Terrorism Service (CTS), completely liberated al-Yarmouk neighborhood in west of Mosul's old city center after days of fierce clashes against the extremist militants, Lt. Gen. Abdul-Amir Yarallah, from the Joint Operations Command (JOC), said in a statement.

The recapture of the neighborhood is part of slow advance that included the adjacent neighborhoods of Aabar and Matahin, as the troops are pushing toward the western edge of Mosul's densely populated old city center, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are believed to still be trapped under IS rule.

Meanwhile, the international coalition aircraft, based on Iraq intelligence reports, conducted an airstrike on an IS headquarters of suicide bombers in July 17 neighborhood north of the western side of Mosul, the JOC said.

The airstrike destroyed the headquarters and killed dozens of the group's militants and some of its foreign leaders, including Saudi, Australian and French nationals, according to the statement.

Mosul, 400 km north of Iraqi capital Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their posts and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
Photo shows an iPhone with various apps on display stand at Smart Store, Nov. 21, 2014. (Xinhua/Phearum)

BERLIN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The German Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved the submission of a new legislative bill to parliament that will see social media companies subject to fines of up to 50 million euros for failing to remove hate speech and illegal fake news.

The cabinet has acted swiftly so that parliament can pass the bill into law before the summer break, after which election campaigning begins.

Illegal content such as defamation or hate speech must be deleted by the operators of social networks within 24 hours after receipt of a user complaint or one week of being posted.

The legislation was proposed by Federal Minister of Justice Heiko Maas to "substantiate the existing obligation to remove hate crime and malicious fake news" by the operators of social media services.

"We cannot accept anymore that companies in Germany don't abide by the law," Maas told German TV channel ARD.

Despite lengthy negotiations and promises by the social media firms over the past year, there has been little progress on this issue.

And the number of deletes made by the social media companies hugely varied. According to a new study by the Ministry of Justice, Twitter deletes less than 1 percent, Facebook less than 50 percent and YouTube over 90 percent.

The new legislation encountered criticism from Green Party politician Renate Kuenast, who told ARD "My fear, and that of many, is that the version [of the law] he is proposing, in the end, will lead to a severe limitation of freedom of speech since all that will be done is deleting, deleting, deleting."

Addressing the fears for a possible privatization of censorship, Maas said "Freedom of expression ends where the criminal law starts. Our law applies to illegal content only."

Actually, social media companies are indeed obliged to delete unlawful content.

And social media providers are also obliged to cooperate with the prosecution of those who practice hate speech because the legal process is hindered by anonymity.
SOFIA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria arrested far fewer immigrants at the country's borders from January to March this year compared to the same period of 2016, caretaker interior minister Plamen Uzunov said Thursday.

During the first three months of 2017, Bulgarian law enforcement authorities arrested 256 foreigners trying to illegally enter the country at its border with Turkey, down from 1,196 in the first quarter of 2016, Uzunov said at a national meeting of his ministry's leadership.

Meanwhile, 1,393 foreigners were arrested while attempting to illegally leave the territory from January to March 2017, while in the same period of 2016 the figure was 1,646, Uzunov said.

"Some people have made several attempts to leave Bulgaria," Uzunov said.

In addition, 102 of them were not registered in the automated fingerprint identification system and were not detained when entering the country, he said.

At a press conference later, the minister said Bulgaria stood ready to introduce new measures, should there be an increase in migratory pressure at the border with Turkey.

"We are ready to respond to any situation," Uzunov said.
KHARTOUM, April 6 (Xinhua) -- African Union Chief Mediator Thabo Mbeki started a series of meetings here on Thursday ahead of a new round of peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebels of Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector and Darfur armed groups.

Mbeki, the head of African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP), first met with Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, Sudan's presidential assistant and head of the government's negotiating team.

"It has been agreed on continuation of the AUHIP's efforts relating to achieving peace in Sudan and involving the armed groups in the national dialogue document," said Hamid at a press conference following the meeting.

The Sudanese official reiterated the government's readiness to resume talks with the rebels of the SPLM/northern sector and the Darfur armed groups.

"We are waiting for the response of the armed movements and Mbeki's consultations with those movements to determine a date for the resumption of the talks," he said.

Later on Thursday, Mbeki will meet with Sudan's First Vice-President Bakri Hassan Saleh, Sudan's opposition leader Al-Sadiq al-Mahdi and the higher committee for implementation of outcomes of the national dialogue.

He is also expected to meet with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, the date has yet to be fixed.

So far, 10 rounds of peace talks between the Sudanese government and the SPLM/northern sector and Darfur armed groups have been held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, under the patronage of the African Union, but all failed to end the conflict.

The Sudanese government has been fighting the SPLM/northern sector in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states since 2011. It has also been battling a group of armed movements in the Darfur region since 2003.
JOHANNESBURG, April 6 (Xinhua) -- South Africans from different walks of life will take part in the countrywide protests on Friday demanding that President Zuma should resign.

The march will be done in various cities including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Those who will participate are from the political parties, civil society, business, faith-based organizations, student organizations and trade unions.

The march is a call for President Jacob Zuma to step down. This comes after he reshuffled the cabinet last week which resulted with the rand plummeting and the credit rating agency S&P downgrading the country's long-term foreign currency sovereign credit rating to sub investment with a negative outlook.

The opposition political party, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane said the Police Commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane have assured him that there will be a peaceful demonstration.

The ruling party, African National Congress (ANC) called for calm during protests on Friday.

"As the planned day of protests approaches, the ANC calls on all South Africans to organize in a calm and measured fashion. We should not allow inflammatory rhetoric from certain elements, including on social media, to damage our fragile social fabric and turn South Africans against each other," ANC's spokesperson Kusela Sangoni said.

"The ANC encourages all South Africans to report any incidents of illegality, intimidation or coercion to the relevant law enforcement authorities, both in the days leading up to the demonstrations, and on the day." he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 23:30:47|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

The President of the Gambia Adama Barrow prepares to cast his vote at a polling station in Banjul, Gambia on April 6, 2017. The President of the Gambia Adama Barrow cast his vote on Thursday in Banjul in the country's parliamentary election since he became head of state in January. There are 238 national assembly candidates who are seeking votes from total registered voters of over 886 thousand voters. 48 seats are to be filled by election while the remaining 5 seats that take the total seats to 53 are to be nominated by the President. (Xinhua/Xing Jianqiao)

BANJUL, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The President of the Gambia Adama Barrow cast his vote on Thursday in Banjul in the country's parliamentary election since he became head of state in January.

"There is no split. This is about democracy and this is the new Gambia and I think everybody has the right to exercise your own right. This is a tactical alliance and I think it is a democratic process. There is unity in the cabinet and in the coalition," he said to journalists as he responds to a question over the split of the coalition whose joint forces guaranteed him a win over the long term ruler Yahya Jammeh.

Abdou Karim Sey, the presiding officer at the Old Yundum polling station where the president voted, said the polling station was opened at 8 a.m. in the presence of polling agents representing various candidates.

"They were all around and they got involved in every process including sealing the boxes where voting token are dropped in. They are all seated here to monitor the situation just to ensure transparency. There are 8 candidates in the polling station. Since we started we have not got any challenge so far," he said.

"Everything has been going smoothly up to the arrival of the president. We will be closing by 5 p.m. and there will be spot counting and the results will be pasted on the polling wall and it will later in the collation center at the Gambia College in Brikama," Sey said.

Amadou Ceesay, a voter found on the queue said he is deciding who among the eight candidates should represent him in the National Assembly. He hopes to see his candidate win at the end of the day so as to represent him well.

"Gambia is always a peaceful country and I hope we maintain that peace because that is our value as a country. I advise everyone to vote without any problem and go home to listen to the radios for results," he said.

Jainaiba Bah is one of the female voters also on the voting queue and she said that the parliamentary election is one of the most important in the election calendar. She urged all and sundry to keep the peace in the country.

There are 238 national assembly candidates who are seeking votes from total registered voters of over 886 thousand voters. 48 seats are to be filled by election while the remaining 5 seats that take the total seats to 53 are to be nominated by the President.

The Speaker of the National Assembly and the deputy Speaker will be selected among the nominated members. There are currently 9 registered political parties who are all sponsoring candidates in respective constituencies as well as independent candidates who are contesting under no party banner.

This is the first election conducted in the absence of Jammeh as president for over 22 years. He fled the country for Equatorial Guinea in January after he was threatened to be forcefully ousted by the ECOWAS forces.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 23:30:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to Francisco Guterres, also known as Lu-Olo, on being elected president of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

In the message sent Monday, Xi said that as friendly neighboring countries, China and Timor-Leste have witnessed substantial progress in the development of bilateral relations since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 15 years ago.

China and Timor-Leste have set a good example for a relationship between a big and small nation based on equality and mutual benefit, he said.

"I attach great importance to the China-Timo-Leste relations and am willing to work with you to cement the traditional friendship and deepen pragmatic cooperation between the two countries, so as to lift China -Timor-Leste comprehensive cooperative partnership featuring good-neighborly relations, mutual trust and mutual benefit to a new level," said Xi in the message.

The Chinese president expressed hope that the people of Timor-Leste will continue to see achievements in their national development drive under Lu-Olo's leadership.
LUSAKA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said on Thursday that it will consider overhauling a controversial law that governs public gatherings and processions in the country, state media reported.

Stakeholders have expressed concern over the selective application of the Public Order Act which they feel was being abused by the police to stop opposition political parties from exercising their rights to assembly.

The country's main opposition party, the United Party for National Development, has in recent weeks being denied permission to hold rallies by the police using the law.

Stakeholders have been calling for the leveling of the playing field in the application of the law.

Chief Government Spokesperson Kampamba Mulenga said the government was currently holding consultations with stakeholders on the way forward regarding the controversial law following increased complaints.

The consultations were meant to come up with better ways of applying the law, she added.

She however could not reveal when the review process will commence, according to state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.
LUSAKA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and Malawi on Thursday finalized negotiations on a double taxation avoidance agreement meant to enhance trade between the two countries.

The two countries finalized the talks during the 15th Joint Permanent Commission meeting held in Lusaka, the Zambian capital.

Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba said after the meeting that the agreement will ensure that traders conducting business between the two countries are not taxed twice on the same income, a move that will result in increased trade and a reduction in the cost of doing business.

The Zambian minister said there was need for the two countries to work together in efforts aimed at growing trade ties.

Zambia and Malawi were poised for enhanced trade especially that the two countries had already established cooperation in various projects which had been implemented in the past, he added.

Francis Kasaila, Malawi's Foreign Affairs Minister welcomed the finalization of the agreement, saying it will enhance trade ties between the two countries.

The meeting was held to advance common interests and aspirations for the benefit of the two neighboring countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-06 23:35:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ANKARA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Autopsy results show that chemical weapons were used during Tuesday's attack in Syria's Idlib, Turkish justice minister said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in the central Anatolian province of Kirikkale, Bekir Bozdag said examination was carried on three bodies taken from Idlib to southern Turkish province of Adana.

Turkish Health Ministry also said that evidence linked to sarin gas was found in the bodies of three Syrian victims.

The autopsies were conducted in the presence of representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, according to the minister.

The three Syrians died in Turkey after being brought to the country for treatment following the suspected chemical gas attack in Idlib.

The test process was filmed and samples were collected both by WHO representatives and Turkish forensics experts for further examination.

The public prosecutor's office in Adana said in a statement that tests were conducted at the city's forensic institute under the supervision of the prosecutor's office.

Autopsy results will be further examined in The Hague after Turkey, the Health Minister Recep Akdag said.

More than 100 civilians were killed and 500 others, mostly children, were injured in Tuesday's attack in Idlib, according to the Syrian opposition health minister, Firas Jundi.
ABUJA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government has declared a six-month deadline to ban the exportation of raw solid minerals as part of the country's reforms in the mining sector, Minister of Mines and Steel Development Kayode Fayemi said Thursday.

The minister, speaking at a summit held in the Nigerian capital Abuja, described the exportation of unprocessed solid minerals in the west African country as an act of "illegality."

"People are just shipping out raw minerals; this has informed the government's policy or decision to place a ban on unprocessed minerals," he said.

He explained that the government would encourage miners to invest in the sector by setting up processing plants in host communities to create jobs for the locals.

The enforcement of the ban, the official said, would not be done arbitrarily as the investors would be given time to establish their processing plants.
A Syrian man collects samples from the site of a suspected toxic gas attack in Khan Sheikhun, in Syria's northwesternIdlib province, on April 5, 2017.(AFP Photo)

ANKARA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Autopsy results show that chemical weapons were used during Tuesday's attack in Syria's Idlib, Turkish justice minister said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in the central Anatolian province of Kirikkale, Bekir Bozdag said examination was carried on three bodies taken from Idlib to southern Turkish province of Adana.

Turkish Health Ministry also said that evidence linked to sarin gas was found in the bodies of three Syrian victims.

The autopsies were conducted in the presence of representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, according to the minister.

The three Syrians died in Turkey after being brought to the country for treatment following the suspected chemical gas attack in Idlib.

The test process was filmed and samples were collected both by WHO representatives and Turkish forensics experts for further examination.

The public prosecutor's office in Adana said in a statement that tests were conducted at the city's forensic institute under the supervision of the prosecutor's office.

Autopsy results will be further examined in The Hague after Turkey, the Health Minister Recep Akdag said.

More than 100 civilians were killed and 500 others, mostly children, were injured in Tuesday's attack in Idlib, according to the Syrian opposition health minister, Firas Jundi.
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, April 6 (Xinhua) -- An explosive device was found and defused in a residential building in St Petersburg, Russia and several suspects have been detained, local media reported Thursday.

Konstantin Serov, head of the city's Nevsky District, said that the evacuated residents are allowed to go back home; the investigation is still underway.

According to Serov, the occupants of the apartment where the explosive device was found are not the home owners.

Federal Security Service agents found a suspicious object that could pose a risk of explosion in a residential building in the Nevsky District at around 5 a.m. local time (0200GMT) and residents were evacuated three hours later, Russian news agency Interfax reported.

The emergency came after 14 people were killed and dozens injured in a bomb attack in the St. Petersburg subway on Monday.

On Wednesday, six Central Asian nationals were detained Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Russia, on suspicion of facilitating terrorist activities and recruiting their compatriots for terrorist groups.

Serov did not disclose whether Thursday's bomb incident has links with the perpetrator of the deadly subway blast or any terrorist group.
LAGOS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Thursday said its proposed April date for the commencement of its Continuous Voter Registration has not changed.

Arrangements are on course to ensure the exercise takes off smoothly as scheduled, Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Commission told reporters in Abuja, the nation's capital city.

Yakubu said the exercise would be held throughout the 774 Local Government Areas of the country.

"We are going to consult again with the Resident Electoral Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries to sort out two things -- the venues and the numbers of machines we are going to use," he said.

The chairman told reporters that the process will continue beyond the general elections in 2019.

Yakubu advised Nigerians who are 18 years and above to take advantage of the opportunity and not disenfranchise themselves.

He also advised registered voters, who were yet to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), to visit the commission's offices where they registered to obtain them.

The electoral body had in February fixed Feb. 16, 2019 for Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship, State Assembly and Federal Capital Territory Area Councils polls will hold on 2 March of same year.

Solomon Soyebi, National Commissioner of the commission in charge of publicity, said fixing of the dates was part of efforts by INEC to standardize and ensure certainty of timetable for general elections in the country.

Soyebi gave instances that in the United States general elections always held on the second Tuesday of November in the election year.

And, in Ghana, according to him, it is Dec. 7 of election year, while in other places like Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Costa Rica and Switzerland, the dates are also known in advance.

In Nigeria, the Constitution provides for the elections to hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days to the end of the incumbent's tenure.
NEW DELHI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday telephoned Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives in St. Petersburg Metro bombing on Monday.

"PM expressed deepest condolences to the government and people of Russia on the tragic loss of lives in the blast in St. Petersburg metro," the Prime Minister's Office said.

Modi had earlier also condoled the deaths of people in the Metro blast. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the blast at St Petersburg metro. Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims," he tweeted on the day of the blast.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee condoled the next day the loss of lives in the deadly terror attack on Russia's St Petersburg Metro. "Shocked & saddened by news of terror blast in St Petersburg; my deepest condolences to bereaved families, people & government of Russia," he tweeted Tuesday.

As many as 14 people were killed and 49 others injured in the explosion on a Metro train between two underground stations in St Petersburg Monday which was termed as a terror attack.

The bombing suspect has been identified as a native of Kyrgyzstan, with the Kyrgyz security service naming him as Akbarzhon Jalilov. However, there are conflicting reports as to whether he was a suicide bomber.
By Bedah Mengo

NAIROBI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's food security situation faces a fresh threat as armyworms invade maize farms in different parts of the east African nation.

The country is currently grappling with a serious food crisis mainly caused by poor rains that has seen prices rise considerably, with a 2kg tin of dry maize going for a record 1.4 U.S. dollars.

In mitigation, the government has allowed millers and traders to import the staple from as far as Mexico tax-free in a bid to bring down the cost of the produce consumed by millions.

The armyworms invasion, therefore, spells a huge trouble for East African's citizens, who consume up to 4 million bags of maize every month, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, with the country producing only 40 million bags annually.

Farmers in various parts of the country, especially where maize is grown, have reported armyworm infestation, with many calling for help as thousands of the insects feast on their crops.

The worms have been sighted in Trans Nzoia, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu in Rift Valley, Kakamega and Bungoma in Western Kenya, and Kwale at the Coast.

Apart from maize, also under threat are sorghum, millet and wheat farmers, with experts noting that the deadly pest further poses danger to the livestock sector as it attacks pasture and any green vegetation.

"I planted maize on three acres over a month ago and right now it has been infested by the armyworms when it just had eight leaves," Samuel Ambuche, a farmer in Bungoma, said Thursday.

The farmer said the pests had devastated his crops leaving only a skeletal that would not germinate despite his constant application of pesticides.

"I planted just when the rains started. I had ploughed my land in January, bought fertilizer and seeds in readiness for planting. The rains came in early March. Though they were not plenty, my aim was to plant early so that I can maximize on the rains but now this has happened," he said.

According to him, he has spent about 150 U.S. dollars on pesticide application since he started applying in vain.

"Only a small section of my maize now remains. We reported the invasion to Ministry of Agriculture but we are yet to get concrete help. Each farmer is trying to eradicate them on their own but it is not possible if efforts are not coordinated."

The current outbreak in Kenya, according to agricultural experts, is linked to recent invasions on maize in Malawi, Zambia and South Africa, where the worms attacked crops on thousands of acres.

The Ministry of Agriculture last month notified its county directors of agriculture of the outbreak, but efforts to begin widespread curbing of the pests are yet to start.

The pests, according to the UN agency Food and Agriculture Organization, was first detected in Africa in Nigeria in January last year and has spread in Botswana, Congo, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Togo and Uganda.

There are four kinds of armyworms namely African armyworm, Common armyworm, Fall armyworm and Lawn armyworm. The Fall armyworm is the one that has invaded Kenyan farms.

"The disease is a huge threat to food security because Kenya relies on maize, which the armyworms are currently destroying. With each citizen eating 104kg of maize every year, demand for maize is huge but we will certainly not meet it this year due to the pests and ongoing drought," said Bernard Moina, an agricultural extension officer in Kitale, one of the affected areas.
VIENTIANE, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government is composing new decrees to ensure the sustainable development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in ways that yield strong benefits.

Government officials from central and provincial agencies gathered Thursday in Lao capital Vientiane to discuss a draft decree on the promotion and management of SEZs. Also up for discussion was a draft decision on the work of SEZ Management Committees that would ensure the directives contained in the Investment Promotion Law were effectively carried out.

These decrees are aimed at simplifying procedures for investors, making them faster, more transparent and fair, and ensuring that investors have confidence in the system and are not taken advantage of by the authorities, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Khamlien Pholsena was quoted by Lao state-run media Vientiane Times.

The decrees would also help the management committees in each area to better promote and develop the areas under their responsibility. It was learnt that they had struggled in the past due to misunderstanding on the part of various sectors.

The draft decree on the promotion and management of SEZs comprises 13 chapters and 62 articles, dividing into three parts of establishing and investing in SEZs, investment promotion policy for developers and investors, and organizational structure at the macro and micro levels.

Decisions concerning the allocation of specific areas to investors are also the responsibility of SEZ Management Committees.

SEZs are economic development areas set up to attract large-scale investors, both Lao and foreign, to spur economic growth and create job opportunities for local people. SEZs were first established in Laos in 2002, starting with the Savan Seno Special Economic Zone (Savan Seno SEZ) in central Savannakhet province which was the testing ground for this form of economic development, Khamlien said, adding that the number of SEZs in Laos has grown steadily since then.

Laos currently has 12 SEZs covering more than 19,600 hectares. The value of investment has reached some 1.6 billion U.S. dollars, of which 24 million U.S. dollars are invested by Lao government, 1.27 billion U.S. dollars by developers, and 349 million U.S. dollars by retail investors.

The total number of domestic and foreign companies in SEZs is now 318 companies and businesses. Of those, 57 companies are privately owned by Lao nationals, 239 companies are foreign owned, and 22 are joint ventures between Lao and foreign companies.

The service sector accounts for 40 percent of SEZ operations, 32 percent are industrial and 28 percent are commercial. Jobs have been created for about 15,544 people, of whom 7,180 are Lao nationals and 8,364 are foreigners.

SEZs have yielded 16 million U.S. dollars for the national budget and it is expected this figure will more than double in the future as many factories have been built and some are now starting production.
MOSCOW, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that "groundless" accusations over a Syrian chemical attack are "unacceptable," amid Western efforts to pressure Damascus with a new United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution.

Putin made the remarks during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a Kremlin statement.

Media reports said about 70 people were killed with 200 others wounded Tuesday in a toxic gas attack by Syrian warplanes on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in the country's northwestern province of Idlib.

But the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that the deadly gas contamination was caused by the explosion of chemical weapons produced and stored by the rebels, after Syrian aircraft bombed the area.

Damascus has repeatedly denied possession of any chemical weapons.

During Thursday's conversation, Putin called the gas contamination "an incident," saying "it is unacceptable to make groundless accusations against any party until a thorough and objective international investigation has been conducted."

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused the Syrian government of going "beyond a red line" by attacking civilians with toxic gas.

Western countries are trying to pass a UNSC resolution drafted by the United States, Britain and France condemning Damascus for its alleged chemical attack.

Russian Deputy Envoy to the United Nations Vladimir Safronkov said Russia supports on-spot probe into the alleged chemical attack, rather than in a remote way.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said Russia is ready to veto the resolution if Western countries rush the vote.

The U.S ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley threatened on Wednesday that her country may take unilateral action if the UNSC failed to respond.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-07 00:50:19|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 27 children were confirmed killed in the attack in Idlib in northwest Syria, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said here Thursday.

A further 546 people, among them many children, have been injured, the UN agency said in a press release. "Casualty figures are expected to rise."

"The killing of children in Syria cannot be allowed to continue," said the UNICEF regional director, Geert Cappelaere. "All parties to the conflict and those with influence on them must immediately put an end to this horror."

UNICEF and partners continue to respond to the attack by supporting three mobile clinics and four hospitals to provide first aid and treatment, and nine ambulances to refer and transport patients to hospitals in the area.

UNICEF is also delivering critical medical supplies and working with health partners to raise awareness about medical response to chemical attacks, the press release added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said he is deeply disturbed by reports of alleged use of chemical weapons in an airstrike in Idlib.

Media reports said about 70 people were killed, 200 others were wounded Tuesday in a gas attack in a rebel-held area in southern Idlib.

Also on Tuesday, a senior Syrian military officer denied reports of military toxic attack on rebel-held area in Idlib. The senior officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the rebels were the ones using the toxic gas against civilians to frame the Syrian army.

Earlier in the day, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said warplanes carried out intensive airstrikes on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in the countryside of Idlib province, killing dozens of people, mostly civilians.
KATHMANDU, April 6 (Xinhua) --The Nepalese and Indian sides were positive toward revising the Nepal-India Peace and Friendship Treaty (1950) in line with the changed context during a meeting of the third Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations (EPG-NIR) that was concluded here in Kathmandu on Thursday, officials said.

Speaking to media, EPG Coordinator of the Nepalese side Dr Bhes Bahadur Thapa said that the two sides would make necessary recommendations in order to revise the treaty in line with the changed context to both the governments in near future.

"Both sides are positive toward revising the treaty. We still need more discussions to come to a final conclusion for the same," he said.

The Nepalese and Indian sides held discussion over the bilateral agreements and treaties signed in the past relating to water resources, trade and transit, according to Thapa.

The Indian side said that the meeting was ended on a positive note. "The two sides had extensive and cordial discussion on the contents of the Peace and Friendship Treaty for the past two days. I hope we will be able to come up with concrete ideas regarding what kind of recommendations we will make to our governments with regards to this treaty," EPG Coordinator of the Indian Side Bhagat Singh Koshyari told BBC Nepali Service on Thursday.

The EPG-NIR meeting decided to review and update existing treaties and agreements relating to security, society, economy, connectivity, trade, transit, border management and water resources, according to EPG members.

The fourth EPG-INR meeting will be held at the end of May in Dehradun, the Capital City of the Indian State of Uttarakhand.

The EPG-NIR, an expert panel between India and Nepal, formed in March 2016, is entrusted to come up with a joint comprehensive report containing recommendations for both governments on reviewing past treaties and agreements and improving bilateral relations in the changed context.

The purpose of the group, consisting of four members each from Nepal and India, is to recommend measures to both governments to expand and consolidate relations.
BRUSSELS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Thursday imposed further sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The Council of the EU announced in a statement that it decided to expand the prohibition on investments in the DPRK to new sectors, including the conventional arms-related industry, metallurgy and metalworking, and aerospace.

The measures also include ban on the provision of certain services to persons or entities in the DPRK, namely computer services and services linked to mining and manufacturing in the chemical, mining and refining industry.

Four people and seven entities would be added to the list of those subject to EU restrictive measures. This brings the total number of persons subject to travel restrictions and asset freeze to 41.

The EU said it took these additional restrictive measures "considering that the actions of the DPRK violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and constitute a grave threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond".

The DPRK on Wednesday test-fired one ballistic missile into eastern waters, South Korea's defense ministry said.
NAIROBI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency said Thursday it has repatriated some 59,829 Somali refugees in Kenya since the return exercise began in December 2014.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in its bi-weekly update released in Nairobi that some 3,786 refugees were supported to return to their homes in Somalia in the past two weeks.

"Currently, 21,940 refugees are actively registered for voluntary repatriation," UNHCR said.

The move comes after a regional summit of East African leaders agreed on March 25 to facilitate the voluntary return of Somali refugees but the UNHCR immediately announced it would not back the returns to a country facing threats of severe famine.

The leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) resolved to support the Nairobi Comprehensive Plan of Action for Durable Solutions for Somali Refugees and a separate plan for regional response to the refugee crisis meant to assist Somalia to survive the ongoing drought and looming famine.

The leaders, who met in Nairobi for the Special Summit of IGAD, the first such meeting of its kind on the Somali refugee crisis, agreed they would create an enabling environment for safe, sustainable and voluntary return and reintegration of Somali refugees.

In its latest report, UNHCR said road convoys were organized from Dadaab in northeast Kenya to Southern Somalia's Dhobley respectively on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

"Flights to Mogadishu have resumed on Feb. 27 after a long suspension due to security restrictions in Mogadishu since December 2016," UNHCR said.

More than two million Somalis have been displaced in one of the world's most protracted humanitarian crises that have now entered its third decade.

An estimated 1.1 million people are internally displaced (IDPs) within Somalia and nearly 900,000 are refugees in the region.

Continuing political and security stabilization progress in Somalia, along with growing pressures in hosting countries, makes this a critical moment to renew efforts to find durable solutions for Somali refugees.
ACCRA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's Minister for National Security Albert Kan-Dapaah on Thursday called on legislators to help stop the increasing activities of vigilante groups which could create huge security problems for the country in the future.

He said though there were no legally registered vigilante groups in Ghana, there was the need to be pragmatic and accept that foot soldiers of the leading political parties had constituted themselves into action troops to molest and unleash violence on peace loving people.

"Mr. Speaker, we need to stop these groups because they have the tendency to degenerate into militant groups that can have serious repercussions on the security of this country," he said in an answer to a question on the floor of parliament in Accra.

There have been calls on the government to ban the operations of party vigilante groups.

Prior to last year's general election, two of Ghana's leading political parties, the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), welcomed the decision by the Inspector General of Police to disband political party vigilante groups, as they had the potential to create problems for Ghana's democracy.

However, since the swearing in of President Nana Akufo-Addo on January 7, there have been numerous reports of unlawful violent acts by vigilante groups within the governing NPP.

Two weeks ago, the Delta Force, a vigilante group believed to be associated with the NPP, forced the Ashanti Regional National Security Director, George Adjei, out of his office.

This forceful removal turned violent as blood was shed while Government property was destroyed.

The police have arrested 13 members of the group who have been granted bail pending prosecution.
KIGALI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Rwandans will remember the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi on Friday at the Kigali Genocide Memorial site where remains of about 250,000 victims were buried.

The commemoration for the 23rd genocide anniversary will be an occasion for Rwandans from all walks of life to pay tribute to the more than one million innocent lives lost, according to a government statement released Thursday.

On Friday, events will be held at both the national level and in villages to begin the National Commemoration Week.

President Kagame will light the Flame of Remembrance at Kigali Genocide Memorial site.

In the afternoon there will also be a Walk to Remember from Parliament in Kigali to Amahoro stadium in Remera, where a night vigil will take place.

The statement said throughout the week, Rwandans throughout the country will reiterate their commitment to fight genocide ideology and reflect on the country's journey of unity and reconciliation in the last 23 years.

The Commemoration Week will end on April 13 with an event to honour politicians who were killed for opposing the genocidal government.
VILNIUS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania joined Poland in its complaint against the European Commission for granting Russian energy giant Gazprom permission to increase the use of its Opal pipeline, a land extension of the Nord Stream pipeline, Lithuania's energy ministry revealed on Thursday.

The Lithuanian government approved the decision to join the Polish court case at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to fight the Commission's decision regarding rights to use the Opal pipeline, a branch of the Nord Stream pipeline in Germany, ministry officials told news agency BNS.

The Commission's decision gave the green light for Gazprom to use 80 percent of Opal's capacity.

The Polish government filed a complaint to the ECJ against the Commission's in December. Poland claims the Commission's decision strengthens Gazprom's positions.

The Lithuanian energy ministry said Lithuania wanted competition in the European gas market to increase, and that the decisions of the Commission "increases energy reliance on Gazprom".

"Moreover, this might entail negative consequences for Ukraine, since it will reduce gas transit through that country," Aurelija Vernickaite, spokesperson for the Lithuanian energy minister, told BNS.

Nord Stream is an offshore gas pipeline that connects Russia and Germany through the Baltic Sea, bypassing Poland and Lithuania.

Up until 2015, when Lithuania started operating its first liquefied natural gas terminal, the Baltic state was fully dependent on natural gas supplies provided by Gazprom.
PARIS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- An American tourist was stabbed to death by a homeless man in Paris eastern suburb on Thursday, according to local reports.

A 52-year-old American woman was killed in Montreuil after a homeless stabbed her in her back while she was taking photos of graffiti on walls in the area, local broadcaster Europe1 reported.

The attacker was identified as 54-year-old homeless. He was arrested near the the site of incident, it added.

Citing a police source, the local radio said the man probably "arrived in France recently" and "lived in a nearby vacant lot".

Causes of the killing remained unknown.
DAR ES SALAAM, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania and Uganda have signed agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in energy and civil aviation, Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Augustine Mahiga, said on Thursday.

Mahiga said the agreements between the two members of the East African Community (EAC) were signed on Wednesday night at the end of a Joint Partnership Commission (JPC) meeting in Arusha on Wednesday night.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the deals were signed by Mahiga on behalf of Tanzania and Ugandan Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa on behalf of the Ugandan government.

Under the MoU, the two countries agreed to implement a hydro-power project to generate 14 MW at Kikagati/Murongo on the two countries' border, said Mahiga.

He added that the two countries also agreed to co-operate in the civil aviation sector.

"The signing of the agreements will improve our relations with Uganda although the signing has been delayed since the JPC was established in Uganda in 2007," said Mahiga.

A statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said during the JPC meeting the two countries were expected to sign six agreements.

However, the two countries didn't sign cooperation agreements in four other sectors because discussions were still ongoing, said the statement.

The sectors include railway, marine transport, broadcasting as well as defense, added the statement.

The statement said the agreements on the four sectors were expected to be signed during the East Africa Community (EAC) heads of state summit to be held later this year.

For his part, the Ugandan Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kutesa, said cooperation between the two countries was key to addressing challenges facing people, including poverty.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-07 02:11:19|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DUBAI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A Dubai-owned port operator announced here on Thursday winning of a 30-year concession to develop a multi-purpose port project in Somalia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) state news agency WAM reported.

The Dubai-owned, London-based P&O Ports said the concession, worth 336 million U.S. dollars, is for the development of the Port of Bosaso in the state of Puntland, Somalia.

The president of Puntland, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, and the chairman of Ports, Customs and Freezone Corporation (PCFC), Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, signed the agreement at a ceremony in the presence of senior government officials and representatives of PCFC.

Work on the project will involve building a 450-meter quay and a 50,000 square meters back up area, dredging to a depth of 12 meters with reclamation work using dredge spoil.

There will also be major investment in an IT and terminal operating system, mobile harbor cranes and container handling equipment.

President Ali said infrastructure development is a priority for the government of Puntland as it "underpins the efforts of taking this country forward."

This concession agreement of expanding the Bosaso port is a major achievement for the Puntland government and its people, said Ali, hailing it as promoting the historical and the trade relations between the UAE and Somalia.

PCFC Chairman Bin Sulayem noted that the Port of Bosaso fits the company's mandate to invest in multipurpose ports in emerging markets.

The Port of Bosaso is located in state of Puntland in Somalia, 2,000 kilometers north of the capital Mogadishu. It occupies a strategic location for maritime transport in the Gulf of Aden at the southern approach to the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-07 02:16:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to change filibuster rules after the Democratic Party blocked Neil Gorsuch's nomination for Supreme Court Justice.

The 52-48 party line vote dictates that a simple majority can confirm Gorsuch's nomination, lowering the threshold from the previous filibuster rules where 60 votes are needed for the confirmation.

The vote, called a nuclear option by the GOP, followed a 55-45 Senate vote earlier in the day in which the Democrats blocked the nomination using filibuster rules.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he initiated the nuclear option as the filibuster of Gorsuch was a drastic and unprecedented move from the Democrats.

"This threatened filibuster cannot be allowed to succeed or to continue for the sake of the Senate, for the sake of the court and for the sake of our country," the Kentucky senator said.

According to previous filibuster rules, the party that is at disadvantage on a issue may use prolonged speeches or other measures to stall the voting process on the floor, and only a consensus of over 60 Senators can end the filibuster, which in practice means over 60 supporters in certain votes are needed, even though only a simple majority is needed in theory.

The Senate is expected to hold another vote Friday on the nomination of Gorsuch, which is expected to pass under the new rule.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said it was more sensible for U.S. President Donald Trump to choose another candidate over Gorsuch, who enjoyed good ratings in with the American Bar Association, hinting the Democratic Party's resistance was linked to the GOP's refusal to approve Obama-picked Merrick Garland as Supreme Court Justice last year.

McConnell said the GOP had voted overwhelmingly for a Justice nominated by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and should not be responsible for the partisan feud.

The spat over Gorsuch's nomination reflects a long running discord in the U.S. Congress where the two major political parties have become increasingly divided over a number of issues, including tax, health care, environment and government spending.
LONDON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- European Council President Donald Tusk met British Prime Minister Theresa May for Brexit talks on Thursday in London, with 10 Downing Street saying later that both leaders agreed the tone of discussions had been positive.

The two agreed to try and remain in close contact as negotiations about Britain's departure from the EU progressed, said an official spokesperson for May.

It was the first time the two had met since May triggered the Article 50 process last week, setting in motion Britain's departure from the European Union (EU) through an official letter delivered to Tusk on Britain's decision to leave the bloc.

Tusk smiled to waiting media as he left Number 10, but gave no comment about their private 90-minute meeting.

In a communique after the meeting, Downing Street said: "The PM reiterated the UK's desire to ensure a deep and special partnership with the EU following its exit and noted the constructive approach set out by the Council in its draft guidelines published last week."

"She said the UK looked forward to formally beginning negotiations once the 27 member states agreed guidelines."

The statement added that May also made it clear that on the subject of Gibraltar, Britain's position had not changed.

"The UK would seek the best possible deal for Gibraltar as the UK exits the EU and there would be no negotiation on the sovereignty of Gibraltar without the consent of its people," it said.

Gibraltar, located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea, was ceded to Britain as part of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Spain has persistently sought to regain the territory.

The statement said that with Britain also remaining a member of the EU for the next two years, May and Tusk also discussed the agenda for the next EU Council meeting.
MOSCOW, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Six people in St. Petersburg and two others in Moscow were detained Thursday for suspected involvement in a deadly blast in the St. Petersburg metro Monday, the Russian Investigative Committee (RIC) said in a statement.

An explosive device similar to the one found at the Ploshchad Vosstania metro station in St. Petersburg, along with firearms and ammunition, was seized at the detainees' residences, said the statement.

The RIC offered names of the eight suspects but did not disclose their nationalities or whether they have links to terrorist groups.

A blast took place on Monday afternoon in a train carriage in the tunnel between metro stations Technological Institute and Sennaya Ploshchad in St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city, killing 14 people and wounding dozens.

The RIC said Tuesday that 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov carried out the deadly bomb attack, and he left an additional bomb at the Ploshchad Vosstania station, which was defused later by investigators.

Dzhalilov himself died in the blast and he was widely-reported as a Kyrgyz-native.

On Wednesday, six Central Asian nationals were detained in St. Petersburg on suspicion of facilitating terrorist activities and recruiting their compatriots for the Islamic State and other terrorist groups. Their connections with Dzhalilov are still under investigation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-07 03:06:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- If you stay up late and have trouble getting up in the morning, you might be able to blame a gene mutation for this night owl behavior.

Researchers from the U.S. and Turkey have discovered that a variant of the gene CRY1 alters the human circadian clock, which normally dictates when you feel sleepy each night and when you're ready to wake.

Carriers of the gene variant experienced nighttime sleep delays of two to 2.5 hours compared to non-carriers, the team reported Thursday in the U.S. journal Cell.

In a healthy circadian clock, a handful of genes turn on and off over a 24 hour cycle, and the protein made by CRY1 is normally responsible for suppressing some of these genes during certain parts of the cycle.

However, the mutation, first identified in a U.S. patient, made the CRY1 protein more active than usual, keeping other clock genes switched off for a longer period of time, and in turn, stretching the daily cycle by half an hour or more.

Professor Michael Young and colleagues of the Rockefeller University then reached out to other members of the patient's family and discovered five relatives who shared the mutation in CRY1. All of them had a history of persistent sleep problems.

Next, Young collaborated with clinical researchers at Bilkent University to analyze the sleep patterns of six unrelated families in Turkey and were able to confirm that 38 people with the mutation had altered sleep behavior, while none of their relatives without the CRY1 mutation had unusual sleep patterns.

Finally, after scouring larger genetic databases for CRY1 mutations, Young's group calculated that as many as one in 75 people of non-Finnish European descent have at least one copy of the mutation.

"Compared to other mutations that have been linked to sleep disorders in just single families worldwide, this is a fairly impactful genetic change," Young said in a statement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-07 03:20:46|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan are welcomed by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his wife upon their arrival at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida, the United States, April 6, 2017. Xi arrived here for the first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

PALM BEACH, United States, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in this southeastern U.S. coastal town on Thursday for the first meeting with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, in a bid to chart the course of bilateral ties in a new era.



In cloudy sunshine, the plane carrying the Chinese president, First Lady Peng Liyuan and other members of the delegation landed in the early afternoon at Palm Beach International Airport.

Under the gaze of an enthused welcoming crowd, including U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his wife, Xi and Peng stepped out of the hatch and waved before they walked down the ramp hand in hand.

During his two-day stay in the Sunshine State of Florida, Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Trump in the Mar-a-Lago resort, which Trump calls "the Southern White House," to exchange views on bilateral ties and major regional and global issues of common concern.

Xi and Peng will also attend a welcome banquet hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang told a press conference on March 31.

Under the current international circumstances, "the meeting will be of great significance to charting China-U.S. relationship in a new era, advancing the development of bilateral ties in a healthy and stable way from a new starting point, and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," Zheng said.

Also late last month, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said at a press briefing that Trump sees the meeting as an opportunity for him "to develop a relationship in person with President Xi."

The U.S. president, he added, "looks forward to meeting with President Xi and exchanging views on each other's respective priorities, and to chart a way forward on a bilateral relationship between our two nations."

Prior to the trip, the two sides, respectively the world's largest developed and developing country, have maintained close communication at various levels and reached important consensuses.

In a telephone conversation in February, the two heads of state, who have maintained contact through phone calls and letters, agreed to build a constructive China-U.S. relationship and step up cooperation. In addition, Trump reversed his earlier stance and pledged to honor the one China policy, the political bedrock of bilateral ties.

Senior officials of the two countries have also exchanged visits to prepare for the presidential meeting. While visiting Beijing last month, Tillerson vowed to develop bilateral relations on the basis of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, a principle Beijing has championed to describe its vision for China-U.S. ties.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1979, the two countries have witnessed twists and turns in their relationship, but have nonetheless become highly interdependent with their interests getting increasingly intertwined.

China is now the largest trading partner of the United States. Last year, two-way trade reached 519.6 billion U.S. dollars. In comparison, the figure was 2.5 billion dollars in 1979.

Meanwhile, economic cooperation with China has been vital to job creation in the United States, the U.S.-China Business Council said in a report in January. Bilateral trade and investment supported some 2.6 million jobs in the United States across a range of industries in 2015, while Chinese products also help lower costs for U.S. consumers.

Although they still have many differences and frictions, with trade and currency among the major thorny issues, the two sides have sought to properly manage them and expand common ground, as the world craves a healthy relationship between the two countries.

Noting that the first Xi-Trump meeting takes place just two and a half months after Trump assumed office, Robert Hormats, vice chairman of Kissinger Associates, an international consulting firm based in New York City, said such an early tete-a-tete will not only benefit both countries, but also serve "multilateral interests."

A successful presidential meeting will publicly convey a message that the two countries are not caught in an "adversarial relationship" and will work together to solve problems through "constructive dialogue," he added.

Joseph Nye, a renowned U.S. foreign policy expert, told Xinhua in an email interview that he is optimistic about China-U.S. relations for the long term.

"The U.S. and China will both compete and cooperate, but they have more gain from the cooperation dimension of the relationship," he said.
TIRANA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian government decided Thursday to cut the value added tax for the sector of tourism from the current level of 20 percent to only 6 percent as a way to boost investments in this sector and formalize it, the cabinet said.

The reduction of tax had been long requested by the tour operators and businesses operating in this sector, considering it as among the highest in region.

Considering that Albania gained over one billion euros (1.07 billion U.S. dollars) during 2016 from the sector of tourism, the government has decided to lower tax on tourism facilities in order to also promote the formalization of the sector, Albanian minister of finance Arben Ahmetaj told reporters.

According to him, recent data showed that tourism has become one of the main contributors of economic growth and employment in Albania and therefore the government believes that it should be promoted with a serious fiscal facilitation from 20 pct to 6 pct.

Ahemtaj said that VAT reduction in the sector of tourism put Albania into competitive levels with the other countries of the region, but even with the other countries that have a strong tourism industry.

Through this measure, the Albanian government intends to add a new impulse to the sector, the minister said.

Also the business community welcomed the government's initiative to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 20 pct to 6 pct for accommodation facilities in the tourism sector.

At a joint press conference, heads of business associations operating in the market, praised this initiative as very important for the development of this sector.
BISHKEK, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Chinese companies doing business in Kyrgyzstan met here on Thursday with the country's First Deputy Prime Minister and co-chairman of the Kyrgyz-Chinese intergovernmental commission Muhammetkaly Abulgaziev.

The meeting was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Xiao Qinghua, the Kyrgyz Government's press service reported.

Xiao said China highly values good-neighborly relations with Kyrgyzstan and is committed to strengthening relations in all areas of cooperation. "We are ready to develop bilateral cooperation in all areas of the economy, particularly in the fields of agriculture, transport and infrastructure."

"China is ready to discuss proposals for investment, implementation of joint major projects. China is interested in bringing our cooperation to a higher, new level. We are not going to stop on what has been achieved, we intend to boost our cooperation," the Ambassador said.

Speaking at the meeting, Abulgaziev said that China is a friendly neighbor for Kyrgyzstan, a reliable partner.

"Kyrgyzstan is open to foreign investors and is interested in attracting investments in the national economy of the country. We are trying to create favorable conditions for doing business in our country, including for foreign entrepreneurs. Our good-neighborly relations with China are based on mutual understanding and respect, and we intend to develop them, particularly in the economic sphere," Abulgaziev said.

Representatives of Chinese companies talked about the achievements in the implementation of their projects in Kyrgyzstan, especially in the mining industry, energy and transport infrastructure.

The two sides also discussed further joint work aimed at the effective development of partnership in the trade and economic sphere.

The Kyrgyz official stressed Kyrgyzstan always supports investors and is open for their suggestions in improving the conditions for doing business in the country.
VIENNA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern on Thursday gave his approval to the commencement of the EU's refugee relocation system, a day after news that Austria would not receive an exemption from it.

In an interview with the Oe1 Mittagsjournal radio program, Kern said 50 unaccompanied minors will be admitted into Austria, though what happens after that remains somewhat open.

As part of the deal struck in 2015, Austria is obligated to accept about 1,900 refugees from Italy and Greece by September.

Kern initially appealed to the European Commission last week, making the case that Austria should be exempt in that since it had already taken in a large number of refugees that had arrived in the country illegally.

This was subsequently rejected by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who said Austria is obligated to hold to the terms it had agreed upon.

Kern still believed there can be room for negotiation on the remaining larger portion of the refugee intake, however.

He said further discussions with the European Commission will take place in future.
VIENNA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- A 16-year-old Austrian teenager appeared to have prevented a school attack in Germany after being told of plans by another youth during an internet chat, the newspaper Kurier reported on Thursday.

The teenager was chatting with a German of the same age in the early hours of Wednesday. The latter based in Lower Saxony, unveiled the plans to "clean up" his school.

He also sent photos of weapons, and named the Sollingschule school in the city of Uslar as his target.

The Linz-based Austrian saved the contents of the online chat, and took it to a local police station on Wednesday morning. Two officers on duty acted quickly, and informed their German counterparts of the potential threat.

Through the detailed contents of the chat, the police were able to discern the identity of the youth in question.

Later as the school was warned of the threat, the police apprehended the suspect at home. He admitted the plans, which he claimed were due to frustration at being bullied.

The authorities said the situation had been precarious, with further evidence of the planned attack found at the suspect's home, including knives, an axe, a bow, along with a name list of possible targets and a farewell letter.

Students were given the day off as a precaution, and the police searched the school for further signs of a threat.
SKOPJE, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Macedonian economy grew by 2.4 percent in 2016 and is expected to grow by 2.8 percent in 2017 and 3.3 percent in 2018, World Bank representatives said Thursday.

While presenting its latest economic report on the Western Balkans, World Bank country director for the region, Ellen Goldstein, told reporters Macedonia's economic growth had significantly slowed during 2016.

The slowdown came as a result of lowered investments due to the political crisis here, she said.

Goldstein told reporters that Macedonia's debt had increased, which also created concern.

However, the World Bank representatives noted that the achieved growth of 2.4 percent had contributed to job creation in Macedonia.

Consumption was the main generator of growth, supported by improvements in the labor market and higher salaries, as well as public sector transfers, the report said.

World Bank officials said Macedonia needed fiscal consolidation and structural reforms in order to stabilize the public debt.

The political crisis here has further deepened following the Dec. 11 elections which have failed to lead to the formation of a new government.

Currently, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) party is requesting for parliamentary proceedings to continue after they were suspended, so as to pave the way for the creation of a new government.

The request comes after Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov refused to mandate SDSM leader Zoran Zaev to form new government even though Zaev had secured, through a coalition, a majority of seats in parliament: 67 out of 120.

Rival party VMRO-DPMNE, on the other hand, is demanding fresh general elections.
BRATISLAVA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Slovak government is trying to attract 100 potential investments that may create up to 30,000 new jobs, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced in parliament on Thursday.

"The investments are worth a combined 2.5 billion euros (2.66 billion U.S. dollars)," stressed Fico.

He also mentioned online retail giant Amazon's confirmed plans to build a strategic services center in Sered in western Slovakia. Fico said this should ultimately create 1,000 new jobs.

As for the investment by car maker Jaguar Land Rover, "this plant will create close to 3,000 jobs, and an additional 6,000 jobs in the supplier network," explained Fico. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollars)
KHARTOUM, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned the metro bombing attack which took place on Monday in the Russian city of St. Petersburg and left many civilians dead.

It expressed condolences for the government and people of Russia and the families of the victims.

The ministry further voiced Sudan's solidarity with Russia in whatever measures it takes to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens against all criminal acts.

At least 10 people were killed and 50 others injured in two bomb attacks at two metro stations in St. Petersburg on Monday, according to Russian media.
Infantry forces from member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization start a seven-day joint training exercise in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ning)

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 6 (Xinhua) -- China will make efforts to improve security cooperation among members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said Chinese State Councilor Guo Shengkun here Thursday.

China is ready to work jointly to increase mutual political support and cement strategic mutual trust among SCO members, said Guo, when addressing the 12th session of the SCO security council secretaries in the Kazakh capital of Astana.

China proposes to improve the legal basis for security cooperation and actively push for the signing of an SCO anti-extremism treaty, said Guo, who is also the Chinese Minister of Public Security.

Guo urged efforts to enhance the effectiveness of security cooperation, to counter the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and to deepen cooperation in cyber security and drug control.

In addition, he called for further establishment of regional anti-terrorist bodies so that communications and coordination among SCO members can be improved.

Before the session, Guo conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and good wishes to Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and he spoke highly of Kazakhstan' s work after it assumed the rotating presidency of the SCO.

Established in 2001, the SCO is a regional political, economic and security organization that groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members.
OSLO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Norway and the European Union (EU) have agreed to increase the tax-free import quota for cheese to Norway by 1,200 tons while import quotas for meat shall in total increase by 2,550 tons, online newspaper Nettavisen reported Thursday.

The two parties agreed on a new deal by Article 19 of the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, which relates to trade in agricultural products.

"We have given the EU quota increases where we already have existing import. At the same time the new agreement will create opportunities for more imports of food specialties," said Norwegian Agriculture Minister Jon Georg Dale.

According to the Article 19 of the EEA agreement, Norway and EU shall every two years go through the terms of trade in agricultural products with the aim of increasing trade.

The new agreement formally enters into force once it has been approved by both parties. Last time it took almost two years for the EU's part, Nettavisen reported.

According to Dale, the agreement will only lead to a small degree of import increase. He pointed out that the EU has mostly licenses for products where there is already import at standard customs charges or where there is a long-term import need.

Following the agreement, the tax-free import quota for cheese increases to 8,400 tons. However, last year's import of cheese from the EU was more than 11,300 tons, which means that a lot came to Norway outside the quota and at standard custom charges.

The agreement shall now be translated into all the EU languages and be submitted to the EU council of ministers. At the same time, Norwegian parliament will do their part, the report said.

According to Nettavisen, the negotiations have been a "political explosive" for both sides of the table. While the EU is fighting hard to put down the Norwegian trade barriers, Norwegian farmers fear that they could be out-competed if the tax-free quotas increase and tariffs go down.

"The reason why we spend a lot of time on these negotiations is that we from the Norwegian side have a wish to safeguard Norwegian interests in the best possible way. This makes negotiations like this demanding," Dale told Norwegian news agency NTB last month.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-07 05:22:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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QUITO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's president-elect Lenin Moreno expressed on Thursday that his government would seek to maintain "refreshing and positive" international relations.

"Our intention is for our relations with all the countries in the world to be highly refreshing and positive," said Moreno, when addressing the corps of ambassadors to Ecuador during a conference.

"I feel great emotion in receiving you as I consider myself a citizen of the world. For us, it is very useful and refreshing to receive the ambassadors," added the president-elect.

Moreno expressed that he believes in a "respectful world in which we can create brotherhoods to fulfill our dreams. Ecuador's embassies will become promoters of the country, and our proposal is to improve international relations."

The president-elect was also congratulated by the ambassadors, who delivered the best wishes on behalf of their respective countries.

U.S. ambassador to Ecuador Todd Chapman, expressed his optimism about maintaining "an excellent relationship" between both countries.

"Our relationship with the United States is and will continue to be extraordinary, and it is our main trading partner," responded Moreno.

He also reiterated his decision to continue supporting the peace process in Colombia, as that country's peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN) are currently taking place in Ecuador.

"We will to everything within our power to help our Colombian brothers," said Moreno.

He also told the diplomats that Ecuador had seen political stability for 10 years under the presidency of Rafael Correa.

"The 10 years have allowed us to strengthen democracy and institutions," he remarked, adding that his victory in the presidential elections would guarantee a continuity of ideas with Correa, who will step down on May 24.
MINSK, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Belarus Foreign Ministry said that "the method of shouting and lecturing, which is most often used by the European Parliament, does not work with Belarus."

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday criticized the resolution of the European Parliament on the situation in the country.

The Press Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Dmitry Mironchik said the Belarusian side regrets the fact that members of the European Parliament "did not have enough time or desire to get acquainted with the official point of view on the events that took place two weeks ago and clarify all the issues in a direct dialogue."

Mironchik said that they are ready to discuss any topics with their foreign partners, provide answers to any questions, including those on which the positions of the two countries diverge.

The criticism should be constructive and unbiased, taking into account the objective realities and processes going on in the country and the region as a whole, the official said.

The diplomat also stressed that the Belarusian side understands that "overcoming anti-Belarus cliches takes time and political wisdom."
CAIRO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Presidency announced Thursday that the meeting between Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in the White House has heralded a new phase of relations between Egypt and the United States.

"President Sisi held significant meetings during his U.S. visit with senior officials of the new administration," state-run MENA news agency quoted spokesman for Egyptian presidency Alaa Youssif as saying.

Egypt's Sisi concluded on Thursday a six-day visit to the United States where he met with Trump and a number of U.S. military, economic and political officials.

The visit came after years of rift in Egypt-U.S. relations following the ouster of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi by the army in 2013.

The spokesman said it was clear at all meetings that the U.S. side is very much interested in boosting relations with Egypt, adding that the U.S. officials expressed appreciation for the major Egyptian role in the region.

"They also voiced eagerness to work together for overcoming joint challenges," he added.

The spokesman pointed out that the meetings of the president in the U.S. Defense Department were important as joint military cooperation is one of the most important pillars of relations between the two countries.

"The two sides share the same keenness on cooperation for fighting terrorism," added the spokesman.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said that he will visit Egypt later this month to resume talks on enhancing joint cooperation in the military and security domains, the spokesman said.

According to Youssif, the Egyptian president also underlined the necessity of stopping supplying terrorist groups with weapons and funds.

"President Sisi also held lengthy talks in the U.S. Congress and met with several House members where he expounded the recent developments in Egypt and the region," the spokesman revealed.

The president held several other meetings with the civil society and business community along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and major U.S. companies that are interested in operating in Egypt, Youssif said.

President Sisi held important meetings with the chiefs of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund where the two international officials lauded the brave economic decisions that have been recently adopted by the Egyptian government, he added.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Interior Minister Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar praised the outcome of the current visit by Sisi to the U.S., pointing out that the visit will have a positive impact on the fight against terrorism.

In an interview with MENA, Abdel-Ghaffar said that President Sisi and his U.S. counterpart have expressed determination to unify efforts to defeat terrorism.

He said he expects security cooperation between Cairo and Washington to increase in the coming period to put an end to this international phenomenon.

"Since his first day in office, President Sisi has warned of the growing threat of terrorism, not only on Arab countries but also on all the world countries," Abdel-Ghaffar said.

Therefore, he noted, the international community should coordinate efforts to fight terrorism and put an end to terrorist attacks, which hit several European countries recently.

Egyptian Investment and International Cooperation Minister Sahar Nasr announced that the U.S. side expressed keenness on pumping new investments into Egypt in the coming period.

"The U.S. side voiced keenness on investing in several sectors in Egypt, including renewable energy, transportation, industry and infrastructure," Nasr said in a press statement earlier.

The minister said she held a series of meetings with U.S. companies, ahead of President Sisi's visit to Washington, to discuss means of removing obstacles to doing business in Egypt.

She further revealed that a U.S. business delegation will visit Egypt soon.

Commenting on the visit of President Sisi to Washington, the U.S. Embassy's Press Attache in Cairo Brian Shott said on Thursday that talks between Trump and Sisi were "so constructive."

Speaking to reporters, Shott said the visit was a chance to cement relations and partnership between the two countries just as the U.S. president asserted.

The discussions between the two countries would continue and Trump had stressed Washington's commitment to support Egypt in its fight against terrorism, he said, adding that the security cooperation between Egypt and the U.S. was important and a cornerstone for the bilateral relations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-07 06:07:07|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal (R) and French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve attend a press conference after their meeting in Algiers, Algeria on April 6, 2017. French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve is in Algeria for a two-day visit. (Xinhua)

ALGIERS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Algeria and France on Thursday signed here 10 cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding in different domains, as part of the visit of French Prime Minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, to the North African nation.

The signing ceremony was attended by Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and his French counterpart, Cazeneuve.

They held talks in Algiers before signing the agreements, stressing on the necessity to overcome the conflicting issues hindering the development of economic cooperation and partnership between the two nations.

Bilateral cooperation under the national policy aiming at diversifying the oil-dependent economy has been given a new impetus," Sellal added, admitting that "bilateral cooperation witnessed a little reluctance in recent years."

Cazeneuve said that his visit to Algeria "has been an opportunity to assess an exceptional era in our bilateral relations highlighted by the numerous ministerial visits between the two countries since 2012."

He further noted that he discussed with Sellal major regional issues, including the crisis in Libya, the developments in Mali, as well as appropriate means to counter terrorism in the region."

Despite growing economic partnership, Algiers and Paris are still unable to overcome their "painful" past, therefore lagging behind in terms of normalizing bilateral ties.

Algerians are whipping France of not admitting crimes in Algeria during the 130 years long colonial era in this North African nation.
Petrotrin bunkering resumes

In a media release on Tuesday, Petrotrin stated that the vessel will be on hire to the company for a one year period initially, while arrangements are being made for purchase of the companys own double hull bunker barge to replace the Marabella - a single hull barge which was decommissioned in 2015 September. According to the FleetMon website, the Valme B is registered in Panama and has a dead weight of 6936 tonnes and was built in 2008. The ships destination was listed as Pointea- Pierre, Trinidad six days ago.

Petrotrin said the wet lease charter arrangement allows company representatives to be on board the vessel along with the vessels own crew to deliver bunkers to ships in local waters as well as offshore Trinidad.

It also allows for the possibility of bunker/ cargo delivery regionally.

The resumption of bunkering operations is expected to increase Petrotrins revenue by moving some cargo from the international market back into the regional bunker market. Bunker deliveries are expected to commence within the first week of 2017 April. Bunker fuel is the generic term given to any fuel poured into a ships bunkers to power its engines. Deep sea cargo ships typically burn the heavy, residual oil left over after gasoline, diesel and other light hydrocarbons are extracted from crude oil during the refining process
Judge to rule in Boombay case next week

Kokaram, at the close of submissions yesterday in Boneys false imprisonment claim, said he will give his decision on Thursday of next week.

At yesterdays hearing, Boneys lawyers contended that the police damaged his reputation by the allegations made against him.

Attorney Lee Merry, who with Kelston Pope is representing Boney, argued that the police never justified their arrest and detention of his client despite advancing a defence that it was legally done under the Emergency Powers Regulations.

Boney in his lawsuit is claiming between $400,000 and $500,000 in compensation.

Merry also said the State failed to provide the reports and police files which detailed the alleged plot and Boneys alleged involvement.

In defence of the polices actions, lead counsel for the Attorney General Coreen Findley said the report was confidential and could not be disclosed as it dealt with matters of national security.

On Tuesday, retired deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Mervyn Richardson defended Boneys arrest and detention, saying the police had cogent, compelling intelligence that something bad was to happen.

We had to act, Richardson said.

Boney was one of some 17 people, including a police sergeant, who were arrested in connection with an alleged threat to assassinate Persad-Bissessar and three members of Cabinet as well as create public disorder and panic.

He was released on December 5, 2011, when the SOE ended, without being charged after being in custody for some five days.

Richardson said Boneys name was on the list of suspects and surveillance and discreet inquiries were conducted by police.

Attorney Rachael Thurab also appears for the Attorney General.
Schoolgirl assaulted

When she slumped into an unconscious state, the driver drove to a house in the Fort George area.

The standard five schoolgirl later told police when she revived, she found herself naked on a bed inside a house whose walls were painted green. Also on the bed and naked, was the driver. The man began to rub himself on the child and attempted to have intercourse, but she squirmed and fought.

The child later told police that the man told her to open her mouth as he stood over her, but she refused and turning away, begged to be released. He then allowed her to get dressed and took her out of the house and into the car. He took the child to a nearby parlour, bought her some ice cream and then dropped her off at a location near her home.

The child told her mother of the ordeal and a report was made to the police. Officers took the child to District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Mootoo who confirmed that no sexual penetration had taken place.

The case was then referred to the Child Protection Unit (CPU) and detective PC Green and other officers searched for the taxi driver who was detained on Tuesday.

The man is expected to be placed on an Identification Parade, following which he faces a number of criminal charges. CPU officers yesterday advised parents to teach their children, from an early age, about the dangers of accepting food items, snacks, drinks and toys from strangers.

They added that where possible, students should travel in groups and again if possible, utilize licensed school bus drivers.

Police said that this is the second incident this year in which a schoolgirl has been sexually assaulted by a taxi driver in West Trinidad.
No water, so prisoners bathe in sea

The pump, located near water tanks, is supposed to pump water to the cell blocks. While officials wait for a replacement part to be sourced and sent to the island, prison officers have decided to allow prisoners to bathe in the sea, at 6 am and again at 4 pm, daily.

Inmates are given only one litre of drinking water a day and have not been able to wash their clothes or flush toilets because of the water problem.

Relatives of the inmates, who contacted Newsday, said they (the inmates) are fed-up with the situation and that life in prison is miserable enough with the dry taps making life almost unbearable.

President of the Prison Officers Association Ceran Richards confirmed yesterday that a pump has been down and that officers too have been adversely affected.

He said there was a proposal, some years ago, to run a water line from Nelson Island to Carrera to cut costs, but this never happened, for unexplained reasons. He said information being bandied about is that someone is paid close to $30,000 a week to supply water on a barge to the island prison and he wants the authorities to conduct a feasibility study to ascertain if this cost could be cut by running a line direct from Nelson Island.

We hope the administrators deal with the problem quickly because water is essential for the overall maintenance of people, Richards said, adding that Carrera is also badly in need of other repairs. Another problem is that prison officers have no waiting area and no facilities to board the boat that takes them to Carrera.

We have been asking for that for years, he said, And nothing has been done to accommodate officers at Hardscot Bay. The association will be aggressively pursuing this going forward. Richards said the budget for 2016/2017, has a $1.5 million allocation to deal with Carreras water problem, but to date, no remedial action has been done.
Cops warn about highway robbery

In a release issued yesterday, the police also called on those who may have been victims of such scams to report the matter to the nearest police station.

Reports are that those engaged in the scam create a situation where their vending carts make contact with the vehicle of an unsuspecting driver.

The scam artiste then accuses the driver of causing damage to his cart and demands money.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) advises motorists that in the event an accident has occurred in the manner as described, a report should be made to the nearest police station.

The TTPS further advises against any private arrangement to settle. Yesterday head of the Police Highway Patrol and Traffic Branch Senior Supt Baldeo Nanan, advised drivers to desist from buying items from these vendors who are operating illegally on the highway.

He said the police highway patrol officers and traffic branch will soon launch a campaign to advise drivers about these illegal acts.
Activist: Help male victims of domestic violence

He was speaking at a panel discussion at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), Maracas/St Joseph, hosted by the group USC Speak Out on Monday.

He related how uneasy he once felt as a strapping schoolboy when a female school employee kept telling him how handsome he was and how she had wished he were just a little bit older.

I felt so uncomfortable, Edwards said. How do you act? This is someone I had to see everyday. He said gender-based violence (GBV) starts in little things but develops into something worse. He said GBV could include the case of a woman who felt she had the right to rub up her body on an unwitting male. Edwards spoke about an online video-clip of a woman beating a man and angrily asking, Whos Sharon? a scenario which many viewers had laughed at.

Yet we are not seeing that as equal to a man being abusive.

If a gay man says my partner is beating me, the police will say go from here! or laugh at him. He urged that the Constitution be amended to refer to gender to help both gay men and women.

Edwards lamented that while one prominent gay lobby had highlighted that two men were recently killed, probably because to their gender identity, the conversation had ended there.

Edwards later condemned Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowleys controversial remark that he cant be in every womans bedroom to stop GBV so they should choose their men wisely.

He said the PM should have been more empathetic since a man during the courting phase will rarely show his bad side which may be unearthed later.

Further, unforeseen circumstances occur over time that can bring out negatives, such as a man losing his job in a recession.

We shouldnt be victim blaming or victim shaming.
Chamber considers legal action over Galicias removal

The owner of the vessel has given the Government two weeks notice which effectively ends a month-to-month rental arrangement and will remove the ship from the sea bridge on April 14.

Speaking at an emergency media conference at the chambers Scarborough office on Monday evening, head of the Inter-island Transport Committee Dianne Hadad said the body will be looking at its legal options to safeguard private- sector interests.

This has been a little too much for too long, and if we add to that the Land Licence Act that has been implemented and multiply it, I can imagine that many people will be sitting behind bars for the losses that we would have incurred as a private sector, she said.

Hadad called on Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan to enter into urgent negotiations to replace the Superfast Galicia, the only cargo boat operating between the two islands.

It is about time that we get something, and something that works for Tobago and the business community. Sadly, we seem to be in a position where we are accustomed to being reactive, so it is only when something happens then the whole of Trinidad and Tobago wakes up, she said.

Hadad dismissed the idea of using a barge to transport goods between the islands as inappropriate owing to its open design, which leaves its contents exposed to the elements. She said she had been told by Trinidad suppliers that the barge was not a viable option.

They indicated quite clearly their goods are not going on a barge, because they are taking no losses with regard to rusted caps and that sort of exposure that takes places coming across the salt water. This has happened years ago. We have experienced this.

and many companies had some serious losses when we attempted to use the barges, and rusty caps were a real problem by the time the goods got here.

Further to that, offloading the barge is usually a serious problem  the port, the hours  and I am not sure why Tobago must continue to work hours that Trinidadians either party or sleep. Chamber chairman Demi John Cruickshank said his team was only made aware of the removal of the Superfast Galicia from the sea bridge on Sunday by newspaper reports.

We are very, very disappointed that a move like this happened and the stakeholders were not called before we read this on the media.

The Superfast Galicia coming out of service in Tobago will not primarily affect the Tobago businesses, it will directly affect the people of Tobago, Cruickshank contended.

He said chamber members had said they would not be using a barge for the transportation of goods and services between the islands, and the last time Tobago was in such a crisis with the ferries was in 1939, when the option of a barge was offered.

The chairman (of the chamber) then refused a barge to bring goods to Tobago. In 2017, this chairman is refusing any barge to bring any goods for anybody in Tobago. It is totally unacceptable.
Calls for swift action on procurement legislation

The organisation said the PNM manifesto, which had been adopted as national Government policy, stated that the PNM will waste no time addressing this very important issue. We will move swiftly to make the necessary improvements to the Public Procurement Act in order to remove loopholes, limitations and weakness that currently exist in the legislation, and, in consultation with all stakeholders, establish and implement a realistic timetable for the full implementation of the Act. The organisation said that in the 2016-2017 budget, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said it was Governments intention to operationalise the new public procurement system in 2017.

The minister had added that they expected that the procurement regulator and the Board of Procurement Regulation would be appointed and all required public procurement units would be established within six months. The group said as a major stakeholder, it has not been called to service, despite the ministers assurance that they would be included in the process.

Our collective goal is to reduce avenues for corruption and wastage of public funds. We would have preferred not to have to go public with our concerns.

To this end, the PSCSG wrote the Minister of Finance on two occasions - August 3, 2016, and February 3, 2017, outlining a way forward. To date, the PSCSG has not been afforded the courtesy of a response, the group said.

The organisation said it wrote to the minister on April 3 drawing to his attention its concerns.

The group said it was crucial that a regulator and deputy regulator be appointed in a transparent manner.
FATAL LOVE TRIANGLE

Both men remain in police custody assisting investigators.

Police will now rely on ballistics and gunpowder residue tests to determine which man pulled the trigger and killed Melissa Melly Mohammed-Ramkissoon, 32.

Mohammed-Ramkissoons relative who is 35, told officers at Chaguanas Police Station that a 28-year-old friend of the family was the one who shot her in the car. The friend, who exited the car and ran off after the shot was fired, is claiming that Mohammed- Ramkissoons relative was the one who shot her and is trying to frame him, for her murder.

Mohammed-Ramkissoon and the two men all live at Cedar Hill Road in Claxton Bay. According to reports, the relative was driving his Nissan Tiida with Mohammed- Ramkissoon and the friend as passengers, en route to Chaguanas to purchase a vehicle.

During the trip, the three are said to have started arguing with each other and a shot was fired.

As Mohammed-Ramkissoon slumped forward in the front passenger seat, the friend who was sitting in the back, jumped out of the car and ran off while the relative drove to the Chaguanas police station where Mohammed- Ramkissoon was pronounced dead. The relative was arrested. At 11 am yesterday, the friend surrendered to police at Freeport Police Station.

After the body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre, officers carried out a search of the car and found a revolver under one of the seats. They also found 12 rounds of ammunition in the trunk. The revolver contained five rounds and a spent shell. When asked about the ammunition in the trunk, Mohammed- Ramkissoon relative said he knew nothing about it.

Officers have taken swabs from the hands of both the relative and friend which will be examined for gunshot residue to determine who is the killer. The friend is adamant he had nothing to do with Mohammed-Ramkissoons murder and is seeking legal counsel.

Officers went to the friends house where relatives claimed they have not seen him since Tuesday during the daytime.

Police sources refused to confirm a report that a stack of love letters written by Mohammed- Ramkissoon was found in a house in Cedar Hill Road. Police yesterday transported the car and gun to the Special Evidence Recovery Unit (SERU) in Cumuto for ballistic tests. When Newsday visited Mohammed-Ramkissoons home yesterday no one was at home but residents said they learned of the death via media reports.

The couple lived alone, residents claimed. Inspector Jones, Cpl Radhaykissoon and other officers of the Homicide Bureau (Region III) are continuing investigations.
Young: Small fish catch big fish

 Young said analyses of white-collar crime show, there is somebody who sits up in the clouds called a big fish. He continued, Down below the big fish, there are some small fish who are critical to the carrying out of crime.

While the big fish make the collection of evidence to prosecute them difficult, Young explained, Those small fish are the ones who very frequently have left their fingerprints and their footprints on the scene of the crime.

The minister said when the small fish are held and presented with the evidence gathered against them, they can now enter into discussions and give up the big fish because if they agree to plead guilty to lesser offences or not put themselves through a trial, it can be part of the discussion how they provide that evidence, that nexus, that link with the big fish. Stating that plea discussion has featured in this countrys legislation since 1999, Young said it is a, very important element in the criminal justice system. Apart from being a useful tool in curbing white-collar crime and corruption, Young said, It applies equally of course to crimes which have to do with narcotics, illegal drugs and firearms. As he assured Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar that there are safeguards in the legislation to prevent a guilty person from going free, Young cited the victim impact statement as an important feature of the bill.

Noting that businesses and children can be victims of crime, Young said this mechanism allows victims to participate in this legal process.

However, St Augustine MP Prakash Ramadhar questioned whether this bill could facilitate the manufacturing of evidence to free a guilty person. In the prisons today, word has come to me that the boys are salivating for this legislation, he claimed. Ramadhar further alleged, They are salivating because the most immediate beneficiaries of this thing, are those who have multiple charges before the courts. He warned, This scalpel could turn into a dagger. However, Ramadhar added this did not mean the Opposition was not supporting the bill.

We created it. We want it. We need it but we must do it right, he said. Describing the bill as so-so law, Ramadhar told Government MPs, We are going to help you fix it. He reiterated, This thing is subject to incredible mischief and that is the link.

There is no penalty in this legislation to deal with those people. Ramadhar also said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has no authority to place a person under witness protection.

Public Utilities Minister Fitzgerald Hinds supported Youngs position that there were sufficient safeguards in the bill.

Making passing reference to former attorney general Anand Ramlogan recently dropping a matter against him, Hinds said he initially wanted to continue the matter but decided against it.

I did it grudgingly, Hinds remarked.

Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal later said in February 1999 as an Opposition MP, Hinds opposed the idea of plea discussion legislation because innocent persons could be framed. Claiming Hinds would not be able to deal with what he was going to say, Moonilal invited Hinds to leave the Parliament Chamber before the tea break.

Hinds declined that invitation.
Wade Mark: EMBD a runaway horse

Meanwhile, the auditing firm PriceWaterCooper is conducting an audit of a $400 million project to build access roads undertaken by the EMBD in 2015.

Chairman of the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee (PAEC) Wade Mark described the EMBD yesterday as a runaway horse that needs to be corralled because of lack of oversight on financial accounts.

The accusation was made at a meeting of the PAEC at the Parliament building, Port-of-Spain.

The meeting assessed the financial operations of the EMBD for the period 2008 to 2010.

Among those owed are 31 large contractors (over $35 million), 19 medium contractors (between $12 to $35 million), 65 small contractors (between $2 to $12 million) and 19 micro contractors (less than $2 million).

These include outstanding payments for Voluntary Separation of Employment Package (VSE P) contractors, VSE P consultants, agricultural access roads, fish landing, fence line, road projects, miscellaneous and legal claims.

According to EMBD chairman Shameer Mohammed, Namalco is claiming $1.3 billion is owed to it but the EMBD claims it owes the company $9 million for which a cheque in that sum has been made out as an interim payment. The matter is before the court. He said an internal auditor is expected to hired within the next two weeks.

Senior Audit Analyst in the Ministry of Finance Varuna Ramdial said, We were not aware there was no internal auditor at the EMBD. Member David Small questioned the relationship between the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and EMBD.

The EMBD, it was revealed, has been affected by a high rate of turn over of staff with over 50 percent of the general staff being hired less than a year ago.

It is without a chief executive officer (CEO), a divisional manager  corporate services, and divisional manager  projects. The vacancies are to be advertised over the next four to six weeks, Mohammed said.

The last CEO, he said, was sent on leave to facilitate an audit and his last working day on the job was last Friday. On the audit, Mohammed said PWC was hired to deal with the award of the $400 million contracts awarded to five contractors to build ten by-pass roads in mid 2015.

The scope of PWC would be to ascertain whether or not there was any fraud, cost overrun, bid-rigging, variations in quality and quantity of works, he said.

Asked whether the work fell within the EMBDs remit, he said, If you have received an instruction from your line ministry to undertake certain works, subject to the respective approvals, be it Cabinet or otherwise, one would have no option but to execute the mandate of the line ministry. Member Shamfa Cudjoe said the EMBD has a strong record of recklessness and mismanagement and based on the reports it was unbelievable that contracts which started at $67 million ended up at $334 million in variations and $66 million evolved into $659 million in variations.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Angela Siew said variations in contracts go to Cabinet for approval. On a 1,000 percent increase in variations in a contract, Siew said with changes in the ministries, inconsistencies might not have been picked up.

Siew, who assumed her current post eight months ago, said it was difficult for the ministry to answer things from the past.

She said the history of EMBD shows that it has been moved around several ministries. From 2002 to 2015 and to the present, it has been under the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Food Production and Marine Affairs, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. It has been under the Ministry of Agriculture since September 2015.
Her father is typically Finnish and also humble and shy, while her Chinese mother is open and easy-going. Both parents have an appreciation of hard work.

"I'm very good at coping in new situations, in new environments."

Shirly Karvinen, the 24-year-old reigning Miss Finland

Shirly Karvinen, 24, the reigning Miss Finland, feels she embodies the best of her parents' characteristics. She started earning money by working hard at the age of 14, selling magazines over the phone.

"I could earn 400 euros in one month when I was 14," said Karvinen, who was crowned Miss Finland 2016 in May.

Karvinen said her complexion, partially inherited from her mother, has also been an advantage.

"I'm a little bit darker than most Finns and this helped me stand out in the Miss Finland competition," she said.

Karvinen said she feels "proud and honored" that President Xi Jinping is visiting Finland this week.

"I am proud of having two motherlands," she said. "I am very much looking forward to President Xi's visit and I believe this visit will promote mutual understanding."

Karvinen is keen to promote cultural understanding on a personal level.

"As I get older, I really think that it's a special thing that my mom is from China. I am very proud of my Chinese roots," she said.

Karvinen's mom is from Hubei province in Central China. Karvinen's parents met in Africa and the family spent seven years there before returning to Finland, where Karvinen attended primary school.

"I think that it's a very good thing because it gave me a very international background," she said. "I'm very good at coping in new situations, in new environments."

Her Finnish grandfather recognized her potential early and told her as a child she could become Miss Finland.

"It all started as a childhood dream but when I got older, and especially when I moved to Helsinki, then I realized that it is something that I really want to do," said Karvinen. "I wanted to be different, I want to show that there are all kinds of Finnish people."

As she pursued her dream of becoming Miss Finland and studied at a university in Helsinki, Karvinen continued the part-time job that she started when she was 14.

Since she won the title last May, she has been working to promote her country. The job will finish in September when a new Miss Finland will be crowned.

After that, she has aspirations to host a TV or radio show, and she wants to work abroad. She is also involved in advocacy work against school bullying.

She says that, as a youngster living in a small town in central Finland, she looked different from other children and was sometimes picked on.

Karvinen said: "As Miss Finland, I have been talking strongly against bullying and talking about my own experiences and trying to help people who are in the same situation."
Socialism sucks: Venezuela runs out of gas, despite having the worlds largest oil reserves

Truth be told, the socialist utopia of Venezuela really couldnt be any further from paradise. The authoritative regime in charge has been openly hostile towards the private sector for decades, leading to economic dislocation, empty shelves at the grocery stores and nationwide poverty. It has gotten so bad that many Venezuelans are resorting to digging through piles of trash in order to find something to eat. Crime rates in Venezuela are also through the roof, forcing people to live in fear alongside violent gangs that roam the streets. Given all of these problems, it would appear that it couldnt get any worse for the socialist country. Sadly, though, when big government is in control, things can always get worse.

Recently, hundreds of Venezuelans found themselves stranded in their cars in the middle of the streets as the countrys gas stations ran out of their supply of gasoline. This was certainly a shock to many, as Venezuela, an OPEC nation, was believed to have the worlds largest oil reserves. (RELATED: Thousands of people are currently trapped in Venezuela due to a passport shortage).

Of Venezuelas twenty-three states, eight of them have reported significant shortages in their supplies of gasoline  Miranda, Aragua, Lara, Barinas, Anzoategui, Nueva Esparta, Bolivar, and Monagas. Hundreds of cars in these states ran out of gas as they were waiting in seemingly endless lines to refill, significantly affecting the smooth flow of traffic.

Naturally, many residents expressed anger and frustration over the gasoline shortage. I have been to four or five gas stations and it has been impossible to fill my car, Jose Torres of Caracas explained to reporters. Student Freddy Bautista added, Yesterday, I went to three filling stations and I couldnt fill my tank. Ive been waiting 30 minutes here, and it seems like Ill be able to fill up today.

Even though Venezuelas oil reserves consist of some 298 billion barrels, the thickness of the oil requires it to be extensively refined before being sold to consumers. The Venezuelan government is reliant upon foreign nations to do this refining.

The newspaper El Carabobeno reported that the governments excuse for the lack of gasoline was weather delays, which prevented oil shipments coming in from abroad from being quickly and efficiently distributed. However, the paper disputed that claim: Within PDVSA there was knowledge that they could only bring to market 40,000 barrels of oil to meet a demand of 260,000 barrels weekly. PDVSA stands for Petroleos de Venezuela, the Venezuelan state oil corporation.

Last month, Venezuela increased its exports of oil up to 88,000 barrels per day to countries like Cuba and Nicaragua, according to PDVSA documents obtained by Reuters. At the same time that Venezuela was increasing the amount of oil it was exporting, PDVSA ran out of money to pay for the refined oil that the country imports from abroad.

PDVSA did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on the matter.

It is absolutely astonishing how many people in our own country support entrusting the federal government with more power and ultimately the establishment of a socialist state. All one has to do to know that socialism fails is look to Venezuela, a country that cant even make food and gasoline available to its people. Yet the most common arguments we hear from radical leftists like Bernie Sanders is that socialism leads to more fairness and more equality. They tell us that the redistribution of wealth is good for the economy because it gives everyone a fair shake. The obvious question, then, is that if socialism really is this paradise that liberals say it is, why is the socialist country of Venezuela currently teetering on the brink of collapse?

Sources

Breitbart.com

Yahoo.com

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Spanish security authorities in Catalonia announced Wednesday the arrest of a 19-year old Moroccan woman charged for apology and recruitment for the Islamic State group (IS).

The woman born in Morocco has lived in Catalonia for several years. She has been arrested at Terrasse, near Barcelona, local minister of the Interior of la Generalitat, Jordi Jane, said at a Parliament briefing.

The young woman, according to Catalonian official, had been active on social media to promote the terrorist group and incite sympathizers to go for jihad.

She posted around 213 propaganda messages on social media calling for her followers (173) to stage attacks and cause havoc in public places.

She is also accused of indoctrinating women for the benefit of IS and met one alleged IS terrorist who had been arrested previously in the region.

Her arrest was made possible thanks to Catalonia police at the request from the Audiencia Nacional, the countrys highest criminal court.
Morocco was ranked in 2016 fourth in world destination per flights to or from European airports after the United States, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, said Euronews.

In an article on the increasing airport security cooperation between Morocco and Europe, Euronews shed light on the importance of Casablancas airport as a hub that hosted 8 million passengers in 2016 and as a bridge between Europe, Africa and Latin America.

The same news outlet noted that at the Casablanca International Airport in Morocco between 150 and 200 flights take off to or from Europe daily.

Morocco, said Euronews, was also the first non-European state to be fully integrated into the working structures of EUROCONTROL, an international organization for safety in air navigation.

The same source added that EUROCONTROL experts are often in Morocco to coordinate a common workflow and data exchange with their Moroccan colleagues and to provide better services to airlines and passengers.

Quoting Zouhair Mohammed El Aoufir, CEO, Moroccan Airports Authority, Euronews said that Morocco guarantees air space continuity, with the same standards, safety, fluidity and security between Europe and the rest of the world.
Moroccan Saiss Water Conservation Project has gained support from the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

EBRD and partners are extending US$ 207 million for irrigation infrastructure projects that will protect agricultural production from the impacts of climate change.

According to Craig Davies, EBRD Head of Climate Resilience Investments, the funds will strengthen the climate resilience of critical infrastructure in the country, foster greater private sector involvement and benefit key sectors. The EBRD believes that successful economies should be competitive, green, well-governed, inclusive, resilient and integrated, he said.

In Morocco, water scarcity is being exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, and unsustainable groundwater use is leading to diminishing groundwater reserves. This poses a severe threat to agricultural production and rural livelihoods as more than 80 per cent of abstracted water is used for agricultural irrigation. Of the total agricultural land, only 15 per cent is irrigated, often with inefficient water use and management practices.

In response to climate change, the Morocco Saiss Water Conservation Project will improve the climate resilience of the countrys highly vulnerable agriculture sector, said the EBRD.

This will be achieved with a transformative water transfer scheme that will deliver more than 100 million cubic meters of irrigation water to the Saiss plain each year, thus enabling a switch from highly unsustainable groundwater to the use of sustainable surface water resources, as well as improving access to best-practice and efficient irrigation techniques.

The project will also bolster community involvement in water governance by scaling up technical skills and institutional capacities and promoting private sector involvement in the adoption of improved, modern irrigation infrastructure and equipment.

This will increase the efficiency of water use and services and promote drip irrigation and modern water demand management methods, strengthening the capacity for climate change adaptation in the Sebou-Saiss basin.

The GCF is a unique global initiative responding to climate change by investing in low-emission and climate-resilient development. It was established by 194 governments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries and to help adapt vulnerable societies to the impacts of climate change.
A member of the Iraqi forces walks past a mural bearing the logo of the Islamic State (IS) group in a tunnel that was reportedly used as a training center by the jihadists, on March 1, 2017, in the village of Albu Sayf, on the southern outskirts of Mosul. Photo: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images

As the world grapples with Bashar al-Assads war crimes, ISIS reminded everyone of its own gruesome brutality. CNN reports that the terror group murdered dozens, execution-style, in what is likely ISISs largest mass killing in 2017. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said ISIS slaughtered people in Syria, near the desert city of Deir ez-Zor, with sharp tools near the edge of a hole that became filled with blood. It is unclear whether the victims were Syrian rebels or government soldiers or ISIS prisoners, but they were reportedly young, between the ages of 18 and 25.

ISIS also waged a terror attack on civilians and police officers in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, which is south of Mosul, where Iraqi troops, with the support of the U.S.-led coalition, are waging a major, monthlong offensive to expel ISIS. According to Reuters, at least 30 people were killed and about 40 wounded overnight Tuesday after ISIS militants disguised as police officers entered the city and opened fire, and at least two detonated suicide vests. Iraqi troops recaptured Tikrit in the spring of 2015 from ISIS, but as the terror group loses ground and gets squeezed from its last big Iraqi stronghold, Mosul, its operatives are increasing their attacks across the country.
(L-R) Jared Kushner, Steve Bannon, Reince Priebus. Not pictured: what theyre holding in their left hands. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

In the wake of their failure to repeal Obamacare, Republicans have quickly pivoted to their next priority: maneuvering to pin the blame on each other for the failure. Some of the infighting has pitted Republicans in the Executive branch against those in the House. Some of it has pitted White House aides against each other. What follows is a guide to the latest developments in the partys fratricidal conflict.

President Trump wishes he didnt try to pass health-care reform before he tried infrastructure and tax cuts. According to CNN, Trump said he expressed regret at attempting to push through a health-care repeal effort before working on tax reform or an infrastructure package  both areas in which hes better versed than health care. (Trump does not actually understand infrastructure policy or tax policy well at all, but he believes he does, which is not the case with health-care reform.)

Trump is trying to pass health-care reform anyway. The White House held a meeting last night with House leaders pressing upon them the need to pass a bill quickly. A House aide said Pence and other White House officials painted a dire political picture of what would happen if Republicans fail to act on health care, reports the Washington Post, which describes the meeting as intense.

Politico goes farther. It was really bad, one source says.They were in total meltdown, total chaos mode. Priebus may or may not have threatened Ryans job if the bill fails:

At one point, according to three sources briefed on the meeting, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus suggested it could be detrimental to Ryans speakership if Republicans fail to pass a bill. Others disputed that characterization, saying the comments were not aimed specifically at Ryans but more broadly: As in, all Republican lawmakers jobs are in jeopardy if they dont deliver.

Priebus may get fired. One reason for the intensity of the meeting may be that Priebus himself is at risk of being sacked if the health-care bill does not pass. According to several people familiar with Trumps thinking, reports CNN, if this latest health-care gambit fails, Priebus is likely to catch the blame  and could be shown the door.

Trump is also angry at Steve Bannon. The chief strategist urged Trump to ram a bill through the House and dare members to oppose it, eventually culminating in a humiliating retreat. Bannons demotion from his position on the National Security Council is universally seen as a public rebuke by the president.

Bannon is fighting back against his internal enemies. Bannon has lashed out at Jared Kushner and Gary Cohn, his internal rivals for Trumps ear. Bannon is calling Cohn Globalist Gary, according to CNN, an apparent reference to Cohns background at Goldman Sachs. (Bannon also worked at Goldman Sachs, but sees himself as less of a rootless cosmopolitan international-banking elitist.)

Jonathan Swan reports, the hatred between the two wings is intense and irreconcilable, and that the Bannonites believe the liberals  another Bannonite term for the conventional Republicans advising Trump, who are not liberal  staged a coup and will turn Trump into a conventional squish who betrays the very voters who brought him to power. The Jared wing thinks the Bannonites are clinically nuts. Evidence suggests both sides are correct.

[Steve] recently vented to us about Jared being a globalist and a cuckHe actually said cuck, as in cuckservative, one administration official told the Daily Beast. (Cuckservative is an alt-right term, derived from cuckolding, to impugn mainstream conservatives as metaphorically or sexually impotent. The term also refers to the white-supremacist fixation with the white race losing its identity through miscegenation.)

According to Swan, Bannon is threatening to use his connections to right-wing media moguls to attack his adversaries. Steve has developed strong and important relationships with some of the most powerful right-leaning business leaders, a close Bannon ally outside of the White House tells Swan. I see some bad press in [Jareds] future.

The civil war is percolating down through the bureaucracy. According to another Politico story, many or even most agencies are riven with conflicts between Trump loyalists, who expected high positions in the administration, and regular Republicans, who have largely supplanted them.

There are people who moved here and signed a year lease, one longtime campaign staffer tells Politico. They got nothing for their loyalty to Trump. Were pissed off. Were angry. There are people who cant even look us in the eye because they know theyre [screwing] us.

The actual reasons for the failure of the health-care bill boil down to two things: first, the irreconcilable tension between public desire for more generous coverage and conservative demands for less, and the complete policy ignorance of the president, which made intra-party negotiation prohibitively difficult.

Obviously, those are not explanations Trump wants to hear. At the moment, he appears to be leaning toward the answers supplied to him by Kushner and Cohn. Bannon is reportedly telling people, I love a gunfight. But you dont bring a gun to the Night of the Long Knives.
Its been a rough few years for the Secret Service. Photo: Bruno Vincent/Getty Images

The ongoing controversy over Secret Service misconduct branched out into new territory last month with the theft of an agents laptop from a parked car in Brooklyn, but now theyre getting back to basics. CNN reported on Wednesday evening that a Secret Service agent on Vice-President Mike Pences detail has been suspended after he was caught meeting a prostitute in a Maryland hotel room.

According to a law-enforcement source, a hotel manager called the police to report suspicious activity in one of the rooms, and the agent was spotted leaving the hotel. The agent, who was not on duty at the time, was arrested and charged with solicitation. He reported the incident to the Secret Service.

A Secret Service spokesperson said the agent was placed on administrative leave and surrendered his weapon. The spokesperson said the matter is under investigation, and, We are exploring the full range of disciplinary actions.

The Secret Service has been plagued by a number of embarrassing incidents over the past few years, ranging from agents personal misconduct to security breaches at the White House. One of the biggest scandals occurred in April 2012, when about a dozen agents were sent home from a presidential trip to Colombia for bringing prostitutes back to their rooms. Eight agents wound up losing their jobs.
Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Making wild, evidence-free accusations about President Obama and former members of his administration has worked out pretty well for Donald Trump, so its no surprise that with his domestic agenda stalled and various foreign policy issues flaring up, hes comforting himself by stepping up his attacks on former national security adviser Susan Rice.

During an interview with New York Times Maggie Haberman and Glenn Thrush on Thursday, President Trump was asked about the battle over Neil Gorsuch, his Supreme Court nominee. He quickly pivoted to an untrue claim about his election win, and then mentioned out of nowhere that the Susan Rice controversy is a massive story, though the Times refuses to cover it.

GLENN THRUSH, White House correspondent: Why do you think Democrats feel the need to oppose Gorsuch? What do you think the politics is?



TRUMP: Well, I think that some of it had to do with the election. They thought they were going to win. You know, winning the Electoral College is, for a Republican, is close to impossible and I won it quite easily. And I think they are still recovering from that, but they are recovering now. I think the Susan Rice thing is a massive story. I think its a massive, massive story. All over the world, I mean other than The New York Times.

Haberman pointed out that the Times just ran two stories on the claim that Rice requested the identities of Americans named in intelligence reports for political purposes. In an MSNBC interview on Tuesday, Rice asserted that theres nothing unusual or improper about someone in her position unmasking names to better understand intelligence reports. She called claims that any member of the Obama administration unmasked the names of Trump associates for political purposes absolutely false, adding, I leaked nothing to nobody.

After Trump explained that he thinks Bill OReilly is a good person and he doesnt think Bill did anything wrong, though multiple women have accused him of sexual harassment, he returned to Rice. Trump declared that he believes she might have committed a crime, though he rebuffed Haberman and Thrushs questions about why he wont release evidence to back that up:

THRUSH: One last thing on that. Have you actually seen intelligence that leads you to believe that people other than Susan Rice are involved.



TRUMP: I dont want to comment on anything about  other than to say I think its a  I think its truly one of the big stories of our time.



THRUSH: Do you think she might have committed a crime?



TRUMP: Do I think?



THRUSH: Yeah.



TRUMP: Yes, I think.

At one point Trump claimed that even Democrats are incensed about Rices conduct:

I think its one of the biggest stories. The Russia story is a total hoax. There has been absolutely nothing coming out of that. But what, you know, what various things led into it was the story that were talking about, the Susan Rice. Whats happened is terrible. Ive never seen people so indignant, including many Democrats who are friends of mine. Ive never seen them acting this way. Because thats really an affront on them, you know, they are talking about civil liberties. Its such an affront, what took place.

There isnt much to back up that claim either, and in fact Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee  which is investigating the Russia matter, when its chairman isnt trying to bolster the presidents wild accusations  responded by challenging Trump to offer up some proof of Rices alleged crimes.

If the president wants to say that Susan Rice committed a crime, he has the power to declassify. No one else does, Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell said Wednesday, according to Politico. So, he could actually show us where the crime was. I dont expect he will, because I think this is just more obstructionism.

Representative Adam Schiff, the committees ranking Democrat, echoed that call. If hes going to make accusations of criminality against anyone, he needs to show evidence to support that kind of a charge, Adam Schiff told reporters. Obviously thats not something he was either able or willing to do with respect to his accusations against Obama. Its not something I expect hes going to be able to do with Susan Rice either.

Indeed, it seems both baseless Trump accusations are succeeding in discrediting the intelligence committees investigations, so why should the president listen to their demands?
Carmen de Lavallade. Photo: Janis Wilkins

Tziporah Salamon is a style legend in New York, known for her The Art of Dressing seminars, which share the history of her wardrobe, and for being Bill Cunninghams all-time street-style muse. Her new book The Art of Dressing: Ageless, Timeless, Original Style profiles ten stylish women over age 50, including the dancer Carmen de Lavallade, Marjorie Stern, and artist Michele Oka Doner. Style does not just happen; it needs to be cultivated, chiseled, refined, Salamon writes in the books introduction. She explains selecting her subjects: All are over the age of 50 because it usually takes that long to master this thing called style. Photographer Janis Wilkins captured the women wearing bold, colorful clothing in their homes and on the street.

The book is as much a memoir as it is a fashion book, tracing how Salamons own immigrant experience inspired her search to fit in (and then stand out) through fashion. Growing up in Israel, she wore elegantly hand-sewn clothes that fit like a glove  her mother was a dressmaker, and her father was a tailor. When Salamon was 9, the family moved to Brooklyn and she suddenly struggled to fit in: She barely spoke English and classmates made fun of her accent, name, and homemade clothes. The pressure to conform stayed with her well into adulthood, until an epiphany at age 49. Somehow, all the angst and turmoil I had felt, all the doubts and misgivings I had about dressing, just melted, she writes. She discovered confidence in the style she continues to cultivate today: a hat for any occasion, comfortable wedges or mules, and a vintage jacket (always altered to best suit her). Click ahead to see portraits from the book, out last week from Rizzoli.

Salamon and New York Times editor Joanna Nikas will be in conversation tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Rizzoli Bookstore, with a book signing to follow. On Thursday, Salamon will host a reception and book signing at Sarajo from 6 to 8 p.m.

If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

Photo: Janis Wilkins

Beatrix Ost

Photo: Janis Wilkins

Carmen de Lavallade

Photo: Janis Wilkins

Enrica Carretti

Photo: Janis Wilkins

Terri Wong

Photo: Janis Wilkins

Marjorie Stern

Photo: Janis Wilkins

Tziporah Salamon








Give me Tinashe X CL first Is this what it takes for her talent to finally be noticed?Give me Tinashe X CL first

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People don't know CL in the states. :)

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well they don't know Tinashe either, it's about time they got to know both of them.

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ME, A KNOWN TINASHE AND BTS STAN, FEELS BLESSED. TRULY A GREAT DAY



Side note: you know jay park is SEETHING with jealousy rn

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I got to see them Sunday night and I'm still not over it. So amazing live. And I knew jimin was beautiful but holy hell hes unreal in person.

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I'm so surprised they didn't schedule one for London tbh. I still don't get why they have 13 in Japan when it's not that big.

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I was at their first Newark show and I'm still not over it.

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She would be so fucking huge in Korea. She's cute, lightskinned and has KPOP work ethic.

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seriously, I don't understand why musicians limit themselves to the Western market (especially the US)

Japan is the second biggest and you can make money in S.Korea



Eric Benet, Maxwell, Kirk Franklin, and Andra Day all had successful sold out shows in SK

Also MYA is still does well in Japan



Edited at 2017-04-06 01:21 am (UTC)

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Huh Andra Day's was pushed really hard in the US (grammy performances, Olympic commercials, a radio deal, etc.), but ended up flopping. It's good that she found success in South Korea.



I'm so glad that Mya does well in Japan! I looooove her and Smoove Jones is amazing. It's cool that she still has some success with touring despite being on an independent label.

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fuck yeah. this happened last week and i'm still not over it.









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somewhere in the aomg studios jay park sheds a tear





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lmao came to post this

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lol

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lol mte

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Hahahahaha

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lmao



he was so thirsty. *recalls Tinashe shoutout in All I Wanna Do*

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she'll probably collab just to get his stans out of her mentions

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And it'll get more views than her entire videography 



I only hope some of these people buy Flame on iTunes.

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My aunt (she's 18) went to their tour a few days ago for both days!

She freaked out, I wanted to go but it was bad timing for me. She had so much fun, and when Hobi threw the water, some went in her mouth lmao



But yesss here for this!

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Lmao some got on my phone and didn't care I was like YAS!

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I'm sorry but she has to collab with her sound and find ha self first before we get any more singles like Flame.



Nightride was a step in the right direction but Flame was two steps back. What is her sound? Who is ha audience? I have so many questions!

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She does not want to have "a sound" and that's hurting her attempts.

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Her beats were sick AF in Nightride and then we get that manufactured nonsense that Flame was with that disgusting chorus. It's like she's going for something she doesn't even want.



The chorus in You Don't Know Me gave me vocal abilities and Flame gave me a headache.

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IA, she needs to get her image and sound together, it's like her team is incapable of saying 'no' to anything.

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Shit like Superlove and Flame are the exact opposite of what she needs to do - the mainstream pop crowd does not see it for her period and these thirsty, generic pop tracks alienate her original audience that comes to her for RnB/alt RnB. I don't understand what the fuck they're doing.

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She better get that exposure!

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she's so pretty doe, tbh



I'LL GIVE HER THAT!

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Noo Tinashe, save yourself

ARMYs are batshit crazy

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THIS

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Man, BTS fans are so intense. Then again, I don't even like the OTT stans in my own fandom lol

On a whole, it makes me sad how K-pop has progressed to basically a fight over numbers and pushing up video views and streams as music's become more digital. I mean, sure there was always music show wins and awards and stuff, but it's gotten to a point where I can't get into groups anymore because of petty statistics comparisons. Like chill out and just enjoy the music.

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The Wall Street Journal reported that Exxon is looking to jump into Brazils offshore sector, one of a few areas of exploration where there are still enormous volumes of known but underdeveloped oil reserves. Brazils pre-salt  oil trapped beneath a thick layer of salt  is looking increasingly attractive to international oil companies because of a law change in 2016 that opened up the sector to investment from private companies.

Up until recently, the vast pre-salt was under the domain of Brazils state-owned oil company Petrobras. International companies could work as junior partners in a joint venture, but by law, Petrobras had to take the lead on any offshore drilling project and hold at least a 30 percent stake in any project. That requirement was enacted after a handful of truly massive oil discoveries put Brazils pre-salt on the map a decade ago. Triple-digit oil prices led Brazilian lawmakers to pass restrictive laws in an effort to capture the bulk of the revenues from the ensuing bonanza for the state.

But after years of disappointing results, rising debt, and a widespread corruption probe that has engulfed Petrobras, the momentum began to shift against state control. Petrobras is the most indebted oil company in the world, holding a debt pile that exceeds $100 billion. That has left the company unable to invest and grow production as it is preoccupied with shedding assets and whittling away at its debt.

Without a state champion to exploit the pre-salt, Brazilian lawmakers pushed for more outside investment. The impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff and her removal from power last year did away with the last impediment to privatization. The Congress voted in late 2016 on a historic overhaul, scrapping the requirement that Petrobras be the operator on all pre-salt projects and allowing private companies to become operators, which they hope will reduce the burden on Petrobras and lead to greater investment, and ultimately, higher oil production in the years ahead. Related: Saudi Arabia Alters Oil Pricing To Attract European Buyers

That brings us to Exxon, which is late to Brazil  it is only oil major without a large position in Brazil. Some of its competitors have already been there for years, even if they were not allowed to take the lead on the pre-salt.

Royal Dutch Shell, in particular, has been active in Brazil, a presence that grew enormously with the $50 billion purchase of BG Group. Whereas Exxon is considering its options and exploring appetizing offshore assets, Shell is already producing oil in Brazils Campos Basin, for example, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

And late last year, after the energy reform passed Brazils Congress, Shell announced that it would step up investment in the country, promising to spend $10 billion over the next five years. Given that Shell is in the midst of a multi-year $30 billion divestment program in order to raise cash and pay down debt, the sizable spending increase in Brazil says a lot about its priorities. It also says a lot about the interest in Brazil. "This was a good move by the government and it will open up opportunities for more players to invest in Brazil," Shells CEO Ben van Beurden said in response to the liberalization of Brazils pre-salt.

In fact, even as the oil majors are retrenching and increasingly focusing on comparatively lower-risk and short-cycle shale projects, offshore Brazil remains one of the few places that will still attract wide interest from nearly all of the largest oil companies.

Everybody wants to get a piece of the pie, Kjetil Solbraekke, senior vice president for South America at consultancy Rystad Energy, told the WSJ. These are probably the most prolific, high-returning oil assets available in the world.

Exxon, according to the WSJ, is looking at either partnering with Petrobras in some offshore fields or buying up assets at an auction that is slated for later this year.

The opening up of Brazils most prized oil assets echoes the historic energy reform in Mexico, which was passed in 2013. Mexico has conducted several auctions with varying success, but they have succeeded in attracting new investment. Eni recently announced it had successfully drilled a well in Mexicos shallow waters, which should increase interest from the industry for an upcoming deepwater auction in June.

But there are further parallels between Mexico and Brazil. The liberalization efforts in both countries have been hugely controversial, reversing years of nationalistic energy policy. And both could be subject to political risk in the future if the pendulum swings back in the other direction. Mexicos President is astonishingly unpopular, in part because of the energy reform and the rise in gasoline prices. A 2018 election could bring in a left-wing party that has pushed back against the privatization. Related: Are Mexicos Oil Reserves Almost Depleted?

Brazils President Michel Temer took power last year under a dark cloud of controversy  critics alleged the removal of the former President was a cynical move to seize power. Temers government is also terribly unpopular, plagued by scandal and corruption. Brazil will hold a presidential election next year as well, which could usher in a more left-wing government that might seek a larger regulatory role over the nations oil sector.

But that is all speculative at this point. For now, the business-friendly administration is apparently succeeding in attracting more investment. Exxon has so far declined to comment, but the WSJ says it is poised to make a move.

"Considering movements towards a strategic partnership, we have nothing concrete with Exxon, but they have certainly expressed strong interest in the Brazilian pre-salt exploration," Petrobras CEO Pedro Parente told reporters after the WSJ article was published.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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Most crude oil producers in the Middle East, Africa and the emerging economies of Europe (EEMEA) wont be able to patch up their budgets this year, Fitch Ratings warned, forecasting an average price of $52.50 a barrel for the commodity in 2017, up from $45.10 a barrel for 2016.

The exceptions are Kuwait, Qatar, and the Republic of Congo, all of which sport breakeven prices around the forecast 2017 average, with Kuwait actually having a breakeven level significantly below $52.50 a barrel at $45. For Qatar, the figure is $51 a barrel and for Congo it is $52 a barrel.

Still, Fitch notes that the low breakeven price enjoyed by Kuwait is related not just to low production costs, but also to the high oil production rate per capita and the projected investment income from its sovereign wealth fund.

Another 11 producing countries, however, need much higher oil prices, despite cutting subsidies and public spending, devaluating currencies, and taking other measures to balance their budgets in the wake of the oil price crash from 2014.

These include everyone from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, with the West African nation in the worst shape, needing crude oil prices of $139 a barrel in order to achieve a fiscal balance of zero based on Fitchs oil price prediction. Related: Saudi Arabia Alters Oil Pricing To Attract European Buyers

The rating agency explained that For three EEMEA sovereigns - Nigeria, Angola and Gabon - our forecast fiscal break-evens for 2017 are substantially higher than 2015, in part due to rising government spending."

Next from the bottom, Fitch has ranked Bahrain, which would need oil at $84 to break even, Angola, needing oil at $82 per barrel, Oman, breaking even at oil at $75, and Saudi Arabia, which would need oil to cost $74 to balance its budget. Russia is right next to the kingdom, needing oil at $72 per barrel.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Iraq has plans to boost its crude oil production by 600,000 bpd to 5 million bpd by the end of this year, regardless of its participation in OPECs production cut deal. Iraq is the cartels second-biggest exporter of crude and has been the most disinclined of all parties to the agreement since its inception, with a lot of observers expecting it to be the first one to cheat.

Iraqs first problem is that as much as 95 percent of its budget revenues come from crude oil. There are no viable alternatives in sight for revenues at the moment. The second problem that the country has to contend with is its war with Islamic State, which makes these revenues more important than ever.

Amid the final push against IS in Mosul, Iraq is working hard to ensure the sustainable growth of its oil and gas industryOPEC deal or no OPEC deal. Three months ago, Oil Minister Jabar al-Luaibi said that Baghdad is planning to build five new refineries on an investment basis, in addition to fixing and expanding existing refineries that were damaged in the war with IS.

While Al-Luaibi has repeatedly assured mediaand indirectly, investorsthat Iraq will stick to its OPEC commitment, Iraq is doing whatever it can to boost its returns from its only significant natural resource. Related: Dont Be Fooled By Daily Oil Prices

As part of these efforts, the government recently started a review of the contracts it has with foreign oil companies operating local fields in a bid to better match its interests to those of the operators. Currently, international oil companies in Iraq are working under the so-called technical service contracts, which a few years ago, forced them to reduce production from some of the countrys biggest fields because Baghdad had no money to pay them for operating the fields.

Baghdad is also cooperating with Tehran to make the most of the oil finds that the two neighbors share. Bilateral relations have been uneven historically but now that both Iraq and Iran are scrambling with their respective problems, a partnership has emerged as the mutually beneficial way to proceed. It is also strengthening its ties with other neighbors and farther countries such as Egypt, European Union members, and the U.S.

A 600,000-bpd production increase would be substantial, but Al-Luaibi did not disclose the source of this increase. Huge fields such as West Qurna, Rumaila, and Majnoon are nowhere near depletion, so Iraq could significantly boost production in these fields. Related: When Will Russia Run Out Of Oil?

Then there is one more candidate for additional production: the Kirkuk field in the Kurdistan Autonomous Region. Kirkuk currently produces less than half a million barrels of crude daily, even though its can pump as much as 1 million bpd. The problem  yet another big one for Baghdad  is that the Kurdistan Regional Government is as eager as Baghdad to take full control of the field.

Tensions between the central government and the KRG have been simmering for a while now, and of course, its all about the oil, as both sides throw accusations at each other of overstepping its boundaries.

For now, Iraqs plans to increase production seem to be vague, unless Al-Luaibi and the rest of the government just dont want to go public with more specific plans. Given the price environment, however, and the growing likelihood that the production cut will be extended, Iraqs output-boosting efforts have the potential of a major headwind for prices in the second half of the year.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The oil products that we usesuch as gasoline, diesel, and heating oilare all refined from crude oil. If the demand for these refined products increases, then the demand for crude oil as a raw material will also go up. So why are we not seeing this correlation?

As a trader, it is important to note two things while analyzing crude oil prices. One is to monitor the crude oil supply in the market. The second is to track the trend in consumption of crude oils finished products.

Lets first have a look at both gasoline and distillates, and then move on to crude oil supplies.

(Click to enlarge)

The chart above shows that while the crude oil stockpiles were rising to new record highs in February and March, gasoline inventory was falling. Is this a noteworthy event?

In order to understand the significance of the fall, lets see the history of the past few years. We note that since 2011 onward, this has been a cyclical occurrence. The gasoline inventory level peaks like clockwork around the second week of February, after which the drawdown begins. This time is no different.

Though the drop in gasoline inventory is important, it doesnt show a new wave of gasoline demand, which can be a case for bullish crude oil prices.

Related: OPEC Deal Extension Looks Shaky As Shale Hedges Production

But what about distillates?

The inventory data of distillates shows a larger than usual drop of around 10 percent, from a high of 170.7 million barrels in the week ending February 03 to 152.9 million barrels in the week ending March 24, 2017. This is one of the largest drops in distillate inventory since 2013, when there was a similar drop from 129.5 million barrels to 115.2 million barrels during similar weeks. In between 2013-2017, the inventory levels had remained more or less stagnant during the period between February and March.

The gasoline inventory has fallen for the past six consecutive weeks, whereas the distillate inventory levels have dropped for seven consecutive weeks. This, however, is not a great deviation from the record of the past five years. Nevertheless, if the drawdown in both gasoline and distillates continue in the coming weeks, it will become noteworthy.

The most important number to note still continues to be the OPEC production data and the increase in the U.S. oil production. Without OPECs production cuts, the market would still be in a surplus. However, if crude oil prices fail to rise, it will be interesting to note OPECs reaction in their next meeting.

On the other hand, if the U.S. crude oil production, along with Libya, which is exempt from production cuts, keeps rising at a fast pace to replace the OPEC barrels, it will be a negative for the oil market. Related: Worlds Biggest LNG Exporter Just Raised The Stakes

"The rebound of Libyan production stalled the rally," Gene McGillian, manager of market research for Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut, said by telephone. "We were rallying on the signs that the OPEC production agreement will be extended," reports World Oil.

However, a few experts believe that the market is fixated on U.S. oil inventories, instead of seeing the overall picture of the globe. A Morgan Stanley report said that OPEC production cuts have started to have their desired effect. The crude stockpiles in China, Japan, and floating storage around the world have declined 72 million barrels this year, reports Bloomberg. It is only a matter of time before U.S. inventories follow suit.

"We believe the implemented production cuts will trigger a material drawdown in OECD oil inventories and thus higher crude oil prices," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said, referring to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. "We expect Brent oil prices to rise above $60 a barrel in three months," reports Reuters.

By Rakesh Upadhyay for Oilprice.com

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Two Democratic Senators have written to the chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asking for details about the Corps decisions that led to the full approval and completion of the Dakota Access pipeline, The Associated Press reports.

Delaware Sen. Tom Carper and Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell, who are Ranking Democratic members on Senate environment and energy committees, on Monday sent a letter to Corps Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, asking for access to information about the decision-making, including communication flows between the Corps and officials in President Trumps administration.

The $3.8-billion Dakota Access pipeline, which was last year suspended by the Obama administration, was greenlighted again by President Trump in his first week in office. Dakota Access will carry crude from the North Dakota Bakken shale play to Illinois.



Opponents of the Dakota Access pipeline have continued their court battles after President Trump signed the executive order to advance the project.

In early March, a federal judge for the District of Columbia denied a motion against the project brought in by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and the Cheyenne River tribe. In his decision, Judge James Boasberg noted that the project had received the support of the Army Corps of Engineers, which is in charge of issuing the easements necessary for the project to proceed, and from the White Housethis latter support particularly strong. He added that the pipeline was effectively complete, save for the short stretch that the tribal communities are opposing, and argued the plaintiffs had a slim chance of winning.



Related: Most Middle East Oil Producers Wont Break Even This Year

Last week, project operator Energy Transfer Partners said that the Dakota Access pipeline was ready to start shipping crude oil from Bakken south to Illinois. The company said that it had put crude in a reservoir under the Missouri River, and that full-scale flow would begin soon. The reservoir is in the section of the pipeline under Lake Oahe that sparked protests from local Native American tribes and environmentalists.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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I often joke with my friends about how whenever the Oregon Legislature goes into session it means your freedoms are at risk until Sine Die. Unfortunately recent events indicate that there are forces at work in the capitol building who are a real buzzkill.

House Bill 3441 would make it a crime to bring alcohol to public beaches here in Oregon. Additionally the State Senate has already approved Senate Bill 754A, which would raise the smoking age in Oregon to 21. Hell, Governor Brown even wants to slap a fine on you for floating down the river without a lifejacket.

Now call me old fashion, but I tend to believe that freedom includes the ability to make bad decisions. And if the pioneers didnt make the trip out west so that they could enjoy a nice drink of alcohol next to the majestic Pacific Ocean, then I dont know why they even took the Oregon trail.

I dont want to live in an Oregon where we tell a 19 year old in the military that they cant have a cigar when he is back home on leave, or and Oregon where someone saves up vacation time for months to take a trip to the coast that they cant sit next to a bonfire on the beach and have a beer.

Are cigarettes dangerous? Do people litter on the beach at times? Do life jackets make you safer? Absolutely!

But you know what, freedom is dangerous. Freedom is messy. Heck, sometimes freedom can even kill you.

The beauty of America is that we get to make those decisions for ourselves, not for other people. Smokers, non-smokers, micro-brew fanatics, and teetotalers all together make up the wacky, yet wonderful population of our beautiful state. We will even claim those folks who vape.

I want my legislators to run the government, not act as my nanny. I already have a mother to tell me not to smoke, to clean up after myself at the beach, or to wear a life-jacket, I dont need politicians to do it too.
Priority Oregon launches ad campaign against Son of Measure 97 gross receipts tax

By Taxpayer Association of Oregon



me>

The Son of Measure 97 tax is back in many forms at the State Capitol. Standing up for the voters who resoundingly said NO last fall is a coalition of small business, taxpayers and consumers called Priority Oregon. Seeking to remind the Legislature that voters have already rejected the equivalent of a sales tax on business, and that State revenue will only increase when the State has a healthy business climate. Priority Oregon has begun an advertising campaign this week  you can watch their video release above.

Priority Oregon is interested in working with business groups and individuals who support the creation and maintenance of a strong economic climate in the State.

The most dangerous of the Son of Measure 97 ideas is a plan to create a gross receipts tax on Oregon businesses. A gross receipts tax is effectively a sales tax. Oregonians have rejected a sales tax nine times. Nine times! This comes at a time when state revenue is growing by over a billion dollars in surplus revenue.

The Taxpayer Association of Oregon is a supporter of Priority Oregon and so should you. Please log in at Priority Oregon and sign up in their email watch list. This is a great step at helping to fight back at the Son of Measure 97 gross receipts tax plan which will crush small business, hurt jobs, depress family wages and drive up grocery and gas prices for consumers.
Pakistan is aiming for peace in Afghanistan: Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is keeping itself engaged with all major processes aiming for peace in Afghanistan and isnt committing itself to any one particular initiative.



This was the gist of an in-camera briefing by Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz to the National Assemblys Foreign Affairs Committee on relations with Afghanistan that are currently being repaired after suffering a massive rupture in the aftermath of the uptick in terrorist violence in February that was blamed on sanctuaries on Afghan soil, according to the account of the meeting shared by a couple of participants.



Mr Aziz, according to the participants, told the NA panel that the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG)  which included the US, China and Afghanistan in addition to Pakistan  was still alive and efforts were afoot to revitalise it.



The QCG has been dormant since Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Mansoor Akhtar was killed in a drone attack on Pakistani soil last year. It was assumed by the observers of the Afghan conflict that the QCG process had outlived its usefulness as none of the partners looked interested in taking it forward. During the few months QCG remained active, it was able to draw up a roadmap, but failed to bring the Taliban to talks.



Efforts afoot to revive Quadrilateral Coordination Group, NA panel on foreign affairs told

Pakistan has in the meantime got itself also increasingly involved with the Russian-led initiative. The process that started with a meeting between officials of Russia, China and Pakistan first grew to six parties and is now set to expand to a 12-country forum. The US was not involved in the process at the initial stages, but it has now decided to stay away from the meeting of 12 countries, being held in Moscow on April 14, to which it had been invited. Pakistan is participating in the meeting. Pakistani participation in the Russia-led initiative created an impression that Pakistan may desire to work on an Afghan strategy independent of the US.



During his briefing, Mr Aziz nevertheless placed a lot of emphasis on the importance of the emerging regional initiative led by Russia, which now also involves the Central Asian states.



Pakistan remained committed to continued efforts for facilitating an Afghan-owned Afghan-led peace process, Mr Aziz told the panel, adding that there was need for focused efforts for a politically negotiated settlement for a lasting peace in Afghanistan.



One of the reasons behind this lack of clarity on Pakistans part is that the US is yet to finalise its Afghan policy. Mr Aziz too referred to US government still firming up its Afghan policy.



About the engagement with Afghanistan, the adviser said the understanding reached during his meeting with Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar provided an opportunity for engagement to address the issues of counter-terrorism and border management.



As per the understanding reached in London, both sides were to develop a framework for interaction at multiple levels  military, intelligence, security and political. The process was to take off with a meeting of the local field commanders, which would investigate recent border incidents. The progress towards materialising of the understanding was being hampered by mistrust between the two countries. But in a first tentative step towards that arrangement Commander of Southern Command Lt Gen Aamir Riaz and Afghan National Armys 205 Corps Commander Lt Gen Daud Shah Wafadar spoke over hotline.



National Security Adviser retired Lt Gen Nasser Janjua, meanwhile, talking to a delegation of Afghan media stressed the need for both countries to work together at all levels to defeat terrorism and to establish a joint framework to address each others concerns.
From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As...
Benin's National Assembly has narrowly rejected a proposal by President Patrice Talon to amend the constitution.



He was seeking to limit his successors to a single six-year term in office.



Mr Talon was elected last year, saying he wanted to shorten presidential terms to combat complacency.



He needed the approval of three-quarters of the National Assembly to go ahead with the change.



The one-term proposal appears to be in contrast to what is happening in some countries, such as Rwanda and the Republic of Congo and Burundi, where presidents have had their time in office extended.



The term-limit proposal was part of a raft of changes to the constitution including setting a cap on political party funding.



But some of Mr Talon's critics say that singe term presidencies are open to abuse, as the president would not have to court the favour of voters at the end of his term.



It is not known if the president, who was elected last year, will seek a second term as provided by the constitution. Or whether he will organise a referendum to amend the constitution, as he had promised before he came to power.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) is disappointed at the minoritys boycott of the Appointment Committee vetting of Wednesday 5th April. We consider the reasons behind this boycott a lazy way, poor attitude to work and smacks of hypocrisy.



We are aware of a standoff between the Majority and Minority on the dates for parliamentary recess. Initially, Parliament was slated to have gone on recess on Friday 31st March, but it was not possible because of the Presidents quest to see the full operation of government business. By implication, the need to complete vetting of ministerial nominees.



However, the flexing of muscles and an attempt to embarrass the President has failed. Indeed, while the Minority portend they are exhausted and need a vacation, a reason attributed by the Hon Deputy Minority leader, another Minority MP consider the attempt to vet those ministerial nominees as a rush, and hence the need to go on vacation and resume vetting in May.



Ghanaians in the past have witnessed parliament been recalled whiles on vacation to sign some loan agreements. These among others include;



IMF deal in 2015



3days emergency sitting to approve the over $140m construction of the Kasoa interchange in the Central Region, $170m in funding for additional works around Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Accra and $45.8m for the Accra street resurfacing project.



It will be recalled that a Joy FM reporter (Elton John Brobbey) described proceedings during the three days emergency sitting as speed was the order of the day in Parliament. The minorities action of today smacks of hypocrisy and an attempt to frustrate Ghanaians who want to see the full operation of government. Ghanaians want to see an end to our harsh economic circumstances through the implementation of government policies and not a certain parliamentary group who want to score needless political points.



RESOLUTION:



MPs must know that they are in parliament for the people's interest and not theirs. AFAG supports the cause for a hurried approach to government business. Campaigning is over and what we want to see is attempts to implement and witness a terrific improvement in the socio-economic circumstances of the Ghanaian.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The only thing of any importance at all that I have to say is that I'm extremely concerned about the fact that we're cheek-to-jowl with the Russians in this mess, and our President is not only entirely unqualified, he's not even particularly stable.

I don't want to be an alarmist, but I'm very concerned.





Here is a link to videos of some of the victims. Not for the faint of heart, but informative in certain sense.

I don't even know how to express sufficient sympathy for the victims. I'm not even going to try.
People interested in running for school boards have another two or three weeks to submit petitions.

The deadline is April 17 for central and common school districts and April 26 for city school districts. To be eligible, candidates must live in the district, be at least 18 years old and be able to read and write. They also cannot be employed by the board or live in the same household as a board member, according to the New York State School Boards Association. Some districts have specific requirements for how long they need to have lived in the district.

Candidates must obtain signatures from at least 25 qualified voters or at least 2 percent of the number of people who voted in the last regular school election, whichever number is greater. At least 100 signatures are required for small city school districts.

The length of a school board term varies by the district. It is often between three and five years. Sometimes seats for partial terms become available, created by resignations in the middle of a term.

Whitehall has an unusual situation this year, with more than half of the nine-member board up for election because of mid-term vacancies.

Jeremy Putorti resigned as school board president as of April 1, because of his move to South Carolina for a job with General Electric.

Putorti still had a residence in the district. He remained on the board and participated in discussion via Skype, but could not vote. He completed the sale of his Whitehall house last Friday. The school board last week voted to appoint Frank Barber as the new president.

Putorti said he is pleased with progress the district has made in the last three years with new administrators, including Superintendent Patrick Dee, elementary school Principal Richard Trowbridge and high school Principal Jeff Keller. The board approved a new teacher contract and the culture has improved, he said.

Weve made such strides over the last three years. I think the people, the administrators, the whole faculty are just great people to work with, he said.

Putorti had just been re-elected last May. There are four years left on his term. Voters last May approved shortening the length of the terms from five years to three years. Putorti and Hope Greene were the last two people elected to five-year terms.

There are also partial seats available to fill the terms of Anthony Scrimo and Amy Austin. Scrimo died in August. In September, the board appointed former member Virginia Rivette to fill the vacancy. Rivette will have to run to fill the remaining two years of Scrimos term.

In November, the board appointed Chris Dudley to fill the seat of Amy Austin, who stepped down in October for personal reasons. Dudley will have to seek re-election to finish the remaining two years of Austins term.

The seats of incumbents James Brooks and Samantha Kingsley are up for election for three-year terms.

The top vote-getter will receive the four-year term. The next two highest vote-getters will receive the three-year terms and the fourth- and fifth-place finishers will get the two-year terms. People filling a partial term can take office immediately after the election. People elected to three-year terms take office on July 1.

Other districts also have partial terms available. In Queensbury, former board President Raymond Gordon died last July, with one year left on his five-year term. The five-year seats of Patricia Belden and Daniel Mannix are also up for election.

Fort Edward, facing a difficult budget process with the loss of tax revenue from the GE dewatering plant, has three seats available. The five-year seats of President Richard Doty and Jim Grumley are up for election. There is also a one-year seat created by the resignation of Charles Pidgeon.

Schuylerville has a five-year seat opening that is currently held by Veronica Wood. It also has a two-year seat created by the resignation of Becky King.

Newcomb has a five-year seat opening that isw currently held by board President Susan Goodspeed. There is also a partial term that expires May 30 that is currently being held by Nicholas Poutin. The vacancy was created by the July 2016 resignation of Eleanor Yandon. The term will run until June 30, 2018.

Other seats available in local school districts are as follows:

Abraham Wing: One three-year seat held by Peter Accardi.

Argyle: One five-year seat held by Todd Miller.

Bolton: Two three-year seats currently held by Julie Beebe and Jesse Foy.

Cambridge: Two three-year seats currently held by board President Neil Gifford and Dede Nash. Board Clerk Kate Emerson said Gifford is seeking re-election, but Nash is not.

Corinth: One five-year seat currently held by John Coltrain.

Fort Ann: Two three-year seats held by Jane Sexton and Cathy Graham.

Glens Falls: Two five-year seats currently held by Kathleen Burton and Leslee Kunst.

Granville: Three, three-year seats held by Greg Bourn, Suzanne McEachron and Carrie OBrien

Greenwich: One five-year seat held by Laura Hall.

Hadley-Luzerne: One three-year seat held by Eddie Joe Moulton.

Hartford: One five-year seat held by Philip Jessen.

Hudson Falls: Two five-year seats held by Joseph Potvin and Bernard Burke.

Indian Lake: One five-year seat held by David Harrington.

Johnsburg: Three, three-year seats held by Thomas Ordway, Erwin Morris and Tara Sears.

Lake George: Two three-year seats held by President Timothy Collins and Linda Smith.

Long Lake: One five-year seat held by Christine Campeau.

Minerva: One five-year seat held by Ron Sanalitro.

North Warren: Three, three-year seats held by President John Maday, Mike Erickson and Frank Hill.

Putnam: One five-year seat held by Gerald Gendron.

Salem: Two three-year seats held by President Mary Braymer and Marlon Galimore.

Saratoga Springs: Three, three-year seats held by Stephen C. Verral, Mia Pfitzer and Robert Shafer.

Schroon Lake: One three-year seat held by Eric Welch.

South Glens Falls: Three five-year seats held by President William Elder, Grace Davison and Lisa Hogan.

Ticonderoga: Three, three-year seats held by John Reale Sr., Martin Fitzgerald II and Seanna Porter.

Warrensburg: Two four-year seats held by Ash Anand and Robert Frasier.
DEAR READERS: Today marks the 100th anniversary of Americas entry into World War I. In commemoration, Im mentioning a special initiative to save Americas war letters. Almost 20 years ago I wrote about a historian, Andy Carroll, who had launched a project to seek out and preserve war-related letters as a way of honoring and remembering our veterans, troops and their loved ones.

After the column appeared, Andy was deluged with responses. Today that collection holds approximately 100,000 wartime correspondences  from handwritten letters penned during the American Revolution and Civil War, to emails from Iraq and Afghanistan. Andy has donated the entire collection to Chapman University in Orange, California, and the project is now called the Center for American War Letters (CAWL).

This week, Andy and CAWL are kicking off an ambitious Million Letters Campaign. Andy will travel nationwide speaking at public libraries, museums, VFW and American Legion posts, civic groups, places of worship, military academies and more to explain the importance of these correspondences and encourage people to share with him their own war-related letters and emails. If you know of someone who has war letters, please share this information so the stories and voices of the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation will be preserved.

Andy would love to meet in person anyone with letters to contribute to this Million Letters Campaign and is always seeking new venues. If you know of a place he should speak, email him about it. For families with letters who cannot attend, submissions can be sent to Andrew Carroll/CAWL Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866. (Originals are preferred, but scans are also appreciated.)

Ultimately, Andy and CAWL are seeking letters from ALL American wars, on ANY subject matter. For information on how to attend or invite Andy to your community, visit www.WarLetters.us.

DEAR ABBY: My son, Tom, is a senior in high school. About a month ago, he asked a girl named Allie to the prom. She said yes. Allies mom is a hairdresser. My husband and I dont know her or her husband.

Allies mother has asked two different people about us. One of them told us about it; the other I heard about secondhand. So last week I introduced myself to her at a local function. We spoke briefly, and I told her I would be in touch. A few days ago I called to invite her out for coffee and left a message with my phone number. She hasnt called me back. What can I do to get to know Allies mother better?

PROM MOM

DEAR PROM MOM: Make an appointment to have your hair done, and youll have at least an hour with her.
FORT EDWARD  A New York City man who was arrested on felony drug charges in Washington and Warren counties, then fled the area while free on bail, has been sentenced to more than 5 years in state prison on the Washington County charges.

Sergio A. Cepeda, 27, of the Bronx, pleaded guilty to felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and bail jumping for a cocaine possession arrest in Fort Edward and flight from the region afterward.

Cepeda was on the lam from January 2016 until last month, when he was arrested in New York City on an unrelated charge and police there learned of arrest warrants for him in Washington and Warren counties.

Cepeda forfeited $30,000 cash bail posted after the May 2015 arrest on Center Street in Fort Edward, during which he was found to have an ounce of cocaine.

While free on bail, police allege he was still involved in the local drug trade, affiliated with a band of heroin dealers whose members dubbed themselves the "Chicken Chasers." He is accused of selling heroin in Queensbury in January 2016 as part of that ring.

Charges of criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance are still pending in Warren County Court. All five other members of the "Chicken Chasers" who were charged have pleaded guilty.

In Washington County, Judge Kelly McKeighan sentenced him last week to 4 years in state prison for the Fort Edward cocaine case, to be followed by 1-1/3 to 4 years for bail jumping. The sentences are to run consecutively, and he will spend 2 years on parole after his release.

Cepeda, who last month told Warren County Judge John Hall he was running a "day care center" when he was in New York City, is being held in Warren County, pending prosecution on the Queensbury charges.
SOUTH GLENS FALLS  The village clerk/treasurer walked out of Wednesdays meeting after an emotional confrontation with new Mayor Harry Guthiel.

Harry, I request you fire me right now, Clerk/Treasurer Dannae Bock said. I cant take it anymore. Its very vicious and bad, what hes doing. I hope everybody in this village understands what is going on.

As she blinked back tears, she appealed to the standing-room-only crowd that had gathered at the meeting, and some of them shouted support.

Gutheil refused to fire Bock and called a 10-minute recess. Bock walked out, packed a bag and left the building. She called in sick Thursday.

Gutheil did not nominate Bock or two other appointees to be reappointed this week. Their terms expired March 31. They are now holdovers, meaning they continue to do their jobs with the same pay and benefits as before, but no guarantee of year-long employment.

While Gutheil said he wanted to delay the appointments until he is sure the three employees are willing to work with him to change the way things are done in the village, Bock said she was certain she would be fired.

Hes going to let us go, Bock said to residents during the meeting, drawing a hand across her neck to symbolize her throat being slit.

Thats not my intention, Gutheil said.

Then give us an appointment! Bock responded, saying she could not live with the anxiety of not knowing whether she would lose her job.

The other appointees are Public Works Superintendent Brian Abare and Building Inspector Joe Patricke. Abares wife came to the meeting as well, after going door-to-door in the village and leaving flyers that asked people to come and demand that Gutheil make the appointments.

Her effort drew a standing-room-only crowd of about 56 people. A few of them spoke in support of the new mayor, but others said he should make the appointments.

The DPW superintendent, clerk and village attorney could get up and walk out right now, Abares wife Deborah Abare said. Can you imagine where this village would be?

(Gutheil did not appoint village attorney Mike Muller either, but Muller is not a holdover. Gutheil said he believes the village had a contract with Muller that extends through this year.)

Several residents questioned Gutheils motives.

I think Harry (Gutheil) and (board member) Tony Girard have a vendetta against those three employees, said resident Margaret Centerbar.

But former mayoral candidate Brigid Martin called out from the crowd, asking people to give the new mayor a chance.

Board member Bill Hayes tried to make a motion to appoint all three employees, but could not due to a quirk in the law. The mayor must nominate appointees. Then the board can vote to approve or disapprove. Since the mayor has not yet nominated anyone, the board cannot vote.

Muller and Gutheil quickly conferred over the law before Muller conceded that Gutheil was right.

If you havent made a nomination, theres nothing to discuss. But how longs this going to go on? Muller asked.

Gutheil did not answer the question, but said repeatedly that he will keep employees who can work with him.

Im in a position where some people arent going to like change, he said. Theres things I think we can do better. I want to see how things go and how people are going to adapt to change.

Hayes was deeply critical of the delay, calling it degrading.

This is like an execution. Put the rope around their necks, the door is hinged and ready to go, and then wait a minute, lets go to lunch! Hayes said. This is what youre putting these people through.

After the recess, Abare remained at the meeting and continued with his work as normal, making presentations on Public Works projects. He made no comment on the holdover situation.
A Hudson Falls man has filed a notice of claim against the State Police and a local state trooper, alleging the trooper used excessive force and injured him during a January arrest in Fort Edward.

Christopher R. Schmidt, 30, is seeking $1 million in compensation because he alleges a trooper choked him and put handcuffs on too tight, injuring his wrists, when he was arrested for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and noncriminal unlawful possession of marijuana. The arrest came after he was pulled over on Schuyler Street.

Charges were later dropped.

Schmidt, who is temporary chairman of the Libertarian Party in Washington County, accused Trooper Brandon Barcomb of injuring him.

A spokeswoman for the State Police said the agency had no comment on the matter because it does not comment on pending litigation.
QUEENSBURY  A growing commercial corridor west of Northway Exit 18 is poised for more development.

An Oneida County snow-grooming equipment dealer that has been looking to relocate to Warren County has selected the Carey Road industrial park for its site.

Representatives of Mohawk Werks, the company relocating from Oneida County, will present plans April 18 to the town Planning Board to build a sales and maintenance shop at 140 Carey Road.

Also at the April 18 Planning Board meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., representatives of A-1 Treeworks will present plans to expand the companys wood pellet and mulch processing operation at 308-310 Corinth Rd.

The company wants to put up a large pole barn and two kilns on property next to its existing operation.

The two development projects are in the vicinity of the new Holiday Inn, which will be opening later this year; and the Rocksport indoor rock climbing center and Sky Zone trampoline park, which are now under construction.

Mohawk Werks sells and services ski grooming equipment made by international manufacturers, said town Supervisor John Strough.

Bill Brandt owns the equipment company. He is the son of Michael Brandt, the founder and previous owner of West Mountain Ski Center.

Bill Brandt has said the company, after relocation, will employ six to eight people.

Local government and economic development officials have been speaking with Brandt for about a year about moving the company to the greater Glens Falls area, Strough said.

Brandt evaluated several sites in the area, and decided on the Carey Road business park because it is close to the Northway, said EDC Warren County President Edward Bartholomew.

Mohawk Werks fits with EDC Warren Countys strategy to recruit companies that provide products or services for existing local companies, Bartholomew said.

The companys customers include West Mountain Ski Center and the Olympic Regional Development Authority, which operates Gore Mountain Ski Center in North Creek and Whiteface Ski Center in Wilmington.
FORT EDWARD  Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan has scheduled the retrial of triple murder suspect Matthew A. Slocum to begin on June 8.

Slocum was granted a new trial through a series of appeals court actions, the last of which resulted in the states highest court last month upholding a mid-level courts decision that barred the use of his confession.

That means prosecutors will try him again for the July 2011 shooting deaths of his mother, Lisa Harrington, 44; her husband, Dan Harrington, 41; and Dan Harringtons son, Joshua OBrien, 24, in their Eagle Bridge home. He allegedly set the Turnpike Road house on fire after shooting them.

Slocum, his then-girlfriend and their infant son lived in the home, and the trio fled to New Hampshire after the killings. He confessed when questioned, but the confession was thrown out by the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court, which found he had been denied his right to counsel when picked up by police.

His girlfriend, Loretta Colegrove, was not charged and testified against Slocum at trial.

Slocum, 29, will be brought before McKeighan on April 13 to allow lawyers to update the judge on the status of the case and discuss any outstanding legal issues before trial.

Washington County Public Defender Michael Mercure said Wednesday that he planned to file pretrial motions in the coming days and added that there seemed to be little chance of a plea deal to avoid trial.

I dont think there will be any plea discussions, he said. There havent been any and I dont expect there to be.

Washington County Sheriffs Office Senior Investigator Tony LeClaire said his office has been working with the Albany County District Attorneys Office to prepare for the retrial.

Police have kept in touch with Colegrove while Slocums appeals were pending, and she is expected to testify during the retrial.

Authorities also have retained surveillance videos from the pawn shop in Massachusetts where Slocum allegedly sold items stolen from his relatives before the fire was set, and it will be used as evidence against him as well.

The Albany County District Attorneys Office is handling the case as a special prosecutor. A call to the agency was not returned Thursday.

Slocum was sentenced to 88-years-to-life in state prison after his 2012 trial. He is being held in Washington County Jail, pending further court action.
FORT EDWARD  A Saratoga County man who set a fire that heavily damaged his estranged wifes home has been sentenced to up to 9 years in state prison after pleading guilty to two felony charges.

Peter M. Perkins, 34, of Victory Mills, pleaded guilty to arson and criminal contempt for the fire last Oct. 11 on Rexleigh Road in the town of Jackson, which damaged a garage and the exterior of the home where his estranged wife and two young children lived.

Perkins was arrested a week later, after he confessed to State Police that he started the blaze, though he told investigators he did not intend to start it. He admitted dumping a gallon of gasoline around the garage, which was near the house, but said fumes ignited when he ignited a lighter to check whether he had spilled gasoline on his boots.

Perkins told police his estranged wife was not home at the time, but came home after he dumped the gasoline and before the fire began. He told police he saw her come home, but did not alert her and left after the fire began.

The victim, Rebecca Lambert, told State Police she had been in the home for about 10 minutes when she saw flames outside.

I quickly grabbed the kids and ran out of the house, she told police, according to court records.

The garage contained tools and childrens toys, among other items.

Perkins had been drinking, and had been in Washington County Family Court earlier that day, because he was behind on child support.

Pete was not happy with me and the judge while we were in court, Lambert told State Police.

An order of protection had been issued before the fire that barred him from Lamberts home.

Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan imposed a 3- to 9-year state prison sentence, and directed Perkins to make $23,625 in restitution for the fire damage.

He was represented by the Washington County Public Defenders Office.

We are just glad no one was hurt, Public Defender Michael Mercure said.

The case was handled by the Clinton County District Attorneys Office as a special prosecutor. The Washington County District Attorneys Office had sought a special prosecutor, because it hired a former assistant public defender as a prosecutor, which created a potential conflict of interest.

Perkins was being held in maximum-security Downstate Correctional Facility as of Thursday.
FORT EDWARD  Only five percent of Washington Countys economy comes from tourism, and the county is looking for an agency that can increase that figure.

After more than a year conducting surveys and gathering data on the issue, the county published a county tourism study this week.

The county has money to spend  it has a $60,000 matching grant from the state through the I Love New York program. But the money cant be spent on the types of economy-enhancing programs that the county really needs.

It can only be spent on advertising what the county already has, not enhancing anything. It cant be used for staffing, helping businesses, buying equipment or even developing a strategic plan.

But the countys tourism events are all agriculture-related, and the county just finished an agriculture plan that describes twelve needs that could vastly expand agriculture. All of them cost money, and all of them would likely bring in some tourists  but the county cant use its tourism money on any of them.

This is why the county has struggled with tourism, said county Director of Economic Development Laura Oswald. Agritourism is something were very good at. The events, theyre all ag. Theres crossover, but there just isnt an easy solution.

One possibility is hiring an agency that can write a comprehensive marketing plan for farmers, which could enhance their ability to sell their products in New York City. Thats one of the needs in the agriculture plan.

Its a fine line  marketing plans are allowed, but not a strategic plan or a plan that helps just one business. Farmers asked for the plan partly because its challenging to get their products to New York City.

Its a huge market, but they have to figure out transportation, distribution and get the right food safety certificates. Many farmers need to start by creating websites, where customers can place orders in advance. Collaborating with other farmers can also make transportation and distribution less costly.

Oswald wants farmers to take advantage of the city.

Theres no place else in the country that has access to that large a market, that close to the farms, she said.

The county plans to issue a request for proposals, seeking an agency that could incorporate the limits of the state funding, the countys agricultural needs and the other areas in which tourists could be attracted to the area.

Well tell them about agriculture and tell them, incorporate any of that into your ideas, she said. This is what weve seen is important to us. This is what our budget will be. Tell us your ideas.

The RFP will go out by summer.
Its sunnier in Florida than in Wilton, so maybe going there every winter helps Susie Belanger overcome the frustrations of trying for 15 years to get an overlooked group of Vietnam veterans the benefits they deserve.

The group is called Blue Water Veterans, and they served on ships in the bays and along the coast of Vietnam during the war. Like the veterans who served on land and on the rivers of Vietnam, they were exposed to Agent Orange, the toxic deforestation chemical the U.S. sprayed in vast quantities over the country.

But unlike other veterans, they have been excluded from receiving medical benefits for the diseases  tied to Agent Orange exposure  that afflict them at higher rates than the general population.

Since 2002, when the rules were changed, the Blue Water Veterans stricken with diabetes or neuropathy or Hodgkins disease or an assortment of other horrors have been on their own. For all that time  Would you believe its been 15 years? Belanger says  she has been fighting for them.

She wont get anything if she wins. Her husband is a Vietnam vet, but not of the Blue Water variety.

Officially, she is the special projects director for the Blue Water Navy Association and the deputy chief of staff for Military Veterans Advocacy, Inc. These are national organizations that help veterans navigate federal bureaucracy and try to get them the assistance they should be getting without having to fight for them.

Youd think, after we sent hundreds of thousands of young people into hellish combat and after they came back to a very mixed reception at home, wed do everything we could to treat their wounds.

But Belanger can tell you we dont.

She always gets support from the politicians. She rounds up congressional sponsors and co-sponsors with ease, including lots of New Yorks representatives. Now Rep. Elise Stefanik has introduced a bill to clarify that the original Agent Orange Act of 1991 intended to include Blue Water Veterans in its benefits.

But every time a bill has been introduced, somewhere in the committee rooms of Congress it has gotten put in a quiet corner to die.

It is discouraging, Belanger said.

The politicians have been glad to sign on to bills that show them supporting veterans. But when it comes to passing the bills so the checks can get signed for suffering veterans who need it  somehow, that hasnt happened.

Meanwhile, theyre dying.

Weve lost so many of them, and so many of them just cannot mentally keep going forward with this. These veterans had the door slammed in their face right from the day they came home from Vietnam, she said.

For her, too, its hard.

Everybody is gung-ho about it and we think were going to get it and we dont. It does get very discouraging. I say, I dont know if I can do this again.

Belanger is a chirpy, funny person who cracks jokes and cackles at her own dark humor. She used to say the Department of Veterans Affairs was delaying until all the Blue Water Veterans died. Now she says: Not only are you waiting for the vets to die, youre waiting for the advocates to croak too.

But the House Committee on Veterans Affairs just held a hearing on the Stefanik bill, a step further than previous bills have gone.

In the Senate, Iowas Chuck Grassley has introduced a companion bill (along with New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand).

On April 21, Belanger and John Rossie, director of the Blue Water organization, have a meeting with David Shulkin, head of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Then, face-to-face, Susie Belanger will be able to make her case.

The main purpose is to show the intent of Congress in 91 was not to exclude them, she said.

You can hear it in her voice: Despite everything, shes hopeful.
April 3, 2017

The Russian media portrayed the visit by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Moscow March 27-28 as a big deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart discussed numerous issues, ranging from international conflicts to culture, signed 16 cooperation agreements and declared an unprecedented increase in bilateral trade as the pivotal indicator of their successful relations. Analysts were largely optimistic about the meeting, forecasting a bright future for the Moscow-Tehran alliance, or at least a credible effort. The real reasons for the meeting between the two leaders, who could have settled issues without a high-ranking official display, lies offstage. One reason was Rouhanis desire to make his last official trip before presidential elections a memorable and high-profile visit.

Any suggestion of possible Russian interference in Iran's May 19 presidential election with the aim of installing a more desirable, conservative candidate is likely a conspiracy theory. What should be considered, however, is how Rouhani's Moscow visit serves the aims of his re-election campaign. Indeed, he is the person whose name is attached to the decision to invest in improving Irans relationship with the West. As hopes of continuing on this path began to fade with the election of Donald Trump as US president, followed by Trump's executive orders on travel affecting Iranians, Rouhani felt the need to publicly demonstrate good relations in another area of his administration's foreign policy. Today in Iran, domestic issues are being overshadowed by discussion of Trumps victory and its consequences for Iran and not least the threat of the Islamic State.

Essentially, with the list of presidential candidates unknown until April 11, when registration begins, it is hard to make credible predictions about the result. Rouhani already feels the need, however, to counter the criticisms being lodged against his administration for its policy outcomes. Conservative media did not decry his pro-Russian effort. Although the visit was more gesture than substance, it was in line with the preferences of some in the Iranian government and society who are skeptical about improving relationships with the West.

Despite the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) resulting in visits by Western delegations, foreign investment in Iran and the economy remain sluggish, providing an opening for conservatives to sharply attack the sheikh of diplomacy and his team, whom they portray as practically having betrayed Iran's revolutionary ideals. They will not hesitate to claim that Rouhani has basically done nothing or has actually made matters worse by sacrificing national dignity in agreeing with the six world powers to the JCPOA. Among such voices are former Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Director Ezatollah Zarghami, who has already announced his intention to run for the presidency, and former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has aggressively critiqued the 11th government, has attacked Rouhani personally, tagging his Instagram posts #margbarrouhani (Down with Rouhani), and supports Hamid Baghaeis candidacy for the presidency.

The theory that Putin will try to bolster a conservative as the "Kremlin's candidate" in the election is belied by an important contradiction. Proponents of the theory cite the supposed 70% increase in bilateral trade between Russia and Iran from 2015 to 2016 as an incentive, but bilateral trade reached its lowest level at the end of the 10th government, headed by Ahmadinejad. Should it be in Russia's interest to secure expanding economic ties with Iran, Moscow's support for the conservative camp would not necessarily point toward that path.

To be fair, however, the figure of a 70% increase is itself dubious. The Iranian sources referring to it have either lifted it from Putins opening remarks at his meeting with Rouhani or from a statement by Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak in February. Either way, they did so without corroborating official Iranian data, which does not confirm such success. As the Russian analyst Igor Pankratenko has rightfully noted, the difference in trade between 2015 and 2016, using the cited figures of $710 million and $1 billion, respectively, can be calculated as 70% growth only if the latter figure includes unfinished business. Even if the purpose is to emphasize the strategic character of the trade relationship between the two countries, the numbers are nowhere comparable to those Russia has with Turkey, the United Arab Emirates or South Korea.

Some Iranian media outlets referred to Reuters quoting energy expert Reza Mostafavi Tabatabaei, who suggested that the purpose of Rouhanis visit had been to try to cut some sort of oil-related deal and secure arms from Moscow to prove to his opponents and to the general public that realization of the JCPOA had yielded results. Indeed, it may take some time for Western companies, such as France's Total, to conclude that it is safe for them and their subsidiaries to enter the Iranian market. Meanwhile, meeting with the Russian president could improve the prospects of cutting a deal in the near future, the fastest possible channel for achieving large-scale goals.

A joint statement by Rouhani and Putin said that special attention had been paid to broadening cooperation on oil and gas in various areas. The heads of oil companies were not, however, present at the meetings, meaning that even if there was movement to secure Russian investment in Iran's energy sector, it held more political than technical weight.

We are moving to strategic relations, Rouhani said optimistically in Moscow. It might well be the case if Moscow and Tehran set time frames for their projects and focus the relationship, namely, define the relationship as devoted to military and security issues, because that is where the interest and understanding of both parties lie.

Rouhanis team in place in Moscow has put great effort into expanding bilateral relations. Yet it remains to be seen how internal factors, such as Iran's upcoming presidential election, or external events, such as shifting winds in the international system, affect these relations. In going to Moscow, Rouhani simply seemed to be taking care of a pre-election chore  it was his ninth meeting with Putin in four years  and decorating it with the word strategic for effect.
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Dimon, the JPMorgan CEO, said this week that while the US is

n an interview with Business Insider's global editor in chief Henry Blodget on The Bottom Line, Business Insider's new weekly business news show, Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, agreed.

"He's right," he told Blodget.

Dalio launched Bridgewater from his kitchen, and the firm is now the world's biggest hedge fund. He made $1.4 billion in 2016, according to Forbes.

Like Dimon, Dalio is focused on the education system. Dalio cited a study his wife funded in Connecticut that found 22% of students in the state are disengaged or disconnected. In his annual letter to shareholders, Dimon said "we are creating generations of citizens who will never have a chance."

Here's the full transcript:

Henry Blodget: Jamie Dimon earlier this week said, 'Look, there's a problem in this country, it's a great country, but there's a problem.'

Ray Dalio: He's right.

Henry Blodget: You agree with that?

Ray Dalio: Oh totally. I think it's very inefficient. In many parts of this country, we don't create a bottom. There's no bottom. In other words, there is no minimum level of acceptable education, there's no minimum level of acceptable circumstances in some places. There's a tragedy that we're losing, in many ways, our human infrastructure in lots of those places.

That's also a bad investment. My wife is very much involved in education in the worst parts of Connecticut. This is something that's particularly important to her. She funded a study that looked at the number of disengaged and disconnected youths. A disengaged youth in a high school is a student who comes in and doesn't participate. They go to class, they don't do their homework, they don't do anything. A disconnected youth is one that doesn't even know where they are, they don't come to school. She had this study done: 22% of the students in Connecticut are either disengaged or disconnected.

Now you think not only is that a human tragedy in terms of those kids, but that's also going to be a terrible social tragedy. What will they end up doing? How will it be? How does it make sense? When you look at some of the educational things that can be done that make such a world of difference to people, it's a terrible waste of resources and ineffiency. We have a problem with our human infrastructure that is a major problem.

Henry Blodget: Do you think that that is a different infrastructure to the one that allowed or helped you to do what you do?

Ray Dalio: Yes, I was lucky in the sense that I had parents who cared about me, I went to school, I was able to have that kind of infrastructure in this wonderful country that allowed me to have those kinds of opportunities and inspirations, you know, when you look at people, and they could do those things, so there was a dream that can happen.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell invoked what is known as the "nuclear option" after Republicans initially failed to clear a 60-vote threshold to move forward with Gorsuch's confirmation.

By changing the rules, the Senate can now end debate for Supreme Court nominees with a simple majority instead of 60 votes, effectively killing the filibuster.

The vote to change the rules was 52 to 48, split along party lines. After the rules change, senators voted 55 to 45 to advance Gorsuch's confirmation to a final vote on Friday.

Democrats have employed the tactic before. Harry Reid, the former Senate majority leader, used it in 2013 to assist in the confirmations of President Barack Obama's judicial and executive nominees.

McConnell has said he's not a fan of changing the rules and going "nuclear," but Republicans are steadfast in their desire to get Gorsuch confirmed, and the Kentucky Republican expressed willingness to use the option.

A trio of Democratic senators who represent states Trump won in landslides last fall  Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, and Joe Manchin of West Virginia  voted with the Republicans to move Gorsuch's nomination along in the initial vote.

But no other Democratic senators broke from the party, including moderates who had been targeted to flip: Jon Tester of Montana, Bill Nelson of Florida, and Claire McCaskill of Missouri, all of whom represented states Trump won.

Democrats view the opposition to Gorsuch, who last month was grilled for more than 20 hours on Capitol Hill by the Senate Judiciary Committee, as an appropriate response to the thwarting of President Barack Obama's choice to fill the vacant seat. Judge Merrick Garland's confirmation was obstructed by Republican senators last year.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tried to delay the move to change the Senate rules.

"It doesn't have to be this way," the New York Democrat said. "When a nominee doesn't get enough votes for confirmation, the answer is not to change the rules, it is to change the nominee."

Before entering the Senate chamber, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who voted to change the rules, called Thursday a "bad day for democracy."

"I think it will clearly lead to more extreme appointments on both sides, and I think it's a terrible mistake that we will regret for many, many years to come," McCain said. "And we're on a slippery slope, no matter what they tell you. We went from the judges to Supreme Court justice. What's next?"

Democrats were quick to express their disdain with the decision.

"Republicans stole this seat, and despite Trump's nominee being unable to earn the 60 votes he needed to be confirmed, they're now rigging Senate rules to unilaterally install him on the Supreme Court," Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said in a statement. "By doing Trump's bidding and turning both the Senate and our highest court into a rubber stamp for the president, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans have trampled on the framers' vision of checks and balances."

Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut called the day "one of my saddest in the Senate" and said the rules change "will have enduring fallout and rippling repercussions."

"Sadder than anything is the damage caused to two pillars of democracy  the Supreme Court and the Senate itself," he said in a statement. "Respect and trust for the court  so essential for the practical force of its rulings  has been gravely undermined by raw political conflict."

Republicans defended the move, praising Gorsuch's credentials and criticizing Democrats for their obstruction.

"Judge Gorsuch is a principled jurist who is steadfast in his commitment to defending the Constitution," Sen. David Perdue of Georgia said in a statement. "Democrats have agreed, and they confirmed Judge Gorsuch without objection in 2006. That's why it is ridiculous Democrats today put self-interest and party interest ahead of the nation's interest. Republicans this year have said all along we'll do what it takes to get Judge Gorsuch the up-or-down vote he deserves, and next week he will be an associate justice on the United States Supreme Court."

"Republicans this year have said all along we'll do what it takes to get Judge Gorsuch the up-or-down vote he deserves, and next week he will be an associate justice on the United States Supreme Court."

But McCain, in a statement that followed the vote, expressed his dismay.

"Today's vote to eliminate the 60-vote threshold on Supreme Court nominations represents a regrettable setback for the institution of the United States Senate," he said. "I fear today's action will irreparably damage the uniqueness of the Senate, and along with it, any hope of restoring meaningful bipartisanship.
Nunes' announcement came as the House Ethics Committee said it was investigating whether he had disclosed classified information without authorization.

Nunes blamed the move on "left-wing activist groups" that filed complaints with the Office of Congressional Ethics. He maintained that accusations of bias were "entirely false and politically motivated," but said he chose to temporarily step away.

"Several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics," Nunes said in the statement. "The charges are entirely false and politically motivated and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of US citizens and other abuses of power.

"Despite the baselessness of the charges, I believe it is in the best interests of the House Intelligence Committee and the Congress for me to have Representative Mike Conaway, with assistance from Representatives Trey Gowdy and Tom Rooney, temporarily take charge of the committee's Russia investigation while the House Ethics Committee looks into this matter."

Nunes told The Washington Post's Robert Costa he planned to return to the Russia investigation eventually. Nunes said he chose to step aside now because he was "facing ethics complaints about how he has handled classified information," according to Costa.

Nunes has come under fire in recent weeks for communications with the White House that critics have said are inappropriate in light of the committee's investigation into whether President Donald Trump's associates colluded with Russia to influence the outcome of the election.

Last month, Nunes bypassed committee members to visit the White House and brief Trump on classified intelligence reports that he said showed that members of Trump's transition team were swept up in incidental surveillance after the election.

Trump used that information to support his unsubstantiated claims made in early March that the Obama administration had wiretapped Trump Tower. Last week, however, reports surfaced that three White House officials had helped provide the intelligence documents to Nunes.

House Speaker Paul Ryan released a statement Thursday reaffirming his trust in Nunes and saying he supported his decision to recuse himself. Ryan said House Ethics Committee inquiries "would be a distraction for the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in our election."

The House Ethics Committee also released a statement Thursday saying it was investigating Nunes.

"The committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Devin Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information, in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct," Rep. Susan Brooks, chairwoman of the committee, and Rep. Ted Deutch, the committee's ranking Democrat, said in the statement.

Brooks and Deutch said the committee was "investigating and gathering more information regarding these allegations." They also said that "the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations" did not "indicate that any violation has occurred or reflect any judgment on behalf of the committee."

Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said at a press conference Thursday that he supported Nunes' decision and looked forward to working with him on other issues facing the committee.

"I think it is in the best interest of the investigation," Schiff said. "It will, I think, allow us to have a fresh start moving forward."
He reports directly to the CEO, Jeff Weiner, and he says this relationship has taught him how to "manage up."

For the last nine years, the two executives have worked closely together.

The lessons Gamson shared with Business Insider from this experience can apply to all employees looking to develop a better relationship with their boss.

Establish expectations from the start.

Gamson joined LinkedIn in 2007 as the only executive not working out of LinkedIn's Mountain View, California headquarters. His role would develop so that he would continue to travel more frequently, but he wanted to remain in Chicago with his young family.

In his first meeting with Weiner, who took the CEO job in late 2008, Weiner asked Gamson when he was moving to California. Gamson replied "never."

Knowing that Gamson wouldn't come to Mountain View, Weiner determined Gamson would be able to fulfill his duties without a constant presence in HQ  and Gamson said he was never asked the question again.

He and Weiner decided that they could agree on goals and that Gamson would have significant freedom to accomplish them. "Jeff always gave me a lot of autonomy in pursuing the growth of our customer business," Gamson said. "And I also try to give my direct reports autonomy. But that autonomy is tempered by accountability."

"If there's anything that I'm working on that is out of alignment with my manager's goals, I want to surface those things," Gamson said.

Consider what works best for your boss.

As Weiner's only direct report not in California, Gamson had to determine a way to be the best employee he could be from afar.

The lesson boils down to determining the difference between empathy and compassion.

Empathy is feeling someone's state as if it were your own, manifested emotionally; compassion is understanding someone's state as if it were your own, but with a layer of detachment. Weiner borrowed from the Dalai Lama in telling Gamson that it is better to go through the world as a compassionate person, able to confront the plights of others without being crippled by their weight. And it is better to lead with compassion, not empathy.

"And so he decided that when I texted him  we text a lot  when I texted him he was going to treat that more like a knock on the office door, where you walk by and say 'Hey, can I interrupt you for a minute? I've got a quick question about something," Gamson said.

The two then learned each other's schedules in detail. Because there's a two-hour time difference between them and because Weiner is an early riser, Gamson knows that he can reach out to Weiner as soon as his day starts. Likewise, Weiner knows when Gamson's three kids go to bed, meaning that Gamson has another chance to communicate before going to bed himself.
His decision follows criticisms by New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters that, Dr Addai-Mensah was someone who did not believe that Nana Akufo-Addo could have led the party to win Election 2016.

He is reported to have expressed a number of grievances against Nana Addo's leadership, and that of the NPP's national executives prior to the elections.

Some Ghanaians on social media took screenshots of some statements he made in previous years showing his disagreements and criticisms of the NPPs leadership since his appointment was announced.

Dr Addai-Mensah subsequently met President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday (April 4, 2017) at the Flagstaff House, where the issues of his disagreements, radio commentary and social media postings were discussed.
Cecilia Dapaah was speaking after she inspected on-going construction works on the phase two of the Kumasi Airport Project.

She promised to ensure that it is elevated to international standards in the near future.

She added that the vision is to end the present situation where people from Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo Regions, fly to London only by using the Kotoka International Airport in Greater Accra.

This would have to change  there should be Kumasi-Accra-London direct flights.

Not only that, people would not have to travel all the way from Tamale to Accra to board a flight to London. They should be able to fly directly from Tamale, she added.

READ ALSO: Find out how much Rattray Park fetches KMA monthly

She also added that encroachers of lands belonging to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will be relocated so the facility can be developed further.
Speaking with the media after an interaction with President Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, April 4, World Bank Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop, underscored the need for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to ensure it achieves its fiscal deficit target.

It will be important that as the budget was presented, the target that has been set of fiscal deficit be kept and be realised, he noted.

He also encouraged expenditure which is guided strictly by fiscal guidelines.
Speaking to the media after the presentation of GH5.8 million in dividend to the government, he said, We have realised that this problem has become a very important issue of national interest and we would help to successfully stop the illegal miners from messing the environment.

He said about 15 to 20 per cent of the companys reserve has been depleted through the activities of the illegal miners.

Mr Baku suggested that the small-scale miners should acquire a permit from the government to enable them to also operate legally rather than encroaching on the concessions of others.

According to him, his company was faced with challenges relating to profitability because of the high cost of operations and the fall in gold prices, hence the near shutdown of the Damang Mine.

On power production, Mr Baku stated that the company teamed up with an independent power producer (IPP), Genser Energy Ghana Limited, to supply the company with power.

READ ALSO:Ivory Coast not happy with Ghana over galamsey

He added that the power supply was through gas which would cause Goldfields to come off the national grid in no time.
Addressing participants at the Ghana's data roadmap forum Dr. Bawumia noted that, the country-level commitments to the SDGs will not be feasible without fast-tracking the data revolution to provide the right information at the right time that is universally accessible to all.

Ghanas attainment of its SDG goals will be critically underpinned by a robust data regime that is collectively supported by all partners, including the private sector, academia, NGOs, bilateral and multilateral institutions in a harmonized manner.

READ ALSO:Ghana set to eliminate import duties on raw materials

The amount of data churned out on a daily basis is progressively increasing, with constantly evolving technologies for data collection, analysis and communication, it becomes our shared responsibility to galvanize towards harnessing this revolution for the betterment of our citizens.

Dr.Bawumiah expressed that the SDGs mark a watershed moment in the history of statistics, propelling and bringing statistics to the very core of development. Now, statistics has moved from being a simple tool for progress monitoring and evaluation, to becoming a key driver of development programs.

To the call to Leave No One Behind on which Agenda 2030 is premised, we must produce more and better information on the lived realities of women and men, boys and girls to root out gender inequalities and begin to address structural discrimination that undermine women and mens progress in Ghana, he explained.

He also said Addressing Data Gaps, measures will be put in place to ensure that Ghana will fulfill its global reporting requirements as well as generate relevant data to improve Ghanaian lives.

Encouraging Data Use which was the second theme made it known to the guests that his can only be achieved when data producers and users engage in an iterative feedback loop, ensuring that data produced matches user needs.

The third theme of the Forum Strengthening the Data Ecosystem acknowledges that the traditional National Statistical System, comprising GSS and selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies, alone will not be able to produce all of the data required for the SDGs, and for other national and regional agendas to which Ghana is committed.

It is important to stress that this Roadmap is not a document that we will produce by the end of this week, month, or year. Rather it will be a living process that will continue to evolve until 2030 and will require ongoing concerted efforts from us all.
Questions about who his main prospect in that regard would be shouldn't be so hard to answer.

He has been known to be in a serious relationship with Tracy Ewuraama Addo and that has been on for a while.

Speaking in a chat with Dan Kwasi Prince of the Daily News Ghana, Sarkodie acknowledged a woman has a role in the success of a man while stating his readiness for marriage.

They say behind every successful man comes a successful woman and Im now at the point of my life when Im ready to get married, and that is what I am looking for in a relationship because I feel the desire to settle down, Sarkodie said.

The rapper dropped a dope track 'Just incase' in January, a special number he dedicated to his love interest, Tracy.
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Mourners had arrived, and the burial was about to take place.

The man, Wilson Oluoch, had gone missing three weeks previously and when a decomposed male body was found in a sugar cane plantation, his family thought it was his.

According to a report by the UK Mirror, shortly before the funeral someone told the family that a man who looked like Wilson had been seen in a bar in nearby Rongo.

READ ALSO: Sex workers stage protest over murder of colleague

The family is said to have rushed to the bar only to find Oluoch drinking his sorrows away.

His relatives also visited the bar and found motorcycle taxi rider Wilson still there, not dead but dead drunk as he tried to drown his sorrows.

Oluoch explained that he had felt so ashamed after returning home drunk recently that he had planned to slip away and make a new life elsewhere.

READ MORE: Surety turns accused for allegedly aiding escape of 2 suspects

His family and the rest of the village rejoiced that he had been found alive and turned plans for a wake into a celebration party.

However, elders of Oluochs Luo culture said that cleansing rituals would have to be carried out before he could be allowed back into the village.
The ceremony which will take place at the Accra International Conference will see industry players and top local and international musicians onstage and on the red carpet.

But, "Awo'a" hitmaker Pappy Kojo will not be present at the ceremony if his latest tweet regarding the VGMA is anything to go by.

His tweet suggested that he is not bothered about the event even though fans have been constantly asking whether he will attend or not.

Pappy Kojo tweeted a scene from the popular Rayco TVC and captioned it "Fans: Pappy vgma be next week, u go go ?
A letter from the Bureau to the President dated March 23, 2017 indicated that Mr Oduro was on May 19, 2008 mentioned as a principal suspect in a cocaine case in Geneva, Switzerland where he is declared wanted.

According to the BNI, Mr Oduro arrived at the the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on May 17, 2008, on a Canadian passport numbered LJ557784 aboard Royal Air Maroc.

He is believed to be an accomplice of Nelson Troy EDWARD, a Ghanaian arrested in Geneva on 13th July, 2007 for possessing three thousand and fourteen (3,014) grams of cocaine, the BNI letter stated.

The BNI indicated that the investigating Magistrate who handled the case involving Nelson Troy, issued an international arrest warrant for Mr Oduros arrest in 2008.

The BNIs letter comes on the back of a request by the presidency, on March 17, 2017 for security background checks of some 54 ministers and deputy ministers nominated by President Akufo-Addo.

The Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu said he wants the name of George Oduro, who has been vetted today Thursday, April 6, 2017, to be removed from the list of nominees.In respect of the nominees I am compelled to request that the president should consider withdrawing the nomination of one of the appointees named George Oduro because there is a damning BNI report on him, he said on the Floor of Parliament.

But the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu disagreed with him.

According to him, it was inappropriate for the Minority Leader to bring up the issue because the House was assessing a report on nominees who have already been vetted.

The Speaker, Prof Mike Ocquaye also indicated that we will restrict ourselves to the report. We have a clear number of ministers, their names before us and we will speak to approving the report on them. And that is what we shall do.

Meanwhile, appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, George Oduro said the issue is one of a mistaken identity.
The other respondents are: the Regional Lands Officer of the Lands Commission, Akwasi Addai Odike and the Commander, Striking Force, Buffalo Unit, Kumasi, the Daily Guide newspaper reports.

The applicants also want an order directed at the contemnors to reconstruct the demolished structures.

Lawyer for the three, Nana Obiri Boahene argues that the respondents acted maliciously and undermined the competence of the judiciary when they pulled down the structures constructed on the land.

An affidavit in support of the motion, among others indicated that the Police Service was laying claim to the land which had not been allocated to it.

Mr. Obiri Boahen who is also the Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said in furtherance of the unholy alliance, which is characterized by fraud, personnel of the Ghana Police Service which is a defendant in an action commenced as far back as 2004 took the laws into their hands and in total defiance and abuse of law and order took the laws into their own hands in gross abuse of the legal procedure by unlawfully entering the land.
The court stated that Mr Woyome got the money out of an invalid contract between the state and Waterville Holdings Limited in 2006 for the construction of stadia for CAN 2008.

But the outgone National Democratic Congress (NDC) government was not able to retrieve the money from the businessman before leaving office.

Woyome has, however, refunded GH4 million to state coffers, representing part payment of the GH51.2 million he owes the state.

He has subsequently promised to pay the outstanding balance by quarterly instalments of GH5 million, commencing April 1, 2017.

But checks show that no payment has been made as of now.

Mr Woyome, who appears not to be satisfied with the ruling by the Supreme Court, has headed to the international body to determine the case.

Below is the petition:
Beloved, he referred to his congregation, Perez Chapel has come this far by sacrifice. We started at the Cultural Centre in Tamale [capital of the Northern Region], then we went to the Warders Canteen. We were thrown out from the Cultural Centre. For three weeks, we had to worship under a tree, for three weeks our church service was under a tree, so, from the tree, we went to Zogbeli, a classroom.

READ ALSO: These mega churches are keeping it in the family

I lived in a house without electricity for two years; there was no pipe borne water. I remember this Major who came to me for prayers, and in the house I was living in, I didnt have furniture, I just had a student mattress in the living room, and a kitchen stool, so, when the Major came, I gave him the kitchen stool, I sat on the student mattress, he told me all his problems. After I prayed for him the Holy Spirit told me when he goes he wont come back again. He was so disappointed: If this is the man that everybody calls Brother Charles and miracles are happening, then he needed help. But it did not stop us. I pastored the church for two years without a salary, Mama [Mrs Vivian Agyinasare] was a teacher, and, so, her money and a few other things that the Lord provided was what kept us and I had eight men living in my house of two bedrooms and one living room.

When we put up our first church, our members sold their property: the biggest property some of them had was a motorbike or a bicycle, furniture and some small jewelries. But some sold it so that we could put up our first church.  At that time, wood was very expensive in Tamale  it still is. We put up one of the finest churches then in Tamale. Later on, when we were doing that, God led me to give my car to the church, so, it became an official car. Isnt God good?

But God had been dealing with me to move to [Accra] by 1992. In fact, in 1992, I was preaching in New York and as I lay on my face praying for the meeting as my custom is, in the afternoon, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me about starting a church in Accra, and began to give me a blueprint of what to do when I came to Accra. I wrote them down and I said to Him: Lord, You know that Im a Champion Atta in Tamale. If you wrote a letter to me and you forgot the address and you wrote Brother Charles and you wrote Tamale, they delivered it to my house. And you want me to come to Accra? No! I like Tamale, Im a local champion. If you went to any office and you mentioned my name  [everybody knew me] 

Well, by 1994, Bishop Agyinasare continued, there was a local war between the Konkombas and Nanumbas, curfew was placed on the city, we couldnt go to church. Meanwhile, the Tamale church was what was supporting all our churches we were starting. I realised it was time for me to obey God, and, so, we came to the city of Accra, we started meeting at the Kanda Cluster of Schools. But years earlier, Mr Sammy Manu, who was a member in Tamale, had relocated to Accra. His father was the late S.K. Manu, who owned the CFC buildings at [Kwame Nkrumah] Circle, so, he said: Why dont you come and see if theres something in our buildings you can use. So we located this warehouse but we needed about $10,000 in 1994 to fix the place. You know, in Tamale I had this four-bedroom house with a three-plot compound that belonged to Bugri Naabu and a boys quarters etc. When we came to Accra, I had to go and live in my fathers house, one room and I always made a joke: with my three kids in that one room and our bags everywhere, in the night when there was a shaking, I couldnt even shake, when there was a move, I couldnt move. So, every night, instead of sleeping, I would spend the time walking about praying that God would give us a breakthrough in the city of Accra, [that] He will create space for us. And by the grace of God, God gave me the opportunity to rent a house by myself, paid for two years, then my landlord   thats what he said  the day he came to my house and saw the furniture, said: No, it was two years, now Ive changed it, its one-and-a-half years. So we located in the city of Accra.We needed to raise $10,000 in 1994, we didnt have it, so, I decided to travel with my wife. A friend of mine gave me a ticket and also my frequent flyer programme could take care of a ticket for Mama and my daughter, so, we went to London, Germany, USA and I remember I stayed with Auntie Mary then, and I preached and I used to be a good preacher. I think the fire is still there, it is better than those days. But I will preach and sell the books in various churches, I had written Rooted And Built Up In Him. Every money they gave me for honorarium and for selling the books, I sent it back to Accra so they could use it to fix the place in the CFC buildings. I moved from London to Germany, travelled to the US. In the US I had to leave Mama at Miami to be teaching in a nursery school while I went round preaching because my job is to preach and God would bless me with the honoraria and books and I would send it.And I remember when it was time for us to come back after we had spent three months, when we were coming back at the airport, Mummy saw a necklace and she wanted to buy and I said to her: You know every piece of the money we have has a budget, and, so, I cant give this money to you but one day Im going to buy you the kind of necklace you want. The next time I turned to look at her, tears were streaming down her eyes and I began to rub her back. Today, any kind of necklace she wants, I can buy.  So this church was started with sacrifice. We refurbished the hall and in October 1994, we started our first Sunday morning service. The first Sunday morning service, 70 people came  the room was big, lots of empty spaces, so I told them to arrange the benches in such a way that instead of seven people on the bench, three people will sit on a bench, and they should space it so that it looks like we too we dey small. And then when I was getting ready to preach, the Holy Spirit said: Tell the people to get ready for a double service. So, I got up and said to the people that God said we should get ready for a double service. If you were there and I was saying that youll be very disappointed. But by the grace of God, in three months time we were running a double service, by the end of one year, we were running four services with 3,000 people and when we had our miracle services, people would be sitting in the rain outside expecting the power of God, we would jam the room as much as we could.

And, so, by the second year, I became so disturbed that with the multitudes coming, we could lose them, so, we needed a place of our own and from day one when we started church, I told the accountant: Every month, save a certain amount. Even though we didnt have enough to pay the pastors comfortably, I said we should save money. So, by the end of the second year getting to the third year, we had saved what in those days was 40 million cedis and in those days for a young church to save 40 million, we were big men, and, so, I was praying: God give us a place. And suddenly God began to open my eyes: whether I was eating, or I was bathing or I was walking, I would see us worshipping on a big park. I began to see it all the time, and, so, one day there was this advert in the newspapers that the former Meat Marketing Board was selling all their properties. One of my associates told me, so we came to see, when we walked into this place [referring to the Perez Dome], this place you see now, was a park with giant grass, the old auditorium you see, used to be the warehouse for the cows, it was broken down, run down and the roofs had collapsed, the buildings were dilapidated, there was nothing on this premises. Immediately we walked in here, the grass changed to look like human beings for me. I knew this was the place, so, we put in a bid and by the grace of only almighty God, we won the bid. Then it was time to pay the money, then we said we were paying 750 million cedis and all the money we had in our coffers was 40 million cedis. I dont know how we were going to get it, so, I went to Sogakope to fast and pray for 10 days seeking the grace of God, came back and we did a fundraising and by the grace of God, God surprised us, people sold their properties, people made sacrifices, I remember those days, I pledged 20 million cedis, the newspapers said they havent heard a pastor who is also giving 20 million cedis; it was good and bad: the good side was that they said the pastors they knew, they dont give when they take an offering. But this man is giving an offering. The bad part was that they couldnt understand where I was going to get 20 million cedis to give. But by the grace of God, and the sacrifices of His church, we bought this place and fixed this place, this church was built on sacrifice, and, so, if we are going to possess our possession, there must be a dying first. And so going forward, I charge you and I challenge you to sacrifice and make this church great and write your name in the sands of time.

Agyinasares calling

This church is not just one of those churches; this church was started out of a divine commission, Bishop Agyinasare stressed, recalling: I came into full-time pastoral ministry in 1983. That year was a year of desperation and frustration for me. I wanted to see God use me like it happened in the Acts of the Apostles, and, so, I would pray night after night believing God for a divine visitation. Then the Morris Cerullo School of Ministry came to town, Dr Cerullo did not come himself, he came on a video cassette. Dr Alex Ness who came on the last day of the School of Ministry anointed us with oil. When I went to my seat to kneel down, while I was kneeling I heard the sound of what seemed like thunder and lightning and I heard an audible voice say to me: My boy Charles, I send you out as I sent Moses, go and I will put my words on your lips and take the world for me. After this, when we closed the conference, I sought for a place to fast and pray. On the third day of the fast, I had a continuation of the message: My boy Charles, I give unto you power over demons and principalities, heal the sick, raise the dead, reach the kingdom. I said: God, if its you, say it one more time. It came a second time. I said: God, if its you, give me scripture for it. Then He gave me Luke Chapter 9: 1&2. It says: Then He called his 12 disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. So this church is not just a church, its a church that has been sent, we are on an assignment, its a divine assignment, its a divine commission that God sent us to accomplish. And, so, I started going round and ministering here a little, there a little, doing crusades but finally in 1987, God sent me to Tamale to start this church that you see, within these 30 years, God took us from a classroom at Zogbeli in Tamale to almost 400 local churches now, in 16 nations of the world. We have 62 churches in the city of Accra.

The future

By the grace of God, we have what is said to be the largest auditorium in Ghana, the Perez Dome. Weve been blessed with a TV station; God has blessed us with a University. As a church, God has been good to us, but as I prayed for this 30th anniversary, the Lord said to me in Joshua 13:1: Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess. ... God was saying to Joshua, Joshua you have accomplished some things but theres still more to do. And I came this morning to tell you that Gods word to us is that there is more to do. In fact we are just beginning. The church that started with nothing, today see where we are. If we started with nothing and we are here today, then can you imagine with the resources that we have  both human and material  can you imagine where we are going? But what will it take for us to possess the land we need to possess? It will take sacrifice. So, God has brought us thus far, but we are not going to settle. It is time God is asking us to sacrifice and to take this gospel to another level.
Lawyers of Jihad Chaaban quoted section 73 of the Courts Act, which deals with reconciliation in criminal matters which are not a felony. He therefore, asked that with the help of the court they allow for an out of court settlement.

READ ALSO: Supervisor charged with assault

However, the Police Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Hanson Armah, is against this application. He said one of the charges, causing harm, is a second degree felony.

The presiding Judge, Victoria Ghansah, subsequently adjourned the case to April 10 to give the application of the defence team some consideration.

The Lebanese Supervisor who is currently on bail was processed for court earlier on Tuesday [March 7, 2017].

Jihad Chaaban dipped the face of a kitchen staffer Evelyn Boakye at the Abelemkpe branch of the eatery into pepper paste.

This inhumane treatment has caused many social media users in Ghana calling for the boycott of the eatery. This has led to the creation of a hashtag #boycottMarwako.

READ ALSO: Marwako staff urged to form a union

Meanwhile, management of the restaurant has suspended the supervisor until police conclude investigations into the matter.
Mr Woyome was expected to refund GH5million by April 1, 2017, but Graphic Online reports that its checks show that no payment has been made as of now.

He had earlier in a commitment letter dated October 27, 2016 to the Attorney General and signed by his lawyer, Mr Ken Anku said: Our client has a clear intention to pay the said judgement debt and that Woyome, as a law-abiding citizen of Ghana, has and is always willing to pay the adjudged sum of money by instalment, given the opportunity, contrary to any perception otherwise.

Mr Woyome in another letter on November 8, 2016 to the outfit of the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, proposed to pay the outstanding sum by quarterly instalments.

He subsequently refunded GH4 million which represented part payment of the GH51.2 million he owed the state.

Mr Woyome promised to pay the outstanding balance by quarterly instalments of GH5 million, beginning April 1, 2017.

But five months on, the second instalment is yet to be paid.

It will be recalled that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, then headed by Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong filed an application at the Supreme Court to request for an oral examination of Woyome.
Reports suggest that the group nearly assaulted the Judge, Mary Senkyire and also destroyed some court properties.

Thirteen (13) members of the group were detained after the group assaulted the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Adjei.

READ ALSO: Delta Force Leader apologises to Nana Addo for his actions

After hearing the case on Thursday the Judge ruled that they be remanded to appear before the court on April 20, 2017.

However, the other members of the group said they were not going to allow the ruling to stand. They demanded that they the 13 leave the court with them.

This left the judge and other people in court shocked.

But for the timely intervention of the police, the judge would have been brutalised.
Some churches place emphasizes on tithing, others do not. In most churches, leaders preach vehemently stressing it is a sin not to pay the percentage due God.

According to them it is the only way God can increase your income and increase your blessings. Some usually quote the Bible, referencing Malachi 3:8-12 which talks about Christians robbing God if they do not pay their tithes.

However some Christians think otherwise. To them tithe paying shouldnt be the basis for God to bless an individual.

READ MORE: Why sticking to one woman should not be a big deal

Some sections also say that they do not know where their tithes end up and so would rather give it out to orphans and widows.

Do you pay your tithe at church? Why do you do so? Or you dont? Do you even believe in tithing at all?

PulseGhana was on the streets to find out if people do and their reasons.

Solomon Dzikunu an Adventist who worships with the Seventh Day Adventist Church told Pulse.com.gh that, he believes that it is obligatory that every Christian pays tithe.

Everyone who generates income should take out 10 percent of that to pay his or her tithe.

According to him the tithe is to take care of widows, non-working pastors and people working for the church, so it is obligatory for Christians to pay their tithe.

Priscilla Slay, a student also added saying that I personally believe in tithe because it has opened doors for me. I have experienced the blessings that come with it personally.

My name is Betty and I dont pay my tithe. I dont pay because I do not understand it and I also dont know the purpose it serves. Betty a 28-year-old trader told Pulse.

Another woman Suzzy, a pawpaw seller disclosed to Pulse Ghana that, I pay my tithe because it is necessary a Christian must pay tithe. I personally believe that is one of the ways God protects us as individuals.

Gloria Mortey, a food vendor also pays her tithes and believes that tithing attracts blessings from God.

Paying tithe is very good. It protects individually. By paying my tithe God has surprised me in so many ways.

Efia Serwaa, a student says she doesnt pay her tithe because she doesnt have money to pay. What I earn is very little and if I should take some out as tithe I will be very broke.
This was announced by the Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Police, ASP Nketiah Yeboah.

However, he was quick to add that the suspects who were on trial in the first place are still at large.

What happened?

Some members of Delta Force, a vigilante group associated with the governing New Patriotic Party, besieged the Kumasi Circuit Court and freed its members who were facing charges for attacking the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator.

Reports suggest that the group nearly assaulted the Judge, Mary Senkyire and also destroyed some court properties.

Thirteen (13) members of the group were detained after the group assaulted the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Adjei in March 2017.

According to Accra-based Class FM, only two police officers were on duty at the court at the time, with one of them being pregnant. However, they managed to get judge Mary Nsenkyire to safety, while Delta Force members vandalised property at the court.

READ ALSO: Delta Force Leader apologises to Nana Addo for his actions

Analysis

Vigilante groups and the mayhem they cause are not new in Ghanaian politics as the two main political parties, the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress have been criticised for harbouring such groups; under the disguise of private security.

The police have also been censured for failing to bring these groups to face the law.
They have, however, cautioned not to sit beyond Friday, April 7, 2017, the date scheduled for the House to go on recess sine die.

READ MORE: Minority MPs boycott Vetting Committee

The Minority NDC, Friday, March 31, 2017, served notice not to sit beyond Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

This follows concerns that the leadership of the Committee had gone against the timetable for the vetting process without informing the Minority side of the House.

According to a member of the minority, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa the committee was supposed to go on recess but there was no consensus in the decision to continue the process of vetting the remaining 50 deputy ministerial nominees named by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

READ ALSO: Joe Ghartey committee finds Mahama Ayariga guilty of contempt

He said the minority had also expressed concerns about the way the process was being rushed in an attempt to push through the "elephant size" ministers.

"Even if you have genuine reasons for changing the timetable or the schedule, at least you should have called us, the other side, to discuss how we can also amend our programmes to suit the new schedule. This will afford us the opportunity to find out how we can do due diligence and the background investigations on the nominees, but they did not do this.

READ MORE: Here are the findings of the Joe Ghartey committee report on bribery allegation

Speaking on the boycotts of the minority, the deputy Minority Leader, Hon. James Klutse Avedzi said "We will accommodate Friday but if we are unable to finish business, I dont think that we will be in the position support to the Majority side again."

He noted that "We served notice that we will not sit beyond Wednesday, April 5, 2017 because when you look at the business of the House, apart from the work of the Appointments Committee which if the reports are not submitted to the House, the House cannot take any action. If you look at the work, you realized that the work could be done by end of Monday or Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Parliament postpones Ghartey report debate
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In the report - titled Unremitted Funds, Economic Recovery, and Oil Sector Reform, released on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, the total unremitted funds due to the federal government from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) stood at about N7.2 trillion.

An amount N0.1 trillion (one hundred billion naira) less total federal government proposed expenditure for 2017.

The findings from various audits exercise of the oil and gas sector showed that the NNPC and its upstream subsidiary, NPDC, failed to remit $21.778 billion and N316.074 billion to the federation account, NEITI stated during the report presentation on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

The report also noted that these amounts are due from three main sources, federal government assets divested to NPDC and NPDCs legacy liabilities; payment for domestic crude allocation to NNPC; and dividends from investment in Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company paid to the government but was withheld by the NNPC.

NEITI noted that recovery of these funds will significantly enhance governments fiscal position in the short term.

The body observed that operations of government agency have been largely non-transparent in most of its commercial decisions. Also, accountability and lack of sound economic judgement were also noted across various transactions of the corporation and its subsidiaries.
The event held on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at the Council Chambers of the President, Aso Rock, Abuja.

It had in attendance the leadership of the National Assembly, the Chairman of Governors' Forum, Gov. Abdul Aziz Yari, the All progressive Congress Chairman, John .O. Oyegun and other cabinet members.

Below is the full speech delivered by the President:

PROTOCOLS

I am very pleased to launch our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP: 2017-2020) today.

As we all know this Administration inherited numerous challenges. Our political campaign was based on a recognition of the difficult situation Nigeria was in and the need to bring positive and enduring change. And we remain committed to our electoral promise to change our way of doing things and to change Nigeria for good.

We are committed to delivering on the three key areas that we promised  That is improving security, tackling corruption and revitalising the economy. Security in the North East, and other parts of Nigeria, is significantly better today than when we came in. With regards to our fight against corruption, as you all know, our law enforcement agencies are prosecuting very many cases of corruption. Our successes in these two areas are clear for all to see.

I want to assure all Nigerians that we are approaching the solution to our economic challenges with the same will and commitment, we have demonstrated in the fight against corruption and in the fight against terrorism and militancy.

The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan brings together all our sectoral plans for agriculture and food security, energy and transport infrastructure, industrialization and social investments together in a single document. It builds on the Strategic Implementation Plan and sets out an ambitious roadmap to return the economy to growth; and to achieve a 7% growth rate by 2020.

Our aim simply put, is to optimise local content and empower local businesses. We seek not just to take the Nigerian economy out of recession but to place it on a path of sustained, inclusive and diversified growth. We are determined to change Nigeria from an import dependent country to a producing nation. We must become: A nation where we grow what we eat and consume what we produce. We must strive to have a strong Naira and productive economy.

The Plan I am launching today therefore sets out what we, as Government, are committed to do, to create the enabling environment for business to thrive. The Plan is a national plan; hence the role of State Governments is critical to its success. I therefore wish to appeal to the State Governments to draw inspiration and strategic direction from the Plan to articulate their economic programmes, particularly in the development of the real sector.

I call on all Nigerians to work with us to ensure we achieve those objectives. The contents of the Plan are already familiar to a broad cross-section of Nigerians because it was developed in consultation with a wide group of stakeholders, including the National Assembly, State Governments, the business community, labour unions, academia, civil society groups and development partners.

Finally, I wish to commend the Ministry of Budget and National Planning for successfully coordinating the Plans development. I also wish to salute the efforts of the Economic Management Team under the leadership of the Vice President for overseeing the drafting of the Plan.

I am pleased to present this Economic Recovery and Growth Plan for use by the Nigerian people, our friends and partners and to guide our development efforts over the next four years.
"The dark deed is done," Merkley tweeted. "McConnell has just put a knife into the heart of our We the People republic."

The "nuclear" option  rewriting the Senate rules to kill the filibuster on Supreme Court nominees by a simple majority vote was utilized to clear the path for Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump's nominee for the high court, to be confirmed.

In an initial procedural vote, Republicans failed to clear a 60-vote threshold to move forward with Gorsuch's confirmation, prompting McConnell to take the step.

The vote to change the rules was 52 to 48, split along party lines. After the rules change, senators voted 55 to 45 to advance Gorsuch's confirmation to a final vote on Friday.

Democrats have employed the tactic before. Harry Reid, the former Senate majority leader, used it in 2013 to assist in the confirmations of President Barack Obama's judicial and executive nominees.
The Tuesday attack on a rebel-held town in northwest Syria killed at least 70 people. The Syrian military blamed it on rebels, but activists in the country say President Bashar al-Assad's forces are responsible.

Trump said at a press conference Wednesday that the attack crossed "beyond a red line" and had changed his attitude toward the Assad regime. The Trump administration had previously indicated that ousting Assad, a brutal leader who has committed atrocities against his own people, wasn't a priority.

Also on Wednesday, Haley told the UN Security Council that when the UN "consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," a possible hint at US military intervention.

But the administration has been sending mixed messages on Syria, and Trump on Wednesday emphasized that he wasn't going to reveal his plan, saying he doesn't like to say what he's going to be doing militarily.

Here's a look at what key people have said recently on the Syrian conflict, which is stretching into its sixth year as rebels fight to oust Assad.

Donald Trump

Trump has been all over the map on Syria.

In 2013, he urged then-President Barack Obama against military action, tweeting, "AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA - IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE U.S. GETS NOTHING!" In another tweet that month, he said, "stay out of Syria."

But Trump said Wednesday that he likes to be flexible in his positions.

"That attack on children yesterday had a big impact on me. Big impact," Trump said. "That was a horrible, horrible thing. And I've been watching it and seeing it and it doesn't get any worse than that."

The president continued: "It's very, very possible, and I will tell you it's already happened, that my attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much."

Trump's statement on Tuesday addressing the attack didn't go quite this far.

"Today's chemical attack in Syria against innocent people, including women and children, is reprehensible and cannot be ignored by the civilized world," Trump said in the statement, calling the attack "heinous" and attributing it to the Assad regime.

He also pivoted this week to criticizing Obama for not taking action in Syria years ago that could have put and end to the civil war.

In 2012, Obama drew a "red line" and threatened military action if the Assad regime used chemical weapons, but then backtracked once evidence surfaced of such an attack. He opted instead to broker a deal in which the Assad regime agreed to remove chemical weapons from Syria. Trump now calls this a mistake.

"I think the Obama administration had a great opportunity to solve this crisis a long time ago when he said the red line in the sand," Trump said. "And when he didn't cross that line after making the threat, I think that set us back a long ways, not only in Syria but in many other parts of the world because it was a blank threat."

Nikki Haley

Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, has also made differing statements on Syria.

Just last week, Haley said the Trump administration's priority "is no longer to sit and focus on getting Assad out."

"Do we think he's a hindrance? Yes," she told reporters. "Are we going to sit there and focus on getting him out? No."

And also last week, when asked at a Council on Foreign Relations event whether a political solution in Syria would include a timeline for Assad stepping down, Haley stayed vague.

"I'm not going to go back into should Assad be in or out," she said. "Been there, done that, right, in terms of what the US has done. But I will tell you that he is a big hindrance in trying to move forward."

But Haley's language got stronger after the chemical attack this week.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," Haley told the UN Security Council on Wednesday, appearing to allude to the possibility of US intervention in Syria if such attacks continue.

She also pinned blame on Russia and Iran, Syria's main allies, for not putting a stop to the attacks.

The Russian government has denied any responsibility for Tuesday's attack, saying Wednesday that the toxic gas was released accidentally when a Syrian air strike hit a "terrorist warehouse" containing "toxic substances."

Rex Tillerson

So far during his tenure as secretary of state, Rex Tillerson has been reluctant to call on Assad to step down. He has also pinned blame on Russia and Iran for failing to stop chemical attacks in Syria.

Tillerson told reporters while he was in Turkey last week that the "longer-term status" of Assad would "be decided by the Syrian people."

And he released a statement on the chemical attack on Tuesday, saying the US "strongly condemns" such actions, but stopping short of saying that Assad must go.

"While we continue to monitor the terrible situation, it is clear that this is how Bashar al-Assad operates: with brutal, unabashed barbarism," Tillerson said in the statement.

Tillerson also said Russia and Iran "bear great moral responsibility for these deaths."

"Those who defend and support him, including Russia and Iran, should have no illusions about Assad or his intentions," Tillerson said. "Anyone who uses chemical weapons to attack his own people shows a fundamental disregard for human decency and must be held accountable."

Tillerson hinted that it is Syria's allies, rather than the US, that are responsible for stopping future attacks.
On April 1, the Chinese government announced its plans to build the sprawling city across three existing counties. The effort is meant to ramp up local economies and provide residents with a cleaner, less-congested metropolis outside of smoggy Beijing.

Xiongan New Area also reflects China's ongoing mission to grow its collection of megacities  massive urban bundles whose populations exceed 10 million. Xiongan will eventually live inside the Jing-Jin-Ji region, which also encompasses Beijing and other major cities.
The number of unsuccessful public-private partnerships is on the rise especially with the business attitude of the countrys government in the last eight years. The Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator (iDEA) Nigeria may be the latest to be included in this list.

The iDEA Nigeria hub was established in March 2013 by then Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, in collaboration with the Nigeria IT Development Agency (NITDA) and some like-minded entrepreneurs. iDEA hub was set up to be a technology incubator for tech startups and entrepreneurs as well as fostering enabling partnership between government and entrepreneurs to empower them in different aspects.

At inception, the hub was adjudged an outstanding government initiative but recent information about the hub pictured a stressed organisation. Investigation on the cause(s) of this situation all point to the federal government and its agency, NITDA.

Mrs. Helen Anatogu, CEO iDEA Hub, said during her interview last year that NITDA has not been meeting up agreed funding from the agency. She noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with agency in 2013 on provision of grant funding to groom startups has not been met.

NITDA has only provided about 30% of agreed funding since 2013.

The news of relocation by the Hub to another location raised more curiosity about the state of affairs of the incubation center. Early in the year, many of the tech start-ups using the Hub also migrated en masse due to reasons range of poor facility management, thus threaten the effective operation of the hub.

The hub next door, Co-Creation Hub, has been experiencing exponential growth. Therefore, making the current condition of iDEA hub more concerning.

The Federal government must ensure great commitment to talent development and knowledge economics, as they are next stop for wealth creation and inclusion growth in most emerging economies in the world. The effectiveness of iDEA Nigeria is essential for effective development and acceleration of growth of tech entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The 4-member group managed by Kisaki is made up of Gospelondebeatz (Synthesizer), Roy (Piano), Ken (Bass), and Stanley (Drums).

The producer last year 2016 in an interview with Pulse Nigeria explained the reason behind the band and what they were set out to achieve.

The pilot episode tagged ''Afro/Hip Hop session 1 (Rehearsal Session)'' sees the band mix beautifully songs such as 'Cause trouble' by Lil Kesh, 'Indomie' by Mastercraft, CDQ, 'OMG' by Hit Masters, 'Yeah' by Chris Brown, 'As I get money' by Magnito, 'Oliver Twist' (Sneakbo Remix) by D'Banj, 'Ni**as In Paris (Album Version (Explicit)' by JAY Z, Kanye West, 'Make it rain' by Fat joe ft Lil Wayne and 'Daddy Yo' by WizKid.
Africa, of course, plays host to a good number of museums that tells of the continent, the painful past, the history, the powerful art, and the fascinating discoveries. So, if you looking to know more about a country's background and all, you know where to visit.

Here's a list of a few of the museums that will give you an overview of the great continent.

1. House of Slaves  Senegal

The House of Slaves on Goree Island, Senegal, a beautiful location with a tragic history, is a reminder of the horrors of Africans as slaves back in the era of slave trade.

House of Slaves was a market where Africans would be shipped by middle-men from mainland West Africa, and then traders could visit, and purchase slaves before leading them through what is now called the Door of No Return, filling small boats before returning to their main vessel stationed just off the island.

The house remains intact, with iron shackles and cells, where African men, women, and children were kept in appalling conditions. It is said that they would languish in these dingy cells for up to three months before being shipped off.

2. Museum Of Modern Art Of Algiers  Algeria

The exterior of this museum is so beautiful one could get lost in its stunning beauty before going in.

The museum plays a major role in the promoting and developing Algerias contemporary art. It's basically a collection of modern art by mostly Algerians telling stories of the past struggles of Algerians and the history behind country's existence.

3. Nairobi National Museum  Kenya

This museum offers good insight into the cultural and natural history of Kenya.

The museum exhibits artefacts such as weapons and tools, furniture, ornaments, and some ritual objects, among others ethnographic piece that represent Kenya and other east Africa countries.

4. Benin City National Museum  Nigeria

Benin City National Museum, Nigeria is located in the city centre on King's Square. The museum has a significant number of artefacts related to the Benin Empire such as terracotta, bronze figures and cast iron pieces.

The museum preserves the history of this great ancient kingdom and its people, who were known for their innate expertise in bronze sculpture.

5. Apartheid Museum  South Africa

The museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid and offers an overview of the history of the country.

Apartheid was a system of racial segregation enforced by the white-minority government in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. The system ended with a negotiated transition to a non-racial democracy.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tobi broke into a shop owned by one Iyabo Yusuf located at Ijaye bus stop, Ojokoro area of the state on March 25, 2017, and stole the items she kept there.

The police prosecutor, Eruada Victor told the court that the accused was arraigned on a two-count charge, adding that the offenses contravened sections 285 and 308 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, with Section 285 stipulating a three-year jail term upon conviction.

Victor added that Tobi was caught by a vigilance group in the area, and tendered the iron rods and cutlass he allegedly used to damage the door of the shop, as exhibits.
PM Express reports that the suspect, Sunday Okoro who is standing trial on a five-count of raping, assault, breach of peace, sexual harassment and attempted murder, was also accused of hitting his wifes head with a pestle and his other children when the girl raised an alarm over the rape.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Ajayi Emmanuel, told the court that the accused committed the offense on March 28, 2017, at his residence in the Mushin area of the state.

Sergeant Emmanuel said that the accused forcefully had carnal knowledge of his daughter after he had lured the girl to the bathroom and had sexual intercourse with her.

According to the prosecutor, the girl alleged that it was her father that deflowered her, adding that the girl narrated everything that happened that day to her mother when she returned from work.

When the woman confronted her husband with the allegation, he pounced on her and used a pestle to hit her forehead, which caused her head injuries.

The accused also beat the victims siblings after they confronted him and rained abuses on him when they heard about the incident. The case was reported to the police by the wife of the accused."

The prosecutor said the offenses contravened Sections 137, 166, 171, 228 and 267 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 with Section 137 prescribing life imprisonment for offender upon conviction.
The words that make up from the anthem are a collection of words and phrases from the best five entries from a national contest. The words were properly structured and turned into music by the Nigerian Police Band directed by Benedict E. Odiase.

The National Anthem has come under the spotlight after TBoss couldn't complete the National Anthem. The reality is that there are many Nigerians who cannot sing the National Anthem. Another stark reality is that many people do not know the meaning behind the words in the National Anthem.

Today Pulse Gist, breaks down the meaning of the famous lines;

These are the first four lines of the Nigerian National Anthem. It calls on all the citizens to heed the call of the nation and to serve it with three principles, love, strength and faith. Love for the fatherland, strength in hard times and faith that Nigeria will conquer any obstacle. These are the three characteristics every Nigerian should have. Serving the fatherland means you can be called on to defend Nigeria at any time.

The next two lines remind us not to forget the sacrifices of our founding fathers and people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Examples of these people are Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafewa Balewa, Nigerian soldiers, MKO Abiola etc.

The last three lines add two more things Nigerians need to serve the country- heart and might.

If the next line of the anthem is anything to go by, Nigeria is meant to be a progressive country- "bound in freedom." The last line of the first stanza paints a picture of an ideal Nigeria- united and peaceful.

The first line of the second stanza is a plea to God to help Nigeria with three things- direct the affairs of the nation, help our leaders to make the right decision and give understanding to our young men and women. The plea to God reflects the deep religious sentiments in Nigeria.

These two lines are a continuation of the prayer to God, the future of the country should mature with love and honesty, guided by truth. This is the second time love appears in the national anthem.
The visuals showed the agitator as she pushed around the man who made no attempt to defend himself.

Both of them were heard interacting in Pidgin English as the woman repetitively uttered "Give me my money".

A male onlooker who was recording the incident was also attacked by the woman who also had a problem with being captured in the act.

The recording was interrupted following further assault on the observer.
The state Acting Chairman of NMA, Dr Godwin Tijani, spoke in Lokoja on Thursday, while reacting to the recent reported cases of meningitis in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr Lawal Bakare, the Technical Assistant (Communication), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, had on Monday declared that the Federal Government was making efforts to stop the disease from spreading.

Bakare said the government had activated an Emergency Operations Centre to manage the ongoing outbreak of the disease in five North-West states.

As of April 3, 2017, a total of 2,997 suspected cases of CSM were reported in 16 states out of which 146 have been laboratory-confirmed. Unfortunately, 336 deaths have also been recorded, he said.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia describes meningitis as an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges."

The most common symptoms are fever, headache and neck stiffness. Other symptoms include confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises.

According to Tijani, meningitis is a big threat to our state now, since the case has been reported in Abuja, being a transit to Kogi.

We are at a great risk since we cannot control or screen the influx of people passing through Kogi to the neighbouring states."

 It will be very difficult to identify anyone carrying the causative agent.

He said that the state had yet to record any case of Type C Cerebrospinal meningitis, but expressed concern over the possible outbreak of CSM, if precautionary measures were not taken.

The doctor urged people to avoid sleeping in an overcrowded room and maintain a ventilated environment to avert outbreak of the disease.

Tijani also urged the general public to report to the nearest health centre, any person noticed with the symptoms of fever, persistent headache, neck stiffness and pain, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.

He appealed to the electricity distribution companies to help avert the outbreak of meningitis in the country.

According to him, regular power supply will reduce heat and make people to sleep well in their homes.
She made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to her, proper counselling of the victims and their families will help in solving the psychological problems faced by them as well as curb stigmatisation.

She added that this measure would help the communities accept the victims back into the society as well end intergenerational stigmatisation.

Women and girls in Nigeria are faced with immersed marginalisation; we are not just talking of peace in absence of war.

Parents have a larger role to play in ensuring a proper training of the child in terms of education, among others.

They should also provide basic needs to the development of the child in order for them to become an asset to the society and not a liability, she said.

According to Nwadinobi, conflicts have contributed to some challenges faced by women and girls and as such needs a holistic approach in dealing with the problem.

She however said that appropriate approach regarding the situation included the participation of women and girls in the spectrum of peace keeping.

She also said that involving the women in mediation, negotiations and rebuilding programmes was key in solving the challenges faced by them.

Nwadinobi therefore urged the Federal Government to ensure that all policies are put in place and implemented as well assume its responsibilities to the populace in terms of health, employment and social security, among others.
A source in the Presidency confirmed this development to State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday.

The source stated that filing the appeal was informed by the need to save the war against corruption.

The source revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Justice, had also filed a fresh case in the Code of Conduct Tribunal against Justice Ademola and wife for living above their means and failure to declare their assets.

It will be recalled that Justice Okeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, on Wednesday, upheld the no case submission by the defence in the corruption case against Justice Adeniyi Ademola, Mrs Olabowale Ademola and Mr Joe Agi.

The judge struck out the 18-count charge preferred against the defendants after holding that the prosecution failed to prove any of the allegations despite the provisions of sections 53 and 60 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) Act.

However, sources in the Presidency informed State House Correspondents that the government had been advised to appeal against what is described as a very strange outcome indeed considering the underlying facts.

It is even stranger that the trial was not allowed to continue considering the applicable statutory provisions.

Section 53 (1) of the ICPC Act raises a presumption that any gratification accepted or obtained by an accused person must have been corruptly accepted or obtained until the contrary is proved. Section 60 of the Act does not apply to the case.

Of interest is the decision of the learned trial judge that the offence of giving and receiving gratification was not made out by the prosecution against the defendants in the face of the evidence held in court.

Prosecution witnesses gave testimony of the payment of N30 Million in three tranches by Mr Joe Agi (SAN), into the account of Mrs Olabowale Ademola, the wife of Justice Ademola. Agi was a legal practitioner who actually had cases in the court of Justice Ademola.

The defendants, however, claim that the money was a gift from common friends for the benefit of Justice Ademola and Mrs Ademola to support the wedding of their daughter, the source narrated.

The source added that the evidence of the defence suggesting that the source of the money was not Agi, was unclear at best and ought not to have formed the basis of the learned trial judges conclusion at this stage of the proceedings.

What was clear was that the last tranche was paid shortly before Justice Ademola granted a garnishee order in favour of Agis client to the tune of about $637 million.

Prior to this, it was also not disputed that Justice Admolas son had received a BMW vehicle worth about N8,500,000 from Agi.

The presidency source continued: One of the charges dismissed relates to the possession of firearms by Justice Ademola without a valid licence.

On this, Honourable Justice Okeke held that the Firearms Act made provision for a time lag, that is, for Justice Ademola to continue to hold on to his firearms and ammunition even after the expiration of his licence.

In this case, a new licence was tendered in a situation where Justice Ademola ought to have tendered a renewal of his old licence. Being in possession of two licences in respect of the same firearm ought to have raised some questions for the defendants to resolve.

According to sources, within the prosecution, the ruling suggests that the learned trial judge proceeded to ascribe probative value to the evidence of prosecution witnesses at the stage of a no case submission when he ought only to have considered whether a prima facie case had been made out by the prosecution against the defendants.

The learned trial Judge had held that there was no link between the gratification received by Justice Ademola and the judgment he delivered in favour of Agi.

The source maintained that the ruling failed to address the relevance of section 53 of the ICPC Act which raised a presumption of corruption in respect of the gratification in question.

The source said this and other troubling questions must be addressed in an appeal against the ruling.

When contacted for official comments of the presidency, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu denied the existence of a rift between the Executive and Judicial arms of government over this issue and other recent judicial decisions posing a challenge to the war against corruption.
In a report by Punch Newspaper, Aliyu, who served between 2007 and 2015, was arrested by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday after he was invited by the commission.

An EFCC source reportedly said, We invited former Governor Aliyu to our office on Tuesday and he has been in our custody since then. He was invited following an investigation into a scam involving about N5billion.

Confirming the invitation, the spokesman for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said: The former governor was invited by the commission and he is still in our custody.

The incumbent Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, as well as the members of the Niger State House of Assembly, had called for a probe of Aliyus administration which they described as fraudulent.

ALSO READ: Babangida Aliyu denies owning property in Dubai

Bello said there were several questionable transactions the former administration must account for and such transactions were discovered by the financial management committee set up by his administration.
Sanusi said this is because the Federal Government is borrowing unsustainably.

Speaking at the Kaduna State Economic Summit in Kaduna, on Wednesday, April 5, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said Nigeria is spending 66 per cent of its revenues to pay interests on debts, saying such a model will fail.

Sanusi said: "The Federal Government of Nigeria is spending 66 per cent of its revenues on interests on debts, which means only 34 per cent of revenues is available for capital and recurrent expenditures.

"That model cannot work. If you look at the 2017 budget of the Federal Government, I sometimes wonder what Nigerian economists are doing? In the 2017 budget presented by the Federal Government, the amount earmarked for debt servicing is in excess of the entire non-oil revenue of the Federal Government, but that is not the problem. The problem is that it is a budget that is even going for more debts."

He said at this stage, government at all levels should realise that borrowing is no longer an option and should, therefore, look for ways to attract investments.

"Growth can only come from investments. It cannot come from consumption. It cannot come from government balance sheet. It cannot come from borrowing because you cannot borrow unsustainably," he said.

Sanusi berated the idea of the government borrowing money from China.

He said: "We have governors; they go to China and spend one month on a tour and what do they come back with, MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) on debts.

"China will lend you $1.8bn to build light rail. This light rail will be done by the rail workers from China. The trains will come from China. The engines will come from China. The labour comes from China. The driver is Chinese.

"At the end of the day, what do you benefit from it? Your citizen will ride on a train and when you ride on a train, in northern Nigeria, in a state like Kano or Katsina, where are you going to? You are not going to an industrial estate to work. You are not going to school? You are not going to the farm. You borrow money from China to invest in trains so that your citizens can ride on them and go for weddings and naming ceremonies."

The monarch added that if the North-West, North-East were a nation, they would have been the poorest in the world.

"We are living in denial. The North-West and the North-East, demographically, constitute the bulk of Nigerias population, but look at human development indices, look at the number of children out of school, look at adult literacy, look at maternal mortality, look at infant mortality, look at girl-child completion rate, look at income per capita, the North-East and the North-West Nigeria, are among the poorest parts of the world.

"As far back as 2000, I looked at the numbers, Borno and Yobe states, UNDP figures: Borno and Yobe states, if they were a country on their own, were poorer than Niger, Cameroon and Chad.

"Nobody saw this because we were looking at Nigeria as a country that averages the oil-rich Niger Delta, the industrial and commercial-rich Lagos, the commercially viable South-East, and you have an average.

"Break Nigeria into its component parts, and these parts of the country are among the poorest, if it were a country. And we do not realise we are in trouble," he stated.

Sanusi said for the northern region to develop, it must fix its social and religious problems.

He said the region for turn its back on 13th-century mindset of religion and culture.

"Other Muslim nations have pushed forward girl-child education, theyve pushed forward science and technology. They have pushed forward the arts. We have this myth in northern Nigeria, where we try to create an Islamic society that never existed.

"We need to understand the roots of the problem of northern Nigeria. Burning books, it happened in Kano. What is the crime of those books? They were writing about (love), and love apparently is supposed to be a bad word.

"In a society where you dont love your women and you dont love your children, you allow them to beg, you beat up your women, why should anyone talk about love?

"We have adopted an interpretation of our culture and our religion that is rooted in the 13th century mindset that refuses to recognise that the rest of the Muslim world has moved on.

"Today in Malaysia, you wake up and divorce your wife; that is fine. But you give her 50 per cent of all the wealth you acquired since you married her. It is a Muslim country. In Nigeria, you wake up after 20 years of marriage, you say to your wife, I divorce you, and thats it.

"Other Muslim nations have pushed forward girl-child education; theyve pushed forward science and technology. They have pushed forward the arts. We have this myth in northern Nigeria, where we try to create an Islamic society that never existed.

"We are fighting culture, we are fighting civilisation. We must wage an intellectual war, because Islam is not univocal. There are many voices, there are many interpretations, there are many viewpoints, and we have for too long allow the ascendancy of the most conservative viewpoints. The consequences of that are that there are certain social problems," Sanusi said.

The monarch also slammed the executive and the legislative arms of government, saying instead of them to be working on getting Nigeria out of recession, they are busy fighting each other on political issues.

He stated: "If you have been reading and watching the news for the last one month, the big and concerned news politically is about leadership but unfortunately, the conversation is not about electricity, infrastructure, education, health care.

"All the conversations are about the National Assembly, the executive, the judiciary, conflict between this politician and that politician as well as confirmation of the EFCC boss."
The Opon Imo is a tablet that comes fitted with educational materials and textbooks.

It was launched in 2013 by the Osun State government for use by senior secondary school students.

According to the State government, the gift will help with the rehabilitation of the students who were only recently freed from Boko Haram custody.

ALSO READ: Chibok Girls and 1000 days of keeping hope alive

A chunk of the schoolgirls who were abducted in 2014, are still in Boko Haram custody.

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration has secured the release of over 20 of the schoolgirls.

The Opon Imo programme has in the past four years, guaranteed a computer electronic device in the hands of students, some of whom hail from poor backgrounds.

The tablet has also been made accessible to students in rural communities where such devices remain a luxury, at best.
Diezani was in charge of Nigeria's oil industry between 2010-2015.

According to the prosecution, Diezani paid bribes to three officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2015 presidential election, in a bid to swing victory the way of then President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan would go on to lose that election.

According to the EFCC, Diezani handed out bribe money totaling N264M to Christian Nwosu, Yisa Olarenwaju and Tijani Bashir to get the results of the election fixed.

Nwosu pleaded guilty following his arraignment and has entered a plea bargain with the federal government.

Nwosu who allegedly received N30M of the bribe money, has returned N5M while also surrendering the title document of a landed property he purchased for N25M in Delta State.

Diezani was absent in court when charges were read against her.

The former minister is in the UK where reports say shes battling cancer.

Shes the first minister from the Jonathan cabinet to be formally charged; amid widespread allegations of corruption levelled against several former officials of that administration.

However, this isnt the first time Diezanis name has been linked to corruption and grand larceny since she left the country, hot on the heels of Jonathans defeat at the ballot.

Below are a few other instances:

1. In October of 2015, $700M in raw cash was reportedly discovered in Diezanis ritzy Abuja home.

Also among the finds on the property were expensive jewelry, diamonds and gold ornaments, according to sundry reports.

2. In February of 2017, a 15-storey, $37.5M property in highbrow Banana Island area of Lagos, was linked to Diezani.

An unnamed EFCC investigator had told The Nation at the time that the property in Building 3, Block B, is a 15-storey edifice comprising 18 flats and 6 penthouses, Bella Vista at Plot 1, Zone N, Federal Government Layout, Banana Island Layout, Foreshore Estate, Off Onikoyi Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The property was acquired by the former minister between 2011 and 2012 at a total cost of $37,500,000USD from the developers, YF Construction Development and Real Estate.

It was acquired in the name of a Shell company, Rusimpex Limited under the control of a certain Mr. Afamefuna Nwokedi in Lagos.

3. In January, 2017, EFCC investigators disclosed to Pulse that Diezani allegedly disbursed N23B to Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) ahead of the 2015 general elections in a last ditch attempt to influence the presidential contest for Jonathan.

ALSO READ: Here are INEC officials who allegedly received N23B

Investigators say the cash was wired to the RECs after the election. They were instructed to rewrite or alter some of the election figures, as their part of the deal.

INEC is investigating which of its electoral officers received what, from Diezani.

The electoral umpire has promised to recommend the sack of indicted officers to President Buhari after its internal committee is done reviewing the allegations.

4. On Friday, January 6, 2017, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ruled that a certain $153.3M allegedly stolen by a certain Diezani Alison-Madueke, be forfeited to the federal government.

According to investigators, four bank Managing Directors aided Diezani in siphoning the sum from the coffers of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

5. In January of 2016, the EFCC announced that it had seized a mansion worth N3.58B in the Asokoro area of Abuja.

The property allegedly belonged to Diezani.

Acting EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu said items found in the home included jewelry, furniture and a bulletproof gym worth some $2M.

Several property in Lagos, noticeably in the Sabo-Yaba area of the nations commercial capital, have also been traced to Diezani.

6. In 2014, then Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Lamido Sanusi Lamido, blew the lid on the disappearance of $20B from Nigerias crude oil account.

Without mentioning Diezani by name, Lamido aimed a finger at the NNPCthe oil behemoth that was at the time overseen by the former petroleum resources minister.

Diezani baulked as Lamido doubled down on his allegations.

President Jonathan took sides with his oil minister on national television.

Days later, the CBN Governor lost his job.

Lamido is currently the Emir of Kano.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, Falana made his resignation known in a press statement released on Thursday, April 6, 2017 while refuting a story about him in the publication last Sunday, April 2, 2017.

Reacting to the allegations that he influenced the appointment of Ola Olukeyede, the Chief of Staff to Ibrahim Magu, Falana denies ever employing the individual in his law firm.

He said: In the first place, Mr. Olukoyede has never worked in my law firm. I met him for the first time about two years ago. Having not known him or worked with him closely I could not have recommended him for any position of responsibility either in the EFCC or in another public office. The second allegation is equally a figment of the fecund imagination of the fictitious writers in Thisday newspaper.

Continuing, he said: Based on my belief in public accountability, I have never said that the properties recovered by the EFCC should not be investigated, Falana said.

He further noted that although the address of the property allegedly given to him by the EFCC was not stated in the story, it is public knowledge that all the funds and other assets forfeited by the late governor were handed to the Bayelsa State government sometime in 2010 by the then management of the EFCC.

Falana also urged members of the public to disregard the dubious report of the reactionary elements who are hell bent on diverting the attention of Nigerians from the mega-looting of our commonwealth by a coterie of plutocrats.
Dr Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, made the promise at a stakeholders meeting of the Association of Miners Processors of Barite (AMAPOB) and Tse Torkula Community in Guma Local Government area of Benue state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister for State Mines and Steel Development, Mr Abubarkar Bwari, also attended the meeting.

As a country, we have the best tax holidays worldwide, all miners have three years tax holidays from the government.

Again, out of the 40 minerals in the country, we have selected seven strategic ones for concentration. The minerals are limestone, barytes, iron, bitumen lead and zinc.

We also have duty free on all mining equipment.

The minister advised miners to adequately compensate host communities for peace and healthy working condition.

We are seriously discouraging a situation where miners fail to compensate host communities either by cash or through inequities that are resulting to unhealthy situations. We need a healthy environment to work.

He said that the government needed to massively inject funds and create good market environment for full mining activities to take place in the country.

He said that there were serious mining activities ongoing in the country other than cement, but were not heard about until this national tour of mining sites by government.

The minister said that Benue, Nasarawa and Cross Rivers states had large quantities of barytes to satisfy the needs of the oil and gas companies.

He said that the government was likely to commenced substitution or ban importation of barytes for oil companies to patronise barytes produced locally.

Mr Mike Mku, the Vice President, Association of Miners and Processors of Barite (AMAPOB), appealed to the Federal Government to ban importation of barytes into country.

Mku said that the local processors of barytes had enough to sustain the oil and gas companies.

Mku said that his members lacked equipment, infrastructure and market to sell their products since the oil companies were currently importing barytes.

He appealed to government to leverage on local content by partnering with them for effective output in the mining sector.

Mr Gregory Tarkubu, Spokesperson for the host community, promised their cooperation and support to the mining project in the community.
Imoto, whose residential is not known, however, pleaded not guilty to a count charge of stealing brought before him.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Victor Eruada, told court that the accused committed the offence on March 30 at Osanyintola Street in Ijaye, Ojokoro, near Lagos.

Eruada said that the accused entered the shop of one Mrs Olufemi Nifemi and stole the phone.

The prosecutor said during police investigation, it was discovered that only the accused entered the complainants shop at the time the phone was stolen.

He said the offence contravened Sections 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 285 stipulates a three-year jail term on conviction.

The Magistrate, Mr G.O. Anifowoshe, granted Imoto bail in the sum of N10, 000 with one surety in like sum.

He said that the surety must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two-year tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The Nigerians, who have just been released by Libyan authorities, were recovered by Libyan forces last December and were detained again in a Misrata prison.

According to Reuters, the Nigerians, alongside 28 Eritreans had escaped from Sirte, a former Islamic State stronghold in central Libya, while forces from the nearby city of Misrata battled to oust the militants late last year.

It was gathered that some of the women were on their way to Europe when the Islamic State fighters kidnapped them.

After they escaped from Sirte, they were investigated for possible ties to the group and held for several months in a Misrata prison, the report said.

The women said they were starved and humiliated by their new captors - Libyan forces.

A Reuters reporter who visited them in detention said a 16-year-old was pregnant and in need of urgent care.

Although the Libyan attorney-generals office said that it cleared the women of any wrongdoing in mid-February, their continued detention for several more weeks was not explained.

On Wednesday, April 5, the women were received by staff from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the Libyan Red Crescent, before being taken to a shelter for medical checks.

"Im very happy, I cant describe how I feel, but I am very happy, I can start a new life and see my family again," one 14-year-old Eritrean girl told Reuters before leaving the prison with the rest of the group on a Red Crescent bus.

ALSO READ: ISIS recruiting foreign students with financial inducement

A UNHCR official said the entire group had scabies, but otherwise appeared to be in reasonable physical condition.

The Eritreans are expected to be resettled as refugees

"We will send them to a safe house where they can be treated if they need medical treatment, and receive assistance from us, and be protected," head of the UNHCRs Libya mission, Samer Haddadin, was quoted as saying.

"At the same time we will be processing them for refugee status determination  and we are doing this to make sure we can find a resettlement country for those who meet the resettlement criteria."
I made a vow in 2007 not to disappoint God when I took oath of office to serve my motherland as a minister. Though men were out to ruin me, my Jehovah has vindicated me. In fact, I have seen the goodness of the Lord today, he said.

The innocent may fall, the innocent may stumble, but he will never suffer in vain. Aside the fact that I hold my integrity and faith in God in high esteem, I went into government to serve Nigerians, not my pocket nor bank accounts. Right from the day I was taken to court, I maintained that I was innocent and God has proved that today.

Truth may live a difficult life, but it will always prevail. I am now vindicated, my tarnished image has been restored and I can again be celebrated by my admirers. I hold no grudge, against any man, he added.

Orubebe also said that he was victimized due to his close relationship with former President Goodluck Jonathan.

ALSO READ: CCT finds Orubebe guilty of false declaration of assets
The protest held on Thursday, April 6, in the Potiskum Local Government Area of the state.

The placard refers to Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) whose nomination was rejected by the Senate in March.

The demonstration is a peaceful one embarked upon because we voted for change in 2015 general elections, and Nigerian Senate want to truncate the change mantra, by not confirming Ibrahim Magu and some other vital issues that would benefit Nigerians, Leader of the protests, Nafi'u Lawan told protesters.

The issue of Comptroller General of the Nigeria Custom Hameed Ali and others, are also embarrassing the Nation, he added.

The Senate refused to confirm Magu based on a report by the Department of State Services (DSS) which questioned his authority.
Saraki, represented by Sen. Ali Wakili, the Chairman Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare made the call at a roundtable by the British High Commission in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UK Government had in 2016 announced a five-year Global Prosperity Fund of 1.3 billion pounds to promote economic reform and development for growth in partner countries.

Saraki said: The fund worth 1.3 billion pounds represents another surgical attempt by the British Government to promote economic through poverty alleviation and economic boost.

We are particularly interested in aspect of the fund which targets promotion of economic reforms and elimination of barriers of trade, public sector reform, strengthening capacity and building strong institutions.

We are also interested in the aspect that focuses on developing growth sectors such as infrastructure, energy, finance, education and healthcare and providing development assistance to combat poverty.

The targets are in line with the legislative agenda of the 8 senate which is largely focused on economic reforms and poverty alleviation.

Saraki said that as the country battled with economic recession and looming humanitarian situation in the North-East, the Senate welcomed any form of partnership that would address the national challenges.

He said that the Senate would continue to use the instrumentality of laws as a means of social engineering to create conducive atmosphere for economic survival and empowerment of the citizens.

Saraki said that the Senate was currently working on the establishment of National Poverty Alleviation Commission, geared toward establishing a coordinating agency for eradication of poverty in Nigeria.

He reiterated the readiness of the senate to support programmes and initiatives aimed at enthroning sustainability and better livelihood for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

The Chairman House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Muhammed Wudil, remarked that the lower legislative chamber was also working on the establishment of Poverty Eradication Commission.

He said that the commission would not only centralise the programme but also maintain a reliable database.

According to him, eradication of poverty can only be effective through such institution that have constitutional mandate.
The Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Martins Cobham, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on telephone from Pretoria, that a Nigerian was killed and four others hospitalised during a mob attack on foreigners on Thursday.

 I can confirm that a Nigerian, Razak Ajao, an auto mechanic was killed and four others injured during a mob attack against foreigners in Polokwane, Limpopo Province of South Africa today (Thursday).

 The Nigerian mission has formally registered a protest to the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this sad incident.

 The ministry said they would get back to the mission and that is the situation we are now. The mission has also reported the attacks to the South African police.

 Meanwhile, the mission is meeting with officials of Nigeria Union on the incident to decide on the next line of action.

 We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed, he said.

Mr Ralph Nwachukwu, a Nigerian in South Africa, had told NAN on phone that one Yoruba and one Igbo were killed during the attack which took place in Polokwane on Thursday.

Nwachukwu, who could not give the names of the victims, said the attack started when Nigerians living in that area were holding a meeting.

They held a meeting on Tuesday and today (Thursday) was supposed to be a follow up.

It was at the peak of the meeting that the South African Taxi Drivers swooped on them.

They accused Nigerians of peddling drugs and began to attack them with dangerous weapons that led to the death of two while many others were seriously injured, he said.

Nwachukwu said Nigerians, in a bid to register their complaint, went to police station but the commander at the station drove them out instead of listening to them.
In a recent chat with the mother of two, the delectable actress said: "I'm glad that Jade thought of me t even attempt this project Isoken just spoke to me, the character jumped at me at the page like as I was reading the script, I could feel and understand where the character was coming from because I've been there and I think a lot of Nigerian women have been there and are still there."

Speaking further on the character she played alongside Joseph Benjamin, Funke Akindele and Tina Mba, Dakore said: "The pressure is unreal, the pressure to be married, to have gone to certain schools at certain times, and have certain associations in the society, you know the impact is just too much and I love the way Jade brought about the movie because it's not heavy as there is that infusion of comedy, colour, light and the array of talents.

"So when she told me about her aspirations for the movie, it was definitely, it aligns with what I want to see in Nollywood because the industry is just growing from strength to strength," she said.

On being choosy about the roles she plays, Dakore said: "I think it through in choosing the character that I have to portray as an artiste because I believe it's so much like life itself and it's hard when you are spreading your energy in so many things, and coming after "Fifty", I needed to be sure whatever come after that should also make a statement and take it up a notch."

Dakore also disclosed that the young director cum writer of the movie, Jade Osiberu challenged her a through the movie shooting.

ALSO READ: "Isoken" to premiere in June

"Jade definitely challenged me as an actor to push my craft and I'm certain everyone will be blown away with it. I can tell you it's not easy being a wife, a mum and still dropping those top notch work, it's not easy but I'm really grateful for been given the opportunity to be in this movie," she said.
Sheriff, who got to the venue of the meeting a few minutes after Jonathan had delivered his remarks, walked out with members of his National Working Committee at about 4.15 p.m.

Some of the executive members with him were the Deputy National Chairman, Dr Cairo Ojougboh and the Publicity Secretary, Mr Mikko Bernard.

We are here for PDP stakeholders meeting and the PDP has only one national chairman, which is Ali Modu Sheriff.

There is no PDP meeting that will take place under whatever arrangement that will not open the session as national chairman;. Today, Im the most senior member of this party."

He also said that he would not be party to anything outside the reconciliation report submitted to him by Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa.

I think Gov Dickson made a proposal for reconciliation that we have accepted. Some people want to deviate from this programme, to bring agenda which was not part of it.

As national chairman of the party, what I told you in my office when Dickson brought the report is the only thing that we have agreed to at this moment.

I will not be party to anybody using me to do another programme. Im not going to be part of it, Sheriff said.

Asked about the way forward for the party, Sheriff said: As the National Chairman of PDP, I will move on with the programmes initiated by Gov. Dickson.

We are continuing with that; anything outside that, Im not a party to it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the meeting however continued after his walk-out.

Jonathan, speaking on the outcome of the meeting, regretted what happened during the meeting.

According to him, the issues will be addressed once the committee comes out with its own recommendations.

A member of the party, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that Sheriff was not allowed to address the meeting because he insisted that the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, should not be allowed to address the meeting.

NAN also reports that both Sheriff and Makarfi were scheduled, in the agenda of the meeting, to deliver goodwill messages.

PDP members present included Chief Tom Ikimi, Prince Uche Secondus, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Chief Olisa Metuh, Ahaji Saminu Turaki, Sen. David Jang and Sen. Adolphus Wabara.
Villa Myriam Coffee is not just a business, it is a family. Even the name bears great significance to them. They take it from Joaquin Estebans farm, owners Juan and David Certains grandfather. Located in the hills of Piendamo, Colombia, the farm is named after Joaquins daughter, Myriam, who died at a young age. Family is the core of who they are and why they love what they do. When you see the name Villa Myriam printed on a bag of coffee, it is not just the company name, it is a pledgea promise to you that inside of every single bag, the coffee beans have been meticulously cared for by the family, from the time they were a tiny seed to now. We take tremendous pride in our name, says Juan.

We reject deforestation of our coffee fields by allowing the bushes to grow and prosper in their natural, shade-grown environment. After all, natural beans just taste better. Those who work at the farm, even though they arent blood family, still feel like family, since most have been there for decades. They have a commitment because Villa Myriam not only contributes to their livelihood, providing them living wages, but also contributing to broader socio-economic responsibilities in their communities. These very important things factor into the Rainforest Alliance Certification; which is why they get every one of their beans certified.

David, is a certified Master Roaster from the Roasters Guild of America, and Juan is a certified member and Level II barista of the Baristas Guild of America, both organizations overseen by the Specialty Coffee of America Association, where all their coffee is certified. These certifications are important because it guarantees the quality of each bean, and it only enhances whats naturally in their heritage, in their blood. They rigorously train all the baristas at The Brew, their coffee bar located in downtown Albuquerque, taking them through the complex flavor profiles of each individual bean, only allowing them to serve coffee once they have mastered all the complexities that go into preparing the perfect cup.

It is with all this in mind that the Certain brothers are opening up a new coffee shop and roasting facility in the East Downtown area. Our roots are Colombian but our family tree is now firmly planted in Albuquerque. They quickly ran out of room in the old space, especially with the increasing popularity of their Nitro Cold Brew Coffee and Nitro Tea products, and finding the space to keep the cold brew equipment was challenging. Now they finally have a place to expanda place being built with the vision of Villa Myriam in mind. The new space will feature a coffee shop with a centrally located bar, framed by large windows looking out on one side, into the urban expanse of downtown Albuquerque, and on the other, looking in to the roasting and canning facility. You will be able to sip on a specialty espresso, while watching how that espresso came to be in all of its intricacies.

This is what we mean when we say farm to cup and seed to cup. We dont simply know the farm, we are the farm. This idea is central to who we are, and the key to understanding the pride we take in preparing and serving the absolute best cup of specialty coffee, whether were roasting it at Villa Myriam or serving it at The Brew.
He told newsmen in Abuja that constitution of the committee was a major outcome of a stakeholders meeting of the partys members held on Thursday.

He said that in his absence, the committee would be chaired by former Vice President, Nnamadi Sambo or Sen. David Mark.

Jonathan said that PDP leaders believed that various matters of the party before the courts would be resolved in the next few months but that the party would not surrender its powers entirely to the court.

We will take some steps to make sure that we will keep our people together and work with all the interested parties to see how we can resolve this difference.

He listed members of the committee as six from of the Board of Trustees  one per geo-political zone as well as six each from the two groups within the party.

Others members, according to him, are all PDP governors, Deputy President of the Senate, Senate Minority Leader, House of Representatives Minority Leader and Minority Whip.

We will consult with both groups and take two former governors  one from the North and one from the South; two former ministers, two women, two youths  all will be one from the north and one from the South, he added.

Jonathan expressed optimism that when the committee met, minor issues experienced during the stakeholders meeting would be resolved.

Be assured that we are determined to restore our party, and to make sure that PDP becomes stronger and stronger. We are determined to ensure that PDP rises again, he said.

Earlier at the opening of the meeting, Jonathan had urged PDP leaders to make personal and general sacrifices to ensure quick resolution of the partys problems.He described PDP as a symbol of democracy and said that there was no sacrifice too big for anybody who believed in the party to make.

As politicians with the zeal to lead our people, we must aspire to higher offices or identify the people we believe have leadership qualities and encourage them to aspire to those positions.

But one thing is very clear, you cannot, as the polity is configured today, be elected into a higher office on the platform of a weak party.

We must all, therefore, work to rebuild the PDP and strengthen the party in line with the vision of our founding fathers.

He reminded the members that the prolongation of the partys crisis had cost them so much in election fortunes, in recent times.

The loss of Edo and Ondo gubernatorial elections is still fresh in our memory.

It goes without saying that we cannot afford to have a repeat of that in the forthcoming elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states.

He therefore said that it was high time the members buried their hatchet, suppressed their ego and prepared to make sacrifices in the interest of PDP and the country.

We must realize that as they say, everybody is nobody without a platform. So, why destroy the platform?

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sen. Walid Jubrin, urged the party leaders to embrace strategies that would regain the partys lost glory.

We must be able to bring ourselves together and forget our differences for the sake of the party. We must be ready to do away with selfish interests and ambitions.

We must also forego blame game and be involved in forecast and formation and never abandoned PDP, Jubrin said.
In a report by Punch Newspaper, Ita-Giwa, disclosed her decision to join the ruling party, APC, on Thursday, April 6, 2017 in Calabar, Cross River State.

In her words: I have been idle in the PDP for over one year now. It is time for me to move on politically with my huge Bakassi supporters.

Besides, nearly all my contemporaries are in the APC. SO, it is time for me to join them and work for the progress of the party at the state and national levels.

In the same vein, the Acting state Chairman of APC, John Ochala, has said Ita-Giwa's defection was a welcome development.
Mahmood showed his excitement over the electoral act when he visited the Senate President alongside a delegate from the Independent National Electoral Commission to present a four year Strategic Plans for 2019 elections.

"INEC Bill is the most technology-friendly amendment to the electoral act ever passed. It's great that the Nigeria Senate's amendment came two clear years before the 2019 election, Mahmood Yakubu said.

In his response, Saraki said: "Today, the INEC Chairman reminded me that last year, when himself and the other Commissioners came to the Senate for a stakeholder interactive session on election reform, I assured them that this Senate would do everything within its power to fast-track electoral reform before the political season.

"Last week, we did just that. With two clear years before the 2019 general elections, the 8th Senate has passed the most comprehensive electoral reform bill in the history of Nigeria," he said.

Continuing, Saraki said: "These reforms include several technological advances, that makes it possible for INEC to conduct elections using new technologies that will combat voter fraud and election manipulation. These amendments are also aimed at increasing citizen participation in the democratic process at all levels.
Tinubu said he may disagree with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on national issues but never to the extent of engaging in mudslinging, rumour mongering or personal attacks.

He said mischief makers who are trying to use his name to stir opposition in the senate are behind the reports.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tinubu's behalf by his spokesman, Tunde Rahman.

Rahman said the APC leader, who is a former senator, would not do anything that could belittle the senate, adding that he (Tinubu) has special affection for the institution.

The statement said: "We are usually not in the position of agreement with PDP members. But on this rare occasion, we have no contention with them. Asiwaju Tinubu is a former senator. He has a special affection for the senate as an institution.

"It is not within him to belittle the institution or members of that institution who happen to be in the opposing political party.

"Moreover, his brand of politics does not lend itself to engaging in wanton character and personal attacks. There is significant policy difference between our progressive school of thought and the often reactionary ideas of the PDP.

"There are more than enough serious issues over which to grapple the PDP. Asiwaju Tinubus politics are driven by his policy views. He will gladly wrestle against the PDP on substantive political differences. But engage in personal attacks, rumor-mongering and mudslinging, never. We leave that for others. The gutter is no place to build a better nation. We seek higher ground.

"So that there is no confusion on the core issue here, we categorically deny any hand in any negative personal reports on any senator.

"Some malefactors want to use the name of Asiwaju Tinubu to stir opposition in the senate to the confirmation of Magu as EFCC chairman. By trying to paint Magu as Tinubus partner in mudslinging, the false story seeks to induce senators to oppose Magu as a way of thwarting Asiwaju Tinubu."

"The authors of this screed thus revealed their moral barrenness. The fight against corruption is a cardinal battle this nation must win or forever forego its greater destiny, he added.

"Despite the importance of this matter, someone is trying to exalt his narrow personal interests above the long-term interests of the nation. Someone so brazen and self-absorbed is a dangerous instrumentality when placed in a position of power."
The case began on April 5, 2017, after the religious group, which has 175,000 members in Russia and 395 branches across the country, had filed a counter lawsuit against the Justice Ministry lawyers on March 30, 2017.

The hearing was resumed today, April 6, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.

David A. Semonian, a spokesman at the Witnesses world headquarters in New York, has spoken on the court hearing.

He said: We certainly hope that Russias Supreme Court will uphold the rights of our fellow believers in Russia to freely carry out their peaceful worship.

Millions of people around the world will be watching carefully to see how the case progresses and if Russia acts to protect its own law-abiding citizens who are Jehovahs Witnesses.

ALSO READ: Russian President Vladimir Putin signs new law against evangelism

So far, the counterclaim by the religious group has been dismissed by the Court. This was dismissed prior to the recess of the hearing.

Also, people have been stopped by the court from testifying about the falsification of evidence against local religious organizations of Jehovahs Witnesses and basically, the basis for the claim of the Ministry of Justice.

Look out for additional updates as the hearing continues.
The Zamfara governor had earlier blamed the disease on the sins of Nigerians, saying that God was punishing everyone with the outbreak for the sin of fornication.

Speaking at the second edition of the Kaduna Investment Forum, the Emir of Kano debunked Gov. Yari's statement, Vanguard reports.

Referring to his extensive knowledge of the Islamic law, Sanusi said that the governor's comments were incorrect and urged him to simply treat the disease without giving unnecessary explanations.

He said: Some of the examples are horrendous. Im sorry about a current issue yesterday. 200 people died of meningitis in a state, the governor was asked and he said it is Gods curse on us for the sin of fornication, which apparently does not happen in America, which is why they dont have meningitis.

ALSO READ: 10 things you should know about Meningitis outbreak in Nigeria

Moving on, the monarch added this, How have we reduced ourselves, what have we done as a people, that we have placed ourselves in a situation where simple things, a medical issueyou dont have vaccines, say you dont have vaccines.

Treat those who have contracted it, dont give these kinds of explanations. But this is the mindset. I have a degree in Islamic law, and I can tell you that is not an Islamically correct statement to make.

These are the kinds of things that we have; and when we talk about a difficult environment, we realise that 90 per cent of that difficulty, we can address, because it is self-inflicted.

Meanwhile, Pastor Adeboye has advised his congregation to bring their children for anointing against the disease.

He has been criticised by people, who feel that he should have told his church members to go for vaccinations instead.
Mirror UK News reported that she was found wet near a lake in the early morning of Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

"She was wet, she said she had been in the lake, said she needed help and needed to be taken to the hospital," police spokesperson, Lt. Mark Hudson stated.

No information was available concerning her identity as a test of her finger print did not yield any result.

The police have put out an image of the so-called mermaid so that anyone who has any helpful detail of Joanna can contact them.

ALSO READ: Pictures of men pretending to be mammi water goes viral

Karon Renwick, who resides in Friant, California where the woman was found didn't seem surprised by the incident.
Trump described the strike on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun as an "affront to humanity" and warned it had changed his view of the Russian-backed Syrian leader.

Previously the White House has said its sole focus in Syria is defeating the jihadist Islamic State group, not on ending Assad's civil war against opposition fighters.

But Trump and other senior US officials said that the latest attack, which doctors say caused the agonizing deaths of at least 72 people, had changed the calculus.

And he renewed his criticism of his predecessor Barack Obama who in 2013 famously failed to take action after Assad crossed a "red line" with a previous chemical attack.

"It crossed a lot of lines for me," Trump said, at a joint White House news conference with Jordan's King Abdullah.

"When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, little babies ... that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line, many, many lines," he warned.

"I will tell you, it's already happened, that my attitude towards Syria and Assad has changed very much ... You're now talking about a whole different level."

Trump did not go into detail about what a US response to the atrocity will be -- and he has previously opposed deeper US military involvement in Syria's civil war.

But his statement that his attitude had changed came after the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, had warned of unilateral American action.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," she said.

Lifeless victims

The warning came during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by France and Britain after the attack was carried out in the early hours on Tuesday.

Haley lashed out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria, standing in the UN Security Council with photographs of lifeless victims, including children.

"How many more children have to die before Russia cares?" she demanded.

"If Russia has the influence in Syria that it claims to have, we need to see them use it," she said. "We need to see them put an end to these horrific acts."

At least 72 people, among them 20 children, were killed in Khan Sheikhun, and dozens more were left gasping for air, convulsing, and foaming at the mouth, doctors said.

It is thought to be the worst chemical weapons attack in Syria since 2013, when sarin was used.

US officials have not said what chemical agents were used, but Trump said it was "a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was."

The attack has strained the already tense relations between the US and Russia, just days before Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is due to visit Moscow next week.

At the United Nations, Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack.

Russia, Syria's main diplomatic and military partner along with Iran, said the text was "categorically unacceptable."

The draft backs a probe by the Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and demands Syria provide information on its operations.

Russia's Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the UN council that the proposed resolution was hastily prepared and unnecessary, but voiced support for an inquiry.

"The main task now is to have an objective inquiry into what happened," he said.
"It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant," he told reporters during a visit to a military camp on the western island of Palawan, near the disputed Spratly group.

China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbors and has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

Duterte has previously sought to improve his nation's relations with China by adopting a non-confrontational approach over their competing claims in the strategically vital waters.

But the president appeared to alter his tone with his announcement Thursday, saying it was time to "erect structures there and raise the Philippine flag".

"I have ordered the armed forces to occupy all.

"At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours," he said, adding Manila was claiming "nine or 10" Spratly islands, reefs or cays.

Duterte also said he "may" visit the Philippine-claimed areas on June 12 to mark Philippine Independence Day.

An official at the Chinese embassy in Manila seemed surprised when asked by AFP to comment on Duterte's declaration, but referred questions on the matter to the Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing.

The Philippines under Duterte's predecessor Benigno Aquino had actively challenged China's claim to control most of the South China Sea, despite counter-claims by several other nations.

But the controversial Duterte, who took office last year on promises to kill thousands of people in a drug war, reversed that policy as he sought billions of dollars worth of investments and grants from Beijing.

The two neighbours are scheduled to hold talks in China in May to tackle issues related to the sea row.

The Philippine military currently has garrisons on Thitu, the largest of the Filipino-claimed islands.

After China occupied Mischief Reef in the mid-1990s, the Philippines marooned a derelict navy vessel atop nearby Second Thomas Shoal to assert Manila's territorial claim.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have also sparred with Beijing over territory in the disputed waterway.

US President Donald Trump's administration so far has taken a tough stance on China's claims in the South China Sea, insisting it will defend international interests there.
Polling stations to accommodate some 250,000 eligible Dutch-Turkish voters -- most with dual citizenship -- opened at 0700 GMT at three venues across the country, officials and news reports said.

"So far, people have been coming to vote in dribs and drabs, mainly small groups," said Johan Tensen, communications chief at Amsterdam's RAI conference centre, one of the voting venues.

"We are, however, expecting the majority of voters to come over the weekend," Tensen told AFP.

Voting stations in Amsterdam, The Hague and the central city of Deventer will remain open until Sunday night for expatriates to cast their ballots, broadcaster NOS said.

Voters in six other European countries, including the largest group of some 1.4 million eligible people in Germany, began casting their ballots last week with a total of around three million allowed to vote in 120 Turkish missions in 57 countries.

The referendum sparked a bitter row when Germany and The Netherlands blocked campaign events by Turkish ministers last month, leading a furious Erdogan to accuse both countries of using "Nazi" methods.

A demonstration in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam flared into violence last month when riot police used dogs, horses and a water cannon to break up protesters, angered when the Dutch blocked Turkish ministers from addressing the rally.

Meanwhile, Ankara's European campaign leader Mustafa Yeneroglu on Wednesday called for the Dutch government to apologise over the incident.

"We are expecting an apology from The Netherlands," he told Dutch popular daily tabloid Algemeen Dagblad.

"Our ministers were blocked, police used dogs and horses to chase people wanting use their freedom of expression," Yeneroglu said.

Outgoing Dutch premier Mark Rutte last month said an apology would not be forthcoming.
According to Reuters report, the returnees were mostly young men in their 20s, seeking a better life abroad, but also some women and children.

Most of the dozen or so Gambian migrants interviewed by Reuters had been gone for more than a year.

The International Organisation of Migration and Gambian government helped release them from detention centres in Tripoli and elsewhere.

European governments are struggling to find a response to the flow of migrants over the Mediterranean from Libya, and the appalling conditions in detention camps run by traffickers or the Libyan government.

A returnee, Lamin Korita, 26, told Reuters that he was glad to have ended a 13-month journey that got him arrested in Tripoli.

He said he had wanted to make it to Italy and find work there.

Its a relief to be home, he said, though he wasnt sure what he would do now without skills and in a country with few jobs.

For others, the trauma of their ordeal remained raw.

Another returnee, Modou Badjie, 27, told Reuters: Libya was horrible for us. There was no peace. People hit me, they used sticks against me like I was an animal.
Cartes called for talks with various political leaders to calm tensions after police shot dead an opposition activist in a raid during riots that erupted after senators approved his election reform.

Several smaller opposition parties attended the talks, which are also supported by Pope Francis.

But the leader of the main opposition Liberal Party, Efrain Alegre, said he would not sit down with the government until congress drops the constitutional reform bill.

Alegre was one of dozens injured by the police's rubber bullets in the weekend unrest.

"We are not going to take part in a dialogue unless people are brought to account" for killing the activist and injuring other protesters, Alegre said.

Pro-government senators sidestepped opposition resistance to approve the reform on Friday and had planned to pass the bill to the lower house of Congress on Saturday.

But that vote was postponed due to the violence. Some of his allies in the congress have since dropped their support for the bill.

After firing his interior minister and police chief over the activist's death, Cartes on Monday reached out to the opposition, proposing negotiations to calm tensions.

The specter of a long run of dictatorships throughout most of the 20th century hangs over the tiny South American country, population nearly seven million.

For some, the moves to change the constitution revived memories of authoritarian power grabs.
CNN cited a report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights which said the terror group carried out the mass killing in the the al-Mayadin desert near the strategic city of Deir Ezzor on Wednesday morning.

The monitoring group called it "the largest execution operation carried out by the Islamic State organization in 2017."

According to the report, the victims were between ages 18 and 25 and were "killed by sharp tools."

It was, however, not clear whether the victims were Syrian government forces, allied militia or rebel factions.

ISIS also reportedly killed at least 22 people in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, on Wednesday.

ISIS gunmen indiscriminately opened fire on police and civilians in the central Iraqi city before they blew themselves up, police officials told CNN.

No less than 31 other people were wounded in the attack, report said.
The African National Congress acknowledged growing calls for Zuma to step down, admitting to "serious and difficult disagreement" over the president's sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan last week.

Zuma could either be ousted by the ANC recalling him, or a vote of no confidence in parliament that has been scheduled for April 18.

The party retains a large majority in parliament, and Zuma has easily survived previous confidence votes.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe told reporters Wednesday that although the party had "reflected" on the resignation demands, "we won't recall President Jacob Zuma because opposition parties say so. It won't work that way."

Zuma has been under fire for several days -- including from within his own camp -- after dismissing Gordhan, a decision that caused the rand currency to plummet.

Gordhan's removal triggered unprecedented criticism from Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa as well as the party's chief whip, its treasurer and several ANC allies.

Ramaphosa, who could succeed Zuma, described it as "totally unacceptable".

South Africa's powerful trade union federation Cosatu this week joined many anti-apartheid veterans, business leaders and civil action groups calling for Zuma to step down.

Mantashe -- who was among those who had hit out at Zuma in recent days -- blamed Gordhan's sacking on "the irretrievable breakdown" in relations with the president.

Gordhan was at loggerheads with Zuma for months, receiving support from several ministers and major foreign investors, as well as many ordinary South Africans.

"The (party) has emphasised the need for unity of the ANC and the alliance in the interests of South Africa," Mantashe said.

Credit downgrade

Gordhan had campaigned for budget discipline and against corruption, but Zuma's allies accused him of thwarting the president's desire to enact radical policies to tackle racial inequality.

Gordhan's sacking contributed to a credit ratings downgrade to junk status on Monday by Standard & Poor's, further fuelling calls for Zuma to step down.

The president has defended his change at the Treasury, saying that the government's financial policies remained the same.

S&P said the cut to below investment grade reflected "heightened political and institutional uncertainties" following the purge of Gordhan and other critical ministers.

With the cabinet overhaul exposing deep divisions within the ANC, the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party hopes to benefit at general elections in 2019.

"No army anywhere in the world will subject their footsoldiers to be commanded by an enemy general," Mantashe said in relation to the no confidence vote.

Peter Attard Montalto, analyst at Nomura bank, said in a briefing note that Zuma was "a master tactician who can play the internal machinations of the ANC much better than anyone else."

The president has been accused of being in the sway of the wealthy Gupta business family, allegedly granting them influence over government appointments, contracts and state-owned businesses.

Since coming to power in 2009, Zuma has been hit by a series of corruption scandals, while the ANC suffered its worst ever results in local polls last year.

He is due to step down as head of the ANC in December, ahead of the 2019 general election.
US citizen Michael Sharp and Swedish-Chilean dual national Zaida Catalan were kidnapped on March 12 with four Congolese nationals in central DRC, which has been rocked by clashes between security forces and rebels since September that have left hundreds dead.

The bodies of the two UN workers, who had been sent to investigate violence in the central Kasai region, were found in a grave 16 days after they were abducted.

"We have repatriated the bodies of these two colleagues to their home countries," David Gressly, the UN's deputy special representative in DRC, told a news conference after a visit to Kasai's provincial capital Kananga where the bodies were being kept.

Addressing lawmakers on Wednesday, President Joseph Kabila called for a minute's silence in memory of those killed in Kasai, including the UN experts.

Fighting erupted in Kasai after government forces last August killed tribal chief Jean Pierre Mpandi, also known as Kamwina Nsapu, who had launched an uprising against Kabila's government.

The UN accuses the rebels of recruiting child soldiers and committing widespread atrocities.
A Quad-City doctor and a Davenport construction company president are the latest community leaders to be named to the Quad-Cities Area Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of the Heartland.

At a news conference Thursday, JA leaders announced two new laureates for the Hall of Fame: Dr. V.R. Alla, president and CEO of Quad-Cities Kidney Center, and manager of Quad-Cities Nephrology Associates; and Kent Pilcher, president of Estes Construction.

While observing Junior Achievement Day at JA World in downtown Davenport, the organization's leaders also introduced this year's Young Entrepreneur Scott Schoonmaker, owner of StoJo Outdoor Services Inc., Moline; and Outstanding JA Volunteer Mary Maland of Moline, a retired Rock Island Arsenal employee.

JA President Barbara VenHorst said the Hall of Fame honors "outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders who have made meaningful and lasting impacts on our community."

She said the inductees ''provide our children with real-life success stories of adults so that they have models to look at and emulate."

For more than 60 years, JA's "network of community partners has delivered financial literacy, work-readiness and entrepreneurship programs to more than 1.2 million students," VenHorst added.

The 2017 Class of Laureates will be inducted during the Quad-Cities Area Business Hall of Fame event June 15 at Jumer's Casino & Hotel, Rock Island. Festivities will include a reception, dinner and the induction ceremony.

Lance Heuer, JA's board vice chairman and Hall of Fame committee chairman, said the honor was created in 1990 by JA to celebrate the accomplishments of business leaders and the region's entrepreneurial spirit. The new laureates join 60 other laureates previously inducted.

"It takes many community partners to bring JA's message alive to our students," said Heuer, senior vice president of U.S. Bank.

Here's some of the advice this year's laureates offered today's JA students:

Alla, who came to the United States from his homeland of India in 1974, and has practiced medicine in the Quad-Cities since 1980, said: "Education is the key. Without education we cannot reach the goals we want. I would also tell parents to put the seed in their kids' head that they need to get educated. Without my education, I would not have been able to come to this country and succeed."

Kent Pilcher, a Quad-Citian since 1983 and an active community leader, said: "There are four secrets to success  Show up on time. Do what you say you're going to do and three and four are say please and thank you."

Twenty-year-old Schoonmaker, the Young Entrepreneur, was just 15 when he started his own landscaping business that evolved into Stojo Outdoor Services Inc. His advice: "Figure out what you're called to do and follow it. I always did know what I wanted to do."

Maland has devoted 22 years to volunteering with JA and now in retirement is volunteering even more. She will teach nine JA programs this school year and has taught more than 1,700 students in her tenure. Admitting that she "loves the kindergarteners," she said that early on, their lessons were about saving money for the future. "But now it's geared to making right choices and the difference between needs and wants. We hope they get on the right path."

Tickets to the Hall of Fame are $125 each or $1,000 for a table of 10. To register, contact Katie Langel at 309-277-3919 or katie.langel@ja.org.

Proceeds from the event help further JA's mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. For more information on the event, visit www.jaheartland.org.
Moline's first woman mayor, blah, blah, blah.

Though still meaningful in ways, these gender milestones are sooo 1972 (the year Kathy Kirschbaum became the first woman mayor of Davenport).

Moline mayor-elect Stephanie Acri has bigger fish to fry than to carry a tired torch for women's rights. And I only say it's tired, because women have been serving on Moline's council for several decades. The mayor thing is different in that it carries considerable leadership potential, but Acri has made a career out of inserting herself in leadership roles traditionally reserved for men.

She took some time with me Wednesday at a downtown coffee house to talk about her upcoming term and grab a bite to eat ("to keep my energy up") the day after handily conquering incumbent Mayor Scott Raes at the polls. The more impressive feat was her hands-down win in the municipal primary, where she was forced to run as a write-in candidate.

Write-ins typically do not fare well, because it's too challenging to get the word out, but Acri prevailed, big time.

She politely categorized the upset as voters "expressing frustration" over Raes' unfortunate missteps (my words) in challenging Acri and others' candidacy in a nit-picky technicality over numbering pages on nomination papers. Even if the move hadn't backfired, making many Moliners feel cheated out of a choice, Acri would have been a strong contender.

First, the gender thing: "I have always been in a man's world, because I'm an engineer, and I own a machine shop," she said, referring to Rock Island-based Evans Premium Manufacturing, which she acquired in 2004. "That said, I have an 18-year-old daughter, and it's frankly a little disappointing to me that I am the first woman."

Also mildly disappointing was Raes' style of governance, which Acri found dramatically different from the mayor who first appointed her to the council six years ago, Don Welvaert. After serving with him for two years, she served four years as at-large alderman with Raes in the mayor's office.

When pressed to compare the leadership style, Acri said she will be more Welvaert than Raes. She used this example: Welvaert was heavily involved with aldermen, frequently calling them into one-on-one meetings to make sure they were fully informed about city matters. In four years with Raes, she said, she never got a phone call from the mayor and could recall only one email.

"We see the mayoral role differently, and we see the council role differently," she said. "I think I'm more proactive about reaching a goal. I'm aligned with the direction the city's going. I just want to get there quicker."

She also wants to get there smarter, pointing to efforts under way to contemplate the impact of the new Interstate 74 bridge, for example.

"I think we're doing it right, and I want to make sure we continue to do it right," she said. "We're studying what new revenue will result, such as hotel/motel taxes, and how we should best invest that."

Acri also wants to make a harder push on the city's boundaries and annex property south of the airport. Moline officials have long had their sights set on southward growth, but it hasn't materialized. When it does, the mayor-elect said, annexation could have a big impact.

"I'll use Trader Joe's as an example," she said (I'm listening). "They require certain things -- a certain number of rooftops and a certain average household income. We can do more to get there."

But something else has to happen first. Moline City Hall currently has a couple of hugely important vacancies. The city clerk has for months been on unpaid leave, which has resulted in some ugly legal wranglings. More importantly, the council is working on a replacement for City Administrator Lew Steinbrecher, who announced at a November council meeting that he was retiring and, to prove he wasn't kidding, left the job the next day.

"It's absolutely the most important thing this council will do," Acri said of finding a new administrator. "We'll do it well."

The attributes she's most interested in for the job are the ability to communicate well and to lead. As a former board member for Trinity Medical Center (UnityPoint) and the Chamber, Acri has been involved in the past in hiring CEOs.

"You can change knowledge base, but you can't change personality," she said. "I think it's important to embrace a difference of opinion. Brainstorming different ideas can be so productive."

And speaking of productive, where is someone with a demanding full-time job and membership on various boards going to find the time to serve as mayor of a city of 43,000 people?

"I've cleaned up my schedule, have a lot of flexibility at work, and my personal life is changing, too," she said, noting that she soon will be an empty nester as her youngest of three children heads for college. "I'm not a super great politician, so I'm not always comfortable with every role, but I am good at communicating, listening and collaborating."

And she has six years on the council behind her. In those half-dozen years, Moline has seen some fat times. The downtown is the most vibrant it's been since the '70s, SouthPark Mall finally is coming around to this century, passenger rail is on its way, along with new hotels and the John Deere Expressway expansion.

Asked whether she takes any credit for the progress, Acri laughed through an instant "no" response.

"Those foundations were laid years ago," she said. "None of us can take credit for it. That's Moline's accomplishment, not an individual's."

Hmm. A "super great politician" always takes credit. For everything.

So, yeah, we'll take her.
A Scott County judge on Wednesday ordered a competency evaluation for a Texas woman charged in connection with a deadly crash in downtown Davenport in January.

The evaluation will help the court determine whether Lauria Lee Kelly, 57, of Alvarado, is fit to stand trial on one count of homicide by vehicle-reckless driving in the death of Cynthia Elaine Jones.

I think theres enough evidence on the record that the court is concerned about your being in touch with reality or not at the time that this occurred and possibly now, too, Judge Mary Howes told Kelly during a 10-minute hearing in Scott County District Court.

If Kelly is found to be unfit for trial, the proceeding against her will halt until her competency can be restored.

Kelly has been in custody at the Scott County Jail following the crash that occurred just before 6 p.m. Jan. 30.

Police say Kelly was driving her blue 2005 Dodge truck east on 2nd Street at a high rate of speed.

Witnesses to the crash and events leading up to it told police that Kelly was driving very fast and that she ran through at least two red traffic lights, one at 2nd and Harrison streets and the other at 2nd and Main streets, according to police.

One witness, who was crossing 2nd Street at Brady, said she heard the roar of an engine just prior to the crash, according to police.

Kelly's vehicle struck the rear of a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was stopped at the red light at 2nd and Brady. The force of the impact caused fatal injuries to Jones, 53, of Davenport.

The Monte Carlo then was pushed into the rear of a green 1999 Buick Regal that was in front of it. The force of the crash was so great that all three vehicles came to a rest on the other side of the intersection more than 100 feet away, according to police.

Kelly and the driver of the Buick were taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Kelly was arrested after her release from the hospital and taken to the Scott County Jail, according to the affidavit.

According to an application filed in support of a search warrant in the case, a certified drug recognition expert examined Kelly and noted that she showed multiple signs and symptoms of impairment, including dilated and watery eyes, unsteadiness, quick slurred speech and jerky and fumbled movements.

She also had a "distorted sense of reality" and believed the "Order of the Masons" was chasing her, according to the application.

No alcohol or illegal drugs were found in her system, according to prosecutors.

Howes herself requested the evaluation of Kelly based on what she said she read in the minutes of testimony, which contains a summary of the evidence.

Howes said Kelly did not appear to be in tune with reality to time and place and what was going on that day.

Kellys attorney, Harlan Giese Jr., said he was advised by a doctor at the jail and other personnel that there was concern about his clients mental state.

Kelly disagreed Wednesday and told the judge, Im not delusional, maam.

Kelly claimed that an officer had approached her in the jail, told her he was a Mason, and said we know who you are and we know where youre going and that were nationwide, you cant stop us.

She said she took it as a threat.

Kelly said she had been rattled by the crash when asked by Howes about her statements about the Masons and religious delusions reported by witnesses.

I had seven broke ribs and, of course, they cut me out of my truck and I realized that somebody got killed and Im sorry for that, she said through tears. I did not mean for that to happen. I did not come to this state or to this town for someone to get killed. I mean that with all my heart.

Giese on March 29 filed a notice of intention to seek a defense of insanity or diminished capacity at trial. He told the judge that he filed the notice in order to preserve that right and reiterated that Kelly did not believe she was delusional.

Howes said a hearing will be held regarding Kelly's competency once the evaluation is completed and filed with the court.

After the judge made her ruling, Kelly looked out towards Jones family in the courtroom gallery and apologized and said, Please, forgive me.

Jones sister, Lesa Dixon, said after the hearing, Let the will of the Lord be done in this case.
A Davenport man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that accuse him of kidnapping and sexual assaulting a woman in January.

Alan Ray Cassias, 54, waived his right to a formal arraignment and filed a written plea through his attorney, Derek Jones.

He is charged with first-degree kidnapping, a Class A felony punishable by life in prison, and second-degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

Cassias will be back in court April 28 for a pretrial conference. He remained in the Scott County Jail Thursday in lieu of bond.

Police say about noon Jan. 18, Cassias saw a woman walking around Lombard and Harrison streets in Davenport. He asked the woman if she wanted a ride, and she agreed to get into his vehicle.

Cassias told her he would give her a ride to work, but first he had to stop at his apartment in the 1800 block of West 3rd Street, according to police.

Once inside the apartment, Cassias choked the woman until she passed out and tied her hands together with zip ties, according to police. He threatened her with a knife and forced her to perform several acts, according to police.

He later took the woman to her job and let her out of his vehicle, according to police. She then called the police and was taken to a hospital, according to police.

He was arrested Jan. 23 by U.S. Border Patrol agents and turned over to New Mexico State Police.
Stanley Liggins wants new attorneys to represent him when he goes on trial a third time for the 1990 strangulation death of a 9 year old Rock Island girl.

Public defender Derek Jones, at the direction of Liggins, filed a motion Thursday in Scott County District Court to remove him and co-counsel Miguel Puentes from the case.

The motion states that Liggins and the attorneys have fundamental disagreements about pretrial and trial strategy" and that the attorney-client relationship between Liggins and Jones specifically appears to have completely broken down."

The motion further states that the Davenport Public Defenders Office cannot adequately staff the case unless Jones stays on the case as the lead attorney.

A hearing date on the motion has not yet been set. If Judge Marlita Greve grants the motion, Liggins May 22 trial in Black Hawk County likely will be postponed.

Prosecutors say Liggins strangled and sexually abused Lewis, 9, of Rock Island and burned her remains on a Davenport school property on Sept. 17, 1990.

He was tried twice in the girl's death in the 1990s and sentenced to life in prison. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned the first conviction, and on Nov. 6, 2013, the Iowa Court of Appeals reversed the second conviction.

-- Tara Becker
Worried members of a labor union in the North Scott School District packed a meeting room on Wednesday as union representatives squared off in labor negotiations with district officials.

The Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, which includes positions like teachers' aides, secretaries and custodians in the district, filled a meeting room in the district's administration center, Eldridge. Some of the 50 or so present expressed concerns about losing benefits, several weeks after the Iowa Legislature approved sweeping changes to Iowa's collective bargaining laws.

North Scott is the only Iowa Quad-City metropolitan district that didn't settle contracts before the new law went into effect in mid-February. Bettendorf, Davenport and Pleasant Valley settled multi-year contracts in January and February before the law was passed.

North Scott came close to settling at that time, but did not.

On Wednesday, the SIEU was represented by attorney Jim Jacobsen, based with Local 199 in North Liberty, Iowa. Joe Stutting, North Scott's superintendent, represented the district.

Before he moved to Eldridge, Stutting was a school official in Wisconsin. In 2011, that state passed high-profile changes to its collective bargaining legislation, similar to what was done in Iowa.

Jacobsen described the union's requests as the "status quo," per the new law. He sought a five-year contract with 3 percent across-the-board wage increases, and changes to some benefits and procedures.

Stutting countered by offering a one-year agreement with no wage increase. He added that the district wants to stay competitive and is "not out to gut benefits."

North Scott will offer the employees what the district can afford, Stutting said.

The two sides also differed on the type of document to be approved: The district prefers the agreement be in the form of a handbook, while the union is expecting a traditional contract agreement.

The superintendent said the administration does not want to tie the hands of future board members to a long-term contract. Jacobsen said a contract would be legally binding, versus a handbook.

Because the new law was passed in February, the negotiations may continue until June 30, or before the new fiscal year begins July 1.
Iowa's Obamacare exchange was dealt another blow Thursday, as Aetna announced that it will not sell Affordable Care Act-compliant individual insurance policies in the state for 2018.

The company is the second within a matter of days to announce it is pulling out of the state's health care insurance marketplace. Earlier this week, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield said that it would not sell individual policies in Iowa.

That means most of the people who bought coverage through the exchange will have to find a different plan next year.

In a statement, Aetna said its decision came "as a result of financial risk and an uncertain outlook for the marketplace." The company said it still is considering its options in the few remaining states where it sells individual policies. Aetna said it does not release state level membership, but the Iowa Insurance Division said that about 32,800 Iowans on the marketplace and almost 3,400 off the exchange would be affected.

Insurers have to file rate information with the Iowa Insurance Division by early June, so it's not clear which companies might participate in Iowa's exchange next year.

However, the numbers are dwindling. Medica, which is based in Minneapolis, is the only insurer left that sells individual policies statewide. Spokesman Greg Bury said in an email Thursday that the company is "currently evaluating the situation and our options. Medica says it has 14,000 Iowa members.

Gunderson Health Plan, which is based in Wisconsin, also sells policies in Iowa but only in parts of the state.

About 52,000 Iowans signed up for insurance plans in the online marketplace this year, according to federal data. That's down a bit from the year before. The exchange is the only place where low- to moderate-income people can get tax credits that lower the cost of private individual policies.

Wellmark's decision affected 21,400 individuals. The state's insurance division said 18,900 of those bought policies off the exchange while 2,500 purchased in the exchange.

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen issued a statement Thursday that blamed the existing law and urged Congress to act. "We're deeply troubled by the angst and concern the Affordable Care Act is causing in Iowa," Ommen said. "This is a problem created by the Affordable Care Act and needs to be fixed by Congress."

The future of the Affordable Care Act has been in doubt since Republicans swept to power last fall. Already, it had seen premium spikes for 2017, although some analysts said those would ease next year. However, high deductibles and dwindling choices as other insurers exited Obamacare marketplaces have unsettled the market and angered some consumers.

An attempt by congressional Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act failed last month, which has created more uncertainty. In addition, the Trump administration has raised questions whether it will enforce all of the 7-year-old law's provisions in the interim, including the requirement that all Americans have insurance.

The mandate is seen as necessary to get younger, healthier customers into insurance pools.

Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, reacted to Aetna's announcement Thursday by saying "the Republicans' call for repeal without a clear plan have created needless uncertainty for providers, insurers and Iowans alike." He said there should be a way to "come together" to provide stability for Iowans.
The Davenport City Council has remained relatively tight lipped throughout United Neighbor's turmoil over the past five months, but on Wednesday, something changed.

Supporters of the social services organization braved the cold, wind and rain to demonstrate outside of City Hall prior to the Council's committee-of-the-whole meeting and once inside, offered impassioned pleas to their city representatives, urging them to embrace the organization through troubled times.

"I know a lot of people who lost their homes because of one of the programs," Sharon Stepheny said. "I too was one of those people, because we were promised assistance that was never paid to the landlords. However, I still believe in United Neighbors."

Stepheny, and others that followed, were referring to the rental assistance program run by United Neighbors that has come under scrutiny since October.

The Iowa Finance Authority suspended payments to the program after new Executive Director Evelyn Nelson expressed concerns relating to compliance and the program's operations while under the leadership of Ida Johnson.

The Finance Authority last month found that the organization did not follow federal rules and regulations with regards to its HOME Program grant and demanded repayment of more than $235,000 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Among the supporters, though, is the fear that the negativity surrounding the organization will affect its youth programs that have served the city well for years.

The city of Davenport administers Community Development Block Grant funds, and has awarded United Neighbors a grant for next year pending a review of its forensic audit.

The grant funding, which exceeds $79,000, is for the organization's DREAM Homebuyers and Summer Parks Programs.

Nelson said Wednesday's demonstration in front of the City Council was spurred by an internal group called Parents Empowered, which is speaking out because of fears United Neighbors could go away.

The demonstration also is part of a campaign called Do the Right Thing, somewhat in reference to Nelson's whistle-blowing on the agency for not correctly administering its rental assistance program.

"We really want to show the community that it is OK to do the right thing," Nelson said. "The parents felt that I did do the right thing. You shouldn't be in jeopardy of losing any funding or the agency being shut down because you did the right thing."

Nelson said the main goal was to remind the community and its leaders of United Neighbors' mission and embrace the need for mutual support.

She and the supporters received that both literally and figuratively as aldermen embraced the parties after the meeting.

Alderman Bill Boom, 3rd Ward, spoke to the importance of the programs the organization offers.

"I've observed the workings of United Neighbors for almost four decades and I see the good that has been done by this organization," Boom said. "I've met with new management and am confident they have their programs still operating in good fashion."

Alderman Ray Ambrose, 4th Ward, said everyone has been touched in one way or another by the organization and asked City Administrator Corri Spiegel to work with it to "restructure so that we can get another 50 years of community involvement."

"I don't want to see United Neighbors go away," Ambrose said.
DES MOINES  Legislative Republicans and Gov. Terry Branstad have agreed they will spend $7.245 billion from the states general fund next fiscal year  a target that is $38.6 million lower than Branstads already revised plan and about $15 million less than current funding.

Rep. Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, and Sen. Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines, told reporters Wednesday theyre sticking with an additional $40.1 million commitment made earlier to K-12 schools in fiscal 2018, but theyre hesitant to commit to Branstads call for a 2 percent hike for both K-12 schools and higher education in fiscal 2019.

We dont want to over-promise as has been done in the past. We want to make sure that when we set a budget number for education, that its something that we can keep, Schneider said during a news conference.

K-12 education was one of the few areas spared from reductions in the new targets.

Branstad had sought legislative support to spend more than $7.283 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Currently, the state is slated to spend nearly $7.26 billion for the fiscal year that ends June 30.

House and Senate Republicans continue to believe that the state budget should be managed just like families and businesses manage their own, Grassley and Schneider said in a joint statement. This budget takes a responsible and cautious approach to spending in recognition that revenue may continue to come in less than anticipated.

Branstad issued a revised budget plan last month that preserved the 1.11 percent increase for K-12 education and addressed other priorities. But the governor had to pare back the fiscal 2018 request by $173 million to reflect slower-than-expected revenue growth, leaving only about $24 million in new money after earmarking $131 million over two years to refill reserves needed to cover a current shortfall.

The GOP plan issued Wednesday includes fully funding the additional $40 million passed earlier this session for K-12 schools as well as an initial $20 million installment to repay the cash reserves in fiscal 2018, with more payments coming in fiscal 2019.

Schneider said GOP budget-makers were looking to leave a larger year-end cushion in case revenues failed again to keep up with projections.

The GOP legislative targets are $11.8 million below the governors suggested $920.25 million for education, and $10 million below his proposed $1.776 billion for health and human services. Republicans also were $6.72 million below the governors $741.7 million for justice systems, $5.28 million lower on agriculture and natural resources, $2.76 million lower for economic development and $1.33 million lower for administration and regulation.

David Roederer, director of the Department of Management and Branstads budget director, said the governors office has had discussions with legislative Republicans to reach consensus.

These are more global numbers that theyre talking about and well continue to work with them as they start working through their subcommittees and trying to decide how theyre going to allocate those funds, Roederer said.

Minority legislative Democrats were critical.

Republicans are once again balancing the budget on the backs of working Iowans, said Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Senate Democrats will not support drastic cuts that threaten public safety, the quality of education, and the safety net for seniors, children and vulnerable Iowans, Bolkcom added. These budget cuts could have been avoided if Republican legislators, Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds had delivered on their promises to increase family income by 25 percent and create more than 200,000 new jobs in Iowa.

His House counterpart, Rep. Chris Hall, D-Sioux City, said the GOP targets were an indication that Republicans want Iowa families to pay for corporate tax giveaways that have put the state budget in the red while failing to build a skilled workforce or protect Iowas most vulnerable citizens.
The Rock Island library board has decided that the Tri-City Jewish Center at 2715 30th St. is its choice for the city's main library, with the historic downtown location and the Southwest Branch remaining open as branches.

The 30/31 branch, just a block from the Jewish Center, would close.

The move would require a successful capital campaign.

Repurposing the Jewish Center comes with "moving target" price tag of $16 million, not counting purchase of the building, Angela Campbell, library director, said.

The amount does, however, include about $2 million to $3 million for work at the downtown location, with money going toward repurposing and infrastructure improvements such as new windows, wiring and a heating/ventilation/air conditioning system, she said.

To raise money to adapt the Jewish Center, the Rock Island Library Foundation is embarking on a year-long campaign to secure targeted leadership gifts.

When construction could begin depends entirely on how fundraising goes, Campbell said.

When the issue of the library's future first arose several years ago, leaders said operating three locations had become financially unsustainable.

There will be three locations under the new plan, so what has changed?

One difference, Campbell said, is that the library's contract with the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District for the Southwest Branch was renegotiated so that its operation "is paid for by their funds."

Second, operating an upgraded facility, as the Jewish Center would become, would cost less than operating the downtown location as a full-service center rather than as a branch, she said.

She is excited about the new plans. "When you walk into the Jewish Center, it's almost like it was built to be a library," she said. "It's amazing."

The center has an interior courtyard that would allow patrons to take materials outside. One of the worship areas contains stadium-like seating that could become a community room. There are two kitchens, at least one of which might be incorporated into the library for programming and/or rental use. A ballroom area could be the location of the main shelves. The gym might be made into two levels.

"Plus it has a park-like setting and a new HVAC system and a new roof," she said.

The building itself dates to 1981, compared to 1903 for the downtown location.

Although plans haven't been drawn up or money raised, Campbell hopes the center can be repurposed with all the amenities included in the library board's original plan for a downtown addition, including a dedicated area for young adults, casual seating, study rooms, a coffee shop/cafe and a place for activities.

Some might call these "bells and whistles" but they really are standard and what is expected of today's libraries, she said.

"We want to create the type of library they (the residents of Rock Island) deserve," she said. "Library services have changed so much. It's exciting the direction it's going.

The board's decision in late March to move to the Jewish Center was based on a feasibility study conducted by the Hodge Group of Dublin, Ohio, that asked the people most likely to give money to a fundraising campaign to rate three options.

The first option was the board's original 2015 plan to renovate and enlarge the current downtown library for about $25 million making it a "destination" space.

But when leaders of the Tri-City Jewish Center approached the board in early 2016 with the possibility of buying and repurposing their building, members decided that offer was worth considering. So, the center became the second option of the feasibility study, along with a plan to maintain "a significant presence downtown as a reconfigured branch operation," according to the board.

The reason Jewish leaders are willing to part with their building is that has become too big and no longer centrally located for its changing congregation.

The third option was to move all services to the repurposed Jewish Center, with no presence downtown.

Under all three options, the Southwest Branch would remain open, as spelled out by contact.

The original plan to expand the downtown location drew a mixed response in community meetings.

Some people were all for it, saying that residents in or near the downtown are most in need of the library's services and that once modernized, the library would draw people from all over.

Others argued for keeping the 30/31 Branch, saying it is more centrally located, and that they would never drive downtown. They also said that if the city was going to spend millions on a library, they should put it in a central location, not the downtown.
The decisions to deploy, then jettison, the U.S. Senate filibuster in the United States Supreme Court confirmation fight over Judge Neil Gorsuch brought sharp reactions from Iowa and Illinois lawmakers Thursday, the latest chapter in a battle over the court's makeup that stretches back to last year's death of Antonin Scalia.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Iowa Republican and Judiciary Committee chair who played a key role in the fight, cast blame on Senate Democrats, emphasizing in a floor speech Thursday that they were engaging in the "first partisan filibuster in U.S. history." He accused Democrats of bowing to their base and seizing on any excuse, for partisan purposes, to deny Gorsuch a seat.

"At the end of the day, were left with an exceptional nominee, with impeccable credentials, and broad bipartisan support," Grassley said Thursday.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said, in fact, what happened Thursday was groundbreaking  but it was the Republicans who were breaking precedent. He said that it would leave a mark on them.

President Trumps nominee could not meet the basic 60-vote standard to which we have held every Supreme Court nominee of either party for the past quarter century. So Senator McConnell changed the rules to push the nomination through. For this, both Judge Gorsuch and Senator McConnell will enter the history books with asterisks by their names, he said in a statement.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, has complained that Gorsuch refused to meet with her. She said Thursday Republicans "engaged in an unprecedented abuse of power and unraveled a vital check and balance" that insured mainstream justices.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said the episode was proof Democrats would have filibustered any of President Trumps nominees. The election is over and its time for Washington to work together  as our constituents expect us to do  to fill the Supreme Court vacancy with this eminently qualified nominee, she said.

Ernst, Grassley, Durbin and Duckworth all voted with their party on whether to cut off debate or keep the 60-vote threshold.

The backdrop to Thursdays action was last years refusal by Republicans to consider President Obamas nominee to the court, Judge Merrick Garland. Obama nominated him in March 2016, a month after Scalia's death.

The group Why Courts Matter Iowa, which criticized Grassley over the issue, said in a statement that Thursdays development completes the partisan hatchet job on the independence of the judiciary" that began last year.

Grassley, who argued that no action was being taken on Garland because it was an election year and voters should have a voice in who replaced Scalia, defended the decision this week. He said then-Sen. Joe Biden threatened to do the same thing in 1992.
SIOUX FALLS | Sanford Health Plan has filed a lawsuit alleging the federal government owes it nearly $9 million in payments under a program included in former President Barack Obama's federal health care law.

The program, which lasted from 2014 to 2016, established "risk corridor" payments to health insurers to help offset any uncertainties of selling individual insurance plans on the newly created exchanges, the Argus Leader reported.

Sanford Health serves South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa.

Congress prohibited the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from using certain accounts to make risk corridor payments, resulting in insurers nationwide foregoing billions of dollars.

Government officials said they were confident the program would be revenue neutral, with profits from high-revenue insurers offsetting losses from low-revenue insurers. But the program's first year saw profits at $362 million and losses at $2.87 billion.

"Sanford Health Plan has followed the law and brought high-quality, affordable health insurance to the people of South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa," Sanford chief marketing officer Cindy Morrison said. "Unfortunately, the government has not met its payment obligations, and Sanford Health Plan has brought this lawsuit in order to ensure that the government lives up to its end of the bargain."

Sanford is joining about 20 other insurance companies in filing suit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. In a past case brought by Moda Health Plans, Judge Thomas Wheeler found the government had a contractual obligation to make the payments.

"There is no genuine dispute that the government is liable to Moda," Wheeler wrote. "Whether under status or contract, the court finds that the government made a promise in the risk corridors program that it has yet to fulfill."
Nearly 100 doctors at Rapid City Regional Hospital are calling for the removal of CEO Brent Phillips.

Phillips said he is determined to continue in his role despite a "vote of no confidence" in his leadership held by Regional medical staff Tuesday night.

Phillips responded to the vote on Wednesday in a memo obtained by the Journal. Addressing health care providers in the Black Hills region, Phillips called the vote disappointing but not surprising and said he is "committed to continuing the work we started."

The vote of "no confidence" took place during a quarterly meeting of Regional's medical staff. Multiple sources said that of the 142 physicians present, 95 voted in favor of no confidence in Phillips and 47 voted against.

According to Dr. Stephen Eckrich, many physicians at the meeting stated a shared belief that under Phillips leadership, Regional has not prioritized improving mental health services and other programs.

Eckrich seconded the motion that led to the vote. An orthopedic surgeon with Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center, he works at Regional as a contract member of its medical staff.

The problem is that now there has been this split between the medical staff and the administration over where the board is taking the hospital, Eckrich said. Theyre taking us in a direction that we dont think is good for the community, and the person who is doing it doesnt appear to be interested in physician input and physician engagement.

Disagreements over resource allocation, tense relationships between leadership and medical professionals, and high turnover among staff were also brought up as reasons for the no confidence vote, according to a doctor who wished to remain anonymous. Another medical professional who did not want to be named told the Journal that staff members believe Phillips has not fostered teamwork within and across departments, and that he has mismanaged relationships between Regional and other medical providers in the area.

Eckrich said that what he and the other physicians want is for Phillips to be replaced.

This was a somber occasion, Eckrich said. Nobody was happy that this had to happen. But you get to a certain point where you either need to put up or shut up.

The vote was taken via paper ballot at the meeting after several people raised concerns over retribution. The result of that vote was then sent to Regional's board of directors, but not to the Regional Health System Board that hired Phillips, according to Regional Health officials.

The memo from Phillips points out that, when he started, the Regional Health System Board had a clear vision that called for significant changes.

"I recognize my leadership has made many uncomfortable, but dealing with a number of different changes is a part of our present reality," Phillips said in the memo. "Change, by its very nature, has the potential to create winners and losers. Preserving the status quo is easy and comfortable."

Phillips said he views this vote as a "defining moment for us to work more collaboratively."

This isn't the first time Regional's medical staff has used a vote of no confidence to try to change leadership.

In 2003, Rapid City Regional President Adil Ameer stepped down after a no-confidence vote by doctors and after the federal government fined the hospital $6 million for improper Medicare billing.

Phillips was hired as CEO of Regional Health in November 2014. Before that, he served as senior vice president of Medical Group Operations for Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, and later his role expanded to include president  Greater Milwaukee South, overseeing four hospitals for Aurora Health Care.
Wednesday afternoon started out sunny, peaceful and quiet at Belle Fourche Reservoir, but by 4 p.m. yellow signal smoke drifted over the prairie grass and the sound of gunfire filled the air.

Soldiers from the South Dakota Army National Guard 189th Medevac Unit conducted the first of several planned training exercises to test their skills and response time. Wednesdays mission, which took place in the Fruitdale area, simulated rescuing soldiers wounded by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

A pair of UH60 helicopters circled the area before landing and deploying medics, who raced to help the "wounded" members of a convoy. Uninjured soldiers practiced holding off enemy fire as the medical team treated wounds, secured the patients on backboards and carried them to the helicopters for transport.

The 189th Medevac Unit was scheduled to undergo several more real-world scenarios over the next 36 hours.
I almost feel sorry for Sean Spicer. I mean the poor guy's got a tough job. Defending the indefensible isn't easy. Especially when you're doing it in front of a bunch of people who detest your boss.

I'm starting to think that Spicer is channeling another well-known press flack, the indisputable champ in that line of work  Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf, aka "Baghdad Bob," Saddam Hussein's information minister, the guy who had to say the most ridiculous things in defense of his boss.

Baghdad Bob would say stuff with a straight face that no sane person could believe, like American soldiers were committing suicide inside Iraq "by the hundreds" and that U.S. troops were on the verge of surrendering while in reality they were on the verge of demolishing what passed for Iraq's army.

Sean Spicer doesn't say anything that crazy. I mean defending his boss' unsubstantiated tweet that President Obama was bugging Trump Tower during the presidential campaign isn't confusing fantasy with reality. Wait. What?

And when his boss claimed that his inauguration crowd was way bigger than it really was, Sean Spicer stood at his lectern, looked reporters in the eye, and said, "This was the largest audience to witness an inauguration, period. Both in person and around the globe." Take that, Baghdad Bob!

And when Donald Trump said that 3 to 5 million illegal immigrants voted in the presidential election, Sean Spicer once again rode to the rescue.

"The president does believe that ... based on studies and evidence that people have presented to him," he told reporters. Too bad neither the president nor his press secretary presented any evidence to support the claim because there was none.

And just because Paul Manafort, the former chairman of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, was linked to pro-Russian Ukrainians, was Spicer wrong to say that Manafort "played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time" in Trump's run for the White House?

Well, let's ask the very same Sean Spicer. In June, when Manafort took over Trump's campaign and Spicer was the spokesman for the Republican National Committee, he told the Reuters news agency, "Paul's in charge."

Hey, let's cut the flack some slack. "In charge" can mean all sorts of things, right?

Just so no one gets the wrong impression, I am not saying that Donald Trump is anything like Saddam Hussein. And I'm not suggesting that Sean Spicer is as ridiculous as Baghdad Bob.

Bagdad Bob had a pretty tough boss. He had to say what he had to say. Which brings us to CNN's Dana Bash who recently said that Spicer "has to say" what he has to say, "because he knows that he has an audience of one, the president of the United States. At this point, that's really his focus. It's pretty obvious."

Sure, that's easy for Dana Bash to say. What's Sean Spicer supposed to do? Should he go out and tell the White House press corps something like this?: "I know  and you know  that President Trump gets a lot of things wrong. I know  and you know  he's impulsive and every now and then just plain makes stuff up. I don't like it anymore than you do. I'm just a guy with a family trying to earn a living doing my job  defending the indefensible. Now, let's go to your questions."

I don't think so.

The late Tony Snow, who served as President George W. Bush's press secretary, once said, "If it got to the point where I thought it would cost me my credibility, I would have no choice but to walk away."

Who knows if Spicer will reach that point and walk away, but he has said, "If you lose the respect and trust of the press corps, then you got nothing."

Finally, something from the president's spokesman that the White House press cops can actually agree with.
Denial of compensation to mother of Egyptian plane crash victim upheld

MOSCOW, April 6 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul)  The Moscow City Court has upheld denial of insurance compensation to Valentina Averkina, the mother of a woman died in Airbus A321 plane crash in Egypt, her lawyer Igor Trunov told RAPSI on Thursday.

Averkina has lodged a claim demanding full payment of compensation from VTB-Strahovanie insurance company. In November 2016, Moscows Basmanny District Court dismissed the lawsuit.

Claims under the lawsuit were based on the subject matter of insurance contract concluded by the plaintiff with VTB-Strahovanie. According to the plaintiffs lawyers, the claims amount reached about $105,000.

The court examined evidence submitted by the insurer and held that the passengers death in the crash resulted from a terrorist attack was not an insured accident envisaged by the contract of insurance. Thus, VTB-Strahovanie has no legal authority for payment of insurance indemnity to the victims heirs.

The company told RAPSI that it is pleased with the courts decision.

The Airbus A321, operated by Russian airline Kogalymavia, crashed into a mountainous area of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on October 31, 2015, leaving 224 people dead. The airliner was flying from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg in Russia.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) chief, Alexander Bortnikov earlier said that a terrorist attack was the cause of the plane crash.

A militant group linked to Islamic State said in a statement that it had brought down the plane in response to Russian airstrikes in Syria.
Russian court detains one of eight individuals suspected of abetting terrorism

ST. PETERSBURG, April 6 (RAPSI)  The Oktyabrsky District Court of St. Petersburg has detained an Uzbekistan native Atabek Rustamov, one of the eight individuals suspected of abetting terrorism, RAPSI reported from the courtroom on Thursday.

The investigator told the court that a criminal case had been launched against Rustamov, as well as against his seven compatriots, on suspicion of providing assistance to terrorism. Rustamov was detained until June 4.

Eight natives of several Central Asian republics were arrested after searches conducted by the police, Russian National Guard and Federal Security Service (FSB) on April 5 and April 6.

According to investigators, from November 2015 till present, suspects were recruiting new members of Jabhat al-Nusra and Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organizations banned in Russia and other illegal militant groups for committing crimes of a terrorist nature. Recruits were predominantly natives of Central Asian republics.

Searches were conducted at the suspects places of residence; law enforcement officers seized extremist literature, documents and other items significant to the case.

Russias Investigative Committee will verify thoroughly all contacts of the suspects. Currently, investigators do not have information on their acquaintance with alleged St. Petersburg metro bombing suspect, investigators said earlier.

On April 3, at around 2:40 PM Moscow time, an unknown device exploded in a train between St. Petersburg metro stations Technological Institute and Sennaya Ploshchad. According to the most recent information, 14 people died in the blast, over 50 were wounded. Investigators claim that the suicide bomber is the Kyrgyz Republics native Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, born in 1995.
Lisa Nagel is the new principal for Corvallis Primary School.

She replaces Janice Stranahan, who served in that position for 20 years. Stranahan plans to retire in June.

Im very excited about my new job, Nagel said. Corvallis Primary has such a great reputation of having a welcoming and inviting environment. I look forward to keeping that reputation up and building on what Janice has started at our school.

Nagel has been a second grade teacher at Corvallis for 24 years. The past seven years she has taught half-time and been the Dean of Students and responsibility room leader half-time.

Superintendent Tim Johnson said the hiring team was pleased to hire from within the school.

Finding a successor for retiring and 20-year veteran Janice Stranahan wasnt easy, Johnson said. Throughout the interview process, Lisa demonstrated experience and poise as the team asked tough questions of her and all of the interview candidates. It is a pleasure to have Lisa at the helm as the elementary principal beginning this fall.

Nagel said she looks forward to the challenges of being the principal with the biggest challenge currently being classroom space.

We are at maximum capacity right now our school is continuing to grow and next year were looking at using every square inch of our school, Nagel said. The major challenge is space for all these new kids coming in.

Nagel said she believes enrollment is increasing because of the Corvallis school's reputation.

We have a great reputation and a lot of people want to move into our district, Nagel said. It is exciting. We are looking at the future. Its a great challenge, but it is a challenge.

Before becoming principal, Stranahan taught for 18 years for several schools in Montana but praised the Corvallis School District.

It has been a privilege and an honor to work in such an outstanding school district, Stranahan said. I have the deepest respect for the school board members and the administrators. Its been a pleasure to work alongside the dedicated professionals at the primary school. They consistently go above and beyond what is expected.

Stranahan praised the Corvallis School Districts continual strive for excellence. She said the school administration and teaching staff strive to meet the academic, social/emotional, behavioral and physical needs of each student.

Students excel in the school district because the focus is on them and their growth, Stranahan said. I have the upmost confidence in Lisa as the new principal. She has proven herself in leadership positions and has had a key role in building our school program over the years.

Stranahan praised Nagels knowledge of the school and decisions based on what is best for kids.

Lisa can be counted on to continue the tradition of excellence, Stranahan said.

Nagel said she appreciates the smooth transition process.

I thank Janice for helping me through this transition, Nagel said. Weve been going through applications and started interviewing. We have a lot of retirees so we are hiring new staff.

Nagel said she is having individual meetings with the staff at the primary school.

Ill meet with everyone one-on-one and find out where they think the challenges are and where we are going to go, she said.

Leadership has been a constant at Corvallis Primary School: Stranahan has been principal since 1997 and Marion Daley was principal for seven years before Stranahan.
The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the conviction Tuesday of a Hamilton business owner sentenced to five consecutive life terms for raping five teenage girls over a 20-year period.

Brad Edward Daffin, 46, was sentenced last September after being found guilty in June of 16 felony sex and drug crimes by a Ravalli County jury.

Daffin appealed the case, challenging Ravalli County District Judge Jeffrey Langtons decisions to allow evidence of other acts to be presented at the trial and the courts application of the states Rape Shield Law.

At the sentencing hearing, Daffin maintained that he was innocent of the charges, but Langton said he found no reason to disbelieve the testimony of five victims, many of whom had never met before the case came to the surface.

Daffin was arrested in January 2014 after two girls, ages 13 and 14, reported that he forced them to have sex with him over the course of a year.

Following those allegations, three other women stepped forward and said Daffin supplied them with drugs in exchange for sex when they were between the ages of 12 and 15. Two of the women said Daffin paid them to recruit other girls for sex, which included transporting teenage prostitutes to Hamilton from Idaho and Utah.

At the trial, the five girls and women testified in detail about Daffins process of selecting, grooming, sexually assaulting and, finally, coercing them to secrecy, court documents said.

The state called 29 other witnesses beyond the five girls.

In his appeal, Daffin argued the court abused its discretion by allowing a mountain of prejudicial and confusing evidence regarding (his) alleged past conduct.

Daffin claimed the sheer amount of evidence admitted in the case was overwhelming and prejudiced the jury.

Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright prosecuted the case.

In his reply to the appeal, Fulbright said the evidence of Daffins prior bad acts were admissible because they were inextricably linked to and explanatory of his conduct.

The testimony of former victims and witnesses demonstrated Daffins longstanding sexual fixation with underage teen girls, particularly living in vulnerable family situations, and provided the motive for his crimes, the Supreme Courts ruling said. The record reflected that Daffin pursued a sexual interest in underage females for approximately 20 years.

Given that long time period, the Supreme Court ruling said the district court properly fulfilled its gate keeping function in allowing the substantial amount of evidence to be presented.

Daffin also argued the district court erred in applying the states Rape Shield Law, which is designed to prevent victims from being exposed at trial to harassing or irrelevant questions concerning their past sexual behavior.

Daffin said the courts decision to not admit a womans testimony that it declared hearsay had prejudiced his defense. Daffin argued that one of the girls suffered from a mental illness and that she had made a false accusation to seek attention. He claimed the womans testimony would have supported that.

The Supreme Court said Daffin was correct that the Rape Shield Law was inapplicable in this case because most of the evidence presented at the hearing did not relate to the girls sexual conduct.

But the court said that doesnt mean that evidence was admissible. The Supreme Court agreed with Langton the proposed testimony was based on hearsay and therefore not admissible.

We will affirm the district court when it reaches the right decision, even if it reaches the right result for the wrong reason, the Supreme Court decision read.

Fulbright said Wednesday the court made exactly the right decision in addressing Daffins appeal.

We had a strong case, with a lot of evidence, Fulbright said. There were a very large number of young females impacted by this in the community. Im very happy that the victims can now put this one to rest.
Guwahati, April 5 : Gohela Boro, a national level archer hails from Assam's Kokrajhar district is now battling for her life since couple of years due to her poor financial conditions.

She has suffered an unknown disease but could not able to carry better treatment.

Gohela, who won 72 medals in various national, state level competitions is now facing huge financial problems.

The national level archer hails from New Amguri village in the BTAD district, is now battling for her life after she was diagnosed with a disease as her family would not able to afford her too expensive treatment.

According to Gohela's family, Gohela has been suffering since November 2006 and doctors advised to consult physicians of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology department in AIIMS Delhi and Apollo hospital in Chennai.

But Gohela or her family could not able to afford the required treatment due to poor financial conditions.

Gohela had won 13 gold, 8 silver and 8 bronze medals in various national level archery competitions while won 11 gold, 9 silver and 2 bronze medals in state level competitions.

Gohela also selected to represent India in international event, but she could not participate due to her illness.

In 2015, Gohela won four gold medals including three in individual events in 60th National School Games held in Guwahati.

Gohela is now taking treatment at Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH).

The family members and the villagers urged Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and the state government to help the national level archer for her better future.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati: Security forces had apprehended a NSCN (IM) militant in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district on Tuesday evening, officials said on Wednesday.

Kohima based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, following intelligence input the Longding Battalion of Assam Rifles undertook an operation at Rangluwa village of Longding district and nabbed a self styled corporal of the outfit group.

The nabbed militant was identified as Pangchak Arangham, and post spot interrogation he admitted allegiance to NSCN(IM).

'He further divulged that he has been active part of the outfit since 2011 and has undergone intensive training in handling explosives,'A the Defence PRO said.

Security Forces has been carrying out aggressive operations in the South Arunchal Pradesh and this apprehension has struck a blow to the extortion activities being carried out by the underground cadres of the group in the area.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
US President Donald Trump has warned Pyongyang that "all options are on the table" after North Korea fired a missile over Japan early Tuesday.
It is now illegal in Russia to distribute any images that depict President Vladimir Putin wearing makeup and implying he is gay.
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The small town of Martfu, Hungary, became well known after the war for its shoe factory. But after the revolution in 1956, an atrocious murder of a local woman from a factory scares local authorities into action.

A psychotic killer is on the prowl. Local man Reti confesses to the crime. Reti himself is confused on details of the crime but the authorities are quick to close the case and sentence him to a prison term.

Seven years later the murders begin again. A young detective is sent to Martfu and soon becomes obsessed with the case. Meanwhile, everyone involved in the original case has to choose which side of the investigation they lie on. Careers were made on the original arrest and the higher authorities are looking at the new murder cases with scrutiny. Was Reti an innocent man who was wrongly accused and sentenced for crimes he never committed? If he is innocent, who is committing these murders and will take the blame for the wrongful arrest?

Arpad Sopsits solid thriller Strangled is based on real-life events that rocked this provincial town in Hungary in the 1960s. Working together with longtime cinematographer Gabor Szabo, who won the Hungarian Film Critics Award for his terrific work here, the production expertly recreates a period of quiet turmoil in Hungarys history. There are some great performances from his key cast; the emotions evoked by the events as they unfold range from fear to frustration to anger.

A couple of chase scenes in the mix are a tad overplayed, but they let the film stretch its legs for a couple minutes, so to speak. When Strangled is quiet is when it works best. The is a palpable sense of dread whenever the killer stalks his victims. That dread turns to outright fear when we realize that the killers intended victims are not going to escape.

The violence against the women is unsettling. None of the killers acts are glorified and are very difficult to watch. Nothing about the killers acts are glorified and rightly so. That is all I really want to say about that because I do not like recalling this on screen violence even as I write this review. It is not exploitative, just brutal, real and deeply unsettling. Even when Reti thinks he is reenacting the crime from the first murder he was convicted for, the images are enough to make your blood run cold.

As the story wraps up, Arpad Sopsits makes interesting choices about which players from the story he shows are impacted by the capture of the real murderer and the release of Reti. In a country under the shadow of Soviet Russia, if you know even an inkling of Cold War history in Eastern Europe, you can imagine how some of those repercussions were felt. In a way these choices deny the audience some of that closure we need after witnessing these atrocities played out on the screen.

Unable to speak with Sopsits directly about this choice, I can only presume that Strangled is very much a statement about the system rather than a voice for the victims. As much as Strangled is a thriller and a procedural, it is also an exploration and a condemnation of an old political system, the old ways of Hungary in a time of the countrys history where fear dictated your next move as much as bureaucracy did.

I would have liked to have seen something more at the end that would have, in my mind, brought closure for the victims of those horrendous crimes. The dark cloud of the 1956 Revolution and the fallout afterwards still hung over everyone and dictated how many of them acted during that murderous season in Martfu. Sopsits film focuses more on the authorities and the impact of the investigation on those who were still alive, from Reti and his family to the authorities who put him in prison and the fresh blood brought in to investigate the new rash of murders.

Strangled plays for the crowd at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival this Saturday, April 8. Arpad Sopsits has not said which song he will sing before the screening.
Following its Frontieres market pitch a few years ago and a successful Indigogo campaign, The Void shot in Canada last year with Aaron Poole, Kathleen Munroe, Kenneth Welsh, Ellen Wong, and Art Hindle. The film premiered at Fantastic Fest 2016 in Austin to a packed house, with producer Casey Walker and directors Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski in attendance.

The Void draws inspiration from a number of horror influences, including Hellraiser, The Beyond, H.P. Lovecraft, and Lucio Fulci.

Those expecting the absurd comedic touches of Aston-6 (the filmmaking collaborative of which Gillespie and Kostanski are part) are in for a surprise, because The Void is grim. However, those who have been paying attention know not to expect any funny business here, unless your idea of laughs is a Rob Bottin-masterminded hand basket to hell as designed by Lucio Fulci by way of Assault on Precinct 13.

The practical special effects really steal the show from the characters as the story evolves from a bad night into all hell literally breaking loose. The set pieces and gags are simply fantastic and it's fun to see what what happens next as the next funhouse door yawns open. There are some spectacular creatures that pop up to roam the halls and will probably haunt your nightmares. Fans of practical effects will relish this film.

Aaron Poole plays Officer Daniel Carter, a cop who stumbles upon a man crawling in the forest in need of help. A trip to a nearly closed rural hospital kicks off the beginning of the end for several characters unlucky enough to be in the hospital at the time.

Carter's estranged wife Allison (Munroe) is the head nurse, who, along with Dr. Powell (Welsh), are the two in charge at the desolate hospital when Carter brings the drifter in. A father and son tracking the drifter burst onto the scene to demand that the man be given over to them.

Also, there's a dangerous cult in white robes following the pair and everyone barricades themselves in. The trick is to survive the night and the monsters. To any horror fan who knows the work of Fulci, many scenes will feel familiar, particularly the homages to The Beyond.
I could go on and on about how Burque is a metal town; youve heard it here before and youll hear it again. But this week, instead of listening to me rant while Tornado of Souls or Caught in a Mosh plays in the background, you can get a feel for the facts for yourself by taking a trip down to Sunshine Theater (120 Central SW) for the concert being given by thrash legends Testament, Sepultura and Prong on Thursday, April 6. The Convalescence will provide support for the local iteration of a tour whose media depiction is festooned with poisonous snakes, blood red tongues and suffering, blindfolded humans hellbent on serving their Satanic master. Or something like that. Anywho, Testament has been around for, like, almost 35 years. Early work like 1990s Souls of Black still resonates resolutely; the new stuffwhich includes the most excellent return of guitarist Alex Skolnicklike last years critically aclaimed Brotherhood of the Snake are also thrashy and masterful. Sepultura on the other hand has had a more experimental metal history, but a less than stable line-up that has still seen notable nastiness emerge. And what about Prong, you ask? Well, that band, mostly the project of guitarist Tommy Victor, is worth hearing live too; especially if they perform anything from Force Fed or Power of the Damager. And guess what? Your opportunity to sell your soul for rocanrol will only cost between $25-118, a small price to pay for the immortality bestowed by perpetual headbanging and giving the sign of the horns to your loved ones and co-workers over the course of the following week. The gates of Hell open at 6pm for those who are at least 13 years old and sincerely appreciate palm-muted guitars.
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 En banc Ninth Circuit concludes application of guidelines should generally be reviewed for abuse of discretion | Main | Split Sixth Circuit panel uphold injunction blocking Ohio lethal injection protocol 

As reported in this AP piece, the "Arkansas Parole Board on Wednesday recommended that Gov. Asa Hutchinson alter the state's unprecedented execution schedule and grant mercy to a death row inmate who directed the torture and murder of a teenager more than two decades ago." Here is more:

Jason McGehee, 40, is one of eight inmates scheduled to die in four double executions this month. Hutchinson, who is not bound by the board's finding that McGehee should have his sentence cut to life without parole, can intervene at any time before the execution begins on April 27. The Republican governor not said when he will make a decision.

Until Wednesday, the state Parole Board had rejected every death row clemency request presented to it since 1990.

With a key lethal injection drug expiring at the end of the month, the Arkansas Department of Correction hopes to execute eight men in a 10-day period beginning April 17. Only Texas has executed that many inmates in a month, doing it twice in 1997. Seven executions in a month would still be a record for Arkansas.

Prosecutors say McGehee, who had just turned 20, directed the fatal assault of Johnny Melbourne Jr., a 15-year-old who had told police about a northern Arkansas theft ring. In voting 6-1 in favor of McGehee's clemency request, the Parole Board considered letters and testimony from the judge from McGehee's trial, a former Correction Department chief, members of McGehee's family and the victim's father.

"The death of John Melbourne, Jr. was the tragic result of a group-dynamic gone wrong," retired Circuit Judge Robert McCorkindale wrote, according to documents released by the state Parole Board. McGehee was one of several people who participated in the attack, but was the only defendant sentenced to death, and the retired judge called it "an excessive punishment."

Former Department of Correction Director Ray Hobbs told the panel at a 40-minute hearing Friday that McGehee had become a model prisoner. "He still has value that can be given to others if his life is spared," Hobbs said.

Linda Christensen, the inmate's aunt, said in an affidavit filed with the board that McGehee suffered psychological abuse as a teenager, such as when his stepfather killed the boy's dog after the dog fought with another dog for food. The stepfather "got up and kicked Dusty in the side with his cowboy boots as hard as he could," Christensen wrote. "He lay and suffered and the kids had to watch him die slowly. ... Jason was never the same after that."

Melbourne's father had asked the board to reject McGehee's clemency request. "John didn't have this. Even though he was begging for his life and was hurting. He didn't have this and he begged for his life too. He didn't have y'all," the elder Melbourne said.

Board Chairman John Felts voted against clemency. He said McGehee's death sentence wasn't excessive considering the inmate had orchestrated the Aug. 19, 1996, attack. The boy was beaten and tortured at a house in Harrison, then bound and driven to an abandoned farmhouse outside Omaha, a town in northern Arkansas. He was later strangled while his hands were tied with an electrical cord.
Now in its 60th year, the San Francisco International Film Festival has just switched to the much snappier but somewhat unpronounceable name SFFILM Festival and begins tonight at the Castro Theatre. With more than 120 different film programs from 59 different countries, the festival runs tonight through April 19 with additional screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse, the Roxie, the Victoria Theatre, the Dolby Cinema, the SFMOMA and the YBCA, and several other Bay Area venues. Tickets are disappearing fast as they always do, but these highlight screenings below still have tickets available.

Landline

Excellent comedian Jenny Slate, who was fired from Saturday Night Live for saying fuck on live television, reunites with director Gillian Robespierre from their 2014 romantic comedy about getting an abortion on Valentines Day Obvious Child. John Turturro co-stars as her adulterous dad, and Slate will be at the Castro Theatre Wednesday night to engage in a little audience Q&A and kick off the festival.

Wednesday, April 5, 7 p.m., Castro Theatre

Citizen Kane with William R. Hearst III

History has not been particularly kind to newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, in large part because of the ruthless caricature of him that is Orson Welles 1941 cinematic opus Citizen Kane. Thats why its particularly interesting that Hearsts grandson William R. Hearst III will be on hand for Thursdays screening of the film, joining delightfully erudite film critic and historian David Thomson for an hour-long conversation that will precede the film and marks one of the first times anyone from the Hearst family has commented publicly on the film.

Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m., YBCA Theater

Patti Cake$

Patti Cake$ was the breakout hit of this years Sundance Film Festival, setting off a bidding war between studios despite its cast of total unknowns. But critics are raving about the performance of Australian actor Danielle Macdonald as a plus-size female rapper who dreams of breaking out of her New Jersey squalor. She too is expected to attend for a Q&A session after the show.

Thursday, April 12, 7:30 p.m., Castro Theatre

THX 1138 with Asian Dub Foundation

The vintage trailer above does not do justice to whats in store for this screening of George Lucas locally shot classic THX 1138, as the Asian Dub Foundation will jamming out their signature bhangra trip-hop sounds in a live original score to accompany the film.

Tuesday April 11, 8 p.m., Castro Theatre





Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press

If you miss the now-defunct website Gawker since the Peter Thiel-funded Hulk Hogan lawsuit has bankrupted the site out of existence, you wont want to miss Brian Knappenbergers riveting documentary on the topic. The subject matter is particularly interesting now that Peter Thiel is funding third-party lawsuits as a business venture.

Thursday, April 6, 8:30 p.m., Roxie Theater

Sunday, April 9, 8:30 p.m., YBCA Screening Room

The Man With A Movie Camera with DeVotchKa

The festivals annual old silent movie with a killer band playing a live musical score this year features the magnificently hypnotic DeVotchKa accompanying the 1929 Russian classic The Man with a Movie Camera which the British Film Institute hails as the greatest documentary of all time.

Thursday, April 13, 8 p.m., Castro Theatre

Black Lives Matter Documentaries

Were lumping together three different documentaries that all cover recent Black Lives Matter developments both local and nationwide. Sabaah Foloyans telling of the Ferguson uprising Whose Streets? gets a free outdoor screening at Hayes Valleys PROXY (registration is required), Defender explores the devastating Michael Smith case wherein BART Police caused a miscarriage (also free but registration required), and The Force is an inside look at the Oakland Police Departments turbulence during the Ferguson-related riots and the Celeste Guap/Jasmin Abuslin scandal.



The SFFILM Festival runs April 5-19 at various Bay Area venues. Tickets and the full schedule are available online.

Related: Projectionists Keep On Rolling At The Roxie




Entering the Conservatory of Flowers gives Ben Davis butterflies. "You step inside, and you're filled with awe a million times over," he tells SFist. As the founder of the nonprofit arts group behind the beloved Bay Lights, Illuminate (nee Illuminate the Arts), Davis thought he might be able to add another lustrous element to the Conservatory. You know, something akin to the twinkle the Bay Lights gave a bridge often overshadowed by its brighter-colored neighbor.

Hence Illuminate's plan to light up the oldest building in Golden Gate Park, which is also tied to the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love. Of the many tributes to that summer, this could be the most fittingly trippy. The idea: Use the white-painted Conservatory of Flowers as a massive projection screen, displaying images and scenes from the park's history including the Summer of Love  think, appropriately, flower children.





"We want to help keep the park active and alive while it's open, expand its use, and increase widespread participation in the park," Davis tells SFist, citing park events like NightLife at the Academy of Sciences. He adds that, since Golden Gate Park closes at midnight, the piece will be dark by then, too. And to make sure the lights don't wake up the plants or interfere with their health, Davis is working with the conservatory's new director, Matthew Stephens.

Davis tells the Chronicle he's busy in fundraising mode  a donation page is here, with all funds going to the Conservatory of Flowers. And Willie Brown teased the news of the lighting scheme last month, seeking major donors. Davis tells SFist that Illuminate started with a six-figure goal of just under $300K and is now near five figures.

Illuminate would work with San Francisco-based lighting firm Obscura, known for the ever-changing colored lights of City Hall . Correction: Obscura was not responsible for the LED uplighting at City Hall but instead was behind projections for its Centennial Celebration. As locals, "They're taking an extra shine to this project," jokes Davis. Illuminate would like to hit the switch on the lights project in time for the summer solstice, serving as a "crowning event" of the Summer of Love's anniversary.



Meanwhile, Illuminate is also pushing another project to light up San Francisco with a project called LightRail. That idea, announced two years ago, would be to send ripples of LED light the length of Market Street to visualize where BART and Muni trains were below ground in real time. Fundraising for Lightrail began last September.

Previously: Conservatory Of Flowers Seeks City Hall-Style Lighting Scheme
A months-old feces smear  or should we call it a fresco?  on a block of Russian Hill is now a work of public art thanks to a small museum-style label, likely placed there by a big fan of Marcel Duchamp.

According to the tipster who sent these images to SFist, "the people who live there haven't bothered to clean it up, even though one of the condos just sold for $2 million." Who cares about the condos  what's this piece selling for?





Have a tip for SFist? Send it along!

Related: Photos: One Guy Turned His Roommates' Mess Into A 'Passive-Aggressive Art Gallery'
Stanley Saitowitz, an architect whose significant star power extends beyond his Bay Area home, is not mincing words when it comes to our city's culture of what he might  but didn't quite  call architectural NIMBYism.

The Chronicle's architecture and urban design writer John King caught wind of some cutting remarks made by Saitowitz, whose recognizable buildings in San Francisco include the above 8 Octavia and the Congregation Beth Sholom synagogue. The grievances were aired not on Twitter or, as King jokes, over too many wines, but in a classier form: A $65 architectural monograph  Building Community: New Apartment Architecture by Michael Webb. It's a smooth burn.

The bureaucracy is obstructive, and committee-type negotiations tend to make the buildings worse, not better. Saitowitz is quoted as having said. Oof. What's that old chestnut about a horse designed by a committee? Oh right, it's a camel. Or is it an elephant.

Dealing with the city Planning Department, which doesnt understand architecture, is a very slow process... We have a lot of trouble with the preservationist spirit in that department, now that almost every district of San Francisco is considered historic and every new building has to comply with its character. We firmly believe in respecting scale; Planning wants textbook replicas.

King caught up with Saitowitz, whom the critic characterizes as "the rare architect whose work wins wide acclaim, yet embraces the challenge of creating distinctive urban housing at all scales." The book's author, Webb, praises Saitowitz, too: "No other architect has so successfully abstracted the DNA of San Francisco," Webb asserts.

Although Saitowitz tells King that Webb wasn't taking much in the way of notes during their conversation  the wording could be off  he doesn't object to the sentiment. If we were looking around San Francisco and seeing all these wonderful buildings that result from the process, then I wouldnt complain, Saitowitz told King. But we dont.

King followed up with the city's top planner, John Rahaim, for a rebuttal. Most of Stanleys buildings have been built pretty much as he proposed them to staff. To say otherwise is ridiculous," Rahaim claims. "And were not asking for textbook replicas. Our guidelines make it clear we want architecture of our time.



Related: Design Revealed For New Stanley Saitowitz Apartments On Polk
Did I ever tell you guys how my husband proposed to me? Of course I didn't, because I am a grown-ass woman who makes decisions in tandem with my partner and doesn't wait with bated breath for him to announce to me that he's decided to bless me with a committed relationship. That said, and my disgust with the whole proposal-industrial-complex aside, this is pretty charming for a video about a practice that reportedly has its roots in a man's purchase of a woman from her dad.

ANYHOO. SF-based advertising agency veteran Doug Cox recently posted a video to Facebook entitled "The John Stamos Problem." Saying that 34 percent of his DVR is taken up with episodes of San Francisco's greatest shame, the sitcom Full House, Cox writes a letter to John "Uncle Jesse" Stamos, a letter that is subsequently read aloud by Stamos, who says "get a bigger one." About the DVR? Maybe?

Stamos, who is 53 years old and looks younger than SFist Assistant Editor Caleb Pershan, you guys, and I am wearing a t-shirt that is older than Caleb right this second, charmingly agrees to try to convince Cox's girlfriend to marry Cox. She agrees, and appears to appreciate the whole proposal bit immensely  so no shade on her (or Cox for giving her what she wants) as contemporary feminism means women get to pick what traditions we want to keep and what traditions we want to slough off.

But there's one thing about marriage in California that goes beyond tradition, and can't be dumped that easily: Community property. Doug, while that DVR you have now will remain "yours," if you follow Stamos' advice and get one after you and Katrina marry, that thing is half hers. You'd better brace for 50 percent of that thing to get taken over with episodes of Scream Queens, Grandfathered, and classic films like My Best Friend's Wife.

[h/t ABC 7]
Two years after the founder of an elite private school allegedly absconded with over a million bucks from the Marin County institution, authorities have tracked the suspect down at her Florida home and arrested her.

According to its website, the elite Mount Tamalpais School in Mill Valley was founded in 1976 to serve students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Not currently mentioned on its about page is its founder, 70-year-old Kathleen Marie Mecca, who "allegedly diverted $1,054,042 from a Mount Tamalpais School Directors Office account at Westamerica Bank," KRON 4 reports, between June 1, 2008, and Aug. 21, 2015.

The Marin Independent Journal reports that Mecca, who led the school until her retirement in August of 2015, "has been under a cloud of suspicion" since she stepped down. It was only after her departure that financial irregularities came to light, and a subsequent investigation revealed the alleged diversion.

In addition, KRON reports that Mecca allegedly "used 93 checks from the schools account for her personal credit cards, and at least $32,240 was spent on purchases in Kona, Hawaii, the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Half Moon Bay and at a resort where she was married in 2015."

According to the IJ, the stolen funds came from "school applications, tuition and donations."

Eventually, the school reached a settlement agreement with Mecca, in which "She agreed to pay about $650,000, much of it from her share in a Hawaii residence she owned with her ex-husband, Andrew Mecca." According to CBS 5, she's paid $548,460 of that, but "Two parents of children who attended the school asked the Marin County District Attorneys Office on June 10, 2016, to investigate Mecca for embezzlement."

The IJ reports that prosecutor's investigators interviewed Mecca at yet another of her homes, in Santa Barbara. According to the investigator's report, Mecca confirmed she had paid personal expenses out of the account because she erroneously believed the personal expenses were balanced out by other expenses she was making on the schools behalf."

Defendant said she fully understands her own mistakes and stupidity in making some of the decisions she has made, but she has also learned people are quick to believe the worst and there is no loyalty.

Fast forward to Tuesday, and officers with the Indian River County Sheriff's Department arrived at Mecca's Vero Beach, Florida home to arrest her, according to their website. She posted $150,000 bond, and was released on Wednesday. Accoding to the Chron, "it was uncertain whether she would be extradited to California."
Tiffany Li, the 31-year-old woman at the center of an apparent murder-for-hire case in Millbrae almost one year ago, has with the help of her mother and some wealthy friends posted the $35 million bail that was set for her in the case. As the Associated Press reports, this means she will be released from jail today in San Mateo County, where she's been held since last May, charged with the killing of her children's father, 27-year-old Keith Green.

Li's mother and a "consortium" of wealthy friends put together $4 million in cash and $62 million in property assets as bail  in California, twice the bail amount must be met if property is being used in lieu of cash. This is reportedly the largest bail sum ever recorded in San Mateo County.

San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe had argued that bail be set even higher, at $100 million, given that Li and her mother are natives of China, and she is therefore a flight risk. Upon her release, she will be given an ankle monitor, placed on house arrest, and her passport will be taken away. Both Li and her mother are naturalized US citizens.

As CBS 5 reports, Li's attorney said that her bail was posted by "15 to 20 extended family, friends, business associates, people that believe in Tiffany and think that, one, shell come to court and two, shes not guilty."

Green's mother appeared in court wearing a shirt to protest Li's release, as KRON 4's Will Tran posted on Twitter.

Keith green's mom & friends in court now. Tiffany Li, accused of murder, set to post $66 million bail. @kron4news pic.twitter.com/RdZYFyIm5n  Will Tran (@KRON4WTran) April 6, 2017

Green went missing on April 29, 2016, and his body was discovered on May 11 in Healdsburg. He had apparently gone to meet with Li, with whom he was in a custody dispute over their two small children  and Li had reportedly tried to pay him off to remove himself from her and her children's lives.

Li was at the time living in a mansion in Hillsborough with a mixed-martial-arts-practicing boyfriend, 30-year-old Kaveh Bayat, who was also charged in Green's murder. A third man, an MMA-fighter with a seemingly sketchy past, Olivier Adella, a.k.a. Olivier Bredenstein, was also arrested and charged, though it remains unclear who was the supposed trigger man. Bayat and Adella remain in jail.

Update: Here she is getting released Thursday and chased by multiple press outlets and photographers.

Previously: Three Suspects In Bizarre Millbrae Murder Plead Not Guilty
A 1939 California law tying the number of liquor licenses for restaurants and bars per county to that county's population had to make an exception for San Francisco. Our impressive number of booze-peddling establishments at the time of the law was already in excess of the number we would have been allotted, a measly 418: Currently there are 812. Thus the existing businesses were grandfathered in, with their liquor licenses transferrable to others. That fixed number of licenses created a hot secondary market for them  they typically sell for more than $300,000. For the first time in 77 years, San Francisco received five new liquor licenses this past fall: State senator Mark Leno had asked for 28 new ones, but settled for five, sold by the ABC for $13,800 directly to businesses and made non-transferable. Today we learn via the Chronicle that another state legislator, state assemblyman and Outer Sunset resident Phil Ting, wanst to push for more new licenses. The stated goal: Bringing business and the cheerful hurly burly of nightlife to neighborhoods like his own, as well as the Bayview and the Excelsior, where drinking establishment are relatively few.

People in the Sunset, where I live, dont want to travel all the way downtown if they dont have to, Ting tells the Chron, speaking on behalf of constituents like SFist editor Eve Batey who hasn't been east of 9th Ave in years. Ting's bill, which is similar to Leno's before it, proposes 25 new liquor licenses, five distributed by lottery system every year for the next five years. These would be non-transferrable and $13,800 each, as with the five achieved by Leno's legislation.

Ben Van Houten of the city's Office of Economic and Workforce Development stands behind Ting's bill. This is a type of license that is responsive to the specific needs of San Francisco," he tells the paper, adding that asking for the 25 licenses to be distributed over five years, rather than at once as requested by Leno, is an easier sell. "Its responding to the committees concerns but still advancing toward the same important goals, says Van Houten.

The Chronicle also has an obligatory quote from the San Rafael alcohol industry watchdog group Alcohol Justice. Guess what: They're against more liquor licenses. Its all smoke and mirrors, Alcohol Justice representative Michael Scippa says to the paper. There are plenty of places in those neighborhoods to get a drink if you want one.

Perhaps Scippa knows something we don't? Meanwhile, he and others are kept up at night  or later at night, I should say  by state senator Scott Wiener's bill that would allow, but not require, cities to permit bars to stay open until 4 a.m. rather than observing the statewide last call of 2 a.m. as they do now. That passed committee last month.

Related: Bill Giving Cities Option To Extend Bar Hours To 4 A.M. Passes Committee
A California woman was airlifted from beneath the state's highest bridge this week, after she fell from the structure while attempting to take a poorly thought out selfie.

According to a Facebook post from the Placer County Sheriff's Office, on Tuesday the woman and "a group of her friends," all of whom were from the Sacramento area, "were walking on the girders underneath the Foresthill Bridge in violation of Placer County Code 12.04.190 and Penal Code 602."

The Foresthill Bridge, which is known by some as the Auburn-Foresthill Bridge or the Auburn Bridge, crosses the North Fork American River near the Sierra Nevada foothills. According to Highestbridges.com, at 730 feet high, it was the second highest bridge in the world when it opened in 1973, and remains the highest bridge in California and the fourth-highest bridge in the US.

During her alleged illegal jaunt across the bridge's girders, police say that the woman "attempted to take a selfie and fell from the girders landing on the trail approximately 60 feet below."

Remarkably, she didn't die on impact, and was "life-flighted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center and is expected to survive." According to the SF Chronicle, it helped that she "landed on a path that was still close enough to the top of the bridge" as "no one would likely survive the fall to the bottom of the American River Canyon."

Paul Goncharuk, a friend of the as-yet unidentified victim, spoke to CBS Sacramento, saying that the six alleged trespassers were taking a picture on the bridge, and then the big bolts that are holding the beams together, she stepped on them kind of weirdly and lost balance and fell backwards.

According to Goncharuk, the victim was "knocked unconscious, suffered a deep gash to her arm, and fractured bones that will require surgery."

This week's group wasn't the first time the bridge has been violated, the Chron reports. Citing data from February of 2015, they say that "Dozens of people were cited" that month, including "34 people at two separate points during the same day."

"I'd say over a normal year, we hand out a few citations for the same thing," Placer County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Dena Erwin told the Chron in 2015.

"One misstep and there is no surviving a 730-foot fall. (The daredevils) are not just out there walking -- they are getting braver. There's peer pressure, so when they are out there, they are doing stupid things. We really want this to stop before someone dies."

That message was echoed by the Placer County Sheriff's Office, who reminded people this week that "The walkways under the Foresthill Bridge are closed for the protection of our residents and our community. Any trespassers found on the bridge will be cited."

"Be safe and tour the bridge from the sidewalks above," they write. "This young lady is very lucky to be alive and the consequences could have been worse for her, her friends and her family."

Related: Man Almost Drowns While Taking Sutro Baths Selfie
The Tennessee Senate recently passed a resolution calling for the removal of President James K. Polk's remains from the Tennessee Capitol grounds in Nashville to a family home in Columbia, Tennessee. It would be the third time his body has been moved since his death in 1849.
I have fun explaining to people who dont live in or have a striking familiarity of what Siouxland is how we live in a tri-state area that features three cities  North Sioux City, S.D., Sioux City and South Sioux City, Neb.  with the same name, but with added directional modifiers.

This got me thinking: How many other places or things are named after Sioux City but arent actually located in the area?

So I put my internet sleuthing skills to use and have tracked down a few things named Sioux City and here are the results:

A song/movie: Sioux City Sue is a song by Dick Thomas and Ray Freedman, who each ironically have no ties to Sioux City that I can find. Thomas performed the song and according to Wikipedia (aka the worlds most trusted resource) it was his most famous hit. In addition to being a successful tune for Thomas, a version of the song by Bing Crosby landed on the Billboard charts for 16 weeks.

A year after the song came out, a film of the name was released starring Hollywood legend Gene Autry. The film was a Western, which I have discovered is common-theme with things named after Sioux City.

Naval vessel: The USS Sioux City was christened Jan. 30, 2016, in Wisconsin, and is the 11th in the class of littoral combat ships. It will have a 98-person crew and be used for maritime security throughout the world.

Beverages: Since 1987, White Rock Beverages of Whitestone, New York, has sold a line of saloon style soft drinks under the Sioux City name. Flavors available under the Sioux City line includes birch beer, cream soda, orange cream soda, prickly pear, root beer and sarsaparilla.

Steakhouse: The discovery of this entry left me initially confused since I thought was a local restaurant, but nope: The Sioux City Steakhouse is located in New Port Richey, Florida. Reading the about section of the Sunshine State eatery's website can be a real mind trip for people who live here considering how many times the words Sioux City are used without having any relevance to the are. If you dont believe me, take a look.

Western Town: Of all the things I discovered, this was the most surprising. In Spain, there is an American Wild West themed attraction called Sioux City Park. According to the parks Facebook page, Sioux City park started as film set in 1971, but has become one of Europe's most unique tourist attractions and it has a bank, blacksmith, cemetery, church, saloon, sheriffs office and hosts Western shows as well as nightly barbecues. Again, Ill kindly remind you that this place is located in SPAIN!!!!, which is home to gazpacho, siestas and Penelope Cruz.
Maas assaulted his mother on May 12 at her Sioux City home after she refused to go with him to pick up another person. After she offered him money for a cab, he hit her repeatedly in the face and tried to strangle her.
SIOUX CITY | A Buena Vista County man has been arrested on felony charges after the Storm Lake Police Department said he violated a no-contact order and attacked his estranged wife.

The police department in a Thursday release reported the arrest of Swey Htike, 34, of Storm Lake, for his actions about 5 p.m. Wednesday. Police said Htike went to a residence in the 200 block of Irving Street and people there reported a disturbance.

Police said a no-contact order had been set after a prior domestic assualt incident by Htike. On Wednesday he allegedly came to visit his children, and was denied access by his estranged wife, who cited the no-contact order.

Police said Htike struck his wife in the face and destroyed her cell phone, then head-butted a female neighbor who tried to intercede. Police said Htike took his two children and left the residence, before being found shortly thereafter.

The release said police ordered Htike to release the children, but he "placed such a strong hold on the child that his fingernails broke the skin on the childs back." He also reportedly fought with police being being subdued.

Htike was arrested on felony charges of first-degree burglary and child endangerment, along with several other misdemeanors.

He is being held in Buena Vista County Jail without bond. A report was filed with the Iowa Department of Human Services.

The injuries received by the two adult women and 3-year-old child did not require medical attention.
SIOUX CITY | The Sioux City Police Department has named its first liaison to the LGBTQ community.

In a press release Wednesday morning, the department announced Officer Brooke Davies has taken the position to promote communication and cooperation between the police and individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning.

Chief Doug Young said the position is an addition to the department's community policing approach, which attempts to build relationships with local neighborhoods and minorities. He said it's a move many other police departments are making.

"Through our community policing efforts, we're reaching out to all different segments of our community, and this is a segment that we've never reached out to before," he said. "We live in a diverse community, and were here to serve everybody."

Karen Mackey, director of Sioux City's Human Rights department, said discussions about naming a liaison to the LGBTQ community began in summer 2016.

Mackey said the position will help those who identify as LGBTQ and are victims of crimes feel more comfortable approaching the police.

Historically as LGBT people, we have not had good relationships with the police -- that isnt specific to Sioux City," she said. "I think thats always a positive thing if people can have a point of contact."

Davies joined the Sioux City Police Department in August 2012 and is currently assigned to the Special Traffic Enforcement Program. Young said the new position will result in additional duties for Davies, but it is not a position with additional pay.

Davies is a graduate of Morningside College with a degree focusing on business, psychology and political science. She previously served on all three shifts of the uniformed patrol. Davies can be contacted at 712-899-2768.
SIOUX CITY | The Sioux City Community School District has been recognized as a 2017 Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundations.

A news release from the district said the honor is given to schools that give outstanding efforts to make music education part of the curriculum.

The district said it is part of 1 percent of schools in the nation to receive the distinction.

We are so proud to receive this recognition and appreciate the work of our Board, staff, students, and community to make music education part of the core instruction in our District," superintendent Paul Gausman said in the release. "Music education is a vital part of our curriculum not only because of the support offered to other curricular areas such as math, reading, history, science and others, but most importantly; music education helps to define humanity and make life meaningful for all students and community members."

The district credits the award to their community partnerships, the variety of instrumental and vocal music courses available and the steady increase of student participation in band and orchestra.
Dickinson County authorities said that on Feb. 20, Tanner Meysenburg and Duhn went to a home in the 1700 block of Lakeside Avenue in Wahpeton and forced Chance Roberts into a vehicle. Roberts was driven to a rural area where he was assaulted. Meysenburg and Duhn then drove to Milford, where Roberts was able to escape by crawling out of the vehicle's window as they traveled on U.S. Highway 71.
Governor Dennis Daugaard last month made the right call when he vetoed a bill to allow guns at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre (thankfully, state lawmakers failed to override the veto).

We urge Iowa legislators to reach the same decision for the Statehouse in Des Moines.

The South Dakota bill would have allowed individuals with an enhanced permit to carry firearms inside the Capitol.

"During the legislative session, meaningful debates among the public and legislators are frequent and oftentimes passionate," Daugaard said in making his veto. "Where emotions can run high, it is important to be protected by people who are routinely trained to manage dangerous situations. Law enforcement training focuses on knowing when to pull the trigger  and when not to. Our law enforcement officers are uniquely able to protect the public, and I believe this bill would complicate that work."

Well said, governor.

We offer this alternative suggestion for consideration by South Dakota legislators: Spend the money for creation of security checkpoints with metal detectors at Capitol entrances.

In Iowa, allowing individuals with a permit to carry a firearm into the state Capitol is one piece of a broader package of gun-related proposals passed on Tuesday by the Senate.

Before this bill moves any further during this legislative session, we urge lawmakers to embrace common sense and remove the provision about guns in the Iowa Capitol.

State government should strive to make the Capitol - a public building in which emotion-charged debate on controversial issues of deep impact on the lives of Iowans happens on a regular basis - as safe as possible for everyone.

To this end, all visitors who enter the Capitol go through a metal detector and their bags are scanned; armed state troopers are present in the building.

Would allowing untrained civilians to carry firearms inside the Capitol improve building safety? No, it only would increase the potential for accidents and worse.

One final thought.

To suggest checking guns at the door to the Capitol represents an unacceptable, egregious infringement on the Second Amendment is, to use a word popular in Iowa, hogwash.
SIOUX CITY | Sherry Lego was among a steady trickle of residents taking the elevator to the fifth floor of the Woodbury County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon to appeal their new property valuations.

Standing outside the door to the city assessor's office, Lego said the value of her Morningside home, which she described as "falling apart," had increased by over 16 percent since the last assessment two years ago, according to the letter that arrived in her mailbox late last month.

Lego, who's 67 and on a fixed income, works part-time to cover living expenses. If the increase in home value results in her property taxes going up, this could be the last straw, she said.

"It might force me out of my own home," Lego said. "I'm hoping I can reduce it."

Residential properties in Sioux City increased by an average of 11 percent this year, the highest in at least a decade.

Monday was the first day to begin the appeal process, and appeals have been rolling in steadily according to assessor staff. At this point, city assessor Al Jordan said it's hard to predict whether the jump will mean more petitions for appeal. He said the office usually experiences a rush toward the end of the month.

"I think people understand that property values have gone up," he said. "I don't think these notices that we sent out were a surprise to anybody, really."

In 2015, when residential property values rose a decade-high average of 6.3 percent and commercial property rose 11.3 percent, nearly 600 residential and commercial property owners appealed their valuation. The number of protests was more than double in 2011, when it reached 1,300.

Jordan estimated the highest average increase in valuation across any one neighborhood was 17 to 18 percent, although the actual increases or decreases vary from property to property.

The assessor's office splits the city into 64 neighborhoods. Jordan last month said the largest overall increases are in Morningside, where Lego lives, as well as Leif Erickson, Marketplace West, Levitt Heights, the Jackson Street Corridor and the north side.

Property owners have the right to challenge their new assessments if they believe they are not equitable or assessed for more than state law allows. Other grounds for appeal include tax-exempt property that is misclassified or an error or fraud by the assessor's office.

Jordan said many appeal because they believe their value is too high, but others come in looking to raise their property's value -- especially those interested in selling their homes.

Gary Bender, who said he's lived at his three-bedroom home on Dearborn Boulevard for more than 50 years, took out a petition Wednesday to see why his property, which saw a percent increase in the low teens this year, was worth so much more than his neighbors' homes.

"I all of a sudden became the highest-priced home in the neighborhood," he said, using a handwritten sheet he was holding that listed nearby valuations to indicate other properties in the area that have comparable property sizes but lower land values. "I'm trying to understand how."

Tools on the Woodbury County Assessor's website allow residents to search for similar homes in a neighborhood that sold for less than their own assessment. Residents can find such tools at woodbury-ia.com under "Comparable Sales," then search for sales in each of the city's designated neighborhoods.

Jordan said residents can make an informal appeal with the assessor through April 25. They can also file a formal appeal with the three-member Board of Review through May 1. The board will begin holding hearings in May.

Jordan said he couldn't offer a ballpark percentage for the success of reviews, saying the rate varies widely from year to year.

"Ive had a couple of years where the people were pretty successful. Back in 2009, as I recall, the board was pretty generous. But you just cant tell," he said.

Homeowners dissatisfied with the local board's ruling can appeal to Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board or Woodbury County District Court. The former was created in 2005 to provide a free alternative to the costly option of filing in court.

Property taxes are paid in installments in September and March. The new valuations mailed last month go into effect for the property taxes due in the 2019 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2018, with the first installment of taxes due that fall. Tax levies will be established by local governments next spring.

While many like Lego worry about the effect on taxes, it's hard to tell what the exact effect will be on homeowners' wallets until local governmental bodies set their new tax levies next spring and the state sets its rollback on residential and commercial property. The rollback determines what percentage of a property's valuation is taxable.

Local officials also expect a large increase in the overall valuation growth in the city, fueled by some large-scale commercial and industrial projects, which also is expected to cushion or even eliminate any potential blow to residential taxpayers.
DES MOINES | He never thought it would be easy, but Iowa House Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Grassley is learning just how difficult it can be to overhaul tax credits.

The New Hartford Republican set the ambitious goal of overhauling the states tax credit system that includes $427 million for everything from adoption to wind energy. On Thursday, he acknowledged he may have to reform the system of credits available to Iowa businesses, industries and individuals in small bites.

I still believe it should be the goal of the Legislature to have a cap on tax credits, Grassley told an Appropriations subcommittee looking at House Study Bill 187 I dont see any reason why when Legislature walks into this building we dont know the amount of money that is spent each year on tax credits. I think it is a little bit silly we dont have that number.

Rather than pushing for a cap on tax credits, Grassley plans to look at the individual credits to determine whether they should be capped, adjusted or eliminated. Refundable and transferable credits will be on the agenda, he said, adding the Earned Income Tax Credit, designed to provide tax relief for low- and middle-income working families, and the 260E credit for community college retraining programs wont be part of the overhaul.

Thats a smart move, said Rep. Chris Hall of Sioux City, the ranking Democrat on Appropriations.

Both of those programs are very effective at what they do, he said. The Earned Income Tax Credit, makes a difference in what they have available to them and has proved to be of the most effective programs to getting people to work and also providing something that hopefully helps them.

He said community colleges, the business community and economic developers like the 260E credit because it gives them a great degree of flexibility and ... it really works well.

Democrats, Hall said, welcome a discussion on tax credits. It is an acknowledgment of what theyve been saying about tax credits growing exponentially over the past few years (and are) unsustainable compared to the growth of the state economy and revenues.

However, Hall warned that Democrats are interested only so long as the end goal is making the budget work better for working families.

Some tax credits are growing in ways that are taking tax dollars from normal working people and sending them out of state. Thats not something that most people would agree is smart budgeting, Hall said.

Grassley hopes to get committee approval of HSB 187 next week and hasnt given up bringing it to the House floor before the Legislature adjourns, perhaps later this month.
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and Other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, prime brokerage, and data analytics. This segment also provides trustee, paying agency, fiduciary, escrow and other financial, issuer, and support services for brokers and investors. The Market and Wealth Services segment offers clearing and custody, investment, wealth and retirement solutions, technology and enterprise data management, trading, and prime brokerage services; and clearance and collateral management services. This segment also provides integrated cash management solutions, including payments, foreign exchange, liquidity management, receivables processing and payables management, and trade finance and processing services. The Investment and Wealth Management segment offers investment management strategies and distribution of investment products, investment management, custody, wealth and estate planning, private banking, investment, and information management services. The Other segment engages in the provision of leasing, corporate treasury, derivative and other trading, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, renewable energy investment, and business exit services. It serves central banks and sovereigns, financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, corporations, local authorities and high net-worth individuals, and family offices. The company was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company's Instrumentation segment offers monitoring and control instruments for marine, environmental, industrial, and other applications, as well as electronic test and measurement equipment; and power and communications connectivity devices for distributed instrumentation systems and sensor networks. Its Digital Imaging segment provides visible spectrum sensors and digital cameras for industrial machine vision and automated quality control, as well as for medical, research, and scientific applications; and infrared and X-ray spectra for use in industrial, government, and medical applications, as well as micro electromechanical systems and semiconductors, including analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters. This segment also offers thermal imaging systems, visible-light imaging systems, locater systems, measurement and diagnostic systems, and threat-detection solutions. The company's Aerospace and Defense Electronics segment provides electronic components and subsystems, as well as communications products, such as defense electronics, environment interconnects, data acquisition and communications equipment for aircraft, components and subsystems for wireless and satellite communications, and general aviation batteries. Its Engineered Systems segment offers systems engineering and integration, technology development, and manufacturing solutions for defense, space, environmental, and energy applications; and designs and manufactures electrochemical energy systems and electronics for military applications. The company markets and sells its products and services through a direct internal sales force, as well as third-party sales representatives and distributors. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California.
The new ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Samoa presented his credentials to His Highness the Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.

Mr. Paulo de Camargo was welcomed in an ava ceremony yesterday morning at the Head of States residence at Tuaefu.

The distinction of being appointed by President Michel Temer to represent Brazil in the Independent State of Samoa entails great responsibility and for me, is a source of personal gratification, Mr. Camargo said.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2005, our exchanges have been characterized by mutual respect and friendship.

It is a privilege to serve one of the most vibrant countries of the Pacific Ocean and, at the same time, one that is the home of the Faa Samoa, the happy people of Polynesia, with their culture and traditions.

In welcoming Mr. Camargo, His Highness, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi reminded him about the special closeness between Samoa and Brazil.

While Samoa and Brazil are geographically distant from each other, we will endeavour to continue working side by side on issues of mutual interest to us, such as rule of law, international peace and security, he said.

As a small island developing state, Samoa knows only too well the effects of climate change on our environment, our temperature, sea level and resultant challenges to SIDS.

I am pleased to hear that Brazil prioritises these issues and that Samoa looks forward to working with Brazil on forging practical and workable ways to address the adverse effects of climate change.

We hope to continue our collaboration with your country in the promotion of those issues and others through intergovernmental processes and institutions, particularly through the United Nation and the W.T.O.

Ambassador Camargo commenced his foreign affairs career in 1979, where he was posted overseas to work as a Third Secretary and proceeded to take on the roles of Counsellor and Minister, Second Class and First Class.

He was then posted to New York in 1996 where he served as Deputy Consul General.

In 2011, he was posted at the Consulate General of Brazil in Chicago where he proceeded to his current position as the Ambassador of Brazil in Wellington, New Zealand.
Michal Kitai is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) from Israel who sees the beauty in all.

I did not know what to expect from my first visit to BeWell MedSpa. My husband and I met Michal and her husband Oren Kiriat at a holiday party thrown by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. They were friendly that night and invited me to visit their spa. Having primarily written about politics and with the grueling U.S. Presidential campaign recently completed, I jumped at the chance to practice my trade on a different subject.

Before I could make writing fun again, I needed to be well.

Michal noticed I had an acne/scars problem. This is a battle I have had my entire life. Zits suck.

She recommended a microneedling treatment in hopes of clearing up my face. We discussed the treatment and I agreed to return for an appointment. A week later, I arrived with husband in tow, filled out the required paperwork and let Michal work her wonders.

Were here to help you never look your age, Oren told me.

The couple met in New York where Michal was doing her residency at NYU. Before immigrating to the U.S., Michal served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a requirement of all Israelis. Trained as a medic in the IDF Michal began her medical career at the young age of 18 and has been honing her craft ever since.

On my initial spa consultation, Michal offered to run blood tests (such as hormone levels, cortisol, food sensitivity and others) to better understand what treatment I needed.

My goal is to bring beauty from within, she said. You have to feel good on the inside first.

For someone who has spent the majority of his life in the southern United States, the mention of Botox is not always described in a flattering light. Some people like it, some people dont. The reality is facial fillers are used by many people to counter-act other conditions and battle aging.

Michal is a master injector and BeWell MedSpa employs other highly trained and licensed medical aestheticians. The Wilton Manors location is petite, so appointments are strongly encouraged.

My treatment is called growth factor microneedling. Microneedling is a non-invasive treatment stimulating your bodys own natural collagen production through a series of oscillating microneedles. As a result new elastin and collagen develops, producing a smoother even toned and tighter skin.

In combination with the microneedling, Michal applies a growth factor serum to produce truly robust results. There are two options of growth factor that were made available for my treatment, I chose the option utilizing my bodys own growth factor and healing powers which Michal is able to obtain by drawing a small amount of blood from my arm, placing the sample in a centrifuge in order to then extract the platelet-rich component for a topical application.

Platelets are the part of your body that is responsible for repair and regeneration  when your body senses platelets there is a systemic response that begins collagen tissue stimulation and redevelopment. This is very technical stuff that Michal did an amazing job of explaining and inevitably demonstrating the painless ease and the amazing results.

After applying a topical anesthetic, Michal moved over the prescribed areas of my face using a special microneedling tool called the Rejuvapen. This tool uses a reciprocating controlled depth needle to stimulate the deep tissue to produce more collagen.

We lose one to two percent collagen every year as we get older, Michal said.

Getting older doesnt have to look bad and BeWell MedSpa offers several treatments to rejuvenate your spirit. In addition to facial treatments, the medical spa offers IV vitamin infusions, DNA testing, costume blood panels, laser hair removal, G spot shots and male and female bioidentical hormones and growth hormone and much more.

Michal and Oren moved to South Florida from New York. They are the proud parents of two sets of twins and understand what Kibbutz life means.

We are honest, Michal told me during my first visit to the spa. Sometimes honesty is lacking in this industry. If something is not going to work for you, your doctor should tell you.

Almost one month after my first ever microneedling treatment, my husband and friends say they can see a difference in my appearance. Dormant collagen cells were activated and the acne is vanishing.

We want you to harness your own healing power, Michal said.

More Info:

BeWell MedSpa

1881 N.E. 26th Street, Suite 40 Wilton Manors

BeWellMedSpa.com

954-530-5203
Whether finding safe housing, choosing a new name or looking into healthcare options, transgender men and women face a variety of obstacles. South Florida Gay News spoke with local organizers who manage programs and connect trans people with the resources to gain access to jobs and safe housing, and to navigate name and gender marker changes on legal documents.

Related: SFGN's Transgender Special Issue



Ariannas Center

Ariannas Center doesnt have a brick and mortar location just yet, but its got Arianna Lint, founder and CEO. Lint established her center a year and a half ago through grants from Translatina Coalition. Arianna, a transwoman from Peru, where she received her law degree, focuses on helping undocumented immigrants, the Latinx trans community, people with HIV and AIDS, and those formerly incarcerated.

Lint advocates for minority immigration rights, saying minorities are frequently deported over minimal charges like loitering, or held in ICE camps. She works with them to obtain their citizenry and stresses the need for more immigrant friendly lawyers.

Ariannas Center promotes trans sensitivity and competency through workshops at prisons, universities, and government bureaus, including specifically addressing the relationships between the trans community and HIV, sex work, and immigration.

Contact Arianna by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ,

Or call 786-600-1915

Sunserve

Santino Aguirre became Director of Sunserves Transgender Services Department five months ago. Aguirre works closely with each client, like a case manager he says, to connect them with the resources and services they need, including Florida certified mental health therapists, peer to peer counseling, health care advocacy, links to safe housing, name and gender marker changes, and legal and financial support.

Sunserve also facilitates a variety of support groups, some run by licensed therapists, for gender non conforming and trans people including LGBTQ Veterans Drop-In, Safe T Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming, Trans Men Support, and LGBT Grandparents groups meeting at least once a month. Safe T meets every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Significant Others, Family, Friends, Allies (SOFFA) of Transgender Loved Ones meets twice a month to share experiences, support, and advice to and from anyone with a transgender person in their life.

Contact Santino Aguirre by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or call 954-764-5150 ext. 112

TransSocial

During his own transition last year Morgan Mayfaire realized that resources arent readily available to transitioning men and women, so he and his wife Ashley created created a trans community calendar and resource website that would later become TransSocial.

TransSocial offers their own services like name and gender marker changes but also organizes events from social groups, to informative panels with groups like Pridelines, SAVE LGBTQ, and Ariannas Center. They also promote third party, trans-benefitting business on their website like the recurring Queer + Trans Community Yoga Class in an effort to promote safe spaces for trans people. The couple makes it a point to know whats going on in the trans community and knowing about other organizations out there so they can refer people to places like Care Resource, an LGBTQ friendly Federally Qualified Health Center.

For the future TransSocial is working with Latinos Salud and Latinos En Accion on a by trans for trans HIV testing event by certified testers who are trans for transgender clients planned for National Transgender HIV Testing Day, Thursday, April 18. Theyre also creating a support group for allies and loved ones of trans and gender nonconforming people. The Mayfaires say there are a lot of these groups in Broward County but not enough in Miami. Later on the agenda this year, they plan to help create gainful employment for trans men and women by working with colleges and tech companies to create transgender inclusive workplaces.

Contact Morgan and Ashley by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or call 954-667-2916

For more South Florida Trans friendly services, visit TransSocial.org

Pridelines

www.Pridelines.org

Pridelines in Miami hosts Beyond the Binary, a peer led group for transgender and non-binary youth age 13 to 24 on every second and fourth Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Pridelines also offers the LGBTQ Rainbow Circle, a safe space for adolescents to speak about their lives and Young Adults Taking Action, focused on HIV and STI prevention and sexual health.

Care Resource

www.CareResource.org

Care Resource is a Federally Qualified Health Center and has trans sensitive health care programs tailored to trans specific needs like hormone therapy, case management, a name change clinic, and primary care. Care Resource has services available in Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.

Trans Action Florida

www.EqFL.org/TransActionFL

Trans Action Florida was formed in 2014 by Equality Florida, as a statewide initiative to educate employers on transgender inclusion and advocate for the transgender equality in matters of public policy.

National Center for Transgender Equality

www.transequality.org/

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) was founded in 2003 by transgender activists to advance transgender equality and advocacy and representation in Washington, D.C. NCTE works at the local, state, and federal level to change laws and policies to be more transgender inclusive.
After years of having to drive all over South Florida to access medical and mental health providers, the LGBTQ community in Miami and beyond now have a single place it can get healthy.

One of the first of its kind in the southeastern United States, the University of Miami Hospital proudly opened the LGBTQ Center for Wellness, Gender and Sexual Health. Here, the community can see doctors and social workers to address its unique and specialized needs.

It all comes together under one roof, that way we can serve our patients a lot better, said Lauren Foster, the centers director of concierge. We can provide a multitude of services for them and make their journey smooth.

Although the center itself is brand new, the hospital opened a smaller clinic focused on transgender patients in 2016. It since then morphed to encompass the LGBTQ community, although most of the patients are transgender.

At the center, patients of all ages, genders and identities find a one-stop shop for their entire well being. Medical doctors are on staff to perform various surgeries and procedures for physical transition as well as HIV/AIDS treatment, while social workers are on hand to assist in a patients emotional and psychological health.

Related: SFGN's Transgender Special Issue

For transgender patients, its easy access to hormone services, top and bottom surgeries, facial feminization, and other important procedures. Plus, by having a staff that is trained in how to work with the LGBTQ community, patients dont have to fear being misgendered or discussing sensitive topics with a clueless health professional.

Also, being in a hospital setting is a huge asset for the center.

Gender affirmation surgery is major surgery that needs to be performed in a hospital setting rather than an ambulatory setting, Dr. Christopher Salgado, a gender affirming surgeon, professor of surgery, and editor of Gender Affirmation: Medical and Surgical Perspectives, said in a press release from the hospital.

At UMH, physicians and hospital staff provide continuous monitoring and are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. Being in a full-fledged hospital also helps ensure the best outcomes and recovery from surgery.

The University of Miami Hospital is also one that has been recognized by the LGBTQ community for its inclusive healthcare. In 2015, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation named the hospital a leader in LGBT healthcare equality. Facilities earn this honor through the foundations healthcare equality index, which evaluates how inclusive the the practices and policies are for its patients, visitors, and employees. This includes nondiscrimination policies, visitation rights for same-sex partners, and staff being educated in LGBTQ health.

Not only is it convenient, but the center fills a void that was in Miami-Dade County for so long. Although the area is known for being LGBTQ friendly, the county does not have a pride center or the multitude of medical and social services that exist in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Foster, who is a transgender woman, said before the center opened, she would have to commit to large parts of her day to drive to see doctors, including Dr. Salgado.

Its huge gift to the community to have this facility here for sure, she said.

The other arm of the center is focusing on ones mental, emotional, and psychological well being. Again LGBTQ people find that a plethora of social services and support groups are at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors and the Compass GLCC in Lake Worth  at best a long drive, but for others, an impossibility if they dont have access to reliable transportation.

It appears that there are still barriers in Miami as it relates to services for the LGBTQ community, said Estin Kelly, the centers executive director of quality, safety, and research. Theres diverse amount of needs in our community.

Kelly is working on creating a support group at the center, which not only would be a place for people to meet other LGBTQ people who might be going through the same struggles, but also for him to gauge what the needs are of the community. This will help the center improve its patient access and what services are needed.

[We need to] rea slly understand whats impacting our community, he said. Not just the transgender community, but our LGBTQ community and see whats out there, what we can provide from a hospital or a leadership perspective.

For transgender patients, not only is there a physical transition involved, but also a mental and psychological one. Kelly and other social workers help transgender people with blending into and coming out to their community, whether socially or at work, which is different depending on what stage a person is at in their life.

LGBTQ issues are not necessarily the same as everyone elses, really being sensitive to those needs and how to respond to them because conflicts can arise, Kelly said.

In being open with the public, he said, there are the struggles of having someone look at you differently, and being comfortable with family members, friends and coworkers.

The end goal, he said, is to partner with other area organizations to harness each others strengths, such as the police department or nonprofits. Together, they can advocate for LGBTQ people holistically.

[Were] meeting the patients where they are. Theyre in different stages and different levels that theyre dealing with right now, and understanding where theyre coming from, Kelly said.



What: LGBTQ Center for Wellness, Gender and Sexual Health

Where: University of Miami West Building, 1321 NW 14th St. in Miami

Phone: 305-689-3100

Website: surgery.med.miami.edu/plastic-and-reconstructive/gender-affirmation
$170,000.

Thats how much a forensic accountant told Carol Wartenberg and Laura Hohnecker that they are missing out on in retirement savings because, essentially, they are gay.

Together since 1986, the couple was unable to enroll in an investment plan since their relationship was not recognized by the state, and they want to stand up for couples just like them. They started Same-Sex Families for Retirement Equality with their nephew and are leading the way for other same-sex couples.

They have overcome so much and to have this taken away from them in their golden years is just a slap in the face, said Ryan Walker, the couples nephew.

The couples story begins in Panama City in 1986 when they met while working at a mental health facility. Wartenbergs home was being sprayed for for pests, so she brought her small dog into work. When he got loose and ran into a meeting, she saw Hohnecker for the first time.

I said, What kind of an agency is this where dogs are running around? Hohnecker laughed.

The women got the opportunity to spend more time together when at another meeting, Wartenberg mentioned she needed subjects for her dissertation. Hohnecker offered to help, and the two hit it off and began dating, but not openly.

Unfortunately, when they were outed as lesbians, work became a difficult place for the both of them. The program director claimed that the two were only psychologists because of a desire to sexually abuse girls.

We spent our lives working with abused children so that was particularly horrific, she said.

The last straw was when the director encouraged staff to open her interagency email, looking for communication between the two of them. In 1989, the couple decided to leave Panama City so Hohnecker could continue her education at Nova in South Florida.

We were very careful to make sure that whatever endeavours we were in or whatever jobs we took, we were not going to be in the closet anymore, Wartenberg said.

However, the discrimination didnt stop. In her work, Hohnecker dealt with matters in family court and learned that several attorneys had spread derogatory rumors about her. At one point, an attorney asked if she was having an affair with another psychologist while she was on the stand  in a case about child custody.

Wartenberg worked in private practice, and when the father of a child she was treating found out she was a lesbian, he claimed malpractice.

But things were looking up for the couple. In 1999, Broward County passed the Domestic Partnership Act, recognizing same-sex couples and affording them many, but not all, rights of married couples. Wartenberg said they were in the front of the line to get a certificate.

Eventually, she moved to work for the Broward County School Board in 2003. As a government employee, she was enrolled in the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Since the county recognized their relationship, Hohnecker was eligible to receive health insurance and other benefits.

Incorrectly, the couple also assumed that Hohnecker would be eligible to be listed as a beneficiary on Wartenbergs pension plan, which is run by the state and did not recognize same-sex or domestic partners. In 2007, she learned that her partner would not receive any savings from her pension plan, but that they needed to be enrolled in the countys investment plan instead.

Years passed, and when marriage equality was passed in Iowa, Hohneckers home state, the two married. Then in 2015, the Defense of Marriage Act was overturned and it was the law of the land. Looking at their benefits, they could register as spouses, and Wartenberg looked to move back to a pension plan.

Unfortunately, she learned those enrolled in the FRS are only allowed to change their plan once (https://www.myfrs.com/FRSPro_ComparePlan_Change.htm)  she had already used that up when she switched from a pension to investment plan.

I would never have made the second choice [of an investment plan] if Laura would have been able to receive my pension. So my situation was that I felt I'd been discriminated against because I had to make choices based on protecting my partner at a time when the heterosexual bias for the retirement plan was there, Wartenberg said. Broward County just hands you the retirement information. You're the one who is supposed to in some way figure out which plan is appropriate for you.

In a statement to SFGN, Broward County Public Schools said that they are required to follow the procedures outlined in the Florida Retirement System's (FRS) Employer Handbook, which provides employees with a one-time opportunity to change/transfer on their own initiative into the opposite plan prior to termination. This matter would be best taken up with the FRS.

Angry, Wartenberg decided not to let what she thought was an injustice just slide by and filed a complaint with the FRS. After speaking with officials in Tallahassee, she says they agreed it didnt seem fair but there was nothing they could do.

Now, the couple is taking on the state. They hired an attorney and have been working with Equality Florida and Lambda Legal. They also hired a forensic accountant, who calculated that the couple would be losing out on $170,000 in retirement savings due to their predicament.

I think the number speaks for itself, Walker, the couples nephew, said. This wouldnt have happened if they were straight. None of this would have happened if they were straight. For me, that was really the crux of the issue and thats the important part of the issue.

Walker, an advertising writer in Wisconsin, came to South Florida to visit his aunts last year. They told him about their mission, the cost of which was quickly adding up, and he suggested they create a campaign to spread the word. Using his marketing background, he created a Go Fund Me account, a Facebook page, and a website. From there, Same-Sex Families for Retirement Equality was born.

We have to take care of these people, we have to take care of the generation that was before us and do what we can, said Walker, who is gay as well. Well never be able to repay the debt that they we owe them. We can only try and make some down payments on it.

The couples ultimate goal is to be able to return a pension plan with the Broward County School Board. This month, they are filing a discrimination suit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the school board. From there, they will find out the direction their case will take them.

I've always known Carol to have fine eyes for justice and fairness, so I'm not surprised that she's taken on this fight not just for herself but for others, Hohnecker said of her wife. I'm proud of her. Our marriage is like any other marriage, where one party desires to take care of the other. I'm proud of her.

Learn more and donate at RetirementEquality.com.
After less than two months in office, the Trump administration undid one of the Obama White Houses pro-LGBT legislation: bathroom rights for LGBT students.

In the interest of children and their safety in school bathrooms, students must use the restroom that aligns with their sex at birth  a blow to parents of transgender children.

The fact is were not asking for our own bathrooms, said Aryah Lester, the founder and director of Trans Miami. Were just asking to have a comparatively safe place in order to just do our business, what everyone else does in the bathroom.

The fight for bathroom rights among transgender people is actually a part of a long history of unease, prejudice, and segregation in bathrooms. A place where everyone just wants to do their business and leave, since Jim Crow laws and beyond, fear of what happens in the bathroom has lead to stereotyping and legislation under the false guise of safety and health.

The bathroom itself is a highly sexualized, a place where people come in contact with their sexuality, with their vulnerability. Theres a whole set of rules about bathrooms that exist, said Fred Fejes, a professor at FAU and a fellow at the Peace, Justice and Human Rights Initiative.

During the civil rights era, racial segregation laws were justified as a means to protect the public from the crazed negro and the supposed diseases that black people carried that white people did not. This lead to black people being forced to using separate restrooms and even separate glasses and dinner utensils when working at a white persons home. Black men especially were characterized as uncontrollable sex fiends who would prey on helpless white women.

When it produces a brute, he is the worst and most insatiate brute that exists in human form, wrote Clifton R. Breckinridge of black men in 1900, according to the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia.

While the civil rights era is dealing with separation by race  one that was commonplace and completely accepted without question by many parts of the country  and the transgender bathroom bill is gender, or ones perceived gender, there are many overlapping qualities.

For Lester, the standout for both cases is that one population is being treated as less than. During Jim Crow, black people were perceived as second-class citizens to their white counterparts. In the transgender people bathroom debate, those against using the bathroom of ones choice is stating that they are not equal to a cisgender person.

This whole issue is pretty much fabricated, Lester said. Its letting the fear take over from the propaganda thats allowing people to math wrong decisions when it comes to allowing for protections for people.

Fear mongering is a huge part of bathroom consciousness, and its easy to do since people feel so vulnerable using restrooms. In fact, according to multiple activist groups, including Transgender Law Center, the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union, there have been zero verified cases of a transgender person attacking a cisgender person in the restroom.

According to a study by the Williams Institute, transgender people might be the ones who are more likely to be assaulted. The study interviewed 93 transgender people  68 percent said they have been verbally harassed and 9 percent have been physically assaulted. They also shared stories of being barred from using the restroom at school or at work.

One transgender woman said she was sexually assaulted while in the mens restroom  the one bathroom bill advocates would have wanted her to use.

Fejes pointed out that its not only transgender people who historically have been feared in the restroom, but also gay men. The stereotype exists of straight guy fearing an unwanted foot tap between bathroom stalls in a code for sexual activity. In Florida, the purple pamphlet was released with sexually explicit photos and warnings detailing how gay men sought oral sex and were sexual deviants. This was all during the red scare of the Johns Committee (http://southfloridagaynews.com/National/lgbt-history-month-the-johns-committee-state-sanctioned-homophobia.html), where Floridas government went after gay men and women in Floridas universities.

Today, with transgender Americans asking for the right to use the bathroom of their choice, those opposed are crying out for the protection of women and children in restrooms. The argument is that should a transgender woman, physically born a man, be allowed in the womens restroom, the women will be at risk of being raped or attacked and children will be molested.

The fear mongering is very similar in both cases, Lester said of racial segregation and the transgender bathroom issue. Now we see the same fear mongering happening when it comes to the bathroom issues and inciting fear of child molestation or sexual assault when historically, when we look at the numbers, the numbers really point straight forward that trans people have never been involved in any of these types of incidents.

To showcase how things will go should opponents get their way, a transgender man created a photo series #WeJustNeedtoPee in 2015. Michael Hughes took selfies in bathroom mirrors alongside female friends applying makeup or walking out of bathroom stalls, and the hashtag went viral among other transgender people showing the outrageousness of restrictive bathroom laws.

With the Trump administration now rolling back the work former President Barack Obama did for the transgender community, the photos are coming back around. In fake, some didn't believe Hughes was born biologically female.

When you have Caitlyn [Jenner] coming out and so on, its really hard to maintain this image that the transgender women who are in the bathroom represent a sexual threat because its like, this woman is a threat? Fejes said.

With Trump striking down Obamas legislation for transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice in schools, the response has been mixed. Many cheered, praising the president for protecting children from predators and not giving into political correctness. Others, though, were disappointed that he not only disregarded the rights of transgender students, but also was ignoring Title IX rules, which bans discrimination based on a student's sex.

The message was from the White House was actually that the administration doesn't care for the safety of trans students, Lester said. That was a very disappointing thing to hear, [especially] with the high rates of bullying and teen suicide that we have, especially with the LGBT community.
File photo: Photographic documentation taken during the execution of the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Zero Robotics Competition taken in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). Cosmonaut Andrei Borisenko and NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson participate in the operation. Credit: NASA. NASA

The Expedition 50 crew is checking out U.S. spacesuits today and testing tiny internal satellites for research. Three crew members are also packing up for a ride back to Earth on Monday.

Commander Shane Kimbrough worked on a pair of spacesuits today following the completion of two spacewalks last month. He sampled and tested the cooling water that flows through the suits to keep astronauts cool in the extreme environment of outer space.

Flight Engineer Peggy Whitson conducted test runs of the SPHERES satellites today to demonstrate autonomous docking maneuvers. The bowling ball-sized miniature satellites (also known as Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites) have been used for a variety of purposes including student algorithm competitions and fluid physics.

Kimbrough is winding down his stay in space with cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Andrey Borisenko. The trio this week is packing the Soyuz MS-02 spacecraft with science samples, personal items and other cargo for a landing in Kazakhstan after 173 days in space. NASA TV will broadcast the crew departure activities live with landing scheduled for Monday at 7:20 a.m. EDT.

On-Orbit Status Report

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Universal Docking Port (UDP): The crew completed a test run for the SPHERES UDP payload. They loaded the test software and performed the session with ground support staff direction. Objectives of the UDP session are to demonstrate a reliably successful docking through running multiple, repeatable docking maneuvers using both global metrology and docking port cameras; perform joint maneuvers of docked satellites using the thrusters from two satellites to demonstrate controllability; and test an algorithm for docking to a satellite which is tumbling in a slow, known manner. The addition of the Docking Ports is a critical upgrade to the SPHERES facility aboard the ISS. With the new ability to dock and undock, SPHERES provides a test bed to address many of the challenges of combining autonomous spacecraft. Mated spacecraft can assemble complex systems in orbit or combine sensors and actuators for satellite servicing and repurposing missions. The SPHERES-UDP enables testing of complex tasks through optimal and adaptive control, autonomous decision-making processes, and real-time image processing.

Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) Sample Holder Exchange: The crew performed the first of two days of operations in support of the JAXA ELF Sample exchanges in the Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack-2 (MSPR2) facility. They removed the sample holder and installed the new cartridge into the holder. The ELF is an experimental facility designed to levitate/melt/solidify materials by containerless processing techniques using the Electrostatic Levitation method. With this facility, thermophysical properties of high temperature melts can be measured, and solidification from deeply undercooled melts can be achieved.

Story Time From Space Light Demo: The crew narrated and recorded a video to demonstrate the spectrum of the light from the sun and the attenuation of the light intensity as the sun is viewed through the atmosphere. Story Time From Space combines science literacy outreach with simple demonstrations recorded aboard the ISS. Crew members read five science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related childrens books in orbit, and complete simple science concept experiments. Crew members videotape themselves reading the books and completing demonstrations. Video and data collected during the demonstrations are downlinked to the ground and posted in a video library with accompanying educational materials. The narrated demonstration is based on the childrens books Max Goes to Mars, The Wizard Who Saved the World, and Max Goes to Jupiter.

Multi-Omics Mouse Preparations: In preparation for the JAXA Rodent Research experiment hardware launching on SpaceX-11 (SpX-11), the crew installed the Glove Box Panel on the Kobairo Rack front in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). Following installation, the attachment points for the Working Table were marked with Kapton tape for easier operations on SpX-11.

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Crew Quarters (CQ) Overhead Cleaning: In preparation for departure from the ISS next week, the CDR cleaned his CQ intake and exhaust ducts as well as fans and airflow sensors while targeting areas behind applicable panels.

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Maintenance: During todays post Extravehicular Activity (EVA) EMU suit maintenance, a step to switch the suits to battery power from Service and Cooling Umbilical (SCU) power was missed. While powering up for a cooling loop scrub, both EMU 3006 and 3008 were configured for station power during the power up sequence rather than battery power. Powering EMUs from battery power is to protect from power spikes that may occur when the DC to DC converter is powered. During the activity, there were no DC-DC converter trips, no EMU current limiter trips and nominal suit data was observed immediately after power up on both suits. Ground teams are evaluating further for any unknown impacts. The cooling loop scrub was completed with no further issues.

Todays Planned Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

Columbus Module Light Unit 3 Lamp Housing Assembly Remove and Replace.

Test video recording for RT TV channel

Prep of personal data for return

Preparation of Reports for Roscosmos Web Site and Social Media

URAGAN. Observation and photography

EKON-M. Observations and photography

Lighting Effects Sleep Log Entry  Subject

Acoustic Dosimeter Reminder

HRF Generic Urine Collection

NEUROIMMUNITET. Saliva Sample. Psychological Test

HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion Operations

KORREKTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Blood Collection.

SPHERES Battery Swap

Combustion Integrated Rack Alignment Guide Removal

Acoustic Dosimeter Setup Day 2

XF305 Camcorder Setup

Verification of ??-1 Flow Indicator Position

BIOCARD. Experiment Ops.

Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) Sample Holder Removal

NEUROIMMUNITET. Psychological Test

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Maintenance Scrub Initiation

Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) Sample Cartridge 2 Install

OTKLIK. OTKLIK memory buffer clearing

MERLIN 2 Desiccant Swap

Health Maintenance System (HMS) EpiPen Ziplock Modification

ISS Crew departure preparation

Pre-Multi-Omics Mouse Item Gathering

Glove Box Panel Setup and Working Table position marking

SPHERES Battery Stow

HRF Generic Saliva Collection Setup

PROFILAKTIKA-2. Copy Data to Laptop

Export MBI Experiment Data to a memory card for return

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Post Scrub Cooling Loop Water (H2O) Sample

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill

Preparations to connect the AstroPi Vis to the ISS Joint Station LAN.

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Maintenance Iodination

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Conductivity Test

SPHERES File Delete

Environmental Health System (EHS)  Formaldehyde Monitoring Kit (FMK) Stow Operation

ESA ACTIVE DOSIMETER MOBILE UNIT SWAP

AstroPi status check

SPHERES Test Session Setup

Cycle 14.1 Laptop & CD Audit

EVA Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Scrub Deconfiguration

Google Street View Cupola Photo Operations

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Crew Quarters (CQ) Overhead Cleaning

On MCC Go Removal of unit 800? (?103)

Replacement of SM 800? Battery Modules No.2, No.3, Operator

StoryTime from Space GoPro video transfer

Story Time from Space Light Demo

On MCC Go Removal of 800? unit (?102)

Replacement of SM 800? Battery Modules No.2, No.3, Operator

SPHERES Docking Port Test Run

Story Time From Space Historical Photo

Meteor Hard Drive Swap and LED Cover

Reinstallation of unit 800? from position ?102 to ?103

Replacement of SM 800? Battery Modules No.2, No.3, Operator

Reinstallation of unit 800? from position ?103 to ?102

INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops

Stow Syringes used in H2O Conductivity Test

Dose Tracker Data Entry Subject

NEUROIMMUNITET. Hair Samples Collection

EarthKAM Node 2 Lens Change-Russian

Completed Task List Items

SPHERES Tank Audit

Ground Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

EMU Loop Scrub support

CQ cleaning support

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Thursday, 04/06: Galley PWD install, OA-7 trash pre-gather, ELF sample removal

Friday, 04/07: Crew off duty, housekeeping

Saturday, 04/08: Crew off duty

QUICK ISS Status  Environmental Control Group:

Component  Status

Elektron  On

Vozdukh  Manual

[???] 1  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1)  Off

[???] 2  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2)  On

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab  Standby

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3  Operate

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab  Operate

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3  Operate

Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA)  Process

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA)  Process

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab  Off

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3  Full Up
When most people possess an exciting three-year-old pacing colt that could position himself to become a world champion and a stakes winner they are brimming with pride and joy as the ultimate, yet elusive reward of this business just may be in their grasp. The Dombecks and Biers, however, are well acquainted with the peaks and valleys that are the chief component of this sport and can certainly speak from experience in regards to both sets of circumstances.

Although both families are cautiously optimist that Highalator will separate himself as a top competitor in his division, the demoralizing loss of their beloved Modern Family in 2014 remains a shroud cast over their hearts that perpetually inhibits their expectations, hopes and dreams of what will transpire for not only this colt, but all their stock.

I try not to get too excited anymore, said Charles Dombeck, who co-owns this son of Somebeachsomewhere-Higher And Higher. We have been fortunate to have Wind Of The North and Bandolito and this colt looks like a nice horse, but we just dont know. The top horses from last year have not returned yet, so he could be a top 10 horse, a top 20 horse or a top 50 horse.

Losing Modern Family the way we did is something that will always remain for all of us, so when my friends ask me why I am not really excited, I explain to them if you remain realistic and take things as they come, then enjoy them if they do, it makes it a lot easier to accept the disappointments.

Also co-owned by Daryl Bier, Highalator is a homebred conditioned by Jenny Bier and seeks his seventh consecutive victory on Sunday (April 9) when he leaves from post position four with Victor Kirby holding the lines in the fourth and final division of the second leg of the Bobby Weiss Series at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. He is the 2-1 morning line favourite in the $15,000 contest but Chillin Matisse (post seven, Corey Callahan, 3-1) and Youcaniknow (post one, Anthony Napolitano, 7-2) are also receiving their fair share of attention.

He received a nice, easy trip in the first leg and we are hoping for the same in the race this weekend, Dombeck said. We are not sure exactly what we are going to do with him, because the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes begin five days after the Weiss final which is on May 1, so we might end up skipping a leg or the final to take him to the sire stakes. It will be whatever the horse tells us to do with him and whatever is best for him.

Highalator, with a resume of 9-7-1-0 and $40,620 in the bank, is the first foal out of his world champion dam Higher And Higher, who Daryl Bier and Dombeck purchased in 2012 from Ongait.com. The daughter of Western Terror-Pro Bowl Best earned just under $1 million before being transferred to the breeding shed.



Higher And Higher winning a leg of the Overbid at The Meadowlands in 2012 Higher And Higher winning a leg of the Overbid at The Meadowlands in 2012

While Bier and Dombeck both agreed to keep Highalator, as well as his yearling half-sister Dancin With Jammy (A Rocknroll Dance), the colts younger full sister, JK Higher Power, was sold to the 3 Brothers Stables for $110,000 at the 2016 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale.

Demonstrating he had ability as a two-year-old, Highalator, in rein to Scott Zeron, made a powerful middle move from sixth to sweep the field and reach the wire a half-length over his rivals, several of which were older than him, on July 17, 2016, in a $12,000 non-winners contest upon the very same surface his hooves will grace on Sunday evening.

After a fourth place finish on July 31 at the same facility Dombeck and Bier decided the colt had done enough and gave him time to grow for his sophomore season.

When he was training down in Florida he was coming along fine, but had a cough and some allergies, Dombeck said. As soon as we took him up north they disappeared and hes never had a problem since. His first race, I watched on the computer and he was so far back, then I couldnt even see him until he finished with that rush. The next time I saw him was at the wire and after his next race we just decided to put him away. We dont believe in making two-year-olds do too much and allowing them some time to mature and fill out.

Highalator returned to the racing ranks on Jan. 18 in a $6,000 conditioned event at Dover Downs and was second by a nose. The following week, the colt received the services of Yannick Gingras at the same location and was extremely impressive in a 1:52.2 triumph after a first-over journey from post position seven.

We wanted to know what Yannick thought of him, Dombeck said. It was around the time we needed to make stakes payments and after he brought him back, he told us we should definitely stake him.

Highalators next engagement was a $10,000 non-winners contest at The Meadowlands on Feb. 4, where he absolutely strode through the lane as much the best, while stopping the clock in 1:52.4 after a :26.2 final panel. Victor Kirby, who will now remain the colts regular pilot, steered him through the mile, which one again included older horses in the field.

The colt started on two more occasions at Dover Downs on Feb. 16 and March 16, again taking on older rivals and collecting two more wins, before returning to The Meadowlands on March 25 with another stellar performance. Competing against older horses in a $12,000 non-winners race, Highalator paced another final quarter-mile split of :26.3 while defeating the 5-year-old Migrate Blue Chip by a neck in 1:52.2.

Migrate Blue Chip visited the winners circle in his next start on April 2 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, the same evening Highalator captured a first leg division of the Weiss Series with a wire-to-wire performance in 1:54.4.

Victor said he can be a bit lazy and you have to get into him for the first part of the race, but once you straighten him away and its time to come home he is all business, Dombeck said. He has been racing against older horses and defeating them, but like I said we still dont know what kind of horse he is until he faces stakes competition.

He really looks the part though. I had not seen him for a while and when I saw him at Pocono last week, I was impressed because he has turned into such a gorgeous animal. He also has a terrific attitude, unlike his mother, who only Jenny could get near, and hangs his head right on your shoulder.

Although Dombeck insists he is maintaining an even keel when it comes to Highalators future, there is a mere hint of anticipation and enthusiasm when he discusses plans for the rest of the colts season.

He is staked to nearly everything except Canada and the Jug, Dombeck said. I have no desire to return to Canada after what happened with Modern Family and I know Daryl feels the same. We didnt nominate him to the Jug because we dont want to put him on a half-mile track, but he is in everything else including the Meadowlands Pace, Lexington and the Breeders Crown.

I hope I will be in the position to be kicking myself for not staking him to the Jug when the time comes, but we are looking forward to seeing what happens with him. It definitely is more special when the horse is a homebred.

This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.
'Godspeed John Glenn' from National Space Society

Contact: Lynne Zielinski, 202-429-1600, Media2017@nss.org



WASHINGTON, April 6, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- The National Space Society pays tribute to visionary champion of space exploration, Honorable Senator John Glenn, who passed away on December 8, and today is being buried at Arlington National Cemetery.



Photo: Governors John Glenn and Art Dula, along with Scott Carpenter at the 2012 International Space Development Conference in Washington, DC



Senator John Glenn served the National Space Society as a Governor for over two decades. He was an advocate for a strong NASA along with the rest of the National Space Society. He appeared at the NSS 2012 International Space Development Conference along with fellow astronaut Scott Carpenter where they both received the NSS Space Pioneer Award, for actually pioneering space!



John H. Glenn was born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio. He was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1943. During his World War II service, Mr. Glenn flew 59 combat missions in the South Pacific. During the Korean conflict, he flew 63 missions with Marine Fighter Squadron 311 and 27 missions as an exchange pilot with the Air Force.

In 1959, he was selected to be one of seven NASA Mercury astronauts from an original pool of 508. Three years later, on February 20, 1962, he made history as the first American to orbit the Earth, completing three orbits in a five-hour flight and returning to a hero's welcome.

After his NASA service, Glenn took an active part in Democratic politics in Ohio and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974. Senator Glenn retired in 1998.



Mr. Glenn returned to space from Oct. 29 to Nov. 7, 1998, as a member of NASA's Shuttle STS-95 Discovery mission during which the crew supported a variety of research payloads and investigations on space flight and aging. During that mission, Mr. Glenn made 134 Earth orbits in 213 hours and 44 minutes.



Mr. Glenn was married to Anna (Annie) Margaret Castor from 1943 to 2016. They have a son, John David, and a daughter, Carolyn Ann, and two grandchildren.



John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." We at NSS have no doubt that American Hero John Glenn heeded that call.

About the National Space Society (NSS): NSS is an independent nonprofit educational membership organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space, with over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The Society publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space. NSS thanks their ISDC 2016 Galaxy Sponsor, the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust. To learn more, visit www.nss.org.


MW: Should FBI Director James Comey be investigated for meddling in the 2016 presidential election?

Dennis Kucinich, Former Congressman: The Director of the FBI is not beyond accountability. President Obama should have demanded Director Comeys resignation immediately after Comey interfered in the 2016 Presidential election with his October 28, 2016 pronouncement of the discovery of new emails in the Clinton case. Comey breached protocol, bypassed channels, and tilted the outcome away from Clinton and toward Trump.

If Comey refused a presidential demand that he resign, then President Obama should have dismissed him. There is a precedent. President Clinton dismissed FBI Director Session in 1993. Also The FBI Director can also be subject to impeachment by the House and removal by the Senate. Given his role in upending the 2016 President election, it is astonishing that Director Comey is being given a chance to prove it was the Russians what did it.

MW  In a recent Fox News article, you discussed Director Comeys unprecedented intrusion into presidential politics, (that) has damaged public confidence in the Bureau. In an earlier article you mentioned that independent surveys have been conducted that strongly suggest that Comeys meddling may have changed the outcome of the election.

Heres is an excerpt from an article about one of those surveys. The article clearly states that Comeys letter, 11 days before the election, was the precipitating event behind Clintons loss, and that it was the single, most indispensable factor in the surprise election result. Here is the entire except from the article:

Most decisively, there was a sudden change in the net sentiment results that followed immediately after FBI Director James Comey released his Oct. 28 letter to Congress about a renewed investigation of Clinton emails. Immediately afterwards, there was a 17-point drop in net sentiment for Clinton, and an 11-point rise for Trump, enough for the two candidates to switch places in the rankings, with Clinton in more negative territory than Trump. At a time when opinion polling showed perhaps a 2-point decline in the margin for Clinton, this conversation data suggests a 28-point change in the word of mouth standings. The change in word of mouth favorability metric was stunning, and much greater than the traditional opinion polling revealed. Based on this finding, it is our conclusion that the Comey letter, 11 days before the election, was the precipitating event behind Clintons loss, despite the letter being effectively retracted less than a week later. In such a close election, there may have been dozens of factors whose absence would have reversed the outcome, such as the influence campaign of the Russian government as detailed by US intelligence services. But the sudden change in the political conversation after the Comey letter suggest it was the single, most indispensable factor in the surprise election result. (Comey Letter Swung Election For Trump, Consumer Survey Suggests, Brad Fay, Huffington Post)

How should Congress deal with this situation?

Dennis Kucinich: Congress could impeach Comey, but that will not happen for two reasons. (1) Democrats want to maintain the fiction that the Russians tipped the election to Trump. (2) Republicans want to maintain the fiction that Trump won because voters preferred Republicans.

I believe it is essential to focus on Comey. His interference was a miscarriage of justice, which must still be rectified. Congress must pass a law which requires all FBI officials to refrain from an public or private comment, within four weeks of a primary or general election, on any case involving a candidate for public office, or executing any search warrant, or seeking charges against any candidate for elected office, under penalty of criminal charges.

The FBI must not be permitted to interfere in elections through supposition, rumor or stuffing the ballot box with allegations or indictments. If voters elect someone who is later proven to have committed a crime, there are plenty of legal procedures to force removal.

MW  Heres a quote by Masha Gessen from an article titled Russia: The Conspiracy Trap at the New York Review of Books. Gessen thinks the Democrats are actually hurting themselves by pursuing the Russia hacking story. Heres what she says:

Trump is doing nothing less than destroying American democratic institutions and principles by turning the presidency into a profit-making machine for his family, by poisoning political culture with hateful, mendacious, and subliterate rhetoric, by undermining the public sphere with attacks on the press and protesters, and by beginning the real work of dismantling every part of the federal government that exists for any purpose other than waging war. Russiagate is helping himboth by distracting from real, documentable, and documented issues, and by promoting a xenophobic conspiracy theory in the cause of removing a xenophobic conspiracy theorist from office.

Do you agree with Gessen, is Russiagate actually helping Trump? Do you think the investigation could backfire on the Democrats and hurt them politically?

Dennis Kucinich: RussiaGate is not helping Trump, nor is it hurting him. It is hurting the Democratic party as its minions in Congress perform weak imitations of Senator Joe McCarthy. McCarthyism does not sound better spoken out of the left side of the systems mouth than it did out of the right side. The Democrats are losing valuable time trying to blame the 2016 election results on Moscow. 2020 will be not decided in Moscow, but in Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee and like cities in the US, which is why the party should be promoting an alternative economic vision with jobs for all, health care for all, education for all, retirement security for all, a clean environment, fair trade and an end to war.
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As Orwellian as our times may be, this still ranks as a declaration of war. With the inbuilt consequence of smashing to bits the UN nuclear deal struck with Iran in the summer of 2015.

Joseph Strangelove did not bother to chainsaw his words.

Iran is one of the greatest threats to the US today (Pentagon official doctrine; number four after Russia, China and North Korea). Iran has increased its "destabilizing role" and poses "the greatest long-term threat to stability" in the entire Middle East.

 AFP 2017/ SAUL LOEB Saudi General Hails US Pledge to Boost Intel, Military Support Against Iran

Iran is involved in "lethal aid facilitation"; the use of "surrogate forces"; plenty of "cyber activities."

The US has "not seen any improvement in Irans behavior." The naughty boy/country in question still poses "credible threats" through its "nuclear weapons potential" and "robust" ballistic missile program.

So this is it; were going to take them out.



CENTCOMs Endless Jihad

The easy way out would be to characterize this juvenile mobster-style outburst as brought to you by the House of Saud petrodollar fund.

Or to be reminded that Joseph Strangelove was addressing the very same crowd who despite acronym-laden 17 multibillion dollar intel agencies telling them over and over, via National Intelligence assessments, that Iran did not have, and was not planning to have, nuclear weapons, still mightily denounced Iran's "nuclear threat."

 AFP 2017/ ATTA KENARE Why Russia-Iran Cooperation Has the Edge Over US-Saudi Ties

No, this is not a Monty Python sketch. In fact, we have been propelled to the curioser and curioser situation of a CENTCOM that invaded and occupied Afghanistan and Iraq; distributed death and destruction free of charge; provoked a myriad, monster refugee crisis; is back at war in Iraq; is still implicated in regime change by all means in Syria; and "leads from behind" the Saudi destruction of Yemen, is now de facto, on the record, allied with Daesh  which it let fester  to take out Iran.

Feel free to call it CENTCOMs jihad.

Joseph Strangeloves performance took place right on cue as the neocon/neoliberalcon axis hysterically peddling its Russophobia  and Iranophobia  across the Beltway and beyond was celebrating a tasty geopolitical candy: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in the magnificent Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Or, in neocon shorthand, the mullahs meet Hitler.

But, as Rouhani and Putin made it quite clear, the meeting went way beyond cooperating on a real, on the ground, war on terror.

The partnership now encompasses increased trade; energy investments; scientific exchanges; Russia building two new nuclear power plants in Bushehr, site of Irans first reactor; the upcoming membership of Iran in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); and in the near future, the possibility of Russia-China helping Iranian banking institutions.

As the White House tries to get its act together before Secretary of State T.Rex Tillersons first official trip to Russia, in two weeks time, Russian overtures to Iran is now being packaged as one of the key problems preventing some sort of deal  alongside the same old Russian aggression meme in Ukraine, Eastern Europe and cyberspace.

For the Pentagon, Iran-Russia cooperation is anathema  in Syria or anywhere else, especially after Aleppo. That happens to mesh quite well with the White House Richelieu/Macchiavelli Steve Bannons worldview; Bannon was a naval officer during the Iran hostage crisis and regards Iran as an existential threat as much as the Pentagon brass.

So the picture now sold to internal US public opinion could not be more frightful; Iran destabilizes the entire Middle East while Russia destabilizes Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, actually the whole planet.



What Nuclear Deal?

At least Washingtons road map ahead on Iran is now being fully laid out; more  and tougher  sanctions; non-stop harassment coupled with brainwashing of Western public opinion; covert ops; and last but not least, outright war.

It might as well be a case of all bark, no bite. Anyone whos seen the writing on the wall across the Beltway knows that the Iran-Russia strategic partnership is one of the three key nodes, along with China, in the big story of the young 21st century; Eurasia integration, with Russia and Iran closing the energy equation and China as the investment locomotive. And theres not much they can do to prevent it.





https://sputniknews.com/columnists/201703311052129206-pentagon-daesh-war-iran/ So once again the dogs of demonization bark while the Eurasian caravan passes.

"We need to look at opportunities where we can disrupt [Iran] through military means or other means."Iran is sneaky; "I believe that Iran is operating in what I call a gray zone." And thats "an area between normal competition between states  and it's just short of open conflict."But reality always tops fiction. No one else than the Islamic State/Daesh released a video in Farsi  complete with a message to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei  declaring war on Iran because they are apostate Shiites and because they "tolerate" Jews.There were predictable developments; Foreign Minister Javad Zarif confirmed the Russian military may use air bases in Iran on a case by case basis  essentially against Salafi-jihadis in Syria, as was the case in August last year, when Tu-22M3 long-range bombers and Su-34s flew missions from Hamadan airbase.Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is avidly promoting the Countering Irans Destabilizing Activities Bill which, if approved, will bury the American commitment to the UN-sponsored nuclear deal; brand the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization; and open the gates to yet another sanctions flood.
Dit schreef ik ruim 20 jaar geleden over Paul Cliteur Het recht om Cliteur te kwetsen Ik vermoed dat het de drie sloten op zijn voordeur zij...
There are two reasons why I am writing this post, which is really a retake of an earlier post - Should Britain Apologise? - which I recently shared on Social Media.





The first is that there is a renewal of this debate. The recent political twists and turns - Brexit and emergence of Hindu Nationalist India most importantly - have brought the question of British imperial folly to the forefront, engaged in animated debates and denials ( see here ).





The second is a renewal of interest in history itself, made possible by the deliberate wrecking of the Post-War world system by Conservatives in America and Britain. After being presumed dead, history has been regularly invoked in claims, particularly by British and American politicians who are good at pointing follies of other nations. Hollywood made a film about Holocaust denial, though the question of American imperialism in the Pacific was never deemed worthy of retelling. The British Secretary of International Trade, Dr Liam Fox, recently claimed that Britain, of all European nations, have nothing to apologise for its 20th Century history ( see here ).





But why write again about this subject? The simple answer is because Britain made no such apologies and continue to live in denial. And, till such time a statement of apology was made by a British Prime Minister, the issue will not go away.





However, my intention is not go over the list of atrocities and achievements of the British Empire, but rather to address two very specific questions that have been raised:





1. Why is an apology needed? Why can't the ex-colonies get on with life?





2. What's the point of an apology? Sins, unlike property, are not inherited, and most people in Britain today can claim to be innocent of the empire. Why should they apologise?





These two questions are indeed related, and point to common misunderstandings about the issue of apology.





For the British schoolchildren endlessly drilled in modern German History, the question of historical guilt is rather well-understood, as long as it applies to other countries. For them, it is obvious that Germany should apologise for its past for its own sake first. It is obvious, they are taught, that one of main reasons Germany succumbed to the Nazis was that it never fully reconciled with its own follies in the First World War. The atonement for its deeds during the Second World War, somewhat forced on it by the Allies, made it one most reconciled with itself: Neo-Nazis today are more common in Poland and Hungary than Germany.





Herein lies the answer to the first question: That the British government should apologise for Britain itself. In the absence of an apology, a fantastical version of the British history, of the sort Dr Fox is familiar with, lives on. And, this historical amnesia is not benign: This sort of misreading of history makes Britain at war with itself, unleashing an irrational, ahistorical rage that is making it wreck the world system. This is what makes a small cabal of politicians manipulate the British Public, not just in the Brexit debate but make them vote against their own self-interest election after election. A country with a false sense of its history is not unlike a delusional man, at once in love and maniacal rage with himself.





This should clarify why apologising for sins of one's fathers may be good idea for today's British Citizens. This is not about the moral balancing act - acknowledging the follies of the past as they enjoy the fruits of the conquests! Knowing their own place in the world would allow them to escape the illusions of the past, and know, for once, what's really right or wrong. The double standards - between British Imperialist logic of might is right and the claim of folly when another nation used force - seriously impairs British engagement with the world, and limits its ability to deal with the future.





That the demands of apology come from nationalist politicians of ex-colonies, and not from British ruling classes - Tory, Liberal or Labour - obscure the need of history for Britain's own sake. The myth of the benign empire is one of the keystones of power of the British ruling classes. British empire, contrary to the narrative, was not about spreading freedom worldwide, but rather of importing practices of control and domination - fingerprinting was one small but symbolic example - from the colonial realm to the mother country.



However, apart from the question this may become more important now than it has been so far. A more accurate appraisal of the imperial legacy is needed not just for Britain's view of itself, but also of its understanding of its place in the world. This is because we are perhaps at a turning point of the long arc of history, a point where the Atlantic predominance is matched or superseded by the powers of the Eurasian plain, a shift whose signs are already perhaps visible. When the most xenophobic of British politicians claim that limiting its relationships with Europe is worthwhile for the sake of new relationships with India and China, it is usually an imperial illusion fuelled by a hard geopolitical realisation: Abandoning the illusion will indeed help them deal better with the world of today.
















More than 60 businesses have benefitted from the program, which was extended through May 1 while a permanent program is in the works.
House Democrats are touting their proposed operating budget as one that not only fully funds basic education, but is also one thats progressive and fixes Washingtons regressive taxing system.

We looked at making sure we did not hit working families and the middle class disproportionately, and did not have a strong impact on people in poverty, low-income people, said a state Rep. Kris Lytton, Chairwoman of the House Finance committee. We focused on trying to make our regressive tax code a little more progressive.

Lytton spoke to The Daily News about the budget proposal during a conference call Wednesday morning. Local legislators Dean Takko, D-Longview, and Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, also participated.

The Democrat-controlled House last week released its proposed 2017-19 state budget, which includes about $1.9 billion in additional K-12 spending. The Senate GOP unveiled its proposal a week earlier. It would invest a similar amount into basic K-12 education.

The two couldnt be more different: the main mechanism that drives the Senates plan is a levy reform plan which would equalize school levy rates in every district across the state.

The House plan includes an estimated $2.8 billion revenue package with a suite of new taxes, including a capital gains tax, a 20 percent business and operations tax increase for the states highest grossing businesses (those that gross more than $500,000) and an increase to the real estate excise tax for homes valued above $1 million. Businesses grossing less than $250,000 would pay no B&O and those grossing under $500,000 would get a B&O tax reduction.

Negotiators from the Senate and the House must now meet to craft some kind of compromise.

Lytton challenged both the claim that the Republican plan doesnt include new taxes and the estimated decreases in local levies that Republicans claim their plan provides.

The Republican budget has a massive property tax increase and I dont think you can get away with saying there are no new taxes, Lytton said.

Communities like Longview and Kelso pay well over the proposed $1.55 per $1,000 of assessed value in the Senate plan and would likely see their property taxes decrease. But homeowners in the Puget Sound region, who pay lower property taxes, could see their annual payments double.

It disproportionately hits the Puget Sound area, Lytton said, a Democrat from the Anacortes area of Northwest Washington.

Some have criticized the Houses proposed funding, including a 7 percent capital gains tax on the sale of corporate stocks, bonds and investment property. Republican opponents have called it an income tax, though Lytton challenges that claim.

Capital gains is not an income tax, its an excise tax, Lytton said. Single filers would only would pay the tax on capital gains exceeding $25,000, while joint filers would pay on gains greater than $50,000. Only 1.5 percent of the population  48,000 people  would pay the tax, Lytton said.

Im not going to try to defend everything that they did, but I think the House made a better face effort that actually balances, Takko said.

State Sen. Takko said he cant defend the Senate budget at all.

The numbers are really soft, but they arent raising the money that they claim theyre going to need for McCleary, Takko said, referring to the state Supreme Court ruling mandating that the state fully fund basic education.

A nonpartisan analysis found that the Senate GOP budget overestimates its revenue by about $1 billion.

I will tell you that levy reform is attractive to me, and I think as we move through negotiations, there may be elements of what the Senate proposes that get included in the end, said state Rep. Blake. I think the initial sheet that was sent around showing the lower property taxes in rural Washington is not accurate and we need accurate, real numbers to budget up here.
A food court called The Market  offering deli sandwiches, hamburgers and Asian and Mediterranean fare  is the latest additions to the culinary options that will be tempting visitors to the Cowlitz Tribes Ilani Casino Resort when it opens later this month, the casino announced Thursday.

The Market, detailed by casino officials Thursday morning, will include deli-style The Butcher + Baker, Asian cuisine restaurant Chef Jet, gourmet hamburger joint Smashburger and Olympia-based pizzeria I.talia.

And, of course, The Market will have a Starbucks.

The Market joins a bevy of food offerings that have been announced in the last two weeks at the Cowlitz Indian Tribes $510 million casino. Those restaurants include Michael Jordans Steak House, Line & Lure Seafood Kitchen and Tap, sushi bar Longhouse and high-end restaurant Rose & Thorn.

Three clothing stores were also made official, though their pending appearance in the casino was announced previously: Marshall Rousso will offer evening wear, shoes and handbags; and Ruby Blue will feature fashion and tech accessories. A shop called The Cowlitz Trading Post is shaping up to be in all-in-one market for gifts, clothes, candy, cigarettes and practically anything else a visitor may need, according to a tribe announcement.

Ilani Casino Resort, a joint development from the Cowlitz Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, is a 368,000-square-foot casino set to open just west of Exit 16 off Interstate 5 near La Center.
A 48-year-old mentally ill Cowlitz County man waited almost 70 days for a bed at Western State Hospital for competency restoration treatment so he can stand trial for theft and stolen property charges. His attorney said the wait is unjust.

Hes just being warehoused at this point. Hes not really being treated, public defender Thad Scudder said Tuesday. It doesnt do anything for him. He hasnt been found guilty of anything, so hes just being warehoused at this point, thats all. Hes significantly mentally ill and .hes not in a therapeutic setting. Hes not getting any treatment.

Dennis Lee Akles, of Kelso, was arrested in June of last year on suspicion of stealing a car. He was released in August on his own recognizance but was arrested again Nov. 3 for first-degree trafficking in stolen property and second-degree theft after he allegedly stole an iPhone 7 Plus from a Longview Verizon Wireless store.

In November, a Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge found Akles not competent to stand trial for the theft charges and sent him to Western State Hospital in Lakewood for 45 days of competency restoration treatment. He returned to the jail in mid-January, but was assessed and determined to still be incompetent.

On Jan. 24, Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning ordered Akles to be transported back to Western State for 90-day competency restoration treatment so he can stand trial. Since then, Akles has sat in the Cowlitz County jail, waiting for a bed, until April 3  69 days after Warnings treatment order.

Western State has been criticized for several years for delays in getting inmates into treatment and has been subject to court fines for the delays. On March 14, Western State was found in contempt of court due to the amount of time Akles spent waiting. Warning fined the hospital $3,000 a day until Akles was transported. The money must be paid to the Department of Corrections no later than April 10, according to court records.

Warning was not immediately available for comment about the case. Western State Hospital officials were also not available to comment on the case.

In psychiatric evaluations of Akles done in November and January, psychologists provisionally diagnosed Akles with a mental health condition that includes schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms. They also diagnosed him with substance induced mood disorder and amphetamine use disorder. Akles has a lengthy history of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drug use, according to court records.

Akles also has a long history of mental health problems, in which he contacted numerous crisis and mental health services in Oregon and Washington. He has been involuntarily committed multiple times ranging from 2010 to 2015, according to court records.

In the evaluations, psychologists said that Akles displayed symptoms of paranoid and delusional thought, disorganized and rambling speech, impulsivity, irritability, poor insight, reports of hallucinations, response to internal stimuli and threatening behavior with both staff and peers. He has also had suicidal tendencies, according to court records.

Marin Fox Hight, administrative director for the Cowlitz County Corrections Department, said having mentally ill inmates in the jail waiting for beds can present challenges for staff and other inmates. She said sometimes they refuse to take medication or have behavioral problems that make cell arrangements, security or safety difficult.

Fox Hight said the jail currently has two mental health counselors and is hiring a third. She said without looking at data, she was unsure whether wait times have decreased for those at the jail waiting for beds at Western State.

In a court hearing Tuesday, Western State sent a letter stating that Akles was refusing to take his medication since he arrived there Monday, making treatment a challenge. In the letter, a Western State doctor wrote that Akles posed a significant danger to hospital staff and other patients, as evidenced by physical aggressive acts toward others and/or need for seclusion or restraint to prevent the defendant from harming others.

Akles will be sent back to the Cowlitz County jail to appear for a hearing Tuesday to determine whether he should be forcibly medicated. Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor said in court Tuesday that the fines for the hospital will likely double if Akles is not immediately returned to Western State at the conclusion of Tuesdays hearing.
Some freighters have been anchored for a month or more in the lower Columbia River, and others have been circling around outside the rivers mouth while they await open berths.

Blame the weather for what have been some unprecedented grain shipping delays along the lower river this winter and spring.

Harsh winter weather nationwide and across the Northwest and a planned, four-month shutdown of shipping locks in the Snake/Columbia river system have delayed the arrival of grain to export terminals in Longview and other locations on the lower river, according to maritime sources.

Its been a challenging first part of the year, said Matthew Kerrigan, chief operating officer for the Export Grain Terminal at the Port of Longview. It has been slow, but were finally starting to work through backlogs as the weather gets better and the locks open up.

The lower river was as congested as it can be. We had every anchorage spot taken, said Jon Aschoff, vice president of the Portland-based Columbia River Pilots, members of which guides cargo vessels up and down the river.

There are about 28 spots from Astoria to Portland for ships to anchor while waiting to load. They were all taken, mostly by grain ships, Ashoff said. Some vessels have had to wait a month to dock, while some have had to circle around in the ocean awaiting their turn, Ashoff said.

No safety concerns have arisen, Ashoff said, because the anchorages are outside the navigation channel and anchored ships pose no hazard as long as they are secured correctly. But remaining idle at anchor costs money. Aschoff said hes heard that some ships bound for the Columbia diverted to the Gulf of Mexico rather than languish here. That report, though, could not be confirmed.

Margaret Lapic, a resident of Willow Grove west of Longview, said shed been amazed at the presence of so many freighters anchored in front of her home, though theyve left in the last few days.

I have lived on Willow Grove Road since 1989. Until this year, although the ships go up and down the river in front of my house, ships have never anchored out front. But since New Years Eve, there has been at least one ship parked there. Usually there are two. The ships that anchor are often there for several weeks before moving upriver, Lapic said by email last week.

Backlogs in shipments and loading occurred mostly in the rail system. Kristin Meira, executive director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, said landslides and rail washouts delayed BNSF Railway shipments to lower Columbia grain terminals, three of which are located in Cowlitz County.

The weather problem was compounded by the four-month closure of eight shipping locks on the Snake/Columbia river system, which grain barges used to move inland grain to lower river ports. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintenance shutdown of the locks, which ends Tuesday, was scheduled a year in advance in cooperation with shippers and other river users. It just coincided with a rough winter, said Meira, whose organization represents lower river ports.

The situation illustrates how important all the river infrastructure  rails, navigation channel, anchorages, locks  are needed to move commerce efficiently, she said.

Kerrigan, the EGT official, describe the train shipments this way: A grain train from Montana that ordinarily would take three to four days to arrive in Longview was taking 10 days.

Kate Mickelson, executive director of the Columbia River Steamship Operators Association, said, Pacific Northwest grain shipments were severely affected by harsh weather conditions experienced this winter that resulted in abnormal delays in vessels waiting to load of up to four to six weeks. The situation is improving as weather conditions improve and vessel delays continue to reduce as the supply chain catches up with the demand. The association represents shipping agents.

BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas said at rockslide in north Idaho, avalanche hazards in the Glacier National Park area of Montana, and mudslides in Southwest Washington and Puget Sound area have all contributed to delays in grain shipments. But operations are returning to normal, he said,  Were back on schedule meeting demand.
Aditya Madanapalle

The Finance Act 2017 has introduced section 139AA in the Income Tax Act, 1961, which makes it mandatory for quoting of Aadhaar number for filing income tax returns, or for allotment of a Permanent Account Number. Citizens who are in the process of getting an Aadhaar card, can quote the Enrollment ID on the Aadhaar application form. The new rules will be effective from 1 July, 2017.

The quoting of Aadhaar or Enrollment ID is mandatory for only those who are eligible to get an Aadhaar number. Only a resident individual as defined by the Aadhaar Act of 2016 is eligible to get an Aadhaar number.

The act defines "an individual who has resided in India for a period or periods amounting in all to one hundred and eighty-two days or more in the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for enrollment." The requirement of quoting an Aadhaar number for filing income tax returns will not be necessary for those who are not defined as a resident.

https://twitter.com/UIDAI/status/849517239120388097

The FAQ section on the UIDAI web site smartly dodges the question of whether Aadhaar will be made compulsory, with an indirect answer that does not explicitly say that Aadhaar is not mandatory. The response is, "Any person can choose to apply for Aadhaar. Similarly, agencies providing benefits and services may choose to use Aadhaar in their systems and may require that their beneficiaries or customers provide their Aadhaar for these services."

The problem here is that the government is forcing citizens to hand over biometric data. It does not matter what laws are in place for the protection of the data, or how secure the Aadhaar database is, the problem here is the lack of control over one's own privacy. Those who do not want to hand over their personal biometric data to the government, have fewer and fewer options to avoid getting an Aadhaar card, and continuing to live their everyday lives.

Communist Party of India leader Binoy Viswam has filed a petition in the Supreme court through advocate Sriram Parakkat challenging the decision to make it mandatory for Aadhaar to be quoted during the filing of income tax returns, according to reports in the Hindustan Times and One India.

"Due to the introduction of Section 139 AA in the Income Tax Act, I have been coerced into obtaining an Aadhaar card in complete violation of my right to privacy as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution," Viswam said.

The petitioner had not obtained an Aadhaar card under the expectation that Aadhaar is not mandatory. Viswam contended that the Aadhaar scheme was voluntary, recalling an earlier order by the Supreme Court that forbade the Government from making an Aadhaar card mandatory for welfare schemes. The order however, only pertained to the distribution of benefits, and directed that no one should be deprived of benefits for lack of an Aadhaar card.

The order did not mention Aadhaar being made mandatory for any other procedures other than welfare schemes. The order, in fact, explicitly noted that the Government cannot be stopped from using Aadhaar for documentation purposes, such as for the filing of Income Tax returns.

Aadhaar enrollment has effectively become a Hobson's choice, with a worrying amount of privacy concerns surrounding the Aadhaar program. The issues are compounded by the lack of dedicated privacy and data protection laws in the country.
tech2 News Staff

IIT Bombay is all set to host the fourth edition of the biggest robotics festival in India, the e-Yantra Symposium 2017. 16 teams of students from colleges around the country will showcase their robots in arenas. Initially there were 330 proposals from around the country, out of which jury members shortlisted 121 promising projects who were asked to submit prototypes. 48 teams were then selected to showcase their creations in Mumbai, Delhi, Coimbatore, Pune and Bengaluru.

The finals of the 2017 e-Yantra robotics competition will be held in IIT Bombay. On display will be a robotic porter for railway stations that follows people carrying their luggage, a smart trolley for use in shopping centers, a drone for transporting organs for transplant, a drone for monitoring the health of crops, and a rescue robot for navigating tricky terrains. The students and teachers are sponsored by e-Yantra during the events, and the winners stand to gain a six weeks internship at IIT Bombay.

"The goal is to share projects and brainstorm new ideas for improving pedagogy and the quality of BE projects," said Dr Kavi Arya, Principal Investigator, e-Yantra project. "This event ensures a sustainable use of Robotics labs set up through the e-Yantra Lab Setup Initiative (eLSI) and is sponsored by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) through its National Mission on Education through ICT (NMEICT). No registration fee is charged from teachers and students from the eLSI family of colleges who attend the symposium."

The competition is part of the e-Yantra project, an initiative by IIT Bombay funded by the MHRD. The aim of the project is to create a platform to foster the indigenous development of robotics technologies, in tune with the "Make in India" initiative by the Government of India. Students are empowered through project based learning, with 233 labs set up as robotic testbeds for students, all across the nation. An additional 33 labs are in the pipeline.

Dr Kadole, Principal, DKTE Societys Textile and Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, says, "e-Yantra facilitates infrastructure creation by sharing its experience and expertise. The benefits of e-Yantra projects include increased enthusiasm amongst students with creative thinking, better laboratory sessions in electronics and computer science and engineering courses. Students are developing robotic applications using Open Source software available on e-Yantra portal. Faculty members are doing their M Tech. projects using Firebird."

In addition to the competition, there is a panel discussion on proposed initiatives in e-Yantra labs, a number of keynote speeches and panel discussions are a part of the symposium. There will be a keynote speech on the Mangalyaan mission with a focus on the technical prowess of Isro, and ideal smart city solutions. There are panel discussions on proposed initiatives at e-Yantra labs, and Indian engineering excellence. There is even a music program that explores classical traditions in Indian film music.
PTI

Japanese investor SoftBank is believed to be re-working its plan for sale of e-commerce platform Snapdeal and a final decision is likely to be made in the next few weeks.

According to sources, a consensus could not be reached for the sale proposal at yesterday's board meeting of Snapdeal, where SoftBank has a significant stake and board representation, but the Japanese major is continuing to work on getting support of other directors.

An announcement on the same is likely to be made in the next 4-8 weeks, they added.

Speculations are rife that the country's third-largest online shopping platform Snapdeal could be sold to larger rival and market leader Flipkart.

Interestingly, Paytm's name has also come up as a potential buyer. Alibaba, which is a prominent shareholder in Paytm, is also a shareholder in Snapdeal.

Snapdeal and SoftBank declined to comment on the matter. The deal, if completed, would mark the biggest acquisition in the Indian e-commerce space and change the landscape of the sector that is witnessing intense competition among players.

Snapdeal's seven-member board includes representation from investors SoftBank, Kalaari Capital and Nexus Venture Partners, as well as co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal.

The board of Jasper Infotech - that operates Snapdeal - met on Tuesday to brainstorm on the broad contours of a possible deal.

Sources said one of the hurdles is valuation, as Kalaari Capital and Nexus Venture Partners have not agreed with the valuation given by Snapdeal's largest shareholder SoftBank.

The cash-strapped firm over the last few months has had to trim its workforce significantly and shut down non-core businesses.

Snapdeal was valued at $6.5 billion in its last funding round in February 2016.

The valuation has also shrunk since then and the potential deal could be struck at a discounted rate, the sources said.

They added that yesterday's board meeting saw some progress in terms of a broad agreement emerging on the sale.

Indian e-commerce companies have seen funding dry up over the last few months as investors are focussing extensively on profitability and rationalisation of expenses.

With intense competition from deep-pocketed global rivals like Amazon, companies like Flipkart and Snapdeal could face more heat in the coming days.
hidden

By Asheeta Regidi

In the ongoing case against WhatsApp filed by Karmanya Singh Sareen, the Department of Telecom (DoT) is reported to have told the Supreme Court that Over-The-Top (OTT) services, like WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype and WeChat will soon be subjected to a regulatory framework, similar to the existing framework for telecom service providers. While, as per reports, Sareen is seeking regulation to ensure better privacy for WhatsApp users, the actual effect may be the opposite. The existing privacy granted through end-to-end encryption may be lost.

WhatsApps contradictory approach to privacy

There is a sharp contradiction in WhatsApps approach to user privacy. On the one hand, user privacy from the government, enforcement agencies, and cybercriminals is absolute, through end-to-end encryption. On the other hand, user privacy has no protection from WhatsApps parent company Facebook, third parties affiliates, advertisers and other subsidiaries, as per WhatsApps modified Privacy Policy.

It was this contradiction which led to Sareens petition against WhatsApp. While this petition failed before the Delhi High Court, leading to this appeal, similar petitions in other countries succeeded in stopping the sharing of data by WhatsApp.

Regulatory intervention needed to protect privacy

The issue of regulation was raised in this case due to the need for protecting WhatsApps 160 million users in India. The privacy and data of all these users has been made a matter of private contract between the users and WhatsApp. Considering that most users are unaware of what they are consenting to, the government/judiciary should intervene on their behalf and protect their privacy. It was argued that WhatsApp is like a public utility service, ie, an essential service used by a large number of people.

However, far from being treated as a national concern, privacy doesnt appear to be a concern at all in India. This is evident in the lack of privacy laws, the lack of any progress in the Right to Privacy bill, and the determined push towards demonetisation and now Aadhaarisaton without addressing privacy and security concerns.

From this point of view, imposing privacy and security requirements, along with restrictions on the way OTTs like WhatsApp make use of the data in their possession, is essential.

DoT seeks a level playing field for TSPs

When the DoT says it will regulate these services, however, it is from a very different perspective. The priority, as revealed in Trais Consultation Paper on OTT services, is to create a level playing field between the telecom service providers (TSPs) and the OTTs. A major part of the paper discusses issues like the loss of revenue to the TSPs and the regulatory imbalance between the TSPs and OTTs. Issues like lack of licensing fees, quality of service parameters, security and emergency service obligations for OTTs are the concern.

Reference to privacy is only made in terms of protecting people from cybercrime, but not from sharing of their data like WhatsApp with Facebook. Issues of security are also discussed, not in terms of protecting people, but in terms of enabling lawful interception and surveillance. The result is that for privacy, encryption is mandatory, but for security, decryption should be possible. TSPs, for example, are permitted to use only 40-bit encryption under their license agreements, a much lower level than that used by WhatsApp. Moreover a decryption key is to be deposited with Trai, to enable decryption as required. A similar approach was seen in the now withdrawn Draft Encryption Policy, where, entities like WhatsApp were mandated to comply with decryption requests.

The lack of a focus on privacy and security as sought in Sareens petition shows that the DoTs regulation may not achieve this. Instead, regulations for OTTs may well bring an end to WhatsApps end-to-end encryption, the only privacy people have.

European privacy laws - the strength of proper privacy laws

On the other hand, consider European laws. Recently, the European Commission announced that OTTs would be explicitly brought under a new European e-privacy directive. This may also bring an end to WhatsApps end-to-end encryption, since the existing e-privacy directive allows the government to restrict confidentiality for national security purposes. However, there are also several provisions which protect users.

For example, the e-privacy directive does not ask the companies to deposit decryption keys nor does it prescribe levels of encryption. The e-privacy directive, in fact, requires that appropriate technical measures be implemented to protect the communications. A significant fine of 4 percent of global revenue has been proposed for data breaches.

In other words, TSPs and OTTs are required under law to maintain the privacy and security of the data in their possession. This is only subject to suspension in the interest of national security. The success of European privacy laws can be seen in their successful prevention of the data sharing by WhatsApp.

Privacy cannot be traded

It appears from the DoTs statement that it is no longer a question of whether or not OTT services like WhatsApp and Facebook should be regulated, but rather that it is inevitable. The European Commission, also, recently released a report seeking to regulate OTTs to create a level playing field with the TSPs, similar to the licensing regime being considered by Trai. In view of the extensive privacy protections, however, European users do not need to worry that this regulation will threaten their privacy. Their only concern is that they may now have to pay for the OTT services.

It is not Indias proposal of regulating the OTTs, but the lack of a dedicated privacy law, that is the main cause for concern. Privacy isnt something that can be traded for anything, and hardly for a free service like WhatsApp.

It is hoped that the Indian judiciary will give greater value to peoples privacy, and direct the government to make the required privacy laws.

The author is a lawyer with a specialisation in cyber laws and has co-authored books on the subject
tech2 News Staff

Looks like Aadhaar is set to make a grand entry in yet another aspect of our daily lives. This time at your local domestic airport. According to a report in Business Standard, the civil aviation ministry has asked software firm Wipro to look into the feasibility of introducing Aadhaar-based biometric identification at airports. The idea is to enable less queues at the airport and let customers check-in faster with fingerprint or iris scanning.

International airports such as Schiphol (Amsterdam), Brisbane and Hamad (Doha) already have these systems in place. Wipro has been asked to build an integrated platform which will use the passenger's Aadhaar-based biometric information for check-in process across all airports. Hyderabad Airport has already started this process on a few gates, where you have to check-in using your biometric information.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha, met with the operators of airports including private ones such as Mumbai and New Delhi and took this decision. Wipro is expected to give a feasibility report within a month, according to Business Standard.

According to senior ministry officials, this could be a first step in making Aadhaar card numbers mandatory for a passenger to book a flight ticket.

Linking Aadhaar numbers to air ticket bookings is certainly an option the ministry is considering but nothing has been finalised. We are evaluating what other process of check-in we can use, said a ministry official. According to the report, airline companies are already on board and have asked the ministry to make Aadhaar compulsory for booking tickets.

The plan is to use this database which is linked to Aadhaar and have multiple kiosks at separate points of the airport, including at boarding gates, which will enable a passenger to just pass through without any manual inspection.

According to Rajiv Jain, CEO of Mumbai International Airport Limited, there are plans to have the pilot project on Aadhaar enabled entry at some gates at the Mumbai airport.

According to airline executives, the Federation of Indian Airlines, an airline lobby, has given its go ahead to the project and believes that a concrete identification is mandatory for a passenger and in the current scenario Aadhaar fits that bill.

There is no exact time-frame as to when this will become a norm at the airports. For the time being, Wipro is only expected to do a feasibility study and submit the report in a month's time. Alternatively, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has also partnered with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to study the time required for the check-in process at some busy airports such as Chennai, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar and Goa.
Pope hails UK Muslims' role in inter-faith dialogue

Pope Francis chats with Sheik Ahmed el-Tayyib, the grand imam of the Sunni Muslim center of learning, during the pair\'s historic meeting at the Vatican.

AFP, Vatican City :

Pope Francis met briefly on Wednesday with a delegation of four British Muslim clerics and praised their contribution to dialogue between different faiths and cultures.

"I like to think that the most important job we have to do between us, as humanity, is done with our ears, by listening," Pope Francis told the four-man group as he greeted them warmly at the Vatican for a private audience.

"The ability to listen is so important. Those who have it speak softly, quietly. Those that don't talk loudly, shout even.

"Among brothers, all of us have to talk and listen gently, to seek the way together.

"And when we listen and talk to each other, we are already on the path. I thank you for taking this path and ask almighty and merciful God to bless you.

And I ask you, to pray for me." The clerics at the talks were Shia scholar Syed Ali Raza Rizvi, Moulana Muhammad Shahid Raza, an imam who heads the British Muslim Forum, Ibrahim Mogra of the Christian Muslim Forum and Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Director General of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society.

Since his election four years ago, Pope Francis has overseen a steady improvement in relations between the Vatican and the Islamic world, overcoming the acrimony caused by a series of spats under his predecessor Benedict XVI.

The Argentine pontiff hosted top Sunni cleric Ahmed al-Tayeb at the Vatican last year and will meet him again when he visits the Al-Azhar mosque as part of a visit to Egypt at the end of this month.

Ties were badly soured when the now-retired Benedict made a September 2006 speech in which he was perceived to have linked Islam to violence, sparking deadly protests in several countries and reprisal attacks on Christians.

Pope Francis has made interfaith dialogue one of his priorities, describing fundamentalism as a disease of all religions.

And he endeared himself to many Muslims last year when he returned from the migrant crisis island of Lesbos with three Syrian Muslim families who are being put up by the Vatican in Rome while their asylum requests are processed.

The reconciliation efforts have not prevented Francis from regularly imploring moderate Muslims to speak out more strongly over the actions of extremists claiming to act in the name of Islam.
BOU VC to join WB meet in New Delhi

Vice-Chancellor, BOU

Campus Report :

Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University (BOU), Prof Dr M A Mannan left Dhaka on Thursday to New Delhi, India to participate in the Regional Consultation Meeting of World Bank (WB) on 7th and 8th April.

Prof Dr Mannan will take part in the meeting as an Education Expert to contribute his Expertise in the up coming World Development Report 2018, which will be published by World Bank. Dr Mannan will deliver specially on ECD, School Education and skills on Higher Education. He will back in the country on 9th April.
AIBA hosts workshop on skill development

Participants are seen at the concludingn ceremony of a daylong workshop on career and skills development held at Army Institute of Business Administration, Sylhet at Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet recently.

Campus Report :

Army Institute of Business Administration (AIBA), Sylhet hosted a daylong workshop titled "Career and Skills Development" at its present campus at Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet recently.

The workshop was organized by AIBA, Sylhet in collaboration with Workplace Skills Development Academy (WSDA), New Zealand.

It may be mentioned here that, WSDA is a leading organization of New Zealand that imparts training to university students and corporate executives in South, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region on workplace skills development.

Besides the students, teachers and officers of AIBA, Sylhet the workshop was participated by students from different universities of Sylhet and officials and young executives from various banks and companies of the country.

The purpose of the workshop was to impart training to students and young executives to develop their leadership, management and interpersonal skills at workplace to be able to assume challenging responsibilities at both national and multinational environments. Brig Gen M. Zahirul Islam (retd), Director of AIBA, Sylhet presided the programme, while Brig Gen Kaiser Hasan Malik, the Chairman of the Governing Body of AIBA, Sylhet distributed certificates among the participants.
HerStory: Women Trailblazers at EMK Centre

Sheikh Arif Bulbon :

The 20-day long art exhibition titled HerStory: Women Trailblazers organised by Enegis Power Corporation Ltd was held recently in the citys EMK Centre at MIDAS Centre in Dhanmondi with a call for ensuring womens

participation in all development activities of the country.

The exhibition was dedicated to female leadership in Bangladesh over the past century.

Prof Dr Mehtab Khanam

moderated the closing ceremony titled Married to the job: Artist couples on last day of the

exhibition. Artist Naima Hoque and Nasim Ahmed Nadvi took part in the discussion on the

lives of couple and their

professional experience.

Zareen Mahmud Hosein, Director of Energis Power Corporation Ltd and also initiator of the exhibition conducted

the closing ceremony.

Eminent architect Shamsul Wares and writer and woman activist Maleka Pervin expressed their view on the achievement

of the countrys women artists

in different sectors.

While talking with The New Nation, the exhibition curator Keterina Don said that the

exhibition, HerStory: Women Tralblazers is based on the lives and teachings of the outstanding women who in their own unique capability had contributed to

the building of an egalitarian society and the development

of womens rights in the

independent Bangladesh.

The exhibition brought together 19 artists across three living

generation to reflect the lives of these female icons who had left the world, but continue to

inspire and live on, she said.

It is noted that Energis Ltd, a

sister concern of Shasha Denims Ltd, is a listed company with

the countrys Stock Exchange. Energis as part of its social

responsibility has long been working for uplift capability of the country's industry, culture,

education and infrastructure, Zareen Mahmud Hosein said. n
Poet William Wordsworth

Literature Desk :

Born in England in 1770, Poet William Wordsworth worked with Samuel Taylor Coleridge on Lyrical Ballads (1798). The collection, which contained Wordsworths Tintern Abbey, introduced Romanticism to English poetry. Wordsworth also showed his affinity for nature with the famous poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. He became England's poet laureate in 1843, a role he held until his death in 1850.

Poet William Wordsworth was born on April 7, 1770, in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England. Wordsworths mother died when he was 7, and he was an orphan at 13.

Despite these losses, he did well at Hawkshead Grammar School-where he wrote his first poetry-and went on to study at Cambridge University. He did not excel there, but managed to graduate in 1791.

In the late 1790s, William Wordsworth was thought to be a French spy and was surveilled by a government agent.

Wordsworth had visited France in 1790-in the midst of the French Revolution-and was a supporter of the new governments republican ideals.

On a return trip to France the next year, he fell in love with Annette Vallon. However, the declaration of war between England and France in 1793 separated the two. Left adrift and without income in England, Wordsworth was influenced by radicals such as William Godwin.

In 1795, Wordsworth received an inheritance that allowed him to live with his younger sister, Dorothy. That same year, Wordsworth met Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The two became friends, and together worked on Lyrical Ballads (1798). The volume contained poems such as Coleridges Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Wordsworths Tintern Abbey, and helped Romanticism take hold in English poetry.

The same year that Lyrical Ballads was published, Wordsworth began writing The Prelude, an epic autobiographical poem that he would revise throughout his life (it was published posthumously in 1850). While working on The Prelude, Wordsworth produced other poetry, such as Lucy. He also wrote a preface for the second edition of Lyrical Ballads; it described his poetry as being inspired by powerful emotions and would come to be seen as a declaration of Romantic principles.

Though nothing can bring back the hour, Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower. -- from Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood.

In 1802, a temporary lull in fighting between England and France meant that Wordsworth was able to see Vallon and their daughter, Caroline.

After returning to England, he wed Mary Hutchinson, who gave birth to the first of their five children in 1803. Wordsworth was also still writing poetry, including the famous I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud and Ode: Intimations of Immortality. These pieces were published in another Wordsworth collection, Poems, in Two Volumes (1807).

As he grew older, Wordsworth began to reject radicalism. In 1813, he was named as a distributor of stamps and moved his family to a new home in the Lake District.

By 1818, Wordsworth was an ardent supporter of the conservative Tories.

Though Wordsworth continued to produce poetry-including moving work that mourned the deaths of two of his children in 1812-he had reached a zenith of creativity between 1798 and 1808. It was this early work that cemented his reputation as an acclaimed literary figure.

In 1843, Wordsworth became Englands Poet Laureate, a position he held for the rest of his life.

At the age of 80, he died on April 23, 1850, at his home in Rydal Mount, Westmorland, England.


Sajjad Kadir passes away

Staff Reporter :

Renowned Poet and Journalist Sajjad Kadir died at Suhrawardy Hospital in the city on Thursday at the age of 70.

He breathed his last at 2pm after cardiac arrest, family sources said.

His first Namaj -e-Janaza was held at the National Press Club after Asr prayers. The poet will

be buried at his family graveyard in Tangail.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Shaukat Mahmud and Secretary General M Abdullah and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Abdul Hai Sikder and General Secretary Jahangir Alam Prodhan expressed deep shock at the death of the poet and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Born on April 14, 1947 in Tangail, he did his masters in Bengali Department at Dhaka University in 1970.

He began his career as a lecturer at Karatia Sadat College in 1972, but quit the teaching profession within four years.

Kadir then joined weekly Bichitra as a sub-editor on July 14, 1976 and emerged as a journalist and poet subsequently.

He worked in different newspapers in his long career as a journalist. Kadir was also a director of Bangladesh Press Institute from 1995 to 2004.

The deceased has some 80 books on poetry, novels, dramas and articles to his credit. He is the permanent member of the National Press Club.
REB director found dead in guest-house

UNB, Jessore :

A director of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) was found dead in a guest-house in the district town's Topshindaga on Thursday noon.

The deceased was identified as Ariful Alam, 52, son of Jamshed Hossain, from Rajshahi.

Azmal Huda, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, said that Ariful arrived in Jessore on Wednesday afternoon and put up at the REB guest-house for the night.

As the guest-house staff saw or heard no sign of him, and found his room locked till Thursday noon, they informed police. Later, police recovered the

body breaking the door of the room and sent it to Jessore 250-bed hospital for an autopsy. However, the body bore no injury marks, leading doctors to primarily suspect he died of a heart attack.


Suu Kyi denies ethnic cleansing of Muslims



Aung San Suu Kyi has denied there is ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar, despite widespread reports of abuses. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the Nobel peace prize winner acknowledged problems in Rakhine state, where most Rohingya people live.

But she said ethnic cleansing was "too strong" a term to use. Instead, Myanmar's de-facto leader said the country would welcome any returning Rohingya with open arms.

"I don't think there is ethnic cleansing going on. I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening," she told the BBC's special correspondent Fergal Keane.

Ms Suu Kyi added: "I think there is a lot of hostility there - it is Muslims killing Muslims as well, if they think they are co-operating with the authorities.

"It is not just a matter of ethnic cleansing as you put it - it is a matter of people on different sides of the divide, and this divide we are trying to close up." The Rohingya are denied citizenship in Myanmar, also known as Burma, which views them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. They face routine official and public discrimination. Tens of thousands of Rohingya live in make-shift refugee camps after being displaced by communal violence in 2012. In recent months, some 70,000 have fled to Bangladesh to escape a government military operation in Rakhine, launched after nine policemen were killed in an attack. The United Nations announced last month it was to conduct an investigation into allegations the military has been indiscriminately targeting the Rohingya during the operation, subjecting them to rape, murder and torture.

The government has denied this.

For many, Ms Suu Kyi's perceived silence on the Rohingya has damaged the reputation she earned as a beacon for human rights, thanks to her decades-long battle against the military junta, during much of which she was under house arrest. She has come under increasing pressure internationally on the issue. But speaking in a face-to-face interview for the first time this year, Ms Suu Kyi said she had answered questions on the issue previously. "This question has been asked since 2013, when the last round of troubles broke out in Rakhine.

"And they [the journalists] would ask me questions and I would answer them and people would say I said nothing. "Simply because I did not make the statements people wanted, which people wanted me to make, simply to condemn one community or the other."

Ms Suu Kyi said she had no idea why the October attacks were carried out, but speculated it may have been an effort to derail attempts to negotiate peace between the Myanmar state and the country's various armed ethnic insurgent groups. She also denied the army had free rein to do whatever it liked. "They are not free to rape, pillage and torture," she said. "They are free to go in and fight. That is in the constitution. Military matters are to be left to the army."

However, she did acknowledge that regaining control of the military was something the government still hoped to do. Under the current constitution, the military operates independently of the governing party.

I meet her in Nay Pyi Daw, a relic of the absurdity and paranoia of military rule, a capital marooned far from the people, designed to keep the generals safe but where the new democratic government is now trying to consolidate a hold on power.

I first interviewed Aung San Suu Kyi more than two decades ago on her release from the first period of house arrest in July 1995. Since then I have followed her progress through renewed house arrest, military crackdowns and then the triumph of democratic elections last year.

The atmosphere when we met was friendly. She discussed her government's achievements but refused absolutely to accept that the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state were the victims of ethnic cleansing.

These days she is wary of the international media, disdainful of her international critics, far more the steely politician than the global icon feted from capital to capital when she was released seven years ago.

Ms Suu Kyi also defended the progress her government had made since sweeping to power in March last year.

The number one priority - creating jobs - had been helped by investment into roads, bridges and bringing electricity to communities. Healthcare has also improved, and more free elections have been held.

Other priorities included creating a peace in a country which has almost continuously been in a state of civil war. And then there was discussion of giving citizenship to those who had been denied it under the military junta - like the Rohingya. As for those Rohingya who have fled Myanmar to neighbouring countries, Ms Suu Kyi said: "If they come back they will be safe. It is up for them to decide, some have come back. "We welcome them and we will welcome them back."




Learn techniques that lead to letting go of what cannot be recaptured, and allow to reclaim the erotic, sexual and personal sense of self.

Can sexuality heal our trauma? Is self-love and erotic love possible after our physical and/or sexual boundaries are violated? If we are broken, can we ever be whole? Though there are no perfect answers to these questions, there are always possibilities. Join Sera Miles for an excavating journey through theories of narrative fulfillment, attachment, neurology, and complex defense mechanisms. Trauma distorts our frame of reference. This class is being offered free of charge, but please feel encouraged to make a donation to an organization that supports survivors, such as Life Link (http://thelifelink.org/)

Sera Miles is the co-director of New Mexicos Sex Worker Outreach Project (SWOP-NM) chapter. She founded New Mexico FetLifers, a non-profit organization for folks who identify as kinky/BDSM/Leather/fetish, and which produced the conference Evolution of the Revolution, (EvoRevo). She led NMFL for its six vibrant years, and the organization hosted presenters such as Tristan Taormino, Mama Vi Johnson, and Guy Baldwin; and developed firm bonds with the gay, lesbian, drag, and transgender New Mexico communities. Sera delivered the opening keynote at Rio Grande Leather 2009; edited Nancy Ava Millers award-winning Pervert: Notes from the Sexual Underground; and has performed in numerous fetish videos. Shes presented at KinkLincs and Behind Closed Doors, as well as at many events across the Southwest. Sera self-identifies as a demisexual leather fetishist, in addition to the identities of mother, writer, editor, type-A personality, sex worker, and Leo Dragon.
Reach out anti-militancy messages to all, PM urges Ulemas

Staff Reporter :

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the Ulema Mashayekhs to carry the message to all people, there is no room for militancy and terrorism in Islam.

She expressed hope that the speech by the Khatibs of the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah will take the government's fight against terrorism and militancy forward and make it easier.

Sheikh Hasina said that while addressing at mammoth rally of Ulama-Mashayekh at Suhrawardy Udyan on Thursday afternoon which was organised marking the 42nd founding anniversary of Islamic Foundation Bangladesh.

Religious Affairs Minister Matiur Rahman chaired the rally joined by spiritual leaders, Imams, students and pious people from far and near. Islamic Foundation Director General Shameem Afzal gave the welcome address.

Two top clerics from Saudi Arabia and about 100,000 Islamic clerics and preachers joined a grand rally in the city against extremism after a new wave of militant attacks.

It was staged to protest violence in the name of Islam in a country, where a rise in militancy has sparked international concern In her speech, the Prime Minister urged the audiences who attended the programme to spread the teaching of Islam across the country.

"Islam is a religion of peace. Islam doesn't support killing of people. We cannot let anyone demean Islam," the Prime Minister said.

Sheikh Hasina also urged Muslim countries to unite to launch a concerted campaign to eliminate terrorism, reiterating her complete solidarity with Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz's initiative.

She claimed that weapon manufacturers and traders were eventual beneficiaries of the militancy at the cost of Muslim blood.

"It is very unfortunate that Muslims are being killed by Muslims. I believe that the initiative of the Saudi King would help make all Muslim countries aware of the fact," she said.

She also expressed her willingness to work with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to fight militancy.

Besides, she also recalled the warm hospitality she was extended by the Saudi King during her recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Hasina said that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the pioneer of promoting Islam in Bangladesh saying "Bangabandhu founded the Islamic Foundation for promotion of Islam and worked for educating the people about religion."

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is a country with vast Muslim majority population.

Bangabandhu also allocated land for world's second largest religious congregation Biswa Ijtema in Bangladesh, constituted the Madrasa Education Board and took steps for renovation of all mosques across the country.

Vice President of the Masjid al Haram (Grand Mosque) and Al Masjide Nababi (the Prophet's Mosque) Dr Mohammad Bin Nasser Bin Mohammad Al Khuzaim, and Al Masjide Nababi Imam Abdul Muhsin Bin Mohammed Bin Abdur Rahman Al Qasim from Saudi Arabia, attended the rally as special guests.


Hasina flies to Delhi today

Staff Reporter :

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaves Dhaka for New Delhi today (Friday) morning on a four-day official visit at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her entourage, will leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at about 10am. The flight is scheduled to reach Air Force Station, Palam, New Delhi at 12 noon (local time) today. She is scheduled to return home on Monday.

India is preparing to give Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a "civic reception" on the last day of her visit.

Indian Minister of State, for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Babul Supriyo and Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi Syed Muazzem Ali will receive Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the airport.

Some crucial deals are expected to be signed with neighbouring India during the visit. This visit will take place more than 7 years after Hasina's last visit to India in January 2010 and almost 2 years after Modi's visit to Bangladesh in June 2015.

Entire gamut of bilateral relations would be discussed during Hasina's visit, where a 40-member high-profile delegation would accompany her. Several Ministers, Secretaries, officials of the Prime Minister's office, senior journalists and businessmen are included in the entourage.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold official talks with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on April 8. She and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in the Indian capital.

Aside from the events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would also meet Indian President, Vice President, Foreign Minister and Indian National Congress Chairperson.

Different political parties including Bangladesh Nationalist Party warned that the country's people will not accept any deal against the country's national interest.

But Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her senior colleagues categorically on several occasions ruled out signing of any agreement against the national interests, saying the ruling Awami League would never compromise with national interests while entering into any deal with any foreign country.

They also clarified the government's stance on deals with foreign countries, saying they would do everything maintaining the friendly relations.

A total of 35 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be inked during Hasina's visit to India.

Such deals would be mainly in the areas of Borderhaat information and broadcasting, nuclear cooperation for peaceful purposes, science and ICT, satellite and space research, geological science, defence cooperation, Indian line of credit, community clinic establishment and energy sector cooperation.

Besides, the two premiers are scheduled to formally open cargo rail movement through Birol-Radhikapur route, direct passenger bus and train movement between Khulna and Kolkata, and imports of 60-mw additional electricity from Palatana Power Plant in India's Tripura State.

The issues relating to the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement, Ganges Barrage and killing of Bangladeshis along the border by the Indian Border Security Force will also be discussed during the visit.

Besides, a five-year MoU on defence cooperation and four other related documents are there on the list which are ready for signing between the two countries, Diplomatic sources said.

Sheikh Hasina will also hand over token 'war of independence award' to the families of seven Indian armed forces members who sacrificed their lives during the Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971. So far 1661 such Indian martyrs were identified and all of them would get recognition and award from Dhaka.

Earlier at a press conference Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali urged all quarters not to be misguided by speculations and rumours on a potential Dhaka-Delhi defence pact and said 'time will make it clear to you all' very shortly.

After reaching New Delhi, Bangladesh's Prime Minister will then be taken to the Rashtrapati Bhavan where she will be staying during the visit.

In the afternoon, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will call on Sheikh Hasina at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later, she will attend a reception at Bangladesh High Commission at Chanakyapuri and have her dinner there.

On Saturday morning, Sheikh Hasina will attend the ceremonial reception by her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

After the reception, she will go to Rajghat to pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi through laying wreaths at the Memorial for Mahatma Gandhi. Commerce Secretary Rajghat Samadhi will receive her there. She will observe a one-minute silence and sign the visitors' book.

The Prime Minister will go to Hyderabad House at 11:30 am (local time) to hold a tete-a-tete talk at Deccan Suite with Narendra Modi and bilateral delegation-level talks at the Conference Room of the Hyderabad House.

After the meeting, the Prime Minister will release the Hindi translation of Bangabandhu's 'The Unfinished Memoirs'. The programme will be held at the Ball Room of the Hyderabad House.

Later, the two Prime Ministers will attend joint press statements.

Sheikh Hasina will attend Bangladesh banquet to be hosted by the Indian Prime Minister at the Banquet Hall of the Hyderabad House.

In the afternoon of the same day, Bangladesh Prime Minister will attend the Sommanona programme at Manekshaw Center to honour the war heroes of India who fought for Bangladesh independence in 1971.

In the evening, the Prime Minister will meet Indian Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari at his residence.

On April 9, the Prime Minister will go to Jaipur by Air India Special Flight to perform Jiarah at Ajmer Sharif. In the evening, Hasina will call on Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at North Drawing Room of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

She will witness a cultural programme at Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and attend dinner hosted by the Indian President at Banquet Hall.

On Monday morning, Sheikh Hasina will attend a business event at the Shahjahan Hall of Hotel Taj Palace.


Bangladesh should be free to deal with its own security problems

In the wake of Bangladesh Prime Minister's four-day visit to India from Friday speculations run high about the proposed defence deal; which aims at creating institutional defence mechanism to protect the sovereignty of both the countries. The government is not making clear what the deal is going to be all about.



Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali told the media on Wednesday that the government would make details of the defence deal public if it was signed. Mahmood Ali hinted that over 33 deals and documents will be signed but people's concern mainly remained fixed on the nature of the defence deal. Finance Minister AMA Muhith has also said the government would clear the situation on return of the Prime Minister.



Such secretive attitude on a vital issue is not acceptable to the people. Ignoring the people is becoming a habit with some in the government.



Meanwhile Indian Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat paid a two-day visit to Dhaka from March 30 to fix major issues of the bilateral defense cooperation in meetings with top Bangladesh officials.



But the proposed defence deal has already created serious misgivings in public mind because defence and security is mainly the exclusive preparedness of a nation with highest level of secrecy in all fronts. The question of defence deal with India comes as a surprise.



We have always said Bangladesh external security is becoming ever vulnerable from failing to get due share of water from common rivers and particularly Indian refusal to sign the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement. The entire northwestern region is facing water crisis and failing to grow seasonal crops in absence of water during dry season.



Bangladesh's external security is also facing growing danger from border killing as it is going on unhindered.

Bangladesh does not require a defence pact with India. On the other hand India has to show how much helpful it can be about solving the disputed issue posing as external threats to our security as mentioned above as a trusted a friend of Bangladesh.



If truth has to be said, for trustworthy relations between Bangladesh and India then it has to be said that India is not being seen as friendly as the people of Bangladesh would like it to be.



Our internal security problem is about having truly elected people in public offices enjoying public confidence. Our internal security problem is how to secure the rule of law and fair justice. Our security problem is disappearances and killings without due process of law.



We want to be sure that we are free to solve such internal security problems ourselves. We need India's help as a friend of the people of Bangladesh.


Germany won't pass Islam law regulating behavior of Muslims

Newsweek :

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has dismissed calls from high-ranking members of her own party to introduce a so-called "Islam law," regulating the religious practices of Muslims in the country.

Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) have seen support for their party decline over the chancellor's refugee policy which saw close to a million, mostly Muslim, refugees register in the country since the start of the crisis in 2015.

In the past week, two members of the CDU, deputy head Julia Klockner and executive committee member Jens Spahn, called for specific legislation regulating the behavior of Muslims. The "Islam law" would include a mosque registry and require imams to take a language test and to give sermons in German.

Discussing mosques, Spahn said that authorities "did not know how many mosques there are in Germany, where they are or who finances them."

But Monday, Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert distanced the German leader from the policy.

"Such a law is not now an issue for government business," he told reporters, according to Deutsche Welle. Ensuring religious freedom in Germany was "one of the central freedoms promised by our constitution," he said.
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.
Candyce Perret significantly outspent Susan Theall on March 25, but Theall got way more bang for her buck  garnering five votes to Perrets .8 votes for every dollar spent.

On Election Day, Candyce Perret far outspent Susan Theall, whom she faces in the April 29 runoff.

Candyce Perret spent heavily on Election Day in what appears to have been an all-out attempt to score a primary win against her two opponents, Susan Theall and Vanessa Anseman, for a seat on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal.

Perret, who received 16,599 votes (41 percent) on March 25, will face Theall, who received 14,849 (37 percent), in the April 29 runoff election that will be held in Acadia, Allen, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes. Anseman received 9,058 votes (22 percent).

As has been the case throughout the campaign, Perrets campaign spent more money on Election Day than her two opponents combined.

According to the Perret campaigns Election Day Expenditures Report filed with the Ethics Administrations Campaign Finance office, the Perret campaign spent $20,626 that day trying to get her supporters to the polls. Perret used robocalls, television and cable ads, and some radio ads as part of that process, but the bulk of her spending  $17,450  went directly to campaign workers spread across the eight-parish district in an attempt to drum up turnout.

According to the Perret campaigns report, no money was paid to campaign workers in Lafayette Parish on Election Day. All of the money was paid to operatives in outlying parishes where, with the exception of Acadia and Vermilion, turnout did not top 10 percent.

View Perret's Election Day expenditures here and Theall's here.

The Theall campaign reported spending $2,968, which included $30.50 on Facebook ads. Some of the money went to pay for food and soft drinks for campaign workers, but $1,961 was associated with her campaign party at the Homewood Suites.

Based solely on Election Day spending, the Theall campaign proved to be more efficient than the Perret campaign even as Candyce Perret continues to tout her experience as a small business owner, which she did as recently as a Tuesday morning interview on KPEL FM 96.5.

Final election totals and the Election Day expense reports show Perrets campaign received .8 votes per dollar spent. Thealls campaign, on the other hand, got five votes for every dollar spent.

A win in Lafayette Parish was critical for Theall, who led the field here with 6,644 votes (46 percent), followed by a close race for second and third place finishes between Perret, 4,181 votes (29 percent), and Anseman, 3,515 votes (25 percent).

On the day of the primary, District 43 State Rep. Stuart Bishop contributed $4,000 to the Perret campaign. That contribution was revealed in a separate report filed the Monday after the election.

After a low-profile week, the runoff campaign shows signs of picking up. Perret will be the featured guest on The Ross Report on KPEL at 2 p.m. Thursday. It could be an interesting encounter. Carol Ross, the program host, read the Walton County Sheriffs Office 2004 arrest report of Gagnard Perret on the air prior to the primary.

Read more on The IND's recent legal action seeking to unseal three New Orleans lawsuits filed against Perret by her ex-fiance, attorney John Houghtaling II, here.

On Wednesday of next week, both candidates are expected to appear at a forum hosted by the Louisiana Citizens Action Network at the Petroleum Club. The event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Members of the audience will be allowed to ask questions of the candidates, according to materials promoting the event. Admission, which includes lunch, is $25.
Republicans on the House budget-writing committee Wednesday questioned the spending growth in Louisiana's Health Department, taking aim at plans to pump another $2 billion in federal money into Medicaid.

Gov. John Bel Edwards proposes spending $14.2 billion on the Health Department in the financial year that begins July 1, nearly half the money allocated in the state operating budget. More than $10 billion of the health spending is federal money.

"This is growing uncontrollably," said Rep. John Schroder, a Republican from Covington.

Health Secretary Rebekah Gee pushed back against the criticism, saying the budget has grown because Louisiana is offering Medicaid coverage to more people, particularly through the Medicaid expansion. The expansion largely has been financed with federal money, and she said it's helping people get better health care.

"You cover more people; it costs more money," Gee said. "This is a federal investment in Louisiana that I would argue we deserve. We have the sickest people in the nation."

Schroder responded: "Whether it's federal money or state money, it's the taxpayer's money."

Louisiana's state spending growth on Medicaid over the past 15 years is below the national average, about 6.7 percent compared with 7 percent nationally, according to a nonpartisan House Fiscal Division analysis. The analysis said Louisiana's per capita state general fund spending on Medicaid also is less than the national average.

Despite that data, Republicans said they worried costs are climbing.

Rep. Bob Hensgens, an Abbeville Republican, questioned whether the department modeled what would happen if Congress dropped the high federal payment rates for Medicaid expansion.

Gee said she doesn't think such proposals are viable. Jeff Reynolds, chief financial officer for the Health Department, said if that happened, "the state's either got to pony up more money or start kicking people off the rolls, unfortunately."

Edwards is proposing to add more dollars to the Health Department budget if lawmakers support tax changes that would raise charges on business. Republican members of the House Appropriations Committee are resistant to that idea.

Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville, said the Health Department could more deeply cut travel and professional services contracts. Schroder, Baton Rouge Rep. Rick Edmonds and other GOP lawmakers questioned whether the agency was doing enough to combat fraud and waste.

"This is one example of an efficiency that has to be solved before we turn to taxpayers and tell them, 'Hey, we need you to pay more,'" Schroder said.

The Legislative Auditor's Office recently created a unit to review spending in the Health Department and said it has found nearly $15 million in erroneous and questionable payments so far. The attorney general's office also is working on the effort.

"I look at both of these offices as tools you've given to this department to help improve the program," Reynolds said. "We take these items seriously."

The agency is proposing to reshuffle hospital payments, with the state's safety net hospitals taking a cut of 6.2 percent, or $84 million. Gee said the effort is aimed at balancing payments to all of Louisiana's hospitals for uninsured and Medicaid care, rather than disproportionately sending money to the private operators of charity services previously run by LSU.

But she worried cuts would be passed onto the graduate medical education programs that use the privatized LSU facilities. Gee said the state levied "a very minor cut" on those safety net facilities this year, "and they put the full force of that cut on our universities."
State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux Photo by Robin May

District 24 state Sen. Gerald Boudreaux is now serving on the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, having been appointed to the post by Senate President John Alario Jr.

The committee is responsible for acting on taxes and revenue measures, as well as the states capital construction budget, issuance of bonds and government efficiency. Service on the committee is particularly important now as the Legislature is set to consider major reforms of the state of Louisianas tax structure at the regular legislative session.

We have many fiscal challenges facing us both in the short-term and the long-term, especially with the down turn in the energy economy, Boudreaux said in a statement. I look forward to working with my fellow members of the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee to find a way to meet those challenges that is fair and equitable to all taxpayers and provides the state the needed revenue to provide necessary services to all of our citizens.

The 2017 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature begins at noon Monday, April 10, and ends no later than 6 p.m. June 8. This session is focused on specific tax and spending matters as outlined in the state Constitution with limited discussion of other policy proposals.
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WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth on Wednesday sent a joint letter to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson urging him to visit Cairo and calling on the federal housing agency to make a decision as soon as possible about the future of the Alexander County Housing Authority developments.

Illinois two senators also jointly asked for HUD to provide them with an update on the corrective actions the agency has taken since placing the ACHA under receivership on Feb. 22, 2016.

The letter went out a little more than two weeks after congressional staffers on behalf of Durbin and Duckworth met with housing residents in Cairo in a private meeting they convened to hear their concerns and gather feedback on what the residents would like to see happen.

In February 2016, HUD took the extraordinary step of placing the ACHA under receivership after years of civil rights violations, neglect, mismanagement, and alleged misappropriation of federal funds. This was a welcome development for the residents who were living in rundown apartments overrun by rodents, roaches, mold, and violent crime, reads the letter to Carson from Durbin and Duckworth. However, as our staff has seen, more than a year later, residents continue to live in the same, if not worse, unsafe and unsanitary conditions and despair.

Durbin and Duckworths letter provided a twofold reason for Carson to visit Cairo.

They said he should see first-hand how dire and dangerous conditions have become for our constituents but also to see the potential of this community to be a productive, safe and prosperous environment with proper management and investments of resources.

Carson has been on the job just more than a month. Public affairs specialists for HUD did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday afternoon.

In December, Republican President Donald Trump tapped Carson to run the agency, and the U.S. Senate confirmed his appointment on March 2, by a vote of 58-41.

Durbin and Duckworth, both Democrats, opposed Carsons appointment. Durbin has said that while he thinks Carson, a neurosurgeon who sought the Republican Partys nod for president, is a bright man, he has concerns about Carsons ability to run a multibillion-dollar agency as complex as HUD. The agency has a budget of nearly $50 billion, and a staff of about 8,000 employees.

Durbin also has not spoken optimistically regarding the outlook for HUD to build new public housing in Cairo to replace two aging complexes that have a host of issues, including rampant infestation, inadequate heating, plumbing issues, mold and electrical problems.

In February, Durbin told The Southern Illinoisan that he intends to fight for HUD to build new public housing units in Cairo, but also said he did not want to provide false hope by guaranteeing that would happen, noting that a false promise would do more harm than good.

Theres nothing Ive heard in Washington from this administration to suggest that this will be a priority. I hope Im wrong, Durbin said at the time. His comments were included in the newspapers latest story in its months-long investigative series on the ACHA titled People Still Live Here. In that story marking one year since HUDs federal takeover of the ACHA, and an accompanying video documentary, residents expressed frustration that a year after HUDs takeover, little substantive action has been taken to improve their housing conditions while they have been asked to continue paying rent.

Many residents also expressed anger that no one has been publicly held accountable for the alleged mismanagement and discriminatory actions of the ACHA by former managers that HUD cited when it made the rare decision to dismiss the local housing agencys board and assign HUD staff to serve as administrators.

The letter from Duckworth and Durbin follows one that U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, whose congressional district includes Alexander County, sent to Carson in late March also asking Carson to visit Cairo and tour the ACHAs developments. On March 23, Bost wrote, I want to commend you on your action to establish a national listening tour initiative, while inviting your attention to issues related to the mismanagement of the ACHA. Carson announced some time ago that he intended to travel the country to learn about issues facing people managing and living in public housing. Thus far, he has visited Detroit, his home city, and Dallas.

Bosts letter stated that HUDs action of last resort to place the ACHA into receivership more than a year ago appears to be "more than warranted" given problems that include inoperable heating and cooling systems, water intrusion into units and insect and vermin infestation. But he urged Carson to visit Cairo to discuss with residents the ongoing efforts to resolve these issues impacting residents.

None of the political leaders have publicly made a specific recommendation about what HUD should do to fix the situation in Cairo; rather, each has more generally issued a call to action as federal officials have had, at this point, more than a year to study the situation and initiate a corrective plan.

In response to a follow-up question, Durbins communications director, Ben Marter, said the senator does not want to prejudge possible outcomes and will await HUDs response.

The bottom line is for us is that HUD engages with the residents on a solution ASAP, Marter said.
Jo Poshard of the Poshard Foundation says more and more social service agencies are interacting and sharing information. She believes they are trying hard to take a team approach to serve the best interest of the child.

Trauma-focused training that we did and that we completed was a wonderful example of agencies coming together and working together, Poshard said.

Ginger Meyer, clinical director for the Childrens Medical and Mental Health Resource Network, said the training grew out of a need they were seeing across Southern Illinois.

Before about 2015, CMMHRN only provided specialized medical evaluations for children who had been referred, such as when there is an open investigation due to a claim of child abuse. But the organization was seeing more complex trauma cases.

We convened an advisory board to see what we could do about it, Meyer said.

The board decided to come up with a plan to provide services for children who needed specialized services for complex trauma. First, they wanted to train a professional workforce in trauma therapy. They wanted training to enable those practitioners to be eligible for national certification. They also wanted to begin training students in trauma therapy.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma and their parents or caregivers. The treatment successfully resolves a broad array of emotional behavioral difficulties associated with single, multiple and complex trauma experiences.

Trauma can impact a persons entire life. If they are not treated, they can have many different problems, including depression, substance abuse and suicide, Poshard said.

The learning collaborative was launched in February 2015. Participants included licensed clinical counselors, family education center directors, directors of residential care, school liaisons, regional directors, foster care case managers, cultural and linguistic competency coordinators, crime victim advocates, adults mental health therapists, law enforcement, school social workers, drug and alcohol counselors.

Nineteen teams were created with members from different agencies and counties in Southern Illinois. Each team included an administrator, a supervisor, two clinicians and two brokers of service.

"We had multiple agencies coming together for 18 months in multiple functions. That broke down many barriers just by working together in teams going through the training. We had 23 counties that were involved in that, Poshard said.

By March 1, 2016, 175 children and teens had received services from 64 masters-level clinicians who were trained in TFCBT. These children reported experiencing an average 3.1 different types of trauma (not occurrences, but categories), with the most common being sexual and emotional abuse.

Prior to this training, only one clinician in Southern Illinois was trained in TFCBT and only 11 in the state. Sixty-five clinicians in Southern Illinois trained with the collaborative, and 46 are eligible to become nationally certified.

The learning collaborative cost $102,000. The Poshard Foundation funded $100,000, with the remainder coming from an SIU rural health grant.

The value was that we did not have enough therapists in Southern Illinois to treat the children who have had adverse experiences, Poshard said. Families would have to drive several hours, or they did not have a person equipped to treat the child. We felt that was a great use of our funds.

Poshard said the goal is to provide trauma-informed treatment to every child in Southern Illinois who needs it.

A second initiative was to train students in a university setting on trauma-informed services. CMMHRN partnered with SIU School of Social Work to create a trauma-based behavioral health fellowship, with help from federal agency, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.

We also are working toward a center of excellence in each county we serve. We are the center for Franklin County piece, Meyer said.

Franklin County States Attorney Evan Owns will lead the investigation team. CMMHRN will serve as the medical component. They plan to use telemedicine for exams.

Currently Dr. Kathy Swafford, medical director of CMMHRN, is the only physician board certified in child abuse pediatrics south of Peoria. Telemedicine will put her into the hospital immediately. She will be able to directly communicate with hospital staff and order tests.

We need centers of excellence and this is how they need to happen. We are one of four in the state. The next one north of us is Bloomington, Meyer said.

Many times, people do not want to believe we have this problem. People are becoming somewhat more educated, but we have a long way to go, Poshard said. We need to educate people that they can make a difference in the life of a child. We need to watch out for our neighbors, family, and children we see in church.

Poshard said the goal to protect children and take action before abuse happens is much more difficult with the state budget issues, but she believes the region is headed in the right direction.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  The Illinois House wants to tap incoming but unallocated revenue to relieve struggling universities and human services.

The House voted 64-45 Thursday to authorize spending $817 million that is sitting in special funds during a two-yearlong budget holdup.

The stopgap funding deal approved by the House includes about $26 million for the Southern Illinois University System, plus additional Monetary Award Program, or MAP, grant funds that would benefit the campuses. That amount represents about 13 percent of the state appropriations SIU received in fiscal year 2015, the last year a full years budget was approved by lawmakers in Springfield.

It is very encouraging, John Charles, SIUs director of government and public affairs, said after the vote. Were appreciative for everything that we get.

During Thursdays SIU Board of Trustees meeting held Thursday on the Carbondale campus, Charles said the stopgap funding bill has been dubbed the Lifeline Budget. It is intended to do as the title suggests  provide a lifeline to universities and floundering social service agencies until which time a full budget deal is hammered out, or another stopgap funding deal comes along in the absence of that.

SIU President Randy Dunn said at the meeting that there are many who believe, and hes inclined to be one of them, that there may not be a traditional full years state budget until at least after the 2018 elections. But the public university system in Illinois cannot survive without some sort of state support in the interim, he said.

Chicago Democratic Rep. Greg Harris is the sponsor. He says the measure would release $559 million to higher education and $258 million to human services whose funding is not ordered by court rulings.

The money is a small portion of income tax revenue set aside in funds that can't be spent until the Legislature authorizes it.

Gov. Bruce Rauner says it doesn't fix long-term problems and doesn't support it.

The Republican governor has been at odds with legislative Democrats since 2015 over a budget.

The bill is HB109.
The story of Holy Week is not exactly family-friendly, but that doesnt mean we can skip the part about Jesus journey to the cross when sharing our faith with our children.

I think its important for parents to share the whole story of Holy Week, says Kathy Schmucker, Spiritual Formation Director at Faith United Methodist Church in North Canton, Ohio. Often children are in worship on Palm Sunday and then not again until Easter Sunday and they miss out on these important stories of our faith.

Mark Burrows, Director of Childrens Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas agrees. One of my mantras around here is, Children need more, and want more, than rainbows and butterflies Without the Holy Week experiences, he continues, the story is incomplete.

Adults should be mindful of how they tell children the difficult and sad story of Jesus death, but children are capable of processing it when shared appropriately.

Children are open to the cycle of life and the reality that everything has birth and dies, Melanie Gordon, Director of Ministry with Children with Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church explains. We only need to make it simple for them. Talk to them in terms they will understand.

Lent

Taking pictures: One way to engage children in looking at the cycle of life during Lent, Gordon offers, is through a camera lens by seeking out images that help us turn to God. Picture Lent, a ministry of the Life Enrichment Center of the Florida Annual Conference, invites participants to post pictures to social media that relate to daily devotions on their blog. This is an excellent way to use media as a positive tool, Gordon says.

Palm Sunday

Donating coats: Holy Week begins with a celebration. On Palm Sunday, Jesus followers cheer him as he enters Jerusalem, laying their cloaks on the ground for Jesus animal to walk on.

Schmuckers congregation uses this story as an opportunity to serve.

We invite the congregation to bring coats to worship on Palm Sunday, she explains. During the Parade of Palms the children gather all the coats and bring them to the altar as an offering.

In our homes, after telling our children about Palm Sunday, we can go with them to their closets to select coats and clothes they no longer need. Donate the clothes and teach your children how giving to others is a way of giving to Jesus (see Matthew 25:31-40).

Maundy (Holy) Thursday

Water and washing: During Holy Week, Burrows holds special childrens worship services at First United Methodist Church, Fort Worth. He describes these gatherings as highly experiential.

For example, we do a foot washing on Maundy Thursday, the night Jesus washed his disciples feet (John 13). Kids always get to pass if they want to, he continues, but we find most of them arent weirded out yet about having their feet ceremonially washed.

Schmucker also designs tactile experiences. One year she witnessed a special moment at a prayer station reflecting on Jesus washing his disciples feet.

It was a beautiful, tender moment shared between father and son as they washed each others hands and prayed for each other, she remembers.

We can create similar moment in the home at bath time, while washing the dishes, or watching rain or snow fall. As the water makes everything clean, Jesus makes us clean and new through the forgiveness of our sins.

A family meal: Dinner on Holy Thursday can also be a teaching moment. Share with your children how when Jesus gathered his disciples for that special meal, he told them he was excited to be with them before things got difficult (see Luke 22:15).

Tell your children how much you enjoy eating dinner together. Remind them that they can come to you when things are hard, and that you and Jesus will always be there for them.

Good Friday

Acknowledge sadness: Sharing the painful and sad story of Good Friday with your children can be challenging.

We talk about the day Jesus died, that he died on a cross, and that it hurt, Burrows explains. But we dont focus on what people did to Jesus. Instead, we focus on what Jesus was doing for themblessing the people, asking God to forgive, he even blesses another who is on the cross.

Burrows reminds parents that children cant un-see images or un-hear words. He continues, I work very hard to be honest without being graphic.

It is a good time to remind children that sometimes we feel sad, and that is OK. God is with us even in our sadness.

Legos and butterflies: One year, Schmucker taught children about grief by telling them about the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. She shared peoples sadness at the destruction of the Temple, an image Jesus used to talk about his death (John 2:18-22). She also told them that people today write prayers and place them in the crevices in the wall.

The children then helped help her build a prayer wall out of Legos. When it was complete, they put their prayers in the wall.

Later they took the prayers from the Wailing Wall and folded them into butterflies, Schmucker explains. The butterfly prayers were then strung across the ceiling of the worship space for Easter morning as a symbol of resurrection and new life.

We can set aside places in our homes for our families to write their prayers on scraps of colored paper each day during Holy Week. Then on Easter Sunday, the family can work together to make a colorful butterfly collage with the prayers.

Easter Sunday

After sharing the difficult story of Holy Week, your children will be ready to celebrate Easter with a new understanding.

I believe its important  that [parents] also share the Resurrection story so that children are learning the whole story, that this is a story of Gods amazing love for us, Schmucker concludes. The events of Maundy Thursday and Holy Week may be hard to hear and tell, but they are important to our understanding Easter.
An organization is vowing to erect Confederate displays in Holly Hill in the wake of leaders request that a flag not be erected near the entrance to the town.

In an emailed letter to the mayor and others on Wednesday, James Bessenger said the South Carolina Secessionist Party was responding to Holly Hill Town Councils Monday resolution asking the Sons of Confederate Veterans not to place a flag on the organizations Highway 176 property just outside the town limits. Bessengers group has staged pro-flag events in Columbia, Orangeburg and other locations previously.

As an organization committed to preservation and education of Southern Confederate Heritage, we take this request as (an) insult, Bessenger wrote, calling the councils action an attempt to bully a private organization that does not operate within your jurisdiction.

Holly Hill Mayor William Johnson said that is not the case.

The town is aware is has no legal authority in the matter, Johnson said. But Holly Hill leaders decided to voice their opinion after being contacted by businesses and citizens concerned about positioning a Confederate flag near the town entrance.

They dont think it is good for the community, Johnson said.

The most I found we could do is be proactive and do a resolution, Johnson said of the request to the SCV.

It does not stop anything, the mayor said. We are saying we would like to see you not do this.

We dont want a flag erected, Johnson said. It would seem as if it is a brand for the town.

Bessenger said that unless the council withdraws its resolution, his organization will target Holly Hill.

The City of Holly Hill will begin receiving regular, weekly Confederate Flag displays. You may feel free to check our reputation and see that we do not jest, Bessenger wrote to town leaders.

Ensuring that Holly Hill has a regular display of Confederate Battle Flags throughout the town will take little to no effort on our part. The choice left to you is ultimately whether or not it is worth it to trade one flag outside of your town for dozens of flags in your town on a regular basis, Bessenger stated.

We pray that you will reconsider your request, that the town of Holly Hill will find some more productive use of its time and mind its own business.

Bessenger and his organization have a right to protest, Johnson said. That is their privilege. I cannot stop them from doing that.

But the mayor said the request is not about looking for a fight over the Confederate flag or any other issue.

Holly Hill does not want to foster racial division that does not exist now in the town, Johnson said. Weve got a pretty good little town and we want to keep it that way.

Town leaders are to meet Thursday with the SCV leadership in an event moderated by the Eastern Orangeburg Ministers Alliance, the mayor said. The session is at 6 p.m. at Holly Hill Town Hall.

I encourage everyone to come and take part in this meeting, Johnson said.
DENMARK  Dr. W. Franklin Evans will be inaugurated this week as the ninth president of the institution he calls the hidden jewel of South Carolina."

There are a lot of things that help to make Voorhees special. You cant find a nicer group of people  employees, staff, faculty. The people here are very cordial, Evans said.

Also, I think weve got some wonderful students. The students are well-behaved, theyre mannerable. And not that theyre unlike any other students, but the problems that some institutions have, we dont have here, he said.

So its a safe environment, a nice haven.

Evans will be inaugurated as president of Voorhees College in a ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, April 7 in the Leonard E. Dawson Center. A reception will follow the ceremony.

In addition, a gala will be held at 7 p.m., also in the Dawson Center.

A native of the small Georgia town of Wrens, Evans holds a bachelors degree in entomology from the University of Georgia. At the same time, he earned a bachelors degree in journalism from Georgia State University.

He went on to earn a masters degree in middle childhood education, specialists degrees in curriculum and instruction and in administration supervision K-12, then a doctorate in higher education administration, all from Georgia State.

Evan had a diverse employment history before working in higher education.

I started out as an entomologist for a brief period of time. I was a television reporter ... a flight attendant, a teacher, department chair, assistant principal, principal, he said. And then I went into higher ed full time.

He first landed at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville. He trained new principals and assistant principals, as well as teaching a methods class for science teachers.

At Tennessee State University in Nashville, he served as assistant dean.

After three years, Evans returned to Huntsville to become dean at a two-year college. He later moved to North Carolina to serve as a vice president of academic affairs, then to Virginia Union in the same position.

When he eventually came to South Carolina, Evans said he did not come to stay long. But plans sometimes have a way of changing. He held the position of vice president of academic affairs at South Carolina State University. After about a year, he became provost.

Evans has served as acting president at S.C. State twice, eventually being named interim president.

He served in that position for about 14 months before James Clark was named president.

Evans was hired as president of Voorhees College in August 2016.

So here I am, he said, chuckling.

Outreach to alumni is one of the things he is most proud of since he took the top job.

I am seeing a drawing back, a return of alumni, he said. Ive been very instrumental in going to the various alumni chapters and trying to interface with alumni.

So Im seeing them coming back. Im seeing some people give who havent been giving before or havent in a long time, Evans said. Weve increased a new alumni chapter in Charlotte, and so Im pleased with that. Weve got a couple more that are in the process of becoming full chapters.

He is also pleased with the administrative team he is pulling together.

I brought in and hired a wonderful executive vice president who is just extremely creative, who has now transformed our honors program, Evans said. We are revamping our honors program to really make it an honors college.

He said he has also put an effort into reaching out to the community at large, including local churches.

We are an Episcopal-affiliated (college), but I have been interfacing with the Baptists, the United Methodists, the AME, everybody else in the local community, he said.

Evans has several goals for the colleges future.

The first priority is Ive got to grow enrollment, he said. Its critical, and its a must.

Enrollment has declined over the past seven years, he said. Hes hopeful that fall of 2017 will see an increase and we will start the trend of climbing back up as opposed to coming down.

But that is the number one priority. Weve got all hands on deck, doing any and everything so that we can pull in a large number of students this fall, Evans said.

Fundraising is his next priority, which he said goes along with reaching out to alumni as well as businesses.

We are trying to establish some relationships with some business partners  Boeing, SCANA, those kinds of things, he said. Theyve been supportive in the past. We really need them to continue but step it up another level."

Voorhees was founded by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright in 1897. The college will hold a Founders Day event Thursday as one of many other inaugural week activities.

(Its) the first college to be founded by an African American woman. People think of Bethune-Cookman in Florida being founded by Mary McLeod Bethune as the first, but no. Our institution was the first, Evans said.

Georgia native Elizabeth Evelyn Wright came from Tuskegee University, where she studied under Booker T. Washington. Evans said that Voorhees was her seventh attempt to establish a school for African Americans  many of her previous institutions were burned down.

And she was only 23 at the time. To think of somebody during that era, not only being black but a female and so young, being able to do it, he said. I couldnt do it nowadays at my age.

A liberal arts institution, Voorhees College currently offers 14 majors, Evans said.
Five roads in The Times and Democrat Region are being proposed for repaving and rehabilitation as part of the 2017 South Carolina Department of Transportation State Primary Improvement Program.

About four miles of S.C. 4 (Neeses Highway) from Henry Road south of Neeses to Shamrock Road are proposed for repaving.

In addition, .83 miles of U.S. 301 South (Bamberg Road) from North Rivelon Road to just a little past the Orangeburg Flea Market is also in line for improvement.

The third road in Orangeburg County slated for improvement is S.C. 6 (Old Number Six Highway) from the S.C. 6/Interstate 95 bridge to Bass Drive (U.S. 15). The portion slated for improvement is about .28 miles in length.

Of the three roads listed, the U.S. 301 South project is considered a priority by the SCDOT.

Upon the completion of the public comment period, the resurfacing projects would most likely be let or advertised for bids in May 2017. Projects would most likely be awarded in June if bids are all in compliance and could proceed in July.

A number of factors are assessed when determining priority for road improvements including poor quality, average daily vehicle and truck traffic flow as well as a road being considered a main thoroughfare.

Approximately $1.7 million is allotted for the three projects.

The SCDOT is providing public notification of projects prior to inclusion in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

The improvement program will direct $40 million in funds toward the state's primary routes. Projects identified in the program involve the reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of 93.40 miles of primary highways throughout the state.

Approximately $6.1 million was allocated to SCDOT District 7, which includes Orangeburg, Calhoun, Bamberg, Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Clarendon and Hampton counties.

The STIP is the states six-year transportation improvement program for all projects and program areas receiving federal funding including: pavement preservation and rehabilitation, bridge preservation and rehabilitation, interstate upgrades, urban system upgrades and rural system upgrades.

The STIP is updated every three years and is revised on a continual basis to reflect the latest program and project information.

Other roads in The T&D Region slated for improvement include:

Calhoun County

U.S. 601 (Colonel Thompson Highway) from S.C. 267 (McCords Ferry Road) to Longstreet Road northeast of St. Matthews. This section is about 2.38 miles.

Approximately $394,000 is allocated for the project.

Bamberg County

S.C. 64 (Low Country Highway) from (U.S. 601) Broxton Bridge Road in Ehrhardt to Pocketville Road.

The length of the improvement project is 1.78 miles.

Approximately $381,000 has been allocated for the project.

Public comments

The SCDOT document, which provides a listing of the highways selected for improvements in each county and location maps, is available for public review and comment until April 10, 2017 online at: http://www.scdot.org/inside/public_comment.aspx.

To assist those who do not have internet access, a hard copy of the press release and any supporting information are available for public review and comment at the SCDOT District 7 office on U.S. Route 178 East Bowman Road in Orangeburg.

Comments will be accepted until the close of business on April 10, 2017 and should be forwarded to Vivian Patterson, Public Involvement Manager, SCDOT Office of Planning, 955 Park St., P.O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202 or pattersovm@scdot.org.
Storms rolled through The T&D Region Wednesday afternoon into the evening, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning.

But there were no reports of any serious damage or power outages.

A tornado warning was issued for central Orangeburg County shortly before 4 p.m. with radar indicating rotation spotted near Denmark.

The storm was heading toward Branchville and Rowesville, according to the Columbia National Weather Service reports.

"We have not gotten any damage reports from it," Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley said during the time of the tornado warning. "Everything is pretty quiet so far, but we will see how it keeps building."

Officials at the Branchville Town Hall at the time the warning expired said people were outside walking and there were no reports of any damage or weather-related incidents.

Staley had no reports of damage as of 8 p.m.

It turned out to be as bad as forecast, Staley said. We had a lot of severe weather, but we did not end up with a lot damage.

The community responded pretty well and was prepared, Staley said.

The northern end of Calhoun County near the Sandy Run area was inundated with ran, said Bill Minikiewicz, director of Emergency Services in Calhoun County.

"We had heavy, heavy, super heavy rain," he said. "There was also some lighting and winds."

He said there were no reports of any storm-related damage, but he said most people "hunkered down" during the storm.

Minikiewicz had no reports of damage as of 8 p.m.

In the southern part of Calhoun County, Calhoun County Emergency Manager David Chojnacki said through Wednesday evening that all was "real quiet" all day.

In Bamberg County, Bamberg County Emergency Services Director Brittany Barnwell reported heavy rain but no damage.

"I love it that way," she said.

The officials were cautious with another round of storms expected late in the evening.

NWS meteorologist Mike Proud said the severe potential would last into the overnight hours as a cold front approaches.

At about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday evening, he noted there were storm cells coming out of Alabama and into Georgia.

"We are waiting to see what those late thunderstorms will bring," he said. "They could be severe."

No power local power outages were reported by the Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities, Tri-County Electric Cooperative, South Carolina Electric and Gas or Edisto Electric Cooperative.

Storms began to roll into the Orangeburg area shortly after 3 p.m. as rumbles of thunder and sporadic downpours made for wet streets.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued throughout the afternoon for various parts of The T&D coverage area during the mid-afternoon and evening hours.

The area's first severe thunderstorm warning was issued shortly after 2:30 pm. for the St. Matthews area. Bamberg and Ehrhardt areas were also under a severe thunderstorm warning during this same time period.

A tornado watch was also in place for the region until 8 p.m.

The strong thunderstorms were a part of an unusual storm system for the area.

"With this system we are looking at the magnitude of wind shear as you go up in the atmosphere as well as the amount of available energy in the atmosphere," NWS Meteorological Technician Doug Anderson said. "We typically don't see this type of shear as you go up in the atmosphere with winds changing direction and increasing speeds. The sheer will lead to a spin in thunderstorms that develop."

According to the NWS, the storms are the result of a strong low aloft moving out of the plains toward the Great Lakes region, with a trough extending southward into the lower Mississippi River valley.

The threat of severe weather resulted in a number of schools, including local universities and colleges, closing early.

The severe weather comes on the heels of a strong line of storms that rolled through The T&D Region on Monday. An EF-2 tornado, packing winds between 115 and 120 mph, touched down near Cameron and St. Matthews, downing trees and causing structural damage.

There were no reported fatalities or injuries.

Breezy conditions expected Wednesday night through Friday will likely prompt a lake wind advisory.

A flood warning was issued for the North Fork Edisto River in Orangeburg.

Clear, sunny and cooler conditions are forecast for the weekend.
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By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

The Southern Gas Corridor, designed to bring Caspian gas to Europe, will serve millions of consumers, said Natig Aliyev at the 20th Eurasian Economic Summit held in Istanbul.

Azerbaijans Energy Minister noted that the Corridor will meet the demand of Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Italy and other countries, the Turkish media reported on April 5.

Aliyev noted that the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), core projects within the SGC, continues at an accelerated pace.

The minister further stressed that Azerbaijan provides a major part of its energy consumption at the expense of its sources, adding that over the past 20 years, Baku cooperated with 3,000 foreign companies.

Azerbaijan is ready to implement large-scale projects, added Aliyev, further elaborating that the SGC will make a huge contribution to the diversification and development of energy cooperation.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.



At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.



As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

The perpetrators of the Khojaly massacre must be prosecuted, said Einar Vallbaum, Deputy Chairman of the Estonia-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.

We strongly condemn the perpetrators and their criminal, inhumane acts committed against Azerbaijani civilians in the night of 25 to 26 February 1992, during the occupation of Khojaly, which are nothing but a crime against humanity, he said in an interview to Azertac on April 5.

From October 1991, the town of Khojaly was entirely surrounded by the Armenian Armed Forces. After the massive artillery bombardment of Khojaly, Armenians began assault on the town from various directions on the night of February 25-26, 1992. Finally, the Armed Forces of Armenia, with the help of the infantry guards regiment No. 366 of the former Soviet Union, implemented the seizure of Khojaly.

The invaders destroyed Khojaly and with particular brutality implemented carnage over the peaceful population of the town. As a result, 613 civilians were killed, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly, while 1,000 people were wounded and 1,275 people were taken hostage. The fate of 150 of them still remains unknown.

Speaking about the relations between Estonia and Azerbaijan, he said the bilateral ties are very good and continue to develop.

We had very productive meetings with the members of Azerbaijani Parliament, State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, the Council of State Support to NGOs under the President of Azerbaijan, and many more Azerbaijan friends, Vallbaum said.

He added that the relations between Azerbaijani and Estonian parliamentary friendship groups are very close and friendly, based on interest of the countries and development of bilateral relations.

Vallbaum noted that during the visit to Baku in February, the friendship group met with Azerbaijani MPs.

We agreed to keep our cooperation at the highest cooperation level, to exchange permanently the visions on all important bilateral issues and we gladly invited the parliamentary friendship group from Azerbaijan to pay a working visit to Estonia in nearest future, he said.

Touching upon his visit to Baku, Vallbaum said: It was just wonderful to see how amazing Old Baku and New Baku are completing each other. Your city is full of energy, light, positive mood and of course, amazing people. I will gladly recommend to anyone to visit Baku and of course, to visit Azerbaijan too, where you could travel through time and millenary culture.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

Israel supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, Israels Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dan Stav said at a press conference in Baku on April 6.

The ambassador expressed support to efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group, established to broker a peace to the conflict.

Stav also noted that the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved by peaceful means, as a military solution to the conflict will lead to human losses.

Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war.

Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. have produced no results so far.

Israel has always stated it supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan and wishes an early resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means.
By Azertac





Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva viewed the 16th Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair, AITF 2017, in the Baku Expo Center, on April 6, Azertac reported.

This year the exhibition presents a variety of destinations, airlines, hotel chains and other tourism services. Among the participants there are companies from Azerbaijan, Italy, Switzerland and many other countries. Traditionally, the exhibition is attended by national and regional stands. Such countries as Belarus, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey and the Czech Republic participate with a national stand.



Every year new participants join the exhibition, and Colombia and Cuba for the first time present their tourism opportunities at this Azerbaijani exhibition with the support of the Embassy of Colombia and Cuba. Among the foreign newcomers there are holiday companies from Italy, China and the UK.

The exhibition hosts a workshop allowing to establish business contacts with representatives of leading local tour companies and to hold direct talks without intermediaries. This has been set up at the request of our local travel agencies to encourage collaboration between them and the exhibitors.

Thus, the AITF exhibition offers an excellent platform for reaching various business goals and announcing new tourist products. It serves as a meeting point for partners and to build strong business relationships. AITF take place alongside the 11th Caucasus International Hospitality Exhibition Horex Caucasus 2017 which is the only specialized hotel and restaurant industry exhibition in the region.




By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

Since the detained blogger Alexander Lapshin is an Israeli citizen, representatives of the Israeli Embassy in Baku often visit him, Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dan Stav said at a press conference in Baku on April 6.

Lapshin, who holds a citizenship of Russia, Israel and Ukraine, will stand trial in Baku for his illegal visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

Stav noted that Lapshins detention conditions are good, and he has no complaints regarding them. He added that the Israeli Embassy in Baku is closely following the events on Lapshins case.

Lapshin was detained in Minsk and extradited to Baku in early February to stand trial in Azerbaijan.

The blogger illegally visited Azerbaijan`s Armenia-occupied lands and now is charged under the articles 281.2 (appeals directed against state) and 318.2 (illegal border crossing) articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. Helped by his accomplices in the occupied territories, Lapshin paid a number of visits to Azerbaijan`s occupied lands, where he voiced support for "independence" of the illegal regime, and made public calls against Azerbaijan`s internationally recognized territorial integrity.

On April 5, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said that the Russian Embassy in Baku is following the case of Alexander Lapshin. She noted that the Russian Embassy is in contact with the Israeli Embassy in Baku on the issue.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

France, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, worked actively with its Russian and American partners to end the escalation on the line of contact of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in April 2016 and resume negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the French Foreign Ministry.

France reiterates its conviction that the current status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh is untenable and that there can be no military solution to the conflict, reads the Ministrys statement released on April 6.

The Ministry called on the parties to abide by the commitments taken at the Vienna summit on May 16, 2016, and the Saint Petersburg summit on June 20, 2016: to respect the ceasefire, establish trust-building measures, and resume negotiations.

As President Francois Hollande noted at recent meetings in Paris with his Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts, France remains fully committed to achieving the conflicts negotiated, lasting solution that promotes stability and prosperity throughout the region, said the Foreign Ministry.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

The OSCE Minsk Group, the activities of which have become known as the Minsk Process, works to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for over two decades, but in vain.
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan's Independence Museum has opened an exhibition "Unfinished battle" to honor the memory of the martyrs of the April battle.

Memory of the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and liberation of the occupied lands, were honored with a minute's silence at the event.

The exhibition displays photographs, diplomas, orders, medals and personal belongings of martyrs Abdulmajid Akhundov, Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Samida Imanova, Mushfig Orujev, Orkhan Mustajabov,Vugara Yusifova,Murada Mirzoyeva, Ragufa Orujeva, Panjali Teymurova, Trend Life reported.

Museum's Director Farida Shamsi said that the fund of the Museum has received about 120 exhibits.

She noted that the Azerbaijani servicemen showed heroism in April battles and their memory will always live in the hearts of the Azerbaijani people.

One of the most tragic conflicts in the history of the 20th century  Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, that affected the destiny of millions, aggravated on April 2 after the Armenian military units in the occupied lands started shelling Azerbaijans positions.

To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talysh, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took over Leletepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region.








By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

The European Parliament (EP) voted in favor of simplifying visa regime for Ukrainian citizens.

The corresponding resolution was adopted at the session of the EP on April 6, TASS reported.

The decree concerns the abolition of visas for Ukrainian citizens who hold a biometric passport and are traveling to the EU with short-term trips of no more than 90 days.

This measure applies to tourist or business trips and does not give the right to work in the EU territory, the document says. These innovations will not apply to Ireland and the UK.

The EU Council and the European Parliament reached an informal agreement on the liberalization of the visa regime for Ukrainians on February 28. Later, on March 2, the EU Council reaffirmed this agreement, which was then handed over to the European Parliament for approval in the first reading. Now it will be submitted to the EU Council for approval.

It is expected that the liberalization of the visa regime for Ukraine will come into force in early June.

Negotiations on visa liberalization for Ukraine began back in 2008 as part of the Eastern Partnership Program. Ukraine entered the practical phase of those talks in 2014 as it prepared for associate EU membership. Ukraine abolished visa requirements for EU citizens back in 2005.

According to the Eastern Partnership Visa Liberalization Index prepared by the Visa-free Europe Coalition and the Stefan Batory Foundation, Armenia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan are the countries which are next in line to gain ratification of visa-free regimes.
Saudi-based Sloanes Real Estate Brokers said it has completed the sample floor at its luxurious residential development Bayat Plaza in Jeddah.



Strategically located in the business hub of the city, Bayat Plaza will soon be transforming the skyline of central Jeddah with its luxurious residential development and contemporary landmark.



Bayat Plaza is currently 90 per cent complete and on schedule for handover to investors by December this year. The prices for apartments start from SR1.2 million ($319,796) and for Sky Villas, its pricing starts from SR3 million (799,490) onwards.



A subsidiary of the Sabban Group of Companies, Sloanes said, once ready Bayat Plaza will provide a unique concept in the heart of Jeddah, combining residential, retail and leisure amenities all at one location on Madina Road.



Bayat Plaza is being built up over 32 storeys and serviced by over 2,600 sq m of retail space on the ground and first floor.



By far the tallest development in the area, it can be seen for miles on approach from any direction. Its illuminated glass crowns at the top of the buildings stand 180 m above the ground and will shortly become a beacon of quality and progress in Jeddah, he stated.



Built with a sleek external architecture, Bayat Plaza will compromise a mixture of apartment types in the towers with over 266 stylish and contemporary two-bedroom apartments, three- and four-bedroom Sky Villas and five-bedroom penthouses.



Each unit is delivered fully equipped with kitchen appliances, built-in wardrobes and superior fixtures and fittings, it added.



"Sloanes Real Estate is proud to announce the completion of the Bayat Plaza sample floors which will allow buyers to witness first-hand, the quality and perfection of our offering," said Arron Browne, the managing director of Sloanes Real Estate Brokers.



"This project is an example of our commitment to launching mixed-use developments and will set a new benchmark with the most up-to-date features and amenities," noted Browne.



Bayat Plaza Tower One is made up of 176 two-bedroom apartments, spread over 24 floors, with each floor accommodating eight apartments of two differing types looking out over the skyline of Jeddah.



Bayat Plaza is our first residential project in Jeddah, a city so rich in history, remarked Browne. We are offering modern lifestyle options complete with advanced facilities, services and convenience that adds a new dimension to the urban tapestry of the city, he added.



Bayat Plaza Tower Two features 56 three-bedroom and 28 four-bedroom spacious Sky Villas spread over 34 floors.



The Sky Villa is designed for those wishing to take advantage of villa-style living, but maintain the exclusivity and privacy of living in a landmark tower building. Each Sky Villas spans two floors and boasts a living room as well as a majlis room for guests to enjoy.



Badr Al Sabban, the managing director of Manazil, said: "Bayat Plaza has a very unique position when considering the penthouse lifestyle on the top floor of each tower. Each owner will have the option to enlist the services of a pre-qualified interior architect and designer, to create a bespoke interior design."



The Bayat Journey has been at the forefront of all planning aspects of this impressive development. It relates not only to the physical journey that every end-user takes through the towers, but also the journey from point of sale to handover and how we care for both aspects equally, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Senior human resources officers from top companies across the Emirates are leading the hunt for UAE nationals who have a solid work ethic and a desire to learn and grow within their organisation, at the countrys leading platform for Emirati job-seekers.



Offering their advice to graduates and young professionals ahead of the 17th edition of Careers UAE, held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from April 9 to 11, top hiring officials have also highlighted key qualities they will be looking for this year among applicants and candidates.



The three-day job fair, an event dedicated to empowering UAE nationals in the workforce, will welcome more than 100 regional and international companies offering diverse employment prospects to Emiratis.



Candidates own professional development will also play a key role as Emirati hopefuls, in line with global averages, will seek out positions to challenge their expertise according to a 2016 report of statistics published by LinkedIn.



Mouien Al Madhoun, chief human capital officer at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: We advise young graduates to always seek and to join companies that can offer a variety of learning initiatives. Learning should be a continuous process in ones career to progress and grow.



Keen on investing in people across all aspects of their organisation, Majid Al Futtaim Holding uses events such as Careers UAE and more notably their 18-month Graduate Development Program Tomouhi to cement their position as a company with the best talent from around the world, building relevant skills and experiences across their many businesses, creating lasting and fulfilling careers and supporting continued growth of their employees.



Added Al Madhoun: It is also important that people not only work hard to achieve success but that they also enjoy working in their fields of choice. Many studies have shown that happiness contributes to high levels of productivity and reaps rewards in both the employees career journey and the companys business growth.



Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the event will build on last years success which saw thousands of Emirati graduates and jobseekers finding employment avenues and internship opportunities across the automotive, aviation, banking, construction, energy, telecoms, healthcare, real-estate and oil and gas sectors.



Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) which runs the National Development Program for Air Traffic (ATCOs) and the National Development Program for Air Traffic Service Engineer Professionals (ASTEP) will be at Careers UAE this year looking for suitable candidates across a number of diverse roles.



With a line-up of more than 100 employers from local and federal government, semi-government, as well as the UAE and international private sector, Careers UAE will host a variety of interactive activities and education sessions designed to help job seekers develop key skills.



Asma Al Sharif, director of exhibitions, Exhibitions & Events Management DWTC, added: When we have spoken to our participating organisations ahead of Careers UAE this year, advice they have offered to candidates includes not to be afraid of starting at the bottom and working your way up the ladder, choosing a job which makes you excited and passionate, stay focused on career goals and be willing to work hard to build experience and expertise, and to be willing to learning new skills, however far outside of their initial comfort zone they may be.



Also taking part in Careers UAE will be Gold Sponsors National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Strategic Government Partner Dubai Government Human Resources, Bank Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai, Partner UAE University as well as organisations such as Arab Bank, Dubai Municipality, Emirates Group and Sharaf Group.



Providing job seekers with additional incentives to hone their skills is the returning feature, Mission Possible, a team challenge quizzing groups on their employability, CV writing skills and interviewing techniques, with prizes up for grabs for the best teams.



Careers UAE is for UAE nationals only. - TradeArabia News Service


Microsoft has revealed the eight innovative teams that will compete in the UAE Imagine Cup 2017 Finals on April 18, in Dubai, UAE, who stand a chance to walk away with $15,000 and a place in the world-wide finals in US in June.



Imagine Cup has become a global phenomenon since its first tournament in 2003. The contest aims to promote collaboration and disciplined creativity through competition, as teams of students across the globe conceptualise and showcase their real-world solutions under scrutiny from industry experts.



This years edition is sponsored by regional construction giant Emaar and the UAE Ministry of Education, as education partner, said a statement from the company.



The shortlisted teams are: Banes Mercenaries, from Middlesex University; AAWC Smart Irrigation and iBins, from Higher Colleges of Technology; Ill Order, from the Birla Institute of Technology; My Team.name, from BITS Pilani; BASS and Side Quest, from Wollongong University; and Green Jam, from American University in Dubai, it said.



More than 200 attendees are expected at the UAE finals, including team supporters and VIPs. The winning team will receive a $15,000 cash prize, followed by second prize of $10,000 and third prize of $7,000.



Michael Mansour, chief innovation officer, Microsoft Gulf, said: Investment in young talent is exceedingly important to Microsoft, and Imagine Cup is the ideal way to discover that talent.



This competition encourages students across all Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines to collaborate, and learn how to turn their creativity into something real. Their participation will also translate into greater employability, and increase their prospects of becoming entrepreneurs, he said.



This has never been more important, as the UAE continues towards its Vision 2021. Economic growth and technological innovation go hand in hand, and our finalists and their peers are the people we will look to for that innovation in the years to come, he added.



In February, Microsoft and Emaar visited more than 25 universities across the UAE, urging Stem students to compete in the Imagine Cup. This years event has placed a strong emphasis on smart-city solutions, with teams submitting more than 100 projects under Emaars exclusive Smart City category, which is the highest number of submissions under a single category in the region since the competition began, said a statement.



This year, Microsofts Azure cloud platform is a mandatory tool for all the submitted projects, it said.



Veresh Sita, chief digital officer for Emaar Properties, said: Emaars support to Imagine Cup underlines our commitment to promote a culture of digital innovation in the UAE in line with the vision of our leadership.



It also highlights the strong focus of Emaar, across our organisation, to leverage the potential of digital technologies to transform customer service and provide breakthrough solutions, he said.



By promoting our youth through Imagine Cup, we are nurturing a new generation of talents, who can contribute to the nation through their creative and innovative ideas for smart cities, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
More than 1,500 doctors and 35 international medical equipment companies are taking part in the participated in the 13th Emirates Critical Care Conference (ECCC), which opened in Dubai today.



Held under the patronage Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance, and president of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Humaid Al Qatami, chairman of the board and director general of DHA, opened the conference at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City.



The three-day conference is organised by the Emirates Intensive Care Society and is aligned with the 9th Asia Africa Conference of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive Care and Critical Care Medicine (WFSICCM) and the 13th International Pan Arab Critical Care Medicine Society (IPACCMS).



Al Qatami said in line with the vision of the Dubai leadership, the DHA is further strengthening its critical care services. He highlighted that the authority offers advanced critical care services and has highly qualified medical professionals to deal with emergency medical situations and for critical care management.



He said that all allied services that are needed for critical care management such as radiology, nursing, anesthesia and pain management are also highly specialised at the DHA.



He said that DHA recognises the importance of ICU care and that this conference provides a platform to discuss the latest in critical care and to exchange state-of-the-art information and expertise in this field.



Dr Hussain Nasser Al Rahma, chairman of the Emirates Critical Care Conference, president of Emirates Intensive Care Society and Pan Arab Critical Care Society, head of ICU at Dubai Hospital and Al Zahra Hospital, said the field of critical care is of great importance to help alleviate the suffering of critically ill patients.



He said the conference will discuss the latest protocols, studies and treatment methods. It will also discuss sepsis prevention and management, artificial ventilation, latest updates in pulmonary wash procedures, minimally invasive cardiology and hematology procedures etc.



He highlighted that DHA hospitals are well equipped with the latest non-invasive medical equipment that helps gauge the complete status of patients and immediately identifies what is wrong with the patient. Such sophisticated equipment and highly skilled staff have helped us provide internationally recognized levels of care to patients and has reduced the risk of mortality in our ICUs.



We will soon introduce the renal failure test stick, which is the latest non-invasive method that helps detect accurately if a patient has renal failure so that immediate measures can be taken to prevent further determination of the renal function, said Dr Al Rahma. - TradeArabia News Service
Mueller Middle East has begun construction on the first regional copper tube manufacturing facility in Bahrain which is set to open next year.



Mueller Middle East is a joint venture between Bahrain's investment arm Mumtalakat Holding Company and GCC-based industrial projects developer and investor Cayan Ventures along with Mueller Industries, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of flow control and industrial products,

The new facility, which will come up at the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP), will produce commercial copper tubes to serve regional air-conditioning and refrigeration original equipment manufacturers, said a statement from Mueller Industries.



Mueller Industries is the latest international company to sign a lease to establish a production facility in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP).



When it commences production in January 2018, Meuller will be one of over 80 companies serving GCC and international markets from this strategic location. Bank ABC is the funding partner for the joint venture, said the statement.



As part of the joint venture, Mueller Industries is localising the technology and know-how of the production facility.



Once the project gets completed, it will help address the increasing demand for quality copper tubes in the GCC market, besides creating over 200 jobs, it added.



Welcoming the investment, Zayed R Alzayani, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, said: "This important investment, supported by Mumtalakat, represents a vote of confidence in Bahrain and BIIP as a highly competitive location from which to service regional and international markets."



Commenting on the new venture, Mahmood H Alkooheji, the chief executive of Mumtalakat, said: "It gives us great pleasure to see our partnership with Mueller Industries and Cayan Industrial Projects materialise. This investment is part of Mumtalakats continued efforts to partner with prominent international businesses which seek to expand their presence to the GCC through a platform in Bahrain."



Mumtalakat, he stated, was committed to further developing the kingdoms non-oil sectors.



"Such investments are key to the continued development of our economy as the resulting technology, knowledge transfer and job creation will enhance productivity. Further, the copper tube mill will boost exports from the industrial sector, which currently accounts for 20 per cent of Bahrains GDP (gross domestic product)," he said while speaking at the signing ceremony held recently.



Mueller Middle East CEO Ed Manning said: "We are excited about this new industrial business in Bahrain, a great example of collaboration between international and local shareholders. We very much look forward to making a long term contribution to the local economy."



Jonathan Robinson, the group head of Wholesale Banking at Bank ABC, said: "We are delighted with the successful closing of this landmark transaction, the first of its kind in the Gulf region, and with the opportunity to support the investment of our close relationships with Mueller Middle East, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, and Cayan."



Bank ABC pointed out that it remains committed to supporting trade and investment flows across its global network, with a strong product suite targeted towards key clients.



"This facility will represent a significant contributor towards the Bahrain economy and we look forward to celebrating the commencement of production in early 2018," he noted.



Legal advisors for Mueller Middle East were Meysan Partners AT and Legal advisors for Bank ABC were Baker & McKenzie (Bahrain).-TradeArabia News Service
Amnesty also cited accounts from a Red Crescent physician who claimed that 312 babies died in the early days of the invasion after soldiers looted incubators from Razi, Addan and Maternity hospitals. The physician, whose name was withheld, claimed to have helped bury 72 infants at the Rigga cemetery. Two witnesses also claimed to have seen dead bodies at Addan. One, a 15-year-old Kuwaiti girl, claimed to have watched Iraqi soldiers dump 15 babies onto the hospital floor from their incubators, while a Kuwaiti doctor said he knew of 36 dead babies at the hospital ."





Later the New York Times revealed the identity of the Kuwaiti "girl":





" Mr. Lantos is co-chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. An article last week on The Times's Op-Ed page by John MacArthur, the publisher of Harper's magazine, revealed the identity of a 15-year-old Kuwaiti girl who told the caucus that Iraqi soldiers had removed scores of babies from incubators and left them to die. The girl, whose testimony helped build support for the Persian Gulf war, was identified only as "Nayirah," supposedly to protect family members still in Kuwait. Another piece of information was also withheld: that she is not just some Kuwaiti but the daughter of the Kuwaiti Ambassador to the U.S.
France-based Air Liquide and Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic), Omans national refining company, recently signed a long term agreement for the supply of nitrogen to the Liwa Plastics Industries Complex (LPIC).



LPIC is a new plastics production complex including the countrys first steam cracker Orpic is adding to its existing production facilities, in Sohar industrial port area in Oman.



Investing around 20 million ($21.2 million) to build a state-of-the-art nitrogen production unit with a total capacity of 500 tonnes of nitrogen per day, Air Liquide will strengthen its leadership position in a key industrial area to support the growth of its customer Orpic, said a statement from the company.



Expected to start operations in the first quarter of 2019, the new nitrogen plant, along with the expansion of Air Liquides existing pipeline network, will supply nitrogen for the customers plastics production complex expanding to a capacity of polyethylene and polypropylene of 1.4 million tonnes per year, it said.



Those plastics components are needed for many applications in derived products from petroleums such as packaging industries as well as other industrial applications, it added.



The nitrogen production unit will be designed and built by Air Liquides engineering and construction teams using cutting edge technologies and bringing its world class expertise. It will be owned and operated by Air Liquide Sohar Industrial Gases Company.



Francois Jackow, member of the Air Liquide Groups executive committee, supervising Africa, Middle East and India, said: We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with a strategic petrochemical player such as Orpic.



Our company demonstrates its ability to continue capitalising on its existing assets, such as its pipeline network located in the most dynamic industrial basin of Sohar. With this new nitrogen supply contract, we will support the development of the petrochemical industry in Oman, he said.



Christiaan van der Wouden, chief operating officer of Orpic, said: Our organisation is pleased to expand its collaboration with Air Liquide and to secure the highest competitive, reliable and safe supply of nitrogen to the LPIC project, which is critical to the development of a downstream plastics industry in Oman.  TradeArabia News Service
Condemnation mounted over a chemical attack in Syria that killed at least 70 people on Tuesday and activists and various nations rejected Russian claims that a Syrian airstrike on a "terrorist" ammunition depot caused the deaths.



The United Nations Security Council is due to hold emergency talks later following the release of gas in Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province which - according to UK-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights - killed 72 people, including 20 children.



Dozens of people were treated for symptoms of chemical poisoning, including foaming at the mouth and suffocation, said a CNN report.



Activists said the Syrian regime dropped a chemical bomb and was responsible for the killings.



Britain's foreign secretary, a rebel commander and a weapons expert all said the evidence pointed to an attack by Syrian government forces, said a BBC report.



British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said all evidence suggested that the Assad regime was behind a "barbaric act."



If the incident is confirmed to be a chemical weapons attack, it would be one of the deadliest of its kind since the Syrian war began six years ago.



Syria denies the accusations and Russia says it had no warplanes in the vicinity.



The attack coincided with a two-day meeting in Brussels on Syria's future. Seventy donor nations are discussing aid efforts in the war-ravaged country.



The Russian defence ministry claimed on its Facebook page that a Syrian airstrike hit "workshops, which produced chemical warfare munitions" in the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun.



It said that "terrorists" had been transporting the chemical munitions from its largest arsenal to Iraq.



But a chemical weapons expert, Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, told the BBC's Radio 4 that all signs showed the chemical used was sarin gas and that Russia's versions of events was "completely unsustainable."



"I think this is pretty fanciful and no doubt the Russians trying to protect their allies. Axiomatically, if you blow up sarin you destroy it," he said.



In a statement on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump condemned what he called "these heinous actions" by the government of President Assad.


Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil signed an exploration and production sharing contract with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for offshore Block 10.



Before the signing ceremony, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades received at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the president and CEO of Qatar Petroleum along with Andrew Swiger, senior vice president and principal financial officer of ExxonMobil.



Discussions during the meeting focused on current and future cooperation in the energy field and the contract, which sets the terms for exploring the hydrocarbon potential in Block 10 offshore the Mediterranean Island.





Al-Kaabi said: This agreement expands our international upstream footprint into the eastern Mediterranean for what we hope is one of the most promising opportunities in the area.



We look forward to working with the esteemed Government of Cyprus along with our long-term partners, ExxonMobil, in this exciting prospect to bring greater benefit to the country, Al-Kaabi added.



The signing of the exploration and production sharing contract for offshore Block 10 in south-west of Cyprus, followed the successful bid which was recently awarded to the consortium of Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil.



A 3D seismic survey is already underway, as the consortium partners prepare to begin exploration drilling in 2018.



The consortium will also work with the Government of Cyprus to help build national skills in the oil and gas industry.  TradeArabia News Service
Work is progressing fast on the construction of Sohar III, a greenfield, integrated combined-cycle gas turbine power plant located in Sohar Port.



The project is valued at over $1 billion and is on track to commence commercial operations by January 2019.

With more than enough capacity to power new developments in the recently announced Sohar Port South and Sohar Freezone Phase II expansions, the new plant will have a power output of over 1,700 megawatts, making it Omans second largest power station, said a statement.



Developed by Shinas Generating Company, the project is in partnership with Mitsui, Acwa Power and Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding. The sole off-taker will be Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, who will supply the power produced to Omans national grid.



Mark Geilenkirchen, Sohar CEO, explained the importance of the new plant to Sohar. We have seen sustained double-digit growth in Sohar for over 12 years now, and we are 100 per cent on track for continued expansion. Our role is to ensure that world-class infrastructure is in place before our incoming tenants require it, so they do not experience delays when commencing production. In times of budgetary constraints right across the GCC, Sohar has once again shown it is possible to develop, finance, build, own and operate a large-scale high performance power plant like this one with a significant share of private investment. Since we started operations here in 2004, public-private partnerships have been at the core of our success story - made in Sohar.



Sohar Freezone CEO, Jamal T Aziz, added: The first phase of Sohar Freezone is practically leased out and our technical teams are now busy planning phase-two. The current levels of international interest from investors, especially in the food and logistics sectors is phenomenal and sufficient network power at reasonable rates is a prerequisite to the continued smooth growth of Sohar Freezone.



Sohar Port and Freezone is a deep sea port and free zone in the Middle East. With current investments of $26 billion, it is one of the world's fastest growing port and free zone developments and lies at the centre of global trade routes between Europe and Asia. - TradeArabia News Service
Nearly 20 per cent of the global retail industrys leaders said they were most upbeat about their prospects in the region  up 4 per cent year-on-year, according to a survey released on the eve of the World Retail Congress in Dubai, UAE.



However, the biggest increase in optimism was about India. Some 12 per cent of those responding to the poll regarded India as having the best growth prospects, up from 6 per cent a year ago.



Other key findings in the Global Retail Sentiment Index conducted by Monash Business School in Melbourne, for the World Retail Congress were a sharp drop in confidence in Western Europe which almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents thought had the bleakest prospects this year, compared with just 14 per cent a year ago.



The UKs prospects were broken out for the first time with 11 per cent believing it had the worst growth prospects of any market. It seems likely that the political backdrop to the region played a part in this, with the uncertainties of how Brexit will impact both the UK and other European economies, and elections in several key countries also due to take place this year probably being a factor.



The online survey was completed by a total of 107 global retail leaders, CEOs and chairmen, and other senior directors at businesses with revenues ranging from under $50 million to more than $1 billion.



The survey revealed that the forecast for retail sales expectations over the next 12-month period is generally positive with market optimism remaining relatively stable compared with 2016. Asked to grade their level of optimism on a scale of -5 (very pessimistic) to +5 (very optimistic), the average response was +1.0, up from the previous mark of 0.9.



Studying the individual retail channels, physical stores still dominate retail sales with a 77 per cent market share, followed by online sales with 11 per cent, mobile sales at 8 per cent, and social media at 2 per cent. Taking a closer look at the individual channels, however, online has seen the biggest growth with 65 per cent of respondents saying it was their biggest area of sales growth in the last 12 months, followed by 49 per cent highlighting growth in sales via mobile phones and tablets.



In terms of what retailers believe will have the single biggest impact on their businesses, it is clear that enhancing the customer experience is the highest on their agenda, with three of the top four responses being customer focused: customer loyalty came out on top, scoring 5.5 on a scale of 1 to 7, closely followed by product development, expansion and mobile channel development.



Similarly, when asked what they regard as their top priorities for the coming year, three of the top four responses were again customer-centric: understanding customer behaviour came top with a score of 40 per cent of the sample report viewing it as business priority in the next 12 months, with analyzing customer data in 3rd place at 37 per cent and developing online channels 4th with 36 per cent viewing each as a business priority in the next 12 months. Only supply chain management (in 2nd place with a score of 38 per cent) could be considered more logistical in nature.



Ian McGarrigle, founder and chairman of World Retail Congress said: The World Retail Congress is dedicated to providing insight to help shape the retail future. Our partnership with ACRS to create the Global Retail Sentiment Index showcases this commitment as it provides detailed information from international industry leaders helping retailer with their strategic planning.



The findings of the report make for fascinating reading, and resonate strongly with the theme of this years World Retail Congress  Reimagining the customer experience. It is clear that retailers understand the importance of knowing their customer, because only with such knowledge can they offer the perfect experience, both online and in the store, he added.



Sean Sands, associate professor at Monash Business School, said: Over the past 5 years, the Global Retail Sentiment Index has shown fluctuations in global retail optimism and consumer confidence; in 2017 it is great to see these metrics rebound with a slight increase. There is no doubt that in an increasingly digital and technology driven market place that globally, retailers are placing an emphasis on the customer experience and enhancing the value proposition to customers beyond purely data or tech-enabled paradigms.



The World Retail Congress was launched in 2007, to be a platform for senior retail executives to meet and discuss the most important topics affecting retailers across the world. It has been held in Barcelona (2007-9), Berlin (2010-11), London (2012), Paris (2013-14), Rome (2015) and Dubai (2016) and is attended by over 1,400 attendees from more than 60 countries.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Customs launched the worlds first of its kind customs carpet evaluation training programme, covering many aspects of hand woven rugs and carpets.



The programme aimed at enabling inspectors to assess the real historical and financial value of the carpet item and prevent fake carpet from entering the country.



Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, director of Dubai Customs pointed out that the UAE is an active hub for carpet industry around the world. Its the largest importer and exporter of rugs and carpets in Mena, and third largest worldwide after America and Germany.



Trade value of carpets in Dubai in 2016 was Dh1.141 billion ($383 million)  Dh653.2 million in imports, Dh130.2 million in exports, and Dh375.2 in re-exports.



Director of Dubai Customs highlighted the vital role, carpet trade plays in supporting the national economy following the directives of the wise leadership to diversify the economy.



Carpet trade in the Middle East and Africa is witnessing healthy growth with strong demand continued throughout the region. The UAE enjoys a strategic position being close to major carpet manufacturers in Iran, Afghanistan and India he explained.



Musabih pointed out that Dubai Customs supports carpet industry by organizing its annual Carpet Oasis, one of Dubai Shopping Festivals major events.



Dr Shaikha Al Ghafiri, (acting) director of Dubai Customs' Training Center pointed out that the training programme will enable the inspectors to thwart any carpet smuggling or counterfeiting attempt, especially today with advanced technology making it more difficult to distinguish counterfeited items from the original.  TradeArabia News Service
Seatrade has announced that Portugals capital city, Lisbon, will be the 2018 venue for the largest cruise industry event focusing on the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas  Seatrade Cruise Med 2018.



Hosted by the Port of Lisbon Authority (APL) and supported by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and MedCruise, the event will take place from September 19 - 21, 2018 and feature a showcase exhibition, conference and a full social programme.



As a leading platform for discussion and debate on issues confronting the Mediterranean's burgeoning cruise market, the conference forms an integral part of Seatrade Cruise Med, organised by Seatrade. Previous editions of Seatrade Cruise Med have attracted cruise line executives representing 30 brands.



Portugals Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino, said: "Portugal is increasingly affirmed as an important and renowned player in the world cruise sector with both the country as a whole and the city of Lisbon benefiting from the economic impact of cruise ship calls.



A sentiment agreed by the President of APL, Lidia Sequira: "To host this prestigious event is recognition of the work we have been doing in the cruise sector for many years. The hope is that this event will give an important boost to the local and national economy of this sector, especially now that Lisbon is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to welcome all the cruise ships and their guests." - TradeArabia News Service
Despite sluggish global economic growth, low oil prices, Trumponomics and Brexit, the UAE will lead Middle East passenger growth in 2017 with an annual increase of more than 6.3 per cent, according to estimates from the International Air Transport Association (Iata).



However, aviation-related discussions during Arabian Travel Market this year will no doubt be dominated by the recent US-led ban on electronic devices and the repercussions for regional airlines.



Aviation features heavily in the seminar programme at ATM 2017, held between April 24-27 in Dubai World Trade Centre. The sessions will be moderated by John Strickland, director, JLS Consulting, who, with 34 years of industry experience, is an authority on the business models of regional, global, legacy and low cost carriers.



Strickland said: 2017 presents a much more challenging picture for the airline industry in the Middle East, particularly in light of the recent electronics ban enforced by the US and UK. The immediate reaction was to allow passengers to use their laptops right up until boarding, but more recently Tim Clark, president of Emirates, revealed they had considered loaning laptops to passengers.



The ban includes tablets, laptops, eReaders and anything that measures larger than 16cm x 9.3cm (6.9 inches x 3.66 inches).



Airlines affected by the US ban include: Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways. While the UK ban includes: British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook, Thomson, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Atlas-Global Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Egyptair, Royal Jordanian, Tunis Air and Saudia.



Overall the policy affects about 50 flights a day to the US, meaning the ban could impact over 15,000 passengers daily. Emirates currently operates 18 daily flights to 12 US airports; Etihad runs 45 flights a week between Abu Dhabi and six US cities; and Qatar Airways flies directly from Doha to 10 US cities.



Despite these setbacks, it is a good news story for the Middle Easts major carriers and airports, as Iata forecasts an additional 258 million passengers a year on routes to, from and within the Middle East by 2035. While the region will require 58,000 new pilots by that time to meet the increase in demand.



Strickland, who was instrumental in KLMs decision to establish the low-cost operator Buzz and also worked for British Caledonian, British Airways and KLMuk, will also lead delegates, through a number of sessions, taking place over the course of the four-day show, addressing a wide range of issues facing the aviation industry today and in the future.



Elsewhere in the industry, security threats have already dented traffic in a number of markets whilst political changes, including the UK's Brexit and a new US Government, are creating further uncertainties.



Although oil prices are edging upwards, within the region, Emirates reported a Dh786 million ($213.9 million) profit for the six months to September 30, 2016, down 75 per cent on the same period the previous year, and revenues also declined slightly to $11.4 billion (down from $11.5 billion). While Etihad has indicated a likely change in its investment strategy, particularly into other airlines, added Strickland.



Middle East carriers reported the strongest annual traffic growth of any region globally for the fifth year running in 2016, according to the Iata. RPKS (revenue passenger kilometres) grew 11.8 per cent consolidating the regions position as the third-largest market for global passengers. Capacity growth of 13.7 per cent outstripped demand however, driving down the average load factor by 1.3 percentage points to 74.7 per cent.



With a number of aviation mega-projects underway across the GCC and wider Middle East, airports are expanding slightly ahead of the curve in demand, with capacity in 2016 increasing by 13.9 per cent and a forecast for 2017 of 10.1 per cent. Meanwhile, Middle East passenger numbers are only expected to rise by 9 per cent this year, a further dip compared to 2016s 10.8 per cent growth.



Aviation is integral to the Arabian Travel Market show and plays a significant role not only during the seminars but also on the exhibition floor. With investment in transport infrastructure, especially the expansion of airports, prevalent throughout the region, the growth in passenger numbers will continue unabated, said Simon Press, senior exhibition director, Arabian Travel Market.



The first aviation themed seminar session takes place on April 26 at 11am on the Global Stage when Strickland interviews Saudi Arabian Airlines director general Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.



A first for ATM, the live interview will explore Saudias considerable investments in new fleet and product innovations, as well as the launch of low-cost subsidiary FlyaDeal. Further aviation themed seminar sessions, in the Showcase Theatre and on the Global Stage, will look at the challenges and strategies for the airline sector as well as analysing the local market and the latest developments from leading Asian airlines, including Malaysian Airlines and Philippine Airlines.



Aviation will also be under the spotlight in the exhibition halls too, with confirmed airlines including: Air Seychelles, Air France/KLM, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Flynas, Lufthansa German Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Sri Lankan Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Thai Airways International and Turkish Airlines. - TradeArabia News Service
MLE Connect 2017, the UKs biggest B2B event showcasing the trillion pound global Muslim lifestyle sector, will take place in London for the second successive year this May.



The event will bring together business owners, brands, entrepreneurs and start-ups from across the world to learn, network and explore market opportunities.



The event will see industry experts host a series of seminars and panel discussions across a number of industries within the Muslim lifestyle sectors including halal food, modest fashion, marketing, media, branding, finance, and international trade.



The Muslim consumer lifestyle market is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world today growing 9.5 per cent from previous years estimates to $1.8 trillion at 2014 and projected to reach $3 trillion by 2021 according to a recent report by Thomson Reuters & Dinar Standard.



The UK is seen as a key market globally with brands and businesses keen to connect with Muslims consumers as well as a strong community of entrepreneurs and start-ups.



Tahir Mirza, founder of the event, said MLE Connect is the UKs only dedicated conference that connects brands and business owners across the growing Muslim lifestyle sectors. Our event also highlights the growing opportunities for mainstream brands to engage in this dynamic global economy



Our research shows us that businesses, big and small, want to expand and connect internationally. MLE Connect will provide them with the market intelligence and opportunities to connect with key industry players.



More importantly, the conference is open to anybody regardless of faith and will be a great way to network and develop new partnerships and generate business.



Last years inaugural event saw over 160 business professionals attend from a variety of sectors and industries including include supermarket giants Tesco and Asda.



Guest speakers at the 2017 event include Shelina Janmohammed, vice president of marketing consultancy Ogilvy Noor; award-winning CEO of Alchemiya, Navid Akhtar; and a keynote speech by CEO of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, Abdulla Al Awar. Attendees include representatives from the Turkish, Iranian and ASEAN trade organisations, Lewis Pies, Global Islamic Economy Summit, Haloodies, Aab and Haute Elan.



MLE Connect 2017 will take place in the heart of the City of London at 155, Bishopsgate, Liverpool Street, on May 2, with Human Appeal as the charity partner.



Human Appeal is delighted to be the chosen charity for MLE Connect for the second year running, said Sammera Ali, business development manager, Human Appeal.



We will be using the funds raised at the event to help women with their own start ups, not in the UK, but in Iraq. We are helping women to set up bakeries in the city, which will not only help them and their families by generating an income, it will also address the food-shortages in the city.

Human Appeal believe that encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit and helping people to help themselves is the most effective way of empowering communities.



In October 2016, the team behind MLE Connect, organised the Muslim Lifestyle Expo 2016  the UKs biggest Muslim consumer platform.



Over 12,000 people from across the country attended the second annual Muslim Lifestyle Expo 2016 (MLE2016) which took place in Manchesters EventCity.

Alongside a live modest fashion show, comedy festival, and live cooking theatre, the two-day event saw 136 exhibitors from 2015 countries including brands such as Asda, Turkish Airlines, Al Rayan Bank and the RAF promote their products and services. Over six in 10 exhibitors taking part were Muslim female entrepreneurs from across the country. The MLE is an award winning B2C and B2B platform for the global Muslim lifestyle sectors. - TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Duty Free was a Gold and Bronze awardee for the CSR Leadership Award and Best Environmental Excellence Award respectively, at the ninth Annual Global CSR and Summit Awards held last month in Malaysia.



Organised by the Pinnacle Group International, the Global CSR Awards 2017 was the first event in Malaysia, previously hosted in Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia. Considered as Asias Most Prestigious Recognition Awards programme for Corporate Social Responsibility, it recognises and honours companies for outstanding, innovative and world-class products, services, projects and programmes implemented in the past or present, demonstrating the companys leadership, sincerity and on-going commitment in incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, and respect for individuals, communities and the environment in the way they do business.



Commenting on the two awards, Dubai Duty Free executive vice chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin said: "We are delighted to receive the CSR Leadership and Best Environmental Excellence Awards which motivates us to continue with our company wide efforts of improving sustainability and making a valuable contribution to society."



There were 146 entries received from all over the world and a final selection of 38 companies were awarded top honours in the 16 main award categories.



Dubai Duty Free won the CSR Leadership and Best Environmental Excellence awards for its valuable contributions in taking the lead towards Corporate Social Responsibility, commitment to sustainability and promotion of environmental protection within and outside the organisation.



The award ceremony was held after the conference and exhibition which witnessed over 30 international speakers presenting best practices in CSR. Bernard Creed, senior vice president for Finance accepted the two awards on behalf of Dubai Duty Free. - TradeArabia News Service
As'ad's Bio

As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants.
Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
A coalition of volunteers who donate their time as victims advocates are an essential component of investigating crimes in Casper and the surrounding area, leaders from multiple agencies and organizations said at a ceremony Wednesday.

Leaders from the Casper Police Department, the Natrona County Sheriffs Office and the Self Help Center honored two dozen volunteers Wednesday morning for their work as victim advocates. The ceremony, held at city hall, was part of National Crime Victims Rights Week and kicked off the Start By Believing Campaign, a national effort to stop the cycle of silence surrounding sexual assault.

Last year, the nine women who volunteer as victim advocates with the Casper Police Departments Crisis Response Unit spent more than 13,000 hours on call and donated more than 300 hours of on-site service to victims of crime in Casper, Lt. Chris Hadlock said while thanking them for their work. The volunteers respond to crime scenes or crises to provide immediate support and refer victims or others impacted by the incident to other resources.

Lt. Mike Steinberg with the Natrona County Sheriffs Office also honored the 13 people who volunteer with the agencys victim services.

Quite frankly, we couldnt do our jobs without them, he said.

The Self Help Center, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, also recognized the volunteers who staff their 24-hour crisis hotline. One of the volunteers, Mary Robinson, has volunteered with the organization since 1999, said director Jennifer Dyer.

While much of the ceremony was spent celebrating accomplishments, one official pushed for more action.

In no uncertain terms, Natrona County District Attorney Mike Blonigen called for better funding for police training, public defenders, the state crime lab and programs that support victims of crime. He said people spend too much time giving lip service to the issue without actually effecting change. He called on elected officials to act on promises to help victims.

This city council and this Legislature have repeatedly done nothing to help crime victims, Blonigen said.

The ceremony also kicked off local law enforcements participation in the Start By Believing Campaign, which aims to teach people to believe people when they say they are victims of sexual assault.

Hadlock, the police lieutenant, said its important for law enforcement and the broader community to realize how stressful reporting sexual assault can be to victims.

Police Chief Jim Wetzel said that officers need to believe a victim when he or she reports a sexual assault or another violent crime. On a larger scale, its also important that money and resources are allocated to victim services and the investigation of such crimes, he said.

We believe, and therefore were going to put in the resources necessary, he said.

The chief said the conversation among law enforcement about victims rights and services has changed greatly over the past five or six years. Police are being trained to better understand and work with victims of crime who have experienced trauma.

Wetzel and representatives from the district attorneys office and community organizations will discuss the process of investigating a sexual assault at 7 p.m. Thursday in Casper Colleges Durham Hall. Panelists will explain their roles in the investigative process and talk about resources available for victims.

Community members are encouraged to submit questions for a second discussion about sexual assault scheduled for 7 p.m. May 18 in the same location. Those with questions may submit them to the moderator, Casper Colleges Lesley Travers, at ltravers@caspercollege.edu.

The police department and the Wyoming Medical Center are also hosting a walk Saturday to raise awareness of sexual assault. The event, Take a Walk in Her Shoes, will be held between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday at Eastridge Mall.
The log buildings circling the grassy slopes tell a story older than the city named for Caspar Collins and the 11th Ohio Cavalry that protected the fort beginning in 1863.

If you close your eyes and listen, you might hear a bugle trumpeting morning reveille or taps at the end of the day.

Inside the Fort Caspar Museum now, visitors can view a complete history of the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, named and dressed by its founder Jim Jones in the likeness of those soldiers from long ago.

We are just tickled pink with this thing. It is a wonderful display, said corps director Fred Morris, standing among the exhibits glass-cased displays, artwork and mannequins wearing Troopers uniforms. There is also a 17-minute video documenting seven Troopers competitive shows, including their trademark starburst formation and goosebumps-inducing Battle Hymn of the Republic.

The Troopers are founding members of Drum Corps International, which governs the activity. DCI now includes 23 World Class corps and 23 Open Class corps. And now in the area of museum exhibits, the Troopers once again stand alone.

I am truly not aware of any other public exhibits of this magnitude, Morris said. I think weve set another bar here, another first. Ive been at this 51 years now all over the country and Ive certainly not seen anything in a public display museum place like this.

The Troopers are an institution here, and we wanted to mark their 60th anniversary, said museum director Rick Young. Thats why the exhibit opens now and will stay open until November 2018, so we cover both the 59th and 60th technical anniversaries of the corps.

Much of the digging through memorabilia was done by Michelle Bahe, curator of collections at the museum.

I have no idea how much time I spent, other than hundreds and hundreds of hours, she said.

She spent days and days in storage rooms at Troopers headquarters on East E Street and more time sifting through donations from Troopers alumni and fans locally and around the country.

Most of this will be in our permanent collection, aside from some things that are on loan from individuals, Young said. The history will be saved and will periodically come back out once the exhibit closes in November 2018.

Among items are a photograph of the Troopers playing for Dick Cheney and Al and Ann Simpson in 1990, a blue satin Troopers jacket with Grace Jones, wife of founder Jim Jones, embroidered on the inside, and a banner reading His Legacy ... Our Destiny, which was displayed at the Troopers final performance in 1994, the year that Jones died.

Linking the past 60 years with the present is another aspect that both Young and Morris are excited to see come to fruition.

Unlike the recent past, when the Troopers, who now come from throughout the country and are primarily college students, traveled through the entire 11-week summer competitive season, this summer the Troopers will be in Casper for four full days of public performances from July 11 to 14.

Im anxious for our kids to see the legacy that they are part of now, Morris said.

The Troopers will perform on the grassy slopes of Fort Caspar on July 12.

Theyll wear the hats with the crossed sabres and the numeral 11 indicating the 11th Ohio Cavalry. Theyll play Battle Hymn of the Republic, and other parade and show tunes.

And if you close your eyes and listen, the bugles you hear will be real.

The exhibit is open during regular museum hours. In April, it is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $1.50 for adults; $1 for youth (ages 13-18 years); and free for children (12 years and younger) and for museum members.

In May, the museum will switch to summer hours and fees which are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and $3 for adults; $2 for youth (ages 13-18 years); and free for children (12 years and younger) and for museum members.
Six months after closing for major renovations, the restaurant at Ryan Airfield in Three Points could be back in business by June under a new operator.

On Wednesday, the Tucson Airport Authority Board of Directors approved a lease for Richard Flory, who owns The Happy Rooster Cafe on Tucsons east side. Flory is expected to open Richies Cafe by June in the space that long housed Todds at 9700 W. Ajo Way.

It will be the first time that patrons of the airport will be able to grab a bite at the restaurant since last fall, when the airport authority closed it to make much-needed updates and repairs.

Todds was expected to reopen in late November or early December, but the owners, Shari and Todd Scott, couldnt reach a lease agreement with the authority. The airport wanted the restaurant to open at 6 a.m., but the Scotts wanted to continue opening at 8.

Todds officially closed in late December and the authority has spent the time since making even more repairs, including replacing kitchen equipment, said TAA spokesman David Hatfield, senior director of business development and marketing.

Hatfield said Richies Cafe will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day, and will likely serve a menu similar to that of Florys Happy Rooster.

The Happy Rooster Cafe has been a staple at 1114 S. Sarnoff Drive off East 22nd Street for 17 years. Flory has owned it four of those years.
Turning potentially hazardous power-plant waste into a better building material is the mission of Acrete, a University of Arizona technology startup.

Co-founded by inventor Jinhong Zhang, a UA associate professor of mining and geological engineering, Acrete is based on a new formula to maximize the use of fly ash  a byproduct of coal-burning power generation  in concrete.

And going forward, the company hopes to develop applications to allow the use of other industrial byproducts, such as mine tailings, said Abraham Jalbout, an entrepreneur who joined with Zhang to launch Acrete.

Fly ash, which is captured from coal-plant exhaust gases, carries toxins including arsenic and heavy metals and can be hazardous if inhaled. Typically stored in ground basins or landfills, it can pose a risk of contaminating groundwater.

Fly ash has commonly been used in concrete since the 1930s, typically replacing about 20 percent to 30 percent of traditional Portland cement. Long before that, the Romans were using volcanic ash to make concrete.

Though industry and academic researchers continue to study how to maximize the amount of fly ash in concrete, Zhang and his colleagues at Acrete believe they have hit upon a formula that creates a durable concrete made mostly of fly ash.

Thats what makes it so different is, up to now, people have used (fly ash) as an additive to increase strength of the concrete, but this is the only solution that has 100 percent utilization of this, Jalbout said.

The resulting product is lighter, stronger and less expensive to produce than concrete, while keeping roughly three times as much fly ash from the waste stream, Jalbout said.

The use of fly ash and related materials has been rising.

In 2015, 61.1 million tons, or about 52 percent, of fly ash and other coal-combustion products were beneficially used, up from 48 percent in 2014, according to the American Coal Ash Association.

Use of coal fly ash in concrete increased 20 percent in 2015 to 15.7 million tons  up from 13.1 million tons in 2014, the group said.

Zhang and Jalbout are working with Tech Launch Arizona, the UAs technology commercialization arm, and UA licensing manager Bob Sleeper to bring Acrete to market.

The UA has an interest in the inventions and would be in line for future royalties from sales of Acrete, Jalbout said.

The company has filed for three international patents, including one to use the product with mine tailings  another fine particulate of particular concern in mining states like Arizona.

Acretes research team has had success with Acrete using different types of fly ash, including low-quality ash from China, Jalbout said.

Besides pursuing patents, Jalbout and his colleagues are working to find a manufacturer to make Acrete, as well wholesale and retail distributors.

Were in very advanced discussions right now, he said, adding that he expects things to move quickly.

Our main goal right now is to have distributors lined up and have this product ready to be manufactured or distributed by this summer, he said.

Acrete is part of MetOxs, a Singapore-based company headed by Jalbout that is trying to advance two other UA faculty inventions involving metals.

MetOxs, which is building a new plant in Mexico, has developed a new metals-extraction process, as well as a new technology to combat metal corrosion under a subsidiary, Caltrode.

UA HEART-PATCH STARTUP

Technology for a beating heart graft invented at the University of Arizona College of Medicine has formed the basis for another UA tech startup, Tech Launch Arizona says.

Avery Therapeutics Inc. has licensed the heart-graft technology from the UA, and pre-clinical studies have already shown that the technology, called MyCardia, improves heart function.
The Portland, Oregon, indie pop dance band The Slants is coming to Tucson, but not to the Rialto Theatre, Club Congress or another concert venue.

The quartet on Thursday is heading to the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona, where group founder Simon Tam will recount the bands eight-year legal battle that is now in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court over trademarking their name.

I dont think anyone can reasonably imagine going to the Supreme Court for naming their band The Slants, Tam said Tuesday, not long after talking to a UCLA law class about the case.

The high court is expected to decide the case this summer. Oral arguments were presented in January.

The ruling could have ramifications on free speech as well as U.S. trademark laws, said UA law professor Derek Bambauer, who is coordinating the bands Tucson visit.

The cases outcome could determine how big a role the government plays in deciding what defines offensive and derogatory language, Bambauer said.

The Slants legal journey started after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected their application to trademark their name several times.

The government ruled that the name violated the Lanham Act, which prevents applicants from trademarking disparaging terms. The agency cited as evidence a reference in UrbanDictionary.com, which said the term was used to disparage Asian-Americans.

Even when we provided them with independent, national surveys that showed that 92 percent of our community supports us, and we sent them over 2,500 pages of evidence including letters from directors of numerous social-justice organizations and concentration camp survivors and every single Asian-American media source in the country, they still went with the Wiki article citation, said Tam.

He said slant is used so rarely as a racial slur that the New Oxford American Dictionary removed any reference to its use as a racial slur.

I would say (the governments) premise is outright incorrect, he said.

In late 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit agreed with The Slants and ruled that the government violated the bands First Amendment rights.

The government appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court.

Trademark cases are kind of unusual in the Supreme Court because they are too geeky, Bambauer said. But I think this is a First Amendment/free speech case that just happens to come up in trademark law.

The Slants UA visit on Thursday is part of the groups The Band That Must Not Be Named Tour hitting college towns around the country. Bambauer, who teaches intellectual property law and also covers trademark law, said the band approached the university about the visit.

We are delighted whenever we can get somebody who is a litigant in a case like this, Bambauer said. Its unusual to get the litigants. Most of the times you get the lawyers.

Tam said he is glad he can shed light on a legal matter winding its way through the highest court in the country.

This is a chance for students to actually see whats behind all of that  beyond the legal briefs, said Tam, whose latest recording, The Band Who Must Not Be Named four-song EP, commemorates the Supreme Court fight.

In some ways, (the case) has brought more attention to our social-justice work and causes we support. In others, its been a distraction, Tam added, noting that every mention they get in the media references their case, not their music.

The enormous amounts of money, time and energy spent fighting a court case could have been invested into music, touring and production, instead, he said.
A pickup game breaks out after the end of youth night at the Marana meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the church grows, wards and stakes are created and divided to keep congregations from becoming too large.
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We are one step closer to a vaccine against the Zika virus.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, said Friday that the DNA vaccine candidate developed by scientists at NIAID's Vaccine Research Center has been a success in animal trials and in the first human trial of the vaccine.

It has been such a success that the agency has moved into the next stage of testing, on track with its projected timeline.

Volunteers have been signing up at clinics across the Americas to help test it. The vaccine is being tested at 11 sites including in Miami, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Mexico.

The next step of the trial will involve 90 healthy adults divided into groups who will get different doses to test its safety.

Then, starting around June, researchers will conduct a randomized control trial in 2,400 adults and adolescents who have not been infected with the virus but who live in areas where it has been detected. Some of the volunteers will get the vaccine, and some will get a placebo, in order to see if it can prevent Zika.

The vaccine will not be tested in pregnant women, but it will be tested in women of child-bearing age.

If all goes according to schedule, the vaccine could be moved to the next phase by the end of the year.

The trial, which will cost $100 million, is fully funded through this phase, but Fauci said it is unclear whether there is funding for the next phase. Fauci's boss, National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins, is meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, but it was unclear whether they would discuss the vaccine trials.

The Trump administration has proposed an 18% cut to the institutes' budget, but it is unclear what would be lost if the proposed cuts get through Congress unchanged.

Fauci said the third phase of the trial is "a very high priority for us, and we will keep this as one of our higher priorities."

Scientists have seen evidence of mosquito-transmitted Zika virus in at least 84 countries, meaning there are thousands of fetuses at risk for birth defects if their mothers become infected. Birth defects linked to the virus include microcephaly, in which the head and brain don't develop properly; vision and hearing defects; and learning disabilities.

People who are infected with Zika can experience heart problems. The viral infection can also trigger Guillain-Barre, a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks nerves, leading to potential paralysis and even death.

Scientists around the world are scrambling to create viable versions of a Zika vaccine.
Border Patrol agents Tuesday found a Honduran man suffering gunshot wounds lying along a border road southwest of Sells, officials said.

Customs and Border Protection said an agent on patrol along the border found the man next to the border road. The man said he was shot three days earlier while in Mexico.

The 24-year-old man applied two tourniquets to himself while stranded in the desert and at some point managed to drag himself under the border fence into Arizona.

The agents called in a Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue team that arrived in an Air and Marine Operations helicopter. The medically trained agents treated the man in the field and had him taken by helicopter to a hospital in Tucson. His condition was not known.

The Tohono O'odham Police Department is investigating the incident.
When 6-year-old Isabel Celis disappeared from her bedroom at her familys midtown home nearly five years ago, several hundred in the Tucson community came forth to pray at vigils near her house. They prayed for her safe return.

On Wednesday, more than 100  some holding lit candles, balloons and posters  came to say goodbye to Isabel, the child who was described as an angel, pictured with long brown hair and hazel eyes.

It was a public candlelight memoriam in Isabels honor that was held outdoors at the downtown Joel D. Valdez Main Library. Music played, including the song Hallelujah.

Talk to each other and heal, said Tammy Acuna, 44, who helped bring Tucsonans together to raise funds through car washes in 2012 to help support Isabels parents, Becky and Sergio Celis, through the ordeal.

Look out for one another and keep loving and watching out for your children, Acuna told the crowd, which prayed in silence and released balloons into the air.

Carlos Rodriguez, 9, a third-grader at Los Amigos Elementary School, was holding a poster with gold and pink butterflies and purple, blue and red balloons in the shape of hearts that read: Isabel Celis you will forever be missed.

I wanted to come and remember her, explained Carlos, as his mother, Amanda Duran, 27, stood nearby and said they followed the case through media reports. She said Isabel touched their hearts.

Melina Beas-Campo, 24, said she included Isabel in her daily prayers since she went missing.

Through tears, she said the news of Isabels death broke my heart, adding that she also has a young daughter.

Travis Ramirez, a photographer and Pima Community College student, hosted the event. He  like many in Tucson, across the nation and even abroad  were moved by Isabels disappearance.

On Friday, Police Chief Chris Magnus announced that Isabels remains were found in early March in a rural area of Pima County. The remains were positively identified by DNA testing as those of Isabel, who went missing in 2012. Magnus would not elaborate because it is an ongoing investigation.

People signed a guest book at the memoriam  sending their thoughts to the Celis family, who did not attend but sent word thanking the community.
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Is Oprah Winfrey Married? Husband, Children, Biography, House, Facts Oprah Winfrey is a billionaire philanthropist, talk show icon, producer, actress, and writer. The media icon famously dubbed The Queen Of All Media owns and hosts the highest-rated television program in the media circle. Read more about the powerful television star below. Oprah Winfrey Biography Oprah was born as Orpah Gail Winfrey on January 29, 1954, to a ...

Who Is Arsenio Hall, What Happened To His Talk Show and Why Do Fans Think He Is Gay? He is one of the funniest beings to have graced the comedy constituent of the American entertainment industry. Arsenio Hall has a reputation for the rib-cracking disposition always portrayed in his comedy roles. He is not just a comedian; he is also an actor and a former talk show host for his popular show, The ...

What Is Woah Vicky Famous For and Who Are Her Family Members? Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Woah Vicky is one of those stars that have utilized the internet as a powerful tool to propel themselves to instant fame. The social media space, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc., offers lots of people the right opportunities and potentials to become superstars overnight. Not everyone achieves ...

Where Is Michael Strahan Since His Retirement From The NFL and Who Is His Partner? Michael Strahan is a retired American football player turned media personality. He played the defensive lineman position and holds the record for most sacks in a single NFL season. He also only played for the New York Giants throughout the entire 15-year professional career that saw him win a Super Bowl ring. In February 2014, ...

How Wendy Williams Went From Being a College DJ to Having Her Own Talk Show and More About Her Divorce Wendy Williams is a former radio personality, now talk show host, who is known for her outspokenness and brash no-nonsense attitude. She gained fame and notoriety for her on-air clashes with celebrities before moving on to host her own talk show. Since 2008, Williams has hosted the nationally syndicated television talk show, The Wendy Williams Show. ...

Who is Sunny Hostin? Her Husband, Family & Net Worth Sunny Hostin is no ordinary Latina  American lawyer but also a successful columnist, multi-platform journalist, and social commentator. A happily married woman and mother of two, Hostin is the Senior Legal Correspondent and Analyst for ABC News and co-host of ABCs popular morning talk show, The View. She is a legal expert popularly known as a former ...

Who Is Robert Costa and Is He Married, Who Is His Wife? Robert Costa is a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC who is regarded as being part of Americas next generation of journalists. The University of Notre Dame graduate, who is of Italian/Portuguese descent, has been lauded for his fresh political perspectives in an industry full of old heads. In addition to his work listed above, Costa ...

Team Valor Pokemon Go  7 Key Facts You Need To Know Team Valor Pokemon Go  The craze of the new game Pokemon Go is one that took the gaming world by storm sending teenagers and adults alike into a frenzy and one of its teams Team Valor, has proven to be instrumental in making it so. Before the game was created, Pokemon was a cartoon ...

Sheryl Underwood  Husband, Family & Net Worth She is known for her trademark smile which can be described as the brightest and broadest smile ever seen on planet earth. She is none other than Sheryl Underwood the comedian, actress, and TV host whose funny wits has left America in great awe. Although Sheryl has risen to become an important personality in the industry, ...

Team Mystic Pokemon Go: 7 Facts You Need To Know And Signs You Are One Team Mystic of the break out game Pokemon Go is a team that is full of sass and chivalry. With an enchanting monicker, Team Mystic stands out from the rest of its counterparts and deserves to take the crown as champion in the Pokemon gaming-verse. To be a member of this exceptional team of Pokemon battle ...

Exploring Guy Beahms Dr Disrespect Persona, Wife and Why He was Banned Permanently From Twitch Guy Beahm who is popularly known by his online alias  Dr DisRespect, is an award-winning Twitch.tv streamer. He has leveraged on the Twitch platform to become an internet personality that is quite widely known. His online success is just more proof that anyone who is good at what they do can attain celebrity status ...

Critical Facts About Lee Ann McAdoo  The Infowars Anchor Lee Ann Mcadoo is a conservative journalist and television host whose interests in conspiracies and astrology has established her as a famous American reporter. Often referred to as Wonder Woman, McAdoo is a reporter who works for InfoWars.com, a controversial right-wing website run by radio show host, Alex Jones. Who Is Lee Ann McAdoo? Lee Ann McAdoo was born on 7 ...

Millie Weaver  Age, Husband & Infowars Career Millie Weaver is an American model, journalist, political activist, and social commentator. The young and beautiful journalist rose to fame working as a reporter for a controversial right-wing website InfoWars.com. Also known as Millennial Millie, Weaver is a social media influencer with over 100,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and over 35,000 followers on Twitter. Who Is Millie Weaver and What Is ...

Is Jessica Tarlov Married? What Are Her Height & Weight? Jessica Tarlov is an American political consultant, strategist, and analyst whose influential and regular TV presence has made a popular figure. A good example of beauty with brains, Tarlov has appeared on various TV networks, mostly the FOX News Network where she is known for her liberal views on political analysis and insights. She is also the senior director ...

Who Is Kelly Rebecca Nichols  Alex Jones Ex-Wife? Kelly Rebecca Nichols is the ex-wife of controversial American radio show host, Alex Jones. She got nationwide attention following her divorce and subsequent custody battle with her estranged husband. Nichols, who worked with PETAs public relations department, was herself no stranger to controversies as she was involved in several publicity stunts of the non-profit animal rights ...

Who Is Bree Morgan  Cole Sprouse Ex-Girlfriend And What Is She Up To Now? Although Bree Morgan became famous through the Instagram, she also sapped some dose of popularity from Disneys sweetheart, Cole Sprouse of the Sprouse brothers. She is not only an Instagram star but also a YouTube vlogger whose popularity has long exceeded the ordinary level. Bree is conspicuously prominent on the internet and has her digital savviness ...

Does Vanna White Have Husband or Children, What Is Her Net Worth / Salary? For over three decades, Vanna White has been a household name, famous as the co-host and letter turner of the iconic NBC game show Wheel of Fortune. The talented and beautiful television personality is also an actress with several TV series and films to her credit. Since making her Wheel of Fortune debut in 1982, she has become one ...

Liz Wheeler  Biography, Husband & Net Worth Liz Wheeler is the kind of girl who sets the room on fire whenever she comes around. In this situation, however, she sets our screens on fire each time she appears as the host of One America News Tipping Point. She is, therefore, a presenter, publisher, consultant and a member of the Board of Zoning ...

Betty White  Net Worth, Children & Husband The entertainment industry will remain indebted to personalities like Betty White who brought something extra to the table and kept the world entertained for donkey years. The comedienne, actress, and writer graced the big screens in the early 50s as a show host and has been a delight since then. She is the queen of ...

Is Bill Nye (The Science Guy) Dead or Alive, What Are His Net Worth & Education? Everyone will always remember Bill Nye as the Science Guy. Besides his TV show Bill Nye the Science Guy, he is well-known for his Netflix show Bill Nye Saves the World which started airing in 2017 as well as his appearances in many famous media projects as a science educator. The star studied mechanical engineering ...

Is Cesar Millan Dead, Who Is The Wife & What Is His Net Worth? Cesar Millan is the famous dog whisperer who often stirs up mixed emotions. The Mexican-American is precisely speaking, a dog behaviorist; he has been in the game for over 25 years. His Emmy-nominated television series, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan further pushed his method and tactics into the limelight. The series was produced from 2004 ...

Is Thomas Sanders Gay and Does He Have A Boyfriend? By the time Vine was shut down in January 2017, Thomas Sanders was already popular within and beyond the internet community for his heavy involvements on the online video hosting platform. After the tragic shutdown of Vine impacted on the growing career of the multi-talented personality, he immediately switched over to YouTube where he continued to upload ...

Is Shepard Smith Gay, Who Is The Boyfriend & What Is His Net Worth? There are only a few media personalities who are as bold and confident as Shepard Smith. Apart from his impressive stint at Fox News Channel which includes but not limited to his classic news delivery, upfront stance on virtually every issue and much more; he loves his job as much as he loves his personality. Smith ...

Is Milo Yiannopoulos Gay? His Husband and Net Worth Milo Yiannopoulos is a popular writer, journalist, polemicist, public speaker, and political commentator who is also known as the founder of The Kernel, an online blog. He has been said to be among the list of 100 weird and influential people in the United Kingdom. He appeared on this list as a result of personal beliefs and ...

Does Ryan Seacrest Have A Wife Or Girlfriend, What Is His Net Worth? From radio to television, Ryan Seacrest is a household name and a force to be reckoned with in showbiz. The radio personality, television host, and producer is best recognized as the host of the popular TV talent search contest American Idol. Heres how the media personality who always knew what his lifes ambition was and diligently pursued ...

Is Anderson Cooper Gay, Who is The Boyfriend or Husband? For many, the thought of becoming a millionaire by writing and talking about other people appears unachievable but this is the reality of the prominent American journalist Anderson Cooper who gathered millions of dollars for conducting accurate political analysis and other vital reports on TV. He is the main anchor of the CNN news show Anderson ...

Is David Muir Gay or Does He Have A Wife, What Is His Salary? David Muir is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works for the ABC broadcast-television network and anchors the ABC World News Tonight with David Muir program while also co-anchoring the magazine program 20/20. The Ithaca College graduate, whose show has become the most-watched newscast in America, has covered stories from all across America and the world; reporting ...

Joel Osteen  Divorce Rumors, Net Worth & Family Members Joel Osteen is an American Televangelist, Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church based in Houston, Texas, a husband and a father of two. He is an author of many books, seven of which are New York Times Best Sellers and his televised sermons capture more than 7 million viewers per week and 20 million every month ...

Who Is Todd Chrisley? What To Know About His Children, Gay Rumors & Net Worth Premiered on the USA network in 2014, Chrisley Knows Best is one of the most watched family reality TV shows in the U.S. The series which is currently in its sixth season is centered around U.S real estate mogul Todd Chrisley and his family. The show reveals Todd the patriarch of the Chrisley family as a strict dad who rules ...

Who Is Shannon Bream Of Fox News? Her Husband, Children & Net Worth Shannon Bream who hosts the iconic primetime program started her journalism career in the late 1990s debuting as the evening and late-night news reporter for the CBS affiliate, WBTV. The beauty from America currently works for the Fox News Channel and she is best known for anchoring the primetime program. She also hosts Americas News ...

Is Troye Sivan Gay, Who Is His Boyfriend and What Is His Net Worth? Troye Sivan is an Australian singer and songwriter best known for songs like Happy Little Pill, Youth, Heaven (with Betty Who) and The Boyfriend Tag (with Tyler Oakley) which have all garnered him different awards and ranked on the Billboard Charts. Sivan, who was born in South Africa but now resides in the United States, is ...

Did iDubbbz Have Cancer, Is He Gay and Who Is His Girlfriend Now? iDubbbz is one YouTuber who has made a career out of courting controversy. Renowned for his absurdist channels and comedy video series, the Los Angeles based personality is the owner of two channels, iDubbzTV, and iDubbzTV2, as well as the brains behind comedy video series such as Content Cop, Kickstarter Crap, Gaming News Crap, and ...

Inside Greg Gutfelds Love Story With Wife Elena Moussa and Why Fans Thought He Was Gay Greg Gutfeld is a seasoned American television producer whose career in the media industry has spanned over a decade. He is a man of many talents who makes extra income through comedy, journalism, and editorial works. Gutfeld regularly appears on Fox News Channel as a panellist and co-host of the political talk show The Five ...

Works That Made Bo Burnham A Household Name and How Much He Is Worth Now One of YouTubes first viral stars and the worlds most exciting young comedian, Bo Burnham, has always amazed critics and comedy aficionados alike. Often regarded as the Justin Bieber of comedy, thanks to his fresh looks, floppy blond hair and hoodies, he has a multi-faceted career bigger than many comedians twice his age. It wouldnt ...

Is Louie Anderson Gay And What Is His Net Worth? Louie Anderson has one of the most abstract faces in the industry and equally knows how to use it to his advantage. He is not only a stand-up comedian but also an actor and television host who is known for his distinctive comic wits. Some of his notable projects include Family Feud, where he was ...

Is Don Lemon of CNN Gay, Who is His Partner and What Is His Salary? Don Lemon has risen to become one of the most recognizable faces on CNN over the past few years. The fiery journalist, who anchors CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, is liked and somewhat disliked for his strong and candid opinions on a variety of matters that do not just include politics but also race, significantly, matters that ...

Is Rachel Maddow Gay, Who is the Wife and How Much Does She Earn in Salary? Rachel Maddow is an award-winning American journalist, political commentator, and television news anchor. She is best known for hosting the popular nightly TV show The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Prior to this, she hosted a talk radio program on Air America Radio from 2005 to 2010. As of now, the TV sensation co-anchors MSNBCs ...

Demystifying Pokimane  Her Real Name, Ethnicity & Boyfriend Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Pokimane Thicc is one of those stars who took advantage of the internet to make a name for herself. Given the unlimited potentials which the social media space offers, many people have been instantly propelled to fame just by posting creative online contents. Not only has ...

A Breakdown of Kris Jenners Net Worth, Sources Of Income and Relationships Over The Years Standing outside and looking in, Kris Jenner looks like the oil that greases the wheels of the entire Kardashian/Jenner machine. She has been dubbed a momager and rightfully so because she seems to have had a part to play in the trajectory of each and every one of her daughters individually and the Kardashian brand ...

Pursuits That Brought Liza Koshys Fame To its Zenith and Her Love Life Since David Dobrik Liza Koshy is an American actress who has leveraged YouTube as a platform to promote her comedy while also serving as a television host on occasions. She is talented and funny and has gathered a lot of fans from around the world. Koshy started on Vine in high school and was able to get millions of ...

Alex Aiono Biography  Inside The Life Of The American Singer Not everyone who started from the streets has attained the heights where Alex Aiono is currently. His story could be referred to as the perfect definition of rising from Grass to Grace. He came into the limelight after he started out as a YouTuber, singer, and producer. One fascinating thing about the young YouTuber is ...

Virginia Vallejo Biography And Her Love Story With Pablo Escobar Virginia Vallejo can be referred to as one of the oldest whistleblowers in history after her involvement with Pablo Escobar which made her famous. Over the years, many questions have been raised about her relationship with the drug lord and why she endangered her life to be with him despite his notorious acts. The death ...

Princess Love Bio  Ethnicity, Real Name & Parents For many people, Princess Love is simply Ray Js wife but there is so much more to this feisty lady than meets the eye. She is a star in her own right and has many feathers on her cap. Princess Love is a reality TV star, a model, video vixen, and fashion designer. She and her ...

Who is Papa Franku Also Known As Filthy Frank or Joji, Where is He Now? The social media as we all know today has given people the opportunity to be creative and innovative and at the same time, make something of themselves. YouTube is one of the known social platforms we have today that makes it possible for people to express their God-given talents and post videos they created to ...

Who Is Molly Qerim, How Did She Become a Famous Sports Anchor and Who Is Her Husband? Molly Qerim is an American sports anchor popularly known for moderating First Take, a highly rated sports talk show, on ESPN. Prior to joining ESPN, Qerim hosted Fantasy Live and NFL AM on NFL Network. It is quite obvious that the widely acclaimed television personality is in a class of her own when it comes ...

Safiya Nygaard  Height, Parents & Net Worth Safiya Nygaard is an American YouTuber, writer, content producer, and director who is popular for posting makeup, beauty and fashion videos on YouTube. Her videos regularly top at least one million views, thanks to her lively character as well as her willingness to experiment with outrageous outfits and different beauty products. Here are the things to ...

The Rigors of Sunlen Serfatys Career Journey Until CNN and Fun Facts About Her Personal Life CNN correspondent, Sunlen Serfaty is an Emmy Award-winning journalist known for covering a broad range of breaking news stories, national news, and Washington politics. She has been able to garner widespread recognition for herself which even goes beyond the sphere of her work. Her profile also increased with the extensive work she did in covering ...

Demystifying Jazz Jennings Real Name, Boyfriend & Family Of One The Youngest Transgenders Jazz Jennings is an unusual personality who became famous as a transgender activist and was recorded as the youngest documented public figure to be seen as transgender. She is also a YouTube personality and spokesmodel for brands, her fans, and other transgenders. She fought for acceptance in her high school with her super supportive family for over ...

Inside Fred Armisens Life  Ethnicity, Romantic Relationships and Gay Rumors Fred Armisen is an award-winning American comedian, he is also a writer, an actor as well as a musician. He was a cast member of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live for 13 years and also one of the brains behind the successful satirical show Portlandia. Find out more about this incredibly talented guy ...

Ed and Lorraine Warren Biography: Cases, Kids, and Family Life Have you ever woken up with fear you could not explain, or felt a strange presence that made the hair at your nape rise or even experienced strange occurrences around you? Well, these were some of the promptings that made the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren delve into trying to explain the ideas ...

Truth About Tony Romos Wife, Kids and Life Since His NFL Retirement Tony Romo grew from the field as a quarterback to the screens as an American Football Analyst. He was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the richest football league in the world (NFL) before retiring. As a junior, he was honored as an All-Ohio Conference Member, an Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and ...

Who is Brittany Venti, The Controversial Game Streamer and YouTuber? In recent times, many people live stream themselves playing video games. This has become a popular pastime on the internet and many highly skilled gamers have become internet celebrities through this means. However, some of them rather than becoming renowned for their gaming skills and great commentary, have become controversial and infamous. A good example ...

Rob Dyrdeks Family: His Kids And Relationship With Wife Bryiana Noelle Flores A multi-talented star and an elite pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdeks success story began at a remarkably young age. Yet another proof that schooling doesnt always correlate with success, Rob has established himself not just as a phenomenal sportsman but also as a successful entrepreneur. Besides perfecting his skill as a natural talent on the board, ...

xChocobars  Biography and Everything You Should Know About Her Having distinguished herself and recorded massive successes in an industry notably dominated by men, it is very safe to say that Xchocobars deserves all the attention and cash she makes from her career. A household name on Twitch (a smart live streaming video platform), the online-gamer is popularly known for streaming classic games such as Stardew ...

Everything To Know About Mary Padian, Her Boyfriend and Net Worth Mary Padian is a famous American television reality personality best known for her involvements on the Reality show Storage Wars. She also has her own shop called Mary finds where she displays her antique collections. Since her childhood, Padian has been a creative learner. At the time, she used to create new items out of reusable ones and ...

Betsy Woodruffs Family Life: Is She Married or Related To Bob Woodruff? An old name in the world of journalism, Betsy Woodruff has warmed her way into the hearts of many with her impressive talents. Through hard work, Woodruff has carved a niche for herself in a very competitive field. Betsy has strong family and work values and is also an advocate for equal opportunities for everyone ...

Matpat (Matthew Patrick)  Wife, Height & Net Worth As far as internet business is concerned, Matpat remains one of the most dynamic and seasoned figures. He boasts a wealth of experience that has helped him in growing his business from one level of greatness to another. Like most successful people, MatPat started out small but today, he makes millions of dollars from his ...

Facts About Ricegum  His Girlfriend, Real Name & Net Worth Ricegum is an online gamer and YouTube sensation who ditched college; took advantage of the digital era, and made a name for himself on the internet. Though he began as a gaming YouTuber, Ricegum soon gained recognition as a controversial internet star following his many diss tracks. Here is everything you need to know about the youngster ...

Joy Taylor Once Married MLBs Richard Giannotti  Inside Look At Her Love Life and Family The erosion of the sexist idea that women have no business in sports broadcasting created a host of women celebrities who attained fame outside of modeling and acting. One of them, Joy Taylor, a radio personality and TV host for Fox Sports 1, has been in the industry since 2009, becoming one of the most ...

What To Know About Conan OBriens Wife, Kids & Family Today The name Conan OBrien is one that jumps right at you almost immediately you start talking about the most popular television hosts in the USA and this is no surprise because the man behind that name has risen to become one of the most admired men in the business. Known for hosting the late-night talk ...

David Letterman  Net Worth, Wife & Son In all of American, one man whose face has been seen frequently by late night TV talk show lovers is none but David Letterman. The comedian and TV show veteran has been hosting late night talk shows for more than three decades. His Late Night with David Letterman show began on February 1st, 1982 aired ...

Demystifying Sssniperwolfs Family Background And The Boyfriends Shes Had Since she launched her eponymously named channel in 2013, Sssniperwolf has been on the rise when it comes to video game influencers. She is one of the biggest names in the online gaming subgenre of YouTube videos. Real name Lia Shelesh, she started with Call of Duty: Black Ops II but has diversified with other ...

Lester Holt  Wife, Family & Net Worth Lester Holt is a multiple award-winning journalist, newscaster, reporter, and actor who has worked for notable media houses like WCBS TV, CBS, MSNBC and among others. His remarkable feat in journalism has endeared him to the hearts of many and earned him some awards and recognitions. Read on to get acquainted with his biography, ethnicity, ...

What Is Louis C.K. Doing Now, Where Are His Family And How Much Is His Net Worth? It is not easy to make it in comedy. It takes more than a funny bone and the ability to elicit a few giggles from a listening audience. For all the complexities that go into making a successful career in comedy, Louis C.K, the Washington D.C-born comedian, did it. For years, he was at the ...

The Progression of Hoda Kotbs Career, Her Ancestry and Family Life Hoda Kotb gained fame as a television host and news anchor for NBC. She anchors the shows signature show Today, and it has been an excellent vehicle for her skills in front of a camera. Kotb has won several awards, including Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards. Simply put, she is one of the most successful ...

Jerry Seinfelds Family: All About The Amazing Comedians Wife and Kids Apparently one of the highly important entertainers in America, Jerry Seinfeld is a man of many talents. A very funny man, he is considered to be one of the most successful comedians in the USA who has been in the business as a professional rib-cracker for more than 40 years. As an actor, he has ...

The Rigors Of Sarah Silvermans Rise To Prominence And Rundown Of The Men She Has Dated A comedian, writer, and actress, Sarah Silvermans art and craft is as unique as you would ever find. Her poignant use of comedy to discuss social issues such as race, sexism, politics, and religion has gained her an impressive following. As unorthodox as her style is, so is her life experiences. She previously suffered from epiglottitis ...

Who Is Hannibal Buress, Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend & Why Was He Arrested? Making people laugh when they are tense or not in the mood is a tough order and to ply the trade, it must indeed take some guts and expertise, this is what the humor maker, Hannibal Buress has been able to achieve and sustain after his inital teething process. The African-American is a screen writer, stand-up ...

The Success of John Mulaneys Career Efforts Since His Work On Saturday Night Live and Facts About His Wife John Mulaney had been working as a professional comedian for years before Saturday Night Live changed his status for life and like many who are now his fans, you probably did not know of him then. However, that changed when he joined the sketch comedy show in 2008. Since then, he has been one of ...

Jeff Dunham  Wife, Children and Net Worth Ventriloquism is a very subtle method of making an inanimate object (like a puppet, doll or dummy) appear to be saying words which are actually coming from the person (holding the inanimate object). In effect, the individual throws his/her voice to the puppet and can even appear to be having a conversation with it. Not ...

Ellen DeGeneres  Net Worth, Wife  Portia de Rossi & Parents Ellen DeGeneres is an American female standup comedian who has proven that whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. Since her journey as a standup comedian started in 1981, she has held swirl as one of the finest comedians America and the world at large has seen. She is often referred to ...

Revisiting Joan Rivers Death  The Daughter, Husband & Net Worth She Left Behind Joan Rivers was a renowned American comedian, TV host, writer, and actress. Her brand of comedy consisted of scathing one-liners and no individual or topic is spared. She hosted her own talk shows in the 80s and 90s and was a pioneer for women in stand up comedy. She was the first woman to host a late night ...

The Struggles of Margaret Chos Childhood, How It Influenced Her Career Growth and Love Life Margaret Cho is best described as a comic star who knows how to maneuver everything related to life into a rib-cracking joke. She is also known to criticize every social and political problem, especially those involving race and sexuality. Apart from her talents as a comic actress, she does amazingly well as a singer and ...

Where Is Eric Bolling Today? Who Is His Son & What Is His Net Worth? Eric Bolling who was once a notable figure on Fox News, is an American TV personality, an author, and versatile Journalist. As a political and financial analyst/commentator, he anchored discussions bothering on finance for Fox Business Channel. Here is everything there is to know about his career, family, and allegations that led to his exit ...

Who Is Chelsea Handler and Does She Have A Husband or Boyfriend? Chelsea Handler is one of Americas top female comedians. She is also an actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist. She is known to be very outspoken even with things that are very personal. In separate interviews with The New York Times, Handler revealed that she had an abortion twice when she was 16. She has authored five books ...

How Did Laura Lee Achieve Fame, How Much is She Worth and Who is Her Husband? Laura Lee is a popular American YouTuber, make-up artist and beauty blogger. From posting videos of her makeup routines on Instagram, Lee has transformed into a beauty influencer and a YouTube sensation. Today, her YouTube Channel has over 630 million views and 4.5 million subscribers. Asides having millions of followers across all social media platforms, ...

Madison Gesiotto Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Measurements Madison Gesiotto is no ordinary woman; although she excelled in quite a number of pageants and competitions while she was in school, it is her views on politics and issues in America that has made her name known to most people. She possesses beauty and intelligence in a seemingly equal measure and has been able ...

Who Is Lil Tay? Parents, Brother, Sister, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity Child stardom is nothing new in the entertainment world. With the advent of social media, we have seen more stars made from the internet than ever before, and Lil Tay is one of them. Her uploaded rap videos trademark is cursing, swearing, cash-throwing, and use of obscene languages. Her fame went wild after she dropped ...

What To Know About Tig Notaros Wife, Kids and Family Today Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic star, writer, actress, and radio analyst. Since she started her career in 2001, she has become one of Americas best comedians, particularly when it comes to observational comedy. One prominent aspect of her routine involves her family, which includes a wife and two children. Interestingly, Tig Notaro is part ...

Who Is Chantel Jeffries? What To Know About Her Age, Ethnicity & Net Worth Chantel Jeffries is a lady of many talents. Beyond being celebrated as a DJ, she has fared well as a model, an actress, musician, and as an artist. She first rose to fame on Instagram where she has a large following. However, in recent times, she has hit the spotlight for her rumored relationships with some ...

Is Ellen DeGeneres Married, Who Is The Brother  Vance DeGeneres and Family Members? Ellen DeGeneres is one of a kind celebrity in todays world as she has used her wealth for the greater good for many people. She has served a host of famous awards shows like the Grammy, Primetime Emmy and Academy Awards. Moreso, she is probably one of the most decorated entertainment personalities around the world and ...

Carli Bybel Bio  Height, Boyfriend & Net Worth Video blogging is now on the rise and YouTube is the place where most of it happens. If you are a lady who cares about her looks or a guy who likes to help his woman out with her looks, then one person whose name rings a bell when it comes to giving beauty tips ...

Who Is Lexy Panterra? What To Know About Her Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth Lexy Panterra is one of the YouTube personalities whose breakout came through the Twerk dance videos she posted on her social media handles and YouTube which has so far generated over 13 million views for her. From there on, she created her LexTwerkOut workout program in 2014. She is sure very talented as she as moved ...

Who Is AnneMunition? What Is Her Ethnicity & Does She Have A Girlfriend or Boyfriend? AnneMunition is a professional gamer and content creator of American origin. She is one of the most sought-after streamers on Twitch  a popular online platform for watching and streaming videos, especially video games. AnneMunition has almost half a million followers on Twitch and her channel has accumulated at least 13 million views. Her favorite games ...

Norm MacDonald  Former Wife, Son & Net Worth Recently, 59-year-old former Saturday Night Live stand-up comic Norm MacDonald caused a not-so-funny stir when he expressed his personal opinion about the #MeToo movement speaking in defense of Louis CK and Roseanne Barr. Following the backlash of his actions, he is diligently doing damage control for his questionable opinion by posting a public apology on ...

Inside Iliza Shlesingers Life With Husband and How Much She is Worth Now Witty, spontaneous, and truly humorous, Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian who is clearly proving that the stereotypical claim that women are not really funny is not only incredibly wrong but completely outrageous. Having been in the game for more than 10 years, Shlesinger has grown bigger with each step, stunning fans with her incredible ...

Who Is Nessa Diab? Details of her Parents, Ethnicity & Relationship With Colin Kaepernick Nessa Diab has gained more fame as the girlfriend of different footballers than in her career. She is currently with the popular National Football League (NFL) player, Colin Kaepernick, and has stood by his side during his most trying times. Also known for her mononym, Nessa, she recently engaged in a tweet battle with the ...

Samantha Bee  Inside the Life of Full Frontal Comedian and Presenter We have over the decades seen various brands of humor and personalities who have walked the ropes. One of the formidable forces in the world of comedy is no other than the iconic Samantha Bee of the Daily Show who now runs her own television show on TBS channel. She is a Canadian-American political commentator, ...

What Happened To Jessica Williamss Boyfriend And Which Are Her Best Works? Jessica Williams is a woman who has a lot of feathers in her cap  and keeps acquiring more. The former senior political correspondent of the comic Daily Show, who is also a comedian and actress whose recent movie appearance include starring as a playwright just recovering from a recent split with her boyfriend, Damon, and ...

Who is Nicole Byer? Here are 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Comedian Nicole Byer, an American comedian, actress, and writer, made a name for herself after she played supporting roles on MTVs prank show Ladylike and the reality show Girl Code. The latter was a series that featured comedians who analyzed in minute details, all the issues that young women deal with daily, from period to dating, to weird friendship dynamics and questions about sex. Currently, ...

A Closer Look At Bart Kwans Ethnicity, Height & Personal Life Bart Kwan is one of few Asians who is known for being successful in the comic industry at an international level. His fame broke out after the YouTube channel which he created with his close pal Joe Jo garnered up massive followings. The talented duo has been running the channel since 2007 and their success ...

Heres How VanossGaming Achieved Fame Online, His Worth and Other Facts About The Gamer For many years, the decision to drop out of college to pursue an online career was considered to be foolish and self-destructive by conventional wisdom. It was no different when Evan Fong, popularly known as VanossGaming, dropped out of college to pursue a YouTube career. However, that radical move paid off, and he stands shoulder to ...

Desi Perkins  Ethnicity, Net Worth & Husband YouTube is littered with videos of makeup tutorials by different people but if you are interested in learning how to do your makeup like a pro, there is just one person on that platform who you must follow. She is none other than Desi Perkins! She is a popular make-up artist, Instagram star, and vlogger. Desi, ...

The Phases of Casey Neistats Pursuits and His Love Story With Candice Pool YouTuber, vlogger, filmmaker, and creator extraordinaire; these are just a few hats that Casey Neistat wears and the story of how he got here is incredible. A native of Connecticut, Neistat started out by making refreshingly-authentic short films and videos that featured content that was based on everyday life and called attention to serious issues. He ...

Connor Franta  Inside The Life of American YouTuber YouTube has produced a lot of young celebrities in modern times and Connor Franta happens to be one of them. Apart from being a YouTuber, the young American is also an entrepreneur, entertainer, and writer. His journey to fame began almost a decade ago when he started a self-named YouTube channel where he uploads content ranging ...

Rhett and Link  Bio, Who are Their Wives, Net Worth and Family Facts Rhett and Link refer to an American comedy duo who are very popular on YouTube. They are known for their comic songs, viral commercials, skits and the daily show, Good Mythical Morning. Good Mythical Morning is the most watched daily show online, averaging 100 million views in a month. The show has featured guests such ...

A Walk Through The Maze of Ryan Higas Career Pursuits And Relationship With Arden Cho Ryan Higa is not only celebrated as a YouTube star, but he is also famed for appearing on television screens as an actor and comedian. Nigahiga, his Youtube channel, has gathered over 20 million subscribers and billions of views with his different comic acts, short films, and music videos uploads. With the rise in his career, ...

What to Know About The Shows That Made Craig Ferguson a Star and His Family Ties Rising to the top of your profession can sometimes be a hard and difficult process. It requires days and nights of working consistently hard to be better than what you were yesterday. It requires not giving up when all of your experiences seem to be pushing you to quit. It is because of these challenges ...

David Dobrik Married Liza Koshy for One Month  Inside His Family and Relationships David Dobrik is a YouTube sensation who has garnered fame not just for his vlogs but his love life too. Given his career as a YouTuber, his channel is one place where he shares his romantic escapades. With a cute boyish look like his, this Slovakian young man is definitely a good catch, and not ...

Merrell Twins Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Boyfriend One of the beautiful things about modern life is social media. As rudimentary as it might seem, it could turn out to be the greatest thing that would be invented in the next 50 years because of its impact on human life. Very few tools have revolutionized human behavior and culture as much as social ...

Who Is Bunny Meyer, Is She Married & What Is Her Net Worth? Bunny Meyer is a YouTube celebrity who has amassed over 8.8 million subscribers with 1.5 million viewers on her channel. She is popularly known as Grav3yardgirl and is one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world. She initially started out as a fashion designer and later chose the path of a YouTuber. Grav3yardgirl has used her knowledge on fashion, makeup, ...

Ninja  Inside The Life of The American YouTuber and Internet Personality Ninja is a talented video game player known for his mastery of Fortnite and other seemingly difficult games he plays with ease. The video gamer made a career out of what is ordinarily the hobby of many people and has since then amassed a huge online following. Find out about him here, including the controversies that ...

What Is Eva Gutowskis True Sexuality and How Did She Rise So Fast As an Influencer? Ever since Eva Gutowski joined YouTube in 2011, it has been an interesting journey for her, moving from one milestone to the other. Backed by an army of young women and teenage girl fans known as Evanators, she has risen to become one of the most-talked-about personalities in the digital stratosphere. She has also leveraged ...

Emma Chamberlain Biography  Age, Height & Net Worth Before now, people in the entertainment industry could only achieve popularity after many years of dedication and hard work but since social media came into the scene, massive success and overnight popularity became possible. That is the story of Emma Chamberlain who encountered fame as a fifteen-year-old. Emma is one of the many young people who became ...

Anna Akana  Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth There is a new crop of YouTubers known by their different contents with a very strong uniqueness that stands every one of them out, some upload video games, some fashion while some others have comedy video contents to showcase on their channels. Anna Akana has used her platform to showcase her comedy contents to the ...

Revealing Truths About Lilly Singhs Ethnic Background, Family and Her Relationship With Yousef Erakat Lilly Singh is an Indian-Canadian YouTube personality, actress, and comedian also known as Superwoman. She kicked off her YouTube career in 2010 with the launch of her channel IISuperwomanII and followed it up with a vlog channel in 2011. This paved the way for her fame and success which led to a world tour. The ...

Who Is Andrea Constand, Is She Married and What Is Her Connection With Bill Cosby? Many people got sexually molested but could not voice out due to the stigma victims suffer and what will become of them thereafter. Very few of the victims danm every consequence to seek justice and bring the perpetrator to the book, like Andrea Constand. She never got any media buzz, not until her friend cum molester; ...

Who Is Lazarbeam (Lannan Eacott)? Here Are Facts You Need To Know Lannan Eacott became a person of interest after his YouTube channel, LazarBeam pulled him to the limelight. Initially, he started with uploads of Madden Challenge videos before deciding to build his own channel in January 2015. Within the space of three years, his YouTube channel had gathered over 7 million loyal subscribers. Today, he has not ...

Puzzling Facts About Wengies YouTube Success and More About Her Fiance Among the many YouTubers who have succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people is Wengie. She is a Chinese-Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. Wengie is famous for a lot of things, from her simple life hacks, DIYs, craft ideas to fun experiments, tricks and pranks. Her content portfolio also includes hair tutorials, diet & fitness tips, lookbooks, ...

Is Jeffree Star A Billionaire and How Much Does He Make On YouTube? If looks can be deceptive then theres no other person who proves this maxim better than Jeffree Star. A quick look at Stars pictures would likely leave you wondering whether or not to tag him a male or female. But who says being controversial has to be a curse? For Star, his looks have caught ...

The Place of Rosanna Pansinos Career Hats In Her Rise To Fame and Facts About Her Personal Life There are a few phrases that could summarize Rosanna Pansinos rise to fame. None of them can do it better than the famous axiom, no knowledge is lost. Her popularity YouTube comes out of her foray into other professions, specifically acting. Although acting now occupies one of the major professional hats in Rosannas resume, it was ...

Muselk (Elliott Watkins) Biography  Age, Girlfriend and Net Worth The new and best in-thing in terms of career is video gaming and we have over time seen young men and women make massive income from an activity that was purportedly designed to serve as a hobby or a relaxation activity. One of such individuals is the Australian-born YouTube Celebrity and Twitch streamer, Muselk, whose ...

PopularMMOs Biography: 5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know We have over the years seen social media millionaires, especially on the YouTube social platform. These celebrities cum millionaires have made names for themselves after carving out niches on the internet, and a typical example of one of such exciting media personality on the YouTube is American Minecraft gamer and YouTube star, PopularMMOs whose channel ...

Jason Nash Once Married Marney Hochman  What To Know About His Ex-Wife and Kids The now-defunct video-sharing app Vine was the path that led Jason Nash to fame. With it, he built an audience of over two million followers, which he parlayed into a significant YouTube career. That move has seen him become one of the most popular personalities on the internet, with the cash income to go with ...

Where Does Dantdm Live? What Do We Know About His Net Worth, Wife and Brother? Most parents buy video games for their kids to occupy their time leisure, while other parents frown at their kids when they play video games. Despite the disparity, every parent would be proud of their child if he/she eventually turns a celebrity or millionaire through playing video games like Dantdm. Biography of Dantdm Dantdm was born Daniel ...

LaurDIY  Biography: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTuber LaurDIY is the YouTube channel of Lauren Riihimaki which she created on December 1, 2011, when she was still a college undergrad with the sole aim of giving Do It Yourself (DIY) as well as practical fashion and beauty tips to her followers. She has used the channel to establish herself as a YouTube personality ...

Lachlan Ross Power  Bio And Family Life Of Australian The YouTube Star It is amazing the varied sources of income that the internet has made possible in this day and age. Internet fame can get its holder a whole lot of monetary and social benefits, but it must be noted that it does not come easy or cheap. For those who desire fame, content is the sacrifice ...

Alfie Deyes  Bio and Net Worth: Everything You Need To Know Alfie Deyes is one internet personality you definitely would like to know about. He boasts of over 10 million subscribers on three of his YouTube channels and has three bestseller books to his name. He is probably the most renowned young personality on YouTube today and his vlogging empire continues to grow by the day. ...

Colleen Ballingers Love Story With Husband Erik Stocklin and How Much She Is Worth Now Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian and YouTuber who is a very funny, adventurous, and highly talented woman. She is also an actress, singer, and writer. Collen is widely known for her work on YouTube where she posts content on her channel, Miranda Sings. The comedian has gained many subscribers over the years and has ...

Who Are The Dude Perfect Members and How Much Are They Worth? Entertainment in the 21st century can be digested in many forms and with platforms like YouTube, the creators and purveyors of entertainment have been democratized. Today, one of the most popular platforms to exhibit ones creative talents is YouTube, even though there are other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, who suffer in comparison to YouTube because ...

Who Is Rudy Mancuso, What Is His Earning Power and What Do We Know About His Girlfriend? Rudy Mancuso started his internet journey on Vine. He would later transition to YouTube where he solidified his place among the internets most beloved comedic creators. He is now regarded as one of the renowned internet personalities in the world, with a presence in mainstream TV and film projects like Comedy Centrals Drunk History and ...

Vsauce (Michael Stevens) Biography and Net Worth: All You Need To Know The advent of YouTube and the internet as a whole revolutionized how human beings consume information. With each passing year, the percentage of learning that is done in a traditional classroom decrease as a seismic shift to internet-based learning happens in our education industry. From open courses online to YouTube classes and videos, there are ...

How did Jake Paul Make His YouTube Big Break and Who is His Wife? One of the most interesting Social Media personalities of the 21st century is the young and popular Jake Paul whose elder brother is the famed Vine star, Logan Paul. Jake has utilized the power of the internet to bring himself to the limelight with a channel named JakePaulProductions that has amassed up to six billion ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About Reaction Time (Tal Fishman)  The American YouTuber Before 2015, the leading meaning of reaction time was the amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus, until Tal Fishman started his channel, Reaction Time on YouTube and the dominant meaning changed. Today, a google search of Reaction Time would deliver Tal Fishmans videos and YouTube channel link with a few physics ...

Grace Helbig  Net Worth, Boyfriend and Family Life of The YouTuber Grace Helbig is an American internet personality, comedian, actress, and writer. She became popular due to her daily vlog series, DailyGrace, which ran on My Damn Channel from 2008 to 2013. Helbig is also popular for her own indie series on YouTube, ItsGrace, which she launched in 2014. Her vlogs which feature random stuff such as ...

Mark Wiens Bio  Ethnicity, Wife and Parents Food is a great way to connect with people. We all love to eat, if not for the pleasure of food, the satisfaction of quenching hunger, and the very process of providing and sharing that food is part of the strongest bonds that bind humanity together. Maybe it is our historical connection to food, where ...

Is Filthy Frank Dead, What Happened To Him and How Much Is He Worth? As George Kusunoki Miller, he was a nobody. However, as Filthy Frank, George was one of the most famous internet personalities on the planet. The Filthy Frank Show, a sketch series on his YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, was one of the platforms most influential creations. He is the reason a crazy dance song, Harlem Shake, made it ...

CaptainSparklez Bio  Net Worth, House and Cars of The Famous YouTuber Sometimes, what society wants from its citizens is quite different from what the citizens want for themselves. This is evident in the life and career of video blogger and American YouTube personality, Jordan Maron famous for his YouTube channel CaptainSparklez. He dropped out of school after discovering his talent in playing an online game called Minecraft. ...

Who is Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg)? Here are Facts You Must Know Canadian Youtube personality, Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg) originally started out polishing and designing nails even before it became a trendy culture in the social media. Simply Nailogica started out her showbiz career in her early days as a child actress, acting in commercials for game and toy companies. Aside from acting, she is blogger, vlogger, specializing ...

5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Huda Beauty In the world of entrepreneurship, it is interesting when an individual has a mentor who he/she looks up to, this yield more productivity on the part of the individual. The iconic and rich American beautician and makeup artist Huda Kattan nicknamed Heida is the founder of the Huda Beauty blog which is number one Instagram beauty blog ...

Is Dino MasterChef Gay? Details About His Ethnicity, Girlfriend, Where He Is Now Food, for the better part of the early years of human life, was nothing more than what we needed for survival. There was no artistry or curation to the method of cooking. The scarcity of food left no room for artistic expression until we figured out agriculture and we could make as much as we ...

Who Is Gabbie Hanna And How Did She Become Famous? As the world shifts to digital media and depends more and more on streaming services for its news and entertainment content, YouTubers have become one of the leading creators in the new media world. Their understanding of the online audience: how to create, maintain, and increase followers, are all handy skills that have primed them ...

Jacksepticeye  Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth Jacksepticeye is a YouTuber and actor who gained popularity with a series of gaming videos he uploads on his channel to the delight of millions of his subscribers. He is Known primarily for his comic video game series titled Lets Play and his vlogs. His channel was formerly ranked 46th in the list of most subscribed ...

Chris Heria Personal Details: About His Wife, Height & Ethnicity Background In this generation, keeping fit has become one of the major criteria for being hale and hearty. In fact, most occupations these days are majorly concerned with ones body mass, weight and looks. Unlike the past where most people have to register in a gym to keep fit, social media has made it quite easy ...

Everything You Need To Know About Game Grumps Gaming is becoming incredibly popular on YouTube these days with game vloggers make millions of dollars out of them yearly. One of the most popular up-coming gaming YouTube channels is Game Grumps. The Lets Play series was created in 2012 and celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 18th, 2017. In six years of its existence, the ...

Daithi De Nogla Biography, Girlfriend and Net Worth YouTube has created an avenue for many to make wealth and become famous from the comfort of their homes while having fun. Many have built a career out of the platform, uploading numerous videos that have earned them the admiration of viewers across the globe. For Daithi De Nogla, he is loved for his humorous commentary on ...

Does Phoebe Robinson Have A Boyfriend or Husband and What Do We Know About Her Family? Phoebe Robinson is a New York-based comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the WNYC Studios podcast 2 Dope Queens. Just like some other female comedians, she never had any original plans of becoming a stand-up comedian even though, according to her, she took a class on a whim at Carolines on Broadway. After ...

Who Are Lex and Alana from Listed Sisters? What Is Their Ethnicity & Is the Show Cancelled? America is a country built on diversity. Everywhere you look all over the country, a countless number of immigrants or children of immigrants have become an integral part of the fabric of the country. From entertainment to business, immigrants are creating a niche for themselves and climbing to the summit of their respective professions. One ...

Riveting Facts About Danielle Lombard And What She Is Best Known For The American entertainment industry is one that provides many avenues for aspiring hopefuls to express their talents and become famous. From films to television shows and game shows, there is no shortage of ways for men and women who desire fame to pursue and earn it in the United States of America. Another tested medium ...

Unearthing New Details About The YouTube Success And Personal Life of Alex Burriss of Wassabi Productions Wildly hilarious and truly audacious, Alex Wassabi is an American YouTuber who has become a very popular face on the video-sharing platform after having garnered millions of subscribers over the years by keeping people glued to his channel with his witty parody video releases. If you have always loved parody videos, there is every chance ...

Everything You Need To Know About H2O Delirious H2O Delirious whose full birth name is reported to be Jonathan Gormon Dennis has successfully kept himself mystified by hiding his face behind the masks leaving his loyal fans speculating who he really is for many years. The American YouTube star is easily identified by the Jason Mask Style with make-up which he wears on his ...

Who Is HolaSoyGerman and What Happened To Him? German Garmendia has certainly seen it all when it comes to internet success. His channels, HolaSoyGerman and JuegaGerman are in the top twenty most subscribed channel on YouTube. The Chilean YouTuber found a way to tap into one of the worlds greatest inventions and make a living from it. He has been able to build ...

Who Are Glenn Becks Family, What Is His Net Worth And What Happened To Him? The American political commentary space is filled with different personalities. A few of them, through their rhetoric, charisma, and resources have been able to build a large following of men and women who listen to them for insight and direction for various political and social issues in the United States. For Conservatives, the story is ...

Following Charissa Thompsons Rise Through The Ranks Of Sports Casting and All About Her Boyfriend Superstar TV host and sportscaster, Charissa Thompson, has been hailed as one of the highest-profile women journalists in America, and the reason is there for all to see. She has worked for popular establishments such as Versus, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, GSN, and Big Ten Network. She currently hosts the popular pre-game show, Fox NFL Kickoff, ...

Is Chris Kattan Gay or Does He Have A Wife? What Is His Net Worth? Chris Kattan is a popular American comedian and actor. He has appeared in several comic movies and TV series such as The Middle, A Night at the Roxbury and Bunnicula. Kattan is, however, most popular for his six-year stint as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. During his time on the legendary show, he ...

Everything You Should Know About the Rise of Insta Star Claire Abbott and Why She Gave It All Up A lot of young Americans have shot into the limelight for uploading different kinds of videos on YouTube. Some of these young stars include Connor Franta, Desi Perkins, Emma Chamberlain, the Dolan Twins (Ethan and Grayson), and Claire Abbott. The latter became a social media celebrity for uploading sexy bikini pictures of herself on social media. Apart from ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTube Channel  h3h3Productions H3h3Productions is a YouTube channel that specializes on Comic responses or reactions of other contents or trendy stories. The celebrity couple that created the channel has over time racked up sizable views for their commentaries and contents. Even though they had their own fair share of copyright cases, thankfully they scored an unprecedented victory in all ...

Lilypichu Bio  Height, Brother and Love Story With Albert SleightlyMusical Chang Like most popular internet celebrities, Lilypichu is one of those Twitch streamers who spend their lives on camera. From daydreaming about the possibility of becoming a full-time professional streamer, she grew to live out her dreams on the popular live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day activities. Given the rise of ...

KSI  What To Know About His Girlfriend, Brother  Deji Olatunji & Net Worth Assuredly, when Internet inventors Vint Cerf and Bob Khan created the technological masterpiece, they probably did not know how massive the creation will be harnessed by many for different purposes including as a platform for earning money through content creation. One of such person who smiles to the bank regularly today for spending time creating ...

The Interesting Progression and Highlights of Carrie Keagans Career as a Host and Actress Carrie Keagan has garnered huge fame through her various stints on television. She is not just your regular TV host but one with a difference. Keagan has hosted several high profile events and TV shows, including VH1s Big Morning Buzz Live and Fox News Channels Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld. However, not many know she ...

The Gist On Elise Jordans Marriages And Her Rise To Prominence Political commentaries tend to be boring when it is handled by someone who does not have a knack for it. However, when you see the likes of Elise Jordan run the same commentary, you will have a lot of reasons to look forward to watching her again as the journalist is well-versed in the field ...

What Is Timmy Thick Best Known For and How Successful Is The Star? Thanks to the internet, many people whose talents would have ordinarily gone unnoticed have become famous. A very good example of this modern-day internet celebrity is Timmy Thick, an American social media star. He became popular on Instagram due to his penchant for posting raunchy pictures of himself. He also often posted videos of himself ...

What Does Heather Storm Do For a Living and Who Is She Dating? Reality Television is a great way to make a name for oneself as well as amass a fortune. Heather Storm can attest to this as she is one of those who have made a name and earned a lot from reality TV. She made her name appearing on shows like Car Fanatics, Awesome Autos, and, ...

Matt Carriker Biography  Net Worth, Wife & Height Unlike your regular veterinary doctor next door, Matt Carriker chose to spice up his noble profession with the unusual. Though he is known to many as a medical practitioner, Carriker is better renowned as a YouTube star and an animal lover. Having recorded huge successes on his various YouTube channels, the vet doctors name and ...

Jillian Mele of Fox News Career Achievements, Husband & Measurements There are quite a good number of presenters on radio and television who listeners and viewers may never wish to miss any of their shows because of their sensational golden voice, beauty or the special way or artistry they anchor their shows. Jillian Mele is one of such. She has been at the top of ...

Who is Gillian Turner of Fox News? Her Fiance or Husband and Net Worth Gillian Turner is well-known as a news correspondent for Fox News Channel but before she became a TV personality, she built an intimidating resume working for different institutions, including the American government. She served in different capacities at the White House National Security Council during the administration of former US Presidents  George W. Bush and Barack Obama. ...

Gloria Govan Bio  Age, Ethnicity & Height Even as Gloria Govan is famous as an American actress, author, a TV host, and reality television star, shes more popular as the wife of the former NBA player, Matt Barnes. She became known after appearing on the Florida version of the reality television series, Basketball Wives and later, Basketball Wives: LA  after Matt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sadly, ...

Michael Fishmans Interesting Start as an Actor and Why He Divorced His Wife of Many Years When one door closes, another one opens. As silly as that axiom may seem, it is the story of the resurgence of Michael Fishman, who plays D.J Conner on the popular show, Roseanne. Having played the character for several years as a child actor into his teenage years; when the show originally ended, Michael did ...

Who Is October Gonzalez  Tony Gonzalezs Wife? All You Need To Know October Gonzalez is a popular American TV host and media personality. Additionally, she is also a model. Gonzalez has hosted several TV shows such as Beat Shazam, Entertainment Tonight, and Rachel Ray. She has also featured in several reality TV shows. Gonzalezs fame is not just due to her profession but also because of her ...

Who Is Tony Berlin  Harris Faulkners Husband: His Children and Family Facts Tony Berlin is a popular American media guru. He has variously worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer for some of the biggest TV networks in America. They include CNN, CBS, NBC, and ABC (where he hosted the popular Good Morning America). Berlin has now diversified into public relations and owns his own PR firm. ...

The Progression of Gianna Tobonis Journalism Career and Details About Her Marriage to Kyle Buckley Gianna Toboni may not be your ideal newscaster but her unusual reporting is what made her a household name. The American journalist is renowned for her hard-hitting and authentic reportage. A motivator and activist for total press freedom, Gianna loves to explore pervasive cultural issues. Not only does this unique and ambitious journalist call for all ...

Dog The Bounty Hunters Family Including Details of His Late Wife and Kids Popularly known as Dog, a name which he got from the television series, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Duane Chapman, an American bounty hunter, and one-time bail bondsman, went from being convicted for a felony to being a reality TV star. He was brought to the limelight following the capture of the convicted criminal, Andrew Luster in 2003 and this eventually made ...

Vicky Karayiannis, Chris Cornells Wifes Bio, Children and Family The world of showbiz is made up of different people who serve different roles, and function in a variety of capacities, and one of the most important people are those in the background. Publicists are undoubtedly one of these background people yet they are vital to the life and fame of most of our favorite ...

Joe Rogan Has A Step-Daughter and 2 Other Kids With Wife Jessica Ditzel  Meet His Family Joe Rogan is a popular American stand-up comedian and TV host. His journey to stardom began in the late 80s and has seen him host several shows, the most popular is the game show titled Fear Factor. The exciting show dares contestants to face some of their greatest fears and embark on challenging stunts. The ...

Josh Gates and Wife Hallie Gnatovich Have 2 Kids But Who Has the Higher Net Worth? Best known for his explorations and adventures, Josh Gates, is a television presenter with a voracious appetite for seeing the world and the beauties in it. Some of that beauty, however, is in his home, in the form of two children he shares with his wife, Hallie Gnatovich. Not excluded is their marriage which has lasted ...

Holly Sonders Wiki, Plastic Surgery & Why She Divorced Her Husband  Erik Kuselias After trying everything within her capacity to have a low key wedding, Holly Sonders was drawn to the public because of her husbands controversy at his workplace. Well, the two are rumored to be divorced but the article below will give more light on how true these rumors are. Meanwhile, Holly Sonders is yet to ...

Nadeska Alexis Bio  Age, Boyfriend & Net Worth Journalism is one diverse profession that allows the practitioners to choose their area of specialty, build a career on it by reporting the truth and facts which in the long run will distinguish them as deserving commendation and recognition among their peers. Some choose to specialize in political journalism, while to others it is sports ...

Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ...

A Look At Jimmy Fallons Net Worth and Family Including His Wife & Kids Sometimes, a childs passion for something is a pointer to what he/she would become in the future. As a child, Jimmy Fallon was literally obsessed with watching the late-night comedy program, Saturday Night Live (SNL). Then, his parents would tape the clean parts for him to watch and later, he and his sister would re-enact sketches from the ...

Kay Adams Biography  Does The Sportscaster Have A Husband or Boyfriend? When you hear the phrase sports enthusiast, women are hardly the first group that comes to mind. Well, thats changing pretty fast. Especially with the rise of female sports analysts and broadcasters like Kay Adams who is famed for knowing more about sports than most men do. And why not, shes paid handsomely for it ...

Ben Shapiros Family  Meet His Wife, Kids and Sister Who is Popular for the Wrong Reasons A multi-talented man, Ben Shapiro is a man of controversial nature, an attribute that has made him an unusual public figure. An intellectual whose career path was clearly defined even before he became a man, the Jewish conservative commentator has always had his way with words. He became popular by sharing his critical and often ...

QVC Shawn Killinger Bio  Husband, Net Worth & Facts To Know Shawn Killinger is a prominent TV personality who has worked her way to the top. Though not initially a journalist by training, she defied the odds and today has established herself as a household name, as well as, worked alongside some industry legends. More than just being a reporter, newscaster, and anchor, heres all you ...

Liv Lo  Dissecting the Ethnicity, Parents and Personal Life of Henry Goldings Wife While many are aware that Liv Lo is the better half to Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding, only a few understand why his beautiful wife appears increasingly endearing to fans. A former model turned TV personality, and fitness star, Liv has an impressive resume which when combined with that of her statuesque spouse is considered a perfect ...

Stpeach Age, Husband and Other Facts About The Twitch Streamer Lisa Vannatta, famously known by her online alias, STPeach is a Canadian video game streamer cum vlogger who has garnered fame through her appearances on different video-sharing/social networking platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, Twitch, Reddit, and Twitter. The beautiful lady got her career to a start in August 2015 when she joined the live streaming video platform, Twitch. She rose to ...

Insights into Seth Meyers Wife, Family and What His Net Worth Is Celebrities are mostly remembered and known for the work they do. For Seth Meyers, his career as a comedian, writer, actor, TV host, and producer is his biggest identifier. He was on Saturday Night Live SNL show as a head writer and cast member for more than ten years during which he built a reputation ...

Who Is Jessica Gadsden  Age, Net Worth & All About Charlamagne tha Gods Wife Jessica Gadsden is an American fitness coach as well as a personal trainer. She is better known as the spouse of popular American media personality, Charlamagne Tha God. Charlamange Tha God is a well-known TV and radio personality in the U.S. He has featured in several shows (both on the radio and TV) and is ...

Who Is Collins Tuohy  Michael Ohers sister ? Her Wedding, Husband & Net Worth Collins Tuohy is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, blogger, and social media personality. She is also better known as the adoptive sister of NFL player, Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the Hollywood blockbuster The Blind Side. The Blind Side tells the true life story of Oher who grew up in an impoverished background consisting of a ...

Eye-Popping Facts About The Personal Life And Career Success Of Sportscaster Heidi Watney Heidi Watney is a media personality who has created a niche for herself as a sportscaster. Starting out as a radio presenter, the brilliant young lady has gone on to work for several prominent sports networks, and currently, she is with the MLB. The sportscaster is also known to have been an avid sports lady right ...

Marty Lagina Bio  Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ...

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Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ...

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Cathy Areus Long Road to Becoming a Freelance Journalist and What to Know About Her Kids An American freelance journalist, news analyst, and author, Cathy Areu has built a lasting reputation for herself on cable television. Popular for her skillful and sassy presentation of professional views on varying topics including cultural and feminist issues, Cathy is an inspiration to many women across the globe. In addition to being a journalist, she ...

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Paige Wyatts Net Worth, Boyfriend and Where She Is Now Paige Wyatt became popular after the Wyatt family began running the reality television show, American Guns. The Wyatt family comprises Rich Wyatt (father), Renee Wyatt (mother), Paige and Kurt Wyatt (children). Rich Wyatt originally ran a gun shop, the Gunsmoke Guns in Wheat Ridge, Colorado which is outside of Denver. The business which he ran together ...

The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ...

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Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ...

Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ...

Erik Asla And Tryra Banks Split: Everything You Need To Know Tyra Banks and Erik Asla have called it quits! The couple, who began dating in 2013 and have a son named York Banks Asla, has decided to end what everybody taught was the perfect relationship. Neither person has come out to give a reason for the breakup, but what is obvious right now is that ...

What to Note About Dr Terry Dubrows Qualifications, TV Works and Marriage to Heather Kent In the realm of people that we expect to see regularly on our screens, medical doctors are closer to the bottom of the list. Aside from the fact that their work has little correlation with TV, they are presumably too busy to pursue life as TV personalities. Yet, a few of them have usurped this ...

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A group of diverse but like-minded individuals, the members of ARC have come together in their common desire to fight hatred, bigotry, intolerance and violence because of the harm these antisocial behaviors cause to our society. In that effort, we will not use or sanction the use of illegal actions (such as violence or intimidation) in pursuit of our desired aims and if we learn of anyone who does use these unethical methods we will report those individuals to the authorities. Instead, we will use the guarantees found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that ensure freedom of legal speech and expression.
Spokesperson of French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development on April 5 issued a statement over the anniversary of military operations launched in Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh Republic) in April, 2016, the French Embassy in Armenia stated.

April 6, 2017, 11:30 Nagorno Karabakh conflict cannot be settled by military means: French MFA spokesperson issues statement

STEPANAKERT, APRIL 6 ARTSAKHPRESS: The statement reads: A year ago, the military operations launched in Nagorno Karabakh on April 2-5 and surrounded people of the region with pain were ceased. As a Minsk Group Co-Chair, France with its Russian and American partners mobilized its forces to stop the clashes and resume the talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

France reaffirms its belief that the existing status quo is not defensible, and that the conflict cannot be solved through military means. France calls on the sides to respect the commitments on the ceasefire, installation of trust mechanisms and resumption of talks reached in Vienna on May 16, 2016 and in St. Petersburg on June 20, 2016.

Recently, during his meetings with Armenian and Azerbaijani partners, the President of France reaffirmed Frances full commitment to find a favorable solution for the conflicts negotiated and long-lasting settlement, for the stability and prosperity of entire region."
The culprit, who was to leave the company the following month, was ordered to fly to Kieta and apologise personally to Somare, and the chief minister didnt think that was much of a solution.

Id never met Somare before and he was not in a good mood. The previous night in Sohano a Bougainville Copper company village relations officer had gate-crashed a cocktail party and taken the chief minister to task for refusing to officially open the copper mine at Panguna.

AT 3.45 on the afternoon of Tuesday 9 January, 1973  just before the regular afternoon thunderstorm moved through  chief minister Michael Somare stepped off a flight from Buka at Bougainvilles Aropa airport.

Somare settled into the Davara Motel at Toniva near Kieta and I sat down with him to discuss a press statement about his visit and to arrange a radio broadcast for later in the week. Having been a broadcaster himself, Somare was easy to work with and we soon had the statement worked out.

The next day I found myself reporting on a rally of 2,000 Bougainvilleans outside the Kieta sub-district office where Somare was meeting local leaders. The event lasted four hours and was at times fiery, but peaceful.

However it left officials on edge the next day, Thursday, when Somare visited the copper mine at Panguna.

Some 80 villagers bearing weapons approached a meeting place where the chief minister was due to address people from mine affected areas.

Everyone was on tenterhooks and, when Bougainvillean politicians John Momis and Paul Lapun expressed fears for his safety, Somare was flown out of Panguna by helicopter.

The villagers were upset, saying they meant no harm and the weapons they carried were symbolic. Reflecting on the incident later, my Bougainvillean colleagues felt the cancellation of the meeting and Somares precipitate departure were mistaken.

On the Saturday morning, I arrived at Davara Motel at 11.15 to meet with Somare, who turned up two hours late. When the chief minister arrived, looking relaxed despite a hectic week, he invited me to lunch with him and later we recorded a 12-minute talk reviewing his visit to Bougainville.

When we finished recording, he invited me to dinner and drinks at the Davara that night.

As a group of us waiting for Somare sat around drinking before dinner, there was a commotion as he entered the dining room.

Look at that kanaka in a laplap, a mine worker yelled, as the chief minister made his way across the room in his tailored sulu.

Somare appeared angered but didnt respond, instead pacifying his companions, some of whom looked up for a fight.

The interjectors mates settled him down and we proceeded to enjoy a pleasant evening talking politics with Alexis Sarei and other prominent Bougainvilleans.

Later, in the mens toilet, a bloke I didnt know sidled alongside me at the urinal and whispered, Watch what you say to those locals; and remember you work for the Admin.

He wasnt from the kiaps intelligence outfit, nor the police special branch  I knew their people in Bougainville. So I concluded the eavesdropper must have been an ASIO gent, giving me what he thought was some considered advice.

Photos: (top) Michael Somare with schoolchildren in 1974; (bottom) My last conversation with Michael Somare at the Australian High Commission in Canberra, 2006
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By Twocircles.net Staff Reporter

Bikramganj : After communal clashes in Nawada around the eve of Ramnavmi, tension gripped the town of Bikramganj, with incidents of stone pelting, torching of vehicles and ruckus during the annual Ramnavmi rally.

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Locals allege that the violence wasnt spontaneous but expected, which explains why the police had blocked several roads including the Sasaram road, which is inhabited largely by Muslim community. Even then, goons gathered around the blocked roads and burnt vehicles parked on the side of the road.

A local who wished to remain anonymous said, The license for the rally was from Vikramganj Chowk to Natwar road only, but some fringe elements tried to broke the protocol and they entered into the banned Sasaram road, where many Muslim families live.

Amir Quraishi, a local meat vendor, has suffered a huge loss in the stone pelting and destruction by the goons. They removed the chicken from my shop, said Amir. Shamshad Quraishis shop of cold drinks was also attacked when public headed to Sasaram road.

But the accused participants of procession said that the stone pelting was started from the other side, in which a policeman was also injured.

When police managed to take control of the situation at the Sasaram road, the violence started at Dhangai road. At Dhangai road, a mob burnt a truck loaded with cattle and beat the driver of the same. A bike parked nearby was also torched.

Earlier on Tuesday, communal tension gripped Nawada after religious posters were torn by anti-social elements a day ahead of the Ramnavmi festival. According to police, security forces have been deployed in the town and the situation is under control.

Hundreds of people on Tuesday morning blocked NH31 to protest and demanded action against anti-social elements involved in tearing religious posters in Nawada. The situation took a communal colour when some youths of another community reportedly pelted stones at those demonstrating near Sadbhavna Chowk in Nawada.

However, the police in camping in both of the tensed towns. ASP Neeraj Kumar Singh has informed the media that identification of anti-social elements is in the progress with the help of a video that was recorded during the events.

(With inputs from IANS)
As school districts across New York draft budget proposals for the 2017-18 school year, they're facing uncertainty due to the inability of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders to reach a final agreement on the state budget.

On Wednesday, Cuomo offered a solution for districts: Use his proposed school aid levels.

In his executive budget proposal, Cuomo included a $1 billion increase for public schools  a 4 percent increase over last year's total. That figure will likely increase once a state budget is finalized. But that hike won't help school districts until it's released.

"What I would ask the school districts to do it should assume the funding levels that we send them in the run," Cuomo said. "If the actual budget winds up being a little higher, then so be it."

School aid is a major source of funding for districts. For some, it could mean the difference between a budget deficit and surplus.

The Auburn Enlarged City School District is facing a $4 million budget gap in 2017-18. With a deficit looming, the district may slash positions and is considering whether to move a proposed 1.98-percent property tax increase up to a state cap of 3.98 percent.

Under Cuomo's budget plan, Auburn would get a 2.3 percent increase in 2017-18. The actual aid total would be $29,179,205, up from $28,532,032 last year.

Auburn's increase would be the largest of any other Cayuga County-area school district. Weedsport would get 2.2 percent more aid under the governor's plan. Port Byron would receive 1.9 percent more funding.

State school aid has traditionally increased in the final budget. Legislators tend to advocate for more funding to help schools in their districts.

There's no indication of when Cuomo and state legislative leaders will reach a budget agreement. Cuomo said Wednesday that there are only a few outstanding items, including education aid. But it doesn't seem there will be a deal anytime soon.

Assembly members will remain in Albany. State senators said they're heading home and will return when there's an agreement.

Cayuga County-area school districts - proposed state aid 2017-18 School 2017-18 2016-17 Percent change Auburn $29,179,205 $28,532,032 2.30% Cato-Meridian $9,151,489 $8,993,221 1.80% Jordan-Elbridge $9,894,755 $9,716,000 1.80% Marcellus $8,194,788 $8,073,592 1.50% Moravia $8,317,074 $8,187,743 1.60% Port Byron $8,930,441 $8,762,663 1.90% Skaneateles $3,919,926 $3,881,115 1.00% Southern Cayuga $6,246,254 $6,184,410 1.00% Union Springs $6,654,256 $6,588,373 1.00% Weedsport $5,729,534 $5,607,988 2.20%

(Source: Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed school aid for 2017-18)
Help India!

By Riaz Ahamed for Twocircles.net

The special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that was hearing the Ajmer Dargah blast case pronounced its judgement on March 8. As expected, the main accused in the case Swami Aseemananda was acquitted of all the charges in the case. In addition to Swami Aseemananda, NIA special court judge Dinesh Gupta also acquitted six others from the case. The acquittal of police officials from fake encounter cases and Hindutva extremists from the bomb blast cases has become a random occurrence since the electoral victory of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2014 Parliamentary elections.

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The sentencing of Devendra Gupta, Baavesh Patel and Sunil Joshi in the Ajmer case is of little solace. The mysterious killing of Sunil Joshi on December 29, 2007 and the recent acquittal of Sadhvi Pragya Singh and seven others in the case is a different story.

Powerful bombs ripped the famous Ajmer dargah on October 11, 2007 at 6.14 p.m. and claimed the lives of three innocents and injured 15 others. It was the holy month of Ramadan in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and the bombs went off just a few minutes before iftar, the time to break the day-long fast. As usual, the blame of the bomb blast was placed on the Muslim community but a fair and unbiased investigation brought out the hand of Hindutva terrorism in this case. The case that was initially investigated by the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) was later handed over to NIA on April 6, 2011.

The NIA framed charges against 13 persons. While Sunil Joshi was killed, Sandeep Dange, Ramachandra Kalsangra and Suresh Nair were proclaimed absconders. While the judgement of the case has been pronounced, the status of these three absconders still remains unclear.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Swami Aseemananda, who was accused in various cases on November 19, 2010. Naba Kumar Sarkar alias Swami Aseemananda gave his confessional statement to Judge Deepak Das of Tis Hazari court on December 18, 2010. This confessional statement created ripples at that time. Swami Aseemananda clearly stated that he was aware that he could be awarded death sentence because of this statement, but still he wished to give the confessional statement. Aseemananda gave his confessional statement under Section 164 of CrPC and was fully aware that the same could be used against him. Judge Deepak Das did not record the statement at once. He explained the full consequences of giving the confessional statement to Aseemananda and gave him two days time to think about it.

Swami Aseemananda said in detail his first meeting with Sadhvi Pragya Singh and Sunil Joshi, the secret conspiracy meetings, choosing the targets, arranging people to plant the bombs, the financial arrangements and other things in the statement. The true face of the Hindutva fascists, who often make a hue and cry on nationalism, was brought out by this statement. The role of Hindutva extremists in various bomb blasts across the nation, which include, but not limited to, Malegaon, Modassa, Hyderabad Mecca Masjid, Samjhauta Express and Ajmer Dargah was exposed.

How could the NIA special court judge neglect such strong evidence? The public prosecutor Aswini Kumar Sharma also expressed his astonishment over the same issue. Even though the prosecution have decided to appeal against the acquittal of Aseemananda, how far this is going to be put in action has to be seen.

The top brass of RSS and BJP are well aware that Aseemananda will spill the beans if he is convicted in the case. Aseemananda has given the details on the role of Indresh Kumar, the national executive council member of RSS in his confessional statement. The NIA had even mentioned in a charge sheet that Indresh Kumar was present in a meeting where the conspiracy to plant the bombs was hatched. But the NIA neither took Indresh Kumar into their custody nor was he interrogated. The Sangh Parivar has sacrificed a few arrows while the masters were saved.

The change in tone of the NIA and CBI in dealing with the cases of Hindutva extremists can be clearly felt. The BJP which termed the CBI as a caged parrot during the previous UPA regime has now got two caged parrots. The public prosecutor in the Malegaon case Rohini Salian said a few months back that the NIA officers had informed her to go soft in the case. The Modassa case was closed in May 2015 citing lack of evidence. Aseemananda was granted bail in the Samjhauta express blase case in August 2014. The Home Ministry instructed the NIA not to file an appeal against this bail order.

RSS has openly welcomed the acquittal of Swami Aseemanada in the Ajmer blast case. Susantha Sarkar, brother of Aseemananda hailed the verdict as a victory for Hindutva and has accepted that the legal expenses for the case were borne by BJP. The RSS while welcoming the acquittal of Aseemananda fails to understand that two of its pracharaks, Sunil Joshi and Devendra Gupta, were convicted in the same case. This is the first instance in which the RSS pracharaks were declared convicts in a major bomb blast case. The special court has awarded life imprisonment for Bhaavesh Patel and Devendra Gupta. The role of RSS terrorists in the bomb blast cases has thus been proved.

A day before the acquittal of Swami Aseemananda, a trial court at Gadchiroli awarded life sentence for Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Saibaba. Prof. Saibaba, JNU student Hem Mishra, former journalist Prasanth Rahi and Gadchiroli residents Mahesh Dirke and Pandu Narade were awarded life imprisonment for their alleged relation with Maoists and waging war against the nation. Vijay Dirke, another accused in the case was awarded ten years imprisonment.

The prosecution presented 23 witnesses in the case and of these, 22 were policemen. The sentence was given based on the statements given by these witnesses and electronic evidence. No other evidence was presented in the court apart from the electronic and video evidence. Prof. Saibaba who was given life sentence is suffering from 90% disability. The Maharashtra police arrested him in 2014 and he was granted six months bail by the Bombay High Court after fourteen months of imprisonment. The Supreme Court later granted him bail in April last year. Prof. Saibaba was not arrested but was rather abducted by cops of various agencies while he was on his way to his residence from the college. The cops later took him to Nagpur without providing any information to his family.

The courts that were earlier reluctant to grant bail to a person suffering from 90% disability has been awarded life sentence on flimsy ground. Rebecca John, the advocate for Saibaba has said that they will appeal against the trial courts verdict. Activists point to the earlier cases against Prof. SAR Geelani and Dr. Binayak Sen who were sentenced on similar charges by the lower courts, which were subsequently turned over by the apex court.

The courts which grant bail and even acquit Hindutva extremists, in spite of credible evidence are awarding life sentence for people like Prof. Saibaba who were charged on weak evidence. This shows that double standard is still followed in the judiciary. The existence of double standard in the judiciary, which serve as the last resort for the aggrieved, will only lead to more crimes. Its the duty of all responsible citizens to fight against the double standard in the judiciary. Failing to do so will only lead to the continuance of this practice, which is not good for a healthy democracy.

The writer is the Associate Editor of Puthiya Vidial, a Tamil fortnightly
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New Delhi, (IANS): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Bhartruhari Mahtab on Thursday said the government should identify and dispose of Rohingya Muslims who have illegally migrated to India and are being trained as terrorists.

Mahtab raised the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero hour.

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Dark clouds have appeared in Jammu and Kashmir Dark clouds of terrorism There is emergence of a new insurgent group called Harakah al Yakin consisting of Rohingya Muslims and its presence is in Bangladesh, Myanmar and India, Mahtab said, raising the issue.

This was reported by a Brussels-based international crisis group. Since then, 40,000 Rohingya Muslims have entered our country as refugees illegally through Bangladesh, the Bay of Bengal and the Myanmar border, he added.

Myanmar is not recognising them. Indian government is also not recognising them as refugees. Should we treat them as stateless persons?

Mahtab said, Jammu and Kashmir is a very sensitive place for this country. These people are now being trained as terrorist. Intelligence report says the IS (Islamic State terror group) has already been in touch with them.

He also referred to a terror attack in Bihars Buddhist shrine Bodh Gaya in 2013.

This reminds me of an attack that happened in Bodh Gaya where IM (Indian Mujahideen) was involved, he said.

As Myanmar is a Buddhist state, they are persecuting Rohingya Muslims. They are flying off to Thailand and other places. It is high time Home Ministry recognises them and removes them, he said.

The BJD MP also asked what has the External Affairs Ministry done in this regard.

The whole nation would want to know what the ministry has done in contacting the Myanmar government, he said.

The Home Ministry should identify them and dispose them of as per the law because we do not have a refugee policy, Mahtab said.

He also said that it was alarming that many Rohingya Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir have got Aadhaar cards.

The government should react immediately. We should not wait for cloudburst, he said.

Rohingya Muslims are a group of Muslims from Myanmar living in Rakhine state since the 15th century. According to some scholars, they are indigenous to Rakhine while other historians claim that the group represents a mixture of pre-colonial and colonial immigrants.

Following reports of atrocities against the Rohingyas in Myanmar since October 2016, the UN in February questioned the credibility of a government-led investigation into allegations of abuses against them.

In March, the UN Human Rights Council decided to send a fact-finding mission to clarify allegations of abuse by security forces against the Rohingyas.

The Myanmar government, however, rejected the UN Mission to investigate the alleged persecution.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday said ethnic cleansing was too strong a term to describe what was happening in the Muslim-majority Rakhine, according to a BBC report.

Reports said, the India government was working on identifying Rohingya Muslims who have entered the country over the past five to seven years and were staying illegally in various pockets, including in Jammu and Kashmir, for likely arrest and deportation under the Foreigners Act.

A terror attack in and around the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya on July 7, 2013, was targeted at international Buddhist tourists to avenge the killings of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, according to the revelations by an arrested SIMI and Indian Mujahideen suspect, reports have said.
Help India!

New Delhi, (IANS): A sessions court here on Thursday stayed a lower court order that directed nine JNU students to appear before it to record their consent or refusal for a lie-detector test in case of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Siddharth Sharma stayed a magisterial courts order dated March 30 and fixed May 3 for further hearing in the matter.

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After the stay by the sessions court, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass adjourned the matter pending in his court for May 4.

On March 30, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate had ordered the nine Jawaharlal Nehry University students to appear before it on April 6 without fail.

The court was hearing a Delhi Police plea for recording consent/refusal of these nine students for polygraphy.

As per the National Human Rights Commission, the lie-detector test is not authorised by law and must be regarded as illegal unless it is voluntarily accepted, the students lawyer said.

On December 22, the Delhi High Court had directed police to conduct the tests on these JNU students regarding Najeeb Ahmed, who went missing in October 2016.

The Crime Branch told the court that the nine students had failed to join the investigation.

Ahmed, 27, an M.Sc. First Year student, allegedly went missing after a row with members of the RSS student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which denied involvement.
Group of LGBT + activists called Sexual Avengers attacked this week's awards in the real estate industry in London, writes Pink News. They threw fertiliser and roaches on the red carpet. They stated that the protest was a statement against "the urbanisation of London and the discrimination of its diverse communities."

The event was taking place at the Grosvenor House hotel on Park Lane in London.

Tickets to the Property Industry event were going for up to several hundreds of pounds while a table price was as much as 3,050.

Members of the Sexual Avengers announced that they attacked the happening in order to bring awareness for the lack of genuinely affordable homes, acceptable rent, and help for LGBT+ homeless people.

"Property owners are getting richer while forcing the poor on the streets, or in filthy apartments filled with pests"

The protesters criticised the gentrification of London and the displacement of its diverse communities.

A spokesman for the group said: "We have a disfavour with the real estate market in which the landlords and agents are sentencing us to live in precarious dwellings with dirt and vermin."

"Property developers are only getting richer, building a multimillion- dollar projects and making the working class and the poor queer people on the streets," he added.

"I have lost a home after losing my partner"

Activist Stacey Jones told the Gay UK ". My partner died of cancer last April, and in May, I was thrown out from the house that we lived in.

They could not understand how can I have a child being in a relationship with a woman."

"I just lost a partner and I had to sit there and justify my own sexuality. I had to justify why I deserve a house where we lived, where I took care of her, the house in which she died, "added Jones.

"Property owners need to make homes for need, and not for greed.

I have been a homeless person twice in my life, and I would probably be homeless right now if it was not for Stonewall (an organisation that promotes gay rights). It is maddening to see the number of people living on the streets compared to the number of empty properties." Stacey Jones said.
Liam Fox, International Trade minister, is doing the rounds within The Commonwealth in a bid to ensure that Britain can maintain strong trade agreements with those nations. The amusingly dubbed Empire 2.0 is one of the grand plans for post-Brexit Britain and was one of the major plans cited by key leave campaigners during the referendum. But maintaining those key trade relationships is going to be difficult, irrespective of whether they are part of the Commonwealth or not.

The Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of 52 nations, most of which were territories that were part of the British Empire.

Since the dismantling of the Empire the Commonwealth has become more an economic and trade consensus.

Working with Australia

Foxs latest trip has seen him in Australia where he told Canberra MPs that the UK is keen for a trade deal with the nation. He told a parliament committee that the UK government wants to expedite a free trade deal with Australia post-Brexit. In 2016, the UK government had established a bilateral Trade Working Group to begin the process of scoping out a future Free Trade Agreement. This took place in December involving Lord Price CVO, UK minister for Trade Policy and Steven Ciobo MP, Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

Australia are eyeing a relax in immigration rules as part of their negotiations, as reported by the Financial Times.

But the UK has already significant investment with Australia, there is already a trade deal in place. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) around 1500 UK businesses in the nation, it is the UKs 14th largest export market ahead of other Commonwealth nations, Canada, and India, exporting around 8.3bn in 2015.

The UK is the 2nd largest investor in Australia with over 300bn invested in Australia and the UK are the second largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination for Australia with 97 FDI projects in 2015/16, rising 20% from the previous year.

The Chancellors trip to India

The latest trip comes after recently Phillip Hammond visited India, a foray that ended with Hammond having to defend his governments immigration policy after concerns were raised over the drop in Indian students within the UK.

He said, There is no doubt that there is a perception in India that Indian students are somehow being impeded from going to the UK, Hammond continued There is no quota, no limits, no restrictions on Indian students applying to British universities. Ninety percent of Indian students who apply for a student visa get a student visa.

The Chancellor went onto say the crackdown had seen Indian student numbers fall, but they are now slowly rising again, he said. We want to see them rising more quickly, and I can only go on making that statement: we are open to Indians.

British history and Brexit

These statements have been met with disappointment by those keen to significantly reduce immigration into the UK.

This was a key point in the vote for Brexit and has played a key role in general elections since 2010, despite evidence explicitly stating that its not an issue. The government assume the Commonwealth will open their doors to the UK because of shared history, culture, and laws.

The government seem to forget that several Commonwealth nations, in particular India, suffered a great deal of oppression and violence due to the British Empire, the dubbed Empire 2.0 scheme is an insult to the history and those who fought and died for their true sovereignty and freedoms.

Plus, without unfettered access to the single market, Britain becomes a less attractive trade route which means what the UK offers as a nation will be vital in securing free trade deals in the future.

What the government offers the likes of India and Australia will set out what they can take to the other nations of the Commonwealth, as well as other nations around the world but the processes will be difficult but vital in securing the future of the UK.
Mark Reckless has made a triple-turn and has defected back to the Conservative Party.

The former Tory MP has declared his support for Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan.

The Welsh Assembly Member dealt a major blow to the coalition government by abandoning the Tories in 2014. Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron then branded him a 'fat ****.'

The Welsh Conservative Group Leader RT Andrew Davies branded him as a 'hard-working and dedicated' AM.

He added: 'The Conservatives are now the only official opposition to the Welsh Labour Party.'

But the Welsh Ukip Group Leader Neil Hamilton said he had 'betrayed the trust' of his party's supporters.

Nigel Farage, who was leading UKIP at the time of his switch, scored a double-whammy that year as Clacton MP Douglas Carswell stabbed Cameron in the back by also defecting to the Eurosceptic party.

'I support Theresa May'

Announcing that leaving the European Union was a 'job done' by the pro-Brexit party, Mr. Reckless has left his UKIP colleagues and jumped ship to join the Conservative Group in the Welsh Assembly.

He said: 'I support Theresa May and her team of Brexit ministers to deliver.'

But his decision to leave has caused anger among UKIP's ranks. The party has reacted by suggesting he surrender his Welsh Assembly seat to another one of the party's candidates on their regional list.

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage said his decision was 'dishonourable.'

He added: 'I thought better of him.'

It comes as a significant blow to the pro-Brexit party as Mr.

Carswell quit to become an independent MP as a result of a nasty and public two-year war with Mr. Farage.

'Not rejoining the party'

The loss of the two defectors followed a humiliating UKIP defeat in Stoke-on-Central in February.

This will add to current UKIP leader Paul Nuttall's problems to redefine the party after the Brexit result last year.

However, the Conservative Party was quick to add Mr. Reckless was not 'rejoining' the party.

Instead, they stressed he would be treated as a member of the group in the Welsh Assembly only.

After Mr. Reckless quit the Tories he triggered a by-election in his former Rochester and Strood seat, which he won after defeating Conservative candidate Kelly Tolhurst.

UKIP were awarded with two MPs in the House of Commons for the first time as Mr. Carswell retained his Clacton seat.

Despite this, Mr. Reckless lost his seat in the 2015 General Election to his rival in the previous election, Ms Tolhurst.

He later won his seat on the Welsh Assembly in 2016.

UKIP Chairman Paul Oakden agreed with his former leader that he should not be allowed to retain his current seat.

He said this is because he won it as a UKIP candidate and another candidate who is waiting on the regional list deserves to get it.

He added he is 'disappointed' with Mr. Reckless' decision.

'Daniel Hannan orchestrated this'

Former UKIP fundraiser Arron Banks said he was a 'weak man.'

He accused Conservative MEP and Brexiteer Daniel Hannan of orchestrating Mr.

Reckless' and Mr. Carswell's defections.

Before defecting to UKIP, Mark Reckless had an established career in the Conservative Party.

In between 2002-04, he was a member of the policy unit at Conservative Central Office where he published books on deregulation policy and helped craft the policy on police and crime commissioners.

He was later elected as a member of parliament in 2010 with a 9,953 majority for the Conservatives.

Mr. Reckless also stood in the Medway constituency in 2001 and 2005, cutting Labour's majority to 3780 in 2001 and 213 in 2005. He also served as a councillor in the same constituency in between 2007-2011.

He served on the Home Affairs Select Committee after becoming an MP in 2010. He made a name for himself by arguing for the deportations of Abu Hamza and Abu Qatada.
Thae Yong Ho is the North Korean defector with the highest public profile over the past twenty years, and hes spoken out against his countrys dictator Kim Jong-un (again). According to Thae, Kim is happily ready to launch his nuclear weapons in an attack on the US and its allies (which includes us), and warns the world to prepare for such a launch because well all be propelled into a devastating nuclear War if he does. He advises that the real solution to the nuclear threat posed by North Korea is simply to eliminate Kim.

Thae says the world should be prepared for nuclear warfare

According to Thae, the North Korean dictator is just about ready to fire on all cylinders with his impressive nuclear arsenal, because he is desperate in maintaining his rule, which he says relies entirely on fearmongering with a nuclear fist.

Thae also mentioned intercontinental ballistic missiles, the rockets North Korea have been testing that could reach US soil and target major US cities (and President Donald Trump is taking that very lightly).

Thae described the tightrope walk that America doesnt even realise its on by saying that the second Kim catches wind of any kind of sign of a tank or an imminent threat from the US, hell launch his inventory of nukes. Uh-oh, right? Although Thae was not involved in the nuclear weapons program within the North Korean government, he believes that their development of nuclear weapons has achieved a very significant level.

Defector says Kim can do anything

Thae says that if Kim has nuclear weapons and ICBMs (which it seems very, very likely that he does), then he can do anything, which is a terrifying sentiment.

Thae had a position in the North Korean government once, he knows what hes talking about. He warns that the world should be ready to deal with this kind of person.

Also, Thae warns that what dictator Kim is capable of is beyond the normal imagination. He cant stress enough how worried we should be about this guy. He says the only real solution he can think of to the Kim Jong-un situation is to assassinate him, plain and simple. Theres no other way around it, apparently.
A petition by Change.org is asking Melania Trump to move to the white house or pay for the security expense incurred by her stay at Trump Tower in New York. The petition has become hugely popular and currently has more than a half a million signatures.

The petition details

The petition is demanding that the first Lady move to the White House or be personally responsible for her security expenses in New York city. The wife of the president is living in New York at Trump tower instead of the White House which means additional security costs. The petition is asking the first lady to move to the White House or pay for the extra security to stay in New York.

The petition further states that the US taxpayer is paying a lot of money to keep her in her current residence and moving to Washington will -- help relieve the national debt, this expense yields no positive results for the nation and should be cut from being funded.

A misuse of taxpayer dollars

The petition has generated a lot of interest and thousands of supporters have aired their concern about this added security expense at Trump tower and what they see as a misuse of taxpayer money. Some felt that this money could be better spent on improving the education and healthcare systems. Another supporter says that living in the White House is what one does when they are married to the president of the United States and that money saved can be used to feed senior citizens and questions why our tax money is being spent on those who already have more than their fair share.

Why Melania hasnt moved to the White House

After winning the November presidential election, Donald Trump told the media that his wife and their son Baron will not be moving to the White House and that they will be living in the New York so that Barron could continue at the same school. He further stated that they will move to the Washington soon after their son finished school.

A later report by US Weekly stated that the first lady may not move to the White House at all and that they will re-evaluate their decision at the end of the school year. The office of the President had no comment on the report.

The cost of security at Trump Tower

There is indeed and additional cost for securing the Trump Tower while the president's family lives there.

Senator Chuck Schumer says that the costs of security for Trump Tower could add up to $183 million each year. Breaking down the costs, the senator said $500,000 a day goes toward 200 police officers who protect the family residence.

The future of the petition

As popular as the petition to get the first lady to move to Washington is, what happens after is uncertain. The petition originally hoped for 300,000 signatures and has since far exceeded that number. The petition will go to Senator Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren but since neither of them sit on the committee that oversees the US Secret Service budget, it is unlikely any action will be taken, but it's popularity is sure to create a buzz around this issue.
This week British Prime Minister Theresa May activated Article 50 and thus officially launched the process of separating the United Kingdom from the European Union. In recent years, few believed in this outcome.

What does that mean for immigrants?

Free entry tor EU citizens in the United Kingdom will be possible for at least another five years, announced Theresa May according to the British media. Prime Minister of Great Britain, said that the British should be placed under the control of its borders, but that does not mean that EU citizens will not be allowed to entry.

Britain will need at least three years to fully secede from the EU. She added that is crucial that the British public, as part of the vote that they took last year, be sure that they have control of their borders, and control of their immigration. May believes that that is exactly what the British will have when they leave the EU. She also said that companies and people should be given time to adjust after Brexit, and country will consequently introduce a specific implementation period.

UK independence party leader Paul Nuttall accused the British prime minister: "The back sliding is in full swing and for Theresa May, it is no longer possible to hide it." He added that there is no need for a transitional or implementation period, and that businesses across the UK should all start preparing right now for a time when open immigration will not exist anymore.

A pressure group Leave Means Leave has called upon caution, since there could be a wave of migrants from the European Union coming to claim their citizenships rights before a cut off moment. They said that the Prime Minister must not fail to set a cut off point on immigration, or Britain will face a crisis as roughly 1.25 million EU migrants will likely move to UK, causing a breaking point at their public services and transport.

What do the citizens want?

This week was published an ICM poll that suggested that the majority is relaxed about the possibility of Free Movement happening after Brexit. They were asked if they would accept the free movement for a couple of years, and 54 percent of people declared it acceptable, and only 29 percent of people said it is not acceptable.
The Cayuga County Department of Motor Vehicles' eighth annual Organ Donor Month will kick off from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, April 10.

County Clerk Sue Dwyer is partnering with the New York Alliance for Donation to encourage people to become organ/tissue donors.

New York state has the third highest need for donors in the U.S., but one of the lowest rates of donor designation. Only 18 percent of adults have enrolled in the New York State Donate Life registry, compared to 42 percent nationally.

"The statistics are truly eye-opening," Dwyer said in a news release. "Every 18 minutes a person dies waiting for a transplant, and more than 121,000 patients in the United States are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. You can make a difference."

Refreshments and items promoting organ donation will be available at the DMV, 160 Genesee St., Auburn.

For more information, visit alliancefordonation.org.
In recent days, Donald Trump has been on the defensive as the president has pushed back against the growing allegations surrounding his administration. In his latest social media attack, Trump has once again set his sights on Barack Obama.

Trump on Obama

Just last week, the Washington Post broke a bombshell story that revealed current Attorney General Jeff Sessions had failed to disclose at least two private meetings with Russian officials during his Senate confirmation hearing. The meetings allegedly took place during the campaign, in July and September of last year.

The news comes less than a month after retired Gen. Michael Flynn was forced to resign as National Security Adviser due to his communication with a Russian offical at the end of 2016. In response, Donald Trump came to the defense of Sessions on social media, while also hitting back at the Democratic Party. As part of his attack, Trump went after Barack Obama, going as far as accusing him of wiretapping Trump Tower. As seen during a pair of March 7 Twitter posts, Trump has decided to target Obama once again.

122 vicious prisoners, released by the Obama Administration from Gitmo, have returned to the battlefield. Just another terrible decision!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 7, 2017

"122 vicious prisoners, released by the Obama Administration from Gitmo, have returned to the battlefield," Donald Trump wrote on Twitter early Tuesday morning, before adding, "Just another terrible decision!" Not stopping there, the former host of "The Apprentice" continued his attack on the former commander in chief.

For eight years Russia "ran over" President Obama, got stronger and stronger, picked-off Crimea and added missiles. Weak! @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 7, 2017

"For eight years Russia 'ran over"' President Obama, got stronger and stronger, picked-off Crimea and added missiles," Donald Trump added in a follow-up message on Twitter, while adding, "Weak!" Trump's decision to go after Obama comes without evidence, and appears to have originated in a Breitbart News article that pushed the story of the potential wiretapping of Trump Tower.

Obama released a statement through a spokesman over the weekend that denied wrongdoing doing, with many others pushing back at the allegations.

Next up

Despite his accusation against Obama, Donald Trump has failed to provide any credible evidence to back up his claim. While the majority of the mainstream news media has dismissed Trump's attack, the president and his team are sticking to their story, despite the lack of proof behind the claim in question.
After years of constant criticism, Republicans have finally rolled out their replacement to the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as "Obamacare." While many on the right, including President Donald Trump, are happy with the proposal, one prominent Republican is pushing back.

Trump on Paul

When former President Barack Obama signed Obamacare into law, it was instantly hit with backlash from those on the political right. For years, Republicans and the right-wing media made attacking the new health care law a top priority, which became almost a prerequisite for a conservative candidate running for office.

Donald Trump made criticizing Obamacare a central theme of his presidential campaign, which helped lead him to victory last November. On Monday, House Republicans announced the "American Health Care Act" with the hope that it could make it to the president's desk. In addition to expected attacks from Democrats, Republican Sen. Rand Paul came out hard against the bill during a Tuesday morning interview on Fox News. Responding to Paul's criticism was Donald Trump, who addressed the issue on Twitter on March 7.

I feel sure that my friend @RandPaul will come along with the new and great health care program because he knows Obamacare is a disaster!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 8, 2017

"The House leadership plan is Obamacare Lite," Rand Paul told the hosts of "Fox and "Friends" on Fox News." Not stopping there, Paul went on to predict that "It will not pass," stating, "Conservatives are not going to take it." Paul's comments don't come as a complete surprise, as some conservatives don't believe that the proposal goes far enough.

ICYMI: @RandPaul predicts the House GOP's Obamacare replacement bill is not going to pass pic.twitter.com/gyo5TBN6vf  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) March 7, 2017

On Tuesday night, Donald Trump went back to his Twitter account to offer his official response to Rand Paul. "I feel sure that my friend @RandPaul will come along with the new and great health care program because he knows Obamacare is a disaster!" Trump tweeted out.

Earlier in the day, Trump gave his endorsement of the health care replacement. "It's a complicated process, but actually it's very simple," Trump said, while adding, "It's called good health care."

Next up

While Republicans have finally offered their own replacement to Obamacare, it's expected to face a tough battle in the Senate. Democrats have already vowed to push back, while Rand Paul and a handful of other Republicans remain skeptical at best.
A new and stricter state Background check law was implemented in January of this year in Massachusetts. More than 8,000 drivers of Uber and lyft have been denied licenses to operate due to several violations.

Out of 70,789 applicants, 8,206 were rejected. The most common reason for the rejection was the status of their licenses, many had suspended licenses while some were not driving enough to qualify for the company. Some had serious crimes on their record including violent or sexual offenses, while others had drunk or reckless driving violations.

The new background check law

Under the new law, drivers for companies such as Uber and Lyft need to undergo a two-part background check, one from the company itself and another by the state government. This has come about as a result from criticism Uber has received for the way they have been handling background checks. The company reportedly failed to discover criminal records of 25 drivers that were operating in Los Angeles and San Francisco in 2014.

However, Uber and Lyft explained that Massachusetts background check investigates much deeper into an applicants history compared to their background check. Lyft said in a statement, Under Massachusetts law, Lyfts commercial background check provider, like all consumer reporting agencies, is legally prevented from looking back further than seven years into driver applicants histories, according to a report by Boston Globe.

The new law is reportedly unfair to drivers with prior violations who want to turn their lives around.

Uber sued by stab victim

In other news, Uber is being sued by a woman named Jennifer Camacho, who was allegedly attacked with a knife by another passenger, a 34-year old woman, in a cab of the ride-sharing company.

The company told the media that the incident did not involve Uber and it was an altercation between two passengers. Their insurance provider refused to compensate the alleged victim. However, Camachos lawyer said that the company should take responsibility and is seeking $150,000 in damages.
Iranian-American Robin Shahini had been serving Prison time in Iran until a few days ago. He was convicted for having partnership in a malicious government. He has now been discharged from prison on bond after performing a weeks-long hunger strike, resisting his imprisonment alongside other dual nationals targeted by hard-liners. Hadi Ghaemi from the Center for Human Rights in Iran said Shahini, a California resident, was released from prison on a $62,000 bond. However, it is uncertain whether or not Shahini may leave the region.

Iranian officials have yet to comment on Shahini being released on bail.

Apprehension for no reason

Shahini took a trip last year to Iran to see his mother who was at the time recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. During his stay within the country he was investigated by Iranian officials. They took whatever information they could find to obtain probable cause and used it against him in their court of law. He was apprehended on July 11, 2016 and taken to an Iranian prison.

Iranian controversy

During trial, district attorneys reportedly used social media images of Shahini standing near famous Iranian exiles to make a statement of his sentence. Hard-liners have been utilizing such scenarios to dispute the governing body of President Hassan Rouhan. Iran's presidential election is coming in May, and Rouhani is predicted to run next month.

Iran does not acknowledge dual citizenship, meaning that individuals they detain can't receive consular support. American dual-nationals have faced subliminal charges in closed-door proceedings before Iran's Revolutionary Court. These cases have landed them in prisons all over Iran. The court is formed to handle cases involving alleged attempts to overthrow the government.

Experts and relatives of those detained have advocated to Irans surveillance teams that they need to negotiate another deal with the United States. They are suggesting that the Islamic Republic does this so that Shahini and the other captives cannot return home.
JORDAN  The Jordan-Elbridge Central School District's capital project is going to cost about a million dollars less than originally planned.

The overall construction cost for the project  which involves renovating and improving district buildings  is expected to be approximately $8 million, down from the approximated $9 million originally forecast in November.

Superintendent Jim Froio said at a board of education meeting at the Jordan-Elbridge Central School District Office on Wednesday, that around 30 contractors were at a recent facility walk through. Froio said the recent timing of the bids was suspected to have helped bring bid prices down.

"This is very good news for us, and there was a lot of competition for the work for this capital project," Froio said.

The board also voted on whether or not to accept each bid for work related to the capital project. Each bid was accepted by the board.

The lowest bid for electrical construction work was made by Ridley Elctric Co., with a total bid of $850,800. The lowest general construction bid was made by Diamond & Thiel Construction Company, Inc., with a total of $1,160,757.

"We worked with them on the last project and we're very familiar with them and we're very happy they came in with the lowest bid," Froio said.

The capital project work includes window replacement, gym bleacher replacement and landscaping for Elbridge Elementary School and turf work for John Howes Stadium at Jordan-Elbridge High School, among other work.

Director of Facilities Vinny Smith said that of all the work to be done, he is most excited about the energy work, including electrical and boiler work, saying he wants it to be done efficiently.

"Same thing as you do with your own house," Smith said.
Ivanka Trump fired back at critics in an interview on CBS with Gayle King on Wednesday, April 5. The main issue was that a comment was made that she and her husband Jared Kushner are "complicit" with President Donald Trump. The husband and wife both have unpaid jobs in the White House. Ivanka is the president's daughter and his assistant, and Jared is the president's son-in-law and his senior adviser.

'Complicit'

Since Ivanka said she doesn't know what the word means, Merriam-Webster helped her out. Officials of the well-known dictionary tweeted the definition of "complicit" because the word was trending on the dictionary's website.

Along with Merriam-Webster's tweet was a link to the meaning of the word.

This is not the first time the dictionary has tweeted someone in the White House about the wrong use of words. When Kellyanne Conway used the expression "alternative facts," the dictionary tweeted a clarification of the meaning. Also, on a couple of occasions, the dictionary has tweeted the president about misspelled words.

Trump/King interview

In her first interview since becoming her father's assistant, Ivanka told King that if being complicit is wanting to be a force for good and to make a positive impact, then she is complicit. However, Merriam-Webster disagreed with Ivanka's use of the word. According to the dictionary, complicit means "helping to commit a crime or to do wrong in some way." The dictionary used the word in a sentence to help Ivanka and others know how the word should be used.

For example, "He was complicit in the cover-up."

Ivanka addressed the public's criticisms about Kushner's qualifications because of the responsibilities he has been given without having the experience. She concluded that her husband is smart, talented and capable. After all, he helped her father win the presidency.

Ivanka talked about other things during the interview. She mentioned several issues that she doesn't speak publicly about, including Planned Parenthood, gay rights, and climate change.
Peter Kema, Sr. pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Wednesday in a Hawaii court, 20 years after his son, known as Peter Boy went missing at six years of age. All that remains is for Kema to show the prosecution the location of his sons remains. Alternatively he must pass a polygraph test to show he is telling the truth. It turns out the young boy died due to child abuse and lack of medical care. According to a report by Hawaii News Now, Kema also admitted to hindering the prosecution and has agreed to a prison sentence of 20 years, of which he will probably face a mandatory minimum behind bars of six years and eight months.

Peter Boy was the face for missing and abused children in Hawaii

20 years ago, Peter Boy was the face in a campaign for abused and missing children in Hawaii, with bumper stickers and posters printed with the words, So wheres Peter? There was no closure for the family and twenty years went by. Kema had told authorities that he had taken Peter Boy to Oahu where he gave the child to Aunty Rose Makuakane as part of an informal adoption. However police could not track down the woman and there were no airline records to show that Kema had flown from the Big Island to Oahu.

According to prosecutors they had long suspected that Kema and his wife Jaylin were involved in the childs disappearance, but they had insufficient evidence against the couple until last year.

At that stage a grand jury indicted Kema and his wife on murder charges.

The New York Daily News notes that last year the boys mother pleaded guilty to manslaughter. At that time Jaylin agreed to waive marital privilege and accepted in return a one-year prison sentence with credit for time served, meaning she could testify against Kema if he went on trial.

Peter Kema became face of missing children's campaign in Hawaii. Now his father has pleaded guilty in his death. https://t.co/9eWYD3wXmk  The Associated Press (@AP) April 6, 2017

Peter Boy was suffering abuse from his father

According to Ricky Damerville, the Hawaii County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, back around 1996 and 1997, some family members had been concerned that Kema was abusing his son.

One injury in particular was mentioned, where his arm had a pus-filled wound that was untreated and festering. Damerville added that despite the fact the family had health insurance the mother didnt report the abuse or get medical treatment for her son as she was in fear of her husband.

Father of 'Peter Boy' missing 20 years pleads guilty to manslaughter https://t.co/90VaPXhZBG @MailOnline  Larry Cooper (@coopah) April 6, 2017

The prosecutor mentioned further that during 1997 the Kemas daughter heard her mother calling for the father and saw Jayline attempting to resuscitate Peter Boy. The then 4-year-old girl then said she saw "Peter Boy" lying in a box. It is believed the cause of the boy's death was septic shock.

When the prosecutor produced facts about abuse suffered by Peter Boy in court, along with her failing to get the child medical treatment and his resulting death, Jaylin agreed to those facts.

Once Kema has shown the prosecution where he left his sons remains, the family can finally experience some closure.
North Korea has recently been linked to around 18 countries recently, and it's not because they're promoting peace. Apparently, the East Asian country has been associated with Cyber attacks on financial institutions in all of those countries, per a report by CNN. According to a handful of global security experts, the country led by the infamous Kim Jong-Un is more than likely using the money acquired in these "hits" to help fund nuclear weapon development.

Alleged North Korean attacks have affected countries all around the world

Experts at Kasperky, a leading cyber security firm based out of Moscow, Russia, say the hacking operations are being carried out by an organization known only as "Lazarus." Reports claim the "Lazarus" entity (sources don't know for sure whether it's a single person, a group, or something else) is responsible for attacking banks and other institutions in countries that span all the way across the globe- Nigeria is a victim, for instance, as is Costa Rica.

The one thread all of the attacks seem to have in common, however, is their origin. Sources from Kaspersky state North Korea appears to consistently be at the center of it all. According to these same sources, the Lazarus operation routs a signal through countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and France in order to conceal its identity. One connection, however, recently sprouted up from North Korea, before quickly changing. The Kaspersky team is using this accidental disclosure as evidence that, at the very least, North Korea is "a very important part of this equation."

North Korea has been accused of international cyberattacks before

Reports indicate that in recent years, North Korea has been suspected of masterminding other cyber attacks, including the infamous Sony Pictures leak in the US in 2014.

As "Lazarus" became more and more advanced, however, the country set its sights on global finances. CNN reports that the earliest recorded victim was a bank in Vietnam, while the latest institutions to fall prey to the alleged North Korean attacks have been in places as random as Gabon. Some of the most recent attacks happened just weeks ago, according to a report by Symantec, a California-based company well known for its Norton line of digital security products and quite adept at internet espionage.

The attacks may soon focus on Western nations

Sources that have been researching these attacks for some time now claim the operation intends to eventually go after larger institutions in the Western market.

According to CNN, the United Nations' financial sanctions against North Korea have been a major catalyst for attacks from the largely communist country.

The worldwide effort to reprimand North Korea for its budding nuclear program by cutting it off from the financial system means Kim Jong-Un and company will do whatever it takes to access the funds they need for the program- even if it that means possibly committing international crimes.
Yesterdays removal of Steve Bannon from the #National Security Council (NSC) by President #Donald Trump comes at a time the Oval Office faces a number of challenges that will sorely test its members in at least the short term. These challenges are both military and economic and how they are handled by the NSC and consequently by President Donald Trump will directly affect the international image of The United States.

Russia

Over recent years Vladimir Putin has overseen an aggressive foreign policy agenda that is worrying its European neighbours and affecting politics in other continents.

The conflict with the Ukraine and Moscows subsequent annexation of the Crimea has led to NATO reactions in the Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Former members of the Warsaw Pact under the former Soviet Union such as Poland and Bulgaria watch their ex-masters wondering whether or not they too will suffer the same fate as the Ukraine.

As a concrete sign of European worry of Russias long term intentions, Sweden had reintroduced compulsory military service to ensure that its armed forces are at full strength in the case of an international crisis.

The Kremlin has taken a direct hand in Syria by sending military forces to publicly attack ISIS but the obvious aim of the intervention was to bolster Basher Al-Assads dictatorship.

This support for the regime has been shown in the Russian veto of a western backed motion in the United Nations condemning the Damascus government gas attack on civilians this week.

Turkey, Israel and the Palestinians

Further complicating the Middle East is the increasing despotic activities of the Erdogan government in Turkey after the failed military coup last year.

This Ankara government has jailed many opponents, including members of the military forces opposed to Erdogans rule. At the same time it has upgraded its activities against the Kurdish rebels as shown in the recent attacks on PKK strongholds in recent weeks.

In Israel the Netanyahu government is continuing its expansion into the West Bank has created he conditions for ongoing conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians.

Asia

North Korea will be one subject of the President Donald Trumps Summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping this weekend in Florida. This weeks missile test was a clear sign that Kim Jong-un wants to remain in the world spotlight but his behaviour is not the only matter worrying the United States and its Asian allies.

Chinas own programme of military expansion and the construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea that can also be used as military bases are worrying other countries in the region such as South Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines who also claim sovereignty on part of the sea.

Complicating these situations is Donald Trumps America First policy which has seen him sign orders in relation to restrictive trade policies and renegotiating trade agreements has the potential to cause a trade war between the two countries.

Poker game

These are only three parts of the international poker game that President Donald Trump and the NSC will need to face in the near future.

The European Union will play a role with Russia and the Middle East but its final role will depend on the result of the national elections in France and Germany this year and also the final resolution to Britains withdrawal following its formal notification of invoking Article 50 last week.

There will also be challenges in other continents that will test the skills and experience of the NSCs components for the next four years.

The presence of Steve Bannon had raised questions about the NSC due to his political role that would have hampered its ability to give advice to the Oval office but with his removal this week the NSC Chairman General H. R. McMaster will be able to gather together a council better able to give independent counsel to the President on international issues. The problems are many and need true expertise.
The removal of #Stephen Bannon from the National Security Council (NSC) may be the first sign that the realities of international diplomacy are hitting home in the White House. More than the order which removed Bannon, comments by President #Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson may have had unforeseen impacts on the decision.

Controversial

The choice of Steve Bannon as the White Houses Chief Strategist raised eyebrows in Washington. The controversial ex chief of Breitbart News had no experience to bring to the position other than a political philosophy that many considered closer to white supremacy and alt-right thinking than the realities of a world where truth is never black or white.

The resignation of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn removed President Trumps preferred choice for the Council Chairman and this weeks events seem to confirm rumours that his replacement, Lt. General H. R. McMaster, wanted to choose people with appropriate experience for the fundamental committee overseeing the countrys security operations.

Syria

It is no coincidence that this move comes when events in Syria have taken a tragic turn. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently stated that the United States had no interest in the removal of Russian backed Dictator Bashar Al-Assad from power. Many experts believe that this may have been the lever that allowed the Syrian leader to order the bombing of anti-government rebel town of Khan Sheikhoun in the countrys Iblid region with the alleged use of gas weapons that killed many civilians including children.

The images of the attack led President Donald Trump to initially blame the decisions of the previous Obama Administration in 2012 but after criticism of the comments by Republican Senators such as Marco Rubio reported in the Washington Post and other newspapers the President restated his position indicating a stronger stance towards Syria.

At the same time the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley also took a much firmer position of the Al-Assad regime in the face of a Russian veto of the proposed motion condemning the attack.

Consequences

These events have clearly shown that the White House is still learning that diplomacy is not deal making.

On the world stage words are weapons that have consequences and this weeks actions by the Oval Office are a tacit admission that Administrations previous statements had unexpected impact on the Syrian civil war.

Now the Oval Office will now have to be even more careful as it prepares for the weekends summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump has already backed down from one statement in the past regarding China when he withdrew suggestions that the United States may reconsider its four decades old One China policy after a telephone call with Taiwans President Tsai Ing Wen during the transition period.

The new NSC will surely brief President Trump not to make statements that he may not be able to follow up.

During the last week the President had stated that the United States may take unilateral action against the recalcitrant North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-un and this weeks new missile test by Pyongyang was surely a provocation by the Dictator in anticipation of this weeks summit in Florida in reply to this comment.

Any sign of backtracking by the President will be seen as weakness by the Chinese during negotiations not only on the North Korean situation but also on Chinese intentions in the South China Sea that are the source of worries for Americas Asian allies.

Leadership

The sign of a good leader is in the people chosen to give advice and whether or not he listens to this advice. With the removal of Steve Bannon from the NSC and General McMasters choice of more experienced members for the Committee President Trump will be better able to overcome the challenges facing the country.

This weekends summit will show us if the changes to the NSC will make or break the Trump presidency.
The images of the dead and injured civilians and particularly the children in #Syria will have an impact on American perceptions of the Middle East situation. A meeting on Wednesday gave proof that this change of perceptions will also affect another of President Trumps prime objectives in a way he will not like.

Uncomfortable question

As reported in the Huffington Post last night United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley attended the Women in the world Summit but a question on another subject had an unexpected reaction.

When she was asked about the Trump Administrations intentions on Russia which backs the Syrian Al-Assad regime responsible for the gas attack in Iblid province which shocked the world her reply of increased military spending was met with loud boos from the audience, an unusual reaction from a conference on womens rights, but the second question had an even more unusual response.

As Haley tried answering on this issue another member of the crowd yelled What about the refugees?. The answer met with silence from the Ambassador and the moderator took the summit back to its core subject.

Refugees

The issue of refugees from the Middle East has been a hot topic in the United States since President #Donald Trump signed his two executive orders banning Moslem immigration from seven at risk countries in the Middle East. One of these countries is Syria.

These orders have now been blocked by a number of courts and are now subject to appeal from the government. The ostensible reason for the orders was to reduce the risk of terrorists entering the country disguised as refugees despite the fact that no such attack has yet occurred and no apparent intelligence showing that the first is real or credible.

Yet the images of the victims of the gas attack on Khan Sheikboum this week not only affected the general public, it has also led to an apparent change in position by President Trump in regards to the Al-Assad regime backed by Russia.

Yet these images also have a more powerful message; the victims are the real cost of failed diplomacy and that there is a reason for refugees fleeing their homes.

They fear death or worse or worse if they do not flee.

Immigration ban

The images seen around the world will bolster the efforts of those fighting the immigration order because amongst the possible refugees seeking to enter the United States there could well be people from Khan Sheikboum and other cities attacked by the AL-Assad government.

The refugees have become victims twice over. Firstly by their own government that attacks them and those of those western countries that seek to block them from escaping the fighting. Now one of the governments trying to block their escape to freedom is the Oval Office with its Moslem immigration ban orders.

President Donald Trump should reconsider these orders when he reviews his attitudes to the Bashar Al-Assad dictatorship. The refugees are civilians caught in the middle of a fight that international diplomacy has failed to end and in which civilians die every day.

And just as this applies to Syria, so it also applies to the other countries listed in the orders.

The silence that greeted the refugee question at the womens summit cannot last and action must surely now be taken by the Oval Office for these victims, otherwise yesterdays statements by President Donald Trump about his change of attitude are only empty rhetoric.
Over the last year and a half, Donald Trump's campaign and eventual election win has dominated the news cycle. With Trump in the headlines, he's also become the butt of many jokes, including on an almost weekly basis on "Saturday Night Live."

Baldwin on Trump

When Donald Trump announced that he was going to run for president back in the summer of 2015, it didn't take long before comedians took their shot at the former host of "The Apprentice." For "Saturday Night Live," producers tapped veteran actor Alec Baldwin to play the role of the billionaire real estate mogul.

Since then, Baldwin has continued to receive rave reviews from critics, who praise the actor for his timing, mannerisms, voice, and tone in mocking the new president. Despite "SNL" bringing in their highest ratings in recent memory, not everyone has been a fan, and how Baldwin has played the part of the president. On more than one occasion, Trump has lashed out at the sketch comedy show, hitting back at Baldwin, while going as far as calling for "SNL" to be canceled. Since Trump's election, many have wondered how much longer Baldwin will play the part, which he elaborated on in a recent interview, as reported by The Hill on March 7.

Alec Baldwin: I likely wont play Trump much longer https://t.co/iS6FOwdWJ4 pic.twitter.com/FuLs9JvHg2  The Hill (@thehill) March 7, 2017

While speaking to host Mario Lopez on "Extra," Alec Baldwin admitted that he won't be appearing on "Saturday Night Live" much longer because he's not sure "how much more people can take" of his impression of Donald Trump.

"Theres a style the president has to have, and I think the maliciousness of this White House is a little...has people very worried," Baldwin said, before confirming, "Im not going to do it much longer, by the way, that whole impersonation."

Not stopping there, Alex Baldwin ripped into Donald Trump, accusing the commander in chief of being too "angry" and "bitter." "Trump just overwhelmingly lacks any kind of sportsmanship," Baldwin explained, while also adding, "He remains bitter and angry."

Moving forward

While Alec Baldwin might not be appearing on the set of "Saturday Night Live" as Donald Trump for too much longer, that hasn't stopped others from mocking and trolling the current administration.

Melissa McCarthy has taken on the role of White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, which reportedly angered Trump due to the spot being played by a female. In addition, Kate McKinnon has impersonated several cabinet members and advisers, including Kellyanne Conway and Jeff Sessions.
The eldest First Daughter, Ivanka Trump, has developed a surprising cult following within China, with fans of hers dubbing her a Goddess. Her name and image is also notably being used through self-help products and even being used by companies in merchandising. That said, some of this support comes in spite of dislike of her fathers administration, and Ivanka does have her fair share of critics.

Fans of the First Daughter are even basing their lives off of her

On social media, President Trump's daughter, Ivanka, has even been compared to a goddess, and videos featuring her are said to become viral hits among Chinese viewers.

A news agency, Xinhua, also recently praised Ivanka for having an "elegant and poised style."

Wang Ge, a student at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing, is one such fan of Ivanka, having based her schedule off of hers, including waking at the same time and setting aside time to read. She reportedly also keeps photos of her idol on her iPad device and regularly counsels her friends using Ivanka's self-help tips. Saying that she inspired her, the student wrote that Ivanka was "pretty," "hardworking," and in possession of both a good "career" and "family."

Some fans want her to be the real President of the United States

According to reports, working mothers in China are especially fond of her.

They reportedly consider Ivanka to be a symbol against chauvinism in addition to admiring her femininity, which they associate with traditional Chinese attributes. She is also reportedly popular within the more business-focused, as entrepreneurs are said to study her speeches for sales pitches. These fans in particular admire her for starting her own fashion brand instead of relying solely off her family for financial support.

Chinese companies have even said to be taking advantage of this. A Chinese variation of her name has been showing up on goods and services ranging from shoes, spa treatments, plastic surgery and pottery.

That said, for many of her Chinese fans, her popularity comes out in spite of a dislike towards her father, current President of the United States Donald Trump, with some fans joking that they would prefer her to be the President.

Added to that, Ivanka does have critics within China. Some reportedly dislike her as a figure of privilege, and feel that his makes her a poor role model. Others do not like the fact that she will serve an unpaid role for her father in the current administration.
As part of a Mexico City government and United Nations women campaign to reduce sexual assault and harassment of women on the citys subway, a new seat has been designed  and its just for men. Aimed at stopping men from getting intentionally too close to women on the subway, the unusual seat is already getting plenty of attention.

Uncomfortable seating on Mexico City subway

As reported by Huffington News, the designer came up with a seat in the subway car, built to resemble the torso and lap of a naked male, complete with the necessary genitalia.

The seat is marked clearly for men only and anyone sitting on the seat and happening to look down would see a sign in Spanish, basically telling the men it is uncomfortable for people to sit there, but that this is nothing compared to the Sexual Harassment and violence experienced by women while traveling on the subway car.

According to a report by the Telegraph, it is not yet clear whether the new seat design will be effective in reducing sexual harassment and so far the best thing about it is to see the range of expressions as people spot it in the subway car along with the reaction of men as they sit on the seat. Most look shocked and disgusted.

The campaign, dubbed No Es De Hombres  which roughly translates as not manly  has launched a video on YouTube which is gaining popularity with viewers and has attracted almost two million views.

The video closes with a message to the effect that nine out of every ten women in Mexico City have experienced some kind of sexual violence while traveling on the subway.

Experimental screens of mens butts on the Mexico City subway

The campaign has also come up with another video, titled Experimento Pantellas  translating to Experimental Screens in English  taken in the subway in Mexico City and featuring close up shots of mens butts.

These close-ups are reportedly live streamed on various overhead screens for men to view while waiting for the train. This is allegedly aimed to be yet another learning experience for the men of the city and certainly makes things uncomfortable for the male of the species in the city.
A new report from the Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has revealed that North Korea may have been responsible for hacking banks in 18 countries. The Kaspersky researchers findings were made public at a cybersecurity conference on St. Maarten in the Caribbean.

Cash for North Korea's nuclear program

CNN reports that the money that is stolen is most likely being used to advance North Koreas nuclear weapon development. McClatchy DC Bureau notes that there had previously been reports of four cyber-heists launched on banks in Bangladesh, the Philippines, Vietnam and Ecuador.

Now Kaspersky researchers are saying that what has been dubbed the lazarus hacking operation is also being used on banks in many other countries. The countries listed included Ethiopia, Costa Rica, India, Gabon, Iraq, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, Poland, Nigeria, Thailand, Uruguay and Taiwan.

According to Kaspersky, the hackers route their signal through South Korea, France and Taiwan as they attack the server of each financial institution, but all attacks can allegedly be traced back to North Korea. This was revealed by an error made by the hackers, when a connection briefly showed to be made from that country.

While the U.S. tends to be suspicious of Kasperskys ties to the Russian government, the company firmly denies any Kremlin influence on their business.

They are among the worlds top cybersecurity companies and provide anti-malware protection for computers in companies and homes worldwide. Kaspersky has been well known in the past for exposing many global hacking operations.

North Korea hackers linked to attacks on banks in 18 countries worldwide, report https://t.co/KV7hUQQWG8 pic.twitter.com/VRuEHukJ7M  Voice Of People (@VOP_Today) April 5, 2017

Reportedly North Koreas hacking activities have been known for some time.

Back in 2013, banks and broadcasters were attacked in South Korea, which that country blamed on their northern neighbor. The U.S. government also blamed North Korea for the Sony hack in 2014 and it seems both cases point to the Lazarus hacking techniques.

Hackers attacking the global financial system

Researchers at FireEye, Symantec and BAE Systems noted that hackers changed their direction to the global financial system in late 2015, with the first known victim being a commercial bank in Vietnam.

The most recent attacks have targeted banks in Nigeria and Gabon. Symantec said not all of the attacks were able to steal money, but that many were successful and now hackers are turning their attention to Western banks, utilizing ever more sophisticated hacking methods.

Probably the most scary aspect of the Lazarus attacks is that the stolen money may be used in the development of the countrys nuclear program. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies tracks illegal behavior by North Korea and Anthony Ruggiero, a senior fellow with the organization, says they need the money to research more ballistic missiles.

Banking tit for tat?

North Koreas aggressive hacking comes at a time when United Nations sanctions have been launched to block the country from the global financial system to punish the rogue country for its nuclear program.

Sung-Yoon Lee, an expert on Korea at Tufts University says the world tends to patronize and mock North Korea, but they have recently shown the world just how capable they are when it comes to cyber-crime activities.
PHNOM PENH - Cambodia on Thursday inaugurated a section of the China-funded national road No 6, part of an arterial pathway that plays a vital role for tourism and trade activity.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo presided over the inauguration ceremony which was attended by government officials, local authorities, residents and students.

According to a report by Cambodian Transport Minister Sun Chanthol, the 40.5-km section of the national road stretches from the capital of Phnom Penh to Bateay district of Kampong Cham province.

He said 26 bridges had been built along the section that cost $70.2 million, in which $68 million was a concessional loan from the Chinese government and the remaining amount was covered by the Cambodian government.

He added that the four-lane road was constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group in a period of four years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hun Sen said the national road No 6 plays a crucial role for tourism and trade activity since it connects Phnom Penh to the Angkor Wat Temple, a world heritage site, in Siem Reap province, and other provinces along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

"This is a huge achievement for Cambodia," he said. "This achievement was born from the fruitful strategic cooperation between Cambodia and China."

The prime minister expressed his sincere and heartfelt thanks to the government and people of China for having provided a great amount of grant aid and concessional loans to Cambodia for socio-economic development.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Xiong said that China was very pleased to assist Cambodia in its efforts to boost economy and reduce poverty.

He said many infrastructure development projects with Chinese support have been underway in Cambodia, especially under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
China National Chemical Corp on Wednesday won European Union antitrust approval for its $43 billion takeover of Swiss pesticide maker Syngenta Corp, a day after the US gave its approval, bringing China's largest foreign acquisition closer to completion.

European and US regulators required divestitures as part of their approval process.

ChemChina's offer to divest some pesticides and other agricultural products will remove "problematic overlaps" and allow the EU to clear the deal, the European Commission said in an emailed statement.

The Federal Trade Commission in the US said that it was requiring the companies to divest three types of pesticides in the US as a condition for approval.

China's antitrust authorities are examining the proposed tie-up, and the companies expect the deal to close by the end of June according to Bloomberg.

In 2016 ChemChina unveiled plans to acquire Syngenta in a transaction that will transform the Chinese company into one of the world's biggest supplier of agrochemicals and pesticides.

When first announced, terms of the deal called for Syngenta to remain based in Switzerland and the retention of the company's existing management team. ChemChina will obtain Syngenta's advanced research and biotechnology for seeds and pesticides while Syngenta is expected to gain easier access to China's huge agricultural market.

The takeover is one of a series of mega-deals that would reshape the global agrochemical industry. Dow Chemical Co's bid to merge with DuPont Co cleared its biggest hurdle last week after getting EU approval. Bayer AG still needs approval for its purchase of Monsanto Co. The combined transactions would slim down six industry players to three giants: one American, one German and one Chinese.

Bloomberg
China asked India on Wednesday to immediately stop acting in ways that harm China's interests by using the Dalai Lama, and said it would take necessary measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said India insisted on arranging visits by the Dalai Lama to areas where China and India have territorial disputes, regardless of Beijing's concerns, adding that such actions seriously damage China's interests and China-India relations.

"China is firmly opposed to it and will lodge solemn representations to India," Hua told a daily news conference in Beijing.

The Dalai Lama arrived in the so-called Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.

Indian Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the visit was "purely religious" and that "China shouldn't interfere in India's internal matters", The Hindu newspaper reported.

"China always pursues the principle of noninterference in other countries' internal affairs," Hua said. "However, India's arrangement of this visit, regardless of China's concerns, goes beyond internal affairs."

According to Hua, India is clear about the role played by the Dalai Lama. The fact that India still invited him to visit disputed areas on the China-India border not only goes against its commitment on Tibet-related issues, but also further provokes disputes on the border.

"This runs contrary to the positive trend of the development of bilateral relations, and will not benefit India in any way," she said.

The spokeswoman also said China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own territorial sovereignty as well as its legitimate rights and interests.

"We urge India to immediately stop using the Dalai Lama to harm China's interests; to not inflame sensitive issues between the two countries; to not sabotage the foundations of border negotiations and bilateral ties; and to maintain China-India relations through practical deeds," she added.

Sun Shihai, a researcher on South Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China-India relations have encountered some difficulties recently due to a lack of political and strategic mutual trust between the two countries.

"This is unavoidable between any two big countries, but India should not play the Dalai Lama card, which will not help at all. Instead, it should look forward, and stick to dialogue and negotiations in order to solve the problems," Sun said.
A bird's-eye view of the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where President Xi Jinping will meet his US counterpart Donald Trump on Thursday and Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping embarked on a trip on Tuesday that took him to Finland, from where he will fly to Florida on Thursday to meet with US President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort. The first Xi-Trump meeting is not just about two top leaders comparing notes; it will also help to stabilize political relations between China and the United States.

The two countries have extensive shared interests as well as underlying disparities which, if not addressed, could lead to confrontations. To avoid the Thucydides trap, China and the US should make extra efforts to increase benign interactions between their militaries, as they play vital roles in the two countries' diplomatic designs.

It is also important that Washington drop some of its unnecessary concerns about Beijing's growing defense capability. Thanks to its robust rise in recent decades, China has become increasingly capable of pursuing defense-oriented military development. And it has good reason to do so.

China remains committed to peaceful development and a defensive military strategy, and it has always employed, and will continue to employ its military to safeguard national security interests and provide public goods to the international community. Deploying troops across the world to pursue global hegemony has never been an option for China.

Candid, open conversations are therefore called for to increase strategic trust between the two countries. In the past, military exchanges were the vulnerable aspect of China-US relations, because they were often the first to be cut off when bilateral relations soured. But with more regularized dialogue mechanisms and channels in place today, the two militaries have a more stable relationship. Still, more efforts should be made to avoid lethal military misjudgments that may cause unwanted hostility and invite complicated countermeasures.

One of the reasons Beijing has been developing its military is to deal with potential separatist moves by the "independence-minded" Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan. Military development is a crucial part in the country's endeavor to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is not meant to counter the US' presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Thanks to its unfounded feeling of being targeted and threatened, Washington has come up with a series of theories, including the anti-access area denial, air-sea battle concept and the conventional prompt global strike, to "counter-target" the Chinese military. It has also been conducting more so-called freedom of navigation missions in the South China Sea reconnaissance activities near China's exclusive economic zones, apart from enhancing its military deployment in the Asia-Pacific.

As more Chinese warplanes and warships participate in drills and other operations in the region, the risk of accidents may be rising, highlighting the need to improve the risk management mechanism between the Chinese and US militaries.

The "third-party" factors, or sensitive geopolitical issues such as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the separatist forces in Taiwan, require the close attention of and deft handling by the two countries.

And although China and the US do not have any direct territorial dispute in the region, there is no guarantee that Washington will refrain from intervening militarily in disputes between its allies and Beijing. The Xi-Trump meeting therefore is an apt opportunity for the military authorities on both sides to clear misunderstandings and maintain close interaction.

The author is former director of the Institute for Strategic Studies at the People's Liberation Army National Defense University.
FILE PHOTO: A F-16 fighter from the US Air Force (USAF) 510th Fighter Squadron takes off from Amari air base March 26, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

CLINTON, Md.  A fighter jet pilot on a training mission ejected safely before the aircraft crashed Wednesday in a wooded area in a Washington suburb. Witnesses reported the sound of live ammunition.

The District of Columbia Air National Guard F-16C went down about 200 yards behind a small subdivision of two-story brick homes in the middle-class suburban community of Clinton, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) southwest of Joint Base Andrews.

The military planned a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

About 20 homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution because of the possibility that the crash released hazardous materials, Prince George's County Fire and EMS spokesman Mark Brady said. Residents were later allowed to return home.

No one on the ground was injured and the pilot was taken to a hospital in a military helicopter and was treated for minor injuries, he said.

Crystal Hollingsworth lives nearby and said she heard a "huge crash" followed by the sound of "live rounds.""You knew something tragic was going on," she said, adding that she thought it might be a terrorist attack.

The plane was carrying munitions, but there was no threat to public safety, according to a US Air Force official. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter, and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Crystal Hollingsworth's husband, Tony Hollingsworth, said the "house shook" and he also heard the sound of gunshots in the woods, something that "sounded like a shootout." He said it lasted for "10 to 15 minutes."He said he saw a big fireball in the woods and the pilot's red and white parachute.

Crystal Hollingsworth said pieces of the plane fell in her neighbor's yard, damaging some of the home's siding. She said there were probably more than a dozen metal fragments, maybe about half an inch thick. Pieces from the crash ranged in size, some about the size of a TV remote or a book. She said one was marked "confidential." Some of the debris was still burning when she saw it.

Tyrone Wolridge and his wife said it felt like an earthquake and they saw a plume of smoke.

"We could feel it. The house shook so bad. Then we heard a boom," he said.

Acting Fire Chief Ben Barksdale said pieces of the plane were burning when crews arrived and firefighters used water and foam to extinguish them. The fuselage of the plane and one wing were intact at the crash scene. The wreckage was spread around a radius of roughly 40 yards, but debris was also found in other areas, a possible sign that it came off before impact, Brady said.

"Very fortunate that we didn't have any lives lost today," Barksdale said.

Brady said he tweeted pictures from the crash scene from his official account but then was asked by military police on the scene to delete those images. The military did not explain why it did not want the images to be published, he said. He deleted the images about 20 minutes after posting them.

"I simply was complying with the request from the military," he said.

AP
A 2012 visit by China's then VP has left a lasting impression on a 4,000-acre farm

Rick Kimberly, an Iowa farmer who runs 4,000 acres about 20 miles outside of the state capital of Des Moines, has become a celebrity farmer of sorts, thanks to a visit to his homestead by then Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping in February 2012.

In his modest one-story farm house, Kimberly warmly welcomed a few Chinese guests on March 28, apologizing for the absence of his wife, Martha, due to a work engagement.

The guests were immediately drawn to an oil painting prominently displayed on a fireplace mantle in the living room. The painting depicts the meeting of Xi and Kimberly in the room five years ago.

"I was given this as a gift when I visited Beijing a couple of years ago," Kimberly beamed.

The Chinese guests were part of a small business delegation led by Zhao Zhenge, US general representative of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. They were in Iowa looking for investment opportunities.

Below the painting, is a large ceramic vase with a Chinese inscription - a gift from Xi. Kimberly picked up the vase to show his guests.

That visit by Xi five years ago was widely reported by major US media, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, as well as Chinese media. It linked Kimberly Farm to China in a way its owner never imagined. He put some of the news reports into an album for guests to browse.

"When President Xi came and talked to us, he's very knowledgeable about agriculture. He thinks highly of people that live on the farm. He wants to help them to have a better life," Kimberly recalled to his guests.

"He mentioned that he wanted to use our farm as a model for farmers in China. We are happy to help in any way we can," said Kimberly.

Xi's wish is becoming a reality. Kimberly has signed agreements with Chengde of Hebei province and Lishu of Jilin province to build two modern model farms based on his farm, and is negotiating a third one.

"Two weeks ago, we had the development company from China visit here. They measured everything, even diagramed my house. From what I understand, they will make the model farm a place to have exhibits and conferences related to agricultural equipment and techniques," Kimberly said.

"We are proud of it," Kimberly said, well aware that his family-named farm is akin to becoming a brand name in China.

On the a counter in the kitchen next to the living room, a pamphlet of 10-plus pages in English and Chinese details Xi's visit, Kimberly Farm's history and numerous visits to China made by Kimberly and his wife Martha.

Kimberly Farm gets a lot of visitors, and Rick Kimberly appears to be prepared for it.

He doesn't keep a log of visitors, but estimates that hundreds of Chinese have visited his farm every year since Xi's visit, and more have visited this year after Iowa Governor Terry Branstad was nominated by US President Donald Trump as ambassador to China and due to the upcoming model-farm projects in China.

Some visitors are Chinese students from universities and high schools in the state, Kimberly said.

He and his wife made trips to China after Xi's visit. Their seventh visit is scheduled for June after finishing crop planting.

"We enjoy that kind of person to person interaction to build relationships. We certainly look forward to making more trips," said Kimberly.

When this week's meeting between Xi and Trump in Florida was mentioned, Kimberly was full of optimism.

"It will be a great meeting." he said.

mayzhou@chinadailyusa.com
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York unveiled its latest exhibit to the public on Monday - a major loan exhibition of ancient Chinese art never before seen in the West.

The collection - Age of Empires: Chinese Art of the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 BC-AD 220) - will feature 164 objects from 32 museums and archaeological institutions in China. The focus will be on the two dynasties' significance in establishing Chinese art, culture and politics in their time.

"The pieces are just stunning," said 75-year-old Adalaide Morris of New York. "The meticulousness of the detail is just very moving. I'm enjoying the combination of the ordinariness of the pieces and the luxuriousness of the high quality pieces that showcase true workmanship."

Morris, a retired literature professor, said that she knew very little about Chinese history prior to the exhibit but came away with a better understanding of Chinese crafts and the way measurements were standardized during the Qin and Han dynasties.

"If you want to know about the present and future of China, it is necessary for you to know about the past and history of China," said Wang Jun, director of Art Exhibitions China, part of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China, at a press preview of the exhibition last week.

"The Qin and Han dynasties of China are the most important dynasties in Chinese history. The intellectual and political systems that were established during the Qin and Han dynasties have extended influence over China for more than 2,000 years," he said.

Wang, whose institution coordinates and sponsors the export and exchange of Chinese cultural relics overseas, called Age of Empires one of the most important cultural relics exhibitions in the China-US cultural exchange.

Meiting, a 32-year-old homemaker from Singapore of Chinese descent, said that as a history and archaeology buff who is proud of her cultural heritage, she was "delightfully shocked" to see the objects at the exhibit.

"Being here in this country [for eight years], there are so many stereotypes about the Chinese, but from this exhibit I can see that we are musicians, we are amazing designers, we were so good with technology," she said.

"It makes me feel grateful and it also makes me feel like I have a responsibility to show what type of people we can be. People say that we're the land of copying, but you can see from the items that our art is original and we have to remember that we can produce original things," said Meiting, who declined to disclose her full name.

The exhibit, which took five years to put together, was sponsored by China Merchants Bank, making it the first time a Chinese corporation has sponsored an exhibition at the Met.

"To have these ancient artifacts on display en masse is a great, major highlight for Sino-US cultural exchange," said Jiao Chengyue, general manager of China Merchants Bank's New York branch.

Maxwell Hearn, chairman of the Met's department of Asian art, said that the exhibit comes at a crucial time when understanding China is "becoming more and more important".

"I believe that American audiences understand that Asia represents a significant and growing part of their future, so the ability to understand the roots of Asian culture are terribly important, and the Han Dynasty represents the starting point of modern China," he said.

"It is the same kind of identity that the Roman Empire gave to the West, both in architecture and the rule of law," he added.

Jason Sun, curator of Chinese art at the Met, said that the Han Empire represents the "classical" era of Chinese civilization, "coinciding in importance and in time with Greco-Roman civilization in the West".

"Like the Roman Empire, the Han state brought together people of diverse backgrounds under a centralized government that fostered a new 'Chinese' identity. Even today, most Chinese refer to themselves as the 'Han people' - the single largest ethnic group in the world," he said.

The exhibit, which will be on display through July 16, is in three sections: one on Qin Dynasty art that was excavated from the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor (which also unearthed the famed army of 7,000 Terracotta Warriors); and two on Han Dynasty relics that include a Han princess' burial robe made of more than 2,000 pieces of jade, and items that illustrate the robust level of trade between China and the rest of Asia and Europe at the time.

"Many of these spectacular works have never been seen in the West, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a fresh appraisal of the classical era of Chinese civilization," said Thomas Campbell, director of the museum.

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com
A sit-down cafe with a Chinese teahouse theme at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is offering visitors an opportunity to experience an ancient tea-drinking culture that emerged around the eighth century and continues to the present day.

Located on the second-floor balcony overlooking the museum's Great Hall, the cafe - called Tea Drunk at the Met - is surrounded by antique Asian ceramics in long wall cases.

"Visitors can enjoy the opportunity to sit and relax for a while, adjacent to the tables are beautiful works of Chinese and East Asian ceramics. So we feel this is a wonderful enhancement of the visitors' experience," said Mike Hearn, chairman of the Asian art department at the Met.

Hearn said the balcony has long had a tradition of offering cocktails and food on Friday and Saturday evenings, "but we are now experimenting with a new option to have Chinese-style tea served during open hours every day of the week".

"We felt that being in the Asian galleries, it's very appropriate for the Metropolitan Museum to offer authentic tea next to authentic works of art," he said.

Opening on March 8 to coincide with Asia Week New York, Tea Drunk at the Met is scheduled to operate daily for three months.

The cafe serves a selection of authentic Chinese teas harvested from renowned tea-growing mountains in China, as well as small plates featuring light delicacies.

All teas - green (Gua Pian), black, white, Pu'er (fermented), and Oolong - are offered at Tea Drunk, a popular tea house in the City's East Village known for its artisanal teas.

"At Tea Drunk basically we specialize in traditional Chinese tea, so we don't have anything novel or flavored, it's all just tea that comes from the actual tea plant," said Teng Shunan, founder of Tea Drunk who is also an avid tea educator.

Half raised in China and half in the US, Teng has always been fascinated by Chinese tea and its culture.

When she realized there was no place in New York offering authentic Chinese tea, Teng thought it was a great opportunity for her to be the first, "given that New York is such a large metropolitan city, it is supposed to have everything," she said.

Teng fixed this problem in 2013 when Tea Drunk opened.

"Tea is a perfect vehicle for someone to really get to know about Chinese culture because it's related to taste and taste is universal," she said. "You do not need to know a lot about Chinese culture in order to appreciate tea."

To maintain the high quality of tea leaves she offers, every year Teng goes back to the mountains of China, visiting heritage tea farmers to harvest and bring back teas to the US.

"We're very impressed with their (Tea Drunk's) commitment to quality and we believe that their attitude towards quality and authenticity reflects the values that we hope to embrace with the works of art that are on view here at the Met," said Hearn.

"My mission, along with Tea Drunk's mission, is to promote traditional Chinese culture through Chinese tea and I know the Met receives a lot of visitors from all over the world, including an increasing number of Chinese visitors, so I think it definitely fits the bill," said Teng.

xiaohong@chinadailyusa.com
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Even after approving a delay that gave them plenty of breathing room, state lawmakers this week began hurriedly voting on budget bills that were mostly finalized Tuesday night.

Because the final deals on the budget couldn't be reached by the end of day on Saturday, lawmakers had voted for an "extender" that would fund government operations for as long as two months.

What should have happened this week, then, was for the agreed-upon budget bills to be printed and distributed and then have lawmakers come back after a few days to begin debate. That way, members of the Assembly and Senate would actually be able to read the bills  and the public would be given a chance to find out the details  before their representatives voted.

But just as in years past, the time between the budget agreement and the start of voting was merely a matter of hours. A slew of budget bills was then passed Tuesday night and Wednesday, with the frantic pace apparently designed to get lawmakers out of town as quickly as possible for a scheduled two-week break in the legislative session.

When it's all said and done, New Yorkers should anticipate statements from their representatives expressing their woe-is-me exasperation at the system. "It wasn't all I had hoped for," they will say, "but it was the best deal we could get."

But nobody in Albany is blameless, and lawmakers can't get off the hook simply by saying that they voted for the budget because (A) it was necessary to get it done as quickly as possible or (B) that they were happy about some of things that got included, even though they found other parts disappointing.

Each and every elected representative has the opportunity to stand up and say no, to demand more time to learn about what they were voting for. But working in Albany ingrains fear of rocking the boat  even though demanding a more fair and transparent process would be in the best interest of constituents.

Regardless of when a deal is reached on the final budget bill, legislators and the public should still be given time to look everything over. Planned vacations can wait.
This blog is written solely by John Ray, who has a Ph.D. degree in psychology and 200+ papers published in the academic journals of the social sciences. It does occasionally comment on issues in psychology but is mainly aimed at giving a conservative psychologist's view on a broad range of topics. There are very few conservative psychologists.The blog originated in Australia and many (but not most) posts discuss Australian matters. Australians have an unusually good awareness of events outside their own country. Australian newspapers feature news from Britain and the USA not as an afterthought but as a major part of their coverage. So Australians do tend to have a truly Western heart, which is the reason behind the old name for this blog. So events in Australia, Britain and the USA all feature frequently here, plus occasional coverage of other places, particularly Israel.SCOTUS is the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the landThe "GOP" stands for "Grand Old Party" and refers to the Republican party. The GOP is at present center/Right, while the Democrats have been undergoing a steady drift Leftwards and now have policies similar to mainstream European Leftist parties.The ideological identity of both parties has however been very fluid -- almost reversing itself over time. In the mid 19th century, the GOP was the party of big government and concern for minorities while the Democrats advertised themselves as "The party of the white man" -- an orientation that lasted into the mid 20th century in the South. The Democrats are still obsessed with race but have now flipped into support for discrimination AGAINST whites.Was Pope Urban VIII the first Warmist? Below we see him refusing to look through Galileo's telescope. People tend to refuse to consider evidence if what they might discover contradicts what they believe.Climate scientist Lennart Bengtsson said. The warming we have had the last 100 years is so small that if we didnt have meteorologists and climatologists to measure it we wouldnt have noticed it at all.The term "Fascism" is mostly used by the Left as a brainless term of abuse. But when they do make a serious attempt to define it, they produce very complex and elaborate definitions -- e.g. here and here . In fact, Fascism is simply extreme socialism plus nationalism. But great gyrations are needed to avoid mentioning the first part of that recipe, of course.Beatrice Webb, a founder of the London School of Economics and the Fabian Society, and married to a Labour MP, mused in 1922 on whether when English children were "dying from lack of milk", one should extend "the charitable impulse" to Russian and Chinese children who, if saved this year, might anyway die next. Besides, she continued, there was "the larger question of whether those races are desirable inhabitants" and "obviously" one wouldn't "spend one's available income" on "a Central African negro".Hugh Dalton, offered the Colonial Office during Attlee's 1945-51 Labour government, turned it down because "I had a horrid vision of pullulating, poverty stricken, diseased nigger communities, for whom one can do nothing in the short run and who, the more one tries to help them, are querulous and ungrateful."The book,, authored by T.W. Adorno et al. in 1950, has been massively popular among psychologists. It claims that a set of ideas that were popular in the "Progressive"-dominated America of the prewar era were "authoritarian". Leftist regimes always are authoritarian so that claim was not a big problem. What was quite amazing however is that Adorno et al. identified such ideas as "conservative". They were in fact simply popular ideas of the day but ones that had been most heavily promoted by the Left right up until the then-recent WWII. See here for details of prewar "Progressive" thinking.R.I.P. Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet deposed a law-defying Marxist President at the express and desperate invitation of the Chilean parliament. He pioneered the free-market reforms which Reagan and Thatcher later unleashed to world-changing effect. That he used far-Leftist methods to suppress far-Leftist violence is reasonable if not ideal. The Leftist view that they should have a monopoly of violence and that others should follow the law is a total absurdity which shows only that their hate overcomes their reasonFranklin Delano Roosevelt was a war criminal. Both British and American codebreakers had cracked the Japanese naval code so FDR knew what was coming at Pearl Harbor. But for his own political reasons he warned no-one there. So responsibility for the civilian and military deaths at Pearl Harbor lies with FDR as well as with the Japanese. The huge firepower available at Pearl Harbor, both aboard ship and on land, could have largely neutered the attack. Can you imagine 8 battleships and various lesser craft firing all their AA batteries as the Japanese came in? The Japanese naval airforce would have been annihilated and the war would have been over before it began. FDR prolonged the Depression . He certainly didn't cure it. WWII did NOT end the Great Depression . It just concealed it. It in fact made living standards worse Joe McCarthy was eventually proved right after the fall of the Soviet Union. To accuse anyone of McCarthyism is to accuse them of accuracy! The KKK was intimately associated with the Democratic party . They ATTACKED Republicans!People who mention differences in black vs. white IQ are these days almost universally howled down and subjected to the most extreme abuse. I am a psychometrician, however, so I feel obliged to defend the scientific truth of the matter:The average African adult has about the same IQ as an average white 11-year-old and African Americans (who are partly white in ancestry) average out at a mental age of 14. The American Psychological Association is generally Left-leaning but it is the world's most prestigious body of academic psychologists. And even they have had to concede that sort of gap (one SD) in black vs. white average IQ. 11-year olds can do a lot of things but they also have their limits and there are times when such limits need to be allowed for. America's uncivil war was caused by trade protectionism . The slavery issue was just camouflage, as Abraham Lincoln himself admitted . See also here Leftist psychologists have an amusingly simplistic conception of military organizations and military men. They seem to base it on occasions they have seen troops marching together on parade rather than any real knowledge of military men and the military life. They think that military men are "rigid" -- automatons who are unable to adjust to new challenges or think for themselves. What is incomprehensible to them is that being(to use the extreme Prussian term for following orders) actually requires great flexibility -- enough flexibility to put your own ideas and wishes aside and do something very difficult. Ask any soldier if all commands are easy to obey.
A website for motorcycle trading at http://www.lazada.vn

, , ,

Tax authorities are finding it tough taxing e-commerce as it is not that easy controlling online business revenues given cash payments so common in Vietnam, lawyers Chau Huy Quang and Cao Dang Huy recently wrote on the Saigon Times weekly.Recent tax statistics have revealed an inverse rate between the booming e-commerce and tax revenues from online traders.According to the 2016 Vietnam internet resources report of Vietnam Internet Network Information Center, 97 percent of registered websites were used for business or trade promotion purposes. Total e-commerce turnover hit around USD 6 billion but taxes collected from business activities on e-commerce websites in general and social networks in particular remained unproportional.Although online traders are obliged to pay taxes as per Vietnamese law, collecting taxes from online businesses remains a challenge for tax authorities as it is difficult to oversee the revenues of these businesses.Under the 2006 Tax Administration Law, every business or individual, regardless of having a business registration certificate or not, that earns over VND 100 million from trading activities, including those on social media operating as e-trading floors, must register, declare and pay taxes.Currently, there are two types of personal income tax for individual traders, namely flat tax and specific tax, which are determined mainly based on taxpayers declarations. To declare and pay taxes, individual traders must register their tax codes with tax authorities.But online traders are reluctant to make tax declaration while the tax authorities facilities and personnel for tax inspection and collection are limited, failing to catch up with the swift growth of e-commerce. The common practice of making cash transactions in Vietnam also makes it impossible to determine exact incomes of online shops.Tax authorities also have difficulties taxing individuals doing business through social networks, such as Facebook, the number of which is growing rapidly in Vietnam. Without cooperation and assistance from social network owners, tax administrators can hardly access information of these traders.Therefore, social network owners should have the obligation and responsibility to cooperate with relevant authorities to share information on persons doing business on their networks.Under Government Decree No. 52 of 2013 and Finance Ministry Circular No. 47 of 2014, social networks which allow their members to open online booths or sub-websites to display their goods or services, or open sections allowing their members to publish commercial information must register as e-trading floors with the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Traders or organizations establishing these social networks must fulfill responsibilities of e-trading floor service providers as required by law.But the current law fails to govern foreign social networks involved in e-business activities, which are established under international domain names with servers located overseas, owned and operated by foreign traders without representatives in Vietnam.Although addressing foreign social networks providing information trans-border for Vietnamese users, Government Decree No. 72 of 2013 and Ministry of Information and Communications Circular No. 38 of 2016 do not touch upon goods sellers on these social networks. Neither these documents require social network owners to cooperate with and assist state authorities in providing information about these goods sellers.This shows legal loopholes in the management of foreign social networks as well as challenges for enforcing obligations of their owners toward the Vietnamese State in general and Vietnamese tax authorities in particular.At present, sanctions on tax evasion and frauds are relatively stringent, under which individual traders with taxable incomes will be administratively sanctioned if they fail to make tax declarations or make false declarations. Failure to submit tax registration applications and tax declarations may be fined an amount triple the evaded tax amount, under Decree No. 129 of 2013, while evasion of a tax amount valued at VND 50 million or more may result in a criminal charge.However, it should be noted that most online traders are individuals and small companies earning unstable and small incomes from online business. A majority of them are start-ups which should be encouraged and need financial support for development. Therefore, simple and open mechanisms should be adopted to encourage online traders to voluntarily declare and pay taxes.In developed countries, tax enforcement and control mechanisms are mostly based on declarations of taxpayers but most transactions are made via bank accounts rather than in cash, helping secure full and accurate declaration by taxpayers.State management agencies should adopt measures to encourage online payment and reduce cash transactions to help oversee revenues of online traders. There should also be a closer coordination between concerned authorities and intermediary payment banks. Particularly, the e-commerce law should be revised to include liabilities of social network owners, especially foreign ones, to assist and work with tax authorities.In another development, Ho Chi Minh City tax authority has recently proposed taxing persons doing business through Facebook, online news service Vnexpress reported. Nguyen Quy Trung, Deputy Director of the Tax Policy Department under the General Department of Taxation acknowledged further study on how to effectively manage and collect taxes from these traders is needed, saying the tax sector would work with other sectors, including banking, trade and industry and information and communications, to adopt appropriate tax policies for e-commerce.Deputy General Director of Taxation Cao Anh Tuan said the General Department of Taxation would soon guide the collection of tax on business activities on social networks, stressing that public information about law observance for taxpayers would be promoted first, given this was still a new form of business.-
HA NOI  The transport ministry has instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to study the proposal for applying a floor price for domestic air tickets.

At a press conference in Ha Noi on Wednesday, deputy minister Nguyen Hong Truong said the aviation market was growing strongly and diversifying, owing to the participation of foreign private businesses, so the ministry needed to consider this issue from every angle. The conference was to review the ministrys operations in the first quarter and its work for the second quarter.

The CAAV will study and gain aviation management experience from other countries so as to create conditions locally that encourage people to fly, by offering reasonable prices while ensuring that airlines do not suffer losses, Truong said.

The ministry will take a decision on the floor price soon, he added. The most important thing is to have a method that corresponds, ensures competitiveness as well as meets the airlines operation costs. The carriers profits should come from their quality services rather than through hike in ticket prices, the deputy minister said.

To offer better services while keeping ticket prices down and making profits, carriers will have to cut costs, Truong said. The transport ministry is currently downsizing the workforce in airlines, air traffic management units and airport ground service companies as the salaries here are quite hefty. If businesses fail to cut costs, air ticket prices will have to bear the high expenses.

CAAV director Lai Xuan Thanh said the decision on whether or not to apply a minimum price for domestic air tickets would be based on what the law says, especially the Law on Civil Aviation, the governments management orientation, and the operational reality of airlines.

Thanh said the Law on Civil Aviation 2006 had regulations on price frames, which means on both ceiling and floor prices. The revised 2014 law also allows for the fixing of ceiling and floor prices. But its not enough grounds to give an official answer on the floor price to the public. We need more time to listen to peoples ideas and opinions, Thanh said.

On March 17, the transport ministry held a conference to gather ideas and opinions from airlines for a draft decision on price ranges for economy-class fares for domestic flights, which is expected to replace the finance ministrys Decision 3282/Q-BTC issued in December 2014, regulating the ceiling for economy-class fares for domestic routes.

Several airlines, including Jetstar Pacific (JPA), have agreed with the draft decision. JPA also proposed that the decision should incorporate floor price, while low-cost airline Vietjet (VJ) did not want a floor price as it said that would reduce market competitiveness.

Truong said the ministry must put the interests of the people ahead of the interests of the airlines. The important thing is to come up with a reasonable method, ensuring competitiveness, profits and quality service.  VNS
PHOENIX  State senators on Wednesday approved an end-run around the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee in a bid to encourage people to rescue children and pets.

HB 2494, approved on a 20-7 margin, spells out there is no civil liability when people smash out a window or otherwise force their way into a vehicle if there is a good faith belief that the minor or confined domestic animal is in imminent danger or suffering physical injury or death unless ... removed from the motor vehicle. The measure also outlines procedures that would-be rescuers must follow to get that immunity.

The language is exactly the same as the Senate approved nearly two months ago in SB 1001. But that measure stalled after Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, refused to give the measure a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee which he chairs.

But by tacking the language onto another unrelated measure which already has gained House approval, the now-amended bill goes back to the full House for action. And that bypasses the Judiciary Committee  and the ability of Farnsworth to unilaterally kill it.

Farnsworth said Wednesday he remains opposed to the legislation.

This is not because I want kids to die and I want puppies to die, he told Capitol Media Services.

The problem, Farnsworth said, is the legislation is badly crafted and overly broad. In fact, he argued, it even could provide cover for thieves.

The idea is being pushed by Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills. He said Arizona law already provides immunity to police and other first-responders who break into a vehicle to save a child or pet.

But Kavanagh said under the current law someone who finds a child alone locked in a hot car is legally entitled to only call for help and await arrival. A decision by a Good Samaritan to break in, he said, leaves the rescuer liable for the costs of the damages caused.

The measure says there is not civil liability if the person first notifies a first-responder or animal enforcement agency about a pet or child in the vehicle and does not use more force than necessary under the circumstances to enter the vehicle. The legislation also said the rescuer must remain with the vehicle until emergency personnel respond.

Farnsworth said the measure is flawed.

It says minor, he said. Does that mean if you have a 17-year-old in the back seat that could easily unlock the door and get out?

And then there's the question of criminals.

As Farnsworth said he sees it, someone who wants to break into a vehicle can call 9-1-1, smash out the window and escape with the goods long before anyone arrives.

And if there's not, you stick around and say, I thought there was a child in here and you have immunity, he said.

That is so ridiculous, Kavanagh said.

First of all, the average thief won't even know this law exists, he said. Anyway, Kavanagh said, anyone who breaks a window is bound to attract attention, particularly since the defense of rescuing a child or a pet from a hot car only works during the day.

This defense only works for the 30 seconds prior to they're grabbing the radio (or) whatever they broke in to steal, he said. Once somebody sees them standing there with a ripped-out radio in their hands it's going to be hard to say, Oh, I thought there was a kid under that blanket so I decided instead to rescue this purse.

Kavanagh has one other thing going for him: The apparent blessing of Gov. Doug Ducey.

In his State of the State speech in January, the governor effectively endorsed Kavanagh's bill which had been filed about a month before.

All it takes is a Good Samaritan to save a life, Ducey said in his speech to lawmakers.

The last thing we want is any Arizonan worried about breaking into that car to save a life, the governor continued.
HA NOI  Australian budget carrier Jetstar Airways on Wednesday announced the launch of direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney to HCM City.

The worlds leading Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be used for all flights, operating four times per week from Sydney and three times per week from Melbourne.

Flights from Melbourne to HCM City will commence on May 10 and flights from Sydney will commence on May 11, with the starting fare at AU$159 per roundtrip.

"These flights will help increase international, commercial and business travellers to Australia. Over the past 12 months, the number of visitors from Viet Nam to Australia has increased by 21 per cent against the same period in 2015, ranking second in Asia in terms of foreign tourism growth. We expect this number to increase after the launch of low-cost airlines," Paul Rombeek, Jetstar Groups head of sales, said.

Viet Nam and Australia have a close relationship thanks to more than 31,000 Vietnamese students studying in Australia currently and over 220,000 overseas Vietnamese living here.

In addition, Australian tourists were named the biggest spenders in Viet Nam in an official tourism report released in November 2015. Each Australian tourist spent $1,677 per trip, compared with average expenditure of $1,114, according to the report produced by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism. In 2016, Viet Nam welcomed a total of 250,000 Australian visitors to the country.

According to Australian Deputy Minister of Trade, Tourism and Investment Keith Pitt, direct flights to Australia at lower fares will help visitors get more opportunities to experience the majestic nature, typical culture and diverse ecological system of this wonderful southern land.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam-based mobile platform provider Appota announced on Thursday it had successfully raised undisclosed funding for its series C round from two investment funds in the Republic of Korea (RoK), according to the au Tu (Investment) newspaper.

The two funds are Korea Investment Partners (KIP) and Mirae Asset Venture Investment.

The current round brings Appotas valuation on track towards the US$50 million mark and its total funding close to $10 million, founder and CEO of Appota o Tuan Anh said.

Earlier, the mobile platform provider received funding from Vietnamese VNP-Group for series A in 2012 and from Japans GMO Global Payment Fund and Golden Gate Ventures for series B in 2014.

Following the round, Sang-Ho Park, KIP director of investment at the Seoul-headquartered fund, will join Appotas board of directors.

This round marks a first in terms of a Viet Nam-based technology startup securing funding from RoK-based investment funds.

"Besides the much-needed capital to fortify our platform and scale our services, KIP and Mirae will contribute their extensive and active network, along with their profound knowledge of the gaming market, social networking and financial tech to help Appota expand with confidence to other parts of Asia," Tuan Anh said.

As one of the three largest mobile game publishers in Viet Nam, Appota has offices in Ha Noi, HCM City, Indonesia and Singapore.

The company is one of Googles four partners in Asia to deploy the tech giants Mobile Ad Exchange platform in Viet Nam. It also has 30 million local and international users and five million monthly active users.

Prior to investing in Appota, KIP has had a strong track record in investing in the worlds leading tech companies, including Kakao, Naver and Super Evil Megacorp. Meanwhile, Miraes portfolio comprises 270 companies worldwide across various sectors, such as technology, mobile, finance and consumer products.

The holding groups of both KIP and Mirae Asset Venture Investment are present in Viet Nam through their brokerage houses and wealth management units. KIP manages 26 venture and private equity funds with $1.5 billion in total assets under management (AUM), while the invested companies of the latter represent $350 billion AUM.  VNS
HA NOI  Novaland Group (NVL) on Wednesday said it would not participate in the restructuring of Saigon Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Sacombank) as planned previously, Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam (Vietnam Economic Times) has reported.

In December 2016, NVL had sent a letter to the SBV, expressing interest in participating in the restructuring of Sacombank.

As per NVLs submission, the firm and its chairman of board of directors Bui Thanh Nhon proposed to acquire 20 per cent stake in Sacombank, equivalent to 360.7 million shares of the bank.

Sacombanks charter capital is currently VN18.036 trillion. The market price of Sacombank shares as on March 24 was VN11,400 per share, which means that NVL will have to spend VN4.112 trillion on this acquisition.

Explaining for the withdrawal, Nhon said during the time waiting for the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV)s approval, a lot of negative information arose that was unfavourable to NVL.

Restructuring Sacombank is a difficult task, which requires a lot of effort, money, time, transparency and determination as well as support from the central bank and the Government, he said.

According to Sacombanks financial reports, its non-performing loan ratio at the end of 2016 stood at 5.53 per cent of the banks total outstanding loans.

Recently, there have been reports that heavyweights such as New York-based investment bank Evercore Group, M&A consulting firm Redsun Capital Limited and ang Van Thanh, president of Thanh Thanh Cong Group (TTC), would likely participate in the restructuring of Sacombank.

Sacombank is due to organise its annual general shareholders meeting in April 28.

The central bank has so far also required Sacombank to complete its management and administrative structure; continue implementing restructuring solutions to guarantee the rights and benefits of depositors; stabilise operations; and make sure its financial system is secure.

NVL has VN7 trillion in charter capital, and 5,000 employees. The group currently operates two core businesses: real estate (NovaLand) and agriculture (Anova Corp). The capitalisation value of NVL is VN40.666 trillion, based on its share price on March 24. The companys shareholders include many foreign investment funds, including the Singapore governments GIC.  VNS
NEW YORK  Streaming is making it quicker not only to play music. A new study finds that pop songs themselves are getting faster as listeners attention spans diminish.

Instrumental openings to songs have shrunk dramatically over the past three decades and, to a lesser extent, the average tempo of hit singles has been speeding up, the research found.

Hubert Leveille Gauvin, a doctoral student in music theory at the Ohio State University, analysed the year-end top 10 on the US Billboard chart between 1986 and 2015.

In 1986, it took roughly 23 seconds before the voice began on the average hit song. In 2015, vocals came in after about five seconds, a drop of 78 per cent, he found.

In a study published in Musicae Scientiae, the Journal of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music, Leveille Gauvin linked the trend to the rapid rise of Spotify and other streaming sites that give listeners instant access to millions of songs.

"It makes sense that if the environment is so competitive, artists would want to try to grab your attention as quickly as possible," he told AFP.

"We know that the voice is one of the most attention-grabbing things that there is," he said, pointing out that people seeking to concentrate often preferred instrumental music.

A 2014 study of Spotify listening habits found that 21 per cent of songs get skipped over in the first five seconds.

As an example of the shift, Leveille Gauvin pointed to Starships 1987 hit Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now, which takes 22 seconds for the vocals to begin and more than a minute for the chorus.

On the 2015 hit Sugar by Maroon 5, Adam Levine gets to the point within seven seconds with the lines, "Im hurting baby / Im broken down."

Conscious or not?

Leveille Gauvin doesnt claim inside knowledge of record industry secrets and he doubts that many pop stars are clamouring in the studio for shorter intros.

Instead, he sees a steady evolution in songwriting conventions.

"I think its partially voluntary, but I think its just adapting yourself to your environment whether youre aware of it or not," he said.

He connected the trend to scholar Michael H Goldhabers concept of the "attention economy"  the quest to hold attention in an internet overflowing with information.

"You can think of music as this double role. Music has always been a cultural product, but I think that more and more songs are also advertisements for the artists," Leveille Gauvin said.

Live performances have increasingly been the key money makers for artists, some of whom complain that they earn little from streaming  which last year accounted for more than half of the US recorded music industrys revenue.

Despite the overall trends, Leveille Gauvin pointed out that there was still diversity in song structures.

Gotyes Somebody That I Used to Know, the charts top song for 2012, has an instrumental introduction of 20 seconds.

As the study looked only at mega-hits, it did not take into account genres such as indie rock in which market forces function much differently.  AFP
PHU THO  President Tran ai Quang attended a grand ceremony held in the northern midland province of Phu Tho on Thursday (the 10th day of the third lunar month) to commemorate the death anniversary of Hung Kings - the legendary founders of of the nation.

President Quang, together with other Party and State leaders and local officials offered incense, flowers and fruits to the national founders at the Hung Kings Temple, the national special relic site, on Nghia Linh Mountain.

Chairman of the Peoples Committee of Phu Tho Province Bui Minh Chau delivered a eulogy praising the kings for founding and protecting the nation, affirming that Lac Hong descendant generations will unite together, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, to overcome difficulties and seize opportunities to build a prosperous and civilised nation, making contributions to peace and friendship in the region and the world as well.

Afterwards, President Quang and delegates laid wreaths at the tomb of the 6th Hung King and offered flowers in tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh.

Following the incense-offering ceremony, millions of Vietnamese people across the country and abroad paid homage to the nation founders at the temple complex.

The same day, provinces and cities nationwide held a wide range of activities in commemoration of the Hung Kings.

The worshipping rituals of the Hung Kings are closely related to the ancestral worship traditions of most Vietnamese families, an important part of peoples spiritual life. It was recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012.

According to the organisers, some eight million domestic and foreign visitors have flocked to the Hung Kings Temple those days.

On this occasion, Presiden Quang also visited and worked with the provincial police force, asking the local security force to tackle sophisticated emerging issues in a timely manner while stepping up the fight against crimes.

Party and force building is another important task of the provincial police force, he added.  VNS
NAM INH  Two drug traffickers were arrested and 19 varieties of synthetic drugs were recently seized in Nam inh Province, the provinces police said on Wednesday.

This information was reported by the Lao ong (Labour) newspaper.

The provinces drug crime investigation sub-department (PC47) on March 29 uncovered a drug trafficking ring operating from a four-storey house located along National Route 10 in Y Yen District.

Truong uc Hung, 43, the rings leader, was caught red-handed selling some 300g of synthetic drugs and 300 tablets of ecstasy to other drug addicts.

Several other types of drugs, including Methamphetamine, crystal meth and American weed that were divided into small packets, were confiscated.

Hung, a resident of the district, was reportedly a drug addict and had indulged in illicit acts for years, the police said.

He would gather drug addicts at the house and used them to sell drugs.

The house was equipped with folding doors, metal mesh fences and a security camera system, the police reported. All activities related to the sale of drugs were conducted through a small door.

Nguyen The Hung, 40, resident of Hai Phong City, was caught following the polices interrogation of Hung. He had with him some 800g of crystal meth, 700 tablets of ecstasy and some VN5 million (US$220) of drugs money.

Further investigation into the case is underway.

Cross-border drug trafficking

Earlier on Tuesday, a 23-year-old drug trafficker carrying 5kg of drugs was caught in Thanh Hoa Province, the provincial Border Guard Command said on Wednesday.

Vi Thao Thieu, resident of Houaphanh Province in Laos, admitted to transporting the drugs to sell to drug addicts in Thanh Hoa Provinces Muong Lat District, the police said.

Investigation revealed that he connected with other drug addicts to transport drugs from Laos to Viet Nam via trails near the border at nightfall.

Thieu was handed over to the Muong Lat police. Extensive investigation into the case is underway.  VNS
THE HAGUE  The Philippine government and leftist rebels have agreed in principle on an interim ceasefire to boost ongoing peace talks aimed at ending one of the worlds longest insurgencies, a joint statement said.

The temporary truce would take effect after the two sides iron out the guidelines and ground rules, they said without giving a timetable.

"This is another step closer to our dream. There are still many steps that we have to work on but this is a very important step," Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes peace adviser Jesus Dureza said.

"This will go a long way in building trust and confidence and generating the atmosphere for the accelerated advance of negotiations," rebel leader Jose Maria Sison told a joint news conference on Wednesday in the western Dutch town of Noordwijk aan Zee.

The insurgency in the poverty-stricken Asian country began in 1968 and is one of the longest running in the world. It has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives, according to the military.

About 4,000 New Peoples Army guerrillas continue to attack isolated military and police outposts and extort money from businesses to finance their armed campaign, the military said.

Peace talks have been on and off for 30 years, seeing a revival after the election of Duterte last year.

Duterte, a self-described socialist, has made a peace deal with the rebels a top priority.

The government has billed a permanent ceasefire as its primary goal, with Duterte imposing conditions including that the rebels stop extortion and arson activities.

The interim agreement followed what negotiators described as a "difficult" round of discussions, with the insurgents insisting they exercised "maximum flexibility" in response to the presidents conditions.

Duterte angrily called off the peace talks in February after the collapse of unilateral ceasefires that saw guerrillas killing several soldiers and police in a series of attacks.

The interim ceasefire agreement directs negotiators to craft guidelines regarding "the presence of armed groups in local communities, creation of buffer zones, prohibited, hostile and provocative acts including the collection of revolutionary taxes".

Dureza told the news conference these discussions were already underway.

The guerrillas are represented at the talks by Dutch-based exiled leaders including Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Also on Wednesday, the two sides announced they would release prisoners as another confidence-building measure.

The leftist forces said they would soon free four kidnapped security forces, while the government said it would release 23 detained rebels who were sick and elderly.  AFP
WASHINGTON  The United States will continue to build its military defences against North Korea, Donald Trump told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, pledging all options are on the table.

The pair spoke by phone a day after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, in what analysts said was a warning ahead of Trumps summit with Chinas Xi Jinping at which North Korea is set to dominate the agenda.

Trump "made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities," the White House said in a statement about the call.

"The president emphasised that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose."

Though the White House has previously made similar statements, the call came hours before Trump hosts Chinese President Xi for a two-day summit at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Trump has said the United States is prepared to go it alone in bringing Pyongyang to heel if China -- North Koreas top ally -- does not step in.

In Tokyo, Abe said Trump reaffirmed that he is prepared to consider all possibilities in dealing with North Koreas nuclear and missile programmes.

"I told (President Trump) that Japan is watching closely how China will cope with this North Korean issue," Abe told reporters after the 35-minute conversation.

"President Trump then made a strong remark, saying all options are on the table."

In-flight failure

Abe said the two leaders agreed that North Koreas latest ballistic missile launch was a "dangerous provocation and poses a great threat to Japans national security."

Japan sees itself as particularly vulnerable to North Korean missile launches, some of which have landed uncomfortably close to its northwestern coast.

Trump, since coming to power in January, has been careful to assure Japan that the US, which guarantees Tokyos security, has its back in the face of North Korean provocations.

Abe and Trump were meeting at the Mar-a-Lago estate in February when North Korea launched a rocket, setting off a controversy when the leaders set up an impromptu "situation room" in full view of the resorts guests.

That time the US leader responded by pledging "100 per cent" support for Japan, which along with South Korea is Washingtons key regional ally.

Following North Koreas test of four missiles last month, Trump affirmed Washingtons "ironclad commitment" to Japan and South Korea.

Trumps top diplomat, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, last month during a trip to the region vowed a fresh strategy to counter the North Korean nuclear threat, admitting that all previous efforts had failed.

Wednesdays missile, launched days after Pyongyang warned of retaliation if the global community ramps up sanctions, flew 60km, South Koreas defence ministry said.

A US defence official later said that the missile was an extended range Scud and had suffered an in-flight failure.

"A Scud ER (extended range) flew about 60 kilometres before suffering an in-flight failure and crashing into the Sea of Japan," also known as the East Sea, the official said on condition of anonymity.  AFP
STRASBOURG, France  The European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted tough "red lines" for negotiations over a Brexit deal, on which EU lawmakers will have the final say in two years time.

The parliament largely followed EU President Donald Tusks draft guidelines issued last week after British Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered the historic Brexit process.

But they omitted any mention of the flashpoint issue of Gibraltar, unlike Tusks guidelines which said that Spain should have the final say over whether any eventual trade deal applies to the British outcrop.

The Strasbourg-based parliament is the first EU institution to formalise its stance on the Brexit talks, passing the resolution by 516 votes for, 133 against and 50 abstentions.

"You will set the tone for Britain," the blocs Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier told MEPs just before the vote.

Parliament veto

The text insists that Britain must first make "substantial progress" on divorce terms -- the rights of three million EU citizens living in Britain, the exit bill and the fate of the border in Northern Ireland -- before striking a trade deal with the union.

It says that MEPs are prepared to accept a transitional deal to ease the effect of Britains exit from the EUs single market in 2019, but that it should be limited to three years.

Barnier said the message on phased negotiations should be that "the sooner we agree the principles of an orderly withdrawal, the sooner we can prepare our future relations in trade".

The EU has rejected Mays call in her letter for talks on the terms of the divorce and on a future trade deal to be held in parallel during the two years of negotiations ahead of Britains exit in March 2019.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani called for MEPs to be fully consulted on the negotiations, given that they must ratify the eventual agreement.

"I would like to recall that any possible final deal must be cleared by this house," he said.

The remaining 27 EU countries will rubberstamp Tusks guidelines at a summit on April 29, paving the way for Barnier to begin formal negotiations with Britain at the end of May.

Barnier wants a draft deal by October 2018 so that national leaders will have time to approve it before a ratification by the European Parliament, most likely in early 2019.

The resolution won the backing of all the major groups in the parliament, from the conservative European Peoples Party (EPP), the biggest bloc, to the Socialists and Democrats alliance, as well as the ALDE liberals, the Greens and the leftist parliamentary group GUE.

Parliaments Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt said it was "key to have a united European Parliament together with the EU negotiator and the European Council," the forum for member states.

The EPPs leader, Manfred Weber of Germany, told the assembly that "we want a fair and constructive atmosphere," but warned that Britain cannot get a better deal by leaving the bloc, instead of staying inside.  AFP
WATERLOO  The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a Waterloo man who killed a friend following a night of drinking at his home in 2014.

Roderick Earl Ward Jr., 29, was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Gary Lee Wilson, and on appeal he argued the judge shouldnt have allowed testimony that he allegedly tried to silence two witnesses in the case --- his uncle and his girlfriend.

In a ruling handed down Wednesday, the Iowa Court of Appeals ruled the evidence was proper.

Wards discussion of threatening witnesses has the tendency to make Wards guilt and his connection to the crime more probable, said the ruling, which was written by Chief Judge David Danilson.

Authorities allege Wilson had been picking fights and arguing during the get-together at Wards Jackson Street home in the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 2014. Towards the end, Wilson and Ward became involved in a confrontation, and Wilson suffered three shotgun wounds from two or three blasts of the weapon, according to testimony in court.

During trial, prosecutors introduced testimony from Trevino Fox, who had been at the Black Hawk County Jail with Ward while Ward awaited trial.

Fox testified that Ward admitted to shooting Wilson. He also said Ward told him about a plot to have Ward's girlfriend followed after a jail visit because he was concerned about her testimony.

He said he wanted her to disappear, you know  Said he was going to make sure she didnt show up to testify, Fox told jurors during trial.

He also said Ward told him he planned to have people he knew "holler" at his uncle, who was living in Chicago.

Ward is currently serving a 55-year prison sentence for second-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in the case.
WATERLOO  Two people have been arrested after police found LSD and a revolver during a traffic stop last week.

Nicholas Lee Armstrong, 22, and Mitchell Allen Mincks, 21, both of Elk Run Heights, were arrested for felon in possession of a firearm.

Armstrong was also arrested for carrying weapons, possession of LSD with intent to deliver and violation of the drug tax stamp act. Mincks was also arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver

According to police, officers stopped Mincks car around 6 p.m. Friday in the area of Campbell Avenue and Lawnhill Drive. Mincks allegedly gave a false name, and officers found a safe with marijuana in the vehicle and a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver with one round in the chamber in a bag on the floorboard, court records state.

In Armstrongs pocket, police found 25 tabs of LSD, according to police.

Armstrong told police he took the weapon from a relative who didnt know he had it, records state.
A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items for Wednesday:

MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING: Lawmakers in separate House and Senate committees began work Wednesday on a proposal that could allow counties to collect more property taxes in fiscal 2018 for mental health services now being delivered on a regional basis.

Proposed legislation would begin from the maximum property tax amount allowed to be levied across all counties of $114.6 million statewide. The House and Senate measures would equalize mental health funding on a regional basis instead of the current statewide basis and add a growth factor to each regional per capita amount while maintaining a $47.28 spending cap. The proposal also requires regions to spend down fund balances but maintains the 25 percent limit on cash reserves.

This isnt just a tax issue. This is an issue of life or death, said Travis Stanley, pastor of Norwalk Christian Church, one of a number of speakers who addressed House and Senate subcommittees Wednesday.

Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, told attendees they need to support the legislative change to address inequities in the regional system.

This is the last train out of town, Feenstra said. This is the bill. If we dont move this bill this session, nothing gets done and we stay status quo. So if we want that, thats fine. Im trying to create something to try to help resolve a problem.

EMERALD ASH BORER: State officials have confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer in Fayette and Madison counties, bringing to 45 the number of Iowa counties dealing with the destructive wood-boring beetle that attacks ash trees.

The exotic pest first was discovered in Iowa in 2010 and a federal quarantine  enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture  remains in effect and restricts the movement of all hardwood firewood and ash articles out of Iowa into nonquarantined areas of other states.

Mike Kintner of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said his agency already has had six new counties make emerald ash borer confirmations this year and he anticipates 2017 could surpass last years 10 new county finds. The adult beetle is metallic green and about one-half inch long and is seen in summer months. The larvae burrow through the inner layer of bark, eating away at the vascular tissue that supplies nutrients to the tree. Starved trees usually die within two to four years. Additional information, maps and photos of the emerald ash borer are available at www.IowaTreePests.com.

WATER QUALITY: A water quality measure cleared a Senate Appropriations subcommittee Wednesday after a minority Democrat lent support to keep the issue moving.

Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, joined subcommittee chairman Sen. Tom Shipley, R-Nodaway, in passing Senate File 482 after Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City, said he doesnt support shifting money from a state vertical infrastructure account to pay for cost-share projects aimed at improving Iowas waterways.

Gov. Terry Branstad supports the proposal, which builds upon legislation that won approval last session in the Iowa House but died in the then-Democratic-controlled Senate. The measure now moves to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.

BATHROOM CAMERAS: Members of the Senate Government Oversight Committee approved a proposal Wednesday to immediately ban government entities in Iowa from installing video and/or audio monitoring devices in public bathrooms, locker rooms or showers in places such as libraries, schools or other government offices.

Senate Study Bill 1184 was drafted in response to a situation at the Iowa City Public Library where video cameras were installed in its public restrooms as a theft deterrent. The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa challenged the use of cameras, and lawmakers agreed their presence raised a privacy concern. Before passing the measure, committee members approved an amendment that would exempt hospitals that use cameras to monitor patients.

VOTING CHECKLIST: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is offering a new method to ensure accessibility at Iowa polling sites, in partnership with all 99 county auditors. Pates office plans to distribute tablet computers, equipped with the Americans with Disabilities Act Checklist Program app, to every auditors office in Iowa. The app will allow county auditors to more easily identify accessible polling in all 1,681 precincts statewide. Polling place accessibility is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

HUMANIST DAY: The Humanists of Linn County will host Reason On The Hill Day at the Capitol from noon to 2 p.m. April 17. Secular organizations and allies from across Iowa will gather in the rotunda to speak with legislators about the importance of reason and critical thinking in legislating.

Roxanne Gissler, president of Humanists of Linn County, will give the invocation in the House at 1 p.m. It is thought it will be the first Humanist invocation at the Capitol.
DES MOINES  He never thought it would be easy, but Iowa House Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Grassley is learning just how difficult it can be to overhaul tax credits.

The New Hartford Republican set the ambitious goal of overhauling the states tax credit system that includes $427 million for everything from adoption to wind energy. On Thursday, he acknowledged he may have to reform the system of credits available to Iowa businesses, industries and individuals in small bites.

I still believe it should be the goal of the Legislature to have a cap on tax credits, Grassley told an Appropriations subcommittee looking at House Study Bill 187 I dont see any reason why when Legislature walks into this building we dont know the amount of money that is spent each year on tax credits. I think it is a little bit silly we dont have that number.

Rather than pushing for a cap on tax credits, Grassley plans to look at the individual credits to determine whether they should be capped, adjusted or eliminated. Refundable and transferable credits will be on the agenda, he said, adding the Earned Income Tax Credit, designed to provide tax relief for low- and middle-income working families, and the 260E credit for community college retraining programs wont be part of the overhaul.

Thats a smart move, said Rep. Chris Hall of Sioux City, the ranking Democrat on Appropriations.

Both of those programs are very effective at what they do, he said. The Earned Income Tax Credit, makes a difference in what they have available to them and has proved to be of the most effective programs to getting people to work and also providing something that hopefully helps them.

He said community colleges, the business community and economic developers like the 260E credit because it gives them a great degree of flexibility and ... it really works well.

Democrats, Hall said, welcome a discussion on tax credits. It is an acknowledgment of what theyve been saying about tax credits growing exponentially over the past few years (and are) unsustainable compared to the growth of the state economy and revenues.

However, Hall warned that Democrats are interested only so long as the end goal is making the budget work better for working families.

Some tax credits are growing in ways that are taking tax dollars from normal working people and sending them out of state. Thats not something that most people would agree is smart budgeting, Hall said.

Grassley hopes to get committee approval of HSB 187 next week and hasnt given up bringing it to the House floor before the Legislature adjourns, perhaps later this month.
Fourth in a series of stories highlighting diversity in the community from our Inclusion magazine.

CEDAR FALLS  Fundraising for an inclusive park in Cedar Falls is gaining momentum.

The brainchild of Amanda Weichers and Sarah Corkery  both mothers of children with special needs  the park will be located on land donated by the city at the current site of Greenhill Park at Algonquin and Ashworth drives.

Weichers and Corkery have been raising funds and building support for the project for a couple of years and hope to break ground on the first phase of the park in spring 2018.

Phase one is, literally, leveling the playing field, Corkery said.

That phase, with an estimated cost of $600,000, will include safety surfacing, concrete work, fencing, handicapped-accessible parking, some play equipment and bathrooms  which will include adult-size changing tables.

The first phase is expected to be complete by the fall of 2018.

The second phase, which is expected to bring the total cost of the park to near $1 million, will include more play equipment, including a zipline with bucket seats to accommodate children with disabilities and a sand and water feature.

So far, $120,000 has been raised through grants and donations, Weichers said.

The Guernsey Foundation was our first big donation of $20,000, she said.

Last summer, the project picked up another $12,000 when 100+ Women Who Care Cedar Valley chose it as a nonprofit to support.

That was a defining moment for me, Weichers said. In August we were sitting at $37,000 and now were at $120,000. We are just so passionate about this.

The idea for the project was born when the two women saw a segment on The Today Show about an inclusive park, Harpers Playground, in Portland, Ore.

We said thats what we need here, Weichers said. Sarah posted on Facebook and called Mayor (Jon) Crews and got an appointment. He was very supportive and thought it would be great for the city.

Corkerys son, Jude, 8, is legally blind and has suffered from seizures.

Going to the park, theres always that fear of him falling, she said. This would just mean the world to us.

This will be a park for all kids, where everyone can play together, all ages, all abilities, with no restrictions.

Thats how the world should be. Everyone should be welcome and included. Its an important lesson to teach our kids, Corkery said. If we see what its like to be accepting when were young, that will carry over when we are adults.

The projects fiscal sponsor is Beaus Beautiful Blessings, a nonprofit Wiechers established shortly after her son, Beau, 9, was diagnosed with a rare brain abnormality.

I did it with the idea of helping families dealing with ... intellectual disabilities. We helped one child get a service dog and another a specialty chair so they were able to sit at the table with their family. We try to cover what insurance wont cover.

Donations for the park can be made online at www.yourplacetoplay.org or beausbeautifulblessings.com. Those who want to help also can drop off cans at the Metro Redemption Center, 9301 University Ave. in Cedar Falls. Bags of cans should be labeled with Cedar Falls Inclusive Park or Place to Play Park, and staff will take care of them.
ELKADER -- Volunteer firefighters rescued two people after a vehicle crashed into the Turkey River in Elkader.

Two people are pulled from the Turkey River in Elkader after their vehicle crashed into the water.

The Clayton County Sheriff's Office said the vehicle went into the river Wednesday afternoon near High and Bridge streets. Elkader firefighters were able to pull two people from the vehicle. An ambulance took both to the hospital.

The truck was almost submerged when volunteer firefighters got to the scene.

Volunteer firefighter Caleb Shea says the current was moving fast.

"It was a pretty good drop off, so I jumped on it and went in there," Shea said, "I went in first. He was still in the truck. The man was still in the truck when I went after him."

The current and the location of the dam made for a tough rescue, but he and another firefighter managed to get the driver and passenger to safety.

"We got them out, and that's the most important thing. It could've been a lot worse," Shea said.

Shea said it was their first time using insulated water rescue wetsuits.

He said it would have been a lot more difficult without them. The department just got the suits earlier this year.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo family escaped their burning home Thursday morning, but the blaze claimed one of their pets.

Loren Swanson said he noticed the TV in the living room had switched off.

I went down to check the breaker, and it wouldnt stay, Swanson said. When he returned upstairs he and his girlfriend, Sue Clow, noticed the porch was full of smoke with flaming shooting from a part of the wall near an outlet.

We all got out, and I told her to get the dog. We couldnt get the cats. They were running all over, Swanson said.

One of the cats died and two others were unaccounted for as of Thursday morning.

Battalion Chief Mike Moore with Waterloo Fire Rescue said he could see smoke billowing in the sky from as far away as Broadway Street as they headed to the call.

Firefighters contained the fire to the porch, which was loaded with furniture and other items that Swanson said were intended for an upcoming yard sale. A small propane tank ignited and began venting flames, and firefighter used a pike pole to remove it from the porch and put it out, Moore said.

The fire sent thick smoke into the house, and the family will have to find another place to live until repairs are finished.

We kept the fire from going in, but it got a lot of smoke, Moore said.

Moore said they suspect an electrical issue is behind the fire.

They said theyve been having problems with the breaker that controls the living room and that front porch, Moore said.

In addition to Swanson and Clow, Clows granddaughter and the granddaughters boyfriend lived in the house. Clow has owned the home for about 12 years, Swanson said.
The most famous filibuster in U.S. history occurred in 1939: Sen. Jefferson Smith  duped into supporting a dam project pushed by his home states corrupt political machine  talking for nearly 24 hours on the Senate floor trying to delay the appropriations bill and clear his name.

The filibuster failed when Smith collapsed on the floor. But the guilt-ridden senior senator from his home state confessed all, vindicating Smith.

With that, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington had an upbeat ending, romanticizing the filibuster. But it also made Congress look so deplorable Senate Majority Leader Alben Barkley, D-Ky., later vice president under Harry Truman, called the film silly and stupid.

Whatever the movies merits, the filibuster  talking a bill to death  is silly and stupid, a parliamentary tool requiring a 60 percent vote to bring a bill or nomination to the floor for a vote.

The Democratic-controlled Senate nearly defanged it in 2013, voting 52-48 to require a majority vote necessary to end filibusters of all executive and judicial nominees except U.S. Supreme Court nominees.

Ironically, it might have come in handy for Democrats during President Donald Trumps nomination of the unqualified Betsy DeVos for secretary of education, which needed a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Mike Pence for approval.

Now Democrats will filibuster the vote on Neil Gorsuch, Trumps Supreme Court nominee. Its another bad idea.

Because the Senate has 52 Republicans, 46 Democrats and two independents, Democrats wont keep Gorsuch off the bench once Republicans invoke the so-called nuclear option, which is less frightening than it implies, requiring a simple majority vote. No Republicans have broken ranks, but Democrats have.

The filibuster satisfies those Democrats still bitter  and rightly so  over the failure of Republicans last year to even grant a hearing to President Barack Obamas nominee, Merrick Garland, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, the courts leading conservative.

Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., justified Republican stonewalling by citing the supposed Biden rule, a 1992 remark by then Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., contending a Supreme Court vacancy shouldnt be filled in a presidential election year. The Democrats controlled Congress under President George H.W. Bush, but no vacancy existed that year.

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, was a leading player in that charade, and McConnell seemed to suggest no such rule really exists when avoiding a question on the matter by Chuck Todd on NBCs Meet the Press earlier this year.

That said, two wrongs dont make a right.

Gorsuch, a jurist on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, admired Scalia and also counts himself as an originalist, invoking the original meaning of the Constitution and statutory text.

As we previously have stated, the problem with interpreting the Constitution as originally written is it puts a premium on a document ratified in 1788 that ignores ensuing historical developments. Some issues either were not evident to the framers or ignored. Civil, voting and womens rights were addressed in six of the 13 post-Civil War Amendments.

Like Scalia, Gorsuch believes social activists should achieve their goals through legislative change, not the judiciary.

We disagree. But philosophical differences aside, Gorsuch is eminently qualified.

As George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley wrote in USA Today, Gorsuch is the gold standard for a nominee. He is widely respected for his writings on legal theory and history, which include refreshingly provocative ideas on the structure of government, morality in the law and interpretive theory. This is  a full portfolio of work at the very highest level of analysis.

Neal K. Katyal, a former acting solicitor general in the Obama administration, wrote in the New York Times, I have seen him up close and in action, both in court and on the Federal Appellate Rules Committee (where both of us serve); he brings a sense of fairness and decency to the job, and a temperament that suits the nations highest court.

Democrats have nothing tangible to gain and may look silly and stupid (to quote Barkley) with the doomed filibuster, a procedure that has never thwarted a Supreme Court nomination.

But the real problem is the filibuster, which the House has long not deigned to use. In this instance, we side with originalists, because the Founding Fathers specifically limited supermajorities to impeaching presidents, expelling senators, ratifying treaties, overriding presidential vetoes and constitutional amendments.

Democrats wont defeat Gorsuch, but their ill-advised filibuster could lead to the procedures demise, relegating it to film lore only.
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Russia seeks closer nuclear ties with Japan

06 April 2017

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Russia is ready to build "effective and full-scale" cooperation with Japan in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy to harness the innovations of Russian scientists, Alexey Likhachov, director-general of state nuclear corporation Rosatom said this week. Likhachov began a working visit to Japan on 4 April, where he said in an interview with the Japan Times that cooperation between the two countries was "becoming an urgent necessity".

Likhachov's visit follows his signing in December of a memorandum of cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy with two Japanese ministries. One key area of cooperation under the agreement is post-accident recovery at the damaged Fukushima Daiichi plant. Likhachov told the Japanese newspaper that Russia is interested in creating a framework for cooperation - scientifically, technologically and financially.

On Russian assistance in Japan's recovery from the consequences of the 2011 accident, Likhachov noted that the Mitsubishi Research Institute had last month selected two Rosatom subsidiaries, RosRAO and Tenex, to conduct a feasibility study on the creation of a an integrated high-sensitivity neutron detector. This technology will be necessary, he said, for the most accurate "search and identification" of nuclear fuel fragments at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Likhachov also noted that the memorandum signed on 16 December enables the two countries to consider the creation of a "unified Russian-Japanese platform" to explore the promotion of innovative nuclear technologies based on the knowledge and experience of nuclear power engineers in both countries. Among such technologies, Likhachov referred to developments in fast neutron reactors, in which he said independent experts rank Rosatom as the world leader. Only in Russia - at the Beloyarsk nuclear power plant - are industrial scale fast neutron reactors in operation, he said.

Beloyarsk 4 - the BN-800 fast neutron reactor - started operating at 100% power for the first time in August last year and officially started commercial operation in November. The 789 MWe reactor is fuelled by a mix of uranium and plutonium oxides (MOX) arranged to produce new fuel material as it burns. Its capacity exceeds that of the world's second most powerful fast reactor - the 560 MWe BN-600 Beloyarsk 3.

Likhachov said that, owing to the fact Japan's geography means it has no indigenous reserves of uranium, "the raw material base for supplying fuel to its own nuclear power plants is therefore a topical issue for Tokyo".

Fast neutron reactors operate within a closed nuclear fuel cycle, requiring less uranium and leading to significantly less radioactive waste, he said, adding that Japanese specialists may one day participate in the work of MBIR - the multipurpose sodium-cooled fast neutron research reactor that is under construction at the site of the Research Institute of Atomic Reactors at Dmitrovgrad, which is in Russia's Ulyanovsk region. AEM-Technology announced last month it had started the manufacture of the reactor pressure vessel for MBIR.

This is a 150 MWt, sodium-cooled fast reactor that will have a design life of up to 50 years. It will be a multi-loop research reactor capable of testing lead, lead-bismuth and gas coolants, and running on MOX fuel. NIIAR intends to set up on-site closed fuel cycle facilities for the MBIR, using pyrochemical reprocessing it has developed at pilot scale.

Rosatom has said the MBIR project will be open to foreign collaboration, in connection with the International Atomic Energy Agency's International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO).

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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As part of the program, foreign languages are used to cover up the source of CIA hacks.

The latest drop from whistleblower organization WikiLeaks has revealed the details of a CIA hacking program known as Marble. According to the files, the secret framework allows the U.S. intelligence agency to disguise its hacking activities.

The 676 files from Wikileaks Vault 7 Marble, released Friday, show how the framework can hamper forensic investigators by using foreign languages to mask viruses, trojans and hacking attacks, making it more difficult for them to be tracked to the CIA.

Foreign languages including Russian, Arabic, Korean, Chinese and Farsi were added to algorithms to confuse and mislead those investigating hackings and can also hide fake error messages.

This would permit a forensic attribution double game, for example by pretending that the spoken language of the malware creator was not American English, but Chinese, but then showing attempts to conceal the use of Chinese, drawing forensic investigators even more strongly to the wrong conclusion, WikiLeaks said in a statement.

This is the digital equivalent of a specialized CIA tool to place covers over the English language text on U.S. produced weapons systems before giving them to insurgents secretly backed by the CIA, the organization added.

Code in the Marble framework also contains a tool where CIA text that has already been obscured can be reversed. According to WikiLeaks, the Marble was used by the CIA throughout 2016.

The release of the Marble files appears to only be the tip of the iceberg, according to WikiLeaks.  Vault 7 is the largest ever drop on the CIA and contains 8,761 files detailing the intelligence agencys widespread spying program.

While so far there has been no government comment on the latest files, earlier in March a federal investigation coordinated by the CIA and the FBI was reportedly probing how the Vault 7 was leaked.
A startup needs to test an idea quickly. For this, an MVP is created. MVP, Minimal Viable Product  a test version of a product or service with a minimum set of functions (up to one or two), which allows you to see the product's value for consumers and the market. MVP is created to test hypotheses and check the viability of the intended product: is it worth developing the project further, what changes should be made? The sooner a startup brings its MVP to market and tests the idea, the better. This article will look at how no-code technology can help founders achieve their business goals.

This article will try to cover everything that a founder needs to know about no-code at the initial stage of creating a startup.

What is no-code?

No-code, zero-code platform is a tool for creating websites, applications, chatbots, and other programs without the need for direct code writing by programmers. No-code is a valuable alternative to traditional development.

No-code is confused with low-code, but there is a difference in these terms. Low-code includes no-code and the ability to "finish code", add parts of code and the functionality.

A user of a no-code platform usually does not need to know layout, programming languages, or hire a team of programmers. The user of the no-code tool creates an application using a visual block constructor, which he fills with the necessary content and functions, and the no-code platform itself does the processing of requests, compiling the application and other "magic." It generates code using AI and/or contains blocks of code pre-written by programmers.

No-code allows the startup founder to create an MVP himself, entrust it to his employee with basic technical literacy and understanding of the project, or hire a no-code developer. Even in the case of hiring a no-code developer, the cost of creating an MVP will be significantly lower than with classical development with programmers. For example, you can read the interview of a startup and no-code developer on our website, who initially worked as a Product Manager and was able to master no-code for his project himself.

Benefits of no-code for a startup founder

There are the following key advantages for a startup founder in using no-code technology:

a large selection of no-code tools, platforms, and their integrations at the moment  already in 2022, there are many tools and platforms for creating an MVP, a larger project, or even a finished product on no-code, but few people still know about them, and others are far from all startups and founders use their potential;

cost  no-code development saves the money by speeding up the development process, not hiring professional programmers or no need to maintain a developer department, monitoring functions and quick bug fixes, avoiding or reducing the growth of technical debt;

speed is the main advantage over classical development  no-code allows you to build a simple application in a weekend, and a more complex one can be built in a month. In this way, you can test an MVP and even several versions of an MVP very quickly;

low entry threshold  to master a no-code platform, you often do not need technical education at all, but only an understanding of a company's business processes or product from the inside. In the case of pro-level no-code platforms, technical education is required, but you can get used to it hundreds of times faster than with any programming language. This makes no-code available to almost everyone who wants to work with technology;

ease of use  no need to write hundreds of code lines  just move the blocks and assign links between them. Work on a project can be entrusted to your employee without communicating with a team of third-party developers. You can speak "in your language" without the need to understand the "inner kitchen" of developers;

flexibility  with the help of no-code, it is easy for a startup founder to add new functionality and new features right during a project or a MVP testing without a significant increase in development costs.

Possible disadvantages of no-code for a startup founder

As often, any property can be, under certain conditions, both a disadvantage and an advantage. In no-code, many of the benefits with the wrong choice of tool can turn into disadvantages:

no-code is not always a budget solution for a project. Sometimes in a no-code development package, you get unnecessary functions and additions (on AppMaster.io you can separately connect the frontend and pay only for the backend or only for those functions that you are using); if you do not understand the needs of your project, then you can make a mistake with the choice of a no-code tool and not be able to implement the necessary functions on it, or it will be too difficult to implement them; often, no-code tools fail to ensure proper data security and contribute to data leakage (but AppMaster.io allows you to host a finished application on any server); no-code tools often do not provide the ability to upload source code or provide uploading in an inconvenient format, which makes it difficult to move to another tool or to your development. You have to choose a no-code tool "once and forever immediately" (AppMaster. io gives you the ability to download the source code. Also, we generate human-readable code and you will not have any difficulties with its transportation); most no-code tools on the market are not suitable for creating a finished product, and there are significant difficulties with scaling the project if the MVP is successful (AppMaster.io is a professional no-code platform and our capabilities allow us to implement and support the finished product and scale it in the future).

Forewarned is forearmed. Choose your no-code tool wisely and take full advantage of your choice.

Types of no-code platforms

Conventionally, all no-code tools can be divided into several types: no-code devices with a low entry threshold (you can create frontend and not very powerful backend on them), integrators that help connect applications and services, and professional no-code platforms (they strive to replace the code completely, provide the ability to create a robust backend and high bandwidth).

The basic principle of operation of your MVP and the choice of a no-code platform depend on such a conditional division into types. For example, if you make a simple application like a diary, you can limit yourself to a no-code tool with a low entry threshold and a beautiful design.

If your application has powerful potential, high bandwidth, multi-user interface, and works with large amounts of data or real-time data, it is better to choose a professional no-code platform like AppMaster.io or Direcual.

If you use several services at once, link them on integrators like Integromat and Zapier.

Adalo

An easy-to-learn designer with a relatively user-friendly interface. The free version is helpful for learning. The free version contains Adalo watermarks and does not allow you to upload your applications to GooglePlayMarket and AppStore. Beginners often choose this no-code platform to create their first applications with simple logic.

Bubble

It will take more time to learn Bubble , but the platform allows you to work with the backend, databases, business processes, and layout. There are many plugins. The free plan allows you to master the tool, and you can start developing at the middle rate. The price increase is due to the rise in the number of users.

Integromat

It is an integrator. Experts talk about it as a simple and affordable platform for linking applications and services. Scenarios can be created personally, or you can use templates. If you need to connect an application with a service not from the Integromat database, fill out the form and connect to its API via HTTP.

Zapier

This is an integrator for linking applications with each other or with other external services. You can transfer data between thousands of applications. There is a script constructor (one event starts a chain of necessary actions).

Directual

The no-code platform positions itself for creating MVP applications (Minimal Viable Product, minimum viable product) and full-fledged applications of finished products. Scenarios are the backbone of the platform. Using scripts, you can automate the backend logic of the application, create and combine workflows. The Directual catalog includes out-of-the-box connectors, HTTP requests, webhooks, database listeners, and integration with popular services.

AppMaster.io

No-code next-generation platform for creating native and web applications on a real backend. Visual drag-and-drop designer, user-friendly business process designer, one-click app publishing to AppMaster Cloud, or integration with any cloud platform. Push notifications, authorization using social networks. Networks, email, and more. Connect applications to hundreds of services or programmatically access them using APIs. The ability to upload source code and documentation in a human-readable format and transfer it to your servers. Documentation auto-generation. Modern and fast language GoLang at the core.

No-code perspectives for startups

No-code development is gradually gaining popularity around the world. There are already more than 500 no-code tools for creating websites and various types of applications.

According to the forecasts of IT world experts, no-code will develop more and more actively and capture parts of the market responsible for medicine, small online business, small business, and all niches where it is possibly necessary to optimize and automate development processes.

The mass shift of businesses and their customers online and to gadgets has increased the demand for the fast and inexpensive creation of mobile applications that would work according to a single quality standard and have a simple, understandable, user-friendly interface.

Conclusion

No-code is visual programming in the form of a constructor without directly writing code. Usually, basic knowledge in development is enough to build applications on no-code.

The logic of no-code constructors is intuitive: the application interface is assembled from blocks, icons, buttons, and text which are connected to the database. Usually, you can choose a suitable template or do everything from scratch. Speed and economy are the main advantages of no-code tools.

No-code is suitable for creating an MVP, testing an idea or new features in a product, saving time for solving standard tasks. PRO level no-code platforms can provide you with a finished product, an application.

If you don't have an account on AppMaster.io yet, join us. After registration, you will be given a free trial period for 14 days, in which all the basic functionality of the platform is available. It will allow you to learn the intricacies of working with a professional-level no-code platform and understand its potential.
U.S. Strategic Command, Norway sign agreement to share space services, data

U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) entered into an agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to share space situational awareness (SSA) services and information.



The arrangement will enhance awareness within the space domain and increase the safety of spaceflight operations. It was formalized in a memorandum of understanding signed by U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Clinton E. Crosier, the USSTRATCOM director of plans and policy, April 4, 2017, at the 33rd Annual Space Symposium, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Norwegian Army Maj. Gen. Odd-Harald Hagen, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense Department of Defense Policy and Long-Term Planning director general, and Arne Benjaminsen, Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries Research and Innovation Department director general, March 1, in Oslo, Norway.



Maintaining freedom of navigation as an international norm is best approached via coalitions formed through an intersection of interests, said Crosier. Space situational agreements are a prime example of this, helping to strengthen our alliances while at the same time increasing our resiliency.



This situational space awareness memorandum of understanding is an important milestone for Norways development as an active and responsible space nation in the High North and Arctic, said Hagen. This represents a practical and symbolic evidence of the strong relationship and continuing development between our two nations."



Norway joins 12 nations (the United Kingdom, South Korea, France, Canada, Italy, Japan, Israel, Spain, Germany, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Belgium), two intergovernmental organizations (the European Space Agency and the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) and more than 60 commercial satellite owner/operator/launchers already participating in SSA data-sharing agreements with USSTRATCOM.



Besides defending this nation against all threats, we also have to protect the space environment so it is available to current and future generations everywhere, said U.S. Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten, the USSTRATCOM commander. One of the ways we do that is through space situational awareness  to understand what is going on in space  so that our space systems can continue to provide national, military, civil, scientific and economic benefits to the global community.



SSA data-sharing agreements enhance multinational space cooperation and streamline the process for USSTRATCOM partners to request specific information gathered by USSTRATCOMs Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The information is crucial for launch support, satellite maneuver planning, support for on-orbit anomalies, electromagnetic interference reporting and investigation, satellite decommissioning activities and on-orbit conjunction assessments.



"We have worked hard over the last couple of years to make the case that we want space to be a domain that is available for everyone to use," said Crosier. "But to do that we need to understand what is going on in space and the best way to do that is through transparency  to share information  because just like in the air, land or sea domain, we are stronger when we operate together."



One of nine DoD unified combatant commands, USSTRATCOM has global strategic missions, assigned through the Unified Command Plan. They include strategic deterrence, space operations, cyberspace operations, joint electronic warfare, global strike, missile defense, intelligence, and analysis and targeting.


Apr 6, 2017 | By Benedict

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a a $211,000 R21 grant to an engineer at the University of Texas at Arlington. The money will allow Yi Hong and his partner Guohao Dai to develop 3D printable materials for creating new blood vessels for children with vascular defects.

Bioengineer Yi Hong has been awarded a $211,000 grant from the NIH

3D bioprinted blood vessels are a hot topic right now. Just last week, we reported on research being carried out at Wayne State University, where scientists have developed a blood vessel bioprinting technique called the Ring Stacking Method that could help in the fight against heart disease. That followed a similar 3D printed blood vessel breakthrough at the University of California San Diego a month ago, and now it appears to be the turn of The University of Texas at Arlington, where assistant professor of bioengineering Yi Hong has been awarded a significant NIH grant to develop 3D printable blood vessels.

Hongs research, which is being carried out with his research partner Guohao Dai of Northeastern University, is particularly important because it aims to develop treatments vascular defects in children, who can be much harder to treat than adults. For example, grafts are often impossible to use in children because they grow slower than a childs body. This means that they need to be constantly changed, which requires multiple invasive surgeries. Grafts also come with a high risk of thrombosis, which can only be treated with anti-coagulant drugs, which are in turn unsuitable for a childs often frenetic lifestyle.

Hong and Dai are therefore attempting to develop a range of 3D printable materials that can be used to create elastic, patient-specific blood vessels that will take to the human bodyespecially that of a child. These materials will be mixed with human cells and 3D printed to create a conduit, which can be attached to organic blood vessels. Our research is mainly focused on the primary techniques, Hong said. It is unique and could be far-reaching because we are developing elastic materials for 3D printing.

Research on 3D printed blood vessels is also being carried out at Wayne State (above) and UCSD, amongst other universities

Hong, who received his doctoral degree at Zhejiang University in 2005, has been awarded more than $850,000 in research grants over the course of his career. His latest, with its huge implications for the lives of children suffering from vascular defects, could be one of his most important. His approach to 3D printing bioinks to create engineered blood vessels has been described as innovative by Michael Cho, chair of the College of Enginerings Bioengineering Department at The University of Texas at Arlington.

There are great possibilities from this research, which is a broad look at the possibility of tissue-engineering a blood vessel, Hong added. Other groups are investigating 3D printed tissue-engineered blood vessels for use in bypasses or in the abdominal wall, but they do not have the proper bioinks. These are the major parts that will be needed for success in those areas.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Apr 6, 2017 | By Tess

American aircraft manufacturer Boeing has announced the launch of HorizonX, its new venture capital division that will be geared specifically towards investing in innovative tech startups. HorizonX will reportedly be looking to several areas of interest for its investments, including 3D printing, self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

The small venture capital arm of Boeing will be headed by Steve Nordlund, who was previously in charge of drone company InSitu before it was acquired by Boeing in 2008. According to Nordlund, HorizonX will be seeking to invest tens of millions of dollars a year into startups and companies with innovative tech visions.

Along with the launch, HorizonX has already announced its first two investments: Zunum Aero and Upskill. Zunum Aero is a Seattle-based company that is developing small electric-hybrid aircraft with the goal of reducing the costs of travelling to regional airports.

Concept images from Zunum Aero

The company, which is in its early stage of development, has also received support from JetBlue Technology Ventures, the venture capital arm of JetBlue Airways. Its plan is to develop short-haul hybrid aircraft that will be used regionally to carry passengers on popular routes, such as between Boston and Washington D.C., and San Francisco to Los Angeles. Zunum Aero says it expects to fly its first hybrid-plane by 2020, and that its technology has the potential to fill a vast regional transport gap and will cut back on travel times.

Upskill, for its part, is a software company based in Washington, D.C. that is using smart eyewear and augmented reality to assist workers in manufacturing, logistics, and field services with complex tasks. Boeing has already worked with Upskill, and has seen positive results; it managed to cut the time it takes to wire its planes by up to 25% by using its Skylight software program.

According to Nordlund, Boeings aim is not necessarily to profit directly from the companies it is investing in through HorizonX, but rather to promote the advancement of technologies it can benefit from accessing, such as 3D printing, autonomous cars, wearables, etc. These are all starting to converge and have the potential to fundamentally change how we operate inside and outside of companies, he commented.

At present, the investment amounts for the two companies have not been disclosed and Nordlund has stated that there are no plans as of yet for additional investments. HorizonX is expected to seek out tech companies that are capable of bringing their products and technologies to market within the next five to 15 years.

The new venture capital division is also expected to back a global business services unit that Boeing is preparing to launch this year. HorizonX will be based out of Boeings Chicago headquarters and is being run by a staff of 30 to 40 people.

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Michael Kazin in the New York Times:



One hundred years ago today, Congress voted to enter what was then the largest and bloodiest war in history. Four days earlier, President Woodrow Wilson had sought to unite a sharply divided populace with a stirring claim that the nation is privileged to spend her blood and her might for the principles that gave her birth and happiness and the peace which she has treasured. The war lasted only another year and a half, but in that time, an astounding 117,000 American soldiers were killed and 202,000 wounded.

Still, most Americans know little about why the United States fought in World War I, or why it mattered. The Great War that tore apart Europe and the Middle East and took the lives of over 17 million people worldwide lacks the high drama and moral gravity of the Civil War and World War II, in which the very survival of the nation seemed at stake.

World War I is less easy to explain. America intervened nearly three years after it began, and the doughboys, as our troops were called, engaged in serious combat for only a few months. More Americans in uniform died away from the battlefield  thousands from the Spanish flu  than with weapons in hand. After victory was achieved, Wilsons audacious hope of making a peace that would advance democracy and national self-determination blew up in his face when the Senate refused to ratify the treaty he had signed at the Palace of Versailles.

But attention should be paid. Americas decision to join the Allies was a turning point in world history. It altered the fortunes of the war and the course of the 20th century  and not necessarily for the better. Its entry most likely foreclosed the possibility of a negotiated peace among belligerent powers that were exhausted from years mired in trench warfare.

More here.
His youngest son, 25-year-old Cooper Hefner, who became Playboy's chief creative officer last year, hosted the mansion party to screen an episode from the 10-part series, premiering Friday.

"He will kill me if I print or if you say anything about him retiring," the younger Hefner said of his father. "But I think he is really enjoying his life as a 90-year-old at the mansion."

"Hef" turns 91 on Sunday, and he'll celebrate as he has for decades, his son said, with a screening of "Casablanca" in his home theater with his guests dressed in 1940s attire.

Cooper Hefner said his father is doing "great" ("His back is bad  that comes along with aging") and remains editor in chief of Playboy magazine.

"American Playboy" aims to reach a younger audience with its retro appeal. Combining archival footage with reenacted segments, the series tracks Playboy magazine's origins in the 1950s and the changing sociopolitical climate that fueled its growth through the '60s and '70s.

The younger Hefner sees parallels between the political issues of his father's era and his own  discrimination and civil rights, for example  and is inspired to use Playboy as a platform for discussion, as his father did.
The first ever exploration drilling for uranium in old river channels of Quaternary age around Mount Gee in South Australia's far north, will commence in May this year.
Traka Resources Ltd (ASX:TKL) is a mineral exploration company based in Perth, Western Australia. The company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in November 2003. The Directors and management of Traka have extensive experience in minerals exploration industry and are credited with considerable success in the discovery of mineral resources.?The company currently has a number of exploration projects in Australia. The company is advancing its projects by self funded as well as through joint ventures. The Company also maintains an active program of project generation both in Australia and overseas.


Preliminary Non-Offering Prospectus for TSX Listing Filed

Perth, April 6, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cardinal Resources Limited ( ASX:CDV ) ( CRDNF:OTCMKTS ) ("Cardinal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has applied for the listing of its ordinary shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") and has filed a preliminary non-offering prospectus (the "Preliminary Prospectus") with the Ontario Securities Commission.



Cardinal's decision to seek dual listing on the TSX is driven by the strong and increasing levels of interest in Canada and North America, as the Company advances its projects in Ghana. Already, Cardinal has over 30% of its institutional shareholders in these markets and is covered with research by Clarus Securities in Toronto.



The Company engaged Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("RPA") to prepare a National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical report (the "Technical Report") on the Company's Namdini Gold Project in Ghana.



The following summary has been extracted from the Technical Report:

Summary of Mineral Resources Cardinal Resources Limited - Namdini Project Category Tonnage Grade Contained Metal (000 t) (g/t Au) (000 oz Au) Indicated 23,864 1.21 931 Inferred 100,149 1.1 3,629

Archie Koimtsidis, MD and CEO of Cardinal, said:



"The listing on the TSX is largely driven by the strong interest in the Namdini gold project by Canadian and North American institutional investors and various analysts who recognise the large potential for our Company. Given that the maiden resource has now been strengthened with the inclusion of the "updip" and "southern extension" drilling, we believe the Namdini project has strong potential for further growth through continued drilling along strike and at depth.



"We believe that the TSX listing represents an important step in building the profile of the Company and expect the listing will expand the knowledge base and understanding of Cardinal's potential."



The Preliminary Prospectus, is a non-offering prospectus which contains important information relating to the Company's business, operations and ordinary shares, is still subject to completion or amendment. Copies of the Preliminary Prospectus and the Technical Report have been released to ASX and are available under Cardinal's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.



Cardinal also wishes to advise that as part of the Company's application to list its ordinary shares on the TSX, all of the Company's corporate governance policies were revised and updated to be compliant for the dual listing.



In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 12.10, the Company's Securities Trading Policy has been updated and is set out in Annexure A (see the link below) and supersedes all security trading policies previously released by Cardinal.



The Company has entered into updated employment agreements with Managing Director Archie Koimtsidis, Executive Director Malik Easah, Exploration Manager Paul Abbott, and Chief Financial Officer Erik Palmbachs. A summary of the material terms of Mr Koimtsidis and Mr Easah's agreements is set out in Annexure B (see the link below).



To view the full release, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/K9G2030D



To view the Technical Report, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/XYYYCBE9





About Cardinal Resources Ltd





Cardinal Resources Ltd (ASX:CDV) (TSE:CDV) (OTCMKTS:CRDNF) is a West African gold exploration and development Company that holds interests in tenements within Ghana, West Africa.

The Company is focused on the development of the Namdini Project with a gold Ore Reserve of 5.1Moz (0.4 Moz Proved and 4.7 Moz Probable) and a soon to be completed Feasibility Study.

Exploration programmes are also underway at the Company's Bolgatanga (Northern Ghana) and Subranum (Southern Ghana) Projects.

Cardinal confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in its announcement of the Ore Reserve of 3 April 2019. All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning this estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed.


$12m Domestic and International Institutional Placement

Sydney, April 6, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Power International Limited ( ASX:LPI ) ( LTHHF:OTCMKTS ) ("LPI" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update of the developments of the Maricunga Lithium Brine Joint Venture Project in Chile (the Project). The Company also announces a successful institutional placement ("Placement") of approximately 31.58 million fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.38 (38 cents) ("Offer Price") to raise approximately $12 million (before costs).



Highlights



- Maiden JORC-compliant Lithium Resource update expected to be released in May 2017.



- Decision made to move forward a milestone payment of US$5.5m to fast track development of the high grade Maricunga lithium brine project in Chile.



- Successful domestic and international institutional placement to raise $12 million.



- Company pleased to receive strong support from high-profile investors, including Toronto based International Resource Fund - Sprott Capital.



Shares issued under the Placement will be offered with free attaching options, exercisable within 2 years of the date of their issue, at an exercise price of $0.55 (55 cents) ("Options"). The Options will be issued on a 1 Option for every 1 new share subscribed basis under the Placement and will be offered under a separate transaction-specific prospectus to be issued by the Company. The issue of the Options will be subject to shareholder approval at the Company's next General Meeting of Shareholders.



LPI's shares will resume normal trading on ASX at the commencement of trading today.



Maricunga Project update



Further to the ongoing disclosure of the significant results of the exploration program made over the past six months at the Company's flagship Maricunga Lithium Brine Project in Chile, the Company has completed its initial resource drilling and pump test program at the Project and is currently completing analysis of the data extracted from these tests to finalise the company's Maiden JORC compliant Resource update.



The Company is pleased to announce that, based on the highly encouraging exploration results at Maricunga, the JV agreed accordingly to move forward payment of US$5.5m to fast track the development of the Project.



By moving forward this payment, the development timeline of the Project will be brought forward by approximately three to six months.



The Company expects that a maiden, JORC-compliant lithium resource update will be completed in May 2017. Based on the highly encouraging exploration results announced to ASX, the Company anticipates that the maiden, JORC-compliant lithium resource update will be materially larger than the historical, non-JORC resource previously disclosed by the Company.



Details of the Capital Raising



Placement



The Company has undertaken a successful share placement to domestic and international institutional to raise approximately $12 million through the issue of approximately 31.58 million new, fully paid ordinary shares (Placement Shares) at the Offer Price of $0.38 (38 cents) per share.



The Placement Shares will be issued utilising the Company's existing placement capacity under ASX Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A, except for a placement of $200,000 to a related party which will require Shareholder Approval at the next General Meeting of Shareholders.



The shares issued under the Placement will comprise approximately 16.1% of LPI's total issued share capital (on an undiluted basis) after the Placement with a total of approximately 195.9m fully paid ordinary shares on issue.



Shares issued under the Placement will rank equally with existing shares of the Company subject to the offer of Options described below.



Blue Ocean Equites acted as Lead Manager and Bookrunner with Sprott Capital Partners, Hartleys and EverBlu acting as Co-Managers to the Offer.



Options



Shares issued under the Placement will be offered with free attaching Options, exercisable within 24 months from the date of issue, at an exercise price of $0.55 (55 cents).



The Options will be allocated at a ratio of 1 Option for every 1 Placement Share subscribed for under the Placement, and will be offered under a separate transaction-specific prospectus to be issued by the Company. It is expected that these options will be listed on the ASX.



Use of Funds



The Capital raise of $12m, allows the Company to progress to the next stage of the Maricunga project development by fast tracking development work within the next quarter, including:



- The drilling of further deep holes, which the Company expects will enhance the maiden JORC resource upgrade;



- The progressing of the Pre-feasibility Study;



- The finalisation of the engineering requirements of the project;



- Completion of the Environment Impact Report;



- Confirmation of the production methodology, including an enhanced evaporation process, currently in test;



- Securing of key infrastructure including electricity and water supply;



- Community engagement processes; and



- General working capital.



Capital raising timetable



The indicative timetable for LPI's capital raising is set out below. These dates are indicative only and are subject to change at the Company's complete discretion.



Date: Thursday, 6 April 2017

Event: Announcement of Placement and re-commencement of trading of shares on ASX



Date: Tuesday, 11 April 2017

Event: Settlement of Placement



Date: Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Event: Issue and trading of the Placement Shares



Date: Friday, 21 April 2017

Event: Lodgment of prospectus in connection with offer of Options with ASIC



Date: Wednesday, 24 May 2017

Event: General Meeting of Shareholders (indicative)



Date: Thursday, 25 May 2017

Event: Offer of Options under prospectus closes



Date: Friday, 26 May 2017

Event: Issue of Options (indicative)



Date: Monday, 29 May 2017

Event: Trading of all Shares and Options (indicative)



Lithium Power International's Chief Executive Officer, Martin Holland, commented:



"The strong support from well-regarded international and domestic resource investors will strengthen LPI's position as an aspiring lithium producer whilst also enabling LPI to bring the project timeline forward considerably. LPI had significant success in its international roadshows in Northern America which has been reflected in the quality names that have been added to the register. We would like to thank all current shareholders for their continued support and welcome all new shareholders to the Company."





About Lithium Power International Ltd





Lithium Power International Limited (ASX:LPI) is a pure-play lithium explorer and developer, focusing on developing and fast-tracking to production the high-grade Maricunga lithium brine project in Chile.

LPI has a well-known performing technical team with the experience to take the Maricunga project all the way through the development stages to production.

The regions that LPI is currently focused on are:

1. Maricunga JV (Chile) - Located within the "Lithium Triangle", Maricunga is Chile's highest grade and most advanced lithium project outside the Salar de Atacama. The project lies 170 km northeast of Copiapo and 250 km from the port of Caldera.

2. Pilbara (Western Australia) - LPI has three granted exploration tenements covering 203 km2 in the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia. The largest granted exploration tenement is the Pilgangoora tenement which is 2-3 km west of the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) and Altura Mining (ASX:AJM) lithium deposits.

3. Greenbushes (Western Australia) - LPI has two granted exploration tenements covering 400 km2 in the Greenbushes area of southern Western Australia. The tenements are adjacent to the world's largest hard rock lithium mine owned and operated by Tianqi/Talison.

4. Centenario (Argentina) - Through its Argentinian subsidiary, Lithium Power holds a total of seven granted tenements in the Centenario lithium brine salar within the Salta province of the Puna Plateau. In total, the seven granted tenements cover an area of 68.46 km2.

With the exception of the Maricunga JV, all tenements are 100% owned by LPI or LPSA (including rights to the Centenario tenements).


Appointment of Mr Russell Barwick as Non-Executive Director

Sydney, April 6, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Power International Limited ( ASX:LPI ) ( LTHHF:OTCMKTS ) ("LPI" or "the Company") is pleased to advise the appointment of Mr. Russell C Barwick Dip. Min Eng, FAusIMM, FAICD, as non-executive Director as at today's date.



Highlights



- Former CEO of Newcrest Mining Limited ( ASX:NCM ) - Market Cap $18b



- Former COO of Wheaton River Minerals and Goldcorp Inc ( TSE:G ) $22b



- Highly experienced, internationally renowned mining executive and engineer, Mr. Russell Barwick appointed as Non-Executive Director



- Over 43 years technical, managerial and corporate experience, including significant experience in Latin America.



Mr. Barwick is an internationally renowned mining executive and engineer with over 43 years technical, managerial and corporate experience in various commodities. He initially worked for Bougainville Copper Limited ( ASX:BOC ) [CRA], Pancontinental Mining Limited [Jabiluka Uranium] and CSR Ltd ( ASX:CSR ) [Hail Creek Coal].



Following this, Mr. Barwick spent 16 years with Placer Dome Inc. occupying a number of key development, operational and corporate roles in numerous countries culminating in being appointed Managing Director of Placer Nuigini Ltd.



He then served as Chief Executive Officer of Newcrest Mining Limited where he achieved strong market support. For the four-year period, up to 2007, Mr Barwick was the Chief Operating Officer of Wheaton River Minerals and Goldcorp Inc. during which the quickly evolving company grew from market capitalisation of several hundred million dollars to CAD$22 billion and became the third largest gold company in the world by market capitalisation. He is currently the non-executive Chairman of Red Metal Ltd ( ASX:RDM ) and a non-executive director of Mt Gibson Iron Ltd.



Mr. Barwick will add a distinctive skill set to the Board with a strong development, operating and corporate background, particularly in Latin America, along with providing the Company with leadership recognised by the international resources investment community.



Further to the recent appointment of Mr. David Hannon as Non-Executive Chairman, the appointment of Mr. Barwick as a non-executive Director further strengthens the Board, as the Company moves to the next stage of its development.



Mr. Barwick, has been offered 2 million options in LPI at an exercise price of $0.60, with a 3-year expiry, subject to shareholder approval at the next General Meeting.



In addition, Mr. Barwick will participate in the upcoming capital raise with a $200,000 investment, subject to shareholder approval.



Lithium Power International's Chairman, David Hannon, commented:



"The Board is delighted to welcome Mr. Barwick to the Company as non-executive Director. To have someone of his calibre, energy and Latin American knowledge join the Board of LPI is testimony of the significant potential of the Maricunga lithium brine project. Mr. Barwick will provide his extensive technical and international corporate experience at Board level".





About Lithium Power International Ltd





Lithium Power International Limited (ASX:LPI) is a pure-play lithium explorer and developer, focusing on developing and fast-tracking to production the high-grade Maricunga lithium brine project in Chile.

LPI has a well-known performing technical team with the experience to take the Maricunga project all the way through the development stages to production.

The regions that LPI is currently focused on are:

1. Maricunga JV (Chile) - Located within the "Lithium Triangle", Maricunga is Chile's highest grade and most advanced lithium project outside the Salar de Atacama. The project lies 170 km northeast of Copiapo and 250 km from the port of Caldera.

2. Pilbara (Western Australia) - LPI has three granted exploration tenements covering 203 km2 in the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia. The largest granted exploration tenement is the Pilgangoora tenement which is 2-3 km west of the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) and Altura Mining (ASX:AJM) lithium deposits.

3. Greenbushes (Western Australia) - LPI has two granted exploration tenements covering 400 km2 in the Greenbushes area of southern Western Australia. The tenements are adjacent to the world's largest hard rock lithium mine owned and operated by Tianqi/Talison.

4. Centenario (Argentina) - Through its Argentinian subsidiary, Lithium Power holds a total of seven granted tenements in the Centenario lithium brine salar within the Salta province of the Puna Plateau. In total, the seven granted tenements cover an area of 68.46 km2.

With the exception of the Maricunga JV, all tenements are 100% owned by LPI or LPSA (including rights to the Centenario tenements).
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
Loretta Lynch, as Hussein Obama's top lawyer at the DOJ, which means political muscle above the law, stays in her patent Alinsky political vein after President Trump takes office and pledges to return America to a Nation of Laws: Above.

The United States Supreme Court: Above. photo by Stan Deatherage

Is the concerted Democrat plan to obfusticate the purpose of government by the unprecedented delaying of President Trump's appointments, while galvanizing with the organized protesters' directive to obstruct the process of governing, at the federal level, working for the Democrat brand? Yes, Democrats will finally create a Socialist Progressive utopia if they remain banded together. No, the nation is in dire straits, on so many levels, and needs immediate repair. I'm busy with my important life, such as it is, and don't care. 68 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



From Capitol Hill, to indoctrinated college campuses' intellectual safe spaces; to the radical, reactionary and intolerant Left; to Democrat leadership calling for "blood in the streets" of America's cities , Socialist Liberals are obstructing the governing process as best they can, however they can. Never before, in modern times, has the opposition party been so reluctant to accept defeat; actually, a total defeat at all levels of government, have they created a toxic environment where there will possibly be two paths forward - the destruction of our United States Republic or the dissolution of the crumbling Democrat party.Should I have to pick between the two possible inevitable eventualities, I, like all patriots, vote for the dissolution of the diseased Democrat party, and plan to hasten that process as best that I can in whatever manner possible. Could it be that I am that much of a devotee to the Grand Ole Party that I wish to see the toxicity of Democrat party dissolve away from this American political landscape?Hardly. As a multi decade Republican, I am plenty perturbed by leadership at all levels, as the Republican brand has been tarnished by some ineffective, occasionally vapid politicians, and stained by pathetic leadership here in North Carolina, at the ready to sacrifice core Conservative principles for the sake of "big tent" inclusion. However, the one thing that keeps the Republican Party from unraveling at the seams is the party's diversity of intellectual abilities, where often our best are rewarded to ascend to serve, while still too many of our least capable inextricably are elected as best they can; but, no political party will ever be perfect; we must all accept that truth.We must also accept the reality that when a political party becomes so toxic, such a perahia of perpetual impropriety, it deserves to be put down; put down permanently, irrespective of what might arise from its putrid ashes. Today's Democrat is at that irrevocable point. That party has long past the point of no return, its path forward is a bumbling, non patriotic plod to perfect oblivion.After eight years of the most ineffective two term president, barack Hussein Obama, in the history of the United States; the most scandal ridden president in the history of the United States, and, as the greatest of all ironies, received less relative First Amendment scrutiny than any president in the history of the United States, the Democrat party, bolstered by the Democrat media wrongly feels emboldened to obstruct and delegitimize the presidency of Donald J. Trump to the point that our American Republic would be placed in great jeopardy.If one or the other must fail, it will be my personal maxim that it be the Democrat party, their overwhelming non patriotic status , which they revel in, be damned. Here begins the series on such, which is only heightened by the intellectual debilitating effect of their chronic mass hysteria of TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome).In this series, we shall examine as much of the process of Democrat obstruction, elevated to hysterical proportion by the collusion of the unprincipled Democrat Media, and we will do it by using truth, not the conjectural false narratives feeding their toxic hysteria, a toxic hysteria, which is humorous to watch, but will eventually lead to destruction of the Republic that so many patriots do so dearly love, and have sacrificed everything to preserve.This series is for the patriots of the United States of America.
Air advising, its a family affair

Growing up watching her father put the uniform on day in and day out motivated her to follow in his footsteps and become an Airman, but she never imagined she would get the opportunity to serve alongside her hero.



It was all made possible through the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, which is charged with strengthening partner nations capabilities. The squadron trains, advises and assists partner nations in developing airpower capabilities.



A year ago Master Sgt. Alejandro Medina, a 571st MSAS air advisor, noted the need to bolster the Guatemalan Air Forces intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform. He quickly suggested his daughter, Senior Airman Giannina, a sensor operator at Creech AFB, Nevada, to come aboard to help.



During the mission to Guatemala, the father and daughter duo instructed 10 partner nation service members and contributed to more than 50 hours of classroom and hands-on training.



"It was exciting hearing her talk about her students, what she helped them with and seeing her involved in such an important role," Medina said. "I'm glad that she got to see another side of the Air Force mission and how the MSAS impacts the national strategic plans."



Giannina explained that working alongside her father was one of the coolest things shes done throughout her Air Force career.



Its hard for me to pick a favorite moment from the Guatemalan mission because I was able to be a part of something so amazing, Giannina said. I taught a whole new curriculum to an entire different country, with a different mission, in a different language and to top it all off, my father was right by my side.



Giannina was pivotal in developing new checklists for reconnaissance operations which enabled her to earn a hard to come by patch from the Guatemalan Air Force students and leadership.



Working with the Guatemalan Air Force was an experience that I will never forget, Giannina said. I was able to see the military from a completely different point of view. The students that I had the opportunity to teach were very eager to learn and open to talk about our different experiences not only in life, but in our work environment as well.



Though they didn't have the same students, they were able to have lunch together every day and talk about their class and how they interacted with them.



Hearing how proud my daughter felt about the work she was doing with the Guatemalan Air Force made me extremely proud of her and happy I steered her in the United States Air Force direction, Medina said.



In addition to teaching ISR, the 15-manned mobile training team also conducted aircraft maintenance, tactics and procedures, first aid and CPR training along with a number of other courses.



The team also was involved in a community outreach opportunity where they delivered various school supplies to a local orphanage.


MQ-1, MQ-9 aircrews help liberate Manbij

In 2016, U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper aircrews assisted coalition partners in the reclamation of Manbij, Syria, from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria forces.



Pilots and sensor operators assigned to squadrons across the 432nd Wing and the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing provided the close air support and reconnaissance needed for coalition partners to drive ISIS fighters out of the city.



In January 2014, ISIS took control of Manbij, a northern Syrian city, and for more than two years used the city as a central coordination hub for logistics flow of foreign fighters to funnel in and out of Iraq and Syria, as well as, coordinating operations in Europe and elsewhere.



When thousands of U.S. backed fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces launched an offensive in late May to take back the city, the MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircrews were there for support.



"From May to August 2016, over the two month campaign to free Manbij from the rule of ISIS, MQ-1Bs and MQ-9s flew nearly 500 sorties from our cockpits in the continental United States, said Col. Case Cunningham, the 432nd WG/432nd AEW commander. Those sorties resulted in nearly 11,000 hours of persistent attack and reconnaissance in direct support of our partnered forces on the ground.



The aircrews began supporting with battlefield preparation by focusing on reconnaissance to help support the battle plan. As the partnered forces encircled the city, the MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircrews reinforced with armed over watch and attack capabilities.



While supporting the partnered forces on the ground, aircrews experienced some challenges during the urban engagements in built-up areas.



It was significantly difficult in the end because there were snipers and improvised explosive devices in the city center, making it hard for the SDF to advance, said 1st Lt. Gregg, a 432nd WG MQ-9 pilot. We had to maintain very specific look angles down alleys while maintaining a close eye for civilians. That required very precise strikes and MQ-1 and MQ-9s were able to fulfill that role.



Not only did the aircrews have to employ within close proximity to civilians, but ground forces as well.



One of the things I saw in Manbij that was truly unique was the proximity we were finding a lot of the targets to friendly forces, said Lt. Col. Ronnie, a 432 WG squadron commander. They were sometimes within 100 meters and sometimes inside of 50 meters.



Ronnie expressed that employing weapons so close to friendlies, while nerve-racking, required the best his aircrews could deliver.



During a danger close event, we have to be very cognizant of where the friendlies are in real time, if theyre moving or not, where the enemy is and how the trajectory of the weapon will impact, Gregg said. It takes more brain bytes to keep everything in order because you want to eliminate the enemy, but also dont want to jeopardize the friendlies. Its more stress than in other shots.



Gregg also said working together as a crew is key to a successful employment. Understanding the joint terminal attack controller and the ground commanders intent in real-time and being proactive as a cohesive unit keeps the ground forces safe while protecting civilians.



The (coalition) had to trust that we were able to precisely put munitions where they needed without harming them or civilians, Gregg said.



This represents the biggest challenge for sensor operators who are responsible for successfully guiding the weapons by laser to the target.



We would be doing a normal scan and then go right into a troops in contact situation. Within three minutes we would engage the enemy, said Staff Sgt. John, a 432nd WG MQ-9 sensor operator. The hardest part was staying mentally and physically focused because at any minute we would have to engage the enemy.



During the Manbij offensive, MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircrews employed over 300 AGM-114 Hellfires against ISIS, which accounted for approximately 40 percent of the total kinetic strikes conducted by any coalition aircraft during the two-month battle. MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircrews also guided weapons from other coalition strike aircraft by using their laser to designate the target.



Despite the large number of strikes, the MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircrews employed through precise engagement with the use of Hellfire missiles, designed for low collateral damage.



The people we were fighting were not the residents of Manbij, Ronnie said. We didnt want to completely uproot the populace and, ultimately, as a fighting force we wanted for them to have a home to go back to.



By the middle of August of 2016, the MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircrews, with coalition partners successfully eradicated the ISIS presence in Manbij.



Aircrew knew they had a significant impact when they saw footage of the locals reclaiming their city.



Initially you don't realize the impact you've made, but upon reflection, you realize its a significant achievement to take the city back from ISIS, Gregg said. Being able to see civilians return home to live their normal life is an amazing feeling.



While under ISIS rule, men were forced to grow their beards and women were forced to wear face-covering veils. Upon the reclamation of their town, men cut their beards and women burned their veils in celebration.



Its an amazing experience to have such a role in this offensive and bring peace back to Manbij, John said. I know every day when I go to work I'm making a difference. Regardless of if Im gathering intelligence or on the front line dropping munitions, I know that when I go home we did something to better the world.



The aircrews also knew it wouldn't have been possible without the intelligence and precision guided weapons provided.



What we do is absolutely critical, said Lt. Col. Erik, a 432 WG squadron commander. The effects we have mean real effects for people on the ground, for not only our friendly troops but for innocent civilians trapped under ISIS rule. The work we do and can provide directly enables our friendly forces to come home, for them to push ISIS out and for people to get on with their lives.



These engagements are made possible by a set of determined, precise and professional Airmen whose skills improve every day while keeping friendlies safe.



Our aircraft is very capable because it has persistence, sensors that can see a lot of detail and provide coverage, as well as, weapons that can provide a low collateral damage strike, but ultimately its the people, Erik said. Its our crews training, our professionalism and dedication to the mission that enables us to achieve these effects over the battlefield.



According to Cunningham, the Airmen flying MQ-1s and MQ-9s in these combat operations are just one more part of a joint and coalition team waging a dedicated, diligent and disciplined fight to free local populations from the rule of ISIS day in and day out while protecting civilians in a way that is unprecedented in the history of warfare.



For the past 70 years, the Air Force has been breaking barriers as a member of the finest joint warfighting team on the planet and what the joint warfighting team accomplished in Manbij with our coalition partners in the air and partnered forces on the ground is evidence of the fact that the military defeat of ISIS is inevitable, Cunningham said.


Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, accused of beating up an Air India employee, on Thursday claimed innocence in the Parliament, saying the national carrier staffer misbehaved first.

I apologize to parliament, but not to him, said Ravindra Gaikwad and his colleagues from the party cheered him as he made a long speech in the Lok Sabha.

Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him should be lifted. He got support from other opposition parties.

Gaikwad, who told TV channels after the March 23 incident that he beat the Air India official with his sandal 25 times, said in the House that on the day of the incident he was made to travel in economy class despite having a business class ticket.

The AI official spoke rudely, held my collar, but I remained calm, as humility is in my nature, said Gaikwad.

Gaikwad claimed he just pushed an official only after he was pushed around.

The Sena MP claimed that an official, when asked about his identity, told him that he was Air India ka baap (Air Indias father) and taunted him by asking are you Narendra Modi, when he said he was a Lok Sabha MP.

He demanded a thorough inquiry into the whole incident and action against all the airlines which have put him on no fly list.

Gaikwad also questioned Delhi Polices action of registering an FIR under Section 308 (attempt to murder) against him.

Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, 57-year-old Gaikwad accused the media of being biased towards him.

Gaikawad also said that different tickets were booked in his name by other people later, adding that the Aadhaar or other identity cards should be made mandatory for booking an airline ticket.

Probe the whole incident, see who is guilty, and lift the flying ban on me, he urged.

The Shiv Sena on Thursday threatened to boycott the April 10 NDA meeting if the issue of ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad is not resolved by then.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut alleged that its leader was being unfairly targeted.

Rapists, terrorists and even Kashmiri separatists can travel in aeroplanes but not Gaikwad, Sanjay Raut said, adding, home minister Rajnath Singh has assured us of proper investigation.

We will soon expose who is responsible behind this whole episode, Raut said.

Raut attacked the airlines and said they had allowed safe passage to loan defaulters like Vijay Mallaya.
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a Bill to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 paving way to legalize the bullock cart races in the state.

The bill was tabled in the Lower House by Animal Husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar.

The assembly passed a bill suggesting to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, which legalises bullock cart race in the state.

The provision of the fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh or imprisonment of three years has also been made in the bill if any cruelty to the animal is proved during the event.

The bill, which has been passed by the legislative assembly, will now be tabled before the Legislative Council for the approval.

Last week, the state Cabinet had decided to appoint a cabinet sub-committee to study the draft of the amendment bill to revoke the ban on bullock-cart racing.

The reasoning given to the amendment is to follow and promote tradition and culture and ensure the preservation of native breeds of bulls as also their purity, safety, security, and well-being.

Bullock cart races will be allowed in any district where it is being traditionally held at such places.

The ban on the bullock cart race was imposed in 2014.
The Dalai Lama is not the primary problem in Sino-Indian relations in the long run, a former Chinese diplomat who served in India today said, amid a row between the two countries over the Tibetan spiritual leaders visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In the long run, the Dalai Lama is not the primary problem in Sino-Indian relations, and its not a problem that cannot be solved, Mao Siwei, who previously served as Chinas Consul General in Kolkata, was quoted by the state-run Global Times.

Last year, Mao in a rare dissent against Chinas official policy, had sought a change in Chinas repeated efforts to block Indias bid to slap a UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar arguing that he is a terrorist and Beijing should adjust its stand accordingly.

In a blog on social media WeChat public account about the India-China stalemate over Azhar, he had said that China should take advantage of Indias complaint against Azhar and get rid of the passive diplomatic situation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, a top Chinese official in-charge of ethnic affairs, commenting on the row over the Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as Southern Tibet, said India is losing its dignity as a big power by playing with the Dalai Lama.

This is not the first time that the Dalai Lama has visited South Tibet and called the region Indian territory, which means he is committed to separating the nation, Zhu Weiqun, head of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference told the Global Times.

Zhao Gancheng, director of the Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies said since the Indian government expressed its disappointment over the recent strategic dialogue with China, inviting the Dalai Lama could be seen as a way to vent its grievance.

India and China held a strategic dialogue in February, exchanging ideas on a number of issues, including Indias application to the Nuclear Suppliers Group as well as UN ban JeM leader Masood Azhar, which China opposed.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday he has ordered troops to deploy on unoccupied South China Sea islands and reefs claimed by Manila, in a move that could provoke rival claimants including Beijing.

It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant, he told reporters during a visit to a military camp on the western island of Palawan, near the disputed Spratly group.

China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbors and has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

Duterte has previously sought to improve his nations relations with China by adopting a non-confrontational approach over their competing claims in the strategically vital waters.

But the president appeared to alter his tone with his announcement Thursday, saying it was time to erect structures there and raise the Philippine flag.

I have ordered the armed forces to occupy all.

At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours, he said, adding Manila was claiming nine or 10 Spratly islands, reefs or cays.

Duterte also said he may visit the Philippine-claimed areas on June 12 to mark Philippine Independence Day.
A new study has found out that the number of babies born to Muslim women worldwide will surpass the number of Christian births within the next two decades. Pew Research Center predicts that Islam could become the largest faith by the end of the century. Notably, Islam is already the worlds fastest-growing religion. Between 2015 and 2060, the global Muslim population is expected to grow by 70 per cent, while Christianity is projected to grow by 34 per cent  at which point, the two religions will have similar numbers. The Muslim Total Fertility Rate is, as expected, higher than that for Hindus and Christian. However, when we segment the population socio-economically, we see that Muslims manage to be better off than people without any education or the poorest fifth of Indias population by wealth. Albeit, Christians accounted for 33 per cent of global births in recent years  slightly more than Muslim births  they also accounted for 37 per cent of worldwide deaths, nearly twice the share of deaths from other religions.

Between 2015 and 2060, the global Muslim population is expected to grow by 70 per cent, while Christianity is projected to grow by 34 per cent  at which point, the two religions will have similar numbers. Researchers say migration is among factors helping to increase the Muslim population in some regions, including North America and Europe. While Christianity remained the largest religious group globally in 2015  comprising almost a third (31 per cent) of the worlds 7.3 billion people  its number is in decline in Europe. Clearly then, economic and educational factors seem to the major driver at play here.

If we look at our country, then the Indian Muslims never bother about rising or falling growth of their population as they live their lives peacefully here, maintaining an amicable bond with the people of all sections and religions. We are brothers living in the country, which has unity in the diversity. Our flag doesnt highlight a certain religion. People might have exaggerated the Muslim growth but it cannot be denied that most Muslims have larger families than others and many Bangladeshis too migrate to east India.

Rather the recent study revealed that the Indias Muslim population is growing slower than it had in the previous decades, and its growth rate has slowed more sharply than that of the Hindu population, new Census data show. The decadal Muslim rate of growth is the lowest it has ever been in Indias history, as it is for all religions. India now has 966.3 million Hindus, who make up 79.8 per cent of its population, and 172.2 million Muslims, who make up 14.23 per cent. Among the other minorities, Christians make up 2.3 per cent of the population and Sikhs 1.72 per cent. The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner released the data on Population by Religious Communities of Census 2011. The distribution of data is of the total population by six major religious communities  Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain.

However, Muslim fertility rates in India are falling faster than among Hindus, Pew Researchs Future of World Religions report showed recently, and the Muslim community is expected to reach replacement levels of fertility by 2050. The population of both communities grew faster during the previous decade, at 19.92 per cent and 29.52 per cent, respectively.

The sex ratio among Muslims now stands at 951 females for every 1,000 males, substantially better than 936 in 2001, while among Hindus, it is 939 females for every 1,000 males, a slight improvement over the 2001 value of 931. J&K remains the State with the largest Muslim population as a proportion (68.31 per cent) and saw the largest increase in the Muslim proportion between 2001 and 2011, followed by Uttarakhand and Kerala.

Fears of a rising Muslim population numerically overwhelming Indias Hindu majority seem alarmist. Indeed, if the growth rates trends seen from the latest census data sustain, Muslims may actually account for a lower proportion of Indias population than at their peak in 2011.

The 2011 census puts the Muslim population at 17.22 crore or 14.22% of Indias total population. Some see the Hindu majority falling below the 80% mark as a cause for concern. However, this ignores the fact that growth in Muslim population is actually falling faster than the Hindu population growth rate. Assuming that the growth rate pattern from 2001-2011, which has been used to suggest that Hindus are somehow falling behind, will persist. Population growth is calculated using an exponential growth rate. The Hindu growth rate is 1.55% annually, while Muslims is 2.2%. The figures for the previous decade (1991-2001) are an annual 1.8% and 2.6%, respectively. If this decline in growth rates persists (both continue to grow at slower rates), both Hindu and Muslim populations will hit a peak in 2061.

Then, Muslims will number 29.24 crore and Hindus 140.25 crore. Indias overall population at the time would be 173.03 crore with the Muslim proportion at 16.89%. Hindus will actually account for 81.06% at that time. The Hindu population will stabilize in 2071 at 139.43 crore. However, Muslims will account for 91.68 crore of the population or 39.21%. It will be by 2091 that Muslims will outnumber Hindus in India if the growth rate increases. However, for that pattern to persist, Muslim population will have to grow to 182.91 crore and the Muslim exponential growth rate at that point comes to be over 3.54%.

A 2007 Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report argued that some Muslim population projections are overestimated, as they assume that all descendants of Muslims will become Muslims even in cases of mixed parenthood.

Indeed, Muslim population growth rates are higher than the corresponding figure for the Hindu community. If one were to accept that the leaked figures from the 2011 Census are accurate, Hindus grew at an average annual rate of 1.4% between 2001 and 2011. For Muslims, the corresponding figure was 2.2%. If we assume both communities continue to grow at this rate, Muslims will catch up with Hindus by 2220  in around 200 years. Accepting these growth rates, at the time Muslims outnumber Hindus, Indias population will be 3,264 crore.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
What if we imposed a Robot Tax and the Robots refused to pay?

I did not write this letter to the Wall Street Journal but I wish I had.

FellaO



April 2, 2017



Regarding Andy Kessler's "Bill Gates vs. The Robots" (op-ed, March 27):



Bill Gates has suggested that we tax the robots in proportion to the jobs they displace. It is not clear if this is intended to compensate for the lost income taxes no longer paid by the workers who were replaced or to discourage the use of robots. Given the consistency of robots' output and their ability to function in dangerous and unpleasant environments, they may still be a better choice in many circumstances. The calculation of a "robot tax" will be complex and will constantly change as the robots take on more and more functions. Likely a whole new Washington, D.C., building will be needed, filled with bureaucrats calculating the robot tax and imposing more regulations on American industry. Some categories of employment will increase. How far will this go? What about washing machines and dishwashers? Those jobs used to be done by humans.



Rather than making American industry more competitive by reducing business and corporate income taxes and regulations, this approach imposes more taxes and regulations. This will drive out still more manufacturers and further reduce factory employment. This demonstrates the heavy propensity to use taxation and tax breaks as a solution to too many problems while remaining blind to the damage caused. All too often higher taxes lead to lower tax revenue as business and industry are demotivated.



Walter S. Ciciora, Ph.D.



I did write the Lagniappe...



Lagniappe: At first I thought "demotivated" was not a word but it is and it should be because it is alive and well in the Taxation With Representation Department in Washington, D.C.


Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday expressed grave concern over the killing of a man in Alwar district of Rajasthan by a mob of cow vigilantes, with Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien asking the government to probe it and inform the House about the facts.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Congress member Madhusudan Mistry said there was a complete breakdown of law and order in Rajasthan as a gang of gau-rakshaks (cow vigilantes) stopped a truck carrying cattle and mercilessly thrashed four of its occupants after letting off the Hindu truck driver. One of them succumbed to injuries later.

But Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi squarely rejected the allegations and said it was a very sensitive issue, but no such incident has happened, the way the matter is being presented here.

A message should not be sent out that the House supports cow slaughter, he said, and added that the state government has refuted (the allegations). We do not justify hooliganism.

Members of other opposition parties joined the issue with Mr. Mistry claiming similar incidents were taking place in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat as also Uttar Pradesh, all ruled by BJP.

Leader of Oppositon and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times has reported (on it) and the minister does not know I have not come across such an insensitive government.

Amid contradictory statements about the alleged incident by the Opposition and the Government, Mr. Kurien said the Chair has to be convinced whether the issue raised by Congress member Madhusudan Mistry was true or not.

The Minister said no such an incident happened, Mr. Kurien said adding that there were two versions of the incident which have been brought before him.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi warned that such incidents will have very severe consequences for the country. He also accused the Prime Minister of propagating a vision where only one idea will prevail. This is a new vision for India that Narendra Modiji is propagating. It is a vision where only one idea will prevail and any other idea, anybody who does not listen to or agree with PM Modi or RSS has no place in India, Mr. Gandhi told reporters outside parliament.
Syrias armed forces did not and will not use chemical weapons, even against jihadist groups, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said on Thursday.

I stress to you once again: the Syrian army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons  not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds, he said.

Mr. Muallem spoke at a press conference in Damascus two days after a suspected chemical attack left at least 86 people dead in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun in northwestern Syria.

The deaths have sparked international outrage with many pointing the finger at the government of President Bashar al-Assad, but Mr. Muallem cast doubt on the evidence.

The first air raid conducted by the Syrian army was at 11:30 am (0830 GMT) on that day (Tuesday) and it attacked an arms depot belonging to Al-Nusra Front that contained chemical weapons, he said.

Al-Nusra  now known as Fateh al-Sham Front  was once Al-Qaedas Syria affiliate and is the main jihadist rival of the Islamic State group.

Al-Nusra Front and ISIS (IS) and other organisations continue to store chemical weapons in urban and residential areas, Mr. Muallem added.

When asked whether Syria would present proof that it was not involved in the attack, Mr. Muallem said: How am I supposed to go to Khan Sheikhun if its held by Al-Nusra?

The Syrian army denied on Tuesday that it had used chemical weapons against the town, and Damascus ally Moscow said toxic substances may have been released when the army struck a terrorist warehouse.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) both said they were investigating the attack.

And Britain, France and the United States have drafted a UN resolution that would demand Syria provide information on its flight operations as part of an OPCW probe.

On Thursday, Mr. Muallem said such an investigation must guarantee that it is not politicised, that it has broad geographic representation and that it is launched from Damascus, not Turkey.

We provide the OPCW and the UN with intelligence on the transfer of chemical substances from Iraq and into Syria, or from Turkey into Syria, but an investigation is for the OPCW, he said.
Almost every one of us receiving SMS texts, email, and sometimes even on WhatsApp messengers about the online sex advertisement with lucrative offers and girls picture. Most of us ignore or delete these messages though the message carrying every required detail of the senders without making any initiative for police complaint.

Prashant Ghatge from Dombivli, a latest victim of the racket explained how he was trapped in this web. Ghatge, a divorcee, whose marriage was not last for six months, said Online prostitution racket is a flourishing business, and dating sites are another curse over it. These websites display obscene pictures with information for female escorts. Mobile numbers and email addresses were also displayed on the site for striking a deal with customers, and that too attract me also.

Loneliness was haunting him and he went in depression, those days he approached a dating site with an intention to have likeminded friend or partner. I registered myself for premium membership but later on I realized that I was dragged into sex racket. Whoever friend (the girl) who approached me ask for one night stand on the first dating only, along with shopping, gifts and perks. This becomes almost an addiction. One after another girl comes in your way and you get emptied at the end, he said.

Ghatge further explained that, here everything is happening with a high confidentiality. Going with a girl for fun is social stigma even today in our society, and no girl or boy approach police after the worst experiences also.

Prashant further stated that, even girls at times go through worst, because they fail to recognise the one whom she is dating is first or second time. Many girls get addicted to these gifts and perks they receive and become soft target of such sites. Especially in metro cities, girls stay alone and they are bachelors for late 20s or early 30s because of jobs compulsion and they becomes vulnerable target for such things.

Recently Cyber Crime Cell of Mumbai Police has arrested five persons for duping over 2,000 people to the tune of lakhs of rupees through an online sex platform. The accused used to operate a call centre from Masjid Bunder in South Mumbai. Explaining the modus operandi of the accused, police said the customers had the facility to log in on three different websites.

After registering on one of these websites and paying Rs. 999, one could connect with a person of the opposite sex, like a friendship club. The payments were being made through PayTm in the account number mentioned on the website, the registration fees paid by the customer used to get transferred into the bank account of a jeweller from the same area. The customers later used to realise that they have been duped, police said.

Hacker and cyber security person Rakesh Sharma said, Online dating clubs can be an excellent way to unite singles in a purposeful environment. The predominant advantage of many dating clubs is the ability to meet a wide pool of singles in an immediate face-to-face setting, though some clubs employ online measures as well.

Though, every site or club is not thug or involve in prostitution rackets. Nowadays, people are educated and ambitious, due to their career needs and they prefer to be singles and they find like-minded people on these sites. Rest is individuals choice as they are adults to go with them or not, added Sharma.

However, after the registration, the customer used to contact a specific number, displayed on the website, but could not get response despite repeated calls. The police had recently received complaints from men who had paid to become members of the online friendship clubs, but were not introduced to any women.

Mobile phone frauds have become a common occurrence, but of late, another serious offence related to misuse of mobile phone numbers is being reported. Mobile phone recharge shops have been reportedly taking advantage of innocent girls who approach them for recharge coupons and give their numbers. The employees/owners of the shop or their friends call the girls on their numbers, develop friendships and later misuse them. In many cases, girls fall prey to the mischief mongers, and it has been reported that boys take maximum advantage of this, ending up ruining the girls lives. One of such incidence recently reported in Kundapur, but I am sure this might be happening everywhere, said Mahesh Palande, a social worker.
Andy, wherever you areI think youre in Germany right nowwe all owe you such a debt of gratitude.

First of all, I have got to give a shout-out to my partners in this film Andy Wakefield, Polly Tommey, and Brian Borrows. The simple fact of the matter, we are not here, in this moment, without these powerful, dedicated people that I had the opportunity to spend a year with while making Vaxxed.

I want to talk about what this year has been, what has got us here, and what has happened right now in all of our lives.

Del: Tomorrow is April 1 st , which means we opened Vaxxed exactly one year ago tomorrow. And what a year Im having! Theres really nothing left to say after some of the greatest minds in this movement were speaking to you all day. I could really say ditto and walk off the stage.

This brought to mind the story from a friend of mine. This is a man who became very well-educated on vaccine safety concerns on his own, and when he went to his physician and asked him if he knew what was vaccines, he received this stunning response from the doctor: "I DON'T KNOW, AND I DON'T WANT TO KNOW." That pretty much says it all. (My friend no longer has this person as his doctor.) ###

He's absolutely right. And doctors don't know. They simpy trust. They parrot the claims of the pharmaceutical reps in their waiting rooms.

Notice what Del said about the obligation of a doctor to know what ingredients are in the vaccines they're injecting into our children.

THE MISSING PIECE OF SCIENCE IS AN OFFICIAL COMPARISON STUDY OF FULLY VACCINATED/NEVER VACCINATED KIDS. Unless and until such research is done, the question is open. There is no proof that vaccines are safe, unless we look at children who were never vaccinated. AND NO OFFICIAL WANTS TO SEE THIS STUDY DONE. We all need to ask why.

Del is impassioned. He is emphatic: WE ARE WINNING! It was inspiring to listen to him and feel his dedication to protecting children from dangerous vaccines. Del speaks about the lack of vaccine science to support our claims, and he's right, BUT ALSO THEY HAVE NO REAL PROOF. Population studies are not scientifici proof.

These will all be published on Age of Autism. Please note that the paltry mention that this event received from the media didn't include actual quotations by the speakers, but Age of Autism will have them all. This event was ignored by news outlets that refuse to honestly cover this controversy, but the truth will get out, and the mainstream press will become even more irrelevant.

By Anne Dachel Thanks to Josh Coleman, I am getting the individual talks by the speakers at the National Press Club presentation in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 2017, and I'm going to transcribe them all.

Del: Andy has been a hit piece. Hes really their only hit piece. Theyre a one-hit wonder. Are you going to continue to send reporters down to ask the same questions about the same song that died a decade ago? Come on now. Is that the best youve got? Im serious. Is that the best youve got?

Were not here without Andy. Were not here without Polly. Were not here without Marcella Piper Terry. Were not here without Barbara Loe Fisher. Kent HeckenlivelyIve got myself in a trap now because Im not going to be able to get to all of you in the room that have built the foundation of a movement that is now just hit its turbo. Its taking off, folks. The rockets have kicked in. Weve broken free of the atmosphere, and now we are weightless, and were soaring into the universe of truth. That is whats taking place.

Just about a year ago I came to Washington, D.C. for the first time and went into politicians offices, including Jason Chaffetzs, among others, and [I] would ask the question, Are you aware of Dr. William Thompson, the CDC whistleblower?

Just a blank stare. I have no idea what youre talking about.

 Really? Really? You do realize a year and a half ago one of our top scientists at the most important health agency in our nation came forward and said theyre committing scientific fraud. Youre not aware of that?

 Never heard of him.

Yesterday I was in D.C.its my third trip nowand every office I went to, including those that are diametrically opposed to our truth.

I asked the question, Are you aware of who Dr. William Thompson is, the CDC whistleblower? And every single one of them said, Yes, I am.

In fact they made a great statement which was usually, I know someone on the OGR Committee, which is the Oversight Committee of Government Reform, and they have briefed me on this situation. Which means, the Oversight Committee of Government Reform is officially investigating Dr. William Thompson.

So every single person that is out there in the world saying Dr. William Thompsons story has been debunked, you may want to check in with your own Congress of the United States of America.

Thats not our only victory. Were not only getting a story told that was not going to be told, were not only seeing the minds shifting here in Congress, as many are reporting. If you talk to any of us that met in the hallways throughout the congressional building and senate building yesterday, there was an amazing sight. This cold, icy, marble stone building filled with people that would prefer to do nothing at all, were descended upon.

For those of you that were here, its amazing to walk into the hallway. I dont even knowas someone was telling me what room I am going to, and you show up and here come three people down this hallway and four peoplethis light is shining down the hallway coming towards me, because I am not alone! You are here! We are here! And then those teams of light, some of us only meeting right there outside the door of this representative, walk in and sit down in that meeting.

And those that experienced it for the first time yesterday said Ive never seen anything like it. It was like you were orchestrated, but I knew none of you had spoken to each other before, and each one spoke a different truth and handed it off like this ballet in that room. You could feel the heart and mind of this representative shift, asking questions for the first time.

You know why thats easy? Because its the truth!

The easiest thing in the world to do is tell the truth. We dont have to check in with each otherWhat are you going to say? I want to make sure we have the same story here. We never do that. Its not necessary because where I leave off, you will pick up because you know the truth. And the truth is setting us free to be, to be the right, to be honest, to move hearts and minds.

This reporter that came here todayIm really not into calling anybody names because she too is a child of Godunfortunately has been misinformed. Instead, after all the interviews that told place out there amongst amazing scientific professionals, instead of taking time to go home and research a single sound bite of one of us, shes sitting in a car saying that shes debunked our old science. In fact, shes playing the old song in her car about Andy Wakefield. Boring song.

But think about that. When I asked her, where is the study that youre pointing to when you say one in a thousand children in America dies of the measles, she cant bring it up. So exactly what is she referring to when she says we have old messaging or an old story? What is she using as her truth?

And heres something I would love to point out: It doesnt matter when a reporter comes into a room among us. It doesnt matter when someone says, theyre going to do a hit piece. Every one of us will stand in front of any one of those cameras any day of the week. Why? Because were telling the truth! And weve got nothing to hide!

Try that on for size, Paul Offit! Because when we send our brilliant reporter into the room, Josh Coleman,  When you send Josh Coleman into the room, Senator Richard Pan runs away. 

Im happy to be on our side, where we will stand and talk and tell the truth with anybody. Thats who we are. And we are a movement that is growing like nothing they have ever seen.

WE HAVE THEM TERRIFIED. Every single day our movement is now growing. Some days by thousands, some days by tens of thousands around the world. Every day we learn a few more talking points that we share with our friends. Every day one of us brings another person onboard to the truth. Every day one of you has saved a babys life. And thats what keeps me alive. That is being alive, and that is being a citizen of this family, of our brothers and sisters. You are saving lives.

How many people can say that? Sometimes its hard. Sometimes that Facebook discussion can be very difficult, but I want to say you must continue to love. You cannot hate that reporter, or we will never get through to that reporter. You cannot hate that friend that wants to leave you on Facebook, or we will never get through to that friend. We have got to recognize, as human beings, that everybody thinks theyre trying to save children. 

One of the things I think were all learning, and Im learning, as I spent this year on tour traveling the nation, is that its more important to instill a question inside of those on the other side. Were not here to bulldoze people with answers and facts and truth to prove ourselves right. I believe our job is to plant a question so deep inside of them that they must begin a journey. And that journey finds them on a path with the rest of us.

We do not have facts, not enough. That is our problem. Our problem is that facts and vaccine science really is almost non-existent. Its not there. I cant tell you what causes autism. I cant tell you what causes ADD, ADHD, eczema, asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, but boy do I have some questions about the increase in this alarming rate of disease in our nations children.

I have questions why, as the producer on the daytime talk show The Doctors, we always had to make this quote when talking about childrens health: This is the first generation of children that will not live to be as old as their parents.

That medical statement does not get to run alongside the statement they want to make: Medicine is making everyone grow older.

It was. That was actually true. Right about now were seeing some older folks that may have lived to be this old, but now the curve is going like this. (Del motioned downwards.)

And real science, real doctors, HAVE GOT TO START ASKING THEMSELVES WHY. WHY? WHY? IS THE QUESTION.

Were in an incredible moment here. Ive done nothing but celebrate the greatest doctors and scientists in the world.

I believed in great doctors.

I believed in great medicine. 

And I believe that corruption is possible, but Im getting really, really tired of having to tell parents they cant trust their doctors. Im tired of it.

Its a doctors issue. Its not your issue as a parent. You dont go and read a mechanics manual before you take your car in to get it fixed; why should you have to understand medicine before you take your child in for their own health.

If there is a doctor out there that is listening to me right now, that is going to inject a vaccine tomorrow, IF YOU CANNOT LIST EVERY SINGLE INGREDIENT OF EVERY ONE OF THOSE VACCINES, YOU ARE DANGEROUS! YOU ARE A CRIMINAL! YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

Because if I go to my local restaurant, I can bring the chef out, that maybe never went to college for eight years, but they will list every single ingredient of the hundreds of items on that menu.

If I go to my mechanic that barely got out of high school, and ask about some part of my engine, they will tell me how far the thread gap is in the screw somewhere on that engine, or any other question I have.

But when I go to my doctor, who I hold on a pedestal because they have eight years of education, and I think theyre somewhere between Jesus and God because of it, and I ask you, Please list for me the ingredients in this vaccine, and you tell me, Well, I have it somewhere in a manual in the backroomYOU SHOULD BE FIRED! YOU SHOULD RETIRE! YOU SHOULD QUIT BECAUSE YOU DID NOT UPHOLD YOUR HYPOCRATIC OATH! YOU ARE LYING TO US! YOU POSE YOURSELF AS SOMEONE WITH KNOWLEDGE, AND YOU CANNOT EVEN MEMORIZE THIRTY INGREDIENTS IN SIXTEEN DIFFERENT VACCINES! COME ON NOW! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! YOU ARE AN INCREDIBLY EDUCATED HUMAN BEING, I THOUGHT YOU LEARNED HOW TO MEMORIZE! I THOUGHT YOU CARED ABOUT PATIENTS!

One year is up. That means my year of defending you as doctors is over! Youve had that year. And now that you continue to refuse to watch Vaxxed, then the blood is on your hands.

If you continue to not investigate the Dr. William Thompson story, then the blood is on your hands. If you continue to look into the eyes of your patients, when their child is having seizures, and say, Thats just normal, the blood is on your hands!because we are on the right side of this. We have the science on our side! Thats why we stand here confidently, a broiling moment of light. 

Less than two weeks ago, Oklahoma beat down their SB277 bill because we are winning!

Del brought up the bill in West Virginia to expand exemptions in that state.

The New York Times reports in their headline: How the Anti-Vaxxers Are Winning, as an attack upon us, but I will take that gold medal, because YOURE RIGHT, WE ARE WINNING! And we are not going to stop.

Del quoted a question from a reporter earlier, So, do you believe that you have momentum? That somehow the President is going to go along with your values and your ideas about vaccines?

I said, I cant speak for the President, but I can speak for the thousands and thousands of people that are joining us every dayYoure damn right were growing! Youre damn right were moving! AND YES, WE ARE GOING TO WIN! BECAUSE GOD WANTS US TO WIN! BECAUSE NATURE WANTS US TO WIN! BECAUSE OUR CHILDREN DEMAND THAT WE WIN! 

You are the change. You must know that. We can stand up here and speak, [but] you are what has changed this nation. You are standing together. You are becoming brave, and you are speaking the truth, where it is necessary, when you are called. You are listening to your heart. 

And people will remember us in history. We were all called to this moment. We are all in this room right now, not by accident. We are here, whether we like it or not. We are the truth. You are changing the world! God bless you!
NOTE: There is a softer side to this story by Anne Dachel. Our wonderful contributor Katie Wright lost her Mom Suzanne to cancer last year. Bob Wright asked President Trump to honor World Autism Day in her memory. And we are certainly behind that. According to Katie, her Mom tried IN VAIN many times to get Mrs. Obama to acknowledge the autism epidemic and to act. She never did. So, thank you to President Trump for his work so far. But know that this press announcement seems in part to have been left over from the last administration.... It straddles the worlds of neurodiversity and tougher talk. We won't punish progress, but I need to see real progress. Kim

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY, 2017



- - - - - - -



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA



A PROCLAMATION



On World Autism Awareness Day, we highlight the importance of addressing the causes and improving the treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We also recognize the importance of identifying ASDs early in a child's life and of understanding the obstacles faced by people living on the autism spectrum. Together, we celebrate the many ways individuals with ASDs enhance our daily lives and make priceless contributions to our schools, workplaces, and communities.





Autism spectrum disorders affect an estimated one out of every 68 children in America. Individuals and families living with autism come from diverse backgrounds. These families face enormous challenges in assisting their loved ones over the course of their lifetimes. As those with ASDs reach early adulthood, families are often faced with even greater obstacles than during childhood, including planning for the successful transition into adulthood and independent life.



We are hopeful that our Nation's efforts will result in significant advancements related to autism diagnosis and treatments in the months and years ahead. Ongoing efforts to scan the human genome carry significant potential to better manage the disorder and, ultimately, find a cure. My Administration will continue to work with the Congress to implement the 21st Century Cures Act and help to clear the way for breakthroughs in medical science. Together, we will turn scientific discoveries into real solutions for people with complex health issues like autism.



Cutting edge therapies and lifelong treatments can impose enormous burdens and expenses on the families of people with autism spectrum disorders. I applaud the efforts by Members of Congress to enact tax-free savings vehicles for families of people with disabilities and ASDs. I also encourage the ongoing public-private efforts to develop new technologies to prevent wandering and keep individuals with ASDs safe.



For generations, men and women living on the autism spectrum have made extraordinary contributions in the fields of science, technology, art, literature, business, politics, and many other professions.











Yet the world still has a great deal to learn about ASDs. We must continue our research to improve early identification and intervention, strengthen our comprehension of the disorder, and open opportunities for every member of our society to live independently and live the American Dream. My Administration is committed to promoting greater knowledge of ASDs and encouraging innovation that will lead to new treatments and cures for autism.

Yes, we need a cure!







NOW, THEREFORE, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, April 2, 2017, as World Autism Awareness Day. I invite all Americans to Light it Up Blue, which Melania and I will do at the White House. I call upon all Americans to learn more about the signs of autism to improve early diagnosis, understand the challenges faced by those with autism spectrum disorders, and to do what they can to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

DONALD J. TRUMP








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Consumers are drawn to rewards, and effective loyalty programs incentivize the customer to continue making purchases. With CRM, you can better manage your loyalty programs. It allows you to collect data and use it to drive additional purchases and shape consumer behavior.

Customer Service

Poor customer service comes with a high price tag. According to NewVoiceMedia, an estimated $41 billion is lost annually in the United States due to bad customer service experiences. A large number of consumers won't bother interacting with a company again if they feel as if their business is unimportant. This goes for any industry, but is especially true for consumers in the technology space.

Furthermore, the smaller the company is, the more the average consumer expects from the customer service. For example, if a customer has a bad experience with a Forever 21 clothing store, they aren't as likely to disappear with their business permanently as they are with a small and/or local retailer.

Fortunately, another business's loss is your gain. When those customers decide to take their business elsewhere, you could be that elsewhere. Be prepared to deliver a different kind of experience. There should be multiple customer service channels in place to make it simple for consumers to reach you in their preferred way: email, social media, help center, etc. One of the best ways to demonstrate your customer service principles is by being attentive. There should never be a no solution response to an inquiry.

Online Reputation

p>< According to Retailing Today, 81% of consumers conduct online research before making big purchases. This means your content needs to be concise, your reviews positive, and your webpages informative. When you have processes in place to improve your customer management, you're in a better position to receive great reviews and to solicit them through marketing efforts.

A solid online reputation also makes it simpler to convince influential bloggers to talk about your brand. In the world of ecommerce, a business's online reputation is just as strong as a word-of-mouth recommendation. When you take the time to nurture your business's online appearance, you end up with a revolving door of positive affirmation.








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On 1 July 2017, Canada will mark 150 years of Confederation, and this milestone will be commemorated in many ways. For its part, the Bank of Canada will mark this anniversary by issuing a new commemorative $10 bank note that will be broadly available by Canada Day 2017. Commemorative notes, while unique, are circulating notes that can be used for payment just like all other notes issued by the Bank. But some Canadians treat these bills like little pieces of history.

The Bank, which produces Canadas bank notes, has issued only three commemorative notes to mark important milestones in Canadas history.

In 1935, a $25 note was issued in honour of the Silver Jubilee of King George V. In 2015, a variation of the $20 note recognized the historic reign of Queen Elizabeth II. And in 1967, a special $1 note celebrated Canadas centennial. Many will remember the events that marked this important milestone for our young country. Perhaps you, or someone you know, have held on to a 1967 $1 bill.

Anniversary celebrations are now ramping up again! The design of the special Canada 150 polymer note will be unveiled soon. In deciding what images to include on it, the Bank turned to Canadians for help.

For the first time ever, the design process began with an invitation to all Canadians to propose ideas. This open call for suggestions, followed by a nationally representative survey, asked Canadians to suggest themes and subjects to represent Canada on a note celebrating its 150th birthday. A subsequent survey then asked Canadians to rank these themes in order of preference. Focus group testing also took place to gather impressions on the designs.

The suggestions that the Bank received through these processes inspired the bank notes content and design. And now the commemorative note carefully incorporates many Canadians ideas that best represent the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Details about the design, security features, the number of commemorative $10 notes that will circulate and how to obtain them will be announced soon. In the meantime, think about what makes you proud to be Canadian as the 150th celebrations get under way.

Visit www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes to learn more about bank notes and follow the Bank on Twitter (@bankofcanada) for the latest news on the Canada 150 commemorative bank note.
Lost beneath headlines highlighting the rancorous repeal of House Bill 2, N.C. lawmakers took another vote on the same day that could produce major long-term positive benefits for state government finances.With no fanfare, the N.C. House voted 111-2 on Thursday to accept the Senate's version of House Bill 7. It establishes new rules regarding North Carolina's savings reserve . The Senate had approved the measure, 49-0.This means members of both major parties in both legislative chambers agree that North Carolina should establish significant restraints on spending.The timing is commendable. Recent legislative history explains why.Since Republicans took control of the General Assembly after the 2010 elections, they have focused special attention on building the reserve, also known as the "rainy-day fund."That focus proved fruitful when lawmakers had resources available to use in December. The savings reserve covered roughly half of the first round of disaster relief related to Hurricane Matthew and western wildfires.Even with a change in administration from Republican Pat McCrory to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in January, an emphasis on building the savings reserve remained. Cooper's budget plan would add another $300 million to the reserve. He included that provision even as he called on lawmakers to ramp up spending in other areas.Lawmakers have exercised more frugality in recent years. The new governor sees the benefits of boosting reserves. So one might be forgiven for concluding that there is no compelling need for House Bill 7.But now is exactly the right time to make the change. Lawmakers face no significant pressure to sacrifice long-term fiscal health for short-term political benefits. Establish the restraints now, and they will help North Carolina weather the next fiscal storm. (Yes, the pun is intended.)The legislation builds several safeguards into the rainy-day reserve. First, the governor and legislative budget writers must consider the reserve any time state government expects to benefit from year-over-year tax revenue growth. At least 15 percent of that growth must go into the reserve.Lawmakers would be free to set aside more. They also would face no requirement to build the reserve if an economic downturn leads to a decline in year-over-year revenue growth. But the 15 percent "default setting" would ensure that policymakers avoid the temptation to spend all of the money flowing into the state treasury during good times.As H.B. 7 sets rules for adding to the reserve, it also limits the uses for which lawmakers can tap the fund. North Carolina had been one of the few states across the nation with no limits on spending from savings reserves. Taxpayers have been forced to rely on legislators' fiscal discipline.Now that discipline has an outside enforcement mechanism. Under the new law, a simple majority of lawmakers in both chambers would be able to extract in a single year as much as 7.5 percent of the prior year's General Fund budget (roughly equivalent to $1.6 billion now) to address one of four pressing needs.The money could cover a decline in General Fund revenue from one year to the next. It could cover a gap between General Fund spending and revenue in a given year. It could pay costs linked to a court or administrative order. Or it could pay for disaster or emergency relief, such as the literal "rainy day" created by a hurricane.If lawmakers want to spend more than the 7.5 percent annual limit, or if they want to spend money for issues other than those listed in H.B. 7, they would need to secure votes from two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate. That's an even larger supermajority requirement than the one tied to gubernatorial vetoes.Fiscal hawks are likely to ask: How do we ensure the savings reserve doesn't grow too large? What about giving some of that money back to the taxpayers?H.B. 7 covers that issue, albeit in a somewhat complicated way. The governor's Office of State Budget and Management and the legislature's Fiscal Research Division will huddle together and produce an annual evaluationIt will be based on the volatility of the state's tax structure.The goal will be to stockpile a reserve that would "cover two years of need for nine out of 10 scenarios involving decline in General Fund revenue" from one budget year to the next. Advocates want to ensure North Carolina has the funds to cover a worst-case fiscal scenario.Legislators developed that language based on a model employed in Minnesota. Supporters suggest that the formula would likely lead to a savings reserve totaling roughly 13 percent of the General Fund budget. That percentage could change from year to year.Once North Carolina reaches its goal, no more money would be added to the savings reserve. Not even the 15 percent of year-over-year revenue growth. Lawmakers would be free to spend the additional money or return it to taxpayers through tax cuts.It's not surprising that this complex mix of numbers failed to generate the same buzz as the political fight over H.B. 2. But it's good to know that lawmakers set aside time on their calendar to address this issue.Taxpayers should reap the rewards in the years ahead.
Public Encouraged to Comment on State's CDBG-DR Action Plan

Ayden in Pitt County will get $266,500 to replace and reroute storm sewer piping that failed during Hurricane Matthew.

Brunswick County will get $1,217,343 to help repair a water main feed damaged by Hurricane Matthew.

Edenton in Chowan County will get $187,995 to identify and clear storm debris from sewer lines and repair the lines as needed.

Elizabeth City in Pasquotank County will get $600,000 to replace and relocate sewer infrastructure that failed during Matthew.

Pembroke in Robeson County will get $893,291 to help repair and reshape channels and culverts that carry storm water away from the UNC Pembroke campus.

Pitt County will get $1,660,000 to help repair flood damage to the Pitt-Greenville airport.

Tyrrell County will get $400,000 to upgrade culverts and elevate State Road 1209 to prevent future flooding.

Contact: Ford Porter

Ford Porter govpress@nc.gov

RALEIGH: A first round of state grants will go to seven communities hit hard by Hurricane Mathew to repair water and sewer systems, improve drainage and rebuild a local airport, Governor Cooper announced Tuesday.Also this week, North Carolina begins to seek public comment on the state's Action Plan to use $198.5 million in its initial allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds. Governor Cooper wants the funds to help communities in eastern North Carolina address critical housing and economic development needs.Gov. Cooper said.The CDBG-DR Action Plan will direct the state's recovery for the initial federal funding awarded in January ; Cooper plans to ask Congress for additional funds now that damage assessments have been compiled across all 50 disaster-affected counties.Under the Disaster Recovery Act of 2016, the Rural Economic Development Division of NC Commerce awarded state-funded recovery grants based on requests from local governments. Additional grants are expected to be awarded to more projects in the coming months. The communities receiving grants are:To help North Carolina recover from Hurricane Matthew, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has appropriated $198.5 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to the state. North Carolina has developed a plan on how to best use those funds and the plan is now available for public comment.The Action Plan will focus on addressing a critical lack of affordable housing in the hard hit counties of Edgecombe, Wayne, Robeson and Cumberland.Public comment on the "North Carolina CDBG-DR Action Plan" began March 31, 2017 and will conclude on April 14, 2017. The Action Plan comment form is available online in English: and Spanish:
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Not every day is full of lovely things-but today was. It is true this year, at least, that. On days like this one, it ought to be a sin to be inside. I took full advantage of every chance I got, to stand in the sunlight. It is on account of that I saw the blossoms in the wind and the violets growing beneath them.Driving home from work, I noticed my beloved winter wheat fields in all their glory. I do not think anyone could argue, if they were in the midst of winter wheat in March.Not long after I arrived at the rabbit patch, it started to sprinkle little silver drops. I decided to make soup, as I am only prone to make soup in frightful weather. The occasion of a cool rain warranted soup and I so I put together a hearty tomato soup with plenty of basil. I baked a loaf of bread and while the soup simmered and the bread was rising, I called my friend, Jo Dee. We were having a pleasant conversation and the rain became heavy. The sun was shining faintly throughout the thundering. Though Jo Dee doesn't live so far from the rabbit patch, there wasn't a cloud in sight at her house. The rain was quick to pass and that is when I saw the rainbow. Jo Dee was in mid sentence about something when I abruptly ended the call, for, I told her, "the most beautiful rainbow, I have ever seen!" I called Kyle and Christian. They came running, expecting to fight fire, so they were relieved it was all because of the rainbow. They hushed any complaints, when they saw it. The sky was dark blue and maybe that is why the rainbow was so vibrant. The colors were distinct and bright. No other rainbow, I had seen before, compared to this one.It did not phase Jo Dee, that I hung up on her. She is used to my behavior when I see something beautiful. She herself, has been known to brake, while driving, at the sight of a cardinal in a pear tree.In contrast to yesterday, today was overcast. As I feared, the dogwoods are blooming and with Easter weeks away! The fairy roses of the spireas have come and gone, so now it is up to the azaleas for Easter Sunday to look at all familiar. I noticed that the jasmine is blooming. Woodland trees wear crowns or garlands of the bright sweet smelling flowers. The jasmine flowers seemed to light up the woods on this "silver" day. No matter which tree the vines clamber upon-oaks, pine or the lowly sweetgum, the tendrils with golden blossoms show no favoritism. My friend, Julie loves the smell of Jasmine, and I always think of her when the jasmine blooms.I love every season. With the arrival of each season, I declare it my favorite. I do not intend to be fickle, but I am enamored by all sorts of occurrences throughout the year. I love snow and I love tulips. I love summer mornings. I love roses and autumn leaves. I really love Thanksgiving, and I really love Christmas - and now, today, when the woods are golden, I remember . . . Dear Diary, I love Jasmine, too.
There's a Ray of Hope in Northern Iraq

As civilian deaths mount in Mosul and as Pope Francis appeals to combatants to spare innocent lives in the "beloved Iraqi nation," a small ray of hope has emerged not 85 km away in the city of Irbil. There, bishops representing three Christian churches have laid the groundwork for thousands of Christians who were displaced by war to go home and rebuild their lives in the Nineveh Plain. This culturally mosaic region in northern Iraq is the ancestral homeland for several ethnic and religious groups, including Yazidis and Christians who mainly worship as Chaldean Catholic, Syriac Catholic, Syriac Orthodox and Assyrians. All were forced to flee by the tens of thousands in 2014 when the Nineveh Plain was overrun by genocidal ISIS fighters. Following that terror campaign, which saw the region's Christian population reduced to 200,000 from a 2003 peak of 1.5 million, there were fears that Christianity might disappear forever from lands Christians have occupied since the time of the apostles. But ISIS is being driven back and now there is hope. Catholic bishops from the Chaldean and Syriac rites have joined with their Syriac Orthodox counterparts and, with support from the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), they are co-operating on a pivotal plan to rebuild Christian homes. The task is huge. More than 12,000 houses in Christian villages across the Nineveh Plain have been destroyed or damaged, according to an ACN study. Rebuilding them will cost $250 million or more, which seems extreme until weighed against the possible loss of 2,000 years of Christianity in the region. This resettlement initiative deserves international encouragement and support. Almost five million Iraqis have been forced out of their homes. About a quarter million of them have gone abroad but the rest are displaced in Iraq or living as refugees in bordering nations. An ACN study found that 87 per cent of these Iraqis either want to return or would consider returning to their homes if the region was safe. Helping them do so and ensuring their security should be a priority. It is the optimal solution to a migration crisis that has spilled across the Middle East and into Europe. Bringing these people home is what Iraq and Syria will both need to begin the arduous journey of social and economic reconstruction. It also assures a Christian future in the region. The re-settlement initiative launched by the regional bishops offers an encouraging model. If this ecumenical project is successful, if the Nineveh Plain can be repopulated with the Christians and, eventually, the Yazidis and other minorities that were so brutally oppressed, it gives hope to millions of displaced Iraqis and Syrians that one day they may also make it home.
The latest Boeing 747-8 freighter  the fifth such aircraft  to join the fleet of Baku-headquartered Silk Way West Airlines was only flown from the Boeing Plant in Everett, Washington state, to the Azerbaijani capital on April 2.

But it will be quickly put into service. On April 20 in fact, as Silky Way West launches a second scheduled weekly flight to the USs Chicago OHare International Airport.

Silk Way Wests customers will now have the options of a New York JFK connection on day 3, an OHare link on day 4 or OHare on day 7.

The cargo carrier has also announced the addition of four new destinations to its network.

New services to soon launch to Kuwait City, Djibouti, Nairobi and Dammam will represent the carriers increasing reach and commitment to success in both the Africa and Middle East markets, a statement said.

Service to Kuwait City is set to begin on April 23 and will operate weekly on day 1.

Flights to Djibouti and Nairobi will launch on April 16, with a scheduled service on day 7.

The Dammam link is scheduled to begin in May and to operate on day 6.

Plus, Silk Way West has added further frequencies to its Bagram (Afghanistan), Tel Aviv, Istanbul and Dubai World Central connections.

An extra service to Bagram is now being flown on day 6.

An additional weekly service to Tel Aviv is now operated on day 5.

A further weekly frequency has been added to the Istanbul link on day 6.

And Dubai World Central is also now being served on day 7.

As well as its five B747-8Fs, Silk Way West also operates two B747-400 freighters.

It plans further expansion of its scheduled services and global network, Silk Way West confirms.

The carrier is based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku.

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March 28, 2017

CAIRO  Egypt's media is often in the news itself as it has faced one government crackdown after another over the years. The idea of a free press in Egypt is often seen as a paradox. The recently elected president of the Egyptian Journalists' Union, who is affiliated with the regime, now faces the thorny task of uniting the syndicate's divided electorate.

On March 17, Abdel Mohsen Salama, managing editor of state-run Al-Ahram news group, was elected head of the union, defeating incumbent Yahya Qalash, who strongly defends an independent union and free press. The election results sparked controversy about how much control the regime might have over the union.

The union board includes 12 members and the president. Every two years, elections are held and six members, along with the president, are elected. The remaining members will be elected in 2019.

State-run Al-Ahram has the most votes, with about 1,700, out of the 5,596 votes of all state-run papers; this was a decisive factor leading to Salamas victory. There are five other major state-run news organizations: the Middle East News Agency, Rose al-Yusuf, al-Akhbar, al-Gomhouria and Dar al-Hilal. Private papers are estimated to have 2,710 votes, and partisan papers 473.

Salah Issa, secretary-general of the Supreme Press Council, told Al-Monitor the two main issues in the elections were political and economic: the states desire to control the union, and journalists' low wages during the news industry's economic crisis.

Issa said the "silent majority, mostly in the state-run papers, only deals with the union to benefit from its services. Those are the ones who settled the electoral battle. Salama got 2,457 votes; Qalash had 1,890.

In 2015, Qalash had won 1,998 votes; his rival Diaa Rashwan got 1,071.

On March 15, two days before the elections, Salama met with the housing minister, who said he would work to make public housing available to journalists. On March 16, the eve of the elections, Salama said in a news conference that he had obtained a government promise to increase the training and technology allowance paid by the Ministry of Finance to journalists  though the ministry denied making such a promise.

The journalists pinned high hopes on Salama. They believed in his impossible promises in a country with an ailing economy, according to Issa.

Khaled el-Balshy, former head of the union's Freedom Committee, told Al-Monitor that state-run papers such as Al-Ahram and Al-Akhbar provided buses for their Salama supporters to vote, and Al-Gomhouria reportedly even distributed meals. It was a fierce campaign to defeat Qalash.

Qalash used the slogan We Started and We Shall Continue, while Salama chose Lets Rescue the Profession from its Ordeal, referring to the storming of the union in May 2016.

Under Qalash's term as union president, a dispute emerged between the union and the state after police forces stormed union headquarters May 1 to arrest journalists Amr Badr and Mahmoud al-Saqa for allegedly inciting protests.

Three days after the raid, thousands of journalists gathered and called for the interior minister to be removed, as he was primarily responsible for the police action. The journalists also called on the president to apologize.

But the crisis only worsened and Qalash, Balshy and board member Gamal Abdel-Rehim were arrested and given two-year prison sentences on charges that they had hidden Badr and al-Saqa at union headquarters. They were granted bail, and on March 25 an appeals court revised their sentences to one year of suspended jail time.

The verdict had been expected Feb. 25 but was postponed. Balshy said it was no coincidence that it was delayed until after the election.

Issa said that the storming of the headquarters was handled very professionally, but that the police violated the law in this case because a member of the union board and the prosecutor should have been present during the search.

He said a group of journalists had started what they called the Correctional Path Front, which played a major role in incitement against the union and fueling the dispute, leading to a pro-regime winner. However, Makram Mohammed Ahmed, a former union head and an active member of the Correctional Path Front, told the Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm on March 18 that Salama is a consensus man who can fix the strained relations with the government.

Following his victory, Salama vowed March 19 in televised remarks to intervene with the state to resolve any crisis involving journalists, including the case of Qalash, Balshy and Abdel-Rehim, whose sentences can be appealed again.

Balshy isn't optimistic. Whether we like it or not, the state wants to undermine freedom of opinion by confronting those who call for freedom, he told Al-Monitor.

He said freedom is the backbone of the press. With the decline in freedom of opinion, the quality of newspapers and citizens' confidence in them is declining. The press was very open and active after the January 25 Revolution in 2011, he said, but the situation now is bad because of the states intervention.

Issa said the regimes security doctrine seeks to subjugate institutions, including professional associations and civil society organizations, to the executive branch. He indicated that this contradicts the legitimacy of the revolutions of 2011 and June 2013.

Columnist Abdullah al-Sanawi said no authority can control the Journalists Union and the nationalization of the union remains impossible despite all the unions pro-regime groups.

Sanawi told Al-Monitor that the elections were a struggle between secrecy, which is reflected in media blackouts, and the kind of disclosure that is required for a free press  the kind that was adopted by Qalash. But the struggle was not decisively settled. He said the groups favoring an independent press, despite the defeat, will again put forth their agenda to the press community.

Issa said Salama will find himself under pressure from the union members to commit to freedom issues and prove to the government that it has no influence.

Sanawi said, The state is always present in the newspapers editing rooms, especially in state-affiliated institutions and TV channels, amid the pro-regime businessmens control of satellite channels, and that is how political life goes.
April 5, 2017

US-Turkey relations will almost certainly suffer if Turks vote this month to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more power, US lawmakers warned.

Members of the House Foreign Affairs panel on Eurasian affairs took turns at an April 5 hearing denouncing the crackdown on dissidents and journalists since last summer's failed coup. They predicted that Turkey's democracy  and by extension its relationship with the United States  will further erode if voters choose "yes" on the April 16 referendum.

"We are on the side of the people of Turkey," said panel Chairman Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif. "Please, I hope that they hear our plea: Remain our friend. Don't go to the polls and basically join in this negation of friendship that has lasted so long and done so much good to the people of the United States and the people of Turkey."

While other lawmakers weren't as blunt as their chairman, many of them shared similar sentiments.

"We all feel that way," Rep. Bill Keating, D-Mass., told Al-Monitor. "We don't tell countries how to vote. But clearly we believe in checks and balances. So that's where we're coming from."

Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., said US lawmakers "want to see democracy in Turkey. And we are concerned that this referendum will undermine democracy in Turkey. But Turkish voters should make up their own minds."

Others have already all but given up on Erdogan.

"I think the relation's going to be really bad either way," said Rep. Albio Sires, D-NJ. "Anybody that confiscates 600 businesses worth $10 billion, anybody that puts in jail one-third of imprisoned journalists  that's not going in a good direction."

The gloomy assessments followed a hearing during which lawmakers heard from an array of Turkey critics. These included an opposition party official who told them that Erdogan was conducting "slow-motion genocide" against the country's Kurdish minority.

"My people in Turkey are going through a full-scale assault, which could be viewed as a form of genocide," said Mehmet Yuksel, the representative of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) in Washington. "The Turkish authorities have seen the Kurdish identity as the main enemy."

The HDP has increasingly been in Ankara's crosshairs as it has taken the lead in campaigning against the referendum, which would replace the parliamentary system dating back to the Turkish republic's founding in 1923 with a presidential structure. The changes would notably eliminate the position of prime minister and allow the president to rule by decree, appoint high officials and judges and dissolve parliament.

The HDP's two co-leaders, Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, were arrested late last year along with nine other HDP members of parliament amid allegations that the party is close to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Ankara deems a terrorist group. The HDP denies any such links.

And just this week a Turkish court banned the party's "Say No" anti-referendum song from playing on the airways because it allegedly incites "hatred and hostility among people."

David Phillips of Columbia University's Institute for the Study of Human Rights outlined reports of Ankara's military and financial support for the Islamic State (IS), including the purchase of IS oil in Syria. And Naz Durakoglu, a former Keating aide now with the Atlantic Council, also bemoaned the erosion of freedom in Turkey while urging lawmakers to do what they could to strengthen the strategic relationship with its NATO ally.

Ali Cinar of the nonprofit Turkish Heritage Organization offered a lone voice defending some of Erdogan's actions.

He said Turkey was dealing with both the aftermath of the coup that Ankara blames on US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen as well as IS and Kurdish terrorism. He said journalists had been detained because of their ties to terrorists and coup plotters and accused HDP members of attending meetings with the PKK.

"Can you imagine a congressman attending an [IS] leaders' event and promoting a terrorist organization?" Cinar said. "This is a big problem for Turkey. It's a national security risk."
April 5, 2017

The day of March 24, 2017, is etched into Egyptian architectural history with the inauguration of Al-Sahaba Mosque in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. The mosque, whose name refers to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, is one of the most important Islamic structures built in the country in the 21st century.

Al-Sahaba Mosque was built combining a pattern of different styles  Fatimid, Mamluk, Ottoman and canonical  to send a message that the Sinai Peninsula, which was once the cradle of religions, is still a place of tolerance and love.

"The aim of mixing different cultures and styles in one structure is to create a kind of interreligious harmony," architect Fouad Tawfik, who designed the mosque, told Al-Monitor.

The first stage in the construction of the mosque was based on donations collected by a charity nongovernmental organization in Sharm el-Sheikh called Al-Moustafa. The foundation stone was laid in October 2010, but work stopped during the January 25 Revolution. The work resumed in April 2011 and was suspended in 2015 due to a lack of donations. Chance played a role in expediting the completion of this magnificent structure when President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was in Sharm el-Sheikh to preside over the Egypt Economic Development Conference that was attended by over 2,000 delegates from 112 different countries.

The president admired the building and ordered the armed forces engineering body to handle the last phase of associated costs, which amounted to around 15 million Egyptian pounds ($833,000 at the current exchange rate).

Al-Sahaba Mosque is located in the Old Market, a tourist area in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The main dome of the mosque, which is roughly 35 meters (114 feet) high, is bordered by two minarets, each 70 meters (229 feet) in height. The mosque occupies an area of 3,000 square meters (32,291 square feet) and consists of two floors  the first floor for men, and the upper floor for female worshipers with a separate entrance.

"The upper floor also contains a library that houses dozens of books on Islamic teachings, translated into many foreign languages. Annexed to the mosque is a culture center where conferences and debates can be held," Tawfik added.

The mosque is surrounded by vast grounds with a large fountain in front. As the mosque was being built, the nearby Old Market underwent a renovation; its floors were polished, and several new shops and cafes were added.

Visitors can spend sunset strolling the winding paths of the Old Market, also known as Old Town. The air fills with the smell of traditional shisha pipes, musky perfume and grilled meat coming from cheap, lively restaurants. There are also souvenirs, jewelry and engraved woodwork available in the market shops.

Sharm el-Sheikh has suffered from a decline in tourists over the past year after a Russian passenger plane was downed in October 2015.

A recent report issued by the Egyptian Airports Company said that passenger traffic at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport declined to 1.7 million passengers in 2016, down from 5.7 million in 2015. Also, the number of flights in the same city declined by 54.3%; the number of flights settled at 19,300 in 2016, down from 42,400 in 2015.

The Russian passenger plane incident was followed by the banning of a number of countries' flights to the resort town due to security concerns.

Britain, a major source of tourists for the country, has yet to lift its ban. However, the UK travel company Thomas Cook announced in March it has a number of flights planned to the Red Sea resort for November 2017.

Furthermore, Hesham el-Demeiry, the head of Egypts Tourism Promotion Authority, recently announced that one of the largest Italian travel companies is organizing four weekly flights from the cities of Naples and Bari to Sharm el-Sheikh. He said that these trips, organized by Italian travel companies, will include around 180 tourists per flight, amounting to a total of 2,800 Italian tourists per month.

In a bid to catch the world's eyes regarding the safety of Sharm el-Sheikh, the government held a number of international events there. In February 2016, for example, the International Conference on Renewable Energy, where experts from all over the world disseminated the latest cutting-edge technologies in the renewable energy field, took place in the resort town.

Also, the first ever Sharm el-Sheikh Arab and European Film Festival was held in March and was attended by a number of foreign and Arab actors and directors.

In the same month, an international tourism and physiotherapy conference was held in this resort town, with the participation of dozens of travel agents and renowned physiotherapists from the Arab world, Western Europe, the United States and Canada.

The completion of the structure of Al-Sahaba Mosque is yet another milestone event in the town.

Parliament member Amr Sedky, a tycoon in the tourism industry, said that this newly opened mosque has another mission rather than being only a well-designed structure added to the touristic sites of Sharm el-Sheikh.

"The imams of this mosque interpret the Friday sermons in English and French if there are foreigners near the mosque. This is a unique experience in the Egyptian mosques," Sedky told Al-Monitor.

He said that the imams, who are appointed by the Ministry of Endowments, answer the tourists' questions about Islamic teachings and "they correct the wrong perceptions that IS [the Islamic State] leaves in people's minds about Islam."

"This is a great importance of the mosque. It is a real method in fighting Islamophobia."
April 6, 2017

Autopsies of victims of a crippling assault in northwestern Syria show they were exposed to chemical agents, Turkey revealed on April 6. Calls are growing for action against the Syrian regime, which is being held responsible for the deaths.

It was determined that a chemical weapon was used very clearly, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told the Turkish press.

Officials from the World Health Organization and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons were present at the examinations of the bodies of three victims who died after reaching Turkey. Turkish Health Minister Recep Akdag said samples would be sent to The Hague for further analysis.

In a late-breaking development, CNN has quoted unnamed sources as saying that US President Donald Trump is weighing military action against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Responding to the reports, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he hoped Trump would match his words with action, adding, "Turkey is ready to do everything it can."

Dozens of victims from the dawn attack April 4 on the northwestern town of Khan Sheikhoun were rushed to Turkish hospitals for treatment after local clinics were also targeted, according to medics and observers at the scene. At least 86 people have died and scores of others were wounded when suspected regime aircraft struck the rebel-controlled town in Idlib province.

The attacks, which left victims foaming at the mouth and writhing convulsively, recalled chilling images of victims of the 2013 sarin attack on Ghouta, a rebel-held suburb of Damascus.

That assault provoked threats of US retaliation, forcing Assad to make a show of abandoning his chemical weapons program to avert an intervention. Syria continues to deny that it is using nerve agents. Speaking at a news conference April 4, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said Syrian air force jets had targeted an opposition arms depot that stored chemical weapons. The United Nations says it will investigate the incident as a possible war crime.

Turkey has long lobbied the United States to act decisively to topple the murderous Assad regime, but its appeals have fallen on deaf ears. The chemical attack in Idlib by the Assad regime is a war crime and a crime against humanity, said Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin in a tweet. Shame on those who keep failing the Syrian people.

Turkeys ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has not forgiven the Barack Obama administration for sending early signals that it was ready to intervene, authorizing the CIA to arm and train rebels, only to get cold feet after the 2012 attack by Islamic militants on the US Consulate in Benghazi that cost US Ambassador Chris Stevens his life.

The Trump administration much like its predecessors has made it clear that its overarching priority in Syria is not regime change but to defeat the Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked groups that control much of Idlib.

In a much overlooked irony, former Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who is largely blamed for Turkeys bumbling Syria policy, had pleaded with then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to be given more time to reason with Assad. His pleas were ignored and Obama declared Assad illegitimate even before Turkey, who subsequently became the rebels biggest champion.

But Ankaras support came at a heavy price. Seized by a determination to overthrow Assad, the AKP turned a blind eye as jihadis including IS fighters used Turkey as a conduit and hijacked the Syrian revolution. Perceived Turkish indulgence of extremists drew sharp rebukes from Turkeys Western allies and sullied its global image.

The policy also deepened existing fissures between the governments pious Sunni base and Turkeys large population of Alevi Muslims who view the AKP and its Syrian rebel proxies as a threat to secularism. Unsurprisingly, the leader of Turkeys main opposition Republican People's Party, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has not uttered a single word of sympathy for the victims of Khan Sheikhoun. Turkeys pro-secular and left-wing opposition press gave the massacre scant coverage.

But the attack on Khan Sheikhoun may have a game-changing effect. The top UN humanitarian official in Syria, Jan Egeland, called the attack a possible watershed moment.

Trump told reporters, I will tell you that attack on children yesterday had a big impact on me," and "My attitude towards Syria and Assad has changed very much. He added, "It crossed a lot of red lines for me."

Some analysts believe the presidents comments signal a shift in US policy.

But after five years of constant disappointment, the Syrian opposition is not holding its breath. Mohammed Ghanem, a spokesman for the Syrian American Council, told Al-Monitor, We cannot allow ourselves to become too optimistic. Yes there is a change in tone; yes its positive. But we need to be careful.

Gonul Tol, the executive director of the Turkey program at the Middle East Institute, urges caution as well. She told Al-Monitor, A symbolic strike against the Assad regime will not substantively alter the situation on the ground. Conversely, decisive action would trigger an exodus of jihadist fighters from Idlib to Turkey and to [Turkish-controlled] Jarablus.

Either way, the crisis in Syria will remain a huge challenge for Turkey, which has paid the heaviest price for the conflict second only to the Syrian people themselves.
April 6, 2017

Members of President Hassan Rouhani's Cabinet have publicly criticized the recent arrests of Reformist journalists and online activists on the threshold of a presidential election.

"From the beginning, the administration has been opposed to the arrests of account managers of Telegram channels and continues to be," said Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi to reporters April 5 after a Cabinet meeting. Telegram is a widely popular messaging service in Iran with users in the tens of millions.

The arrests of Ali Ahmadnia and Ali Heydar Valizadeh, two individuals with popular Telegram channels, surprised many and created the impression that the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was attempting to silence supporters of the Rouhani administration ahead of the May presidential and city council elections.

A number of Reformist journalists or those described as supporters of the administration, including Hengameh Shahidi, Ehsan Mazandarani, Morad Safavi and Ramin Karimian, were also arrested in recent weeks. Alavi's criticism suggests there is certainly a clash between Rouhani's Intelligence Ministry and the Intelligence Organization of the IRGC over the arrests.

Alavi's comment comes after five Reformist parliamentarians gave the intelligence minister a written warning about the arrests. Ali Motahari, Mostafa Kavakebian, Mahmoud Sadeghi, Gholam-Reza Heydari and Alireza Rahimi issued the warning, asking why 12 popular Telegram channels were closed and the account managers were arrested. Motahari had previously threatened to impeach Alavi if he failed to address the issue of the arrests.

Mohammad Reza Aref, head of the List of Hope Reformist Parliamentarian bloc, said April 4 that the arrests of the Telegram managers "was not right and should have never happened." Aref also added that given those arrested all belonged to one political orientation, it created the perception that the arrests were political in nature. He asked that the judiciary look into the arrests and "quickly resolve" their cases so that it does not cause any political damage.

Alavi, however, is not the first Cabinet member to criticize the arrests of journalists and Telegram account managers. Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, spokesman for the Rouhani administration, told a reporter April 4 that the arrests are a "cause for concern" for the administration because it may "securitize the atmosphere for journalists."

Despite protests by the administration, they have been largely helpless to stop the arrests or gain the release of those recently arrested. The Intelligence Organization of the IRGC answers directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a fact well-known to the parliamentarians filing their complaints to Rouhani's intelligence minister.

On March 7, IRGC head Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari stated that the IRGC would remain neutral in the election. "No individual in the IRGC has the permission to interfere in the elections politically or partisan-wise, or attack a candidate." He said the supervisory institutions in the IRGC are bound to pursue and control any infractions.

After the arrests, Sadeghi  who was one of the five members of parliament to file the warning to the intelligence minister  wrote directly to the head of the IRGC, reminding him of his statement about the IRGC's duties in the elections. The carefully worded letter said that the arrests of the Telegram account managers had created "concern in society." He asked the IRGC to pay closer attention to those attacking candidates in the upcoming election.
April 5, 2017

BAGHDAD  It's said that some college degrees aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Some graduates in Iraq are finding that to be true. Others can't even get the paper.

Dozens of students protested March 8 in front of the private Mazaya College, calling on the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to accredit their university and issue diplomas.

Mohammed al-Ghazi, who graduated two years ago from the college in southeastern Iraq, said the school still refuses to grant him and others their degrees, instead saying the ministry is reviewing them.

I spent millions of dinars [1 million dinars equals about $860] at Mazaya College to obtain a degree in computer engineering. After I completed my fourth year, I found out that the college wasn't accredited and its degree is worthless on the market, Ghazi told Al-Monitor.

After the protests, the ministry decided March 14 that it will develop a special test for Mazaya graduates and that if they pass it, they will be considered qualified in their field of study and receive a certificate from the ministry. The ministry hasn't yet started the process, which it expects to be complicated and lengthy.

In December, Iraq and five other Arab countries were removed from the World Economic Forum (WEF) global education quality index because their schools don't meet basic education standards. The other countries are Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan and Somalia.

Arab countries that made the list, with their ranking, are: Qatar, 4; United Arab Emirates, 10; Lebanon, 25; Bahrain, 33; Jordan, 45; and Saudi Arabia, 54. The index includes 140 countries.

After 2003, when the Iraq war began, many international and foreign universities stopped recognizing Iraqi university degrees because their standards couldn't be verified. Iraqis are asked to take proficiency tests before being admitted to some universities abroad. In the United States, each institution develops its own standards and requirements; many use credential verification services.

Haider al-Aboudi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, told Al-Monitor that private education first started in Iraq in 1988. Today, Iraq has 52 private universities and 35 state universities.

"Private universities or colleges are established by presenting an application by the investor to the Minister of Higher of Education, who in turn submits it to the Cabinet. Afterward, the registration procedures are carried out based on the market need for specialized colleges, he said.

The conditions for establishing a university include meeting financial, human resources and scientific requirements, in addition to a campus of at least 7,500 square meters [1.9 acres], with departments of no less 2,500 square meters, he added.

The current problem in private universities, Aboudi said, isn't just about losing accreditation; some schools without accreditation continue to admit students. Also, the medical departments of some private universities accept high school graduates from literature, commerce or economics programs, "which is contrary to academic standards.

The Ministry of Education formed a committee to consider the problems of students who were admitted to unaccredited universities, and decided that they should undergo proficiency tests." Students who were accepted without the necessary backgrounds, such as literature students accepted into the medical program, will be disqualified. The review will affect about 3,000 students, he added. The ministry is striving to strengthen academic standards in private education so that they meet international standards."

The ministry issued a statement March 13 confirming there are 15 unaccredited colleges and institutes in Iraq. The ministry called for shutting them down and warned students against applying to them in the coming academic year. If the institutions do not gain accreditation, they will be considered illegal.

Iraq's education quality has significantly declined since the 1990s as a result of wars and sanctions. Corruption also is a problem: Students with low GPAs who are not admitted to state universities and institutes often apply to private universities with lower standards, but admission to both private and government universities can be obtained through bribes.

Furat Jamal, a University of Baghdad teacher, told Al-Monitor, Students with low GPAs apply to private universities, where they get accepted. The chaos plaguing the private education sector is caused by powerful politicians who establish [departments] to bolster their [visibility and] political activities, with no regard for the countrys reputation and academic standards.

He added, "Some private universities were established as Islamic universities specialized in Islamic Sharia and teachings but soon opened academic departments, which is against the law. Education in Iraq has been going downhill because of the lack of supervision by the authorities and lack of good decisions in favor of the educational institutions.

Parliament's Education Committee believes private colleges contribute to Iraq's increasing unemployment rate.

The private education sector has caused many problems in Iraq, including the low level of education and increased unemployment due to random establishment of colleges without a feasibility study.  Many private universities have deceived students and admitted them without being accredited, and now their [students'] future is uncertain, even though they have spent millions of dinars on their education," Education Committee recorder Abir al-Hussein told Al-Monitor.

The education level of most graduates of the private education sector is weak and not up to the standards of the degrees they hold. This is because it is easy to receive these degrees  private education students receive [undeserved] high grades.  [Then they] face competition from public education students, who have a higher education level."

She added, The executive and legislative parties are currently seeking to strengthen the education system so it is recognized internationally, after having suffered a setback in recent years.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's website, "During [the] 1980s, the Iraqi education system was recognized as one of the most developed systems in the Arab states."

In addition to corruption and political manipulation, the system also suffers from governmental neglect. For 2017, the government has allocated only $1.9 billion to the education sector; last year that figure was $2.1 billion. No private university programs are recognized internationally. The concerned parties thus will be required to shut down the worst programs and form partnerships and exchange programs with foreign universities. They will also have to properly equip the universities and urge students and teachers alike to publish academic research papers in international journals.
April 5, 2017

Interest is growing in making Israel a hub for cannabis farming and medical research. Israel has already authorized the cultivation of cannabis for local medical use. On Feb. 5, the Knessets Ministerial Legislation Committee adopted a resolution approving the exportation of medical cannabis from the country. The bill is now awaiting approval by the Knesset.

Seeking access to the fast-growing global industry, dozens of Israeli kibbutzim have applied for permits to farm medical cannabis since July 2016. Still affected by decades of economic stagnation, these kibbutzim hope that growing medical cannabis can help them attain financial viability.

Eight licensed suppliers, two of them operating in kibbutzim, are currently supplying medical cannabis to Israelis with a prescription for it. But following a legal battle taken up by farmers wishing to join the industry, the Israeli Ministry of Health started taking applications for additional permits. Hagai Hillman, chairman of a forum of Israeli cannabis farmers, told Al-Monitor that around 40 new permits were issued in February. Many went to kibbutzim.

The prerequisites for the permits and financing work in favor of the bigger applicants. The Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development estimates an annual expenditure for one acre of medical cannabis at about $2 million. That sort of cash might be hard to come by for small family farms, giving an edge to kibbutzim, many of which run farms of thousands of acres.

Compared with smaller farms, the kibbutzim also typically obtain a more diverse set of land-use licenses, enabling them to set up plantations and processing facilities side by side, a major advantage in the production of medical cannabis.

The February resolution to greenlight the exportation of medical cannabis is part of a stream of other legislative reforms contemplated in Israel in recent years. The most public moves are undoubtedly efforts by mainstream Israeli politicians to decriminalize marijuana use.

This trend follows protests by disabled Israeli veterans, some suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, demanding the legalization and the expansion of medical cannabis. Ilya Reznik, coordinator of the Israel National Association for Medical Cannabis Research and Treatment, told Al-Monitor that the group's demands have had great impact on Israeli legislators. "Disabled veterans were the first to receive permits to use medical cannabis here," he said. "The government could not just ignore them or sidestep the issue  this is a group with a very high profile."

Another change concerns clinical trials on humans. In February 2016, Israel established a relatively permissive legal framework concerning clinical trials in general, easing trials for new cannabis plants.

Use of cannabis for recreational purposes is legally forbidden in most countries, Israel included. Medical use is increasingly dependent on supporting research that shows specific strains are effective in treating the symptoms of specific conditions. According to Noam Chehanovsky, a geneticist focusing on cannabis strains, the permissive testing framework instated in Israel offers a unique opportunity.

Chehanovsky told Al-Monitor that last month, he partnered with Kibbutz Ruhama to grow cannabis strains designed to treat specific conditions. Located nine miles (14 kilometers) east of Gaza, Ruhama is one of the dozens of kibbutzim that recently applied for governmental permits. "Our edge is in the development of strains and in the ability to conduct clinical tests," he said.

There are other factors that work to Israel's advantage. Cannabis farming in colder countries necessitates the use of artificial lights, raising production costs. Geri Kolin, a co-owner of the medical cannabis firm Agrocan Teva Adir, told Al-Monitor that abundant light and low humidity levels help cannabis plantations in Israel's Arava, an arid valley stretching from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea.

In 2010, Kolin partnered with Kibbutz Elifaz to build a cannabis plantation in the region. Located around 20 miles north of the Red Sea, the plantation now supplies medical cannabis to local pharmacies and medical institutions. It already has foreign clients, one of them a US-based organization, waiting for exportation to begin, Kolin said.

He pointed to promising cannabis strains developed in the region, especially two called "Desert Queen" and "Royal Medic." Both these desert-compatible strains were developed by Kolins firm in partnership with the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization, the research arm of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. According to Kolin, several non-Israeli companies are already looking to use the strains in other desert regions, including in Nevada.

With a smile, he noted that aside from the high quality of his strains, his clearest edge when it comes to marketing outside of Israel is the origin label on the products. "They want to buy because my logo is 'Cannabis in the Holy Land,'" he said.

The Israeli-made label seems to interest many exporters. Earlier this month, during a conference in Tel Aviv, Ran Ferdman, the manager of the farming operations in Ruhama, was approached by potential foreign buyers. "They were especially interested in buying from kibbutzim. The kibbutz brand still has value, like Jaffa oranges," he said.

Ruhama, Ferdman said, is now financially stable, but still in need of more income to be able to supply adequate pensions for many of its older community members. Medical cannabis can become one of the financial pillars of the community, Ferdman added. "We don't have too many income sources, and we are good at farming. It's a pension fund for our parents that I'm talking about, after all," he said.
April 6, 2017

Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev probably has not found the time to see Mephisto, adapted by Hillel Mittelpunkt and directed by Omri Nitzan, currently on stage at the Cameri Theater of Tel Aviv. The energetic minister is most likely too busy imposing economic sanctions on theaters and mounting attacks against the leftist media. In any case, anyone who boasts of never having read a Chekhov play is unlikely to have heard of Klaus Mann or seen the play based on his 1936 novel. Mephisto tells the story of Hendrik Hofgen, an actor who sells his soul to the Nazi regime to get ahead and is appointed the manager of the National Theater. The character is based on the real-life Gustaf Grundgen. Im just a normal actor, Hofgen says, offering up one of the most charged lines of self-defense in theater history.

Regev and her boss, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, want Israeli playwrights along with producers of movie and TV documentaries to be just like Hofgen  submissive. The same goes for news editors and reporters. After all, public funding is effectively being used in the service of Israels creeping annexation of the occupied West Bank. Why should it not serve the annexation of the cultural sphere, too?

Its unacceptable that the communications minister doesnt have any control, Regev railed during a Cabinet debate last July on the future Public Broadcasting Corporation. If we have no control, why should we give it money? she asked. Indeed, why should it be any different from any other sphere controlled by government ministers?

Regev has long been threatening Israeli artists with an initiative that would transfer to her the Finance Ministrys current authority to deny state funding to institutions that produce works that question Israel as a Jewish and democratic state or present Israels independence day as a day of mourning, or the Nakba, Arabic for disaster, as many Palestinians call it.

To make the point, Regevs office froze her ministry's funding for the Arabic-language Al-Midan Theater in response to A Parallel Time, a play it presented that portrayed Walid Daka, convicted of terrorism in the murder of an Israeli soldier 21 years ago, as having carried out a legitimate act of opposition to the Israeli occupation. Regevs message got through, and how. At the end of March, the Yehoshua Rabinovich Foundation for the Arts, one of the countrys leading film funders, which in turn is fully funded by the state, added a clause to its contracts with movie producers similar to a loyalty law that Regev is seeking authority to enforce.

The foundations director, Giora Eini, who introduced the new clause, is not a member of Netanyahu and Regevs Likud, nor is he a friend of Regev. In fact, he has been a confidant of Labor Party Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak. To paraphrase Klaus Mann, Eini is just a normal official who was promptly rewarded. Regev wrote on her Facebook page that she had called Eini to congratulate him on his action. A committee she recently established to examine the activities of movie foundations, she wrote, was designed, among other things, to ensure that all the foundations do exactly as Eini did.

Regev is not satisfied with censoring movies and plays and supervising the work of foundation heads and producers. The Culture Ministry is now demanding that the movie foundations hand over information about lectors who discussed movie-funding proposals over the past five years and the reasons they gave for their decisions. The issue came up following the airing of Megiddo, a television documentary series that examines the lives of Arabs imprisoned by Israel on security-related offenses and their relationships with their jailers.

The New Fund for Cinema and TV, which helped produce Megiddo, was told to immediately supply information on the approval process. In a letter to a forum of bereaved families who have had relatives killed in terror attacks, Regev admitted that she had not watched the documentary, but promised that if it contains offensive content, she will withdraw all state budgets for the New Fund. I stand by my belief that a distinction has to be made between freedom of funding and freedom of expression, the minister wrote. Anyone who wants state support would do well to protect its values and symbols.

The anti-Semitic recommendation to hit the Jew in his pocket, espoused by some supporters of boycotts against Israel, is proving itself. The carrot and stick approach adopted by the government toward the theaters, in a bid to get them to stage their plays in Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, has pushed the Habima, Cameri and Gesher theaters and the Israeli Ballet to the West Bank settlement towns of Ariel and Kiryat Arba to entertain.

The decision to perform for the first time in Hebron [Kiryat Arba] exemplifies the national theater's being a central pioneer in treating all citizens of the state as equal in their right to experience culture, Regev crowed. The woman who has become a major boycotter herself lashed out, [I'm] sorry to see elements in our land act as the lowliest of BDS [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions] bullies.

A March 22 threat by Regev to defund the municipal library in the suburban Tel Aviv town of Kiryat Ono convinced Mayor Israel Gal to cancel a planned speech at the library by the anti-occupation Breaking the Silence organization, sponsored by the left-wing Meretz. On April 4, only some 200 anti-settlement Peace Now activists attended a protest event held near the library. Several months prior, hundreds of activists demonstrated against the cancellation of another event planned by Breaking the Silence after a similar threat against the Barbour Gallery in Jerusalem. This is how Regev scrounges for more headlines and a few more votes from Likud supporters ahead of the party primaries. This is how she adds a bit more fuel to the fire that the right-wing Netanyahu government is using to burn Israeli democracy on the altar of the occupation.

Habima actor Shlomi Bertonov, who refused to appear at Kiryat Arba, told Haaretz in November that he knew he would pay a price for his intransigence. It will come back to bite me, for sure, he said. But thats OK, I stand behind this 100%.

History shows that most people, even justice-seeking artists with morals, eventually give in to threats to their bread and butter. The role of Hofgen in Mephisto is played by Itay Tiran, one of Israels best-known actors. Tiran has long refused to go onstage in the occupied territories.
Ian McDonald was forced out of his dental office last week after a fire, and hes found a new, temporary home in a familiar place.

McDonald is planning to reopen his practice by Friday at 1690 Rimrock Road, Suite F, the former home of Yellowstone Family Dental. He shut down his office inside the First Interstate Bank building in at 730 Main St. in Billings Heights after a March 28 fire.

The new spot is the same office once occupied by his father, Chris McDonald, and its where Ian McDonald cut his teeth as a young dentists assistant. Hes leasing the space month-to-month from Matt Larsen, who moved to downtown Billings in the fall of 2015.

I was in a bind, and I reached out to him, and he helped me out, McDonald said.

McDonald was at lunch when the fire alarm was triggered last week. He said his staff of nine evacuated quickly, and no one was injured.

Initially, McDonald said he thought his office would be fine because the fire started in a different part of the building. He later learned the smoke damage was too extensive to work in the space.

It was just shock. Weve been through a lot this last year, McDonald said.

Hes referring to the death of his 10-month-old son, Cody, last October from bacterial meningitis.

Weve kind of got a black cloud following us around, McDonald said.

He added that he has insurance, which also covers a loss of revenue.

McDonald salvaged most of his equipment and moved it to the new location, where a smoky smell hangs in the air.

First Interstate employees have been sent to work at other branches, bank spokeswoman Cindy Lyle said, adding that bank officials are uncertain when the branch will reopen.

Preliminary estimates placed the damage at $750,000, though Billings Deputy Fire Marshal Jeff McCullough said the total cost could be higher. An electrical failure with a florescent light in a file storage room was the cause, he said.

McDonald said he has referred some patients to other dentists, but most have been understanding and rescheduled. His client base is in the Heights, so he said hed like to get back there as soon as he can.

For now, McDonalds wife, Halley McDonald, has been handling incoming calls, and the couple has converted their home into a de facto administrative office. The office number, 256-2121, is forwarded to her phone.

McDonald credited Technology by Design for helping set up a computer network at their home.

A lot of patients have been understanding. They want to wait until were up and running, McDonald said.
Religious and secular leaders in Jerusalem are expecting a sea of people crowding the Old City this month. Palm Sunday falls on April 9, marking the beginning of the Christian Holy Week culminating with Easter, when Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. This year, Catholics and Protestants, as well as Eastern Orthodox churches, agree to celebrate Easter on the same day.

Calculating Easter is complicated. In 325 C.E., the Council of Nicaea, a gathering of Christian bishops, decided that the remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus would be held the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. The date for the vernal equinox was based on the ecclesiastical approximation of March 21. If the full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter is delayed a week. When the calendar was adjusted during the reign of Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, Eastern Orthodox churches continued to go by the Julian calendar. Now, every few years, Easter falls on the same day in both, and in 2017, all Christians will celebrate Easter on April 16.

Issa Musleh, the spokesman of the Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem, said that the Old City of Jerusalem will be even more crowded for another reason. He told Al-Monitor, For the first time in 200 years, the three main churches  Orthodox, Franciscan and Armenian  agreed to have the holy grave refurbished.

Musleh said that the newly renovated tomb was opened to the public in a ceremony attended by church and other leaders. The opening on March 22 was attended by Jordanian Minister of Interior Ghaleb Zoubi representing King Abdullah; a representative of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and a representative of Pope Francis; Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Adnan al-Husseini; and the PLO Executive Committee member responsible for church affairs, Hanna Amireh.

Father Ibrahim Faltas, a Franciscan pastor in the Custody of the Holy Land, told Al-Monitor that he expects large crowds this Easter due to the increase of Coptic Christian pilgrims. Each church will be able to celebrate according to the 19th-century agreement.  I expect we'll be seeing 15,000 Coptic Christian pilgrims this year.

Since 1979, Egyptian Copts have refrained from visiting Jerusalem in response to the call by late Coptic Pope Shenouda III for Copts to boycott Jerusalem in protest over Israel taking the Deir al-Sultan chapel and turning it over to the Ethiopian Church in 1970. Current Pope Tawadros II visited Jerusalem in November 2015 to participate in the funeral of Bishop Anba Abraham.

Palestinian leaders interviewed by Al-Monitor expect multiple Israeli restrictions this Easter, which also coincides with the Jewish holidays. Bernard Sabella, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and a sociology professor at Bethlehem University, told Al-Monitor that security will be tighter both within and beyond the Old City.

Because of the Jewish Passover holidays, Israel will be restricting Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza from entering the entire city of Jerusalem, he said. Sabella added that the measures will affect not only Palestinians, but also foreign pilgrims.

Faltas told Al-Monitor that the three churches have agreed to manage access to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Throughout the Holy Week, entry will not be restricted. But on Holy Fire day, April 15, each church will be able to give permits to its faithful to control who will be allowed into the church, he said.

Loay Saeed, director of the Jerusalem-based nongovernmental organization Seeds of Better Life, told Al-Monitor that his volunteers will be deployed during the Holy Week to help pilgrims and others trying to reach their destinations in the Old City. He explained, We will have volunteers at all the checkpoints with the hope of facilitating movement and access for people to get to their places of worship.

Nashat Filmon, director of the Palestinian Bible Society, which serves local Palestinian communities, told Al-Monitor that his organization will be active during this period to help bring Christians together. Our goal is to contribute to the unity of the church and to support the faithful, especially among the youth and children.

Filmon said that the Bible Society activities in Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank center on the local youth. We believe that young Palestinian Christians have a role to play by staying put in Jerusalem so as to contribute to a pluralistic, healthy and believing society.

The Easter celebrations in Jerusalem are known for being colorful and uplifting. This year will be no different, even with the huge crowds.
April 4, 2017

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education on March 22 began considering over a thousand applications from Palestinian teachers seeking to work in Kuwait. According to Muhannad Abu Shama, the ministrys director of staff affairs, 1,173 Palestinians working in the Palestinian Authoritys (PA) affiliated areas submitted applications.

Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub had announced in October 2016 at a press conference that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education was willing to hire Palestinian teachers to help enhance education quality in the 2017-2018 school year, given the educational qualifications of Palestinian teachers who contributed to the building of Kuwait at the beginning of its rise.

Tahboub told Al-Monitor, The letter from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education was sent to the Palestinian Embassy in Kuwait, and I made sure to send it to the Palestinian minister of education and higher education, Sabri Saidam, who took it from there. The Palestinian Embassy in Kuwait will provide hired Palestinian teachers in Kuwait all logistic and legal protection, among other privileges.

Abu Shima told Al-Monitor, The ministry stopped accepting applications for the positions of teachers in Kuwait, after having received about 1,173 applications by teachers working in the PA-controlled areas  the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. We are currently working on selecting 180 candidates who have met the conditions provided by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education in a letter sent to Minister Saidam.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Education sent an official memo to the Palestinian ambassador to Kuwait, expressing its desire to bring in Palestinian teachers to start teaching at schools beginning April 3, 2017, since Kuwait wishes to enhance the government schools sector, as announced by the Ministry of Education.

Among the conditions, applicants must have graduated from accredited universities in Palestine and have no less than two years of experience with excellent recommendation and educational qualifications. The applicants must not be more than 45 years old, and no more than 50 years old for teachers who had previously worked in Kuwaiti schools, Abu Shima added.

He said, The Kuwait Ministry of Education wishes to hire scientific subject teachers only," according to the following numbers: "Eighty-five is the total number of male teachers of math, chemistry, physics and biology: 15 male teachers of physics; 40 male math teachers; 15 biology male teachers; the rest male chemistry teachers. Separately, they need 10 male teachers of geology. Ninety is the total number of female teachers of math and physics: 25 female physics teachers; 65 female math teachers."

We received on the ministrys official website 462 applications from the West Bank and 711 from the Gaza Strip. We are currently examining the applications to select successful candidates who will meet the Kuwaiti delegation that will visit the ministry in the West Bank in mid-April. After the interviews, successful candidates will undergo training sessions [with the Kuwaiti delegation, which specializes in modern education] in line with the standards applicable to Kuwaiti schools.

Aymen al-Yazouri, deputy undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Gaza, welcomed Kuwaits initiative to hire Palestinian teachers, saying that it confirms their good educational skills and expertise. Yazouri noted that Palestinian teacher Hanan al-Hroub, winner of the 2016 Global Teacher Prize, is an example of the success of Palestinian teachers.

Yazouri said that Kuwaits job openings are beacons of hope to thousands of unemployed education graduates in Gaza and the West Bank.

Lina Shahada, a math teacher from the Gaza Strip, applied for the position through the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

I have five years of experience in teaching math and I hold a masters degree in education. I am not married, which I believe would enhance my chances. I cannot wait for the names of the successful candidates to be published on the ministrys website, Shahada told Al-Monitor. Results are expected to be out in mid-April.

She added, I expect to earn a monthly salary of $1,500. I wont be spending much in Kuwait. My family needs my financial support, so if I got accepted  God willing  I will be sending money to my parents who live now in a rented house after our home in Jabaliya camp was destroyed in the last war on Gaza in 2014."

Qassem Barakat, a chemistry teacher from Ramallah, has 10 years of experience and wishes to go back to Kuwait where he was born so that his children can lead a good life as he did during his own childhood.

My father used to work as an engineer for a company in Kuwait. I was born there in the Jahra governorate. After saving enough money to build his own house, he brought us back to Ramallah. I believe I have better chances than the other applicants, as I meet most of the conditions. I expect the salary not to be less than $1,000 a month, not to mention other benefits such as accommodation and transportation fees, he told Al-Monitor.

Mohammed Samaan, head of the public relations department at the Palestinian Ministry of Labor, confirmed to Al-Monitor that the number of unemployed graduates has reached 337,000. He noted that as per the Palestinian job offers, the basic monthly salaries of teachers stand at $480 and could reach $500 to $600 with the transportation allowance.

Samaan said there are often recruiting requests for Palestinian teachers, namely by the Gulf countries, adding that 102 teachers left for Qatar in July 2015.

Education jobs are limited in the PA-controlled areas due to the increasing number of graduates; therefore, the PA welcomes calls for recruiting teachers holding Palestinian passports, he added.

International jobs are much sought after by thousands of unemployed Palestinians. Around 180 Palestinian teachers will start a new life in Kuwait, as they await the approval of their applications by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education.
April 6, 2017

On March 29, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gathered beauticians at his 1,100-room palace as he signed into law an unprecedented emergency decree on hair removal. The rally, For a beautiful Turkey, of course, yes, was aired live on television. After speaking for an hour about the upcoming referendum to an audience of meticulously turned-out beauty experts who cheered yes for Erdogan nonstop, the president showed the emergency decree to the crowd, and as a group of beauticians circled him on the podium, he signed the decree into law on live television. He also read parts of the law, carefully omitting words such as hair removal, but warmly congratulating the women for their dedication.

The hair removal regulation was published in the Official Gazette on March 30 and went into effect immediately. In a nutshell, the emergency was to grant beauticians the right to operate certain tools to perform laser hair removal.

Who is authorized to operate laser hair removal instruments is the core of the current decree. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) has provided various versions of the legislation since 2006, expanding and limiting the options for beauticians. Dermatologists argue that certain types of instruments to remove hair from its roots permanently through the utilization of lasers should not be allowed in beauty salons. Over the years, there have been thousands of cases where people seeking hair removal were hospitalized with severe burns and other skin deformities and infections due to improper applications of the technology. So the Health Ministry decided only hospitals or clinics that pass its approval should be permitted to operate these machines.

Considering that Turkey is going through a prolonged state of emergency, why did hair removal get a live audience and an hourlong ceremony at the palace? Turkish social media users were initially shocked, and several sardonic comments followed the event. Here are some of them:

"I peeked into Twitter tonight to learn about candy giant's coup attempt, but I learned about something called an emergency decree on hair removal. History will talk about us as a 'legendary generation.'" (For the candy giants "coup attempt," see Al-Monitor columnist Mustafa Akyols piece).

"With beauty experts and hair removal emergency decree generating yes propaganda. And chocolate fear politics. Does AKP stoop so low?"

"In times when we need unity and solidarity what can be as crucial as the emergency decree on hair removal?"

"The right to issue decrees under the emergency law is being used for laser hair removal. As if the coup was staged by waxing professionals!"

"The hair removal experts who assumed a crucial role on July 15 night [coup attempt] are now free with an emergency decree. A decision from the skies."

"They must have envied [President Donald] Trumps live [executive order] signing."

"Will we be required to acquire an emergency decree to get a hair removal appointment?"

"President issued an emergency law for laser hair removal. This means Turkish National Intelligence [MIT] has reported all waxing experts as Gulen members."

Although Erdogan appeared quite cheerful with the beauty experts at the palace, his advisers and pro-AKP media members preferred not to comment on the issue or engage those who posted sarcastic comments on social media. Why would Erdogan sign such an issue into law on live television? One answer from critical corners was that he did it because he could. Seasoned journalist Unsal Unlu produced a Periscope news session titled With one decree we are more beautiful, what else can we ask for? and explained the powers of emergency decree. Erdogan signed the law simply because, why would he not? What Turkey is experiencing is almost like a dry run for the expected all-powerful presidency slowly turning absurdities into the norm. Erdogan has the power and is not afraid to push the limits.

The second reason was that it was a great photo opportunity for the yes camp for the April 16 referendum: Several young and charming women were waving "yes" flags and cheering for Erdogan at a time when he needs their endorsement the most.

The third reason is the economic hardship many beauty shops are experiencing. While the often-overlooked beauty industry is a growing sector in Turkey (it was announced in December that the sector has grown 6% since 2014), it has many pockets that are struggling. Although the average spending per person is significantly below European rates, with Turkey's young population this is expected to grow. Also, beauty salons are popular among young people for hair removal because the shops provide a cheaper alternative to professional clinics.

Not everyone was happy about the rules change.

Al-Monitor spoke with three prominent dermatologists in Istanbul and they were all concerned that this permission would cause more harm than good. One dermatologist said, There is insufficient professional guidance for performing these procedures. Also many of these hairdressers or beauty salons are small-scale, and therefore most can only afford secondhand, malfunctioning instruments that cause serious burns and other damages.

Another group that was silent was the Islamists. Islam speaks in detail about personal hygiene. Islamic scholars mostly agree that the Prophet Muhammad cursed women who were plucking their eyebrows. Changing ones God-given image for vain purposes is considered inappropriate both for men and women. Although women are permitted to remove their body and facial hair in order not to resemble a man, exposing private parts to a stranger is not acceptable. And since laser hair removal cannot be performed by a person on herself, that is not considered Islamic.

Al-Monitor asked dermatologists of Istanbul about their customer base, and was told that on average about 15-25% of their customers are straight males who come in for removal of facial hair above the cheekbones, on their arms, back and pubic area. Most women ask for a permanent complete body hair removal. So the laser hair removal emergency decree could not be considered an Islamist accomplishment. One theology professor told Al-Monitor, It used to be rare, but now it has become the norm among Islamist men to have hair implants and also regular facial hair removal, and among women shaped and reshaped eyebrows, knowing well that this is not permitted. They do not even seem to bother hiding it. Still, I know there is a pious section of society who could not bring themselves to watch Erdogan signing that decree. It is embarrassing for us.

So why the decree? It appears that for the first time in his more than two-decade-long political career, Erdogan has not been able to play the victim as much as he would like before an upcoming election. In the past, most Turks rallied around him as the underdog, but now the sympathies he received from the July 15 coup attempt seem to have expired. So just weeks before the referendum, Erdogan and his cohorts started a distribution of rewards or bribes of rather creative sorts to a surprising section of the society. It seems that a laser hair removal decree could be a lucrative one that provides pretty photos, job opportunities and votes for the short term.
Warning: This gallery contains graphic images.

Hundreds of students at Calhoun Community College received a rare opportunity this week to get hands-on training with cadavers donated for the advancement of science.

Athens resident Karlea Moore hopes to use the experience to her advantage when she graduates from Calhoun's medical lab technician program.

"It was neat to be able to feel the heart, lungs, know where everything was and feel the thyroid gland," she said. "All of that would have been helpful in anatomy (class)."

Calhoun is one of only a few two-year colleges that provides cadavers to allied health students to enhance their classroom and clinical instruction. The bodies were transported to the Decatur campus via refrigerated trucks by the Medical Education and Research Institute (MERI), a nonprofit in Memphis.

MERI accepts body donations through Genesis, a willed body donor program that allows physicians, students and other professionals to learn the latest medical advances in a hospital operating room setting. Each cadaver is treated like a living patient for a period of several months to study a variety of medical techniques, including orthopedic and vascular procedures and cranial studies.

Kelly Dees, mobile education coordinator for MERI, said the Genesis program is an eco-friendly, free alternative to traditional funerals and burials, which can cost thousands of dollars and put a financial strain on surviving family members. Donors also make a lasting difference by participating in groundbreaking medical training and research across the U.S.

When MERI is done with the body, the organization cremates it and returns the ashes in an urn or places the remains in a memorial at a funeral home in Memphis. Dees said they also provide the family of the donor with a report detailing the research their loved one has made possible.

"If they can teach a doctor or a paramedic with their body how to do something or how to save a life, that's the biggest reason they donate their bodies to science," he said.

Calhoun also partnered with AERO for the cadaver training courses. AERO, an organization supported by the Alabama Department of Public Health, specializes in full protocol and Alabama Trauma System (ATS) education, EMS support equipment for in-house training courses, and EMR and EMT course oversite.

AERO Program Director Dion Schultz said students who attend the cadaver labs gain life-saving skills they would not learn in the classroom.

"We have the bodies dissected both in the throat and the anatomy so the students can have the ability now to actually see how things affect the body, so it's really a neat experience," he said.

Bret McGill, Calhoun's dean for Health Sciences, said students are able to ask questions and participate in meaningful discussions while training on a human body. Unlike simulated mannequins, cadavers offer insight into how the human body actually works.

McGill hopes Calhoun students walk away from the experience with a deeper understanding of how the body systems function together.

"That's why we're so fortunate to allow these students an opportunity to do some of these things on a real cadaver," he said. "It's not a mannequin and that will allow them an experience that will hopefully better prepare them when they get into the field."
Craft beer and firearms have more in common than one might think.

For decades, beer makers did little to innovate besides offer "light" versions or import beers from other countries. The industry experienced a major shift when drinkers became interested in the ingredients, brewing process and unique flavors craft beer provides.

Huntsville resident John Heikkinen said the firearms market is developing a lot like the craft beer movement thanks to gun-related blogs, YouTube channels, magazines and websites. His Scottsboro company, Flint River Armory, is evolving to meet that challenge.

Heikkinen and business partners, Charley Groves and Tony Fabiszak, have developed the Flint River Armory CSA45, a rifle platform built with the user in mind. The product is the only rotating and locking bolt, gas-piston, .45ACP on the market and it's made in Alabama.

"People are starting to better understand the qualities of high-end firearms, and what sets them apart from lower cost products," Heikkinen said. "So like craft beer, the Flint River Armory CSA45 was designed with the best features and qualities in mind."

Many gun manufacturers use existing firearm platforms and modify them to shoot different calibers. Heikkinen said the process works, but it's not always reliable, accurate and it's "kind of clunky."

Fabiszak, lead designer for Flint River Armory, spearheads the company's design and engineering efforts. An aerospace engineer for 15 years, he had no experience in the firearms business, but he knew it was time to take on a new challenge, so Flint River Armory was born.

He now believes his company's from-scratch CSA45 is the best pistol caliber carbine in the world.

"I've always wanted to work for myself and to own a business, and FRA came about as one of those 'idea on a napkin' things," he said. "I also saw this as a challenge -- could I actually design and build a firearm? The answer to that question took several thousand hours over four years, but now the CSA45 is a reality."

Since Flint River Armory sold the first CSA45 last June, they have expanded to nearly 50 dealers in the U.S. Heikkinen, a systems engineer for Modern Technology Solutions Inc. in Huntsville, expects to have a $5 to $7 million company with hundreds, if not thousands, of dealers in the firearms market over the next five years.

They also hope to work with one or more major distributors to get the CSA45 into big-box stores like Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops and Dick's Sporting Goods. The rifle currently retails for about $1,500,

"All these major retailers of firearms -- that's our target," Heikkinen said. "We want to get the word out that this is a different approach to the pistol caliber carbine."

The handcrafted CSA45 is assembled and shipped from a 10,000-square-foot facility in Scottsboro. About 75 percent of the parts for Flint River Armory's products, which also includes the CSA45-P, are produced in Madison, Cullman, Winston and Jackson counties.

The remaining materials are made within the U.S. The company has a few part-time helpers now, but Heikkinen expects the local workforce will increase as they add new dealers.

"As we grow and succeed, we want to see the people around us grow and succeed," he said. "We just don't see any point in going overseas for stuff, even though it can be cheaper."

Fabiszak's goal for Flint River Armory is to see the company grow to a workforce of hundreds. He wants his weapons in the hands of law enforcement and military forces, leading the way with innovation.

He said big gun makers don't innovate because it's too expensive and risky. Flint River Armory is doing the opposite because the team is small and agile.

"(Big gun companies) are making the same guns that have been around for over a hundred years because they sell," Fabiszak said. "We innovate to make truly better weapons that fit modern needs, and the needs of the future. We think that sells, too. The bottom line is that our firearms meet and exceed the performance and quality of the top manufacturers in the world, and we did it with a team of four people."

Check out a review of the CSA45 from popular YouTube reviewer IraqVeteran8888:
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Max Morey, owner of the Crescent Theater, found out Wednesday that the lease on the building at 208 Dauphin St. would not be renewed. But he vowed to open elsewhere. "Everything's going to be okay," he said. (File photo)

The Crescent Theater Film Society, the nonprofit group that financially supports Mobile's independent movie theater in downtown Mobile, announced Wednesday afternoon on its Facebook page that the beloved theater will soon close: "It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of the Crescent Theater, which has been an anchor on Dauphin Street since 2008. We are unable to renew our lease with the landlord at 208 Dauphin Street, and will be forced to close the theater in early May."

As the news spread via social media, fans of the Crescent Theater expressed shock, sadness and a desire to try to save it.

"This is horrible news," wrote Lori Fierman. "The Crescent is the only theater I go to. They have introduced me to many movies I never would have heard of. The Crescent gives a special vibe to downtown that will be a shame to lose."

"The Crescent is the best thing downtown. Please don't close!" wrote Sharon Meier.

Carol Hunter, director of communications at Downtown Mobile Alliance and a board member of the Crescent Theater Film Society, said that "the board was not comfortable committing to signing a new lease," after the building's owner, John L. Switzer, increased the rent.

Switzer also included a condition that "Max Morey can't be associated with the theater," according to Hunter - yet, for many, Morey is the Crescent Theater. "He's part of that experience, no doubt," Hunter said.

Since the Crescent opened on Oct. 31, 2008, Morey has been the face of the theater, trotting in before each show to welcome moviegoers as if they're in his own living room. Morey introduces himself and tells the audience a little about the film they're about to see, then encourages folks to help themselves to popcorn, candy, soft drinks, beer and wine - on the honor system.

"We're devastated, but we're out of ideas and money," said Carol Hunter, a Crescent Theater Film Society board member. (Facebook photo)

Morey and Switzer have a long history, according to Hunter. "They were business partners at one time, and the relationship soured," she said.

For the first couple of years after the theater opened, Switzer didn't charge rent for the use of the building, Hunter said. When he started asking for rent, Morey went to the Downtown Mobile Alliance for help. Hunter and Elizabeth Stevens, the organization's president and chief executive officer, formed the nonprofit Crescent Theater Film Society in 2010 and have been paying the rent ever since, she said.

"For years, John has offered the space at reduced rent," Hunter said, adding that she can't blame Switzer for increasing the amount. "Who doesn't want more money for their building? But he can't get it from the Crescent Theater Film Society."

In the past, the nonprofit group has held fundraisers, including "dinner and a movie" deals. The late playwright and actor Danielle Juzan staged radio plays there for three years. She was working on writing another radio play when she died last year, Hunter said.

"Opportunities for fundraising evaporated," she said, "and contributions from patrons began to diminish."

Last year, Hunter secured $15,000 in grants for the theater, but "foundations don't like to do operational grants," she said.

"We're devastated, but we're out of ideas and money."

The Crescent 'changed everything'

Hunter credits the Crescent Theater for being a catalyst for the growth of downtown Mobile. "Before it opened, there was no happy hour scene, nobody downtown between 5:30 and 10:30 or 11," she said. "Max was the first shoulder activity between daytime and nighttime. After he opened, people would get a drink, see a movie, eat dinner. It changed everything. John and Max both get the credit for that."

Morey said he heard the news at about 3:30 Wednesday afternoon. "I thought we would have a new lease, and we got a call saying to get the hell out," he said.

Though he was disappointed, he is determined to open in another location. "We own all the equipment in the theater. We own everything," he said. "We're just taking it with us to whatever new building we can find, wherever we can find it. So the Crescent Theater might be closed for a little while, but we should be back up and running as soon as we find a building."

The current building at 280 Dauphin St. was built in 1885 as the Crescent Theater, which offered vaudeville and burlesque shows. In the 1920s, the theater showed silent movies. By the 1970s, it housed several different restaurants, including Derry's Ole Tyme Cafe, and suffered fire damage when Monsoon's, a bar next door, burned in 2006.

Back in 1992, when Morey was working in marketing at a casino on the Mississippi coast, he visited Mobile for the first time. He stood in front of the Crescent Theater building and vowed that he was going to save his money and build a movie theater there. More than 20 years later, that's what he did.

Since opening in 2008, Morey has shown 250 independent films "that wouldn't have come to Mobile," he said. "We're considered one of the most successful single-screen theaters in the United States. And that's because of the people in Mobile who support a hole-in-the-wall theater downtown," he said.

Morey feels confident that "everything is going to be okay," he said. "I own the name, the contents, and the Crescent Theater Film Society supports us. There are 500 single-screen in America, and every one of them has a nonprofit."

All he needs is a building with 16- to 20-foot ceilings - "but in downtown Mobile, those are really common," he said.

He speculated that someone might start a GoFundMe campaign to raise the money to build stadium seating. "If we all chip in, we'll be open before you know it."

In 2012, the theater nearly closed when Morey found himself in need of a digital projector that cost $75,000. Through the Keep the Crescent Kickstarter campaign, community members exceeded the Kickstarter goal, raising more than $84,000 to save the Crescent.

Ultimately, Hunter is hopeful that someone will donate a building to house the theater. "What I hope is that somebody with some good ideas or deep pockets will say, 'We can't let this happen!'" she said. "I think it's a possibility, I really do."

Morey said that the actual date the theater will close is up for debate, with some board members interpreting it as May 1 and others saying it's the end of June. He hopes he'll be able to show his next film, "Snatched," a Mother's Day film starring Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn, starting May 12.

Set to run for four weeks, it's a comedy that would let the Crescent "leave in style," he said.

Ironically, "Going in Style," starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin, starts Friday, April 7, at The Crescent.
Alabama Attorney General Steven T. Marshall joined nine other states this week in urging a federal appeals court to support a pro-life pregnancy center's right to free speech, according to a statement released by his office today.

Alabama is one of 10 states that filed an amicus, or friend-of-the-court, brief Monday defending a pro-life pregnancy counseling center in Maryland. The brief claims that the City of Baltimore has attempted to undermine the center's ability to speak about and offer alternatives to abortion.

The brief, filed before the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, supports the Greater Baltimore Center for Pregnancy Concerns' opposition to a 2009 Baltimore city ordinance that requires such centers with pro-life pregnancy counselors to post signs telling clients that the facility does not provide abortions or referrals. The brief notes that the City of Baltimore does not require abortion clinics to display the services which they do not offer, including adoption or prenatal care.

"The clear aim of the city ordinance is to impede the mission of pro-life counseling centers and silence the expression of religious belief," Marshall said. "A city cannot treat crisis pregnancy centers different from abortion clinics simply because it dislikes their pro-life message."

Marshall and the other states argue the ordinance uses consumer protection as cover to violate the First Amendment by targeting the non-commercial speech of charitable organizations who wish to communicate sincerely-held religious beliefs about abortion.

Alabama signed onto the West Virginia-led brief with attorneys general from Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
maho anderson.jpg

Kris and Alex Anderson are the creators of Maho Shades, a line of stylish, inexpensive sunglasses

(Maho Shades)

If you're going to Maho Bay, you expect to need sunglasses.

A place of blue skies, pristine beaches and coconut palm trees, this part of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a favorite destination of families and travelers, just as it was a few years ago to Alabama residents Kris and Alex Anderson.

Out for a day of paddleboarding, they both managed to lose their sunglasses and ended up lamenting the exorbitant price of paying $250 or more to keep the sun out of their eyes.

"So we spent $65,000 to start our own sunglasses company," Kris said.

The couple founded Maho Shades in 2015, and are looking to bring its production to Alabama sometime in the near future. The challenge they set for themselves that afternoon on the island was to design stylish sunglasses that would provide clear, crisp vision at affordable prices.

Maho Shades come in styles designed by the Andersons, with prices ranging from $95 to $125. They hope, when they bring the manufacturing to Alabama, that this will drive the cost down further. Each frame style conjures up travel with names like Capetown, Charleston, Buenos Aires, Key West and Mandalay.

It all sounded like a good idea, amid the exuberance of the Caribbean, but Kris is a corporate attorney, while Alex's background is in interior design. Neither of them had ever worked in eyewear. Kris called that a "blessing."

"What you see in this industry is bad habits," he said. "You have 25 people working on the design of a particular style, and sunglasses are not very complicated. You've got the hinges and the frames that have been made the same way for the last 80 years. Most of the elements are off-patent and can be utilized by anybody with the right suppliers."

Kris, 31, and Alex, 29, met at the University of Alabama while in school. Kris is an Arizona native while Alex grew up in Arab. When they met, Kris had already visited about 30 countries. Alex had never left the United States. Since their marriage, Alex said, they averaged about five trips a year to distant parts of the globe until their son Whit was born last year.

Those excursions inform the way Alex designs the frames. For example, "Stockholm" incorporates elements she saw around the Swedish capital. When the couple visited last March, they snapped pictures while Alex devoured information on the area architecture. But a pair of sunglasses isn't a building or a room - design elements are smaller, more focused and concentrated, she said. The differences between frames involve fractions of inches.

"We came across a bridge, and everything was beautiful and clean, fresh and clear," she remembered. "We took some of the ovals and shapes we saw, and there was a striking clock tower that gathered my attention. For the style, we made rounded features, with a gray color for the lenses and inside the clear frames, a small silver bar.

"I don't like doing the same thing again and again."

Kris said the global sunglasses market strains between two extremes - stylish frames that don't do much to eliminate glare, and frames with good optical qualities and no style. What's more, most of the business lies in the hands of only a few companies. That keeps prices high and innovation from flourishing, he said.

"Twenty years from now in higher income places, Lasik surgery and other factors are going to make glasses less and less relevant," he said. "Sunglasses are never going away. And it's going to be extremely important to people around the world to protect their eyes, not just when they go to the beach but year round."

Currently, Maho Shades are produced in China, but Kris said the company is looking to locate its manufacturing in Alabama. Maho is one of the finalists in the Alabama Launchpad competition, with the potential to win a share of the $250,000 prize. Alabama Launchpad is a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, which funds and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs.

That money, if won, would go toward buying equipment. But regardless, the move is coming, as the Andersons line up a site and workforce training.

Maho is also looking at custom frames for people with rounder, thinner or smaller facial structures than the greater market. The process involves a 3-D scan of the customer's face to determine the exact dimensions, and then giving the customer about 10 options to choose from for a customized frame.

"I'm really excited about it," he said. "We're talking about up to 25 percent of the population who hardly have any choices."
BISMARCK, N.D.  Two Democratic U.S. senators want the chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to explain the agency's decision-making that ultimately paved the way for completion of the disputed Dakota Access oil pipeline.

Delaware Sen. Tom Carper and Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell are ranking Democratic members on Senate environment and energy committees. They sent a letter to Corps Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite Monday asking for a host of information including communications between the agency and Trump administration officials.

President Donald Trump pushed for the pipeline's completion shortly after taking office in January, despite the desire of American Indian tribes that wanted more environmental study.

Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners last month finished building the $3.8 billion pipeline, which should be fully operational later this month and moving North Dakota oil to Illinois.
Poetry, urban art and punk music will come together Saturday night in what promises to be one of the more unique events Billings has seen in recent years  or perhaps ever.

Three weeks ago, Rocky Mountain College philosophy and religious studies professor Aaron Rosen read of a Billings City Council members dismissive quip about young Billings artists being beatniks. Since then, he and a young contingency of artists and musicians have been working at putting together the first of what they hope will be a series of happenings downtown.

"Unfortunately, as young people it is difficult because they are not always taken seriously. You can have great ideas and all the energy in the world, but you can't get them off the ground without the infrastructure," Rosen said.

Rosen, who has lived all over the world, most recently in London where he curated an urban art exhibit, knows how to tap that youthful energy and connect it to the quarters of power in Billings.

The first Urban Arts Platform will be held Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. on the parking garage roof at the Northern Hotel, followed by an all-ages concert from 8 to 11 at 2905 Montana Ave.

My jaw dropped wider and wider the more I heard about the pop-up party. It was an already stellar lineup featuring poetry readings by Pete Tolton and Ashley Warren, but now Big Timber poet Michael Earl Craig is on the bill, making a rare public performance in Billings after being named poet laureate last year.

Billings musician Phil Griffin is excited about the potential of the event, and hopes to organize more pop-up parties like this one. It's the kind of cultural event in the city's core that millennials appreciate.

I think it will be a really robust event. Were looking at getting 100 to 150 people at both events.

Key to the planning was Rosens ability to bring Rocky Mountain College in as a sponsor. Rosen, who joined the Rocky faculty last fall, said this event fits perfectly with Rockys mission to support arts and culture and young people in the community.

Particularly in this political climate, we need to bring these creative ideas together  youth space and high-quality industrial art. Lets work together for finding funders and donors, Rosen said.

Rosen said college President Bob Wilmouth is supportive of the arts and the Northern Hotel was looking at their parking garage as underused. Coming from London where citizens embrace its core, Rosen said he sees the downtown Billings warehouses as having huge potential for experimental industrial art. He would like to find a warehouse or industrial space here to show large-scale experimental art.

People would kill for those spaces in New York or London, Rosen said.

For this pop-up event, Rosen is bringing in London artist G. Roland Biermann to show videos of his installations and discuss his work.

The Northern Hotel parking garage has great views of the Rims and the South Hills. Beyond this pop-up event, Rosen hopes to prove to Billings that some places they think are ugly are actually the "coolest spaces in town."
Get ready for solar eclipse mania. Destinations in the path of the Aug. 21 eclipse, which will be visible in the U.S. along a narrow path from Oregon to South Carolina, are going wild with plans for festivals, concerts and viewing parties.

Hotels in Casper, Wyoming, are charging five times their usual rates. Rooms at Idaho's Sun Valley Resort have been booked for years.

An eclipse tour in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park sold out in 10 minutes. The Smokies are among 20 National Park sites that will experience the total solar eclipse, from sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina to Wyoming's Grand Tetons. "We are expecting record visitation," said NPS spokesman Jeffrey Olson.

Hopkinsville, Kentucky, population 32,000, and Carbondale, Illinois, population 23,000, expect 50,000 visitors each. The destinations, 140 miles apart, will experience about 2 minutes and 40 seconds of total darkness, among eclipse sites with the longest duration. Events in the region include an "Eclipse Con" festival, concerts and tailgate parties.

South Carolina's Clemson University also expects 50,000 people at a campus event that will feature astronomers and other experts. Twenty thousand people will gather in the Ochocho National Forest for Oregon Eclipse 2017, with music, yoga, theater, art installations and more. Wind River Reservation in Wyoming hosts "bring back the sun" ceremonies.

A Pink Floyd Tribute band plans a "Dark Side of the Moon" concert in Jefferson City, Missouri. The South Carolina Philharmonic in Columbia offers "Star Wars Musiclipse." Sylva, North Carolina, has a "Moonlight Madness" run.

Eclipse chasers

Sharon Hahs and her husband, Billy, have chased 14 eclipses around the world from Mongolia to South Africa. They'll see this one from a family farm in Missouri, not far from their St. Louis home.

"There is nothing else in our universe that looks like a total solar eclipse," said Hahs. "The air gets cool. You have 360-degree dusk. Nature sounds really happen: the cock crows, birds get quiet. We even had a horse cross our viewing area to return to the stable."

Michael Allen of Southampton, England, is a "keen amateur astronomer" who considers the eclipse "a once in a lifetime opportunity." He can't travel alone because he has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, so his brother Nick is accompanying him on a three-day tour to Nashville with eclipse-viewing at the Kentucky border.

Jack Bohannon of Anchorage, Alaska, plans to see the eclipse in Nebraska as the "culmination of a summer-long RV trip" with family. "We were originally going to book an RV park in the eclipse path in Wyoming, but everywhere was full," he said.

Hotels

In small or remote destinations, hotels and campsites in the path of totality are completely sold out. But bigger cities still have openings. As of March 25, Nashville hotels were only 54 percent booked.

Don't assume lodging is sold out because a travel booking site says so. Call hotels directly to ask.

Many hotels are offering eclipse packages. Nashville's Loews Vanderbilt package includes eclipse viewing glasses, commemorative T-shirt, Uber gift card and bar credit. Hotel Jackson in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has an "eclipse concierge" to help guests plan their $699-a-night stay.

Consumers in Oregon have complained about hotels canceling reservations they made long ago, claiming rebranding or new ownership, then charging much higher rates for rebooking.

Location and weather

As the moon moves in front of the sun, daylight will yield to darkness from Oregon to South Carolina along a path 60 to 70 miles wide. The path of totality will also cut across broad swaths of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee, along with corners of Kansas, Georgia and North Carolina, and a tiny chip of Iowa. Totality will first hit Oregon around 10:15 a.m. Pacific time. South Carolina will experience the final moments of total darkness at 2:49 p.m. Eastern time.

Some spectators are heading to mountains and forests to experience the eclipse in a natural setting.

"Think of an eclipse as an incredible short night," with "a rapid sunset and then sunrise," said Sara Morris, an ornithologist and biology professor at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. "Birds go back to roost. Animals that are active during the day will stop foraging and put themselves in a place of safety."

Destinations that offer easy highway access have an advantage in bad weather: You can drive elsewhere to seek clear skies. "Clouds are the enemy of eclipse chasers," said Hahs. "If one can move, one should."

The driest section of the eclipse path is from eastern Oregon to western Nebraska but "even the driest places on Earth experience clouds, fog and rain," said Brady Phillips at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is developing an online weather map for the eclipse.

Safety

When the sun is completely blocked by the moon, its rays can't hurt your eyes. But the period before and after totality is dangerous  even when it seems dark  because viewing even a sliver of the sun as it slips in and out of view can damage retinas. Sunglasses are useless. Viewing through telescopes or cameras without proper filters is also unsafe before and after totality.

So be sure to buy eclipse glasses, but don't spend a lot: $1 glasses with paper filters are fine.
As many young Gambians get to participate in their first free and fair election, an unprecedented sense of ownership over the countrys future is fast emerging.

I never visited The Gambia under its former ruler, Yahya Jammeh.

I tried to get in through the Senegal-Gambia land border when there was a coup attempt against him. I was questioned for two hours by security services and literally pushed back to the Senegal side of the border.





During last years presidential election, our producer and I wrote a letter asking to cover the campaign, but Al Jazeera had been singled out. We were again not allowed into the country.

Later, close aides told me Jammeh, who ruled The Gambia for more than two decades, held a personal grudge against me. I was told he wanted me dead because I did a story about a rapper who described Jammeh as the biggest gangster of them all.

I will never forget the day I boarded a plane in February that would take me to the capital, Banjul, for the first time. It was to cover the inauguration of the new president, Adama Barrow.

On the plane were hundreds of Gambians who had been forced into exile, some for decades. Some came from the the United States; others from Sweden, Germany and the UK.

They were now returning home, full of hope and excitement. Jammeh was gone and democracy was back. The new president and his government offered one promise: change.

READ MORE: Gambians ready to rebuild their country from scratch

The one fundamental change in The Gambia is freedom. Freedom to express oneself, freedom to criticise the government, freedom to return to ones country.

It is those that have experienced the loss of freedom  those that have been thrown into exile or forced migration  that understand the true value of freedom. Its something the Gambian people truly understand.

Never has this been so apparent than in this parliamentary election, with 239 candidates vying for just 53 seats. Gambians dont just want to participate in the democratic process, they want to be the decision makers of their country.

This is a people who peacefully overthrew a ruler who clung onto power for 22 years through the ballot box. During what some describe as a revolution, not a single shot was fired, no one was hurt or wounded. Gambians peacefully took over their countrys destiny. Now in this parliamentary election they have chance to decide on issues that matter to them.

For many these needs are basic: access to electricity or free education, more doctors in rural villages, help to reboot the tourism industry thats so important to The Gambias economy.

One candidate told me members of the parliament would in the past allocate 80 percent of the national budget directly to the office of the presidency.

This has to stop, she says.

There is a sense of ownership over the countrys future from Gambians themselves that is unprecedented.

READ MORE: Remembering The Gambias notorious Mile 2 Prison

Yet, there are some who were left out by the revolution.

Among the voters there are those that still support Jammeh and his political party, the APRC. The Gambia is made up of several ethnic groups, but Jammeh stoked distrust among them as a means of gaining political power. Jammeh long supported the Djola ethnic minority, and APRC supporters accuse the government of supporting the other main group, the Mandinka.

The coalition of political parties that united to bring an end to Jammeh deny fomenting ethnic divisions. The coalition is now splitting, each presenting their own candidate.

All of this will make for a lively parliament; a forum where those who agree to disagree will use the floor of the national assembly to debate ideas.

READ MORE: Gambia  A lesson for African dictators

The elation of this newfound freedom and democracy is intoxicating  its a feeling that I saw time and again on the campaign trail.

It will be the first free and fair election for many young Gambians who have so far only experienced a virtual one-party rule. Its now up to them to decide, through the ballot box.

The Gambia may be a small country but it is a story that is important to us.

This time when I went to the embassy in Senegal to apply for a visa to cover the parliamentary election, the clerk who had refused my visa requests time and time again finally smiled back, handed over my passport with a multiple entry one-year visa, and said welcome to The Gambia.

Change is coming fast to this small but vibrant West African nation.
Documented cases of killing and maiming of children prove that Israel is a child rights violator, rights groups say.

Occupied East Jerusalem  Flanked by his mother and aunt, Ahmed Mahmoud strolled up the narrow street that leads to the main road in Issawiya in occupied East Jerusalem. It was mid-afternoon in early December 2016, and the 15-year-old had recently earned good grades at school. As a reward, the trio were on an outing to buy him a new pair of shoes, when they encountered a group of teenagers running towards them.

Ahmed realised that clashes were taking place in the area between young men from the neighbourhood and Israeli border guards. I wanted to return home but then the bullet hit me, he said. I fell to the ground. My aunt started screaming. She was screaming at my cousin, who lived nearby, for help.

Ahmed had been shot in the face with a rubber-coated bullet.

Blood was pouring from his right eye and he could not see anything. Ahmed needed 17 stitches around his eye and the socket had been fractured by the bullet. The retina had been damaged and the doctors told Ahmeds family that he would not recover his vision.

Ahmed Mahmoud was one of 82 Palestinian children wounded by Israeli forces in 2016, the majority of which were caused by live ammunition, according to Defense for Children International  Palestine, a childrens rights group.

READ MORE: Rise in Palestinian children held by Israel alarming

He by Ahmed

started screaming Whos this in the mask? I said I dont know. Its not me. He started beating me on my stomach and my back, he pushed the chair where I was sitting and I fell to the ground and he kicked me. It was brutal, he was very violent.]

The rights group says 2016 was the deadliest year in a decade for Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The rights group recorded the killing of 32 children throughout the year, either by Israeli forces or private security guards. Nine children were injured by crowd control weapons fired by Israeli forces, which include sponge-tipped bullets and the type of rubber bullet that struck Ahmed.

Two children were killed by these types of weapons during 2016 after being shot in the upper body.

The year was marked by increased violence in the region that escalated in October 2015, amid heightened tensions over access to holy sites in Jerusalem, and continued through 2016. Of the 32 children killed that year, 24 were accused of carrying out an attack, according to the rights group, while others were killed during protests and clashes across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Brad Parker, attorney and international advocacy officer at DCI Palestine, told Al Jazeera that Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have increasingly targeted Palestinians, including children, with live ammunition to quash protests since the beginning of 2014.

When increased violence erupted in October 2015, these changes, combined with systemic impunity, enabled Israeli forces to implement an apparent shoot-to-kill policy, which in some instances may amount to extrajudicial or wilful killings, said Parker.

Ahmeds father filed a complaint about the shooting with the polices internal investigations unit. A week later, Israeli police and intelligence officials raided the family home and took two pairs of black pants, one pair belonging to Ahmed and a second pair belonging to his brother.

Ahmed was not at the home at the time, but Mohammed brought his son to the police station later that day, where he was arrested and interrogated in relation to a case of stone-throwing sometime in November.

During the interrogation they beat me, said Ahmed. They wanted me to say that the person in the photo wearing black pants and a mask was me. I told them it wasnt me.

[The Israeli officer] started screaming Whos this in the mask? I said I dont know. Its not me. He started beating me on my stomach and my back, he pushed the chair where I was sitting and I fell to the ground and he kicked me. It was brutal, he was very violent.

The next day, Ahmed appeared in court where prosecutors obtained two extra days to question the boy. However, after a total of four days in detention, the prosecution failed to produce evidence tying Ahmed to the stone-throwing incident and the judge ordered his release on bail.

His lawyer has prioritised getting the file against Ahmed closed, but will continue to pursue the initial complaint against the border police who shot the teenager.

READ MORE: Gaza under siege  The life and death of Ahmed Shubair

As the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres prepares his first annual report since taking office, human rights groups have stepped up pressure on him to include the Israeli military on a blacklist of childrens rights violators.

Parties can be added to the list if they commit one of five triggering violations of childrens rights: killing and maiming, attacks on schools and hospitals, recruitment, sexual violence and abduction.

The Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, a coalition of leading international human rights and humanitarian organisations, has recommended that Israeli forces should be added to the list as a result of dozens of documented cases of killing and maiming of children throughout 2016.

The Israeli army was kept off the 2015 blacklist after the United States and Israeli governments lobbied the UN and threatened to withhold funding from certain programmes if Israeli forces were included.

Why is 2017 particularly important? It comes in face of the past two years of blatant politicising of the listing process. The Secretary General has a clean slate, being in his first year of tenure, said Dragica Mikavica, advocacy officer at Watchlist.

The Israeli military was recommended along with 10 other parties including the Pakistani Taliban and armed groups in Libya. Watchlist concluded that the Israeli army should be included in the Secretary Generals list based on documented cases of killing and maiming of children that occurred in 2016, mostly in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. It also cited violations in Gaza, primarily from 2014.

Im hopeful that if he has sufficient reason to believe that a party has committed enough violations to be put on the list then it doesnt matter who the party is. And thats the point at the end of the day. It doesnt matter which country were talking about, or which party were talking about. Were talking about verified incidents of violations of childrens rights, Mikavica told Al Jazeera.

Citing the 2015 UN children and armed conflict blacklist, where Israel was recommended but kept off the final list of violators, Parker told Al Jazeera that the UN provided tacit approval for Israeli forces to continue carrying out grave violations against children with impunity.

The case for listing [the Israeli army] now is the situation for Palestinian children continues to deteriorate as systemic impunity seems to have emboldened Israeli forces to regularly resort to the unjustified use of intentional lethal force, he said.

Listing is a check against impunity and provides a process for accountability when armed forces or armed groups violate universal and fundamental principles.
If passed, the law would force every town to honour gun laws of the most permissive states for people from those states.

When Jeffrey Scott Pitts opened fire in a crowded liquor store off of a Georgia Highway in 2015, killing two men, Todd Scott, a civilian inside the shop, pulled out his gun and returned a volley of bullets. Pitts fled.

I believe that if Mr Scott did not return fire at the suspect, then more of those customers would have [been] hit by a gun, County Sheriff Eric Levett said after the shooting, according to local reports. So, in my opinion, he saved other lives in that store.

Scotts story  and others where firearms were purportedly used to thwart an attack  has been cited by many in a growing movement pushing for more people to be allowed to legally carry guns in more public places across the US.

Were fighting for peoples rights to carry the firearms and other weapons they need to defend themselves, said John Boch, the executive director of Illinois-based Guns Save Life, an organisation that vows to defend your right to defend yourself.

Boch was just a few years out of college when then-president Bill Clinton signed into law a temporary ban on assault weapons. Boch says he saw it as an attack on the second amendment, so he picked up the phone and called the NRA [National Rifle Association] and became a member that day.

He now works as a gun advocate and self-defence trainer.

Lets face it, Donald Trump, and to an even greater degree his son Donald Trump Jr., is very strongly a part of the gun culture, said Boch. Donald Trump  Im guessing hes one of the first presidents who ever had a concealed carry permit.

A week before the election, the Trump campaign appointed Boch to a Second Amendment Coalition tasked with advising him on gun issues. It is chaired by Donald Trump Jr. and Christopher Cox, the chief lobbyist for the NRA  the largest and most influential gun lobby group in the country.

WATCH: Americans under the gun  NRA and the gun business (25:00)

The coalition is comprised of several NRA board members, gun manufacturers, gun rights advocates, athletes and celebrity gun enthusiasts who support the right to carry personal protection and will defend the Second Amendment, according to a Trump campaign press release.

Priority number one for the NRA, which endorsed Trump and spent $30m on his campaign, is national concealed carry reciprocity. Trump supports the policy.

Many states require gun owners to obtain permits to carry a concealed weapon, with varying levels of restrictiveness. Some dont require permits and allow any gun owner who meets an age restriction to carry guns  so-called permitless states.

If passed, the controversial law would mean every town, city, and jurisdiction would have to honour the gun laws of the most permissive states with regards to gun owners from those states.

Opponents, including elected officials, gun control groups, and an association that represents police chiefs from the 50 largest cities in the US, say the legislation would undermine laws that make the public safer.

But gun rights advocates say, as in the case of Todd Scott in 2015, that more civilians with guns would mean that more people would be equipped to fight against gun violence.

Were going to allow Americans to defend themselves with a lot less hoops theyll have to jump through to exercise their Second Amendment rights, said Boch.

[No other president] has ever had a coalition that was tasked with unwinding gun control from the last 100-plus years and restoring the Second Amendment to what it was originally written, back to approaching 230, 240 years ago, Boch said. I dont know of any administration that has respected the Second Amendment, not in the last century, certainly not into this century, until weve had Donald Trump here. And its amazing, the change.

Versions of the legislation to establish national concealed carry reciprocity have been separately introduced in both the House and the Senate.

Unwinding gun control

During the campaign, Trump vowed to fulfil a laundry list of gun rights proponents wishes, including ending gun-free zones in schools and military bases and appointing a pro-Second Amendment Supreme Court justice.

Trump recently signed into law a bill repealing an Obama-era executive order which banned social security recipients from owning guns if deemed mentally incapable of handling their own finances.

A second bill, which repeals a federal gun ownership ban on veterans who are found to be incapable of handling their own finances, recently passed the House.

Its a trend pro-gun groups hope will continue.

We hope that President Trump will uphold his promises and do what New Jersey politicians wont, said Alexander Roubian, the president of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society, referring to national reciprocity. Being able to defend yourself is a natural, human right, which has been codified by the United States Constitution.

A 2008 Supreme Court decision reinforced Americans right to own guns, but acknowledged that the Second Amendment is not without limits.

There have been challenges to state laws on carrying a gun in public, outside of gun-free zones. These have failed in lower federal courts and are now in appellate courts, not yet having reached the Supreme Court.

Both opponents and supporters of the policy agree that the US is currently a complex patchwork when it comes to legislating people carrying firearms. Some states honour other states permits, others dont.

Those who carry a gun across the wrong state border, whether unwittingly or not, can face criminal weapons possession charges and stiff sentences.

Thirty years ago, most states either had no concealed carry allowed or concealed carry under strict conditions. Now, every state allows concealed carry in some form, said Robert Spitzer, the chair of Political Science at the State University of New York at Cortland.

Starting in the mid-1980s, the NRA began to push in state legislatures to modify those laws to make it easier [to conceal carry.] Now, theyre onto the federal government with national concealed carry.

About eight million people in the US had concealed carry permits in 2012, according to a Congressional Research Service report. There are about 14.5m concealed carry permits in the US currently, according to John Lott, an independent pro-gun researcher.

WATCH: Death in Plain Sight (25:00)

A complex patchwork

In late March, North Dakota became the 12th state to do away with the permitting system altogether.

New Jersey, in contrast, is one of nine states that have strict training requirements and a policy that allows police chiefs discretion to deny a permit.

Laws in those nine states were created to prevent potentially dangerous individuals, who do not have a criminal paper trail, from carrying a gun in public, says Lindsay Nichols, a senior lawyer at the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

These states give authorities the discretion that they often use in situations where theyve been repeatedly called to a house because of domestic abuse, said Nichols, or they repeatedly encountered the person intoxicated, but theyve never actually arrested the person, or the person is known around town as off or someone you dont want to be walking around in public with a gun.

Other laws have been passed by state legislators to fix what gun control advocates view as weaknesses in federal regulations. One example they point to is loopholes in laws that could allow people convicted of violent misdemeanours, stalking, and misdemeanour domestic violence against a dating partner to buy guns.

A recent case of this cited by gun control groups is Esteban Santiago. He killed five people in a shooting at a Florida airport in January. Santiago had repeated contact with law enforcement in Alaska and was charged, but not yet convicted, with misdemeanour domestic abuse a year before the attack.

He was hospitalised for mental health issues after voluntarily going to an Alaskan FBI field office, but his gun was returned to him upon his release. Federal law only prohibits someone from owning a gun if they are involuntarily hospitalised for mental illness. Alaska is one of the 12 permitless states.

This legislation, its basically gutting our nations laws, said Lucy McBath, whose 17-year-old son Jordan Davis was fatally shot by 47-year-old Michael Dunn in 2012. Dunn, who had a valid concealed carry permit, opened fire at Davis, who was not armed, following an argument over loud music in a Florida car park.

I was a mother, just raising her son and working for Delta airlines. It completely changed my life, Jordans death and the way that it happened, said McBath. Ive been enlightened to whats happening in this country.

Had Michael Dunn not actually had a firearm, the confrontation he would have had with Jordan would have just been a verbal confrontation. It would not have escalated to anything beyond that, said McBath, who now works as the faith and outreach leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, which has joined with the Washington, DC-based Everytown for Gun Safety.

Were still trying to support the rights of those law-abiding gun owners who have their concealed carry permits, said McBath. But when youre diluting the existing gun laws, how do you determine who is a good guy with a gun and a bad guy with a gun?

In 2012, Shannon Watts, then a stay-at-home mother, founded Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, shortly after the Sandy Hook Elementary school massacre, in which 20 children and six adults were murdered.

The organisation now has chapters in all 50 states and has become a unified force advocating for gun control in every state house across the country, Watts says.

We have become the counterweight to the gun lobby. We have an army of galvanised mothers and survivors who are going to be there every step of the way to fight their extremist agenda, said Watts. We knew when Donald Trump won we were going to immediately be working on defence at a federal level.

That means finding out where congressmen stand on the most recent legislation, she says. The Republican-controlled Senate will need eight votes from Democrats or independents to overcome a filibuster. Several Democratic senators have supported national concealed carry reciprocity in the past.

A lot of times, you hear the gun lobby say, [a concealed carry permit] is like a drivers licence. But the reality is, this is not anything like a drivers licence, said Watts. Theres no training. There are no test requirements. Its not verifiable. If the NRA were actually pushing something like a drivers licence, wed be having a different conversation.

OPINION: Guns and family violence  How many tragedies does it take?

No safety requirements

Rick Lozier, 54, has been a gun enthusiast for as long as he can remember, and often keeps a handgun on him when he travels throughout his home state of Maine.

Mostly because I can, and its my right, he said.

But the gun shop manager, a Trump supporter, took pause in October 2015. Thats when Maine passed a law and became a permitless state.

Lozier says hes only required to give a gun buyer two safety pamphlets. The buyer does not have to undergo any other training before they can carry the gun and walk down the pavement.

Besides [the pamphlets], theyre good to go, said Lozier. Before [the state became permitless], there was an eight to 12-hour safety training requirement. [It taught] where not to point the muzzle, dont keep your finger on the trigger, stuff like that  Id be more comfortable if there was some safety requirement.

Half the states in the US currently require live-fire training before granting a concealed carry permit, which some experts say is essential to develop the fine motor skills needed to properly shoot a handgun.

Many require some sort of basic safety education.

In 2016, there were 53,573 violent incidents involving guns in the US, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which collects and validates data on gun use. Guns were used defensively 1,892 times that year. The site verified 2,199 unintentional shootings during the same time. Approximately 15,000 people in the US were shot and killed in 2016.

In Illinois, Boch says hes confident the current federal standards for gun ownership are sufficient for people to conceal carry.

Its the criminals, its the gang members that are committing the crimes in our towns across America; it is not the concealed licensees, said Boch. I have faith the people with concealed carry licences from Indiana [which has no safety requirements] will do just fine in New York City, without doing stupid things with their guns.

For now, Boch says he is excited to be part of what he believes will be a movement over the next four, or maybe even eight, years. He says it starts with national concealed carry reciprocity.

I never dreamed a year ago Id have a chance to help shape protecting the Second Amendment, said Boch, and have a hand in landmark civil rights legislation that will affect people for generations to come.
Whistle-blowers in Africa under threat have little legal protection, says lawyer representing Assange, Snowden and more.

As demand for the truth soars across the world, with confidence in media and governments plummeting, whistle-blowers are having quite a moment from the Global North to South.

The risk of whistle-blowing in much of Africa is incredibly high. Of 54 African countries, just seven have passed whistle-blower laws.

William Bourdon, one of the worlds leading advocates of whistle-blowers, has represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, Edward Snowden, Antoine Deltour  the man behind the Luxembourg Leaks, and Herve Falciani, who exposed wrongdoing at HSBCs Swiss private bank.

Here, the French lawyer explains why he has founded Plateforme de Protection des Lanceurs dAlerte en Afrique (PLAAF), a platform to protect whistle-blowers in Africa comprising legal experts, investigative journalists, NGOs and academics.

Al Jazeera: Why did you decide to launch PPLAAF?

Bourdon: Creating PPLAAF was an absolute necessity. The great question of the 21st century appeared to be this great civic anger targeted against those who mix public money with private interests, and against this, impunity enjoyed by big multinationals.

In Africa, many NGOs and authorities have become more and more professional in their fight against corruption. However, I think one particular tool was missing while large flows of dirty and opaque money are prospering, and the separation between public and private interest is vague at best.

Regimes are sometimes held in an iron grip by kleptocrats who siphon public money and resources to satisfy their megalomania, and all too often government anti-corruption commitments are merely a front for eradicating political opponents. But many brave people want this to stop.

And we want to help them to disclose what they witness by offering them a legal protection. Thats why we created PPLAAF.

Al Jazeera: What do you hope to achieve?

Bourdon: PPLAAFs priority is to offer legal protection to whistle-blowers. Too many of them in Africa have faced lethal danger, persecution, threats, only because their identity has been known. PPLAAF wants to protect them, technically and legally.

PPLAAF can work to iron out the many dangers a whistle-blower can face if she or he wants to disclose sensitive information relevant to the public interest. It can also work as a protective shield between them and the press.

The whistle-blower at the origin of the Panama Papers, the biggest leak in history, is still anonymous. Thats a success story for the protection of whistle-blower.

But, of course, PPLAAF wants to achieve a greater objective and be an ally to all the good conscious who are fighting for a greater world. Giving the possibility to a whistle-blower to disclose for the public interest is a strong democratic act and is a step closer to the end of impunity for massive financial crimes.

Al Jazeera: Do you think, given the changing political climate across the world, there is a rising need for whistle-blowers?

Bourdon: There is a rising need for whistle-blowers. Worldwide, citizens are becoming aware of the dark and oppressive political, economic and financial powers being exercised over their daily lives.





Thanks to the revelations of whistle-blowers, along with new communication technologies and increased globalisation, we can better discern the surveillance by intelligence services and the financial losses generated by banking policies that favour tax evasion and money laundering over the needs of individual savers.

The more professional secrecy is used in a way to organise the impunity of shameful behaviours which are contrary to international standards, the more whistle-blowers need to break this secrecy in order to reveal reprehensible activities.

Whistle-blowers are watchdogs of democracy.

In this civic anger which is rising in the world, from Bucharest to Seoul, whistle-blowers are the top of the pyramid. We need them in order to understand how we can improve the way we live together, the way we are led. Thats why PPLAAF will be duplicated in other parts of the world.

Al Jazeera: How does whistle-blowing differ between Europe and North America, and Africa?

Bourdon: Even if they take great risks and face very damaging retaliation, whistle-blowers in Europe or in North America are better-protected thanks to strong democratic institutions and a real rule of law, although this latter always needs to be built stone-by-stone.

Several countries in the Western world have strong laws protecting whistle-blowers, such as France, the UK or the US. Progressive human rights courts like the European Court of Human Rights can also play a great role in the protection of whistle-blowers.

As an example, during the trial of Antoine Deltour before a court in Luxembourg, we sought his protection under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights which protects freedom of expression.

But where democratic institutions are weak or inexistent, whistle-blowers are at much greater risk.

Only seven of 54 African countries have passed whistle-blower laws. In countries like these, blowing the whistle can lead to lethal danger.

Whistle-blowers need to properly check the veracity and the credibility of the information they want to disclose. by

Moss Phakoe, a former local representative in South Africa, was killed in 2009 after disclosing information about corruption activities in Rustenburg.

Jean-Jacques Lumumba, a former employee in a Congolese bank had to leave the country in 2016 when his superior threatened to kill him after he showed him evidence that the bank was conducting serious illegal activities.

These are examples which show the risks taken by these very brave soldiers of democracy.

Al Jazeera: In the West, many are quick to cast Assange as pro-Russia and pro-Trump. Should whistle-blowers in the West and in Africa, whose leaks are subject to manipulation, now impose their own limits in terms of the information they are prepared to leak?

Bourdon: This is a very relevant question. Nowadays, information is of paramount importance, especially since it can be so quickly spread. It can change an election, it can destroy someones life, it can interfere with the future of a nation.

Whistle-blowers have therefore a great responsibility when disclosing information, especially now that they can do it without going through the press, thanks to the new technologies. Whistle-blowers need to properly check the veracity and the credibility of the information they want to disclose.

PPLAAF can help them assessing the information they have at hand and see if its something worth disclosing. To that end, PPLAFF will conduct an in-depth investigation to check the credibility. PPLAAF will never put itself in a situation where it only fuels the spread of a rumour.

That said, it is not for PPLAAF nor the whistle-blower to wonder whether the information to disclose will interfere with an election or the conclusion of an international contract.

Al Jazeera: Is there a history of whistle-blowers in Africa?

Bourdon: It depends on the scope of the definition of whistle-blowing.

If civic disobedience is included within the definition, then Africa can only be proud of the noble examples it has, of these women and men who fought for their freedom during the colonisation or oppressive regimes like the Apartheid. Gandhi or Mandela have inspired the world.

The religious leader Cheikh Amadou Bamba who, at the end of the 19th century, decided to pray before a French court to show his opposition to colonial powers has triggered a non-violence conscious still in force today in Senegal.

Except in certain rare circumstances, there is almost no protection for whistle-blowers in African countries. PPLAAF is here to fill in the gaps left by weak states or institutions. by

We can also mention Algerian freedom fighters or Haile Selassie when he gave this prominent speech in 1936 before the League of Nations criticising the occupation of his country by the troops of Mussolini.

If you keep a strict definition, the first whistle-blower is probably the British journalist Edmund Dene Morel who, at the beginning of the 20th century, led a campaign in the UK to denounce the exactions committed in Congo by Belgian colonisers on behalf of King Leopold II.

Never before had it been proved that the King was using Congo as a resource for forced labour. Colonisation was still perceived in Europe as a civic act of kindness.

Al Jazeera: What protections exist in Africa for whistle-blowers, and how can your organisation help?

Bourdon: Except in certain rare circumstances, there is almost no protection for whistle-blowers in African countries. PPLAAF is here to fill in the gaps left by weak states or institutions.

Therefore, PPLAAF can offer four kind of services: technical assistance through encrypted channels (web portal to send sensitive documents and a hotline in French and English); legal assistance through a network of lawyers and activists; and mediatic assistance  PPLAAF acts as a shield between the whistle-blowers and the press.

Finally, PPLAAF can also work as a think-tank, advising governments and authorities on how adopting laws which will help to protect in a progressive and efficient way whistle-blowers.

Al Jazeera: How did you decide upon your advisory board? What do they bring?

Bourdon: PPLAAFs advisory board is a fantastic sample of great heroes and activists who put themselves, at great risks, at the forefront of the fight against injustice. The Ghanaian journalist Anas, a real masked avenger, denouncing numerous corruption scandals, has inspired many journalists in Africa.

WATCH: Whistleblowers should be thanked

Some others are prominent whistle-blowers such as Andrew Feinstein, who after fighting against the apartheid within the ANC, became a parliamentarian when Mandela won the elections.

Chairing the Public Accounts Committee at the parliament, he investigated a massive arms deal involving several European companies that was tainted by allegations of high-level corruption. Facing serious pressure from people of his own political party, he decided to resign and disclose the results of his investigation.

Al Jazeera: Should whistle-blowers be impartial?

Bourdon: No one is impartial. All of us have motives, political ideas.

But when youre faced to illicit activities that make you outraged, you need to think about the public interest, not your personal one.

Blowing the whistle can change the world, but it can also change your life. by

You need to be disinterested. Blowing the whistle can change the world, but it can also change your life.

If you do it for yourself, out of hate or revenge, or for financial reasons, then you do it at greater risks and its much more difficult to legally defend you.

Many laws protecting whistle-blowers require these latter to be disinterested when they blow the whistle.

Anyone who wants to become a whistle-blower, who has sensitive information related to Africa and wants to disclose it, please get in touch with us before on pplaaf.org. We are here to help.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Successive US administrations have and always will be oblivious to the effect that they have had in Iraq.

In October 2016, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) strategists and commanders were fully aware of the sheer number of Iraqi armed forces that were moving in to encircle Mosul.

The operation to retake Iraqs second-largest city was officially launched last October, and in January its eastern half was declared fully liberated. Mosul is ISILs last major urban stronghold in Iraq.

ISIL has known for some time that its control over Mosul was coming to an end. The armed group knew that they could not match the Iraqi army and security forces superior numbers, equipment and international support.

As the battle unfolded over the coming months, and as ISIL predictably continued to lose territory, many wonder what the armed group was actually fighting for.

READ MORE: Mosul strike survivors  There were pieces of bodies

A partial answer was delivered on March 17, 2017, when a coalition air strike levelled a residential area in western Mosul, killing as many as 200 civilians in the process. US forces said that they have opened an investigation, while Iraqi commanders responded bluntly that they had called in the strike to eliminate snipers who had taken positions on rooftops.

The US sanctimonious self-image does not fit well with its own sordid history of involvement in Iraq. The US has become so involved in Iraqs modern history that its footprint can be found everywhere.

Iraqi and American commanders have suggested that the incident was the result of a carefully laid trap. According to that narrative, ISIL had deliberately been concentrating civilians together in particular buildings in the hope that they would be attacked by coalition aircraft. The immediate effect would be a pause in the bombing campaign. The long-term effect, however, was to cause for the conspiracy wheel to continue spinning.

And so it has, with great ferocity. Despite a relatively balanced government response and parliamentary debate, various media outlets have been carrying suggestions that the true death toll was much higher, and that the coalitions strategy from the start was  and had always been  to punish Iraqs Sunnis.

The rumour mill has even claimed that Iraqi and US forces took greater care to avoid civilian casualties in eastern Mosul, where there is a much larger concentration of Kurds, whereas western Mosuls larger population of Sunni Arabs were deliberately targeted.

There have been some calls to compensate relatives of those who died on March 17, 2017, but while the Coalition has not pronounced itself on that particular issue, there can be no compensation for what has happened. The Coalition has stated that its goal is and has always been zero civilian casualties and that ISIS will continue to cause massive human suffering.





But that statement in and of itself barely conceals a massive contradiction, which is, and always has been, at the heart of US policy in Iraq. The US and others have long maintained that ISIL deliberately puts civilians at risk. As early as December 2015, former US President Barack Obama said that ISIL fighters hide behind civilians, using defenceless men, women and children as human shields.

That being the case, the US had every reason to expect that its decision to destroy entire buildings to eliminate small numbers of snipers would result in massive civilian casualties. The Coalitions carefully constructed strategy was bound to lead to the current outcome.

The US sanctimonious self-image does not fit well with its own sordid history of involvement in Iraq. The US has become so involved in Iraqs modern history that its footprint can be found everywhere. ISIL may be an outgrowth of radical ideology that was born elsewhere, but it was the United States which supported late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in the 1980s and which imposed a deadly embargo throughout the 1990s, turning Iraq into fertile ground for those same ideas to grow.

Iraqi security forces have systematically tortured and abused detainees, for which they are rightly condemned. But the United States firmly encouraged the practice in the post-2003 era, by allowing its own forces to torture detainees of its own.

Tellingly, however, in recent years, US officials have simply shrugged when asked to pressure Iraqi officials to engage in prison reform, attributing the problem to cultural values, oblivious to its own role in perpetuating this inhuman practice.

Iraqis will continue to die in Mosul, and those who can, will flee. Where will they go? Thousands are being left to their own devices, carrying whatever they can through the rain and the mud, in the hope that they can find some type of shelter in the wilderness.

A more humane approach to the conflict would have involved a far more robust effort to assist the displaced and the countrys liberated areas. And a more intelligent approach to Iraqi and regional security would have translated into serious effort to establish some form of rule of law in the country.

But that was always beyond the US capacity to imagine and deliver. Successive US administrations have and always will be oblivious to the effect that they have had in Iraq. Neither investigations nor compensation will solve the problem.

In the end, as with the rest of Iraq, western Mosul will be liberated from ISIL and will also recover from decades of war, bombings, occupation and corruption.

The US could make it easier for Iraq and for itself, but will almost certainly choose not to bother itself with the details.
There is an undeniable organic connection between the struggle of the Palestinians and that of other people of colour.

Growing up Palestinian in the states means being in the crosshairs of a barrage of macro and micro aggressions. These aggressions can meet your gaze on a billboard, on TV, or even in the aisles of a franchise bookstore. While traversing the aisles of a Barnes & Noble, I once had the misfortune of reading a passage penned by a well-known Zionist.

Morbid curiosity guided me towards a line that read something to the effect of, To deny the suffering of a people is to make them go through a double death. Ironically this particular Zionist built his entire career cheerleading the genocide of Palestiniansand muffling their tortured cries.





If I can credit Israels supporters with one thing, its their ability to manipulate the truth to atrocious ends. A common tactic is to derail the conversation away from Israels brutal racial oppression.

In this particular case, they want to redirect the focus on the validity of racial theory, anything to distract from Israeli settler colonialism and Jim Crow style segregation. Cheerleaders of Israeli apartheid simply dont want to talk about how the occupied territories are plagued with a state-sponsored ethnic cleansing programme.

They dont want to talk about how anti-miscegenation laws treat Palestinian ethnicity like a venereal disease. They dont want to talk about the racial criminalisation of Arabs that populates Israels prisons with a nearly three-quarters Palestinian majority. They dont want to talk about the word araboushim, the Hebrew equivalent of the n word, indicative of Palestinian subhuman social status. Zionists want us to engage nonsensical questions on their own terms so that we can validate a fictional narrative that inverses reality. They want to render our wounds invisible.

A recent op-ed from a well-known Zionist questioned intersectionality to draw attention away from the daily horror that is Israeli occupation.

If intersectionality didnt exist

The truth is that intersectionality is more than abstract theory; its a reality painted with blood and barbed wire that can be traced from the slums of Soweto to the ghettos of Gaza, to the streets of Oaxaca. There is a lengthy and beautiful organic connection between Palestinians and other people of colour.

This connection transcends the PLO sending donations to Nelson Mandelas ANC; it transcends Huey P Newtons visit to Lebanon where he met Yasser Arafat; it transcends Palestinian support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe against the Dakota Access Pipeline. It also transcends the convergence of systems of oppression such as Israels role as nuclear arms broker to apartheid South Africa.

Intersectionality is vested in a shared experience of racial subjugations, humiliation, and exploitation. But even if those connections didnt abundantly exist, it would still not justify the ethnic supremacy, settler colonial genocide and racial segregation that Israel inflicts on Palestinians.

Even if it didnt exist, it wouldnt justify wholesale torture of Palestinians in Israeli prisons. And even if black, Latino, Native, and LGBTQ populations didnt already identify with Palestine, it still wouldnt justify the bombardment of the starving, impoverished masses of Gaza, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocents, including my four-year-old cousin Deema Isleem, who was incinerated in her fathers arms, to clear the land for racially exclusive settlement.

Anti-blackness and xenophobia thrive in Israels settler colonial environment, but even if they didnt it wouldnt absolve Israel of responsibility for more than 50 discriminatory laws against Palestinians. Zionists look at the natural kinship between Palestinians and other oppressed communities with envy, oblivious to the reality that black, brown, yellow, red, queer, and working-class people live empathetically through tears, knowing each others suffering all too well. Even if the academy had not produced the term intersectionality the experience would still exist. Its not about strategy; its about transcendent collective trauma that the pomp and privilege of Tel Aviv suburbs or luxury settlements are alien to.

The Muslim boogey man

Conversely, Israel shares many similarities with other settler colonies and the racist ideologies that produced them. Zionism embodies the same racial narcissism and melodrama that found the employment of John Boyega in the Star Wars franchise equivalent to a white genocide.

Somehow in the midst of racially segregated roads and mounting Palestinian corpses, Israels proponents still manage to make it about the victimhood of racists.





Irony strikes again when they claim victimhood from the same impoverished Palestinian masses that they simultaneously derive privilege from. While Western Jews can freely roam the ancient land of Palestine, more than 200 of my relatives have been confined to a refugee camp in Northern Jordan, barred from reentering their ancestral homeland. There are millions of Palestinians, myself included, waiting to exercise our legal and moral right to return as enshrined in UN Resolution 242.

Israel supporters often reference the racial Muslim boogey man to advance their cause. Unfortunately for them, mentioning ISILs crimes are more of an indictment of the repercussions of American foreign policy than they are of the Muslim majority societies they plague.

Nonetheless, Islamophobes still invoke them to appeal to women and queer communities in the pathetic, clumsy way that only a hetero-patriarch can. To my knowledge, Israeli missiles dont differentiate between straight and queer targets; they kill Palestinians indiscriminately, regardless of sexual orientation.

The Zionist mobilisation of a gay identity is simply an instance of homonationalism, demonstrating contempt for queer people of colour and the hijacking of their plight to further their imperial gains. Similarly, when colonial racism denies Muslim women of Europe autonomy over their own bodies, it proves yet again how misogyny and patriarchy are woven into the very fabric of western liberalism, not exceptional to it, and definitely not isolated to regions inhabited by veil-clad women.

Lastly, proponents of Israeli apartheid have a nasty habit of attacking our champions of liberation. The libel especially surrounding Rasmea Odeh needs to be addressed. Rasmea was forced to give a false confession under the duress of torture. She was sexually assaulted at the hands of the Israeli security forces in the presence of her own father.

Zionists dehumanisation doesnt stop at the controlling of bodies, but also of the narratives that produce them. Words fail at professing the raw strength she embodies. She is our matriarch; a walking symbol of the intersections of feminism and racial justice, among the ranks of Angela Davis. Any slight against her credibility is a sign of extreme moral cowardice.

Questioning intersectionality is just a desperate attempt to separate Palestinians from natural allies, which falls well within the colonial tradition of divide and conquer. Intersectionality describes the tangible connections between Palestinians and other oppressed communities that a settler coloniser seeks to systematically sever.

Shaheen Nassar is a University of California Riverside graduate with a degree in Ethnic Studies.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
The Bureau of Reclamation will present water supply conditions in the Bighorn Basin and discuss the agency's proposed spring operating plan for Yellowtail Dam/Bighorn Lake at a public meeting on Thursday, April 13.

Additionally, the Bighorn River System Issues Group will discuss the river and reservoir aquatic health and operating criteria for Yellowtail Dam.

The meeting will be held at the Lovell Community Center, 1925 U.S. Highway 310 in Lovell, Wyoming, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding about 3 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public. For additional information contact Jack Conner of the Montana Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation, at 247-7300 or jconner@usbr.gov.
A land mine explosion has killed at least 19 passengers of a minibus in Somalia hours after the troubled nations president declared a new war against the al-Shabab armed group.

The minibus was travelling in the southern Lower Shebelle region on Thursday when it ran over the explosive device near the village of Golweyn, about 120km from the capital Mogadishu in an area contested between al-Shabab and government and African Union troops.





The number of people who died in the blast reached 19  including women and children  and several others were wounded, Ibrahim Adam Najah, governor of Lower Shebelle, told local media.

Police official Ibrahim Isack told AFP news agency the minibus was transporting 21 people when it ran over the land mine and most of them died in the blast.

The mine was planted by the violent terrorists, said Isack, referring to al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaeda.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Mohamed Abdulahi, a witness from a nearby village, said he saw the bodies of at least 10 people, including three children and seven women.

Their bodies were shattered by the blast, he said.

Abdulahi Moalim Abdi, an elder from Golweyn, called the attack horrible.

Everybody is shocked, innocent civilians blown up while travelling to their houses, said Abdi.

READ MORE: Somalia leader declares country a war zone

The blast came shortly after Somalias President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed declared a new war against al-Shabab, which has been active in the nation for more than a decade.





I am announcing a state of war in the country and call on the public to stand with the national army to help fight terrorists, the president said at a press conference.

Mohamed, who took office in February, on Thursday replaced the heads of the army, police and national intelligence.

We are very sorry for those kids who have been misled, and we are offering al-Shabab fighters an ultimatum of 60 days to surrender otherwise they will face the consequences, he said.

I also extend amnesty to the youth who have been misled with the wrong extremist ideas.

The group emerged out of a fight against Ethiopia, whose troops entered Somalia in a US-backed invasion in 2006 to topple the Islamic Courts Union that was then controlling Mogadishu.

While it has lost territory and was forced out of Mogadishu by African Union troops in 2011, al-Shabab continues to strike in the capital and countryside.
Two suspected human traffickers also arrested and one missing after deadly firefight on the Mediterranean Sea.

Four suspected people-smugglers were killed in an exchange of gunfire with the Libyan coastguard off western Libya on Thursday.

A German journalist travelling on the coastguard boat was wounded in the clash, which he said started when the coastguards tried to apprehend heavily armed gunmen stationed near an asylum-seeker boat, coastguard spokesman Ayoub Qassem said.

The coastguard boat detected the gunmens boat by radar during a patrol, Qassem told Reuters news agency.

The gunmen were asked to stop but they refused to follow the rules, which means most likely they were smugglers of illegal migrants. They opened fire at the patrol. The coastguards fired back too.

Libya halts hundreds of Europe-bound refugees

Two of the suspected smugglers were arrested and one was missing, Qassem said. A Spanish cameraman and a Libyan fixer were also travelling on the coastguard boat, and both were unharmed, he said.

Libyas western coast is the departure point for the vast majority of refugees trying to reach Europe by sea, and powerful smuggling networks have long operated with impunity in the area.

They pack asylum seekers into flimsy inflatable boats usually carrying barely enough fuel to reach international waters, where most are picked up by European rescue craft or other vessels.

Libyas coastguard, parts of which are now receiving European Union training, occasionally intercepts boats and returns them to Libya. Some boats sink or run out of fuel.

By the end of last month, 23,125 asylum seekers had crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy and 595 were known to have died, an increase compared with the same period last year, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Myanmar leaders remarks come despite UN and rights groups saying army crackdown may amount to crimes against humanity.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has denied security forces carried out ethnic cleansing of the countrys Rohingya Muslims, despite the UN and human rights groups saying a crackdown by the army may amount to crimes against humanity.

Tens of thousands of people have fled Myanmars Rakhine state since the military began a security operation last October in response to what it says was an attack by Rohingya armed men on border posts, in which nine police officers were killed.





A UN report in February said the armys campaign targeting the Rohingya involved mass killings, gang rapes and the burning down of villages, likely amounting to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, where more than 75,000 Rohingya have fled to escape the crackdown, people have recounted grisly accounts of horrendous army abuse, including soldiers allegedly executing an eight-month-old baby while his mother was gang-raped by five security officers.

What kind of hatred could make a man stab a baby crying out for his mothers milk, UN rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein said in a statement at the time. What kind of clearance operation is this? What national security goals could possibly be served by this?

Too strong an expression

Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Laureate whose international star as a rights defender is waning over the treatment of the Rohingya, has not condemned the crackdown, and has not spoken out in defence of the persecuted minority.

Instead, she has called for space to handle the issue in a country where the more than one million Rohingya are not recognised as an ethnic minority and widely vilified as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh  even though many have lived in Buddhist-majority Myanmar for generations.

READ MORE: Myanmar army chief rules out Rohingya citizenship

In a rare interview with the BBC televised on Wednesday, Aung San Suu Kyi said ethnic cleansing was too strong a term to describe the situation in Rakhine.

I dont think there is ethnic cleansing going on, she said.

I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening.

Aung San Suu Kyi also told the BBC there was a lot of hostility in Rakhine.

It is Muslims killing Muslims, as well, if they think they are collaborating with authorities.

It is not just a matter of ethnic cleansing. It is a matter of people on different sides of a divide, and this divide we are trying to close up. As best as possible and not to widen it further, she said.

Myanmar has launched its own probe into possible crimes in Rakhine and appointed former UN chief Kofi Annan to head a commission tasked with healing long-simmering divisions between Buddhists and Muslims.

Last month, the UN rights council agreed to send a fact-finding mission to examine the allegations of torture, murder and rape committed by troops.

Aung San Suu Kyi said the army was not free to rape, pillage and torture.

They are free to go in and fight. And of course, that is in the constitution  Military matters are to be left to the army, she said, adding that she aimed to amend the constitution which allows the military total control of defence.

In the interview, Aung San Suu Kyi also tried to reassure those who fled that if they come back they will be safe.

Her National League for Democracy (NLD) faced the ballot box on Saturday in by-elections across the country, winning a string of seats but losing out in ethnic minority areas including Rakhine.

The NLD came to power in a historic 2015 election which ended half a century of brutal military rule, but there has been disillusionment with the administration as it struggles to push through reforms and ease unrest.
Turkey says autopsies were carried out on three bodies that were brought across the border after Idlib attack.

Autopsy results have revealed that chemical weapons were used in an attack which killed more than 80 people in Syrias Idlib province, according to Turkeys justice minister.

Thirty-two victims of Tuesdays attack were brought to Turkey where three subsequently died.

Autopsies were carried out on three of the bodies after they were brought from Idlib. The results of the autopsy confirms that chemical weapons were used, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said, quoted by state-run Anadolu news agency.

This scientific investigation also confirms that Assad used chemical weapons, Bozdag added, without giving further details.



Syria attack victims treated in Turkey

The attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun drew widespread international condemnation and public revulsion, prompting the United Nations to pledge it would investigate it as a possible war crime.

The Syrian govenment denied carrying out the raid. Russia, a key military ally of the Bashar al-Assad government, has blamed the opposition, saying a government shell hit a building where rebels were producing chemical weapons. The rebels deny this.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone that it was unacceptable to make groundless accusations against anyone without conducting a detailed and unbiased investigation, according to a statement issued by the Kremlin.

Syrias Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem called the accusations in a press conference on Thursday an unjust campaign against Syria.

The campaign (chemical attack) was launched at 6:00 in the morning while the first air raid carried out by Syrian jet fighters was at 11.30 in the morning. It was targeting a weapons and ammunitions depot belonging to al-Nusra Front which happened to contain chemical weapons, Moallem said.

The World Health Organization has also said some survivors had symptoms consistent with exposure to a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents.

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), which runs several field hospitals in Idlib, said doctors on the ground said the attack caused people to vomit and foam at the mouth. Others lost consciousness and suffered muscle spasms.

The group said the symptoms, which also included constricted pupils and slow heart rates, were indicative of an organo-phosphorus compounds agent.

The apparent chemical attack is the deadliest such incident since sarin gas killed hundreds of civilians in Ghouta near the capital in August 2013.

Assault goes on

The government assault on Idlib province has continued, a monitoring group said on Thursday, with air raids killing at least 27 people  including 13 children  in the rebel-held town of Salqin on Wednesday.

Air raids also targeted Jisr al-Shughour, a northern town in Idlib province, killing at least two people and wounding six others, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Elsewhere in Syria, the Observatory said government air raids killed at least 18 people, including nine children, in Saqba city in the Damascus suburbs on Wednesday.

In other parts of the suburbs, ten people were killed on Wednesday in air raids that targeted Douma, Hamouriah and Jesrin in Eastern Ghouta.
Authorities launch investigation into landslide as survivors continue searching for 314 loved ones still missing.

The death toll from devastating landslides in southwest Colombia has now climbed to 301, including nearly 100 children, authorities said, as a grim search to find hundreds of people still missing continues.

Surging rivers triggered by torrential rains on Saturday sent an avalanche of floodwaters, mud and debris through the southwestern city of Mocoa, causing widespread destruction.

There were 92 children among the 301 people killed, Colombias Disasters Risk Management office said on Thursday.

Officials late on Wednesday announced a probe to determine whether town authorities had correctly enforced building regulations and planned adequately for natural disasters.

Edgardo Maya, the national comptroller, said the investigation was not about punishment; its about prevention.

What good does it do to punish people now, after so many deaths?

Mayor Jose Antonio Castro, regional governor Sorrel Aroca and their predecessors face a separate investigation by prosecutors, according to Colombian media reports.

READ MORE: Bodies decomposing in Mocoa morgue after landslides

Meanwhile, survivors like Joanis Marvel continue to wait at Mocoas morgue where bodies  often too decomposed to be identified except through DNA  continue to arrive.

Marvels mother, brother, nephew, sister-in-law, grandmother and daughter are yet to be found.

They are among the 314 still missing, a figure provided by President Juan Manuel Santos in a national speech on Wednesday.

I just need to find her, even if it is in a box, Marvel said of her daughter, speaking to Al Jazeera.

Members of the civil defence, firefighters from neighbouring towns and other volunteers often know where to start looking because they are guided by a stench.

Its been smelling really bad here since yesterday. There has to be a body, a relative searching for 46-year-old Luis Eduardo Zuniga, along with 10 other family members, told the AFP news agency.

Digging in the mud with sticks and bare hands, they excavated the area around a semi-collapsed house, until it was deemed too unsafe to continue.

Well have to get heavy machinery in here, a volunteer told AFP.

But many still do not have the right equipment to free bodies, despite President Santos call to release funds for rescue and reconstruction.

You can see for yourself that our neighbours are underneath those knots of wood and my chainsaw is not enough, said Gustavo Villareal, a volunteer holding a chainsaw unable to cut under water, told Al Jazeera.

He and 12 others worked nearly three hours to free the remains of a man from underneath a trunk.

I am angry that not even in this situation do we get the resources that we need, he said.

WATCH: What caused Colombias deadly downpours?

As the work to find the missing continues, police have also set up checkpoints in Mocoa to question those carrying household goods.

Authorities say they have already arrested more than 20 people accused of looting abandoned houses and shops.

While some 2,700 residents are now being housed in shelters, others camp out where their homes used to stand to defend what belongings they have left.

The day after the landslide we managed to get some things out of the house. But when we came back that afternoon, they had taken it all, Juan Luis Hernandez, in the destroyed neighbourhood of San Miguel, told AFP.

What the mudslides didnt carry away, the thieves did.
US president says something should happen to Syrian President Assad in retaliation for deadly gas attack in Idlib.

US President Donald Trump has hinted at possible military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as his administration considers retaliatory options after a chemical weapons attack killed more than 80 people.

I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity and hes there, and I guess hes running things, so something should happen, Trump told reporters on Air Force One, en route to meet Chinas President Xi Jinping at a Florida summit on Thursday.

While Trump stopped short of calling on Assad to leave office, the comments were his strongest suggestion yet that the United States may be edging towards a stronger stance against Assad.

His stance was underlined by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who told reporters: Theres no role for [Assad] to govern the Syrian people.

READ MORE: Autopsy shows chemical weapons used in Syria attack





Tillerson, who spoke almost simultaneously after greeting Xi in West Palm Beach, said the US was evaluating an appropriate response.

The process by which Assad would leave is something that will require an international community effort, Tillerson said, adding there needs to be a balance between defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and stabilising Syria to prevent the war from escalating.

Tillerson also issued a warning to Russia, a key ally of Damascus, that its support of the Assad government is something it should consider carefully.

The poison gas attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province killed at least 86 people, including 27 children, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Turkey said samples from victims of Tuesdays attack indicate they were exposed to sarin, a highly toxic nerve agent.

READ MORE: US warns of unilateral Syria moves if UN fails to act

The World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders also reported that victims from the attack showed symptoms consistent with the use of a nerve agent such as sarin.

The Syrian government rejected the accusations, and Moscow warned against apportioning blame until an investigation has been carried out.

Trump has until now focused his Syria policy almost exclusively on defeating ISIL in northern Syria, where US special forces are working with Arab and Kurdish armed groups.

Only last week, the US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the US diplomatic policy on Syria was no longer focused on forcing Assad to leave power.





But Trump said on Wednesday the gas attack had caused him to reconsider his opinion of Assad, adding it crossed many, many lines  not just the red line of chemical weapons use that former president Barack Obama once set as an ultimatum for the Assad government.

An anonymous US official told Reuters news agency on Thursday that options being discussed by the Pentagon and White House could include grounding aircraft used by Assads forces.

Others could include the use of cruise missiles, allowing the US to strike targets without putting piloted aircraft in the skies above Syria.

READ MORE: Syrias civil war explained from the beginning

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday he hoped Trump would take military action, Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Erdogan said Turkey would be prepared to do whatever falls on us to support possible military action.

Jessica Ashooh, the deputy director of the Middle East Strategy Task Force at the Atlantic Council, a foreign policy think-tank in Washington DC, said every president is tested early on and it appears that Syria has become the test for Trump and his administration.

What he does in this situation is going to colour how the world views his presidency and its going to influence what countries like Russia or North Korea believe they can or cannot get away with, she told Al Jazeera.

If confirmed, the chemical attack will be the deadliest since sarin gas killed hundreds of civilians in Ghouta near the capital, Damascus, in August 2013.

Western states said the Syrian government was responsible for the 2013 attack. Damascus blamed rebels.
Philippines seeks to assert its claim over disputed Spratly islands, reefs and cays in a move that could provoke rivals.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered troops to occupy and fortify all Philippine-held islands in the disputed South China Sea to assert its claims amid what he says is a race to control territory.

Duterte made the announcement on Thursday during a televised visit to a military camp on the western island of Palawan, near the disputed Spratly group of islands.





It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant, he said, adding his country was claiming nine or 10 Spratly islands, reefs and cays.

At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours.

China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea  despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbours  and has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military aircraft.

Duterte also said bunkers or houses and provisions for habitation were to be built, but it was unclear how his order could be executed.

Some of the tiny reefs and outcrops would need expensive and logistically difficult reclamation work before structures could be built on them.

The defence department later said nine outcrops are already in our possession and occupied by marines, including Thitu island where the Philippine military maintains an airstrip.

The president wants facilities built such as barracks for the men, water [desalination] and sewage disposal systems, power generators, lighthouses, and shelters for fishermen, the department said in a statement.

OPINION: Chinas South Asian domination

Duterte has previously sought to improve his nations relations with China by adopting a non-confrontational approach over their competing claims in the strategically vital waters.

An impeachment complaint has been filed against Duterte that cites, among other things, his alleged failure to protest Chinas territorial expansion in the South China Sea.

An official at the Chinese embassy in Manila seemed surprised when asked by AFP news agency to comment on Dutertes declaration, but referred questions on the matter to the Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing.

The two neighbours are scheduled to hold talks in China in May to tackle issues related to the sea row.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have also sparred with Beijing over territory in the disputed waterway.

US President Donald Trumps administration has so far taken a tough stance on Chinas claims in the South China Sea, insisting it will defend international interests there.
Turnout was reportedly low, but many Gambians still see Thursdays parliamentary poll as a positive step for democracy.

Gambians voted on Thursday in the first parliamentary elections since long-time leader Yahya Jammeh left power, electing politicians who could make or break a raft of reforms promised by the new president.





More than 880,000 Gambians were eligible to vote in the small West African country home to 1.8 million, with many relishing the chance to express their opinion after 22 years under Jammeh.

Voter turnout was low, however, according to the Independent Electoral Commission.

Al Jazeeras Nicolas Haque, reporting from the capital Banjul, said the poor showing may be because this election is one many Gambians are unfamiliar with.

Over the last few decades under Yahya Jammeh, the parliament was effectively a one-party rule where Jammehs APRC party was always voted into power, so a lot of Gambians werent sure who and why they were voting, Haque said shortly after polls closed at 16:00 GMT.

Baboucarr Kebbeh, who was a local observer in Kanifing municipality, said he was surprised at the voter turnout.

I was expecting a high turnout because of the understanding of the need for a National Assembly, Kebbeh, 31, told Al Jazeera by phone.

Kebbeh added he thought the weak turnout could be caused by a lack of voter education, especially in a country where he said Gambians always knew the result before the election took place.

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: Change is coming fast in The Gambia  and its intoxicating

The landscape of Gambian politics has shifted dramatically since the last legislative elections in 2012, when Jammehs Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) took 43 seats, with a large number of them uncontested because of an opposition boycott.

Only 29 of the 239 registered candidates running for parliament seats representing 53 constituencies were from APRC this year.

President Adama Barrow will appoint five additional seats to bring the total number of parliamentary members to 58.

Key test

Thursdays election is a key test for the seven former opposition parties that make up Barrows current cabinet.

Those parties had united to form a coalition to oust Jammeh from power, but internal tensions meant they did not run together in the legislative elections, and Barrows promised overhaul of every aspect of the Gambian state will depend on their willingness to cooperate in parliament and in the cabinet.

Halifa Sallah, who has served as the coalition spokesman and special adviser to Barrow, said The Gambia has come a long way.

We need a National Assembly that can accompany transformation, a National Assembly capable of carrying legal and constitutional reforms, Sallah said.

What I am seeing is openness of the democratic process. I do not believe parties will control the process anymore.

READ MORE: The Gambias journalists find new freedom of expression

Sallah himself was running as a candidate in Serrekunda Central for the Peoples Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism.

Some Gambians had expressed anger that the coalition parties had not been able to present a united front, but President Barrow, after casting his vote, defended the coalition, saying: There is not [a cabinet] split. This is about democracy and this is the new Gambia.

Smooth start to democracy

Al Jazeeras Haque said despite the low turnout and concerns, Thursdays election is still an important day for the country.

That fact that they have been able to organise free and fair elections since Yahya Jammeh left is still a success, Haque said.

Kebbeh, too, believes the election is a positive step for democracy.

These kinds of elections have never happened. It shows the National Assembly will be truly balanced, he said. It shows a smooth start to democracy.

Final election results are expected on Friday.
West African country holding its first legislative election since the departure of long-time ruler Yahya Jammeh.

Voters in The Gambia are casting their ballots in the first election since the departure of long-time leader Yahya Jammeh, with multiple parties poised to enter parliament after 22 years of effective one-party rule.

More than 880,000 Gambians are eligible to vote, with the polling stations open until 17:00 GMT on Thursdy.

Dozens queued early in the morning at roadside polling stations to be among the first to cast their ballots.

Things are equal, thats why you have a lot of participants, Ousman Manneh, 34, an assistant returning officer at a polling station in Bakau, a town not far from The Gambias capital, Banjul, told the AFP news agency.

The first results are expected during the evening and a full set on Friday morning.

READ MORE: Change is coming fast in The Gambia  and its intoxicating

There are 53 seats up for grabs in The Gambias National Assembly, five more than in 2012, according to the Independent Electoral Commission.

Five extra places are to be appointed by President Adama Barrow to give a total of 58 seats in the legislative chamber, which was long derided as a rubberstamp for Jammehs executive orders.

Never has there been so many people wanting a seat in parliament, Al Jazeeras Nicolas Haque, reporting from Banjul, said.

Most are young, first-time independent candidates.

Several opposition parties united to form a coalition in December to oust Jammeh from power and deliver Barrow to victory as the new president.

But internal tensions caused that coalition to break apart, meaning nine parties will run in Thursdays legislative polls including Jammehs Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) and the strongest traditional opposition force, the United Democratic Party (UDP).

READ MORE: Its a great time to be Gambian

They face a significant threat from the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), a youth-led party which did not join the governing coalition, and whose leader Mama Kandeh came third in the presidential poll.

The African Union, regional ECOWAS bloc and the European Union have all sent observers to monitor voters casting their ballots with The Gambias unique system, where marbles are dropped into coloured metal barrels representing different candidates.

Barrow, who won Decembers presidential race, was a former UDP treasurer who resigned to run as the candidate of an unprecedented opposition coalition.

After a drawn-out crisis caused by Jammehs initial refusal to step down, mediation efforts by west African leaders and the threat of military intervention eventually delivered the countrys first ever democratic transition in January.

Barrows cabinet is made up of the heads of seven different political parties, all of which will field candidates in Thursdays election.
Palestinian man from Silwad shot and detained after he allegedly ran over two soldiers outside the Ofra settlement.

A Palestinian man was shot and detained on Thursday after carrying out an alleged car-ramming attack near a settlement in the occupied West Bank, killing one Israeli soldier and wounding another.

The driver, identified as 23-year-old Ahmad Moussa Hamed, ploughed into two Israeli soldiers standing behind concrete barriers near a bus stop outside the Ofra settlement near Ramallah.

Elichai Taherlev, 20, of the Golani Brigade was killed in the incident, and another 19-year-old soldier was lightly injured.





Shortly after the attack, Israeli forces raided Hamads home in the village of Silwad near Ramallah.

Israeli authorities also froze work permits belonging to Hamads family members that allowed allowed them to work in Israel, Israeli media reported.

The Hamas movement released statements praising the apparent attack.

Hamas spokesperson Abed al-Latif al-Qanou said it was a response to the continuous Israeli crimes committed against the Palestinians.

Speaking to Bethlehem-based Maan News Agency, Hazem Qassem, another Hamas spokesman, called it evidence that the Intifada of Jerusalem will go on, and it would only end with liberty and freedom.

Qassems use of to the term Intifada of Jerusalem refers to the wave of violence that has spread throughout the occupied territories and Israel since October 2015, which has claimed the lives of 259 Palestinians, 41 Israelis, two Americans, one Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese, according to a count by AFP news agency.

Qassem added the attack proved that the Israeli army and settlers are not secure as long as [Palestinian] rights are denied, our land occupied and our people and holy sites assaulted and violated.

READ MORE  HRW: Israel denying human rights workers access to Gaza

The Thursday morning attack was the first fatal assault on Israelis since January 8, when a Palestinian killed four soldiers in a Jerusalem truck-ramming attack.

On Saturday, Israeli police shot and killed a 17-year-old Palestinian man who stabbed two civilians and a border officer in Jerusalem.

The slain Palestinian was identified by the Palestinian Ministry of Health as Amad Zahir Fathi Ghazal, 17, from Nablus.





Witnesses told local media at the time they found more than 25 bullet holes in Ghazals apartment, and accused Israeli forces of executing him when they could have easily detained him.

Israeli forces also shot and killed a middle-aged Palestinian woman last week in the Old City of Jerusalem after she allegedly tried to stab a police officer with a pair of scissors.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the slain woman as 49-year-old Siham Nimr of East Jerusalem. Her son, 27-year-old Mustafa Nimr, was shot and killed by Israeli border police in September as he drove by clashes outside the Shuafat refugee camp.

While violence has somewhat subsided in recent months, there are fears the upcoming week-long Passover holiday will lead to a fresh outbreak of tensions, particularly if there is an increase in Jewish visitors to the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.

The site is holy to both Muslims and Jews and is located in occupied East Jerusalem.

Tensions regularly flare over the site, as Palestinians fear Israel seeks to assert further control over the area.
Typically at this time of the year the Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam in Montana is running at about 3,200 cubic feet per second. Right now the river is at 9,000 cfs with plans to bump it up to 10,000 cfs as snow continues to fall in the mountains.

Weve probably released more water in March than we have historically, said Steve Davies, Montana area manager for the Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees operation of Yellowtail Dam. Its very unusual to have a release that high this early.

The impetus to draw down Bighorn Reservoir, which is created by Yellowtail Dam, is heavy snowpack in the Shoshone River drainage. As of April 3 the drainage had snowpack that was 154 percent of average, said Lyle Myler, deputy area manager of the Wyoming Bureau of Reclamation.

Above Buffalo Bill Reservoir were forecasting 1.1 million acre feet of runoff from April through July, Myler said. Thats like 165 percent of average. The average runoff between 1985 and 2016 is 667,000 acre feet.

Already in March, runoff into Buffalo Bill averaged 66,000 acre feet, whereas the average is usually around 20,000, Myler added. Thats the most since the Bureau of Reclamation began keeping records in the 1920s, he said.

Targets

The Bighorn River drainage in Wyoming has built up snowpack thats 119 percent of average. The Bighorn and Shoshone rivers feed Bighorn Reservoir, prompting the Bureau of Reclamations high releases from Yellowtail Dam so early in the year.

Davies said Bighorn Reservoir is dropping almost a foot a day to reach a target elevation of 3,600 feet. The reservoir is full at 3,640 feet. Because the reservoir is being drawn down, the likelihood that Horseshoe Bend boat launch, at the southern end of the lake, will have enough water to be usable by Memorial Day weekend is unlikely.

Fast float

High water in the Montana section of the Bighorn River at this time of the year has a couple of different impacts. For the world-renowned fly fishing destination, such runoff can push juvenile brown trout that are hatching in March and April downstream, said Mike Ruggles, a Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist.

In the past it hasnt been an issue, Ruggles said. The brown trout have been doing pretty good.

Another concern is that high flows now could mean that rainbow trout will lay their eggs in places that could be dewatered as the river flows drop. The peak of the rainbow spawn is in May.

For rainbows this is not good, Ruggles said.

Rainbow trout numbers are already lower than what FWP would like to see in the fishery, although strong brown trout recruitment is filling in the gap so theres no shortage of trout.

High water also typically means good aquatic insect production for the next few years, Ruggles said, meaning there will be plenty to eat for the fish that remain.

Sakakawea

Releasing larger volumes of water down the Bighorn River also means more water is running into the Yellowstone River which feeds Lake Sakakawea, just over the Montana border in North Dakota.

The Army Corps of Engineers, which operates Sakakaweas Garrison Dam, saw runoff hit 125 percent of normal thanks in part to the additional water from Bighorn Reservoir along with low elevation snowmelt, according to Jody Farhat, chief of the Corps Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

Were seeing pretty high inflows to Garrison already, she said, referring to the dam that creates Sakakawea. Were just capturing it at Garrison right now. We try to keep (Sakakawea and Fort Peck reservoirs) steady to rising during the forage fish spawn, which is key to a healthy sport fishery.

Fort Peck

Fort Peck Reservoir, which is fed by the Missouri River, saw runoff of 124 percent of normal in March, Farhat said. According to NRCS data, the mainstem Missouri River drainage was sitting at 91 percent of normal at the end of March. Snowpack in the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin drainages, which combine to create the Missouri, were sitting at 97, 107 and 93 percent of normal, respectively.

The reservoirs elevation is at 2,236.3 feet, good enough to cover the bottom of all the lakes boat ramps. The current elevation is higher than the lake reached all of last year, but far below the 2,252-foot June elevation the lake reached in the record-setting high water year of 2011.

The Yellowstone

Its up in the air as to whether the Yellowstone River, a section of which was closed to all recreation for a portion of last summer due to the outbreak of a fish-killing parasite, will fare better this summer considering that its snowpack is 119 percent of average in Montana and 137 percent of average in Wyoming drainages.

That will all depend on how fast the mountain snowpack melts. Last years runoff peaked earlier than usual in June and the water temperature was climbing dangerously high by early July.

Meanwhile on the lower Yellowstone River, the Powder and Tongue rivers  which flow from central Wyoming  have snowpacks that are 99 and 116 percent of average, respectively. The bigger snowpacks in Wyoming are farther west, where several drainages are more than 150 percent of average and the Sweetwater drainage is at 194 percent of normal.

Runoff could also be augmented by rainy weather or more snow piling up in the mountains. The National Weather Services three-month outlook is showing a potential for above average precipitation in the area associated with Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Myler said. Thats not great news for his staff.

When rain starts falling, things come at you a lot faster than in a snowmelt situation, he said. That makes things more interesting.
Republicans unilaterally rewrite Senate rules to allow presidents nominee Neil Gorsuch to ascend to the Supreme Court.

US Senate Republicans have crushed a Democratic blockade of President Donald Trumps Supreme Court nominee in a fierce partisan brawl, approving a rule change dubbed the nuclear option to allow conservative judge Neil Gorsuchs confirmation by Friday.

With ideological control of the nations highest court at stake, the Republican-led Senate voted 52-48 along party lines on Thursday to change its long-standing rules in order to prohibit a procedural tactic called a filibuster against Supreme Court nominees.

That came after Republicans failed by a 55-45 tally to muster the 60-vote super-majority needed to end the Democratic filibuster that had sought to deny Gorsuch confirmation to the lifetime post.





The Senate paved the way for senators to confirm Gorsuch by simple majority. Republicans control the Senate 52-48.

The rule change has been dubbed the nuclear option because it has been considered an extreme break with Senate traditions, and Trump has encouraged Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to go nuclear.

This will be the first and last partisan filibuster of the Supreme Court, McConnell said on the Senate floor, accusing Democrats of trying to inflict political damage on Trump and to keep more conservatives from joining the high court.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the move had irrevocably taken the Senate away from its founding principles.

In 20 or 30 or 40 years, we will sadly point to today as a turning point in the history of the Senate and the Supreme Court, a day when we irrevocably moved further away from the principles our founders intended for these institutions: principles of bipartisanship, moderation and consensus, he said.

Schumer ridiculed McConnells contention that the Democratic action was unprecedented, noting the Republican-led Senate last year refused to consider former president Barack Obamas nomination of appellate judge Merrick Garland for the same high court seat that Trump elected Gorsuch to fill.

READ MORE: Why the Supreme Court is a US election issue

Senate confirmation of Gorsuch, 49, would restore the nine-seat courts 5-4 conservative majority, enable Trump to leave an indelible mark on Americas highest judicial body, and fulfill a top campaign promise by the Republican president. Gorsuch could be expected to serve for decades.

With the failure of Republican healthcare legislation in Congress and with federal courts blocking the presidents ban on people from several Muslim-majority nations from entering the US, securing Gorsuchs confirmation took on even greater importance for Trump, who took office in January.

The courts 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.

The nine-seat Supreme Court has had a vacancy since conservative Justice Antonin Scalia died in February 2016.

Liberal groups called for an all-out fight to reject Gorsuch, a staunch conservative who is likely to vote to limit gay rights, uphold restrictions on abortion, and invalidate affirmative action programmes, according to a study that analyses the ideologies of potential Supreme Court nominees.





Senators on both sides of the aisle lamented the trajectory they were on toward the Senate rules change, though they themselves were in position to prevent it from happening and failed to do so.

Moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said roughly 10 senators from both parties worked over the weekend to come up with a deal to stave off the so-called nuclear option, but couldnt come to agreement.

In 2005, a bipartisan deal headed off Republican plans to remove the filibuster barrier for lower-court nominees, but in 2013 Democrats took the step, leaving the filibuster in place only for Supreme Court justices.

And now it too is gone. For now the filibuster barrier on legislation will remain, though many fear it could be the next to go.

I fear that someday we will regret what we are about to do. In fact, I am confident we will, said Republican Senator John McCain. It is imperative we have a functioning Senate where the rights of the minority are protected regardless of which party is in power at the time.

Nonetheless, McCain voted with McConnell on the rules change, saying he felt he had no choice.

Republicans have called Gorsuch superbly qualified and one of the most distinguished appellate judges on the bench, and they blamed the Democrats for politicising the confirmation process.

Democrats accused Gorsuch of being so conservative as to be outside the judicial mainstream, favouring corporate interests over ordinary Americans in legal opinions, and displaying insufficient independence from Trump.
Government officials say rallies are work of political opponents as Crowds march in Serbias main cities for third day.

Thousands of mostly young people have rallied for the third consecutive day in Serbia, protesting against Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic being elected the countrys next president

Crowds on Wednesday marched through the capital Belgrade and other cities, blowing whistles and chanting slogans such as Vucic, you stole the election and End the dictatorship.

Vucic, who will take office as president in late May, won Sundays presidential election with a clear majority, garnering 55 percent of votes in the first round.

WATCH: Serbias censorship debate

The protesters have gathered on the streets in response to calls on social media. It was not clear who is organising the events, although government officials says the demonstrations are the work of political opponents.

Protesters said they see Vucic as an autocrat and his Serbian Progressive Party as corrupt and instrumental in what they say was a fraudulent election.

Demands posted online by one group of students included dismissing the election commission, the media regulator and top editors of the state RTS TV for allegedly failing to facilitate a free and fair vote.

I am here because I think that there is no democracy in this country any longer, Belgrade protester Mihajlo Saranovic told the Associated Press news agency.

I think that something needs to change and I am here to express my discontent with the current situation, he said.

The students said they will demand early parliamentary elections if their requests are not met.

Nebojsa Stefanovic, Vucics interior minister, said on Wednesday that the street protests were highly political and orchestrated by the opposition candidates who lost the election.

On Monday, Vucic said that everyone has a right to be unhappy with the election results.

It is fine as long as it is peaceful, Vucic said.

The opposition has alleged the election was marred by major irregularities, including muzzling of the media, voter intimidation and bribes.
President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has instructed the army to prepare a new offensive against al-Shabab.

Somalias new president has declared the country a war zone and instructed the army to prepare a new offensive against the al-Qaeda linked group al-Shabab.

The announcement by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Thursday comes amid a worsening security situation as al-Shabab steps up deadly bombings in the capital since the countrys new leader took office in February.

A car bomb blast on Wednesday at a Mogadishu restaurant killed at least seven people.





Mohamed wore a military uniform as he declared the new offensive and offered young fighters a chance to surrender.

We tell the young, brainwashed al-Shabab fighters that they have a 60-days deadline to lay down the arms with which they use to kill their people and come to us, he said.

We shall welcome them with open arms.

Al-Shabab has denounced the new president as an apostate and warned Somalis against supporting him.

The new leader also on Thursday replaced Somalias military, intelligence and police chiefs.

The security restructure is seen as an attempt by Mohamed to consolidate power in the long-chaotic horn of Africa nation.

The changes also come roughly a week after the Trump administration approved greater US military authority to pursue al-Shabab in Somalia, including more aggressive air strikes as parts of southern Somalia will be considered areas of active hostilities.

READ MORE  Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed: Help the Somali people

Al-Shabab has been pushed out of the capital and other major urban areas in Somalia by national and African Union multinational forces, but it continues to carry out deadly bombings and attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere. Targets have included hotels, military checkpoints, and the presidential palace.

Somalias security forces are under pressure to improve as they will assume responsibility for defending the country once the 22,000-strong AU force leaves by the end of 2020.

Al-Shabab is just one of the challenges facing the new government, which despite hundreds of millions of dollars of support from the international community still struggles to expand its authority beyond the capital and other selected areas.

Drought threatens about half of Somalias population of 12 million, the United Nations has said, and hijackings of cargo ships off the countrys coast in recent weeks have signaled a return to piracy on one of the worlds most critical shipping routes.
ANC rejects calls for President Jacob Zuma to resign over controversial sacking of finance minister Pravin Gordhan.

South Africas President Jacob Zuma has won the backing of the ruling ANC party, which rejected calls for him to resign over a controversial cabinet reshuffle.

The African National Congress on Wednesday acknowledged growing calls for Zuma to step down, admitting to serious and difficult disagreement over the presidents sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan last week.

Zuma could either be ousted by the ANC recalling him, or a vote of no confidence in parliament that has been scheduled for April 18.

The party retains a large majority in parliament, and Zuma has easily survived previous confidence votes.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe told reporters on Wednesday that although the party had reflected on the resignation demands, we wont recall President Jacob Zuma because opposition parties say so. It wont work that way.

Zuma has been under fire for several days  including from within his own camp  after dismissing Gordhan, a decision that caused the rand currency to plummet.

Gordhans removal triggered unprecedented criticism from Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa as well as the partys treasurer and several ANC allies.

Ramaphosa, who could succeed Zuma, described it as totally unacceptable.

South Africas powerful trade union federation Cosatu this week joined many anti-apartheid veterans, business leaders and civil action groups calling for Zuma to step down.

Mantashe  who was among those who had hit out at Zuma in recent days  said ANC would close ranks around the president and the party would iron out its differences with trade unions.

Mantashe blamed Gordhans sacking on the irretrievable breakdown in relations with the president.

Gordhan was at loggerheads with Zuma for months, receiving support from several ministers and major foreign investors, as well as many ordinary South Africans.

Gordhan had campaigned for budget discipline and against corruption, but Zumas allies accused him of thwarting the presidents desire to enact radical policies to tackle racial inequality.

Gordhans sacking contributed to a credit ratings downgrade to junk status on Monday by Standard & Poors, further fuelling calls for Zuma to step down.

The president has defended his change at the Treasury, saying that the governments financial policies remained the same.
The Syrian government says its military did not and will not use chemical weapons, denying accusations it was behind an attack on a rebel-held town in Idlib province that sparked widespread international outrage.

At least 86 people were killed and hundreds  including people foaming at the mouth  were hospitalised after Tuesdays chemical incident on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group.

The deaths, blamed by many on the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, prompted the United Nations to pledge it would investigate the incident as a possible war crime.

READ MORE: We found bodies all over the floor

But Walid Muallem, Syrias foreign minister, on Thursday denied the charges, calling them an unjust campaign against Syria launched by countries known for their hostility.





I stress to you once again: the Syrian army has not, did not, and will not use this kind of weapons  not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that are targeting our civilians indiscriminately, he said at a press conference in Damascus.

Muallem said the Syrian army had bombed a warehouse belonging to rebels that contained chemical weapons, echoing earlier comments made by Russia, a key ally of the Assad government. The rebels deny this.

The first air raid conducted by the Syrian army was at 1130am (0830:GMT) on that day [Tuesday] and it attacked an arms depot belonging to al-Nusra Front [al-Qaedas former Syria affiliate] chemical weapons, he said.

Responding to calls for an international investigation, Muallem said the Syrian government needed guarantees that any fact-finding mission into Idlibs attack would be impartial and not politicised.

The foreign minister said Syrias experience with past missions is not encouraging, adding that Damascus would only consider the idea of an inquiry if its concerns were addressed.

He said that he believes that results will be changed, even if they allow full access to any international investigators, Al Jazeeras Alan Fisher, reporting from Beirut, said.

READ MORE: How chlorine gas became a weapon in Syrias civil war

At least 32 people were transferred across the border into Turkey for treatment, and Ankara said autopsies performed on three people who died in Turkish hospitals confirmed chemical weapons had been used.

Autopsies were carried out on three of the bodies after they were brought from Idlib. The results of the autopsy confirms that chemical weapons were used, Bekir Bozdag, Turkeys justice minister, said on Thursday, according to state-run Anadolu news agency.

This scientific investigation also confirms that Assad used chemical weapons, Bozdag added, without giving further details.

The World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said victims showed symptoms consistent with the possible use of a nerve agent, such as sarin.

If confirmed, the suspected chemical attack would the deadliest since sarin gas killed hundreds of civilians in Ghouta near the capital, Damascus, in August 2013.

Western states said the Syrian government was responsible for the 2013 attack. Damascus blamed rebels.
Critics say the charter is undemocratic and will allow the military to keep its grip on power even after elections.

Thailands King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed the countrys new constitution on Thursday, an essential step towards holding an election to restore democracy after the 2014 coup detat.

The constitution is the nations 20th since the absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932, but critics say it will still give the military a powerful say over Thai politics.

The military government has said the kings endorsement of the constitution will clear the way for new elections no later than November 2018, though it has repeatedly delayed previously promised poll dates.

The new charter was approved by voters in a public referendum last year. However, campaigns against the document were outlawed by the military government, which still restricts freedoms of speech and assembly in the Southeast Asian country.

READ MORE: Thailand sets up reconciliation panel ahead of polls

The palace requested changes in January after King Vajiralongkorn took over from his revered late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had ruled for more than seven decades.

One change allows the king to travel abroad without appointing a regent. The king has spent much of the past few years in Germany, where he has a son in school.

Another change was the removal of a clause giving power to the constitutional court and other institutions in the event of an unforeseen crisis. Removing it underlined the kings role.

In practice, the king will have more say, more power, Kan Yuenyong, executive director of the think-tank Siam Intelligence Unit, told Reuters news agency.

Critics say the charter is undemocratic and will allow the military to keep its grip on power even after elections.

One of the most controversial provisions of the new constitution is for the outgoing military government to appoint a senate that will have a say in appointing the prime minister.

The ruling generals have argued the measure is necessary to prevent coups in a transition period after the election.

Thailand has had 12 successful coups in the past 85 years.

The Pheu Thai Party said it was more optimistic about election prospects now.

With the constitution in place, an election seems more a reality, said Chavalit Vichayasuthi, its acting deputy secretary-general.

The government should lift a ban on political activities so parties can campaign, said Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former prime minister and leader of Thailands other key political party, the Democrat Party.

We are ready for the election, he said. We still arent allowed to hold meetings, but were doing what we can.
A nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the Santa Fe River is fighting back against pollution in the river through music.

Our Santa Fe River is hosting its Seventh Annual Songwriting Contest and music festival RiverFest, which includes a silent auction. The festival will be held Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Rum 138, located at 2070 SW County Road 138, Fort White, Florida.

The Songwriting Contest will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Seven contestants from around Gainesville will take part in the contest, said Pamela Smith, the president of Our Santa Fe River. The silent auction will feature photography and paintings from local artists John Moran, the co-creator of the Springs Eternal exhibit,

and Margaret Ross Tolbert, an environmental artist and springs painter.

Hopefully we can have a good time with food, good weather and fun, Smith said.

The organization is expecting more than 300 people to attend.

The purpose of the festival is to bring awareness and funds toward increasing the water quantity and improving the water quality in the Santa Fe River, Smith said. The entire event is put on by volunteers who seek to fight back against the nitrate, agriculture, pesticide and septic tank pollution that affect the river.

Were hoping that we can form a connection with the UF community, Smith said. We need some people to get involved  you guys are the ones that are going to carry the torch moving forward.

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On April 3, famed conservative Ben Shapiro spoke to a packed crowd of more than 750 students in the University Auditorium. Throughout the week, liberal students tried to bring down conservatives in their opinion posts by destroying promotional material and even trying to prevent students from attending the event by destroying their tickets. While there were little to no reports of this, there was zero outrage or any reports of the student in charge of the protest posting, Hope this dude gets seriously taken out while hes here. And not in the date way on Facebook. Yet conservatives were labeled as the dangerous ones. We were the ones labeled in an opinion piece as not representative of the morals and values UF promotes. So, is threatening the life of another person the values UF promotes because they fit the narrative? It is sad, because in a meeting for the event, a school official asked me to make sure no conservatives brought signs that say kill all trans people. The only ones doing this were the protesters. Regardless of how disappointing this is to have a university official label nearly half of Gator students as murderous, it shows just how bad ignorance on conservatism has become. This is the U.S., not a country dictated by Sharia where LGBTQ people are murdered for being born the way they are. To deny conservatives their humanity  their wanting to be viewed as people with problems like anyone else  is the reason our political culture is so militant.

An opinion piece by Nicole Dan claimed Student Government should not be promoting hate speech through speakers like Shapiro because they are dangerous to students. Hate speech is the vague term used for anything someone disagrees with or is offensive to someone. While clearly some things should not be said, trying to silence conservatism with this is a poor excuse. Dan, who was mocked by Shapiro during his speech for her fallacies, claimed a dramatic rise in anti-Muslim hate groups, and attacks on Muslim communities can come within hours of an incendiary speech by Trump. Its not an overstatement to say that Shapiro could have similar effects. It has been two days since Shapiro spoke, and I still have not seen anyone being attacked. Yet another call to arms with zero evidence.

Dan also does not believe Shapiro should be funded by student activity and involvement fees. This is fine as everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But, the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, disagrees with her. The Accent Speakers Bureau by law must maintain viewpoint neutrality with the money given to events and clubs on campus. This was decided by the court cases Rosenberger v. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia and Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System v. Southworth. Though this is required by law, Accent and SG have stood behind all students. This was proven in the recent Senate bill that reaffirmed free speech on campus as well as bringing diversity of thought through the Shapiro event. Sadly, the university itself does not keep this same standard. The university would much rather keep liberal students happy than conservatives. Even UF President Kent Fuchs would much rather neutralize events than do what is right. This is where I do feel for my fellow Gators on the left. Many times, it has taken extreme outrage for Fuchs to speak out about something. And thats it. No change or action. Our university cares more about its image and neutralizing the bad than it does its own students.

The conservative movement at our university is gaining momentum. You saw this with the thousands of students who wanted to attend the Shapiro event. With such a large population, it is important our university represent ALL Gators, and not just the most outspoken. As president of Young Americans for Freedom at UF, I cannot tell you the amount of times students have thanked our organization for bringing this speaker. Students feel like they are finally being heard. There will be more events on campus, and we will work to make conservative students feel welcomed, not just those who are the loudest.

Daniel Weldon is a 20-year-old UF political science sophomore and the president of Young Americans for Freedom.
Herobust had a formidable start to 2017 with the February release of his Vertebreaker extended play. The Atlanta-based producers collection of six tracks is gritty, powerful and heavily influenced by hip-hop, with a title that makes perfect sense after listening to it.

Vertebreaker joins a host of other popular tracks made by the producer, some of which were released on notable labels such as OWSLA and Mad Decent. The first song on the EP, also titled Vertebreaker, has climbed to nearly 1 million plays on SoundCloud in less than two months.

The overall sound of the EP is not for the faint of heart, featuring growling basslines and heavy rap vocals that pound through speakers of all kind.

Shortly after the EPs release, Herobust set out on a tour that will take him all over the nation throughout the spring and summer. This Saturday, Herobust will be taking his talents to the Florida Theater for his first ever Gainesville performance.

The show will take place from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with tickets ranging from $15 to $25. Florida-based artists FLTHYVBZ, Illegal Maneuver, MarSHen and EazyBaked will perform as openers.

The show will be one of Lucid Nightlifes last events for the spring, closing off a semester of one massive show after another.

Matt Collins, the owner of Lucid Nightlife, said it made sense to bring Herobust to the Florida Theater.

He has a very large fanbase, and its the end of the year so we figured having it at a larger venue would be best to accommodate everyone, Collins wrote in an email.

Collins has personally been a fan of Herobust for a long time, and he had the artist on his radar to bring to Gainesville since last fall.

He is just such an amazingly talented producer and always puts on excellent performances, he said. Also, Gainesville enjoys to headbang with the best of them.

Krista Kingsbury, a 20-year-old UF botany and pharmacy sophomore, attended many of Lucid Nightlifes shows this semester. Kingsbury saw a snippet of Herobusts performance at the Imagine Festival in Georgia, and she plans on seeing him once again in Gainesville on Saturday.

You look around and everybodys just smiling and having a great time, she said. You feel energized, and you see how hard everybody in the crowds going. I feel like its a good way to get out that stress of school and everything.

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Kingsbury said that beyond being excited for the show, she thinks Lucid Nightlife has stepped their game up, especially over the past semester.

I like how theyve moved the majority of shows from Simons to Florida Theater, she said. We had to get a new venue to hold everybody, and to have sound thats actually worthy of people like Tchami, Herobust and everybody thats been coming on these types of tours. I can tell that Matt and his whole crew have been giving it their all this semester. Its pretty great.

Herobust is certainly not the last big name Lucid Nightlife is going to bring to Gainesville, with some shows already in the works for the fall.

Everybody thats in Gainesville is so into the music scene that no matter who is backing Lucid, it has a good rep, Kingsbury said. This town has a good name. Theyre just going to keep doing bigger and better things.
HELENA  The Montana House revived an infrastructure bill that previously failed, only to reject it again by a wider margin.

The bill would pay for public works and capital building projects by issuing $78 million in bonds.

Gov. Steve Bullock and lawmakers say infrastructure is a top priority of this legislative session, but Republican lawmakers disagree about going into debt to pay for it. Many also oppose using debt to pay for large building projects, such as Montana State University's Romney Hall and a veterans' home in Butte.

Last week, the House rejected the $78 million bill on a 65-35 vote. It needed 67 votes to pass. On Thursday it failed again with just 41 votes in favor.

The $98 million Senate bill will be heard Friday in the House Appropriations Committee.
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that the cost of "glamping" is $2,500 for two people.

From Gainesville to a utopian city in the Arizona desert, a group of artists decided to spread their message by founding a new type of music festival.

We had a desire to do a show somewhere really different, said Zach Tetreault, a founder of FORM Arcosanti and a member of the band Hundred Waters. Arcosanti is one of those places that looked interesting to us.

When Tetreault met Nicole Miglis and Trayer Tryon at UF, a friendship was formed. Hundred Waters was created in 2011 and signed to Skrillexs record label, OWSLA, in 2012.

This will be the fourth year for FORM.

It was founded in response to Hundred Waters experiences performing at music festivals around the world. Located in Arcosanti, Arizona, the festival mirrors the location.

Arcosanti is an experimental town conceived by Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri. It shows how urban conditions can be improved while minimizing the destructive impact on the earth. The center of the city is a performance stage, where most of the festival takes place, Tetreault said.

I was blown away, said Davis Hart, the operations manager of Gainesville art cooperative Elestial Sound and a co-creator of FORMs 2016 stage. Arcosanti kind of swept me off my feet. Its an incredible place and being there is really inspiring.

Hart said he believes the space contributes to the atmosphere of the festival.

He cites Soleris architecture as inspiration for the stage last year.

The design is relatively simple, Hart said. Its basically a square with a circle cut-out. Soleri built structures with this simplicity all over Arcosanti.

Hundred Waters was sick of mass festival culture. FORM offers something truly unique. The vibe is more like an artist retreat than music festival.

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No performances overlap, and thats really important to us at the festival, because its very intimate, Tetreault said. Everythings important. We want every artist to be able to have their voice and be heard.

Performers trade off between two stages and dont overlap. This opens people up to artists they would usually opt out of, Tetreault said. Theres no real backstage or barriers between artist and fans, and spontaneous art abounds.

Most of FORM Arcosanti 2017 is already planned.

The festival is designed to take you on an emotional and creative journey, Tetreault said. The festival, taking place from May 12 to May 14, will bring vibrant energy to the Arizona high desert.

Friday night will kick off the festival and is sure to be an energetic start, Tetreault said.

Saturday morning everyone will be hungover, Tetreault said. Its usually pretty mellow.

FORM maintains an environmental and ecological message by sponsoring engaging conversations throughout the festival.

Talks on all kinds of environmental issues are set to take place in-between music or art performances, Tetreault said.

There are only 1,500 tickets available for sale, and theyre selling fast, Tetreault said.

FORM also offers 200 free tickets in an attempt to stay connected to its roots.

FORM was free for everyone in the beginning, but thats not sustainable, Tetreault said.

By offering free tickets, the team hopes to open up the conservation and experience to those who wouldnt be able to afford the $389 ticket price.

There is also a $2,500 glamping option for two people for those who dont want to worry about food or accommodations, although a campsite is included in the normal ticket price.

The festival is invite only, but you can apply online at experienceform.com.

When he graduated UF in 2010, Tetreault didnt think he would be organizing festivals in the near future.

What happens after college is more up-in-the-air than you think it will be, Tetreault said.










English News China-Europe economic ties in booming tide

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



Chinas direct investment in the EU soared by 76 percent in 2016, estimated a report released by Rhodium Group, a New York-based advisory firm, and Berlin-headquartered Mercator Institute for China Studies.

By Bai Yang from Peoples Daily The world is now betting that Chinese President Xi Jinpings ongoing state visit to Finland will reinforce their already close bilateral economic and trade relationship, which is also an epitome of the flourishing China-Europe economic exchanges.



They expected that during Xis Finnish trip starting on Tuesday, both sides will ink a series of cooperation documents covering all fields.



Xi, in a signed article entitled Our Enduring Friendship published on Finnish newspaper Helsinki Times ahead of his visit, pointed out that with highly complementary economies, China-Finland cooperation has delivered clear benefits to both sides.



China has remained Finland's largest trading partner in Asia for the past 14 years. Their two-way investment posted a rapid growth as well.



Data released by China Customs showed that by 2016, Chinas non-financial investment in Finland totaled at 217 million dollars, while Finland invested 1.36 billion dollars in China.



The statistics from Finnish Embassy in China revealed that about 400 Finnish companies have invested nearly 10 billion euros in China.



China's 13th Five-Year Plan dovetails with Vision: Finland 2025, promising exciting cooperation in such areas as innovation, entrepreneurship, clean energy, bio-economy and arctic research.



Finnish companies have strong research capacities and leading competence in clean technologies, telecommunication and machinery, but demand bigger market and more capital. They can perfectly complement with Chinese firms who have capital and market, but commit to an economic transformation and upgrade driven by advanced technologies.



Xis visit will certainly bolster bilateral economic and trade exchanges, said Paivi Leiwo, board chairman of Finpro. She has paid two visits to China as member of presidential delegations.



She added that Chinas investment in Finland saw a rapid growth in recent years, and an emerging trend in bilateral economic relations is the increasing mergers and acquisitions launched by Chinese companies towards Finnish high-tech firms.



China-Finland economic and trade ties can also offer a glimpse into the economic exchanges between China and Europe.



The EU has remained as Chinas largest trading partner for consecutive 11 years, while China has been the formers second largest partner for 12 years in a row.



Chinas direct investment in the EU soared by 76 percent in 2016, estimated a report released by Rhodium Group, a New York-based advisory firm, and Berlin-headquartered Mercator Institute for China Studies.



Compared with the booming trade, their investment has more growth space. Data showed that China accounts for just 6 percent of overall EU investments abroad, while the EU makes up a similar share in Chinas outbound investment.



Such a status quo can be attributed to market access, investment rules and other reasons, but it is objective to say that huge potential is contained in China-Europe cooperation in investment.



Against such background, accelerated negotiations on China-EU investment agreement will not only deepen their existing cooperation, but inject more energy into their economic growth, so that they will lead a new round of economic globalization wave.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News China-US trade is highly complementary: commerce ministry

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



The trade in goods between China and the US last year reached 519.6 billion dollars. You may say that China holds a trade surplus on trade in goods, but the US also has huge trade surplus in services, he told the press conference, adding that even in terms of trade in goods, 40 percent of China's trade surplus was created by US enterprises operating in China.

By Zhuang Xueya from Peoples Daily China-US trade is highly complementary and has mutual benefits, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Saturday, adding that bilateral trade follows the rule of economic globalization and reveals the structural difference and internal demands of both nations.



The ministry made the statement after US President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Friday focused on reducing its trade deficit.



The reality, cause and possible impact for the US trade deficit with China are well understood by both countries,a spokesperson of the MOC said.



As the world's top two economies, China and the US shoulder a special mission in boosting global trade and investment, as well as global economic prosperity, it added.



What the US should do is to follow the world-recognized rules, including implementing the obligations stipulated in Article 15 of the Protocol on China's accession to the World Trade Organization, the ministry stressed.



China is willing to work alongside its US partner to intensify dialogue and properly address disagreements on the basis of equality, mutual benefits and win-win cooperation, it added.



Trump signed two executive orders at White House on Friday over its trade policies, claiming on the same day that the move aims to revitalize the US manufacturing industry.



The orders asked the Commerce Department and the US trade representative to conduct a 90-day review of the causes of massive US trade deficits by examining deficits country by country and product by product.



Whats more, a tougher investigation against the products exported to the US will be launched, and those they asserted as rule violators will be levied with higher duties.



Both US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and National Trade Council adviser Peter Navarro, at a press conference held a day earlier, defined the dramatic cut of trade deficits as an important promise made by Trump during his presidential campaign, stressing that the two orders are by no means targeting at China.



Data released in February by the US Department of Commerce showed that the US logged a 502.3 billion dollars trade deficit in 2016, of which the gap with China totaled at 347 billion dollars. At the same time, the deficit with the EU and Mexico stood at 146.3 billion dollars and 6.32 billion dollars respectively.



China-US trade and economic relations have developed to such a stage that the two countries' interests are inextricably intertwined. For issues that might crop up amid cooperation, the two sides should properly resolve them through consultation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang repeated Chinas stance on China-US trade deficit on Friday.



The trade in goods between China and the US last year reached 519.6 billion dollars. You may say that China holds a trade surplus on trade in goods, but the US also has huge trade surplus in services, he told the press conference, adding that even in terms of trade in goods, 40 percent of China's trade surplus was created by US enterprises operating in China.



The spokesman, at last, urged China and the US to work together to make bigger the cake of common interests, which the two sides certainly have the potential to achieve, instead of bending over on which side grabs a larger share.





Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News Chinese President to start a trip to Santa Clause homeland

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



"Xis special trip to the north of Finland reflects his emphasis on cultural exchanges," Lotvonen said, adding that Rovaniemi has, as a result, grown from a place rarely known by Chinese people into a hot attraction among Chinese visitors.

By Guan Kejiang from People's Daily Chinese President Xi Jinping, on April 4, will start a three-day state visit to Finland, homeland to Santa Clause. It will be his first trip to northern Europe as the president of China.



Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle in northern part of Finland, is considered as the hometown of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus Village there sometimes receives as much as thousands of visitors everyday.



The post office there would receive hundreds of thousands of cards and mails from more than 200 countries and regions every year. The elves in pointy hats and red dress would collect and send letters for Santa Claus.



This hometown of Santa Claus was also included in Xis itinerary during his Finnish visit in 2010.



One of the "elves" named Rita Matila who had once showed Xi the Christmas cards written by Chinese young people, spoke highly of the president's kindness.



"When he was reading these letters beside me, I can see him touched by the children's dreams," Matila said.



When visiting Finland in 2010, Xi read the Christmas cards from China together with the then Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, while talking about their expectation towards the young generation.



Defining mutual understanding, trust and friendship as the foundation for the sustainable development of China-Finland relations, Xi also called on both countries to enhance cultural exchanges, especially the communication between young people, in a bid to pass on the friendship from generation to generation.



Recalling the scene, Vanhanen, current chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Parliament, said that he is confident toward the future of the two countries after a chat with Xi.



Esko Lotvonen, mayor of Rovaniemi and then governor of Lapland province, was among the delegation receiving Xi in 2010. He was impressed by Xi's modesty and calmness.



"Xis special trip to the north of Finland reflects his emphasis on cultural exchanges," Lotvonen said, adding that Rovaniemi has, as a result, grown from a place rarely known by Chinese people into a hot attraction among Chinese visitors.



"As a way to promote direct communication between both peoples, tourism could greatly enhance understanding between Chinese and Finnish people," Lotvonen stressed.



Lotvonen hopes that Xi's upcoming state visit to Finland could propel Finland-China relations for in-depth progress.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News Innovation brights up China-Finland economic cooperation

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



Finnish entrepreneurs are also encouraged by the business opportunities brought by China after the country decided to shift its economic growth towards an innovation-driven, sustainable and environment-friendly model.

By Qiang Wei from Peoples Daily China's President Xi Jinping will kick off a three-day state visit to Finland on April 4. The upcoming trip, which is his first visit to northern Europe as head of state, is believed to uplift bilateral relations.



Sharing traditional friendship with China, Finland was among the earliest Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, and also the first Western nation that inked an inter-governmental trade agreement with China.



Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao, in a press conference held on Friday, praised the sound development momentum of China-Finland ties.



Wang said that the direction of bilateral ties has been clarified after Xi and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto reached important consensus to build a new type of future-oriented cooperation partnership in 2013.



The two countries have, in recent years, enjoyed increasingly enhanced political mutual trust, deepened pragmatic cooperation covering all fields, closer cultural exchanges as well as gratifying outcomes from their cooperation in high-tech, clean energy, innovation, entrepreneurship and Arctic research, the diplomat elaborated.



Finland, a strong player in winter sports, and China, the host of 2022 Winter Olympic Games, also expect to cooperate closer on winter sports, he added.



It is believed that Xis upcoming visit will elevate China-Finland relations, deepen the collaboration between China and Northern Europe, and contribute to the four major China-EU partnerships featuring peace, growth, reform and civilization, Wang told the press.



The economic and trade exchanges between China and Finland have a time-honored history. The inter-governmental trade and payment agreement they inked as early as 1953 was the first of such kind between China and the capitalistic West world.



The European nation also granted China treatment of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) in 1980. So far, China has remained as the largest trade partner of Finland in Asia for consecutive 13 years, while Finland was also Chinas biggest trading partner in Northern Europe for years.



In terms of commodities, Finland exported machinery and paper pulp to China, while at the same time imported clothing, home appliance as well as electronic devices from the latter.



Innovation has now become a highlight in their economic cooperation, which can be evident by several big deals related to innovation industries.



After the Beijing-based Synergy New Energy Technology Service Co.Ltd. acquired 85 percent stakes from the Finnish air cleaning expert AAVI Technologies in 2013, the air cleaning equipment developed by them has been put into production in 2016.



Last June, Chinas internet giant Tencent and its partners paid 8.6 billion dollars for the Finnish Clash of Clans mobile game maker Supercell.



China's Sunshine Kaidi New Energy Group, a renewable energy investment company, also announced its plan to invest about 1 billion euros in biofuel industry of Finland.



Finnish entrepreneurs are also encouraged by the business opportunities brought by China after the country decided to shift its economic growth towards an innovation-driven, sustainable and environment-friendly model.



Euroeat, an e-commerce retailer established by Finnish startup entrepreneur Richard Jarvinen, began to sell Northern Europe-made products to Chinese consumers three years ago.



Pic:

Finnish air cleaning expert AAVI Technologies opens its first experience store in a shopping mall located in Wangfujing Street, Beijing in March, 2017. (Source: official website of AAVI Technologies)



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News It is in Finlands interests to prioritize ties with China: politician

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



Finland also expects to open more direct flights to Chinese cities, the politician cited Rovaniemi, administrative capital of Finland's northernmost Lapland province, as an example, adding that Chinese visitors to the province increased over 40 percent each year.

By Guan Kejiang from Peoples Daily Chinese President Xi Jinpings upcoming Finnish trip, coming upon the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence, is the best evidence of bilateral traditional friendship, said former Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, adding that it is in his countrys interest to prioritize its ties with China.



He said so in an interview with the Peoples Daily before Xi kicks off his state visit to Finland on April 4.



Vanhanen first recalled his talks with Xi, then Vice President, in Helsinki seven years ago. He said that as Finnish Prime Minister then, he was happy to accompany Xi for a visit to Rovaniemi, known as hometown of Santa Claus.



He added that their talks in the capital city focused more on politics, economy and trade, while the Rovaniemi trip covered more on cultural exchanges and communication between young generations.



Most impressed by Xis fortitude and persistence, the former prime minister said that that Xi grew into a top leader by starting from grassroots, and what is more important is that he can implement all the far-sighted decisions he has made.



It is an easy job for politicians to make a commitment, but arduous efforts are required to fulfill those promises, he explained.



Vanhanen, current chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Parliament, stressed the importance of international cooperation amid the uncertainties brought by Brexit, US policies as well as rising tide of European protectionism.



Against such backdrop, the ideas on international cooperation, open market and multilateralism put forward by Xi at the Davos Forum earlier this year are impressive and significant, according to Vanhanen.



He urged each country to never damage the interests of the third parties while protecting their own interest and seeking bilateral resolutions, explaining that the world agendas are always intertwined and interconnected.



Each member of the world should abide by the common rules and safeguard international multilateral system, he said.



Xis Finnish trip on this special occasion, according to the official, is of great value. He said that the distance between both countries is not as far as someone imaged, since a flight between them only takes eight hours.



The direct flight between both countries is one reason why Finland could be one of Chinas largest trade partners in Northern Europe, he added.



Vanhanen said that the increasingly closer economic, trade and investment relations between both countries can be attributed to quite a number of reasons. A sound economic and trade environment, first of all, was ensured by their long-term political friendship and mutual respect.



The business expansion of some big Finnish companies in Chinese market paved a road for the countrys latecomers, he said, adding that their similar development strategies also contributed to an intensified relationship.



Chinas shift to a more sustainable economic growth has provided abundant business opportunities for clean energy, forestry, innovative technologies and other industries of Finland, he further pointed out.



Highly appreciating the Belt and Road initiative put forward by China, Vanhanen believed that his country can play a part in it.



Someone has advised to build a tunnel to connect Finland with Tallinn, capital and largest city of Estonia, so that the country will be included in the railway network linking Europe and Asia, he illustrated.



Finland also expects to open more direct flights to Chinese cities, the politician cited Rovaniemi, administrative capital of Finland's northernmost Lapland province, as an example, adding that Chinese visitors to the province increased over 40 percent each year.



With an aim to build an information Silk Road spanning Northern Europe and Asian nations, Finland has proposed to build a trans-Arctic data cable, he added.



Vanhanen stressed that the Finnish political circle holds friendly attitudes towards China because it is also in the interest of Finland to place China as a diplomatic priority.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News More cruise ships to be made in China

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



Its explosive industrial growth in recent years has made China the largest cruise shipping market in Asia. In the past decade, its passengers soared from less than 10,000 to 2.12 million last year, registering a 40-percent plus annual growth on average.

By Liu Zhiqiang from Peoples Daily Seeing the business potential of Chinas cruise liner industry, two industrial leaders recently concluded a strategic cooperation deal to build medium and small-sized cruise ships, which means that more cruise vessels will be made in China in the future.



According to the agreement inked by China Travel Service Group and China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the two companies will make every effort to deliver the first independently developed and operated medium- and small-sized cruise ship by the end of 2021 in Guangzhou.



Its explosive industrial growth in recent years has made China the largest cruise shipping market in Asia. In the past decade, its passengers soared from less than 10,000 to 2.12 million last year, registering a 40-percent plus annual growth on average.



But Chinas cruise shipping industry is still in bud given its small business size, poor market penetration, insufficient competitive edges and weak indigenous brand image.



The 18 cruise ships in service in Chinas coastal areas are all built by foreign makers and mostly operated by foreign firms.



Both as state-owned enterprises, the two partners will, by giving play to their advantages in tourism and equipment manufacturing, build an industrial chain covering sales, operation, design and manufacturing of cruise ships, in a bid to propel the development of the countrys cruise shipping industry.



They will, based on this cooperation, expand collaboration in marine tourism, high-end travel outfit and financial investment as well. The cruise shipping sector is also known as a golden industry floating on sea.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
A new freight train connecting China's northwestern city of Xi'an with Budapest, capital and most populous city of Hungary, has formally started operation after the first 41-carriage train departed from Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province on Saturday.



The train was loaded with over 100 items including garments, toys, daily necessities, household appliance and electronic products.



It will leave China through the Alataw Pass in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and pass Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia before reaching its destination in Hungary.



The trip spans 9.312 km and takes 17 days, over 30 days shorter than the previous sea and rail route.



It is the fourth freight train between China and Europe, following the routes linking Xian with Warsaw, Hamburg and Moscow. The trains will on one hand help Shaanxi province open up to the West, and on the other hand build a new global logistics corridor along the Silk Road Economic Belt.



Pic:

The first China-Europe new freight train linking Xi'an with Budapest is departing from Xian on April 1, 2017.










English News Op-ed: China-Finland friendship creates more energy for bilateral cooperation

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



At present, China and Finland are working to build a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership. This provides tremendous opportunities for expanding our relationship, he wrote in the article.

By Zhong Sheng, Peoples Daily Chinese President Xi Jinping headed to Finland for a state visit on Tuesday. It marks Xis first trip to a Northern European country as a head of state, as well as the first one by a Chinese president to Finland in 22 years.



One can gallop toward any distant destinations with a willing horse, and conquer all the difficulties with help from good friends. Finland was among the earliest Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the new China, and also the first Western nation that inked an inter-governmental trade agreement with China.



Back to 1952, Chinas five-starred red flag for the first time fluttered above an Olympic stadium thanks to the invitation of Finland, the host of 15th Summer Olympics held in its capital city Helsinki.



In 1970s, the European country was also among the minority Western supporters for restoring Chinas legitimate seat in the UN.



Xi, in a signed article entitled Our Enduring Friendship published on Finnish newspaper Helsinki Times ahead of his visit, gave the best interpretation to the profound friendship between the two peoples.



At present, China and Finland are working to build a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership. This provides tremendous opportunities for expanding our relationship, he wrote in the article.



The historic course has proven that both countries can only retain a vigorous and friendly cooperation by bearing the long-term and strategic significance in mind, upholding mutual respect, treating each other as equals, and seeking common development through mutually beneficial cooperation.



Finland is now Chinas third largest trading partner in Northern Europe, while China has been the formers largest trade partner in Asia for consecutive 14 years.



The European nation with a population of less than 6 million, as of 2016, had invested 541 projects in China, with the value totaling 1.36 billion dollars.



It is the innovation that broadens the prospects of bilateral collaboration. Since the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan China is devoted to shares multiple converging grounds with the European nations strategic plan named Vision: Finland 2025, both sides are presented with huge potential in their pragmatic cooperation in innovation, entrepreneurship, clean energy, bio economy and Arctic research.



Fruitful outcomes can definitely be yielded from such collaboration, of which the Sino-Finnish cleantech program named Beautiful Beijing and Finchi Innovation Center can serve as representative evidence.



The public of both countries are aspiring for a closer economic and trade relationship. Matti Vanhanen, former Finnish Prime Minister, said that Chinas efforts to shift its economy towards a more sustainable growth have provided abundant opportunities for the clean energy, forestry and innovation technology industries of Finland.



Finland shares similar development philosophy with China, added Vanhanen, current chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Parliament.



Finland is an EU state and the only Eurozone member in Northern Europe, so its relationship with China is also a key component of the overall Europe-China ties. As a staunch supporter to free trade, the country shares idea with China in global governance.



Given the current challenges laying ahead European integration and complicated changes in regional arena, China has stressed on multiple occasions that a prosperous and stable Europe is conducive to peaceful development of the world.



Believing that Europe has the wisdom and capabilities to overcome obstacles, China is willing to be a reliable partner of the continent.



It is expected that Xis upcoming tour will deepen China-Finland cooperation, promote sub-regional cooperation between China and the Northern Europe and boost China-EU collaboration.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
A bill that would allow Lockwood voters to create a high school district was resoundingly passed by the Montana House on Wednesday.

With a 97-3 margin, Senate Bill 139 is now headed for Gov. Steve Bullock's desk.

It would give a handful of Montana K-8 school districts the option to vote to expand into a high school district, opening the door to a split between Lockwood and Billings Public Schools.

Lockwood, a K-8 district, sends its high school-age students to Billings high schools. Lockwood, along with East Helena and Missoula Hellgate, championed a similar bill in 2015, but controversial provisions  namely an asset split between districts  sank the proposal.

A series of meetings beginning in 2015 between Billings and Lockwood trustees were contentious early, inflamed by Billings' redistricting process that removed a high school choice provision that applied only to Lockwood students. Later meetings were more cordial but reached little resolution between the districts.

Billings trustees are the last holdout among several education groups that opposed the 2015 bill. Helena interim Superintendent Jack Copps spoke in favor of the current bill, and it's supported by the state teacher's union.

The law would give K-8 districts that are eligible to expand to K-12 a five-year window to make the move. Districts would have to vote to expand, then vote again within two years to pass a bond to build a high school. If either vote fails, districts have to wait for another five-year window.

School District 2 has argued that the uncertainty of whether it will enroll Lockwood students in the future complicates its planning, especially for advanced and elective classes and special programs.

"Repeated consideration of an expansion bill makes any long-range fiscal and educational planning for our school district business challenging, if not impossible," wrote SD2 board chair Greta Besch Moen in a letter to legislators.

Based on changes in tax base and student enrollment, SD2 Chief Financial Officer Mike Arnold estimates that Billings would loose about $1.6 milion in budget authority in its current budget. His projections show a 2.65 mill increase in SD2's school year budget for Billings taxpayers. Previous Gazette projections and state projections also predicted a modest increase.

Billings trustees have aruged that Billings voters deserve to vote as well on a Lockwood split, given tax impacts. And SD2 has repeatedly questioned the willingness of Lockwood voters to pay for a high school.

Lockwood overwhelmingly passed a bond levy in 2006 to build a new middle school and update existing facilities. Since then, of eight levies put up for a vote, a building reserve levy in 2013 and a technology levy in 2012 passed. Bond levies for a sewer system failed four times before passing.

Gazette projections last spring estimated that taxes to build a new school could exceed $100 per year for 20 years on a $100,000 home. Accounting for changes in Lockwood's tax base, a $40 million school would cost about $55 per year for 20 years on a $100,000 home. That doesn't include interest on bonds.

Lockwood Superintendent Tobin Novasio previously said that he "absolutely" expects the bill to make it to Bullock's desk.

"There's no indication that he wouldn't sign it," Novasio said. "It's a bipartisan bill at this point. I can't imagine any reason why he wouldn't sign it."










English News Technology hub bridges China-Finland innovation cooperation

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



Whats more, an innovation cooperation center on technology between China and Finland has been set up in Helsinki by administrative committee of the hub, the Zhongguancun Development Group, the government of Haidian District where the park is located, together with Finnish governmental institutions.

By Li Ning from Peoples Daily The time-honored friendship and frequent high-level visits between China and Finland have given a boost to their in-depth collaboration. Zhongguancun, a technology hub in Beijing, also contributed to this process by working as a bridge of innovation cooperation between enterprises of the two countries.



Remarkable accomplishments have been yielded from the hubs endeavor in propelling exchanges of Chinese and Finnish institutions, mergers and market access of respective companies, personnel training and communication, project collaboration as well as technology transfer.



Its representative software park, for instance, has organized several delegations to visit Finland starting from 2004, and at the same time hosted Finnish prime minister, mayors, heads of industrial zones as well as other governmental and business delegations.



The software park has also organized forums themed on bilateral innovation cooperation and business dialogues, while registering a host of projects on inter-governmental cooperation.



Whats more, an innovation cooperation center on technology between China and Finland has been set up in Helsinki by administrative committee of the hub, the Zhongguancun Development Group, the government of Haidian District where the park is located, together with Finnish governmental institutions.



With concerted efforts from governmental departments, operation platforms and industrial parks, the center works as both nations stage for innovation cooperation.



Thanks to the platforms communication and mediation, China-funded companies have concluded the deals to acquire Finnish air cleaning expert AAVI Technologies, software house Progman and Mobile operating system maker Jolla.



It also managed to introduce SLUSH, a big event for Finnish startup, to China. As a platform and bridge connecting startups, tech talent with top-tier international investors, executives and media, SLUSH has grown into one of the leading startup and technology events in Europe.



SLUSH China was organized in the software park for the first time in 2015, during which 80 dialogue events were hosted for 1,200 guests, including 340 startups and 250 investors from 13 countries.



After the SLUSH event came to China, the center also played a propelling part in a cooperation agreement on innovation fund among Finpro, a public organization consisting of Export Finland, Visit Finland and Invest in Finland, administrative committee of Zhongguancun, and Haidian government, laying a foundation for further China-Finland cooperation in high-tech fields.



In a visit to the software park this February, Matti Vanhanen, former Finnish Prime Minister and current chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Parliament, praised the parks achievements in recent years.



Vanhanen, also former Chairman of the Centre Party, promised to expand a complementary and win-win technology cooperation between the two nations to more fields.



Pic:

Matti Vanhanen, former Finnish Prime Minister, former Chairman of the Centre Party and current chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Parliament, and his delegation visit Zhongguancun Software Park on February 21, 2017. (Photo: website of Zhongguancun Software Park)



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Los Angeles, CA. As the Trump Administration has made clear its intentions to ramp up deportation efforts, many immigrants to America are understandably concerned about their future in the United States. This is especially true for those with removable or inadmissible crimes on their record. For these individuals, there are few legal avenues in which to protect against deportation, absent a winning immigration waiver. One last option for people with a felony conviction is the attainment of a Governors Pardon to dismiss the criminal conviction, and to subsequently seek to avoid being removed due to a criminal history.



Historically, a Governor's Pardon has been a fairly uncommon occurrence. However, California Governor Jerry Brown has made pardons more usual in recent years, and has granted 854 pardons between 2011 and 2016. Further, in response to Trumps recent travel ban, Brown expressed defiance by declaring, California is not turning back. This boldness suggests, that Mr Brown may be willing to use his discretion to pardon, now more than ever. If you have been a law-abiding citizen since your criminal sentence, the pathway to a pardon may be open to you.



The application for a pardon as a California citizen is a two-step process. First, the applicant must file for, and be successful in an application for a Certificate of Rehabilitation. A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order declaring that a person convicted of a crime has been deemed rehabilitated. In the event the Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted, the applicant is able to petition for a pardon from the California governor.



A person is eligible to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation if he/she:



Has been convicted of a felony and served a sentence in a California prison or other state penal institution or agency;

Was discharged on completion of the sentence or released on parole prior to May 13, 1943;

Has not been incarcerated in a state prison or other state penal institution or agency since being released; and

Presents satisfactory evidence of three years residence in California immediately prior to the filing of the petition.

OR



Was convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor sex offense specified in Pen. Code  290, the accusatory pleading of which was dismissed pursuant to Pen. Code  1203.4;

Has not been incarcerated in any penal institution or agency since the dismissal of the accusatory pleading;

Is not on probation for the commission of any other felony; and

Presents satisfactory evidence of five years residence in California immediately prior to the filing of the petition.

The Certificate of Rehabilitation only applies to felonies and misdemeanor sex offenses. All other misdemeanors must go through the dismissal process. It is important to note however, that the dismissal of a misdemeanor will not prevent federal immigration authorities from removing an individual based on that dismissed charge. (see U.S. v. Alvarez-Varela, C.A.9 (Cal.) 2006, 175 Fed.Appx. 127, 2006 WL 908233) .



If an individual meets the eligibility standards, they may apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation by filing a petition with the Court. The petition includes:



application forms, letters of character, and other relevant documents.

Upon receipt of the petition, the court sets a hearing date. Typically, it takes about 120 days from the time the motion is filed to the date of the hearing, at which time the Judge will evaluate the application and determine whether or not to grant the applicant the Certificate of Rehabilitation.



If the court grants the Certificate, this will serve as an automatic application for a governor's pardon. The court will then forward your information to the governor's office, and the Certificate will be treated as a recommendation that the applicant be granted a pardon. However, the ultimate decision of whether or not to grant the pardon lies with Governor Jerry Brown.



It is important to note that the California Governors Pardon only helps an individual avoid the deportation or inadmissibility consequences of a criminal conviction, in some cases. As federal immigration policies become increasingly intertwined with state criminal justice structures, and as Congress has yet to rule definitively on the practical effect of a Governors Pardon on immigration status, the ultimate determination of whether or not to remove (previously called deport) often lies in the hands of the Board of Immigration Appeals. This determination is largely impacted by the particular crime the individual was convicted of.



There is however, one absolute advantage to obtaining a Governors Pardon, which is that the functional dismissal of a criminal conviction will remove many hurdles to other paths to permanent residency and U.S. Citizenship. As the Trump Administration has vowed to speed up removals of individuals with a criminal history, every non-U.S. citizen in the state of California with a criminal conviction must seriously consider contacting an attorney to discuss pardon, waiver, and permanent residency options in order to protect themselves and their families.



Daniel DeSaegher works with SanDiegoBizLaw, researching high-level immigration problems for people all over the United States and worldwide. For more information, call (619) 677-5727 or mailto:contact@SanDiegoBizLaw.com .












English News Xi Jinpings Finnish visit is of global significance: expert

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 6 Avril 2017



Chinas supports to European integration and devotion to economic globalization together with Europe, which have transcended bilateral scope, serve as a model for global governance and international multilateralism, Wang said.

By Zhang Yuannan from Peoples Daily The forthcoming trip will be Xis first visit to a Northern European country as a head of state, as well as his first tour to an EU member this year.



Enjoying a traditional friendship with China, Finland was among the earliest Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, and also the first Western nation that inked an inter-governmental trade agreement with China.



Thanks to the sound momentum of bilateral relations in recent years, it is expected that a number of new highlights will be generated from this visit, also the first one by a Chinese president to Finland in 22 years.



Wang Yiwei, director of the Center for EU Studies at Renmin University of China, said that as the only eurozone member in Northern Europe, Finland was the biggest victim of European debt crisis in the region.



In light of the current rising tide of de-globalization as well as bottlenecks laying ahead European integration, Finland hopes to propel free trade and economic globalization together with China, he added.



A friend in need is a friend indeed. Europe needs more support from China and gives it more weight when the European integration process is hampered by headwinds, the expert pointed out.



Chinas supports to European integration and devotion to economic globalization together with Europe, which have transcended bilateral scope, serve as a model for global governance and international multilateralism, Wang said.



He believed that Xis upcoming visit will definitely elevate China-Finland relationship, deepen cooperation between China and Northern Europe and contribute to four major China-EU partnerships featuring peace, growth, reform and civilization.



Finland, located along Baltic Sea and Arctic region, also works as a belt linking the Belt and Road routes with the Eurasian continent. The 16+1 cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European countries can stretch to this nation as well.



Some Finnish scholars regarded the adventure of Carl Gustaf Mannerheim, a Finnish statesman and explorer also known as Marshal of Finland", in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as a preface to concerted efforts of both nations in Belt and Road construction, Wang pointed, adding that his equestrian statue in Helsinki depicts Finlands bond with the route.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Why should the U.S. federal government subsidize the arts? Does it or should it divert public funds from military or security concerns to support ballet? Art and culture are not universal tastes or necessities, as are health care and education. Rather, the arts are often, and perhaps usually, a minority interest.

Understandably, the majority may not want to subsidize a minority interest or taste. Since we live, at least in democratic societies, where art and culture do not, as in the court of Louis XIV or in Stalin's Soviet Union, glorify a particular ruler or a political system or religious belief, funding must come from secular sources, private or governmental.

Some U.S. presidents have thought the arts are important and worth subsidizing. George Washington in 1788 remarked that "the arts and sciences are essential to the prosperity of the state and to the ornament and happiness of human life." Franklin Roosevelt, during the Great Depression, set up an arts unit of the Works Progress Administration that would employ more than 40,000 participants.

Lyndon Johnson signed the act setting up the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), as well as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), in 1965 to promote the creative capacities of citizens. The act reads, "[A]rt is a nation's most precious heritage, for it is in our works of art that we reveal to ourselves and to others, the inner vision which guide us as a nation." Where there is no vision, the people perish.

In the U.S., support for the arts is not tied to a particular political party. Though some were surprised, President Richard Nixon increased funding for the arts.

Now, President Donald Trump is imitating President Ronald Reagan, who, in 1981, thought of ending the cultural agencies, the NEA and NEH, that were created as independent federal agencies. Reagan's close friend Charlton Heston persuaded Reagan not to do so. Trump has proposed ending them to save money, but so far no Hollywood superstar has appeared to argue against the proposal.

Many economists agree that the U.S. federal budget should be reduced or not increased, but if this is to be done, the crucial problem is how the reduction is to take place. Almost all activity in sectors of the U.S. economy  agriculture, manufacturing, communications  receives some form of subsidy. Why not the arts, though some of the individuals and groups receive direct income through public attendance and support? Funding from other sources is at the heart of the issue.

The facts are clear that U.S. federal subsidies of arts and cultural programs are only a small part of the overall budget. In 2016, the NEA got $147 million, 0.004% of the federal budget. In 2015, its budget was $146 million. That small amount was used to award 2,300 grants, and studies prove that it generated more than that $60 billion in income and thousands of jobs to the economy.

The NEA is the only funder that provides funding in all the 50 states. More than 80% is distributed in grants and awards to organizations and individuals. About 40% of the budget for grants is given directly to the arts agencies of the states and regions to distribute. The other 60% goes to individuals and organizations that apply for grants. The majority of direct grants, about 65%, goes to small and medium-sized organizations, often providing the lifeblood to those organizations. Large organizations get 35% of grant awards.

NEA reports reveal that 40% of activities and support take place in high-poverty neighborhoods, and 36% of grants go to organizations that reach populations it considers underserved, such as people with disabilities and veterans and inhabitants of rural areas without museums or orchestras. The individual states usually provide matching funding in these areas, but the state governments won't step in to make up the difference. Furthermore, the matches will dry up without the incentive of federal funding.

NEA sponsoring is widespread: more than 5,000 artists, creative writing, literary fellowships, concerts, festivals, tours of symphony orchestras, broadcasts of opera, theater productions, chamber music ensembles, four jazz masters a year (including Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sonny Rollins), and hundreds of exhibits of works by contemporary visual artists in museums and other public spaces.

A number of arguments are advanced to eliminate or minimize U.S. federal funding.

One form of opposition to federal funding is focused on the argument that the grants given to the organizations are given more to wealthier people and for minority tastes than to the poorer part of the community and those with more popular preferences, but the statistics quoted above suggest that this is overstated.

A second argument is that funding is bad for the recipients themselves. It is based on the view that the arts exist in a free society and organizations and individuals should compete in the public sphere to gain funding and be successful. But it is illogical, given the fact that the federal government subsidizes other segments of the economy.

In 1821, Percy Shelley wrote A Defense of Poetry, declaiming that poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world, that they establish the legal norms in a civil society and are basic to the moral and social function of society. Few today would advocate government funding for the arts in such grandiose fashion, but more mundane defenses are appropriate.

Representative Leonard Lance (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, argues that the arts organizations create jobs in construction, tourism, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Others have argued that funding has a multiplier effect by contributing to the economy. Former senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.) spoke against proposals to cut the arts budget because it would mean the end of the annual cowboy poetry festival that draws thousands of people to his home state of Nevada.

A common argument is that arts provide vital services to youth, improve the quality of life, and enrich and unify society. One study showed that theater in schools increases youngsters' capacity to communicate, to learn. and to be more tolerant.

Positive opinions differ on whether art elevates or entertains or is provocative. Either way, the case for continued U.S. governmental funding is strong.
Kassie Runsabove knows firsthand how hard it can be for Native Americans to navigate the health care system, because she too had to figure it out.

Now the Child Ready Montana program coordinator and cultural liaison at St. Vincent Healthcare, Runsabove gave birth years ago to a girl suffering from asthma. Her daughters triggers included major features of powwows and other cultural events the family enjoyed  hay, dust and horses among them.

Runsabove decided to stay home with her daughter for the first two years until she visited a lung specialist and told the doctor its important for me to be whole and again participate in cultural events she loved.

Lets put her on allergy medications and boost her steroids, the specialist told Runsabove, and it worked  along with the fact that Runsaboves mother quit smoking.

I am very proactive about the importance of cultural activities, and thats why I share the information I do, she told a group gathered over the lunch hour Wednesday at Billings Public Library.

Only 12 percent of adults, Native and non-Native alike, have attained a proficient health literacy, according to one national assessment. Our hospitals are dependent that patients have knowledge before they enter our system, she said. Right out of the gate, Natives have to understand health insurance, because its not a concept we are used to.

On the reservations, American Indians receive care from the Indian Health Service. Its been instilled in us that in exchange for our land wed be provided health care and education, she said. Now it can be difficult to navigate. What our grandmas tell us and what the system tells us is often two different things.

Native populations see high rates of diabetes and the complications that can follow that disease. But for some, entering a large hospital can be more challenging than visiting their local clinic.

At the clinic, you know the receptionist and you know where each department is, she said.

St. Vincent Healthcare tries to allay that fear by walking people where they need to go. Its a core value we have, she said.

In the hospital emergency room, the circumstance you have may not be urgent, so you dont require immediate attention, she said. You may be seen last if the urgency warrants it, and that may make you feel like youre not important. You may say that your problem wasnt really treated and youre still sick and hurting, and you may go a longer time before your next visit.

Runsabove urges patients to establish a relationship with a primary care provider, someone you can sit and talk with.

Shes glad she did. One recent weekend she was dancing in Havre when she heard the fascia tendon in her foot pop. Her primary care provider and nurse told her to come see an orthopedist at a walk-in clinic in Billings.

I knew the injury was painful and intense, but because I had a primary care provider, I knew it didnt require an emergency room visit, which as you know can be expensive, she said.

Mostly because of Medicaid expansion, providers are starting to see a lot more insured patients, Native and not, she said. St. Vincent Healthcare has a steering committee to aid Native patients, and administrators are discussing hiring additional people to increase cultural competencies.

Now my work is more about building capacity within the system, helping patients to feel more comfortable, she said.
April 6, 2017 is the centennial of one of the greatest disasters in the history of American government. President Woodrow Wilson, days earlier, had asked Congress to declare war on Germany, effectively entering the First World War on the side of the Allied Powers. Wilson gave no compelling arguments for sending American men across the ocean to die.

The most common rationale was that the Germans resumed "unrestricted submarine warfare," but those are specious grounds, using rules largely written by the British, who controlled the surface of the seas. The Germans went to great lengths to assuage American opinion, even running advertisements in American newspapers warning shipping firms and the public of the danger of sailing in certain zones.

Why was it fine to stop a freighter with wheat sailing from neutral America to neutral Holland, upon threat of sinking, which is precisely what the Royal Navy did throughout the war? Both sides were using every tool they possessed to force the other to make peace. Blockades of neutral nations by the British, surprise U-Boat attacks by the Germans, poison gas, and flamethrowers and other horrors were used by both.

All of the six major combatants  Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Russia  were imperfect nations, but none of these remotely approached the great evil powers we would see in the Second World War. All six of these  including imperial Germany and tsarist Russia  had elected national assemblies with multiple political parties that were openly critical of the regime.

Most importantly, by April 1917, all six of these nations were desperate for peace and so repulsed by the nightmare of modern, industrialized, nationalized war that nothing more than an armistice was needed to insure peace for the next hundred years. In the years after the First World War ended, one thing Frenchmen, Germans, and Brits could agree on is that nothing could ever justify another war. Even in the pre-war years of Hitler, while the Germans relished his bloodless conquests, they dreaded actual conflict.

The reason Wilson asked Congress to declare war is pretty well understood. Wilson believed that government is the proper cure for national problems. The Federal Reserve System, that unaccountable and supra-constitutional invention that plagues us to this day, was one of his "cures" for a problem that did not exist.

Total victory by the Allied Powers would create the prospect of imposing terms and creating a system of international government. War also allowed Wilson to terrorize citizens who expressed the slightest doubt about going to war or the least sympathy for Germany's position. Americans were arrested without warrant or probable cause, and civil liberties were ruthlessly squashed.

Wilson asked Congress to declare war on April 2, but he could have been thwarted and the world saved much misery if Congress on April 6 had done the right thing and voted not to declare war. If Congress had done so, then the First World War would have ended in a negotiated peace at some point soon, and America could have offered its good offices (although with financial help to both sides) to reach a lasting and fair peace.

Hitler would never have come to power, and Nazism would have never grabbed Germany by the throat. Lenin would never have been able to overthrow the Provisional Government of Kerensky, the non-Marxist and non-totalitarian regime that replaced the tsar. There would have been no Second World War, no Holocaust, and no Holodomor.

Congress failed to check Wilson, though the Senate, at least, would soon enough burst the bubble of his League of Nation fantasy. Congress was invested by the Constitution with great powers, much greater than the two other branches, and the power to declare (or not declare) war is surely among the greatest of those powers.

One hundred years ago, when it counted most, Congress failed the American people; failed the nation; and, perhaps most importantly, failed its own institutional purpose. Congress was intended to be the bulwark of the states (the Senate) and the people (the House) against rogue presidents and the pox of internationalism, a sickness the Founding Fathers feared.

All the hubbub in history programs this April is about "America entering the First World War," but the real story is Congress assuming the position of lapdog to a lousing president, something it did not have to do.
Theres an old cliche that applies to many situations: Follow the money. This means, of course, that many actions, statements and rationalizations are best understood when the observer realizes that the initiator has their own financial self-interests at heart as they undertake various acts and then attempt to explain them.

In the current political environment, there is a close corollary to Follow the Money: Follow the Votes. Many issues cause politicians and activists on both sides to engage in logic-defying, contradictory actions and statements in their transparent attempt to convince voters.

Global Warming is certainly a prime example of this. Whether its Barbara Streisand maintaining her famously lavish, energy-intensive homestead, or Leonardo DiCaprio flying in an eyebrow artist 7500 miles from Australia to make himself look pretty for his Oscars attendance or Global Warming Champions Al Gore and Robert Kennedy Jr. famously taking fuel-gulping/pollution-spewing private jets to various events, the degree of hypocritical actions and statements in support of pet political causes is nothing short of incredible.

The hilariously-but-tragically labeled subject of choice is another perfect case. The apparent utter disregard for human decency and compassion that leads supposedly Catholic Democratic politicians like John Kerry and Nancy Pelosi to support unrestricted late-term abortion -- essentially the birth of a full-term child who is then mercilessly killed upon delivery, just seconds before qualifying as a legal life -- is a horrifyingly excellent illustration of Follow the Votes. We must have choice, after all, and we must capture the voters who support that.

However, as spot-on as the above examples are, there is one subject that defines Follow the Votes better than any other. That issue is immigration. Specifically, it is the leniency towards illegal immigration espoused by Democrats.

By current estimates, there are somewhere around 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States. Most have come through our southern border from Mexico and other Latin countries. U.S. southern border security is less than Berlin Wall-esque tight, to put it mildly. Republicans and Democrats alike decry our immigration system as broken and constantly cite the need for some vague, sweeping comprehensive immigration reform, the details of which are frustratingly never delineated in an actual bill.

The crux of the illegal immigration issue is the fact that children born to illegal immigrants residing in the United States automatically become U.S. citizens, with all the rights and privileges that that status confers -- including the right to vote. Democrats vehement defense of sanctuary cities, their oh-so-concerned, outraged protests over Republicans supposed desire to wantonly deport illegals and cold-heartedly break up families, the Dems dramatic assertions that illegals play an indispensible role in our economy, pay taxes and do jobs that Americans wont do, it all amounts to nothing more than a disingenuous smokescreen in an effort to obscure their actual intent: to grow the ranks of future Democratic voters.

Latinos are the fastest-growing American demographic group and the prediction that the United States will become a majority minority country within a generation is based in large part on the growth of the Latino segment. Democrats can read predictive demographic trends as well -- or better than -- Republicans and have therefore oriented their illegal immigration strategy accordingly, realizing full well that illegal immigrants are low-income people whose families will be in need of Democratic-sponsored entitlement programs. The citizen offspring of illegal immigrants will be guaranteed reliable Democratic voters.

This brings us to the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which is offered as the rationale for why children of illegals become U.S. citizens. When the 14th Amendment was adopted in 1868, its primary intent was to ensure that newly-freed slaves were accorded full citizenship and rights under the Constitution. It is the famous opening clause,

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

that is cited as the primary reason for the U.S.-born offspring of illegal immigrants being accorded full citizenship.

Some Constitutional scholars assert that illegal immigrants are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Rather, they are subject to the jurisdiction of their native country, since they have entered the United States illegally without any formally-recognized renunciation of allegiance to their own country, and therefore the jurisdiction reasoning of the 14th Amendment does not apply to them.

Nonetheless, in 1982, Supreme Court Justice William Brennan Jr. -- a staunchly liberal justice who supported abortion rights and opposed the death penalty -- made a ruling that read, ...no plausible distinction with respect to the 14th Amendment jurisdiction can be drawn between resident aliens whose entry into the United States was lawful, and resident aliens whose entry was unlawful.

This addendum by Brennan is widely regarded as the modern-day legal justification for the citizenship of children born to illegal immigrants. No argument is being made here as to the logic or defensibility of Brennans 1982 ruling. But that ruling has given rise to a concerted Democratic political strategy spanning the last 35 years: maximize -- by any means needed, by any remotely-plausible argument, by demonization as inhumane anyone who opposes it -- the presence of illegal immigrants in the U.S. so that they have as many citizen children as possible to swing the future voting pendulum permanently in favor of the Democrats.

Follow the votes. Every Democratic position, utterance and policy proposal regarding illegal immigration is geared towards that goal.
The chemical weapon attack by the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad on the rebel-held town Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province on April 4 once again underscores what a foreign policy failure President Obama was and what a serial liar Susan Rice is.

On January 16, 2017, Rice, who served as U.N. ambassador during Obamas first term and was rewarded for her Benghazi lies with the post of National Security Advisor, where she could be compelled to testify before Congress, gave what amounted to an exit interview with NPR. During the interview she crowed about the Obama administrations success in eliminating the threat of Syrian chemical weapons:

We were able to find a solution that didn't necessitate the use of force that actually removed the chemical weapons that were known from Syria, in a way that the use of force would never have accomplished. Our aim in contemplating the use of force following the use of chemical weapons in August of 2013 was not to intervene in the civil war, not to become involved in the combat between Assad and the opposition, but to deal with the threat of chemical weapons by virtue of the diplomacy that we did with Russia and with the Security Council. We were able to get the Syrian government to voluntarily and verifiably give up its chemical weapons stockpile.

Tell that, Ms. Rice, to the children of Khan Sheikoun who succumbed to the horrible effects of the sarin gas dropped on them by Syrian forces with the support of their Russian allies. You and your boss colluded with the Russians to keep Assad in power and give Russia a free hand in Syria. Your claim of having removed the threat of Syrian chemical weapons was a lie, as phony as the statement President Obama made after the tragedy of Aleppo. As CNBC reported the statement President Obama made as he washed his hands of all guilt and responsibility:

"With respect to Syria of what I have consistently done is taken the best course that I can to end the civil war and having also taken into account of the long-term national security interest of the United States," he said. "Unless we were all in and willing to take over Syria, we were going to have problems," Obama said in the news conference, noting that it would have required "putting large numbers of U.S. troops on the ground, uninvited, without any international law mandate." "Responsibility for this brutality lies in one place alone: with the Assad regime and its allies Russia and Iran. And this blood and these atrocities are on their hands," Obama said.

No, sir -- the responsibility for this horror lies with you, and the blood of Aleppo and Khan Sheikoun is on your and Susan Rices hands. It is you who drew the red lines in Syria and there would be consequences if they were crossed. It is you who said Assad must go. There were no consequences and Assad, protected by Russia, is still there.

As Investors Business Daily editorialized on Obamas disappearing red lines in Syria:

Syria's chemical weapons are on the move, their precursor chemicals having been mixed, a crossing of a line drawn by President Obama Aug. 20 when he said "a red line for us is we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons moving around or being utilized." So our resolute president decides to draw another line  that if Syria's Bashar al-Assad makes use of those weapons, presumably against his own people or neighbors, he will face "consequences." Obama's appeasement has come home to roost. Assad remembers how Clinton, appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation," dismissed the idea of U.S. military action or regime change in Syria, claiming that unlike Libya's Moammar Gadhafi, Assad was considered to be a "reformer" by "many of the members of Congress."

Yep, your Secretary of State and defeated presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called Assad a reformer:

Apparently neither Mrs. Clinton nor Defense Secretary Robert Gates sees Syria as an outlaw nation. Both said Sunday that Syria was different from Libya and that we would not be lobbing cruise missiles into Damascus in another "humanitarian" effort.

"Many of the members of Congress of both parties who have gone to Syria in recent months have said they believe he's a reformer," Clinton said without disputing the assessment. She also drew a distinction between Libya's use of tanks and aircraft against its protesters and "police actions, which, frankly, have exceeded the use of force that any of us would want to see." Obama and Clinton intervened in Libya to prevent the slaughter of civilians, turning Libya into a failed state and an incubator of terrorism. Yet neither did anything to prevent the slaughter in Syria when they could have easily done so.

Why did we do nothing in Syria? Perhaps for the same reason we did nothing to prevent Russias invasion of Ukraine -- the Iran deal. Obama, who once promised Russian President Medvedev more flexibility after Obamas reelection, didnt want to offend Putin. He needed Russias help in securing the Iran deal. Taking out Assad would have offended Tehran. So Obama and Clinton sacrificed both Ukraine and Syria to get the Iran deal and put $150 billion in the hands of Iran, a state sponsor of terror and a mass murderer of U.S. troops in both Lebanon and Iraq.

This reformer moved his chemical weapons and he did nothing. He used his chemical weapons and he did nothing. Seeing no resistance, Russia moved in to protect Assad and safeguard its access to the Syrian port of Tarus on the Mediterranean.

He could have done a lot, and it did not involve ground troops. He could have parked an aircraft carrier, 90,000 tons of American diplomacy, off the Syrian coast. He could have ordered air strikes and destroyed the Syrian air force within 24 hours. Then he could have established a no-fly zone protecting a safe haven in Syria. He could have prevented the slaughter in Aleppo, as well as the flood of refugees into Europe. But he didnt.

The rise of ISIS, which Obama calls ISIL so he can omit the S that stands for Syria, is a direct result of the vacuum he created In Iraq by his precipitous withdrawal after victory in Iraq had been won.

President Bush left a stable Iraq, one where Shiite and Sunnis had learned to coexist and resist a common al-Qaida enemy. There were free and fair elections and we all remember the pictures of Iraqi women holding up their purple fingers indicating they had proudly voted in those elections. Now we have the mass graves of ISIS, beheadings, and what can only be called the ethnic cleansing of Christians.

It is a myth, as the White House now claims, that President Obama inherited an Iraqi mess from President Bush and had no choice but to withdraw U.S. troops in the absence of a status of forces agreement. The problem was not that Iraq and Prime Minister Noor al Maliki wanted the U.S. to leave, but that the force Obama wanted to leave was just too small. As Patrick Brennan has written in National Review:

These claims dont jibe with what we know about how the negotiations with Iraq went. Its the White House itself that decided just 23,000 troops made sense, when the Defense Department and others were proposing more. Maliki was willing to accept a deal with U.S. forces if it was worth it to him -- the problem was that the Obama administration wanted a small force so that it could say it had ended the war. Having a very small American force wasnt worth the domestic political price Maliki would have to pay for supporting their presence. In other words, its not correct that the al-Maliki government wanted American troops to leave.

Obama destroyed Libya for no good reason, and sacrificed Syria so that he could pursue the dangerous and flawed Iran deal. He created the vacuum ISIS filled in Iraq and Syria. The blood of Aleppo is on nobodys hands but his, Hillary Clintons and yours, Susan Rice.

Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
It is hard to explain why Bashar Assad used nerve gas -- probably Sarin -- in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Syrias northern Idlib province. On the surface, at least, it would seem to be a totally counterproductive and reckless move likely to anger the Europeans, the Americans, and even his patrons the Russians. Then why would he do it?

It was a surprise, coming as it did immediately after U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley announced that regime change in Syria was no longer a priority and the U.S. focus would be on ISIS. This was a major change from the Obama administration and should have reassured Assad that he could hang on as ruler of Syria. But some pundits saw the U.S. policy shift as a perverse incentive for Assad, making it possible for him to believe he could use highly lethal chemical weapons without fear of retaliation. The Sarin would thus be a test of whether the new policy was real. To some degree, the announcement by the British prime minister that the UK had no retaliatory plans despite the attack might seem to be evidence for this argument.

It is a considerable stretch, though, to think Assad would use chemical weapons to test an American policy shift, particularly because this particular shift would have helped Assad and the Alawite minority cut a final deal that preserved their domination. It is doubtful that is the explanation.

The more likely truth is that Assad was deeply afraid that the U.S. policy shift was part of a secret deal with the Russians, one that he had to head off.

In 2014, after the first documented government use of chemicals against the Syrian population, Russia and the United States struck a deal for the removal and liquidation of Assads Sarin and other chemical stocks. Part of the importance of the deal lay in the fact that it was negotiated directly between Russias foreign minister and Americas secretary of state, making Russia and the United States the high-level guarantors of Assads compliance. There was not much compliance, actually -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said chemical stocks remained and 5 of 12 chemical plants were still operating months after the disposal was supposed to have occurred. But regardless of what they knew (and regardless of Assads use of chlorine gas), the deal was considered a success until Khan Sheikhoun. This first use of Sarin since the agreement poses a direct challenge to both countries, but especially to Russia.

Why? The answer is that Assad, as paranoid as he surely is, suspected that the administrations announcement on regime change policy was an opening bid by the United States to cut a deal with the Russians on a general Syrian settlement. Syrian policy makers could easily construe the FBIs ongoing investigations in Washington as proof of a Trump-Putin alliance. And that would be terrifying.

Russia has been looking for a way out of the Syrian war that would preserve Russian bases and political power. But its attempt to get a deal failed when both the regime and the rebels basically disowned the idea of a negotiated settlement. In addition, Russian support for Kurdish autonomy in Syria angered Assad almost as much as it did Turkey. From Assads point of view, he is hostage to the whims of the Russians and their surrogates, primarily Iran. He may see his regime being sold out, or Syria cantonized into ethnic enclaves (which was actually Russias plan), which would appear to him ever more likely if the U.S. and Russia were colluding.

Even the Syrians read newspapers, and they could conclude (as the Democrats in the U.S. and some Republicans like John McCain are trying hard to promote) that President Trump is in league with Putin. In Syria, conspiracies are the staff of life, mothers milk, the air you breathe -- even if they are nonsense.

The Russians have been scrambling to come up with some way to explain how the Sarin came to be used, first claiming there were no Syrian government planes in the area. If that were the truth, the Russians would have brought out radar track maps (easily available) to prove their case. No tracks, no planes. One can assume the Russians did not show evidence because it would did not support the claim.

It took the Russians nearly 48 hours to come up with what they believed might be a plausible argument -- for the gullible, at least. Essentially acknowledging Syrian aircraft in the region, they said a Syrian rocket hit a warehouse where the rebels were stockpiling chemical weapons. The chemicals then leaked, killing the civilians in Khan Sheikhoun. So far at least, most governments and the UN have rejected the story as unconvincing and fabricated. In practical terms, nerve gas dissipates fairly quickly and is not persistent -- and there is scant evidence that the rebels in Syria have any. And that would not account for the subsequent attack on a hospital treating victims of the Sarin attack.

Considered from this angle, Assads return to bombing targets with Sarin nerve gas may have been intended to demonstrate independence from both superpowers and make it nearly impossible for an engineered settlement to be imposed on the regime. With the U.S. angry and up in arms, and the Russians forced to defend their indefensible client, the sacrifice of some hapless civilians could have been, in Assads view, a cynically effective way to hold off the dogs. For now.
One hundred years ago this week, the United States entered World War I after President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany to make the word safe for democracy. Unlike Europe, America did not enter the war for survival. Instead, it entered the war because of a philosophy  the notion that freedom and democracy are noble virtues worth defending in blood. The anniversary offers a stark reminder that for much of its history the United States believed it was worthy of influencing the world with its virtues and proud of its accomplishments in the grand arc of human history. Now that notion seems antiquated, outdated, and even immoral. Americans, including our representative leadership in government, are reluctant to assert their moral authority to lead the world.

Of course, this was a principle conservative criticism of President Barack Obama. He was reluctant to spread our virtues in other nations without sufficient qualifiers that such actions were only necessary for American security. Matt Drudge and other conservative news sites frequently broadcast images of Obama bowing to foreign leaders, traditionally taboo for any American president. The message was clear: no one nation or civilizations values are superior to anothers, including Americas.

However, President Obamas outlook is in many ways shared by President Donald Trump. His foreign policy also asserts the United States has no interest in asserting American values or moral leadership in the world. America First does not mean he wishes to promote or defend American values. Instead, it means withdrawing from the world stage and looking out for us and only us. When Trump was asked about Vladimir Putins brutal atrocities, he simply replied, You think our country is so innocent? The implication is clear: from slavery, to Hiroshima, to Vietnam, to Iraq, our hands are dirty and thus we have no business pretending otherwise. America will no longer be the worlds policeman.

Americas competitors and enemies certainly dont share a cynical view of themselves. China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran all draw from a deep well of confidence in their civilizations history and mission for the future. They know and understand their past includes plenty of wrongs and sins, but that does not stop them from asserting their values and working to shape the world in their image.

The reasons for American retreat on the world stage are numerous and diverse. Most empires, from Rome to Britain, eventually grow tired of the weight of the responsibility. We take for granted the benefits that come with it and we grow complacent in the prosperity and security it brings. Despite whatever political headaches we may have at home, we are richer, healthier, and more at peace than at any other time in our history. Like Seinfeld or Michael Jordan, we as a society have reached the top and have no aspirations or motivation to achieve more. We simply wish to maintain the status quo and minimize what burdens remain for us.

Besides, even if we did aspire to spread our values, what values would those be? Does America even have a collective vision or set of values anymore? One of our few unifying beliefs -- opposition to ideological terrorism -- doesnt offer much direction because foreign intervention to stop it is seen as causing more of it. We generally agree on equal rights and more liberties at home, but were willing to turn a blind eye toward abuses of it abroad if it doesnt disrupt our own peace and prosperity. Even free trade, once a cornerstone of American foreign policy, is under attack from both sides of the political aisle.

This cynical view of Americas purpose now appears to be the commonly accepted position in Washington and its certainly the dominant philosophy offered at most schools and universities. America no longer knows what its about or why its values and virtues are worth defending.

It was not always this way. There was a time when America revered the concepts of freedom, liberty, and democracy and was willing to shed blood in defense of it. This week we remember such a time with Americas entrance into World War I. Our place in that war, and indeed our place on the world stage in the 20th century, is best described in the words of Vera Brittain, an English nurse serving in France:

Only a day or two afterwards I was leaving quarters to go back to my ward, when I had to wait to let a large contingent of troops march past me along the main road that ran through our camp. They were swinging rapidly towards Camiers, and though the sight of soldiers marching was too familiar to arouse curiosity, an unusual quality of bold vigour in their swift stride caused me to stare at them with puzzled interest. They looked larger than ordinary men; their tall, straight figures were in vivid contrast to the under-sized armies of pale recruits to which we had grown accustomed. At first I thought their spruce, clean uniforms were those of officers, yet obviously they could not be officers, for there were too many of them; they seemed, as it were, Tommies in heaven. Had yet another regiment been conjured from our depleted Dominions? I wondered, watching them move with such rhythm, such dignity, such serene consciousness of self-respect. But I knew the colonial troops so well, and these were different; they were assured where the Australians were aggressive, self-possessed where the New Zealanders were turbulent. Then I heard an excited exclamation from a group of Sisters behind me. Look! Look! Here are the Americans! I pressed forward with the others to watch the United States physically entering the war, so God-like, so magnificent, so splendidly unimpaired in comparison with the tired, nerve-racked men of the British Army. So these were our deliverers at last, marching up the road to Camiers in the spring sunshine! There seemed to be hundreds of them, and in the fearless swagger of their proud strength they looked a formidable bulwark against the peril looming from Amiens. An uncontrollable emotion seized me  as such emotions often seized us in those days of insufficient sleep; my eyeballs pricked, my throat ached, and a mist swam over the confident Americans going to the front. The coming of relief made me realise all at once how long and how intolerable had been the tension, and with the knowledge that we were not, after all, defeated, I found myself beginning to cry.

Thats the America that was. Will it be that way again?

Joshua Claybourn is an attorney and author in Indiana. In his legal practice he advises corporations, governmental entities, and elected officials on a wide range of issues, including regulatory compliance and economic development. Joshuas work has been published in the Federalist, National Review Online, World Magazine, and The Washington Times, among others. Hes also been a featured guest on numerous radio and television shows, including the Hugh Hewitt Show, CNN, and MSNBC. Joshuas personal home page is at JoshuaClaybourn.com.
All this business about Russians and elections and surveillance makes my head spin. I have questions  twenty, to be exact. Here they are, in random order.

1. During her presidential campaign, did Hillary Clinton have top-secret security clearance and access to Obama's Presidential Daily Report (PDR)  a level of security not available to Donald Trump at the time  and if so, might intel on the Trump campaign have had political cash value for Clinton?

2. During the presidential campaign, did Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin also have access to Obama's PDRs by virtue of their affiliation with Hillary Clinton  or as a result of having their security clearances extended  and if so, might this information have been of value to the Clinton campaign?

3. If millions of global communications are swept up daily by our intelligence community, and then national security queries are made into the data in preparation for the daily PDR, what are the numerical odds that Donald Trump or people affiliated with him will continually pop up if he or they are not part of the search query?

4. If our intelligence community can leave fingerprints on a hacking job to make it look as though another government did the hacking, what evidence can they provide to distinguish between the two?

5. Beyond CrowdStrike's claim about Russian attempts to interfere in last year's presidential race, which they have since walked back, what independent evidence can our intelligence community offer to show successful Russian manipulation of the election  something with a degree of certainty at least as reliable as a weekend weather forecast or a mere harrumph, harrumph?

6. Wasn't it Barack and Hillary who offered a "reset button" to Russia back in 2009?

7. Other than an alleged ax to grind with Hillary Clinton over her interference in Russian elections, what motive would Putin have to undermine Clinton instead of Trump, other than likeability, trustworthiness, and integrity, or the lack thereof?

8. Does the Russian uranium deal and the millions in contributions to the Clinton Foundation from Russian financial sources make one think Trump would fit Russia's interests better than Clinton?

9. If Trump does fit Russia's interests better, despite the waste of money on Clinton, why is that a bad thing?

10. Did the Obama administration get caught with its pants down  thinking Hillary was a lock to win the election  and now has to cover up for treasonous, seditious, or otherwise illegal surveillance of American citizens for political purposes?

11. Why is Barack Obama out of the country for such a long time, concealed from the public eye and unavailable for reporters' questions  and where are Michelle and Valerie these days?

12. Where did those three Awan brothers go, and why isn't anyone asking?

13. Why would Assad use chemical weapons against fellow citizens  as it is alleged he did this week  when such an act was absolutely unnecessary and only would cause more problems for the stability of his regime and his economy?

14. Why would the Russian government want guilt by association with Assad after they spent their own blood and treasure to oppose ISIS to stabilize Syria and the Assad government?

15. Does the Assad used chemical weapons again meme have anything to do with trying to get our attention off the surveillance questions being asked  as in Hey! Look! A shiny object!?

16. Given Susan Rice's admirable pedigree and undeniable penchant for hot water  with Benghazi, Bergdahl, and now the unmasking of Trump and associates  is it fair to ask if she's a closet masochist?

17. Is Hillary and Bill, Inc. responsible for creating the Russia meme, the ongoing effort to destroy Donald Trump, the scapegoating of Susan Rice, the redirect to Syria, and the fact that I'm asking five questions instead of one?

18. Why aren't investigative journalists drilling down on these issues?

19. Does that last question make me a masochist?

20. Should I ask Susan Rice?

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

R. Stephen Bowden blogs at the Steve Bowden Journal at http://bowdenbeat.blogspot.com.
The news of the week is that Trump's second pick as national security adviser, Army lieutenant general McMaster, has kicked Steve Bannon off the National Security Council. The W.H. is spinning it to the effect that Bannon's job there is over, since he doesn't need to keep an eye on Flynn. Or because Susan Rice has been outed. Or something. There's a lot more to this story, with McMaster emerging with more power. This is not good news.

The Deep State operatives in the Obama administration knew what they were doing when they targeted retired lieutenant general Mike Flynn, President Trump's first pick as national security adviser. Flynn was one of the strongest, most honest voices in Washington on the threat of Islam's jihadi ambitions. Although President Trump declared what happened to Flynn "very unfair," he fired him anyway and appointed Lt. Gen. McMaster, a Bush-Obama squish on Islam.

McMaster's first act on heading the Trump national security team was to order staff not to use the term "radical Islamic terror." He claims that ISIS is "un-Islamic." And he even urged President Trump not to say the words "radical Islamic terrorism" in his speech before Congress. Trump ignored the advice.

McMaster and Bannon clashed big in mid-March, with Bannon and Jared Kushner winning that round.

Perhaps part of the answer is here  the Deep State at the CIA is working to push out Trump's anti-jihad appointees and replace them with Obama holdovers. McMaster is cooperating.

From the Weekly Standard, as reported on Frontpagemag.com, about that clash three weeks ago:

Over the weekend, a personnel dispute within the National Security Council between the national security advisor, H.R. McMaster, and senior White House aides Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon was eventually brought to President Trump himself. As Politico reported Tuesday evening, Trump overruled McMaster, who had sought to move the NSC's senior director of intelligence programs to another position, reportedly after "weeks of pressure from career officials at the CIA." Some of those CIA officials, THE WEEKLY STANDARD has learned, were pushing for one of their own to take the job in Trump's White House.

The CIA career officials had targeted a Mike Flynn appointee and wanted to replace him with an appalling Obama holdover. The question is, why was McMaster pushing for the Deep State Obama choice?

The current NSC official is Ezra Cohen-Watnick, a 30-year-old former intelligence operations officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency who was brought into the Trump White House by the former DIA director, Mike Flynn. ... McMaster had interviewed a potential replacement for Cohen-Watnick: longtime CIA official Linda Weissgold.

Who is this Linda Weissgold whom Trump's new national security adviser McMaster was trying to bring in, over the objections of Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner? None other than the CIA Office of Terrorism Obama flack who drafted the false Benghazi talking points, that the 9/11 al-Qaeda attack was merely a spontaneous protest over a video.

Trump overruled McMaster on Weissgold. He overruled Mattis on Patterson. But it's a ridiculous situation. Top appointees shouldn't be bringing these people through the door. Period. Lee Smith at the Tablet has a list of some of the cretins that have gone through the door. Smith is no fan of Trump, but the list of people who are still on there, but shouldn't be, is hard to argue with.

Bannon won the clash, as reported on March 19. April 5, Bannon is out, and McMaster is stronger than ever.

Who picked McMaster to replace Flynn? McMaster is not a worthy successor to Flynn. He is the opposite of everything Trump is supposed to believe in and promised the public regarding the jihadi threat.

Soeren Kern at the Gatestone Institute:

Flynn ... has long argued that the West is in a civilizational clash with Islam, and that the war on terror must be expanded and intensified to reflect this reality. By contrast, McMaster emphatically rejects the notion of a clash of civilizations. His statements on Islam are ... not materially different from those of former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

Flynn had this to say about radical Islam:

We are facing another "ism," just like we faced Nazism, and fascism, and imperialism and communism. This is Islamism, it is a vicious cancer inside the body of 1.7 billion people on this planet and it has to be excised.

Flynn warned:

Ask the people in San Bernardino or South Florida, or the relatives of the thousands killed on 9/11. We're either going to win or lose. There is no other "solution." I believe we can and must win[.] ... We have the wherewithal, but lack the will. That has to change. It's hard to imagine it happening with our current leaders, but the next president will have to do it.

McMaster believes the exact opposite of Flynn, and the exact opposite of President Trump. He is an enthusiastic follower of Obama's policies on the Islamic threat. He thinks the terrorist ideology is "irreligious" (nothing to do with Islam, folks, move along) and preys on the "undereducated," and that we should work with the Muslim Brotherhood.

McMaster publicly endorsed a book that called on U.S. military commanders to kiss the Koran and ceremoniously present it to Muslims with a humble apology.

In 2010, McMaster enthusiastically endorsed a book entitled, "Militant Islamist Ideology: Understanding the Global Threat[.]"  Aboul-Enein's central objective is to urge American policymakers to distinguish between militant Islamists such as members of the Islamic State and non-militant Islamists such as members of the Muslim Brotherhood. ... Aboul-Enein also suggests that if an American soldier ever desecrates a Koran, U.S. leadership must not merely relieve him of duty, but offer 'unconditional apologies,' and emulate the words of Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Hammond, which Aboul-Enein quotes as exemplary: 'I come before you [Muslims] seeking your forgiveness, in the most humble manner I look in your eyes today, and say please forgive me and my soldiers,' followed by kissing a new Koran and 'ceremoniously' presenting it to Muslims.

McMaster's endorsement of the book, which appears on the jacket cover, reads:

Terrorist organizations use a narrow and irreligious ideology to recruit undereducated and disenfranchised people to their cause. Understanding terrorist ideology is the first and may also be the most important step in ensuring national and international security against the threat that these organizations pose.

With his own words, McMaster damns himself as a threat to our national security. McMaster is correct that "understanding terrorist ideology is the first and may also be the most important step in ensuring national and international security." What he misses is that there is no such thing as "terrorist ideology"  we are facing jihadi ideology, deeply embedded in traditional Islam. Our enemies are not the undereducated and irreligious; they are radicalized Muslims.

We need Steve Bannon to be fighting for us, because McMaster is not alone in promoting Obama operatives in positions of power and authority in defiance of Trump's objectives. At Defense, we had General Mattis wanting to bring in as his top adviser at the Pentagon, Anne Patterson, Obama's ambassador to Egypt, an infamous promoter of the Muslim Brotherhood and the "least popular American in all of Egypt."

At the State Department, Tillerson has promoted the beautiful Sahar Nowrouzzadeh to be in charge of our Iran and Persian Gulf region, a woman who worked for a mullah front group, then helped Obama craft our sell-out to Iran:

A trusted Obama aide who once worked for an alleged Iranian regime lobbying group is one of the individuals in charge of Iran policy planning at the State Department under Secretary Rex Tillerson. Sahar Nowrouzzadeh, the Iran director for former President Obama's National Security Council (NSC), has burrowed into the government under President Trump. She's now in charge of Iran and the Persian Gulf region on the policy planning staff at the State Department. To make matters worse, Nowrouzzadeh is a former employee of the National Iranian-American Council (NIAC), a non-profit that is accused of being a lobbying group for the Iranian regime. NIAC's current president, Trita Parsi, has long held close relationships with top officials in the Tehran dictatorship. In February, a group of over 100 prominent Iranian dissidents called for Congress to investigate NIAC's ties to the Iranian regime.

Nowrouzzadeh has old familiar Obama faces around her.

The Trump team has selected Brett McGurk[.] ... McGurk was the point man on (Obama's) pro-Iran policy, famously arranging for Iran to get $400 million in cash delivered on wooden pallets to the IRGC in exchange for American hostages[.] ... Remember when the Trump administration promised to make public the secret agreements that Obama made with Iran? McGurk signed some of the secret documents[.] ... Notably, none of those documents has actually been made public.

Who short-listed the soft-on-jihad McMaster for Trump to pick as Flynn's replacement as top national security adviser?

Why has Sec. of State Tillerson kept on and promoted Obama's pro-mullah Iran specialist to lead our Iran policy?

Why did Sec. of Defense Mattis push hard to hire Anne Patterson, "the Muslim Brotherhood's greatest ally in Egypt," who carried out Obama's project to push out our ally, Mubarak, and put the jihadi Brotherhood in power?

Lee Smith at The Tablet calls the Trump team "Obama's Foreign Policy Wizards":

What's really bizarre is that the Trump team keeps blaming damaging leaks to the press on Obama holdovers  when the Trump team is hiring Obama holdovers. They may have caught Anne Patterson before she got past the velvet rope, but Obama people staff key positions elsewhere, on Israel, Iran, ISIS, and Syria issues. Which makes sense, since the policies they are tasked with carrying out are so far exactly the same as they were under Obama.

Whoever queued up these disasters does not deserve Trump's trust.

That McMaster as Trump's head of the NSC won't say the words "radical Islamic terrorism" is disqualifying. This betrays every campaign speech President Trump ever made.

Trump says he'll drain the swamp. His own appointees and Cabinet members are filling it up with Obama loyalists.

Hat tip: powerlineblog.com, frontpagemag.com
Despite all the headlines pushing the Obama-generated fake news of Russia hacking the election, it turns out the DNC never allowed the FBI to inspect their compromised servers. FBI director Comey told the Senate Intelligence Committee a month ago that to this day, they have never inspected the hacked machines. Instead of a direct FBI investigation, the DNC hired a private firm that shared its forensics with the FBI.

I wonder if the DNC hired the same firm that stored our national security secrets on Hillary Clinton's server in their bathroom closet.

Why was the news of no FBI access buried by the press, when it came out in the transcripts of Nunes's Senate Intelligence Committee interview of Comey a month ago?

Why do the Democrats scream that we must get to the bottom of the Russian hacking and then block a full FBI investigation of the one thing we know was hacked  their server with Podesta's emails?

The most important question of all: why did Comey allow the DNC to block FBI inspection on an issue of critical national interest?

Buried at the bottom of this Breitbart article:
After disgracing itself once with its thoroughly discredited attack on Dr. Sebastian Gorka last month, getting egg all over its face, The Forward, incredibly, has leaped back up for more dishonor, like a swamp thing flinging itself up from its ooze again to spray its slime of lies all over.

Last March, The Forward tried to smear Dr. Gorka as an anti-Semitic closet Nazi, citing an old Hungarian pin he wore in honor of his father, a leading freedom-fighter from Hungary's 1956 uprising against Soviet barbarism, and the claim of some standing Nazi (they call that a credible source?) who admits he never met the man but says he heard from someone else that Gorka had a relative who swore eternal fealty to Nazi principles or something like that. And they reported this as straight news! Naturally, the Jewish people who knew Dr. Gorka stepped forward and called it for the garbage it was.

Now The Forward is back with more grotesquely false attacks, not the least bit concerned about its reputation. They've cooked up a heavily spliced and edited news video, dating from 2006, when Dr. Gorka was a Hungarian citizen in Hungary. At the time, he correctly defended the principle of citizen militias in the face of a broken-down, tumble-down military, which afflicted then-socialist Hungary at the time. Yet Gorka carefully separated Nazi actions and the nationalist fervor of a couple of far-right parties, one of which rules Hungary today, from the constitutional principle itself. Those are the parts The Forward edited out, apparently with their teeth, as it was so crudely done. Dr. Gorka made these temperate statements in Hungarian on Hungarian TV a decade ago (he became a U.S. citizen in 2012), doing this when he couldn't have known that fate would take him to the states and his position as President Trump's top counter-terrorism adviser. He just did it because it was the right thing.

But slice and dice as you like  and this one, according to Hungarian-origin David Harsanyi, who is also Jewish, was a doozy of crudely atrocious, bottom of the barrel-standard "journalism" unworthy of any word but "despicable."

I was immediately suspicious when watching the two-minute snippet of an 11-minute interview with Gorka provided by Forward. (Only later did the publication add the full video of the 2007 interview to the bottom of the page.) The conversation seems to cut off at a pretty important point. So I sent the video to someone fluent in the language. If the translation I was given is correct  and after comparing it to the video, I have no reason to believe it isn't  it turns out that the contention that Gorka "publicly supported a violent racist and anti-Semitic paramilitary militia that was later banned as a threat to minorities by multiple court rulings" is only true in the most risible sense.

Harsanyi points out that The Forward completely distorted his words, cherry-picking the parts they could claim amounted to Nazi support and leaving out the parts that absolutely exculpated him from any such charge.

Moreover, in the interview, Gorka clearly states that he supports an armed citizenry in principle. Gorka goes on to explain how self-defense works in places like Switzerland, Israel, and America. He argues that there is nothing inherently wrong with militias. But, more importantly, he then goes out of his way to point out that forming this particular group was a cynical political ploy by the two parties involved. Gorka says, "there was a growing need among the Hungarians to defend the country's honor. I believe Jobbik has decided to politically exploit and politically benefit from a popular call for self-defense. And the most important thing is that, I stress, the most important thing is that this is has nothing to do with our party, the UDK, rather it's Fidez who is behind the plan" (emphasis added).

Does that sound like an endorsement?

Whatever was left of The Forward's credibility was then blown apart by Gorka's friend, David Goldman, the estimable writer known as Spengler, writing:

Dr. Gorka takes issue with the interviewer, accusing FIDESZ of using the Jobbik Party (an explicitly extremist organization) for its own purposes: I don't believe that FIDESZ itself wished to create any sort of quasi-military organization but it now sees the potential to exploit it [Jobbik's proposal] as a tool. The interviewer countered: "Excuse me, but FIDESZ could not be this stupid," to which Gorka replied: Why not? It failed twice during recent elections. Gorka not only denounced the militia proposal as it came from the extreme-right Jobbik Party, but denounced the notionally respectable FIDESZ (the party that has ruled Hungary since 2010) for allying with Jobbik to advance its own agenda. He took precisely the opposite position that the Goebbelistas at the Forward attributed to him, and attacked not only the explicitly anti-Semitic extremists but the notionally respectable centrists who used the extremists.

What is one to make of these insane fact-free attacks?

It might just come down to something out of the old Soviet desinformatsiya playbook: to smear the Eastern Europeans, any Eastern European, anyone who opposed the Soviets, as a monster of anti-Semitism. The Soviets got started with it during the Russian civil war of 1921, when they painted the White Guard resistance  these were people fighting to the death to save Russia from the stunning evil of Lenin's atheistic materialistic communism  as systematic anti-Semites, walking pogroms, their every flaw magnified and exaggerated, particularly with the anti-Semitic card. They extended their Big Lie, as Goldman points out, by smearing the starved out, Gulag-ized, desperately brutalized people of the Ukraine by depicting their resistance leader, one General Andrei A. Vlasov, with the Nazi collaborator card. This, by the way, was denounced by none other than Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in his masterpiece, the Gulag Archipelago, as a colossal lie of the Soviets. Solzhenitsyn considered those men who resisted Stalin's communism heroes  and he knew some personally in the Siberian camps. Yes, Vlasov collaborated with the Nazis  the Soviets were murdering his people, literally. What would you do?

Did Vlasov subscribe to Nazism? He did not. He just defected to where he could defect and had no choice but to use one side against the other, as Solzhenitsyn noted, because there were no other choices. The anti-Semitism card against Eastern Europe got very well developed by the Soviets and picked up in the West after that.

While I rather like RT News, I still see this strain of Soviet-style propaganda cropping up in some of its reporting on Ukraine. This is the one area where you can really see the outlines of propaganda  in the anti-Semitism card against the Eastern Europeans. The Ukrainians who oppose Russia taking over parts of their country are always depicted as boobs; clowns; corruptus maximuses (some of this is true; it's why it's so effective as propaganda); and, of course, closet Nazi anti-Semites. When I see one of those stories, I need a second source.

Now the same line of anti-Semitic smears are being directed at Dr. Gorka  not by Soviets, and not by Russians, but by a left-wing secular Jewish publication that ought to know better. It's a nonstop barrage of constant, baseless, failed attacks, modeled on the classic Soviet smear. What they are doing is creating a sort of Black Legend of hate against Eastern Europeans and those of Eastern European origin, the better to undermine the U.S. alliance with these countries. What are they accomplishing? Nothing. Dr. Gorka is the best friend Israel has. The Forward apparently can't stand the idea of Israel having a friend.
As we get closer and closer to having a Justice Neil Gorsuch on the Supreme Court, it is interesting to watch what the Senate Democrats are doing to themselves and the institution.

We hear that Democrats are under siege by leftist agitators who want Gorsuch defeated and Trump decapitated.

It's the kind of fanaticism that we've seen all over the world, but not in the U.S. It's also the kind of political agitation that makes governing difficult, if not impossible.

The political landscape is unprecedented, as we read in this report:

The overall Democratic obstruction is expected to compel GOP leaders to eliminate a 60-vote requirement for Supreme Court nominees and allow confirmation of Gorsuch with a simple majority vote. The partisan standoff underscores the sharp polarization that has seized Congress less than three months into Trump's presidency. Senate Democrats angered by Trump's policies  and McConnell's refusal to consider Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee last year  have united against Gorsuch, clinching enough votes to block him earlier this week. It also heralds a potentially more contentious climate in the Senate, which traditionally has allowed the minority party to exert a powerful voice in debate over key nominations and legislation  unlike in the House. Senate Democrats changed the rules in 2013 to permit executive-branch nominees and federal judges to be approved by a simple majority, with the critical exception of Supreme Court selections.

There are a couple of reasons for the madness we are watching.

First, the Court has become very political. We can thank opinions about abortion and the redefinition of marriage for that. In both of those cases, justices took the decision from the legislative branches and created new rights.

And second, the Democrats have shown little spine against their base during this whole show.

My guess is that they are privately embarrassed by what left-wing agitators are forcing them to do, from asking idiotic questions at the hearings to denying a capable jurist a seat in the Court.

It is embarrassing to watch Democrats behave like this. They are letting a crazy base destroy the institution they sit in.

So where is the Democrat who stands up and just tells the agitators what to do with their money?

Where is the statesman willing to put the Senate over the agitators? The country could use a few of them!

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
MISSOULA  Dawn was still hours away in Washington, D.C., on Good Friday, April 6, 1917, when Wellington Rankin and his big sister, Jeannette, walked home from the Capitol.

She was weeping, which should have been no big deal after what shed just been through.

Following a long debate that began the previous morning and stretched on until 3 a.m., Rankin, 36-year-old suffragist and Missoula native, had cast her first vote in the U.S. House of Representatives as the nations and the worlds first female national legislator.

On the matter of President Woodrow Wilsons request for authorization to declare war on Germany, Rankin had said, I want to stand by my country, but I cannot vote for war.

The measure passed overwhelmingly anyway, and America geared up for its part in the first world war.

Think what youve done, an exasperated Wellington Rankin, Jeannettes financier and campaign director, persisted as they entered her apartment on California Street.

His sisters response, according to biographer Kevin Giles: Wellington, you know Im not interested in that. All Im interested in is what they will say in 50 years.

'She's not "Saint Jeannette"'

Thursday marks the 100-year anniversary of the United States entrance into World War I, and Jeannette Rankin again begs attention.

We think that her vote needs interpretation, Jim Lopach said this week in the living room of the home he and Jean Luckowski share in the Slant Street area.

Both are retired University of Montana professors, he in political science, she in education. Together they researched and wrote the 2005 biography, Jeannette Rankin: A Political Woman.

The quick-draw summary of that woman is this: Oldest child of a prominent Missoula family, suffragette, first woman in Congress, voted against U.S. participation in both world wars, passionately engaged in a lifetime of pacifism that lasted through much of the Vietnam War. When she died in California, Rankins ashes were scattered in an ocean called Pacific.

Reality is much more complex, of course, and what Lopach and Luckowski found and wrote about the enigma of Jeannette Rankin didnt please everyone.

Shes not Saint Jeannette up on that pedestal, Lopach noted.

For me that makes her much more interesting, Luckowski said. It just reminds me again and again that nothing about Jeannette was simple.

Feminist ideals

The authors say among the myths that need busting is that Rankin voted against entering World War I because of her pacifistic tendencies.

Its true, Lopach said, that Rankin entered the Congressional race in 1940 specifically to raise her voice and vote against U.S. entry into World War II. She cast the lone no vote in all of Congress on Dec. 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

She was an absolute pacifist by that time, he said.

Lopach and Luckowski say that Rankins 1917 vote, on the other hand, was explained not by her passion against war but by her feminist ideals. She clearly felt her historic role in Congress was to represent the women and families of America.

I thought I must vote as I did in order to make a protest against war for the women of the future, Rankin said later.

A key national crusader for the womens right to vote, which Montana became the 11th state to pass in 1914, Rankin helped draft a national suffrage amendment in 1918 that passed the House but failed in the Senate. A year later, after her term expired, a similar measure passed both chambers, and in August 1920 the 19th Amendment became the law of the land.

But in the wee hours of April 6, 1917, Rankin was the prize in a tug-of-war between two feminist factions. The National American Woman Suffrage Association was headed by Carrie Chapman Catt and the Congressional Union by Alice Paul.

Pauls group was composed of the younger feminists who pushed for a national amendment.

They were probably the pacifists, Luckowski said.

Catt and the older, more conservative NAWSA favored state-by-state suffrage. Catt didnt like Rankin, Lopach said, and that really came out when she ran in 1918. Catt opposed Rankin.

Jeannette had worked with them for several years across the country promoting suffrage and was very successful, Luckowski said. And then they couldnt believe that she was the one who got elected. It should have been someone from the East Coast, someone with a better pedigree, someone from their circles.

Now Catt made it clear her belief that a vote against war would set back the womens movement.

"That, said Luckowski, was a big source of tension for her, those two groups of feminists.

Then there was Wellington.

A prominent Helena attorney and state Republican leader, he served in the U.S. Army during the war and became Montanas Attorney General afterward.

He was a big deal, he really was, especially in Montana, Lopach said.

Four years his sisters junior, Wellington Rankin proved a master strategist when it came to her campaign. But his own ambitions for national office met with abject failure. He ran half a dozen times for either the House or U.S. Senate and lost each attempt, Lopach said.

Wellington was Jeannettes primary speechwriter and arranged a lucrative national lecture tour for her after she was elected. The tour was interrupted when President Wilson called a special session of Congress to vote on the war issue. One of the last stops was at Carnegie Hall in New York, at which time Wellington set up a dinner visit to ex-president Theodore Roosevelt at his Oyster Bay home on Long Island.

Wellington hoped Roosevelt would encourage Jeannette to support war should a vote occur, Lopach said, but the subject never came up. He then joined his sister in Washington to convince her that a negative vote would destroy her politically.

Clashing feminist groups, a beloved brother and campaign promises all came crashing down on Jeannette Rankin in the predawn hours of April 6. She was subjected, said friend and fellow suffragist Harriet Laidlaw, to one of the most terrible mental struggles any woman ever had.

All of the important influences in her life were pressed upon her, not in unison but as opposing forces, Lopach and Luckowski wrote.

When the first roll call came around, Rankin passed. She then broke protocol on the second roll call by giving her short speech instead of saying aye or nay.

Despite the outcry that followed, Luckowski said the Rankins smoothed things over in succeeding months.

Jeannette made speeches supporting the sale of war bonds, and voted in favor of the explosive issue of instituting a draft.

In December 1917 another war declaration vote came up. This time the subject was Austria, and it passed the House 365-1.

Sick from food poisoning, Rankin climbed out of bed against doctors orders, went up the hill and cast her vote  for war. The sole opposing vote was from Meyer London, a Socialist from New York.
Anyone who has seen a herd of zebra running on the veldt has noticed the visual confusion common to that circumstance: the eye glazes with the effort of distinguishing one urgent megafauna from another.

This, in the field, is known as "the dazzle effect," a maneuver executed to confuse potential predators and disarm prospective prey. It is a deliberate (if unconscious) technique, known by wildlife biologists as a cunning stratagem for survival of the species.

The Democratic Party, not uncommonly, utilizes the dazzle effect as it deploys Senators Pelosi, Franken, and especially Schumer, to toss confusion into the pot as they assay to roil the polity; deflect from their enormous, arctic obstructionism; and polarize their opposite number, the conservatives now in power in both the Congress and the White House.

Thus, the fancified footwork to deny the blatant efforts by former W.H. staffer and national security adviser, Susan Rice, who accidentally stated the truth after her more typical coloration  as evinced by her serial untruths on TV on Benghazi's "video" etiology rather than a planned attack.

Thus, her recent prevarication with regard to the surveillance of now-president Trump and his campaign staffers, where Ms. Rice baldly denied even any knowledge of the surveilling that apparently went on for more than the length of a pregnancy. Was she alone in her razzle-dazzle requests for names of citizens whose conversations had been "caught" while supposedly being taped for foreign diplomats' and functionaries' intel?

Changing track slightly, but still trekking in the wide world of Dem acrobatics on the field of political blood sport, Senator Charles Schumer's pyrotechnic flamenco over acknowledging and voting for prospective Supreme Court seat Judge Neil Gorsuch  magnificently credentialed and uniformly agreed upon in the past as exceptional as a judge over his many years in office  he and his compadre, Senator Dianne Feinstein, another zebra performing the dazzle do-si-do to throw a wrench into the orderly election of a superlative justice to a Supreme Court post recently vacated by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

Has the tippy-toe scorched-earth bilge of the Democrat senators dazzled their opposite number? Has the public, under and around the complicit broadcast and print media hot to heave airtime aerosol dung rather than clarification and decent analysis of the deplorable behavior of the distaffs, been conned into looking at the bizarre (so far) nothing-burger of Putin and his involvement in the election of the undesired Trump over the lusted for and expected Hillary?

Has the daily dazzle blinded the general public into paying the slightest heed to the confounding hogwash of the buckmeisters, the Democrat do-or-die stripers trying with every ounce of their disgraceful momentum and collusional facility, and sent the confused public scurrying off into the savannah of falsified credulity?

Hey, folks: Don't look at this hand. Look, there's a wildebeest! Follow it, instead of your instincts for the truth.

How long do these enemies of normalcy and regularized government expect to pull off this sleight, and slight, of hand and hoof?
I never understood the #NeverTrumps, those nominal Republican pundits and politicians who declared they would never vote for Donald Trump and would never accept him as their president if he won. Some went even further. When Trump won the nomination, George Will announced he was leaving the Republican Party. A few promised to vote for Hillary Clinton. When Trump won the election, Bill Kristol tweeted his preference for the Deep State over the Trump State. Since the inauguration, the #NeverTrumps have continued to play the part of disloyal opposition, criticizing his every utterance and tweet and pooh-poohing his policy statements and executive orders.

Why do they hate him so? It can't be policy. Everyone disagrees with every president on some things, and most of Trump's positions reflect the Republican mainstream. It can't be because Trump isn't sufficiently conservative. We haven't had a conservative president or nominee for thirty-two years. And it can't be because Trump was once a Democrat. So was Ronald Reagan.

There's something else that bothers them, and as I learned after watching a 50-year-old movie about WWII, it's quite different from what bothers the Democrats. The Democrats think Donald Trump is Hitler. The #NeverTrumps think he's Harry Frigg.

In The Secret War of Harry Frigg (1968), the protagonist (played by Paul Newman) is an Army private with one exceptional skill: breaking out of jail. He's escaped from military jails dozens of times. His continual offense, apart from jailbreaks, is insubordination, which he commits because it's the easiest way for him to get into jail, which he knows he can break out of. Harry Frigg doesn't want to be in the Army.

The movie opens with five WWII brigadier generals (two Americans, two British, one French) discussing military tactics in a sauna when they are captured by Italian forces. The hospitable Italians transfer them to the only place fit to hold such exalted prisoners  a castle in northern Italy temporarily fortified to serve as a prison.

Desperate to get their generals freed, Allied Headquarters summon Harry Frigg. His mission: to drop into Italy and let himself be captured so he can lead the generals to escape. This requires that Private Frigg be promoted to major general  first, to assure that he'll be taken to the same castle prison, and second, to insure that the brigadier generals will follow his orders.

The underlying theme of the film is a different war  class warfare. The generals of the film are proper gentlemen. They have similar educations, and they share similar assumptions. Like the denizens of Downton Abbey, they seem to the manor born, and born to do not very much. Remember: they'd been captured in a sauna, discussing strategy. Later, in their opulent prison, they discuss escape. Endlessly.

Harry Frigg's working-class roots are evident in his speech and manner. When he is introduced to the imprisoned generals as their superior, they can scarcely disguise their discomfort at the prospect of being commanded by an obvious...commoner. An incident at dinner exemplifies the class divide. Each general in turn names a favorite restaurant: "London Charles." "Which one?" "Detroit." "Savoy Grill, of course." "Locke-Ober in Boston." Now it's Harry's turn. He stammers, then comes up with "a little place just outside of Paterson with great veal cutlets."

"Which sauce do you prefer?"

"A little ketchup usually does it."

I contend that snobbery explains much of the hostility of the #NeverTrumps. They opine that Donald Trump, a denizen of construction sites and locker rooms, is a boor, and thus, for them to acknowledge that he is their president is tantamount to a brigadier general taking orders from Private Frigg. Trump has built many magnificent things, but things are of no consequence to people who see beauty and breeding only in words and accents. President Obama expressed this contempt when he sneered, "You didn't build that!" Well, Trump did build that. He gets things done.

After several plot twists that include Nazis and a beautiful contessa, Harry Frigg ultimately leads the generals to escape and earns their respect and affection. The #NeverTrumps are unlikely ever to feel respect or affection for Donald Trump. It was recently reported that he likes his steak well done and with ketchup.
Despite being humiliated by backing down on his pledge to initiate military action against Syria if they used chemical weapons, Democrats celebrated the removal of WMD from Syria by Russia as a triumph for President Obama.

What do you suppose they're thinking today, following the largest poison gas attack by Syria against civilians last week?

Washington Free Beacon:

Rewind back to the fall of 2013, when the Obama administration was working with Syrian and Russian leaders to ensure that Assad's stockpile of chemical weapons would be turned over and destroyed. A deal was reached, and the Obama administration and fellow Democrats applauded the achievement. The deal was reached after President Barack Obama drew his now infamous "red-line," where he threatened military action against Assad if he used chemical weapons. For several years, Democratic lawmakers and Obama administration officials touted that Syria turned over "100 percent" of its chemical weapon stockpile. "It turns out we are getting chemical weapons out of Syria without initiating a strike," Obama said. "We struck a deal where we got a hundred percent of the chemical weapons out," then Secretary of State John Kerry said. The Obama White House even tweeted out a statement promoting their achievement. President Obama on eliminating the Syrian regime's most lethal declared chemical weapons  http://t.co/Ny4mp8oHdk pic.twitter.com/nqbyTeKfSF  White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) August 18, 2014 In May 2015, Bloomberg reported that Assad used chemical weapons after the Obama administration declared that Syria turned over all their chemical weapon stockpile. Obama dismissed the report and said that chlorine isn't "historically" considered a chemical weapon. After the report, Obama administration officials continued to say that Syria turned over all their chemical weapons. Then White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest went on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" and said four times that Assad didn't have a chemical weapon stockpile. "Right now, Bashar al-Assad doesn't have a declared chemical weapon stockpile," Earnest said in September 2015.

Only a liberal Democrat could tout the total humiliation of a president who failed utterly to follow through on his given word and take out Syria's WMD.

President Trump rightly blamed the president's failure to enforce his red line for the brutal gas attack last week. While observers have yet to discover precisely what gas was used, experts on the ground are saying chlorine wasn't the only substance deployed and that perhaps sarin gas was part of the attack.

And we were supposed to trust these people when it came to calling out Iran for cheating on the nuclear deal?
RIVERTON, Wyo.  Officials say the driver who died in a two-vehicle crash in Fremont County that killed two others had consumed 10 times the impaired driving limit for cannabis.

Darion Wheeler, 18, was headed north in an SUV on Highway 789 when he failed to negotiate a left-hand curve and overcorrected. The SUV spun counter-clockwise and entered the southbound lanes where it collided with a pickup truck.

Wheeler and his two passengers  his 15-year-old sister, Destinee Wheeler, and 20-year-old Paul McEwan  all died in last month's crash north of Lander.

The pickup driver is recovering from his injuries.

Coroner Mark Stratmoen said toxicology reports indicate Wheeler consumed marijuana immediately before or while he was driving.

He found that drug use was directly related to the teen's death.
25 Years Ago-1992

Alvin Leingang, president of North Country Thermal Line Inc., Leingang Siding and Window, Homeworks Supply and Twin City Continuous Gutter of Mandan, has been selected as the North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year. Leingang began his career in the siding business in 1977.

The Mandan Golden Age Club has elected James Coats as its new president; he succeeds Leo Schwehr. Other board members are Donald Shaw, vice president; Veronica Engelter, secretary; Marguerite Maddock, treasurer.

Funerals this week:

Philip Schmidt, 77, Mandan, raised, educated at Odense. Married Kathryn Schmidt, 1938. Worked for Mandan Gambles; was owner, operator of Fairway Foods in Mandan, Bismarck; drove truck for Super Valu, 33 years, retiring in 1981. Survivors include one son, three daughters and their families, five brothers and six sisters..

Agnes (Hellman) Ressler, 64, Mandan, raised, educated at Mandan. Married Chris Ressler, 1947. Worked at First National Bank, Mandan, 25 years; Department of Transportation, eight years; Bank of North Dakota, eight years. Owner, operator of Aggies Greenhouse, Mandan, eight years. Survivors include four sons, two daughters and their families, three brothers and one sister.

* * *

Temperatures recorded Tuesday, April 7: a high of 59 degrees above zero; 29 degrees for the low.

50 Years Ago-1967

One of Mandans greatest fires has destroyed the three-story McDonald Hotel complex at the corner of Second Street and Third Avenue Northwest. Fire was first reported at 10 p.m. by patrons of the Corner Bar, which is in the bottom northwest corner of the brick building. The fire broke out as the annual Firemens Ball was underway in the Elks Club, just one block away.

According to the hotels night clerk, Ivory Urdman, the top two stories contained 54 rooms and had seven overnight and two regular guests who were registered at the time of the blaze, but all were safely evacuated. Other businesses housed within the complex, in addition to the McDonald Hotel and Korner Bar and Liquor Store, were the Greyhound Bus Depot; the Baumstarck Pfaff Sewing Center; the Mandan Credit Bureau; and the offices of optometrist A.L. Larson and Michael Riisager.

The building, formerly known as the Nigey Hotel, is owned by the Frank Wetzstein family and Mrs. Fred Sommerfeld. Much of the Wetzstein family was in Minneapolis for the funeral of Chris Wetzstein.

The Nigey Hotel was built in 1906 by Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Nigey, who came to Mandan from the East to invest in the still-expanding West. It was operated by the family until the death of the Nigeys and in January 1929 was purchased by Frank Wetzstein and Charles McDonald, former longtime Morton County sheriff.

The last major fire in Mandans business district occurred Jan. 30, 1959, when fired caused $200,000 in damages to the Hulett building, housing the old Ben Franklin store.

* * *

Roy and Martin Heinert, twin brothers who have lived most of their lives in Morton County, have marked their 86th birthday at the Keller Home for the Aged in Mandan. The Heinert twins and two other brothers, Jake and Ralph, make their home in Mandan. The Heinerts came to the United States from Odessa, Russia, in 1901.

Miss Josephine Zahn, president of the Friends of the Library, has donated new draperies, on the groups behalf, to the Mandan Public Library. Accepting the gift was Josephine Mushik, president of the Mandan Public Library Board, and librarian, Mrs. Frances Geiss. The Library group also gave special recognition to Kent Wood of J.C. Penney Co., who made the arrangement for the price of the materials.

75 Years Ago-1942

The wedding of Miss Clementine Kopp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Kopp, and Elmer William Kist, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kist Sr., was solemnized this past week at the parish house of St. Joseph Church; Rev. Father Hildebrand Eickhoff officiated. Mrs. Joseph Ferderer, sister of the bridegroom, was matron of honor; Edwin H. Kist attended his brother. Mr. and Mrs. Kist will make their home at 308 Third Ave. S.E. He is employed at the Mandan Creamery; Mrs. Kist is employed as cashier at the Kist Meat Market.

President Franklin Roosevelt is going to register, along with other Americans 45 to 64 years old, on April 27. Even though he is commander in chief of the armed forces and technically not required to do so, at age 60 he is well within the age limits and wants to call attention to this registration.

Among the Morton County men who left this week for Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, and induction into the nations armed forces under the Selective Service Act, were the following: Henry Ferderer, Matt Bleiszeffer, Harold Scharf, Bernard Kupper, Jacob Berger, Milfred Coffin, Carl Fristad, all of Mandan; Florian Hoerner, Henry Nyquist, Alton Olin, all of Almont; Anton Miller, St. Anthony; Detlev Buesen, Charles MacConnell, both of New Salem; and Irving Skjoquist, Flasher.

100 Years Ago-1917

The Missouri River broke up at 5:30 this morning, according to the weather bureau, and the ice is moving out rapidly. According to their records, the earliest breakup date was March 13, 1910  the latest was April 12, 1899.

Farmers in Morton County are seeding. Down in the Little Heart valley, ground that was plowed last fall is being seeded to wheat.

Workmen started this morning to move the police station and bandstand to a point west of the Mandan Electric building. Within the coming week, work will begin on the excavation for the new Missouri Valley Grocery company warehouse which will be erected on the south side of Main Street and Collins Ave.

The wedding of Miss Amanda Starck and Clarence B. Claflin of Sweet Briar was solemnized this morning at the Presbyterian manse, Rev. F.W. Thompson officiating. The couple was attended by Miss Bertha Starck and George Ingalls, also of Sweet Briar. The newlyweds will make their home on the grooms farm.

* * *

Washington, D.C.  Good Friday, April 6: America has officially entered the great European war which has been ongoing since 1914. As a storm raged outside and the wind whipped about the Capitol and the rain poured down, members of the House passed on the war resolution to the Senate which had convened at 12:01 to witness the signing by Vice President Thomas R. Marshall, which he did at exactly 12:13 p.m.

President Woodrow Wilson had addressed Congress on Monday, April 2, shortly after receiving news that German submarines had resumed the sinking of American ships traveling to the United Kingdom. With all hope of continued neutrality gone, the president asked for a formal declaration of war, along with the raising of 500,000 men and universal military service. Immediately after Wilson left the House chamber, the House and Senate went into executive session and resolutions were introduced authorizing everything that the president suggested, placing the nations fate in his hands.

125 Years Ago-1892

On Thurs., April 7, at 2:30 p.m., the thermometer recorded 32 degrees above zero.

There is one good feature about the disagreeable cold wind of the past two days; it served to dry up the mud.

The Methodist church, in this city, and all its contents, were totally destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning. Located at the corner of Second Street and Livingston Avenue (Third Avenue Northwest), the substantial frame structure was comfortably furnished with pews, carpets, etc. Although the fire department arrived quickly, a high wind was blowing and made the work difficult. Fortunately, the fire didnt spread to surrounding buildings as those roofs were covered with snow which fell heavily the day previous.

There was one certain thing about the Mandan election- whichever man was elected Mayor, we were sure to get a pretty good man. The Republicans had no better man than James R. Clark, and the Democrats had no one better than John A. McDougal. The majority votes went for McDougal, 163-94. However, all seemed satisfied at this outcome. If there were disparaging remarks against McDougal, the Pioneer reporters would have heard them. But there were none. Mr. Clark is quite happy that he did not get an office which he never wanted from the first, and Mr. McDougal is happy that he is elected.
After four hours of deliberation, a 12-person federal jury found the Cannon Ball district chairman guilty of sexually abusing a young girl.

Robert Fool Bear Sr., 54, was convicted Thursday on three counts of sexual abuse of a child and one count of incest. The jury acquitted him of physically assaulting the girl.

Though the counts refer to incidents recounted at trial, the allegation was that Fool Bear raped the girl repeatedly for at least four years, beginning when she was 10 years old.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland scheduled sentencing for Aug. 23. Fool Bear faces a minimum of 30 years in prison.

The lead witness at trial was the young woman who testified to years of sexual abuse at the hands of Fool Bear. The lead question before the jury was whether the troubled girl could be trusted.

After the verdict was announced, Hovland commended the young woman, who was seated in the audience, for speaking out.

"It takes a lot of courage to come into a federal courtroom and testify in a case like this," Hovland said. "I hope someday you can weather this well, go on with your life and put all this chaos behind you."

He asked the U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI to investigate potential charges against anyone who knew of and did not report the abuse.

Fool Bear, who was in the community on electronic monitoring before trial, was taken away in handcuffs from the courtroom after a quick hug with his wife. He maintained his innocence before and during trial.

During the three-day trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Delorme called upon the young woman, medical experts and FBI agent to prove his case. They testified that the girl was sexually and physically abused by Fool Bear, which may have contributed to the complex post-traumatic stress disorder she suffers.

Fool Bear chose not to testify on his own behalf. His attorney Carey Goetz defended him by raising doubt for the jury about the young woman's credibility. She also questioned whether expert testimony truly corroborated the girl's story.

Delorme said after trial he hoped the conviction would encourage other young people on Standing Rock to report abuse.

Goetz said the question of whether to appeal would not be decided until after sentencing.

Fool Bear was district chairman of the 900-person town since 2005. Most recently, he was vocal about wanting the Dakota Access Pipeline protesters to move out of the area. He argued they were harming community resources, such as the gym, and preventing North Dakota from reopening Highway 1806 for months. He led meetings in January at which residents passed a resolution ordering protesters to leave.

According to Title 20 of Standing Rock tribal laws, Fool Bear's seat shall be forfeited due to the conviction, and Cannon Ball will need to hold a special election within 60 days.
Lawmakers expect to negotiate a revised deal with Sanford Health within the next week on a previous agreement the health care group signed with North Dakota State University to take over the nursing school in Bismarck.

Dozens of NDSU nursing students packed the House Conference Room above the North Dakota House chamber Wednesday afternoon, hours after reports emerged of an amendment that had passed in the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. The amendment would end NDSUs operation of the department of nursing in Bismarck effective July 1, 2018. Under the amendment, control would revert to Sanford.

On Tuesday afternoon, NDSU President Dean Bresciani sounded the alarm to state higher education board members and the North Dakota University System chancellor via email that the program would end after the semester.

This was countered Wednesday morning by members of appropriations, who told reporters the idea is to either have Sanford assume the program again or to negotiate a better lease and overall deal with NDSU to alleviate state costs.

Its not closing today, House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo, told the students at the meeting, which others echoed throughout the proceedings.

Lawmakers expressed concerns over what they deemed a poorly constructed deal struck by Sanford and NDSU in fall 2013, when a partnership was announced for the nursing program that began in fall 2014.

Sanford chose to pursue the partnership following Higher Learning Commission bylaw changes requiring colleges to become incorporated. Company officials said the changes would make it impossible for them to operate the program themselves.

We were facing an uphill battle with the Higher Learning Commission, Craig Lambrecht, executive vice president of Sanford Health in Bismarck, said. NDSU just rose to the occasion.

One issue that will be negotiated is the lease NDSU signed with Sanford: The beginning of the lease was set at either July 1, 2014, or when the building was occupied by NDSU.

Under the lease, NDSU was to pay $1 per year in rent for the first three years. After that point, the rent increases to $20 per square foot for 19,376 square feet of space available for lease, or $387,520 per year for the next two years of the five-year lease. It would increase from there in subsequent renewals.

What did the state gain from it? Rep. Roscoe Streyle, R-Minot, said.

The question was the big elephant in the room, repeated by several during the meeting.

The higher education budget, Senate Bill 2003, also would eliminate $3.5 million in the NDSU budget for the Bismarck program.

Lambrecht said the lease was the best deal that could be negotiated at the time between both sides. He said keeping the school open is critical to maintaining the number of nurses filling positions in the state; he estimated a statewide shortage of about 1,000.

Carlson at one point asked Lambrecht whether the programs cash flow was positive or negative when Sanford operated the program.

Losing about $1 million per year, said Lambrecht, adding that, despite the loss, Sanford has had positive returns by hiring 40 to 50 nursing students per year among those at the school. This is an investment. I want every single one of these nurses.

Carlson begged to differ on Lambrechts interpretation of the investment.

Guess whos funding this? Carlson said. Now weve got a lot more expenses.

A better deal, possibly even a public-private partnership, needs to be struck within the next four to five legislative days, according to Carlson.

NDSU is also working to raise money for a $28 million expansion of its school of nursing in Fargo to increase capacity. About $20 million has been raised to date.
(ANSA) - Strasbourg, April 6 - Italy has admitted its responsibility for police brutality at the Bolzaneto barracks during the Genoa G8 in 2001 and has agreed to pay 45,000 euros each to six citizens for moral and material damages as well as court costs, the European Court of Human Rights said Thursday, in a ruling in which it noted the "amicable resolution between the parties".

The violence and humiliation inflicted on anti-globalisation protesters at the barracks, the HQ of the city's flying squad, was the second of two infamous cases of police brutality during the summit in the northern Italian city.

The first took place at the Diaz school, being used as a billet for protesters.

In the night assault on the Diaz school, hundreds of police attacked about 100 activists and a few journalists, wounding 82 and seriously injuring 61 - three critically and one, British journalist Mark Covell, left in a coma with rib and spinal injuries. Officers planted evidence including two Molotov cocktails and hammers and knives from a nearby construction site to justify the raid.

Amnesty International called the event "the most serious suspension of democratic rights in a Western country since the Second World War".

Later, at the barracks in Bolzaneto, some 252 demonstrators rounded up at the Diaz and another school, the Pascali, said they were spat at, verbally and physically humiliated or threatened with rape while being held.

There have been numerous convictions over the two episodes of brutality, although the national police chief at the time, Gianni De Gennaro, was the only senior officer to be acquitted at the end of the appeals process.

A court found, however, that he had demanded arrests "to redeem the image of the police from charges of inertia".

Irking members of Italy's opposition, he was named the CEO of the State-controlled Italian defence and aerospace contractor Finmeccanica, now called Leonardo.

During the 2001 G8, one protester was shot dead while attacking a Carabinieri policeman, shops and businesses were ransacked, and hundreds of people injured in clashes between police and demonstrators.

The Council of Europe last month urged Italy to pass a torture law to deal with such episodes of brutality.


Police torturing migrants along Balkan route, Oxfam report Testimony from 140 asylum seekers

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, APRIL 6 - A report released Thursday by Oxfam details violent, brutal and unlawful treatment of migrants by authorities along the Balkan route. The report, ''A Dangerous Game'', states that some asylum seekers including children were put into cages, deprived of food for as many as three days and tortured with electrical shocks by the police, border guards and other authorities along the route.



Oxfam collected the testimonies of 140 migrants for the report, who said that they were beaten, robbed and subjected to inhumane treatment. Many of them say they were deported illegally and denied access to procedures to request asylum. The research was conducted by the Belgrade Human Rights Center and the Young Macedonian Lawyers Association. Testimonies of ''incidents'' that occurred in Serbia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria and Macedonia are included in the report. (ANSAmed).




NAPLES - The directors of royal palaces are meeting on Wednesday and Thursday in Caserta to exchange ideas and practices on the valorisation of royal sites.

Taking part with be will managing Versailles, grandiose Prussian palaces, the Kremlin, the Italian royal palaces of Caserta and Capodimonte and many others. It was organized by the Arre Associazione Residenze Reali Europee, which chose the theme 'Tourism Promotion for Groups'. The program calls for two days of plenary discussion on best practices and case studies.

Reggia di Caserta director Mauro Felicori will be hosting the event, alongside Elena Alliaudi.
Tunisian pavilion at Venice Biennale to focus on migrants 'The Absence of Paths' to be performed on 13/5

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, APRIL 6 - Tunisia will for the first time be at the 57th Venice Biennale, which opens to the public on May 13 with a performance of 'The Absence of Paths' curated by the Kamel Lazaar foundation.



The participation is strongly supported by the Tunisian cultural ministry and focuses on different aspects of the issue of migration. The presentation was at Tunis's La Goulette port in the presence of Italian ambassador Raimondo De Cardona, who underscored that art and culture can interpret this delicate issue that also acts as a link between the two populations. The Tunisian pavilion in Venice will differ from traditional spaces with artists exhibited, and will instead be more symbolic and interactive to foster reflection on the issue of borders and to highlight the spirit of the Biennale itself, based on an absence of borders pavilion curator Lina Lazaar said. The notion itself of territory will be questioned through the performance of 'The Absence of Paths', which through three symbolic points and an online platform will enable Biennale visitors to imagine a migrant nation. The platform will be continually enriched by various contributions by artists throughout the entire Biennale period to create a work of art at the end that will include the most important works. ''Starting from the assertion that Tunisia is historically a land of migrations and that it is even now,'' the presentation of the pavilion states, '' we must make the Venice public reflect on the abolition of geographical and cultural borders, to speak out against intolerance and distrust of what is different, which are today at the basis of the migratory phenomenon, to foster reflection on the ways of moving and on the paths that take them across the world and to spark the desire to belong to a human community that redesigns borders in a different way, redefining the edges.'' (ANSAmed).




World Bank: Western Balkan countries growing at faster pace Albania and Serbia good performances compensate for others

(ANSAmed - BELGRADE, 6 APRIL - Countries in the Western Balkans are growing at a faster pace than in 2015, with regional growth projected to be 2.8 pct in 2016 and 3.2 pct in 2017, says the latest World Bank Western Balkans Regular Economic Report. "Accelerating growth in Albania and Serbia compensated for weaker expansion in Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia; while growth in Kosovo slowed in 2016," it said. The report projects Serbia's GDP growth to be 3.0 pct in 2017 and 3.5 pct in 2018.



"More jobs and low prices are helping to reduce poverty in the region, with average poverty rates dropping by nearly two percentage points in Albania, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia in 2016, complementing other gains which have helped lift approximately 240,000 people out of poverty over the last three years," the report said. (ANSAmed)
'Autopsy on Syrian victims prove chemical weapons use' Turkey conducted tests on 3 bodies in presence of WHO experts

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, APRIL 6 - Autopsies conducted on three victims of Tuesday's attack on a town in Syria's opposition-held Idlib show that chemical weapons were used, Turkish justice minister Bekir Bozdag said on Thursday.



The Anadolu news agency said that the World Health Organization (WHO) experts took part in the exams, which were conducted in Turkey's Adana province. The autopsies were filmed and show the taking of several samples for further exams by Turkish and international experts. According to a preliminary report by scientists sent by Ankara to the Syrian border to assist the injured, at least one of the agents used in the attack was chlorine gas.



The results were sent to the UN Security Council on Wednesday. (ANSAmed).




ANSAmed - Tomorrow's events in the Mediterranean

(ANSAmed) - ROME, APRIL 6 - The following are some of the main events scheduled for tomorrow in the Euro-Mediterranean area: TANGIERS - The Mediterranean Video Festival continues (to April 8).



TUNIS - The docu-film festival 'Doc a Tunis' continues (to April 9).



LUXEMBOURG - EU, informal meeting of ministers of economic and financial affairs.



ROME - Visit by Us Secretary of State, Thomas Shannon.



TUNIS - International Tourism Market (MIT) tourism trade fair (to April 8).



ALGIERS - Tunisian-Algerian economic-cultural days comes to an end.



FLORENCE - Middle East Now international film, documentary, contemporary art and photography festival continues (until April 9) CARTHAGE (TUNISIA) - International Jazz Festival (until April 9). (ANSAmed).




EU op not a migrant pull factor says Sophia chief More NGO ops but we're not getting in each other's way

(ANSAmed) - ROME, APRIL 6 - The EU's Operation Sophia to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean is not a pull factor for those setting off, operation commander Admiral Enrico Credendino told ANSA Thursday.



Credendino was speaking after days of accusations that sea-born rescues were attracting more migrants, and allegations that NGO vessels were helping people traffickers.



"Migrants certainly don't leave because boats at sea are a pull factor, but because there are wars, terrorism, lack of food and water," Credendino said, citing the major push factors in the exodus. "Even without Sophia the migrants would leave anyway, in fact when Mare Nostrum was suspended and before Safe Sea, the number of migrants went up, not down." Credendino said there were now more NGO operations but "we're not getting in each other's way". (ANSAmed).




TEL AVIV - In an interview with the Yedioth Ahronoth daily published Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that he has ''100 percent certainty'' that Assad himself was directly responsible for the attack in Idlib.

''The murderous chemical weapons attacks on citizens in Idlib province in Syria and on a local hospital were carried out on the direct order and planned by the Syrian president, Bashar Assad, using Syrian planes,'' he said.

The attack on the rebel-held village of Khan Sheikhoun over 70 people, including many women and children. ''We do know this is a Syrian operation by Assad from A to Z,'' he added.
Democrats in the state Legislature are sounding alarms over the states ability to provide the same level of property tax relief amid state budget constraints.

The state Senate passed a bill requiring the state to take over county social services costs earlier this session. An amendment proposed in the House, however, instead requires the Department of Human Services to develop an implementation plan for the eventual state funding of county social services.

Although Senate Bill 2206 is on the Houses calendar, a vote has been delayed for several days.

The takeover has been billed a permanent tax relief that would eliminate the need for the states 12 percent property tax buydown. But if lawmakers dont move ahead, some Democrats worry budget cuts will force reductions in state-funded property tax relief.

We committed, and all the counties budgeted for, a 12 percent buydown for this fiscal year, but beginning in the next year its completely possible that the Legislature will cut the funding and property taxes will go up, House Minority Leader Corey Mock, D-Grand Forks, said earlier this week.

House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo, said Tuesday the property tax buydown could be lower than 12 percent.

Obviously, it all relies on the final numbers, he said. Right now, thats all up in the air.

Continuing the buydown at 12 percent in the 2017-19 biennium would cost $275 million, according to an estimate provided by Kathy Strombeck, director of research and communications in the Office of the State Tax Commissioner.

Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, hopes lawmakers move forward with the county social services takeover.

If we dont do the county social services, the best option would be to stay with the 12 percent buydown, Wardner said. But we have to balance the books.

Wardner noted, however, that a larger portion of the states property tax relief is built into the school funding formula, which is less visible than the buydown.

Terry Traynor, assistant director of policy and programs for the North Dakota Association of Counties, said the county social services transfer will ultimately be cheaper than the buydown.

If they cant afford the 12 percent, in my mind it makes it a more attractive solution, he said Thursday morning. Obviously they have to figure what level they can fund tax relief going forward.

Counties favor the social services takeover because those programs are mandated by the state and federal government.

Lawmakers set aside $250 million in the current funding cycle for the buydown, but that was reduced through budget cuts. Ryan Skor, director of finance at the Office of State Treasurer, estimated that between $7 million $8 million is needed to complete the 12 percent buydown in this biennium, which ends June 30.
What are borders for? It is a question that has recently gone mainstream. Debate about hard or soft borders finds a parallel in attempts to determine whether Roman borders blocked or simply regulated movement. In this regard, the true nature of Hadrians Wall and the Antonine Wall remains a mystery. As the modern world is reminding us, though, the nature of the controls they imposed could have far-reaching consequences. We examine the impact of Romes most remarkable border systems.

Behind the frontiers, the vast majority of Britons lived in the countryside. Although Roman villas have long attracted attention, recent decades have delivered an explosion in information about more modest farmsteads. Much of this has emerged from excavations linked to development work, and now a major project is drawing it together to tell a remarkable story of everyday farming folk.

A major discovery during construction work at Larkhill, Wiltshire, dates back to well before the Roman period. The remains of a previously unsuspected causewayed enclosure have been found on a hillside just outside the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, raising questions about the early Neolithic focus of this landscape.

Meanwhile, at Thornton Abbey, Lincolnshire, excavations provide a rare glimpse into the life of a named individual from the distant past, bringing us face to face with a medieval priest.

Finally, this issue brings the 2017 Digs Guide. Im looking forward to meeting some of you out in the field over the summer.

Matt Symonds



IN THIS ISSUE:

FEATURES

ROMES HOMES ON THE RANGE

Revealing the Romano-British countryside

How did the majority of the population live in Roman Britain? Casting aside the glamour of the country villa, we explore rural settlement to find out what constituted normal living.

THE LARKHILL CAUSEWAYED ENCLOSURE

Rethinking the early Neolithic Stonehenge landscape

Excavations at Larkhill in Wiltshire have uncovered the remains of an early Neolithic causewayed enclosure, providing new insights about what would become the Stonehenge landscape. We investigate the marks left on the hillside by the fi rst farmers and by soldiers training in the First World War.

The Roman experience in Britain

In the north of the province, we take a look at Hadrians Wall and the Antonine Wall. What was their purpose, and how did these monumental frontiers influence everyday life nearby?

RICHARD DE WISPETON

A face-to-face encounter with a medieval Lincolnshire priest

On the 700th anniversary of his death, we gaze on the unusual grave of Richard de Wispeton, a medieval priest given an elaborate burial in a prestigious part of Thornton Abbey.

NEWS

Britains earliest Iron Age gold objects found in Leek; Bronze Age weapon hoard found at Carnoustie; Grimes Graves prehistoric mine opened to the public; Gower footprints lead further back in time; Tracking the Bronze Age at Mersea Island; Ecclesiastical clues in Nottingham?; Finds tray

REGULARS

Digs Guide 2017

This special section gives a taste of the projects you can get involved in this summer

Comment

Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive

Context

Untangling 8,000 years of human activity in a Worcestershire field

Reviews

Letters from Baghdad; A Geography of Offerings; Medieval Wexford; Art and Architecture in Neolithic Orkney; Standing Stones; Roman Artefacts and Society

Museum

Meeting the Romans at Chesters Grosvenor Museum

Conference

A round-up of what happened at CA Live! 2017

Sherds

Chris Catlings irreverent take on heritage issues

Odd Socs

Caring for Gods Acre
Multiple sources within the company told ArtsATL that the departures are the culmination of a culture clash between the open and modernistic atmosphere fostered by previous artistic director John McFall that was embraced by the dancers, and the classical ballet ethos favored by Gennadi Nedvigin, the new Bolshoi-trained artistic director.
The industry doesnt have a name, but its main product does: Design fiction. Its science fiction made real in the form of interactive exhibitions, product demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes consulting work. And it tends to pop up at any event Davos-ish enough to include the word influencers.' Kyle Chayka visits both a leading studio in the field, as well as perhaps the biggest example of design fiction: the Museum of the Future in Dubai.
Under the USSR regime, Moscow put particular effort into developing dance in the area, through the non-negotiable funding of a national dance school. In time, Kyrgyzstan became the best dance training center in Central Asia, forming many dancers who went on to have international careers. Things changed after the Soviet collapse 
GRAND FORKS  Sen. Heidi Heitkamp has raised $1.6 million this year, according to a media report, suggesting she is preparing to run for re-election.

The North Dakota Democrat raised the amount in the first quarter of 2017, giving her more than $2 million cash on hand, according to political news site Politico. The amount raised by Heitkamp should be filed in the near future, and it would be more than any other North Dakota senatorial candidate has amassed in the first quarter of an off year.

"I'm taking the steps to prepare to run, but am still in the process of making a decision," Heitkamp said in an email from a reporter.

Politico cited a person close to the campaign, but Heitkamps press office said it didnt have information on the figures, citing requirements that campaign affairs to be handled by a separate office.

Speculation has been building over whether Heitkamp will seek another term next year in the Senate. This will be her first time seeking re-election. In 2012, she narrowly defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Rick Berg by less than 1 percent.

If Heitkamp chooses to run, its likely she would face a tough campaign in North Dakota, a heavily red state. Residents overwhelmingly voted for President Donald Trump -- he won almost 63 percent of the vote -- over Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Other Republican candidates in statewide elections performed well over their opponents.

Its uncertain which Republican would run against Heitkamp, though there has been speculation Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., could enter the Senate race. The staunch Trump supporter also has said he hasnt made up his mind on whether he will run for his current position or seek a bid against Heitkamp.
When I started writing that headline, above, I wrote the trouble with But I quickly corrected myself because, as financial and other troubles have plagued many art museums of late (not least the Metropolitan Museum of Art*), its very clear that many museum boards have more than one fault.

But a press release today from the J. Paul Getty Trust irked me; it announced: Bruce W. Dunlevie joins J. Paul Getty Board of Trustees. I kept reading, looking for the word art. As in, perhaps, art collector. The word was nowhere to be seen. Nor did a Google search of his name + art produce anything in the top couple of pages. Previous board service does not appear to include any at arts institutions.

I knowthe Getty is more than an art museum. Yet its mission statement uses this description: a cultural and philanthropic institution dedicated to the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the worlds artistic legacy. But I could find no trace of Dunlevies interest in art online. I hope he has one.

I did find that he has plenty of money. As the press release says:

Dunlevie has worked in the early stage technology venture capital industry for 30 years and is a founder and General Partner of Benchmark Capital, based in Silicon Valley. Benchmark is responsible for the early stage funding of numerous successful startups including ebay, Twitter, Uber, Snapchat, WeWork and Instagram. Prior to co-founding Benchmark Capital, Mr. Dunlevie worked in investment banking at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Mr. Dunlevie is currently the Chairman of the Board of the Stanford Management Company, the entity which oversees The Stanford University Endowment. He is a former trustee of Stanford University (serving from 2006 to 2016) and of his alma mater, Rice University. He is also a Fellow Benefactor of Trinity College, University of Cambridge.

A quick search did not turn up his net worth, but he was on Forbess 2014 Midas List, which annually ranks the best dealmakers in high-tech and life science venture capital.

I am sure that Dunlevie has many attributes, aside from financial wherewithal. And perhaps because Getty Trust President James Cuno has an interest in how digital technology can advance the arts and art history, Dunlevie can help out there.

But I would like to see a stronger connection between museum trustees and art; too many nowadays are not looking for collectors or people with other artistic connections. Non-profits and for-profits share some organizational characteristics, of course. But they have different missions with different expectations, different circumstances and different dynamics.

Photo Credit: 2006 photo courtesy of Stanford University

*I consult to a foundation that supports the Met.
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.
The move to ban cash transactions above Rs 2 lakh was aimed at curbing black money, according to govt.

New Delhi: Ban on cash transactions in excess of Rs 2 lakh will not be applicable to withdrawals from banks and Post Office savings accounts, the Income Tax Department said on Wednesday.

Through the Finance Act 2017, the government has banned cash transactions of over Rs 2 lakh and said a penalty of an equal amount would be levied on the receiver.

In a clarification on the newly-inserted Section - 269ST - in the Income Tax Act, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the restriction will not apply to withdrawal from banks and Post Offices.

"It has also been decided that the restriction on cash transaction shall not apply to withdrawal of cash from a bank, co-operative bank or a post office savings bank," the statement said.

It said necessary notification would be issued in this regard.

In the 2017-18 Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed to ban cash transaction of over Rs. 3 lakh. This limit was lowered to Rs. 2 lakh as an amendment to the Finance Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha last month.

The restriction is also not applicable to any receipt by government, banking company, post office savings bank or co-operative bank, said CBDT, the apex the policy-making body of the Income Tax Department.

The move to ban cash transactions above a threshold was aimed at curbing black money by discouraging cash transaction and promoting digital economy.

According to the rule, no individual can deal in cash in excess of Rs. 2 lakh on a single day, in respect of a single transaction or in respect of transactions relating to one event or occasion from an individual.

The Finance Act also provides that any capital expenditure in cash exceeding Rs. 10,000 will not be eligible for claiming depreciation allowance or investment-linked deduction.

Similarly, the limit on revenue expenditure in cash has been reduced from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 10,000.

In order to promote digital payments in case of small unorganised businesses, the rate of presumptive taxation has been reduced from eight per cent to six per cent for the amount of turnover realised through cheque/digital mode.
Central bank says NEFT settlement cycle will be reduced from hourly batches to half hourly batches.

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India has streamlined the process of payments made through the National Electronic Funds Transfer facility. Under NEFT, a customer can transfer money using internet banking and mobile phone banking to any bank in country.

Basic requirement for making an NEFT is that the sender should know account number, bank name and IFSC of the branch where the receiver holds and account. Apart from that there is no need of physical presence of a customer at the bank branch.

The central bank in its fourth monetary policy statement decided by MPC clearly says that it has increased settlement cycles for such payments from the current 12 to 23 cycles, according to The Economic Times.

A bank branch forwards a funds transfer or NEFT request to the RBI to be included in the next settlement cycle. So an increase in number of total settlement cycles means banks will be able to settle more number of transfers in a single day, and that too in lesser time.

The NEFT settlement cycle will be reduced from hourly batches to half hourly batches. Consequently 11 additional settlement batches will be introduced at 8.30AM onwards, taking the total number of half hourly settlement batches during the day to 23, RBI said in its first bi-monthly policy statement of fiscal 2017-18 on Thursday.

The settlement cycle will start at 8 am and will last till 7 pm, according to RBI. this means customer will have the window open for longer period of time in a day.
In a video shared on Twitter, we see the team just having an enjoyable time on the sets while shooting the film.

The entire cast and crew of the film while celebrating the wrap of a schedule in Mumbai.

Mumbai: When numerous actors come together to make a film, like in the case of the multi-starrer 'Golmaal Again', there is no doubt that the sets would be nothing less than a laughter riot.

The shooting of the film kicked off few days back and the cast and crew of the film are rolling on the floor laughing, literally.

As the main cast of the film led by Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi (all four films) and other stars like Shreyas Talpade (3 films), Kunal Kemmu (2 films), others are more or less the same over four installments of the franchise, the camaraderie they share is just amazing.

Even the newcomers like Tabu and Parineeti Chopra have also joined in the fun on the sets of the film.

In a video shared on Twitter showing the behind-the-scenes from the sets of the film, we see the team having a rocking time on the sets of the film.

We see Rohit smartly slapping a photographer while he is shooting and some of the crew members jumping on others with a blanket and some even getting beaten up.

We see Ajay Devgn and Parineeti talk about how mad the team is and we also Kunal, Shreyas and Arshad showing their excitement of being on the set of the film.

We also see Sanjay Mishra and Johnny Lever at their hilarious best during their shots.

We also see them performing hilarious sequences and failing to control their laughter after the completion of the scene.

Watch the video here:

We can also expect a similar response from the audiences when the film releases later this year.
The lawyer appearing for CBI earlier said that 195 witnesses had already been examined in the Lucknow trial court.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed displeasure at the Babri Masjid demolition case dragging on for 25 years, and said it may order a joint trial of senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and other accused, in a Lucknow court.

According to the Indian Express, stating that delay leads to 'evasion of justice', the court also said it may hear the matter on a daily basis.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) earlier on Thursday told the Supreme Court that conspiracy charges against Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and others in the Babri Masjid demolition case must be revived.

The lawyer appearing for CBI said that 195 witnesses had already been examined in the Lucknow trial court, and 300 more were to be examined.

The CBI further said that in Rai Bareilly court, 57 witnesses had already been examined and 100 or more are likely to be examined.

The CBI submitted that the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad HC had upheld the lower courts order in the case, and that criminal conspiracy charges were dropped against 21 accused, including several BJP leaders only on technical grounds.

The apex court had last month said that it would determine on April 6 whether charges could be framed against Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and 13 other BJP and VHP leaders
He further claimed that the fly ban was acting as impediment to complete his duties, saying that the investigation will reveal the facts.

New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad apologised to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju for his alleged assault of an Air India staff post which a no-fly ban was levied by airlines on him.

It could have been no ones intention to have let the situation aggravate to the level that it eventually did, the MP wrote in his letter to Raju.

While the investigation will reveal the facts to fix responsibility, Gaikwad wrote that this incident may kindly not be seen as a reason for likely recurrence of such an event in future also.

He further claimed that the fly ban was acting as an impediment to complete his duties and asked for a revocation of the same.

Shiv Sena earlier on Thursday had threatened to boycott the meeting convened by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the ban on its party lawmaker Ravindra Gaikwad is not lifted by April 10.

Senior party leader had also alleged that the airline was being hypocritical. "The airlines have been instrumental in evacuating Dawood Ibrahim from India. They were also instrumental in safely evacuating Vijay Mallya, what wrong has our MP committed? Noted criminals can board your flight, Kashmiri separatists can board your flight. Even the Pakistan artistes and rapists can board your plane, but Ravindra Gaikwad cannot," he had lashed out.

The Shiv Sena MPs had surrounded Raju in the Parliament earlier over the flying ban on Gaikwad and threatened that unless it is lifted they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Sumitra Mahajan till 12.45 pm over the Shiv Sena protest.

The Shiv Sena MPs were agitated over a statement of the Civil Aviation Minister, who reiterated that the ban was not aimed at a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights.

This led to a protest by the Shiv Sena members and the House was adjourned.

Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India staff, said that he had been provoked and alleged that the airline staff misbehaved with him.

Speaking on the issue during Zero Hour, Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him be lifted.

He got support from other opposition parties.

The Shiv Sena MP also said that he can apologise to the Parliament but will not apologise to the airline staff.
'The media reports that are being cited, the concerned state government has already condemned,' he said.

MoS for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi speaks in the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi. (Photo:

New Delhi: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday claimed that the lynching of an elderly man by gau rakshaks in Rajasthans Alwar district did not take place. The minister was responding to Oppositions protest in Rajya Sabha against the incident.

No such incident, as being reported, has taken place on the ground. The media reports that are being cited, the concerned state government has already condemned, The Indian Express quoted Naqvi as saying.

In reply to Naqvis claim, Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said, I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times knows and the minister doesn't know.

Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said the matter was serious and that he was not convinced with the versions of Naqvi and the Opposition. He instructed Naqvi to ask Home Minister Rajnath Singh to submit a report to the House. I cannot go by media reports, Kurien said.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also expressed "shock" over the incident and urged the government to take "strict action" against the guilty.

When Govt abdicates responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow. Shocking breakdown of law and order in Alwar, he tweeted.

We expect Govt to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal and senseless attack. All right thinking Indians must condemn this blind brutality, he added.

Pehlu Khan, a dairy farmer, and four others, including his two sons, were beaten brutally allegedly by a group of cow vigilantes. Khan died at a hospital in Alwar district on Monday night. Police have arrested three persons in connection with the incident.

They were on their way towards Haryana from Jaipur when the vigilantes intercepted two of their vehicles in Behror on the Jaipur-Delhi national highway. Pehlu Khan, his sons Aarif (22) and Irshad (25) were in the first van, while two more persons Ajmat (28) and Sharif (24) were in the second. All of them were thrashed and their vans damaged.

The remaining vans were stopped by the police, in which 11 people were found and arrested under relevant sections of the Rajasthan Bovine Animal (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, ASI of Behror police station Vikram Singh said.

Following Khan's death, a case of murder was registered against six people, namely Om Yadav, Hukamchand Yadav, Naveen Sharma, Sudhir Yadav, Rahul Saini and Jagmal, while 200 other "unidentified" people were listed as accused.
The incident happened after Sena MP Gaikwads speech, in which he refused to apologise to the AI official he attacked.

New Delhi: Lok Sabha on Thursday witnessed utter chaos as Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju after he refused to heed to their demand for revoking the flying ban on their colleague Ravindra Gaikwad.

BJP members, including several union ministers, watched in shock as their allies hit Raju's bench in anger and did not let him leave.

According to a report in NDTV, Geete shouted, No flight will take off from Mumbai while charging at Raju.

Read: Will find amicable solution soon: Govt on Gaikwad ban issue

Soon thereafter several leaders, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, tried to placate Geete and his colleagues while Raju was ushered out.

The incident occurred soon after the House was adjourned as Sena members created a ruckus, protesting Raju's response to Gaikwad's statement. Gaikwad attended the House for the first time after the incident.

Read: Won't attend NDA meet if ban on Gaikwad not revoked: Shiv Sena

They were upset with Raju's brief but pointed remarks following Gaikwad's statement in which the Sena MP denied any wrongdoing on his part and instead accused Air India officials of misbehaving with him and sought action against them, especially the airline's CMD.

He tendered an apology to Parliament but insisted that he owed no apology to the airline officials as he sought removal of the ban imposed on him by domestic airlines after he allegedly beat up an Air India officer with slippers.

Read: MPs can't fulfil duties if there is ban on flying: Mahajan

Raju said it was up to Gaikwad to decide if he wanted to defuse the matter or aggravate it, asserting that what has happened is as per the law which will take its own course.

Refusing any preferential treatment to the Sena member, he said the matter was not about an MP but a passenger.

"Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised," Raju said, apparently justifying the ban on Gaikwad.

His reply provoked the agitating Sena members who trooped out of their seats and surrounded Raju's seat in the front row.

Before Raju spoke, Geete too joined his colleagues in condemning the action against Gaikwad and appeared to be taking a dig at the central govenment, saying it is a people's government but the "one-sided decision" was "shameful and tragic".

Raju sat quietly as the Sena members, including Geete, shouted at him in anger.

After several adjournments, the Home Minister sought to defuse the crisis by telling the House that the Civil Aviation Minister will talk to "all stakeholders to reach an amicable solution."
The MP claimed that he peacefully asked the official for a complaints book to enter his objections, but he grabbed me by the collar.

New Delhi: Lok Sabha on Thursday witnessed utter chaos as Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju after he refused to heed to their demand for revoking the flying ban on their colleague Ravindra Gaikwad.

Remaining defiant, Gaikwad, who has been banned from flying by Air India and private airlines in the country after he beat an Air India manager with a slipper, said, What wrong did I do? What is my crime?

BJP members, including several union ministers, watched in shock as their allies hit Raju's bench in anger and did not let him leave.

Read: Air India to step up staff security at Mumbai, Pune airports

Soon thereafter several leaders, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, tried to placate Geete and his colleagues while Raju was ushered out.

The incident occured soon after the House was adjourned as Sena members created a ruckus, protesting Raju's response to Gaikwad's statement. Gaikwad attended the House for the first time after the incident.

Read: No flights will take off from Mumbai: Sena MP charges at aviation minister in LS

They were upset with Raju's brief but pointed remarks following Gaikwad's statement in which the Sena MP denied any wrongdoing on his part and instead accused Air India officials of misbehaving with him and sought action against them, especially the airline's CMD.

He tendered an apology to Parliament but insisted that he owed no apology to the airline officials as he sought removal of the ban imposed on him by domestic airlines after he allegedly beat up an Air India officer with slippers.

Raju said it was up to Gaikwad to decide if he wanted to defuse the matter or aggravate it, asserting that what has happened is as per the law which will take its own course.

Refusing any preferential treatment to the Sena member, he said the matter was not about an MP but a passenger.

"Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised," Raju said, apparently justifying the ban on Gaikwad.

His reply provoked the agitating Sena members who trooped out of their seats and surrounded Raju's seat in the front row.

Before Raju spoke, Geete too joined his colleagues in condemning the action against Gaikwad and appeared to be taking a dig at the central govenment, saying it is a people's government but the "one-sided decision" was "shameful and tragic".

Raju sat quietly as the Sena members, including Geete, shouted at him in anger.

After several adjournments, the Home Minister sought to defuse the crisis by telling the House that the Civil Aviation Minister will talk to "all stakeholders to reach an amicable solution."

Earlier when the Sena members surrounded Raju, Rajnath Singh, his ministerial colleagues Smriti Irani and others were seen placating Geete. The Home Minister later took his hand to usher him out of the House.

Congress members were heard shouting "shame, shame" over the chaos in the House while Kalyan Banerjee (TMC) joined Sena members in criticising Raju, asking under what law Gaikwad has been barred from flying.

Mallikarjun Kharge (Cong) was heard saying that union ministers were seen pushing each other and sought a reply from the Home Minister.

Making his case, Gaikwad, who read out his statement from a written text, sought justice saying he has been held guilty without a probe and was made a victim of media trial.

Denying the charge that he beat up an airline official, he claimed that a number of officials shouted at him and pushed him while he replied to them "quietly".

The Sena MP claimed that an official, when asked about his identity, told him that he was "Air India ka baap" (Air India's father) and taunted him by asking "are you Narendra Modi", when he said he was a Lok Sabha MP.Gaikwad claimed he just pushed an official only after he was pushed around.

Air India's charge that he fought with its officials over a seat was "wrong", he said, adding that airline officials got angry with him when he demanded a complaint book. He also lashed out at Air India and other airlines for barring him from flying.

Many members were seen smiling when he said he has been a teacher and humility is his nature.

Claiming that seven tickets were booked in his name after the incident, Gaikwad rejected reports that he had tried to book air tickets several times after the flying ban was imposed on him, maintaining he had never done so and claiming others had booked them. He demanded that Aadhaar card should be made mandatory for booking air tickets.

The guilty are moving around freely while he has been banned from flying, he said.

He also hit out at the Delhi Police for charging him under Section 308 of the IPC, which he claimed was invoked when the crime is "attempt to murder". He demanded that the charge should be quashed.
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The first elected Communist ministry of India was sworn in under EMS leadership 60 years ago on April 5.

On April 5, 1957, the government, led by the Communist Party of India (prior to split), came to power in Kerala. Many acclaim it as the first ever elected Communist government. But EMS Namboodiripad, who had headed that government, in one of his columns, stated that it was incorrect. He wrote that Cheddi Barret Jagan, a Marxist-Leninist, had become chief minister of British Guayana in 1953 and was overthrown in 133 days. Nevertheless, the assuming of office by the Communists in Kerala, who had a facile win in the 1957 elections, was an event which drew international attention.

But it needs mention that power to communists arrived late in Kerala due to the anxiety of the Congress to prevent communists from coming to power. In the 1954 elections to Travancore-Cochin assembly, the Left Front comprising Communists, Revolutionary Socialist Party and Kerala Socialist Party, which had an understanding with the Praha Socialist Party, were in a majority, though Congress was the single largest party.

The ingenious tactics of the Congress prevented Communists from coming to power in a coalition in 1954. Congress with 45 seats in the assembly offered to support (without sharing power) the PSP with 19 members. This is in fact the forerunner to the Charan Singh and the Chandrasekhar experiments at the national level much later in 1979 and 1991 respectively.

Analysts have long held that Kerala went against the grain in electing Communists to power contrary to the national trend. Seldom has it been discussed that Communists could achieve a victory in Kerala in the then prevailing adverse international climate after Krushchev' s Stalin revelations at the 20th Congress of Communist Party of Soviet Union (CPSU) and Soviet intervention in Hungary, both in 1956.

These events triggered a crisis in Communist movements, especially in the parties of the West. Indian Communists had their own quota of differences on what attitude to be taken towards the Congress, led by Nehru, which imprinted the slogan of building a socialistic pattern of society and public sector reaching commanding heights of the economy in 1956. Eventually, this led to the split in the Communist party in 1964.

In the present era of electoral politics, when the far right is becoming adept in social engineering, the strategy adopted by the Communists then, especially its leaders, is worth recalling. Mannathu Padmanabhan and Nair Service Society were on the same page against the Congress. This was effectively exploited in the selection of candidates in Travancore-Cochin area by the Communists. The party fielded candidates, anticipating NSS support. In Malabar area, of course, the Communists had developed a mass base by being in the forefront of agrarian struggles and social reform movements.

Insulation from adverse international headwinds and a careful social engineering by the Kerala leadership saw the Communists romping home with a razor thin margin and forming a government, which initiated many pioneering reforms. But the counter engineering by organising all caste organisations of Hindus and minority denominations saw the communist government being dismissed despite having a parliamentary majority.

In the next election in 1960, the vote share of the Communists rose to 43 percent, but they tasted defeat against a coalition of Congress, PSP and Muslim League. Thus began an era of coalitions in Kerala, about which much has been said and experienced.

The writer is a commentator on polity
Advani and others could get jail terms of up to five years if the conspiracy charge is proved in the joint trial.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on the CBIs petition seeking restoration of conspiracy charges against senior BJP leaders, including L.K. Advani, M.M. Joshi, Uma Bharti, and 18 others in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

The apex court also reserved its order on the CBIs request that their trial be transferred from a court in Rae Bareli to a special court in Lucknow.

Pointing out that the 25-year pendency was an evasion of justice, the bench comprising Justices P.C. Ghose and R.F. Nariman said it would direct the Lucknow court to complete the trial in two years by ordering a day-to-day hearing, thereby indicating that it was inclined to allow joint trial and revival of the conspiracy charge.

Mr Advani and others could get jail terms of up to five years if the conspiracy charge is proved in the joint trial.

The CBI chargesheet had alleged that a secret meeting took place at the residence of Vinay Katiyar on the eve of the demolition during which the final decision to raze the disputed structure was taken. The conspiracy hatched in 1990 by Mr Advani and others culminated in the demolition, the CBI said, and added that the conspiracy charge was dropped on technical grounds and should be revived.

There are two sets of cases relating to the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992. The first involves unnamed karsevaks, facing conspiracy and other serious criminal charges, the trial for which is taking place in a Lucknow court, while the second set of cases relates to the VVIPs in a Rae Bareli court.

Haji Mahboob Ahmad, who filed a writ petition, questioned the dropping of the conspiracy charge against Mr Advani and others. He argued that the 21 accused including Dr Joshi, Vinay Katiyar, Ashok Singhal and Giriraj Kishore, were the persons who participated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992. But the trial court discharged them from the charge of conspiracy and this order was affirmed by the Allahabad high court on technical grounds. Contending that the order to drop conspiracy charges was bad in law, he sought a direction to quash the high court order.

The bench of Justice P.C. Ghose and R.F. Nariman made it clear to the counsel that since 25 years had already passed, in the interest of justice to all, the matter should be heard in one court, preferably in Lucknow by including conspiracy charge against all the 21 accused and kar sevaks. Other leaders included are Uma Bharti, Dr Joshi, Vinay Katiyar, Sadhvi Ritambara, Giriraj Kishore and Vishnu Hari Dalmia.

When senior advocate K.K. Venugopal, appearing for Mr Advani and Mr Joshi, objected to this, the Bench said, We will use our extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to transfer the Babri Masjid demolition related trial in Rae Bareilly to a Lucknow court, where the CBI filed a composite chargesheet by including conspiracy and other serious criminal charges against lakhs of unknown kar sevaks for the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Justice Ghose told the counsel, A person should not suffer litigation for 25 years. In your own interest, the trial must come to an end and it is for your betterment. Why should it be kept pending for 25 years.

Referring to argument that transfer of the pending case from Rae Barelly to Lucknow court would violate fundamentals right under Article 21 (fair trial), Justice Nariman said transfer from one court to another court is a complete procedural issue, we are not violating any of your rights. We have power to transfer from one court to another as it is a technical ground on which it was not done. Justice Ghose described the delay as an evasion of justice and said, We will direct the trial to be completed in two years. There will be day-to-day hearing.

On the delay Justice Nariman said, How many of the accused are dead and some will die now. As far as the Rae Bareilly case is concerned, the court has examined 57 witnesses and have to examine another 105. In Lucknow, in the case against kar sevaks, 195 witnesses had been examined and 800 witnesses are yet to be examined.

Mr Venugopal pointed out that the Allahabad high court had set aside the transfer of the Rae Bareilly case to Lucknow in February 2001. The SC had accepted the UP governments decision to continue the trial separately in Rae Bareilly. A transfer of the Rae Bareilly trial to Lucknow would negate all the past orders.

ASG Kaul argued that the high court order of 2001 had said that a prima facie case of conspiracy has been made out against the leaders and it still stood against them. When the Bench wanted to know the practical problems in having a joint trial in Lucknow, Mr Kaul said witnesses would have to be recalled and the trial may have to start de novo (afresh). Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the intervenors, however, said that the trial need not start afresh.
Chhattisgarh government has earlier taken over the liquor trade in the state amidst growing demand for enforcing total prohibition.

Bhopal: After cow killers, hooch traders in Chhattisgarh have now come under the noose threat of chief minister Raman Singh.

A week after threatening to send the cow killers to gallows, Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh on Thursday warned to hang the hooch traders in the state.

Latka Kar Rakhdenge (will hang them), chief minister Singh said while fielding a question from reporters during his gram suraj Abhiyan, an annual sojourn undertaken every summer by him in rural areas in the state to promote good governance, at Birda in Korba district on Thursday.

I want to see the end of the kochia (people engaged in manufacturing and selling of illegal brews) system in Chhattisgarh for once and all. The hooch trade has to stop in the state. The kochias have to do away with their traditional illicit liquor business and adopt the milk trading, he told reporters.

The drunkards can buy liquor from government shops and enjoy drinks in their houses, he said.

The Chhattisgarh government has earlier taken over the liquor trade in the state amidst growing demand for enforcing total prohibition, particularly by women. Lathi- wielding women were seen targeting liquor shops, now run by government, both in rural and urban areas.

The ongoing campaign for prohibition in Chhattisgarh is gradually turning into a mass movement forcing the state government to mull the step to announce complete ban of liquor sale in the state, barring tribal-dominated Bastar region.

We are sending six official teams to different states including Bihar and Gujarat, where prohibition has been enforced, to study their liquor ban models, sources in chief ministers office in Chhattisgarh told this newspaper on Thursday.

Mr Singh had on April one sparked controversy by threatening to hang the cow killers in the state.
The meeting could be awkward as there has been little progress on Teesta river-water sharing.

New Delhi: With Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina beginning her keenly-awaited four-day visit to India on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited his political foe, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, to an official lunch he is scheduled to host for the Bangladesh Prime Minister on Saturday, an invitation which she has apparently accepted.

The meeting could be awkward as there has been little progress on the contentious Teesta river-water sharing issue. While the Centre is keen on it, Ms Banerjee has been stalling it because of concerns about the impact it will have on West Bengal.

Apart from this contentious issue, the two countries are expected to sign at least 25 pacts covering sectors such as defence and civil nuclear energy during Ms Hasinas visit. India is also set to announce a line of credit of $500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies.

In an indication of the close ties between the two countries, New Delhi is also working on a separate, additional line of credit that could all together work out to a whopping $5 billion (including previous lines of credit announced) although this has not been formalised as yet.

Ms Banerjee will be present at a function on Saturday where the two PMs will unveil road and rail links between the two countries, and it is possible that the three leaders may discuss the Teesta issue.

Progress on the Teesta deal cannot take place unless Ms Banerjee is on board. While Bangladesh is very keen on an agreement on Teesta, Ms Hasina is aware of the political hostility between PM Modis BJP and Ms Banerjees Trinamul Congress.

India had earlier conveyed to Bangladesh that since India has a federal system, any pact will need the full, unstinted agreement of the West Bengal government, and that there are still some degree of doubts expressed by the West Bengal government.

Sripriya Ranganathan, joint secretary in the Bangladesh-Myanmar division of ministry of external affairs (MEA), admitted that the Teesta agreement remains a challenge.

According to some reports, the Teesta deal, all set to be inked during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Bangladesh in September 2011, had to be postponed at the last minute due to objections by Ms Banerjee.

Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh, especially in the leanest period from December to March, when the water flow comes down to less than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs. The West Bengal CM has been citing water crisis in her state and is wary that the agreement could worsen the situation.

Sheikh Hasina and PM Modi will attend a function on Saturday afternoon to honour the martyrs of the 1971 Indo-Pak war which resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).

Sheikh Hasina will visit Ajmer on Sunday and return to Delhi the same evening to attend a banquet being hosted in her honour by President Pranab Mukherjee. She will meet Indian business leaders on Monday.

This is Ms Hasinas first bilateral visit to India in her current term as Prime Minister. She will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. She had visited India last year for the Brics-Bimstec summit in Goa.
The Sena, in turn, threatened to boycott the NDAs April 10 meeting if the flying ban was not lifted.

Ravindra Gaikwad with Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut and party MPs after a press conference at Parliament in New Delhi on Thursday after he apologized in the Lok Sabha for his recent assault on an Air India employee. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi/Mumbai: Decks for embattled Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad to fly again are expected to be cleared after he sent a letter of regret to civil aviation minister Gajapathi Raju for the alleged assault of an Air India employee last month.

The Sena MP was banned from flying by most airlines after he allegedly beat up 60-year-old AI staffer R. Sukumar with slippers over being unable to travel business class on an all-economy flight.

But the regret letter came only after Senas MPs  NDAs ally at the Centre  caused a pandemonium in Parliament and Mr Gaikwads defiant speech in the Lok Sabha where he denied attacking any AI employee, and tried to play the victim.

Frenzied Sena MPs, including Union minister Anant Geete, didnt just create a ruckus but also gheraoed civil aviation minister Gajapathi Raju after he made it clear that there would be no preferential treatment for the Sena MP.

The Sena, in turn, threatened to boycott the NDAs April 10 meeting if the flying ban was not lifted.

Sensing that the civil aviation minister and the Centre were in no mood to budge, Mr Gaikwad, who attended Parliament for the first time after the alleged assault, was constrained to plead with the minister to lift the ban.

I write to convey my regrets for the unfortunate incident that took place on March 23 on Air India flight AI 852..., he wrote and added; It could have been no ones intention to have let the situation aggravate to the level that it eventually did. While the ongoing investigation will bring out the factual sequence of events to fix responsibility, this incident may kindly not be seen as a reason for likely recurrence of such an event in future also. He said the ban was affecting the efficient discharge of his duties as a Parliamentarian.

So far the civil aviation ministry has not come up with any official response, and said that the ban was still in force, and his letter was being examined.

Following the chaos, the House had to be adjourned twice. The fury of Sena MPs continued even after the first adjournment. They gheraoed the civil aviation minister and refused to let him leave the House. Mr Geete also banged the ministers table who remained calm as frantic Sena members kept screaming and shouting at him.

Home minister Rajnath Singh intervened and tried to pacify Sena MPs by assuring that Mr Raju would speak to the stakeholders to reach an amicable solution. As the home minister spoke to agitated members, the civil aviation minister was escorted out.

Earlier in the day, after the Senas threat that it would stall AIs operations in Mumbai and Pune, the airline said it would step up security of its staff at both airports.
The Congress in UP reacted strongly to his reported remarks.

Lucknow: UP CM Yogi Adityanath has reportedly said that there is nothing wrong with the concept of a Hindu rashtra. Media reports quoted him in an interview with Doordarshan as backing the idea, saying, The SC has already defined Hinduism as a way of life.

The Congress in UP reacted strongly to his reported remarks. Party spokesperson Surendra Rajput said that Yogi Adityanath has always been known as a Hindu hardliner, but he should be careful now that he is the CM. He should address poverty, power crisis, education, health and infrastructure, he said.

BJPs V.B. Pathak said, Hinduism is always synonymous with peace, and there is nothing wrong if the CM talks of peace and progress.
The men and women who fought the Great War would likely be shocked at this relegation.

In this photo taken on April 3, 2017, the statue of a French Poilu in front of the Douaumont Ossuary in Verdun, France. World War I saw unprecedented trench warfare in Northern France and Belgium. The toll of dead so immense in the Verdun region that soldiers from both sides were buried together in the ossuary. (Photo: AP)

Thursday, April 6, 2017, marks 100 years since the United States entered World War I.

World War I does not occupy the same space in Americas cultural memory as the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War II or the Vietnam War.

The men and women who fought the Great War would likely be shocked at this relegation. For them, the war to end all wars was the most consequential war ever fought: a struggle between good and evil.

As an author of two books, I have spent a good part of the last 15 years thinking about the place of religion in Americas experience of the Great War.

From the beginning of American involvement in the war to the construction of cemeteries in Europe for Americas war dead, Christian imagery framed and simplified a complex, violent world and encouraged soldiers and their loved ones to think of the war as a sacred endeavor.

Writings by and for American soldiers used religious imagery and language, to contrast progressive, Christian America and barbaric, anti-Christian Germany.

The June 14, 1918 issue of Stars and Stripes, a weekly newspaper written by and for American soldiers in France, featured an editorial cartoon that drew this stark division. In it, the crown prince of Germany and the Kaiser stroll casually past Christ as he hangs on the cross.

The prince, dressed in black with a skull and crossbones on his hat, smiles at his father and says, Oh, look, Papa! Another of those allies!

The cartoon affirms that Americas cause is Christs cause at the same time that it argues that Germans are so morally perverse that they would recrucify Jesus if given the chance.

American pilot Kenneth MacLeish was just as blunt in a letter to his parents. (His mother collected his wartime correspondence and published a memorial collection after his death in combat.) He defended his decision to go to war with a very different image of Jesus, but conveyed a similar lesson about the German foe. He wrote,

Do you think for a minute that if Christ had been alone on the Mount with Mary, and a desperate man had entered with criminal intent, He would have turned away when a crime against Mary was perpetrated? Never! He would have fought with all the God-given strength He had!

Mr MacLeish left no room for doubt as to which side should be imagined as Marys rapist, and which should be seen as her Christ-like defender. He was equally clear that waging war was morally acceptable. Writing in the same letter, he stated,Religion embraces the sword as well as the dove of peace.

The Christian imagery that filled the pages of Stars and Stripes and the letters and diaries of American soldiers erased Germanys Christian history and made a religiously diverse and conflicted America into a virtuous, Christian nation.

In fact, Germany, like the U.S., had large numbers of Protestants, Catholics and Jews, and had given rise to many religious movements and denominations that were thriving on American soil. Yet in the eyes of many American soldiers, the war confirmed that Germany was profoundly vicious.

Charles Biddle, another American pilot in a letter to an aerial attack on a field hospital. cited a French postcard that inverted Jesus words from the Gospel of Luke: Do not forgive them, for they know what they do!

World War I came to an end on November 11, 1918 American losses were small by comparison to other combatant nations, but still exceeded 100,000, including 53,000 who were killed in combat.

(A large percentage of the other 57,000 died as a result of the global influenza pandemic.) By contrast, France lost 1.2 million soldiers, Great Britain lost 959,000 and Germany lost over two million.

As individual American soldiers and the nation thought about how best to memorialise the fallen, they turned again to Christian imagery.

In May of 1919, Stars and Stripes published an image of Joan of Arc and an accompanying poem. Saint Joan hovers over a temporary burial ground, keeping watch over graves marked by crosses. Sergeant Hal Burrows of the Marine Corps signed the drawing.

Second Lieutenant John Palmer Cumming wrote the poem: The kiss the wind may bear will stir the tranquil leaf. And lay it softly on the mounds we made. And we shall labor in the mart or bind the sheaf. The while her spirit guards their quiet glade.

The poem and the image confirmed that Americas war dead would not be alone. They would have a saint to watch over them. In dying for the nation, they had proven themselves worthy of such attention.

When the United States government set to work designing and constructing cemeteries in France, England and Belgium, they created environments that look very much like the quiet glade picture above, though on a much grander scale: The largest American cemetery, Meuse-Argonne American Cemetry, near the French town of Romagne, contains 14,246 graves.

White marble crosses dominate these cemeteries, creating a much more explicitly Christian space than the veterans cemeteries located in the United States, where headstones are small, rounded rectangles.

The crosses at Meuse-Argonne and Americas other overseas cemeteries do not call American soldiers to fight, as the Stars and Stripes imagery did. They call Americans to remember. But the crosses work in ways similar to the Stars and Stripes images.

As my research has shown, American men and women who died in the course of World War I came from many walks of life. They differed in terms of religious identity, ethnicity, race and class. Some were brave and morally upright. Others, likely, were not.

Americas Great War cemeteries make this diversity difficult, if not impossible, to discern. The cemeteries that the United States built overseas after World War II use even more pervasive Christian imagery, leaving no room for non-Christian soldiers among the unknowns.

As the crosses rise ramrod straight from tightly manicured lawns, they project American virtue and Americas alignment with Christ. They admit little, if any, moral complexity.

The crosses bear the names of the individuals who lie beneath them, but that individuality and the complexities that went along with it are subsumed by a collective identity defined by near uniform Christianity and by nearness to Christ.

The truth is, World War I was not a war of religion. Men from different religious backgrounds fought alongside each other and killed men with whom they may have, in another circumstances, shared a Christian hymn. But in the United States, and in Europe as well, Christianity shaped the experience of the war and memories of it.

As Americans look back across the hundred years since the nation entered the war and try to remember and honour those who fought, they would do well both to note the role of Christian imagery in creating a world of violence and to reach for the diverse voices and experiences that those images all too often obscure.
Two year old Jannat, was playing on the terrace, and it is suspected that she might have lost her balance and fall down.

New Delhi : A 2-year-old girl died after she fell down from the terrace of her aunt's house in Seemapuri area of Shahdara, police said on Thursday.

The incident happened Wednesday evening when the girl, Jannat, was playing on the terrace, they said, adding it is suspected that she might have lost her balance and fall down.

She was rushed to GTB Hospital where she was declared brought dead. The girl had come to her aunt's house along with her parents on Wednesday, they added. Police is probing the matter if the girl was accompanied by some elders when she was playing on the terrace, they said.
The police and the family are clueless about the attacker and his motives.

New Delhi: A 45-year-old journalist sustained serious injuries in an attack by unidentified persons when she was out for a walk at a park in Bharat Nagar area of northwest Delhi, police said on Thursday.

The incident happened last evening when Aparna Kalra had gone for a routine walk to Picnic Hut -- a popular park in the area which is usually crowded with walkers around that time.

"She went for an evening walk everyday to the park which is two minutes away from her home. She would leave around 6-6.15 pm every day and return around 7 pm before it got dark," her maternal uncle H C Bhatia said.

On Wednesday, after she left to the park at around her usual time, the scribe's family received a call at around 7.30 pm from Deep Chand Hospital and police, saying that she had been brought to the hospital in an injured condition.

On reaching the hospital, the family found her unconscious, severely bleeding from the head and nose. She regained consciousness just long enough to tell police that she had been attacked.

She was later referred to Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, where she underwent cranial surgery last night.

Fortis hospital sources said Kalra was "currently stable", but as she underwent a critical surgery, her situation is being monitored.

"She has sustained severe injuries to her brain and skull. She was hit with iron rods and parts of her skull have been reduced to powder," said her uncle, adding that the doctors have asked them to wait and watch.

So far, no eyewitnesses have come forward to share details about the attack and her family members are also clueless about any possible motive, police said.

Robbery doesn't appear to be a motive behind the attack since she was neither wearing any jewellery nor carrying her cellphone or any valuable at the time of the attack, police said.

The journalist has been employed with leading dailies and was freelancing for the last year or so.
The New Delhi Municipal Council arrived at a decision aimed at expressing a friendly gesture by circular motion.

New Delhi: A day before the arrival of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a four-day visit to the national capital, the Park Street in Central Delhi has been renamed after the neighbouring countrys founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ms Hasina, who is Sheikh Rahmans daughter, will have a series of meetings on various issues, including on enhancing rail, road and water connectivity.

The New Delhi Municipal Council arrived at a decision aimed at expressing a friendly gesture by circular motion.

It has been decided to rename Park Street after founder of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, ahead of Sheikh Hasinas visit. This is like a friendly gesture as India shares cordial relations with Bangladesh, a senior NDMC official said.

The decision arrived through a circular motion as a council meeting could not be convened due to shortage of time and with the model code of conduct being in place because of MCD polls, he added.

Mr Rahman was the central figure in Bangladeshs liberation movement and served as the Bangladesh president twice . He studied law at Maulana Azad College in Kolkata and joined student politics there.

According to NDMC officials, while 12 of the council members, including chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, agreed to the proposal, AAP MLA from Delhi Cantonment Surinder Singh refused to give his consent.

NDMC vice-chairman Karan Singh Tanwar said, The task of changing the sign boards will be carried out tonight to ensure that it is completed before the Bangladesh PMs arrival on Friday.
As a part of the Field Notes Project, the Ernst Mayr Library is digitizing the journals, correspondences and photographs of William Brewster (1851-1919), a self-trained ornithologist and specimen curator at Harvards Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), the first president of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and a co-founder and president of the American Ornithologists Union.

Brewster recorded a lifetime of observations on wildlife and plants, changing landscapes, and daily weather, making his notes a valuable resource for modern scientists studying ecological change. After working as an animal specimen curator for the MCZ for many years, he also bequeathed his personal collection of birds and other animals to the museum.

As Ive worked to digitize and transcribe the Brewster collection, Ive been periodically sharing interesting finds in a blog post series on the Mayr Library website. These posts highlight entertaining animal encounters, beautiful descriptions, letters, and more.

Lower image: Portrait of Brewster with his camera at

Lake Umbagog, Maine, likely captured by his assistant, Gilbert.

Journals of William Brewster, 1871-1919 (inclusive). (1898). http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/45105729

Ive been especially fascinated to track the development of Brewsters thoughts on scientific collecting. I touched on this subject in a post on the Biodiversity Heritage Library blog, Digging into the writings of a 19th century ornithologist. As Ive continued to scan and transcribe the Brewster collection, an interesting story has emerged. It was a complex job to juggle the hats of museum curator, scientific collector, and bird-lover.

In an 1886 letter, Brewster scoffed at the assertion that the best was to study bird was with an opera glass![1] This was one decade before the Massachusetts Audubon Society for the Protection of Birds was founded, with Brewster as its first president. Despite his earlier reservations, journals from the 1890s show Brewster embracing new methods of data collection using binoculars and cameras, and reflecting critically on the future methods and goals in zoology.

While he continued to advocate for the importance of collecting wildlife specimens, Brewster increasingly felt that humans had an ethical responsibility to carefully mitigate human impact on wildlife  and this responsibility belonged to scientists, too.

Brewster returned for many years to make observations at Lake Umbagog, Maine, sometimes staying in his specially built house-boat.

The person standing on deck is probably his assistant, Gilbert. Journals of William Brewster, 1871-1919 (inclusive). (1898). http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/45105746

In the 1890s Brewster began to consistently document a deep conflict between his desire to study nature and his desire to leave wildlife untouched. Because his field notes are typically more focused on data than on personal details, these comments really do stand out and signal that this became a matter of great concern to him. In 1892, he observes:

As on several former occasions when I have seen a Hawk catch a smaller bird and have listened to its expiring cries I was moved by deep pity and fierce wrath to an extent surprising on the part of one who, like myself, has killed thousands of birds without suffering more than an occasional slight qualm. But there is something peculiarly moving and piteous in the voice of a bird in the clutches of a Hawk  a quality of mingled pain and apprehension which the grasp of the human hand seldom or never elicits. [2]

Over the next few years, we find that he has gone from those aforementioned occasional slight qualm[s] to a daily struggle to complete his work. In 1896 he refers to collecting birds as a most painful task[3], and writes that he is sometimes quite unable to bring [himself] to the point of doing it. [4]

Close-up of a female moose Brewster sketched at Lake Umbagog, Maine. Journals of William Brewster, 1871-1919 (inclusive). (1896). http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/44924677

Its clear that Brewster saw a need for some change in the current scientific practices. Birds were generally being over-harvested, for fashion but also for science. And not only was nature conservation on his mind, but it seems that he felt personally dissatisfied by the limited scope of zoology. Brewster saw the need to legitimize observational studies of animal behavior in a scientific community that was focused primarily on taxonomy and building large collections. While he wrote many letters to colleagues debating the species and subspecies designation of specimens, his journals are brimming with descriptions and speculations about animal behaviors.

From his correspondences, we can see that his thinking was encouraged by Frank Michler Chapman, a younger friend and colleague working at the American Museum of Natural History. In 1890, Chapman had written to Brewster to express his concern that specimen collecting was destructively out of control:

This miserable collecting. It is the cause of all higher failing, it lowers a true love of nature through a desire for gain. I dont mean a specimen here and there, but this shooting right and left, this boasting of how many skins have been made in a day or season. We are becoming pot-hunters. We proclaim how little we know of the habits of birds and then kill them at sight. Sometimes I am completely disgusted with our ways and myself in particular I long for an outing where the gun will be secondary, recorded observations primary, where I shall be entirely alone or with a companion whose object is my object.

We expect too much, thats the trouble. Collecting, we have at the end of each day some tangible result to show for the days work. But it is useless to expect some novel or interesting incident for every day[]s observation. But listen to this final result: If I had gone down the Suwanee [River] to record what I saw, I could now have written a more or less interesting paper, as it is I have nothing to say, but I have a hundred or so skins . The question with me is, how am I going to change this? We have degenerated to gunners; our success in the field is estimated by the size of our collections.

 Will you embark with me on a novel ornithological expedition, whose aim shall be to really observe birds to learn something of them. Where the gun shall be a servant, not a master, where days may pass without a skin being made, where there will be time to speculate and discuss the habits of birds observed, where systematic observation of certain phaenomena may be attempted Returning we could write a paper. How do you suppose this paper would compare with the ones we have to-day, where after a trip[]s experience all we can say concerning a given species is: Common, arrived ___.

Such a paper with your name attached to it would start a new epoch in the study of American birds. Imagine any one now-a-days making an extended trip for the sole purpose of observing birds. I know, I have several papers in mind which approach this  yours are nearest. Do you suppose we can reach that condition of mind where one good observation will be considered worth fifty skins,  as it really is. [Line breaks and emphasis added.] [5]

A page from William Brewsters journal. Illustration reads Made by Mr. Chapman from the feather of the ivory-bill shot March 24 and sent to me as a Christmas mount Dec. 25 1890.

Journals of William Brewster, 1871-1919 (inclusive). (1890). http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/44690675

Brewster was too busy with travel and fieldwork to respond directly (in writing, at least) to Chapmans proposition, but he did reply a few weeks later, I have been off in my canoe along the South Shore of Mass for the past month & have made a good many valuable notes I left the gun at home for the first time in my life and did not once regret it, either! [6]

How amazing it was to find, in writing, a proposal to launch a new epoch in the study of American birds! While specimen collections are an important part of modern scientific work, its true that the study of zoology does look very different today than it did in the 19th century, and here we see the seeds of that change.

It would be easiest to paint Brewster as simply a taxidermist, or as an environmentalist, but as usual we find that the scientist was about as complex as the subjects he studied. Just as Brewsters careful notes on species abundance and daily temperature are an invaluable resource for researchers, its enriching from a humanities perspective to uncover the personal stories that drove a major paradigm shift in the study and stewardship of natural world. While nothing quite compares to studying old documents in a quiet room, its exciting to be widening accessibility to these data and historical insights.

The BHL Field Notes Project is funded by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR).

Images used in this post were previously digitized with funds from IMLS.

Citations:

[1] Correspondences, Letter to George Sennet, March 7, 1886. Soon to be available in BHL

[2] July 28. Journals of William Brewster, 1871-1919 (inclusive). (1892). http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/44790847

[3] July 3. Journals of William Brewster, 1871-1919 (inclusive). (1896). http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/44924596

[4] July 9. Journals of William Brewster, 1871-1919 (inclusive). (1896). http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/44924608

[5] Correspondences, Frank Michler Chapman to William Brewster, June 15, 1890. Soon to be available in BHL

[6] Correspondences, William Brewster to Frank Michler Chapman, August 8, 1890. Soon to be available in BHL
Party demands suspension of govt, seeks CMs clarification.

New Delhi: Seeking to corner the AAP-led Delhi government over the findings of the Shunglu Committee report, the BJP on Thursday accused the ruling party of encouraging nepotism and making flamboyant and illegal decisions.

Attacking chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over the findings, Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said that it is shocking that Mr Kejriwal, who came to power showing a bundle of 370 pages of corruption charges against Sheila Dikshit, is today unable to face the people on the 404 pages Shunglu Committee report.

The party also demanded the suspension of the AAP government, which enjoys a massive mandate of 65 out of 70 seats in the Assembly. Addressing the media at the partys national headquarters, Union mi-nister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the attempt by the Delhi government is violative of established legal and constitutional positions and the BJP demands clarification from the AAP and CM Arvind Kejriwal.

The kind of information in the Shunglu report pertains very seriously to issues of propriety and making decisions on subjects wherein it (the AAP government) has no role to play, said Ms Sitaraman.

She also underlined appointment of personal staff of ministers, approved foreign travels and allotment of quarters as questionable actions of the government as pointed out in the report. Nikunj Agarwals appointment as OSD to health minister is under the scanner as he is a relative of Arvind Kejriwal. What brings Nikunj Agarwal and nobody else on that position? asked Ms Sitaraman.

The commerce and industry minister also questioned the appointment of Delhi health minister Satyendar Jains daughter, an architect by profession, to head a mohalla clinic-related body, terming it as the worst case of nepotism.

BJP LS member from Meenakshi Lekhi alleged that Mr Kejriwal was heading a dishonest government and was misappropriating public money for personal gains.

A lot of irregularities have taken place while filling up several posts. To the extent that a Class 12 pass-out was appointed as advisor. All these appointments were made without following standards and procedures of the Constitution and the law of the land, said Ms Lekhi.
Explaining the modus operandi of the accused, police said the customers had the facility to log in on three different websites.

Mumbai: The Cyber Crime Cell of Mumbai Police has arrested five persons for allegedly duping over 2,000 people to the tune of lakhs of rupees through an online sex platform, official said on Wednesday.

The accused used to operate a call centre from Masjid Bunder in South Mumbai.

The issue came to light a few days back, when the city police received complaints of cheating through website.

Explaining the modus operandi of the accused, police said the customers had the facility to log in on three different websites.

"After registering on one of these websites and paying Rs 999, one could connect with a person of the opposite sex, like a friendship club. The payments were being made through PayTm in the account number mentioned on the website," police said.

After the registration, the customer used to contact a specific number, displayed on the website, but could not get response despite repeated calls.

"The registration fees paid by the customer used to get transferred into the bank account of a jeweller from the same area. The customers later used to realise that they have been duped," police said.

The Cyber Police, which was making inquiry into the complaints, came to know that the PayTm account number was being changed frequently, although the receiver remained the same.

"The operator of the sex website used to send his man to the jeweller, where he used to give gold coins of the amounts in exchange of money which he has received in the form of membership fees," police said.

On Tuesday, when an aide of the website operator went to collect the gold coins from jeweller, a police team nabbed him on the spot by laying a trap.

After getting information from him, police raided three offices, including a call centre at Masjid Bunder area, from where all the operations were going on.

Cyber Police has arrested Mohd Shakib Abdul Malik Caotwala (24), Girish Harbansh Jaiswal (33), Kamal Suresh Vishwakarma (31), Arjun Ramprakash Kanoujia (28) and Sharif Afzal Ahmad Khan (24) from the spot. These accused include three website operators and a jeweller.

"Police have seized 16 hard disks, 300 mobile SIM cards, 3 laptops and 37 mobile phones. After arresting the accused, police produced them before the court, which remanded them in police custody till April 10," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime Cell) Akhilesh Kumar Singh said, adding that the accused have cheated more than 2,000 people.

The accused had procured multiple SIM cards, which they used for making calls to gullible customers, he said.

Investigation into the case is on, the DCP added.
A division bench of Justice Anup Mohata and Justice R.V. Ghuge was hearing a petition filed by the Bombay Mutton Dealers Association.

In September 2015, BMC and the state government issued a circular and placed a ban on sale of meat (chicken and mutton) for four days.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Wednesday asked the state government to come up with suitable arrangements to fix dates on which a ban on animal slaughter and sale of meat (mutton and chicken) could be enforced. A division bench of Justice Anup Mohata and Justice R.V. Ghuge was hearing a petition filed by the Bombay Mutton Dealers Association.

In September 2015, BMC and the state government issued a circular and placed a ban on sale of meat (chicken and mutton) for four days. According to the circular, those days fell under paryushan period (period of fasting and abstinence) observed by the Jain community. The petitioner challenged this in court. The high court then stayed the ban on sale of meat without interfering with animal slaughter. The court asked the government to come up with guidelines and a list of days when the ban could be imposed.

However, when the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, state government counsel Hiten Venegaonkar said that he needed time to file an affidavit in response to the courts directions. We will have to monitor the issue every year. The government will have to fix dates after discussing (the issue) with all parties.... It is a matter that has to be handled in a mature manner, the court said.

Justice Mohata said, There has to be an arrangement in society. The government will have to come up with a solution. The court adjourned the hearing till Thursday. While staying the ban on sale of meat last year, the court slammed the government and BMC for their "regressive" approach and said that such a ban was no solution in a metropolitan city like Mumbai.
Devendra Fadnavis says finance secretary will study how the northern state fulfilled promise.

Mumbai: After being cornered by the Opposition over the farmers loan waver issue and being labelled unconcerned about farmer suicides in the state, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis seems to have taken a cue from Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who has waived off loans of his states farmers.

Mr Fadnavis informed the Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday that his government is working on a plan to help the states beleaguered farmers. Mr Fadnavis also said, I have asked our finance secretary to study how the UP government has fulfilled its promise and how it is going to raise the money. We are also working on other schemes and options that could help farmers in the long term.

When Assembly had resumed on Wednesday morning, Shiv Sena members raised the issue with Sena MLA Shambhuraje Desai demanding a complete loan waiver to farmers along the lines of the UP waiver. He also referred to the Madras high court decision asking the Tamil Nadu government to write off the loans of all farmers. BJP MLA Sanjay Kute then rose and defended his party, terming it sensitive towards farmers.

All these days, Mr Fadnavis has smartly skirted the issue saying the state government does not have enough money to waive off the farmer loan, but he was cornered after the newly elected UP CM waived off loans totalling Rs 36,359 crore.

Referring to the Madras high court order, Mr Fadnavis said, Our government is capable enough of taking the decision. We do not need any such directives. We are working on the issue. We will take a decision that will help farmers in the long term.

It may be recalled that the chief minister and his colleagues in the government had been of the view that a loan waiver isnt a final solution to the farmers problems. A BJP minister had even gone on record to claim that waiving off loans would benefit banks rather than farmers. The government had claimed that it was working on providing farmers with better benefits in terms of irrigation and getting rid of their problems, which would help farmers avoid having to take loans. However, all these views seem to have vanished.

Meanwhile, the BJPs partner in the state government, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded a complete loan waiver for the states farmers. If Yogi Adityanath could do this in his first Cabinet meeting, then why not the Maharashtra government? Today farmers are neck-deep in the financial crisis. The government should stand for them, said Mr Thackeray.

Opposition parties, which have been aggressive on the loan waiver issue from day one of the ongoing budget session, got a shot in arm with Adityanaths announcement. If poor state like Uttar Pradesh could take such a decision, why is the Maharashtra government so reluctant to help farmers? asked Opposition Leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.
Parliamentary affairs minister Girish Bapat said that the decision was taken after examining similar arrangement in six other states.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government made changes to the Legislature Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, giving facilities like cars with red beacon, offices and bungalows to the whips of the ruling parties  the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena. However, the facilities have not been extended to the opposition parties  the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

With the amendment, the BJP whips Raj Purohit in Assembly and Bhai Girkar in Council, Shiv Sena whips Suresh Prabhu in Assembly, and Neelam Gorhe in Council would get the facilities. The ruling parties whips will also get the status of the state minister. Meanwhile, the opposition has slammed the move, terming as a bid to accommodate more leaders politically.

Parliamentary affairs minister Girish Bapat said that the decision was taken after examining similar arrangement in six other states. The Assembly approved an amendment in the act on Wednesday. About six other states have these facilities, and hence we have given it to our whips. Its for their convenience to work and manage the floor in the house, Mr Bapat said. Though there are six whips in the BJP; the facility would be given to chief whips of the Assembly and Council, Mr Bapat added.

The draft of the amendment said The offices of the chief whip and whip of the party forming the government in the state legislature are of utmost important for the functioning of both houses of the state legislature. It is therefore considered expedient to provide that the member of the state legislature who are holding the chief whip and whip post in the state legislature certain facilities attached to the said office.

However, the opposition has slammed the move terming it as a bid to appease some leaders. NCP group leader Jayant Patil asked why the opposition parties whips are not given the similar facilities. They are trying to adjust more leaders in the power circle. Thats why the opposition parties whips are not given same facilities, Mr Patil added.

In Delhi Assembly in 2015, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had appointed 21 MLAs as parliamentary secretaries and later, the Delhi high court had set aside the appointments.
The world's oldest and most experienced spacewoman is getting three extra months in orbit.

NASA announced Wednesday that astronaut Peggy Whitson will remain on the International Space Station until September. The 57-year-old astronaut arrived last November and was supposed to return to Earth in June. But under an agreement between NASA and the Russian Space Agency, she'll stay another three months and take advantage of an empty seat on a Soyuz capsule in the fall.

This mission - her third - will now last close to 10 months. Scientists are eager to monitor any changes to her body, to add to the knowledge gained from retired astronaut Scott Kelly's recent one-year flight.

The two men she flew up with in November - France's Thomas Pesquet and Russia's Oleg Novitskiy - will return in June without her.

Whitson has already spent more time in space than any other woman, counting all her missions, and just last week set a record for the most spacewalks by a woman, with eight.

This weekend, she'll take over as space station commander, her second time at the job.

And on April 24, she'll set a new U.S. record for most accumulated time in space. That NASA record - 534 days - is currently held by former space station resident Jeffrey Williams.

Whitson welcomed Wednesday's news.

"I love being up here," she said in a statement. "Living and working aboard the space station is where I feel like I make the greatest contribution, so I am constantly trying to squeeze every drop out of my time here. Having three more months to squeeze is just what I would wish for."

NASA's space station program director, Kirk Shireman, said Whitson's skill and experience make her "an incredible asset" up there, and her extra time will be put to good use.

There will be a return seat for Whitson in September because the Soyuz due to launch later this month will carry up one American and one Russian, one person fewer than usual. Russia is temporarily cutting back to two station residents. With Whitson's extended stay, the orbiting outpost will continue to have a full crew of six.

Whitson, a biochemist who grew up on a farm in Iowa, became an astronaut in 1996. She served as NASA's chief astronaut from 2009 to 2012, the only woman to ever hold the job.
Every nation is a land power, but few nations can be, or are, land-sea powers.

No large (sovereign) land mass can be prosperous, safe and secure without a matching marine strength. Sea capability, historically, has been the sine qua non for virtually every global-reach aspiring European power since the 16th century and the Americans in the 20th century. Among non-Western nations, only Japan so far had a Navy with reasonable reach, but far from global.

Understandably, when the Americans, at the turn of the 20th century, said our ships are our natural bulwarks, they werent wrong, as subsequently proved in World War II, from the prolonged Atlantic battles to the June 1944 Normandy landings, to the epic struggle for Pacific supremacy between the Japanese and American fleets. Thus was reborn the concept of forward deployment, in which the Navy inevitably replayed a leading role in post-Cold War global trade, commerce and security systems. A nations sea power emerged as diplomacys most visible arm in geopolitics and other power plays.

Its thus the turn of US forward deployment all the way as all contemporary non-US Western navies are a pale shadow of their glorious past, leaving Washington as the sole monopoly player in the worlds oceans. How did this happen? From remote ports and bases or home ports? Unsurprisingly, it comes from at least 50 global forward deployment areas/ports which helped America attain its present status. Thus, from Ascension Island to the Atlantic; Bahrain to British Indian Ocean Territory; Canada to Cuba; Djibouti to the Philippines; Singapore to Spain; UK to (now) Ukraine; the US flotilla floats and sails  furthering the American national interests in economics, politics, security, diplomacy and gathering of real-time information in every other sphere. It aims to protect the US mainland with forward deployment to sea, to ensure that no conflict reaches Americas mainland.

The existing sea world order, however, appears to be changing fast, with an increasingly combative order-of-battle of Communist Chinas capitalist government posing an unprecedented challenge to the US monopoly. Though after 1945 the US has never hidden its intention of dominating or being prepared to fight a war with anyone, anywhere  from Korea to Vietnam, from Afghanistan to Latin America, Iraq to Kuwait, and Libya to Syria, Chinas style and strategy is a little different. Beijing fought Korean war from the rear in the 1950s, playing to perfection Sun Tzus Art of War to inflict a humiliating defeat on India (in two sectors of Ladakh and NEFA) in broad daylight; forcibly captured the northeast portion (north of Indus to the area adjacent to Daulat Beg Oldi and Thoise) of Kashmir (1960s), and subsequently inked the grossly illegal Sino-Pak bilateral treaty with Ayub Khan and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to usurp more Indian territory west of present Indian deployment at Siachen. Subsequently, though, China made a hard attempt, with its India success formula, to capture Vietnamese territory in the late 1970s on the sly, and it got a bloody hard nose from Hanoi as the latter refused to play to the Chinese tune.

Understandably, the Chinese changed tack, and Beijing switched over from land to sea, sensing an opportunity to fill the empty space in the aftermath of the fall of the mighty Soviet Union and its equally impressive naval forces. Encircle land through the sea  a bit similar to Mao Zedongs call to the Communists in the 1930s to encircle static city garrisons through mobile villagers to put pressure on logistics and supply routes of the privileged in urban centres. It is an application of Maos and Sun Tzus mobility and surprise in, and from, the sea. The name of the new game is the time-tested forward deployment of the erstwhile imperial powers in search of land, loot, labour and larceny, in the guise of laissez faire, for the leisure of their princes.

Expectedly, the Chinese started their first major overseas naval base in Djibouti. Housing thousands of personnel at Obock, a northern port a few hours by boat across the Gulf of Tadjoura from Djibouti City. A former French colony overlooking the southern gateway to the Red Sea, connecting Suez (west) and the Indian Ocean (east), it constitutes one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes. Djibouti, which comes under the US Africa Command, also houses 3,150 military personnel, comprising transport, special operations squadrons and naval air bases, is a stones throw distance from there.

While Beijings stand is that it is protecting its interests and investments (worth $30 billion in 2014) throughout sub-Saharan Africa, Djibouti is a multipurpose, all-weather deployment base for CPEC/BRI/OBOR. How and why is that so? This is because all the three Chinese projects primarily pass through land; and land has its own inherent limitations, specially if it is traditionally multi-factor and multi-actor turbulence-prone geography. A land war is bound to loom large. History shows that. Every nation is a land power, but few nations can be, or are, land-sea powers. China now aspires to be one, which is strategic deception at its best, through an effective and catchy cover of collective prosperity. The mind boggles at the prospect!

Chinas unprecedented Djibouti forward deployment base is actually a backup for Gwadar  they are separated by 1,525 nautical miles, at 10 knot constant speed and 6.4 days at sea. Shanghai to Gwadar, on the other hand, is 6,170 nautical miles, at 10 knot constant speed and 25.7 days at sea. Again, Shanghai to Djibouti is 6,686 nautical miles, at 10 knot constant speed and 27.9 days at sea. No wonder Gwadar is being linked to Djibouti under the cover of economics, amid the unprecedented naval build-up. In case of serious problems in its landlocked Central Asian terrain, the sea power of the state will try to rescue Beijings $50 billion-plus CPEC/BRI/OBOR project. To top it all, the world need not be surprised to see the about-to-be-launched second aircraft-carrier of the PLA Navy, with its carrier battle-group based in Zhanjiang, headquarters of South Sea Fleet (Nanhai fleet) in near-future deployment; say around 24 months from now. Djibouti is a supplementary geostrategic, geopolitical, out-of-area operational fulcrum of the Chinese military to further the objectives of CPEC/BRI/OBOR. The aim is to imitate the Western imperialism of the past, with only the colour changed. The land-sea war as the yellow mans burden?
Vice President Mike Pence said Bannon would continue to play an important role in policy and played down the shake-up as routine.

Washington: US President Donald Trump removed his chief strategist Steve Bannon from the National Security Council on Wednesday, reversing his controversial decision early this year to give a political adviser an unprecedented role in security discussions.

Trump's overhaul of the NSC, confirmed by a White House official, also elevated General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Dan Coats, the director of National Intelligence who heads all 17 US intelligence agencies. The official said the change moves the NSC "back to its core function of what its supposed to do."

It also appears to mark a victory for national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who had told some national security experts he felt he was in a "battle to the death" with Bannon and others on the White House staff.

Vice President Mike Pence said Bannon would continue to play an important role in policy and played down the shake-up as routine.

"This is just a natural evolution to ensure the National Security Council is organized in a way that best serves the president in resolving and making those difficult decisions," Pence said on Fox News.

Bannon said in a statement he had succeeded in returning the NSC back to its traditional role of coordinating foreign policy rather than running it. He cited President Barack Obama's national security adviser, Susan Rice, for why he advocated a change.

"Susan Rice operationalized the NSC during the last administration so I was put on NSC to ensure it was 'de-operationalized.' General McMaster has NSC back to its proper function," he said.

Trump's White House team has grappled with infighting and intrigue that has hobbled his young presidency. In recent days, several other senior US foreign policy and national security officials have said the mechanisms for shaping the Trump administration's response to pressing challenges such as Syria, North Korea and Iran still were not in place.

Critics of Bannon's role on the NSC said it gave too much weight in decision-making to someone who lacked foreign policy expertise.

Bannon, who was chief executive of Trump's presidential campaign in the months leading to his election in November, in some respects represents Trump's "America First" nationalistic voice, helping fuel his anti-Washington fervor and pushing for the president to part ways at times with mainstream Republicans.

Before joining the Trump administration, Bannon headed Breitbart News, a right-wing website.

U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, ranking Democrat on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, called the shift in the NSC a positive step that will help McMaster "gain control over a body that was being politicized by Bannon's involvement."

"As the administration's policy over North Korea, China, Russia and Syria continues to drift, we can only hope this shake-up brings some level of strategic vision to the body," he said.

Bannon's removal from the NSC was a potential setback for his sphere of influence in the Trump White House, where he has a voice in most major decisions. But a Trump confidant said Bannon remained as influential as ever.

"He is still involved in everything and still has the full confidence of the president but to be fair he can only do so much stuff," the confidant said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The White House official said Bannon was no longer needed on the NSC after the departure of Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

Flynn was forced to resign on Feb. 13 over his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the United States, Sergei Kislyak, prior to Trump taking office on Jan. 20.

The official said Bannon had been placed on the NSC originally as a check on Flynn and had only attended one of the NSC's regular meetings.

The official dismissed questions about a power struggle between Bannon and McMaster, saying they shared the same world view.

However, two current national security officials rejected the White House explanation, noting that two months have passed since Flynn's departure.

McMaster, they said, speaking on the condition of anonymity, also has dueled with Bannon and others over direct access to Trump; the future of deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland, a former Fox News commentator; intelligence director Ezra Cohen-Watnick, a Flynn appointee; and other staffing decisions.

Trump is preparing for his first face-to-face meeting on Thursday and Friday with Chinese President Xi Jinping with the threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs a key component of their talks.

Bannon's seat on the NSC's "principals' committee," a group that includes the secretaries of state, defense and other ranking aides, was taken by Rick Perry, who as energy secretary is charged with overseeing the U.S. nuclear weapons arsenal.
Trump strongly urged then-president Barack Obama not to order military intervention against Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Nikki Haley, warned of unilateral action and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Russia to rethink its support for Assad. (Photo: AP)

Washington: The United States and Russia were on a collision course over Syria on Wednesday after a horrific chemical attack so shocked President Donald Trump that Washington threatened unilateral US action.

At least 86 people were killed early on Tuesday in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun in northern Syria and dozens more were being treated after they were found convulsing and foaming at the mouth.

After previous major chemical attacks in Syria in 2013, Trump strongly urged then-president Barack Obama not to order military intervention against Bashar al-Assad's regime.

And he came to office promising both to improve ties with Assad's ally President Vladimir Putin of Russia and to focus US efforts in Syria solely on the defeat of the Islamic State group.

But on Wednesday -- as footage emerged of Syrian children choking to death in agony -- he declared that his view of the conflict had been changed by an attack that "cannot be tolerated."

"It crossed a lot of lines for me," Trump told reporters at a joint White House news conference with Jordan's King Abdullah, alluding to Obama's failure to enforce his own 2013 "red line."

"When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, little babies... that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line, many, many lines," he warned.

"I will tell you, it's already happened, that my attitude towards Syria and Assad has changed very much... You're now talking about a whole different level."

Trump did not go into detail about what any US response to the atrocity would be -- and he has previously opposed deeper US military involvement in Syria's civil war.

Rethink support

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, warned of unilateral action and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Russia to rethink its support for Assad.

"There is no doubt in our mind that the Syrian regime under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad is responsible for this horrific attack," Tillerson told reporters.

"And we think it is time for the Russians to really think carefully about their continuing support for the Assad regime."

Tillerson is due in Moscow next week for talks that will now be clouded by the Khan Sheikhun controversy. At the United Nations, Haley was equally forthright.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," she said.

The warning came during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by France and Britain after the attack.

Haley, lashing out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria, showed photographs of lifeless children choked in the attack.

"How many more children have to die before Russia cares?" she demanded. "If Russia has the influence in Syria that it claims to have, we need to see them use it."

'Categorically unacceptable'

Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack.

Russia -- along with Iran -- is Syria's main diplomatic and military partner. And Moscow, true to form, said the draft text was "categorically unacceptable."

Failure to agree on a compromise text could prompt Russia to use its veto to block the draft resolution. Moscow has used its veto seven times to shield Syria from UN action.

The Western-backed draft text backs a probe by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and demands Syria provide information on its operations.

Russia's deputy ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the UN council that the proposed resolution was hastily prepared and unnecessary, but voiced support for an inquiry.

"The main task now is to have an objective inquiry into what happened," he said. Russia turned up at negotiations with a rival draft resolution that made no reference to specific demands that Damascus cooperate with an inquiry, diplomats said.

Negotiations were continuing on the draft text and diplomats said there would not be a vote before Thursday at the earliest.

"We are talking about war crimes here, war crimes on a large scale, war crimes with chemical weapons," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre.

The British ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, told reporters he hoped council members would agree on a draft resolution by Thursday, but vowed to press for a vote regardless.

Moscow, which launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of Assad's forces, defended the government against accusations of responsibility for the attack.

It claimed the deaths were caused when a Syrian strike hit a "terrorist warehouse" for bombs containing "toxic substances" and pledged to maintain its military support for Assad.

Western experts have dismissed this claim as implausible, given the scale and nature of the casualties.

And a senior State Department official said: "Anyone with common sense and the ability to look at pictures knows that what the Russians are saying about the depot is not true."



'A gas so lethal'

Doctors said victims showed symptoms consistent with the use of a nerve agent such as sarin -- suspected to have been used by government forces in deadly attacks outside Damascus in 2013.

US officials have not said what kind of agent they think was used, but Trump said it was "a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was."

If confirmed, the attack would be among the worst incidents of chemical weapons use in Syria's civil war, which has killed over 320,000 people since it began in March 2011.

Syria officially relinquished its chemical arsenal and signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 to avert military action after it was accused of an attack outside Damascus that killed hundreds.But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use since.
The resolution, introduced at a time when the Sikh community is facing increasing instances of hate crimes in the US.

Washington: A bipartisan group of lawmakers have tabled a resolution in the US House of Representatives to celebrate the annual festival of Vaisakhi observed by Sikhs.

Noting that Vaisakhi celebrates community, prosperity, and continued progress in the year ahead, the resolution introduced by Congressman John Garamendi expressed respect for all communities that celebrate Vaisakhi.

The resolution, introduced at a time when the Sikh community is facing increasing instances of hate crimes in the US, also recognises the significance of Vaisakhi to Sikh communities in the US and around the world.

The three other lawmakers who co-sponsored the resolution are Patrick Meehan, Judy Chu and David Valadao.

Noting that it is an annual festival celebrating the spring harvest season, the resolution said that Vaisakhi is of particular significance to the Sikh religion and is one of the most important dates in Sikh history.

"For Sikhs, Vaisakhi commemorates the creation of the Khalsa, a fellowship of devout Sikhs, by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699;" the resolution said adding that the festival celebrates community, prosperity, and continued progress in the year ahead.
 The Washington Posts Selective Occupation | Main | The Post Attacks Israel While Reporting Jerusalem Terror Attack 

April 06, 2017

New Iranian-backed Group Targets Israel, Media M.I.A

An Iranian-backed Iraqi Shiite militia, Al-Nujaba, has announced the formation of the Golan Liberation Army? to target Israel. The groups stated objectives have largely been ignored by the press.

According to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a non-profit organization that translates Arab, Iranian and Russian media, Al-Nujabas spokesman Hashem Al-Mousawi, was interviewed by Irans Tasnim News Agency on March 8, 2017. Al-Mousawi said:

This army has been trained and has detailed plans. If the Syria regime asks us to, we are ready to act to liberate the Golan [from Israel] along with our allies.?

Al-Nujabas spokesman called Iran a powerful country? that was the only country that helped us and sent us its military advisors.?

In the interview, Al-Mousawi also claimed that the United States and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the creation of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). He blamed Israel for Iraqs destruction.?

Al-Nujaba was established by Akram Al-Kabi, who had previously been with the Iraqi Shiite militia Asaeb Ahl Al-Haqq before moving to Syria. Al-Nujaba has participated in the Syrian civil war, defending the countrys embattled dictator Bashar Al-Assad. The group has fought in Aleppo Province, Damascus and Al-Raqqa. MEMRIs report says that Al-Nujaba operates Iranian drones and is trained by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah, the Lebanese-based terror group that is also, in large measure, an Iranian proxy.

Despite threatening the United States and its key regional allies, some Western press have failed to note the formation of the Golan Liberation Army.?

A notable exception to the media's ignoring the story is the Washington Post dispatch (Netanyahu urges Putin to block Iranian power corridor on Israels border, March 9, 2017) by reporters Ruth Eglash and David Filipov highlighted the threat facing the Jewish state by Iranian-backed militias. The Post noted the establishment of the Golan Liberation Army and that Iran is also thought to have deployed missiles in Syria capable of reaching deep inside Israeli territory.?

Other major U.S. news media outlets, such as USA Today and The Baltimore Sun, failed to report on Al-Nujabas activities aimed at making war on the Jewish state.

With Bashar al-Assad having brutally maintained his grip on Syria, thanks in no small part to Russia and Iran, Tehran is likely to expect quite a bit in return. This is almost certain to include keeping its forces and proxies in position to attack Israel, a country that the Islamic Republic has sworn to destroy.

Posted by SD at April 6, 2017 04:37 PM

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Beijing: China said today that it has lodged protests with India both in Beijing and New Delhi over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and accused it of "fuelling tensions" by allowing the Tibetan spiritual leader in the "disputed areas".

"I can confirm (that) China has lodged protest in Beijing and Delhi," on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here.

The protest was lodged in Beijing with Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale. In Delhi, the protest was lodged with the competent officials of the External Affairs Ministry, Hua said.

Asked whether Beijing views India's permission to the 81-year-old Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the 'One China' policy, Hua said, "I want to re-emphasise that on issues concerning China's major concern

and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, China's position is consistent."

"By inviting and approving (the) Dalai Lama to (visit) disputed areas between China and India, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship and it has fuelled tensions," she said

"We oppose the visit to relevant areas and oppose attempts by relevant countries to arrange a platform for (the) Dalai (Lama) to conduct anti-China activities. We urge relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining

Chinese interests," she said.

Asked about assertions in the Chinese media that India's move was aimed at pressuring Beijing over the issues relating to China blocking India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid, Hua said, "China will not make any assumptions on India's intentions."

She said the Dalai Lama's visit has caused damage to India-China relations. "We hope the two sides can continue to follow principle of mutual respect for each other's core interests and major concerns and we should do more things that can strengthen mutual political trust and promote the overall interests of China-India relations," she said.

On India's NSG bid, Hua said this issue should be resolved by all the 48 members of the group. "We should achieve a solution that applies indiscriminately to all non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty countries through consultation and discussion," she said.

Meanwhile, the official media here said that China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Two English newspapers -- China Daily and Global Times -- launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh -- which China claims as part of Southern Tibet -- is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the NSG and the UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

"New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said. "Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in the editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," the editorial said.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said. The aggressive editorials came after China yesterday lodged a protest over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area. The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju.

When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said. "New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.
Parliament, which was in session over the Sexual Offences Against Children Bill 2017 debated on child marriage as an offence.

He went on to claim that a rape victim marrying her attacker could be a remedy to the crime and several social problems. (Photo: Representational)

Kuala Lumpur: A Malaysian Member of Parliament, who is also a former Shariah court judge, is likely to face criticism for saying that girls as young as nine years old are ready for marriage. He also maintained that there was nothing wrong about a rape victim marrying her attacker.

MP Shabudin Yahaya, while speaking in Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, said that nine-year-old girls are physically and spiritually ready to be married off, according to a report in Daily Mail.

In justification of his statement, he said, When we discuss 12 and 15 year olds, we dont see their physical bodies because some children aged 12 or 15, their bodies are like 18-year-old women.

He went on to claim that a rape victim marrying her attacker could be a remedy to the crime and several social problems. While Yahaya agreed that rape was a crime, his stance on the rapist and the victim being given a second chance to turn a new leaf in life did not go down well with other Malaysian lawmakers.

Parliament, which was in session over the Sexual Offences Against Children Bill 2017, debated that child marriage should be considered as an offence.

Another MP, Teo Nie Ching, told Parliament about two rape cases where the victims married their rapists and the marriage was a failure. In one of the cases, the 35-year-old man, who married a 14-year-old with a disability after allegedly raping her, reportedly raped his 11-year-old sister-in-law and made his wife film the act.

However, Yahaya stood by what he said and said that rapists did not necessarily remain bad. Perhaps through marriage they can lead a healthier, better life - and the person who was raped does not necessarily have a bleak future, he said.

The motion to amend the bill to include child marriages as an offence was defeated. Several MPs agreed that despite the law allowing child marriage, it was necessary to correct the notion that children should be married off because they have the body of an adult.
In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Mr Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

Beijing: China on Thursday accused India of fuelling tensions and damaging its interests by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, while the state media here called for answering blows with blows if New Delhi chooses to play dirty.

I can confirm (that) China has lodged protest in Beijing and Delhi, Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here.

The protest was lodged in Beijing with Indian ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale. In Delhi, the protest was lodged with the competent officials of the external affairs ministry, Ms Hua said.

Asked whether Beijing views Indias permission to the 81-year-old Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the One China policy, Ms Hua said, I want to re-emphasise that on issues concerning Chinas major concern and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, Chinas position is consistent.

By inviting and approving (the) Dalai Lama to visit disputed areas between China and India, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship and it has fuelled tensions, she said. We oppose the visit to relevant areas and oppose attempts by relevant countries to arrange a platform for (the) Dalai (Lama) to conduct anti-China activities. We urge the relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining Chinese interests, she added. The Dalai Lama is on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

The official media here slammed the development, saying that China should not hesitate to answer blows with blows if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Two English newspapers, China Daily and Global Times, launched a scathing attack on India after minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh  which China claims as part of Southern Tibet  is an inseparable part of India.

Taking exception to Mr Rijijus remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic tool against China for its vice like veto against Indias membership in the NSG and the UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, the state-run China Daily said in an editorial.

If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows, the paper said.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Mr Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by Indias Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldnt intervene in their internal affairs, it said.

New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained, it said.

India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino- India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?, the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.

With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with Indias peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that Indias turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi? it said.

Asked about assertions in the Chinese media that Indias move was aimed at pressuring Beijing over the issues relating to China blocking Indias Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid, Ms Hua said, China will not make any assumptions on Indias intentions.

The China Daily, in its editorial, stated, Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijings diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not.

Neither the McMahon Line, by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day Arunachal Pradesh has Beijings endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit, the editorial said.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.
It is currently not clear if the deaths were caused by chlorine or another agent such as sarin.

If confirmed, the attack on April 4 2017 would be one of the worst chemical attacks in Syria in six years of civil war. (Photo: AP)

Idlib: Dozens of people have been killed in a suspected chemical weapon attack in Syria, according to a war monitoring group. Videos and pictures have been posted online, which activists and medics claim show evidence of people dying from asphyxiation.

One news agency report suggested at least 11 of the dead were children. There have also been reports that one of the hospitals treating the victims was attacked.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that those killed in the town of Khan Sheikhun, in the central province of Idlib, died from the effects of some sort of gas. If confirmed, the attack on April 4 2017 would be one of the worst chemical attacks in Syria in six years of civil war.

It is currently not clear if the deaths were caused by chlorine or another agent such as sarin. Both count as chemical weapons, which are illegal. Syria supposedly destroyed all of its sarin stockpiles and production facilities when it joined the Chemical weapon Convention  although evidence to the contrary has emerged.

Russia strongly denies that the Syrian air force is using chlorine. But the Syrian air force is. This has been categorically proven in a series of reports by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Mission OPCW-UN, which Russia begrudgingly allowed to take place. (Moscow then went on to question the methodology of those reports, despite accepting their findings in relation to Islamic State.)

But even if we accept Russian concerns with regard to official attribution, the scale of publicly available evidence that dozens of attacks have been carried out by Syrian helicopters makes assertions to the contrary embarrassing.

The official attribution process is still limping on, and proving very effective under the circumstances. But it is unclear whether it will survive long enough to investigate allegations over this latest attack. Russia have been sceptical about the obvious need to extend the mandate for the OPCW-UN joint mission. Further to this they, along with Iran, have sort to block the communication and formal adoption of previous findings.

There are of course no clean hands in this. Russia has felt cornered at various points by the United States, which, during the Obama administration, linked punishment of Assad for war-crimes with the goal of regime change.

However, if there had been no pressure from Western powers it is difficult to see how any investigatory process into the use of chemical weapons after 2013 would ever have been launched.

More talks

After this latest atrocity, we may see a change in US rhetoric compared to previous responses. If Washington does address the issue publicly, it may state that it will be for the Syrian people to investigate and prosecute these crimes at some point in the future. If Donald Trump comments, he may also imply that he will put pressure on his friend and counterpart in Moscow.

Away from the White House however, if it is confirmed that sarin was used by the Syrian government, Israel may also feel it has to respond, especially if it does not feel supported by the US.

If it becomes clear that Syria has not just retained some capacity of sarin, but it is also using it, Israel may feel justified in responding to an apparent escalation of threat. This would then create an awkward situation for the US at a time it is looking to work with Russia more closely.

In response to this latest attack, a United Nations Security Council meeting is likely soon. But there seems little reason to believe there will be any incentive for Russia to support any form of drastic action. Indeed, in the context of ongoing peace talks there seems cause for most of the major players to bury the issue.

There is then a need to place pressure on all governments to support evidence gathering processes  including the Joint OPCW-UN attribution process. This is not enough, but at the moment would appear to be one of the few hopes of eventually ensuring that those who are committing such war crimes are eventually held accountable.

(This article first appeared in The Conversation Global)
Nguyen, ashamed of his act, pleaded guilty before judge in the SA District Court during a trial.

The court heard that Nguyen suffered an injury more than 20 years ago which caused him pain. (Representational Image)

Adelaide: A 47-year-old man high on methamphetamine crashed his car killing his 14-month-old daughter and grievously injuring his son.

According to Daily Mail reports, addict Tuan Quoc Nguyen, driving with toddler daughter and 4-year-old son while high on drug ice, crashed his car into a pole in Greenacres in 2013.

Later, Nguyen, ashamed of his act, pleaded guilty before judge in the SA District Court during a trial.

The court heard that Nguyen suffered an injury more than 20 years ago which caused him pain. However, one of his friend gave him heroin for the pain and he has been a drug addict ever since.

Stating that the accused had committed drug and driving offence before this crash, the prosecutor Stephen Plummer said: The courts should have real concerns about rehabilitation for this man.

Nguyens defence lawyer in his argument said, Few of us are so unfortunate to suffer the consequences of our weaknesses as badly as Nguyen.

Stating that Nguyen being addicted to methamphetamine, Sale said: The client feels responsible for his daughter's death and he will have to live with this long after he gets out of jail.
The Peace and Friendship Treaty is a bilateral treaty between Nepal and India for establishing a close strategic relationship.

Kathmandu: India and Nepal on Thursday agreed for further studies and discussions on updating and reviewing some of the bilateral agreements including the crucial Peace and Friendship Treaty signed in 1950.

This was decided at the third meeting of the India-Nepal Eminent Persons' Group which concluded here on Thursday. During the two-day meeting, the Nepalese and Indian sides held extensive talks on the treaty and on several bilateral issues, former Nepalese ambassador to India and leader of the Nepalese team Bhesh Bahadur Thapa said.

The 1950 treaty is a bilateral treaty between Nepal and India for establishing a close strategic relationship. The meeting mainly dwelt on three areas: Nepal-India cooperation in water resources, ways to reducing Nepal's huge trade deficit with India and the 1950 treaty.

"During the meeting, the entire gamut of Nepal-India ties were discussed," Thapa said. Bhagat Singh Koshyari-led Indian team took a positive note of Nepal's proposal regarding updating and reviewing some of the clauses of the 1950 treaty in the changed regional and global context, Thapa said.

"The remaining issues will be discussed during the fourth meeting of the group scheduled for May 29-31 in Dehradun," he said, adding that issues like regulating the open India-Nepal border and controlling illegal activities there were also discussed.

Those attended the meeting included Thapa, Nilamber Acharya, Rajan Bhattarai and Surya Nath Upadhyay from the Nepalese side, and Koshyari, Jayant Prasad, BC Upreti and Mahendra P Lama from the Indian side.

The Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations (EPG-NIR) is a joint mechanism consisting experts and intellectuals from Nepal and India that was set up in February last year to provide necessary suggestions to update all existing bilateral treaties and agreements.

Its first meeting was held in Kathmandu in July and second meeting in New Delhi in October last year. The EPG is supposed to submit its recommendations to the respective governments in July next year when its two-year tenure completes.
A case has been registered under several sections of the Explosive Substances Act and the Pakistan Penal Code.

The blast was the latest in a series of bombings by militants in Pakistan. (Photo: Representational/File)

Lahore: Pakistani authorities have arrested five suspected facilitators of the Taliban suicide bomber who targeted military personnel escorting a national census team and killed seven people here on Wednesday, officials said on Thursday.

"The law enforcement agencies have taken five suspects into custody in Lahore for their alleged connection with Lahore blast. They have been shifted to undisclosed location for interrogation," said a senior police officer.

He said an investigation of the blast claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan was underway and all facilitators of the suicide bomber, said to be an Uzbek, will soon be arrested.

He said the suicide bomber, a member of Jamaat-ur-Ahrar group, had reached Lahore two days before the blast and stayed in the provincial capital of Punjab with the facilitators.

The Counter Terrorism Department of the police has registered a case under several sections of the Explosive Substances Act and the Pakistan Penal Code and under one section of the Anti-terrorism Act against unknown terrorists.

At least seven people, including five soldiers, were killed and 19 injured when the bomber blew himself up as he neared an army vehicle escorting the census team in the city.

The blast was the latest in a series of bombings by militants in Pakistan. In February, nearly 130 people were killed in such attacks.

The blast in Lahore on Wednesday came days after at least 22 people were killed and 57 wounded, when a car bomb ripped through a market in a mainly Shia area of Parachinar of Kurram Agency.
Myanmars leader has rejected the charge of ethnic cleansing. [T]here is a lot of hostility there, she acknowledged. But this divide we are trying to close up. To her critics, she said Im just a politician. Im not quite like Margaret Thatcher, no. But on the other hand Im no Mother Teresa either.

Naypyidaw (AsiaNews) - Despite widespread international reports of abuse and violence, Aung San Suu Kyi has rejected accusations against her government that it is involved in ethnic cleansing against minority Rohingya Muslims.

In an interview with the BBC yesterday, Myanmars leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate acknowledged the existence of tensions in Rakhine state, where most Rohingya live. However, she added that the country would welcome returning Rohingya with open arms.

"I don't think there is ethnic cleansing going on. I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening," Ms Suu Kyi told the BBC.

"I think there is a lot of hostility there - it is Muslims killing Muslims as well, if they think they are co-operating with the authorities.

"It is not just a matter of ethnic cleansing as you put it - it is a matter of people on different sides of the divide, and this divide we are trying to close up."

The Rohingya have been denied citizenship and often suffer abuse and discrimination because the authorities and the local population view them as illegal immigrants.

Originally they lived in what is now Bangladesh before coming to Myanmar during British colonial rule.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya are now living in makeshift refugee camps after being displaced by the violence that erupted in 2012.

In recent months, about 70,000 fled to Bangladesh to escape a government military operation in Rakhine, launched after nine policemen were killed in an attack by a Rohingya armed militia.

Last month, the United Nations announced an investigation after the Rohingya accused the army of rapes, murders and torture. The government has denied the allegations.

After leading a pro-democracy and human rights movement against Myanmars military dictatorship, Aung San Suu Kyi has attracted considerable criticism for her failure to condemn discrimination against the Rohingya minority.

During the BBC interview, she responded to the criticism by saying, Im just a politician. Im not quite like Margaret Thatcher, no. But on the other hand Im no Mother Teresa either.
by Luca Galantini

Milan (AsiaNews) - The recognition of the full equality of rights to all citizens, regardless of faith, is certainly one of the most evocative and bolder proposals to emerge from the Al Azhar University congress held in Cairo last month.



The Muslim and Christian academic, political and cultural personalities involved in the initiative of Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb courageously raised two issues that still create more than a little discomfort in the Arab and Islamic political and institutional world: the State secularity and full equality of rights of persons according to their nationality.



These issues, which are extremely important for the development of a culture of peace and mutual respect of human persons, will almost certainly be subject to further development, especially in light of the forthcoming trip of Pope Francis to Egypt, where he will also visit Al Azhar.



According to the treaties and agreements of the major international organizations, the UN in the first place, the proper implementation of the status of citizenship, presupposes that every citizen, by the mere fact of belonging to a particular state, cannot be discriminated against in the enjoyment of their rights on religious, ethnic, linguistic grounds and so on. The principle of citizenship is therefore based on respect for freedom of thought and conscience, of which religion is one of the fundamental manifestations, as pointed out by the Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai, who spoke to the Egyptian conference.



If you look at the regulatory policy framework that defines citizenship status in the constitutions of the Arab and Islamic world, we observe that there is discrimination to freedom of thought and religion, to the point that faiths other than Islam are defined as a minority, that is, "different" communities who are not entitled to equal treatment, but are recognized according to a state of "dhimmitude", therefore at best tolerated.



The same Maronite Patriarch said that the term "religious minority" should disappear and be replaced by the recognition of equal dignity between the faiths.



The conception of citizenship in the constitutions of Arab States is explicitly tied to the Islamic religion in which they qualify their national identity. This means that the citizens of the Christian faith, being considered minority, are subject to restrictions, limitations and differential treatment in the fundamental rights.



Map of violations

With the exception of Syria and Lebanon, for example, in almost all other states the prohibition for Christians to teach the Arabic language remain as it is the sacred language of the texts of the Islamic faith; restrictions on personal freedom, so as a Muslim citizen may marry a non-Muslim woman the contrary is not allowed; The children of mixed religious couples must also be raised according to the Muslim faith.



Again: the Constitution in Iraq while acknowledging respect for religious freedom, article 2 expressly provides that no law may be enacted if it contradicts the founding principles of Islam, in order to ensure the Islamic identity of the majority of the Iraqi population.



Such discrimination against religious minorities are even recognized in the Arab League Charter of Human Rights article. 25 of the, where it ruled that the fundamental rights of citizens belonging to minority groups - such as the practice of the precepts of the religion they belong - can be exercised in a public place in common with the other members of the minority.



Even Tunisia, while in an atmosphere of openness and secular reforms following the Arab Spring, provides in article 38 of the Constitution that only a Muslim citizen can be president of the republic.



In Egypt this definition of minorities had become a worrying issue for the Coptic Christian community, following the approval of fundamentalist Constitution of 2012 in the wake of the political success of Morsis Muslim Brotherhood government. Today, the Constitution of 2014 promoted by the government of General al-Sisi shows a turnaround because, while it confirms shari'a as the primary source of legislation, it reduces the influence of Islam in public life State. Thanks to the launch of a new law governing the construction of Christian churches in Egypt in the most liberal manner, the previous decree that allowed the government to prevent, block or delay these buildings indefinitely on the grounds that constituted a danger to state security was eliminated.



Of all the countries where Islamic law is the dominant element, Morocco is certainly one that more than any other has made a historic step. The Ulema Council has recently recognized the full right of every Moroccan citizen to abandon the Islamic faith without incurring the offense of apostasy, which carried a prison sentence of up to three years. Especially considering that they are still very many Islamic and Arab states that apply the death penalty to those who convert to religions other than Islam in the name of Sharia: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Mauritania , Pakistan, Qatar and others.



The same Lebanon, a country where the religious pluralism of the 18 officially recognized faiths must be respected in government and public institutions level, focused on the political necessity of defining the national identity of the state from membership regardless of religious faith to ensure the more peaceful coexistence between the various components.



The legal political context of the Arab Islamic world is so inconsistent that any attempt at reconstructing civil society in the name of religious pluralism and equal rights among citizens should be firmly supported, while not giving in to easy enthusiasm and illusions, and the Al Azhar initiative should certainly be interpreted as such.



The Atlas of Global Christianity is estimated that the percentage of Christians in Arab lands today amounts to about 6%, compared with 25% of 100 years ago: without a path of mutual recognition of equal rights among citizens, the fate of Christian communities is in grave jeopardy.
The 2016 bill of is a direct attack on the sacred values of marriage, family, women and children. Mothers become mere couriers. Surrogate motherhood is like renting or buying goods. The womb and womens reproductive capacity become marketable commodities. Multiple parenthood is an issue.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  The surrogacy bill is a "direct attack on the sacred values of the institution of marriage, the family, the dignity of women and the natural rights of the child, says Fr Jaison Vadassery, secretary of the Labour Office of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), in a statement released by the Delhi Forum of Priests and Nuns Lawyers.

Surrogacy is only a form of renting and buying, even if the law may ban marketing it, the statement goes on to say. The draft legislation is structured so as not to deal with the current problems. It could do more harm than good, leading to the exploitation of women.

Over the years, India has become the worlds surrogacy hub. Last year, the Indian government introduced a bill to regulate womb renting. Under new rules, womens bodies can no longer be used for commercial purposes. In addition, only infertile Indian couples can resort to surrogacy and only a close relative can act as a surrogate mother.

Yet, despite the apparent restrictions, the lawyers forum believes that they could easily manipulated. The forums statement Catholic Priests and Nuns Lawyers demand the prohibition of surrogacy in India follows (Edited by AsiaNews).

The Delhi Forum of Priests and Nuns Lawyers considers the 2016 bill to regulate surrogacy as a direct attack on the sacred values of the institution of marriage, the family, the dignity of women and the natural rights of the child. Surrogacy is only a form of renting and buying, even if the law may ban marketing it.

The draft legislation is structured so as not to deal with the current problems. It could do more harm than good, leading to the exploitation of women. The womb and the gift of reproductive capacity, along with the ultimate rights of the child, are treated as commodities in a market. The right of a child in the womb to be attached to the woman that carried and nurtured him or her for nine months is treated like breeding a cow to improve quality or quantity.

Motherhood becomes really insignificant and the mother is like a courier. The law ignores its psychological and ethical dimension. Surrogacy does not only promote multiple parenthood, which is against the integrity of human beings, but also reduces the freedom of the natural right of a child to be linked to his or her biological/natural mother. It is a dichotomy of divine duty and science.

The bill says nothing about the child's ability to select a surrogate who will be his or her mother. The law promises a complete ban on commercial surrogacy and offers close monitoring by the appropriate authorities. However, many fear that the procedures, like in the case of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill and its amendments, can be manipulated. One can easily imagine how surrogacy between relatives can add pressure on women to procreate children for infertile relatives. Thus, patriarchy wins the race.

The indivisible instinct of a mother giving birth and raising a child no longer exists. With advances in reproductive science and the entrepreneurial mindset of some, the one who carries the seed is now a simple vessel, a nursery for sprouting, with the tree immediately taken to some other land on which to grow.

The bill will help the high and mighty at the expense of women. The process and procedure of surrogacy constitute a comprehensive health risk for women. The provision of health insurance for the period of pregnancy and the ambiguity [of the bill] in case of failure are, again, things that underscore why a complete prohibition of surrogacy is justified.

(Santosh Digal contributed to this article)
The updated toll rises to 86 dead, including 30 children and 20 women. A figure set to rise again. Moscow considers the draft condemnation formulated by the Western bloc to the UN Security Council "unacceptable". The US president speaks of "affront to humanity." He adds: "My position on Syria has changed."

Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The updated death toll from the "chemical" attack against Khan Sheikhoun town in Idlib province, controlled by the rebels in the northwest of Syria, has risen to 86 dead according to the London based NGO Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The group which is close to the rebels and backed by the Saudis was the first to "denounce" the controversial raid on 4 April that has triggered a "war of words" between the US and Russia.

Yesterday evening Observatory sources reported that there are also "30 children and 20 women among the victims." The figure, the sources said, looks set to rise further in the coming days due to the critical condition of some of the wounded.

Doctors operating in the area say that the symptoms shown by patients are similar to those that occur in the event of attacks using chemical weapons; among these are the dilated pupils, convulsions and foaming from the mouth.

The attack has provoked a wave of international outrage: several Western countries have openly accused the Syrian government and President Bashar al-Assad. Damascus has strongly rejected any wrongdoing claiming they have not used chemical weapons in military operations carried out in these days.

The clash between the various factions is also taking place at a diplomatic level, within the United Nations Security Council. Moscow yesterday described a draft resolution condemning the attack made by the United States, France and the United Kingdom as "unacceptable". The US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, said that Washington is considering "unilateral actions" in case of United Nations inaction.

Last week the United States had said that removing Assad was no longer "a priority." The chemical attack seems to have changed the scenario despite the doubts surrounding the real responsibility for the attack. Condemning the military action Donald Trump spoke of "affront to humanity" for killing "innocent children" means having "crossing ... many lines." "My position towards Syria - added the occupant of the White House - has changed a lot... We are talking about a whole different level." Asked about any changes in American policy toward Damascus, he ended with a cryptic: "You will see."

At the same time, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Russia to "think carefully" about its continued support for President Assad. The US Vice-President Mike Pence added that "all options are on the table" and may be used with regard to Syria.



Moscow has confirmed the air strike took place in recent days, although - according to the Kremlin - the toxic gas (believed to be Sarin) was leaked from a chemical factory used by insurgents to produce weapons to use in Iraq.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that "the text submitted [to the UN] is categorically unacceptable" because "anti-Syrian" in all its aspects. "It anticipates - she adds - the results of an investigation and immediately indicates the culprit. Damascus is portrayed as guilty. "



According to Zakharova the initiative of Western governments to the Security Council shows the their goal of "overturning" the political situation in Syria and that Moscow "does not see any pressing need to pass a similar resolution at this time."



Also yesterday, meanwhile, the two-day meeting ended in Brussels that saw 70 donor countries of Syria. After the meeting, however, overshadowed by the chemical attack in Idlib, the international community committed to six billion dollars in aid for 2017 to the Syrian population and refugees. Christos Styliandide, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, spoke of a huge" figure and a "tangible sign of our solidarity."
by Mathias Hariyadi

Islamic extremists are trying to influence the elections. Many voters criticise the political manipulation of religion. It is wrong to use religion incite hatred and resentment," said People's Consultative Assembly chairman Zulkifli Hasan. "Sectarian issues have used up our energy," added Budi Arie Setiadji.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  Against a backdrop of greater social consciousness, many Jakartans reject the political manipulation of religion. A sign of this are the number of banners that have appeared in some strategic locations around the city. We, Jakartans, are fed up with sectarian issues read some. This comes two weeks before local elections on 19 April.

Some of the banners were raised on pedestrian bridges near Bank Indonesia and Hotel Indonesia, both in Central Jakarta, as well as Slipi Jaya, West Jakarta. However, yesterday afternoon, the city police (Satpol PP) and the General Elections Supervisory Board (Bawaslu), removed the banners because they had not been authorised.

This years election is different from previous ones. In fact, at no other time have Islamists manipulated sectarian issues than in this poll, which sees Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian, running for re-election as the capitals governor.

According to many commentators, the banners are aimed at Anies Baswedan, Ahoks rival. Jakartans did not like the way he has been using sectarian issues to boost his popularity among Muslims, especially the more extremist.

A number of political leaders welcomed the grassroots action against the exploitation of religious sentiments for political gain.

At a seminar today in Jakarta, Zulkifli Hasan, head of Indonesias People's Consultative Assembly, led the way in critiquing the manipulation of religion. "Every religion, he said, teaches good values, but during the Jakartas elections something wrong happened as religion is used to incite hatred and resentment."

Budi Arie Setiadji, head of President Jokowi Supporters Club, noted yesterday that the appearance of anti-sectarianism banners is a clear sign that Jakarta's residents are really fed up with the "tricks" used by some groups to promote their candidate. "Sectarian issues have used up our energy," he lamented.

According to Setiadji, voters are smart now. They vote for candidates who show an ability to make radical changes to Jakarta, and make the city a better place to live and work. "Sectarian issues should not divide Indonesians. Threatening gestures should not spread fear among voters, he said.
Paris (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The terrorist attacks in the world increased in 2016 and is expected to increase also in 2017. These are the figures presented by AON, an international insurance study.



The report released today shows that in 2016, worldwide terrorist attacks increased by 14% over the previous year. In Western countries there has been an increase of 175%.



In terms of numbers, in 2016 there have been 4151 attacks around the world (compared to 3633 in 2015); in Western countries the number increased from 35 in 2015 to 96 in 2016.



The AON experts note that despite the big increase, that of Western countries only accounts for 3% of terrorist actions worldwide.



For 2017, the agency projects the countries that will be affected by terrorism: risk factors have increased for at least 19 countries and descended in only 11. 17 remain among those most at risk.



Louis Bollaert, director of AON political risk in France, said that "the scenario is not rosy for 2017 ... The accumulated effect of the political, economic and terrorist risks are combined to create a very uncertain climate."



In addition, the agency notes that the territorial losses of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria will lead to the dispersion of the jihadi militias, opening dozens of countries in Europe and Asia up to the risk of terrorism.
Catholics number 1,285 billion, 17.7 per cent of the world population. They represent 3.2 per cent of Asias population, 19.4 per cent of Africas, 26.4 per cent of Oceanias, 39.9 per cent of Europes and 63.7 per cent of the Americas. With 34,741, Asia has the largest number of seminarians.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  The number of Catholics in the world is up (from 1.272 billion in 2014 to 1.285 billion in 2015) as is the number of bishops, deacons, lay missionaries and catechists. However, the number of priests, religious and seminarians is down, this according to the 2017 Pontifical Yearbook and the 2015 Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae, now available in bookstores.

The number of baptised Catholics went from 1.272 billion in 2014 to 1.285 billion in 2015, an increase of 1 per cent. Overall, Catholics represent 17.7 per cent of the worlds population. More specifically, there are 3.2 Catholics per 100 people in Asia, 19.4 in Africa, 26.4 in Oceania, 39.9 in Europe and 63.7 in the Americas.

From a medium-term perspective for the 2010-2015 period, there has been sustained growth (7.4 per cent) with regional variations. In Africa the number of Catholics grew by 19.4 per cent, from 186 to 222 million. In Europe, the situation remained stable (almost 286 million in 2015, up by 800,000 over 2010 but 1.3 million fewer than in 2014). This stagnation is due to well-known demographic factors. Despite the slight increase, Europes population is expected to decline in the coming years. The Americas and Asia are somewhere in between with the number of Catholics growing at the same rate as the continents overall population (+6.7 per cent and +9.1 per cent respectively). The situation remains unchanged in Oceania.

With respect to the clergy, the overall figure for 2015 was 466,215, including 5,304 bishops, 415,656 priests and 45,255 permanent deacons.

The overall number of bishops rose in every continent. The overall growth was 3.9 per cent in the five years under review. This meets the needs of the growing number of believers, and reflects a better balance vis-a-vis the existing number of priests.

After rising between 2000 and 2014, the overall number of priests dropped by 136 in 2015. However, the picture varies according to continent. Europe lost 2.502 priests, a drop compensated by Africa (+1,133), the Americas (+47), Asia (+1,104), and Oceania (+82).

Over 2010-2015, the number of priests grew by 0.83 per cent (from 412,236 to 415,656). The growth in Africa and Asia was sustained (+17.4 per cent and +13.3 per cent respectively). In the Americas, the number remained more or less the same (+0.35 per cent). Conversely, Europe and Oceania saw a decline of 5.8 and 2.0 per cent respectively.

The decline touched primarily religious priests. In fact, the number of diocesan priests rose from 277,009 in 2010 to 281,514 in 2015. Conversely, the ranks of religious priests shrank (-0.8 per cent) to just over 134,000 in 2015.

They number of permanent deacons is up, 14.4 per cent in the five-year period, from 39,564 to 45,255. The significant rise touches every continent.

The number of professed men religious who are not priests dropped slightly, from 54,665 in 2010 to 54,229 in 2015, a trend due mostly to a decline in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. The numbers are up instead in Africa, and to a lesser extent in Asia.

By contrast, the number of professed women religious has dropped significantly, from 721,935 in 2010 to 670,320 in 2015, or 7.1 per cent. Here too regional differences are important. Africa saw a gain, from 66,375 in 2010 to 71,567 in 2015, for a 7.8 per cent increase. Second comes South-East Asia, where professed women religious went from 160,564 in 2010 to 166,786 in 2015, a gain of 3.9 per cent for the entire period or 0.78 per cent per year. Conversely, South and Central America saw a major decline, from 122,213 in 2010 to 112,051 in 2015. That is an 8.3 per cent drop for the whole period, or 1.7 per cent annually. The sharpest decline was recorded in North America (17.9 per cent overall, 3.6 per cent per year), Europe (13.4 per cent overall, 2.7 per cent per year), Oceania (13.8 per cent and 2.7 per cent), thus affecting the overall picture.

As for priestly vocations, the downward trend continues. In 2015, the number of major seminarians stood at 116,843, down from 116,939 in 2014, 118,251 in 2013, 120,051 in 2012, 120,616 in 2011 and 118,990 in 2010.

In Africa, the number of major seminarians increased steadily (7.7 per cent) over the period under consideration. Conversely, the number dropped in the Americas (8.1 per cent). In the Middle East, the negative trend continued until 2013. In South East Asia, the number was up until 2012 (4.5 per cent), followed by a major drop so that in 2015 the number stood 1.6 per cent lower than in 2012. In Europe, the number of seminarians dropped by 9.7 per cent in 2010-2015. In Oceania, the number rose until 2012 then plunged so that by 2015 it was lower by 6.9 per cent compared to 2012.

There are significant regional differences in overall numbers with, at the top, Asia (34,741), followed by the Americas (33,512), Africa (29,007), Europe (18,579), and Oceania (1,004).
Donations will be sent to support the communities of the Holy Land. With the crisis in the Middle East and the persecution of Christians "extraordinary" expenditure are up, and the Collection is not enough. In his appeal, the prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches says that the small Christian presence in the Middle East needs the support and attention of the entire Church.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, released a message today for the traditional Good Friday Collection.

Today, as we know, living the Christian faith in the Middle East is not at all easy, the statement reads. For this reason, the small Christian presence in the Middle East has great need of the support and attention of the entire Church.

Inspired in particular by Paul VI through the apostolic exhortation Nobis in animo of 25 March 1974, the Collection is made in all Catholic churches around the world, covering 75 per cent of the funds of the Custody of the Holy Land. The collection benefits many places such as Jerusalem, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Turkey, Iran and Iraq.

However, as noted in the Congregations 2015-16 summary report, donations are not enough. In 2015-16, the Collection raised  1,833,339.20 and US$ 5,275,601.56, not enough to cover expenses: school grants amounted to US$ 3 million, 1.4 million for Bethlehem University, which has 3,000 students. Regular grants for Holy Land churches were almost US$ 2 million and  19,000.

On top of this, there were "extraordinary" expenses, such as more than US$ 800,000 and  20,000 for "the human folly and atrocities of the so-called Islamic State, which forced many Christians to leave their countries, especially in Syria and Iraq.

In light of this, the Christians who have remained in these countries and those who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan require the means for a dignified life. Hence, greater cooperation and generous effort is required of Christians all over the world for their brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and the Middle East.

In an interview, Fr Ramzi Sidawi, the bursar of the Custody of the Holy Land, stressed the importance of the Custodys pastoral and social works in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth, including "the houses that the Custody rents to the local population, especially in Jerusalem, "to help them remain in this land."

Having residency papers for Jerusalem gives Palestinians papers a chance to work and travel. But it is hard to please everyone. "As soon as news spreads that a house is free from tenants, we receive tens of requests, but we can rent it only to one family.

Speaking to AsiaNews, the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr Francis Patton, stressed the importance of the Collection to the life and service of the Custody, along with all the donations that the Holy Land receives each year by "people who love it."

In particular, Fr Patton mentioned pastoral and charity works that benefit Catholics in the Holy Land, but also other communities, such as housing, especially for young couples, basic works of mercy, and 15 Custody-run schools with 10,000 students, Muslims included.

"There are activities not only in the big parishes of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth, but also in Akko, Cana and Jericho," Fr Patton explained. In addition, the 50 Custody-managed shrines serving pilgrims are a resource for local Christians and others, creating a positive economic feedback loop. The recently completed restoration of the aedicule in Jerusalems Holy Sepulcher is one of them.

In a joint press release, the Custody announced that the Holy See allocated a million dollars for the restoration of the area surrounding the aedicule and the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Care and concern for these two Holy Places, which for centuries have nourished the faith of the Church and that of countless pilgrims, are a sign and expression of love for Christ Himself.

For Fr Patton, Good Friday donations are a symbol of love for the Holy Land. "He who gives loves the Christian community, which we call the 'living stones' of the Holy Land, but he also loves the stones of the shrines, which become alive thanks to pilgrims' prayers."
When Revel closed in 2014, it left a great deal of voids, and one of the biggest was the absence of Jose Garces in Atlantic City.

The culinary epicenter of South Jersey became accustomed to having the Iron Chef around, as diners raved about Amada and noshed on tacos while sipping margaritas at Distrito.

So when the Philadelphia restaurateur announced he was returning  this time with three concepts at the Tropicana Atlantic City  foodies rejoiced. But those in the know werent all that surprised.

My relationship with the management team of Tropicana goes back quite a bit, particularly with (Vice President of Hotel Operations) Alan Rivin, Garces says. We almost had a deal way back at Resorts like 15 years ago. And when that didnt come together, we kept in touch. We loved being at Revel, so there has been a hunger to get back in the city. When Alan asked us if we were interested in coming to the Tropicana, it made a lot of sense. We had such a great following and loyal customer base there to give us a lot of confidence.

The result is two of the most intriguing and gorgeous dining concepts in Atlantic City with an equally stunning bar separating them: Olon, Bar Olon and Okatshe.

It really came out even better than our expectations, which were high, says Tropicana General Manager Steve Callender, whose culinary team featuring Vice President of Food and Beverage Renee Fleifel and Director of Culinary operations Demetrios Haronis are working hand-in-hand with Garces team including GM Patrick Sterr and Chef de Cuisine Maria Schmidt. We knew we wanted a seafood restaurant. And Jose knew he wanted to transform Fin to a beach town restaurant that shows the beautiful vibrancy of the coastal culture. And, together, we pulled it off. We are blown away by it, and the customers are, as well.
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Law firm mergers got off to a fast pace in 2017 according to the latest report from legal profession consulting firm Altman Weil.Its MergerLine data shows that there were 28 mergers involving US law firms in the first quarter of 2017 with the combination of Norton Rose Fulbright and Chadbourne & Parke the largest deal. DLA Piper s mergers  with Danish firm LETT and Portugals ABBC  was another large deal while Dentons expanded its global footprint with tie-ups in the Netherlands and Mexico.While these big deals make headlines, the majority of combinations involve smaller firms with 85.7 per cent of mergers in the first three months of 2017 involving firms with fewer than 20 lawyers.The law firm merger market really has three distinct tracks right now, says Altman Weil principal Tom Clay. Theres an extremely active and competitive market for small law firms, with acquirers of all sizes in the hunt. Theres a growing interest in overseas expansion that is almost exclusively the province of very large law firms. And, there are infrequent but important large mergers that are potential game changers for the two firms and can directly impact the competitive landscape.A team from Herbert Smith Freehills has advised on an U$18 million investment in Australian firm Bionic Vision Technologies by Hong Kong based China Huarong International Holdings.BVT is owned by a series of university research vehicles and has been established to develop and commercialise bionic eye implants to help restore limited vision to people with retinitis pigmentosa.The HSF team was led by Melbourne partner Nick Baker, Hong Kong partner Alexander Aitken, and special counsel Amalia Stone.Allowing cooking smells to escape the confines of the kitchen and enter neighbours homes is illegal, Italys supreme court has ruled.The Court of Cassation in Rome considered a dispute between residents of an apartment block involving a couple who enjoyed cooking rich pasta sauces, the smell from which was not appreciated by their neighbours.Two lower courts ruled that the cooking smells were anti-social behaviour but the couple persisted with their appeal. The supreme court in Italy upheld the lower courts rulings.The Court of Cassation ruled that the couple were indeed guilty of what they termed olfactory molestation.
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Chieftain Limited and Chieftain Elite get unique paint jobs, shortened fenders and larger front wheel.

The Indian Chieftain is certainly one of the most visually stunning baggers in the world, even more so in its blacked-out Dark Horse trim. But not one to rest on their laurels, Indian Motorcycle has just launched two more versions of this gorgeous bike called the Chieftain Limited and the Chieftain Elite. According to Indian, these two machines are a bold evolution of the Chieftain line and they certainly look the part.

For the Chieftain Limited, Indian has gone for a larger 19 front wheel which now rests under a chopped up front fender. Gone is the tall traditional Indian Chief fender as well as the light-up war bonnet fender ornament. This has really exposed the gorgeous 10-spoke front wheel in all its glory along with the bikes twin 300mm front disc brakes. The bike still retains all the other signature Chieftain touches such as an electrically adjustable windscreen, remote lockable panniers, touchscreen infotainment system and even its 100-watt audio system built into the fairing. But to help differentiate it a little more, the bike gets colour-matched headlight bezels and a metal stud-free leather seat.

The Elite, on the other hand, represents the top-of-the-line model in the Chieftain range. It has the same 19 front wheel, cut front fender and missing war bonnet like the Limited, but it comes in an incredibly stunning Fireglow Candy Red with Marble Accents paint scheme. This is painstakingly hand painted, with each bike taking over 25 hours of work, at the companys custom paint shop in South Dakota. Indian claims, because of this, no two Chieftain Elites look identical. On top of that, the bike also gets an enhanced 200-watt audio system, along with LED headlight and driving lights, as well as billet aluminium rider and passenger floor boards.

Speaking about the Chieftain Elite, Reid Wilson, director of marketing at Indian Motorcycle said, We wanted to design the most premium, feature-packed Chieftain we could possibly imagine. In the end, I think the bike exceeded even our own expectations. It's an absolute show-stopper." No wonder only 350 units of the Elite will be built ever.

As of now, there is no word on whether either the Chieftain Elite or the Chieftain Limited will be coming to India.
Here is a look at what you can expect from the Nissan Kicks crossover.

After a long hiatus, Nissan is set to introduce an all-new product in India. The Kicks SUV is aiming to break into the tightly-contested mid-sized SUV segment currently ruled by the Hyundai Creta. The brand has not seen much success in our market, as its last SUV, the Terrano, was overshadowed by its sibling, the Renault Duster. However, the Kicks promises to be a well-rounded package and aims to change the Japanese manufacturers fortunes in India. Here are five things about the upcoming Nissan Kicks that you need to know:

Shares platform with the Renault Duster

The Kicks  in most other markets around the world  is based on the same platform as the Micra. However, this one inherits the Dusters tough DNA and is based on an updated version of the M0-platform.This enables Nissan to keep prices in check, thanks to the heavy localisation of parts.

Shares engines with the Renault Captur

Along with its platform, the Kicks will also share its engines and transmissions with Renault models. Nissans latest SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces 110hp and 240Nm of torque while being mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The petrol Kicks gets a 1.5-litre motor which puts out 106hp and 142Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Both of these engines are likely to be equipped with automatic gearbox options in the future.

India-spec Kicks bigger than its international sibling

The India-spec Nissan Kicks retains almost all the cues present on the international model. The India-spec Kicks has several new features as well  like the redesigned front bumper with faux air-inlets above the fog lights and an aluminium skid plate  all of which are meant to add a dash of toughness to the Kicks' appearance. Size-wise, the India-spec Kicks is bigger than the international model. It measures in at 4,384mm, 89mm longer than the model sold abroad, and is also wider (1,813mm) and taller (1,656mm) with a longer wheelbase (2,673mm).

Unique interior layout for India

The India-spec Kicks is not only larger than the international model but also gets a revised dashboard design. The steering-wheel design is retained from the international model but the India-spec Kicks does not get a flat-bottom. Also, the instrument cluster for the Indian Kicks features an analogue tachometer and fuel-gauge meter with a digital speedometer in-between; whereas the international-spec model gets an analogue speedometer and tachometer with a multi-information display in the centre. Furthermore, the HVAC controls have a different layout, too. The India-spec Kicks does not get the monochrome display for the climate control seen on the international model. Even the AC vents have been repositioned from above the infotainment screen to either side of it.

Gets segment-first features

The Nissan Kicks features a few segment-firsts in its cabin. It gets a floating 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is larger than any of its rivals. The touchscreen also doubles as a display for another segment-first feature  the 360-degree surround-view camera. The Nissan Kicks is also the first SUV in its class to feature leather inserts on the dashboard.

Also see:

Nissan Kicks SUV image gallery

Nissan Kicks India review, test drive

2017 Renault Captur India review, test drive
While the U.S. has been working to revise its Part 23certification rules for small aircraft, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has been working on a similar project, and this week EASA published its final rule. Both new rules are set to take effect in August. This is a landmark day for the general aviation industry, GAMA President Pete Bunce said in a news release from Aero, Europes biggest GA show, which opened Wednesday in Germany. This rule is nothing less than a total rethinking of how our industry can bring new models of pistons, diesels, turboprops, light jets, and new hybrid and electric propulsion aeroplanes to market, as well as facilitating safety-enhancing modifications and upgrades to the existing fleet.

The new rule forms part of a global, harmonized effort to develop common certification standards and promote the acceptance of airplanes and products worldwide. New production aircraft will be required to meet consensus standards, similar to the way LSAs are certified now. And since the U.S. and Europe will share a similar structure, it should be easier for small manufacturers to market their products abroad, offering more choices to pilots. The new CS-23 rule [will reduce] the time, cost, and risk involved in certification, Bunce said. This will provide existing and future pilots with the tools they need to fly safer and more easily.
6 April 2017 12:44 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The perpetrators of the Khojaly massacre must be prosecuted, said Einar Vallbaum, Deputy Chairman of the Estonia-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.

We strongly condemn the perpetrators and their criminal, inhumane acts committed against Azerbaijani civilians in the night of 25 to 26 February 1992, during the occupation of Khojaly, which are nothing but a crime against humanity, he said in an interview to Azertac on April 5.

From October 1991, the town of Khojaly was entirely surrounded by the Armenian Armed Forces. After the massive artillery bombardment of Khojaly, Armenians began assault on the town from various directions on the night of February 25-26, 1992. Finally, the Armed Forces of Armenia, with the help of the infantry guards regiment No. 366 of the former Soviet Union, implemented the seizure of Khojaly.

The invaders destroyed Khojaly and with particular brutality implemented carnage over the peaceful population of the town. As a result, 613 civilians were killed, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly, while 1,000 people were wounded and 1,275 people were taken hostage. The fate of 150 of them still remains unknown.

Speaking about the relations between Estonia and Azerbaijan, he said the bilateral ties are very good and continue to develop.

We had very productive meetings with the members of Azerbaijani Parliament, State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, the Council of State Support to NGOs under the President of Azerbaijan, and many more Azerbaijan friends, Vallbaum said.

He added that the relations between Azerbaijani and Estonian parliamentary friendship groups are very close and friendly, based on interest of the countries and development of bilateral relations.

Vallbaum noted that during the visit to Baku in February, the friendship group met with Azerbaijani MPs.

We agreed to keep our cooperation at the highest cooperation level, to exchange permanently the visions on all important bilateral issues and we gladly invited the parliamentary friendship group from Azerbaijan to pay a working visit to Estonia in nearest future, he said.

Touching upon his visit to Baku, Vallbaum said: It was just wonderful to see how amazing Old Baku and New Baku are completing each other. Your city is full of energy, light, positive mood and of course, amazing people. I will gladly recommend to anyone to visit Baku and of course, to visit Azerbaijan too, where you could travel through time and millenary culture.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 April 2017 17:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Armenian Armed Forces, using 60 millimeter mortars, opened fire on the Gapanli village of Azerbaijans Tartar region in the afternoon of April 6.

Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported that the Armenian militaries shelled on the houses the civilians.

The Armenian side was suppressed by the return fire of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Civilian population did not suffer any losses, but their properties were damaged, the Ministry added.

Head of Tartar Region Executive Power Mustagim Mammadov told Trend that four mortar shells of 60 mm caliber hit the yards of two houses in the Gapanli village as a result of the firing by the Armenian Armed Forces.

The shelling killed courtyard poultry. One of the shells hit an unfinished non-residential building in the yard and destroyed it, Mammadov noted.

He added that the village has been regularly shelled since the morning. The enemy was silenced by return fire of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, and everything is quiet here for last few hours, Mammadov said.

He reaffirmed that none of the residents was injured during the ceasefire breach.

The Armenian side regularly tries to provoke and sabotage the Azerbaijan Armed Forces on the contact line, but always receives a strong rebuff.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 April 2017 12:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Kenneth Rogoff

After nine dreary years of downgrading their GDP forecasts, macroeconomic policymakers around the world are shaking their heads in disbelief: Despite a populist-propelled wave of political tumult, global growth is actually set to outperform expectations in 2017.

Its not just American exceptionalism. Although US growth is very strong, Europe has been outperforming expectations by more. There is even happy news for emerging markets, which are still bracing for US Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes but have gained a better backdrop against which to adjust.

The broad story behind the global reflation is easy enough to understand. Deep, systemic financial crises lead to deep, prolonged recessions. As Carmen Reinhart and I predicted a decade ago (and as numerous other scholars have since corroborated using our data), periods of 6-8 years of very slow growth are not at all unusual in such circumstances. True, many problems remain, including weak banks in Europe, over-leveraged local governments in China, and needlessly complicated financial regulation in the United States. Nonetheless, the seeds of a sustained period of more solid growth have been planted.

But will the populist tide surging across the advanced economies drown the accelerating recovery? Or will the recovery stifle leaders who confidently espouse seductively simple solutions to genuinely complex problems?

With the International Monetary Fund/World Bank meetings coming up later this month in Washington, DC, leading central bankers and finance ministers will have ringside seats at Ground Zero. Who can doubt that US President Donald Trump will make a Twitter punching bag out of any of them who dares criticize his administrations planned retreat from open trade and leadership in multilateral financial institutions?

Before then, Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago, his winter White House. It is hard to overstate how much rides on the Sino-US relationship, and how damaging it would be if the two sides could not find a way to work together constructively. The Trump administration believes that it has the bargaining tools to recalibrate the relationship to Americas advantage, including a tariff on Chinese imports or even selectively defaulting on the more than $1 trillion the US owes to China. But a tariff would eventually be overturned by the World Trade Organization, and a default on US debt would be even more reckless.

If Trump can persuade China to open up its economy more to US exports, and to help reign in North Korea, he will have achieved something. But if his plan is for the US to retreat unilaterally from global grade, the outcome is likely to hurt many US workers for the benefit of a few.

The threat to globalism seems to have waned in Europe, with populist candidates having lost elections in Austria, the Netherlands, and now Germany. But a populist turn in upcoming elections in either France or Italy could still tear apart the European Union, causing massive collateral damage to the rest of the world.

French Presidential candidate Marine Le Pen wants to kill off the EU because, she says, the people of Europe do not want it anymore. And while opinion polls have the pro-EU Emmanuel Macron beating Le Pen decisively in the elections second-round runoff on May 7, it is hard to be confident in the outcome of a two-person race, especially given Russian President Vladimir Putins support for Le Pen. Given the unpredictability of an angry electorate, and Russias proven capacity to manipulate news and social media, it would be folly to think that Macron is a lock.

Italys election is not for another year, but the situation is even worse. There, populist candidate Beppe Grillo is leading polls and is expected to pull in about a third of the popular vote. Like Le Pen, Grillo wants to pull the plug on the euro. And, while it is hard to imagine a more chaotic event for the global economy, it is also hard to know the way forward for Italy, where per capita income has actually fallen slightly during the euro era. With flat population growth and swelling debt (over 140% of GDP), Italys economic prospects appear bleak. Though most economists still think exiting the euro would be profoundly self-destructive, a growing number have come to believe that the euro will never work for Italy, and that the sooner it leaves the better.

Many emerging-market countries are dealing with populists of their own, or in the case of Poland, Hungary, and Turkey, with populists who have already turned into autocrats. Fortunately, a patient Fed, a resilient (for now) China, and a growing Europe and US will help most emerging economies.

The outlook for global growth is improving, and, with sensible policies, the next several years could be quite a bit better than the last  certainly for advanced economies, and perhaps for most others as well. But populism remains a wildcard, and only if growth picks up fast enough is it likely to be kept out of play.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Growing Out of Populism?

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6 April 2017 09:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The government of Azerbaijan will soon sign agreements with five more countries to eliminate double taxation, said Zaur Fatizadeh, the Director General of the Tax Ministrys Department for International Cooperation and Tax Monitoring at Financial Institutions.

"We have already agreed upon draft agreements with Singapore, Malaysia, Slovakia, Ireland and Morocco, and they are expected to be signed soon," he told the Vergiler newspaper, adding that talks on similar agreements are underway with Albania, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, India, Turkmenistan, Portugal and Oman.

The model of treaties was also submitted to 12 countries such as Argentina, Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines, Colombia, Lebanon, Egypt, Peru, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and Andorra, according to Fatizadeh.

Double taxation occurs when two different countries subject the same item of income or property to tax for the same period and in the hands of the same taxpayer. In other words, the same income is being taxed twice  the country of source where the income arises and the country of residence where the income is received.

The agreement on eliminating double taxation is a bilateral agreement between two countries to avoid double taxation, which may arise as a result of the application of respective domestic tax laws.

To date, Azerbaijan has signed the double tax agreements with 53 countries. Of the signed agreements, 48 have already entered into the force.

Fatizadeh further added that the agreements with five more countries - Jordan, Spain, Malta, Israel and Denmark - are awaiting ratification.

The agreements with Jordan, Spain and Malta have already been ratified by the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan and are awaiting ratification of the other side. In addition, the agreements with Israel and Denmark will enter into force after ratification by the parliaments of both countries, he said.

The main objective of the double tax agreements is to provide certainty regarding when and how tax is to be imposed in the country where the income-producing activity is conducted or payment is made. As a result is defines the jurisdictional authority on cross-border transactions.

The deal also seeks to prevent international tax evasion by sanctioning the exchange of information between the tax authorities of the contracting countries.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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6 April 2017 15:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan is fully responsible for the quality and origin of the agricultural products exported to Russia.

Aydin Aliyev, Head of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, told reporters in Baku on April 6, commenting on the negotiations over exporting fruits and vegetables from Azerbaijan to Russia.

Aliyev noted that the Russian delegation, which has arrived in Azerbaijan for the negotiations, will be able to verify the quality and origin of the products for export.

After the negotiations, the Russian delegation will view the farms for manufacture of agricultural products, as well as with our rules for drawing up the documents regarding these products, he said.

Touching upon the delay of Azerbaijani goods at the Russian border, Aliyev noted that all problems have been resolved.

Several vehicles with agricultural products were detained at the Azerbaijani-Russian border, he said. These vehicles were allowed to enter Russia after the Azerbaijani origin of the products was proved through a lab test.

Head of the Committee further said that the export volume of Azerbaijani agricultural products has increased by 73 percent in the first quarter of 2017.

He said that the agricultural products were exported to Russia, as well as other countries, such as Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

At the same time, there was a decrease in the import of agricultural products to Azerbaijan in the first quarter of 2017, he added.

Compared to the same period of last year, the import of fruits and vegetables to Azerbaijan decreased by 17 percent due to increased customs duties imposed on the import of agricultural products, Aliyev said.

Increase observed in customs duties in Azerbaijan starting from November 1, 2016, in particular, has affected such products as meat and edible meat by-products (fresh, chilled and frozen poultry meat), eggs, vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, garlic), fruits and nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, grapes, apples, pear, quince, persimmon), fruit and vegetable processing products (juices).

Customs duties were also increased for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (mineral and soda water), construction materials (bentonite, gypsum, cement, clinker), articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos (plates, bricks, building blocks) and ceramic products.

These changes were introduced for a two-year period.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Economy Minister Sahil Babayev said that over the last year, Azerbaijan exported to Russia about 20-25 percent of tomatoes grown in the country.

"Over 517,000 tons of tomatoes were grown in Azerbaijan last year, and more than 100,000 tons were exported to Russia, that is, about 20-25 percent of the production was exported to Russia," Babayev said.

as to re-export of third countries' products, Babayev noted that the figures show that this is unprofitable for Azerbaijan.

Since November last year, the import of fruit and vegetable products to Azerbaijan has been reduced, which is due to the introduction of specific customs duties. If to consider the data of the first two months of 2017, only 350 tons of tomatoes were imported to Azerbaijan. At the same time, we exported over 8,800 tons of tomatoes to Russia. Also it is worth paying attention to the fact that the cost of imported product to Azerbaijan from Turkey is $1.17 per kilogram, while the cost of exported products to Russia is $1.12 per kilogram, he explained.

Addressing the event, Andrey Ryazanov, First Deputy Head of the Department of Trade Restrictions, Currency and Export Control of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, spoke of customs procedures, noting that the main goal of the Russian customs bodies is to reduce the terms of customs procedures with all countries, including Azerbaijan, as well as reduce business costs.

"Currently, we do not report any conflict situations related to the importation of Azerbaijani products to Russia. But to exclude such cases in the near future, we must bring our position, which we have already begun to do," Ryazanov said.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia in the first two months of 2017 amounted to $235.4 million, showing an increase of almost 55 percent compared to the same period in 2016, according to the State Customs Committee.

Azerbaijan does not intend to introduce mechanisms of the "green corridor" while exporting products to other countries, said Aliyev, while talking to reporters about implementation of the "green corridor" at checkpoints.

Introduction of such a mechanism requires a large volume of trade turnover, he said. "In addition, it is necessary to have a large consumption market. If there are such conditions, we are ready to negotiate over the formation of a green corridor," Aliyev said.

In accordance with the amendments to the Customs Code of Azerbaijan, introduced in accordance with the presidential decree on November 30, 2016, green, blue, yellow and red pass systems for the transportation of goods and vehicles across the customs border can be applied for simplification of goods and vehicles.

Azerbaijan and Russia reached the agreement on green corridor in February 2015. The agreement has created the conditions for the smooth transit of the agricultural products of vegetable origin through the "green corridor". Its about perishable products and processed products, with the exception of excisable goods.
6 April 2017 16:21 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and Korean International Trade Association (KITA) signed a memorandum in Baku on April 6, Trend reported.

The memorandum was signed within the framework of the visit of Korean delegation to Baku and covers the development of trade, economic and investment ties between the two countries, as well as the exchange of experience in the field of exports and investments promotion.

The parties also discussed the expansion of contacts between the entrepreneurs of the two countries.

The diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Korea was established on March 23, 1992.

The relations between two countries have become more intensive after the establishment of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Azerbaijan in 2006 and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Korea in February 2007.

Azerbaijan was declared by the Korean government as priority country for economic cooperation for 2011-2013. In 2015, the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was established between the Azerbaijan and Korea. Last June, the first meeting of Joint Economic Commission was held in Seoul.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the Republic of Korea totaled $72.17 million in 2016, while $72.05 million accounted for the import of Korean products, according to the State Customs Committee.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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6 April 2017 17:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan's Independence Museum has opened an exhibition "Unfinished battle" to honor the memory of the martyrs of the April battle.

Memory of the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and liberation of the occupied lands, were honored with a minute's silence at the event.

The exhibition displays photographs, diplomas, orders, medals and personal belongings of martyrs Abdulmajid Akhundov, Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Samida Imanova, Mushfig Orujev, Orkhan Mustajabov,Vugara Yusifova,Murada Mirzoyeva, Ragufa Orujeva, Panjali Teymurova, Trend Life reported.

Museum's Director Farida Shamsi said that the fund of the Museum has received about 120 exhibits.

She noted that the Azerbaijani servicemen showed heroism in April battles and their memory will always live in the hearts of the Azerbaijani people.

One of the most tragic conflicts in the history of the 20th century  Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, that affected the destiny of millions, aggravated on April 2 after the Armenian military units in the occupied lands started shelling Azerbaijans positions.

To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talysh, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took over Leletepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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5 April 2017 18:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Active efforts were made by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries and international organizations to stabilize the situation after the April escalation on the line of contact between the Armenian and Azerbaijani troops in Nagorno-Karabakh,Russian Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

She made the remarks while commenting on the anniversary of the April battles during a briefing on Apr. 5.

Zakharova said that the OSCE Minsk Group and other mediators have also done everything in order to help the parties to return to the negotiating process.

Particularly, summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg were devoted to this topic in 2016, she added.

We think that the parties will return to negotiations and resume the dialogue aimed at achieving a sustainable settlement, noted Zakharova adding that the work is being continued in this direction.

Following the meeting in St. Petersburg, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and Armenias President Serzh Sargsyan confirmed in a joint statement the agreements reached during the Armenian-Azerbaijani summit in Vienna.

These agreements are aimed at stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone and the creation of an atmosphere conducive to advancing the peace process.

Therefore, they agreed, in particular, to increase the number of international observers in the conflict zone, the Kremlin website reported earlier after the meeting of the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian presidents in St. Petersburg on June 20.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 April 2017 11:29 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

France remains fully committed to a negotiated and lasting solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, reads a statement issued by the Permanent Representation of France to the OSCE on the first anniversary of cessation of hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone on April 2-5, 2016.

France reiterates its belief that the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh is unsustainable and that there can be no military solution to the conflict, the statement said.

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions.

The OSCE Minsk Group, established in 1994 and co-chaired by Moscow, Washington and Paris, could not arrange for a meaningful pathway forward to end the conflict and start moving toward the end of the occupation.

The permanent mission further noted that France, as a co-chair of the Minsk Group, had worked with its Russian and American partners to stop the fighting and resume negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

France calls on the parties to respect the commitments made at the Vienna summit on May 16, 2016 and the St. Petersburg summit on June 20, 2016, especially the ceasefire regime, confidence-building measures and resumption of negotiations, the statement said.

As the French president reiterated during his recent talks with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts in Paris, France remains fully committed to a negotiated and lasting solution to the conflict for the stability and prosperity of the whole region, the permanent representation noted.

The Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia confirmed in a joint statement after the meeting in St. Petersburg the agreements reached at the summit in Vienna, which were aimed at stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone and the creation of an atmosphere conducive to advancing the peace process.

To this end, they agreed, in particular, to increase the number of international observers in the conflict zone.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 April 2017 13:34 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Israel supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, Israels Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dan Stav said at a press conference in Baku on April 6.

The ambassador expressed support to efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group, established to broker a peace to the conflict.

Stav also noted that the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved by peaceful means, as a military solution to the conflict will lead to human losses.

Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war.

Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. have produced no results so far.

Israel has always stated it supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan and wishes an early resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 April 2017 15:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

France, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, worked actively with its Russian and American partners to end the escalation on the line of contact of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in April 2016 and resume negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the French Foreign Ministry.

France reiterates its conviction that the current status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh is untenable and that there can be no military solution to the conflict, reads the Ministrys statement released on April 6.

The Ministry called on the parties to abide by the commitments taken at the Vienna summit on May 16, 2016, and the Saint Petersburg summit on June 20, 2016: to respect the ceasefire, establish trust-building measures, and resume negotiations.

As President Francois Hollande noted at recent meetings in Paris with his Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts, France remains fully committed to achieving the conflicts negotiated, lasting solution that promotes stability and prosperity throughout the region, said the Foreign Ministry.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

The OSCE Minsk Group, the activities of which have become known as the Minsk Process, works to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for over two decades, but in vain.

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6 April 2017 18:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

A march dedicated to the first anniversary of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces victory in the April fights was held in Horadiz city of the Fuzuli region on April 6.

The procession started from the Heydar Aliyev Avenue and ended at the Flag Square.

The march was attended by Vice-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova, Ombudswoman Elmira Suleymanova, rector of Azerbaijan State Economic University Adalat Muradov, Fuzuli region chief executive Ali Aliyev, MPs, military and members of the public.

Besides, a ceremony of opening a monument in honor of Azerbaijani soldiers martyred in April 2016 for the release of Leletepe height was held in Horadiz. The attendees observed a minute of silence in the memory of th fallen soldiers.

Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions of Azerbaijan are under the control of the Armenian military and separatists since a war between Armenia and Azerbaijan ended in 1994. Negotiations lasting for over 20 years have brought little progress in resolving the conflict, though a fragile truce has been in place.

One of the most tragic conflicts in the history of the 20th century and affected the destiny of millions again aggravated on April 2 after the Armenian military units in the occupied lands started shelling Azerbaijans positions.

To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talish, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took over Leletepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region.

With the assistance of Moscow on April 5, the parties agreed to suspend hostilities, but violations on the contact line continued until May 16. On this day, first meeting between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia - Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan from the beginning of the escalation of the situation in Karabakh, was held in Vienna for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs (Russia, France, the U.S.)

During the meeting the presidents agreed to reduce the risk of further violence, the presidents also agreed to finalize in the shortest possible time an OSCE investigative mechanism. The presidents also agreed to the expansion of the existing Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson in Office.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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ST. MARTIN, Mississippi -- An Ocean Springs man is in the Jackson County Adult Detention Center facing multiple charges after authorities say he attempted to elude Jackson County deputies by ramming two patrol vehicles with his truck.

Jackson County Chief Deputy John Ledbetter said deputies responded to a call Monday morning of a person driving and acting suspiciously at the Circle K store on Tucker Road in the St. Martin community.

Deputies responding to the scene found a silver Ford crew-cab truck driven by 47-year-old Michael Salter of Ocean Springs. Salter drove away in an attempt to elude the deputies and led them on a low-speed pursuit southbound on Washington Avenue.

Ultimately, Salter drove back to the convenience store, where he was stopped by the two patrol vehicles, but then attempted to flee again by ramming his truck into the patrol cars. Deputies fired two shots at Salter's truck and were ultimately able to take him into custody.

Salter was transported to Ocean Springs Hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest and then transferred to the JCADC, where he remains under a $37,000 bond, charged with evading, resisting arrest, malicious mischief and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

While Salter has no prior criminal record, this is not his first time in the news. In October 2015, his wife, 56-year-old Pamela Ruth Salter, was charged with aggravated domestic assault and first degree arson after she barricaded Michael Salter in a bedroom inside their Vancleave home and then set the house on fire.

Michael Salter told investigators at the time he was able to force his way out of the bedroom and put the fire out just as emergency personnel arrived. Pamela Salter was found hiding in woods behind the home and taken into custody.

She is free on $15,000 bond and is scheduled for trial this month.
6 April 2017 10:51 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received the newly-appointed Ambassador of Japan to Baku, Teruyuki Katori, on April 5.

The ambassador presented a copy of his credentials to FM Mammadyarov, Azertac reported.

Mammadyarov congratulated Ambassador Katori on his appointment, and wished him success in his future activities.

The envoy vowed that he will spare no efforts to contribute to developing relations between the two countries.

The sides noted successful development of bilateral relations in various areas between Azerbaijan and Japan, while the level of cooperation particularly in political and energy fields was commended.

Favorable opportunities for the cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, tourism, transportation, agriculture, pharmaceutics and medicine were also mentioned.

Minister Mammadyarov hailed Japans support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Japan were established in 1992. Relations between the two countries have continued to develop steadily.

A number of important projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through the financial support of Japan, while very important infrastructure projects had already been commissioned in the country through Japanese government`s loans.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Japan amounted to $558.97 million in 2015, according to the Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee.

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6 April 2017 17:49 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva viewed the 16th Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair, AITF 2017, in the Baku Expo Center, on April 6, Azertac reported.

This year the exhibition presents a variety of destinations, airlines, hotel chains and other tourism services. Among the participants there are companies from Azerbaijan, Italy, Switzerland and many other countries. Traditionally, the exhibition is attended by national and regional stands. Such countries as Belarus, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey and the Czech Republic participate with a national stand.



Every year new participants join the exhibition, and Colombia and Cuba for the first time present their tourism opportunities at this Azerbaijani exhibition with the support of the Embassy of Colombia and Cuba. Among the foreign newcomers there are holiday companies from Italy, China and the UK.

The exhibition hosts a workshop allowing to establish business contacts with representatives of leading local tour companies and to hold direct talks without intermediaries. This has been set up at the request of our local travel agencies to encourage collaboration between them and the exhibitors.

Thus, the AITF exhibition offers an excellent platform for reaching various business goals and announcing new tourist products. It serves as a meeting point for partners and to build strong business relationships. AITF take place alongside the 11th Caucasus International Hospitality Exhibition Horex Caucasus 2017 which is the only specialized hotel and restaurant industry exhibition in the region.

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6 April 2017 16:35 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by the Governor of Stavropol Province of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirov, in Baku on April 6.

They praised the excellent Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral relations, hailing the importance of Azerbaijan's cooperation with different regions of Russia, Azertac reported. Azerbaijan was described as the most important partner of Stavropol Province in terms of trade and economic cooperation.

The head of state hailed the Russian delegation`s visit to Azerbaijan and their participation in the 16th Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair, AITF 2017.

President Aliyev noted that Stavropol Province has participated in AITF several times, praising the development of tourism in Stavropol Province over the last period.

Describing tourism as an attractive investment area, Vladimirov hailed the launch of the construction of more than five sanatoriums in Stavropol.

He praised the fact that one of these projects is carried out by Azerbaijani investors.

Vladimirov noted that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev hailed the construction of this sanatorium, when he visited Stavropol and gave instructions on entrusting another project in Kislovodsk to Azerbaijani investors.

Praising the excellent implementation of these projects by Azerbaijani investors, President Aliyev described this as a good example of Azerbaijan-Russia cooperation.

The importance of delivering agricultural products from Stavropol to foreign markets through the newly-built North-South international transport corridor was emphasized at the meeting.

They pointed out great potential for the development of cooperation in a number of areas, including tourism sector and mutual interest between Azerbaijan and Russia's Stavropol Province.

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6 April 2017 17:47 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The 16th Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair AITF 2017 and HOREX Caucasus-2017 International Hospitality Exhibition opened at the Baku Expo Center on April 6.

The annual Azerbaijan International Tourism and Travel Exhibition AITF 2017 to be last until April 8 features 17 national stands. This 16th exhibition once again brings together representatives of the tourism world, government institutions, national and regional tourism organizations.

Representatives of the national tourism market and 22 countries offer visitors 90 tourist destinations both inside Azerbaijan and abroad.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva viewed the exhibition.

In his opening remarks Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev said that AITF is the largest exhibition of the region.



Unlike last year, this years exhibition is more targeted and enriched on the basis of appeals, as the tourism industry has taken a new path of development in Azerbaijan, he said.

The exhibition could attract the attention of world community. "The 4th Islamic Solidarity Games, Formula 1, as well as Baku Shopping Festival to be held in the capital will give impetus for the development of tourism in Azerbaijan," he said.



Tourism is one of the most promising sectors for the economy. The attention paid to the tourism industry and in particular, to this exhibition by the countrys leadership gives an additional impetus to the development of business relations in the tourism field.

The development of the tourism sector was positively affected by the simplification of the visa regime, the adoption of the program of the Strategic Roadmap and the development of other documents aimed at increasing tourist flows. As a result, the sphere of tourism has become the leading branch of the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan.

This year the exhibition presents a variety of destinations, airlines, hotel chains and other tourism services. Among the participants there are companies from Azerbaijan, Italy, Switzerland and many other countries. Traditionally, the exhibition is attended by national and regional stands. Such countries as Belarus, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey and the Czech Republic participate with a national stand.



Every year new participants join the exhibition, and Colombia and Cuba for the first time present their tourism opportunities at this Azerbaijani exhibition with the support of the Embassy of Colombia and Cuba. Among the foreign newcomers there are holiday companies from Italy, China and the UK.

The exhibition hosts a workshop allowing to establish business contacts with representatives of leading local tour companies and to hold direct talks without intermediaries. This has been set up at the request of our local travel agencies to encourage collaboration between them and the exhibitors.

Thus, the AITF exhibition offers an excellent platform for reaching various business goals and announcing new tourist products. It serves as a meeting point for partners and to build strong business relationships. AITF take place alongside the 11th Caucasus International Hospitality Exhibition Horex Caucasus 2017 which is the only specialized hotel and restaurant industry exhibition in the region.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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6 April 2017 11:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The Southern Gas Corridor, designed to bring Caspian gas to Europe, will serve millions of consumers, said Natig Aliyev at the 20th Eurasian Economic Summit held in Istanbul.

Azerbaijans Energy Minister noted that the Corridor will meet the demand of Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Italy and other countries, the Turkish media reported on April 5.

Aliyev noted that the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), core projects within the SGC, continues at an accelerated pace.

The minister further stressed that Azerbaijan provides a major part of its energy consumption at the expense of its sources, adding that over the past 20 years, Baku cooperated with 3,000 foreign companies.

Azerbaijan is ready to implement large-scale projects, added Aliyev, further elaborating that the SGC will make a huge contribution to the diversification and development of energy cooperation.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.



At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.



As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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6 April 2017 11:08 (UTC+04:00)

The price of oil changed in the world markets.

On NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) cost of the US light crude oil decreased $0.29 to stand at $50.86. Price of the Brent crude oil at the London ICE (Intercontinental Exchange Futures) fell $0.29 to trade at $54.07, Azertac reported.

The price of a barrel of Azeri Light crude oil increased $0.31 to stand at $54.71 on the world markets.

The countrys oil output in March 2017 amounted to 733,300 barrels, 40,000 barrels of which accounted for condensate.

The Energy Ministry further informed that 596,000 barrels of oil, 40,000 barrels of condensate and 23,000 barrels of petroleum products were exported daily.

Last December, 11 non-OPEC countries, including Azerbaijan, agreed to curtail oil output jointly by 558,000 barrels per day. The agreement was signed for the first half of 2017, with the possibility of extension.

The participation of Azerbaijan in joint oil production cuts is defined at 35,000 barrels per day.

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6 April 2017 17:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The decisions to reduce oil production by both OPEC and non-cartel nations were reasonable, said Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijans Energy Minister.

Three months passed since the beginning of the year and we already feel stability of oil prices in the global market. We will continue this way, he said adding that a monitoring group was established and it analyzes how the decision is being fulfilled.

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 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 January 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months, to take into account prevailing market conditions and prospects.

The participation of Azerbaijan in joint oil production cuts is defined at 35,000 barrels per day.

The Joint Technical Committee was created January 22 under the OPEC Monitoring Committee, designed to monitor the implementation of countries obligations to cut oil production.

The minister added that relatively stable prices are observed in the global oil market this year. We can compare this with 2016, when oil prices in the world market dropped to $30 per barrel. We knew that this would cause a serious harm to the economy, Report quoted the minister as saying.

Aliyev noted that big fluctuations in oil prices will not benefit anyone and thus we want oil prices to remain stable.

The price of $60 per barrel satisfies both consumers and producers, according to the minister.

Aliyev also stressed importance of predictability of upward and downward trends in oil prices although it depends on economic factors.

New decisions based on reports of the Monitoring Group may be taken after Vienna meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC countries in May, the minister stated, noting that new proposals such as keeping oil output at the same level or taking additional measures may be voiced.

As an oil producing country we are interested in the stability of oil prices, he said noting that oil $60 will bring a significant benefit to Azerbaijan.

Energy-rich Azerbaijan produces three grades of crude oil - Azeri BTC, Azeri Light, and Urals. The price of a barrel of Azeri Light crude oil increased $0.31 to stand at $54.71 on the world markets on April 6.

The countrys oil output in March 2017 amounted to 733,300 barrels, 40,000 barrels of which accounted for condensate.

The volume of daily production in February amounted to some 776,400 barrels, while the volume of daily export at 604,100 barrels of oil with some 50,000 barrels accounting for condensate and 26,800 barrels fall to a share of oil products. This January, the volume of daily production amounted to some 793,900 barrels, while the daily export was 617,000 barrels.

Prior to the landmark deal, the volume of production in the country was at the level of 37.72 million tons of oil, while daily output stood at 829,100 barrels. Oil production of the country in 2017 is forecasted to stand at 39.797 million, while average daily oil production will amount to 800,000-807,000 barrels.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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6 April 2017 10:33 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said that arms sales to the aggressors who kill innocent people in the region, especially in the ongoing unequal war in Yemen, is not consistent with the claims recently made by British Prime Minister Theresa May, IRNA reported.

The British premier is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia.

Qasemi made his remarks while reacting to May's anti-Iran statements in Saudi Arabia.

The spokesman regretted this is not the first time that the British prime minister preferred falseness to truth.

The repeated and unfounded statements in accusing Iran of causing instability in the region are made at a time when it seems that she (May) has forgotten her position and responsibility and closed her eyes to global developments and ignored the fact that a major portion of instability and backwardness of the region have been originated from the colonial, expansionist and injustice policies of her predecessors as well as their allies in aggression and inflaming wars in the regional countries, Qasemi said.

He further noted that there is no doubt that Irans efforts and firm resolve to help ensure security, stability and peace in the volatile region are transparent, precise and based on wisdom and in line with fighting against terrorism and hostility.

Mays discriminatory allegations are made at a time when Irans crucial role in supporting security, peace and stability of the countries affected by terrorism is known by all, he said.

Iran strongly condemns such allegations which are aimed at winning financial support from certain regional states and expects London officials to come to terms with realities and rectify theirs wrong stances using their numerous experience on the Persian Gulf region, Qasemi concluded.

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6 April 2017 16:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Russian and Uzbek Presidents Vladimir Putin and Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed development of bilateral relations and exchanged views on a number of current international and regional issues at the talks in Moscow on April 5.

The bilateral trade and economic ties between Russia and Uzbekistan have intensified, and in some sectors see a remarkable increase in turnover, President Putin said at the meeting, TASS reported.

Putin noted that the documents prepared for this visit indicate a new step in the development of relations between the two countries.

"We are witnessing our trade and economic ties intensifying, and we have always paid special attention to it. It should be noted that in general we keep the trade turnover at a high level. In some positions it grows in a remarkable manner," the President said.

Putin further said that the countries maintain a constant dialogue at the political level, and develop relations in the sphere of security. "Uzbekistan's position in the region is very important to us, keeping in mind the tensions that somehow affect us from neighboring countries, primarily from Afghanistan," he said.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also praised the bilateral economic ties. "Our agencies are coordinating our positions on political issues. We have very seriously advanced in terms of trade and economic cooperation. Many of our partners and colleagues are already meeting with each other, and we have now serious results," the President of Uzbekistan noted.

"We have done a lot in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. We came here with our exhibition at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, with the exhibition of our remarkable ethnographer, Igor Savitsky. It says a lot, nothing binds the people, as much as the culture. I think that the fact that we will also visit (the exhibition) means a lot," he said.

Mirziyoyev added that there is a very good mutual understanding between the Governments, ministries and agencies.

The two presidents signed the Joint Statement following the talks. The fight against terrorism, separatism, extremism in all their manifestations, transnational organized crime, illegal production and trafficking of drugs, illegal trade of arms, ammunition and explosive devices, illegal migration will remain one of the priority tasks of cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the two countries, says the statement.

The heads of states also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the central coordinating role of the UN in international relations and noted that Russia and Uzbekistan intend to continue to adhere to the universally recognized principles and norms of international law, as well as the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, primarily those related to the maintenance of international peace, security, development of cooperation between states, mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, non-aggression and non-interference in internal affairs.

A package of intergovernmental, inter-agency and corporate agreements, totaling $16 billion, was also signed during the event.

The visit saw the signing of intergovernmental agreements on facilitating interregional cooperation, organized recruitment and employment of Uzbekistani citizens for temporary work in Russia, mutual establishment of offices of the relevant bodies working in the migration sector, and cooperation on healthcare, medical education, science and tourism.

Other agreements signed concern development, production and export of high-tech industrial goods, implementing industrial construction and modernization projects, investment projects in the petrochemicals, mining and metals sectors in Uzbekistan, with participation of Russian companies, purchase and sale of natural gas, oil supplies, joint geological exploration, and organizing engineering and innovation work. Agreements were signed too on cooperation between various agencies in agriculture, medicine, customs, finance and other areas.

Among the contractors who signed deals with Uzbekistan are such Russian giants as Gazprom, Rostec, VEB and LUKoil.

Trade and economic relations play a key role in Uzbek-Russian relations. Russia is one of the leading trade partners of Uzbekistan. In 2016 the trade turnover between the two states, according to the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan amounted to $4.2 billion.

The commodity structure of Russian exports to Uzbekistan includes mineral products, machines, equipment and vehicles, metals and products from them, timber and pulp and paper products, chemical products, foodstuffs and agricultural raw materials.

The commodity structure of imports of basic supplies includes such groups of goods as textiles and glassware, shoes, machinery and equipment and vehicles, foodstuffs and agricultural raw materials, chemical products, metals, and products from them.

As many as 961 enterprises with the participation of Russian investments, including 810 joint ventures and 151 enterprises with one hundred percent Russian capital were established in Uzbekistan. The country has accredited representatives of 64 Russian enterprises and companies.

Some 569 enterprises with the participation of residents of Uzbekistan were established on the territory of the Russian Federation.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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6 April 2017 13:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Energy-rich Turkmenistan increased its electricity export in the first quarter of this year, the Turkmen Dovlet Khabarlary reported.

Vice-Premier Dadebai Amangeldyev, supervising the electric-power industry, said that 6.2 billion kWh of electricity was generated in the country during the reporting period, which amounts to 106.2 percent, compared to the similar period of 2016.

Amangeldyev announced about this while addressing a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, devoted to the socio-economic development results in January-March 2017.

As many as 972.1 million kWh of electricity was exported. Compared to the previous year similar period, the growth rate of this indicator amounted to 104.1 percent.

Turkmenistan's energy market is controlled by the State. The investment into its electric power industry is part of the countrys general policy of diversifying its energy export routes in the region.

Turkmenistan exports electricity to Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. On the basis of the agreements reached in 2017, Turkmenistan will increase electricity supplies to Afghanistan from 100 megawatts to 150, and in 2018  up to 300 megawatts. The other promising power export routes, in particular, Pakistan and Tajikistan also being considered.

The energy minister said that Turkmenistan will increase its energy output to 27.4bn kWh by 2020, and to 35.5bn kWh by 2030.

Electricity is one of the leading sectors of the Turkmen economy, which is aimed at the complete satisfaction of the needs of industry, agriculture, social sector of the country, as well as the build-up in Turkmen exports.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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An M-44 recently detonated and killed a protected gray wolf in Oregon. In response, the federal government agreed to eliminate the use of M-44s from six eastern Oregon counties. But that wont protect wolves who roam outside of those counties. Photo by Alamy

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Last month, a federal agent placed an M-44 cyanide bomb on public lands in eastern Idaho. As intended, it detonated, but the agent missed his target and claimed a couple of unintended victims: a 14-year-old boy, Canyon Mansfield, was sprayed as the poison shot out of the explosive device. He survived, but his dog Casey, who was also sprayed, didnt.

Days before, M-44s killed two more dogs  Molly and Abby in Wyoming when they were out for a hike with their family (including a child).

In yet another incident, an M-44 recently detonated and killed a protected gray wolf in Oregon.

The steady stream of wildlife deaths caused by M-44s rarely makes the news, partly because its been going on for so long. But when a human or pet triggers the devices, people sit up and take note. These incidents then, tragic as they are, force all of us to take a fresh look at a government program that is as obscure as it is deadly.

The big-picture story here is that our own U.S. Department of Agriculture houses a program whose agents kill millions of wild animals a year at taxpayer expense, and endanger citizens.

The government is supposed to be the protector of animals, not the persecutor, and the USDAs Wildlife Services has long been a program with the wrong mission and wrong execution. Too much execution, in fact.

Thats why we need a grand solution. This week, The HSUS and other wildlife protection groups filed a federal lawsuit seeking to compel the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a long-overdue review of some of the lethal and indiscriminate poisons used by the Wildlife Services program to kill wild animals, including sodium cyanide (used in M-44s) and Compound 1080. The EPA  recognizing the dire threat these chemicals pose to non-target endangered animals  requested this consultation more than six years ago, but the poisons continue to be routinely used without proper scientific analysis, allowing them to litter western landscapes shared with wolves, grizzly bears, lynx, and dogs.

We are hopeful that the court will look at the record and order the USDA to stop using these poisons. But thats not the only front of action. After the recent wolf poisoning, the federal government agreed to eliminate the use of M-44s from six eastern Oregon counties. Just last week, Congressman Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., introduced a bill to ban sodium cyanide M-44s and Compound 1080 everywhere in the United States.

The M-44 device is a metal tube, about the size of a tent stake. It is topped with a smelly bait designed to lure wild carnivores such as coyotes. The metal tube contains a piston mechanism that, when triggered, plunges into a polyethylene capsule of sodium cyanide. The powdered cyanide sprays into the mouth of the victim where it mixes with saliva and turns into deadly cyanide gas that is readily absorbed into the lungs, causing asphyxiation. Cyanide is the substance that the Nazis used in gas chambers during the Holocaust. It is one of the most acutely toxic substances on earth and yet, Wildlife Services routinely uses this poison in more than a dozen states. Only a few of these states prohibit the placement of sodium cyanide M-44s on their public lands.

Like leghold traps and cable neck snares, M-44s do not discriminate between target (e.g. coyotes, foxes) and non-target (e.g. people, family pets, wolves, bears, cattle, and bald eagles) victims. And the death toll from M-44s is staggering. Wildlife Services data show that in the last year alone, M-44s killed 13,208 animals, including hundreds of non-target species such as dogs, foxes, raccoons, opposums, and skunks, in addition to the thousands of coyotes and other target species killed each year. In just one state (Texas) in 2016, Wildlife Services intentionally killed 4,738 animals with M-44s, including 4,210 coyotes, 466 gray foxes, and 56 red foxes. Of course, those are the agencys numbers, and given its penchant for hiding data and its near-obsession with avoiding public accountability, we have every reason to suspect it drastically under-reports the number of animals that die  intentionally or otherwise  in the course of its operations.

There is simply no reason for the federal government to keep spending millions of dollars every year to use poisons to kill wildlife, on behalf of a small group of ranchers who can use alternative methods of mitigating conflicts. If President Trump is serious about slashing wasteful government spending, the Wildlife Services program would be a good place to start.
6 April 2017 16:54 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The European Parliament (EP) voted in favor of simplifying visa regime for Ukrainian citizens.

The corresponding resolution was adopted at the session of the EP on April 6, TASS reported.

The decree concerns the abolition of visas for Ukrainian citizens who hold a biometric passport and are traveling to the EU with short-term trips of no more than 90 days.

This measure applies to tourist or business trips and does not give the right to work in the EU territory, the document says. These innovations will not apply to Ireland and the UK.

The EU Council and the European Parliament reached an informal agreement on the liberalization of the visa regime for Ukrainians on February 28. Later, on March 2, the EU Council reaffirmed this agreement, which was then handed over to the European Parliament for approval in the first reading. Now it will be submitted to the EU Council for approval.

It is expected that the liberalization of the visa regime for Ukraine will come into force in early June.

Negotiations on visa liberalization for Ukraine began back in 2008 as part of the Eastern Partnership Program. Ukraine entered the practical phase of those talks in 2014 as it prepared for associate EU membership. Ukraine abolished visa requirements for EU citizens back in 2005.

According to the Eastern Partnership Visa Liberalization Index prepared by the Visa-free Europe Coalition and the Stefan Batory Foundation, Armenia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan are the countries which are next in line to gain ratification of visa-free regimes.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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6 April 2017 18:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Dalga Khatinoglu, Farhad Daneshvar

There has been increasing speculations over the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections in Iran to be held May 19.



Whether or not incumbent President Hassan Rouhani will assume the power for the second term is mere speculation.



Moderate Rouhani, backed by a group of reformists will have to fight off the challenge from an influential conservative cleric, Ebrahim Raisi, alongside with several independent nominees.



A large number of conservatives appear to throw their full support behind Ebrahim Raisi who currently holds the position of the custodian of a wealthy charity and the organization in charge of the holiest Shia shrine of Iran based in the city of Mashhad.



However, these two clerics are not the only potential nominees as some observers say the both camps, conservatives and reformists, have so far failed to unite in favor of a single candidate.



Saeed Yari, the secretary general of a non-state organization for protecting national interests, has said that the independent candidates enjoy better chances to win the election concerning the countrys current political landscape.



Reformist camp



According to Yari, there are differences in reformists camp over giving support to Rouhani. Therefore a considerable part of reformists will probably back a pro-reformist but independent candidate rather than Rouhani.



In the meantime some other analysts suggest that Rouhani does not enjoy as much public support as his nuclear deal with the world has failed to improve the economic situation of the ordinary people.



However, Hassan Lasjerdi, a lecturer at Tehran University and political expert, believes that Rouhanis administration has relatively performed well in improving the countys ties with the rest of the world through resolving the issue of the countrys nuclear program.



Conservative camp



According to Saeed Yari, the conservatives camp also suffers from considerable gaps, forecasting that several nominees would possibly represent conservatives in the election as it is impossible to create a pro-conservative coalition in the current situation.



The public trust in Ebrahim Raisi, then attorney general of Iran, also appears to fall due to the weak performance of the countrys judiciary system, though Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may support him, Yari says.



Yari believes that the clerics both, Raisi and Rouhani, may lose ground to a non-partisan nominee who manages to secure the trust of the public.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Periods of rain. High 64F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 47F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
East India Company ships regularly called at Madagascar for water and firewood, and bartered with the local people for supplies of beef and fresh provisions. But in the 1630s and 1640s there were English ambitions to establish a plantation on Madagascar. The East India Company declined to become involved, saying all resources were fully committed to normal trading operations.

Map of Madagascar 1655 from Gabriel Gravier, La Cartographie de Madagascar (Paris, 1896) 010095.g.13 BL flickr

In 1644 the Courteen Association sent 140 men, women and children as planters to Madagascar. A settlement was established on the south side of St Augustines Bay. But crops failed, there was not enough grass to pasture cattle, the settlers lacked proper supplies, and fever and dysentery struck. Faced with starvation, the survivors sailed for the Comoros in May 1646.

In the spring of 1649 an all-male group of planters set out. They planned to settle on one of the islands off the north-west coast of Madagascar. The East India Company was persuaded to reach an agreement with the merchants backing the venture, and in February 1650 sent two ships to drop more men and supplies at the plantation. Presents were taken for the King of Assada  a small chariot which had belonged to Queen Anne, a sword, and a looking glass. But again death from disease and the hostility of the local people caused the planters to give up. They sailed for Surat on 20 August 1650. Most entered East India Company service as seamen, and the rest were sent home.

Extract from the journal of James Bearblock concerning his voyage to Assada and Bantam in the Supply 6 October 1650 - 16 March 1650/51 IOR/E/3/22 ff.29-36 (OC 2173)

This is what East India Company captain James Bearblock discovered when he arrived in the Supply at Madagascar in early October 1650:

As soon as the ship was moored, I sent the boat well manned ashore to Antifia, who when they came aland, found the town ruinated, and the most part burnt & not any inhabitant there, neither by my conjecture had been (for I went ashore presently after) of a long time. But there we found scattered many bones and skulls of dead men to the number of 30 or thereabouts, and in the ruins of one great house, a piece of an English feather bed tick, with some feathers, and a piece of a rug, such as our company of planters were accommodated withall, with some shoes and slippers part burnt. We also found in the same house, many great and small beads of glass striped, some whole and some melted. Also hauling the seine in the river wee drew up at one draught one of the Companys ammunition swords, just such a one as we had for the plantation. This made me doubt more, having sad appearances of a tragic scene acted in that place. I knew not suddenly what to conjecture of it, nor which way to apply myself to gain a real knowledge of this sad accident. The natives were so shy, that it was impossible to have speech with them.

Bearblock made repeated efforts to find the settlers before sailing to the Comoros where he learned what had happened. Because of the inevitable time delay in news reaching London, the Company continued to send ships and planters to Assada, and the ships continued to search for the settlement before giving up and proceeding to India. The experiment was not attempted again.

Margaret Makepeace

Lead Curator, East India Company Records

Further reading:

East India Company records: IOR/B Minutes of the Court of Directors; IOR/E/3 Correspondence with Asia

Alison Games, The Web of Empire: English Cosmopolitans in an Age of Expansion, 1560-1660 (Oxford University Press, 2008)

William Foster, An English settlement in Madagascar in 1645-6 , English Historical Review, Vol.27, No. 106 (April 1912), pp.239-250
We got interested in the Netherlands when the first results came out for the 1995 administration of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS), the largest international comparative study of student achievement done up to that date. The Netherlands and Flemish Belgium were among the top European performers in the TIMSS league tables for mathematics. We went to see how they did it. The answer in both places seemed to be the same. Despite some important differences between the two systems, what they had in common was a powerful math curriculum called Realistic Mathematics. This curriculum, the work of Hans Freudenthal, a retired professor of mathematics at Utrecht University, was widely implemented in both countries.

When the OECD PISA surveys were first administered in 2000, the Dutch sample was too small to enable the OECD staff to include them in the rankings, although, when we inquired, they told us that if the sample had been large enough and the raw scores had held up, Netherlands students would again have placed very high on Europes mathematics league tables. Since then, the sample has been sufficiently large and the Netherlands combined PISA scores high enough to place the Dutch among the worlds top performers .

For a good quarter of a century, students in the Netherlands have performed at a high level. This performance is made all the more interesting, particularly from a U.S. perspective, as the Netherlands is a system based on parental choice and school autonomy. The Dutch fund public and private schools equally, based on student enrollment, and families are free to enroll in the school of their choice. So, we decided to talk with Sander Dekker, the Netherlands State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science, to bring us up to date on that countrys education system as it stands today. In many ways, the conversation painted a picture of the outlook, challenges and plans not only of the Netherlands, but more broadly of many of the top performers.

What Dekker focused on first during our conversation was the very large effort his country is putting into reconfiguring its curriculum, from early childhood right through secondary school. This is, in part, because of the enormous changes taking place in society and in the global economy and, therefore, in the nature of the knowledge and skills that will be demanded of todays students when they are in the workforce. Like others, the Netherlands has concluded that these developments will raise the demand for deep mastery of the subjects that students study in school. However, Dekker was quick to point out that even more important are the demands for strong non-cognitive skills and strength of character that will matter greatly in a world in which intelligent agents will be doing a lot of the cognitive work that people now do.

While Dekker acknowledged that these changes in the wider context of education are an important reason to reconsider the curriculum, there was another driver that seemed to be at least as important to him. While Dutch teachers have had much more freedom to determine the curriculum in their schools and classrooms than the teachers in most other countries, they nevertheless felt that they were being held accountable for their students performance on a set of tests that greatly narrowed the curriculum they thought they should be teaching. They had no sense of ownership of either the exams or the curriculum they felt they were constrained to teach. Further, though the state did not prescribe a curriculum, the teachers curriculum in practice was largely determined by the textbooks the teachers were expected to use, which laid out well-developed curriculum frameworks in which the topics to be taught, the content of each topic and the order in which the topics should be taught were clearly spelled out.

In Dekkers view, the solution was not to do away with any curriculum guidance, but rather to conduct a nation-wide discussion of curriculum in two stages. In the first stage, a wide range of stakeholders would have an opportunity to contribute their views on the nature of the new and expected context for Dutch education and what that implied for what Dutch students should know and be able to do, spelled out in broad strokes. Then, when the government had pulled all of that advice together and made the requisite choices, the professional educators, with teachers at the core, would be the key participants in a second stage devoted to turning those broad goals into a curriculum framework that would be used to guide the work of teachers all over the country. The teachers should be deeply involved in this stage of the work, so that the whole endeavor would result in a curriculum that teachers in the Netherlands would be eager to embrace, as they would have been the primary agents of its development. The exams, instead of coming out of thin air, would be based on the curriculum that, in turn, was based on a national consensus on goals.

This, as I heard it, was a thoroughly modern idea about how to balance the need, in a democracy, for the public to determine the purposes of its mass education system with the need for the education professionals to build the tools they were going to use to enable the students to accomplish those goals and purposes. Predictably, there is a broad debate now taking place in the Netherlands as to how detailed the curriculum guidance should be and the form that it should take.

Today, the governments whole curriculum guidance for elementary school is only two pages long. But the curriculum guidance provided by the leading textbook companies is much more detailed and school administrators and parents expect teachers to follow it. They also expect their teachers to prepare the students for the all-important exams. So the question arises, if the teachers are allowed to depart more than in the past from the textbooks, should the government do more? And, if so, what and how much? It is clear that a new balance will be struck between the need in a mass education system for curriculum structure, on the one hand, and for professional autonomy on the other. We will have to wait to see how that balance is struck in the Netherlands.

NCEE has, for years, reported that the top-performing countries have been devoting a lot of attention to the improvement of the quality of their teachers. That is certainly true in the Netherlands, too. Dekker told us that this work began in earnest less than ten years ago. It began, he said, when the Dutch were shocked by a research study showing that their teacher candidates were scoring far lower than expected on tests of both basic literacy and mathematics, especially the latter. They realized that the pool from which their teachers were being drawn was from the lower end of the spectrum of high school graduates.

Ironically, it was these findings about teachers that produced more detailed government guidance on the math and language curriculum and the decision to test elementary school students command of basic language and mathematics literacy. These are the very tests that the teachers now point to as narrowing the elementary school curriculum they are responsible for teaching and introducing a culture of teaching to the test.

The other result of the shock from these research findings on teachers command of language and mathematics was the introduction of tests of these skills administered to candidates for admission to teachers colleges in the Netherlands. The pass points for these tests were calibrated to the level of knowledge and skill in these arenas that the Dutch had decided would be required of the students these prospective teachers were going to teach.

Dekker reported that the introduction of these government-required admissions tests in basic skills resulted in a drastic reduction in the volume of young people admitted to teacher education programs in the Netherlands. And that, he said, provoked a lot of debate. The Dutch had actually created a teacher shortage in their desire to raise teacher quality. But the government, Dekker told us, has refused to compromise on quality. He believes that this move will, in the end, give the occupation of teaching much higher status and will therefore eventually attract much higher-quality high school graduates to teaching, in ever-larger numbers. This is, obviously, a very important bet, but there is evidence from other countries experiences to suggest that it is a smart one.

I asked Dekker whether the government, in its effort to improve teacher quality, had raised teachers compensation. They had not, he said. But it was not because they did not think they needed to. It was because these policy decisions were being made as the Great Recession was gathering steam and government revenues were falling like a rock. They simply did not have the money.

They decided that the small amount of money they did have to invest should go into teachers professional development and the development of the beginnings of a new system for structuring teachers careers. Like many other leaders of top-performing systems, Dekker saw that getting teachers from the upper ranges of graduating high school classes would depend not just on improving teachers compensation, but also on restructuring teachers careers so that they look more like the careers of high-status professionals. He wants the Netherlands schools to provide a ladder of career advancement for teachers, so that as they get better and better at the work, they can take on leadership roles, curriculum development roles, research roles and so on, enabling them to advance and grow in their careers without leaving teaching.

The Netherlands has, in recent years, made great strides in improving the achievement of students from immigrant backgrounds. I asked Dekker how they had done this. More money was part of the answer. But they did not fund immigrant children as such. They provided an increase to the school budget for each student whose parents had very little education themselves. That certainly included many immigrant children, but it also included native Dutch students who were just as much in need of that extra assistance. The extra funds provided to the school actually more than doubled the amount that would otherwise have been provided for each student. The money is used to provide additional special courses, more time in school for these students, smaller classes, tutoring when they need it and more. I might point out that this system is very different from a system that provides extra money for schools that are performing poorly. In such a system, a school that is performing poorly stands to lose its special funds if its students begin to perform well. A school that is funded on the basis of how much education the parents have does not have to fear the results of improving the performance of its students.

Keep an eye on the Netherlands. It is no accident that they have been among the worlds top education performers for a quarter of a century. They did not get there by standing still.
By Jemelleh Coes and Matthew Moulton

In January, I [Jemelleh] wrote a piece called To the Educators who will teach my Black Daughter [Gabby]. The majority of feedback was positive, but some was downright hateful. Some readers commented on my lack of attention to white children, claiming I am a selfish racist who cares only about the well-being of my own daughter. What if I wrote a piece titled, To the Educators of My White Daughter? one asked. Good idea. In fact, great idea.

This is a critical conversation that we need to have.

To address the readers concerned about my last column, I reached out to my friend and colleague, Matt. Matt is white and has a young white son. Matts son is Jack. He is 3 years old, a passionate, funny, brilliant, stubborn, and caring kid. Jack will start pre-K next year at a local public school, and his father Matt wonders how Jack will experience what will soon be a huge part of his life: How will public school affect Jacks self-esteem, his intellectual and emotional well-being, and his safety? What will public school teach him about how to treat people? Whose voices will have value? How will his experience as a white male influence those conversations?

As educators, Matt and I recognize the many biases in the world that affect how our students experience education: biases of race, gender, class, ability, and religion to name a few. Biases, both implicit and overt, play out in classrooms and schools every day, and as teachers, we try to minimize them. As parents, we feel particularly concerned about the interconnectedness of our children and everyone else in the world. We want them to feel unique and special, but also a part of something larger than themselves, something that binds all of humanity together. We would like Jacks teachers and all teachers to recognize the great potential they have to influence our nation by helping our young people to celebrate themselves and others and to live in harmony with those who are different from them.

Here is what we need his educators to know:

White boys are gifted. Recognize the gifts and talents of every child, but be cautious of a veiled

assumption that only white boys are gifted (or that they are all gifted in the same way). Also, help white boys be careful of that line of thinking. Take for example, U.S. Rep. Steve King who, on a nationally televised news program, said ,

Id ask you to go back through history and figure out where are the contributions that have been made by these other categories of people that you are talking about. Where did any other [non-white] subgroup of people contribute more to civilization?

We need our countryespecially its leadersto acknowledge the contributions that non-white populations have made and their own attempts to relegate anyone who is not white to a status of secondary importance. This lesson cannot be ignored.

White boys are leaders. Textbooks are full of pictures of white men. Because of this utter lack of

representation, it is important to remember that white boys are not the sole proprietors of leadership, even if our national leadership would have you believe otherwise (Note: See 44 of 45 presidents and 45 of 45 vice presidents). Educators should provide opportunities for all students to develop their leadership skills. Learning to lead is not about holding oneself in a position of superiority. Teach them that true leadership also bears the responsibility of questioning the makeup of governing bodies where everyone looks just like them. Leaders understand the value of diverse representation and voice.

White boys need you to be honest about their history. We cannot fully embrace the contributions of white people without representing the hard truths. Teachers, do not shy away from any of it. As you teach about the strength and resourcefulness of our founding fathers, include the horrors of the exploitation and destruction of other cultures and civilizations they also engaged in and the ways these actions manifest themselves (and persist) in our current society. Help white boys think critically about the impact of this history. Help them discover their potential for advocacy, allegiance, and leadership with and for those who society attempts to force into the margins.

White boys want to understand the world beyond the one in front of them. Grant them

opportunities to learn about the influence of, and beauty present in, cultures, customs and religions other than their own. Teach them to value and respect those just as you would teach them to embrace their own. Teach them about Africa. Not the deficit perspective of Africa often portrayed in the media, but about the cradle of civilization that is rich in culture and spirituality. Open their eyes to every possibility that time will allow.

White boys need to see and study all people equitably. Consistently provide a broad scope of exposure and learning about all people and cultures. Be sure not to relegate the contributions of any group of people to just one month. Dont only read texts written by white Europeans. Let them interact with Okonkwo, Mama Elana, Amir and Precious Ramotswe. Let white boys learn of what they have in common with them.

White boys are resilient. Let them demonstrate resilience through engaging in difficult conversations with respect to race, gender, class, ability, religion and orientation in school in meaningful ways. Provide opportunities for them to listen to the experiences of other students and learn that no ones, including their own, lived experience should ever be diminished. Remember that demonstrations of resilience should be supported with care and compassion.

Dear Educators, please SEE MATTS SON. Know that there are things that you need to attend to for Jack that you will not have to attend to for my daughter Gabby, and vice versa. Be prepared for these differences. Look at him. Teach him. Challenge him. Learn with him. Be honest with him. If you do, he will learn that you are a trusted part of his community, and he will know that you carry that lauded responsibility each time he enters your classroom.

Jemelleh Coes is the 2014 Georgia State Teacher of the Year. She is on the board of directors for the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY).

Matthew Moulton is the graduate student representative for the Middle Level Education Research Special Interest Group for the American Educational Research Association.

They both serve as supervising instructors for teacher candidates in the middle grades program at the University of Georgia, Athens.

Photo in the public domain and provided by Creative Commons through Pixabay .
Raport Biezacy nr 1/2017

Pursuant to Article 29.3 of the Rules of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, Krka, tovarna zdravil, d.d., Novo mesto presents the report on compliance with the detailed principles of the "Best Practice for GPW Listed Companies 2016"





Disclosure Policy, Investor Communications



I.Z.1.1. basic corporate documents, in particular the companys articles of

association;



I.Z.1.2. the full names of the members of its management board and supervisory

board and the professional CVs of the members of these bodies including

information on the fulfilment of the criteria of independence by members

of the supervisory board;



I.Z.1.3. a chart showing the division of duties and responsibilities among members

of the management board drawn up according to principle II.Z.1;

The Company does not apply this principle.

Although the Management Board has adopted an internal division of liabilities in order to organize work more efficiently, that does not represent a formal division of liabilities. Hence, no chart showing the division of duties is available on the website. All Board members, except the Worker Director, have the same responsibilities towards representing the Company.



I.Z.1.4. the current structure of shareholders indicating those shareholders that

hold at least 5% of the total vote in the company according to information

provided to the company by shareholders under the applicable legislation;



I.Z.1.5. current and periodic reports, prospectuses and information memoranda

with annexes, published by the company at least in the last 5 years;



I.Z.1.6. information on the dates of corporate events leading to the acquisition or

limitation of rights of a shareholder, information on the dates of publication

of financial reports and other events relevant to investors, within a

timeframe enabling investors to make investment decisions;



I.Z.1.7. information materials published by the company concerning the companys

strategy and its financial results;



I.Z.1.8. selected financial data of the company for the last 5 years of business in a

format enabling the recipient to process such data;



I.Z.1.9. information about the planned dividend and the dividend paid out by the

company in the last 5 financial years, including the dividend record date,

the dividend payment date and the dividend amount, in aggregate and per

share;



I.Z.1.10. financial projections, if the company has decided to publish them,

published at least in the last 5 years, including information about the

degree of their implementation;



I.Z.1.11. information about the content of the companys internal rule of changing

the company authorised to audit financial statements or information about

the absence of such rule;

The Company does not apply this principle.

The proposal to the Annual General Meeting is based on auditors references, their knowledge of the industry, quality of the audit team, and price. The Slovenian legislation and market practice, however, do not provide for any provisions which would require the rules on selecting auditors to be disclosed, thus the Company discloses them only at Annual General Meetings if needed.



I.Z.1.12. a statement on compliance with the corporate governance principles

contained in the last published annual report;



I.Z.1.13. a statement on the companys compliance with the corporate governance

recommendations and principles contained herein, consistent with the

information that the company should report under the applicable

legislation;



I.Z.1.14. materials provided to the general meeting, including assessments, reports

and positions referred to in principle II.Z.10, tabled to the general

meeting by the supervisory board;



I.Z.1.15. information about the companys diversity policy applicable to the

companys governing bodies and key managers; the description should

cover the following elements of the diversity policy: gender, education,

age, professional experience, and specify the goals of the diversity policy

and its implementation in the reporting period; where the company has

not drafted and implemented a diversity policy, it should publish the

explanation of its decision on its website;

The Company does not apply this principle.

The Companys diversity policy is not specifically disclosed on the website. It is, however, disclosed in the Annual Report and is part of the public Corporate Governance Policy, which includes a commitment to prevent discrimination. According to the Policy, all Krka employees must have equal opportunities, regardless of gender, race, colour, age, medical condition or disability, religious, political or any other beliefs, trade union stewardship, national or social origin, family status, financial condition, sexual orientation, or other personal particulars. The company has not yet adopted any independent policies to govern additionally the management and supervisory body structures in terms of gender, age, level of education, or other personal particulars.



I.Z.1.16. information about the planned transmission of a general meeting, not

later than 7 days before the date of the general meeting;

The Company does not apply this principle.

Not applicable due to non-compliance with IV.R.2.



I.Z.1.17. justification of draft resolutions of the general meeting concerning issues

and determinations which are relevant to or may give rise to doubts of

shareholders, within a timeframe enabling participants of the general

meeting to review them and pass the resolution with adequate

understanding;



I.Z.1.18. information about the reasons for cancellation of a general meeting,

change of its date or agenda, and information about breaks in a general

meeting and the grounds of those breaks;



I.Z.1.19. shareholders questions asked to the management board pursuant to

Article 428  1 or  6 of the Commercial Companies Code together with

answers of the management board to those questions, or a detailed

explanation of the reasons why no answer is provided, pursuant to

principle IV.Z.13;

The Company does not apply this principle.

Although Krka does not publish all shareholders' questions it does have a frequently-asked-questions section on its website to address common questions.



I.Z.1.20. an audio or video recording of a general meeting;

The Company does not apply this principle.

The Company uses many modern technologies to communicate with the investor community. However, the Company does not provide an audio or video recording of the General Meeting. The reason is that the General Meeting is considered to be a working meeting of shareholders that is not public. The Company does, however, release a public statement immediately after the General Meeting.



I.Z.1.21. contact details of the companys investor relations officers including the

full name and e-mail address or telephone number.

The Company does not apply this principle.

The Company does have an investor relations e-mail and telephone number available on the web page. Three professionals within the company answer investor questions. Full names of the professionals and their contact details, however, are not published.



I.Z.2. A company whose shares participate in the exchange index WIG20 or mWIG40

should ensure that its website is also available in English, at least to the extent

described in principle I.Z.1. This principle should also be followed by companies not

participating in these indices if so required by the structure of their shareholders or

the nature and scope of their activity





Management Board, Supervisory Board



II.Z.1. The internal division of responsibilities for individual areas of the companys

activity among management board members should be clear and transparent, and

a chart describing that division should be available on the companys website.

The Company does not apply this principle.

Please refer to comment under I.Z.1.3.



II.Z.2. A companys management board members may sit on the management board or

supervisory board of companies other than members of its group subject to the

approval of the supervisory board.



II.Z.3. At least two members of the supervisory board should meet the criteria of being

independent referred to in principle II.Z.4.



II.Z.4. Annex II to the European Commission Recommendation of 15 February 2005 on

the role of non-executive or supervisory directors of listed companies and on the committees of the (supervisory) board applies to the independence criteria of supervisory board members.

Irrespective of the provisions of point 1(b) of the said Annex, a person who is an employee of the company or its subsidiary or affiliate or has entered into a similar agreement with any of them cannot be deemed to meet the independence criteria. In addition, a relationship with a shareholder precluding the independence of a

member of the supervisory board as understood in this principle is an actual and significant relationship with any shareholder who holds at least 5% of the total vote in the company.



II.Z.5. Each supervisory board member should provide the other members of the

supervisory board as well as the companys management board with a statement of meeting the independence criteria referred to in principle II.Z.4.



II.Z.6. The supervisory board should identify any relationships or circumstances which

may affect a supervisory board members fulfilment of the independence criteria.

An assessment of supervisory board members fulfilment of the independence

criteria should be presented by the supervisory board according to principle

II.Z.10.2.



II.Z.7. Annex I to the Commission Recommendation referred to in principle II.Z.4 applies

to the tasks and the operation of the committees of the Supervisory Board. Where

the functions of the audit committee are performed by the supervisory board, the

foregoing should apply accordingly.



II.Z.8. The chair of the audit committee should meet the independence criteria referred

to in principle II.Z.4.

The Company does not apply this principle.

The chair of the Audit Committee is an employee of a shareholder with over 5% voting rights. She does, however, meet independence criteria according to Slovenian code of best practices for public companies.



II.Z.9. To enable the supervisory board to perform its duties, the companys management board should give the supervisory board access to information on matters concerning the company.



II.Z.10.1. an assessment of the companys standing including an assessment of the internal control, risk management and compliance systems and the internal audit function; such assessment should cover all significant controls, in particular financial reporting and operational controls;



II.Z.10.2. a report on the activity of the supervisory board containing at least the following information:

- full names of the members of the supervisory board and its

committees;

- supervisory board members fulfilment of the independence

criteria;

- number of meetings of the supervisory board and its committees

in the reporting period;

- self-assessment of the supervisory board;

II.Z.10.3. an assessment of the companys compliance with the disclosure obligations concerning compliance with the corporate governance principles defined in the Exchange Rules and the regulations on current and periodic reports published by issuers of securities;II.Z.10.4. an assessment of the rationality of the companys policy referred to in

recommendation I.R.2 or information about the absence of such policy.



II.Z.11. The supervisory board should review and issue opinions on matters to be decided

in resolutions of the general meeting.





Internal Systems and Functions



III.Z.1. The companys management board is responsible for the implementation and

maintenance of efficient internal control, risk management and compliance

systems and internal audit function.



III.Z.2. Subject to principle III.Z.3, persons responsible for risk management, internal

audit and compliance should report directly to the president or other member of the management board and should be allowed to report directly to the

supervisory board or the audit committee.



III.Z.3. The independence rules defined in generally accepted international standards of the professional internal audit practice apply to the person heading the internal audit function and other persons responsible for such tasks.



III.Z.4. The person responsible for internal audit (if the function is separated in the

company) and the management board should report to the supervisory board at

least once per year with their assessment of the efficiency of the systems and

functions referred to in principle III.Z.1 and table a relevant report.



III.Z.5. The supervisory board should monitor the efficiency of the systems and functions

referred to in principle III.Z.1 among others on the basis of reports provided

periodically by the persons responsible for the functions and the companys management board, and make an annual assessment of the efficiency of such

systems and functions according to principle II.Z.10.1. Where the company has an audit committee, it should monitor the efficiency of the systems and functions referred to in principle III.Z.1, which however does not release the supervisory board from the annual assessment of the efficiency of such systems and functions.



III.Z.6. Where the company has no separate internal audit function in its organisation, the audit committee (or the supervisory board if it performs the functions of the audit committee) should review on an annual basis whether such function needs to be separated.

Zasada nie ma zastosowania.

The company has a separate internal audit function.





General Meeting, Shareholder Relations



IV.Z.1. Companies should set the place and date of a general meeting so as to enable

the participation of the highest possible number of shareholders.



IV.Z.2. If justified by the structure of shareholders, companies should ensure publicly available real-time broadcasts of general meetings.

Zasada nie ma zastosowania.

Not applicable due to non-compliance with IV.R.2.



IV.Z.3. Presence of representatives of the media should be allowed at general meetings.

The Company does not apply this principle.

The general practice of Slovenian companies and of the Company is that only shareholders attend Annual General Meetings. Thus, the representatives of the media have been present as shareholders of the Company.



IV.Z.4. If the management board becomes aware a general meeting being convened

pursuant to Article 399  2  4 of the Commercial Companies Code, the

management board should immediately take steps which it is required to take in

order to organise and conduct the general meeting. The foregoing applies also

where a general meeting is convened under authority granted by the registration

court according to Article 400  3 of the Commercial Companies Code.



IV.Z.5. The rules of general meetings and the method of conducting the meeting and

adopting resolutions must not restrict the participation of shareholders in general meetings and the exercising of their rights. Amendments of the rules of the general meeting should take effect at the earliest as of the next general meeting.



IV.Z.6. Companies should strive to ensure that the cancellation of a general meeting,

change of its date or break in its proceedings do not prevent or limit the exercising of the shareholders rights to participate in the general meeting.



IV.Z.7. A break in the proceedings of the general meeting may only take place in special

cases, defined at each time in the justification of the resolution announcing the break, drafted on the basis of reasons provided by the shareholder requesting the break.



IV.Z.8. A resolution of the general meeting announcing a break should clearly set the date and time when the proceedings recommence, and such date and time must not be a barrier for most shareholders, including minority shareholders, to participate in the continuation of the proceedings.



IV.Z.9. Companies should strive to ensure that draft resolutions of the general meeting

contain a justification, if it helps shareholders to pass a resolution with adequate

understanding. If a matter is put on the agenda of the general meeting at the

request of a shareholder or shareholders, the management board or the chair of the general meeting should request presentation of the justification of the proposed

resolution. In important matters and matters which may give rise to any doubt of shareholders, the company should provide a justification, unless it otherwise provides the shareholders with information necessary to pass a resolution with adequate understanding.



IV.Z.10. Any exercise of the rights of shareholders or the way in which they exercise their rights must not hinder the proper functioning of the governing bodies of the company.



IV.Z.11. Members of the management board and the supervisory board should participate

in a general meeting as necessary to answer questions asked at the general

meeting.



IV.Z.12. The management board should present to participants of an ordinary general

meeting the financial results of the company and other relevant information

contained in the financial statements to be approved by the general meeting.



IV.Z.13. If a shareholder request information about the company, the management board

of the company should provide an answer to the shareholders request within 30

days or inform the shareholder of its refusal to provide such information where the management board has made such decision pursuant to Article 428  2 or  3 of the Commercial Companies Code



IV.Z.14. Resolutions of the general meeting should allow for a sufficient period of time between decisions causing specific corporate events and the date of determination of the rights of shareholders pursuant to such events.



IV.Z.15. A resolution of the general meeting concerning an issue of shares with subscription rights should specify the issue price or the mechanism of setting the price or authorise the competent governing body to set the price prior to the subscription right record date within the timeframe necessary for investors to make decisions.



IV.Z.16. The dividend record date and the dividend payment date should be set so as to

ensure that the period between them is not longer than 15 business days. A

longer period between these dates requires a justification.

The Company does not apply this principle.

Pursuant to the tax legislation in Slovenia, dividends are subject to a withholding tax. Thus, the Company requires certain data from its shareholders which takes more than 15 days to obtain and process. The Company, however, strives to make the payments as soon as practicable.



IV.Z.17. A resolution of the general meeting concerning a conditional dividend payment

may only contain such conditions whose potential fulfilment takes place before

the dividend record date.



IV.Z.18. A resolution of the general meeting to split the nominal value of shares should

not set the new nominal value of the shares below PLN 0.50, which could result in a very low unit market value of the shares, and which could consequently pose

a threat to the correct and reliable valuation of the company listed on the

Exchange.





Conflict of Interest, Related Party Transactions



V.Z.1. No shareholder should have preference over other shareholders in transactions

concluded by the company with shareholders or their related parties.



V.Z.2. Members of the management board or the supervisory board should notify the

management board or the supervisory board, respectively, of any conflict of

interest which has arisen or may arise, and should refrain from voting on a

resolution on the issue which may give rise to such a conflict of interest in their

case.



V.Z.3. Members of the management board or the supervisory board must not accept any

benefits which might affect their impartiality and objectivism in making decisions or reflect unfavourably on the assessment of the independence of their opinions or judgements.



V.Z.4. Where a member of the management board or the supervisory board concludes

that a decision of the management board or the supervisory board, respectively, is in conflict with the interest of the company, he or she may request that the

minutes of the management board or the supervisory board meeting show his or

her position.



V.Z.5. Before the company concludes a significant agreement with a shareholder who holds at least 5% of the total vote in the company or with a related party, the management board should request the supervisory boards approval of the transaction. Before giving its approval, the supervisory board should evaluate the impact of the transaction on the interest of the company. The foregoing does not

apply to typical transactions and transactions at arms-length made as part of the companys operations between the company and members of its group. If the decision concerning the companys significant agreement with a related party is made by the general meeting, the company should give all shareholders access to information necessary to assess the impact of the transaction on the interest of the company before the decision is made.



V.Z.6. In its internal regulations, the company should define the criteria and

circumstances under which a conflict of interest may arise in the company, as well as the rules of conduct where a conflict of interest has arisen or may arise. The companys internal regulations should among others provide for ways to prevent, identify and resolve conflicts of interest, as well as rules of excluding members of

the management board or the supervisory board from participation in reviewing

matters subject to a conflict of interest which has arisen or may arise.





Remuneration



VI.Z.1. Incentive schemes should be constructed in a way necessary among others to tie

the level of remuneration of members of the companys management board and

key managers to the actual long-term financial standing of the company and long-term shareholder value creation as well as the companys stability.



VI.Z.2. To tie the remuneration of members of the management board and key managers

to the companys long-term business and financial goals, the period between the

allocation of options or other instruments linked to the companys shares under the incentive scheme and their exercisability should be no less than two years.

Zasada nie ma zastosowania.

The Company does not have options incentive scheme.



VI.Z.3. The remuneration of members of the supervisory board should not be linked to

options or other derivatives or any other variable components, and neither should

it be linked to the companys results.



VI.Z.4. In this activity report, the company should report on the remuneration policy

including at least the following:

1) general information about the companys remuneration system;

2) information about the conditions and amounts of remuneration of each management board member broken down by fixed and variable remuneration components, including the key parameters of setting the variable remuneration components and the terms of payment of severance allowances and other amounts due on termination of employment, contract or other similar legal relationship, separately for the company and each member of its group;

3) information about non-financial remuneration components due to each management board member and key manager;

4) significant amendments of the remuneration policy in the last financial year or information about their absence;

5) assessment of the implementation of the remuneration policy in terms of achievement of its goals, in particular long-term shareholder value creation

and the companys stability.

Comments of the Company on the mode of application of the principle.

The remuneration policy is disclosed in the Annual Report for 2016.







Wiecej na: http://biznes.pap.pl/pl/reports/ebi/all,0,0,0,1

kom ebi zdz
PG&E Has No Immunity for Campsite Injury

A state appeals court ruled that a utility company was not immune from liability for injuries to a boy who was severely injured when a tree fell on him at a campground.

The California First District Court of Appeal said a statute that immunizes property owners from liability to recreational users did not apply to Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The statute includes an exception when people pay to use the property, which happened when the 12-year-old boy and his family paid the campground fee.

The utility company argued it was immune because it did not receive the fee, but the appeals court said receipt of the fee was not the point of the exception in Civil Code Section 846. The statute created an exception for the immunity, the court said, and it did not matter who received the consideration.

Consideration for Permission

"We hold that the payment of consideration in exchange for permission to enter a premises for a recreational purpose abrogates the section 846 immunity of any nonpossessory interest holder who is potentially responsible for the plaintiff's injuries, including a licensee or easement holder who possesses only a limited right to enter and use a premises on specified terms but no right to control third-party access to the premises," Judge Theresa Stewart wrote for court.

Zachary Rowe nearly died while on a camping trip with his family at San Mateo County Memorial Park. A 75-foot tree fell on him as he slept in his tent at 5 a.m. on July 23, 2012.

PG&E owned and operated a utility line that ran to a restroom in the park, and the company had a license to enter the park and maintain its equipment. It also had a contractual duty to maintain the vegetation near the power line, which was about 35 feet from Zachary Rowe's tent.

After a guardian ad litem sued on his behalf, the utility company moved to dismiss the complaint on immunity grounds. The trial judge rejected the motion.

No Exception to Exception

On appeal, the Second District also rejected the company's claim of immunity. The appeals court said the legislature did not intend an exception to the exception for immunity.

"We do not think the Legislature intended to confer on holders of nonpossessory interests absolute immunity from premises liability to paying recreational visitors of property (save for willful and malicious misconduct), in circumstances in which even the property's owner would not be immune," the unanimous panel said.

Related Resources:
Blueberry season has started, and with what looks like a sweet year ahead, Florida blueberry farmers are rejoicing.

Crop took hit last year due to warm winter, cool late spring

This year's crop coming in earlier

Late freeze in Georgia reducing competition this year

That's a half dollar there," laughed Jim Owen pointing out a berry as he walked around his farm.



Owen, of Owens Blueberry Farm, will be opening his "U-Pick" a week earlier than last.



We've got a lot of decent fruit this year," said Owen, who told us he's hoping for 2,000 more berries than the year before.



I think they'll do pretty well, we got a good chilling hour this year, we got plenty of hours of cold under 58 degrees, said Owen. It helps the plant produce fruit and fruit buds."



Last year, Florida blueberry yields took a hit with a warm winter and cool late spring. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Jeff Williamson says this years crop is coming in a little earlier.



Williamson told us this year Florida experienced a cooler winter and a warmer spring compared to last year, increasing the yield.



There is also less competition. Georgia was hit by a late freeze losing a significant amount of its crops.



Dudley Calfee, President of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, said all those factors mean a longer supply of fresh blueberries for the consumer and a longer picking season for growers.



Owens Blueberry Farm opens to the public Saturday. Others are opening soon, as well.
When the old Register of Copyrights Maria Pallante stepped down from the Library of Congress, it was an open secret that she'd been forced out and there was a lot of Big Content conspiracy theories that Google had gotten her canned because she was too friendly to the movie studios and record labels.

But after a leaked report revealed massive waste in the Library (blowing $11.6M on a computer system that shoulda cost $1.1M and then ending up with nothing to show for it), the real reasons behind Pallante's departure started to come into focus.

Now comes a video from a House Judiciary Committee hearing where Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) asked Pallante to explain a mysterious $25M line-item in the Library's budget, Pallante shrugged and admitted that she'd made up the number as a "place holder" but that it was "no big deal."



Now, what can a Librarian do if a Register is acting insubordinately, or giving fake budget request numbers. Unfortunately, this is not a hypothetical. While preparing the fiscal year 18 appropriations request, the Library noticed that a $25 million line item in the Copyright Office's request didn't add up. When questioned about this, Register Pallante stated that this number "was no big deal"  it was just a placeholder and they'd make adjustments after the money was appropriated.



In other words, the Copyright Office gave the Librarian fake budget numbers with the intention that she go testify in front of the Appropriations Committee to the need of these funds that was made up.

Another Major Scandal At The Copyright Office: $25 Million 'Fake Budget' Line Item

[Mike Masnick/Techdirt]

(Image: PD)
Florida. Dude decided to dance around naked in his driveway with a bottle of wine. Failed to stand his ground when cops arrived. Florida.

Via the Orlando Sentinel:

A Florida man is in trouble for enjoying a bottle of wine while standing naked in his driveway.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called to the home of Bobby Hyde, 60, on Sunday evening after a neighbor reported a naked man was hanging out in front of his house near Fort Walton Beach.

"Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies responding to a complaint of a naked man making lewd movements outside his home found him standing in the driveway with a bottle of wine nearby," the Sheriff's Office posted on its Facebook page. "There were no clothes in the immediate area,"

Hyde, who stepped behind a trash can when deputies arrived, told authorities he was just taking out the garbage. He also said it was it was "hot outside."
Large, Stormy Seas on Oregon Coast This Week, Heavy Winds Friday

Published 04/05/2017 at 6:15 PM PDT - Updated 04/05/2017 at 6:45 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Oregon Coast) - UPDATE: please use this story as of Thursday afternoon: Storm Warnings Now in Effect for Oregon Coast - High Surf on Friday It's going to be blustery and full of big breakers along the Oregon coast on Friday, enough so that the National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland has issued a special weather statement for the region. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible, but really large breakers will be the standard over the weekend, creating a show in all sorts of ways.

A developing storm over the eastern Pacific will swing toward the Pacific Northwest late Thursday night and track from south to north off the Oregon and Washington coast Friday, the NWS said. As the storm nears it will likely bring gusty winds. The coast and coastal mountains areas may have gusts of 40 to 50 mph Friday morning through afternoon.

Also in the sights of this storm: the interior valley, including Portland and Vancouver, which could see gusts up to 40 mph. Snow levels in the Cascades will also lower considerably.

Rainfall amounts of up to a tenth of an inch will be hitting the north and central Oregon coast Thursday, with highs around 55 to 60. Wind gusts will start getting higher into the 30-mile-per-hour range later that night.

On Friday, as the storm kicks in, it will be windy in the morning and afternoon, holding steady around 25 to 35 mph but with gusts up to 50 mph. Those will decrease later in the evening, but rain will be steady, creating quite a spring storm for the Oregon coast.

Saturday and Sunday are again very much full of rain, but on Monday things start to dry out a little bit. The NWS is predicting mostly cloudy on Monday and Tuesday, but still with a fair amount of rain. As of now, the NWS' predictions seem to point to those two days as having a good chance of the big, fat puffy clouds and sun breaks that make spring the photographically interesting time it is for the beaches.

While Friday's storm is the headline, really the bigger story is going to be the bonkers breakers through the weekend. Combined wave height will be reaching near 20 feet on some days. This will likely create some amazing sights along rocky shelved places like just south of Cannon Beach, Depoe Bay or Yachats  but the beaches may be somewhat hazardous at times.

This all starts gearing up Thursday as combined seas hit around 13 feet, but with timing around 13 seconds (which means bigger problems for ocean-faring vessels than on the beaches). After midnight, combined seas start climbing to around 21 feet, sticking around that range through Friday's windy storm. 20-foot seas with a timing between waves at around 12 seconds will likely translate to large crashes on rocky areas, and some safety issues on flat, sandy beaches. Caution is urged.

On Saturday, seas subside to a still-sizable 15 feet or so, and those winds will make for a somewhat big show along the beaches and rocky shores. On Sunday, things get crazy again with combined height up around 19 feet.

Given the slightly calmer conditions, Sunday will be a great time to photograph the large waves  but stick to safe and distant vantage points.

On the north Oregon coast, rocky areas to scope out will be Cape Kiwanda, Oceanside, Cape Meares, and the lookouts just south of Cannon Beach  especially Silver Point. On the central coast, the best rocky vantage points will be Yachats, much of the Lane County border beaches near there, Newport's Yaquina Head and most of the Depoe Bay area. A safety note about Yachats: while the Devil's Churn and Thor's Well areas are spectacular, they are considered as dangerous as any jetty. Stay far back from the water at all these spots. Oregon Coast Hotels for this - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours - Oregon Coast Weather













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The face of Latin America's cartels is changing as more women are rising up in leadership and taking on roles in drug trafficking and assassination.

Known as "Las Flakas" (Skinny Girls), young women are taking up lives of crime, becoming effective agents for the cartels' causes. Since the chance of being assassinated is great, the title of "La Flaka" has been passed from one female to another.

HOW IT WORKS: This is how drug cartels get American guns into Mexico

The Daily Beast named the first "La Flaca" as Veronica Mireya Moreno Carreon, who worked for Los Zetas and was arrested in 2011. The second was Nancy Manriquez Quintanar, who was also arrested in 2011.

The most recent to make headlines was Joselyn Alejandra Nino, who was found dismembered and stuffed in an ice chest along the US-Mexico border in April of 2015. The Gulf Cartel assassin's chopped up body was found along with another dismembered woman and a decapitated man in the back of a truck.

She made headlines after a photo of her toting an assault rifle with a smile went viral months before her murder.

Facebook screenshots

Nino's death has been credited to La Gladys of the Zetas Cartel, who remains "at large terrorizing the communities of northern Mexico," Fox News reported.

TEXAS CARTEL TIES: Lubbock woman goes to prison for ties to Sinaloa Cartel

"They are ideal killers; young, beautiful and reckless," Andrew Chesnut, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, told Fox News. "By keeping a low profile they avoid suspicion where men doing the same job would quickly find themselves in trouble."

Chesnut continued to explain that the young female assassins work their way up to become killers - beginning as low-level lookout workers or prostitutes. Some others are recruited in prison or were born into cartel families.

"There's an inextricable link between sex and death in the culture of these female killers," Chesnut told Fox News. "In seeking to be the most desired by the narco men, they seek also to be the most brutal among their group of peers. It's gone as far as having them worship the image of Saint Death in their own likenesses, dressed in lingerie."

Last year, another female killer known as "La Peque" (the little one) claimed to have had intercourse with beheaded corpses and bathed in and drank their blood. The 29-year -old member of the Sinaloa Cartel is currently in prison in Baja California Sur.

DRUG MIGRATION: DEA maps show where drug cartels hold sway in Texas, U.S.

Melisa Margarita Calderon Ojeda, known as "La China", is another former assassin who is currently locked up in a Baja California Sur prison for homicide. She and her ex-partner, Eduardo Martin Alvarado "El Kumi," were ordered to kill another rival assassin, but they accidentally killed his father instead, according to reports.

Though not an official assassin, Ann Marie Hernandez, known as "La Muneca," was another leading female cartel member who was arrested in 2015 for drug smuggling and bribery charges. She and her ex-husband Daniel Ledezma smuggled thousands of kilograms of cocaine through an El Paso border crossing where he worked.

To see these and other female assassins who have made a name for themselves for their ruthlessness, click through the gallery above. And continue clicking to see the other inside photos that have been leaked through the years of the world of cartel men and women.
Hope you have plenty of room on your DVR because this April is shaping up to be one of the best months ever for TV fans.

Much-missed series like "Prison Break" and "Mystery Science Theater 3000" are back after long hiatuses. Award-winning series like "Veep," "Fargo" and "Better Call Saul" are returning. And highly anticipated new shows like "The Handmaid's Tale" and "American Gods" will debut in April.
75% surveyed by Ipsos/Reuters said, "they would not let investigators tap into their Internet activity to help the U.S. combat domestic terrorism"(up from 67% in 2013).



But they're less unanimous about whether the US government is spying too much already (sad trombone).



According to the March 11-20 survey, 32 percent said intelligence agencies such as the FBI and National Security Agency are conducting "as much surveillance as is necessary" and 7 percent said they wanted more surveillance. Another 37 percent of adults said agencies are "conducting too much surveillance on American citizens." The remaining 24 percent said they did not know.

Most Americans unwilling to give up privacy to thwart attacks: Reuters/Ipsos poll

[Dustin Volz/Reuters]
They came from Dallas and Austin, Chicago and New York, Baytown and Crosby and closer to home.

They arrived on motorcycle and horseback, wearing ceremonial white gloves on their hands and black bands on their badges, faced with the solemn task of bidding farewell to a fallen officer.

Hundreds of uniformed officers were among the 3,000 or so who filled Second Baptist Church's cavernous west Houston sanctuary Thursday to remember Clint Greenwood, the veteran lawman killed Monday in an ambush in Baytown.

And they vowed to continue the search for Greenwood's killer even as they paused to honor the devoted law enforcement leader. His widow, Leatha Greenwood, and their four children looked on from the sea of uniforms.

"We're going to be here for you, all of these brothers and sisters are going to be here for you," Montgomery County Sheriff's Lt. Tim Cannon, a longtime friend, told the family. "Our arms are around you all the time, and we're never going to let you go."

After the service, Leatha Greenwood called for the public's help in catching her husband's killer.

"If anyone has any information about my husband's death, please report it," she said. "Somebody out there knows something. ... I need your help."

The traditional police funeral included an honor guard, a riderless horse and a helicopter fly-over as flags stood at half-staff.

Police radios crackled with a final call for the officer.

"End of Watch, April 3, 2017. We have the watch from here."

RELATED: Things to know about Clint Greenwood, the officer shot and killed in Baytown

The mourners seated themselves quietly in rows that faced the flag-draped casket and waited until 11 a.m., when Greenwood's family filed in as a single cellist played.

Greenwood's decades in law enforcement brought friends from all corners, from his days as a reserve deputy and private attorney representing police officers, as prosecutor and then sheriff's official investigating police misconduct, and as assistant chief deputy since Jan. 1 for the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's Office.

"He was the answer to my prayers," Constable Sherman Eagleton said, of Greenwood's help in restructuring the Precinct 3 office.

Greenwood's children spoke movingly about their father, who effectively became a single parent after a divorce.

Catherine Greenwood, his 20-year-old daughter, recalled his early "trial-and-error" approach to parenting, particularly when it came to grade-school pigtails.

She remembered her father sending her proudly to first grade with one pigtail sticking out in front and one in back - until a teacher safety-pinned a note to the little girl's clothes, offering to show her father how to do standard pigtails.

"He is my best friend," she said, speaking through tears as she held hands with her stepsister, Lauren Benyo, 22.

Chuck Greenwood, 26, remembered his father's high standards and expectations of punctuality, as he stood beside stepbrother Timothy Benyo, 27.

"Through all the years, one thing never changed," he said. "He was always my hero, and he still is."

FROM HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Emotional tribute celebrates life of fire captain who 'gave it all to this city'

Cannon, who met Greenwood in middle school in Spring Branch, remembered his friend as "the smartest guy in the room," a good-natured perfectionist with a mischievous sense of humor. He had impressive skills as a marksman and gunsmith, and often customized officers' weapons without accepting payment.

When Cannon promised justice for the "coward" who ambushed Greenwood, heads nodded in the crowd.

"Clint was someone we could count on, and now it's time for him to count on us," he said.

Investigators from multiple agencies are still working to identify the killer who shot Greenwood as he arrived at work just before 7 a.m. at the Harris County courthouse annex in Baytown. Video captured a man believed to be the gunman and the vehicle he may have been driving. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $65,000 for information leading to an arrest and charges.

Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

After the 90-minute service, dozens of honor-guard officers trooped out as a single violin played "Be Thou My Vision."

The large crowd gathered at the church's entrance, where a large American flag hung between the ladders of two fire trucks. Family members sat in chairs as pallbearers - including Greenwood's son and stepson - wheeled the casket out into the bright sunlight.

Bagpipers from the Austin Police Department played "Amazing Grace" as hundreds of uniformed officers stood at attention, then gave way to a single bagpiper. A sheriff's deputy brought forward a riderless horse with empty boots turned backward in the stirrups.

Deputies removed the American flag draped over the casket, letting rays of sunshine reflect off the light-brown surface.

Four law enforcement helicopters approached at a low altitude in a tight formation. One peeled away, representing the lawman's departure from the force. Seven deputies each fired three times in a 21-shot salute that startled some civilians.

Two trumpets sounded taps together as the pall bearers wheeled the casket away.

RELATED: Emotional tribute celebrates life of Houston fire captain who 'gave it all to this city'
CMS Administrator Seema Verma is recusing herself from the agency's pending decision on Kentucky's Medicaid work mandate waiver, Kaiser Health News reports.

Here's what you should know.

1. Kentucky wants CMS to grant a waiver to put its proposed work requirement into effect. The requirement would require Medical recipients to be dutifully employed to receive benefits. Ms. Verma helped Kentucky overhaul its plan last year, and is recusing herself because of a conflict of interest.

2. Kentucky is the first state to propose a work requirement for Medicaid recipients.

3. Former President Barack Obama's administration routinely denied such requests. President Donald Trump's administration is "open to allowing such a work requirement," KSN reports.

4. Kentucky's proposal is similar to Indiana's Medicaid expansion proposal, which Ms. Verma's policy firm Indianapolis-based Strategic Health Policy Solutions designed. Kentucky's expansion, like Indiana, would require all enrollees to make small monthly contributions toward their coverage

5. Ms. Verma's recusal did not surprise health policy experts. The experts believe CMS will approve the waiver. They expect Ms. Verma to recuse herself from CMS' decision on Indiana's upcoming Medicaid expansion waiver as well.
Jefferies analysts said Indianapolis-based Anthem will likely exit many ACA exchanges, including Georgia, which could have major repercussions for the state, according to Georgia Health News.

Here are six things to know:

1. Anthem is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's parent company. BCBS of Georgia is the only insurer operating in the state exchange in 96 out of the 159 counties.

2. Leading payers including Hopkins, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare and Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna have pulled plans off exchanges in Georgia.

3. Last year, Georgia's insurance department approved a 21.4 percent average premium increase for Blue Cross for 2017. The payer initially requested a 15.1 percent boost, but increased the stakes when Aetna withdrew from the Georgia exchange for 2017.

4. A consultant with Atlanta-based DHG Healthcare told Georgia Health News, "All healthcare is local when decisions at the corporate headquarters of large insurers affect coverage in small towns in Georgia."

5. A Blue Cross of Georgia spokesperson said the companies are assessing the situation and will strive to work with officials on stabilizing the insurance market.

6. Officials within Georgia's insurance department are asking payers to submit their proposed rates for the ACA exchange by May 16, 2017.
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis tapped Mark Lowe, MD, to be its vice chair of clinical affairs and strategic planning.

Here's what you need to know.

1. Dr. Lowe began his position April 1, 2017.

2. Dr. Lowe is returning to Washington University after a tenure at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he was the director of pediatric gastroenterology division. He worked at Washington University for nearly two decades before joining the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

3. In his new position, Dr. Lowe will focus on expanding the pediatric outpatient program to satellite facilities throughout Missouri, while restructuring ambulatory clinics and improving access to care.

4. Dr. Lowe said in a release, "The most important reason to expand the pediatric outpatient program is to make our excellent physicians more accessible to children in the region.
The following hospitals announced or completed plans in the last week to expand, upgrade or renovate their facilities.

1. UCHealth Memorial Hospital North expansion receives $25M lift

Aurora-based University of Colorado Health's planned expansion of its Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs, Colo., received $25 million in additional funding, reports The Gazette.

2. New York State grants Mohawk Valley Health System $300M for new hospital

State officials approved $300 million in funding for Utica, N.Y.-based Mohawk Valley Health System's new hospital.

3. ProHealth Care to expand Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Waukesha, Wis.-based ProHealth Care will construct a one-story building at Waukesha Memorial Hospital to house its outpatient heart and vascular services, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

4. Christus Mother Frances breaks ground on $100M tower expansion

Tyler, Texas-based Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System began construction on an expansion project at Christus Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler to significantly increase the system's emergency and intensive care capacities.

5. Piedmont opens new freestanding ER in Georgia

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper, Ga., part of Atlanta-based Piedmont Healthcare, opened a freestanding emergency room on Monday, known publicly as Piedmont Mountainside Emergency Services at Ellijay (Ga.).

6. Adventist Care Centers to open skilled nursing facility in 2018

Adventist Care Centers, a long-term care organization that is part of Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based Adventist Health System, is opening a skilled nursing facility in Celebration, Fla.

7. The Golisano Children's Hospital opens in Florida

Fort Myers-based The Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, part of Fort Myers-based Lee Health, opened its new 128-bed facility, WXXI News reports.

8. Kaiser Permanente to open first new medical center in San Diego County since 1975

Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente will open its $850 million San Diego Medical Center later this month, reports The San Diego Union-Tribune.

9. Mattel donates $50M to UCLA Health for children's hospital

American multinational toy company Mattel is gifting $50 million to UCLA Health. The donation will help establish a pediatric care center and research hub at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital that is focused on improving children's health, according to the health system's website.

10. Memorial Hermann opens new 32-acre campus

The 81-bed Memorial Hermann Cypress (Texas) Hospital officially opened March 31.

11. Aurora Health Care unveils $55.5M ASC, medical office complex

Milwaukee-based Aurora Health Care plans to construct a $55.5 million ambulatory surgery center and medical office building in Greenfield, Wis.
The City of Seattle voted to allow Uber drivers to form a union, and Uber says that if its court challenge to the rule is unsuccessful, it might leave Seattle.



Full-time Uber drivers  many of whom formerly drove traditional cabs and town cars, for significantly higher take-home pay  say that they'll be glad if Uber goes.





Last year, Uber and Lyft pulled out of Austin after the city voted to subject drivers to the same background checks as traditional cab drivers. In response, Austinites formed Ride Austin, a nonprofit alternative to Uber and Lyft, which pays drivers substantially more than the earlier services.





Some Seattle Uber drivers  characterized by cab-driver-turned-Uber-driver Navneet Singh as "white people working part-timedoing it for fun" oppose unionization.



The attitudes of Uber drivers at the airport parking lot, where the workforce was predominantly full-time immigrant workers who previously drove taxis professionally, are likely different from the many part-time workers who drive for ride-hail companies for extra income. "All the white people working part-time are against the union," said Singh. "They're just doing it for fun." But for full time drivers, who have invested in the company by buying cars, the question of Uber's future in the city and whether they will have a chance to negotiate a better deal is urgent. "If Uber leaves," said Peter Kuel, a South Sudanese driver, "we'll do our own app and one of us will be CEO."



Uber's Seattle woes: union battle could see company leave another major city

[Julia Carrie Wong/The Guardian]

(via Naked Capitalism)
The top three vendors hospitals use to attest to the meaningful use program are Cerner, Meditech and Epic, according to June 2016 ONC data.

Here are 18 hospitals and health systems that posted job listings seeking EHR and IT expertise in the past two weeks.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Job listings were compiled from job seeker websites.

Cerner

1. Children's Hospital of Orange (Calif.) County: Seeks a systems analyst

2. Chinese Hospital (San Francisco): Seeks a clinical systems specialist

3. Miami Children's Hospital: Seeks a clinical systems analyst

4. NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital: Seeks a data analyst

5. Northwest Texas Healthcare System (Amarillo): Seeks a health information management and medical records technician

6. St. Mary's Medical Center (San Francisco): Seeks a clinical support specialist

Meditech

1. Aspen (Colo.) Valley Hospital: Seeks a record management and processing specialist

2. Greenview Regional Hospital (Bowling Green, Ky.): Seeks a medical laboratory technician

3. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore): Seeks a patient service coordinator

4. Rady Children's Hospital (San Diego): Seeks an access analyst

5. Roseland Community Hospital (Chicago): Seeks a manager of patient financial services

Epic

1. Allina Health (Minneapolis): Seeks an Epic Resolute hospital billing and business analyst

2. City of Hope (Irwindale, Calif.): Seeks an associate systems analyst

3. Maricopa Integrated Health System (Phoenix): Seeks an Epic ancillary applications analyst for clinical applications services

4. NYU Langone Medical Center (New York City): Seeks a health information management documentation technician

5. Palos Community Hospital (Palos Heights, Ill.): Seeks an application analyst for information systems

6. Salem (Ore.) Hospital: Seeks an Epic analyst

7. Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto, Calif.): Seeks a clinical systems analyst
Epic restructured its homepage on Saturday to advertise a new product: Epic TinDr.

The April Fools Day prank promoted a pretend smartphone app that enabled physicians and patients to select one another with Tinder-style swiping. The app would allow physicians and patients to search through profiles to determine interest. "If both parties swipe right, the patient and doctor can start chatting and set up an appointment," according to the website.

Epic's website, which has since been replaced with the company's standard homepage, included testimonials from fake physicians.

"I like being able to choose patients that I think will be a good fit," one testimonial said. "If a photo shows a patient posing next to a car, I usually swipe right. I like knowing that they're going to be able to make it to the appointment."

The website also boasted 70 percent of patients were drawn to the app in initial pilot testing, since the service "doesn't require the commitment of a traditional doctor-patient relationship." "If our first appointment bombs, I can keep swiping to find a different doctor," one patient testimonial said. "It empowers me to make decisions about my own care."
Venture capitalists must stop funding tech startups plagued by "bro culture," author Dan Lyons writes in the New York Times opinion section.

Mr. Lyons, a writer who previously worked at a Boston-based startup, defines bro culture as an environment that "favors young men at the expense of everyone else." He takes particular aim at what he calls the "bro CEO"  "a young man who has little work experience but is good-looking, cocky and slightly amoral."

Mr. Lyons says the main issue with these leaders is an attitude of entitlement coupled with minimal work experience. "The real problem with tech bros is not just that they're boorish jerks," Mr. Lyons writes. "It's that they're boorish jerks who don't know how to run companies."

He notes how the social product development platform Quirky, which raised $185 million after its launch in 2009, filed for bankruptcy soon after, in part because of its CEO's lack of industry experience.

Another complaint of Mr. Lyons': bro CEOs often lack a sense of professionalism that characterizes the traditional executive.

He says excessive partying goes hand-in-hand with the bro CEO. For instance, although Uber is currently valued at $69 billion, its top executives have left with many citing issues with its workplace culture as reasons why. Uber's CEO, Travis Kalanick, has faced public backlash over a few indiscretions, notably when he invited his colleagues to an escort bar in South Korea in 2014.

Aside from workplace environment, Mr. Lyons takes issue with how the bro CEO "values speedy growth over sustainable profits" and "encourages cutting corners."

"This poisonous state of affairs will get fixed only when investors start getting hurt," Mr. Lyons concludes. "A crash at Uber, the most high profile tech startup in the world, could provide the jolt that finally brings the tech industry back to its senses."

Click here to view the full article.
Since 2015, Solera Health has contracted with health payers to help patients access diabetes prevention and management programs as a covered medical benefit.

The Phoenix-based startup serves as a liaison and integrator, connecting payers and patients with community, online and national organizations recognized by the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program. Solera manages patient enrollment for these DPP providers, using its own analytics model to identify "best fit" programs based on individual patient needs and preferences.

Solera saw how these DPP providers engaged patients beyond the traditional health system. However, it also recognized many community organizations didn't have the capacity to meet the compliance and privacy standards that health plans necessitate.

"Many of the DPPs, especially those that operate at the hyper-local level  community centers, churches, senior centers  while qualified to deliver the DPP curriculum, have limited bandwidth," explains Brenda Schmidt, CEO and founder of Solera.

To address these issues, Solera also takes on administrative functions for community organizations with limited resources. Ms. Schmidt says Solera serves as the "back office" for these programs, overseeing audits, electronic claims, fraud prevention and compliance with HIPAA and Health Information Trust Alliance certifications.

Ms. Schmidt spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about how Solera found its niche at the intersection of chronic disease prevention, personalized medicine and nonprofit collaboration.

Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: What prompted you to found Solera?

Brenda Schmidt: We founded the company around the belief that health behavior change is personal and there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for chronic disease prevention. For example, a 30-year-old, primarily Spanish-speaking resident of Los Angeles with hypertension who is at risk for diabetes and prefers a digital provider will have a very different experience than a 65-year-old grandmother in Boca Raton, Fla., who prefers to attend a local community class.

The DPP providers are also extremely diverse  although they all deliver a CDC-approved diabetes prevention curriculum, the program is delivered in different ways. An important part of our model is connecting patients with the "best fit" DPP provider based on their unique needs and preferences. Our data has shown consumer choice drives sustained engagement and outcomes, and the DPPs will do well, and equally well, when patients are matched or guided to the program where they are most likely to succeed.

By helping community organizations and digital therapeutics providers integrate into the existing healthcare system, Solera has created a network of a new class of providers as an adjunct to primary care. Without burdening the DPP providers with administrative and regulatory requirements, Solera is freeing our partners up to concentrate on what they do best  delivering personalized lifestyle modification programs to help patients achieve their health goals to prevent chronic disease.

Q: What challenges has Solera faced since its launch in 2015? What are some of your goals for the company in the next year?

BS: Our first challenge was introducing a new market category. Solera is a precision prevention network and integrator, which was a new concept in the marketplace. Many organizations were used to a model where they selected the "best" prevention vendor based on a request for proposal process.

At Solera, we changed the paradigm and allowed them to offer choice with full transparency to provider performance, based on a common standard of performance benchmarks. Once a potential payer or employer client understands how our model works, they realize the tremendous value to payers, consumers, physicians and program providers.

Our second challenge has been managing exponential growth in a very short period of time. In 2016, Solera's focus was on building the team and technology infrastructure for scale, and gaining traction with health plan clients for the DPP as a covered preventive benefit. In 2017, our focus is on executing those contracts at scale. Since 2015, we've signed major healthcare payer contracts and we now have over 50 million covered lives.

In 2017, we are also preparing for Medicare DPP coverage in January 2018 and contracting with additional payers and employers. Finally, we are turning our attention to our product strategy and roadmap for how to best leverage Solera's technology platform and health plan contracts to successfully enter new markets.

Q: What advice do you have for other tech startups working to deploy products in the healthcare industry?

BS: It is critically important to understand how the money flows in healthcare and how your business model aligns with healthcare payment structures. Technology startups can burn through a lot of cash figuring out how they will get paid.

It is also important for technology startups to identify complementary partners who can leverage their relationships and products. It is difficult to gain traction as an island in healthcare.

Also, make sure that any proposed pilots have clear criteria for success and a plan for expansion if those success metrics are met. Technology startups sometimes get caught up in serial pilots and never have the opportunity to scale their business.
Poteau-based Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center's governing board suspended CEO Michael Carter, pending a special committee investigation, according to a Poteau Daily News report.

Here are four things to know:

1. Mr. Carter has been suspended with pay.

2. The special committee investigation involves "matters regarding potential breaches of [Mr. Carter's] employment contract," a hospital statement notes, according to the Poteau Daily News.

3. Hospital CFO Shaun Keef has been named interim CEO.

4. The LeFlore County Memorial Hospital Trust Authority operates EOMC, and will continue to do so.
With hospitals and health systems facing an increasing number of cybersecurity threats in recent years, it's important for executives to determine the best way to fight those threats before they damage the institution or its relationships with consumers.

Frank Nydam, vice president and chief technology officer of healthcare at VMWare, spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about how a hospital or health system can begin to protect itself from a cybersecurity attack. Protecting an institution from a cybersecurity threat goes beyond the first step in the "cyber kill chain" of protecting the perimeter of the hospital's network. The cyber kill chain refers to the various stages of a cyber attacks that may occur with a security breach. Executives must employ layers of technology to protect the digital side of the business, the part that leaves patients and staff vulnerable to identity theft and other threats.

"Seventy to 80 percent of [a healthcare institution's resources] are spent protecting the perimeter of the hospital's network  a good analogy would be staying healthy. To stay healthy, you wash your hands, have good hygiene and take care of yourself. But eventually you're going to get sick and it's the same idea here  the bad guys will get through that perimeter. So what do you do once they get through? There's two ways of getting out of it: There's bed rest and eventually letting it work out, [neither of] which [are] the best ways to beat an illness. The other side of it is to get immunized, enabling your system to take action and to protect vital organs  or in our case applications and data  Somebody's going to get in, but it's our job to make sure we're protecting the crown jewels: the hospitals, the patient data, the medical devices connected to patients  to protect yourself, you have to make it economically infeasible for hackers to get through the internal and external barriers so that they are dissuaded from trying to get in at all."

If you would like to contribute a quote for this series, please email Alyssa Rege at arege@beckershealthcare.com to be featured in "Word from the C-suite."
As a part of the system's nursing recruitment initiative, Cleveland Clinic will host a job fair Saturday to attract registered nurses of all experience levels, including recent graduates, according to Cleveland.com.

The hiring event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the HealthSpace Building, 8911 Euclid Ave., on the system's main campus. During the event, registered nurses will go through the entire hiring process and may receive contingent offers. The system has nursing positions available at its northeast Ohio and Florida hospitals. Event participants must register online.

Cleveland Clinic is reportedly looking to fill hundreds of nurse openings throughout the system with 84 openings for new graduates alone, according to Cleveland.com.

To learn more about the event, click here.

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A federal judge ruled last week that an antitrust lawsuit filed against Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare System can move forward, according to the Charlotte Observer.

The U.S. Department of Justice and the North Carolina Attorney General's Office filed the civil lawsuit last year, alleging that the health system illegally reduced competition in the Charlotte healthcare market by placing illegal contract restrictions on insurers that barred them from steering customers to lower-cost community hospitals. According to the lawsuit, the restrictions led to higher costs and fewer options for patients in the Charlotte region, the Charlotte Observer reported.

Judge Robert Conrad wrote in the March 30 ruling that it is "plausible" that CHS' contracts were in violation of antitrust laws. The DOJ and Attorney General's lawsuit is "full of reasons" to believe the system's market power could wage "genuine adverse effects on competition," according to the report. Judge Conrad made his ruling in response to a motion to dismiss filed by CHS.

In a statement to the Charlotte Observer, CHS said that although Judge Conrad is allowing the lawsuit to proceed, the court also "noted that Carolinas HealthCare System had outlined a strong challenge to the government's claims."

"Carolinas HealthCare System has not violated the antitrust laws and we look forward to further supporting our position in court. [We] remain committed to providing quality care to our patients," it added.
Minneapolis-based Hennepin County Medical Center faces allegations from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees of discriminating against union employees who were reassigned or laid off earlier this year, according to the Star Tribune.

The medical center announced in February plans to cut the equivalent of 131 full-time jobs through layoffs. The move represented about 2 percent of the hospital's staff, including union employees in various departments.

Now laid-off or reassigned union employees are challenging the layoffs via a lawsuit and a petition presented to the medical center's CEO, Jon Pryor, MD, reports the Star Tribune.

Jennifer Munt, a union spokeswoman, contends a disproportionate number of affected union workers were minorities, women or older employees, the report states. But HCMC defended itself in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review.

"In laying off union employees HCMC does not have discretion in selecting who will be laid off, rather HCMC is required to layoff employees based on seniority and the provisions of the labor agreements," the medical center said. "HCMC is confident that it complied with the labor agreements and all applicable laws in conducting this layoff."

Aside from the layoff, the lawsuit and petition question how the hospital determined job transfers for some senior employees, according to the report. The report as an example cites a reassigned employee who lost his more supervisory role. According to the report, the employee claims age and union status could have been involved in the decision.

The union employees ultimately seek a temporary injunction against the layoffs and reassignments, according to the report. A district court hearing has been scheduled for April 18.

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Brentwood, Tenn.-based Quorum Health Corp.'s board has completed its independent investigation related to its spinoff from Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems last year.

Here are six things to know about the investigation.

1. The probe comes after Q Investments, a Fort Worth, Texas-based hedge fund, sent a letter to Quorum's board last October, asking the board to conduct an independent investigation into potentially unlawful financial projections related to Quorum's spinoff from CHS.

2. Q Investments claimed CHS knew the initial guidance used to market Quorum to investors was wrong. According to the October letter, CHS provided inflated EBITDA guidance to potential Quorum investors in late March 2016 and used the guidance to attract equity investors and market Quorum's more than $1.2 billion of primary debt financings.

3. Earlier this year, Quorum's board hired outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation into whether the company gave adequate disclosures to its investors prior to its separation from CHS.

4. For the investigation, outside counsel interviewed 15 Quorum officers, directors and employees, as well as outside advisors who assisted the company with the asset impairment taken in the second quarter of 2016. The probe also involved analysis of Securities and Exchange Commission filings, financial models and budgets, investor conference transcripts, transitional service agreements and 12,000 emails and other documents.

5. After reviewing outside counsel's findings, Quorum decided not to assert legal claims against CHS or its officers. On Wednesday, Quorum said the investigation did not produce conclusive evidence of fraud or intentional misconduct by CHS. "Rather, the facts arising from the investigation suggest (at a minimum) several bases for questioning CHS' operational competence in connection with the planning and execution of the spin-off, and the formulation of financial projections," said Quorum.

6. The letter Q Investments sent to Quorum in October suggested members of Quorum's management team may have been complicit in improper conduct by CHS. Quorum said the investigation produced no evidence that would support bringing legal claims against its management team.

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Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, sent a letter Monday to the president and CFO of Olympus demanding more information into a superbug outbreak at a foreign health facility linked to duodenoscopes recently redesigned to prevent infections.

Sen. Murray led a 2015 Senate investigation into infections caused by duodenoscopes which resulted in a 2016 recall agreement between Olympus and the Food and Drug Administration, in which Olympus asked organizations to return their TJF-Q180V duodenoscopes to the scope maker for a redesign.

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Now, she is looking for answers from Olympus in regards to the most recent outbreak, which affected five patients, one of whom has died.

"This tragic incident is particularly alarming because your company recalled and reportedly fixed the device in question after an investigation by my staff revealed a dangerous flaw in the design of Olympus duodenoscopes," Sen. Murray wrote. "I write to you today to request information in order to assess whether repaired Olympus closed-channel duodenoscopes are safe, and to understand whether the federal oversight of medical device safety in the United States is operating as it should."

She requested information be provided no later than April 17.

Read the full letter here.
France-based EOS imaging sold the first EOS platform in Israel to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.

Here are four things to know:





1. The platform will be installed at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center's The Dana-Dwek Hospital in Tel Aviv later this month.

2. TAMC serves the 3.5 million people living in the Tel Aviv area, accounting for over 42 percent of Israel's entire population.

3. EOS imaging CEO Marie Meynadier said, "Given [TAMC's] status as a national reference site for orthopedic care, a large number of Israeli patients will now have access to our technology."

4. The EOS platform has now been sold in 33 countries.

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Orthopedic-driven ASCs are thriving and offering surgeons promising futures in private practice.

Indianapolis-based Somerset CPAs Principal Mike McCaslin spoke about exciting developments in ideas related to orthopedics today.

Mr. McCaslin is speaking on a panel titled "The Best Ideas for Orthopedics Now" at the Becker's 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine, June 22 to 24, 2017 in Chicago. Click here to learn more and register.





Q: Which orthopedic developments offer the most promise for today's surgeons?

Mike McCaslin: There are a number of developments that offer promise for today's surgeons. Commercial bundled payments offer surgeons the opportunity to manage the care delivery process from beginning to end taking some risk but creating the opportunity for improvements in care at a lower cost of care. The surgeon takes the entire bundled payment and then out of this amount pays for the balance of care required. For those physicians whose groups own most of the care deliver assets required (ASC, PT, MRI, DME, etc.) then the risk in managing the bundle is mitigated substantially. For those who do not own the cadre of assets required they will need to sharpen their negotiating skills with outside entities to arrive at an acceptable rate to pay for the care needed by their patients.

The rapid transition of care from inpatient settings to outpatient settings obviously favors those surgeons and groups who own their own surgery centers. This transition will continue and certainly we all need to keep an eye on CMS to see when they loosen the strings on Medicare patients.

The use of extenders (physician assistants and nurse practitioners) to create more access for patients through walk-in clinics and extended hour/urgent care clinics has enabled the orthopedic surgeon and group to capture more patient volume and using a lower cost setting of care for this patient capture. The extended-hour/urgent care clinics keep the patient out of the emergency room and have the patient gaining immediate access to orthopedic specialty care so the right test and right diagnosis are received immediately.





Q: How can independent orthopedic surgeons remain in private practice?

MM: I think they need to be able to do the items noted above. In addition good partnerships with the local hospital (two-way partnerships and not one-sided partnerships) for those surgeons who cannot own the assets noted above will be important for both the surgeon and the hospital. An intense focus on the right care by the right provider in the right facility at the right cost is essential for sustainable success.

Q: What are the smartest orthopedic surgeons doing today to set themselves up for success in the future?

MM: In addition to the items noted in No. 1 above (which is the primary focus) many surgeons and groups are discussing destination orthopedic hospitals to manage the volume that will continue to require inpatient settings. Attached to this inpatient facility is the outpatient ASC, the physicians' medical office building housing the group and the cadre of freestanding services (PT, MRI, DME, skilled nursing) to create the comprehensive campus and destination facilities. In todays environment, these can only be owned by an existing hospital but there are opportunities available to the surgeon to manage the operations, own the real estate and lease to the hospital and to negotiate a purchase option for the inpatient operations if the prohibition on physician ownership is ever repealed.

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Five spine surgeons weigh in on the techniques they think are no longer useful for surgery as well as possible alternatives.

Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses.





Next week's question: What is the most difficult conversation you've ever had with a colleague?

Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, April 12, at 5 p.m. CST.

Question: What techniques and technologies should no longer be used in spine care? What are some alternatives?

Kern Singh, MD. Co-Director of Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (Chicago): From my experience, I believe open surgeries are excessive for simple single level procedures such as laminectomies. I believe minimally invasive procedures can be employed instead for these types of surgeries. Compared to open surgery, studies have shown MIS to decrease complications and postoperative pain for patients. I have successfully employed these techniques in my own practice and can clearly see the benefits.

Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Spine Surgeon at New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center (Nashua): Open posterolateral lumbar fusion. New advances in instrumentation and MIS fusion techniques make this procedure much more invasive and traumatic than necessary for most patients with degenerative spine conditions.

Payam Farjoodi, MD. Spine Surgeon at Center for Spine Health at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center (Fountain Valley, Calif.): There have been several iterations of intradiscal injections over the years for disc degeneration, however these techniques have not shown any long-term benefit. Discograms are being used less and less and I believe this is a diagnostic technique that will no longer have a role in spine surgery.

Thomas A. McNally, MD, Director, Chicago Spine Center at Weiss Memorial Hospital: Technology has resulted in better instrumentation, visualization and imaging, and is making the way for more minimally invasive spine surgeries. Still, there will always be a need for open surgery, especially for patients with severe scoliosis or tumors on the vertebrae.

Discectomies are the only procedures that are almost exclusively minimally invasive. These days, there really isn't a reason for an open procedure to correct a routine herniated disc on the lower back.

With robotics and image-guidance becoming more refined, we will likely see those technologies making the operating more efficient. These high-tech tools enable preoperative planning on 3-D computer-built constructs and precise placement of instrumentation during surgery. The best part of these advancements is they benefit the patient, providing quicker healing and improved patient outcomes.

Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Founder of the Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: Interspinous technology has come a long way, thankfully; but in terms of [a] particular hardware, I would rather do without.
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According to a list provided by Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made 56 foreign visits since assuming charge in May 2014. The list stated that after Modis first visit to Bhutan in June 2014, he visited the US four times, and Nepal, Japan, Russia, Afghanistan and China two times each.
The Embassy of Thailand in London, as Britons are encouraged to consider retiring to the Asian nation

Thailand is launching a fresh charm offensive to lure more pensioners to the Asian nation as Britons begin considering alternative retirement destinations outside of Europe in light of Brexit.

The president of Thailand Elite, a government-owned agency tasked with running the country's "exclusive" visa scheme, told the Press Association that Britain's divorce from the EU was a chance to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Pruet Boobphakam said: "I think that Brexit will give us an opportunity to even open more, or to introduce Thailand even on a broader scale ... you can live in Thailand for up to 20 years if you'd like to, therefore it would be a good opportunity for both countries, in terms of UK people and the Thai people."

UK retirees who might otherwise look to settle down in warmer climes along the Mediterranean are facing uncertainty about their long-term rights in EU countries like Spain, where more than 300,000 Brits live, after Brexit.

The collapse of the pound in the wake of the referendum has also reduced the purchasing power of sterling-denominated pensions across the eurozone.

Thailand's 20-year residence programme, which was originally launched in 2003, does not come cheap, costing 600 US dollars per year (481), on top of a 60,000 US dollar one-off fee (48,138), although promoters say the low cost of living can help make up for the bill.

It also offers 10-year residence for around 30,000 US dollars (24,066), with perks like VIP transport services and annual health checks at a private hospital, as well as a five-year option for 15,000 US dollars (12,033).

Juerg Steffen, group chief operating officer at Henley & Partners, an international residence and citizenship advisory firm that promotes the programme, said visa schemes like Thailand's were providing a clarity amid Brexit uncertainty.

"If you would like to retire today somewhere abroad as a UK citizen, then suddenly because of Brexit it's not as clear that you can do that.

"You have to wait for the next two years to see if you can settle in the EU ... but with Thailand it is clear.

"So with Thailand you pay 15,000 US dollars (12,033) and you can stay there for five years.

"So from that perspective, it's very interesting for people who would like to retire abroad in the next few years."

Mr Boobphakam said that while there were just a "few hundred" Brits paying for Thailand Elite's residence programme, UK citizens made up 40% of participants ahead of other nationalities including the US.

He also expected the number of Brits taking part in the programme to rise by 15% this year.

"On top of that, it's 10% higher than what we've expected," he added.
Northern Ireland's 9.1% gender pay gap "must be addressed" urgently, according to leading businesswoman. While the difference in pay between men and women here is half the UK's 18.1%, Ann McGregor, the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said more should be done to decrease the deficit even further.

"The gender pay gap has long been an issue for government and business," she added.

"While the gender pay gap among workers in Northern Ireland, at 9.1%, is half that of the UK, we would welcome a further decrease.

"Some of our major companies are led by females and there are many more keen to get to the top of their career ladder.

"However, they are perhaps being held back by the impact the gender pay gap is having on them reaching their goals. This must be addressed."

Thousands of employers today publish their gender pay gap figures for the first time, in line with new legislation designed to end discrimination and create a more modern workforce.

Under the new laws, voluntary, private and public sector employers with 250 or more employees will be required to publish their figures before April 2018.

The regulations will cover approximately 9,000 employers with more than 15 million employees, representing nearly half of the UK's workforce.

The UK is one of the first countries in the world to require pay gap reporting. The Government promised to introduce the measure at the last election.

It is believed that eliminating work-related gender gaps could add 150bn to the UK's annual GDP by 2025.

Minister for Women and Equalities Justine Greening said: "We have more women in work, more women-led businesses than ever before and the highest proportion of women on the boards of our biggest companies.

"Helping women to reach their full potential isn't only the right thing to do, it makes good economic sense and is good for British business.

"I am proud that the UK is championing gender equality and now those employers that are leading the way will clearly stand out with these requirements."

Last month, PriceWaterhouseCooper's annual Women In Work Index showed Northern Ireland had the lowest gender pay gap of all the UK regions.

The study put that down to a significantly higher percentage of women working in public administration.

There was also greater proportion of men working in lower-paid and more traditional industries.
Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland has called for investment in infrastructure to hit 100m a year

The local economy will continue to fall behind the rest of the UK without investment in infrastructure, an industry body has warned. However, the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) also claimed that confidence was returning to the construction sector after many difficult years.

Regional director Gordon Best said: "One of my key concerns is the level of investment in Northern Ireland's infrastructure; our sewerage, waterways, modern energy resources and our roads.

"In particular, we need to give a greater priority to the maintenance of our road network, which means securing three to four-year, ringfenced maintenance budgets at a minimum of 100m a year."

Turning to the state of the Northern Irish construction industry in general, the QPANI regional director added: "It's a completely different environment from where we were four to five years ago.

"We're seeing a gradual increase in work - nothing sharp or radical, like we have seen in the past.

"I am also hearing words and phrases such as 'steady', 'more confidence' and 'increased investment'.
Lifetime Isas allow people to save for their first home or their retirement in the same pot, with a Government bonus

The new Lifetime Isa must be kept under scrutiny to make sure it does not undermine workplace pension saving, insurers have urged.

The Lifetime Isa, or Lisa, scheme was launched on Thursday, but major banks have ruled out offering one from the day of the launch.

Many major high street names have said they are reviewing their position, or that they have no plans to launch a Lifetime Isa.

Lifetime Isas, which were unveiled during the Budget in March 2016 by then chancellor George Osborne, allow people to save for their first home or their retirement in the same pot, with a Government bonus.

But concerns have been raised over the charges people could generally face for taking money out for reasons other than their first home or their retirement - and that some people may ditch workplace pension saving in favour of a Lisa.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said it was urging the Government to monitor whether the Lisa has an impact on automatic enrolment into workplace pensions.

Auto-enrolment, which started in 2012, has so far been seen as a success, with around nine in 10 people who have been placed in their pension staying in it rather than opting out - and a strong appetite for saving among young people in particular.

But research from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has found 40% of 18 to 39-year-olds who are paying into a workplace pension say that if they start saving in a Lisa they will stop saving into their pension.

Yvonne Braun, director of long-term savings and protection policy at the ABI, said: "The Lifetime Isa will be a very useful savings mechanism for some people but savers should only invest in a Lisa if they fully understand how they work.

"In particular, people should not forego their workplace pension to save for retirement in a Lisa as most people will be better off saving into a workplace pension because of the employer contribution.

"It is key that the Lisa does not undermine the success of auto-enrolment in workplace pensions and the ABI urges Government to monitor whether the Lisa is having an impact on the auto-enrolment programme."

Former pensions minister Baroness Altmann has said savers can receive much more than the 25% bonus offered by a Lisa from the employer contributions and tax relief they would get in a pension.

She said: "Pensions will usually give you far more than the Lifetime Isa on day one. It's just that this is not properly explained when you get your pension statement, so most people don't realise it."

Hargreaves Lansdown, Nutmeg and the Share Centre have previously confirmed plans to launch investment Lisas from day one of the scheme.

Skipton Building Society will offer a cash Lisa from June and will give further details closer to launch.

Neil Lovatt, commercial director at Scottish Friendly, which has also confirmed it will offer a Lisa, said: "Whether some industry figures like it or not, the Lisa is here to stay."
Retailer Mothercare cheered surging sales in the UK as a website overhaul helped drive its best performance for 18 months.

The babycare chain saw like-for-like sales across the UK rise by 4.5% in its final quarter to March 25 thanks to a 13.6% jump in online sales.

It marked a sharp rise on the 1% growth seen in its Christmas quarter and its highest sales hike since the second quarter of 2015/16.

Mothercare said it had seen a good response to its new website, with online sales now accounting for around 41% of UK sales, while it added spring/summer ranges had been well-received.

The group is also seeing the fruits of a store revamp plan, having refurbished 70% of its UK shops in the past two years.

A boost from the Brexit-hit pound on its overseas earnings offset ongoing tough trading in international markets, where sales surged 15.4% in the 11 weeks to March 25 but fell 1.7% on a constant currency basis.

The group said sales were strong across China, Indonesia and Russia, helped by exchange rates, though it said economic conditions in the Middle East were still "challenging".

Mark Newton-Jones, chief executive of Mothercare, said it had been a "solid" quarter for the group.

He added: "We have made further progress in the period, with the UK performing particularly well on a like-for-like basis.

"Customers' response to our spring/summer ranges has been positive, as has the feedback on the new website and our new store environment."

Shares lifted as much as 5% after the update.

Mothercare returned to sales growth over its festive quarter, following difficult conditions earlier in 2016, when sales were knocked by poor weather and a warehouse overhaul.

The group also warned last year that prices may have to rise by between 3% and 5% from the middle of 2017 as it faces surging costs from the pound's plunge.

Mr Newton-Jones said in November the group had negotiated with suppliers to reduce the price impact by a third, while the company itself will take on around a third of the extra costs, with the rest passed on to customers.
The UK steel industry has welcomed anti-dumping duties announced by the European Commission on some Chinese products.

The Commission has imposed duties on hot-rolled coils of Chinese origin, ranging from 18.1% to 35.9%.

Gareth Stace, director of trade group UK Steel, said: "This is a welcome decision by the Commission given the continued efforts by China to undermine European steelmakers by dumping cheap steel on to the market.

"So long as China avoids taking steps to tackle its own issues with overcapacity and fails to adhere to the principle of free trade which is the lifeblood of the steel sector then such duties are going to be necessary to ensure we don't pay the price here in the UK and across Europe."

Steel companies in the UK have been hit by cheap Chinese products in recent years, as well as other issues such as high energy and business costs.
The actor lost his wife, daughter and producing partner to ovarian cancer.

Pierce Brosnan revealed that he struggles to look at the cup as half-full as he spoke about the loss of both his wife and daughter to cancer.

The former 007 stars first wife, Cassandra, died from ovarian cancer in 1991 and Charlotte, whom Pierce adopted after he married her mother, died of the same disease in 2013.

The 63-year-old actor, who remarried in 2001, also lost his producing partner, Beau St Clair, to ovarian cancer last year.

In an interview with Esquire Magazine for his new AMC series The Son, he said: I dont look at the cup as half-full, believe me.

The dark, melancholy, Irish black dog sits beside me from time to time.

He also spoke about growing up without his father, who briefly resurfaced when Pierce was 31.

I only met Tom the once  I had a Sunday afternoon with him. A story about this and that, had a few pints of Guinness, and we said goodbye  I would have loved to have known him. He was a good whistler and he had a good walk  Thats as much as I know about him.
Belfast Health Trust has admitted it missed opportunities to spot major flaws in a care home's smoking policy in the weeks leading up to the death of an 81-year-old resident who perished in a fire after lighting up in her bedroom.

Kathleen Fegan suffered severe burns when a blaze broke out at Owenvale Court in west Belfast on April 11, 2012. The grandmother died from her injuries at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast days later.

Kathleen, who suffered from dementia, had been smoking in her bedroom despite a policy that prevented her from having unsupervised access to lighters and cigarettes.

On the third day of the inquest, Belfast Coroner's Court heard how the "reddest of red flags were being waved" after a temporary care home manager contacted Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) asking for help because he was struggling to enforce the smoking policy.

A litany of mistakes in the lead up to the grandmother's death were highlighted during yesterday's proceedings, including the trust's failure to consider that she was a smoker with dementia when she was admitted to the care home in October 2011.

Marie Heaney, a senior official for the trust, said in her evidence that it appeared the care home provided safeguards that were "robust enough" at that time.

"The smoking risk was not taken seriously or addressed as it should be", she said. "We made a naive assumption about her smoking."

The court heard how in 2012 she was found twice smoking in her bedroom, she had burnt her underwear, there were burn marks on the carpet in her room and she was allowed to carry lighters and cigarettes.

Thomas Fitzpatrick, a barrister for the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) stated that at no stage did the trust express any concerns until March 2012 about her having dementia or smoking.

During questioning, Ms Heaney said that the trust has since reviewed how it deals with patient reviews. Coroner Patrick McGurgan said: "It's a shame someone has to die before that is triggered. There was no proper cognisance that she had dementia. She burned herself twice before admission and that's not taken into account."

Ms Heaney replied: "We relied on the RQIA and the care homes. They were not disclosing difficulties that they were having."

In February 2012, Cormac Coyle, who was manager of Owenvale at the time, emailed the trust about the challenges of enforcing the smoking policy, particularly with people with dementia.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "The reddest of red flags was being waved. This was a clear indication in February 2012 that the trust is entirely on notice in relation to the risks and being informed that this has to stop.

"He's saying, 'How do I stop it for people with dementia?'."

The inquest also heard a trust staff member checked the home daily after it emerged in January 2012 that it was struggling to address a number of issues raised by RQIA. Mr McGurgan said despite the visits, no notes were made about ongoing problems with the smoking policy.

"Smoking was particularly far down the hierarchy of issues despite it being raised by the manager", he added. At hearing.
An Irish language champion turned revolutionary is being honoured with a blue plaque.

Eoin MacNeill, from Co Antrim, was a Gaelic scholar, historian and politician.

Along with Dr Douglas Hyde, he co-founded the Gaelic League, Conradh na Gaeilige.

As chief of staff of the Irish Volunteers, he attempted to call off the Easter Rising in I9I6, later becoming one of the key builders of the Irish Free State.

Mr MacNeill made major contributions to Irish scholarship, particularly as president of the Irish Manuscripts Commission.

He was also president of the Irish Historical Society, the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland and the Royal Irish Academy.

His remarkable life will be recognised with the unveiling of a Blue Plaque tomorrow at St Malachy's College in Belfast.

It will be unveiled by Mr MacNeill's grandson, former Tanaiste Michael McDowell.

Mr MacNeill was born in May 1867 in Glenarm.

He boarded at St Malachy's College from 1881 until 1887.

The honour has been organised by the Ulster History Circle, which puts up blue plaques in public places across the nine counties of Ulster to celebrate people of achievement.

Paul McBride, the principal of St Malachy's, said: "We at St Malachy's are delighted to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Eoin MacNeill with this blue plaque in his memory, and wish to record our thanks to the Ulster History Circle and Foras na Gaeilige for their help.

"The plaque is located in a very prominent part of the college and will remind present and future generations of students of Eoin MacNeill's important role in the cultural life of Ireland'.

Chris Spurr, from the Ulster History Circle, added: "As a co-founder of the Gaelic League, Eoin MacNeill assured his place in his country's history, but he was also an eminent scholar, historian, and linguist. The Ulster History Circle are delighted to commemorate Eoin MacNeill with a blue plaque at the college he attended."
Dissident republicans and former British soldiers are set to stage opposing demonstrations in Belfast city centre on Good Friday.

The march by Armed Forces veterans is one of a number of protests being held across the UK on April 14 calling for an end to the 'witch hunts' against ex-soldiers.

Veteran Alan Barry said there is anger over the pursuit of former soldiers and added: "Over the period of the last two years we have seen a number of different cases coming forward. These cases, our argument is, that the British Government and politicians effectively seem to be basing themselves in the position of appeasement at all costs.

"From our perspective there cannot be equivalence between those who commit murder as part of a political programme and those who open fire in self-defence operating under the direction of the government and the rule of law."

Last year former soldier Dennis Hutchings was charged in connection with a 1974 shooting in Northern Ireland, while two other soldiers will be tried in Belfast next year in relation to the shooting of Joe McCann in 1972.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show yesterday, Mr Barry insisted soldiers "always followed the rule of engagement" and if they did not, they were investigated and charged. "No soldier ever left barracks with the intention of committing murder. No soldier ever left barracks planning to commit murder," he said. "When we left barracks we left barracks on foot patrol and if we were fired upon, we returned fire and when we returned fire we had to adhere to the rules of engagement."

However, Saoradh Beal Feirste is calling for all republicans to join them for a "mass mobilisation" on Castle Street while the veterans hold their protest at Belfast City Hall.

The group, expressing "disgust" at plans by the veterans to hold a protest, said: "The fact that this is taking place as part of a supposed 'justice' campaign by those who slaughtered our people as part of a murder machine that still occupies our country is a disgusting demonstration of naked triumphalism."

A Veterans For Justice event in Londonderry in February was cancelled following threats by dissident republicans.
Former DUP leader Peter Robinson was so concerned that British intelligence was spying on him that he bought equipment to sweep his offices for listening devices, according to a well-placed unionist source.

The insider has also claimed that Mr Robinson and another ex-DUP leader, Ian Paisley, used to exchange handwritten notes at meetings to share sensitive information rather than talk openly about their plans. The allegations from the former DUP official comes just days after former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott revealed Mr Paisley's phone had been tapped while he was an MP.

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The Labour politician - now Lord Prescott - wrote in a newspaper column at the weekend that the security services had been listening in to Mr Paisley's calls.

The late First Minister's MP son Ian Paisley described the phone tap as utterly disgraceful and vowed to raise the issue at Westminster.

But Tony Blair denied the claims. His office said that Lord Prescott was wrong and that no authorisation for the phone tapping of an MP was ever given during Mr Blair's time as PM.

However, sources within the DUP have said leading members like Peter Robinson had long been convinced that British intelligence and like-minded spies within the Army had placed them under surveillance from early on in the Troubles.

Mr Robinson's concerns were apparently heightened around the time of the loyalist 'invasion' that he led into the Monaghan village of Clontibret in August 1986 when he was arrested.

The release of government files subsequently disclosed that the RUC had tipped off the Garda about the incursion plans by Mr Robinson who, it's understood, gave his police bodyguards the slip by leaving his home under their noses covered by a blanket in the back of a car.

After Clontibret, the then Chief Constable Sir John Hermon withdrew Mr Robinson's protection and the then East Belfast MP bought himself a specially adapted Mercedes car from England. But the source said that Mr Robinson also purchased hand-held electronic equipment in London to enable him to search for bugging devices in his office in east Belfast.

The insider added: "Peter feared that because of the DUP campaign against the Anglo-Irish Agreement, the intelligence agencies were interested in finding out what the party were planning with regard to protests. You would see Peter and Ian Paisley sliding bits of paper across the table with dates and timings of meetings or rallies.

"There was also a belief that politicians' phones were being routinely tapped."

But one veteran commentator said: "In the 80s everyone who was anyone thought their phone conversations were being listened to. It was par for the course and there were famously echoes and clicks on some people's lines which made them think that they were not alone."

The former DUP insider said that even in later years when the protests against the Good Friday Agreement were gathering momentum, unionist leaders were all certain that their calls and activities were being monitored.

He said: "A number of politicians raised their unease with senior RUC officers who told them the police weren't engaged in the eavesdropping operations against them, but didn't rule out the possibility that other agencies were.

"There was a great deal of nervousness around at the time and I remember one figure who was prominent in the campaign against the Belfast Agreement stopped me from mentioning any names in phone conversations.

"There was nothing sinister in the conversations but it was felt that it would have been wrong to give too much away."

Throughout the Troubles and even after they were over, republicans repeatedly claimed that the security forces and intelligence agencies were bugging them and tapping their phones.

A number of listening devices were put on display by Sinn Fein down the years.

In 1999, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams produced a sophisticated electronic device which he said had been used to spy on himself and Martin McGuinness in a car they used during decommissioning talks with the IRA.

Mr Adams cited the bug as evidence that intelligence elements were intent on undermining the Good Friday Agreement.

In 2004, Sinn Fein showed the media a listening device which they said was found at the party's Connolly House headquarters in west Belfast and another which they claimed had been uncovered at the home of a woman who worked for Mr Adams.

Late last year an undercover British soldier claimed he planted listening devices in the homes of senior Sinn Fein officials years after the IRA ceasefire in 1994.

The former intelligence officer who worked for the controversial Force Research Unit said many of the bugs were probably still in place.

One, he said, was in the Londonderry home of Sinn Fein Assembly member and former hunger striker Raymond McCartney.
The Ferrari California T in Holywood. An undamaged model is capable of 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 196 mph. Photograph by Paul Synnott

Damage to one of the other vehicles. Photograph by Paul Synnott

The Ferrari California T in Holywood. An undamaged model is capable of 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 196 mph. Photograph by Paul Synnott

A Belfast millionaire property developer who crashed his Ferrari while more than twice the legal drink-drive limit was handed a driving ban and fined 250.

As well as the five-year driving ban, 53-year-old Christopher David Walsh was ordered to complete 75 hours of community service by District Judge Peter King at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.

Privately funded defence QC Gregory Berry revealed there would be an appeal to the disqualification and while bail of 500 was fixed for that, Judge King refused to allow Walsh to drive pending the hearing.

Following a contest earlier this year Walsh, from Mount Pleasant in Stranmillis in south Belfast, was convicted of driving with excess alcohol; driving without due care and attention; failing to stop at the scene of an accident; and failing to remain at the scene of an accident following an incident on the Belfast Road in Holywood in September 2015.

The court had been told that Walsh had crashed his 150,000 Ferrari California T into two cars before leaving the scene of the accident but within moments he was discovered hiding in bushes by an off-duty police officer.

Walsh had ran a so-called 'hip flask' defence with Mr Berry claiming he had in fact consumed the alcohol after the impact. Convicting Walsh, Judge King commented that defence had "failed spectacularly".

During his plea in mitigation on Thursday Mr Berry said his client had been assessed by the Probation Service as being at a low risk of re-offending.

Mr Berry said that Walshs case had attracted some adverse media coverage but handed into court three references which, he said, portray a completely different picture of this man  someone who is generous and quiet behind the scenes in terms of helping many different people".

The portrayal can be of a brash and flash individual but the references show that is far from the truth," added the lawyer.

Mr Berry said Walshs previous drink-driving offence had been some nine-and-half years ago, meaning the current offence fell just inside the 10-year period within which a second drink-driving conviction would attract a mandatory minimum driving ban of three years.

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close The Ferrari California T in Holywood. An undamaged model is capable of 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 196 mph. Photograph by Paul Synnott Damage to other vehicles. Photograph by Paul Synnott Damage to one of the other vehicles. Photograph by Paul Synnott / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Ferrari California T in Holywood. An undamaged model is capable of 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 196 mph. Photograph by Paul Synnott

He is not a serial offender  you are not dealing with someone with multiple drink-driving convictions, the barrister added.

Sentencing Walsh, the judge noted that it was the 15th court appearance  including a lengthy contested hearing - for a matter which, he said, could have been dealt with by a guilty plea at an earlier stage.

He said that the minimum disqualification would be entirely inappropriate in the case.

Judge King said that as a result of the extremely glowing references provided to the court, he would allow the defendant to undertake a drink-driving awareness course which would reduce his period of disqualification by a quarter.

However, the judge refused to grant the defendant permission to drive until his appeal is heard.
Alastair Campbell yesterday led tributes to former Belfast Telegraph Westminster correspondent Des McCartan, who has died after an accident.

Mr McCartan fractured his skull in a fall on March 22, the day of the terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.

He was taken to St Mary's Hospital in west London, which was also treating people injured by Khalid Masood.

Mr McCartan never regained consciousness and his life support was removed a week later.

The former Westminster correspondent left the Belfast Telegraph in 2001 to work for the Labour Party's Robin Cook, who at that point was Leader of the House of Commons and had been Foreign Secretary.

But he would already have been well known to Mr Campbell, who had been involved in the negotiations leading up to the Good Friday Agreement.

Former Labour spin doctor Mr Campbell, who was a political correspondent for another newspaper, said: "I am so sad to hear of Des's death. He was a fine journalist and a good man. He was a kind, courteous and helpful colleague when I was a fellow lobby reporter, and someone who was always straight and good-natured when I dealt with him as Tony Blair's press secretary.

"He was acutely aware of the special place in the politics of Northern Ireland that the Bel Tel had, and he took real care over what he reported and thought deeply about the impact his reporting could have. He cared deeply about the story because he cared deeply about where he came from."

Belfast Telegraph Editor Gail Walker added: "Over many years of momentous incidents and historic upheaval in Parliament and at home, Des provided a steady analysis in every sense - measured, balanced, insightful and authoritative.

"In a profession often wrongly caricatured, he was one of those journalists who went about their work quietly, credibly and with huge integrity.

"Des was also a wonderfully warm and decent human being, qualities which helped him to build an enviable network of contacts and endeared him to many younger journalists, including myself, whom he mentored with great generosity of time, spirit and friendship. He was vastly respected and will be very much missed by his colleagues in this newspaper and elsewhere."

Journalists and political party officials lined up last night to pay their respects on social media, along with three former editors of the Belfast Telegraph who worked with Mr McCartan.

UTV political editor Ken Reid said: "When I started working in Westminster on a regular basis, he was my mentor and friend. A real professional, he was highly respected by his peers and politicians, from the backbenchers to Downing Street - one of the finest journalists of his era in Westminster and a gentleman."

John Hipwood, who worked with him in the Parliamentary Press Gallery at Westminster, added: "Des was a good friend and the ultimate professional, putting in the hours to talk to Northern Ireland politicians, usually face-to-face."

Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff, meanwhile, called Mr McCartan "a properly meticulous journalist and immensely kind, patient man."

And Labour adviser Ayesha Hazarika tweeted: "Des McCartan was a great man. True professional, principled & kind. RIP."

Daily Mirror associate editor Kevin Maguire said: "Sad at the passing of Des McCartan, a brill former political editor of the Belfast Telegraph."

The Mirror's head of politics, Jason Beattie, told how Des once asked the Telegraph office "to stop being so rowdy as he was on the phone to Bill Clinton", and speechwriter Alex Marklew called him a "lobby legend."

Former Belfast Telegraph editorial director Roy Lilley said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Des' death. He had the respect of everyone he worked with in Belfast and London. In those days the Budget speech was made in the afternoon and Des always filed a tremendous round-up of what it meant for Northern Ireland for our final edition. His death is tragic."

Former Belfast Telegraph editor Ed Curran said: "He was a tremendous political editor for the Belfast Telegraph and thanks to his unparalleled contacts there was little which crossed ministers' desks referencing Northern Ireland which he was not aware of.

"Throughout the Troubles he was much sought after by other political correspondents and MPs for his views on what was happening in Northern Ireland."

Another former Belfast Telegraph editor, Martin Lindsay, added: "I remember Des coming into the East Antrim Times when I worked there and he was still at school.

"He brought in pigeon notes and when I left he was appointed trainee reporter. He later moved to the Belfast Telegraph and I recall working with him on many stories.

"Most vividly I recall us covering the Bloody Friday bombings in Belfast. One explosion just beside our offices went off shaking the whole building. I was dictating a story to Des, who was typing. As I stopped speaking in shock, he said, 'Do you want a full stop here or a comma?'

"Des was very highly thought of at Westminster and his appointment as chair of the lobby correspondents - a prestigious post among political journalists - was proof of the esteem he was held in by his peers."

Requiem Mass is to be held at Ealing Abbey on Friday, April 21, at 2.00pm, followed by cremation at Mortlake Crematorium at 4.45pm.
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire speaks to members of the media during a visit to Antrim Area Hospital

Sinn Fein has heavily criticised an attempt by the UK Government to highlight the impact of Stormont's crisis on public services in Northern Ireland.

Secretary of State James Brokenshire emphasised the need for political stability as he visited patients in a hospital in Antrim.

Sinn Fein accused Mr Brokenshire of having a "brass neck", claiming Conservative cuts to the region's annual funding grant was the biggest risk to frontline services.

The spat came on the fourth day of a two-week talks process to save powersharing.

Sinn Fein Assembly member Conor Murphy said people would find Mr Brokenshire's comments "a bit rich".

"Relentless Tory cuts and austerity policies have taken hundreds of millions of pounds out of public services over the last seven years and the Tories are also pursuing a pro-Brexit agenda which will be disastrous for the people of this island," he said.

During the visit to Antrim Area Hospital, Mr Brokenshire said: "I am here at a hospital underlining the public services that are looking for certainty, looking for an executive being in place to be able to make decisions.

"We know this cannot carry on for an extended period of time because of the impact on public services like the one I have been seeing today."

The Secretary of State also warned the talks process would not be allowed to drift past Easter.

He said he would make a call on the state of negotiations over the Easter weekend - in ten days' time - to enable him to move legislation in Westminster once MPs return from recess on April 18.

That effectively makes Good Friday the deadline for the region's rowing parties to reach consensus - a timeline that is sure to prompt comparisons with the tense negotiations ahead of the historic Good Friday peace agreement of 1998.

Whatever the outcome of the talks, Mr Brokenshire will need to table legislation in the Commons - either to restore a devolved executive or, in lieu of a deal, to pass laws to deliver a measure of financial stability to Northern Ireland's rudderless public services.

"I need to make decisions over the Easter period to bring legislation forward at Westminster," he said. "That is the timeline I am working to.

"It is that Easter focus that I have on needing for me to take decisions and therefore to introduce legislation there afterwards so that we can get on with the job, get an executive back in place and, equally for me, if we don't see that, to start to make decisions about what further contingencies may need to be put into place."

Mr Brokenshire again made clear the reintroduction of direct rule from London would be considered if the parties fail to strike a deal.

On Wednesday, Sinn Fein gave a bleak assessment of where the talks stood, claiming there had been no progress in the first three days of negotiations.

The Democratic Unionists hit back, accusing the republican party of peddling "doom and gloom" and questioning whether it was actually committed to the restoration of devolution.

The two main parties are taking part in discussions along with Stormont's other three main parties - the Ulster Unionists, SDLP and Alliance Party - and the UK and Irish governments.

Mr Brokenshire instigated the fresh talks after last month's negotiations to form a new powersharing administration ended in failure.

Parties missed a deadline to get a government up and running within three weeks of March's snap Assembly election.

Devolution crashed in January over a row about a botched green energy scheme.

The subsequent election campaign laid bare a series of other disputes dividing the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Two of the main stumbling blocks are the contentious issues of Irish language protections and how to deal with the toxic legacy of the Troubles.

Mr Brokenshire said progress had been made on some important issues but he conceded: "There are some key issues that do remain outstanding, therefore if we are to get the resolution that we need I think we need that sense of compromise and that sense of the bigger picture."
Keith Baker and wife Caroline, whose image cannot be published for legal reasons

The Bakers former home yesterday, where someone daubed crosshairs on the gable wall

The Bakers former home yesterday, where someone daubed crosshairs on the gable wall

Of all the horrific images conjured up by the notorious Baker house of horror, it is perhaps the most haunting - the face of a captive vulnerable young woman, ghost-like, at the window of her upstairs prison

The woman, who suffered from learning difficulties, endured eight years of sexual abuse at the hands of vile couple Keith and Caroline Baker, who imprisoned her in their outwardly mundane terraced home.

Today, the house in Drumellan Mews is occupied by new owners who have no connection to the Baker family.

Target marks have been drawn on the side of the house, which has also been partially repainted after the words 'house of horrors' were scrawled on the side.

Shocked neighbours said they believed that Keith Baker was the leader of a polygamous cult that treated the two women in the house - wife Caroline Baker and Mandy Highfield, who would later report the Bakers to the police - as servants.

"We have lived here for decades and we only saw the third woman a handful of times in all those years," explained one local mother, who wished to remain anonymous.

"Even now I can see her wee face. I remember her standing at the window staring straight ahead - it gave me goosebumps.

"You could only see her head and she just stood there looking without turning or moving a muscle. She was like a ghost.

"It seemed like lots of people went to the house. We saw a car load of men and we thought it was relatives of his from Guernsey. Now it's horrifying to think what might have been happening."

The house of horrors was actually two homes knocked into one property - controlling Baker kept girls in one, and boys lived in the other. "My daughter went into the boys' section of the house once and she said it was really, really dirty - full of junk," the woman added.

Locals said Keith Baker and his eccentric extended family "kept themselves to themselves", and neighbours in turn left the family alone, believing their unconventional living arrangements were the result of religious beliefs.

"We thought Keith Baker was running a cult or a commune as he had a couple of 'wives' and he seemed to be treated like their god," said another woman.

"I saw the victim outside once with Mandy Highfield, his 'second wife', and I asked who she was. She looked like she was about 13. She was very childlike and she didn't speak.

"Mandy said she was her sister from England, but when I looked up Keith was standing with his arms folded in the doorway of his house staring over, so I left. Keith Baker always seemed to be very controlling - he was like their guard.

"I remember another time he had two women outside of his house washing the wheels of his car while he stood in the doorway kissing another woman. They were his skivvies.

"Caroline Baker worked as a dinner lady at a local primary school and I remember laughing after I saw her one Sunday as it looked like he had made her dress up in her uniform and hairnet to make the Sunday dinner. But there was never any indication that anyone in the house was being abused or held against their will.

"When we found out, we were disgusted. God help that woman.

"It just goes to show that you don't know what's going on in anybody's home.

"The jail terms were a disgrace. I think Caroline should have got 15 years and he should have got life after what they put that woman through."

Another neighbour on the daffodil-lined estate said that she had heard "banging and shouting" emanating from the house, but assumed that it was "kids messing about". "I did see the second 'wife' and she seemed to be a bit scared of Keith," she explained.

"This is quite a quiet place, but there were a few men who came to the house.

"I think it's disgusting what they did to that woman. I don't know how anybody could do that to a vulnerable person."

A local shop worker said that to her the Bakers "seemed like normal people," and recalled seeing them baking and selling buns in aid of Children in Need.

"When I first heard what had happened, I just thought that it was rumours, a load of rubbish," she added.

"Then I felt sick. There's a general feeling of shock in the community. The kids on the estate would have played together with their kids.

"Everyone is shocked to the core. We can't believe this has happened here."

While normal life is continuing on the estate, which is popular with families, local people are visibly shocked and upset at the horror that occurred just a few hundred yards away.

Another woman echoed the view that the eccentric Baker family had been given a wide berth as the community "thought they were from a different culture, or it was some sort of religious thing".

"Apart from that, the house was in good order on the outside and the kids were fed and clothed," she said.

"There was no indication of what was going on inside, so how could social services have known? There was nothing to suggest that anything out of the ordinary was going on.

"I've been here for over a decade and I didn't see the victim once and never had any indication she existed."

As local people came to terms with the evil that flourished unseen in their community, a group of children played innocently on a nearby grassy area.

Parents arrived at the gates of Drumellan Community Association to collect their youngsters from the youth centre.

The organisation, which houses a Family Learning Complex and Children and Young People's Centre, issued a statement expressing its committee members' "utmost disgust at the sickening and horrific details that emerged from the court."

It said: "We are deeply shocked that these awful crimes, inflicted on a defenceless, vulnerable lady, happened on our doorstep. Many residents have approached the association clearly upset and equally horrified at what has taken place.

"Drumellan Community Association for many years has worked tirelessly to improve this estate, creating an environment where families feel safe and this we will continue to do."

While the court case may now be over, it seems that the trauma which the Bakers' evil actions inflicted on this quiet community will take some time to heal.
Gerard Conway was last seen in the Cookstown area at the end of January 2007 (PSNI/PA)

Police have launched another search as part of an investigation into the disappearance of a man 10 years ago.

Gerard Conway was last seen in the Cookstown area at the end of January 2007.

He was reported missing a short time later, but despite extensive inquiries by police over a number of years, no clues as to his whereabouts have been discovered.

Detectives from the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch searched an address at Battery Road in Ardboe, Cookstown, on Wednesday. Nothing untoward was found.

However, officers have now launched a search of land in the Cookstown area.

Detectives from the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch began their search in the Clare Lane area of Cookstown on Thursday morning.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Talbot, said: "As part of the search operation we have deployed specialist resources including police search teams and victim recovery dogs.

"Other equipment and experts are available, if required.

"Gerard's family are being kept fully informed about today's enquiries."

Mr Conway was 32 when he was reported missing on January 25 2007.

Following his disappearance police checks were extended to the Republic of Ireland and to England.

Police have CCTV footage of Mr Conway at a bank in Cookstown on January 25 2007 and there were sightings by people who knew him in late January and early February.

In the immediate aftermath of his disappearance, there were unconfirmed sightings in the Magherafelt, Toome and Ballymena areas.

Previous widespread search activity of the countryside around Cookstown, using dogs and aircraft, was unsuccessful.
The picture Patrick believes may be his mother, Angela (top right)

A Northern Ireland man who was sent to Australia to live as a 12 year-old boy is asking readers to help him find out what became of his mother.

Patrick Dolan was deported as part of the child migrant scheme - later described as "Britain's shameful secret" - and only returned home for the first time in 2014 for an emotional reunion with his long-lost cousin.

Now the 72-year-old retired carpenter has issued a plea for information about his mum, Mary Angela Dolan, who seemingly disappeared without trace in 1948 after placing him in an orphanage.

Mr Dolan has found a photograph featuring a woman he believes may be Angela, whom he thinks worked on the Duke of Argyll, one of the passenger ferries that sailed between Belfast and Heysham during the 1960s.

Speaking to this newspaper during a visit to see family in Belfast, Mr Dolan said he hoped a public appeal would help him finally learn the truth about his mother, who would be 99 if she is still alive.

"It's a funny feeling not having a situation where you feel you belong," he said.

"I've been in Perth since 1966 and I don't feel Australian, but when I first came back to Northern Ireland I didn't feel Northern Irish either.

"I realise where I come from now, but all these years I've felt lost. Most of the migrant boys and girls felt the same way.

"But if it hadn't been for the Child Migrants Trust, none of us would have found out anything."

The father-of-three was placed in Nazareth Lodge orphanage when he was three years of age by his mother, whom he believes would have been 28 or 29 at that time and who was originally from Belleek in Co Fermanagh.

Aged 12, he was sent to an institution run by the Christian Brothers in Boys Town, 60 miles from Perth, in Western Australia, where life for him and the other 100-plus boys housed there was "very tough".

The boys were told to build a Christian Brothers facility on an abandonned farm, and children as young as 10 were ordered to work, constructing schools, dormitories and kitchens.

Thrashings were routine and sexual abuse was rife.

"It was extremely hard, but we didn't know any different," Mr Dolan said.

"They made us work very hard and there was verbal abuse and sexual abuse to contend with as well."

At 16, Mr Dolan, who has three daughters - Leonie (46), Amanda (42) and Chelsea (36) - with 66 year-old wife Jan, who used to work in childcare, and seven grandchildren, left the institution and started work in carpentry.

But throughout his life he has never stopped looking for his mother.

He found his cousin Noel - who died in 2014 - via the internet and after DNA analysis confirmed their relationship, Mr Dolan came to Belfast to meet him eight months before he passed away.

"Despite extensive searches and immense assistance from the Child Migrants Trust, there appears to be no trace of Angela in any of the official records in the UK, Ireland or the USA," he said.

"There have been plenty of leads over the years, but they've all hit a brick wall. It has been very disappointing.

"It was pure chance that Noel and I discovered we were related, but at least we had the opportunity to meet before he lost his life to cancer in September 2014."

Noel's daughter and Mr Dolan's second cousin, Zoe McCaw, a 31 year-old English tutor, said they hoped the photograph of a stewardess named Angela who worked on the Duke of Argyll passenger ferry would help them find information about her granny's sister.

"It would be great if anyone could help us identify the lady in the photograph," added Zoe.

"She bears a striking resemblance to my own grandmother, Violet (McCann), who would've been Angela's sister."

Both Mr Dolan - who, sadly, knows absolutely nothing about his father either - and Zoe believe that it is unlikely that Angela is still alive "as she would be 99 now".

But they are urging anyone with "the smallest piece of information" to come forward.

"I'd be overwhelmed to find out about my mum and whether or not I have brothers or sisters," said Mr Dolan.

"I'm hoping that this photograph, or my story, will jog someone's memory.

"I would love them to come forward so that I can learn something about my family after all these years."

If you have any information please email findangeladolan@gmail.com
Child abuse should be investigated no matter how much time has passed the NSPCC has said, after it emerged that a self-confessed paedophile from Northern Ireland has escaped punishment for over 30 years.

Henry Clarke (75) admitted abusing three boys at three different Northern Ireland care homes in the early 1960s and 1970s.

Despite confessing two of his crimes to the RUC in 1985, he was allowed to leave the country to start a new life in Canada.

He later wrote to the RUC to confess the third case of abuse that took place at a Boys' Brigade camp in Newcastle, Co Down.

BBC reporter Kevin Magee travelled to Canada to confront Clarke, who again admitted his crimes and agreed to an interview.

He admitted abusing one boy after he took him out of a care home, brought him home and introduced him to his parents.

"I remember it quite well. I saw an opportunity and I took it," he said.

"It would have been in the mid-80s.

"We were on holiday in Belfast and two detectives from the RUC came to talk with me and on that day I admitted to them what I had done."

Regarding his later confession by letter, he said: "When I was in Northern Ireland, I omitted to mention a boy that I had interfered with sexually and I wanted to deal with everything, and so I wrote to them."

In Canada, Clarke trained as a pastor and went on to work in four churches.

"I realised at that time that my behaviour was wrong and that there were consequences, and I believed that I would probably finish up going to prison or something of that nature, but that there would be consequences," he said.

One of Clarke's victims was only 12 when he was abused.

After being tracked down, the victim told the BBC he has never been able to leave his ordeal in the past.

"Your life is hell," he said.

"People say you'll forget about it, but you never forget about it.

"I am coming 61 and I still have the nightmares.

"He was in his own mother and father's house.

"And for him to get into bed beside me, and do what he did. He shouldn't even have got to Canada. He should be in hell.

"Why should I be in hell on my own and I was the victim?"

Yesterday a NSPCC Northern Ireland spokeswoman responded to the shocking revelations.

"Child abuse has devastating and lifelong consequences which last long into adulthood, and any information relating to the abuse of a child should be thoroughly investigated regardless of how long ago it took place," the charity spokeswoman said.

"Only then will victims get the support they need to rebuild and move on with their lives.

"We would urge anyone who has suffered abuse or who is concerned about a child to speak out.

"They can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, 24 hours a day seven days a week. Children can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk."
The Public Prosecution Service is considering appealing the jail sentences of the couple convicted of sexually abusing a mentally disabled woman they held prisoner for eight years.

Keith Baker (61) was jailed for 15 years for keeping the victim as a sex slave in a room with no light bulb, carpets or curtains at his filthy house in Craigavon, Co Armagh.

His wife Caroline (54) was imprisoned for three, but is to be released after 18 months on licence.

The PPS described the sentences as "unduly lenient".

Judges are bound by sentencing guidelines and must take into account mitigating circumstances, such as early guilty pleas, co-operation with police and remorse, as well as aggravating factors, such as intent and excessive violence.

But a PPS spokesman said it "is currently considering if there is a basis to refer the sentences handed down in this case to the Court of Appeal on the grounds that they may be unduly lenient".

He added: "An unduly lenient sentence is one that falls outside the range of sentence that a judge, taking into consideration all relevant factors and having regard to sentencing guidance, could reasonably consider appropriate."

Depraved Baker filmed many of his sexual attacks for his own gratification and held sway over his wife and another partner through his willingness to resort to violence and total immorality, a judge said at Craigavon Crown Court on Tuesday.

The door of the room in which the victim was imprisoned had no handle on the inside and the toilet was overflowing with human excrement.

The victim was so badly emaciated she had only one tooth left once she was rescued by police in 2012 after Baker's second partner raised the alarm.

Keith and Caroline Baker were filmed sexually assaulting their victim.

The woman's learning difficulties were so severe, her IQ placed her in the lowest 0.3% of the population.

She did not appear on the electoral register, had no GP or dentist, and never claimed benefits.

Neighbours did not even know the woman, completely isolated from the rest of society, was there. Green Party MLA for south Belfast Clare Bailey, who previously worked for sexual abuse counselling service Nexus, welcomed the comments from the PPS.

"I know the judge had to refer to sentencing guidelines," she said.

"But I believe this case was much more - this was abduction, trafficking, imprisonment, slavery, torture and abuse all rolled into one.

"I don't understand how 15 years and three years are sufficient.

"I agree with the PPS that it does seem unduly lenient and I'm also glad to see they're looking into the possibility of an appeal." She also commended the PPS for setting up a team to look at serious crimes and track how crimes like rape and murder progress through the judicial system.

"I hope if they're going to start looking at this, it raises the potential for them to look at the majority of rape cases that go unconvicted in Northern Ireland and others acknowledged as unduly lenient as well," she said.

Ms Bailey warned it should not be assumed this was a unique case and said the victim had been let down by multiple agencies.

"It is horrific, abhorrent and so brutal it's unimaginable," she said.

"Sexual abuse and trafficking is happening all over, so we really need to wake up and understand the depth of this problem in our society.

"This was a housing executive house in Craigavon, this could be your neighbours. There's a huge amount of education that needs to be done.

"This was a married woman from England. She was abducted and the police did not deal with that properly either. She was then trafficked into Northern Ireland and then locked up in a room for eight years in a housing estate," she said.

"This goes way beyond neighbours not knowing. Every statutory body process has failed this victim. The blame does not lie with neighbours because this was a clever man who hid what he was doing."

Mr Baker grew up in Guernsey before spending most of his life in Kent. He said he met his wife while working for the Salvation Army.

A spokeswoman for the charity commented: "Our records do not reflect the Bakers in employment within our organisation, which may suggest that they met through a voluntary informal association. We abhor their crimes."
A senior negotiator in the DUP talks team has accused Sinn Fein of peddling "doom and gloom" about the state of talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson claimed the republican party was misleading the public after its Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill delivered a bleak assessment of the ongoing negotiations.

The exchange between the two main parties followed confirmation that the government regards the new deadline for a resolution as "after Easter."

On day three of the two week process, Mrs O'Neill claimed a deal to rescue the crisis-hit devolved institutions could only be achieved with a "step change" in approach from the DUP and the UK government.

Sir Jeffrey responded in robust terms, questioning whether Sinn Fein actually wanted to reach agreement.

"I very much regret that Sinn Fein seem to be the doom and gloom merchants who are falsely accusing other parties of not engaging," he said.

The Lagan Valley MP added: "The DUP, government and the other parties have attended every meeting, have been actively engaging, and we believe all of the parties are actively engaged.

"In fact the only party who we believe has been holding back in these discussions is Sinn Fein.

"Having listened to Michelle O'Neill's comments today, it raises a serious question in our mind as to the level of commitment that Sinn Fein are giving to this process.

"Instead of being doom and gloom merchants, they should be at the table being more constructive about trying to find solutions."

Emerging in the Grand Hall yesterday after a series of meetings, Sinn Fein's Stormont leader Mrs O'Neill said: "So far we have had a lot of meetings, a lot of engagement but not a lot of progress.

"It is very clear to us that the DUP and British government have failed to focus on the key issues of the recent election. Our position is very clear - we will not return to the status quo.

"We want these institutions to work, we want them to deliver for all citizens, but that's the very point - they have to deliver for all citizens on the basis of equality, respect and integrity."

Mrs O'Neill warned a deal to rescue the crisis-hit institutions will only be achieved if there is a "step change" from the DUP and the London government.

"We have seen no progress to date - nothing that we could report that's anything significant," she said.

But a DUP talks source said: "The DUP wants to see the Executive restored as quickly as possible and is working to make sure that people do not suffer from Sinn Fein's desire to put the desires of a few over the needs of many."

As further details of the arrangements for the next two weeks became public, including twice-weekly round-table sessions, a brief statement from the Northern Ireland Office said that "it is not saying precisely when the deadline is".

But papers circulating at the meetings referred to a new timescale of two weeks, which would end on Easter Tuesday.

That is also when Parliament resumes after its Easter recess, allowing Secretary of State James Brokenshire to table emergency legislation.

By that stage, without agreement, Mr Brokenshire will have to strike a Budget for the new financial year to ensure the smooth running of departments.
The Fennelly Commission said there had not been a widespread abuse of the system over the secret recording of telephone conversations at Garda stations

An inquiry into the taping of phone calls at garda stations has found there was probably no significant misuse of information from the calls.

The Irish government says many of the findings by Mr Justice Niall Fennelly are of great concern, including in relation to the unlawful nature of the recordings, lack of effective oversight and procedures.

Particular mention is made of the recording of relation certain telephone recordings relating to the investigation of the death of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The Government also noted that the Commission found no evidence of knowledge of the recording of non-999 telephone calls on the part of relevant Ministers for Justice, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Attorney General, the Chief State Solicitor, GSOC, the Data Protection Commissioner or the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The report will now be fed into the review of An Garda Siochana which is being established by the Government on the back of the breath test scandal.

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald will also consider, in conjunction with the Policing Authority, what short-term measures may be required in terms of legislation, technology or practices and procedures in response to the findings and recommendations of the Report.
Members of the Civil Defence pilot a drone near to Annagh Head, Co Mayo

The body of Captain Mark Duffy is driven in a hearse along the seafront accompanied by a guard of honour at Blacksod Co. Mayo, Ireland, recovered from the wreckage of an Irish Coast Guard helicopter that crashed in the Atlantic.

Members of the Irish Coastguard continue searching along the coastline near Blacksod, Co. Mayo, Ireland

The black box of the R116 helicopter crash has been located at the crash site

A major sea search will take place this weekend for the two missing Rescue 116 crew members.

Coast Guard, gardai, RNLI, and local fishermen are expected to take part in the sea search from Achill Island in Mayo to Aranmore Island, Donegal on Saturday.

Crewmen Ciaran Smith (38) and Paul Ormsby (53) have still not been found since their Rescue 116 helicopter crashed into Black Rock island in the early hours of March 14.

The decision was taken to carry out a search following a meeting between representatives from each of the groups. It will commence at approximately 9am.

The statement, released by Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association, continued: "Safety is paramount in this entire operation, for this reason we are asking all vessels intending to engage in the sea search to check in on the morning of the search with their local RNLI Lifeboat or Coast Guard vessel.

"Upon completion of search, all vessels must report back to the lifeboat or coast guard vessel to confirm completion of search." The statement said this is to ensure that all vessels return safely to harbour.

Those taking part are also advissed that is it is mandatory for all taking part to wear life jackets. "We would also ask for your cooperation to obey any instructions given by the RNLI or Coast Guard."

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close The body of Captain Mark Duffy is driven in a hearse along the seafront accompanied by a guard of honour at Blacksod Co. Mayo, Ireland, recovered from the wreckage of an Irish Coast Guard helicopter that crashed in the Atlantic. PA The body of Captain Mark Duffy is brought ashore at Blacksod Co. Mayo, Ireland, recovered from the wreckage of an Irish Coast Guard helicopter that crashed in the Atlantic. PA The body of Captain Mark Duffy is brought ashore PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp The body of Captain Mark Duffy is driven in a hearse along the seafront accompanied by a guard of honour at Blacksod Co. Mayo, Ireland, recovered from the wreckage of an Irish Coast Guard helicopter that crashed in the Atlantic.

Earlier this week Mr Smith's sister made a desperate appeal for help searching for them.

"To all fishing vessels big and small. From Achill Island to Aran Mor. We are appealing to them to please come to help us now. We need them, we need their knowledge and we need them in the ongoing efforts to find Ciaran and Paul," she told Independent.ie.

"We need them and we need their help. We want them to go out and look in a co-ordinated fashion.

"It is a living nightmare for all of us. For all of my family and Paul Ormsby's family it is a living nightmare.

"We're doing our best to keep going, to stay as strong as possible and to stay as positive as we can.

"But it is tough, it is really, really tough. We need those boys home now. We really do.

"My parents need them home, my sister-in-law needs him home. My nieces need him home. They have to come home now."

In a statement the Irish Coast Guards said they are asking all mariners in the Donegal/Mayo area to keep a "good look out for any debris in the course of their routine activities and to report any findings to the Malin Head Coast Guard Coordination Centre".

The Coast Guard also reiterated the importance of adherence to basic safety by all searchers be they afloat or on shore.

The expressed their ongoing appreciation to the many volunteers supporting the search in particular, Coast Guard members, the RNLI and Civil Defence as well as the tremendous local community support.
New caps to curb the multi-million pound 'cash for ash' overspend are already causing job losses, a businessman has claimed

New caps to curb the multi-million pound 'cash for ash' overspend are already causing job losses, a businessman has claimed.

On Saturday, the Department of Economy introduced new rules capping payments from the scheme.

Now one Fermanagh man, who runs a timber business, said he has been forced to take the tough decision to lay off six staff.

Another 18 employees are working a four-day week on reduced hours and up to nine may be made redundant next week.

"We invested 1.2m in the Renewable Heat Incentive and that is all borrowed money, commitments we can't walk away from," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"If Stormont's original intention was to give business a boost through the scheme, they are now crippling us and some will end up bankrupt.

"Renewable heat is now a swear word in our parts."

Initially, there were no tariff restrictions - meaning businesses could profit hugely from the scheme. Moves are now under way to reduce the projected 490m overspend.

The Renewable Heat Association Northern Ireland (RHANI) - which represents businesses that took advantage of the green energy grants - said those affected were not informed of the change.

It has been preparing for a legal battle to force the government to honour its original commitments under the scheme for its 20-year lifespan.

The association says a number of businesses have had to lay off people - and some may have to close.

A spokeswoman for RHANI said: "Sectors including agriculture, which traditionally operate on a very low-profit margin, are badly affected by these changes and it appears that a number of businesses cannot now service bank loans they took out to buy the boilers required for this government-promoted scheme."

The Fermanagh businessman said he hoped fraud inspections would have been done by now in order to clear his business of wrongdoing.

"We had been watching developments, but thought they would give us at least a three-month run-in," he added.

"Had the scheme been originally set out as they want it now, we would be in a much better position.

"The RHI scheme allowed us to grow and their mismanagement has put all that in jeopardy.

"It was guaranteed for 20 years by the Government, if it was a private scheme you could maybe see a risk, we were told it would be 'grandfathered'."

This means that the support level for projects would be guaranteed over its lifetime, regardless of future reviews.

"I can't understand how it is legal for them to just take it all away after all their promises," the businessman said.

"We are using the heat in the most efficient way possible and yet we are having to lay off good people, fantastic staff who have worked hard for us for over 20 years and there is no consequence for those that set this up."

Auditors found serious flaws in the scheme from the beginning which resulted in businesses being paid 1.60 for every 1 they spent on the scheme.

One farm was found to be heating an empty barn shed with the windows open. However, most of those claiming from the scheme say they are doing so as it was intended.

DUP leader Arlene Foster, who set up the scheme when she was Enterprise Minister, has vowed to cut the overspend to zero.

Alliance's Stephen Farry added: "The lack of clarity around the RHI scheme has been its undoing from the start.

"If the department is making changes to the terms and conditions of the scheme, those affected should be properly notified. It is not acceptable to simply list the amendments on a website.

"Without doing so in an acceptable way, the department is increasing the likelihood of receiving a legal challenge from claimants."

The department has said it is in the process of writing to each of the RHI claimants.
A father, originally from Northern Ireland, has lost a landmark legal battle at the UK's highest court over taking his daughter to Disney World during school term-time.

Five justices at the UK's highest court ruled on a challenge by Isle of Wight Council in a case involving father Jon Platt, who took his daughter on a seven-day family trip to Disney World in Florida in April 2015.

Speaking after the ruling was given, Coleraine man Platt said he was "not at all surprised" at the judgment.

He said: "I'm pleased that they acknowledged the judgment doesn't go on to say what the school rules should be. Schools need to think very carefully about what these rules should be.

"Some have policies that mean that every day missed is a criminal offence."

Mr Platt's case now has to return to the magistrates' court in the light of the ruling on Thursday.

He said he had "no intention" of pleading guilty when the case goes back to the court.

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Lady Hale, announcing the decision, emphasised the case was not about what the rules should be "or how much discretion the headteacher should have to authorise absence".

She added: "That is a matter for the appropriate authorities."

Isle of Wight Council said in a statement: "The Supreme Court's judgment provides much needed clarity about what constitutes regular attendance at school, to schools, parents and local education authorities. The Isle of Wight Council will ensure it continues to apply its code of conduct in relation to school absence and in accordance with this judgment."

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said removing children from school during term-time would create "chaos" in the classroom.

She said: "I completely understand the difficulties that working parents face - I did myself as a single mum.

"But it's really, really important that we set that principle that actually children should attend school in term-time.

"There are exceptional circumstances, there is discretion at the moment.

"But if all parents took their children out of school in term-time because it was cheaper to get a holiday that way, then it would be chaos in our schools and it would affect all children."

The council prosecuted Mr Platt after he refused to pay a 120 penalty. Local magistrates found there was no case to answer, and the authority then took its case to the High Court in London.

But two judges upheld the magistrates' decision and declared that Mr Platt was not acting unlawfully because his daughter had a good overall attendance record of over 90%.

They said the magistrates were entitled to take into account the "wider picture" of the child's attendance record outside of the dates she was absent on the holiday.

The decision caused a surge in term-time bookings all over England.

In an action being closely watched by schools and parents all over the country, the council has asked the Supreme Court justices, including the court's president Lord Neuberger, to overturn the High Court decision, saying it raises important issues over what constitutes ''regular attendance'' at school.

The High Court ruling in May last year cleared Mr Platt of failing to ensure his daughter attended school regularly, as required by section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996.

Mr Platt's request for permission to take his daughter out of school was refused by her headteacher.

After the holiday he was issued with a fixed penalty notice, but he did not pay the 60 by the initial deadline, and was sent a further invoice for 120, which he also did not pay.

At a Supreme Court hearing in January, the local authority, backed by the Education Secretary, argued that a child's unauthorised absence from school ''for even a single day, or even half a day'' can amount to a criminal offence.

But a QC for Mr Platt described the submission as a new and radical interpretation of the law which was absurd and would ''criminalise parents on an unprecedented scale''.

James Eadie QC, for the Education Secretary, argued it would be ''absurd'' if parents could go on holiday with children when ''the sun is out and foreign climes beckon'' in a way that ''undermined'' Government policy on unauthorised absences.

Controversy was triggered when the Government ordered a crackdown on school absences in 2013.

New guidelines were introduced for English schools which only allow heads to permit pupils to miss classes in ''exceptional circumstances''.

Families complain that trips in official holiday periods are up to four times more expensive, and local councils have reported that the number of breaks in term time is increasing.

The Department for Education has told parents that their children missing just a few days in the classroom can damage GCSE results.
Unilever has decided to sell its underperforming spreads business, which includes Flora, Stork and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

Unilever is to offload some of its best known brands, including Flora and Stork, as it revamps the business after batting off a 143 billion US dollar (115 billion) takeover attempt from Kraft Heinz.

The Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant concluded that the future of its underperforming spreads business, which also includes I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, "now lies outside the group".

Unilever said: "The underlying category remains challenged in developed markets and we have now taken the decision to launch a process to either sell or demerge spreads."

The sale of the division could yield up to 6 billion for the group and a number of private equity groups are thought to be weighing up bids.

The review was aimed at delivering more value to shareholders following the failed Kraft Heinz bid, and Unilever also plans to make an extra two billion euro (1.7 billion) in cost savings that will result in some job losses.

Chief executive Paul Polman said the cuts would be largely limited to "senior management".

As part of the cost-cutting measures, Unilever increased its overall cost savings target from four billion euro (3.4 billion) to six billion euro (5.1 billion), to take place over the next three years.

In addition, Unilever plans to combine its foods and refreshments business in a bid to boost growth.

Chief executive Paul Polman said: "Our recent review concluded once more that our strategy for long-term value creation through growth and compounding returns on investment is the right one for Unilever and for our shareholders.

"It also highlighted the opportunity to go faster and further."

Shares were broadly flat in morning trading.

The group will also buy back five billion euro worth of its shares, boost dividends by 12% and review its "dual-headed" legal structure.

The company currently has a dual-listing in the UK and the Netherlands and Mr Polman said Unilever's decision to review it was not linked to Brexit.

Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at ETX Capital, said: "The Kraft Heinz bid was a massive wake-up call.

"Unilever realised it needed to do more for shareholders but it also has to improve margins - the appeal of Kraft's bid was being able to squeeze far higher margins out of the business - bribes alone won't work.

"The test is whether it can achieve underlying operating margin of 20% by 2020 while growing the business in emerging markets. That will generate long-term loyalty better than share buybacks."

Royal London Asset Management, which holds over 8.7 million shares in Unilever worth around 344 million, welcomed the shake-up.

Mike Fox, head of sustainable investments at Royal London, said: "We welcome Unilever's commitment to its sustainable business model, where decisions are taken in the long-term interests of the company and its shareholders.

"This approach, one which has been central to management thinking at the firm, has delivered attractive investment returns for many years."

"The increased margin targets, share buyback and sale of the spreads business are a proportionate response to the bid from Kraft Heinz, without radically changing the direction of travel.

"We would expect these actions to improve the outlook on future returns for shareholders."
Almost 98,000 was defrauded from the delay repay scheme by a group of former rail workers

Two former Southern rail workers have been jailed for their parts in a scam to make almost 100,000 worth of false train delay compensation claims, police said.

Abiodun Bamidele and fellow Southern worker Jeffrey Opoku were among four people convicted over the delay repay fraud.

The pair, alongside Elizabeth Howell and George Omole Wangboje, were involved in making 350 claims to the value of 98,000, of which almost 55,000 was paid out.

The group, headed by ringleader Bamidele, used dozens of different names and addresses to commit their crimes between 2010 and 2015, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

Many of the payouts were made in the form of travel vouchers, which were often sold on or used to buy season tickets, police said.

Bamidele and Opoku jokingly called themselves " Mr Hull Trains" and "Mr Great Western Train Robber" as they committed their crimes, BTP said.

The group were uncovered when their handwriting was recognised on the countless claims made.

Detective Sergeant Nick Thompson said: "This group of individuals were making money by exploiting the Train Operating Companies' (TOCs) delay repay compensation scheme that was put in place to compensate honest fare-paying members of the travelling public who have been inconvenienced by delayed trains."

Bamidele, 54, of Cuthbert Road, London, will serve four years in jail after pleading guilty to charges including conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.

Opoku, of Aytoun Road, London, and Howell, of Dovedale Avenue, Coventry, admitted charges of conspiracy to defraud and entering into or becoming concerned in a money-laundering arrangement.

Opoku, 55, was jailed for two years while 46-year-old Howell was given a suspended sentence and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

Wangboje was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and using a false instrument with intent.

The 58-year-old, of Little Grove Field, Harlow, Essex, was given a suspended sentence and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

Bamidele was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Thursday while Opoku, Howell and Wangboje were sentenced at the same court last Friday.
Theresa May has warned the sovereignty of Gibraltar will not be up for negotiation in the Brexit talks as she met European Council president Donald Tusk for the first time since triggering Article 50.

Following the meeting, European Union (EU) sources said both sides had recognised the need to "lower tensions" on contentious issues like the future of the Rock.

However, Downing Street said the Prime Minister had made clear there could be no change to its status without the consent of its people.

The talks came after Mr Tusk suggested last week that Spain - which also claims sovereignty of Gibraltar - could veto its inclusion in any trade deal between Britain and the remaining EU member states.

The move caused fury in Gibraltar - which accused the EU of "bullying" - while former Conservative Party leader Lord Howard even suggested Mrs May could go to war to defend the Rock.

While few at Westminster seriously expect it to come to an armed conflict, there is concern among some MPs the EU intends to use the issue as leverage in the Brexit talks.

In a statement following the meeting, a No 10 spokesman said the Prime Minister had been clear she was determined to achieve the "best possible deal" for Gibraltar as well as the UK.

"The PM also made clear that on the subject of Gibraltar, the UK's position had not changed: the UK would seek the best possible deal for Gibraltar as the UK exits the EU and there would be no negotiation on the sovereignty of Gibraltar without the consent of its people," the spokesman said.

EU sources said it had been a "good and friendly" meeting, with the talks running on for almost two hours.

"They agreed to stay in regular contact throughout the Brexit process to keep a constructive approach and seek to lower tensions that may arise, also when talks on some issues like Gibraltar inevitably will become difficult," one source said.

No 10 said the Prime Minister had reiterated her desire to secure a "deep and special partnership" with the remaining 27 member states, welcoming the European Council's "constructive approach" to the negotiations.

"Both leaders agreed that the tone of discussions had been positive on both sides and agreed that they would seek to remain in close touch as the negotiations progressed," a spokesman said.
The injured wife of a man killed in the Westminster terror attack has said she does not hate the assailant, and even pities him.

Melissa Cochran had been visiting London from Utah with the "love of my life" Kurt, 54, to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary when they were caught in the carnage on Westminster Bridge.

But despite the murderous rampage unleashed by Muslim convert Khalid Masood, 52, in which he claimed four lives, she said she felt sorry for him.

In a tearful but dignified interview, she told the BBC: "I don't feel any ill will towards him. I don't know what he was feeling or thinking or anything that had been going on in his life so I can't relate.

"I just know that unfortunately he didn't have the qualities and the beautiful heart that my husband had so I actually kind of feel a little sorry for him and no hate."

The interview came after she appeared in a wheelchair among 1,800 people, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, at a service in Westminster Abbey two weeks after the attack.

Kent-born Masood drove a rental car into pedestrians before fatally stabbing Pc Keith Palmer, 48, in the Palace of Westminster's forecourt on March 22.

Mrs Cochran, who suffered a broken leg and rib and a cut to her head, also spoke of her love for her husband.

"Kurt was probably the best man I have ever met, he was sweet and kind and I'm extremely proud of him and I am very happy that the world now knows what a wonderful man he was," she said.

She told how she learned of her husband's death when she asked her parents to find out his condition as she lay in a hospital bed recovering from surgery to her leg.

"My parents walked out of the room and came back in and both grabbed my hand and said that he didn't make it, which crushed me," she said.

"But fortunately I have a wonderful family and I'm able to take their strength and recover."

Retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, and Aysha Frade, 44, also died in the attack.

Masood, who had a history of violent crime, was shot dead by armed police after knifing Pc Palmer.
Aya Fadl, who lost more than a dozen family members in the suspected chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun, wears an oxygen mask to heal breathing difficulties (Aya Fadl/AP)

US President Donald Trump has suggested Syrian leader Bashar Assad may have to leave power after this week's chemical weapons attack.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Mr Trump said what happened in Syria is "a disgrace to humanity".

Asked if Assad should go, Mr Trump said: "He's there, and I guess he's running things so something should happen."

The president would not discuss what, if anything, the US might do in response to the deadly chemical attack. He said the attack "shouldn't have happened, and it shouldn't be allowed to happen".

Mr Trump said he may talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the situation in Syria.

Assad's government came under mounting international pressure on Thursday after the chemical attack in northern Syria, with even key ally Russia saying its support is not unconditional.

Turkey said samples from victims of Tuesday's attack on the northern opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun, which killed more than 80 people, indicate they were exposed to sarin, a highly toxic nerve agent.

Syria rejected the accusations, and Moscow warned against apportioning blame until an investigation has been carried out.

Meanwhile, discussions continued at UN headquarters on a Security Council resolution that would condemn the chemical attack.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "unconditional support is not possible in this current world".

But he added that "it is not correct to say that Moscow can convince Mr Assad to do whatever is wanted in Moscow. This is totally wrong".

Russia has provided military support for the Syrian government since September 2015, turning the balance of power in Assad's favour.

Moscow has used its veto power at the Security Council on several occasions since the civil war began six years ago to prevent sanctions against Damascus.

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The two countries "enjoy a relationship of cooperation, of exchange of views and full mutual support," said Mr Peskov, a spokesman for Mr Putin. Assad and his army are "the only real power in Syria that can resist terrorists on the ground," he said.

The Syrian government maintains it did not use chemical weapons, instead blaming opposition fighters for stockpiling the chemicals.

Russia's Defence Ministry said the toxic agents were released when a Syrian air strike hit a rebel chemical weapons arsenal and munitions factory on the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun.

"I stress, once again, that the Syrian Arab Army did not and will not use such weapons even against the terrorists who are targeting our people," Syria's foreign minister Walid Moallem told reporters in Damascus.

The attack overwhelmed hospitals around Khan Sheikhoun, and paramedics sent victims to medical facilities across rebel-held areas in northern Syria, as well as to Turkey. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at 86.

The attack happened about 60 miles from the Turkish border, and the Turkish government - a close ally of Syria's rebels - set up a decontamination centre at a border crossing in Hatay province, where the victims were initially treated before being moved to hospitals.

Turkish officials said nearly 60 victims of the attack were brought to Turkey for treatment and three of them died.

Victims showed signs of nerve gas exposure, including suffocation, foaming at the mouth, convulsions, constricted pupils and involuntary defecation, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Doctors Without Borders said. Paramedics used fire hoses to wash the chemicals from the bodies of victims.

The scenes were reminiscent of those that followed a 2013 nerve gas attack on the suburbs of Damascus, which left hundreds dead.

In Turkey, the state-run Anadolu and the private DHA news agencies quoted justice minister Bekir Bozdag as saying that "it was determined after the autopsy that a chemical weapon was used".

The Turkish Health Ministry later issued a statement saying that "according to the results of the first analysis, there were findings suggesting that the patients were exposed to chemical substance (sarin)".

Turkish media reported that WHO experts took part in the autopsies of Syrian victims at a hospital in the Turkish city of Adana late on Wednesday.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said its Technical Secretariat has been collecting and analysing information about the allegations. "This is an ongoing investigation," it said.

At UN headquarters on Thursday, key Security Council members, including the US and Russia, were meeting behind closed doors to try to reach agreement on a resolution that would condemn the attack and authorise an independent investigation.

Britain's deputy ambassador Peter Wilson said: "What we want is a unanimous resolution... and we want to see this done soon."

AP
Members of the White House press corps board Air Force One before the arrival of President Donald Trump before departing from a rainy Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Thursday, April 6, 2017, en route to Mar-a-Largo in Palm Beach, Fla., for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump step off Air Force One as they arrive at the Palm Beach International Airport, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla., en route to Mar-a-Largo, in Palm Beach, Fla., for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - APRIL 6: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson walks with Chinese President Xi Jinping after he arrived at Palm Beach International Airport April 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. President Xi is in Florida to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a range of sensitive issues including trade and North Korea at Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat. Tillerson and Xi were accompanied by their wives Renda St. Clair and first lady Peng Liyuan. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Chinese president Xi Jinping waves after arriving at the Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday, April 6, 2017. The president will meet with President Donald Trump for a two-day summit at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - APRIL 6: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his wife Renda St. Clair greet Chinese President Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan after they arrived at Palm Beach International Airport April 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. President Xi is in Florida to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a range of sensitive issues including trade and North Korea at Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, second from left, with his wife Renda St. Clair, left, and Chinese president Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, right, at the Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday, April 6, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla. The president will meet with President Donald Trump for a two-day summit at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - APRIL 6: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson walks with Chinese President Xi Jinping after he arrived at Palm Beach International Airport April 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. President Xi is in Florida to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a range of sensitive issues including trade and North Korea at Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat. Tillerson and Xi were accompanied by their wives Renda St. Clair and first lady Peng Liyuan. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - APRIL 6: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his wife Renda St. Clair look on as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to leave after arriving at Palm Beach International Airport April 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. President Xi is in Florida to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a range of sensitive issues including trade and North Korea at Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - APRIL 6: Chinese President Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan arrive at Palm Beach International Airport April 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. President Xi is in Florida to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a range of sensitive issues including trade and North Korea at Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive at Palm Beach International Airport on Thursday, April 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Fla. / AFP PHOTO / Michele Eve SandbergMICHELE EVE SANDBERG/AFP/Getty Images

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson welcomes Chinese president Xi Jinping at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida (Lynne Sladky/AP)

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping after he arrived at Palm Beach International Airport April 6, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

China's president Xi Jinping has arrived in Florida ahead of meetings with US counterpart Donald Trump.

Mr Xi landed in West Palm Beach and was greeted by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, ahead of talks with Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago, the president's resort.

Mr Trump is due to arrive in Florida later.

The introductory meetings will cover topics from trade to North Korea's recent nuclear tests.

Mr Trump campaigned on taking a harder line on China, saying previous presidents allowed China to steal jobs that could otherwise go to Americans.

He has also said he is prepared to act alone on North Korea if China is not willing to exert pressure on its neighbour.

Mr Trump has taken an aggressive posture towards China, labelling Beijing a "tremendous problem" and arguing that lopsided trade deals with China short-change American businesses and workers.

Last week, the president predicted in a tweet that his meeting with Mr Xi would be "very difficult".

The White House has downplayed expectations for a breakthrough on issues such as trade and tariffs, insisting that the 24-hour summit is mostly an introductory meeting for the two leaders.

Within Mr Trump's administration, there are still divisions over how to approach China.

According to US and foreign officials, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and economic adviser Gary Cohn are leading the charge for boosting bilateral relations with China and exploring the potential for greater economic cooperation.

But economic adviser Peter Navarro, author of the book Death By China: Confronting The Dragon - A Global Call To Action, prefers trying to isolate China, in keeping with Mr Trump's America First mantra.

Patrick Cronin, a China expert at the Centre for a New American Security, said the Trump administration does not have "a reconciled trade and economic policy yet, and the differing views on China in the White House underscore that".

Ahead of the summit, Mr Trump signed a pair of executive orders focused on reducing the US trade deficit.

The moves appeared to be a shot at China, which accounted for the vast bulk - 347 billion dollars (278 billion) - of last year's 502 billion dollar (402 billion) trade deficit. Chinese exports to the US totalled some 388.1 billion dollars (311 billion) last year.

Anthony Ruggiero, an East Asia expert at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said China may be more willing to accommodate Mr Trump on trade and economic issues than on regional security issues, including North Korea.

Mr Xi, a shrewd political operator, is unlikely to want to rock the boat ahead of a Communist Party conclave later this year that will install new leadership.

The urgency about North Korea is expected to be at the forefront of the leaders' discussions.

A senior White House official said this week that the "clock has now run out" on Pyongyang, though officials have not detailed what steps Mr Trump is willing to take to halt North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Like his predecessors, Mr Trump is pressing China to exert more economic pressure on North Korea, though there is no sign he will be any more successful than past American presidents. In an interview last week with the Financial Times, Mr Trump said that if China does not take a tougher stand, the US is prepared to act alone.

Mr Xi is also expected to seek assurances that Mr Trump will not interfere in the territorial dispute over the South China Sea or question the One China policy by reaching out to Taiwan's leader again, as he did during the transition. The move infuriated Beijing, leading Mr Trump to eventually reiterate his commitment to the decades-old policy.

Previous US administrations have held China accountable for its human rights record, something this government has made very little mention of, whether in China or elsewhere.

It also remains to be seen whether the Obama administration's deal with Beijing to curb Chinese cyber-theft for economic gain and its hacking of US companies will be addressed.

AP
Francois Fillon argued that the EU is "indispensable" to ensure peace and prosperity (AP/Claude Paris)

French presidential candidate Francois Fillon has called for a tougher and more united Europe that can defend itself against violent extremists and unfair trade.

Most of the 11 French presidential candidates are sceptical about the 28-nation European Union, amid growing nationalist sentiment around Europe and Britain's pending exit from the bloc.

But Mr Fillon argued that the EU is "indispensable" to ensure peace and prosperity.

He warned that far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's proposals to leave the EU and the euro currency "would be assured chaos, and the explosion of Europe".

He did say the bloc has become too heavily regulated and needs to "recreate itself".

He proposed tougher protection for external borders and tougher EU rules against trade dumping and tax evasion by US or Asian companies.

Conservative Mr Fillon was once the front-runner in the presidential race but corruption allegations have hurt his chances in the two-round election on April 23 and May 7.

Earlier, Mr Fillon threatened legal action over leaks that have deeply damaged his campaign - and that he believes came from President Francois Hollande.

Mr Fillon said he had detailed information about who was behind the leaks about parliamentary jobs he gave his wife Penelope, from Abergavenny in Wales, and children.

He said "when the time comes, I will pursue them" and "those who are at the origin of the affair will not sleep well in the future".

Mr Fillon has been given preliminary charges of embezzlement but denies wrongdoing.

On Thursday he reiterated accusations that the Socialist president was linked to the leaks - accusations Mr Hollande has denied.

Later, Mr Fillon told reporters in Paris: "We are in a world of competition where each defends its interests tooth and nail. We should do the same."

Pledging to boost French defence spending, he said European countries should stop assuming that Nato or the US will defend Europe.

Rival independent candidate Emmanuel Macron, seen as the front-runner in the presidential race, says the EU needs to defend its common ideals of peace, prosperity and freedom.

He wants the EU to stand up to those who "openly want a weakening of Europe: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, as well as the main authoritarian leaders of the Middle East".
Tiffany Li is posting 35 million dollars in bail for her release pending trial (San Mateo County Sheriff's Office/AP)

A California woman accused of murdering the father of her two children is preparing for release from jail after posting an unprecedented 35 million US dollar (28 million) bail raised by friends, family and business associates with ties to China.

Tiffany Li, 31, is backed by a group that raised 4 million dollars (3.2 million) in cash and pledged 62 million dollars (50 million) in San Francisco Bay Area property.

California courts require twice the bail amount if property is used instead of cash.

Li must remain on round-the-clock electronic monitoring.

Her attorney Geoff Carr said Li and her mother were born in China, where the mother was financially successful in the construction industry. Mr Carr said Li and her mother are naturalised US citizens.

Mr Carr said all defendants except those accused of death penalty-eligible crimes are entitled to "reasonable bail".

The 35 million dollar bail is the highest ever in San Mateo County's history, an official said.

Li denies directing her boyfriend and another man to kill Keith Green, 27, and dispose of his body last year. Prosecutors say she feared losing custody of her young children to Mr Green.

A friend of the victim said she was disappointed and shocked that Li was able to pay for her freedom.

"Nothing about this seems right," said Angela Dunn, who said Mr Green stayed at her house for six months after he and Li split. "It's very difficult for all of us, especially Keith's mom."

San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said he was concerned Li is a flight risk and was disappointed the judge did not set the bail even higher. His office had asked for a 100 million dollar (80 million) bail.

"If convicted she faces the rest of her life in prison," Mr Wagstaffe said. "That's plenty enough incentive to flee back to her native China."

Mr Carr said he expects Li to be freed pending her murder trial in September. Li will be required to turn over her passports, wear an electronic monitor and remain under house arrest.

Mr Green's body was found on May 11 in Sonoma County, about 80 miles north of where he was supposed to meet Li.

Li was arrested several days later in the multimillion-dollar home she shared with her children in Hillsborough, a suburb 20 miles south of San Francisco.

The two men were also arrested in May and remain in custody without bail. Mr Carr said their lawyers did not ask for bail because they do not have the resources to post a multimillion-dollar bail bond like Li.

Mr Carr said the people who posted Li's bail believe she is innocent and will not flee. If she does go on the run, the court can confiscate the property and cash.

AP
Several thousand people have rallied in Serbia's capital for a third day in protest against the victory of the country's powerful leader, Aleksandar Vucic, in last weekend's presidential election.

Blowing whistles and chanting slogans against Mr Vucic, crowds marched through Belgrade and other cities. They held banners with slogans such as "Down with dictatorship" and "Stop the government terror".

The protesters, most of them young, gathered on the streets in response to calls on social media. It was not clear who is organising the events, although government officials claim the demonstrations are the work of political opponents.

Student organisations in Belgrade and the northern city of Novi Sad say they are demanding the replacement of the state election commission, the editors of the state television, and the parliament speaker.
The United Nations (UN) Security Council has strongly condemned North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch and demanded a halt to all tests.

Security Council officials claimed they violate UN sanctions and "are significantly increasing tension in the region and beyond".

A press statement agreed to by all 15 members expresses "utmost concern" at North Korea's "highly-destabilising behaviour and flagrant and provocative defiance of the Security Council" by conducting the latest launch less than three weeks after the previous test.

Council members said they "deplore" all North Korean ballistic missile activity, stressing it contributes to the country's development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and diverts resources from the needs of its people.

Tensions have escalated over North Korean moves to accelerate its weapons development.

The North conducted two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile tests last year, defying six Security Council sanctions resolutions banning any testing.

The constant testing has deepened concern, especially in nearby Japan and neighbouring South Korea - and also in Washington over fears Pyongyang could soon develop a nuclear-armed missile capable of reaching the US mainland.

A US official said Wednesday's missile test ended in failure when the rocket spun out of control and plunged into the ocean in a fiery crash.

The council added that the failed test followed a missile launch on March 21 and two additional rounds of launches and an engine test in February and March.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley said on Monday that "the United States has seen China for 25-plus years say that they're concerned about North Korea, but we haven't seen them act like they're concerned about North Korea."

"This administration wants to see them act and I think they're going to pressure them to do that," she said.

AP
Your correspondent, Janet Muller, the director of Pobal, (Letter 03 April) calls for Westminster to introduce an Irish Language Act to Northern Ireland and talks about the proposed Act being costed at "what may be unrealistically low levels".

Ms Muller needs to get a firm grip on reality. Northern Ireland now finds itself with a rapidly collapsing health service and disintegrating infrastructure.

Years of mismanagement have drained Northern Ireland of funds and, with the devolved Assembly collapsing for the second time, there is no real budget to even make an attempt at improving things.

Ms Muller's organisation demands an act that diverts what little funding is available to support the use of a dead language and funny accents. All this in monophonic Northern Ireland, excepting a few Polish, Lithuanian, Cantonese speakers and others.

Is it any wonder voters feel a great anger at the proposed waste of taxpayers' hard-earned money.

There is nothing wrong with studying and speaking Irish and Ulster Scots. Both are part of our heritage. But essentially these languages and accents are studied and spoken as hobbies. Now is not the time to divert funds to support people's hobbies.

Alan Love

Lisburn
During a St Patrick's Day reception at Westminster this year, a well-known Fine Gael senator recounted a recent conversation he had with a SDLP politician. The Fine Gael man, responding to some political flattery from his northern counterpart, said: "Ye northern nationalists like us alright but you have Fianna Fail in your DNA." It made me smile.

The attitude of most northern nationalists towards Fine Gael has historically been one of apathy and sometimes antipathy. The reality of that relationship the other way around is probably the same. Fine Gael's forefathers where the first to accept the abandonment of northern nationalists after the boundary commission gerrymandered the border to create Northern Ireland; it was a Fine Gael Taoiseach who in a fit of hubris that declared the Republic was further isolating northern nationalists by de facto sealing the border and it wasn't until the advent of Garret Fitzgerald and Peter Barry did Fine Gael regain ground on the question of the North.

Fine Gael may have been coolly received in the North but until the collapse of Fianna Fail following the economic crash, they hadn't much success at generating much lasting love from the Irish electorate either.

Now things are different, Enda Kenny, the last of the great Irish political survivors is on course to being a Fine Gael history maker, the first to be re-elected to lead a consecutive Fine Gael government and soon to be the longest serving Fine Gael Taoiseach too since 1957.

However, if Kenny does not know that his time is up, his canny wife will and she will be anxious for her husband to avoid the fate of many politicians who stay beyond their sell-by date. Yet the affable, sometimes Teflon, somewhat forgetful and stubbornly tenacious Taoiseach is not making it easy for any of his would-be successors.

The battle for the Fine Gael throne has been a long drawn-out process since Kenny entered the last election as a dead man walking having said he would not lead Fine Gael into the next election.

The former SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon once introduced me to a forlorn looking Enda Kenny at one of Bill Clinton's peace initiatives in Washington DC by saying "Meet Enda, the man who one day will be Taoiseach!" One doubts that even Kenny would have taken a punt on himself for that accolade in 1996. Whatever his time left, Kenny has ensured that the office of Taoiseach is a now zombie post as everyone looks to his successor.

The two front-runners, Simon Coveney (44) and Leo Varadkar (38), are political contemporaries and many insiders say that both have already done a deal to give a plum cabinet job to whichever loses the race. If that's true both should remind themselves of the now infamous 'Granita' Pact made between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and the eventual calamitous consequences for the British Labour party. Whether Coveney or Varadkar loses given the closeness of their respective ages, the defeated contender can whistle goodbye to becoming either Fine Gael leader or Taoiseach in the future. Both men have been sabre rattling for over a year and yet both have failed to make the final push for fear of alienating Kenny and his old brigade of rural backbenchers. Half, if not more, of Kenny's old boys (and girls) could expect lose their cabinet positions in any future re-shuffle.

Whilst much has been written about both Coveney and Varadkar by media in the Republic and it has been on focused on their ministerial capabilities - less comment has been made of what Taoiseach Coveney or Varadkar would do in relation to Northern Ireland or for the leadership of wider nationalism.

The North and northern nationalism has been a bit of an achilles heel for Fine Gael and neither of the two current candidates for the leadership of that party seem to have done much in their careers to change that perception.

Simon Coveney is regarded as 'blue blood' Fine Gaeler, coming as he does from the merchant princes of Cork and having succeeded his respected late father Hugh Coveney as a TD - a pathway into politics like Enda Kenny. He is seen very much as a son of privilege. He is a polite, reserved, articulate, softly spoken, handsome and somewhat uninspiring politician. Though truth be told few would have described any of past five Fine Gael leaders as inspiring. Coveney epitomises what some would regard as traditional Fine Gael values, family-orientated, law and order loving and very typical of his patrician class. When it comes to the North, Coveney unsurprisingly has little to no empathy for Sinn Fein although his contacts with some in the SDLP would be strong. In 2012, he rather unwisely accepted an invitation to speak at the DUP party conference which again left many northern Catholics perplexed. More recently Coveney pitched up at the funeral of Martin McGuinness in Derry - a surprising decision when the government was already being represented by the Taoiseach and the Bogside isn't exactly fertile ground for Fine Gael.

Leo Varadkar is a bit of an enigma to Northerners and even more so to its nationalist community. In media terms his profile is extraordinarily low which is in stark contrast to his profile in the Republic were journalists say the man positively lights up when TV cameras come on. He shed some light on his well-hidden views on the north and re-unification last August at a Michael Collins/Arthur Griffith commemoration when he said Brexit should not be used as crude land-grab for Northern Ireland and that majoritarian politics was not the way to persuade unionists of the inclusivity of a future united Ireland.

He also said he believed in re-unification and repeated that recently in a speech in Dublin which brought a sharp rebuke from the DUP's Gregory Campbell. He also said Fine Gael as a party needed to "engage more fully on the North" - something northerners feel they don't do that enthusiastically when in ministerial office! There is no doubt that Varadkar is intelligent, (not always an endearing quality to backbenchers), he certainly has charm but he has also demonstrated in the past that he has the instincts of a political pit bull when required.

His followers see him as a departure from the past - a brash new leader and an invigorating youthful Taoiseach for a new generation. Being gay certainly adds to his panache.

In some ways, Fine Gael is lucky to have two competent contenders for the fading Emperor's crown but there is a vast difference between choosing a would-be leader of a political party and a would-be Taoiseach for the country. Brexit has changed everything for Ireland, North and South, an engaged Taoiseach is now needed on behalf of all people in Ireland. Neither Fine Gael contender has been particularly active in engaging on the North or in leading the direction of wider nationalism, but as the island now needs a new approach, Varadkar seems like the one with the new ideas.
Indian soldiers arrive at the scene of an attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy on the outskirts of Srinagar, April 3, 2017.

Separatist guerrillas stepped up attacks on security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir to disrupt elections set for next week in two key districts of the insurgency-torn region, security analysts said Thursday.

Two security personnel were killed and more than 20 others injured in three assaults on Indian forces in Srinagar district, beginning April 1. Voters in Srinagar and Anantnag districts are scheduled to go to polls on Sunday and Wednesday, respectively.

Elections have always been an opportunity for militants to intensify attacks against the establishment in an attempt to demonstrate to the world that they dont see elections as a solution to the decades-old Kashmir issue, Ajai Sahni, executive director of the New Delhi-based Institute of Conflict Management, told BenarNews.

Militant attacks in Indian Kashmir  also called the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)  have become very unpredictable, Sahni said, adding that security agencies operating in the disputed region need to strengthen their intelligence grid to foil such assaults on a more consistent basis.

Suspected militants ambushed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) party on Monday as it headed from Jammu to Srinagar for election duty, killing one officer and wounding six others. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based outfit, claimed responsibility for the attack.

A day earlier, a police officer was killed and 11 security personnel were injured when suspected militants hurled a grenade at a police and CRPF team patrolling the streets of Srinagar, the largest city and summer capital of J&K. Jammu is the winter capital of the state.

On Saturday, suspected separatists attacked the last bus of an army convoy near a hospital in Srinagar, injuring three soldiers.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has been grappling with a separatist insurgency that has claimed more than 70,000 lives since the late 1980s.

India has on several instances blamed Pakistan, its arch-rival since the bloody partition of the sub-continent in 1947, for backing separatists in Kashmir. Pakistan has denied this charge, saying the struggle in Kashmir is a result of the Indian governments oppressive rule in the region.

Test

Last month, posters appeared in parts of south Kashmir urging people not to vote in the upcoming elections, which are to be a test for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition in the state, led by Mehbooba Mufti. LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), the largest separatist faction in Kashmir, have been blamed for the posters.

Mufti, who took over as the first female Chief Minister of Muslim-majority J&K last year, was criticized after violence erupted across the state following the killing of an HM leader in July 2016.

More than 100 people were killed and 10,000 injured, including about 4,000 security personnel and at least 6,000 civilians, in street clashes between anti-India protesters and government forces from July to November.

G.D. Bakshi, a New Delhi-based security analyst, said he agreed with the view that Islamabad, through militant outfits, was trying to disrupt the elections.

There has been a manifold increase in infiltration attempts by LeT operatives through the Line of Control (LOC) of late, Bakshi told BenarNews. The LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

A security official said troops deployed in the region were undeterred by the recent attacks and are prepared to ensure smooth elections, whose results will be announced April 15.

Elections in Kashmir have always been a challenge for security forces, and this time it is no different, Col. Bhuvaish Chaudhary, a Srinagar-based spokesman for the CRPF, told BenarNews.

Militants strike around the time of elections to show their presence at the international stage and create terror in the minds of people. But despite the real and present danger of attacks, our troops are in high spirits and ready to deal with militants, he said.
Members of the Indonesian Navy escort a Singapore-flagged ship to Surabaya port in East Java province after they detained nine suspected hijackers, May 10, 2016.

Nearly a year after Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines agreed to launch joint sea patrols to stop piracy and kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants, Malaysian and Indonesian defense officials said trilateral operations would start this month  possibly on Tuesday.

Malaysian officials invited reporters to the Sandakan Sabah Naval Base, in the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah, where they are expected to launch the joint patrols on April 11. While Indonesian armed forces (TNI) officials have said a launch date has not been set, a defense official confirmed to BenarNews that five journalists would travel to Malaysia for Tuesdays event.

So far, Malaysia has not received any notification of a postponement. In fact, we have received a list of Indonesian reporters accompanying their defense minister, an official with Malaysias Ministry of Defense, who requested anonymity, told BenarNews.

Previously, Indonesia Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Wuryanto said TNI had proposed that joint patrols begin on April 20 in Tarakan, in North Kalimantan province, because many of Abu Sayyafs kidnapping victims at sea were Indonesians.

We are ready, if it will still be in Sandakan (Sabah, Malaysia) or moved to Tarakan. We just wait for the decision from defense ministers, Wuryanto told BenarNews.

Series of delays

North Kalimantan and Sabah are on Borneo island, whose northeastern corner lies off the southern Philippines, where ASG and other Islamic extremist groups are active.

The waters that separate the southern Philippines from Borneo were the site of ship hijackings in 2016 that saw dozens of Indonesian and Malaysian sailors kidnapped and held hostage by suspected ASG militants.

In 2016, ASG kidnapped 10 Malaysian and 25 Indonesian sailors at sea. On Jan. 18, three Indonesians were abducted from a Malaysian fishing boat and are held along with four other Indonesians by ASG, according to the foreign ministry. All the Malaysians have been freed.

Defense and foreign ministry officials from the three countries began talks last year about mounting joint patrols in the region to stop such acts of piracy and kidnappings by ASG which has aligned itself with the Middle East-based extremist group Islamic State (IS).

In May 2016, the foreign ministers agreed to launch the patrols, followed one month later by defense ministers meeting to discuss the plan, including focusing on coordinating air-sea patrols. By November, an Indonesian spokesman said a series of obstacles had slowed efforts.

On Wednesday, Bebeb Djundjunan, an official with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said a temporary plan called for ships from the three countries involved in the patrols to gather in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, sail to Sandakan, Malaysia, and from there head to Bongao in the Philippines.

The three locations are naval bases of each country which have been appointed as the command centers and are given the authority to issue notice to mariners if there is an attack, Bebeb told BenarNews.

Elsewhere, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the Financial Times he hoped the long-delayed trilateral campaign would keep the sailors safe and also prevent the movement of terrorists from one place to another.

A Malaysian defense ministry official said details about the patrols including the ships involved and protocols had not been finalized and were expected to be announced at Tuesdays event in Sabah.

Shafie Apdal, a member of the Malaysian parliament, whose district includes Sabah, supports the joint patrols.

[I] welcome such arrangements as long as it helps to curb criminal activities, be it terrorism, kidnapping, smuggling or human trafficking. Semporna in particular, on Sabahs east coast, is a hotbed for such illegal activities, he told BenarNews.

We need to tighten our security, and the joint patrols would be a welcome relief. We also need to protect our fishermen who go out to fish within Malaysia borders but have become the target of these unlawful groups.

In Jakarta, terrorism expert Sidney Jones, who directs the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC), a local think-tank, told BenarNews that patrols were just part of an effort to stop ASG.

Patrols themselves are not enough. ASG is a complex organization with as many as 13 factions, most of them tightly interwoven with local government and security structures. Patrols may help reduce incidents of piracy, but they wont by themselves neutralize ASG, Jones said.

Fadzil Aziz in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report.
Thailands king Thursday endorsed a junta-backed constitution that frames a timetable for elections potentially as late as November 2018 and allows the military, critics say, to influence the process and keep a grip on government.

Hours after King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed the 20th constitution since 1932 during a pomp-filled ceremony in Bangkok, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha announced that the new charter was law but it could take up to 19 months before Thailand held its first elections since the military seized power in May 2014.

The government cannot tell when the elections will be , Prayuth, the junta chief, said Thursday night on national television as he listed legal steps needed for elections to become a reality.

But we know today is the beginning of the announcement of the constitution and it will be followed by the other events.

Since toppling Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatras government nearly three years ago amid political turmoil and chaotic street demonstrations, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), as the junta is formally known, has kept promising elections as part of its roadmap to putting Thailand back on a path to democracy.

On at least four occasions, NCPO officials have pushed back dates for prospective elections, while the junta has arrested pro-democracy activists and critics as well as banned large political gatherings and demonstrations.

The royal endorsement of the constitution, a key step in its enactment, was delayed three months because the king requested that parts pertaining to his rule be amended, including allowing him to govern the country from abroad.

The televised ceremony at the Ananta Samakom Throne Hall, during which the king signed the charter in the presence of Prayuth, leaders of the legislative and judicial branches of government, took place on the 235th anniversary of the beginning of the Chakri Dynasty. Afterward, the constitution was published in the Royal Gazette.

When he appeared before the cameras in the evening, the prime minister said it could take between 13 and 14 months for the legislature to pass a set of 10 so-called organic laws required for setting up elections. Then, as stipulated in the new charter, the countrys Election Commission would have up to five months to organize and stage elections, Prayuth said.

From today on, there will be  these events: the drafting of the organic laws, within eight months, and reviewing of organic laws by the National Legislative Assembly, within two months. It will need an additional one month, if changes are required. Then the laws need royal approval within 90 days, Prayuth said.

Meanwhile, Meechai Ruchupan, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee that wrote the charter, said the timetable for elections rested on several factors and it was not possible to predict exactly when polls would take place.

It depends on whether or not the drafting of organic laws faces trouble. No one can predict possible problems, he told reporters at parliament, referring to the possibility that political parties might disagree on some of these organic laws, according to local media.

Isnt it time for elections now?

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the leader of the pro-royalist Democrat Party and a former prime minister, said Thursday it was ready to organize itself for elections and start campaigning.

It is up to the NCPO to lift the political activity ban. It is possible that it will ease the ban. We have put a priority on recruiting new members and preparing key platforms, he said on TNN television.

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, called for parties to unite over the passage of the organic laws.

We saw the intention of the government to return to democracy and think it will not delay the process, so all parties should cooperate in the process, he said.

Somkid Cheukong, an MP with the opposition Pheu Thai Party whose government was toppled in the May 2014 coup, said elections could no longer wait.

Isnt it time for elections now? Or will we walk without a goal? I think the nation should walk forward and should have political parties that come from elections, Somkid told BenarNews.

The charter, approved by a 61 percent majority in a referendum in August 2016, is controversial because it contains provisions that allow the military to add 100 seats to the Senate and appoint all its members. Six of those seats will be reserved for chiefs of the armed forces. All 250 senators also have the power to help members of the 500-seat National Legislative Assembly appoint a new prime minister.

Before the king put his signature on the constitution, global rights watchdog Amnesty International called on Thailand to end human rights abuses under the junta.

While Thailands new constitution sets the stage for general elections and lays out a wide range of rights and liberties, it does little to correct the dire human rights situation in the country, Champa Patel, Amnestys Southeast Asia director, said Thursday in a statement.

Thailands military government retains its carte blanche authority to rule by diktat until elections are held, and future governments will have free rein to restrict human rights on various vaguely-defined grounds.
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From left, Ray Braun, dean of the College of Business Administration; David Stickler '83; Peggy Schmeltz '50, '70; Maribeth S. Rahe '70; and BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey

Three Bowling Green State University alumni were inducted into the 2017 Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame on April 5 in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union during Entrepreneurship Week.

The College of Business Administration celebrated entrepreneurship throughout the week, dubbed E-Week. Alumni are invited back to campus each year to share their entrepreneurial journeys with students.

This years event featured alumnus Rick Kappel 69, a 2015 Hall of Fame honoree, as the entrepreneur-in-residence. Kappel owned and served as president and CEO of ACS, Inc., a software company located in Dayton, Ohio, that specialized in the development and sale of software products for use by the commercial bank industry.

Following are the 2017 Hall of Fame inductees:

Maribeth S. Rahe, a 1970 alumna and honorary 2016 alumna, is president and CEO of Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Ohios largest investment advisers. Rahe is a past president and former board member of the United States Trust Co. of New York, and has served as vice chair of the board of The Harris Bank in Chicago, along with various positions at JPMorgan in London and New York.

Peggy Schmeltz, a 1950 and 1970 alumna, is a longtime investment educator and independent investor. Her investment career started while she was still an undergraduate business student at BGSU; later, she turned a $75,000 inheritance into a portfolio worth more than 30 times that amount. Schmeltz went on to share her investment knowledge with many others, lecturing throughout the United States with her learn to earn strategies.

David Stickler, a 1983 alumnus, is CEO of Big River Steel in Osceola, Ark. He has spent the past two decades building and operating some of the worlds most successful and profitable U.S. steel mills. Unlike traditional steel producers that use iron ore, coal and coke to produce steel in environmentally challenged facilities, Big River Steel produces new steel using recycled steel from old cars, appliances, buildings, ships and bridges.

On behalf of all at BGSU, I offer sincere congratulations to our newest inductees into the Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame, said President Mary Ellen Mazey. You demonstrate the contributions our alumni are making throughout the world with your extraordinary accomplishments. BGSU is a better place because of you, and we are so very proud of you.
For Immediate Release, April 6, 2017 Contact: Noah Greenwald, (503) 484-7495, ngreenwald@biologicaldiversity.org

Glen Spain, (541) 521-8655, fish1ifr@aol.com

Nick Cady, (314) 482-3746, nick@cascwild.org Conservation, Fishing Groups Launch Lawsuit to Protect Coho Salmon From Oregon State Forest Logging PORTLAND, Ore. Four conservation and fishing groups today filed a formal notice of intent to sue the Oregon Department of Forestry for poor logging and road-use practices on the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests that are harming threatened coho salmon through landslides and erosion into streams. The groups filing the notice are the Center for Biological Diversity, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations, Institute for Fisheries Resources and Cascadia Wildlands. The Oregon Department of Forestry has long known that its logging is harming coho salmon and streams on Oregon's North Coast, said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director with the Center for Biological Diversity. It's well past time the department changes its practices and truly protects our beloved salmon. Forestry department officials developed a draft habitat conservation plan in the early 2000s that would have given them a permit to cause some harm to threatened and endangered species, including the coho, marbled murrelet and spotted owl, in exchange for long-term habitat protections. The department, however, never finalized the plan in large part because it did not want to enact the stream protections that National Marine Fisheries Service scientists determined were necessary to ensure the coho's survival. Logging by the Oregon Department of Forestry is causing real harm to Oregon Coast coho and the commercial fishermen who depend on these magnificent fish for their livelihoods, said Glen Spain, northwest regional director for both the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations (PCFFA) and the Institute of Fisheries Resources. The department needs to enact more protections for streams to protect the coho, clean water and fishing-dependent jobs and communities. The two state forests contain nearly 500,000 acres on the Oregon North Coast essential to the survival of Oregon Coast coho. The lack of adequate stream protections on these lands was a primary basis for the decision to protect the fish under the Endangered Species Act by the National Marine Fisheries Service, which determined in a 2010 status review that we are unable to conclude that the state forest management plans will provide for OC coho salmon habitat that is capable of supporting populations that are viable during both good and poor marine conditions. Washington and California have both reformed logging practices to avoid harm to salmon and other endangered species, but the Oregon Department of Forestry has lagged behind, said Nick Cady, legal director at Cascadia Wildlands. Oregon needs to ensure that logging doesn't harm coho salmon and other species to comply with the Endangered Species Act and to do right by future generations. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a similar notice in 2014, but held off on litigation because state forestry department officials said they were working with stakeholders from the conservation community and the timber industry to develop a new management plan that would have potentially avoided harms to salmon and streams. Three years later, no such plan has materialized.
For Immediate Release, April 6, 2017 Contact: Kristen Monsell, (510) 844-7137, kmonsell@biologicaldiversity.org After Hilcorp Gas Leak, Oil Spill, Legal Petition Calls for Inspections of Cook Inlet's Aging Offshore Pipelines ANCHORAGE, Alaska Seeking to avert another devastating offshore oil spill or gas leak, the Center for Biological Diversity today formally petitioned the Trump administration and Alaska regulators to inspect all offshore pipelines in Cook Inlet for corrosion and other damage. Most of the offshore pipelines in Cook Inlet were built in the 1960s, making them among some of the oldest in the country. Federal data show a significantly increased risk of failure as pipelines approach 30 years old; the data also indicate that offshore pipelines are more vulnerable to damage than those onshore. Cook Inlet pipelines are at further risk because of sea ice and severe tides, among other factors. It's scary to think about how decayed some of the offshore pipelines littering Cook Inlet may be, said Kristen Monsell, a Center attorney. These old, vulnerable pipelines pose a toxic threat to the people and wildlife of Cook Inlet. The risks of Cook Inlet's pipelines were illustrated by two unrelated incidents from pipelines owned by Hilcorp, Alaska, both of which were built in the 1960s. Both incidents occurred in critical habitat for highly imperiled Cook Inlet beluga whales, which now number just 340 individuals. The first, a natural gas leak from a pipeline that fuels an offshore oil platform, was discovered on Feb. 7 but is believed to have been leaking since December. The second was a crude oil spill discovered on April 1 from a separate pipeline that connected two offshore rigs. The oil spill was reportedly stopped, but the gas leak is ongoing, currently leaking up to an estimated 115,000 cubic feet of natural gas per day. The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has repeatedly cited Hilcorp for violating safety regulations in its oil and gas operations in the state. To truly protect our coasts, we need to stop offshore drilling and rapidly transition to cleaner energy sources, Monsell said. But in the meantime, the government must discover and order the fix of faulty pipelines before another spill occurs  not after. The legal petition requests that the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (within the U.S. Department of Transportation) and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation inspect offshore oil and gas pipelines in the Inlet. Both agencies have jurisdiction over offshore pipelines and a legal obligation to protect public safety and the environment from the dangers inherent in oil and gas development and transportation. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
Trump Signs Bill to Bait, Trap, Kill Alaska Wolves, Bears President Trump's sick war on wildlife is taking off. Late Monday he quietly signed a bill that allows wolves and their pups to be killed in their dens and bears to be gunned down in bait stations in Alaska's national wildlife refuges.



These refuges were designed to be a haven for animals, but they clearly won't play that role under Trump. The bill also allows aerial gunning and the use of steel-jawed leghold traps to hold the animals in place until they can be shot.



Thanks to the 33,000 of you who took action urging Trump to veto this disgusting bill. The fight is not over. The Center for Biological Diversity has sued the Trump administration three times in the past week, and the resistance movement is growing stronger by the day.



Read more in our press release and consider giving to our Trump Resistance Fund.
It can be tough to be a vegetarian. You have to work harder than everyone else to make sure youre getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, when its time to take a
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NEW YORK - Pepsi said on Wednesday it was dropping an ad featuring the supermodel Kendall Jenner that appeared to use the "Black Lives Matter" protests to promote the soda brand.

The spot provoked an outcry and widespread derision on social media claiming Pepsi was seeking to profit from the social justice movement.

"Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologize," the Pepsico unit said in a statement.

"We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are removing the content and halting any further rollout. We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position."

In the spot, Jenner -- daughter of the transgender star Caitlyn Jenner, and the half-sister of reality TV star Kim Kardashian -- is seen walking through a street protest and handing a can of Pepsi to a police officer, to the cheers from the crowd.

Among those mocking the ad was Bernice King, daughter of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, who tweeted: "If only Daddy would have known about the power of #Pepsi," with a picture of her father being pushed by a police officer.

Other social media users also found the ads in poor taste. Some said the final scene evoked an image from the "Black Lives Matter" movement when a female nurse walked up to a line of police officers in Louisiana last year.

"Could you be any more blatant with the disrespect and appropriation of a movement, @pepsi? Is this a sick joke?!" one tweet said.

Another user tweeted: "can't believe Kendall Jenner just solved institutionalized racism and oppression by giving a cop a pepsi. Groundbreaking."
WASHINGTON - eBay founder Pierre Omidyar's philanthropic foundation pledged Wednesday to donate $100 million over three years to support "independent media and investigative journalism" worldwide, while tackling "misinformation and hate speech".

Among the first to benefit from the Omidyar Network initiative will be the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which last year broke the "Panama Papers" corruption story, getting $4.5 million to expand its investigative reporting.

"Across the world, we see a worrying resurgence of authoritarian politics that is undermining progress towards a more open and inclusive society," said Omidyar Network managing partner Matt Bannick in a statement.

"A lack of government responsiveness and a growing distrust in institutions, especially the media, are eroding trust. Increasingly, facts are being devalued, misinformation spread, accountability ignored, and channels that give citizens a voice withdrawn. These trends cannot become the norm, and we must protect the principles of openness, participation, and accountability. These are the foundations of a healthy democratic society."

The pledge adds to the efforts of the network, which has previously funded independent media and fact-checking organizations.

Omidyar said in a tweet about the initiative: "The fight against misinformation, authoritarian lies, and online abuse is a fight we can win."

Omidyar himself has pledged to invest $250 million in his online news operations, which include the investigative new site The Intercept.

Other groups to benefit from the latest pledge include the Anti-Defamation League, which combats anti-Semitism, and the Latin American Alliance for Civic Technology (ALTEC), a project launched this year by Omidyar Network and others to support the technology platforms to promote civic engagement, government accountability, and transparency in Latin America.

Omidyar, a French-born Iranian-American, in 2013 launched First Look Media, which includes The Intercept and supports efforts to develop new technology platforms for media.
The South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) and the University of Pretoria, led by Professor Chris Cloete, have awarded successful students passing the 2016 Certificate of Shopping Centre Management (CSCM) and Advanced Certificate of Shopping Centre Leadership (ACSCL).

Rene Albasini from the SACSC and Professor Chris Cloete from the University of Pretoria.

Cloete said, Since inception some 20 years ago, we have seen a steady increase in the number of students who register for these courses. The retail and shopping centre industries have huge impacts on the economy and GDP. These industries need skilled and learned individuals who can help grow this industry even more.

Amanda Stops, SACSC CEO, congratulated all the students who excelled in the 2016 intake of the CSCM and ACSCL courses and encouraged other professionals and individuals who are in the retail and shopping centre space to participate in the 2017 courses.

It is inspiring to see so many people participate in these specialised courses and share their experiences with us. We at the SACSC aim to provide up-to-date and relevant information, research and educational courses for our members. This inevitably grows the industry and shapes tomorrows retail and shopping centre leaders.

The CSCM course is designed to impart the principles and practice of shopping centre management and development to participants. The ACSCL course is a more in-depth look into the shopping centre and retail industry focusing on many topics such as town planning procedures, market research and financial mathematics to name just a few. For more information on the the CSCM and ACSCL courses, visit www.sacsc.org.za or call +27 (0)10 003 0228.
The final day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town 2017 was postponed due to the weather. Organisers African Fashion International, however, are determined that nothing will stop the designers from having their moment in the spotlight at the Salt River Studios, on 7 and 8 April 2017.

We felt that the unexpectedly high, gusting winds left us with no choice but to shut down the last show at The Meadway on the evening of Friday, 24 March, and to postpone the final day of the shows until we could reconvene in greater safety for all involved, says Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, CEO and founder of African Fashion International.

Executive decision taken

African Fashion International had been advised by its structural engineers that the marquee structure was able to withstand winds of up to 100km an hour. Despite the fact that the incident had involved winds at less than half that speed, African Fashion International took an executive decision to postpone the remainder of the event rather than risk greater injury to any guest or participant.

We could not risk any danger to anybody involved  but we were also dismayed that a proportion of the designers and their supporting service industries, from models to makeup artists, might lose their opportunity to display their ranges and talents, says Dr Moloi-Motsepe. That is why we have worked tirelessly with everybody affected to reschedule, and we are delighted that a total of 38 designers will be showing at the new, two-day follow-up event this weekend.

Well-known names to feature

Only one of the designers, whose show was postponed, will be unable to take up the opportunity to show at the rescheduled event. Among the well-known names taking advantage of the chance to show at the Salt River Studios venue are Carducci, Stefania Morland, Craig Port, Laduma Ngxokolo, Taibo Bacar and Ituen Basi, along with fresh young talent such as David Tlales intern designers. They will be joined by a range of exciting first-time brands.

Despite the short lead time to reschedule the event, producers Mary Reynolds, Jan Malan, and Deon Redman have been secured and are thrilled at the opportunity to work in this fresh, edgy space. For the anticipated lineup, a percentage of the tickets have been granted to fashion and design students. This is in line with African Fashion Internationals principles of ubuntu, integrity and a passionate pursuit of excellence, as well as its sustained commitment to its Fastrack and NextGen incubator programmes.

Logistical implications eased

Out of respect for all the designers, AFI made the strategic decision to take on the full logistical, infrastructural, and marketing costs of bringing back Fashion Week, says Dr Moloi-Motsepe. The rescheduling is the result of a careful consultation process with all affected designers. Weve held workshops with the affected pan-African designers to address their concerns. We have also worked on easing the logistical implications of the postponement for them, such as assisting with visa extensions, accommodation and rebooking of flights.

Many of the designers run small or micro businesses and startups, therefore showing at Fashion Week is a strategic decision based on their business cycle, as it catalyses their exposure and their brands, as well as gives them the opportunity to generate sales and income.

africanfashioninternational.com

Image by Johhny Lai Sang
020417 CAPS to provide security during the Bville Community Government Elections

By Aloysius Laukai

THE Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner is engaging the Bougainville Community Auxiliary Police (CAP) to provide security during the Bougainville Community Government Elections.

The decision to engage the community auxiliary police personnel was made at a meeting between the acting Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Mr George Manu and the Chief of Police in Bougainville, Deputy Police Commissioner Francis Tokura and his deputy, Assistant Police Commissioner Joan Clarkson early last week.

The decision to allow the CAPs to provide security shows the trust and confidence that both commissioners have towards their ability in providing security during the elections.

The community auxiliary police personnel in Bougainville have always been engaged in previous elections and they are well versed with the roles and responsibilities relating to the provision of security to polling officials and the general public during elections.

The regular police personnel in Bougainville will not be engaged in the community government elections as they are preparing for the National Elections however they will be on standby to assist the CAPs if need arises.

The Bougainville Community Government Elections started today Monday 3rd April and will end 27th of April, 2017.



Ends
McDonald's South Africa serves over a million breakfasts every month, meaning that its recent National Breakfast Day promotion was less about actively marketing this offering and more about saying thank you to loyal supporters.

A post shared by McDonald's South Africa (@mcdonalds_za) on Apr 3, 2017 at 11:04pm PDT

The special was available on the morning of 4 April and offered the restaurants signature breakfast item, the Egg McMuffin, with a McCafe coffee for R10. Pocket-friendly and a crowd pleaser, the promotion was sold out at numerous outlets across the country before I stepped foot into the Sea Point branch at what I thought was an early 9am.

I was to meet with Greg Solomon, McDonalds South Africas spirited CEO. Engineer turned self-proclaimed burger guy, he initially joined McDonalds in 1996 as a project manager in the construction department.

Greg Solomon

Since stepping into a leadership role, Solomon has been credited with the companys sales growth, increased guest counts, improved customer service and increased operating income year on year. He has also been instrumental in the evolution of the restaurant chains product offering, which has gone from burgers to breakfasts to coffees and delivery.

Big Mac for lunch, McMuffin for breakfast

While many expected McDonalds to launch breakfast with the standard two eggs, toast and bacon substitute  they're 100% halal  the brand had other ideas. Here comes McDonalds with an English muffin, poached egg and a slice of smoked turkey. We werent sure at the time if South Africans would understand this breakfast, but that was 10 years ago and now its 12% of our total business, he said.

The breakfast menu has expanded since then, now incorporating low-carb wraps, proudly South African boerewors patties and even oats. Despite the menu's popularity, Solomon says more growth would be welcomed. Wed love even more growth, in some other countries around the world breakfast is 20% of their business.

Transformational journey

Breakfast was just the start of the brands transformational journey. According to Solomon, as a restaurant chain that operates 24/7, you cant rely purely on lunch or dinner. You need to have a diverse offering.

We started off with breakfast 10 years ago, and then five years ago we said what about coffee? Enter the McCafe brand and its 100% Arabica espresso-based coffees. While he admits coffee competition is rife, McDonalds believes its found the ideal balance of value and quality. You can have a real barista cappuccino for R17 at McDonalds versus going crazy at R40 for a cappuccino elsewhere.

The McCafe offering along with McDonalds Delivery, which launched 18 months ago, have proved to be good moves in the cementing of McDonalds as a contemporary South African brand.

This is the journey of a modern, progressive burger business.

Everyday value

McDonalds doesnt run promotions like National Breakfast Day often, instead choosing to concentrate on offering constant good value to the 8 million customers its branches see a month.

We spend a lot of time talking to customers saying that at McDonalds you can get it really good and you can get it cost-effective. For us, its about everyday good value, and keeping costs as low as possible without compromising on quality or taste.

African expansion

In terms of expansion into Africa, Solomon is frank about not being overly-ambitious.

At this point in time we have our beady eye on Africa but weve got our focus on South Africa. Our prime focus is the South African consumer, and we want to make sure we get that right first. In two or three years, I think well grow more aggressively into the rest of the continent.
According to the latest Kantar TNS mobile survey, seven out of 10 South Africans say that Jacob Zuma should resign as the president of South Africa. This comes in the aftermath of last week's cabinet reshuffle and the dismissal of both the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas.

The survey was conducted from Saturday, 1 April to Monday, 3 April amongst 1,000 South African adults, representative in terms of race, age, gender and province.

Key benefits of mobile surveys are that they capture the views and reactions of people close to the moment that they experience events and are self-reported and hence free from any interviewer influence  it is an accurate in-the-moment measure of mood and sentiment.

Although results were consistent across race and province, white/indian/coloured respondents held stronger views with 84% calling for President Zumas resignation, versus 69% of black respondents. The Western Cape showed the highest support for resignation (92%) with KwaZulu-Natal the lowest (63%), but still with a majority. The Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo all had support for resignation with levels of 70% and above.

Zumas performance approval rating continues to decline

Kantar TNS has been measuring public sentiment in terms of whether Zuma has been doing a good job, through an omnibus survey, since his inauguration as the president in 2009.

This survey reveals that his approval rating is now at an all-time low. In this latest omnibus survey, only 20% of all South Africans, living in metropolitan areas, feel that he is doing a good job as president of South Africa.

In the same period, people who held the view that he is not doing a good job as president, went up from 67% to 71% of those surveyed.

The shift in ratings is most marked amongst black respondents with 64% disagreeing that Zuma is doing a good job as president which is up from 59% in February last year. Black females, in particular, are expressing a stronger opinion about their disapproval with ratings of 65% versus 57% last year.

This is according to Kantar TNSs first omnibus study of 2017, conducted between 15 and 30 March 2017 amongst a sample of 2,000 South African adults living in the seven major metropolitan areas of South Africa. The sample is representative in terms of the area, race and gender profile of metropolitan South Africa.

The results of the mobile survey resonate with South Africans views on the performance of the president. The national mobile survey was conducted two days after the cabinet reshuffle. The metro omnibus survey was conducted before the recall of Pravin Gordhan from his international investor roadshow and the subsequent cabinet reshuffle.
Could Zimbabwe's new Health Development Fund rescue the country's cash-strapped clinics and hospitals?

For two years, Widna Chiyangwa from Harare, Zimbabwe, suffered in pain. She was in her mid-40s and had four children to feed. But a broken ankle had left her without an income  she could no longer work as an informal trader because she couldn't walk. Chiyangwa required urgent surgery to fix her ankle, but she couldn't afford it.

Private hospital fees in Harare, Zimbabwes capital, were completely out of reach for her. Private healthcare centres would charge between $4,000 and $7,000 for the x-rays and operation Chiyangwa needed, says Evans Masitara, secretary general of the group Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights. Chiyangwa could also not find help at the countrys public hospitals, where acute drug shortages, ailing infrastructure and ageing or broken equipment threaten even basic healthcare services.

In October it was widely reported in the Zimbabwean media that major referral centres such as United Bulawayo Hospitals suspended surgeries as a result of vital drug stock-outs, including common pain medication.

The cash-strapped government has been struggling to pay health workers on time and in February state doctors went on a three-week strike, paralysing hospitals as they demanded higher allowances and job guarantees for junior doctors.

Nurses joined the strike in a bid to get last years bonuses.

At the Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital in Harare, some health workers complain that they are forced to sleep at work because they cant afford bus fares. We are struggling; we are not getting our salaries, says Winnie Kadzere, one of the staff members at the hospital who went without pay for three months.

Zimbabwes health sector needs $1.3bn annually, minister of health, David Parirenyatwa, reportedly told senators in February. But his department got a paltry $281.9m in the 2017 budget, only 6.88% of the countrys entire budget of $4.1bn. The allocation is even less than the 8.27% of the budget that was dedicated to health in the previous year. Recent allocations fall far short of the 15% of national budgets that Zimbabwe and other countries committed to dedicating to health in 2001 as part of the African Unions Abuja Declaration.

With the bulk of the health budget ($223m) going towards salaries, very little is left for equipment and drugs, says Shingi Bopoto, secretary general of the Zimbabwe Medical Doctors Association.

In an effort to bolster the beleaguered health sector, mobile phone users will now have to pay a levy on airtime and mobile data under the theme Talk, Surf and Save a Life. The 5% levy  or five cents for every dollar spent  will be paid into Zimbabwes newly created Health Development Fund.

Government has been forced to look for alternative ways to raise money: as Zimbabwes economic woes deepen, its formal tax base has been shrinking. Minister of Finance Patrick Chinamasa admits in his latest budget statement that it is no longer sustainable to rely on these taxpayers.

This new fund is also meant to reduce the Zimbabwean health sectors dependence on donor funds. Zimbabwe is expecting $177m from the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria in 2017 to buy antiretroviral drugs and medicines, and to train health workers, according to the budget statement.

The Global Fund will contribute $43m towards malaria control programmes and $11.5m towards tuberculosis initiatives. Development partners, including the European Union, will donate $48.5m through the Health Development Fund.

The shrinking tax base has constrained governments capacity to invest in the public health delivery system, which is now being augmented with resources from development partners, Chinamasa says in the budget statement. The situation is not sustainable as development partners are also experiencing budget constraints, hence, have reduced their support.

The money raised through the Health Development Fund will be ring-fenced for buying drugs and equipment for public hospitals and clinics, according to Chinamasa.

Although this will not mean free medical care for all Zimbabweans  those who can afford to pay for medicine will still have to do so  it is meant to improve a situation in which the majority of Zimbabweans cant get healthcare at all. Matters are compounded by the fact that medical practitioners want cash payments upfront as medical schemes either dont pay or delay their payments.

Need help, will travel

When Chiyangwa could no longer bear the pain of her broken ankle and it became clear she would not get surgery in Harare, she did what many others with ailments do: she travelled. Although the countrys wealthy have turned to medical tourism abroad  India and South Africa are popular destinations for medical procedures and President Robert Mugabe is

known to seek medical treatment in Singapore  she bused about 230km north, to the Karanda Mission Hospital. In November last year, Chiyangwa went into theatre there for the operation she needed for the fracture.

Limping on crutches towards the waiting room, she explained she had come to have the plaster removed.

I am happy with the treatment here, says Chiyangwa, who had used all her savings and borrowed from family members to get the $600 she had spent in total. This includes her transport fees, $300 for the operation, $10 per hospital visit and about $20 for x-rays.

This cost about a tenth of what the same procedure would have cost in Zimbabwes private healthcare sector. Despite being in a remote area, the mission hospital draws patients from all over the country and has not only become a major referral point, but has also built a reputation for being a miracle hospital.

Here the full-time doctors perform over 4,000 surgeries a year and medical staff see between 200 and 300 outpatients each day.

As the hospital controls its own budget, it buys its own medicine stocks. The user fees largely sustain the hospital, says Friday Chimukungara, matron of the Karanda facility.

Whatever we get in fees and charges, we use it for medicines and drugs. There is a bit of funding that comes from the government for infrastructure development, but that is not in any way enough. And of late we havent been getting it at all.

Chimukungara, like many others in the health sector, is concerned about how the new fund will be administered.

It is a noble idea, but with such issues you always want to make sure that the mechanism is okay.

New fund comes on the back of previous innovative financing mechanisms

Bopoto, of the Zimbabwe Medical Doctors Association, also calls the new health fund a noble idea, whichever way funds are raised, but says the medical community is seeking assurances the money will be used only for what it is intended.

We are concerned that the funds may not be used properly. And we are also wondering why the Aids levy model, which has been well administered, isnt being replicated for this purpose instead, he says.

Zimbabwes Aids levy has been widely hailed as a resourceful and innovative approach to fund the fight against Aids. The National Aids Trust Fund, as it is formally known, was started in 2000 and is a 3% tax on the income of the formally employed and most companies. Fifty percent of these funds are dedicated to buying supplies such as antiretroviral drugs, and the rest goes towards treatment, care and prevention.

The Aids levy enabled Zimbabwe to secure generous global funding for its healthcare sector, says economist Reneth Mano.

Because audited accounts have consistently confirmed that the Aids levy funds are being used for the purpose for which the levy was designed, the Aids levy is probably the only tax on labour for which the taxed workers can identify with the outcome,

Mano explains. But although official figures on employment in Zimbabwe would suggest 81% of the working-age population was employed, Mano points out that economists and industrialists believe unemployment is 500% higher than the official figures.

The deteriorating economy and jobs cuts therefore leave a shrinking pool from which to collect the Aids levy: Aids levy collections dropped from a high of $38.6-million in 2014 to R32.3m in 2016.

With tax collection from the formal employment sector predicted to continue falling, Zimbabwes telecommunications industry presents a lucrative alternative for raising funds.

But the new tax comes just two years after Zimbabwes mobile network operators were slapped with another 5% levy on all airtime purchases for mobile telecoms. They complain this has resulted in falling revenues  and theyre not sure they can take another hit.

Masitara, secretary general of the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights, stresses that he welcomes any efforts to stop the health sector from collapsing, but says it will be a while before the new fund will make any difference.

Our health system is of great concern. We are also worried about transparency and the pilfering of money collected.
Ghana has entered into agreements with two major foreign investment companies in the agricultural sector. The two agricultural organisations, African Agribusiness Incubators Network and the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development, have signed an MOU to intensify women's participation in agriculture in Ghana.

According to the two institutions, talks have begun with the Ministries of Trade as well as Employment and Labour Relations to best implement their agenda of including more women in the agricultural sector.

In an interview with Citi Business News, the Chief Executive Officer of African Agribusiness Incubators Network, Dr. Alex Ariho said the company would also finance SMEs focused on agriculture to boost their businesses. The second component is financing and supporting SMEs to finance their businesses and access equipment to double job creation and we do that through our initiative which is the African Agro business Initiative

Gender in agribusiness investments for Africa

Currently, a group of 31 agribusiness entrepreneurs from across West and North Africa are participating in an intensive entrepreneurship boot camp training followed by showcase event to potential investors.

After a rigorous selection process that saw over 200 applications, selected winners from 18 countries will be gathering in Accra from 3-5 April 2017 to sharpen their business skills and attract investors.

The entrepreneurs will learn about the current investor landscape, how to raise funds and how to more effectively network with potential investors.

After training, a group of top judges will adjudicate a competition and determine the top three entrepreneurs to receive cash prizes. The competition is part of Gender in Agribusiness Investments for Africa (GAIA), an initiative of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).

AWARD launched the GAIA initiative out of a realisation that a gender lens has the potential to enhance the efficiency of agribusiness on the continent.

Original article by: Anita Arthur, City Business News
East Africa will witness a reduction in maize and beans harvested this year, a situation that is expected to trigger food price increases, according to a new report.

nikles5 via pixabay

The latest Regional Supply and Market Outlook East Africa by USAid's Famine Early Warning Systems attributes the supply shocks to erratic weather conditions, including the late start of seasonal rains, followed by heavy rains that caused flooding in parts of some countries, and then a long dry spell in the region.

Combined, the regional net maize volumes, which have averaged 2,711 tonnes since 2011, are expected to drop to 1,204 tonnes this year. Beans volumes increased marginally by one percent, from 4,316 tonnes in 2015/16 to 4,343 tonnes this marketing year. But the projected net supply of beans in the region cannot sustain the export market.

Uganda, the only country that produces a surplus, is expected to harvest 1,013 tonnes, down from 1,184 tonnes in 2015/16.

Strain on poor households, agro-processing industries

Experts warn that the low supply of grains will strain many poor households' budgets as they will find it increasingly hard to afford a meal. High maize prices will hurt agro-processing industries, as input costs for brewers using maize as an ingredient remain high, making them uncompetitive.

The regional maize harvest, which has averaged 12,319 tonnes in the past five years, is forecast to drop to 11,148 tonnes.

"Tanzania and Uganda, East Africa's main maize producers and exporters, are experiencing below-average net supplies due to the below-average harvest," the report says.

While Burundi is described in the report as a maize deficit country, its harvest is expected to grow from 150 tonnes to 158 tonnes.

Rwanda is expected to record a sharp drop in maize production, as major growing areas have suffered prolonged drought and heavy rains, which caused flooding. The report projects that its maize production will drop to 495 tonnes in 2016/17, from 550 tonnes the previous year.
Businesses that are more diverse perform better but building a diverse workforce is not just about ticking the gender and race boxes, it is about building synergy within diverse teams and cultivating diverse behaviour across the organisation and many South African top employers are getting it right.

Billy Elliott, country manger: South Africa for the Top Employers Institute explains, The power of diversity in all its facets is a business advantage. It is something we see gaining momentum in Top Employers in South Africa. I believe that the countrys history and context has made employers here that much more attuned to the power and possibility of diversity.

Recent data has shown that South Africas most sought-after employers are increasingly recognising that diversity is a key driver of performance. An increasing number of global studies, including recent research by McKinsey, demonstrate a clear link between greater diversity and better financial results.

When properly understood, diversity is not just black and white  it is gold. It brings in more revenue, makes for happier customers and ultimately builds more sustainable businesses.

Based on data from the Top Employers Institute annual certification of HR best practice in South Africa; there are five key lessons in diversity management that can help set companies apart.

Define and communicate your diversity programme  87% of South Africas Top Employers have clearly defined and communicated an organisation-wide diversity programme and 74% of South Africas Top Employers ensure details of their diversity programme(s) are easily accessible via the intranet or handbooks. For British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA), managing diversity is non-negotiable. Diversity is a key business imperative for BATSA, given the landscape of our organisation, which includes more than 137 nationalities represented in over 180 markets, explains Candice Watson, HR Director: Sub-Saharan Africa. The companys tactical approach to diversity starts with making everyone feel valued for what they can offer and that this is clearly communicated. The programme is called Bring Your Difference. We believe that from difference comes strength. According to Linda Ronnie, senior lecturer in HR at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (GSB), this kind of explicit recognition of personhood is key to success especially in South African organisations, where there are diverse cultural and personal needs in play and mutual understanding in the workplace cannot be taken for granted. She believes that communication and the spirit of Ubuntu or recognising common humanity is especially useful here. Invest in diversity training  87% of South Africas Top Employers have trained specific employee groups regarding relevant diversity practices to enable them to build an engaged workforce through authentic and inclusive employee engagement. According to the Global Human Capital Trends report 2015 from Deloitte University, employee engagement is a priority both for HR and for the business and plays a critical role in business performance. Knowing this, Santams Organisational Development Manager Annemarie Christodoulou says the companys core value of Humanity is expressed through a variety of diversity celebrations around Heritage Day and Womens Day and concrete steps are taken to build an inclusive workforce for persons with disabilities. Historically, diversity appreciation interventions have been run externally, but this is increasingly managed internally. A key role of HR is to equip front line managers with the tools they need to build greater synergy within teams. We see diversity as a source of strength, and are constantly looking for ways to leverage that and communicate it to our people. Measure the results of your diversity programme - around 85% of South Africas Top Employers evaluate the impact and effectiveness of their diversity programme regularly. At BATSA, diversity measures are tracked and monitored against markers, such as female representation, at senior levels. There is also a culture of grow-from-within and inspirational leadership, says Watson. Among Top Employers, 94% have programmes in place to help women progress to senior management. BATSA and other Top Employers in South Africa understand that what you measure is what you manage. In the past few years, Google has gone big on diversity, investing $150 million into its diversity programmes in 2015 alone and setting up a dedicated diversity-related page designed to make its diversity statistics more public  thus triggering other silicone valley companies to do the same. In an interview with USA Today, Nancy Lee, Google's VP of people operations, explained that the move was not about altruism. Google wants to secure its own future by establishing itself as a leader in diversity. The tech industry understands that the future of our industry means we have to be more inclusive. We are literally building products for the world. It can't be this homogeneous. Employ people from disadvantaged backgrounds - 100% of South Africas Top Employers employ people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The latter refers to groups that do not have optimal chances in the labour market because of their socio-economic situation. For Pernod Ricard, current efforts are targeted specifically at increasing diversity at middle and senior management levels. More than 75% of our external hires are equity hires, in line with our aim to reflect the demographic of the economically active population, says Andre Muller, head of Human Resources. In order to encourage buy-in among staff and address diversity-related challenges, there is an EEC committee tasked with collecting and responding to staff feedback. Our staff turnover is low, at around 6% per year, so we are doing some things right. Education and age are also diversity factors - over 40% of South Africas Top Employers ensure that they monitor and manage the differences in employees educational backgrounds. Creating departments or teams, with different educational backgrounds, ensures a more diverse way of thinking, says Elliott. Employees can approach challenges with different perspectives.



Furthermore, says Elliott, over a third of South African Top Employers have programmes in place to attract, engage and retain older people and 90% of them set out also to employ younger staff, driving greater age diversity.

This too is part of a global trend. A recent study by McDonalds found that age diversity made for a happier and more productive workforce. Employees reported that they were up to 10% happier working in a multi-generational environment and that this resulted in improved customer satisfaction.

The power of diversity in all its facets is a tremendous business advantage, concludes Elliott. Its something we see gaining momentum in Top Employers in South Africa. I believe that the countrys history and context has made employers here that much more attuned to the power and possibility of diversity.
FRANKFURT, Germany: French carmaker Peugeot pledged to uphold wage and job deals with workers after its planned takeover of Germany's Opel, according to a joint statement from the company, workers and government representatives.

Peugeot chief executive Carlos Tavares "reaffirmed its commitment to respect the existing agreements" covering jobs, salaries and sites, at a Berlin meeting with German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries, regional government leaders and workers.

Opel workers secured a 'jobs guarantee' from current owners General Motors that runs until the end of 2018 and a pledge to continue investing in German sites until 2020, among other deals.

Half of Opel's 35,600 employees and three of its 10 factories are in Germany, with the rest spread around five other European countries including Britain, where its cars are sold under the Vauxhall brand.

Building on quality of relations

PSA, which owns France's Peugeot, Citroen and DS manufacturers, will "build on the quality of relations with employee representatives as a key factor of success of the company," Tavares said in the statement, promising to uphold Opel's "long-term viability".

Representatives from the Opel works council and powerful metalworkers' union IG Metall were more guarded, saying they were prepared to "engage in discussions on the future of Opel" once the takeover plans were in place.

Repeated losses

Founded in 1862, Opel, with its lightning bolt emblem, has long been a familiar sight on German and European roads.But in recent years the firm has booked repeated losses, costing Detroit-based GM around $15 billion (14 billion euros) since 2000.

By integrating the German firm into PSA, CEO Tavares hopes to achieve big economies of scale in the group, which would become Europe's second-largest carmaker after Volkswagen.

Workers fear that the boost to the combined group's bottom line will come at the cost of job losses and factory closures in future.

Source: AFP
The High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday, 5 Arpil 2017, rejected a request by Tasima for leave to appeal a judgment ordering them to hand over control of the Electronic National Traffic Information System (eNatis).

The rejected appeal brings to a close four years of legal battles that included about 22 legal applications over the system. Control of the system is expected to be handed over to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on Wednesday.

Tasima had returned to court seeking to appeal Monday's ruling that codes, keys and access to the premises be handed over to the RTMC.

Tasima's legal counsel, Paul McNally SC, said a court may come to a different conclusion on the matter, which had required the interpretation of a 2016 Constitutional Court judgment.

This was rejected by Judge Neil Tuchtens, who said the application lacked reasonable grounds for success.

The Constitutional Court ruled in November that the system should be handed over within 30 days, which Tasima interpreted as a 30-day window to establish a rational migration plan for a sensitive and complex system.

"The public interest is not protected by a precipitous handover," McNally said.

RTMC CEO Makhosini Msibi said on Thursday that the corporation was ready to assume control of the system immediately. Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi would hold a briefing on this on Thursday, he said.
The African Development Bank (AFDB) defines the middle-class as a group of people that spends between $2 and $20 a day. This class is mushrooming globally, and its cumulative expenditure is a major contribution to the hospitality industry among other sectors.

According to the Institute for Security Studies European Union (EUISS), ESPASa, 2011, as quoted by Integreon Insight, The middle-class will increase in influence as its ranks swell to 3.2 billion by 2020 and to 4.9 billion by 2030. The middle-class will be the protagonist of the universal spread of information societies. Over the coming 20 years, the world will likely evolve from being predominantly poor to mostly middle class, though the change will be geographically uneven.

An exact number of Africa's middle-class is lacking with some sources quoting more than 300 million and others approximately 18 million. Yet, AFDB estimates by 2060, there will be approximately 1.1 billion middle-class Africans, making the continent one of the biggest beneficiaries of its budding middle-class. This has been contributed to by a vigorous private sector, infrastructural development, income parity across the employment divide as well as a bigger focus on education among Africans.

A McKinsey Global Institute analysis presented by Infinite Potentials Consulting, projects that by 2025, Africas household consumer spending will reach $2.1 trillion, representing an increase of 45% from 2015. This presents promising business opportunities in a wide range of consumer-facing industries including hospitality. In one of my previous articles on Examining the State of Hotel Development in Africa, a rising middle-class, especially concentrated in urban areas, is a contributor to the expansion of hotels in the continent. It is estimated that by 2030, Africas top 18 cities are likely to have combined spending power of $1.3 trillion. This will prompt more Africans to travel, internationally and domestically.

Catching up to Africa's rising middle-class

Cyrus Onyiego, the country manager of Jumia Travel Kenya, notes that due to its growing disposable income, the middle-class is increasingly demanding for personalised services. This pushes service providers in the hospitality industry to provide customer facing solutions at all touch points.

Furthermore, the embracement of technology among the middle-class is seen to develop its skills in the labor force. This, in turn, acts as an attractive feature for more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa, as investors seek to capitalise on an energetic and innovative lot in the hospitality industry, both in terms of manpower and expenditure.

While the impact of the rising middle-class in Africas hospitality industry is almost surely felt, some stakeholders in the sector have a lot of catching up to do in matching up to the class ever-changing trends and requirements. For instance, embracing tech in their operations, hoteliers can easily create a distinguished experience for their customers.

In its 2016 report on Creating the Coveted Hotel Guest Experience, Oracle Hospitality emphasises the impact technology. If well invested in and creatively used, it can help hoteliers to uniquely engage each guest. The report further states that from providing improved booking with customised options to faster check-in/check-out and mobile access to hotel services, technology contributes to customised attention and exceptional service that guests (largely comprised of the middle-class), weary of mass commercialisation, crave more than ever.
030417MASIU TALKS TO HIS PEOPLE

By Aloysius Laukai



The ABG Minister for Police and Justice and member for Konnou, WILLIE MASIU last night talked to his people to elect good educated leaders in the wards for the Community Government elections 2017.

He called from Buka and encouraged the members of three community governments in his constituency, KONNOU, WISAI and TONOLEI to choose wisely for Konnou to move to another level in quality leadership.

MR. MASIU said that today is technology age and our people must choose wisely leaders that he can work with as their constituency member.

He called on the people of Konnou to help him move Konnou into a progressive Constituency.

MR. MASIU also wanted his people to maintain Peace and Unity in the constituency.



Ends


Nigeria fell into a recession in August 2016 while the Ivory Coast became the continent's fastest growing economy as a result of big pushes in investment and infrastructure. Rwanda is also one of the big boomers following a firm push in construction and manufacturing. With the current economic tumult in the West, its time for industries related to these sectors to turn their focus to Africa.

Image Source: Marriott - Kigali Marriott Hotel

While Africa is still shaking off perceptions of political and economic instability, changing government policies are seeing investors turn to the continent more than ever. This is absolutely clear in the hospitality industry, explains Danny Bryer, the director of sales, marketing, and revenue management for Protea Hotels by Marriott.

Steady growth of new hotels

Highlighting the significant role that tourism plays in African economic development, Bryer says: For the past few years, the planned pipeline of new hotels has grown steadily both in the number of hotels and rooms and in the number of hotel groups entering the sub-Saharan region.

The continents hotel industry is in need of a boost with research showing that countries such as Somalia and Central African Republic have less than 500 branded rooms available. Put this alongside the fact that the continent as a whole reported an 8% surge in international arrivals in 2016.

Industry players have clearly caught on, with figures from W Hospitality Group Hotel Chain Development Pipeline Survey last year showing that the number of planned hotel rooms in Africa soared to 64,000 in 365 hotels, up almost 30% on the previous year.

Investors confident about the future of hospitality on the continent

Returning to Rwanda, one can use the example of Marriott International which opened its first five-star hotel in the capital of Kigali. The group showed another example of commitment to the country with its partnership with a local education group to train almost 40 graduates who will later work in hotels in Africa and the Middle East.

In its annual survey of the hotel pipeline for 2016, the W Hospitality Group stated: The evidence from our survey is clear - investors remain confident about the future of the hospitality industry on the continent.

And the potential is certainly strong. Demographic forecasts suggest that, in the next ten years, one in four people on the planet will be African. Simultaneously, the growth in wealth among private individuals is being fuelled by the economic growth of between 5 and 9% in many countries.

Industry players must also note that the sub-continent consists of 44 different states, each with its own challenges and cultures and that must all be considered. Investors must look at long-term growth, whilst factoring in the projected economic and political climate for each country, the ease with which it is possible to invest and develop properties and the growth of target markets.
Tomjachu Bush Retreat will be bringing a taste of what Mpumalanga has to offer to this year's World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa). Co-owner of Tomjachu, Jack Fillery tells us more about this exclusive private luxury accommodation.

Jack Fillery

Tell us about Tomjachu Bush Retreat

Tomjachu is an exclusive private nature reserve set in over 550 hectares (1,300 acres) of game fenced mountain bushveld, located within the Crocodile Valley Nature Conservancy overlooking the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park and the great Crocodile River valley. Originally a tobacco farm in the seventies, we have strived over the last 30 years to reinstate the areas natural ecosystems through careful management and the reintroduction of various species, to provide a haven of conservation for indigenous plants, birds, mammals and other wildlife.

It was originally intended to be home to my grandfather Gordon Fillery and our family, and the homestead was built between 1988 and 1991. Sadly Gordon fell ill during our first and only Christmas together on the farm and died in early 1992, leaving it to my father Brian Fillery. My father quickly recognised that the property was imbued with tremendous potential due to its beauty, energy, and history  including the Voortrekker wagon trails that can still be seen on the farm. He set about expanding it and turning it into a viable enterprise.

The estate was stocked with game and the homestead enhanced and expanded using stone hewn on the farm itself. Bush Cottage, Rock House, and Keepers Cottage were added and our former family home, now the multiple award-winning Valbonne Villa, was re-invented to become a serene destination for tourists from all corners of the world.

As the enterprise grew, more land was acquired and the farm was renamed Tomjachu, after us three sons, Tom, Jack, and Hugo. The great pride and deep roots our family has in our heritage are what mattered when we were deciding on the name.

Following my fathers tragic death after a short fight with cancer in 2016 it fell to me, together with help from my brothers, Tom and Hugo, to continue the vision of Tomjachu, and today Brian and Gordons aspiration of a paradise for those they left behind is truly being fulfilled.

Give us a taste of what to expect from Tomjachu at WTM Africa 2017

Expect to receive some first-hand extensive knowledge on an award-winning, family-owned, proudly South African bush retreat which offers a myriad of activities and tranquil locations to all who visit. In addition, Tomjachu Bush Retreat offers its guests so much more than just a place to stay, find out how by visiting our stand at WTM Africa 2017.

What sets Tomjachu apart from other bush retreats in SA and the rest of the continent?

Our rich family history which is imbued throughout the property gives Tomjachu a unique atmosphere, and a genuine feeling of it being yours whilst you are here. We invite all of our guests to enjoy the property as if their own when they stay with us, and to roam at will. Not being a Big 5 property allows adults and children alike to explore the stunning mountain bushveld at their own pace, allowing our guests to create wonderful memories of their own in beautiful surroundings.

We are also wonderfully situated to allow our guests to explore the rest of the Lowveld, being only 45 minutes from the Kruger Park, a short drive from the nearby Panoramic route, and much more. We offer a familial atmosphere with excellent service, stunning views, and a passion for making each guest experience unique.

Tomjachu has won multiple awards, including Valbonne Villa as the provincial winner and national finalist of the Lilizela Tourism awards three years running, and The Luxury Travel Guide Award for Country Retreat of the Year 2017.

This is the third year that Tomjachu will be at WTM Africa, why do you keep coming back and why would you recommend other establishments and destinations to participate?

WTM is truly a great platform for all like-minded business practitioners to meet and explore more prospects for growth. Having participated in previous years, I am delighted to say that the show has grown exponentially, allowing us to branch out into international markets and engage with industry experts, exchanging skills and knowledge.

What do you hope to achieve at WTM Africa 2017?

This year we aim to meet more people interested in our projects and product and to open up new avenues in the industry, as well as reaffirming existing relationships with partners. We have some very exciting new projects on the horizon, and we are looking forward to introducing these plans and our current offerings to visitors to our stand.

For all looking to attend WTM Africa 2017, visit Tomjachu Bush Retreat at stand number S07 and learn more about what this bush retreat, set in the heart of Mpumalanga, has to offer.
Cathay Pacific has introduced a fully automated self-service bag tag kiosk at OR Tambo International Airport which will allow passengers to check in as well as print boarding passes and baggage tags by following simple on-screen instructions.

Cathay Pacific bag tag

Passengers can now print their own bag tags and tag their own luggage at a Cathay Pacific Kiosk machine, where they can also print the number of bag tags they require according to the specified luggage allowance. The Economy Class counters are now known as Bag Drop Counters, and the bag-tagging self-service kiosks are open to both group and individual passengers.

Passengers have come to expect modern travel technology to augment their voyages, and this innovative travel process will help eliminate queues and ensure passengers live a life well-travelled, says Rakesh Raicar, country manager for Cathay Pacific Southern Africa and Indian Ocean. This is a first for South Africa, and a new service we are very excited to see rollout.

The automated system takes each passenger through six easy steps:

1. Flights: If applicable, a Marco Polo rewards number will be assigned to checked-in baggage by scanning your boarding pass, passport, membership card, or manual information entry. No destination address or secondary documents are needed.

2. Passengers: Select passenger for check-in or the option to print a bag tag. You can also link frequent flyer programme information to your booking.

3. Travel documents: Enter passenger details as per travel document and confirm.

4. Seat changes: Each passenger can select their seat preference from the schematic diagram showing the airlines seating layout, as well as travel companion seats.

5. Safety and security: Dangerous goods, security items, a security notice and baggage restrictions are then acknowledged.

6. Print bag tags: Passengers select the amount of tags needed.

After the six easy check-in confirmation questions are completed, bag tags and boarding passes are printed. The process will take around four minutes to complete but could be shorter when boarding passes have been printed at home, in which case the system allows passengers to scan boarding passes and skip steps two to four.

Passengers can check-in and print the bag tags at the kiosk 24 hours before the scheduled time of departure, and a Cathay Pacific representative will be stationed in the area to guide and assist passengers on the baggage tag printing and tagging.

The self-service bag-tag kiosks have been set up near Cathay Pacifics counters in Terminal B at OR Tambo International Airport. Cathay Pacific will continue to provide dedicated check-in counters for Business Class passengers, Premium Economy Class passengers, and Marco Polo members. All Economy Class passengers will be invited to check in at the kiosk before dropping their bags at a Bag Drop Counter.

Travellers ineligible for the new service include:

 Passengers settling payment at the airport

 Passengers requiring assistance, medical attention or using a wheelchair

 Passengers travelling with an infant, unaccompanied minor or child passengers

 Passengers purchasing an extra seat or with live animals to check-in,

 Passengers connecting to flights of other airlines which do not have a thorough check agreement with Cathay Pacific.
The countdown to Indaba 2017 has begun, with South African Tourism putting the final touches on an event that aims to foster closer collaboration and more targeted business interactions than ever before. Showcasing a vast and eclectic selection of tourism products from all over Africa, this year's Indaba promises to be a productive trade show for buyers, exhibitors, and media alike.

Indaba will return to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 16 to 18 May 2017, sporting a more streamlined programme and improved floor layout to make it easier for the world to come and sample the tourism treasures Africa has to offer.

Driving business with a focus on matchmaking

Through the convenient online diary and matchmaking system, delegates can use technology to set up pre-scheduled meetings with buyers or exhibitors that may match their needs, saving time and enabling them to get the best out of the show. For the first time, this digital platform has also been extended to media, meaning journalists can now schedule one-on-one meetings with exhibitors of interest to secure the stories they want to tell about Africas tourism industry.

This years heightened focus on matching like-minded tourism industry players is aimed at driving successful business deals while helping to showcase the kaleidoscope of product options on offer.

For instance, the Hidden Gems zone  located at the SMME pavilion in Hall 5, directly opposite the luxury pavilion  will introduce the worlds travel buyers and visitors to small tourism enterprises from each of South Africas nine provinces that may otherwise have remained undiscovered, in the hope of encouraging a broader range of authentic tourism experiences to be included in tours to South Africa.

Exposing to the full breadth of Africas tourism offerings

Delegates at the trade show will be exposed to the full breadth of Africas tourism offerings, including high-end products at the Tourism Grading Councils new luxury pavilion, located in Hall 5 at the ICC. This feature will cater to global buyers who are on the lookout for the premier five-star offerings many destinations on the continent are famed for.

Apart from the pre-scheduled meetings, buyers will have the chance to meet with exhibitors during the morning speed marketing sessions on each of the three show days. Here, participating exhibitors will be grouped according to themes such as lap of luxury, scenic outdoors and award winners before making short presentations on their offerings. These sessions are an excellent way for buyers to ask questions and learn more about exhibitors  many of whom are small businesses. Buyers are invited to attend the speed marketing sessions every morning from 8.30am to 10am in Meeting Room 22 at the ICC.

Conversations on African tourism

Media organisations will discover an abundance of challenging and thought-provoking content in the series of Conversations at INDABA 2017. Leaders and influencers from the local and global industry will take part in riveting panel discussions around topical issues and their impact on African tourism.

The topics will include how to foster private-public partnerships for inclusive tourism growth, the growing phenomenon of digital and online booking in the African tourism sector, and the contribution that African arts, fashion, and design make to tourism on the continent.

The Conversations at Indaba will take place in the media centre at 10.30am to 11.30am and 12pm to 1pm on 16 and 17 May. The final day will feature the traditional Bid Party Indaba update and wrap-up session, at 10.30am in the media centre.

African destinations under the spotlight

Because this is a continental showpiece, Indabas focus on African destinations gives visitors a chance to become acquainted with exciting product developments throughout the continent. Industry players from more than 17 African countries are taking part, including Angola, Botswana, the DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion, Seychelles, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Anyone with an interest in African travel is invited to register to attend this landmark African travel show at the Durban ICC and be part of celebrating and promoting an industry that is growing, that is thriving and that is of worthy of the global acclaim it is receiving.

For more information, visit Indaba 2017, follow @SATravelTrade and use the hashtag #INDABA2017 to join in on the conversation.
In the digital age, solving a business problem well requires innovation and speed, both of which are fundamental components of the hackathon format.

Companies are hosting them to create products and processes that tackle issues ranging from climate change and crime to customer service and supply chain management. Hackathons offer a chance of multiple, rapid-fire ideas to cleverly solve organisational challenges.

The recent 48-hour #CreativeHack2017 in Cape Town provided the ultimate showcase of networking, creativity and collaboration to produce brand identity ideas for the soon-to-be-launched Tiger Tail Digital  a specialist workforce solutions provider within Adcorp that is focused on digital skills recruitment.

Better solutions come from asking better questions

Says Lianne Du Toit who has conceptualised and hosted dozens of hackathons around the country: Hackathons are fast becoming an organisational tool where various stakeholders trying to solve a particular problem are able to come up with innovative, creative and sometimes disruptive solutions.

To find the answers of the future we need to start asking better questions today. It was great to partner with Tiger Tail who are asking better questions and finding new ways to recruit the workforce of the future.

The detailed planning required to host a successful hackathon provides an opportune platform for organisers to really unpack the relevant issues. This is because without an in-depth understanding of context and the problem to be solved, the critical introductory briefing and inspiration session wont hit the mark for participants.

For hackathon organisers, its about starting as you mean to finish  with a clear plan that is well articulated and inspires.

Hackathons attract innovators and initiators

#CreativeHack2017 attracted a phenomenal calibre of talented creatives, designers, developers and data science participants totaling 70 and spanning design schools, graduates and top agencies.

The participants were divided into 16 teams and over the course of 48-hours, were mentored and inspired by some of the countrys most prolific names in the creative industry. With John Sanei as MC and 10 respected mentors from AAA, Ogilvy, Friends of Design, TBWA and more, the participants benefitted from a powerhouse of experience to help them reach their objectives.

Real solutions as decided by your customers

Any new idea for a product or process is only as good as the customer decides it is. Its about the end-user and whether the solution adequately solves the problem for them.

Hackathons by their very nature enable litmus testing along the way. Teams need to collaborate and sense check each other and mentors can also play a valuable role here. They arent meant to directly influence outcomes but they can provide course correction when needed by a team. The pitching processes characteristic of a hackathon also enable ideas to be shared and critiqued. #CreativeHack2017 have decided to let their own customers decide on the final winner.

The hackathon produced three dynamic finalist teams  namely Team Atomic, JFK and Fantastic 4.5. These finalist teams will get to present their work at Tiger Tails client launch in May 2017, where the audience comprising design heads and tech experts at leading South African corporates, will get to vote for their favourite design. Its another great idea among many that helps to eliminate subjectivity.

Speaking about the way relevance was maintained throughout #CreativeHack2017, Sanei says, Competition and collaboration seem on opposite sides of the spectrum but when thrown into the same pot with millennials, challenged to disrupt  magic happens. I was so impressed with the contestants that since the hackathon I have been advising all my clients to get a few millennials to sit in on their exco meetings to give their perspectives, wisdom and insights about the future.

Separating the ditherers from the doers

#CreativeHack2017 proved that hackathons are not just for coders. They are for any discipline and any organisation that needs to solve a problem innovatively and timeously.

Alistair King, founding creative partner of King James Group and one of the judges says, Im not convinced a strict deadline will always throw up a flawless, ready-to-go solution, but it certainly does get you most of the way very quickly. Above all else though I think the hackathon separates the over-thinkers from the clarity-makers, and the ditherers from the doers.
Potholes are the bane of many motorists who take to roads across South Africa. The persistent rains in recent months across large parts of Gauteng and the northern provinces have again led to frustration among road users who have to deal with potholes, mostly on roads that are not managed by SANRAL.

 gonewiththewind via 123RF

Road users dread the possibilities of running into gaping potholes and will often take extreme measures to avoid close encounters. It is scant comfort to note that this aversion is not restricted to South Africa.

In Brisbane, Australia, the Courier Mail recently complained bitterly about calf-deep potholes that opened up on the Bruce Highway the busiest road along the countrys east coast. Canadians, too, love to recount tales of how they have to manoeuvre through obstacle courses on the freeways, especially at the end of the winter season.

These examples also demonstrate the role of weather conditions as important contributing factors in the development of potholes.

In the northern hemisphere, the permafrost thaw, along with the melting of snow after winter can cause substantial damage to roads.

The leading cause of potholes on SA roads

In warmer climes, such as South Africa, the beating sun results in surfacing layers drying out and becoming brittle, which results in cracks developing in the surface layer. If no maintenance is performed on these cracks, then with the next rains, water is able to penetrate through these surface cracks to reach underlying crushed rock and gravel layers that are used in the construction of most South African roads.

These crushed rock and gravel layers reduce the cost of road construction in South Africa by nearly 40% when compared to countries in Europe and the United States. The downside, however, is that as soon as these crushed rock and gravel layers become moist, they lose most of their strength, and along with that their ability to carry the imposed tyre loads, which results in the formation of potholes.

This ingress of rainwater through the surface is the leading cause of most potholes on South African roads, and that is why most potholes appear after prolonged periods of rainfall, and also why potholes are more prevalent on roads in wetter provinces of South Africa such as Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

Prevention is better than cure

In addition to the obvious cost that motorists have to incur for damaged tyres and suspensions, potholes pose major dangers to road safety. Drivers who hit a pothole at speed, or swerve to try and avoid it, can easily lose control of their vehicles and cause accidents.

The best cure for potholes is to prevent them from developing in the first place.

That is why preventative maintenance has been at the core of SANRALs approach to managing the 21,946 km of national roads under its jurisdiction.

SANRAL's preventative maintenance approach

SANRALs preventative maintenance approach consists of daily activities to ensure rainwater drains away from the road as quickly as possible.

This includes the opening and clearing of blocked storm water pipes and culverts, the cutting back of vegetation, the collection of litter and debris and the repair and reshaping of gravel shoulders. The next focus of our daily activities is to identify any surface cracks that have developed and seal them as soon as possible.

Each of the 21,946 kilometres of national roads is covered by a three to five-year routine maintenance contract to perform the abovementioned daily activities.

More than 80% of daily activities performed by local small contractors

As part of these contracts, it is required by SANRAL that more than 80% of the daily activities be performed by local small contractors according to SANRALs prescribed standards. This has obvious downstream benefits in terms of sustainable local job creation, SMME development and the empowerment of black-owned and women-owned enterprises.

In addition to the daily activities, SANRALs preventative maintenance approach also includes periodic activities that are performed every eight to twelve years. These periodic activities consist of the application of a new surfacing layer on top of the old surface layer, ensuring that risk of rainwater penetration is minimised as far as possible, even though ageing cracks not visible to the human eye.

Preventative maintenance approach 18 times cheaper

SANRALs experience has shown that its preventative maintenance approach is 18 times cheaper than following a reactive maintenance approach (wait for a pothole to develop, and then repair it). In addition, it has enabled us to prolong the life of most national roads well beyond their original 20-year design life  currently, more than 75% of the SANRAL national road network is older than 20 years.

This is further collaborated by the condition of the SANRAL national road network on which currently only 3.3% of the network is rated as in poor condition, which is well within the international norm of 10%.

For the road user, the success of SANRALs preventative maintenance approach over the past 19 years should be obvious when they compare the number of potholes they encounter on a SANRAL national road, to the number of potholes on roads managed by other authorities.
Amidst the backdrop of a rapidly evolving business environment, characterised by a need for innovation to cut through the marketing clutter, and the growing trend of digital disruption led by mobile, the role of the chief marketing officers (CMOs) of the future will be fundamentally different to what it is today.

In an effort to determine if local CMOs are prepared and equipped for this paradigm shift, and to help them better prepare for the demands of their evolving role, Popimedia, an ad-tech company that builds businesses on social media, has launched the CMO2020 initiative.

Without a shift in mindset toward performance-driven marketing, CMOs risk losing their relevance as technology and data-driven sales initiatives grow in prominence within the organisation, potentially championed by other C-level executives, says Daniel Levy, co-founder and CEO of Popimedia. We are therefore creating an opportunity for strategic level marketers to join the conversation and create their future.

Daniel Levy, CEO of Popimedia.

Our aim is to first determine how CMOs are currently leveraging digital touchpoints such as social media, data and mobile across the organisation to meet their marketing, communication and business objectives, explains Levy. We will then better define what the role of a CMO will be in 2020 and beyond, specifically identifying how they need to evolve to ensure strategic relevance.

Gil Sperling, co-founder and CTO at Popimedia, adds that CMO2020 will be a platform for strategic C-level marketers and executives to share their thinking on the rapidly changing role of the CMO, in addition to canvassing the opinions of other key role players in the industry, to formulate the blueprint for the CMO of the future. Key outcomes of the events and additional resources, including findings from research projects that will be undertaken by Popimedia as part of CMO2020, will be made available via the initiative's dedicated website, CMO2020.net.

Ultimately we want to prepare CMOs and enable them to continue to drive business in the future, continues Sperling, who substantiates this need by referencing figures from a recent CMO Council and Deloitte report that states only 6% of CMOs are currently defining routes to future revenue across all facets of their business globally, with only 10% embracing customer-direct e-commerce channels and new monetisation programmes that upsell and cross-sell.

The conversation begins in May, with two CMO2020 events, one in Johannesburg and another in Cape Town, hosted by Popimedia and Jeremy Maggs, where CEOs will be pitted against CIOs to gauge the future of digital relevance and responsibility.

Watch the video podcast here.
NEW YORK, USA - Ralph Lauren Corp. plans to shut its flagship Polo store on New York's Fifth Avenue and cut some staff as it shifts more resources to e-commerce, the American fashion label said on Tuesday.

The company will shutter other retail locations and upgrade its e-commerce system. It did not say how many jobs would be slashed. Goods from the Fifth Avenue store will be sold at other Ralph Lauren stores in New York. The moves will result in $370 million in one-time expenses.

"We continue to review our store footprint in each market to ensure we have the right distribution and customer experience in place," said chief financial officer Jane Nielsen.

"The decision will optimise our store portfolio in the New York area and allow us to focus on opportunities to pilot new and innovative customer experiences."

New ideas under review include "Ralph Coffee" at retail locations and "developing new store formats that connect the brand to loyal and new consumers," the company said.

The moves are the latest as the retail industry responds to the consumer shift to e-commerce that has led many to conclude that the US brick-and-mortar retail footprint is too big.

Gap and Macy's have also announced store closures in recent months, and on Monday, J.Crew announced that its longtime creative director Jenna Lyons would leave the company.

In February, Ralph Lauren announced that chief executive Stefan Larsson would step down on 1 May following creative disagreements with the label's founder.

Shares of Ralph Lauren fell 2.8 percent to $79.13 in mid-morning trade.

Source: AFP
Eskom has signed a three-year deal with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), in line with the South African power utility's strategy to increase its electricity exports to its neighbouring states.

Eskom currently has excess capacity of about 4,000MW, excluding an operating margin.

The conclusion of this agreement serves to demonstrate our commitment to the SADC region to provide energy security and certainty with regard to long-term supply of energy. Eskom reaffirms its position that we are open for business and stand ready to undertake further long-term supply agreements, for up to 10 years, with our various trading partners, says Matshela Koko, Eskoms interim group chief executive. He met his BPC counterpart Dr Stefan Schwarzfischer to conclude the power supply agreement and to discuss other areas of potential co-operation.

Eskom and BPC have had a long-standing energy trading relationship. The transmission corridor between South Africa and Botswana provides one of the key corridors for energy trading for the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). This corridor, being integrated in the wider SAPP network, provides a facility for various SAPP utilities to exchange power, depending on their requirements.

Regional integration

Eskom is currently investigating a number of strategic transmission projects to further strengthen the interconnection with BPC and other interested SAPP members. These new interconnections are intended to further support regional integration, provide reliable transportation of power to grow the regional economy, as well as mitigate drought risk by improving the connection between the thermal and hydro systems in the region.

This new firm power agreement offers BPC improved security of supply and presents us with a window of opportunity to tackle some of the major challenges facing our generation plant. We look forward to further collaboration with Eskom to further improve our energy and various technical aspects of the electricity business," Schwarzfischer says.

This is the second firm power sales agreement that Eskom has signed in just over a week, having recently concluded a five-year power sales agreement with the Namibian national power utility, NamPower.
The North Gauteng High Court recently ruled that the environmental authorisation for a new coal-fired power station had not properly considered the project's climate change impacts - leading to its authorisation being referred back to the relevant government agency. Shortly after the ruling was made, the Department of Environmental Affairs put into effect new National Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting regulations as part of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act.

Warrick Stewart, SRK Consulting principal environmental scientist and associate partner

SRK Consulting principal environmental scientist and associate partner Warrick Stewart believes that this new legal benchmark will also drive improved company reporting in South Africa, whilst raising the question of how many organisations are currently fully disclosing their climate change risks and opportunities to their investors or stakeholders.

Accountable reporting

The ruling and subsequent change to legislation is significant, according to SRK Consulting environmental scientist Paul Jorgensen, insofar as it provides further evidence of the need for South African companies to mainstream climate change risk into their annual reporting and risk management processes, including in their financial statements. The new regulations have further reverberation in business, as voluntary disclosure moves closer towards compulsory, accountable reporting.

Various global initiatives on governance and reporting have emphasised that climate change is not only an environmental problem but is a business challenge too, said Jorgensen. As investors look increasingly to low-carbon transitioning economies and technologies, they want more data on how companies are quantifying their exposure to climate change impacts.

This investor perspective is adding to the growing regulatory requirements that governments across the globe are placing on operations environmental and social effects.

Many investors and fund managers are now asking questions about climate change  to find out if companies are serious about this issue and how they disclose relevant information in that regard, he said. If the company appears not to be serious about climate change, the question is then whether that business represents a sound investment.

So the focus is turning to decision-useful information on which investors can base their investment choices.

Beyond greenhouse gas emissions

It is important for companies to realise that assessing climate change impacts goes beyond just greenhouse gas emissions, said SRK environmental scientist Victoria Braham. Attention will increasingly need to be paid to the effects of extreme weather events, for instance; organisations also need to plan for how they would deal with water-related challenges such as floods and droughts, or for how climate change could impact on social structures and labour costs.

Braham highlighted the recent progress of global bodies in pioneering new international guidelines and standards related to climate change.

While the Carbon Disclosure Project  now referred to as the CDP - has forged the way in standardising greenhouse gas disclosures, this area of concern has now grown to include water risks and other climate change impacts as a more holistic approach, she said. The CDP is an international mechanism that oversees the disclosure systems that allow public and private entities to report on their impact on the environment. An important next step has now been taken by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which has made recommendations on four key themes in business operations: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.

TCFD recommendations

The recommendations of the TCFD  initiated by the Financial Stability Board of the Bank for International Settlements  will guide the way forward for organisations to gather and present data according to a comparable and respected benchmark. Its recommendations are likely to be adopted by the G20 countries  giving further credibility and confidence to this approach.

Head of the TCFD, businessman and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg, said in the report that while warming of the planet by greenhouse gas emissions posed serious risks to the global economy, it has until now been difficult for investors to know which companies are most vulnerable to climate change, which are best prepared, and which are taking action.

The TCFD recommendations aim to begin fixing this problem, as what gets measured better, gets managed better, he said.

This global initiative signals that there is considerable forward momentum taking business into this area of recognising, measuring and managing their climate change risk, said Jorgensen.

In the transition to a lower-carbon future, he said, South African businesses now needed to develop and apply a range of different scenarios of how this future could affect them  in terms of both risks and opportunities. This transition, it should be remembered, has long been underpinned by governments policy commitment to a climate-resilient society.

The essential questions that companies will need to ask themselves is how do they deal with these scenarios and how do they manage the uncertainty that these scenarios present, he said.
030417MEMBER QUESTIONS EDUCATION MINISTER

By Aloysius Laukai



The Member for South Bougainville, TIMOTHY MASIU questioned the Education Minister to explain if the National Governments free education was still on and if Schools have been paid already.

In response the Minister for Education, NICK KUMAN said that Schools have been paid already and should not get any extra fees from the parents.

The member then wanted to know the breakup to Bougainville Schools, especially the South Bougainville Schools.

His question was interrupted by Member for ORO who said that the Education Policy on Free education was a failure.

The member for South Bougainville wanted to find out if Schools had received assistance from the Government under its Free Education Policy.

The member for South Bougainville is in Port Moresby attending the last sitting of the National Parliament before they rise to enter the 2017 National Election.



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Pan-African organisation United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) will this week host a brainstorming workshop on how local authorities of Africa can access climate finance.

The workshop takes place on Friday, 7 April in Rabat, Morocco.

African cities called for the creation of a dedicated desk for local governments within the Green Climate Fund during COP22. They expressed the hope that a capacity-building program would be set up to make them eligible for the Green Climate Fund and other climate finance instruments. African cities also proposed that UCLG Africa should be recognised as an implementing agency for the Green Climate Fund.

The workshop will be an opportunity to provide concrete ideas for implementing these recommendations in UCLG Africa's presentation during COP23 in June in Bonn, Germany.
Finalists in the 'print and outdoor' category have been revealed for One Show 2017 with 11 SA entries making the grade.

Hunt Lascaris Johannesburg racked up two entries in the publishing: newspaper  single category for client Flight Centre. The first was for Babe vs Mom, the second for Dude vs Pensioner. They also feature in the publishing: newspaper  campaign category for Flight Centres Holiday Packing, with the campaign featuring again in the Ambient media  POP and in-store  campaign and Craft: art direction  single or campaign category.

The agency also features in the promotional: collateral posters  campaign category for their The News You Should Be Following work for The Times.

Ogilvy & Mather Cape Town features in the publishing: magazine  campaign category for Volkswagen Technically, with the campaign featuring again in the Ambient media  POP and in-store  campaign category.

It also features in the promotional items: single or campaign category for their work with Geometry Global Cape Town on The Slave Calendar for Iziko Museums of South Africa.

Geometry Global Johannesburg and Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburgs 'The SAB Spike Detector Coaster' for South African Breweries features in the Innovation in print and outdoor: ambient media category.

Joe Public United Johannesburg features in the Ambient media  POP and in-store  single category for Clover Drought Pack.

Click here for the full list of finalists, which includes all the gold, silver and bronze pencils as well as merit winners. The full award details will be announced during One Show Creative Week from 8 to 12 May.

You can view this and other One Show entries by browsing this years entries. Dont miss the 96th Annual ADC Awards on 8 May 2017 and the One Show Creative Week Festival from 8 to 12 May 2017 in New York  visit our One Show special section for all the latest updates!
Exhibitions add R66.5 billion to South Africa's GDP, contributing R3 billion to national taxes and 135,100 sustainable jobs. In 2015 of the five million visitors to exhibitions, tourists accounted for 1 million of these. The industry contributed R23 billion to the tourism sector and sustained 47,000 jobs. The direct impact to the tourism sector is R7.6 billion.

The exhibition industrys impact on tourism is huge says Carol Weaving, chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) and MD of Thebe Reed Exhibitions in South Africa. That is why we have to ensure that business understands the importance of exhibitions.

Weaving was talking at the presentation of the Grant Thornton Report on the Economic Impact of the Exhibition Industry in South Africa. This is the first time in over a decade that market research has been undertaken in this sector, she adds.

The research findings were presented by Gillian Saunders, deputy CEO of Grant Thornton, who explains that the research was undertaken in 2015 and finished in 2016. Exhibitor organisers, exhibitors and visitors to exhibitions were interviewed.

Saunders emphasises that because the research had been conducted in 2015, it reflects economic changes and challenges from this period. Ebola was an issue in that year and as a result travel to South Africa and Africa dropped significantly.

The total visitor spend for consumer exhibitions is R1,160,214, with the average spend R886 for the day visitor, and R1,483 for the non-local day visitor. Trade exhibitions generate a total spend of R4,950,086, with the day visitor spending an average of R1,972 and the non-local day visitor, R1,505.

Bigger is not always better

While the total number of exhibitions in South Africa have increased from 120 in 2006 to 180 in 2015 and the number of exhibitors have gone up, the number of visitors have declined. This is due to the trend of smaller exhibitions, she explains.

Overall the industry has grown, but because of the impact of economic changes and other challenges, this growth varies from exhibition to exhibition, depending on which industry they function in. For example, mining exhibitions are smaller because of the commodities downturn.

This has also led to the rise of niche and targeted exhibitions, especially for trade. As society becomes more complex, exhibitions have to provide more detail on more topics. The result is that bigger is not always better. We have seen larger exhibitions splitting into multiple combined exhibitions, she says.

Technology is a major trend, especially when it comes to visitor-exhibitor relationships. She says, Exhibitions cannot afford to be only physical; they have to build technology into their shows. If they are not, then they will end up behind the curve.

Together with this, it is critical for exhibitions to leverage content and experiential content in an innovative way. This is especially so in the consumer lifestyle exhibition space, as they compete with multiple other environments for the consumers leisure time. This is a very competitive space.

The need for exhibitions to be professional is important. Marketing executives are looking where the best space is to promote their product, and the choices are endless. Therefore, exhibitions must show that they are a great way to do this.

Key challenges in the local industry are a lack of venues, with many venues having to be booked years in advance. Venues are also able to charge more because of the lack of supply and the high demand. Another big challenge is exhibitor education. Exhibitions provide a great platform but exhibitors do not always leverage them to their potential. To get exhibitors to understand how to do this is a key objective of AAXO, says Weaving.

Exhibitions are no longer a static medium. Exhibitions are the key to the future, but they must combine digital ways of connecting with the format for it to work in the future. Matchmakingeasy to do in the digital worldis essential to exhibitions and every exhibition should have one."
Africa cannot be free if it does not replicate the skills and pioneering research required to foster inclusive development on the continent and contribute to the global knowledge economy.

 PhotoSky via 123RF

Climate change, political instability, inequality, migration and the burden of disease are some of the major challenges confronting humanity today, and they require concomitant collaboration across ideological, geographical and scientific borders, so that holistic, lasting solutions can be developed to benefit society.

Africa cannot be free if we do not adequately replicate in good measure the high level skills and pioneering research required to foster inclusive development on the continent, whilst making a unique, valuable contribution to the global knowledge economy, commented Professor Ernest Aryeetey, secretary-general of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), at the inaugural conference of ARUA, which ran from 3-4 April 2017 at the University of Ghana. (View the full conference programme).

Aryeetey added: This alliance aims to facilitate collaboration, knowledge transfer, equipment sharing, the pooling of resources and the development of mutually beneficial partnerships across Africa.

ARUA will strengthen the ability of researchers in Africa to be recognised as world class generators and producers of new knowledge.

Researchers in the developing world should not merely be regarded as data collection hubs, or wellsprings of material waiting to be analysed, or footnotes in north-south collaboration projects. ARUA will strengthen the ability of researchers in Africa to be recognised as world class generators and producers of new knowledge, capable of successfully accessing and managing resources and relationships in the global knowledge economy off our own bat.

The Alliance comprises of research intensive universities on the continent that prioritise the development of new knowledge, quality research and high level and scare skills through empowering and mentoring postgraduate and postdoctoral students.

Thirteen key thematic areas for collaboration have been identified, as listed below:

Climate change

Food security

Non-communicable diseases

Materials development and nanotechnology

Energy

Water conservation

Mobility and migration

Poverty and inequality

Unemployment and skills development

Notions of identity

Good governance

Post-conflict societies, and

Urbanisation and habitable cities.

Professor Adam Habib, a member of the ARUA Executive Committee and vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Witwatersrand, provided an update on two key projects that are underway. The migrations and mobility theme is a great example of a universal issue that requires research at multiple levels, and which is best addressed by cosmopolitan teams within different socio-economic, political and historical contexts.

A dynamic research project in this area has already been launched through funding from the Mellon Foundation. The next project is focused on food security, which is another area that directly affects humanity the world over.

Habib added: The essential purpose of this conference is to gather the academics from our respective institutions on the continent to engage each other, in order to facilitate a common African academy and research community.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York, Kresge, the Mellon Foundation and the South African National Research Foundation are all funding partners.

There are several other donors and funders, but I would like to thank the pioneering funding partners for having the foresight to invest in the intellectual renaissance of the African continent, added Habib.

Our collective efforts will result in raising the quantity and quality of impactful research on the continent which will ultimately contribute towards inclusive development and the rising of Africa in multiple ways, for the benefit of humanity.

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) was inaugurated in Dakar in March 2015, bringing together 16 of the regions leading universities. It is a network of universities from different countries and different historical backgrounds with a common vision. Read more.
We are a full-service Market Research Agency and now part of SA's leading Management Consulting firm IQbusiness. We use technology and a deep understanding of human motivations to uncover powerful insights to help our customers to grow.
The Schools that Rock initiative has expanded its franchise in Cape Town. Schools that Rock was initially started in Bloemfontein and has since gone on to cover the entire Free State province as well as the Northern Cape.

The Schools that Rock website was launched on 5 March 2015 and provides a creative and fun platform for schools to exhibit their news, activities, and achievements.

As a communication medium for schools, the website also provides local businesses with an opportunity to advertise their products and services and is linked to several social media sites where news from the website is shared.
060317MAGISTRATE EXPLAINS THE NEW FAMILY AND CHILD PROTECTION ACT

By Aloysius Laukai



The new law recently passed by the National Government is to protect the families who have been suffering from domestic violence for many years.

Senior BOUGAINVILLE MAGISTRATE, BRUCE TASIKUL made these comments when explaining on the new law on New Dawn FM today.

He said that the law is to help people who have suffered under marriages as the PNG Custom says that you can beat your wife if you had paid the Bride Price.

MAGISTRATE TASIKUL said this is no longer the case under the new Family and Child Protection act.

He said if a husband beats his wife or vice versa, the perpetrator will have to face the law and be charged for his actions and the court fine can be up to Five years in prison.

Magistrate TASIKUL called on the victims especially the wives to get help from the courts.



Ends


060317SOLAR BATTERY THIEF JAILED

By Aloysius Laukai



The Buin District Court today sentenced NIVEN PAIS to jail for 12 months for removing a Solar battery from the Maternity ward at the LENOKE SUBHEALTH CENTRE.

The Magistrate in handing the sentence said that Education and Health Centre facilities are there to serve the people and persons damaging them should face the full force of the law.

The incident happened on Sunday 11th of September, 2016 between SIX PM and Twelve midnight.

Senior Magistrate Bruce Tasikul said that the people must protect such facilities that are there to serve the communities.



Ends


KONNOU COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS OK

By Aloysius Laukai



Election in the trouble spot KONNOU is progressing well with nearly all wards declared according to the Assistant Returning Officer, JUSTIN KENKUA.

MR KENKUA told New Dawn FM this afternoon that all wards have been complete and only one ward remaining that is the NAKATU Ward 3.

He says he is hopeful they will conduct polling there before polling ends on the 27th of this month.

Meanwhile, the Acting Electoral Commissioner, GEORGE MANU who visited polling at MONGAI this afternoon was happy that voting in this part of South Bougainville went well without trouble.



Ends

Caption OBEC Commissioner George Manu( in red) with Konnou Officials at Mongai Polling Boot Picture by Aloysius Laukai






Bridget Mary's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Bridget-Mary-Meehan/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABrid A Promise of Presence

Affirmations from the Heart of God

Exploring the Feminine Face of God

God Delights in You- A Four Week Journal

Heart Talks with Mother God

Inclusive Worship Aids

Living Gospel Equality Now-

Praying with a Passionate Heart

Praying with Celtic Holy Women

Praying with Visionary Women h

Praying with Women of the Bible

The Healing Power of Prayer-New Edition Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP


News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC) has bemoaned the recent introduction of a presumptive tax on commuter omnibuses by Government, saying it could trigger a hike in targets by operators, putting pressure on drivers.Commuter omnibus operators will now pay $45 per vehicle in presumptive tax.According to a Government Gazette of March 24, informal traders like commuter omnibus operators, hairdressers and cross border traders are expected to pay a monthly presumptive tax."The presumptive tax chargeable in terms of Section 36C of the Taxes Act shall be in the case of . . . (e) operators of omnibuses for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward having seating accommodation for not less than 15 or more than 24 passengers, 45 dollars per month for each such omnibus operated."ZUDAC chairperson Mr Fradreck Maguramhinga yesterday said the tax would affect their operations in a big way."As ZUDAC we are not in support of the introduction of this new tax that Government has imposed on kombis."We have so many other monies being paid to enable us to operate on a day-to-day basis, hence the introduction of this tax will increase the burden," he said.Mr Maguramhinga said it was not fair to continue taxing operators without providing a conducive environment for them to operate."We do not have proper ranks in town and passengers end up going to the mshikashika' vehicles while kombis lose customers," he said."For those kombis following the correct channel of being in the ranks, they rarely have three trips a day, which is not sustainable."When the time comes for us to pay the taxes, the money is hardly adequate to do so."We were not going to have problems with the tax if we were operating on an even ground," he said.
Mine clearance operations are needed in order for the public to be able to safely work on their farmland. This task can be completed quickly if everyone cooperates, U Zaw Min, director of Kayin (Karen) States Social Welfare Department, said at the event at the Thiri Hpa-an Hotel.

Kayin State is one of the most heavily land mined areas of Myanmar, and has also seen one of the highest numbers of recorded victims. All seven townships are suspected hazardous areas, according to the Geneva-based Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor.

In September 2016, Deputy Minister of Defense Major General Myint New told parliament that the Tatmadaw had started mine clearance operations in several locations in Kayin State. A victim assistance center was opened in Kawkareik township, and, later this month, the government is expected to open another center in Thandaunggyi.

I want to let the public know that civilians can participate in mine clearance operations after they receive training from international aid organizations, said Ko Sann Win Maung, an operations managers at demining group Halo Trust. One of the reasons for holding this ceremony is to raise awareness of the ongoing mine-related events.

The UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has pledged to spend US$5.9 million this year on landmine awareness campaigns and victims assistance in Myanmar.

According to the UN Secretary Generals office, landmines and explosive remnants of war caused half the child war casualties in Myanmar.

By the Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitors count, 31 people in Myanmar were killed and 128 were injured by landmines in 2015. From 1999 through 2015, a total of 3,693 people were recorded as victims of landmines.

Translated by Thida Linn

Edited by Laignee Barron
The now repeatedly postponed second 21st Century Panglong Conference is tentatively scheduled for the first week of May. The inclusivity of the conference, and whether non-signatory groups will be allowed to fully participate, has proved a major stumbling bloc.

The Tatmadaw has insisted that only signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement can be invited as full participants, with others granted a much-derided observer status.

This week a spokesperson for the United Nationalities Federal Council  an ethnic bloc  said its members are not interested in attending the upcoming conference as observers.

If we still have not signed [the NCA by the time of the Peace Conference], we have decided not to attend as observers, said Khu Oo Reh, general secretary of the UNFC. We have no reason to submit papers. Some [ethnic armed] groups have collected public opinions after holding national-level political dialogues and plan to submit a report to the conference. But we [the UNFC members] werent allowed to hold national-level political dialogues. Even if we did hold them, we were told that they [the peace conference organizers] wont accept the results.

Khu Oo Reh added that he believes the UNFC members can quickly join the NCA after nine preconditions agreed to by both the government and the UNFC are met.

Some members requested to discuss the [nine-point] proposal that has been agreed to in principle with leaders, political groups and the public from their respective areas so we havent established any firm decision [about signing] up to now, he said.

The State Counsellors Office announced on March 30 that five members of the UNFC have already agreed to join the NCA: the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Arakan National Council (ANC), the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), and the Wa National Organisation (WNO). However, the announcement took the UNFC by surprise, and the NMSP has refuted the claim.

Translated by Thida Linn

Edited by Laignee Barron
Four journalists were killed in Myanmar since last years military coup, and five others were killed before the putsch dating back to 1999, with the...
Photo SHAN- Panglong Monument in Panglong Township, southern Shan State

Lt. Col. Sai Nguen told Shan Herald that the clash occurred because some 60 Burmese soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 246 entered RCSS/SSA territory without advance warning.

Fighting broke out today at about 12:30pm and lasted about 30 minutes, he said. The fighting was near Namsai village, about 10 miles north of Panglong, very close to a local community.

No casualties were reported.

The Shan rebel spokesman said that according to the terms of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC)  which documents the terms and conditions that all armed groups in Burma are obliged to follow  any armed group must be granted permission before entering anothers territory.

Fighting broke out because they [the Burmese armed forces] did not follow the terms, he said, adding that the Burmese unit later moved back from Namsai.

Last month, Shan Herald reported that both sides had engaged in a heavy skirmish in northern Shan States Hsipaw Township.

More than 20 clashes have been reported between the Burmese army and the RCSS/SSA since the Shan militia signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement in 2015.

According to Myanmar Peace Monitor, the RCSS/SSA has more than 8,000 troops active in the townships of Mong Ton and Mong Hsat in eastern Shan State; Mong Pan, Mong Nai, Laikha, Kunhing, Lawksawk, Maukmai, Mongkaung, Nam Hsan in southern Shan State; and Kyaukme and Nam Kham in northern Shan State. Its headquarters is in Loi Tai Leng, southern Shan State.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
12 Weird Laws Banned Around The World Life oi-Syeda Farah

If you are in a new city and are excited about trying out on some kinky stuff, you would have to update your knowledge about the bizarre laws being followed in the place. These laws can be of anything from lovemaking to not wearing blue-coloured jeans!

These are some of the random laws that can get a person into trouble. Check them out, as it is something that is really weird.

Some of the weirdest laws include not making love on a parked bike on the streets of London!

Check out some of these laws, as they can simply amaze you, or probably shock you.

It Is Illegal To Have Sex On A Motorbike! London has one of the weirdest laws, where making love on a parked motorcycle is illegal and people who are involved in this act can be jailed for it. One Cannot Have More Than Two Sex Toys Here In Alabama, it is illegal to have more than two sex toys, as a person cannot have more than two sex toys here. One can be prosecuted for this act. People believe quality over quantity here! One Cannot Make Love With A Satan Here! This is something that does not make sense! But a law of Bakersfield, California, claims that people cannot make love to a SATAN, unless they are wearing a condom! Oral Sex Is Banned Here If you are heading towards Indiana, be sure of this law, as oral sex is banned in this country and if found guilty, the person can be jailed. Women Not Allowed To Be Naked! In China, a law states that a woman cannot be nude in a hotel room, as it kind of ruins the point of the hotel rooms. Well, women have freedom to be nude only in bathrooms here! One Cannot Have Sex With A Fish! This is the most insane kinky thought one can get of using a fish as a sex tool. But a rule in Minnesota claims that a person cannot have sex with a fish, even if it is dead! One Cannot Kiss For More Than A Minute! It is illegal to kiss a person for more than one minute in Halethorpe, Maryland. We're only wondering who watches them with a stop clock! Women Can Murder Their Cheating Husbands! Women in Hong Kong have the legal right to kill their husbands if they find out that their spouse is cheating on them. But there is a clause that they need to kill them only with their bare-hands. A Couple Cannot Sit At The Footsteps Of A Church After Dawn! If you are a couple and looking forward to having a relaxing time at any of the churches of Birmingham, then choosing this place is a very wrong decision, as it is illegal to sit at the steps of a church after sunset. You Cannot Sleep Naked Here! It is illegal to sleep naked after making love with your partner in Minnesota. They need to quickly dress up after the act. We wonder who watches them over?? Hmm!? If you know of any such weird trivia, then do share it with us in the comment section below.

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Story first published: Thursday, April 6, 2017, 17:56 [IST]
Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, April 6, 2017

VANCOUVER, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - COBS Bread was honoured as a recipient of the Franchisees' Choice designation on April 3, 2017 during a Gala Awards Presentation at the 26th annual Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) National Convention in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This is the seventh year for the annual Franchisees' Choice designation program and COBS Bread was recognized for its accomplishment in receiving the designation every year since 2011.

The Franchisees' Choice designees are CFA member franchise systems who voluntarily took part in an independently-administered survey. This year, more than 60 CFA member franchise systems participated in the survey. Franchisees were asked to assess their franchisor in key areas of the franchise business model, including the franchisee selection process; franchisee information package; leadership; business planning and marketing; training and support; ongoing operations; and the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee.

"This award is very special for COBS Bread as the voting is conducted by our franchisees," says Brad Bissonnette, Vice President  Marketing & Franchise Recruitment, COBS Bread. "It validates the progressive and successful relationship we have with our franchisees and signals that an investment with COBS Bread is a great decision."

In the due diligence process of investigating a franchise opportunity, speaking with existing franchisees about the opportunity being explored is essential. For prospective franchisees, the Franchisees' Choice designation identifies that a franchise brand has received solid endorsement and ratings from its franchisees. The 2017 Franchisees' Choice designees are representative of the spectrum of franchise opportunities and the diversity and excellence of CFA members.

"The true strength of a franchise system lies in the mutually-rewarding relationship between a franchisor and its franchisees," says Lorraine McLachlan, CFA President and Chief Executive Officer. "Being a Franchisees' Choice designee is an honour and a vote of confidence because the high rankings in franchisee satisfaction come directly from the franchisees themselves."

To learn more about COBS Bread, visit www.cobsbread.com.

For more information about Franchisees' Choice designation and a full list of winners, visit www.awardsprogram.ca

About COBS Bread COBS Bread is part of Bakers Delight Holdings Ltd, established in 1980 and operating as Bakers Delight in Australia and New Zealand and COBS Bread in Canada and the United States. Together they have grown to become one of the world's most successful bakery franchises with more than 700 bakery locations. COBS Bread is expanding in North America and currently has more than 95 locations in Canada and one in the USA. All of COBS Bread's baked goods are made on the same day they are sold, ensuring that everything is fresh and delightful. Any unsold items are donated daily to various local charities and food banks. For more information about COBS Bread, please visit www.cobsbread.com.

About the Canadian Franchise Association The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is the recognized authority on franchising in Canada. With over 600 corporate members representing many of Canada's best- and lesser-known brands and 40,000 franchisees nation-wide, CFA is the indispensable resource for the franchise community and advocates on behalf of franchisors and franchisees in Canada to enhance and protect the franchise business model. CFA promotes excellence in franchising and educates Canadians about franchising, specific franchise opportunities and proper due diligence through its many events, programs, publications, and websites (www.cfa.ca, www.LookforaFranchise.ca, and www.FranchiseAwareness.ca).

SOURCE COBS Bread
News / National

by Staff reporter

Border authorities have opened investigations into the incident where one of the over 36 security cameras at Beitbridge Border Post was stolen during a power blackout recently.The theft came to light last Saturday when security agents discovered that a key area used by smugglers and illegal immigrants had gone off the radar.Sources at the border said that camera number 21, which monitored the area around the duty free shop, a checkpoint manned by soldiers and members of the Police Support Unit was still missing.The area around the duty free shop is used by conmen, touts, smugglers who use bicycles and border jumpers to access the border post."We suspect the camera was stolen during a power blackout and the suspect(s) are not known yet, but we are certain this was a well-planned job by the criminals," said an official at the border."Investigations are in progress and nobody has been arrested yet," Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Philisani Ndebele said he was yet to receive information on the matter."We are yet to get that report and I cannot give you any information at the moment," he said.Over 15 people, including, police, immigrations, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials and soldiers have been arrested since August last year for various crimes at the border post. These were mostly caught on camera taking bribes from either smugglers or illegal immigrants.The close circuit cameras are part of a raft of upgrade on security measures at the border, as Government seeks to reduce incidents of corruption and smuggling at the ports of entry.So far, Government has secured at total of $600 000 which has been used to, among other things, buy border patrol vehicles, lie detectors, mineral and metal detectors, patrol motor bikes, secret cameras and repairing the border parameter fence which had been vandalised by criminals.The CCTVs were installed at points unknown to border officials.Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo said during a recent visit to Beitbridge that corruption was affecting Government's revenue collection capacity, adding that Zimra was collecting $800 000 against a daily target of $1,2 million.Dr Chombo, who heads a Cabinet crack team set up to look into operations and reducing smuggling activities, said the country was losing potential revenue through underhand dealings at Beitbridge Border Post.
News / National

by Staff reporter

In a spine-chilling episode, a traditional healer allegedly inflicted incisions on his patient with a razor blade and sucked the blood, before unleashing snakes to also suck the blood in a cleansing ceremony, a court heard yesterday.Lyton Wisick (41), a Malawian staying illegally in the country, allegedly raped the 35-year-old woman while his two cobra snakes slithered around after she failed to raise $1 800 for the "cleansing".He also took the woman's household property that included a stove, a television set , home theatre, decoder, kitchen unit and a blanket to settle the "debt" after he "removed" an object from her stomach.Wisick yesterday appeared before Ms Barbra Chimboza charged with rape.He also stands accused of stealing a radio valued at $350, which he took from another client who wanted spiritual help.Wisick also faces another charge of contravening the Wildlife Act after he was found in possession of the two snakes.He was remanded in custody to April 19.Sometime last month, the complainant, who had marital and business problems, approached Wisick who promised to assist.The prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that Wisick ordered the woman to pay a consultation fee of $10 before ordering her to remove her blouse.Wisick allegedly took a razor blade and inflicted incisions on her hands, chest and waist and started sucking the blood coming out of the cuts.He then showed the woman a hairy object, which he said was from her stomach.The court heard that Wisick took two snakes from a bag which was in the room and made them suck the blood from the cuts.He then told her she was supposed to pay $250 for the removal of the object from her stomach.The woman gave him $75, but failed to raise the balance.Wisick told her to return for further cleansing, where he instructed her to remove her clothes, before washing her body with water mixed with traditional herbs.It is the State's case that Wisick told the woman that the water she had bathed in was going to be drunk by the snakes.He told her that he needed $1 800 to destroy the object he had removed from her stomach.On March 26, Wisick phoned the woman inquiring about his money, but she told him she was failing to raise the amount.They agreed that the woman cede her property to cover the debt and told her the goods now belonged to the snakes, hence, she could not reclaim them.Wisick allegedly ordered the woman to return the following day for further cleansing, where he raped her on the floor, with the snakes moving around the room.On the other case facing Wisick, a Harare man, Mr Henry Harrison, lost his radio worth $350 to the traditional healer.Mr Harrison allegedly visited Wisick to get lucky charms to boost his business and was ordered to pay a consultation fee of $100.It is the State's case that when he returned to Wisick's house the following day to get the charms, he was advised to pay a further $1 200.Mr Harrison failed to raise the money and decided to give Wisick his radio, but he was not given the medicine.
Opinion / Columnist

BULAWAYO - THE story of who really bombed The Rhodesian fuel tanks in then Salisbury - now Harare - is one of the several liberation stories whose truism might remain a contested issue forever as the two main war forces ZIPRA and ZANLA tussle to get credit for the heroic act, Writes #disqus_thread ">Divine Dube.If you ask ex-ZANLA forces about the infamous blast which stunned the then Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith who later described it as "one of our biggest setbacks since the war started" they will tell you-with a glimmer of confidence -that they are the ones who blew the tanks in December 1978.Word Against Word?But ZIPRA cadres who believe that despite their immense contribution to the liberation war, their story has not been adequately documented, dismiss ZANLA's claims of heroism as an engineered lie' meant to portray ZANLA as a better force than ZIPRA.Speaking at a memorial lecturer in honour of liberation war stalwart Lookout Masuku yesterday, one of ZIPRA's member of the High Command Team Kenneth Ndlovu said he is the one who first received the report about the Salisbury bombing and was confident that the job was executed by ZIPRA forces.[Kenneth] Ndlovu a member of the [ZIPRA High Command] presents a Masuku memorial lecture in Byo yesterday"I was the first to receive the report about the bombing which occurred in December 1978," Ndlovu said adding that he is the one who even filed the report for future references."I have forgotten the names of the cadres who blew the tanks but they were ZIPRA and not ZANLA forces. Even weapons which were used in the bombing were only owned by us [ZIPRA].""They [ZANLA] did not have sophisticated weapons and neither did they have urban units and was assisted logistically by ZIPRA through an arrangement with the then Organisation of African Union (OAU) and as such their claims are untrue," Ndlovu said.Ndlovu, who lost his eyesight during the war opined that the closure on the issue could only come if files detailing the information on the bombing could be found and presented as evidence  although this could be difficult or even impossible since the whereabouts of the files are not known."maybe they were burnt down to ashes during the ravaging war fires" Ndlovu said.In 2014, the Zimbabwe National Army stirred the hornet's nest when it published an article in it's magazine giving credit to ZANLA for the bombing. This prompted ZIPRA cadres including former [ZIPRA] intelligence supreme now current ZAPU president [Dr.] Dumiso Dabengwa to respond accusing ZANU-PF of attempting to downgrade ZIPRA's role in the liberation war.Business Unfinished?Some ZIPRA cadres who attended the meeting went emotional  and almost cried when they narrated how Masuku  a decorated war hero was let to die in prison allegedly after being tortured by central intelligence operatives. Masuku was facing trumped up charges of plotting a coup d'etat against then Prime Minister [Robert] Mugabe.ZIPRA cadres observe a moment of silence in memory of Masuku"Let's remember that Masuku was killed," one ZIPRA cadre who identified himself as Gumede and claimed to be Masuku's cousin said."...we must not be misled and believe that he died in prison," Gumede who was almost in tears said.ZIPRA cadres proposed that a day should be set aside as a public holiday in memorial of Masuku whose immense contribution to the liberation struggle is yet to be recognised by the ruling government led by Mugabe who presided over his incarceration in prison before he died.Despite his documented contribution to the war of liberation, Masuku was controversially denied national hero status, a development which has become common when ZIPRA cadres die.Mugabe's government which has in the past been accused of bias against ex-ZIPRA cadres does not take more than 48 hours to confer hero status to ex-ZANLA forces when they die.Fighting Oppression To Be Poor?Ndlovu emotionally revealed that had ZIPRA properties been not confiscated, most ZIPRA cadres would not be living in abject poverty."You see, I lost my eyesight during the war but at times I'm not able to pay for my medical bills because I have nothing much from my personal coffers," Ndlovu said.The properties which were confiscated by the Zanu-PF government during the Gukurahundi disturbances that took place in the Matabeleland and the Midlands regions between 1981 and 1987 are registered under Nitram Investments (Private) Limited."If these properties were there and generating income for us all ZIPRA cadres, I would go there and appeal for financial aid," Ndlovu said with tears dripping from his eyes covered with dark eye glasses.ZIPRA cadres estimate the value of their properties at US$300 million. The investment was set up following a monetary contribution by each ZIPRA member with a view of setting business ventures that will help prevent cadres from sinking into poverty after the war. But ZIPRA is still battling to recover the properties to date.Exploring Alternatives[The] session moderator [Dr] Samukele Hadebe urged the new generation "to emulate and live [good] values championed by [our] liberation war heroes such as Masuku  who in the midst of calamity girded their armour and fought own"."In addition to documenting [our] true history, there is need to emulate and live these values for nation building," advised Hadebe."There is need for us as a people to celebrate our [liberation] heroes, but we must not end there; we must use their past victories to build our nation moving forward because they fought so that we live better lives."Ibhetshu Likazulu, the organisers of the memorial lecturer, on the other hand said they will work towards organising more similar lecturers in memory of several 'forgotten' liberation heroes in order "to correct the contaminated history of our heroes and to restore what has been stolen from us."
Opinion / Interviews

Africa Renewal: Why are you at the UN headquarters?



Why were you selected for this trip?

You said they are "low-cost". How much does this cost?

Describe briefly your innovative solution.

How many communities in Uganda are you operating in?

How many people do you employ?

Without your efforts, how would communities now served by your company cope?

Who is financing your operations?



But it's a profitable business?

Which means in the future you could survive on your own?

How do you see your work within the global efforts to achieve SDGs?

How would you describe the socioeconomic conditions of young Ugandans?

What other challenges do young people face in Uganda?

Can you tell us who or what inspired you?



How do you see your business in the next 5 to 10 years?

How do you assess current youth policies in Uganda?

In 2015, Samuel Malinga, at age 26, founded Sanitation Africa - a company engaged in turning human waste into briquettes for cooking and agricultural manure. For his innovative approach to waste management, Samuel has been recognized by several organizations, including the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a philanthropy that awarded him a grant to expand his operations. In 2014, Ventures Africa, a business and lifestyle publication, listed him as one of the 40 African innovators to watch. While visiting the United Nations headquarters in New York recently, Samuel shared his experiences with Africa Renewal's Kingsley Ighobor.Malinga: I am here with 16 other young leaders from around the world to draft a one-year plan on how we can advocate for Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] to ensure they are achieved by 2030.I do sanitation projects. I do innovative toilet construction and upgrades. Our low-cost toilets address some of the challenges of climate change, such as soil collapse. Also, we have an innovative solution for emptying toilets, especially in the hard-to-reach areas due to poor infrastructure. It allows people to reuse their toilets in areas that don't have much space, instead of digging new pits.For emptying a toilet, a client pays roughly $50. It costs between $200 and $400 to construct a new toilet. So it's cheaper to empty old ones (when the pit gets full after several months of use, depending on the number of users) than to construct new toilets.We are converting human waste into briquettes for cooking and manure. Our research has shown that our briquettes burn longer and are four times cheaper than firewood. We developed a pump to empty pits and then a treatment plant that turns the dried fecal sludge into briquettes that are used for cooking.We are operating in three regions - greater Kampala, and in parts of eastern and western Uganda. We intend to spread this technology throughout Africa.There are six permanent employees at the moment, but we hire young people on a part-time basis to do marketing. Depending on tasks, we hire more people for toilet construction, sometimes between 10 and 20.I think there would be a big problem, because people easily dump their waste into draining channels, which end up in our water reservoirs and supply systems. There would be a lot of contamination.I must say, proudly, that the first money I got was from the Future Project in Lagos, Nigeria, spearheaded by the Tony Elumelu Foundation. They gave me around two million naira ($11,000 in 2014), with which I set up my company's structures. We could be making a bigger impact, but the funding is limited. Banks are hesitant to provide loans because of a lack of collateral.Yes.Yes, that is the ultimate goal. A 25% profit margin could make our operations sustainable. It is not sustainable if we are soliciting funding like what other NGOs do.We are going to do a lot of community mobilization because in order to achieve the SDGs, we need to make sure everybody is involved, particularly the youth. Governments need to know the importance of youth in development.Most young Ugandans, especially those who have formal education, expect to get jobs after school. But these jobs are not readily available. And this is why many are now advocating for their rights: they want to be involved in decision making, in policy, and even in the process of preparing budgets.Young people need mentors. They lack financing to start businesses. They are not properly represented politically.The community in which I grew up inspired me. At the age of 12, I saw people suffering from sanitation-related diseases like cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery. So I went ahead to study engineering. Upon graduation, I started thinking of how we can come up with solutions.We want to reach fast-growing towns in Uganda, expand our operations, employ more young people, and also reach other parts of East Africa.There are no clear policies on the youth at the moment and it's one of the things that I hope we can advocate for.
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Kautman-Jones endorses Davis Please support Meredith Davis in her re-election to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners - 8th District. I have had...


MiG-29 fighter aircraft: Photo: Indian Air Force.

KUALA LUMPUR (PTI): India is keen to buy MiG-29 fighter jets from Malaysia and upgrade them for use by its air force, Prime Minister Najib Razak has said.



Najib said the proposal was among the aspects of military cooperation agreed to by Malaysia and India during his just-concluded visit to New Delhi and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



He said the India's Ministry of Defence and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) would look at the form of cooperation, including handling the Sukhoi aircraft and spare parts, Malaysia's official Bernama news agency reported on Wednesday.



"There is a possibility too that they (India) will buy our MiG 29 aircraft for refit. We reciprocate by accepting spare parts for our Sukhoi aircraft programme," he said at the end of a six-day visit to India which started on March 30 in Chennai.



According to leading military aviation magazine, 'AirForces Monthly', the Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1995 procured 18 MiG-29N from Russia, and presently has 10 MiG-29N and 2 MiG-29NU (Trainers) in its fleet.



Najib said the visit this time to India was successful in terms of investments between the two countries, where 31 MoUs were signed with investments totalling USD 35.99 billion.



The cooperation encompassed construction of harbours and roads, development of solar energy, smart city, palm oil and coconut, technology park and higher education.



Najib also said Malaysia was striving to obtain six highway construction packages totalling 3,000 kms in Rajasthan involving an estimated investment of USD 1.5 billion.



"My visit to Jaipur showcases Malaysia's keenness on the highway project in Rajasthan and the model to be implemented by Malaysia will be an example to the states neighbouring Rajasthan," Najib was quoted as saying by the report.






NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Navy has deployed an amphibious warship for surveillance in the Indian Ocean region which has been witnessing growing Chinese assertiveness.



The Navy said the warship INS Shardul has been deployed in keeping with India's national objective of ensuring a secure and stable regional environment.



The ship, during its initial deployment, carried out joint "Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance" of Mauritius from March 8-26 in close coordination with National Coast Guard of the island nation.



"In keeping with India's national objective of ensuring a secure and stable regional environment to allow unhindered economic and social development, not just in India, but also in the Indian Ocean Region, Indian Naval ship Shardul is on a two-month-long deployment in the South Indian Ocean," the Defence Ministry said in statement.



Post-successful completion of joint EEZ surveillance of Mauritius, the warship entered EEZ of Seychelles on Mar 27.



The coordination meeting with officials from Seychelles Coast Guard and INS Shardul was conducted at Seychelles Coast Guard Headquarters to discuss the modus operandi, extent of surveillance area and communication plan.



The ship set sail from Port Victoria in Seychelles on March 31 for Phase II of EEZ surveillance.



The ministry said the deployment was aimed at showing "presence", deter illegal fishing and drug trafficking.



"The ship carried out extensive patrol in the area (sanitising about 21,000 sq nautical miles) and interrogated merchant and fishing vessels ensuring safe waters for transit of mercantile traffic and safeguarding of EEZ of Seychelles.



The ship will return to India in mid-April.



INS Shardul is a landing ship tank whose primary role is to transport troops, vehicles, armaments and accomplish all objectives of an amphibious operation which primarily includes landing of combat equipment and personnel to an Amphibious Objective Area.



INS Shardul has the capability to launch and recover Marine Commandos through sea as well as by helicopters.




An unrelated file photo.

SEOUL (AFP): South Korea has successfully test-fired a home-developed ballistic missile with a range long enough to hit any part of North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.



It comes a day after the North fired its own ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan -- which analysts dubbed a warning ahead of a China-US summit, at which Pyongyang's accelerating atomic weapons programme is set to top the agenda.



South Korea is protected under an American security umbrella and is home to thousands of US troops.



But in 2012 it reached an agreement with the United States to almost triple the range of its ballistic missile systems to guard against the North's nuclear threats, and has since been developing missiles with longer ranges.



Citing a high-ranking government official, Yonhap said the South's missile with a range of 800 kilometres (500 miles) could serve as a strong deterrent to Pyongyang.



"The test-firing was successful", the official was quoted as saying.



A defence ministry spokesman declined to comment.



The South plans to deploy the new missile this year following further tests to determine its reliability, Yonhap said.



The new missile could cover all of North Korea even when fired from a southern region of the country, it said.



In June last year, the South successfully test-fired two home-developed missiles capable of carrying a one-tonne payload up to 500 kilometres.



Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme is likely to dominate when US President Donald Trump meets China's leader Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida Thursday, their first face to face meeting.


Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/04/2017 (2042 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Pairing local requests against the provincial governments tight budget rhetoric, budget day is likely to disappoint some.

The Manitoba Tories latest budget drops on Tuesday, at which time its anticipated they either hold the line or cut back on spending.

As such, some projects will likely become longer-term goals, while others will require some financial manoeuvring to see fruition.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun A woman walks past one of the buildings at Assiniboine Community Colleges North Hill Campus in Brandon on Wednesday.

Considering the provinces recent austerity comments, Assiniboine Community College president and CEO Mark Frison said that he anticipates restraint, all-around.

While ACC would like to get rolling on its North Hill campus expansion, its a cause unlikely to be bolstered too greatly by next weeks budget announcements.

During the last election cycle, the Manitoba NDP promised to fund about two-thirds of the cost toward developing a $94.1-million Centre for Health, Energy and Environment in the Parkland Building at the colleges North Hill campus.

The Progressive Conservatives have yet to share in this commitment, relegating the project to a longer-term goal. Frison said that their current short-term goals include seat expansions in various targeted areas as well as allocating more money to respond to opportunities that arise in the labour market. Right now, power engineering is a hot employment area in Manitoba.

Recognizing the governments tight fiscal constraints, Frison is advocating for the repurposing of existing dollars in order to help secure these seat expansions.

Siding with a recent report by Higher Education Strategy Associates titled Post-Secondary Education in Manitoba: A Blueprint for Opportunity and Growth, Frison said that two existing tax credits worth about $67 million per year are ineffective.

The Education Amount Tax Credit and Tuition Fee Income Tax Rebate were intended to help retain students in the province with financial incentives after they graduate from post-secondary institutions, but Frison said theres little evidence they successfully serve this purpose.

Cutting these programs would provide enough funding to increase capacities in a number of areas, he said, adding that itd be his hope to see Brandon get a healthy cut of the windfall, since about 85 per cent of the provinces existing post-secondary money already goes to Winnipeg.

Coun. Barry Cullen (Victoria) said that while the province is already moving on a number of projects, like the repaving of a stretch of Victoria Avenue at the citys west end and upgrades to the bridge at First Street and the Daly Overpass on 18th, there are a number of additional infrastructure needs they should look at.

The City of Brandon is still waiting on funding for both the Keystone Centre and its water treatment plant.

The Keystone Centre would be a dual-funding effort between the province and municipality, while the water treatment plant would include the province, municipality and federal levels of government.

Of these projects, the water treatment plant is the most significant, requiring an investment of about $60 million.

There are also ongoing provincial investments in affordable housing that need to be retained as well as the construction of a new school at the citys south end to help meet the needs of our growing community, he said.

Its really hard to grow as a city if you have no place for the kids to go, Cullen added.

For a provincial government that has been holding the line during recent years and is anticipated to continue doing so, Cullen said that expectations should be tempered.

Although longer-term goals such as a new school arent expected in this years budget, they still need to be worked toward, as they tend to require years of planning before breaking ground.

While he said that his eyes would be on the provincial budget on Tuesday, Mayor Rick Chrest clarified that the information brought forward during budget day usually provides only a broad framework of where funding will actually go.

Budget day can be a bit anticlimactic, he said, adding that specific budget announcements tend to be released on a sporadic basis over the course of the subsequent year.

Chrest will experience Tuesdays budget announcements live in Winnipeg on Tuesday, where hell also be attending an Association of Manitoba Municipalities meetings for mayors, reeves and CAOs.

Rather than looking for specific projects in the budget, Chrest said that his focus will centre on broader areas of funding to municipalities, which the City of Brandon receives through many streams.

Theres a fairly significant list, he said, offering per-capita assistance funding, grants in lieu of property tax, emergency services, sanitation and partnership funding for Renaissance Brandon as a few examples.

Both Brandon East MLA Len Isleifson and Brandon West MLA Reg Helwer declined comment regarding what they have been advocating for in the provincial governments latest budget.

Helwer noted that as a member of the Treasury Board he was unable to make comments about the budget, although the inquiry made clear we were not seeking budget details.

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB

SIDEBAR: Chaboyer wants to see living wage in budget

Brandon and District Labour Council president Jan Chaboyer said that she feels sorry for members of the younger generation, for whom life has become less affordable in recent decades.

Its certainly challenging to make the ends meet, she said, adding that she hopes to see the Manitoba Tories latest budget, to be delivered on Tuesday, nudge things forward in a better direction.

Ideally Id like to see a living wage so theres enough to provide the basics of life, she said.

While this would be a more significant leap, there are also a multitude of smaller steps the provincial government could take to secure the futures of those employed in the province.

Leave the unions alone, for starters; stop attacking them, she said, referencing recent actions and musings of the provincial government that Chaboyer has been an outspoken opponent of.

Last month, Premier Brian Pallister introduced the Public Services Sustainability Act, which would freeze public-sector wages for the next two years, after which a 0.75 per cent wage increase would be permitted followed by a one per cent increase. The four-year regulation comes into effect once existing contracts expire.

Union rates are marketable rates to keep young people here, Chaboyer said.

The addition of child care spots to address Brandons long wait lists, the support of English as a second language training, assurance the Education Property Tax Credit of up to $700 would be safe, and affordable post-secondary education would also be of benefit to enabling a healthy labour force, she said.

Im expecting (Pallister) to leave working people alone; make their working life easier, not harder  thats the bottom line, she said. Its not about providing industries with all the funds. What about the actual people who keep the wheels moving?

 The Brandon Sun
Angela Merkel has promised that Germany will fight to safeguard Ireland's interests in Brexit negotiations, writes the Irish Examiner's Elaine Loughlin from Berlin.

Acknowledging the "very very important issues of war and peace that are important to Ireland" the German Chancellor said this country will be particularly impacted when Britain leaves the European Union.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny travelled to Berlin today and met with Ms Merkel on the issue of Brexit, however, he refused to take questions from journalists despite calls in the Dail to react to the publication of the Fennelly Report and the mounting crisis around the future of water charges.

Ahead of the their meeting, Ms Merkel praised Ireland for getting through the financial crisis and said difficult reforms have been "successfully mastered".

Speaking in German she commended Ireland for "enormous growth rates" which she said "step by step" are proving to be a "boon to the people".

Mr Kenny said that whatever happens during Brexit negotiations "nothing should undermine the peace and stability" of Northern Ireland.

He added: "As demonstrated by recent developments, and stability remains in a fragile state, it is therefore critical that there is no return to a hard border. This is a political problem and we will have to be both creative and imaginative in dealing with it."
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has called for direct negotiations between London and Dublin on relations after Brexit.

The Mr Ahern said the internationally binding Good Friday Agreement peace deal allows bilateral talks between the countries on issues other than trade.

At present, Ireland will negotiate with Britain only as a member of the EU27 bloc.

Mr Ahern said European Union leaders - including Guy Verhofstadt, Michel Barnier and Jean-Claude Juncker - do not disagree on the right for separate Anglo-Irish talks.

In the Seanad he said the Good Friday Agreement specifically allows for it.

"It is an international agreement, and we have every right to bilaterally negotiate - not the trade issues, we accept that is the European Union - but on several of the other issues, to be able to negotiate with the British," he said.

"For the life of me, I don't understand why or accept the argument that we are precluded on those issues."

Mr Ahern added: "I know Guy Verhofstadt, I know Michel Barnier, I know Jean-Claude Juncker. I've dealt with these guys for 20 years - they don't have a different view.

"The strength of our argument on non-trade issues is that the Good Friday Agreement allows it and says it."

Mr Ahern, who played a key role in the 1998 peace accord, said there are many concerns "in relation to the island of Ireland and particularly on Northern Ireland" that should be dealt with on a London/Dublin basis.

He also predicted any Brexit deal would take longer than two years to complete - up to 10 years for a trade agreement - and agreed that any necessary EU treaty change would have to be passed by a referendum in Ireland under its constitution.

This could effectively hand Ireland a veto over a British deal with the EU.

Speaking before a special Brexit committee, he predicted free movement would continue across the Irish border, including for EU nationals, after Britain pulls out of the bloc.

But he warned the free movement of goods and services is a "big problem".

Mr Ahern said he agreed with Lord King, former head of the Bank of England, that the tax and trade border could by moved to the Irish Sea.

The forrmer taoiseach also warned now is not the time for a border poll on Irish unity.

A "sectarian headcount" in Northern Ireland is the last thing that is needed amid the fall-out of Brexit, he told senators.

"The last thing I want out of Brexit, the very last thing, is anyone (going) on about border polls," he said.

"The only time we should have a border poll in my view, and I will argue this for the rest of my life, is when we are in a situation where nationalists and republicans and a sizeable amount of unionists and loyalists are in consent.

"To have a sectarian headcount now is the last thing we need."

But Mr Ahern said the provision for Irish reunification, enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, should be stitched into any Brexit deal between the UK and the EU.

Sinn Fein, who made gains in the recent Stormont elections, has insisted there is an urgent need for a reunification referendum after the UK vote to pull out of the EU.

The majority of voters in Northern Ireland backed remaining within the EU - 56% to 44%.

But the Democratic Unionist Party has accused Sinn Fein of creating further uncertainty and division in calling for a border poll.
An Estonian man has appeared in court charged with conspiring to murder a man called James Gately in Northern Ireland.

Imre Arakas from Tallin in Estonia was arrested in Dublin two days ago by officers investigating the ongoing Hutch-Kinahan feud.

58-year-old Imre Arakas appeared in court this afternoon with a large bandage on his left arm.

He was arrested on Tuesday morning when Gardai from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau raided a house in west Dublin with the support of members of the Special Crime Task Force, the Emergency Response Unit and Armed Support Unit.

Two other men were also arrested but have since been released without charge.

He is accused of conspiring with others between Monday and Tuesday of this week to murder a man called James Gately in Northern Ireland.

The others referred to on the charge sheet are not before the courts.

Judge Grainne Malone was told he made no reply when the charge was put to him and she was also told he did not require an interpreter.

There was no application for bail today because that can only be dealt with by the High Court so he was remanded in custody to appear in court again next week.
The UK Government will not allow political talks to restore powersharing in the North to drift past Easter, Secretary of State James Brokenshire has warned.

Mr Brokenshire said he would make a call on the state of negotiations over the Easter weekend - in 10 days' time - to enable him to move legislation in Westminster once MPs return from recess on April 18.

His comments, made during a visit to Antrim Area Hospital, effectively make Good Friday the deadline for the region's rowing parties to reach consensus - a timeline that is sure to prompt comparisons with the tense negotiations ahead of the historic Good Friday peace agreement of 1998.

Whatever the outcome of the talks, Mr Brokenshire will need to table legislation in the British House of Commons - either to restore a devolved executive or, in lieu of a deal, to pass laws to deliver a measure of financial stability to Northern Ireland's rudderless public services.

"I need to make decisions over the Easter period to bring legislation forward at Westminster," he said. "That is the timeline I am working to.

"It is that Easter focus that I have on needing for me to take decisions and therefore to introduce legislation there afterwards so that we can get on with the job, get an executive back in place and, equally for me, if we don't see that, to start to make decisions about what further contingencies may need to be put into place."

Mr Brokenshire again made clear the reintroduction of direct rule from London would be considered if the parties fail to strike a deal.

On Wednesday, Sinn Fein gave a bleak assessment of where the talks stood, claiming there had been no progress in the first three days of negotiations.

The Democratic Unionists hit back, accusing the republican party of peddling "doom and gloom" and questioning whether it was actually committed to the restoration of devolution.

The two main parties are taking part in discussions along with Stormont's other three main parties - the Ulster Unionists, SDLP and Alliance Party - and the UK and Irish governments.

Mr Brokenshire instigated the fresh talks after last month's negotiations to form a new powersharing administration ended in failure.

Parties missed a deadline to get a government up and running within three weeks of March's snap Assembly election.

Devolution crashed in January over a row about a botched green energy scheme.

The subsequent election campaign laid bare a series of other disputes dividing the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Two of the main stumbling blocks are the contentious issues of Irish language protections and how to deal with the toxic legacy of the Troubles.

Mr Brokenshire said progress had been made on some important issues, but he conceded: "There are some key issues that do remain outstanding, therefore if we are to get the resolution that we need I think we need that sense of compromise and that sense of the bigger picture.

"I am here at a hospital underlining the public services that are looking for certainty, looking for an executive being in place to be able to make decisions.

"We know this cannot carry on for an extended period of time because of the impact on public services like the one I have been seeing today."

Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy accused the British government of blocking progress in the talks.

"If James Brokenshire wants to ensure public services run smoothly in the North then it's time he and his government lived up to their responsibilities to implement previous agreements," he said.

"The British Secretary of State knows what he needs to do to make progress and to date he and his government have not focused on the key issues."

Mr Murphy added: "Many people will also find James Brokenshire's concern for public services a bit rich.

"Relentless Tory cuts and austerity policies have taken hundreds of millions of pounds out of public services over the last seven years and the Tories are also pursuing a pro-Brexit agenda which will be disastrous for the people of this island.

"For our part, Sinn Fein want to see an Executive in place based on equality, integrity and respect, delivering for all."
The Taoiseach will hold high level talks with the German Chancellor in Berlin today.

Discussions between Enda Kenny and Angela Merkel are expected to focus on Brexit, as well as the future direction of the European Union.

The Taoiseach's first stop on this trade mission will be Frankfurt where he will meet Irish companies based in Germany.

Enda Kenny then travels to Berlin where Brexit will top the agenda during talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Both leaders will also discuss the EU's future and international relations more broadly.

Mr Kenny will also meet business representatives given that Germany is Ireland's fourth largest merchandise trade partner, with total bilateral trade of approximately 25 billion.

The Taoiseach says such visits are an essential element of supporting jobs and growth in the Irish economy.
A British soldier who stabbed his girlfriend to death in a "frenzied" attack as their children slept upstairs has been jailed for life, police said.

Jay Nava, 27, knifed Natasha Wake 11 times during a bitter row after she learned he was being investigated over an allegation of sexual assault, Dorset Police said.

He stowed the 26-year-old's body in a cupboard beneath the stairs at their Bournemouth home, where it was found covered by a duvet on October 2.

Nava, of the Royal Artillery's 29 Commando Regiment, was given a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years after being found guilty of murder at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, the force said.

Passing sentence, Judge Jane Miller told Nava: "You killed her in a frenzied and violent outburst."

Ms Wake's father told the court during sentencing on Thursday that he had only cried twice over his daughter - at birth and death.

"Natasha's life was on the right track. She had a job she enjoyed, she had a lovely home and she had her children living with her," John Wake said.

"Being a single mum of two was difficult but she never complained. But her life was taken from her and in doing so, her children will never know her.

"I cried when my little girl was put in my arms in the delivery room at St Peter's Hospital. My love was instant, my hopes and dreams for her endless.

"Yes, she grew up and had her own children but she never stopped being my little girl. The next time I cried with Tash was carrying her coffin, to sound of friends and family also crying, to her final resting place."

Ms Wake's relationship with her murderer soured over the two years they were together and she became afraid of his "controlling and jealous behaviour", the judge was said to have told the court.

Nava physically and emotionally abused his partner during this time, police said.

The couple had a son together, as well as a child each from previous relationships.

The day before Ms Wake's murder, she discovered Nava was the subject of a police probe over a sexual assault claim made against him in May.

This may have acted as a catalyst for an argument that occurred on the evening she was killed, the jury was told.

Unaware their mother lay lifeless nearby, Ms Wake's children and the third youngster were taken from the house and dropped off by Nava at his grandparents' property.

The following day, he rang his mother in Australia and confessed to the killing, police said.

Family in England were contacted and then raised the alarm.

Ms Wake's body was found curled in foetal position, her chest covered in stab wounds, with injuries also found on her face and defensive wounds on her hands.

Her mother, Shelley Powell, told the court on Thursday: "We are haunted by Natasha's last few moments. I knew her fears - that she would not live to see her children grow up.

"The hideous thought that she may have seen her end and known this fear to be coming true is very hard for us to come to terms with.

"My relationship with Natasha - mother, daughter, best friend is one that will never be replaced. Her loss will always leave a huge void. I will always miss her."

Police began searching for Nava after the mother's body was found at their home in Harley Gardens and they found him in woodland having made an unsuccessful attempt at taking his life.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire, of Dorset Police, said: "Jay Nava is now serving a life sentence after he subjected Natasha to a horrific and brutal attack.

"Throughout their relationship he was both physically and mentally abusive to Natasha and his violent temper ended in tragedy.

"He has sadly left two young children without their mother and Natasha's family and friends totally devastated by their loss."
China's president Xi Jinping has arrived in Florida ahead of meetings with US counterpart Donald Trump.

Mr Xi landed in West Palm Beach and was greeted by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, ahead of talks with Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago, the president's resort.

Mr Trump is due to arrive in Florida later.

The introductory meetings will cover topics from trade to North Korea's recent nuclear tests.

Mr Trump campaigned on taking a harder line on China, saying previous presidents allowed China to steal jobs that could otherwise go to Americans.

He has also said he is prepared to act alone on North Korea if China is not willing to exert pressure on its neighbour.

Mr Trump has taken an aggressive posture towards China, labelling Beijing a "tremendous problem" and arguing that lopsided trade deals with China short-change American businesses and workers.

Last week, the president predicted in a tweet that his meeting with Mr Xi would be "very difficult".

The White House has downplayed expectations for a breakthrough on issues such as trade and tariffs, insisting that the 24-hour summit is mostly an introductory meeting for the two leaders.

Within Mr Trump's administration, there are still divisions over how to approach China.

According to US and foreign officials, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and economic adviser Gary Cohn are leading the charge for boosting bilateral relations with China and exploring the potential for greater economic cooperation.

But economic adviser Peter Navarro, author of the book Death By China: Confronting The Dragon - A Global Call To Action, prefers trying to isolate China, in keeping with Mr Trump's America First mantra.

Patrick Cronin, a China expert at the Centre for a New American Security, said the Trump administration does not have "a reconciled trade and economic policy yet, and the differing views on China in the White House underscore that".

Ahead of the summit, Mr Trump signed a pair of executive orders focused on reducing the US trade deficit.

The moves appeared to be a shot at China, which accounted for the vast bulk - $347bn - of last year's $502bn trade deficit. Chinese exports to the US totalled some $388.1bn last year.

Anthony Ruggiero, an East Asia expert at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said China may be more willing to accommodate Mr Trump on trade and economic issues than on regional security issues, including North Korea.

Mr Xi, a shrewd political operator, is unlikely to want to rock the boat ahead of a Communist Party conclave later this year that will install new leadership.

The urgency about North Korea is expected to be at the forefront of the leaders' discussions.

A senior White House official said this week that the "clock has now run out" on Pyongyang, though officials have not detailed what steps Mr Trump is willing to take to halt North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Like his predecessors, Mr Trump is pressing China to exert more economic pressure on North Korea, though there is no sign he will be any more successful than past American presidents. In an interview last week with the Financial Times, Mr Trump said that if China does not take a tougher stand, the US is prepared to act alone.

Mr Xi is also expected to seek assurances that Mr Trump will not interfere in the territorial dispute over the South China Sea or question the One China policy by reaching out to Taiwan's leader again, as he did during the transition. The move infuriated Beijing, leading Mr Trump to eventually reiterate his commitment to the decades-old policy.

Previous US administrations have held China accountable for its human rights record, something this government has made very little mention of, whether in China or elsewhere.

It also remains to be seen whether the Obama administration's deal with Beijing to curb Chinese cyber-theft for economic gain and its hacking of US companies will be addressed.

- AP
More than 40 donors have pledged nearly 5 billion to help people in need in 2017 amid the Syrian crisis, the United Nations humanitarian chief says.

Stephen O'Brien, under secretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief co-ordinator, said what was now needed was to see the pledges turned into "cash for action" as soon as possible.
Update: 12am: Russian investigators have arrested several people suspected of links to a suicide bomber accused of attacking the St Petersburg subway earlier this week.

The investigators said they found elements of an explosive device in the apartment where they lived.

The Investigative Committee said the suspects are residents of the former Soviet Central Asia region like the bomber, 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a native of Kyrgyzstan.

The impoverished, predominantly Muslim countries in Central Asia are seen as fertile ground for Islamic extremists, and thousands of their residents are believed to have joined the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

The committee, the nation's top criminal investigation agency, said investigators also found objects that would help advance the probe during a search of the home on St Petersburg's eastern outskirts.

Russian news agencies reported that law enforcement agencies arrested three people.

The building's residents had been evacuated before explosives experts went in to check the site. Konstantin Serov, the chief administrator in the city district where the building is located, told Russian news agencies that police deactivated an explosive device at the apartment.

Police in the city are on high alert following Monday's explosion that killed the attacker and 13 other people and wounded 55 others.

Thursday's arrests came a day after law enforcement agencies detained eight Central Asian migrants suspected of acting as recruiters for the Islamic State group and al Qaida's Syria branch. The investigators found no immediate evidence of their involvement in the subway attack.

No one has claimed responsibility for the subway bombing, but Russian trains and planes have been targeted by bombings staged by Islamist militants in the past.

Earlier: Russian security officials are checking a suspicious object at an apartment building in St Petersburg following a suicide bombing on the city's subway system earlier in the week.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) said, according to Russian news agencies, that the object found in an apartment building on the eastern outskirts of the city early on Thursday could contain explosives.

Residents have been evacuated and explosives experts have started working at the scene.

Police in St Petersburg are on high alert following Monday's explosion that killed the attacker and 13 other people and injured a further 55.

On Wednesday, officers arrested eight Central Asian migrants suspected of acting as recruiters for the Islamic State group and al Qaida's Syria branch.

The investigators found no immediate evidence of their involvement in the subway attack.

- AP
Parents could face a fine or prosecution if they take their children out of school for even half a day without permission following a landmark ruling by the UK's highest court.

Five Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled against father Jon Platt who took his daughter to Disney World during school term-time in a decision which will have a major impact on schools and parents across the country.

In a judgment clarifying what "regular" attendance at school means, they allowed an appeal by Isle of Wight education chiefs against an earlier ruling that Mr Platt had not acted unlawfully.

The panel of judges, including the court's president Lord Neuberger, declared Parliament's intention was that the word "regularly" means "in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school".

This effectively means mothers and fathers should not take their child out of lessons at any point without the headteacher's approval.

The judges pointed out there are exceptions to that rule, which include religious holidays and sickness .

Speaking after the ruling was given, Mr Platt said he was "not at all surprised" at the judgment.

He said: "I'm pleased that they acknowledged the judgment doesn't go on to say what the school rules should be.

"Schools need to think very carefully about what these rules should be.

"Some have policies that mean that every day missed is a criminal offence."

Mr Platt's case now has to return to the magistrates' court in the light of the ruling on Thursday.

He said he had "no intention" of pleading guilty when the case goes back to the court.

Lady Hale, announcing the decision, emphasised the case was not about what the rules should be "or how much discretion the headteacher should have to authorise absence".

She added: "That is a matter for the appropriate authorities."
French presidential candidate Francois Fillon has called for a tougher and more united Europe that can defend itself against violent extremists and unfair trade.

Most of the 11 French presidential candidates are sceptical about the 28-nation European Union, amid growing nationalist sentiment around Europe and Britain's pending exit from the bloc.

But Mr Fillon argued that the EU is "indispensable" to ensure peace and prosperity.

He warned that far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's proposals to leave the EU and the euro currency "would be assured chaos, and the explosion of Europe".

He did say the bloc has become too heavily regulated and needs to "recreate itself".

He proposed tougher protection for external borders and tougher EU rules against trade dumping and tax evasion by US or Asian companies.

Conservative Mr Fillon was once the front-runner in the presidential race but corruption allegations have hurt his chances in the two-round election on April 23 and May 7.

Earlier, Mr Fillon threatened legal action over leaks that have deeply damaged his campaign - and that he believes came from President Francois Hollande.

Mr Fillon said he had detailed information about who was behind the leaks about parliamentary jobs he gave his wife Penelope, from Abergavenny in Wales, and children.

He said "when the time comes, I will pursue them" and "those who are at the origin of the affair will not sleep well in the future".

Mr Fillon has been given preliminary charges of embezzlement but denies wrongdoing.

On Thursday he reiterated accusations that the Socialist president was linked to the leaks - accusations Mr Hollande has denied.

Later, Mr Fillon told reporters in Paris: "We are in a world of competition where each defends its interests tooth and nail. We should do the same."

Pledging to boost French defence spending, he said European countries should stop assuming that Nato or the US will defend Europe.

Rival independent candidate Emmanuel Macron, seen as the front-runner in the presidential race, says the EU needs to defend its common ideals of peace, prosperity and freedom.

He wants the EU to stand up to those who "openly want a weakening of Europe: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, as well as the main authoritarian leaders of the Middle East".
A bid to overturn the child sex abuse conviction of a former boarding school worker found guilty by a jury following his suicide during his trial has succeeded.

Darren Turk, 54, hanged himself last June while he was on trial accused of offences against boys aged between 11 and 15 at Frewen College in Northiam, East Sussex, between 1996 and 2002.
A man arrested after a mid-air drama that saw an international passenger flight diverted with an RAF fighter escort was wanted over a fraud of just 175 (204), a court heard.

Khalid Baqa, 52, was arrested when the Pakistan International Airlines flight from Lahore was diverted from Heathrow to Stansted, flanked by Typhoon jets, in February.

Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday that the British national was arrested and charged for failing to tell Liverpool Victoria that he had been given three penalty points in June 2015 for running a red light, when he later renewed his car insurance.

Baqa, an unemployed former revenue officer at Hackney Borough Council, was jailed for two years in 2013 for possession and dissemination of terrorist material over extremist material found on discs at his home.

Photos posted on Twitter at the time of February's major flight incident over southern England showing several fire engines and a number of ambulances waiting on the ground at the Essex airport.

Stansted is a designated airport for dealing with hijacks and major security alerts.

Incidents are dealt with in a remote part of the airfield to the north west of the terminal building.

An airline spokesman at the time said UK authorities had "received some vague security threat through an anonymous phone call".

Essex Police said the incident was "not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter".

No information about the background to Baqa's arrest or whether he was even linked to the flight diversion was given at Thursday's trial.

Police said at the time that he had been due to be arrested anyway when the flight arrived at Heathrow before it was diverted.

Baqa was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay 115 (134) in costs and victim surcharge after being convicted of fraud by failure to disclose information.

Prosecutor Fabio Vitiello told the court: "The premium would have been 175 higher, therefore the prosecution case is that by not disclosing the conviction he made a benefit for himself by not paying the higher price."

The court heard that Baqa, of Priory Road in Barking, east London, was pulled over on the school run after going through the red light.

As well as the penalty points, Stratford magistrates fined him in June 2015 for not wearing a seatbelt or ensuring his daughter was wearing one in the back of the Renault Modus.

Giving evidence, Baqa said he believed he had not been given the points, only the fine, because it was not mentioned on a court letter he received.

His sister-in-law paid the insurance to allow him to drive around his wife, her sister, who was disabled, he said, and she could afford the higher premium anyway.

He said: "There was no reason for me to be dishonest."

But District Judge Paul Booty said he would have known at the earlier court hearing he had received points as well as a fine.

He told the defendant: "What you have tried to do today is put forward a smokescreen.

"I don't accept that evidence. Therefore you are guilty of the offence."
Syria's foreign minister has categorically denied using chemical gasses to kill the country's own civilians this week.

Some 86 people - including children - died after bombs were dropped on Tuesday.

Turkey says tests on victims' bodies confirm chemical weapons were used.

Autopsies conducted on three Syrians brought to Turkey after the assault in Idlib province show they were subjected to a chemical weapons attack, according to Turkey's justice minister.

The statement came as international outrage grew over the attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in northern Syria.

In France, the country's foreign minister called for President Bashar Assad's government to be prosecuted over its alleged use of chemical weapons.

The Syrian government has denied it carried out any chemical attack on the town in Idlib.

Foreign minister Walid Moallem reiterated that stance today, telling reporters in Damascus that his government never used and will not use chemical weapons in Syria.

"The Syrian Arab Army has never used chemical weapons and will not use chemical weapons against Syrians and even against terrorists," Mr Moallem told the news conference.

In Turkey, state-run Anadolu and the private DHA news agencies quoted justice minister Bekir Bozdag as saying that "it was determined after the autopsy that a chemical weapon was used".

Turkish officials say that close to 60 victims of the attack were brought to Turkey for treatment and three of them died.

Tuesday's attack happened just 60 miles from the Turkish border, and the Turkish government - a close ally of Syrian rebels - set up a decontamination centre at a border crossing in the province of Hatay, where the victims were initially treated before being moved to hospitals.

Russia's defence ministry said the toxic agents were released when a Syrian air strike hit a rebel chemical weapons arsenal and munitions factory on the town's eastern outskirts.

At the Damascus press conference, Mr Moallem also echoed that statement, saying the Syrian army bombed a warehouse belonging to al Qaida's branch in Syria which contained chemical weapons.

The area of the town is difficult to access and as more time passes in the aftermath of the attack, it will be increasingly difficult to determine exactly what happened.

Turkish media have reported that World Health Organisation experts took part in the autopsies of Syrian victims conducted in a hospital in the Turkish city of Adana on Wednesday.

In France, foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault called for a resumption of Syrian peace talks and said he wants Assad's government prosecuted over its alleged use of chemical weapons.

He said that a new UN resolution and Syrian peace negotiations should be a top priority - not rushing into new military interventions. Mr Ayrault said that "France is still seeking to talk with its partners on the Security Council... Russia in particular".

"These crimes must not remain unpunished," he said. "One day, international justice will rule on Assad."

Russia argued at a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday against holding Assad's government responsible for the Idlib attack.

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, warned that the Trump administration would take action if the Security Council did not.

US President Donald Trump and other world leaders said the Syrian government was to blame, but Moscow, a key ally of Assad, said the assault was caused by a Syrian air strike that hit a rebel stockpile of chemical arms.

Early US assessments showed the use of chlorine gas and traces of the nerve agent sarin in the attack on Tuesday that terrorised Khan Sheikhoun, according to two US officials.

The effects of the attack overwhelmed hospitals around the town, leading paramedics to send patients to medical facilities across rebel-held areas in northern Syria, as well as to Turkey.

The Turkish health ministry said three victims died receiving treatment inside its borders. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group put the toll so far at 86 killed.

Victims of the attack showed signs of nerve gas exposure, the World Health Organisation and Doctors Without Borders said, including suffocation, foaming at the mouth, convulsions and constricted pupils. Paramedics were using fire hoses to wash the chemicals from the bodies of victims.

Medical teams also reported smelling bleach on survivors of the attack, suggesting chlorine gas was also used, Doctors Without Borders said.

The scene of the attack was reminiscent of a 2013 nerve gas attack on the suburbs of Damascus that left hundreds dead and prompted an agreement brokered by the US and Russia to disarm Assad's chemical stockpile.

Western nations blamed government forces for that attack, where effects were concentrated on opposition-held areas.

Mr Moallem said Damascus needs assurances that any fact-finding mission into Idlib's attack would be impartial and not politicised.

He said Syria's experience with past missions is "not encouraging".

He told a press conference that any investigative mission would need to take off from Damascus and be far from the sphere of Turkish influence.

Mr Moallem was asked if Syria would accept an international investigation. He said that "when we are sure we have convincing answers to these questions, we will give you an answer".

He also said that Syria provides the United Nations with intelligence about the transport of chemical weapons by "terrorists" between Iraq and Syria.
Shadow health minister Vicki Dunne blamed the ACT government's neglect of the territory's health system for Wednesday's fire at Canberra Hospital. "A decade and a half of neglect and under-investment has resulted in the closure of much of the Canberra Hospital, putting Canberrans in danger," Ms Dunne said. "We have clear problems that have put people in jeopardy." At a press conference on Thursday, Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris said the government's number one priority was patient and staff safety. "I will be certainly making sure that we understand the incident and what steps, if any, we need to take to make sure this doesn't happen again," Ms Fitzharris said.

She thanked the emergency departments for their handling of the crisis overnight. The ACT Emergency Services Agency acting commissioner Mark Brown said firefighters were called to the incident about 5.40pm on Wednesday, where they extinguished an electrical fire at the hospital's electrical switchroom. "It wasn't actually a large fire in itself," Mr Brown said. "The problem then was some smoke had entered the hospital. What was a reasonably straightforward fire actually caused the problem, which was the power outage." "The community can be confident in the response that the ACT government put in place last night."

ACT Health's incident controller Dr Andrew Pingilley said the problem wasn't backups failing but rather power being unable to reach the switchboards. He said acutely ill patients would have been protected by battery backup and acute treatment areas, such as intensive care, were not substantially affected. "It's a bit early to know whether there's any substantial impact on [patient] backlog," Mr Pingilley said. Evacuations took place across building five on Wednesday evening. A number of people in buildings two and three were also relocated to areas not affected by smoke. ACT ambulance chief officer Jon Quiggin said an inflatable field hospital was set up in the event of having to evacuate patients to other hospitals across Canberra or New South Wales.

A hospital employee who was working at the time said the initial response was confusing but staff soon got their act together. "It started off as a bit of a shambles," they said. "But we got under way sorting out which patients could go home and which ones needed transfers to other wards or hospitals. "It ran pretty smoothly from that point. Under the circumstances we did a solid job." They said staff received a solid workout trekking up and down stairs while the power was out.

"Everyone working last night has permission to skip the gym today. "Ten flights of stairs with no lifts gets the calves going." All elective surgery and outpatient services will be reinstated on Friday and appointments booked will proceed as planned. ACT Health is contacting patients whose surgery or appointments were affected on Thursday to reschedule. Hospital Road reopened on Thursday afternoon.
The photograph says it all. The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, on all fours, under a sink in Lismore, scrubbing.

As residents struggle to comprehend the enormity of losing their futures, he tries to sweep the mud and grime off a restaurant wall. Not succeeding, he takes to the brush, and starts to scour the floor.

Dressed in nice threads, the cameras roll and the image is beamed into lounge rooms the country over. Soon after, the prime minister departs.

Malcolm Turnbull doesn't have a mortgage on the political opportunism (the other side of politics is equally expert at it) that surfaces like the rising waters in natural disasters.
Australian Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne has used speech in the United States to talk up the Australian-US military alliance and its ability "to deter our adversaries".

Delivering the keynote speech at the G'Day USA Australia-US Dialogue on Defence Industries, Mr Pyne said he supported Mr Trump's repeated calls for allies to pay their own way militarily rather than rely on the US.

"Strengthening the industrial alliance between our two countries will ensure our mutual prosperity and protect our national interests as we navigate an increasingly uncertain 21st century together," Mr Pyne told the event.

"President Trump is right to expect that the friends and allies of the United States play their part in contributing to international peace and security.
Recriminations over the Liberal Party's disappointing result at last year's election have flared ahead of the presentation of a much-anticipated internal review to party powerbrokers.

The tightly-held review, led by former cabinet minister and Liberal Party director Andrew Robb, will be presented to members of the Liberal Party executive in Sydney on Friday.

State presidents and directors of the party will attend the briefing as will members of the federal leadership group, including Julie Bishop, George Brandis and Mathias Cormann.

Those present will be able to read the review but will have to return their copies, underlying the sensitivity of its findings.
Travellers making the annual trek to Gallipoli for Anzac Day are being warned that authorities have "received information" to indicate terrorists want to launch an attack on the commemoration.

But the Australian Federal Police have said that the information does not relate to a specific plot and the overall travel warning for Turkey and the Gallipoli Peninsula in particular has not changed.

Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan, in an announcement being co-ordinated with the New Zealand government, refused to go into detail about the new intelligence, saying only that the government had "received information to suggest that terrorists may seek to target Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula".

"The commemorations are scheduled to continue as planned  Ultimately it is up to the traveller to make the final decision on whether to travel or not," he said.
Even for a world weary about conflict and human suffering, the images of Syrian babies gassed and killed in the town of Khan Sheikhoun this week were too shocking to look away.

With a United Nations investigation looming into the chemical weapons attack that killed more than 80 people, including 20 children, the US intervened to point the finger squarely at Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

It launched massive retaliatory air strikes at Syrian military targets on Friday morning, with President Donald Trump saying: "Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women and children. It was a slow and brutal death for so many. Even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack."
In 18th-century Paris salons, Franz Mesmer supposedly "mesmerised" people to better mental health by restoring their "animal magnetism", a "universal force" within all humans. At first he used magnets on patients, but later used his hands and a magnetised wand, inducing trances. Though widely considered a charlatan, Mesmer's work helped shape the development of hypnosis, which has evolved over time into a relaxation tool and a way to treat pain. In the 1930s, Italian neurologist Ugo Cerletti discovered electroshock therapy, where an electrical current is passed through the head of an anaesthetised patient. It is still sometimes used for severe depression, though it is not known how or why it works. Psychotherapy crept into the mainstream after the two world wars to treat traumatised returning soldiers. But with so much money being spent on "talk therapy", particularly in the US, it wasn't long, according to Steven Schwartz in Classic Studies in Abnormal Psychology, before questions started being asked about its efficacy. Psychologist Hans Eysenck first raised the issue in 1952, writing: "Psychoanalysts and psychotherapists generally assert that their methods cure psychoneurotic disorders  Clearly, therefore, it is on them that the onus of proof must rest." This call for proof eventually led to the sidelining of the work of Sigmund Freud, the great neurologist and psychoanalyst. While his theories about the unconscious, the ego and the id, fixations, sexualised dreams and unresolved baggage dominated until the 1980s, they were difficult to prove. Szabo says people could undergo analysis for years, often daily, without any way of showing that the therapy "worked". (Despite this, there are still practising psychoanalysts with some modernised and shorter psychodynamic therapies seen as having a useful impact.) As Freudian ideas flourished, behaviourism was slowly developing. First proposed in 1913 by psychologist John Watson in reaction to Freud's couch, it didn't really take off as a therapy until the 1960s. Behaviourism is based on the idea that people can change their negative behaviours through learning experiences. While Szabo says behaviourism has a "massive amount of proof" behind it and still exerts a strong influence on much modern counselling, some aspects gave the concept a bad name and are no longer used, particularly aversion therapy. You can't dish out mindfulness as a sterile, mechanical manual ... It's not going to work. Psychiatrist Eng-Kong Tan

As Freud faded and behaviourism rose, a raft of other "schools" with their own styles of treatment bubbled on the side. These included humanism, which focused on love, hope and personal growth, and sociopolitical psychology, which asserted that society was to blame for mental illness. Hypnosis also re-emerged, alongside various relaxation techniques and much more radical treatments, including primal scream therapy and rebirthing breath-work. But one treatment materialised which has come to dominate: cognitive behaviour therapy, or CBT. While other theorists had been exploring cognition, this particular revolution began in 1976 with the publication of Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. Beck, a psychotherapist, had observed how depressed patients displayed distorted thinking habits: seeing the worst in any situation; making mountains out of molehills; thinking everything is their fault. By evaluating their thoughts, these patients were able to be more realistic about them. Now the most common psychological practice in Australia, CBT has years of evidence behind it, though not all of it is positive  in 2015, a team of researchers from Norway found that its efficacy in treating depression reduced over time. Of course, no therapy is 100 per cent effective, not even the widely accepted CBT. The result, says Szabo, herself trained in CBT, was a search for alternatives, one of which was mindfulness. "Whereas CBT takes thoughts seriously  you have this thought and you evaluate it: is it right? Is it wrong?  mindfulness is more about distancing oneself from the thoughts. Thoughts are not a reflection of reality, they are not right or wrong." Clinical psychologist Dr Marianna Szabo: 'Meditation is part of my research, practice and whole life,' she says. Credit:Janie Barrett There are traditions of meditative practice within all the major religions, but the modern strain of mindfulness has its DNA in Buddhism. For centuries, however, Buddhist meditation practices, with a few exceptions, were seldom practised outside a monastery. According to religious scholar David McMahan, it was only when Buddhist countries such as Burma and Sri Lanka were colonised by European powers that monks re-evaluated the place of meditation and began offering it to the laity. "They were worried that [Buddhism] was going to be wiped out by colonisation," says McMahan, professor of religious studies at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. "That was the first move for meditation to be widely offered outside monasteries."

Another scholar, Erik Braun, tells the story in The Birth of Insight of a charismatic monk, Ledi Sayadaw, who simplified and standardised meditation and encouraged the masses to practise it in response to the British takeover of Burma in 1885. "For the first time, serious meditation practice became plausible, appealing and even patriotic," he writes. McMahan explains that the next big shift in mindfulness occurred with the spread of Vipassana meditation by S.N. Goenka, a Burmese-Indian who offered the practice outside of a Buddhist context and said anybody could do it. He set up his first centre in western Indian in 1976, offering 10-day meditation retreats; the practice subsequently spread and there are now more than 170 of these retreats globally, including seven in Australia. Another trend was Zen, which was becoming popular in the West in the 1950s, influenced by the writings of Japanese philosopher D.T. Suzuki. University of Massachusetts emeritus professor Jon Kabat-Zinn helped bring mindfulness meditation into the mainstream. Credit:D Dipasupil/Getty Images The next wave began in 1979 when Jon Kabat-Zinn, a molecular biologist working at the University of Massachusetts Medical School who was trained in both Vipassana and Zen, was on a meditation retreat and experienced a 10-second vision. "Why not try to make meditation so commonsensical that anyone could be drawn to it?" he wrote of the experience in a 2011 essay in which he also talked about how he wanted to bring the dharma  generally defined as Buddha's teachings  into the mainstream. What better place," Kabat-Zinn wrote in the essay, "than a hospital to make the dharma available to people in ways that they might possibly understand it and be inspired by a heartfelt and practical invitation to explore themselves as a complement to their more traditional medical treatment  All this to be undertaken, of course, without ever mentioning the word 'dharma'."

As McMahan says of Kabat-Zinn: "He got people to see it more as a health-related practice, a psychological practice. He did this very consciously, to try to get it more accepted in places like hospitals, to get more scientific research on it, and to get it accepted in businesses and all throughout secular society." Kabat-Zinn soon recruited chronically ill patients to take part in an eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group course at a clinic he'd set up at the hospital. While the meditation was pitched as a secular project, the curriculum was underpinned by Buddhist thought and teachings. MBSR has a secular equivalent in mindful-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), developed by the UK's Oxford Mindfulness Centre, and is often used in conjunction with other therapies. It has also evolved into a myriad of treatments: relapse prevention, birthing and parenting, self-compassion and elder care. In patients with chronic physical illness, MBSR and MBCT have been found to help with pain, depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress. But researching the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in a clinical setting, like a lot of psychology, is complicated. It's very hard to know what people are really doing when they meditate. They could be watching their thoughts or they could be doing something entirely different; teachers have varying levels of training; some patients just can't do it, or they may not be honest about how much "meditation homework" they have done. There are also different forms of meditation: while practitioners of mindfulness and Vipassana focus on one solitary thing, devotees of Transcendental Meditation, a Hindu-based form that was big in the 1970s, chant a mantra. Also, are people benefiting from the meditation or the learning in group classes? There is evidence of brain differences in long-term meditators compared to non-meditators. Credit:Getty Images

While there is a lot of fanfare about the benefits of mindfulness, burrowing into the studies reveals a mixed bag: positive findings with some conceptual and methodological flaws, scientifically sound ones with unexciting outcomes. In 2014, researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the US looked into more than 1600 papers on the subject and ended up with 47 trials they deemed acceptable. Overall, they found that mindfulness interventions led to moderate improvements in anxiety, depression and pain but there was low evidence of improvement in stress and quality of life. There was also no evidence that meditation programs were better than taking drugs, exercising or other behavioural therapies. Closer to home, a 2016 study by Griffith University and Cancer Council Queensland showed that mindfulness had no benefit for 189 men with advanced prostate cancer. Where it does show promise is in the area of depression. While the respected Society of Clinical Psychology in the US and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK say there is not enough evidence for using mindfulness with most specific psychiatric disorders, the latter has recommended that MBCT be used to help prevent relapses in depression. Another challenge with the research has been the selective reporting of positive studies, says Zoltan Dienes, professor of experimental psychology at the University of Sussex. He says one explanation for all the positivity is that the people being studied know they are in a mindfulness experiment, so they expect a lot and also know what the experimenter wants. "We need more direct and exact replications of key studies which are pre-registered and guaranteed to be published regardless of outcome," he says. Freud couldn't scan for the ego and id, but modern researchers can look at what a brain is doing during meditation. Dienes says there is evidence of brain differences in long-term meditators compared to non-meditators (though this may say more about the sort of person who becomes a meditator than the effects of meditation on the brain), as well as some confirmation that eight weeks' training in meditation changes some brain function. He points to the work of US scientist Fadel Zeidan, who has shown that mindfulness engages with a unique set of brain regions depending on how much training a person has done. (Other scientists have called for more rigorous methods to definitively link meditation to an altered brain structure.)

With all the science around mindfulness, Dr Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm, British psychologists and authors of The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You?, question why the negatives of meditation are rarely reported. In a recent Lancet article, they point to three recent studies which show that even relatively short treatments can lead to increases in stress and depression and a resurfacing of childhood trauma. One involved 30 in-depth interviews with male meditators in London, which found while meditation was reported as good for wellbeing, a quarter of the interviewees had substantial problems ranging from troubling thoughts that were hard to manage to exacerbated mental health issues. In a few cases, meditators had psychotic episodes. Farias and Wikholm also question why mindfulness is pitched as a natural human ability, with benefits for everybody, when the reality is that people react so differently to it: some like it, others can't do it, and there can be negative effects. Because there can be "dark nights"  damaging or disturbing meditation experiences  the pair are concerned about mindfulness being taught by those with no training in managing mental health issues. Margaret Wilson, 82, a psychologist in Bathurst, NSW, says that in nearly 40 years in practice, mindfulness is the "best thing" she has encountered. She runs twice-yearly group meditation classes and says while most of the participants have been referred to her for mood disorders or pain problems, there are others "who just want to learn about meditation. And the changes they report are quite astounding. It makes a difference to the way people are." Wilson, who spent two weeks training with Kabat-Zinn, believes teachers also need to be practitioners. "It's part of my world," she says. "You can practise in the shower, eating a meal, walking, anything. You can actually, intentionally, be in the moment, be aware of everything that has happened. I would say a lot of therapists don't do that." Eng-Kong Tan, a psychiatrist at Sydney's Metta Clinic and founding president of the Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists, says another reason mindfulness may not be working in a clinical setting is that it is more than just focusing on the breath. With "layers and layers of meaning", mindfulness also has an ethical foundation. "You can't dish out mindfulness as a sterile, mechanical manual," he says. "Unless mindfulness  call it what you like  is delivered with deep understanding of the client's pain, and attending to the pain with wisdom, compassion, it's not going to work."
As well as being the most influential poet of his time, T.S. Eliot was a director of Faber & Faber, in which capacity he employed a typist named Esme Valerie Fletcher as his assistant. Towards the end of 1956, the 68-year-old poet proposed marriage. He wrote the poem A Dedication to My Wife, which is filled with lines like To whom I owe the leaping delight and other adoring phrases which are almost un-Eliot-like in their warmth and sentimentality. After his death, Valerie became the editor and annotator of Eliots works. 4) Vladimir Nabokov Nabokovs wife, Vera, was her husbands sternest critic and biggest fan. Vera acted as his typist, editor and literary agent, and did all the driving. Vera was vigilant in making Vladimir rewrite his fastidious prose if it wasnt up to scratch. Theres also a story that she saved Lolita from the flames, when the manuscript was abandoned in a bout of frustrated rage. 5) William Wordsworth Not only did William Wordsworths sister Dorothy produce the fair copies of her brothers work, but his wife and sister-in-law also helped out with the transcribing. Rumour has it that Dorothy did far more than simply transcribe: she also acted as his literary executor after his death, and edited his unpublished works.

6) F. Scott Fitzgerald Fitzgerald was more indebted to his wife Zelda than he ever let on. As Zelda scathingly announced, after the publication of This Side of Paradise: "I recognise a portion of an old diary of mine which mysteriously disappeared shortly after my marriage, and also scraps of letters which, though considerably edited, sound to me vaguely familiar. In fact, Mr. FitzgeraldI believe that is how he spells his nameseems to believe that plagiarism begins at home." In a recently published book The Subversive Art of Zelda Fitzgerald, by my colleague Deborah Pike, you can finally read some of these stolen passages and their sources side by side. 7) Willy aka Henry Gauthier-Villars Willy was the pen name of the once famous but now forgotten writer Henry Gauthier-Villars, a tremendously successful self-promoter and author of 50 novels penned by a stable of ghostwriters, including his wife. The apocryphal story goes that Henry would go so far as to lock his wife in a room until she had produced the desired quantity of prose. One day his wife, deciding she had finally had enough, left. She published the rest of her work under a surname you might recognise: Colette.

8) Peter Carey Alison Summers was Peter Careys wife and editor for 20 years. Shes been thanked for a lot more than typing in all of Careys best known books, such as The True History of the Kelly Gang, where he thanks Summers for her clear literary intelligence and flawless dramatic instinct. This all changed following their famously acrimonious divorce, after which Summers claimed she had been transformed into a minor character  described as the Alimony Whore  in Theft: A Love Story. Carey denied the link. 9) Mark Twain On a happier note, Samuel Clemens  better known as Mark Twain  met Olivia Langdon in 1867, and took her to a reading by Charles Dickens. They married, and Olivia almost inevitably became her husbands editor, assisting him with his books, and also with his journalism, until her death in 1904. 10) John Stuart Mill

Of course, if you want to thank your wife, and do the job properly, theres no better example than John Stuart Mill. His effusive thanks to his wife Harriet is exemplary. Mill wrote, in the dedication to On Liberty, that Harriet had been responsible for all of the great thoughts he ever had. More than a few churlish critics have taken issue with Mills claim, arguing that more than a few of these thoughts got published before John and Harriet even met. Of course, there have been times when the hard work has also run in the other direction. George Eliots portrait of Dorothea Brooke in Middlemarch, slaving away as an assistant for her strikingly untalented husband, Edward Casaubon, writing his unfinished book Key to All Mythologies, is not a portrait of her own relationship. Her soulmate George Henry Lewes never faltered in his admiration for his far more famous partner, and even, legend has it, went to fetch her library books. Leonard Woolf, husband to Virginia, the author of A Room of Ones Own  perhaps the most famous argument for a space for women writers in a male dominated tradition - also gave up much to comfort his finally inconsolable wife. He took her on trips to Harley Street, and long cures in the country. As Virginia wrote in her fateful suicide note of 1941, "You have been entirely patient with me, and incredibly good  I dont think two people could have been happier than we have been."
It is the Sydney building about which it is almost impossible not to have an opinion.

"As an architect I'm probably a good lawyer," the Sydney silk Bruce McClintock, SC, told the Land and Environment Court on Thursday.

But Mr McClintock could not help himself. "In some ways it is a shame that the architectural style has been given the title 'brutalist'," said Mr McClintock, speaking about the Sirius building on the edge of the Rocks.

"It is an architecturally sensitive building intended to be friendly to its environment," Mr McClintock said.
[April 06, 2017] The Pod Hotels partner with Vertical Booking for online distribution across whole portfolio

PORTLAND, Ore., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pod Hotels, a new generation of budget hotels, has selected the Vertical Booking CRS solution for enterprise-wide, integrated hotel online distribution for their growing portfolio. "We took out the excessive and unnecessary. We're all about surprising details, smart design and being connected on a budget," says BD Hotels Principal Dr. Richard Born, owners of The Pod Hotels brand. "The Vertical Booking CRS not only provides a great booking experience for savvy travelers; its competitive pricing enables us to provide innovative tech on a budget." The Pod Hotels have two locations in Midtown Manhattan, including Pod 51 located in the heart of Midtown, and Pod 39, located in the Murray Hill neighborhood. In 2017, The Pod Hotels will open doors on their first pod-branded property in the heart of D.C.'s Chinatown. Their fourth property is currently under development, Pod Brooklyn, taking the micro-hotel concept to the next level by constructing the property with modular guestrooms, making it the premier modular hotel in New York City. "Vertical Booking is excited to partner with the innovative Pod Hotels brand," said Mark Lewis-Brown, CEO/President of Vertical Booking USA. "Pod Hotels is redefining budget hotels, and our customizable reservation technology solutions are the perfect complement, enabling them to deliver a dependable user booking experience without breaking the bank." The Vertical Booking CRS offers a built-in channel manager for distribution of rates and inventoy across all channels, including a direct web booking engine, IDS (OTAs, Wholesalers, Tour Operators), Central Reservation Offices (CRO), hotel Meta-Search and GDS. In addition to core distribution, the Vertical Booking CRS also provides optional business intelligence and marketing solutions such as an OTA Price Comparison widget, a competitive rate checking tool, and more.



About The Pod Hotels Hoteliers Richard Born and Ira Drukier developed BD Hotels' successful micro-hotel concept to accommodate the needs of today's savvy, "young-minded" traveler. BD was the first to introduce the micro-hotel model to New York City in 2007 with the launch of the original Pod Hotel, Pod 51, in Midtown East. Offering guests efficient, clean accommodations ranging from 60-120 square feet, and vibrant communal spaces and high-tech amenities, the hotel's values of affordability, community, and innovation immediately became a success. BD launched a second outpost, Pod 39, in June 2012, expanding on the formula of the original, introducing guests to a rooftop lounge, a vibrant communal "Play Room," Salvation Taco restaurant, and wall-mounted iPads and projection screens. Expanding outside of Manhattan in 2017, Pod will open the first modular hotel in New York City, Pod Brooklyn, and Pod DC in the heart of Washington D.C.'s Chinatown neighborhood. The Pod 51 rates start at $89/night, and Pod 39 rates start at $119/night. www.thepodhotel.com.

About Vertical Booking Representing over 4,600 hotels, Vertical Booking is a global reservation technology company that meets the needs of chains and independent hotels by optimizing distribution for revenue management. Founded in 1999, Vertical Booking is present in 100 countries, translated into 29 different languages and usable in all currencies, with offices in Italy, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. Known for its agility and scalability, Vertical Booking's innovative technology solutions include a central reservation system for GDS/IDS distribution, a robust booking engine including a spa and gift certificate platform, a channel management system, a destination management system and reservation call center services. Furthering its clients' marketing and revenue generation strategies, Vertical Booking also delivers website development, digital marketing, intelligence and analytics. www.verticalbooking.com / www.verticalbookingusa.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-pod-hotels-partner-with-vertical-booking-for-online-distribution-across-whole-portfolio-300435909.html SOURCE Vertical Booking USA

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Samuel Thompson's grieving parents have been given confirmation a body found in bush north of Brisbane was their slain son.

Forensic police have completed a post-mortem, finding evidence the 22-year-old Albion man was assaulted before his death.

A police spokesman said it was unclear whether the assault caused his death.

Police believe the man whose abandoned orange Ford Mustang sparked the year's largest murder investigation was likely dead before the car ever turned up at a north Brisbane waterhole that featured extensively in his murder investigation.
The lawyer for a Queensland university lecturer accused of posing as Justin Bieber online to procure child porn failed to show up for his court date, a court has heard.

Queensland University of Technology law lecturer Gordon Douglas Chalmers appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday morning charged with more than 900 child sex offences.

A university lecturer is accused of posing as pop star Justin Bieber online. Credit:Wolter Peeters

They included more than 270 charges of making child exploitation material, more than 230 counts of using a carriage service to solicit child porn and six charges of indecent treatment of a child.

Asked what was happening with the charges, Mr Chalmers seemed surprised his lawyer was not there.
A man who murdered a former partner he had met on a sexual fetish website will remain behind bars.

The Supreme Court of Queensland quashed David John Hunt's appeal against his 2014 life sentence for the murder of Angelia Moore.

The family of murdered woman Angelia Moore's family outside the Supreme Court in 2014 after David Hunt was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Hunt and Ms Moore met on a BDSM website in 2010, and began an on-again, off-again relationship which ended at some point in 2011.

In the months before Ms Moore was killed in 2012, the pair had regular "acrimonious" phone and text message conversations. They argued over the fact Hunt had lent Ms Moore money which he said had not been repaid, and that Hunt had uploaded fetish photographs of Ms Moore which she wanted removed.
The John F. Kennedy Library has shot down Clive Palmer's claim that he needs to be in the US two days before a compulsory court hearing into the demise of Queensland Nickel.

Palmer's lawyers had written to the Turnbull government to stress his need to be in Boston at the gala event, which is hosting former US President Barack Obama.

Clive Palmer arrives at the Federal Court in Brisbane in February. Credit:Dave Hunt

"I am instructed by Mr Clive Palmer that he as director of the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston USA, is hosting a dinner for former President Obama to receive a profile in courage award on May 7, 2017. This has been a long standing commitment," the letter from his lawyers, which was obtained by News Corp Australia, earlier in the week read.

However, speaking to The Australian, a spokeswoman for the library said the function would not be hosted by Palmer but rather by Kennedy's daughter Caroline.
The organisation fixing south-east Queenslanders' 35,000 sewerage and water complaints takes longer to get to them than it did five years ago, despite a multimillion-dollar expansion program.

Queensland Urban Utilities' sliding performance on sewerage and water complaints shows it barely meets its own performance standards, according to its 2015-16 annual report.

It takes longer for south-east Queensland households to get sewerage and water complaints fixed than it did five years ago. Credit:Queensland Urban Utilities

Its latest annual report shows a steady decline from 2011 to 2016 in answering both "urgent" sewerage and water complaints, attended to within the hour, and "non-urgent" sewerage complaints, to be seen within 24 hours.

In 2011-12 QUU answered 98 per cent of urgent sewerage and water complaints within an hour, a figure that dropped to 80 per cent in 2015-16, its minimum standard.
Police are treating as suspicious the death of a woman whose lifeless body was found in a home south of Cairns.

The woman's body was discovered in the Bentley Park home on Wednesday afternoon after someone known to her raised the alarm.

Credit:Glenn Hunt

The Cairns Post has quoted a number of neighbours saying they often heard arguing and fighting at the home.

"I called the police twice at the end of last year," a neighbour who wished to remain anonymous said.
Homicide detectives are urging a person who may be able to crack a decades-old cold case to call them back after an apparent tip-off about the killer's confession.

Police say the tipster rang during last Wednesday's episode of television series Million Dollar Cold Case, which focused on the fatal stabbing of 25-year-old nurse Ina-Doris Warrick in her North Ringwood home in 1986.

tammy mills story 28/3/2017? Ina-Doris Warwick, a nurse who was murdered in her North Ringwood home on March 25, 1986.? Credit:Victoria Police

It is believed the caller has vital information that a known suspect had confessed to the killing.

Detectives revealed during the show that hospital orderly Colin Earl Graham, who remains a person of interest in the Warrick case, was jailed over a similar fatal stabbing more than a decade later.
A man has been taken to hospital in a stable condition after a truck rollover in Ravenhall on Friday morning.

The semi-trailer accident happened on the Christies Road off-ramp of the Western Freeway before 6am.

The scene at Christies Road off-ramp this morning. Credit:Joe Armao

The ramp is closed but traffic remains open in both directions on the Western Freeway and Christies Road.

Access to the car park of the Caroline Springs train station is cut off, according to a tweet from V/Line Trains.
Coca-Cola Amatil and its neighbours in Kewdale have won a fight against a proposed waste facility the soft drink giant believed could impact its factory 100 metres away.

The State Administrative Tribunal refused Cleanaway's appeal on its proposal for a waste transfer station in Kewdale, one of the metropolitan area's key freight and logistics hubs.

The factory in Kewdale was 100 metres from the proposed facility. Credit:Google

The proposal had been rejected first by the council and then by the local development assessment panel as local zoning prohibited "noxious industry".

Cleanaway appealed to the SAT to get an "independent hearing" but Coca-Cola Amatil, believing airborne particles could reach its plant 100 metres away, argued against the development alongside the City of Belmont, Kewdale Central and K&S Freighters.
The detective who named Lloyd Rayney as the only suspect in his wife's murder has told the barrister's defamation case he believed he legally had to correct the police commissioner's comment that he was a person of interest.

Inspectorector Jack Lee, the detective in charge of WA's major crime squad at the time, had never seen such media interest in a case.

Corryn Rayney's (right) brother in law said in court Ms Rayney accused her husband Lloyd Rayney (left) of being 'a snake'.

When a search warrant was executed in September 2007 - one month after Corryn Rayney died - Mr Rayney was arrested as a suspect for murder and for arranging the installation of a recording device on the home phone.

It was the first major arrest under the then-new Criminal Investigation Act and they had to get it right, Inspector Lee told the WA Supreme Court on Wednesday.
[April 06, 2017] PG&E and California Cities Surpass Energy-Saving Goals for Step Up and Power Down Initiative

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E (News - Alert)) today announced that the five cities participating in Step Up and Power Down surpassed their goals for the community initiative encouraging businesses and residents to save energy. The Step Up and Power Down initiative was built on the premise that small actions, like turning off and unplugging electronic devices, can add up to a big impact for California's sustainable future. For the 18-month initiative, PG&E partnered with the cities of San Francisco and San Jose to collaborate with businesses to inspire employees to adopt energy-saving actions in the workplace. Likewise, PG&E partnered with the cities of Redwood City, San Carlos and Woodland to help residents lower their home energy usage through simple strategies, tips and tools. "Step Up and Power Down was one more way PG&E collaborates with our local communities in Northern and Central California to support sustainability and energy efficiency at home and work. By making simple changes in their everyday behaviors, residents and employees can reduce energy waste in an impactful way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet California's ambitious climate goals and create a healthier future for generations to come," said Vincent Davis, senior director of energy efficiency at PG&E. Encouraging employees to save energy at work Commercial buildings across the United States consume roughly 20 percent of the nation's energy. Partnering with San Francisco and San Jse, PG&E helped businesses reduce this figure locally by raising awareness around energy waste, encouraging behavioral change among employees, and taking bigger steps to save energy through building efficiencies. Participating businesses included offices, hotels, retail stores and food service companies in designated downtown areas.



Completed on December 31, 2016, San Francisco and San Jose surpassed their participation and energy-saving goals: San Francisco: Employees at 827 companies participated in the initiative. The downtown area achieved energy savings of 23.5 gigawatt-hours, which is equivalent to the electricity to power more than 2,400 homes for one year.

San Jose: Employees at 448 companies participated in the initiative. The downtown area achieved energy savings of 27.6 gigawatt-hours, which is equivalent to the electricity to power more than 2,800 homes for one year. "Step Up and Power Down's significance lies in this belief in a community response. When all of our businesses are working together towards this common purpose, we can make big changes happen. San Francisco has very bold greenhouse-gas reduction goals and we understood that in order to achieve those goals, we're going to need to harness the power of energy efficiency," said Debbie Raphael, Director of the Department of Environment (SF Environment), City of San Francisco.

"We've been working collaboratively with PG&E, our business sector and our residents on Step Up and Power Down. The results have been fantastic - more than 400 businesses participating, reducing over 25 gigawatt-hours. But in addition to the results, we have much stronger relationships, and in order to create big results, we have to work together," said Kerrie Romanow, Director of Environmental Services, City of San Jose. Making small actions to save energy at home Through local events and door-to-door campaigns, Step Up and Power Down connected residents in Redwood City, San Carlos and Woodland to PG&E's energy-saving programs such as Home Energy Checkup. Throughout the initiative, the cities and PG&E hosted workshops and attended local events to demonstrate both simple and deep ways to save energy at home. Completed on October 31, 2016, all three cities surpassed their initiative goals: Redwood City: More than 750 households pledged to save energy at home by participating in Step Up and Power.

San Carlos: 760 households participated in the initiative, surpassing the initiative's goal by nearly 200 households.

Woodland: More than 1,600 households participated in the initiative, surpassing the initiative's goal by more than 1,200 households. To learn more about the community initiative, visit stepupandpowerdown.com/ About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and pge.com/news. http://www.pgecurrents.com/

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US President Donald Trump's response to an apparent gas attack in Syria has put him at odds with Moscow. Credit:Bloomberg Defence Secretary Jim Mattis would likely discuss the options when he meets with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Talks about potential responses are already under way, including between Mattis and White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster, the official added. Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem blamed a leak at a rebel chemicals factory for killing dozens of people on Tuesday. Credit:AP Russia has blamed gas leaking from a rebel chemical weapons depot after it was hit by Syrian government air strikes  rather than a deliberate gas attack  a stance Syria's Foreign Ministry stood by on Thursday.

"I stress to you once again: the Syrian Army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons  not just against our own people but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds," Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said during a news conference in Damascus. Turkish medical workers carry a victim of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Idlib. Credit:HA Experts say the explanation is implausible and contradicts the available evidence, with the World Health Organisation, among others, pointing the finger at the Syrian regime. Until recently, Syria had seemed the one area where Putin and Trump were certain to find common ground. Trump during his election campaign had pledged to cooperate with Russia in fighting terrorism and top officials have made clear that the US no longer seeks regime change in Syria. But the US military is reluctant to join forces with Russia in Syria and the latest events in the war-torn country place the former Cold War rivals as far apart as they were during Barack Obama's presidency, even if Trump is likely to avoid direct conflict.

"Some people believed in a miracle," Sergei Karaganov, a former Putin foreign policy adviser, said of the hope for a new page in US-Russia relations under Trump. "It didn't happen." Putin is expected to meet US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on his first visit to Russia as the Trump administration's top diplomat next week, with Syria high on the agenda. The US is also at odds with the Kremlin over Russia's contacts with the Taliban in Afghanistan, its deepening involvement in rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine and actions in Libya seen as undermining the United Nations-backed government. The use of chemical weapons by Syria would violate an accord brokered by Obama and Putin for the Assad government to surrender its stockpiles after an August 2013 sarin-gas attack killed more than 1,000 people in a Damascus suburb. Russia's in a very difficult position over the gas attack, according to Andrey Kortunov, head of the Russian International Affairs Council, a Moscow-based research group set up by the Kremlin.

"To try and brush it under the carpet is the worst option because it will turn into a major obstacle for our cooperation with the US in any sphere and will destroy trust with the new administration," he said. Russia denounced as "categorically unacceptable" a UN Security Council resolution condemning the attack that was proposed by the US, the UK and France. Putin discussed Syria by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, and stressed the "unacceptability" of airing "unfounded accusations" without a thorough and impartial international investigation, according to an emailed Kremlin statement. The Security Council debate on Wednesday was a throwback to the worst US-Russia tensions witnessed under Obama. U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley stood at her desk to show diplomats photos of dying children gasping for air, and accused Russia of pushing a "false narrative" of what happened in Syria. While Assad has no reason to carry out such an attack, because it only makes his life harder, it's possible that elements in the regime were responsible, according to Karaganov, the ex-Kremlin adviser.

"We just don't know. It could be true, there are bandits on all sides," he said. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Wednesday criticised the international reaction to the attack, which she said was based on "fake" information about the involvement of Assad forces. The goal is to sabotage Russian efforts to promote a peace settlement in Syria  already in difficulty after a cease-fire brokered by Russia and Turkey has started to collapse  as well as revive efforts to oust Assad, she said. Assad's involvement in the attack, if proven, would have consequences for Russia's relationship with the Syrian president, said Kortunov, the head of the Kremlin-founded research group. Russia and Iran are Assad's main allies and their military support enabled him to reverse the course of the six-year war in his favour. The most likely scenario, though, may be increased confrontation with the US.
Russian investigators have arrested three people suspected of being linked to the St Petersburg suicide bomber.

Investigators also said they found and dismantled an explosive device in the apartment where the three lived.

Young people hold candles to remember the victims of the subway bombing in St Petersburg this week. Credit:Yevgeny Kurskov

The Investigative Committee said that the suspects are all from the former Soviet Central Asia region of Kyrgyzstan, as was suspected suicide bomber, 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov.

Fourteen people were killed when the bomb went off inside a carriage on the St Petersburg metro system on Monday, dozens more were injured.
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It was an illuminating evening.

The Coney Island Parachute Jump glowed electric blue on April 2 in honor of World Autism Day. The lighting was preceded by an event aiming to shine a light on the developmental disorder and its stigma, said an organizer behind the event.

Events like this are important because with more autism awareness comes more acceptance, said Coney Islander Veronica Droz, who has an autistic 16-year-old daughter, and runs the Coney Island Autism Angels. People who arent aware think our kids are spoiled and are just misbehaving, and when you have events like this they see the different levels of autism, and accept our children and stop judging the parents.

Autism spectrum disorder refers to a variety of developmental disorders with a wide range of symptoms, such as difficulty communicating and interacting with others or performing repetitive tasks, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

The condition is often misunderstood, but Drozs group seeks to foster an accepting environment with a weekly Different Not Less Social Group  which meets Mondays at the Coney Island YMCA from 6:30 to 8 pm  where kids do arts and crafts and enjoy free pool play.

Councilman Mark Treyger (DConey Island) helped put on the event, which marked its fourth anniversary, and featured Disney characters, face painting, and stands hawking chocolate lollipops. It was the largest turnout yet, said a spokeswoman for the councilman.

This year was the biggest by far, said Samantha Ross, who coordinated the event. Even some people from Jersey showed up.

The event also honored a trio of 60th Precinct police officers who helped rescued an autistic boy who had wandered off from school and waded through Coney Island Beachs waters last spring.

The night culminated in a countdown that lit the towering structure to the tune of We are the World. It was an uplifting moment, said Ross.

It was a beautiful night, and all for a good cause, she said. Next year will be even better.
[April 06, 2017] Neptune: Israeli Networking Consortium Conducts Pioneering SDN/NFV Demonstration

Neptune, the Israeli Consortium for Network Programming, has announced that it has recently performed a general demonstration of its pioneering technologies. The demonstration was an expression of Neptune's mission - to build on the software defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) technologies currently being developed by global standards development organizations, industry specification groups and open source communities. In particular, Neptune strives to dramatically reduce the time required to deploy new services and even completely new service types, to enable more efficient exploitation of network and computational resources, and facilitate faster and more intelligent response to network events. Neptune achieves these objectives through research undertaken by special teams assembled by its member organizations. Four Global Firsts What gave this demonstration special significance was that it included four global firsts. It was the world's first multi-vendor vCPE demonstration, in which a single service provider OpenStack controller established end-to-end services terminating on virtual customer premises equipment (vCPEs) from three different vendors - ADVA (News - Alert) Optical Networks, Telco Systems (BATM Group) and RAD. Everything was run on top of Mellanox switch and HCA adaptor. Satellite network vendor Gilat Satellite Networks, moreover, became the first to demonstrate vCPE capabilities in a satellite ground segment gateway. The demonstration also incorporated the world's first integration of tactical mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) UHF radio networks into an SDN and NFV-based multi-vendor heterogeneous virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN), a technology developed by Elbit Systems Land and C4i. Additionally it featured Open Mobile Edge Cloud (OMEC) with the world's first completely virtual cellular base station (from modem to management) developed by ASOCS (News - Alert), accelerated by a pool of network attached programmable hrdware accelerators.



In addition, the Neptune demonstration showcased the transport of the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) standard over microwave by Ceragon Networks. ECI Telecom (News - Alert) demonstrated how its multilayer service app performs fast recovery from optical-layer faults using an ONOS controller combined with OpenFlow optical extensions. Satellite edge computing for factor-of-20 throughput improvement was shown by Gilat Satellite Networks, and ADVA presented Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) for enterprise services. The demonstration was conducted in the premises of Bezeq (News - Alert) International, supported by equipment located at four other sites. Present were the outgoing Chief Scientist of the Israel Ministry of Economy and Industry, Avi Hasson, the head of the Chief Scientist's technological infrastructure division, Ilan Peled, Neptune chair Dr. Yaakov Stein, and representatives of each consortium member.

"Tighter financial restrictions along with the dynamicity of today's networks are steering service providers to adopt ever more efficient, automated, and service-aware networks," Stein explained. "This necessitates totally new network architectures that enable the fast creation of new services, simplified network management, and real time network optimization while maintaining or even reducing service provider CapEx and OpEx," he added. "Our demonstration represents a major step in bringing all these advantages of networking programming to service providers worldwide." "The Neptune Consortium propels Israeli industry into a new era in which communication networks will be programmed, existing services can be easily modified and new services may be introduced quickly." Peled concluded. "The collaboration between member companies, as well as between them and breakthrough research groups, shortens time-to-market, maximizes resources and establishes the entire Neptune Consortium at the forefront of these leading edge technologies." About the Neptune Consortium The Neptune Consortium was founded in 2014 to develop efficient methods to automate and programmatically manage service provider networks, irrespective of their underlying network technologies. Basic to achieve this goal are SDN and NFV. Backed by the Israel Innovations Authority (previously the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy and Industry), the consortium includes the country's leading communications innovators: ADVA Optical Networking Israel, ASOCS, Bezeq International, Ceragon Networks (News - Alert), ECI Telecom, Elbit Systems, Gilat Satellite Networks, Mellanox Technologies, RAD, and Telco Systems (BATM Group); and research institutions: Ariel University, Ben-Gurion University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Holon Technological Institute, the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya, the Lev Academic Center in Jerusalem, the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, and Tel Aviv University. http://www.nep-tune.org/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406006092/en/

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State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station. Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe, said Sen. Santarsiero. Dating back to when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than...
[April 06, 2017] Former First Lady Michelle Obama to Speak at Globoforce's WorkHuman 2017 Conference

Globoforce, a leading provider of social recognition solutions, today announced former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, will be a keynote speaker at its WorkHuman 2017 conference, May 30-June 1, in Phoenix, Ariz., at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort. Michelle Robinson Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009-2017, transforming the position and becoming a role model, champion and inspiration for women, families, and young people across America and around the world. "Michelle Obama has inspired us in every sense of the word," said Eric Mosley, CEO of Globoforce. "As First Lady, she was wholeheartedly dedicated to the human cause - striving to uplift others, improve the quality of life for people around the world, and giving a voice to the people who often go unheard. She has long recognized the importance of diversity of ideas and people, and the fundamental need for people to feel valued and appreciated. We are honored to host such a strong leader-Michelle Obama's energy and passion will help propel the WorkHuman movement and inspire top senior HR leaders in the world to create more human workplaces where employees feel a sense of belonging and can be their most authentic selves." As a transformative First Lady, Mrs. Obama launched and led four key initiatives: Let's Move!, to address the challenge of childhood obesity; Joining Forces, to support veterans, service members and their families; Reach Higher, to inspire young people to seek higher education; and Let Girls Learn, to help adolescent girls around the world go to school. Before becoming First Lady, Michelle Obama attended Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She started her career as an attorney at the Chicago la firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband, Barack Obama. She later worked in the Chicago mayor's office, the University of Chicago, and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Mrs. Obama also founded the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an organization that prepares young people for careers in public service.



WorkHuman is dedicated to helping educate, energize, and engage business and HR leaders to build a more human-focused work culture. he movement serves as the catalyst for creating a more inclusive and human workplace - one that values individuals as key components to the growth and success of an organization. The annual event has grown exponentially in size since the inaugural event in 2015. At WorkHuman 2017, Mrs. Obama will join "Seinfeld" and "Veep" actress and comedienne Julia Louis-Dreyfus, LGBTQ Rights Advocate and actor Chaz Bono, and New York Times best-selling author and Quiet Revolution (News - Alert) co-founder Susan Cain, and top-ranked Wharton School professor and New York Times best-selling author Adam Grant as WorkHuman keynote speakers.

For more information or questions about the conference, call toll-free at 844-975-4626 (844-WRKHMAN) or visit www.workhuman.com. About Globoforce Globoforce is a leading provider of social recognition solutions, helping companies build stronger, more human cultures through the power of thanks. Named one of the Best Workplaces by the Great Place To Work Institute, Globoforce is trusted by some of the world's most admired companies to inspire and energize employees and create best places to work. Our award-winning SaaS (News - Alert) technology and proven methodologies empower HR and business leaders to take a modern, more strategic approach to recognition programs. What results is measurable business success, qualified by increases in employee engagement, retention and productivity. The company pioneered the WorkHuman movement, created to galvanize organizations and leaders worldwide to create a more human workplace. Globoforce is co-headquartered in Framingham, Mass., and Dublin, Ireland. To learn more: Visit: http://www.globoforce.com

Read: http://globoforce.com/globoblog

Follow: Twitter (News - Alert) @Globoforce LinkedIn (News - Alert): http://www.linkedin.com/company/globoforce Facebook (News - Alert): http://www.facebook.com/globoforce

WorkHuman: Be part of the movement. Join us at the annual event in Phoenix, Ariz., May 30-June 1, 2017. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406006098/en/

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Boiler manufacturer Baxi has joined Carbon Connect, an independent, cross-party forum that aims to inform and guide the transition to a low carbon future underpinned by sustainable energy.

Together with its members and a variety of sector experts, Carbon Connect analyses the opportunities and challenges presented by moves to a low carbon future, and provides a platform for discussion between industry, academia and policymakers.

It has built up an unrivalled portfolio of parliamentary roundtables and conferences, detailed policy briefings, research and highly respected reports by drawing on the expertise of Carbon Connect members, which include manufacturers, low carbon industries and chartered professional bodies. It also works with politicians, civil servants, business leaders and academic experts.

As a member, Baxi will be actively taking part in a programme of events and meetings in Parliament, and supporting and contributing to policy research. Jeff House, regulatory marketing manager at Baxi, said: Through our continued activity in this area, Baxi is helping shape the future of heating, and we continually work with industry colleagues to help implement and improve associated policy. Joining Carbon Connect will put Baxi at the forefront of important discussions that affect the heating industry, and will enable us to contribute further to the debate.

Carbon Connect is currently undertaking a cross-party research project to investigate the opportunities offered by low carbon gas and how policy can support it. In particular, it is investigating how low carbon gas can contribute to heat decarbonisation and help the UK to meet 2050 emission targets.

The project will examine issues related to the gas distribution network and local storage, the production and bulk storage of low carbon gas, consumer challenges and the development of compatible appliances. As a leading gas boiler manufacturer that has been in business for over 150 years, it is essential for us to be part of these discussions, and we are proud to support research like this.
Everything you need to know for election day in Burlington County
[April 06, 2017] The FruitGuys Community Fund Announces 2017 Grant Recipients

Today, The FruitGuys Community Fund, a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives that provides grants to small farms and sustainability projects, announces the recipients of its 2017 grants. This year, the fund awarded 10 small American farms and agricultural nonprofits a total of $42,913 in funding for sustainability projects aimed to impact environmental, economic and community health. The FruitGuys Community Fund received 70 letters of intent from farms across the United States proposing many impactful sustainable agriculture projects focused on supporting pollinators, conserving soil, water, and energy, extending the growing season and increasing harvests. Of the 20 finalists selected from The Community Fund's volunteer review committee, 10 farms have been selected to receive up to $5,000 in funding to support its proposed sustainability projects. The FruitGuys is a San Francisco-based company that delivers wellness to workplaces across America through boxes of farm-fresh fruit in an effort to replace breakroom junk food and promote healthy snacking. Because the fruits are sourced from small, independent and family-run American farms, The FruitGuys developed a deeper understanding and connection to the plight of small farmers and in 2008, the company organized a Farm Steward Program to give grants to American farms to support sustainable agriculture projects. In 2012, the Farm Steward Program was officially established as a nonprofit fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives and renamed The FruitGuys Community Fund. "The Community Fund's core belief is to fund projects that make an impact beyond the farm, which is valuable not onlyfor the farmer, but also for the world at large," said Chris Mittelstaedt, founder and CEO of The FruitGuys and Board Advisor for The Community Fund. "This class of Community Fund recipients exemplify this mission as they work toward greater environmental and economic health, community engagement and sustainable agriculture."



The Community Fund's Class of 2017 ranges from a small, half acre urban farm in Chicago that will use its $5,000 grant to fund the purchase of an ice freezer, solar panels and extra coolers to support its new "Neighborhood Greens Program" which will bring fresh bunched greens to city convenience stores accepting food stamps, to a 13 acre farm in Maine that will use its grant to build a rainwater catchment system that will provide approximately 1,000 gallons of water for every inch of rain. To view the full list of grant recipients and read about each of their funded projects, visit http://fruitguyscommunityfund.org/grow-good-2017-grants-awarded/ Since 2012, The FruitGuys Community fund has awarded more than $167,000 to 41 farms to support sustainability projects that have a large, positive impact on the environment, local food systems and farm diversity.

For those interested in getting involved with The Community Fund, there are many ways to participate. Through small donations, The Community Fund is able to extend their reach to support more projects that address water conservation, natural pest control, energy efficiency, soil health or pollination. To donate, visit https://fruitguyscommunityfund.wedid.it/. People can also volunteer to become a part the Grant Review Community to help decide which projects get funded in 2018. For more information, email [email protected]. ABOUT THE FRUITGUYS The FruitGuys delivers wellness to workplaces across America through boxes of farm-fresh fruit in an effort to replace break room junk food and promote healthy snacking. The fruits are sourced from small farms across the country, which supports American farmers and also serves communities in need through weekly donations to homeless shelters, foodbanks and other nonprofits. Founded in a one-bedroom San Francisco apartment in 1998 by CEO and founder Chris Mittelstaedt, The FruitGuys is still family owned and operated, and maintains its commitment to giving back as well as expanding its network of family farms in each of its regional hubs across the U.S. Today, The FruitGuys is the nation's No. 1 provider or farm-fresh fruit to business. For more information, visit www.fruitguys.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406006102/en/

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Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company Ltd plans capital expenditure of Rs 800 crore for its agri tech business in the next four years for expansion in product portfolio and strengthen its presence in existing markets.
The Kolkata-based Group, which has interests in fast-moving consumer goods to real estate, will invest Rs 1,000 crore over the next few years to ramp up its edible oil business. It has allocated Rs 800 crore to build three manufacturing units in Jaipur (Rajasthan), Kandla (Gujarat) and JNPT (Maharashtra). The rest will be spent on advertisement and promotion of its premium brand  Healthy and Tasty, said Aditya Vardhan Agarwal, director, Group.
[April 06, 2017] Global Anti-Money Laundering Software Market 2017-2021

LONDON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- About Anti Money Laundering Software



Money laundering is a process by which criminals convert illegally obtained profit into seemingly legitimate funds. They hide the source of such profits and try to prove that they are from a legitimate source. Money laundering is a worldwide issue. The reason for criminals to launder their illegal funds is that they can later use this money in the markets without any hindrance and without the fear of it being tracked. Laundering prevents the funds from being confiscated by the police. In money laundering, once the funds are deposited in a foreign bank, they can be moved through accounts of shell corporations that exist mainly for laundering purposes. The high volume of wire transfers daily makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace these transactions.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3571259/



Technavio's analysts forecast the global anti money laundering software market to grow at a CAGR of 11.07% during the period 2017-2021.



Covered in this report

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global anti money laundering software market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.



The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:

- Americas

-APAC









Technavio's report, Global Anti Money Laundering Software Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.





Key vendors

- ACI Worldwide

- EastNets

- FICO TONBELLER

- Fiserv

- NICE Actimize

- RELX

- FIS

- BAE Systems

- Experian

- Oracle

- SAS

- Thomson Reuters

- aml360

- AML Partners

- AML RightSource

- Safe Banking Systems

- Truth Technologies

- Verafin



Other prominent vendors

- Ascent Technology Consulting

- Aquilan Technologies

- Banker's Toolbox

- targens

- CGI Group

- MemberCheck



Market driver

- Increased need for automated transaction monitoring systems.

- For a full, detailed list, view our report



Market challenge

- Complexity of data interpretation.

- For a full, detailed list, view our report



Market trend

- Increasing need for know your customer analytics.

- For a full, detailed list, view our report



Key questions answered in this report

- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?

- What are the key market trends?

- What is driving this market?

- What are the challenges to market growth?

- Who are the key vendors in this market space?

- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?

- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?



You can request one free hour of our analyst's time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.



Methodology

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3571259/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-anti-money-laundering-software-market-2017-2021-300436172.html SOURCE ReportBuyer

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Energy and persistence conquer all things. - Benjamin Franklin



Disclaimer : all numbers in this short form annual report are unaudited. Exact numbers might change in small deltas while we go through the audit.



If I have to define the last year for in just two words, these will be perseverance and focus. All of us at simply put our heads down to execute.
The financial year (FY) 2017 will be a memorable year for Japanese auto major Honda's Indian arm on various counts. Not only has it become the first 100 per cent two-wheeler subsidiary of to achieve five million sales in a short span, but it has also reported an increase in its market share constantly, even as its peer Hero MotoCorp has seen a drop.
is introducing a 15-20 per cent variable pay component for its top management, as it looks to save on the wage bill.
Newcomer Reliance Jio's 72 million paid customers are "credit positive" for parent Reliance Industries as subscriber enrolment reduces cash flow uncertainty of the telecom business, Moody's Investors Service said today.

Moody's calculation shows that Jio will be able to generate revenue of about Rs 213 billion (Rs 21,300 crore) for the current financial year, assuming all 72 million users pay Rs 303 per 28 days between July 2017 and March 2018.

On the enrolment of paid subscribers, Moody's Investors Service said, "This is credit positive as the subscriber enrolment reduces cash flow uncertainty of the telecom business, on which RIL has spent over Rs 1.7 trillion (Rs 1,70,000 crore) over the last six years."



Jio, in February, said it has enrolled 100 million users for its free services that was slated to end on March 31. The company had also announced that it would start charging for services from April 1 and introduced Jio-Prime membership, a discounted set of price plans to incentivise non-paying subscribers to subscribe to paid services.

It has now extended by a fortnight the deadline for enrolment to its Jio-Prime plan, and as per its last update has 72 million paid customers. Also, it has announced that all Prime members who subscribe to higher value plans (Rs 303 and above) will enjoy complimentary services for three months and that subscribers will only be charged for services from July.

"... There was uncertainty about the success rate of transitioning non-paying subscribers to paid plans, but that uncertainty has now reduced to a large extent," the statement by Moody's said.

It further said a significant portion of the 72 million subscribers are expected to opt for Rs 303 plan, given that it is the minimum plan that gives complimentary services for three months.

"However, as the price plan does not require the subscriber to commit beyond the 28 days, they are free to switch at any time after that," it said, adding that Prime membership will therefore have to continue to be competitive and maintain service quality to retain customers.

The company may have to revisit its price plans beyond April 15 to attract and retain subscribers who do not sign up for the Prime offering, it noted.

Even if Jio were to generate about Rs 200 billion (Rs 20,000 crore) in revenue, it will not be sufficient to generate free cash flows as the company's spending on capex will be significantly higher than its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), Moody's said.

Hence, despite a large paying subscriber base, Moody's said, "We continue to expect that Jio will remain a drag on RIL's cash flows for at least the next 2-3 years."



Jio's aggressive stance will ensure a heightened state of competition in the sector for the foreseeable future, it added.
With plans of getting into the health care segment and making doctors appointments part of its app in future, online mobile wallet entity said it had invested in QorQl, an online health care start-up.
Complying with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of Indias (Trais) advice, on Thursday withdrew its Summer Surprise offer. Announced last week, the scheme promised to provide complimentary services to every Jio Prime member for three months starting April 1.
China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the to visit Arunachal Pradesh, the Chinese official media said.

Two English newspapers  China Daily and Global Times  have launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh  which China claims as part of Southern Tibet  is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

"New Delhi not only allowed the 14th to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said.

"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in an editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," it said.

"Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks," it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

The aggressive editorials came after China yesterday lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale here over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino- India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.

"With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?" it said.

"China considers India as a friendly neighbour and partner. China has never provoked bilateral disputes or made any pressing demand on India over the Dalai Lama. New Delhi should respond to Beijing's goodwill with goodwill," it said.

"The Dalai question became one of the problems that upset the Sino-India relationship," it said.

"When India emphasises the relationship with China, it would place a tight control on the Dalai. When it has a grudge against China, it may prompt the Dalai to play certain tricks as a signal sent to China," it said.

Stating that India is dissatisfied with China over the NSG and Azhar issues, it said some Indians also called for boycott of Chinese goods.

"The Dalai's visit to Arunachal Pradesh this time is seen as New Delhi using the monk as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on China," it said.

"But this is a clumsy and rude move. The Dalai is a highly-politicised symbol in China's diplomacy. For any country, its attitude toward the Dalai Lama almost affects the entire relationship with China," Global Times said, adding that the western countries "fully recognised" this and were "extremely prudent" in using him as a "diplomatic card".

"When the Dalai travels to the capital of a Western country, who will meet him, when and where would be carefully weighed," it said.

"Before this trip, the Dalai Lama was received by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in December. At a time when the Dalai has been given a cold shoulder in many places of the world, New Delhi is bucking the trend and treating him as a favourite," it said.

"It is worth mentioning that India is dissatisfied with China mainly in the international multilateral field," it said, adding that China too suffered "setbacks when applying for the membership of international organisations".

"China's proposal to blacklist some terrorist group had also been refused. However, as dissatisfied as China was, it didn't make an issue of them," it said.
Australian Prime Minister on Thursday said he will use his first trip to India to further strengthen the bilateral ties and discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the "enormous opportunities" for collaboration in areas like trade and security.

Turnbull will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday on a four-day visit to India.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I will discuss the enormous opportunities for collaboration between Australia and India," he said.

"With converging political, economic and strategic interests, we will use the meeting to strengthen our relationship even further for the benefit of both nations."



India is the world's fastest growing major economy. Two-way trade exceeded 19 billion dollar in 2015-16.

Turnbull will be accompanied by his Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham who isleading a strong delegation of education experts.

"With the Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, I will address a dinner to celebrate our partnership in education, recognising how Australian expertise in skills training can help India to meet its goal of training 400 million people by 2022," Turnbull said.

"In Mumbai, meetings with leading Indian CEOs and business people will focus on growing two-way trade and investment. Australian energy and resources are helping to power India's growth, while our collaboration on innovation and technology will open new business opportunities in the future," he added.

Turnbull also highlighted the vibrant Indian community which he said was making a significant contribution to the fabric of Australia's multicultural society.

"It provides a vital bridge between our two countries, and this visit will ensure that the ties between India and Australia become even stronger," he said.

Modi had invited Turnbull to India last year during the G-20 Summit in China.

Turnbull, 62, became Australia's Prime Minister on September 15, 2015.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who has been banned from flying by several airlines after he assaulted an Air India staffer on March 23, reached Delhi on Wednesday via a chartered flight to attend the Parliament session. According to a report of Indian Express, Gaikwad flew to Delhi on Wednesday in a chartered plane from Pune airport. Sources confirmed that his flight left at 3 pm from the airport and reached Delhi around 5 pm.


China on Wednesday reacted angrily to the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and said that by ignoring Beijing's concerns over the issue New Delhi has caused "serious damage" to bilateral ties. India reiterated that no political colour should be attributed to the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the northeastern state.

Diplomatic tensions escalated with Beijing summoning the Indian envoy Vijay Gokhale to lodge its protest, even as the 81-year-old Tibetan leader, who arrived in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, said in Bomdila that India has never used him against China.

In a prelude to China's belligerence, the Chinese state-run media warned that New Delhi's inviting the Tibetan spiritual leader to the "sensitive region" would "gravely damage" India-China relations. China considers large parts of Arunachal Pradesh as south Tibet, while India has said that Arunachal is an inseparable part of its territory.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, addressing a regular briefing, voiced Beijing's "firm opposition" to the Dalai Lama's visit and said her country would lodge "stern representations with the Indian side".

Hua said that India "in disregard" to China's concerns "obstinately" went ahead to arrange the Tibetan leader's visit, causing "serious damage" to China's interests and China-India relations.

She said that India should "immediately cease using the Dalai Lama's mistaken behaviour to damage China's interests" and not "hype up sensitive" bilateral issues.

The state-run Global Times accused the Indian government of "openly using" the "as a diplomatic tool to win more leverage".

It said India was trying to play the Tibet card against China as "New Delhi is dissatisfied with Beijing's stance over its membership bid to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and its request to name Masood Azhar, head of Pakistani militant group, to a UN Security Council blacklist".

Reacting to Beijing's objection against his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Nobel Peace Laureate said: "There are many in China who love India, but there are some narrow-minded politicians because of their certain views..they considered me as a demon."

Denying Chinese assertions that India was using him as a diplomatic leverage to challenge China, the Tibetan spiritual leader said: "I am India's longest standing guest. India has never used me against China."

On the Tibetan stand, he told journalists, ahead of proceeding to Tawang for a major Buddhist event: "We are not seeking independence. We are very much willing to remain with People's Republic of China. I always used to talk about the spirit of the European Union, individual nations, individual sovereignty but that is not so important, what is important is common interest."

"Tibet is materialistically backward but spiritually highly-developed. For material development, we need to remain with the People's Republic China as it is our interest. The government (of China) should feel ok for the mutual benefit," he added.

"China must give us meaningful self-rule, autonomy, and must take care of the environment in Tibet. China has the highest population of Tibetan Buddhists. Many Chinese intellectuals also fully support our cause," he said.

China had protested former US envoy Richard Verma's visit to Tawang last October and warned Washington against meddling in the border dispute between New Delhi and Beijing.

India on Wednesday reiterated that no political colour should be attributed to the Tibetan spiritual leader's trip and that the has visited Arunachal earlier on half a dozen occasions.

"We also urged that no political colour be ascribed to his religious and spiritual activities and to his visits to states of India, and no artificial controversy created around his ongoing visit," External Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

On Tuesday, India asked China not to interfere in its matters. Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, said: "India has always been non-interfering in the neighbours' internal affairs in our approach. In the same manner, we expect the same from our neighbours."
[April 06, 2017] InnovaCare Health Executive Meets with President Trump to Discuss Healthcare

Penelope Kokkinides, Chief Administrative Officer for InnovaCare, Inc., a leading Medicaid and Medicare Advantage organization providing healthcare-related services in Puerto Rico, attended a recent meeting at the White House to discuss federal healthcare legislation with President Donald Trump and CMS Administrator Seema Verma. The Women in Healthcare Panel was a roundtable discussion held Wednesday, March 22, in the Roosevelt Room of the West Wing. Kokkinides was one of eight women invited to the panel, which also included other executives and professional caregivers. During her time with President Trump and administrator Verma, she spoke to the importance of increased funding for Medicare Advantage within Puerto Rico. Since 2011, cuts to federal funding in Puerto Rico for Medicare Advantage have dropped by an annual amount of over $1 billion - a figure that is significantly disproportionate to cuts in the States. "The current administration - through CMS - is considering changes to Medicare Advantage payments that could help begin to dig us out of the hole we are in, and we are hopeful CMS will do the right thing for Puerto Rico," said Kokkinides at the meeting. "Fixing these cuts is not only the right thing to do, butit is the fiscally responsible thing to do. If the Medicaid system collapses in Puerto Rico, many may be forced to leave the island for the States, where their Medicaid costs could be up to three or four times higher."



Medicare Advantage is the island's most popular plan, thanks to private plans such as MMM Healthcare, and PMC Medicare Choice, two InnovaCare subsidiaries. In total, the company serves more than 560,000 beneficiaries. One of the major discussion topics at the meeting was the important role of women in healthcare.

"The doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals here today represent the millions of women - millions and millions - who play a vital and indispensable role in Americans' healthcare," said Trump. In the final notice, released days after the meeting, CMS provided favorable adjustments for the Puerto Rican healthcare system. Kokkinides has more than two decades of health care experience specializing in government programs (Medicare and Medicaid) and the managed care industry. She has served in a number of executive roles, including as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Centerlight HealthCare, where she was responsible for overall management and strategic direction of the managed care division; Chief Operating Officer of Touchstone (News - Alert) Health; and Corporate Vice President for Care Management and Disease Management at AmeriChoice, a business unit of UnitedHealth Group, where she was instrumental in developing and implementing the company's health model. About InnovaCare, Inc. InnovaCare, Inc. provides managed healthcare services, operating the leading health plans in Puerto Rico - MMM Healthcare, Inc. (MMM) and PMC Medicare Choice, Inc. (PMC) whose membership base includes more than 200,000 individuals, served by a network of over 7,500 providers. InnovaCare also manages two Medicaid plans within the Government Health Plan (GHP) of Puerto Rico, with broad benefit coverage through a coordinated care model. Offering the Island's only NCQA-accredited health plans, InnovaCare is committed to providing members with quality healthcare by creating sustainable models of managed care that are coordinated, cost-effective, innovative and fully integrated with advanced technologies. For more information, please visit innovacarehealth.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406006256/en/

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The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court has given 10 days to Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh to draw up a plan so that its crackdown on illegitimate slaughterhouses does not divest people of their choice of food or livelihood. The bench has reminded the Uttar Pradesh government that in course of its restriction it must not encumber the basic rights of citizens.


The Maharashtra government has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking a ban on right wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha, the Legislative Council was informed on Thursday.

The Goa-headquartered outfit has been linked to two high profile murder cases and also terror activities in the coastal state and Maharashtra.

The government has sought a ban on the Sanstha under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Minister of State for Home (Rural) Deepak Kesarkar said.

Kesarkar was replying to supplementaries on a calling attention notice moved by Vidya Chavan (NCP) regarding probe into the murders of noted rationalist Narendra Dabholkar and veteran Communist leader Govind Pansare.

Dabholkar was gunned down in Pune in 2013, while Pansare was shot dead in Kolhapur in 2015. In both the cases, the right wing group has come under the lens and two of its members have been arrested, while some accused are absconding.

Chavan said there has not been much headway in both the cases and some of the key accused are still at large.

"We have sent a proposal to the Centre under the 2011 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and asked it to ban Sanatan Sanstha," Kesarkar said.

Replying to further queries, the minister said the government can issue a notice to attach properties of the absconding accused to force them to surrender.

Chavan contended that Sanstha advocate Sanjeev Punalekar has issued veiled threats to witnesses.

The minister assured the House the government will provide protection to all those getting such threats. The government will have to check whether action can be taken against Punalekar.

Kesarkar said steps will be taken to stop use of illegal firearms in the state.
Ten people have been arrested and two others charged for allegedly duping persons in New York, Las Vegas and Mumbai to the tune of over $9 million through fraudulent diamond trade.

Godel Sezanayev, Mark Mullakandov, Albert Foozailov, Imanil Muratov, Manashe Sezanayev, Nathan Itzchaki, Arkadiy Israilov, Ali Javidnezhad, Mark Natanzon, Sholom Muratov, Menachem Abramov and Nizamuden Akbari were arrested for defrauding diamond traders of more than $9 million, acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York Joon Kim said.

Two others named Javidnezhad and Akbari are absconding and have been charged, he said.

"Centered in Manhattan's diamond district, America's busiest hub in the diamond trade, the defendants allegedly took advantage of an industrywide system of credit and trust to obtain largely untraceable diamonds, and then, using various allegedly illegal schemes, refused to pay," Kim said.

Since in or about 2015, the has been investigating a series of predatory frauds perpetrated by a group of diamond merchants in the city. This group swindles diamond wholesalers in a variety of ways, and then resells the ill-gotten diamonds through Manhattan's diamond district.

From at least January 2015 to November 2016, the defendants deployed an ad hoc strategy to obtain as much of the diamond inventory from the victims as possible without full payment, the attorney said.

The defendants also induced numerous victims in Mumbai to send diamonds by interstate carrier by purporting to agree to payment terms that they had no intention to, and did not, honor. The defendants caused these victims losses in excess of USD 7.44 million, Kim said.

According to the complaint, the victims in Mumbai worked in diamond wholesale businesses in and around the Indian city.

In about September 2016, the victims reported to Indian authorities claiming millions of dollars in losses caused by the defendants. They sent the diamonds ordered by the defendants, through a fraudulent scheme, to New York.

However, the victims did not get paid and were told over a period of time that the diamonds were with someone else or they did not have the money cash to pay. The victims have still not been paid for the diamonds that they sold in the scheme.

The 12 accused have been charged with conspiring to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The weather Gods in Arunachal Pradesh might succeed in what Beijing has failed to do --- preventing His Holiness The from visiting Tawang during his nine-day tour of Arunachal Pradesh.
Congress Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh on Thursday withdrew an amendment to highlight how the Rajya Sabha was being taken for granted by the government, after former prime minister Manmohan Singh asked him to do so. Singh told him it would disturb the fine balance in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council.
The Centre is unlikely to appeal the Supreme Court (SC) order to close liquor shops located 500 metres from highways, since it feels there is no basis to make such a case. It has also taken a dim view of states denotifying stretches of roads as the state highways.
The West Bengal government has decided to denotify 277.3 km of five state highways to bypass the Supreme Courts ban on liquor sales within 500 metres of national and state highways.
The Rajya Sabha on Thursday cleared four goods and services tax (GST) Bills. Now, the Presidents consent and approval of the Assemblies are required for clearing all legislative hurdles, before the unified indirect tax regime is rolled out.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)s move to allow banks to invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Funds (InvITs) might not find many takers, if experts are to be believed.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor on Thursday expressed displeasure over the current spate of farm loan waivers and said these adversely affect the culture of repayments as well as put a severe burden on the exchequer.
INVESTOR ALERT: Goldberg Law PC Announces an Investigation of TransDigm Group Incorporated and Advises Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm

Goldberg Law PC, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of TransDigm Group Incorporated ("TransDigm" or the "Company") (NYSE: TDG).

If you purchased or otherwise acquired TransDigm shares and would like more information regarding the investigation, we encourage you to contact Michael Goldberg or Brian Schall, of Goldberg Law PC, 1999 Avenue of the Stars Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA (News - Alert) 90067, at 800-977-7401, to discuss your rights without cost to you. You can also reach us through the firm's website at http://www.Goldberglawpc.com, or by email at [email protected].







Citron Research disclosed a report entitled "Could TransDigm be the Valeant of the Aerospace Industry?" claiming that TransDigm's business model relied on "acquir[ing] airplane parts companies (over 50 in total), fir[ing] employees, and egregiously rais[ing] prices," and claimed that the Company's business model was not sufficient for a competitive bidding environment. When this information was released to the public, the value of TransDigm stock fell.

If you have any questions concerning your legal rights, please immediately contact Goldberg Law PC at 800-977-7401, or visit our website at http://www.Goldberglawpc.com, or email us at [email protected].

Goldberg Law PC represents shareholders around the world and specializes in securities class actions and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406006265/en/
Realty stocks surged on Thursday after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed domestic lenders to invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs). Despite volatility in the broader market, the BSE Realty, a gauge for the performance of real estate stocks, gained two per cent, the most among sectoral indices.
Delegation of Senior Editors and Journalists from Bangladesh calls on Union Power Minister India and Bangladesh are more than just Neighbours, have shared interests and experiences: Shri Piyush Goyal

A delegation of senior editors and journalists from Bangladesh called on Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri Piyush Goyal here today. The members of delegation were apprised about the series of reform measures that have been taken by the government to bring about transparency and accountability in the power sector and to achieve the mission of Affordable, Quality, 24x7 Power for All.

The interaction was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs as a familiarisation initiative for the delegation learning about the turnaround that has been achieved in Indias Power sector. A presentation was given to the delegation informing them about the transparency initiatives taken by the government like various mobile apps and web portals in the power sector and the change that the transparency and accountability has brought about in the governance in the sector.

Addressing the delegation, Shri Goyal said that India and Bangladesh have expanded the scope of engagement to an unprecedented scale, which has built a great level of mutual trust between the two Nations. The Minister noted that both countries have a lot to learn from each other and cooperate on a number of issues of regional and global importance.

Shri Goyal commended the neighbouring Nation on its achievements like the Grameen Bank, revolution in the textile sector, on which India looks up to Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh are neighbours, more than just neighbours, he added.

Shri Goyal also expressed confidence of receiving greater cooperation from Bangladesh in areas like developing intra-regional power and transport corridors, maintaining peace and security in the South Asian region by putting up a consolidated front against regional and global terrorism, among others. This would enrich and strengthen the engagement between the two countries in the areas of mutual and shared interests, he added.

Talking about the future prospects of engagements between the Nations, Shri Goyal expressed willingness in supporting Bangladesh in the Renewable Energy sector and Energy Efficiency initiatives, in which India has achieved huge success. The scale at which the RE sector has expanded, would surely help Bangladesh learn from Indias experiences and help the Nation in transition towards Clean Energy in the future, the Minister added.
The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir launched the website, http://npdrr2-mha.net.in, for the ensuing 2nd meeting of National Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) here today. This is an exclusive website to share all information related to the NPDRR and keep updating delegates on daily basis about the meeting. .

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The 2nd meeting of the NPDRR will be held in the last week of April this year in New Delhi on the theme 'Disaster Risk Reduction for Sustainable Development: Making India Resilient by 2030'. The first meeting of NPDRR was held during May 13 -14, 2013 in New Delhi on the theme 'Mainstreaming DRR in Development: From Risk to Resilience'. .

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The NPDRR is a multi-stakeholder National Platform headed by the Union Home Minister and consists of representatives from Central Government, State Governments, Local Self Governments, Parliament, Specialised agencies dealing with disaster, Institutions of National Importance, Industry, Media, Civil Society Organizations and International Organizations. The NPDRR promotes participatory decision making in disaster management and strengthens federal policy of our country. .

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Besides opening and valedictory sessions, the second meeting of NPDRR will have one plenary session, 5 technical sessions, exclusive Ministerial Session, and one session on the pre-events of this NPDRR. This meeting would sensitize the participants about important initiatives at global and national level on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), including Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2016, the Asia Regional Plan 2016, and the Prime Ministers 10 point agenda on DRR. It would discuss and evolve various actionable points pertaining to four priority areas of Sendai Framework on DRR to make our country disaster resilient. About 1,000 participants including members of NPDRR, selected representatives from the State/UT Governments, Central Governments, public sector organizations, institutions of national importance, private sector, financial institutions, professional experts and Non-Governmental Organizations are likely to attend the meeting. .

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National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) are organizing 10 pre-events on different aspect of DRR in collaboration with their partner organizations as a build up to this 2nd meeting of NPDRR. A national level slogan competition on "Role of NPDRR in disaster management" has been launched on March 31, 2017 to enhance citizen's involvement in Disaster Management. .

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The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir reviewed the working of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), here today. .

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During the presentation, it was highlighted that CCTNS software has been successfully deployed at 96.32% Police Stations (PSs) i.e. 13,122 PSs out of 13,623 PSs, excluding 1,757 PSs of Bihar and Rajasthan. The presentation also stressed upon that 94.2% PSs i.e. 12,830 PSs out of 13,623 PSs excluding 1,757 PSs of States of Bihar and Rajasthan, are entering 100% FIRs through CCTNS software. .

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Pointing out that only FIR data related to more than 7 crore cases has been uploaded on the CCTNS since its inception in 2009, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir directed that all remaining FIRs must be uploaded before the formal launch of the CCTNS, later this year. .

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The Minister advised the officials to include trend analysis of crimes and other analytics for better monitoring by Centre and States. .

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At least 33 people have reportedly killed execution-style by gunmen in eastern Syria, according to a monitoring group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that the terror incident took place in the the al-Mayadin desert near the strategic city of Deir Ezzor.

The CNN quoted the London-based monitoring group a saying that it was the largest execution operation carried out by the in 2017.

The report said the people were between ages 18 and 25 and were "killed by sharp tools.

The report came as killed at least 22 people in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, also on Wednesday.

ISIS gunmen indiscriminately opened fire on police and civilians in the central Iraqi city before they blew themselves up, police officials told CNN.
Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump's chief strategist, has lost his seat on the powerful National Security Council in a high-level White House shakeup.

Trump's elevation of Bannon to a permanent spot on the NSC had been widely criticised as injecting into White House deliberations on sensitive defense, foreign policy and intelligence matters.

The move revealed yesterday was seen as a setback for Bannon, the controversial former head of the far-right media website Breitbart, who is one of Trump's most trusted advisors and sometimes dubbed the real power in the White House.

And it appeared to boost recently appointed National Security Advisor H R McMaster, who is putting his own stamp on the crucial advisory body.

Trump made no statement on the shift, but Bannon described it as part of a process of getting the council under control after it grew rapidly under president Barack Obama's national security advisor, Susan Rice.

"Susan Rice operationalised the NSC during the last administration so I was put on NSC to ensure it was 'de-operationalised.' General McMaster has NSC back to its proper function," Bannon said in a statement.

Normally out of the news, the NSC has been the focus of uncommon controversy in the first months of the administration.

Trump's first national security advisor, Michael Flynn, was forced out in February after he made misleading statements about conversations he had with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak after the election.

The White House then struggled to replace Flynn, with potential candidates wary of political infighting and staffing issues. On February 20 Trump tapped respected Army lieutenant general McMaster, promising him "full authority" to hire his own staff.

As chief White House strategist, Bannon has helped shape into policy the nationalist and anti-government ideas that helped propel Trump to the White House.

He is closely tied to the sharp turn away from several decades of an expansive, globalist US foreign policy since Trump became president on January 20.

Bannon's inclusion in the NSC at the end of January raised concerns that the critical reports and recommendations that US spy and defense agencies present to the president could be politicized. The move had come as Trump leveled strong attacks on the intelligence community over leaks to the media.

Little seen or heard from in public, Bannon appeared to have an impact on most aspects of administration policy. One of his mantras has been to "blow up Washington," which he viewed as a city of calcified elites.

"What we are witnessing now is the birth of a new political order," he told the Washington Post as the new government took office.

Critics assailed his influence. Time magazine called him "The Great Manipulator" and others dubbed him "President Bannon."



Despite the loss of his NSC seat, he will likely remain a powerful figure behind Trump. He was reportedly working this week on a new health care plan after Congress failed to repeal Obama's landmark Affordable Care Act, as Trump has promised.

In a presidential order issued Tuesday, Bannon's position, assistant to the president and chief strategist, was removed from the list of NSC members and its principals committee, which includes several top cabinet, military and intelligence officials.

At the same time, the director of National Intelligence, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Secretary of Energy were restored to the principals committee after being left out in the January configuration.

The move to drop Bannon garnered approval from both political parties. Republic Senator John McCain told Politico it was a "good move."



"I said at the time that I didn't think a political adviser should be a member of that body because it's never been, so I think it's the right thing to do," he said.

Democratic Representative Eliot Engel called the move "long overdue."



" should never have been on the National Security Council in the first place," he said.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met face-to-face for the first time on Thursday, spending some social time together with their wives before digging in to the thorny trade and security issues that bedevil the relationship between the world's two largest economies.
When three of Indias top marketers  Patanjali, ITC and MobiKwik  appear willing to share their experiences on how they have survived and thrived in a competitive market like India, all attention is on them. People want to hear them and understand what makes them click with Indian consumers.
Shares of real estate companies were trading higher by up to 6%, erasing their intra-day losses after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said banks can invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
[April 06, 2017] CareerBliss Top 10 Happiest Tech Companies in USA

CareerBliss, the leading online career community, releases the CareerBliss Happiest Tech Companies. This data is derived from employees who voluntarily submit reviews to CareerBliss.com, evaluating their company's leadership, culture, compensations and overall work environment. Each review is given an average score indicating where the company ranks between one and five. After analyzing thousands of reviews, Adobe Systems comes in as the happiest technology company to work for, followed by Lexmark, Broadcom (News - Alert), Intuit, Google, Qualcomm and Apple to round out the top ten. Happiest Technology Companies 2017







Rank Company Name BlissScore Average Salary 1 Adobe Systems Incorporated 3.561 $84,404 2 Lexmark International (News - Alert), Inc. 3.545 $61,589 3 Broadcom Corporation 3.538 $75,644 4 Autodesk (News - Alert), Inc. 3.538 $75,644 5 Synopsys, Inc. 3.516 $74,419 6 Intuit, Inc. 3.497 $74,801 7 Texas Instruments (News - Alert), Inc. 3.491 $82,177 8 Google, Inc. 3.467 $55,632 9 Qualcomm (News - Alert) 3.457 $79,629 10 Apple 3.450 $31,952

Bliss Rating: Overall job happiness score assigned by employees. Bliss Rating is derived from company reviews, which evaluate each of the key factors that contribute to the overall happiness in the workplace. Data derived from 2017. "CareerBliss is committed to honoring companies that are creating unique and positive work environments for employees. Building a large tech company with an incredible culture with truly happy people is an amazing feat. It is great for the employees, the company and vastly improves turnover and the bottom line," says Heidi Golledge, Chief Happiness Officer and Cofounder of CareerBliss. "A lot of folks think that new tech startups cultivate the happiest employees, however many larger, long-standing technology companies have great benefits, more regular hours and career growth opportunities that supersede a startup environment," continues Golledge. How CareerBliss Evaluates Happiness at Work CareerBliss' data evaluates the key factors that impact happiness at work including: One's relationship with management and company CEO, compensation, workplace environment, growth opportunities, satisfaction with job role, and one's overall workplace setting. The results are generated from CareerBliss.com review submissions and serve to provide insight into employers. All reviews are ranked on a scale of 1-5. Factors that impact the top technology companies included career growth, compensation and the relationship with senior managers. For more information on the CareerBliss Happiest Companies in Tech visit www.careerbliss.com. About CareerBliss CareerBliss is an online career community designed to help everyone find happiness in the workplace. An information hub for everyone that works-employers, job seekers and recruiters-CareerBliss offers the ability to find out what makes them happy and the ability to seek that out in other jobs or improve it in their current one using our PhD Board of Advisors, more than six million independent company reviews and salary comparisons, and more than three million job listings. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406006284/en/

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The central government might increase its minimum support price (MSP) for tur (red gram) and moong dal (green gram) by Rs 200 and Rs 475 a quintal, respectively, for the 2017-18 kharif season, if it agrees with the recommendations made by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
There have lately been talks of steel prices being hiked by Rs 1,000-2,000 a tonne, and these sound encouraging. On a positive note, steel manufacturers have also started reporting strong production numbers. Tata Steels provisional numbers, for instance, show saleable steel production is up 17 per cent to 11.34 million tonnes (MT) in FY17 and a 22 per cent growth to 3.11 MT in March 2017 quarter. JSW Steel, too, has reported an impressive trend with 15.8 per cent growth in production to 15.8 MT in FY17 and 28 per cent growth to 4.10 MT in March quarter. These have helped the share price of steel companies trade firm on the bourses. However, there are reasons to be cautious.
In a major setback to the Aam Admi Party (AAP), the three-member Shunglu Committee, set up by former Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, has unearthed irregularities in the allotment of lands by Arvind Kejriwal-led government while alleging that party allotted residential house to its minister under the guise of office accommodation.

The committee in its above 100-page report raised questions on the allotment of 206, Rouse Avenue - a minister's bungalow used as party office - to .

"Allotment of 206, Rouse Avenue, known as Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg (Ministers residences), to . On 08.10.2015 Chief Secretary circulated a decision of the Cabinet approving allotment of land to political parties for construction of offices. The Cabinet "feels that there is an elected Government in Capital Territory of Delhi and it has the prerogative to frame its own guidelines to allot land, to the political parties having their representation in Delhi Legislative Assembly.....". Since Land is a reserved subject this decision should be deemed null and void. It is clear that this decision to allot land to political parties was really to validate allotment of government accommodation to AAP," the report read.

Allotment of Type-V quarter to an MLA Akhilesh Pati Tripathi for accommodation purpose also got a mention in the report.

"In case of Sh. Tripathi, it was decided to allot a Type-V furnished accommodation to him. This type of accommodation provides over 2000 sq.ft. and is quite disproportionate to the need for office space for an MLA. Thus, it seems the idea was to allot a residential furnished house to Sh. Tripathi under the guise of providing him office accommodation," forthe committee said.

The Committee has also said that the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief, Swati Maliwal, has been provided accommodation despite not being entitled to anyone and no approval of the Lt. Governor was taken for the same.

"The Chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Swati Maliwal was provided accommodation though in the ordinary course she was not entitled to it as per provisions of the Delhi Commission Women (Honorarium, Allowances and Conditions of service of Chairperson and Members and other Provisions) Rules, 2000. Rule 8, a residuary provision, can be invoked in a case as an exception to the general rule but, only the Lt. Governor can approve such an exception. However, in this case, Lt. Governor's approval was not taken. It rendered the accommodation given by the Minister (PWD) as an irregular allotment," the report read.

Shunglu Committee, headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) V.K. Shunglu, was formed by Jung after Delhi High Court gave primacy to the LG in Delhi administrative affairs in August last year.
Upping the ante against the government, the BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena on Wednesday threatened to boycott the meeting convened by the Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the ban on its party lawmaker Ravindra Gaikwad is not lifted by April 10.

"If this issue is not resolved by April 10, we will not attend the NDA meeting," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.

Raut also targeted the airlines for adopting double standards against Gaikwad, saying, "The airlines have been instrumental in evacuating Dawood Ibrahim from India, they were also instrumental in safely evacuating Vijay Mallya, what wrong has our MP committed. Noted criminals can board your flight, Kashmiri separatists can board your flight. Even the Pakistan artistes and rapists can board your plane, but Ravindra Gaikwad cannot."

Raut further said they will wait for the government to find a solution.

"The government, especially Rajnath Singh, has assured us that they will soon find a solution to this issue. We have also talked to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju. Now, we will leave it to the government. We believe in him, hope he fulfill his commitments," he said.

Shiv Sena MP and Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete on her part said this matter is being sorted out, adding it is being looked upon by the Civil Aviation Minister.

Earlier, the Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju over the flying ban on Gaikwad and threatened that unless it is lifted they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Smitra Mahajan till 12.45 p.m. over the Shiv Sena protest.

Earlier, the Shiv Sena MPs were agitated over a statement of the Civil Aviation Minister, who reiterated that the ban was not aimed at a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights.

This led to a protest by the Shiv Sena members and the House was adjourned.

Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India staff, said that he had been provoked and alleged that the airlines staff misbehaved with him.

Speaking on the issue during Zero Hour, Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him be lifted.

He got support from other opposition parties.

The Shiv Sena MP also said that he can apologise to the Parliament but will not apologise to the airline staffer.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Promising a thorough investigation into the recent incident in Alwar where a Muslim man was lynched by the cow vigilantes, the Rajasthan Police on Thursday assured that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

Alwar Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Prakash said they are trying to detain the six named in the FIR and interrogate them at the earliest.

"A total of six people have been named along with 200 others. We are trying to detain the six named and interrogate them at the earliest. If out of them, some claim innocence then we will examine the evidence produced by them," he told ANI.

The Superintendent of Police further said the victim died due to injuries in his chest and lower abdomen.

He also assured that an unbiased probe would be made into the matter.

"The duty of the police is to investigate on the first information received by it. I would like to assure everybody that the investigation will be unbiased. Those responsible will be arrested and the innocent will not be troubled," he said.

Three people were arrested yesterday in connection with an attack on a group of five men by the cow vigilantes that led to the death of one man.

Pehlu Khan and others were injured after an attack by a mob, who thought they were smuggling cows through Rajasthan.

Khan succumbed to his injuries on Monday night.

Khan and others were returning from a fair in Jaipur where they had purchased a few cows.

The incident took place on April 1 after gau rakshaks affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal stopped their vehicle on NH-8, alleging that they were illegally transporting cows.

An FIR has been registered and investigation is currently underway in this regard.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
French Montana's recent Twitter clapback has left many people rolling their eyes in disappointment.

After stumbling across a twitterer who had written, "The fact that French Montana thinks anyone cares about him..," the 32-year-old rapper sent the social media into a tizzy with his reply.

"U musty crusty dusty rusty ass hoe With them nappy ass poetic justice braids take your cum drinking Dick banging ass somewhere n be humble," he wrote.

The Twittersphere immediately dragged him, calling him out for his course and offensive language.

"@FrencHMonTanA A non black man who loves black culture, makes money off the culture and hates black people and he dates white women who wanna be black," read one response," while another said, "Fun fact: French Montana isnt black, rips off of black culture while bashing black women."

The 'Don't Panic' rapper defended himself in a series of tweets after many called him 'anti black.'

He wrote, "My son is black, and I was born in africa I lived there for 13 years. I ain't no punching bag, and I don't discriminate !don't come for me."

"My mother is african queen and I was married to a beautiful black queen. All I did was defend myself if I affended [sic] anybody I apologize," Montana further wrote, adding, "But this is a perfect example of even when u defending yourself and minding your Business social media would drag your name thru the mud."

He also called into The Breakfast Club to explain, "I never said nothing to all the black ladies. I don't care what the people are going to say. I love my queens, but I just can't take it when someone's trying to come at me. I love the queens. I don't know why they tried to turn it into the racist thing. There are other things to worry about that are really racist.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was backing the cow vigilantes across the country and questioned as to why no action has been initiated against them yet despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive.

"An extortion going on in the name of cows. Akhlaq was lynched in Dadri. A man is killed in Alwar. Who has given you right in this regard? The people are being beaten and killed at several places. And this all has the backing of the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership," Singh told the media outside Parliament here.

"Modi ji had himself said that 85 percent of cow vigilantes are frauds and hooligans and so action should be initiated against them. Then why are they being given protection," he added while responding to a poser that Congress legislator in Gujarat, Gyasuddin Shaikh, has demanded that the cow should be declared the " animal".

Shaikh, who represents the Dariapur Assembly segment in Gujarat's Ahmedabad city, has requested all slaughterhouse owners and operators to ensure that the cow or its progeny is not slaughtered anywhere in the state.

Earlier, a Muslim man was lynched by the cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar city.

Pehlu Khan and others were injured after an attack by a mob, who thought they were smuggling cows through Rajasthan.

Khan succumbed to his injuries on Monday night.

Khan and others were returning from a fair in Jaipur where they had purchased a few cows.

The incident took place on April 1 after gau rakshaks affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal stopped their vehicle on NH-8, alleging that they were illegally transporting cows.

An FIR has been registered and investigation is currently underway in this regard.

Earlier in 2015, Mohammad Akhlaq was lynched by a mob in Uttar Pradesh's Bisara village for allegedly consuming beef.

On the night of September 28, 2015, a mob surrounded Akhlaq's residence in Dadri's Bisara before allegedly dragging him out of the house and beating him to death.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have arrived in Florida for their first series of face-to-face meetings, where talks on complex issues will take place.

The trade relationship between the two countries and the rising threat of North Korea's nuclear program will be at the top of the agenda.

Hours before meeting each other, Trump predicted aboard Air Force One that 'China will be stepping up' to help the US put a stop to North Korea's nuclear program.

Trump also pressed forward with his rhetoric that the US has been "treated unfairly" on the trade front.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, was the first in the Trump's administration to greet Xi on his arrival.

Trump landed about an hour later and is set to greet Xi at Mar-a-Lago.

According to the reports, both the leaders will spend some private time together before sitting down for dinner in the estate's formal dining room.

Trump and Xi are also scheduled to sit down together again on Thursday for a working lunch, while first lady Melania Trump and Madame Peng Liyuan visit a local school together.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[April 06, 2017] Vermont Department of Libraries Modernizes with Auto-Graphics' Library Management Solutions

MONTPELIER, Vt., April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the summer of 2017, Vermonters will have ready access to library materials from 549 libraries across the State as the Vermont Department of Libraries upgrades Vermonts interlibrary loan system. Auto-Graphics, Inc., a leading provider of library software, was selected to provide a new integrated library system and a resource sharing system, giving library patrons the ability to search across all participating libraries in the state. Tom McMurdo, Collections & Digital Initiatives Librarian, says, The Department of Libraries looks forward to modernizing our resource sharing system and getting more information into the hands of Vermont citizens.

Over 50,000 items are circulated through the Department of Libraries current interlibrary loan system each year. In addition to saving libraries time and money, the new systems ease of use will expand this popular service. According to McMurdo, Auto-Graphics software solution provides a seamless, efficient experience for anyone requesting an interlibrary loan or using the Department of Libraries catalog. This will allow us to maximize our resources to better serve the people of Vermont. About Auto-Graphics, Inc.

Auto-Graphics is the only publicly-traded library software vendor to provide software solutions alongwith full financial transparency. The companys nearly seven (7) decades of providing solutions to the markets it serves reflects how well Auto-Graphics has listened to their customer base and stayed abreast of new technologies, continuously reinventing their products and services to help libraries of all sizes become more efficient and patron-centric. The Auto-Graphics browser-based Library Management Platform for patrons and staff  currently used by more than 11,000 libraries in North America  is comprised of VERSO, an integrated public library system (ILS); SHAREit, a resource sharing product providing patron-initiated sharing, circulation-based interlibrary loan (ILL) using NCIP and consortial borrowing solutions; SEARCHit, a federated search and discovery module; SLIMS, a small library information management system, and MONTAGEdc, a digital asset management (DAM) solution. All products are fully compliant with ISO and NISO standards, and are available through the effective cloud-based delivery (SaaS - Software as a Service) model. For more information, please visit www.auto-graphics.com, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. Auto-Graphics trades under the stock symbol AIFS.



 Auto-Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. VERSO, SHAREit, SEARCHit, MONTAGEdc, & SLIMS

are trademarks of Auto-Graphics, Inc and part of their AGent Library Platform.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Department of Libraries Media Contact: Cherie Yaeger Phone: 802-828-3266 E-mail: [email protected] Auto-Graphics Media contact: Elizabeth Kelley Auto-Graphics, Inc. (909) 569-1544 [email protected]

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The Congress Party on Thursday hammered Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's honest image over the Shunglu Committee report and demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor should immediately resign from his post.

Addressing a press conference here, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) President Ajay Maken highlighted the irregularities found in the Shunglu Committee report, which he claimed to have received through Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Maken said that the Kejriwal government had flouted the rules and provided accommodation for its MLAs.

"It may be noted that, in Delhi, no MLA but only Ministers are eligible for government accommodation," said Maken.

Citing another example of nepotism, the Congress leader said the committee raised questions on the appointment of Nikunj Agarwal, a relative of Chief Minister Kejriwal's wife, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Health Minister Satyender Jain.

Maken said that the committee has also found irregularity in appointment of Soumya Jain, who is the daughter of Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain and an architect by profession, as an advisor in the Mohalla clinic project.

"One Abhinav Rai, an AAP member, was appointed OSD to Minister, Transport and is drawing monthly salary of Rs 87000. Kejriwal ignored the pending criminal case against Rai," said Maken.

"Various ministers and AAP functionary/ DDC Chairperson enjoyed foreign tours on public money. Crores of rupees were spent from the coffers of the Delhi Government to fund these tours. No prior sanction of the LG was taken before the ministers/ officials went for these tours."

Maken said the report has found that Kejriwal gave plum postings in various bodies to unqualified members.

For example, Maken said, " A large number of posts were created in the Delhi Dialogue Commission (DDC) to accommodate relatives and AAP volunteers, without issuing invitation to general public".

Demanding a Supreme Court monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry against Kejriwal, Maken demanded immediate resignation of Kejriwal for misusing public resources and his official position against the interest of the people of Delhi.

He announced that the Congress supporters and workers on Friday would stage a protest against AAP in all 272 wards of Delhi and make people aware about the AAP government's "wrongdoing" as highlighted in the Shunglu Committee report.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The European Council on Thursday expanded its sanctions against North Korea including prohibition on investments in the country following its recent missile tests.

"The EU decided to expand the prohibition on investments in the DPRK [North Korea] to new sectors, namely the conventional arms-related industry, metallurgy and metalworking and aerospace," Anadolu news agency quoted a council statement as saying.

It also agreed "to prohibit the provision of certain services to persons or entities in the DPRK, namely computer services and services linked to mining and manufacturing in the chemical, mining and refining industry".

Thursday's measures build on a series of sanctions implemented by the EU in February this year.

North Korea has been accused of violating the UN Security Council resolutions and of creating a "grave threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond".

Four people were also added to a list of persons targeted by the EU measures "for being responsible for supporting or promoting the DPRK's nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programmes".

This brings the total number of people subject to travel restrictions and asset freezes to 41, according to the European Council.

North Korea test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile yesterday from its eastern port of Sinpo into the Sea of Japan.

The launch comes on the eve of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States to meet President Donald Trump.

It is the latest in a series of tests which the North has been conducting in pursuit of its goal of developing a nuclear missile.

Earlier in February, North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea a day after Trump held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the US.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a special drive against illegal foreign immigrants residing in Noida, the police on Thursday arrested a Nigerian living in the city on expired medical attendant visa.

According to reports, the accused named Ilegah visited India on medical attendant visa which expired in December last year.

The police have booked the accused under various sections of the Indian Police Code (IPC) and Foreign Act.

She will be deported soon to Nigeria.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India is likely to offer USD 500 million Line of Credit to Bangladesh for defence exports from the country during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit beginning Friday.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali had earlier on Tuesday said that 33 MoUs are likely to be signed during Prime Minister Hasina's official visit to New Delhi.

Addressing the media here ahead of the visit, Mahmood said that it will be aimed at expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment, connectivity and sub-regional assistance.

Construction of Padma and Ganges barrages, distribution of common river water, border management and fighting cross-border drugs and human trafficking are also among the issues likely to be discussed.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister will also honour 1,661 Indian soldiers, who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War, he said.

When asked about the defence agreements and possibility of a breakthrough on the Teesta water sharing agreement, Ali said that he would not go into specifics, but added that everything would be done in a transparent manner.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Director General of Pakistan Army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor has said that his country hopes for better relations with India and Afghanistan.

"Pakistan does not want to create tensions in the region and does not believe in proxy wars," the Dawn quoted Major General Ghafoor, as saying.

He made these remarks while addressing a press conference in London during Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa's visit to the United Kingdom.

The senior army official also said that the appointment of former Army Chief General Raheel Sharif as head of the Saudi-led 39-nation Islamic military alliance is a decision of the state.

He also said that the Pakistan wishes for better relationship with Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The Pakistan Government has given its approval to former chief of army staff general (Retd) Raheel Sharif to lead a 39-nation alliance of Muslim states led by Saudi Arabia by providing him with a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).

In 2015, Saudi Arabia had announced the formation of a 34-state Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism and Pakistan was made a member of the coalition.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua on Tuesday said that Islamabad remains committed to its policy of non-interference in the conflicts of Muslim countries.

She gave the assurance during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs which discussed the issue of clearance given to former army chief retired General Raheel Sharif to lead the Saudi-led 39-nation Islamic military alliance and Pakistan's relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

"The Islamic [military] alliance is against terrorism, not any [specific] country," Janjua said in response to a question by committee chairman Awais Leghari.

Earlier, Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost had expressed concerns about Pakistan Government's approval to former army chief General Raheel Sharif to lead a 39-nation military alliance put together by Saudi Arabia.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Slamming the Conference (NC) president, Farooq Abdullah, for glorifying stone-pelters, Congress leader K. T. S. Tulsi on Thursday accused the Jammu and Kashmir politicians of misleading the children.

"These children are being misled and the politicians in Jammu and Kashmir should be held responsible for it. The stone-pelters are very young and they should concentrate on studies and make themselves responsible citizen," Tulsi told ANI.

Tulsi further stated that the stone-pelting issue entirely depends on tourism and terrorism that should be looked into.

"This whole scenario is entirely depended on tourism and terrorism, where tourism needs peace while terrorism is increasing day by day for which we have to make an all out effort to eradicate it as soon as possible," said Tulsi.

Resonating similar views, Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal stated that Abdullah's statement is disappointing and will not be accepted.

"The situation in Kashmir has always been bad especially on the social security terms. Farooq Abdullah's statement is disappointing and will not be accepted. He is known for making lame statements but that does not give him the right to comment on anything that will affect the peace in the country," Afzal told ANI.

Abdullah, who was reacting to Prime Minister Modi's statement on April 2 at the inauguration of Chenani-Nashri tunnel that Kashmir's youth need to choose between tourism and terrorism, is contesting the bye-election to Srinagar Lok Sabha seat as the joint candidate of opposition Conference and Congress.

The polling in the constituency will be held on April 9.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Braving the inclement weather, a (Rashtriya Rifles) Battalion today launched a rescue operation to evacuate locals stranded in the waterlogged areas of Parray Mohalla of Jammu and Kashmir's Panzipora which is prone to flooding.

On receiving the distress calls from the residents, a quick reaction came from the Army and they immediately reached the Panzipora area and rescued at least 10 children stranded in the flooded houses.

The village 'Nal'a flowing to its brim breached the bund and created potential danger of inundation of low lying areas. The patrols immediately diverted and assessed the danger.

Showing presence of mind, the commanders gathered villagers and arranged the stones and stopped further breach.

Simultaneously, vehicle load full of filled sandbags was rushed. With the help of locals, the breach was plugged in by the multiple layers of sandbags.

The locals expressed their overwhelming gratitude for such prompt assistance from the army.

Keeping in view the heavy rains received in the area for the past few days, a close watch was being kept over the localities prone to flooding.

The areas are further being kept under watch. Patrols are being sent on boats to reach to waterlogged areas. Company commanders are maintaining a consistent touch with the locals so as to respond promptly to any eventuality.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Afghanistan will push regional neighbours as well as Russia to press the Taliban for peace talks as Moscow gets ready to host a conference on Afghanistan in mid-April, said Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai.

In an interview with Anadolu news agency, Karzai said he would go to Moscow with an open heart and mind.

"We would also like to make sure that we explain to them that any kind of peace process has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned and, if any peace process is pushed without the Afghan leadership, it will fail," he said.

This comes amid concerns over Russia's alleged support for the Taliban.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Zamir Kabulov said earlier this week that Taliban's demand for foreign forces' withdrawal was "legitimate".

Russia's purported support for the Taliban is seen as a counter-weight to an emerging Daesh in Afghanistan, which Moscow believes could spill over into Central Asia and subsequently Russia itself.

"The philosophy of supporting one non-state actor [the Taliban] against the other [Daesh] is wrong. We will not accept it," said Karzai, who is set to lead the Kabul government's delegation to the conference in Moscow on April 14.

Pakistan, India, China, Iran and a number of Central Asian states have also been invited.

Karzai, who previously headed the Center for Conflict and Peace Studies in Afghanistan, said regional countries should join forces in forming a strategy to thwart the threat of militancy.

He said the government was determined to reach a peace deal with local insurgent groups such as the Taliban, the Haqqani network and Hezb-e-Islami.

However, he said the government had "no intentions" of striking deals with "terrorist groups that have global agenda such as al-Qaeda and Daesh".

He said the government was putting the idea of peace to the Taliban. "We have made a major concession -- that we would negotiate without any preconditions," he added.

Karzai said there was a clear realisation that the conflict in Afghanistan cannot be won through military means.

"We need to engage . we need to engage in political discourse, [to find a] political settlement with groups that are Afghan".

Karzai said the Kabul Government was not in favor of breaking the Taliban into factions and then striking individual peace deals with a multitude of splinter groups.

"There are certain groups [within the Taliban] who believe peace is the best way forward, but there are individuals who say 'let us continue with the military side'.

"We hope those people who feel peaceful engagement and discussion will prevail . [will] come to sit at the table with us," he added.

He said Moscow and Kabul shared a unique history and Afghanistan had constantly told Russia that relationship should be for one purpose - to bring the Taliban to the negotiation table.

"They [Russians] have established a relationship with the Taliban because they feel there are other threats that the Taliban can deal with.

"The best way to deal with these threats is to have a relationship with the legitimate government of Afghanistan", he stressed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh-led Himachal Pradesh Government has denotified 16 State Highways to 'Major District Roads' to circumvent Supreme Court's liquor ban order at and State Highways.

Post the Supreme Court's order of banning of liquor sale within 500 metres of and State Highways, at least half-a-dozen states including Rajasthan and Punjab have scurried to the Centre with requests to get stretches of Highways (NH) passing through their territories denotified as State Highways.

The states have been approaching the Union Minister for Road and Transport because once a particular NH stretch is denotified, states can bypass the apex court's order by declaring them either as urban or district roads.

The apex court earlier on March 31 reserved its order on banning off liquor vends on state and national highways.

Hearing a batch of petitions seeking modification of its December 2016 order banning liquor outlets within 500 metres of state and national highways across the country, the apex court bench, headed by, Chief Justice CJ Khehar reserved the order.

Several states, including Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and Haryana and various others had told the apex court that 500-metre distance should be reduced.
With the Supreme Court banning the sale of liquor within 500 metres of and State Highways, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Vibhadra Singh on Thursday said that this move would adversely impact the flow of revenue in the state.

"Excise revenue is very important for the state. The government earns a lot of revenue from the liquor shops," he told the media here.

Singh, however, suggested that the liquor shops should not be close to the educational institutions and near the places of worship.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister denotified 16 State Highways to 'Major District Roads' to circumvent the Supreme Court's liquor ban order at the and State Highways.

Post the Supreme Court's order of banning sale of liquor within 500 metres of the and State Highways, at least half-a-dozen states including Rajasthan and Punjab have scurried to the Centre with requests to get stretches of National Highways (NH) passing through their territories denotified as State Highways.

The states have been approaching Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari because once a particular NH stretch is denotified, the states can bypass the apex court's order by declaring them either as urban or district roads.

The apex court earlier on March 31 reserved its order on banning off liquor vends on the state and national highways.

Hearing a batch of petitions seeking modification of its December 2016 order banning liquor outlets within 500 metres of state and national highways across the country, the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar reserved the order.

Several states, including Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and Haryana and various others had told the apex court that 500-metre distance should be reduced.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[April 06, 2017] Phoenix Tower International acquires 202 wireless communication tower sites from Digicel in El Salvador

BOCA RATON, Fla., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Tower International ("PTI") via its subsidiary Phoenix Tower International ES S.A. de C.V. announces that it has closed its transaction with Digicel S.A. de C.V. ("Digicel") to acquire the ownership or management rights relating to 202 wireless communication tower sites from Digicel. Terms of the transaction remain confidential between the parties. "PTI is excited to partner with Digicel, our existing customer in Panama and now in El Salvador through this latest transaction. El Salvador, with its active four carrier market, represents a logical expansion of PTI's operations across Central America. Furthermore, as we are already a leading infrastructure provider for the major carriers operating in El Salvador in other markets we do business in, this transaction will allow us to continue to support their needs in a new market, furthering our relationships. Lastly, through this transaction we have worked closely with the prinipals at Digicel and look forward to a long term relationship where we can continue to help them grow their great business," stated Dagan Kasavana, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Tower International.



Commenting on the transaction, Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves, said; "We look forward to partnering with PTI in El Salvador. This transaction allows us to monetize non-core assets and reinvest in our business to drive our competitive edge as we build our business for the future." Scotiabank arranged financing for the transaction and acted as Phoenix's sole financial advisor for the acquisition. Choate Hall & Stewart LLP and Nassar Abogados acted as legal advisors to PTI. Orrick acted as legal advisor to Digicel.

About Phoenix Tower International Phoenix Tower International ("PTI") owns and operates over 1,400 towers and other wireless infrastructure and related sites throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States. PTI was founded in 2013 with a mission to be a premier site provider to wireless operators across the Americas high-growth markets. Phoenix Tower International currently owns and operates wireless infrastructure in Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru and the United States including Puerto Rico. PTI's investors include funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities as well as various members of the management team, and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information, please visit www.phoenixintnl.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phoenix-tower-international-acquires-202-wireless-communication-tower-sites-from-digicel-in-el-salvador-300436391.html SOURCE Phoenix Tower International

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The Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday gave nod to a draft bill prohibiting attack on journalists in the state.

The Journalists Protection Act will now be tabled in the state legislature.

This comes in the wake of an attack on a senior journalist working with a daily who was attacked by unknown persons in Navi Mumbai' Kharghar on Friday.

Last week, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a bill to protect journalists from attacks will be introduced in the legislature.

"The draft of the bill regarding attacks on journalists is ready and we plan to introduce it in the ongoing session of the state Legislature," he said in the assembly.

Last year a delegation led by S. M. Deshmukh, convenor of action committee on attacks on journalist had met Fadanvis and apprised him about the situation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ace Indian shuttler Ajay Jayaram produced a spirited performance as he bounced back from a game down against world number four Viktor Axelsen to book his place in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open Super Series Premier tournament here on Thursday.

After going down in the first game, Jayaram rebounded strongly to register a 9-21,21-14, 21-19 win over his Danish opponent in a thrilling second round contest that lasted 44 minutes.

With the win, the 29-year-old has now set up a clash against South Korea's Son Wan-ho for a place in the semi-finals.

Jayaram is currently the lone Indian survivor in the ongoing tournament after Rio Olympic silver-medallist PV Sindhu and star shuttler Saina Nehwal made shocking first-round exits from the tournament on Wednesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Taxi and auto aggregator Ola on Thursday announced the launch of bikes on its app in Faridabad. With the launch of Ola bike, Ola is addressing last-mile connectivity by enabling reliable mobility in one of the leading industrial centers in North India.

The company plans to onboard more than 500 bikes in the next few months. Ola offers a range of smart commuting options in Faridabad that include multiple cab options like sedan, mini, auto, Ola share and outstation, apart from Ola Bike.

Ola Bike appears on the Ola app as a separate category. The commuter can book an Ola Bike similar to the way they book any other category. After the pick-up location is set, the nearest Ola Bike will get assigned and the commuters will have access to Ola's all key features including driver details displayed upfront, ride tracking, in trip navigation, SOS button, offline booking, easy payment using Ola Money, location and mapping innovations like Hotspots and share directions. Only one person can board the ride at a time.

Chosen for the Government's 'Smart city mission', Faridabad is the most populous city of Haryana. Being an industrial hub, people in Faridabad travel to New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and other cities of Haryana almost on a daily basis. These factors have led to high vehicular pollution and traffic congestion in the city.

A commuting solution like Ola Bike will help people maneuver through the congested roads of the city, in affordable prices and will add up to the transport ecosystem of the city by working as a last-mile connectivity solution for the commuters.

"India has over 150 Million registered two wheelers and is the world's second largest producer of Motorcycles. Therefore, Ola Bike will not only tap into this growing category, it will also help in providing employment opportunities to millions of Indians and help them take their first step towards entrepreneurship," said Deep Singh, Head - North at Ola.

"The launch of bikes on the Ola app follows the Company's MoU with the Government of Haryana to introduce innovative commute options for citizens across the state. Ola Bike has been made available in Faridabad at Rs. five per kilometer with Rs. 20 as base fare for first three kilometers, making them immensely useful for short trips," added Singh.

After a successful year in Gurugram, Faridabad is the second city in Haryana where commuters can avail bikes through the Ola platform. Currently operating with over 800 bikes, Ola bike have registered a significant growth since its launch early last year.

Known for its traffic bottlenecks, Ola bike have emerged as one of the most preferred smart and sustainable commuting options for the commuters in the Millennium city.

For added convenience of bike drivers, the Ola app is available in nine Indian languages including English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu, making it convenient and user friendly for local drivers to use.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Asserting that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict, Adviser to the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has called for a politically negotiated settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan.

"There was no military solution to the Afghan conflict and there was need of focused efforts for a politically negotiated settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan," Aziz said while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

"Pakistan remained committed to continued efforts for facilitating an Afghan-owned Afghan-led peace process," he added.

He said that Pakistan is pursuing a policy of strengthening relations with Afghanistan.

Aziz said Pakistan was working on modernization of the visa system and facilities at border crossing points with a view to further enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan's Foreign Office, Adviser Aziz informed the Standing Committee that the government was also focusing on efforts to increase facilities for Afghan students in Pakistan's educational institutions to further deepen the cultural and educational linkages between the two sides.

"In this regard, the government has announced another 3000 scholarships for Afghan students in the field of higher education after utilization of the existing 3000 scholarships," he said.

Aziz urged the Afghan government to convene the next meeting of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority at the earliest for revising and strengthening APTTA.

Underlining the importance of close engagement between the two sides on connectivity projects in infrastructure and energy, Aziz said that $500 million economic assistance from Pakistan could be utilized for initiating these connectivity projects.

Describing terrorism as a common threat, Sartaj Aziz said that the bilateral mechanism recently agreed between the two countries provided an opportunity for engagement to address the issues of counter-terrorism and border management.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been in hot waters with both countries accusing each other of not doing enough to tackle terrorists on their soils.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Afghanistan said Thursday that Pakistani fighters were among the militants killed in military operations conducted in 14 provinces of the country in the past 24 hours.

The remarks were made by Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman Gen. Dawlat Waziri, according to Tolo News.

"Waziri says air force has conducted 70 flights across the country and night raids were successful #Afghanistan," tweeted Tolo News.

MInistry of Defense spokesman Dawlat Waziri says 15 operations have been conducted in 14 provinces in past 24 hours #Afghanistan  TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) April 6, 2017

Waziri said that 96 Daesh militants were killed during these operations including some of their commanders and added that Pakistani fighters were also among the insurgents killed.

Waziri says 96 Daesh militants were killed during these operations including some of their commanders #Afghanistan  TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) April 6, 2017

Waziri says Pakistani fighters were also among the insurgents killed #Afghanistan  TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) April 6, 2017

The spokesperson informed that military operation is moving forward in the Nangarhar province - where Daesh is significantly active.

Waziri stated that a number of civilians captured by the insurgents in Helmand province have also been rescued, adding that 18 suicide bombers were killed in an airstrike in Zabul province.

He said that the Defence Ministry has plans to provide weapons stock to every corp across the country that only commanders will be able to use.

He added that 80 percent of all troops already have their required equipment.

The spokesperson also disclosed that a fact-finding commission will soon provide findings on recent Kabul hospital attack that claimed around 50 lives as militants armed with guns, grenades and knives targeted patients and staff at the hospital.

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It's been more than a year that Pathankot braveheart Niranjan E. Kumar died in the Indian Air Force (IAF) base attack but his friend Shashank S.K. still awaits for the promise made by Karnataka Chief Minister K. Siddaramaiah.

Seeking recognition for his close friend, Shashank has been running from pillar to post to get a road named after Niranjan so that the future generations could remember his contribution to security.

Still keeping his hopes alive, Shashank on Thursday wrote a letter to President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala regarding the promise made by the government.

"One and a half year has passed when we lost our friend Lt. Col. Niranjan. He sacrificed his life for the sake of this country. I have been following this issue from the past one and half year from the mayor office to the BBMP to the Commissioner to the local revenue officer. They are least bothered about it," Shashank told ANI.

He further said that he has been following the matter from the past one-and-a-half year, adding the government officials don't have good thoughts about naming the road.

"I feel bad and have written a letter to the President of India, the Prime Minister of India, the Governor of Karnataka and have got reply from them," he added.

On the other hand, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Manjunath Prasad said that the information has been passed but they are waiting for a formal confirmation.

"The resolution has been passed unanimously and we have sent that to the government for approval. The moment we will receive the consent of the government, the formal opening of the road and naming will be done," Manjunath told ANI.

The deceased soldier was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for the valour he showed during the operation and his parents received the same from the President of India today.

Niranjan, a bomb disposal expert, was killed while defusing a grenade after the terrorists attacked an Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, Punjab.

He is survived by his father, his wife Dr KG Radhika, a dentist, and a two-year-old daughter. The Army officer was promoted to Lt. Colonel in the elite NSG a few months before he died.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court on Friday will hear the plea filed by Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) against the West Bengal government.

Earlier in the month, the apex court had postponed the matter till April first week after the Centre and West Bengal Government sought more time to file their replies on the same.

Earlier in January, the apex court had issued a notice to the West Bengal Government on the petition filed by GTA challenging refusal to transfer administrative power to it.

An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, which then issued notice to the West Bengal Government, sought a reply from it.

The petition filed by GTA member Binay Tamang in September last year claimed that the state government's decision was "impinging upon the fundamental rights of the Gorkha people living in the hill areas of the district of Darjeeling".

The bench headed by the then Chief Justice T. S. Thakur had asked for the 2011 notification issued by the West Bengal Government promising transfer of power in terms of a memorandum of agreement (MoU) to be presented before the court.

However, the officials had then said that the petition alleging the state government's refusal to transfer administrative power is misleading.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Maintaining the same defensive mode for its party MP Ravindra Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena on Thursday lashed out at Air India, saying that the carrier is people's servant, adding that it has no right to insult a person on social media.

"What is Air India? Who is CMD? What is their status and where do they even stand? How can they even insult an MP so openly on social media? Who has given them this right? It is peoples' servant, India's servant. If you expect us to learn to behave properly, then first you learn the same," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said while addressing a press conference here.

Upping the ante against the government, the BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena earlier today threatened to boycott the meeting convened by the Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the ban on its party lawmaker Ravindra Gaikwad is not lifted by April 10.

"If this issue is not resolved by April 10, we will not attend the NDA meeting," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.

Raut also targeted the airlines for adopting double standards against Gaikwad, saying, "The airlines have been instrumental in evacuating Dawood Ibrahim from India, they were also instrumental in safely evacuating Vijay Mallya, what wrong has our MP committed. Noted criminals can board your flight, Kashmiri separatists can board your flight. Even the Pakistan artistes and rapists can board your plane, but Ravindra Gaikwad cannot."

Raut further said they will wait for the government to find a solution.

"The government, especially Rajnath Singh, has assured us that they will soon find a solution to this issue. We have also talked to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju. Now, we will leave it to the government. We believe in him, hope he fulfill his commitments," he said.

Shiv Sena MP and Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete on her part said this matter is being sorted out, adding it is being looked upon by the Civil Aviation Minister.

Earlier, the Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju over the flying ban on Gaikwad and threatened that unless it is lifted they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Smitra Mahajan till 12.45 p.m. over the Shiv Sena protest.

Earlier, the Shiv Sena MPs were agitated over a statement of the Civil Aviation Minister, who reiterated that the ban was not aimed at a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights.

This led to a protest by the Shiv Sena members and the House was adjourned.

Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India staff, said that he had been provoked and alleged that the airlines staff misbehaved with him.

Speaking on the issue during Zero Hour, Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him be lifted.

He got support from other opposition parties.

The Shiv Sena MP also said that he can apologise to the Parliament but will not apologise to the airline staffer.

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After a huge outcry, German personal care brand Nivea, which specialises in skin and beauty products, has withdrawn its controversial advertisement that was branded as racist on the social media, CNN reports.

The Nivea deodorant commercial included a picture of a woman and the slogan "White is Purity."

The ad was posted on Nivea's Middle East Facebook page with the caption: "Keep it clean, keep it bright. Don't let anything ruin it."

After this post, the social media users accused the brand for being racist and insensitive.

This is not the first time when the brand has been termed as racist as back in 2011, it apologised for an advertisement that featured what appeared to be a mask of a black man with an Afro hair style and a beard.

The copy accompanying the ad read, "Look Like You Give a Damn. Re-civilise Yourself.

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Lily Singh, who is coming to India this April, is seemingly upset with the Consulate of India in Canada. In a series of tweets put out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of External Affairs of India Sushma Swaraj, she has expressed her discontent with the visa procurement procedures that are already driving the internet crazy.

Francis Coelho, Managing Director, Event Speciale states, "We are working with the relevant authorities towards securing the visas at the earliest so that Superwoman can make her trip to India on time. We have full faith in Smt Sushma Swaraj and the external affairs department."

The 'How To Be A Bawse Tour' will showcase Lilly's relatable blend of stand-up comedy and positive approach to life -- jam-packed with 100% honest advice for how the audience can master their hustle and unleash their inner Bawse. Her motivational conversation with the audience will highlight the real and funny lessons she's learned on her path to realizing that happiness is worth fighting for and that there are no shortcuts to success.

Love india but gotta say that the consulate of india in Toronto is literally the worst place on earth. Such a disappointment.  Lilly | #BawseBook (@IISuperwomanII) April 6, 2017

For travel to India, the consulate makes acquiring a visa the most difficult task. I hope one day @narendramodi can remedy this. It's sad.  Lilly | #BawseBook (@IISuperwomanII) April 6, 2017

.@SushmaSwaraj just a kind note to make you aware that the Consulate of India in Toronto is extremely difficult and unprofessional. ????  Lilly | #BawseBook (@IISuperwomanII) April 6, 2017

.

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Defending his decision to drop Leander Paes in India's final four-man team for Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I tie against Uzbekistan, non-playing skipper Mahesh Bhupathi on Thursday insisted that he wasn't willing to take the risk of playing Paes and N. Sriram Balaji together in such a high pressure game.

Earlier in the day, Bhupathi dropped Paes and picked Rohan Bopanna in his team for India's tie against Uzbekistan, scheduled from April 7 to April 9 in Bengaluru.

"These boys have been here since Sunday and we were able to play a lot of sets with Rohan and Bala. Since Sunday, they literally played sets every day. Leander unfortunately only came yesterday and he played only three games and it started raining," Bhupathi told the media.

"In such a high pressure situation such as Davis Cup, throwing on Leander and Bala would have been another roll on a dice for me, which considering I have two debutants, I wasn't willing to take that much risk," he added

Bhupathi had previously selected Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Prajnesh Gunneswaran and N. Sriram Balaji for the tie, and had kept both Paes and Bopanna as reserves in the squad.

However, following Bhambri's withdrawal due to his knee injury, it was speculated that either of Paes and Bopanna would be included in the team as the fourth member.

Bopanna and Balaji will feature in the doubles match against Farrukh Dustov and Sanjar Fayziev to be played on April 8 whereas Gunneswaran and Balaji will be making their debut in the team-based event.

When asked whether Leander would have been included in the team had he arrived earlier, Bhupathi said, "Well, if I had the full team on Sunday or Monday, I would have had more time to make a proper, educated decision which I did."

The 42-year-old also insisted that every captain has a different style and he thought I made his still pretty clear to the entire squad two months ago.

"I am going to run the team the way I think it should be run and 20-25 years of experience should give me that ability to do so and I am not saying it's a right way but the fact is that I am dealing with two new kids, injuries, boys who have never played four sets, forget about five sets, I have to find every possible way to win those three points and I think this is the best chance," he said.

Bhupathi, however, insisted that Paes' exclusion from the Davis Cup tie doesn't mean that it is the end of the road for him.

"I have made it clear to everyone including Leander that this is by no means the end of the road, his being on the team is invaluable. The experience and the energy he brings to the Davis Cup is un-matchable," he insisted.

It is for the first time in 27 years that Paes, who made his Davis Cup debut against Japan in 1990, has been dropped from the Davis Cup team on form.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Avanti Feeds rose 0.53% to Rs 822.40 at 14:40 IST on BSE, with the stock extending recent strong gains.

The stock jumped 14.7% in four sessions to its current price of Rs 822.40 from its close of Rs 717 on 30 March 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 120.21 points, or 0.39% to 29,857.06. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 5.91 points, or 0.04% to 14,249.64.

On the BSE, 18,600 shares were traded in the counter so far as against average daily volume of 12,231 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 836.80 and a low of Rs 815 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 848 yesterday, 5 April 2017. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 390.50 on 6 April 2016.

It had outperformed the market over the past one month till 5 April 2017, advancing 21.16% compared with the Sensex's 3.96% rise. The scrip had also outperformed the market over the past one quarter, jumping 60.76% as against the Sensex's 11.52% rise.

The mid-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 9.08 crore. Face value per share is Re 2.

Avanti Feeds' consolidated net profit rose 12.5% to Rs 41.11 crore on 35% rise in net sales to Rs 550.03 crore in Q3 December 2016 over Q3 December 2015.

Avanti Feeds is a leading provider of high quality feed, best technical support to the farmer and caters to the quality standards of global shrimp customers.

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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S. P. A. of the Republic of Italy on 31st January, 2017 on technical cooperation in railway sector.

The MoU will provide a platform to Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector to promote safety, efficiency and sustainability. The MoU will also facilitate exchange of information, experts meetings, seminars, technical visits and implementation of jointly agreed cooperation, projects.

The objective of this MoU is to develop technical cooperation activities in the railway sector to promote safety, efficiency and sustainability, to their mutual benefit. It will enable technical cooperation in the following areas:-

a. Safety audit of Indian Railways and measures required for enhancing safety in train operation;

b. Assessment and certification of advanced technology based safety products and systems to Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL4);

c.

Training and competency development with focus on safety including in areas of advanced signaling and train control systems;

d. Modern trends in Maintenance and diagnostic;

e. Any other area jointly identified by the participants.

Background:

The Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane Group (FS Group) is an industrial holding managing the Italian Railways sector through its companies focused on railway related businesses, the main ones are: Trenitalia - rail transport Rete Ferroviaria Italiana - railway infrastructure manager, Italferr - engineering company, Italcerifer - notified body certifying railway systems and components. The FS group is fully owned by Government and is under Ministry of Treasury, Italy.

Ministry of Railways have signed MQUs for technical cooperation with the Rail sector with various foreign Governments and National Railways. The identified areas of cooperation include high speed corridors, speed raising of existing routes, development of world class stations, heavy haul operations and modernization of rail infrastructure, etc. The cooperation is achieved through exchange of Information on developments in areas of railways, technology & operations, knowledge sharing, technical visits, training & seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest.

The MoUs provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector. The MoUs facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents, training and seminars/workshops focusing on specific technology areas and other interactions for knowledge sharing.

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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and its French counterpart, Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), France to implement Technical Cooperation Program in civil aviation sector.

The Technical Cooperation Program will be beneficial for enhancement of skills and expertise of AAI's officers.

This MoU is also beneficial for imparting training of engineers, technicians, managers etc.

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During the Financial Year 2016-17, Department of Commerce has expended Rs. 2454.58 Crore under Plan Schemes which works out of 99.45% of the final plan allocation. This achievement is the highest in last 5 Financial Years. In the year 2012-13 DoC has made 98.02% of expenditure under Plan Schemes, and expenditure was 96.86% in 2013-14, 96.50% in 2014-15 and 98.54% in 2015-16.

1. Public Finance Management System(PFMS)

As per the direction of Ministry of Finance & O/o CGA, PFMS which is Public Finance Management System was to be extended to all offices under control of Department of Commerce all over India. PFMS was also to be implemented in all autonomous Bodies, PSUs and other Trade Promotion offices under Department of Commerce.

In the Year 2016-17 Department of Commerce has achieved 100% implementation of PFMS in all its autonomous bodies, PSU's and Trade Promotion bodies all over India by 31st March,2017.

This enables Just-in-Time release of funds to these organizations thereby preventing unnecessary parking of funds.

2. Direct Benefit Transfer(DBT)

Cabinet Secretariat has instructed that all Grants-in-Aids (GIA) and Subsides being given to beneficiaries, should be disbursed electronically through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode. As approved by Secretary, Commerce in August,2016. Seven Organizations namely: - Tea Board, Coffee Board, Spices Board, Rubber Board, Tobacco Board, APEDA and MPEDA were selected for DBT implementation in DoC by 31st March,2017.

DBT was successfully implemented in all these organizations by 31st March,2017. All the beneficiaries under these schemes, have been linked with AADHAR in most cases. Department of Commerce has thus achieved the target of 100% in DBT implementation by the stipulated timeline of 31st March,2017.

These achievements were possible due to constant monitoring and appraisal by the Department at the highest level throughout the year.

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Key benchmark indices edged lower in early trade on weak global cues. At 9:21 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 93.13 points or 0.31% at 29,881.11. The Nifty 50 index was down 35.20 points or 0.38% at 9,229.95.

The BSE Mid-Cap index rose 0.07%. The BSE Small-Cap index advanced 0.12%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

Overseas, Asian stocks edged lower tracking losses on Wall Street overnight. US stock markets closed lower yesterday, 5 April 2017, after the Federal Reserve released the minutes from its March meeting. The minutes showed Fed officials want to start unwinding the central bank's massive $4.5 trillion balance sheet later this year.

Closer home, the breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 904 shares rose and 677 shares declined. A total of 73 shares were unchanged.

IndusInd Bank was up 0.01%. The bank said it proposes to raise funds by issue and allotment of rated, listed, non-convertible, perpetual, subordinated and unsecured basel III compliant bonds in the nature of debentures towards non-equity regulatory additional tier I capital (AT1 Bonds), aggregating to Rs 1000 crore on private placement basis. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 April 2017.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) declined 0.08%. The company announced that its Farm Equipment Sector (FES) launched Mahindra JIVO. A new age, superior technology small tractor platform in the sub 25 horsepower (HP) category, the Mahindra JIVO is suitable for row crop and horticulture farming. The tractor is available in the 4 wheel drive (WD) version with engine power of 24HP and power take-off (PTO) of 22HP. It will be sold in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat from 25 April 2017 at a starting price of Rs 3.90 lakh for the 4WD model, ex-showroom Maharashtra. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 April 2017.

Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) rose 0.31% after the company announced that it has entered into loan agreements with Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 5 April 2017 for an amount of $225 million (including $50 million as Clean Technology Fund) for part funding of its transmission projects associated with solar power parks. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 April 2017.

Lupin declined 0.2%. The company issued a clarification after market hours yesterday, 5 April 2017 with regard to a media report captioned 'Patent infringement: Lupin's arm to pay damages to Bayer'. In its clarification, Lupin said that Bayer Pharma Aktiengesellschaft and Bayer Australia Ltd., filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Generic Health Pty Ltd and Lupin Australia Pty Ltd., subsidiaries of the company, in the Federal Court of Australia, New South Wales, alleging that the sale of tablets containing Drospirenone 3mg and Ethinyl Estradiol, under the brand name 'isabelle' infringed their Australian Patent.

The Judge issued an order awarding Bayer AUD 25.4 million in damages, plus AUD 5.9 million in pre-judgement interest. Lupin said it is in the process of reviewing the Judge's reasons for judgment and deciding next steps.

On macro front, the outcome of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) monetary policy meeting is slated at 14:30 IST today, 6 April 2017. The RBI had left its key repo rate unchanged at 6.25% for the second time at its February 2017 meeting.

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Held on 06 April 2017

Avantel announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 06 April 2017 has transacted the following -

1.Resolved to sell/ dispose off the immovable property in the name of the company located at Plot No.16, Sector-III, Huda Techno Enclave, Madhapur, Hyderabad to M/s. Tetra Soft (India) Private Limited together with all the tangible assets for a consideration of Rs. 18 Crores, subject to approval of the shareholders.

2.Approved the Postal Ballot and E-voting Notice for obtaining the approval of the Shareholders of the Company to the sell/ dispose off the immovable property in the name of the company located at Plot No.16, Sector-III, Huda Techno Enclave, Madhapur, Hyderabad to M/s. Tetra Soft (India) .

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Rural Electrification Corporation rose 1.06% to Rs 185.95 at 12:33 IST on BSE after a bulk deal of 10.91 lakh shares was executed on the scrip at Rs 183.75 per share at 09:17 IST on BSE.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down 107.71 points, or 0.36%, to 29,866.53

Bulk deal boosted volume on the scrip. On the BSE, so far 13.93 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volumes of 6.99 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 186.45 so far during the day, which is also a 52-week high for the counter. The stock hit a low of Rs 182.50 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 76.40 on 24 May 2016.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 1974.92 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Rural Electrification Corporation's (REC) net profit rose 28.1% to Rs 1754.40 crore on 1.32% decline in total income to Rs 5957.75 crore in Q3 December 2016 over Q3 December 2015.

REC, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under Ministry of Power, provides financial assistance to state electricity boards, state government departments and rural electric co-operatives for rural electrification projects.

The Government of India holds 60.637% stake in the company, as per the shareholding pattern as at 31 December 2016.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has welcomed US President Donald Trump's tough stance on North Korea and appreciated Washington's position of keeping all options open to deal with Pyongyang.

The two leaders spoke on the phone for 35 minutes on Thursday morning, a day after North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan, public broadcaster NHK reported.

During the conversation, Abe and Trump also stressed that China has a key role in persuading North Korea to put an end to its missile and nuclear weapons programmes.

Their conversation comes as Trump prepares for his first bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday and Friday, reports Efe news.

Abe said that he told Trump that Japan is paying close attention to how China handles the issue of North Korea.

"(We) agreed that yesterday's missile launch by North Korea was a dangerous act and a grave threat to (Japan's) security," added Abe.

North Korea has stepped up its weapons programme since Kim Jong-un assumed power five years ago, conducting a record number of nuclear and missile tests in 2016, and underscoring his regime's decision to use nuclear deterrence to ensure its survival.

--IANS

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Actress Anushka Sharma has been appointed ambassador for toothpaste brand Colgate Active Salt, it was announced on Thursday. She says its blend of modern and traditional approach is something which resonates with her life's ideology.

"While it is a traditional approach to oral care, it is also a modern toothpaste that you are using for your teeth. I am also like that -- while I am modern and I lead my life that way, but I am also traditional in my thought process. I am very simple as a person," Anushka told IANS.

The actress-producer, most recently seen in Bollywood film "Phillauri", said she always endorses the brands that she actually uses herself.

"It's a real pleasure to be associated with Colgate, the most trusted brand for 6 consecutive years in India. I think Colgate is a recognised household name and I have been using it since my childhood. So today I feel very happy that I am associated with an iconic brand like Colgate.

At a time when one hears that Bollywood stars undergo all sorts of treatments to look beautiful on screen, Anushka

says she prefers to use "nani ke nuskhe".

"I am a huge believer in nani ke nuskhe and using organic things for my health. Even what I eat is organic. So I am someone who is a huge flagbearer for that," added the 28-year-old, who is busy shooting a film with superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

For her latest brand endorsement, she has shot a television commercial which she describes as "quirky".

--IANS

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Business chamber Assocham on Thursday sought Rs 100 cap on monthly rental of Point of Sales (PoS) machines to encourage more merchants to install them.

"Rental on PoS machines should be capped at Rs 100 per month as against Rs 800 levied by the banks, which also charge between Rs 10,000-Rs 15,000 for installing each machine. Merchants are reluctant to install the machines due to their prohibitive cost," Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) Secretary-General D.S. Rawat told reporters here.

Assocham also wants private banks to stop levying 2 per cent transaction fee as service charge on debit-card holders for payments using PoS machines.

"It will be difficult for debit-card holders to use PoS machines for payments if banks also collect 2 per cent of the transactional value as service charge," said Rawat after releasing a joint study report on 'Indian Point of Sale Market' by Assocham and research firm RNCOS.

The study has projected the number of PoS machines to jump nearly five-fold to 76 lakh by 2022 from 16 lakh in 2016, at 30 percent compounded annual growth rate, and held a huge potential growth for PoS machines as the country has a whopping 740 million debit and credit cards.

"The transaction value through PoS machines will touch Rs 7.5 lakh crore by 2022 from Rs 63,500 crore in 2016,.

"The transaction volume of PoS is likely to grow 10-fold to Rs 310 crore by 2022 from Rs 30 crore in 2016, projecting 48 per cent CAGR," said Rawat citing the report.

Increased penetration of debit and credit cards, growing e-commerce and increasing disposable incomes provide an opportunity for the growth of PoS machines, thanks to the government's thrust on promoting cashless economy.

Besides the retail industry, sectors like healthcare, hospitality, food and beverage are major contributors to growing revenue of PoS market.

The study, however, noted that issues pertaining to privacy, security, trust and lack of full integration of telecom infrastructure need to be sorted out.

"Though private banks accounted for 58 per cent of PoS machines by 2016, the trend is likely to reveres, as enterprises are shifting towards state-run banks due to benefits like import duty exemption and reduction or waiving off merchant discount rate (MDR) by the government and the Reserve Bank of India, ease of operation, lower installation and monthly charges," added the report.

--IANS

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Energy, education and trade are likely to form the backdrop to the forthcoming three-day visit of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to India.

"My first visit to India as Prime Minister is a chance to further co-operate across a wide range of sectors including energy, education and trade," Turnbull said which delivering a speech at the Sydney Institute on Thursday night.

"But there are many more opportunities. India wants to provide energy security through a range of technologies, including nuclear, clean coal, natural gas and renewable energy. Australia is well placed to provide many of the raw materials, and some of the latest technology," he said in a reference to Australia being endowed with an abundance of natural resources including coal, uranium and natural gas.

Some commentators Down Under are interpreting this part of the speech as another testimony of Australian political leadership's support for a mega coal mine project planned by Indian mining and energy tycoon Gautam Adani.

Besides the powerful coal lobby, the Liberal Prime Minister's visit to India would be followed with avid interest by the Australian universities and vocational training institutes. In fact, Turnbull's visit would coincide with a visit by a large delegation of Australian universities and colleges.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham is leading a delegation of 27 university Vice Chancellors and officials visiting India to seek opportunities to train hundreds of young Indians under various programmes started by India's BJP government. The Australian universities are optimistic of getting a positive response as education happens to be Australia's second largest export to India.

Australia's education exports to India are worth $2.3 billion a year with more than 60,000 Indian students studying in Australia last year. Turnbull is likely to promote Australian universities courses to Indian students and also seek opportunities for Australian vocational training institutes to open shop in India.

Besides coal and education, the bilateral trade between the two Indian Ocean Rim countries is increasing at a healthy pace and has doubled to more than A$20 billion in the past one decade. The Australian policymakers are buoyed by the fact that the Indian economy is growing at 7 per cent a year and would draw level in size with the United States by about 2050.

"India is undergoing a dramatic economic transformation and our close partnership creates opportunities for both nations," Turnbull said.

"Alongside China, India is a land of immense opportunity for Australia," he added.

The Indian leadership is like to press the Australian leader to expedite the process to export uranium to India.

According to some media reports, the Australian Prime Minister would seek to rejuvenate the negotiations over a free trade agreement between Australia and India. The FTA talks have slowed down for various reasons in the recent past.

Turnbull, who is visiting India from April 9-12, would meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Delhi on Monday.

(Paritosh Parasher can be contacted at paritoshparasher@yahoo.com)

--IANS

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Facing flak from opposition, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government on Thursday ordered a probe into alleged soil scam worth Rs 90 lakh in a beautification scheme for biological park in Patna.

State Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh confirmed that he has asked the officials concerned to submit a report in this matter within a week.

According to officials, Singh has also called files of the Forest Department after ordering a probe into it.

Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's senior leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi alleged involvement of Bihar Forest and Environment Minister Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, and demanded that Nitish Kumar sack him from the post.

An official in the Chief Minister's Office said that the state government ordered a probe into it due to increased attack from the BJP on this issue. "Now everything will be inquired into it," the official said.

Earlier this week, Sushil Modi accused Tej Pratap Yadav of awarding contract of Rs 90 lakh for earth filling work, construction of a pathway and beautification work in the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna to a company without following the tender process.

Sushil Modi, who has described it as the "soil purchase scam", has demanded an all-party committee be set up to probe it.

"Lalu has not changed over the years, it has been proved with the soil purchase scam. He is himself an accused in the multi-million fodder scam, and like father, now his son is doing the soil scam," Modi said.

However, Tej Pratap denied all allegations against him by the opposition parties, and has also threatened to file a defamation case against Sushil Modi.

--IANS

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A group of six British parliamentarians from the ruling Conservative Party on Thursday called for a just and early solution to "the lingering Kashmir issue" in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The visiting MPs suggested that the UN should send an independent and impartial commission to both parts of the disputed Himalayan region to ascertain the situation on the ground, Dawn reported.

The British lawmakers, who travelled to Pakistan on the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on April 2, visited Muzaffarabad to meet government officials and people from other walks of life, including Kashmiri refugees living in different camps.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Border Security Force (BSF) troopers on Thursday recovered five kg of heroin in Punjab's Abohar sector, an official said.

"Based on specific information about smuggling of narcotics through the International Border, a special ambush was laid. The team observed suspicious movement of Pakistani smugglers near the International Border who were approaching the border security fence," the BSF spokesman said.

"The troops opened fire to stop the smugglers. However, they managed to escape."

The drugs, estimated to be worth Rs 25 crore, were recovered during a search operation later.

Abohar is about 310 km from here, bordering Rajasthan and Pakistan.

Punjab shares a 553-km-long barbed-wire fenced International Border with Pakistan.

--IANS

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A car thief who sold stolen luxury cars in India's northeast by giving them chassis and engine numbers of vehicles bought at police auction has been arrested, police said on Thursday.

Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar told the media that Parvez, who carried a reward of Rs 5,000, was a resident of Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh.

He used to buy vehicles in police auction so as to obtain their chassis numbers and registration papers.

He used to replace the stolen cars' chassis and engine numbers with the legally purchased cars' and eventually sold them in northeastern states, police was told during questioning.

Parvez, arrested on Wednesday night, ran a gang from Meerut. Another gang member, Israr, is absconding, Kumar said.

Police seized two Innova cars and an Ertiga car from him. He parked them in a hospital to dodge police, Kumar added.

--IANS

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday condemned the incident in Parliament in which Shiv Sena members surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju.

"It is unfortunate to see some MPs' unruly behaviour towards the Aviation Minister," said Naidu.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President tweeted that he strongly condemns such behaviour.

Ashok Gajapati Raju is a leader of TDP, an ally of the BJP-led NDA government.

Naidu said such behaviour of MPs in Parliament was not good for democracy.

The TDP leader said leaders of all parties should ensure that such an incident was not repeated in the future.

Shiv Sena MPs on Thursday surrounded Raju over the flying ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad and threatened that unless it was lifted, they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan over the Shiv Sena protest.

As soon as Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh rushed to shield him.

--IANS

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Pakistan on Thursday termed the change in Indias nuclear arms usage policy as "highly irresponsible and dangerous", and said it will "not help in promoting strategic restraint and stability in a nuclearised South Asia".

"Pakistan has long maintained that the ambiguous no-first-use declaration is not verifiable and hence nothing more than an empty political statement," said Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria.

The spokesman added that such ambiguous declaration cannot substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures.

"Pakistan has to consider capabilities and not intentions, which can change anytime," said Zakaria in its weekly briefing.

Recent reports suggested India may be considering revisiting its "no-first strike" policy, allowing its nuclear establishment to carry out a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Pakistan in the event of a war.

According to a media report, this would not only formally change India's nuclear doctrine, which bars it from launching a first strike, but would loosen its interpretation to deem pre-emptive strikes as defensive.

Earlier, former Defence Secretary Lt. Gen. (retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi claimed that Pakistan possesses second strike capability against India.

The second strike provides a military with the capability to hit back at an enemy in a situation where its land-based nuclear arsenal had been neutralised.

The nuclear deterrence, said the former Defence Secretary, had been augmented by the second strike capability, efficient delivery systems and effective command and control system.

Pakistan in January 2017 attained the credible "second strike capability" after successfully test-firing nuclear capable submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) Babur-III.

US Ambassador to United Nations Nikki Haley recently voiced concerns over the India-Pakistan tensions, saying Washington wanted to play a role in de-escalation.

The move, however, was promptly rejected by India, which has for long argued that Kashmir is a bilateral dispute, and will not accept any third-party mediation over it.

Pakistan, on the contrary, has welcomed the offer of mediation to resolve the longstanding issue. "The world's concerns have been developed in the backdrop of the deteriorating human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

"We welcome the statement of Ambassador Nikki Haley, expressing concerns over the rising tensions between Pakistan and India and the offer of mediation."

The spokesperson regretted that India reacted negatively to the US offer.

"India wants to speak of terrorism! We also insist on speaking of terrorism, which forms one of the elements of the comprehensive dialogue process. We need to address the Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. Kulbhushan Jadav and many other examples are irrefutable proof of Indian involvement in Pakistan," he said.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump has said the chemical attack against Syrian civilians that killed over 70 people "crossed a lot of lines for me" and changed the way he views Syria and President Bashar al-Assad.

"I now have responsibility, and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly," Trump said on Wednesday at a press briefing responding to a question about a White House statement on Tuesday that blamed the attack in part on former President Barack Obama.

"It is now my responsibility. It was a great opportunity missed," CNN quoted Trump as saying.

The President condemned the attack as "heinous".

"Yesterday's (Tuesday) chemical attack was so horrific in Syria against innocent people, including women, small children and even beautiful little babies, their deaths were an affront to humanity," Trump said.

"These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated. The US stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack."

World leaders expressed shock and outrage at reports of the suspected targeted attack in northwestern Syria.

Activists said the Syrian regime was responsible for killing dozens of people, including many children, leading the UN to replace a scheduled Security Council session for Wednesday morning with an emergency meeting, reports CNN.

Assad's military denied using chemical weapons and blamed rebels for the carnage. Russia, Syria's strong ally, said it had no warplanes in the vicinity.

Rex Tillerson, Trump's Secretary of State, said there was "no doubt in our mind that the Syrian regime under the leadership of President Assad is responsible for these horrific attacks."

He called on Russia to "really think carefully" about their continued support for Assad's regime in Syria.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China on Thursday said it has lodged protest with India over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, and reiterated that by inviting the Tibetan spiritual leader to the "disputed area", New Delhi has "harmed" bilateral ties and fuelled tensions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, in her daily briefing, said China's objections to the visit had been raised with "competent officials" in the Indian government. On Wednesday, Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale was summoned to lodge a protest.

"By inviting and approving (the) Dalai Lama to (visit) disputed areas between China and India, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship and it has fuelled tensions," she said.

Hua's comments come as the Dalai Lama continued meeting people and attending events in Arunachal Pradesh as part of his visit.

She also said that Beijing opposes the Dalai Lama's visit "to relevant areas and opposes attempts by relevant countries" to arrange a platform for him to conduct "anti-China activities".

The spokesperson dismissed Chinese media reports linking the Dalai Lama's visit to India's unhappiness over Beijing continuing to hamper New Delhi's membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and also blocking a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohamed terrorist Masood Azhar. "China will not make any assumptions on India's intentions," she said.

Her comments come as the Chinese media on Thursday kept up its tirade against India over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing considers as disputed and part of Southern Tibet.

Editorials in two English-language newspapers warned India "not to play dirty" with China over Arunachal and not to use the Tibetan spiritual icon as a diplomatic leverage vis-a-vis Beijing.

The Global Times said that at a time when the Dalai Lama was getting a cold shoulder in many countries, India was bucking the trend and treating him as a favourite.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in (its) ties with China.

"The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it pointed out.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?"

The Global Times is known to reflect the thinking of the Chinese Communist Party leadership and often takes a hard line on foreign policy issues.

It suggested that China can create trouble for India in Jammu and Kashmir, where a raging separatist campaign has left tens of thousands dead.

"With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?"

The editorial admitted that while the Dalai Lama - who has lived in India since 1959 - had been to Arunachal Pradesh earlier too, this trip was different as he was received and accompanied by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju.

The China Daily warned that if India "chooses to play dirty", then Beijing "should not hesitate to answer blows with blows".

It described Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, as "a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh'."

It said that like Taiwan, "Tibet is a part of Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not".

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet, nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement.

"In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical. It is outright illicit," said the editorial.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Chinese media on Thursday kept up its tirade against India over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, with an editorial in a state-run daily suggesting that if China, with its higher military capabilities and support among India's neighbours, wants it can create trouble in Jammu and Kashmir.

In an editorial, titled 'India's use of Dalai Lama card tactless', the Global Times says: "With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?"

It said that China considers India as a friendly neighbour and partner and has "never provoked" bilateral disputes or made any "pressing demand" on India over the Dalai Lama. "New Delhi should respond to Beijing's goodwill with goodwill."

The editorial comes a day after Beijing summoned the Indian envoy Vijay Gokhale to protest the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, large parts of which China considers disputed and part of south Tibet. India has maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of its territory. The protests come as the Dalai Lama is in Arunachal Pradesh and is on way to Tawang for a major Buddhist event.

The editorial says that while the Dalai Lama has been to Arunachal Pradesh before, what makes this trip different is that he is "received by and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their "internal affairs."

The editorial is mistaken on this point, as Rijiju, who belongs to Arunachal Pradesh, was not in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday and did not receive the Dalai Lama or accompany him. Rijiju is set to accompany the Tibetan leader during his visit to Tawang. The Dalai Lama was received by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday, who is accompanying him on his road journey.

The daily says, in faulty English, that on the one hand New Delhi takes a stance that it opposes the Dalai Lama engaging in anti-China activities on the soil of India, but "it has long attempted to use the Dalai Lama as a card".

"When India emphasizes the relationship with China, it would place a tight control on the Dalai. When it has a grudge against China, it may prompt the Dalai to play certain tricks as a signal sent to China," it goes on to say.

It suggested that India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" to put pressure on Beijing on the NSG and Masood Azhar issues, but it termed it "a clumsy and rude move".

The editorial said that since the Tibetan leader is a highly politicised symbol in China's diplomacy, a country's attitude toward him almost affects the entire relationship with Beijing.

"The West has fully recognised the nature of the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic card and is extremely prudent in using it.

It said that earlier the Dalai Lama was received by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in December. "At a time when the Dalai Lama has been given a cold shoulder in many places of the world, New Delhi is bucking the trend and treating him as a favourite."

The editorial warned that "New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China".

"The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained. India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?"

On Wednesday too, the Global Times in a belligerent editorial had said that New Delhi's inviting the Tibetan spiritual leader to the "sensitive region" would "gravely damage" India-China relations.

It said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "unlike his predecessors" was taking a different stance on the Dalai Lama issue by "raising public engagements with the monk and challenging Beijing's bottom line" on Arunachal Pradesh.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Chinese on Thursday warned of "grave consequences" if Sino-Indian ties get ruined over the Dalai Lama's trip to Arunachal Pradesh which Beijing considers a part of Tibet.

Editorials in two English-language newspapers warned India "not to play dirty" with China over Arunachal and not to use the Tibetan spiritual icon as a diplomatic leverage vis-a-vis Beijing.

The Global Times said that at a time when the Dalai Lama was getting a cold shoulder in many countries, India was bucking the trend and treating him as a favourite.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in (its) ties with China.

"The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it pointed out.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?"

The Global Times is known to reflect the thinking of the Chinese Communist Party leadership and often takes a hard line on foreign policy issues.

It suggested that China can create trouble for India in Jammu and Kashmir, where a raging separatist campaign has left tens of thousands dead.

"With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?"

The editorial admitted that while the Dalai Lama - who has lived in India since 1959 - had been to Arunachal Pradesh earlier too, this trip was different as he was received and accompanied by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju.

Rijiju, who belongs to Arunachal, did not receive or accompany the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama was received by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who like Rijiju belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

It suggested that India was using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" to pressure Beijing on the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar.

On Wednesday too, the Global Times warned that New Delhi's decision to let the Dalai Lama visit the "sensitive region" would "gravely damage" India-China relations.

The China Daily warned that if India "chooses to play dirty", then Beijing "should not hesitate to answer blows with blows".

It described Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, as "a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh'."

It said that like Taiwan, "Tibet is a part of Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not".

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet, nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement.

"In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical. It is outright illicit," said the editorial.

The editorials comes a day after Beijing summoned Indian envoy Vijay Gokhale to protest against the visit. India says the Dalai Lama is a guest of India and can travel to any part of the country.

Three years after the Dalai Lama's flight to India in 1959, India and China fought a brief, bitter war over their border. The border row remains unresolved.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The death toll from the devastating mudslide in Colombia has increased to 301, according to the authorities.

The National Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences Institute on Wednesday said that of the 301 confirmed dead, 173 have been identified, Efe news reported.

The mudslide in Mocoa city were caused by the overflow of three rivers due to heavy downpour on March 31, which subsequently swept away several neighbourhoods.

Earlier on Wednesday, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos acknowledged that the mudslide also resulted in a large number of people who are still missing.

"This morning, 467 people have reported relatives to be missing. Of those, 153 have been located, 119 of them alive but, unfortunately, 34 of them deceased," said Santos in a statement in Bogota in which he also announced new measures to deal with the catastrophe.

Although the President provided no concrete figures, the number of complaints suggests that there could be more than 200 people buried under tons of rocks and mud that swept into and over several Mocoa neighbourhoods.

Meanwhile, a Colombian Red Cross official told Efe news that the agency is seeking at least eight missing foreigners, three of them Spanish, about whom no information was received since the night of the tragedy.

On Monday, Santos declared a state of economic, social and ecological emergency to deal with the tragedy.

--IANS

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Delhi Congress president on Thursday demanded the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the Shunglu Committee report that has accused the Delhi government of nepotism in making appointments and abuse of power.

Maken demanded that an inquiry should be launched to probe the matter on the basis of the findings of the Shunglu Committee report.

"If Arvind Kejriwal has any conscience left then he should immediately resign from the Chief Minister's post," Maken told reporters.

"An inquiry should be launched in this connection. Kejriwal has no right to be on the post during the investigation," he said.

Categorising the Shunglu panel report into three categories, Maken - who claimed that he got the report through an RTI - accused the Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of corruption, nepotism and misuse of public money for "unsanctioned" foreign tours of AAP leaders.

Maken also said that the Congress supporters and workers on Friday would stage a protest against AAP in all 272 wards of Delhi and make people aware about the AAP government's "wrongdoing" as highlighted in the Shunglu Committee report.

The three-member Shunglu Committee, headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) V.K. Shunglu, was set up by then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung after the Delhi High Court gave primacy to the LG in Delhi administrative affairs in August last year.

The report which has been accessed by IANS, questioned the appointment of Health Minister Satyendar Jain's daughter Soumya Jain to the post of advisor to mission director in Delhi government's Mohalla Clinic project.

The committee raised questions on the appointment of Nikunj Agarwal, a relative of Chief Minister Kejriwal's wife, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Health Minister.

The committee also questioned a cabinet decision of allotting government-owned 206, Rouse Avenue bungalow to the AAP as its office.
At least 4,000 people were on Thursday evacuated in two towns of New Zealand's North Island owing to Cyclone Debbie, which killed five people in Australia.

Two thousand residents were evacuated from Edgecumbe in North Island after the Rangitaiki river inundated several houses close to the shore, Efe news reported.

A state of emergency was declared in neighbouring Whakatane, where another 2,000 people were evacuated.

According to official forecast, the water level of the Rangitaiki river will only begin to subside on Friday.

The police are patrolling these areas in boats to prevent the looting of abandoned houses, the New Zealand Herald reported, and added that all highways leading to these cities have been blocked.

Over a hundred schools remained closed on Thursday, the Education Ministry said.

Debbie became a category 4 storm while passing through Australia, where it displaced 90,000 people.

The storm was also declared a "catastrophe" due to its economic impact on the tourist and agricultural sectors in New South Wales.

Debbie is the most powerful cyclone to hit Australia since Yasi, which in 2011 caused giant waves and extensive damage in low-lying areas.

--IANS

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday consecrated a Buddhist monastery in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district even as China said his state tour will fuel bilateral tensions.

Hundreds of people from across India and neighbouring Bhutan gathered at the Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastery at Dirang, 50 km from Tawang.

"It should be a centre of learning for all. There must be lots of activities," the exiled 81-year-old spiritual leader said afterwards.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor P.B. Acharya and his wife, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, assembly Speaker T.N. Thongdok, Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin and other dignitaries were present.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu's father Dorjee Khandu, who was then the Chief Minister, laid the foundation stone of the monastery in 2007.

Welcoming the Tibetan leader to Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor said his spiritual spirit and compassion will translate into positive energy and take the state towards the path of eternal peace and development.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, in her daily briefing, said Beijing's objections to the visit of the Dalai Lama had been raised with the Indian government.

--IANS

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Egypt is keen to help India restore a 4,000-year-old mummy-in-residence which has been "lying in a bad condition" at the Indian Museum here, one of Asia's oldest, but is a star attraction for its visitors.

Hatem Tageldin, Egypt's Ambassador to India, who had visited the museum's Egyptian gallery in February 2016, has proposed an initiative to assist in the restoration of the mummies in India, including the one in Kolkata.

"I am not an expert, but I could see it (the mummy) was in a bad condition. We offered to send a team of experts from Egypt if India will host them and/or invite a group from the Indian side to visit Egypt to provide training for them," Tageldin told IANS.

The envoy has also expressed a desire to meet the director-in-charge of the museum.

"We hope to hear from them on our proposal. We need details and documents about the mummy... which family it belongs to, how it arrived in India, etc., so we can help in restoring it," he said, adding the cooperation on offer was sent through official channels and was extended for all mummies in India.

"We heard there are six or seven mummies in India."

On his visit to the Egyptian gallery at the Indian Museum in December 2016, Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar expressed dissatisfaction over the mummy's preservation.

However, according to Indian Museum authorities, a "climate-controlled air-conditioned environment" is now maintained for the exhibit. In Arabic and Persian, an embalmed corpse is called "mumiya" and "mum", respectively, and the process by which an embalmed corpse is preserved with wax or bitumen in Egypt after the draining out of moisture is called mummification.

The mummy's arrival in India, reportedly from "tombs of the kings at Gourvah" (in Egypt) to Bombay (now Mumbai) via sea and then to Calcutta (now Kolkata), can be traced back to British India of the 1800s. It arrived in Calcutta in 1882 and was mentioned in a listing of the attractions of the museum published the next year.

It was originally encased in a wooden frame and covered with another frame on which the face of the mummy was carved.

In an insulated glass cabinet at the museum, it now lies nestled in the bottom half of the encasing while the top cover is removed and laid by its side, for visibility.

"The body is seen wrapped in cloth, the arms tied down to the sides. The flesh of the face and head has crumbled away, leaving the bones exposed. The mask which lay over the face has been removed and laid on the chest. This mummy is probably about 4,000 years old," says the write-up about the mummy at the museum.

Digital records of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (Vol III, dated 1834) say the mummy was a gift to the Society, which founded the museum, from a British officer in the same year.

"A letter from Lieutenant E.C. Archbold of the Bengal Light Calvary, dated Bombay July 5, 1834, announced that he had forwarded to the Secretary (James Prinsep), as a present to the Asiatic Society of Bengal, an Egyptian Mummy."

"The mummy was obtained with some difficulty from the tombs of the kings at Gourvah," the Journal reports.

"The native crew on board the ship which brought Lieutenant A. from Mocha, having objected to receive the mummy with his baggage, he had been under the necessity of requesting one of the officers of the Sloop of War Coote to bring it onward to Bombay, whence it will be forwarded to Calcutta by the earliest opportunity."

The mummy is displayed along with another artefact from the nation, a mummified hand.

The mummified hand was gifted to the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1844, as noted in the book "Jadughar" (the popular name of the museum) launched on the occasion of 200 years of the Indian Museum 1814-2014.

Commenting on the diplomat's view, Sayan Bhattacharya, Education Officer of the museum, said: "If there is an official request (for restoration) then the competent authority will take a call."

--IANS

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at the premises of 18 bureaucrats across nine states for their alleged violation of the government's demonetisation scheme and involvement in money laundering and other cases, an official said.

The agency took the step under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against the officials, including those working in central public sector units and state governments.

It had registered cases under the PMLA against these officials on the basis of FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), state Vigilance Departments and other law enforcement agencies.

"We have conducted raids on the premises of 18 bureaucrats in Delhi, Goa, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu," an Enforcement Directorate official said.

"These bureaucrats are involved in different cases related to money laundering, violation of demonetisation and helping shell companies," he added.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Directorate conducted raids on the officials of the rank of Director General (Health), Project Engineers and Director of Jal Nigam, who are accused in a Smarak case and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) cases, causing losses of over Rs 2,000 crore to the state government. It also raided former Noida Chief Engineer Yadav Singh.

"In the Smarak case, only the government servants caused Rs 1,400 crore loss to the Uttar Pradesh government. In the cases involving Yadav Singh and NRHM, the agency till now has attached assets over Rs 20 crore and Rs 250 crore, respectively," the official said.

The agency also carried out searches at the premises of an Indian Administrative Service officer in West Bengal, who is alleged to have released Rs 60 crore through falsification of tender documents.

In Delhi, the Directorate raided the premises of three retired officers of the State Trading Corporation (STC), who allegedly allowed transactions between the STC and private parties causing huge losses to the corporation.

"They had also approved credit limits to private parties against the interests of STC," the official said.

In Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh, the agency carried out searches against bank officials for allegedly misusing their position.

In Goa, the agency took action against a former Principal Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department who is believed to have helped the then Chief Minister for concealing the main noting file of awarding of JICA consultancy in the state.

The agency searched the premises of the Chief Fire Officer in Rajasthan Government, who had earlier been booked by the state's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) for accepting a bribe for issuance of No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to a hospital.

New currency notes of Rs 2,000 denomination amounting to Rs 41.06 lakh were recovered by the Rajasthan ACB from his premises post demonetisation.

Some officials of the Employees Provident Fund Office in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu were also searched by the agency, as they were involved in financial irregularities.

In Karnataka, the agency searched the premises of a former Managing Director of Kaveri Neeravari Nigam Limited (Irrigation Corporation).

The ED also conducted searches at an Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer's premises in Hyderabad, who had allegedly committed irregularities to the tune of Rs 8 crore.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday told Delhi Police to ensure the safety of the people of northeastern states, particularly girls and women.

Baijal alerted the officers about hardships being faced by people from the northeast and said individual responsibility of officers, including SHOs, shall be fixed if there were targeted crimes.

The directions came at a fortnightly meeting with Delhi Police officers to review the law and order situation in the national capital.

Baijal reviewed various steps taken for women safety and welfare measures taken for people from the northeastern region including establishment of Special Police Unit for northeast residents.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
During the international conference on Syria, the European Union agreed to give the country $619 million (580 million euros) in 2018, an official said.

EU's high representative for foreign affairs Federica Mogherini said during the two-day conference titled 'Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region' here, that the money would also be used to help Lebanon and Jordan, who have taken in thousands of refugees, Efe news reported.

"What is vital is that humanitarian funding, this humanitarian funding, turns into humanitarian action," she said.

In order for the funding to be translated into real help for Syrians, Mogherini said two things were necessary: aid workers and full humanitarian access to all of Syria.

According to her, the EU intended to maintain the same level of aid in 2019, adding that the bloc was the primary humanitarian aid donor to Syria and the refugee hosting countries.

Mogherini highlighted that, as well as respecting its financial compromises, the EU was promoting economic and job growth in Lebanon and Jordan, as well as for Syrians, in order to avoid a conflict between refugees and their host communities.

"I think we have to be very clear about the fact that we are supporting the Syrians and we are supporting them as they hope to build the future of their country," she said.

The Italian politician said all aid that had been pledged in 2016 had been delivered, and it was now important to analyze where progress had been made.

"We will look forward to 2018 and 2019 to ensure we can provide some continuity and predictability to the humanitarian support we give to Syrians," said Mogherini.

--IANS

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Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India official with his footwear, on Thursday wrote to Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju requesting for lifting of the flying ban on him.

Regretting the incidence, Gaikwad in a letter to the Minister, said, "It could have been no one's intention to have let the situation aggravate to the level that it eventually did."

Requesting Raju to lift the ban on his flying as it was impacting execution of his duties as a parliamentarian, Gaikwad said,"I would request you to lift this restriction and let the investigation eventually determine the circumstances which led to the incident."

Gaikwad, Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, assaulted 60-year-old duty manager R. Sukumar of Air India late last month.

He said that he beat up the official "25 times with a footwear" because he had to travel economy class though he had an open business class ticket. The flight was an all-economy one and had no business class section.

The MP was later banned by Air India from flying aboard its aircraft, following which other private airlines also refused to fly him.

--IANS

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Offering music lovers a fresh take on streaming that is easier and consumes little data, Google India on Thursday launched 'Google Play Music' subscription in India.

'Google Play Music' is available across Android, iOS and web. By signing up at early stages, users can get a free trial on all three platforms, the company said in a statement.

"As an introductory offer, it is available for a discounted subscription offer of Rs 89 per month if you sign up within the first 45 days," it added.

'Google Play Music' offers a music catalogue of over 40 million local and international hits.

"With 'Google Play Music' subscription, Indian subscribers can listen to their favourite music across a variety of languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil and more," said Elias Roman, Lead Product Manager at Google Play Music.

The company has integrated contextual tools in Google Play Music, tapping into the power of machine learning to recommend music based on the listener's preference, activity and location.

Additionally, Google Play Music will curate hand-picked playlists to personalise music for the listeners for a variety of occasions.

The music can be accessed from any device with your Google Account. 'Google Play Music' will also allow users to stream music using minimal data on mobile.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India will invest Rs 200 crore to set up 100 more incubators across the country to support start-ups in innovations, a top official said on Thursday.

"As we want to double the number of incubators over the next four years, we will spend Rs 200 crore on setting up 100 more incubators under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) programme," Science and Technology Secretary Ashutosh Sharma told reporters at an event here.

The Science and Technology (S&T) Department of the central government has set up 100 incubators across the country to support start-ups in innovations.

The department has also finalised locations to build five of the 50 super-computers this year for supporting research activities.

"Of the five super-computers, one each will be housed in the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) at Kharagpur in West Bengal and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, the International Institute of Information Technology at Pune in Maharashtra, and Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi," said Sharma.

Six of the 50 super-computers to be built in India to aid research would be ready this year. The government is finalising the sites to house these super-computers.

"We have finalised the sites to house these supercomputers. One supercomputer each will be housed at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and International Institute of Information Technology, Pune," Sharma said.

The super-computers are being set up across the country under the National Super-computing Mission at a cost of Rs 4,500 crore over the next seven years.

"We have taken measures to increase investment in science and technology and research and development (R&D) to two per cent of the Gross Domestic Product per annum from one per cent of the GDP," reiterated Sharma on the margins of a two-day Global R&D Summit 2017, organised by the S&T Department and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).

Asserting that the government was committed to promote R&D in the country, Sharma said the private sector should contribute more funds to R&D activities.

"The central government contributes two-third of the amount spent on R&D as against one-third by the private sector. It is vice-versa in other countries. We want the private sector to invest more funds in R&D activities," added Sharma.

--IANS

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The Islamic State (IS) terror group has executed 33 people in Syria, a UK-based monitoring group said on Thursday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the IS carried out the mass killing in the the al-Mayadin desert near the city of Deir Ezzor on Wednesday morning, CNN reported.

The monitoring group called it "the largest execution operation carried out by the IS in 2017".

The report said the people were between ages 18 and 25 and were "killed by sharp tools".

It added that it is unknown whether the victims were Syrian government forces, allied militia or rebel factions.

--IANS

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Baghdad, April 6 (IANS/AKI) Fighters from the Islamic State jihadist group on Thursday brought down an Iraqi military helicopter in the embattled city of Mosul, killing two crew members, the Iraqi army said in a statement.

"The helicopter was hit by enemy fire," said the statement from Joint Operations Command.

The chopper was providing air support to Iraqi Federal Police trying to dislodge IS fighters on the western side of Mosul, the statement added.

Local broadcaster Rudaw reported that the helicopter was downed by a rocket launched from west Mosul and said it crashed in the eastern side of the northern Iraqi city.

It was the first aircraft brought down by IS in Mosul since the US-backed offensive to dislodge the group from the city began in mid-October.

Fierce fighting has continued in Mosul as Iraqi forces battle to retake the Old City, where 400,000 people are believed to be living.

--IANS/AKI

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Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit later this year, Israel on Thursday said it had eased visa policy for Indian businessmen travelling to that country, allowing them multiple entry business visas that will be valid for five years.

An embassy statement quoting Ambassador Daniel Carmon here said the initiative was "part of the growing partnership between India and Israel".

"Connectivity is an important ingredient in relationship between peoples. I am glad we can add another positive measure in this regard while celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations," Carmon said.

Modi is expected to visit Israel later this year, during which he is expected to finalise a host of business and defence deals with Tel Aviv.

The two countries are also celebrating their 25 years of diplomatic ties. The bilateral trade between India and Israel has increased to nearly $4.5 million from $200 million in 1992 when the two countries established diplomatic ties.

--IANS

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Two days after the Uttar Pradesh government cleared Rs 36,359-crore farm loan waiver proposal, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday frowned upon it and said that such promises should be eschewed as those are a moral hazard and entail transfer of taxpayers' money.

"There is a need to create consensus so that loan waiver promises are eschewed. It impacts credit culture and discipline. Farm loan waiver undermines the honest credit culture. It is a moral hazard," RBI Governor Urjit Patel said here at a press conference after the first monetary policy announcement of 2017-18.

"It entails transfer of taxpayers' money to private borrowers. It can lead to higher cost of borrowing for others," Patel added.

The decision to waive farm loans, which would apply to loan amounts of up to Rs 1 lakh, was taken at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's first cabinet meeting on April 4, to fulfil the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah during campaigning for the state assembly polls.

Similar views on waivers affecting the credit discipline were put fourth by State Bank of India chief Arundhati Bhattacharya last month.

Bhattacharya had expressed her reservations over the demands for and assurances of farm loans waiver, coming up from different quarters in the recent months.

These include demands from the Maharashtra opposition parties and ruling ally Shiv Sena, besides the Karnataka government, and assurances to this effect during the recent election campaigns in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Bhattacharya had said this would disturb the credit discipline among the borrowers, as they would keep expecting more of such waivers in future and even the (future) loans would remain unpaid.

--IANS

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Twenty-four is too young to think about death, let alone make a melancholic meditative movie on mortality. Debutant Shubhashish Bhutiani's "Mukti Bhawan" sweeps us into a world where death is not the end but a release into a realm of imperishable freedom.

Or Moksha, if you will.

Crafted with the care of a jeweller working on a specially intricate piece, the director brings to life the most precious and vital truth about death. As he takes us, along with his two protagonists, on a journey to the holy city of death Varanasi, the film somewhere along its resplendent route to salvation, becomes a treatise on life as defined by the inevitability of death.

Like all the most important directors of the world from Satyajit Ray to Ritesh Batra, Bhutiani has a keen eye for detail. The camera of his louringly lucid lenses peers non judgmentally into the lives of a cramped middle-class family in the city where stress is a given and every family failing is finally forgiven. Curiously, no one in this family is unhappy. Yet one day, the father Daya (Lalit Behl) airily announces he wants to travel to Varanasi to... errrrr.... die.

The patriarchal declaration  "to be ignored only at the family's own risk"  is made with no peripheral support from conventional cinematic devices. Tajdar Junaid's wonderful background score and Manan Mittal's editing are used so sparingly as to almost seem non-existent. Technique, a fine and invaluable ally in telling a tale as tender, fragile and yet powerful as this, is not used here to aggrandise the characters' emotions. The feelings grow organically. The moments of Great Cinema creep up on us unannounced.

Perhaps what makes Bhutiani's film so great is that it doesn't strive for greatness even in its most sublime moments. The finale, when Rajiv carries his father's body through the narrow lanes of Varanasi while his daughter urges him to discard his grief and embrace the joy of life, is etched in the most crucial lines of life. We cannot miss the celebration of life even in death.

These characters don't need props to strengthen their emotional case-history. The actors merge into Bhutiani's narrative without fuss, occupying stifling spaces in Varanasi where people go to die. in the title is a lodge where the elders check in to breathe their last. Once Daya and his overworked son Rajiv (Adil Hussain) check into Mukti Bhawan, you would expect the narrative to run its course and just wait for the end.

Bhutiani and his dialogue writer Assad Hussain keep our interest in the proceedings alive without straining to get our attention. The easygoing languorous fluency of the narrative never loses its purpose of existence. Indeed, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the film in questioning the purpose and the destination of our existence never loses its own purpose or destination.

The actors  if we may call them that  discard their skills to surrender themselves unconditionally to the young director's vision. Lalil Behl (last seen playing a lowdown scummy patriarch of a crime family in the outstanding debut film "Titli") and Adil Hussain, play with effortless energy against one another as father and son. Adil as an actor never ceases to invoke admiration for just being there without trying to impress. This is what makes his performance so impressive.

Geetanjali Kulkarni (last seen as the lawyer-housewife in that other remarkable film "Court" by another remarkable debutant Chaitanya Tamhane) subsumes all the tensions of holding up a doddering middle-class family without creating a sense of self-important drama around her personality.

Some of the film's best moments in the wispy narrative are between grandfather Lalit Behl and grand daughter Palomi Ghosh. In this relationship, we see how generations can be crossed without tripping over the looming protocol of lineage. There is an understated warmth even in the most stressful relationships in this film. There is a dignity in the squalid stretches of a death home where cries of pain pierce the night.

The family tensions are never stretched out into the narrative. Rather, the drama of disaffection in the domestic matrix is played with such subtle virility and vitality that we don't ever feel the existential pressures being applied over the character's life.

"Mukti Bhawan" is not the first exceptional film to situate its drama of dissuasion in Varanasi. We saw Neeraj Ghaywan touch heights of unassuming glory in Masaan while cruising the Holy ghats. "Mukti Bhawan" uses Varanasi as both a catalyst and a stress-buster in the overtures of mortality that human nature imposes on life to conquer its fear of death.

Though this film tells us why death need not be feared, I came away from it feeling a profound sense of melancholy. It makes us experience the final futility of life without disrespecting the art of living.

And that's no small achievement.
The number of babies born to Muslim women worldwide will exceed the number of Christian births within the next 20 years, a new study said.

The report, by non-profit Pew Research Center, also predicts that Islam -- already the world's fastest-growing religion -- could become the largest faith by the end of the century, Dailymail online reported.

Although Christians accounted for 33 per cent of global births in recent years -- slightly more than Muslim births -- they also accounted for 37 per cent of worldwide deaths, nearly twice the share of deaths from other religions.

Between 2015 and 2060, the global Muslim population is expected to grow by 70 per cent, while Christianity is projected to grow by 34 per cent -- at which point, the two religions will have similar numbers.

Researchers say migration is among factors helping to increase the Muslim population in some regions, including North America and Europe.

While Christianity remained the largest religious group globally in 2015 - comprising almost a third (31 per cent) of the world's 7.3 billion people - its number is in decline in Europe.

'Christianity is literally dying in Europe,' Conrad Hackett, the lead researcher on the study, told the Wall Street Journal.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The opposition on Thursday came down heavily on the government for being "insensitive and ill-informed" on attacks on people by self-styled 'gau rakshaks' (cow-vigilantes).

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government of ignorance, saying that the entire world knows about these attacks except them.

Madhusudan Mistry of the Congress raised the matter during Zero Hour and said that the self-styled 'gau rakshaks' were harassing and killing people in the name cow protection.

He was supported by the entire opposition as all of them were on their feet while he spoke on the issue.

Pehlu Khan, a Muslim man in his fifties, was brutally beaten up by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Saturday while transporting cows.

Khan succumbed to his injuries on Monday night in a hospital where he was being treated.

Mistry said that the state government was not doing anything about it.

"There is constitutional breakdown in Rajsathan. The state government should be dismissed," he added.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, however, dismissed the allegations, saying nothing of that sort had happened.

"It's a sensitive matter. Nothing happened on ground (as is being alleged)," he said.

To this, Azad, showing a newspaper clipping, said that entire world knows about it but the government does not know anything about it.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien then asked the government to provide official report to the House, so that it could be addressed.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More than 8,000 Uber and Lyft drivers in the US state of Massachusetts have been banned from driving under a new, stricter background check regulations, a media report said.

In November, the ride-sharing companies agreed to let the state run its own background checks as part of a deal that would let Lyft and Uber drivers service Logan Airport, CNN reported.

More than 70,000 drivers applied for the checks. The results of the state's first screening were announced on Wednesday, and more than 10 per cent of applicants did not pass.

The most common reason for rejecting drivers was a previous suspended license.

More than 1,500 drivers were rejected for a violent crime charge. Other reasons for denial included various driving offences, felony convictions, and sex abuse and exploitation, CNN said in its report.

The state also identified 51 sex offenders.

Not all the rejections were for legal reasons though. Many drivers had not held a license long enough to qualify under the new rules. Others had an inactive license.

In a statement, Governor Charlie Baker said Massachusetts has "set a national standard for driver safety".

Uber and Lyft typically rely on their own background checks, looking for disqualifying offences in the past seven years.

Massachusetts checks are different in a few key ways, according to the state criminal Defence Attorney Johanna Griffiths.

They look at a drivers' entire lifetime instead of just the past seven years. They also include people who had a "continuance without a finding" on their record.

Also called a CWOF, it's a type of plea deal that lets defendants avoid a guilty conviction.

Under Massachusetts law, Lyft's commercial background check provider, like all consumer reporting agencies, is legally prevented from looking back further than seven years. But the state does not face the same limitation.

Even though it previously agreed to the background checks, Uber is not happy with the results.

"The new screening includes an unfair and unjust indefinite lookback period that has caused thousands of people in Massachusetts to lose access to economic opportunities," said Uber in a statement.

Ride-hailing companies have until 2018 to comply with the law, so there may still be time to change the rules. Public hearings are scheduled for May.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As Japan giant turns 100 next year, the company aims for Rs 1,200 crore ($185 million) in revenue from India, with a renewed focus on connected devices and moving from a product-based approach to a solution-based approach, a top executive from India has said.

India currently contributes two per cent to the parent company's global revenues, and it aims to make it five per cent in the next three years.

"This year will witness a fundamental shift in the way we conduct our business. We expect to wrap up this year somewhere with Rs 1,000 crore and next year, we are looking at Rs 1,200 crore in revenue from India," Manish Sharma, President and CEO of Panasonic India and South Asia, and Vice President, Appliances Company, Panasonic Corporation, told IANS in a recent chat.

Connected solutions that help make a meaningful difference to consumers' lives will decide how the future is going to be.

The company has launched several solutions ranging from city surveillance, Toughpads, display panels and high-definition video conferencing in the recent past.

"We are now finding our own space in this era of digital convergence which is happening and feel that we are ready to provide such solutions as hardware  connected devices are our strength," Sharma added.

According to industry analysts, there are nearly 23 billion connected devices and the number is expected to double to over 50 billion by 2020. By June 2017, some 510 smart city projects with a total investment of Rs 20,669 crore are expected to take off.

To be part of the bandwagon, Panasonic is working on two-pronged approach: building some of the digital capabilities in house and with as application partners.

Aiming to give users a connected experience, Panasonic India last month launched two new smartphones that are equipped with "Arbo" -- an indigenously developed artificial intelligence (AI)-based virtual assistant.

"AI has been dubbed as the technology which in the future will shape the product interface and the way we interact with our smartphones; with this pilot advancement we hope to not only enhance our market share but also further strengthen our position within the industry," Sharma told IANS.

Another successful product for the Indian market is Panasonic Toughpad  a series of rugged tablet computers certified to meet the IP65 and MIL-STD-810G specifications for drops (up to four feet), shock, vibration, altitude, humidity, extreme temperatures and are used in fields like construction, defence, public safety, emergency services, government, healthcare and law enforcement, etc.

The company recently supplied 3,500 Toughpads to the Uttar Pradesh police. The devices are installed in survellience vehicles to keep the security personnel updated and connected with the control room.

While the company's connected solutions' division is set to grow 20 per cent over last year, growth in the consumer division would be nearly 22 per cent this year, Sharma noted.
NASA Astronaut Peggy Whitson is set to add another feather in her record-breaking cap. Already poised to break the record for cumulative time spent in space by a US astronaut, Whitson is set to extend her mission with an additional three months at the International Space Station.

NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, signed an agreement to extend Peggy Whitson's stay on the space station into Expedition 52, the US space agency said in a statement on Thursday.

"This is great news," Whitson said.

"I love being up here. Living and working aboard the space station is where I feel like I make the greatest contribution, so I am constantly trying to squeeze every drop out of my time here. Having three more months to squeeze is just what I would wish for," she added.

This is Whitson's third long-duration stay onboard the space station.

She launched on November 17 with 377 days in space already under her belt, and on April 24 will break Jeff Williams' standing US record of 534 cumulative days in space.

In 2008, Whitson became the first woman to command the space station, and on April 9 will become the first woman to command it twice. In addition, she holds the record for most spacewalks by a female.

The new agreement between NASA and Roscosmos allows Whitson to add three months to record-breaking mission at the space station.

Rather than returning to Earth with her Expedition 51 crew mates Oleg Novitsky of Roscosmos and Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency), in June as originally planned, Whitson will remain on the space station and return home with NASA's Jack Fischer and Roscosmos' Fyodor Yurchikhin.

That landing is targeted for September, NASA said.

"Peggy's skill and experience makes her an incredible asset aboard the space station," said Kirk Shireman, NASA's International Space Station Program Manager.

"By extending the stay of one of NASA's most veteran astronauts, our research, our technology development, our commercial and our international partner communities will all benefit," Shireman added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A police constable was shot dead here in Uttar Pradesh by unidentified assailants early on Thursday, police said.

The deceased was with the just disbanded Special Operations Group (SOG) and was being investigated for some serious charges.

Constable Ajay Yadav was out on patrol duty when two bike-borne assailants intercepted him in Shamsabad area and pumped bullets into him, the police said.

He was rushed to a nearby medical facility in serious condition where he died during treatment, the official told IANS.

The family members of the deceased have accused a Circle Officer (CO) Ashok Kumar of conspiring to kill Ajay Yadav due to personal animosity.

A senior official said a probe has been ordered into the charges.

Bharatiya Janata Party state executive member Raja Valmiki was also shot dead in Muzaffarnagar on Wednesday in a similar manner.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
South Korea has successfully test-fired a new 800-km range missile that can reach anywhere in North Korea, defence sources said on Thursday.

It could send another strong warning message to North Korea which is continuing its nuclear and missile development prohibited by the international community, Yonhap News Agency quoted the sources as saying.

"There was a test firing of a Hyunmoo-type ballistic missile with a range of 800 km at the Anheung test site of the Agency for Defence Development," an informed source said.

"It's assessed that it was successful."

Defence Minister Han Min-koo inspected the test, in which the missile met the key requirements of normal blast, flight and the accuracy of hitting a target, added the source.

But the ADD shortened the flight range, however, due to the space limit.

If deployed, the new missile would cover all of North Korea even when fired from the southern-most region of the South.

On Wednesday, North Korea fired an apparent ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan.

According to South Korean military, the launch was made from land and not from the sea, ruling out the possibility that it was a ballistic missile launched from a submarine (SLBM), as Pyongyang has launched before from the sea off the coast of Sinpo, where its main centre of development for these projectiles is located.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Shiv Sena MPs on Thursday surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju over the flying ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad and threatened that unless it is lifted they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan till 12.45 p.m. over the Shiv Sena protest.

As soon as Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia rushed to him. He was followed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

They took Raju and Union Minister Ananth Geethe with them to the Speaker's chamber.

Sources said that Speaker Mahajan discussed the issue with the leaders.

Earlier, Shiv Sena MPs were agitated over a statement of the Civil Aviation Minister, who reiterated that the ban was not aimed at a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights.

This led to a protest by Shiv Sena members, and the House was adjourned.

Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India staff, said that he had been provoked and alleged that the airlines staff misbehaved with him.

Speaking on the issue during Zero Hour Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him be lifted.

He got support from other opposition parties. The Shiv Sena MP also said that he can apologise to Parliament but will not apologise to the airline staffer.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Shiv Sena on Thursday threatened to boycott the proposed NDA meeting next week if the airlines' ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad is not lifted.

Addressing a press conference in the Parliament premises, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the government had assured that an amicable solution to the controversy would be found at the earliest.

"We respect Union Home Minster Rajnath Singh and hope he will find the solution. The ball is now in the government's court. It is their responsibility to solve it," he said.

"If the flying ban on Gaikwad is not lifted, we will boycott the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) meeting to be held on April 10. I am saying this after discussing it with party chief Uddhav Thackeray," Raut said.

The Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, Gaikwad abused and assaulted 60-year-old duty manager R. Sukumar of Air India late last month.

He said that he beat up the official "25 times with a footwear" because he had to travel economy class though he had an open business class ticket. The flight was an all-economy one and had no business class section.

The MP was later banned by Air India from flying aboard its aircraft, following which other private airlines also refused to fly him.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russia on Thursday challenged US President Donald Trump to set out his strategy on Syria after he declared that an apparent chemical weapons attack had transformed his views on the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

On Wednesday, Trump said the attack on Tuesday against Syrian civilians that killed over 85 people "crossed a lot of lines for me" and now Syria was his "responsibility".

When asked if Moscow would reconsider its backing for Assad, Russia's Foreign Ministry instead challenged the US to show its cards.

"Russia's approach to Assad is clear. He is the legal President of an independent state. What is the US approach?" Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told CNN.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned against "snap judgments".

"It's indeed a very menacing course of events, dangerous and horrible crime. However, sticking labels on everyone, prematurely, is not a correct thing to do, in our opinion," Peskov told the media.

Russia is Syria's most powerful ally and has provided the military might behind Assad's grip on the country, which plunged into civil war six years ago.

Trump has maintained that the bloodshed in Syria was the result of weak policy under former President Barack Obama's administration, reports CNN.

Several countries, including Britain and Turkey, have now said they believe the Syrian regime carried out Tuesday's chemical weapons attack.

France said it would continue to push a resolution through the UN Security Council that would force the Syrian government to provide flight logs from the day of the attack.

Russia on Wednesday claimed that the deaths were caused by a Syrian regime airstrike on a chemical munitions depot held by a "terrorist" group.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on Thursday announced the signing of contracts worth almost $2 billion for supply of medium range surface to air missiles (MRSAM) and missile defence systems to the Indian Army.

"In a mega-contract worth over $1.6 billion, considered to be the largest defence contract in Israel defence industries' history, IAI will provide an advanced MRSAM air and missile defence systems to the Indian Army," IAI said in a statement.

"The company will also supply additional Long Range SAM air and missile defence systems for the first built in India aircraft carrier," it said.

IAI President and CEO Joseph Weiss said: "Over the past 25 years, IAI has worked with the Indian defence industries and armed forces in many areas as part of our strategic partnership. The current contracts represent an enormous expression of confidence by the Government of India in IAI's capabilities and advanced technologies which are being developed with our local partners as part of the Indian Government's 'Make in India' policy."

"This contract award also recognises the professionalism of all of Israel's defence industries. We at IAI are proud to be leading this flagship project after a long and joint development process."

The MRSAM was developed jointly for the Indian Army by IAI and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with RAFAEL and IAI/Elta, which worked with various Indian companies including BEL, L&T, BDL and other private vendors.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has denied there is ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country, despite widespread reports of abuses, a media report said.

In a BBC interview on Wednesday, the Nobel laureate acknowledged problems in Rakhine state, where most Rohingya people live, but said ethnic cleansing was "too strong" a term to use.

"I don't think there is ethnic cleansing going on. I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening," she told the BBC.

"I think there is a lot of hostility there - it is Muslims killing Muslims as well, if they think they are co-operating with the authorities."

"It is not just a matter of ethnic cleansing as you put it - it is a matter of people on different sides of the divide, and this divide we are trying to close up," the de-facto leader added.

The Rohingya are denied citizenship in Myanmar, which views them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. They face routine official and public discrimination, reports the BBC.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya live in make-shift refugee camps.

According to authorities, about 70,000 have fled to Bangladesh to escape a government military operation in Rakhine, launched after nine policemen were killed in an attack last October.

Last month, the UN announced that it would conduct an investigation into allegations the military has been indiscriminately targeting the Rohingya during the operation, subjecting them to rape, murder and torture.

However, the Myanmar government has denied the claims.

In response, Suu Kyi told the BBC that she had answered questions on the issue previously.

"This question has been asked since 2013, when the last round of troubles broke out in Rakhine...they (the journalists) would ask me questions and I would answer them and people would say I said nothing."

"Simply because I did not make the statements people wanted, which people wanted me to make, simply to condemn one community or the other," she added.

As for those Rohingya who have fled Myanmar to neighbouring countries, Suu Kyi said: "If they come back they will be safe. It is up for them to decide, some have come back."

"We welcome them and we will welcome them back," she concluded.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. DINORA BEDALI MARTINEZ-DIAZ, LINSSE ESTEFANY GUZMAN-MARTINEZ, ENGLIVER GUSTAVO GUZMAN-MARTINEZ Petitioners, v. JEFFERSON B. SESSIONS III, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL, Respondent. 15-3345 Decided: April 04, 2017

PRESENT: DENNIS JACOBS, DEBRA ANN LIVINGSTON, SUSAN L. CARNEY, Circuit Judges. FOR PETITIONERS: Robert C. Ross, West Haven, CT. FOR RESPONDENT: Benjamin C. Mizer, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Claire L. Workman, Senior Litigation Counsel, Jane T. Schaffner, Trial Attorney, Office of Immigration Litigation, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

Petitioners Dinora Bedali Martinez-Diaz (Martinez) and her minor children, Linsse Estefany and Engliver Gustavo Guzman-Martinez, all natives and citizens of Guatemala, seek review of a September 24, 2015, decision of the BIA affirming an April 15, 2015, decision of an Immigration Judge (IJ) denying Martinez's application for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). In re Dinora Bedali Martinez-Diaz, Linsse Estefany Guzman-Martinez, Engliver Gustavo Guzman-Martinez, Nos. A206 798 022/023/024 (B.I.A. Sep. 24, 2015), aff'g Nos. A206 798 022/023/024 (Immig. Ct. Hartford Apr. 15, 2015). We assume the parties' familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history in this case.

Under the circumstances of this case, we have reviewed both the IJ's and the BIA's opinions for the sake of completeness. Wangchuck v. DHS, 448 F.3d 524, 528 (2d Cir. 2006). We review the agency's decision under the substantial evidence standard, reversing only if a reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to reach a contrary conclusion. Gjolaj v. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Servs., 468 F.3d 140, 142 (2d Cir. 2006). In order to demonstrate eligibility for asylum and withholding of removal, an applicant must show that she has been persecuted or has a fear of persecution, which is defined as harm or suffering  inflicted upon an individual in order to punish [her] for possessing a belief or characteristic a persecutor sought to overcome. Matter of Acosta, 19 I. & N. Dec. 211, 222 (BIA 1985), overruled in part on other grounds by INS v. Cardoza-Fonseca, 480 U.S. 421 (1987).

The applicant must further establish that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant. 8 U.S.C.  1158(b)(1)(B)(i); 8 U.S.C.  1231(b)(3)(A); see also Matter of C-T-L-, 25 I. & N. Dec. 341, 348 (BIA 2010). The BIA has explained that under this one central reason standard, the protected ground cannot play a minor role in the alien's past mistreatment or fears of future mistreatment. That is, it cannot be incidental, tangential, superficial, or subordinate to another reason for harm. In re J-B-N- and S-M-, 24 I. & N. Dec. 208, 214 (BIA 2007). Generally, criminal extortion efforts do not constitute persecution on account of a protected ground. In re T-M-B-, 21 I. & N. Dec. 775, 779 (BIA 1997), rev'd on other grounds by Borja v. INS, 175 F.3d 732 (9th Cir. 1999) (en banc); In Re A-M-E- & J-G-U-, 24 I. & N. Dec. 69, 76 (BIA 2007) (holding that mistreatment motivated by increasing their own wealth at the expense of the respondents does not constitute persecution on account of a protected ground), rev'd on other grounds by Valdiviezo-Galdamez v. Att'y Gen. of United States, 663 F.3d 582 (3d Cir. 2011).

The agency reasonably determined that Martinez did not establish a nexus between her claimed persecution and protected ground. Martinez primarily argues that she is a member of the social group of Guatemalan mothers and women, caring for children alone without a spouse. In her application, however, she stated only that she feared returning to Guatemala because she has received calls from extortionists asking  for money. She testified, similarly, that the callers asked for money and tried to extort her. The agency reasonably determined that the callers were only interested in increasing their own wealth.

Martinez also identifies other possible social group definitions and argues that the agency should have conducted a mixed motive analysis to determine whether her membership in a protected group was one central reason for her persecution, in addition to the pecuniary motive. Martinez argues that her gender, her motherhood, her status as caretaker to children whose father fled gang recruitment, her visibility as a single parent, her family connections to the [United States], and her lack of a male protector, all combined to make her vulnerable. But she points to nothing the record indicating that the extortionists targeted her, over other economically vulnerable segments of the population, due to these characteristics. As such, the agency's determination that Martinez failed to show a nexus between the threats and her status as a single mother was reasonable. In Re A-M-E- & J-G-U-, 24 I. & N. Dec. at 76 (requiring evidence that persons making threats were motivated by applicant's political opinion or membership in particular social group); Gjolaj, 468 F.3d at 143 (applying substantial evidence standard of review to nexus determinations).

The agency also reasonably determined that Martinez failed to demonstrate a well-founded fear of future persecution. An applicant's fear of future persecution must be objectively reasonable and contain solid support in the record. Jian Xing Huang v. U.S. INS, 421 F.3d 125, 128-29 (2d Cir. 2005); Hongsheng Leng v. Mukasey, 528 F.3d 135, 143 (2d Cir. 2008). Martinez argues that if she returns to Guatemala, [t]he gang, having been cheated of two victims, the Petitioner and her brother, will be looking for vengeance, but again points to nothing in the record to support this proposition. The agency reasonably found no testimony or evidence to put her fear in a factual context that would make it objectively reasonable.

Accordingly, because Martinez failed to establish past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of a protected ground, the agency did not err in denying asylum and withholding of removal. See 8 U.S.C.  1158(b)(1)(B)(i), 1231(b)(3)(A); see also Matter of C-T-L-, 25 I. & N. Dec. at 348.

For the foregoing reasons, the petition for review is DENIED. As we have completed our review, any stay of removal that the Court previously granted in this petition is VACATED, and any pending motion for a stay of removal in this petition is DISMISSED as moot. Any pending request for oral argument in this petition is DENIED in accordance with Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 34(a)(2), and Second Circuit Local Rule 34.1(b).

FOR THE COURT:

Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe, Clerk
Survivors of a deadly chemical attack earlier in the week in Syria that killed over 70 people, say they were gassed as they slept, a media report said.

They also described that the gas bombs were dropped from planes, directly contradicting the government's version of events.

Abdul Hamid Youssef told the CNN that the attack shook him from a deep sleep. He awoke, finding it difficult to breathe. Leaping from bed, Youssef scrambled to make sure his nine-month-old twins were still alive.

Apparently unharmed, he passed them to his wife and told her to stay in the house. Rushing outside to check on his parents next door, Youssef passed people staggering and falling in the street, the news report said.

Youssef and many members of his extended family live on the northern edge of Khan Sheikhoun, a town in Idlib province, where the attack took place.

On Tuesday, airstrikes battered an area near their local bakery, meters from Youssef's home.

But it wasn't just any attack -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been accused of using chemical weapons in the strikes. It was meant to rattle the rebel-held area. Instead it killed many and injured more than 200.

Youssef arrived in his parents' house to find his two brothers dead. Panicked, he rushed back to his home to check on his wife and babies.

"There was foam coming out of their mouths, there were convulsions. They had all been on the floor," Youssef told CNN on Wednesday, sobbing.

"My kids, Ahmad and Aya, and my wife... they were all martyred. My entire family's gone."

Global condemnation intensified on Wednesday, the day after the attack, one of the deadliest since the Syrian war began six years ago.

The White House and the UK blamed the Syrian President Assad's regime for the attack that struck at dawn in Khan Sheikhoun when many were still asleep, CNN report said.

At the UN, Western powers lambasted Russia for standing by the regime.

The World Health Organisation said victims bore the signs of exposure to nerve agents, and Amnesty International said evidence pointed to an "air-launched chemical attack."

International agencies are investigating the origin of the agents used in the strike, CNN said.

"We are still receiving information. Full details are still not known," Under Secretary-General in the UN and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Kim Won-soo said at the opening of a Security Council emergency meeting to discuss the incident.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tata Motors on Thursday said it has bagged an order for 500 next-generation low-floor urban city buses from the Ivory Coast.

According to the company, as part of the order, it has delivered 117 buses to the SOTRA - Abidjan transport company.

"Built on Tata Motors next-generation HCV (heavy commercial vehicle) bus platform, the Tata LPO 1924 RESLF Abidjan's next-generation bus has been developed with inputs from SOTRA, with a high degree of customisation based on feedback gathered through city trials, over the last couple of months," the company said in a statement.

The auto major said the buses were financed under the EXIM Bank of India for operation by the SOTRA - Abidjan Transport Company.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three persons have been arrested on charges of committing burglaries in 40 prestigious schools in Delhi and adjoining states, police said on Thursday.

Babloo, 21, Deepak Kumar, 21 and Sunil, 22 are residents of Majnu ka Tila and Sant Nagar area in Burari. Seven of their accomplices are at large.

They were arrested on Wednesday evening, Deputy Commissioner of Police Surender Kumar said.

He said Babloo headed the gang whose members carried out recce at the targeted school before committing robberies.

They trespassed into schools from areas not covered by closed-circuit television, the officer said.

The gang members targetted schools since they felt huge amounts of cash were kept there during admissions.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor Tobey Maguire is stepping behind the camera for adapting Jo Nesbo's novel "Blood on Snow" for the big screen.

The 41-year-old actor will make his directorial debut with the film, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

This development has been on hold for years after rumours that actor Leonardo DiCaprio was interested in the adaptation of the 2013 book. However, the project came to standstill due to differences over schedule.

Maguire's production company Material Pictures and Lawrence Grey's Grey Matter Productions have taken up the rights.

Nesbo is also penning the screenplay for the adaptation.

The plot of the book is about Olav, a hit man who kills people for his employer who is one of Norway's powerful crime bosses. However, when he is asked to kill his employer's own wife, Olav's life gets tangled when he ends up falling for her.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UN is awaiting a detailed report on a chemical weapons attack earlier this week in Syria that killed at least 70 people and injured more than 200 others, media reports said.

"We are still receiving information. Full details are still not known," Under Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Kim Won-soo said at the opening of a Security Council emergency meeting to discuss the incident.

A team from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) "is actively gathering and analyzing the information", and it will be deployed to the area where the incident occurred as soon as possible, Efe news quoted Kim as saying.

Kim spoke at the opening of a session that is expected to lead to a Security Council resolution, although a vote is still pending.

The international community has strongly condemned the chemical weapons attack in Khan Sheikhoun, a town in the northern province of Idlib.

Kim said the UN was gathering information from "all sources available" and he had been in contact with OPCW members and Syrian representatives at the United Nations.

The chemical weapons attack in Khan Sheikhoun is the most serious in Syria since an August 21, 2013 attack in Guta, on the outskirts of Damascus.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US wants to have high-level engagement with China, a senior State Department official has said.

"I think we always want to have high-level engagement in the US-China relationship. It's a very important relationship, and it's really broad and wide-ranging, and so we want to be able to establish that kind of good relationship," Susan Thornton, acting Assistant Secretary of State, said in a briefing on Wednesday.

Speaking on the eve of the first meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Thornton said Washington will be looking forward to make the meeting "very constructive".

"This is a chance for the two leaders to get to know one another. We want to have them establish a good working relationship so that they can, in times of both opportunity and crisis, reach out to one another and have a good rapport," she added.

Matt Pottinger, senior director for Asia at the National Security Council, said the first meeting between Xi and Trump will cover bilateral issues, regional issues and a variety of areas of cooperation.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Veteran Gandhian and freedom fighter Ho Srinivasaiah of Karnataka passed away here on Thursday after a brief illness. He was 93.

Srinivasaiah breathed his last earlier in the day at a state-run hospital in the city's southern suburb. He leaves behind a daughter, an official said.

Srinivasaiah was Chairman of Gandhi Bhavan and President of the Kranataka Gandhi Samarak Nidhi, with which he was associated for over four decades.

"Not many know that Srinivasaiah was a mechanical engineer and worked some time in Germany," said the official.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said: "Srinivasaiah, who dreamt of making Karnataka free from alcohol and drugs, died before his dream could become a reality."

Srinivasaiah was popular for his simplicity and austere life.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a mass service at Westminster Abbey in memory of the victims of the recent terror attack in London.

Prince William, his brother, Prince Harry, and his spouse Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on Wednesday, joined nearly 2,000 attendees to pay tribute to the people who died when Khalid Masood rammed a vehicle into pedestrians and later stabbed a police officer outside Westminster Palace on March 22.

The attack left five dead, including the assailant, and 50 injured, Efe news reported.

Masood was shot and killed after murdering three pedestrians on Westminster Bridge and then mortally wounding police constable Keith Palmer with a knife while he was on duty outside Westminster.

Alongside the members of the British Royal Family stood the British Home Secretary Amber Rudd, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and the acting Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police Craig Mackey.

--IANS

vgu/

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A day after a woman journalist was critically injured in an attack here, the Delhi Police on Thursday said more than a hundred persons were detained and multiple teams formed to crack the case.

Aparna Kalra, 45, suffered skull fractures in the attack when she went for an evening walk on Wednesday in a park near her Ashok Vihar residence in north-west Delhi. A case of attempt to murder has been registered.

"She informed doctors during treatment that she was hit with a heavy object from behind. We are waiting to record her statement as her condition is still critical," Joint Commissioner of Police (Northern Range) Rajesh Khurana told IANS.

The police said robbery was not a motive since her valuables were not missing.

"It could be personal matter. The woman has been writing on travel issues for some magazines and news portals. Over a hundred persons have been rounded up," Khurana said.

He said her call details records and closed-circuit television footage from nearby spots were being examined for clues to the atatck.

--IANS

sp/tsb/vt

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the state of Florida on Thursday for the first meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump, in a bid to chart the course of bilateral ties in a new era.

The plane carrying the Chinese president, First Lady Peng Liyuan and other members of the delegation landed in the early afternoon at an aiport in the southeastern coastal town of Palm, Xinhua news agency reported.

Under the gaze of an enthused welcoming crowd, including US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his wife, Xi and Peng stepped out of the hatch and waved before they walked down the ramp hand in hand.

During his two-day stay in Florida, Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Trump in the Mar-a-Lago resort, which Trump calls "the Southern White House", to exchange views on bilateral ties and major regional and global issues of common concern.

Xi and Peng will also attend a welcome banquet hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang told a press conference on March 31.

"The meeting will be of great significance to charting China-US relationship in a new era and advancing the development of bilateral ties...and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," Zheng said.

The US is the second leg of Xi's ongoing two-nation tour, which has already taken him to Finland for a state visit.

--IANS

vgu/

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United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. TANYON WATSON, Plaintiff - Appellant, v. VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR AGING & VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES; CARRIE GILBERT, DARS Counselor; DAVIAN MORRELL, DARS Counselor; DOUG JAMES, DARS Regional Director; TERRY BERTSCH; JULIE TRIPLETT, VA Disability Law Center Advocate, Defendants - Appellees. No. 17-1194 Decided: April 04, 2017

Before TRAXLER and WYNN, Circuit Judges, and HAMILTON, Senior Circuit Judge. Tanyon Watson, Appellant Pro Se. Pamela Brown Beckner, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF VIRGINIA, Richmond, Virginia; Steven Michael Traubert, DISABILITY LAW CENTER OF VIRGINIA, Richmond, Virginia, for Appellees.

Tanyon Watson seeks to appeal the district court's order dismissing his civil action for lack of jurisdiction. We dismiss the appeal for lack of jurisdiction because the notice of appeal was not timely filed.

Parties are accorded 30 days after the entry of the district court's final judgment or order to note an appeal, Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(1)(A), unless the district court extends the appeal period under Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(5), or reopens the appeal period under Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(6). [T]he timely filing of a notice of appeal in a civil case is a jurisdictional requirement. Bowles v. Russell, 551 U.S. 205, 214 (2007).

The district court's order was entered on the docket on January 6, 2017. The notice of appeal was filed on February 9, 2017. Because Watson failed to file a timely notice of appeal or to obtain an extension or reopening of the appeal period, we dismiss the appeal. We deny Watson's motions to appoint counsel and to respond. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

DISMISSED

PER CURIAM:
In March, doctors in four government hospitals across Maharashtra were assaulted by angry mobs, which prompted junior doctors to go on a flash strike. This triggered a public health crisis in the state and more than 500 surgeries had to be postponed or cancelled. The same month, more than 1,000 doctors took to the streets in Chennai to protest the assault on a doctor, again in a government hospital.
Despite the doubts raised by Somasekhar Sundaresan in his column, Its a tug-of-war out there (April 6), it is worth approaching the to decide the constitutional validity of the governments move to include certain provisions in a legislation under the garb of a Money Bill to bypass the Rajya Sabha.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flagged off a series of events across the country starting April 6, its foundation day. The events will continue till April 14, the birth anniversary of the architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar. Senior ministers have been asked to fan out across India to address public meetings and press conferences. The effort is to propagate the Narendra Modi governments pro-poor policies. The focus will be on three states  Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka  which are going to the polls in the next 18 months, as also on the Lok Sabha seats the lost in 2014. The states where the hopes to do better are Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and the north-eastern states. With summer temperatures already crossing 40 degree Celsius in some states, several leaders were hoping that they might be asked to visit Himachal Pradesh or the north-eastern states. However, party President Amit Shah is headed to Hyderabad, while other senior leaders have been asked to visit Karnataka, Odisha and West Bengal first.
The assumption that a private individual cannot own a train is incorrect. Individuals can own trains and parts of railway stations  sort of. This is the story of Sampuran Singh of Katana village in Jalandhar district. The Chandigarh-Ludhiana railway line took many years to construct, having been first proposed in 1997-98. It was finally built in three phases  Chandigarh-New Morinda, Sanehwal-Ludhiana and New Morinda-Sanehwal. Land acquisition occurred between 1999 and 2002 and delays were primarily because of land acquisition problems and consequent litigation. There were hundreds of cases in lower courts and appeals in Punjab and Haryana High Court. Sampuran Singh owned 5.5 bighas of land and (IR) (that is, Northern Railway) acquired this in 2007. The landowner was paid Rs 25 lakh per acre. He wasnt satisfied and went to court, as did several other landowners. The court ruled the compensation should be Rs 50 lakh per acre. Having heard both sides, the court doubled the compensation in January 2015. Briefly, IR should have paid Singh a compensation of Rs 1.47 crore. However, having paid 42 lakh, it sat on the remaining Rs 1.05 crore. An aggrieved Singh filed an execution petition in the Additional District and Sessions Court. If an entity doesnt pay, a court is always entitled to attach its property.
The Shiv Sena, a key constituent of the ruling Democratic Alliance (NDA), on Thursday threatened to disrupt flight operations from Mumbai and Pune airports over the flying ban on its member of Parliament Ravindra Gaikwad by airlines.
Eleven policemen were today suspended on the charge of producing arrested RJD MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav in a Patna court with handcuffs on.

Senior Superintendent of Police of Patna, Manu Maharaj said that 11 policemen including Sub Inspector Pradeep Kumar and Assistant Sub Inspector Jamaluddin and nine constables were suspended on the charge.

The incident of presenting Pappu Yadav in a Patna court with handcuffs on took place on April 1 last.

His wife and Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan had prominently raised the matter of arrest and handcuffing of her husband in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

She claimed that her husband was taken into custody while demonstrating with workers of his Jan Adhikar Party outside the state Assembly on March 27 last.

Pappu Yadav was arrested on March 27 night, not in connection with this case, but in connection with an earlier case of law and order against him, which was registered with Gandhi Maidan police station on January 24 this year.

Ranjeet Ranjan had alleged that the expelled RJD MP was denied bail and taken to court later with handcuffs on, which violated Supreme Court orders.

Her demand in the Lok Sabha was supported by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Pappu Yadav is lodged in Beur jail here.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two Indians in Singapore were today sentenced to 10 weeks in prison for submitting forged academic certificates to secure jobs here.

The Indian men, aged 27 and 35, were jailed along with a 24-year-old Vietnamese, the Ministry of Manpower said.

Another accused, a 28-year-old Filipina, will have her case mentioned in court on April 27, it said.

According to Singapore laws, the accused could have been jailed for up to two years and fined over USD 14,000.

Investigations showed that the four foreigners had used forged certificates to fraudulently apply, obtain and renew their Employment Passes and S (Special) Passes, the Channel Asia quoted the ministry as saying.

Using these passes, they held jobs such as restaurant manager, assistant manager, chef and facility executive, the ministry said.

It said 73 foreigners were convicted and permanently barred from working in Singapore in 2015 and 2016.

"Using forged educational certificates to obtain work passes is a serious offence. We will prosecute the foreigners and permanently bar them from working in Singapore," said Kandhavel Periyasamy, director of Employment Inspectorate at the Ministry's Foreign Manpower Management Division.

Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, anyone submitting forged academic certificates may be fined up to 20,000 Singapore dollars (USD 14,274), and/or imprisoned for up to two years.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Four suspected migrant traffickers were killed in an exchange of fire with Libyan coastguards off the western town of Zawiya today, the navy said.

Navy spokesman General Ayoub Qassem told AFP that the traffickers were on a vessel escorting a migrant boat headed across the Mediterranean to Europe.

The coastguards opened fire after coming under attack, said Qassem.

Four of the group, armed with automatic weapons and rocket launchers, were killed, two arrested and one went missing, the spokesman said.

The migrants' boat had left the scene without being hit.

"The coastguards tried to avoid the confrontation and called on the armed group to follow their orders, but in vain," Qassem said.

People smugglers have exploited the chaos gripping Libya since its 2011 uprising that overthrew longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Smuggling is big business for gangs who cram migrants into boats that are small and unsafe for the perilous journey to Italy just 300 kilometres from western Libya.

In the absence of an army or a regular police force in Libya, several militias act as coastguards but are often accused of complicity or involvement in the lucrative trade.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistani authorities have arrested five suspected facilitators of the Taliban suicide bomber who targeted military personnel escorting a national census team and killed seven people here yesterday, officials said today.

"The law enforcement agencies have taken five suspects into custody in Lahore for their alleged connection with Lahore blast. They have been shifted to undisclosed location for interrogation," a senior police officer told PTI.

He said an investigation of the blast claimed by Tehreek- e-Taliban Pakistan was underway and all facilitators of the suicide bomber, said to be an Uzbek, will soon be arrested.

He said the suicide bomber, a member of Jamaat-ur-Ahrar group, had reached Lahore two days before the blast and stayed in the provincial capital of Punjab with the facilitators.

The Counter Terrorism Department of the police has registered a case under several sections of the Explosive Substances Act and the Pakistan Penal Code and under one section of the Anti-terrorism Act against unknown terrorists.

At least seven people, including five soldiers, were killed and 19 injured when the bomber blew himself up as he neared an army vehicle escorting the census team in the city.

The blast was the latest in a series of bombings by militants in Pakistan. In February, nearly 130 people were killed in such attacks.

The blast in Lahore yesterday came days after at least 22 people were killed and 57 wounded, when a car bomb ripped through a market in a mainly Shia area of Parachinar of Kurram Agency.

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United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. KERMIT O. ROGERS, Plaintiff - Appellant v. LEE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI; CITY OF TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI; JIM H. JOHNSON, In his Official Capacity as Sheriff of Lee County, Mississippi; SAMUEL T. WARREN, In his Individual capacity as a Lee County Sheriff's Department Law Enforcement Officer; PAUL HOWELL, In his individual capacity as a Lieutenant with the city of Tupelo Police Department/North Mississippi Narcotics Unit, Defendants - Appellees No. 16-60537 Decided: April 03, 2017

Before DAVIS, CLEMENT, and COSTA, Circuit Judges.

Plaintiff-Appellant Kermit O. Rogers appeals the district court's final judgment dismissing all of his claims against Defendants-Appellees Sam Warren and Paul Howell in their individual capacities; the sheriff of Lee County in his individual capacity; the City of Tupelo, Mississippi; Lee County, Mississippi; and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit. For the reasons set out below, we REVERSE the dismissal of his claims against Warren and Howell relating to the warrantless search but otherwise AFFIRM.

I. Background 1

In 2009, Plaintiff-Appellant Kermit O. Rogers was the subject of a valid search warrant allowing the search of the following property: 320 CR 401, Shannon, Lee County, Mississippi, together with all approaches and appurtenances thereto. Also, all vehicles and out buildings on the property. The officers found 5.89 grams of crack cocaine in the house located on 320 CR 401, as well as 189.73 grams of crack cocaine in a red truck parked near a building some distance away and visibly identified as 320A CR 401.

The State of Mississippi only charged Rogers with three sales of crack cocaine, not for the crack cocaine found during the execution of the search warrant. He received a thirty-year sentence on each sale, with twenty years of each suspended and the remaining ten years on each to be served concurrently. He was later released by the State on probation prior to serving time on his federal charge, which is the subject of this suit.

The United States charged Rogers with possession with intent to distribute in excess of fifty grams of a substance containing cocaine base in violation of 21 U.S.C.  841(a), (b)(1)(a), which necessarily included the drugs found in the red truck parked outside the 320A building. Rogers filed a motion to suppress the evidence of the drugs found in the truck, arguing that the truck was not parked on the 320 property covered by the warrant, but instead was parked on completely different property, the 320A property, and was therefore beyond the scope of the warrant. Rogers entered a conditional plea of guilty, reserving his right to appeal any determination on his motion to suppress. The district court denied the motion without holding a hearing and accepted his conditional guilty plea, and Rogers appealed.

The Fifth Circuit panel vacated the district court's denial of Rogers's motion to suppress and remanded to the district court for a hearing on the motion. The panel noted that the parties disputed whether the truck was parked on the 320 property or a separate property, and whether the officers made a reasonable effort to ascertain and identify whether the truck was on the property identified in the warrant. In particular, the panel found that the court's findings were based on the government's unsupported statements in its pleadings, [which] were insufficient to determine that the officers made a reasonable effort to identify whether the truck was on the property listed in the warrant. Thus, the panel remanded for an evidentiary hearing.

On remand, the district court held the hearing and granted Rogers's motion to suppress and excluded the evidence of the drugs found in the truck under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine. It noted that it had denied Rogers's earlier motion to suppress without a hearing because the Government represented to the court: (1) that the officers found a larger amount of crack cocaine inside a red truck parked outside the residence [at 320 CR 401], and (2) that [t]he red truck belonging to the defendant was found parked in the back of the residence located at 320 CR 401.  The court concluded that both representations were false.

The court noted that the warrant described the place to be searched as 320 CR 401, Shannon, Lee County, Mississippi, together with all approaches and appurtenances thereto. Also, all vehicles and out buildings on the property. The court continued:

The property where the red truck was located320A CR 401is in no way part of that description. It has a different address. It is owned by someone other than the defendant. It is at least 200 yards away from the property at 320. It has its own driveway leading to the main road. It has its own metered connection to the power companyin someone else's name. It has a separate E911 addressregistered to someone other than the defendant. It is barely visible from the property covered under the warrant. Though a small dirt track leads from the back of the property at 320 to the property at 320A, one must wind around a turn and travel past various structures and fenced pastures to reach it.

The investigating officers [including Warren and Howell] knew that the situation was problematic enough that they nowfor the first time everclaim they called the judge issuing the warrant in an effort to shore it up. They made no effort whatsoever to document the alleged telephone call, and the issuing judge, according to the officers and representations by the Assistant United States Attorney, had absolutely no recollection of having received such a call. Indeed, the government did not even call him as a witness. The court gives the alleged call no weight at all.

Though Fourth Amendment issues can sometimes be thorny, there is nothing difficult about the decision in this case because, by any rational measure, the law enforcement officers' search of Rogers' truck was unreasonable. Neither the truck nor the building by which it was parked were within the scope of the search warrant, and the officers' purported telephone call neither expanded the scope of the warrant, nor constituted a new warrant.6

As the court further explained, the telephone call would have been insufficient to satisfy the warrant requirement under federal law (e.g., it was not given under oath or affirmation or memorialized in writing after the fact under Fed. R. Crim. P. 4.1), and at any rate Mississippi law does not allow officers to obtain or extend a warrant by telephone.

The court also concluded that the search was not protected by the good faith exception to the warrant requirement (also relevant to this appeal), which the court accurately summarized as follows:

The standard for the good-faith exception is that evidence obtained by law enforcement officials acting in objectively reasonable good-faith reliance upon a search warrant is admissible in the [prosecution's] case-in-chief even though the affidavit on which the warrant was based was insufficient to establish probable cause. United States v. PenaRodriguez, 110 F.3d 1120, 1130 (5th Cir. 1997). Issuance of a warrant normally suffices to establish good faith on the part of law enforcement who conduct a search pursuant to the warrant. Id. Law enforcement officials cannot establish objective good faith, however, when the warrant is based on an affidavit so lacking in indicia of probable cause as to render the official's belief in its existence entirely unreasonable.  Id. quoting [United States v. Leon, 468 U.S. 897, 923 (1984)]. The good-faith exception to the exclusionary rule permits officers to rely upon a warrant supported by an affidavit alleging more than wholly conclusory statements even if the affidavit is ultimately found not to establish probable cause. Consequently, a skeletal affidavit does not justify good-faith reliance on a warrant.9

The court concluded that the good faith exception did not apply to show that the officers were objectively reasonable in relying upon the only warrant issued (for 320 CR 401) as a basis to search 320A because [t]he evidence presented strongly supports Rogers' view of events, and cross-examination of the witnesses [including Warren and Howell] left them without credibility. The court noted a number of troubling aspects of the case and concluded: There is a palpable difference between doing the best one can in interpreting and executing a search warrant that is, ultimately, found wantingand knowingly cutting corners while executing the warrant, then relying upon the good-faith exception to the exclusionary rule to rescue the unlawful search. The officers in the present case chose the latter.

The district court therefore excluded the evidence, which resulted in the government dismissing the case. Rogers spent a total of approximately 452 days in federal incarceration before his conviction was overturned. Rogers then filed this action alleging multiple violations of his civil rights under 42 U.S.C.  1983, against Warren and Howell and against the municipal defendants. He asserted claims of (1) unlawful seizure, unlawful search, and false imprisonment under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as conspiracy to do the same, in that the defendants allegedly instituted the proceedings, prosecuted, convicted, and confined Rogers with knowledge that the evidence procured against [Rogers] was unlawful and inadmissible; (2) violations of procedural and substantive due process under the Fourteenth Amendment, in that the defendants' actions allegedly deprived [Rogers] of his right to fundamental fairness in a criminal proceeding; (3) failure to train and/or supervise by the municipal defendants; and (4) supplemental state law claims, including malicious prosecution.

Eventually, the district court granted the defendants' motions for summary judgment through two orders, dismissing Rogers's claims against all defendants. On appeal, Rogers does not challenge any of the district court's findings as to the municipal defendants, and he expressly concedes his appeal with respect to the sheriff, leaving only his claims against Warren and Howell. With respect to the officers, the district court determined: (a) that Warren and Howell are entitled to qualified immunity on the unlawful search because they acted objectively reasonably; (b) that Rogers failed to make out a substantive due process claim under the Fourteenth Amendment; and (c) that he failed to make out a viable claim under state law. Rogers timely appealed.

II. Jurisdiction and Standard of Review

The district court had federal question jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  1331. We have appellate jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  1291. We review the grant of summary judgment under Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 de novo, i.e., the usual Rule 56 standards. Summary judgment is only appropriate if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

III. Analysis

A. The District Court Erred By Granting Qualified Immunity To Warren And Howell On The Ground That They Acted Objectively Reasonably.

Even though the district court correctly concluded that the search of the truck on the 320A property took place without a warrant and was not saved by the automobile exception, it found that both Warren and Howell are entitled to qualified immunity because they acted objectively reasonably. The district court reversibly erred under the summary judgment standard.

Resolving the qualified immunity question at summary judgment involves a two-pronged inquiry. The first prong is whether the facts, [t]aken in the light most favorable to the party asserting the injury,  show the officer's conduct violated a [federal] right[.]  The second prong is whether the right in question was clearly established at the time of the violation.  [T]he salient question  is whether the state of the law at the time of an incident provided fair warning to the defendants that their alleged [conduct] was unconstitutional. 

Courts have discretion to decide the order in which to engage these two prongs. But under either prong, courts may not resolve genuine disputes of fact in favor of the party seeking summary judgment. This is not a rule specific to qualified immunity; it is simply an application of the more general rule that a judge's function at summary judgment is not to weigh the evidence and determine the truth of the matter but to determine whether there is a genuine issue for trial. Summary judgment is appropriate only if the movant shows that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In making that determination, a court must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the opposing party. 19

The district court addressed both prongs. First, it correctly concluded that the search of the red truck on the 320A property was conducted without a warrant, and it also correctly noted that [a] warrantless search is presumptively unreasonable unless it falls within an exception to the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement. The court explained, again correctly, that the search of the truck did not fall under the Fourth Amendment's automobile exception because Rogers was either several miles down the road at his mother's house or being held in the residence by other officers at 320 CR 401, so there was no exigent circumstance regarding the vehicle's mobility which would excuse a warrantless search of the automobile.

Second, the district court concluded that this warrantless search violated a clearly established constitutional right, specifically the Fourth Amendment's right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. Moreover, the district court agreed with the criminal court in the previous case that it was impossible for the officers to rely on the telephone extension of the warrant because Mississippi does not recognize warrants procured telephonically under White, which was decided approximately six years before this search.

Despite all of those correct findings, the district court nevertheless concluded that Warren and Howell were objectively reasonable in assuming the 320A building and surrounding areas were part of the same parcel as 320 CR 401. It based this finding on the officers' own accounts:

Both officers testified that they believed the 320A CR 401 property to be part of the same property as 320 CR 401 and thus covered by the warrant. Warren testified that to reach the 320A building, he had to walk down a dirt path about two hundred yards. He indicated that he saw the designation that the building was located at 320A, but thought it was for electric meter purposes only. The officers continually referred to the 320A building as an outbuilding or shop building. Moreover, at least one vehicle surrounding that building was registered in Kermit Rogers' name and at the address listed in the search warrant. Therefore, they assert their actions were objectively reasonable in light of the clearly established law. 

The Court finds that the officers were objectively reasonable in authorizing the search of the red truck parked outside the 320A building. The search warrant indicated the areas to be searched to include all appurtenances, outbuildings and vehicles surrounding 320 CR 401. Once officers ran the tag on the red truck, which came back that it was registered to the Plaintiff at the 320 CR 401 address, it would not be unreasonable for them to assume the outbuilding metered as 320A CR 401 was covered under the warrant. Also, Warren's authorization of the search of the red truck parked outside 320A CR 401 was not unreasonable in light of the assurances given by the Justice Court Judge Pat Carr that searching that property was fine. The Court cannot find that the officers were plainly incompetent or knowingly violated the law on the basis of the record. Therefore, even though the 320A building was over two hundred yards away, not visible from the residence explicitly covered by the search warrant, and equipped with a separate meter, the Court finds that the officers acted in an objectively reasonable manner in authorizing the search of the red truck.25

We conclude the district court did not properly apply the summary judgment standard. First, the district court stated without qualification that [w]hether the official acted with objective reasonableness is an issue of law reserved for the court. That question is only an issue of law if the facts are undisputed. The case the district court cited for that proposition took the plaintiff's alleged facts as true, then determined whether those facts, as a matter of law, violated his constitutional rights. A finding of objective reasonableness is not appropriate, however, if the material facts are in dispute, as they are in this case.

The district court based its finding that Warren and Howell acted with objective reasonableness on their accounts of how they subjectively viewed the relationship between the 320 and 320A properties. As illustrated by the district court's description of the properties in the previous criminal case, supra, there is a great deal of evidence that severely undermines the officers' accounts. Moreover, there is a wealth of other summary judgment evidence contradicting the officers' subjective testimony that they acted reasonably.

Most notably, the officers claim their telephone call to the judge showed that they acted objectively reasonably, essentially by relying on the judge's opinion that the search of the truck was acceptable under the circumstances. There are several major disputes precluding summary judgment on this point. First, Mississippi law does not allow for telephone warrants or extensions under White, but White went further than that: it set out circumstances that might show an officer still acted objectively reasonably under Leon, supra:

Today, we adopt the Leon good faith exception to warrantless searches and further find that it applies to the case at bar. The officer stated that a district attorney had informed them in police procedures training that such warrants were permissible under appropriate circumstances. Further, the officer stated that he had obtained such a warrant on one or two prior occasions. Beyond that, the oral statement was given under oath to a neutral magistrate. More importantly, the following morning, the officer filled out a written warrant and record of the telephone conversation and presented it to the authorizing judge. Thus, a follow up procedure utilizing some, though admittedly not all, of the generally recognized safeguards was used here. Instead of immediately entering the apartment and conducting a warrantless search, these officers did their duty by pursuing a more careful, prudent course. Thus, the officers had a reasonable good faith belief that they were executing a valid warrant, and the exclusionary rule should not operate in this case.29

The 2009 search of Rogers's property took place well after White, and virtually none of the factors identified by the White court as indicating objective reasonableness were present here. There were no contemporaneous written records as to what Warren told the judge over the phone, no undisputed evidence that it was even given under oath, and no follow-up procedure whatsoever to document the call.

The failure to document the call in itself might be fatal to Warren and Howell's claim of objective reasonableness relating to the call under Mississippi law, but even if we examine the later testimony relating to the call, the officers still are not entitled to summary judgment.

The call is only helpful to the defendants if it helps to show objective reasonableness. Because Mississippi law precludes extensions of warrants by telephone, the call cannot help them if Warren intended it to extend the scope of the warrant. If Warren made the call merely to confirm whether the truck was covered by the existing 320 property warrant, he could only rely on the judge's permission if he accurately told the judge the relevant facts (e.g., the distance between the 320 and 320A properties and the fact that the red truck was parked outside the 320A property).

Judge Carr's testimony years later raises factual disputes as to those points, however. Judge Carr did not object when Howell's attorney characterized Warren's call as seeking an extension of the warrant. When Rogers's attorney asked if Warren told him why he thought the property was suspicious Judge Carr replied, I don't know the particulars. Just said it was adjoining property close at hand and he would like to check it. Judge Carr also said Warren did not tell him whether or not any narcotics had been found at the property covered by the warrant. Thus, Judge Carr's testimony does not demonstrate that Warren told him all of the relevant facts; indeed, it suggests the opposite (adjoining property close at hand). There is, in short, a genuine dispute as to the contents of the call.

There is also a factual dispute as to when the officers knew the red truck parked outside the 320A property was registered to Rogers at the 320 property. Deposition testimony established that the phone call in question took place on Judge Carr's lunch break, which began at approximately 11:30 a.m. Rogers was Mirandized at 1:08 p.m. on the 320 property, and a printout of search results suggests that the officers did not request the truck registration until 1:29 p.m. It is not clear when the search of the red truck actually took place. Although the officers claim they asked Rogers if the truck was his before they searched it, he disputes that. Thus, there is a genuine dispute as to what the officers knew when they called the judge, and what they knew when they searched the red truck.

Finally, the district court's own conclusion to its analysis suggests it was making a judgment call as to the evidence: Therefore, even though the 320A building was over two hundred yards away, not visible from the residence explicitly covered by the search warrant, and equipped with a separate meter, the Court finds that the officers acted in an objectively reasonable manner in authorizing the search of the red truck. All of those factors suggest the 320A property was truly separate property from the 320 property, and the only reasons the district court gave for ruling in favor of the defendants is their own testimony on issues that are genuinely disputed.

In short, we conclude the district court failed to properly apply the summary judgment standard. The record evidence shows a number of genuine disputes as to material facts concerning the relationship between the 320 and 320A properties, as well as the officers' knowledge and conduct on the day of the search. It is impossible to find for the officers without making a credibility call in their favor. On summary judgment, however, we are bound to draw all inferences in favor of the nonmovant, Rogers.

Because we cannot find, on summary judgment, that the officers acted objectively reasonably in conducting the warrantless search of the red truck, we reverse the district court's grant of qualified immunity in favor of Warren and Howell relating to the warrantless search of the 320A property, including the red truck.

B. The District Court Did Not Err By Dismissing Rogers's Substantive Due Process Claims.

In addition to the more typical Fourth Amendment claims discussed above, Rogers also asserted a substantive due process claim under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, relying on Albright v. Oliver, 510 U.S. 266 (1994), and Napue v. Illinois, 360 U.S. 264 (1959). In short, this claim is based on his allegations that the officers used deceptive and reckless misrepresentations (and, in his view, fabricated or hid evidence) to obtain a wrongful conviction. The district court initially held that Rogers could not pursue it because he had never been convicted, but on reconsideration the court rejected the claim on the merits.

Thus, although Rogers argues the district court erred by refusing to address the merits of his substantive due process claim due to its erroneous belief that he had not been convicted, that argument is moot because the district court did address the merits in its second opinion.

We cannot say the district court erred by dismissing this claim on the merits. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees [s]ubstantive due process [, which] prevents the government from engaging in conduct that shocks the conscience or interferes with rights implicit in the concept of ordered liberty.  Rogers may prevail on his due process claim only if he is able to show that the defendants intentionally or knowingly presented false evidence or fabricated evidence, and that their actions shock the conscience. A mistake is not enough to support a substantive due process claim.

We conclude that the summary judgment evidence, taken in the light most favorable to Rogers, does not support his claim. The evidence is sufficient to show that Warren and Howell acted objectively unreasonably in conducting the warrantless search of the red truck, but it demonstrates at most negligence or incompetence rather than a conscience-shocking intent to lie about, misrepresent, or fabricate evidence. Thus, we affirm the district court's dismissal of Rogers's substantive due process claim.

C. The District Court Did Not Err By Dismissing Rogers's Malicious Prosecution Claim Under Mississippi Law.

Finally, Rogers argues the district court erred by dismissing his state law malicious prosecution claim pursuant to the police function exemption of the Mississippi Tort Claims Act (MTCA). In brief, as the district court explained, under the MTCA, Miss. Code Ann.  11467(1), Warren and Howell cannot be held liable for the actions they committed within the course and scope of their employment as police officers. The MTCA contains an exception to this immunity if an officer's conduct constituted fraud, malice, libel, slander, defamation or any criminal offense other than traffic violations, which would include malicious prosecution.

The district court concluded that Rogers failed to show any genuine issue of material fact as to malicious prosecution because he failed to show that Warren had any malice in making that report. No reason for such a statement has been extended by the Plaintiff to indicate Warren's malicious intent. Accordingly, that state law claim fails. Similarly, the court found no evidence that Howell acted maliciously, especially given that he did not write the report that ultimately became the basis of Rogers's federal conviction. On these facts, we cannot say the district court erred. Accordingly, we affirm the district court's grant of summary judgment in favor of the defendants on Rogers's state law claims.

IV. Conclusion

For the reasons set out above, we REVERSE the grant of summary judgment in favor of Defendants-Appellees Warren and Howell on Rogers's claims relating to the warrantless search of the red truck on the 320A property. Otherwise, we AFFIRM the district court's grant of summary judgment on the other claims against Warren and Howell (including Rogers's substantive due process and state law claims) and all claims against all other defendants.

FOOTNOTES

. Unless otherwise noted, the facts in this section come from United States v. Rogers, 481 F. App'x 157, 158 (5th Cir. 2012) and the undisputed facts set out in the parties' briefs in this appeal.

. 481 F. App'x at 160.

. United States v. Rogers, No. 1:09CR139-M-S, 2013 WL 435946, at *4 (N.D. Miss. Feb. 4, 2013).

. Id. at *1 (alterations and emphasis in district court opinion).

. Id. at *3.

. Id. at *3-4.

. Id. at *4.

. White v. State, 842 So. 2d 565 (Miss. 2003).

. 2013 WL 435946, at *5.

. Id.

. Id. at *7.

. The district court initially entered an order and memorandum opinion granting the defendants' motions for summary judgment, see Rogers v. City of Tupelo, Miss., No. 1:13CV243-SA-DAS, 2015 WL 3450266 (N.D. Miss. May 29, 2015) (hereinafter First MSJ Opinion). Rogers filed a motion for reconsideration, which the district court granted in part in a brief order, see Rogers v. City of Tupelo, Miss., No. 1:13CV243-SA-DAS, 2016 WL 1249156 (N.D. Miss. Mar. 28, 2016). On reconsideration, the district court again granted the defendants' motions for summary judgment in full, see Rogers v. City of Tupelo, No. 1:13CV243-SA-DAS, 2016 WL 3849563 (N.D. Miss. July 13, 2016) (hereinafter Second MSJ Opinion).

. James v. Gonzalez, 348 F. App'x 957, 959 (5th Cir. 2009).

. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56.

. First MSJ Opinion, 2015 WL 3450266, at *3.

. Tolan v. Cotton, 134 S. Ct. 1861, 1865, 188 L. Ed. 2d 895 (2014) (quoting Saucier v. Katz, 533 U.S. 194, 201 (2001)).

. Id. at 1866 (citing Hope v. Pelzer, 536 U.S. 730, 739 (2002)).

. Id. (quoting Hope, 536 U.S. at 741).

. Id. (citations omitted).

. First MSJ Opinion, 2015 WL 3450266, at *4 (citing United States v. Guzman, 739 F.3d 241, 245 (5th Cir.2014) (citing United States v. Karo, 468 U.S. 705, 717 (1984))).

. Id.

. Id. at *5 (citing cases).

. Id.

. Id.

. 2015 WL 3450266, at *5-6 (citation omitted).

. Id. at *5 (citing Williams v. Bramer, 180 F.3d 699 (5th Cir. 1999)).

. See Williams, 180 F.3d at 701.

. See Lampkin v. City of Nacogdoches, 7 F.3d 430, 435 (5th Cir. 1993) (Rule 56 still has vitality in qualified immunity cases if the underlying historical facts in dispute that are material to the resolution of the questions whether the defendants acted in an objectively reasonable manner in view of the existing law and facts available to them.); see also Mangieri v. Clifton, 29 F.3d 1012, 1016 (5th Cir. 1994) (noting that in Lampkin, We concluded that this court would be unable to make the determination of the objective reasonableness of the officer's activities without settling on a coherent view of what happened in the first place. ).

. White, 842 So. 2d at 571-72 (citation omitted).

. First MSJ Opinion, 2015 WL 3450266, at *6.

. The district court found that Howell was even more strongly entitled to summary judgment than Warren because Howell did not participate in the call to the judge. Id. We reject that reasoning. Although Howell did not participate in the call itself, Warren testified in his deposition that both he and Howell made the decision to search the 320A property following Warren's telephone call with the judge. Thus, although Howell is arguably less culpable than Warren, he cannot be dismissed as a matter of law.

. First MSJ Opinion, 2015 WL 3450266, at *8.

. Second MSJ Opinion, 2016 WL 3849563.

. Although the argument is moot, we do note that the Fifth Circuit in the criminal proceeding described the matter as a direct appeal from a felony conviction. 481 F. App'x at 157.

. Moran v. Clarke, 296 F.3d 638, 643 (8th Cir. 2002) (en banc) (quoting Weiler v. Purkett, 137 F.3d 1047, 1051 (8th Cir. 1998) (en banc)).

. See, e.g., Canales v. Stephens, 765 F.3d 551, 573 (5th Cir. 2014) (The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that a conviction obtained through false evidence, known to be such by representatives of the State violates a defendant's constitutional rights. (quoting Miller v. Pate, 386 U.S. 1, 7 (1967)); Napue, 360 U.S. at 269 (The same result obtains when the State, although not soliciting false evidence, allows it to go uncorrected when it appears.).

. Rogers asserted other state law claims, see First MSJ Opinion, 2015 WL 3450266, at *11, but he has waived those claims for failing to argue them on appeal.

. First MSJ Opinion, 2015 WL 3450266, at *11-12.

. Miss. Code Ann.  11465(2).

. First MSJ Opinion, 2015 WL 3450266, at *12 (footnote omitted).

. Id. See Benjamin v. Hooper Elec. Supply Co., Inc., 568 So. 2d 1182, 1191 (Miss. 1990) ( Malice in the law of malicious prosecution is used in an artificial and legal sense and applied to a prosecution instituted primarily for a purpose other than that of bringing an offender to justice.).

W. EUGENE DAVIS, Circuit Judge:*
As many as 7,615 Indian nationals are lodged in foreign jails, the Rajya Sabha was told today.

In a written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said due to the strict provisions of privacy laws, the US, Canada, Australia and many countries in Europe do not share information about Indian nationals in their prisons.

"As per information available, 7,615 Indian nationals, who went abroad for various purposes including employment, are lodged in foreign jails," the minister said.

Out of these, 1,810 Indians are lodged in Saudi Arabian jails, and 1,214 are in UAE prisons, he added.

Replying to a separate query, he said as per data obtained by the ministry in December, 2016, there are an estimated 1.16 crore non-resident Indians settled globally.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The lynching of a Muslim man by cow vigilantes in Alwar in Rajasthan snowballed into a political row today with Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi saying no such incident, as was being presented, had happened and the Congress questioning his remark.

The three men arrested in connection with the brutal attack on 55-year-old Pehlu Khan and others on suspicions they were smuggling cows on Saturday were, meanwhile, remanded to police custody for a day by an Alwar court. Khan succumbed to his injuries on Monday night.

"We had produced the accused Vipin Yadav (19), Ravindra Yadav (30) of Behror and Kalu Ram (44) of Ratanpura at a local court which sent them for a day's police remand," Alwar SP Rahul Prakash told PTI, adding that teams have fanned out in the hunt for the other accused. A murder case has been booked against the three accused.

As the incident generated heat in both houses of Parliament, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, saying there is no place in the country for those disagreeing with them and that tragedies of huge proportion occur when government "abdicates responsibility".

Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi charged that the prime minister is propagating a vision where only one idea will prevail.

Members in the Rajya Sabha expressed grave concern over the killing with Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asking the government to probe it and inform the House about the facts.

Amid contradictory statements about the alleged incident by the Opposition and the Government, Kurien said the Chair has to be convinced whether the issue raised by Congress member Madhusudan Mistry was true or not.

During the Zero Hour, Mistry said there was a "complete breakdown of law and order" in Rajasthan as "a gang of gau-rakshaks (cow vigilantes)" stopped a truck carrying cattle and mercilessly thrashed four of its occupants after letting off the "Hindu" driver.

As members of other opposition parties supported him, Mistry said similar incidents were taking place in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat as also Uttar Pradesh, all ruled by BJP.

Squarely rejecting the allegations, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was a very sensitive issue, but "no such incident has happened, the way the matter is being presented here."



"A message should not be sent out that the House supports cow slaughter," he said, and added that "the state government has refuted (the allegations). We do not justify hooliganism".

To this, Leader of Oppositon and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times has reported (on it) and the minister does not know...I have not come across such an insensitive government".

As treasury and opposition benches indulged in heated exchanges, Kurien said he cannot go by newspaper reports.

"The Minister said no such incident happened," he said, and added that there were two versions of the incident which have been brought before him.

The Deputy Chairman said if such an incident has happened, then it is a serious matter and if it has not happened and has been said in the House, then too it is a serious matter.

"Let me know whether it is a fact or not. I am asking the Minister to convey to the Home Minister to inquire and give a report to the House. I want to know the truth of it," Kurien said.

Naqvi later said action was being taken against the accused and that he was in no way condoning the violence.

Congress members attacked the BJP in the Lok Sabha, saying the Constitution was being violated in the name of cow protection in the states ruled by the saffron party.

Defending the Rajasthan government, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said it has taken cognisance of the incident and action as per law would be taken.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge targeted Rajasthan's home minister for his comments that both sides, the accused and the victims, had done something wrong and there was nothing wrong in people stopping cow smuggling. Kharge said the victim was a dairy farmer.

As some BJP members tried to interrupt him, he lashed out, saying they must keep quiet as the law was being broken.

Earlier in a series of tweets, Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Rajasthan government for the "brutal and senseless attack" in Alwar.

"When Government abdicates responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow. Shocking breakdown of law and order in Alwar," he said.

He said all right thinking Indians must condemn this "blind brutality" and hoped the state government will take strict action against those responsible for the "senseless attack".

Gandhi said, "We expect Government to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal and senseless attack."



Talking to reporters, Kharge accused Hindutva organisations like RSS and VHP of creating an atmosphere of discord with incidents like which happened in Alwar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An FIR has been registered against the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and two other senior officials in connection with violence on campus in which two persons were killed in April last year.

The Civil Lines Police filed the FIR following orders of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Aligarh, Justice Gyanendra Yadav on a petition filed by Mohammad Zorez, a research scholar, who is also one of the accused in the case and is out on bail.

Zorez had moved the CJM court, alleging that the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Proctor and Deputy Proctor had instigated a group of people to resort to violence on campus in which two persons were killed last year. The court ordered lodging of FIR yesterday, police said today.

AMU Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (retd) Zameer Uddin Shah, however, has expressed concern over the filing of FIR "merely on the basis of a statement of a person who is himself an accused".

He said the allegation made by Zorez "should be dismissed".

Two youths, including a former student, were killed in a shootout between rival gangs near the proctor's office in April last year.

The proctor's office and that of the dean (students welfare) were ransacked and set afire, several vehicles were torched and an abortive attempt was made to break into the VC lodge.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An application developed by a group of technology enthusiasts from the IIT Kharagpur to manage everything inside a smart home has made to the finals of one of the prestigious B-plan competitions in the world with the winning prizes of worth USD 1.5 million.

Alive Home Technologies Pvt will vie for the prizes at the 17th annual Rice Business Plan Competition at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business.

"Out of 500+ applications, only 42 have been selected based on their application, including their executive summary, elevator's pitch and product demo videos among other documents for the final round and Alive Home are one of them," Poonam Gupta, a team member and a final year undergrad student of IIT Kharagpur told PTI here.

The competition began today at Rice University in Houston, Texas and will go on until April 8.

The team is developing a very cost effective, yet technically advanced smart home products to revolutionise the way Indian households function.

The teams for this year's competition were chosen from nearly 400 entrants to compete in four categories: life sciences; information technology/web/mobile; energy/clean technology/sustainability; and other.

"The true measure of success for the Rice Business Plan Competition is the number of teams that launch, raise funding and go on to succeed in their business," said Brad Burke, managing director of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, which hosts the event.

The competition is designed to give collegiate entrepreneurs a real-world experience to fine tune their business plans and elevate pitches to generate funding to successfully commercialise their product.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Shiv Sena and its MP Ravindra Gaikwad, in the eye of a storm over assaulting an Air India staffer last month, today blew hot and cold over revocation of the flying ban on the Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad.

Declared persona non grata by all major domestic airlines, Gaikwad today tendered apology to the Lok Sabha for the incident and also voiced "regret" over the "unfortunate incident", while a combative Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt AI operations in Mumbai and Pune forced repeated adjournment of the House over the issue.

It also declared it would not attend the April 10 meeting of the NDA if the ban was not lifted.

Gaikwad, who attended the proceedings for the first time since the incident when he assaulted an Air India employee and boastfully claimed on national TV about having hit him with slippers 25 times, played a victim, insisting he had only retaliated against provocation.

As the ruling NDA ally made an all-out attempt to get the ban lifted, a string of meetings followed to break the impasse, with first signs of a possible resolution emerging when Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured the House that discussions will be held with the stakeholders to find an "amicable solution" at the earliest.

In the evening, Gaikwad wrote a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapthi Raju voicing "regret" over the "unfortunate incident".

"I write to convey my regrets for the unfortunate incident that took place on 23rd March, 2017 in the Air India Flight No. AI-852 seat No. 1F," Gaikwad, who has been steadfast in refusing to tender an apology to either the national carrier or the staffer concerned, said.

"It could have been no one's intention to have let the situation aggravate to the level that it eventually did. While the on-going investigation will bring out the factual sequence of events to fix responsibility, this incident may kindly not be seen as a reason for likely recurrence of such an event in future also," he said in the letter.

The letter, according to official sources, followed a meeting in Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan's chamber in Parliament where Shiv Sena MPs were told that if Gaikwad issued a statement committing that he would not engage in any such incident in future, the government could intervene and have the ban revoked.

"As the restriction on flying is affecting the effective discharge of my duties and responsibilities, I would request you to lift this restriction and let the investigation eventually determine the circumstances which led to the incident," Gaikwad said.

Air India sources, meanwhile, said the ban is still in force.

The day started with belligerent Shiv Sena MPs creating an uproar in the Lok Sabha where they surrounded Raju after the latter refused to concede their demand for lifting the ban.

The House watched in shock as Sena MPs banged Raju's bench in unbridled fury and refused to allow him to leave. Among those who joined in creating the ruckus was the lone Sena minister in the union cabinet Anant Geete.

Rajnath Singh had to intervene to placate the agitated Sena members and usher Raju out.

"Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised," Raju had earlier said, while responding to the Shiv Sena's demand. His response left the Sena MPs fuming.

Before Raju spoke, Geete too joined his colleagues in condemning the action against Gaikwad and appeared to be taking a dig at the government when he said it is a people's government but the "one-sided decision" was "shameful and tragic".

Gaikwad, the MP from Maharashtra's Osmanabad, read out a statement in the House which was a mix of defiance and an attempt at reconciliation. However, all the while he played the victim card as he sought "justice" for himself.

Having repeatedly bragged about how he beat up the elderly Air India staffer R Sukumar, attempted to throw him off the stationary aircraft on landing at Delhi airport and held up the plane for an hour, Gaikwad today claimed he had only pushed him, that too after being provoked.

The Sena MP claimed that an official, when asked about his identity, told him that he was "Air India ka baap" (Air India's father) and taunted him by asking "are you Narendra Modi", when he said he was a Lok Sabha MP.

Gaikwad claimed he just pushed the official only after he was pushed around.

Air India's charge that he fought with its officials over a seat was "wrong", he said, adding that airline officials got angry with him when he demanded a complaint book. He also lashed out at Air India and other airlines for barring him from flying.

Many members were seen smiling when he said he has been a teacher and humility is his nature.

He said he had the video clippings of the incident which "will prove my case." Gaikwad also cited the comments of an Air India air hostess, claiming she had blamed the airline official for the incident.

Gaikwad struck a somewhat conciliatory note when he tendered an apology to Parliament but insisted he owed no apology to the airline officials.

Soon after, Shiv Sena leaders held a press conference where they declared the party would not attend a proposed meeting of the ruling NDA on April 10 if the ban was not lifted by then.

"If seperatists, rapists and terrorists are allowed to travel on flights then why not an MP. There are so many MPs, who are involved in agitation. Are you (the airlines) going to impose a travel ban on them as well?



"We will not attend the NDA meeting on April 10 if the travel ban on Gaikwad is not revoked," Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said. Seeking to add more weight to the threat, he told journalists it is an "instruction from party chief Uddhav Thackeray".

Raut denounced registration of an FIR against Gaikwad under section 308 of IPC related to attempt to murder. "He should have been booked for assaulting (the Air India Officer) with a chappal. Instead, he has been booked for attempt to murder," Raut said.

After the reported threat by Shiv Sena to stall Air India's operations at Mumbai and Pune airports, the national carrier said it was stepping up the security of its staff there.

"We are enhancing security of our staff deployed at Mumbai and Pune Airport in the wake of threat to ground flight operations at these aerodromes," an Air India source said. Some Air India employees' unions in Mumbai and Pune are affiliated to Shiv Sena's trade union Bharatiya Kamgar Sangh.

Amid tough posturing by Shiv Sena and following Rajnath Singh's assurance about efforts to find an amicable solution to the imbroglio, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan held a meeting with MPs of Shiv Sena and TDP, to which Raju belongs. The Sena and TDP MPs also held talks after their meeting with Mahajan, who too pitched for the matter to be resolved amicably.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Shiv Sena and its MP Ravindra Gaikwad, in the eye of a storm over assaulting an Air India staffer last month, today blew hot and cold over revocation of the flying ban on the Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad.

Declared persona non grata by all major domestic airlines, Gaikwad today tendered an apology to the Lok Sabha for the incident and also "regretted" the "unfortunate incident" in a letter to the Civil Aviation Minister, while a combative Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt AI operations in Mumbai and Pune, and forced repeated adjournments of the House.

It also declared it would not attend the April 10 meeting of the NDA if the ban was not lifted.

Gaikwad, who attended the proceedings for the first time since the incident when he assaulted an Air India employee and boastfully claimed on national TV about having hit him with slippers 25 times, played a victim, insisting he had only retaliated against provocation.

As the ruling NDA ally made an all-out attempt to get the ban lifted, a string of meetings followed to break the impasse, with first signs of a possible resolution emerging when Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured the House that discussions will be held with the stakeholders to find an "amicable solution" at the earliest.

In the evening, Gaikwad wrote a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapthi Raju voicing "regret" over the "unfortunate incident".

"I write to convey my regrets for the unfortunate incident that took place on 23rd March, 2017 in the Air India Flight No. AI-852 seat No. 1F," Gaikwad, who has been steadfast in refusing to tender an apology to either the national carrier or the staffer concerned, said.

"It could have been no one's intention to have let the situation aggravate to the level that it eventually did. While the on-going investigation will bring out the factual sequence of events to fix responsibility, this incident may kindly not be seen as a reason for likely recurrence of such an event in future also," he said in the letter.

The letter, according to official sources, followed a meeting in Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan's chamber in Parliament where Shiv Sena MPs were told that if Gaikwad issued a statement committing that he would not engage in any such incident in future, the government could intervene and have the ban revoked.

"As the restriction on flying is affecting the effective discharge of my duties and responsibilities, I would request you to lift this restriction and let the investigation eventually determine the circumstances which led to the incident," Gaikwad said.

Air India sources, meanwhile, said the ban is still in force.

The day started with belligerent Shiv Sena MPs creating an uproar in the Lok Sabha where they surrounded Raju after the latter refused to concede their demand for lifting the ban.

The House watched in shock as Sena MPs banged Raju's bench in unbridled fury and refused to allow him to leave. Among those who joined in creating the ruckus was the lone Sena minister in the union cabinet Anant Geete.

Rajnath Singh had to intervene to placate the agitated Sena members and usher Raju out.

"Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised," Raju had earlier said, while responding to the Shiv Sena's demand. His response left the Sena MPs fuming.

Before Raju spoke, Geete too joined his colleagues in condemning the action against Gaikwad and appeared to be taking a dig at the government when he said it is a people's government but the "one-sided decision" was "shameful and tragic".

Gaikwad, the MP from Maharashtra's Osmanabad, read out a statement in the House which was a mix of defiance and an attempt at reconciliation. However, all the while he played the victim card as he sought "justice" for himself.

Having repeatedly bragged about how he beat up the elderly Air India staffer R Sukumar, attempted to throw him off the stationary aircraft on landing at Delhi airport and held up the plane for an hour, Gaikwad today claimed he had only pushed him, that too after being provoked.

The Sena MP claimed that an official, when asked about his identity, told him that he was "Air India ka baap" (Air India's father) and taunted him by asking "are you Narendra Modi", when he said he was a Lok Sabha MP.

Gaikwad claimed he just pushed the official only after he was pushed around.

Air India's charge that he fought with its officials over a seat was "wrong", he said, adding that airline officials got angry with him when he demanded a complaint book. He also lashed out at Air India and other airlines for barring him from flying.

Many members were seen smiling when he said he has been a teacher and humility is his nature.

He said he had the video clippings of the incident which "will prove my case." Gaikwad also cited the comments of an Air India air hostess, claiming she had blamed the airline official for the incident.

Gaikwad struck a somewhat conciliatory note when he tendered an apology to Parliament but insisted he owed no apology to the airline officials.

Soon after, Shiv Sena leaders held a press conference where they declared the party would not attend a proposed meeting of the ruling NDA on April 10 if the ban was not lifted by then.

"If seperatists, rapists and terrorists are allowed to travel on flights then why not an MP. There are so many MPs, who are involved in agitation. Are you (the airlines) going to impose a travel ban on them as well?



"We will not attend the NDA meeting on April 10 if the travel ban on Gaikwad is not revoked," Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said. Seeking to add more weight to the threat, he told journalists it is an "instruction from party chief Uddhav Thackeray".

Raut denounced registration of an FIR against Gaikwad under section 308 of IPC related to attempt to murder. "He should have been booked for assaulting (the Air India Officer) with a chappal. Instead, he has been booked for attempt to murder," Raut said.

After the reported threat by Shiv Sena to stall Air India's operations at Mumbai and Pune airports, the national carrier said it was stepping up the security of its staff there.

"We are enhancing security of our staff deployed at Mumbai and Pune Airport in the wake of threat to ground flight operations at these aerodromes," an Air India source said. Some Air India employees' unions in Mumbai and Pune are affiliated to Shiv Sena's trade union Bharatiya Kamgar Sangh.

Amid tough posturing by Shiv Sena and following Rajnath Singh's assurance about efforts to find an amicable solution to the imbroglio, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan held a meeting with MPs of Shiv Sena and TDP, to which Raju belongs. The Sena and TDP MPs also held talks after their meeting with Mahajan, who too pitched for the matter to be resolved amicably.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Reserve Bank will release by this month end detailed guidelines on "banking outlet", aimed at covering the under-served areas.

These will supersede the branch licensing guidelines in force, RBI said in its first bi-monthly monetary policy of 2017-18 today.

"Final guidelines are proposed to be issued on banking outlets, clarifying on what is a 'banking outlet' and harmonising the treatment of different forms of bank presence for the purpose of opening outlets in under-served areas," it said.

This bank authorisation scheme is one where RBI is moving away from emphasis on brick and mortar branch to fixed locations where banking service is available, RBI Deputy Governor N S Vishwanathan said.

"This will enable banks to provide cost efficient service. Cost efficiency is more important to facilitate financial inclusion and we believe that this is going to result in further propping up to the financial inclusion measures by the banking industry in general," he said after the policy announcement.

RBI's branch licensing guidelines, while considering applications for opening branches, give weightage to the nature and scope of banking facilities provided by banks to common persons, particularly in under-banked areas.

It also takes into account actual credit flow to the priority sector, pricing of products and overall efforts for promoting financial inclusion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Competition Commission has approved three deals, including Jabil India's proposed acquisition of Ericsson India's electronic manufacturing services business.

In a tweet, the CCI said it has approved the "acquisition of Ericsson India's electronic manufacturing services business by Jabil India".

As per the notice submitted to the regulator, Jabil India will acquire Ericsson India's business involving PCBA assembly and test and repair activities for its radio base station modules, transmission and access products (excluding system integration and test of core and node products), as currently conducted in its plant in Jaipur.

While Jabil India is an electronic manufacturing services company, Ericsson India provides specialised services in terms of managing and operating mobile network systems of telecom operators.

In another tweet, the CCI said it has given go-ahead to British American Tobacco's acquisition of additional 57.8 per cent stake in Reynolds American.

Approval has also been given to NBCC (India) Ltd's acquisition of 51 per cent stake in Hindustan Steelworks Construction Ltd.

Deals beyond a certain threshold require approval from the CCI.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The CCTNS, which aims to create a national database of crimes and criminals, has been successfully implemented in 96 per cent police stations in the country, barring two states.

This was conveyed to Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir by Home Ministry officials when he reviewed the working of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) here today.

During the presentation, it was highlighted that CCTNS software has been successfully deployed at 96.32 per cent police stations -- 13,122 police stations out of 13,623 police stations - excluding 1,757 police stations in Bihar and Rajasthan, a Home Ministry statement said.

The presentation also stressed upon that in 12,830 police stations, all FIRs are entering through CCTNS software.

Pointing out that only FIR data related to more than 7 crore cases has been uploaded on the CCTNS since its inception in 2009, Ahir directed that all remaining FIRs must be uploaded before the formal launch of the CCTNS later this year.

The Minister advised the officials to include trend analysis of crimes and other analytics for better monitoring by Centre and states.

The CCTNS will facilitate pan-India search on complete national crime and criminal database that is accessible to the investigating officers throughout the country.

CCTNS project will interconnect the country's all 14,879 police stations and additional 5,000 offices of supervisory police officers and digitize data related to FIR registration, investigation and chargesheets in all police stations.

This would lead to development of a national database of crimes and criminals.

The full implementation of the project with all the new components would lead to a central citizen portal having linkages with state-level citizen portals that will provide a number of citizen-friendly services.

These include services like police verification for various purposes like issuance of passport, reporting a crime and online tracking of the case progress, online reporting of grievances against police officials, accessing victim compensation fund and legal services etc.

Yesterday, the Union Cabinet had extended for a year the implementation of the CCTNS project -- till March 2018.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. TONY ARIAS-HERNANDEZ, Petitioner-Appellant, v. JEFF B. SESSIONS, Attorney General, Respondent-Appellee. No. 16-3279 Decided: April 04, 2017

BEFORE: GIBBONS, ROGERS, and McKEAGUE, Circuit Judges.

Tony Arias-Hernandez, a Honduran citizen, seeks review of a Board of Immigration Appeals (the Board) decision denying his application for withholding of removal. Because Arias-Hernandez did not establish that he was eligible for such relief, and because his hearing before the immigration judge was otherwise consistent with due process, we deny his petition.

I.

Tony Arias-Hernandez is a native and citizen of Honduras. He entered the United States without inspection on August 5, 2007. On October 11, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) served Arias-Hernandez with a Notice to Appear. DHS charged Arias-Hernandez with removability under 8 U.S.C.  1182(a)(6)(A)(i) for being an alien present in the United States without being admitted or paroled.

Arias-Hernandez filed an I-589 application on February 6, 2013, seeking withholding of removal based on his membership in a particular social group, namely, his family. A hearing was held before an immigration judge on April 15, 2013, during which Arias-Hernandez testified and elaborated on many of the statements contained in his I-589. His I-589 and the April 15 hearing provided the following facts. Arias-Hernandez and his family became involved in a blood feud in Honduras when his uncle Arturo murdered a member of the Flores family in La Lucha, Honduras, in November 2000. As a result of the murder, members of the Flores family would always try to go after Arias-Hernandez and his family, and eventually a Flores family member, Olman, murdered Arturo. AR at 312. The police investigated Arturo's death, but were unable to arrest the perpetrator.

Sometime following Arturo's death, Arias-Hernandez was allegedly attacked by Olman in La Lucha. This attack was purportedly thwarted when a young woman intervened. Although the assailant was armed with a machete, Arias-Hernandez escaped unhurt.

Following this attack, Arias-Hernandez moved to El Zapote, Honduras. Arias-Hernandez stated that he and his family were safe in El Zapote, but that his uncle Nelson, who remained in La Lucha, was allegedly attacked by the Flores family, receiving several cuts but ultimately surviving. AR at 312. After living in El Zapote for approximately six years without incident, Arias-Hernandez was again attacked by the Flores family when he returned to La Lucha in 2007 to visit family and friends. During this attack, several members of the Flores family held Arias-Hernandez down and beat him with a machete. He was able to escape with only minor wounds when bystanders intervened. Arias-Hernandez claims that he reported both this incident and the earlier attack by Olman to the police, but that they didn't pay attention. AR at 164. Following the 2007 attack, Arias-Hernandez left Honduras. He testified that he is afraid to return because the Flores family will torture or kill [him]. AR at 313.

In addition to his testimony at the April 15 hearing, Arias-Hernandez submitted several pieces of documentary evidence into the record. First, he submitted six affidavits from friends and family living in La Lucha that explained, in varying levels of detail, the feud between Arias-Hernandez's family and the Floreses. Second, he provided death certificates for his mother, father, and Arturo, although the causes of death were not listed. Third, he submitted a 2008 U.S. Department of State Crime and Safety Report on Honduras, a 2011 U.S. Department of State report on human rights in Honduras, and various news articles discussing general crime in Honduras.

The immigration judge (IJ) issued an oral decision on May 30, 2014, denying Arias-Hernandez's application for withholding of removal. As an initial matter, the IJ found Arias-Hernandez to be an incredible witness based on his testimony that was not only internally inconsistent, but also inconsistent with his I-589 application. As relevant here, the IJ noted that Arias-Hernandez had given inconsistent testimony concerning dates for a number of events that were critical to his withholding-of-removal claim. For example, he had originally stated, in both his testimony and his I-589, that Arturo killed the Flores family member in November 2001, but later changed that date to November 2000 after cross-examination. Likewise, although originally testifying that Arturo was murdered in March 2002, Arias-Hernandez later conceded, after being presented with Arturo's death certificate, that the murder had occurred on August 7, 2001. Finally, when asked when he was attacked by Olman, Arias-Hernandez provided five different dates between his hearing testimony and his I-589: (1) shortly after [Arturo] had killed the Flores man, which occurred in 2000; (2) August 2001, a few days after they killed [Arturo]; (3) September 2001, a month after Arturo was killed; (4) February 2002; and (5) March 2002. AR at 102, 151, 17172, 312.

Next, the IJ found that Arias-Hernandez had failed to present sufficient corroborative evidence to rehabilitate his discredited testimony or independently satisfy his burden of proving eligibility for withholding of removal. The IJ concluded that, given the remarkabl[e] similar[ity] in both content and wording, in addition to their misspelling of Arias-Hernandez's middle name, the affidavits in the record were entitled to little evidentiary weight. AR at 104. Likewise, the IJ noted that Arias-Hernandez had failed to provide an affidavit from his uncle Nelson confirming Nelson's attack at the hands of the Flores family. Finally, the IJ found that Arias-Hernandez had not sufficiently explained the absence of any police reports detailing the attacks against him.

Alternatively, the IJ held that, even if Arias-Hernandez was found to be credible, he still had not established his eligibility for withholding of removal because he had not shown past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution, nor had he shown that the Honduran government was unwilling or unable to control the Flores family. AR at 10409. The IJ also concluded that Arias-Hernandez could reasonably relocate within Honduras without fear of future harm.

Arias-Hernandez appealed to the Board, arguing that the IJ had deprived him of a full and fair hearing in violation of due process because of his frequent and irrelevant interruptions. AR at 3135. The Board affirmed. It first found that the IJ's adverse-credibility determination was not clearly erroneous because it was based on specific and cogent reasons, including omissions and inconsistencies within the respondent's testimony and when compared to the documentary evidence. AR at 4. The Board also agreed that Arias-Hernandez had failed to present sufficient corroborative evidence to rehabilitate his discredited testimony or independently satisfy his burden of proof. Id. Accordingly, the Board found that Arias-Hernandez had not satisfied his burden of showing eligibility for withholding of removal. Finally, the Board held that Arias-Hernandez's immigration hearing was consistent with due process. Arias-Hernandez filed a timely petition for review.

II.

Where the Board reviews an immigration judge's decision and issues a separate opinion, we treat it as the final agency determination. Sanchez-Robles v. Lynch, 808 F.3d 688, 69192 (6th Cir. 2015) (citations omitted). To the extent the Board adopted the immigration judge's reasoning, however, this court also reviews the immigration judge's decision. Id. at 692. Questions of law are reviewed de novo, while factual findings are reviewed under the substantial evidence standard. Mostafa v. Ashcroft, 395 F.3d 622, 624 (6th Cir. 2005). Under this latter standard, findings of fact are conclusive unless any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary. Marouf v. Lynch, 811 F.3d 174, 180 (6th Cir. 2016) (quoting 8 U.S.C.  1252(b)(4)(B)).

III.

To qualify for withholding of removal, Arias-Hernandez must show that it is more likely than not that he will be persecuted upon his return to Honduras on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Umana-Ramos v. Holder, 724 F.3d 667, 674 (6th Cir. 2013) (quoting 8 U.S.C.  1231(b)(3)(A)); Marouf, 811 F.3d at 179. This may be shown in two ways. If Arias-Hernandez can show past persecution on account of a protected ground, there is a presumption that his life or freedom [will] be threatened in the future. 8 C.F.R.  208.16(b)(1)(i). Without showing past persecution, he can succeed by showing that, because of a protected ground, it is more likely than not that his life or freedom will be threatened upon return. Id.  208.16(b)(2). Both avenues of relief are precluded, however, if he can avoid persecution by reasonably relocating to another part of Honduras. Id.  208.16(b)(1)(i)(B), (b)(2); see Melchor-Reyes v. Lynch, 645 F. App'x 381, 384 (6th Cir. 2016). Because the Board's adverse-credibility determination is supported by substantial evidence and Arias-Hernandez cannot otherwise show he was entitled to withholding of removal, we affirm the Board's decision denying such relief.

A.

The testimony of an applicant may alone be sufficient to establish eligibility for withholding of removal, but only if the trier of fact finds the testimony to be credible. Lulonga v. Holder, 410 F. App'x 897, 899 (6th Cir. 2010) (citation omitted); see also 8 U.S.C.  1229a(c)(4)(B). Credibility determinations are findings of fact reviewed under the substantial evidence standard. Yu v. Ashcroft, 364 F.3d 700, 703 (6th Cir. 2004). Although an adverse credibility finding is afforded substantial deference, the finding must be supported by specific reasons. Chagnaa v. Holder, 430 F. App'x 508, 511 (6th Cir. 2011) (citation omitted). Because Arias-Hernandez filed his application for withholding of removal in February 2013, he is subject to the more stringent standards of the REAL ID Act of 2005. See Amir v. Gonzales, 467 F.3d 921, 925 n.4 (6th Cir. 2006). Under this Act, credibility determinations are made by considering the totality of the circumstances, and may be based on any inconsistency or inaccuracy, regardless of whether the inconsistency goes to the heart of the applicant's claim. 8 U.S.C.  1229a(c)(4)(C).

The Board relied on two inconsistencies in Arias-Hernandez's testimony in affirming the IJ's adverse-credibility finding. First, the Board observed that Arias-Hernandez had given inconsistent dates for when Arturo was killed by the Flores family member and only corrected his testimony after being shown Arturo's death certificate. Second, the Board noted that Arias-Hernandez had provided at least five different dates for when he was first attacked by Olman following Arturo's death. These inconsistencies are evident from the record and, under the REAL ID Act, they are sufficient to support an adverse-credibility finding. See 8 U.S.C.  1229a(c)(4)(C) (emphasis added); El-Moussa v. Holder, 569 F.3d 250, 256 (6th Cir. 2009). Accordingly, the Board's adverse-credibility determination is supported by substantial evidence. See El-Moussa, 569 F.3d at 25556 (noting that an adverse credibility determination  is conclusive unless any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary (citation omitted)).

B.

The Board also properly held that Arias-Hernandez had not presented sufficient corroborative evidence to rehabilitate his discredited testimony or independently satisfy his burden of proof. AR at 45. As an initial matter, Arias-Hernandez failed to present reasonably available corroborative evidence to support his claims. Regardless of whether an applicant is credible or not credible, if it is reasonable to expect corroborating evidence for certain alleged facts pertaining to the specifics of an applicant's claim, such evidence should be provided.  Ali v. Holder, 534 F. App'x 286, 291 (6th Cir. 2013) (quoting Dorosh v. Ashcroft, 398 F.3d 379, 382 (6th Cir. 2004)). The absence of such corroborating evidence can lead to a finding that an applicant has failed to meet [his] burden of proof. Id. The Board's determination as to the availability of corroborating evidence should not be reversed unless a reasonable trier of fact [would be] compelled to conclude that such corroborating evidence is unavailable. Id. at 292.

As the Board noted, Arias-Hernandez failed to present evidence to establish that any written police reports he allegedly made in Honduras were lost or destroyed in a flood. AR at 5. When questioned why he had not submitted these police reports into the record, Arias-Hernandez testified that they were lost when the whole municipality of Marcovia was flooded. AR at 16466. When asked why he did not obtain a police statement indicating this fact, he replied that he had asked them for [a] letter, but that [t]hey never gave [him] the letter. Id. at 166. As the Board found, however, Arias-Hernandez did not provide any corroborative evidence that these reports were actually lost in a flood, much less that this flood had even occurred. And he offered no explanation as to why he could not have submitted news articles or other documentary evidence confirming the existence of this flood, or otherwise attesting to the fact that he had filed these reports. See Liti v. Gonzales, 411 F.3d 631, 640 (6th Cir. 2007) (noting that the petitioner failed to provide affidavits, newspaper articles, or a reasonable explanation for the absence of such corroborating evidence), superseded by statute on other grounds as stated in Marikasi v. Lynch, 840 F.3d 281 (6th Cir. 2016). Because Arias-Hernandez failed to adequately explain why this corroborating evidence was unavailable, the Board reasonably relied on the absence of this evidence in making its determination. See Ali, 534 F. App'x at 292.

Likewise, Arias-Hernandez provided no evidence that his uncle Nelson was also attacked by the Flores family. Despite allegedly obtaining affidavits from six other friends and family members, Arias-Hernandez did not submit one from Nelson, nor did he explain why he failed to do so. Because it is reasonable to assume, absent an explanation to the contrary, that Arias-Hernandez could have procured an affidavit from Nelson verifying the alleged attack, the Board reasonably considered Arias-Hernandez's failure to provide such corroborative evidence in denying relief. See Dorosh v. Ashcroft, 398 F.3d 379, 383 (6th Cir. 2004) (finding that even though contact may not have been convenient, regular, or private, it was sufficient to have allowed Petitioner to obtain a previous letter from her mother in which her mother documented her own mistreatment); Ali, 534 F. App'x at 29293 (finding that petitioner could have reasonably obtained affidavits from friends and family when there was evidence in the record that he kept in contact with them).

As to the corroborative evidence actually submitted, the Board correctly held that it was insufficient to independently satisfy Arias-Hernandez's burden of proof. Specifically, the Board properly found that the six affidavits in the record were of questionable authenticity because they contained statements that were remarkably similar in both content and wording. AR at 45. For example, two of the affidavits provided the exact same statement regarding Arias-Hernandez:

[T]here are always bad people around him that killed his uncle in the year two thousand one (2001), as this memory will always be with him, they arranged to take the life of the young man Tony Leonel Arias Hernandez, but because he was young when he was persecuted he looked for refuge and the help of the auxiliary of the community, but for this reason he had to emigrate to that country to search for help, leaving his grandmother, a very old person, but she had to accept that he left for the salvation of her grandson, because they continually followed him to kill him, he had to leave on August 1, 2007.

AR at 210, 212. Given the duplicative language in both affidavits, the Board's determination that they had questionable authenticity and should be afforded little weight is supported by substantial evidence. And because these two affidavits were of questionable authenticity, it was also appropriate to doubt the legitimacy of the remaining four affidavits under the doctrine of falsus in uno, falsus in omnibusfalse in one, false in all. Cf. Masiko v. Holder, 562 F. App'x 469, 473 (6th Cir. 2014).

Moreover, even if the Board had taken the affidavits at face value, see Jin Chen v. Holder, 417 F. App'x 525, 528 (6th Cir. 2011), they still fail to mention that Arias-Hernandez had witnessed Arturo's murder, that Arias-Hernandez had been attacked by Olman, or that Nelson had been attacked by the Flores family. Excluding Arias-Hernandez's incredible testimony, therefore, the record is devoid of any credible evidence that these events actually occurred. And, although the State Department reports describe general societal violence existing in Honduras, that is insufficient to qualify for withholding of removal. See Mendez-Coronado v. Holder, 374 F. App'x 601, 605 (6th Cir. 2010).

Given Arias-Hernandez's incredible testimony, as well as the dearth of corroborative evidence in the record, he cannot meet his burden of establishing eligibility for withholding of removal. See El-Moussa, 569 F.3d at 257. Accordingly, the Board's decision denying such relief was supported by substantial evidence.

IV.

Arias-Hernandez further contends that his immigration hearing violated due process. The record compels a different conclusion. Fifth Amendment guarantees of due process extend to aliens in [removal] proceedings, entitling them to a full and fair hearing. Hassan v. Gonzales, 403 F.3d 429, 436 (6th Cir. 2005) (citation omitted). In order to prevail on his due process claim, Arias-Hernandez must establish both error and substantial prejudice. Garza-Moreno v. Gonzales, 489 F.3d 239, 241 (6th Cir. 2007) (citation omitted). To trigger due process concerns, any error must have been such as might have led to a denial of justice. Hachem v. Holder, 656 F.3d 430, 435 (6th Cir. 2011).

Arias-Hernandez alleges that he was denied a full and fair hearing and suffered prejudice because the IJ interrupted his testimony twenty-two times. CA6 R. 14, Pet.'s Br., at 16. He claims that these interruptions precluded him from fully setting forth his claim in violation of his  statutory right to present evidence on his own behalf. Id. at 19. As the Board found, however, immigration judges have broad discretion in conducting their hearings. Ahmed v. Gonzales, 398 F.3d 722, 725 (6th Cir. 2005). This discretion includes the ability to interrogate, examine, and cross-examine the alien and any witnesses. 8 U.S.C. 1229a(b)(1). And the mere intimidation or interruption by a judge does not render a hearing unfair. Ahmed, 398 F.3d at 725. Review of the transcript shows that the IJ's interruptions (of both sides) were nothing more than attempts to clarify answers or to obtain further information in order to fully develop the factual record. See Hachem, 656 F.3d at 435; Abdulahad v. Holder, 581 F.3d 290, 296 (6th Cir. 2009). Even when he was abrupt, [b]y forcing [Arias-Hernandez's] counsel to get to the point, the IJ did no more than exercise his quasi-judicial powers to control the pace of the hearings, and to focus the hearings on relevant matters. Ivezaj v. I.N.S., 84 F.3d 215, 220 (6th Cir. 1996), superseded by statute on other grounds as stated in Ramani v. Ashcroft, 378 F.3d 554, 560 (6th Cir. 2004). There was no due process violation here.

Nor was there substantial prejudice. Garza-Moreno, 489 F.3d at 241. Arias-Hernandez has not identified what material facts, if any, were omitted from the record. Abdulahad, 581 F.3d at 296. At most, he claims that the IJ's interruptions prevented him from fully explaining his past persecution, which he alleges resulted in an adverse-credibility determination. But the record reflects that he was given ample opportunity to, and did, fully explain his past persecution. And he has offered no other instance of persecution of which he was unable to testify. Besides, the adverse-credibility determination was based not on the paucity of detail in his testimony, but rather on his inability to provide a consistent timeline for important events. The IJ's questioning had no bearing on these inconsistencies.

Because Arias-Hernandez has established neither constitutional error nor prejudice, we affirm the Board's denial of his due process claim.

V.

For the foregoing reasons, the petition for review is denied.

FOOTNOTES

. Arias-Hernandez also sought asylum in his I-589 application but does not assert that ground for relief on appeal.

. Although Arias-Hernandez failed to challenge the IJ's adverse-credibility determination in his brief before the Board, the Board nonetheless reviewed this determination. Accordingly, we also review the adverse-credibility finding, and do so under the substantial-evidence standard.

. Although Arias-Hernandez proffers several excuses for his inconsistent testimony on appeale.g., confusion, the passage of timethese arguments were not presented to the Board and are thus waived. See Hasan v. Ashcroft, 397 F.3d 417, 420 (6th Cir. 2005) (noting that an issue is waived if it is not argued in the brief filed with the [Board]). Moreover, a plausible explanation for an inconsistency, standing alone, is not enough for [this court] to reverse an IJ's adverse-credibility determination. Ali, 534 F. App'x at 291.

JULIA SMITH GIBBONS, Circuit Judge.
Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, at loggerheads with the Congress government over transfer of a top official, today charged the UT Chief Secretary with 'abetting' an administrative breakdown by disregarding her 'warning' not to shift him.

"Despite my firm warning to CS by email not to rush d transfer order he did. C encl rules. He abetted an admin breakdown," she tweeted.

She was referring to the March 30 order issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Parida replacing Municipal Commissioner R Chandrasekheran, whom she later reinstated after terming the transfer order as invalid.

Bedi, who has been issuing a series of statements since then explaining her stand, said when a Chief Secretary of a Union Territory "decides to side step rules & processes to defy lawful instructions, dependent on the case, can cause adm breakdown..."



The Lt Governor also said she met the Union Home Secretary on March 31 and discussed the issue. She later issued the directive reinstating Chandrasekharan.

Bedi also shared on twitter two e-mails she had sent to her Secretary G Theva Neethi Dhas in which she had said the matter fell under the purview of the Lt Governor.

Raking up another issue, the former IPS officer said that as per reports of Provident Fund officials, there was 'default' by PSUs of Puducherry in provident fund remittences to the tune of Rs 36.23 crores.

She said the Union Territory needed a committee on lines of Shunglu panel (on AAP government in Delhi) to look into the way it was being administered.

A three-member panel headed by former CAG VK Shunglu was set up in August 2016 by the then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to probe the allegation of irregularities in the functioning of the Delhi government.

"Pudduchery also needs a 'Shunglu Committee' to look into way UT is being administered. Latest is (Rs) 36.23 Crores of PF of employees defaulted!," Bedi tweeted.

"It's not only defaulted, its collected but not deposited in officers acct (accounts) as reported by PF officers," she said in the tweet.

She said: "For the management of Puducherry it is vital that the bureaucracy plays its neutral course and places right rules for administration and political leadership to take considered decisions and not sidesteps as has been done by Chief Secretary of Puducherry which has caused breakdown of administrative work."



Chandrasekharan was removed from the post of Puducherry Municipal Commissioner on an order by Speaker V Vaithilingam over a privilege motion raised by opposition AIADMK.

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who virtually questioned the Lt Governor's contention that she alone has the powers to appoint UT officials, had on April 2 asserted that the Speaker's order was final on Chandrasekaran's removal.

Bedi has been at loggerheads with the Narayanasamy Ministry over various issues since the UT government took charge in May last year after assembly elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China today refuted allegations of charging too much for infrastructure projects along the USD 46 billion CPEC and not permitting competitive bidding in Pakistan, saying it is an open and transparent project.

"I don't know from where you got this information but as far as I know the situation is different from what you just described," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told media briefing here today.

She was replying to allegations that China is charging too much for infrastructure projects along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) specifically in the high voltage transmission line that is being built by China's state grid and not allowing competitive bidding.

"We mentioned many times that CPEC is a cooperation framework established based upon the long-term interests of the two countries," Hua said.

"It is open and transparent and is based upon the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and assured benefits and the international companies participate in this project based upon market rules. I believe that this project will not only serve the interests of the two countries but also improve the connectivity in the region," she said.

CPEC, an ambitious USD 46 billion project, will link the Pakistani city of Gwadar to China's Xinjiang via a vast network of highways and railways.

It is part of China's broader 'Belt and Road Initiative' to replicate the ancient Silk Road trade routes with modern trading relationships and investments across Asia, the Middle East and into Europe.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid the raging row over the Dalai Lama's Arunachal Pradesh visit, state media here warned India today that China with its superior military could engage in a "geopolitical game" as India's "turbulent northern state" borders the country, a veiled reference to Kashmir.

"With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?", state-run Global Times said in a stinging editorial.

The reference -- "India's turbulent northern state borders China" -- was seen as a hint to Kashmir as China shares a significant section of that border ceded to it by Pakistan as part of the 1963 border agreement. Under the agreement sovereignty over hundreds of square kilometers of land in northern Kashmir and Ladakh was ceded to China.

The agreement which was not recognised by India is subject to the settlement of the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan.

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) which stretches to 3,488 km includes significant sections of Kashmir and parts of Ladakh.

It also includes Aksai Chin area which China took control over during the 1962 war. China says that the boundary dispute is confined to 2,000 kms, mainly in Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector.

During the past few days, the Chinese government and its media have been expressing indignation over the Dalai Lama's visit to Tawang, hardly 25 km from the LAC.

For a number of years India has grappled with transgressions from China along the LAC by the Chinese troops specially in the Ladakh sector and a few times in the eastern sector.

The Global Times editorial said, "The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju."



The editorial in the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, stated that New Delhi probably "overestimates" its leverage in the bilateral ties.

"If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence," it said.

Another state-run newspaper China Daily, in its editorial, said, "New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs."



"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said."



Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two vehicles were burnt and four others damaged in Bareli town of Raisen district after locals and employees of a liquor contractor clashed over shifting of the shop to a residential area.

"The Excise Department officials were trying to shift the liquor shop from highway to Krishna Colony in the town yesterday in accordance with the Supreme Court directives," said police.

The Supreme Court has recently banned sale of liquor within 500 metres of national and state highways.

The residents of Krishna Colony, where the shop was being moved from the nearby highway, opposed this shifting.

Police said confrontation started after locals opposed the opening of a liquor shop in the residential area.

"The local residents alleged that the employees of the contractor threatened and attacked them. In the melee, some people burnt two vehicles and damaged four others (cars and jeeps)," a police official of Bareli Police Station told PTI.

The situation was later brought under control, said police.

Bareli is about 115-km from state capital Bhopal.

"The burnt and damaged vehicles belong to the liquor contractor and excise department. We have registered a case against the people on the complaint of excise officer Vivek Saxena. The residents have also lodged a complaint against excise department employees and contractor," the police official added.

Police said about a 12 to 13 people also suffered minor injuries in this incident.

Earlier on April 3, BJP MLA from Indore-I, Sudarshan Gupta demanded a total liquor ban in Madhya Pradesh and had extended support to the agitation against opening of liquor shops in residential areas.

Reports from Indore said yesterday women from Patthar Mundla area of the city recited bhajans in front of liquor shop demanding its closure while protests were also organised in Pardeshipura area.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha today expressed concern over protests and a recent suicide by a student in Jawaharlal Nehru University, as the government said many of the agitations there had nothing to do with issues concerning the varsity.

Replying to a query during the Question Hour, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar tabled details of strikes and protests in JNU on issues pertaining to the varsity and the others which had nothing to do with it.

"Among the JNU protests, there are some on issues like harassment allegations in West Bengal, demolition of Babri Masjid, judgment in 'Nirbhaya' case, opposing US President Obama's India visit," said Javadekar reading out from a list he tabled in the Upper House.

"I was also in student politics. But this too is a reality, you will see," the HRD minister told members.

In his reply, Javadekar said among the major incidents of unrest, one was the programme on February 9, 2016 when "objectionable slogans" were raised. These included - 'Kashmir ki azadi tak jang rahegi', 'Hum kya mange azadi, bandook se lenge azadi, chheen ke lenge azadi,' 'Ek Afzal maroge, har ghar se Afzal nikalega' and 'Pakistan Zindabad', he said.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, a JNU alumnus, objected to the slogans that the minister had mentioned in his reply saying it had been said in the court that the videos of the incident had been "doctored".

He said there was nothing wrong if during Obama's visit issues related to American imperialism were raised.

Javadekar said he had only provided a list in response to a question. In the list provided by the minister, there were 51 protests relating to varsity-related issues, while 44 had nothing to do with it.

Asked whether the government was considering curtailing the powers of the JNU VC, Javadekar said the government favoured increasing autonomy of educational bodies.

During the discussion, Yechury said a UGC notification had drastically reduced the intake of research students, adding that JNU gave admissions to many backward students.

To this, Javadekar said the UGC had laid a limit that a professor can guide 8, associate professor 6 and assistant professor 4. But in JNU, a professor guided 44 students while another guided 28, he said and asked "is PhD a classroom?"



He said 104 teachers were guiding more than 10 students. There were 29 teachers guiding 20 to 30 students. There were four guiding more than 30 and one above 40 students, Javadekar said. "A Ph.D is not done like that," he added.

Javadekar also said the cap had been put during the UPA rule which the CPI(M) had supported. He said even the court had held that the UGC guidelines would be applicable to all universities including the JNU.

Tiruchi Siva (DMK) said there was delay on part of JNU authorities in informing the family after a student, Muthu Krishnan, committed suicide.

Congress member Rajeev Gowda said the strict rules pertaining to number of students that can be guided in research should be relaxed for JNU.

He also said that "doctored" videos had led to Kanhaiya Kumar's arrest and wanted to know about the progress in holding lie-detector test on ABVP students who had a scuffle with a student Najib, who is missing.

Javadekar merely said these matters were in the court.

Observing that JNU was a "very best University" but it has been made famous for something else, he said, adding it had great achievements like inventing an anti-malaria vaccine, the DNA replication for better diagnosis of diseases patented in USA, cheap diagnostic tool for TB and vaccine for Anthrax.

These works have been adjudged the best but all this never get publicity, he said.

Yechury was also heard saying that JNU had provided the highest number of IAS and IPS officers to the country.

Javadekar said he was surprised that Gowda felt that a professor can guide 40 students. "I don't agree."



He said that after Hyderabad University student Rohith Vemula's death, the HRD ministry had recommended steps like induction course, remedial course, counselling etc to ensure incidents like suicides do not happen.

In the list of protests in JNU provided by Javadekar, those relating to JNU were against the UGC guidelines, against the administration and the Vice Chancellor, seat cuts, on the case of missing student Najeeb, visit of Smriti Irani, a remark by BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy and cleaning of garbage. There were others relating to the case of Kanhaiya Kumar, Umer Khalid, Anirvan etc.

The protests not pertaining to JNU included those against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kiran Bedi, Rajnath Singh's statement on death sentence to Yakub Memon, appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as FTII director, murder of Akhlaq in Dadri, Modi government and RSS policy in J&K and murder of a dalit in Faridabad.

Other such protests listed included those against Manu Smriti, government's policy on education, Irom Sharmila case, Rohith Vemula issue, demand for reservations and against TMC government in West Bengal.

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China said today that it has lodged protests with India both in Beijing and New Delhi over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and accused it of "fuelling tensions" by allowing the Tibetan spiritual leader in the "disputed areas".

"I can confirm (that) China has lodged protest in Beijing and Delhi," yesterday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here.

The protest was lodged in Beijing with Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale. In Delhi, the protest was lodged with the competent officials of the External Affairs Ministry, Hua said.

Asked whether Beijing views India's permission to the 81-year-old Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the 'One China' policy, Hua said, "I want to re-emphasise that on issues concerning China's major concern and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, China's position is consistent."



"By inviting and approving (the) Dalai Lama to (visit) disputed areas between China and India, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship and it has fuelled tensions," she said



"We oppose the visit to relevant areas and oppose attempts by relevant countries to arrange a platform for (the) Dalai (Lama) to conduct anti-China activities. We urge relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining Chinese interests," she said.

Asked about assertions in the Chinese media that India's move was aimed at pressuring Beijing over the issues relating to China blocking India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid, Hua said, "China will not make any assumptions on India's intentions."



She said the Dalai Lama's visit has caused damage to India-China relations.

"We hope the two sides can continue to follow principle of mutual respect for each other's core interests and major concerns and we should do more things that can strengthen mutual political trust and promote the overall interests of China-India relations," she said.

On India's NSG bid, Hua said this issue should be resolved by all the 48 members of the group.

"We should achieve a solution that applies indiscriminately to all non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty countries through consultation and discussion," she said.

Meanwhile, the official media here said that China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Two English newspapers -- China Daily and Global Times -- launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh -- which China claims as part of Southern Tibet -- is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the NSG and the UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

"New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said.

"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in the editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," the editorial said.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

The aggressive editorials came after China yesterday lodged a protest over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino- India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.

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Services in about ten government hospitals in Delhi remained affected today as the resident doctors joined their counterparts in West Delhi's Deen Dayal Upadhyay hospital who are striking work since Monday over alleged assaults on their colleagues.

While routine and emergency services were hit at hospitals including Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Acharya Shree Bhikshu, Rao Tula Ram Memorial and Sanjay Gandhi memorial, the resident doctors at AIIMS threatened to go on strike if the government did not fulfil the demands of the doctors in DDU hospital in West Delhi.

On Monday the doctors in the DDU hospital emergency and the guards were allegedly beaten up by the relatives of a patient. Reportedly, the female doctors had to lock themselves up in the toilets to avoid assault on them.

"Three incidents of such assaults were reported within three hours from the hospital, which led to the resident doctors go on strike," a hospital official said.

Coming out in solidarity with their DDU counterparts, AIIMS Resident Doctors Association condemned the repeated attacks on resident doctors by anti-social elements.

"It is the duty of hospital administration and government to provide security at their work place," it said.

"We request government to fulfill the demands of the resident doctors with immediate effect... If this stubborn attitude of the government continues then resident doctors at AIIMS will be left with no other option except joining the striking doctors by strike at AIIMS," it added.

The incident at DDU Hospital occurred close on heels of a massive protest by resident doctors in Maharashtra who demanded security for hospital staff and themselves following a spate of assaults on them.

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The Maharashtra government today told the state Legislative Assembly that it was difficult to revive the 27 defunct land development banks in the state.

State Cooperation Minister Subhash Deshmukh, while replying to a debate on the issue raised through a calling attention notice, said the total value of the bank properties was worth Rs 2,000.

He also said the farm loan worth Rs 950 crore has not been paid.

He clarified that land of farmers, who had availed this loan, will not be auctioned. Notices of auction of land of those farmers will be withdrawn.

The minister said arrears of salaries worth Rs 269 crore of the employees of these banks will be disbursed within four months of the employees unions withdrawing their pleas in the Bombay High Court (in Mumbai and Aurangabad).

"The 27 land development banks in the state went into liquidation in 2013. It is difficult to revive them," the minister said.

"The market worth of the bank properties is Rs 2,000 crore and the salaries of employees can be paid after selling off 15 per cent of the properties," Deshmukh said adding, "This can be done only after the employees unions withdraw their petitions from the court."



For the farm loan arrears, a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme will be announced soon, in which the state government will bear the burden of Rs 730 crore and the rest will be borne by the farmers, Deshmukh said.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted nation-wide searches against several bureaucrats, including an IAS officer, in connection with its separate cases against them on corruption charges.

A total of 20 officers and their 18 premises in ten states were covered under the said action by the agency that began early morning.

The ED said the searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Act (PMLA) and the action was part of gathering additional data, documents and information against the accused in these cases to take forward the investigation.

In West Bengal's Kolkata, the agency searched the premises of an IAS officer, whom it had booked under PMLA on the basis of a case registered against him under anti-corruption laws by the state government.

"It is alleged that the said officer, in connivance with some engineers, had released Rs 60 crore by falsification and manipulation of tender documents," the agency said in a statement.

Similarly, it searched the premises of a Project Engineer in Noida in connection with the case it is probing against former Noida Chief Engineer Yadav Singh.

In Delhi, three retired officers of the State Trading Corporation (STC), including an ex-CMD were raided.

"These officers had allowed transactions between STC and private parties which caused huge losses to STC. They had also approved credit limits to private parties against interests of STC," it said.

In Tamil Nadu, the action was carried out against certain bank officials who had allegedly sanctioned loans for "extended credit facilities to private parties without obtaining proper documents or collateral securities and without following norms thus causing financial loss to the banks."

"Searches have also been undertaken against a branch manager of State Cooperative Bank in Chhattisgarh who had allegedly acquired disproportionate assets by mis-utilising his position," it said.

In Goa, the ED sleuths visited the premises of a former Principal Chief Engineer of the PWD.

"It is alleged that the officer had helped the then chief minister for concealing the main noting file of awarding of JICA consultancy in Goa and he, on one occasion, delivered inappropriate payment to the then PWD Minister in Goa government," it said, indicating that the instance pertains to the Louis Berger bribery case.

Similarly, raids were conducted against certain officials of the Employees Provident Fund Office (EPFO) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

"One of these officers was allegedly involved in financial irregularities and had transferred EPFO funds to the tune of around Rs 2 crore to the accounts of his relatives and family members while the other officer had been caught while accepting bribe from one private institute for extending undue favours," it said.

The teams also searched the premises of an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer in Hyderabad "who had allegedly committed irregularities to the tune of Rs 8 crore while working in the AP Women's Cooperative Finance Corporation (APWCFC), Hyderabad."

In Uttar Pradesh, the ED searched the premises of government servants involved in the 'Smarak' case, pertaining to stones procured for building large structures, where it is suspected that government servants caused loss of over Rs 1,400 crore to the state government.

Action, it said, has also been taken in the Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam in which "government servants and ministers had allegedly misappropriated government funds and till now ED has attached proceeds of crime of over Rs 250 crore.

"The searches have been carried out on officers of the rank of DG (Health), Project Engineers and Director of UP Jal Nigam," it said.

Officials said all the ED cases of PMLA have been booked taking cognisance of FIRs filed either by the CBI, state vigilance bureaus or state police departments in cases of corruption and the agency now wants to send a message that such cases will be acted upon promptly and charge sheets will be filed against the officers in the court of law.
The European Union today imposed additional sanctions on North Korea over nuclear and ballistic missile tests which it said threatened international security.

The move comes at a time of increased tensions as North Korea presses ahead with nuclear and missile programmes which have badly rattled the United States and its allies Japan and South Korea.

North Korea is high on the agenda of the first summit later today between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, with Washington pressing Beijing to do more to rein in Pyongyang.

In a statement, the EU called on North Korea to resume talks with the international community, "to cease its provocations and to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes as well as other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes."



It said it imposed the new sanctions because North Korea's actions "violate multiple UN resolutions and constitute a grave threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond."



The sanctions include extending an investment ban to "new sectors, namely the conventional arms-related industry, metallurgy and metalworking, and aerospace," it said.

Additionally, they "prohibit the provision of certain services to persons or entities... Namely computer services and services linked to mining and manufacturing in the chemical, mining and refining industry."



Four people were added to the EU's visa ban and asset freeze blacklist, bringing the total to 41. Their names will be published tomorrow.

Seven entities remain subject to an asset freeze.

The EU has steadily increased its sanctions against North Korea, the previous move coming in late February with Pyongyang in the spotlight after the assassination at the Kuala Lumpur airport of Kim Jong-Nam, the estranged half-brother of leader Kim Jong-Un.

EU sanctions against North Korea date back to 2006 and are part of international efforts to halt a nuclear and ballistic missile programme which experts say is intended to give Pyongyang the capability to hit the US mainland.

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The European Parliament today urged Russia to release top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and others arrested during nationwide anti-corruption protests last month.

The parliament in Strasbourg also called on the European Commission and the 28 member states to send a "strong message" to Russia to end its crackdown on freedom of expression and assembly.

Navalny, who has announced plans to run for president in the 2018 election, was among hundreds arrested in Moscow during one of the country's biggest unauthorised rallies in recent years.

The resolution adopted by the parliament pressed "the Russian authorities for the immediate release of and dropping of charges against Alexei Navalny and all the peaceful protesters, journalists and activists detained in the anti-corruption rallies."



It said the sentences were "politically motivated" and called on the Russian judiciary to fight political interference.

The measure also condemned what it called "the constant efforts to silence" Navalny and threw its support behind his anti-corruption campaign.

Broadening its points, the parliament called for EU bodies - the executive commission, the External Action Service diplomatic arm and member states - to join forces to press Russia to abide by international law.

It called on these bodies "to take systematic action against any attempted money laundering or illegal assets inside the EU."



It also called for EU bodies to send a "strong common message on the role of human rights in the EU-Russia relationshiop and the need to end the crackdown on freedom of expression, assembly and association in Russia."



Navalny issued a detailed video report last month alleging that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was the ultimate owner of an array of luxurious properties managed through obscure foundations.

Navalny's report on Medvedev was behind the wave of protests that swept the country on March 26 in one of the biggest challenges to President Vladimir Putin's rule in years.

Over a thousand people were detained in Moscow alone, with dozens sent to jail for up to 25 days, including Navalny, whose sentence runs until next week.

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Former Goa Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane, who had defied the party whip to vote against the trust motion of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar last month, today formally joined the BJP.

Rane, who was elected from Valpoi constituency, had resigned from the Congress and also quit as MLA after absenting himself from the House when Parrikar sought the crucial trust vote, in protest against the Congress' "failure" to form government despite winning maximum 17 seats in the 40-member House.

Parrikar had eventually won the trust vote with the support of three members each of the Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and three Independents, besides 12 MLAs of the BJP, against 16 MLAs from Congress, as Rane had remained absent during the voting.

Rane (46), son of veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane, joined the saffron party in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and the Goa unit BJP president Vinay Tendulkar, at a function held at the BJP headquarters in Panaji.

Hundreds of his supporters travelled from Valpoi to witness the cross over.

Welcoming him in the saffron fold, Parrikar said, "The constant infightings and restlessness in the Congress party resulted in Rane quitting it. There are several other Congressmen who are willing to join the BJP due to infighting."



The CM, however, remained non-committal on future assignment for Rane, especially his induction as a minister.

Notably, the BJP's Goa Legislature Party had recently resolved to induct him in the Cabinet.

"I will be working to strengthen the party. I have not come here (in BJP) on a transit. I am going to stay here and work for the party," Rane junior said, adding that he "had taken the blessings of his father."



Meanwhile, the block Congress committee members from Valpoi in North Goa have resigned in support of Rane, while accusing the Congress of betrayal by failing to form the government.

All Valpoi block Congress committee members, led by Laxmi Halwalkar, tendered their resignation from the primary membership of the party late last night.

"We, the Valpoi block Congress committee members are hereby submitting our resignation from the primary membership of the Congress with immediate effect as we have no faith in the leadership at the state and national level," reads the resignation letter, signed by all block members.

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An FIR was today registered against West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh for leading a rally with swords on the occasion of Ram Navami in Kharagpur yesterday.

Police said they lodged the FIR based on complaints filed by local residents in Kharagpur.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned the BJP of legal repercussions for carrying arms in processions yesterday and said law will take its course against such people.

"There will be no ABCD ... All are equal," she said.

"Taking out a procession with deadly weapons is illegal. We are taking appropriate legal action on police complaints filed over the issue. Law will take its own course. We are keeping a close watch on the situation," ADG (law and order) Anuj Sharma told PTI.

Reacting to it, Ghosh accused the state government of pursuing "vendetta politics" and sought to know what the government did when weapons were openly displayed during Muharram processions.

"The state can file as many cases as it wants to. I have no regrets. What were the police and administration doing when arms were openly brandished during Muharram processions? At that time they didn't bother to lodge any case as it might disturb the vote bank of TMC," an unapologetic Ghosh said.

The Kolkata police has filed three suo moto cases against three organizing committees for taking out armed marches on Ram Navami.

"We have started suo moto cases against three committees of Posta, Entally and Bhawanipore areas for taking out rallies with arms without prior permission from us. Norms were not followed," a senior Kolkata police official said.

Over 200 processions were taken out across West Bengal yesterday under the banner of Rama Navami Udjapan Samity to "unite the Hindus" against what they called "growing jihadi activities" in the state.

People, including students and minors were seen participating with swords and knives in some of the processions.

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A gangster belonging to Subhashsingh Thakur gang who was on the run for the last 14 years was arrested by the Mumbai police in suburban Dahisar today.

Acting on a tip-off, unit-5 of Mumbai police's Crime Branch nabbed Arputraj Biraswami John (53) from a car at Kandarpada Chowk.

"Crime Branch sleuths were tracking his movements for the last twenty days but he kept changing his location and mobile SIM card," said Vinay Rathod, Deputy Commissioner of Police.

John was in contact with other members of Thakur gang for the last few months, and police were probing if he was in the city for any specific assignment, the DCP said.

A local court remanded John in police custody till April 10 following the arrest.

A resident of suburban Khar, he was wanted for cases of murder, extortion and other serious offences committed during the last 35 years.

In 1986, he and his accomplice allegedly murdered a man in suburban Andheri's MIDC area by pouring acid on him.

He also has cases registered against him in Delhi and other parts of the country.

Earlier, he had been convicted in a TADA case. While lodged in a Delhi jail in 1999, he allegedly threatened a Mumbai- based businessman, demanding money.

He is also wanted in a murder case registered in 2003 in the neighbouring Nallasopara, and Arms Act cases registered at Nirmal Nagar and Kherwadi police stations in Mumbai, the official said.

John's brother Kalya Anthony, who used to work for Thakur, was killed in a police encounter.

Subhashsingh Thakur, who is now jailed in Uttar Pradesh, became notorious after he and others barged into the general ward of JJ hospital here in September 1992 and gunned down Shailesh Haldankar of Arun Gawli gang to avenge the murder of Dawood's brother-in-law, Ibrahim Parkar.

Thakur later formed his own gang. During the planning and execution of JJ shoot-out, Thakur was stying at John's residence in Khar, the official said.

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A German court today convicted five Islamic extremists of supporting jihadist groups in Syria and handed down jail terms of up to six years and three months.

The four men and one woman helped the Islamic State and other militant groups with recruits, cash and by sending vehicles, the court in the western city of Duesseldorf ruled.

A German flower seller identified only as Mirza Tamoor B, 60, was sentenced to six years and three months.

Another German, Kais B O, 34, received a jail term of four and a half years.

Suspended custodial terms of eight to 16 months were handed to Germans Leila B O, 29, and Mohammed D, 37, and Pakistani Muhammad R, 34.

Several of the accused were arrested in sweeping raids targeting radical Islamists in late 2014.

Those defendants who spoke in court denied the charges against them, said the statement.

The 79-day trial heard 45 witnesses and testimony from five experts.

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Public vehicles were off the roads, while shops and business establishments downed shutters in support of a state-wide hartal called by the Congress-led UDF and the BJP to protest the alleged police high-handedness against relatives of a student who committed suicide.

Malappuram, which is in the thick of campaign for the April 12 bypoll, necessitated following the demise of former Union Minister E Ahamed, has been exempted from the hartal.

Roads wore a deserted look with only private cars and two-wheelers plying.

No untoward incident was reported in the early hours of the strike.

Rail passengers had a difficult time to get conveyance to reach their destinations.

In Wayanad, police were seen trying to chase away strike supporters, who prevented buses coming from other states, from operating services.

In Thiruvananthapuram, police had made arrangements to transport rail passengers, especially those coming to the Regional Cancer Centre.

The UDF and BJP had called for a state-wide hartal after police prevented Mahija, mother of Jishnu, who allegedly killed himself following "harassment" by college authorities, and other relatives from staging a hunger strike in front of the DGP's office here yesterday.

Mahija and her brother have been admitted to Trivandrum Medical College Hospital.She will be observing hunger strike from the hospital.

Jishnu's sister, Avishna, a Class X student, said she was also observing hunger strike at her home at Nadapuram in Kozhikode, seeking justice for her brother and against the police action on her parents.

Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi universities have postponed their examinations which were slated today.

There is however, no change in the recruitment examination being conducted today by Public service Commission (PSC) for various posts.

Jishnu Pranoy, a first year student of the private Nehru College of Engineering in Thrissur, was found hanging in the college hostel in January last following alleged harassment by college authorities.

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An IAS officer and two IPS officers have been prematurely retired in public interest for being poor performers, Union Minister on Thursday said.

These officers have been given premature retirement in the last three years based on review of their performance, he said.

A service review is conducted twice for an all-India service officer - first after 15 years and again on 25 years of completion of qualifying service.

"Five IAS officers and two IPS officers of Centre or state governments have been dismissed/removed/compulsory retired in the last three years.

"In addition to this, one IAS officer and two IPS officers of Centre or state governments have been prematurely retired in public interest in term of Rule 16(3) of All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules-1958, in the last three years," said Singh, Minister of State for Personnel.

The rule allows the central government to retire in public service an officer of all-India services (Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Forest Service) after giving him or her at least three months previous notice in writing or three months pay and allowances.

Among officers working in the central government, two IAS officers have been placed under suspension in the last three years, he said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

"Both the IAS officers suspended by Department of Personnel and Training have been reinstated pending departmental proceedings," the minister said.

"The Centre has given prosecution sanction against 21 IAS officers in the last three years. Further, eight IPS officers have been booked/chargesheeted on criminal charges in the last three years," he said.

"Six IAS officers have been convicted in the last three years," Singh said.

He said no centralised data regarding suspension of IAS officers serving in the affairs of the state governments is maintained by the central government.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) today defused IED at a village in Aheri taluka of Gadchiroli district.

The IED weighing three kg was placed in a steel container and kept below a bridge in Mosam village, said police.

"The explosive is said to be planted by naxalites to mark their presence in the area," SDPO-Aheri Gajanan Tompe told PTI.

The 9th Battalion of CRPF in Aheri had received information about the IED being kept below a bridge in the village, said Tompe.

The information was passed on to the BDDS team which later defused the IED.

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The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, and Indian Paint Association (IPA) today signed an MoU for a Masters Programme in Coating Sciences & Technology.

The Masters Programme will start from the academic session commencing in July 2017.

Prof Kalyan Kumar Bhar, Dean, Research & Development, IIEST and Subir Bose, former President, IPA, signed the MoU in the presence of IIEST Director Prof Ajoy Kumar Ray and IPA officials, an IIEST press statement said here.

As per the MoU, IPA will help IIEST to chalk out the curriculum in a more industry-specific manner and organise development programmes.

IPA will also develop innovative technology solutions in related areas, undertake joint research projects and initiate joint academic activities - short-term courses, seminars, workshops and conferences.

"This collaborative education and research programme will go a long way in creating manpower who will be able to serve the coating industry - an extremely important segment of the manufacturing industry. Our collaboration will be based on development of advanced technology in the area of corrosion and coating," Director, IIEST, Prof Ajoy Kumar Ray said.

During and after completion of the Masters Programme in Coating Sciences & Technology, IPA and IIEST will together explore means to provide internship and jobs to students.

Bose, past president of the IPA, said, "The programme would be structured to provide students with specialized courses in various aspects of Paint Technology during the 2-year duration to make them eligible for employment in paint industry and also in the paint-user Industry.

Prof Kalyan Kumar Bhar, Dean, Research and Development, IIEST, Shibpur said, "Synergic partnership between industry and academia is now a necessity, where academic brilliance is aptly assisted by industrial expertise."



IPA, the largest sectoral body of paint manufacturers and raw material suppliers from the organsied and small scale sectors in the country, is affiliated to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

IPA members together contribute nearly 85 per cent of the country's paint production, estimated at Rs 42,000 crore.

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Reputation of an institution is shaped by the manner in which its students behave and conduct themselves, SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya said today.

Addressing the first convocation of the Indian Institute of Management, Sambalpur, Bhattacharya said, that the students have the power to make or break the reputation of a new institution.

Bhattacharya, who is also the Chairperson of the Board Of Governors of IIM-Sambalpur, said the students should do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

Delivering the convocaion address as the chief guest, Odisha Chief Secretary, A P Padhi, said the state has emerged as a major educational hub of eastern India with several institutions imparting courses in humanities, science, commerce, engineering, medicine and management.

Odisha is home to a host of reputed educational institutions like AIIMS, IIT, NISER & IISER. IIM, Sambalpur is a new addition in the educational firmament of the state, he said.

Setting up of an IIM at Sambalpur has triggered new hopes and aspirations, especially, among the youth of Odisha. After globalisation, pursuing a career in management has become a major option before most of the students, he said.

Describing India as the most happening destination in the world, Padhi said, India has vast potential for application of managerial skills for development.

Demonetisation has marked a new beginning for the economy, the chief secretary said describing the linking of banking and mobile infrastructure to AADHAR as the new digital economy, which has vast opportunities.

Newly appointed director of IIM-S, Mahadeo Jaiswal and Director of IIM-Indore, which is the mentor institute of IIM-S, Prof R T Krishnan also spoke on the occasion.

While 45 students received certificates on the occasion, one student was presented gold medal during the convocation.

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Bailout talks to help resolve Greece's pressing debt burden have made some progress but important matters remain unresolved, an International Monetary Fund spokesman said today.

Greece is awaiting the next installment of an 86-billion-euro (USD 91.6 billion) aid package agreed in 2015 that it needs for debt repayments in July.

But talks between Athens and its eurozone and IMF creditors have been stalled for months.

Disagreements have focused on debt relief and budget targets for the austerity-hit country.

Greece is hoping a meeting Friday of eurozone finance ministers in Malta will yield a breakthrough on debt relief.

"There has been progress in the discussions but important issues remain outstanding. Discussions are continuing," IMF spokesman Gerry Rice told reporters Thursday, adding that the Fund hoped to send a mission to Athens soon.

"We need to see progress on the reform package on behalf of the Greek authorities and credible debt relief commitment in order for the IMF to go forward. That position has not changed," Rice said.

According to the IMF, Greece's debt is not sustainable and must be restructured or else it will not participate in the third round of the bailout that began in 2010.

The IMF partnered with the European Union in the prior two bailouts of the debt-wracked country, a member of the 19-nation eurozone that shares a single currency.

Athens says its economy is performing better than expected, so it should not be asked to take austerity measures beyond those agreed to as part of its current eurozone bailout which ends in 2018.

But European governments, with Germany foremost among them, have resisted debt relief and disagree with the Fund's position, calling instead for pension reforms, tax hikes and privatisation.

The IMF has opposed further austerity for Greece while supporting some reforms.

Rice said Thursday that IMF staff would not present a proposal to the Fund's executive board that does not have "both legs" -- "credible economic reforms and credible commitment to debt relief."



Talks were continuing in Brussels, according to Rice, who declined to speculate on the prospects for reaching an agreement.

Greece notably is due to make a debt repayment to the European Central Bank of 1.3 billion euros in April, and 4.0 billion euros in July.

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An Indian Imam in Singapore, who was fined nearly USD 3,000 for making divisive remarks against Christians and Jews during his Friday sermon at a mosque, was today expelled from the country.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had said Imam Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel would be repatriated after he had paid the fine and pleaded guilty at a State Court for offending Christians and Jews during a Friday prayer at a local mosque.

Asked about the 46-year-old Imam's repatriation, a police spokesman referred to the MHA's April 3 statement, announcing the repatriation decision.

The Imam was repatriated to India today, a source said.

The cleric had spent last a few days in Singapore apologising to heads of religious groups for his remarks and met Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam yesterday.

A diplomatic source said multi-racial Singapore takes very serious view on matters relating to religion, but the Imam was treated with respect as he was remorseful and admitted the wrongful remarks, said the source.

"I thought it would be good to meet and tell the Imam that I appreciated the sincerity with which he had shown his remorse," Shanmugam said as he explained why he accepted the invitation to meet the Imam.

The meeting came two days after the State Courts on Monday fined Nalla for committing an act he knew was prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between religious groups and which was likely to disturb public tranquillity.

Singapore had ordered the expulsion of Nalla after he was handed a fine of 4,000 Singapore dollars (nearly USD 3,000) by a court here for making divisive remarks.

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An international kite festival, expected to draw nearly 15,000 people from several countries has been proposed to be conducted in September, at the beach here.

The first International Kite Festival to be hosted in Kerala, will be organised by the city-based One India Kite Team.

It will be organised in association with the Kerala Tourism department and Kozhikode Municipal corporation, President of One India Kite Team, Abdulla Maliyekkal told PTI today.

School students, general public, resident associations and associations like 'Kudumbasree' will participate in the event, besides kite flyers from USA, UK, Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and others, he said.

However, the event is still at planning stage and the particulars are yet to be known, he added.

Except a few events in Kappad beach near here, in Kochi and Bekel, no major kite festivals were held in the state in the past.

In India, northern states like Gujarat and Rajasthan organise such festivals in January every year, he said.

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The Islamic State jihadist group today claimed the killing of two traffic police in southern Russia this week, as security agencies said they had shot dead four suspects.

The Amaq propaganda agency linked to IS reported the killing of "two Russian policemen" in the southern city of Astrakhan, citing a "security source".

It also claimed an attack that wounded three National Guard officers on Thursday in an incident Russian authorities said saw one assailant suspected of involvement in the death of the traffic policemen shot dead.

The interior ministry said the suspect was killed after opening fire when the car he was travelling in was stopped by law enforcement officers.

Three more suspects were later "liquidated" during a security operation in the city, the ministry said.

Local authorities had previously called the killing of the two traffic policemen a "brazen attack" by "radical Islamists".

The IS claim comes with Russia on high alert following a bombing on the Saint Petersburg metro on Monday that killed 13 people.

There is no apparent link between the two attacks.

Russia's Investigative Committee has said it is looking for any possible connections between the alleged Saint Petersburg metro bomber and IS, but so far no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Jihadists from IS -- including foreign fighters from the ex-Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus region -- have repeatedly threatened an attack on Russian soil to avenge Moscow's military backing of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Astrakhan lies several hundred kilometres (miles) northeast of the volatile North Caucasus, where Moscow is fighting a lingering Islamist insurgency.

While attacks against police regularly occur in Russia's Caucasus, they are much rarer in other regions.

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Israel will offer five-year multiple entry visa for Indian businessmen to increase the bilateral trade ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the Jewish state later this year.

Visa issuance to Indians wishing to come to Israel has been an issue of discussion between the two sides for many years.

Several Indian businessmen who have visited Israel in the past as part of business delegations have raised concerns regarding Israel's visa policy and Indian officials have pursued the same with relevant Israeli ministries.

Official sources said the decision comes amid "growing partnership between the two countries" as they celebrate "25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations."



The Director General of Israel's Tourism Ministry recently said the country was looking to ease visa norms for Indians planning to come to Israel and would be even open to issuing paper visas to those who have concerns regarding future travel to the Arab world.

"The visa process is now better and hopefully would be even easier. AtouristfromIndialooking to get visa stamped on paper can get it that way and there will really be no problem with that," Amir Halevi, Director General of Tourism ministry, told PTI.

The Tourism Ministry has also submitteda request to ease visa restrictions onIndiantour groups wishing to visit the country givenits importance as an emerging market for incomingtourismtoIsrael.

"It is hoped that this request will be granted in the near future, reducing the wait time for a group visa to five working days," a spokesperson at the tourism ministry said.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has registered a remarkable increase touching a figure of around USD 4.5 million, starting from a humble figure of USD 200 million at the time of establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

However, the growth has seen stagnation in the recent past with some connecting it to visa regulations being a factor.

The bilateral trade figures do not include defence deals.

Prime Minister Modi's much-anticipated visit to Israel is expected to take place in July.

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A musician from Meghalaya has made his home country extremely proud after his first solo EP, Last Dance, was released and backed by internationally-acclaimed the Strokes lead vocalist Julian Casablancas.

Hammarsing Kharhmar Sawyan grew up in Shillong and learned playing guitar here before he moved to Boston and started the band Mon Khmer, which is known for its rock, jazz and pedal-steel sounds.

Casablancas also lent his vocals to Sawyan's one of the four songs from his EP under the name Exhibition. It is called "No one there".

The EP will be released on April 18 by Cult Records, an independent record label and online record store founded by Casablancas.

Talking about his collaboration with Sawyan, Casablancas told the Rolling Stone magazine that he wanted to put out the album "to help a guy from a tiny corner of India's rock & roll city and make his dreams come true."



This is the second time Sawyan has worked with a member of the Strokes, he joined Albert Hammond Jr's solo band back in 2008.

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Music icon Madonna took a jibe at the soft-drink brand Pepsi regarding the current controversial ad featuring supermodel Kendall Jenner.

The 58-year-old diva took to social media where she cleverly rapped the now-pulled out advertisement after it was called out on being insensitive.

The ad depicted the reality TV star leaving a modelling shoot to join a protest march after criticism that it was insensitive.

Madonna posted a photograph where she can be seen holding a can of Pepsi's arch rival Coca-Cola and captioned it with a number one emoji to probably drive the point home.

According to People magazine, this picture hails from the year 1999.

Revisiting the "Papa Don't Preach" songstress' modelling career, she too starred in a Pepsi TVC that drew the ire of religious groups and consumers alike.

Earlier, Madonna had shared the one-minute ad in question on Twitter and wrote, "When you wake up and realise that .... just really doesn't make sense! #chosen."



Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, also spoke about the current Pepsi commercial as it is being accused of appropriating civil rights movements.

King took to Twitter with a powerful picture of her father heading 1966's March Against Fear demonstration and wrote, "If only Daddy would have known about the power of #Pepsi."



Hollywood stars such as Lena Dunham, Adam Scott and Judd Apatow have also criticised the commercial.

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A magisterial inquiry was ordered today into allegations of cash being distributed in election meetings by BJP MLA Pijush Hazarika for the upcoming bypoll in Dhemaji assembly seat.

The inquiry has been ordered on the basis of a complaint received from Congress election agent Lalit Buragohain alleging distribution of cash at Gogamukh on April 4 and at Nemutengani on April 5.

"The report will be submitted to me within 24 hours," Dhemaji returning officer Roshni Aparanji Korati told PTI.

When asked if any action will be taken against the BJP legislator, Korati said it will depend on the probe report.

Since yesterday, local TV channels have been showing Hazarika with cash in hand asking reporters to switch off their cameras.

"Congress is now a cow which does not give milk. No point searching for such a cow. So, I request you to caste your vote in favour of lotus and BJP. Now I want to give something to the village people," he was shown saying in private TV telecasts.

Thereafter the newschannels showed people displaying currency notes of Rs 2,000, Rs 500 and Rs 100 reportedly received from Hazarika, who was in Dhemaji to campaign for party candidate Ranuj Pegu.

When contacted, Hazarika said "No money was distributed by me. I have not given money. I have not seen the reports and the complaint. I have not given anything."



Opposition Congress today filed another complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam requesting strict action against the BJP MLA and forwarded a copy to the Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Polling in Dhemaji will take place on April 9, while counting of votes will be on April 13.

The byelection is being held following the election of earlier BJP MLA Pradan Baruah as MP from Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat.

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The Maharashtra government was following up with the Defence and Railway ministries for rehabilitation of MUTP project affected slum dwellers in nearby areas, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis today said.

"The slum dwellers affected due to the MUTP should be rehabilitated in nearby areas just like the Airport Authority of India (AAI) rehabilitated project affected in nearby areas in Vile Parle," said Fadnavis in a reply to supplementaries by BJP MLA Parag Alvani during a discussion on pending MUTP-2 projects in Mumbai.

"We are talking to Defence and Railway ministries on rehabilitating the project affected in the same area. The issue of land swap is also being discussed," he said.

Alvani said as per the guidelines for Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana, project affected on central government land will be rehabilitated "in-situ". He urged Fadnavis to take up the matter with Centre.

Replying to Amit Satam (BJP) regarding allotment of FSI to railway land for vertical development of stations, Fadnavis said not only stations but the entire station area will be given FSI and also additional required dispensation for its smooth functioning.

Fadnavis said Thane railway station will be developed in a similar fashion.

Earlier, Fadnavis said the pending projects under MUTP-2 will be completed by March 2021.

The works include Andheri-Goregaon harbour line which will be completed by December 2017. While laying of track 5 and 6 between Thane and Diva will be done by March 2019. The laying of 6th line between Mumbai Central and Borivali will be completed by March 2021.

CST-Kurla 5th and 6th line will also be completed by March 2021.

Similarly, Rs 10,947 crore is estimated to be spent for MUTP-3 which includes Virar-Dahanu quadrupling of railway line, Karjat-Panvel new suburban service, elevated railway between Airoli- Kalwa, tresspass control system on central and western railway.

Fadnavis said the Bandra-Virar elevated railway will be done through PPP model, while the expenditure for CST -Panvel elevated railway is being shared by BMC (15 per cent), CIDCO (15 per cent), MMRDA (15 per cent), Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (5 per cent). The remaining 50 per cent will be borne by the Centre.

MMRDA will bear 50 per cent expenditure of Virar-Vasai-Panvel suburban line.

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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hailed the passage of GST bills by Parliament and sought to play down the fact that it could not happen during his tenure, saying "let bygones be bygones".

Observing that the new indirect tax regime could be a "game-changer", he, however, cautioned that there could be "difficulties" in its implementation.

He pressed for constructive cooperation between the Centre and the states in resolving outstanding issues.

"There will be pitfalls. But we learn as we go along," he told reporters after Parliament approved four GST-supporting legislations, clearing the decks for the rollout of the historic indirect tax regime from July 1.

Asked whether he felt disappointed that it could not happen during his tenure, the former Prime Minister said, "well I think, let bygones be bygones."



On whether the measure would help increase the GDP, he said, "it could be a game-changer but we should not assume that there will be no difficulties on the way. There must be a constructive spirit of cooperation between the federal government and the states to resolve the outstanding issues."



The Central GST Bill, 2017; The Integrated GST Bill, 2017; The GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and The Union Territory GST Bill, 2017 were returned by the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote as all parties were on board.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will hold a roadshow and address two rallies over the weekend to step up the municipal poll campaign for the Janata Dal (United), 101 of whose candidates are in the fray.

"Nitishji will hold a roadshow in north Delhi'a Burari area which will culminate into a big rally at Burari Grounds on April 8. The next day he will address another rally in Badarpur," JD(U) national general secretary Sanjay Jha said.

The Kumar-led party had fielded 111 candidates and nominations of "10 of them were rejected in the scrutiny".

The JD(U) had initially targeted to fight in about 150 of the 272 seats in the municipal elections slated for April 23.

In Badarpur, the Bihar chief minister will address a rally at Canal Side Ground, near Lohia Pul. Both the venues are locate in areas, which have a sizeable population of people hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The party is banking heavily on the support of Purvanchalis and Kumar's prohibition model in Bihar will dominate the theme of his rallies.

Jha said the campaign has picked up pace with every candidate doing door-to-door canvassing.

He asserted that the people of Delhi will support JD(U) based on what the party has done in Bihar and what it plans to do here.

Purvanchalis, or people hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh settled in Delhi, are considered a major vote bank by all the parties. A sizeable chunk of this community is settled in jhuggi-jhopri and unauthorised colonies.

The party also seeks to reach out to the Sikh community based on the goodwill earned from the community for organising 'Prakash Parv' -- Guru Gobind Singh's 350th anniversary in Patna in January.

"We would also reach out to the Sikh community, give the successful organisation of Guru Gobind Singh's 350th anniversary in Patna, which had turned the Bihar capital into a mini Punjab. Besides, other minorities like Muslims living here, we would also reach out to them," the party said.

Areas like Burari, Jahangirpuri, Uttam Nagar in north Delhi, Sangam Vihar, Okhla in south Delhi and large areas of east Delhi are populated with migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Incidentally, the JD(U) had supported the AAP in the 2015 Assembly elections in 2015. The same year it had stitched 'Grand Alliance' with RJD and Congress for the Bihar Assembly polls, which it swept comprehensively.

The BJP has been ruling the MCD since 2007. The last polls were held in 2012.

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The driver of the Mercedes that allegedly hit a 22-year-old student in north Delhi's Civil Lines area surrendered before the police and has been arrested, police said today.

The accident occurred on the night of April 4 which was co-incidentally the first anniversary of the Mercedes hit-and- run case in which a minor driver had mowed down a 32-year-old marketing executive in the same area.

Around 11 PM on April 4, a white Mercedes had allegedly hit Trinesh Kumar, who was on his motorcycle, in Civil Lines area, DCP (North) Jatin Narwal said.

He was also accompanied by his friend, based on whose statement an FIR was registered and investigation taken up, he said.

"We procured CCTV footage from the area to identify the offending vehicle but its number wasn't visible. We contacted Delhi Transport department and got a list of white Mercedes registered in the national capital," Narwal said.

Meanwhile, the accused driver, Manish Jain, realising that he might be caught soon, himself came and surrendered last evening before the police, police said.

He was arrested but later got bail since the offences he was booked for are bailable offences, they said.

The CCTV footage of the accident showed the car taking a sharp u-turn and hitting the biker.

Jain didn't stop after hitting Trinesh's bike and fled from the spot.

Jain, who has a publishing business in Daryaganj, told the police that he didn't see the bike coming from the other side while taking the turn.

A medical examination was carried out to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, police said.

Jain said he had stepped after having dinner and was driving back home when he hit Trinesh. He was scared that he had killed the biker and so he fled from the spot, police said.

Trinesh, who had sustained injuries to his face and forearm, is recuperating and is out of danger.

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Mexican drug trafficker Alfredo Beltran Leyva, a leader of the Beltran Leyva cartel, has been sentenced to life in prison in the United States, the Justice Department has said.

"For well over a decade, the defendant commanded a major Mexican drug trafficking organization that imported ton-quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States," Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Blanco said in a statement yesterday.

Blanco said the Mexican cartel leader had waged "a campaign of violence and fear" that gripped communities across North America.

"Alfredo Beltran Leyva is one of the 'Goliaths' of Mexican drug traffickers known for his savage business tactics and responsible for flooding the United States with illegal drugs," said James Hunt, special agent of the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Beltran Leyva, 46, was arrested in Culiacan, in northwest Mexico, in 2008, and extradited to the US in 2014. He had pleaded guilty to conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine.

Judge Richard Leon of the federal court of the District of Columbia, the formal name for the US capital Washington, sentenced him to life behind bars and ordered him to pay USD 529.2 million.

The Beltran Leyva cartel, which split violently from drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's Sinaloa cartel, was one of Mexico's most powerful drug gangs in the 2000s.

But its power began to decline in 2009, when the army killed kingpin Arturo Beltran Leyva, "The Boss of Bosses."



The US government in 2008 added the Beltran Leyva cartel to the Treasury Department's sanctions list of people and entities, and in 2009 named it a specially designated drug trafficker.

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The Madhya Pradesh Government-run Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan will launch a diploma course in "Hindu Purohityam" or priestly duties for all irrespective of caste or religion, its director said today.

"From July this year, we are launching the one-year 'Diploma in Purohityam' for teaching priesthood. This course would be open for all irrespective of caste, gender or religion. The basic qualification needed is class X," Director of Bhopal-based Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan P R Tiwari told PTI.

The move is, however, opposed by a Brahmin outfit who had staged a protest in May last year when the government had proposed to make priests from Scheduled Caste community.

Tiwari said that students enrolled for this course would be taught about Hindu 'Karmakand' (rituals) performed at various occasions like marriages, house warming etc.

"We will teach these rituals in a logical way along with perfect pronunciation of matras in accordance with Hindu traditions. The priests would have all the explanation related to these rituals, which is basically a science," Tiwari added.

He said two other diplomas are also being launched along with the 'Diploma in Purohityam' course.

"We are also coming up with diplomas in Vastu and Jyotish Shastra (astrology) along with Purohityam diploma," he said.

Sansthan is the nodal agency for promoting of yoga and Sanskrit in Madhya Pradesh.

Opposing the move, Pragatisheel Brahmin Manch General Secretary Chandrashekhar Tiwari said that the state government was working against the interests of Brahmins.

"We had staged protest on May 12 last year when the state government had proposed to make purohits (Hindu priests) from scheduled caste community. Brahmins are already marginalised due to reservation. Now, the government wants to snatch traditional livelihood of Brahmins," Chandrashekhar said.

He said the Manch is planning to hold a major protest against this move.

"We will show our power through ballot in year 2018 (when state goes to polls)," Chnadrashekhar added.

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Peggy Whitson - who broke Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams record for the most spacewalks by a woman - is poised to set a new record for cumulative time spent in space by a US astronaut, NASA said today.

NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, signed an agreement to extend Whitson's stay on the International Space Station by three months.

Rather than returning to Earth with her Expedition 51 crew mates Oleg Novitsky of Roscosmos and Thomas Pesquet of European Space Agency, in June as originally planned, Whitson will remain on the space station and return home with NASA's Jack Fischer and Roscosmos' Fyodor Yurchikhin in September.

"Living and working aboard the space station is where I feel like I make the greatest contribution, so I am constantly trying to squeeze every drop out of my time here. Having three more months to squeeze is just what I would wish for," Whitson said.

The arrangement takes advantage of a Soyuz seat left empty by the Roscosmos decision to temporarily reduce their crew complement to two cosmonauts.

Whitson's extension will ensure a full complement of six astronauts on board the station and increase the amount of valuable astronaut time available for experiments on board the station.

"Peggy's skill and experience makes her an incredible asset aboard the space station," said Kirk Shireman, NASA's International Space Station Programme Manager.

"By extending the stay of one of NASA's most veteran astronauts, our research, our technology development, our commercial and our international partner communities will all benefit," said Shireman.

This is Whitson's third long-duration stay onboard the space station. She launched on November 17 with 377 days in space already under her belt, and on April 24 will break Jeff Williams' standing US record of 534 cumulative days in space.

In 2008, Whitson became the first woman to command the space station, and on April 9 will become the first woman to command it twice. In addition, she holds the record for most spacewalks by a female.

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The Congress today accused the BJP-led NDA government of not wanting the Lokpal in place as it did not want any accountability and said it was engaging in "doublespeak" on the issue.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the present government is not appointing the Lokpal on the basis of "frivolous, flimsy and trivialised excuses" even while the Act is in place since 2014.

He said the President gave his assent to the Bill on January 6, 2014, and even though the Act is in place for the last 36 months this government has not taken further action.

"In 36 months, has a small finger been wagged by BJP to operationalise Lokpal. The government does not want Lokpal because it does not want accountability," he said.

He said this is something that could have happened in a few moments by way of an amendment in the Lok Sabha, as has been done in other cases.

When asked, he said the government has stated that there are issues and it is waiting to sort out the issue of Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Lok Sabha.

The Congress leader said the state of Gujarat from where the Prime Minister hails, has had no Lokayukta since 2003 with appointments blocked by the state BJP government.

"What Mr Modi perfected in Gujarat is what he is implementing in Delhi," Singhvi said.

He claimed the UPA government did all the work on Lokpal in 2011 itself.

"It was BJP which delayed and got it referred in the Rajya Sabha to a Select Committee," he said.

A joint Drafting Committee was formed in 2011 and the UPA introduced the Bill in 2011 itself and the Standing Committee submitted its report by end of the year.

Singhvi said there are three things in the world that deserve no mercy - hypocrisy, fraud and tyranny - and "On two counts, this government and then Opposition, on Lokpal, do qualify".

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An amateur inventor in the UK has built an Iron Man-like jet engine-powered exoskeleton suit that enables him to hover in the air like a superhero.

The futuristic ensemble consists of three sets of miniature jet engines attached to the arms and the back.

Richard Browning, a 38-year-old oil trader, had been secretly experimenting in his garage for 18 months, before he figured out the optimal number and position of the jet engines that allows him to fly with a minimal amount of equipment.

"The human body is very good at being trained to do specific things, and it's a useful structure, and the human mind is a pretty amazing machine," Browning said.

"So, we had this idea - rather than go and rely on aluminium structures to build the machine, rely on gyros and computers in order to achieve stability, why not rely on the human machine, keep it as raw and original as possible?" he said.

Piloting the device takes quite a lot of personal strength and body coordination, said Browning.

There is no steering mechanism, and speed and direction can be adjusted only by changing the direction of the engines' thrust, solely using upper-body strength.

"You have a trigger at your right hand, which controls the arm engines, and you have a trigger at your left hand, which controls the rear engines," Browning told the 'Live Science'.

The inventor added that he was inspired to create the suit by the Greek myth of Daedalus, who made himself wings to escape from captivity. The suit takes its name from the myth.

Currently, Browning can stay in the air for up to 10 minutes using the exosuit. He has kept his experiments at a running speed of about eight kilometres per hour and an altitude of only one to two metres above the ground.

Eventually a user could fly over 100 kilometres per hour and to an altitude of about 100 metres, Browning said.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio says New York will start rolling out its citywide ferry service a month ahead of schedule.

Shipyard workers in Louisiana and Alabama have been scrambling to get the fleet ready.

The first two routes are being launched on May 1.

De Blasio says a new Rockaway, Queens, route gets top priority because residents there have some of the city's longest commutes. The launch will also include an existing East River route whose ferries are to be refurbished.

The service, officially named NYC Ferry, will travel between Manhattan and waterfront neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

A South Brooklyn route will start June 1. An Astoria, Queens, route launches in August, followed by Lower East Side and Bronx routes in 2018. A ride will cost USD 2.75.

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A Nigerian national has been arrested for staying in the country even after his visa expired in December last year, police said today.

Ilegah was arrested by the local intelligence unit of the Gautam Buddha Nagar police during a special drive against the foreign nationals residing illegally in Noida, they said.

He had came to India on medical attendant visa which had expired in December 2016 and now he will be deported soon, they added.

As there is no detention centre in Uttar Pradesh, he will be kept at a detention centre in Delhi and deported to his country with the help of Nigerian Embassy there, they said.

The special drive will continue till April 10.

So far, team has verified the documents of 65 foreign nationals living in the city, police said.

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Nikki Haley, the tough-talking and blunt US Ambassador to the UN, was heckled during an annual summit on women here as she spoke about President Donald Trump and Russia.

Haley was speaking yesterday at the 'Women In The World' summit, a premier annual gathering of influential women leaders, politicians and activists organised by media personality Tina Brown in association with the New York Times.

As she was answering questions during the session titled 'Trump's Diplomat: Nikki Haley' moderated by MSNBC anchor Greta Van Susteren, Haley was booed and heckled on several occasions. At one point someone in the audience shouted "what about refugees" while another said "when is the next panel."



During the nearly 22 minute session, a woman in the audience shouted "when is the next panel," to which the 45-year-old smiled and exclaimed "wow" as the audience tried to shush the heckler.

She was heckled again when asked how America deals with some of the world leaders who are dictators.

"You call them out when they do something wrong and you work with them when you can find ways to work with them."



As some members of the audience shouted at her remarks, Haley said "we have to express America's values. We are always the moral conscience of the world," to which someone from the audience shouted "what about the refugees", cutting off Haley. Haley went silent. Van Susteren paused, and then said, "Moving on."



At the end of the day's programme, Brown commended Haley for attending the event even as she got a "boisterous reception" and for remaining gracious as she was heckled.

"We often complain and sneer and say Republicans never want to come on any kind of forum except Fox or places where they can be asked questions that are soft," Brown said, adding that Haley did not put on any pre-conditions and sat very "graciously" while the audience heckled.

"She didn't get agitated about it, and she's in the middle of a lot of world crises. So I feel that we should really applaud the fact that she did come."



Van Susteren asked Haley why the world has not heard much from Trump about Russia, a question that drew a thunderous applause from the audience.

Haley said, "first of all keep in mind that I work for the Trump administration," a response that generated boos and heckles from the audience and prompted Van Susteren to ask the audience to "hold on, hold on. We got to get people fix these problems."



Haley added that she has "hit Russia over the head more times than I can count. It's because if they do something wrong we are going to call them out on it. If they want to help us defeat terrorism, fine."



"But the things they have done with Crimea and Ukraine, the things they have done with how they have covered up for (Syrian President Bashar) Assad, we are not going to give them a pass on."



Haley said she has had conversations with Trump "where he very much sees Russia as a problem and I think if you look at his actions, everybody wants to hear his words but look at his actions. The two things that Russia does not want to see the US do is strengthen the military and expand energy and the President has done both of those." She gave out a smile as her comments again drew prolonged boos from the audience.

On the chemical weapons attack on a Syrian town, Haley said Russia blamed it on a container of chemical weapons that ISIS had.

"There is no ounce of proof. They just make things up," she said.

Haley, earlier this year, scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indian-American to be appointed to a cabinet-level post in any US administration.
Neither of my two grandsons would recognize a roll of film! They are both in their mid twenties and have never had to count their change, nor scrimp and save, to buy a roll of film.

That fact alone is one of those wonderful things about this modern age, because I remember when saving my pennies to buy film was not one of the things automatically built into my budget. It was mainly when Great Aunt Tilly had promised to pay a visit next Sunday that you needed to scurry around and make sure there was an extra roll of film on hand.

My mom was a very fashionable young lady in the teens and twenties of the last century.

Through good jobs (with only a high-school education from Central H.S.) she had enough money to buy stylish clothes, a new car - and a Kodak "Brownie" camera. This latter item she always referred to as her "Kodak", and never as her "camera". It used 116-V (for Verichrome) film, and she took thousands of great pictures with it - most of which were in good, clear focus. That Brownie camera is the only thing remaining of her "Roaring Twenties" souvenirs!

With such a camera there was very little fuss to be made over, "Should I have done This first, or That"? You simply aimed and clicked the button. Only problem was the film. Would there be enough? What if Aunt Tillie DID come, or that weekend trip DID come about instead? - would there be enough film to carry you through?

Nearly any drugstore would have "your" type of film available, as camera types were fairly standardized, and most were made by the same company, Eastman Kodak. And it was for many years all black-and-white. But if you had any kind of off-brand or professional equipment, the drug stores did not have it. You needed a really good camera shop - and Chattanooga had ONE such good and reliable place: Violet Studios, located on East 7th Street, near Market. (There was at least one other such camera place that carried purely "professional" equipment). But most people - principally those who did not work downtown - bought all their film and had it processed through drugstores in their neighborhoods.

Color film for mom's Kodak became readily available after WW2, and it was a good deal more expensive than black-and-white - too expensive for us to buy more than one roll at a time, and at very infrequent intervals. Results with this color film were often disappointing, with weak and washed-out areas in the pictures which rapidly faded. We actually preferred the crisper black and white images.

Film had been extremely scarce during WW2, so color slides - already known before the war - came into vogue soon after, and everyone oohed and ahhed over the bright, realistic color of the "Kodachromes". Slides became all the rage for a long time. But slide projectors, screens, etc., could not be compacted into smaller sizes. Methods for showing your beautiful slides remained very old-fashioned, and forced you to deal with each slide individually. Just keeping them in order after you had shown them was a constant problem. Such problems led to an "improvement" known as the "carousel" projector - a very clunky piece of equipment to move around, with the round trays of slides - all very hard to store, and taking up a lot of room in closets. This equipment was also pretty pricey, so it left ME using my 19th Century type of projector (although quite new).

Lamar Tribble, a neighborhood friend (and later Baptist Missionary to South America), had access to his father's dark-room. Mr. Tribble was a professional photographer and had a large quantity of (photo) printing paper that was now out-of-date. He gave it to Lamar, and I learned the "secrets" of printing my own pictures from him! (Lamar was one year ahead of me at Anna B. Lacey Grammar School). For a boy of 10 or 11 that was great fun, and I felt very "grown up" about the experience of printing my own pictures. A few years later I was able to print pictures for sale at the Jones Observatory, as there was a really excellent dark room on the premises there. The nickels and dimes which that project generated each week were put toward the fund to finance a new planetarium...

So, to do photography "back in the day" you needed film, plus the additional cost of getting it developed and printed. OR, if you had your own dark-room you needed a "tri-chem pack" of chemicals, plus some special equipment like a simple printing-box (mine was home-made) where you laid out your negative with the light-sensitive paper on top, made your exposure (through a wasteful trial-and-error process) before developing it in the messy chemical solutions. If you had made slides, you had to send your exposed film out of town, and then wait about two weeks before they were returned by mail. But the pics you find in your grandparents' ancient albums were usually very small, indicating the expensive nature of old photography. Enlargements would have cost a great deal more.

If you were rich enough to own an 8 mm movie camera, that would be an additional expense beyond the price of the camera. You would need a special movie projector, although you could use the same screen as for your slide projector. ALL these old systems (slides and movie projection systems) were downright hard to deal with!

Years later, in the 1970's, I fell in love with Polaroid equipment. We had a Polaroid camera at work for photographing each piece of artwork we did before shipping it out to the client. Our camera had three or four special lenses, plus a pull-out measuring tape for making accurately focused close-up shots. I duplicated the same equipment for my own home use, and later obtained a state-of-the-art Polaroid SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera - which soon became obsolete! It was, for me, very expensive, and now lies here on one of my shelves, totally useless. Film for it was at least one dollar per shot, and only color film was available. But it served a good purpose for a time.

I was rather late in getting into computers, but by 1995 or '96 I had made the transition. Once I had gotten the "hang" of digital photography I was hooked! All of the above problems suddenly vanished into thin air, and I now own a digital camera (more than one, actually) with picture cards where I could travel around the world shooting dozens of pictures of the Taj Mahal, Mt. Fuji, and/or London's Tower Bridge - all on that single card, purchased years ago! I can re-charge my camera's battery overnight, and view my images instantly on any of the devices I wish. Violet Studios went away overnight, as did many another photography studio across America - totally superseded by the Digital Revolution!

I have met photographers in various chat-rooms on the Internet who still swear by "film" photography, but they pay a lot of extra cash to stick with that conceit. (The 35mm movie industry keeps "film" alive, but you cannot find rolls of 35mm film for domestic use anymore). And I believe Polaroid still produces film for 1:1 reproduction of such projects as the cleaning of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. But I for one have NO such need, and would never touch another roll of film if it were the last thing on earth! Those "horse and buggy days"(of Photography) are long past!

Perhaps the only thing I miss about the old photo shops is the good smell! There was always a mild odor of pungent chemicals emanating from a workroom, never seen, where photos were being processed, dried, and printed. That good odor indicated the "high-tech" of the day; the "Wheels of Industry", if you will. It was the kind of odor to inspire many a young boy or man and get his creative energies going.

But I remember sentimentally those earlier days and still keep my mom's ancient Kodak Brownie as the sole relic of those times.

---


The nominations of six BJP candidates in the MCD polls were rejected during scrutiny, even as the party today accused the Kejriwal government of "pressurising" the returning officers for rejecting party candidates nominations on "trivial" grounds.

The BJP candidate from SC (Women) reserved Lado Sarai seat Rinki Kumar was cancelled for furnishing "incorrect" caste certificate.

She was asked by the returning officer to clarify her caste although, it was mentioned as Bairwa, alleged Delhi BJP general secretary Kuljeet Chahal.

Nominations of BJP candidates from Baprola, Trilokpuri, Abul Fazal Enclave, Vinod Nagar and Kishanganj wards have also been rejected.

The BJP will now contest only on 266 of the 272 ward seats as there was no covering candidate available for the seats from where the nominations of its candidates have been cancelled.

It has also given five seats to its partner Akali Dal and hence the effective number of wards contested by the party will be only 261.

Party MP Meenakshi Lekhi today met State Election Commissioner S K Srivastava and complained against the rejection of BJP candidates' nominations on "trivial" grounds.

A Delhi BJP delegation led by Chahal met Lt Governor Anil Baijal and complained against rejection of nominations allegedly under "pressure" from the Kejriwal government.

"The returning officers work under the Delhi government and they are under pressure from it to reject the nominations of the BJP candidates," Chahal said.

The nomination of Trilokpuri reserved ward candidate Saroj Singh was rejected because the male/female column was not marked, while signature of Ravi Negi, who had filed nominations from Vinod Nagar seat, were missing, Chahal said.

"It is duty of the returning officers to help candidates to fill the forms properly but it seems they are working under pressure," he said.

Besides, six candidates of BJP, nominations of one candidate of Congress and 24 of Swaraj India have also been rejected.

Nearly 40 per cent of the total 4500 nominations received for 272 wards in three municipal corporations have been rejected during scrutiny, said an official of State Election Commission.

619 nominations have been rejected in the North, 763 in the South and 337 in the East Delhi Municipal Corporations, he said.

Also, 7 candidates in East, 6 in North and 4 in South MCD withdrew their nominations today, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Model-actress Olivia Culpo-actress has credited Victoria Beckham for inspiring several women, including her.

Culpo, 24, has taken to social media to praise the 42-year-old fashion designer for being able to balance her successful career and fashion houses with her family life, and she has described the fashion mogul as a "Girl Boss".

"So excited that @VictoriaBeckham for @Target launches April 9th. I've always found Victoria so inspiring because of the way she balances a family life with her career. She's the ultimate #GIRLBOSS in my opinion (sic)," Culpo posted.

And the "The Other woman" actress can't wait for the former Spice Girls band member - who was known as Posh Spice when she was in the iconic girl group - to launch her womenswear and childrenswear collections for Target this month, because she loves the floral prints.

"And I'm absolutely loving these florals for Spring!!!!!! Can't wait to see this collection in Target #VBxTarget #ad (sic).

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Pakistan today expressed regret at India's snub to the US offer to help resolve the Kashmir issue between the two neighbours, saying New Delhi as usual "reacted negatively" to the proposal.

Pakistan always welcomed offers of mediation, which has been made by various countries, to resolve the Kashmir issue, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafess Zakaria told reporters.

"India as usual reacted negatively to the US offer. India wants to speak of terrorism. We also insist on speaking of terrorism, which forms one of the elements of the comprehensive dialogue process," he said.

The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, had said on Monday that the US would try and "find its place" in efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Zakaria said resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people and UN resolutions is the only way for durable peace in the region.

Accusing India of "trying to hide the atrocities in Kashmir", the spokesperson said that the protests during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kashmir visit recently are reflective of the "strong prevailing sentiment of the Kashmiri people".

Zakaria said that alleged Indian ceasefire violations are attempts to divert the attention of the international community from the deteriorating situation in Kashmir.

"Our forces act responsibly and with restraint returning fire only when fired upon. We regularly report the incidents to the UNMOGIP, who in turn submit their report to the UN Secretary General. International Community is realising the threat to the regional peace posed by the Indian belligerent posture," he said.

He also accused India of involvement in terrorism, saying that it has "irrefutable" evidence about it.

"Kulbhushan Yadav and many other examples are irrefutable proof of Indian involvement in Pakistan," he said.

Commenting on a New York Times report about India may be reinterpreting its nuclear weapons doctrine of 'No-First Use', he said Pakistan has long maintained that the ambiguous no-first use declaration is not verifiable and hence nothing more than an empty political statement.

"It cannot substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures. In taking appropriate security measures, Pakistan has to consider capabilities and not intentions which can change anytime.

"It goes without saying that the talk about pre-emption in a nuclearized South Asia is highly irresponsible and dangerous and will not help the cause of promoting strategic restraint and stability in the region," he said.

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Over 300 passengers of a Jeddah-bound Air India flight from Cochin International Airport Limited here, staged a protest after they were asked to deboard the flight for the second day today, owing to "technical problem."



An Air India official cited "technical problem" for the delay of the flight, which was scheduled to depart at 5.55 PM yesterday.

Imbichu, a passenger to the Gulf nation, told PTI over phone from the airport that the passengers including women and children refused to deboard the Air India flight AI 963 this morning after the airline announced further delay in taking off.

The airline this morning had informed the passengers to prepare for flight at 11 AM.

"When we boarded the flight, the airline again asked us to deboard due to the continuing technical glitch... This triggered protest from passengers.. A top airline official had to step in to pacify the agitating passengers," Imbichu said.

The passengers, who reached the airport three to four hours ahead of the scheduled departure yesterday, said they had boarded the flight for timely departure.

However, the airline later informed them that there would be delay due to technical reasons.

Failing to rectify the technical glitch, the airline asked the passengers to deboard as it would depart only the next day morning.

The passengers alleged that the airline had not made any proper arrangements for food and accommodation for them.

"There were around 380 to 400 passengers... We were actually dumped in some lodges... No proper food was served and four persons were forced to share a single room.

It was a hell-like situation for us," another passenger alleged.

The airline, however, rejected the claim, saying that they were properly accommodated and proper food was provided to them.

The passengers, who are still waiting at the lounge of the airport, hope that they would be able to fly to Jeddah by this evening.

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The Pentagon is presenting a range of possible military options the United States could take in response to the suspected chemical attack in Syria, a US official said today.

Options include strikes to ground the Syrian air force, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis is presenting the options to President Donald Trump and administration officials in response to White House requests, the official added.

Mattis had been communicating extensively with Trump's National Security Advisor H R McMaster, the official said, stressing that no decisions had been taken.

Trump yesterday warned that Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime had crossed a line with its latest alleged chemical attack.

He called the strike that killed at least 86 an "affront to humanity" and suggested some sort of US response.

The Pentagon has long maintained a variety of military options for Syria, and the United States has been striking jihadist targets in the north since late 2014.

But any US military action targeting the Assad regime would mark a fundamental shift in Syria's brutal six-year conflict.

Russia has been propping up Assad since late 2015, and any action to ground his air force could be subject to skirting Russian air defenses and would carry the risk of inadvertently hitting Russian personnel.

But the drumbeat for military action has picked up in Washington.

Senior Republican senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain said Assad was trying to test the Trump administration and that America must take swift action.

"Assad has crossed a line with his latest use of chemical weapons. The message from the United States must be that this will not stand," the pair said in a statement.

"We must show that no foreign power can or will protect Assad now. He must pay a punitive cost for this horrific attack.

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The city electricity authority today cut power supply to the King George Medical University (KGMU) vice-chancellor's office after the institute failed to clear its March bill of over Rs 2.8 crore.

"Since the power connection of the medical university cannot be snapped, keeping in mind the interest of patients, the electricity supply to the vice-chancellor's office was cut," Chief Engineer Lucknow Electricity Supply Authority (LESA) Ashutosh Kumar told PTI.

"The KGMU has to clear more than Rs 2.8 crore as electricity bill for March," he said.

LESA Junior Engineer (KGMU sub-division) Amit Kumar Upadhyay said, "The medical university's registrar had met LESA officials and told them that due to lapse of funds, the electricity bill could not be paid."



"He has assured that efforts would be made by KGMU to pay its bill in the next 15-20 days," Upadhayay said.

Presently, there is no power supply to the vice-chancellor's office.

The development comes barely a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the university and lauded the services being rendered by it.

The Chief Minister had yesterday stressed on proper maintenance of equipment at KGMU.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russian President Vladimir Putin today slammed "unfounded accusations" over the "incident with chemical weapons" in Syria in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Kremlin said.

"There was an exchange of opinions over the incident with chemical weapons that took place in the Syrian province of Idlib on April 4," the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Putin in particular underlined the unacceptability of making unfounded accusations against anyone before a thorough and impartial international investigation is carried out," it said.

Israel has joined a chorus of Western allegations that the forces of Bashar al-Assad were behind a suspected chemical attack on rebel-held Khan Sheikhun that left scores dead.

Moscow has sought to deflect blame from its ally Assad over the incident and says Syrian jets struck a rebel arms depot where "toxic substances" were being put inside bombs.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today attacked the Prime Minister and the RSS for the Alwar attack, saying there is no place in the country for those disagreeing with them and that tragedies of huge proportion occur when government "abdicates responsibility".

Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, the Congress Vice President charged that the Prime Minister is propagating a vision where only one idea will prevail.

"This is a new vision for India that Narendra Modiji is propagating. It is a vision where only one idea will prevail and any other idea, anybody who does not listen to or agree with Narendra Modi or RSS has no place in India. That's the vision," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.

He was asked to comment on the Alwar violence where a man was killed after an attack by cow vigilantes.

"That is what they are doing. This is going to have very severe consequences for the country. It is their way of thinking that anybody who does not believe in their way of thinking has no place in the country."



Earlier in a series of tweets, the Congress Vice President had hit out at the Rajasthan government for the "brutal and senseless attack" in Alwar.

"When Government abdicates responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow. Shocking breakdown of law and order in Alwar," he said in a tweet.

He said all right thinking Indians must condemn this "blind brutality" and hoped the state government will take strict action against those responsible for the "senseless attack".

Gandhi said, "We expect Government to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal and senseless attack."



A 55-year-old man died at a hospital in Alwar district after allegedly being beaten by a group of cow vigilantes, with the police arresting three persons in connection with the case.

The deceased, Pehlu Khan, and four others, including his two sons, were beaten brutally by some locals at Behror who suspected they were smuggling cows.

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A special court today directed Delhi Police to expeditiously complete the probe in a rape case in which sacked Delhi minister Sandeep Kumar is the accused.

The court was informed by the investigating officer (IO), who filed a status report in the case, that the police were awaiting sanction to prosecute the accused, besides the forensic science laboratory report.

"In view of the submissions, the IO is directed to expedite the process," Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry said.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Kumar for a direction to the police to file a status report on the probe in the rape case against him.

During the hearing, Kumar's counsel said the police have been sitting over the FIR for the last seven months and they should inform the court as to when they have sent the file for seeking sanction to prosecute the accused and how much time will it take to complete the probe.

The prosecutor and the IO told the court that the process of sanction will take time and they have already sent a request to the competent authority.

The IO said the police also want to close the case as early as possible to reduce the pendency.

Kumar, who is out on bail, had said in his plea that due to the case he has suffered a lot and that there has been an "inordinate" and "unwarranted" delay in filing of the charge sheet, causing prejudice to him.

Kumar, who was arrested on September 3 last year, was granted bail by the court on November 7, 2016.

He was arrested after a woman had lodged a complaint at Sultanpuri Police Station in north Delhi alleging sexual harassment by the former social welfare and women and child development minister.

The woman had allegedly figured in an objectionable video with him.

The MLA from Sultanpur Majra was removed from the AAP government and the party on August 31 after the CD surfaced. Kumar has claimed he has been targeted.

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As the Rajya Sabha approved four GST-supporting bills today, the House saw rare consensus between the government and the Congress, as a result of which the main opposition party did not press amendments, citing Manmohan Singh's advice.

While Congress members Jairam Ramesh and Vivek Tankha did not press their amendments, their party colleague Subbarami Reddy was absent altogether from the House even though he had proposed amendments to a number of clauses.

It was Ramesh who then spilled the beans.

"Yesterday the former Prime Minister (Singh) advised me not the move the amendment because it will be disturb the fine consensus that has been arrived in the GST Council. It is the former PM who told me that don't do this because it will send a wrong signal for a new federal framework," Ramesh said.

"In deference to what the former PM said, in spite of the former PM being at the receiving end of the jibes of his successor including rain coat and what not, I think in view of the statesman-like approach that the former PM Manmohan Singh has advised me not to move this amendment," he added.

The ruling NDA is in a minority with only 74 seats in the 245-member House.

Ramesh said he was not moving this amendment at all in keeping with the spirit of consensus, to maintain the federal framework and to give respect to the GST council.

Later, while not moving another amendment, Ramesh reiterated that it was the former prime minister who asked him not seek amendments in the matter.

"It was Dr Manmohan Singh who advised me not to move it. I am just trying to highlight the difference between the former Prime Minister who is a statesman and the present Prime Minister who is a politician," Ramesh said.

While Congress members did not move their amendments, their counterparts from the Trinamool Congress and the Left pressed their amendments, and Division of votes was sought on two amendments.

After the passage of the bills, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley went up to Congress benches and shook hands with Manmohan Singh and other Congress leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad to thank them.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien also congratulated all members of the House for the "excellent debate" on the important legislation.

Earlier, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, while moving his amendment and seeking a division, said all matters related to GST should pass through the Parliament.

Jaitley asked O'Brien not to press for the division, saying if Parliament changes the tax rates approved by the GST Council, then state assemblies will also make changes.

"The moment we set this practice, we can forget GST...Let us not unilaterally upset the federal arrangement..It will become difficult to implement," Jaitley said but O'Brien did not relent.

The amendment was, however, negated overwhelmingly, with 113 voting against it and only 9 voting in favour. There were 9 abstentions.

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A developer is planning a new car wash on South Broad Street, but planners say it is set back too far.

The staff of the Regional Planning Agency has recommended denial of rezoning for the project at 3100 Broad by Mike Moon.

It goes before the Planning Commission on Monday at 1 p.m. at the County Courthouse.

Applicant is requesting a deviation of 25 feet from the current maximum front yard setback of 15 feet providing a total of 40 feet for the front yard setback to develop the site with a drive-through car wash.

It would have an entrance and exit on South Broad Street with two curb cuts and include a one-story building with 110-foot car wash. A parking lot is planned on the northern half of the site.

The 0.66-acre undeveloped site is located on the east side of the South Broad Street and West 31st Street intersection.

To the north is a large predominately undeveloped parcel. To the west and south are commercial developments.

The site is currently zoned UGC Urban General Commercial Zone. It was rezoned from M-1 Manufacturing Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone in 2015 as part of a zoning study for the South Broad Area. The properties to the north, west, and south are zoned Urban General Commercial Zone. The property to the east is zoned M-1 Manufacturing Zone.

The RPA said the South Broad Redevelopment Plan (adopted by City Council in 2003) recommends commercial uses at this site. "The Plan does continue to describe the desire for urban development patterns and the priority for pedestrian friendly development. The South Broad Redevelopment Plan led to the creation of the UGC Urban General Commercial Zone in 2007 as there was a need, 'WHEREAS, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission has determined that there is a need to allow development to take a more traditional urban form; WHEREAS, urban standards can help ensure that the site and character of new development complements the existing urban fabric.'"

Officials said the 2007 South Broad Zoning Study studied and rezoned a section of South Broad Street north of the Creek to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone. The study described a desire for a more traditional and incremental development type along South Broad Street. This Study was expanded in 2015 to study and rezone the portion of the South Broad Area south of the Creek. ? Deviations to the UGC Urban General Commercial are reviewed by Planning Commission. Planning Commission will review requests based on three criteria:

1. The applicant presents an alternative that complies with the stated intent, goals and general standards of the Zone.

2. The deviation from the standards is consistent with adopted plans and principles for the area.

3. The physical conditions of the property, such as steep slopes, drainage, easements, or small, irregular lot shape make compliance to specific requirements impossible.

Developer Moon said the project "presents an alternative that complies with the stated intent, goals and general standards of the Zone. The parcel is currently vacant, but it has three curb cuts from its former use as a service station. The three curb cuts totaled together are approximately 107 feet of the 125 foot of road frontage. Our project would reduce the amount of linear footage of curb cuts from 107 foot to 36 foot, and reduce the number of cuts from three to two.

"We would be replacing the old vehicular entrances with a proper sidewalk. Landscaping and street trees along the sidewalk will turn what is currently an unappealing area of broken concrete into a more pedestrian friendly and aesthetically pleasing section of Broad Street. The deviation from the standards is consistent with adopted plans and principles for the area. The request from the 15 foot maximum front setback to 40 feet is consistent with other buildings currently in the area along Broad Street - particularly auto oriented uses. The Wendy's on the property to the west of this parcel has a setback of approximately 36 feet. The ice machine on the parcel to the east has an approximate setback of four foot. Other newer properties like Krystal have a setback of almost 80 feet. The physical conditions of the property, such as steep slopes, drainage, easements, or small, irregular lot shape make compliance to specific requirements impossible. The lot size makes it impossible to comply with the specific requirements of the UGC zone. In general it is difficult to comply with the requirements of the UGC zone for auto oriented and car wash uses allowed by the zone.

RPA staff said the stated intent of the zone is "to promote traditional urban development with multi-story buildings built close to the sidewalk and a mix of uses within each site and within individual buildings. Such urban places are intended to provide a concentration of goods and services that attract commerce  all within a walkable environment. As supported in the Comprehensive Plan, the Urban General Commercial Zone is also intended to promote higher density development that supports transit and multi-modal transportation including automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The intent is to reduce the need for parking as these urban areas are generally serviced by a well-connected street grid and transit system. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities also play an important role in reducing parking needs by reducing the number of vehicular trips. Parking reductions may also be used in conjunction with all shared parking options to further reduce the number of spaced required.

"For the purposes of the UGC Urban General Commercial Zone, it is intended that use of existing buildings be considered 'redevelopment' and if a conflict occurs with standards for height, setback, and building footprint square footage, proposed redevelopment shall be considered legal, non-conforming when proposed changes meet the urban character intent as stated in While the applicant did reduce the number of curb cuts from three to two, the large proposed setback (40 ft) combined with two curb-cuts is not consistent with the zones intention of traditional urban development.

"While staff acknowledges that the proposed setback is consistent with the adjacent Wendys property, this property was developed prior to the adoption of the UGC zone which promotes buildings closer to the street and minimized curb cuts. ? The proposal is not supported by the recommendations of the adopted Land Use Plan which calls for new construction to be built in a traditional urban pattern with pedestrian-oriented businesses and buildings directly fronting the sidewalk. The Plan states that 'One of the most critical elements for transforming the South Broad corridor into a pedestrian friendly, viable commercial destination is building setbacks. Changing building placement to the sidewalk along South Broad is a long-term change that requires incremental implementation with each new development.'

"The South Broad Redevelopment Plan further states: 'Any new development in this node should be sited with the buildings directly fronting the sidewalk and street, with parking lots and other mechanical services located to the rear. This zero setback repeats the pattern already established by the Southern Saddlery buildings and creates a much more interesting street edge.' Buildings can be setback from the street and maintain a pedestrian, walkable environment when the space between the building and street is animated with a plaza/park; in this case a significant portion of the front yard is occupied by vehicular drives. This is more conducive to a suburban development pattern and is not consistent with the adopted plan policy.

"The property does not have any environmental, topographic, or irregularity in lot shape which causes a hardship. The hardship described is self-imposed as other lots in the area could allow for such a development in the same zone without deviations.

"The proposal would set a precedent for future requests by ignoring the incremental development desired by the zoning study and Plan.

"The intended desire from the 2015 Zoning Study and the intention of the UGC Urban General Commercial Zone is to encourage new development to meet a higher design and quality rather than mimicking older existing development."
The Reserve Bank today allowed banks to invest in Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), a move that will help revive the cash-starved infrastructure sector.

Banks are allowed to invest in equity-linked mutual funds, venture capital funds (VCFs) and equities to the extent of 20 per cent of their Net Owned Fund (NOF).

"It is proposed to allow banks to invest in REITs and InvITs within this umbrella limit. Detailed guidelines will be issued by May-end 2017," the RBI said in its first bi-monthly monetary policy for 2017-18.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has put in place regulations for REITs and InvITs and requested the RBI to allow banks to participate in these schemes.

The policy also lays down other important developmental policies such as expanding investor base in REITs, which will help expand and deepen domestic financial markets, ICICI Bank MD Chanda Kochhar said.

Assocham President Sandeep Jajodia said this will give a boost to the sector which has been witnessing tough times in the past few years and the decision "really augurs well" for the real estate sector.

Bank of India MD Melwyn Rego felt that permitting banks to invest in REITs and InvITs is positive for the real estate and infrastructure sector as well as banks.

"Overall, the policy is well balanced with new supportive measures on asset reconstruction companies (ARCs). Banks' participation under REITs and InvITs is expected to give more investment avenues to the financial industry," said Dena Bank Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Kumar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Welcoming the RBI's decision to allow banks to invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), realty sector experts said this move will give the much-needed boost to the industry by brining in liquidity.

Banks are allowed to invest in equity-linked mutual funds, venture capital funds (VCFs) and equities to the extent of 20 per cent of their Net Owned Fund (NOF).

"This is a landmark decision. It will allow greater institutional participation in the real estate sector. Banks will now have route to investment into real estate, in turn helping the liquidity within the sector," Cushman & Wakefield Managing Director India Anshul Jain said.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has put in place regulations for REITs and InvITs and requested the RBI to allow banks to participate in these schemes.

"This move has shown the faith RBI and SEBI has in real estate investment foreseeing positive and secured return in mid to long term on account of steady economic growth. So it can be viewed as a sign of maturity and a step towards institutionalisation of real estate in India," he added.

Naredco Chairman and DLF CEO Rajeev Talwar said, "this step now has the potential to usher-in large number of REITs' listing in India by offering a safe asset class to invest in and also provide competition to foreign institutions. For banks it offers an additional important asset class for investing."



He noted that for commercial real estate companies, once REITs pick up, it will bring liquidity, and free up capital that will help lower overall costs.

"We now look forward to detailed norms and guidelines for banks' investment in REITs by May end," Talwar added.

FICCI President Pankaj Patel said the decision is encouraging and should offer a good source of liquidity for the real estate companies.

"We look forward to the detailed guidelines on this subject by the RBI as well as further instructions and final guidelines with regard to merchant discount rate for debit card transactions," Patel added.

Assocham President Sandeep Jajodia said this would give a boost to the sector which has been witnessing tough times in the last few years.

Realty developer Surendra Hiranandani, Chairman and MD of House of Hiranandani said with the banks investing in the trusts, there will be higher liquidity in the system, which will help the cost of capital for developers in the commercial segment to come down in the future.

He said the decision to hike reverse repo rate by 25 bps to 6 per cent will control the liquidity surplus in the system.

Angel Broking's Senior Equity Research Analyst-Banking Siddharth Purohit said, "though further clarity is sought on the mechanism in which this shall be adopted, it can still be sentimentally positive for listed realty and infrastructure players.

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Realty stocks were in limelight today, rising up to 4.5 per cent, after the Reserve Bank allowed banks to invest in Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).

Shares of DLF surged 4.48 per cent, Unitech by 3.25 per cent and Prestige Estates by 1.92 per cent on BSE. Godrej Properties (1.88 per cent) and Oberoi Realty (1.79 per cent) also advanced.

The BSE realty index rose by 2 per cent to close the day at 1,704.64 points.

"The RBI's decision to allow banks to invest in REITs and InvITs will bring sanctity to these instruments from a retail investors perspective and the latter will find the confidence to invest in such trust in sync with mutual funds as an investment class.

Apart from banks participation seen by retail investors as a safe due diligence for investment in such trusts, these instruments in turn will revive the beleaguered real estate and infrastructure companies and provide much needed relief to the commercial real estate sector that is facing liquidity crunch and delay in completion of existing projects," said Kamlesh Shroff, spokesperson of BSE Brokers Forum.

Moreover, InvITS will also bring in retail investor and offer them the opportunity to earn regular returns as is the case with corporate bonds and fixed deposits with the added possibility of an upside on equity (capital gains), unlike tax deducted at source in case of fixed deposits and bonds, Shroff added.

Banks are allowed to invest in equity-linked mutual funds, venture capital funds (VCFs) and equities to the extent of 20 per cent of their Net Owned Fund (NOF).

"It is proposed to allow banks to invest in REITs and InvITs within this umbrella limit. Detailed guidelines will be issued by May-end 2017," the RBI said in its first bi-monthly monetary policy for 2017-18.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mining giant Rio Tinto today said it is deeply committed to India and it sees a lot of potential in the country.

Rio Tinto in February announced its exit from Rs 2,200-crore diamond mining project in Madhya Pradesh and handed over its ownership to the state government.

"As a company, we are deeply committed to India. We have been here in India for many years and we see a lot of potential," Rio Tinto India Managing Director S Vijay Iyer said, adding that "India is a key piece of our operating and technology and innovation."



He was speaking at Global Natural Resources Conclave here.

"We are also working with technology partners to take our mining data and work with it in different ways...So all this is happening in India. And as this is happening in other places as well," he added.

In August last year, Rio Tinto had announced that it would not proceed with the development of Bunder due to commercial considerations and would be seeking to close all project infrastructure.

Under a Madhya Pradesh government order signed in January 2017, the government would accept ownership and take on responsibility for the Bunder assets, it had said.

The inventory of assets and associated infrastructure which was handed over to the government comprised all land, plant, equipment and vehicles at the Bunder project site.

The inventory also included diamond samples recovered during exploration.

"Our exit from Bunder is the latest example of Rio Tinto streamlining its asset portfolio. It simplifies our business, allowing us to focus on our world-class assets," Rio Tinto Copper and Diamonds chief executive Arnaud Soirat had earlier said.

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The Kremlin says differences with Washington over the use of chemical weapons in Syria are unlikely to worsen US-Russia relations.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned the West today against rushing to blame Syrian President Bashar Assad for the attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in northern Syria.

He saysthe West lacks objective evidence against Assad, and materials presented by Syrian activist White Helmets first-responder team cannot serve as a proof.

Peskov says that Russia believes "that the use of chemical weapons is absolutely inadmissible." He added that the Syrian army must act to "prevent any chemical agents that can be used as weapons from falling into the terrorists' hands."



The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that residents of Khan Sheikhoun have been exposed to chemicals contained in rebels' chemical arsenal struck in a Syrian air raid.

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The Supreme Court has asked the DGP of Uttar Pradesh to look into the issue of providing security for construction of Eastern Peripheral Expressway as the work in 41-km patch in Gautam Budh Nagar district has been forcibly stopped by farmers.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta was informed that farmers and local villagers have forcibly prevented construction work in the stretch from December 25 last year and no steps were taken by the police despite the request to provide protection at the site.

"As far as construction of Eastern Peripheral Expressway in the state of UP is concerned, it appears that farmers/local villagers have forcibly prevented the construction work in the entire 41 km patch in district Gautam Budh Nagar from the evening of December 25, 2016," the court noted in its order.

"We request the director general of police, UP to look into the matter, particularly in terms of the order dated March 31, 2016....," it said and posted the matter for hearing to April 25.

The 135-km long expressway envisages providing signal-free connectivity between Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gautam Budh Nagar (Greater Noida) and Palwal.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also told the bench that possession of entire land for the project, except two kilometres in Sonipat district, has been handed over by the Haryana government.

"We expect the Government of Haryana to render all assistance so that the possession of this stretch of land is handed over to the NHAI," the bench said.

Regarding the 135-km long Western Peripheral Expressway, which connects Kundli to Palwal via Manesar in Haryana, the court was told that the stretch from Palwal to Manesar is ready while the portion from Manesar to Kundli is still under construction.

The court was also informed that so far as the construction is concerned, it is the responsibility of concessionaire.

The judges noted that though there was no financial liability on any of the state governments or the Government of Delhi, "there is some liability with regard to cost of land acquisition".

"The total amount has not been specifically mentioned in the status report on behalf of the monitoring committee. For clarity, we would like to have the exact amount due from each of the governments of Haryana, Delhi and UP. The amount be indicated by way of an affidavit," they said.

The court, which has been hearing a 1985 PIL filed by environmentalist M C Mehta on issues including vehicular pollution, had asked the Centre in 2005 to build a peripheral expressway around Delhi by July 2016 to decongest and de-pollute the national capital.

The two expressways - each around 135-km long - were planned in 2006 following the Supreme Court order to form a ring road outside Delhi for channeling non-Delhi bound traffic bypassing the national capital.

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Benchmark Sensex retreated from its record high to end 47 points lower at 29,927.34 today after the Reserve Bank left the key policy rate unchanged.

The 30-share index stayed in the red zone throughout the session, shuttling between 29,954.25 and 29,817.59, before finishing at 29,927.34, down 46.90 points, or 0.16 per cent.

The wider Nifty hit a low of 9,218.85 before recovering partially to settle at 9,261.95, still down 3.20 points or 0.03 per cent. It had touched a high of 9,267.95 and a low of 9,218.85 intra-day.

The Reserve Bank today left the repo rate unchanged at 6.25 per cent. However, it hiked the reverse repo, or the rate it pays lenders, by 0.25 per cent to 6 per cent, thus narrowing the policy corridor.

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Shia LaBeouf's "Man Down" has flopped in the UK during its limited theatrical debut after it reportedly only sold one ticket, raking in 7 pounds when it opened at a cinema in Burnley over the weekend.

The movie revolves around a soldier searching for his estranged son and battling PTSD after his return from Afghanistan.

Directed by Dito Montile, it's also supported by the likes of Gary Oldman, Jai Courtney and Kate Mara, reported Ace Showbiz.

The film premiered at 2016 Venice Film Festival before playing at the Toronto International Film Festival and heading to US theatres in December.

It fared much better in the US, collecting an estimated USD 454,490. It's now available for video on demand and will be released on DVD and Blu-ray next month.

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A belligerent Shiv Sena today held out the threat of disrupting Air India's operations in Maharashtra and boycotting an NDA meet while its MPs forced repeated adjournment of the Lok Sabha over its demand for revocation of the flying ban on its MP Ravindra Gaikwad.

Gaikwad, who attended the proceedings for the first time since the incident when he assaulted an Air India employee and boastfully claimed on national TV about having hit him with slippers 25 times, played a victim, insisting he had only retaliated against provocation.

As the ruling NDA ally made an all-out attempt to get the ban lifted, a string of meetings followed to break the impasse, with first signs of a possible resolution emerging when Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured the House that discussions will be held with the stakeholders to find an "amicable solution" at the earliest.

The day started with combative Shiv Sena MPs creating an uproar in the Lok Sabha where they surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju after the latter refused to concede their demand for lifting the ban.

The House watched in shock as Sena MPs banged Raju's bench in unbridled fury and refused to allow him to leave. Among those who joined in creating the ruckus was the lone Sena minister in the union cabinet Anant Geete.

Rajnath Singh had to intervene to placate the agitated Sena members and usher Raju out.

"Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised," Raju had earlier said, while responding to the Shiv Sena's demand. His response left the Sena MPs fuming.

Before Raju spoke, Geete too joined his colleagues in condemning the action against Gaikwad and appeared to be taking a dig at the government when he said it is a people's government but the "one-sided decision" was "shameful and tragic".

Gaikwad, the MP from Maharashtra's Osmanabad, read out a statement in the House which was a mix of defiance and an attempt at reconciliation. However, all the while he played the victim card as he sought "justice" for himself.

Having repeatedly bragged about how he beat up the elderly Air India staffer R Sukumar, attempted to throw him off the stationary aircraft on landing at Delhi airport and held up the plane for an hour, Gaikwad today claimed he had only pushed him, that too after being provoked.

The Sena MP claimed that an official, when asked about his identity, told him that he was "Air India ka baap" (Air India's father) and taunted him by asking "are you Narendra Modi", when he said he was a Lok Sabha MP.

Gaikwad claimed he just pushed the official only after he was pushed around.

Air India's charge that he fought with its officials over a seat was "wrong", he said, adding that airline officials got angry with him when he demanded a complaint book. He also lashed out at Air India and other airlines for barring him from flying.

Many members were seen smiling when he said he has been a teacher and humility is his nature.

He said he had the video clippings of the incident which "will prove my case." Gaikwad also cited the comments of an Air India air hostess, claiming she had blamed the airline official for the incident.

Gaikwad struck a somewhat conciliatory note when he tendered an apology to Parliament but insisted he owed no apology to the airline officials.

Soon after, Shiv Sena leaders held a press conference where they declared the party would not attend a proposed meeting of the ruling NDA on April 10 if the ban was not lifted by then.

"If seperatists, rapists and terrorists are allowed to travel on flights then why not an MP. There are so many MPs, who are involved in agitation. Are you (the airlines) going to impose a travel ban on them as well?



"We will not attend the NDA meeting on April 10 if the travel ban on Gaikwad is not revoked," Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said. Seeking to add more weight to the threat, he told journalists it is an "instruction from party chief Uddhav Thackeray".

Raut denounced registration of an FIR against Gaikwad under section 308 of IPC related to attempt to murder. "He should have been booked for assaulting (the Air India Officer) with a chappal. Instead, he has been booked for attempt to murder," Raut said.

After the reported threat by Shiv Sena to stall Air India's operations at Mumbai and Pune airports, the national carrier said it was stepping up the security of its staff there.

"We are enhancing security of our staff deployed at Mumbai and Pune Airport in the wake of threat to ground flight operations at these aerodromes," an Air India source said. Some Air India employees' unions in Mumbai and Pune are affiliated to Shiv Sena's trade union Bharatiya Kamgar Sangh.

Amid tough posturing by Shiv Sena and following Rajnath Singh's assurance about efforts to find an amicable solution to the imbroglio, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan held a meeting with MPs of Shiv Sena and TDP, to which Raju belongs. The Sena and TDP MPs also held talks after their meeting with Mahajan, who too pitched for the matter to be resolved amicably.

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The long-pending pact on Teesta water sharing is unlikely to be inked during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's India visit, beginning for Thursday, which will see signing of at least 25 agreements including in key areas of civil nuclear cooperation and defence.

During her four-day visit, which comes after a gap of seven years, Hasina will hold wide-ranging talks with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday during which India is also set to announce a line of credit of $500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies.

It is learnt that the central government will not go ahead with the agreement on Teesta without taking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on board. Banerjee has been opposing it stridently citing water crisis in West Bengal.

"It will be a visit without water," described an official in the know of things.

The framework agreement on civil nuclear energy will provide for extensive cooperation in the sector including setting up of nuclear reactors in Bangladesh by India.

"It will be a very very special visit. We hope the visit will take the ties between the two countries to new level," Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary in the Bangladesh- Myanmar division of External Affairs Ministry, told reporters.

Issues like combating terrorism, containing radicalism and enhancing security cooperation between the two countries are likely to figure prominently besides stalemate over the during talks between Modi and Hasina.

The West Bengal Chief Minister has accepted an invitation by the government to attend the launch of some projects between the two countries as well a lunch to be hosted in honour of Hasina by Modi. The issue of Teesta is likely to figure during Banerjee's interaction with Hasina.

"Teesta agreement remains a work in progress... We have not reached a closure on it," said Ranganathan.

The Teesta deal was set to be signed during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh in September 2011, but was postponed at the last minute due to objections by Banerjee.

Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh, especially in the leanest period from December to March, when the water flow often temporarily comes down to less than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs.

It will be Hasina's first bilateral visit to India in her current term as prime minister. She will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The two prime ministers will launch a bus and a train service between Kolkata and Khulna.

The two sides are likely to also finalise an agreement on long-term supply of diesel to Bangladesh from India besides holding preliminary talks on linking India's gas grid with that of Bangladesh.

On the agreements, Ranganathan said another pact on formalising regular defence engagements will also be signed.

To boost trade, the two sides are likely to announce setting up of another set of trade facilitation huts along the borders in the Northeastern region.

A raft of other announcements on boosting cooperation in areas of trade investment, transport and energy are expected during the visit.

Hasina will visit Ajmer on Sunday and will meet Indian business leaders on Monday.
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Three men accused arrested in connection with the death of a Muslim man who was beaten up by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar district were sent to a day's police custody by a court today.

We had produced the accused including Vipin Yadav (19), Ravindra Yadav (30) of Behror and Kalu Ram (44) of Ratanpura at a local court from which has sent them on a day's police remand, Alwar SP Rahul Prakash told PTI.

He said that other teams have been sent on a hunt for the other accused.

All the three arrested persons have been booked under IPC section 302 which relates to murder and apart from sections 143, 323, 341,308,427 and 379 which relate to other offences.

The three arrested men were identified from video footage and are among the prime accused in the case, police said.

Last Saturday, Pehlu Khan (55) and four others including his two sons were beaten brutally by villagers over suspicion that they were smuggling cows.

As many as 16 people were illegally transporting 36 bovine animals in six pick up vans.

They were on their way towards Haryana from Jaipur when the vigilantes stopped two of the vehicles in Behror on Jaipur-Delhi national highway.

On Monday, Khan died while undergoing treatment.

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Three students drowned while two others are feared washed away in the Bay of Bengal near NTR beach at Kakinada town in East Godavari district today, police said.

In all eight students went for a swim at the beach when five of them accidentally got washed away, according to police.

Three bodies were fished out later while search is on for rest two.

Three students apparently swam to safety.

The deceased hailed from Kapula Palem near Yanam.

Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa has expressed grief over the incident.

He spoke to East Godavari district Superintendent of Police over phone and enquired about the incident.

China Rajappa directed the police to step up the rescue operation by deploying special teams.

District SP Ravi Prakash visited the mishap scene and supervised the rescue operation.

Bodies of the victims have been taken to government general hospital for postmortem.

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Hollywood star Jessica Chastain has thanked Tom Cruise for changing the course of her career, after he helped her to secure a role in "Zero Dark Thirty".

The 40-year-old flame-haired actress has revealed she owes her role in the political action-thriller to Cruise, who used his considerable influence to help Chastain star in the hit movie about the real-life search for Osama bin Laden, rather than his own film "Oblivion", reported Contactmusic.

"I got cold-called by (director) Kathryn Bigelow. I was in Toronto, and I had heard from (producer) Megan Ellison. We had done a film, 'Lawless', together," she says.

"And she said, 'By the way, do you know Kathryn Bigelow's trying to get a hold of you? She wants to meet with you on something.' And I was like, 'What? Please give her my number'.

"I was signed to do another movie (at the time). I was contractually obligated to do something else that I was really wanting to do, and I was excited to do. But when this came my way, I realised I had to do this.

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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today announced that trauma centres would be set up on highways after every 60 km to provide immediate medical-aid to accident victims.

"Haryana will be the first state to have trauma centres on highways after every 60 km. Presently, seven trauma centres are functional in the state and it has been proposed that 12 new centres will be set up," he said at a meeting here to review the Chief Minister's announcements for Panipat and Yamunanagar districts.

The meeting was attended by MLAs from the districts and deputy commissioners concerned among others, an official release said.

Besides, Khattar said super-speciality poly clinics would be set up in all districts to provide better preventive and curative health care to livestock in the state.

He reviewed announcements made for all assembly constituencies -- Panipat Rural, Panipat City, Israna and Samalkha-- in Panipat district and the assembly constituencies -- Sadhaura, Jagadhari, Yamunanagar and Radaur-- in Yamunanagar district.

Khattar asked the MLAs to coordinate with the respective deputy commissioners to expedite the work on the "CM's announcements" in their respective areas.

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A Tunisian court handed a British DJ a one year jail term in absentia today after he played a remixed recording of the Muslim call to prayer, a judicial source said.

Dax J, who left Tunisia after last weekend's set in the northeastern town of Hammamet, was sentenced to "six months for public indecency and six months for offending public morality", said Ylyes Miladi, a spokesman of a court in the nearby town of Grombalia.

The court dismissed charges against the nightclub owner and an organiser behind the event in the coastal resort, but the prosecution has appealed saying the two should have checked what the DJ would be playing, he added.

A video of the alleged incident shared widely online since Sunday shows clubbers dancing to music that includes the call to prayer. It sparked a storm of debate on social media.

On Monday, authorities announced they had closed the nightclub.

The DJ has issued an apology, as have the organisers of the event.

Tunisia's religious affairs ministry has said: "Mocking the opinions and religious principles of Tunisians is absolutely unacceptable.

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North Korea is now a "strategic liability for China" and could disrupt the stability in the region, the White House has said after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan.

The remarks come ahead of the crucial meeting between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago in Florida this week. North Korea would be a prominent topic in the meeting.

"It is now quite clearly a strategic liability, and it is one that is having an impact on the region. It is one that has the potential to destabilise not only the peninsula but really the region as a whole," Matt Pottinger, Senior Director for Asia at the National Security Council at the White House told reporters at a conference yesterday.

"In terms of an area of co-operation, of course we would like to see China working closely with the United States to address the menace emanating from North Korea - their weapons programs, the provocations that we're seeing every week; missile launches, including one that we just had not too many hours ago," he said.

"I think it's in Beijing's interest. I think that North Korea long ago ceased to be a strategic asset for China," he added.

The conference was also addressed by Susan Thornton, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, who said that the time to hold talks with North Korea is over.

"Strategic patience has run out. This problem has really become very urgent, and it is, destabilising to the entire region and actually further than the region now, reaches across the globe with the progress that North Korea is making in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile," she said.

The feeling on American side is that this problem has really become urgent, she added.

"So that the US would not only be talking with the Chinese on this issues, but also the US Ambassador to the UN has convened a ministerial meeting in New York later this month to talk and galvanise a lot more support from our other partners and allies around the world," Thornton said.

The meeting would be chaired by by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and would chart a way forward in a very urgent way, she said.

"Because we feel that this problem has now crossed a certain line and we can no longer hope for some kind of reversion to negotiations. We need to do something proactive to change the situation and get some results, and we hope that the Chinese are going to be involved in that," she said.

"We'll certainly be talking to them about that in the next couple of days. We think they have a lot to contribute, and so we'll see where we get on that," the White House official said.

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Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir feels that young chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav should be protected from all the spotlight allowing him to hone the rare skill that he has been blessed with.

Kuldeep has been in focus since his game changing four-wicket haul ion debut against Australia in Dharamsala, last month.

"We should not talk about Kuldeep a lot. He should be left alone to hone his skills. We are not going to put too much pressure on him as we have other bowlers who can take that pressure. Let him enjoy his game. We want him to bowl freely. He is one of our attacking options. He will be a matchwinner for us," Gambhir said.

However the former India opener is a bit worried that in-form Umesh Yadav is being rested because of hip injury.

"Umesh, we thought if he could start it would have been a big advantage, but it gives others an opportunity. We have got a pretty good bowling attack, so hopefully the guys can deliver," Gambhir seemed confident.

Gambhir clarified Umesh's case is more about workload of bowling 355 plus over rather than fitness.

"Look at the moment, I can say that he is available. There is just that workload issue and no fitness issue. He is going to be available for the third game which is going to be good for us," he explained.

Gambir is happy with the Rajkot track.

"The wicket is good and high scoring. It won't spin a lot and we expected that. The opposition won't give us a spinning wicket," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 28-year-old married woman was allegedly raped by two persons near a sugar mill at Mori gate here, police said today.

The victim, who works as a domestic help, had yesterday left home for work at Mori gate when she was stopped and abducted by two motorcycle-borne persons who took her to a room near the mill.

After committing the crime the accused fled the spot, threatening the victim with dire consequences if she revealed the incident to anyone, police said.

She was taken to hospital where her medical examination confirmed rape, police said.

A case has been registered and police have launched a hunt to the arrest the accused.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Yemeni tribal and security officials say a suspected US airstrike has killed three al-Qaida operatives, including the brother of the Yemeni affiliate's late leader.

They say today's airstrike in the southern province of Bayda killed Khattab al-Wuhayshi, the brother of Nasir al-Wuhayshi, who was killed in a US drone strike nearly two years ago.

Nasir al-Wuhayshi was succeeded by Qasim al-Rimi, who currently leads the group, known as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. The group has attempted to attack the US homeland on a number of occasions, and Washington has long considered it the most dangerous offshoot of the global terror network.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared reprisals.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sheriff Eric Watson announces this Saturday, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. the Bradley County Sheriffs Office will host the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day at the Bradley County Justice Center located at 2290 Blythe Ave. Residents from the community will have the opportunity to dispose of unwanted toxins around their houses.

Sheriff Watson said, Its extremely important that residents educate themselves on properly disposing household items that could later contaminate our environment. Our agency urges residents to take advantage of this event to keep our community a sanitary place to live. We are proud to partner with Santek Waste Services every year to promote proper disposal in order to eliminate the potential of harm for our community.

Items that are deemed medical/biological, explosives/ammunitions, radioactive, business/institutional waste, and empty chemical tanks will not be accepted. Acceptable items must be properly packaged and placed in cardboard boxes or plastic containers before drop-offno exceptions. The complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items can be viewed on the facebook page at Bradley County Sheriffs Office. Residents should be aware that used oils, anti-freeze, and lead acid batteries are recycled free of charge at the Bradley County Landfill. This service is available all year round.



Last years events were successful yielding hundreds of residents attending to safely dispose of household items. This years event sponsors are Bradley County Sheriffs Office, Santek Waste Service, LLC., Bradley County Government, Cleveland/Bradley Keep America Beautiful, and Cleveland Utilities.



Anybody needing information regarding this event should contact Lt. Tim Mason in the Public Safety Unit at 423-728-7315 or tmasson@bradleycountytn.gov.


LONDON/KUWAIT (Reuters) - Fahad al-Rajaan, the former head of Kuwait's social security fund convicted in his home country of corruption and embezzling public money, has been arrested on behalf of the Kuwaiti authorities, London police said on Thursday.

Last year, al-Rajaan was sentenced to a 10-year prison term in absentia and an international arrest warrant was issued.

"Fahad Al-Rajaan, 68, a Kuwaiti national, appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, April 5, after being arrested on behalf of the authorities in Kuwait, where he is wanted in connection with allegations of fraud and theft," London police said in a statement.

The Westminster court handles extradition cases and Kuwait's attorney general Dherar al-Assousi told al-Qabas and al-Jarida newspapers that Britain had agreed to a Kuwaiti government request to extradite al-Rajaan.

"He was arrested and he will be extradited once the procedures are completed," al-Assoussi told al-Qabas.

Al-Rajaan faced accusations including embezzlement of public funds, betrayal of public trust and money laundering relating to when he was the head of Kuwait's Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS).

Al-Assousi said a Swiss judge had ordered in December 2014 that $100 million in 15 bank accounts belonging to al-Rajaan be frozen, out of $390 million suspected to have been embezzled.

Kuwait's government has signed an extradition treaty with the United Kingdom but the parliaments of both countries have yet to ratify it.

"The extradition of al-Rajaan will be based on a special agreement signed between Kuwait and Britain, and his arrest warrant there was kept secret so he wouldn't leave the country, and so we succeeded," al-Assoussi said.

(Reporting by Ahmed Hagagy and Michael Holden; Editing by Andrew Bolton)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a $2 billion deal with India to supply it with air and naval defence systems, a company official said on Thursday.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Henning Gloystein

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Thursday as record U.S. crude inventories underscored that markets remain bloated, although traders said there were signs that other regions were gradually tightening.

Brent crude futures were at $54.20 per barrel at 0708 GMT, down 16 cents, or 0.28 percent, from their last close.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down 18 cents, or 0.35 percent, at $50.97 a barrel.

Traders said the declines were due to rising U.S. crude production that bolstered inventories to record levels.

U.S. fuel inventories and oil production levels are key to whether the United States remains the world's biggest oil importer, helping to support prices, or if soaring output and large stocks cut imports, which would weigh on oil markets.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported an increase of 1.57 million barrels in crude inventories late on Wednesday, bringing total U.S. stocks to a record of 535.5 million barrels.

"Overnight crude inventory numbers pulled the rug out from under the feet of the oil rally," said Jeffrey Halley, senior analyst at futures brokerage OANDA.

The record crude inventories came as U.S. oil production rose 52,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 9.2 million bpd, a more than 9 percent increase since mid-2016 to levels last seen at the start of the market slump in late 2014 and early 2015.

Within the U.S. crude inventories, stocks at Cushing, the delivery hub for WTI, rose 1.4 million barrels to a record 69.1 million barrels. Rising stocks at Cushing, in Oklahoma, typically tend to depress the price of the U.S. benchmark.

Cushing crude tank farms have a total storage capacity of 77 million barrels, said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

Because of the glut, U.S. crude exports have soared to a record 1.1 million bpd, with most cargoes going to Asia, where traders say there are early signs of a tightening market due to efforts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut output in an effort to prop up prices.

"The global picture is more important (than just the U.S.) and stocks are being drawn," said Oystein Berentsen, managing director at oil trading company Strong Petroleum in Singapore.

In the short-term, he said, a lot of oil was being sold out of storage around the world, adding to the imminent glut.

But Berentsen warned that once a significant amount of crude had been sold out of inventories, "then you get the full effect (of tighter supplies)."

(Reporting by Henning Gloystein; Editing by Richard Pullin and Christian Schmollinger)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SoftBank-backed digital wallet Freecharge, which is owned by Snapdeal, is up for sale for as low as $150-200 million, a media report said.

According to a report in the Economic Times, the Alibaba-owned Paytm is one of the frontrunners to buy Freecharge if both parties agree to the terms.



SoftBank's priority at the moment is to sort out the shareholder discord at Snapdeal and get a toehold in Flipkart, after which it will finalise the sale of Freecharge, the report quoted anonymous sources as saying.

Japanese investor SoftBank is believed to be re-working its plan for sale of e-commerce platform Snapdeal and a final decision is likely to be made in the next few weeks.

According to sources, a consensus could not be reached for the sale proposal at Tuesday's board meeting of Snapdeal, where Softbank has a significant stake and board representation, but the Japanese major is continuing to work on getting support of other directors.

An announcement on the same is likely to be made in the next 4-8 weeks, they added.

Speculations are rife that the country's third-largest online shopping platform Snapdeal could be sold to larger rival and market leader Flipkart.

Interestingly, Paytm's name has also come up as a potential buyer. Alibaba, which is a prominent shareholder in Paytm, is also a shareholder in Snapdeal.

Snapdeal and SoftBank declined to comment on the matter. The deal, if completed, would mark the biggest acquisition in the Indian e-commerce space and change the landscape of the sector that is witnessing intense competition among players.

Snapdeal's seven-member board includes representation from investors SoftBank, Kalaari Capital and Nexus Venture Partners, as well as co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal.

The board of Jasper Infotech -- that operates Snapdeal -- met yesterday to brainstorm on the broad contours of a possible deal.

Sources said one of the hurdles is valuation, as Kalaari Capital and Nexus Venture Partners have not agreed with the valuation given by Snapdeal's largest shareholder SoftBank.

The cash-strapped firm over the last few months has had to trim its workforce significantly and shut down non-core businesses.

Snapdeal was valued at $6.5 billion in its last funding round in February 2016.

The valuation has also shrunk since then and the potential deal could be struck at a discounted rate, the sources said.

They added that yesterday's board meeting saw some progress in terms of a broad agreement emerging on the sale.

Indian e-commerce companies have seen funding dry up over the last few months as investors are focussing extensively on profitability and rationalisation of expenses.

With intense competition from deep-pocketed global rivals like Amazon, companies like Flipkart and Snapdeal could face more heat in the coming days.

(with inputs from PTI)


The CBI has registered six separate cases against two Mumbai-based jewellery firms and their chief promoter Jatin Mehta for allegedly cheating three government banks to the tune of Rs 1,530 crore.

CBI sources said the cases have been registered against Winsome Diamonds and Jewellery Limited, and Forever Precious Jewellery and Diamonds Limited, on the complaint from Punjab National Bank, Vijaya Bank and Central Bank of India.

CBI spokesperson R K Gaur said the agency had received complaints against both the companies from each of the three banks hence six separate FIRs have been registered.

"The role of bank officials and others in this regard will also be looked into," he said.

The spokesperson said it is alleged that Central Bank of India suffered losses of Rs 699.54 crore from Winsome and Rs 255.24 crore from Forever, IDBI and suffered loss of Rs 133.12 crore and Rs 55.68 crore on the account of Winsome and Forever respectively.

Vijaya Bank alleged a loss of Rs 233.15 crore from Winsome and Rs 153 crore from Forever, he said.

The sources said the crime period is of 2012-13.

It is alleged that standby letters of credit were opened in these banks in favour of Winsome and Forever for the import of gold from foreign banks by these companies.

A standby letter of credit is a guarantee given by a bank on behalf of the client that it will fulfill a contractual commitment with a third party in case payment default happens.

CBI alleged in its FIR that gold was imported and then re-exported to the 13 United Arab Emirates-based companies.

When the companies did not honour the standby letters of credit, Indian banks were forced to make the payment to the foreign banks, it said.

It is suspected that these 13 UAE-based buyers were in connivance with Mehta, chief promoter of these two companies, and they have siphoned off the funds.
Chinese newspaper Global Times, in its editorial on 6th April, raised the question if India could "afford the consequence" of ruining ties with China over the issue of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

Strongly opposing Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the paper described it as a "clumsy and rude move" by New Delhi and said the issue could severely dent the ties between the two countries.

"This is a clumsy and rude move. The Dalai is a highly politicized symbol in China's diplomacy. For any country, its attitude toward the Dalai Lama almost affects the entire relationship with China," the paper said.

The newspaper also said that New Delhi "probably overestimates its leverage" in the bilateral ties with China and warned the Indian government against playing the "Dalai Lama card". The editorial was, in fact, headlined 'India's use of Dalai Lama card tactless'.

The paper warned that if New Delhi and Beijing were to turn into "open rivals" could India face the consequences. "The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained. India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?", the Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece said.

The paper boasted China's economic prowess, military might and "good relations" with India's neighbours to put the point across.

"With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?" the paper said.

The Global Times editorial also pointed out that the Western countries understood the "nature of the Dalai as a diplomatic card" but India was "bucking the trend".

"The West has fully recognized the nature of the Dalai as a diplomatic card and is extremely prudent in using it. When the Dalai travels to the capital of a Western country, who will meet him, when and where would be carefully weighed," the paper said.



Taking note of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee meeting Dalai Lama, the paper said:"At a time when the Dalai has been given a cold shoulder in many places of the world, New Delhi is bucking the trend and treating him as a favorite."

The paper suggested that India used the 'Dalai Lama card' as per its convenience in dealing with China.

"New Delhi takes a stance that opposes the Dalai Lama engaging in anti-China activities on the soil of India; however, it has long attempted to use the Dalai Lama as a card. When India emphasizes the relationship with China, it would place a tight control on the Dalai. When it has a grudge against China, it may prompt the Dalai to play certain tricks as a signal sent to China," an editorial in the Global Times said.
Coal India Ltd is actively looking to acquire coking coal assets in Australia, a senior company official told Reuters, as the country looks to beef up its foreign coal assets.

The state-controlled company, which in January also listed the United States, Columbia, Canada and Indonesia as target destinations for investment, is currently zeroing in on Australia and South Africa, the Coal India official said.

The world's top coal miner is looking at investing in coking coal assets in Australia "a little more actively," the official said.

India's coal minister Piyush Goyal said in February the company planned to acquire coking coal assets abroad as India lacked technology to economically develop local reserves, and that a rise in coking coal prices was encouraging for foreign acquisitions.

Coal India has also asked Mozambique if it can explore for coal in a new area, after surrendering two mining licenses in the African country, the official said.

The coal miner was one of 59 companies excluded by Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, from its portfolio in March, as the company derived most of its income from thermal coal.

When asked about the impact on the company, the official said the company was not short of investments and that institutional and foreign investors were looking at investing in Coal India.
After limiting the cash transaction limit to Rs 2 lakh a day, the Central Board of Direct Taxes has said that the limit will not be applicable on withdrawals from banks, post office saving accounts and cooperative banks.

According to the Finance Act 2017, the penalty on any cash transaction over Rs 2 lakh a day would attract a penalty of an equal amount.

In March, the government moved amendments to the Finance Bill 2017, proposing to cap cash transactions at Rs 2 lakh instead of Rs 3 lakh as provided in the Budget.

While presenting the Budget on February 1, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed the cap to be Rs 3 lakh in line with the recommendations of the Supreme Court-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money.

In an unprecedented move, the government introduced as many as 40 amendments to the Finance Bill.



Here is all you need to know about the 40 ammendments:



While presenting the Budget on February 1, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed the cap for cash transactions to be Rs 3 lakh with effect from April 1.

Among the amendments made to the Finance Bill was a provision to cap cash transaction at Rs 2 lakh instead.

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia tweeted that "The penalty for a violation will be a fine equivalent to the value of the transaction."

The government also made it mandatory to provide Aadhaar card number while filing the income tax returns.

The decision to link the Aadhaar card to a bank account and to make it necessary for filing I-T returns was taken in May last year.

The Aadhaar number will also be required while applying for a PAN card

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has said that all devices using Aadhaar authentication will have to adhere to its new encryption standards starting from June 1.

The move has been aimed at adding another security layer as the biometric-based digital payments take centre stage.

Last week, the Aadhaar system got a thumbs up from World Bank chief economist Paul Romer who described it as 'the most sophisticated ID programme in the world.

The amendments made to the laws like Companies Act, Employees Provident Fund, Smuggling and Foreign Exchange Act, TRAI Act and Information Technology Act, have been carried out to increase efficiency by merging smaller functioning bodies and thereby reducing their numbers from 40 to 12
There are no plans to demonetise the new Rs 2,000 currency notes, the government said today, scotching "rumours" to this effect. "We are seizing fake currency. As far as rumours in the market are concerned, we should not go by such rumours," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in the Rajya Sabha.

He was responding to a question by Congress member Madhusudan Mistry during Question Hour seeking to know if the government will demonetise Rs 2,000 currency notes as there were "strong rumours" in the market.



The Minister said fake currency has mostly been seized from Gujarat and West Bengal. "But it is not correct that fake currencies cannot be identified. It is not true," he said.



Counterfeit currency that came into the market after demonetisation were made of low quality paper which was easy to make out. But later fake currency notes with better quality paper started coming in, Rijiju said. Stating that the government has adopted many new security features in the new currency notes, Rijiju said, "I can assure the House and the country that now no one can copy 100 per cent, as we have indigenous design and extra features."



The government is more alert and has taken many measures to curb fake currency such and there were provisions for stringent action against those involved in fake currency, including setting up a coordinated committee of all intelligence agencies, providing training and creating awareness among the people, he said.



As per the data placed before the Upper House, Border Security Force has seized 378 new Rs 2,000 currency notes from Assam and West Bengal post demonetisation. National Investigation Agency (NIA) has seized 22,677 new Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 4.53 crore from Gujarat and West Bengal.


In a bizarre marriage ever, a Chinese artificial intelligence engineer has tied the knot with a robot he had made last year.

After getting exhausted by the pressure from his family to get married, 31-year-old Zheng Jiajia married Yingying, a robot spouse he had built last year.

Zheng wore a black suit to 'marry' Yingying at a ceremony attended by his mother and friends in China's eastern city of Hangzhou.

Though the wedding was not officially accepted by the authorities, the marriage ceremony resembled a typical Chinese wedding, with Yingying's head covered with a red cloth.

Zheng decided to marry the robot after failing to find a human spouse, his friend told Qianjiang Evening News.

Zheng's robot wife Yingying can only read some Chinese characters and images and speak a few words. But Zheng is keen to upgrade his 'bride' so that she is able to walk and do household chores.

According to the latest World Economic Forum report, China has world's most skewed sex ratio at birth. After the introduction of one-child policy, traditional preference for boys has encouraged sex-selective abortions that resulted in 115 boys born for every 100 girls.

Zheng, who on an artificial intelligence startup, will be carrying his 30Kg robot until he 'upgrades' his 'bride'.
Unum is giving young women in middle school a chance to learn about careers in the IT sector at its annual Tech Day.

The need for well-trained, talented technology professionals continues to grow, especially when it comes to women in technology, and Unum is seeking to train and hire the next generation workforce, said officials.

Started as Tech Night with high school students eight years ago, an estimated 100 middle school students from GPS, Girls Inc, and Girls Leadership Academy will attend the event at Unum from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Since 2009, Unum has worked with more than 1,700 students, primarily from high schools in Maine, Tennessee, South Carolina and Massachusetts. Studies show that many students, once they reach high school, lose interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). To make a greater impact, the company is now focused on educating students in grades 6 through 8 about IT careers.

An estimated 100 middle school students will attend Tech Day to learn about careers in IT and participate in hands-on activities. More than 40 volunteers from Unum will be on hand to answer questions.

The students will participate in fun, interactive activities such as an Innovation Fair, Pass the Ball, Mobile Application Design and Data Center Design Game.
Telecom major Bharti Airtel has terminated the services of its Vice-President and Head of Alliances Pallab Mitra for alleged violation of code of conduct.

"All employees are hereby advised that the company has terminated the services of Pallab Mitra, Vice-President and Head-Alliance, with immediate effect for violation of the companys code of conduct," Airtel Chief Human Resource Officer B Srikanth said in a communication to employees.

Mitra could not be reached for his comments.

Airtel spokesperson said: "The companys code of conduct is of paramount importance and it follows a policy of zero tolerance in the event of any violation of the same."

Srikanth said: "Please desist from dealing with this person, or in sharing any information whatsoever with him, verbally or in writing or through messaging."

Mitra has worked with Airtel for about 12 years with a gap of around five and half years in between.

He started working with Airtel in 2001 as head of commerce for about 4 years. Mitra left the company in February 2010 to join Tata Teleservices.

His second innings at Airtel started from September 2015 onwards after his one-and-half year stint with wi-fi firm Ozone Networks.

Airtel learnt about the purported code of conduct violation by Mitra from a whistleblower after which it conducted a probe into the matter, the communication said.

"...investigation, thereafter, substantiated the allegations," Srikanth said.


<span>Members of the Logan Municipal Council endorsed a resolution during their meeting on Tuesday to declare Thursday, May 4, as<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><a href=http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/>National Day of Prayer</a>. The action came at the request of Pastor Ron Flessner with Freedom Christian Fellowship, who said it will mark the 66th annual prayer day observance. Flessner, who is Utahs state coordinator for the National Day of Prayer Task Force, said the public is invited to attend a Christian Prayer Breakfast that morning at the Coppermill Restaurant, formerly the Logan Steakhouse.</span>

<span>It would be a great way to start the day. If you are unable to make that for whatever reason, I would encourage you to set aside time during the day, and Im going to ask everyone in the room to consider something else. This day is a day set aside to pray for our country. Would you exhibit an American Flag at your home that day or wear an American pin on your shirt of lapel just to keep yourself mindful of praying for our country for the day?</span>

<span>Tickets for the Prayer Breakfast are $12 each and must be purchased in advance. For more information, contact Joan Miller at 435-787-1245 or <a href=mailto:gandymiller@gmail.com>gandymiller@gmail.com</a>. </span>
Leading Chinese rail equipment maker CRRC Corp. Ltd. has won a contract to supply subway cars to the central Indian city of Nagpur. Photo: CRRC

(Beijing)  Leading Chinese rail equipment maker CRRC Corp. Ltd. has won a contract to supply subway cars to the central Indian city of Nagpur, extending a series of wins outside China as it steps up a drive to export its know-how.

The Nagpur subway authority ordered 69 carriages, a source near CRRC told Caixin. The agreement also includes a 10-year contract to maintain the cars, which will be used on two of the systems subway lines with a total length of 38 km, according to the official Xinhua News Agency, citing a company announcement.

No value was given for the order.

CRRC previously received an order in 2015 to supply subway cars to the eastern Indian city of Kolkata. More recently, CRRC has won similar orders to supply subway cars to the U.S. cities of Boston, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

The most recent of those, from Philadelphia and Los Angeles, were of similar size to the Nagpur deal, and carried price tags of about $130 million each. Such deals also often require the winner to manufacture subway cars and buy a significant portion of their components locally.

China has spent trillions of yuan over the last decade building up state-of-the-art subway and high-speed rail systems throughout the country, providing greater mobility within and between cities as part of its transition from a planned to a free-market economy. That process has created a group of companies like CRRC, which have developed cutting-edge technologies that many are now trying to export.

While CRRC has done well exporting its subway expertise, it has been less successful in the high-speed rail arena. It previously won contracts to build train systems in the U.S. and Mexico, but those deals later fell through for different reasons. Another deal to build a 350-km line between Serbia and Hungary is also reportedly being investigated by the EU for possible violations of bidding procedures.

Contact reporter Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com)
Here is the weekly road construction report for Hamilton County:

U.S. 27 (I-124) widening from I-24/U.S. 27 interchange to north of the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River, including widening the Olgiati Bridge: Work on this project continues. The speed limit on U.S. 27 in the construction zone is 45 MPH. The contractor may have temporary lane or shoulder closures on U.S. 27 between 7 p.m.-6 a.m. On Thursday between 7 p.m.-6 a.m., there will be temporary lane closures on U.S. 27 North from I-24 to MLK Boulevard to shift traffic to the left to complete the removal and paving for U.S. 27 Phase 1A. As the project progresses, there may be short term temporary lane closures for the safety of the traveling public on city streets within the project area. Flaggers will assist with these closures and they will be properly signed in accordance with the Federal Highway Administrations Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. During Phase 1 of the U.S. 27 project, the contractor will be working on the northbound side of U.S. 27 on the bridges. Work will consist of demolishing and reconstructing the outside sections of the bridges along U.S. 27 North. Also on U.S. 27 South, they will be constructing a large retaining wall between the Olgiati Bridge and 6th Street. At least one lane will remain open in each direction on U.S. 27. THP will assist with traffic control on the project as necessary. Estimated project completion date is July 2019. For more info, visit the project website http://www.tn.gov/tdot/topic/US27-reconstruction-chattanooga. [Dement Construction Co., LLC/JM/CNP230]

SR 317 (Apison Pike) the grading, drainage and paving on from Old Lee Highway (LM 5.58) to SR-321 (Ooltewah-Ringgold Road) (LM 7.84): Work on this project continues. During this report period the contractor may have intermittent lane closures throughout the project from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Estimated project completion date is May. [Wright Brothers Const. Co. /Pruett/CNN279]

SR-320 (East Brainerd Road) grading, drainage, installation of signals, construction of seven retaining walls and paving from east of Graysville Road to east of Bel-Air Road: Work on this project continues. During this report period, the contractor will have intermittent lane closures between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This work may affect either direction of East Brainerd Road or side streets from Graysville Road to Hamlett Drive as the contractor installs road crossings and borings. Traffic has been switched onto the newly-constructed section from the west end of the project to the Hurricane Creek Road/East Brainerd Road intersection, allowing the contractor to work on the other side of the roadway. The contractor may have short-term lane closures to perform various operations on an as-needed basis. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Original completion date is June. Estimated project completion date is December. [Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC /Pruett/CNN383]

SR-153/SR-319 (Hixson Pike) bridge repair on Hixson Pike over SR-153: Work on this project continues. The outside lanes in both directions on the bridge on Hixson Pike over SR-153 are now closed. This lane closure will be in place until late November. During this report period the contractor may have intermittent lane closures on SR-153 from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. to do work under the bridge. If there are any temporary closures needed on SR-153 as part of this project, they will take place at nighttime on Sundays through Thursdays between 9 p.m.-6 a.m. and on weekdays on SR-153 South between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and on SR-153 North between 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as necessary during these temporary closures. Estimated project completion date is May 2018. [Mid-State Construction Co. /Micka/CNQ941]

The tunnel cleaning of the McCallie Tunnel on U.S. 11 (US 64, SR-2), the Stringers Ridge Tunnel on U.S. 127 (SR-8), and the Bachman Tubes on U.S. 41 (U.S. 76, SR-8): The nighttime cleaning operation of McCallie Tunnels, Stringers Ridge Tunnel, and Bachman Tubes occurs normally on Wednesday and Thursday nights during the week with the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Work hours are between 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Tunnels will be closed during cleaning, and detours will be marked accordingly as each tunnel is cleaned. Contract completion date is June. [Diamond Specialized, Inc./Micka/CNQ174]






CAMEROUN :: CAMEROON: A MEMORANDUM FROM THE BAMBUI YOUTH ASSOCIATION [BYA] TO HIS EXCELLENCY PAUL BIYA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON

Your Excellency, We the youth of Bambui, North West Region, Cameroon, unanimously condemn the escalating wave of violence, vandalism and criminality in Bambui and some parts of the North West Region.As a matter of fact, since the start of the socio-political crisis in the two Anglophone regions, we have witnessed with dismay an unprecedented upsurge in violence, vandalism, and criminality in Bambui.

Your Excellency,

The ghost town operations are having an adverse effect on the lives of people in Bambui and the region; the economic consequences are devastating. Business activities are dwindling, many more have shut down, and more than 4000 jobs have been lost during this period

Since November 2017 when the teachers strike action started, 99% of private and missionary school teachers have not received a penny from their employersand as result, their families are living in absolute poverty. Many other sectors have been affected by the ongoing crisis. This generalized economic meltdown has provoked a drastic increase in break-ins, criminality and killings.

Your Excellency,

In a bid to force the population to adhere to their unconstitutional political agenda, some unscrupulous persons have resorted to threats, intimidation, violence and vandalism.They have vandalized a good number of public and private property and killed, beaten up, threatened, and intimidated law abiding Cameroonians.

Some remarkable cases of vandalism include the burning of a building housing students in Bambui, and the setting ablaze of CENAJES, the Food Market and some schools in Bamenda, just to name a few.

Your Excellency,

We want to state in unequivocal terms that we dissociate ourselves from these unlawful, unpatrioticand ignoble acts that are intended to compromise the peace, unity, stability, solidarity and national integration that we as a people enjoy and cherish dearly.

The youth of Bambui are responsible, hospitable, peace loving, patriotic and law abiding and would not resort to violence, vandalism and criminality for whatever reason.

Your Excellency,

We are grateful to you and your government for the actions and overtures that have been made in a bid to find a definite solution to the socio-political crisis in the Anglophone regions. We believe it is only through dialogue that together we can resolve the crisis and we commend governments efforts in forging ahead dialogue with all the concerned parties. We equally salute the great strides government has made so far in meeting the legitimate demands of the teachers and lawyers and we are very optimistic that all the demands will be met progressively.

Your Excellency,

We strongly believe in a united, peaceful, and stableCameroon; a Cameroon whereby its citizens do not see themselves as Bamilikes, Bakweris, Bassas, Ewondos, Graffis, Anglophones, Francophones, etc., but first and foremost as Cameroonians. Our rich ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity are values we must harness to make this country great and enviable. We are unique in Africa and we must jealously preserve that uniqueness.

Your Excellency,

We therefore are not in support of any action or actions that compromises the unity, stability and integrity of our dear Cameroon. We are not in support of any individual or groups of persons or associations of any kind that propagate ideologies that fundamentally jeopardizes the oneness, togetherness and uniqueness of our dear fatherland.

Your Excellency,

In one voice we loudly say NO TO:

NO TO GHOST TOWN

NO TO BREAK-INS AND KILLINGS

NO TO VANDALISM ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY

NO TO COMPROMISE THE EDUCATION AND FUTURE OF THE YOUTH FOR POLITICAL REASONS

NO TO ATTACKS, THREATS AND INTIMIDATION ON PUPILS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS

NO TO USE OF VIOLENCE, THREATS AND INTIMIDATION IN A BID TO FORCE THE POPULATION TO ADHERE TO AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL POLITICAL AGENDA

Your Excellency,

In one voice we proudly say YES TO:

YES, TO ONE AND INDIVISIBLE CAMEROON

YES, TO UNITY IN DIVERSITY

YES, TO PEACEFUL COHABITATION OF ALL CAMEROONIANS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR ETHNIC, CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC ORIGIN

YES, TO THE RESUMPTION OF SCHOOLS FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE YOUTH IS PRICELESS

YES, TO THE USE OF DIALOGUE AS A MEANS OF RESOLVING CRISIS

YES, TO THE RESPECT OF THE EMBLEMS OF OUR FATHERLAND

Your Excellency,

We unanimously reaffirm our unflinching support to government for the enormous effort she is making to consolidate peace, unity, stability, and togetherness of our dear country and to enable us attain EMERGENCE by the year 2035.

CC:

-The National President of Frontline Fighters for Citizens Interest [FFCI]

-The President of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms [CNDHL]

-The Executive Director of the Central African Network on Human Rights [REDHAC]

The President of Bambui Youth Association [BYA]

Thaddeus Ngong Ngwa

Tel.: 651935280

P.O.Box 16547, Yaounde
SDF MPs W. Musa

It has been revealed that some Anglophones arrested within the context of crisis rocking the two English speaking regions of Cameroon are not in good health. Some have wounds around their bodies while one is suffering from Asthma.

The revelation was made by some members of Parliament of the Social Democratic Front Party, SDF, who paid a visit to the inmates Wednesday April 4, 2017.

According to Hon. Joseph Mbah Ndam, I have arrived there now and seen that rumors circulating was true, there is one who has wounds all over his body, one who has Asthma and says he has not been taking his drugs, He told the Press.

During the visit which is not the first of its kind, the SDF MPs gave food stuffs to the detainees and promised to continue pressing for their release.

The Vice President of SDF Parliamentary Group at the National Assembly said they have spoken with administration and insisted that those who are sick need to be taken to hospital for medical attention.

The SDF also revealed that there are 64 Anglophones at the Kondengui prison who were arrested in different localities.

However shortly after their visit, 10 other persons were transferred to the Prison including three Journalists Wednesday night.

By Wilson MUSA
Tennessees largest professional organization for doctors is calling for significant improvements to federal healthcare regulations that it says would improve healthcare in Tennessee and across the U.S. In a letter sent to Tom Price, MD, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Tennessee Medical Association outlines a list of existing regulations and interpretative guidelines that result in daily administrative hassles for physicians and medical practices and negatively affect the delivery of care to Medicare and Medicaid patients.

We have heard from doctors and medical office professionals on the front lines of practice every day how burdensome, unnecessary federal regulations rob time from patient care," said Keith G. Anderson, MD, a Memphis cardiologist and TMA president. "Now that a physician with extensive medical practice and health policy-making experience occupies the HHS office, we have an opportunity to shift the focus toward what is best for patients instead of what benefits health plans, government bureaucracies, and third parties who never see a patient.

In its correspondence to Secretary Price, TMA details a range of items that it says either need to be repealed or amended and urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to take suggested actions. Among those listed as high priority:

Allow physicians to privately contract with Medicare patients for medical services of their choice with no penalties.

Ease the regulatory burden of Exclusion Database checks by requiring checks only for new hires, or at least reducing the frequency of required checks.

Institute protections for patients that allow their established primary care physician to conduct  and bill for  the Medicare annual wellness visit even if the patient has received a screening from another, less familiar source.

Use the Medicare program as the model of network adequacy protection for beneficiaries by reducing the ability of health insurance carriers to utilize narrow networks.

Hold the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors more accountable with financial penalties for poor performance and incentivizing RACs to identify underpayments made to physicians during the audit process.

Discontinue using pain management satisfaction surveys for payment; record only for hospital internal use. Related incentives have inadvertently contributed to the prescription drug abuse epidemic in Tennessee and across the U.S.

Provide funding support and/or regulatory relief when physicians treat patients requiring language or sign interpretation, or ease the rules to allow for family member interpreters and other, less expensive options.

Make any new bundled payment programs voluntary instead of forcing physicians to participate even when it does not benefit patients.

Preserve the right of patients to access in-office compounded drugs without onerous barriers.

Return consistency to the process of delivering uncovered medical services to patients by doing away with pre-service organizational determinations in favor of advance beneficiary notices in the Medicare Advantage program.

Suspend all regulatory requirements that mandate submission of electronic clinical quality measures, which add administrative burden without apparent benefit for patient care.

Dr. Anderson said that TMA hopes that through these and other recommendations outlined in the letter, CMS will help reduce red tape in the delivery of medical care to seniors and vulnerable patients.

TMA represents more than 9,000 Tennessee physicians in all medical specialties, geographic regions and practice environments.
| BY Ricki Green |

Award-winning independent agency BCM has appointed experienced TV producer Jacinta Xing.

Xing has worked both agency side and with production houses, having spent the last six years at Publicis Mojo Brisbane in a TV producer role, and previously at Brisbane film production company Two Little Indians as production manager.

She has produced work for Bio-Organics, AirAsia, Betadine, and TAFE Queensland, amongst many others.

Xing starts at BCM in early May.

Says Paul Cornwell, MD, BCM: Jacinta is a top flight producer and we look forward to her joining the BCM team. With increasing demand for video content we needed another senior producer to work alongside Shano.
| BY Ricki Green |

The POOL COLLECTIVE is seeking applicants for The Pool Grant 2017, an initiative that provides $10,000 and a year of mentorship to an emerging photographer to complete a photographic project. At the end of a year, the recipient will showcase the completed series at a solo exhibition during Head On Photo Festival.

Founded in 2009, POOLs artists created The Pool Grant to support the development of emerging talent in the industry, and have spent the past eight years acting as mentors to each years recipient. POOLs artists want to help cultivate the next generation of image-makers.

Says Cameron Gray, managing director: The Pool Grant is a cornerstone of POOLs philosophy. Our artists believe it is essential to support the creative community by sharing their experience and resources in an impactful and tangible way.The Pool Grant could change someones career.

Were inspired by the proposals that come through and how applicants are supplementing their work with creative mixed media ideas. In that way The Pool Grant has grown and evolved as we have as a collective, and were very much looking forward to seeing whats in store this year.

The Pool Grant is open to Australian and New Zealand residents over 18 years of age and with less than 3 years of professional experience in photography.The POOL COLLECTIVE is looking to be inspired by applicants ideas as well as their skills.

The POOL COLLECTIVE is a creative cooperative based in Sydney comprising of seven artists working in the mediums of motion and still imagery.

Key dates

Submissions Open: 4 April 2017

Submissions Close: 4 May 2017, 11:59pm AEST *No late entries will be accepted
| BY Lynchy |

The Havas Group strengthened its operations in China by signing a joint-venture with Guangdong Advertising Group Co., Chinas leading advertising company and largest local marketing & communications group. It has expertise in all communications disciplines and is the fastest growing integrated group in the Chinese communications industry. The Havas Group will own 51% of the resulting Havas GIMC Advertising Co Ltd. which will operate as an integrated media and creative agency headquartered in Shanghai.

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Guangzhou, GIMC has over 110 member companies and the largest footprint in Greater China with 4500 employees in the main 11 cities (Tier 1 and Tier 2 ). Its service network covers the whole country and provides communication services to over 300 clients including Dongfeng Nissan, GAC Group, China Mobile, China Telecom, Midea Group and Haitian Seasoning. 85% GIMCs clients are brands that they have been serving for more than 5 years.

This joint-venture, will allow, on one hand, Havas clients to tap into the best existing full service offering in China and, in particular, all the current media clients in this market, to take advantage of the GIMCs massive buying clout and scale that bring incremental value. On the other hand, it will allow GIMCs clients to have access to the world-class creativity and know how that Havas global network can offer.

This move will also be strategic for Chinese companies seeking to extend their presence in overseas markets and strengthen their competitiveness internationally.

Yannick Bollore, CEO of the Havas Group (pictured above) said:  This move represents a major step in the Havas Groups expansion in China. The Chinese market is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and is now 2nd in terms of ad spending which offers outstanding opportunities for brands. We are very excited to join forces with GIMC; combining our strengths with their capabilities and talent pool, which is the largest in China, will guarantee Havas GIMC Advertisings clients the best service both in the Chinese market and globally.

Since its creation, GIMC enjoys a good creative reputation and has continuously been rewarded for its work. The company was ranked 1st for 9 years in a row by IAI Chinas Advertising Works Yearbook which also named it as the most creative advertising agency in China in 2012. GIMC has won more than 1000 awards in many prestigious festivals including the London International Advertising Awards, The Mobius Awards, Chinas Advertising Great Wall Awards, the Times Asia-Pacific Advertising Awards, etc.
| BY Lynchy |

Shanghai General Motors luxury auto brand Cadillac has just launched an integrated marketing campaign for its CT6 sedan in China. Led by Leo Burnett Shanghai, the campaign leverages on New American innovative technology to enhance luxury brand positioning for the CT6 among Chinese consumers. The first 30-second commercial aired on CCTV and other national TV channels starting from early April.

The commercial opens with a noisy party scene, where a crowd of well-dressed elites are celebrating a business triumph. Suddenly, the entire party scene freezes, with the exception of only one man. He begins to remove his tie, and moves through the frozen scene as a voice over says, when yesterday keeps you from moving forward, pay no attention. The man exits the posh party into the unknown future, his next conquest in his CT6.

The prestigious CT6 flagship sedan best represents Cadillacs brand heritage. Rocky Hao, the Executive Creative Director of Leo Burnett Shanghai said, through this commercial we hope to show people the new American spirit of both the CT6 and those who own one. As Cadillacs flagship sedan, CT6 consumers are pioneers with an entrepreneurial spirit. They are not satisfied with the restraints of commonly defined success. They are always looking to break through the status quo and pursue new challenges. It requires great courage to face an unknown future, especially for people who have already achieved certain heights of success and comfort in their lives.

Leo Burnett Shanghai won the Cadillac CT6 business at the end of last year, and is responsible for building up its integrated marketing campaigns in 2017, to engage with more Chinese consumers.

Angie Wong, Managing Director of Leo Burnett Shanghai explained that, Cadillac is often seen as a sedan for presidents and the ultra-elite, but most people in China dont really know what the brand stands for. During our research we found that American luxury is often defined by technology. Thats why CT6, as the flagship sedan, is equipped with Cadillacs most brilliant technology, which is widely recognized by the auto industry. 

This possibly could explain why Cadillac described the CT6 as New American Technology Flagship Sedan in its brand-new campaign. After the commercial launch in April, a further series of communications will roll out. A High-tech Agent theme will be executed on social media sites like Zhihu, by social media agency Pro-Trend; test-drive PR events will be offered in different cities; and function-focused commercials will be launched since May.

The commercials were shot in New York City by the Leo Burnett team, and features the iconic Grand Central Station, the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Island, and all the energy and bustle of the Big Apple to highlight the luxury, style and energy of the CT6. The functional benefits are smartly combined with emotional rewards, even a major fantasy for the creative team also came true: as the famous Hudson River was frozen allowing the CT6 to show off its lightweight body and the performance of its control systems.

Credits 

Managing Director: Angie Wong

Business Director: Laurent Wen

Account Director: David Dai

Account Executive: Rena Zhao

Executive Creative Director: Rocky Hao

Group Creative Director: Eric Sun

Creative Director: Frankie Qian

Associate Creative Director: Kyle Cai

Producer: Ray Chang

Head of Planning: Icy Li
Here are the battleground states that could have us waiting on election night
Lee Universitys Dr. William Woolfitt had two fiction pieces selected for inclusion in The Best Small Fictions of 2017 anthology: What the Beech Tree Knows and Hatchlings.

I am delighted and honored to have my stories reprinted in such a fine anthology and shared with a wider audience, said Dr. Woolfitt, assistant professor of creative writing.

What the Beech Tree Knows is based on Dr. Woolfitts research about deforestation and environmental injustice in Appalachia. Set in the late 1800s, it is about a boy and a tree that becomes for him a kind of imaginary friend.

Hatchlings was written after Dr. Woolfitt volunteered to rescue leatherback sea turtle eggs in Costa Rica. His fiction is about three brothers who relocate endangered turtle eggs, trying to outwit the men in their village who pillage the nests and sell the eggs on the black market.

The Best Small Fictions is the first contemporary anthology solely devoted to honoring the best short hybrid fiction published in a calendar year. The series began in 2015, featuring seasoned and emerging writers.

Dr. Woolfitt joined Lees Department of Language and Literature in fall 2012 where he teaches creative writing and literature. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy and his Master of Fine Arts from The Pennsylvania State University. He received his Master of Arts from Hollins University and his Bachelor of Arts from Fairmont State College.

Dr. Woolfitt is the author of two books of poetry, Beauty Strip and Charles of the Desert, along with a chapbook of prose, The Boy with Fire in His Mouth.

Dr. Woolfitts poems and stories appear in such publications as Shenandoah, Michigan Quarterly Review, The Threepenny Review, Notre Dame Review, New Ohio Review, The Cincinnati Review, Haydens Ferry Review, Ninth Letter, and River Styx, among others.

The anthology will be available for purchase fall 2017.

To read other stories written by Dr. Woolfitt, visit https://williamwoolfitt.wordpress.com/.


Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 10:43AM

At WCX 17: SAE World Congress Experience, SAE International and General Motors announced that the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo are finalists among eight North American universities who will compete in the upcoming autonomous vehicle design competition, AutoDrive Challenge.

This new autonomous vehicle design competition will be a three-year challenge to develop and demonstrate a full autonomous driving passenger vehicle. The competitions technical goal is to navigate an urban driving course in an automated driving mode as described by SAE Standard (J3016) level four definition by Year 3.



The other finalists are: Kettering University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech, North Carolina A&T University, Texas A&M University and Virginia Tech.



SAE International is excited to expand our partnership with GM to build the future STEM workforce through the AutoDrive Challenge, said Chris Ciuca, director of Pre-Professional Programs at SAE International. Building on our success through programs like Formula SAE, the AutoDrive Challenge launches a new platform to engage industry and academia in working towards a common goal of preparing young minds for the future of autonomous technologies.

Throughout the three-year competition, students will focus on autonomous technologies and allow for modification and testing. They will work with real-world applications of sensing technologies, computing platforms, software design implementation and advanced computation methods such as: computer vision, pattern recognition, machine learning, artificial intelligence, sensor fusion and autonomous vehicle controls.

Congratulations to the Universities of Toronto and Waterloo on this wonderful achievement, we are very excited to work closely with them over the next three years, said Brain Tossan, director, Canadian Technical Centre, GM Canada. We are proud to support SAE International and initiatives such as the AutoDrive Challenge; as we look to grow our Canadian engineering base over the next few years, these student competitions are a great source of talent for us.

We are thrilled to be selected and look forward to competing, said professor Tim Barfoot of the University of Torontos Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. The AutoDrive Challenge builds on our deep experience in robotics and autonomous vehicles, and we look forward to working with mentors from GM Canada to bring our students creativity and design savvy to the competition.

It is an honour to be chosen as a finalist and a great opportunity for our students, said Derek Rayside, an electrical and computer engineering professor and AutoDrive Challenge faculty advisor at the University of Waterloo. Student competitions such as the AutoDrive Challenge allow our undergraduates to gain first-hand experience while learning from industry leaders like GM Canada.



GM will provide each team a Chevrolet Bolt EV as the vehicle platform. Strategic partners and suppliers will aid the students in their technology development by providing vehicle parts and software. Throughout the AutoDrive Challenge competition cycle, students and faculty will be invited to attend technology-specific workshops to help them in their concept refinement and overall autonomous technical understanding.



Year 1, which begins in the fall 2017, will focus on concept selection for university teams by having them become familiar with their sensing and computation software. They will be tasked with completion of a concept design written paper as well as simple missions for on-site evaluation. These simple missions can include straight roadway driving and object avoidance/detection.



In Year 2, the teams will refine their concept selections into a solid system development and will have more challenging dynamic events for testing onsite including dynamic object detection and multiple lane changing.



Year 3 will culminate with final validation of their design and concept refinement. The teams will navigate complex objectives of on-site testing, including higher speeds, turnabouts, and moving object detection.

For more information on the AutoDrive Challenge, please visit http://students.sae.org/cds/autodrive/event/.
He said his wife ran upstairs when her father and brother had knocked on the door of the couple's home in the early hours of March 17, telling him she didn't want to speak with them and he should say she was asleep.
The government was committed to workers' rights and fair and legal pay. But the charity collection legislation "is not and has never been the appropriate vehicle for dealing with the employment arrangements of workers in this sector", he said.
"The United States has made it quite clear that the appalling use of chemical weapons should not be allowed to continue. If indeed it is the Assad regime, as many have claimed, that is responsible for these attacks, then the first step would be to pressure those who are supporting the regime - that is, Russia and Iran - to prevent the Assad regime from continuing.
"If current rates of approval of agvet chemicals decline, Australian farmers will be at a disadvantage in the global marketplace by not being able to access state-of-the-art agvet chemicals, thus being unable to benefit from the on-farm productivity and efficiency gains that could be realised by using said chemicals," it said.
Billionaire Dem J.B. Pritzker Announces Run For Governor

By Stephen Gossett in News on Apr 6, 2017 2:51PM



Getty Images / Photo: Scott Olson

Update, 3:30 p.m.:

J.B. Pritzker made his candidacy official on Thursday afternoon. "Whats happening now in Springfield is offensive to our values and who we are as a state," he said in his announcement. "Bruce Rauners failure as Governor isnt just about numbers, its creating real damage every day to people across Illinois." The Illinois Republican party pushed back, saying Pritzker would institute a tax hike without bringing reform.

Some news: Im running for Governor of Illinois to fight for a better future for our state. Join me: https://t.co/nSZk3xqsWG #jbforgov pic.twitter.com/oswHXQmpqf  JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) April 6, 2017

Original:

The race for Illinois governor is about to get more crowded and even more flush with private equity. Billionaire venture capitalist and business owner J.B. Pritzker is expected to formally announce his candidacy for the state's top executive office, according to reports.

The move was largely expected in Illinois political circles, especially after Pritzker, a Democrat, filed an exploratory committee to run, back in March. Among the wealthiest people in the state, Pritzker at the moment has a net worth of $3.4 billion, according to Forbes. A potential face-off with incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner, who's donated tens of millions of his own money to re-election campaign, would mean a head-to-head of Grand Canyon-deep private-money pockets.

But Pritzker will face a crowded Democratic field in the primary. Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th Ward) is so far the progressive pick. Another wealthy businessman with name recognition, Chris Kennedy, previously announced his candidacy. State Sen. Daniel Biss and Madison County school superintendent Bob Daiber are in as well on the Democratic side.

According to Politico, Priitzker's platform will likely include "support for a $15 minimum wage, expansion of early childhood education and a major shift in the states tax system."

According to the Sun-Times, who first reported the story, Pritzker will make his formal announcement at 2 p.m. at Grand Crossing Gym.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to open what it calls an infrastructure region in Sweden in 2018. The new AWS EU (Stockholm) Region will be comprised of three Availability Zones at launch. Currently, AWS provides 42 Availability Zones across 16 infrastructure regions worldwide, with another five Availability Zones, in two AWS Regions in France and China, expected to go live this year.

Andy Jassy, CEO, AWS said. The Nordics most successful startups, including iZettle, King, Mojang, and Supercell, as well as some of the most respected enterprises in the world, such as IKEA, Nokia, Scania, and Telenor, depend on AWS to run their businesses. An AWS Region in Stockholm enables Swedish and Nordic customers, with local latency or data sovereignty requirements, to move the rest of their applications to AWS and enjoy cost and agility advantages across their entire application portfolio.

Swedens innovation and enterprise Minister, Mikael Damberg, said: I am happy to welcome AWS to Sweden. Their decision to establish a new region in our country is a recognition of Swedens competitive position within the European Union (EU), with the highest levels of renewable energy in the power grid of any country in the EU, as well as a world-leading digital infrastructure and IT industry he said. The AWS investment in Sweden will strengthen our position in the global digital shift. For us, trade in a modern globalised economy is not only about goods, but also about services, sharing of knowledge, and the free flow of data.

AWS has been steadily increasing its investment in the Nordics to serve its growing base of customers. In 2011, AWS opened a Point of Presence (PoP) in Stockholm to enable customers to serve content to their end users with low latency.

In 2014 and 2015 respectively, AWS opened offices in Stockholm and Espoo, Finland. Today, AWS has teams of account managers, solutions architects, business developers, partner managers, professional services consultants, technology evangelists, start-up community developers, and more, helping customers of all sizes as they move to AWS.

When launched, the AWS EU (Stockholm) Region will enable organisations to provide even lower latency to end-users across the Nordics. Additionally, local AWS customers with data sovereignty requirements will be able to store their data in Sweden with the assurance that their content will not move unless they move it.

Trustpilot, another Nordic startup, used AWS to expand its business globally. The company provides over 150,000 e-commerce businesses, across 24 countries, with TrustScores. A TrustScore is a consumer rating that is based on more than 27 million online reviews. Trustpilot chose to go all-in on AWS from day one to enable us to support our rapid growth, said Rudy Martin, VP of Operations at Trustpilot, which serves over 1.6 billion website impressions per month.
The new cable, Indigo, will be owned by a consortium with AARNet, Google, Indosat Ooredoo, Singtel and Telstra. Nokias Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) will build the cable, expected to be complete by mid-2019.

The delivery of secure, reliable and high-speed connectivity between Singapore and Sydney has been the core focus of SubPartners since its inception, said company CEO Bevan Slattery. The cable will provide Australia with a new diverse international route into south east Asia, he added.

Indigo will be 9,000km long, connecting existing facilities in Singapore, Indonesia and Australia, where it will land in Perth and Sydney. Each of the two fibre pairs will have a minimum capacity of 18Tbps.

Alexander Rusli, president director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo, said: Indigos consortium is a strategic and crucial partnership for Indosat Ooredoo that will help provide the digital services needed by Indonesian society. High-speed network infrastructure availability, both into and out of Indonesia, is important for business and personal consumers in Indonesia to be able to connect to global content.

Both Singtel  which owns Australian operator Optus  and Telstra are members of the consortium.

David Burns, Telstras group managing director of global services and international, said: With internet data consumption growing by 70% in Asia last year alone these sorts of investments in international networks are critical for meeting the needs of connected consumers and businesses.

Ooi Seng Keat, Singtels vice president, carrier services, group enterprise, said, The construction of Indigo is timely to meet the rising demand for high-speed broadband between Asia and Australia. This cable system complements our global connectivity that links Asia, the US, Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

Slattery provided more details of the SubPartners acquisition, for just $2.5 million. We are very excited by the prospect of offering customers a fully meshed pan-Asian network, connecting the existing metropolitan networks which we own and operate, he said. Once the cables are complete, we will have even more capacity to meet growing customer demand across the region.

Superloop said that it will be able to configure and expand its cable capacity, independently of the other consortium members, allowing it to offer Singapore to Perth, Perth to Sydney and Singapore to Sydney routes to match customer requirements.

Slattery owns 80% of the issued capital of SubPartners. If shareholders approve the issue of shares to Slattery, his holding in Superloop will increase from 28.8% to approximately 29.1%. If shareholders do not approve the issue of shares to him, he will be paid cash consideration equivalent to $2 million.

Superloop owns and operates over 540km of fibre networks in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, connecting over 70 data centres. In Hong Kong, Superloop has established a 110km fibre network to initially connect 30 strategic sites including the Hong Kong Stock Exchange data centre.

The company also constructed TKO Express, the first submarine cable to connect the traditional carrier hotels located in Chai Wan on Hong Kong Island and the data centre campus located at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate on the mainland.
Slovenia and China's Hong Kong signed here on Sunday a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in wine trade.

The MOU was signed between Slovenian Agriculture Minister Dejan Zidan and visiting Hong Kong's Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So, who was hosted by the minister with Slovenian Teran wine, the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) reported quoting a statement issued by the ministry.

Under the MOU, the STA report said, Slovenia and Hong Kong will work towards facilitating wine trade and enhancing cooperation in this line of business.

The Hong Kong secretary hopes his visit would result in increased bilateral cooperation not only in wine business but also in economy and investments.

His visit comes after Zidan visited China and Hong Kong last November, when Slovenia's wines were presented at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.

The secretary noted that Hong Kong was the second most important centre for wine auctions in the world, after New York.

In 2016, Hong Kong imported wine worth 1.4 billion euros, of which a billion's worth were exported to China, according to So.

The Slovenian minister Zidan praised the signing of the MOU, saying he sees it as a strategic door to the Asian market.

"There is also a lot of potential in tourism, economy, investment. Concrete proposals will follow in the next few days," he said, hoping that Hong Kong will use Slovenia as the door to enter the EU.
A bird's-eye view of the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where President Xi Jinping will meet his US counterpart Donald Trump on Thursday and Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Donald Trump will hold their first summit meeting at Trump's estate in Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, this week, giving us a chance to see if the American leader has abandoned his anti-Chinese verbal bluster from the presidential campaign.

Then, he accused China of being a currency manipulator and argued that American manufacturing industry had lost millions of jobs to China. The primary focus of Trump's economic and political agenda is summed up by the slogan "America first." This abandons the global political and economic orientation pursued for decades by successive American administrations.

The recent internal conflicts between the president and important sections of the American intelligence community, the courts and even his own Republican Party, have brought the limits of presidential power clearly into focus.

However, Trump's modus operandi is based on his unpredictability and unconventionality. And he needs to sustain this image to retain his support base, which views him as the oracle of the abandoned and forgotten hard-working people of America. He hopes to do this by means of temperamental outbursts and dramatic threats, combined with negotiations, in which, brinkmanship is his trademark style.

Naturally, such brash behavior as his diplomacy-by-Twitter, and losing his cool in front of the world's press, certainly presents a dilemma for China's leadership. For example, Trump's recent statement that China must tame North Korea, otherwise the U.S. will do so unilaterally, may play well with an American audience, but naturally causes alarm in Beijing and Pyongyang.

It helps to reinforce the widespread, but nevertheless, false perception that China somehow controls North Korea, as if it were a puppet state. This idea is clearly nonsense, as Pyongyang has previously carried out provocative missile tests despite Beijing's clear disapproval.

In truth, Pyongyang's regime depends on tension with South Korea and the United States in order to sustain its internal unity. However, it is also true, that within the framework of the North Korea's state and economic structure, China's reform-era economy appears to offer an alternative to the restoration of capitalism. Capitalism would inevitably bring about the unification of Korea, organised by South Korea. And this would represent a geopolitical and military threat to China.

In relation to the economy, the myth of China stealing jobs from America remains a pervasive one, propagated by successive U.S. governments. In fact, during the period when Chinese manufacturing of low-ticket consumer goods for export expanded rapidly, the main beneficiaries of the falling price of such goods were the big American corporations.

In addition, Chinese investments in U.S. Treasury bonds, certainly helped to ameliorate the impact of the Great Recession in 2008 and thereafter. Therefore, China-bashing based on the argument that China has stolen jobs from America or Europe is a one-sided distortion, promoted primarily by the protectionist lobby.

Protectionism and the reversion to nationalism are two powerful trends of our time. They are rooted in the divergent historical backgrounds that shaped national economic structures within the context of global capitalism.

Indeed, it is precisely because the United States remains a relatively self-contained economy, that protectionism and nationalism have assumed such a dominant position in Trump's rhetoric. Of course, this is backed by a global reach allowing the U.S. to exercise power through all manner of extra-economic methods.

The position of the United States has been declining economically vis-a-vis Europe and China for decades. Nevertheless, Europe has proven unable to act as a unified entity and appears to be in a process of disintegration. Therefore, it cannot challenge American global hegemony.

And, although China's rapid and sustained economic growth has amazed the world and permitted it to nudge towards the total GDP of the United States, China remains a nation dominated by its internal development priorities and objectives.

This is because many of the development processes occurring in Europe and the United States over a period of 150 years and more, e.g., industrialization, urbanization, basic infrastructure provision, and adequate public services, remain colossal projects that will continue to dominate the agenda of China's political economy for the next two decades and more.

The Chinese leadership will no doubt try to avoid knee-jerk reactions to the inevitable outbursts that Trump will make, whether at the summit or afterwards. Nevertheless, its long-term vision of development will be forced to take account of the dramatic shift towards the nationalist and protectionist agenda now dominating American policy, and also taking root in other parts of the world.

In these circumstances, China's expertise in development economics and technique will allow it to continue to win "friends and influence people" in many parts of the world, which were previously dominated by American and European interests.

Heiko Khoo is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/heikokhoo.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn
Aerial photo taken on March 22, 2017 shows the view of Mar-a-lago club at Palm Beach, Florida, the United States. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

On April 6-7, Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet face-to-face with U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time at an informal summit at Trump's Mar-a-Lago, Florida hotel resort.

Irrespective of the formality of the meeting, when the leaders of what are arguably the world's two most important nations meet, it has global implications. Any opportunity to establish a personal connection between Xi and Trump only serves to enhance both mutual trust and stability in relations between China and the U.S.

The summit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to get to know each other as well as to exchange views on China-U.S. relations, discuss major international and regional issues that are of common concern, and raise some important questions regarding the future path of China-U.S. relations.

The meeting comes at a particularly important time in China-U.S. relations. The new U.S. president faces a series of political controversies and mounting opposition to his policy initiatives. China faces pressures from an economic slowdown and the continuing anti-corruption campaign, expanding urbanization, and reducing poverty.

A successful summit could give Trump a much needed "win." An unsuccessful summit would likely not hurt Trump among his most ardent supporters, but would further diminish U.S. credibility among its allies and potentially be the opening salvo in a very messy and unnecessary trade war.

This will be Trump's first real experience in handling major-power diplomacy as U.S. president. It provides him with the chance to show both good faith with Xi and to underscore the value of sound and stable China-U.S. relations. Ideally, the summit should serve to enhance understanding on both sides and to eliminate any misunderstandings that either side may have about the other.

Trump has made many hostile attacks on China during his presidential campaign. He has charged her with currency manipulation and unfairness in bilateral trade issues; he violated four decades of protocol and policy by taking a phone call from the Taiwanese leader after he was elected; and he suggested that he was prepared to re-visit the "One-China" principle.

Some Western scholars, commentators, and think tank policy analysts believe that this is not the right time for a China-U.S. summit, specifically because they believe that Trump and his administration are just not ready for the summit.

Yet, despite Trump's antagonistic comments and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's aggressive words on the South China Sea, China and the U.S. appear to have managed to maintain a level of relatively effective communication that will, with work, ensure a stable and equitable bilateral relationship.

This was underscored in a recent interview in which Trump stated that he had great respect for both China and Xi Jinping, noting that "I would not be at all surprised if we did something that would be very dramatic and good for both countries and I hope so."

The current scope of China-U.S. relations is much like a lot of relationships: It's complicated. Bilateral relations are marked by complexity and interdependence - one that faces an increasing number of areas of tension and disagreement which need to be resolved or at least managed.

What Trump will discover in his discussions with Xi is that China and the U.S. have significant areas for potential collaboration beyond trade and economic policy - from countering piracy and addressing environmental issues to fighting terrorism to dealing with the Korean peninsula.

While Trump will likely loudly complain about the trade deficit and the perceived loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs at the hands of China, he will learn that the U.S. and Chinese economies are inextricably linked to each other and that economic success is not a zero-sum game.

So how optimistic or pessimistic should we be about this summit? Finding ways for China and the U.S. to work together and collaborate is of monumental global importance. The sheer number of challenges facing the world today cannot be resolved without China and the U.S. working together.

That first step in sincerely working together is being taken by Xi by making a very long trip just to see Trump at his Florida home. Establishing a personal connection will allow Xi and Trump to get more than just a passing impression of the other while also spelling out some of the importance of their policy priorities face-to-face.

So perhaps the time is right for a summit after all. A successful summit would publicly convey the message that China and the U.S. can find ways to work together to solve problems through constructive dialogue.

While one summit meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump will not resolve the issues that divide China and the U.S. immediately or even in the long term, there is hope that some progress can be made with this summit. Both countries are pragmatic, prudent, and understand the importance of a stable and predictable relationship. Neither is really looking for trouble, and the issues between them, while sometimes difficult and complicated, can be managed.

Although Chinese and American interests may not always or often directly align, when China and the U.S. can find common ground and work together to address bilateral or global challenges, the entire world benefits.

Dr. Jon R. Taylor is a Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
 Flash

Auckland International Airport, the official tourist marketing organization Destination Rotorua, 12 reputable tourism companies in the Rotorua region on New Zealands North Island, and Air China jointly staged a Love New Zealand Destination promotional session in Beijing on March 31, 2017.

This event, also fully supported by the China National Tourism Administration and Beijing Tourism Bureau, was a great success, attracting the attendance of almost 100 travel agencies.

The staging of the marketing event coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand, when the latters tourism sector is just beginning to discover the immense opportunity that China offers.

Tourism promoters are just beginning to learn what the Chinese visitors seek when they travel and how rapidly their travel needs are evolving.

Whilst Rotorua, famous for its beautiful lakes and numerous hot springs and mud geysers, has been greeting visitors from China for many years, the market profile is quickly changing towards younger, more seasoned leisure travellers looking for authentic encounters, meaningful experiences and exceptional quality tourism products.

This fits in well with the unique flavor of New Zealand's mature markets, attracting a growing number of Chinese visitors each year.

Rotorua has worked hard to develop its tourism industry targeting Chinese visitors in collaboration with the local Chinese community. However, its development has proved so successful that parts of the program has been translated from Chinese into English and other languages and successfully offered to other visitors.

Rotorua has also been a pioneer in developing online content for social media to engage and inspire young travellers; allowing them to go further than the usual tourism offerings and gain greater understanding of the region and its culture.

It was natural that the Beijing roadshow would heavily involve Auckland International Airport, which functions as an essential link for China 's Belt and Road Initiative in the southern hemisphere. Its involvement moved to a new level in December 2015, when an air route was opened up from Beijings Capital International Airport to Auckland with flights taking about 13-and-a-half hours.

Being an iconic tourism destination for over 150 years, famous for authentic Maori culture, geothermal, spa, and high value attractions/activities destination, Rotorua is perfect for visitors of all types, all ages, and all seasons and a good jumping-off point for other parts of New Zealand.
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
Marvel Structural Consultants, a design and structural consultancy is looking to hire interns for a civil engineering internship. It is a paid internship with a stipend of Rs 30000 per month.

Job Role

Be part of project technical discussion

Work in structural analysis and design of both RCC & Steel buildings

Work in Mini & Major projects

Number of positions available

10

What will you get out of the civil engineering internship?

You will be paid for the job as well as receive a certificate of completion.

Eligibility

The candidates will be eligible for acquiring the internship if they:

are available for full time (in-office) internship.

can start the internship between 5th Apr'17 and 5th May'17.

are available for duration of 6 months (preferred, not mandatory).

have/ are pursuing UG/PG degrees in Engineering (B.Tech/B.E/MCA & Similar).

are currently in any year of study or are recent graduates.

Duration

Preferably six months

Where

Chennai

Proficiency Expected

Candidates must be strong in MS-Excel

Last date to apply

19 April 2017

Also Read:Learn HR Management Through Paid Internship: Rs 8000 Stipend Guaranteed

About Marvel Structural Consultants

Marvel Structural Consultants, based out of Chennai is a design and structural consultancy firm started by IIT Madras alumni in 2012. They focus on all structural design solutions and building design services, including concrete and steel detailing services for all types of high rise and low rise residential and commercial buildings. They strive for perfection and provide economic and efficient solutions which are safe and conform to accepted standards.

The team comprises of professional structural engineers and designers, familiar with international steel and concrete design and detailing standards and codes. . They also have the constant support of various experienced professors from IITs and other engineering colleges across India. This gives great diversity to their group involving a smooth blend of experience and fresh perspectives.

Apply for Ministry of Finance Internship and Earn Up to Rs 10,000 Per Month
An employment notification has been released by the National Health Mission (NRHM) Assam calling out for interested, eligible candidates to apply for the positions of Rehabilitation Worker and Physiotherapist.

Vacancy Availability

Number of posts: 195

Name of the posts:

Rehabilitation Worker: 123

Physiotherapist: 72

Eligibility

Educational requirement:

Rehabilitation Worker:

Those who are interested in applying for this post should have completed class 12 or equivalent from a government recognised institute. They must also have pursued one and a half year certificate course of multi rehabilitation worker from a recognised institute.

Physiotherapist:

Those who are interested in applying for this post must have completed a Bachelor's degree in physiotherapy/diploma in physiotherapy from a recognised government institution.

Age Criteria:

Rehabilitation Worker: The age of the candidates applying for these posts must not exceed 62 years.

Physiotherapist: The age of the candidates applying for these posts must not exceed 43 years.

Salary Details

The selected candidates will be getting a monthly salary of Rs 15,000.

Selection Process

The candidates will be selected on the basis of an interview.

How to apply for National Health Mission recruitment?

The candidates interested in these posts are required to apply at the official website www.nrhmassam.in

Dates to remember

Submission of online application will start from April 6.

The last date for submission of online application is April 20.

Also Read: BMRCL Recruitment: Bangalore Metro Rail Corp Ltd is Hiring for AGM
There may have been a time when a pickup was a pickup, but those days are long behind us. These days a truck can be a work horse, a badass off-roader, or a luxury vehicle.



Take the Ram 1500, for example, which you can get in rough-and-tumble Rebel spec or in spiffy Limited guise. And FCA has just announced upgrades, however modest, to both at the Houston Auto Show.

The off-road-equipped Ram Rebel will now be available in a deep shade called Delmonico Red. This in addition to the brighter Flame Red and the other five colors already available.

The wine color looks particularly striking, as you can see, when offset by the Rebel Black appearance package and the optional black lower body cladding. The interior comes in black and gray as well, with deliveries to commence next month from $45,095 (plus a $1,395 destination charge).

Along with the new color for the Rebel, the Ram brand has announced more body-colored trim for the top-of-the-line Limited model  including the RAM lettering on the tailgate and cab-length side-step running boards. While the Rebel trim is only available on 1500-series models, the Limited can be had as a 1500, 2500, or even 3500 heavy duty truck.

Photo Gallery

Videos




Automakers exist not only to make cars, but sell them too. (Or at least have their authorized dealers sell them on its behalf.) It keeps some in-house, but it doesnt need to hold on to all of them forever. Like this cadre of Corvettes, for example.



At its sale in Palm Beach starting today, Barrett-Jackson will be auctioning off no fewer than ten factory Corvettes (plus another handful of vehicles) from Chevys own stockpile and the GM Heritage Collection.

The oldest among them is a 1990 C4 prototype set up in right-hand drive to evaluate potential export to the UK, Japan, and Australia. Theres a 1993 C4 LT1 convertible with matching interior trim and the underside of the hood signed by all the assembly-line workers. And another 94 C4 equipped with a giant 572-cubic-inch (9.4-liter) crate engine.

Theyre joined by a yellow, C6-based Pacific concept with all manner of carbon-fiber components and other upgrades. Theres also a 2016 Stingray and five Z06s showcased at various events across the country  including several with low VINs.

Its not all about the Vettes, though: theres a pair of Camaros  one from 93 with that same monster 572-ci V8 and another from 97 with a nearly-as-large 510-cubic-inch marine engine. And a pair of pickup trucks  including a short-wheelbase 2002 S-10 with the six-speed from a Camaro, and a 2000 Silverado SST with the soul of a Corvette (including its 6.6-liter V8).

Some of the more experimental vehicles are being sold with a scrap title and arent certified for road use, but they all represent a rare opportunity to buy a unique vehicle straight from the factory  all the while whistling Johnny Cashs One Piece At A Time.

Photo Gallery
Lawmakers in the European Union have given their approval to revised and tougher draft regulations for new cars sold in the region.



In an effort to avoid something similar to the Volkswagen Group diesel emissions scandal, the rules look to address conflicts of interest between domestic manufacturers and national regulators.

Although the law still remains in its draft stage and needs to be finalized between the European Commission, member states and EU lawmakers, it proposes a system where carmakers will stop paying testing agencies directly in the hope of breaking the relationships between them. This means that in the future, nations of the European Union would have to fund emissions testing centers and could levy fees on automakers to do so, Automotive News reports.

The law would also stipulate that member states would need to test a minimum of 20 per cent of car models to have entered their respective markets in the previous 12 months. Additionally, they would have the power to enforce vehicle spot-checks and levy fines.

After Volkswagen AGs diesel scandal, a European Parliament report recommended that an independent market agency like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should be created. However, the proposed rules do not include this.

H/T to GT!

PHOTO GALLERY
Mark Del Rosso, Audi of Americas COO, will become Bentley Americas new chief, replacing Michael Winkler who will return to Australia later this year.



Del Rosso has worked for Audi of America as COO since 2008. During his nearly nine-year stint, Del Rosso managed to achieve a profitable growth of the dealer network, ensuring a greater franchise value and stronger financial health.

He has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, including positions in Toyota and Lexus.

Del Rosso will report directly to Dr. Andreas Offermann, Bentleys Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. The Americas region is key to Bentleys global success, said Offermann. This is our largest market by sales and the most important global market in setting and sustaining brand image. I am delighted to welcome Mark to Bentley, and I look forward to working with him to drive our brand in this important market.

I would also like to thank Michael for the contribution he has made to Bentley. He has played a crucial role in reinforcing the companys position in the Americas region.

Bentleys operations in North and South America were the companys number one market sales-wise in 2016, delivering 2,792 cars in total which accounts for 25 percent of their global deliveries.

PHOTO
Photo: Contributed

It's a long way from Edmonton to Ethiopia, but a charitable organization made the kilometres melt away and united a family with their long-distance daughter.

In 2015, Isabel Schuppli, 18, was diagnosed with cancer after doctors found a lump on her thyroid.

Because of her treatment the teen had to spend a week in her family's basement with no human contact to avoid exposing others to the radiation from her treatments.

She kept the whole experience a secret, out of concern that her friends might worry.

It was pretty challenging, she said. But it was OK. It was like an extra week of spring break  just by myself.

Schuppli is now cancer-free, and she enjoys playing a digital piano and reading when she is not busy with Grade 12 studies.

When Childrens Wish Foundation of Canada heard about Schupplis illness  and determined her eligibility  they approached her to share her ideas for a heartfelt wish.

Schuppli asked to meet Kidist Meskele, the child her family has sponsored for almost five years through Compassion Canada.

Meskele is the same age as Schuppli and she is considered an honorary member of the Canadian family. Over the years, they have sent letters, photos and birthday gifts to Meskele.

The entire Schuppli family  mom Julia, dad James and sister Vanessa, 16  travelled to Hawassa, Ethiopia, to spend two full days with Meskele.

Sponsored children treasure every letter they get. It means so much to know that someone cares about them. But to actually meet that person from a faraway place who encourages and supports you through difficult circumstances  its a dream come true for both Isabel and Kidist, thanks to Childrens Wish, said Rebecca Trask, Compassions Edmonton representative.
Photo: Contributed

Hundreds of people have gathered to remember a Victoria-area RCMP officer who was killed one year ago in a collision involving an alleged drunk driver.

Sarah Beckett died on April 5, 2016, when her cruiser was hit broadside by a truck in Langford, outside Victoria.

The 32-year-old married mother of two young boys had been a Mountie for 11 years and had returned to the West Shore detachment from maternity leave shortly before her death.

A service was held at the detachment in Langford on Wednesday, where several hundred people honoured Beckett's memory.

Her former colleague, Const. Jonathan McKinney, says the anniversary brought a flood of emotions.

He says he's trying to get through the anniversary by remembering the good things about the well-liked officer.

"Focusing on some of those happy memories of Sarah, and her smile and her attitude and presence in the office is something nobody can forget who works here," he says.

Kenneth Fenton, who is scheduled to appear in court later this week, has been charged with impaired driving causing death, flight from police and dangerous driving causing death.

A probe is also underway by the Independent Investigations Office, which has forwarded a report to Crown counsel for consideration of charges against an RCMP officer who was chasing a vehicle that hit Beckett's cruiser.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A company accused of operating a ship that leaked bunker fuel in Vancouver's English Bay in April 2015 failed to appear in British Columbia Provincial Court to face charges linked to the spill.

The MV Marathassa and Alassia NewShips Management Inc., a firm based in Greece, were due in court Wednesday on 10 charges, including discharge of a pollutant, but only a lawyer for the ship appeared.

The spill of at least 2,700 litres of bunker fuel in English Bay and the ensuing miscommunications among Canadian authorities and delays in clean-up raised questions about Canada's preparedness for oil spills.

A lawyer for Alassia filed an application for judicial review in Federal Court, alleging Canadian authorities failed to properly serve it with a summons, but its case hit a snag on Tuesday when a judge said the company should instead seek relief in B.C. Supreme Court.

The company has said one summons was delivered to a captain who has no fixed employment with Alassia and who was aboard a vessel owned by a different company, but Crown counsel Jessica Lawn said Wednesday the vessel was operated by Alassia.

Peter Swanson, a lawyer for Alassia, has said the company also does not own the MV Marathassa, but Lawn said outside the courtroom that ownership of the ship may be determined by the court.

Swanson did not immediately return a request for comment on Wednesday.

The next court date in the case is scheduled for June 1.
Photo: RCMP

A high-risk offender is believed to be in Prince George, and RCMP are asking to publics help to locate the wanted man.

Sean Patrick Smith, 31, is originally from Prince George and is believed to be back in the area. He is wanted for breach of recognizance in the Lower Mainland.

He is described as six feet two inches tall, 243 pounds, with brown hair, hazel or green eyes, and he has a tattoo on his left upper arm and several scars on his arms.

Smith is a high risk for violence and should not be approached.

According to police, he is known to use the aliases Shaun Smith, Sean Bouey and Eric Smith.

Anyone is with information is urged to contact Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Video: Emma Williams

UPDATE 9:55 a.m.

A man who was struck by a vehicle that drove through the Okanagan Regional Library on Wednesday underwent emergency surgery overnight.

RCMP said the 56-year-old Peachland man is believed to be in serious but stable condition.

The remaining five of six individuals transported from the scene to hospital, all of whom are women who range in ages from 65 to 71, received medical treatment for their varying injuries and have since been discharged, said Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey.

Police are continuing to investigate and determine the contributing factors of the crash.

UPDATE 8 p.m.



Several innocent bystanders who were inside the Okanagan Regional Library in Peachland were injured after a vehicle drove through the building.

A man, believed to be in his 40s, sustained life-threatening injuries and is in critical condition.

Police said another person has serious injuries and three others have non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the SUV was a 71-year-old woman. She was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Witnesses at the scene said the vehicle suddenly drove over the curb and onto the pedestrian walkway before crashing through the wall.

Rik Stephens said he heard the collision from inside the IGA, located right beside the library.

I went around, down one of the aisles to go to the front of the car and a guy got himself out and was crawling, said Stephens. He said his name and that is when I realized I actually knew that guy.

Stephens stayed with the man until paramedics arrived on scene.

The chair he was sitting on is destroyed, the computer desk is under the front right wheel," he said. "There are pieces of computer and books everywhere.

Police have seized the vehicle for inspection and are continuing to investigate.

At this time there is no clear cause of this tragic incident, said Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to interview victims and independent witnesses at the scene.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.



UPDATE 7 p.m.

The Peachland Fire Department has confirmed six people were sent to hospital with varying injuries as a result of the incident.

Chief Dennis Craig said by the time his crews arrived, none of the victims required extrication.

An eye witness told Castanet there was one person pinned under the vehicle, but by the time the fire department arrived, Craig said that was not the case.

It's still unclear what caused the black SUV to go through the front glass windows of the library.



ORIGINAL 5:50 p.m.

The driver of an SUV drove into the Peachland Library on Wednesday.

Officers and firefighters arrived on scene near Clements Crescent and Highway 97 around 4:30 p.m.

The SUV appears to have gone through the window of the library.

According to a witness at the scene, one person was pinned by the vehicle.

Police are currently investigating the incident.

Castanet will update once more details are available.
Photo: CTV

UPDATE: 10:10 a.m.

All 26 residents of a White Rock apartment managed to escape a fire late Wednesday night.

CTV News reported people were banging on doors to make sure everyone got out safely. One person was taken to hospital because of smoke inhalation.

Cosmos Restaurant occupies the ground floor of the building.

"We saw some smoke and then we realize there were flames from above and breaking glass was coming down in front so we shut the door quickly and we ran out the back door," owner Georgia Theodosakis told CTV Morning Live.

The restaurant suffered water damage.

 with files from CTV Vancouver

ORIGINAL: 6:25 a.m.

Fire broke out in a White Rock condo building overnight.

Firefighters responded to the late-night blaze on the 14800 block of Marine Drive about midnight.

Details are few, but the fire heavily damaged the front of the building, forcing 26 residents out of their homes, CTV reports.

The older building contains a Greek restaurant on the ground floor, with two floors of apartments above.

The bulk of the damage appears to be on the second floor.
Photo: The Canadian Press Liberal MP Bill Blair

The Liberal government's point man on pot says Canada Day 2018 should not be about legalizing marijuana but about recognizing the country's history.

Bill Blair, the parliamentary secretary to Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, said Wednesday he's a proud Canadian who believes July 1 is a day to celebrate the country's birth "for that reason and that reason alone."

"I believe that ... a reasonable goal is to have all this work done by the beginning of July, but by that date and on that date are very different things," Blair said in an interview.

"I don't think that's an appropriate date. That's my opinion."

Blair was responding to recent headlines saying marijuana would be legal by Canada Day next year after legislation to do so is introduced next week in the House of Commons.

There are other dates by which the new law could be enacted, he said.

"I'm probably out on a limb on this one but ... I don't believe July 1 should be an implementation date for anything; it is a day of celebration for the anniversary and founding of our country."

Blair would not confirm that the legislation would be introduced next week  only that the government will live up to its pledge to bring forward legislation this spring.

"I don't want to be obtuse with you but I have no authority to confirm that date."

Beyond legislation, the government's plan must include building a regulatory framework with the provinces and territories to ensure appropriate tools, technology and regulations are in place, Blair added.

The timing of the legislation, if it indeed comes next week, would provide a dramatically different context for 4/20, the annual April 20 celebration of pot culture that culminates in a massive  and decidedly hazy  gathering on Parliament Hill.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The Dalai Lama consecrated a Buddhist monastery on Thursday in India's remote northeast, amid Chinese warnings that the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to a disputed border region would damage bilateral relations with India.

Nearly 10,000 people, some of them from neighbouring Bhutan, greeted the Dalai Lama at the Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastery in Tawang district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Indian official Jemba Tshering said.

The visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China also claims as its territory, has raised tensions between the nuclear-armed Asian neighbours. China's Foreign Ministry has said the visit "severely harms China's interests and the China-India relationship," while India has cautioned Beijing to stay out of its internal affairs.

China considers the 81-year-old monk, who fled to India in 1959 amid an uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, a separatist seeking Tibet's independence. The Dalai Lama says he merely advocates substantial autonomy and protection of the region's native Buddhist culture.

The Dalai Lama reiterated Wednesday that he as well as his people were not seeking Tibet's independence, but are struggling to secure "meaningful autonomy" for the region from China.

"Firstly, we are not seeking independence. We are very much willing to remain within China," The Telegraph newspaper quoted him as saying. "At the same time the Chinese government must give us meaningful self-rule, autonomy and must take full care of the environment."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Wednesday rejected arguments that the trip was solely religious in nature, and said China would lodge a formal protest with New Delhi.

India considers Tibet an integral part of China while rejecting Beijing's claims over about 90,000 square kilometres in Arunachal Pradesh.
Photo: The Canadian Press Conservative leadership candidate Maxime Bernier

Freedom is at the heart of Maxime Bernier's platform in his campaign for the leadership of the federal Conservatives.

The MP and former cabinet minister rails at length at what he calls the cartel in the dairy and poultry industries, promising to abolish the supply management system if elected. He's equally adamant that no company  not even those dear to his longtime constituents in Quebec, like aerospace giant Bombardier  will ever get a dime in government support.

That's the economic side. But freedom is also something Bernier takes personally.

Where he himself stands on abortion rights, he won't say. When asked whether he believes people are responsible for global warming, he doesn't directly answer. Should marijuana be legalized? He's taking a wait-and-see approach.

To Bernier, freedom also means everyone has a right to an opinion on those subjects and as leader, he doesn't want his to get in the way.

"If I am the leader of the party, I don't want to give a direction to my party on my personal belief," Bernier said during a lengthy interview with The Canadian Press where he was pressed repeatedly on his personal opinion on abortion.

So, should he emerge the victor next month when Conservative party members gather to vote, and then become prime minister, he'd have no problem if an MP wants to bring forward a bill that would reopen the abortion debate.

"If you ask me if I am a pro-choice guy or a pro-life guy, it will depend on that bill," Bernier said.

It's a position likely to win support among social conservatives, though he's not on side with them entirely. He says he's proud the party voted to abolish language in the policy handbook seen as opposing same-sex marriage. Of candidates in the race who say otherwise, it's not an opinion he shares.

Today, Bernier's polling at the front of the 14-member leadership pack, but it's been a long road.
Photo: Contributed

Police in Pennsylvania say they arrested a man wearing a Drunk Lives Matter shirt for drunken driving.

Police say 44-year-old Elwood Gutshall III's blood-alcohol content was about 2 1/2 times the state's legal limit for drivers when he was pulled over early on March 19 in Newville. He was wearing a green St. Patrick's Day shirt with the saying on it.

Online court records don't list an attorney for Gutshall, who faces a preliminary hearing May 26.

Nobody answered the phone at his home Wednesday.
Photo: The Canadian Press

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly offered more soothing words Wednesday for Canadians concerned about border security when he appeared before a Senate committee and was asked what concerns he had about security along the Canada-U.S. frontier.

Kelly replied that he's not as concerned as he is with the southern border with Mexico and would actually like to see the northern border "even thinner," reiterating comments he made during a visit to Ottawa last month.

The questions to the retired Marine general were posed by a couple of senators from border states who have been known to call for more stringent security, including Montana Democrat Jonathan Tester.

He queried Kelly on his level of concern, noting that while Americans are "focused like a laser on the southern border," the northern border also has its challenges.

"Not as obviously concerned with what comes with the northern border as the southern border, but it is our border, so I'm concerned with all the borders," Kelly replied.

"The absolutely great news story in the northern border is that we have Canada there, that it's a friend and ally. They interact with us at every level, they're very careful about who comes into their country."

Asked by Republican Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota if he agreed more must be done to secure the northern border, Kelly replied that Canada has "tremendous law enforcement" and the U.S.-Canada partnership "just couldn't be stronger, so that's the advantage."

Kelly also told the Homeland Security committee there's been a "little bit of increase in Mexicans" entering the U.S. illegally from the north.

"I'm on the phone with my counterparts in places like Canada all the time but we obviously have to watch the threat," Kelly said.

Kelly said after his Ottawa meetings on March 10 that the Trump White House wants "as thin a border as we can create" and that he was "very comfortable with the level of security on the border.''
Photo: The Canadian Press

Russian security agents on Thursday arrested three people suspected of links to a suicide bomber accused of attacking the city's subway and deactivated an explosive device in the apartment where the suspects lived.

The Investigative Committee said the suspects are residents of the former Soviet Central Asia region like the bomber, 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a native of Kyrgyzstan. Dzhalilov blew himself up on a busy subway line Monday, killing himself and 13 others and wounding over 50 people.

The impoverished, predominantly Muslim countries in Central Asia are seen as fertile ground for Islamic extremists, and thousands of their citizens are believed to have joined the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

No one has claimed responsibility for Monday's subway bombing, but Russian trains and planes long have been targeted by bombings by Islamist militants.

The committee, the nation's top criminal investigation agency, said investigators also found objects that would help advance the probe during a search of the home on St. Petersburg's eastern outskirts.

The Federal Security Service, the main KGB successor agency, said in a statement that its experts defused a self-made explosive device at the apartment. The Russian news reports said three people were arrested.

A leading St. Petersburg news portal, Fontanka.ru, said materials used in the explosive device found Thursday matched those used by militants in Syria.

An unidentified law enforcement official told the Tass news agency that investigators were checking information that Dzhalilov may have trained with IS in Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said between 5,000 and 7,000 people from Russia and other former Soviet republics were fighting alongside the Islamic State group and other militants in Syria. He has named the IS threat as one of the reasons behind Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a day of events today in New York City, built around an annual women's summit and laden with themes about increasing the female presence in business boardrooms.

He has meetings with the CEO of YouTube, the new secretary general of the United Nations and is doing three panel events before ending the day with a news conference.

"This is part of a habit  a good habit  I've developed, wherever I go, to sit down with extraordinary leaders, particularly in business, who happen to be women and talk about what more we can do," Trudeau said at a morning roundtable with female business leaders.

"We know that when women are successful  in workplaces, in communities, everyone does better. It's not just about doing the right thing around equality and pay equity, it's about understanding that that actually is the smart thing to do. . . . It leads to better outcomes."

The backdrop of the visit is the annual Women In The World Summit. Trudeau began the day with YouTube's Susan Wojcicki before meeting the UN's Antonio Guterres and taking part in an armchair chat with media executive Tina Brown.

It's the prime minister's fourth U.S. visit of 2017. He's recently visited the White House, attended an energy conference in Houston and took in a Canadian-themed Broadway play in the company of dignitaries including President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka.

At his meeting with Wojcicki, Trudeau said he was happy to chat with the head of YouTube about attracting innovative businesses to Canada and building a larger international market for Canadian content-creators.

"There's an awful lot to talk about  but I'm here fundamentally and prioritarily today to talk about how we can get more successful women into the workforce, how we can make sure we're reducing barriers so everyone can contribute," Trudeau said as they sat down.

Wojcicki echoed the sentiment. She said she was happy to discuss content creation, but also wanted to discuss a longstanding concern of hers: "It's been an issue for a long time  that we don't have enough women in technology. I really see this as a societal issue."
Photo: Contributed

Thousands of Canadians have started what some are calling a "pilgrimage" to France this week, as the country prepares to commemorate the 100th anniversary of one of its most iconic battles: Vimy Ridge.

Among them are 12,000 students who have studied and saved for months to stand in the shadows of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial when the country stops to reflect and remember this weekend.

Coming from schools and communities across the country, the students are expected to make up nearly half of the 25,000 Canadians that the government believes will be at Vimy for Sunday's ceremony.

Among those who will be in attendance are 28 students from Bishop Strachan School, a private all-girls boarding school in Toronto, led by history teacher James Stewart.

"Vimy will always take your breath when you see it," said Stewart, who has visited twice before. "It has a big impact on people when they see it. And that's going to be one of the great things for the students."

The level of student interest and participation has been noted and welcomed by many, particularly those who have made a living out of trying to bring Canadian history to life.

"We're seeing something change significantly here," said military historian Tim Cook, who recently wrote a book entitled, "Vimy: The Battle and the Legend."

"Vimy is a multi-generational symbol that has been passed on from generation to generation. I suppose this is a passing on to a new generation."

Cook and others were hard-pressed to attribute the interest of young Canadians to any one reason, offering instead a variety of possible factors.

Like many teachers, Stewart had his students research the stories of individual soldiers who fought and died at the battle, which has been credited with making the battle more relatable to young Canadians.

There has also been a great deal of advocacy by the federal government and history groups, such as the Vimy Foundation and Historica Canada, which have provided lesson material for teachers.
Photo: Gainesville Sun

A 10-year-old pug named Cookie is safe and sound after falling into a giant sinkhole following a heavy rainstorm in north Florida.

Crews from multiple agencies worked five hours to lift her to safety Tuesday night near Gainesville.

The Gainesville Sun reports Cookie followed owner Patricia Langston to her barn on Tuesday evening. The dog stopped to scratch. As she took a step forward, the ground opened up and Cookie tumbled into the hole.

Laurel Johanson, Cookie's other owner, says the dog disappeared from sight in the 30-foot-deep sinkhole.

The University of Florida's Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service and other crews dug for hours until fourth-year veterinary student Jennifer Groover was finally lowered into the hole to get Cookie. She says the dog scrambled into her lap and they were hoisted to safety.
Photo: CTV

UPDATE: 7:50 P.M.

A 78-year-old woman who went into medical distress on an Air Canada flight from Toronto to Vancouver this week has died, despite a heroic effort by her fellow passengers to save her life.

Witnesses said the woman became extremely ill, then unresponsive on board the 314-passenger flight as it was travelling somewhere above Saskatchewan on Tuesday night.

Several people tried to help her, including two doctors and a nurse, and the plane made an emergency landing in Calgary so she could be rushed to hospital.

But on Thursday morning, her family confirmed that Surjit Kaur has since died.

ORIGINAL: 8:35 a.m.

Heroic passengers on a plane destined for Vancouver saved a woman's life, as the flight diverted to make an emergency landing in Calgary.

One of the passengers aboard the plane, which took off from Toronto Tuesday, says a woman on the Air Canada flight became extremely ill, then unresponsive.

I had no doubt in my mind this woman needed saving, said Vancouver resident Hayden Ordel. She didnt look good. She was starting to go real blue. 

Ordel told CTV News the crew asked for help from the 314 passengers on board. Two doctors and a nurse, as well as Ordel, stepped forward and began CPR and administering oxygen.

He said the woman's son watched as the makeshift medical team worked.

We were literally having to pump her chest as fast and hard as we could, he said. For 35 or 40 minutes, she was unresponsive in the air.

Even as the plane was landing, the passengers ignored requests from the crew to take their seats  and instead continued CPR. Paramedics met them in Calgary, and as the flight resumed to Vancouver, the captain told passengers the woman was alive.

We gave it 1,000 per cent to make sure this woman had the best chance of carrying on in her life, he said. Ill feel a connection to these strangers for the rest of my life.

There is no update on her condition.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: The Canadian Press

Wildlife officials have used tranquilizer darts and a helicopter to remove a wayward polar bear that got too close to a small village in northeastern Newfoundland.

Residents of St. Brendan's say the bear was wrapped in a net Wednesday and flown away under the belly of the aircraft.

Polar bear sightings in this part of Newfoundland are common at this time of year as the large predators follow seals headed south on the ice floes.

Resident Dennis Broderick says he left his house to shovel snow and saw the bear eat a seal.

Mayor Veronica Broomfield says she and fellow residents were afraid of the carnivore and felt safer once wildlife officers showed up.

Broomfield says it's rare for polar bears to show up in the village, but the large amount of pack ice offshore has made it easier for them to get around.
Photo: Contributed

Facebook is taking what it calls a "first step" toward helping Canadians tell the difference between fake news and the real thing online.

As of Friday, the social media giant will post a banner on the top of news feeds in Canada and 14 other countries that directs subscribers to a tip sheet that it hopes will educate users on how they can decipher what is, or isn't, false or misleading information.

"It's the first time we're doing something of this magnitude," said Kevin Chan, head of public policy at Facebook.

The banner, to be posted "for a few days," is effectively a public service announcement to the media company's 22 million Canadian subscribers that encourages them to click a link to a 10-point "tip sheet" on how to spot scam information.

The top suggestion: "Be skeptical of headlines." Facebook points out that false news stories often carry catchy headlines, sometimes in all caps.

"If shocking claims in the headline sound unbelievable, they probably are," reads the tip sheet, a copy of which was provided to The Canadian Press.

The project is the result of a collaboration with media literacy agency MediaSmarts to help Canadians filter their news feeds for fake content, a phenomenon that became a growing concern during and after the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign.

But don't expect to see direct warnings attached to potentially dubious Canadian news stories any time soon, like some European and American subscribers get.

Facebook says it's still too soon to attach warning labels on so-called "disputed" news stories, like those already being offered to users in the United States, France and the Netherlands.

Facebook users in those countries can flag news stories for false or misleading content by clicking on a grey downward arrow button on the right side of an article.

"We have very much approached this as 'tests,'" said Chan. "Being able to label (content) is something that one has to be careful about. You don't want to mistakenly label things that may actually be legitimate opinion or satire."

While the so-called fake news phenomenon has manifested itself widely in the United States and parts of Europe  particularly around election campaigns  "in Canada it has not played out in the same way," Chan said.
Photo: Contributed

A satellite fire hall in North Naramata is moving ahead as planned.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has asked the province for permission to build the station on Crown land about eight kilometres from the existing fire hall on Upper Debeck Road. The new hall will service properties in the North Naramata, Indian Rock, Glenfir and Chute Lake areas.

The Blazing BBQ's Community Fund has donated $8,800 to the project, while an anonymous donor from the Naramata area gave $50,000. The provincial government pitched in $25,000.

Fire suppression and emergency medical response in a rural area can be a matter of life and death, said Karla Kozakevich, Director of Electoral Area E, in a news release.

Im very proud of Fire Chief Tony Trovao and his Department for the work they do and the state of readiness they maintain, but also the citizens within the Fire Service Area for allowing us to expand the area that our Fire Department covers, added Kozakevich.

Construction on the new hall should begin this year, once the land is formally acquired and a design has been finalized.
Photo: The Independent

President Donald Trump is considering military action in Syria, according to CNN.

The U.S. news media cites a source revealing Trump has told some members of congress he is considering military action in retaliation over Syria's use of chemical weapons.

CNN reports that Trump has not yet made up his mind.

It's expected he will seek advice from Defence Secretary James Mattis.

Trump said this week the attack "crosses many, many lines."

"I will tell you, what happened yesterday is unacceptable to me," he told media.
Kraft Dinner

Orange noodles will be morphing into cartoon characters later this year, thanks to seven-year-old Everett Botwright from Nanaimo.

Botwright, who has autism, would only eat Star Wars-branded KD and his parents made a plea to help find the pasta after it was cleared out from local supermarkets.

The family received an outpouring of support, including hundreds of boxes of the Star Wars KD.

Kraft Heinz asked Everett to decide the next noodle and released a video on Tuesday of his choice.

When his dad tells him his option of cartoons to be the next Kraft Dinner, Everett yelled Minions!

It was great to work with you and Everett! Hope Everett is just as excited as we are for KD MINIONS, said KD on Facebook.

Sorry, SpongeBob and Dory.
Photo: Contributed

Police say three women are facing charges over allegations that a baby's nursery was being used as a cocaine lab.

Officials with ALERT, Alberta's serious and organized crime team, say an 11-month-old baby was brought along on a number of drug transactions.

When Edmonton police raided a home last month, they say they found the baby's room doubled as a lab to convert cocaine into crack cocaine.

Police say the baby was the biological child of one of the accused.

They say the child was removed from the home and three women who are in their twenties face charges.

The charges include child endangerment, production of cocaine and possession for the purposes of trafficking.

"The Drug-Endangered Children Act makes it clear that children exposed to an adult's involvement in serious drug activity, such as trafficking, are victims of abuse and need protection," ALERT said in a release Thursday.

The names of the women are not being released to protect the identity of the child.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team, known as ALERT, is made up of municipal police, Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP.
Photo: Google Street View

A Grand Forks man won't teach for 10 years after a series of inappropriate messages he sent to a student at the school where he taught.

Robert Stevenson, a teacher since 2006, has been ordered not to teach after he repeatedly messaged "Student A" on an unspecified adult social app in January 2015.

According to an archived March 2015 edition of the Grand Forks Gazette, Stevenson taught at Grand Forks Secondary School, and an agreement signed between Stevenson and the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation was signed by the teacher in Grand Forks.

Student A signed up for the app shortly after turning 18, according to the agreement. Stevenson, aware that Student A attended his school, sent a pair of messages on Jan. 12, 2015.

The first message at 10:02 p.m. said "Hey," while the second message after 11 p.m. said, "What's up tonight?" Student A wrote back two days later with the message, "Um, hi Mr. Stevenson."

The following day, Stevenson replied to the student, who asked whether he knew he/she was a student at the school they both attended. He replied that he did, but he "just took the risk to say hi."

Later that evening, Stevenson became more explicit and inappropriate in his messaging, including sharing graphic details of his own sex life and indicating to Student A that he had messaged them to hook up. After Student A said goodnight, Stevenson told the student he was "always down to chill hang hookup discretely."

Stevenson then provided the student with a link to a pornographic website, along with his username and password, encouraging the student to use it.

The teachers' commissioner document indicates that while Stevenson was sending the messages, Student A was not replying with a similar tone. In fact, after a few more messages over the course of the next day, including a shirtless photo Stevenson sent to the student, Student A told him he/she was not interested.

"I've disrespected you, harassed you and put you in a very uncomfortable position," Stevenson wrote in response. "My actions weren't ethical nor professional."

According to the agreement, the messages had made Student A uncomfortable because the two saw each other regularly at school.

In June 2015, Stevenson tendered his resignation, and on Jan. 12 this year, the teachers commissioner proposed an agreement with Stevenson, including a statement of facts.

Stevenson has also agreed not to apply for work as a teacher for 10 years after the agreement was signed.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Comedian Don Rickles has died at age 90.

Paul Shefrin, his longtime publicist and friend, said Rickles died Thursday of kidney failure at his Los Angeles home.

For more than half a century, "Mr. Warmth" headlined casinos and nightclubs from Las Vegas to Atlantic City. N.J., and appeared often on late-night TV talk shows.
A program to feed kids in the North Okanagan who might not get enough food at home on the weekends has been expanded by Kalamalka Rotary.

The rotary club started the program last year with 20 Starfish backpacks full of food. This year, 67 backpacks go home each weekend.

We had overwhelming support for the program from students, parents and the community and, as a result, we have been able to expand the program, said Carmen Larsen, Kal Rotary's community services director. "There is a great need here in the Vernon area."

The packs are crammed with cereal, soups, pasta, fruit and snacks.

Many local businesses partner with the club to help pay for the food. Recently, Tolko Industries and Great West Equipment stepped up to each pay for ten backpacks a year.

Tolko spokesperson Don Hansen said some employees were involved with the program, with the company-sponsored backpacks going to families in Lavington and Lumby.

Save-on-Foods provides the groceries at cost.

Currently, 16 communities across B.C. are involved in the Starfish program, sending home 619 backpacks each week.
Photo: RCMP

It's not known how hot sales were, but Surrey RCMP said the items being sold were very hot.

Police in the Lower Mainland community said a retail theft fencing operation was recently shut down in the City Centre area.

On March 24, police executed a search warrant at a business in the 10600 block of King George Boulevard. Cpl. Scotty Schumann said police had gathered information that the operators of the business were allegedly purchasing stolen merchandise from vulnerable persons in the area and reselling these products for a profit.

Officers recovered thousands of dollars of consumer products ranging from batteries to baby formula to cosmetics.

Schumann said the investigation is currently ongoing and officers are working with their retail partners to identify the source of all the property. In addition, the City of Surrey Bylaw Enforcement Department is currently investigating the alleged business licence violations.

Retail theft and the subsequent illegal activity that occurs is an ongoing issue across the region that our officers take very seriously, said Andy LeClair, Surrey RCMP Community Support and Safety Officer Inspector. Working with our law enforcement partners to crackdown on large scale shoplifting operations allows us to ensure the safety and security of our business community as well as the general public.

The recent efforts by the Surrey RCMP to identify and shut down illegal stolen property operations is a positive step towards reducing potentially dangerous criminal interactions in retail stores, said Tony Hunt, general manager of loss prevention, London Drugs. Organized retail theft impacts the safety and security of our employees and the public. This is especially true when it involves vulnerable persons in our society who have been coerced into committing these acts by individuals preying on their dependencies.

Anyone with information about possible retail theft operations in their community is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers. To remain anonymous, call 1-800-222-TIPS or go to www.solvecrime.ca.
Photo: Facebook

A young woman says she felt like she was being secretly watched when she discovered cameras in her bedroom, kitchen and living room, along with monitors and audio recording devices in the attic of the apartment she was renting in St. John's, N.L.

Rachel Tribble said she found four cameras in the unit on Freshwater Road in mid-February after determining that wall-mounted devices she thought were part of a security system were actually video cameras.

The 21-year-old philosophy student at Memorial University said she notified the property managers about the devices that looked like motion detectors, and they suggested she check the attic of the bungalow she was sharing with a friend.

Tribble said her boyfriend went into the attic, where he found a table with two monitors, speakers, an ethernet cable and wires labelled for specific rooms in the house. She said he called down to her, saying he was looking at a monitor showing her in the living room.

They searched the apartment and discovered cameras in the living room, bedrooms and kitchen, along with another one in the attic.

"At first, I was a little embarrassed at the thought of people watching me day to day," she said in an interview Thursday. "Then I started to get angry and frustrated and I was shocked that this was happening."

Tribble reported the incident to police, who confirmed Thursday they are investigating. Const. Geoff Higdon of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said he couldn't comment further on the matter, but he said police had seized cameras and equipment.

The company managing the unit said it was aware there was a closed-circuit security system that was no longer active and could not be accessed from outside the home. Metro Property Management said in an emailed statement that it was not aware of any streaming video or recordings.

"The security system was used by the home owner for personal security while living in the home," the statement reads. "The home owner is adamant that there is no external access outside of the home."
Photo: The Canadian Press

A review board is hearing a Calgary man found not criminally responsible for the stabbing deaths of five young people has been a model patient but his reintegration back into society will be a slow process.

Matthew de Grood was suffering from a mental disorder when he attacked and killed Zackariah Rathwell, 21; Jordan Segura, 22; Josh Hunter, 23; Kaitlin Perras, 23, and Lawrence Hong, 27 at a house party three years ago.

The judge in the case ruled de Grood didn't appreciate his actions were wrong.

A hearing Thursday before the Alberta Review Board is determining whether de Grood, who is housed in a secure hospital in Calgary, should be granted more freedom.

Dr. Sergio Santana told the hearing de Grood is on medication for schizophrenia and his symptoms have been in "full remission" since July, 2014.

Santana said de Grood willingly takes part in his treatment, along with his family, and gets along well with other patients.

He said de Grood is aware of what he did.

"He's always going to be known for what he's done and this is going to have an effect on his life," said Santana.

"He's very lucky. He has a very supportive family."

At this point, Santana said de Grood is considered at a "low level" for violent relapse. But he said that's assuming de Grood continues taking his medication under hospital supervision.

Outside of a hospital, Santana said a relapse is more likely if de Grood stops taking his medication and becomes stressed.

"The potential that he could do something very violent is very high," said Santana. "He would become psychotic, deluded, start hearing voices and the danger is he might respond to those delusions and hallucinations and believe they're real."

Santana said de Grood has been given a card which allows him to leave the hospital unit and go to a grassy courtyard. He's recommending de Grood be allowed to walk around the hospital grounds for up to half an hour and be allowed to attend doctors appointments in Calgary while under strict supervision.

This would happen gradually and his privileges would be curtailed if there were any problems, he said.

The hearing, which is expected to wrap up Friday, comes just one week before the third anniversary of the attack.
Photo: CTV

A 44-year-old Halifax man is facing charges of human trafficking, sexual assault and child pornography in a case involving three girls ranging in age from 14 to 17.

Halifax police said Duncan Robertson Wright was arrested Thursday after an investigation began on Sunday into allegations that the man directed a 14-year-old, 16-year-old and 17-year-old girl for the purpose of prostitution.

Police say the accused faces multiple counts of sexual assault, making and distributing child porn and receiving a "material benefit from sexual services," among other charges.

Wright appeared in court Thursday and was returned to custody. He's scheduled to appear in court again April 11.

The arrest comes almost a week after Owen Ross Gibson-Skeir was sentenced to seven years in prison for forcing a 14-year-old Halifax girl into prostitution.

When he was charged, an investigator said it had been decades since such a young victim of prostitution had come forward to seek help from police.
Photo: Contributed

A pair of North Okanagan students returned from the provincial Skills Canada competition with some heavy medals.

Dan Danley, of Pleasant Valley Secondary School in Armstrong, won gold while Cassie Mceown, of A.L. Fortune in Enderby, won bronze at the event, both in the autobody competition.

The event was held in Abbotsford Wednesday and pitted students from around the province against each other in a variety of categories.

Danley has now qualified to take part in the national Skills Canada event set for Regina from May 31 to June 3.

Mark Marino, district career supervisor, said the students were excellent ambassadors for the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District and even though not all won medals they all did excellent work.

Kaileigh Miller competed in hairdressing while Jay Peterson showed his skills in cabinetry.
Photo: Contributed

On June 15th, 2016, our family home and property was utterly devastated by our Provincial Government, the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure and associated contractors. Thankfully our house was saved by the quick response of family members, but our paradise is ruined and will never be the same. For anyone who knows our family, you also know that we believe in the good of people and in doing the right thing. Sadly during this incident our belief in our government doing the right thing was shattered.



On June 15th, 2016, the undersized culverts under Highway 97 at Commotion Creek could not carry the volume of water flowing in Commotion Creek. The MOT and associated contractors decided to divert Commotion Creek towards our home instead of cutting the highway to let the water flow in its natural riverbed path. With the misguided intention of saving a small section of their highway, they worked to keep the water flowing east on the north side of Highway 97. This poor judgment caused extensive damage to over a mile of that same highway and large sections of the CN railway. It threatened both the Spectra and Pembina pipelines to the point of near catastrophe and, of course, caused the damage to our home and property when the water overflowed the highway. The water washed out the highway and railway track directly adjacent to our home. It caused enormous damage to our property. Other properties were affected as well.



The grossly inadequate and undersized infrastructure at Commotion Creek has been a well known problem for as long as anyone can remember. It was the root, but not the only, cause of this failure. Poor judgment, indecision, and machine/man interference ultimately led to the failure in front of our home. Because of this and other mistakes, we, along with numerous of others, have suffered the consequences.



Instead of offering help or support during our time of need, we were made to feel as if we were in the wrong, and that we didnt have a right to be upset over the damages that the MOT caused. At first we were optimistic that someone would step up and do the right thing. We thought for sure that someone would help us put our home back together. After all, the provincial government was blatantly at fault. It has the means to provide compensation and to rectify the situation. As you can imagine that call never came.



After months of the familiar government run around, different phone numbers to call, meetings with all the wrong people, and basically what became a series of smug, non-caring and elitist responses, we were forced to take legal action.



On top of all of this, as if there needed to be more, they have put a 2 metre culvert on our property about a hundred feet from our house without our consent. It poses a direct danger to our house and property because of the potential discharge of a very large volume of water onto our property. The culvert is a ridiculous, embarrassing and illegal example of an engineering blunder that we are now forced to live with. The response, which we have heard too many times throughout this process, go ahead and sue us, our lawyers and our deep pockets will crush you.



This type of response and strategy is one that you would expect from a large faceless company operating without morality. This is not the response or strategy you should expect from the government of British Columbia. We look to our leaders to set an example of ethics for us to follow as citizens. What message does this send when our own provincial government refuses to take ownership of its mistake and instead uses its wealth and resources, paid for by the tax payers, to attempt to crush the rightful people who ask for help?



I have always had faith in our government. Sadly, that faith is now gone. Our local MLA, Liberal Mike Bernier, has told us that his hands were tied and that if we decided to seek legal action then he and his staff would have no further contact with us. Is that really representing your people Mr. Bernier? The office of Christy Clark will not return our families letters. I hope everyone reading this considers this information when casting your ballot this spring.



Why should we re-elect a government which places a highway, a piece of asphalt, above the well being of the people and then refuses to take ownership of its mistake. We were not the only people who were affected by the Commotion Creek diversion this year. If this can happen to us, it can, and will, happen to you if we do not speak up for a change. Please, if you are reading this, share this post. The proof of this injustice is overwhelming.

Kayla Strachan
(TNS) -- Indiana-based seed company Becks Hybrids is looking to Indiana State University to train employees under a new Federal Aviation Administration rule related to use of drones for commercial purposes.The program involves FAA certification for Becks employees so they can help customers assess crops for any potential problems during growing season.Jim Love, Becks light robotic manager, said the partnership with ISU will allow us to make sure that the individuals operating those UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] are trained at the highest level. So far, about 60 people from several Midwestern states have been trained, not just Becks employees but also clients.The company wants to ensure its employees are not only certified but that they are operating UAVs safely and have the most up-to-date training, he said.Drones are used for crop inspection and evaluation, he said.Last summer, the FAA announced the first national, uniform regulations for commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, under 55 pounds, also known as Part 107 of FAA regulations.Before last August, it was challenging to become licensed as a commercial drone operator, Love said. There were hoops to jump through, he said. The new FAA rule helped address that.Richard Baker, executive director of ISUs Center for Unmanned Systems, agreed that prior to August, businesses needed an FAA exemption, certificate of authorization or waiver, and usually, a pilots license. You could go through the process, which often took many months, and still not be approved, he said. The new rule sets up a remote pilot license process with knowledge testing and certification. ... It takes less time and is much less cumbersome.ISU started providing training last November. I anticipate demand for the training will continue to grow over the next several years, Baker said.ISUs Center for Unmanned Systems and Human Capital Development was established several years ago and it offers a four-year degree program focusing on UAV technology. In 2015, the school received FAA approval to fly the vehicles at Terre Haute Regional Airport and the Indiana National Guard Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.ISU is excited about our partnership with Becks, and we wish them great success. Our faculty and students see this relationship as another way to demonstrate the capabilities of small UAS and their potential impact in food production, Baker said.Becks calls the school a perfect partner for the program and says it has donated a commercial UAV to ISU.Becks is a family-owned and operated seed company that serves farmers in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.
China and Finland have reportedly agreed to unite and boost cooperation for economy.

The two countries have agreed on areas of innovation, panda research and judicial communication during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Finland President Sauli Niinisto agreed with President Xi and announced they will both build a future-oriented and new-type cooperative alliance. They have also agreed to boost their political trust, deepen more their practical cooperation and benefit from the people in each nations.

"China and Finland are good friends and partners with mutual respect and equal treatment," Xi said about the mutual agreement. "The two countries should set the right direction for China-Finland relations in a strategic and long-term manner, enhance high-level exchanges and boost strategic mutual trust."

Niinisto has praised China for the Belt and Road Initiative which boosts connection of Asia and Europe.

"The number of Chinese tourists to Finland has increased, and Chinese companies' investment in Finland has also grown rapidly," Niinisto said.

Finland also praised China for its international affairs and lead role in climate change issues.

"Finland is on the frontier of environmental protection, biotech, and medical and internet technology. That is exactly what China needs. On the other side, the huge market in China is very attractive to Finland," Former Chinese Ambassador to Sweden Chen Mingming said.
HONOLULU (AP)  Hawaii drivers arrested on a repeat DUI offense would have to agree to stop drinking alcohol for at least 90 days and wear an ankle bracelet if they want to be released from jail on bail under a bill being considered in the Legislature.

The bill also requires DUI offenders to pay $360 a month for the monitoring device, which checks the skin for alcohol excretions every 30 minutes, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported (http://bit.ly/2oGTrEa). The ankle bracelets are made by Denver-based company SCRAM Systems.

The Honolulu prosecutor has voiced support for the proposal, while Hawaiis Office of the Public Defender argues it is unfair to low-income residents who would potentially face longer jail times than those who are well off.

If you got the money, you are only going to spend a few minutes in jail, but if you dont you could spend a lot longer. That is our objection, said Tim Ho, chief deputy public defender. It carves out two categories of defendants: those that have money and those that dont.

The measure has passed the full House and three Senate committees and is close to gaining final passage in the Legislature.

Another critic of the legislation is Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii, which has also cited cost as an issue. If mandated, the alcohol-monitoring devices could replace ignition interlock devices, which require repeat offenders to do a blow test for their vehicle to start.

The ignition interlock devices cost about $3 a day, compared to the $12 a day for ankle bracelets.

Arkie Koehl of MADD Hawaii said it is unlikely drivers would want to pay for the ignition devices if they are required to wear and pay for ankle bracelets, which cant stop a person from driving if they are drunk.

The drunken driving bill has been pushed through committee after committee. Each time, we have been getting more and more upset about it, Koehl said.

Each time, there has never been a proper discussion about how it would work with the ignition interlock.

In 2015, drunken driving contributed to 51 traffic fatalities in Hawaii.

Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiros office said in testimony supporting the bill that it would save lives and generally assist in making our community a safer place to live and work.
Chi-Hi senior Steve Weiss found an arresting way to ask Maddie Newton to go to the prom.

The prom is coming up Saturday, April 29 at Chippewa Falls Senior High School.

Weiss wanted to ask Newton, a senior at McDonell Central Catholic School, to the big event. So last week he worked out a plan with Chippewa Falls Police Officer Joe Nelson, who is the school resource officer at Chi-Hi.

When Weiss was driving Newton to lunch, Nelson pulled over Weiss in the Chi-Hi parking lot, supposedly because Weiss was going too fast.

He look my license and when it came back, he told me I had an outstanding warrant out of Bloomer and he was going to have to take me in for what should be a book and release, Weiss said.

So Weiss got out of the car, where Nelson handcuffed him and put him in the back of his squad car.

Then Nelson brought Newton to the back of the car, saying Weiss wanted to talk to her. He added there was one way for Weiss to maybe get out of trouble.

When she asked what it was, I said: Well, he told me it was more of a crime I havent asked you to prom yet!, Weiss said.

With that, Weiss grabbed flowers he had hid and gave them to Newton.

Newton then quipped to Nelson: If I say no, can you take him to jail?

The answer to that was a no.

But her answer to Weiss prom question was a yes.
In March, for the second year in a row, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker issued an executive order regarding the states open records law.

It notes that the American republic and the state of Wisconsin were founded on the basis of broad accountability of government to the people. And it declares that the free flow of information from the government to the people instills trust and confidence in our democracy and ensures that our government is accessible, accountable and open.

The order directs state agencies to track and post their record response times and, like last years order, gives procedural guidance that should make it easier for citizens to request and receive records.

It instructs agencies to charge no more than 15 cents per page for provided photocopies and to charge no more than $30 per hour for government employees time spent locating records. It directs that agency meeting notices be posted in a centralized location on Wisconsin.gov, making these more accessible to the public. And it prescribes records training for all employees and members of all boards, councils and commissions.

The governor issued his executive order just as media outlets were analyzing state agencies performance since the 2016 order. The Wisconsin State Journal reported that state agencies were responding more quickly to public records requests since Walker issued the 2016 executive order, though some agencies performed better than others. Overall, the paper found, the average records response time has fallen from 13 to nine days.

USA Today Network-Wisconsin also compared state agency public records requests and responses and found that some agencies took considerably longer than others to fulfill requests, even after the 2016 executive order directed that small and straightforward requests be fulfilled within 10 days whenever practicable and directed that sufficient staff be allocated to ensure that all requests be fulfilled as soon as practicable.

According to this analysis, the governors office received fewer requests but took longer to respond than other agencies. Like other agencies whose response times were on the slow end, the governors office blamed the complexity of the requests for the delays in responding.

With greater scrutiny, there may be more occasion for agencies to be called upon to explain poor performance. This is the way that government is supposed to operate: The public is supposed to know when government is operating well, and when it is not. Without transparency, there cannot be accountability.

To that end, the 2016 and 2017 executive orders are welcome steps in the right direction. A year from now, we hope there will be fresh outside analysis of state agencies performance and still more guidance from the governors office regarding concrete improvements that can be made.

A word to local government officials: Theres no need to wait to follow the governors lead in seeking to improve records and open meetings practices. If the state can challenge itself to do better, then local government leaders, individually and through collective associations and groups, can and should do the same.
In creating for the future, architecture comes with lasting and costly consequences. So Andre Brumfield, firmwide director of planning and urban design at architectural firm Gensler in Chicago, starts with the individual.

Whether he's working with his core group in Chicago or teams across multiple offices, tackling city master plans or neighborhood revitalization, Brumfield explains how he gets the best creativity from a diversity of people and approaches.

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Q: How do you define creativity for your business?

A: Design goes beyond buildings. It's how one building relates to another building, and how it meets the street, and how that street ties those buildings together, and how that builds a neighborhood or city, and how design can influence our built environments as a whole or a series of pieces that work together.

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Brumfield works in the Chicago office. (Antonio Perez / Blue Sky)

Q: How does that affect your creative approach?

A: Oftentimes, someone like yourself, or others, says, "I'm not an architect or an urban designer," but then they give their opinion  and they should. We all live in architectural and urban environments.

I always think about what I want a place to be like when I walk through a space, what I want those interactive moments to be. It's what we experience as users. I'm always thinking about the end-user because we're all end-users. We may not have designed it, but we know what makes a great place or neighborhood environment.

Q: In what ways do changes in technology affect your creative thinking?

A: We've been so overwhelmed with data that some designers have a hard time distinguishing what direction they should go. It's easier to press a button and come up with a beautiful rendering and buildings. But how real is that, and how does it get implemented, and if it is implemented, how do you make sure it doesn't fail?

The last thing you want is to use all this big data and find out it's lying to you. You can never be dependent upon the data. You have to prove the data and re-prove the data and have the right partners with you, not only on the design team but also on the client side, constantly helping you look at this in different ways.

Q: How do you build a creative team?

A: I like non-traditional approaches  non-traditional people who like to look at the same set of lenses with you, but they're looking at something much different than you are and problem-solving with you. I'm not looking for a carbon copy of me.

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If I bring a solution from the front door, someone else brings it through the back door, someone else the roof and another the second floor  that diversity of thinking as it relates to design is what I'm looking for. Who I might have brought on today that walked in the door, the next person I'm looking for is someone different than that person.

One person may get at one solution and get stuck. Another person who might not have been able to come up with an idea initially can pick up the ball and work collaboratively. I learn from them. We all learn from each other.

Q: What do you look for when hiring creative talent?

A: Some of the most creative people I've hired, you just didn't see it in interview initially. You saw glimpses of it when you took a chance, and then they blew you away. Others showed very well in the interview and they hit 10 items you wanted, but it turns out they weren't the right fit for a number of reasons. There's no template, but there's a baseline of skills.

Q-and-As are edited for clarity and length.

Kate MacArthur is a freelance writer.

Twitter @katemacarthur
Employees work to fill orders March 10, 2016, at the Amazon fulfillment center in Kenosha, Wis. Amazon said April 6, 2017, that it wants to add 30,000 part-time jobs to staff its warehouses and distribution centers as well as its customer service operations. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

Amazon wants to add 30,000 part-time fulfillment center and customer service jobs in the next year, a hiring binge that would boost the company's part-time ranks by roughly 75 percent.

Most of those jobs will be in Amazon's warehouses and distribution centers, filling customers' online orders, but 5,000 will be work-from-home customer service positions, Amazon said Thursday.

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It wasn't immediately clear how many of those new jobs would be in Illinois, but Amazon regularly posts job ads for part-time workers at warehouses in Chicago, Mundelein, Morton Grove and Lisle.

That's on top of the company's recent push to hire full-time workers to staff new Illinois distribution centers.

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For years, Amazon avoided opening physical operations in Illinois to avoid state sales taxes. But since announcing its first Illinois warehouse in 2015, it's opened two in Joliet, two in Edwardsville and one in Romeoville, and four more are planned, one each in Waukegan and Monee and two in Aurora, Amazon said in January. The Seattle-based company said it will need more than 7,000 full-time workers to staff its Illinois facilities.

One Chicago job notice seeks part-time workers specifically for Amazon's Prime Now program, which promises Chicagoans in Amazon's Prime membership program free home delivery in just two hours for a range of household items.

When the Joliet and Romeoville fulfillment centers were announced, local officials said they were happy to have a major new employer, even though Amazon has drawn criticism over working conditions at its warehouses. The growth in e-commerce overall was expected to mean growing competition for employees, which was expected to boost wages and benefits.

Unlike the warehouse jobs, the 5,000 virtual customer service jobs let employees work from anywhere.

"There are lots of people who want or need a flexible job  whether they're a military spouse, a college student or a parent  and we're happy to empower these talented people no matter where they happen to live," Tom Weiland, Amazon vice president for worldwide customer service, said in the news release.

More than 70 percent of part-time virtual customer service and fulfillment center workers work more than 20 hours per week, which qualifies them for benefits including life, disability, dental and vision insurance and funding toward medical insurance, Amazon said.

lzumbach@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @laurenzumbach
Land of Lincoln, which was on the Affordable Care Act exchange, left nearly 50,000 Illinois consumers scrambling for health insurance in 2016 after it ceased offering coverage at the end of September. (Andrew Harnik / AP)

Six months after health insurer Land of Lincoln went under, the state is telling former members how to get reimbursed for money they lost due to the insurer's midyear collapse.

It's uncertain, however, how much money consumers might actually see. Meanwhile, the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association has already been paying health care providers for their Land of Lincoln claims.

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As of March 15, the association had paid about $33.5 million to providers for 80,000 claims, said Michael Batkins, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Insurance. More claims from providers are expected.

Land of Lincoln, which was on the Affordable Care Act exchange, left nearly 50,000 Illinois consumers scrambling for health insurance in 2016 after it ceased offering coverage at the end of September because of financial woes. Many Land of Lincoln members who switched to new plans for the year's last three months had to start paying down new deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, despite, in some cases, having already met them under Land of Lincoln.

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In September, the state Department of Insurance confirmed that members would be able to file claims against the insurer's estate. In the last few days, members started receiving letters about the process. They have until March 29, 2018, to file claims.

According to the letter, Land of Lincoln members may file claims if they met their deductibles and out-of-pocket expense payments but then had to pay money toward new deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses under new insurance plans after Land of Lincoln closed.

"Land of Lincoln policyholders must have suffered a loss in order to be entitled to a deductible or out of pocket claim against the estate," Batkins said in an email. He cited as an example people who paid more toward deductibles in 2016 than they otherwise would have if Land of Lincoln had remained open through the end of the year.

As of Thursday, no former Land of Lincoln members had filed claims, Batkins said. Those wishing to file claims must get a "proof of claim" from the Office of the Special Deputy Receiver either at www.osdchi.com, through the mail or by telephone.

When asked when consumers who file claims might receive money and whether there would be enough money to pay consumer claims, Batkins said covered claims are being paid on a regular basis. He said claims that are not covered by the guaranty association will be paid after the filing deadline. He didn't respond to a request, by deadline, for further details.

"Payments will be made on a pro rata basis, based upon the total assets available for distribution divided by the total value of all consumer, provider and Guaranty Association claims," Batkins said.

Batkins added that the total amount of money available will be affected by payments made through the Affordable Care Act's risk corridor program.

Co-ops, such as Land of Lincoln, were especially hard hit when Congress passed spending bills that kept insurers from receiving the level of payments they had expected under the ACA's risk corridor program. That program was meant to help stabilize the insurance market during the early years of the ACA.

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For 2014, insurers asked for $2.87 billion in risk corridor payments but got only $362 million.

Land of Lincoln sued the federal government in federal claims court over the issue, saying it was owed $73 million in risk corridor payments. Land of Lincoln said it had relied on receiving that money and set prices lower than it otherwise would have, in anticipation of getting it.

A federal claims court judge sided with the government late last year in that lawsuit. Land of Lincoln's liquidation estate has appealed that decision, Batkins said.

Tom Bloomquist, of Naperville, said he's been wondering for months how former Land of Lincoln members, such as him, might be compensated for the money they lost because of the insurer's closure. Bloomquist said his family had already met its $3,800 deductible under Land of Lincoln when the insurer shut down. He and his family had to start paying down a new deductible when they switched to a new plan for the final months of the year.

"I thought it was ridiculous to put us in that situation," Bloomquist said.

He said he'd like to file a claim now, if he's eligible.

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"I'm still dubious, though, in terms of where I stand in the creditor line and how that might work."

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lschencker
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said Tuesday that his closely watched annual letter to investors was written with shareholders, employees and the community in mind. But other parties might be interested in what he has to say: the White House and Congress, as the high-profile banker sounded off on policy issues in his investor letter in a very big way.

"This is the first time I probably ever took on public policy as just a main theme," Dimon said in an interview with Yahoo Finance's Andy Serwer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday after the letter's release. "I've mentioned it before many times, but this is the first time I put it down and said I'm going to deal with public policy."

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Dimon devoted one of three sections  12 of the letter's 45 pages  to a wide-ranging policy blueprint, as well as another 15 pages focused specifically on financial regulation. In the policy section, he weighs in on topics including education and infrastructure, immigration and corporate taxes, speaking out about labor participation, spending on wars and student lending.

And though he maintains that the United States is an "exceptional" country, with the world's best military, hospitals, universities and an entrepreneurial culture, the typically optimistic CEO also wrote that "something is wrong" in America, spelling out a host of concerns regarding the challenges the country faces. "Making this list was an upsetting exercise," he wrote.

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Dimon, a member of President Donald Trump's CEO advisory council whose name was floated as a possible Treasury Secretary in the Trump administration and who has contributed to Democrats in the past, joins other high-profile CEOs who've devoted parts of their investor letters this year to policy or politics. In February, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett promoted the U.S. economy's dynamism, pointing out the value of immigrants and entitlements, while General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt zeroed in on trade, warning the country will be "less of a leader in trade" while expressing hope about some of the new policies.

Dimon said he thinks business has a responsibility to weigh in. Though some CEOs "don't want to do that because they don't want to be a target," he said in the interview at the Chamber, "I think it's particularly important for business today to take an active role in trying to fix the problems that this country does have."

Like Buffett and Immelt, Dimon did not identify Trump by name, but wrote about policies that reveal how his views compare with the administration's. Like the president, Dimon said he "strongly disagrees" with economists who think the country is stuck with slower growth and lower productivity. For example, factors such as rising health care costs and defaults on student loans, which aren't usually reflected in economic models, have likely hurt growth. Working to improve those issues could help the economy.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon, seen March 9, 2017, has said that "something is wrong" in America, spelling out a host of concerns regarding the challenges the country faces. (Christophe Morin / Bloomberg)

He said the "regulatory environment is unnecessarily complex, costly and sometimes confusing" and wrote in favor of corporate tax reform, saying the current system "is driving capital and brains overseas."

He also echoed an understanding, at least, of the populist forces that drove Trump's campaign. Factors such as declining wages, high health care costs and income inequality "all have created deep frustration," he wrote, as well as a "disenchantment" with trade and globalization. "It is understandable why so many are angry at the leaders of America's institutions, including businesses, schools and governments  they are right to expect us to do a better job. Collectively, we are the ones responsible."

In the interview at the Chamber, Dimon also spoke directly about Trump and some of his policies, saying, for instance, that Trump is right about unfair trade practices with China: "I hate to tell you, he's right. We all know that. The Chinese know it. They steal intellectual property. There's cybersecurity. There are very high tariffs for certain things." He also said he is "somewhat optimistic" on issues such as corporate taxes, infrastructure and regulations, where he thinks the Trump administration "is on the right track."

Yet Dimon also cited areas that reveal where there are differences. Dimon listed "anti-globalization sentiment"  a sentiment that helped sweep Trump to victory  as a major geopolitical risk to his company. Trump made "buy American, hire American" a line in his inauguration speech and plans to restrict highly skilled foreign workers; Dimon called it "alarming" that some 40 percent of students who get advanced degrees in areas such as science and mathematics "are foreign nationals with no legal way of staying here even when many would choose to do so."

On financial regulation, Dimon was also clear that he did not think "the entirety of Dodd-Frank or other rules" should be thrown out, noting that factors like more coordinated oversight and laws that let regulators unwind failing banks have made the system stronger, even suggesting the "too big to fail" problem had essentially been solved. Dimon did, however, cite rules that he thinks need to be reworked, such as creating more consistent and simplified capital standards.

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In his letter, Dimon dug into a host of other concerns he thinks society is facing, from infrastructure problems to lower labor participation rates to education, which he cited as particularly distressing.

"We should be ringing the national alarm bell that inner city schools are failing our children," he wrote, calling for more partnerships between business and schools and more vocational training. In his interview at the Chamber, Dimon had particularly strong words, saying the nation's leaders were to blame and calling problems with the education system a "national emergency" that should be treated like World War II or smallpox. "This is a slow train wreck," he said.

While there, he also admitted that he did get "a lot of complaints" from people who opposed his participation on Trump's advisory group. While he said he "absolutely" does not agree with all of Trump's policies  joking that "Mr. Trump doesn't agree with everything he's said himself"  he also had an answer for those critics.

"Here's what I told everybody: When you get on the airplane, you better be rooting for the success of the pilot," he said. "I'm a patriot. I will do what I can to help the United States of America. And that includes helping whoever's president."
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, vice chairman of Tronc's board of directors, and his affiliated companies own 8.74 million shares, or 26.7 percent of the company's outstanding shares. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images 2012)

The second-largest shareholder of Tronc in December discussed buying the Los Angeles Times, separating it from the parent company that also owns the Chicago Tribune and seven other major newspapers, the company said Thursday.

But whether it was shareholder Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong or Tronc Chairman Michael Ferro who initiated the discussion was a subject of debate in sharply worded attorney letters exchanged Thursday.

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Soon-Shiong, a California biotech billionaire who is Tronc's vice chairman but is set to be ousted from the company's board at its April 18 annual meeting, was rebuffed, according to a letter sent by Tronc's attorneys to Soon-Shiong's attorneys.

In the letter, Tronc attorneys claimed Soon-Shiong was engaged in a strategy to "coerce the company into selling (him) the Los Angeles Times," but the letter said "the LA Times is not for sale."

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Executives at Tronc, formerly known as Tribune Publishing, dismissed any interest in selling the Los Angeles Times to Soon-Shiong in December, according to the letter.

"As was discussed with (Soon-Shiong) in December of 2016, the only way for (him) to own the LA Times is to acquire the whole company," the letter said. "And if (he) wants to make such a proposal, the board will do its duty and consider it."

In a response letter Thursday afternoon, obtained by the Tribune, Soon-Shiong's attorneys said the suggestion of a "coerced" sale of the LA Times was "simply false."

"Mr. Ferro, on his own initiative, contacted Dr. Soon-Shiong in December 2016 about the possibility of Dr. Soon-Shiong buying the LA Times in connection with a buyout of Dr. Soon-Shiong's Tronc shares," the letter said.

Both Ferro and Soon-Shiong declined to comment.

The dueling letters are the latest salvos in an escalating battle within the company's board. Soon-Shiong and Ferro, Tronc's largest shareholder, have substantially increased their holdings since rival newspaper chain Gannett abandoned its hostile pursuit of Tronc in November.

At issue is a recent change in the company's rules allowing Ferro to own a larger stake than Soon-Shiong. Last month, Tronc bought back Oaktree Capital Management's remaining 3.74 million shares in the company. The stock buyback also increased both Ferro's and Soon-Shiong's stakes beyond a 25 percent ownership cap imposed by their respective initial purchase agreements last year.

On March 23, the Tronc board raised the ownership cap for Ferro to 30 percent, but did not do the same for Soon-Shiong, who subsequently wrote Tronc's attorneys over what he termed the "preferential treatment" afforded Ferro, and demanded a similar amendment to his ownership agreement.

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Ferro and his affiliated companies own 9.05 million shares, which represents a 27.7 percent stake in Tronc. Soon-Shiong and his affiliated companies own 8.74 million shares, or 26.7 percent of Tronc's outstanding shares.

A technology entrepreneur who previously owned the Chicago Sun-Times, Ferro became chairman of Tronc and its largest shareholder in February 2016, when his investment firm, Merrick Ventures, bought 5.22 million newly issued shares at $8.50 each, or $44.4 million. In June, Tronc sold 4.7 million newly issued shares at $15 each, or more than $70 million, to Nant Capital, a California-based technology investment firm headed by Soon-Shiong.

Tronc Chairman Michael Ferro and his affliated companies own own 9.05 million shares, which represents a 27.7 percent stake in the company, which owns the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and other newspapers. (Daniel Acker / Bloomberg 2012)

Tronc said in its letter Thursday that Soon-Shiong violated the company's insider trading policy through several subsequent acquisitions that took place during blackout periods and without advance clearance. The company demanded that Soon-Shiong "cease trading in Tronc stock without first obtaining ... approval to do so."

In their letter Thursday, Soon-Shiong's attorneys took "strong exception" to Tronc's suggestion that his trading was improper in any way.

"All of the stock trades, aside from a few open market purchases ... were expressly pre-cleared by Tronc's legal department or made after the December 23, 2016 meeting where the Tronc board approved directors engaging in stock transactions," the letter stated.

In its March 9 proxy statement, Tronc said it would reduce the size of its board from nine directors to seven, eliminating seats for Soon-Shiong and Donald Tang. The company is scheduled to hold its annual shareholder meeting April 18 at the Chicago offices of its corporate attorneys, Kirkland & Ellis.

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Soon-Shiong will officially be off the board once the meeting is gaveled open, a Tronc spokesman said Thursday.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RobertChannick
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, shown here in October 2016, has threatened a one-day teacher strike on May 1 to draw attention to the "acute crisis" facing Chicago Public Schools. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Teachers Union members will remain on the job May 1 after union leaders on Wednesday called off consideration of a one-day walkout.

"Our members weren't for it," CTU President Karen Lewis told reporters after a meeting of the union's House of Delegates. "They didn't want to do it."

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But union officials said the CTU could still carry out actions to protest the threat of an early end to the school year, which Chicago Public Schools officials have said may be necessary without a last-minute infusion of money to settle this year's budget.

Union officials said teachers would stay on the job but find other ways to show support for worker demonstrations planned for May Day. That's when a coalition of labor groups plan to carry out citywide demonstrations and a downtown march to protest Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and President Donald Trump.

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Lewis said her members "are frustrated and outraged that the mayor and his handpicked board of education have chosen to take the skin off our backs to alleviate a budget crisis that their leadership has created."

"Our schools need resources and infrastructure  not consolidation, cuts and school closures," she said.

CTU last month asked teachers to discuss a proposal to stage a one-day walkout to bring attention to the budget problems at CPS that have prompted the threat of an early end to the school year.

Lewis and union officials have argued that ending the school year as many as three weeks ahead of schedule would violate the union's contract. But the one-day strike idea had faced some skepticism from members as well as legal opposition from CPS.

CPS restarted an effort to block teachers from walking out after state officials rejected a district request to enforce a ruling that a similar one-day strike by CTU last April likely violated state law.

Hearings to argue the issue before the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board are pending.

CPS spokeswoman Emily Bittner did not say whether the district would continue to pursue a court decision to block the union from carrying out a one-day strike in the future. The district's attorneys will assess the situation "once we have all the facts," she said.

The CTU is fighting a series of cost-cutting efforts CPS has employed to close part of a looming year-end budget gap. That includes three remaining furlough days  one on Friday and two more in June.

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The union continues to call for the city to reinstate furlough days rather than end the school year early, support an elected school board and send additional money to the school district from city tax-increment financing funds.

Lewis said a walkout is not yet out of the question if the district moves ahead with cutting the academic year short.

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"There's nothing off the table. Nothing would be off the table," Lewis said. "The key to this is, is basically, an abrogation of our contract. We signed a contract. And now they've altered an entire salary schedule, basically. They've altered that by insisting on these furlough days."

Whether CPS will actually cut short the school year  an idea that's said to be vehemently opposed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel  remains to be seen.

The district, in a court filing over its ongoing education funding lawsuit against the state of Illinois this week, rejected the state's claim that CPS can borrow money to avoid an early end to the school year.

But in legal documents filed Monday, the district provided no direct answers on its finances.

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Instead, CPS said it may provide sworn testimony on the issues officials say are forcing tough choices such as closing schools about three weeks early and drastically cutting summer school programs.

jjperez@chicagotribune.com

twitter @perezjr
If the culinary world had a "Three Tenors"-like tour, it couldn't do much better than chefs Ferran Adria, Andoni Luis Aduriz and Grant Achatz  and the music likely would make your head spin.

Adria was the chef of Spain's El Bulli, which topped Restaurant magazine's "World's 50 Best Restaurants" list a record five times before he shuttered it in 2011. Aduriz worked in El Bulli's madly innovative kitchen in the early '90s before opening Mugaritz in San Sebastian, Spain, in 1998. (It's No. 4 on the 2013 Restaurant list.) Achatz was at El Bulli for a much shorter time, five days in 2000, yet the Chicago chef credits that experience as a transformative one, unlocking his creativity and putting him on the path toward his envelope-pushing Alinea (No. 15 on the 2013 Restaurant list after peaking at No. 6).

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Since closing El Bulli, Adria has stepped up his work on the El Bulli Foundation, a culinary/creative think tank, as well as the Bullipedia, an attempt to do nothing less than codify the history of cuisines. Last Friday and Saturday he appeared at numerous events in Chicago, culminating in a presentation and signing of his new massive seven-volume set "elBulli 2005-2011" ($625, Phaidon) Saturday at Balena.

Aduriz, who was in town to participate in a couple of events with Moto chef Homaro Cantu, and Achatz sat down with their mentor/friend before Achatz introduced Adria at Balena. New York-based food writer Sofia Perez translated for Adria and Aduriz. The following is an edited transcript.

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Q: What has each of you learned the most from each other?

Adria: I learned about the passion and (belief) in a project. They're two of the few chefs who put the project ahead of the money. It's very rare. The only other project I knew that was like that was El Bulli, where the project was more important. It's magical that there are people that think that way.

Achatz: For me it's having the opportunity to be a part of gastronomy at a time when it is at its most creative. Whether it be music or painting, you go through long periods of a plateau, but it's very rare that you're in the moment where you're a part of or being influenced by something so significant. Like 20 years ago, people were cooking all the same, for the most part, but then along comes this shift and this super-creative moment where it fuels all the young cooks that were influenced by it, and it changes gastronomy significantly. It's really awesome to be a part of that period and to get the confidence watching people be so successful at taking risks and literally changing a field.

Adria: El Bulli was created by 2,000 people that passed through it. And we didn't know that something big was happening. It was like a game in a way. You didn't really know how it was going to end up, and people who would leave, they would take a piece of it with them, but they would leave another piece behind.

Aduriz: From Ferran I've learned everything. For me El Bulli was a school for talent. And if you look at the list of the most influential chefs in the world today, the ones that are doing different things or are trying to do different things, they're all sons and daughters of El Bulli or in some indirect form. If I didn't pass through El Bulli, I wouldn't be doing what I do today.

Adria: These are two of the chefs I admire the most in the world. Everybody knows it. I admire them for what they do because each day they try to create their own style. It's very difficult, very difficult. What we did among all of us together at El Bulli is be ethical, honest, share and take risks and have passion. They represent that as well.

Aduriz: I need references in my life, people that help me to be better. I value not just the creative part of him; he's someone who brings a lot to the world personally. I think what I most value is not just what he does, which is very important in his own right, but the way he does it. It is incredible to me. I value the way he is even-keeled, looking at the long-term picture. That's incredible for me. He's number one for me, not just for what he does, but because of this crazy profession, we need people who are whole and grounded.

Adria: Some of the young people are worrying me. It's the best generation in history because they have training, but the values that I listed before, it's hard for them, and it's not entirely their fault. It's the system. People today want to be Grant and Andoni in two years. They want to reach that level (quickly), and that's not the way it is.

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Q: How important is to pass along the knowledge of how and why you've done what you've done?

Adria: We opened El Bulli; there were no secrets there. The recipes were not secret. Anybody who came, the recipes were there for them. This was unthinkable then.

Achatz: I remember all of my meals at El Bulli and Mugaritz definitively. They were career-changing for me. I feel like the media focuses on certain things like techniques. I remember eating at Mugaritz last time and the dried fern that looked like a vanilla bean, right? Mind-blowing. The techniques that El Bulli established and created  mind-blowing. But it's not about those things. The bigger picture is how it's influenced the world of cooking. Tonight if you ate at Boka or if you ate at Naha or even if you ate at Publican, they're utilizing influences from these guys. It's trickled all the way down to gastropubs, which is amazing.

Adria: Egotistically what you've done yesterday is no longer important. You can share it. There was a part of it, a will to share, but then you say, "Well, it doesn't matter because it's already past." We created a philosophy that was transmitted to share.

Q: What can food still do that it's not doing yet?

Adria: (Get) organized  to order things. More has been created in 20 years than in all of history. Who knew Peruvian cuisine outside of Peru? Who knew Japan 20 years ago outside of Japan? In the last 20 years, new techniques, new concepts, new elaborations, styles  a lot of it's not documented. ... We have to also order instructions. If we do that, and we understand what we're doing, we're going to create differently. Maybe it opens our minds to do it in a different way because our generation, we had the good luck and the misfortune to take cooking to the limit. To go to Alinea or Mugaritz, it's an experience. It's not about just going to eat. This experience is on one side. If you go off the edge, it's not cooking anymore, so you have to push it to the limit....What are the limits?"

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Achatz: Right, what are the limits?

Aduriz: Antonio Damasio is a neuroscientist, one of the most important ones in the world. He said, "You people are very creative, but the most important thing about your work is that you make the diners creative." What that means is through an activity, the person who receives that activity develops a value like creativity. ... It makes you much more conscious to other attributes, more aware of other values and attributes. Eating, you can be very, very aware of many things. The value of sensibility, the value of sustainability, in many different forms  you cultivate that in people. Those are frontiers that I'm interested in.

Achatz: The exciting thing is that we know that because of the steps that have already been taken, there is no ceiling. Again, 20 years ago we would have never thought that we could do what we're doing now, and that fuels the confidence and the thinking to do other things. I don't know what they are, Andoni might not know what they are, but the fact that the potential to get there exists is exciting.

Adria: The person who's receiving the food cooks as much as the chef. They have a very important role to play. When you get to a very high level of cuisine, it's really emotional.Unless you have incredible works of art that stand on their own, the most experiential place for a person who receives is a restaurant, like Mugaritz and Alinea. And it can seem pretentious to say that, but it's true. There's no other activity that the person who receives it can destroy the work, can participate in how it's being done. It's emotional. Sometimes journalists are going to have to start talking more about the diners than the chefs.

(Achatz and Adurizi laugh.)

Adria: It's true. I've seen very few interviews of diners, people who eat, in this particular context. When they bring the dish, why do they eat it a certain way and not another? And they listen to what's being told or not. This is the path that started 20 years ago. But we didn't really know quite well. We didn't realize it. We're doing it every day; we're creating every day. We said it, but the relationship with the diner, with the chef, it's the great revolution.

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Q: Is it important for diners and everyday people to receive this knowledge that you're passing on?

Adria: No, no, no, no, no. The diner has to be moved. And then they will decide how much knowledge they want. You can go to MOMA. I can go and study Cubism. And when I see (Picasso's) "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," I can get on my knees. Or I can go there and look around and walk in front of it. You might not stop in MOMA for that painting because you might not know what it signifies. But you're going to decide, an individual decides, not because of whether you know it or not. So the diner doesn't have the obligation to do this. Emotions they can say what they want, but if they opine on this, on their knowledge, that's when problems start. (laughs)

Q: Do you think where food goes will be more about discovering new techniques or new ingredients?

Adria: New products will be easier. There are a lot of products still to be discovered in the world and experimentation, for example with seafood and fish. There are thousands of products that we're not eating right now that maybe will be cultivated in a good agriculture situation, a sustainable, ecological way. Maybe there will be textures or flavors we hadn't even thought of. In the Amazon there are 400 fruits that are not cultivated right now. They're just incredible fruits. Textures, tastes that we don't know right now. New basic techniques are going to be harder to create. We can create techniques, but it will be a sum total of previous techniques that already existed, so there'll be new combinations, but a new basic technique is going to be very difficult because this generation has done so much. .If you look at painting, in the last 50 years, there's hardly been any new technique. There's thousands of painters in the world that have all the time in the world thinking about these techniques.

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Aduriz: Asking the necessary questions, that's what I want. For the same result, a different way of seeing it changes the whole perspective.We have to intend to ask the right questions, understanding that there will be some techniques that are new. We might see them as if they are new letters to write some stories, tell stories. If you allow me the metaphor, it's what kind of discussion do we want to have? ...We need to start asking the right questions over the same subjects. Suddenly it's a disruptive discourse.

Adria: For example this is very important what we're doing now. There's no model to get together. Knowledge at this level is in few hands. We have to look for a model, so we can have a few days together, because imagine gathering 20 people at this level. There's no model for it now, because conferences are kind of passe at this point.

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Achatz: We talk about this all the time at Alinea. Imagine if you had the group of the right people in the room talking about this. You'd further it so much. We just don't have that opportunity. Maybe with the foundation that will become possible.

Q: Will you reopen El Bulli or cook again?

Adria: I cook every day. If you understand cooking only as a physical process, then you don't understand cooking.

mcaro@tribune.com

Twitter @MarkCaro
The Baderbrau brewery will be built in a former plumbing supply plant in the South Loop. (Courtesy Blue Star Properties, Handout)

Breweries are opening at a frantic clip in Chicago, but none has quite the story behind it as Baderbrau  and that story will come full circle with the opening of a 25,000-square-foot brewery in the South Loop in 2015.

The tale began in 1989 when a former Chicago police officer launched Pavichevich Brewing Co. in Elmhurst. The flagship beer was Baderbrau, a Czech-style Pilsner that quickly became the city's go-to locally-made beer. At least it was the go-to beer for Rob Sama, who was then a philosophy undergrad at the University of Chicago.

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"Baderbrau is what you thought of when you wanted a beer on the back porch," Sama said. "But we didn't buy it for parties. It was too expensive for that."

The Chicago brewery scene was close to nonexistent in the late 1980s and early 1990s. There were a handful of brewpubs  including a young Goose Island  but for fresh bottled beer made in Chicago, Baderbrau was a cult star. Beer historian Michael Jackson even called the beer "the best Pilsner I've ever tasted in America."

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"Every beer was the same swill," Sama said. "Baderbrau was beer with some bitterness and body to it, and completely different."

Pavichevich Brewing went into bankruptcy in 1997. Goose Island wound up with the Baderbrau brand and won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival for it in 1998. But Goose soon phased out Baderbrau, and the brand was seemingly left for the city's historical dustbin.

Fast-forward to 2010.

Sama was married with a young child, working as a financial analyst and home brewing on weekends. He was exchanging messages with his old college roommate and brewing partner and wondered what had become of Baderbrau. He looked up the domain baderbrau.com and learned it was available.

Sama pounced, figuring he might create a fan page dedicated to one of his all-time favorite beers. A few weeks later he read an article about lapsed trademarks and wondered: What about the Baderbrau name? It turned out to have become available a couple of months earlier. Sama pounced again.

Sama tracked down the former brewmaster of Pavichevich Brewing, who passed along the original recipe for Baderbrau and helped him find the original yeast strain (which was the same yeast used in the legendary Stroh's lager).

By spring 2012, Sama was contract-brewing the reborn Baderbrau at Argus Brewery on Chicago's Far South Side. About a year later, he shipped production to the Stevens Point Brewery in Stevens Point, Wis.

The rebirth of Baderbrau continues with Sama's announcement Wednesday about the new brewery. He spent about a year looking at property before settling on a former plumbing supply business at 2515 S. Wabash Ave., which he hopes to open by the end of next summer.

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The brewery will include a 4,000-square-foot second-floor taproom that will look onto the brewing tanks (which echoes the design of the Lagunitas taproom that opened in June). Sama said he expects to hire about 11 people, including a brewing staff of three.

Baderbrau will distribute beer in 12-ounce cans, including his version of the original Baderbrau Pilsner, plus a rotating crop of seasonal beers that include a couple of beers that have impressed in the last year: Lawnmower Lager (a hoppy lager that will be available from March to September) and Naked Selfie (a hoppy black lager that will be available from October to February).

I told Sama that I was lukewarm on his early Baderbrau releases but quite impressed by Lawnmower Lager and Naked Selfie (memo to Sama: please change that name). He didn't object.

"We've made every mistake in the book," he said. "We had trial by fire. And now I think we're firing on all cylinders."

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Baderbrau will continue to focus on relatively easy-to-drink (or "sessionable," as they say) lagers, though Sama said he also plans to brew wheat ales. There will be no imperial stouts and no India pale ales; Baderbrau will stick to beers that are more approachable. If he does bigger beers, he said, he expects to experiment with less popular styles, like ice bock and Baltic porter.

"Metropolitan (a Chicago brewery that makes several lagers) does a great job, but for every Metropolitan, there are five guys making double IPAs, and I don't need to be another one," Sama said. "It's increasingly difficult to be a brewer that does a little bit of everything. That's just my opinion. We'll see how that works out."

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I asked Sama whether he had any hesitation about opening a new brewery, and whether he thought the market was anywhere close to saturation. Dogfish Head Brewery founder Sam Calagione used the term "bloodbath" to describe the regression he expects in the industry.

"It's a big question, and it extends beyond Chicago," Sama said. "I think the craft movement is about a couple things at once. High-quality beer, of course, and a variety of flavors is one. But the other thing is that the beer is made locally. It's a rebellion against homogeneity. It's about getting off a plane in a different city and not wanting to see all the stuff you see back home. It makes the stuff at home feel less special, and everything seems bland.

"In that sense, I think the Chicago craft beer scene is nowhere near saturated. Walk into a bar, and there's far too much out-of-state beer on tap. I think there's still a lot of potential for in-state craft beer, both on tap and in retail, and we want to be part of that."

jbnoel@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @joshbnoel
Don Rickles, who passed away Thursday at the age of 90, was legendary for his onstage insults -- even though he was a nice guy in real life.

At a tribute to Clint Eastwood: "Clint, I'm sorry, but I just gotta say what's on everybody's mind here tonight: You're a terrible actor."

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On Robert DeNiro, while shooting "Casino": "They warned me what a serious guy De Niro is ...They warned me not to make jokes. So the third day of shooting, I looked him straight in the face and told him: 'I can't work with you. You can't act.' The guy fell on the floor. He didn't stop laughing for 18 weeks. Scorsese fell on the floor too, but he's so small we couldn't find him."

On Martin Scorcese, who directed him in "Casino": "Marty ... somebody get a phone book so you can see me. Forty million jobs in show business, I got a midget to direct me."

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While roasting Bob Hope on "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast": "We kid about great stars such as you Bob, why? Because you're old and washed up."

To Frank Sinatra, while performing at a club in 1957: "Make yourself at home, Frank. Hit somebody."

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To Johnny Carson, during his first appearance on "The Tonight Show" in 1965: "Hi, dum dum ... Where does it say you butt in, dummy? I'm fed up with you already, you know that?"

He continued: "That's it, laugh it up. You're making $50 million a year and your poor parents are back in Nebraska eating locusts for dinner."

To Mr. T on the "Merv Griffin Show": "I gotta tell you, with all the nonsense and all the jokes, I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart: Merv Griffin told me he never liked you."

To Larry King on "Larry King Live" in 1985: "Well I just wanted to say to you, Larry, as a favor, please don't call me anymore. I think this was an absolute waste. This will not change my life one bit. I personally feel your show is not going to make it much longer, really. You're an annoying guy sitting there in your little funny little sweater every night, leaning over, pressing, you're like a beaver, you're trying to snarl and get information. Larry, go back to Miami and do what you do best -- suck up a swamp. Don't bother people, Larry."

To Ronald Reagan at his second inauguration:"Remember when you were governor and you used to walk over to my table? Now you're big and you're getting on my nerves?"

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To Questlove while appearing on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" in 2015: "I spoke to the barber convention and they need you badly. But you're a hell of a musician, good luck to you." Then, to Fallon: "He's not that good."

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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)
A pleasant hangout session for its stars, and those who love them, the remake of the bittersweet 1979 comedy "Going in Style" cheers things up for early 21st-century audiences and allows its Golden Boys ensemble a measure of dignity alongside the slapstick, pathos and wish fulfillment. If that sounds like a qualified endorsement, you're reading me loud and clear.

Director Zach Braff, best known for "Scrubs," works from a script by Theodore Melfi ("St. Vincent," "Hidden Figures"). With their approximately $45,000 annual steel mill pensions frozen and presumed lost, owing to manufacturing moving to Vietnam, retirees Joe (Michael Caine), Willie (Morgan Freeman) and Al (Alan Arkin) are saddled with money problems in the extreme. (Millions may watch "Going in Style" and, at least for a moment, think: Must be nice to have a pension to lose.) During a testy meeting with his local loan officer about an imminent home foreclosure, Joe witnesses a deft, bloodless bank robbery and gets an idea. Why not go gangster himself and pull off his own heist, with the help of his pals?

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"Going in Style" spins forward, as the not-so-terrible trio first attempts some medium-weight shoplifting (Ann-Margret pops in as the grocery store employee with the hots for Al). With the help of a local pet store owner (John Ortiz), they montage their way through a month's worth of robbery planning. Christopher Lloyd, among other character actors, appears as a delusional regular at the VFW hall where the gang hangs out, dreaming of a better third act than the one fate, and corporate America, has dealt them.

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I hadn't seen writer-director Martin Brest's original "Going in Style" since it came out nearly 40 years ago, and a revisit was frankly astonishing. Brest had the sense, the taste and the temperament to allow George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg to play their scenes, many of them achingly sad, at a relaxed tempo. There's hardly any rim-shot humor or concessions to perceived audience taste circa '79.

Alan Arkin, from left, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine star in the codger-heist heartwarmer remake Going in Style. (Warner Bros.)

Braff's remake is a lot pushier, and more determinedly ingratiating. Arkin gets the most from the material, simply by not falling prey to the obvious rhythms in Melfi's screenplay. Too often the movie ignores what it has right in the foreground, in its favor. There's an Arkin/Ann-Margret duet on "Hallelujah I Love Her So" that gets lost in a chaotically edited action sequence, for example. Braff's approach is the bigger-equals-funnier mode, and while that mode has its commercial upside, the downside is a delightful hambone such as Lloyd working 200 percent harder than needed.

The same cannot be said of the stars. Caine, Freeman and Arkin redeem a lot of the movie, and interesting faces keep turning up, such as Matt Dillon (as a dumb/smart hybrid of an FBI agent), Joey King (as Joe's granddaughter) and Maria Dizzia (too-briefly seen as Joe's daughter). Freeman is now 79; Arkin, 83; Caine, 84. Collectively these performers have learned more about what works with an audience, and how to serve a character, than can be measured. "Going in Style" stays in the safe zone every second, nervous about risking any audience discomfort, as opposed to Brest's quietly nervy ode to old age and its discontents. Times change. If Braff's film is a hit, it'll be because the three headliners have more or less refused to change with them.

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

Twitter @phillipstribune

"Going in Style"  2.5 stars

MPAA rating: PG-13 (for drug content, language and some suggestive material)

Running time: 1:36

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Opens: Thursday evening

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP)
Charlie Watts, from left, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones will have some of their history on display in "Exhibitionism," which opens April 15 on Navy Pier. (Mark Seliger / AP 2005)

Beginning next weekend, a big chunk of rock 'n' roll history will be in residence on Navy Pier. "Exhibitionism," a collection of artifacts and interactive displays spanning the Rolling Stones' more than five-decade career will occupy 18,000 square feet in Festival Hall, toward the pier's east end.

Opening April 15, the show has drawn mostly glowing reviews at its two previous stops, in London and New York City. In an interview last week with the Tribune, band frontmen Mick Jagger and Keith Richards said they are glad it will have a home in Chicago, a city whose blues music was so influential in the development of the Stones' sound.

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"That was really a big pilgrimage for us in the early days," said Jagger, who was more closely involved in the exhibition.

"2120 South Michigan Avenue," said Richards, pulling from memory the address of the legendary Chess Records studio (and the title of an early Stones instrumental).

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 34 Outfits worn by the Rolling Stones are on display at the Rolling Stones exhibit, "Exhibitionism," which is currently in New York and is coming to Chicago. Fashion designs from Alexander McQueen and including Prada, Dior, Gucci, Hedi Slimane, Ossie Clark, L'Wren Scott and Jean Paul Gaultier are on display. "Exhibitionism" tells the story of the most influential rock 'n' roll band in the world, allowing visitors to experience the Stones' incredible journey through animmersive exhibit, from their early days living together in a tiny flat, to headlining the biggest stages in the world. (Alex Wroblewski / Chicago Tribune)

The 73-year-olds once known as the Glimmer Twins both emphasized that the show is not about setting the Stones in stone, as it were, that theirs is still a going concern. But there is, they acknowledged, a certain amount of nostalgia to pulling together the pieces of such a career.

"The story is really about a band that has influenced our popular culture for over 50 years," said Ileen Gallagher, the exhibit curator. "They've done this not only with their music but their album covers and the clothes they wear and who photographs them and what films they do. They realized early on it wasn't just about the music, but how they've shaped culture."

I talked to the band leaders about "Exhibitionism" in separate phone conversations, Jagger from London, Richards from his longtime home in Connecticut. This is a merger of those interviews, which have been edited for space and clarity.

Q: Not that the band needs it, but is this show in any way about affirming or cementing the legacy of the Rolling Stones?

Richards: This band still looks forward in its own way. I think this is more a celebration of the 50 years. Nobody sat around and said, "We've got to have an exhibition."

Jagger: Of course, in one way, it must be about that. But I think it's pretty tongue-in-cheek, to be honest. I hope it's not over-reverential. I tried to avoid that in this exhibition. It's more amusing than reverential, I hope.

Q: Why did you decide to do this exhibition now?

Jagger: Well, Patrick Woodroffe, who does our lighting design, and some of the stage design too, we've been talking for ages about doing something. Because we've got all these stage designs and pictures, Patrick always said, "You know, we should do an exhibition. We've got so much stuff." Over a couple of years' discussions we talked about it, then we got someone who actually wanted to put it on. So we decided to do it as we're doing it now.

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Richards: Obviously this thing sort of started three or four years ago; the whole idea was put to us. Quite why, I think the 50 years was up and it was a fitting time, you know? Basically, it's a little trip in and around the Rolling Stones. I enjoyed it.

Jagger: We engaged this designer to design it as an exhibition. And then we worked it through. It was a very good concept, but we made a lot of changes to the original concept to make it more something that belonged to us, you know, and that felt more personal in some ways.

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Q: Who is the hoarder in the group? In other words, how did you manage to save all this stuff?

Jagger: Oh, Bill Wyman is the hoarder. No one else cares about anything. Bill had loads of stuff. I kept loads of my clothes. I did keep not only huge amounts of stage clothes, but street clothes. Everything else I just throw away because I'm not a hoarder. Charlie has some things. But Bill collects everything.

Richards: Probably Charlie Watts. Or, if you're talking about the band throughout its years, Bill Wyman absolutely tops the hoarding area. Everything. Yeah, we have enormous storage warehouses. Charlie Watts has one. I don't know how many drum kits are stashed away there. I take up quite a lot of room with a thousand guitars.

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Q: How much input did you and your bandmates have in what visitors will see? What did you change?

Richards: I didn't have that much of a hands-on, except choosing some of the guitars  and generally having a look-in every now and again to see how things are going. I mean, I know very little about putting on exhibitions.

Jagger: I saw the original design and models. It was very beautiful and everything, but it was sometimes just a little bit on the slick side in places. One of the things we put in was the Chelsea flat that Keith and I and Brian (Jones) lived in (in the early 1960s). So you go from this rather beautiful entrance where you see all the shows, this expanding touring universe, this rather tech presentation, and you go through a corridor and then you get into this tacky flat, you know? So it's more touchy-feely and more personal. That was something that I put in, very much at the last minute.

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones talks about "Exhibitionism." (Chicago Tribune)

Q: It sounds like that early apartment, reportedly strewn with cigarette butts and beer bottles, very much sets that tone of irreverence you wanted.

Jagger: Yeah, exactly. It's interesting. It's period, but it's also like an art installation because it obviously isn't the flat. But it's a facsimile of it. What are you supposed to make of it? "Is that really the flat they lived in? Is that really what it was like? But why am I in here?" Do you know what I mean? And then you might say, "Oh, my flat was like that when I was in college." Or, "God, that was awful." Or, "I wish I'd had one as big as that." It is all about your interpretation.

Richards: They asked us, "Can you remember what it looked like?" We all had to really think back. They did an incredible amount of research on it. And after all, that's where the band was born, in that terrible place. It was everything. It's where you lived, where you worked. Most of the time when we were there, we rarely had a gig. We were just constantly studying the blues, or records, and rehearsing. That's all we did there. We actually couldn't afford to go out.

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Q: In a lot of ways that's the thrilling part of a life story. There's the part where they were just regular people, right, and suddenly ...

Jagger (laughing): Or were they really regular people? Maybe they are still regular people. Maybe they never were. Who knows?

Q: What is your favorite artifact or section in the exhibit?

Richards: I was really quite amazed how it all came together and what the reaction was. Of course, when it's your stuff  I mean I'm turning a corner and saying, "Oh, there are those boots." Probably the weirdest is the replica of the old apartment. Everything but the smells is correct. It's kind of a trip. I think it's well laid out, and there's some interesting stuff for musicians. There's quite a guitar collection and there's some drum stuff. It's for anybody who's interested in the Stones  or popular music, really. With a bit of fashion thrown in.

Jagger: I think the section on the stage design, it's quite detailed just to kind of look at it, and the models and everything. In a way, that was really quite a revolutionary thing. It was the first  obviously you're blowing your own trumpet to some extent, but it's just the way it was  the 1969 tour was the first tour of arenas that ever carried its own sound equipment. Yeah, in all of rock 'n' roll. Before that, you had equipment, it was always on the stage and it was local stuff. This was hung and it was your rental for the whole of the period. And that had never been done before. Now it sounds really small, but that's kind of a big step in the world where you don't have video screens, and you've only got sound.

So that's quite a good room, and then I like the costume room. My clothes are in there  they're really mad  from, you know, a long time ago until now.

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Q: I did want to ask about the appropriateness of it being up in Chicago, given the band's deep connections here. Is it fitting in a way that this is your second stateside stop?

Jagger: We played there quite a lot in the early days and not-so-early days. Recorded there. And obviously the Chicago blues thing has been one of our biggest influences. You know we did that "Blue & Lonesome" album (last year), which is basically Chicago blues. Going to Chess Records and recording there in the early days, we cut quite a few records there and then met a lot of the artists there, people we looked up to and wanted to emulate in some ways.

Richards: Absolutely. Our first recording sessions in America were in Chicago, 2120 South Michigan Avenue. And most of our early influences were Chicago bluesmen, specifically. To us it's always been a second home. It's one of our favorite towns.

Q: I was wondering if the David Bowie exhibition that began at London's Victoria & Albert Museum was in any way an impetus for this.

Richards: No, I didn't get to see that. But I don't know if maybe the spark of that was in other people's minds.

Jagger: I unfortunately missed the Bowie show. I didn't even know the Bowie show was in the works, to be honest. I knew there was a Pink Floyd show in the works; that, I had heard about. The only thing I had seen was in Stockholm, the ABBA Museum. It's not that hugely dissimilar except it's much smaller. It gave me a very good idea of how much square footage we were going to need. I realized that the costume room would have to be much bigger than the ABBA costume room. I mean, it's never enough square footage to put all the stuff in.

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Q: People seem to come away impressed by the range of other artists you all worked with, making those connections with Warhol and others.

Jagger: Hopefully that comes out. It's pretty wide ranging in its topics, going through film and video, art, design. There's a lot of design in there. You see how much work has been done in the visual world, not just in the musical world. Which is quite amazing, considering. You know, Keith and Charlie went to art school; I never went to art school. I got interested in visual arts through, you know, working on the Rolling Stones posters.

Richards: Yeah, I suppose so. People think of the Rolling Stones just in isolation. But of course we've worked with some of the most incredible people. We got to play with the people that inspired us. It's quite a career when I think about everybody we played with. It's sort of amazing you now.

Q: It's not a bad career. It's really not bad.

Richards (laughing): No, it's not.

Q: Was it a fun experience for you, going back through these memories?

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Jagger: Yeah, it was really fun. What was really interesting to me was, I've never done an exhibition like this before. How do you present the things? Are people going to be interested in this? Are they going to be bored by that? To me it was the challenge  and fun  of the presentation. Of course, a byproduct of that is seeing some of these things, but that was kind of overtaken by the project: How does it work? It's like doing a show: a beginning, a middle and end of it.

Q: So with something like "Exhibitionism"  and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for that matter  there's this idea of rock 'n' roll being a museum piece. Does anything about that bother you?

Richards: I'm not into all that hall of fame idea, except that when people start things like that, inevitably you become involved in them. I'm not a big one for nostalgia, but I do like good memories. I found a lot in this exhibition which provided that for me. I hope it does the same for anybody else who goes to see it.

Jagger: It's not in a museum. Where it was before was like in a funky warehouse in New York. It wasn't a museum space at all. Where it was in London was in an art gallery. To me it's more like art, like "now art." I don't see it really as a museum piece so much as an evolving kind of lifestyle piece.

Q: And what do you want visitors to take away from "Exhibitionism"?

Jagger: I just want them to have a good hour in there, whatever they're going to spend. It's quite wide ranging, you know. It's not just about being onstage. Or it's not just about being in the recording studio. There's a kind of sense of your kind of lifestyle a little bit, there's a sense of things changing through the years. I just want people to go in  and maybe they don't know who the Rolling Stones are, it's just an exhibition  they walk through and say, "Oh that's kind of fun." "I didn't like that room." Or "this room is really fun." Do you know what I mean?

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Richards: I should imagine it'll be totally different depending on who you are, what you're into, and how old you are, as well. To me it's just an experience of and a collection of memories, really. I suppose people that want to go and see a Stones thing, it's probably to do with memories. That's probably what they'll take away.

sajohnson@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @StevenKJohnson

'The Rolling Stones: Exhibitionism'

When: April 15 - July 30

Where: Festival Hall, Navy Pier

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Tickets: Timed entry, $25 to $35 (adult); stonesexhibitionism.com

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Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
When actor Michael Douglas told a reporter that his throat cancer was caused by HPV contracted through oral sex, two themes emerged that had nothing to do with celebrity gossip. The first was incredulity -- since when was oral sex related to throat cancer? Even the reporter thought he had misheard. The second was embarrassment. This was too much information, not only about sexual behavior but also about one's partners.

Douglas apologized, and maybe the world was not ready to hear the greater truth behind what he was suggesting.

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That was four years ago.

Today, there is no doubt in the medical community that the increase in HPV-related cancers such as the one Douglas described -- which he later explained was found at the base of his tongue -- is caused by sexual practices, in his case cunnilingus. And there is an urgency to better treat and prevent what is becoming the one type of oral cancer whose numbers are climbing, especially among men in the prime of their lives who have decades to live with the consequences of their cancer treatment.

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The number of people diagnosed with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, tumors found in the middle of the pharynx or throat including the back of the tongue, soft palate, sides of throat and tonsils -- is relatively small -- about 12,638 men and 3,100 women in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But these numbers are expected to continue to rise, overtaking incidence of cervical cancer by 2020. One study revealed the presence of HPV in 20.9 percent of oropharyngeal tumors before 1990, compared with 65.4 percent in those sampled after 2000.

It's an alarming trend considering HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the country. The CDC estimates that nearly all sexually active men and women will get a form of the virus at some point. Although most HPV infections go away on their own, they are causing 30,700 cancers in men and women every year, including cervical, vaginal and penile cancers along with oral cancers.

Health agencies are pushing hard for HPV vaccinations, which they say could prevent most of those cancers. The CDC says all 11- and 12-year-olds should be vaccinated. And last year, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new two-dose series for children ages 9 to 14. And the American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its vaccine recommendations to reflect that two-dose schedule, a reduction from the three shots previously required. (Children over 14 still need three shots.) The hope is to increase rates of completed vaccinations, which have lagged in the decade since the vaccines were released, averaging 42 percent for girls and 28 percent for boys, far below the Healthy People 2020 goal of 80 percent.

The patients showing up in Ben Roman's office at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where he works as a head and neck surgeon and health-services researcher, came of age not only before these vaccines hit the market, but also before HPV and its link to cancers was fully understood. These cases, experts say, probably reflect several separate but interconnected factors: the sexual revolutions of the 1920s and 1960s that introduced more HPV into the general population, the changing sexual practices of young people who report more histories of oral sex, and that it can take 10 to 30 years for tumors to develop after an infection.

Roman has seen an increase in a new type of head and neck cancer patient. They are typically white, middle-aged men, otherwise healthy, who have no history of smoking or drinking. They may have first noticed a mass in their necks or lymph nodes while buttoning a shirt or shaving. An ear, nose and throat doctor has determined the primary source of the cancer: the tonsils or base of the tongue.

"Most people are familiar with tonsils in the back of the throat," Maura Gillison, a leading expert in HPV-related cancers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, said. "But we also have them in the base of the tongue."







The palatine tonsils are on the sides of the throat, and there are also lingual tonsils on the back of the tongue. Both areas are made of the same lymphoid tissue at particular risk for HPV infection, and are part of what specialists call Waldeyer's Ring.

Experts are not sure why an HPV infection in the tonsils is more likely to lead to cancer. It could be because of their anatomy, which has crypts and crevices, making it harder to clear an infection. Gillison said it could also be because of where the tonsils are in the body, an area that serves as a transition from the outside to the inside, much like the genital tract and cervix.

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German researcher Harald zur Hausen identified the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer 34 years ago, work that earned him the Nobel Prize in 2008 and contributed to the development of the HPV vaccine. One of those types, HPV-16, is identified in more than half of cancers in the oropharynx, according to the National Cancer Institute.

But there are important distinctions between men and women when it comes to HPV-related cancers. Cervical cancer deaths, for example, have been greatly reduced through early detection with the use of Pap smears. The same screening for precursor lesions or pre-cancer is not yet possible for the oropharyngeal cancers, commonly referred to as OPC or OSCC, for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

Another difference is how men and women respond to infection. The majority of women develop antibodies to clear HPV when exposed vaginally. These antibodies remain in the body so that a woman is protected from a subsequent oral infection. Men, in contrast, are much less likely to develop antibodies after genital exposure to the virus. When tested, their titers -- a measurement of antibodies -- are lower, leaving them five times more likely than women to have an oral infection.

HPV is considered an unusual virus because it does not travel through the bloodstream. Infection is localized, meaning it stays at the place where contact occurs. In tonsil cancer, then, oral sex becomes a relevant risk factor, so significant that in an article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Gillison and her colleagues stated that the number of these oral sex partners in a lifetime is the behavior measure that is, "... most strongly, consistently, and specifically associated with OPC (tonsil and base of tongue)."

Treating a cancer related to a sexually transmitted infection brings up sensitive questions. Roman said a patient's spouse will often pull him aside to ask: "When did he get this? Was he cheating?" He suggests the patient was probably exposed years ago. But from the viewpoint of prognosis, the HPV-related cancers respond better to treatment.

That fact has prompted rapid changes in treatment protocols that were as recently as five years ago based on heavy smoking and drinking. These new strategies back down from the aggressive radiation, chemotherapy and surgery that exposed patients to high toxicity and could damage the ability to speak and swallow.

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When Gillison started her research in 2000, there was little awareness that sexual behavior contributed to cancer of the throat, and fellow researchers were skeptical.

"People were laughing. They thought it was absurd," she said. Now, Gillison is credited with formally putting together the behavioral data and biomarkers to quell any skepticism, Carole Fakhry, an associate professor of otolaryngology and surgeon at Johns Hopkins, said.

Others had noted HPV in oral cavity cancer, but no one was sure whether it was a fluke or more significant. So Gillison reviewed tumor specimens collected by a colleague and then set out to study all of the available literature, presenting an analysis in 2009 that compared the survival rates of those with HPV-positive and -negative oropharynx cancers. Gillison describes her work -- a confluence of observations in the lab and clinic -- as an act of serendipity.

"I have always been interested in the association between infectious diseases and tumors because there are so many opportunities to intervene. If an infection causes a cancer, you can try to prevent infection in the first place, or screen, or if it's developed you can use the fact that it's associated with a virus -- you can treat cancer by treating infection."

As far as vaccination's effect on preventing OPC in men, data is still under review. Officially, the vaccine is recommended for boys and young men to prevent genital warts and anal pre-cancers. But those focused on pediatrics, such as Margaret Stager, director of adolescent medicine at MetroHealth medical center in Ohio and an official spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics, say that HPV vaccination clearly decreases spreading of HPV through the community, offering immediate, midrange and long-term benefits. And the current vaccines do protect against HPV-16, one of the high-risk types of the virus found in both cervical cancer and a majority of OPC.

The new two-dose vaccination is designed to reach children when their antibody response is highest and make completion less cumbersome, as are electronic medical records that cue physicians when a vaccine is due. The District of Columbia is one of the few areas that has made the vaccine a required immunization for students in grades six through 12, although families may opt out.

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There is still a gap in knowledge among some general practitioners and dentists, according to Gillison.

It is not uncommon for her to hear a story from a patient who comes to her after six months or so after going to his doctor.

"He told me not to worry because I was fighting off an infection. He gave me antibiotics. They were not working. Then another lump occurred next to that one ... "

The patient is young, healthy and doesn't smoke. He has a sore throat and a neck mass that doesn't respond to antibiotics.

Those in the frontlines of medical practice, she said, should have in mind the question: Could this patient have head and neck cancer?
People lose a significant amount of brain volume to aging, but average elderly people experience a much faster loss than that of so-called "SuperAgers" who remain mentally astute well into old age. (Tetra Images / Getty Images)

At 89, Donald Tenbrunsel is a bit of a phenomenon. He surfs the internet with ease, happily converses on a broad range of timely topics, volunteers and reads regularly.

Known as a "SuperAger," Tenbrunsel was part of a study that helped researchers discover what factors might set these super-sharp seniors apart from their peers.

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The secret? Brain scans showed they experience brain aging twice as slowly as average folks their age.

"This suggests the SuperAgers are on a different trajectory of aging," said senior researcher Emily Rogalski, director of neuroimaging for Northwestern University's Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer's Disease Center. "They're losing their brain volume at a much slower rate than average agers."

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For the study, Rogalski and her colleagues measured brain aging by examining the thickness of each person's cortex  the outer layer of folded gray matter in the brain. The cortex is where consciousness lies, and where all of the neurons that fire thoughts and movements are located. It is a critical part of the brain for higher-level thinking, memory, planning and problem-solving, Rogalski said.

Another neurologist explained it this way:

"That is essentially our brain," said Dr. Paul Wright, chair of neurology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. "Brain shrinkage occurs in the natural progression over time, and when you lose brain volume, you lose function."

Rogalski noted that previous research has shown that the cortexes of SuperAgers look less worn than their average 80-year-old peers, and about the same as people in their 50s or 60s.

But a question remained  were the SuperAgers born with brains that have more volume, and thus could better withstand the travails of aging? Or are their brains the same size as everyone else's, and simply aging less rapidly?

To answer that question, the researchers tracked changes in cortex thickness for a year and a half in 24 SuperAgers and 12 average elderly people.

Both groups lost a significant amount of brain volume to aging, but average elderly people experienced a loss more than twice that of the SuperAgers  over 2.2 percent versus 1.1 percent.

"Part of the reason why they may have different brain volumes is because over the decades they've been losing their brain volume at a different rate," Rogalski said.

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The findings were published in April in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Ezriel Kornel, a neurologist with Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, said that at least part of the brain advantage of SuperAgers is genetic, with some people simply gifted at birth. But there are likely to be environmental influences that also contribute to healthier brain aging, particularly in the womb and in early childhood, Kornel added. For example, research has shown that children raised in poverty tend to have smaller brains.

Rogalski said that future research will focus on genetic factors that influence brain aging, which hopefully will provide researchers with anti-aging "targets" that could be manipulated with medications or other therapies.

While there's currently no proven method to preserve cortex volume, research has shown specific lifestyle changes that seniors can perform to help keep themselves sharp as they age, Kornel and Wright said. These include:

Regular physical exercise, including strength training.

A healthy and balanced diet.

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Brain workouts that involve challenging puzzles or tasks.

An active social life.

RELATED STORIES:

Faced with terminal illness, man chooses end-of-life option

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Radio giant iHeartMedia is working on a code of on-air conduct for its DJs in the wake of a Texas shock jock's repeated jokes about Chicago murder victims, according to assurances the Chicago Urban League says it was given by the company's executives this week.

Despite owning major black Chicago radio stations including WVON and WGCI, the San Antonio-based company  formerly known as Clear Channel  has repeatedly declined to comment on the furor over Michael Berry's regular segment mocking African-American murder victims on his nationally syndicated show.

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Berry, a white conservative who is iHeartMedia's "talk personality of the year," last month apologized on air for the segment that included crude racial stereotypes, a bingo game in which listeners had to guess where in the body victims had been shot, and Berry mocking the name of a blameless black teen killed by a stray bullet. Berry said in his apology that he would end the segment, only to suggest two weeks later that he missed doing it.

But Chicago Urban League's senior vice president, Paula Thornton Greear, said that during a conference all Tuesday with the Rev. Michael Pfleger and Rufus Williams of BFF Family Services and iHeartMedia executive Greg Ashlock, Ashlock said that Berry was a "good man" and that "they are working on some guidelines that their on-air hosts would follow."

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The company does not monitor all of its output and appears not to have any written standards to which it holds its broadcasters, Greear added.

Calls to iHeartMedia were not returned Thursday. Greear said the Urban League and other groups protesting Berry's award would start calling iHeartMedia advertisers if iHeartMedia CEO Robert Pittman does not meet with them, strip Berry of his award, publicly address the controversy and take ownership of it.

"Twenty-one groups including the National Black Justice Coalition wrote to iHeartMedia about this, and they did not even get a response," she said. "This is too important for iHeart to ignore. They will hear from us again."

kjanssen@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @kimjnews
This proposed border wall uses a solar panel system that ostensibly would cut the cost to pay for the wall and infrastructure needs for patroling the border. (Gleason Partners)

The first batch of designs for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall are out, and they range from the bizarre (a trench with nuclear waste at the bottom) to the fortress-like (a Great Wall of China wannabe) to the patently ridiculous (a wall of lighthouses).

Rating the plans, which surfaced before Tuesday's deadline for firms to submit bids for a 2,000-mile wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, isn't the point. To do so would be to fall into the trap of choosing alternatives for a fundamentally misguided idea.

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The wall would divert funds from the critical task of rebuilding the nation's crumbling infrastructure, be ill-suited to varying terrains and become, for many, a permanent symbol of American xenophobia  the anti-Statue of Liberty. Relations between countries and migration patterns change. The wall wouldn't. Tearing it down some day would likely cost billions on top of the billions it would cost to construct it.

Trump's specifications call for a wall, at least 30 feet high, that would be hard to climb or cut through, and "aesthetically pleasing" on the U.S. side. (So much for the good neighbor policy.) It's been said that this intimidating barrier will stretch about 2,000 miles from San Diego to Brownsville, Texas, but that's a fantasy. Even Trump's Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly acknowledged Wednesday that the wall won't extend "from sea to shining sea" and part of it might be a fence.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Up to 400 companies are expected to submit proposals Tuesday to build President Donald Trumps proposed border wall. Considering they are in competition to get the lucrative contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, most firms were hesitant to share designs with the San Diego Union-Tribune. However, some companies allowed us to see what they came up with before the due date. (Concrete Contractors Institute)

According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, which revealed the plans, the Department of Homeland Security will trim a field of more than 400 companies to roughly 20 finalists that will build prototypes in and around San Diego in June. Notably, the best and brightest architects appear to be staying away, heeding the argument made by many in their field that designing the wall would make them complicit in a project many regard as reprehensible.

Cost estimates for the project range from the $12 billion figure put out by Republican leaders to independent studies that calculate the wall's cost at $38 billion. Either way, that's real money, which could be put to better use fixing aging roads, bridges and airports that Trump still wants to address in a forthcoming infrastructure bill. The designs published by Union-Tribune give little credence to the notion that the wall should take precedence over these needs. Even some of the serious ones are hard to take seriously. The plans fall into four categories:

The bizarre bad neighbors: Clayton Industries, of Pittsburgh, suggests a multi-layered barrier consisting of a fence, banks of sensors, a nuclear waste trench at least 100 feet deep, a set of railroad tracks (if the nuclear waste doesn't get you, a passing train might) and a 30-foot wall. Why build just one obstacle when you can indulge in five?

If Clayton Industries doesn't get the job, they could re-use the design for a reality TV series whose contestants race over an obstacle course.

The perfumed pigs: The architectural tradition of gussying up a fundamentally unattractive design with superfluous add-ons lives on in the plan of a San Diego-area firm, National Consulting Service, to place a monorail atop the border wall. The idea behind the monorail  to revitalize sister cities along the border  seems at odds with the wall's defensive purpose. And good luck running a monorail in the barren rural stretches of West Texas.

In the same "perfuming the pig" vein, Gleason Partners, a Las Vegas-area company, wants to build a wall principally made of slanting solar panels it says would generate energy and trim costs. Don't be fooled. The green technology is essentially a veil for the wall's basic purpose of keeping people out.

One more perfumed pig: Black Security Products, of Austin, Texas, would leave a 4-inch opening at the bottom of the wall, allowing small creatures to run beneath it. Such an animal-friendly wall would still strike many as a symbol of fear of foreigners.

The fortresses: In contrast to the perfumed pigs, these designs make no effort to hide their fundamental traits: interdiction and intimidation. The prime example: A plan from Crisis Resolution Security Services, of downstate Clarence, Ill., that draws literally from the populist imagery Trump conjured during his campaign.

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"This wall is meant to defend what is truly American, and it can start by being beautiful in a way that ordinary American citizens appreciate," the company's proposal says. No elitist abstract design here. With its castle-like edges, monolithic structures with splaying walls, the design is a blatant imitation of the Great Wall of China. You'd think that the Chinese, often criticized for copying icons of Western architecture, would ask for royalties.

Similarly, a proposal from WTC Construction, of St. Andrews, Texas, calls for a stark wall of precast concrete that would strive to mimic its desert surroundings. Come on. A 30-foot wall is not going to blend in. The design is a glorified version of a highway sound barrier. Putting such a visually obtrusive structure in a setting like Texas' Big Bend National Park, which runs along the border, would blight a treasured natural landscape. Even Texas' Republican governor opposes building the wall in the park.

The whimsical commentaries: Every design contest draws its share of whimsical images. The designers aren't trying to win. They're poking fun at the very idea of the competition or making some other provocative statement.

Pittsburgh visual artist Jennifer Meridian turned in a border wall design using a series of lighthouses. (J.M. Design Studios)

In this case, my favorite comes from Pittsburgh artist Jennifer Meridian whose seemingly nonsensical designs include a wall of 3 million hammocks and a wall of lighthouses, the latter adorned with eyes that allude the border patrol's watchful glance. It's sure to be rejected by the Trump administration. But as in the royal courts of medieval times, the jester tells the truth.

To be sure, more serious proposals are still likely to emerge; many large companies did not disclose their plans to the Union-Tribune. But that won't change the deeply flawed idea of the border wall or its enormous cost. The wall would make the federal funds that underwrote our most recent national boondoggle  the spectacularly overblown $4 billion World Trade Center transportation hub  look like chump change.

Blair Kamin is a Tribune critic.

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bkamin@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @BlairKamin
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan delivers remarks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol after President Trump's health care bill was pulled from the House floor March 24, 2017. (Win McNamee / )

"If the moutza target rich environment keeps up, you may have to use one of those multi-handed Hindu goddesses," says reader Peter Bella.

The great goddess Kaliwho hates evil and fights demonshas more important things to do than get involved with the Golden Moutza of March.

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This is something even the gods can't accomplish. Only you can do it, with your palms aimed at your foe, spreading the fingers wide, a hearty shout of "Nah!" (Here you go) or "Feesah" (Blow on it!) or "Parta" (Take them). So let's pick one.

"Can a transgression be so bad that there must be a series of monthly Moutzas?" asked Rena Church on Facebook. "Because I still can't believe that you took your wife to 'Manchester by the Sea' on Valentine's Day."

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And I can't believe you'd try to slip Moutza in on me in my own column, Rena.

"Paul Ryan," said Jim McCarrick in nominating the Republican speaker of the house. "When it came time to write and pass a bill better than Obamacare, you dropped the ball and came up with a &*&$ sandwich. Hey Paul Ryan, Nah!"

Republicans only had seven years to come up with a repeal and replace plan, but couldn't. Do some have friends in the insurance industry?

Though I try to be even-handed, my liberal readersnot only those who want me fired or assaulted with a beer caninsist that President Donald Trump win the Moutza.

But the ancient Moutzatution is clear on this point: Presidents may not win. Barack Obama never got one as president, so President Trump can't get one.

"You should make a dispensation for Trump and all presidents," writes Sanford Slansky. "Why should they be immune? They aren't royalty."

No, they aren't royalty. But even as journalism slides to the left, I will not bend the Moutzatution into a pliable "living document" to satisfy the political whims of the moment.

This would lead to chaos.

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Besides, Trump just gave a presidential moutza of his own to his conservative political aide Steve Bannon, dropping him from the National Security Council where he did not belong.

If that's not a Trumpian moutza, what is?

"Feesa etho, Sen. Chuck Schumer!" said Kathy Laros Macris. "Shame on Schumer for shouting at a woman who was dining out with her husband. Show some class, Chuck."

Yes, it's true that Democrat Schumer did yell at a woman who dared to support Trump. And yes, he also called a flight attendant the "B-word" when she dared cite federal regulations while asking Schumer to turn off his cellphone.

But Schumer's a liberal, so how could this be?

"I nominate Chuck Schumer!" said Mike Borowiec. "Threatening to filibuster an eminently qualified Supreme Court nominee for purely political reasons, forcing the use of the nuclear option, which virtually guarantees truly extreme justices in the future. Why have a Senate at all Schumer? NAH!"

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Democrats led by then-Senate majority leader Harry Reid should have thought of this when they went nuclear in the Senate in 2013, dropping the old 60-vote standard and using simple majorities to stuff the federal courts with liberal Obama judges.

Now Democrats demand restraint as they try to stop the respected jurist Neil Gorsuch? Let me consult the Moutzatution. Hmmm.

It says, "Feesah, Chuck."

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has threatened to filibuster the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP)

Many went with Susan Rice, the famous Benghazi truth-bender and Obama's national security adviser, some because she used a sneaky double-negative, saying, "I leaked nothing to nobody," like some Grand Avenue tough guy.

All that happened in April, so Rice escapes. But what of March?

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner wore a red and blue flannel shirt for his duct tape commercial mocking Democrats spending the state into the abyss. But his crack image-makers should have had him wear a faded old flannel shirt, not one that looked as if it just came out of an Orvis box.

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An idiot comic named Mike Epps abused a terrified kangaroo for laughs on stage in Detroit. Blow on that kangaroo's Moutza, Epps!

And Northern Arizona University student Cailin Jeffers had her grade lowered on a paper by Professor Anne Scott. Cailin's academic sin?

Cailin dared use the horrible subversive "M-word" (mankind) in the paper. That violated Professor Scott's fierce gender-neutral rules.

"Mankind sounds too much like kindness," writes Tom Winke. "Lefties hate kindness."

Wrong, Tom Winke. The left loves kindness, and they will kindly walk subversives like Tom Winke to Room 101 before slapping the rat cage on said Mr. Winke's head, before they kindly break him.

This is 2017. In a few years, we won't even have conservatives or genders. But we'll all have feelings.

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What of loyal Cook County Judge Rodolfo Garcia, who ruled in Boss Madigan's favor to make sure Madigan's legislators finally got paid and Boss Madigan's mini-me, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, could pay them?

Yes, Illinois is broke, taxpayers flee, but Madigan made sure the politicians got paid.

Or do Chicago Democrats really think taxpayers are so stupid that we wouldn't see through their little legal Mendoza charade? Wait, don't answer that.

So who wins the Moutza of March?

Republican House Speaker Ryan had years to come up with a plan to replace and repeal the collapsing monstrosity of Obamacare. People care about their health care.

And Ryan fell on his face. So Mr. Speaker, lift up that face of yours, my man. After years of talking, you did nothing.

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You win the Moutza of March.

Nah!

Listen to "The Chicago Way" podcast  with John Kass and Jeff Carlin  at www.wgnradio.com/category/wgn-plus/category/thechicagoway.

jskass@chicagotribune.com
A South Side man was charged early this morning in connection with an attempted sexual assault in the city's Gold Coast neighborhood.

Deandre Minor, 28, of the 800 block of West 78th Street, was charged with attempted criminal sexual assault with bodily harm, robbery and home invasion/sex offense. The attack happened shortly before 3:30 a.m. Friday morning on the 1200 block of North Stone Street, police said. (Earlier the Tribune had reported that the incident happened in 2009, but that information was incorrect.)

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Two Near North District officers responded to a call of a burglary in progress at the high rise in the 1200 block of North Stone Street. The victim's son called 911 when he heard his mother screaming in her bedroom, and he was initially unable to unlock her door, police said.

Meanwhile, Minor allegedly choked the woman and tried to sexually assault her. But the son retrieved a large knife and was able to eventually confront Minor with it, chasing him out of the unit, police said.

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Soon thereafter, two officers arrived at the building and encountered Minor sitting in a chair by the entrance. Police said the man was pretending to change his clothes when the officers arrived and acted as if he knew nothing about home invasion.



"Yeah, he took my shirt. He ran out the door," Minor allegedly told the officers.



The officers didn't fall for it. They drew their weapons at Minor, whom police describe as well-built and muscular, and he was placed into custody.

Police said they knew Minor was not the doorman because he was shirtless and breathing heavily, almost as if he was in a hurry somewhere. The officers also found a shirt belonging to the victim in Minor's possession, police said.

The victim later confirmed the shirt belonged to her, police said, and Minor's shirt was found in her 4th floor unit.

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Police had also been looking into whether Minor tried to break into another unit within that high-rise before attacking the woman.

Police could not say how Minor got into the victim's unit. But she told police she never locks her front door.

Minor had just been released from Cook County Jail on July 31 after being convicted of a 2010 criminal sexual abuse charge during a 2012 bench trial, according to court records. He was sentenced to three years in prison in August of 2012, but Minor appealed the ruling.

He was arrested on Aug. 8 for criminal trespassing and was scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 24 for that charge, according to Cook County court records.

Minor's criminal record includes convictions for burglary, retail theft and resisting an officer.

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He is scheduled to appear in Bond Court this afternoon.

dawilliams@tribune.com | Twitter: @neacynewslady
Chicago's city Law Department released videos April 6, 2017, of the events leading up to the July 4, 2013, shooting death of 17-year-old Christian Green by veteran tactical Officer Robert Gonzalez, 42, in Englewood. (Chicago Tribune)

The question put to Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson on the witness stand Thursday was blunt.

Are police officers sometimes justified in shooting a fleeing suspect in the back?

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"Yes," Johnson replied calmly in a Cook County courtroom. Then the 29-year police veteran pointed at a scar near the top of his head, saying he had a constant reminder "right here" of a suspect who had turned and fired at him years ago during a foot chase.

"Just like this," testified Johnson, demonstrating for the jury by moving his body a quarter-turn and pointing with his finger like a handgun at the wall behind him. "So I know it can happen."

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Johnson's bare-bones recollection of the 2005 off-duty shooting incident  the first time he's spoken about it publicly since becoming superintendent a year ago  came in the third day of trial in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the mother of Christian Green. The 17-year-old was fatally shot in the back by a veteran police tactical officer on the Fourth of July 2013 as he ran away with a gun.

Johnson did not elaborate for the jury on what happened in the 2005 shooting. A Police Department spokesman later said Johnson, who at the time was a sergeant assigned to the Wentworth Area detective division, was working a plainclothes security job for a South Side business when a suspect tried to carjack him at gunpoint.

During the ensuing foot chase, the suspect fired four shots at Johnson, one of which apparently grazed him in the head, said spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. Johnson took cover with his weapon drawn but didn't fire a shot, according to Guglielmi. The suspect was never arrested.

Lawyers for Patricia Green called the superintendent as a witness because at the time of her son's shooting he was the acting street deputy who responded to the scene and signed off on the officers' use-of-force reports of the incident. He also gave a sworn deposition in the lawsuit last year.

Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson arrives at the Daley Center in Chicago on April 6, 2017, to testify in a lawsuit in the 2013 fatal police shooting of teenager Christian Green. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

Dressed in a crisp white uniform and sipping occasionally from a Styrofoam cup of water, Johnson testified in Cook County Circuit Court for about an hour about his general experience working the scenes of police shootings and what he did specifically to investigate on the day Green was killed.

The appearance of Chicago's top cop to give sworn testimony in a police shooting case was unusual and drew a horde of media to Associate Judge Elizabeth Budzinski's tiny Daley Center courtroom. Johnson's predecessor, Garry McCarthy, testified once during his four years as superintendent, but that was in a criminal case in which McCarthy had arrested a gun offender, Guglielmi said.

While Johnson's testimony was mostly dry, one poignant moment took place when, during a sidebar with the lawyers and judge out of the courtroom, Green's mother suddenly burst into loud sobs from her seat across from the superintendent.

For several awkward moments, Johnson sat on the stand, quietly staring ahead, while the jury looked on and reporters on the courtroom benches craned their necks to see.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Christian Green, 17, was shot by Chicago police July 4, 2013. His family is calling for a federal investigation into his shooting. (Provided by family)

When the judge came back in the room, she saw the commotion and told a sheriff's deputy, "Can you take her out of the courtroom?"

Patricia Green re-entered the courtroom after Johnson's testimony resumed.

Green's death was one of scores of officer-involved shootings in recent years that occurred after a foot chase. An unprecedented database compiled by the Chicago Tribune shows that foot chases played a role in more than a third of the 235 police shootings from 2010 through 2015 that ended with someone wounded or killed.

The issue was red-flagged by the U.S. Justice Department in its scathing report in January that found Chicago police routinely violated the civil rights of citizens, particularly in African-American and Hispanic communities.

Last month, Johnson unveiled a list of the department's "next steps for reform" that included new training that would cover when and how officers should engage in foot pursuits.

Johnson was not asked, however, about those reforms during his testimony Thursday.

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Green was shot by Officer Robert Gonzalez on a warm, humid holiday afternoon as the veteran tactical officer and his partner, Officer George Hernandez, responded to a call that two other officers from their squad were chasing a person with a gun.

Surveillance video from a nearby liquor store played in court Tuesday showed Green trying to throw a gun into a trash can as he sprinted up State Street. The gun bounced off the can's rim onto the sidewalk. Green doubled back, bent quickly and picked the weapon up before taking off again.

At 57th Street, Green crossed into a vacant lot with Gonzalez and Hernandez in pursuit in an unmarked Chevrolet Tahoe. The Tahoe jumped the curb into the lot. As Gonzalez was about to get out of the SUV, the officers said Green turned toward them with a black Smith & Wesson .45-caliber pistol in his right hand and pointed the barrel in their direction, records show.

Riding in the passenger seat, Gonzalez aimed out the window of the Tahoe and opened fire, taking 11 shots before seeing Green stumble a few yards and collapse. A bullet had entered Green in the left side of his back and pierced his lung and heart. He died en route to Stroger Hospital.

The gun carried by Green was found in the vacant lot more than 70 feet from the teen's body, according to court records. Initial police reports showed that Green had been shot in the chest, a fact that was not corrected or raised by investigators with the Independent Police Review Authority when the officers were interviewed.

Johnson told the jury he arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting and spent about two hours gathering information from detectives and walking the officers through the event "to try to make a determination whether the shooting was within department guidelines."

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The superintendent said all four officers were kept separate while the investigation was ongoing  an important protocol that keeps each officer's version of events from mingling with another's.

"I don't want them in a group so one person's story becomes another person's story," Johnson said.

Green had been transported by ambulance by the time Johnson got to the scene and he never saw where on the body he was shot or followed up on the autopsy results, Johnson said.

Later that day, Johnson signed off on Tactical Response Reports submitted by Gonzalez and the three other officers stating Green had pointed a gun at both Gonzalez and another officer, Manuel Leano, during the foot chase.

At one point, Green's lawyer, Victor Henderson, asked Johnson pointedly whether it was his job to "stick by" his fellow police officers no matter what.

"If a police officer is wrong, it's my job to articulate that," Johnson said. "The facts will guide my decision."

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Henderson has alleged that a shoddy investigation by the Police Department and IPRA allowed Gonzalez and his colleagues to conspire to get their stories straight before they were interviewed about the shooting.

Hernandez, Leano and the other officer at the scene, Douglas Nichols Jr., all backed up Gonzalez's account in their interviews with IPRA. The interviews were held back-to-back in the same IPRA office, each lasting less than 20 minutes, records show.

In his interview the next day, Gonzalez explained to an IPRA investigator that he felt he had "no other option" but to fire.

"I felt like I was going to um, you know, be killed or incur, uh, great injury," Gonzalez said, according to a transcript of the audio-recorded interview obtained by the Tribune.

"Great injury," the investigator said. "So you were in fear of your life?"

"Yes, in fear of my life," Gonzalez replied.

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The much-maligned agency ruled the shooting was justified in September 2014.

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In her opening remarks, Gonzalez's attorney, Assistant Corporation Counsel Dana O'Malley, said what happened on that Fourth of July was a "tragedy" but that Green's own actions led to his death.

"Officer Gonzalez didn't go out to shoot anyone that day," O'Malley said. "He was put in a situation where he had no choice."

The Green shooting was one of three fatal police shootings Gonzalez was involved in over a two-year span, records show. In the other two cases  the 2012 shooting of 16-year-old Rickey Childs and the 2014 shooting of Ronald Johnson III, 25  it was Gonzalez's partner who opened fire.

Court filings show that beginning in the early 2000s, Gonzalez was investigated by the Police Department's Internal Affairs Division as well as the FBI for his connection to a corrupt team of tactical officers led by then-Sgt. Ronald Watts.

Gonzalez was never charged with any wrongdoing, but Watts and another member of his team were sent to federal prison for shaking down a drug courier for protection money at the now-shuttered Ida B. Wells housing complex.

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City Colleges of Chicago board members Thursday unanimously authorized selling the property housing the Lakeview Learning Center for $7 million.

The Lakeview Learning Center, on the 3300 block of North Clark Street, is an off-campus satellite of Harry S Truman College in Uptown. It offers adult education classes, including English as a second language and literacy, and the programs will transfer to Truman College this summer.

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City Colleges is selling the Lakeview property to BlitzLake Partners, a private real estate acquisition and development firm, a move that school officials said was fiscally responsible at a time of state budget cuts. The college system has not received $70 million it had expected from the state during the past two years during the historic budget impasse in Springfield that has left higher education with only sporadic funding.

"By directing students from the satellite center to Truman's main campus just minutes away, we will provide them better access to a full menu of courses and student supports to prepare them for the next steps in their education and careers in fast-growing fields," City Colleges spokeswoman Katheryn Hayes said in a statement. "While this sale will not have any impact on staffing levels, we will work closely with faculty, staff and students to ensure a successful transition to Truman this summer."

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Hayes said the center currently is only at 20 percent capacity, and students will be better served at Truman College, which offers general education classes that students can transition into. Truman is about two miles north of the Lakeview center.

But the move has generated controversy as the Lakeview Learning Center has a long history in the area.

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Four people urged trustees at Thursday's board meeting not to sell the property, including Carlos Aulet, who teaches English as a second language at Truman College and also is vice president of a local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

In an interview, Aulet said the Lakeview center "came from the community (and) it belongs to the community."

"There's no reason for the sale other than that property values, ever since the Cubs won, have soared there, and somebody smells money," Aulet said.

George Roumbanis, the union chapter's president, told the Tribune he's concerned that students won't transfer to Truman from the Lakeview campus.

The Lakeview Learning Center was founded as Universidad Popular by Latino activists in the early 1970s, the union said. The Public Building Commission of Chicago built the 14,200- square-foot facility in 1983.

Universidad Popular's founders had experience with the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee and Jane Addams Hull House in Chicago, and used that to promote adult literacy, the union leaders said.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com

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Timothy C. Evans, chief judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, agreed to slow the rollout of an order that would change the time of bond hearings from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. after five key criminal justice officials voiced concern. Just two of the five Chicago branch courts will undergo the change for now. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

Plans to delay bond hearings at Chicago branch courts by more than four hours have been slowed after five top Cook County criminal justice players voiced concern about the rollout.

A joint letter signed by officials including Sheriff Tom Dart and State's Attorney Kim Foxx expressed concern to Chief Judge Timothy Evans about how the time change could result in defendants charged with misdemeanors lingering in custody for hours longer.

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"It seems particularly unprecedented to have all the stakeholders in the county making this plea to the chief judge," said Cara Smith, chief policy officer for the sheriff's office. "We're not always on the same side of issues when it comes to reform."

Chicago's five branch courts currently hold bond hearings in the morning, usually 9 a.m. Judges there decide whether defendants will be held on bond or released with instructions to appear at their next court date.

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Evans previously had planned to push all those hearings to 1:30 p.m. to allow more time for staffers to assess defendants' backgrounds and flight risk so judges could have more information to make their bond decisions.

That delay would have meant holding people accused of minor crimes for as long as eight hours in many instances, even if a judge ultimately decides they should be released on their own recognizance, Smith said.

"It will take a tremendous toll on the human beings that are in the bond court," Smith said.

The letter, also signed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown and Public Defender Amy Campanelli, urged Evans to make sure any time change "be made with full consideration of the impact it may have on individuals involved in the court system."

In response, the chief judge's office agreed to slow the rollout. The tentative order, likely to be signed later this month, changes misdemeanor bond hearings to 1:30 p.m. at just two of the five branch courts at this point  Branch 35 on the Far South Side and Branch 43 in the Lawndale neighborhood.

An exception would be made for cases in which prosecutors agree ahead of time not to seek a cash bond. Those cases would still go in front of a judge at 9 a.m.

Ultimately, the office still plans to change the bond hearing time to 1:30 p.m. at all five branch courts.

A letter from Evans in response noted that the county already has approved money for additional staffers to carry out risk assessments for misdemeanor defendants, a process already in place for those charged with felonies. He argued that those assessments may reduce jail population more effectively than other proposed solutions.

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"Any concern about how much (the time change) will cost is not considering the fact that we are working to reduce the larger long-term costs of pre-trial jail incarceration," said Pat Milhizer, a spokesman for the chief judge's office. "So this is an upfront investment now that will likely lead to savings in the long run and give more defendants a chance to be released before trial."

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Officials gave dramatically different numbers when asked how many misdemeanor cases are heard in the branch bond courts every day.

Evans' office said, on average, there are 10 people in each of the five branches daily. According to the sheriff's office, though, that number is closer to 45 in each of the branches.

Neither office could explain that discrepancy.

Preckwinkle and other county officials have made reform of the bond system a significant priority. Dart has publicly called for abolishing cash bonds altogether.

Critics say requiring defendants to post bond unfairly targets the poor and that judges rarely know enough about a defendant to decide whether they might try to flee or harm others while out on bail.

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Deandre Minor, 35, was sentenced April 5, 2017, to 72 years in prison in a 2013 home invasion and attempted sex assault at a Gold Coast apartment, according to prosecutors and court records. (Cook County sheriff's office)

A man found guilty in a 2013 attempted sexual assault in the city's Gold Coast neighborhood was sentenced Wednesday to 72 years in prison, according to prosecutors and court records.

Deandre Minor, 35, was found guilty by a jury in January of attempted murder, attempted criminal sexual assault, home invasion and burglary. The attack happened shortly before 3:30 a.m. Aug. 9, 2013, in the 1200 block of North Stone Street, authorities said at the time of his arrest. Cook County Judge Michael McHale sentenced Minor to 30 years each for the attempted murder and attempted sexual assault charges, with an additional 12 years for the home invasion and burglary charges, according to states attorneys office spokeswoman Tandra Simonton and court records.

call of a burglary in progress at the high-rise on North Stone Street. The victim's son called 911 when he heard his mother screaming in her bedroom and he was initially unable to unlock her door, police said at the time of the arrest. Minor was arrested when two Near North District officers responded to aat the high-rise on North Stone Street. The victim's son called 911 when he heard his mother screaming in her bedroom and he was initially unable to unlock her door, police said at the time of the arrest.

Minor choked the woman and tried to sexually assault her, but her son was able to get a large knife and eventually confront Minor with it, chasing him out of the apartment, authorities said.

Soon after, two officers arrived at the building and found Minor sitting in a chair by the entrance, pretending to be the buildings doorman. The man was pretending to change his clothes when the officers arrived, and he acted as if he knew nothing about home invasion.



"Yeah, he took my shirt. He ran out the door," Minor told the officers, police said at the time.



But Minor was shirtless and breathing heavily, authorities said. The officers drew their weapons and arrested him.

The officers also found a shirt belonging to the victim in Minor's possession, police said.

The victim later confirmed the shirt belonged to her, police said, and Minor's shirt was found in her fourth-floor unit.

Minor, of the 800 block of West 78th Street, had been released from Cook County Jail on July 31, 2013, after being convicted of a 2010 criminal sexual abuse charge during a 2012 bench trial, according to court records. Minor was sentenced to three years in prison in August 2012 but appealed the ruling. He is a registered sex offender because of the 2012 conviction, according to state records.
Illinois State Police are investigating after a man was shot on the Kennedy Expressway on Wednesday night near West Addison Street, authorities said.

The man called police about 11:05 p.m. saying a gunman shot into his car from another car as he got on the highway on the Northwest Side going toward downtown.

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The man, whose age was not available, told troopers he was shot in the left side above the hip and drove himself to Swedish Covenant Hospital. He was transferred to Stroger Hospital, troopers said.

State police shut down the inbound lanes of the Kennedy between Addison and North Kimball Avenue as they canvassed the area from 12:50 to 1:10 a.m. Thursday but did not find any shell casings, troopers said.

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The man's condition was not available.
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, left, and Illinois State Senator Kwame Raoul talk before attending an Illinois Senate committee hearing at the State Capitol Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Springfield. Raoul worked legislators and Gov. Bruce Rauner's office to ease concerns about legislation to crack down on repeat gun felons. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

A revamped plan to crack down on repeat gun crimes amid a spike of street violence in Chicago was approved by the Illinois Senate Thursday despite continued opposition from those who contend it would put more minorities behind bars.

An earlier version of the plan to raise minimum sentences for some repeat gun crime felons stalled last month despite the high-profile backing of Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson . It's almost always difficult to pass gun legislation in Springfield, where widely varying regional attitudes toward firearms complicate the politics. The broad nature of this proposal also drew complaints from different directions, which maintained it was too soft on drug criminals or too hard on minorities.

Over the last several weeks, Democratic Sen. Kwame Raoul of Chicago worked to ease some of those concerns among opponents, including Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner 's office. Key to that effort was stripping provisions that would have softened penalties on certain drug crimes. Police contended drug sales fuel gun crimes, and Republicans said decreasing prison time for convicted dealers would send the wrong message as a heroin epidemic grips the suburbs.

SPRINGFIELD  "The governor is pleased to have reached an agreement on this important legislation," Rauner spokesman Lance Trover said.

The changes were enough for the legislation to clear the Senate with a vote of 35-9, sending it to the House. However, several African-American Democrats voted "present" in a form of protest, saying the proposed increased sentences would lead to higher incarceration of minorities without addressing a lack of economic opportunity causing violence.

"Locking up more people is not a solution to gun violence," said Sen. Jacqueline Collins , D-Chicago.

Raoul countered that the measure would not put more people behind bars but rather target those most likely to commit violence.

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"Kids are dying," Raoul said. "If this saves one life, it is worth it."

The legislation would increase the sentencing guidelines for judges deciding punishment for some repeat gun felons. Instead of a range of three to 14 years, judges would hand out sentences in the range of seven to 14 years. If they wanted to depart from that guideline, they would have to explain why.

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It's a different approach at the Capitol, where previous efforts have fizzled. In 2013, for example, lawmakers failed in a high-profile attempt to raise the mandatory minimum sentence for offenders of first-time illegal gun possession from one year to three years. Opponents then, including Raoul, argued that measure cast too wide a net that would result in a spike of arrests in minority communities.

Since then, Chicago has seen a surge of street violence, and last year the city had its highest number of homicides in about 20 years.

In a prepared statement about the bill, Johnson said the sentencing guidelines are "a pivotal step" in going after repeat gun offenders in a city where 91 percent of the more than 760 homicide victims in 2016 were killed with a gun.

"Using a spear to pinpoint the individuals that are driving the violence on our streets, this bill would ensure that the arrests officers make are followed through upon to keep violent criminals out of our communities," Johnson said.

The measure also includes several other changes to the criminal justice system that arose out of a bipartisan panel put in place by Rauner in an effort to reduce the state's prison population.

That includes relaxing the size of "drug-free" zones from 1,000 to 500 feet. Additionally, increased penalties for selling drugs in a protected area such as a school would only apply if the crime is committed during school hours, or when children under 18 are otherwise expected to be on the grounds. In addition, the measure would remove public housing from being labeled as a protected area, in an effort to reduce the impact that law has on poor and minority communities.

Chicago Tribune's Jeremy Gorner contributed.

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com

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Billionaire entrepreneur and investor J.B. Pritzker launched his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor Thursday, framing his candidacy as one about progressive values rather than personal fortune and calling Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner a "failure."

On the first day of Pritzker's candidacy, the Rauner-backed state Republican Party also appeared to try to frame a potential 2018 matchup between the two. Though Rauner has said he could support a tax hike if Democrats approve his political and economic agenda, the Republican Party called Pritzker a tax-raising "lapdog" for powerful Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan.

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The early sparring between Pritzker and Rauner underscored the high stakes and likely high cost of the upcoming race for governor. Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, has vowed to spend heavily out of his own pocket. Rauner, a wealthy former equity investor, spent tens of millions on his 2014 campaign and in December put $50 million into his re-election.

At the same time, Pritzker's fellow Democratic primary contender Chris Kennedy, a Chicago businessman from the iconic political family, said his campaign had raised $1 million since making his bid official in early February. Kennedy also put $250,100 into his own campaign last month, a move that eliminated caps on the size of campaign contributions the candidates can collect.

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Two other Democratic candidates, Northwest Side Ald. Ameya Pawar and state Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston, pointedly noted Pritzker's wealth in welcoming him to the contest. Pawar sent a fundraising email to supporters titled "A billionaire enters the race," while Biss questioned whether "the future of the Democratic Party will be a vehicle for the very rich."

The early Democratic contest clearly is split. On one side are two moneyed candidates who represent the party's establishment and can use their personal wealth to compete with Rauner's deep pockets. On the other are two candidates with less personal wealth trying to appeal to progressive populist activism. The race so far reflects the latest outgrowth of the divide seen nationally among backers of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in last year's Democratic primary for president.

Pritzker is a longtime fundraiser for Democrats at the national level who twice financially backed Hillary Clinton's presidential bids. He used the first day of his campaign to try to move himself toward the progressive column and link Rauner to President Donald Trump.

"This campaign isn't about money. It's about values. It's about progressive values. That's what I've stood for my whole life. I grew up a progressive Democrat. I've fought for progressive Democratic values," he told reporters after his speech."You heard me say onstage what I believe and it's a whole lot different than Bruce Rauner and Donald Trump."

In an announcement speech of less than 14 minutes at the Chicago Park District's Grand Crossing Gymnasium on the far South Side, Pritzker recounted to a couple of hundred supporters his efforts to improve early child care and early learning for at-risk children, help build the Illinois Holocaust Museum to fight "bigotry, hatred and intolerance," endow a center on wrongful convictions, expand community health services and found the tech hub 1871.

"What do these things have in common? I identified a problem and went to work with others," Pritzker said, adding the progressive values he has been instilled with "led me to do big things that have had a lasting impact on people's lives."

In contrast, Pritzker said, "Gov. Bruce Rauner is a failure. He promised a turnaround and all we got was the runaround. He said he would stand up to the special interests and instead, he's become his own special interest."

Citing the state's historic budget stalemate, Pritzker accused Rauner of holding the state "hostage to his right-wing agenda." Rauner has made changes in state law involving collective bargaining and workers' compensation  issues that go to the heart of Democratic allies in organized labor and civil injury attorneys  preconditions for a tax increase and full state budget.

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Pritzker also contended progressive values are "under siege" by Trump and Rauner. He called Rauner the "local partner" of Trump and said the GOP governor is "just too afraid to stand up" to the president. Attempts to link Rauner to Trump are expected to be a constant theme for Democrats in the 2018 contest.

The state Republican Party, which Rauner has heavily subsidized, hit back at Pritzker early and often Thursday with several missives that labeled Pritzker "a pawn" and "Madigan's billionaire." It was consistent with a longtime GOP theme in Illinois, trying to tarnish Democratic candidates by seeking to link them to Madigan, who is Rauner's chief political nemesis.

The state GOP released what it said was a recording of Pritzker speaking at a Chicago event hosted by state Sen. Kimberly Lightford of Maywood on March 21. In the recording, Pritzker discusses how returning the state's personal income tax rate to 5 percent from the current 3.75 percent "doesn't get you everything you need, but it's a good way toward, you know, toward getting real revenue in the state."

"One can only imagine the devastation Mike Madigan could do with a lapdog billionaire at his side. Pritzker puts the insiders first and the taxpayers last," Kirsten Kukowski, a state GOP spokeswoman, said in a statement.

At his kickoff event, Pritzker told reporters, "I think that we ought to start with the millionaires and billionaires and make sure that they're paying taxes first, and then we're not going to be talking about raising taxes on middle-class families until we take care of that problem."

But to impose such a tax would require voter approval of a state constitutional amendment to allow for a graduated income tax rate to replace the state's current flat tax. That's something unlikely to appear on a statewide ballot until 2020 at the earliest and therefore wouldn't address Illinois' immediate budget problems.

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The state GOP released another recording of Pritzker from the same Chicago event in which the Democrat said, "so let's just talk about this flat income tax, because we're not going to be able to turn it into a millionaire's tax, a fair tax. It's going to take us three years."

Pritzker contended Rauner has backed a Republican legislative proposal that, if it met his preconditions, would boost the state personal income tax rate to 4.99 percent "and he wants to raise it on everyone."

Pritzker is a founder of Pritzker Group, a private investment firm. Forbes estimates his wealth at $3.4 billion.

It is the second time Pritzker has made a bid for public office. In 1998 he lost a primary bid for the Democratic nomination for Congress to Jan Schakowsky, who remains the officeholder in the North Shore's 9th District.

But Pritzker has long been involved in politics. In the 1990s, he founded a national group aimed at attracting voters under age 40 to the Democratic Party. In 2008, he was a national co-chair of Clinton's presidential campaign against then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

In the 2008 campaign, Pritzker found his sister Penny backing Obama's presidential bid. After he won, she became his commerce secretary.

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In 2016, Pritzker donated millions of dollars to Priorities USA, a group that heavily backed Clinton in her unsuccessful bid against Trump.

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Illinois Democratic Sens.Tammy Duckworth, left, and Dick Durbin voted to filibuster the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court on April 6, 2017. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune)

WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois joined most of their Democratic colleagues on Thursday in voting to filibuster the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

But Gorsuch's nomination is expected to be approved Friday after a controversial rules change by Republicans that effectively will allow the confirmation of Gorsuch and future high court nominees by a majority of senators, not the usual 60. Republicans have a 52-48 majority in the Senate.

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Durbin, in floor remarks Thursday, criticized Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for derailing the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Merrick Garland by President Barack Obama in March 2016. The vacancy was created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

Garland, a native of suburban Chicago and chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, never had a Senate confirmation hearing or a vote.

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Durbin also took McConnell and GOP senators to task for having filibustered 79 of Obama's nominations. The Illinois senator said that previous to Obama, a total of 68 presidential nominations had been filibustered.

In 2013, majority Democrats passed a rule change to lower the vote threshold for all nominees  except for the high court  from 60 to a simple majority. Durbin said the change was needed because of McConnell's "filibuster death grip" and GOP threats to leave vacancies on critical courts.

Durbin also decried Gorsuch's record on the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, highlighting cases in which employers were favored over employees. One was the so-called frozen trucker case involving Alphonse Maddin, a truck driver fired after he left his broken trailer's cargo on a frigid night along Interstate 88 in Illinois. Gorsuch dissented from a decision that found his firing was improper.

"The questions we have raised about (Gorsuch's) judgment and his values go to the heart of who we are and what we want to be," Durbin said.

"Do we want the Supreme Court to continue to be a voice for the corporations, the corporate elite and employers?" he asked. "Do we want to exclude the opportunities of common people like that truck driver Alphonse Maddin to have his day in court and be treated fairly?"

Duckworth also opposes Gorsuch, saying this week from the floor that she was concerned about his record of failing to protect women's health.

In a dissenting opinion, Gorsuch argued to defund Planned Parenthood in Utah based on evidence that other judges deemed as false, she said. Duckworth also pointed to the Hobby Lobby case in which Gorsuch voted to shield the Christian owners of the craft store chain from paying for some contraceptives mandated by Obamacare.

"He made it clear that he favors the religious beliefs of corporations over the rights of women to make their own choices about their bodies," she said.

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An Iraq War amputee, Duckworth also said his rulings would jeopardize disabled students' access to public education.

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Islamic militant Hamas group ruling the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning executed three Palestinians it had accused of "collaborating" with Israel, a development that was likely spurred by the killing of a senior Hamas commander last month.



Hamas said the men were hanged at a police compound as dozens of Hamas leaders and officials watched the killing.



The three were sentenced months ago for relaying information on attack tunnels and other military details to Israel and were not directly connected to the killing of the senior commander but his death prompted their execution now.



Hamas imposed a lockdown in the wake of the mysterious killing of the militant, Mazen Faqha, 38, who was dead found with four gunshots wounds at the entrance of his Gaza City home.



The group immediately blamed Israel and Gaza "collaborators" for his death but has provided no evidence. Soon after Faqha's killing, it launched a local media campaign against those it suspects of spying for Israel.



Israel had sentenced Faqha to nine terms of life imprisonment for directing deadly suicide bombing attacks. He was freed along with more than 1,000 other Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single Israeli soldier in 2011.



Hamas has executed 25 people sentenced under its judicial system since 2007 when it took over Gaza in bloody street battles from forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.



Rights groups have questioned the fairness of trials under the Hamas system.



"The death penalty is a barbaric practice that has no place in a modern state," Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of the Middle East division of Human Rights Watch, said.



"The abhorrent executions by Hamas authorities of three men in Gaza deemed to be collaborators project weakness, not strength," she said. "Hamas authorities will never achieve true security or stability through firing squads or by the gallows, but rather through respect for international norms and the rule of law."



Hamas also killed 23 people without trials during its 2014 war with Israel.



After Faqha's killing, Hamas set up checkpoints throughout Gaza and barred all residents and foreign aid workers from leaving the coastal strip and going to Israel.



It has since eased some of the restrictions and allowed some Palestinians, mostly those needing medical treatment, relatives of prisoners in Israel and some international aid workers, to cross into Israel.
PALM BEACH, Fla.  President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping here Thursday at his luxurious Mar-a-Lago estate, kicking off a two-day summit that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said would include "very frank discussions" over North Korea and trade.

Speaking to reporters after greeting Xi at the airport, Tillerson said the U.S. side would press the Chinese delegation to "find ways to exercise influence on North Korea's actions to dismantle their nuclear weapons and their missile technology program."

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"China can be part of a new strategy to end North Korea's reckless behavior and ensure security, stability and economic prosperity in Northeast Asia," Tillerson added.

Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, greeted Xi with a handshake as the Chinese leader and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived at the resort for a series of bilateral talks, and a fancy opening night dinner with Trump and his top aides.

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Trump arrived aboard Air Force One shortly after Xi. While flying, Trump told reporters on the plane that he believes "China will be stepping up" to deal more firmly with Pyongyang.

On trade, Trump reiterated his long-standing grievance over a large U.S. trade deficit to China.

"We have been treated unfairly and have made terrible trade deals with China for many, many years," he said. "That's one of the things we are going to be talking about."

The unorthodox location of the summit is intended to lessen the formality of the first meeting between the two leaders, White House aides said, and help establish a working relationship, if not rapport, between Trump and Xi after moments of tension during the U.S. election season.

Xi will spend just over 24 hours here, including a working lunch on Friday, officials said. Xi and the Chinese delegation will not stay overnight at the resort but rather at a nearby hotel.

The lush trappings of the president's personal property will not mask the seriousness and urgency of the long list of topics that will be discussed.

Trump has offered conflicting signals about his state of mind heading into the summit. He told business leaders in Washington this week that he had a "lot of respect" for Xi, but last week on Twitter he predicted the meeting would be a "very difficult one" because of the U.S. trade deficit with China.

In an interview with the Financial Times last weekend, Trump said he would exhort Xi to put more pressure on Pyongyang to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile testing, which has violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. But he added that if Beijing failed to act the United States would consider unilateral responses.

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An administration official told reporters on Tuesday that the "clock is very, very quickly running out" and all options are on the table, though the White House has declined to be specific. Hours later, North Korea executed another ballistic missile test that prompted a curt response from Tillerson, who said in a statement that the United States had spoken enough about North Korea and would have no further comment about its provocations.

"It's an urgent and global threat, and we see the North Korean weapons programs as increasingly destabilizing, both for Northeast Asia and for the globe," Susan Thornton, the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told reporters Wednesday.

Among the administration's options, experts said, are sanctions on Chinese banks that do business with Pyongyang in a bid to restrict the flow of capital to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's regime.

"It's certainly going to come up," said a senior administration official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity to preview the discussions. "Ninety percent of North Korea's external trade is with China. Even though we heard that China's political influence may have diminished with North Korea, certainly its economic leverage has not. It is considerable."

On trade, Trump elevated grievances over China's trade surplus to a centerpiece of his campaign, accusing Beijing repeatedly of devaluing its currency, even though economists have said the country has in recent years artificially inflated its value.

As a candidate, Trump threatened to slap large tariffs on Chinese goods, though he has tempered such rhetoric since taking office, as more moderate views of his chief economic adviser Gary Cohn and senior adviser Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, have balanced the harder-line nationalist views of senior adviser Stephen Bannon and Peter Navarro, director of the National Trade Council.

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Some U.S. foreign policy analysts cautioned that the summit is premature, given that Trump has yet to fill hundreds of higher-level staff positions at government agencies, including the Pentagon and State Department, and the administration's China policy has not yet been clearly developed.

The more informal setting at Mar-a-Lago also represents a risk, some analysts said. Trump entertained Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his estate in February, but only after the leaders of the two allied nations had first met at the White House. They then flew to Mar-a-Lago and played 27 holes of golf at two nearby Trump-branded golf courses.

Unlike Abe, Xi did not stop at the White House, nor will he and Trump hit the links. Xi banned party leaders from playing golf and shut down scores of courses in China in a crackdown on corruption.

In 2013, President Barack Obama invited Xi to Sunnylands, a lush estate in Southern California, for a first summit in an attempt to break the ice. The meeting had mixed success, helping lead to later breakthroughs on climate efforts and a reduction of Chinese cybertheft against U.S. businesses. In other areas, however, including maritime security and human rights, relations between Obama and Xi soured.

"Our presidents should stop trying to use a personal touch with Chinese leaders. It doesn't work," said Michael Auslin, an Asia expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. "They have their interests, we have our interests. A District of Columbia meeting shows we can focus on interests, which is what the Chinese expect. Sunnylands was a failure by every measure. This has the same potential."
Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., on Capitol Hill. McCain plans to support Sen. McConnell's move to eliminate the 60-vote threshold for reaching a final vote on Supreme Court justices to lifetime appointments. (Melina Mara / The Washington Post)

WASHINGTON  The "nuclear" showdown in the Senate has split the chamber's most senior Republicans over how bad the fallout will be.

On one side is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who believes that once Democrats filibuster Judge Neil Gorsuch, the GOP's unilateral response to confirm him on a simple majority vote will take senators "back to what was the tradition in the Senate" for confirming Supreme Court justices.

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It will be, McConnell thinks, a good thing for the Senate.

"Look at the Senate through the long history of the body, the practical effect of all this will be to take us back to where we were," McConnell , 75, told reporters Tuesday.

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On the other side is Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the fiery 80-year-old who sees this move as the next step in the inexorable slide to crushing the chamber's bipartisan traditions. He thinks senators who view this as a good step are, well, not fully in command of their faculties.

"Idiot, whoever says that is a stupid idiot, who has not been here and seen what I've been through and how we were able to avoid that on several occasions," McCain said Wednesday, recalling past efforts to defuse these judicial confirmation wars. "And they are stupid and they've deceived their voters because they are so stupid."

Even so, McCain will support McConnell's move to eliminate the 60-vote threshold for reaching a final vote on Supreme Court justices to lifetime appointments. That will come after Democrats, as expected, formally block Gorsuch's nomination on Thursday.

There is no question that McConnell has the votes to change the Senate rules on a party-line vote. All 52 Republicans believe Gorsuch is a worthy nominee and dismiss the Democratic opposition as a political reaction to McConnell's refusal to consider Judge Merrick Garland's nomination last year and to the liberal base demanding resistance to anything President Trump proposes.

The dispute, instead, is about the future of the Senate. McCain and some senior Republicans believe that this will lead to the abolition of the filibuster in all its forms, including on legislation.

"This is a body blow to the institution, and I think we're on a slippery slope," McCain said.

McConnell promised to protect the super-majority on legislation, saying that filibusters on nominations are a new phenomenon but those on legislation are essential to the Senate's essence.

"The legislative filibuster has been there a long time, everybody has been up or down, majority or minority at various times. We all understand that's what makes the Senate the Senate," he told reporters Tuesday.

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It's been 100 years since the Senate adopted Rule XXII, which was established because President Woodrow Wilson grew tired of a small band of senators blocking his efforts to execute World War I.

So the Senate formally established how a super-majority could shut off debate, setting a two-thirds threshold for ending a filibuster. After a bloc of southern Democrats obstructed civil-rights legislation, a large bipartisan group in 1975 lowered that threshold to just 60 of the 100 senators - leaving in place the two-thirds majority for a rules change.

During George W. Bush's presidency, Senate Democrats blocked more than 10 of his nominees to the appellate courts, the first time judicial nominees regularly got blocked by the minority. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., long before he became minority leader, drew up that strategy beginning in 2001.

This prompted Republicans to consider a unilateral move that would not technically be a rule change but would have the same effect. But McCain led a bipartisan "Gang of 14" to save the filibuster in 2005. At the time, then-Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., who helped advise McCain's group, dubbed it the "nuclear option" because it was such a partisan move that the fallout would be lasting.

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, agrees with Lott's prediction. In a little-noticed floor speech Corker, blasted unnamed senators who said the 2013 "nuclear option" by Democrats to end most filibusters on nominees and the pending Republican step were not bad for the Senate.

"Somebody acted like it was no big deal, that it had just gotten us back to where we had always been," Corker said last week, appearing to direct his critique at McConnell.

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He recounted how, after Democrats first triggered the nuclear option to end filibusters on most nominees, the Senate practically stopped working.

"There were days - not days, months - where people who had normally worked with people on the other side of the aisle just kind of shut down. It was hard to believe the nuclear option had been invoked," Corker said.

Now, the sides have changed. McConnell has gone from hating the filibuster (2005) to supporting it (2013) to again trying to abolish it (2017) - an evolving set of positions that correlate with which party had the majority. Schumer has, coincidentally, held the exact opposite position of McConnell each step along the way.

"It's not where you stand, it's where you sit," McCain said.

That's why Corker argues that they will not be able to resist the temptation to blow up super-majority requirements on legislation.

"Everybody says: 'Oh, we are never going to do it on legislation.' Come on," Corker said, adding that the pressure from the respective party bases will become too much. "Give me a break. Somebody is not living in reality."

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McConnell has tried to reassure his GOP colleagues that will not happen. He believes that all presidential nominees will now be free of the filibuster hurdle, returning to the chamber to its traditional role of voting them up or down.

"There's not a single Senator in the majority who thinks we ought to change the legislative filibuster. Not one," he said.

McConnell was then told about McCain's sense that only a "stupid idiot" could think this was a good week for the Senate. He laughed.

"I don't think I have any comment on that," McConnell said.

Kane is The Post's senior congressional correspondent and columnist.
President Donald Trump pauses while speaking during a press conference with Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Rose Garden of the White House on April 5, 2017, in Washington, DC. ( Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images)

Citing no evidence, President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused his predecessor's national security adviser of breaking the law, one month after he accused former President Barack Obama of illegally wiretapping him.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump said Obama's national security adviser, Susan Rice, committed a crime when she asked government analysts to disclose the names of Trump associates documented in intelligence reports. Trump would not say if he reviewed new intelligence to support his claim. He told the Times he would say more "at the right time."

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"I think it's going to be the biggest story," Trump said. "It's such an important story for our country and the world. It is one of the big stories of our time."

Rice is the latest target for Trump and his embattled defenders. She has firmly denied that she did anything inappropriate in requesting the identities of Trump associates. As the national security adviser, Rice would have been authorized to seek identities of people whose names were redacted from intelligence reports. Officials typically "unmask" Americans if it is deemed necessary for understanding the information. Some Trump allies have accused Rice of unmasking officials for political reasons.

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"Absolutely false," Rice declared Tuesday.

Trump on Wednesday disagreed. When the Times asked him if Rice broke the law, he said, "Do I think? Yes, I think." The president did not specify what law he thinks Rice may have broken.

Erin Pelton, a spokeswoman for Rice, said, "I'm not going to dignify the president's ludicrous charge with a comment."

Trump's unfounded accusation fits a pattern for the president. Last month, he accused Obama of wiretapping his New York skyscraper and later said Obama had spied on his campaign. Neither allegation has been backed up by evidence.

Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, is under FBI scrutiny for his ties to Russia. Two congressional committees are also investigating Flynn as part of larger probes into the Kremlin's influence on the 2016 election and possible coordination with Trump associates. Last week Trump said that Flynn, who resigned in February, should seek an immunity deal.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan said the House intelligence committee investigation looking into Russia's role in the 2016 election was back on track after the committee's chairman had a secret meeting on White House grounds about intelligence that Trump later said vindicated his Obama wiretapping claims. A congressional aide said the documents are being made available for all committee members to view at the White House.

Also, Republicans and Democrats have agreed on the witnesses to be called, Ryan said.

Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., a member of the committee, told CNN that Rice is on the witness list. A congressional aide said there were more than a dozen people on the list.

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According to a U.S. official, Rice asked spy agencies to give her the names of Trump associates who surfaced in intelligence reports she was regularly briefed on. Rice's official role would have given her the ability to make those requests for national security purposes.

In an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday, Rice acknowledged that she sometimes asked for the names of Americans referenced in reports. She would not say whether she saw intelligence related to Trump associates or whether she asked for their identities, though she did say that reports related to Russia increased in the final months of the presidential election campaign.

The Trump White House has been particularly incensed that intercepted conversations between Flynn and Russia's ambassador to the U.S. surfaced in news reports before the inauguration.

Rice denied that she had leaked details about Flynn's call, saying, "I leaked nothing to nobody."

AP writers Deb Riechmann and Alan Fram contributed to this report.
The bridges along the Chicago River will soon swing open as flotillas of pleasure craft make their annual voyage from dry docks to Lake Michigan harbors. The river, that broad ribbon of water framed by skyscrapers, is an iconic Chicago image. It's a perennial favorite of movie and television crews. It delights the diners at Riverwalk cafes.

Yet save for the efforts of James Dunham, a 19th century tugboat captain, the scene would be a lot less attractive. There would be no lift bridges to rise, as if in salute, and only small boats would squeeze under low bridges or around swing bridges pivoting midstream. The river would be a narrow, meandering creek.

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The transition from what the river once was to what it is now has been the work of many hands, as most human achievements are. But Dunham was arguably the best friend the Chicago River ever had.

"In many improvements Captain Dunham's work will live on the river," the Chicago Tribune observed at his death in 1901. "It was due to his work, at first almost single-handed, that the river was saved for navigation."

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It's little wonder that Dunham's was a lonely battle. In his day, it wasn't easy to love the Chicago River, no matter how much it's now cherished.

"It was a baffling and cantankerous river from the first," noted Henry Hansen in his 1942 biography of the city's eponymous river, "The Chicago." "It had been called a channel, a canal, a bayou, a creek, an outlet for a marsh, a ditch, even a sewer."

Dunham wasn't an environmentalist, in the contemporary sense of word. Nor was he a good-hearted businessman, like mail-order magnate A. Montgomery Ward, who campaigned to save the lakefront.

Dunham was a seafarer, and the Chicago River had made him, literally, a captain of industry. It also made the city's fortunes. Yet the general public and elected officials were oblivious to that chapter of Chicago history. In 1898, Dunham gave a congressional delegation a guided tour aboard a fireboat  an innovation he'd sponsored by outfitting a tug with a pump. The visitors were investigating how the federal government could help improve the Chicago River as an avenue of commerce.

On the voyage, local notables rubbed shoulders with visiting congressmen. "What surprised them most was the astonishment many Chicago people on the fireboat expressed over the magnitude of river commerce which the trip disclosed," a Tribune reporter noted. "It was explained to them that few Chicago people ever made trips on the river and knew little about its general conditions."

Chicagoans' blind spot was due in part to the river's role as a refuse-disposal system for adjoining industries. That was taken into consideration by the tour's sponsors. By the course they charted, the reporter noted, "the visitors were not permitted to get a smell of the fork as it leads towards the Stock Yards." That stretch of the river is still known as Bubbly Creek.

It wasn't just aesthetics that blinded Chicagoans to the river's potential. Depending on one's point of view, it could be regarded as a conduit or an impediment to commerce. Except for a small gap, the river sat astride an all-water route  via the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system  from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. When Dunham came to Chicago from New York state in 1854, the Illinois and Michigan Canal had been dug through that gap, just southwest of Chicago. Already a marine engineer at 17, he sensed that Chicago's location offered a wealth of opportunity.

His intuition was correct: By 1870, Chicago was one of the nation's busiest ports, and by 1899, Dunham had a fleet of 20 tugboats.

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While the river's success delighted ship owners, it was a headache for others. An effort to end the flow of sewage directly into Lake Michigan  by reversing the river's flow and building a series of canal locks and a new Sanitary and Ship Canal  started and stalled for years and was finally completed in 1900.

City dwellers had other problems. As ships set sail, bridges had to be repeatedly opened, stranding North Siders trying to reach or leave the city's commercial center on the river's south bank. At one point in the 1860s, the city ordered the bridges kept closed except for brief periods, but ship owners raised a fuss and city leaders had to relent.

Shippers had their own beefs. In 1869, the city dug a tunnel for pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages under the river at Washington Street and another at LaSalle Street, two years later. A third one was added near Van Buren Street. But as commerce increased, ships got ever larger, until they risked scraping their hulls on the tunnels. So ship owners wanted the tunnels lowered.

In 1889, Dunham ran successfully for alderman, thereby leaping into a civil war between entrepreneurs who depended on waterborne transport and those who shipped goods by land. Dunham campaigned as a reformer, not an easy promise to fulfill, as Thomas J. Lutz explains in "Shaping Chicago," his recent biography of Dunham. Chicago had already developed its trademark pay-to-play political style.

As political appointees, bridge tenders were reluctant to open a bridge for free. "Often, maritime men had to pay incentives to gain the attention of bridge tenders, if they hoped to make their way up or down river in respectable time," Lutz reports.

Dunham got kudos from the Tribune when he got an 1890 ordinance enacted that made bridge tenders responsible to a harbor master instead of to their political sponsors. Another victory cost Dunham his City Council seat.

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Ship owners wanted a stretch of the river straightened, which Mayor DeWitt Clinton Cregier proposed to do in partnership with the Northern Pacific Railroad. The railroad would pay for bridges over the new channel, and the city would sell the railroad a parcel of land for $350,000. It seemed like a good deal  until Dunham read the fine print.

"The phrasing of the ordinances is mysterious and indefinite," Dunham told the Tribune. "I don't believe that any man except the author and those in interest understands them."

Deciphered, the deal allowed the railroad to acquire land valued at $2 million to $3 million, and the river would shrink from 175 feet to 100 feet wide. "Such a contraction would practically ruin the river for maritime purposes," Dunham said.

He won the argument. The deal was nixed, but Dunham and Cregier so bitterly attacked each other that both were defeated in the next election.

Dunham went to his grave thinking he'd lost the final battle of his crusade to save the Chicago River. It pitted him against Charles Yerkes, who owned big pieces of Chicago's streetcar and elevated systems. The issue was Dunham's long fight to get rid of bridges and modify the tunnels that impeded river traffic.

Dunham won the first round, frustrating Yerkes' attempt to build a new bridge to carry one of his "L" lines over the river, forcing him to piggy-back his tracks on an upper level of the Wells Street bridge. The two clashed again over the issue of lowering the river's tunnels, which Yerkes wanted to use for his streetcar lines. "If he refuses to lower them, the City of Chicago can remove the tops of the tunnels with little expense, merely a few dynamite cartridges," Dunham told the Tribune. When he died in 1901, Dunham seemed to have lost the resulting court battle.

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Five years later, however, the U.S. Supreme Court made Dunham the victor, ruling that the tunnels had to be lowered or removed. By then, Chicago's port was declining and railroads were the wave of the future. Yet the Chicago River and the property along its banks went on to be ever-hotter real estate, witness the skyscrapers that line it and the tour boats that plow its waters.

From that perspective, Dunham was remarkably prescient when he told Congress in 1899: "There is no use pottering with the river in a small way until the question whether the tunnels, which are a dam on the river, and bridges, that obstruct navigation, are to be got rid of."

rgrossman@chicagotribune.com
Tuesday was Equal Pay Day, that glorious annual ritual in which women are told they are terribly oppressed at work and earn only 77 cents to every dollar that men earn, even though that's not even remotely true. This year, just to up the ante, prominent feminists paired questionable math with equally questionable life suggestions. Women would be wise to ignore them.

Let's start with the enduring myth of a cavernous pay gap between the genders, which has been repeatedly and resoundingly debunked. In 2009, a study commissioned for the U.S. Department of Labor concluded that the supposedly nefarious wage gap "may be almost entirely the result of individual choices being made by both male and female workers," and that it ranged from just 4.8 to 7 cents. In 2012, a study from the American Association of University Women concluded the same thing, citing a 6.6 cent wage gap  and leaving open multiple non-oppression-related explanations for why that gap might exist.

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But as Nirvana once sang in highly disillusioned mid-1990s tones, oh well, whatever, never mind. On Tuesday, Ivanka Trump tweeted that "#EqualPayDay is a reminder that women deserve equal pay for equal work. We must work to close the gender pay gap!" Sheryl Sandberg, the loquacious COO of Facebook, weighed in with an op-ed in USA Today: "Today is Equal Pay Day. This means that on average, women in the United States had to work all of 2016 plus this far into 2017 to catch up to what men earned last year. In 2016, women on average were paid 80 cents for every dollar men earned."

Here's where things get weird: Eight paragraphs after declaring war on a supposed 20 percent wage gap, Sandberg writes the following, citing an analysis from 2016: "After controlling for education, experience, and occupational and industry differences, the Cornell study found that a gender pay gap of about 8 percent remains." (Feel free to cue your own over-the-top, imaginary record scratch here.)

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So, which is it? 20 percent? Or 8 percent? None of the above? Oh well, whatever, never mind. No one reads the sensational first paragraphs of an op-ed, anyway! They always skip right to paragraph nine. If readers skip to the end of Sandberg's op-ed, however, they'll find an announcement for the launch of her "#20PercentCounts" campaign, designed to "highlight the unfairness of the gender pay gap." I guess "#SomewhereBetween4and8PercentCounts, but Maybe Not, Because This Shifting Percentage Might Not Even Have Anything to Do with Sinister Male Oppression" just didn't have the same ring to it.

What also lacks a certain ring, at least to my ears, is a newer feminist refrain, also sung in chorus on Equal Pay Day: For true empowerment to exist, women must be literally equal to men, in everything, all the time. In a new profile in New York magazine, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., described as "a bit of a gender essentialist," insists that Congress should ideally be split 50/50 along gender lines. Sandberg, meanwhile, feels similarly: "We know how important achieving equality is for all of us. A world where women ran half of our companies and countries and men ran half of our homes would be a better world."

Would it really? I'm not so sure, and not just because my husband's version of cooking dinner for the kids involves 16 variations of simple carbohydrates and vegetable sightings as rare as the North American Sasquatch. It's because I don't want to run a company or a country. It sounds exhausting! Nor do I want to become a highly paid senior director of engineering, no matter how many times prominent feminists tell me I should. Many women  especially those with children, or who want to have children  feel the same way.

Yet, strangely, many of today's leading feminists seem quite fond of hectoring women into taking high-paying, high-pressure jobs whether they want to or not, promoting a weird vision of a corporate corner suite as heaven on earth. Studies have shown women's happiness levels plummeting since the 1970s, the last time they were measured to be higher than those of men. Could it be because we're getting a lot of really dodgy life advice?

Look, if you're a woman, and you want to run a company or a country, good for you! Go for it. If you want to grow the ranks of females in the aforementioned senior director of engineering field  according to USA Today, women hold only 9 percent of these jobs  bravo! If you want to have a flexible yet lower-paying job that allows you more family time, or if you want to stay at home with your children, that's marvelous! In the end, I hope you find the life choice that works for you. That's what modern feminism is all about, right?

Oh, whom am I kidding? That, my friends, would make way too much sense.

Heather Wilhelm is a National Review columnist and a senior contributor to The Federalist.

National Review
Since Donald Trump's approval rating now looks like something that got stuck to the bottom of my shoe, I joined the flood of journalists who went to Real America to gloat  I mean, to see  how the Trump supporters are getting along:

In the shadow of the old flag factory, Craig Slabornik sits whittling away on a rusty nail, his only hobby since the plant shut down. He is an American like millions of Americans, and he has no regrets about pulling the lever for Donald Trump in November  twice, in fact, which Craig says is just more evidence of the voter fraud plaguing the country. Craig is a contradiction, but he does not know it.

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Each morning he arrives at the Blue Plate Diner and tries to make sense of it all. The regulars are already there. Lydia Borkle lives in an old shoe in the tiny town of Tempe Work Only, Ariz., where the factory has just rusted away into a pile of gears and dust. The jobs were replaced by robots, not shipped overseas, but try telling Lydia that. (I did, very slowly and patiently, I thought, but she still became quite brusque.) Her one lifeline was an Obama-era jobs training program, but she says that she does not regret her vote for Trump and likes what he says about business. She makes a point of telling me that she is not racist, but I think she probably is, a little.

Next to her sits Linda Blarnik. Like the rusty hubcaps hanging on the wall behind her, she was made in America 50 years ago, back when this town made things, a time she still remembers fondly. She says she has had just enough of the "coastal elitist media who keep showing up to write mean things about my town and my life, like that thing just now where you said I was like a hubcap, yes you, stop writing I can see over your shoulder." Mournfully a whistle blows behind her, the whistle of a train that does not stop in this America any longer.

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Linda's sister, Carla Blarnik, is married to an undocumented immigrant yet voted for Trump, who has vowed an increase in deportations. Asked to explain this contradiction, she shrugs. "Do not tell Bert this," she says, "but I have been trying to find an unobtrusive way to break up the marriage for years and this seemed like just the loophole I was waiting for." Huh. OK.

Their waiter is David Mattress, a sentient robot who will be shut down if Trump's budget is put into practice. He loves Trump, insofar as love is possible for him. When asked "Don't you realize the contradiction of this position?" the other regulars leap up and shout at me because the last time this question was posed to him, David short-circuited and emitted large quantities of smoke. "First that magazine writer," Linda scolds me, gesturing to a table in the corner where six other journalists sit writing versions of this same article, "now you."

Mark Hooglats lives inside Obamacare, don't ask him how. He voted for Trump. He will vote for Trump again, maybe up to 10 times if he does the thing with the economy. He is excited that Trump has said "God" out loud for what he believes is the first time in the past eight years. (It isn't.)

In the corner, under a picture of George Washington that is cracked and broken and stained with tobacco juice, lies Herm Slabornik. Herm is encased in a cryogenic tube that will be unplugged if Trump gets his way. According to a note on his cryotube, he knows what Trump said about unplugging tubes but he does not think Trump would unplug him personally. He will vote for Trump again in 2020, provided he is not unplugged. Also, he hates Obamacare.

Glom Pfeffernitz lives in a rusty kettle. Trump's plan will definitely repossess his kettle, but he does not believe me when I tell him this. "I just don't think he'd do that," Pfeffernitz repeats. His priority is filling the lakes with waste because he remembers when he was a kid and the lakes used to glow, and he wants to get back to those great days. He says his No. 1 priority is keeping telephones away from the undeserving poor. Is everyone here messing with me?

Claudia Barknappen, the owner of the diner, wipes her hands on her faded God Bless America Apron. She is taken aback to see that Trump's budget would replace her home with a sinkhole, but she says that she is reserving judgment and likes how much he hates immigrants. "We've got to give him a chance," she observes. She says that one time Trump showed up at her home and hit her dog with a broom, but in her mind this amounts to no more than one strike. She knows that she can change Trump with love, not that he needs to change at all. Behind her, an eagle falls out of a tree and dies.

Washington Post

Alexandra Petri is a Washington Post columnist and blogger.
The U.S. flag, Chicago flag and Cooky County flag flap in the wind above the Chicago Police Department's 25th District, 5555 W. Grand Ave., Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago police Detective Joseph Frugoli wasn't on duty when his SUV slammed into a car on the side of the Dan Ryan Expressway, killing two young men who'd stopped to fix a flat tire. But Chicago taxpayers could still be held liable for those deaths.

A federal judge has refused to throw out a wrongful death suit that alleges a "code of silence" among police officers led Frugoli to believe he could drink and drive with impunity.

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Twice before, the detective had been involved in accidents in which there were signs of intoxication. But his fellow officers had his back. They didn't administer sobriety tests, didn't question him thoroughly, didn't come to court to testify against him.

In 2005, after Frugoli rear-ended another vehicle on the Dan Ryan, a state trooper smelled alcohol on the detective's breath. But Frugoli's blood alcohol content was never measured. When the trooper showed up for a court date, he learned that the two traffic citations he'd written had been dismissed.

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Three years later, Frugoli had two accidents in about 24 hours. The first occurred while he was on duty; Frugoli said he skidded on a patch of ice. Driving home from a casino the next morning, he broadsided a police squad car. A police sergeant let him sit in her cruiser while other officers investigated the crash. Years later, one of them testified that Frugoli's eyes were glassy and he seemed "dumbfounded." But at the scene, the officers didn't test his sobriety or question him directly. They wrote him a ticket for running a stop sign and handed it to the sergeant, who drove him home. Somehow, the investigating officers weren't notified of Frugoli's court date  and voila, that ticket was dismissed too.

So yes, a jury might conclude that Frugoli felt "impervious to consequences," in the words of U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall, when he got behind the wheel after a night of heavy drinking in April 2009.

The Chicago cops who arrested him after he walked away from that fatal crash called a supervisor and an ambulance, but again didn't administer a sobriety test. After paramedics noted signs of impairment, Frugoli's blood alcohol content was measured at 0.328 percent, more than four times the legal limit. He ended up with an eight-year prison sentence.

It was his fourth accident in five years but the first time he was held accountable. He'd also been the subject of 18 complaints from citizens who accused him of excessive force, verbal abuse, illegal searches and unprofessional behavior. Not one resulted in a finding of wrongdoing.

That's not surprising. In five years, fewer than 2 percent of the 30,000 complaints of police misconduct were sustained by the police disciplinary system, the U.S. Department of Justice recently found. "The questioning of officers is often cursory and aimed at eliciting favorable statements justifying the officer's actions rather than seeking the truth," a DOJ report said.

That's the code of silence at work. And it's not just an unspoken compact among rank-and-file colleagues. The DOJ's report confirmed what earlier investigations have shown: Departmental policies, union contracts and a toothless disciplinary process all contribute to a culture that protects wayward cops from accountability.

The DOJ's Civil Rights Division spent a year in Chicago after Officer Jason Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder for shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times. The investigation was expected to lead to a consent decree, with a court-appointed monitor reporting to a federal judge on the city's progress toward reform.

But the DOJ's work was interrupted by the election of President Donald Trump, who doesn't seem to think local police departments can behave professionally and fight crime at the same time. His attorney general, Jeff Sessions, believes consent decrees are a barrier to effective policing. Chicago doesn't have one yet, and Sessions isn't likely to push it over the finish line. After reading a 16-page summary of the DOJ report, he dismissed its findings as "anecdotal."

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He'd know better if he read the full report. Or the newspapers: This week, in addition to the story on the Frugoli case, he would have learned about a different wrongful death suit against a different Chicago cop who'd been accused of excessive force in several citizen complaints. The same story references a corrupt tactical team that shook down drug couriers in a public housing complex for nearly a decade. Two of those cops are in prison, and two others who were blackballed for trying to expose them recently won a $2 million settlement from taxpayers. Several convictions have been thrown out, and the Cook County state's attorney's office is reviewing hundreds more. Hundreds.

Those anecdotes add up. So do the lawsuits. Since 2004, Chicago taxpayers have been hit for more than $500 million in damages and settlements. The feds' retreat from Chicago is irresponsible. It comes amid near-daily reminders of why the DOJ came to town in the first place, and why it's critically important to finish that work.
Aug. 31, 2016: A group of men get off of a bus at Chicago's Buckingham Fountain. They argue with a 22-year-old man on the sidewalk, and one of them shoots him in the thigh. He survives.

Sept. 3, 2016: Passengers on two buses parked by the Rock n' Roll McDonald's in River North taunt and threaten each other. Someone from one of the buses pulls out a gun and fires. No one is hurt.

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March 12, 2017: People inside a bus outside a Dunkin' Donuts in Edgewater get into a shouting match with someone in a nearby SUV. There's an exchange of gunfire. Three people are shot, two die.

The common thread: The buses were party buses.

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You've seen these barrooms-on-wheels. All too often they're obnoxiously loud and jammed with as many as 50 booze-addled revelers. At least the drunks aren't driving. Party on, Garth.

But firearms have no business on the buses. Booze and guns are a bad mix; booze, guns and a party on wheels is a tragedy in the making.

Since 2015, party buses in Chicago have been the scene of at least 11 shootings, three of them fatal. Something's wrong with this picture.

The city has tried to rein in party buses before. In September, the City Council passed an ordinance requiring party bus drivers to call police if someone on the bus throws a bottle out the window, smokes pot or fires a gun. That hasn't solved the problem.

Now Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposes an ordinance that would require party bus companies to install security cameras on buses and have security guards on board if passengers are drinking. Buses would have to display signage, so that law-breaking or nuisance party bus operators could be identified. And the city would clamp down on illegal operators by conducting periodic sweeps.

We're glad the city recognizes that party buses have a problem, but we doubt the proposed ordinance will solve it. The guns have to go.

Legally, someone on a party bus can carry a loaded gun because, like every other state in the country, Illinois has a concealed carry law. That law prevents patrons from bringing guns into a bar or restaurant where more than 50 percent of sales are alcohol-related  but that restriction doesn't apply to party buses, where passengers bring their own liquor on board. In BYOB establishments, it's up to the owner to decide whether to ban guns. Some party bus companies have no-weapons policies for their buses, but company officials told the Tribune in December that those bans are rarely enforced.

So let's put some muscle behind them. Lawmakers in Springfield should amend the concealed carry law to add party buses to the list of venues where guns are banned. Afterward, if a party bus company is caught allowing a gun on board, that company's license should be pulled.

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Guns are banned in bars for the obvious reason that armed patrons with guns and several rum-and-Cokes in their bloodstream pose a clear and present danger to themselves and anyone around them. The fact that the alcohol is sold by the bar, whereas on a party bus it's brought on board by patrons, is a distinction without a difference. The risk posed by the coupling of alcohol and firearms is a constant.

Party buses move through traffic, through residential neighborhoods and along busy downtown streets. Often, the itinerary entails a pub crawl  going bar to bar to drink, and drinking on the bus between stops. It should come as no surprise that several of the incidents of gunfire involved inebriated passengers getting into shouting matches with passers-by or people in nearby vehicles.

Taking the gun out of that equation is just plain common sense.

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Dear Tom,

What has the weather been like for the past six Polar Plunges in Chicago?

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 Stephen Verhaeren

Dear Stephen,

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The Chicago Polar Plunge is held at North Avenue Beach the first Sunday in March as thousands of people venture into Lake Michigan's icy waters to raise money to support Chicago's Special Olympics athletes. Most years, the lake is still choked with ice, with the water temperature hovering around 32 degrees. However, because of this year's historic February warmth, the lake was ice-free and the water a relatively balmy 40 degrees. Air temperatures for the past six Polar Plunges were 32 degrees in 2012, 34 degrees in 2013, 14 degrees in 2014, 25 degrees in 2015, 52 degrees in 2016 and 60 degrees in 2017. Since its inception in 2001, the city's coldest Polar Plunge was 2014's, and the warmest was in 2005, when the mercury peaked at 64.
1339 W. Taylor Street. 312-243-8908 This homey cafe features sweet specialties like the holiday French toast ($8.25), which is made from challah bread, nutmeg and vanilla custard. If youre feeling savory, try the 18th Street scrambler ($10.60), which is loaded with chorizo, queso fresco and peppers. (Chicago Tribune)

There's nothing like the sweet sorrow of living in a food mecca like Chicago on a college student's paltry budget. But even if you're not a student, you can count on college campuses to support clusters of great restaurants with menus that don't create sticker shock. We picked our favorite good old-fashioned cheap eats in the neighborhoods of five Chicago colleges.

DEPAUL

Torta Haus

926 W. Diversey Parkway 773-880-8052

Mexican meets German with delightful creations like the German specialty torta ($10.99), a hefty sandwich piled high with sliced bratwurst, wiener schnitzel, pork and the sauerkraut/mustard works. Its BYOB, but pick up a cinnamon-infused horchata ($3) for a satisfying non-alcoholic option.

Tandoor Char House

2652 N. Halsted St. 773-327-2652

Revel in massive, shareable portions at this cozy Indian spotespecially the boneless chicken biryani rice ($14), which is layered with golden saffron and a warming blend of spices. You also cant go wrong with the assorted naan basket ($8), which offers the dense, fluffy Indian flatbread in plain, garlic and paneer cheese flavors.

La Creperie

2845 N. Clark St. 773-528-9050

Take date night to the next zenith at this oh-so-romantic French locale, where you can snag a sauteed spinach crepe ($10) or hearty French onion soup ($9) topped with burbling Swiss cheese. For dessert, split a sweet and simple la citron crepe ($8) adorned with lemon juice, sugar and dollops of whipped cream.

Del Seoul

2568 N. Clark St. 773-248-4227

Get a taste of Korean-inspired street fare with kimchi fries ($6.95) to start, then finish up with a sesame-chili shrimp banh mi sandwich ($7.75) filled with hand-battered panko shrimp and a tangy chili aioli.

Krung Thep Thai Cuisine

3205 N. Halsted St. 773-296-2178

Go ahead, we know you want the classic rice noodle/crushed peanuts/lime wedge pad thai ($10). If youre feeling a little more out of the box, try the cashew nut rice ($11), which loads a spicy mixture of cashews, carrots, peppers, tomatoes and onions over a bed of jasmine rice.

LOYOLA

Little Vietnam

1132 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 773-944-0999

This vegetarian-friendly Vietnamese restaurant, located off the Bryn Mawr L stop in Edgewater, serves up a stir-fried lemon grass tofu ($11.95) with bell peppers and an herb blend. Pair it with a side of veggie spring rolls ($4.95) and Vietnamese iced coffee ($3) with sweetened condensed milk.

SP Kebab

6808 N. Sheridan Road 773-856-3755

A fast food Mediterranean joint, SP Kebab offers classic chicken and pork kebab plates ($10.99) alongside stranger options like French fry salad ($6.99), which includes fries, onions, peppers and tzatziki sauce.

The Growling Rabbit

5938 N. Broadway 773-654-1444

Think typical breakfast eats, like biscuits and gravy ($9.35) and Denver skillets ($9.99), in a cute cafe setting. Plus, they offer bottomless coffee refills (after an initial $2.50 purchase) alongside most meals.

Patio Beef

6022 N. Broadway 773-764-8500

Nothing fancy here, just your run-of-the-mill greasy spoon fare like gyros ($5.95), cheeseburgers ($3.95) and a Vienna beef hot dog and fries combo ($3.45).

Bens Noodles and Rice

1139 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 773-907-8936

In this Thai-inspired Asian eatery, dishes like the coconut milk-soaked panang curry ($9) reign supreme. Finish up with an order of crispy fried bananas ($3.95) for dessert.

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Medici on 57th

1327 E. 57th St. 773-667-7394

An art gallery-turned-cafe, Medici offers a huge variety of lunch and dinner options, like the fig-smeared manchego cheese baguette ($8.29), as well as breakfast treats like eggs Benedict ($9.99) and apple-cinnamon croissants ($2.69).

Plein Air Cafe and Eatery

5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. 773-966-7531

This French-themed brunch and lunch spots serves fancy favorites like mascarpone stuffed brioche French toast ($7.75) topped with seasonal jam and a grain bowl ($9.50) full of quinoa, arugula, roasted root veggies and pepitas.

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Cafe 53

1369 E. 53rd St. 773-493-1000

With an entirely halal menu, vegan options like the breaded eggplant sandwich ($7.39) and a full espresso bar, this cafe has something for everyone. Meat-eaters, you can grab a spicy roast beef panini ($7.35) or the salami-and-avocado sandwich ($9.30).

Valois

1518 E. 53rd St. 773-667-0647

Championed as a favorite of former president and South Side resident Barack Obama, this cafeteria-style eatery features a rotating menu of daily specials along with standard sandwiches like a reuben ($4.95) and grilled cheese ($2.25).

Litehouse Whole Food Grill

1373 E. 53rd St. 773-633-2587

Designed to serve healthy fast food, Litehouse Whole Food Grill offers an array of pumped up salads, wraps and bowls, like the Caribbean mango jerk salmon salad ($11.50) and the all-American steak bowl ($8.75).

COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Brightwok Kitchen

21 E. Adams St. 312-583-0729

A breezy, Chipotle-style lunch spot where you can assemble your own stir fry bowl out of sauce, a rice/noodle/mixed greens base, protein and up to four veggies ($8-$12, depending on your protein pick).

Osaka Sushi Express & Fresh Fruit Smoothies

400 S. Michigan Ave. 312-566-0118

The name speaks for itselfa ton of sushi choices, like the variety pack sushi lunch boxes ($4.35-$9) and multi-flavored fruit smoothies ($4).

Belly Up Smokehouse and Saloon

1132 S. Wabash Ave. 312-929-3856

This South Loop barbecue joint is a meat lovers fantasy, with brisket ($11.75), pulled pork sandwiches ($9.75) and shrimp poboys ($11.75), all served with a side of waffle fries and coleslaw.

Ge Pa De Caffe

60 E. Adams St. 312-332-2200

A cup of gelato ($4.90) is a must at this little cafe, which is just a few blocks away from the Art Institute. If thats not enough to sate you, pick up a personal prosciutto pizza ($12) made with fresh mozzarella and arugula.

Devil Dawgs

767 S. State St. 312-583-9100

Much like its counterparts in Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, Devil Dawgs riffs on traditional hot dogs with flavors like the Seoul dawg ($4.95), which is topped with spicy kimchi and shoyu mustard, and the boykin dawg, which is slathered with hush hush slaw, coney sauce and pickles ($4.75).

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO

Chilango Mexican Street Food

1437 W. Taylor St. 312-846-6216

Empanadas (many $2.99) abound at this speedy Mexican restaurant, from typical chicken and beef to more unusual takes like Hawaiian and dulce de leche. Be sure to also grab a small side of guacamole and chips ($2.95).

Conte Di Savoia

1438 W. Taylor St. 312-666-3471

Come for the abundance of deli sandwich choices. Specialty subs include The Rosie ($4.50 for a 6-inch), which comes layered with Italian meats and provolone, and a prosciutto-and-eggplant combo called The Contessa ($6 for a 6-inch).

Jade Court

626 S. Racine Ave. 312-929-4828

The sheer size of the menu can get a little overwhelming at this Cantonese spot, but check out highlights like the fiery kung pao tofu ($9.95 for a small order) and the chicken egg foo yung ($7.95). Bonus: For an extra buck, you can add tapioca to their smoothies ($3.95), which come in fun flavors like avocado and honeydew.

Sweet Maple Cafe

1339 W. Taylor St. 312-243-8908

This homey cafe features sweet specialties like the holiday French toast ($8.25), which is made from challah bread, nutmeg and vanilla custard. If youre feeling savory, try the 18th Street scrambler ($10.60), which is loaded with chorizo, queso fresco and peppers.

Dosirak

1514 W. Taylor St. 312-243-9559

Choose between old Korean standards like bibim bap ($6.95) garnished with a fried egg, or try out a fusion option like the bulgogi hot dog ($3.95), which comes with fries.

@EmmaKrupp1 | ekrupp@redeyechicago.com
U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren said it is "vitally important" that Caterpillar Inc. talk with Aurora-area leaders concerning its plan to end its manufacturing operations at its Aurora plant.

Hultgren, R-Plano, sent a letter to Jim Umpleby, Caterpillar chief executive officer, asking him to "immediately begin a robust and vitally important community engagement" with local leaders "regarding the prospects for not only the future vacated portions of the Aurora manufacturing facility, but also the futures of the approximately 800 employees who will be released from employment by the time consolidation is completed at the end of 2018."

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Scott Gryder, Kendall County Board chairman, also signed the letter.

Caterpillar announced March 31 it would move the manufacture of large wheel loaders and compactors from Aurora to its plant in Decatur, and would move manufacture of medium wheel loaders to its plant in North Little Rock, Ark.

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The move would take about 800 jobs from the plant, leaving about 1,200 office and high technology engineering jobs at the Aurora facility.

The letter stresses how the Caterpillar plant, which once employed as many as 6,000 people, has been a key part in the growth and development of Kendall County and the surrounding towns since the 1950s.

"Kendall County and the surrounding communities still hold on to that character," the letter said.

It added that the workforce in the area "is one of the most skilled in  Illinois, ranging from those with technical and vocational certificates to graduates with advanced degrees."

"We hope you will accept our serious request to join with us and other local officials in a collaborative effort to construct a plan for the redevelopment of the area to ensure our workforce and community have opportunities in place before the manufacturing lines in Aurora are shut down," the letter said.

Hultgren and Gryder also asked if Caterpillar would consider extending part of the wind down at Aurora plant, which is scheduled to take place over the next year, to two years.

Aurora Mayor Robert O'Connor said Thursday he was not contacted about the letter, but he said there is good reason to ask Caterpillar if they can help find another use for their buildings at the plant.

"They have an absolute huge campus out there," he said.

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He added that local officials have an interest in knowing Caterpillar's intentions with the 1,200 jobs that remain at the plant.

"I'm assuming there is an effort here to do whatever they can to hold onto those jobs," he said.

O'Connor, Gryder and Montgomery Mayor Matt Brolley did meet with Caterpillar officials about the situation in the time between Cat's announcement in January that it was considering moving the manufacturing operations, and March 31, when it announced it would make the move.

slord@tribpub.com
A projected budget deficit of $3.4 million may lead to some tough choices for West Aurora School District, officials said.

However, Superintendent Jeff Craig said student programming should be off limits when discussing possible cutbacks.

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"Anything that would potentially negatively impact students we have placed a barrier around," Craig said. "That's what we hold sacred. We are trying to reduce the (projected) $3.4 million deficit by looking at every penny we spend."

Craig said while they have "put a barrier around kids" they have looked at ways to increase revenues and cut expenditures.

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"Everything is on the table - we are evaluating how we spend money and how we can increase revenues in other areas," he said, referencing the recent decision to increase certain student fees.

Craig said the district employs nearly 1,900 people and has a student body of approximately 13,000.

"Whether it is technology, how we look at purchasing - there are all different aspects of it," Craig said. "We are trying to stay away from things that would negatively impact kids. They are the reason we are here. As a superintendent I help remind people why we are here. We have our jobs because of our students. They are the ones we have to protect first."

The superintendent said concerns about state funding play a role in the district's financial woes.

"We have heard various stories about where we are status wise in the budget for the state of Illinois," he said. "Even Moody's which is the bond rating that weighs in for the state, has said if there is not a state budget by May 31, they are planning then that the state would face 'unsustainable fiscal challenges' far into the future."

Craig said a contingent of school districts continue to visit Springfield regularly and speak with the area's state lawmakers about school funding.

He noted that the district is working to save money on its energy costs.

"We have begun to save infinitely in new LED lighting," Craig said.

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He said at Smith Elementary where the newer geothermal heating and cooling system is in place, the district has realized an energy savings of anywhere from 60 to 70 percent reductions in natural gas use.

Assistant Superintendent of Operations Angie Smith said the district in typical years has allocated $1 million for summer repair and maintenance projects at the schools. However, the "uncertainty" in state funding and the associated projected budget deficit have made that difficult.

"We are taking a conservative approach and attending to what we can on a reduced capital projects budget," Smith said.

"This year, after using some health life safety funds and remaining Qualified Zone Academy Bonds, we anticipate only around $225,000 to $250,000 in additional budgeted expenses (for summer repair projects)," she said. "Because currently the state is three categorical payments behind - approximately $10 million - and we have no indication when they are going to get caught up, we need to be conservative on what we intend to so that we can protect classroom dollars."

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Stevenson High School sophomore Chris VanOverberghe would use car rides with his father to brainstorm names for his fledgling band after developing a passion for music.

His band eventually went with the name Left on Green, inspired by the two VanOverberghes after they were waiting in a left-hand turn lane. Now, the younger VanOverberghe hopes to inspire more kids to play music.

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As part of his project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout at Boy Scout Troop 78 in Lincolnshire, Chris VanOverberghe is collecting instruments and donating them to Most Blessed Trinity Academy in Waukegan to turn students, who can't afford to rent or purchase instruments, on to music, he said.

He said he first started playing the cello in the third grade after his mother, Ann, handed him the instrument. From there, he learned the saxophone in fifth grade and the electric bass in seventh grade. He now plays bass for his band Left on Green, which started out as a classic-rock tribune band before branching out to play more modern styles.

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Q: Envision your Eagle Scout project being a success, and for a generation, kids at the academy are learning about music through instruments you gathered for them. How does that feel?

A: It would definitely feel amazing because I know how it fells to have music enter my life at such an early age. It just seemed like a great goal to go for. This one, luckily, came up, and it was right up my alley.

Q: You talked about what life might have been without music. You started Cub Scouts even earlier. What if you missed out on scouting early in life? Who are you today without it?

A: I would hope that I would try to go out and do that stuff on my own. I may not have a group of boys willing to go with me. But I would hope that I would look to go out and help people.

Q: Driving around with your dad yielded your band's name. What were some of the rejected titles?

A: One of the band names we still talk about today was Slug in My Soda. It would be like Chipotle Burrito or something.

Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago.

rwachter@pioneerlocal.com

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Twitter @RonnieAtPioneer
Homewood Police identified that driver of the car that went into Dolphin Lake in Homewood as 53-year-old Larry Bowen.

The Cook County medical examiner's office said the cause and manner of death are still pending investigation. On the day of the incident, March 31, Homewood Police said a preliminary investigation indicated the Bowen may have had a medical emergency.

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Bowen was traveling north on Governors Highway from 183rd Street when he veered off the roadway and crashed into Dolphin Lake, officials said.

About 9:09 a.m. two police officers were able to rescue Bowen from the vehicle with the help of Homewood firefighters, officials said. Bowen was transferred to hospital and pronounced dead.

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On the day of the crash, crews were seen extricating the white vehicle from the water. After the car was removed, a single red balloon bobbed in the water above the crash site as the caution wrapped from tree to tree at the pond's edge flapped in the wind.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 6 Firefighters from Homewood and surrounding communities remove a car that entered Dolphin Lake after an accident near 183rd St and Governors Highway on March 31, 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

mmccall@tribpub.com

@MatthewMcCall_
Members of the Student Council at Andrew High School in Tinley Park pose with Easter baskets the students assembled to donate to the Orland Township Food Pantry. The students created 40 baskets as part of a school service project. The baskets will be distributed to children clients of the food pantry. (Orland Township photo \ Handout)

South Holland library gets $125K grant for elevator

The South Holland Public Library will receive a $125,000 grant to improve facilities through the office of the Illinois Secretary of State. The Secretary of State's Live and Learn Construction Grant Program assists public libraries with construction costs in their facilities. Grants are awarded based on recommendations from a statewide committee following a review process. Local money is matched by state grants. According to a news release from State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, the library will use the funds to install an ADA-compliant elevator. The library was built in 1971, which pre-dates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the current elevator is small and will not accommodate anything larger than a standard wheelchair or stroller. Patrons who use larger and/or motorized wheelchairs and larger strollers are currently unable to use the elevator. The lower level of the library houses the youth services department, teen area and a large meeting room where a majority of library programs are held. Outside community groups are also allowed to use this meeting room, so it's critical that all patrons have access to these areas, the release stated. The goal is to have construction of a new elevator completed by the end of the year.

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Mokena JCPenney store awarded company's highest distinction

Julie Lundstedt, general manager of the Mokena Marketplace JCPenney store, was presented the company's Founder's Award for leading a team that excelled in financial performance, customer service and business expertise, according to a release from the company. The Mokena store was one of two Chicago-area outlets honored as a top performing store during a March ceremony in Grapevine, Texas, joining a JCPenney in Valparaiso, Indiana.

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Lincoln-Way Bunny Breakfast set for Saturday

A Bunny Breakfast featuring a decorate-a-donut event as well as pictures with the bunny, games and raffles is from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the main cafeteria at Lincoln-Way Central High School, 1801 E Lincoln Highway, New Lenox. Tickets for the event, which benefits Lincoln-Way Central Music Boosters, are $5 each and are available at the door.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Life on Blood Thinners Class at Palos Health

Palos Health is offering a free class for anyone who wants to learn more about blood thinner medications and how to incorporate them into a healthy and active life. In the Thick of It: Life on Blood Thinners features Palos Health pharmacists who will explain how blood thinners work and how to take them effectively, as well as any potential side effects. They will be available to answer any questions. The class takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 13 in the Palos Hospital auditorium, 12251 South 80th Avenue, Palos Heights. Information and registration are at paloshealth.com.

Saint Xavier sets job fair for veterans

Saint Xavier University's Office of Career Services is joining forces with Student Veterans of America-Illinois to host Bridges to Employment, a panel discussion and job fair catering to local veterans. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. April 19 at SXU's Shannon Center on the university's Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St., The event is free and open to all veterans. Registration reserves a name tag and other relevant materials. More information and registration is with Lee Cruz at 773-298-3144 or lcruz@sxu.edu or with Griselda Gonzalez at 773-298-3502 or ggonzalez@sxu.edu.

Chicago Heights park focus of Earth Day effort

Celebrate Earth Day with a day of service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22 at Smith Park, Ashland Avenue and 14th Place in Chicago Heights. Volunteers are needed to plant flowers and bushes, pick up debris, paint park equipment, clean the historic field house and landscape the playground area. During the event, the Chicago Heights Park District will rename the field house in honor of the Chicago Heights Lions Club and the Governors State University Student Education Association will dedicate a park bench and flower bed. All materials will be provided, along with lunch and beverages. More information is at 708-755-1351 or www.chparkdistrict.net.

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An Oak Lawn woman accused of killing her infant granddaughter will undergo a psychological evaluation to see if she is fit to stand trial, according to court records.

Cook County Judge Colleen Hyland signed the behavioral clinic examination order in March to evaluate Alfreda Giedrojc. The results of the exam could be heard in court later this month.

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The examination by county staff will determine whether the 65-year-old Polish immigrant can be tried for the brutal stabbing and beating death more than three years ago of 5-month-old Vivian Summers in Giedrojc's house in the 6600 block of 91st Street, according to court records.

Giedrojc's mental health status has been at the heart of the legal motioning between state's attorneys and her defense.

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In October, Giedrojc was found to be legally sane, according to court records.

This latest evaluation, to be made by either a county psychologist or a therapist, will now determine her fitness to stand trial both with and without medication, said Keith Ahmad, Cook County's first assistant public defender. He could not give specifics about Giedrojc but spoke about the process defendants undergo.

"If the opinion is the person is fit, they have a hearing," Ahmad said. The medical professional performing the evaluation usually testifies, and the judge would make a ruling based on the information provided in the hearing and in the evaluation, he said.

Giedrojc does not speak English and has used a county-provided interpreter at her hearings and evaluations.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

In July 2014, the judge agreed with the findings of a doctor from Forensic Clinical Services who found Giedrojc mentally unfit.

Her defense attorney asked in October 2015 for another evaluation, according to court records. The public defender in charge of her case at the time enlisted Robert Hanlon, a Northwestern University professor who has interviewed defendants in murder cases involving their family members. Hanlon was the lead author of a Northwestern study that found people who kill family members have different psychological profiles than those who murder strangers.

In August 2016, Hanlon was ordered to turn over to Forensic Clinical Services all materials related to his evaluation of Giedrojc, according to court records. The records do not indicate why that order was given, but it came after Giedrojc's previous public defender retired.

A month later, Giedrojc was found sane and able to understand her Miranda rights, according to court records.

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In October 2013, Joe Summers of Bolingbrook left his daughter Vivian at Giedrojc's home when he went across the street to his brother-in-law's house, authorities said. When Giedrojc's husband, Boleslaw, left to check on Summers, Giedrojc allegedly repeatedly hit the sleeping infant with a sledgehammer before using a kitchen knife to slit the infant's throat when the child wouldn't stop crying.

Giedrojc has been held without bail since her arrest. She returns to court April 19.

Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Keith Pekau holds his granddaughter Madilynn Cartwright after results were tallied Tuesday showing him the apparent winner in Orland Park's mayoral race. (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtown)

A day after he apparently ousted longtime Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin from office, Keith Pekau said he is lining up meetings with village officials to learn more about the community's operations in order to "hit the ground running" when he takes office next month.

A political newcomer, Pekau, who ran as a Republican in his first stab at winning public office, garnered 54 percent of the vote Tuesday compared with 46 percent for McLaughlin, who was seeking his seventh term, according to unofficial results.

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While Pekau ran a largely self-funded campaign, he got a major boost from a political action committee aligned with and funded partly by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Liberty Principles, according to its president, poured nearly $200,000 into a series of mailers and cable television ads that were highly critical of McLaughlin although they did not mention Pekau.

The decision last fall by the Village Board to make the mayor's job a full-time position had motivated Pekau, who owns a landscaping and tree trimming business, to run for mayor.

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Now paid $40,000 as mayor, plus another $3,000 a year for serving as liquor commissioner, the mayor will be paid $150,000 and the position expanded to full time, with added responsibilities of being Orland Park's lead person on economic development matters. The jump in pay would also bring a corresponding hike in pension.

Nearly 20 suburban mayors and village presidents lost re-election bids in the April 5 municipal elections. (Jonathon Berlin/Chicago Tribune)

Pekau said he would decline earning a pension, but that because the higher salary was established by ordinance and "cast into law," he won't refuse it.

"I have to make sure I earn it," he said.

He said that elected officials can decline to be part of the state pension system, but that the Village Board would have to agree to his opting out.

He said he was scheduling meetings with the mayor as well as interim Village Manager Tim McCarthy, who is the village's police chief, and other officials to better familiarize himself with how the village operates.

"My priorities in the next month are to transition and learn as much about the village" as possible, Pekau said.

He said he would be taking the oath of office at the May 15 Village Board meeting.

McLaughlin said Wednesday the "negative hits on me" from the PAC-financed ad barrage overwhelmed his own efforts to get his message out, and "people (who saw the ads) who didn't take the time to look at the real facts."

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He said he believed the majority of voters in the village were pleased with how Orland Park is being run, but "we didn't get enough voters out who were happy with the job we were doing."

Keith Pekau holds his granddaughter Madilynn Cartwright after results were tallied Tuesday showing him the apparent winner in Orland Park's mayoral race. (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtown)

More than 26 percent of voters in the village went to the polls, and Orland Township had one of the highest numbers as far as early voting.

He said he was proud of his record, pointing to achievements, including the lobbying of funds for major road projects, such as the widening of LaGrange Road, the expansion of the village's commercial tax base and the preservation of open lands around the community that are protected from development.

Understanding he will inherit a Village Board fiercely loyal to McLaughlin, Pekau said he hoped he and trustees "can find common ground and move things forward."

Regarding the board, Pekau said there are some trustees "I know personally and some I don't," but that "everybody (on the board) has the best interests of Orland Park at heart."

McLaughlin headed up the First Orland slate, with current village Clerk John Mehalek and Trustees Dan Calandriello, Jim Dodge and Kathy Fenton running unopposed in Tuesday's election.

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Pekau said that McLaughlin called him at about 9 p.m. on election night to offer his congratulations, and that he and the mayor had a "short conversation." McLaughlin said in a statement he would assist Pekau in the transition.

The mayor called Pekau an "opponent who motivated us to get out and deliver a message to more voters than ever." Pekau "delivered a message that resonated with a greater voting base and for that he should be commended," McLaughlin said.

Pekau had campaigned against the need for a full-time mayor for the village, noting that the village manager does most of the day-to-day heavy lifting of keeping the community running. Orland Park has been interviewing candidates to replace former manager Paul Grimes, who left last summer to take a job in Texas.

"I want to work with this board to bring this position back to a part-time position," he said of the mayor's job.

Pekau said he was not familiar with any of the candidates who have been interviewed for the job.

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"My suggestion to the board is we should work together to hire a village manager we all agree upon," he said.

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As far as the new full-time requirements of the mayor's job, Pekau said his business, GroundsKeeper Landscape Care, had "hired someone to run the business" about two months ago to free up time for Pekau to campaign.

Pekau, 50, served in the U.S. Air Force for more than nine years after receiving his degree in aerospace engineering from Arizona State University, and while in the Air Force earned an MBA from Duke University. After leaving the military in 1998, Pekau worked as a management consultant for Marakon Consulting and L.E.K. Consulting, then, in 2003, switched gears and purchased a tree service company, which morphed into GroundsKeeper. The business was originally in Lemont and is now headquartered in Mokena.

McLaughlin, 63, ran unopposed four years ago, and in the 2009 municipal race easily defeated Gerald Maher, garnering almost 64 percent of the vote.

Before being elected mayor in 1993, McLaughlin served as a village trustee from 1983 to 1991. He is executive director of the Builders Association, a trade group for the commercial construction industry in the Chicago area.

mnolan@tribpub.com

Twitter @mnolan_j
James Griegel pleaded guilty in November 2016 to one count of embezzlement for stealing more than $21,000 from the pension fund. (Will County Sheriff's Office photo)

A federal judge sentenced Sauk Village's former treasurer on Thursday to 30 days in prison after the official pleaded guilty last year to stealing more than $21,000 from the village's police pension fund.

James Griegel, 72, declined to comment following his sentencing in U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso's courtroom inside the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. Friends, community members and members of Griegel's family were present in court when the judge outlined the terms of the sentence.

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In addition to prison time, Griegel is ordered to pay back $21,206 to the village fund and serve 200 hours of community service for his November 2016 guilty plea to one count of embezzlement. He will not have to pay back interest on the stolen pension money as part of his sentence.

Authorities started to investigate Griegel after he was charged with drug possession in January 2016. Attorneys in federal court said Griegel used some of the money to buy heroin to support the habit of a "companion."

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Griegel took steps to hide his crime, lying 29 times on checks made out for "arbitration" or "conferences" over nearly 9 months when they were actually being cashed by him, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunil Harjani. Sauk Village officials placed their trust in Griegel and in his role in handling the pension money, he said.

"He abused that trust by stealing those funds," Harjani said.

Harjani had argued for prison time outlined in a pre-sentencing investigation, citing a need to send a message that abuse of the public trust and taxpayer money will be punished.

Griegel, who was on the board of trustees for the pension fund, also will serve 1 year of supervised release after his prison term is over. During that year, Griegel cannot get a job in the accounting industry or any job which will give him access to financial records, or even apply for a credit card, without permission from his probation officer.

Griegel allegedly used the money to buy drugs for a woman he met following the death of his wife from a long illness, attorneys said.

His defense argued during the sentencing hearing that loss of several family members over a short period, coupled with the massive financial burden of his wife's illness, left him desperate and nearly homeless when he started cashing checks from the police fund for himself.

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Griegel, a war veteran, had led a "lawful and noble life" and raised a family, attorney Heather Winslow.

"Then, in 2010, his life began to change," Winslow told the judge.

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The illness that ultimately would kill his wife three years later also cost the couple their life savings and forced Griegel to face foreclosure of their home, Winslow said. Not long after his wife's death, Griegel's brother and brother-in-law also died, she said.

Nearly destitute, Griegel started spending time with a woman who took advantage of his vulnerable state, Winslow argued.

In July 2016, Griegel pleaded guilty to heroin possession and was sentenced to six days in jail and two years of probation, according to Will County Circuit Court records.

Griegel is scheduled to return in May for placement in federal prison.

Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
"I feel like a dog whose owner has died."

Rick Schock was among 800 Caterpillar employees in Aurora who heard news in March of mass layoffs affecting their jobs. He's a local millwright union member. And he's been obsessed with his trade ever since his neighbor fixed the drive shaft on Schock's first car.

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But now he feels lost.

"Everyone just looks very defeated," he said.

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Schock and his coworkers aren't alone.

Caterpillar's woes are a small, unique part of a larger jobs picture that includes flatlining wages and a shortage of opportunity in Illinois. There are still 170,000 fewer people working in the Land of Lincoln since before the Great Recession. Illinois is one of only a handful of states where the working population hasn't recovered.

So, what happens when there's no opportunity? People pack up and search elsewhere. Multiple different data sources  including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IRS and Census Bureau  show the parade of Illinoisans leaving to other states is led by working-age adults, not retired snowbirds.

People in their prime earning years are leaving Illinois fastest. That's a big problem for the long-term prospects of the state.

And if workers like Schock are looking for a place to succeed, they don't need to go very far. Wisconsin and Indiana have hit a new all-time high for the number of people working. Their combined employment is now greater than the number of people working in Illinois, a testament to those states' rapid recoveries from the Great Recession, and a far cry from the landscape just 10 years ago.

In 2007, Illinois had 370,000 more people working than the Hoosier and Badger states combined. That lead has disappeared. And hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans have disappeared with it.

Unsurprisingly, the flow of Illinoisans toward both of these neighboring states has surged.

Indiana gained 20,000 Illinoisans on net in 2015, the most recent year of data available. From 2006 to 2015, Illinois lost more than 119,000 people to Indiana on net. That's equivalent to Indiana annexing the entire city of Peoria.

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Illinois also suffered a net loss of more than 11,000 people to Wisconsin in 2015, and nearly 86,000 people over the preceding decade. That's almost as if the entire city of Waukegan moved 15 miles up the shoreline.

There is some good news for Illinoisans: The state now has more payroll jobs than ever, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But it's a question of where those jobs are being created that should concern political leaders.

Manufacturing workers like Schock, for example, are being pummeled.

Illinois has regained barely a sliver of the manufacturing jobs that evaporated during the Great Recession, and it's lost 300,000 manufacturing jobs since the turn of the century. There are now far more jobs in sectors such as state and local government, leisure and hospitality, and business and professional services than in manufacturing. It didn't used to be that way.

Indiana and Wisconsin, however, are seeing strong manufacturing comebacks. Both states have recovered a larger share of their manufacturing jobs than Illinois, and manufacturing workers see higher wages than their Illinois counterparts, when adjusting for cost of living.

The policy differences between Illinois and these states are obvious. But Illinois state politicians seem hell-bent on ignoring them.

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Wisconsin's property taxes are at their lowest levels in more than 70 years, and the state cut income taxes in 2013 and 2014. Indiana voters added property tax caps to the state constitution in 2010.

Illinois has some of the highest property taxes in the country, and the costliest tax burden in the nation, according to a recent report from consumer finance company WalletHub.

Despite lower tax burdens, Indiana and Wisconsin have state budget surpluses.

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Illinois has billion-dollar deficits each year.

Indiana and Wisconsin have passed sweeping reforms to collective bargaining and workers' compensation.

Illinois is home to the highest workers' compensation costs in the Midwest, and collective bargaining rules that have led to exorbitant pay and perks in local governments.

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Wisconsin became a Right-to-Work state in 2015. Indiana became a Right-to-Work state in 2012.

Illinois is a forced-union state, and is now surrounded by Right-to-Work states.

These differences and more expose a glaring lack of self-awareness among Illinois' political class. In ignoring the success stories just beyond their borders, state lawmakers ignore the plight of their own people.

Austin Berg is a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute and wrote this column for the Illinois News Network, a project of the Institute.
Tuesday night's election results do not bode well for the future of Bremen Youth Services.

Maggie Crotty, a Cook County Democratic Party powerbroker and incumbent supervisor, nearly swept the Bremen Township elections with her slate of candidates for trustee, clerk, assessor and highway commissioner positions.

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The contest could be viewed as a referendum on the township board's decision last year to defund Bremen Youth Services. The results could be said to show public support for the decision, which Crotty has said will allow the township to devote more resources to serving senior citizens, maintaining roads and providing other services.

But the election could seal the fate of Bremen Youth Services, which said in a lawsuit it would be forced to cease operations unless the township restored funding. If the agency closes, it could create a void for people in need of mental health counseling and related services in the south suburbs.

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The suit remains pending, and a favorable resolution could breathe new life into the agency's future. But there is little doubt Tuesday night's results dealt a blow to the hopes of the agency's leaders, staff, clients and alumni.

Cook County Clerk David Orr's office reported turnout of 18.6 percent in the contest, with 13,002 of Bremen Township's 69,849 registered voters casting ballots in unofficial results. In the race for supervisor, Crotty claimed more than 61 percent of the vote with 7,362 tallies to 4,647 in official results for Don Sebek, Bremen Youth Services' longtime director.

There's little reason to be surprised at the outcome. Crotty, 68, of Oak Forest, has crushed competitors in previous township elections. She's held the post since 2005, when she was still serving as a state senator.

She conveys a warm, grandmotherly demeanor that endears her to constituents that include senior citizens served by township programs that provide transportation and affordable meals for older people who appreciate the assistance.

Behind the veneer, however, Crotty shows signs of being a tough political competitor. In January, Crotty's opponents challenged the validity of signatures gathered on nominating petitions.

Crotty was represented by attorney Michael Kasper, who also has represented such powerful Democrats as House Speaker Michael Madigan and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Crotty prevailed in the challenge when election officials dismissed the majority of objections.

The supervisor contest wasn't the only race on which Bremen Youth Services could pin its hopes for the future. Also decided Tuesday were four trustee positions. If challengers could have claimed three or more of those seats, agency supporters might have had reason to believe the decision to defund could be reversed.

But when the results were tallied, only one member of Sebek's slate of Bremen Families First Party candidates claimed a trustee position. Three of the four seats went to members of Crotty's slate of Bremen Tax Cut Party candidates.

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Kathryn Straniero was the top vote-getter in the trustee race with 6,480 votes, followed by Mary Catuara with 5,766 and John M. "Mike" Tatro with 5,632 in unofficial results.

The sole Families First Party candidate to score a win Tuesday night was Laura Brown, who finished fourth with 5,472 votes in unofficial results.

In three other Bremen Township contests, incumbents aligned with Crotty prevailed by margins of roughly 55 to 45 percent in unofficial results. John D. Lord bested Palma Jones for clerk, Willie A. Jones defeated Grace Bardusk for assessor and John P. Flaherty was re-elected highway commissioner over David T. Schnell.

The Bremen Families First Party thanked its supporters in a message posted on Facebook Wednesday.

"We gave it all we had but sometimes good people don't always finish first," the message said. "We do want to congratulate Laura Brown for her victory from our slate. You will be the only honest person who has integrity on the Township Board. Show them what real service is all about."

I left messages for Sebek and Crotty Wednesday but did not hear back from them. Crotty has publicly refused to respond to questions about Bremen Youth Services, citing the pending litigation.

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In the final days of the campaign leading up to Tuesday's election, Sebek and his team accused Crotty of dirty pool. They produced copies of a letter they said was received by thousands of people in Oak Forest, Midlothian, Tinley Park, Hazel Crest, Markham and other communities throughout Bremen Township.

The clientele of Bremen Youth Services became an issue last year as the township board debated whether to cut the agency's funding. BYS said at the time that the $300,000 in annual township dollars represented about a third of its funding, with the state, United Way, donations and fees also accounting for revenue.

BYS said more than 75 percent of the clients it served were Bremen Township residents. The fact some clients lived outside the township didn't mean local taxpayer funds were being spent on nonresidents, BYS argued, because of the agency's other funding sources.

I can't deduce the results mean a majority of township residents feel BYS's services are no longer needed.

I don't know what will happen to the agency. Sebek has told me Bremen Youth Services cannot afford to pay the $100,000 a year in lease payments it needs to remain in a township building at 15350 Oak Park Ave. in Oak Forest.

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I suppose one of the agency's last remaining hopes is that a court might provide relief. The lawsuit claims Bremen Township breached its contract with Bremen Youth Services when the board voted to cut off its funding.

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I think BYS and its supporters took on a powerful political operation and lost. I feel bad for the agency, because I've heard personal accounts from many people who benefited from counseling services over the past 43 years.

I read accounts on social media by people who said they cherished the memories of summer camp programs they attended as kids. Some said they chose to pursue careers as social workers and related professions because of services they received through Bremen Youth Services.

More than one person said Bremen Youth Services saved their life. The agency's counselors helped them through their darkest periods of grief, substance abuse or other crisis and equipped them with the tools to cope with challenges.

I know Bremen Youth Services has done a lot of good over the years and that Sebek has poured his heart and soul into the agency. I hope Bremen Youth Services finds a way to continue serving the community, even if it has to completely sever its ties with Bremen Township.

tslowik@tribpub.com

Twitter @tedslowik
Joan Sebastian Vado-Bonilla's testimony proved to be a key part of the prosecution's case at Gary Bennett's recent murder trial.

Vado-Bonilla, 29, lived with Bennett in Algonquin in August 2014 and was behind the wheel of an SUV on Route 31 when Bennett shot and killed Keith Crawford, according to prosecutors. Although it took some time before Vado-Bonilla spoke to Kane County Major Crimes Task Force investigators looking into Crawford's disappearance, his information helped prosecutors convict Bennett of the murder last month.

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On Friday, Vado-Bonilla officially pleaded guilty to concealment of a homicidal death and received 30 months of probation to finalize the agreement he made with prosecutors in December 2015 in exchange for his testimony. He was also sentenced to 180 days in Kane County Jail, but he was given day-for-day credit for time served, according to court records.

Prosecutors told jurors that Crawford sold drugs to Bennett but had refused to make any further deals in August 2014 because Bennett owed him money.

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Vado-Bonilla testified that he drove Bennett to a large party Crawford was attending near West Dundee in the early morning hours of Aug. 10, 2014. Bennett told Crawford the trio were going to meet a man at a farm in the Valley View area to pick up Crawford's money. However, as Vado-Bonilla drove the SUV south on Route 31 near Interstate 90, Bennett shot Crawford in the head.

After a Bennett acquaintance wouldn't let the men dispose of Crawford's body at the farm, Vado-Bonilla and Bennett put Crawford into a Dumpster in Elgin, according to trial testimony. Crawford's body was never found, although his DNA was connected to blood in a seat cushion from the SUV.

Jurors needed less than three hours to convict Bennett, 38, who was living in Colorado at the time of his 2015 arrest. He is scheduled to return to court April 20 when his sentencing date is expected to be set.

Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Recently elected State Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) is inviting constituents to attend a town hall meeting set for 11 a.m. Saturday, at his district office, 1500 Carlemont Drive, Ste. D, in Crystal Lake.

"We are facing a number of issues in Illinois, like the need for a balanced budget that cuts spending to relieve the burden on overstressed taxpayers" said Skillicorn. "While the budget is the number one issue, there are many other things we need to address to bring about the transformative reform our state needs."

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During the town hall meeting, residents will have an opportunity to speak directly with Skillicorn about what is happening in Springfield and the 66th District.

"Hearing directly from constituents is the best way to ensure the legislation I support, or oppose, in Springfield will lead to reforms that help our district and our state," Skillicorn said.

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The 66th State House District includes parts of Algonquin, Crystal Lake, East and West Dundee, Elgin, Gilberts, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood and Sleepy Hollow.
Elgin Community College Board of Trustee candidates John Duffy (from left), Candace McCreary, Shane Nowak, Jennifer Rakow and Roger Ramey express views and interests during a March 4 forum hosted by League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area. Duffy, McCreary and Rakow have won the three seats that were in contention during the April 4 election, according to unofficial returns. (Megann Horstead / The Courier-News)

Elgin Community College's longest-serving trustee will stay on for another term, according to unofficial returns from Tuesday's Community College District 509 election.

John Duffy is one of three candidates ahead in the Elgin Community College race, based on updated vote counts. Unlike school board races, a term on the ECC board of trustees is for six years and generally serves a larger area  in the case of District 509, it encompasses the communities within the boundaries of school districts 300, 301, 303, and U46.

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According to unofficial returns from all reporting precincts in Cook, DuPage, Kane and McHenry counties, newcomer Jennifer Rakow has 27.8 percent of the votes, followed by Duffy with 22 percent, and Candace McCreary with 18.6 percent. On the outside of the top three are challengers Shane Nowak, with 16.3 percent, and Roger Ramey, with 15.4 percent.

Duffy is the longest-serving trustee in ECC history, having been on the college's board of trustees since 1975. In previous public forums, Duffy has said the state's inability to craft a budget and decreasing dollars for community colleges has been affecting Elgin Community College negatively, such as with its MAP grants for low-income students.

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Rakow is an Elgin native who has had two children graduate from ECC and has had a presence among local groups. She, too, lists the dwindling support from the state as the greatest challenge for the school.

McCreary is an adjunct professor with the College of DuPage with prior experience in public office. She is a former Streamwood trustee and currently serves on Streamwood's Poplar Creek Public Library District board of trustees as its president.

raguerrero@tribpub.com
It was a busy election day throughout the area.

Here are the unofficial results in some of Tuesday's contests:

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Campton Hills  Trustees

Incumbent Campton Hills Trustees Thomas Stutesman, Elizabeth Murphy and Joseph Miller will be joined by newcomer Steve Galloway, according to unofficial vote totals on the Kane County Clerk's office website. Murphy led the way with 68.43 percent followed by Galloway with 66.27 percent, Miller with 65.98 percent and Stutesman 64.95, figures show.

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Carpentersville  Trustees

Incumbents Pat Schultz and Kevin Rehberg, as well as newcomer Diane Lawrence, have won trustee seats on the Carpentersville Village Board, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

Four candidates were vying for three seats on the board.

Lawrence earned the most votes with 899, followed by Schultz's 857 and Rehberg's 823. Incumbent Ginger Stephens garnered 777 votes.

Dundee Township supervisor

Patricia "Trish" Glees has claimed victory in the race for Dundee Township supervisor, according to unofficial vote totals from the Kane County Clerk's Office. She competed for the seat against Jonathan E. Radke.

Glees earned 2,092 votes compared to Radke's 1,523 in the April 4 election.

East Dundee  Trustees

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Scott Andresen, Dan Selep and Kirstin Wood Carfagnini appeared headed to victory in the race for East Dundee trustee, according to unofficial vote totals published online by the Kane County Clerk's Office.

Five candidates competed for three seats on the board in the April 4 election.

Andresen earned 261 votes, followed by Selep with 213 and Carfagnini's 210.

Elgin Township  Supervisor

Franklin F. Ramirez ran against Annette M. Miller for Elgin Township Supervisor and unofficial results show he had 49.08 percent of the vote while Miller had 44.68 percent with 59 of 59 precincts reporting, the Kane County Clerk's office reported.

Elgin Township  Trustees

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The crowded ballot for Elgin Township trustee had eight candidates for four positions. The Kane County Clerk's unofficial results showed Susan Van Weelden had 48.99 percent of the vote, Vern A. Tepe had 45.14 percent, Ed Guerra had 45.08 percent and Jose Alfonso Villalobos had 44.68 percent. All four will be new to the Elgin Township board.

Gilberts  Trustees

Jeanne Allen, Nancy Farrell, and Guy Zambetti were deemed the winners in the race for Gilberts trustee, according to unofficial vote totals published online by the Kane County Clerk's Office.

Four candidates competed for three seats. Allen earned 287 votes, Farrell, 304, and Zambetti, 277. Challenger Daniel Pace earned 207 votes.

Hampshire  Trustees

Ryan Krajecki, Christine Klein, Michael John Reid, Jr. were the victors in the race for trustee seats on the Hampshire Village Board, according to unofficial vote totals published online by the Kane County Clerk's Office.

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Seven candidates vied for three seats.

Krajecki earned 537 votes, Klein, 505, and Reid, 523.

Erik J. Robinson beat out Lionel Mott to serve an unexpired two-year trustee term on the board, according to unofficial vote totals published online by the Kane County Clerk's Office. Robinson got 357 votes compared to Mott's 330.

Pingree Grove  Trustees

Patricia L. Dulkoski, Amber D. Kubiak, and Joseph S. Hirschbein were the victors in the race for seats on the Pingree Grove Village Board, according to unofficial vote totals published online by the Kane County Clerk's Office.

Five candidates vied for three seats. Dulkoski was the top vote earner, with 390, followed by Kubiak with 380, and Hirschbein, with 301.

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Rutland Township  Assessor

Incumbent Rutland Township Assessor Janet Siers was challenged by Gary Fritz, who had 55.09 percent to Siers' 37.08 percent, the Kane County Clerk's webpage reported.

Rutland Township  Clerk

The township is getting a new clerk and two people sought the position, Kathleen Rendl and Arnold Klehm. Rendl had 48.62 percent while Klehm had 39.57 percent, according to unofficial totals. The current clerk, Charleen D. Carlsen, ran for a trustee position.

Rutland Township  Highway Commissioner

Incumbent Howard Jay Schultz faced Wayne Kaschub for the Rutland Township Highway Commissioner position. Schultz had 47.40 percent while Kaschub had 42.01 percent, according to unofficial results.

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Rutland Township  Supervisor

Rutland Township Supervisor Margaret Sanders ran for reelection in Tuesday's race against Elden Brauer. Sanders had 53.69 percent while Brauer had 36.67 percent, according to the Kane County Clerk's unofficial vote totals.

Rutland Township  Trustees

Challengers appeared to have edged out three Rutland Township Trustee incumbents in a seven person race for four seats. Current Township Clerk Charleen D. Carlsen had the highest votes with 49.66 percent, unofficial totals on the Kane County Clerk's website showed. Nicholas Hoffman had 48.39 percent while incumbent Thomas Ray Eaton had 47.22 percent and Victor C. Keegan had 46.17 percent.

St. Charles Library Board

Three candidates ran for two spots on the St. Charles Library Board. With all 39 precincts reporting, Karen Kaluzsa got 2,770 votes, Cynthia Steimle 2,373 and Lee Haggas 1,836.

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St. Charles Park District Board

Five people ran for four seats on the St. Charles Park District Board. With all 36 precincts reporting, Michael Hoscheit got 2,677 votes, Bob Carne 2,598, Brian Charles 2,597, Karrsten Goettel 2,549 and Jayme Muenz 2,062.

St. Charles  Trustees

There were two contested races for St. Charles City Council. In Ward 2, with all five precincts reporting, Arthur J. Lemke got 358 votes to 245 for Jake W. Wyatt; in Ward 4, with all 11 precincts reporting, Lora Vitek received 430 votes and David Pietryla got 282.

Community Unit School District 300

Incumbent Anne Miller of Algonquin and newcomers David Scarpino of Hampshire and Mary McNicholas of West Dundee have captured seats on the Community Unit School District 300 Board, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

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Six candidates competed for three seats on the board. District 300 is located in Kane County and McHenry County.

Elgin Community College District 509  Trustees

Three positions on the board were up for a six year term. Jennifer Rakow had 56.96 percent, incumbent John Duffy had 45.57 percent while Candace McCreary had 35.76 percent, according to Kane County Clerk's unofficial results. In Cook County, Rakow had 26.84 percent, Duffy had 21.8 percent and McCreary had 19.93 percent, the Cook County Clerk's webpage reported.

St. Charles School District 303

Seven candidates ran for four spots on the St. Charles School District 303 board. With all 47 precincts reporting, Edward McNally received 3,561 votes, Carolyn Waibel 3,082, James Gaffney 3,008, Heidi Fairgrive 2,556, Lara Kristofer 2,366, Denton Morris 2,246 and Erik Missil 1,710.

Bartlett Fire Referendum

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Bartlett Fire Protection District's request for a tax hike failed with 52.06 percent of residents voting no and 47.94 voting yes, unofficial Cook County Clerk results show.

Burlington Fire District Referendum

Unofficial vote totals from the Kane County Clerk's office show the District's referendum narrowly passed with 48.72 percent yes votes and 47.96 no votes. The results show it passed by three votes, according to the Clerk's website.

Elgin Township Referendum

Voters approved creating a new tax rate to benefit Elgin Senior Services with 50.79 percent voting yes and 44.49 percent voting no.

Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District Referendum

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Voters in the fire protection district rejected a request for a tax increase to help the District with 60.64 percent of people voting no and 37.52 percent voting yes, unofficial returns showed. Officials informed residents during public meetings that the District may not survive a failed referendum.

Hampshire Fire Referendum

Hampshire Fire District had two referendum questions on the ballot. One for a tort liability fund, which was rejected by voters. Unofficial totals show 52.90 percent of voters said no while 43.17 said yes. A second referendum asking to create a new tax rate for the District was voted down, with 50.15 percent of people voting no and 47.79 percent voting yes, according to the Kane County Clerk's office.

Hanover Township Referendum

A referendum question asking whether the Township should abolish the Highway Road department was approved Tuesday. Unofficial Cook County Clerk's results show the referendum passed with 58.38 percent yes and 41.62 percent no. Current Highway Road Commissioner Craig Ochoa supported the referendum. Hanover Township can make the move with voters' approval due to a special state law affecting Cook County Townships.

Pingree Grove and Countryside Fire Referendum

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A referendum asking voters to issue $8.5 million in general bonds was defeated with 57.11 percent of voters rejecting the idea and 40.43 percent voting yes, unofficial results show.

Wayne Referendum

The advisory referendum asked whether School District U46 be required to ask voters through a referendum if property tax levies should be increased. Tuesday's referendum passed with 78.15 percent while 20.53 no votes were cast, unofficial totals show.

Gloria Casas and Erin Sauder are freelance reporters for The Courier-News.
The four apparent winners in Tuesday's City Council election see economic matters as the biggest challenges for Elgin as they look toward their upcoming 4-year terms.

Preliminary results have newcomer Corey Dixon winning a seat along with incumbents Rich Dunne, Terry Gavin and Carol Rauschenberger.

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"The biggest challenge directly ahead for 2018 is the budget and expenses, particularly employee costs and contractual costs," Gavin said.

For 2017, Elgin tapped into reserves to help cover employee-related costs, which include pensions, benefits and for certain departments, union contracts. Insurance broker Gavin said that the city has and will continue to take proactive steps to keep its financial house in order. He is concerned, though, if the city might have to tap into reserves again and, structurally, how to fix that.

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"How do we keep moving forward as a boom community? We're one of four Illinois communities that has been growing in recent years, so how do we keep that momentum? With the state's mess, we have our work cut out for us," Gavin said.

Gavin paid compliment to the work the Elgin Development Group and its Economic Development Director Tony Lucenko have been doing to bring and maintain businesses in the city. The EDG is the arm of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce paid by Elgin for specified economic-related tasks.

"The biggest challenge is financial and not knowing how the situation with the state and federal government will wind up," Rauschenberger said.

The balancing act for the city is one of addressing rising costs, trying to avoid raising taxes and keeping services at a high level while minimizing any further staff cuts, and Rauschenberger is confident City Manager Rick Kozal can guide the Council through this.

Top vote-getter Rauschenberger said she would like to see a "dynamic budget process," where the Council meets a little more often than just at the end of the year about the document. If possible, this would allow the Council to look at cuts it might have to make earlier in the process.

"This biggest challenge facing Elgin is the economic development of the downtown," Dixon said.

Dixon is an Illinois Department of Human Services Caseworker and a member of the Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission whose campaign web page stated that "Elgin is only as strong as its downtown."

Dixon noted that a lot of people have been working hard to redevelop what was the city's central business district and that there is "a lot of interest for Elgin to get the downtown we deserve." To keep the city growing, Dixon would like to see Elgin put together a long-term economic development plan with the input of the business community and through the resources it's established with the Elgin Development Group.

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Dunne, a former Elgin firefighter and fire marshal, is a grants manager for FEMA. He said the state's unresolved budget is one of the biggest challenges facing Elgin.

"If legislators decide to cut the distributive fund the loss could be $3 million to Elgin's budget," Dunne said.

Another big challenge is how to plan for what health care costs may be. Dunne said, "They've been all over the map. How does a city forecast for that for business?"

Challenger Brandon Yaniz, a business management consultant and libertarian agreed that fiscal matters should be at the top of the list of challenges.

"Elgin needs to take economic development seriously, and I didn't hear anything that gave me confidence during the campaign that's the case," Yaniz said. Yaniz added that he plans to meet with Dixon and other Councilmembers in the next few months about issues.

As for what each Councilmember-elect sees for their upcoming terms, Gavin is looking forward to the city-sponsored Civil War reenactment camp set for this June and the event growing over the years. Already, organizers have told Gavin more than 230 people have committed to taking part with a goal of having at least 300.

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During his next term Gavin also anticipated the Citizen Code Academy taking full shape, getting the community involved and educated in the process of addressing code-related matters.

Rauschenberger sees more being done with code over the next four years, including the formation of the academy. She would like to see more code-related information put online, such as a listing of the most common code issues; more done to educate landlords and consideration of hiring more code enforcement officials.

Rauschenberger would like to see the Council "spend more time together off the dais," by having retreats as it once did.

Another goal is to build on the city's business base with a focus on small businesses, which Rauschenberger sees as a key to downtown redevelopment. To that end, she is looking forward to working with new members of the Downtown Neighborhood Association as the look to find a new director.

Rauschenberger has been supportive of plans to open the Shared Harvest Food Co-Op in downtown Elgin. She noted that those behind the effort now have more than 800 members and need another 200 as a goal before coming to the City Council to see what type of financial assistance might be available. She doesn't expect that to happen until sometime in the fall.

Rauschenberger also sees her next term as a time for the Council to set a long-term vision for the city.

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Dixon is looking forward to the Tower Building being completed sometime later this year; for the Grand Victoria Casino to follow through with its plans to build a pavilion in Festival Park; and, if funds can be found, for the city to remodel the Hemmens Cultural Center, which Dixon sees as a potential draw in the northwest suburbs.

"I want use to continue to grow. I'm not here to reinvent the wheel, but to help things along. I don't want it to take forever to get there," Dixon said.

Praising all who ran for their campaigns and for caring for Elgin, Dixon said he is looking forward to working with the Council as a team.

"I'm look forward to a Council that will be more cooperative," Dunne said.

Dunne also hopes the city tweaks its ethics ordinance during his next term. Little things such as having Council members publicly explain why they might recuse themselves from votes "goes to transparency," Dunne said.

mdanahey@tribpub.com
Since 2010, the Kane County state's attorney's office has secured 120 injunctions on specific gang members from Aurora and Elgin as part of a series of lawsuits aimed at limiting gang activity and recruitment.

Speaking at his monthly news briefing on Tuesday, State's Attorney Joe McMahon highlighted a recent bench trial decision which put legal restrictions on an entire organization  Elgin's Maniac Latin Disciples, who were sued by McMahon's office in 2013. The December ruling by Judge David Akemann placed an injunction on the group which includes a total of 15 prohibitions barring, among other things, meetings, drug and criminal activity, and even specific clothing colors. Those restrictions are similar to those faced by individual members of the Latin Kings in Aurora and Elgin and Maniac Latin Disciples and Spanish Vice Lords in Elgin who have injunctions on them.

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McMahon said the individuals named in the four lawsuits were the "most active, most entrenched members," while going after the gangs as a whole targets their ability to operate and recruit.

"(The injunction) is going to make it more difficult," McMahon said. "It strikes at the heart of gang activity ... in those communities."

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Gang cases are pending in suits filed in 2010 and 2012 against the Latin Kings factions and the 2016 suit involving the Spanish Vice Lords. A total of 31 members have active cases, with four from Elgin awaiting a judge's decision on whether to grant the injunction. The 120 members under injunctions face possible criminal charges or civil sanctions if they fail to abide by the restrictions.

"Simply possessing a can of spray paint outside the home is a violation," McMahon noted.

McMahon also pointed out that individual injunctions create an opportunity for gang members to change what they do and who they associate with.

"This gives them a way out" of gang life, McMahon said.

Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Projected victor Veronica Noland, left, checks on election results during the results party at Danny's on Douglas in Elgin on Tuesday. (Rafael Guerrero / The Courier-News)

In a District U46 school board race where two sides had formed, it appears one side has won.

Unofficial results from Tuesday's consolidated election show newcomer Melissa Owens and incumbents Donna Smith and Veronica Noland winning the three seats at play on the U46 school board, with incumbent Cody Holt and challenger Enoch Essendrop on the outside looking in.

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With all precincts reporting from Cook, DuPage and Kane counties, returns show Owens picking up 25.7 percent of the votes, followed by Smith with 24.6 percent, Noland at 24.1 percent, Holt at 15 percent and Essendrop with 10.6 percent.

Voter turnout for the U46 race varied by county, with 15 percent in Kane, 13 percent in DuPage and 8 percent in Cook.

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Much like in 2015, the school board race pitted two groups of candidates with differing philosophies and ideologies against one another, with Owens, Smith and Noland being viewed as the bloc of candidates aiming to keep U46 on its current course, and Holt and Essendrop as reformers on fiscal and social aspects.

Notable topics that drew strong opinions from the five included property tax rates, K-12 funding from the state, charter schools, transportation, transgender students and curriculum. Social topics like transgender rights and diversity drew greater attention from candidates than they did two years ago.

The results from Tuesday could mean the district's transgender policy  which allows transgender students to use locker rooms and bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity  will stay put, as the three said they would not want to revisit it. The district's full-day kindergarten and dual language programs  which have been targets of Holt and Essendrop  could continue to grow, given Owens, Smith and Noland's support.

Owens, 48, the top vote-getter, is the current chairwoman of the district's Citizens' Advisory Council, a group of U46 parents and educators who meet monthly, and the volunteer program coordinator of the Elgin Community Crisis Center.

Owens, of Bartlett, has said she ran on three broad issues: strengthening U46 academics, a careful handling of district operations and expanding partnerships with local groups and organizations.

"Thank you so, so much to everyone who voted for me," Owens wrote on her Facebook page. "I really look forward to the work we have ahead in making sure we have great educational opportunities for our students. And to those who did not vote for me, you have an important voice in this community as well. We may not agree, but I will listen and work to make sure you are represented as best I can."

Smith, 59, would begin a fifth four-year term, having served since 2001. The Hanover Park resident, who works for a transportation company, has said she briefly considered not running again, but was still in love with her role and being able to advance the district and its families and personnel.

Smith could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

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Noland, 50, would start her second term as a U46 board member. Outside of the board, the Elgin resident works as a programs coordinator for the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

"I am honored and humbled by the response from voters in this election," she said Wednesday. "It reaffirms my commitment to work hard on behalf of our diverse U46 community as we move the district forward."

When ballot returns began indicating voters favored his opponents, Holt on Tuesday night acknowledged "it's not looking great for me."

The Elgin resident and insurance account representative said low voter turnout did not help in his first bid for a four-year term after winning a two-year term in 2015. He did note he was within striking range in DuPage County, which includes Wayne, where his anti-tax advisory referendum was approved by voters.

The 2015 school board election had a different outcome for candidates like Holt, 25, when voters seemed to prefer individuals looking to change how U46 operated. Holt and board members Jeanette Ward and Phil Costello won three of four seats that spring in a race that also polarized candidates.

However, despite gains made in the 2015 election, Holt was frequently on the losing side of 5-2 or 4-3 votes.

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"I spent two years fighting a well-oiled machine," Holt said. "And it looks like tonight the machine won."

Essendrop, 19, was the youngest of the five and currently a student at Elgin's Providence Baptist College. Essendrop made himself known to the board last fall when opponents of the U46 transgender policy spoke up about it. He could not be reached for comment.

Owens would replace Holt during the May 1 school board meeting. The outgoing board member will be involved with the issue of the Elgin Math and Science Academy charter school proposal, tentatively scheduled for discussion April 10.

raguerrero@tribpub.com
Obliterating Obamacare: I watched the Republicans trying to repeal and replace Obamacare. Why was it so important to get it done right now? They can't sit down at the table and negotiate something that will help the American people. This is all about the politicians. They need to stop thinking just about themselves.

Hassle about Hastert victim: I've read numerous articles about the sad demise of former Speaker Dennis Hastert. His reputation and life are in ruins as he serves out his prison term. Individual A continues to be mentioned as having received $1.7 million in cash and is suing for an additional $1.3 million. I have never read if Individual A ever paid taxes on the $1.7 million received. Isn't that a fair question for a reporter to ask?

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Vent about apartments: This is about Fox River towns putting in apartment buildings in St. Charles, on Route 38 and in downtown Elgin. South Elgin is putting an apartment building along the river and blocking the riverfront. Are they nuts? Do they think it will encourage shopping? It won't. People shop off the internet. Look at what's happening to Sears. If you go to Lake Geneva, they are not putting apartments by the water. They won't allow it. Once you crowd the riverfront with apartment buildings, you're done.

Kudos to East Dundee company: Once in a while, I call Speak Out to recognize family-owned businesses that do wonderful jobs in the Fox Valley area. I hired AJL Electric in East Dundee to do some wiring on our vintage 1929 Tudor home in Elgin. They came in, laid tarps down, and did a great job. The owner is a total quality guy. That's nice to see in a family-owned business.

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Shameful state: I have a solution to the problems in Illinois. Michael Madigan and his cronies should have their pay and their insurance stopped. They should come to work every day with no vacations until they get things fixed. Illinois is a shameful state, and you're ashamed to say you are from Illinois. I'm sure many Illinois residents would agree with me. Please put this in the newspaper.

Troubled about Trump: The United States seems to be going in a downward spiral. I've watched presidents since former President John F. Kennedy, and I've never seen anything like this before. President Trump doesn't know what he's doing in the White House. He thinks that if he has so-called smart people around him, he will make good decisions. But the ones around him are nothing more than opportunist, land-grabbing, old school politicians. First chance they get, they will throw him so far under the bus that you will never see him again.

Remark about park district police: Why do our regional park districts need their own police forces? A private security company could do the work for a fraction of the cost. The people currently working for park districts make good salaries and a pension. When there is a real problem, the park district police call in the real police. Is it any wonder why our taxes are so high in Illinois?

Stunned by Jackson: Jesse Jackson Jr. was on television news lamenting his financial woes after serving time for stealing from his campaign funds. His workman's compensation and disability payments have been set so he can live the life he is accustomed to living. The way our criminal justice works today, I'm surprised Al Capone has not been declared a national hero.

Wary about non-profit groups: Every day in the mail, we get cards and letters from non-profit organizations. Let's put in the newspaper how much money they take in and who the officers are that operate them. Otherwise, I suggest we vote against them.

Anxiety about Aurora: Around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, automatic gunfire rang out in my neighborhood near the 600 block of East Galena. I looked out my window, and a tall individual ran north on Spencer Street. This evil begins again 10 years after Aurora had the cold case gang murder roundup. This must be the next generation. Whatever went into the creation of ISIS also went into the creation of these creeps.

Kudos to Trump: I think President Trump is proving to be one of the best presidents ever. While the Democrats and some of the Republicans think not passing the repeal of Obamacare was a big defeat for Trump, I think it's a big win. He has shown that he cares about the people and what the people think. He keeps telling us that Obamacare will implode. When people resisted, he fought as much as he could. When he realized he wasn't getting anywhere, he said let it implode. That's good leadership. It's not dictating. It's trying to make deals, and it's trying to lead people in the proper direction. If they don't want to go there, back away. Congratulations, President Trump. You did something wonderful.

Free food: My girlfriends and I are seniors. I came up with an idea. We will turn into drug dealers so we will have Cadillacs, Escalades and Hummers. We will be gun-toting grandmas. We will have the best of everything. We will use different addresses so we can get food stamps for steak and lobster. But you know what? We weren't raised that way. We're poor. There is a school in Carpentersville that is doing things for the people who have kids in school there. My girlfriend and I went there, but we were turned away because we don't have kids in schools there. They give away food twice a week. This is unreal.

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Don't back more taxes: OK, no more taxes. Keep things the way they are. Don't go raising taxes every time someone comes along with their hands out.

Second chance: I'm commenting on the young man who was sent back to prison after his case was overturned. Some think it was a technicality, which it wasn't. I understand where they are coming from. He was a gangbanger who was given a second chance. Unfortunately, you can't take the ignorance out of a person. He ended up with $25 million and went back to his gangbanging buddies. Some people just don't deserve a chance.

Lawbreaker deserves deportation: I read about a poor Mexican guy who is in the McHenry County jail. He's been arrested for various crimes such as driving without insurance. He's been in jail for two years, and they want to deport him. He was deported once before but he returned to this country. You know what? We have laws. You must have insurance. If we let this guy out of jail and let him live in the United States, will he follow the laws? No. We're probably supporting his family while he's in jail. Deport this guy and never let him back in. Deport all the people who break our laws. Driving without insurance is a very serious thing. Have you ever been run into by someone who didn't have insurance? It's quite a deal. I lost about $5,000 ten years ago when someone ran into my car without insurance. We have laws to protect us. We kept him in jail for two years. Deport him, and let him become a better citizen in his homeland. If he was a criminal there, he will be a criminal here.

Laws need to be obeyed: I'm calling regarding the article: Inside jail, fear of deportation strong. My heart bleeds for this family whose husband/father went to jail, but he broke the law. He knew he broke the law. He did nothing to try and become a legal citizen. When an American citizen breaks the law, you go to jail. You don't get to say: I'm sorry. Please forgive me. My family is being separated. Nobody does anything for genuine Americans who are born and raised here. The only people who are getting things done for them are the illegal immigrants. We can't keep letting people break the law. The only reason they come here is because we give everything to them for free. It's not fair.

Musing about medical costs: Regarding Obamacare, I would like to know how much it costs per month in comparison to Medicare. Seniors on Social Security never got a cost of living increase for three years when President Obama was in office. Was that to pay for Obamacare? They sure keep raising Medicare costs. I'm a World War II veteran and get less Social Security than people living off the system. I have an ailment, and Medicare won't pay for it because I'm too old. I'm over 85 years old.

Dour about the tower: OK, Sleepy Hollow people. It's time to move on. The tower is up, and it's servicing people very well. It's time to move on.

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Legal candidates: As far as the police not being able to ask candidates if they are legal or not, I don't understand. Is Aurora afraid of being sued? If they are illegal, they could send them in the right direction to become legal. I want everyone to follow our laws. If you don't, go back to where you came from.

Illegal immigrants should become legal: Shame on people who stick up for illegal immigrants. If you're here illegally, you need to either go back or become a citizen. That's something President Trump didn't say. Illegal immigrants are coming here in droves. When illegal immigrants come here and have a kid every year and they go to school, you will pay taxes up the nose. We are all immigrants, but come here the right way. Also stop sending money back to other countries. If you make your money here, spend it here. People better think twice before they rally for illegal immigrants.

Crime does not pay: I'm calling about the stories you've been running about illegal immigrants who come into the country and are caught and punished after committing crimes. Their families suffer. I hope that people read that and realize that when they commit crimes, crime doesn't pay. I hope you run more stories.

Computers replacing books: Elgin certainly knows how to spend the money. They spent $146,000 for what, a diversity consultant? Ask the people on the street what Elgin needs. They don't need more libraries or library space. Everyone uses their computers these days. We don't need any more books.

Stumped by Trump's actions: President Trump just signed an executive order reversing what former President Obama did regarding privacy on the internet. Trump gave authority again for people to sell your information on the internet. Why do they hate Obama so much that they must undo every single thing that he did? They will sell your information, and it will make it very hard for internet providers to cover you. In addition, they are changing everything about climate change. Coal has been a dying industry for decades. If it brings back thousands of jobs, show me the proof and I will eat my words. I promise you that, and I will not be a backtracking Trump. Energy jobs are soaring. Coal will not create jobs.

Fight obesity: To the Speak Out caller who said restaurants should serve smaller portions, this is blaming restaurants for people being fat. It's not the fault of the restaurants that people overeat. If you are at home and cook 10 pancakes, whose fault is that? It's your fault. If you just want two pancakes at a restaurant, ask for only two. They will only put two pancakes on your plate. We need for our children to be educated at home and at school on obesity, what it causes and how to prevent it. We need better eating habits so we won't be such a fat country. You can be nice and call it obese, but it is fat.

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Sticking up for Trump: I cannot believe all the negative comments about our president. This man hardly sleeps. He works all the time trying to make our country better. Please give him a chance. He hasn't been in office that long. I would hate to live with some of you. I bet you're a lot of fun.

Brooding about food: For the person complaining about restaurants serving too much food and how people are getting obese, you're absolutely correct about the obesity. But it's not up the restaurant to tell you what to eat, and it's not up to you to tell me what to eat. People need to eat healthy if they want to and they should, but it's not something that should be controlled by the restaurants. It's a free America the last I heard. You can get fat if you want and die as early when you want.

Recalling former scout camp: With all the conversation about the Brunner property and the Brunner Family Forest Preserve. I would like to see an article about the property before it was the Brunner property. I'm sure many Dundee people remember when it was the scout camp and the quarter horse farm. I would like to read a nice article about what went on at the scout camp.

Show pride in your work: Years ago, I worked for the telephone company when it was still Illinois Bell. Now I see the stuff AT&T does. I can't believe it. They have no pride in their work. I see the big splice cabinets and cross connect boxes with doors wide open and all kinds of weather getting in. I guess pride in your work is a thing of the past.

Comment on rape case: Clearly the Beacon-News falls into the category of far-left media. Why wouldn't they cover the rape by an illegal immigrant last week in Rockville, Maryland? Maybe I missed it, but maybe one way of rectifying it is to publish this comment.

Fuming about Madigan: Please explain two things to me. Illinois will never get out of the mess of the budget and everything they are in until Chicago and Michael Madigan quit ruling the state. You can't finger point at the governor. I don't care if he's a Republican or a Democrat. For 20 years, Madigan has run the state, Chicago, and the Chicago teacher's union into a hole. Also, please explain what an illegal immigrant is. How can you be sitting in the McHenry County jail if you are an undocumented illegal immigrant? How can you protest our country when you're here illegally? They say you have a right to car licenses and social security. I don't think there is such a thing as an illegal immigrant because everyone gets what they want.

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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.
The Your Village Your Voice Party candidates dominated the Franklin Park trustee and village clerk races, according to unofficial results from the April 4 election provided by the Cook County clerk's office.

With all 11 precincts reporting, Trustees Andy Ybarra, Karen D. Special and John C. Johnson had the most votes for three open seats on the village board. Ybarra had 26.34 percent of the vote, followed by Special ( 25.33 percent) and Johnson ( 23.87 percent). There were 2,296 votes cast in the election.

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"It was very pleasing to see those results come in. It tells me more than a few people agree that we're going in the right direction," said Ybarra. "I don't think these results came in just because of our campaigning over the last few months, but from the work we've done for the village over the last four years."

Ybarra said examples include the comprehensive approach he and the other incumbent trustees take to address issues in the village.

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"I just like the team effort where we can rely on one another. Whether it's economic development or infrastructure, we're not making political decisions," he said. "We take advice from people who are experts in those specific areas before making decisions, and I think that's why we won comfortably."

They were opposed by candidates from the Citizens for Change Party. Results indicated that Christopher Litwin had 8.8 percent of the vote, followed by Diego A. DiMarco (8.22 percent) and Frank J. Housewerth (7.44 percent).

In the village clerk race, Your Village Voice candidate Irene Avitia received 77.18 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results. Citizens for Change Party candidate Michael A. LaCassa got 22.82 percent.

Kari Rupcich, spokeswoman for the Citizens for Change Party, declined to comment.

Avitia decided to run after outgoing Village Clerk Tommy Thomson decided not to run for re-election. She's lived in the village for the past 22 years, is a graduate of East Leyden High School and DePaul University and is raising her children in the village.

"One of the reasons I think I won by so much is because I'm fully bilingual. Almost 60 percent of our residents are Spanish speaking," said Avitia.

As of 2010, Franklin Park has 7,902 residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

"So for me to be able to be that bridge between the community and our local government is very important. I want to be able to connect with voters who felt there was a void in that area of our local government and services," said Avitia.

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The Citizens for Change Party slate faced repeated ballot challenges ahead of the election. On Jan. 18 the Franklin Park Election Board removed the party's candidates from the ballot over objections to their candidate paperwork by Robert Godlewski, a village resident, and his attorney, James Nally. Godlewski's attorney successfully argued that the candidates did not clearly indicate which village they were planning to run for elected office in and did not correctly complete statements of economic interest.

A Cook County judge reversed the Franklin Park Election Board's decision in February, and members of the Citizens for Change Party slate were allowed back on the ballot. Godlewski tried to appeal that decision but a Cook County judge sided with the Citizens for Change Party and on March 30 ordered that the candidates were to remain on the ballot.

Alex V. Hernandez is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
The Board of Trustees voted 6-0 on April 6 to hire Matthew Formica, the village administrator for the Village of Lindenhurst, as Glenview's next village manager. (Matthew Formica / Provided photo)

In a 6-0 vote, the Glenview Board of Trustees hired Matthew Formica, the village administrator for the Village of Lindenhurst, as its next village manager at its Thursday meeting.

Formica will receive a base salary of $215,000, plus a $25,000 bonus for his first year of work and a $7,200 car allowance, according to his contract. He will start on June 5 and is required to move to Glenview by Dec. 31, it said.

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"I'm excited and honored to work in a town like Glenview," Formica said Thursday, adding that he applied for the position because Glenview is "a premier community" and "a leader in innovation."

In November 2016, village officials announced that then-village manager Todd Hileman would resign effective Jan. 31 to become city manager of Denton, Texas. Deputy Village Manager Don Owen is serving as interim village manager, but said he will step down from that role when Formica begins in June.

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The village hired Waters & Company, a national search firm, to assist in the search. Out of 45 applicants, the company identified 10 candidates for "video interviews," and four finalists were brought in for "in-depth, face-to-face interviews," according to a board report.

"We believe that (Formica) has the ability to perpetuate our current trend of innovation and continuing to challenge the status quo ... in order to provide the best service for our residents," Board of Trustees President Jim Patterson said.

Formica, who is married and has two children, said it feels "bittersweet" to leave his position with Lindenhurst, but he looks forward to moving to Glenview and starting his new job.

"It's time for a new challenge, and Glenview is the perfect opportunity," he said.

Formica said he looks forward to "continuing to maintain the village's financial standing" and monitoring the proposed expansion of the Amtrak Hiawatha project.

While at Lindenhurst, Formica led economic development initiatives, "worked to streamline municipal operations, resulting in significant reductions in costs" and oversaw infrastructure improvements, according to the report.

He previously worked for the Village of Grayslake in multiple positions and eventually become the assistant village manager, it said.

Trustee Deborah Karton said Formica stood out to the board because he has experience "running government efficiently" and "challenging the status quo."

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"(Formica) has experience doing what we've been doing for the last 12 years," she said.

Trustee Paul Detlefs said Formica's video interview was "by far the best interview" because he was "comfortable and natural." Detlefs said Formica is passionate and energetic, and his move to Glenview is a "logical move up to a village this size."

"(Formica) clearly believes in continuing the philosophy we've had for 12 years, which is running an efficient village," he said.

akukulka@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Akukulka11
Writing a column about life in our village is always interesting and often fun, but every now and then the timing is off and what is happening does not coincide with the deadlines I face. In those rare circumstances, I have found the past as informative, charming and engaging as the present, especially when I look at past issues of the Doings newspaper.

The Hinsdale Public Library has decades of the Doings, stored in an anachronism known as microfilm. I have used microfilm before. I was in college, and the microfilm department was actually buried in the second or third level of the library's basement. It smelled musty down there and was kind of chilly and dark, but I found that research actually absorbing, though, because you would come across all kinds of kooky stuff you would not see by merely searching a topic online.

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For example, when I was looking at the old Doings to see what Easter was like in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills 75 years ago, I got sidetracked. In 1942, in Hinsdale, The Schoen Dry Goods Co., the Big Store, was selling all manner of spring skirts starting at $1.98 and all sorts of "soft" and "warm" sweaters starting at $1.98. There also were purses for an Easter ensemble, with the purses much more dear with prices ranging from $2.25 to $3.25. My mind started to wander, and I began to peruse the other ads.

The big news in that time of war was that "Preparing for any eventuality that may arise in the Chicago area under bombing raids and other wartime emergencies, more than 200 male civilian defense workers started taking standard first aid." In Hinsdale, the classes were held at the Police Courtroom  yes, that must have been a place  located on 23 E. First Street. The 200 who signed up were part of the total of 500 Hinsdale men who learned basic first aid. Meanwhile, 310 women were taking classes held in Memorial Hall.

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In those days, the newspaper had a section called "Local Lines About Your Friends and Neighbors." This was the Facebook of 1942. It carried short little two- and three-sentence paragraphs about people's vacations, house guests, illnesses and parties. For example, one young lady was noted to be in the hospital as a "surgical patient." Another gentleman, the paper said, was confined to his home all week due to illness.

Some prominent woman sang with the Evanston Women's Club on Sunday, and a couple in town hosted a birthday dinner for 12 in honor of someone's birthday. I wonder how the couple who was not invited to the dinner party felt because "Local Lines" was replete with all the names of the people hosting, visiting, traveling, ailing and recovering.

The front page of the March 26, 1942, issue featured the fact that the Hinsdale High School students who were taking their senior year trip to Washington, D.C. would be the first group of students to travel there in a time of war. The following week's paper, front page again, noted that three students on the trip fell ill with German measles but were expected to make a full recovery.

The Union Church of Hinsdale hosted "a Lenten institute lecture series" that year which was one of the most popular the church had ever held. The topic was "The Christian Outlook on a World in Conflict" and it drew 75 people a week.

I decided to go back in time also to Easter season 1977. The Doings then in layout and design certainly had loosened up, become livelier in look and feel and featured more white space and  of course  many, many more photographs. In fact, one of them surprised me no end. It was the picture of a prominent man about town who has since passed away. He was wearing a wide-lapel, three-piece plaid suit. The collars of his shirt were longer than today's and matching  or clashing depending on your fashion sense  the suit's plaid was his Madras tie. The pants were worn a little higher and were not cuffed. He was mustachioed and featured the shaggy hair of the day. He was part of that issue's fashion section, and he was modeling a suit from The Squire Shop on Second and Washington. The suit cost $150.

Houses were selling from $80,000 in the low end all the way up to the luxury level of $300,000. In news, 11 luxury homes, each on approximately half an acre of land and costing between $200,000 and $250,000, were being planned for the Fullersbusrg Wood area. The paper's coverage of any Easter events or activities was fairly light. Local elections commanded a lot of space, and a store called The Shoe Tree on 40 E. Hinsdale Ave. sold Stride Rite sandals for "a month of Sundays." The children's shoes were dressy and nice but tough too.

The more things change.
2022 election guide: Here are Pueblo County's top races, ballot issues

Here's what you need to know about the local candidates and ballot questions in the 2022 election, as well as how to vote in Pueblo, Colorado.
By Dezan Shira & Associates

Editor: Weining Hu

The State Council released and implemented the Provisions on Female Labor Protection under Special Circumstances (State Council Decree No. 619) in 2012, which extended maternity leave for female employees in China to 14 weeks (98 days) from the previous 90 daysjust meeting the minimum maternity leave stipulated by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

However, maternity leave in China can vary widely by location, especially in terms of late maternity leave as determined by the local government. It can also be quite complex for an employer to calculate how much maternity leave and allowance that female employees are entitled to. In this article, we explain maternity and paternity leave in China and detail the payment of maternity allowances.



Prenatal check-up

Starting from the 12th week of pregnancy, a pregnant employee will need to go for an increasing number of prenatal check-ups, for which she is entitled to paid leave. These check-ups will be logged in the pregnancy handbook provided by the local Community Health Service Center.

RELATED: Payroll and Human Resource Services

Length of paid maternity leave

A Chinese female employee may take a 98-day paid maternity leave beginning at her discretion 15 days prior to childbirth. Leave may be extended by 15 days under special circumstances such as dystocia. If the employee gives birth to more than one child at a time, an additional 15-day maternity leave shall be given for each additional infant.

In addition, a Chinese female employee who gives birth to her first child at age 24 or older is regarded as a case of late childbirth, and is therefore entitled to an additional late maternity leave of roughly 30 days (this may vary widely by location, e.g. 45 days in Dalian).

After the abolition of the one-child policy in late 2015, many provinces changed the wording of late maternity leave to maternity rewards leave (). Despite the change of title, leave days remained the same in most provinces. However, as leave days and related policies vary by province, it is recommended to look up specific regulations with the relevant local authorities.

A foreign employee may also take a 98-day paid maternity leave, but is not eligible for late maternity leave. It should be noted that the 98-day leave includes working days, weekends, and national holidays, while the late maternity leave includes only working days and weekends.

Abortion and miscarriage

Furthermore, no less than 15 days of maternity leave shall be offered in cases of abortion after a pregnancy shorter than four months, and no less than six weeks of maternity leave in cases of miscarriage/abortion after a pregnancy longer than four months.

Maternity allowance

During maternity leave, a female employee shall receive a maternity allowance in lieu of salary. Generally, a Chinese female employee (assuming that the employee has participated in maternity insurance) is paid by the Social Security Bureau where the woman is registered. In determining the amount of maternity allowance, the Social Security Bureau will look at the employees monthly salary and the average monthly salary of all employees over the last 12 months.

The Bureau will pay whichever amount is higher, but no more than three times the average salary in the Bureaus jurisdiction. In certain parts of China, such as Beijing and Shanghai, any amount above three times the local average must be paid by the employer. For example, the average monthly salary in Shanghai in 2015 was RMB 5,939, making the benchmark maternity allowance in Shanghai RMB 5,939  3 = RMB 17,817.

Comparing three different scenarios:

The maternity allowance shall also apply to foreign employees who have contributed to the maternity insurance scheme. Foreign and Chinese employees not participating in maternity insurance shall receive their full salary paid by the company.

Breast-feeding period

A female employee shall also be granted at least one hour each day during work hours for breast-feeding during a one-year breast-feeding period. In practice, companies tend to ask employees to work a full eight-hour day, and allow them to accumulate the extra hour toward vacation time. Most female employees prefer this approach as well.

Paternity leave

The amount of time that a male employee can take as paternity leave largely depends on where the individual is registered for social security. In general, Chinas statutory paternity leave does not exceed two weeks (14 days). For example, in Shanghai, according to the newest Shanghai Population and Family Planning Regulations promulgated in 2016, a male employee is entitled to a ten-day paternity leave in the case of late childbirth, seven days more than the old regulation. In Shenzhen, a male employee can enjoy a 15-day paternity leave if his wife is 23 or older.

RELATED: Assessing the Current State of Female Employment in China

Terminating a pregnant employee

In China, it is illegal to terminate a pregnant employee during her pregnancy, maternity leave, or breast-feeding period (which lasts until the infant is a year old). Further, if an employee gets pregnant during the term of her fixed-term contract, and the contract ends during the pregnancy, the contract shall be automatically extended (through a renewed end date or a second contract) until the end of the breast-feeding period.

For a consultation on the implications for your business of Chinas statutes on maternity leave and allowances, please contact the HR and payroll professionals of Dezan Shira & Associates at dalian@dezshira.com.

Editors note: This article was originally published on November 11, 2014, and has been updated to include the latest regulatory changes.



About Us China Briefing is published by Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, including ASEAN, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road, and Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here, and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here. Dezan Shira & Associates is a full service practice in China, providing business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax, IT, HR, payroll, and advisory services throughout the China and Asian region. For assistance with China business issues or investments into China, please contact us at china@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com

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Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide.

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Cyprus signed a natural gas exploration and exploitation agreement with a consortium made up of ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum on Wednesday.

Two more agreements with Italian ENI and French Total are scheduled to be signed on Thursday.

ExxonMobil was the latest energy company to join ENI, Total and U.S.-based Noble Energy in obtaining a license to drill in Cyprus' continental shelf for hydrocarbons.

Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis said after signing the agreement that ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum executives expressed their commitment to Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to make their first exploration drilling in 2018.

ExxonMobil senior Vice-president Andrew Swiger told reporters after the signing that the company likes the prospects and the geology of Block 10 for which it obtained the drilling concession.

But he added that more three-dimensional seismic data are needed to pinpoint drilling areas.

Block 10 of Cyprus' exclusive economic zone is within a few kilometers from a giant gas field discovered by ENI in Egyptian waters, containing an estimated 30 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Qatar Petroleum President and CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said the agreement he signed expands his company's "upstream footprint into the Eastern Mediterranean for what is hopefully one of the most promising opportunities in the area."
For global stability, prosperity and governance, nothing may matter more than how the world's two largest economies handle their relationship.

The upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump is expected to set the direction for the development of bilateral ties.

As ballast in the China-U.S. relationship, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has generated huge benefits for people of both sides.

Here are some facts and figures about China-U.S. economic and trade ties:

-- As the world's largest and second largest economies, China and the United States have substantial stakes in nearly all of each other's important economic areas.

-- China has become the largest trade partner of the United States, while the latter is China's second largest. Bilateral trade surged nearly 207-fold to 519.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, from the level in 1979 when the countries established diplomatic ties.

-- Such robust growth is due to the complementary nature of the two countries' economic situations and trade structures. Growth of this kind is unimaginable without the presence of mutual benefits.

-- China is the destination for 26 percent of U.S. exported Boeing aircraft, 56 percent of its soy beans, 16 percent of its automobiles, and 15 percent of its farm products and integrated circuits.

-- China's trade surplus does not necessarily mean China benefits while the United States loses. About 40 percent of the trade surplus is actually generated by U.S. companies in China. Trade with China helps each American family save 850 dollars every year. Bilateral trade and mutual investment in 2015 created 2.6 million jobs for the United States.

-- As the two countries try to restructure their economies, the structure of bilateral trade is changing. Over the past decade, U.S. exports to China increased 11 percent annually on average, while China's exports to the U.S. rose 6.6 percent. Bilateral trade in the service sector has surpassed 100 billion dollars, with the U.S. maintaining a surplus with China.

-- Bilateral investment amounted to more than 170 billion dollars at the end of 2016, helping boost the economies of both countries.

-- By the end of 2016, U.S. companies had invested nearly 80 billion U.S. dollars in 67,000 projects in China, accounting for 7.8 percent of China's approved foreign-funded enterprises and 4.5 percent of its actualized foreign investment. Around 90 percent of U.S. companies in China have been profitable, according to a report released October by the U.S.-China Business Council based Washington.

-- As China continues reform and opening up, the investment environment for foreign businesses will be further improved and U.S. companies will have more opportunities in the world's fastest-growing consumer market.

-- Investment by Chinese companies, which recorded fast expansion over the past years, has also helped boost growth and employment in the United States.

-- Chinese investment in the United States outstripped U.S. investment in China for the first time in 2015, and hit a record 45.6 billion dollars in 2016, triple the amount of 2015, according to the Rhodium Group, a New York-based consultancy. With production costs between the two countries narrowing fast, the consultancy estimated that by 2020, Chinese investment in the U.S. could reach 200 billion U.S. dollars.

-- Jack Ma, the founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, said earlier this year that his company would help create U.S. jobs by enabling 1 million small businesses to sell American goods on Alibaba's platform.
A man left paralyzed after being crushed by fellow passengers on a Beijing subway train has been awarded 260,000 yuan ($37,700) in compensation, a court said on Wednesday.

The Changping District People's Court ruled that Beijing Subway, which operates the line, was 20 percent responsible for the accident that left the plaintiff, identified only as Liu, in need of 24-hour care.

Liu attempted to board a subway train on Line 5 at Tiantongyuan North Station at about 7 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2014, when he was crushed in a surge of passengers.

The then-56-year-old fell unconscious on the train, "but the rush hour crowd did not pay any attention to him, let alone help him", according to his lawyer, Liu Yongfei.

"My client was not sent to hospital until the train arrived at Lishuiqiao, three stations later, which is when subway workers spotted him on surveillance cameras," he said. Although similar cases caused by overcrowding at Chinese subway stations are not rare, the attorney said, "the injury suffered by my client can be said to be the most serious and tragic."

The victim, who worked at an advertising company and had previously complained of neck problems, was hospitalized for 765 days after the accident, "and even now he cannot stand up and have a meal by himself", Liu said. "He cannot live by himself."

Considering the seriousness of the injury, the man's family appealed to the court in early 2015, requesting the metro company pay 1.9 million yuan in compensation, including medical fees and loss of income for the man's absence from work, according to Liu.

In February 2015, the court accepted the case. It made the judgment at the end of last year and disclosed the verdict online to receive public supervision on March 30.

In the judgment, the court said the subway company, as the regulator of the system, should take more security measures to protect passengers during rush hour.

"Although the litigant's injuries were not directly caused by the metro operator, the case highlighted a lack of protection and security measures for passengers, and the company did not provide enough evidence to prove it had fulfilled its responsibility at the time," said Huang Ying, the judge in charge of the case.

Therefore, the court decided to ask the company to claim 20 percent of the responsibility in the case and pay compensation to the victim, Huang said.

The court said the 260,000 yuan was to cover three years of medical fees and that the plaintiff can ask for further compensation in line with the law if he needs to in the future, the attorney added.

The litigant and his family were satisfied with the result and said they would not appeal to a higher court, Liu said.
A dormitory building in Taifu Town Middle School [Photo/Shanghai Daily]

Police in Luxian County in southwest China's Sichuan Province are investigating the death of a 14-year-old boy and will conduct autopsy as soon as possible, said a statement by local authorities Wednesday evening following a spate of speculation that he was beaten to death by bullies.

The student surnamed Zhao was found dead outside his dormitory building in Taifu Town Middle School at 6 a.m. on April 1, local police said on that day. One day later it said preliminary investigation has ruled out homicide and the injuries he sustained suggested he fell from high places.

However, Xinhua news agency reported that a video showed the mother of the boy stormed into the funeral parlor, cut the boy's shirt off and found large area of bruises on his back. Meanwhile claims that the boy was beaten up by a gang of bullies were widely circulated online, Xinhua said.

In an interview with Xinhua, school headmaster Chen Liang and local education bureau director Zhu Daqing didn't answer if there was bully in the school, only saying the incident was being probed by police.

"All I can say is we will tighten up management," Chen was quoted by Xinhua.

Although local police said on April 3 the online allegations were not true and several people were caught fabricating rumors such as the boy was beaten up by five others and his arms and legs were broken in the assault, it failed to appease local residents.

The Xinhua report said checkpoints were set up several kilometers away from the county to stop any cars from entering. After the reporter detoured and walked into the town, large crowds of people were found standing in front of the school and hundreds of police officers wearing helmets were separating them apart.

While conducting the interview, the Xinhua reporter claimed he was constantly harassed by phone calls and the family of the student was badgered by local government officials and were afraid from telling the truth.
COLUMBUS  A 57-year-old Columbus mans days behind the wheel are likely over for a while following his conviction Tuesday in Platte County District Court for driving during revocation stemming from a fifth-offense drunken driving case in 2011.

A seven-man, five-woman jury convicted Robert Lewis of two counts of driving during a 15-year revocation after deliberating about 90 minutes following a 1 1/2-day trial.

District Court Judge Robert Steinke scheduled Lewis for sentencing May 16 on the two Class IV felonies, each punishable by up to two years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.

Lewis fifth DUI conviction resulted from an October 2010 offense in Columbus. His license was not eligible for reinstatement until 2025.

According to court documents, Lewis was charged with the driving during revocation offenses following August and December traffic stops in Columbus.

The traffic stops came after the defendant obtained a temporary paper operators license earlier in the year from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Lewis presented the temporary license, which expired in March 2016, to officers during the traffic stops.

Prosecution evidence at the trial revealed Lewis went to the DMV office in Lancaster County in February to apply for a new operators license using a different date of birth and Social Security number from what appeared on his revoked license.

The DMVs facial recognition system made the connection between Lewis two licenses, red-flagging the defendants 2016 application for a permanent license for denial because of his revocation.

He provided misleading information to the DMV (to obtain the temporary license), said Deputy Platte County Attorney Jose Rodriguez.

The state agency never sent Lewis a permanent copy of the fraudulently obtained license, the prosecutor said.
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Tourism firms from the United Arab Emirates and China's Shaanxi province have signed deal Monday to boost bilateral tourism at the second annual UAE-Shaanxi Forum.

Dubai-based tourism firm New Century and China's Qujiang RuoCheng Cultural Tourism Company from China's Xi'an signed the cooperation agreement.

Both sides agreed that promotion of tourism cooperation between Dubai and Xi'an can play important roles in strengthening cultural ties along the New Silk Road in line with China's strategic One Belt and One Road initiative.

Earlier in February, the government-owned Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing said the number of visitors from China to Dubai in 2016 stood at 540,000, up 20 percent from the previous year.

Overall tourist arrivals for the year, at 14.9 million, rose 4.92 percent from that of 2015.

Xi'an, the capital of China's central Shaanxi Province, is the eastern starting point of the Silk Road Economic Belt which together with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road form the Belt and Road masterplan.

Al-Saleh reminded the delegation from Xi'an of Dubai's Emirates Airline expansion in China in May last year by adding Yinchuan and Zhengzhou as the fourth and fifth destination in Mainland China.
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Protestors place candles to mourn for the death of a Chinese national in Paris, France, March 27, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

A French magistrate will lead a deeper investigation into the killing of a Chinese national by police in Paris last month, a local newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Investigative magistrates will look into the death of Liu Shaoyao, a Chinese national at his Paris home on March 26, the report said.

A judicial probe was opened for "voluntary violence which lead to the death without intention to give it, by a person having a public authority," it added.

On March 26, a police officer shot dead the Chinese father of five children at his home in Paris after a neighbor called the police to report a domestic dispute.

According to French media, the policeman opened fire against "an assailant with scissors," who "attacked" and "injured" the officer.

Local Chinese reports, quoting a daughter of the man, said the 160-cm-tall man did not attack the policeman at all.

French Interior Minister Matthias Fekl stressed that "investigations will continue under the authority of the Justice and will establish the facts."

The killing of the Chinese national sparked outrage among the ethnic Chinese community and protests.
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The Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that the deadly gas contamination in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib was caused by the explosion of chemical weapons produced by the rebels.

Media reports said about 70 people were killed with 200 others wounded Tuesday in a toxic gas attack by Syrian warplanes on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun.

Syrian air force delivered a strike on the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun against a large ammunition depot and a cluster of military equipment belonging to terrorists, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

"On the territory of this depot, there were workshops for the production of land mines stuffed with poisonous substances," he said.

Konashenkov said terrorists used chemical weapons from this depot in Iraq and the Syrian city of Aleppo.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Russia and Iran to exercise influence on Syria to prevent further chemical attacks in the war-torn country.

White House Spokesman Sean Spicer said the United States condemns the gas attack against innocent civilians as "heinous actions" by the Syrian government.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that the Syrian army did not possess any kind of chemical weapons.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting later on Wednesday to discuss the suspected chemical attack in Syria.
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China supports the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and related UN entities in carrying out comprehensive, objective and fair investigations into uses of chemicals as weapons in Syria, said a Chinese envoy on Wednesday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council emergency meeting on alleged chemical weapon attack in Syria.

It is reported that at least 70 people were killed, 200 others were wounded Tuesday in a gas attack in a rebel-held area in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib.

Liu said that China is "profoundly shocked" by the suspected use of chemicals as weapons which has resulted in enormous civilian casualties.

He said there have been several cases of use of chemicals as weapons in Syria, and therefore China supports OPCW in conducting the probes into all cases so as to reach conclusions based on substantive evidence that can "stand the test of time and facts."

"China firmly opposes the use of chemicals as weapons by any country, any organization or any person under any circumstances," said Liu. "We strongly condemn any attacks against civilians."

"It is essential to hold to account all the related perpetrators and responsible parties in cases of chemical weapons," he added.

Liu also reiterated that political settlement is the only way out of the Syrian question.

"It is the hope of China that all the parties will create conditions for the political settlement rather than creating trouble or difficulties," he said.

The 15-nation council is working on a draft resolution which asks for an inquiry into the alleged attack.

However, due to disagreements among Security Council members, more time is needed for negotiations on the text before it is put to a vote.
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U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday condemned the "horrific" chemical attack in Syria, saying it cannot be tolerated.

Speaking at a joint news conference in the White House with visiting King Abdullah II of Jordan, Trump blamed Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad for the Tuesday gas attack in northwestern Syria, in which at least 70 civilians were killed and scores of others were wounded.

"Their deaths was an affront to humanity. These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated," Trump said.

"The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack and all other horrific attacks, for that matter," Trump added.

In response to a media question whether the attack crossed a red line, Trump said it "crossed many, many lines," and that his attitude toward al-Assad "has changed very much."

He did not elaborate, but this could signal his change of mind after recent statements by U.S. officials that the Trump administration's priority on Syria is no longer on removing al-Assad from power.

The previous Obama administration insisted that al-Assad should play no role in any solution to the Syrian crisis.

Trump's remarks came after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Russia and Iran to exercise influence on Syria to prevent further chemical attack in the war-torn country.

Tillerson said in a statement late Tuesday that Russia and Iran should "exercise their influence over the Syrian regime and to guarantee that this sort of horrific attack never happens again."

Earlier Tuesday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer condemned the gas attack as "heinous actions" carried by the Syrian government, without providing proof.

But the Syrian army on Tuesday refuted the accusations against it as completely baseless, saying it had not used, nor would use such weapons in the future. It also held "terrorist groups" responsible for using chemical weapons.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry also said that the Syrian army doesn't possess any kind of chemical weapons.

In Moscow, Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that the deadly contamination in Syria was caused by the explosion of chemical weapons produced by the rebels.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the suspected chemical attack in Syria.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said he was deeply disturbed by reports of alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The UN is not currently in a position to independently verify these reports, but it has begun gathering information to confirm the use of chemical weapons, Guterres said in a statement.
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Six Central Asian nationals were detained Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Russia, on suspicion of facilitating terrorist activities and recruiting their compatriots for terrorist groups, Russian authorities said.

"The suspects had been recruiting Central Asian natives for the Nusra Front and the Islamic State since November 2015. They also tried to involve the recruits in other illicit armed groups, including those acting in other states," the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement.

Investigators have seized Islamist extremist literature, items and documents at the suspects' residences, the statement said.

The detention came after 14 people were killed and dozens injured in a bomb attack in the St. Petersburg subway Monday.

The committee said currently there is no evidence that the six detainees have links with the perpetrator of the deadly blast, but it will check all their contacts and connections.
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Spanish police on Wednesday arrested a 19-year-old woman in the town of Terrassa, close to Barcelona, on charges of recruitment and incitement of others to join the Islamic State (DAESH).

Spokesman for the Interior at the Catalan regional assembly said the arrested was born in Morocco, but had spent many years living in Spain.

According to the spokesman, the girl had carried out "intense activity" on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other "more private accounts in order to avoid detection," in which she "incited jihadism" and "violence in public spaces."

And the girl had "been in contact" with other suspected jihadists who had been arrested in the Catalan region in the north-east of Spain, said the spokesman.

He added that the Catalan regional police have carried out "two operations" against presumed jihadist sympathizers in 15 days.
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China on Wednesday warned Japan to not propagate misleading versions of its past aggressions and to be wary of wandering onto the dangerous path of militarism.

"The Japanese side should face up to and reflect on history, and draw serious lessons from history," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a daily briefing.

Hua's comments follow two members of Japan's current cabinet said separately on Tuesday that they support using the controversial prewar Imperial Rescript on Education as a teaching material, despite strong protests from opposition parties and the public.

Moreover, according to new education guidelines, Japanese schools should provide students with martial art lessons such as judo, kendo and jukendo (way of the bayonet).

Hua said that Japan's attempt to resume its wartime approach to education likely leads to questions over its taking the old path of war.

These recent moves, Hua said, had caused alarm among peace-loving people in Japan and in the world at large.

Japanese militarists' war of aggression produced serious disasters to the Chinese people and people of other Asian countries, Hua said, urging Japan to make a clean break from its past aggressions and not to mislead Japanese people with wrong version of history, so as to prevent leading Japan onto the dangerous path of militarism.
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Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun signed a new constitution at a royal ceremony on Thursday.

King Rama X, who ascended the throne last December, signed in approval for the constitution of 2017 and handed it over to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during the ceremony for the promulgation of the new charter, the country's 20th, at Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall adjacent to parliament.

Alongside senior government officials attending the royal ceremony were foreign diplomats attached to Bangkok.

Given the new charter, the country and its people are bound to proceed with national stability, unity and prosperity, according to a statement from the king.
Americas Main Street, the Lincoln Highway, was the first paved coast-to-coast roadway, spanning 3,380 miles connecting New York to San Francisco and many towns in between. It was laid out in 1913, but by 1915 this bold, innovative plan was still years from being fully paved. There were road sections of dirt, sand and even pasture, marked only by posts, poles and hand-written signs. Travel on the highway was a monumental undertaking. But once the idea of traveling across the country became a reality there was no holding Americans back. For five decades, before the development of the interstate system, the Lincoln Highway was Americas very busy main street with Nebraska right in the center.

The designated route of the Lincoln Highway, which ran the length of Nebraska, traveled along the Platte River. In Platte County, the route ran in a zigzag fashion through the southern portion of the county. Communities along the route included Columbus and Duncan.

Platte County residents erected hotels, garages, campgrounds and service and gas stations to accommodate the traveling public. These businesses were instrumental in maintaining the roads condition and were even successful in having a low-lying section of it paved. In the mid-1920s the Lincoln Highway was renamed U.S. Highway 30. In subsequent years it was rerouted to pass over the 1930 erected Columbus viaduct and Loup River bridge to run along the south side of the Union Pacific tracks west from Columbus instead of the old north-side route. By the 1960s, with the construction of Interstate 80, the number of transcontinental travelers on U.S. 30 through Platte County declined significantly.

The 1996 Report of Investigation #224 contains 24 pages of specific information about the Lincoln Highway. What follows are some highlights from those pages:

1. In October 1913 the first Lincoln Highway route through Columbus was proposed:  ... the Lincoln Highway should enter Columbus on the north and south road past the Zinnecker farm east of the Catholic church buildings; follow 15th Street westward past the hospital, school and monastery to ... (23rd Avenue); then south on ... (23rd) to 13th Street and west on 13th to the Meridian road (33rd Avenue) where it will turn south and cross the (Union Pacific tracks and) the Loup River bridge."

2. One month later a somewhat different route was designated for Columbus: 15th Street west to 23rd Avenue, south on 23rd to 13th Street, through the business section of the city on 13th to 27th Avenue, 27th south ... to Seventh Street and thence west on Seventh to the Loup bridge.

3. Controversy within the commercial district of Columbus ensued. 11th Street and 26th Avenue businesses wanted the route to go south from 13th Street on 26th Avenue instead of 27th Avenue.

4. In February 1914 the Columbus City Council voted that the path of the Lincoln Highway be 15th Street west to 23rd Avenue, 23rd south to 13th Street, 13th west to 26th Avenue, 26th south to Seventh Street, Seventh west to 33rd Avenue, and 33rd south over the Loup bridge.

5. In 1915 a Michigan-based company erected red, white and blue signs along the highway from Indiana to California.

6. By the end of 1915, as a result of the increased traffic passing through Columbus, ground was broken for the Lincoln Highway Garage at the northwest corner of 13th Street and 23rd Avenue, the Nielsen Chevrolet business establishment, as most of us remember it.

7. In 1918 new enamel Lincoln Highway signs, displaying the highways insignia and mileage statistics, were placed along the highway from Omaha to California.

8. In 1918 the Columbus Commercial Club purchased an 8-ton road drag, which covered the entire width of the Lincoln Highway.

9. In February 1919 The Columbus Telegram reported that between two and 12 cars passed through the business district (13th Street) on the Lincoln Highway per day.

10. By the summer of 1921 a 1-mile length of the Lincoln Highway was paved just south and west of Columbus.

11. In the next years new metal markers were erected along the highway from Nebraska to California.

12. A 1920 highway guidebook noted that in Duncan, The Lincoln Highway ran in a southwesterly direction along North Boulevard to Sixth Street and then headed straight west.

13. A 1924 road guide noted that motorists in Columbus would cross railroad tracks in three locations ... . The speed limit ... was listed at ten miles per hour. Businesses along the route included garages and gas stations, banks, Union Pacific and Burlington railroads, Western Union and postal telegraph offices, an express company, a daily newspaper and campgrounds. Upon leaving the west side of Columbus, the Lincoln Highway connected with the Meridian Highway (33rd Avenue) and headed south across the Loup River for one quarter mile ... (then) west ... to Duncan and beyond. Although Duncan did not possess a hotel, it was able to offer travelers ... two garages. Duncan with a posted speed limit of eight miles per hour also had a bank, Union Pacific Railroad access, retail stores, express and telephone companies and a newspaper.

14. In 1925 the Lincoln and Meridian highways were designated as federal highways -- 30 and 81. It was decided to close six of the seven railroad crossings between Columbus and Grand Island rerouting the highway to the south side of the Union Pacific tracks.

15. During 1930 the 33rd Avenue viaduct was erected over the Union Pacific railroad tracks in Columbus.

16. In August 1940, there was a daily average of 2,970 vehicles traveling the Lincoln Highway in central Nebraska.

17. In response to the increasing traffic on the Lincoln Highway, Columbus locals undertook an elaborate effort to welcome travelers through its community. The combination of a $3,500 donation from Columbus merchant Theodore Friedhof and labor provided by the WPA led to the erection of two arches in 1940. Travelers on U.S. highways 30 and 81 passed under the Columbus arches at 23rd Avenue and 23rd Street and 33rd Avenue and 13th Street. The arches exhibited the phrase, City of Power and Progress, and directed traffic off the highways through the downtown.

18. In 1996 there were two old 1928 Lincoln Highway markers still located in Duncan. One was located in its original location at the southeast corner of North Boulevard and Main Avenue. The second was in the park at the northeast corner of Main Avenue and Ninth Street. These approximately 2-feet-tall, concrete markers exhibit an impression of the letter L. The marker in the park still displays its bronze circular relief plaque of Abraham Lincoln. Another of these markers is on exhibit at the Platte County Historical Society Museum in Columbus.

19. In 2009 a Nebraska Historical Marker was erected near the Prairie Creek truss bridge on a 1.2-mile section of the original Lincoln Highway in use from 1913 to 1928 near Duncan. To visit the site, go west from Duncan 4 miles and turn right (north) on 340th Avenue, cross the UP tracks and turn left (west) on 115th Street. Continue west for approximately 1 mile to the site.

If you would like to know more about the Lincoln Highway, your public library and the internet will be of great assistance.

References

Freeman, Eric, Leaving a Historical Mark, Columbus Telegram, October 25, 2009.

Platte County Nebraska Historical Buildings Survey, Report of Investigation #224, Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office, NSHS, 1996.

Tour Nebraskas Lincoln Highway Scenic and Historic Byway, tourist brochure.

Reprinted from the March 2011 issue of the Platte County Historical Society newsletter.
 Flash

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said on Thursday that the Syrian airstrike on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun struck a rebel depot containing chemical materials, denying that the air force fired toxic gas during the attack.

In a press conference held to comment on the international accusation to Syria of allegedly firing toxic gas on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province on Tuesday, al-Moallem said the news reports are "lies."

He said it's not logical to use chemical weapons at a time when the Syrian government was optimistic that the international community was becoming closer to realizing the size of conspiracy on Syria.

He questioned how come world powers were so quick to hurl accusation at the Syrian government, just an hour after the attack.

The minister repeated his government's denying line that "the Syrian army forces haven't and will not use chemical weapons," and that the forces are no longer in possession of such weapons.

Al-Moallem said al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and like-minded groups have been storing chemical materials they brought into Syria from Iraq.

Meanwhile, the minister said there were probably several reasons behind the accusation.

The first is to reverse the opinion of U.S. President Donald Trump, who said after the attack that his opinion toward the Syrian government has changed, after previous remarks by the U.S. administration that toppling President Bashar al-Assad was no longer a priority.

The second reason, al-Moallem said, is to exert pressure on Russia, which has failed after Moscow said it will continue to aid the Syrian army in the fight against terrorist groups.

The third reason is to exert pressure on Damascus, which he said has also failed as the Syrian government will not change its approach to fighting terrorism and will work on political solution at the same time.

The minister said a change in the stance that Trump talked of could have been achieved by the attack.

"I realize the seriousness of the American remarks and maybe their aim is to practice pressure on the Russian and Chinese sides toward the UN draft resolution" put forward on Wednesday, he said.

The draft resolution, proposed by United States, France and Britain, called on Syria to provide flight plans, flight logs and other information on its military operations on the day of the assault.

Damascus would be asked to provide the names of all commanders of helicopter squadrons to UN investigators and allow them to meet with generals and other high-ranking officials within five days of their request, the draft resolution said.

According to the draft, Syria would also allow UN and Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) teams to visit air bases from which the attacks involving chemical weapons may have been launched.

It also threatened to impose sanctions under chapter seven of the UN charter. Russia rejected the draft resolution.

About the possibility of forming an international probing mission to investigate the attack, the minister said the mission should be organized and not politicized and "then there will be nothing wrong with that."

He added that his government is fully coordinating with the Russian side.

In October 2013, OPCW officials arrived in Syria to monitor the dismantlement of the Syrian chemical weapons arsenal, after Damascus officially joined the organization.

The OPCW later said the Syrian government has made its chemical weapon production facilities inoperable.

The dismantlement came after a U.S.-Russian understanding, the first of its kind between the two powers on the Syrian conflict.

Since then, reports of poisonous gas attacks have kept emerging once in a while.
By Maggie, China Aviation Daily | Apr. 06, 2017

From March 14 - 15, 2017, China and New Zealand's civil aviation delegation held new bilateral talks in Beijing, and have achieved agreements on extending traffic rights arrangement. In recent years, Sino-New Zealand air transport market kept medium- to high- speed growth. In 2016, passenger traffic on Sino-New Zealand flights totaled 0.6 million, up 37% year on year. It is predicted that it would keep rapid growth in the future 2-3 years.

From September 2015, Chinese airlines have launched 5 routes to New Zealand. The weekly flights between China and New Zealand amounted to 36 flights. It is reported that Sichuan Airlines plans to launch Chengdu - Auckland route on June 13, 2017.

Passengers take nonstop flights from China to New Zealand has been growing, where Shanghai, Guanghzhou and Beijing are major outbound cities. Due to the fact that a significant amount of Chinese travellers choose Australia and New Zealand as destinations at the same time, some passengers in China-New Zealand nonstop flights market would be diverted to China-Australia routes. Considering that nonstop routes between China and Australia are growing continuously, in a foreseeable future, Sino-New Zealand routes with a relevant slow growth in demand are still facing challenges.
An aerial view of Xiongxian county, part of the planned Xiongan New Area, in Hebei province. Photo was taken on April 4, 2017. ZHOU GUOQIANG / FOR CHINA DAILY

SOE set to bring expertise in fund business and capital operations to key projects

The planned Xiongan New Area received another boost when the country's largest State-owned investment holding company by volume said it would help accelerate its construction.

State Development & Investment Corp said on Tuesday that it will tap its expertise in the fund business and capital management to help the brand new economic engine get dimensions of reality sooner than later.

SDIC already counts the infrastructure-related business among its main investments.

Now, it has vowed to actively guide social capital and provide financial support for key projects in the new area, including urban engineering pipelines.

The new area has already received encouraging responses from property and stock markets earlier this week.

The Xiongan New Area in northern Hebei province will include Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin counties and their surrounding areas. It is part of the government's ambitious plan to develop the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Gao Ting, head of China strategy at UBS Securities Co, said the planned investment in the new area will likely give impetus to overall economic development.

He added if Xiongan becomes the third, or even the second, most important growth pole in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, its GDP may reach 2 trillion yuan ($290.2 billion) within two decades, going by the experience in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in Guangdong province and the Pudong New Area in Shanghai.

"Investment in high-grade infrastructure is set to accelerate coming off a very low base, including buildings, rail transit, public utilities, healthcare and education," he said.

"We estimate Xiongan's total fixed-asset investment could reach 4 trillion yuan over the next 20 years, suggesting substantial demand for cement, steel, rail and transportation."

Wang Huisheng, chairman of SDIC, said the company would utilize its expertise in investment orientation, structural adjustment and asset management to help develop the Xiongan New Area.

According to Wang, the Xiongan New Area will help shift low-priority activity unworthy of the national capital away from Beijing. But such functions, when integrated into the development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, will likely result in an overall better economic structure, cleaner environment and improved public services and, hence, are "crucial for the millennium to come".

He Lifeng, minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, said that the government will continue providing policy, planning and financial support for key projects in the region.

"We'll also give support to major transportation, ecology, water conservation, energy and public service projects in the new area," he said.

Li Xiang contributed to this story.
Visitors pose for a photograph next to a model of a bullet train while attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the Jakarta-Bandung railway line in Walini, West Java province, Indonesia. REUTERS

China's first high-speed railway project in Indonesia will push Southeast Asian countries to adopt Chinese standards in building the best quality rail networks, according to Zhou Zhiliang, chairman of China Railway Signal and Communication Co, on Wednesday.

He said because most Southeast Asian nations have only just begun to build new railway lines or bought new trains, they are keen to acquire technical support from China to help with maintenance, training and other services.

His comments came after the Indonesia-China joint venture company PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, on Tuesday signed an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) project with High-Speed Railway Contract Consortiumthe project's business operator and infrastructure provider. EPC projects are a common form of contractual arrangement in the construction industry.

This is the first time China has allowed a State-owned company to fully immerse itself in an overseas project, in terms of design and construction, according to a statement released by the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner, on Wednesday.

KCIC and HRSCC completed preparations, including planning approval, project construction permit, franchise agreement, survey and design last year.

Zhou said: "Plans by Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to build high-speed rail links will further fuel hope that Southeast Asia could one day have a similar European-style railway system."

Based on distance and technical content, Zhou said the project is expected to generate more than 40,000 jobs a year during construction.

The Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Xie Feng said the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project once again proved that China and Indonesia complement each other with mutual benefits.

The project is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, linking Jakarta and Bandung. Its first phase will cover 142 kilometers, with the highest speed reaching 350 kilometers an hour.

The railway, which is expected to be finished in 2019, will shorten the traveling time from more than three hours to 40 minutes.

Xiao Songxin, the project director of the HRSCC, said that they will ensure the project will be completed as scheduled, and that it will be a landmark project.

China was selected by the Indonesian government to build the country's first bullet rail link last year. It will start constructing a $5.5 billion high-speed railway line from Jakarta to Bandung.

The project is financed through a Chinese loan provided by the China Development Bank, which provides roughly 75 percent of the funding with the rest arranged by the joint venture.
A researcher uses a pipette to develop method to detect specific gene of corn at a lab in Syngenta Biotech Center in Beijing. [Photo/Agencies]

Brussels/Washington  China National Chemical Corp won the European Union's antitrust approval for its $43 billion takeover of Swiss pesticide maker Syngenta AG, a day after the US gave its blessing, bringing China's largest foreign acquisition closer to the finish line.

ChemChina's offer to divest some pesticides and other agricultural products will remove "problematic overlaps" and allow EU regulators to clear the deal, the European Commission said in an emailed statement.

The US required the companies to divest three types of pesticides as a condition for completing the deal. The companies expect to close the deal by the end of June. The transaction still needs approval from Chinese antitrust authorities.

The takeover, announced a year ago, is one of a trio of megadeals that would reshape the global agrochemicals industry.

Dow Chemical Co's bid to merge with DuPont Co cleared its biggest hurdle last week when it won EU approval with hefty concessions. Bayer AG still needs approval for its purchase of Monsanto Co. The combined transactions would whittle down six industry players to three behemoths: one American, one German and one Chinese.

If the deal is completed, ChemChina Chairman Ren Jianxin would become the head of a chemicals giant that sells products as varied as rubber tires, pesticides and genetically modified crop seeds.

"Syngenta will stay Syngenta" and will keep its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, the company's chief executive officer, Erik Fyrwald, said last month. He said that he expected to keep his job and that he had been told that ChemChina management wouldn't be coming over to Syngenta.

"We're not integrating with ChemChina," Fyrwald said.

"There'll be ChemChina members coming onto our board. The chairman will be Chairman Ren from ChemChina. But we fully expect to operate as we do today."

ChemChina's offer for Syngenta was China's biggest overseas deal announced last year, when Chinese companies disclosed an unprecedented $248 billion of acquisitions outside its borders, according to compiled data.

The ChemChina-Syngenta deal was cleared by a US national security panel last August, removing what had been seen as the biggest hurdle to the deal.

The FTC has jurisdiction over the takeover because Syngenta sells its products in the US. The company got more than a quarter of its revenue in 2015 from seeds and crop protection in North America. The company also has several research and production facilities in the US.

Bloomberg
The Columbus Payless ShoeSource store will remain open, despite the company's bankruptcy filing.

The Topeka, Kansas-based retailer on Wednesday released a list of the nearly 400 stores it plans to close as part of a reorganization plan it laid out in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

The only Nebraska Payless stores on the list of locations slated to close are one in Omaha and one in Bellevue.

Payless, which has over 4,400 stores in more than 30 countries and was founded in 1956, is the latest retailer to succumb to increasing competition from online rivals such as Amazon.

Payless plans to reduce its debt by almost 50 percent, lower how much it pays in interest and line up funds. The company says some of its lenders have agreed make available up to $385 million to keep the stores running.

"This is a difficult, but necessary, decision driven by the continued challenges of the retail environment, which will only intensify," said said Payless CEO Paul Jones in a statement.

Shoppers are increasingly shifting their buying online or going to discount stores like T.J. Maxx to grab deals on designer brands. That shift has hurt traditional retailers, even low-price outlets like Payless.

In fact, Moody's Investor Service said earlier this year that the number of "distressed" retailers those with cash problems and lots of debt that are facing strong competition  is at the highest rate since 2009. It named Payless as one of the retailers.

Several retailers have closed stores or gone out of business in 2017. The Limited closed all 250 of its remaining stores early this year. It had operated nearly 400 stores at the end of 2000. Teen retailer Wet Seal in January said it would close its 171 stores.
By ZHANG YU in Shijiazhuang and ZHANG MIN in Tianjin | China Daily | Updated: 2017-04-06 07:30

An A330 aircraft lands at Tianjin Binhai International Airport, May 5, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

Beijing will serve international flights, Hebei low-cost airlines and Tianjin freight operations

Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, in the capital's neighboring Hebei province, has seen a 50 percent year-on-year increase of passengers from Beijing during the three-day Qingming holiday.

"About 1,500 passengers from Beijing took off from Hebei this holiday," said Cheng Shanshan, an airport spokesperson.

Some domestic airlines, especially those serving Beijing Capital International Airport's 28 percent of airlines to and from second- and third-tier cities, will be transferred to the airport and neighboring Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Feng Zhenglin, head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, said earlier.

The two airports will form a world-class cluster which is being established in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to promote integrated development, according to a guideline for the coordinated development of civil aviation in the region released at the end of last year.

According to the guideline, the airport in Tianjin will develop into an international center for freight, while the airport in Hebei will mainly serve popular low-cost airlines.

Beijing will mainly serve international airlines when the capital's second-largest airport is completed in 2019, said China's top civil aviation official.

"Beijing will be built into an international aviation hub while its current domestic flights will be transferred to two neighboring areasTianjin municipality and Hebei province," Feng said.

Airports in the cluster will be connected by intercity high-speed railways and urban rail, Feng said.

According to Feng, Beijing's two existing airports have reached their capacity ceiling.

"During peak hours, Beijing Capital International Airport has to handle a plane taking off or landing every 49 seconds on average," Feng said.

The capital has started building a new civilian airportDaxing International Airportin an area overlapping the Daxing district in Beijing and Langfang in Hebei.

When completed in 2019, the airport will mainly serve international airlines, together with the capital's existing airports.

Feng cited one example to highlight the region's future airspace integration and comprehensive transportation connectivity.

"Passengers landing in Tianjin can consider they have landed in Beijing, because in the future a high-speed train will connect Beijing Capital International Airport and Tianjin Binhai International Airport," Feng said.
An investment consortium led by sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corp has acquired a majority stake in a natural gas pipeline unit from Brazil's state oil company Petrobras SA.

CIC said on Wednesday it hadjointly with Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc and other institutional investorsacquired 90 percent stake in Nova Transportadora do Sudeste SA from Petrobras, which controls a natural gas transmission asset in southeast Brazil.

The statement did not reveal the value of the transaction.

Reuters reported in September that Petrobras agreed to sell 90 percent of its natural gas pipeline unit to a group of investors for $5.2 billion.

Analysts said that the deal showed the desire of the sovereign wealth fund to diversify its investment portfolios by acquiring overseas resources and infrastructure assets.

"The deal has a very positive implication in terms of diversifying and safeguarding energy sources through overseas equity investments," said Wu Libo, deputy director at the Center for Energy Economics and Strategy Studies of Fudan University in Shanghai.

Wu, however, cautioned about potential risks for the investment, such as uncertainties over future price trends of natural gas, local government restrictions on energy trading as well as local environmental standards and policies on natural gas extraction.

CIC, with total asset exceeding $810 billion at the end of 2015, reported a loss on its overseas investments that year, with net investment returns falling to a negative 2.96 percent from a positive 5.47 percent in 2014.

Li Li, energy research director at ICIS China, a consulting company that provides analysis of China's energy market, said the Brazilian gas deal underscored the continued trend of the sovereign wealth fund seeking alternative investment opportunities.

"In the past, the main buyers were the Chinese energy companies that tried to acquire overseas assets in the upstream or downstream industries," Li said.

"But now we are seeing more and more Chinese investment companies buying such assets to seek reasonable returns."
Containers at the Yingkou port in Yingkou city, Northeast China's Liaoning province. [Photo/VCG]

About eight hours after the opening ceremony of the Liaoning FTZ, a cargo train with 41 containers pulled out of Yingkou port en route to the Russian capital Moscow, more than 6,000 kilometers away.

This YingkouEurope Train, launched by the Yingkou Port Group Corp in 2013 has helped shorten the transport time by half compared to traditional marine transport, with logistics' costs dropping by some $1,000 per container, according to the company.

"The opening of this international logistics channel helps the flow of goods in Northeast Asia and facilitates the establishment of a Liaoning-centered integrated logistics system in the region," said Zhao Mingyang, deputy general manager of Yingkou Port.

He told China Daily the port has been operating 11 Europe-China trains that link seven cities in four countries since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched in 2013. It shipped a total of 33,000 twenty-foot equivalent units last year, a year-on-year increase of 30.8 percent.

Dong Yongan, director of Yingkou FTZ said: "As an important eastern hub of the Belt and Road Initiative, Yingkou will use the advantage of the FTZ and port resources to build the international sea-rail combined transport channel to further the construction of a Northeast Asia regional logistics center."

Yingkou Port Group Corp signed an agreement with Russian Railways to jointly develop an international logistics center in Moscow last November.

The cooperation will boost China's efforts to reinvigorate its northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Heilongjiang and Jilin, as well as serve Russia's strategy to develop its Far East, according to Li Hezhong, president of the Yingkou Port Group Corp.

According to a person close to the Liaoning provincial government, thanks to the special location of the port, Yingkou was classified as a free trade area of Liaoning FTZ besides Shenyang and Dalian.

Yingkou port, the only one on the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, constituting the Belt and Road Initiative, is nearest to the inland of Northeast China, Mongolia and Russia.

Besides, it also links Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway.

Dong disclosed that one of the main tasks of the Yingkou FTZ is to fully integrate the China-Russian economic corridor and consolidate cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Liu Qingni contributed to this story.
BEIJING - China's foreign exchange market is now relatively stable, with cross-border capital movement gradually becoming balanced, the head of the country's forex regulator said Wednesday.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives from foreign investors, Pan Gongsheng, head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, struck a confident tone that China's cross-border payments will be "steady" in the future.

He said China's foreign exchange management will basically focus on reform and opening-up to facilitate cross-border trade and investment, and at the same time prevent risks from cross-border capital flows.

Stressing these as two "basic points," Pan said China's foreign exchange management aims to better serve enterprises and the real economy and maintain a healthy, steady and good market order.

A steady and benign market is in line with the common interests of both the regulator and market entities, and requires joint efforts from all parties involved, he said.
BEIJING - China's State Council on Wednesday mapped out key tasks for economic system reform this year, stressing continued reform efforts to boost development and prepare for the tough job of ensuring employment.

The country should continue to boost reform in key sectors with supply-side structural reform as the main theme, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting, which was chaired by Premier Li Keqiang.

All departments should lose no time in detailing key reform plans in accordance with the tasks put forward at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and make concrete steps in reform tasks such as capacity reduction, it said.

Work should be done to improve government services, strengthen mechanisms to facilitate innovation-driven development and promote reforms in areas such as opening-up, environmental protection, education and health-care.

The employment situation for China this year is "grim," and the government should make employment a priority and implement more proactive policies, the statement said.

When formulating major economic policies, authorities should comprehensively evaluate their potential influence on employment, it said, calling for more efforts to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship.

The State Council urged support for those with difficulties in finding work, especially college graduates and workers who lost jobs in production capacity cuts, encouraging local governments to offer them subsidies and assistance.

Authorities should also enhance vocational training and employment services and support entrepreneurship and innovation by graduates who have returned from abroad, it added.

The government has set a higher employment target of 11 million new urban jobs this year, one million more than last year's target.
Aerial photo taken on April 1, 2017 shows Anxin county, North China's Hebei province.[Photo/Xinhua]

China will explore a new path to reform the property market in the newly established Xiongan New Area in Hebei province, financial news portal stcn.com reported Thursday, citing Wu Hequan, deputy head of the expert advisory committee on the collaborative development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei under the State Council.

The reform process will include containing property prices without hurting the real estate industry, making sure those in need of an apartment could afford one and making the new area suitable for startup founders.

Wu said there are many ways to develop the real estate industry in addition to the traditional model, citing the model of Singapore as an example.

He said the government in Singapore directly manages many lands and builds public or low-rent housing for those in need.

Meanwhile, Zhao Kezhi, Party chief of Hebei province, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday that Xiongan will be the hub for innovation and a cluster for high-end high-tech industries, not an area purely for developing real estate industry, let alone a 'gold mine' for property speculators.

According to the preparatory committee for Xiongan New Area, a transitional group founded on Saturday, 765 cases of real estate violations have been discovered, resulting in arrest of seven people and shutdown of 71 sales offices.

Homebuyers flooded into the quiet, less developed area in Hebei province over a couple of days after the central government announced on Saturday its decision to choose three countiesXiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxinas the location of the new area.

Wu Hequan said he hoped that initially Xiongan could accommodate non-capital functions of Beijing and that in the long run it could be a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.

He added that the idea behind the establishment of Xiongan is to solve Beijing's big city problems such as traffic jam and air pollution by phasing out its non-capital functions but that's not to say the country will relocate headquarters of all central State-owned enterprises from Beijing to Xiongan.

He added that the country will not "expel" all traditional industries in the area either, but will evaluate the area multi-dimensionally and retain and upgrade those industries good for local development.
BEIJING - Germaine Colette Menyeng does not have to worry anymore.

With the arrival of solar-powered lights, the 51-year-old headmaster of a primary school in Ngang village, western Cameroon, no longer needs to grade her students' homework in dusky oil lamps, which had seriously harmed her eyesight.

Rural areas like Ngang in the western African nation used to be without electricity because of the high cost of connecting to the national power grid. A solar panel plant, sponsored by Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, has not only ended the dark days there, but also brought fundamental changes to the day-to-day life of the local population.

Public goods provider

Huawei's efforts to boost sustainable development in Africa finds its roots in China's Belt and Road Initiative, which pursues global cooperation by building or improving infrastructure to raise living standards in the countries along its routes.

A new report released by the Asian Development Bank in late February shows that Asia alone needs some $26 trillion between 2016 and 2030 to meet its infrastructure needs, not to mention the huge funding gap for the rest of the world.

Coupled with the establishment of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to make up for the financing, China's modern-day land and maritime Silk Road initiative, first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, has now become one of China's most important public goods offered to the world, and a key vehicle for Beijing to improve global governance.

So far, China has invested more than $50 billion into the program. It has won support from over 100 countries and international bodies, and more than 40 of them have signed cooperation agreements with China.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently told the China Development Forum in Beijing that unbalanced development is the root cause of many of the world's major problems, adding that Beijing proposes that all nations should pursue their interests through common development.

Pieter P Bottelier, a China scholar at Johns Hopkins University, said the initiative illustrates China's vision of collaborating with countries not only in its neighborhood, but in Europe, Latin America and Africa as a way that bolsters the global economy and meets China's long-term interests.

Guardian of peace

For Bai Shuo, a young Chinese sailor, her job to steer the giant navy ship Honghu, a new 23,000-ton offshore supply ship, in an expansive and rough sea is challenging. Yet she knows that her mission represents China's steadfast commitment to helping shape a more peaceful world.

The 24-year-old helmswoman, along with her other more than 700 comrade-in-arms, belongs to the 25th convoy fleet of the Chinese navy. They have been carrying out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden to protect passing ships against pirate attacks and maintain the freedom of navigation along the waterway, which passes nearly 30 percent of the world's crude oil and 12 percent of global maritime trade.

China initiated such missions in 2008, and has escorted about 6,300 ships through this vital sea route. Because of China's joint efforts with some 20 international partners, the passage of goods through the Gulf of Aden is more secure.

Meanwhile, China is an important peacekeeping force within the UN. China began to participate in the UN peacekeeping missions in 1990. It is now the largest contributor to the peacekeeping force, deploying more than 2,600 of the total 88,000 "blue berets" in 10 peacekeeping missions in countries like South Sudan, Lebanon and Liberia.

China also uses multilateral platforms such as the Xiangshan Forum and the Shangri-La Dialogue to discuss security and defense cooperation with Asia-Pacific members and others.

In his January speech at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, Xi said China remains committed to upholding world peace.

"We Chinese firmly believe that peace and stability is the only way to development and prosperity," he said, adding that "China will never waver in its pursuit of peaceful development."

A pioneering reformer

To have a better global governance system, reforming current institutions is a must.

The current global governing bodies, including the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), were largely formed in the post-war period.

For many years, China has called for necessary changes to these bodies, especially regarding the quota reforms within the World Bank and the IMF, to better reflect the growing needs of the developing world. It also insists that the AIIB and the New Development Bank are set up as a supplement, not replacement, for global financial institutions.

Beijing has also sought to tackle many of world's most pressing challenges like supporting free trade and globalization, combating climate change, reducing poverty and boosting common development by offering its proposals and solutions via such important international gatherings as the APEC meetings and the G20 summits.

The notion of building a community of a shared future for all humankind, which was first put forward in late 2012, epitomizes the direction in which the Chinese government believes global governance should head in the future.

This March, the UN Security Council for the first time incorporated this concept into its resolution on promoting security and stability in Afghanistan and the region, showing that the proposal has won growing recognition worldwide.

Kerry Brown, a professor of China studies at King's College in London, said China is now "exposed in ways it was not before and it has a prominence it did not have ... it is going to have to take a pretty big leadership position."

But Joseph Nye, a Harvard professor and prominent US foreign policy expert, warned in a recently published article that the world needs to acknowledge what he calls "the Kindleberger Trap," by which he worries that China could fail to provide global public goods while the global system could sink into "depression, genocide, and world war."

In fact, what Beijing has done over the years has proved Nye's worry largely unfounded.

Looking back, China's stunning economic and social development over the past four decades has benefited greatly from an open and increasingly interdependent global system. It is in the vital interests of China and the world to jointly patch up the gap in global governance.

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic told Xinhua recently that China "does not use hard power, does not use weapons, but uses projects, and positively helps others to live better through economic integration."

"China has moved all countries in the world to forge ahead. This is a chance for the humankind to have a much better future," he said.
Ulrike Therhaag, vice president and global business field manager of TUV Rheinland's solar operations. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China's photovoltaic solar power capacity more than doubled in 2016, but solar companies need to focus on quality if this growth is to be sustainable, according to German testing and technical services provider TUV Rheinland.

A surge of new installations raised China's PV-solar capacity to 77 GW by the end of 2016, with Chinese solar businesses contributing 24 GW of power to the country's electricity grid over the course of that year, according to data from the National Energy Administration.

Despite this rapid growth, clouds continue to hang over the industry. The Chinese government lowered its target for installed solar capacity by the end of 2020 to 110 GW from 150 GW in November, a 27 percent reduction, as worries of oversupply in the domestic market began to resurface.

Chinese solar equipment exports fell 10 percent last year, the first drop since 2013, with the industry continuing to be hampered by anti-dumping duties in several key markets, including the US, EU, India, Australia and Canada, according to Chinese business magazine Caixin.

According to Ulrike Therhaag, vice president and global business field manager of TUV Rheinland's solar operations, these setbacks only represent the latest in a series of challenges the industry has had to overcome in recent years, and the overall outlook for China's PV-solar industry remains promising.

"Despite considerable ups and downs in the industry over the past decade or longer, solar energy continues to have a bright future, primarily because of its importance as a source of clean energy," said Therhaag.

But many analysts are concerned that companies' focus on cost-cutting rather than quality could undermine the long-term future of the industry.

Shi Dinghuan, president of the China Renewable Society. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Quality problems will not only have an impact on companies' operational efficiency but also have an impact on the whole industry," said Shi Dinghuan, president of the China Renewable Society. "Quality is the key to supporting the industry's development."

Therhaag believes that there is also increasing consensus within the industry that things need to change.

"Many enterprises that have endured these turbulent times have realized that their sustainable growthand indeed that of the industry as a wholedepends on products with superb quality, in addition to technological innovation on their part," she said.

Helping solar companies see the light

TUV Rheinland hopes to play a key role in helping the industry manage this transition. Founded in 1872, the Cologne-headquartered company has been working with companies in the PV-solar industry since the 1990s and has been active in the Chinese market for more than five years.

Now, the company is using this huge experience to create integrated solutions for Chinese solar power companies to help them improve every aspect of their business.

"We see the need in the industry for integrated solutions along the whole value chain, from planning, development, construction to the final operation of power plants. TUV Rheinland is the only TUV [technical inspection association] that has been active in photovoltaics for more than 30 years. This gives us a wealth of experience from which the industry can benefit," said Therhaag.

The company is also helping its Chinese clients expand into new markets, not only by working with them to meet its safety and technical standards, but also through the support of its extensive applied R&D team, which employs PhDs across the globe.

The company's annual solar congress has also become an important platform for PV industry pioneers to exchange ideas on quality and technologies. [Photo provided chinadaily.com.cn]

To support this effort, TUV Rheinland has invested heavily in building up its testing and service systems in China, and has even established its own fully-owned solar testing labs in the country to provide accurate and impartial reports.

"Compared to our competitors that also come from outside of China, we are the only one with fully-owned labs in China. This is in our opinion to the benefit of the PV-industry," said Therhaag.

The company believes helping Chinese companies comply with its PV industry standards will not only help these manufacturers win contracts overseas, but will also support the development of the industry more widely by helping to reduce risk for the different stakeholders in solar power projects, from investors and banks to engineering, procurement and construction contractors.

"There are so many interests involved and there are so many risks need to be mitigated. To make sure that everyone gets what he is signing up for, a third party needs to overlook such projects," said Therhaag. "This is our way to provide also a significant support to a sustainable development of the PV industry and especially the local PV installation in China, avoiding the problems that we have seen in other countries with rapid growth in PV installation."

The company's annual solar congress, which it first launched in 2015, has also become an important platform for PV industry pioneers to exchange ideas on quality and technologies.

The company's annual solar congress has also become an important platform for PV industry pioneers to exchange ideas on quality and technologies. [Photo provided chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2017 event, held on March 13-14 in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, attracted more than 200 leading businesses, including PV system developers and solution providers GCL New Energy Holdings and Trinasolar.

These efforts have already paid off handsomely for TUV Rheinland. In 2016, the company's China unit contributed 50 percent of its global solar business's total sales revenue, according to Therhaag.

Looking forward, TUV Rheinland will continue to support China's PV industry development.

"We hope that with TUV Rheinland's credibility in the global photovoltaic industry, and its vast experience and professional knowledge garnered over more than 30 years, we will be able to help the Chinese PV industry in its thrive for a sustainable development during this new phase, thereby benefiting the industry as a whole," said Therhaag.
BEIJING - Xiongan New Area, a new economic zone near Beijing, will play an important role in boosting the economy in the region around the capital, an official told Xinhua.

Xiongan New Area in Hebei province will not only help with the ongoing drive to transfer "non-capital" functions out of Beijing, but also improve the business environment in Hebei and attract more talent and investment, said Zhang Junkuo, deputy director with the Development Research Center of the State Council.

After the educational, scientific and technological resources currently concentrated in Beijing flow into the region, the investment environment in Hebei will improve substantially, said Zhang, who is also a member of the expert committee advising the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (Jing-Jin-Ji).

High standard must be present across the whole Xiongan New Area project, and more support policies are needed to better integrate the capital with its surrounding areas.

China announced plans to create Xiongan New Area on Saturday, which authorities described as a "major historic and strategic choice" that would be "crucial for the millennium to come."

The new area, some 100 kilometers southwest of downtown Beijing, is designed to advance coordinated development in the Jing-Jin-Ji region and cure "urban ills" such as traffic congestion and air pollution in the capital.

The three counties that the new area covers reported a combined GDP of about 20 billion yuan ($2.94 billion) last year, less than 1 percent of Beijing's economic output.

The new area will create a favorable environment for innovation and attract innovative talent and teams to benefit the industrial upgrade in Hebei Province and its innovative development, said Zhang.

Meanwhile, the new area will also promote the ecological protection of the surrounding area and improve people's well-being, Zhang said.
BEIJING - For global stability, prosperity and governance, nothing may matter more than how the world's two largest economies handle their relationship.

The upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump is expected to set the direction for the development of bilateral ties.

As ballast in the China-US relationship, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has generated huge benefits for people of both sides.

Here are some facts and figures about China-US economic and trade ties:

-- As the world's largest and second largest economies, China and the United States have substantial stakes in nearly all of each other's important economic areas.

-- China has become the largest trade partner of the United States, while the latter is China's second largest. Bilateral trade surged nearly 207-fold to $519.6 billion in 2016, from the level in 1979 when the countries established diplomatic ties.

-- Such robust growth is due to the complementary nature of the two countries' economic situations and trade structures. Growth of this kind is unimaginable without the presence of mutual benefits.

-- China is the destination for 26 percent of US exported Boeing aircraft, 56 percent of its soy beans, 16 percent of its automobiles, and 15 percent of its farm products and integrated circuits.

-- China's trade surplus does not necessarily mean China benefits while the United States loses. About 40 percent of the trade surplus is actually generated by US companies in China. Trade with China helps each American family save $850 every year. Bilateral trade and mutual investment in 2015 created 2.6 million jobs for the United States.

-- As the two countries try to restructure their economies, the structure of bilateral trade is changing. Over the past decade, US exports to China increased 11 percent annually on average, while China's exports to the US rose 6.6 percent. Bilateral trade in the service sector has surpassed $100 billion, with the US maintaining a surplus with China.

-- Bilateral investment amounted to more than 170 billion dollars at the end of 2016, helping boost the economies of both countries.

-- By the end of 2016, US companies had invested nearly $80 billion in 67,000 projects in China, accounting for 7.8 percent of China's approved foreign-funded enterprises and 4.5 percent of its actualized foreign investment. Around 90 percent of US companies in China have been profitable, according to a report released October by the US-China Business Council based Washington.

-- As China continues reform and opening up, the investment environment for foreign businesses will be further improved and US companies will have more opportunities in the world's fastest-growing consumer market.

-- Investment by Chinese companies, which recorded fast expansion over the past years, has also helped boost growth and employment in the United States.

-- Chinese investment in the United States outstripped US investment in China for the first time in 2015, and hit a record $45.6 billion in 2016, triple the amount of 2015, according to the Rhodium Group, a New York-based consultancy. With production costs between the two countries narrowing fast, the consultancy estimated that by 2020, Chinese investment in the US could reach $200 billion.

-- Jack Ma, the founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, said earlier this year that his company would help create US jobs by enabling 1 million small businesses to sell American goods on Alibaba's platform.
LINCOLN  A significant package of proposed income and property tax cuts advanced to the full Legislature on Wednesday.

Revenue Committee Chairman Jim Smith of Papillion said lawmakers could begin debate on the proposal  which includes cuts to the state's individual and corporate income tax rates and would change the way counties value agricultural land  as soon as April 17.

The measure, an amended version of LB461 that includes components of several other bills, advanced from committee on a 6-2 vote.

"And now the fun begins," Smith said immediately following the vote.

Opponents will almost certainly mount a filibuster.

Omaha Sen. Burke Harr, a committee member who voted against the package, said it would hurt Nebraska by forcing cuts to state programs, including those such as health care and housing which contribute to economic growth.

"This is not tax reform, this is a tax cut," Harr said.

Smith said the changes would reduce the tax bills for families and small businesses, and that additional tweaks the committee made Wednesday will help ensure no one's taxes are increased as a result of the proposal.

"I am satisfied with what we have," Smith said.

Gov. Pete Ricketts praised the committee's vote in an emailed statement.

This is great news for growing Nebraska. Thank you to Chairman Jim Smith and the Revenue Committee for their meticulous work on this plan, which includes ag property tax and income tax reforms. These reforms will bring much-needed tax relief for hardworking Nebraska families, small businesses and entrepreneurs," he said.

Committee members advanced the package without any breakdown of who will benefit most from the phased-in cuts, which are the most significant piece of the proposal.

All told, it is expected to cost the state up to $458 million as soon as 10 years from now, but there is no clear answer as to which taxpayers will see the biggest savings as a result.

Smith told reporters he will seek those details from the state Revenue Department.
The Tesla logo is pictured on Feb 5, 2014 in its first Chinese mainland show room in Beijing. [Hao Yan / chinadaily.com.cn]

TIANJIN - Tesla Motors China said Wednesday that Tesla delivered 25,000 electric cars globally in the first quarter, a quarterly record.

From January to March, Tesla produced 25,418 new cars, another quarterly record, the company said.

Of the cars delivered, 13,450 were Model S electric sedans and the remainder were model X utility vehicles. The two models are the two main existing models of the company.

The quarterly delivery marks a 69 percent increase over the same period last year, the company said.

The California-based car-maker plans to mass-produce Model 3, an affordable, entry-level model in September, the company said.

In March, Jon Mcneil, Tesla's head of global sales, said in Beijing that the company's Chinese market will continue to expand.

In 2016, Tesla took in $1 billion from the Chinese market, about 15 percent of its global revenue. China's internet company Tencent bought a 5 percent stake in Tesla for $1.8 billion.

Mcneil said Tesla will continue to increase investment into Chinese market, boost sales, service and build more charging stations.
A BYD Co electric bus is on display at the transport authority in Los Angeles. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Co Ltd unveiled its first European electric bus factory in the northern Hungarian city of Komarom on Tuesday.

Production at the 20 million euro ($21 million) facility is set to begin within days, according to BYD.

The plant will employ 32 people, but BYD plans to expand that to 300.

Isbrand Ho, managing director of BYD Europe, said the company was looking to buy more land to expand the production base and eventually increase the number of employees to 600, mostly Hungarians.

The factory will produce 200 buses per year at first, with plans to increase output to 400.

Duan Jielong, Chinese ambassador to Hungary, said: "I hope the BYD project will achieve mutual benefits, including common development and a move toward bilateral cooperation in the automotive industry."

Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's minister of foreign affairs and trade, said: "We are very pleased that BYD has brought innovation and international competitiveness to our auto sector."

BYD has evolved in recent years to become an industry leader in electric-powered public transportation.
A worker walks past Haval SUV models parked outside the Great Wall Motors assembly plant in Baoding in North China's Hebei province. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

Great Wall Motor is looking at two states in the Trump-hit country

MEXICO CITY/BEIJING  Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor Co Ltd is considering building an auto plant in two Mexican states hit by US President Donald Trump's drive to make US companies invest at home, sources said.

Great Wall Motor, which describes itself as China's biggest SUV and pickup manufacturer, is interested in building a plant in Nuevo Leon in northern Mexico or the central state of San Luis Potosi, three people familiar with the matter said.

Under pressure from Trump to keep jobs in the United States, Ford Motor Co in January canceled a $1.6 billion plant in San Luis Potosi, while heating and air conditioning firm Carrier in December scaled back plans to move production to Nuevo Leon.

Great Wall Motor officials met with Mexico's top railroad firms, Ferrocarril Mexicano, part of Grupo Mexico, as well as Kansas City Southern de Mexico, to evaluate the states' connectivity, according to a source and two documents seen by Reuters.

One of the sources said the company was in direct talks with Nuevo Leon's government.

Another source said the automaker was also eyeing a US-based plant but gave no further detail on locations.

A senior Great Wall Motor executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the choice between US and Mexican locations would depend on trade issues involving the United States, Mexico and China.

Great Wall Motor and Ferromex did not immediately respond to requests for comment. "We have not issued any official information (regarding this issue)," Zhang Wenhui, vice-president of Great Wall, told China Daily on Wednesday.

A pledge by the Chinese company could bolster Mexico's efforts to reduce dependence on US trade and investment as Trump threatens to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement and rails against US firms moving jobs south.

Reuters and China Daily
Visitors examine the new Huawei P10 devices during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Feb 27, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

South Korean major yet to decide if it would appeal the ruling on patents

A Chinese court has ruled Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's Chinese subsidiaries must pay 80 million yuan ($11.6 million) to Huawei Technologies Co Ltd for patent infringement.

The court ruling marks the Chinese smartphone maker's first victory in safeguarding its intellectual property in the local market.

Huawei filed a lawsuit against Samsung's two units in China, one in Huizhou in Guangdong province and the other in Tianjin, as well as Samsung China Investment Co Ltd and two Fujian-based electronics companies, claiming that more than 20 models of Samsung smartphones and tablet products, including the flagship Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge, have infringed its patents.

The Quanzhou Intermediate People's Court in Fujian has ordered the five companies to stop infringing patents and asked the three subsidiaries of Samsung to compensate for the loss.

Huawei said it fosters industrial innovation and healthy development of the industry by respecting and protecting intellectual property.

Samsung declined to comment on whether it will appeal the ruling.

The judgment is the first of a series of lawsuits filed by the Chinese tech giant against Samsung.

In May 2016, Huawei filed lawsuits against Samsung in Shenzhen and California for patent infringements.

Huawei said several of its cellular communications technology and software inventions have been used in Samsung smartphones without permission.

Wang Yanhui, secretary-general of the Mobile China Alliance, said Huawei is a patent giant in the global market, and has been planning to collect copyright fees from domestic and foreign telecom companies.

Huawei has signed reciprocal patent agreement with Apple Inc in 2015.

"The smartphone patents were dominated by foreign telecom firms including Qualcomm Inc, Ericsson AB and Nokia Oyj in the past, and China has no right of speech in this sector. Huawei, as a rising and top-ranking Chinese telecom equipment and smartphone maker, has played a bigger role in standards setting, especially with 5G, and boasted more patents in recent years," said Wang.

The patent wars among tech giants are common. Apple and Samsung have been battling over patents since 2011. Both companies have said that the other has violated its patents related to mobile technology and design.

Wang said there is no doubt Huawei's stance will set an example for its rivals, and highlight the significance of innovation and patents.

Ma Si contributed to this story.
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State Council lays out plan for better economy and livelihoods

China is prioritizing reforms to enable better economic vitality and higher living standards for people.

The State Council's executive meeting on Wednesday was presented with an outline for specific plans for this year's economic reform, shortlisting areas that require the focus of reform. The meeting was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

"The Chinese economy is fundamentally driven by the country's reform efforts," Li said. "To deliver the results we have projected for the year, it is still down to how well we carry on with reforms."

He pointed out that reform will inevitably touch vested interests, and joint efforts are called for from all government departments.

Efforts in deepening economic reform will be carried out in several areas in 2017.

Improvements are urged in areas such as cutting overcapacity, destocking, deleveraging, reducing corporate costs and shoring up weak links, aiming for more effective economic growth, using the force of the market and law-based measures.

Efforts to transform government functions and streamline administration will continue with a stricter and more comprehensive compliance regulation, creating a more inviting business environment for the real economy.

Innovation and entrepreneurship will be further encouraged with incentive mechanisms. The government will also introduce wider and more effective regulations protecting private property.

Fiscal and tax reform as well as the reform of State-owned enterprises are also urged. The country will enhance reform measures on widening opening-up and environmental protection as well as supply-side reform in agriculture.

The new guideline suggests inviting private capital participation in social welfare, including medical care, education reform and social organizations.

"The government needs to focus on key reform steps that catch greater traction. This is similar to clenching our fist firmly when holding something vital," Li added.

"The key to reform is to unleash hitherto pent-up productivity," Li added. "Our job is to make big businesses stronger and small businesses more vibrant through means firmly adhering to market principles and the rule of law. Given greater latitude for their own initiatives, all businesses, big or small, will work together to invigorate the Chinese economy."

Ju Jiandong, dean of the school of International Business Administration at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, spoke highly of the government's emphasis on unleashing productivity and the role of the market.

He believes this year's reform plan is reliable, and the country also expects more reform efforts that lead directly to changes in people's lives, such as reforms in the medical sector as well as education.

"Also, we are in need of more frequent innovation, and updates in ideas and in theory for the country's economic reform, as China has been growing quickly in both economic strength, technological innovation and international status," he said.
More proactive policies will be carried out this year to create jobs for key groups, including college graduates and discharged soldiers, according to a State Council executive meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang, set employment as a continuing priority, with new supportive measures while the country faces economic challenges, according to a statement released after the meeting.

Mass entrepreneurship and innovation will be further promoted and all eligible enterprises will benefit from favorable policies to boost startups and innovation, the statement said.

The government will focus on key groups, with more aid to areas where excess industrial production capacity is cut, while local governments will be encouraged to set up funds for college graduates to start their own businesses. Local governments are also encouraged to grant one-time subsidies to those who have difficulty finding a job.

Soldiers who leave the military will receive new jobs after their discharge.

Internship subsidies for college students can be expanded to students at secondary occupational schools in far-flung and poverty-stricken areas and old industrial centers.

A new, supportive plan will promote innovation and entrepreneurship for overseas returnees with simplified ways of recognizing diplomas from other nations and more chances for high-level talent to obtain permanent residency.

Employment has been key for Li and the central government since jobs are a crucial way to improve people's livelihood. In his Government Work Report delivered to the top legislature last month, the premier pledged a target of at least 11 million new jobs in urban areas this year.

A record high of 7.95 million college students are expected to enter the job market in summer, along with more than 4 million students at secondary occupational schools. Former employees of factories cutting excess production capacity will have to be transferred to other posts.

"If jobs are ensured, the economic growth is acceptable, whether it's higher or lower," Li said in a panel discussion with National People's Congress deputies from Anhui province on March 10.

Xia Xueluan, a guest professor of sociology at Sanya University in Hainan province, said jobs are the most fundamentally significant way to help residents lead a well-off life. Without a steady increase in jobs, social stability and economic development cannot be achieved, he said.
A man left paralyzed after being crushed by fellow passengers on a Beijing subway train has been awarded 260,000 yuan ($37,700) in compensation, a court said on Wednesday.

The Changping District People's Court ruled that Beijing Subway, which operates the line, was 20 percent responsible for the accident that left the plaintiff, identified only as Liu, in need of 24-hour care.

Liu attempted to board a subway train on Line 5 at Tiantongyuan North Station at about 7 pm on Jan 15, 2014, when he was crushed in a surge of passengers.

The then-56-year-old fell unconscious on the train, "but the rush hour crowd did not pay any attention to him, let alone help him", according to his lawyer, Liu Yongfei.

"My client was not sent to hospital until the train arrived at Lishuiqiao, three stations later, which is when subway workers spotted him on surveillance cameras," he said. Although similar cases caused by overcrowding at Chinese subway stations are not rare, the attorney said, "the injury suffered by my client can be said to be the most serious and tragic."

The victim, who worked at an advertising company and had previously complained of neck problems, was hospitalized for 765 days after the accident, "and even now he cannot stand up and have a meal by himself", Liu said. "He cannot live by himself."

Considering the seriousness of the injury, the man's family appealed to the court in early 2015, requesting the metro company pay 1.9 million yuan in compensation, including medical fees and loss of income for the man's absence from work, according to Liu.

In February 2015, the court accepted the case. It made the judgment at the end of last year and disclosed the verdict online to receive public supervision on March 30.

In the judgment, the court said the subway company, as the regulator of the system, should take more security measures to protect passengers during rush hour.

"Although the litigant's injuries were not directly caused by the metro operator, the case highlighted a lack of protection and security measures for passengers, and the company did not provide enough evidence to prove it had fulfilled its responsibility at the time," said Huang Ying, the judge in charge of the case.

Therefore, the court decided to ask the company to claim 20 percent of the responsibility in the case and pay compensation to the victim, Huang said.

The court said the 260,000 yuan was to cover three years of medical fees and that the plaintiff can ask for further compensation in line with the law if he needs to in the future, the attorney added.

The litigant and his family were satisfied with the result and said they would not appeal to a higher court, Liu said.


Chen Jining, minister of environmental protection, asks about the measures for dealing with pollutants at Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Co, a major petrochemical enterprise in Beijing, during a surprise inspection on Tuesday.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Largest-ever operation to control pollution in China begins

Inspections have exposed violations by companies illegally discharging pollutants and falsifying monitoring data, despite emergency responses to the ongoing air pollution in northern regions, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

Severe violations were exposed by the nation's top environmental officials during random inspections in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the neighboring provinces of Henan, Shanxi and Shandong, it said.

The ministry announced the launch of a yearlong intensified inspection program in the area's 28 major cities, starting on Wednesday. Up to 5,600 government workers will be transferred from across the nation to support the mission, making the campaign the largest-ever national operation in the field of environmental protection.

On Tuesday, Chen Jining, the minister of environmental protection, visited Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Co, a major petrochemical enterprise in Fangshan district, to inspect levels of discharged pollutants. Chen said that after waiting for 20 minutes, he was unable to obtain records on the repairing of equipment related to emissions monitoring.

It showed the company failed to operate as required in controlling and reducing emissions of air pollutants, and it has been required to correct its problems, Chen said.

In addition to poor management, Zhao Yingmin, the vice-minister of environmental protection, exposed severe violations by a new material production company in Anyang, Henan province, which was found to have falsified monitoring data to make sulfur dioxide emission levels show a negative reading.

As of Monday, inspectors in seven cities in northern regions had exposed 200 pollution problems, including excessive emissions, falsified monitoring data and weak implementation of laws by local governments, according to the ministry.

The ministry said on Wednesday that blue-sky days in the 28 major cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and neighboring provinces of Henan, Shanxi and Shandong accounted for 60.9 percent of the month, an increase of 20.6 percent year-on-year.

But in the first quarter of this year, only 42.8 percent of days had good air, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared with last year.

The air pollution that blanketed many cities on Monday started to ease on Wednesday, with pollution levels falling from severe to lightly polluted or good, according to data from the China National Environmental Monitoring Center.

Beijing started to see the air quality improve by 5 pm on Wednesday, but it is forecast to worsen again on Thursday, becoming severe, the second-highest level in the six-tier quality system, according to the monitoring center.

At least 13 cities, including Beijing, had issued orange alerts, the second-highest emergency response level, as of Wednesday, requiring limited use of vehicles and the suspension of production at some industrial sites.

"It's essential to implement the restriction efforts fully, and tighten the controls on construction sites and dust caused by vehicles," Chen said.




1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
The Chinese embassy in Russia held a premiere on Tuesday for a documentary series entitled This Is China, which was jointly filmed by China and Russia.

The series focuses on showing China's wisdom and creativity, and it reflects the developing trends of the country. Meanwhile, it demonstrates the beauty of Peking Opera, Chinese kung fu and traditional sculpture, which are popular among Russian audiences.

The 2016-2017 Sino-Russian Media Exchange Year is a proposal by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for media from both countries to deepen cooperation, enhance bilateral cultural exchanges, according to Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui.

Li said the documentary is seen as one of the most important cooperation projects under the media exchange framework.

Visiting eight provinces in China, the crew completed the six episodes of the first season, including themes such as Shaolin kung fu, pandas and opera, with the documentary being produced in Mandarin, Russian and English.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Sino-Russian relations have reached their highest level to date due to mutual trust and understanding.

"The documentary is an example of media cooperation and will help Russian people to get to know China better," Zakharova said.

The first season of This Is China will be broadcast on Russian television channel RT. According to the producer of the documentary, the plan is to complete the next two seasons in the coming two years.

"Cooperation between Chinese and Russian media has already been seen. For example, the third season of the documentary Hello China was broadcast in Russia and viewed by Russian audiences more than 230 million times," Li said. "We are looking forward to receiving positive feedback for This Is China."

"This Is China can be seen as the implementation of the proposal by the two leaders and a product of the framework," said Tian Zheyi, a senior official from the State Council Information Office of China.
Draft regulations aimed at protecting good Samaritans and their families in Henan province would block companies from firing employees, including those unable to work due to injuries sustained in an act of bravery.

The proposals, which are open to public feedback until April 30, also include rewards of up to 100,000 yuan ($14,500) and "green channels" at hospitals to fast-track patients who help save others.

Children of people killed or disabled while acting as good Samaritans could enjoy privileges when entering high school or college, according to the draft released on Saturday.

The government document clarifies five situations in which a person can be defined as a good Samaritan, including protecting State security, helping authorities crack a significant criminal case or conducting a rescue during or after a disaster.

"Good Samaritans deserve rewards and help," said Li Min, the daughter of Li Xuesheng, a resident of Henan's Shangqiu city who died in 2005 while saving two children playing on a railway track in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. "I'm happy to see that the government has considered that and made it part of the regulation."

Wang Junzhang, 36, of Jiaozuo, who saved two boys from a frozen lake in Beijing in 2014, added: "I think this draft is very detailed. It will better protect good Samaritans and will definitely encourage more people to help others."

Last month, the Ministry of Public Security issued a draft guideline on protecting and rewarding good Samaritans. Henan followed the step and carried out a draft of its own on that basis.

"The revised version will be presented to the provincial legislature and will be officially issued as a local law if passed," said Yuan Shuhang, an official with the Henan Legislative Affairs Office, whose office is responsible for considering the suggestions collected and making necessary revisions.

"It will have greater legal validity than similar regulations or guidelines released before," he added.

Qi Xin and Cao Yin contributed to this story.
Four female students who appeared in a viral video of an assault on two young girls in Sichuan province have been forced to apologize and their families ordered to pay compensation, police said on Wednesday.

The groupidentified as Li, Liu and Zhao, all 14, and Zhang, 13were taken into custody after an investigation into footage filmed on Friday that showed the victims being repeatedly slapped and kicked.

According to the local authorities, the video was recorded outside a high school attended by the victims in Longfeng town, which forms part of Pengzhou. The suspects attend other schools in the area.

The city's public security bureau said on Wednesday that the suspects' families had been fined an undisclosed sum and ordered to cover any medical expenses. All of the suspects were placed in administrative detention, except for Zhang, as children under the age of 14 cannot be detained.

The victims had accepted the girls' apologies, the bureau added.

Lasting just over two minutes, the video shows a girl dressed in black who first slaps a young student in a green school uniform 14 times within 35 seconds, and then kicks and hits a short-haired girl. Neither victim is seen fighting back.

Police did not reveal which of the suspects was the girl in black or the motivation behind the assault.

The incident is the latest in a string of bullying cases that have gained media attention in the past year.

On April 22, a video showed a female student in Hunan province being slapped 32 times by a group of female students in less than 100 minutes.

On May 16, a male high school student in Shandong province was beaten by another boy in a school toilet.

Officials approved the arrest of 1,180 people involved in school bullying and violence nationwide last year, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the top prosecuting authority.

A total of 688 first-time juvenile offenders or those who committed minor offenses were exempt from prosecution in the hope they would return to society a better person.

School violence has aroused widespread concern. The National People's Congress, the top legislature, announced in March that it will conduct an inspection of school safety this year and study how to reduce violence on campuses.
Local staff and their family members take part in a Christmas party held by BYD, a Chinese automobile manufacturer, at BYD's Lancaster factory in California, the United States, on Dec 9, 2016. Apart from the contributions to the local economy and job opportunities, Chinese enterprises have made continuous efforts in education projects, charity events and community works in the United States in the past years. [Photo/Xinhua]
A technician works on a key component of the Hualong One reactor in Qinhuangdao, Hebei province. [File photo/Xinhua]

A recent cooperation deal between China and Kenya has become an important step for China's nuclear power technology to go global.

China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) announced recently that the company had signed a nuclear power training cooperation framework agreement, as well as a confidentiality agreement, with the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board.

Under the deal, China's Hualong One reactor, a Gen-III nuclear power reactor design with self-reliant intellectual property rights, is expected to be applied in Africa, reports People's Daily.

The Hualong One 1000-megawatt class pressurized water reactor, developed by CGN and China National Nuclear Corporation, is reported to have reached the highest international safety standards to prevent leakage of radioactive materials and resist outer impacts and earthquakes with magnitudes comparable to that of the quake in Japan's Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011.

CGN has formed a joint venture with Electricite de France SA to develop the Bradwell nuclear power plant in the UK, as well as to fund and design the reactor.

The British government started an assessment of the reactor design in January this year. The process is expected to take about five years.

Observers say there is a high possibility that the reactor design will pass the UK's approval process, China Daily reports.

The Generic Design Assessment is a very strict nuclear power assessment. Passing the assessment will further facilitate the export of Chinese nuclear power technology.

CGN has signed MoUs or letters of intent on nuclear power cooperation with over 20 foreign companies and government departments.

More countries, such as Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey and Kazakhstan, have shown interest in the Hualong One reactor.


Workers install the first main cable backstay of Xingkang Bridge, April 5, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Spanning 1,100 meters across Luding River in Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province, the first main cable backstay of Xingkang Bridge, part of an expressway that links Ya'an city and Kangding county in the province, has been successfully installed on Wednesday.

The project is the first suspension bridge in the province that has been built in a highly active seismic zone with complicated wind field and large span. Around 34,034 steel cables will be used in the construction, with the total length reaching 60,000 kilometers if all the cables are laid together in a single line, which is equivalent to 1.5 times of the circumference of the earth.

The bridge has dual carriage way with four lanes of traffic in each direction, allowing the vehicles to travel at 80 kilometers per hour.

According to an earlier report, a drone was also used during the construction of the bridge.

The 135-kilometer-long expressway from Ya'an to Kangding, is scheduled to be completed by August 2018, will cut the travel time from Ya'an to Kangding from the current four hours to two.
Wu Xiuying shows one of her collections at her home in Jilin city, Northeast China's Jilin province, on July 21, 2015. [Photo/VCG]

How many watches do you need to tell the time? One? Two? Well, how about a thousand? An old couple's house in Jilin city, Northeast China's Jilin province, has a wall of antique clocks.

Wu Xiuying, 71, said: "My husband and I have spent more than 40 years collecting more than 1,000 clocks and watches, and some of them are around 100 years old."

Wu said the idea to collect timepieces came to her when she began thinking of decorating her house.

"When I was in my 40s, we moved into a new house. I saw that other people were decorating their house with wallpapers, but wallpaper is not something you can take with you if you moved to another place. Then we read a story in a newspaper about a foreigner collecting clocks. That inspired our hobby," said Wu.

Wu said the oldest clock they have dates back to 1813, and the clock that has travelled the farthest distance from their home is from the US.
Four officials sacked in Beijing after candle holders found missing

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-04-06 15:36

BEIJING - Four officials in Beijing have been sacked after a pair of 400-year-old candle holders were stolen from the Ming imperial tombs, local authorities said Thursday.



The officials, from Changping district, included the head and the Party chief of the Ming Tombs Special Area Agency, and two people in charge of security and cultural heritages.



The mausoleums were built for the emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The missing white marble candle holders, which were about 90 centimeters tall and weighed 200 kilograms each, were placed in front of the mausoleum of Ming's last emperor Chongzhen.



According to a police officer who declined to be named, the candle holders went missing last May but local officials said they had been sent for repairs.



The candle holders were a hot topic last month when a visitor posted photographs of the tombs online. In newer photos, two vases and an incense burner were still there but the candle holders, which were visible in older photographs, were gone, leaving only their bases.



A media official with Changping government told Xinhua that Ming Tombs Special Area Agency admitted on March 20 that the candle holders had been missing.



He said that the four officials were sacked for their "incompetence in protection of cultural relics," adding that security will be improved.



No further details were given and the case is still under investigation.



About 40 kilometers north of downtown Beijing, the Ming Tombs were listed as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003.
BEIJING - Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli Thursday called for strict controls on property development in Xiongan New Area, urging high-standard planning for the newly announced area.

He said the area should see a "reasonable pace of development" while underscoring that large-scale real estate development and illegal construction would by no means be allowed.

Zhang was speaking at a conference on coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region.

He demanded measures that would strictly control housing prices, population and planning in regions around the new area, guard against speculation in the land and property markets and control industries seeking to establish a presence there.

China announced plans to establish Xiongan New Area on Saturday, as part of measures to integrate Jing-Jin-Ji development and cure "urban ills" such as traffic congestion and air pollution in the capital.

Located some 100 km southwest of downtown Beijing, Xiongan New Area will mainly cover the three existing counties of Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin in Hebei Province.

Saturday's announcement has already driven housing prices up in the area.

Authorities acted fast to address the frenzied speculation, with dozens of estate agents ordered to close and seven people detained as of Tuesday.

Zhang said the planning of the new area should feature "high standards and high quality," and stressed innovation, policy support, and environmental protection.

The decision to set up Xiongan New Area was made in a "scrupulous, prudent, methodical and democratic" way, Zhang told the conference, noting that the area should be developed in an orderly manner to stand the test of time.

Xiongan should be "a green, livable modern urban area, a region led by innovation-driven development, a demonstration area of balanced development and a pioneering region of open development," he said.

The decisions to build Xiongan New Area and Beijing's "subsidiary city center" are two strategic moves in advancing the coordinated development of Jing-Jin-Ji, Zhang said, quoting President Xi Jinping.

The subsidiary city center will be located in the eastern suburbs of Tongzhou.

Quoting Xi, Zhang said authorities should coordinate all efforts like the moves in a chess game, and phase out "non-capital functions" from Beijing in an orderly way.

On integrating the development of the Jing-Jin-Ji region, Zhang demanded progress in integrating transportation, protecting the environment as well as upgrading and transferring industries.

Regional planning should be systematic, Zhang noted, and there should be stronger land, real estate and population controls.

Work should be expedited to build a pilot area to explore innovation and reform, while basic public services must be shared across the region, he said.

China initiated in 2014 a strategy to integrate the development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei for a better economic structure, cleaner environment and improved public services.

With that strategy, authorities intend to transform the region into a new growth pole as China's economy slows.
BEIJING -- A government statement released Thursday outlined the steps taken to prevent housing and land price hikes.

The circular, jointly issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and Ministry of Land and Resources, said that local governments should stop land deal if current inventories will take more than 36 months to be shifted.

Local governments should disqualify any bid backed by capital from questionable sources, said the circular.

The circular demanded that local authorities make bidding flexible, and outline punishments for inadequate or fabricated work by local authorities.

It said that cities and counties that have more than one million inhabitants should make three-year (2017-2019) and a five-year (2017-2021) plans for housing land supply, and make the plans public by the end of June.

Sales of land for residential projects almost doubled in China's first-tier cities during January-March, according to China Index Academy, a property research organization.

Land sales in major cities, like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, totaled 5.08 million square meters in the first quarter, an increase of 98 percent from a year ago, the highest for the past two years.

The government is trying to cool runaway housing prices in major cities where huge demand and limited supply have pushed prices to record high.

Major Chinese cities are taking fresh measures including increased deposits for second-home buyers, adding to the slew of steps taken since October in dozens of cities to prevent home prices from rising out of control.
Page Content

The European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award is an initiative of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) that rewards EU regions and cities with prominent future-oriented entrepreneurial strategies, with the aim of supporting the implementation of SME-focused policies at local level. The territories with the most visible, forward-looking and promising political strategy are granted the EER label for a specific year.

In July 2015, the Lombardy Region was awarded the label for its strategy promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in small and medium enterprises, as well as for its execution of fundamental European policies such as the Smart Specialisation Strategy, the Small Business Act and the Strategy Europe 2020 for growth and employment.

A delegation of EER jurors, led by Tadeusz Truskolaski (PL/EA), assessed today the progress made by Lombardy in implementing the EER action plan and the impact of the specific measures carried out by the region during its EER year. However, in line with the EER approach, CoR members are also there to learn from Lombardy's good practices and effective actions to support entrepreneurship and SMEs, as the Committee of the Regions strongly encourages peer-learning and joint initiatives between local and regional authorities in the EU.

On this occasion, a political exchange with the Regional Council and representatives of Regional Ministries was organised, with the participation of Raffaele Cattaneo (IT/EPP), President of the Lombardy Regional Council and Chair of the CoR COTER commission, and Luca Del Gobbo, Regional Minister for Universities. A case-study visit to the "Lombard agri-food incubator" at Parco Tecnologico Padano (PTIP), in Lodi, was also part of the programme.

"It is inspiring to learn about the broad range of measures that Lombardy has realised as part of its EER action plan" said Mr Truskolaski during the visit, highlighting that: "The Open Innovation Platform, which has also been recognised by the European Commission, is a forward-looking example of how stakeholders and citizens can be involved in bottom-up innovation processes. I am confident that Lombardy will further build upon these achievements, and I believe that many of the projects have an excellent potential to be replicated as good practices throughout Europe" .



"Our region alone contributes to 2.6% of the EU GDP, thanks to the presence of 813,000 companies, 8 for every 100 inhabitants" said Raffaele Cattaneo, citing among Lombardy's best practices the 'JRC Ispra' and the 'Parco Tecnologico Padano' in Lodi. He added that "The 'Lombardia is Research and Innovation' law ended a journey that began with the 'Enterprise Lombardia' and 'Manufacture 4.0' laws, a sign of the attention dedicated to our manufacturing base, also enhanced by 1287 start-ups. The Lombardy Region policy goes towards change management: business support schemes are changing, research and innovation is valued and internationalization is turned into a great opportunity for growth."

Contact:

Pierluigi Boda

Tel: +32 2 282 2461

pierluigi.boda@cor.europa.eu



Diandra Vanigioli

Tel: +32 2 282 2299

diandra.vanigioli@cor.europa.eu


SANYA, Hainan - The crew of China's 38th ocean scientific expedition returned to Sanya, Hainan province, south China, Wednesday.

The 59-day trip marks the conclusion of the first stage of a 124-day mission.

"Xiangyanghong 09," the mother ship, left east China's Qingdao on Feb 6 with the country's first deep-sea manned submersible Jiaolong and more than 150 personnel.

The researchers planned to conduct surveys in the northwest Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, Yap Trench and the Mariana Trench in the west Pacific Ocean.

During their first trip in the northwest Indian Ocean, Jiaolong helped scientists discovered 27 areas with hot liquid sulfide, called "black chimneys" by researchers, which can provide clues about the origins of life.

After a quick rotation of crew and material supply, the ship will embark on its second phase on April 9.

The whole voyage will last until June 9.

Named after a mythical dragon, Jiaolong reached its deepest depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012.
MACAO - Macao can have a big share of the Chinese mainland tourism market and promote its development into world tourism and leisure center, China's tourism administration vice chief said in a work meeting held here on Thursday.

Representatives from Macao Social Affairs and Culture authorities, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and other related departments from the Chinese mainland and Macao attended the 2017 annual work meeting of the Joint Working Committee on Tourism to Support Macao's Aspirations to Build a World Tourism and Leisure Centre.

In the meeting, CNTA vice chairman Li Shihong said the tourism industry has become one of the backbone industries in China's economy. Macao should grasp the opportunity with the Chinese mainland and deepen the tourism cooperation to explore the global market.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the tourism situation and work completed in 2016, and discussed major projects for 2017, including deepening regional co-operation between Guangdong and Macao, strengthening collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, further reinforcing co-operation on tourism industry management, and continuing support for the development of the meeting and exhibition industry in Macao.

After the meeting, the joint working committee published the major programs for 2017, including joint tourism market supervision, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao tourism integration and maritime cooperation through Guangdong-Macao free yacht travel scheme.

In June 2015, the Macao SAR government signed an agreement with CNTA to set up the joint working committee to support Macao in building a world tourism and leisure center, which will convene a work meeting every year since 2016.
Anda Union will start its national tour after its two-month tour in the United States. The band includes Biligbaatar (above), Saikhannakhaa, Nars and Urgen. Photos provided to China Daily

The Chinese band Anda Union tours the United States with sounds of the Mongolian grasslands, Chen Nan reports.

The Chinese band Anda Union gave its first performance of the year at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York ahead of Spring Festival on Feb 6.

The members sang old folk songs of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, where they come from, and played indigenous instruments like the morin khuur (horse-head fiddle).

They also performed traditional khoomei, or throat-singing.

The concert kicked off the band's two-month tour of the United States.

"We are both singing and holding workshops to teach the audience how to play our instruments and the techniques of khoomei," Nars, the band's lead musician, says about the just-concluded tour.

In 2007, the nine-member ensemble toured the US for the first time as part of a collaboration between Arts Midwest, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit, and China's Ministry of Culture.
Front cover of Death's End, a third novel in Chinese writer Liu Cixin's trilogy Remembrance of Earth's Past. [File photo] The finalists for the 2017 Hugo Awards, which celebrate the year's best in science fiction or fantasy works, were announced online by Worldcon 75 on Tuesday.

Chinese writer Liu Cixin, who was the first Asian writer to win the award, was nominated again this year for Death's End, a third novel in his trilogy Remembrance of Earth's Past. Liu previously won the award in 2015 for the first book in the trilogy, The Three-Body Problem.

Experienced American science-fiction translator Ken Liu again helped Liu to translate Death's End, as he did on The Three-Body Problem. Ken Liu's English translation was considered a great contribution to Liu Cixin's Hugo-Award winning novel in 2015.

If Liu Cixin wins, Chinese writers will have been recognized by the world's highest sci-fic honor for three consecutive years, following Liu's Best Novel win in 2015 and Chinese writer Hao Jingfang's Folding Beijing as the Best Novelette award recipient last year.

The Three-Body Problem has witnessed great worldwide success and was welcomed by a number of celebrities all around the world, including former US President Barack Obama and George R. R. Martin, author of A Song of Ice and Fire.

The 2017 Hugo Award's final voting process begins this week, and the winners will be announced on Friday, August 11, 2017, at the Hugo Awards Ceremony in Helsinki, capital of Finland.

Related:

Award-winning sci-fi novel adapted for stage

Chinese sci-fi hits peak after success of Three-Body trilogy
"White Silk Gown" by the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater [Photo/CGTN]

Renowned Chinese-American writer Pai Hsien-Yung has been an avid promoter of Kunqu opera for years. He even opened a class at Peking University to pass on his passion for the art form to young students. Lately, Pai has revisited Peking University to bring the re-adaptation of another Kunqu opera classic to the campus.

"White Silk Gown" is the second collaboration between Pai and the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater, with the first one being "Peony Pavilion", which turned out to be immensely popular. Pai, 80, hopes the new show will once again rejuvenate young students' interest in the pearl of Chinese operatic art.

"White Silk Gown" was adapted from a Qing dynasty novel and tells of a heart wrenching tragedy. Scholar Xu Jizu becomes an official after taking the country's imperial examination. From a mysterious old woman, he gets a white silk gown, which is a hint of his own fate. At that point, he learns that his real father was killed by a bandit leader who looted his mother thereafter. Then he gets a lawsuit from a guy named Su Yun, who actually is his father and survived the murder and concealed his name for years. And the man Su is suing is the man he has taken as his real father. He abducted him and raised him as his own son. So Xu Jizu then faces the torture between righteousness and his emotional bond towards his "stepfather".

The original version of the opera saw the protagonist sentence his stepfather to death and have him executed. In this new version, the stepfather commits suicide, to highlight the inner struggle of both the protagonist and his "stepfather".

Pai said choosing this piece to be adapted shows modern audiences that Kunqu opera both excels at delivering a love story and a serious theme.

"I've been thinking a college campus tour starting from Peking University is a good way to promote Kunqu opera. I hope 'White Silk Gown' can once again arouse interest from young students just like 'Peony Pavilion'," he explained.

As the oldest form of Chinese folk opera, the 600-year-old Kunqu opera was listed as one of the world's "masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage" by UNESCO in 2001. The art form reached its heyday in the 18th century and then waned to the verge of extinction in recent decades.

For three years following the UNESCO recognition, Pai, a Kunqu opera fan himself, used his personal social relations to enroll talent and raise funds for the making of the new version of "Peony Pavilion". He gathered directors, costume and stage design artists from both the mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, to cooperate with the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater for the project. He raised some 30 million yuan and put all of it into the creation. The youth version of "Peony Pavilion" debuted in Taiwan in April 2004 to great acclaim from audiences. The show became a hit, being sought after by distributors. But Pai didn't choose commercial performances to enlarge the show's popularity. Rather, he brought it to college campuses, to treat students at low prices.

"I wanted to nurture a large amount of college students, to let them learn about Kunqu, fall in love with Kunqu and be drawn closer to our traditional culture," Pai said.

Since it debuted at Peking University in September 2004, the youth version of "Peony Pavilion" has sailed into more than 30 colleges around the world. It has won over a lot of student fans during the past 13 years.
A Tibetan woman prays in front of Potala Palace in this file photo. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as "Arunachal Pradesh", but the spiritual leader of "Tibetan independence" was also escorted on his trip by India's junior minister of home affairs.

To Beijing, that is a double affront.

The Times of India, for one, made it crystal clear: "Dalai Lama and Tibet: India's leverage against China", is the headline of an article published on Monday that says "Tibet and the Dalai Lama can help India counter in some measure the vice like veto China exercises on India's entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and its move to bring Pakistan-based terrorist mastermind Masood Azhar under UN sanctions".

Calling Southern Tibet "an inseparable part of India", Kiren Rijiju, the Indian junior minister, said: "China should not object to the Dalai Lama's visit and interfere in India's internal affairs."

Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not. Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife.

Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives. Neither the "McMahon Line", by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet, nor the present-day "Arunachal Pradesh" has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical. It is outright illicit.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks.

If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows.
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.[Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump will meet in Florida in the United States on Thursday and Friday to set the tone for the future development of bilateral relations.

Their Mar-a-Lago meeting, the first between the two presidents since Trump took office in January, will dispense with much of the formality usually associated with a state visit so as to focus on effective communication on issues of common concern.

For those alarmed that uncertainties might arise from policy adjustments by the Trump administration, the meeting sends a positive and reassuring message that the two countries lay great stress on stability in their relationship.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979, China and the US have had their share of ups and downs, but cooperation has remained the main theme, especially now given their greater-than-ever interdependence and increasing convergence of interests.

The two countries have come a long way, with the two-way trade of goods surging 207-fold from 1979 to $519.6 billion in 2016. Bilateral investment amounted to more than $170 billion at the end of last year. They have also cooperated in the fight against terrorism, climate change and other issues of global impact.

Accomplishments like these speak volumes about how beneficial a sound China-US relationship can be, not only to the two peoples, but the world at large. Cooperation has proved to be the right way forward.

In 2013, Beijing and Washington talked about moving forward their ties based on non-confrontation, no conflict, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

These principles are expected to continue to prevail, as indicated by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's reiteration of the principles in his March trip to China and Trump's pledge to adhere to the one-China policy in a phone talk with Xi in February.

Maintaining close communication, especially at the highest level, will make sure their relations stay on the right track.

Amid the weak global economic recovery and a growing backlash against globalization, the world is looking to China and the US for leadership.

At the upcoming meeting, Xi and Trump are expected to seek consensus on economic and trade cooperation, among other topics. The results of the meeting will have global implications.

They need to set a good example for the world, shoulder their due responsibilities, and provide more public goods to promote the well-being of all.

-XINHUA NEWS AGENCY
More than 4,000 illegal parking bicycles impounded by authorities in Shanghai, March 1, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

LARGE NUMBERS OF TOURISTS flocked to Shenzhen Bay Park in Guangdong province on Monday using bikes they rented via bike-sharing service apps such as Mobike. There were so many cyclists that they blocked most of the bike lanes in the park and caused great inconvenience to other visitors. Southern Metropolis Daily commented on Wednesday:

A glance at the congested bike lanes in Shenzhen Bay Park would be enough to give people goose bumps. During the three-day Tomb Sweeping Day travel rush that ended on Tuesday, an average of 300,000 tourists visited the park each day, many of them riding station-less sharing bikes.

The influx of enthusiastic riders made park management difficult, as randomly parked bikes turned the beach bike lane into a makeshift parking lot. That explains why after the influx of cyclists on Monday, sharing bikes were forbidden to enter the park grounds the next day.

The rise of the sharing economy has been applauded, but the side effects are beginning to emerge. The parking chaos at Shenzhen Bay Park is but one example, but it will not be the last, as more bikes hit the road and management of them struggles to keep up.

Despite the increasing popularity of the bike-hire services, service providers have to make sure their bikes do not impose a burden on social governance.

It is laudable that several bike-sharing service companies have sought to cooperate with the Shenzhen government after their bikes flooded into the park, in an attempt to make amends. And their success in keeping most riders at bay the next day means that efficient management is possible if preemptive measures are taken and notice given in advance.

On its part, the Shenzhen government should have anticipated the trouble caused by the unlimited entry of bikes into the park. Although it is making progress in managing the sharing bikes, it has a lot more to do to help sharing bikes become an integral part of urban life. Specific boundaries have to be drawn with regard to where bikes can be left by their users.

Ultimately, a consensus needs to be reached among local governments, bike-hire companies, and customers that they have a shared interest in managing the use of such bikes. Whether the bike-sharing services will thrive hinges on flexible governmental guidance, the self-discipline of users, and the bike providers' efforts to hold unruly users to account.
Models of residential buildings are seen at a sales center in Zhengzhou, Henan province, September 23, 2016.[Photo/VCG]

Housing prices have had continuous, long-term growth under the current urban development strategy. However, with the local government's rising land revenue and increase in operational costs, China Development Research Foundation's vice president Liu Shijing said the competitiveness of the industry has been dented. He added, at an interview with the Economic Reference Press on Jan 26, the market's current conditions were not cost-effective. The following is an excerpt of the interview.

Throughout China's urbanization process, property markets in both top and lower-tier cities face their challenges. Cities in the Jingjinji (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei) economic circle are growing exponentially, alongside the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta. The increase in growth stems from the area's ability to provide a higher amount of public resources to its people. Because of this, a large population puts pressure on the housing market, which leads to an increase in prices. On the other hand,lower-tier cities struggle with property market destocking.

The idea behind the previous urban development strategy was to set the threshold for the population scale in metropolises. This intervention has since proven to be useless, due to its antagonism against the inherent nature of society. People's desire to chase a better life in bigger cities couldn't be extinguished.

In order to build on, and strengthen, our nation, three factors should be considered for the current urbanization reform. Firstly, a multi-layered city structure should replace the super-cities siphoning the resources from surrounding areas. An agglomeration strategy, with a core city or cities, should be taken into practice.

Secondly, the current land supply system in metropolises needs to be reformed, and China's people need to see an increase of land available for residential housing. Rural collective land and homesteads  land previously allotted by the government to build housesshould be allowed to trade freely in the urban market, potentially helping increase nation's land supply.

Thirdly, property tax has proven a vital institutional design in many countries, curbing speculations of housing. China's authority should not wait too long to introduce it in order to iron out the sharp fluctuation of the property prices.

Overall, if the agglomeration strategy for developing big cities is effectively carried out,the flow of population could facilitate industry development, upgrades, a transformation of each area, and will eventually enable services and innovation-driven industries to play a bigger role.

This article is translated by Wu Zheyu.
A bird's-eye view of the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where President Xi Jinping will meet his US counterpart Donald Trump on Thursday and Friday.[Photo/Xinhua]

While objective dynamics are the most visible aspect of global affairs, one should not underestimate the importance of the subjective dimensions shaping the course of history. Among these qualitative elements closer to the minds than to the eyes, the personal understanding built through face-to-face encounters has always played a key role.

From that perspective, the direct interaction between the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the new resident of the White House Donald Trump, the world's two most powerful political leaders, is of the highest significance.

The contrast between the two characters but also between the two biographies which partly formed them is striking, and they publicly argue for different if not opposing approaches to international politics and economy. On one side, new forms of unilateralism and the temptation of protectionism embodied in the "America First" motto, on the other side, the commitment to global governance, multilateralism and free trade as pillars of what the Chinese President calls a "community of shared destiny for mankind".

However, the very fact that the Xi-Trump meeting is taking place in the first 100 days of the new American administration indicates that both sides have realized that coordination and cooperation between the two are indispensable. Trump's "America First" and Xi's overall objective, the peaceful renaissance of the Chinese civilization, are, in reality, mutually interdependent.

No one, even their closest advisors or confidants, can precisely anticipate how these two psychologies without apparent affinities will relate to each other, but they are at least creating the conditions to be connected by a certain level of personal trust.

Operating in the 21st century globalized world system, the distance between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump is, in any case, much less than the one which separated Mao Zedong and Richard Nixon who nevertheless managed to reduce 45 years ago a considerable strategic mistrust.

Beijing and Washington are well aware that Sino-American synergies are needed to stabilize the situation of the Korean peninsula, to guarantee security when terrorism threatens it in a large Afro-Eurasian space, and beyond, to make sure that any dispute or conflict happening in any corner of the world does not escalate in a way which would significantly affect global economy and peace.

When Donald Trump was mentioning tariffs on Chinese goods, talking about currency manipulation or about the "one-China principle" as being negotiable, he was acting as a dealmaker trying to get some leverage  key notion of his "Art of the Deal" in a much larger negotiation with China.

In exchange for a relatively accommodating 45th President of the US, Beijing would have to provide more market access to American exports (the US trade deficit with China was of $347 billion in 2016) but also to commit to jobs' creation in America through a flow of investments in industry or in infrastructure.

The Xi-Trump meeting equals, indeed, to a first deal between the two countries which could be followed by a series of agreements in which the pragmatism of a New York's real estate businessman, what Donald Trump in essence is, has found an echo in the adaptability of the Chinese mind.

While the ideal of a harmonious Sino-American partnership was still in the horizon at the 2013 Sunnylands' retreat of Xi Jinping and Barack Obama, the 2017 Xi-Trump encounter is clearly less about dreams than about deals.

Given the complexities of the Sino-US relations one should not expect them to enter, in the foreseeable future, into a strategic and stable alliance but both sides will know how to find convergence on the most important economic and political issues and they will be rational enough to avoid extreme divergence in case of tensions and crises.

Being directly or indirectly impacted by the evolution of the Sino-American relations the entire world is observing the interactions between Xi and Trump, but, in the present situation, it is the European Union which should be the most attentive.

The narrative of a "New Yalta" in which the US, China and Russia would design a new world order might remain pure theoretical speculation but should the post Brexit EU continues on a path of largely self-imposed weakening, Washington, Beijing and Moscow could be enticed to make de facto agreements which will not necessarily be in the EU's interests.

By comparison with Trump's America and Putin's Russia, Beijing appears as a strong external support of the European integration but one can't expect China to be more European than the Europeans themselves.

However, the progress of the European Union matters beyond Europe's borders since the integration of ancient European nations proves that with time and wise leadership, the US and China could also go much beyond tactical agreements, they could co-design institutions organizing their concrete shared destiny.

The foreign policy of a dealmaker can certainly limit itself to a series of bargains or tactical arrangements but it can't have the powerful effect of a diplomacy taking root in a universal vision.

Xi Jinping's call for a "community of shared destiny for mankind" does not give him mere leverage for a temporary transaction but the altitude to develop a long term strategy, Chinas peaceful return to centrality in a globalized and multipolar world.

David Gosset, founder of the Europe-China Forum and of the New Silk Road Initiative, director of the Academia Sinica Europaea, CEIBS.
The price of ivory in China has dropped sharply - from $2,100 per kilo in 2014 to $730 in February - and that's good news for elephants.

Wildlife conservation groups worldwide have been applauding China's plans to end the legal trade in ivory later this year (instead of the end of 2021 as has originally been planned). Now a new survey of ivory prices in markets across China by Save the Elephants, a leading elephant conservation group, suggests those plans may already be having a positive impact.

Chinese demand for tusks has been blamed for driving African elephants toward extinction and the Chinese government in recent years has taken steps to stop the trade in ivory, which is used for ornaments and souvenirs. China's ivory factories were to have been shut down by last Friday, followed by the closing of retail outlets by the end of this year.

Harry Peachey, an adviser to the International Elephant Foundation, calls the drop in prices since 2014 "a harbinger of what will happen once the market is shut down completely."

Conservationists say tens of thousands of elephants have been killed in Africa in recent years as demand for ivory in Asia, particularly China, increased. Past estimates of Africa's elephant population have ranged from 420,000 to 650,000. Some conservationists estimate that up to 20,000 elephants have been killed by poachers every year to meet demand.

"This is a critical period for elephants," said Iain Douglas-Hamilton, president and founder of Save the Elephants, which carried out the new survey.

"With the end of the legal ivory trade in China, the survival chances for elephants have distinctly improved. We must give credit to China for having done the right thing by closing the ivory trade. There is still a long way to go to end the excessive killing of elephants for ivory, but there is now greater hope for the species," he said.

Other factors behind the drop in the price of ivory include a slowing economy with fewer people able to afford luxury goods, and a crackdown on corruption that has dissuaded business people from buying expensive ivory items as "favors" for government officials, the report says.

Peachey said advocacy has also helped. "Consumer education has been part of the process as China moves to shut down the trade," he told China Daily, "and those efforts might very well have played a part in both demand reduction and drop in price - let's hope so."

According to the new survey, the 130 licensed ivory outlets in China have been gradually reducing the quantity of ivory items on display for sale, and recently have been cutting prices to boost sales, the Associated Press reports.

"China has demonstrated that it is all about action and not words - in stark contrast to the United Kingdom Government, which has proclaimed itself a leader on elephant protection issues and has promised to end all domestic ivory trade in the past two election Manifestos," Will Travers, president of the Born Free Foundation told China Daily.

Travers said that the drop in price has been predictable in light of trade restrictions, political pressure, more effective field conservation, improved intelligence gathering and tougher sentencing for wildlife criminals.

"The key variable that will determine the effect on poaching is not prices. It is profits," Prof Alejandro Nadal, economist at El Colegio de Mexico, told China Daily. Without knowing how the markets are structured, he said, "We don't know how the profitability of illegal traders is being affected by these price declines."

Wildlife authorities in Kenya, the main conduit of ivory smuggling in the region, welcomed the news of a price reduction in China.

"Once they don't have an appetite for ivory it will no longer be attractive to kill elephants. We are hopeful that China will meet this deadline (to ban the ivory trade) and we will see our elephant populations restored in the parks," said Patrick Omondi, the deputy director in charge of species at the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Travers reminds us that we're not out of the woods yet, as "tens of thousands of African elephants are still losing their lives each year. Only unified action across the entire internal community can bring the trade and slaughter to an end."

Contact the writer at chrisdavis@chinadailyusa.com.
Female panda Chulina, which was born last August, goes open space with its mother for the first time at the zoo in Madrid, Spain on April 5, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

MADRID - Chulina, the first female giant panda cub to be born here at Zoo Aquarium, had two special visitors on Wednesday when she went for her first walk outside the pagoda where she has spent her life until now.

She was accompanied on her first trip outside by Queen Sofia of Spain and Lyu Fan, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Madrid.

The event was also commemorated by a band playing traditional Chinese music and a group of local school children, dressed as pandas, who exhibited their paintings of the cub.

Chulina was born on Aug 30, 2016 and made her first public appearance on Jan 12 this year. She is the fifth giant panda cub to be born at the Madrid Zoo thanks to its collaboration with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

She was given her name, which means "treasure of the bamboo" in homage to Chulin, who in 1982 became the first giant panda to be born in Madrid after his parents, Shao-Shao and Chang-Chang were given as gifts to Queen Sofia and her husband, King Juan Carlos I, on their visit to China in 1978.

Queen Sofia was enchanted by the giant pandas and became one of the key figures in promoting the giant panda breeding program in Madrid.

Therefore, it was only fitting that she should be Chulina's chaperone for the youngster's first walk outside of the pagoda.

Lyu recently said "Giant pandas are the messengers of China's friendship to the world," and in Chulina, China clearly has one of the friendliest and most attractive messengers of all.
White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon (L) attends a meeting between US President Donald Trump and congressional leaders to discuss trade deals at the at the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington US, February 2, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon was removed from his controversial seat in the National Security Council(NSC), US media reported Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump made the adjustment in a National Security Presidential Memorandum that outlined the members and their respective duties in the NSC, which did not include Bannon's role.

National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster was left in charge of setting meeting agendas and overseeing Tom Bossert, the Homeland Security Advisor.

Bannon was given a seat the NSC shortly after Trump ascended into the White House, a rare responsibility for senior White House advisers.

In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Bannon said "Susan Rice operationalized the NSC during the last administration. I was put on to ensure that it was de-operationalized," Bannon was quoted as saying.

"General McMaster has returned the NSC to its proper function," Bannon said.

Multiple U.S. media cited White House officials as saying that Bannon's leave was not a demotion nor a result of power struggle, but that his role was no longer needed.

Under the new arrangement, Bannon can still participate in NSC meetings, but not necessarily all NSC meetings.

Flynn was ousted in February due to a scandal that involved inappropriate connection between Flynn and Russia, McMaster was appointed to succeed Flynn.
Candidates attend a prime-time televised debate for the French 2017 presidential election in La Plaine Saint-Denis, near Paris, France, April 4, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - Tuesday's long televised debate, which pitted all 11 French presidential candidates against one another, revealed a deep schism across the political class and French public opinion on the question of Europe.

With less than three weeks to go before the first round of voting, candidates battling for the highest position in the French Republic participated in a first-ever televised joust, lasting nearly four hours.

On the debate menu were jobs, security and social programs. But it was the European Union which provoked the most heated exchanges.

The format of the debate meant talking points were simplified. The favorites for the presidency had more to lose than to gain in the event, but none of them committed a major gaffe.

According to the Elabe survey for BFMTV, Jean-Luc Melenchon from the far-left Unsubmissive France won the evening thanks to his oratory skills with 25 percent favorable opinions, beating Emmanuel Macron from "En Marche!" (21 percent) and Francois Fillon from the Republican party (15 percent).

"I observe that of the 11 candidates, 10 approve the principle of European construction," said the ultra nationalist Francois Asselineau from the Popular Republican Union, "Either we continue to mislead the French, or we make serenely, legally, like the British, an exit from Europe," suggested the "Frexit" promoter.

Many candidates considered the EU as being responsible for the woes of the French. However, Macron stood by the Union, proclaiming to have "Europe in my heart because it makes us strong," adding it needed reform nevertheless.

The former economy minister also thrashed the Front National plan to leave the euro, saying "This is what you propose, Madame Le Pen, it's in effect, loss of buying power for the French. What you propose is economic war."

Rightwing candidate Fillon sought to position himself as the only candidate capable of putting France back on track.

Socialist Party's Benoit Hamon underlined "austerity no longer works" in the European Union.

The overall exchanges on Europe made it clear the schism between the pro and anti-Europeans parties replaced the traditional right-left confrontation in the French political landscape.

The New Anticapitalist Party's Philippe Poutou accused Fillon and Le Pen of having "pinched from public coffers."

According to an Ipsos-Sopra Steria survey for France Television and Radio France published Wednesday, 65 percent of French citizens think honesty and integrity are the qualities most important for a president of the Republic.
Moon Jae-in makes a speech at an event to declare their fair contest in the party's presidential primary in Seoul, South Korea, March 14, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - The latest opinion poll in South Korea heralded a neck-and-neck race in the upcoming presidential election between Moon Jae-in of the biggest Minjoo Party and Ahn Cheol-soo of its splinter People's Party.

According to the survey released Wednesday, Moon kept the top post by gaining 38.0 percent support, followed by Ahn who garnered 34.4 percent support.

It was the first opinion survey after five major political parties ended primaries and fielded respective presidential candidates earlier this week.

The result was based on a survey of 1,042 voters conducted Tuesday. It has 3.1 percentage points in margin of error.

Moon, the runner-up to former President Park Geun-hye in the 2012 presidential election, was fielded as a single candidate in the opposition bloc four years ago thanks to Ahn.

At the time, Ahn abandoned his run for presidency to throw support behind Moon.

The software tycoon-turned-politician was respected especially in 2012 by younger generations as he developed and offered the country's first computer security program to private citizens free of charge.

Currently, Ahn seemed to be viewed as a center-right politician for his conservative stance on security issues and a liberal tendency on economic affairs.

Ahn, who had been affiliated with the Minjoo Party, defected from it and founded the People's Party in early 2016 together with tens of former Minjoo Party lawmakers.

Hong Joon-pyo of the former ruling Liberty Korea Party ranked third with an approval rating of 10.4 percent.

Sim Sang-jung of the progressive Justice Party came next with 3.6 percent, trailed by Yoo Seong-min of the Righteous Party, a conservative party breaking away from the Liberty Korea Party, with 2.1 percent in support scores.

On the assumption that the Liberty Korea Party and the Righteous Party agree to field Yoo as a single candidate, the poll showed Ahn's approval scores at 41.0 percent, higher than Moon's 39.0 percent.

The agreement on the single candidate in the conservative camp would encourage many conservative voters to move to Ahn.

If the two conservative parties and the People's Party agree to field Ahn as a single candidate, Ahn was estimated to win the upcoming election with 43.7 percent of ballots, beating Moon garnering 39.4 percent.

In a simulated two-way showdown between Moon and Ahn, the poll logged Ahn's approval scores at 47.0 percent while Moon's scores were 40.8 percent.

The overall survey results showed a strong anti-Moon sentiment among conservative voters, which was believed to be formed by local media reports.

Moon, the center-left politician and former chief of staff to late progressive President Roh Moon-hyun, has been exposed to and criticized by conservative local media outlets for a long time.

An early presidential election in South Korea is scheduled for May 9. The official three-week election campaign is set to kick off on April 17.
JAKARTA - Indonesian authorities are preparing to evacuate nearly 1,000 people living in dangerous zones as Banda Api volcano in Maluku province of eastern Indonesia has turned more active, officials said Thursday.

Mount Banda Api in Maluku Tengah district has several times issued tremors since days ago, forcing the authority to ban any activity in the radius of one kilometer from the crater, Devi Kamil, head of observation unit at the national volcanology agency said.

"We have issued a recommendation for evacuation. There must not be any activity in the area of one kilometer from the crater," the volcanologist told Xinhua over phone.

"Should the frequency of the tremor keep rising, eruption may happen. But, if it doesn't, poisoned gas will spread from the crater," Kamil added.

Bob Rachmat, head of operational unit at the disaster agency in the district said that the agency had already mapped the area, saying that many residents still live in the slope of the volcano.

"There are over 770 people living in the area of one kilometer from the crater. All of them must be displaced as soon as possible," he told Xinhua by phone from the district.

Mount Banda Api erupted in 1998, killing 3 people with over one thousand others evacuated, according to the national volcanology agency.

The eruption trigger flows of hot lave to villages near the slope of the volcano.

Indonesia, an archipelago country with 17,500 islands, is home to 129 active volcanoes.
Next-generation green aircraft may sound like a mindboggling area of science, but 32-year-old Chinese scientist Gao Fei has made a unique contribution to the concept after four years of hard work, and this week he picked up the Best Clean Sky Award in Brussels to celebrate his achievement.

Gao Fei at Clean Sky PHD Award 2017 .

Gao discovered a scientific way to improve the power management of aircraft, contributing toward the realization of next-generation green aircraft.

"What made me most happy was discovering my own ideas that were tested in the lab-setting were feasible," Gao said. "When I make little breakthroughs like this in the lab, I feel so much fulfillment."

Gao is a friendly and charismatic young man, who experienced his fair share of struggles while studying in the United Kingdom after arriving in the country in 2012.

Despite his good academic grades, he struggled with the language and British food and initially felt homesick.

He buried himself in hours of laboratory work, and gradually built confidence through his research.

"The hardest part is the feeling that you're on your own, and no one can really help you, because research is about discovering new knowledge. It is a lonely task but also highly rewarding," he said.

The European Union presents the Best Clean Sky Award each year in celebration of outstanding young people who are at the beginning of their scientific careers. The award is affiliated with Clean Sky, the largest European research program, in terms of the money involved,which has a budget of 4.6 billion euros ($5 billion). The project is aimed at developing cutting-edge technology to reduce carbon emissions from aircraft.

While not a groundbreaking discovery on its own, Gao's research charts detailed scientific methods related to power management, voltage control, and weight and volume control of aircraft's electric power systems, all of which help lead to improvements in efficiency and power quality.

Gao was born in China's Anhui province and studied electronic engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University where he earned his master's degree. He then studied for a PhD at the UK's University of Nottingham.

Gao graduated from the University of Nottingham last year and is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, where he specializes in energy and power.

He still clearly remembers the difficulties he encountered in his early days in Nottingham.

"My English was not very good, I couldn't competently communicate all my ideas to my supervisor, and reading highly specialized academic articles was also a challenge."

But Gao said living in the UK encouraged him to pick up basic life skills, such as cooking for himself and finding accommodation, tasks he had not had to complete in China.

After the initial difficulties, Gao settled into his new life in the UK and became competent in cooking Chinese dishes, such as stir-fried meat and vegetables.

His supervisor at the University of Nottingham, Serhiy Bozhko, spoke of his achievements.

"I am delighted that he has been recognized for his stellar academic efforts," Bozhko said. "His research makes an innovative contribution toward the next generation of aircraft electric power systems."

Gao is the second Chinese student to win the award. Last year,it was won by Yang Tao, another PhD graduate from the University of Nottingham, who has since become a member of the university's engineering faculty.
Finland's cooperation will boost China's green development

China is expanding cooperation with Finland on renewable energy, as Beijing works toward its goal of ensuring green development.

Following an agreement in November on an outline that set out intentions, China CAMC Engineering Co, an arm of China's State-owned Sinomach, signed a further agreement with Finland's Boreal Bioref in February that will facilitate the investment of 800 million euros ($854 million) in a new pulp mill.

The final deal was signed during President Xi Jinping's visit. The plant will produce electricity, heat, wood and pine oil from trees.

Heikki Nivala, CEO of Boreal Bioref, said CAMCE's experience in constructing pulp mills and its strategic aim to secure pulp supplies for China will benefit the Finnish company.

"In addition to being our engineering, procurement and construction service provider, CAMCE will act as a leading investor in the project and intends to take an active role in facilitating pulp sales into China," Nivala said.

China has the largest paper, cardboard and viscose industries in the world. It imports 20 million metric tons of pulp to supply these industries.

Nivala said Finland exports 3 million tons of pulp, of which about 1 million tons go to China, which makes China Finland's largest trading partner in pulp.

China's economy is in a historic transition, and green development is one of the five major development concepts of the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20). Experts believe China will strengthen collaboration with Finland in the areas of energy and the environment to make the transition smoother.

Esa Vakkilainen, a professor of energy technology at Lappeenranta University of Technology, said Oilon, a Finnish company that makes industrial gas and oil burners, is a prime example of how Finnish know-how benefits China. Many of the company's low-pollution, new-technology burners have been installed recently in China.

"Finland is one of the leading countries in clean tech," said Vakkilainen, who believes the two countries can also work together on waste treatment, biogas generation, water purification and air pollution reduction.

CAMCE is not alone in entering the Finnish energy sector. In February last year, one of the leading renewable energy companies in China, Sunshine Kaidi New Energy Group, announced its plan to invest up to 1 billion euros in the construction of a biorefinery in Kemi in northern Finland.

The plan was firmed up when Carl Haglund, the CEO of the company's Finnish subsidiary, confirmed in December that the Chinese company had given tentative approval to the facility.

The refinery is projected to produce up to 200,000 tons of advanced biofuel a year, with about 4,000 jobs created during the building process and a permanent staff of 150.

Both projects would benefit the bioeconomy concept that the Finnish government wants to bring forward, Vakkilainen said.

"The major benefit to China is the internationalization of the respective Chinese companies," he said. "In addition to reaping the profits from the business, they get the possibility to showcase their technological know-how in the EU."

wangmingjie@mail.chindailyuk.com

(China Daily 04/06/2017 page3)
China expects to work with Finland promoting cooperation in fields such as innovation, energy efficiency, environmental protection and Arctic affairs, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

The two nations have maintained good relations and share some development strategies, which opens the door to further cooperation, Xi said in a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila in Helsinki during his state visit.

He noted that the Chinese economy has maintained good momentum against the background of a sluggish global economic recovery.

China, he said, is confident it can maintain healthy economic development as well as expand opportunities and benefits to other countries, including Finland.

Xi said the development in Europe is conducive to promoting world peace and stability, adding that China expects Europe to be prosperous, stable and open and the European Union to develop further and become stronger.

He expects Finland to play a more active role in bridging China-Europe relations.

China also is willing to work with Finland to promote China-Nordic relations, Xi said. Finland leads the Nordic Council this year.

Sipila said Finland appreciates China's positive role in global affairs and highly values President Xi's speech made at Davos, Switzerland, at the beginning of this year.

His country will promote cooperation with China in fields such as investment, and clean technology and under the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

While meeting with Maria Lohela, speaker of the Finnish Parliament, also on Wednesday, Xi called on the Chinese and Finnish legislatures to maintain exchanges at various levels to deepen the understanding between lawmakers of the two countries.

The Finnish Parliament, or Eduskunta, is one of the first Western parliaments to carry out friendly exchanges with the National People's Congress of China, Xi said, adding that he appreciates the part played by Lohela in actively promoting cooperation between the two legislatures.

Xi said China encourages the Chinese and Finnish legislatures to optimize their existing paths of cooperation so relations between the two nations can be expanded.

Xinhua contributed to this story.
Zhao Zhenge, a Chinese trade official based in Washington, and Iowa farmer Rick Kimberly exchange ideas on agriculture recently at Kimberly's home. [Photo by May Zhou/China Daily]

Rick Kimberly, an Iowa farmer of 4,000 acres about 20 miles outside of the state capital of Des Moines, has become a celebrity of sorts, thanks to a visit to his homestead by then vice-president Xi Jinping in February 2012.

In his modest one-story farmhouse, Kimberly welcomed a few Chinese guests on March 28, apologizing for the absence of his wife, Martha, due to a work engagement.

The guests were immediately drawn to an oil painting prominently displayed on a fireplace mantel in the living room. The painting depicts the meeting of Xi and Kimberly in the room five years ago.

"I was given this as a gift when I visited Beijing a couple of years ago," Kimberly said.

The Chinese guests were part of a small business delegation led by Zhao Zhenge, US general representative of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. They were in Iowa looking for investment opportunities.

Below the painting is a large ceramic vase with a Chinese inscriptiona gift from Xi. Kimberly picked up the vase to show his guests.

The visit by Xi five years ago was widely reported by major US media, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, as well as Chinese media. It linked the Kimberly Farm to China in a way its owner never imagined. He put some of the news reports into an album for guests to browse.

"When President Xi came and talked to us, he's very knowledgeable about agriculture. He thinks highly of people that live on the farm. He wants to help them to have a better life," Kimberly recalled to his guests.

"He mentioned that he wanted to use our farm as a model for farmers in China. We are happy to help in any way we can," Kimberly said.

Xi's wish is becoming reality. Kimberly has signed agreements with Chengde, Hebei province, and Lishu, Jilin province, to build two modern model farms based on his farm, and is negotiating a third.

"Two weeks ago, we had the development company from China visit here. They measured everything, even diagramed my house. From what I understand, they will make the model farm a place to have exhibits and conferences related to agricultural equipment and techniques," Kimberly said.

Kimberly Farm gets a lot of visitors and Kimberly appears to be prepared for it.

He doesn't keep a log of visitors, but estimates that hundreds of Chinese people have visited his farm annually since Xi's visit. More have visited this year, after Iowa Governor Terry Branstad was nominated by US President Donald Trump as ambassador to China and due to the upcoming model-farm projects in China.

Some visitors are Chinese students from universities and high schools in the state, Kimberly said.

He and his wife made trips to China after Xi's visit. They are scheduled for their seventh visit in June after finishing crop planting.

Kimberly has a passion for farming. He discussed with Zhao farming details, the challenges for China's young people to stay on a farm and what US farming experience can be used by China.

Kimberly showed his guests the giant grain bins and computerized farming equipment he uses. And he especially pointed out the green John Deere tractor that Xi had climbed on during his visit.

Of Xi's meeting this week with Trump, Kimberly said: "It will be a great meeting. I think it's something needed for the leaders of the two most important countries of the world."
Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st R) pose for a photo with Hery Rajaonarimampianina (2nd L), president of Madagascar, and his wife in Beijing, March 27, 2017. Xi held a welcome ceremony for Hery Rajaonarimampianina, president of Madagascar here on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - China and Madagascar on Monday agreed to synergize development strategies under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and ten major plans for China-Africa cooperation.

The pledge came out of the talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina in Beijing.

China and Madagascar enjoy great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, said Xi, welcoming Madagascar to participate in the Belt and Road construction.

He said China supports Madagascar in playing its role as a bridge between the Belt and Road and the African continent.

China is ready to establish a comprehensive partnership of cooperation with Madagascar, said Xi, calling on the two sides to deepen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, people-to-people exchanges, security, police affairs, justice and law-enforcement.

China supports Madagascar to play a bigger role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to enhance communication and coordination with the country on climate change, the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development as well as peace and security of Africa.

Xi said China will comprehensively implement the results of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in December 2015, held in South Africa's Johannesburg, to achieve common development with Africa.

Rajaonarimampianina said he was delighted to visit China as the two nations were celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of ties.

Madagascar supports the Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to beef up cooperation with China in energy, aviation, transportation, ports and airport construction, he said.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of cooperative documents, including a memorandum of understanding on jointly advancing the Belt and Road Initiative.

Rajaonarimampianina just attended the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia, held in south China's Hainan Province.
(Photo : USAF) SSC-8 in flight.

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Neither the United States nor NATO has an effective defense against Russia's nuclear warhead armed SSC-8 ground-launched cruise missile system, which became operational in western Russia early March in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) signed in 1987.



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The SSC-8, also identified as the 9M729, is a long-range system, claims the Russians. In the context of the INF Treaty, a long-range missile system has a range greater than 5,500 km.



The United States claims Russia violated the "spirit and intent" of the INF Treaty by deploying two SSC-8 battalions each with four launchers. That claim was made in February by U.S. Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.



Russia, however, argues it hasn't violated the agreement, and instead assailed the U.S. and NATO for threatening Russia's national security with a massive military build-up along Russia's borders.



It said the SSC-8 doesn't fall under the INF Treaty because the missile is a long-range missile with a range in excess of 5,500 km. The U.S. claims otherwise, however, saying the SSC-8 with its range of 3,000 km is an intermediate-range system.



The SSC-8's range extends from 480 km to 5,400 km, according to different sources.



The INF Treaty eliminated all nuclear and conventional missiles and their launchers with ranges of 500-1,000 kilometers for short-range systems and 1,000-5,500 km for intermediate-range systems. Missile systems with ranges in excess of 5,500 km aren't part of the treaty.



U.S. Air Force Gen. John Hyten, Commander, United States Strategic Command, told the U.S. Congress the U.S. and NATO have "no defense" against the SSC-8. He said the cruise missile has been deployed in the Volgograd region and at a second, unidentified site.



"We have no defense for it, especially in defense of our European allies," said Gen. Hyten.



"That system can range and threaten most of the continent of Europe depending on where it is deployed. ... It is a concern and we're going to have to figure out how to deal with it as a nation."



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TagsSSC-8 ground-launched cruise missile system, Russia, United States, NATO, Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty, INF Treaty, Gen. Paul Selva, Gen. John Hyten
(Photo : Getty Images. ) The Dalai Lama on Thursday offered an Olive Branch to China by saying that he merely wants autonomy for Tibetan region and not complete independence.

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The Dalai Lama, who is currently on a visit to disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh, on Thursday tried to appease China by claiming that he merely wants autonomy for the Tibetan region and not complete independence.



This is probably the first time in recent years that the controversial spiritual leader has made a direct plea to China for granting autonomy to the Tibetan region.



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"We are not seeking independence. We want China to give us meaningful autonomy. We want to remain with the People's Republic of China," the Dalai Lama told reporters in Arunachal Pradesh town of Bomdila.



The Dalai Lama added that Tibet can benefit from China's materialistic development, while the latter can benefit from Tibet's spiritual advancement. He stressed that Beijing needs to acknowledge and feel the same about mutual benefit.



The Buddhist leader also flatly dismissed the allegation that Indian government is using him as a diplomatic tool against China. He claimed that all his work is purely aimed at spreading across the Indian values such as non-violence and harmony.



The Chinese government so far has not given any official reaction to the Dalai Lama's latest overtures on Tibet.



China's Lodges Protest over Dalai Lama's Visit to Tibet



Meanwhile, China has been left completely miffed by India's decision to allow the Dalai Lama visit the disputed state of Arunachal Pradesh. In an unprecedented move, the Chinese foreign ministry summoned Indian ambassador Vijay Gokhale on Wednesday to lodge protest over the issue.



This is the first time that Beijing is forced to summon the Indian ambassador since April 2008, when then Indian ambassador Nirupama Rao was summoned after Tibetans violent protest outside the Chinese embassy in New Delhi.



Separately, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a critical statement over the ongoing visit of Dalai Lama that called on New Delhi to stop using the Tibetan leader as a strategic asset.



"We demand India stop using the Dalai Lama to do anything that undermines China's interests, and we also demand the Indian side not hype up sensitive issues between India and China," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.



Hua also warned that Dalai Lama's visit to the Arunachal Pradesh has caused a serious damage to Indo-Sino bilateral relationship.



Analysts claim Beijing feels challenged by India's move



India's bold move to arrange Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh is being seen as a direct challenge to the Chinese government, according to the most political analysts. They claim that by arranging this controversial visit New Delhi aims to give a fitting response to China's repeated snub over the issues of Masood Azhar and NSG last year.



The contagious issues of Masood Azhar and NSG put considerable strain on India - China relationship last year, with Beijing refusing to budge from its hardened stance on both the issues.



China's non-cooperation put immense pressure on the Indian government to take retaliatory measure against its Asian rival, with the Dalai Lama being its easiest diplomatic weapon. The Dalai Lama has been living in asylum in India's northern state of Dharamshala since 1959, when he escaped Tibet after leading a failed uprising against the Chinese government.



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TagsDalai Lama, India, India and China, Tibet
(Photo : Getty Images. ) In a huge victory against Huawei, a Chinese courts has ordered Samsung to pay 80 million Yuan ($11.60 million) to the Chinese manufacturer.

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A Chinese local court on Thursday ordered Samsung Mobile to pay hefty fine to Huawei Technologies in a copyright infringement case. The verdict marks Huawei's first victory against its South Korean rival in a copy infringement case and comes at critical time when Samsung is facing tough times in the world's largest smartphone market.



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The verdict issued by Quanzhou intermediary court asked Samsung's three units to pay 80 million Yuan ($11.60 million) to Huawei technologies for infringing latter's mobile technology patent. Huawei filed the lawsuit against Samsung China and two of its units in Huizhou and Tianjin in May last year.



According to a media reports, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer accused Samsung China and two of its units for manufacturing and selling more than 20 types of smartphone and tablet products that allegedly infringed its patents.



This was one of the many lawsuits that the Chinese company has filed against its South Korean counterpart in recent years over intellectual property theft.



Responding to the verdict, Samsung said that it will "thoroughly review the court's decision and determine appropriate responses." The South Korean company also sought to assure that this verdict will not negatively affects its sales in the Chinese market, while signalling that it might challenge the verdict in coming months.



Samsung has been steadily losing market in China to barrage of local manufactures like Huawei, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi. The South Korean giant is apparently unable to compete with 'high configuration and low price' offered by the local Chinese companies.



However, Samsung is not the only one that is bearing the brunt, even Apple has seen its sales flattened up due to fierce competition from Chinese companies.



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TagsHuawei, Samsung, Samsung Mobile, Samsung China, china
(Photo : DARPA) Scale model of the XV-24A LightningStrike Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) X-Plane.

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The first flight of a scale model of an unmanned, tiltrotor Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft using hybrid-electric propulsion is being swiftly advanced by the use of cutting-edge technologies.



The full scale XV-24A LightningStrike Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) X-Plane will be an unmanned aerial vehicle with the speed of an airplane and the unique VTOL characteristics of a helicopter. It's being developed for the United States military.



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A 20 percent scale model demonstrator of the LightningStrike flew successfully last March in Maryland. It flew for only five minute but was able to validate a number of key technologies for the full-scale aircraft. Among these technologies were the tilt wing/tilt canard configuration; aerodynamics; avionics architecture and flight control algorithms.



In March 2016, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Aurora Flight Sciences the prime contract for Phase 2 of the DARPA's Vertical Takeoff and Landing Experimental Plane (VTOL X-Plane) program. This program seeks to provide a 50 percent increase in speed over existing VTOL aircraft.



The full-scale military LightningStrike will be 12,000 pounds compared to the 325 pound demonstrator. It will be powered by an electric distributed propulsion system in which 24 variable-pitch ducted fans driven by electric motors provide thrust for both hover and cruise.



A Rolls-Royce AE 1107C turboshaft engine, the same engine used in the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey, will drive three Honeywell generators that power wing and canard electric motors.



The operational XV-24A will be twice as fast as a helicopter with a top sustained flight speed of 740 km/h. It will be the first aircraft to demonstrate distributed hybrid-electric propulsion using a synchronous electric-drive system.



Aurora CEO John Langford believes the XV-24 might ultimately contribute to a variant that emerges as a mainstay of the United States Armed Forces.



Tests will be conducted for the full-scale aircraft in 2018.



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TagsXV-24A LightningStrike Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) X-Plane, Vertical Take-off and Landing, VTOL, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPA, Aurora Flight Sciences
Deacon Keith Fournier says kidnappings and attacks on Christians by Boko Haram Islamists are a demonic assault.

Americans dont like to think about the demonic, he says in a column for TheStream.org. We dont want to believe anyone else is really serving evil. Our scholars and pundits try to explain such evil in economic and political terms. That can be partially true, of course, but it doesnt change the reality of evil or the fact that it is at work in all of this horror.

Most recently, Boko Haram extremists kidnapped 22 young girls Friday. The girls will be held as sex slaves or sold.

In September of last year, Boko Haram Islamists riding on motorcycles shot down Christians who were walking home from church. They killed eight.

But their biggest attack was three years ago when the group kidnapped more than 200 girls from a school in northern Nigeria. Many of the girls were Christian.

I abducted your girls, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau said at the time. I will sell them in the market, by Allah.  There is a market for selling humans. Allah says I should sell. He commands me to sell. I will sell women. I sell women.

According to reports, their terrorism has killed more than 20,000 people and driven about 2.6 million people from their homes.

We need to listen to our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who live in the midst of the Islamist terror, Fournier said. They can tell us about responding to the kind of demonic evil Boko Haram has unleashed on the Christians of northern Nigeria.

Photo: People hold up signs as local clergy, activists and and community leaders protest for the safe return of the 276 abducted schoolgirls outside the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations on June 2, 2014 in New York City. Despite a global outcry and renewed military effort to locate them, the girls, who were kidnapped last month by the islamist terrorist group Boko Haram, have yet to be found.

Photo courtesy: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Publication date: April 6, 2017
Passover has a special allure for Christians. It is on the night of Passover, as all Israel is offering the pascal Lamb and eating matza (unleavened bread) and bitter herbs on the slopes of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem that Jesus of Nazareth meets with his 12 disciples for the Last Supper. This may be the best-known Passover meal.

Both of these mealsJesuss Last Supper and the first Passover mealare launch events. Each of them inaugurates a new religious civilization. Thus, for the believing Christian, it is no coincidence that Jesus convenes the disciples at the very moment of the Passover meal to signal that this meal is the fulfillment of and successor to that first Passover meal, and that like the first one, the Last Supper inaugurates a new faith community. For most of Christian history, the celebration of the Lords Supper, the Eucharist, replaced the Jewish Passover Seder. For Jews, however, the most important Passover meal is the very first, described in Exodus 12. It is the meal by which Israel celebrates its liberation from the pagan culture of Egypt/Mitzrayim by serving the One God and bringing an offering to the One God. That first Passover meal is eaten home-by-home, family-by-family. The guest list consists of all the members of the family, men and women, old and young, wise and foolish, learned and ignorant, boys and girls. In other words, present at that first Passover offering was the whole Jewish family in all of its delight and complexity. When Jews today celebrate the Passover, they are reenacting that moment and connecting with all Jews across time and space who have been celebrating the Passover Seder for millennia.

The re-emergence of Christian interest in the Jewish Passover ...

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A few years ago my wife and I traveled to the Holy Land with several pastors from the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. We were graciously treated as special guests of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. In addition to visiting the traditional pilgrimage sites, we were given access to a few places off the grid. One of the most amazing places we visited was Caesarea Maritima, Herods seaside resort on the Mediterranean. Prominent on the landscape is the magnificent Roman Aqueduct which dates back roughly to the time of Jesus of Nazareth. Its purpose was to carry fresh water several miles along the road from Mount Carmel to Caesarea Maritima. It was thrilling to walk beside this ancient man-made waterway that has withstood the harsh assaults of time, nature, and humankind. Later, our group went to the Jerusalem Archaeological Park near the Temple Mount. Robinsons Arch was built to help pedestrians cross over a paved road near the Temple Mount.

In one of his most famous Jerusalem discourses, Jesus points to the Temple saying, Not one of these stones will be left standing (Mat. 24:2; Mark 13:2). Indeed, his prophecy was realized with the sacking of Jerusalem by General Titus in 70 A.D. In a final act of hubris, the Roman Emperor Domitian erected the Arch of Titus in Rome to commemorate their victory over Israel. Today, Herods Temple with all its former glories is little more than heaps of stone. Yet, Robinsons Arch remains nearly intact. Although these structures were built for entirely different reasons and with different materials, they share the same basic structural component the Roman arch. While I felt mournful for the destruction of the Holy City, I could not help but marvel at the genius of Roman engineering. I began to ask myself this question: What is the secret of the arch?

In a typical building, supporting walls and bridges are constructed of two perpendicular columns connected on top by a horizontal beam called a lintel. Since all physical loads are vertical, the burden of weight rests squarely on the lintel. Long before the Romans, ancient architects learned that they could strengthen their structures by replacing the horizontal beam with one that is an upwardly curving beam, or arch. The benefit of this design is that loads induce both bending and direct compressive stress (Arch, Van Nostrands Scientific Encyclopedia, pp. 316-317). In other words, the job of load-bearing in an arch is shared both horizontally and vertically. This results in one of the strongest architectural structural devices known to the ancient world. I suddenly began to realize that the Roman arch is the ideal illustration for a sound organization. Let me explain.

In many of our churches, the pastor is the top person of the organization. This is analogous to the lintel structure. The pastor sets the vision and the congregation supports whatever programming that contributes toward their common goals. If there are any successes, the pastor is lauded for providing great leadership. This can be very satisfying to pastors who thrive on serial victories. Conversely, when troubles arise, the bulk of the weight rests on the pastors shoulders. Most pastors weather these storms successfully, but even the strongest pastor can be tested by such burdens. Sadly, we see some pastors burning out and leaving the ministry. In extreme cases, inability to cope can manifest as some form of psychological or moral failure. We have all witnessed many congregations crumble in divisions and eventual dissolutions.

Now, lets take a retrospective Biblical view of leadership. Remember what happened when Moses was being overwhelmed? Jethro, his father-in-law, suggested a system of middle managers to handle the minor problems (Exodus 18:24). Now let us fast-forward to post-exilic Jerusalem. After Nehemiah rebuilt the city, Ezra stood to read from the Book of Moses in front of his congregation of thousands. But before he presided, he wisely flanked himself with several representatives of the people. As an added safeguard against being misinterpreted, he employed a team of Levites to explain his message (Nehemiah 8). Do you see a pattern here? Both Moses and Ezra utilized lay members to strengthen their ministry by sharing the load. In contemporary times, we can use the arch principle in much the same way. Lay people are invited to become part of the pastoral leadership. The upward sweep of the arch represents lay leadership sharing responsibility for the translation and implementation of organizational vision to a viable reality. They share in successes as well as failures.

The next point is vital to the success of this model. The central piece that links both sides at the top is called the keystone. Unlike the other parts of the arch continuum, this is not square. It is an inverted trapezoid, a four-sided figure with one short side at the bottom. On its own, it is a bit clunky. However, when properly mounted in the arch, it is transformed into a powerful locking mechanism. This is the secret of the arch. Now, lets apply the arch principle to leadership. The pastor is the keystone which unifies the organization while the laity sweeps up to provide support for the pastor. The lay leadership shares the normative vertical weight of ministry and safeguards against the unexpected horizontal environmental attacks. Both sides of the column down to the base do their part to maintain stability and continuity of vision and mission. There are no guarantees that churches using the arch principle will never fail. However, the advantages that come from including lay people in the pastoral ministry should give us pause. What kind of organizational structure best represents your church? Is your pastor bearing the heaviest burden of ministry? Or do your lay people share in the load? Remember the secret of the arch.

Daniel F. Flores is an ordained United Methodist minister and elder, who was appointed to educational ministry at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas. He frequently teaches theological courses for pastoral leaders in the Caribbean and the Americas.

[ This article is also available in espanol. ]
The modern-day circus is in town, Houston, and it's got a curious new show for locals to enjoy.

Cirque du Soleil opens its "Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities" show in Houston Thursday, April 6, 2017.

"We are the most acclaimed touring show by Cirque du Soleil right now," said Dawn Wilson, assistant artistic director of the "Kurios" show. "We are making a lot of audience members very, very happy."

On Wednesday, the Cirque opened it's doors to the Houston Chronicle for a peek inside the cabinet. From high-flying acrobats to theatrical performances, the rehearsals of the new Cirque show seems to have the right equation to please Houston audiences.

"Not to give too much away, however, one little tip I will give you, our opening number of this show is spectacular, so much so, that you're going to wonder, 'How are they going to top that?'' Wilson told Chron.com. "Where are we going to go after that opening? Well, we just get higher and higher and higher."

The theme of the show is steam-punk. It tells the tale of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to reinvent everything around him. While he is on his journey, his world is transformed as the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are altered and the universe is literally turned upside down.

Here is a peek into a scene where the visible is no longer visible to the audience:

The show is in the intimate Big Tent of the Cirque at Sam Houston Race Track. Thursday is opening night and the show continues until May 21. Tickets start at $35 with discounts offered for families, partners and large groups.

Visit the Cirque website for more information on tickets, show times and performance details.
The Houston Barbecue Festival, which will mark its fifth anniversary on April 9 at NRG Park, was conceived in 2013 as a way to promote the growing reputation of the Houston barbecue scene.

Co-founders J.C. "Chris" Reid and Michael Fulmer began the festival in to showcase the city's unique barbecue traditions that are larded with Mexican-American, African-American, Creole and Cajun foodways.
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A former Houston Independent School District employee is on the run, after being accused of impregnating a 13-year-old student.

Mauricio Orlando Mendoza, 37, was arrested and charged in March for aggravated sexual assault of a child.

He had been out on a $50,000 bail since March 23, but his bail was revoked March 31 because he was not living at the address he said he would be or not living with the person he said he would be with, according to court documents.

Mendoza has been at-large since. A spokeswoman for the Harris County Sheriff's Office confirmed Thursday that there is an open warrant out on Mendoza.

Mendoza's bond said he would live with his wife at their Houston residence. But within weeks, Mendoza's wife also no longer lived at the location provided to the court and said she did not know Mendoza's whereabouts, according to court documents.

State District Judge Hazel Jones confiscated Mendoza's passport after she heard the allegations against him. Mendoza has lived in the United States with his wife and children for about five years. He is originally from El Salvador, prosecutors said.

Mendoza was an information technology worker in Houston ISD before his arrest on March 22. He is accused of having had sex with the 13-year-old girl in his office and the library at Hartman Middle School. The girl tested positively in a pregnancy test in March.

He was arrested after the girl's mother said she found illicit text messages between her daughter and Mendoza in December.

He faced the possibility of life in prison.

Brian Rogers and Brooke Lewis contributed to this report.
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FAIRFIELDThe Sacred Heart University student who gave so much in life was also generous in her death.

Caitlin Nelson, 20, was declared dead in a New York Hospital Sunday following complications from choking during a Greek Life food eating contest on March 30.

On Tuesday, doctors completed the removal of her organs to be donated to those who need them, in keeping with her lifelong wishes, according to a source in familiar with operation who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Nelsons remains received a heroes escort by Port Authority police officers as they were taken to the New York Office of the Chief Medical examiner.

Officials determined the cause of Caitlin Nelsons death as "asphyxia due to obstruction of airway by bolus of food, and classified the incident as an accident.

She was treated for a blocked airway last week before her death.

More for you Sacred Heart mourns death of student after eating competition

Caitlins father, Port Authority officer James Nelson, died on 9/11 while trying to get people out of one of the Twin Towers, according to the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.

Like her Dad, who gave all he possibly could in the final moments of his life so others may live, Caitlin also gave all she could so others may live," said Paul Nunziato, president of the PAPB "My heart is broken for Caitlin's family.

While a student at Sacred Heart, Nelson studied social work, organized fundraisers and volunteered to mentor survivors of the Sandy Hook shootings, young people who experience trauma and loss.

"The Resiliency Center of Newtown was honored to have had Caitlin Nelson volunteer for us over the past several years, said director Stephanie Cinque, in an email. Caitlin helped with groups at the center, always offered an extra hand for events and was a counselor at both our camps. Caitlin will be missed immensely by the Newtown-Sandy Hook community, she touched the lives of so many and always did with such love."

Nelsons tragedy and final gift to those in need coincided with National Donate Life Month, an outreach effort intended to encourage people to register as organ donors.

Thousands of patients die each yearalmost one person every hourbecause they do not receive a suitable organ in time, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

Memorial services for Nelson are in the works, according to the Port Authority source. However, the source said that the funeral will be held in a Roman Catholic church, and that Port Authority officers will be supporting related events with an honor guard and other resources.
Theme parks before Six Flags and Houston's old AstroWorld, were much simpler and featured things like swimming pigs.

At least that's how it was for now-closed Aquarena Springs in San Marcos. The Texas theme park first opened in 1951 and its iconic attraction wasn't the Dungeon Drop or a twisted coaster, but instead "Ralph the Famous Swimming Pig," a brave swine that would dive head first into Spring Lake to drink milk from a bottle.
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Students at La Porte High School are complaining that rodents and insects have invaded their school.

"Sometimes they'll fall from the ceilings and run across the room and go back up. It's kind of scary but we've gotten used to it," Alyssa Atilano, a senior at the school, told KPRC. She added she had to go to the emergency room because she was bitten on campus.

She also told the station that one of her fellow students "has bites all on her legs and her chest and arms."

The district claims the pests are a result of a $100 million construction project at the school that has affected the campus' environment.

KATY ISD: Feds detain Katy High School student from Jordan following President Trump's immigration ban

The school principal, Todd Schoppe, released a statement addressing the allegations. He said, in part:

"As a result of this construction, we are dealing with a few related issues," he explained. "The natural habitat has been disrupted, and construction features such as temporary walls are in place in some areas of the school, which has caused the need for us to increase our pest control efforts.

Students have shared images allegedly taken at the school that show dead rats in traps. Schoppe said this is being addressed daily.

"Our maintenance department is aggressively working on this, and traps are set in inconspicuous places throughout the building," he told parents in his letter. "These traps are checked every morning before students arrive and quickly attended to during the day if needed, following all state pest control regulations."

IN FOOD: Maggots found inside fruit cup at Cy-Springs High School

In the same letter, the principal said a La Porte High School teacher reported having insects in her classroom. Schoppe said they've taken great measure to ensure the room is now cleared of any critters.

"In accordance with Integrated Pest Management regulations, the district sent a sample to the Texas A&M Extension Service, where it has been confirmed to be an insect, and the entomologists agree that it is not associated with rodents, he said. "The area in which the insects were found has been thoroughly cleaned, and no other areas of the school have been affected."

The district may have determined why this portion of the school attracted the pests and say that they are taking additional measures to clear out the area.

"We are in the process of removing animals from the life science lab. All of the mammals have been checked and do not have insects or other pests on them," La Porte ISD director of communications Terri Cook told the Houston Chronicle Thursday. "We are also removing items in which insects might hide. Next Friday, which is a holiday for students and staff, we will be fumigating this area of the school, which contains five classrooms."

See KPRC's interview with the student above.
Houston Police Department

Investigators with the Houston Police Department are searching for leads in the fatal shooting of a man at 12500 Sandpiper about 2:10 a.m. Wednesday, April 5.

The victim, Crystal Rose, 27, of 12500 Sandpiper, was pronounced dead at the scene.
UPDATE: Internal video footage from a Beaumont ISD elementary school bus crash that sent nearly two-dozen to local hospitals Wednesday afternoon was damaged in the crash, leaving investigators unable to review it.



"Our plan is to contact the manufacturer and see if there is a way we can extract the video," said Lumberton Police Chief Danny Sullins.



The digital hard drive from the camera showed footage of days leading up to the crash, Sullins said, but nothing from the April 5 field trip to Big Thicket. He added that he did not suspect any foul play, and that Lumberton police were present when the hard drive was removed from the bus carrying children and adults from Charlton-Pollard Elementary School.



The bus driver was subjected to a blood test, and intoxication is not anticipated, he added.

Sullins said he interviewed two children involved in the wreck Wednesday, both of which told him the bus driver looked as if "she may have been going to sleep" at the time of the accident.



"For what we know now, it's likely the bus driver is at fault. We know the two vehicles didn't back up and strike the bus"



The police chief also said the bus was equipped with seat belts, but they have no way of telling who was wearing them.

One student and one teacher remain hospitalized, all others have been released, according to Beaumont ISD. Student was air lifted to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston with a head injury.
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A former DEA agent based in McAllen was sentenced in Houston Thursday to seven years in federal prison for downloading child pornography.

James Patrick Burke, 39, was caught as a result of Operation Pacifier, an international sting by FBI agents that swept up visitors to a dark website that peddled illegal images and videos.

INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP: Texas softball coach accused of having sexual relationship with 17-year-old student

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett told Burke he was taking into consideration the former special agent's criminal behavior as well as his law enforcement and military service, according to a news release by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The judge said he was repulsed by the crime and unmoved by the lengthy statement Burke made in court, which did not demonstrate Burke was ready to take the blame for his conduct.

He ordered Burke to pay $4,000 in restitution to a known victim and serve 15 years of supervised release after his prison term. He will be required to register as a sex offender.

Burke, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, was taken into custody after sentencing. His attorney, Mark Diaz, could not be reached for comment.

POLITICAL SCANDAL: Child prostitution charges brought against Oklahoma senator caught with teen boy in motel room

Burke pleaded guilty June 2. He was one of more than 135 people indicted on allegations they accessed content from a website known as Playpen in early 2015.

FBI agents executed a search warrant after they traced downloads to his Internet ID from the Playpen site that trafficked in pornographic images of children. The FBI had seized the website's server and gotten a search warrant to keep it running for a month in 2015 while agents ran hacking software tracing the IP addresses of site visitors.

During a search of his McAllen residence, investigators seized a laptop and a desktop computer. Burke told agents he used software to wipe the devices clean, but agents also found remnants of the movie titles that indicated they might have been of child pornography.

An examination of Playpen's server showed Burke had accessed 77 threads containing 345 contact sheets with about eight images of child pornography per sheet, including prepubescent children and toddlers in acts of bondage and violence. Some were known victims as identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to court documents.
It's a case of dollars to donuts.

Houston-area Shipley Do-Nut workers have filed not-so-sweet claims in federal court, accusing the beloved bakery of failing to pay legally required overtime.

Four former Shipley employees, including one who started at the company back in 1988, are seeking class action status for the suit filed Wednesday in federal court.

DO-NUTS AND CRIME: Shipley Do-nuts shop owner chases, beats, detains man who tried to rob his store

"All plaintiffs regularly worked over forty hours per week," the suit alleges. "Shipley's knew or reasonably should have known that plaintiffs worked in excess of forty hours per workweek."

The four workers behind the claims were based out of the Shipley warehouse and corporate office location on North Main Street. While one was a warehouse employee, two were in housekeeping and a fourth did clerical tasks.

Juan Sanchez, who worked in the warehouse, put in "40-60 hour workweeks with minimal breaks." But, like his fellow plaintiffs, he claims the company glazed over his compensation, only paying him for 40 hours a week regardless of how much time he put in.

TACOS ON THE RUN: Channelview taco truck stolen

Elizabeth Peralta, a housekeeper, worked for $9 an hour and was expected to drive her own car to clean other properties and residences owned by Shipley. But she was never reimbursed for that expense or the extra hours she worked, driving her hourly wage below the state minimum.

The suit claims that a slew of other Shipley employees are in a similar situation, given their work requirements and pay rate.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees like Sanchez and Peralta are generally required to get overtime pay equal to time-and-a-half. There are some exceptions, the suit notes, but none would apply to the Shipley workers.

"The rule defendants violated is so basic that it could not have been in 'good faith,' but must instead have been willful," the lawsuit says.

The suit - which also names company president and third-generation doughnut-maker Lawrence W. Shipley, III - dings the Houston-based chain for failure to maintain accurate records, not paying minimum wage and failing to pay overtime.

Shipley D0-Nuts on Thursday issued a frosty statement rebuffing the suit's charges.

"The claims by the former employees named in the lawsuit are unfounded, completely without merit and no more than a retaliation lawsuit against Shipley Do-Nuts and Lawrence Shipley III for their recent termination," the statement said.

"We are challenging these allegations and look forward to all of these claims being resolved by the Court in our favor."
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HOUSTON  A pair of males reportedly botched a smash-and-grab at the Love's Travel Stop in Willis early Wednesday then led Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies on a chase into Houston.

Two males were seen around 4 a.m. at the truck stop in the 9600 block of Longstreet ramming a pickup truck into the doors of the business but failed to break through. The truck then drove toward Interstate 45 North, heading south toward Houston. Deputies spotted the suspect vehicle while it was still southbound in Montgomery County. As it approached The Woodlands, the passenger of the vehicle hopped out near Texas 242 as the driver stayed in the truck and sped off. The passenger is still on the loose.
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Community college has long been a popular place to start working toward a bachelor's degree. Soon, it may become a place to finish one, too.

College administrators across the state are hoping to convince Texas lawmakers to authorize them to begin offering four-year degrees in a limited number of fields. It's a goal they have been working toward for years, and this year chances are stronger than ever that they'll succeed because powerful members of the House and Senate appear to support the idea.

THROUGH THE YEARS: See the evolution of College Station, Texas A&M in vintage photos

Right now, just three schools have that right  South Texas College, Midland College and Brazosport College. But more than a dozen lawmakers have filed bills that would let some or all schools in the state add four-year programs.

"There is definitely an appetite in the House," said Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee.

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The same is true in the upper chamber, where Senate Higher Education Committee Chairman Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, is one of the lawmakers who have filed a bill. In past years, he said he's been skeptical of the idea.

IS THIS GOING TO STAY?: Lawmakers, UT consider automatic admission law

Supporters say the bills would increase the number of students who earn a four-year degree in the state and would help Texas ease worker shortages in skilled industries like nursing, applied technology, applied science and early childhood education.

In nursing, for example, there's a widespread shortage of qualified candidates. Making matters worse, nearly 40 percent of registered nurses in Texas are 54 years old or older. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies predicts that the state will be 60,000 nurses short of demand by 2030.

Steve Head, chancellor of Lone Star College, which has campuses around the Houston area, said his school would be excited to help shrink that number  and do it in a way that's affordable.

"We have the necessary facilities and faculty in place today to help address the industry shortage needs," he said.

BRAGGING RIGHTS: Texas graduate schools land near top of US News 2017 college rankings

But not everyone is on board.

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A 2014 study commissioned by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board found reticence from many in the higher education community. Skeptics worried that it would result in mission creep at two-year schools, spark more competition between universities and community colleges and increase costs at two-year schools.

The Texas Nurses Association has been skeptical, too, saying in advance of this year's legislative session that it needs to see more evidence that bachelor's degree programs work at community colleges before its supports the idea.

LEFT OR RIGHT: The most liberal, conservative colleges in Texas

"What we want to make sure of is, no matter who offers a nursing program, that the nursing program is accredited and it is going to help the nursing profession one way or another," said Andrew Cates, director of government affairs for the association.

But many lawmakers have come around to doing it in a limited way. Seliger's bill, a companion of which was filed in the House by Rep. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, would limit each college to three baccalaureate degree programs. Those programs could only be in fields of nursing, applied technology and applied science.

FOOTBALL FANATICS: Texas universities that profit the most, least off sports

Other bills offer variations in the number and types of degrees offered. Both higher education committee chairmen said they expect to begin holding hearings on the ideas in the next week or two  and that they are hopeful to find a solution.

"It should not break the academic model or the economic model of community colleges," Seliger said.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
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Pets are becoming an increasingly dangerous and unpredictably toothy challenge for letter carriers delivering the mail  particularly in Houston.

The number of postal employees nationwide attacked by dogs reached an all-time high in 2016, and Houston maintained its dog-bite distinction as a city near the top of the list, according to annual figures and ranking released Thursday by the U.S. Postal Service.

Dogs assaulted 6,755 postal workers last year, including 62 in Houston. The Bayou City ranked No. 2 behind Los Angeles, where 80 employees were attacked by canines.

The stats are released each year to coincide with National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which begins on Sunday and ends April 15.

SNAKEBIT: Austin veterinarians report increase in rattlesnake bites to dogs

"Even good dogs have bad days," USPS Safety Director Linda DeCarlo said in a news release. "Dog bite prevention training and continuing education are important to keep pet owners, pets and those who visit homes  like letter carriers  happy and healthy."

Houston has hovered near the top of the list since landing at No. 1 in 2010, the first year for which rankings were released. Over the last seven years, the Bayou City has had the most dog attacks for three of those years and had the second-most for two of those years  including 2016. Houston attacks hit a record of 77 in 2015.

The Postal Service advises customers to secure a dog in a separate room before opening the door to receive mail.

"Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors," the news release said.

K-9 BITER: Texas police dog loses badge after attacking two innocent civilians

Pet owners also should be aware that a letter carrier handing mail to an owner or family member could be perceived as a threatening act by a dog.

If a letter carrier feels unsafe around a dog  or the animal is loose, unleashed or roaming  the owner may be asked to pick up mail at the post office until the postal worker is assured that the pet is adequately restrained.

The organization's Package Pickup application on usps.com enables customers to indicate the presence of dogs at the address when scheduling parcel pick ups. The information is provided to letter carriers in addition to real-time updates if an unleashed dog is reported in a delivery area.
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A 22-year-old Houston man has been arrested in the March slaying of a young mother driving home from a nightclub.

Jorian Peters is facing a murder charge for the death of Essence DeRouen, who was shot as she sat in traffic in northeast Houston.

The 21-year-old mother of one was headed home from Club Panda around 3 a.m. March 20 when a man in white pants and a blue shirt ran up to the car and fired off multiple shots into the vehicle.

At the time, police said they believed DeRouen may not have been the intended target.

Afterward, the killer fled the scene in a light-colored Buick sedan.

KILLING: Young mother shot to death in car in north Houston

A Barbara Jordan High School graduate with a 6-year-old, friends described the victim as "the life of the party."

"She was a hard-working young lady trying to build a better life for her and her son," long-time friend Compassion Anderson said just after DeRouen's death.

On Wednesday, police arrested the man they say is behind the crime.

Peters, who is currently being held without bail in the Harris County jail, has an arrest record dating back to at least three years.

In 2014, he was collared for burglary of a vehicle, although the charge was later dismissed when the witness didn't show up to court.

Two years later, he was arrested for a felony cocaine charge and was given a deferred adjudication with five years of probation.
WASHINGTON  Texas U.S. Rep. Michael Conaway was tapped Thursday to lead the House Intelligence Committee probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election, which has been hampered by weeks of partisan discord over its chairman, Devin Nunes, who agreed to step aside.

For Conaway, a Republican from Midland and a senior member of the intelligence panel, the assignment represents a sudden leap into the center of a gripping national drama over the U.S. intelligence and diplomatic apparatus, Russian agents, and leading figures in both the Trump and Obama administrations.

"I have been a member of the House Intelligence Committee for over eight years now, and it is a responsibility I take with the utmost seriousness," Conaway said. "My profession as a CPA and auditor has taught me to be objective and methodical, and that is how I intend to help lead this investigation.

Conaway's new role was announced by House Speaker Paul Ryan, who acceded to Democratic calls for Nunes, who worked on President Donald Trump's campaign, to step aside in the face of fresh ethics complaints over his role in helping the White House parry criticism of the president's unsubstantiated claim that he was wiretapped by former President Barack Obama.

While saying that Nunes, a California Republican, continues to have his trust, Ryan said the new ethics probe would be a "distraction," and called on Conaway to take the lead on the Russia investigation. "I am confident that he will oversee a professional investigation into Russia's actions and follow the facts wherever they lead," Ryan said in a statement.

Conaway also said Nunes continues to have his full support, and emphasized that his new leadership role in the Russia probe is temporary.

Conaway has handled sensitive assignments before as a former chairman of the House Ethics Committee, which investigates allegations of wrongdoing against members of Congress, generally considered one of the most thankless jobs in Washington.

A certified public accountant by training, he also once led an audit committee that uncovered fraud in hundreds of thousands of dollars of missing funds in National Republican Congressional Committee bank accounts.

The 68-year-old lifelong Texan has deep ties to the Bush family, including doing CPA work for an oil and gas company run by former President George W. Bush. He graduated in 1966 from Permian High School in Odessa, where he was a standout player for the Permian Panthers and a member of the first Permian State Championship team in 1965. He went on to Texas A&M and served in the U.S. Army. Among his assignments is the Committee on Armed Services.

In May, acting along with nine other House committee chairmen, Conaway endorsed Trump for president.

But as the current chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Conaway generally maintains a low profile overseeing commodity and nutrition programs that keep him far away from the national spotlight.

That is about to change, with Democrats and allied groups alleging that the House Republicans are seeking to stifle the progress of an investigation centered on potential cooperation between Trump campaign aides and Russian government and industry officials.

So far, he has only briefly flirted with controversy when he told the Dallas Morning News in January that Mexican singers and soap opera stars who appeared at Hillary Clinton campaign events influenced the election as much as Russian hackers did.

"Those are foreign actors, foreign people, influencing the vote in Nevada. You don't hear the Democrats screaming and saying one word about that," Conaway said.

The comment was widely decried by Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, who tweeted, "This is a pathetic and offensive attempt to try to diminish the consensus that Russia meddled in the 2016 election to boost Donald Trump."

Conaway, who has represented Texas' 11th congressional district since 2005, will take temporary control of the controversial Russia investigation with fellow Republicans Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, and Tom Rooney of Florida.

Despite the change in management, reactions from lawmakers on both sides Thursday suggested that the partisan dynamics of the Russia probe will be little changed.

House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady, a Texas Republican from The Woodlands, defended Nunes' work and said he foresees little change in direction under Conaway. "Like Devin Nunes, he's a very thoughtful member of Congress and will go to the facts and to the truth of this," Brady said.

Democrats, meanwhile, continued to press for an independent investigation.

"Putting three Republicans in charge of an investigation that has been so bungled by one is not reassuring," said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a San Antonio Democrat. "While Mike Conaway is an amiable and thoughtful colleague whom I respect, the only way to restore public confidence is with a nonpartisan, independent, comprehensive review of the Russian attacks and any possible involvement of Trump associates."

"Instead," Doggett continued, "as with the Trump tax returns cover-up, Republicans seem much more interested in protecting Trump than learning the truth."

Nunes, meanwhile, will retain his position as chairman of the intelligence committee.

"Despite the baselessness of the charges, I believe it is in the best interests of the House Intelligence Committee and the Congress for me to have Representative Mike Conaway, with assistance from Representatives Trey Gowdy and Tom Rooney, temporarily take charge of the Committee's Russia investigation while the House Ethics Committee looks into this matter," Nunes said. "I will continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as Committee Chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims."

Nunes has been under fire for his handling of information that Trump officials may have been swept up in surveillance of foreign agents. He said he briefed Trump on the information before telling other members of the committee.

The New York Times subsequently reported that White House officials were Nunes' sources on the information.

The committee's top Democrats, Adam Schiff of California, said he respected Nunes' decision to step aside.

Said Conaway: "I am confident that Ranking Member Schiff and I will be able to work together to conduct an effective, bipartisan investigation."
A 22-year-old was jailed Tuesday after he allegedly set fire to the garage portion of an East Side African Methodist Episcopal Church in order to "get rid of his sins," arson investigators say.

Lee Power, 22, was arrested on a charge of arson when he allegedly confessed to police that he had set the fire and wanted to kill himself. He remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

RELATED: Police searching for gunman who shot neighbor's relative after argument over money on South Side

According to an affidavit, firefighters and police responded to the fire around 10:40 a.m. Tuesday in the 1600 block of Semlinger Road at the Emmanuel AME Church.

The fire began in the detached garage of the church, and when firefighters arrived, it was fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze and called arson investigators to the scene. Once there, investigators spoke with Power, who was at the scene. He told them he was asleep at the time of the fire and was released.

RELATED: 2 hospitalized after rollover crash involving Bexar County Jail van downtown

Later that day, police received a call from Power, who "stated he had set a fire earlier in the day and wanted to kill himself."

Power was placed under emergency detention at the Downtown Metropolitan Hospital. There, San Antonio Fire Department arson investigators met with him. He told them he had set the garage on fire "intentionally by igniting paint thinner and brake fluid with his lighter, inside the garage."

During the interview, Power said he set the fire to "get rid of his sins."

He was later booked into jail.

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
WASHINGTON  The White House took credit Wednesday for a sharp drop in the number of people arrested trying to cross the Southwest border illegally since President Donald Trump took office.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials reported 16,600 individuals were apprehended or deemed inadmissible in March. That was a 35 percent decrease from February, and a 61 percent decrease from January.
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As myths go, the Bermuda Triangle is easy to get sucked into.

It's big, vaguely defined and comes all wrapped up in the intrigue of maritime lore.

This imaginary triangle extends from Miami, Fla., to San Juan, P.R., to Bermuda. But it's not an official designation, so even the size and location are subject to interpretation.

Take for example the case of Theodosia Burr Alston, 29, daughter of former Vice President Aaron Burr and the wife of South Carolina Gov. Joseph Alston. She was a passenger on the schooner Patriot, which sailed from Charleston, S.C., to New York City on Dec. 31, 1812.

THE WHITE HOUSE: The many conspiracy theories that Donald Trump has spoken about

After a few days at sea, the Patriot and all those on board were never heard from again. Given that it was sailing from South Carolina to New York, was the Patriot even in the Bermuda Triangle? Close enough, apparently. (Story continues below.)

Neither the U.S. Coast Guard, nor the much newer Maritime Accident Casebook takes the Bermuda Triangle seriously.

But that doesn't stop the speculation. In the most recent case, the persistent notion of a mysteriously dangerous zone was cited in coverage of the cargo ship El Faro, which went down on Oct. 1, 2015, during Hurricane Joaquin. All those on board died.

ROGUE WAVE: Coast Guard rescues 8 after boat capsizes off Texas coast

Noting that the ship was en route from Jacksonville, Fla., to Puerto Rico, the National Post said, "In other words, the middle of the Bermuda Triangle."

In December of last year, the National Transportation Safety Board released 500 pages of transcripts of conversations recorded on the ship's bridge as the El Faro sailed closer to the hurricane.

"Nobody in their right mind would be drivin' into it," one crew member said the afternoon before the ship sank.

Click through the gallery at the top of the story to see what else has been lost in this angular patch of ocean.
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Four people were killed in a clash between Mexican law enforcement and the Gulf Cartel Sunday near the Texas border, according to local media.

El Blog del Narco, a Mexican publication, reported that a shootout occurred in the Miguel Aleman region of Tamalipas, which sits on the Texas-Mexico border, Sunday afternoon.

The publication said gunmen in a Hummer shot at state police, resulting in a standoff between authorities and who El Blog del Narco reports are cartel members.

RELATED: Report: Photos appear to show cartel members readying for war in post-'El Chapo' power struggle

Four gunmen were shot and killed. Authorities also seized 137 packages of what is believed to be marijuana from the scene and firearms, according to El Blog del Narco.

This week in nearby Reynosa, which sits along the Texas-Mexico border near McAllen, two U.S. citizens were killed Wednesday during three shootouts in the city.

RELATED: Report: Mexico border shooting wounds 2 US citizens

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City said it was aware of reports of "a shooting incident involving a U.S citizen near the border" but did not confirm the victims' nationalities because of privacy considerations.

Navy officials said Wednesday that marines came under fire at three points in the city. Marines returned fire in the third incident and killed two armed people in a vehicle.

Reynosa has long been dominated by the Gulf drug cartel.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
AUSTIN -- House Democrats unsuccessfully tried to cripple Attorney General Ken Paxton's efforts to defend the state in a redistricting lawsuit filed by civil rights groups which argue the Texas Legislature intentionally discriminated against black and Latino voters.

The amendment, by Democratic Rep. Chris Turner of Grand Prairie, came up as House lawmakers were considering more than 400 amendments to their two-year, $218.2 billion budget. Turner's proposal would have barred Paxton's office from using any budget funds to appeal a decision in Texas' redistricting case.
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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Fundatia de Binefacere Caritas Moldova solicita oferte de pret de la companii cu privire la productia de materiale de vizibilitate
BEN MONTGOMERY SPENT MORE THAN two years gathering use-of-force reports from Floridas nearly 400 law enforcement agencies. He wrote personal checks to cover the costs of record requests, and amassed a six-foot stack of documents that detailed six years of police shootings throughout the state, more than half of them fatal. Nobody tracks these, Montgomery told a Radiolab producer who visited him at the Tampa Bay Times. The FBI doesnt. State agencies dont, for the most part.

Now, the Tampa Bay Times does. Why Cops Shoot debuted online Tuesday with a stark, abstract portrait of the racial disparities turned up by Montgomery and his colleagues. A page on the Times website presents readers with a small grey circle and a bit of text: Alens Charles, asleep in his car. A second circle appears: Rodney Mitchell, driving home. And a third: Dontrell Stephens, riding his bike. Those circles join a constellation of other shootings827 in allwhich then gives way to a series of data visualizations and the Times blunt conclusion: Police are more likely to shoot if youre black.

The Times graphic argument leads readers to back a custom database of the 827 police shootings that took place in the state between 2009 and 2014. Each shooting is summarized, mapped, and linked to shootings with which it shares characteristicswhether a victim was armed, or complied with officers, or fled.

It also leads to an 8,000-word narrative report from Montgomery, an enterprise reporter at the Times, framed by the shooting of 23-year-old Rodney Mitchell and his mothers struggle to find something like justice.

For the past three years, shootings of unarmed black men caught on video have sparked outrage, Montgomery writes. But they are anecdotes. Without data, theres no scope. And without anecdotes, data just floats, untethered from the lives they represent.

Yesterday, Montgomery spoke with CJR about his reporting, the Times stirring data presentation, and the power of pairing data and narrative. His remarks have been edited for clarity.

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On the origins of the project

In the weeks after the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, I became aware of the fact that nobody keeps track of police shootings. I was outraged that there was no central repository for this kind of record keepingsomething that seems so important and drives public discourse and sends people into the streets carrying signs. I certainly wasnt alone in that; it launched The Washington Post and The Guardian US and a bunch of smaller papers around the country on similar efforts to try and keep stock.

I was ranting about this during a staff meeting, and someone said, Why dont we count? It was simple as that. At that point, I had no idea how many police stations there were in Florida, or how long this would take.

Once the first handful of agencies responded and I was getting full and detailed reports and getting familiar with them, I thought, If we can do this for everybody, if everybody responds, this could be something that is super useful. [The project] morphed from taking count to, What can we learn about these things? What are ways that we can identify trends? How can we categorize some of these shootings to use the numbers in productive ways?

We had a guy who had built the entry side of a database for a previous piece on Floridas stand-your-ground law. We morphed that to make it more useful for what we were doing.

From my perspective, managing that data input, making sure it was accurate for dozens of fields of entryit was a beast. I still have anxiety we mightve missed something, that there might be a name misspelled among 827 shootings involving more than 1,000 cops.

On getting records in Floridaand paying for them

In Florida, every project I start, I work under the idea that every document created by government employees in the conduct of government business should be available for public inspections. There are exceptionsjuvenile criminals, minors in state custodybut by and large, every document should be available for public release.

There were plenty of agencies that got a request, very quickly identified the digital copies, and sent them almost immediately. Others werent digitized, and [agencies] had to assign personnel to find these use of force reports. Those agencies charged us for processing those records.

Wed get a response from an agency saying, We expect the expense for your request is $47. So Id write a check and mail it off, or my editor Bill Duryea [who become Politicos enterprise editor in 2014] would send it off. We didnt do a good job keeping track, so $4,000 is a super-conservative estimate.

The large agenciesMiami, Jacksonville, Pensacola, St. Petersburgwere very quick to respond and get us documents. They tended to be good about record keeping, and they know that those use of force reports are going to be public records.

When you got down to the smaller agencies, especially those without digital access to records, it took a while. Right up to the end. I was calling Homestead as recently as last week and dealing with the county clerks office. Where are your shooting reports? Why dont we have them?

On critical responses from government agencies and readers

I can count on one hand the number of conversations I had that were contentious.

On the Times Facebook page, there may be a tendency towards knee-jerk reactions, like How dare you do this to police again? But those people havent read the story. We actually spent a lot of time talking to the police. This included regular, direct consultation with people in the police rankspeople who have been my sources for years and years, looking over my shoulder. Are we looking at right trends in this data? Is this fair line to pursue? Once people have a chance to get into the story and realize it isnt police bashing this is a thoughtful, complicated, 8,000-word storythe knee-jerk criticism dissipates.

On the scope of the data

Once we learned the potential for this project, it became a little daunting. Like, We are doing a lot here. The level of detail we were going for, I havent seen anywhere. Getting just the data in was hours and hours of work by many people. At times, it seemed like it was cost-prohibitive, like we couldnt hire enough people to get this in. We farmed a lot out to senior reporting students at the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa. I had eight interns, here for their summer internship with the Times, all to myself to focus on data entry.

From my perspective, managing that data input, making sure it was accurate for dozens of fields of entryit was a beast. I still have anxiety we mightve missed something, that there might be a name misspelled among 827 shootings involving more than 1,000 cops.

On choosing the narrative to carry the story

We started talking about the words part of it way early, when I started to sink into the cases I found most interesting. We had a conversation, or a series, that were like, We could do eight different stories, each focused on its own topic. We could do a story about mentally ill people shot by police, and how police deal with the mentally ill. We could do one story on race, one story on police training.

It was my argument early on to do one comprehensive, scene-driven, character-driven story. My preference as a reader is to read that, rather than a bunch of different stories.

Id never heard of the shooting of Rodney Mitchell before I started working on this, though itd happened years before. He fit the demographic we all had a hunch about, but the numbers confirmed: a young black man, unarmed, often in a traffic stop, gets shot by the police in a way thats not racially consistent with the demographics of the state.

Another thing is how his case was playing out. Even if the circumstances of his shooting were questionable, I knew early on that this was going to be a case where the courts rule in favor of the officers. I thought that would serve as a useful example of what happens in these cases, and the way that prevents people close to Rodney from finding relief.

On the Times stark, devastating data visualization

I didnt work on the data visualization at all. I saw it kind of coming together a couple of months ago. I know the thinking was Connie [Humburg, the Times computer-assisted reporting specialist] and Neil [Bedi, a reporter and developer at the paper] wanted something that complemented the story but didnt try to tell the story in all. Their mission was to get people into the project, and isolate some important findings without necessarily relying on anecdotes.

The trends that Connie and Neil isolated were theirs. Its taking these big complicated cases and boiling them down into a sentence or two. Thats a difficult thing. Thats why I like this story. These are big, hairy complicated things. They require space and explanation.

Since weve been doing this, weve been beaten by everybody. Glen Smith at The Post and Courier in South Carolina did a whole massive amazing thing. The Washington Post has done a Pulitzer Prize-winning series on shootings. The Guardian US has done a big database on this. A couple of papers in Florida did the same thing.

On the future of the shootings database

I dont think the database is something the Times can afford to sustain forever. We talked about seeing if something like a Kickstarter would have success. Is that something people would pay for? The maintenance and upkeep of a database like that? Those things have yet to be determined. For now, it is what it is. If someones interested in paying someone to keep it current, then we might explore that.

This is a big old ambitious project. We havent seen the analytics yet. I dont know whether our print subscribers will appreciate this. I dont know how long this lasts, this kind of deeply involved project. I dont know how long you can do this.

On collaborating with Radiolab for its two-part Shots Fired episode

I did a thing with Radiolab a few years ago that was a really fun, but less serious story. Since then, I get the calls for pitches from Radiolab on a regular basis. I saw one, and it asked something like, Are you a reporter working on a white whale of a project? I had already started working on this story, and wed started building the database, and so I pitched this to Radiolab as a chance to piggyback a bit on the reporting we were doing. The more filled-in the database became, and the more clear the trend lines became, Radiolab decided to send a producer down here a couple times to do some reporting with me.

We were thinking wed be done with this early last year. But the closer we got to thinking we were almost done, the more elusive the ending was. So, Radiolab had sort of recorded everything and put their shows together. And they were just kinda waiting.

We had an agreement up front that they wouldnt publish until we publish. And we kept delaying and delaying for fact checking, bringing the interactive web component online, working out the kinks. But eventually we were close enough that we said, You all go ahead. They were different enough; they touched on big numbers, but didnt go where we went. Youd still want to read our reportage and look at our database.

On publishing better, not faster

Since weve been doing this, weve been beaten by everybody. Glen Smith at The Post and Courier in South Carolina did a whole massive amazing thing. The Washington Post has done a Pulitzer Prize-winning series on shootings. The Guardian US has done a big database on this. A couple of papers in Florida did the same thing.

Our thing was, Were going to do it better. Were going to take the time. And its going to be like something youve never seen before. Lets not just point out the problem; lets talk with people who have ideas about ways to fix this. Then well do what the Tampa Bay Times does best, which is, were going to tell a story.

On the response so far

Since weve been talking, my modest Twitter notification thing has clicked up to 77, which suggests that quite a few people are sharing it and talking about it. Its only been up since early this morning, so were not even 12 hours in. Is that right? Yeah.

I got a note from Natasha Clemons [Rodney Mitchells mother], a text this morning, saying, simply, Thank you. It feels great to have a voice. Thats super rewarding to me. So, whatever else happens, happens.

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Brendan Fitzgerald is senior editor of CJR.
The new American horror film Split, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, recently in theaters, is a psychological thriller which centers on a bizarre antagonist with 23 separate personalities. Without spoiling the plot, suffice it to say that it focuses on the fact that there is something to the adage mind over matter. They say that life imitates art. Or, if you prefer Woody Allens slant on it, Life doesnt imitate art, it imitates bad television. Both statements appear to be true in light of the recent Utah Supreme Court decision in Barbara Bagley v. Barbara Bagley, 2016 WL 6299507 (Utah 2016). Barbara Bagley, the wife of an accident victim, was allowed to sue herself for negligently causing the death of her husband and simultaneously win and lose. Its enough to make your head spin.

Barbara Bagley was the common law wife of the decedent, Bradley Vom Baur. On December 27, 2011, Barbara was driving their 2000 Range Rover when she lost control of the Range Rover and flipped the vehicle. Bradley was thrown from the vehicle and sustained several severe injuries, dying ten days later. Barbara, acting in her capacity of sole heir and personal representative of her husbands estate, sued herself as the individual causing Bradleys death, seeking damages under the wrongful death and survival action statutes. She sought damages personally and also to satisfy creditors of her husbands estate. The district court dismissed her lawsuit, concluding that the plain language of the statutes and certain public policies precluded a person from simultaneously acting as the plaintiff and defendant in a wrongful death or survival action suit, regardless of the capacity in which that person was acting. The Court of Appeals reversed, concluding that the statutes unambiguously allow Barbara to maintain this lawsuit. Barbaras auto insurance carrier, State Farm, appealed to the Utah Supreme Court.

The Utah Supreme Court agreed with the Court of Appeals, noting that the public policies cited by the district court (policies that Barbara in her individual capacity invokes on appeal) dealt with the separate issue of whether an heir or personal representative who is negligent in his or her individual capacity and who is permitted to sue for damages under the wrongful death and survival action statutes can, nevertheless, as an heir, recover money paid as damages from such a suit. That issue, however, was not before them on appeal. Instead, Barbara sued pursuant to U.C.A.  78B-3-106 (Utahs Wrongful Death Statute), claiming that, as a defendant, she caused her husbands death, depriving herself of his love, companionship, society, comfort, support, and affection, and also sued pursuant to U.C.A.  78B-3-107 (Utahs Survival Action Statute), claiming her husbands surviving damages for pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and medical expenses. The Supreme Court decided that neither the Wrongful Death Statute nor the Survival Action Statute precludes a person acting in the capacity of an heir or personal representative (a separate legal personality, if you will) from suing herself for negligently causing the death of a family member, for which she is also a plaintiff.

As a defendant, Barbara (through her insurance company) argued that the Wrongful Death Statute precludes her, as her husbands heir and personal representative, from bringing suit against herself, as the tortfeasor driving the vehicle, for damages. As a plaintiff, Barbara argued that neither statute precludes a person from simultaneously acting as a plaintiff heir or personal representative and defendant tortfeasor. Amazingly, the Supreme Court agreed with Barbara, as plaintiff. Amazingly, Barbara both won and lost, simultaneously. The Supreme Court agreed with Barbara, the plaintiff, and against Barbara, the defendant. Beam me up, Scotty.

Utahs Wrongful Death Statute allows the heir (as opposed to the estate) of a decedent to recover lost wages of the decedent that the family members were dependent on, medical expenses, and damages for the emotional toll of the loss on the family members. Utahs Survival Statute allows the deceaseds estate to assert a claim for the decedents injuries before he died. In a survival action, the estate is allowed to recover for the decedents (as opposed to the living family members) pain and suffering from the time of the injury until the death, as well as the economic losses suffered by the decedent. Essentially, the law allows the estate to take over the personal-injury claim that the decedent had until she died.

The issue before the Supreme Court was whether the Court of Appeals correctly interpreted U.C.A.  78B-3-106 (wrongful death statute) and 78B-3-107 (survival statute) of the Utah Code as allowing a person acting in the legal capacities of an heir and personal representative to sue him or herself as a defendant tortfeasor for damages. The Supreme Court made a very literal interpretation of the Utah Wrongful Death Statute, which reads:

Except as provided in Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers Compensation Act, when the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, his heirs, or his personal representatives for the benefit of his heirs, may maintain an action for damages against the person causing the death, or, if the person is employed by another person who is responsible for his conduct, then against the other person.

The Utah Survival Statute reads:

[a] cause of action arising out of personal injury to a person, or death caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another, does not abate upon the death of the wrongdoer or the injured person. The injured person, or the personal representatives or heirs of the person who died, has a cause of action against the wrongdoer or the personal representatives of the wrongdoer for special and general damages, subject to Subsection (1)(b).

The Supreme Court noted that the best evidence of the legislatures intent is the plain language of the statute itself. In looking at the language of the statutes, a court looks first to the plain language of the statute. In so doing, it presumes that the legislature used each word advisedly and that the expression of one term should be interpreted as the exclusion of another, and presuming all omissions to be purposeful. With this as their guide, the Supreme Court noted that, in reviewing the Wrongful Death Statute, the absence of punctuation marks separating death of a person from of another signified that the two are connected and that they are separate from the other clauses in the statute. It decided that this statute uses the phrase of another to mean a person other than the decedent, logically indicating a legislative intent to exclude situations in which the decedents own wrongful act or neglect caused his death.

Similarly, in construing the Utah Survival Statute, the Supreme Court noted that if they were to read of another in the way Barbara (as defendant) recommends, they would need to copy of another and paste it into the second sentence of the statute. The phrase of another does not appear in the same sentence as the list of people (personal representative included) who may bring a cause of action. Therefore, they declined to read the statute in such a way as to prevent Barbara (as plaintiff) acting in the distinct legal capacity of personal representative plaintiff from suing herself in her individual capacity as a defendant. In the eyes of many lay people (and, in fact, of even many lawyers), this result seems absurd. Therefore, Barbara (as defendant) also argued something known as the absurdity doctrine, under which a court can reform the plain language of a statute to prevent a plaintiff from suing and recovering from himself or herself, but the Supreme Court stated, permitting a tortfeasor defendant to also act as a plaintiff heir or personal representative does not lead to an absurd result of sufficient magnitude to justify our rewriting the statutes to read as defendant prefers. The Court said it would not apply the absurdity doctrine unless the operation of the plain language  [is] so overwhelmingly absurd that no rational legislator could have intended the statute to operate in such a manner. The Court also noted that the Barbara (as defendant) did not properly preserve the absurdity argument on appeal.

In summary, the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeals did not err when it concluded that the wrongful death and survival action statutes permit a person acting in the legal capacity of an heir or personal representative to sue him or herself in an individual capacity for negligently causing a decedents death or injury. It held that the plain language of both statutes permits such a lawsuit. Further, the Court felt that the literal terms of the statutes do not lead to an absurd result that would require us to modify the statutory text. Absent a statutory gap, the Court said it would not venture beyond the plain language of the statutes to rewrite them based upon public policy. Therefore, Barbara wins, and Barbara loses. If we pay Utah benefits to an injured employee who later dies, due to the negligence of his or her spouse, we should be able to step into the shoes of the spouse as subrogee and sue that same spouse for negligence  and recover. Creative and aggressive subrogation tactics require us to think like a plaintiffs lawyer, as difficult as that may be sometimes.

And, there you have it. A Utah woman sued herself and simultaneously won and lost, taking home a nice check in the process. As subrogation insurance professionals, we may roll our eyes at the patent absurdity of such a result. However, we should also keep in mind taking advantage of every absurdity to our companys benefit when it comes time to sue as a subrogated insurer and recover benefit dollars we are subrogated to.
akron police car.png

A Dollar General manager and former employee are accused of stealing $10,000 in cash and items from an Akron store.

(File photo)

AKRON, Ohio -- A Dollar General manager worked with a former employee to steal more than $10,000 in cash and merchandise over several months, police said.

Store manager Marcus Rivers let former employee Richard Coutee take items from an Akron store without paying for them, police said in a news release. Coutee would then return the items for profit, police said.

Rivers, 26, and Coutee, 36, are facing theft charges in Akron Municipal Court. Neither is in custody but detectives have obtained warrants for their arrests.

Dollar General's loss prevention office said the two men stole the items from the store, located on Brown Street near Lover's Lane, over the past three to four months. Rivers confessed to a loss prevention officer during an interview, police said.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call the Akron Police Department's detective bureau at 330-375-2490.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.


City has liabilities, but some assets, too MERGER Merger talks are likely to check these pros, cons from A1

Nela Park in East Cleveland serves as the corporate headquarters for GE lighting. Speculation of a possible sell, brings concern for the 92-acre campus built in 1911.

(Leila Atassi)

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio - GE may be pursuing a deal to sell its consumer lighting business, a product that has defined the company since it was founded 125 years ago, according to The Wall Street Journal.



The story cites unnamed sources "familiar with the matter" and goes on to say that the commercial lighting business rolled into GE's newer company Current is not part of the sale discussion. Two spokespersons for GE, however, said they do not comment on "rumors or speculation."



Speculation of a sale brings questions about what will happen to Nela Park, which is the headquarters for GE's Lighting Division. GE's Nela Park turned 100 in 2013, and is widely known in Cleveland for its holiday lights display.

Panorama of GE Lighting holiday lighting display has half million LED lights used throughout the displays, including a replica of the National Christmas Tree in front of the White House, five star-themed vignettes and more than 125 lit trees at Nela Park on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013.





Today, however, the company employs about 300 people for the lighting division in Northeast Ohio. A company spokeswoman said the Nela Park campus houses employees from several GE businesses, as well. Just four years ago, the company employed about 700 people.



While nearly all of GE Lighting products are manufactured and assembled overseas, Nela Park is where innovation and design for the company's lighting products occurs.

The consumer lighting segment, including the commercial portion, had about $2.2 billion in revenue last year, or less than 2 percent of GE's total. Its lightbulbs and fixtures are among the few remaining GE consumer products.

GE's stock closed Wednesday evening, after the WSJ story appeared, just slightly down.
coldstroage.png

Great Lakes Cold Storage to expand in Solon.

(Great Lakes Cold Storage)

SOLON, Ohio -- Great Lakes Cold Storage announced Wednesday that it will expand its facility in Solon.

According to a press release from the company and the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the company is currently home to 135 employees and has plans to create 68 new full-time positions during the next four years. In addition, the company anticipates investing more than $2 million in facility improvements.

Today, Great Lakes Cold Storage provides more than 8.6 million cubic feet of storage for several of the largest food manufacturers in the country. Its Solon expansion is expected to be finished by the end of 2017. Another warehouse is located in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

"It is an exciting time for our business and I am extremely proud of my management team and all of our employees," stated Patrick J. Gorbett, president and CEO. "We pride ourselves on providing total customer satisfaction, and our ability to take on this new work load is a direct reflection of our team and the confidence that I place in them and future opportunities in the marketplace.

"We are completing the steps necessary to secure the critical financial support that will make this project a reality," said Gorbett. "Without the support from all our public and private partners - this opportunity would not be possible."

CEO of the GCP Joe Roman said he applauds the company's confidence in the Greater Cleveland market.

The company has maintained its headquarters in Solon since 1999.

"Great Lakes Cold Storage has been a great corporate citizen and we are thankful that we were able to play a part in the company's decision to expand in our great city," said Solon Mayor Susan Drucker in a written statement.

In January, the City of Solon approved a six-year, job-creation tax credit valued at just over $101,000, as well as a $15,000 Growth and Revitalization Program grant for the expansion. On March 27, the State of Ohio Tax Credit authority approved a job creation tax credit package for the expansion project. The six-year tax credit, based off new payroll is estimated to generate more than $115,000 for the project.

"Along with our partners at Team NEO, we welcome Great Lakes Cold Storage's investment in Solon, where the company will add 68 new jobs," said JobsOhio Director for Food and Agribusiness Joe Needham. "This commitment will keep the company at the forefront of the rapidly evolving food production system by adjusting to the industry's consumer preferences and distribution needs."
Death Penalty Ohio

In this November 2005 file photo, Larry Greene, public information director of the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, demonstrates how a curtain is pulled between the death chamber and witness room at the prison in Lucasville, Ohio. A federal appeals court on Thursday barred Ohio from using a three-drug cocktail to conduct executions.

(The Associated Press)

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- A federal appeals court on Thursday barred Ohio from using a certain three-drug cocktail to execute death-row inmates, dealing the state another setback as it seeks to resume executions.

The panel from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that a preliminary injunction issued in January by federal Magistrate Judge Michael Merz of Dayton should stand for the time being. The appeals court panel affirmed Merz's finding that there is a "substantial risk of serious harm" in using midazolam, a sedative that is one of the three drugs the state endeavors to use in executions.

The 6th Circuit also barred the use of any cocktail that contained potassium chloride, which stops the heart, and any drug that acts as a paralytic agent. The state had previously told a judge in a separate case that it would no longer execute inmates using potassium chloride or paralytic agent pancuronium bromide, yet the state had proposed using both in the new cocktail.

Two states, Arizona and Florida, have discontinued the use of midazolam.

Ohio hasn't executed anyone since January 2014, when it took killer Dennis McGuire 25 minutes to die from a previously unused execution drug combination. McGuire was administered a cocktail that included midazolam. Witnesses said he appeared to gasp several times during his execution and made loud snorting or snoring sounds.

State officials and the courts halted executions last October until the state picked the new drug cocktail. The challenge to the use of the new cocktail was made by death row inmates Gary Otte, Ronald Phillips and Raymond Tibbetts. Phillips is the first inmate scheduled to die, with an execution date set for May 10. Thursday's ruling puts that date in question.

The 6th Circuit's ruling could also mean further delays for other executions that were already put off due to Merz's ruling.

Allen Bohnert, a plaintiff's attorney on the case, praised the 6th Circuit's ruling in a news release.

"Ohio should conduct no more executions until it is able to develop a lethal injection protocol that will comport with all state and federal laws," Bohnert said.

Ohio Attorney General's spokesman Dan Tierney said the office is reviewing the decision to determine its next action. Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokeswoman JoEllen Smith said in an email that the department "remains committed to carrying out court-ordered executions in lawful and humane manner."

The state argued on appeal that Merz erred in some of its findings of fact in his opinion. Judge Karen Nelson Moore, a Bill Clinton appointee, disagreed, noting that while she wished Merz had made "more specific findings of fact," the state had pushed for a speedy resolution to the case, as execution dates were rapidly approaching.

The majority also takes note of the "directly contradictory positions" the state took in trying to use two drugs it previously said in court that it would no longer use. The judges also said the drug cocktail should be barred from use because because the plaintiffs put forth an alternative drug named pentobarbital that can be used, even though the state said it has had difficulty obtaining the drug.

Judge Raymond Kathledge, an appointee of George W. Bush, dissented from Moore and Stranch's ruling majority's ruling. He called Merz' January opinion "seriously flawed" and said it does not follow the correct legal standard that the use of the cocktail is "'sure or very likely' to cause serious pain."

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.

cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.


SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio

Suspicious person, Cedar Road:

Officers responded to Chipotle March 27 for a report of a man who was trying to hug random women and photographing them with a disposable camera. They found the University Heights man, 39, walking along the road, where he told them the women smiled at him so he felt the urge to hug them and photograph them. None of the women he had hugged chose to pursue the matter. He voluntarily went to Hillcrest Hospital for an evaluation because it appeared the medication he was taking for a psychiatric disorder was not working.

Theft, Mayfield Road:

A Cleveland man, 52, was arrested at Giant Eagle March 29 for the suspected theft of 25 bottles of 5-Hour Energy that he concealed in his shirt. The total value of the theft was $74.52.

Theft, Mayfield Road:

A Willoughby woman, 27, was arrested at Giant Eagle March 29 for possession of drug paraphernalia and theft. A Mentor woman, 26, was also charged with obstruction of justice and possession of drug paraphernalia. One of the women's father was also a suspect, but not charged. He said all of them have drug problems. Inside their vehicle was located a plastic bag with a white powdery substance, glass pipe, syringes and two vials of an unknown liquid.

Noise complaint, Hinsdale Drive:

Three residents were cited for unnecessary noises after officers responded to their home at 2:30 a.m. March 25 for a report of a loud party. The men, ages 20-21, were told they would be cited again if any further noise complaints were found to be valid.

Assault, Warrensville Center Road:

A man reported March 24 he was stabbed in the back by his ex-girlfriend while they were in her vehicle. He said she had wanted to rekindle their relationship and when he refused and tried to leave the vehicle, she stabbed him. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. Officers spoke to the Euclid woman the following day. She said the man wanted to rekindle the relationship and he became combative when she refused. She said she did not know exactly how he was stabbed because it happened so fast and the vehicle was in motion. The man chose not to press charges, but said he would seek a protection order.

Violation of temporary protection order, Gable Lane:

A woman reported March 21 she was being indirectly harassed on social media by a woman, whom she has a protection order against due to a lengthy history of harassment. She said she would pursue charges against the California woman, 32, if it was proven she was the one who anonymously posted the messages on the Internet.

Weapons offense, Warrensville Center Road:

A man reported March 24 a man he is familiar with pointed a gun at him while he was leaving Mr. B's Beverage after they exchanged words. Officers spoke to the suspect, a 23-year-old South Euclid man, who was still at the store with a six-month-old child in his car. He said he had the gun for protection because the other man robbed him in 2011. The gun was located and the man was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and child endangering.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road:

A woman reported March 25 she accidentally left her wallet on a bench outside a restroom at Walmart and it was missing when she returned for it. Surveillance video showed a woman pick up the wallet and put it into her purse before entering the restroom. She later called police after hearing there was a video posted of her at Walmart on the South Euclid Police Department Facebook page. She said she picked up the wallet and subsequently turned it over to an employee. Officers found no evidence on surveillance video that she had. The wallet was said to contain credit cards and $180 cash. The incident is under investigation.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road:

A woman was cited at Walmart for theft March 25 and released. Later, another woman called the station and reported her sister had been cited for theft at Walmart and used her identity. She said her sister told her the only reason she wasn't arrested was because she provided false information about her identity. Officers contacted the woman they cited at Walmart and strongly encouraged her to show up at court to resolve the matter so a warrant would not be issued under her sister's name.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road:

A Cleveland Heights man, 58, was arrested at Walmart March 29 for the suspected theft of eight packages of meat products, valued at $96.43. He later complained of chest pains and was taken to the hospital, based on the advice of paramedics.

Theft, Grosvenor Road:

A resident said March 30 her vehicle had been entered while it was parked in her driveway overnight and a small purse was taken from it. She believed she had left the vehicle unlocked, despite there being no signs of forced entry. She was unsure if there was any cash in the purse but said it did contain her Social Security card.

Theft, Warrensville Center Road:

Two girls were suspected of stealing merchandise from Walmart March 29 by concealing it in their purses. Walmart management, for unspecified reasons, only chose to press charges against one of the girls. The Cleveland girl, 17, was later released to her adult sister.

See more South Euclid news at Cleveland.com/south-euclid.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
MEDINA -- Lafayette Township Trustee Bryon Macron was stabbed several times before his body was dumped in a lake, according to a preliminary autopsy report reviewed by a Cleveland TV station as part of a settlement of a public records lawsuit.

WKYC filed suit against Medina County which refused to allow reporters to view preliminary autopsy report in Macron's death. Prosecutors allowed WKYC reporters, but no others, to view the documents Wednesday as part of its settlement of the case.

Prosecutors scheduled an 8:30 a.m. viewing of the documents by all other reporters who requested to view the report.

The report says Macron, who disappeared in December, was stabbed in his neck, forearms and shoulder, according to WKYC.

Macron, 45, went missing Dec. 16.

A Lafayette Township employee found his office in disarray, and it appeared there had been a struggle. His unoccupied SUV was found hours later in a public parking lot at Chippewa Lake, authorities said at the time. There was blood found inside the vehicle.

A kayaker came across a body in the lake Feb. 21, and the Medina County Sheriff's Office confirmed it was Macron the next day.

In February, neighbors shared their feelings with cleveland.com, noting the bizarre nature of the disappearance of the married father of three.

Medina County Common Pleas Court Christopher Collier determined Wednesday that the preliminary autopsy report "could qualify as a public record subject to closure to a journalist," not just WKYC, according to court records.

Assistant Medina County Prosecutor Mike Lyons denied a cleveland.com reporter's request to view the report Wednesday afternoon. He said that part of the resolution of the case allowed WKYC to review the report before any other news outlet.

Ohio law allows journalists to review preliminary autopsy and investigative notes and findings, but reporters are not allowed to take notes or make copies of the reports. Cleveland.com made a written request to view the report on March 10.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section
Bryon Macron's body was found in Chippewa Lake in February.

LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The mystery of Bryon Macron's death continues to perplex the residents of Lafayette Township, the small Medina County community of 4,000 tucked along Chippewa Lake where he served on the board of trustees.

News released this week that he was stabbed six times in December before his body was dumped in the lake only furthered speculation and rumors about why someone would target Macron.

Glenda Blair has lived in the township for 55 years and she and her husband know just about everyone there. It's a place where neighbors lend one another a helping hand, but news of Macron's death and how he died stunned the community.

"The community is tight-knit and the community takes care of their people. You know, for such a small community and to have that it's a tragedy," she said. "His wife and his three children must have had an awful holiday not knowing what happened to him."

Shock has morphed into frustration, Blair said, as the community waits for answers that law enforcement officials at the Medina County Sheriff's Office and the county prosecutor's office haven't provided. No arrests have been made, but the sheriff's office ensured Macron's fellow trustees earlier this year that there was no further threat to the community.

No one is in custody.

A trustee employee found his office in disarray Dec. 16 with signs of a struggle. Investigators found his truck with blood inside of it parked near Chippewa Lake, but the frozen lake made it difficult to search the water.

His body surfaced in mid-February when a kayaker found it in the water. It was identified as Macron the next day.

It took more than another month and a lawsuit filed by the Cleveland-based TV station WKYC before county officials finally agreed to grant access to the preliminary autopsy report this week before the public was given any solid answer to how he died.

He was stabbed in the side, in the neck, in the shoulder and on his arms, the autopsy revealed. He also had no water in his respiratory system, an indication that he was likely dead before his body was placed in the lake.

"It was a big shock," Blair said. "You don't ever think that a small area is going to have something like this happen."

Janet Pindroh, who knew Macron and his family, has been waiting to learn of something new after he was found. She plays various scenarios in her head of what could have happened to him. She prays every morning and night.

"This type of thing would happen in inner-city Chicago, inner-city San Francisco, Los Angeles," she said. "This does not happen in this little sleepy town of Lafayette Township."

Lafayette Township resident Dena Squire, who has lived in the community for 20 years, says the community is wracked with grief and concern fueled by rumors.

"Who knows? I mean you have all these speculations," Squire said. "My husband said, 'Dena they might not ever find out, you know, like a missing child.'

"All of us here, we got each other's back," she added.

Resident Sharon McCullough, of 26 years, also has a pleasant living experience in Lafayette Township with nice neighbors who all know each other.

Crime is not something that happens in the quiet community. But when McCullough read that Macron's car was found near Chippewa Lake, she had a feeling he was there.

"It's just very odd to pick a little spot like that," she said. "We're very shocked. This community is very peaceful and you don't have to worry about any from anybody. I couldn't tell you any crime that's happened in the 26 years we've been here. Mostly we ever see are traffic stops."

It would be inappropriate to draw any conclusions from the preliminary autopsy report, Medina County Prosecutor Forrest Thompson told media Thursday morning. Any conclusions would be disrespectful to Macron's family, he said.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.

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Kazakhstan Russia Space

A municipal worker hangs a poster depicting Yuri Gagarin, the first cosmonaut, in Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, March 29, 2011. Celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's April 12, 1961 space flight, the world's first manned mission in space will start on next week. (Dmitry Lovetsky, Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - "Global event" could not be a more appropriate description of Yuri's Night.

Yuri Gagarin flew the first successful manned spaceflight, orbiting Earth in 1961. Now it is celebrated annually around the world, on or close to the anniversary on April 12. That includes events at the South Pole (April 15 and 16) and at least 44 venues in the United States, possibly the largest number in the world if the Yuri's Night website is current and accurate.

In Cleveland it is on Saturday, April 8, because the Great Lakes Science Center prefers to party on a weekend.

Celebrating a Soviet cosmonaut as "first man in space" is appropriate, even in the United States, because his achievement seems to have helped spur our own space program.

Gagarin was a 27-year-old pilot and engineer at the time of Vostok I, the historic mission that became his only foray into space. He died in 1968 on a training flight, in the crash of his two-seater MiG-15 fighter jet. He could have died a year earlier, because he was the backup cosmonaut for Soyuz I, which ended in a fatal crash.

The science center had its first nod to Yuri in 2012, and people can literally dance the night away, eat, drink and dream of leaving Earth's atmosphere. Guests are welcome to come in costumes, too.

There is plenty to fuel flights of the imagination because NASA's well-stocked visitors' center is now there.

Yuri's Night is a 21-and-over event that runs 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Check the center website, greatscience.com, for details and tickets starting at $40 or call 216-621-2400.

Proceeds go to support the Great Lakes Science Center's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program.
MADISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio - The man killed Thursday when he ran at SWAT officers while holding a gun had threatened suicide and was just released from a hospital where he'd been treated for depression, officials said.

Benjamin Ailstock, 38, also had a criminal history that includes convictions for robbery, assault, resisting arrest and drug possession, Lake County Sheriff Daniel Dunlap said at a news conference.

A Lake County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team officer shot Ailstock at the end of a six-hour standoff outside his home in Madison Township. Ailstock refused to negotiate with SWAT officers before he charged out of the house and toward officers while holding a gun, Dunlap said.

"We certainly didn't want it to end this way, and we made our very best efforts so that it wouldn't end the way that it did," Dunlap said.

One officer fired three shots, two of which struck Ailstock in the chest and arm, Dunlap said. Madison Fire District paramedics took Ailstock to the Madison Medical Campus, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators have not released the identity of the officer who shot Ailstock.

Ailstock has a history of being treated for depression, and he'd been released from a hospital a day before the shooting, Dunlap said.

Ailstock should not have been in possession of a gun due to his criminal history, Dunlap said. In 2012, Ailstock was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to robbery, Lake County Common Pleas Court records show.

Lake County sheriff gives update on fatal SWAT shooting. More info: http://www.cleveland.com/willoughby-hills/index.ssf/2017/04/sheriffs_office_provides_updat.html Posted by cleveland.com on Thursday, April 6, 2017

Madison Township officers went to the Hazel Avenue house late Thursday after Ailstock's wife called 911. She told police that Ailstock had been drinking, and that they'd been involved in an argument in the driveway, Dunlap said.

Ailstock's wife told police that she gathered his guns and took them out to her car. Ailstock threatened her, and she left the house to call 911.

Madison Township officers arrived at 10:30 p.m. and spoke briefly with Ailstock, who answered the door while holding a gun. Ailstock closed the door in their face and refused to come outside, Dunlap said.

The SWAT Team was later called to offer assistance. Negotiators tried to make contact with Ailstock by calling his phone and using a megaphone, but Ailstock refused to answer.

He tried to climb out of a window with a shotgun at one point during the standoff, but he dropped the gun on the ground and climbed back into the house. The SWAT officers retrieved the shotgun without incident.

The SWAT officers repeatedly told Ailstock to drop his gun when he came running out of the house, but he refused, Dunlap said. One officer fired three times when he saw Ailstock waving the gun around, Dunlap said.

Two children lived at the house with Ailstock and his wife, but they were not present for any part of the incident, Dunlap said.

No SWAT officers suffered serious injury, but two requested evaluations after the shooting, Dunlap said.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident, but the Mentor Police Department's Detective Bureau will review the investigation, Dunlap said. The Lake County Prosecutor's Office will determine if the shooting was justified, he said.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section.

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Ambulance

A young girl in Toledo was taken to the hospital with serious wounds to her body and face after being attacked by a dog.

(cleveland.com file photo)

TOLEDO, Ohio -- A 7-year-old girl was seriously injured Wednesday after being attacked by a large dog, with a neighbor having to shoot the animal in order to stop it, reports say.

WTOL Channel 11 reports Aria Walz, 7, was taken to Toledo Hospital for several bite wounds on her face and body. While the injuries were serious, they were not considered life-threatening.

Aria was at the home of her caregiver on Wednesday when a dog belonging to the caregiver's boyfriend attacked the girl in the backyard, WTVG Channel 13 reports.

Neighbor Shaun Soleau tells WTVG his wife heard screaming and ran inside to tell him Aria was being attacked.

Soleau said he ran to the home and saw the nanny trying to protect the girl.

"It was very scary," Soleau tells WTVG. "I didn't realize that there was a little girl involved. When I had came up at first it was this nanny covering this girl to protect her."

Soleau first used a broom to try to fight off the dog, but then fired four shots from his handgun, hitting the dog once. The dog later died of its wound. Reports do not identify the dog's breed.

It's unclear why the dog attacked the young girl, Dog Warden Richard Stewart tells WTVG.

No charges have been filed, reports say.

To comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page.
Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes owes a debt of about $25 million to her embattled company, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal in an article published on Wednesday.

The company struck an arrangement with Holmes to pay later when she chose to exercise options to buy more stock, the Journal reported. She has never sold any shares, and didn't get company cash from the agreement, the Journal said.

The blood-testing start-up has the power to absolve her from the debt, according to the Journal.

Once a highly valued company, Theranos has come under intense watch in recent years. The company is entangled in a complex web of lawsuits - and Holmes has proposed giving away her personal shares to investors who agree not to sue, according to an earlier Journal report.

To read the full story, see the article at WSJ.com.
Young consumers in Australia are going back to the basics, according to an annual report released Wednesday.

The report from AMP Capital Shopping Centers showed that these teenage and early-20s buyers said shopping centers are "delivering an offer that you can't get online," according to Mark Kirkland, managing director of AMP Capital.

Titled "A to Gen Z: Shopping with the Future Generation," the report is based on an online survey of about 1,700 Generation-Z shoppers (defined as those aged 17 to 22) across Australia and New Zealand. It found that 87 percent of respondents in Australia "like or love" shopping in stores compared to 79 percent who said they "like or love" to shop online.

That finding may come as a surprise given the oft-cited shift towards e-commerce.

"What we've experienced from that is that the uptake of online has actually been slower than what we originally anticipated four or five years ago," Kirkland told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday.

The reason for that change is Gen Zs "want to be able touch and feel the product, they want to be able to talk to the sales assistants and get that extra piece of advice. And they want to treat it as a social transaction with their friends."

However, that does not imply the downfall of online retailers. In fact, Kirkland said he believes it should be "business as usual." He added that these future shoppers still head online to research potential purchases before going "to the [shopping] centers to make that decision."

Retailers need to "understand their customers and add that additional in-store experience" as well as to enhance it "with a good online experience so that the two can blend together in a fantastic omnichannel offer."

"Retail is something that's constantly changing, we always need to be evolving to stay on market trends," he said.

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It's been a bad month for some tech CEOs in Silicon Valley, most particularly Uber CEO Travis Kalanick.

When we last checked in with the always pugnacious leader of the car-hailing company, he was getting shaken down by the the mayor of Pittsburgh, seeing accidents and regulators plague his troubled self-driving car efforts and getting tsk-tsked for taking some Uber employees to an escort bar in South Korea.

In all fairness, if you actually wanted to be fair about this kind of thing, it turns out to be a not uncommon thing for tech execs visiting Asia to do. This obviously sucks, especially for staffers who have to attend and don't feel comfortable about it, like the female Uber employee who complained to HR about that visit. And while I am not trying to make a molehill out of a mountain  and this is most certainly one of the many big and ugly pinnacles of sexism  I was on the receiving end of a million people telling me their escort bar tales in the last two weeks.

More from Recode:

But since this was Kalanick as the protagonist, it's 150 percent ickier and another public mess that is part of the continuing reverberations after a series of firings and departures related to issues of sexism and sexual harassment and what sounds like epically dysfunctional management systems at the much-funded startup.

There was also the #deleteuber meme, the unfortunate back and forth with whether to be part of President Donald Trump's advisory council and  lest we forget  Kalanick starring in a video made by a disgruntled driver, in which he looked like the d-bro most people imagine him to be.

He got jiggy, he got piggy, he got wiggy.

Which is why I joked on CNBC earlier this week that if Travis saved a kitten from a tree these days, he'd be accused of animal abuse. I was kidding, obvi, as I was when I had earlier suggested to an Uber investor that the CEO should be locked in a room and not allowed to do anything but order in from UberEats for at least eight weeks.

"If the PR were better, it wouldn't be like this," was the response. I would have been dumbfounded had I not already heard it three other times before that from others inside and outside Uber  this cockamamie notion that the messed-up communications around all these disasters was the real problem ailing Uber.

One person suggested that hiring an outside crisis PR firm  those pros that come in when the situation gets too hot  would fix things stat. "They'd know what to do," he said, as if there was some magic bullet to shoot that would kill off all the bad.

Another claimed that there should be no statements at all from the company, so that it would all blow over sooner. He even complimented another Uber investor and board member Bill Gurley for not saying anything at all publicly about the problems, despite the venture capitalist's well-known proclivity to give stern public lectures about a range of shortcomings by other startups. But is Silent Bill the kind of symbol of rectitude we need right now? No, he is not.

And the third exec? He said that the best thing for Uber would be to be Uber again  no more PR-engineered public apologizing and get back to what got the company so big in the first place. Which is to say, overweening aggression. Which, I might add, is what got the company into trouble in the first place.

"It's a PR problem, with the media piling on," said this person. "And PR can fix it. Let Uber be Uber"

Let's not let it, shall we?

It's moments like these that I am not entirely sure I live in a real adult place called Silicon Valley anymore. Instead, when I hear such elaborate justifications, it feels like it is increasingly becoming an environment that abrogates responsibility for actual actions that have actual consequences.
The deadline to sign up for this free community event that is open to all is Nov. 16.

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"We need to invest in our kids," said resident Brenda Robinson. "That's how we keep graffiti out of Waterhouse Center and mischief out of the downtown on Saturday night."
You can tell a lot about a person by the books he or she reads, and that certainly applies to billionaire Mark Cuban.

For the serial entrepreneur, investor and Dallas Mavericks owner, reading is about self-improvement. That's no surprise, considering that a researcher who studied the wealthy individuals found that highly successful people tend to read for self-development.

Some of Cuban's favorite books have a common thread: How to build your own business or get ahead in your career.

Here are 7 books that shaped Cuban's career:

1. "Rework" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

This best-seller encourages readers to get going on their big idea. According to the co-authors, you don't need a refined plan or a lot of resources to start a successful company. It's all about trial and error.

In a review for the book, Cuban writes, "If given a choice between investing in someone who has read 'Rework' or has an MBA, I'm investing in 'Rework' every time."
Western Australia-based miner Ardea Resources is banking on a cobalt boom.

"We have one of the world's largest cobalt deposits sitting there in Western Australia, just outside of Kalgoorlie," Matt Painter, CEO of Ardea Resources, told CNBC's "The Rundown."

Cobalt is a key element in lithium battery production. Previously seen as a byproduct of nickel and copper mines, the resource is now used in phones, computers, electric and hybrid vehicles and solar power storage systems.

"The cobalt price is really booming and it's for very good reason. With Lithium-ion batteries, one of the main components is actually the cobalt, more-so than the lithium," he added.

"The revolution that is going on in the auto industry is absolutely incredible  we can see that we can feed into that."

Cobalt prices have more than doubled since the start of 2016, tied to the potential boom in electric vehicles and smartphones. On Wednesday, Cobalt on the London Metal Exchange was trading at about $56,000 per tonne  from less than $52,000 in early March.

The rapid price rise has prompted a slew of junior Australian mining companies like Ardea Resources to express an interest in previously uneconomic cobalt deposits.

The shifting supply and demand dynamics underpin the company's base case for attempting to commercialize the resource. It's banking on an anticipated increase in demand for cobalt, as electric vehicles become more commonplace in developed economies.
Contributing too much to your 401(k) seems like a nice problem to have  yet it can also be an expensive one if you don't fix the error before mid-April. Under IRS rules for 2017, employees have a cap of $18,000 on their own contributions ($24,000 if you're age 50 or older), not counting any employer contributions. (The caps are unchanged from 2016.) Go over the limit, and you'll have to take back the excess by April 15. Otherwise, that cash could effectively be taxed twice.

Fstop123 | E+ | Getty Images

It's not a problem many workers face. Even brushing up against the limit isn't common, said Meghan Murphy, director of thought leadership at Fidelity. Just 12 percent of employees set aside enough to hit the employee contribution limit during 2015, up from 11 percent who did the year before, according to Vanguard's "How America Saves 2016" report. (See a demographic breakdown in the chart below.) Fidelity estimates 8.5 percent of workers max out their workplace account. More from Your Money Your Future:

Five ways to bulletproof your estate plan

Take this secret to the grave, and it'll cost you

4 great ways to head off a financial shock Actually going over would require a set of more unusual circumstances, said certified financial planner Mark LaSpisa, president of Vermillion Financial Advisors in South Barrington, Illinois. "Most payroll services have built into their software the annual limits," he said  you can expect to be cut off automatically. Retirement plan administrators are also monitoring those limits to prevent excess deferrals. Where an over-limit 401(k) plan contribution might initially squeak by, he said, is if you switch full-time jobs at some point in the year or are simultaneously juggling two or more jobs where you're eligible to contribute to a workplace plan.

You have to get the money out before filing. Tim Gagnon Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business

"Both of their payroll services will cap you out at $18,000, but don't take into account what you contributed through the other job," he said. "It's on you to communicate what dollar figure you already put in [elsewhere]." (In comparison, it's easier to erroneously contribute too much to a Roth IRA, based on poor income tracking or an unexpected uptick in your income.) If you do somehow manage to save too much, it's unlikely the error will go unnoticed for long. Plan administrators typically do a records check at the beginning of the new tax year, quickly distributing any excess contributions back to the employee along with a tax record of the event, Murphy said. Your accountant is likely to spot and flag over-contributions across multiple jobs and accounts when preparing the year's return, LaSpisa said. If that's the case, you'll need to reach out to one of your employers to pull back the excess, which can usually be easily accomplished.

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Ethan Miller | Getty Images

Toshiba sacked Westinghouse Electric's chairman two days before the U.S. nuclear engineering subsidiary filed for bankruptcy protection last week, as the Japanese firm tries to draw a line under the travails of a business that has cost it billions of dollars. A spokesman for Toshiba said Danny Roderick was replaced as Westinghouse's chairman by Mamoru Hatazawa, chief of Toshiba's nuclear division, on March 27, two days before the Chapter 11 filing. Hatazawa's role would be temporary, he added. Roderick, described by industry and company insiders as more salesman than engineer, was the driving force behind Toshiba's nuclear ambitions. Toshiba said the executive change, only the second to be made at the top level since the Westinghouse crisis began to unfold in December, was intended to reassure clients in advance of the bankruptcy filing. Shigenori Shiga, a former Westinghouse boss, resigned as Toshiba's chairman earlier this year. Calls to Roderick seeking comment went unanswered.

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A source familiar with the matter said Jeffrey Benjamin, responsible for delivering on new power plant projects had also left. Benjamin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Benjamin, a veteran nuclear engineer, was appointed in 2013. According to the Westinghouse website, new projects now fall under David Durham, a former GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy executive, who joined Westinghouse in 2015. A spokeswoman for Westinghouse said the decision to remove Roderick had come from Toshiba. "The action was completed by Toshiba in their role as parent company," she said, declining to comment on other executive departures. Roderick joined Pittsburgh-based Westinghouse as chief executive from a nuclear joint venture of General Electric and Hitachi . He took up his role in September 2012, a year after Japan's Fukushima disaster hit the industry.

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For the upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, the White House has signaled that it will be talking about trade and jobs.

Throughout his campaign, Trump railed against China allegedly stealing American jobs. But in China, there's some concern that America could be the one stealing Chinese jobs.

State-run news agency Xinhua posted an editorial in March complaining about this potential problem. It specifically referred to a Chinese glass-making company, Fuyao Glass, investing hundreds of millions of dollars to revive a plant in Dayton, Ohio. That company, owned by billionaire Cao Dewang, is one of the biggest manufacturers of glass for car windows.
To be successful, you have to do the hard things. The things that no one else wants to do. The things that frustrate and scare you. Those are the things that lead to your success.

1. You have to make the call you're afraid to make.

2. You have to get up earlier than you want to get up.

3. You have to give more than you get in return right away.

4. You have to care more about others than they care about you.

5. You have to forgive when you know you're going to get hurt again.

6. You have to fight when you are already injured, bloody, and sore.

7. You have to feel unsure and insecure when playing it safe seems smarter.

8. You have to lead when no one else is following you yet.

9. You have to keep trying even though everything up to now has been a failure.

10. You have to invest in yourself even though no one else is.

11. You have to look like a fool while you're looking for answers you don't have.

12. You have to grind out the details when it's easier to shrug them off.

13. You have to deliver results when making excuses is an option.

14. You have to love others and believe the best even when you're wrong sometimes.

15. You have to search for your own explanations even when you're told to accept the "facts."

16. You have to make mistakes and look like an idiot.

17. You have to try and fail and try again.

18. You have to run faster even though you're out of breath.

19. You have to be kind to people who have been cruel to you.

20. You have to meet deadlines that are unreasonable and deliver results that are unparalleled.

21. You have to be accountable for your actions even when things go wrong.

22. You have to keep moving toward where you want to be no matter what's in front of you.
Anne Wojcicki, chief executive officer and co-founder of 23andMe Inc., speaks during the WSJDLive Global Technology Conference in Laguna Beach, California, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016.

23andMe, the at-home DNA testing company backed in part by Alphabet , is now offering the first FDA-approved $199 test for a handful of genetic disease risks, and provide the results directly back to consumers -- without a doctor's note.

Consumers could use the tests to find out if they have a genetic risk for diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

Anne Wojcicki, the company's CEO, declined to comment on sales projections in the wake of these new approvals. But she did say that the "number one" requested test from consumers was for a gene associated with Alzheimer's risk.

"It is what customers want," she says.

The company once offered these tests and more, but it ran afoul of the U.S. Food And Drug Administration in 2013 for failing to provide proof that its tests were "analytically or clinically validated." In a public letter, regulators shared concerns that 23andMe would provide inaccurate results to consumers, who would then opt for potentially harmful procedures they didn't need.

Since then, 23andMe has been crawling its way out of its regulatory limbo. In 2015, it started offering so-called "carrier status" reports for 36 diseases, including cystic fibrosis and hereditary hearing loss, which essentially informs a would-be parent if they have a risk of passing these conditions along to their children. This new set of approvals is targeted to the general population, or at least those who want to know about their risks for Alzheimer's and other diseases. Not everyone does, especially if they can't do much about it.

A company spokesperson confirmed to CNBC that 23andMe has not resumed the full suite of direct-to-consumer tests it once offered. In particular, it is still not cleared to test for breast cancer disease risk without a prescription. A false positive result, regulators stated back in 2013, "could lead a patient to undergo prophylactic surgery, chemoprevention, intensive screening, or other morbidity-inducing actions."

These new regulatory approvals come at a transitional time for the company, which has raised more than $240 million in venture funding from Google (since renamed to Alphabet) and the National Institutes of Health, among others, according to Crunchbase.

The company recently shuttered its team dedicated to emerging DNA-sequencing technologies, stating that it needed to focus on its current set of tests. In the past year, it also lost a trio of high-profile executives: President Andy Page, formerly of Gilt Groupe; chief medical officer Jill Hagenkord; and vice president of product Brad Kittredge.

The company is not only betting on direct-to-consumer testing, where it faces strong competition from Illumina-spinout Helix and Ancestry.com. It also has a drug development shop that is leveraging its growing database of over 1 million people's DNA (after getting tested, users have the option to share their genetic information with 23andMe), and it has reportedly signed lucrative contracts with pharmaceutical giants like Genentech and Pfizer.
Human beings are habit-creating machines, craving any mental or physical shortcut that lets us focus on higher-level thoughts, such as what's for lunch or developing theories about Netflix dramas. Bad money habits are more difficult to steer out of than other automated behaviors like driving a car. Why? Financial peace of mind is a much more subtle reward than the satisfaction of navigating a half-ton piece of metal through city streets without death or injury. Still, every person who is good at money learned good habits, which means you can, too. "What we know from lab studies is that it's never too late to break a habit. Habits are malleable throughout your entire life," Charles Duhigg, author of "The Power of Habit," told NPR. Here are seven financial habits you should break before you go broke.

MartinPrague | Getty Images

David Shopper | Getty Images

4. Stop thinking you're not smart enough Today, consumers must take control of their own financial lives, whether it's understanding health insurance or guiding their own 401(k) plans to invest for retirement. Even so, during the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, many consumers struggled to understand basic health insurance terms such as "deductible," a survey by the Kaiser Foundation found. Learn the lexicon of finance to manage your money better. "I used to catch myself saying, 'Investing is hard. I just don't understand it.' This gave me permission to avoid learning how to invest," wrote Ann Marie Houghtailing, author of "How I Created a Dollar Out of Thin Air." "Now I say, 'Investing is a skill. You just have to start small.'" 5. Stop making it hard to save Old habits die hard, and one of the oldest habits is using checks to pay bills or make savings deposits. "Personal finance habits take longer to change than the way you might switch from one smartphone to another. That's because money is so important to us," Fred Davis, a professor of Information Systems at the University of Arkansas, told Marketplace. Set up automatic transfers for bill payments. Also automatically have 10% or more of your paycheck sent directly to your savings account. These two steps will go a long way toward building good money habits and credit scores with little effort. 6. Stop complaining about your paycheck Whatever energy you're spending complaining about the size of your paycheck takes energy away from finding ways to improve your bottom line. Think you're being underpaid? Negotiate a raise or at least talk with your boss to understand what's needed to see a bump in pay. If you're valued, your supervisor will see the implicit threat that you may leave for a higher-paying job. Start looking for that more lucrative gig while you're at it. In the meantime, investigate ways to build other streams of income and seek ways to improve your skills. 7. Stop thinking more cash brings happiness OK, money does bring happiness, but only to a point. Purchasing experiences and giving to charity have a much longer shelf life for our well-being, research suggests.

Replace bad habits with good ones
In Grove City, Pennsylvania, factory workers at the General Electric remanufacturing plant scan barcodes on locomotive engines, pulling up detailed histories of the machines to diagnose for repairs. A few years ago, each would have been torn down, piece by piece, assessed using instruction manuals, and the servicing recorded in paper tomes. Now the focus is on big data, stored in the cloud, and with the help of algorithms, those workers target specific parts.

It's one example of the tectonic shift sweeping across factory floors  boosting productivity and uprooting the image of this kind of labor as "dark, dirty and dangerous."

As President Donald Trump pushes for a Made-in-America manufacturing rebirth, technology is simultaneously reshaping the sector. The adoption of automation, digitization, and robotics is fundamentally transforming the supply chain  and with it, job descriptions.

GE has been on the trend's forefront, which analysts say is still too nascent to have a meaningful impact on earnings. But the company has been investing billions of dollars to develop this, coining the clunky term "Industrial Internet of Things" and creating catchy commercials in an attempt to reimagine itself.

The crux is the "brilliant factory," a multi-tiered format that harnesses sensors, big data, software, robotics and additive manufacturing (basically, metal-based 3D printing).

So far, of 500 plants worldwide, GE has converted seven into "brilliant factory" showcases, including the one in Grove City. The plan: Grow that to 17 by year's end, and have wide-scale implementation in place by late 2020.

Philippe Cochet, GE's chief productivity officer, said the change will improve GE's ability to return cash to shareholders, since it reduces the space required to produce something, lead times, and inventory; but none of it, he stresses, is possible without the company's workforce  present and future  getting on board.

"The main challenge is to get people who can cope with digital, also be able to use an iPad, be able to look at data on a screen," explained Cochet. "The second one is about teaming  the ability for people to work together because without a team, this isn't going to work."

In 2015, Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute concluded that of the 3.5 million new manufacturing jobs forecast to be created by 2025, as many as 2 million could go unfilled due to a widening skills gap.

The National Skills Coalition has estimated that middle-skill jobs in computer technology, health care, construction, high-skill manufacturing and other fields, account for 54 percent of the labor market, but only 44 percent of workers are sufficiently trained.

"The key is learning. Individuals as well as employers have to be in an environment where learning and constant upgrading of skills is valued and motivated," said Ken Louie, an associate professor of economics at Penn State Behrend's Black School of Business and director of the Economic Institute of Erie.
Snap 's recent IPO was driven in large part on the pitch of its visionary founder, Evan Spiegel  not unlike Amazon 's IPO, according to top venture capitalist Bill Gurley. He said both founders have the "genius" to see opportunities  like cloud and augmented reality  that others have missed.

Before becoming a venture capitalist, Gurley said he worked with famed investor Frank Quattrone on the team that helped Amazon founder Jeff Bezos go public.

"It was fairly early  I think it was a single warehouse. I remember because Scott Cook and I did a presentation on why the employees should not watch the stock price everyday , at Jeff's request," Gurley said.

The way Bezos has grown his small bookstore platform makes him perhaps the best entrepreneur in recent history after Steve Jobs, Gurley said. Not only did Amazon grow its core retail business, but it also launched dominant cloud platform AWS, a move that Gurley said was "pure genius."

"I would say of all the people I know, he's certainly the most strategic thinker I've ever met," Gurley said.
Venture capitalist Bill Gurley thinks it will be more than 25 years before the majority of rides in any major American city are performed by autonomous vehicles with no steering wheel.

"We have created a society where you can sue anybody for anything," Gurley said.

But Asia, Gurley said, is a different story.

"That's going to happen first in Singapore or China, most likely China I would say, for a couple of reasons," Gurley said.

"You have a single-minded government that can make decisions implicitly. You have a much higher death rate per mile driven...so you have more of an incentive. There's zero chance that China can evolve the way America did as far as cars per household  it's just impossible, there's no roads....it's just much more likely to happen there."

Gurley spoke with angel investor Jason Calacanis from the LAUNCH Festival in San Francisco. Both are investors in Uber, which has an existential need for self-driving technology, according to boss Travis Kalanick. Gurley in particular has a lot to gain from Uber's success: The firm where he's a partner, Benchmark Capital, invested $11 million in the fledgling company in 2011 at a valuation of $60 million, according to Crunchbase. Uber is now worth more than 1,000 times that -- its last private valuation was $68 billion.

But Uber's self-driving car division has been under pressure, after a lawsuit alleging it had stolen trade secrets from Alphabet's Waymo . Plus, the company sold its China operations to local brand Didi last year, after investing billions in China without turning a profit.

Calacanis said they could not comment on the specifics of what's going on at Uber.

Over the next five years, hundreds of companies will claim to have successful self-driving cars, Gurley said. But he said he's reading between the lines of press releases, which often tout tests in very controlled environments that do not totally reflect the real world.

"The part we haven't figured out yet, the last 3 percent, which is snow, rain, all the really, really hard stuff  it really is hard," Gurley said. "They have done all the easy stuff."

Watch: Uber's long-awaited diversity report
BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink told CNBC on Thursday that China's relationship with North Korea is the worst it has ever been.

Fink, speaking ahead of President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida, said China is slowly changing its behavior with North Korea.

"I think obviously North Korea will be a major component of the conversations, but let's be clear: China's relationship with North Korea at this moment is the worst it's ever been," Fink said on "Squawk Box."

The president, who previously declared China the "grand champion" of currency manipulation, is expected to discuss a range of issues with the Chinese president, including trade, North Korea and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Last week, Trump predicted a "difficult" meeting in a tweet.

@realDonaldTrump The meeting next week with China will be a very difficult one in that we can no longer have massive trade deficits...

Fink said Thursday he believes that the Chinese government is going to be a good listener.

"I actually am optimistic about this going on to be a good meeting," Fink said. "Both sides, actually need some form of success. I think they're going to find ways to improve the relationship."

Read more from Fink's interview:
U.S. government debt prices were mixed on Thursday after the Federal Reserve said it is ready to unwind its $4.5 trillion balance sheet.

Unwinding the balance sheet is significant both because of its sheer size and the impact it could have on markets, as Fed members including Chair Janet Yellen have indicated that the move itself would amount to a rate hike.

Also lifting most bond prices were comments from House Speaker Paul Ryan in which he indicated that tax reform is still a ways off.

Investors digested initial jobless claims, which came in below expectations and awaited President Donald Trump's meeting with China's President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was lower at around 2.35 percent, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was lower at 2.997 percent.

The two-year note yield also jumped to 1.254 percent. Yields move inversely to prices.



In oil markets, Brent crude traded at around $54.88 a barrel, up 0.96 percent on Thursday, while U.S. crude was around $51.72 a barrel, up 1.11 percent.
President Donald Trump speaks about the gas attack in Syria as he and Jordan's King Abdullah (not pictured) hold a joint news conference in the Rose Garden after their meeting at the White House in Washington, April 5, 2017.

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the killing of dozens of people in a suspected chemical gas attack in Syria on Wednesday yet his forceful statements are unlikely to be followed up with any kind of game-changing international response, according to analysts at Eurasia group.

At least 70 people were reported to have been killed and 300 others injured in a suspected chemical attack in the north-western Syrian city of Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday.

World leaders reacted to condemn the alleged chemical attack with Trump describing it as an "affront to humanity" which crossed "many, many lines".

"The president was clearly angry. But it is far from clear if he either intended to suggest a major policy change, or as in previous instances even (whether he) fully understands the inferences that will be drawn from his statements. U.S. and Western options remain highly circumscribed," Eurasia analysts said in a note.
Chile's President Michelle Bachelet and China's President Xi Jinping smiles before a signing bilateral agreements during a meeting at the government house in Santiago, Chile, November 22, 2016.

With President Donald Trump pledging to scrap or renegotiate trade deals as part of his "America First" strategy, the door has been left open for China to push ahead with its own agreements. And nowhere are those efforts more apparent than in Washington's own backyard: Latin America.

President Xi Jinping, who will be meeting Trump for the first time in Florida on Thursday, has already made three trips to the region since early 2013  and business is booming.

While trade between the U.S. and Latin America has doubled since 2000, China's trade with the region has multiplied 22 times, according to OECD economist Angel Melguzio. In fact, Beijing is now the biggest trading partner for the major economies of Brazil, Chile and Peru  and Argentina, El Salvador and Guatemala are well-placed to profit from China's booming demand for global food.

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The U.S. remains Latin America's biggest trading partner, but with Trump vowing to dismantle the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and build a wall on the Mexico border, China could hold the advantage.

Meanwhile, China lends the region a lot of money  around $30 billion in 2015, up from $231 million in 2005. And the funds largely come with no strings attached.

"China stands to supplant the United States in economic and political influence over time," Gustavo Arnavat, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told NBC News. "My assumption is that their influence will be even more significant in another decade."

Many in Latin America feel that the U.S. increasingly focused on other regions, such as the Middle East, under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. During these administrations, Latin American economies looked for ways to diversify economically and help address the widespread need for infrastructure.

Enter China.

Margaret Myers, a program director with the Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington-based think tank, has tracked China's investment in Latin America since the 1990s. Her database reveals that China has signed a slew of deals in everything from energy to fighter jets to infrastructure.

"President Trump's Latin America policy is still unclear," Myers said. "Limited or unproductive policy  could leave space for additional engagement from China and other partners."

When Trump suggested the U.S. may pull out of NAFTA to keep jobs in America, neither China nor Mexico wasted much time in announcing a new auto partnership.

China's JAC Motors has invested over $200 million in a factory in Mexico's central Hidalgo state with Giant Motors, a company backed by billionaire investor Carlos Slim. The newly-minted joint venture plans will produce SUVs for the Latin American market.

"We don't depend on NAFTA at all, not for exports or for supplies," Giant's chief executive Elias Massri told the Financial Times. "For us, this is where the opportunity lies."

Another sign of Beijing's growing clout is its backing for a planned waterway in Nicaragua that aims to compete with the Panama Canal, long a symbol of U.S. dominance in the region. The new 170-mile facility aims to be to twice as deep as its famous rival and form an important new trade route, although construction is not fully underway.

The road for China has not been without obstacles.

Cultural divides put it under a magnifying glass with Latin American companies and government officials who may be reluctant to do business. Chinese business transactions have a reputation for being notoriously opaque. In Nicaragua, there have been protests against the proposed canal, which is being financed by Chinese tycoon Wang Jing.

But with Trump retrenching on trade pacts, Latin Americans are actively looking east to boost growth. A delegation of Mexican governors just finished a tour of China to drum up backing for projects ranging from gas and rail transport to modernization of airports and highways. They visited top government officials in Beijing and business leaders in Chengdu and Shanghai.

"We must broaden our horizons," Graco Ramirez, president of Mexico's National Conference of Governors, told Xinhua, China's state news agency. "This is a great opportunity to no longer only depend on the United States."

In addition to leveraging the soft power that comes with commercial ties, China's interests in Latin America are also strategic in promoting the "One China" principle. Since Chiang Kai-Shek's Nationalists fled to Taiwan at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, Beijing has considered the island a breakaway republic. If any country wants diplomatic relations with Beijing, they must break official ties with Taiwan.

China's global clout has successfully alienated Taiwan, which enjoys diplomatic relations with only 20 countries in the world, including the Vatican.

But the majority of the countries that do recognize Taiwan are clustered in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Taipei's ties with Washington have allowed it to thrive despite being in the diplomatic wilderness. China's growing economic influence with these countries could impact their support for Taiwan.

It was no coincidence that Taiwan's newly-elected leader, Tsai Ing-wen, made a Latin American tour a diplomatic priority to shore up relationships.

"China's determination to raise its global profile should concern U.S. officials who appear to be either unaware or indifferent," said Arnavat of the CSIS. "They are now a major player that cannot be ignored."
Taxi drivers sit in their parked cars as they take part in a protest on a road near the government offices in Hong Kong on March 17, 2017. Anthony Wallace | AFP | Getty Images

Mainland ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing and Hong Kong transport firms Kwoon Chung Bus and Sun Bus are seeking to enter the city's premium taxi market while the trade itself is boycotting the government's plan to start franchised services, according to sources. Industry players also warned that a proposed five-year trial scheme to provide a better service for the public, subject to Legislative Council approval, might never take off due to insufficient support from lawmakers. The taxi trade is also lobbying chief executive-elect Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to scrap it. More from the South China Morning Post:

Why the Xi-Trump summit is a high-stakes gamble

Angry taxi drivers descend on Central demanding premium franchise scheme be scrapped

Hong Kong taxi trade calls for more help as it launches device to rate drivers Sources said the sector had already secured the support of the city's three big political parties  the Democratic Party, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) and Liberal Party  to vote down the scheme. DAB lawmaker Ben Chan Han-bun and the Liberal Party's Frankie Yick Chi-ming have openly thrown their support behind the taxi trade. "Our assessment is that the franchised taxi scheme won't get through Legco," one source said. "Also, it is said that current transport chief Anthony Cheung Bing-leung won't stay on, so his successor may have a change of mind. We are also seeking a meeting with Carrie Lam."

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Taxi operators have been up in arms over the government's proposal to put an additional 600 franchised taxis on Hong Kong roads. Three franchised operators would run the premium service, charging fares up to 50 per cent more than regular taxis. They would not be required to pay for a taxi licence, which currently sells for about HK$6.5 million. The controversial proposal has been prompted by long-running complaints about poor services and bad driver behaviour such as refusing a hire or overcharging. But taxi operators are complaining that the competition will be unfair and put their livelihood at risk. Despite the roadblocks, Didi Chuxing said it was looking into the possibility of becoming one of the new franchised operators. "We believe that innovations will revolutionise the efficiency and service quality of the taxi industry, as well as improve taxi drivers' income," the mainland company said. "A transportation system plugged into new data technologies is essential to the concept of a smart city." The Alibaba Group, which is the owner of the South China Morning Post, is a shareholder of Didi.

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From Beijing's perspective, China's trade surplus "does not necessarily mean China benefits while the United States loses," according to government news agency Xinhua Thursday. "About 40 percent of the trade surplus is actually generated by U.S. companies in China," it argues.

When Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, the message he will likely bring is: don't blame China for your problems. China's Foreign Ministry has been telegraphing what Xi and his delegation plan to emphasize  that China has contributed greatly to the U.S. economy. Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang recently listed statistics to support China's argument, and those figures have been widely circulated in the Chinese state press .

The state media has been ratcheting up China's position in the run-up to the Trump-Xi talks. The Global Times, a Communist Party paper, ran an editorial Tuesday with the headline: "U.S. job losses are not China's fault." Xinhua ran a commentary Wednesday entitled: "It's unfair to blame China for U.S. job losses."



By reiterating this view, the Chinese are hoping to deflect what they expect to be heavy criticism from Trump over the trade deficit and job losses in manufacturing. However, the motivation behind the message is also a window into what Beijing is most worried about  that the talks could lead to finger-pointing and potentially herald a period of uncertainty in the Sino-U.S. relationship.



With a likely Chinese leadership reshuffle at a Communist Party Congress in the fall, Xi needs to project strength to his people this year. From Beijing's point of view, managing the optics of the Trump-Xi meeting will be critical.

The worst case scenario for the Chinese government would be any development that appears to diminish Xi. The Chinese are warily watching for signs of open hostility, awkward moments, or disrespectful tweets during the proceedings.

In fact, the best outcome for Beijing would be if Xi and his delegation escape without any public conflict and instead depart with a path for constructive dialogue and assurances that the China-U.S. relationship will remain on a stable course.

 CNBC's Daisy Cherry contributed to this report.
Chinese state media is all about showing why China has been good for the U.S. ahead of a major meeting between the presidents of both countries.

Stories focus on the positive effects of Chinese companies investing in the U.S., claiming such firms have created American jobs. One photo gallery shows Bank of China employees volunteering at a Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S., and Americans tasting Chinese steamed buns during a food festival organized by Chinese conglomerate Fosun Group in New York.

"Apart from the contributions to the local economy and job opportunities, Chinese enterprises have made continuous efforts in education projects, charity events and community works in the United States in the past years," reported state media outlet Xinhua.

This is Chinese propaganda out in full force as President Xi Jinping is about to meet American counterpart Donald Trump face-to-face for the first time. Neither side has backed down with tough rhetoric, though officials have toed the line, making it clear there is interest in a continued and healthy relationship.

From the first days of Trump's time on the campaign trail, he's railed against China for its trade practices and allegedly stealing away U.S. jobs.

The U.S. trade deficit with China is huge  running at more than $300 billion  but many experts say the trade relationship has been mutually beneficial.

"Trade advantages were based on productivity gains  which benefited U.S. consumers via lower costs," Mizuho's Vishnu Varathan wrote in a recent note.
Bruce Northam is what you might call well-traveled. The author has spent decades navigating the globe, a journey he details in "The Directions to Happiness: A 135-Country Quest for Life Lessons."

Along the way, he's gotten a good idea of where your money stretches the farthest.

On Thrillist, Northam shares nine of his favorite countries where $1,000 a month will cover housing, food and adventures. If you're thinking about living abroad, "don't let cost stand in your way," he says. "If you're earning even a few American dollars a month, you can stretch a trip to any of these spots indefinitely."

Read on to see Northam's favorites, what you'll save on in each country and the cost of a local draft, which "works as a pretty reliable stand-in for almost any cost-of-living survey you care to enlist," says the travel writer.

We also included the cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in each country, according to database Numbeo. The range represents the average cost to rent outside of the city center and in the city center.

Armenia

"Sandwiched between Iran, Turkey, and Georgia, many of the tiny Christian country's 4,000 epic religious structures are on prime real estate  analogous to where America created its ultimate national parks and resorts," writes Northam.

Armenia's best deal: "A world-class opera runs $6."

Cost of a local draft: $1.50

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $140 to $230 per month
Defense Secretary James Mattis will brief President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on military options against Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's regime later on Thursday in the wake of a deadly attack which activists said killed at least 100 people  including 25 children  and injured at least 400 others earlier this week.

The White House and Pentagon have had detailed back-and-forth conversations over the past two days over options including a National Security Council meeting Wednesday. Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster have had repeated contact about the best way forward, a U.S. official told NBC News.

More from NBC News:

Nikki Haley after Syrian gas attack: How many children 'have to die before Russia cares?'

Video captures airstrike hitting Syrian gas attack hospital

Father mourns at grave of baby twins killed in suspected gas attack

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, when asked when the U.S. will help lead efforts to remove Assad, responded "Those steps are underway."

Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One Thursday said "something should happen," when asked whether Assad should be removed from power.

Mattis is expected to present Trump with a range of options including:

Grounding all Syrian aircraft

Strikes against their air defenses

Standoff strikes

Targeted strikes against those responsible for the attack in Idlib.

The Pentagon worries that U.S. service members  including the roughly 500 Special Operations personnel offering "support" and "training" for campaigns including the current operation to oust the terror group from Raqqa  as well as others in the region could become a target. The U.S. military is also mindful of Syrian air defenses' capability to take down a manned aircraft.

Syrian fixed-wing aircraft dropped chemical weapons on civilians in Idlib earlier this week, two U.S. military officials told NBC News.

The U.S. military saw the aircraft on a radar and watched them drop the bombs, the officials said. The radar soon picked up the flashes and booms in the rebel-held area of Syria.

The bombs hit a hospital in an area where the al-Nusra Front operates damaging operating rooms and injuring medical professionals, the officials said.

Soon after, civilians on the ground began responding in a way that is consistent with exposure to a nerve agent documented in horrific images of people writhing in pain, coughing and young children gasping for air.

One official said they believe there was a combination of two agents and while they do not believe one was chlorine, he would not say what they were.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen speaks to the media.

Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Bed Bath & Beyond  The housewares retailer beat estimates by seven cents a share, with quarterly profit of $1.84 per share. Revenue was very slightly above estimates, but the company did give weaker-than-expected guidance for the full year. Separately, Bed Bath & Beyond raised its quarterly dividend to 15 cents per share from 13 cents.

Yum China  The company reported quarterly profit of 44 cents per share, six cents a share above estimates. The restaurant chain's revenue was essentially in line with forecasts. Investors were especially encouraged by an unexpected one percent increase in same-restaurant sales, with analysts having anticipated a drop. Yum China is the China-based spin-off of Yum Brands, and is the parent of Pizza Hut, KFC, and Taco Bell restaurants in that country.

Costco  Costco reported a better-than-expected 6 percent increase in U.S. same-store sales. Analysts had anticipated a 4.2 percent rise for the warehouse retailer, according to estimates compiled by StreetAccount.

Schneider National  The trucking company priced its initial public offering (IPO) at $19 per share, in the middle of the projecting range, valuing the company at $3.3 billion. It's the first trucking company IPO in the U.S. since 2010, according to Dealogic. Schneider will begin trading this morning on the New York Stock Exchange.

MGM Holdings  MGM will buy the 81 percent of the Epix cable channel that it doesn't already own from partners Viacom and Lions Gate for about $1 billion. Viacom owns half of the channel, while Lions Gate has a 31.2 percent stake.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals  Jazz struck a patent settlement with Britain's Hikma Pharmaceuticals related to the narcolepsy drug Xyrem. As part of the settlement, Jazz granted Hikma the right to sell a generic version of Xyrem in the U.S. market.

Cardinal Health  The drug distributor is near a deal to buy Medtronic's medical supplies business, according to a Reuters report. Cardinal would reportedly pay nearly $6 billion for the unit, and the report said a deal could be announced later this month.

Unilever  The Anglo-Dutch consumer products giant has promised a sizable cash return program for shareholders, following its rebuff of a takeover bid from Kraft Heinz . It is also setting a goal of 20 percent profit margins by 2020, compared to 15.3 percent in 2016.

Sunoco  Sunoco is selling convenience stores and gas stations to Japan-based Seven & I Holdings, the parent of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain. Seven & I will pay about $3.3 billion, as it boosts its U.S. operations by acquiring about 1,100 locations.

Twitter  Twitter unveiled a faster version of its mobile service, designed to work better and use less data for those with weaker mobile connections of smaller data plans. "Twitter Lite" would work with a web browser rather than as a standalone app, and Is aimed mostly at non-U.S. users.

Apple  Apple is being sued by Australian regulators, who accuse the company of "bricking" iPhones whose cracked screens were fixed by non-Apple repair shops. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said Apple disabled those phones through a software update. Apple has not yet commented on the report.

Amazon.com  Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is selling about $1 billion in the online retailer's stock each year to provide funds for his Blue Origin rocket company. Bezos said his goal is to make Blue Origin a profitable enterprise.

BlackRock  BlackRock said Cisco Systems CEO Chuck Robbins has been nominated to serve on its board. The asset manager said Robbins would join the board as an independent director if elected at the annual shareholder meeting on May 25.

Allergan  Allergan said it will move ahead with its testing of its Botox product as a treatment for depression. The drugmaker said Botox  best known as a treatment for wrinkles  did barely miss achieving a significant improvement in a study, but that the data was encouraging enough to move ahead and begin a larger study.

T-Mobile US  T-Mobile was downgraded to "hold" from "buy" at Deutsche Bank, which said positive catalysts for the mobile operator's shares are already priced into the stock.

Rent-A-Center  Janney Montgomery Scott initiated coverage of the rent-to-own company with a "buy" rating. Janney does say that the company has a "multitude" of problems, but thinks the stock is a good value following a 75 percent decline, with Mark Speese returning as CEO.

Cedar Fair  Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on the amusement park operator with a "buy" rating, while calling rival SeaWorld a "sell." Goldman said Cedar Fair has multiple growth drivers that are not reflected in current consensus estimates.

NetApp  JMP Securities upgraded the chip maker to "market perform" from "market underperform," saying the move toward all-flash memory devices will continue to drive sales growth.
European bourses closed mixed Thursday following indications by the U.S. Federal Reserve that it wants to pare back its balance sheet and dovish comments from ECB President Mario Draghi. The FTSE 100 closed the day down 0.39 percent; the French CAC , however, was up 0.58 percent at the close of play and the German DAX was also up 0.11 percent.

European markets



The pan-European Stoxx 600 closed up 0.18 percent higher with sectors largely ending the day in positive territory following a choppy day of deals. Oil & Gas and Retail were among the best performing sectors on Thursday, both up 0.65 percent. The Anglo-Irish oil company Tullow Oil had dropped nearly 15 percent in early trade but soon trimmed those losses, ending the day at the top of the European benchmark. It was 7.4 percent higher at the close of play. Thursday was the first trading day for the firm's shares following a $750 million rights issue, the Financial Times reported. Meanwhile, Media stocks led the falls during afternoon trading, with the British publisher Pearson down by 6.6 percent following a rating downgrade by BNP Paribas. It was the worst performing stock. Banking and financial services stocks also moved marginally lower following comments from ECB (European Central Bank) President Mario Draghi that the bank's policy is adequate and as of yet it is too soon to start tightening. The euro had been trading slightly up on the day, but fell after Draghi's comments, hitting $1.07. In the U.S., the Fed signaled a willingness to reduce the $4.5 trillion in bonds on its balance sheet at some point this year.

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Looking at individual stocks, Drugmaker BTG was also among the best performers Thursday on forecasts that its 2017 fiscal revenue will come in at or above expectations. Also, Electrocomponents rose 2.6 percent on expectations that its full-year profit will exceed market forecasts, before settling up 1.5 percent in afternoon deals. In the U.K., Unilever moved marginally higher after announcing that it is combining two of its main business units and boosting shareholder returns. It ended the day up 0.98 percent.

Trump, data, oil

Investors also seem to be taking a defensive approach ahead of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping of China. They are set to discuss trade and relations with North Korea this Thursday at Mar-a-Lago. Fears of a potential trade war between the two kept Asian markets on edge. In terms of data, the latest German industrial order numbers showed a recovery in February after a sharp fall in the previous month. Contracts increased 3.4 percent on the month, slightly below expectations. Oil prices moved slightly higher on Thursday after higher than expected US inventories. Brent was trading at $54.66 a barrel and WTI was sold at $51.41 a barrel.
Despite President Donald Trump's calls for American companies to manufacture their products in the U.S., shipments of his daughter's branded, Chinese-made dresses have continued to land on U.S. shores since he took office, documents reviewed by NBC News show.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a lot to talk about during their first meeting Thursday, including Trump's allegations of Chinese currency manipulation and the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to Beijing's "unfair" trade practices.

"We can't continue to allow China to rape our country," Trump told his cheering supporters last year on the campaign trail in Indiana. "There are no jobs because China has our jobs."

Some of those jobs are apparently still filled by Chinese workers assembling dresses for a licensee of Ivanka Trump's namesake clothing line.

Since Election Day, the apparel brand run by Trump's daughter has imported 56 shipments of Ivanka Trump products from China and Singapore, part of a total of 215 shipments from Asia since Jan. 1, 2016.
Flying taxis could be whizzing over your head as early as next year. German start-up E-Volo showed off its Volocopter 2X this week and said it's aiming to test the flying machine in taxi pilot projects in 2018.

E-Volo's Volocopter 2X E-Volo

The Volocopter is an 18-rotor electric cross between a drone and helicopter. It has two seats and a joystick controlled by a pilot. The batteries in the aircraft are rechargeable and can be replaced. E-Volo said the Volocopter 2X has been developed for approval by German authorities and anyone with a particular license will be able to fly one. By 2018, the first Volocopter 2X models with a "special permit" are set to be used as flying taxis in pilot projects, E-Volo claimed in a press release without giving further details. The company has not responded to a request for further details when contacted by CNBC. E-Volo is attempting to obtain a commercial registration for its aircraft to allow the transportation of passengers. The company said that developing a 4-seater Volocopter with the hope of getting it approved by the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

The interior of the E-Volo Volocopter 2X E-Volo
China will create a new special economic zone outside Beijing similar to those established in Shenzhen and Shanghai, the government said, in a bid to boost flagging growth and reduce the strain on the capital. The Xiongan New Area covers the Xiong (above), Anxin and Rongcheng counties.

The Chinese government's announcement to build a new economic zone on the outskirts of Beijing spurred sudden interest in property investment in the region, but analysts are less upbeat about the overall contribution from the new megacity.

"There are some direct beneficiaries due to their meaningful exposure to the area, but the net impact nationwide should be quite small by our estimate," wrote strategists at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch in a note released on Wednesday.

While analysts expect a boost to infrastructure investment in what is now still a sleepy backwater, the focus on the Xiongan New Area, which will take on some functions of the capital city, will also be at the expense of other cities.

"In our view, the Xiongan New Area is designed to address some specific issues that Beijing faces and it does not herald another round of massive infrastructure build out in China. Given the government's desire to control debt growth, we expect the investment amount earmarked for Xiongan New Area could be diverted from elsewhere mostly," they added, singling out the Beijing-Tianjing-Hebei project as a possible loser of development opportunities to Xiongan.

Calculations from Citi Research also found that the construction of the city would require just a minuscule proportion of the world's total crude steel production.

Analysts at Nomura are just as lukewarm about the new economic zone.
Embattled House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes will temporarily step down from the panel's Russia investigation.

In a statement Thursday, the California Republican said Rep. Mike Conaway will take control of the probe, with "assistance" from fellow Republicans Reps. Trey Gowdy and Tom Rooney.

Also Thursday, the House Ethics Committee confirmed it is looking into allegations that Nunes "may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information."

Nunes, a supporter of President Donald Trump, said he will still serve as the committee's chairman and carry out his other responsibilities in the position.

Last week, watchdog groups asked the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate whether Nunes broke House ethics rules and revealed classified information related to the probe of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Nunes said he will temporarily step back from the investigation until the allegations are resolved.

"Several left wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics," Nunes said. "The charges are entirely false and politically motivated, and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power."

Nunes has faced criticism from Democrats for his handling of the investigation into possible links between the Trump campaign and Moscow and Trump's claims that President Barack Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower.

Nunes has focused largely on looking into whether Trump transition members caught up in surveillance of other targets were "unmasked," or had their identities revealed. Obama's National Security Advisor Susan Rice admitted this week that she had requested to unmask American citizens during her tenure, but did not directly say if any of them were Trump associates. She said suggestions that the Obama administration used intelligence for "political purposes" were "absolutely false."

In an interview Wednesday with The New York Times, Trump alleged that Rice may have committed a crime with her actions related to Trump associates. A spokesperson for Rice called the claim "ludicrous."

Nunes faced backlash  and some critics questioned his independence from Trump  after he admitted that he went to the White House a day before he announced that Trump associates may have had their communications "incidentally" swept up in routine foreign surveillance. Rep. Adam Schiff, the panel's top Democrat, said Nunes did not share the intelligence with him before he made the statement.

Schiff has since said he saw "precisely the same" materials during a visit to the White House. He argued that those materials should have been shared with the whole committee, not just Nunes.

On Thursday, Schiff said Nunes' move was in the "best interest" of the investigation, adding that he looked forward to a "fresh start" and working with Conaway.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said Nunes "continues to have" his trust. He added that the intelligence panel's chairman "is eager to demonstrate" that he followed "all proper guidelines and laws."

Some Democrats have accused Nunes of using his position to try to provide a form of vindication for Trump after the president's unsubstantiated claim that the Obama administration wiretapped him. Nunes himself has repeatedly said Trump was never wiretapped.
Something of a biomass revolution is taking place in Denmark. Earlier this year Danish energy company, DONG Energy, announced it would stop "all use of coal" by 2023 and look to focus on sustainable biomass instead.

At the Avedre Power Station, on the outskirts of Copenhagen, a transformation has taken place: between 2015 and 2016 Avedre 1, one of its power station units, was converted to use wood pellets rather than coal.



The Avedre 2 unit uses natural gas, oil, straw and wood pellets. DONG Energy says the biomass system has a capacity of 45 megawatts and is able to take 25 tonnes of straw every hour.

Today, according to DONG Energy, the Avedre facility is "able to run 100 percent on sustainable biomass."

The impact on the environment is being keenly felt.



"When we look at the life cycle assessment of the green energy that we are using, the wood pellets and the straw, we are reducing the CO2 emissions by approximately 90 percent compared to when we were using coal," Ole Thomsen, senior vice president at Avedre Power Station, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy.



Thomsen went on to explain that most of the biomass being used was sourced from Baltic countries that are home to a big timber industry.



While the environmental benefits may be clear, cost was still something to be considered, although legislation is helping to smooth the transition.

"Coal is still a cheaper fuel than wood pellets," Thomsen said. "But when you're using coal for heat production there is a CO2 tax on it, when you're using wood pellets for heat production there is no CO2 tax."



"All in all, this means that we are able to produce green energy for the same price for the customer as when we were using coal."
In Germany, two renewable energy sources are being combined in a novel project looking to break new ground and transform the scenery of a German forest.



GE, through GE Renewable Energy, has signed an agreement with Max Bogl Wind AG to both deliver and commission what it has described as "the world's tallest and first ever wind turbine integrated with pumped storage hydro-electric power."

In and of themselves, wind and hydro are becoming increasingly important sources of power. The International Energy Agency (IEA), for example, describes hydropower as "the largest single renewable electricity source today." Wind energy, it states, is moving towards becoming a "mainstream, competitive and reliable power technology."

The scale of the project GE is involved in, which is based in the Swabian-Franconian Forest in Germany, is considerable.



The wind turbine towers used in the project will have a "total tip height" of 246.5 meters, with each tower's base and surrounding area used as a water reservoir.
Author and Trade Advisor to President Trump, Peter Navarro attends the 'Death By China' screening on August 24, 2012 in New York City. Andy Kropa | Getty Images

Navarro is consumed by an existential fear of all things Chinese

Navarro possesses a striking blend of animosity and paranoia about anything have to do with China. In Death by China, which he deems his "survival guide" to outmaneuvering "the planet's most efficient assassin," he warns the reader against ever purchasing Chinese products. "Unscrupulous Chinese entrepreneurs are flooding world markets with a range of bone-crushing, cancer-causing, flammable, poisonous, and otherwise lethal products, foods, and drugs," he warns. At one point, Navarro asks the reader to engage in a cautionary thought experiment and  using a military phrase popularized during the Vietnam War  imagine that "your best friend is 'fragged' when the [Chinese-made] cell phone in his chest pocket explodes and sends bone shrapnel into his heart." Navarro also argues that investing in the Chinese economy is hugely dangerous for the US because China is a totalitarian regime fixated on becoming the world's sole superpower. He accuses Beijing of using "weapons of job destruction" against the US, such as devaluing its currency in order to make Chinese products cheaper inside the US and make American products more expensive in China. It's all part of a strategy, he writes, for China "to pick off America's industries job by job." China's ongoing military build-up, meanwhile, is so startlingly swift in Navarro's eyes that he is sure the US is destined to perish at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party unless it starts becoming more aggressive with Beijing. He believes the Pentagon is not properly prepared for the reality that "China that can churn out hordes of ships, tanks, and planes on its factory floor," and thinks defense spending needs to be more strategic to recognize that reality. He also argues that Chinese cyberhacking operations against the US should be considered acts of war. "The ultimate policy question," he writes, "is whether we are going to consider China's 'hacks' as the acts of war they really are  or whether we are simply going to keep sticking our heads in the sand and see no Red Hacker brigade evil." Many of Navarro's arguments stem from reasonable concerns about how the world should react to China's tremendous rise from an economically dysfunctional country to a sophisticated manufacturing colossus that benefits from being plugged into the global economy but is reluctant to play by many of its rules. But there's always some point in Navarro's analysis where he veers off the path of rational concern and starts to careen through a wilderness of all-consuming fears about China's true intentions. Aided by cartoonish and frequently offensive stereotypes of the Chinese national character, Navarro tends to believe that there is something fundamentally underhanded and evil about China, regardless of any evidence to the contrary. Those aren't widely-shared views, to put it mildly. Adam Davidson wrote in his profile of Navarro in the New Yorker last year that "Navarro's views on trade and China are so radical, however, that, even with his assistance, I was unable to find another economist who fully agrees with them."

China as the world's biggest cheat

The centerpiece of Navarro's economic analysis of China  which he persistently refers to simply as "the Dragon"  is that the combination of its unrivaled size and its willingness to ignore countless norms and rules of the international economy make it a dire threat to workers in the US. Navarro believes China "cheats" its way to the top. He slams its government for subsidizing its exports in violation of World Trade Organization rules, mandating that American companies hand over key intellectual property to enter the Chinese market, and having exceptionally poor consumer safety standards, environmental regulations, and labor protections. In particular, he's concerned about the way that the government has deliberately suppressed the value of its currency, the yuan, which makes Chinese exports cheaper in global markets and makes American imports to China more expensive. Navarro declares that China's trade practices have allowed it to gain such advantage over US companies and workers that it's been able to pull off one of the "greatest heists in global economic history." Navarro correctly identifies certain challenges the US faces with China, but often quickly goes over the edge. There have of course been many recklessly made, highly hazardous Chinese products in the past, like lead-filled toys, toxic toothpaste, tainted milk, and defective tires. But his claim that all Chinese products should be avoided because they're likely to imperil your safety  or literally kill you  are clearly overstated. The billion-plus iPhones circulating the world that were assembled in China, for example, don't seem to be posing an existential threat to the human race (accidents from walking and driving while texting not withstanding). Nor do many of the other claims he makes stand up to scrutiny. For instance, Chinese manufacturing doesn't always win out over American manufacturing because its government subsidizes an industry, like it does with aluminum, but often simply because Chinese workers are paid lower wages and have fewer legal rights in the workplace than American workers. The reality, says Doug Irwin, a trade scholar at Dartmouth College, is that in addition to unfairly subsidized industries, China "also does a lot of straightforward bilateral trade with the US where they simply have a cost advantage." China's past currency manipulation is a particular obsession of Navarro's, which makes sense given when the book was published. Around the time the book came out in 2011, China had been buying up dollars to keep the value of the yuan low on and off for many years. But what's strange is that Navarro still believes it's an issue today. In a white paper he co-wrote during the 2016 presidential campaign with Wilbur Ross, now Trump's Commerce secretary, Navarro argued that China should be declared a currency manipulator as a first step toward slapping an array of punitive tariffs on it. It's very likely that Navarro has played a role in Trump's repeated criticism of China for suppressing the yuan  which he's done as recently as February. This has put Beijing on edge: In January, the hawkish Chinese government-owned Global Times newspaper promised to use "big sticks" against the Trump administration should it attempt to begin a trade war with tariffs. That same month, the China Daily, another government-owned newspaper, accused Navarro of being "deaf and blind" to trade benefits. And it seems China may actually have a point: Right now, China's manipulation of its currency actually favors US exports. That's because as China's growth is slowing and foreign investors are pulling out of the country, economic currents are pushing the pressure on the yuan downward, and Beijing is now intervening in order to prop the currency up. China's foreign reserve has dropped from $4 trillion to $3 trillion in just the past two years as they've sold off foreign currency to keep the yuan from depreciating too swiftly. In other words, they're actively making sure that their currency isn't dropping, which makes their products more expensive than they would be otherwise. It also makes US exports to them more affordable to Chinese consumers. "If anything, we should be thanking the Chinese lately," Joseph Gagnon, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told me during an interview in February. In other words, it's the exact wrong time to pursue punitive tariffs against China for manipulation.

Navarro is certain that China alone is the source of worker misery in the US

Another striking element of Navarro's analysis is that he's convinced that China and China alone is to blame for the plight of American workers who are unemployed and underemployed due to upheavals in the manufacturing sector. He believes that bringing manufacturing jobs back from China is a key way to bring down the US unemployment rate. Once again, Navarro's argument has a substantial kernel of truth. China has caused big job dislocations in the American manufacturing sector since it joined the WTO in 2001. About a million US workers lost their jobs due to increased manufacturing competition from China between 2001 and 2007, according to work from leading economists David Autor, David Dorn, and Gordon Hanson. As Autor and his collaborators' work has shown, those workers have struggled to find jobs in new sectors, and their communities have suffered enormously because of it. But China can't be blamed for everything. Autor estimates that China accounts for about 40 percent of the decline in manufacturing between 2000 and 2007. Navarro appears uninterested in engaging with the factors contributing to the other 60 percent of that decline. Crucially, Navarro offers no discussion in Death by China of the widely-documented role that automation  the development of more sophisticated machinery and robots  has played in the slow but steady decline in American manufacturing. US factories now manufacture twice as much as in 1984  but do it with one-third fewer workers. Robots are to blame for the loss of nearly 750,000 manufacturing jobs between 1990 and 2007, according to a new paper from Daron Acemoglu of MIT and Pascual Restrepo of Boston University. That means that US manufacturing won't bounce back to its former levels even if Navarro and Trump succeed in bringing some jobs back from China, for one simple reason: Robotics means that American companies simply need far fewer human employees. And while a lot of American manufacturing jobs did get shipped to China, that country has not been the only competitor to the US, and in the future it won't even be the most serious one. Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia and Laos have far cheaper wages than China, where salaries are approaching rates seen in Europe, and the region is ultimately en routeto overtake China as the world's cheapest factory. Navarro may see China as the enemy, but it's not the only country competing with the US for manufacturing jobs  and those nations pose bigger long-term threats for some jobs. Navarro ultimately sees the US trade relationship with China as zero sum. "It doesn't work if one country cheats on the other," he writes. "The 'positive sum' game in which both countries are supposed to win quickly devolves into a 'zero sum' game with one big prosperous winner and one big recessionary loser." That's simply not true. The reality is even with China engaging in unfair practices, the US has reaped many benefits from enhanced trade with it. Since 2000, China has leapt from the 11th-largest export market for the US to the third-largest one. China's purchase of American-made goods supports 1.8 million jobs in the US, according to an Oxford Economics report. American consumers, meanwhile, directly benefit from cheap Chinese goods. China saves typical American households up to $850 a year, and that extra money gets spread across the economy and helps keep people employed in a variety of domestic industries. The interconnectedness of the US and Chinese economies are why the vast majority of economic observers think that both countries should do whatever they can to avoid the outbreak of a trade war. Setting off a battle of punitive tariffs by taxing incoming goods from the other country would be a lose-lose for both economies. When I asked Autor, the economist who documented China's big effect on American workers, what he thought about the Trump administration's interest in tariffs, he called it "naive and uninformed." And that's coming from an economist who is probably more sympathetic to Navarro's diagnosis of the negative effects of China's rise than most.

Navarro thinks a war-like stance toward China is wise
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A "simple man, living in a backwater country, with modest aspirations"  that's how Iceland's Kari Stefansson described himself this week from his office in Reykjavik.



People who know him, or know of him, would describe him as anything but.



Stefansson is chief executive and founder of deCODE Genetics, a Reykjavik-based company that set out in 1996 to mine the unique genetic makeup of Stefansson's native land.



Two decades later, the United States and other nations and companies are seeking to follow suit, sequencing the genomes of millions of people to glean new avenues for medicine and drug development. Few places have the ideal conditions for genetic research provided by Iceland.



"There happens to be a population founder effect" here, Stefansson explained. "That means there are relatively few ancestors that account for a large percent of the current-day population."



And that means that rare genetic variants important in disease  either as culprits contributing to illness or as protectors against it  show themselves more readily in the genes of Icelanders than they would in "outbred" populations, as Stefansson puts it.



The Nordic island country's homogeneity isn't the only thing going for it when it comes to genetic research. Iceland has also kept meticulous genealogical records  some natives can trace their roots back to the 9th century.



"We have 44 kilometers of paper documents, and the oldest document is from 1185 or thereabouts," Eirikur Gudmundsson, director general at the National Archives of Iceland, said in an interview. "They are the memory of our nation, and without that we wouldn't know who we are."



DeCODE digitized these records and others from private collections, a massive project, Stefansson said. The result: an online Book of Icelanders, or "Islendingabok" in the native tongue, a treasure trove of family trees tracing Icelanders back generations.

A collection of Icelandic genealogical records dating back to the 1700s. Jodi Gralnick | CNBC

Gudmundsson logged into Islendingabok this week from the National Archives in Reykjavik, tracing his roots back to ancestors listed in the world's oldest existing comprehensive census, taken in 1703 on the order of the King of Denmark to investigate reports of poor conditions on the island. The website also revealed Gudmundsson's lineage went back several hundred years further, to ancient ancestors mentioned in the Sagas, the famed medieval Icelandic stories.



Upon request, the national archivist also demonstrated how closely he's related to current-day famous Icelanders  President Guni Th. Johannesson (back to a common ancestor in the 1600s), and Bjork (a slightly closer connection, back to the 1700s).



"It's often done when you are meeting people," Gudmundsson said. "Saying, 'Who's he?' And 'Who's she?' And 'Do you know her? Let's check on the book of Icelanders if he or she is related to you or me.'"



Icelanders, on average, can trace a common ancestor seven generations back, Gudmundsson explained. But the likelihood of running into a closer relation can pose unique problems in romantic situations  so much so that many here check the Book of Icelanders for common ancestors before getting too serious with a potential romantic partner.

Iceland National Archivist Eirikur Gudmundsson shows Meg Tirrell the 1703 census. Jodi Gralnick | CNBC

The records are useful for more than avoiding accidentally dating a cousin; deCODE is able to marry such extensive knowledge about family connections with genetic information about disease to seek new clues for medicine in Iceland's DNA.



That work has turned up new leads in Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, schizophrenia and more. But deCODE's existence hasn't always been an easy one; the company filed for bankruptcy in 2009, as the whole country of Iceland was going through a financial crisis.



The story is different now. In 2012, Amgen , the world's largest independent biotech company, paid $415 million to take deCODE in-house, providing funding to keep the research going, but leaving the Icelandic company "completely alone to indulge in exactly the same discovery as before they bought us," Stefansson said.



For Amgen, the relationship appears to be working out as well, according to CEO Bob Bradway.



"We've been thrilled with the progress of our collaboration with deCODE," Bradway said in an interview last week. "It's informed both projects that we've moved forward in our pipeline, as well as projects that we've concluded we need to stop based on information in the human genetics."



Last spring, Amgen announced a deCODE discovery leading to a new effort in heart disease, a mutation in a gene called ASGR1 that appears to confer protection against heart attacks and coronary artery disease for certain lucky Icelanders. The plan now: develop drug candidates to mimic the protective effects of this mutation.



It's the kind of work that governments and other companies around the world are hoping to emulate. In the U.S., there's former President Barack Obama's Precision Medicine Initiative, part of which aims to collect genomic and other health data from at least a million Americans to find new clues about disease.



Despite a change in administration  to a president who's suggested cutting funding for the National Institutes of Health, which would drive the Precision Medicine Initiative, by 20 percent -- plans for the work are full-steam ahead, said NIH Director Francis Collins.



"We are anxious to move as quickly as possible away from a 'one size fits all' approach to how to keep people healthy or manage chronic illness into something that's much more individualized," Collins said in an interview. "The 'All of Us' program has been working day and night to get all the pieces together."



The NIH is planning a "beta test" of the program in the next few months, Collins said, ahead of a full launch in the fall. The goal is to make it easy for anyone in the U.S. to join in the research project by making a phone call or getting on the web.



"You will be hearing a lot about it at that point, because we want lots of people to know about it and to take an interest in possibly signing up," Collins said.



These kinds of projects are going on worldwide  from Genomics England's 100,000 Genomes Project, to a collaboration between drugmaker AbbVie and Genomics Medicine Ireland, to Qatar, Singapore, France, Estonia, China, and many others.



"I did a little inventory about how many other programs like this around the world are getting underway," Collins said. "There are at least 50 programs that are enrolling at least 100,000 people in various countries around the world."



Many of those programs have a connection back to deCODE  not just in their model, but in the technology being used to power the work. In 2013, deCODE spun off a technology arm called NextCODE, later acquired by China's WuXi . Now WuXi NextCODE is involved in many of the major population sequencing initiatives around the globe.



"We have a fully integrated genomics platform company, starting with sample and ending with answers," WuXi NextCODE CEO Hannes Smarason said in an interview this week in the company's office in Reykjavik.

Decode Genetics CEO, Kari Stefansson Ian Langsdon | Reuters

"In a way, what we aspire to do is in essence much like what Bloomberg did for financial data," he said. "Bring together the world's genomic data, put it onto a digital platform, and allow the user to query that information and interrogate it at scale."



Back at deCODE, Stefansson is enamored by the potential to use the power of Iceland's genetic and genealogical data to unlock understandings about the brain, and the heritability of thoughts.



"Science is well-suited to answer certain kinds of questions, but not all questions," Stefansson reflected. "We can solve the technical problems, but the epistemological problems are somewhat more difficult to answer."



The brain, despite its mysteries, "is just an organ," Stefansson said. "You inherit the function of all your other organs; why shouldn't you inherit the function of your brain?" he demanded. "Tell me."



Notoriously mercurial, Stefansson swung during a thirty-minute conversation from quoting T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" to expressing fear for how much he takes after his father, whom he called "a nasty bastard."



He's proud of what he's accomplished with deCODE, starting in 1996 in a country "with no know-how, nothing that allowed you to do biomedical research in a competitive way," he said.



"We brought together a group of people, almost all of them Icelanders, who have been leading the world in cutting-edge science," Stefansson reflected. "I am very proud of what these kids have accomplished, and that is sort of at the top of my mind when I think back."



As for himself, Stefansson said, "There is nothing [else] that I feel that I have to accomplish."



"I just want to die sitting by this desk doing human genetics," he said. "Simple man, living in a backwater country, with modest aspirations."
Islam is set to become the world's largest religious group by 2075 as the number of babies born to Muslim mothers is set to outpace those born to Christians within the next two decades, new research suggests.

More babies are currently born to Christian mothers than to members of any other religion, but this looks set to change by 2035, when Muslim births will marginally outweigh Christian births for the first time, according to the Pew Research Center.

Christian births numbered 223 million between 2010 and 2015, while Muslim births numbered 213 million. By 2035, however, the gap is expected to have narrowed, with 225 million Muslim babies estimated to be born within a five year period, versus 224 million Christian babies.

"Globally, the relatively young population and high fertility rates of Muslims lead to a projection that between 2030 and 2035, there will be slightly more babies born to Muslims (225 million) than to Christians (224 million), even though the total Christian population will still be larger," the research noted.

This growth in Muslim births is set to accelerate by 2055 to 2060, when 232 million babies are estimated to be born to Muslim mothers compared with just 226 million to Christian mothers.

By 2075, this could result in the number of practicing Muslims outweighing Christians for the first time, according to the research, which analysed global birth rates from 2010 to 2060.

"When these projections are extended beyond 2060, Muslims are expected to reach parity with Christians in 2070," the study noted.

"By 2075, Muslims are expected to outnumber Christians, even as both groups continue to increase as a share of the world's population, largely due to their concentration in countries with relatively high fertility rates."

The research builds on 2,500 censuses, surveys and population registers used within the Pew Research Center's 2015 report The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050.

It estimates that by the end of the century, Muslims will make up 34.9 percent of the world's population while Christians will account for 33.8 percent.

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Mes Aynak, Afghanistan Brent Huffman | Saving Mes Aynak

A controversial Chinese copper mine in Afghanistan has run into complications after the executive leading the $3 billion project was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party for corruption. Shen Heting, the former general manager of the state-owned China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC), in 2007 signed a 30-year lease to build a open-pit copper mine in a place called Mes Aynak. The site is occupied by a 5,000-year-old, walled Buddhist city, and China's determination to extract copper from the area has drawn sharp criticism from archaeologists and others. China has a big appetite for copper, an industrial metal whose price has risen more than 23 percent in the last 12 months.

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Security concerns have delayed work on the project since 2007, and copper has yet to be mined from the area. The United States and other Western nations have been fighting fundamentalist insurgents in Afghanistan since 2001. According to the documentary film "Saving Mes Aynak," the mine would in effect destroy the ancient city, though MCC and the Afghan government claim that they will "move" the city in order to extract the more than $100 billion of copper deposited directly beneath it. CNBC was unable to reach MCC for comment via phone or email. The Chinese embassy in Kabul did not immediately respond to a request for comment. If completed, the Chinese copper mine would be a major source of revenue and employment for Afghans, according to Afghanistan's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum.

Expulsion is a career-ender
The money at risk is used to reduce the out-of-pocket costs of health services and medication for 7.1 million lower-income customers of individual health plans sold on Obamacare exchanges.

Kaiser's analysis came a day after Ceci Connolly, the CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, wrote congressional leaders and warned of premium hikes as high as 20 percent by that group's members if the money is cut off by Congress. Connolly noted that there is an April 28 funding deadline for that money.

States that did not expand their Medicaid programs to include more poor adults under Obamacare would experience higher premium hikes  21 percent on average  while states that did expand Medicaid would see premium increases of an average of 15 percent.

And the average price hike for Obamacare silver plans would have to be as high as 27 percent in Mississippi and 25 percent in Florida under that scenario, the Kaiser Family Foundation analysis found.

The average premium for a key type of Obamacare plan would need to be hiked by 19 percent to compensate if Congress cuts off a stream of money currently paid to insurers, a new analysis finds.

Those costs include deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance payments that are personally owed by customers when they go to a doctor, get surgery or fill a prescription.

Kaiser previously has said that the subsidies lowered combined medical and prescription drug deductibles by as much as $3,354 for a customer, and reduced annual out-of-pocket maximums by as much as $5,587. The federal government spent $7 billion on cost-sharing subsidies to insurers last year.

The U.S. House of Representatives had sued to the Obama administration to challenge the legality of the payments being made directly to insurers to subsidize those costs for customers, on the grounds that Congress did not appropriate the money for that purpose.

A federal judge last year ruled in the House's favor. But the Justice Department appealed the decision, staying its effect, and keeping the money flowing to insurers.

Now, however, the Justice Department is being led by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, an appointee of President Donald Trump, an Obamacare opponent.

Sessions is in a position to drop the appeal, but asked the appeals court to wait until May to hear about a possible resolution of the dispute, which could include legislative action. And the Republican-led Congress, which is attempting to repeal and replace key parts of Obamacare, is in a position to refuse to authorize further funding for the program.

But if Congress cut off that money, insurers would still be legally obligated by the Affordable Care Act to maintain the same level of out-of-pocket cost levels for consumers as if they were receiving the funding. In other words, the subsidized customers would still be responsible for less in out-of-pocket costs than nonsubsidized customers are responsible for.

Kaiser's analysis focused on what would happen to "benchmark" silver plan prices in the 38 states that used the federal Obamacare exchange HealthCare.gov in 2016.

Silver plans cover, on average, 70 percent of their customers' health costs, with the remaining portion paid out-of-pocket by customers. A benchmark plan is the second-lowest-cost silver plan in a given rating area.

Watch: Turbulence for GOP after failed health-care bill
Preet Bharara made pointed jokes about President Donald Trump in his first public speech since he was fired as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Bharara opened his speech by comparing the size of the audience in The Great Hall at Cooper Union to that of Barack Obama's in 2010.

In an interview with The New York Times published ahead of his remarks, Bharara said his "out of the blue" removal was a "a direct example of the kind of uncertain helter-skelter incompetence" that has become a hallmark of Donald Trump's young presidency.

In March, the Justice Department asked Bharara and 45 other federal prosecutors appointed by Barack Obama to resign. Bharara was subsequently fired by the Trump administration's Justice Department after he refused.

@PreetBharara: I did not resign. Moments ago I was fired. Being the US Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life.

The order itself was not unprecedented as U.S. attorneys are political appointees, serving at the pleasure of the president. Bharara's firing, however, came as a surprise as he had told reporters that he had agreed with then President-elect Trump to remain in his role.

Bharara told the Times that he still has not been told why he was ousted.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters in March that it wasn't relevant whether or not Trump told Bharara he would keep his job. He added that Trump called Bharara to "thank him for his service."

Bharara and his office were known for their successful prosecutions of Wall Street titans, extracting billion-dollar settlements in some instances. Under his prolific tenure, the office pursued a slew of public corruption, trafficking and terrorism cases.

Billionaire Republican Ken Langone said the former U.S. attorney had done a "fabulous job," adding that he hoped Bharara would run for office.

But not everyone exalted Bharara's career. Closely followed banking analyst Dick Bove told CNBC that Bharara "should be hung by his heels."

A longtime defender of the banking industry, Bove said he didn't approve of Bharara' methods. He said Bharara and his office were part of a government determined to punish the banks. Bove said they used an unfair process, pressuring the banks to settle.

Earlier this month, the former U.S. attorney joined New York University's law school as a distinguished scholar in residence.
StockRocket | Getty Images

When Australian digital media marketing and commerce company Rokt decided to start its U.S. outpost in 2014, it first headed where most tech startups find their footing: San Francisco. But it struggled with the fierce competition for tech talent in Silicon Valley, and the lack of nearby advertising companies made it hard to find customers. There was one other point of contention: employees didn't want to move overseas to go to San Francisco.

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"It's hard to get someone to want to come there," said Rokt CEO Bruce Buchanan. "They're young and single, and want to be where people with a like-minded lifestyle want to be," like Chicago and New York. Rokt decided to make its existing office in New York its U.S. headquarters. San Francisco's start-up culture makes it a hotbed for tech talent. It also means every company is competing for the same people, meaning higher salaries and more perks to stay competitive. But it's also getting harder and harder to convince candidates from outside San Francisco to move there. "Consistently we would reach out to great candidates," said Vevo's chief people officer Colleen McCreary. "If I can't find them living here (San Francisco) already, we look for that great candidate in Kansas City or Idaho. Then, they run a cost of living calculator."

Pos. City Price (Studio) M/M % (Studio) Y/Y % (Studio) Price (1 Bedroom) M/M % (1 Bedroom) Y/Y % (1 Bedroom) Price (2 Bedrooms) M/M % (2 Bedrooms) Y/Y % (2 Bedrooms) 1 New York, NY $2,500 0.0% -5.7% $2,940 0.3% -12.8% $3,490 2.0% -12.3% 1 San Francisco, CA $2,500 2.0% -3.8% $3,320 1.5% -7.5% $4,430 -1.6% -8.7% 3 Boston, MA $1,750 0.0% 0.0% $2,200 -2.2% -4.8% $2,600 0.0% -1.9% 4 San Jose, CA $1,730 4.8% -2.3% $2,260 3.7% -0.4% $2,820 4.8% -2.8% 5 Washington, DC $1,720 0.6% -5.5% $2,040 1.5% -7.3% $2,900 5.1% -3.3% 6 Oakland, CA $1,660 3.8% -2.4% $2,070 3.5% -11.5% $2,550 3.2% -11.1% 7 Los Angeles, CA $1,510 4.9% 0.7% $2,060 3.0% 4.6% $2,950 1.0% 5.4% 8 Chicago, IL $1,490 0.0% 9.6% $1,770 2.3% 6.0% $2,260 -0.9% 3.7% 9 Seattle, WA $1,430 4.4% 1.4% $1,810 -0.5% 3.4% $2,400 -0.8% -6.6% 10 Miami, FL $1,400 0.0% -10.3% $1,800 0.0% -5.3% $2,500 0.0% -5.3% 11 Portland, OR $1,120 -5.1% -6.7% $1,340 -1.5% 0.8% $1,600 0.6% -0.6% 12 Austin, TX $950 0.0% -2.1% $1,050 -2.8% -8.7% $1,330 -4.3% -11.3% 13 Omaha, NE $650 4.8% -1.5% $730 4.3% -5.2% $900 0.0% -8.2% 14 Detroit, MI $530 -1.9% -3.6% $540 1.9% -1.8% $650 4.8% 0.0%



Data courtesy of Zumper McCreary has first-hand experience with Silicon Valley's insane housing market. Before moving into her current Bay Area home, she lived in a two bedroom San Francisco condo she owned with her husband, son and sister. McCreary and her husband split their bedroom with their son, while her sister took the other room. They stayed in that set-up for two years. "It's especially challenging for people with families," McCreary said. "If you are young and single, it's a lot easier to get out there and be in the center of technology. But if you are a more established person, that lifestyle is a little more difficult."

Leaving Silicon Valley

One alternative for tech companies is to build out in other cities like Seattle, Austin or Chicago that offer a fun lifestyle but might not be as expensive. Not only are salaries cheaper, office rent and other expectations are lower as well. (The only exception was New York, which was mostly on par with San Francisco according to the companies surveyed.) Vevo is now expanding offices in cities like Portland. It's a highly educated market with high unemployment rates, McCreary said. It also has the added bonus of being in the same time zone as Vevo's San Francisco headquarters. "I'm almost afraid to tell people," she joked. Employment recruitment startup Purple Squirrel CEO Jon Silber, who used to be a strategist at Google, used the model-building skills he learned at Google to figure out whether he should move from San Francisco to Los Angeles. He discovered that he could get 30 percent more house, spend 15 percent less on food and have a 20 percent lower overall cost of living in Southern California. Even Uber cost 30 to 40 percent less, he discovered. In addition, there were more universities in southern California producing computer engineers than in San Francisco.

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"We figured if we moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles, we could extend our company's runway by 30 percent because there were more engineers and rent was cheaper," Silber said. Digital ad tech company Integral Ad Science is also building out offices in places like Seattle and Exeter, England. It found that relocation package costs to San Francisco were so high, it was easier to start offices where potential employees were. For instance, an Austin office was jump started after Ad Science hired one employee there, who knew eight other friends who he brought on board as well. "No question you have to find people outside of San Francisco and New York if you want to scale," said CEO Scott Knoll. Integral has found that there are not as many tech workers outside San Francisco, but it's possible to fill those roles by hiring people from other professions and retraining them, especially as data scientists. It's hired people who were previously working in biotech and finance, as well as astrophysicists, theoretical physicists and neuroscientists. "One guy had spent six years understanding the movement of a mouse's whiskers," Knoll said. "He thought (ad tech) was really exciting because he could explain it to other people." Plus, there's the refreshing change of pace from the culture of San Francisco. "In Los Angeles, you don't have to have your entire life to be about tech," Purple Squirrel's Silber said. "Not every single conversation has to be about tech." "San Francisco is almost like an insulated bubble," said employee training platform Grovo's vice president of people, Joris Luijke.

San Francisco Compassandcamera | Getty Images

But some just can't give it up Despite the higher costs and potential alienation of employees, some companies simply can't find who they want anywhere else. San Francisco just has more senior level tech talent, admits Grovo's Luijke. The New York-based company just opened up its San Francisco outpost. "I understand what those other companies are saying, but I'm focused on engineering and product leadership," said Luijke. "Our vice president of products, we had that job open for New York City for over a year. We extended to San Francisco, and we filled it in four months. They (interviewees) didn't want to leave San Francisco, and the pool was bigger there." And while employees complain about San Francisco's high housing costs, the city's casual culture means they don't have to spend as much on clothing. Vevo's McCreary said she has an unlimited Rent the Runway subscription to rent clothes to wear when she's in New York for work. She doesn't need them at the office in San Francisco. Virtual reality media company Upload founder and CEO Taylor Freeman, who recently left San Francisco for Los Angeles, found that investors expected people to be a little more dressed up in southern California. It is opening a second, much larger location in Los Angeles. "I have been urged to get a nice jacket like a cool Rag and Bone... If you don't believe in having nice shoes or a handbag, it still matters to the people you do business with (in L.A.)," he said. But, Purple Squirrel's Silber said he carried over one piece of San Francsico's casual attire mentality to his Los Angeles office: No one wears shoes. "I literally interviewed a guy and went boogie boarding with him," Silber said. "The guy showed up in board shorts, a tank top and sandals. He didn't get the job, but he's still allowed to come to all our parties." Watch: Hot housing in San Francisco
In a new study of tourist-friendly countries released Thursday by the World Economic Forum (WEF), European economies dominated the top-10 rankings, with Spain leading the pack, indicating the region was well placed to attract overseas visitors and create tourism jobs.

The rising number of terror attacks across Europe hasn't dimmed the region's appeal to overseas visitors.

France took second place, followed by Germany, while the U.K. placed fifth, Italy ranked eighth and Switzerland was tenth.

"Despite increased fear of terrorism, tourism performance of countries such as France and Germany have not declined significantly, confirming a strong resilience of the tourism sector to security shocks in the presence of strong institutions and sound fundamentals," WEF said.

Over the past two years, more than 230 people have died in France due to hostilities linked to the militant group Islamic State, according to Reuters. Last month, four people died in an onslaught on London's Westminster Bridge.

Still, Europe's cultural richness, excellent tourism service infrastructure, strong health conditions, international openness and general sense of perceived safety have trumped terror concerns, WEF said.

The organisation based its rankings on various factors, including safety, health, human resources, price competitiveness, infrastructure, and culture.
The location of your estate-planning papers shouldn't be a secret you take to the grave. Only a third of people have told their heirs where they can find key documents like their will or powers of attorney, according to a new survey from BMO Wealth Management. Another one in 10 has provided heirs with copies of the original documents. The survey polled 1,008 Americans in December 2016. Keeping mum about the location of your will, powers of attorney and other important documents is dangerous, said Larry Lehmann, a partner at Lehmann Norman & Marcus LC in New Orleans. "It's a terrible mess, and litigation results out of it," he said.

In many states, if heirs can't find your will, the law presumes you revoked it and destroyed it, said Lehmann, who is also past-president of the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. That could mean state intestacy laws determine who gets your assets, which may not be who you'd prefer. It could also mean if someone finds an older version of your will, that's the one that stands  even if your wishes or family dynamics have changed. Here's how to manage these critical documents:

1) Secure originals in a safe place

Keeping them safe is vital. A court may not accept copies or digital files as a replacement for lost original wills, especially if someone is contesting the estate, said Russell Fishkind, an attorney with Saul Ewing in Princeton, New Jersey. It becomes "he said-she said" as to whether you intentionally destroyed the original, or it was accidentally misplaced. States may also require originals of healthcare proxies or powers of attorney for your agent to act on your behalf, said Lehmann.

Whoever you have appointed needs to have copies of those documents, and if you don't want them to have [a copy], you need to reconsider why you appointed them. Larry Lehmann Partner, Lehmann Norman & Marcus LC

Maintain each original document in its own sealed, marked envelope, said certified financial planner Mark Prendergast, director of tax strategies for Inspired Financial in Huntington Beach, California. That can help ensure pages don't go missing, or get jumbled with other documents. As for where, the best place to keep your original documents is in a fire-proof box or safe in your own home, said Fishkind, who is also the author of "Probate Wars of the Rich & Famous." Some clients prefer to keep originals with their attorney, he said, although that isn't the best option for documents you'd need in an emergency, like a healthcare proxy.

Rod Morata | Getty Images

Don't put these papers in a safe deposit box, said Lehmann. At best, that limits family access to when the bank is open  which may not be convenient in a crisis. State laws and bank policies also vary in who can access the box, for your protection. If you haven't properly set up access for your heirs, they may need a court order to do so should you become incapacitated or after your death, he said. A power of attorney for financial transactions might help  but not if the paperwork your agent would need is in the box.

2) Provide key players with copies.

Financial professionals you work with  including your financial advisor, accountant and attorney  should all have copies of your estate documents, said Prendergast. It's smart to have a copy in a neutral player's hands. Those pros can also help nudge you to make updates, as they notice changes in your personal and financial details. Put copies in the hands of trusted family members, too, especially if they are named to make health care decisions or take financial actions on your behalf should you become incapacitated, said Lehmann. "Whoever you have appointed needs to have copies of those documents," he said, "and if you don't want them to have [a copy], you need to reconsider why you appointed them."

3) Disclose what's where.

Even if you'd prefer to keep the location of your will close to the vest, someone other than your spouse should know where important documents are kept, said Lehmann. That helps ensure your papers are found quickly, should both of you be injured in the same accident or pass away in close proximity. All of the financial professionals you work with should know where you keep your original documents, to help in such a circumstance, said Fishkind. More from Your Money Your Future:

Five ways to bulletproof your estate plan

Here's what happens when you save too much in your 401(k)

4 great ways to head off a financial shock Any trusted family members or friends you alert should also be given access to any information they might need, he said. For example, the combination to your home safe or the location of its key, or your attorney's contact details if he or she has the original documents.

4) Manage outdated versions.
Retail stores that provide value and great merchandise should succeed despite the threat from online shopping, said Steven Tanger, chief executive of

"We've been having this conversation for 20 years. You may recall ... it was called dot-com. And now it's called e-commerce," he said on CNBC's

Tanger said " is a convenient scapegoat" for retailers that are not doing a good job satisfying their customers. "If stores are well-merchandised and well-priced and give consumer a value, they do well," he argued.

Operators of off-price chains such as  behind the T.J.Maxx and Marshalls brands, which are part of the Tanger portfolio  have been "doing extremely well" and consumers can't buy their merchandise online, Steven Tanger said. Shares of TJX, bucking the tough environment for retail stocks, were up about 2 percent in 2017.

"The inconvenient fact is that most of online shopping for retailers' products are apparel and shoes, primarily. With 35 to 50 percent of the product returned, very few people make money," he said. "We're a full-profit business as is most of our customers. The dot-com or e-commerce part of their business is not cash flow positive. The outlet stores are cash flow and very positive."

Tanger's tenant base at outlet locations around the nation also includes about 400 different other brands  everything from and Banana Republic to Brooks Brothers and Barneys to and

Standalone department stores have gotten killed this year with shares of , for example, down about 20 percent and off 17 percent.

Despite what Tanger considers a competitive advantage to providing bargain outlet prices, the stock struggled along with many other shopping center REITS, or real estate investment trusts, down about 9 percent this year.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, gives a thumbs up while walking out of the Senate floor after passing a 'nuclear option' rule change at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

What is "the nuclear option"?

The "nuclear option" is a last-resort, break-in-case-of-emergency way for the majority party in the Senate to overcome obstruction by the minority. All it actually involves is changing the rules of the Senate so that a nominee like Gorsuch can be confirmed with a simple majority of 51 votes. Under the previous rules, 60 votes were needed to foil any attempt by the minority party to block a vote by use of the filibuster. While senators are no longer required to give actual speeches to mount a filibuster, it has remained powerful tool that allows the minority to gum up action in the Senate until the majority can find 60 votes to break a logjam. The change to a simple majority vote may not sound very dramatic, but in a place like the Senate, which operates on tradition and bipartisan comity, it's a big deal befitting its apocalyptic name.

Where does the name come from?

Former GOP Senate Majority leader Trent Lott coined the term because both parties saw it as an unthinkable final recourse, just like nuclear war. During a standoff over George W. Bush nominees in 2003, Republicans discussed invoking the parliamentary move by using the codeword "The Hulk" since it, like the superhero alter ego, cannot be controlled once it is unleashed. Others, who want to give it a positive spin, call changing the rules "The Constitutional Option."

Has the nuclear option been used before?

Senators have threatened to go nuclear for decades. In 1957, then-Vice President Richard Nixon wrote an advisory opinion that helped lay the groundwork for the procedural move. But no one pushed the proverbial button until 2013, when then-Majority Leader Harry Reid invoked the nuclear option to lower the 60-vote threshold to 51 for approval of Executive Branch appointees (such as Cabinet secretaries) and federal judges below the Supreme Court (such as for U.S. Courts of Appeal). Reid justified the move by citing unprecedented obstruction from Senate Republicans, but members of both parties lamented the precedent it set. Last week, Sen. Chuck Schumer, who took over for Reid as leader of Senate Democrats, said he regrets going nuclear four years ago. Of course, Schumer could just be saying that now that he's in the minority, since there are plenty of clips of Reid and McConnell opposing the nuclear option before they supported it.

What does it mean?
It was a big win for "meddling kids" everywhere. On March 29th, the student reporters at Pittsburgh High School in Kansas published an article in the school's paper, The Booster Redux, scrutinizing the resume of new principal Amy Robertson. It later led to the administrator's resignation. Robertson, who had been approved for the role by the local board of education, claimed to have earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tulsa, a master's degree and a doctorate degree from Corllins University, and a teaching degree from the University of Cambridge. But Pittsburg High junior Gina Mathew told CNBC that students were surprised by how little they were told about their incoming principal and decided to investigate further. "There really was no information being provided on this new administrator coming in," says Mathew, "so we felt it was our duty to make sure that the community was informed." As student reporters looked deeper into Robertson's credentials, her story began to unravel.

Connor Bathazor, a 17-year-old junior at Pittsburgh High, told The Washington Post, "There were some things that just didn't quite add up." Maddie Baden told The Kansas City Star that when they researched Corllins University, "We found a website that didn't work." Robertson claimed to have received her M.A. in 1994 and her Ph.D. in 2010. But the U.S. Department of Education confirmed that Corllins University had been closed since 1986, and Robertson was also unable to provide evidence confirming her degree from the University of Tulsa. On April 4th, Robertson resigned. While the students say they never intended to undermine the new principal, they felt a responsibility to report their findings. "She was going to be the head of our school," says Trina Paul, Pittsburg High senior and editor of the newspaper, "and we wanted to be assured that she was qualified and had the proper credentials." The students' reporting has earned them praise from across the U.S.  and a day off from school.

Emily Smith, the faculty advisor for the newspaper, told The Star that she is "very proud" of her students and explained, "They were not out to get anyone to resign or to get anyone fired. They worked very hard to uncover the truth." Smith sees their work as an act of perseverance. "Everybody kept telling them, 'Stop poking your nose where it doesn't belong.'" The work of student journalists is often underestimated, but the availability of social media and other reporting tools has created opportunities for non-professionals to share deeply-reported work widely. Tom Rosenstiel, executive director of the American Press Institute, told the The New York Times, "There's a sense that significant journalistic investigations can come from anywhere now." The ordeal does raise questions as to how Robertson's resume fib could have slipped past the adult members of the school board, whose job it was to thoroughly vet principal candidates. It isn't the first time in recent memory that slopped adult work has been exposed by cub reporters. A year ago, then 9-year-old multi-media journalist Hilde Kate Lysiak was the first reporter to break the news of a murder in her hometown of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. "Because of my work, I was able to inform the people that there's a terrible murder, hours before my competition even got to the scene," Lysiak told The Washington Post. "In fact, some of the adult-run newspapers were reporting the wrong news or no news at all."
States like Washington and California have a lot more to lose in a potential US-China trade war 4:10 PM ET Thu, 6 April 2017 | 00:49

Many American business leaders would be happy to have President Donald Trump talk tough on trade in his meetings Thursday and Friday with Chinese President Xi Jinping.



But not too tough.



While many companies and industries are hoping Trump can win concessions from America's largest U.S. trading partner, they're much less eager to see the two countries square off in a trade war.



"They would like the Trump administration to advocate for [a level playing field]," Tom Manning, a University of Chicago law professor and former CEO of Cerberus Asia, told CNBC. "They do not, however, want the Trump administration to disrupt what has become a stable atmosphere for American business in China."



Trump's blistering rhetoric condemning China's trade practices generated cheers of support on the campaign trail.



"We can't continue to allow China to rape our country," Trump told his cheering supporters last year on at a rally in Indiana. "There are no jobs because China has our jobs."

Trump has accused China of manipulating its currency to boost its exports and criticized companies for shifting production to China.

Since taking office, Trump has kept up his belligerent broadsides on China's trade policies. Last week, he warned in a tweet that the meeting at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Thursday and Friday will be "very difficult" and "American companies must be prepared to look at other alternatives."

Some business leaders and industry associations share Trump's frustration with Beijing's trade policies, arguing that China has been flooding the U.S. market with cheap products, while tightly controlling foreign investment.

U.S. automakers complain about high Chinese tariffs on American imports compared to U.S. duties on Chinese vehicles. Tech companies have long cited a range of trade disparities, including China's weak patent protections for U.S. intellectual property.

But retaliation by the U.S. could spark an even broader response from Beijing.
The "Fast Money" traders discussed earnings expectations on Thursday, starting with the financials. The sector tees off the next round of financial reports on April 13.

Trader Guy Adami said he expects deregulation and banking reform to help the financial sector move higher. He said President Donald Trump will push through necessary legislation despite failures with health care reform. The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund is up over 1 percent year to date.

Trader David Seaburg said he likes Goldman Sachs in the environment, especially after White House economic adviser Gary Cohn said he is in favor of splitting lending and investment banks.

Trader Brian Kelly said he'd rather be long bonds with the iShares 20+ Yr Treasury Bond ETF and he is not convinced that Trump will be successful with financial deregulation and reform.

Adami added that he likes Anadarko Petroleum in the energy space. He said the stock will give investors the upside they are looking for if oil prices move sideways or experience a slight lift.

Disclosures:

Dan Nathan is long SPY May put spread, XLV long APR-June put spread, XLI long June put spread, CMG long call calendar.

Brian Kelly is long Bitcoin, FXI, HLF, SLV, TSLA, WMT, XBI.

"Opinions expressed by David Seaburg are solely his own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Cowen Group, Inc. David Seaburg and Cowen have a financial interest in EDIT. Diamond Offshore: an employee of Cowen and Company, LLC serves on the Board of Directors of Diamond Offshore"

Guy Adami is long CELG, EXAS, GDX, INTC, Guy Adami's wife, Linda Snow, works at Merck.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, north of New Orleans, La., March 29, 2017. Improvements to the causeway were one item on a leaked list of the Trump Administrations infrastructure projects wish list, though many other bridge and rail projects would be left hanging.

When President Trump pledged during the campaign to spend $1 trillion to restore America's crumbling bridges and roads, supporters across the country cheered.

A leaked list of the Trump administration's priority projects seemed to speak to the scope of the president's ambitions: a high-speed rail line linking Houston and Dallas; a desalination plant in Orange County, Calif.; and improvements to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, the longest continuous bridge over water in the world.

Then came Mr. Trump's budget proposal, which would slash the Department of Transportation's spending by 13 percent, end subsidies for Amtrak's long-distance trains and eliminate the Obama administration's "Tiger" grant program, which has helped fund mass transit systems across the country.

More from New York Times:

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Among the potential victims of the president's proposed cutbacks: Maryland's long-awaited Purple Line, a planned 16-mile light rail system through the capital's suburbs.

Maryland had been just four days away from clinching some $900 million in federal aid in August when a federal judge ruled to temporarily invalidate environmental approvals for the project. But under President Trump's plan, projects that don't yet have complete federal funding agreements would be financed "by the localities that use and benefit from these localized projects."

Supporters of the project are devastated.

"It was on the one-yard line," said Art Guzzetti, vice president for policy at the American Public Transportation Association, a Washington-based advocacy group. The proposed budget cuts were inconsistent with the administration's overall focus on infrastructure investment, he said.

"We'd been so encouraged by all the talk of investing in infrastructure," Mr. Guzzetti said. "But the budget has been discouraging."

Elaine Chao, the transportation secretary, has sought to quell concerns. Mr. Trump remains committed to his infrastructure initiative, which he intended to announce later this year, she said last week at an event marking the Transportation Department's 50th anniversary.

"The president has consistently emphasized that one of his top priorities is modernizing our country's outdated infrastructure," she said. "The proposal will cover more than transportation infrastructure. It will include energy, water and potentially broadband and veterans hospitals, as well."

But Ms. Chao, who was labor secretary under President George W. Bush, also sounded the alarm over "saddling future generations with massive debt." Instead of depleting government coffers, she said, Mr. Trump hoped to "unleash the potential for private investment" through partnerships with the private sector. She has also suggested that funds for infrastructure improvements might come from more tolls on the country's roads.

"Investors say there is ample capital available, waiting to invest in infrastructure projects," she said. "So the problem is not money."

Still, private-public partnerships have not always been winning propositions.

In late 2015, the operator of the Indiana Toll Road  a roadway that runs from Chicago to the Ohio border, and is owned by affiliates of the Australian investment bank Macquarie Group and Ferrovial in Spain  filed for bankruptcy after rosy forecasts for rising traffic and toll revenue failed to be realized.

That came just eight years after the companies paid $3.8 billion for a 75-year lease for the toll road. Operators of toll roads in Alabama, Michigan and Virginia have also faced bankruptcy in recent years.

Chicago's lease of its parking meters to a group led by Morgan Stanley has become a prime example of privatization gone wrong. Chicago's inspector general found that the city had been paid almost $1 billion less for the lease than it would have received from its parking meters over the course of the deal, and the contract's fine print prevented the city from building parking lots and other infrastructure that might compete with the outsourced parking meters.

Donald Cohen, the executive director of In The Public Interest, a watchdog that focuses on privatization and contracting, said that toll roads and parking meters had attracted investors, since they looked like infrastructure projects with well-defined business models and predictable revenue.

"There were some rosy projections, but things didn't go well," Mr. Cohen said. "And there can be a real diversion between what's good for private investors and public interest."

Real estate executives, including Richard LeFrak, the chairman and chief executive of the LeFrak Organization, are advising President Trump on his infrastructure plans. As head of the White House's new Office of American Innovation, Mr. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who is also a real estate developer, is expected to play a role in setting the infrastructure agenda.

Mr. Trump, together with Mr. LeFrak, Ms. Chao and a small circle of real estate and business executives, discussed infrastructure spending over lunch last month. Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, said that the conversation had focused on identifying "regulatory roadblocks that have been killing projects before they've even begun."

Mr. LeFrak declined to be interviewed for this article, as did Ms. Chao.

Until Mr. Trump's team can deliver on the specifics, several infrastructure projects remain in limbo  even ones approved by voters. And local governments may now have to scramble to secure private investors.

In Wake County, N.C., voters passed a half-cent sales tax last fall to fund a bus rapid transit plan and commuter rail. But without federal funding, the project is unlikely to move forward. Other projects at risk include Nashville's $6 billion plan for 200 miles of pedestrian walkway improvements, light rail and bus rapid transit.

For users of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in New Orleans, federal funding would determine whether tolls must be raised to pay for much-needed upgrades  or whether they can remain near current levels of $3 to $5 round-trip for passenger cars.

The Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission had already rejected turning to a public-private partnership for improvements, after estimating that bringing in private investors could cause tolls to jump threefold. Repairs were needed to the 1950s-era causeway, said Carlton Dufrechou, its general manager, partly because the bridges were struggling to handle both an increase in traffic and larger cars.

Initially elated when the causeway showed up on Mr. Trump's list, Mr. Dufrechou is now waiting. "We haven't heard anything since then," he said. "Sincerely, we just don't know."
The Trump administration signaled Thursday that it seeks to remove Bashar Assad from power in Syria, an apparent reversal after a suspected chemical attack that the White House has blamed on the Syrian government.

President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday that "something should happen" with the Syrian president following the attack, which left dozens dead, including children.

"I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity. He's there and I guess he's running things, so something should happen," Trump told reporters while flying to a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

In a separate news conference Thursday afternoon, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Assad's actions suggest "it would seem there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people." Just last week, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said that Assad's hold on power in Syria was a "political reality that we have to accept."

The top American diplomat also urged the Russian government to "consider carefully their continued support for the Assad regime." Tillerson added that "steps are underway" for a possible international effort to remove Assad.

Their statements came as multiple outlets reported the Trump administration is mulling a possible military response to the attack in Syria. Defense Secretary James Mattis will brief Trump on military options at Mar-a-Lago later Thursday, NBC News reported, citing a U.S. official.

The potential actions include grounding all Syrian aircraft, strikes against Syrian air defenses, and targeting strikes against the people responsible for the suspected chemical attack, according to NBC.

The Defense Department worries U.S. forces already in the region offering assistance in the fight against the Islamic State terror group could become targets, NBC added.

On Wednesday, Trump said the attack "crossed a lot of lines" but did not go into detail about what actions he would take in response.

Tillerson said Thursday that the U.S. is considering an "appropriate response" in Syria.

The secretary of state and United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley increased pressure on Russia following the massacre in Syria. Russia, which has backed the Assad regime, blamed the attack on Syrian rebels.

The Syrian government has also said it had nothing to do with the attack.

Watch: Trump says he hasn't discussed Syria options with lawmakers
When President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet for the first time on Thursday, many will be closely watching the interaction for clues about how the relationship between the world's two largest economies will play out  at least for the next four years.

"Expectations are amazingly high for a meeting that is taking place only 75 days after President Trump has come into office," Scott Kennedy, deputy director of the Freeman Chair in China Studies and director of the Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday

When asked what Trump would be expecting from this meeting Kennedy said, "Trump, I don't think, is looking for firm commitments on the Chinese, but ... to set a tone and the direction of the relationship."

Trump has repeatedly criticized China, including when he said, "We can't continue to allow China to rape our country. And that's what they're doing. It's the greatest theft in the history of the world."

Trump has also raised eyebrows for confrontational tweets on currencies, North Korea and the South China Sea along with his telephone call with Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen.

However, according to Kennedy, China might be able to walk away with more than just a rehashing of complaints.

"Xi Jinping is looking for more to walk away with in this meeting in terms of promises than the other way around," he said, adding that Xi will look for Trump to delay installation of the THAAD missile defense system.

Xi will also "try and slow things down" on the North Korea issue, Kennedy said, while Trump may focus on Chinese industrial policy obstacles to American exports and foreign investment.

"That can't be waved away with a single hand of Xi Jinping," Kennedy said of that latter issue.
It's important that President Donald Trump "restrain himself" and build a relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping because the U.S. needs China to help deal with North Korea, former United Nations Ambassador Bill Richardson told CNBC on Thursday.

A two-day summit between Trump and Xi was set to begin on Thursday in Florida, with North Korea expected to be a high priority.

While Trump has threatened to use trade to try to force China to exert influence over Pyongyang, he has also said he is willing to go it alone if China doesn't agree.

However, Richardson pointed out that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unpredictable, has nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, and doesn't seem interested in having a dialogue.

"The only way, I believe, right now to get North Korea to the table is with China. They provide North Korea with food, energy assistance, all kinds of economic aid. They have the major leverage," Richardson said in an interview with "Closing Bell."

North Korea is working to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States. This week, it fired a ballistic missile off its east coast.

Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, told "Closing Bell" the most important thing right now is that Trump and Xi get to know each other.

"These are the two most important leaders of the world. Frankly, building some kind of relationship with Xi Jinping ought to be the first priority," Burns said.

However, he agrees with the Trump administration's stance to pressure China to use its leverage to convince North Korea to back down.

"That's a tall order. But I think the Trump administration is right to go there," Burns said.

However, even if China isn't on board, Burns thinks the U.S. shouldn't act unilaterally.

"I don't think the United States can or should go it alone. We have two very important allies in Japan and South Korea," he pointed out.

 Reuters contributed to this report.
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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is scheduled to speak Thursday afternoon.
A West Wing Divided: The Nationalists vs. the Globalists

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White House chief strategist Steve Bannon didn't just lose his position on the National Security Council; the news exposed a rift inside the West Wing. "Mr. Bannon resisted the move, even threatening at one point to quit if it went forward, according to a White House official who, like others, insisted on anonymity to discuss internal deliberations," the New York Times reports. But Bannon tells NBC's Kristen Welker that this report is "total nonsense." A second administration official also said the report was false. Still, a source familiar with the situation describes to Welker a "war" emerging between the "globalists" in the West Wing like top economic adviser Gary Cohn and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and the "nationalists" like Bannon. One administration source sees the battle as a fight between the so-called "West Wing Democrats" who are trying to mold policy, versus those who are trying to implement Trump's campaign promises. MSNBC's Joe Scarborough has more on the intrigue inside the White House: "Seeing plummeting approval ratings and a health-care debacle in the House, President Trump has come to realize that the source of much of the chaos inside his White House has been Steve Bannon. Bannon himself has been extraordinarily frustrated inside the White House, at one point saying, 'If my talents aren't needed here, I can take them somewhere else.'"

Blame game: It appears the White House has settled on its fall guy

It's the end of the Senate world as we know it, and I (don't) feel fine

Today begins the end of the Senate filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, when Senate Democrats are expected to deny Neil Gorsuch the 60 votes to proceed on his nomination  and that will force Republicans to change the rules whereby only a simple majority is needed. The entire situation has saddened Democrats and Republicans. "Their actions came back to haunt them," Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said of Democrats changing the filibuster rules for lower-court picks back in 2013. "I believe ours will as well." But here's the reality: The 60-vote threshold for Supreme Court pick likely was going to come to an end  whether it was Trump in the White House or Hillary Clinton (with Democrats in charge of the Senate). Indeed, here was the state of play when Clinton was considered the favorite to win the White House: John McCain: "I promise you that we will be united against any Supreme Court nominee that Hillary Clinton, if she were president, would put up." (His spokeswoman walked back the remarks somewhat, saying that McCain would examine any nominee's record.)

if she were president, would put up." (His spokeswoman walked back the remarks somewhat, saying that McCain would examine any nominee's record.) Ted Cruz, who was arguing that the Supreme Court could handle just eight justices: "There is certainly long historical precedent for a Supreme Court with fewer justices."

The Cato Institute's Ilya Shapiro: "The Senate should refuse to confirm all of Hillary Clinton's judicial nominees."

Dem Sen. (and VP nominee) Tim Kaine: "If these guys think they're going to stonewall the filling of that vacancy or other vacancies, then a Democratic Senate majority will say, 'We're not going to let you thwart the law.' And so we will change the Senate rules to uphold the law that the court will be nine members." When asked if Democrats would have done the same thing if Hillary Clinton's nominee would have been denied 60 votes, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) replied to NBC's Frank Thorp: "That's sort of typical of the distrust around here. That is exactly what my caucus thinks. Yes, and that's one reason it's so hard." Added Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who spoke for hours Wednesday against Gorsuch's nomination, "If you had a situation where no matter who the person has nominated that you can never have a president put a Supreme Court nominee forward, we'd all have to wrestle with that because that would be another change that would do diabolical damage." Bottom line: No matter the nominee, no matter the president, this 60-vote standard was going down. And there's just one remaining filibuster left  the 60-vote threshold for legislation. Folks, there is no reward structure (in primaries, fundraising, leadership) for bipartisanship. And until there is, you're going to see these kinds of norms getting erased.

Is Trump putting himself in the same Syria box that Obama got into?

"President Donald Trump called the suspected chemical attack in Syria 'an affront to humanity' that crossed 'a lot of lines' during a press conference Wednesday, but declined to say if the U.S. would respond," NBC's Andrew Rafferty writes. But is Trump putting himself in the same kind of verbal box Barack Obama got into with his own red line? What is Trump's follow through here? And if there's no follow through, does that make your rhetoric  as human and empathetic as it was  worthless?

Trump meets with China's Xi

NBC's Ali Vitali tees up today's meeting between President Trump and China's Xi. "As Donald Trump gets set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a tete-a-tete at the Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Thursday, experts say it's time for the U.S. leader to let his past hostile comments about the Asian powerhouse fade with the Florida sunset. Trump must start building a solid personal relationship with his counterpart and open a starter dialogue on a number of sensitive issues between the two nations, analysts add. While the Chinese are strategic and conservative in their policy and diplomacy maneuvers, Trump has earned his reputation as brash and somewhat unpredictable, often venting governing frustrations on Twitter in 140 characters or less. '[The Chinese] know that you cannot conduct foreign policy by Twitter, by tweeting, and brashness,' former Ambassador to China Max Baucus told NBC News."

How Mar-a-Lago has become good for Trump' business

Speaking of Mar-a-Lago, the AP notes how Trump has turned that Florida estate into a marketing brand -- which has potential conflicts of interest. "Mar-a-Lago isn't just a vacation home for Trump. It's a for-profit part of his global real estate empire. That makes 'Winter White House' more than a charming phrase; it's good for business. Breaking with presidential precedent, Trump held onto ownership of his businesses when he took office, meaning he makes money when his properties do well. The resort doubled its membership fee to $200,000 after he was elected. And 'Winter White House' is working its way into marketing materials. When Trump is in town, Mar-a-Lago's hotel rooms and restaurant reservations fill up fast. The Trump Organization has agreed not to exploit any aspects of the presidency, but those who lease and visit the properties are more than happy to do that work. When the Distressed Investing Summit convened in Palm Beach last month, its brochure noted the opening reception would be 'at the famed Mar-a-Lago club, one of the most highly regarded private lairs in the world and the new Winter White House.'"

Ossoff raises $8.3 million in GA-6

The special congressional election in Georgia is less than two weeks away, on April 18, and get this: Democrat John Ossoff has raised more than $8 million. The dispatch from NBC's Alex Seitz-Wald: "Jon Ossoff  the 30-year-old first-time candidate in the April 18 special election to succeed HHS Sec Tom Price  just announced raising an astronomical $8.3 million. To put that number in perspective, the average winning congressional candidate spent about $1.6 million on their entire campaign in 2016, according to Open Secrets. That haul would put him in the top 10 fundraisers in Congress if he won, and he still has two more weeks to go. Ossoff did all that in a little over 3 months, thanks to energized national liberals looking for a way to stick it to Donald Trump. FEC reports will be made public tomorrow." That is an astronomical fundraising number for a congressional election  in just weeks of activity. We have no idea how the race will turn out, but right now the situation reminds us a lot of Scott Brown in 2010

What were other presidents doing on April 6?

Steve Bannon, chief strategist for President Donald Trump Chris Kleponis | Pool via Bloomberg | Getty Images
Stocks that are commonly held as part of a broad investment portfolio can be considered conflicts of interest in the hands of powerful public servants. Other holdings could simply be considered unseemly.

At least three staffers invested in Rockwell Automation, which produces equipment and software to help factories increase their use of robotic workers  possibly a liability in an administration that has emphasized saving manufacturing jobs. And Liddell had up to $15,000 invested in Herbalife, the nutritional supplement company that's been the focus of a heated investor battle for years. The company was cleared by the Federal Trade Commission last summer of allegations that it operated a pyramid scheme.

Some of the biggest companies in the country are government contractors, and are well represented in White House staffers' portfolios. Contractors could be of particular interest to investors looking to trade based on the administration because their revenue is often highly dependent on decisions made in Washington.

All the big defense firms can be found in the financial disclosures, and many paid out healthy dividends last year. Liddell is also invested in General Dynamics, the defense contractor that produces missile and marine systems for the government, among other things. Both Liddell and Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short owned shares in Lockheed Martin.

At least four White House staff members owned shares in the defense contractor United Technologies. The company also is the parent of air conditioner manufacturer Carrier Corp, which made news in November when it was the first of many companies to attract Trump's wrath after it made plans to move jobs to Mexico. Trump announced that 1,100 of those jobs would be saved, though that number was later revised down to 800 jobs.

The filings do not indicate all of the stocks that will be divested as part of standard ethics screening. The White House said in a statement on March 31 that the disclosures were a snapshot in time and said reporters would have to seek out additional information on retained assets in the future.

"These are incredibly successful individuals, very high net worth, very sophisticated, complex asset structures, numerous sub-LLCs, trusts and other items, all of which have to be worked through," the statement said. "And for those who are fans of 'Spinal Tap,' these were the 'elevens' out of ten on the scale."
About 10 months ago, I realized that we were not fulfilling our mission to the greatest capacity by simply donating food. We had to take more action, and dive deeper into this solution.

It takes a solution that has four criteria. Healthy food has to be:

At that point in my life, I didn't know that solving hunger takes more than just regularly donating food.

Mr. Wonderful asked why we were doing this when we were unprofitable and at such a small scale. Mark Cuban jumped in and said, "It's a marketing expense!"

Almost two years ago, on the set of "Shark Tank," I told the Sharks about our initiative to fight hunger. For every box we sold, we donated two-to-three pounds of produce to local nonprofits.

I got my start selling ugly fruits and veggies by setting up produce stands at the University of Maryland, where I sold five pound bags to students, faculty, and staff. The program grew to hundreds of weekly customers, and in May 2014 I launched a delivery-model of the same concept.

I thought  if this could work at my college, why can't it work in public schools?

Last August, we opened our first Produce In A SNAP site at Franklin Square elementary, in the middle of a food desert. We sell 712lb bags to residents that don't otherwise have access to affordable produce, for just $7. We also accept SNAP and EBT, hence "SNAP" in the program's name.

The program has since taken off. We've sold over 3,000 bags and $30,000 in revenue in the seven months since the program got started. We're expanding to two new sites per month.

PIAS stands are run by students, who are kept off the streets and away from other distractions when running the produce stands. They also make a stipend for running the stands. For many, it's their first job.

The program is profitable as well, which is important to sustainably solving hunger. We're using those profits to buy more EBT machines, hire more site managers, and expand to more schools. Eventually, we'll expand to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and other cities.

This program is more than a "marketing expense." First, it's not an expense at all. It's actually a revenue stream. Second, it's systematically solving hunger in Baltimore.

We looked at hunger as a business problem and not as a charity  and that philosophy led us to come up with a solution that actually solves hunger, not just for marketing purposes.

Oh, how wrong I was to think that fighting hunger was something we only did for marketing. It's why we exist, and the PIAS program is our solution to wipe food deserts off the map in Baltimore, Philadelphia, DC, and other cities in the next five years.

This article originally appeared on Medium.com.

Evan Lutz is the CEO and co-founder of Hungry Harvest and a frequent speaker on conscious capitalism, food waste, and hunger. He was recognized in 2017 as one of Forbes' 30 under 30 and was featured on the ABC show "Shark Tank," where he made a deal with Robert Herjavec.
Plans by the U.S. Federal Reserve to pare back its balance sheet should not be seen as a surprise with a reshuffle at the central bank likely in 2018, Goldman Sachs' chief economist has told CNBC Thursday.

"I think it makes some sense. Personally I don't think it's really urgent for them to start reducing the balance sheet, but assuming that you want to do this at some point in the next year or two, I think it does make some sense to get started before the leadership transition at the Fed," Jan Hatzius said.

The minutes of the Fed's latest policy meeting Wednesday showed the central bank aims to reduce the $4.5 trillion in bonds on its balance sheet at some point this year.

"There will likely be a new Fed chair after early 2018, when Janet Yellen's term comes to an end and having already established a bit of a baseline path for how the balance sheet is going to be adjusted probably makes sense at that point to reduce the uncertainty that you otherwise get in that period," he added.
The holidays are creeping up on us
Garvan Walshe is a former National and International Security Policy Adviser to the Conservative Party. He runs Brexit Analytics.

Communists knew that to control a society, you first got rid of its thinkers. In Stalins time, among the first to be shot by the NKVD or deported to Siberia were intellectuals, professors of law, scientists and writers.

Later waves of repression were usually less murderous. A state in power doesnt need to threaten naked violence, when it can control peoples careers. Want that professorship? Make sure you research only the right questions (and come up with the correct answers too). Interesting op-ed you just published. Did we mention your department is being reconfigured? All staff will have to reapply for their jobs.

Even where universities are officially independent, they often take large quantities of government money, in the form of research grants and tuition subsidies. Unless strong legal safeguards are put in place, they are vulnerable to interference.

In Hungary, whose authoritarian president described his regime as an illiberal democracy, levers like this have brought most opposition to heel. Most, but not all.

The Central European University (CEU) has managed to evade his grasp. Founded by the Hungarian philanthropist George Soros, the CEUs continued independence has so irked Viktor Orban (despite the fact he once won a scholarship from Soross foundation) that hes contrived a special law to close it down, making its continuing operation dependent on Orban and Donald Trump agreeing to allow it to continue.

At issue is not the literal survival of the university (Austria has agreed to give it a home) but the survival of democracy in Hungary. The CEU has played a huge part in rebuilding Eastern Europes political culture, and helping liberal principles take root there. Its no surprise that tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Budapest in protest, and 17 Nobel Prize winners have demanded the law be withdrawn.

A normal American President would have put heavy pressure on Hungary to back down, but Trump is more an emulator of Orban than his enemy, and has in any case not yet filled many senior positions in his State Department.

Other countries, including Britain, need to step into the gap. The principles on which the CEU is founded are our principles, too.

There are signs that its fate is concentrating minds. Crispin Blunt, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, has started to focus on the issue. He told me yesterday that: This as deeply concerning as it is doubly ironic. Viktor Orban was a legendary leader in the battle for freedom from Soviet Marxist authoritarian ideology. Freedom of ideas is universal, as should be the freedom of the institutions that nurture them.

So far, the Foreign Office has been silent, however, and its Human Rights Twitter account (@FCOHumanRights) hasnt thought it fit to mention the issue.

Yet if there is a single lesson for the UK to be drawn from European history, it is that authoritarian rule on our continent leads to instability and conflict that threatens British interests, and eventually British security. Whenever weve turned our back on attacks on democracy in Europe weve come to regret it.

The Prime Minister maintains that we may be leaving the EU, but not leaving Europe. It is in a European country that this vital institution has come under attack, as part of a campaign to undermine democratic institutions in Hungary. In Margaret Thatchers Britain, dissidents in Eastern Europe could look to Britain to stand up for their liberty. Are we still the sort of people to whom democrats can turn?
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.

British observers naturally obsess about what the embryonic Brexit talks signify for Britain.

Do delays to any trade deals mean were not as economically attractive as we thought? Do the public desires of the Spanish to take back Gibraltar suggest were not taken seriously militarily? Are we becoming diplomatically isolated?

How the talks proceed and conclude will say a lot about who we are as a country. But theyll also say a lot about the EU. The world will be watching the European Commission and the member states just as much as theyll be watching Britain.

What is the world learning about the EU? Its too early to draw hard conclusions, but observers might draw some tentative first impressions.

Firstly, despite the shock Brexit administered to the EU system, it looks like business as usual for those running the EU. The British vote and the ensuing crisis gave European leaders the option to pursue a more flexible arrangement, one that might have suited not just British voters but others across Europe too  particularly on the hugely contentious issues of free movement and welfare.

Instead, the message is coming out from Europe that things are fine as they are. No country will be allowed to cherry pick access to the Single Market, and the key pillars of the Single Market will remain untouched.

Holland mercifully dodged the appalling Geert Wilders this time and French voters look set to reject Marine Le Pen. Without any reform, however, its surely possible populist leaders will successfully tap into to voter concerns about these issues. The result will be ugly for all.

Secondly, despite the EUs aspiration to secure greater political and economic unity, it also looks like the EU continues to remain in thrall to the petty preoccupations of its members.

In suggesting no UK-EU deal would apply to Gibraltar without Spanish approval, the EU has shown that its prepared to jeopardise a deal that would obviously be in Europes interest because of one countrys narrow, nationalist concerns. This follows the incredible difficultly that Canada had in securing a trade deal with the EU because of the concerns of one Belgian region. It risks showing the world that it is incapable of sensible, serious action.

Thirdly, it also appears that the EU continues to have an ambiguous attitude towards security. US politicians and the public have become increasingly agitated with European NATO members unwillingness to spend sufficient sums on defence  leaving, in American eyes, their taxpayers paying for European defence commitments while European Governments pour money into generous welfare systems.

The British position is different. We are a European power, and European security is a British duty and in the British national interest. But its reasonable for Britain, with the highest defence spending in Europe, to expect economic cooperation in return  not with the same conditions as before, but with a positive deal. Dismissing this as blackmail suggests some European politicians dont take security seriously.

Pro-remain politicians and commentators are asking questions about Britains capacity to survive outside the EU and what foreign observers will think about us as we make our way through the exit door. This is reasonable. But by ignoring what the rest of the world might think about Europe at the same time, theyre missing the full picture. Again.
Dr Madsen Pirie is President of the Adam Smith Institute.

The word liberal has been contaminated in both Britain and the US.

In the US it is used to denote left-wingers, usually Democrats, who favour big government, augmented welfare programmes, and a high degree of central management of the economy and society. Liberals are taken to be the opponents of conservatives.

In the UK the word was taken by a political party that morphed into the Liberal Democrats, a party that strays far from the original meaning of the word.

Traditionally, liberal denoted someone who supported personal freedom and the right of people to make their own decisions about most of the aspects of their life. It included the protection of their right to own property, and the right to decide what degree of risk they were ready to accept in their lifestyle.

In neither the modern US or the UK does the word mean that any more. Freedom has been thought so attractive that people who want to limit it claim to be acting in its name and describe themselves as liberal.

Clearly the word has gone beyond recall in both countries, indicating that a new word is needed to denote what it used to mean. The phrase liberal in the European sense is sometimes used, but is both awkward and cumbersome. The phrase classical liberal is better, but it implies that it belongs to the past rather than being relevant for the present. Hayeks suggestion of Old Whig is even worse in that respect.

At this point the term neoliberal enters the stage. Its name does not suggest it belongs to the past. Quite the reverse; it suggests something new, which to some extent it is. The addition of support for free trade, free markets, and economic development to the ideas that revolve around personal freedoms has produced a comparatively recent combination that merits a new name.

Of course the term neoliberal has been used as a catch-all insult to denote anything disliked by left-wingers. Indeed, it was so over-used that any original meaning gradually drained from it. A student demanded that Colin Talbot, the University of Manchesters Professor of Government, be disciplined for describing the term as meaningless. No-one claims to be a neoliberal, he remarked.

They do now. In 2015 I published a piece entitled Looking at the World Through Neoliberal Eyes, based on a lecture I gave at Brighton University. We followed this up at the Adam Smith Institute with a piece by Sam Bowman, our Executive Director, setting out the basic tenets of neoliberalism, and last October the Institute rebranded itself.

We had previously described ourselves as a libertarian free market think tank, but now we have changed it to a neoliberal free market think tank.

History has many terms that were originally insults, but which became either simple descriptions or sometimes badges of honour. The Dutch rebels who sought independence from Spain were dismissed as beggars (Les Gueux) by their Spanish overlords, but proudly accepted the name, with many wearing tiny wooden begging bowls as ornamental pendants. Both Whig and Tory were originally insults.

Now we take neoliberal to denote a set of attitudes and principles that make up that new combination of free markets, free trade, economic development, and a large measure of personal freedoms. If the term was meaningless before, it is no longer so. Today sees the publication of my new book, The Neoliberal Mind, which sets out what it represents.

Included in that list is a strong concern for the welfare of the worlds poor. We take pride in the achievements of neoliberal principles over the past few decades. Never in history have such advances been seen in reducing poverty, hunger and starvation, and early death from diseases. These advances have been gained through the application of neoliberal principles onto a world scale.

The left-wing claim that neoliberalism represents the interests of rich people in developed countries could not be further from the truth. The people it benefits most are poor people in developing countries.

Intriguingly the term includes character traits as well as principles. Neoliberals tend strongly to be optimists, ready to accept new technology for the opportunities it will bring rather than fearing it for the changes it portends.

One thing that really separates neoliberalism from the ideologies that oppose it is its strong empirical streak. It is very much a real-world outlook, in which results, rather than theory, constitute the test it sets itself. It is prepared to modify both principles and policy if they fail in practice to achieve the sought-for results. Unlike some ideologies, it judges itself on whether it actually works in practice.

We think it does work, and cite its achievements in lifting up the worldwide condition of humankind as the strongest argument in its favour. It does work and it will continue to work, achieving even more in the future than it has in the past.

Sir Christopher Wrens epitaph in St Pauls reads If you would seek his monument, look around you. The same can be said of neoliberalism. It you want evidence of its success, look at the world it has engendered. It is not perfect; nothing is; but it is better.
CORNWALL, Ontario  One family was displaced after a fire at their apartment on Walton Street the morning of Wednesday, April 5 at around 7:30 a.m.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Cornwall Fire Chief Pierre Voisine told Seaway News that it would likely be ruled an accident.

He explained that the hard work of the firefighters on the scene prevented the fire from doing a lot more damage.

The firefighters did a really good job on that one, he said. They contained the fire to one apartment in a four apartment complex. It could have been much worse.

The Chief said that no injuries resulted from that fire.
The issue of paid police suspension resurfaced at the Cornwall Community Police Board meeting this Wednesday, Apr. 5.

An issue now coming to a head with the proposed changes to the Police Services Act, which has remained unchanged for the past 27 years.

Sergeant Daniel Maille, head of the Professional Standards Bureau says that currently, the provinces hands are tied when it comes to police misconduct and suspension without pay.

The salary is legislated through the Police Services Act for anyone that is suspended  they are suspended with pay, said Maille. Theres a movement to change that in the Police Services Act, but as it stands now, the legislation says that they have to be payed.

Officers must first be found guilty and sentenced then advance to a period of incarceration, which essentially removes them from duties. This process can go on for years, and only after an officer is fired from their post are they cut off from payroll.

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has taken a very strong position on the issue of the proposed amendments to the Police Services Acts suspension without pay, said Cornwall Chief of Police, Daniel Parkinson.

Having called upon the Ontario Government in 2014 with a proposed resolution which would allow Chiefs of Police/OPP Commissioners to suspend without pay in certain situations, Premier Kathleen Wynne recently promised a bill which would do just that this spring.

Parkinson says that the issue boils down to the basic right of being innocent until proven guilty.

An officer on suspension is covered by a piece of legislation that says they are suspended with pay, said Parkinson. Take that out, and its a whole new ball game on the same level as other industries and public services.
Carlisle Auto Industries has asked Carlisle Borough Council for its support as the company seeks a liquor license for a planned Marcellos restaurant at the former Lear/IAC site.

Marcellos Ristorante and Pizzeria is a locally owned Italian restaurant located on Cavalry Road.

Tom Ritchey, project consultant for Carlisle Auto Industries, which owns the approximately 46-acre IAC parcel, told the council the 6,000-square-foot restaurant will be built at the corner of Carlisle Springs Road and the extension of A Street. It will be a Rillos-like restaurant, which owners hope will have a full liquor license, Ritchey said.

Developers are seeking that license through a provision in the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board code that allows for liquor licenses to be awarded if it is part of a sizable economic development project, Ritchey said.

The license, however, comes with some conditions. It cant be moved, it cant be sold, and no more than 50 percent of the restaurants income can come from the sale of alcohol, Ritchey said. There is also a $50,000 nonrefundable fee for the application.

We think it would be a terrific addition to our development, Ritchey said.

The application for the license will require a resolution from Carlisle Borough Council. For that, the borough will have to hold a public hearing, the time and date of which has yet to be announced.

The close proximity of a restaurant was a requirement in Carlisle Auto Industries agreement with Homewood Suites by Hilton to bring a rooms-only hotel to the site.

Ritchey also told the council that agreements are close to being signed with a number of residential developers for remaining lots on the former industrial site.
Each legislative session thousands of bills and amendments are introduced in the Pennsylvania Legislature. Only a fraction become law, and an even smaller portion receive wide media coverage.

These bills impact the lives of people living in Pennsylvania every day.

Each week The Sentinel will highlight one of the bills that has not received widespread attention.

About the bill

There are six restaurants in Pennsylvania that serve shark fin soup, according to the Animal Welfare Institute.

Five of those restaurants are in Philadelphia and one is in Pittsburgh, according to the wildlife advocacy organizations website.

A bill sponsored by Sen. Richard Alloway, R-Shippensburg, and Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Delaware County, aims to bring that number down to zero.

The two have sponsored Senate Bill 577, which bans the sale, possession or distribution of shark fins.

The practice of shark finning, something the two wrote in a co-sponsorship letter as being brutal and wasteful, is currently illegal under federal law. However, the possession, sale and distribution of fins is not.

Shark finning consists of catching a shark, cutting off its fin and or tail and then dumping the animal back in the water to starve or suffocate, according to a co-sponsorship letter from Leach and Alloway.

SB 577 makes it a separate summary offense for every shark fin sold, possessed or distributed.

The market for shark fins is what drives this brutal practice and the over fishing that accompanies it, the co-sponsorship letter stated. Pennsylvania can help impact the demand for shark fins and thereby reduce this practice by banning the possession and sale of shark fins and tails within our borders.

There are 10 states, including Maryland, Delaware and New York, with similar bans, according to the Animal Welfare Institute.
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Just to clarify in case ground zero of a killer plague seemed like a good place for a baby.

There were SARS patients in that hospital, but there was no chance of seeing them. Patients were cloistered away from society and kept like prisoners. Walking the city, I saw whole buildings shut down, cordoned off because there was a hidden outbreak in their walls. It was terrifying. We left home as little as possible. We didn't see friends, and certainly never went anywhere crowded in public. You were to wash your hands often and carry hand sanitizer in your purse. Stay away from hospitals, if possible. Pay attention to the rumor mill. Don't eat poultry. Don't get food delivered to your door -- it's the perfect vehicle for germs.

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It seemed like the end of the world.

But time passed, the number of new cases fell, and over time, the fear lessened. Through it all, my dad kept going to work. As he tells me now: "There comes a point where you have to say "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, you may have 8,000 cases worldwide and no cure, but dammit if I'm not getting to work on time."

Kevin Lee/Stringer/Getty Images

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Eventually it's worth the risk just to get that shit off your face and lead a normal life.

In June 2003, we took another trip to the hospital so my mother could give birth. We asked if we should be concerned about delivering a child at Ground Zero.

"Oh no," the nurse said cheerfully. "That's all winding down. We have no more SARS patients."

Great news!

Then she followed up with "Everyone on the seventh and eighth floor is dead."

Ryan Menezes is an editor and interviewer here at Cracked. Follow him on Twitter for bits cut from this article and other stuff no one should see.

Also check out 6 Terrifying Diseases That Science Can't Explain and 5 Eerie Ways Entire Groups Went Insane Science Can't Explain.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and check out If Insurance Companies Were Honest, and other videos you won't see on the site!

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PITTSBURGH  An attorney for consumers, restaurants and beverage industry groups asked Pennsylvanias Commonwealth Court on Wednesday to strike down Philadelphias 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages, saying it violates a state law that limits the citys taxing authority, among other laws.

The 1932 law known as the Sterling Act was passed by the General Assembly to give the city its own taxing authority  but also to specifically prohibit Philadelphia from taxing anything already taxed by the state.

Chip Becker, the attorney arguing against the tax Wednesday in Pittsburgh, argued that because soda and other sweetened beverages are already subject to the states 6 percent sales tax, Philadelphias tax on them is illegal.

Philadelphia may not tax any substance that the state already taxes, Becker told the seven-judge panel.

Becker wants the court to reverse a Philadelphia Common Pleas judges December decision upholding the tax with an order that would send the case back to the lower court so the tax could be declared invalid and void.

But Mark Aronchick, the attorney defending the citys position, argued the tax isnt on soda, but on its distribution to retail outlets in the city. Because the states sales tax is on retail sales, whereas the soda tax is paid by retailers to whom the drinks are distributed  and because the state imposes no similar tax at that point in the supply chain  the citys tax is legal and should stand, he argued.

The tax amounts to 18 cents on a 12-ounce can of soda or $1.44 on a six-pack of 16-ounce bottles if retailers pass on the entire amount to consumers.
Data center News

Dell EMC North America President Is Stepping Down, Lenovo-Dell Veteran Is Replacing Him

Steven Burke and Matt Brown

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Bill Rodrigues, a hard-driving 18-year Dell sales veteran, is stepping aside as of April 30 as president of Dell EMC North America.

David Schmook, current president of the $38 billion end-user computing business at Dell and former president of Lenovo North America, will replace Rodrigues effective May 8.

[Related: CRN Exclusive: Michael Dell On Making The Most Of Industry Consolidation, The Channel Program's Fast Start And VMware's Position In The Container Market]

"We are confident David is the right leader for Dell EMC North America commercial sales today and into the future," said Dell in a prepared statement confirming the changing of the guard. "Dell is currently considering candidates to replace David as leader for global client solutions sales." Schmook, a 14-year Dell veteran, rejoined the company in 2012 after a 10-year stint with Lenovo.

"I'm sorry to see Bill go," said Bob Venero, CEO of Holbrook, N.Y.-based solution provider Future Tech, No. 167 on the 2016 CRN Solution Provider 500. "I thought he was a great leader and advocate for the channel once Dell moved into the channel. He will be missed."

Venero said Rodrigues adopted a channel mind-set as Dell ramped up its channel charge. "Look at the growth of the Dell channel business, which is now more than $35 billion," Venero said. "It is an amazing shift in their culture and in their business. Our Dell business has been growing at double digits year over year for the last three years."

Venero, who has known Schmook for a decade, said he is looking forward to working with the Dell veteran to drive sales growth. "There are a lot of changes happening with Dell EMC, " he said. "I look forward to continued communication. There is no question that David gets the channel. He understands how to work with partners to grow the business. It will be interesting to see the difference between David's approach and Bill's approach. Sometimes change is a good thing. If Dell EMC has proved one thing, it is that they are absolutely focused on supporting their partners and customers."

Schmook spent nine years at Dell from 1997 to 2006 before departing to become chief information officer and senior vice president of Lenovo Singapore. He returned to Dell in November 2012.

Michael Goldstein, CEO of LAN Infotech, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., solution provider, said Schmook needs to "triple down" on the channel in the midst of all the changes as Dell fully integrates its $60 billion acquisition of EMC.

"I think you still have partners trying to overcome the old Dell direct mentality even with all the work that Dell has put into the channel," he said. "I have been a Dell partner for 10 years and we have seen big changes. With the new Dell EMC channel program requirements, we're now fully committed to Dell in the commercial market. We need Dell to be fully committed to us."

Goldstein said Rodrigues was always accessible to partners. "Bill was a great guy and was always there for us," he said. "The key for David is to continue that channel momentum."

The CEO of a top Dell partner, who did not want to be identified, said he is looking forward to seeing just what kind of channel alignment Schmook establishes as the head of the North America commercial business. "He is now heading up the commercial business at Dell, he has to be really clear about the Dell channel strategy," he said. "He is really going to have prove his channel mettle."

Rodrigues was hired by Dell as a vice president and general manager to head the company's K-12 education business. Before Dell, Rodrigues spent 21 years at IBM, ending his career there as general manager for global education in North America.
Networking News

Comcast Takes The Plunge Into Wireless With Launch Of Xfinity Mobile

Gina Narcisi

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Cable giant Comcast unveiled the details around its highly anticipated wireless service, Xfinity Mobile, which promises to shake up the wireless market, executives said during a live webcast Thursday.

Xfinity Mobile will rely on a combination of Verizon's 4G LTE network via an MVNO agreement between the two companies, and Comcast's 16 million Wi-Fi hotspots. Comcast executives said the service, which can be bundled with its cable, internet and landline voice services, will give customers a better wireless experience for less money.

The consumer-first offering will be available within the next two months, but Comcast is not unveiling a business services play for Xfinity Mobile at this time, Craig Schlagbaum, vice president of indirect channels for Comcast Business, told CRN.

[Related: Comcast Set To Launch Wireless Service In 2017, Leasing Airwaves From Verizon ]

While Xfinity Mobile will not be available through the channel today, Greg Butz, president of Comcast Mobile, said the company has the ability to extend the service to business customers, calling it a "future growth opportunity."

Rob Chamberlin, co-founder and executive vice president of Berkeley, Calif.-based DataXoom, a mobility-focused solution provider that partners with the industry-leading U.S. wireless providers, said when the service does become available through Comcast's business service unit, it will be an interesting product for traditional wireline resellers looking to expand their portfolios.

By targeting its existing customer base, the wireless service could help boost customer retention rates, according to Chamberlin.

"Comcast is clearly missing a wireless offering in their portfolio today," he said.

Michael Cavanagh, Comcast's senior executive vice president and CFO, said that aside from financing smartphones the service is "capital light" for Comcast and he expects Xfinity Mobile to boost customer loyalty.

"We like the business we have  what we are looking to do is introduce an interesting new product that has a lot of quality for a great value."

Comcast is confident that it won't have to create a separate marketing campaign for its new wireless service, and instead will be able to tap into its existing customer base of 29 million. Dave Watson, president and CEO of Comcast Cable, said the company is taking a different approach to the "hyper-competitive" market by positioning wireless as another Xfinity product that will complement its existing cable practice.

"All we are doing is adding a product to the bundle," Comcast's Butz said.

Because 80 percent of smartphone data is consumed over Wi-Fi, its focus on connected customers via hotspots -- in addition to Verizon's 4G network -- is a valuable approach for customers, according to Comcast's Watson.

Xfinity Mobile users near a Comcast hot spot will be automatically authenticated and moved onto W-Fi, helping customers save money, Butz said. Customers will only pay for the data they use and will be able to toggle between cellular and Wi-Fi data through the new Xfinity Mobile app.

The wireless plans include unlimited talk, text and data, which is subject to throttling at 20 GB, for $65 per line with discounting available for some existing Comcast customers purchasing Comcast's larger packages. For example, triple play bundle customers could have access to $45 per line. The pay-by-the-gigabyte plan is $12 per GB of data across all lines on the account each month. Comcast said that customers can switch from the pay-as-you-go plan to the unlimited plan on a month-to-month basis with no penalties.

Xfinity Mobile will also be able to reach Comcast for tech support via text message, Butz added.

The wireless service supports devices such as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, and the iPhone SE, as well as Samsung and LG smartphones, the company said.
Security News

There's A New $2 Billion Security Company In Town: How Will McAfee Shake Up The Competitive Landscape?

Sarah Kuranda

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There's a new $2 billion security company on the market, but how will that affect competition in security market landscape overall?

"I think it's just going to become increasingly competitive," said Doug Cahill, senior analyst for cybersecurity at Enterprise Strategy Group.

"We think there is going to be a settling of those from the startup pack who will emerge as market leaders  and while the established brands may have been more vulnerable in the past, they have now updated their offerings," he said.

[Related: Intel Security Re-Emerges As McAfee, A $2 Billion Security Company ]

McAfee Tuesday closed on its split from Intel, which had acquired the company in 2010 for $7.7 billion. The split, first announced in September, involves the sale of a 51 percent stake of the McAfee to TPG Capital. The deal is worth $4.2 billion, including $3.1 billion in cash to Intel and a $1.1 billion equity investment by TPG.

McAfee, however, isn't the only legacy security vendor looking to reinvent itself for a new age of security. Symantec also has come out with guns blazing, spinning off its Veritas storage business last year, unveiling multiple multibillion-dollar acquisitions, and rolling out new products. Those two companies, along with Trend Micro, are also facing increased pressure from next-generation endpoint security companies, including Cylance and Crowdstrike.

"I feel like McAfee, Symantec and Trend Micro owned the endpoint security space forever, and then some newbies came along.  Now all three of them have shifted gears and will aggressively go after that," said Andy Welsh, vice president of product management at Denver-based solution provider Optiv Security. "It's a very crowded space."

However, Andrew Nowinski, senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray, said he doesn't think the spinout of McAfee will drastically affect the direction or strategy of the company's main competitors, most notably Symantec.

"With McAfee getting spun out, they are certainly going to still be focused on the endpoint market. I don't think that changes anything," Nowinski said.

McAfee is one of five security vendors ranked in the TBR Security Market Forecast as the largest players in the market, alongside Symantec, Trend Micro, Kaspersky Lab and Sophos. Those vendors combined accounted for 54.7 percent of the B2B endpoint security market in 2016. However, Jane Wright, principal analyst for security at the research firm, said in an email to CRN that TBR expects that increasing competition from upstarts in the market is expected to drop the overall share of the top five security vendors to 53.8 percent by 2021.

How that competitive landscape will shake out will depend, in part, on how McAfee executes as a private company, said Jeremy Samide, CEO of North Olmsted, Ohio-based security solution provider Stealthcare. That includes execution around the company brand, technology innovation, marketing and realigning with channel partners, he said.

TBR's Wright said she believes the split from Intel will be "mostly positive for McAfee," as it can be nimbler in a quickly evolving market. TBR estimates McAfee will remain in the No. 1 spot by revenue in the segment in 2021, according to Wright.

Mark Miller, vice president of sales, South Central, for M&S Technologies, a Kudelski Security company, agreed, saying McAfee has struggled with slow innovation and a loss of talent but now has the opportunity to turn that around as a $2 billion stand-alone security vendor. McAfee will face competition from big security vendors such as Symantec, as well as up-and-coming companies such as Crowdstrike and Cylance, he believes.

"We will have to look at how they execute moving forward.  I think they're playing a little catch-up, but I'm now hoping now they will be able to catch up," Miller said. "Will it alter the competitive landscape immediately? No, not too much at the beginning, but it could depending on what they do in the future."
The Battery Dilemma

The vigilance by airlines about keeping the fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 off planes may seem excessive. Maybe it shouldn't: Lithium-ion batteries have been implicated in two fatal plane crashes since 2010, and the FAA has reported that at least 138 aviation incidents involving smoke or fires from lithium-ion batteries have occurred since 1991.

New regulations for traveling with or shipping lithium-ion batteries have followed. And so has the complexity of complying with the rules. "Over the last couple years, the regulations have been in a constant state of flux. It's hard for [people] to keep up," said Bob Richard, a former U.S. official for hazardous materials safety who is now vice president of regulatory affairs at Labelmaster, a Chicago-based firm that assists companies with hazmat compliance.

Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are becoming an increasingly pivotal part of many people's lives  and of the tech industry  as more and more electronic devices hit the market. In the following slides, we've gathered up the key things to know about shipping and packing lithium-ion batteries for air travel.
HARRISBURG  Long time Harrisburg radio announcer George Toby Young Jr. died Wednesday morning, according to family. He was 83.

Born in 1933, Young moved with his family from Alabama to Harrisburg in 1941, and attended William Penn High School. Shortly after graduation, he joined the newly formed gospel radio program, Echoes of Glory, which he appeared on continuously for more than 50 years.

In a humble manner, he did it with flair, says CT Hailey, Youngs nephew and current host of Echoes of Glory on 1460 AM in Harrisburg. He could reach people. He knew that there were people listening out there every Sunday who were going through difficult times, like a death in the family or a child in prison. He let them know it was OK to go on with their day. He was my uncle, but he became my mentor.

Throughout his career, Young brought many nationally touring gospel and jazz artists to the Harrisburg area, including a sold out concert by James Brown at the Zembo Shrine in 1959.

Young earned a masters degree in human services from Lincoln University and once served as director for the Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission. He was a member of Baptist Fellowship Church in Harrisburg.

Young was a stroke and cancer survivor, and battled dementia toward the end of his life. He is survived by three daughters.

A special edition of Echoes of Glory dedicated to Young will air at 9 a.m. Sunday on WTKT 1460 AM. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
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Study: These are the most and least religious states in America

Christians are getting ready for Easter. But just how much of the state will be celebrating?

In 2014, the Pew Research Center conducted an in-depth study into the religious breakdown of the United States based on telephone calls with 35,000 Americans from all 50 states.

Click through the slideshow above to see the Christian breakdown of the United States, the Northeast and Connecticut.

About 70 percent of participants identified as being Christian, making it by bar the most prominent religion in the country. Within Christianity, Evangelical Protestants make up the biggest percentage, followed by Catholics.

In an April 5, 2017 report, the Pew Research Center found that this religious landscape may be changing. New research suggests, that the growth of the Mulsim population will be more rapid than the Christian population in years to come.

"More babies were born to Christian mothers than to members of any other religion in recent years, reflecting Christianity's continued status as the world's largest religious group. But this is unlikely to be the case for much longer: Less than 20 years from now, the number of babies born to Muslims is expected to modestly exceed births to Christians, according to new Pew Research Center demographic estimates," according to the Pew Research Center.

In the 2014 survey, only 0.9 percent of U.S. participants identified as Muslim. But the new study takes a look at the global landscape.

"Globally, the relatively young population and high fertility rates of Muslims lead to a projection that between 2030 and 2035, there will be slightly more babies born to Muslims (225 million) than to Christians (224 million), even though the total Christian population will still be larger," the Pew Research Center reports.
Don't you just love beer-related holidays?

April 7 is National Beer Day, and what better way to celebrate than to enjoy a cold pint at your local brewery.

Check out our rundown of Connecticut's breweries in the slideshow.





Connecticut is home to about 1.3 breweries per capita, according to the Brewers Association (BA), a nonprofit trade organization made up of brewers. The number of breweries in the state has also been on the rise for the past five years, increasing from 16 in 2011 to 35 in 2015.

Chris Flynn, the founder of the Facebook Group CT Beer Drinkers talked about the evolution of beer in Connecticut in a January interview.

"We had, in Connecticut, the same old beer choices for many years, and then now there's a trend in the US to support your local store and local restaurant," Flynn said. "Everyone wants to support their local brewery or winery. It seems to have taken off everywhere."

The trend has continued as a few breweries recently opened up right in our backyard. Aspetuck Brew Lab and Veracious Brewing hit the scene in Bridgeport and Monroe, respectively, back in 2015. And in 2016, Brewport, in Bridgeport, and Fairfield Craft Ales, in Stratford, both opened in August.

If you ask a local brewer, chances are they'll say the industry is just starting to see its rise.

Back in October 2016, Tom Sobocinski, cofounder of Black Hog Brewing in Oxford, talked about this:

He said consumer interest has played a big role in the industry's rise. He said while Black Hog Brewing is "kind of off the beaten path," customers make it up to try something new.

"Consumers are just really interested in exploring new beers," Sobocinski said. "And we have a lot of support from local restaurants and bars. It's just a very trending market."

Thanks to this, Sobocinski added that there are still plenty of opportunities for new breweries.

"I think there's still a lot of room [for new breweries]," Sobocinski said. "I think it's going to become a lot more localized. There's going to be a focus on quality [as an industry]."

Phil Markowski, cofounder of Two Roads Brewing in Stratford, also said he believes Connecticut's craft brewery scene is just getting started.

"Right now, there are 40 some odd breweries in Connecticut and seemingly no end in sight," Markowski said. "It's really exciting the quality of beer being brewed in Connecticut."

When it comes to craft beer, there are only a few states considered the powerhouses of the industry: California, Oregon, and Colorado.

Employing a little math, Markowski said if you consider there are roughly 4,600 to 4,700 craft breweries in the U.S., the current trend lends some evidence to there being about 100 breweries in Connecticut in the next decade and just as strong success as leading states.

"There's still a bigger perception that beers on the west coast are superior to beers made locally," Markowski said. "We [at Two Roads] want to do our part to put Connecticut on the map in terms of craft brewing. We have every reason to believe that's our future as well."

Since 2012, when Connecticut changed a law to allow breweries to sell beer on their premises without being restaurant, the state's craft brewery scene has exploded with more than two dozen breweries opening around the state.

But part of this larger craft expansion can also be due to consumer perceptions. As both Sobocinski and Markowski noted, consumers are valuing quality more and more.

"It's part of this movement away from industrialized food. Beer is another example of that," Markowski said. "People have discovered that beer can be off all different flavors and made all different ways."

Around the country, craft breweries have been on the rise since 2006, according to BA. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of breweries around the country jumped from about 1,813 to 4,269.

If you're asking yourself why we should be celebrating American beer, just consider the history. In the January 1920, America halted the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol with the introduction of the 18th Amendment. In response, the rise of "bootlegging" and "speakeasies" created their own colorful history between the 1920s and 1930s.

Eventually the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, ending the country's Prohibition era.
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HARTFORD  One hundred years ago Thursday, the United States entered the European conflict called the Great War, the war to end all wars.

The shipments of soldiers and the production of arms from places such as Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven and Hartford turned the tide as England, France and their allies defeated Germany and its supporters in what turned out to be a prelude for World War II a generation later.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy joined historians, educators and service personnel on Thursday morning in the State Library to recall the 63,000 Connecticut residents who fought in Europe and the states role in the war, including the production in Bridgeport of half the U.S. Armys small-arms cartridges.

Malloy recalled Sgt. Stubby the stray bull terrier adopted by soldiers as they trained on the Yale University. The dog later accompanied them to France.

He could smell gas, which was being used at that time in the war effort, before humans could, Malloy said. He would walk up and down the line. At one point he latched on to a German spy in a trench and wouldnt let go until he was relieved of his obligation.

After the dog died in 1925, it was preserved by a taxidermist and put in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution.

Walter W. Woodward, the state historian, said Connecticut was better prepared than most states for the war, which started in July, 1914.

From the beginning, the warring European powers flooded Connecticuts arms makers with huge orders, He said. Connecticut became England and Frances armory long before they became their ally.

The pressure to increase factory production resulted in record numbers of job actions among unionized workers, Woodward said.

The 422 strikes (affected) 68,000 workers in 1915, and 16 (had) the most in the states history, he said.

kdixon@ctpost.com; Twitter: @KenDixonCT
BRIDGEPORT -A Norwalk man is facing up to 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty Thursday to sexually assaulting a disabled college student.

Police said Malik Ashley, 22, was on probation for sexting high school students in Norwalk and Greenwich when he forced a disabled woman onto his lap in the garage at Housatonic Community College and sexually assaulted her.

Ashley pleaded guilty to fourth-degree sexual assault, harassment and disorderly conduct and faces18 months in prison when sentenced May 11 in Superior Court.

State police said in March 2016, the woman, who walks with the assistance of braces, complained she had been sexually assaulted.

The victim related she had first met Ashley in the hallway of the school when he stopped her to admire her T-shirt, police said. He then grabbed her cellphone and texted his phone number with it.

State police said the young woman then began receiving lewd texts from Ashley urging her to send him naked photos.

The woman blocked Ashleys phone number, but on March 14, 2016, she was sitting in the student lounge and he sat down beside her, police said. She walked out of the building but he followed, police said.

State police said Ashley picked the woman up and carried her to his car in the garage, telling her he was going give her a ride home. Once in his car, he put her on his lap and ran his hands over her body, police said.
Fox News, where women work at their own risk in a misogynist culture frozen somewhere in the 1950s, is back in crisis mode. Nine months after chairman and accused sexual harasser Roger Ailes was forced out, were wondering whether accused sexual harasser Bill OReilly will be forced out, too.

Dont hold your breath.

I dont write much about OReilly, although it was fun two years ago to recount his phony boasts of covering a war that was actually 1,000 miles away from his hotel. But now attention must be paid, because his new flap is for the highest stakes. Its morals versus money.

Advertisers are currently fleeing The OReilly Factor, indicating in press releases that they prefer not to be associated with an old-school male chauvinist who has cost his company $13 million to settle sexual harassment claims. The news about OReilly  who allegedly made sexual advances to his five female accusers, and when rebuked, hurt the womens careers  broke bigly over the weekend, and more than dozen bailing sponsors have scrambled onto the high road.

Mercedes-Benz is patting itself on the back: The allegations are disturbing and, given the importance of women in every aspect of our business, we dont feel this is a good environment in which to advertise our products right now. Ditto clothing company UNTICKit: It is important that our corporate partners reflect the same principals of inclusivity and equality upon which we have built our brand. Ditto the pharmaceutical company Bayer, which says it supports a safe, respectful and non-abusive environment for women.

All very noble. But lets not get carried away, because the firms are ultimately beholden to the business of making money.

These sponsors are merely shifting their ads to other Fox shows, which means that OReillys notoriety isnt costing Fox News a penny. Plus, the network gets most of its revenue from licensing fees paid by cable and satellite operators, so its cushioned from any sponsor rebellion. And if the sponsors truly wanted to take a moral stand, theyd bail on Fox News entirely. After all, the network, which claims to have zero tolerance for sexual harassment, just renewed its contract with OReilly last year after it paid off female accusers. Unfortunately, the sponsors have shown no interest in cutting the cord completely.

Granted, ad boycotts have worked on occasion. MSNBC nixed the simulcast of Don Imus radio show, and Glenn Beck left Fox News after sponsors fled his TV program. But Bill OReilly may be too big to fail.

To use the mobs terminology, OReilly is an earner. He makes $18 million a year, which is dwarfed by the bucks his show brings in: $446 million ad-revenue dollars got pumped into Fox coffers between 2014 and 2016. Thats likely deemed to be more important to Fox executives than the sex harassment stuff  like, for instance, the allegation that OReilly told one woman to buy a vibrator, and serenaded the same woman by phone with masturbation noises.

By the way, OReilly says he has never harassed anyone, that he routinely draws accusers just because hes famous, and that he and Fox have paid off the women because Im a father who cares deeply for my children...I have put to rest any controversies to spare my children. In February 2016 he lost custody of his children, who said they wanted to live with their mother.

Bottom line is, money talks. One Fox source told New York magazines Gabriel Sherman (the journalist with the best Fox sources), The impact of these boycotts can be cosmetic. The feeling is, lets keep our heads down and hope this blows over.

Which may well happen. Heres another remark, from a different source: Weve seen this many times in the past. Some of the advertisers that left will come back, and some will be replaced. Life will go on.

That remark was uttered in 2012 by Michael Harrison, who publishes a talk radio magazine. He was referring to Rush Limbaugh  who, at the time, was hemorrhaging advertisers after he ridiculed a law student, a birth control user, as a slut and a prostitute.

You may remember that flap. Scores of big-ticket advertisers, from Capitol One to Quicken Loans, said they would no longer do business with Rush. Critics gleefully tallied the boycotters and awaited Rushs downfall.

Last August, Rush inked a new contract with his overlords at Premiere Radio Networks  for another four years. You get my point.

Perhaps Peggy Drexler, an author and gender scholar, is right when she says that the OReilly scandal will ultimately help women  the more we hear about...the mistreatment of women in the workplace and anywhere, the more women are likely to band together to hasten that change  but Rupert Murdoch and his old-boy underlings are fine with Foxs toxic culture if it works for the balance sheet.

Dick Polman is the national political columnist at NewsWorks/WHYY in Philadelphia (newsworks.org/polman) and a Writer in Residence at the University of Pennsylvania. Email him at dickpolman7@gmail.com.
A Canadian man is looking to pass down a car collection he has spent four decades curating plus the land it's on, plus a renovated home and more for a little more than a $1 million.

Canadian realtor Hudson Purba describes the sale of the land in Tappen as a "lifetime opportunity" up for sale for $1.45 million, or about $1.08 mullion U.S. dollars.
Michael Stempien, a 32-year-old police investigator from Cos Cob, caught the drone bug last September after filming himself proposing to his girlfriend.

Stempien bought his first drone in the summer in anticipation of his wedding proposal to 29-year-old Michelle Garone. She thought they would go kayaking to Shore Island on the Long Island Sound and test out their newly-bought drone. Instead, he hit record and proposed.
      :   15   6     , 2   
What to do in Pennsylvania if you made an error on your mail-in ballot

The state Supreme Court recently ruled that undated or incorrectly dated mail ballots cannot be counted. Here's what voters can do about an error.
When I read about the work of the so-called Apostrophiser  an anonymous, hooded crusader who prowls the streets of Bristol, correcting the misuse of apostrophes  my thoughts turned to Keith Waterhouse, late of this parish.

Keith was, you may remember, the Founder and Chairman of the AAAA, or the Association for the Abolition of the Aberrant Apostrophe.

The AAAA has two simple goals, he once wrote. Its first is to round up and confiscate superfluous apostrophes from, for example, fruit and vegetable stalls where potatos, tomatoes and apples are openly on sale.

For the past 14 years, The Apostrophiser (pictured) has been on the look-out for rogue apostrophes in Bristol. When he finds one, he climbs up a stepladder and, using a special tool, covers it with a blank sticker

Its second is to redistribute as many as possible of these impounded apostrophes, restoring missing apostrophes where they have been lost, mislaid or deliberately hijacked  as for instance by British Rail, which as part of its refurbishment programme is dismantling the apostrophes from such stations as Kings Cross and shunting them off at dead of night to a secret apostrophe siding at Crewe.

For the past 14 years, The Apostrophiser has been on the look-out for rogue apostrophes in Bristol. When he finds one, he climbs up a stepladder and, using a special tool, covers it with a blank sticker.

His very first strike was in 2003, against a council sign that read, Open Mondays to Fridays. His second was against a shop called Amys Nails.

It was just so loud and in your face, he explained on Radio 4. I just couldnt abide it. Recently, he corrected a sign saying Cambridge Motors, which had been there for 30 years. Far from being affronted, the owner was delighted. Its good to see people still caring about English grammar, he said.

I have no doubt that Keith would have pinned one of his Associations highest, apostrophe-shaped, awards on the hoodie of The Apostrophiser, if only hoodie manufacturers had not decided to do away with lapels.

Since Keiths death in 2009, there has been no rest for members of the AAAA. A major setback came in 2012, when Waterstones bookshop, founded by Tim Waterstone, decided to scrub out its apostrophe and become Waterstones.

If a bookshop is capable of setting such a bad example, what hope is there for less wordy shops such as greengrocers?

Or should that be greengrocers? The apostrophe is a notoriously tricky little thing, never there when you want it, always there when you dont.

What became of the apostrophe in the London Underground stations Gants Hill, Barons Court and Parsons Green, for instance?

The apostrophe cant even be relied upon to obey its own logic. Its, for instance, meaning, belonging to it, should really be its, but isnt.

Small wonder, then, that Cambridge Motors and Amys Nails get confused, and, in a commendable effort to keep up, start sprinkling their apostrophes in all the wrong places.

The Apostrophiser's very first strike was in 2003, against a council sign that read, Open Mondays to Fridays. His second was against a shop called Amys Nails

Needless to say, there are those who argue that it would be better to do away with the apostrophe altogether, so that tradesmen would no longer experience sleepless nights on red-alert for the revenge of The Apostrophiser.

But, as the writer Philip Hensher has pointed out, sometimes it is important to distinguish between a plural noun and a possessive, and the apostrophe is the only way. As he says: There is a difference between Roald Amundsen, on his way back from the South Pole, saying, I have no more dinner: Im going to eat the dogs, and going to eat the dogs. 

On the other hand, it is hard to avoid the suspicion that The Apostrophiser, and all the other stalwarts of the AAAA, derive at least as much pleasure as pain from spotting an aberrant apostrophe.

I used to live near a fruit and veg shop which sported a semi-permanent sign saying BANAS. Its hard to gauge the exact mixture of the emotions I felt each time I passed this sign, but Id put it at roughly one third amusement, one third smug self-righteousness and one third irritation.

Once every apostrophe in Bristol is in the right place, then how on earth will The Apostrophiser fill his leisure hours? My guess is that hell move to Boston, Massachusetts, home to an organisation called Apostrophe Catastrophe, which has the subtitle, The Worlds Worst. Punctuation;.

Apostrophe Catastrophes latest findings include shop-signs for Wine Glasses and Selfi Sticks and the half-right, half-wrong Montys Cabs. As you can see, this work of ours is never done. Or should that be ours? Or ours?
The former Tory Party leader Michael Howard has been roundly criticised for suggesting that Theresa May should be prepared to go to war to protect Gibraltar, as Margaret Thatcher did to defend the Falkland Islands after they had been invaded by Argentina.

He has been lambasted by normally sensible people for supposedly being bellicose and insulting an ally.

The Spanish Foreign Minister, Alfonso Dastis, sniffed loftily that Britain had lost composure.

Maybe Lord Howard could have chosen his words more carefully. He was interviewed at home, and was perhaps unguarded.

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Long queues were reported on both sides of the frontier as Spanish border officials imposed additional checks following yesterday's incident involving an incursion into Gibraltar waters

The Royal Navy's HMS Scimitar, left, chased off Spanish gunboat Infanta Christina, right, after the incursion

But he was absolutely right to stress how high the stakes have become since Spain insisted it should have a veto over any final post-Brexit deal applying to Gibraltar.

There are two crucial facts which anyone discussing the future of the British territory should bear in mind.

One is that the Spanish authorities are absolutely obsessed with it. Gibraltar may be a small place, but gaining control of it is high in their priorities.

The second inescapable truth is that the Foreign Office and many British politicians would be happy to hand Gibraltar over to the Spanish.

Indeed, in 2002 the Blair government cooked up a plan for joint sovereignty that was only scuppered because it was rejected in a referendum by 99 per cent of Gibraltarians in an 88 per cent turnout.

Let me give some examples of Spains fixation with the Rock, which seems sometimes to border on psychosis.

It was, of course, legally ceded by Spain to Britain in 1713, and became a vital military and naval base for the British Empire.

In 1954, the fascist dictator General Franco revived Spains long-dormant claim to the territory after the Queen visited her loyal subjects there.

She has not visited Gibraltar since because successive British governments have not wished to upset the prickly Spanish.

More than 99 per cent of Gibraltarians voted in 1967 against Spanish sovereignty.

Naturally, this did not please the undemocratic, nationalist Franco, and the land border with Spain was effectively closed from 1969 to 1982.

Gibraltar Police are investigating whether this image shared on social media today features a Spanish Guarda Civil officer pointing a gun at people trying to cross the frontier

Even with Francos death and the dawn of a democratic era in Spain, politicians in Madrid did not stop coveting the Rock.

Queues periodically built up on the border as Spanish customs officials made peoples lives a misery by obstructing them as they tried to pass in and out of the territory  most recently in 2013.

Whenever British warships dock in Gibraltar, Spanish ministers are liable to be thrown into a tizz.

There was uproar when Charles and Diana boarded the Royal Yacht Britannia off the Rock on their honeymoon in 1981.

When he heard of their plans in advance, King Juan Carlos I of Spain boycotted their wedding.

So when Alfonso Dastis accuses the British of having lost composure, Im afraid I have to pinch myself in disbelief.

For years the Spanish have been anything but composed. They have been peevish, petty and sometimes bullying.

Speaking personally, if there were a tiny Spanish enclave on the coast of Cornwall, where one could pop over for a tapas and a glass of rioja, I should be delighted.

But the macho political class in Madrid regard the very existence of Gibraltar as an affront to their honour.

They are also guilty of gross hypocrisy since the same politicians who react hysterically to the British presence in Gibraltar passionately defend Spains possession of Ceuta and Melilla, two enclaves in Morocco, whose government believes should be Moroccan.

Thousands of people faced extensive delays as a result of the action by Spanish border guards

The latest manifestation of Spains inability to accept that 99 per cent of the population of Gibraltar regard themselves as British, not Spanish, is its demand to have a say in the territorys post-Brexit future.

This is shameless opportunism, and it is disgraceful that the EU should have allowed it.

It cant be stated too loudly that all 30,000 Gibraltarians are legally British, and it is the responsibility of the British Government  not Madrid or Brussels  to safeguard their rights after we have left the European Union.

The final piece of evidence that illustrates just how unbalanced the Spanish government has become was illustrated this week by a photograph of a minuscule British patrol boat (all we dare keep in Gibraltar these days) escorting a large Spanish warship out of the enclaves territorial waters.

Such illegal incursions are frequent. This one was deliberately provocative, timed to take place days after the announcement of Spains diplomatic coup in obtaining from Brussels a role in discussions about the territorys future.

Isnt it obvious that Madrid is deadly serious  as well as pretty loopy  on this matter?

I dont suggest it has any intention of invading Gibraltar. As a democratically elected government, which is moreover a fellow member of the Nato military alliance, it can presumably be expected not to overturn the rule of law.

But short of armed force, the Spanish government will try almost anything to achieve its ends.

The trouble is that its preoccupation with Gibraltar is neither reasonable nor measured.

So it might do something drastic. The more weakness we show, the greater the danger.

Here, I fear, we are vulnerable. For the Spanish may have seen the extreme criticisms of Lord Howards intervention as evidence that the British are prepared to be flexible where the future of Gibraltar is concerned.

After all, we have been so in the past, bending over backwards in order not to offend Madrid.

In 2002, the Labour government accepted the principle of joint sovereignty with the Spanish.

In the mind of the Foreign Office, this was doubtless one step away from handing over the Rock entirely.

Although the then foreign secretary, Jack Straw, had intimated there would be a vote on the issue, the British government wanted to present the people with a fait accompli.

The Gibraltar government wisely decided to go ahead with a referendum of its own. The result was overwhelming.

Im sure Theresa May and even Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson are being genuine when they say they will respect the right of the people of Gibraltar to remain British so long as they want to  which is self-evidently for as far as anyone can see.

But there are plenty of people in Whitehall and Labour, and even some Tories, who secretly believe the enclave is an embarrassing anachronism, and the sooner it is returned to Spain the better.

The pusillanimous Foreign Office had similar thoughts about the Falklands in 1981.

The watering down of British citizenship rights for their inhabitants, as well as the withdrawal of a major supply vessel, persuaded the Argentines that we were no longer committed to defending the islands.

However, treacherous mandarins had not counted on Margaret Thatchers conviction and courage.

We can easily imagine what such people will say when Spain threatens to unpick a Brexit deal unless it can obtain concessions over Gibraltar.

They will bleat that 30,000 people cant be allowed to stand in the way of an agreement.

So despite his somewhat clumsy language, Im on Lord Howards side. He realises the enormity of the danger facing our fellow British citizens.

Never forget: Spain craves Gibraltar, and will move heaven and earth to get it.
Chancellor Philip Hammond must balance the books after overseas aid from the UK rose by 10 per cent last year

With no end in sight to austerity at home, our ever-increasing overseas aid budget was always an affront to common sense.

But the revelation that it grew last year by 10 per cent  outstripping economic growth five times over  takes it into the realms of the morally offensive.

This is a moment when Britain is in the grip of a social care crisis, with the vulnerable suffering terrible neglect because, were told, resources cant be found.

At the same time, the wider world looks ever more dangerous. Yet weve cut defences to the bone  and now there is even talk of slashing the strength of the Royal Marines from 7,000 to a mere 5,000.

Meanwhile, a chancellor desperate to balance the books imposes stealth taxes on insurance  and even death, with a swingeing increase in probate fees which MPs say may be unlawful.

Yet aid spending grows inexorably, pegged at 0.7 per cent of national income by a law introduced to make David Cameron and Nick Clegg feel good about themselves.

Piling on the absurdity, the latest massive increase  to 13.3billion  is due to a nonsensical change in the way we calculate national income.

Ordered by the EU (who else?), the new formula insists prostitution and drug-dealing  trades not noted for their contributions to income tax  must be taken into account.

Yet even before this, aid ministers had more money than they knew how to spend, lavishing 1.34billion on private contractors, filling the pockets of Third World dictators and even doling out pre-paid ATM cards in their stampede to meet the target.

The British are a law-abiding people. But if this kind of insanity persists, whereby the elderly of this country suffer while our taxes are squandered so indiscriminately abroad, many will begin to question why they pay those taxes in the first place.

Abuse of generosity

Nobody believes more than the Mail in private charitable giving, or is sadder to see money diverted from good causes to pay penalties for underhand fundraising.

Yet we are proud of our role in exposing the abuse of donors trust that has landed 11 of the countrys most respected charities with fines of between 6,000 and 18,000.

Confirming our revelations, the Information Commissioner found some charities shared donors private details without permission, subjecting millions to constant pestering from other fundraisers.

Others paid snoopers to assess supporters wealth  investigating their lifestyles, property values and circle of friends.

What a shabby way to repay kindness. A commercial body behaving with such flagrant disregard for individuals privacy and the law would face far heavier fines.

As it is, this paper trusts lessons will be learned from these largely symbolic penalties, with public trust in charities  who, yes, do very good work  restored.

The prodigal returns?

After a series of stupefyingly inept business decisions, the fast-sinking Guardian is actively considering moving back from north London to its roots in Manchester.

Quite what Mancunians have done to deserve this, we dont know. But the Mail wishes its old antagonist well.

The Guardian is 'actively considering' a move back to its roots in Manchester

The move might even put its journalists in touch with real people, inspiring them to write articles of interest beyond the Islington echo-chamber of sociology lecturers and the public sector elite.

It would certainly be worth paying money to see Polly in a Salford two-up two-down.

One word of advice to the great people of Manchester.

If the Guardian (which loses 95million a year) really ran the country  instead of telling everyone else how to manage our affairs  wed all be living in mud huts.
Prince Charles and Camilla visited Pope Francis this week but didn't extend an invitation to His Holiness from the Queen, as some expected, to make a state visit here after going to Ireland next year.

Might this be because Francis is keen there should be 'dialogue' with his native Argentina over the future of the Falklands?

As an Argentine cardinal, he said on the 30th anniversary of the conflict: 'Pray for those who have fallen, the sons of our homeland who went out to defend their mother country, to reclaim what is theirs of the homeland, that which was usurped from them.'

Prince Charles and wife Camilla met with Pope Francis this week, but did not invite him for a state visit, as some thought. Is this because of his stance on the Falklands?

Labour's deputy leader, Tom Watson, 50, says suspended Ken Livingstone, 71, is 'drunk on his own infamy'. Not only on his infamy.

Boris Johnson, 52, revealed long after replacing Livingstone as London mayor: 'We haven't even finished his vast stock of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.'

A 2008 TV documentary said 'Red Ken' began drinking whisky at 10am, claiming it was an 'anaesthetic' for chest problems.

Now enjoying round-the-clock nursing care at his North Carolina home, the famous US evangelist Billy Graham, 98, is attended by two nurses  'for accountability purposes', says his preacher grandson Will, 42.

He explains that when his grandfather began his ministry in 1948, Americans were still scandalised by Sinclair Lewis's brilliant 1927 novel Elmer Gantry, about a drunken, womanising tent preacher.

(Burt Lancaster won an Oscar for playing Gantry, pictured below, in the 1960 movie.)

So the Billy Graham Rule was agreed. Will explains: 'When my grandfather would check into a hotel, a man would go inside the room and look under the bed and into the closets.

'What they were afraid of was that someone had sneaked into the room, like a naked lady with a photographer, and she'd jump into his arms and (the photographer) would take a picture and they'd frame my grand-daddy.'

They never did. Billy Graham became the confidant of every US president up to Barack Obama.

How will the Queen handle the Foreign Office's 'nightmare scenario'  that, during King Felipe of Spain's visit in June, he invites HM to come to his own nation, which has renewed its interest in gaining sovereignty over Gibraltar?

If she declines, citing her great age, she'd be expected to send her heir, Prince Charles, 68. Gibraltarians were furious he didn't include the Rock on his 2011 tour, an unhappy experience.

Prince Felipe (as he then was) changed his script and mentioned the Gibraltar issue in his state banquet speech.

Shouldn't Labour's former deputy prime minister John 'Two Jags' Prescott explain to his Sunday Mirror readers his key role in the great diesel row?

As our environment secretary at the time, he and the then EU transport commissioner, Neil Kinnock, were parties to the 1998 European Union agreement with car makers which, according to Clean Air in London director Simon Birkett, 'was practically an order to switch to diesel'.
The Queen will be at St Margarets, Westminster, today at the memorial service for her late brother-in-law the Earl of Snowdon  one of the few people allowed to call HM by her childhood nickname, Lilibet.

Originally an outsider, photographer Snowdon eventually held two peerages.

When hereditary peers were ejected from the Lords in 1999, he chose to accept a (non-transferrable) life peerage as Baron Armstrong-Jones.

The Queen will say goodbye to Lord Snowdon, pictured right with former wife Princess Margaret in 1965, at a memorial service today

However, his posh furniture maker son David, the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, 55, is able to pass the earldom to his son, Charles.

Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, 56, rules out Tom Hiddleston, 36, for 007, saying hes not tough enough for the role, according to the New York Post.

An unkind blow for Hiddleston  and, surely, for Luke Windsor, whom he describes as his friend, publicist and nanny.

Tom Hiddleston, pictured centre in The Night Manager, is not 'tough enough' for the role of James Bond, according to reports in the US

MP Mark Reckless, 46, who has defected from Ukip to the Tories  having done the reverse in 2014  is a quirky chap.

Shortly after being elected for Rochester and Strood in 2010, he was too tired to vote in the Commons after carousing with friends on the parliamentary terrace, saying later: I apologise unreservedly and dont plan to drink again at Westminster.

Have Lefties gone off the saintly seeming Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, 71, pictured, winner of a Nobel Peace Prize and the US Congressional Gold Medal?

After having her on Desert Island Discs, the BBCs Kirsty Young effused: The experience was so intense and had such a surreal quality about it that I forgot to ask her which of the eight tracks she would save My mind was busy doing cartwheels of joy.

But Myanmars great hope fails to live up to expectations, says a Guardian report about the Aung San Suu Kyi governments ethnic cleansing of Myanmars Muslims.

Could Lefties be going off Myanmar leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, pictured

Channel 4 broadcasts the second part of its Spying On The Royals documentary on Sunday, covering the security services eavesdropping on Edward VIII during the 1930s abdication crisis.

Will they feature Camillagate of 1993, which featured a saucy, phone-hacked-by-spooks chat between Charles and Camilla?

As the current New Yorker magazine recalls, in a long article about deeply unpopular Charles, the public learned that the Prince yearned to be his ladyships tampon.

It adds unnecessarily that some Italian newspapers refer to our heir apparent as Il Tampaccino. Scandaloso!

The Duchess of Cambridge remains short of official gongs. Why havent she and Prince William received the Royal Family Order?

Its made from ivory, which might upset save-the-elephants campaigner William.

Consolingly, his grandmother visits Whipsnade Zoo next week to open the new Centre for Elephant Care.

Im advised shell pass the patronage of the Zoological Society of London to him.

Paddington's creator Michael Bond CBE, 91, says he modelled his famous bear on his own father, recalling: He was a very polite man. He always wore a hat when he went out, in case he met a lady he knew.

'On holiday, he even went into the sea with his hat on. Theres so much rudeness in England these days.

'People dont say please or thank you. At least Paddington still raises his hat.
The Duchess of Cornwall has shown off her knowledge of fine wines, as the Prince of Wales admitted he struggles to keep up with the language of wine tasters.

During a visit to a vineyard in Vienna, Camilla described her Zweigelt Thorsaulen 2014 red wine as having a 'slight peppery taste'.

The Prince laughed and replied: 'I always find it so difficult, the words you experts use to describe - all these adjectives.'

Prince Charles and Camilla raised a glass as they visited the Weinbau Buscheschank Obermann vineyard in Vienna, Austria

Camilla has a close connection with the wine industry as her father, Major Bruce Shand, was a wine merchant and passed on his love of the grape to his daughter, who is known to favour a glass of red wine.

At the start of the year, the Duchess was inducted into the spiritual home of the wine trade when she was made a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Vintners.

The royal couple were visiting the Weinbau Buscheschank Obermann vineyard where they were given a tour of the family business and tasted local food and wine.

After sampling red and white wines grown at the vineyard on site, they were given a small selection of newly grown vines to take home as gifts.

Camilla described her Zweigelt Thorsaulen 2014 red wine as having a 'slight peppery taste'

The royal couple were visiting the Weinbau Buscheschank Obermann vineyard and seemed in good spirits as they had a tipple in the sun

'My wife is a great red wine enthusiast,' said Charles of Camilla

Camilla visits The Spanish Riding School, Vienna, where she was particularly taken with one horse

Camilla viewed the Summer Arena, meeting horses and riders before viewing a performance in the Winter Riding School

A reception for riders and supporters will follow later this afternoon

As the Prince wondered aloud over whether the soil in Britain would suit the vines, the Duchess assured him the chalky soil in the south of England would suit it well.

'I bow to your knowledge of these things,' the Prince told her affectionately.

'My wife is a great red wine enthusiast,' he added, standing in the cellar of the vineyard.

The couple were introduced to several wines by Martin Obermann, owner of the vineyards, and his son Lorenz, 19, who was translating.

The family have owned the vineyard for five generations, and use no chemicals on their plants, explaining: 'We want to leave healthy nature for future generations.'

They went on to try and selection of local produce, including cured meats, cheeses and bread.

This morning, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's Europe trip ended on a sombre note as they met Holocaust survivors in Vienna today.

Charles and Camilla, who are on the final leg of their nine-day Brexit charm offensive, visited the Jewish Museum in the Austrian capital on Thursday morning after travelling from Rome to Vienna International Airport yesterday afternoon.

After touring the museum, where they learned about the history of Jewish people in Austria, the pair sat down with Freddie Knoller and Harry Bibring.

The Duchess of Cornwall listens to tales of Holocaust survivors as she and her husband tour the Jewish Museum in Vienna

The happy couple were seen arm-in-arm as they toured Vienna as part of their European tour

Mr Knoller, who survived former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, and Harry, who came to Britain as a child on the Kindertransport, were born in Austria but rebuilt their lives in Britain after the Holocaust.

Both Freddie and Harry learned after the Holocaust that their parents had been murdered.

Over a cup of tea, Mr Bibring and Mr Knoller told The Prince, 68, and the Duchess, 69, about their early lives in Austria's significant Jewish community, where 185,000 Jews resided before the Second World War.

Charles and Camilla, who are on the final leg of their nine-day Brexit charm offensive, visited the Jewish Museum in the Austrian capital on Thursday morning

The couple met with Holocaust survivors, as well as observing young people engaged in workshops before joining a reception for the museum's patrons and supporters

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Karen Pollock, the charity's chief executive, said: 'We have all heard stories about the Holocaust but there is nothing like hearing from the survivors themselves' (Prince Charles is pictured chatting to Freddie Knoller, 95)

The Duchess of Cornwall engaged in conversation with survivors of the horrific regime

Camilla chatted to Freddie Knoller, who has penned Living with the Enemy: My Secret Life on the Run from the Nazis about his experience

Prince Charles talks with a holocaust survivor during a visit of the Jewish Museum

Prince Charles placed his arm around a man who told a horrific tale of his experience

Camilla looked resplendent in a pastel blue coat and dress, which she offset with cream heels

The couple later attended a rehearsal of the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna

Prince Charles goes on stage to talks to musicians and conductor Christian Thielemann as he attends a rehearsal of the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra

The royal certainly seemed to be enjoying the orchestra in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, Austria

The couple listened avidly to a recital as they took in the spectacular surroundings

The Prince of Wales during a visit to the Musikverein, home of the 175 year old Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The royal couple examine some musical notes as they enjoy an afternoon at the Musikverein

Conductor Christian Thielemann leads the rehearsal of the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla visit a rehearsal of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The royals were in high spirits on the final day of their tour and were seen laughing and joking with their hosts

Both men, who were speaking on behalf of the Holocaust Educational Trust, have met the Prince before and are delighted to be reunited with him during the visit.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Karen Pollock, the charity's chief executive, said: 'We have all heard stories about the Holocaust but there is nothing like hearing from the survivors themselves.

'Harry and Freddie are inspirational people who feel a great debt of thanks to Britain, where they rebuilt their lives after the Holocaust.

'We are grateful to The Prince and Duchess for acknowledging the importance of Holocaust education and remembrance and for recognising the dedication of survivors like Freddie and Harry in continuing to speak to educate future generations.'

Mr Bibring said: 'It is such an honour to meet His Royal Highness, and especially in Vienna which means a lot to me.

Last day: Charles and Camilla are on the final leg of their nine-day Brexit charm offensive, travelled from Rome to Vienna International Airport yesterday afternoon (pictured)

Busy week: Charles meets the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella in Rome on Wednesday

On Tuesday, Charles and Camilla met Pope Francis in Vatican City, where they exchanged gifts

'During the Holocaust I lost my parents, my freedom, my childhood hobbies and sports, and my ability to go to school - but I am so proud to be British and today is a special day.'

Mr Knoller, 95, added: 'I am delighted to be meeting the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in my home country, where I was born.

'Britain has done so much for me  I have lived here with my wife for 66 years. I am so happy to be in Vienna to remember my parents, who were gassed to death by the Nazis at Auschwitz.'
It may not be Friday just yet, but we already have our weekend beauty looks planned out.

From Chrissy Teigen's embellished top knot to Hailey Baldwin's glittering pink smoky eye, inspiration for nights out was everywhere this week.

Below, we detail our five favorites and offer tips you can use to copy them at home.

HAILEY BALDWIN

Pretty in pink: Hailey Baldwin's make-up artist mixed red eyeliner and rose gold eyeshadow to achieve a spring-perfect eye look for the Fashion LA awards

The model, 20, sizzled at the Daily Front Row's Fashion LA Awards on Sunday with what make-up artist Sarah Tanno referred to as 'red metallic eyes'.

Though the look was actually more pink than red, Sarah achieved the punchy hue by blending Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Crayon in Fine Wine, a cool-toned red, with the brand's Twinkle Pop Stick Eyeshadow in Leila, a shimmery rose gold shade.

SELENA GOMEZ

Orange crush: Selena Gomez, 24, went monochromatic (save for her blue manicure) for the preview of her new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why

While we're seriously feeling the burnt orange eye make-up that Selena, 24, wore to the premiere of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, it's her electric blue nails that first commanded our attention.

The shade, Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Endless Blue, is a nod to the plot of the new show, which she executive produced.

In trying to find out why his classmate Hannah Baker has committed suicide, the series' protagonist Clay Jensen follows clues in the form of cassette tapes marked with the same $1.99 cobalt nail polish.

CHRISSY TEIGEN

Put a pearl on it: Hairstylist Jen Atkin spiced up a top knot on client Chrissy Teigen, 31, with pearl pins

We don't know what celebs will take the Lip Sync Battle stage when the show's fourth season debuts in 2018, but we do know that commentator Chrissy Teigen's hair is going to be on point.

For an upcoming episode, hairstylist Jen Atkin pulled Chrissy's hair into a sleek twisted top knot and then embellished the look with pearl pins from her line with accessory brand Chloe + Isabel.

'Living out our '90s fashion dreams,' Jen captioned an Instagram photo of the look.

GABRIELLE UNION

Curl power: Gabrielle Union, 44, just launched Flawless, a line of haircare products that cater to the needs of textured hair

After using relaxers for years, Gabrielle, 44, recently told glamour.com, 'Ive finally gotten to a place of self-acceptance and recognizing that my natural hair is beautiful - and so is whatever weave I may wear.'

The actress, who launched the haircare line Flawless by Gabrielle Union this spring, looked confident rocking her natural curls and a swipe of red lipstick at a screening of The Fate Of The Furious in Atlanta this week.

STELLA MAXWELL

Purple haze: Stella Maxwell's, 26, blue eyes sparkled on the Fashion LA Awards red carpet thanks to a halo of purple shadow

The model and girlfriend of Kristen Stewart showed off a colorful way to update a classic smoky eye for spring at the Fashion LA Awards.

Instead of using black eyeshadow all over Stella's eyes, make-up artist Hung Vanngo applied it only on her lids. He then used a striking purple shade to create a dramatic wing and to define her lower lash line.
Mat Bowtell is a regular Australian dad and engineer, who in his spare time makes 3D printed fingers and hands for children in need.

But whilst some prosthetic limbs can cost upwards of $30,000, Mr Bowtell gives his creations to kids and their eager families completely free.

'It's a gesture of love rather than labour. It's a special thing to give away something for free,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Kalani, three, (pictured left) was given a purple and blue printed hand by Mat Bowtell, (right) when he visited the family in Wollongong.

Mr Bowtell makes hands just like Kalani's (pictured) and gives them to children who don't have their limbs for free

HOW DOES 3D PRINTING WORK? According to the blog i.materialise, there are several 3D printing technologies and they all work very differently. Designs can be 'printed' using substances such as powder, plastic filaments and liquid polymer. What all the technologies have in common is that they are additive. This means that they build up an object layer by layer and require a 3D file of the design you wish to print. Advertisement

The idea spawned when the Melbourne-based dad, who studied engineering at Monash University, was offered a scholarship to go over to Japan.

He dabbled in robotics whilst there and specifically played with a bionic arm worth more than $1 million.

'I thought to myself this is amazing technology but how can the average person have this? There has to be a cheaper way to make this thing,' Mr Bowtell said.

With this in mind, the engineer purchased a 3D printer with $5,000 of his own money and spent a year fashioning a 'kinetic finger', which has the ability to manoeuvre like a regular finger would.

The Australian dad fitting a new hand on to 12-year-old Lilli for the first time

Lilli, 12, hopes to take on the same job Mr Bowtell is doing when she gets older

And they only cost $1 for him to make.

'The most expensive part is the velcro on the wrist strap. But the posting was my main issue. I just sent an arm to a 17-year-old girl over in Iraq and it cost $86,' he said.

Friends and workmates of Mr Bowtell wanted to see the project succeed so convinced him to start up a My Cause page to raise money for postage.

He was hoping to fundraise $7,000 for upcoming projects but the public were so moved by his mission that even once he reached that mark people continued donating.

The kinetic finger was designed by Mr Bowtell, and can be downloaded off the internet

Zachary, six, from Auckland was gifted an 'iron man hand' from Mr Bowtell

'One man, Tony Nelson, gave us $10,000 because he was so impressed. I'm hoping to meet up with him later in the week to thank him in person,' Mr Bowtell said.

Normally Mr Bowtell will send the limbs via post but recently he made the trip from Melbourne to Wollonging in order to hand-deliver some.

Lilli, 12, and Kalani, three, were born without fingers, a condition that effects around 600 people in Australia.

Mr Bowtell gave both girls a new lease on life with their fully functional printed hands. Lilli hopes to follow in his footsteps when she's older.

'The kids get to be part of the design process. They get to choose the final colour of the hands so it suits their personality,' he said.

Lilli, 12, hopes to be able to stand up paddle board now that she has the full use of both hands

'It was really emotional meeting them. To see the kids with so much confidence and able to throw a ball or pick up a glass is just heartwarming,' he said.

With the newly raised $33,000 from crowdfunding, Mr Bowtell will be able to make more limbs than ever before and begin his next project.

'I want to make legs for landmine victims in Columbia and Syria. I can also purchase better quality 3D printers and show other Aussies how to make them so there are more being produced,' he said.

'We need more than just myself on the project. One arm takes about 20 hours to tune and another 20 to print.

'I tend to print the limbs while I'm asleep. So I wake up in the morning with a new finger or arm in the house.'

Kalani, three, was overjoyed to receive her new hand: Mr Bowtell described the experience as 'emotional'

With more volunteers on board and newer developments in the technology Mr Bowtell hopes to help people with Parkinson's eat soup without spilling it by building a stabiliser.

The time-consuming work Mr Bowtell does isn't even his full-time job. The dad works at Toyota's Altona plant and makes new limbs after he has 'tucked the kids in at night'.

'My wife's a patient person,' he joked.

'But I think everyone should consider the skills they have and put them to good use.

'We're driven by money nowadays but it doesn't give us any real satisfaction. To be able to help someone for free is total happiness,' he said.
While many couples believe regular intimacy is the key to long-term success, one expert says this isn't always the case.

Australian sexologist Dr Nikki Goldstein says that while regular sex is indeed important and should be made a priority, it is important for couples to have 'sex breaks'.

These breaks, she explains, are useful because of the 'pressure' society places on couples and the increasing focus on 'adventurous' and 'raunchy' sex rather than 'pleasure and connection'.

While many couples believe regular intimacy is the key to long-term success, one expert says this isn't always the case

Australian sexologist Dr Nikki Goldstein (pictured) says that while regular sex is indeed important and should be made a priority, it is important for couples to have 'sex breaks'

'A short sex break can always be a useful thing for a couple to focus on reconnecting emotionally and taking some of the pressure off, as long as there is an end date,' Dr Goldstein told Body + Soul.

'But most importantly having less sex can be about having it when you want to, not when you feel you have to in order to meet some mark.'

The sexologist explained that many couples are having sex more than they truly want because they 'feel they should have to believe their relationship and sex life are still on top'.

These breaks, she explains, are useful because of the 'pressure' society places on couples and the increasing focus on 'adventurous' and 'raunchy' sex rather than 'pleasure and connection'

Nikki's top tips for success between the sheets Ditch the porn - it's not real Experiment with new things Use lubrication and go back to basics Reconnect emotionally Don't compare yourself to others Advertisement

These couples are then likely to be having 'more sex that is less enjoyable' rather than 'less sex that is more enjoyable'.

Dr Goldstein also advises couples to move away from the '50 Shades of Grey' mentality that is growing in popularity as a result of the movie's success.

She recommends couples steer clear of the erotic play and kinky trends at first and work at 'getting closer emotionally' and 'being present enough during sex to feel as though you are looking into each other's souls'.

Dr Goldstein also advises couples to move away from the '50 Shades of Grey' mentality that is growing in popularity as a result of the movie's success

Dr Goldstein also suggests ditching the Karma Sutra and relaxing when it comes to orgasm.

'The only thing that's stopping us from having good sex sometimes is our expectation of what good sex should actually be,' she said.

The relationship expert has previously delved further into the topic on her blog and said the 'sex break' should be around two or three weeks.

'It's not a matter of one person having to give in to the other but making comprises (sometimes you can say no and sometimes you give yourself a bit of a push),' Dr Goldstein (pictured) said

'It's like resetting your sexual body clock. It's important to give your body and mind a break from being bombarded and let your natural sexual desires kick back in,' she explained, adding that compromise is key.

'It's not a matter of one person having to give in to the other but making comprises (sometimes you can say no and sometimes you give yourself a bit of a push into it),' she said.

'Work on increasing levels of enjoyment so when you do push yourself into it, you soon remember why you did.'
Australian mother-of-four, Stevie, has opened up about her abortion in a bid to break the stigma surrounding the topic.

The doting mother, 27, who blogs as My Tribe of Six, had an abortion when she was 17 while living at home with her family and studying to become a hairdresser.

She was dating her now husband at the time who then, was unemployed and 'infrequently attending school'.

'He was so excited about the baby but I had so many mixed emotions,' Stevie wrote.

Australian mother-of-four, Stevie (pictured), has opened up about her abortion in a bid to break the stigma surrounding the topic- her full post can be foundhere

The doting mother, 27, who blogs as My Tribe of Six, had an abortion when she was 17 while living at home with her family and studying to become a hairdresser

'The logical part of me, and the woman I was becoming knew neither of us had jobs nor did we have our own house so how could we afford to provide for a child when we could barely support ourselves?

'From an emotional standpoint  the little girl inside of me just didn't want to disappoint my dad.'

Stevie confided in her mother and sister who helped her make the decision to have an abortion - something she said her boyfriend 'hated her for' at the time.

When the day finally came, Stevie said it was one of the most 'traumatic experiences' of her life.

When the day finally came, Stevie said it was one of the most 'traumatic experiences' of her life

'They sat me in a room and asked me questions, gave me an ultrasound where for the first, last and only time I saw my baby and I began to tear up,' she said.

I wouldn't be the mother and woman I am now if I had a baby at that point in my life.

'They walked me into a cold, sterile room and asked me to lay down on the bed. My tears became heavier and I began to cry uncontrollably  no one consoled me or questioned it.

'There I was, a young 17 year old, feeling vulnerable, unsupported, scared and alone.'

Stevie later woke up and it was like nothing had happened - the blogger describing the way she was sent home as being just like a 'routine check up'.

'No after care, counselling or support was provided,' she said.

Stevie said she and her husband do still talk about this pregnancy and 'what it could have been'.

Stevie later woke up and it was like nothing had happened - the blogger describing the way she was sent home as being just like a 'routine check up'

'Do I regret my abortion? Yes, I guess I do but would I change it if I could? Probably not, because everything I have done has made me who I am today,' she said.

'I do KNOW without a doubt that I wouldn't be the mother and woman I am now if I had a baby at that point in my life and I am sure my life would be completely different.

'Do I think about the child I chose to let go? Often, more often than I care to admit. I wonder who they would have been but I also like to think maybe it just wasn't their time and that they're here with me now in one of my others in some small way.'

Stevie shared her experience to prove the point that 'there is a reason for abortion' and while it may not be everybody's reasoning, that should not matter.

'Do I regret my abortion? Yes, I guess I do but would I change it if I could? Probably not, because everything I have done has made me who I am today,' she said

'Am I pro life? Yes, I am pro the choice to live the life you choose no matter what that is  and I mean in every aspect of our being and society,' she said.

'I want to break the stigma and lift the taboo on talking about abortion because I know there are so many people like me and others I know who have been put in a position where they had to make this hard choice, and it has not made them any less of the amazing people that they are.

'Women who have had abortions because they suffered at the hands of domestic violence - who is anyone to judge a person for making a decision that will prevent a child growing up in an abusive home?

'My goal was to hopefully empower and support other women who may have been through something similar to me. Early days after it, I had no one to support me and it was really hard, it still is,' she concluded

'Love, empower and encourage the women around you because you don't know what they're going through or been through.'

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Stevie said she was scared to put her story out there.

'I was very nervous and even more so having it shared and viewed by people in my own life... of that judgement,' she said.

'My goal was to hopefully empower and support other women who may have been through something similar to me. Early days after it, I had no one to support me and it was really hard, it still is.'
When Emily Wornes locked up her Brisbane cafe for the last time, she was excited to be embarking on the trip of a lifetime with her best friend Georgia Rose.

But Ms Wornes dream holiday to South America would quickly turn into a nightmare.

During a rooftop excursion to see the sunset at her hostel in the Peruvian beachside town of Huanchaco, Ms Wornes stepped on a skylight and plunged 14 metres onto the marble floor four storeys below.

Emily Wornes, 25, fell 14m through her hostel's roof on to a marble floor and batted to walk again after breaking her back

'It's been tough since. I do hours of rehab every day and most weeks my nerve pain is so bad I have to go to hospital,' she said

'There was a glorious sunset so we all went up to the rooftop terrace to watch it. This is what travelling is all about,' she recalled, of the horror moment in December 2015.

'The next thing I remember is coming to on the hostel's marble ground floor, four storeys beneath the rooftop.

'Suddenly, I pain erupted through my whole body and I screamed and screamed. I'd never felt anything like it.'

After two months of rehab in Melbourne, she was allowed back home to her parent's house a week short of her 24th birthday on April 1 and hopes to walk unaided soon

Her L3 vertebrae was broken along with her pelvis, elbow, ankle and toes and she shattered both her feet

The 25-year-old took one step on to a skylight (pictured) and she plunged 14 metres through the hostel as the roof immediately gave way

Another friend, Nick, who had been travelling with the pair on route to Columbia held her hand and told her not to move.

Meanwhile, an ambulance was dispatched.

'I couldn't move, even if I'd wanted to,' Ms Wornes said.

Paramedics arrived and loaded her into what looked like a fire truck on a wooden board, with every jolt from the manoeuvre pure agony.

Without the aid of anaesthetic, Ms Wornes said she endured a long ride over potholed roads to the hospital.

'I was sobbing and screaming in agony with Nick still holding my hand,' she said, and it didn't get any better when the ambulance arrived.

'Every time I was moved four staff each grabbed a corner of my bedsheet and lifted me.

'My back bowed in the middle as they did and the pain was so intense I screamed "just kill me!"'

Ms Wornes was evacuated by private jet to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, where she learned the full extent of her injuries

Her friends raised thousands of dollars to pay for medication and treatment and even had to ask strangers to donate blood

Ms Wornes in a Peruvian hospital after the horror fall and her first operation

On January 23, 2016, Ms Wornes was finally able to fly back to Australia alongside her mother, but was too fragile to travel sitting up

The terrified tourist drifted in and out of consciousness as doctors put her through numerous scans and X-rays to survey her horrific injuries.

'My L3 vertebrae had effectively exploded,' she said.

Thanks to the language barrier, it took two days before the group realised she had to buy her own pain relief and medical supplies from local pharmacies.

Her friends raised thousands of dollars to pay for medication and treatment and even had to ask strangers to donate blood.

Ms Wornes gets a visit from friends bearing gifts in hospital

'My right arm was so bent just straightening it to feed myself was a huge achievement,' she said

Meanwhile Ms Rose called her parents Janet and Ron in East Albury, NSW, and they jumped on the next flight to Peru as doctors prepared Ms Wornes for surgery.

'Afterwards we'll go out for a nice meal,' she recalled Georgia telling her. 'Naively, we thought the surgery would fix everything.'

Four days later her parents arrived after battling time differences, language barriers, and the Christmas rush.

'We are going to get you out of here,' her father vowed.

She threw herself into excruciating rehab and it took a month before she could even sit upright in a wheelchair and go outside - and then only for 15 minutes

Local doctors insisted she needed follow-up surgery or she would be a paraplegic, but her family decided the risk of another operation in Peru was bigger than the risk of paralysis.

Ms Wornes was evacuated by private jet to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, where she learned the full extent of her injuries.

'My pelvis was broken and my sacrum, a little bone beneath the tail bone, my feet were shattered, my right heel broken as were most of my toes, one ankle and my right elbow,' she said.

'The surgeon in Peru had put little rods either side of my spinal cord to stabilise it. That saved my life, but bits of shattered bone were still in there.'

After the first month Ms Wornes regained movement in her left leg, but her right one was still not responding

Ms Wornes gives herself a pampering to help pass the time stuck in hospital for months

Ms Wornes enjoys a burger while recovering from her injuries in hospital

Ms Wornes endured a 13-hour surgery to remove the rods and install a protective cage around her L3, and further operations on her pelvis and sacrum.

No one was sure if she would ever walk again, but the defiant young woman told her mother: 'No way in hell am I not walking.'

She threw herself into excruciating rehab and it took a month before she could even sit upright in a wheelchair and go outside - and then only for 15 minutes.

'My right arm was so bent just straightening it to feed myself was a huge achievement,' she said.

'My right arm was so bent just straightening it to feed myself was a huge achievement,' she said

Ms Wornes being transported around the San Diego hospital on a stretcher

After the first month Ms Wornes regained movement in her left leg, but her right one was still not responding.

'As I was sitting in my wheelchair one day my right leg suddenly jumped and I could move it. Mum and I wept tears of relief,' she said.

On January 23, 2016, Ms Wornes was finally able to fly back to Australia alongside her mother, but was too fragile to travel sitting up.

After two months of rehab in Melbourne, she was allowed back home to her parents' house a week short of her 24th birthday on April 1.

Ms Wornes finally able to sit up again as she enduring months of rehab in the U.S.

'As I was sitting in my wheelchair one day my right leg suddenly jumped and I could move it. Mum and I wept tears of relief,' she said

She was travelling to Peru in 2015 on the trip of a lifetime with her best friend (pictured together)

'I'm going to walk by my birthday,' she vowed, and with her mum and dad supporting her under each arm, she managed 10 steps.

'It's been tough since. I do hours of rehab every day and most weeks my nerve pain is so bad I have to go to hospital,' she said.

'I got depressed too. "I'm grieving for the girl I used to be," I told mum. But I'm making progress.

'Soon I'll have surgery on my feet. Then, finally, I'll walk unaided.'

Ms Wornes said her near-death experience help her 'discover her purpose' - becoming a counsellor and motivational speaker to help other spinal injury sufferers.

'After falling 14 metres onto a marble floor I should have died. Incredibly, I didn't and discovered a strength and determination I never knew I had,' she said.

'Now I want to get better so I can go travelling again!'
Extravagant dinners, yacht sailing, five-star hotels and spontaneous getaway trips are just some of the perks of being a Sugar Baby for this 21-year-old woman.

University of Queensland student Olivia offers her company to wealthy sugar daddies in exchange for money to cover her living expenses and tuition fees.

And the fourth-year education and arts student, from Brisbane, said she has enough cash leftover to save for a deposit on a property.

Brisbane's education and arts student Olivia offers her company to wealthy sugar daddies in exchange for money to cover her living expenses and tuition fees

'I'm trying to crack into the property market,' Olivia told Daily Mail Australia.

'The dream for any young person is to own a home. I would love to own a house or an apartment. Realistically, the goal wasn't so achievable before.

'But now, it's something reasonable, I can see myself owning a property five to 10 years from now. It's amazing for me.'

Despite the glamorous lifestyle, Olivia said she juggles two retail jobs to make ends meet as she focuses on her studying.

The young woman said she decided to turn to dating website Seeking Arrangement in July last year after she was 'curious' to meet older men.

'At first, I was kind of like "why not?" If I've tried other dating sites, why not try this one? I'm a "try everything once" kind of person,' she explained.

'I was more curious to sign up than anything. I've done a bunch of those popular dating apps and it didn't work out for me, so I gave this a try. I guess when you're used to using online dating websites and apps, why not try another?

'The only thing I could really say is this [Seeking Arrangement] is very different to the other dating websites I've been on.

'It's not like "oh, let's grab coffee" - but they would take you out to nice dinners instead of just meeting up.

'On the first date, it's just like any other first date. It's not as if you show up and get given an envelope full of cash - it's not like that at all.

'It's completely different altogether. At a point, we would have more of a discussion - we talk about what we both want, here's what I can provide you and here's what I can provide them.

'We would talk about how many times we'd meet each week, what are you expecting from this - you have to be honest.'

Despite the glamorous lifestyle, the 21-year-old said she juggles two retail jobs to make ends meet as she focuses on her studying

Olivia - who is studying to become a teacher - said the financial help from older men has given her more time to study and see her family and friends.

'I could be working 30 hours a week at my jobs - or I could work 10 hours and be with someone who cares and supports me financially,' she said.

'Yes, I would love my own income, but at the end of the day, if someone wants to help me out - that gives me extra time to see my family, work with kids I volunteer with and study.'

Olivia said she has been on countless dates with men, and was involved in three long-term relationships.

Her weekly allowance has been anywhere ranging between $250-$1,000 - depending on the circumstance she is in at the time.

The fourth-year education and arts student, from Brisbane, said she has enough cash leftover to save for a deposit on a property

'I have to do unpaid work in my field so there have been weeks where I'm on prac [work experience] for uni - so I'll be working five days a week unpaid,' she said.

'So these allowances help take the stress away from going to my retail jobs during those weeks - and I also have time put aside to write my thesis.

'Having that time back is amazing for me. That's probably the best thing about being with someone who genuinely cares and wants you to succeed, see me happy and strive for the best.'

Olivia said she doesn't use the relationships to treat herself to expensive gifts.

'It's different for everybody,' she said.

'For me, I'm not someone who wants to receive lavish gifts. Even though a designer handbag would be nice, I know it's not practical for me.

Her weekly allowance has been anywhere ranging between $250-$1,000 (stock image)

'When I'm with someone, they're making sure I've got everything I need financially for the week, like my grocery, rent or text books.

'We would go somewhere nice to take the stress away from studying. Like go out to a lovely dinner, walk along the river - it's just all really refreshing.'

She described the romantic element and arrangements mirrored like any other 'boyfriend-girlfriend' relationship.

'It's a lot more normal than it seems,' she said.

'I'm an honest person, I like to know what their expectations are. When you meet someone, you're not obliged to have sex.

'But if that's what they want, I would tell them that I'm not going to meet their expectations rather than waste their time.

'The media has kind of sensationalised the whole aspects of sugar babies and sugar daddies - even those titles itself sounds really strange and funny.

'A lot of people would assume how its portrayed in the media - but it's surprisingly normal.'

Olivia said she has also been whisked away on spontaneous trips.

She described the sexual element and arrangements mirrored like any other 'boyfriend-girlfriend' relationship (stock image)

'We would spend time together relaxing. Get a massage, stay at hotels, eat amazing seafood, go to the beach or sail on a yacht out at sea,' she said.

'We went to the rainforest for the weekend, where we stayed at a treetop. I've been on a lot of day trips or even business trips just to keep him company.'

She admitted only her close friends knew about her Sugar Baby life - and they've all been supportive of her choice.

And for any young student who is interested to join, Olivia said: 'You really don't have much to lose.'

'If you're already on dating apps, try something different, why not?' she said.

'But at the same time, don't ever feel that you're wrong for doing it. It's been so sensationalised, but it's just like any other relationship you're in from dating sites.

'If you want a car and handbag - and someone wants to pay for it, there are no wrong ways to do it, as long as you feel comfortable and can sleep at night, then go ahead.

'Give it a try, why not?'
A five-year-old boy has spent most of his short life in and out of hospital with a chronic lung disease that has doctors baffled.

Riley Smith has suffered through more than 20 operations and his mother Leah-Rose, 24, has now been told she needs to 'let nature take its course'.

But the devastated single mother is not willing to accept nothing more can be done and is saving up money to fly him from Perth to Melbourne for a second opinion.

Riley Smith, five, has a chronic lung disease that has baffled Perth doctors for most of his young life

He has suffered through more than 20 operations and his mother Leah-Rose (R), 24, has now been told she needs to 'let nature take its course'

'I've battled with medical staff for years to try get him help and I'm not willing to take that as an answer,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

Ms Smith was also seeking expensive genetic tests in the hope of finding a diagnosis as her 18-month-old daughter Billie was showing signs of the same mystery illness.

Riley's health problems began just months after he was born and was 'in and out of hospital catching every bug you could imagine'.

The devastated single mother is not willing to accept nothing more can be done and is saving up money to fly him from Perth to Melbourne for a second opinion

Ms Smith was also seeking expensive genetic tests in the hope of finding a diagnosis as her 18-month-old daughter Billie was showing signs of the same mystery illness

He developed persistent ear infections that were not fixed even with multiple surgeries to insert tiny metal tubes in his eardrum to drain the fluid.

The tubes, called grommets, also left scar tissue on his eardrum that worsened the hearing loss he was born with.

Two years ago doctors found a thick build up of mucus in his lungs that gave him a persistent cough and no antibiotics could fix it.

Riley now undergoes IV antibiotics every eight to 12 weeks that requires him to stay in hospital for up to three weeks at a time.

The family of three at home where Riley has spent less of his short life in than at hospital

Riley's health problems began just months after he was born (pictured aged three months) and was 'in and out of hospital catching every bug you could imagine'

Riley cuddles with his baby sister Billie during one of his hospital visits

'He needs oral antibiotics daily to maintain health but his health decreases rapidly when he comes off the IV treatment,' Ms Smith said.

'He becomes tired easily, has a chronic moist cough, bruises easily, still gets chronic ear infections, and a simple cold lands him in hospital.

'I think we have spent more time in hospital than at home.'

The little boy also needs chest physios and to use a nebuliser twice a day.

'He needs oral antibiotics daily to maintain health but his health decreases rapidly when he comes off the IV treatment,' Ms Smith said

Riley becomes tired easily, has a chronic moist cough, bruises easily, still gets chronic ear infections, and a simple cold lands him in hospital

Riley receives a gift to cheer him up while he's in hospital

Ms Smith said Riley was so traumatised by constantly being sick and painful treatments that he has frequent anxiety attacks.

'At his age you go into fight or flight mode and while usually he runs away from the situation he can't when he's at school,' she said.

'When contained to a small room it triggers memories of hospital and he has an outburst, so he has been suspended from school twice.

'He sees a psychologist now to try work on it as it affects his day-to-day living.'

The superhero fan poses alongside a man dressed as batman who visited the hospital

Riley smiles through one of his frequent IV treatments

Ms Smith said Riley was so traumatised by constantly being sick and painful treatments that he has frequent anxiety attacks

'He always missed at least a term of school each year due to medical appointment, hospital admission and surgery so he's now behind in school work,' she said.

'He needs occupational therapy, speech and one on one tutoring to try bring him up to speed.'

Ms Smith said she lost her job after three years because she couldn't work on Saturdays and missed days for Riley's surgeries.

An IV drip delivers antibiotics directly into Riley's chest

Ms Smith was forced to move Riley to Mosman Park School for Deaf Children, about 50 minutes drive away from their home

'I only worked two days a fortnight but it's $300 I'm missing a fortnight now. And half of Riley's medications aren't covered under Medicare,' she said.

'It's only me and the kids so it gets hard at times. Nothing ever seems to go to plan.'

The determined mother said she was saving up to bring Riley to Melbourne for a second opinion and genetic testing to look for a diagnosis.

'There's so many unknowns, the doctors can't seem to find a reason as to why he's sick but are saying that it's not normal,' she said.

Ms Smith said she lost her job after three years because she couldn't work on Saturdays and missed days for Riley's surgeries

Riley undergoes his IV antibiotics therapies joined by a Minnie Mouse toy in a doctor's coat

'Without them I don't even know if I would still have Riley but I think we just got to a stage where they don't have the tools that larger hospital over east have so we are at a dead end.'

She said her age and that she was a single mother made it more difficult to advocate for her son and get him the right tests.

'I think it's been half my problem when trying to be heard. But my age means nothing when it comes to my ability to be a mother,' Ms Smith said.

'If I've learnt anything over the years it's that mother knows best.'

Ms Smith with some of the many needles Riley has to be injected with

But the youngster has been trying to keep his chin up, asking his mother to help him raise money for charity.

'On the way home from school last week he herd an add on the radio about the Everyday Superhero fundraiser and asked me to sign him up,' his mum said.

He has raised more than $1,100 so far and his mother said if they made it to $1,500 she would abseil down the side of a building dressed as Spiderman.

The determined mother was saving up to bring Riley to Melbourne for a second opinion and genetic testing to look for a diagnosis
We all try and impress our bosses at work by paying attention in meetings or offering to get them a coffee.

But you may be committing yourself to the bad books with your boss if you do any of the following annoying things at work.

Australian bosses spoke to Whimn about their top grievances with employees.

PR maven and director of Sweaty Betty, Roxy Jacenko wants her employees to challenge themselves and take initiative

Take the initiative

PR maven and director of Sweaty Betty, Roxy Jacenko wants her employees to challenge themselves and take initiative.

'If you get a question from a client and you think its easier to send it to your boss to craft a response or come up with an idea... That's lazy,' she told Whimn. 'Be the person who puts forward the proposed response or idea and then your boss will work with you to fine tune it.'

Tidy up

Sam Wagner, Founder and Owner of Sambag told the site she doesn't like bringing new clients through the office if there are untidy, messy desks everywhere.

'The presentation of your work space is extremely important especially in a fashion office,' she told the publication.

Speaking previously to Daily Mail Australia, psychic medium Jade-Sky, from Brisbane, also said a cluttered desk is detrimental to a worker's productivity.

'If you have a cluttered desk, you'll have a cluttered mind,' she explained.

Several Australian bosses revealed their top grievances with their employees, including being lazy and messy (stock image)

Ask for help

Cyan Ta'eed, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Envato told Whimn she is more likely to give someone an opportunity if they are willing to ask for help when they need it.

'What really doesn't work is someone trying to fudge it because they don't want to ask for help - that will stop me giving them an opportunity again!' she told the publication.

Stop being late

HR manager for job site Seek, Jemima Grieve, has previously spoken about the importance of being on time.

Writing on the site she warned: 'Even if the issues are genuine, if lateness becomes a recurring theme and theres no explanation for it, this may damage an employees reputation in the business.

'Its therefore really important for the employee and leader to communicate openly as soon as possible, so that a workable solution can be found.'

Australian Psychic medium Jade-Sky said that a cluttered desk is detrimental to productivity (stock image)

Don't be afraid of candour

Experts have previously suggested that taking a harsh but true approach to the workplace could be the secret to success.

Former Google executive Kim Scott calls this approach 'radical candour', although she said it was a technique employed by a boss on her, rather than the other way around.

Kim revealed to the Times that she had given a presentation when her boss took her aside and told her she was saying 'um' too much.

After she tried to fight her corner, her boss eventually put it bluntly, saying: 'You know Kim I can tell I'm not really getting through to you. When you say um every third word it makes you sound stupid.'

Don't be afraid of the boss and ask for help when it is needed are just some of the tips from top Australian bosses (stock image)

Kim has described the approach as the 'kindest thing she could have possibly done for me' and has since applied radical candour to her all her professional relationships.

Paul Russell, director and co-founder, Luxury Academy London, previously told MailOnline the concept was 'conflict management' by another name.

'Instead of tiptoeing around issues, those utilising the radical candour approach will be confident in their abilities to solve problems as they arise and able to provide honest feedback,' he said.

'However, radical candour shouldn't mean carte blanch to do and say what you please. No working relationship will be improved by an approach that is so radical that it becomes rude. Keep feedback clear, objective and actionable.'
A mother has revealed how pregnancy nearly killed her, after her 'bad hiccups' turned out to be a serious condition, causing life-threatening seizures.

Llyrus Baptista, 22, from Perth, Western Australia, started to fit so violently at 36 weeks pregnant that doctors told her husband Shaun, 23, to prepare to lose both her and their unborn child.

The baker thought she had hiccups, when her body started convulsing at home in September last year.

Fortunately, contractor Shaun realised his wife was unwell and swiftly called the emergency services.

A mother (pictured) has revealed how pregnancy nearly killed her, after her 'bad hiccups' turned out to be a serious condition, causing life-threatening seizures

'When my husband sprang into action so quickly and called an ambulance, that's what saved our lives,' Llyrus, now mum to Nicaea, said.

'It was like I was having really bad hiccups every few seconds, but it was jolting my whole body and I couldn't control it. All I was thinking about was my baby.'

From the moment Llyrus fell pregnant in January 2016, she had what felt like a perfect pregnancy.

She and Shaun, who Llyrus met in January 2015 at a youth camp where they were both volunteering, had planned to go to a birthing centre, connected to the King Edward Memorial Hospital, near Perth.

At their 20-week scan, they discovered they were having a baby girl.

Llyrus Baptista, 22, from Perth, WA, started to fit so violently at 36 weeks pregnant that doctors told her husband Shaun, 23, to prepare to lose both her and their unborn child

But on the night of September 17, at 36 weeks' pregnant, everything changed.

'I was with my husband at home, and we'd gone to bed early, because I'd had a busy day and was feeling really tired and achy,' she said.

'I'd worked four days straight that week and my hips killed, so Shaun gave me a massage to help me sleep.'

As she began drifting off, though, with her head on her husband's chest, Llyrus suddenly began convulsing aggressively.

'Shaun didn't realise what was going on to start with. I've always suffered really badly with hiccups, so I think we both thought it was that.'

I was fully conscious and aware of what was going on while I was seizing, I just couldn't control it

At first, Shaun thought his wife had hiccups, caused by something she'd eaten or drank, but within moments he realised she was suffering with something far more serious.

'He kept asking me if I was okay and at one point laughed not realising what was happening.

'I can remember Shaun's face was so shocked, as my body was fitting uncontrollably.

'I was fully conscious and aware of what was going on while I was seizing, I just couldn't control it. I couldn't talk or communicate in any way. I felt so helpless. But something inside me told me our little girl was going to be okay.'

Llyrus waited 25 minutes for the ambulance to arrive, before she was given medication to try and stop the seizures, which reduced their severity.

'The wait felt like a lifetime, like hours instead of minutes. It was terrifying not knowing what was going on and what was happening to me,' she said.

Taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital in Murdoch, 20 minutes away, she lost consciousness on the journey.

Llyrus had an emergency caesarean, under general anaesthetic, and she gave birth to a baby girl, weighing 2.5 kilos after an hour (pictured)

When she arrived, she lay unconscious for the next two hours in a hospital bed, while her husband Shaun waited anxiously for news.

When she woke, the medical team sprang into action and immediately started plans for her baby's birth.

'I'd stopped fitting, so they wanted to get my baby out of me quickly,' she explained.

'Otherwise I would have kept fitting until I died, and there could have been complications for our baby too.'

Llyrus had an emergency caesarean, under general anaesthetic, and she gave birth to a baby girl, weighing 2.5 kilos after an hour.

It wasn't until the next morning that Llyrus was finally able to hold her baby daughter for the first time.

'I wasn't there for her first cry, or to hear her first breath. I felt like Id been robbed,' she recalled.

'When I did get to hold her it was only for five minutes, but it was so special.'

It wasn't until the next morning that Llyrus was finally able to hold her baby daughter for the first time (pictured)

Llyrus and Shaun decided to call their daughter Nicaea, a symbol of faith in Christianity.

Mum and baby were kept in hospital for four days, which is when Llyrus' diagnosis became clearer.

Doctors said she had been suffering with eclampsia, a rare but serious condition that causes seizures during pregnancy.

It is a severe complication of pre-eclampsia, where pregnant women get high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which, without immediate treatment can result in serious conditions, like seizures.

Once discharged from hospital, Llyrus started processing what had happened to her and began to enjoy time with her daughter.

'She's thriving and I love being a mum,' she said of Nicaea, now six-months-old.

'I am so thankful to be alive. My point in all this is that those prenatal checks are so important, if you have any concerns or complaints tell your midwife, doctor or nurse.

'You are not inconveniencing them, that is what they are for. If you feel like something is wrong, trust your instincts. Don't be afraid to get a second or third or fourth opinion.'
A woman claims to be able to climax over 60 times during sex.

Nathalie, 24, a bisexual motorbike mechanic from Bournemouth, is one of four women featured in a Channel 4 documentary exploring the 'super orgasm' - when women achieve orgasm dozens of times within in a single sex session.

Nathalie - who appears in Super Orgasm alongside a devout Christian who regards her ability as a 'gift from God', and a 59-year-old who says she only discovered her capacity for multiple orgasms after her divorce - says she typically climaxes 20 to 30 times, but the count regularly tops 60.

(Left) Janette, 28, believes her super orgasmic ability is a gift from God. (Right) Nathalie, 24, sees her open attitude towards sex as the key to achieving multiple orgasms

Francesca has sex with her new partner Colin for the first time during filming, and he discovers her secret. He reveals his astonishment after she orgasms around 30 times

Scientists exploring the phenomenon in the show say the women's capacity for achieving maximum pleasure is because of their unusually high state of arousal, which in turn releases even more of the 'love hormone' oxytocin.

But Nathalie puts it down to her bisexuality and open approach to sex.

'I don't really practice monogamy, I'm not really a relationship person in the traditional sense,' she says.

'The most I have had is probably an upwards of 60 in one evening. If I'm with a friend and were comfortable together, then probably 20-30. If were pushed for time well drop it back to about seven or ten.

'If Im on my own Ill probably get bored after four or five,' she adds.

Janette, 28, a web entrepreneur based in South London, is a Christian who never spoke about sex with her parents, yet she believes her ability to achieve super orgasm is rooted in her religion.

'As a Christian you get told that God makes you feel good,' she says on the show.

'So when I have an orgasm and its the best feeling in the world, so as far as I am concerned God gave me that power.'

Janette heads to America to take part in a study to help scientists understand the science behind super orgasms, and has to masturbate without her vibrator in a scanner

WHAT MAKES A WOMAN PRONE TO A 'SUPER ORGASM'? Dr Gerulf Rieger, who studies sexual arousal at the University of Essex, says in the show that the so-called super orgasmic women could be in a heightened state of arousal before even embarking on intercourse. Thats how they can achieve multiple orgasms in a row: 'It is like a jump start to sexual response that other women don't have.' During a study, Dr Rieger tasked all four women with watching porn - and found they had a higher than average blood flow to the genitals. They were 'twice as aroused' by anything sexual as the average woman, he said. 'This would suggest that from the very early beginnings of a sexual situation, these women start to respond differently on a physiological level.' Neuroscientist and pscyhophysiologist Dr Nicole Prowse, who also features on the show, also found that the women had different brain activity to those who typically climax just once. Dr Prowse uses an electroencephalograph monitor (EEG) while the women are masturbating to record brain activity, and discovers their brain alpha waves are high when they orgasm - meaning they are in a 'chilled out state'. She says the data suggests that to achieve a super orgasm, other women may need to 'turn their brain off and be less engaged, by letting go'. The study also found that women who orgasm more than once during sex release more levels of oxytocin - the 'love hormone'. Advertisement

Francesca, 59, who was born in Portugal and now lives in Cardiff, has been super orgasmic for decades and describes the experience as like 'riding a wave'.

She thinks being in love makes sex better and says she doesn't need sex toys.

She and her new partner, retired nuclear physicist Colin, 64, sleep together for the first time during the show - but he doesn't let him in on her secret in advance.

Afterwards, Colin is astonished as he reveals how many times Francesca climaxed: 'There were 20 to 30-plus, there were a lot. That was new for me and quite incredible.

'What I do know is that this wonderful lady is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.'

And she is in agreement, admitting she prefers to be in a relationship.

'The right partner has a lot to do with it, because when I was young and in a not very happy marriage things didnt work well,' she says.

'As soon as I got divorced and went on to have another relationship I discovered I was a sexual being.

'Women report having a lot more orgasms as they get older. You are more at ease with your body and yourself and everything works better.'

Married mother-of-two Danika found stress relief in achieving super orgasms during sex with her husband - but had never found the need to masturbate

Janette travels to America in the programme and masturbates in an FMRI scanner -without her trusty vibrator - in an attempt to further understand her ability.

HOW TO ACHIEVE A SUPER ORGASM Relaxation Yoga or tantric yoga Bonding with your partner Advertisement

The scientists conducting the study find that Janette's brain deactivates after her orgasm, before a second which is even more powerful and intense.

'They are more capable of tuning into their sensations, focusing on them and the experience probably empowers them to have more orgasms,' Dr Nan Wise explains of woman who can achieve multiple orgasms.

The show also introduces married mother-of-two Danika, 27, from Sussex, who became super-orgasmic after the birth of her two children, having found stress relief by learning to orgasm using instructional videos on the internet.

The Super Orgasm airs on Channel 4 at 10pm on Thursday April 13
She spent last night at a glittering banquet at Tokyo's Imperial Palace dressed in a fairy-tale ballgown.

But there was no evidence of Queen Letizia's late night when she stepped out in the Japanese capital today.

The Spanish royal looked as fresh-faced and glamorous as ever for a visit to the Keio University Hospital today, having swapped her finery for a chic printed pencil skirt and pleated blouse.

Spain's Queen Letizia walked alongside Carmen Vela, the country's Secretary of State for Investigation, Development and Innovation, at a hospital in Japan

The Queen wore a pleated white top and a printed pencil skirt to visit Keio University Hospital

Queen Letizia later slipped into a black Armani Prive cocktail dress with blossom print detailing as she joined King Felipe, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe

She accessorised with classic black courts, a co-ordinating clutch, and eye-catching drop earrings.

Queen Letizia and King Felipe are approaching the end of their four day state visit to Japan, which has seen the monarchs attend a host of engagements around the city.

Letizia, 44, was accompanied by Spain's Secretary of Investigation, Innovation and Development, Carmen Vela, at the hospital today.

The pair posed for a photograph with Makoto Suematsu, the president of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development.

Queen Letizia and Carmen Vela pose for a photograph with the president of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)

The 44-year-old monarch chose a pair of eye-catching drop earrings for today's visit

There was no evidence of Letizia's late night, despite the face she and King Felipe attended a glittering banquet at Tokyo's Imperial Palace

The School of Medicine at the Keio University Hospital is marking its 100th anniversary.

Later on on Thursday Queen Letizia swapped her pencil skirt and blouse for a chic black silk cocktail dress by Armani Privet to join the Japanese PM and his wife at Akasaka Palace.

The previous night King Felipe and Queen Letizia were officially welcomed by the Japanese Emperor and Empress Michiko at a formal dinner for 150 well-heeled guests.

In a speech during the dinner, King Felipe said: 'Nowadays, Spain and Japan are two nations with shared aspirations and points of view in the defence of international peace and order, in our commitment to progress, justice and human rights, and to sustainable development.'

Elegant: The royal couple joined the prime minister and first lady on Thursday evening

Sleek: Letizia wore her hair swept back in a low chignon and accessorised with earrings
A schoolgirl who was bullied for being 'stick thin' has had the last laugh - by winning a Miss England competition wearing a wooden dress.

Pretty Sian Healy, 17, from Coventry suffered years of abuse by cruel classmates who trolled her on Twitter and even attacked her when she went out with friends.

The bullying started when she posted pictures of herself on social media and a gang of jealous girls branded her 'an ugly stick thin b***h'.

She was even accused of trying to look like catwalk model and actress Cara Delevingne and warned she would be disfigured if she left her home.

But she had the last laugh when she was persuaded to enter the Miss England competition to build up her confidence and she won the heat for creating an eco-friendly outfit.

Sian Healy, 17, from Coventry was viciously bullied for being too skinny, but had the last laugh when she was persuaded to enter the Miss England competition and won the heat for creating an eco-friendly outfit made from wood

Sian's dress took ten hours to make using wood shavings from a pallet which were stitched to an under wire

Sian contacted Pooling Partners in Meriden, West Mids., who agreed to build her a dress made out of the wood shavings from an old oak and pine pallet.

The size six dress took ten hours to make using wood shavings from a pallet which were stitched to an under wire.

A huge fascinator constructed from wood shavings which was painted brown completed the outfit alongside a clutch bag made from tiny splinters.

Sian, a business administrator, said she decided to build a wooden dress to reflect her battle against online bullies.

Sian's outfit also came with a fascinator created from wood shavings and a bag made out of splinters

Sian has managed to regain some of her confidence with the help of her local branch of the mental health charity MIND

Sian said: 'I'd posted a few pictures of myself from a photo-shoot in order to boost my confidence but I was targeted on Twitter.

'There were a group of girls who called me an 'ugly stick thin bitch' and said I was trying to look like the model Cara Delevingne.

'On one occasion I'd been out with friends in Coventry and I a group of people battered me for no reason.

'I later found out the attack had been organised on Twitter. It was a horrible time and I was really trapped.

Sian Healey, 17, wearing her wood pallet outfit with the awarded sash and tiara

'People on Twitter even said they'd try to disfigure me if I didn't stop posting pictures of myself.

'I didn't want to say anything to anyone but it really got to me.'

Sian eventually told her mum Claire, 41, what she was suffering and she contacted her local branch of mental health charity MIND who helped her deal with her issues.

After entering Miss England, Sian decided to make a dress which reflected her own experiences.

Lauren felt that her dress reflected her experiences as wood palettes carry huge burdens but are considered ugly and unloved

On Saturday Sian was crowned 'The Green Goddess' when she beat dozens of contestants in the Coventry and Warwickshire heat of the Miss England competition

She added: 'I wanted to wear a dress which showed what I'd been through with the bullying. I felt unloved and battered down and the idea of a wooden pallet came to me one day.

'Pallets basically carry everything we buy or eat but no one ever appreciates them. They're also carrying huge burdens and are ugly and unloved. That is basically how I felt.

'There's a local firm making pallets near me so I contacted them and explained what I wanted to do and they were really happy to help.

'When I put on the dress it felt great, there are hundreds of shavings which are individually clipped to a frame of a dress and a huge wooden shaving fascinator I wore on my head.'

The teenager was accused of trying to look like model Cara Delevingne by jealous classmates and was attacked on a night out

On Saturday she was crowned 'The Green Goddess' when she beat dozens of contestants in the Coventry and Warwickshire heat of the Miss England competition.

Sian will tour schools to raise awareness about the dangers of online bullying in the hope of stopping other youngsters going through the same experience.

She added: 'Talking about it and coming off certain social media platforms really helped me to rebuild my life.

Sian is planning to tour schools to raise awareness about the dangers of online bullying

The youngster commissioned a local company to make her dress and fascinator out of discarded wooden palettes

'I have always held back from following my dreams and lacked a lot of confidence but

I have fought my battles and came out wanting to help children and young people going through the same thing.'

Shelley Harris, of Pooling Partners who designed the commissioned the wooden dress, said: 'The pallet is one of the most taken for granted items in the world, yet it moves everything around the globe from the food on our tables to the clothes on our backs.

'Despite its contribution, it is treated really badly - stolen, abandoned and burned on bonfires.'
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  Turkey hunters who use the Missouri Department of Conservations (MDC) MO Hunting free mobile app will need to perform an app update to telecheck harvests for spring turkey season. The new versions will provide updated turkey telecheck information.

Both Apple and Android users will need to install the app update to telecheck turkey harvests. Apple users must have at least the iOS 9.0 version to use the updated MO Hunting app. Android users must have at least Android 5.0.

The youth spring turkey season runs April 8 and 9 and the regular spring turkey season runs April 17 through May 7. Learn more at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey and from the MDC 2017 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations & Information booklet, available at MDC offices and nature centers and other locations where permits are sold.

MO Hunting is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. For more information, go online to mdc.mo.gov/mohunting.

Hunters can buy permits through MDCs MO Hunting app and from numerous permit vendors around the state such as gas stations, convenience stores, sporting-goods and other retail stores, many MDC offices, and all MDC nature centers. Hunters can also buy permits online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Hunters can save time by buying permits for multiple people in a single transaction by selecting the Additional Customer option during the permit purchase.
A former Chili's waitress has hit out at the restaurant chain, after claiming she was sexually harassed by her manager for a year, before her co-workers threw a party seemingly celebrating his behavior after her private complaint about him was made public.

Emily Houser, who is now 18, began working at her local Chili's in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, when she was just 16, and claims that her manager Josh Davidson, then 24, began making sexual advances towards her soon after.

Despite being eight years her senior, Houser alleged to BuzzFeed that Davidson would shower her with gifts and 'force' her to go on dates with him by showing up at her house unannounced.

Accuser: Emily Houser, now 18, claims that she was sexually harassed by her manager at Chili's for over a year, saying his behavior started when she was just 16

Unhappy: Houser says that her former manager - Josh Davidson - who was eight years her senior, would often show up at her home unannounced

Out in the open: Houser, from Pennsylvania, further claims that her former co-workers threw a party celebrating her manager when her private accusations against him were made public

The teen insists that she shrugged off the romantic pressure from Davidson for months, but claims that things unexpectedly escalated about a year ago, when Houser turned 18.

On her birthday, Houser even claims that Davidson appeared outside of her high school and then asked her to be his girlfriend 'in front of a bunch of people'. Despite what she says was a very clear refusal, however, his pursuit allegedly continued.

Eventually, Houser says, she got her message across to the manager, however she claims that her rebuttal simply caused his affection to turn into verbal, and even physical, abuse which actually took place while they were work.

Houser hoped she could simply brush off Davidson's actions and comments, but ultimately decided to contact Chili's corporate headquarters after she says she noticed Davidson taking an interest in a new underage employee.

She handed in her two weeks' notice at the same time.

Shocking: Houser has shared images of the 'F**k Emily Houser' cake she says her former colleagues enjoyed on her ex-manager's last day of working in the restaurant

Upsetting: Houser also shared grabs of critical comments that were left on an image of the cake that was posted on Instagram

According to Houser, in response to her accusations, Chili's did not immediately fire Davidson, but instead chose to relocate him to another restaurant location in Montgomery, Pennsylvania - approximately an hour away - much to Houser's upset.

She claims that her accusations against her manager, despite being made privately, quickly spread among her fellow Chili's employees - who made it clear that they were on Davidson's side, throwing him a 'F**k Emily Houser' party at the restaurant on his last day, complete with a cake bearing the same words.

Houser, who was not present at the time, says she understands many of her co-workers were in attendance, as well as the general manager of the location.

To add insult to injury, images of the cake were then posted on social media, where several of Houser's former colleagues left a series of malicious comments, with some simply posting the hashtag '#teamjosh', while one went as far as to say: 'Have your cake and eat it too hoe #petty'

Posting an image of the 'F**k Emily Houser' cake - and subsequent social media comments - on her Facebook page, Houser wrote: 'This is what you get when you report a grown man for forcing relations on you and manipulating you as a minor for over a year, and you report it, I guess.

Taking action: According to Houser, Chili's was slow to take action when she initially filed a complaint against Davidson

Not shying away: Houser - and her family members - are continuing to share her side of the story on social media

'My now-former manager told my former co-workers about these allegations that were meant to stay private they threw a "F**k Emily Houser" party. The world is a heinous, ugly place.'

After sharing her story on social media, Chili's posted on its official Twitter feed in response to tweets about the incident stating: 'We take this seriously and we do not condone this behavior.

'As a result the Team Members involved are no longer with the company.'

However, when speaking to Daily Mail Online, a Chili's spokesperson declined to comment on why Davidson was not immediately fired.

Following the incident, Houser says she was left devastated, and claims her struggles only continued when she attempted to work with Chili's to resolve the situation.

In a recent tweet aimed at the restaurant, Houser says the company 'never returned any phone calls I placed directly after the incident', despite making a public statement about the incident on its Twitter feed.

Chili's has not yet responded to the tweet.

#TeamEmily: Social media users have been voicing their support for Houser, as well as expressing their concern to Chili's

A spokesperson from Chili's added to Daily Mail Online: 'When this issue surfaced, our franchise partner conducted a thorough investigation.'

It remains unclear which Chili's employees have actually now left the restaurant, however; the Instagram users who posted the photo from Davidson's party are no longer active.

Meanwhile, Houser has been receiving a slew of support and well-wishes on Twitter. Many have even taken to sharing Chili's customer support information and organizing calls and e-mails to express their concern to the company.

Others are flooding the Chili's Instagram account with a '#TeamEmily' hashtag.

Houser herself seems to be remaining positive: posting pictures with her 'big-hearted' boyfriend and saying she took a break from social media.

'I dont want any personal gain from this whatsoever,' Houser told Buzzfeed. 'I just want the people that were involved to understand what they are doing, and what they did to someone.'
While living in the country's most populated cities is widely known to be incredibly expensive, new research has revealed how city dwellers could save themselves thousands in annual costs by moving to another location that will afford them the exact same lifestyle they already enjoy.

A new survey from GOBankingRates compared the cost of living in 50 of the most populous US cities, and while some of the results aren't exactly shocking (San Francisco is expensive, surprise!), the survey reveals tons of hidden gem cities where you can live comfortably on a small salary.

The survey uses the 50-30-20 rule - 50 per cent of income is spent on necessities, 30 per cent on discretionary spending, and 20 per cent on savings - to rank cities by both their overall affordability, as well as by income surplus - or how 'comfortable' of a lifestyle one can have in that city.

It may surprise you to learn that, in both categories, the top cities are relatively spread out, meaning that whether you love the beach, the mountains, the desert, or the plains, you can have your pick and still live comfortably.

On the border: El Paso, TX is located at an intersection of New Mexico and Mexico and will cost you just $40,393 to live comfortably

On the rise: Detroit, MI, once known for its car manufacturing and now known for its arts scene, will set you back only $42,161 a year

IF YOU WANT TO LIVE IN ONE OF THE CHEAPEST CITIES

The survey ranks cities first by their overall cost of living. We all know the price tags of Los Angeles and New York are sky-high, but you'd be surprised at the interesting and diverse cities that fall on the opposite end of the spectrum.

If affordability is your goal, look no further than El Paso, Texas where the annual income needed for a comfortable lifestyle is just $40,393. This sunny city is located at the border of Mexico and New Mexico, meaning you can use your spare income for plenty of fun getaways.

For just a few dollars more, you can call Detroit, Michigan home, with a salary ranking of $42,161. Motown is on the rise once again, with a bustling arts scene and beautiful lakeside views.

A Southwestern dream: Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city, and yet it only costs $42,445 a year to live comfortably in this major city

If sun is more your thing, head to Albuquerque, New Mexico where the cost of living comfortably is just $42,445 and the sun shines more than 3,000 hours each year.

In Wichita, Kansas, you can live comfortably for a mere $43,644. Bonus: this historically-rich city is just a few hours away from both Kansas City and Oklahoma City.

Looking to find paradise out in California? Fresno, for just $44,648 can be your new home. The inland haven is equidistant from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, meaning your weekends are about to be insanely fun.

How quaint: Wichita is one of America's beloved heartland cities, and at a living cost of just $43,644 it's easy to see why

Hometown spirit: Fresno, or 'the best little city in the USA' costs its residents just $44,648 a year to live there

IF YOU WANT THE BIGGEST SALARY SURPLUS

In addition to ranking cities by cost, the survey also ranks cities by the greatest difference between that cost of living and the median annual income - meaning that, in some of these cities, residents literally make money to live there.

At the top of the list is Virginia Beach, Virginia, where one can expect an annual surplus of $13,984. Though, if you already live on the beach, where would you use your extra money to jet-set off to?

Residents of Arlington, Texas can expect an annual surplus of $6,906 - quite a drop from Virginia Beach, but still a hefty sum in your pockets.

Raking it in: Residents of Virginia Beach, VA typically take home an extra $13,984 per year

Hidden wealth: In Colorado Springs, CO, the average household earns an annual bonus of $5,112

Popular, not pricey: Austin, TX is one of the US's most happening destinations, yet somehow residents earn an extra $3,058 a year

Meanwhile, those enjoying the mountains of Colorado Springs, Colorado are treated to surplus of $5,112 per year.

The only city to appear on top of both categories is Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the annual surplus is expected at $4,585. Judging by these amazing statistics, we should all move there before the property values skyrocket.

Perhaps most surprisingly on the list is the trendy city of Austin, Texas, which has an annual surplus of $3,058. It would seem that this ultra-hip Southern destination is actually a more realistic abode than some may think.
President Donald Trump has gotten plenty of flack for wearing his ties on the lengthy side, but one parody Twitter account proves that the longer the tie, the more hilarious picture.

The Trump's Ties Twitter account shares Photoshopped images of the president wearing unbelievably long neckties during some of his most memorable public appearances.

Although the pictures and ties are real, they have been creatively edited so that his most scrutinized accessory flows far past his waistline.

Parody: The Trump's Ties Twitter account shares Photoshopped images of the president wearing unbelievably long ties during his most memorable public appearances

Too close for comfort: One hilarious image sees Trump's long purple tie wrapped around the neck of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while they shake hands

Trapped: One of the most popular images sees Trump's blue and white striped tie wrapped around Judge Neil Gorsuch's arm

Going viral: Since the account emerged on Twitter in February, it has gained more than 20,000 followers

Since the account emerged on Twitter in February, it has gained more than 20,000 followers.

Unsurprisingly, a great number of people relish in seeing images of the leader of the free world wearing unbelievably long ties  especially when he is pictured alongside respected foreign dignitaries.

One hilarious image sees Trump's long purple tie wrapped around the neck of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while they shake hands.

Unimpressed: This image was edited to make it look like Trump is showing Trudeau his extra-long tie in the oval office

Even funnier: Trump's famously taped tie was edited to look even longer as it flapped in the breeze

Too funny: This hilarious image sees Trump's tie tucked into Governor Chris Christie's blazer

Helping hand: Some of the images see other people holding Trump's tie

What are you looking at? Trump's striped tie is so long in this photo that it is draped over Vice President Mike Pence's shoulder

Trudeau also appears in another equally comical image that was edited to make it look as though Trump is showing the Canadian leader his long tie.

What makes the picture even better is that the prime minister looks quite unimpressed with the tie that appears to be in Trump's hand.

In another hilarious snapshot that was featured on the account, Trump is seen using his long striped tie to wipe his brow during a press conference with German politician Angela Merkel.

To the floor: The president's red stripped tie flows off his seat in the snapshot

Getting in the way: Trump's pink tie was edited to look so long it wrapped around his leg twice

Shorter than most: The account features photos of Trump's ties at all different lengths, including this knee-grazing option

Brilliant exaggeration: President Donald Trump has gotten plenty of flack for wearing his ties on the lengthy side; however, they have never been this long

Genius joke: Trump can be seen using his long striped tie to wipe his brow during a press conference with German politician Angela Merkel

Whoops: A photo of Kanye West's first meeting with Trump got a humorous edit

Extra prop? Trump is known for using hand motions, so he might as well get his tie involved

And one of the most popular images sees Trump's blue and white striped tie wrapped around Judge Neil Gorsuch's arm.

The comical snapshot has been retrweeted more than 680 times since it was posted on Tuesday, just days before Senate Republicans voted on Thursday to advance Gorsuch's nomination to serve on the US Supreme Court.

There are also plenty of photos of Trump's tie flapping in the breeze, including an image of him on the day of his inauguration.

The edited photo sees Trump standing next to his wife Melania, as well as Vice President Mike Pence and is wife Karen.

Third party: Trump's tie is draped across the table while he chats with House Speaker Paul Ryan

Windy day: There are also plenty of photos of Trump's tie flapping in the breeze, including an image of him on the day of his inauguration

Tickling his chin: That same red tie is also pictured hitting Pence in the face as they step off an airplane

Dinner dates: Trump's tie was front and center during his dinner with Mitt Romney

No comment? Trump's red tie can be seen draped over a reporter's microphone

While they are waving to the crowd in front of them, the president's red is blowing in the wind  hitting his VP in the face.

That same red tie is also pictured hitting Pence in the face as they step off an airplane and draped across the table while Trump speaks with House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Other images see Trump's ties wrapped around his legs and stuck under his foot, and in one photo, it is even tucked into Governor Chris Christie's blazer.

And while Trump's meeting with Kanye West is surely unforgettable, a photo of the rapper stepping on the president's extra long tie is downright hilarious.
Supper clubs have become renowned for being hosted by gorgeous young things in a stylish and intimate setting for only a handful of people.

But now posh supermarket giant Waitrose is looking to cash in on the urban trend by offering customers a three-course evening meal in one of its cafes.

It is trialling the experience at a new store in Haywards Heath, west Sussex - but if it's successful, it could roll out to branches across the country.

Waitrose is looking to cash in on the urban trend by offering customers a three-course evening meal in one of its cafes

The upmarket retailer will offer three-course meals for 35 in the store's cafe on eight evening dates over the next two months.

What is a supper club? These are the intimate and very cool dining experiences that have been popping up all over the country, particularly in London. A small group of anywhere between 10 and up to about 50 people will be invited to a location, maybe even someone's home, where they will be served a feast for half the normal price of a conventional restaurant. Supper clubs are how some of the country's most renowned foodie personalities have risen to prominence, including the Hemsley sisters and Jackson and Levine. Advertisement

Chef's from Waitrose's own cookery schools will prepare the menu, which has a choice of two starters, three mains and one dessert.

Dishes include brown shrimp cocktail with wheaten bread, salmon with brown butter, tenderstem broccoli and Jersey Royal potatoes and chocolate pave with salt caramel popcorn and buttermilk ice cream.

Dinner will be matched with specially selected wine and guests will be given a drink on arrival.

Waitrose said the Haywards Heath cafe would be able to serve about 50 people.

Karen Himsworth, manager of Waitrose cookery schools, told The Grocer magazine: 'This aims to develop the next level of in-store dining at Waitrose, building upon concepts like our sushi bars and wine bars.

'We want to make our stores a food destination in the evenings as well as in the day.

'We realise a supermarket might not spring to mind when people are thinking about dining out in the evening, but we want that to change.

'Our aim is to create an atmosphere that is inviting whether you are having a meal for two or out with a group of friends.

Supper club: The upmarket retailer will offer three-course meals for 35 in the store's cafe on eight evening dates over the next two months

'We will be looking at the next steps after we have finished the initial eight dates, but our aspiration is for this to continue at Haywards Heath and to explore how we might introduce it at other branches.

A 35 supper club was trialled for a short period at Waitrose stores in Newbury and Salisbury stores last year.

It also ran a more formal dining experience at its cookery school in Finchley Road, north London, which cost 85 a person for five courses.

The club will take place on April 19, 20, 27 and 28, as well as May 3, 4, 11 and 12 from 7pm.
Almost half of US adults are infected with genital HPV, a shocking new CDC report reveals.

About 42 percent of Americans between ages 18 and 59 have the most common form of the sexually transmitted infection.

And more than one in five US adults - 23 percent - have a high-risk form of HPV, which puts them at risk for certain cancers, including prostate and cervical cancer.

The organization says that the majority of these cases are preventable with vaccination.

A new CDC report has revealed that more than one in five US are infected with a high risk form of HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually-transmitted disease in the US, with approximately 80 million people currently infected.

Every year, 14 million new infections occur among teens and adults.

And while most infections disappear on their own, without even displaying symptoms, some strains can lead to genital warts and even cancers, including prostate, throat, head and neck, rectum and cervical cancer.

Approximately 28,000 cases of cancer caused by HPV are diagnosed annually - most of which would have preventable with the vaccine, the CDC says.

Over the course of 2013 and 2014, 23 percent of adults - including 25 percent of men and 20 percent of women - tested positive for high-risk genital HPV.

WHAT IS HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS? HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted infection. In fact, almost every sexually active man or woman will get it during their lifetime. It is spread through sex and oral sex with someone who has the virus, regardless of whether they show symptoms. Many people never show symptoms, and the majority of cases go away without treatment. However, it can sometimes cause genital warts and/or cancer. Symptoms can arise years after infection. Around 99 per cent of cervical cancer diagnoses are related to infections like HPV. HPV can also cause cancers of the throat, neck, tongue, tonsils, vulva, vagina, penis or anus. Often, the cancer does not develop until years after a patient was infected with HPV. Source: CDC Advertisement

That percentage jumped to more than 42 percent during the two-year period if any type of genital HPV - the most common form of the virus - was included, the CDC found.

In both groups, prevalence was higher in men than in women, and it was sharply higher among blacks compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

'We tend to overlook the fact that 20 percent of us are carrying the virus that can cause cancer,' lead author Geraldine McQuillan, a senior infectious disease epidemiologist at the CDC, told The Washington Post.

'People really need to realize that this is a serious concern.'

The CDC recommends that children receive the HPV vaccine around age 11 or 12 so that they become protected before potential exposure to the virus through sexual contact.

Last month, new guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices declared the vaccine would be administered in two doses instead of three.

The new rules came after years of campaigns from cancer experts insisting an easier schedule would encourage more people to protect themselves from the sexually-transmitted infection.

While vaccination rates have been increasing, they still lag for both boys and girls.

Experts say that there are several misconceptions and fears that continue to permeate the public and result in lower rates of HPV vaccination.

According to Dr Electra Paskett, a cancer control researcher at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, some think vaccination encourages youth to become promiscuous.

'The way [the vaccine] was introduced in Australia and the United Kingdom was as a cancer vaccine, which is truly what it is. It is a cancer vaccine,' Paskett told The Washington Post.

The new CDC report also addressed oral HPV infections, the second most common form.

From 2011 to 2014, their prevalence was seven percent among adults between the ages of 18 and 69.

Just as in cases of genital HPV, rates were higher for men than women overall and in all racial and ethnic groups.
A Spanish man was struck down with a pig bacteria that has never been seen in humans before.

The man, 53, is thought to have stepped on a contaminated syringe that punctured the sole of his boots.

He was working as a hazard waste collector for the Centre of Research and Agro-Food Technology of Aragon, whose students were studying the bacteria.

After suffering fever, joint discomfort and headaches, he was admitted to Miguel Servet University Hospital in Zaragoza in 2014.

Yet, with the help of antibiotics, the man fought off the bacteria, known as swine brucellosis.

A Spanish man became infected with a bacteria normally seen in pigs (stock photo)

Separate to the accident, the man already suffered from an autoimmune disorder that inflamed his blood vessels, leaving him vulnerable to infection, talkRadio reported.

Jose Maria Blasco Martinez, regional manager, Miguel Servet University Hospital, said: 'It was like an airplane accident, the accumulation of a series of circumstances.'

Researchers are calling for more stringent safety protocols to prevent similar incidences.
THE GAMEKEEPER

by Portia Simpson (Simon & Schuster)

Youll need a while to get over the first three pages of this book. Portia, the first woman to qualify as a gamekeeper in Scotland, has taken a punter out to shoot a stag.

The client  because stalkers are the richest and most spoilt class of predator  has decided to stroll off to the beach, leaving her to drag the dead animal down the hill, after gralloching (disembowelling) it in the time-honoured manner.

On a hot day it was tiring work, so she sat out on the heather with her lunch and fell asleep.

Portia Simpson was the first woman to qualify as a gamekeeper in Scotland

Until a change in the light, or maybe just an instinctive sense of danger woke her to a black shadow and a rush of cool air as a huge golden eagle swooped down, talons outstretched towards her torso.

Lured by the stags entrails, the great bird had spotted an apparently dead young woman spreadeagled and motionless, her long blonde hair tangled among the heather and decided to eat her, too.

Phew! If you hate bloodsports, are squeamish about entrails and nervous of birds, youre already in shock.

And yet throughout this book the vividness of Portia Simpsons writing seduces you, evoking her passionate connection with the raw, violent beauty of nature, the texture of the heather, the strength of the beasts and the gleam of the distant sea.

The Gamekeeper by Portia Simpson (Simon & Schuster)

We meet her as an inquisitive toddler in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, picking up woodlice and keeping a pet snail whose shell shone like a jewel and whose moods she thought she could read.

She sees her first whale and is baffled by female preoccupations, watching her mother ironing underpants and resolving to turn down all proposals for fear of the dread ironing board.

She went south and trained in forestry and tree surgery, one of only two women on a chainsaw course; then moved on to gamekeeping encouraged by an uncle who gave up that dream to work in the oil industry.

That sense that it is kinder to kill wild game than close your eyes to the factory farming of pigs and chickens permeates this unapologetic book. She moves on to driven grouse shoots, with spectacular descriptions of the long treks the beaters make.

She became one of the boys, though on a Balmoral shoot she picked up a grouse and cheekily handed it to Prince Harry (Sadly, he didnt ask me for a date). The Royals sit with the beaters for lunch, with their own lunch boxes, and one of her mates lights up a joint under the stony eyes of the Queens bodyguards while HM eats her sandwiches (crusts cut off) either ignoring him or oblivious to him.

Portias attitude to animals is an outdoorswomans: caring, admiring, understanding, appreciating and killing.

She trains a puppy, adopts baby squirrels and a raven, which she feeds on fillet steak on her sparse earnings, and learns with pity how grim and starved would be the lives of deer today without natural predators such as lynx, if they were not culled by stalkers.

She makes friends, lays horrible spring traps, gets her hand caught in one, and banters with friends on the moors. Once, as she hides to shoot a fox, a kestrel hops down and lands on the barrel of her gun. She jerks it clear.

I had only just bought my rifle and I didnt want scratch marks from its claws on the barrel, she says.

The look of shock on the birds face was comical... I knew my camouflage was quite good, but I had not realised just how good.

The best description of the author is from a colleague on the Isle of Rum. Watching her covered in mud, energetically doing messy blokey jobs, he says: You look more like a hairdresser or a beautician than you do a gamekeeper, but when you get to work the contrast is shocking.

An injury ends her more robust career, so on turning 30 she takes on a less physical wildlife project, and looks back with vivid glee on those wild, wonderful youthful years.

She concludes that shes still up for marriage, provided she never has to iron anyones underpants. It would be a strong man who dared ask her to.
Myn Kym's rare 1696 Stradivarius violin was stolen at Euston Station in 2010

GONE

by Min Kym (Viking 14.99)

Euston Station on a forlorn winters night. Min Kym and her cellist boyfriend, en route to Manchester, find a table at a cafe, buy tea and sit waiting on the cold forecourt.

Min is a brilliant solo violinist. She has travelled all over the world with her violin, a rare 1696 Stradivarius. Experts value it at 1.2 million, but to Min, it is priceless.

This violin is her soulmate, the instrument whose perfect tone and form speaks to her like no other. Shes had it for 11 years and cherishes it as if it were her beloved child. Right now, it is strapped to her ankle. Safe.

But Min is not feeling well. Her boyfriend suggests he looks after the violin for her. No, she insists. They argue, back and forth, and eventually she gives way.

Circling are three thieves known to the police. CCTV footage shows they have their eye on a handbag belonging to a woman at a neighbouring table, but it is out of reach.

Their eyes light on the violin case. You wouldnt think it held anything of value, but theres not much else available.

Two of the men cause a diversion. The third snakes out his arm. And the violin is gone.

But more than a Stradivarius is lost. What has also gone with it is Mins whole sense of self.

Gone by Min Kym (Viking 14.99)

At the time, November 2010, she was due to go on a tour with her recording of the Brahms concerto. She didnt go and was so distressed she could barely get out of bed.

To suggest to her that there are other violins was as meaningless as telling the grieving widow there are more men out there. Without that violin she could not function, and in this deeply moving memoir Min questions her dependency on her music and the way she has lived her entire life.

Min was born in South Korea, but came to England when she was a toddler. Her CV soon reads like the prototype child prodigy: grade 4 within 12 weeks of picking up a violin; youngest ever pupil  seven  at the Purcell School of Music; playing a concerto with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra at just 13; youngest ever foundation scholar  aged 16  at the Royal College of Music.

She is not invited to parties because its assumed shes practising. She gets a cold and the question is not how is she feeling, but how will it affect the piece shes learning.

The Stradivarius is tracked down by the police. But by then  on the advice yet again of her boyfriend  shed spent the insurance payout on another (to her, lesser) violin.

The Stradivarius now belonged to the insurance company. She couldnt afford to buy it back and her elation at its recovery turned to despair again.

Her own recovery is painfully slow. It isnt until the final pages that she writes: A few nights ago I performed in public for the first time. It was just a small piece at a private party. And you hope, for her sake and the worlds that her next memoir wont be about what is Gone, but what is Found.
Towards Mellbreak by Marie-Elsa Bragg (Chatto 12.99)

TOWARDS MELLBREAK

by Marie-Elsa Bragg (Chatto 12.99)

Marie-Elsa Bragg, a chaplain at Westminster Abbey, proves she is a literary force worthy of her name (shes Melvyns daughter) with her quiet, elegiac debut.

Set in Cumbria, its a bracing antidote to the Romantic view of the Lake District through its depiction of the hardscrabble life of farmers between 1971 and 1994.

Theres Catherine, her son Harold, his wife Esther and their son Stephen, who together work the Cumbrian fells, just about managing to see off the industrialisation of farming before the consequences of a government cover-up threatens to undo their livelihood.

Bragg writes wonderfully well about landscape in particular, but is prone to convoluted similes, describing, for instance, a lake as not yet seen, but felt, like a promise, which makes no sense.

But in so richly depicting the hermetic bond between the Cumbrian landscape and the people who live there, she makes a subtle political point about the ease with which governments and big business disregard those whose lives are, for the most part, hidden from view.

The Forensic Records Society by Magnus Mills (Bloomsbury 18.99)

THE FORENSIC RECORDS SOCIETY

by Magnus Mills (Bloomsbury 18.99)

Bus driver turned Booker-shortlisted novelist Magnus Mills may be hailed as one of our most idiosyncratic voices, but thats not to say his deceptively genial, eerily comic novels arent often about similar things, namely the power dynamics within groups of men and that very English love for petty rules as a bulwark against the chaos.

This latest centres on a bunch of record fanatics who meet each week down the pub to listen to 7in singles in a strictly controlled environment  except that soon a rebellious splinter group is formed, followed by a second, and the original society is plunged into crisis.

Mills is extremely good on the way obsessiveness is an end in itself for these barely distinguishable chaps, who are drawn to the exacting rituals of listening rather than through any particular engagement with the music itself. Its a pretty slight novel that lacks the allegorical force of some of Millss more ambitious books.

Yet it also contains some classic Mills hallmarks, including the unsettling impression something sinister is going on, if only you could work out what it is.

The Evening Road by Laird Hunt (Chatto and Windus 14.99)

THE EVENING ROAD

by Laird Hunt (Chatto and Windus 14.99)

American novelist Laird Hunts latest novel asks a question that feels horribly pertinent in these turbulent times: what draws people to watch catastrophic violence inflicted against others?

Inspired by the 1930 Indiana lynchings that gave rise to Billie Holidays civil rights classic Strange Fruit, it follows two women on the day the lynchings are to take place.

Ottie Lee, an unhappily married white woman, cant wait to see them; Calla Destry, a black woman, gets caught up in the mob as she tries to find the white father of her unborn child.

Hunt stealthily builds up the strange atmospheric pressure surrounding the lynchings (which are never depicted): as Ottie travels to the spectacle with her husband and lover, the mood is delirious, almost carnivalesque.

Laird has been criticised for replacing the words white and black in this novel with cornsilk and cornflower, but I think this adds to the nightmarish luminosity of this dream-like horror story, forcing the reader to see an ugly old truth anew.
THE BUGHOUSE: THE POETRY, POLITICS AND MADNESS OF EZRA POUND

by Daniel Swift (Harvill Secker 25)

Ezra Pound was the most difficult man of the 20th century, writes Daniel Swift in his prologue  a claim that at first sight may seem completely over the top.

Yet the more you read of this startling book, the less ridiculous it sounds.

The Bughouse was Ezra Pounds nickname for St Elizabeths mental hospital where, from December 1945, he spent nearly 13 years

These days, I would guess, Pound is just a name for most people. Certainly, there cant be many whose idea of a good night in is a cup of cocoa and a quiet read of his punishingly demanding poetry.

But in the first part of the last century, he was a dominant figure in world literature who proved hugely influential on the all-conquering literary movement known as Modernism.

He helped T. S. Eliot with the writing of The Waste Land (generally considered the greatest Modernist poem) and James Joyce with the publishing of Ulysses (generally considered the greatest Modernist novel). Even Ernest Hemingway might never have developed his famous tough-guy prose style if Pound hadnt advised him to cut down on his adjectives.

Swifts book, though, joins the man in far less triumphant times. The Bughouse was Pounds nickname for St Elizabeths mental hospital where, from December 1945, he spent nearly 13 years. And plenty of people think he was lucky to do that.

Pound was living in fascist Italy when World War II started and happily stayed there once it had.

By the time it ended, hed made around 200 radio broadcasts praising Mussolini, denouncing the Allies and attacking the Jews. Understandably charged with treason, he was arrested by the victorious American troops. When he was sent back to Washington, he faced the real possibility of being executed, like his British equivalent Lord Haw-Haw  until a plea of insanity saved him.

The Bughouse: The Poetry, Politics and Madness of Ezra Pound by Daniel Swift (Harvill Secker 25)

But was Pound ever actually insane? After all, theres something distinctly Catch-22 about the success of his lawyers plea. Essentially, the proof that he was too mad to stand trial for broadcasting virulent fascist propaganda is that no one sane would have broadcast virulent fascist propaganda.

Not only that, but the poems that had been so admired just a few years before now became further evidence of his lunacy. Why else, the lawyers argued, would they be so incomprehensible  so full of wildly obscure literary references and untranslated gobbets of Italian, Greek, German, Latin and Chinese?

There are two conflicting conspiracy theories about why Pound ended up in St Elizabeths. One is that he was cheating justice; the other, that the authorities saw him as a dangerous threat. Yet, as Swift points out, both theories rely on him being sane.

Either way, no one at the hospital appears to have made any attempts to cure or even treat him.

Nor did he seem a man eaten away by remorse. As well as continuing to write and publish extremely difficult poetry, in the mid-Fifties he began contributing scores of anonymous opinion pieces to Right-wing journals, comparing the Jewish-Communist plot to syphilis and regretting the fuss about Hitler.

And yet, almost every American poet worth their salt headed to St Elizabeths, bringing Pound fudge brownies and cookies.

In return, they received often valuable help with their work  and, not least, a good subject to write about.

(Swift is very funny on how The Tale of the Bughouse Visit became a genre of its own.) T. S. Eliot, by then a Nobel Prize winner, also came to reminisce with his old friend. Meanwhile, Pound even found room for an impressively tangled love life. Aged 66, he had an affair with a 33-year-old fan who had sent him a photo of herself in a bikini.

Faced with the anger of his wife and his long-standing mistress, he did give her up  but then moved on to a graduate student.

Pounds release from St Elizabeths, after much campaigning by the great cultural figures of the day, was largely regarded as a triumph of art over the establishment.

He had to publicly accept the legal verdict that his madness was permanent and incurable  and, more humiliatingly still, that all his poetry and political opinions were the result of insanity.

Swift does a fine job of allowing Pounds many contradictions to stay in place and reminds us, too, that 45 years after his death, there are plenty of contradictions left in the people who admire him.
North County Primary has received the Professional Learning Community Exemplary School Award.

North County Primary Principal Chad Lynn said their leadership team went to the Powerful Learning Conference at Tan Tar A earlier this year to receive the award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven.

North County Primary received the award for our deep implementation of the Professional Learning Community process and our student achievement data, explained Lynn. Our leadership team was honored to be able to present at a break out session for PLC Exemplary Schools at the Powerful Learning Conference.

According to details about the program, PLC is an ongoing process in which educators work collaboratively in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they serve. PLCs operate under the assumption that the key to improved learning for students is continuous job-embedded learning for educators.

Lynn said teachers at North County Primary collaborate across teams, grade levels, and subject areas through data collection and analysis to provide the additional support students need to succeed.

Our culture has changed the last three years as we have become more focused on data analysis and sharing research based instructional strategies to help students gain proficiency on curriculum standards, said Lynn. NC Primary's culture is based on continual reflection and data analysis to help us grow as educators so that we can provide the most effective instruction for our students.

Lynn said when he started at the primary three years ago they began working toward their goal and worked hard over those years implementing the Professional Learning Community process.

Last year a representative spoke to us about the recognition, based on meetings they attended and feedback they were given from teachers in the building, said Lynn. Thats when we were told we were eligible for this recognition, because of us implementing the process and the student achievements.

Lynn added they were the first school in the district to receive the award and it is all about their teachers working together, looking at student data and sharing best practices to help the students achieve.

When we give them an assessment, whichever one it is, we want to look to see how the students did, then we basically develop a plan on how we want to help those students continually learn, said Lynn. We dont just look at students who are below grade level, we will also look at students above grade level to see how we can enrich their learning.

Lynn said receiving this award means what they are doing is helping students.

It is a big deal and I am proud of our teachers, said Lynn. As we have gone through this journey, we have continued to grow as educators and we have had a real opportunity to work together to help the kids.

Lynn said its not only to learn more about themselves, its also so they can be the most effective educators possible. Lynn feels the most important thing about the award is its nice for his teachers to be recognized, because they put a lot of effort into their students and they work really hard.

They spend a lot of time looking at the data to help develop a plan so these students can be on grade level or above grade level, said Lynn. I think the thing that is most important to me is that we have a group pf people who are working together to support our students. Its our teachers, administration, its our parents, and it is even our custodians, staff member and our paraprofessionals."

Lynn stressed they all work together to help these students, whether its academically or behaviorally.

North County Associate Superintendent Chadd Starkey said the other school buildings in the district are also working on this award.

The whole school district is involved with PLC and they are at various stages of the implementation, said Starkey. They all started in different years and are in different stages in the program.

The entire district should have PLC status in the next few years.
Foxes Unearthed by Lucy Jones (Elliott & Thompson 9.99)

FOXES UNEARTHED

by Lucy Jones (Elliott & Thompson 9.99)

No other creature in Britain has provoked or inspired more column inches, literary characters, pop culture symbols, parliamentary hours, lyrics, album covers, cartoons, nicknames, pub names, cushion covers, Facebook fights, demonstrations, words and sheer cortisol than the fox, writes Lucy Jones.

You are as likely to see one mooching along an urban pavement as whisking along a field  the fox population of London is estimated to be around 10,000  and they have haunted the human imagination for millennia, immortalised in Greek legend, in the constellation Canis minor and in the satirical Twitter account, Gus the Fox.

And Joness own affection for them is evident on every page.

Byron's Women by Alexander Larman (Head of Zeus 9.99)

BYRON'S WOMEN

by Alexander Larman (Head of Zeus 9.99)

Lady Caroline Lamb, with whom Lord Byron had a destructive love affair, said he was mad, bad and dangerous to know.

It is an opinion with which many of the women in the poets life would have agreed, particularly his long-suffering mother, Catherine, his abused wife, Annabella, his abandoned mistress Claire Clairmont (who was Shelleys sister-in-law) and his own half- sister, Augusta, who was probably the love of Byrons life and whose daughter, Elizabeth, may well have been his child.

Dashing, scandalous and irresistibly attractive, Byron would have been shocked to find himself not the main subject of Larmans narrative, but relegated to a supporting role in the remarkable stories of the significant women in his life.

The Aliens are Coming! by Ben Miller (Sphere 8.99)

THE ALIENS ARE COMING

by Ben Miller (Sphere 8.99)

Is there any question more fascinating than whether or not we are alone in the universe?

Is it really possible that Earth is the only habitable planet and that we are the only intelligent species?

And if there is intelligent life out there, might we be able to communicate with it? The comedian and actor Ben Miller is unexpectedly well qualified to explore the questions that he raises on extra-terrestrial life.

He studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University and began a PhD in solid state physics, before abandoning it to make a career telling jokes.

His two interests combine to entertaining effect in this voyage of discovery around the universe.

As he points out, Nasas recent Kepler mission has discovered that planets like ours are common throughout the galaxy, so our first encounter with alien life is rapidly approaching.
While Wednesdays are usually a night of events, free drinks and deals at the Cyber Hub, this Wednesday was the gloomiest Gurugram's beloved party hub has ever seen.

With the law playing party pooper, Ankita, who works in an advertising firm near Cyber Hub said: 'I usually come here post work for a drink or for one of the ladies' night with some of my colleagues. But, this week, I think I'll have to resort to house parties.'

Regulars also claim that the whole vibe of the place has changed.

Gurugram's Cyber Hub is a shadow of its former self following the alcohol ban

'It doesn't feel like I'm at Cyber Hub at all. It's kind of sad to see places like Beer Cafe and Wine Company being forced to sell mocktails and food, contrary to what their brand name suggests,' said Samir, who works at KPMG in Gurgaon.

For those who own restaurants in Gurgaon, it's more of a waiting game, which is how most of them spent their Wednesday - waiting for the excise officials to turn up and start with the measurements.

Brewmaster Ishan Grover said: 'Nothing has happened as of yet. Excise is supposed to come in and do the measurements today, so, we've been waiting for them at the restaurant all day.'

Hotel and restaurant employees protest after the ban was announced at short notice

While pubs and bars are reeling under multi-crore investments for set-up, the excise department has identified 65 bars in west Gurugram and 50 in east Gurugram located within a 500m distance of state and national highways.

Deputy excise and taxation commissioner SC Dahiya said that the bars and restaurants coming under the restricted zones have started submitting affidavits with the department.

'We are waiting for some more affidavits of this kind followed by verification by excise department.

The Supreme Court orders banning liquor shops on highways to curb drunken driving may be for good but the states are hell bent to help the evil

'If the bars are beyond 500 metres, they will get a No Objection Certificate from the department while those within the distance will be shut forever,' Dahiya said.

Riyaaz Amlani, president, National Restaurant Association of India, said: 'Measurements were scheduled to start on Wednesday, and should be done by the end of the week, hopefully in time to be able to serve alcohol this weekend.

'We are asking the government to intervene because it's not the fault of the restaurant association. The government will be responsible for loss of jobs and so on.'

The exclusion of Cyber Hub from the ban on alcohol sale within 500m from the highway stems from the fact that the route to the place has been tweaked just a tad, which ensures that it crosses the 500m mark by about a kilometre and a half.

While there isn't much clarity on whether the 500m mentioned in the order refers to the driving distance or as the crow flies.

Restaurateurs in Cyber Hub seem confident that it's the driving distance that counts, which is why the tweak will help.

Another restaurant owner pointed out: 'The entry is the same, it's the route that's been tweaked a little.

'Earlier, you had to take a left after Shankar Chowk, then the underpass by switching lanes, but now there's a dedicated lane to Cyber Hub.

'You can't enter Cyber Hub from the parking area on the side anymore.

'This will save Cyber Hub, though with the time the excise is taking to complete the measurements, party-goers will have to wait for a week at least, before this issue gets resolved.'
In a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of civic polls, the Shunglu Committee, formed by former Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, has highlighted a number of alleged 'gross abuses of power' by the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi.

The 101-page report has flagged a number of decisions made by the AAP government, including the appointment of minister Satyendra Jain's daughter as 'mission director' of Delhi State Health Mission and a number of purported AAP functionaries as 'advisors'.

The panel has also rapped the government for the 'illegal' allotment of land for its party office in the Capital and observes that all key decisions were taken by bypassing the LG.

Shunglu Committee, formed by former Lt Governor Najeeb Jung (right), has pointed out 'gross abuse of power' by the Arvind Kejriwal (left) government in its report

Cornering AAP, both the BJP and Congress demanded resignation of chief minister and an investigation into the irregularities by a central agency.

However, the AAP maintained that there was no irregularity at their end and also questioned the timing of report being made public just ahead of the MCD election.

The panel, headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General VK Shunglu, scanned 404 files which were approved by AAP government after coming to power in February 2015.

The report observes that in all the violations AAP government failed to seek permission of Lt Governor's office and did not sent the files for his approval.

The Shunglu panel, in its report, said the Delhi government took over 150 decisions by circumventing fundamental provisions of rules.

The panel said there were significant number of files where the Cabinet note was prepared in ministers' personal section and signed by the minister concerned without the matter being taken up for consultation or circulation.

Among other issues, the report raised questions on the government posting officers to the Anti-Corruption Branch, its decisions on transfer and appointments of officers, foreign travel undertaken by ministers without the LG's sanction and appointment of lawyers.

The Shunglu Committee was set up by Najeeb Jung in August last year after the Delhi high court gave primacy to the Lt Governor in Delhi's administrative affairs.

The AAP government and LG's office were at loggerheads over administrative powers. The report was submitted in November 2016, weeks before Jung quit.

At the time when the committee was set-up AAP termed it illegal and claims that report being made public just before the MCD polls clearly indicates that this issue is politically motivated.

The AAP said the BJP and the Congress were raking up the report to divert attention from what it called was the detection of fraud in EVM machines.

Avoiding any direct references to the report, Kejriwal said before every election things related to him including his sweaters and chappals are scrutinised, while BJP is given a free run.

Congress leader Ajay Maken demanded the resignation of Kejriwal over the report and an SC monitored CBI probe.

Maken  who claimed he got the report through an RTI  accused the AAP government of corruption and nepotism and said Congress workers would on Friday protest against AAP in all 272 wards.
BJP veteran LK Advani has denied his role in a criminal conspiracy to raze the Babri Masjid in 1992. He further argued before the Supreme Court that the revival of the charge would deprive him of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

The submission came after the CBI, as reported first by Mail Today, claimed that Advani and a dozen other BJP and RSS leaders were part of a larger plot to demolish the 16th century mosque and sought the revival of conspiracy charges dropped by the trial court.

The Allahabad High Court confirmed the lower court's order in 2010.

BJP leader LK Advani denies the allegations and said that the revival of the charge deprives him of his constitutional rights

After the Babri Masjid's destruction, communal riots swept parts of India, killing thousands of people in response to the destruction of the mosque by right-wing activists in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya city.

According to Hindu campaigners, Lord Ram, one of the faith's most revered deities, was born on the site, and an 11th century temple stood there until it was destroyed by troops loyal to Babur, the Muslim conqueror and India's first Mughal emperor.

'Is it a case that I conspired with one lakh kar sevaks? CBI cannot prove the criminal conspiracy charges.

'Way back in 2001 the Allahabad High Court had said if the CBI had any evidence of conspiracy, it could always file a supplementary charge sheet before the special court at Raebareli,' senior advocate KK Venugopal, assisted by lawyer Merusagar Samantray, who represented Advani, argued before a bench of justices PC Ghose and Rohinton Nariman.

Top - Murli Manohar Joshi. Middle - Kalyan Singh. Bottom - Uma Bharti.

In written submissions, Advani also said a Lucknow court had charged him with conspiracy without any jurisdiction and following proper procedure and therefore it would 'deprive me the fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution'.

The case against the leaders had been quashed as the Lucknow court had not been set up with the concurrence of the high court.

Earlier, additional solicitor general NK Kaul who appeared for the CBI submitted that conspiracy charges needed to be restored against Advani and 19 other leaders of the BJP and RSS.

Other important names on the list are Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Kalyan Singh and Vinay Katiyar.

'The impugned order of the Allahabad High Court upholding the lower court order dropping the charge of conspiracy ought to be set aside,' Kaul argued.

'In any case, 120B IPC (conspiracy) should go on and they have to be tried somewhere.'

After hearing the day-long arguments, the bench reserved its verdict, strongly hinting that it may order restoration of conspiracy charges against the leaders and order day-to-day hearings in the case which has now been on hold for over 24 years.

The SC may also order that the trial be completed within two years.

The bench indicated that it will use its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to transfer the trial in Raebareli against top BJP leaders to Lucknow, where a CBI court is hearing conspiracy and other serious criminal charges against 'lakhs of unknown kar sevaks' for the actual act of razing the mosque.

The CBI on May 21, 2010 during the UPA government challenged the order of the HC dropping the conspiracy charges.

'Something very peculiar is going on in this case.

'See people cannot be discharged like this on technical grounds. Why don't you file a supplementary charge sheet? We prima facie do not approve of the way these people have been discharged,' the Supreme Court bench told the CBI on March 6.

Two separate criminal cases in the Babri demolition incident were being heard by courts in Raebareli and Lucknow. The CBI, however, filed a combined charge sheet.

L.K. Advani addresses a rally on the day of demolition in 1992

The Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute In 1992 a large 'group' of Hindus demolished the 16th century Babri Mosque in the UP city of Ayodhya after a political rally at the site turned violent. The city is believed to be the birthplace of the Hindu god Rama and the mosque is believed to be built on Ram Janmabhoomi, the actual birthplace of the deity. On December 6 1992 the VHP and BJP organised a rally at the mosque and the 150,000-strong crowd overwhelmed security forces before tearing down the mosque. This came in a climate of inter-communal rioting between Hindus and Muslims that left at least 2,000 dead. A subsequent inquiry found that 68 people were responsible for the demolition, including leaders of the two political parties. The current Ayodhya dispute is a political and socio-religious debate in India concerning which religious group ought to possess the land. A 2010 landmark decision split the 2.77 hectare site equally between three parties - one Hindu, one Muslim, and one organisation trusted with maintaining the site. Advertisement

The Babri Masjid mosque was destroyed in 1992 by militant Hindu nationalist groups. The incident triggered riots all over India leading to over 2,000 deaths.

The SC also heard a separate petition filed in 2015 by one Haji Mehboob Ahmad, which claims that with the BJP government and a 'participant' Rajnath Singh as home minister, the probe agency  the original petitioner against dropping of criminal conspiracy charges  may not press for their restoration.

'One accused of the said criminal trial, Rajnath Singh, is a cabinet minister and the leader against whom there is a charge of serious omission.

One other accused (Kalyan Singh) is governor of a state. Although CBI is technically under the office of Prime Minister, but for all practical purposes, the home minister is also an important authority,'Mehboob's appeal states.
Paul Polman has a reputation for embracing grand global causes when a bit more attention to the nitty-gritty of Unilever might have been useful.

Anglo-Saxon capitalism in the shape of Kraft Heinz has done what it is meant to do in the case of perceived underperformance and lit a fuse under the Dove soap to Ben & Jerry's group.

A wide-ranging strategy review finished in record time ought to silence critics and keep predators at bay.

It would have been a huge mistake for investors in the Anglo-Dutch group to have succumbed to cash blandishments and ignored the value of Unilever as a global brand leader with a long UK heritage and a R&D and marketing powerhouse.

Blinkered: Paul Polman has a reputation for embracing grand global causes when a bit more attention to the nitty-gritty of Unilever might have been useful

Rather than doing the splits as some analysts advocated, Unilever will rid itself of its low-growth Flora, butter and spreads brands.

With a turnover of 2.6billion, the spreads could be the subject of a trade sale, a private equity buyout or even an initial public offering.

There is also a recognition that performance needs to be sharpened and chief executive Polman is targeting a 20 per cent margin by 2020, up from 16.4 per cent. Such numerical targets are a hostage to fortune but they can be helpful in driving executives harder.

The promise is being made that along the way any savings will be reinvested in the enterprise, to keep momentum going.

It will also be operating using a less conservative balance sheet, appropriately making the most out of leverage.

Shareholders, having remained stout in the face of a Brazilian and Warren Buffett-backed classroom bully, are being rewarded with a lift in the dividend and a handsome 4.3billion share buyback.

On the expansion front, Unilever plans to add to its brand portfolio when the opportunities arise and Reckitt Benckiser's hot sauces might be tempting.

Unilever stock has had a good run so the rise in latest trading was modest. Significantly, Polman has created a model for corporate defiance in the face of overseas buccaneers and established the need for a public interest test.

Pay Gulf

No one can accuse BP of ignoring last year's shareholder protest against Bob Dudley's fat cat pay.

Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg and the pay panel have done a good job in guiding down Dudley's remuneration, cut by 40 per cent this year.

One suspects as Deepwater Horizon and 55billion of penalties and compensation fade into the background there will be a sharp lift in performance and Dudley and executive pay will creep up again.

As an American, Dudley tends to see his cohorts as being on the other side of the Atlantic. Having steered clear of Obama's America, BP is back in the US, drilling in the Gulf of Mexico with Chevron.

Dudley's pay package of 9.3million still exceeds that of Ben van Beurden of Shell and the Total boss. Van Beurden may have to wait for the BG acquisition to pay its way before enjoying a bonanza.

The quantum difference between pay in the boardrooms and that on the shop floor remains obscene.

But there are signs that pay committees are no longer sticking their finger in the air and using formulaic performance criteria to drive pay ever higher.

Serial offenders, including Reckitt Benckiser and GlaxoSmithKline, have recognised the need to roll back generous packages.

Much of what is being done looks like window dressing and more permanent reforms to calm excess are needed.

Some fund managers believe the answer is higher basic salaries and long-term share awards which do not vest for five or seven years. The case against that is that if the wrong person is given the job costs of dismissal become too high.

That is a lame excuse for doing nothing.

Zuma risk

The steady shift of smart money out of South Africa continues apace.

When Barclays boss Jes Staley signalled a historic departure from the region it looked like a betrayal.

Dismissal of trusted finance minister Pravin Gordhan and the build-up of corruption charges against President Jacob Zuma suggest that the sooner the British bank divests its remaining 50 per cent stake the safer investors will be.

Foreign investors in South Africa hold debt shares equivalent to 68 per cent of total output, or GDP. A run on the rand and foreign investment could trigger political change.

But history suggests even freely elected African leaders are not easily shifted.
Cause for alarm? Unilever boss Paul Polman

Unilever boss Paul Polman hosted a conference call with journalists yesterday to outline plans to sell parts of his firm's food division.

It was interrupted by a piercing siren, which could be heard echoing around the firm's Surrey HQ. He said: 'It's just a fire alarm.

No need to panic.' Will he be saying the same to jittery employees?

Co-op Bank is now officially worthless, a sorry predicament it blames on its disastrous 2009 merger with Britannia Building Society.

Investors point an accusatory finger at Neville Richardson, 58, the ex-Britannia boss who sold the lender, complete with ruinous loan book, while taking over the Co-op.

He swanned off two years later clutching a whopping 4.6million, so perhaps this disastrous episode's not all sad news.

Bank of England rate setter, beanpole Belgian economist Gertjan Vlieghe, 45, pompously compares central bankers to doctors in that 'doctors influence your health, and central banks influence economic outturns'.

Not like weather forecasters, he says, 'who can only tell you that chance of rain is high or low, not when it is actually going to rain'  a dig at colleague Andy Haldane, who unfavourably compared economists to hapless weatherman Michael Fish.

A sensitive bunch, central bankers.

While her team were getting thrashed at Arsenal, glossy West Ham chief executive Karren Brady (Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge don'tcha know?) grandly tweeted a picture of the puddings she was enjoying in her corporate box.

A trifle tactless? An angry fan responds: 'Having your cake and eating it too, while we're getting our just desserts on the pitch.' Bravo!

Refined Financial Times editor  and Kevin Spacey lookalike  Lionel Barber is crowing after landing an interview with President Trump.

He writes: 'The president decided to talk to the FT because it offered his administration a medium through which to speak to an influential global audience.'

Clearly no one warned The Donald's people that the FT sells fewer copies here than the Dundee Courier.
Troubled builder Bovis Homes has rejected a 1.1bn takeover bid from rival Galliford Try  and made its former boss the new chief executive.

Bovis, rocked by complaints from furious customers over shoddy workmanship, said the offer from rival Galliford failed to reflect the underlying value of the business.

It also announced that its suitors former boss Greg Fitzgerald, a highly respected industry veteran who spent 33 years at Galliford, will be chief executive from April 18.

Building for the future: Analysts are delighted and the shares rose 5.4 per cent, or 45.5p, to 892p

Analysts are delighted and the shares rose 5.4 per cent, or 45.5p, to 892p.

Former Bovis boss David Ritchie quit in January following a profits warning and a barrage of complaints from customers.

Bovis has faced stinging criticism for offering families thousands of pounds to move into unfinished homes in a desperate bid to hit sales targets.

It has also set aside 7m to deal with complaints over shoddy workmanship. The company was last month named as the worst housebuilder in Britain as its rating as a builder was cut from three stars to two stars  the lowest ranking of the 34 firms in the industry survey.

The crisis left Bovis vulnerable to predators, but it has now fought off approaches from Galliford and Redrow.

The appointment of Fitzgerald was seen as a major coup with the 52-year-old known for his ability to correctly call peaks and troughs in the housing market.

Fitzgerald, who set up two housebuilders that Galliford bought before eventually taking the helm at the enlarged group, retired last year. He will be paid an annual salary of 650,000 although his package could total 3.3m. Bovis has a great brand, excellent people and a high-quality land bank, he said.

George Salmon, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said that the announcement had ended any lingering doubts about its future as an independent business.

And Charlie Campbell at Liberum upgraded his rating on the stock to buy and said that Fitzgeralds appointment is genuinely a game-changer.
Mining giant Rio Tinto is battling Australian authorities over a tax bill.

The company will challenge the tax commissioners demand for 271m in back taxes but pay 50 per cent of the bill this month.

Taxing times: The company will challenge the tax commissioners demand for 271m in back taxes but pay 50 per cent of the bill this month

The commissioner of taxation issued amended income tax assessments to the company for 2010 to 2013 and said the dispute was due to pricing of transactions between Rio Tinto entities in Australia and its centre in Singapore.

The company said it would also seek double taxation relief, claiming assessments would result in double taxation.
The US giant planning a swoop on Dulux owner Akzo Nobel claims to have rallied the support of almost every one of the firms biggest 20 shareholders

PPG wants to clinch a 19.4bn bid for Akzo, prompting fresh fears over worker pensions and thousands of UK jobs.

Michael McGarry, boss of Pittsburgh-based PPG, said it had been in contact with nearly all Akzos top-20 investors, who were virtually unanimous in backing the two parties getting together.

He said shareholders were absolutely dismayed to be prioritised last and dismissed concerns about potential overlap, saying a number prospective buyers had expressed interest in acquiring the European assets it would have to give up under EU completion laws.

But Ton Buchner, chief executive of Dutch multinational Akzo, said the takeover would put thousands of jobs at risk. He said: We are significantly invested in the UK. We have 3,300 people working here. Were supporting, through the pension funds in excess of 60,000.

Weve invested more than 100m in the country in the North East; weve recently announced further investment in the research and development and that can certainly be threatened.

Akzo Nobel bought the paints and coatings division of ICI, the former UK industrial chemicals firm, for 8bn in 2008 and has staff in the North East, Glasgow, Suffolk, the Midlands and at its Slough base.

Questions have been raised over the future of workers pensions after Akzo took on ICIs pension, which has 53,828 members. Akzo is also responsible for around 25,000 members under its Courtaulds pension scheme. Last month it dismissed a 19.4bn bid from PPG last month and 18.1bn bid a few weeks prior, claiming it undervalued its business.

But yesterday McGarry said all options were open, including a hostile takeover.

His comments come amid claims that activist investor Elliott Advisors has been sounding out shareholders to get them to sell the paint-maker to the Americans. The firm, vocal in its criticism of the way the takeover bid was handled, has been leading calls for Akzo to hold discussions with the US rival.

Under Dutch law, a shareholder or a collection of shareholders, with a combined stake of more than 10 per cent can call an extraordinary general meeting where investors can vote to remove managers if more than half the issued capital approve.

If less than half the issued capital is present, then a two-thirds majority vote can suffice.

Elliott is not a leading investor as it represents just over 3 per cent of Akzo Nobel, so would need shareholder support for a meeting.

But it has hinted it could press for a meeting if its concerns are not taken into account.

A number of senior shareholders have also called on Akzo to engage. Causeway Capital, Akzos largest shareholder, said it believed combining the two firms would improve prospects for shareholders and staff.

Shareholders Columbia Threadneedle and VEB also called for discussions, with VEB suggesting Akzo reconsider the 19bn deal.

Buchner has so far resisted calls to engage with PPG, despite shareholders threatening to have him removed.
As many as 3,000 jobs could be at risk as Tesco embarks on its latest mission to cut costs by slashing the number of hours its stores are open.

The retail giant is shifting overnight shelf-stacking to daytime in 69 stores and ending round-the-clock opening in eight stores.

All change: The retail giant is shifting overnight shelf-stacking to daytime in 69 stores and ending round-the-clock opening in eight stores

Tesco says the moves will allow more staff to help shoppers during the day but it is likely to lead to some redundancies.

But 3,000 people  many who would be paid a premium for working overnight  will be affected. And those who do not want to take daytime roles could lose their jobs.

In February, Tesco said it was axing 1,700 deputy manager roles while creating 3,300 shift leader roles. This followed 1,000 job cuts announced in January.
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Early last month Ton Buchner, the super-fit, dog-loving chief executive of the Dutch chemical group that owns Dulux was asked if he'd fancy a coffee with the boss of a rival firm from the US.

The old business acquaintance was Mike McGarry, chairman of the US industrial group Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG).

As is courtesy among the chiefs of giant firms, Buchner  who runs paint group Akzo Nobel  accepted.

They agreed to meet at the Hilton Hotel at the vast Schiphol airport outside Amsterdam on March 2.

Cool head: Akzo Nobel boss Ton Buchner last month rejected a 19.4bn offer to buy out the firm which owns two great British corporate enterprises - Courtaulds and ICI

The pair shook hands then McGarry, in the manner of a TV lawyer delivering a writ, produced a sealed white envelope.

Buchner opened it in silence. Inside was a 19.4billion offer to buy out the firm.

Stunned, he promised only to 'diligently look through the proposal and do the homework'.

But no sooner had the hand-delivered bombshell hit its target, and before the board could get to grips with the weighty issues, the New York rumour mill started bubbling.

Seven days after getting the bid, Buchner had to go public. He revealed he'd received 'an unsolicited, uninitiated, unentertained offer which Akzo was firmly rejecting'. But, to unlock value, he would sell off Akzo's speciality chemicals division.

Buchner has been in London this week, to rally support from shareholders. A remarkable 40 per cent of the Dutch-listed company's register are based in the UK, a legacy of its own opportunistic takeovers of two great British corporate enterprises, Courtaulds and ICI.

Factfile: Ton Buchner Job: Chairman and CEO of Akzo Nobel, earning 3million a year. Education: MSc in civil engineering from TU Delft; MBA from IMD in Lausanne. Family: Married to Manuela, a Swiss fitness trainer. They have a huge Alaskan Malamute dog which 'needs ten kilometres of running a day to get rid of energy'. Previous job: CEO of Swiss-quoted Sulzer mechanical engineering firm. Worst moment: In 2012, took leave of absence from Akzo after being diagnosed with fatigue, just months after taking the hot seat. Management style: Frequently seen in the staff canteen mixing with employees. Hobbies: Playing the saxophone with friends. At weekends goes on long runs with his spouse and the dog. Also snowboarding in the Swiss Alps. Reading: Sapiens by Israeli author Yuval Noah Harari. Saves the fiction for holidays. Likes: Sci-fi movies. Current favourite is 'Ghost in the Shell'.

He's involved in a war. PPG has this week boasted of having almost all of Akzo's top 20 investors on its side.

Activist shareholders, including the aggressive American fund Elliott Advisors, are trying to force him to engage with the American predator. So far, Buchner has refused. 'There is no reason for you to go and engage with an offer if it's unacceptable,' he says.

Buchner insists the US group and restless investors must wait until April 19 when his company will unveil new strategic plans.

Taking a leaf out of the book of fellow Dutchman Paul Polman, chief executive of Unilever, he is not prepared to take a hostile bid, based on price, as a reason to sell Akzo's corporate soul.

In contrast to many British firms, who are only too happy to bite the hand of buyers without consideration of broader stakeholder and public interest, the 51-year-old is adamant that other factors including the well-being of the company's 80,000 UK pensioners must be part of the package.

Indeed, at times he appears more enthusiastic about the UK brands and Britain's research and development culture than many FTSE quoted firms. 'We have a large decorative paint R&D centre in Slough.

We have the global coatings R&D at Felling outside Gateshead. And there we also do our cryogenic fire protections for buildings and platforms,' he says.

In a comment which ought to be embraced in Whitehall as it seeks to get behind a new industrial strategy, Buchner says: 'the UK is the supplier of new technologies to the rest of the world.'

It takes a Swiss-educated engineer to make the case for the UK, inside or outside of Europe, which evaded the employers' group, the CBI, and many of our politicians during the raging Brexit debate.

Ownership of ICI's world-beating Dulux paint brand may have switched to the Netherlands after the 2007 takeover but the British brand is still a critical part of Akzo's make-up.

'We are the proud custodians of the super-brand Dulux that everybody in the UK knows,' Buchner pronounces.

'It is a fantastic brand especially when it comes to the shipping and protective coatings industry.'

It has become the battering ram for an assault on the Pacific with Dulux sales soaring in China and fast-growing Asian economies.

UK asset: Ownership of ICI's world-beating Dulux paint brand may have switched to the Netherlands after the 2007 takeover

Far from betraying Dulux's British roots the Dutch firm has just invested 100m in a new factory, still employs 3,300 people and has used Dulux to open doors to markets around the world.

In much the same way as Kraft Heinz hoped to use Unilever as its cutting edge in growth markets, so PPG seeks to use Dulux in the same way but without any guarantees of jobs, R&D or pensions in Britain.

In his bullish defence of Akzo to the Daily Mail, the Dutch CEO is fully aware of our commitment to British ownership and a public interest test for takeovers.

The difference is that under Dutch law boards are required to assess how a bid might affect the broader range of stakeholders from those involved in R&D to pensioners and the supply chain.

Buchner insists that as an Anglo-Dutch company 'there is a special culture that we carry along and it is where we have invested and where we have our global knowledge'.

In particular the company has been focused on 'sustainability' R&D, aimed at making its products ever more energy efficient. For example, devising coatings developed in the UK that can reduce resistance on ships and hygienic paints that resist bacteria in hospitals.

For the 80,000 or so Brits in Akzo's inherited pension funds, keeping stable ownership is hugely important. It has made a real commitment with the trustees to de-risking the UK funds.

And it has committed 256million a year, more than 10 per cent of the free cash flow of 1.9billion, to keeping the funds topped up. That cannot be said of some foreign owners, such as Tata Steel, which sought ways to dilute obligations to the old British Steel workforce.

Since PPG unfurled its offer Buchner insists that he has reached out to investors a 'tremendous amount'.

He says: 'They have appreciated the decision to separate out speciality chemicals and there is a general view that the PPG offer undervalues the business.'

As for Brexit, it makes no difference to the Dutch group. 'The building of the Dulux brands will continue. We are totally committed to the UK.

'Our preferred option would have been for the UK to stay. But we totally respect the decision of the British people.

'We don't think there will be an enormous impact,' is the encouraging verdict of an Continental firm which is among the nation's export leaders.
It was an unconventional rescue mission: A young assistant geography teacher and a grad student were dispatched to save a set of fire insurance atlases from the trash. Getting to them would involve borrowing the university truck, driving 13 hours in a day -from Los Angeles to San Francisco and back again. Memories of exactly when it happened (aside from a spring sometime in the early 1970s) and how many maps they saved are fuzzy, the atlases are anything but.

Each of the rescued maps document the minute details that made up individual buildings and cities across the United States, particularly the Western US, from the 1880s to the 1960s, down to the thickness of the walls and the number of sprinkler heads in each building.

That amount of detail on a map is rare today, but at the Sanborn Map Company, which made and updated hard cover atlases from the 1860s all the way to 2008, those details were the norm. They leased their maps out to fire insurance companies who needed precise details about buildings to assess fire risks and decide rates without having to send out an insurance agent to every location.

But by the 1970s those atlases became less popular as insurance companies changed the way they assessed risks. So when the Sanborn Company, which still makes maps today  though with fewer minuscule details  was moving out of their San Francisco office, they decided to get rid of the historic atlases in that office. And thats when young Professor Elliot McIntire, now 76, picked them up and brought them back to the Geography Department at California State University, Northridge, just outside Los Angeles.

The Geography Department head, Robert Lamb, had sent McIntire to do a service to the department, McIntire remembered, laughing.

He got a hold of me and said, Can you go up and pick these up and we need to do it right now because theyre going to dump them. So we got a university truck, drove up to San Francisco and loaded it up, McIntire told DailyMail.com.

I remember it was kind of a hectic day I think we may have been worried about rain. So we were kind of in a hurry to get them under cover.

McIntire doesnt remember how many atlases they rescued, but he does remember they were heavy. At about 24 inches by 26 inches, an atlas could weigh up to 40 lbs.

If those atlases had been trashed, then all of that information would have just been lost,' he said. 'So, from that standpoint, it was a good thing. Im glad I did it. And Im glad the department has that collection.
A pet greyhound who disappeared from a home in Sydney's west has been found and returned to her owner nine years later.

The Italian greyhound Daisy was found in a fragile state last Thursday morning, 30km away from where she disappeared in 2008.

Two men found Daisy when she walked into a warehouse in Rooty Hill before taking her down the road in a cardboard box to Woodstock Animal Hospital.

Workers at the animal hospital scanned Daisy's microchip and located her owner, Katherine Bradey.

Pet greyhound Daisy, who disappeared from a home in Sydney's west in 2008, was found and returned to owner Katherine Bradey nine years later

Daisy sits on her pink blanket before going missing nine years ago. Mrs Bradey told Daily Mail Australia she never gave up on seeing her pet again, and still has her pink blanket

Mrs Bradey told Daily Mail Australia she never gave up on seeing Daisy again after nine years apart.

'I held onto her pink blanket all these years, so I at least subconsciously thought that she was still out there,' she said.

'I never lost that emotional connection with her. She's just so special.'

Mrs Bradey said Daisy escaped by squeezing through a small gap in the gate of a Croydon home during an unpredictable thunderstorm.

'She's a skinny dog but we didn't know she would be able to squeeze through the tiny gap,' she said.

'We scoured area, put posters up and did all those things people with lost dogs do.'

Now 15 years old, Daisy was immediately taken back home by Mrs Bradey who said she never considered leaving her for adoption.

'She is a miracle baby. There was no option other than keeping her,' she said.

Mrs Bradey said Daisy escaped by squeezing through a small gap in the gate of a Croydon home during an unpredictable thunderstorm

'Daisy represents a really happy stage in my life where I met my husband-to-be, so it was a great time.'

An animal hospital worker said Daisy was stray at the time of being found and it was unclear if she had been taken in by an owner during the nine-year period.

Mrs Bradey had two children - Ethan, seven, and Porter, three - since she last saw Daisy.

Mrs Bradey said her youngest child Porter, had been desperate for a pet dog and knew about the story of Daisy.

'[Porter] had wanted a dog for a while and everyday he kept making me take him to see dogs in window.

'First thing in the morning, he always asks "where's Daisy?"'

Daisy's owner said her family is interested in finding out where she has been for the past nine years.

'We'd love to hear [where she's been]. I'm sure she was looked after well.'
Three Siberian tiger cubs destined for a zoo in war-torn Syria have been rescued after being trapped in an unmarked, maggot-infested crate for a week.

The tigers, which were being transported from Ukraine, arrived at Beirut airport in Lebanon inside a tiny crate, where they could not stand or move and were forced to urinate and defecate on each other.

Activists were alerted to the shipment ultimately bound for Samer al-Husainawi Zoo in Damascus before it landed in Beirut and petitioned a Lebanese judge to release the tigers into their care the following week.

Pictures capture the moment three Siberian tiger cubs destined for a zoo in war-torn Syria were rescued from an unmarked, maggot-infested crate where they had been kept locked up for a week

Activists were alerted to the shipment ultimately bound for Samer al-Husainawi Zoo in Damascus before it landed in Beirut and petitioned a Lebanese judge to release the tigers into their care the following week

The tigers, which were being transported from Ukraine, arrived at Beirut airport in Lebanon inside a tiny crate, where they could not stand or move and were forced to urinate and defecate on each other

Shocking pictures show the maggot-infested interior of the 0.6-cubic feet wooden crate after it was discovered by animal rights group Animals Lebanon on March 7.

The group's Executive Director Jason Mier said a judge gave the green light for the tigers to be released, citing concerns for their health and welfare.

'Once we finally got them out of the box, the box had dozens and dozens of maggots crawling around in it. There were maggots all over the back thighs of the animals and around their anus,' Mier said. The tigers also suffered from dehydration, according to the group.

The tigers were sent from the zoo in Mykolaev, Ukraine. Volodymyr Topchiy, that zoo's director, said the deal to send them abroad was entirely legal.

'They passed customs clearance, we have customs declarations,' he said, adding that the tiger cubs were exchanged for some wildcats.

Topchiy believes problems with paperwork and bureaucracy stopped their transfer to Syria. 'On the transportation boxes there were no 'up' or down' signs,' he said.

He said the three tiger cubs were in one box, not separate, and the zoo dealer was stopped because of these reasons. 'Authorities wanted to confiscate (the cubs),' he said.

Shocking pictures show the maggot-infested interior of the 0.6-cubic feet wooden crate after it was discovered by animal rights group Animals Lebanon on March 7

The Siberian tiger cubs were found crammed inside a tiny wooden crate without enough room to stand

Wildlife experts were called in to check on the welfare of the exhausted animals after they were released

Mier said the crate arrived with no markings and no documents, and did not meet IATA regulations nor those of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, despite the fact that the four-month-old Siberian tigers fall under that category.

This is not the first deal that the Mykolaev zoo has made with its Syrian counterpart, and Topchiy said he is considering sending more tiger cubs there.

Lebanon enacted an animal protection and welfare law in 2015, granting animals legal rights and allowing for the regulation and monitoring of all the industries and establishments that use or sell animals to ensure that the animals are not placed in abusive environments.

After being looked after for a month, the cubs are now much healthier. They are pictured at an enclosure in Aley, east of Beirut, Lebanon

In July, Lebanon issued a decree to stop the trafficking of big cats and forcing zoos to register formally

The country is also a signatory to a number of international conventions regarding animal welfare, such as CITES, the main legislation against wildlife trafficking.

In August 2015, the death of a privately owned lion cub as a result of severe malnourishment prompted the Agriculture Ministry to clamp down on the sale and ownership of big cats.

In July, the ministry issued a decree to stop the trafficking of big cats and forcing zoos to register formally.

One of the tigers is pictured at its new enclosure near Beirut after it was rescued from a squalid crate

The tigers tuck into a meal of minced meat as they continue to recover from their ordeal
Russian spycatchers are scrambling to figure out how long an accused double-agent was working for the CIA after a 'dramatic' discovery about his shady past.

Sergei Mikhailov faces treason changes in Moscow evidently linked to leaks giving US investigators the knowledge that Vladimir Putin's intelligence services hacked and meddled in the American presidential election.

The colonel - a department head in the FSB security agency's Center for Information Security, pictured here - was arrested in December during a meeting of senior officers at the agency's Lubyanka HQ,and could face 20 years in jail.

A bag was placed over his head and he was frogmarched from the room in handcuffs.

Mikhailov - apparently a high level cyber asset - was originally recruited by the Americans during a vacation in a Mediterranean country, according to TV channel REN, citing security service sources.

Treason charge: Sergei Mikhailov, a FSB colonel (left) is awaiting a treason trial along with Dmitri Dokuchahaev (right), his subordinate and a former hacking who worked for the FSB to avoid a prison term for his cyber crimes

Dramatic end: FSB colonel Sergei Mikhailov was arrested at a meeting of high-level FSB officers at the Lubyanka headquarters of the FSB, handcuffed and marched from the room with a bag over his head

It is ultimately controlled by the Kremlin leader's alleged girlfriend Alina Kabaeva, the former Olympic gold winning rhythmic gymnast.

No further details were given of this version of a case that is seen to have been highly damaging to Russia and the FSB, known in Soviet times as the KGB.

Other sources say a probe into Mikhailov started after sensational evidence came to light that he has long used a fake identity, even raising the specter that he could have been planted on Moscow.

'It was suspected that perhaps Mikhailov is not really called Mikhailov,' stated investigative newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

'Two sources pointed to him being 'a foreign intelligence mole inside the FSB', it was reported.

As such, he represented a 'spectacular asset' for the US, according to a Russian intelligence analyst.

His resume showed that was born in ex-Soviet republic Belarus, and came to Russia in the mid-1990s, taking citizenship before rising through the ranks of the FSB, a counter-intelligence agency once headed by Putin.

But an investigation carried out by respected veterans of the SVR foreign intelligence service, the FSB, and the Interior Ministry 'failed to find any evidence that Mikhailov was born and raised in Belarus', according to the newspaper.

The startling conclusion of a 'man with no past' at the heart of the FSB's cyber operation was handed in a memorandum to the agency's leadership, along with suspicions that from 2010 he had been handing data to the Americans.

The dossier on Mikhailov was commissioned by an IT company with whom he had come into conflict.

'Having realized that they had gone too far, the ex-officers...made a report about their "findings" and sent it to the FSB,' stated the newspaper.

'This dramatic scenario if confirmed poses significant questions on where he came from, who he is, a plant? - how long he has been feeding the Americans,' said the analyst.

The Russians have given few details about the investigation into Mikhailov which will ultimately lead to a closed-door trial in a military court.

However, he is seen as having been a potential security risk for seven years, and perhaps longer.

Separately it has been reported by Life.ru - which has close links to the FSB - that a sum totaling $12 million was seized from his Moscow apartment and dacha (country house).

Mikhailov, whose age is not known, and his subordinate Dmitri Dokuchahaev, or Dokuchayev, 33, a former hacker once known as 'Forb' who was recruited to the FSB under the threat of prosecution for his previous activities, were both charged with treason.

Also charged: Ruslan Stoyanov, a manager from anti-virus company Kaspersky Lab, was also charged with treason by the Russians. It is claimed the FSB two passed secret data to Stoyanov and a representative of another cybersecurity company.

Target: The alleged Russian traitors are said to have handed the CIA information on tattooed Vladimir Fomenko, the 26-year-old owner of King Servers. Hackers allegedly used these servers to breach election databases in Illinois and Arizona last summer and compromise up to 200,000 voter records

Both men had been under surveillance for around one year, it has been reported in Moscow, but the FSB leadership failed to act on earlier claims in 2010 that Mikhailov was 'involved in treason'.

These allegations from ChronoPay, an online payments company, are now believed to be part of the case against Mikhailov linked to the allegations about his mysterious background.

Officially, Russia has not outlined the case against the alleged 'traitors' but a source said: 'The head of the department of the Center for Information Security of the Federal Security Service Sergey Mikhailov and his deputy Major Dmitry Dokuchaev are accused of having violated their oath by cooperating with the CIA.'

Dokuchaev was last month indicted by the US Justice Department, as was another FSB officer Igor Sushchin, who worked undercover officer at Renaissance Capital, a Moscow investment bank owned by billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov.

They are accused of masterminding a notorious 2014 Yahoo hacking operation, which involved the theft of data on half a billion online accounts, including those used by the US military and banks.

Others indicted were alleged co-conspirators Alexsey Belan and Karim Baratov. The latter, allegedly a 22-year-old playboy hacker, was detained in Canada on a US extradition request.

In January then-President Barack Obama expelled 35 Russians identified as intelligence operatives in retaliation for what the White House called 'very disturbing Russian threats to U.S. national security' in connection with hacking during the U.S. election campaign.

A media attack on Mikhailov by Tsargrad TV, controlled by a Putin friend, reported that Mikhailov passed to US agents the information that allowed Washington to issue the intelligence report blaming Moscow for election-related hacking.

A subsequent 25-page declassified report saw the US intelligence community blame Russia for hacking targeted at helping Trump win the vote.

Ruslan Stoyanov, a manager from the cybersecurity and anti-virus company Kaspersky Lab, was also charged with treason by the Russians.

Suspicion: There are claims that the two alleged CIA spies in the FSB and their contact outside it are linked to Vladimir Anikeev, known as 'Lewis', who hacked the Russian state and revealed secrets on propaganda initiatives as part of the 'Humpty Dumpty' hacking ring. He is said to have made a plea bargain

Target: Dmitry Medvedev (left), Putin's prime minister and predecessor as president, was the focus of the Humpty Dumpty hacks which are claimed to be linked to the three alleged CIA spies, two of whom worked at the heart of Vladimir Putin's cyberwarfare operation

All helped the Americans pinpoint Russian hacking in the presidential election won by Donald Trump, it is believed.

It has been claimed that Mikhailov and Dokuchaev received payments for passing secret data to Stoyanov and a representative of another cybersecurity company.

Mikhailov is suspected of giving the US information on Vladimir Fomenko, the 26-year-old owner of King Servers, an internet company in the Altai region of Siberia.

Hackers allegedly used these servers to breach election system databases in Illinois and Arizona last summer, according to Threat-Connect, a US cybersecurity company.

The Illinois hack saw up to 200,000 personal voting records compromised, Yahoo reported. In Arizona 'malware' was placed on a system but there was no theft of data.

Data from Mikhailov and his associates was transferred to 'acquaintances abroad who worked closely with foreign special services', believed to be American, a source told Rosbalt news agency.

'This is not a one-off story, this activity was carried out for a minimum of seven years and caused substantial harm to the interests of the Russian Federation,' said the source.

There are also claims - not confirmed - that the FSB detainees are linked to a trio arrested from the Shaltai-Boltai - Humpty Dumpty - hacking group.

This outfit has caused embarrassment in the Kremlin, for example by hacking prime minister and ex-president Dmitry Medvedev, and releasing documents on propaganda initiatives.

The leader of the group Vladimir Anikeyev, aka 'Lewis', has done a pre-trial deal with Russian prosecutors under which he admits his guilt in exchange for a lighter sentence.

One version suggests he has given compromising evidence against Mikhailov.

'My client has made a pre-trial agreement with the investigation, but we are not commenting on its terms,'said Anikeyev's lawyer Ruslan Koblev.

If the courts accept the deal, Anikeyev cannot be given a sentence exceeding two-thirds of the maximum five-year term for which he is accused.

His associates nicknamed March Hare and The Hatter -- Konstantin Teplyakov and Alexander Filinov -- were also held in November for gaining 'illegal access to computer information'.
The Alabama Governor known as the 'Luv Guv' because he was caught having phone sex with one of his aides faces prosecution after an ethics watchdog found he broke the campaign finance law.

The Ethics Commission action came 12 months after the emergence of the scandal in which Robert Bentley could be heard in a recording telling aide Rebekah Mason, 'I worry about loving you so much,' and talking about touching her breasts.

The commission found probable cause that Bentley misused state resources and campaign funds, improperly accepted a campaign donation outside an allowed fundraising window and loaned himself campaign money when he was not a candidate.

Robert Bentley, known as the 'Luv Guv', because he was caught having phone sex with one of his aides faces prosecution after an ethics watchdog found he broke the campaign finance law

The decision was a legal and political blow to the Republican who has been dogged by accusations and questions after recordings surfaced of him making suggestive remarks to Mason before his divorce.

Both Bentley and Mason have denied having a physical affair. The governor and his wife divorced in 2016.

Bentley's attorney Bill Athanas said on Wednesday that the governor maintains his innocence.

'We disagree strongly with the result, but I think it is important to keep in mind that it is a finding of probable cause, not finding of a violation. ... The battle goes on,' Athanas said.

Athanas said he plans to talk to prosecutors and claimed there was no basis for charges.

The Alabama Ethics Commission on Wednesday began weighing whether Bentley might have broken the law in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for the past year

State Auditor Jim Zeigler filed an ethics complaint against Bentley accusing him of using state resources to pursue a relationship with Mason, who resigned shortly after the recordings became public.

Zeigler praised the decision, but also emphasized it was 'only the first step.'

He added: 'I am pleased that the governor is going to finally face accountability and sad for the state of Alabama that we've had to go through this the last year-and-a-half.'

Bentley was photographed by the Montgomery Advertiser leaving the Ethics Commission building several hours into the high-stakes hearing.

Athanas declined to say whether he testified.

The commission did not give much detail about the accusations against Bentley. On the ethics complaint, the commission found there was probable cause that he used public resources, including 'subordinate personnel, equipment and time all under his discretion or control to further his personal interests.' It did not elaborate.

The other witnesses before the commission were expected to include Spencer Collier, the governor's former law enforcement secretary and the first person to publicly raise concerns about the relationship; Ray Lewis, Bentley's former bodyguard; and Secretary of State John Merrill.

Merrill had raised concerns about Bentley using nearly $9,000 in campaign funds to pay a lawyer representing Mason, saying that was not a permissible use of campaign funds under state law.

The governor, who by law cannot seek re-election, last year also reported lending his campaign $50,000 as he emptied his campaign account to pay legal bills.

The outcome could give also political ammunition to lawmakers who want to impeach him

The scandal has tarnished the reputation of the 74-year-old governor, a mild-mannered dermatologist and former Baptist deacon who attracted voters to his longshot Republican primary campaign in 2010 with his nice-guy image and promises not to accept a gubernatorial salary.

While Bentley won re-election in 2014 by an overwhelming margin, his popularity has plummeted after the accusations.

The outcome could give also political ammunition to lawmakers who want to impeach him. Twenty-three lawmakers last year filed impeachment articles against Bentley accusing him of corruption and neglect of duty. The special counsel for the House Judiciary Committee, which is conducting the impeachment investigation, tentatively plans to release his report Friday.

Ross Garber, the lawyer representing Bentley in the impeachment investigation, has urged lawmakers to be cautious, saying only the most egregious conduct merits removal. Garber, who also represented South Carolina and Connecticut governors during impeachment probes, said only two governors have been removed in modern times and both were facing criminal indictment.
A Georgia woman is accused of dumping her paraplegic boyfriend in the woods and left him to die.

Ruby Kate Coursey, 27, from Thomaston, Upson County, is accused of killing Troymaine Johnson, 33, who died of hypothermia.

She was charged with felony murder and neglect of a disabled adult on Monday.

Ruby Kate Coursey, 27, from Thomaston, Georgia is accused of dumping her paraplegic ex-boyfriend in woods 70 miles away from Atlanta. She was charged with felony murder and neglect of a disabled adult on Monday

Troymaine Johnson, 33, from Fort Valley, Georgia, was last seen on March 14 when he got into a car with Coursey. He died of hypothermia

Johnson was last seen on March 14 when Coursey picked him up to take him to the store, according police.

She left his wheelchair at his home in Fort Valley.

Officers said Coursey had borrowed the red Saturn Vue.

Johnson's body was found three days later at a hunting camp 70 miles south of Atlanta.

Coursey is accused of pushing Johnson out of her car and leaving him to die.

It's unclear whether she has an attorney.

Johnson was known as a funny and kind man, friends told CBS.

Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore told WMAZ: 'They have had a romantic relationship for a while but they had not been in that relationship for a little while.

'She had gone down to pick him up and he was never heard from again.'
Miguel Angel Munoz, 41, beat Denise Pikka Thiem, 40, to death with a stick and hacked off her hands before burying her body

A Spanish man has been found guilty of murdering a US tourist and chopping off her hands as she was walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in 2015.

Miguel Angel Munoz, 41, beat Denise Pikka Thiem, 40, to death with a stick and hacked off her hands before burying her body.

Prosecutors have called for him to be sentenced for up to 27 years in prison.

He was also found guilty of stealing Thiem's belongings.

The nine-member jury rejected Munoz's defence that he had been suffering from a serious psychiatric illness when he killed her.

Thiem, from Phoenix in Arizona, quit her job at the corporate headquarters of PetSmart and took off for a round-the-world journey, inspired by books like Cheryl Strayed's 'Wild' and the film 'The Way' which stars Martin Sheen as a man who decides to walk the Camino de Santiago.

She started her journey in Asia, visiting Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam before making her way to Europe.

Thiem was about three-quarters of the way on the pilgrimage on Easter Sunday [April 5], the last day she was seen.

She had stopped communicating with friends and posting pictures on social networks on April 4.

Denise Pikka Thiem, 40, started her journey in Asia, visiting Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam before making her way to Europe

Munoz was arrested five months later and led investigators to Thiem's partly buried body that was found naked and without hands. The victim's hands have never been discovered.

The autopsy revealed Thiem suffered a brutal beating and had numerous fractures all over her body but was not sexually assaulted.

She had a broken jaw, several broken teeth and several broken ribs and almost certainly died from her severe injuries.

He originally confessed to the killing but later retracted and claimed he only found the body.

Ms Thiem's disappearance gained a high political profile, with US Senator John McCain asking Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to speed up the investigation and offering help from the FBI.

Munoz became a suspect after it was revealed he had changed 1,000 US dollars in cash at a local bank shortly after Thiem's disappearance.

Munoz is believed to have painted yellow marker signs on a false route in order to middirect people off the official route (file picture)

Munoz told the examining judge that Thiem had arrived at his home near the village of Castrillo de los Polvozares after getting lost along the pilgrimage stage from Astorga to El Ganso.

'I offered to show her the way, but she got nervous and I hit her on the head with a stick. I don't know why,' Munoz's lawyer said his client had told the judge.

He said that his client had at first buried her on his land before carrying her almost two miles away in a remote area frequented by wild boars, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Munoz is believed to have painted yellow marker signs on a false route in order to middirect people off the official route and down a parallel track that led to his home 800 metres away near the village of Castrillo de los Polvazares in the region of Castilla y Leon.

There had been reports that he had earlier harassed other hikers on the trail, sometimes wearing a balaclava and chasing after them on a bicycle.
Being 'broke' never looked so good.

On March 9, a sweaty, nervous Dean McDermott told a family court judge that he had 'fallen on hard times', and was unable to fulfill his court ordered financial duties to his ex-wife Mary Jo Eustace for their son Jack, now 18.

Wife Tori Spelling, is also in deep water, with American Express joining an already lengthy list of creditors and demanding over $80,000 in unpaid credit card debt.

But as these exclusive DailyMail.com photos show, it looks as though Dean has more than enough dough to spoil and pamper himself.

On Saturday April 1, Tori's better half showed off his brand new Victory motorcycle, which retails at around $15,000.

An insider reveals, 'This is his second motorcycle. He still has his Indian Roadster parked in the driveway that's worth about $27,000. It seems like if he were serious about getting his ex paid off he would have sold it off, not bought another one.'

On Saturday April 1, Dean showed off his brand new Victory motorcycle, which retails at around $15,000

An insider reveals, 'This is his second motorcycle. He still has his Indian Roadster parked in the driveway that is worth about $27,000'

Dean stopped by Cryo Healthcare on Ventura Boulevard where he indulged in an hour long antiCryotherapy is not approved by the FDA but reportedly burns calories, tightens skin, and reduces pain and inflammation

Dean has taken up a new hobby - archery, a source said. He posted the above photos to his Instagram account, captioning them: 'Target practice today with Bill- Boar - Roo'

Dean, 50, came close to landing in jail on March 9, and only dodged the slammer after Mary Jo agreed to take a $2,500 payment on the spot from her ex, towards the 100,000 debt she is ultimately owed.

Dean's first stop on his sleek new ride was a cosmetic dentist in Woodland Hills, where he had a half hour consultation.

Next up was Cryo Healthcare on Ventura Boulevard where Dean indulged in an hour long appointment.

City National Bank sued Tori and Dean in December claiming they took out a $400,000 loan in 2012 only to default on half

Cryotherapy is not approved by the FDA but reportedly burns calories (a single session can supposedly burn 500-700 as the body fights to return to its normal temperature), tightens skin, and reduces pain and inflammation.

This anti-aging session set Dean back $65 but he emerged looking happy and refreshed.

Fans of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills may recall last year when Yolanda Foster (Season 6, episode 11) took her co-stars Lisa Vanderpump and Kyle Richards for a cold-plunge cryotherapy session.

Dean's indulgences come on the heels of a default judgment request to the court from American Express for $80,000 charged and allegedly unpaid by Tori.

'Someone who is truly struggling financially doesn't buy a second motorcycle and indulge in alternative spa treatments,' says the source, 'he obviously has money for what he wants.'

Perhaps Dean can treat himself because his mother-in-law Candy Spelling is currently footing the bill for many of the family's expenses.

Last year Candy, 71, revealed she was paying Tori and Dean's $9,500 a month rent, private school tuition for the children, and grocery bills.

Tori, 43, and Dean have five children, Liam, 10, Stella, 8, Hattie, 5, Finn, 4, and now son Beau, one month.

'You would think that Dean would be busy trying to find a job,' says our source.

In November, American Express sued Tori for over $80,000 in unpaid credit card bills

Now, the credit card company is demanding a default judgment, ordering Tori to pay up

'On the contrary, he's taken up a new hobby - archery! He's purchased top of the line equipment and spends his days practicing instead of going to auditions.

City National Bank sued Dean and Tori last December claiming they took out a $400,000 loan in 2012 but only paid back half.

But the bank is tired of waiting for its money and last month issued a default judgment against the couple for $188,000. If granted the judgment is binding and could cause the bank to attach any assets Tori and Dean may have.

City National also wants another $17,000 that Tori allegedly overdrew from her checking account.

Tori and Dean moved for the eighth time in six years to make room for their fifth child together

The sprawling 4,714-square-foot, 1980s-era estate is in Woodland Hills, California, just nine miles north of her former rental in Encino. The home features a swimming pool and tennis court

On September 30, 2016, papers allege, '[Tori Spelling] caused her account to be overdrawn in the amount of $17,149.09. The defendant has not paid back the overdraft.'

The hits kept coming for the couple. Last month, as DailyMail.com exclusively reported, McDermott faced eight counts of contempt and jail time over the claim of his ex-wife that he owed $100,000 in child support payments for his first-born son Jack, now 18.

McDermott appeared in an LA court to face off with his ex-wife Mary Jo Eustace just a week after wife Tori Spelling gave birth to their fifth child.

Judge Colin Leis told McDermott: 'What we are looking at here is a criminal case, with eight counts of contempt between July 2016 and January 2017. This is just a scheduling matter for arraignment date.'

The home features both an indoor and outdoor kitchen, formal dining room, walk-in wine cellar, a grand-scale master bedroom and bathroom with balcony and a 'Hollywood style' pool

Dean was a half hour late to the hearing, telling the family court clerk 'I'm sorry, I was on the wrong floor.'

The former spouses did not sit together. Both parties represented themselves.

The judge looked at what was before him and proceeded to tell both parties that this was just a day to schedule an arraignment.

McDermott was read his rights by the judge who asked Dean if he would need a public defender. 'Yes your honor,' Dean responded.

The judge proceeded to set date for arraignment and Dean interrupted: 'I'm not contesting any of this, your honor. I've fallen on hard times, she knows this, she's taken this step...'

The Judge interrupted, 'Sir this is a criminal proceeding, you could get jail time, community service. I encourage you two to talk in hall to come to some agreement.'

McDermott stopped at Ralph's to do some grocery shopping before hopping back on his new bike

Dean McDermott and ex-wife Mary Jo Eustace talk outside the courtroom. She was acting as her own attorney as she accused him of contempt, claiming he owes $100,000 in back child support

Red faced and sweating, McDermott begged his ex to withdraw her complaint and promised to pay back the money. Mary Jo acquiesced and withdrew her claims with prejudice, which means she can refile at any time if he doesn't pay up the $100,000 in back child support

Red-faced and sweating, McDermott begged his ex to withdraw her complaint and promised to pay back the money.

He said, 'you're St Mary Jo, I can't do anything right. Let's go back to the $1,500 like we had before. I'm humiliated! Do you understand that? I have to protect my family. I'm struggling and you want me to go to jail?

'You're trying to bury me!' Mary Jo acquiesced and withdrew her claims with prejudice, which means she can refile at any time if he doesn't pay up the $100,000 in back child support

Canadian TV personality Mary Jo Eustace, 54, was married to McDermott for 13 years. They had a biological son and were in the process of adopting a daughter together when he met Tori. Mary Jo recently revealed that her son with Dean has come out as gay

Dean married Tori on May 7, 2006, and just six weeks later her TV mogul father Aaron Spelling passed away at age 83, leaving his only daughter a 'paltry' $750,000 of his $600 million fortune.

Tori's mother Candy, 71, remained executor of his estate, and became estranged from the 90210 star for years until just recently.

DailyMail.com broke exclusive news that Candy had thrown her only daughter a lavish $40,000 baby shower for her fifth grandchild at the Hotel Bel Air on February 11.

Tori and Dean have claimed on and off they are suffering financially.

Early last year, they had been been hit with a $259,108 lien for unpaid taxes from 2014.

Tori recently dismissed the idea that they were in trouble, saying people just got that idea from her 2013 book where she talk about some struggles in an attempt to have people relate to her. She also claimed they were living 'paycheck-to-paycheck' in 2014.
A Utah school district will fork over $100,000 after a teenage girl broke her ankle wearing 'drunk simulation goggles' during health class.

Kylie Nielsen underwent two surgeries after her foot got stuck in a desk during an alcohol impairment simulation at the Centennial Junior High School in Kaysville in 2014.

Nielsen will now receive $61,000 from the Davis School District, with the remaining $39,000 to cover her medical expenses and legal fees.

The school district in Utah will fork over $100,000 after Kylie Nielsen broke her ankle wearing 'drunk simulation goggles' during health class. Pictured, Centennial Junior High School

Nielsen was 13 when she participated in an exercise to simulate alcohol impairment at Centennial Junior High School north of Salt Lake City.

Her teacher, Rick Smith, encouraged students to play tag and run around a classroom while wearing 'drunk goggles,' according to court documents.

Nielsen's foot got stuck in a desk, and she broke her ankle in multiple places.

She underwent two different surgeries, but one of her legs ended up shorter than the other, her parents said.

The former track star was no longer able to complete, and the teen still experiences pain and swelling with any physical activity, according to the personal injury lawsuit.

The teacher 'breached a duty owed to [Nielsen] by failing to act with reasonable care,' according to the school district's statement in court papers.

Smith left the school district, but officials have not said when or why.

The school district settled the suit two months ago, with $61,000 going towards an account Nielsen can access when she's 18, district spokeswoman Shauna Lund said.

Another $13,000 will cover her medical expenses and while $26,000 will go towards legal fees.

Lund called it a 'tragic accident' and said: 'We are sorry for all Kylie went through as a result of it.'

Miles LeBaron, the family's attorney, did not respond to phone and email messages.
Devastated friends of the mother who died trying to free her children from their sinking car have demanded answers on why the muddy road the family traveled on was not closed.

Stephanie King, 43, died attempting to save her son Jacob, seven, and daughter Ella Jane, 11, after their car careered into the Tweed River, according to the police. Her eight-year-old daughter Chloe-May survived.

A friend of the 'amazing mum' Sally Fraser has now urged others to seeks answers from the tragedy, claiming Dulguigan Road wasn't closed off at the time of the accident.

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Stephanie King, 43, (left) died attempting to save her son Jacob, seven, (far right) and daughter Ella Jane, 11, (centre) after their car careered into the Tweed River

A friend of the 'amazing mum' Sally Fraser has now urged others to seeks answers from the tragedy, claiming Dulguigan Road wasn't closed off at the time of the accident

The family whose car plunged into the flood-swollen river on Monday have been identified. The three children are pictured left, with Jacob and Chloe-May on the right

Originally from Auckland, Ms King flew back there only two weeks ago for her father's funeral

'I knew immediately when I heard, it [the road] couldn't have been closed, because I know for a fact you would never ever put your kids in harms way,' Fraser wrote in a tribute to the mother on Facebook.

Superintendent Starling said the slippery road was meant to be closed to the public, The Daily Telegraph reported.

'We are investigating how she was able to get through,' he said.

But locals have said the road was not closed due to flooding and had been open on Monday.

Councillor Pryce Allsop said the flood-hit road had 15 exit points from 'one end of Murwillumbah to Tumbulgum'.

'So largely, if someone could have got the signs up, I'm sure they would have. If there was a sign, whoever did it was a bloody genius.'

Tumbulgum Pastor Rob Stuttle also disputed claims that the road was closed at the time of the tragedy.

'The family's loss is hard enough, and now for the public to think she was doing something that was negligent ... I wanted to right that injustice and make sure the truth got out there,' he said.

There was no barrier to stop traffic veering off the road, he said.

The children pictured with their father Matthew Kabealo in 2010

Ms King and two of her children failed to escape from the submerged vehicle, but her eight-year-old daughter Chloe-May (pictured) made it out and survived

Stephanie King, 43, her seven-year-old son Jacob Kabealo and daughter Ella-Jane Kabealo (right), 11, have been named as the three trapped inside a car that plunged into the Tweed River on Monday. Chloe-May, who escaped the car, is pictured left

The pastor also released a statement on behalf of the 'heartbroken' family' after the deaths of Stephanie King, 11-year-old Ella-Jane and 7-year-old Jacob.

'It's a tragedy they are suffering with enormous grief and I ask that you respect their privacy at this time,' Pastor Stuttle said on 7 News.

'Chloe-May, Matt and the family are doing as well as you would expect in the circumstances.'

He passed along the family's gratitude to everyone who helped at the scene of the accident, those who risked their lives to help, and retired highway officer Matt Grinham, who was passing by at the time and leapt into the cold Tweed River to try and save the family.

Besides the people who helped the family at the time of the tragedy, Mr Kabealo extended particular gratitude to his colleagues at Kingscliff Bowling Club who set up a GoFundMe page  which has raised over $90,000 since Monday.

'The family also wants me to say again that the road was not closed when Stephanie drove along Dulguigan Road on that fatal afternoon,' the pastor reiterated.

'Stephanie is a hero and the police have confirmed this, and Chloe-May is a brave young lady.'

'Hero': Ms King, from Bilambil, and the two children were unable to escape as the car sank

Grim discovery: Police divers found three bodies in the river early on Tuesday afternoon

Tragic: The eight-year-old girl lost her mother, brother and sister in the horrific accident

Supt Starling said the mother was a 'hero'.

'She died trying to save a child. I've got no doubt whatsoever that that woman is a hero. She'd be alive today if she wasn't trying to save her children,' he said.

'We can't imagine what the family are going through. We can't imagine what their school friends are going through. It's just horrific.'

He added that there were 'terrible conditions' on the flood-affected road on Monday afternoon, when the car veered into the water.

'The roadway is very very slippery,' Supt Starling said. 'Even now it's not safe to put the crane in to get the car out.'

Police pulled out the three bodies from the water on Tuesday afternoon, along with the family's white Hyundai.

Sending his condolences, he added: 'We can't imagine what the family are going through. We can't imagine what their school friends are going through. It's just horrific.'

Superintendent Starling added that Chloe-May was a 'very brave little girl'.

'She had injured her feet while trying to get out. Her main focus was trying to save her mum, her brother and sister.

'I wouldn't be surprised if the mother helped her out,' he added.

A body, covered in a dark green sheet, is being carried into the back of waiting ambulance

The family's white Hyundai van being hauled out of the River Tweed on Tuesday afternoon

The van did not appear to be badly damaged when it was removed from the waterway

Police divers were seen searching the river as they looked for bodies among the car wreckage

Tributes have poured in for the family from heartbroken friends.

'It makes me sick knowing a beautiful family is still in the water, such a precious loss to all that knew you, I know I will miss you terribly,' one friend said.

'I love you Steph,' another wrote.

Friend Alicia Morgan told the Daily Telegraph that she knew the family because their children had attended Tumbulgum Primary School together.

'I have no words,' Ms Morgan said.

'Steph was the sort of mother who would do anything for the kids, she was such a community-minded person, she would get in there and help anyone who needed a hand.

'My daughter and Chloe went right though school together. She and my daughter were friends.'

She added that Chloe-May, the lone survivor of the crash, was a 'tough nut'.

Ms King, who lived in Belongil but was originally from Auckland, New Zealand, used to work at Tweed Heads Bowls Club but had more recently been working as a care home nurse.

Tributes have been pouring in for the family. Police divers pictured by the river

The vehicle was located using sonar equipment on Monday evening and police divers will inspect the wreckage later on Tuesday. Pictured, police at the scene

Matthew Grinham (pictured) was first on the scene after the car into the river

One of her neighbours, Steven Moller, said they were a 'perfectly normal family'.

'I would see her loading her kids into the car. I only saw her the other day,' he saidm, adding that he would often say hello to Ms King.

Former policeman Matthew Grinham was driving by the flood-swollen river in Tumbulgum when Chloe-May came running up the road, screaming hysterically.

Mr Grinham said the child was yelling that her mother, sister and brother were in a car that was submerged in the river.

'We pulled up just after the car went under,' he said,

'She couldn't say much, she just said 'my mum, my little sister and my (older) brother have gone in the river in a car'.'

Mr Grinham later told The Australian that he could see skid marks leading into the river.

The desperate former police officer leaped into the river and followed a trail of air bubbles, but could not find the car.

'The helplessness of not being able to find the car, the bubbles were there, we could find the bubbles, we just couldn't get to the car,' he said.

'At first we were going to go feet first, just pushing down to try and see if we could feel it with our feet. I tried a couple of times, but the bubbles, they trailed away. They just got less and less.'

Tumbulgum, just south of the Queensland border, was badly hit by floods over the weekend

The search to recover the bodies of the car's occupants was suspended at around 6.30pm on Monday, before beginning again on Tuesday. Pictured, police at the scene

Police divers (pictured) travelled up from Sydney to join the operation on Tuesday.

Police (pictured) at the scene of the accident on Tuesday

Witness Sophie Grinham told 7 News that she saw the the eight-year-old girl's father dive into the water in an attempt to save his family.

'The husband came down, and dad and two other boys just jumped into the water and couldn't dive deep enough,' she said.

The girl reportedly told police that her mother, younger sister and older brother were in the car.

Peter Taylor, another witness, told 9News: 'A little girl's run down the road and she's said her family's gone into the river.

'Her feet were bleeding apparently. Then they called the ambulance and called the police.'

The child was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital for bruises and cuts and was being cared for by family members.

She is not in a life-threatening condition, however a NSW Ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that she 'will have been submerged for some time.'

The search to recover the bodies of the car's occupants was suspended at around 6.30pm on Monday, around three hours after the submerged vehicle was located using sonar equipment.

Police divers travelled up from Sydney to join the operation on Tuesday.

It is not clear if the road was flooded at the time of the incident, however the river is still strewn with debris following the floods. Pictured, police at the scene on Tuesday

The attempts to find the bodies of the family continued on Tuesday, with rescuers at the scene

Three people died after a car was swept into a flood-swollen river in northern New South Wales. Pictured, emergency services at the scene on Monday

Tumbulgum, which lies just south of the Queensland border, was badly hit by floods following Cyclone Debbie, with record rainfall.

It is not clear if the road was flooded at the time of the incident, however the river is strewn with debris following the floods.

Police say the local community will no doubt be affected by the news.

'We're concerned it is a tragic event that will unfold over the evening and we understand that it is going to have a major impact on the family and the Tweed community,' NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Jeff Loy told the ABC.
A mom in Ohio has pleaded guilty to suffocating her daughter, 26, and dumping her body in a field.

Janet Tyburski, 47, from North Ridgeville, was accused of killing daughter Rachele at their home and dumping the body two days later.

She pleaded guilty to murder, felonious assault, tampering with evidence and corpse abuse in a deal with Lorain County prosecutors.

Janet Tyburski, 47, (left) from North Ridgeville, Ohio, plead guilty to suffocating her daughter Rachele, 26, (right) to death and dumping her body in a field. She will serve at least 19 years in jail

Mom Rachele had a four-year-old son. Tyburksi apologised in court and said she wasn't in her right mind when the incident happened. She kept Rachele's body in the house they shared for two days before she dumped it, according to police

Tyburski apologised in court and said she wasn't in her right mind when she put the body in a field.

Prosecutors say her younger daughter helped get rid of the body and is charged with corpse abuse and obstructing justice.

On March 15, the owner of a nearby property in North Ridgeville spotted Rachele's half-covered corpse and called 911.

After officers launched an appeal to identify the woman, Tyburski told them it was her daughter.

The community held a candlelit vigil for Rachele when her body was found. According to investigators, her head and chest were covered in bruises

Rachele's head and chest was covered in bruises, according to investigators.

A candlelit vigil was held for Rachele, who is the mother of a son, four.

In May, neighbour Cathy Muncey told Fox 8: ['When I heard the news] 'Oh my god is all I could say.'
New influenza strains that have emerged in recent years could cause a pandemic on the level of the Spanish Flu that killed more than 50 million people.

Authorities are on high alert as an increasing number of reports of humans being infected by bird flu have emerged, particularly in China.

In a study published by the Archives of Public Health, UNSW researchers have recommend banning the sale of live birds in wet markets in Asia to reduce the spread of the virus.

New strains of viruses found circulating in birds have increased the likelihood of a new Spanish Flu pandemic emerging

Previously, influenza strains have been thought to be transmissible only between birds and humans, with fatalities rare.

But the study suggests new viruses circulating among birds in recent years would increase the likelihood that one could mutate and become transmissible between humans.

Co-author of the study Ranina MacIntyre said the increase in strains were a sign of a trend and a flu pandemic on the level of the Spanish Flu was 'very possible' because of this.

'Some of the reasons [for the increase] involve things like climate change, urbanisation, but none of these things have increased at the rate the virus is increasing so there's something else going on,' she told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Killing 50 million people in from 1918 to 1919, the Spanish Flu has still given scientists pause over its origin and how it took the lives of so many people.

Professor MacIntyre warned that that countries and public sectors needed take prepared measures to combat such a deadly disease should it arise.

A new study suggests that viruses circulating amongst birds in recent years, would increase the likelihood that one could mutate and become transmissible between humans

'When health systems become stressed and unable to cope with the sick, that is when we are truly tested.'

The study also called on the banning the sale of live birds in Asia and controlling the purchase of freshly slaughtered poultry to minimise the risk of humans interacting with their bodily fluids.

Vaccination was also an issue raised in another study by the UNSW, saying focusing vaccinating adults instead of children of conscientious objectors is key to preventing disease.

According to the Medical Journal of Australia, adults make up 92 per cent of 4.1 million Australians who are unvaccinated.

'There is a need for governments, the media, providers and individuals to direct more attention towards the large numbers of adults who are unnecessarily susceptible to vaccine-preventable disease each year,' the study said

Influenza is responsible for an estimated 300,000 general practitioner visits, 18,000 hospital admissions and 3,000 deaths each year in Australia.
A mixed sex Islamic school has been forced to pull an advert for a male science teacher over claims it broke the law by discriminating against women.

Salafi Independent School in Small Heath, Birmingham, said it needed to employ a man because of the 'sensitivities' of religious duties associated with the role.

But campaigners said the 'regressive' move breached equality laws and warned it proved the school was 'unfit to educate young people'.

Salafi Independent School, in Birmingham, said a man was needed to deal with religious 'sensitivities' around the role of science and Islamic studies teacher

The school later agreed to take down the posting, but said it planned to readvertise the role and still 'hoped' to recruit a male teacher.

The controversy comes less than two years after the city's Trojan Horse scandal, which saw hardliners attempt to impose an Islamic agenda on secular state schools.

In response, the government said all schools must now teach 'fundamental British values', including respect for all genders and faiths  and this is now policed by Ofsted.

The row at Salafi erupted when the school posted a job advert on Twitter stating that it was 'now recruiting a part-time male science & Islamic Studies teacher'.

Interested male applicants were asked to contact the school's headteacher, Dr Perwaiz Saeed Alam.

It was spotted by secular campaigners, who then called for an investigation by the Department for Education (DfE) over a possible breach equality laws.

A spokesman for the National Secular Society said: 'There is simply no justification for any school to discriminate against job applicants on the basis of gender.

'All schools have a duty to promote fundamental British values and any school that fails to respect the law and promote gender equality is clearly unfit to educate young people.

'By accommodating faith schools we already tolerate religious discrimination and segregation on a scale that would be totally unacceptable in any other area of public life.

'Action must be taken to ensure that no school is permitted to normalise or promote gender-based discrimination, or any other regressive attitudes that are at odds with liberal democracy.'

The school, located at this address, was heavily criticised by campaigners who said its 'regressive' attitudes proved it was unfit to educate children

The private school, which caters for more than 150 Muslim pupils aged from five to 11, agreed to pull the advert after being contacted by local newspaper the Birmingham Mail.

Dr Alam told the newspaper the advert was 'not about discrimination' but added: 'I do agree it does not come across very well. We are going to withdraw that and issue a new advert.

'We as a school first and foremost have an equality policy throughout our school. We employ 27 members of staff and 18 of those are female and nine are male. It is quite evident that is predominantly female staff.'

He said the school has four female science teachers but only one male.

The new role was seen as a male position, he said, for 'religious observance reasons' as the new teacher would need to accompany boys into the public mosque which is attached to the school.

He said female teaching staff could not do that because of 'obvious sensitivities' involved.

The new advert, he said, would say the school was 'hoping' to recruit a male teacher and make clear why.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said it could not comment on specific cases.

However, government policy states that an employer cannot lawfully specify gender in job adverts and if they were to do so, they would have to prove that it was a genuine requirement of the job.

The Salafi Independent School opened in 2002 and currently charges an annual 2,640 for day pupils.

It teaches boys and girls separately in years five and six and is linked to the nearby Salafi Mosque.

The school was criticised in an Ofsted report in 2015, when inspectors said the 'large majority' of pupils did not make the progress expected of them in areas including writing and maths.

In its latest Ofsted report in February, inspectors said significant improvements had been made.

The Twitter advert row also has echoes of a similar controversy in Leicester in March 2014, when the Madani Boys School was forced to withdraw an advert for a 'male science teacher'.
Beloved fairytales such as Snow White and Beauty and the Beast could be banned from public schools for 'gender stereotyping', under a new program introduced by the Victorian government.

The Respectful Relationships program is being introduced into schools and early childhood education in a bid to tackle to tackle family violence, the Herald Sun reported.

The $21.8 million two-year program includes an audit of all preschool books and toys to determine whether they promote gender stereotypes among boys and girls.

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Fairytales could be banned from public schools for gender stereotyping, under a program introduced by the Victorian government. Pictured is a scene from Cinderella with the prince kissing her hand

The program will explore whether classics such as Cinderalla, Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty reinforce gender stereotypes.

The fairytales are said to often lead to boys having extensive entitlement and women having lower self esteem.

Under the new program children would be encouraged to act as 'fairytale detectives' and to notice the difference between the roles that men and women are given.

Children would then be prompted to consider what would happen if characters in the fairytales swapped roles, for example, if a girl was armed with a sword and rescuing a boy.

The Respectful Relationships program is being introduced into schools in 2017-18, and as part of the program there are plans to audit preschool books and toys to determine whether they promote gender stereotypes among boys and girls. Pictured is Snow White

Traditional fairytales have been said to lead to gender stereotyping, which then leads to boys having extensive entitlement and women having lower self esteem (stock image)

The Respectful Relationships program suggests children would then notice in fairytales that 'men are supposed to be strong and brave and women are supposed to be beautiful and need rescuing by men'.

Teachers would then be encouraged to explain that sex refers to different bodies people are born with, while gender 'helps us talk about ideas we have about the pressure on men and women to act in certain ways'.

Australian Catholic University senior research fellow Dr Kevin Donnelly told the Herald Sun he was concerned about the program and thought it would unsettle parents.

Under the new program children would be encouraged to act as 'fairytale detectives' and to notice the difference between the roles that men and women are given in fairytales. Pictured are Belle (left) and the Beast (right) from Beauty and the Beast

But in a statement to Daily Mail Australia Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos said the only fairytale was the assertion the government was banning fairytales.

'It's absolutely not true - at all,' Ms Mikakos said.

'I read fairy tales to the kids in my family, I'll continue to do that and I urge parents and early childhood educators to do the same.

Children would then be prompted to consider what would happen if characters swapped roles, for example, if a girl was armed with a sword and while the boy waited to be rescued. Pictured is Princess Aurora (front) and Prince Phillip (back) from Sleeping Beauty

'Kids should be allowed to grow up to be whatever they want - not made to feel like they have to fit into a gender stereotype.'

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has denied reports that fairytales will be toned down in public schools, reported Nine News.

The government said fairy tales would not be banned, but they would instead be starting 'a conversation' among children.
Ken Livingstone, pictured, 'always manages to pull himself out of a hole', writes Joe Haines, former press secretary to Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson

Ken Livingstone revels in his role as the political version of the Comeback Kid. Like a rubber ball he seems indestructible. He never apologises; he rarely explains.

When he says something outrageous or insulting, he repeats the offence using other words.

If he had been the captain of the Titanic, he would have sunk the iceberg.

Some politicians in a hole stop digging. But for Livingstone, however deep the hole, he always seems to manage to be able to pull himself out.

When he stood as an independent against the official Labour candidate in the London mayoral election in 2000  after promising he wouldnt  he was expelled from the party for five years for breaking its rules. Embarrassingly, he won.

Three years later, rather than be humiliated again, party chiefs allowed him back in time for the next mayoral election.

Once again, the world of politics proved that you cant keep a bad man down.

Labours then deputy leader, John Prescott  himself very much a Left-winger in those days  was reported as saying that he held his nose when he voted for Livingstones return.

More optimistically, Cabinet minister David Blunkett said  without a shred of evidence  that Red Ken (as he was universally called by his enemies) was a changed man.

Others were more disbelieving.

At the time, I wrote to Tony Blair, then Prime Minister, detailing the partys past destructive battles with the far-Left group known as Militant, saying: Central to the activities of these wreckers were the London party, riddled with Trotskyists and opportunists.

I went on to name several, including Ted Knight [then leader of Lambeth Council in south London] and Livingstone.

I recalled that in the 2000 London mayoral election, Labour had asked me to write the campaign leaflets for the partys official candidate, Frank Dobson, who was standing against Livingstone.

The former Mayor of London, pictured, has divided opinion within the Labour Party for years due to his 'hard-Left' beliefs

I told Mr Blair that he must have been aware of the mayors past treachery and I went on to say: Livingstone is not a penitent but a recidivist.

'His return would be a signal to all the unforgiving hard-Left who still lurk in the undergrowth of the party that their ultimate aim of regaining the control they once had is possible.

The old battles would have to be refought It seems we always germinate the seeds of our own destruction. I then asked the PM: Who next?

Ive made some wrong forecasts in my time but that certainly wasnt one of them.

Mr Blair was reassuring. He replied: Dont worry. I get the message. But as AC [his Press Secretary Alastair Campbell] can explain, there are some difficult issues here.

'However, I agree it would be madness to risk returning to the extremism of the 80s and we wont. Yours ever, Tony.

But Labour has risked returning to the extremism of the 80s and we are paying a high price for it today.

Its no exaggeration to say that the chronic crisis that besets Labour in 2017 has one of its main roots in the 2003 decision to let Livingstone back into the party.

If that decision had not been made, we would now be spared the prospect of yet another investigation into comments that Hitler supported Zionism and the embarrassment of Labour being accused of failing the Jewish community  something which the partys deputy leader, Tom Watson, says has brought shame on us all.

Mr Livingstone, right, was Mayor of London from 2000 to 2008 when he was defeated by Conservative candidate Boris Johnson, left

This whole episode is deeply damaging to Labour  as it reminds voters that anti-Semitism is rampant on the left of the party.

Ever since Livingstone won a seat on Lambeth Council in the 1970s, he has risen onwards and upwards and leftwards.

Famously, he keeps newts. His critics say he should keep snakes. For, like them, he has a gift for sliding out of tight corners.

True, hes had some successes. His Fares Fair policy for reducing the cost of travelling on London Transport was hugely popular with the people of the capital, although, unfortunately, it was not so popular with the High Court which ruled it was illegal.

Another achievement  in Left-wing terms  was getting up Mrs Thatchers nose on a range of issues when he was leader of the Greater London Council. But she got her own back: she abolished the council.

His present troubles  linking Hitler with the Jewish Zionists  are nothing new.

Although he claims Hitlers support for Zionism is a historical truth, it is possible to find a historian somewhere to support any argument if you look for one widely enough.

The politician, pictured in the 1980s, began his career with a seat on Lambeth Council and went on to be MP for Brent East

Livingstone delights in provoking the ire of Jews. He has done it before  for example when he compared a Jewish reporter on a London newspaper to a Nazi concentration camp guard.

If there is an extreme cause to support, Livingstone inevitably supports it. Anyone in the media in need of an unfavourable or disparaging quote about the Royal Family? Livingstone will be ready to offer dozens.

His technique is unchanging. Like fellow Left-wingers George Galloway or Arthur Scargill, he has a flair for attracting headlines and surviving the subsequent furore.

Of course, theres always a slot for him on the BBC, which seems receptive to his charm.

For example, on Monday, before Labours National Constitutional Committee made its decision to allow him to remain a member of the party, he announced that he expected to be expelled. Cue, his face on countless news bulletins.

I never believed for a moment he would be expelled. The reason? His longstanding friendship with party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

For decades, theyve been comrades in arms during the Lefts battles. They appeared at numerous protest demonstrations together. They welcomed Sinn Fein together.

Nor surprisingly, he was one of Corbyns most enthusiastic supporters when he stood as leader to succeed Ed Miliband.

If it were not for Corbyn, Livingstone would have been expelled from the Labour party this week rather than just suspended from holding office for a period of time.

Corbyn may have a long record of disloyalty to Labour leaders over the years, but he has no record of laying down his friends for his party.

Indeed, Livingstone might even survive Corbyns eventual departure. Corbyn has no charisma, Livingstone has it by the cartload.

It brings him allies in strange places. Thirty two Jewish members of Labour have declared their support for him, including the mother of Ed Miliband.

Many have claimed Mr Livingstone, pictured while campaigning in the 2012 London Mayoral elections, would have been expelled were it not for party leader and close friend Jeremy Corbyn

Meanwhile, Nick Griffin, until 2014 the leader of the anti-Semitic British National Party, tweeted: One day, the world will see that Red Ken was right.

However, Neil Kinnock got closer to the truth when he said: Ken Livingstone only believes in one party  the Ken Livingstone party.

The fact is that Livingstone will, as ever, survive this skirmish one way or another.

Twenty years ago, he was involved in another brutal battle with Labour colleagues.

He stood against Peter Mandelson as the two fought to be elected to a seat on Labours ruling National Executive Committee.

Livingstone said the fight was like two rottweilers locked on each others genitals. Mandelson lost.

As with anyone whos tangled with Ken Livingstone, I bet the experience still hurts.
Labour councils cost the average family 100 extra a year, Theresa May will claim today as she launches the Tories' local elections campaign.

The Prime Minister will reveal that this year's council tax bills are 102 a year more for the average Band D property in Labour areas than Conservative ones.

Liberal Democrat authorities charge even more  124 a year on top.

Theresa May will deliver a speech in Nottinghamshire tomorrow which will accuse Labour and Liberal Democrat-run councils of charging at least 100-a-year more in Council Tax on Band D properties than those run by Conservatives at the start of the local elections campaign

Mrs May said local authorities under Labour control have doubled the cost of council tax

In a speech in Nottinghamshire, Mrs May will call on councils to put the interests of ordinary working people at the heart of what they do.

She will claim only the Tories have a 'plan for Britain' whose goal was nothing less than to 'improve the lives of everyone in our country, in every community'.

The Prime Minister will also say that voting for the Tories would ensure value for money, while the chaos and disarray of other parties would distract local councils from the job of delivering high quality local services.

'Just as Conservatives nationally have worked to a plan to bring down the deficit, while at the same time cutting taxes for working people, Conservatives locally have also found room for sensible savings while keeping council tax bills down,' she will say.

'And that matters. Under Labour, council tax doubled. Under the Conservatives council tax in England has fallen by 9 per cent in real terms.

'Locally and nationally, we helped freeze council tax in the last Parliament, and we have given local residents a veto over excessive tax rises.

'And across the country, it is Conservative councils that have been leading the way.

'In 2017/18, Conservative councils across England typically charge 102 a year less on a Band D bill than Labour councils, and 124 a year less than Liberal Democrat councils.'

Mrs May will add: 'Across north and south, across town and country, it is Conservatives in local government who have shown that they are those people, delivering more for less and standing up for local areas.

'In fact, when you look at it closely, these local elections present a clear and informative choice.

'The competence of a strong Conservative council, focused on the priorities of local people, keeping local taxes down and delivering high quality local services.

'Or the chaos and disarray of the rest  political parties motivated not by what is best for local areas, but what best for their own partisan political interest, and without a plan for our country or our local communities  just a recipe for chaos and failure.'
Professor Anthony Glees (above) said undergraduates were happy to demand safe spaces to avoid old-fashioned thinking while giving free rein to hardliners.

Students are allowing extremists on to campus while denying free speech to moderate speakers, a leading academic says.

Professor Anthony Glees said undergraduates were happy to demand safe spaces to avoid old-fashioned thinking while giving free rein to hardliners.

He said the phenomenon represented a double standard whereby free speech is afforded to only some groups in todays universities.

The politics professor, who heads the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, warned it was a threat to the higher education sector.

And he said students were wrong to allow a platform to those who might be seeking to radicalise youngsters.

Speaking at a summit of university leaders at Buckingham, he said: Free speech does mean speech to support freedom but frequently can mean speech to remove freedom, to justify extreme positions ranging from a demand for safe spaces from which to rewrite history to the overthrow of democracy to promote communism, fascism or Islamism.

Unless genuine free speech is exercised within clear and lawful parameters, it can and will lead to social and political catastrophe as it has done more than once in the last century.

Oxford University students called for the broadcaster Jenni Murray (left) to be refused permission to speak at a literary festival, accusing her of making transphobic comments. The attempt to no platform her came after she argued that women who have lived as men with all the privilege that entails do not have the experience of growing up female

His comments follow incidents in which students have sought to ban individuals or events they disagree with.

Oxford University students called for the broadcaster Jenni Murray to be refused permission to speak at a literary festival, accusing her of making transphobic comments.

The attempt to no platform her came after she argued that women who have lived as men with all the privilege that entails do not have the experience of growing up female.

Professor Glees said: Student views as reflected in the news and the social media show they are deeply and horrifyingly confused when it comes to the concept of free speech.

On the one hand they dont want to hear from anyone who might challenge what they see as their libertarian and relativist values. Students at Oxford dont want to hear from a noted woman presenter who says that transgender women will never be truly women.

Yet when it comes to the fundamental values of liberal democracy and its survival at a time of extremism and terrorism, all of a sudden the boot is on the other foot.

He pointed out that a former Guantanamo inmate who has refused to condemn the stoning to death of adulterous women has spoken to 13 universities.
Prosecutions of parents for child truancy have soared by over 60 per cent in just four years following tough new rules which ban term-time holidays.

Almost 20,000 people were taken to court in one year alone for allowing their child to miss school  the equivalent of around 105 cases per day, according to Ministry of Justice statistics.

Today the Supreme Court will rule on whether a father broke the law by taking his daughter to Disney World during term time.

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The Supreme Court will today rule whether Jon Platt, pictured with his wife Sally, broke the law in taking his daughter to Disneyland in Florida during term time in April 2015

Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet, pictured, said educational trips face being vetoed although she accepts that taking time off during term time can be disruptive to teachers

If he loses the case, it will mean local authorities can continue to fine otherwise law-abiding parents who take their children out of school for trips.

Term-time holidays used to be tolerated by schools, but they were banned in 2013 in a government crackdown on truancy.

Ministers have repeatedly argued that every extra day of school a child misses can affect their GCSE results.

The move has led to thousands of parents being fined 60 per child for flouting the rules  and those who refuse to pay are then taken to court.

Today's data, obtained by the Press Association via the Freedom of Information Act, shows the number of prosecutions has been steadily rising since the crackdown.

It reveals 19,920 people in England were prosecuted in 2015 for truancy  the latest year for which data is available.

This is an increase of 21 per cent on 2014, when 16,430 faced prosecution, and a 61 per cent rise on 2011, when 12,344 cases were heard by the courts.

A proportion of those prosecuted every year would have been parents who have allowed serious serial truancy.

However, it is thought a major factor in the increase in numbers has been the new onus on authorities to also prosecute otherwise law-abiding people who have taken their children out of class for a one-off family holiday.

The statistics cover two truancy-related offences under the Education Act 1996.

An analysis of the data shows that of those taken to court in 2015, 14,890 people  or 75 per cent were found guilty.

Of these, 77 per cent were handed fines, with the average penalty set at 176, up 155 in 2011.

Eight people were handed jail terms while 553 were given community sentences.

Justine Roberts, chief executive of parenting website Mumsnet, said: 'Mumsnet users are supportive of teachers who want to minimise absences and disruption, but at the moment even trips with genuine educational value risk being refused - and if an older child is truanting without their parents' knowledge, fines are unlikely to resolve the problem.'

The findings come as the Supreme Court is due to give a landmark ruling on a battle between Isle of Wight Council and Jon Platt, who took his daughter on holiday in term-time without her headteacher's permission in in April 2015.

He refused to pay a fine imposed by the council and was prosecuted, but he argued the holiday was legal because attendance was otherwise exemplary and last year the High Court sided with him.

However, the council appealed to the Supreme Court and hopes to get the ruling overturned today.

Speaking ahead of the judgment, Mr Platt said that if he loses, '6 to 7 million parents will be criminalised'.

He added: 'Being one minute late will be a criminal offence.'

At a Supreme Court hearing in January, the local authority, backed by the Education Secretary, argued a child's unauthorised absence from school 'for even a single day, or even half a day' can amount to a criminal offence.

Around a million schoolchildren missed lessons last year after taking family holidays during term time, according to government figures published last month.

In total, about one in six pupils in England took at least a half day off for a trip in the 2015/16 academic year - with the vast majority doing so without getting permission from the headteacher.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'Our position remains that children should not be taken out of school without good reason.

'That is why we have tightened the rules and are supporting schools and local authorities to use their powers to tackle unauthorised absence.

'The evidence shows that every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil's chances of achieving good GCSEs, which has a lasting effect on their life chances.'
Karl Stefanovic has grilled the Queensland Premier over why a levee wasn't built to protect Rockhampton as the city remains on underwater.

The Fitzroy River is expected to peak at midday and remain as high for the weekend.

As thousands of homes are left at risk, the blame game has erupted over who is at fault for the town's lack of flood levees.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was happy to have the conversation but the costly job needed co-operation between all levels of government.

'Look, the word on everybody's lips up here, as you would know only too well, is the levee. Why hasn't one been built?,' Stefanovic asked the Premier on the Today Show.

'With the greatest respect, surely it's a no-brainer.'

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'With the greatest respect, surely it's a no-brainer,' Karl Stefanovic told Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk about putting in a levee in Rockhampton

Houses are surrounded by floodwaters at Depot Hill in Rockhampton on Thursday

'It does come at considerable cost,' Ms Palaszczuk responded.

Stefanovic pointed out the toll of flood damage costs governments far more than a levee.

'It's just about the big decisions being made for the benefit of future generations, surely,' he said.

Ms Palaszczuk put the blame on the federal government for rejecting a proposal to fund the levee.

It has taken the river several days to near the flood peak, with massive amounts of water being funnelled into the Fitzroy through its large catchment system, dumped there by Cyclone Debbie after it crossed the north Queensland coast last week (the premier is pictured assessing damage in Bowen)

Rockhampton is pictured underwater on Thursday at Depot Hill

Floodwaters were expected to reach nine metres by midday in Rockhampton

'It's just about the big decisions being made for the benefit of future generations, surely,' Stefanovic told the premier

'It needs all levels of government to have support for it', she told Nine Network.

'My understanding is the federal government knocked it back'.

Rockhampton suffered devastating floods in 2011 and 2013.

Mayor Margaret Strelow says the city couldn't afford to build a levee to protect whole suburbs like Depot Hill, which is bearing the brunt of the flooding.

Temporary levees have been set up Rockhampton, but they only run down the middle of some suburban streets - thereby condemning one side to flooding while protecting the other.

Mayor Margaret Strelow says the city couldn't afford to build a levee to protect whole suburbs like Depot Hill, which is bearing the brunt of the flooding

Rockhampton suffered devastating floods in 2011 and 2013 (flooding on Thursday pictured)

The suburb of Depot Hill, known locally as The Swamp, had already been transformed into a brown-water Venice on Thursday night, with tinnies replacing cars as the main form of transport

The Fitzroy River is sitting at 8.7 metres and is expected to peak at nine metres at midday, with thousands of properties at risk and up to 217 homes in the north Queensland town already suffering flood damage.

The suburb of Depot Hill, known locally as The Swamp, has already been transformed into a brown-water Venice, with tinnies replacing cars as the main form of transport.

Water is lapping at the steps of the Fitzroy Hotel but the pub remains open to anyone who can make it.

It has taken the river several days to near the flood peak, with massive amounts of water being funnelled into the Fitzroy through its large catchment system, dumped there by Cyclone Debbie after it crossed the north Queensland coast last week.

Floodwaters inundate houses in Depot Hill, Rockhampton, on Thursday

Clothes lines are pictured underwater as floodwaters rise on Thursday

A local gets around on a kayak on Thursday as floodwaters rise in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie

An evacuation centre has been set up at the city's showgrounds, which can house 250 people. But only a few residents have gone there, with most choosing to stay in their homes.

The chair of the city's disaster management committee, councillor Tony Williams said local businesses were still reeling from previous natural disasters.

'We've had a number of natural disasters in recent years, 2011, 2013, tropical cyclone Marcia in 2015, now we're here in 2017,' he told Network Seven.

'They tell me it's two years for businesses to recover after a natural disaster, so with these back to back events and their accumulated effect it's very difficult for businesses.'

Ms Palaszczuk is pictured arriving via Australian Defence Force helicopter to inspect the damage caused by Cyclone Debbie at Bowen in north Queensland
Father Jeremy Sierla, pictured, allegedly ran a 'sex club for young boys' at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire

A monk who allegedly ran a 'sex club' for young boys was allowed to remain at the country's top Catholic school for years after misconduct claims were first made.

Father Jeremy Sierla, 59, lived and worked at 30,000-a-year Ampleforth College until 2012, despite multiple misconduct allegations made against him more than eight years previously, the Times reported last night.

The monk would summon pupils to his study in their pyjamas, where they were given alcohol and asked to perform sex acts, former students told police in 2004.

A criminal inquiry began in 2004 but no charges were brought against Father Jeremy.

Police were so concerned about him, however, that a letter was written to the Department for Education (DfE) the following year advising that he was kept away from children, the Times reported.

Child protection professionals gave approval for Father Jeremy to remain at Ampleforth, however, and he did so until 2012, when the DfE told the school he should not be allowed on the grounds.

Father Jeremy, 59, has always denied any wrongdoing and said he 'gladly cooperated' with the authorities when he was investigated.

The monk adopted several personas to speak with young males in internet chatrooms, creating usernames including 'EasyGirl19,' police found when they searched his computer in 2004.

Detectives spoke to more than a dozen young men who attended the school's Junior House between 1990 and 1993 when Father Jeremy was housemaster.

Some recalled the monk whipping boys' bottoms with his habit, encouraging the pupils to tie him up, showering naked with them and putting his hands under their duvets, the Times reported.

Photos and video clips  none indecent - of Ampleforth pupils were found on Father Jeremy's computer, including one of a 12-year-old boy holding a rose in his mouth.

Father Sierla, 59, lived and worked at 30,000-a-year college, pictured, until 2012, despite accusations first being made against him eight years previously

The investigation was triggered when the same boy, in his early 20s by 2004, made allegations to police about abuse he claimed Father Jeremy had subjected him to.

The monk was not charged after prosecutors ruled there was insufficient evidence against him, and the CPS said the case file was destroyed years ago, the Times reported.

Father Jeremy continued to work in the abbey shop from 2004 to 2012 and posed for photographs to promote Ampleforth's own brand Abbey Beer.

A music teacher who joined Ampleforth in 2004 was jailed last week for sexually abusing a female student during violin lessons.

An police investigation was launched into his conduct at the Yorkshire Catholic school, pictured, in 2004 but no charges were ever brought against him

Dara de Cogan, 58, received a 28-month sentence and will be on the sex offenders register for a decade.

A school spokesman said that Father Jeremy's continued presence at Ampleforth was approved at a meeting of safeguarding professionals in 2004 and that his case was reviewed again in 2007 by an independent safeguarding commission.

It took a further five years before the Department for Education (DfE)told Ampleforth he should not be allowed on school grounds.

TheDfE said that it was unable to discuss individual cases but stressed it was 'paramount that children are protected at school and that there are robust safeguards in place'.

It added: 'Where schools fail to meet standards, we will not hesitate to take action.'
Justice Secretary Liz Truss has been asked to delay a probate fee increase after MPs questioned the legality of the rule change

A controversial death tax that will cost families thousands of pounds may be unlawful, a Parliamentary committee warns.

From next month, the cost of getting probate  the legal authority to take control of someone's finances when they die  will soar from 215 to as much as 20,000.

But in a last-minute intervention, MPs and peers have called on Justice Secretary Liz Truss to delay the proposed rise.

They claim the changes are essentially a new tax as the move will raise an extra 300million a year for the Treasury.

By law Parliament has to vote before any new tax can be introduced, and this has not yet happened.

A cross-party Parliamentary committee has called on ministers to think again.

The Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments has told the Ministry of Justice that the fee grieving families pay for probate should simply represent the cost of providing the service, rather than raise money.

If the Government is forced to perform a U-turn, it would be the second time it has backtracked on a major tax increase in a matter of weeks.

In March, Chancellor Philip Hammond abandoned an increase in National Insurance for self-employed workers that was proposed in the Budget.

Baroness Meacher, a crossbench member of the House of Lords who sits on the committee, said: 'This is quite clearly a tax. You don't just increase a fee by nearly 13,000 per cent  and the Lord Chancellor is not permitted to impose a tax.

'It is also a serious social justice issue. Probate is an unavoidable fee and lots of families won't have that kind of money lying about. It can take months and months for money from an estate to come through and these fees have to be paid up front. We hope the Government will now pull back on this.'

Almost all bereaved families have to apply for probate in order to administer their loved-ones' finances when they die.

Plans introduced by George Osborne would have increased fees from 215 to 20,000 for the wealthiest, but if the rise is ruled a tax, Parliament will need to vote on the change

Currently there is a set 215 application fee (155 with a solicitor). But from next month, under plans announced by George Osborne last year, the charge will be linked to the size of the estate, ranging from 300 to 20,000.

Estates worth less than 50,000 will not pay anything. For estates over 50,000, there will be a 300 fee; then it is 1,000 for those over 300,000; 4,000 for those over 500,000; 8,000 on estates over 1million; 12,000 on those over 1.6million; and 20,000 for those over 2million.

The Ministry of Justice says it is increasing probate fees to help fund the rest of the legal system. Budget small print revealed it expects the new tax to earn the Treasury 1.5billion over the next five years.

George Hodgson, chief executive of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, said: 'The Government was trying to slide this in under the counter and it looks like it won't be able to do this now after all.'

If ministers refuse to reconsider, it is expected that the committee will write to the leaders of the Houses of Commons and Lords. It may also call senior Government figures to explain why.

Meanwhile, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'Our plans to introduce new probate fees remain unchanged.'
Two young boys are to receive routine vaccinations after the High Court overruled the objections of their vegan mother.

The mother  who is so opposed to everyday medicines that she refuses to give her sons Calpol liquid paracetamol  was ordered by a judge to allow the injections to go ahead.

The decision is the latest in a series in which judges have ruled that parents who do not want their children vaccinated should be overruled in the interests of both the childrens well-being and the general publics health.

Judge Mark Rogers said: I am truly sorry that the mother will regard the decision as wrong, but my objective duty is clear.

Two young boys are to receive routine vaccinations after the High Court overruled the objections of their vegan mother

The two boys, aged four and two, live with their mother, who told the Court of Protection in Lincoln that they were healthy children who are fed only natural products. She added: Their bodies are as free of toxins as I can possibly make them.

The older boy has had some vaccinations against disease, and the mother claimed he suffered a persistent cough, eczema and cradle cap as a result.

But the boys father said the mother was obsessive, over-protective and narrow-minded, and called on the court to order that both children should have routine vaccinations as they grow up.

Judge Rogerss order means the two boys will be given injections against diseases including diphtheria, polio, meningitis, measles, mumps and rubella as they reach the correct age for vaccination.

The judge backed the fathers claim that the mother has a suspicion of conventional medicinal methods and that she was even suspicious about the administration of something like Calpol.

The mother is so opposed to everyday medicines that she refuses to give her sons Calpol liquid paracetamol (pictured)

The mother told the court: What I have learned simply is that, yes, vaccines do work some of the time, but there is a definite risk with vaccination. The vaccine manufacturers have cited that vaccines are unavoidably unsafe.

There is a very rare risk that either of the children will ever catch one of the diseases listed in this report. Both children are thriving and have strong immune systems which definitely helps in protecting them from diseases.

No vaccine is vegan. No doctor will criticise the actions of a vaccine or he or she will be afraid of losing their job.

She added: It is not natural to be injected with metal elements and as a vegan it goes against my beliefs for my children to be injected with something that is grown on animal cells or something that has been tested on animals.

Judge Rogers said the mother had tried to get a medical expert to appear in court to support her views but could not find one.

He added: I have serious concerns as to her ability to look objectively and even-handedly.

In his ruling, made in December but published only yesterday, the judge said the boys should be vaccinated under the terms of the 1989 Children Act, which says the courts can over-rule a parent in a case involving a childs welfare. None of the family has been named.

The ruling follows a test case in 2013 in which High Court judge Mrs Justice Theis ordered that two sisters aged 15 and 11 should have the MMR vaccine, even though they and their mother did not want it.
The Prince of Wales caused consternation with his suggestion that, when he becomes King  and Supreme Governor of the Church of England  he should take the title Defender of Faith.

Every monarch since Henry VIII has used the wording Defender of The Faith, to denote their Anglican allegiance.

But now, to the undoubted relief of many Christians across the country, Charles has struck a blow against the crass commercialism of the National Trust, whose current campaign urges visitors to Join the Cadbury Egg Hunt, omitting any mention of Easter.

The Prince of Wales caused consternation with his suggestion that, when he becomes King he should take the title Defender of Faith

By pointed contrast, Charless Scottish stately home Dumfries House has just unveiled its own Easter campaign, under the unequivocal banner Traditional Easter Egg Hunt.

For further emphasis, Dumfries House invites visitors to Get cracking with the annual Easter Egg Hunt. And an advertisement was posted on social media on Tuesday just hours after the controversial news emerged of the National Trusts rebranded egg hunt.

The unholy row has left egg over the face of Dame Helen Ghosh, who is the head of the National Trust. As a committed Catholic, critics say she should have known better.

Charless example will earn the approval of Prime Minister Theresa May, the daughter of a vicar, who lambasted the National Trust slogan as absolutely ridiculous.

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, said it was like spitting on the grave of Cadburys founder, John Cadbury, a devout Quaker.

Such are Charless religious sensitivities that, as Sally Bedell Smith discloses in her new biography, he contacted the U.S. ambassador in the autumn of 2001 to ask if the allied offensive  launched in response to the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center  could be halted during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Trevor Eve's girl draws a red line on equal pay

Star Trek actress Alice Eve shared this sultry snap on social media to highlight the need for equal pay among men and women

Her father Trevor Eve was once the best-paid actor on British TV, thanks to his reported 1 million-per-year contract for crime drama Waking The Dead.

This no doubt explains his Star Trek actress daughter Alice Eves touching concern about the gender pay gap. She shared this sultry snap on social media to highlight the need for equal pay among men and women.

Showing off her figure in a low-cut, strapless red dress, newly single Alice, 35, captioned it with the hashtags In The Red and Equal Pay Day.



Alan Brown, the Ayrshire MP, claims ministers and Westminster colleagues find his broad Scottish accent incomprehensible.

Not former tv presenter John Nicolson, Scottish Nationalist MP for East Dunbartonshire. Alan is perfectly easy to understand, Nicolson tells me. His wife is American and her family have no trouble at all with his accent.

Some of us have had no idea what Nicholas Soames is talking about since we came to Westminster.

Watch out Mary Berry! The Duchess of Cornwall has never exactly been known as a domestic goddess, but she has just contributed her own recipe for fruit cake to the cancer charity Maggies, of which she is president.

The light cake is easy to make as the ingredients are measured with a mug. The fruit is soaked overnight in tea  made with two tea bags.

Sarah Millican says she is utterly broken because Standard Issue, the online feminist magazine she founded, is closing after two-and-a-half years

Sarah Millicans comic skills have made her a fortune, but not everything she does has turned to gold.

Britains top female comedian says she is utterly broken because Standard Issue, the online feminist magazine she founded, is closing after two-and-a-half years as it wasnt making enough money.

The mags earnest ethos might explain its demise: No celebrity tittle-tattle, no Photoshopping, no calorie counting, no cellulite circling.
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox jumped in to the rescue of a baby having a seizure on a flight to the Philippines.

An urgent plea for a doctor was made on the flight after Hong Kong couple's nine-month-old baby began to have a fit.

Dr Fox, who was a family doctor for a decade before getting into politics, rushed to the aid of the child and diagnosed the baby with febrile convulsion.

Allies: Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox has been panned for talking of 'shared values' with the Philippines as he met its president Rodrigo Duterte in Manila

A passenger told The Sun: 'Dr Fox placed the baby in the recovery position and then bathed him to reduce his high temperature.'

The baby fully recovered before the flight landed in the Philippines, where Dr Fox was continuing his attempts to create new trading partnerships for Britain after Brexit.

However, he was accused of 'grovelling' to the Philippines' pro-vigilante president who has bragged of personally killing suspected criminals.

Rodrigo Duterte has urged his citizens to kill drug addicts and said he would be 'happy to slaughter' them in their millions.

The former prosecutor said that he once hurled a Chinese man suspected of rape and murder out of a helicopter and wouldn't have any qualms about doing it again.

Despite this International Trade Secretary Dr Fox has talked 'shared values' with the Philippines as he met its president in Manila.

His department was created after the EU referendum to promote worldwide trade and he has called for closer ties with the Asian nation.

Controversial: Rodrigo Duterte (right) has urged his citizens to kill drug addicts and said he would be 'happy to slaughter' them in their millions

More than 7,000 people have been killed in Mr Duterte's campaign against drugs, according to police figures, causing widespread condemnation.

He has also urged the public to kill drug addicts, who he said he would be 'happy to slaughter' in their millions.

In an article for the Philippines' Business World, Dr Fox wrote: 'The UK and the Philippines have a well-established and strong relationship built on a foundation of shared values and shared interests and we want this partnership to continue to flourish.'
Ahmad Khan Rahimi accused of setting off bombs in New Jersey and New York that injured dozens of people asked a judge on Wednesday to move his trial to Vermont, citing prejudicial media coverage.

Lawyers for Rahimi, 29, an Afghanistan-born US citizen, said in a motion seeking a change of venue that he would get a fairer trial in Burlington, Vermont.

Rahimi's court-appointed attorney Sabrina Shroff said an expert analysis shows that coverage of his case in Manhattan newspapers was twice as heavy as occurred in Washington, DC, and five times as much as in Burlington, making it impossible to select an impartial jury in the city where the attacks took place.

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Change of venue: Defense lawyers for Ahmad Khan Rahimi, pictured in court in this December 20, 2016, file photo, on Wednesday filed a motion asking to move his trial to Vermont

Blast site: Rahimi is accused of setting off two bombs on September 17, inclduing one that went off on 23rd Street in Manhattan, injuring 30 people

Rahimi, who lived with his family in Elizabeth, New Jersey, above the restaurant First American Fried Chicken, which his family owns, is charged with detonating a pipe bomb along a Marine Corp charity race in Seaside Park and planting two pressure cooker bombs in the Chelsea section of Manhattan on September 17.

One device failed to explode. The other one did blow up, injuring 30 people.

Rahimi, 29, an Afghanistan-born US citizen, is seeking a change of venue on the grounds that he cannot get a fiar trial in New York due to prejudicial media coverage

Rahimi has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.

Defense lawyers say their analysis shows that about 90 per cent of respondents to their survey were aware of Rahimi's case and that those who answered questions had a 'comparatively strong presumption of guilt.'

They said a high number of the respondents said they were in the Chelsea neighborhood at the time of the attacks or knew someone who was.

The lawyers wrote that prejudicial information that reached some respondents included reports of a confession, a near singular focus on Rahimi, inflammatory information and demonization of Rahimi as a terrorist.

They also cited numerous statements by the government and tweets by former US Attorney Preet Bharara about Rahimi and other aspects of his prosecution.

Shroff proposed Burlington as an alternative trial location, saying it was far enough from New York to ensure little bias while remaining within the same federal appeals court jurisdiction.

Prosecutors declined to comment on the motion.

Rahimi lived with his family in Elizabeth, New Jersey, above the restaurant First American Fried Chicken, which his family owns (pictured)

Rahimi attended the first court hearing on screen in Elizabeth while being treated for gunshot wounds he sustained in a shootout with police

Rahimi was hospitalized for weeks for treatment of wounds suffered in a police shootout during his September 19 capture outside a bar in Linden, New Jersey.

In New Jersey, he is charged with attempted murder for the gunbattle with five officers.

The officer who first came upon Rahimi asleep in the doorway of a bar two days after the bombings was shot but saved by his bulletproof vest, authorities said. Officials said another officer was grazed by a bullet.

His Manhattan federal trial is scheduled to get under way in October 2 with jury selection.

Lawyers in terrorism cases over the past few decades in Manhattan have frequently asked judges for a change of venue. None has been granted.

Typically, the judges assume the potential jury pool has heard of the event and questions possible jurors individually to ensure they can still be fair.
A man who believed his legs were amputated because of a spider bite may in fact have fallen ill due to bacteria from Asia, medical experts claim.

Filipino tourist Terry Pareja was visiting his family in Birchip, Victoria in late February, when he was bitten on the right leg by what is believed to have been a white-tailed spider.

His family say they were told by doctors this might have caused flesh necrosis that led to the amputations.

However, Mr Pareja doesn't remember being bitten by a white-tailed spider, and even if he had been, it is unlikely its venom would have caused the necrosis, an expert says.

Filipino tourist Terry Pareja's (pictured) family say they were told by doctors a bite from a white-tailed spider may have caused flesh necrosis that led to the amputations of both his legs

The father-of-two (left) doesn't remember being bitten by a white-tailed spider, and if he had been, it is unlikely its venom would have caused the necrosis, an expert says

Mr Pareja was visiting his sister in Birchip in late February when he began feeling unwell and his leg swelled, his brother-in-law, Ray Ogleby, says.

'He (could) hardly walk on Saturday and on Sunday (his leg) started to turn black,' Mr Ogleby told 3AW on Wednesday.

'There's no doctor service in Birchip on Saturday and Sunday, so he waited until Monday.'

The local doctor sent him straight to Horsham hospital that day, February 27, and his right leg was amputated, Mr Ogleby said.

Mr Pareja was flown to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital that night, and his left leg was also removed.

Mr Ogleby says a toxicology report pointed to a 'possible spider bite'.

Mr Pareja was visiting his family in Birchip, Victoria in late February, when he was bitten on the right leg by what is believed to have been a white-tailed spider

Professor Julian White, head of toxicology at Adelaide's Women's & Children's Centre, says a white-tailed spider is an unlikely cause of the 65-year-old's serious illness

But Professor Julian White, head of toxicology at Adelaide's Women's & Children's Hospital says this is an unlikely cause of the 65-year-old's illness.

'First, the patient is quoted as stating he did not feel or see a bite; this is inconsistent with white-tailed spider bite, which causes immediate moderate to more severe local pain at the time of the bite,' he told The Advertiser.

'Secondly, there is no commercially available blood or other test for spiderbite.'

He said it was difficult to speculate too much given that he had no access to Mr Pareja's medical records or test results.

A 2003 study found 'no evidence' that white-tailed spider bites could cause necrotising arachnidism, after investigating 130 confirmed cases of the bites.

Lead author Geoff Isbister said cases like these are very emotive and patients don't like being told it wasn't a spider.

'It's all about people wanting to be able to label what they have - much better that a spider did this, rather than 'we are not sure',' he told AAP on Wednesday.

Mr Pareja had emergency surgery to amputate his right leg to stop the spread of bacteria

After both of his legs were amputated, his family worry that he may have to lose both arms too

Weeks since the alleged bite, Mr Pareja remains seriously ill in the hospital's intensive care unit.

His kidneys are failing and his blood pressure is high.

Having already undergone nine operations, he might also need to have his arms amputated, as the infection takes hold.

'I am not sure how well his arms are doing,' his sister told the Western Advocate.

'That is what I am scared about because they didn't look too good last time.'

Mr Pareja remains in The Alfred hospital in a serious but stable condition and Ms Ogleby says it could be as long as 18 months before her brother is discharged.

BITE FROM WHITE-TAILED SPIDER The 65-year-old had both legs amputated when he was bitten on his right leg by what is believed to have been a white-tailed spider (file picture) A bite from a white-tailed spider 'can be painful but is unlikely to cause necrotising arachnidism, a rare condition characterised by ulceration and skin loss.' They say: 'Occasionally, weals, blistering or local ulceration have been reported  symptoms together known medically as necrotising arachnidism, although recent research suggests that the white-tailed spider bite is probably not linked to this condition. 'In most cases, the bite from a white-tailed spider only causes a mild reaction, including itching and skin discolouration, which usually resolves after a few weeks. There are no specific first aid treatments for a white-tailed spider bite, except the use of icepacks to help relieve the swelling. You should not use antibiotics. Always see your doctor if any spider bite does not clear up. 'Necrotising arachnidism is a type of skin inflammation and ulceration that is caused by the bite of some spiders. Occasionally, the reaction is so severe that the person loses large amounts of skin and needs extensive skin grafts.' Source: Government guidelines in Victoria, Australia Advertisement

Unfortunately, Mr Pareja travelled without insurance and his hospital bills are mounting up.

His daughter said he was not offered insurance when he bought his plane ticket and it did not occur to him to buy it.

Family members are now clubbing together to help pay his medical fees, with his sister even planning to sell her house.

But the treatment looks set to cost thousands and the family are unsure how long Terry is expected to stay in hospital.

Jeffmarey has set up a GoFundMe page to raise the $30,000 needed to pay for the cost of the treatment so far, although the final total could be much higher.
Watchdogs last night fined some of the countrys most trusted charities after the Daily Mail exposed how fundraisers were prying into the finances of millions of donors.

The charities  including Cancer Research UK, the NSPCC and Guide Dogs for the Blind  paid investigators for information on their supporters incomes, the value of their homes and their friendship circles.

Donors were ranked according to their wealth and whether they were likely to leave money to charities in their wills. Cancer patients had their details shared with firms that run prize promotions and sell health supplements, putting them at risk of being scammed.

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham praised the Mail for uncovering the scandal

The Mail featured stories showing how charities exploited their most vulnerable donors

The benefactors had no idea the charities were snooping on them and swapping their data, or that the money they had given so generously was being used to fund the processes.

Yesterday, 11 charities were fined a total of 138,000 by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) for breaking data laws. The RSPCA and British Heart Foundation were fined a total of 43,000 in December. Their humiliation comes after a Daily Mail investigation in 2015 that exposed how fundraisers were cold-calling vulnerable people and sharing donors personal data without their permission.

Last night, Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham thanked the Mail.

Millions of people will have been affected by these charities contravention of the law, she said. This is an important issue that came to light thanks to determined and thorough investigative journalism. Civil society minister Rob Wilson added: We have been working with the sector to ensure these practices dont happen again. It is vital charities have the trust of the public.

The Mail Investigations Unit revealed that charities used cold-calling firms to pester vulnerable people for money, and make calls to homes on the Governments no-call list  the Telephone Preference Service.

The revelations followed the death of 92-year-old poppy seller Olive Cooke, who killed herself after becoming overwhelmed by charity begging letters. Our articles led to a Government inquiry, the reform of fundraising rules and the establishment of a new tough regulator. We also revealed how charities were secretly trading donors private information.

The RSCPA, pictured, was fined 25,000 for wealth-screening seven million supporters

The British Heart Foundation, pictured, was fined 18,000 for passing on details of millions of donors to wealth-screening companies, as well as sharing donors details with other charities

Former Army colonel Samuel Rae, who is 87 and has dementia, lost 35,000 to criminals after his details were passed on up to 200 times by charities.

The RSPCA obtained his information in 2005 when he took out pet insurance. Two years later, it began sending his data to a firm specialising in legacy prediction. His details were passed on at least four times to establish a score estimating his wealth. Last night, Mr Raes son Chris said: The ICO fines are a step forward but there is more that can be done to protect people.

The NSPCC said its failings  which did not include selling or sharing data  were unintentional and the fine will be paid by friends of the charity, not donors. The International Fund For Animal Welfare said it would pay its fine from investment income.

Cancer Research UK said the charity has not used supporters data in ways which we believed were incompatible with their desire to help us beat cancer sooner, while Cancer Support UK said: We consider the fine ill-founded, excessive and disproportionate.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home said it will pay its fine from investment income. Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and WWF all apologised to their supporters and said they will not use public donations to pay the fines.

Guide Dogs For The Blind apologised sincerely, while the Royal British Legion said: We are confident no such contraventions will happen in future. Oxfam GB and the British Heart Foundation both said they took the protection of their supporters data seriously.

The RSPCA said it no longer screened donors for wealth information.
Jared Deflurin, 33, allegedly tried to sexually assault a woman at a Las Vegas Strip resort over the weekend

A Boston man allegedly tried to sexually assault a woman at a Las Vegas Strip resort over the weekend.

Jared Deflurin, 33, was arrested Saturday outside the Mandalay Bay towers.

Deflurin was allegedly found with lubricant and condoms.

The woman told police that following a workout, she went into the women's restroom of the Delano La Vegas Bathhouse Spa and Gym around 8.30am Saturday, the Las Vegas Journal-Review reported.

There was a naked man in the restroom, and thinking she was actually in the men's room, the victim prepared to get out, the paper said.

The woman told police that a naked Deflurin put her in a chokehold, forced her to the ground and punched her.

Deflurin's arrest report, obtained by the paper, says the woman told police he attempted to drag her toward some shower stalls.

The arrest report shows people rushed into the restroom after hearing the woman scream. The woman was able to break free.

Deflurin was spotted exiting a shower partially dressed and with a suitcase and backpack, the Journal-Review says.

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Deflurin is accused of attempting to sexually assault a woman at the Delano La Vegas Bathhouse Spa and Gym

Officers on bicycle saw Deflurin walking quickly outside and arrested him after a short pursuit, according to Fox 5 Vegas.

Wearing just a pair of shorts and sneakers, he was discovered to have a small bag with him which had lubricant and two condoms inside, according to the TV station.

Delurin told police he'd gone to the Delano so he could shower, it was reported.

He is said to have told authorities the woman screamed first and hit his face - and that he struck her several times, saying it was self-defense.

Courtesy of KTNV

According to Fox 5 Vegas, Delurin said he thought the woman was in the men's room - and was 'in disbelief' when police said he had been in the women's room.

Authorities booked Deflurin into jail for attempted sexual assault, battery with intent to commit a sexual assault, burglary, and first-degree kidnapping, online records show.
An ABC Four Corners report on One Nation didn't air any coverage of a Malaysian-born candidate who had Asians handing out for him - despite spending two days with him.

The investigation featured interviews with a series of disgruntled former One Nation office holders and dis-endorsed candidates in Western Australia, who were upset with party leader Pauline Hanson.

However, Caro Meldrum-Hanna's report aired no footage of candidate Tshung Chang campaigning in Perth's southern suburbs or the volunteers of Chinese, Indian or Vietnamese heritage handing out flyers for him on election day, March 11, despite recording all of it.

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Hammering the point: Tshung Chang said the ABC sent camera crews to follow him around

Tshung Chang claims two cameras were sent out to follow him around the Riverton electorate as he ran unsuccessfully against Western Australia's former Liberal treasurer Mike Nahan, who is now opposition leader.

'I had all my 10 polling booths manned with supporters and people from all walks of life. I had my family, I had my friends from school  30 years of friendship  and they came and helped me,' he told Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt on Wednesday night.

'We had a couple of Chinese Australians, one Vietnamese Australian, even one Indian Australian helping me and Four Corners had access to all the supporters and volunteers.'

The footage would have been newsworthy considering that Senator Hanson told parliament in her 1996 maiden speech that Australia was 'in danger of being swamped by Asians'.

Tshung Chang (right) ran as a candidate for Pauline Hanson's One Nation in Western Australia

Tshung Chang said he had Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian people hand out for him

She reiterated those sentiments during a fiery media conference in July last year, by pointing out the Sydney suburb of Hurstville.

'They feel like they have been swamped by Asians and regardless of that now, a lot of Australians feel that Asians are buying up prime agricultural land, housing,' she said.

Mr Chang, who has lived and studied in Hong Kong, said the ABC had promised to also show the positive side of One Nation before they filmed him on the hustings.

They spent two days filming him, taking two-and-a-half hours of footage.

'They followed me everywhere. I gave them full access. They could ask any question and they did,' he said.

Malaysian-born Tshung Chang told Andrew Bolt he was happy to run with One Nation

One Nation's former Queensland state president Ian Nelson said it was a 'brutal dictatorship'

The 4Corners documentary featured Rod Culleton's taped phone call with Pauline Hanson

The only Asian candidate who was mentioned on Four Corners was Taiwanese-born Shan Ju Lin, who was running in the Queensland seat of Bundamba.

She was disendorsed last year for saying gay people deserved to be treated as patients, reportedly at the request of Senator Hanson's homosexual chief-of-staff James Ashby.

The reporter had asked Queensland senator Malcolm Roberts about her remarks.

The story also featured a scathing assessment from One Nation's former Queensland state president and treasurer Ian Nelson.

'It's a dictatorship, it's [an] absolute brutal dictatorship,' he said.

It also had a secretly recorded phone call between Senator Hanson and disqualified former One Nation senator Rod Culleton, from Western Australia, possibly breaching the law.

Daily Mail Australia contacted the ABC for comment.
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A Secret Service agent from Vice President Mike Pence's detail has been suspended after an incident in Maryland.

The agent was arrested by local police after allegedly meeting a prostitute at a Maryland hotel late last week, CNN reported.

The employee whose name has not been released has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation into 'allegations of criminal activity' is underway, the agency confirmed to the Daily News on Wednesday.

A Secret Service agent from Vice President Mike Pence's detail has been suspended after being arrested for allegedly meeting with a prostitute in Maryland late last week. Pence is seen here speaking in Washington, DC on Tuesday

Police saw the agent exiting a hotel room in plain clothes while off duty, a law enforcement source said.

The hotel manager called police after he became suspicious of activity in one of the rooms. Police responded to the call.

This was not a sting, according to the source.

The agent was arrested by the police after they saw him leaving the room of an alleged sex worker.

The employee whose name has not been released has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation into 'allegations of criminal activity' is underway, a source said. Secret Service agents are seen here during a rally for Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia in September 2016. It is not suggested either of the men in this picture is the agent in question

The Secret Service agent was charged with solicitation and self-reported his arrest to to the agency, according to CNN's report.

The agent was not presenting himself in his official capacity at the time the incident occurred, law enforcement sources said.

A spokesperson for the Secret Service acknowledge 'an alleged incident' took place involving an off-duty Secret Service employee.

The Office of Professional Responsibility has opened an investigation to determine the facts, the spokesperson added.

In addition to being placed on administrative leave, the employee was required to turn over his weapon and official gear for the time being, the spokesperson said.

Access to all Secret Service facilities has also been suspended, along with the agent's security clearance.

'We are exploring the full range of disciplinary actions,' the Secret Service spokesperson said.
Bailiffs have seized control of Adolf Hitler's 'Wolf's Lair' after the current owners failed to pay their rent.

The former military headquarters in the Masurian woods, near Ketrzyn (formerly Rastenburg), in Poland, is where the Fuhrer spent much of the Second World War plotting his domination of the planet.

The company managing the property failed to pay rent due to the Government organisation and did not properly cooperate with Poland's Ministry of Culture on its plans for the historic property.

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Bailiffs have seized control of Adolf Hitler's 'Wolf's Lair' after the current owners failed to pay their rent

The company managing the property failed to pay rent on the former military headquarters in the Masurian wood

Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini are pictured at the former military headquarters in the Masurian woods, near Ketrzyn (formerly Rastenburg), in Poland

Local forestry official Zenon Piotrowicz said: 'We brought in bailiffs, with the help of the police and the security company, to take over the Wolf's Lair, and also the hotel rooms and restaurant located there.'

The Wolf's Lair was Hitler's first Eastern Front military headquarters in WWII. It was built for the start of Operation Barbarossa - the invasion of the Soviet Union - in 1941.

The top secret, high security site lies five miles east of the small town of Ketrzyn. The Fuhrer's bunker was located in the heavily-guarded central complex.

Despite the security, the most notable assassination attempt against Hitler was made at the Wolf's Lair.

On 20th July 1944, German colonel Claus von Stauffenberg left a briefcase full of explosives in the Fuhrer's office.

The plan was to kill Hitler and replace him with a government which would negotiate a truce with the Allies, ending the war.

Stauffenberg was a trusted member of the Fuhrer's inner circle and it was unthinkable that he would plot against him - but then he did.

He claimed he need to make a phone call and left Hitler's conference room after leaving the bomb.

It exploded at 12.42pm but Hitler was only bruised and burned.

Colonel von Stauffenberg's fate was thrown back into the spotlight due to 2008 movie Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise.

The Wolf's Lair was Hitler's first Eastern Front military headquarters in WWII. It was built for the start of Operation Barbarossa - the invasion of the Soviet Union - in 1941

Hitler in Rastenburg with officers (front, Adolf Galland) of the air force after a conferring of orders

Pictured are Wilhelm Keitel, Rudolf Schmundt, Rudolf Schmundt, Adolf Hitler and Julius Schaub at the site

Despite the security, the most notable assassination attempt against Hitler was made at the Wolf's Lair on 20th July 1944 by Claus von Stauffenberg and other conspirators

The apparent purpose of the assassination attempt was to seize political control of Germany and its armed forces from the Nazi Party and to make peace with the western Allies.

However, a staff officer had moved the briefcase shortly after von Stauffenbergs departure which is why Hitler was protected from the blast.

Von Stauffenberg was captured and executed alongside three conspirators and all their relatives were sent to concentration camps.

A total of 200 were executed as a result of the assassination attempt.

The top secret, high security site lies five miles east of the small town of Ketrzyn. The Fuhrer's bunker was located in the heavily-guarded central complex

Croatian Head of State (Poglavnik) Ante Pavelic (left) welcomes Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz (right) at the Wolf's Lair in 1944

Adolf Hitler with Croatian Head of State Ante Pavelic at the Fuhrer's headquarters in 1944

Pictured is Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in Rastenburg with Joseph Goebbels and Heinz Linge

Hitler first arrived at the Wolf's Lair on June 23, 1941. In total, he spent more than 800 days there until his final departure on November 20, 1944

Hitler first arrived at the Wolf's Lair on June 23, 1941. In total, he spent more than 800 days there until his final departure on November 20, 1944.

In the summer of 1944, work began to enlarge and reinforce many of the Wolf's Lair original buildings but the work was never completed because of the rapid advance of the Red Army.

On January 25, 1945, the complex was blown up and abandoned 48 hours before the arrival of the Soviet forces.
The dissatisfaction of two New York-based Russian agents that their lives did not match up to the 'movies about James Bond' have been revealed as their New York banker spy is expelled from the US for espionage.

Evgeny Buryakov, 42, admitted conspiring with Igor Sporyshev and Victor Podobnyy, two Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) agents tasked with gathering 'economic intelligence' about the United States, in a Cold War-style spy ring.

Buryakov was arrested on January 26, 2015, and sentenced to 30 months in jail for espionage while Sporyshev and Podobnyy fled the country back to Russia before they could be arrested. On Wednesday, Buryakov was banished from the US to Moscow.

Evgeny Buryakov, 42, (pictured on a commercial flight during his repatriation into the custody of Russian authorities) admitted to playing a role in a Cold War-style spy ring operating in New York City

The spy ring, who were tasked with gathering evidence and recruiting New Yorkers to work as spies, was cracked by the FBI who were listening in to their cryptic phone calls and secret meetings.

They also captured Sporyshev and Podobnyys' disappointment that their lives as secret agents did not live up to the excitement of the 'movies about James Bond'.

'Of course, I wouldn't fly helicopters, but pretend to be someone else at a minimum,' Podobnyy told Sporyshev, who replied: 'I also thought that at least I would go abroad with a different passport.'

Podobnyy had attempted to recruit oil industry consultant Carter Page, later named as a foreign policy adviser to Donald Trump's presidential campaign, as an intelligence source in 2013.

An unsealed FBI complaint, which names Page only as Male 1, recorded Podobnyy explaining how to lure him in.

'You promise a favor for a favor,' Podobnyy said. 'You get the documents from him and tell him to go [expletive] himself.'

Page told ABC News the group's attempts to recruit him were unsuccessful, and said that any information he passed onto the agents had already been a matter of public record.

'Any information I could give is, again, immaterial and all public information,' he said on Tuesday.

Buryakov, a Russian banker accused of participating in a Cold War-style spy ring was to be released early from federal prison last weekend

Meanwhile, Buryakov was arrested in 2015 and charged of 'conspiracy to act in the United States as an agent of a foreign government.'

Buryakov, who worked at Russian state-owned Vnesheconombank, was sentenced in May by a U.S. district judge in Manhattan to two-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to having conspired to act improperly as an agent for the Russian government.

He received credit for 16 months already spent in custody and was in line to be deported after completing his sentence. Federal Bureau of Prisons documents cited good behavior in the early release.

Buryakov had agreed to be deported when he completed his sentence.

When Buryakov was arrested in 2015, prosecutors said he had teamed up with diplomats from 2012 through January 2015 to gather sensitive economic intelligence on potential U.S. sanctions against Russian banks and on U.S. efforts to develop alternative energy resources.

They also said he purposely failed to register as a foreign agent to conceal his true role as a covert operative embedded at a Manhattan branch of Vnesheconombank, or VEB.

Russian outpost: Buryakov, a married father-of-two, worked at Russian state-owned Vnesheconombank in Manhattan

In papers filed in Manhattan federal court in March 2016, it emerged that the FBI eavesdropped on meetings between Buryakov and his alleged co-conspirators, Igor Sporyshev and Victor Podobnyy.

The FBI's snooping enabled the agency to penetrate the workplaces of the SVR and hear about Buryakov's work for it, prosecutors said.

In 2010, the feds arrested ten Russian spies living in the US, including red-haired femme fatale Anna Chapman (pictured at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013)

Buryakov told a judge in March 2016 that he had agreed to let an official with Russia's Trade Mission in New York to direct him to take certain actions without having registered with the US attorney general's office as a Russian agent.

He said he spoke on the telephone in May 2013 with the official about information the official had requested.

The defense had argued that laws exempted Buryakov from registering because he already was a visa-carrying official with a financial institution that is an arm of the Russian government.

The government said Buryakov had obtained a work visa by lying on paperwork and saying he wouldn't commit espionage.

The FBI began investigating Buryakov, Sporyshev and Podobnyy in 2010 after ten Russian spies living in the US, all members of a sleeper cell referred to as 'The Illegals' by the SVR, were arrested, including red-haired femme fatale Anna Chapman.

Neither Sporyshev and Podobnyy were not arrested, as they enjoyed diplomatic immunity in their respective roles as a Russian trade representative and an attache to the country's mission to the United Nations.

According to prosecutors, in April 2012, Sporyshev met an undercover FBI employee posing as an analyst at a New York energy firm at an oil and gas industry conference.

Over the next two years, they met to discuss the industry and other economic and political issues, prosecutors said, with Sporyshev providing gifts and cash for information.

The twists in the Buryakov case are reminiscent of plotlines from the popular FX show The Americans about a married couple who are Soviet spies operating in the US in the 1980s

Eavesdropping: An FBI agent posing as an analyst at an energy firm would slip rigged binders containing purported industry analysis he wrote to a suspect Russian agent, who was required to return the binders so as not to get his source in trouble with his employer

In 2013, the FBI employee began providing Sporyshev with the binders containing purported industry analysis he wrote, supporting documents, and 'covertly placed recording devices,' prosecutors wrote.

As the undercover employee said his company would fire him if it learned he disclosed confidential information, Sporyshev would promptly return the binders after reviewing them, prosecutors said.

The recordings that resulted captured statements of Sporyshev, Podobnyy, and other Russian intelligence personnel from January to May 2013, prosecutors said.

In one secretly recorded conversation, Podobnyy complained to Sporyshev that their work was nothing like 'movies about James Bond,' according to the papers.

'Of course, I wouldn't fly helicopters, but pretend to be someone else at a minimum,' he said.

Sporyshev griped that he too thought he 'at least would go abroad with a different passport'.

According to a criminal complaint, the three accused spies spoke to each other in code over the phone to set up their meetings and claimed they had an umbrella or a ticket for the others.

In person Buryakov would pass Sporyshev a bag, a magazine or a piece of paper with information hidden inside it.

Before his arrest, Buryakov lived in the Bronx with his Russian wife and two children.
The father of Brisbane toddler Kyhesha-Lee Joughin who died after days of horrific sexual abuse has been sentenced to nine years over her death.

Matthew Lee Williamson, 32, watched his three-year-old daughter die slowly and painfully from internal injuries after refusing to take her to see a doctor after noticing her vomit was green.

Justice Roslyn Atkinson on Thursday sentenced Williamson to nine years' jail and declared the crime a serious violent offence, meaning he will need to serve at least 80 per cent of his sentence before he can be eligible for parole.

Williamson pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis he failed to seek medical attention for the toddler, but denied causing her fatal injury.

However, Justice Atkinson rejected that denial and said she was satisfied Williamson delivered a punch to his daughter's abdomen some time on March 28, 2013 that perforated her bowel.

The father of Brisbane toddler Kyhesha-Lee Joughin who died after days of horrific sexual abuse has been sentenced to nine years over her death

Matthew Lee Williamson watched his three-year-old daughter die slowly and painfully from internal injuries

The father will now spend nine years behind bars following a trial

He and his flatmate Christopher Kent, who has already been sentenced for the toddler's manslaughter, then spent three days taking drugs and refusing to seek medical treatment for Kyhesha as her condition deteriorated, Justice Atkinson said.

'Her death was not inevitable,' Justice Atkinson told the court.

'Her physical injuries could have been treated.'

Justice Atkinson said Kyhesha had to live in a 'depraved and disgusting environment' in the unit her father shared with Kent.

She was regularly locked in her bedroom by a rope which Williamson would tie to her door and his bed, sometimes for 17 hours a day.

'Your treatment of your daughter was occasionally loving but mostly cruel and callous,' Justice Atkinson said.

'You should have put her welfare above all else.'

The three-year-old died on the Easter weekend of 2013, inside the two-bedroom Petrie flat where she lived with her father and his housemate Kent.

The injuries were treatable, according to medical experts - who said if she was taken to the medical centre located just 500m from her house she would have lived

Christopher Ken, pictured, was sentenced to two years wholly suspended following her death

The court heard Kyhesha-Lee would have been in 'serious pain for days before her death'.

Williamson didn't want to 'lose custody of her' so never took her to see a doctor - even though she had green vomit, was bleeding in her nappy and was dehydrated and lethargic.

The injuries were treatable, according to medical experts - who said if she was taken to the medical centre located just 500m from her house she would have lived.

Kent, who was handed a two-year suspended sentence for his role in the young girl's death - and testified against Williamson during the hearing.

Kent told the Court the toddler's father would often hit her - and told him to 'hide the bong' kept at the home before he would call for help after she had died.

'I had the chance to take her from him and I didn't because she loved him so much,' Ms Joughlin wrote

Daily Mail Australia earlier revealed the moment Williamson called triple-0 after he found his daughter dead

'It was like two adults fighting,' Kent said of the abuse.

He said Williamson, who generally slept through the day, would lock his daughter in her bedroom for hours on end and would become enraged when she then ended up throwing her faeces inside the room.

Daily Mail Australia earlier revealed the moment Williamson called triple-0 after he found his daughter dead.

'My daughter's not breathing... I fell asleep on the couch,' he said.

'She's stiff it's like rigor mortis.'

'I can't pry her mouth open.. can't move her arms.'

During the trial - which was delayed first for a psychology report on Williamson and then after floodwaters swept through Brisbane - Williamson admitted to locking Kyhesha in her room using rope.

But he denied a raft of abuse allegations, including using a large sex toy on Kyhesha, punching her in the stomach, posing naked with her and pulling on her ear until it bled.

Williamson admitted to locking Kyhesha in her room using rope

Williamson had custody of Kyhesha since splitting with her mother Danielle Joughin in 2010. The pair lived with his father until October 2012 when they moved into the Petrie apartment where she died.

The toddler's hair had been shaved shortly before her death to hide patches where it had been pulled out, according to court documents.

The three-year-old went to childcare on March 21 and looked healthy - but by March 29 she had a swollen and bruised face, court documents reveal.

During her ex-partner's trial Kyhesha-Lee's distraught mother Danielle Joughin said the little girl 'went through hell' and she 'blames herself'.

During her ex-partner's trial Kyhesha-Lee's distraught mother Danielle Joughin said the little girl 'went through hell' and she 'blames herself'

'I had the chance to take her from him and I didn't because she loved him so much,' Ms Joughlin wrote on Facebook just months after Kyhesha-Lee's death.

In another post, the mother-of-four admitted she had 'made mistakes' in regards to the toddler and was 'not perfect'.

'Knowing the s*** that was going on in that house while my daughter was there, may as well of thrown her in a room full of paedophiles,' she wrote.

Williamson's family as well as Kyhesha's grandparents and mother were in the gallery for the sentencing.

Many wept as the details of her death were read out by Justice Atkinson.
Erosion caused by Cyclone Debbie has left part of a multi-million dollar property teetering on the edge of a cliff.

Drone footage shows the $5.6 million property on Sharon Road on Auckland's North Shore, in New Zealand, perched on the edge of collapsing cliff face, with its pool suspended over the edge.

A stream of eroding soil is seen spilling from the cliff to the right of the pool onto the shoreline below.

But property owners Doug and Anne Somers-Edgar told the New Zealand Herald they were relaxed about it all and it was 'expected'.

The couple said the cantilevered pool was built to take advantage of views across to the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island and was built taking into account that erosion would occur.

Mr Somers-Edgar said the pool was anchored about 25 metres back and he said they took erosion into account when building.

'Engineers said they expected it to recede about one metre every 100 years. It's just what you would expect,' he said.

Erosion caused by Cyclone Debbie has left part of a multi-million dollar property teetering on the edge of a cliff (pictured)

A $24m Herne Bay mansion has also felt the effects of Cyclone Debbie, with a large Pohutukawa tree on the cliff face falling down below.

New Zealand has been hit with wild weather over the past few days, with Auckland receiving a month's worth of rain in 24 hours, planes grounded at Wellington Airport on Wednesday and a state of emergency declared in Whanganui and Rangitikei.

About 19,000 properties were without power in Papatoetoe, Manukau and Wiri on Wednesday afternoon.

Drone footage shows the $5.6 million property on Sharon Road on Auckland's North Shore, in New Zealand, perched on the edge of collapsing cliff face, with its pool suspended over the edge
The owner of Egg the pug dumped his pet in a Sydney river after it choked on a treat to conceal the truth from his girlfriend.

Qiushi Xia pleaded guilty in court on Thursday to making a false report about being robbed in Sydney Olympic Park on February 9.

The man told 7 News outside Burwood Court he wanted to hide the truth from his girlfriend who was in China.

'I don't want my girlfriend to find out my dog is dead because it's the second dog that we lost,' he said.

Qiushi Xia (centre) dumped Egg the pug in a Sydney river after it choked on a treat to conceal the truth from his girlfriend

Xia pleaded guilty in court on Thursday to making a false report about Egg being stolen at knifepoint in Sydney Olympic Park on February 9.

'I did all of this to cover the fact that the dog died.'

Xia reported to police three men of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance approached him and brandished a knife on Australia Avenue - stealing his wallet, backpack and Egg.

The initial report sparked a frantic search until Xia came clean at Auburn Police Station two weeks later.

Egg had actually died choking on a treat, and was dumped in the Parramatta river by Xia, Burwood Court heard.

Xia and his girlfriend owned another pug called Pepper who died after choking on a toy, according to 7 News.

He has been charged with making a false representation resulting in a police investigation and will return to court next week.

Xia's initial report sparked a frantic search until he came clean at Auburn Police Station two weeks later
A swimsuit designer is under fire for 'fat shaming' Amy Schumer over her stunning InStyle magazine cover.

'Come on now!' Dana Duggan, of South Shore Swimwear in Massachusetts, responded to the May beauty issue cover. 'You could not find anyone better for this cover? Not everyone should be in a swimsuit.'

Duggan has since suspended all her company related social media accounts after a furious backlash from Schumer fans.

Dozens of people hit back branding the comments 'disgusting' and 'shallow.'

A swimsuit designer is under fire for 'fat shaming' Amy Schumer over her stunning Instyle magazine cover

Dana Duggan, of South Shore Swimwear in Massachusetts, responded to May beauty issue cover, saying: 'You could not find anyone better for this cover? Not everyone should be in a swimsuit'

'You're part of the problem,' Rachel Pasternak wrote in response to Duggan.

Others demanded to know exactly what normal women (ie not models) were supposed to wear in the pool if not a swimsuit.

'Not everyone should be in a swimsuit?! Swimwear is not just for women who are a size 2! She is a real woman with a real body,' Shannon Nolde said. 'Bravo to @instylemagazine for showcasing her. She looks beautiful.'

Tiffany Brookshire added: 'Can't believe some of the mean comments on here... it's sad. No wonder we've got teenagers committing suicide all the damn time. If y'all are raising children, I hope they learn kindness from some other source.'

Seemingly undeterred by the angry response, Duggan insisted that 'I am not fat shaming anyone' and argued that she was simply exercising her right to freedom of speech.

Duggan had commented on InStyle's Instagram post of their May cover issue

She wrote on Instgram: 'I can have my opinion and you can have yours. It called Freedom of Speech. I'm not judging. Just stating my opinion.'

Meanwhile Schumer has refused to allow herself to get dragged into the debate.

Her manager Carrie Byalick told the DailyMail.com that instead, they were busy 'celebrating how beautiful the cover is'.

'We're really grateful to Instyle Magazine for the cover. We're really proud.'

Sadly, it's not the first time Schumer - who is a healthy size 6-8 - has had to face 'fat shaming' comments about her figure.

In December, she shot down 'trolls' who criticized her body after it was announced she was in negotiations to star in a live action Barbie movie.

'Is it fat-shaming if you know you're not fat and have zero shame in your game?' she responded in an Instagram post. 'I don't think so. I am strong and proud of how I live my life and say what I mean and fight for what I believe in and I have a blast doing it with the people I love. Where's the shame? It's not there. It's an illusion,' she wrote.

Duggan's comments sparked a furious backlash online, while many others spoke in support of Schumer's cover

'My deepest sympathy goes out to the trolls who are in more pain than we will ever understand.'

Duggan started her swimwear business in the late 1990s, according to the Massachusetts Patriot Ledger, while her Facebook page states her business is appointment only.

Despite the growing backlash, Duggan said she believes Schumer looks 'like a pig', according to The Huffington Post. However she has denied to DailyMail.com she used this term.

She said: 'I simply stated that not everyone should be in a swimsuit. Especially on the cover of a magazine. I'm tired of the media pushing the fat agenda. It's not healthy and it's not pretty.

'PC has gone too far and everyone thinks they deserve a trophy or can be a swimsuit cover girl.

'Fashion magazines used to offer a fantasy or escape from every day reality - something people would aspire or dream of being but now everyone, no matter their shape or size are being told they can be models.

'With the grunge look or the zombie style fashion we lost our way. What happened to beautiful, healthy and fit modes like the supermodels of the 1990s.

'Those were great role models and healthy images.'

Her views were echoed by a small minority of commenters on Instagram.

Katina Fairchild wrote: 'How they hell is she on the cover of anything?' Another user asked 'Where's the beauty? I only see a beast.'

Not everyone disagreed. Some thought that Schumer was not right for the cover - not because they judged her body - but because they were not a fan of her comedy

While Ashley Kathryn wrote: 'Don't like this cover!! Just a bit too sleazy for instyle- it's not Amy. It's the pose and background.'

However, the vast majority of responses to the cover were positive, with many praising InStyle for promoting a 'body positive' image.

'Strong and beautiful. Bravo!' wrote one commenter.

'Love this body positive cover!!!!!' added Kristin Barnett. 'IT'S ABOUT TIME! If you think this cover is bad, then I feel sorry for you, and all the other people you judge and shame for their bodies!'

Another wrote that she was 'pretty sure any body in a bikini is a bikini body' once it was in a bikini.

'Well done @instylemagazine for promoting body positivity (whether or not your find Amy humorous).'

The actress and comedienne does represent somewhat of a change for the magazine which has recently relaunched under new new Editor-in-Chief Laura Brown.

No knife please: Amy Schumer is only 35-years-old. But the Trainwreck star is already talking about whether she needs a nip or tuck to InStyle

InStyle's covers in the past have typically featured supermodels and Hollywood actresses such as Cameron Diaz and Angelina Jolie grace its covers - although fellow comedienne Mindy Kaling did make the cover in June 2015.

Schumer, who tweeted she was 'proud to be on the cover', said in the issue - which has the tagline 'be yourself', that she doesn't obsesses about her looks because she doesn't sell herself as a bombshell. She's the funny girl.

'What's good about not being a model is that it's not the thing I trade on,' she joked in a hilariously sarcastic interview with her friend and interviewer Jessica Seinfeld, the wife of comedian Jerry Steinfeld, asked.

'Once I start looking older, that won't affect me,' she added.

'I'm good-looking enough that I can work in the business. I get enough attention from men that I feel good. I see pictures of myself now, and I look younger than I think of myself. It hasn't scared me yet.'

The Inside Amy Schumer star also added that her family made her feel like what she was born with was enough.

'My parents made me think I was a genius supermodel, and it was kind of too late when I found out that they had been lying,' she joked.

'But I was always really confident, though there have been bumps in the road. During freshman year of college the girls at the school were just so much hotter than me. I couldn't compete, and I lost all my self-esteem. I was confused about where my value lay, and then I figured it out.'

Brains are good: The star says she doesn't obsesses about her looks because she doesn't sell herself as a bombshell. She's the funny girl. 'What's good about not being a model is that it's not the thing I trade on. Once I start looking older, that won't affect me,' she added

Her love: The star seems to perk up when talking about dating furniture designer Ben Hanisch

As far as feeling good in Hollywood, she said she deals with it.

'I'm realistic because if I look my absolute best and go to an awards thing, I'm still going to be seated next to Blake Lively or Emily Ratajkowski,' the actress said.

'So that can break your heart or you can be like, 'This is pretty good. I'll take this level.''

The star seems to perk up when talking about dating furniture designer Ben Hanisch.

When asked what she likes most about him she jokes 'his penis' but then the star gets serious.

'I could see he was kind in a real way. Some guys, they can put up a kind front, and then you find out that they're sexual deviants, but...he's not, God bless him. He's cute. He's kind,' she explained.

'I feel like I can shine with him and also be nothing and we're good. We've been together for almost a year and a half, but lately I'll whisper in his ear, 'I'm falling for you.' And he's just like, 'We've been together for a while.''

Amy can next be seen opposite Goldie Hawn in Snatched, which hits US theaters on May 12.
It's one thing to have a sweet tooth but it's another to be able to do this.

A man has become just the second person to finish a mammoth eating competition by taking less than 10 minutes to demolish a three-kilogram finger bun.

Sven Pelman travelled from Melbourne all the way to Singleton, south of Perth, in Western Australia to demolish the monster treat in just nine-and-a-half minutes.

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Sven Pelman (pictured) has become just the second person to finish a mammoth eating comp by taking less than 10 minutes to demolish a three-kilogram finger bun

The 25-year-old completed the challenge in half the time it had taken the only other conqueror.

A Surfside Bakery employee told AAP about 200 hundred people have attempted the challenge, with one person giving it a go every couple of months.

Mr Pelman cut the bun into small pieces to reduce chewing, and dipped them in his coffee so it was easier to swallow, but said he began to struggle halfway in.

'My stomach was full and my body was trying to reject the food,' he told AAP.

The 25-year-old travelled from Melbourne all the way to Singleton, in Western Australia and managed to complete the challenge in half the time it had taken the only other conqueror

Mr Pelman cut the donut into small pieces to reduce chewing, and dipped pieces into coffee so it was easier to swallow, but said he began to struggle halfway in

He said despite being 'really full', he could walk back to his car and carry on with his day as usual.

'When I sat back in the car the food wanted to jump out again, but I think I could have done with a nice cheeseburger afterwards to finish it off.'

The bakery employee described the finger bun as 'massive', filled with cream, custard, and jam, and sprinkled with chocolate.

'My stomach was full and my body was trying to reject the food,' he told AAP

Mr Pelman, who works as a tyre fitter by day, has previously won two other food-eating challenges

'Everyone thinks they can do it,' she said.

Mr Pelman, who works as a tyre fitter by day, has previously won two other food-eating challenges.

In one he ate 16 cheeseburgers in 30 minutes, and in another scoffed down 15 meat pies in 15 minutes.
A man has gone missing in Sydney's west after setting off for his regular early-morning run.

Rhys Sutton, 26, who is described as an 'experienced runner' went missing during a morning jog in Sydney's west.

The 26-year-old left his house in Jacob King Place, Emu Plains about 4.15am on Thursday in his running gear.

Rhys Sutton, 26, has gone missing in Sydney's west after going for an early morning jog about 4.15am on Thursday in Emu Plains, and not returning home or showing up to work

Police said he usually returns home no later than 5.30am and then heads to work, but he failed to return home and never arrived at work.

In a statement police said: 'The man is an experienced runner and has a good geographical knowledge of the area.'

It's believed he usually runs around the residential area of Emu Plains and Leonay.

Police, the State Emergency Service and members of the local community are currently searching these areas.

A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday afternoon that the search was continuing.

Mr Sutton is described as being about 180cm tall with a thin build. He was last seen wearing running attire including black shorts.
Muslims are being urged to stay away from the Sydney Royal Easter Show by a community group linked to Islamist fundamentalists.

Sydney Islamic Lectures posted a 'must share ASAP' message on Facebook as thousands of people flocked to Homebush in the city's west for the opening day of the annual showcase of agricultural produce.

'The Easter Show is on again this starting week. Many Muslims are attending without knowledge,' it said.

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Sheikh Feiz Muhammad says it is sinful for Muslims to celebrate non-Muslim events

An Islamist community group said many Muslims were unwittingly attending the Easter Show

The group, which posts links to Islamist groups and sharia law lectures, shared a YouTube video of fundamentalist Sheikh Feiz Muhammad.

He gives weekly fiery sermons at Auburn, which is a few suburbs away from Homebush, where about 850,000 people are expected to attend the Easter Show during the next 13 days from Thursday.

The fundamentalist founder of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association in Auburn told his followers Muslims should not take part in non-Muslim festivities.

'Is it part of the sharia? Are we allowed to entertain ourselves with celebrations that are built on non-Muslim concepts?,' he said.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show opened its gates on Thursday (stock image from 2015)

Sheikh Feiz Muhammad said it was sinful to celebrate something you didn't believe it

'If you believe that this is accurate, is acceptable, is their right and I agree, hence I'm celebrating, you're one of them.'

In his 20-minute sermon, he said it was sinful for Muslims to take part in any festivity associated with another faith.

'If you go on the belief, 'I just want to join in and have the fun, you know, just have a night out, and enjoy myself but I don't believe in all this nonsense', that's a major sin,' he said.

'It's a what? It's a major sin.'

The video was produced in December 2016, telling Muslims that celebrating Christmas or New Year would be the work of the devil.

The Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales said Muslims were 'most welcome' to attend the Easter Show.

'Many of our media releases are translated for them in Arabic and uploaded on our website so we can appeal to all sorts of communities,' spokesman Roger White told Daily Mail Australia.
A police officer assigned to a high school in Pennsylvania allegedly punched a 14-year-old boy so hard his tooth was knocked out, the teen's attorney said.

School Resource Officer Stephen Shaulis confronted Queshawn Wade about a stolen cell phone on Monday afternoon at the Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, the teen's attorney Todd Hollis said.

Shaulis allegedly called the student a gay slur before a fight broke out that left the Wade with a bloody mouth and missing teeth,WTAE reported.

Stephen Shaulis, a cop assigned to a high school in Pennsylvania, allegedly punched 14-year-old Queshawn Wade (above), the teen's attorney said

The two were arguing when Shaulis called Wade a derogatory term before beating him in his office, Hollis said. Wade had to get his tooth reattached at the hospital

Shaulis, who works as a school resource officer, began questioning Wade about a cell phone that had been stolen from another student, Hollis said.

The two were arguing when Shaulis called Wade a derogatory term before beating him in his office, Hollis said.

The attorney claimed his client was thrown against the wall, punched in the back of his head, and punched in the teeth.

'I don't care what happened to the cellphone. It does not justify getting his teeth knocked out of his mouth,' Hollis said.

Wade had his tooth reattached at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian, and needs additional oral surgery, his attorney said.

The teen also appeared at a press conference with a scrape on his face, and Woodland Hills Superintendent said it was 'unfortunate' Wade was injured.

'I don't care what happened to the cellphone. It does not justify getting his teeth knocked out of his mouth,' Hollis said

Wade has been suspended from school, and the Allegheny County district attorney will consult with the FBI in an investigation due to allegations of excessive force

Hollis also accused the high school principal Kevin Murray of taking part in Wade's interrogation, and said he witnessed the fight.

Murray was placed on leave after a recording emerged of him threatening a special-education student, but Murray was not charged after the district attorney conducted an investigation.

But Murray's attorney Phil DiLucente hit back at the claims, saying they were 'complete incorrect and wrong'.

He issued a statement that said: 'My client was not involved in the incident and casting his name in this light with respect to the alleged incident is not only inflammatory but completely unnecessary and only done to damage his reputation.'

Wade has been suspended from school, and the Allegheny County district attorney will consult with the FBI in an investigation due to allegations of excessive force.

Hollis is calling for the school to release footage from surveillance cameras. It remains unclear whether he will pursue litigation.
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A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack has sensationally been charged with sending child pornography using a carriage service.

The senior Nine Network journalist, who was suspended by the network on Thursday night, allegedly had 'sexually explicit conversations' about children and discussed child porn with another man.

Mr McCormack, 42, appeared drawn and had dark circles under his eyes as he emerged from a Sydney police station at about 6pm to a swarm of journalists shouting questions.

The veteran reporter was pulled over by police on the way to work on Driver Avenue, in Moore Park, at 7.30am on Thursday.

Thursday evening's episode of A Current Affair led with a report on Mr McCormack's arrest and presenter Leila McKinnon stated the programme intends to 'cover the story without fear or favour.'

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Shock arrest: Ben McCormack, 42, appeared drawn and had dark circles under his eyes as he emerged from Redfern police station on Thursday night

Sydney journalists, many no doubt familiar with Mr McCormack, shouted questions as he emerged from Redfern police station after the shock arrest

The journalist - instrumental in Nine's coverage of the Hey Dad! abuse saga - huddled close behind to his lawyer Sam Macedone (on left) as he emerged from the police station

Mr McCormack - charged with a child pornography offence - was on the other side of media cameras as he emerged into a swarm of reporters

The 42-year-old reporter was pictured arriving to spend the night at a friend's house after leaving Redfern police station

Mr McCormack was pictured arriving a friend's home in Sydney after being granted strict conditional bail on Thursday night

In a three-and-a-half-minute video released by investigators, the journalist could be seen standing on the side of the road while police scoured his Mazda Sedan and bags.

Wearing a blue suit, he was led into the back seat of an unmarked police car and taken to Redfern Police Station where he was charged with using a carriage service to send child pornography.

McCormack was granted strict conditional bail and will face Downing Centre Local Court on May 1. If he was convicted by a court, he could face up to 15 years behind bars, reports said.

The arrest - which occurred while his boss was overseas in Kuwait - has sent shockwaves through the Australian media industry.

The arrest of Mr McCormack (seen on air) came after as many as eight police raided his offices at Willoughby

McCormack was granted strict conditional bail and will face Downing Centre Local Court on May 1

McCormack was picked up in a waiting car and taken away from the media chaos

The Nine Network led its evening bulletin with the development, showing vision of McCormack being swarmed by an enormous media pack.

One journalist loudly asked McCormack what he was thinking about when he was covering Hey Dad! abuser Robert Hughes' trial in 2014.

As well as being the face of many of A Current Affair's consumer stories, Mr McCormack was instrumental in breaking stories about the Hey Dad! saga.

In 2010, after allegations of Hughes' abuse first came to light, McCormack confronted the former sitcom star in Singapore.

According to a Fairfax report, McCormack phoned victim Sarah Monahan the result of Robert Hughes' 2014 trial after watching the guilty verdict in the courtroom.

Shock arrest: Ben McCormack (pictured with a detective in video distributed by police) was pulled over and arrested on Thursday morning

Police pulled Mr McCormack over in Moore Park on the way to work about 7:30am on Thursday morning

In video released by investigators, the journalist could be seen standing on the side of the road while police scoured his Mazda Sedan and bags

Mr McCormack was also apparently taken to his home in Alexandria - where police executed a search warrant

Led away: Wearing a blue suit, Mr McCormack joined police in the back of an unmarked car and was taken away

The development has shocked the Australian media industry - with McCormack known to colleagues as 'hard working and decent'

In a statement late on Thursday night, Nine spokeswoman Victoria Buchan described McCormack as a '25 year veteran of the Nine Network' and said he had suspended immediately.

'While justice MUST take its course, given the serious nature of the allegations Nine has taken a strong position and immediately suspended Ben McCormack,' Ms Buchan said.

Colleagues were stunned - with one shell-shocked worker describing him as 'hard working and decent' and dedicated to his job. The Nine Network has stressed the offences do not relate to A Current Affair.

McCormack met with his lawyer Sam Macedone after news broke of police raiding Channel Nine's Sydney headquarters at Willoughby.

'I did meet with Ben earlier and I do believe he will be charged, with what though, I'm not sure,' Mr Macedone told Daily Mail Australia.

Mr McCormack was interviewed by detectives at Redfern Police Station just after midday.

Detectives are seen with Mr McCormack after executing a search warrant on his home

Bags of evidence and electrical storage devices were seen in NSW Police video

McCormack (pictured) spoke with detectives at a Sydney police station just after midday, his lawyer said

As many as eight police officers raided Channel Nine's Sydney headquarters about 9.45am.

Officers ordered staff to leave their cubicles as they searched the building and were later seen leaving with bags of evidence.

Detectives seized computers, a mobile phone, and electronic storage devices. Late on Thursday, police said their investigation is continuing.

When Daily Mail Australia asked if the journalist would be stood down during the investigation, the Nine Network declined to comment.

'We have not been given any further information by the police and we won't be making any further comment at this time,' spokeswoman Victoria Buchan said.

McCormack is due to a face a Sydney court on May 1

As many as eight police entered the A Current Affair offices in Willoughby, Sydney's north, around 9:45am on Thursday

News director Darren Wick sent an email to staff shortly after the search began.

Mr Wick said: 'I can confirm that officers from the New South Wales police have been at TCN this morning investigating matters relating to a staff member at A Current Affair.

'It's a personal matter that does not relate to the program or Nine.

'We are co-operating with the police. However, we are not in a position to comment any further as this is an ongoing investigation.'

Staff have since returned to work.
The Channel Nine television reporter charged over possessing child pornography doggedly pursued stories involving Hey Dad! abuser Robert Hughes and evangelical church Hillsong, but is best known for his consumer stories.

Media insiders were shocked by the arrest of A Current Affair journalist Ben McCormack following a raid on Channel Nine's Sydney headquarters on Thursday morning.

Mr McCormack was charged and granted conditional bail on Thursday afternoon. Police will allege the veteran Nine Network journalist, 42, had 'sexually explicit conversations' about children with another man and discussed child porn.

Eight police officers turned up at the news network's offices in Willoughby about 9.45am and stunned staff were told to leave the program's offices while detectives investigated.

Veteran reporter Ben McCormack has been behind hundreds of the programs stories - from consumer segments to investigations into Robert Hughes

'A lovable guy, a decent man': Stunned colleagues spoke out about McCormack's character to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday

Speaking before charges were laid, one colleague said: 'He (McCormack's) a lovable guy, he's been at the network for years and he's hard working and decent.'

Network staff and friends were concerned about his wellbeing after the arrest.

Mr McCormack was not at Nine's Willoughby offices on Monday. He was pulled over by police on the way to work and his work computer was seized as potential evidence.

Originally from Queensland, Mr McCormack is a twin and a veteran reporter for the television station.

In 2010, he was the first journalist to confront Hey Dad! abuser Robert Hughes over allegations of child sex abuse, including cast members of the 1980s Australian sitcom.

'I'm absolutely, totally shocked at the allegations and I deny, absolutely deny, everything,' Hughes told McCormack in Singapore.

McCormack has doggedly reported on the story's twists and turns since. It was A Current Affair's investigation which prompted police investigations.

Veteran reporter: McCormack has worked in the TV news industry for more than a decade

McCormack is pictured here during his coverage of the Hey Dad! scandal

He is a common feature in consumer segments involving popular household brands and 'supermarket whistleblowers'.

He was also responsible for reports about the evangelical Hillsong Church in Sydney's north-west.

Like many tabloid TV journalists, McCormack has also been involved in scrapes with the ABC's Media Watch program, including a segment about an 'All Asian Mall' in Castle Hill in 2012.

Outside of work, he lives in the city's inner east and was heavily involved in the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.

He put in more than 120 hours in the 2015/16 season and has been showered in accolades for his 'calm and approachable manner', according to the club's website.

McCormack, pictured on the Nine Network when he was younger

Mr McCormack's lawyer, Sam Macedone, told Daily Mail Australia he met with him just hours after police searched Channel Nine's Sydney headquarters on Thursday.

'I did meet with Ben earlier and I do believe he will be charged, with what though, I'm not sure,' Mr Macedone said.

He said McCormack spoke with detectives at a Sydney police station just after midday.

Channel 9 head of publicity Victoria Buchan declined to comment when Daily Mail Australia asked if Mr McCormack would be stood down from reporting duties while the investigation is carried out.

'We have not been given any further information by the police and we won't be making any further comment at this time,' Ms Buchan said.




Veterans travelling to Gallipoli for Anzac Day have been warned that terrorists may target the commemorations this year.

The Australian federal government updated travel advice to Turkey after receiving information of a 'high threat of a terrorist attack' targeting the event on April 25.

Veteran Affairs Minister Dan Tehan said the overall level of advice for Turkey and Gallipoli had not changed from 'exercise a high degree of caution'.

However, a specific warning has been added about terrorism, and Turkish authorities are beefing up security in anticipation.

Veterans are being warned that terrorists may target Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli this year

The federal government updated travel advice to Turkey after receiving information of a 'high threat of a terrorist attack'

'Make no mistake, we will not let the terrorists win,' Mr Tehan told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

Mr Tehan said the scheduled commemorations would continue as planned.

But travellers should be aware of the risks and take appropriate measures if they wished to continue with their visit.

'Unfortunately, in the current global environment, major events attract threats of varying degrees,' he said.

'Regrettably, Anzac Day is not immune.'

Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Mike Phelan said his officers had been working closely with Turkish authorities, but he would not go into detail about the threat.

'We do understand that the information suggests that terrorists may attack the peninsula. It is nothing more specific than that.'

A specific warning has been added about terrorism, and Turkish authorities are beefing up security in anticipation (Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan, left, making announcement)

The scheduled Anzac Day commemorations are still set to continue as planned

He said the advice level would continue to be under review up to the Anzac Day events.

'The Australian Government has received information to suggest terrorists may seek to target Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula,' the statement read.

'Australians travelling to the Anzac Day services should minimise transit time spent in Istanbul and Ankara,' a statement from Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

'Travel advice continues to recommend that travellers avoid large crowds and minimise time spent around potential targets for attack, including tourist sites.

'The Australian Government does not provide this advice lightly.'
Tiffany Li is accused of killing the father of her two children, Keith Green in 2016

A woman accused of killing the father of her two children is expected to make $35million bail - said to be the eighth-highest ever posted in any state court, according to her attorney.

Tiffany Li, who comes from a wealthy Chinese family, is actually posting double the amount in property bond, as required by law, with the help of family and friends offering up around 20 different residences to see her released from jail, ABC7 reported.

Li, who was arrested last year in San Mateo County, California, along with her boyfriend Kaveh Bayat and Olivier Adella, faces murder charges in the death of Keith Green, who was found naked along a dirt road with a single gunshot wound to the neck.

District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe criticized the bail system for favoring the rich, and said Li's ability to post the astronomically high sum 'is not what we have encountered in San Mateo County before.'

He added it was likely Li, who could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted, would flee the country upon her release.

Li, who is a Chinese citizen, comes from a powerful family, ABC7 reported.

And her friends, relatives, and business associates are collectively agreeing to put up around 20 different properties worth $70million - since California law states 'the value of the equity must at least be twice the bail amount'.

She is held on $35million bail. Friends and family will put up around 20 different properties worth $70million to see her freed from jail. Pictured, her mansion in Hillsborough, California

Green was found dead on May 11 along a dirt road near Highway 101, wearing nothing but a pair of black socks, Mercury News reported.

He went missing after he met Li at the Millbrae Pancake House to discuss an ongoing custody dispute over their two daughters, Detective Gaby Chaghouri said during a preliminary hearing.

Li claimed the two talked inside her car in the parking lot of the restaurant before he got out, Mercury News reported.

She said she drove home, and video surveillance showed her car traveling down El Camino Real, followed by a 2005 Chrysler that belonged to Adella, the detective said.

Adella was pinpointed crossing the Golden Gate Bridge at 3.30am on the 29th, and Green's body was found two weeks later in Sonoma County.

Li, who was arrested last year in San Mateo County, California, along with her boyfriend Kaveh Bayat (left) and Olivier Adella (right)

Adella, who works as a personal trainer, bodyguard and limousine driver, then traded in the 2005 Chrysler days later with the car smelling like bleach, the detective said.

When Adella was questioned, he suggested Bayat was jealous of his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend and asked him to follow Greene, according to Lis attorney, Geoffrey Carr.

Adella also told detectives he did not follow through on Bayat's request that he kill Green, Carr said.

Li, Bayat, and Adella have pleaded not guilty to felony murder charges, with a special allegation that one of them was armed with a gun during the crime.
An MIT graduate, 40, has been indicted on terrorism and weapons of mass destruction charges after police found explosives 'strong enough to penetrate a military tank' at his home.

Nicolai Howard Mork was arrested on Wednesday after police found huge quantities of bomb-making ingredients at his Las Vegas home.

Police were first alerted to the suspect after they were able to tie him to eight Molotov cocktails left near 'seemingly random homes' 'in the southeast valley neighborhood of Las Vegas last December, the Las Vegas Journal reports.

Nicolai Howard Mork (left and right) was arrested on Wednesday after police found huge quantities of bomb-making ingredients at his Las Vegas home

When they searched his home, they discovered a vast quantity of bomb-making ingredients.

Cops also found 17 hard drives on a desk top computer which contained 'violent child pornography,' 'snuff films,' and images of Mork having sex with 'seemingly unconscious women,' Chief Deputy Clark County District Attorney Jacob Villani said.

He also had underskirt photos of women he seems to have taken with a hidden camera inside a rolling bag, and video of Mork beating a woman inside his apartment, Villani added. That same woman was apparently later found unconscious in the lobby of his complex.

No charges have yet been brought for the disturbing finds on his computer as police are still reviewing the material.

But Villani warned that Mork, who once spent a summer studying abroad in Russia- posed an 'extreme danger to the community'.

'His crimes are running the gambit at this point, and we're just trying to a hold of what exactly we're looking at here.'

Mork's mother Joan, of Duluth, Minnesota, who said her son was taking medication for anxiety and depression, said her son had become increasingly paranoid in recent years.

Las Vegas police and SWAT officers surround a home of Nicolai Howard Mork as they clear the property, Wednesday, April 5

Las Vegas police officers block a road near the property where Mork, was arrested late Wednesday on counts of terrorism and possession of weapons of mass destruction, authorities said

'He's not a man we recognize,' she said.

Mork was first arrested on December 29 at one of his homes in a southern Las Vegas neighborhood after police evacuated residents from several nearby houses, police Sgt. Jeff Clark said.

An arrest report found that Mork, who is divorced, was in possession of large quantities of potentially incendiary chemicals. They included 251 pounds of ammonium nitrate, 26 pounds of aluminum, 9.5 pounds of red iron oxide, 33 pounds of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder referred to as 'Tannerite'.

When combined, these chemicals can lead to 'explosive results', which could could cause 'substantial damage to Mork's residence and the houses around him,' the report stated.

It noted that the nitric acid was of particular concern as it was 'extremely dangerous'.

The prosecutor warned that Mork (with ex-wife Lindsay in 2004, left) who once spent a summer studying abroad in Russia (right) posed an 'extreme danger to the community'

Mork then attended Pomona College in Calremont, California (pictured 97-98)

Police recovered a huge quantity of explosive quantities, a hand gun and silencer

'Mork appeared to realize the dangerous potential of this substance as it was clearly isolated and stored away from all other organic and inorganic material,' the report added.

Police are recovered a Walther P-22 .22 caliber handgun with serial number altered as well as a silencer.

The suspect had posted $220,000 bail, with help from his mother, until he was re-arrested on Wednesday without incident. He is currently being held on $8 million bail.

He faces charges of creating weapons of mass destruction and acts of terrorism by setting incendiary devices - like Molotov Cocktails - to explode.

The incidents involved the 'use or attempted use of sabotage, coercion, or violence intended to cause great bodily harm or death to the general population and/or cause substantial destruction, contamination or impairment of any building, infrastructure, utilities, or services.'

Defense attorney, Wooldridge, argues that all the materials in his client's possession were legal and commercially available.

Mork's mother said her son had become increasingly paranoid in recent years

Police tweeted in Wednesday that they had re-arrested Mork at Silverado Ranch

'The manner in which this individual was using these materials was not for legal purposes,' Deputy Las Vegas Police Chief Chris Jones argued. 'These substances could be used in the manufacture of powerful explosive devices. The more you use, the larger the device, the more destructive it's going to be.'

Villani said the chemicals were 'strong enough to penetrate a military tank'.

Mork, who has a masters in business administration from MIT, is a former management consultant at Bain & Company in Boston and director of portfolio management at packaging company MeadWestvaco Corporation, in Richmond, Virginia, according to his Facebook page.

His mother described him as 'the most loving brilliant person you could imagine,' as a child.

An FBI spokeswoman in Las Vegas said the bureau wasn't involved in the case. Officials at several gun stores and a public gun range in Las Vegas declined to comment about the commercial availability of explosive targets.

Jones, who heads the police department's Homeland Security unit, said the investigation arose after several explosions in two neighborhoods where Mork lived, and complaints by neighbors about damage to their property between last October and December.

'Devices had either exploded or were found unexploded,' Jones said. 'They clearly were not being used for legal purposes.'
The girlfriend of backpacker Rye Hunt has stood in as 'best man' at her boyfriend's father's wedding six months after he was found dead.

Bonnie Cuthbert stood next to John Hunt as he married his partner, Kathy, at a ceremony in December.

In describing the moment as 'beautiful', Rye's sister Romany Brodribb told nine.com.au how difficult life without her fun-loving brother had been.

'Personally it's been really tough. I think it's really hard to describe,' Ms Brodribb said.

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The girlfriend of dead backpacker Rye Hunt (L), Bonnie Cuthbert (R) stood in as 'best man' for Mr Hunt's father, John's wedding

Ms Brodribb said Ms Cuthbert was asked to be the best man at her father's wedding as it was a role meant for her brother before his tragic death.

'It's been beautiful that Bonnie has always been like part of the family,' Ms Brodribb, who was the maid of honour at the ceremony, said.

It comes as part of the healing process for the grieving family that is still coming to terms with the loss of their loved one.

Hunt, 25, was last seen leaving an apartment in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, on May 21 following a row with his friend Mitchell Sheppard at Galeao International Airport.

The family of the Tasmanian electrician revealed he may have taken a highly potent hallucinogenic drug in the lead-up to his disappearance.

Brazilian authorities called off a 72-hour sea search when a fishermen reportedly spotted a body floating off Rio's coast in clothes similar to those worn by Mr Hunt when he vanished.

Mr Hunt, died from either dehydration or from drowning after swimming from an island near Copacabana beach on May 21, 2016

The 25-year-old is believed to have taken a highly potent hallucinogenic drug in the lead-up to his 800-metre swim from Contunduba island (pictured)

The body was later confirmed to be that of Hunt's by Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop on June 10.

'The Australian consular service has been working closely with the family, we have been working closely with the Brazilian authorities,' she said at the time.

Police later revealed that Hunt had died from either dehydration or drowning when he tried swimming from an island off the coast of Rio De Jenairo.

But the badly decomposed state of his body made it hard for investigators to determine the exact cause of death.

Mr Hunt gave away his sister, Romany Brodribb (R) on her wedding day

At the time of Hunt's disappearance, Ms Brodribb had also been in the final weeks of her pregnancy.

She delivered a baby boy, Edward, in the same week she was told of her brother's death describing her feelings at the time as 'emotionally draining'.

'If you've ever had a love one missing, there is this ball of tension and ache and sickness in you and it just sits in your gut and having that feeling is by the worst feeling in my life,' she explained.

Ms Brodribb confessed that the lack of concrete answers made it hard for her to fully resolve her grief but that the support from her family, friends and memory of her brother made life easier.

Mr Hunt, 25, was last seen on CCTV leaving an apartment in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

The family has expressed how difficult it has been to move on since Mr Hunt's death

Her experiences have given her the courage to volunteer with the Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN).

Explaining it as a part of her healing but also an opportunity to talk to those that have not been able to get answers over missing loved ones.

'I'm fortunate that the disappearance of Rye was short in comparison to loved ones who go missing for years,' Ms Brodribb said.

'Some people don't get that resolution.'
An application by Amber Harrison to have her legal stoush with Seven West Media heard in the Federal Court is "a classic case of the tail wagging the dog", a lawyer for the network says.

Ms Harrison last month launched a counter-claim in the Federal Court in Victoria against the company, which is seeking a permanent gag order to prevent the former employee revealing details of her affair with chief executive Tim Worner.

Her barrister Julian Burnside SC has also applied to have all aspects of the legal stoush transferred from the Supreme Court in Sydney to be heard alongside her counter-claim in Victoria.

An application by Amber Harrison to have her legal stoush with Seven West Media heard in the Federal Court is 'a classic case of the tail wagging the dog', a lawyer for the network says

But Seven's barrister Andrew Bell SC challenged the application in the Supreme Court on Thursday, saying the court in Victoria was not an appropriate forum and a transfer would not be in the interests of justice.

He said several witnesses in the case would be senior executives with serious obligations to Seven West Media in Sydney.

Ms Harrison's cross-claim was based on 'gratuitous' references to the Fair Work Act and along with the application, was 'a classic case of the tail wagging the dog', he said.

The Supreme Court proceedings over the gag order had commenced first, with a date to hear the case already set for July, he said.

But Mr Burnside noted Ms Harrison, who now lives in Victoria, did not have the same financial resources to fight the case as the broadcaster.

Ms Harrison, a former executive assistant at Seven, had an affair with Mr Worner between 2012 and 2014.

The former lover of Seven boss Tim Worner is counter-suing the company and has applied to have the case transferred as it relates to the Fair Work Act

Ms Harrison, a former executive assistant at Seven, had an affair with Tim Worner (pictured) between 2012 and 2014

Mr Burnside said the Supreme Court hearing in July and Ms Harrison's Federal Court case would deal with the same questions, which was 'undesirable in the interests of justice'.

'If the matter is transferred, then those questions will be decided once and for all,' Mr Burnside said.

Justice John Sackar has reserved his decision on the application.
Gable Tostee appears to activated a new Tinder account just months after he was acquitted of killing Warriena Wright - who he met on the dating app.

Ms Wright, a 26-year-old New Zealand tourist, died after she fell from Mr Tostee's 14th floor Gold Coast apartment balcony in August 2014 after the pair went on a date.

He was found not guilty of her murder in October.

Mr Tostee's new Tinder profile was spotted by a Gold Coast woman who uses the dating app and recognised the self-confessed playboy, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Gold Coast playboy Gable Tostee appears to activated a new Tinder account just months after he was acquitted of killing Warriena Wright

The 31-year-old's age and new name of Eric Thomas appear on the new profile (pictured)

Mr Tostee met Ms Warriena (pictured) on Tinder and the pair went on a date in August 2014 before she fell to her from his 14th floor balcony

The 31-year-old's age and new name of Eric Thomas appear on the new profile.

It also lists Griffith University as his educational background.

One image shows Mr Tostee lying shirtless in bed and another is of the 31-year-old partaking in a food contest.

'Shhh don't tell Channel 9,' the profile reads, referring to the media attention surrounding the death of Ms Wright and his subsequent trial.

Mr Tostee has previously accused Channel 9 of having 'ruined his life,' according to The Daily Telegraph.

Mr Tostee was found not guilty in October of the murder of the 26-year-old New Zealand tourist (pictured)
Parents who take children on unauthorised term-time holidays cannot escape fines and criminal records after a father who took his daughter to Florida in 2015 lost his landmark Supreme Court case today.

Jon Platt, 46, from the Isle of Wight, spent 12,000 on the two-year battle and says millions will be 'criminalised' by a judgment he said was more suited to a dictatorship like North Korea.

Mr Platt was fined and prosecuted by his local council but told by magistrates and the High Court he had no case to answer and did not have to pay the 60 fixed penalty, which had been increased to 120.

But two years on five Supreme Court judges have ruled against him because it would be a 'slap in the face to obedient parents who keep to the rules'.

Speaking on the steps afterwards he said: 'Every unauthorised absence, including being a minute late to school, is now a criminal offence'.

He added: 'This is no longer about term-time holiday. It is about the state taking the rights of parents away to make decisions about their own children. You are not the final arbiter of what's right for your child.'

The battle has cost Mr Platt, who runs a PPI claims firm, around 12,000 but he says he won't be 'ruined' because it paid for from savings and legal aid.

D-day: A deflated Jon Platt, from the Isle of Wight, (pictured with his wife Sally after the ruling) has lost his landmark case arguing parents should be able to choose when to take children on holiday if they have a decent attendance record

Ruling: Announcing the decision of the court, Lady Hale (left) said the case hinged upon the meaning of the word 'regularly' and said Mr Platt failed the legal test and must face magistrates again because he should have been prosecuted

Anger: Other parents said the that 'obscene' ruling is denying parents the right to make decisions about their children and when to take time off

After an extraordinary day at the Supreme Court, the Platt judgment means:

Parents can still be prosecuted and fined if they take their children on holiday during term time. Even half a day out of class without permission could be punished

Schools keep the power to issue 60 fines for being late if they want to use it

Religious holidays, sickness and family death remain only acceptable reasons for authorised absence

Headteachers do have the flexibility to grant time off in 'exceptional circumstances' after written application - but attendance record is irrelevant

Delighted Education officials no longer face needing to re-write strict 2013 law

Calls for holiday companies to be forced to cap the price of school holiday trips

What the landmark Supreme Court ruling means for parents Today's once in a generation truancy ruling cements a 2013 law that demanded all parents face a fine or prosecution if they take their children out of school without permission. Michael Gove's landmark policy was under serious threat if Jon Platt had won at the Supreme Court today. His defeat effectively means mothers and fathers should not take their child out of lessons at any point without the headteacher's approval. Mr Gove scrapped 2006 rules that meant headteachers could grant leave of absence of up to 10 days for the purposes of a family holiday in term time in 'special circumstances'. Since 2013 headteachers can only grant leave from school in 'exceptional circumstances', like religious holidays or deaths in the family. Mr Platt's loss means local authorities keep the power to issue 60 fines per child to parents if a school reports it to them. These on-the-spot penalty notices of rises to 120 if unpaid after three weeks. Failure to pay, or building up two or more fines, means parents are referred to a council's education department who decide whether to take parents to court. Courts can issue maximum fines of 2,500 or jail sentences of up to three months. The Government says councils don't prosecute every case - but some 19,920 parents were taken to court in 2015 in England for allowing their child to miss school, the latest Ministry of Justice figures show. Explaining the significance of today's ruling Mr Platt said: 'Every unauthorised absence, including being a minute late to school, is now a criminal offence. 'If you share custody of your child - as I do - with a former partner, and they are late to school on a day you don't have them, you have committed a criminal offence under this judgment. 'If you decide to keep your child off school for a day because they've woken up in the morning, tomorrow morning they wake up they look tired and you decide to keep them off because you're their parent, you can no longer do that, because if the head teacher second guesses you and marks it as unauthorised, you've committed a criminal offence'. Advertisement

Father-of-three Mr Platt took his seven-year-old child to Disney World in April 2015 rather than keeping her at school where she had an 'exemplary' attendance record.

Mr Platt was fined and prosecuted by his local council but told by magistrates and the High Court he had no case to answer and did not have to pay the fixed penalty, which had been increased to 120.

Despite winning case after case the Supreme Court, the highest court in Britain, has ruled against him.

Mr Platt has been ordered to return to magistrates' court - where he won his first case in 2015 - but he said he has 'absolutely no intention' of pleading guilty and expects to be cleared.

Slamming the decision he said afterwards: 'Irvine Welsh said on the radio the other day: "We are being groomed for authoritarianism". That's exactly what this feels like.

'That, as private citizens, the state knows better than us, even about what is right for our children. We're a free society, this is not North Korea.

'We are the ones up late at night mopping up tears when our children have fallen out with friends. We know our children in a way nobody else could.

'Surely it cannot be right that some person in a local authority can second guess our decision.'

If Mr Platt is convicted he is likely to be fined up to 1,000 - but magistrates do have the power to jail him, although it is unlikely in this case.

The bombshell ruling reinforces the Government's 2013 law change brought in by Michael Gove that said any holiday in term times was unacceptable.

It meant that headteachers can only grant leave from school in 'exceptional circumstances', like religious holidays or deaths in the family.

Mr Gove scrapped 2006 rules that meant headteachers could grant leave of absence of up to 10 days for the purposes of a family holiday in term time in 'special circumstances'.

Some 19,920 parents were taken to court in 2015 in England for allowing their child to miss school, the latest Ministry of Justice figures show.

Mr Platt's two year battle hinged on whether a child's attendance record should be taken into account before parents are prosecuted for term time time off.

His daughter had a 93 per cent attendance record, which meant he had not acted unlawfully, he said.

His supporters say the Government, councils and schools will now be able to 'extort' and 'criminalise' millions of parents at will.

Speaking outside the Supreme Court Mr Platt said he was 'not at all surprised' to lose the landmark case but called the decision 'lunacy'.

Row: Mr Platt (pictured) blasted the Department for Education for pouring huge amounts of taxpayers' money into fighting him

Highest court: The Supreme Court's ruling means millions have been 'criminalised' and will now struggle to fight 60 school fines for holidays and even being late for school

He said: 'You're the child's parents. You should be able to make that decision without the state coming along and saying: 'You're wrong about that'.'

He added the matter is not finished and urged parents who find the ruling 'repulsive' to show their displeasure in local elections next month.

He said: 'Schools need to think very carefully about what these rules should be.

Father spent two years and 12,000 to bring case to Supreme Court April 12, 2015: Jon Platt takes his seven-year-old to Florida in term time until April 20 because it was a trip with 17 members of his family and it was the only week they could all attend. She misses a week of school. October 16, 2015: Mr Platt, who runs a PPI claims company, spends 1,000 of his own money to overturn 120 fine issued by Isle of Wight Council. May 13, 2016: Mr Platt wins the case in the High Court after his local council's appeal fails. December 21, 2016: Supreme court grants council bosses a final appeal over the case, which they have already lost twice. January 31, 2017: Supreme Court case starts - Mr Platt, having paid for many of the legal costs himself, is granted legal aid. If he wins the case a crackdown on school absences ordered in 2013 by Michael Gove will be left in tatters. April 6, 2017: Judges rule in the bombshell case and say he may have broken the law Advertisement

'Some have policies that mean that every day missed is a criminal offence.'

'I won at the Magistrates Court and again at the High Court but the Supreme Court has remitted this back to the Magistrates Court and ordered a trial.

'I have no intention of pleading guilty to this offence when it goes back to court and I don't expect to be found guilty.'

The panel of Supreme Court justices, including the court's president Lord Neuberger, declared that Parliament's intention was that the word 'regularly' means 'in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school'.

The justices also ruled the penalty notice was properly issued to Mr Platt and said that his ex-wife, the child's wife, had paid the fine without complaint.

They said he will be guilty of the offence unless he can establish one of the statutory exceptions, which include sickness and religious observance, adding 'but the eventual outcome of the case will be a matter for the magistrates to decide'.

Announcing the decision of the court, deputy president Lady Hale said the case hinged upon the meaning of the word 'regularly'.

The court ruled the correct interpretation was being 'in accordance with the attendance rules'.

Lady Hale said there were 'good policy reasons' for such an interpretation, saying: 'Unauthorised absences have a disruptive effect, not only on the education of the individual child, but also on the work of other pupils, and of their teachers.

'If one pupil can be taken out whenever it suits the parent, then so can others.

'Different pupils may be taken out at different times, multiplying the disruptive effect.'

She added: 'Any educational system expects people to keep the rules. It is a slap in the face to those obedient parents who do keep the rules, whatever the cost or inconvenience to themselves.'

Mr Platt sent a message this morning hinting that he may have lost his battle over school fines

Backers: Supporters say the Government will be able to 'extort' and 'criminalise' millions of parents at will

The Government had faced rewriting truancy laws if it had lost the case.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: 'What the Supreme Court has done is endorse the current position.

More parents in court than ever over term time holidays Michael Gove brought in strict new rules for parents Prosecutions of parents for child truancy have soared by 61 per cent in only four years under tough rules banning term-time holidays. Some 19,920 parents were taken to court in 2015 in England for allowing their child to miss school, the latest Ministry of Justice figures show. That is a 21 per cent rise on 2014, when 16,430 faced prosecution, and a 61 per cent increase on 2011, when 12,344 cases were heard. If Jon Platt had won it would have forced the Government to consider its position on fines. The Department for Education believes that parents should be fined for unauthorised time off in all but exceptional circumstances. Michael Gove, who brought in changes in the law in 2013, said that any holiday in term times was unacceptable. Isle of Wight Council said in court cannot simply take their children out of school to take them on holiday, or for any other unauthorised reason'. This will remain the same around the country. Advertisement

'We recognise - and they've recognised - the importance of children being in school and getting the most out of their education but also recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where a child needs to be taken out of school during term time and it's right that the individual headteacher has that flexibility to make that decision. I think that is the correct balance.'

A DfE spokesman said: 'We are pleased the Supreme Court unanimously agreed with our position  that no child should be taken out of school without good reason.

'The evidence shows every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil's chances of achieving good GCSEs, which has a lasting effect on their life chances'.

Isle of Wight Council started the prosecution in 2015.

It said in a statement: 'The Supreme Court's judgment provides much needed clarity about what constitutes regular attendance at school, to schools, parents and local education authorities.

'The Isle of Wight Council will ensure it continues to apply its code of conduct in relation to school absence and in accordance with this judgment.'

Mr Platt's case now has to return to the magistrates' court as a result of the decision.

He says he will pull his child out of the state system because private schools don't fine parents.

Kevin Courtney, National Union of Teachers general secretary, said he had 'some sympathy' for Mr Platt.

He said: 'Parents generally do all they can to keep children in school and teachers want them to do that.

'However there will be occasions when families will have a planned holiday in term time - this can be for a many reasons such as family commitments or parents unable to take leave in the school holidays.

'Fining parents is entirely the wrong route to be going down.

'Many parents will be able to afford the fine and it will not be a deterrent.

'This is yet another example of top-down measures being imposed on schools causing unnecessary tensions between head teachers and families.'

Mr Platt insisted his original 60 fine is unlawful because his daughter's attendance record was otherwise exemplary and won cases at magistrates' court and the High Court - so the Government took him to the Supreme Court.

Frankie Reilly tweeted: 'Schools know which parents are responsible and which are not. Grow some and target troublemakers #jonplatt. It might not have come to this had he booked his holiday on a teacher training day or when they were striking'.

John Moor wrote: 'I'm with #responsible #jonplatt: this situation created by @Number10gov - extorts parents then makes them criminals'.

Lee Mar said: 'Good luck to #jonplatt today at the Supreme Court. Fighting for the freedom of our own children'.

Mr Platt admitted he feared losing the case and told the Sunday Times: 'I am absolutely sure we are going to lose this week.

'I am preparing to pull my daughter out of her state primary school because I cannot risk going through all this again if I take her out of class because I, as her father, judge it is in her best interests. If she were in a private school, I would not be fined.'

Legal action: This is a letter Isle of Wight Council sent to Mr Platt fining him for an unauthorised holiday - he says he will pull his daughter out of the state system and go private

Destination: The holiday villa in Florida that Mr Platt rented in April 2015 - but the local council didn't like it and has pursued him for years with the help of the Government

Break: Mr Platt argued that taking his daughter on a family holiday to this villa was better for her development than staying at school

The council prosecuted Mr Platt after he refused to pay a 120 penalty - under the fixed penalty procedure a parent can avoid prosecution if they pay.

Magistrates said he had no case to answer, and the High Court later ruled that he was not acting unlawfully because his daughter had a good overall attendance record of more than 90%.

The decision caused a surge in term-time bookings all over England.

At a Supreme Court hearing in January, the local authority, backed by the Education Secretary, argued that a child's unauthorised absence from school 'for even a single day, or even half a day' can amount to a criminal offence.

But a QC for Mr Platt described the submission as a new and radical interpretation of the law which was absurd and would 'criminalise parents on an unprecedented scale'.

After the Supreme Court ruling, Isle of Wight Council said in a statement: 'The Supreme Court's judgment provides much-needed clarity about what constitutes regular attendance at school, to schools, parents and local education authorities.

'The Isle of Wight Council will ensure it continues to apply its code of conduct in relation to school absence and in accordance with this judgment.'

Lady Hale said that 'given the strictness of the previous law, Parliament is unlikely to have found it acceptable that parents could take their children out of school in blatant disregard of the school rules, either without having asked for permission at all or having asked for it, been refused'.

She added: 'This is not an approach to rule-keeping which any educational system can be expected to find acceptable.

'It is a slap in the face to those obedient parents who do keep the rules, whatever the cost or inconvenience to themselves.'

It came as prosecutions of parents for child truancy have soared by 61 per cent in only four years under tough rules banning term-time holidays.

Some 19,920 parents were taken to court in 2015 in England for allowing their child to miss school, the latest Ministry of Justice figures show.

That is a 21 per cent rise on 2014, when 16,430 faced prosecution, and a 61 per cent increase on 2011, when 12,344 cases were heard.

Change in law in 2013 that opened floodgates for 'the criminalisation of parents' How have the rules changed over term time holidays? In September 2013 the law was changed by Michael Gove so that headteachers can grant leave from school in 'exceptional circumstances' only. Courts can issue a fine of 2,500 or a jail sentence of up to three months to the parents of children who skip school or have unauthorised holidays. The Department of Education overturned guidelines dating back to 2006 that meant head teachers could grant leave of absence of up to 10 days for the purposes of a family holiday in term time in 'special circumstances'. Today parents who take their children out of school without permission during term time can incur fines of 60 per pupil, per period of absence - which rises to 120 if not paid within 21 days. What was the impact in the change of rules? Large numbers of parents have tried to ignored the new law but the Government and the majority of local councils have clamped down - hitting those parents who take their children away in term time on unauthorised absences with fines. 86,010 fines were issued in 2014/15 for pupil absence, either through holiday or truancy, by councils, up from 62,204 the year before and 32,512 in 2012/13. How have parents reacted? The school absence reforms introduced in 2013 proved controversial, with critics arguing that they have the biggest impact on those who cannot afford high travel costs during school breaks and families with parents that work shifts. Nearly 230,000 people have signed a petition calling for the fines to be scrapped and one group of parents founded the organisation Parents Want A Say to campaign against fines, arguing that many mothers and fathers believe they are being made to feel like criminals. What do teachers say? The National Union of Teachers warned that going on holiday shouldn't be exclusive to the middle classes, and have said there are important cultural and social benefits to visiting new places. Meanwhile the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents 370 councils across the country, has called for rules to be changed to give head teachers greater flexibility to allow parents to take their children on holiday during term time. However, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), have argued that term time is for learning and that families already had 175 days off school, including weekends and school holidays, to spend time together. What is deemed an authorised absence? Head teachers still have discretion over granting absence during term time. The NAHT guidance says an absence for the bereavement of a relative, or important religious observances could be deemed as exceptional circumstances. Advertisement

'Shocking' truancy judgment will have consequences for millions of parents, says father-of-three

Jon Platt and his wife Sally at the Supreme Court where he lost his holiday case today and warned of a 'generation' of pain for parents

The father who lost a landmark legal battle over taking his daughter to Disney World during school term-time has said the consequences of the judgment are 'shocking'.

Jon Platt spoke at length afterwards and said that he would not admit breaking the law as Supreme Court justices said he had two years ago.

Here is what he said afterwards:

'As you all just heard the Supreme Court has just reversed decades of judicial precedent.

'They didn't just say that the High Court judge who heard my case, Lord Jones, misinterpreted the law, they have concluded that the earlier High Court decision from 2006 and one from 1969 were also wrong in their interpretation of the law and they should no longer be followed.

'Be in no doubt, despite the judgment, I followed the law precisely as laid down and interpreted by High Court judges in two different cases from 1969 and 2006.

'They told me that to attend regularly was to attend very frequently, so I decided not to pay a 60 penalty notice, because my daughter had otherwise perfect attendance at school.

'The decision of those High Court judges from 1969 and 2006 informed that decision but here I stand outside the Supreme Court, having been told I was wrong to rely on the decisions of those High Court judges to guide me on the law.

'With this judgment, those precedents have been swept away and the consequences can only be described as shocking.

'To attend regularly no longer means to attend frequently, it now means to attend on all the days and at all the times that the school requires it.

'Every unauthorised absence, including being a minute late to school, is now a criminal offence.

'If you share custody of your child - as I do - with a former partner, and they are late to school on a day you don't have them, you have committed a criminal offence under this judgment.

'If you decide to keep your child off school for a day because they've woken up in the morning, tomorrow morning they wake up they look tired and you decide to keep them off because you're their parent, you can no longer do that, because if the head teacher second guesses you and marks it as unauthorised, you've committed a criminal offence.

'The issue is no longer if it ever was about term-time holidays, it is about the State taking the rights of parents away when it comes to making decisions about their children.

'Many of you might have thought given in 2015 when I took my family on this now infamous term-time holiday, as I was at that time following the law as laid down by several High Court judges, that it would be grossly unfair to retrospectively criminalise me.

'That was very nearly not the case. What some of you in the press who've had the briefing this morning didn't know, was that the first draft of this judgment goes back to the magistrates' court with a direction to convict.

'They weren't even prepared to give me a trial. There has been no trial in this case, this case stopped at half-time because the magistrate said I had no case to answer.

'But the Supreme Court were prepared to send this back with a direction to convict, until my barristers pointed out that they couldn't do that.

'This case now has to go back to the Isle of Wight magistrates and start all over again.

'I can tell you I have absolutely no intention of pleading guilty to this offence when it goes back to the magistrates' court.'
Mark Latham has courted more controversy, this time calling on white and straight people to rescue Australia from left-wing political correctness.

His call comes only a week after he was sacked from Sky News for calling a Sydney schoolboy 'gay' who had appeared in a video for International Women's Day.

This time, the former federal Labor leader has fired off a series of tweets attacking left-wing political correctness, identity politics and Canberra-based political journalists.

Scroll down for video

Thinking about the left: Mark Latham has called on straights and whites to reclaim Australia

Mark Latham says heterosexual churchgoers should fight back against militant gay marriage campaigners

Undeterred by the backlash over his 'gay' Sydney Boys High School comments, Mr Latham has published a new tweet calling on the heterosexual community to stand up to authoritarian gay marriage campaigners.

'Straight people must fight the new, militant gay-left, seeking to sack those how believe in God and man-woman marriage. No persecution,' he said.

His strike at his old Labor Party, which now supports gay marriage, follows a campaign against Coopers beer by left-wing activists over a promotional Bible Society video featuring two Liberal MPs politely debating their opposing views on gay marriage.

In another tweet, Mr Latham took aim at Iranian-born New South Wales Labor senator Sam Dastyari and Sudanese-born Muslim youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied, who told Q&A in February Islam was the 'most feminist religion', and later hosted a Face Up To Racism special on SBS.

Mark Latham also wants Caucasian people to resist the left's 'anti-white racism'

The former Labor leader took a swipe at Iranian-born Labor senator Sam Dastyari

Muslim youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied was targeted by Mark Latham on twitter

'White people must fight against the Left's new anti-white racism,' he said.

'Sam Dastyari and his grubby mates, Abdel-Magied etc. No racism of any kind.'

Mr Latham, who is now embraced by right-wing activists, last week reactivated his Real Mark Latham twitter account for the first time since 2015.

He doesn't call for the reinstatement of the White Australia policy, which Gough Whitlam's Labor government abolished in 1973, or advocate racially-discriminatory policies.

But his call for white people to stand up to political challenges from other racial minorities makes him the first former Labor leader to explicitly speak up for white Australians since Arthur Calwell led the party from 1960 to 1967.

His controversial tweets come as he launches a Facebook page called Mark Latham's Outsiders.

The name is modeled on The Outsiders program he hosted on Sky News with former federal Liberal MP Ross Cameron and Spectator Australia editor Rowan Dean, until the show was axed this week.

Mark Latham has accused Labor senator Sam Dastyari of 'anti-white racism'
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Possessed by grief, Abdul Hamid al-Yousef weeps uncontrollably over the graves of his dead wife and nine-month-old twin children.

'My children. My children. They were beautiful,' the widower screams in distressing footage of his visit to the makeshift burial site where his partner Dalal and children, Ahmed and Aya, were laid to rest.

Abdul's friends have to hoist him to his feet and wipe his nose as he sobs over the dusty patch of land in the besieged town of Khan Sheikhoun, in the rebel-held Idlib province.

His young family was torn apart by a suspected sarin chemical gas attack and subsequent bombing raids on the rural village, blamed on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which killed more than 80 people including at least 30 children.

Heartbreaking images showed him cradling his babies in the crook of his arm, stroking their heads as he whispered: 'Say goodbye, baby. Say goodbye.'

Abdul has now revealed in explicit detail how his relatives' homes were flattened by a series of suspected Syrian airstrikes - and the agonising moment he discovered his wife and children had died from chemical poisoning.

Heartbreak: Disturbing footage shows Syrian father Abdul Hamid al-Yousef crying uncontrollably over the graves of his wife and two children who were killed in a suspected sarin gas attack this week

Agony: Abdul was pictured cradling the bodies of his dead twins after they were killed in the chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun, in the rebel-held central province of Idlib, Syria

'My children. My children. They were beautiful,' Abdul, 29, screams in harrowing footage of his visit to his young family's graves. His friends have to hoist him onto his legs and wipe the tears from his face as he clings to the dirt around their graves

'I didn't think to go back to see my children. I helped the people around me then got in the car and went to my parent's home.

'The whole family was sleeping,' said Abdul, who lost 19 members of his family in the onslaught. 'I woke up to the sound of the first strike.

'It was next to my house. I got my children and my wife but we didn't know there was Sarin or any kind of gas at the time,' he revealed in an interview on YouTube.

'Five minutes later there was a second strike. I looked and saw the it hit my parent's house. Another five minutes later and this time it hit our relatives, my uncle's house.'

'I didn't know what I was supposed to do. I gave my children to my wife and told them to go hide.'

He noticed his wife and children were beginning to fall ill but, thinking nothing of it, the courageous father took them to a paramedic before scrambling from house to house to pull victims from the wreckage.

As he and other rescuers dragged people from their homes, they noticed a strange odour and soon began to succumb to the effects of what is believed to be the deadly nerve agent sarin dropped from Syrian government jets.

'This is when the sarin gas started taking effect,' he said. 'I put some cloth in my hand and started beathing through it.'

'As soon as I got there I saw my older brother, Yasser. He was dead. He was holding his son, his little one Amar. They were both dead. Right on top of each other.'

Grief: In a heartbreaking interview, Abdul told of how his relatives' homes were destroyed one by one in a series of suspected Syrian airstrikes - and the agonising moment he discovered his wife and children had died from chemical poisoning

Lost: Abdul scrambled from house to house to help survivors, never once thinking to go back to see whether his wife and children, who he left safely in the hands of a paramedic were okay. It was only later he was given the heartbreaking news that they had succumbed to a deadly nerve agent, believed to be sarin

It was only after he accompanied the victims to the hospital that he thought to ask where his wife and babies were.

'I asked them, 'Where's my family? Ahmad and Aya and my wife, where are they?'' Abdul said through tears. 'They brought them to me. They were dead.'

Despite witnessing the slaughter of his loved ones, Abdul refuses to leave Syria, saying: 'Why would I leave my home? We were born of this land and we will die for it.

'Let him [Assad] come, him and Europe, with his sarin gas ten more times.'

The official death toll last night, following another day of bombardment on Wednesday, reached 86, 27 of which are children.

At the grieving father's request, his cousin released treasured family photographs of the twins before the attack, smiling together at home.

The cousin said Mr Youssef wanted the world to see the pictures and understand the depth of his loss, after 19 of his relatives were killed in total.

Mr Youssef's cousin, Alaa, told the Daily Telegraph: 'The family was all waiting down there and were safe, but then they started choking.

'The twins suddenly began shaking and struggling to breathe. Then he watched the chemicals take hold of his wife, then his brother, nieces and nephews.

'Everyone died down there in the basement, they didn't have time to get to the hospital,' he said. 'All Abdulhadim kept saying to me after was 'I couldn't save any of them, brother, I couldn't save them'.'

The man, who has not been named, was seen sitting on the ground as he hugged his young children following Tuesday's attack. Renewed air strikes hit Khan Sheikhoun on Wednesday. No casualties were reported because the area had been evacuated following Tuesday's attack

The children, pictured above, were among the 72 reported dead after Tuesday's chemical attack, which is believed to have been caused by the nerve agent sarin

Another member of the family, Aya Fadl, recalled running from her house with her 20-month-old son in her arms, thinking she could find safety from the toxic gas in the street.

'An unacceptable massacre': World leaders condemn chemical attack Pope Francis has called the suspected chemical weapons attack 'an unacceptable massacre'. The pope said Wednesday that he was 'watching with horror at the latest events in Syria', and said he 'strongly deplored the unacceptable massacre.' French President Francois Hollande accused Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad of responsibility for the 'massacre'. 'Those who support this regime can once again reflect on the enormity of their political, strategic and moral responsibility,' he said. EU Council president Donald Tusk said the attack is 'another reminder of the brutality' of Syria's regime and the perpetrators must be held accountable. Tusk said the Syrian regime bears 'the primary responsibility for the atrocities,' but also blamed supporters of Assad's government who share the 'moral and political responsibility.' German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday branded the deadly suspected chemical attack in Syria a 'war crime' and demanded Russia and Iran put pressure on President Assad. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri says people should not be shocked by the chemical attack because the international community is allowing such acts to happen. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that the use of chemical weapons is 'illegal and abhorrent.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the world must act to rid Syria of chemical weapons. President Donald Trump denounced the chemical attack, blaming it on Assad but staying coy about how, if at all, the US may respond. Trump split the blame between Syria's embattled leader and former Obama. While calling the attack 'reprehensible' and intolerable, Trump reserved some of his harshest critique for his predecessor, who he said 'did nothing' after Assad in 2013 crossed Obama's own 'red line.' 'These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution,' Trump said. On Wednesday he condemned the attack as 'horrible' and 'unspeakable'. Speaking as he hosted Jordan's King Abdullah in the Oval Office, the US leader described Tuesday's strike as 'a terrible affront to humanity.' Asked whether the attack could trigger a change of policy on the Syrian conflict, Trump replied: 'We'll see.' Advertisement

Instead, the 25-year-old English teacher was confronted face to face with the horror of it: A pick-up truck piled with the bodies of the dead, including many of her own relatives and students.

'Ammar, Aya, Mohammed, Ahmad, I love you my birds. Really they were like birds. Aunt Sana, Uncle Yasser, Abdul-Kareem, please hear me,' Fadl said, choking back tears as she recalled how she said farewell to her relatives in the pile.

'I saw them. They were dead. All are dead now.'

Dr Mamoun Najem, a doctor who treated victims of the attack at al-Rahma hospital in Idlib compared victims of the attack to zombies.

He told the Telegraph: 'Their pupils were as small as pinpricks, their skin was cold. They were unresponsive like zombies.

'Chemical attacks leave no marks. It's a silent killer that works its way through the body slowly.'

A nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, added: 'The smell reached us here in the centre; it smelled like rotten food. We've received victims of chlorine before - this was completely different.

'Victims had vomit from the nose and mouth, a dark yellow colour, sometimes turning to brown. They had paralysis of their respiratory functions - children were dying faster than adults because of this.'

The tragedy has devastated the small town. It also deepened the frustration felt by many Syrians in opposition-held areas that such scenes of mass death, which have become routine in the country's six-year-old civil war, bring no retribution or even determination of responsibility.

The United States and other Western countries accused President Bashar Assad of being behind the attack, while Syria and its main backer, Russia, denied it.

Despite world condemnation, bringing justice is difficult in the absence of independent investigation of Syria's chemical arsenal, which the government insists it has destroyed.

'My heart is broken. Everything was terrible. Everyone was crying and couldn't breathe,' Fadl told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

'We had many circumstances in Syria and we had many difficult situations. This is the most difficult and most harmful situation I ever had.'

Thirteen-year-old Mazin Yusif also saw tragedy in his family - he learned 19 of his relatives had died in the chemical attack after waking up in the hospital following the chemical attack.

He and his grandmother, 55-year-old Aisha Al-Tilawi, were rushed to Reyhanli State Hospital in Turkey with about 30 other Syrians.

'At 6:30 in the morning there was an air strike,' he told CNN. 'I saw the explosion in front of my grandfather's house. I ran to their house barefoot, I saw my grandfather sitting... suffocated.'

'Then I became dizzy,' he added. 'When I woke up, I found myself in bed, without clothing.'

It was his neighbors in Khan Shaikoun that told Mazin he was in Turkey and that 19 of his family members had died.

'They told me my grandfather had died, and my cousins, and their children,' he told CNN.

In 2013, horrific scenes of Syrians flooding hospitals or found dead in their homes after a sarin gas attack that killed hundreds in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Ghouta provoked international condemnation.

A Russian-brokered deal followed allowing Assad to declare he has destroyed his chemical stockpile and joined the Chemical Weapons Convention.

But a year later, chlorine gas attacks became recurrent, killing scores of people.

Russia's defense ministry said on Wednesday that the poisonous gas contamination was the result of gas leaking from a rebel chemical weapons depot after it was hit by Syrian government air strikes.

Syrians dig a grave to bury the bodies of victims of a suspected toxic gas attack in Khan Sheikhun, a nearby rebel-held town in Syrias northwestern Idlib province

International outrage is mounting over a suspected chemical attack that killed scores of civilians in Khan Sheikhun on Tuesday. Pictured above, Syrians bury the bodies of victims of the suspected gas attack

Up to 100 people have died from suffocation after a toxic gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, in the rebel-held central province of Idlib, Syria, early Tuesday morning. Pictured above, a child gets treatment at a hospital after Assad Regime forces attacked

The United States has blamed the administration of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the attack, while British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also suggested the attack was caused by the Assad regime.

Russia challenged US President Donald Trump to set out a strategy on Syria after he condemned the chemical weapons attack.

Trump had called the act 'heinous' and said it 'crossed a lot of lines', but didn't offer any details on how the United States would handle Syria in the future.

Russia's Foreign Ministry challenged the United States to explain a strategy.

'Russia's approach to Assad is clear. He is the legal president of an independent state. What is the US approach?' ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told CNN in a text message.

A team of rescuers is still finding survivors from the chemical attack, including two women and a boy who were found hiding in an underground shelter beneath their home.

The attack on Tuesday left residents gasping for breath and convulsing in the streets and overcrowded hospitals. It is believed that in addition to the nearly 100 deaths, 400 people were injured after being exposed to toxins during the attack.

Haunting images of lifeless children piled in heaps reflected the magnitude of the attack, which was reminiscent of a 2013 chemical assault that left hundreds dead and was the worst in the country's ruinous six-year conflict.

The Russian defence ministry said in a statement that the building housed 'a warehouse making bombs, with toxic substances', without saying if the strike was accidental or deliberate.

The ministry said the 'arsenal of chemical weapons' was intended for fighters in Iraq, describing its information as 'completely reliable and objective.'.

'Yesterday, from 11.30am to 12.30pm local time, Syrian aviation made a strike on a large terrorist ammunition depot and a concentration of military hardware in the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun town,' Russian defense ministry spokesman Igor Konoshenkov said in a statement posted on YouTube on Wednesday.

'On the territory of the depot there were workshops which produced chemical warfare munitions,' he said, adding that the chemical munitions had been used by rebels in Aleppo last year.

'The poisoning symptoms of the victims in Khan Sheikhoun shown on videos in social networks are the same as they were in autumn of the previous year in Aleppo,' Konoshenkov said.

Russia on Wednesday said it was pushing on with its support for President Bashar al-Assad's forces in Syria, after deflecting blame from Damascus over a suspected chemical attack.

'Russia and its armed forces are continuing the operation to support the anti-terrorist operation to liberate the country, which the Syrian armed forces are conducting,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

A Kremlin spokesman, however, told AP on Thursday that Russia's support for Assad is 'not unconditional'.

Foreign Secretary Johnson said as he arrived for a Syria aid conference in Brussels that the attack appeared to be caused by the Assad regime.

The United States has blamed the administration of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the attack, while British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also suggested the attack was caused by the Assad regime. Pictured above, Syrian Veda Ajej, 35, receives treatment at Reyhanli State Hospital in Hatay, Turkey, following the attack

Syrian Mahmut Mansur, 14, receives treatment at Reyhanli State Hospital in Hatay, Turkey, after the chemical attack in Khan Shaykhun, a town of the Idlib district of Syria

An injured Syrian boy is being brought to Reyhanli State Hospital in Hatay, Turkey, to receive treatment after Tuesday's gas attack

Russia's defense ministry said on Wednesday that a poisonous gas contamination in the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun was the result of gas leaking from a rebel chemical weapons depot after it was hit by Syrian government air strikes. Pictured above, children in Syria following the attacks

An interior view of a hospital, hit by Assad Regime's airstrike, following a previous Assad regime's strike staged with chlorine gas in Khan Shaykhun on Tuesday

'All the evidence I have seen suggests this was the Assad regime... using illegal weapons on their own people,' Johnson said.

'What it confirms to everybody is that this is a barbaric regime which has made it impossible for us to imagine them (having) authority over Syria after this conflict,' he added.

BORIS JOHNSON SAYS ASSAD MUST GO - BUT DOWNING STREET RULES OUT MILITARY ACTION Following news of the attack, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson called the attack a 'war crime', saying that it 'bears all hallmarks of an attack by the regime which has repeatedly used chemical weapons'. Mr Johnson told reporters: 'I've seen absolutely nothing to suggest, or rather to lead us to think, that it's anything but the regime.' Mr Johnson added: 'You cannot go on with a regime that's willing to use illegal weapons against its own people, a regime that's killed hundreds of thousands of its own people. 'What's needed now is a political process to get rid of that regime and give the people of Syria a chance.' Mr Johnson said he would like to see 'those culpable pay a price', adding: 'I think what it confirms to everybody is that this is a barbaric regime that has made it impossible for us to imagine them continuing to be in authority over the people of Syria after this conflict is over.' However, Downing Street aides travelling with Mrs May on her trip to the Middle East played down the idea of a military response, saying 'nobody is talking about that'. A No10 source told reporters: 'We hope that everybody will condemn what has happened and that there will be agreement that those responsible should be brought to justice. 'There's a UN resolution this afternoon. The Prime Minister ... made a very strong statement condemning this attack, and Britain has brought forward a UN Security Council resolution that will be debated this afternoon.' Advertisement

He previously called the attack a 'war crime', saying that it 'bears all hallmarks of an attack by the regime which has repeatedly used chemical weapons'.

US president Donald Trump called the chemical attack a 'heinous' act that 'cannot be ignored by the civilized world'.

Speaking as he hosted Jordan's King Abdullah in the Oval Office, on Wednesday, the US leader also described Tuesday's strike as 'a terrible affront to humanity.'

Asked whether the attack, which Washington has squarely blamed on Damascus, could trigger a change of policy on the Syrian conflict, Trump replied: 'We'll see.'

Prime Minister Theresa May has called for an investigation into the attack saying: 'If proven, this will be further evidence of the barbarism of the Syrian regime.'

Doctors treating victims at makeshift hospitals in the area say dozens of victims from Khan Sheikhoun are showing signs of sarin poisoning, including foaming at the mouth, breathing difficulties and limp bodies.

The victims appeared to show symptoms consistent with reaction to a nerve agent, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.

'Some cases appear to show additional signs consistent with exposure to organophosphorus chemicals, a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents,' WHO said in a statement.

The WHO said it was likely that some kind of chemical was used in the attack because sufferers had no apparent external injuries and died from a rapid onset of similar symptoms, including acute respiratory distress.

It said its experts in Turkey were giving guidance to overwhelmed health workers in Idlib on the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and medicines such as Atropine, an antidote for some types of chemical exposure, and steroids for symptomatic treatment had been sent.

Victims foamed at the mouth and had pinpoint pupils - a side effect that happens when people come into contact with nerve agents and other banned toxins.

Moments after the attack a projectile hit a hospital in the area, bringing down rubble on top of medics as they struggled to treat victims.

Syrian opposition activists claimed on Tuesday that the chemical attack was caused by an airstrike carried out either by President Assad's forces or Russian warplanes. Russia said the town of Khan Sheikhoun was exposed to chemicals after a rebel arsenal was hit by a Syrian air strike.

A senior Syrian security source, however, claims that allegations that Syria's government killed dozens of civilians on Tuesday in a chemical attack on a northwestern rebel-held town are 'false'.

A Syrian military source denied that government forces used any such weapons, saying the army 'does not and has not' used chemical weapons 'not in the past and not in the future'.

Air strikes hit Douma, Kafr Batna and Saqba, a town in the Eastern Ghouta Region of Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Pictured above, a young boy receives medical treatment after attacks in the Kafr Batna district of Eastern Ghouta in Damascus on Tuesday

More than 30 people were injured and one was killed in an attack in rebel-held Douma on Tuesday. Pictured above, children in Douba wait for treatment following the attack

An Injured child receives treatment in a field hospital after airstrikes by forces allegedly loyal to the Syrian government, rebel-held Douma on Tuesday

Search and rescue team members, along with civilians, remove the debris as they try to locate survivors after Assad Regime's airstrike over residential areas in Saqba Town of Eastern Ghouta Region of Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday. At least four civilians, including two children killed and ten others were wounded in the attack

Volunteers wrote the names of victims who could be identified on their shrouds after they were killed in airstrikes which hit the civilian areas of Douma

'This is a false accusation,' the source said, adding that opposition forces were attempting to 'achieve in the media what they could not achieve on the ground'.

Its denials have done little to quiet international condemnation, with UN chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday saying the 'horrific events' showed that 'war crimes are going on in Syria'.

RUSSIA DENIES THAT SYRIA IS TO BLAME IN CHEMICAL ATTACK Russia denied on Wednesday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was to blame for a poison gas attack and said it would continue to back him, setting the Kremlin on course for its biggest diplomatic collision yet with Donald Trump's White House. Western countries, including the US, blamed Assad's armed forces for the worst chemical attack in Syria for more than four years, which killed 72 people the town of Khan Sheikhoun in a rebel-held area on Tuesday. Washington said it believed the deaths were caused by sarin nerve gas dropped by Syrian aircraft. But Moscow offered an alternative explanation that would shield Assad: that the poison gas belonged to rebels and had leaked from an insurgent weapons depot hit by Syrian bombs. The United States, Britain and France have proposed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that would pin the blame on Damascus. But the Russian Foreign Ministry called the resolution 'unacceptable' and said it was based on 'fake information'. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would take its case blaming the rebels for the poisoning to the United Nations. 'Russia and its armed forces will continue their operations to support the anti-terrorist operations of Syria's armed forces to free the country,' Peskov told reporters. The new incident means Trump is faced with same dilemma that faced his predecessor: whether to openly challenge Moscow and risk deep involvement in a Middle East war by seeking to punish Assad for using banned weapons, or compromise and accept the Syrian leader remaining in power at the risk of looking weak. Advertisement

The attack unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with airplanes carrying out strikes that released 'toxic gas' on Khan Sheikun, in the northwestern province of Idlib, according to witnesses and a monitoring group.

'We ran inside the houses and saw whole families just dead in their beds,' resident Abu Mustafa told AFP of the attack's aftermath. 'Children, women, old people dead in the streets.'

Local reports quoted doctors saying the chemical that killed dozens of people in the region could have been chlorine or sarin, a colorless, odorless liquid nerve agent that's used as a chemical weapon.

Chlorine attacks are used quite often in Syira, to kill small groups of people in enclosed spaces where gas dissipates quickly.

But Tuesday's attack was different: people collapsed outdoors, in large numbers and suffered different symptoms.

A series of investigations by the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) found that various parties in the Syrian war have used chlorine, sulfur mustard gas and sarin.

Still, Damascus has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons.

Victims suffered from fainting, vomiting, foaming at the mouth and pinpoint pupils, medical sources told local reports.

Activists in northern Syria circulated pictures on social media showing a reported victim with foam around his mouth, and rescue workers hosing down almost naked children squirming on the floor.

The activist-run Assi Press published video of paramedics carrying victims from the scene by a pickup truck. The victims were stripped down to their underwear. Many appeared unresponsive.

Syrian activists said that makeshift hospitals soon crowded with people suffocating from toxins following the attack.

A medical doctor going by the name of Dr Shajul Islam on Twitter said his hospital in Idlib province received three victims, all with narrow, pinpoint pupils that did not respond to light.

He published video of the patients on his Twitter account.

'Our hospital getting full from sarin attack today,' he wrote of his hospital in Hama, which is a short drive away from Khan Sheikhoun. 'Anyone that wants evidence, I will video call you.'

Dr Islam, who trained in the UK and now works in northern Syria, said that seriously ill patients were still 'flooding' into his hospital.

'The patients keep just flooding in from this chemical attack,' he says in a Twitter video , purportedly taken inside a Syrian hospital this morning. 'Every one - every one - has got pinpoint pupils'.

'The patients keep coming, we've run out of ventilators,' the humanitarian aid added.

'We don't have enough ventilator space, so we're now taking out the transport ventilators we have in our ambulances and we're going to try to modify them to see if we can use them for our patients.'

Theresa May said sarin gas use was proven, it would be further evidence of the 'barbarism of the Syrian regime'. A CBRN investigative team (pictured) has crossed the Turkish border and is en route to collect evidence

At least 11 of the 100 people who died in the chemical attack were children. Doctors treating victims at makeshift hospitals in the area say dozens of victims from Khan Sheikhoun are showing signs of sarin poisoning

A medical doctor going by the name of Dr. Shajul Islam on Twitter said his hospital in Idlib province received three victims, all with narrow, pinpoint pupils that did not respond to light. Pictured above, a Syrian child receives treatment following the attack

Civilians were seen carrying unconscious children to makeshift hospitals in hopes of receiving treatment following the attack

Some victims were foaming at the mouth following the toxin attack - a symptom of the poison sarin, which is used as a chemical weapon

People collapsed outside during the attacks on Tuesday, something that usually only happens when banned nerve agents are involved

An unconscious Syrian child is carried at a hospital in Khan Sheikhun, a rebel-held town in the northwestern Syrian Idlib province, following the gas attack

Dr Islam said that it was 'definitely not a chlorine attack', suggesting that the more severe sarin was used.

Footage from his hospital shows adults and children lying on hospital beds unresponsive, as medics work to save their lives.

'I will show you the evidence again and again, but you know what? The world doesn't care and no-one is doing anything,' says Dr Islam. 'We urge you to put pressure on your government - put pressure on anyone - to help us.'

Mohammed Hassoun, a media activist in nearby Sarmin - also in Idlib province where some of the critical cases were transferred - said the hospital there had been equipped to deal with such chemical attacks because the town was struck in one chemical attack, early on in the Syrian uprising.

The wounded have been 'distributed around in rural Idlib', he told The Associated Press by phone.

'There are 18 critical cases here. They were unconscious, they had seizures and when oxygen was administered, they bled from the nose and mouth,' he added.

A boy covers his face with his hands as doctors evaluate wounds to his legs and feet following the toxin attack on Tuesday

An unconscious Syrian child is carried at a hospital in Khan Sheikhun, a rebel-held town in the northwestern Syrian Idlib province

Sarin, which is made by combining the fluorine in sodium fluoride with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and phosphorous, is considered one of the world's most dangerous chemical warfare agents. Pictured above, a Syrian man receives treatment after an alleged chemical attack at a field hospital in Saraqib, Idlib

The government denies the use of chemical weapons and has in turn accused rebels of using banned weapons. Pictured above, a wounded kid receives treatment following the attach

Hassoun, who is documenting the attack for the medical society, said the doctors there have said it is likely more than one gas. 'Chlorine gas doesn't cause such convulsions,' he said, adding that doctors suspect sarin was used.

An AFP journalist in Khan Sheikhun saw a young girl, a woman and two elderly people dead at a hospital, with foam still visible around their mouths.

HOW PRESIDENT ASSAD HAS USED CHEMICAL WEAPONS ON HIS OWN PEOPLE Syria has a long history with chemical weapons dating back more than 40 years. Syria first developed chemical weapons in the 1970s, when it was given a small number of chemicals and delivery systems by Egypt before the start of the Arab-Israeli war in 1973. Damascus started acquiring materials to produce its own chemical weapons in the 1980s, reportedly with the help of the Soviet Union, according to the BBC. By 2011, Syria was still 'dependent on foreign sources of key elements' of its chemical weapons, the US director of national intelligence reported. In 2013, the country saw its worst sarin attack in Syria's civil war. In the wake of the 2013 attack, President Bashar Assad agreed to a Russia-sponsored deal to destroy his chemical arsenal and joined the Chemical Weapons Convention. The agreement came after hundreds of people - up to 1,429 according to a US intelligence report - were killed in chemical weapons strikes allegedly carried out by Syrian troops east and southwest of Damascus. His government declared a 1,300-ton stockpile of chemical weapons and so-called precursor chemicals that can be used to make weapons amid international outrage at a nerve gas attack on the outskirts of Damascus. Those weapons have been destroyed, but member states of the OPCW have repeatedly questioned whether Assad declared everything in 2013. The widely available chemical chlorine was not covered in the 2013 declaration and activists say they have documented dozens of cases of chlorine gas attacks since then. The Syrian government has consistently denied using chemical weapons and chlorine gas, accusing the rebels of deploying it in the war instead. But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use by the government since then, with a UN-led investigation pointing the finger at the regime for at least three chlorine attacks in 2014 and 2015. The government denies using chemical weapons and has accused rebels of using banned weapons. Advertisement

Doctors at the facility were using basic equipment, some not even wearing lab coats, and attempting to revive patients who were not breathing.

A father carried his dead little girl, her lips blueish and her dark curls visible, wrapped in a blue sheet.

As doctors worked, a warplane circled overhead, striking first near the facility and then hitting it twice, bringing rubble down on medics and patients.

A statement from the governor's office for the border province of Hatay in Turkey said on Wednesday that victims are being treated in several state and private hospitals in the towns of Antakya, Reyhanli and Iskenderun.

The statement did not provide any detail on their conditions.

Earlier, Turkey's health minister said said hospitals were sharing its findings with the World Health Organization.

The province of Idlib is almost entirely controlled by the Syrian opposition and is largely controlled by an alliance of rebels including former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front.

It is regularly targeted in strikes by the regime, as well as Russian warplanes, and has also been hit by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, usually targeting jihadists.

But the province is home to some 900,000 displaced Syrians, according to the United Nations.

The reports came on the eve of a major international meeting in Brussels on the future of Syria and the region hosted by the EU's High Representative, Federica Mogherini.

Claims of chemical weapons attacks, particularly the use of the chlorine agent, are not uncommon in Syria's conflict.

The worst attack was what a UN report said was an attack by toxic sarin gas in August 2013 on the Damascus suburb of Ghouta that killed hundreds of civilians.

Rebels and opposition officials have expressed concerns that the government is planning to mount a concentrated attack on the crowded province.

The Syrian Coalition, an opposition group based outside the country, said government planes fired missiles carrying poisonous gases on Khan Sheikhoun, describing the attack as a 'horrifying massacre'.

Syria's government officially joined the Chemical Weapons Convention and turned over its chemical arsenal in 2013, as part of a deal to avert US military action.

But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use by the government since then, with a UN-led investigation pointing the finger at the regime for at least three chlorine attacks in 2014 and 2015.

The government denies the use of chemical weapons and has in turn accused rebels of using banned weapons.

The EU Council president has condemned a suspected chemical attack that killed dozens of people in an opposition-held town in northern Syria.

Donald Tusk said that Tuesday's attack in Khan Sheikhoun is 'another reminder of the brutality' of Syria's regime and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

Tusk said on Wednesday that the Syrian regime bears 'the primary responsibility for the atrocities', but also blamed supporters of President Bashar Assad's government who he said share the 'moral and political responsibility.'

Assad's government has denied involvement in the attack, saying it does not possess chemical weapons, and laid the blame on rebel forces.

Local reports quoted doctors saying the chemical that killed dozens of people in the region could have been chlorine or sarin, a colorless, odorless liquid nerve agent that's used as a chemical weapon

Mohammed Hassoun, a media activist in nearby Sarmin - also in Idlib province where some of the critical cases were transferred - said the hospital there had been equipped to deal with such chemical attacks because the town was struck in one chemical attack, early on in the Syrian uprising Syrian activists said that makeshift hospitals soon crowded with people suffocating from toxins following the attack

Idlib province is largely controlled by an alliance of rebels including former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front. Civil defense members tried to reduce the effects of chlorine gas with water as they carried out search and rescue works after a suspected chlorine gas attack in Idlib, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said those killed had died from suffocation and the effects of the gas. Symptoms of sarin poison include foaming at the mouth and having trouble breathing

Local reports quoted doctors saying the chemical could have been chlorine or Sarin, a colorless, odorless liquid nerve agent that's used as a chemical weapon

Moments after the attack a projectile hit a hospital in the area, bringing down rubble on top of medics as they struggled to treat victims

Tusk spoke in Athens, following talks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

A pair of Israeli lawmakers is urging parliaments around the world to hold 'emergency' discussions on the suspected chemical attack in Syria.

Erel Margalit and Nachman Shai, both members of the opposition Zionist Union, sent their request to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, an organization of national parliaments around the world.

HOW SARIN AND CHLORINE ARE USED IN CHEMICAL AND TOXIC GAS ATTACKS SARIN Sarin, which is made by combining the fluorine in sodium fluoride with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and phosphorous, is considered one of the world's most dangerous chemical warfare agents. It disrupts the nervous system, over-stimulating muscles and vital organs. It is more than 500 times as toxic as cyanide. It can be inhaled as a gas or absorbed through the skin. In high doses, sarin suffocates its victims by paralysing the muscles around their lungs, and one drop can kill in minutes. CHLORINE Chlorine is a toxic industrial gas that irritates the throat can cause victim's lungs to fill with water, drowning them. The gas can also attack the skin and eyes, causing burning, swelling, itching and irritation. The first large-scale use of chlorine as a weapon, at Ieper, Belgium, on April 22, 1915, unleashed massive use of gas by both Germany and the Allies during the last three years of the 1914-1918 war. Chemical weapons killed nearly 100,000 and injured around 1 million more during the conflict. The horrific scale of World War I gas casualties  and the suffering they caused  helped launch what has been hailed as one of the most successful disarmament campaigns in history. It culminated in the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention and creation of the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The watchdog with 190 member states won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013. Advertisement

In Tuesday's letter, they urged fellow parliamentarians to condemn the alleged attack, which they said is 'taking humanity 70 years backwards.'

'The day when mass extermination measures are taken against people is the day when we as members of parliaments should stand fierce in the fire front and stop the horror,' they wrote.

Israel has largely stayed out of the fighting in neighboring Syria, though it has carried out airstrikes on suspected arms shipments to Syrian ally Hezbollah.

NATO's chief is condemning the chemical attack in northern Syria and calling for those responsible to be held to account.

Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement on Wednesday that 'this is the third report of the use of these barbaric weapons in the last month alone'.

He recalled that the use of chemical weapons is prohibited and that 'this international norm must be fully respected and upheld'.

He said Syria 'is responsible to ensure its full compliance with these obligations.'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday branded the deadly suspected chemical attack in Syria a 'war crime' and demanded Russia and Iran put pressure on their ally President Bashar al-Assad.

'Even if the investigations are not yet completed, it must be pointed out that the Assad regime has been held responsible for chemical weapons use in the past,' said Merkel's spokeswoman, Ulrike Demmer.

Berlin said 'Russia and Iran, as allies of the Assad regime, carry a responsibility' for the attack on Tuesday that killed scores of people in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun.

Germany 'again urges the Russian and Iranian governments to push ... the Assad regime toward an immediate halt of all military operations and to respect the agreed ceasefire', she said.

Berlin also said it expected that 'Russia, in the UN Security Council and elsewhere, not interfere in the search for those responsible ... but actively support it'.

Tuesday's attack comes only days after forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad were accused of using chemical weapons in a counter-offensive in neighbouring Hama province.

Syria's opposition National Coalition accused President Bashar al-Assad's government of a suspected toxic, and demanded a UN investigation.

'The National Coalition demands the Security Council convene an emergency session..., open an immediate investigation and take the necessary measures to ensure the officials, perpetrators and supporters are held accountable,' the body said in a statement.

Syrian and Russian air strikes have battered parts of Idlib, according to the Observatory, despite a ceasefire that Turkey and Russia brokered in December.

Jets also struck the town of Salqin in the north of Idlib province on Tuesday, killing eight people, the monitor said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the suspected attack, Turkish presidential sources said.

A man breathes through an oxygen mask, after what rescue workers described as a suspected gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun

A Syrian doctor helped a boy following the suspected attack, which has been described as one of the worst in the country's six-year civil war

Idlib is regularly targeted in strikes by the regime, as well as Russian warplanes, and has also been hit by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, usually targeting jihadists. pictured above, a victim of a suspected chemical attack as he receives treatment at a makeshift hospital

A Syrian man is taken by civil defence workers to a small hospital in the town of Maaret al-Noman following the suspected sarin attack

People stand near a dead body, after what rescue workers described as a suspected gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib, Syria

They said the two leaders had also emphasised the importance of maintaining the ceasefire. Turkey's foreign minister called the attack a crime against humanity.

The European Union's top diplomat says Syrian President Bashar Assad's government must assume its responsibilities following reports of a suspected chemical attacks in northern Syria that killed dozens of people.

The international chemical weapons watchdog says it is gathering and analyzing information about the suspected chemical attack.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says its Fact Finding Mission 'is in the process of gathering and analyzing information from all available sources.'

The mission will report its findings to the OPCW's executive council. Syria joined the organization in 2013.

The organization, which won the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for its chemical disarmament efforts, says it 'strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances.'

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.
France says it is still seeking a United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria and that negotiations are a priority over possible military action, even if President Donald Trump has a 'rush of blood to the head' and declares war.

The country's foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault's comments came as a UN vote on investigating a suspected sarin gas attack in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun, Syria, was last night put on hold by Britain, France and the US - so the countries could 'negotiate' with Russia first.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin finally condemned the gas attack, calling it a 'monstrous crime', while still deflecting blame from its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying that Syrian jets hit a rebel arms depot holding 'toxic substances' that were being placed in bombs.

A Kremlin spokesman, however, told AP that Russia's support for Assad is 'not unconditional'.

At least 86 people, including 20 children, died in Tuesday's attack on a rebel-held town in Idlib province. Dozens more were left gasping for air, convulsing and foaming at the mouth.

A UN vote on investigating a suspected sarin gas attack in Syria has been put on hold by Britain, France and the US - so they can 'negotiate' with Russia first. Rescuers help a man after the toxic gas attack

PICTURE PERFECT: U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife First Lady Melania Trump welcome King Abdullah II Hussein of Jordan and his wife Queen Rania of Jordan at the West Wing of the White House. Trump and Abdullah both wore blue suits with red ties for the occasion - and their wives had on dresses, each sporting a black bel

Abdul-Hamid Alyousef, 29, holds his twin babies who were killed during a suspected chemical weapons attack, in Khan Sheikhoun town, in the northern province of Idlib. He said he wanted the world to see their faces

'France is still seeking to talk with its partners on the Security Council, especially the permanent members, and Russia in particular,' Ayrault told CNews television.

Asked whether France could join any possible US military action on Syria, following widespread condemnation of a suspected Syrian government poison gas attack on civilians this week, Ayrault replied that France's priority remained seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

'The first stage is to get a resolution vote and above all to re-start peace negotiations in Geneva. It is not to go in ourselves, under the pretext that the U.S. President may have a rush of blood to the head, and get onto a war footing,' said Ayrault.

Moscow said that the United States has no objective data on 'monstrous crime' in Syria after the White House accused Assad's forces of carrying out the chemical attack.

'We consider a much more measured approach necessary and do not think it is possible to surrender oneself to hasty conclusions about what happened in Syria in the Idlib province,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

'It was really a threatening development of events, very dangerous and a monstrous crime,' he said, referring to the incident.

'No one could have any realistic, verified information. Any data that the American side or our colleagues in other countries could have cannot be based on objective materials or evidence.'

Meanwhile, in New York, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley urged the United Nations to take action. She held up pictures of poisoned children and asked,'How many more children have to die before Russia cares?'

The Kremlin has provided military backing to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad (pictured, today), whose forces have been blamed for the bombing

The UK, France and America have held off calling a vote at the UN Security Council on a resolution demanding an investigation of the suspected attack to allow time for talks with Russia.

The Kremlin has provided military backing to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, whose forces have been blamed for the bombing.

The Kremlin says differences with Washington over the use of chemical weapons in Syria are unlikely to worsen US-Russia relations.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned the West on Thursday against rushing to blame Syrian President Bashar Assad for the attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in northern Syria.

He said the West lacks objective evidence against Assad, and materials presented by Syrian activist White Helmets first-responder team cannot serve as a proof.

Peskov says that Russia believes 'that the use of chemical weapons is absolutely inadmissible.' He added that the Syrian army must act to 'prevent any chemical agents that can be used as weapons from falling into the terrorists' hands.'

The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that residents of Khan Sheikhoun have been exposed to chemicals contained in rebels' chemical arsenal struck in a Syrian air raid.

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft has accused Russia of 'defending the indefensible' by supporting the Syrian government while US President Donald Trump appeared to open the door to military action in Syria after branding the massacre an 'affront to humanity'.

In this photo taken on Tuesday, April 4, a Syrian man holds a suffering baby victim of alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syrian city of Idlib. Pictured right is President Bashar al-Assad

Syrians dig a grave to bury the bodies of victims of a a suspected toxic gas attack in Khan Sheikhun, a nearby rebel-held town in Syrias northwestern Idlib province

At least 72 people, including 20 children, died in Tuesday's attack on a rebel-held town in Idlib province

People gather to protest Assad regime forces' suspected chemical gas attack in the opposition-held Syrian province of Idlib, in Eastern Goutha district of Damascus

The talks on the proposed council measure opened after US Ambassador Nikki Haley warned of unilateral US action if the United Nations fails to respond to the attack.

'When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action,' she told an emergency council meeting on the attack on Khan Sheikhun.

WORLD LEADERS CONDEMN SYRIA 'MASSACRE' Pope Francis has called the suspected chemical weapons attack 'an unacceptable massacre'. The pope said he was 'watching with horror at the latest events in Syria', and said he 'strongly deplored' the atrocity. French President Francois Hollande accused Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad of responsibility for the 'massacre'. 'Those who support this regime can once again reflect on the enormity of their political, strategic and moral responsibility,' he said. EU Council president Donald Tusk said the attack is 'another reminder of the brutality' of Syria's regime and the perpetrators must be held accountable. Tusk said the Syrian regime bears 'the primary responsibility for the atrocities,' but also blamed supporters of Assad's government who share the 'moral and political responsibility.' German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday branded the deadly suspected chemical attack in Syria a 'war crime' and demanded Russia and Iran put pressure on President Assad. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri says people should not be shocked by the chemical attack because the international community is allowing such acts to happen. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that the use of chemical weapons is 'illegal and abhorrent.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the world must act to rid Syria of chemical weapons. President Donald Trump denounced the chemical attack, blaming it on Assad but staying coy about how, if at all, the US may respond. Trump split the blame between Syria's embattled leader and former Obama. While calling the attack 'reprehensible' and intolerable, Trump reserved some of his harshest critique for his predecessor, who he said 'did nothing' after Assad in 2013 crossed Obama's own 'red line.' 'These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution,' Trump said. On Wednesday he condemned the attack as 'horrible' and 'unspeakable'. Speaking as he hosted Jordan's King Abdullah in the Oval Office, the US leader described Tuesday's strike as 'a terrible affront to humanity.' Asked whether the attack could trigger a change of policy on the Syrian conflict, Trump replied: 'We'll see.' Advertisement

Shocking pictures have emerged showing some of the victims - including two twin children of a man who lost 19 family members in the deadly attack.

Yesterday, Trump said it is now his responsibility to resolve the humanitarian and political crisis in Syria as he opened the door to military action in the country.

The 'horrible, horrible' sarin gas attack that killed small children and 'beautiful babies' had a 'big impact' on the president, who declared Wednesday that the attack 'crossed a lot of lines.'

'When you kill innocent children, innocent babies...with a chemical gas that is so lethal...that crosses many, many lines. Beyond a red line,' Trump said, making reference to Barack Obama's infamous 2012 threat to Assad.

Britain said yesterday it had no plans for military retaliation against Syria for the deadly nerve gas attack that killed up to 100.

Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the suspected sarin attack and called for an end to the appalling suffering of civilians.

But asked if preparations were being made for military retaliation, a Downing Street official travelling with Mrs May in the Middle East said: 'Nobody is talking about that.'

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said President Bashar al Assad's regime appeared to have carried out the attack, adding: 'I'd like to see those culpable pay a price.'

Speaking at an international aid conference for Syria, Mr Johnson said: 'I certainly do not see how a government like that can continue to have any kind of legitimate administration over the people of Syria.'

A UN vote on the draft text presented by Britain, France and the US could still be held today, diplomats said.

Russia rejected the draft resolution as 'categorically unacceptable,' suggesting it is ready to veto the measure if no compromise text is agreed.

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters that 'the negotiations continue with our colleagues on the Security Council and I would not anticipate them coming to a conclusion today.'

He had earlier asked of Russia: 'What is your plan? What is your plan to stop these horrific senseless attacks? We had a plan and we had the support and you rejected it to protect Assad.'

Mr Rycroft said Russia was 'defending the indefensible' by supporting the Syrian government in its actions.

The draft resolution backs a probe by the Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and demands that the Syrian government cooperate to provide information about its military operations on the day of the assault.

Syria's foreign minister says Damascus needs assurances that any fact- finding mission into Idlib's attack would be impartial and not politicized.

At least 11 of the more than 70 people who died in the chemical attack were children. Two are seen receiving treatment on Tuesday at a hospital

Beyond a red line: Trump said that a 'many, many lines' had been crossed 'when you kill innocent children, innocent babies...with a chemical gas that is so lethal...'

Walid Moallem says Syria's experience with past missions is 'not encouraging'. He told a press conference in the Syrian capital on Thursday that any investigative mission would need to take off from Damascus and be far from the sphere of Turkish influence.

Moallem was asked if Syria would accept an international investigation. He said that 'when we are sure we have convincing answers to these questions, we will give you an answer.'

He also said that Syria provides the United Nations with intel about the transport of chemical weapons by 'terrorists' between Iraq and Syria.

Britain, France and the United States blame President Bashar al-Assad's forces for the attack, but the Syrian army has denied any involvement.

'We very much hope that it will be possible for everyone to come together,' Rycroft said. 'If not, we will press ahead.'

Russia turned up at the negotiations with a rival draft resolution that made no reference to specific demands that Damascus cooperate with an inquiry, diplomats said.

However, French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters that negotiations were being held 'in a good spirit' and that 'there is a chance' for agreement.

'It's time for action - no doubt about it,' he added.

But other diplomats sounded more pessimistic, saying a Russian veto appeared likely. 'It's not going well,' a council diplomat said.

Assad's enormous political gamble: Syrian troops already have the upper hand in the civil war - so why launch a chemical attack?

President Bashar Assad took an enormous gamble if his forces were behind the chemical weapons attack that killed dozens in northern Syria: committing an overt war crime just as the Trump administration and most Western leaders had made clear they are no longer seeking his immediate removal.

Although Assad can count on the backing of his top allies, Russia and Iran, the attack has revived international outrage at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is still formulating his policy on Syria.

So why do it? Especially when Syrian government troops have the upper hand in the 6-year-old civil war?

Members of the Syrian civil defense volunteers, also known as the White Helmets, and people search for survivors from the rubble following reported air-strikes on the rebel-held town of Saqba, in Eastern Ghouta, on April 4

There is a military rationale, as well as a political one, analysts say.

Politically, Assad may have been emboldened to act to crush his opponents, thinking he could do so with impunity after recent statements from Washington, along with Trump's inclination to align with Russia.

On a visit to Turkey last week, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Assad's future was up to the Syrian people to decide, while Nikki Haley, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the United States isn't ruling out cooperation with Assad to defeat the Islamic State group.

Militarily, Tuesday's attack took place in an area of Idlib province where rebels recently launched a heavy offensive against government troops. The assault brought insurgents to within miles of the key, government-held city of Hama.

Khan Sheikhoun, the town targeted by Tuesday's attack, is right up the road from Hama, and although Syrian forces have since launched a counter-offensive and regained some ground, there is a clear government incentive to rid the area of insurgents.

President Bashar Assad took an enormous gamble if his forces were behind the chemical weapons attack that killed dozens in northern Syria

'These weapons are frightening and disorienting to the targeted populations, and they also highlight to the local population and the rebels that there is no international limitation on regime behaviour and that resistance is therefore futile,' said Faysal Itani, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East.

Still, a chemical weapons attack of this magnitude carries significant risk.

HOW PRESIDENT ASSAD HAS USED CHEMICAL WEAPONS ON HIS OWN PEOPLE Syria has a long history with chemical weapons dating back more than 40 years. Syria first developed chemical weapons in the 1970s, when it was given a small number of chemicals and delivery systems by Egypt before the start of the Arab-Israeli war in 1973. Damascus started acquiring materials to produce its own chemical weapons in the 1980s, reportedly with the help of the Soviet Union, according to the BBC. By 2011, Syria was still 'dependent on foreign sources of key elements' of its chemical weapons, the US director of national intelligence reported. In 2013, the country saw its worst sarin attack in Syria's civil war. In the wake of the 2013 attack, President Bashar Assad agreed to a Russia-sponsored deal to destroy his chemical arsenal and joined the Chemical Weapons Convention. The agreement came after hundreds of people - up to 1,429 according to a US intelligence report - were killed in chemical weapons strikes allegedly carried out by Syrian troops east and southwest of Damascus. His government declared a 1,300-ton stockpile of chemical weapons and so-called precursor chemicals that can be used to make weapons amid international outrage at a nerve gas attack on the outskirts of Damascus. Those weapons have been destroyed, but member states of the OPCW have repeatedly questioned whether Assad declared everything in 2013. The widely available chemical chlorine was not covered in the 2013 declaration and activists say they have documented dozens of cases of chlorine gas attacks since then. The Syrian government has consistently denied using chemical weapons and chlorine gas, accusing the rebels of deploying it in the war instead. But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use by the government since then, with a UN-led investigation pointing the finger at the regime for at least three chlorine attacks in 2014 and 2015. The government denies using chemical weapons and has accused rebels of using banned weapons. Advertisement

The images of lifeless children and others gasping for breath were reminiscent of the 2013 attack near Damascus that killed hundreds of civilians, and triggered a blitz of denunciations by world leaders and organisations, who urged the U.S. to commit to a Syria solution.

Trump's condemnation of Tuesday's attack has been surprisingly strong, even if he did not give any clear indication about how the U.S. might respond.

On Wednesday, Trump denounced the attack as an 'affront to humanity' and blamed Assad, saying it 'cannot be tolerated.' At the U.N., Haley threatened unilateral U.S. action if the world body failed to act.

Although Trump has not drawn a public 'red line' concerning chemical weapons as his predecessor did - and he spoke out against military action against Assad before his presidency - such an atrocity may prove embarrassing enough for him to change course, or take stronger action to prove he's tougher than Barack Obama, whose 'weakness' after the 2013 chemical attack Trump also blamed for Tuesday's assault.

The attack has caused sparring between the U.S. and Russia over who was responsible.

The Syrian government has strongly denied involvement, accusing the opposition of trying to frame it to make up for military losses on the ground. The Russian Defence Ministry said a Syrian government airstrike hit a rebel chemical weapons factory, causing the disaster.

Part of the equation, for any perpetrator, is the difficulty of proving anything in the aftermath of such attacks, largely due to the lack of immediate access.

And, in the complex terrain of opposition-held northern Syria, which is closed off to investigators and journalists, various scenarios cannot be completely discounted.

A Syrian lawmaker, Omar Osse, suggested Wednesday that the attack on Khan Sheikhoun was 'fabricated' to abort the recent change in U.S. policies toward Syria.

Assad may be betting on further deniability by striking in an area where extremists hold sway, further casting a cloud of confusion on the attack.

Idlib province, which is packed with rebels and civilians alike, is dominated by the al-Qaeda group.

Some analysts suggested Assad may be signalling he wants quicker action to end the war on his own terms.

'Rather than making concessions or political gestures, the regime is further raising the stakes and the political cost for the West of not cooperating,' said Jihad Yazigi, editor-in-chief of The Syria Report.

Assad, he wrote in an op-ed Wednesday, knows he is unlikely to pay a major price for Tuesday's attack.

'Since former U.S. President Barack Obama's `green light' in September 2013, Assad knows that a large-scale attack against its civilians is a short-term public relations liability but a long-term political asset,' he said.
A young boy has been filmed simulating a 'shoey' in front of cheering adults at a race event in country Australia, in footage that would horrify many parents.

In the video the youngster can be seen skolling an unknown liquid from one of his shoes, in fashion that has become commonplace among rowdy Australians.

With encouragement from adults to finish his 'shoey', the boy appears to completely empty the liquid from his boot, before deciding to spit it out onto the dusty ground.

After finishing his 'shoey', a can of Somersby cider is waved in front of his face by an adult, who laughs at the youngster's antics.

In the background another young child can be heard asking if they 'can do it' too.

Captioned: 'Teaching them young', the video appears to have been at a motorbike track.

Dressed in shorts and an Adidas t-shirt, the boy is standing next to an esky when he downs the liquid.

A young boy has been filmed simulating a 'shoey' in front of cheering adults at a race event in country Australia, in footage that would horrify many parents

After finishing his 'shoey' and spitting the contents on the dirty ground, a can of Somersby cider is waved in front of his face by an adult, who laughs at the youngster's antics

Video of the youngster was first posted to Facebook on Sunday, last weekend.

It has since been shared by popular page 'The Mad Hueys' which shares different videos of 'shoeys' shared with it by fans..

It is unclear what the liquid being drunk by the boy is and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting it was alcoholic.

'Shoey's' rose to prominence in recent years, with Australian Formula One driver Dan Ricciardo making it his victory celebration post-race.
Australia's fastest growing pizza chain is attempting to rebrand itself as the go-to restaurant for fine Italian dining.

Most fast food lovers would associate Domino's with its signature dice logo and a steaming hot slice of takeaway pizza.

But the pizza company has added a new look to one of its Queensland stores, with seated dining, alcohol and Italian-style rustic dishes, transforming it into a pizzeria.

The pizza chain has opted for a rustic Italian-style look for its Brisbane store

The new Domino's store will include gourmet ingredients, freshly-rolled dough and in-store dining

Domino's new restaurant situated on Queen Street in Brisbane is almost unrecognisable with a casual dining atmosphere, booze in customers' hands, hand-rolled dough and gourmet toppings.

A large in-house dining area means Domino's customers are eating in rather than dashing out with a takeaway pizza box in their hands.

Similar to a traditional Italian pizzeria, the store serves pizzas on bases made from hand-stretched dough and barista-made coffee from Brisbane's specialty coffee roasters Fonzie Abbott.

'We are keen to roll out further new stores based on this concept in select high foot traffic locations in the not too distant future,' Domino's CEO Nick Knight said.

'It's about having the right store type for the right location; each aspect of this new store is different, from the fit out, to the staff uniforms.

It has a restaurant feel, with relaxed music, and allows customers to enjoy a contemporary casual dining atmosphere while devouring delicious flavours from a new menu.'

Customers now have the option of in-store dining at the Queen St store (pictured)

The pizza chain says it wants to rebrand the store as a pizzeria-style restaurant

Alcohol is also expected be served at the store in the next few months with the company striking a deal with Brisbane-based Newstead Brewing Co.

The new store - which is located at the heart of the city - has proved a favourite for lunchtime crowds who are welcoming the indoor seating option.

Domino's has tried and failed in the past to introduce alcohol with takeaway pizza in Queensland.

In 2013 the fast food chain withdrew its liquor licensing application after police and community groups claimed alcohol delivery would only encourage binge drinking and crime.

Domino's plans to open 31 new stores across Australia and New Zealand in the next three months -hightailing its expansion by three new franchises per week.

It will create 800 jobs in both countries once the new stores are opened.

Pizza-lovers can order gourmet, hand-rolled dough to enjoy as they dine-in at the Queensland store
Devastated schoolmates of a young boy who was killed alongside his mother in a horrific car accident have spoken of the grief after losing their friend.

Jay Jay Heidemann, 12, and his mother Jane Towers, 39, died on Tuesday when the car they were travelling in collided with a semi-trailer, the Gympie Times reported.

Ms Towers' daughter Khloe Heidemann, 14, remains in a coma and is in a critical condition after being airlifted from the accident scene on the Princes Highway at Berry on the NSW Coast.

Jay Jay Heidemann (left) and his mother Jane Towers (right) were killed in the horror crash on the NSW coast

Khloe Heidemann, 14, (left) remains in a coma at Sydney Children's Hospital after the tragedy which killed her mother (pictured, right) and brother

The family, from Gympie in Queensland, had been on holidays when tragedy struck.

Khloe was taken to Sydney Children's Hospital where she is fighting for her life.

On Thursday, more than 30 schoolmates of Jay Jay gathered at Gympie's Nelson Reserve to pay their respects to the 12-year-old.

'He always made me smile if I was having a bad day,' Jay Jay's friend Jack Mill said.

'He was never angry or sad.

'Jay Jay was just that kid in high school everyone knew.'

Jay Jay (pictured, right) was described as a good friend who made people smile by his grieving school friends

The young boy's school friends - from Gympie State High School - released balloons into the air to honour him.

Meanwhile, friends of Khloe will be busking outside the Musicians Garage in Gympie on Saturday between 9am and noon.

All money collected from the busking will be donated to Khloe.
A hapless hound had a lucky escape after firefighters managed to haul her free when she got stuck in a tropical rainforest crevice for nine days.

Rescuers spent 10 hours trying to save Bella, a mixed breed, after she was found trapped with her head between two rocks in south Brazil.

Video of the incident shows the 'amazing and emotional' moment the emergency crew, helped by local residents, pulled the frightened animal free.

In the clip everyone involved erupts with cheers and shouts of joy as they celebrate their rescue success.

Rescuers spent 10 hours trying to save Bella, a mixed breed, pictured, after she was found trapped with her head between two rocks in south Brazil

Owner Tania Guidi, pictured, said it was an emotional moment when Bella was freed

Miraculously the dog suffered no serious injuries despite being trapped for hours on end.

Firefighters found the stranded animal and chipped away at the rocks with pickaxes for eight hours.

But ultimately it took a skinny volunteer to crawl in to the tight space and dislodge the pooch - saving her from being stuck.

Fire officer Lieutenant Marcus Vinicius Abre said: 'It was a very complicated process because the space was too narrow.

'The angle of the rock meant it was difficult to get to her and she was wedged in tight.

'The area is dangerous and there was a risk of stones rolling down on top of her.

'The little dog was weak because she hadn't eaten for days and she whimpered in pain every time we tried to pull her out.

'We were scared of hurting her yet we couldn't find a way to get her out. But we knew if we gave up she wouldn't survive.'

Firefighters found the stranded animal and chipped away at the rocks with pickaxes for eight hours - they are pictured with locals who helped to rescue Bella the dog

At 8.30pm, more than 10 hours after she was first found, the exhausted and bewildered-looking pooch, pictured, was free

Miraculously Bella the dog, pictured, suffered no serious injuries despite being trapped for hours on end

Sergeant Jorge Batista, who took part in the rescue, explained: 'After many hours of trying to reach the dog from various angles using different techniques, we came up with the idea of getting a thin person to slide down into the tight gap to loosen her.

'The volunteer crawled in and managed to tie some ropes around Bella's legs.

'He tucked a blanket over her body to protect her from getting scrapes and bruises as we pulled her out.

'We placed some sticks underneath her body to help roll her forward. Then ever so slowly and very carefully we inched Bella out.'

At 8.30pm, more than 10 hours after she was first found, the exhausted and bewildered-looking pooch was free.

She had cheated death because of the sheer determination of her rescuers not to give up.

Bella went missing in the tropical rainforest near her home in Balneario Camburiu, after owner, Tania Guidi, 57, let her out to play with her other dog, Zelda, before going to work.

Tania said: 'When both dogs didn't return home that night I got worried and went out looking for them.

Ultimately it took a skinny volunteer to crawl in to the tight space and dislodge the pooch - saving her from being stuck

Fire fighters and local residents, pictured, worked into the night to free Bella

'A day later, Zelda reappeared. She was alone and very skinny.

'I asked Zelda 'where's Bella?' and she trembled and looked really sad.

'I was frantic because I knew something had happened to Bella but I didn't know where to look. I told everyone she was missing.'

The pooch's terrifying predicament was eventually discovered after residents heard an animal howling for five nights in a row.

Local man Felix Felipe Eufrozino said: 'We guessed it was Bella and a few of us decided to search deep inside the forest to track down where she was.'

But after struggling for a couple days to free the dog themselves residents agreed to call out the fire brigade.

Tania added: 'It was an amazing and really emotional moment when they freed Bella.

'Everyone just screamed and shouted with happiness because so much love had gone into saving my dog's life.'

Bella was taken to the vets for a check-up. She was weak and dehydrated but had suffered no serious injuries.

Tania said: 'Bella is still in a bit of pain from a few bumps and bruises and she's feeling very sorry for herself.

'I'm keeping her indoors at the moment and pampering her a lot as she recovers. I'm hoping when she's ready she'll pluck up the courage to go out to play again.'
Donald Trump Jr has told supporters he wants to follow his father into politics and is interested in running for Governor of New York.

The 39-year-old spoke to members of the elite F6 Labs gun club in Hicksville, New York, and when asked about his political ambitions, he reportedly said he wanted to follow his father, President Donald Trump, into office.

Since his father was sworn in, Don Jr and his younger brother Eric, 33, have taken over the day-to-day business management of the Trump Organization.

If Don Jr did run for public office it would present a further headache as to who would take over the family business.

Donald Trump Jr has reportedly told supporters he wants to follow his father into politics

Since his father became President Donald Jr and his brother Eric have run the family business

A guest at Tuesday's meeting told Page Six: 'Donald Junior said he is interested in running for office, such as Governor of New York, but the position of Mayor of New York would be less interesting to him.'

He added: 'Going back to doing deals is boring after 18 months. The politics bug bit me.'

Donald Jr apparently said he didn't want to be one of 100 Senators, nor a member of Congress.

The eldest of Trump Sr's five children, he said last month how he missed the 'intensity' of politics.

Discussing the campaign trail last month, he said: 'I thought I'd be going back to my regular job. I thought I'd be really excited about it. But once you get a little bit of a taste of that action, it's hard to leave.

'You know, listen, deals are still exciting, but when you're sort of the guy out there 24/7, every day fighting in this thing - it's like a great fight, the intensity.

'I don't miss the politics, I promise. I want nothing to do with the politics, but I miss the intensity of that.'

Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr, President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump - the eldest of Trump's children has hinted he may follow his father into politics

Responding to the suggestion he wants to move into politics, a Trump source said: 'Don has no intentions of running for political office at this time... [He] is totally focused on running the Trump Organization with his brother.'

Donald Junior provoked outrage last month when - only two hours after the Westminster terror attack that left three dead - he tweeted a link to an interview that London Mayor Sadiq Khan gave in September in which he said the threat of terrorism was 'part and parcel' of living in a big city.

When asked to elaborate on that, he said 'I'm not going to comment on every tweet I send.'

And last year he drew widespread condemnation by tweeting a photo of a bowl of Skittles with the words: 'If I had a bowl of Skittles and I told you just three would kill you. Would you take a handful? That's our Syria refugee problem.'
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley was jeered and laughed at by an almost all-female New York audience when she claimed that the U.S. has 'called out 'Russia because 'they just make things up without an ounce of proof'.

Haley was responding to a question about MSNBC anchor Greta Van Susteren during a talk on the opening night of the Women In The World summit on Wednesday in New York.

Van Susteren had asked the Trump appointee what moves the U.S. was taking against the Assad regime, and its ally Russia, following a horrific chemical weapons attack on Syrian civilians on Tuesday in the town of Khan Sheikhoun.

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US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley was met with derisive laughter when she claimed last night that the U.S. has 'called out' Russia because 'they just make things up without an ounce of proof'

Haley said Russia had claimed that ISIS  not Assad - was behind the chemical attack.

'We called them [Russia] out on it because they said there was this big container of chemical weapons that ISIS had. There's not a picture, there's not an ounce of proof. They just make things up,' she said.

The Ambassador's remarks were met by laughter in the auditorium at the conference, an annual get-together which is to be addressed by Hillary Clinton on Thursday and which is hosted by Tina Brown, a close friend of the failed presidential candidate.

Haley had strong words for the Putin administration, also saying that when it came to Syria: 'Russia has not done what they're supposed to do.'

She described the chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday as a 'heart-breaking situation'.

She later said: 'I have had conversations with the President where he very much sees Russia as a problem and I think you can look at his actions  I think everybody wants to hear his words  but look at his actions.

Haley was responding to a question about MSNBC anchor Greta Van Susteren during a talk on the opening night of the Women In The World summit in New York

Van Susteren had asked the Trump appointee what moves the U.S. was taking against the Assad regime, and its ally Russia, following a horrific chemical weapons attack on Syrian civilians on Tuesday in the town of Khan Sheikhoun. Haley said Russia had claimed that ISIS  not Assad - was behind the chemical attack

'The two things that Russia doesn't want to see the U.S. do is strengthen their military and expand energy. And the president has done both of those.'

Her words were met by jeers from the audience with one calling out: 'What about the refugees?'

Van Susteren also asked: 'We have not heard much from Donald Trump about Russia. Why?'

Haley responded: 'Keep in mind that I work for the Trump administration, and if you haven't heard me talk about Russia I have hit Russia over the head more times than I can count.'

She went on to say that it was important for the U.S. to lead globally and it was important for other nations to know what the U.S. was for and against 'and they never question where you are'.

A man breathes through an oxygen mask as another one receives treatments, after what rescue workers described as a suspected gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib, Syria

Civil defense members inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes on Tuesday, in the town of Khan Sheikhoun

She suggested that the U.S. may take its own action on Syria.

Haley also addressed her other work at the U.N. including dealing with ineffective UN peace-keeping missions in warzones and trying to make sure aid reaches people in other crisis spots around the world such as the burgeoning famine in South Sudan.

Haley was joined on Wednesday night by a host of celebrated women from around the world who gathered to speak about prevalent issues.

Dr Annie Sparrow and Dr Rola Hallam, who have both worked in hospitals in some of Syria's most volatile areas, silenced the audience when they shared their experiences of working on the frontlines.

Dr Sparrow shared her knowledge of the horrifying gas attacks and how many victims were afraid to go to hospitals knowing they would also be targeted there, 'with maximum intent to destroy as many survivors'.

She described the chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday as a 'heart-breaking situation' (pictured speaking at the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday)

Dr Hallam, who is Syrian and has lost 30 members of her family under Assad's regime, told the audience: 'Right from the beginning, doctors were punished for trying to heal civilians.'

The doctors urged Americans to support localized Syrian aid efforts and to support medics on the ground.

Dr Sparrow said: 'Syrians haven't given up on the US and I haven't either we can still all be a force for good if we all give a f***.'

Wednesday's opening night at Lincoln Center was also attended by Padma Lakshmi, Diane Von Fustenberg and Grace Gummer.

Democratic presidential loser Hillary Clinton, Justin Trudeau, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson are also speaking at the event, which is the brainchild of Tina Brown, the former Vanity Fair and Talk magazine editor.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday ordered Filipino troops to deploy on unoccupied South China Sea islands and reefs claimed by Manila, in a move that could provoke rival claimants including Beijing.

In a surprise announcement, Duterte told reporters he has ordered soldiers to build structures on Philippine-claimed islands and reefs in the strategically located Spratly archipelago.

'I have ordered the armed forces to occupy all,' he said during a visit to a military camp on the western Philippine island of Palawan, the largest land mass close to the Spratly group.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to occupy all islands of the Philippines in the South China Sea to strengthen the country's claims

China claims most of the sea, including waters and rocks close to the shores of neighbours and has been building artificial islands and installing weapons on them, including on some reefs in the Spratly chain that are also claimed by Manila. Pictured above, Filipino Navy personnel of BRP Andres Bonifacio diembark at a port in Manila

'Erect structures there and raise the Philippine flag,' he said, adding Manila was claiming 'nine or ten' Spratly islands, reefs or cays.

China claims most of the sea, including waters and rocks close to the shores of neighbours and has been building artificial islands and installing weapons on them, including on some reefs in the Spratly chain that are also claimed by Manila.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also have claims in the strategic waters.

'It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant,' Duterte said.

'At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours,' he added.

Duterte announced his 'separation' from the United States in October, declaring he had realigned with China as the two agreed to resolve their South China Sea dispute through talks.

His efforts to engage China, months after a tribunal in the Hague ruled that Beijing did not have historic rights to the South China Sea, in themselves marked a reversal in foreign policy.

Duterte also said he 'may' visit the Philippine-claimed areas in June to mark Philippine Independence Day. Pictured above, Pag-asa Island, part of the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea located off the coast of western Philippines

Aside from Philippines and China, other countries have overlapping claims in parts of the South China Sea including Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan

The Philippines marks its 119th year of independence from more than three centuries of Spanish rule on June 12.

Duterte also said he 'may' visit the Philippine-claimed areas in June to mark Philippine Independence Day.

'In the coming Independence Day, I may go to Pagasa island to raise the flag there,' Duterte said, using the local name for Thitu.

Thitu is close to Subi Reef, one of seven man-made islands in the Spratlys that China is accused of militarising with surface-to-air missiles, among other armaments.

The Philippines occupies nine 'features', or islands and reefs, in the South China Sea, including a World War II-vintage transport ship which ran aground on Second Thomas Shoal in the late 1990s.

Last month, Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana said the military would strengthen its facilities in the Spratlys, building a new port, paving an existing rough airstrip and repairing other structures.

Duterte said last month it was pointless trying to challenge China's fortification of its man-made islands and ridiculed the media for referring to his comment that he would jet ski to one Beijing's reclaimed reefs.

'We cannot stop them because they are building it with their mind fixed that they own the place. China will go to war,' he said. 'People want me to jet ski. These fools believed me.'
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Cazz Ward claims she was left 3,000 out of pocket when her Airbnb account was hacked

A mother claims she was conned out of 3,000 when her Airbnb account was hacked by an imposter who booked six holidays and had to be thrown out by horrified hosts when their fraud was revealed during a stay.

Cazz Ward woke up to text messages from the travel accommodation company last month, informing her she had booked six holidays overnight, many to London an Barcelona.

But the 51-year-old from Manchester had not booked a holiday since her trip to Berlin last year, so knew instantly that her account had been hacked.

The crafty conmen had changed her account password so she was unable to cancel the bookings.

She even received frantic messages from one Airbnb host who had to evict one of the criminals and call police after they pretended to be her to stay at the accommodation.

Now Cazz is sharing her story for fear that other Airbnb users could be at risk and believes poor security on the site could be to blame - though Airbnb believe she could have been the victim of a 'phishing scam'.

Cazz said: 'The people that hacked into my account actually went to stay at one of the flats they booked.

'The host had to evict them on his own and they are criminals. It's dangerous.

'I was sent a message from one of the hosts saying 'what's happening? I have been told to get you out of my property'.

'He didn't seem to know what was going on and had to call the police.

'I called Airbnb and [the hackers] had booked trips in London and Barcelona worth 3000.

'The only reason I know about all this was I called them myself and they said they would get it resolved. I had being ringing them all week without a response.

'I even had an email telling me to change my password, but I couldn't because the people who hacked my account had already changed it.'

Even after realising that she had been the victim of a hacker, Cazz says that she struggled to reclaim the 3,000.

Ms Ward added: 'The distressing thing is Airbnb didn't even tell me my account had been hacked until I contacted them. They'd already known for four days.

'I want to let other people know what has happened so they can be careful.

'We've booked five or six holidays in the past with Airbnb and they're fine as long as nothing goes wrong.'

Ms Ward contacted Airbnb and its CEO Brian Chesky, in order to get her money back

A spokesperson from Airbnb highlighted that the company had a safety team of more than 600 people who work 24/7 to try and ensure instances like this do not occur.

Following investigations, the travel firm have been led to believe that Cazz was the victim of a 'phishing scam', meaning her username and password were stolen elsewhere and hackers used the same log-in to compromise her account.

The Airbnb spokesperson said: 'Fraud has no place on Airbnb and we immediately worked with the guest to recover their account and provide our full support.

'The online and offline security of our community is the most important thing we work on every day and we deploy a number of sophisticated systems to help prevent, detect and tackle attempts at fraudulent activity.

'There have been over 160 million guest arrivals in Airbnb listings and negative incidents are extremely rare.'
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John Glenn - decorated fighter pilot, astronaut and senator- was laid to rest at Arlington National cemetery on Thursday in a private service for friends and family.

Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, died on December 8 at the age of 95.

He was mourned and celebrated at public events in his home state of Ohio at the time, but those close to the family say Thursday's interment was closed to the public and the news media so his wife, 97-year-old Annie, and children could have the chance for a more personal memorial.

Thursday would have marked the Glenns 74th wedding anniversary.

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Astronaut John Glenn was laid to rest at Arlington National cemetery in Washington, DC on Thursday

The ceremony was private. Only close family and friends were able to attend

A Marine presents Glenn's widow Annie with an American flag (above) at the service

Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, died on December 8 at the age of 95. He's pictured above at the age of 77 in 1998, when he became the oldest person to fly in space

In Glenn's honor, flags of federal entities and institutions were order to fly at half-staff.

A private chapel service began around 9am, and was followed by a procession to the gravesite by caisson, a flyover, a graveside service and taps.

Before he came a household name as one of the original Mercury seven astronauts, Glenn was a decorated fighter pilot in both World War II and the Korean War - fluing in 149 missions.

Thursday would have marked Glenn and his wife Annie's 74th wedding anniversary. Annie is seen crying into the shoulder of a Marine from her wheelchair on Thursday

Mrs Glenn gave the Marine a kiss after he presented her with an American flag, a tradition at the death of American servicemen

In Glenn's honor, flags of federal entities and institutions were order to fly at half-staff

Above, the military procession to Glenn's gravesite at the national cemetery on Thursday

Glenn's daughter, Carolyn May (second left), and son, John David (third left), are pictured above

When he joined NASA as one of the first astronauts, he became the first American to completely orbit the earth.

He set another record when he returned to space on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998,to study space's impact on elderly bodies. He was 77 years old at the time, becoming the oldest person to fly in space.

Glenn left NASA in 1964, and went to work as an executive for Royal Crown Cola, before launching a bid for the Senate. He served his home state of Ohio in Congress for 25 years, before retiring in 1999.

In addition to his wife Annie, Glenn is survived by their son, John David, daughter, Carolyn Ann, and two grandchildren.

Glenn's remains were accompanied by a police escort through Camden, Delaware Thursday morning
An art historian believes a portrait of Michelangelo hanging in the National Gallery could be a modern fake.

The painting, dated 1518-20, is currently on display at the Credit Suisse Exhibition: Michelangelo & Sebastiano at the museum in London which runs until June 25.

It was believed the masterpiece, which shows Michelangelo holding a sketch book, was painted by his protege Sebastiano del Piombo, who became friends with the genius when he arrived in Rome in 1511.

But now a leading expert in 16th century art has challenged the credentials of the painting and said he believes it was produced much more recently in the 1950s.

Real or no real? Charles Hope, a former professor at the Warburg Institute in London, argued everything about the painting suggested it fake. Pictured, the painting currently hangs in the National Gallery in London

Charles Hope, a former professor at the Warburg Institute in London, argued everything about the painting suggested it was inauthentic.

It was discovered in 1960 and x-ray analysis showed a scratched out composition of another image, Madonna and child with the young John the Baptist lies beneath the paint.

Mr Hope has now said he doubts this painting was created by Sebastiano and believes it was an artist in the 1950s.

Writing in the London Review of Books, he said: 'Everything suggests tat this is a modern fake, probably dating from just before its emergence in 1960 and that the forger took the standard precaution of acquiring an old panel on which to paint it.'

Hope claimed the composition is borrowed from an early Sebastiano portrait of a doctor.

He said the painter would not have been so 'contemptuous' as to paint over the image of the Madonna and child.

His concerns about the painting's authenticity were raised after it was placed on display at the National Portrait Gallery in a major exhibition which delves into the relationship between the two historical artists.

The younger artist met the Italian master after arriving in Rome from Venice in 1511.

Michelangelo was finishing his decoration of the Sistine Chapel ceiling at the time and the two collaborated on several works, with the older artist helping Sebastiano with drawings and ideas.

But the pair's relationship was often stormy - with private correspondence between the duo showing competition as they tried to outdo one another on their commissions in the 1500s.

The National Gallery's catalogue states that 'next to nothing' is known about the painting's history.

A spokesman for the gallery said: 'The National Gallery acknowledges that scholarly debate exists around the portrait of Michelangelo.

'Attributions of paintings are based on art historical research and technical results and with the information available by these means, we chose to present the work in exhibition.

'Its inclusion is a way to contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding its attribution.'
Nicola Sturgeon today backed down on threats to take Theresa May to court for refusing to hold a fresh Scottish independence referendum.

The First Minister had raised the prospect of a legal challenge by claiming earlier this week that Westminster's power over constitutional issues was 'untested'.

Miss Sturgeon, who is on a visit to the US, argued that the 'vague' way the Scottish Parliament was set up left questions over who could authorise a vote.

But pushed this morning on whether she would ask judges to rule on the situation, the SNP leader said she would stick to 'political' wrangling.

The First Minister, pictured at the UN in New York today, had raised the prospect of a legal challenge by claiming Westminster's power over constitutional issues was 'untested'

Miss Sturgeon has been on a visit to the US this week as she ramps up demands for a new independence vote

'It is absolutely essential that if the will of the Scottish Parliament is for a referendum then that should be respected,' Miss Sturgeon told BBC Scotland.

"I don't think there is any need, nor is there any intention, to see a matter that should be settled politically end up in the courts."

The climbdown will be welcomed by Downing Street, which has been fighting the bid to exploit Brexit to rip the UK apart.

Miss Sturgeon dramatically demanded a referendum last month just days before Mrs May triggered Article 50. She said a vote should be held as early as next Autumn - before Brexit is finalised.

But the Prime Minister has made clear that 'now is not the time' after the Scottish people expressed their desire to stay in the union in 2014.

Miss Sturgeon suffered another blow yesterday when it emerged Scotland's economy shrank in the final three months of 2016, dragged down by the ailing oil and gas industry.

The economy shrank by 0.2 per cent in the final quarter of 2016 - while the wider UK economy grew by 0.7 per cent.

Another negative figure in the first quarter of 2017 would mean Scotland is officially in recession.

The PM, seen in Saudi Arabia yesterday banging the drum for British business, has insisted 'now is not the time' to hold a fresh Scottish referendum

It means in 2016 overall Scotland grew much more slowly than the UK, by 0.4 per cent to 1.8 per cent.

Scotland has been falling behind the wider UK since the immediate aftermath of the 2014 independence referendum.

The statistics reveal that the struggles in Scottish production - dominated by an oil and gas industry battered by the collapse in the oil price - led the downturn.

The SNP blamed Brexit for the downturn.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said despite 'challenges' such as a slump in North Sea oil and gas, the 'foundations of our economy are strong'.

Mr Mackay said: 'Scotland's economy faces continued headwinds, such as the slowdown in the oil and gas sector and weak global demand.'
A woman who is six months pregnant has been charged by WA police after they allege the mother-to-be was in possession of a meth pipe.

The 30-year-old was pulled over after Mingenew Police conducted a traffic stop in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A woman who is six months pregnant has been charged by WA police after they allege the mother-to-be was in possession of a meth pipe

Police claim that a small amount of meth was found still inside the pipe.

In an unrelated incident two 39-year-old men were also arrested by Mingenew Police on drug-related offences.

Officials seized a large amount of cannabis, approximately $50,000 worth of meth, cash and almost $3,500 in gold.
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The battle-weary soldiers who fought on both sides in the American Civil War have been painstakingly brought back to life in 21st century color.

Stunning photographs offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of men who fought in the bloody conflict between 1861 and 1865, either for the survival of the Union or a strike out into independence for the Confederates.

Some 150 years since Abraham Lincoln outlawed slavery in the US, graphic artist Frederic Duriez has injected color to historic shots from that era.

They depict notable figures like George Armstrong Custer, a fearless leader who was promoted to General at the tender age of 24.

Civil war broke out in 1861 when the South had seceded from the United States over slavery and its expansion into the western territories. War erupted when the Union soldiers at Fort Sumter in South Carolina were attacked by the Confederate Army on April 12, 1861.

The Northern states, led by President Lincoln were known as the Union, while the Southern states, the Confederates of America, marched behind Jefferson Davis.

Lietenant Colonel Alexander B. Elder was part of the 10th Infantry. He was recruited in New York City in 1861 and mustered into the US service for two years. From Sandy Hook, where it was encamped, the regiment fought in the battle of Big Bethel and was active in the Seven Days' battles until August 1862. Elder also fought bravely in the second Bull Run, losing 115 men. During its term of service, it lost 130 by death from wounds and 89 by death from accident, imprisonment or disease

General George Armstrong Custer was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. The fearless leader was promoted to General at the tender age of 24. On June 25, 1876, while leading the 7th at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana against a coalition of Native American tribes, he and all of his battalion, which included two of his brothers, were killed. The battle is known as 'Custer's Last Stand.' Custer and his regiment were defeated so decisively at the Little Bighorn that it has overshadowed all of his prior achievements

Brigadier General Joseph R. Anderson, officer of the Confederate Army (February 16, 1813 -September 7, 1892). Joseph R. Anderson was an American civil engineer, industrialist, and soldier. During the American Civil War he served as a Confederate general, and his Tredegar Iron Company was a major source of munitions and ordnance for the Confederate States Army

This photograph captures a woman posing in 1861. More than 400 women disguised themselves as men and fought in the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War, while thousands of women in the North and South joined volunteer brigades and signed up as nurses. These remarkable changes marked the first time women played a significant role in a war effort in American history

One vibrant photo shows Captain Pierce, Captain Page, Captain Howell and Lieutenant Kelly sitting on wooden boxes and chairs outside their tent at the Army of the Potomac headquarters in 1863 in Culpeper, Virginia. The Army of the Potomac was the principal Union Army in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. Created in July 1861 shortly after the First Battle of Bull Run, it was disbanded in June 1865 after the surrender of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in April

This portrait shows a General posing sternly against a sombre grey backdrop. February 1 marks National Freedom Day, honoring the signing by President Lincoln of a resolution which became the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and abolished slavery. Civil war broke out in 1861 when the South had seceded from the United States over slavery and its expansion into the western territories

One photo shows a soldier dressed in Confederate sergeant's uniform and a Company B hat with saber - thought to be taken between 1861 and 1865. He was one of many the battle-weary men who fought in the bloody conflict between 1861 and 1865, either for the survival of the Union or a strike out into independence for the Confederates

A group of surgeons posed from the 4th Division of the 9th Corps in Petersburg, Virginia in 1864. The 9th Corps was involved in an assault on Petersburg in June - which resulted in 497 men dead. They were later connected with the siege because of its role in the infamous Battle of the Crater, in which a lengthy mine shaft was dug from its line to under the Confederate works. This mine, which was excavated by the coal miners of 48th Pennsylvania, Potter's Division, was successfully exploded with four tons of gunpowder, resulting in an enormous crater, but the assault that followed was a failure - resulting in the death of 473 men

General Torbert and his staff were pictured on the vine-covered veranda of a Virginia mansion occupied as headquarters. Alfred T. A. Torbert became Chief of Cavalry of the Army of the Shenandoah in August, 1864. General Torbert had been a regular army officer and was now a major-general of volunteers. In all the operations in the Valley during September and October, Sheridan made such good use of the cavalry that this branch of the service leaped into prominence, and received a good share of the praise for eliminating the Valley of Virginia from the field of war

One decadent photo captures an unidentified soldier posing in his first lieutenant's uniform - complete with a red sash, leather gauntlets, and spurs with cavalry sword in 1861. Two-thirds of soldiers lost their lives to disease during the war - with dysentery and typhoid fever the most common causes of death in camps with unclean water supplies and cooking pots
A Current Affair vowed to report Ben McCormack's case without 'fear or favour' after it was forced to address its senior reporter being charged with sending child pornography.

The veteran reporter was pulled over by police on Driver Avenue, in Moore Park, on Thursday morning while on his way to work and his car searched.

Mr McCormack, 42, allegedly had 'sexually explicit conversations' about children and discussed child porn with another man.

The senior Nine Network journalist was suspended by the network on Thursday night.

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A Current Affair presenter Leila McKinnon opened Thursday's episode with a report on her colleague being charged with sending child pornography using a carriage service

She also stressed that footage showing Mr McCormack's face blurred was released by police that way and not done by anyone at A Current Affair

Thursday evening's episode of A Current Affair led with a report on Mr McCormack.

'Here at A Current Affair, we've always given it to you straight and told it like it is, so let's get into it,' stand-in host Leila McKinnon told viewers.

'Tonight, one of our most senior reporters is facing serious charges involving child pornography offences.

'Ben McCormack, a 25-year veteran of the Nine Network was arrested today and charged by New South Wales Police with using a carriage service for child pornography material.'

Ms McKinnon, covering for regular host Tracy Grimshaw who was on assignment, also stressed that footage showing Mr McCormack's face blurred was released by police that way and not done by anyone at A Current Affair.

Ms McKinnon said A Current Affair intends to report on Mr McCormack's charges 'without fear or favour'

Mr McCormack was greeted by a swarm of journalists when he left Redfern police station

'And while justice must take its course, and given the serious nature of the allegations, Nine has taken a strong position and immediately suspended Ben McCormack,' she added.

'A Current Affair has a long history of pursuing offenders in these types of cases and we intend to cover this story without fear or favour.

'We stress these charges relate to Ben McCormack's alleged personal conduct and in no way reflect his behaviour within A Current Affair or the Nine Network.'

He appeared drawn and had dark circles under his eyes as he emerged from the police station

The journalist - instrumental in Nine's coverage of the Hey Dad! abuse saga - huddled close behind to his lawyer Sam Macedone (on left) as he emerged from the police station

Mr McCormack said nothing as he left Redfern police station with his lawyer Sam Macedone on Thursday night.

He appeared drawn and had dark circles under his eyes as he emerged at about 6pm to a swarm of journalists shouting questions.

Shortly after Mr McCormack's arrest, search warrants were executed at a unit in Alexandra and A Current Affair's office at Willoughby, where computers, a mobile phone and electronic storage devices were seized.

A Nine Network spokesman said A Current Affair staff are co-operating fully with the investigation.

In video released by investigators, the journalist could be seen standing on the side of the road while police search his Mazda sedan

Detectives are seen with Mr McCormack (left) after executing a search warrant on his home

'The matter is a personal one and not related to a story or the program,' he told AAP.

As well as being the face of many of A Current Affair's consumer stories, Mr McCormack was instrumental in breaking stories about the Hey Dad! saga.

He phoned victim Sarah Monahan with the result of Australian actor Robert Hughes' 2014 trial after seeing the verdict given in the courtroom, according to a Fairfax Media report.

Mr McCormack has been charged with using a carriage service for child pornography material.

He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on May 1.

As well as being the face of many of A Current Affair's consumer stories, Mr McCormack (pictured on air) was instrumental in breaking stories about the Hey Dad! saga

Police raided Nine's A Current Affair offices in Willoughby with staffers asked to vacate the premises over a 'personal matter'




Footage has captured the cheeky moment a man asks Pauline Hanson for a selfie in a pub - before trying to dupe her into confessing she is racist.

Jut Armstrong, from Queensland, was enjoying a night at a pub in Redcliffe when he spotted the One Nation leader sitting at a nearby table.

After taking to social media to announce the chance sighting, a friend hatched a plan to stitch the senator up by asking her for a selfie.

Jut Armstrong (pictured) couldn't believe his eyes when he spotted Pauline Hanson at a pub

'Pauline Hanson is sitting on the table next to me I'm going to throw ice at her', Mr Armstrong wrote on Facebook.

'Ask for a selfie/snap but incognito film it and instead of saying cheese say 'Everyone say I'm a racist',' his friend Vince Lethbridge suggested.

Ms Hanson is blissfully unaware she is being filmed as Mr Armstrong takes aim with his phone - but she walks away when he invites her to 'say 'I'm a racist'.'

The footage has made a splash on Facebook, clocking up 62,000 views and a litany of comments.

A friend urged him to ask for a selfie then dupe her into confessing she is racist

Last month, a Western Australian man launched into an abusive rant in Arabic about Pauline Hanson

In January, Courtney Griffin was a pictured pulling an unimpressed face while posing with the politician

Senator Hanson last week sensationally asked parliament to 'actually show me anything that I have said that has been racist'.

It's not the first time Ms Hanson has had a similar stunt pulled on her: last month, a Western Australian man launched into an abusive rant in Arabic about Pauline Hanson as he posed with her for a picture.

In January, Courtney Griffin was a pictured pulling an unimpressed face while posing with the politician at a Perth shopping mall.
ISIS thugs slaughtered 33 people by slitting their throats before dumping their bodies in a mass grave.

The massacre in Deir Ezzor in the Syrian countryside is being described as the terror group's largest execution operation of the year.

Those murdered were aged between 18 and 25 and none were beheaded, which has become a favoured method for the brutal Islamic extremist movement.

A huge group of ISIS fighters waving the terror group's flag and holding weapons

Mohammed Emwzim, who became known as Jihadi John, about to kill an Islamic State prisoner

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights found the bodies on Wednesday, and a spokesman said: 'Thirty-three persons were slaughtered by a sharp tools, and the marks of the slaughter appeared on their necks, where the mass slaughter was carried out on the outskirts of a hole dug by the organization, and was filled with blood.

'No one of the 30 slaughtered persons was beheaded, also no one of the executed bodies was identified.

'It is not known whether they were members of the regime forces and militiamen loyal to them or if they were fighters of the factions, or, whether they were prisoners who were sentenced to be executed by the organisation after arresting them earlier.

'This is considered the largest and first mass executions carried out by the Islamic State organization in 2017.'

It follow similar murders last year when ISIS brutes killed 15 people in September and 15 more in October in Syria.
Cesar Gonzales-Mugaburu, 60, is accused of sexually abusing eight foster children at his Long Island home. A witness, 29, told a court how the foster father threatened to kill him if he did not agree to have sex with him

A man accused of being a pedophile told his foster son he would kill him if he did not agree to have sex with him, a court heard.

Cesar Gonzales-Mugaburu, 60, from Ridge, New York, took in more than 100 boys over 20 years and is accused of sexually abusing eight of the children at his home.

A witness, 29, told Riverhead County Court how Gonzales-Mugaburu repeatedly assaulted him.

He said: 'I was afraid of him. [He said] "I will shoot you. I will run you over with my car. I will kill you.'''

The man told the court Gonzales-Mugaburu told him: 'You're disabled. You're mentally retarded. You're not going to get nowhere [sic] in life.'

The witness moved in with the alleged pedophile when he was around 10 years old and said his foster father took him into his bedroom and made him watch gay porn.

He told the court Gonzales-Mugaburu would make him perform oral sex while other children were in the same room.

The witness said he got in trouble at school so he could be moved to another home.

But when he fought with his new adoptive parents, he was sent back to live with Gonzales-Mugaburu.

The man left the house for good in 2006 and is the third witness to testify against Gonzales-Mugaburu.

He was arrested in January 2016.

Last week, in opening arguments, Suffolk County prosecutor Laurie Moroff described Cesar Gonzales-Mugaburu's suburban Long Island home as a beautiful house with a pool, but inside the children lived in a prison.

The foster system was like a candy store filled with boys for him, Moroff said.

She said outside the court: 'It was a horrific place to live, eating on the floor, and not allowed to do anything without asking permission first including going to the bathroom.

Gonzales-Mugaburu is accused of having sex with a dog in front of a child at his home in Ridge, New York. The Suffolk County house was described by the prosecutor as a 'horrible place to live'

'They lived in fear, they were afraid.'

Prosecutors also said the man sexually abused a dog in front of a child.

Defense attorney Donald Mates said there was no truth to the charges, calling it a 'witch hunt.'

Gonzales-Mugaburu earned more than $1.5 million over two decades as a foster parent, according to prosecutors.
Theresa May has told party activists there are no 'no go' areas for the Tories in the local elections as she seized on disarray among her opponents.

Launching the Conservative campaign ahead of the May 4 polls, the Prime Minister lashed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for 'betraying' the Jewish community over Ken Livingstone's Hitler rants.

And she condemned the Liberal Democrats for their determination to overrun Brexit, while slamming Ukip for its division.

Launching the Tories' local election campaign in Nottingham today, the Prime Minister lashed out at Jeremy Corbyn's 'chaos and disarray' saying he could not be trusted to deliver Brexit

Mrs May declared: 'All of these parties put their own political interests ahead of the national and local interest. More local councils and mayoralties in the hands of these parties would set our country back.

'Our task in these elections is to deliver our local communities from that fate.

'We must present a credible and compelling alternative, in every county, every town, every city.

The stinging attack on Mr Corbyn, in a speech to activists in Nottingham, came after Mr Corbyn finally bowed to pressure from more than 100 of his own MPs by ordering a fresh investigation into Mr Livingstone's Hitler rants.

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) stopped short of expelling the former London Mayor on Tuesday despite finding that he had brought the party into disrepute by saying the Nazis supported Zionism.

Mrs May seized on the issue as she launched the Conservative campaign for next month's local elections today.

She warned that all Mr Corbyn had to offer was a 'recipe for chaos and failure'.

Mr Corbyn, pictured, has ordered a fresh investigation into Mr Livingstone following a disciplinary panel ruling that he should be suspended but not expelled

'A Labour Party totally out of touch with the concerns of the British people, which ignores the priorities of local communities and instead indulges its own ideological obsessions,' she said.

'A Labour Party which just this week revealed the depths to which it has now sunk, betraying the Jewish community in our country by letting Ken Livingstone off the hook.

'It could not be clearer that the Labour Party is now a long way away from the common, centre ground of British politics today.'

Despite huge pressure from his own shadow cabinet, Mr Corbyn still refused to call for his close friend to be expelled last night.

More than 18 hours after the decision, the Labour leader said: I think what he said was unacceptable and was offensive to the community.

Im asking him to apologise for offences he has caused but also to desist from this public debate on these issues and recognise that we need to oppose anti-Semitism, as we do any form of racism.

But minutes later Mr Corbyn appeared to weaken his position by telling a group of regional newspaper reporters that he still wants Mr Livingstone to contribute to our partys work in trying to win elections.

One of the senior Labour figures who decided Mr Livingstones fate has written a series of pro-Palestinian articles, it emerged last night.

Russell Cartwright, 66, one of the panel of three Labour national constitutional committee representatives which decided not to expel the former London mayor, is also a member of a hard-left group, the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy.

The former London Mayor, pictured, was suspended from Labour for a year over controversial comments saying Hitler had supported Zionism

He is listed as a parliamentary assistant to left-wing MP Kelvin Hopkins, one of those who nominated Mr Corbyn as leader.

Mr Cartwrights articles on the website Scoop.it! included some promoting a boycott of Israel  and another suggesting Israel was discriminating against African immigrants.

Mr Livingstone, who is suspended from standing for Labour in elections for the next year but otherwise has the same privileges as members, last night said he was not concerned about a new investigation.

He told LBC: If then there is another hearing, it does expel me, it will go for judicial review and it will be resolved in a court which is open to the press and public, unlike these Labour disciplinary things which take place in private.

He said Mr Corbyn launched the new investigation after coming under pressure from forces inside and outside the Labour Party angered by the ruling that he should be suspended for another year rather than expelled altogether.

There is undoubtedly a lot of pressure. You have had not just Labour MPs but the Chief Rabbi all denouncing this decision, he said.

The simple fact is I am sure there has been a lot of pressure on Jeremy from forces inside and outside the Labour Party saying, We dont like the result the committee came to.

More than 100 MPs and peers last night signed a statement condemning the decision not to expel Mr Livingstone, pictured

More than 100 MPs and peers signed a statement condemning the decision not to expel Mr Livingstone.

This week the institutions of the Labour Party have betrayed our values, they wrote.

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband publicly attacked the ruling of the partys disciplinary panel, while deputy leader Tom Watson said: This shames us all.

Mr Livingstone was suspended in April last year after claiming Hitler supported Zionism in the 1930s before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews.

In his defence he argued he had never said Hitler was a Zionist, only that Hitler had supported Zionism at one time.

Mr Watsons outspoken condemnation of the incomprehensible disciplinary ruling came after the Chief Rabbi accused the party of failing the Jewish community by not expelling the ex-London mayor over the controversial remarks.
Some people are dedicated to their jobs and then there is this man.

This surgeon in China has been praised online after photos taken on March 30 emerged of him sleeping on a floor after performing 28 hours worth of surgery.

According to the People's Daily Online's social media account, as soon as the surgeries were over, the man named Luo Heng fell asleep on the floor.

Tired: The surgeon named Luo Heng fell asleep on the floor soon after finishing his shift

The images were taken on March 30 at a hospital in Dingyuan County, China's Anhui province.

He worked through the night on two surgeries and then performed three more the following morning.

Reports say he had been working for 28 hours. He had performed five operations.

Dedicated: Luo Heng had been working for 28 hours straight, performing five operations

People on Chinese social media site Weibo have praise the surgeon for his dedication and hard work. While others have also raised concern about the number of decent breaks a doctor should have to ensure they are fully rested.

One user commented: 'I salute you, you have worked hard.'

While another user said: 'I hope the media do not promote this. A doctor is not only a career, but a doctor is also a person.'

And one user said: 'The most charming man.'
The Barbican art centre has changed its toilet signs to 'gender-neutral with urinals' and 'gender-neutral with cubicles'

The trend for 'gender neutral' toilets is putting women's safety at risk and forcing them to queue longer, it was claimed last night.

Women have criticised the increasing number of the facilities, which can be used by both sexes, cropping up everywhere from theatres to police stations.

Yesterday the Barbican arts centre in London said it will review of its decision to scrap male and female toilets in favour of 'gender neutral' facilities after protests.

Signs outside its cinema have been changed to say 'gender-neutral with cubicles' and 'gender-neutral with urinals'.

The move prompted complaints from women, including BBC broadcaster Samira Ahmed who told the Barbican 'women have enough trouble with queues without imposing your politics'.

Gender-neutral toilets have been introduced in places including universities and hospitals in a bid to appear more inclusive to the transgender community.

Last night former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe called the Barbican's move 'absolutely pathetic'.

'It's all being done now to appease a very tiny minority of people who've taken up a grievance agenda,' she said.

Tory MP Anne Widdecombe branded the move 'absolutely pathetic' and said it was being done 'to appease a very tiny minority who have taken up a grievance agenda'

'We've had what used to be called 'unisex loos' around for a very long time.

'But when you've got them in a major centre where an awful lot of people are, you do have to consider the fact of a) the queues, and b) people do like privacy when they go into the loos.

'And you don't necessarily want to meet somebody of the opposite sex coming out of the cubicle.

'The other thing  and it probably wouldn't apply in the Barbican  is that there are places where if you're a woman and it's late at night, you certainly don't want to meet a man in the loos.'

Yesterday the Barbican admitted there were 'practical limitations' about its move and said it would be 'seeking advice and undertaking further consultation'.

It followed criticism from Miss Ahmed, who hosts Radio 4's Front Row, who asked why women 'lose our space to men'.

The 48-year-old tweeted to her 32,000 followers: 'Dear @BarbicanCentre women's loos labelled 'gender neutral' so full of men who ALSO have a 'urinal' to themselves. Totally ridiculous.'

She told BBC Radio London: 'I noticed this sign and there was a longer queue because there were men in the queue and men coming out of the cubicles.

'No women are going to go in the gender-neutral loos that have urinals. Essentially, women have been told men can use your loos  so anyone can use your loos  but men still get to keep their own.

'Ask any woman and we would have said, 'Look, you have to think how you do this. Don't do it by taking away our loos'.'

She said it would have been more practical to turn the men's toilets into gender-neutral facilities, with no urinals, as 'there's never such a queue there'.

Journalist Samira Ahmed was at the centre earlier in the week and noticed that the signs had been changed

She sent a tweet to the Barbican Centre to let them know that women 'have enough trouble with queues'

At first the Barbican defended its decision, saying it was 'part of our commitment to welcoming all and creating a supportive and tolerant space'.

But it appeared to backtrack after criticism from women who said unisex toilets can cause a host of problems, such as the potential for women on their own to be attacked.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said: 'It's about security, and safety, and cleanliness and privacy.

When a major arts centre such as the Barbican turns reality on its head then we know society has got problems.'

This week Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales said it was considering replacing all of its male and female facilities with 'unisex urinals' to appear more welcoming towards the transgender community.

Earlier this year cash-strapped Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust spent 1,265 to change toilet signs to show symbols for men, women, the disabled and the gender-neutral.

Weldon attacks 'frivolous' sex changes

Fay Weldon has accused some members of the transsexual community of choosing to transition 'frivolously'

Fay Weldon has risked the wrath of the transgender lobby by claiming that some men change sex for frivolous reasons such as fashion and clothes.

The author, 85, suggested that many men do not treat the issue as a serious business and transition to the female sex because it is easier to be a woman in today's society.

Miss Weldon, whose sequel to her 1983 novel The Life And Loves Of A She-Devil has just been published, added that women who change sex have a 'really hard time'.

The author, who was interviewed on BBC2's Newsnight on Wednesday, said she did not consider her comments to be offensive.

She said: 'There are lots of transgender people for whom this is a really serious business, but there is also a sort of undertow of frivolous people, who for the sake of fashion or what is going on or for the clothes or whatever, want to be the other gender.

'Most of them being men wanting to be women  the women who want to be men have a really hard time I think, because it's a real serious business for them. I'm not dismissing this at all.'

Asked if she accepted her comments 'offend a lot of transgender people', she said: 'I'm not offending transgender people or thinking there's anything wrong with that.'

She added that she has tackled the subject in her latest novel, The Death Of A She-Devil.

'I've written a comic novel about somebody who is a frivolous person who does it frivolously. Then you have to read it to see what happens,' she said.

'But I am not offending transgender people or thinking there is anything wrong with changing your gender, because I don't.'

She added that she 'tends to see women as the oppressive force at the moment'.
An elephant has trampled its owner to death in Cambodia after tourists begged for the animal to be released from its shackles so they could get a better photo with it.

The 60-year-old bull elephant, called Atork, had his chains released so a group of tourists visiting eastern Cambodia could have their photos taken with it in a more natural environment.

But shortly afterwards, the unattended elephant wandered off into the jungle, away from the village where it was being kept.

The elephants owner, 47-year-old Choeung Team, hurried after the animal and into the jungle where villagers found his trampled body next to the animal.

The 60-year-old bull elephant Atork (left) is said to have killed his owner Choeung Team (right)

They had become concerned that Mr Choeung had not returned and started started a search.

Although the incident is being investigated the owner's nephew, Saroeun Naro insisted: Atork used his trunk to beat him and trampled on him.'

He told the Phnom Penh Post that a group of tourists whose nationalities have not been revealed asked Mr Choeung to release the elephants shackles so they could take photos of themselves with the animal.

Later, while the group was getting ready for lunch, Atork walked away, with Mr Choeung heading off into the jungle to look for him shortly afterwards.

I dont know what the problem with Atork was, said the guides nephew.

Maybe he needed a female elephant or he was angry with my uncle.

Local police officer Norng Chanthea told the paper that the elephant was among others regularly used to transport tourists in the area to show them the ethnic minoritys way of life.

The owner was killed by his elephant when it was in rut, said Mr Norng, referring a natural hormonal surge also known as musth.

District chief Long Vibol told the paper that villagers had used six elephants over recent years to show tourists around a typical ethnic village.

Ms Jemma Bullock, an official with the Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment, told the Cambodia Daily that Atork had been out on a tour with two other elephants and a group of tourists earlier that day.

Today, the elephant was still on the loose.

Another senior police officer, Touch Yun, said villagers would remain concerned about their safety until the elephant could be caught.

Just last September 55-year-old Pop Sreang was also trampled to death in another district when he tried to recapture an elephant after it had escaped.
President Donald Trump said this morning that he expects his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping to be 'very special' but he has no specific expectations for what they'll accomplish.

'It's going to be interesting. Nobody really knows,' Trump said on the Fox & Friends program. 'We have not been treated fairly on trade for many, many years.'

Trump is facing pressure to deliver trade concessions for some of his most fervent supporters this weekend and prevent a crisis with North Korea from spiraling out of control.

He told Fox News ahead of his Florida departure, 'We're going to see what happens.'

'No president's taken care of that the way they should have, and we have a big problem with North Korea,' he stated.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Crisis talks: The North Korean regime's escalating nuclear threat will dominate the talks between President Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

The leaders of the world's two biggest economies are to greet each other at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida, late in the afternoon and dine together with their wives, kicking off a summit that will conclude with a working lunch on Friday.

Trump promised during the 2016 campaign to stop what he called the theft of American jobs by China and rebuild the country's manufacturing base.

Many blue-collar workers helped propel him to his unexpected election victory on Nov. 8 and Trump wants to deliver for them.

The US is tempering expectations for the talks, however, saying they are only a 'first step' toward a constructive dialogue with Beijing.

The Republican president tweeted last week that the United States could no longer tolerate massive trade deficits and job losses and that his meeting with Xi 'will be a very difficult one.'

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the two leaders would not 'sit around and play patty-cake' - they have 'big issues' to discuss, like North Korea's illicit missile tests.

'I think he wants to have a very good and respectful and healthy relationship. But he also wants to make sure that he tackles the challenges and the problems that are facing American workers and American manufacturers and get to them,' Spicer said, characterizing Trump's position going into the meeting.

Venue: Trump is putting on the personal touch by inviting President Xi to Mar-a-Lago

Trump, a former real estate magnate is still finding his footing in the White House and has yet to spell out a strategy for what his advisers called a trade relationship based on 'the principal of reciprocity.'

White House officials have set low expectations for the meeting, saying it will set the foundation for future dealings.

'I don't anticipate there will be a resolution on those issues, but they'll be both established in the framework for those matters, and I'm sure that each side will raise particular issues,' a senior administration official said. 'But I would not anticipate there would be a plan for resolving those issues.'

The climb-down came after Trump raised the stakes in a Financial Times interview that ran on Sunday.

'I would not be at all surprised if we did something that would be very dramatic and good for both countries and I hope so,' the US president said.

Trump predicted hours before he left the White House for his Palm Beach estate that he would make progress with the Chinese on the issue of North Korea.

'We'll be in there pitching, and I think we're going to do very well,' he proclaimed.

U.S. labor leaders and lawmakers say Trump needs to take a direct, unambiguous tone in his talks with Xi.

'President Trump needs to come away from the meeting with concrete deliverables that will restore production and employment here in the U.S. in those sectors that have been ravaged by China's predatory and protectionist practices,' said Holly Hart, legislative director for the United Steelworkers union.

International Association of Machinists President Robert Martinez said the United States continued to lose manufacturing jobs to the Chinese, saying: 'It's time to bring our jobs home now.'

Some Democratic lawmakers were eager to pounce on Trump on trade.

'We are eager to understand your plans to correct our current China trade policies and steer a new course,' said Democratic U.S. Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts.

Hermit state: The isolated North Korean regime fired a missile into the sea on Wednesday and guards its borders - including its only open land border, with China - carefully

A group of 12 Democratic senators representing Rust Belt states sent Trump a letter Wednesday demanding that he bring up China's trade abuses and deny the country's request to be designated a free market.

'We urge you to make clear to President Xi that the U.S. will hold China accountable when they are found to manipulate currency to the detriment of American manufacturers,' the letter goes on to state.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a note to Trump stressing the importance of bringing human rights and religious freedom up in discussions.

'I believe, Mr. President, that if we do not speak out clearly for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights anyplace in the world,' the California Congresswoman wrote.

The two-day summit that begins this evening will bring together two leaders who could not seem more different: the often stormy Trump, prone to angry tweets, and Xi, outwardly calm, measured and tightly scripted, with no known social media presence.

What worries the protocol-conscious Chinese more than policy clashes is the risk that the unpredictable Trump could publicly embarrass Xi, after several foreign leaders experienced awkward moments with the new U.S. president.

'Ensuring President Xi does not lose face is a top priority for China,' a Chinese official said.

As such, Trump and Xi will not go golfing together at Mar-a-Lago as Trump did with the Japanese prime minister when he came to visit. For Xi, the sport is a symbol of corruption. He's banned members of the Communist Party from playing.

'I think it's safe to say there's not gonna be any golf,' a White House official said of the two-day, getting-to-know you trip to Florida. 'Nothing involving golf clubs.'

NO GOLF: Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe tee'd off at Mar-a-Lago during their trip, but there will be no golf clubs this weekend, an official said

The most urgent problem facing Trump and Xi is how to persuade nuclear-armed North Korea to halt unpredictable behavior like missile test launches that have heightened tensions in South Korea and Japan.

North Korea is working to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States.

Trump has threatened to use trade to try to force China to exert influence over Pyongyang. Beijing says its influence is limited and that it is doing all it can but that it is up to the United States to find a way back to talks with North Korea.

A senior White House official said North Korea was a test for the U.S.-Chinese relationship.

'The clock is very, very quickly running out,' the official said. 'All options are on the table for us.'

Trump consulted on Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who said he and the president agreed by phone that North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch was 'a dangerous provocation and a serious threat.'

A White House strategy review is focusing on options for pressuring Pyongyang economically and militarily. Among measures under consideration are 'secondary sanctions' against Chinese banks and firms that do the most business with Pyongyang.

A long-standing option of pre-emptive strikes remains on the table, but despite the tougher recent U.S. talk, the internal review 'de-emphasizes direct military action,' the U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Analysts believe any military action would likely provoke severe North Korean retaliation and massive casualties in South Korea and Japan and among U.S. troops stationed there.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has banned an image of him as a clown that turned into a meme, dubbing it 'extremist propaganda'.

The image shows Putin 'with eyes and lips made up' and suggests 'the supposed nonstandard sexual orientation of the president of the Russian Federation', according to the banned list.

It's among the more than 4,000 images the Russian justice ministry dubbed 'extremist propaganda' and banned from use in the country.

The image shows Putin 'with eyes and lips made up' and suggests 'the supposed nonstandard sexual orientation of the president of the Russian Federation', according to the banned list.

There are several different versions of the meme, and it is unclear which one is on the list of banned images

The photoshopped image often shows Putin in front of a rainbow flag or wearing a rainbow-patterned shirt

The ministry based its ruling on a criminal case featuring Aleksandr Tsvetkov, who was accused of sharing hate speech.

Tsvetkov, who had shared gay Putin memes on the Russian Social Media site Vkontakte, was sent to psychiatric care after his trial.

The clown photo first emerged in 2013 after Russia started to crack down on sexual liberties and banned sharing 'nontraditional sexual relations propaganda' with children.

As the country started to police free speech and sexual liberties, the meme became more and more popular.

There are several different versions of the meme, and it is unclear which one is on the list of banned images, according to Mashable.

The clown photo first emerged in 2013 after Russia started to crack down on sexual liberties and banned sharing 'nontraditional sexual relations propaganda' with children

Another image that could be on the list shows Putin and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in full makeup holding flowers

Another image on the banned list shows Putin and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev portrayed as Nazi soldiers.

Russia passed its first 'internet extremism' law in 2013, a year after Putin returned to the presidency.

The following year, Putin signed a law that imposed a prison sentence to anyone go shared banned posts online.

In 2015, Russia started shutting down websites that criticised Putin and restricted anonymous blogs.
The children and twin sister of a Victorian mum murdered by her ex-husband have been awarded $800,000 in compensation.

Robert Arthur Meade was convicted in 2013 of bludgeoning to death his ex-wife Sally Brooks in her Donvale home.

The attack happened a week before she was to move to Britain with the three children in 2011 and Meade still maintains his innocence.

Victorian woman Sally Brooks was murdered by her ex-husband in 2011

'Future tinged with great sadness': Sally Brooks (right) with her twin sister Alison and their mother

Robert Arthur Meade was convicted in 2013 of killing his ex-wife

But when the slain mum's identical twin Alison Brooks and his three children applied for compensation in the Victorian Supreme Court, he did not challenge the claim.

Ms Brooks' grief is so profound she finds it distressing even looking into a mirror because every time she does, she sees the face of her murdered sister, the court was previously told.

Once a partner in a law firm, Ms Brooks now works part-time as a solicitor in Nottingham while raising her 16-year-old niece and nephews aged 15 and 13.

Ms Brooks sought compensation for the costs of caring for the three children, as well as compensation for each child's pain and suffering.

The court awarded $574,208 in compensation to Ms Brooks and $75,624 to each child.

Slain Ms Brooks's identical twin sister, Alison Brooks (left) was awarded $574,208 and $75,624 to each of her sisters (right) children
The conviction of a man found guilty for child sex offences after his death when he committed suicide during his trial has today been overturned.

Darren Turk, 54, was accused of the rape and sexual assault of boys at the boarding school where he once worked, but killed himself on the eve of the jury delivering their verdict.

The judge did not tell jurors why he was not in the dock the following day but asked them to deliver their verdict in his absence.

He was found guilty of 10 child sex-related offences and not guilty on six counts in what is believed to be the first time a dead man has been convicted of a crime in England.

Turk's trial had heard that he molested boys aged between 11 and 15 at Frewen College in East Sussex

But today, three judges in the Court of Appeal said the verdicts were wrongfully returned and must be set aside, with the convictions annulled.

Sir Brian Leveson, sitting with Mr Justice Jay and Mr Justice Garnham, said there was nothing to suggest that any of the verdicts returned were unsafe but they were, however, 'irregular'.

'In our judgment, there is no discretion as to the course which the judge should follow in these circumstances; he was not entitled to continue simply because he thought that obtaining verdicts from the jury justified that course.'

The proceedings were brought by Mr Turk's mother Jasmine Botting, 76, from Etchingham, near Hastings, East Sussex.

During the hearing, Sir Brian said the case raised a 'really important issue of criminal law'.

He added: 'We can recognise that for the victims, the pronouncement of the verdicts, at least in certain cases, was a vindication of their evidence.'

He emphasised: 'Nothing we decide in any sense should be taken as removing their appropriate feelings of vindication.'

Mrs Botting has previously said: 'I know for a fact that my son is innocent.'

Mr Turk was a member of care staff and later head of care at the boarding school, but was not a teacher. At the time of his death, he worked as an electrician's assistant.

At an inquest in January, a coroner heard he had been prescribed anti-depressants and left suicide notes before his body was found by his stepfather.

A post-mortem examination confirmed his cause of death was by hanging. A coroner concluded he had taken his own life.

Turk's five-week trial had heard that he molested boys aged between 11 and 15 at Frewen College in East Sussex, between 1996 and 2002.

Turk had been 'head of care' at the school for children with learning difficulties, but was not a teacher.

The verdicts were delivered by the jury at Lewes Crown Court despite Turk's defence team arguing that the case could not continue without him.

They took the view that 'there can be no indictment against a dead person and where there is no indictment there can be no verdicts'.

Ruling: Judge Jeremy Gold said the complainants had the right to know what verdicts the jury had reached the afternoon before Darren Turk died

But Judge Jeremy Gold QC overruled their objections, saying that the complainants had the right to know what verdicts the jury had reached the afternoon before Turk died.

The extraordinary development comes amid growing concern over the time and resources being expended on investigations into dead people over child abuse allegations dating back decades.

The Crown Prosecution Service has even had to remind police that the dead cannot be put in the dock, writing in new guidance: 'Since deceased persons cannot be prosecuted, the Crown Prosecution Service will not make a charging decision in respect of a suspect who is deceased.'

Prominent barrister Barbara Hewson said: 'Death stops everything, legally speaking. But judges are now so terrified of the complainant lobby that they are bending the rules.'

A spokesman for the judiciary told The Mail on Sunday: 'The judge took the view that the complainants were entitled to know the jury's verdicts despite the defendant's death, in the knowledge that the jury had reached some verdicts, whatever they might be.'

A Sussex Police spokesman said: 'Mr Turk was found dead at his home. There are no suspicious circumstances and the coroner's officer has been informed.'
Jagtar Sandhu (pictured) preyed on the two sisters - who were in the 20s - when he was on board a flight from Toronto to Manchester

A former taxi driver who brazenly groped two sisters on a nine-hour trans-Atlantic Flight has been jailed for one year.

Jagtar Sandhu, 54, preyed on the passengers - who were both in their 20s - during a flight from Toronto, Canada, to Manchester.

Sandhu, who did not know his victims, was sitting on the row behind them when he started behaving 'oddly', a court heard.

The grandfather repeatedly asked if they could 'budge up' so he could watch an in-flight movie with them on the Air Transat plane.

Despite repeatedly being told by the victims to leave them alone, Sandhu tapped them on the shoulder and even asked one of them if they were lesbians.

Manchester Magistrates' Court heard they could not get away from the defendant and were 'trapped and confined' on the plane, where children were also present.

The women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been left 'traumatised' by the 'sickening' experience and are now scared around men.

The court heard he started pestering them three hours into the nine-hour flight and the sisters eventually took 'shifts' to sleep so one could keep an eye on him.

But both eventually fell asleep - and woke up to find Sandhu leaning over them rubbing one on the thigh and stroking the other on her breast.

He then told the women: 'Wait until we get back to Manchester.'

During the 'prolonged' sexual assaults, he groped them over their clothing, the court heard.

Carl Miles, prosecuting, said: 'This was a public flight, I am told there were children present. They could not get away from this defendant, they were trapped and confined.'

He said the women didn't feel able to report the incident immediately during the flight, in August last year, but told their families as soon as they landed and rang the police an hour after getting home.

When he was arrested, Sandhu claimed to police that the pair were lesbians and that they had been 'playing dirty games' and touching each other inappropriately.

The grandfather (pictured) was convicted of two counts of sexual assaults at Manchester Magistrates' Court

It was described as 'incredibly crass' by the prosecution, who said he was simply seeking to deflect from his own behaviour.

District Judge Khalid Qureshi branded the claim 'one of the most distasteful defences I had ever heard in all my years as a practitioner'.

In statements read to the court, the women said they had been left 'traumatised' by the 'sickening' experience which had made them feel uncomfortable and scared around men and on planes.

Sandhu, of Wolverhampton, denied two charges of sexual assault but was convicted after a trial.

He was jailed for 26 weeks consecutively for each of the two charges - a year in total - at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Emma Hassall, defending, said Sandhu had previously worked as a taxi driver but had been suspended after his arrest.

The grandfather repeatedly asked if they could 'budge up' so he could watch an in-flight movie with them on the Air Transat plane (stock photograph)

She added: 'He has asked me to apologise to the women and their families emphatically on his behalf.

'He has admitted he had a few drinks before boarding the flight and doesn't recall much of it.'

Judge Qureshi said: 'I listened to the two ladies who unfortunately had to come to court to give evidence. I found their evidence completely compelling.

'Whilst yours was one of the most distasteful defences I have ever heard in my years as a practitioner.

'This was two separate assaults on two victims, which given the circumstances, are made even more serious.

'People are already understandably apprehensive on flights at the best of times without this sort of behaviour.

'It was a late night flight, which at the time was over the ocean, so they understandably felt they had no avenue of escape.'
The hunt is on for a high-ranking New Zealand gang member with menacing face tattoos who is allegedly linked to a gangland murder.

Police have issued an image of Walter Reid Ngaau and appealed for help from the public to find him after another underworld figure was fatally gunned down last October.

Authorities have warned the public not to approach the senior Black Power member but instead raise alarm if he is sighted.

Police are hunting for high-ranking Black Power member Walter Reid Ngaau

Tribesmen Motorcycle Club member John Henry Harris died from a gunshot wound to the chest last October. Ngaau is one of the three men jointly charged with his murder.

Ngaau is 54 years old, 175cm tall and of medium build. He is a patched Black Power member with striking tattoos on his forehead, both cheeks and neck.

'We want to remind anyone who may be assisting Walter to evade police that this is a criminal offence and we will be taking this type of behaviour very seriously,' Whangarei Police Detective Inspector Dene Begbie said.

'Walter should not be approached. If you know where he is, or he is sighted then please call 111 immediately.'

Black Power are one of New Zealand's most notorious gangs, carving a fearsome reputation from violence, drugs and extortion.

In January police arrested multiple Black Power members after shots were fired at the procession of a funeral of one of their rival gang members in Whakatane.

Tribesmen Motorcycle Club member John Henry Harris died from a gunshot wound to the chest last October
Outspoken Islam critic Ayaan Hirsi Ali has accused Australians of idolising Waleed Aly and says the country should back prominent Imam instead.

Ms Hirsi Ali, who cancelled her Australian tour due to safety concerns, says Muslim Australians should look to leader Sheikh Tawhidi - who this week backed her calls for all Muslim schools to be banned.

In an interview on Andrew Bolt's Bolt Report on Sky News Ms Hirsi said: 'This Waleed Aly guy has been elevated by Australian society and he is made into a celebrity and I think they need to take someone like Tawhidi and elevate him.'

Ayaan Hirsi Ali (pictured, left) told Andrew Bolt that western Muslims have turned Waleed Aly (right) into a celebrity

Ms Hirsi Ali said of Sheikh Tawhidi (pictured): 'I think they need to take someone like Tawhidi and elevate him'

Sheikh Tawhidi previously warned that Muslims wanted to create an Islamic state inside Australia.

Ms Hirsi Ali said Sheikh Tawhidi should sit 'with the government, the media and the academic elite which would 'send the message to the Islamists that they welcome people like Sheikh Tawhidi more than people like Waleed Aly', on Sky News on Thursday.

It comes after she launched a scathing critique of the Gold Logie-awarding winning Muslim media personality's argument that ISIS is weak, in an editorial that went viral online.

She compared his arguments about the Islamist terror group to political doublespeak in the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Mr Aly told viewers after the Paris terrorist attacks that ISIS was actually weak.

'With statements like that, tell him we've all read George Orwell, you want to turn things around and turn things on their head, we know exactly what you want to do,' she told 7News .

'Don't talk about ISIS because it empowers them.

'Gee. So let's all pretend ISIS is not there so that they can quietly expand. That's basically what he means.'

Ms Hisri Ali claimed Waleed Aly (pictured) was wrong for calling Islamic State 'weak'

Outspoken Islam critic Ayaan Hirsi Ali appeared on Bolt Tonight to speak about radical Islam and Sharia law

Ms Hirsi Ali also told Andrew Bolt that Muslims living outside of the Middle East and other war-torn nations do not understand that Islam is 'the same' no matter where it is practised.

She spoke directly to Muslims who have fled countries such as Syria or Saudi Arabia and said they should not be 'foolish' and believe Sharia law is any different when practised in Australia.

'I am trying to show other Muslims who have fled Sharia law, is that where it's applied you get what you have under the Islamic state... look at every place where Sharia law is applied... don't be foolish, don't be sold on more Islamic law,' Ms Hirsi Ali said.

'It doesn't matter if you apply it in Australia, Afghanistan or in the Middle East - the outcome is just the same, it's perpetual carnage, its the oppression of women, its intolerance and its moral bankruptcy.

Appearing on The Bolt Report, Ms Hirsi Ali accused Muslim women in Australia for enjoying western freedom and not speaking out against atrocities in Syria.

She said of Muslim women: 'They want to promote Sharia law among Australian Muslims'

During her interview Ms Hirsi Ali also pointed out the Muslim women who have attacked her for her controversial views have remained silent on the atrocities taking place in Syria.

'These very same women, why are they not protesting the things that are happening in Syria now? Why are they not telling us about what exactly is done under Sharia law?' Ms Hirsi Ali asked.

'They don't want to do that because they have an agenda, they want to promote Sharia law among Australian Muslims.

But there are Australian Muslims who don't agree with them but are terrified to come out because of not only the threats of character assassination but also death threats.'

She said Muslim women living in Australia are enjoying the benefits of freedom that other Muslims are not - which puts a veil over their eyes.

The controversial commentator on Islam said: 'The most important thing is for governments and US leadership to get together and do something.'

The 47-year-old also made a plea to international governments - particularly Trump's administration - and said the western world cannot rely solely on the governments of Saudi Arabia or Iran to stop 'this carnage'.

She said: 'I'm not going to specify what exactly needs to be done. I hope the US president can rally the international community in dealing with the aftermath... it has to come from the rest of the world.'

Waleed Aly told viewers after the Paris terrorist attacks that ISIS was actually weak

Controversial Islam critic Ayaan Hirsi Ali (pictured) has launched a scathing attack on Sharia law and compared the burqa to a 'very big swastika'

Ms Hirsi Ali also compared the burqa to an Islamic State flag. Above, men and women dressed in burqas from the group 'Faceless' call for the banning of the conservative Muslim apparel

In November 2015, Waleed Aly told viewers on The Project ISIS was weak, following the terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 130 people and wounded hundreds of others.

'I know it doesn't look like it right now but it's the truth and they don't want you to know it which is why is it something we should talk about,' he said in his editorial which was viewed more than 16 million times online.

The 38-year-old Network Ten personality was previously an executive member of the Islamic Council of Victoria, whose board members have proposed separate sharia law courts in Australia.

In this same interview, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, 47, launched a scathing attack on Sharia law and compared the burqa to a 'very big swastika'.

She made the comments on Tuesday after cancelled her upcoming Australian speaking tour over security fears.

'The burqa that covers the face... that is just like the ISIS flag. It's like wearing a very big swastika,' she said.

Ms Hirsi Ali was forced to cancel her upcoming Australian speaking tour over security fears

'Everywhere where Sharia law is applied women are robbed of their rights and their dignity.

'I cannot think of a system of law that dehumanises and degrades women more than Islamic law,' she said.

Ms Hirsi Ali also called for Islamic schools to be banned 'in Australia and all other liberal societies.'

The outspoken Islam critic was subjected to female genital mutilation as a child and set up the AHA Foundation to campaign against the barbaric practice.

Ms Hirsi Ali was forced to cancel her upcoming Australian speaking tour over security fears

Ms Hirsi Ali also compared the burqa to an Islamic State flag.

'The burqa that covers the face... that is just like the ISIS flag. It's like wearing a very big swastika,' she said.

She became an lawmaker in the Netherlands after seeking political asylum there in 1992 in an attempt to escape an arranged marriage to a cousin.

For years she has lived with tight security as a result of her stance on radical Islamists.

Ms Hirsi Ali was due to speak at events in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland this week.

Organisers of her trip Think Inc advised on Monday of the cancellation.

Ms Hirsi Ali became an MP in the Netherlands after seeking political asylum in an attempt to escape an arranged marriage

For years she has lived with tight security as a result of her stance on radical Islamists

'The burqa that covers the face... that is just like the ISIS flag. It's like wearing a very big swastika,' she said. Above, she attends a book presentation in Germany in 2015

Ms Hirsi Ali became an MP in the Netherlands after seeking political asylum in an attempt to escape an arranged marriage

'Ayaan Hirsi Ali regrets that for a number of reasons including security concerns she must cancel her upcoming appearances,' Think Inc said in a statement on Monday.

'She wishes the event organisers success in their future endeavours and hopes to return to Australia in the not too distant future.'

Ms Hirsi Ali's trip to Australia had sparked protests from a group of Muslim women who accused her of hate mongering and bigotry.

Almost 400 signatures appeared on an online petition against Ms Hirsi Ali's speaking tour.

'Against a backdrop of increasing global Islamophobia, Hirsi-Ali's divisive rhetoric simply serves to increase hostility and hatred towards Muslims,' the petition , posted on change.org, said.

That petition was authored by Islamic Museum of Australia board director Sherene Hassan.

Ms Hirsi Ali's trip to Australia had sparked protests from a group of Muslim women who accused her of hate mongering and bigotry
An Indian husband divorced his wife by sending her a postcard to tell her their marriage is over.

The man, identified as Haneef, tied the knot less on March 16 in a function hall in Moghalpura in the Old City of Hyderabad before deciding he did not want to be with his partner.

In a bizarre twist, neither were eligible because both were still married to their first partners.

Couple got married in Hyderabad (pictured) but divorced less than three weeks later (file photo)

Having served the triple talaq, an Islamic tradition meaning a man can dissolve a marriage without notifying the courts, it appears he visited the woman.

Police are now investigating when the two met, and have charged him cruelty, cheating and he will possibly face a rape conviction if found guilty.

Deputy commissioner of Hyderabad's southern police division V Satyanarayana told the Times of India: 'I am personally monitoring the case.

'We are investigating as to what exactly happened later in the day when the marriage was solemnised.

'We have called for records from the qazi so that they can be examined.

'Depending on the outcome we will take a call.

'It is also possible that a rape case will be booked against the accused.'

Police in Hyderabad (pictured) are investigating the man's actions the day he sent the postcard

Adding more layers to the investigation is the fact that the couple were never technically legally married.

Bhavani Nagar police station's sub-inspector B Ramesh told the Times of India: 'He did not divorce the first wife.

'The victim was a divorcee and this was her second marriage.

'We are told that the original documents of the victim's first divorce were not given at the time of her marriage to Haneef.

'We are probing all angles.'
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This is the scene in Calais six months after 8,000 migrants were evicted from the sprawling Jungle camp.

Aerial pictures show how the site, once a squalid network of huts and tents housing thousands of refugees on the outskirts of the north coast town, has been flattened by bulldozers.

But while the vast patch of land has finally been cleared, and most of the migrants relocated to designated hostels across France, there are reports some have returned to the area.

Transformation: This is the scene in Calais six months after the sprawling Jungle migrant camp was cleared. A year ago the site was packed with tents and wooden huts - but the area has since been bulldozed

Flashback: In late 2015, the same site on the outskirts of Calais was packed with thousands of tents and huts used by refugees hoping to reach Britain

Police estimate that up to 400 migrants are in Calais, and groups of about 15 are arriving each day - even though they are unable to return to the Jungle, which was finally dismantled in October.

Last month, French authorities announced plans to dismantle a migrant camp built by humanitarian group MSF 30 miles north in Dunkirk, less than six months after clearing the camp at Calais.

Speaking at a French senate hearing, Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux said security forces would close the Grande-Synthe facility near the port of Dunkirk 'as soon as possible' after a series of violent clashes there.

While the vast patch of land has finally been cleared (shown above), and most of the migrants that lived there relocated to designated hostels across France, there are reports some have returned to the area

Police estimate that up to 400 migrants are in Calais, and groups of about 15 are arriving each day - even though they are unable to return to the Jungle, which was finally dismantled in October. Pictures show how the site has been completely cleared

Its wooden cabins, home to about 1,500 migrants and refugees, most of them Kurds, were opened in March 2016 by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) over the objections of the central government.

For more than a decade, France's northern coast has been a magnet for refugees and migrants trying to reach Britain, with French authorities repeatedly tearing down shantytowns in the area.

After fleeing war or poverty, men, women and children gather near ports where they seek to break into trucks heading to Britain or pay smugglers to help them get across the Channel.

For more than a decade, France's northern coast has been a magnet for refugees and migrants trying to reach Britain, with French authorities repeatedly tearing down shantytowns in the area

This was the scene as French authorities started the process of dismantling the remaining camps in Calais last October. It has since been levelled by bulldozers

During 2016, the camp was gradually reduced in size and in October the remaining migrants were moved to designated hostels around France

The government believes camps encourage people to travel to northern France, causing a major security problem, and urges migrants instead to register asylum applications in France and seek shelter in facilities elsewhere

The issue is a constant source of friction between Britain and France and an embarrassment for the French government, which has been criticised by the United Nations refugee agency for failing to provide adequate accommodation.

The government believes camps encourage people to travel there, causing a major security problem, and urges migrants instead to register asylum applications in France and seek shelter in facilities elsewhere.

Repeated break-ins around ports have caused delays to travellers and truck drivers, while local residents also complain about disruption and damage done to the image of their area.

The Socialist government, which is determined to try to stop another camp from springing up in Calais, has criticised Britain for reneging on a deal to resettle hundreds of underage migrants from the camp.
The man behind the controversial Kendall Jenner Pepsi advert claims it was based on images of the Flower Power protests against the Vietnam War.

Pepsi pulled the advert featuring the reality TV star after an outcry that it was trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement.

The advert showed Kendall - the younger sister of Kim Kardashian - leaving a photo shoot to join a heavily policed demonstration.

She defuses the tension by walking to the police line and handing an officer a Pepsi can, prompting cheers.

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The director of photographer for the shoot said the advert was based on this 1967 protest from Washington DC where Jan Rose Kasmir confronted the American National Guard outside the Pentagon during an anti-Vietnam march

Bjorn Charpentier, the director of photography for the Pepsi advert, insisted the advert was instead based on the Flower Power protests against the Vietnam War. He shot this 2014 advert which showcased recreations of 100 famous photos, including this flower photo

People drew comparisons with Black Lives Matter protester Leshia Evans who faced police wearing riot gear during a demonstration over the fatal shooting of a black man by police.

She was arrested moments after the picture was taken.

However Bjorn Charpentier, the director of photography for the Pepsi advert, insisted the shoot had nothing to do with that demonstration, according to TMZ.

He instead said it was based on a photo from the Flower Power protest against the Vietnam War in 1967 in Washington DC where a defiant protester faced down guns while holding a flower - which became a symbolic action of protest against the controversial conflict.

Mr Charpentier shot an advert in 2014 for the Leica Camera company which showcased recreations of 100 famous photos, including the 1967 flower photo.

When pressed to elaborate, he told MailOnline: 'I'd prefer to stay out of this whole situation.'

Kendall Jenner is said to be 'devastated' by the controversy surrounding the 'offensive' Pepsi advert which caused outrage after appearing to trivialise the Black Lives Matter movement

Many compared Kendall's action to that of protester Leshia Evans (pictured) last year in Indiana during the Black Lives Matter protests across the country

In the short film, Kendall skips out of a photoshoot to join a throng of young campaigners waving placards with slogans such as 'Join the Conversation', before she approaches a surly-looking police officer and hands him a Pepsi can as a sign of peace.

It was heavily criticized by campaigners and mocked mercilessly on social media.

Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King, wrote on Twitter: 'If only daddy knew about the power of Pepsi', while sharing a photograph of her father clashing with police on the front-line of a protest.

It was also slammed by other stars and celebrities on social media, including Lena Dunham, Questlove, Judd Apatow, and Patton Oswalt.

Kendall did her best to hide from the controversy surrounding her Pepsi commercial on Wednesday when she landed in Paris

The ad starts out with a glamorous Kendall in a blonde wig, doing a photo shoot in front of a large window

Kendall sees the protesters walking by and wants to join in on the movement instead of finishing up her photo shoot

The model pulls off her wig and walks away from her photo shoot towards the protest in the now-canned commercial

Following the outcry, Pepsi announced it was canning the commercial in a statement released on Wednesday.

It said: 'Pepsi was trying to project a global a message of unity, peace and understanding,' the statement read.

'Clearly, we missed the mark, and we apologize. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are pulling the content and halting any further rollout.

'We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position.'

Pepsi had previously defended the commercial in a statement, claiming it was 'a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that's an important message to convey.'

In the commercial, Jenner smears off her lipstick in a symbol of her change of political ambition

She then approaches the police officer clutching a can of Pepsi

Jenner 'bravely' steps out of the crowd and hands the officer, who is blocking the protest, a can of Pepsi

He then drinks the Pepsi, and all the problems are defused in the extraordinary commercial

PEPSI'S STATEMENT CANCELING THE AD Pepsi was trying to project a global a message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly, we missed the mark, and we apologize. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are pulling the content and halting any further rollout. We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position. Advertisement

Meanwhile Kendall is reportedly 'devastated' by the controversy surrounding her appearance in the advert.

A source said: 'This is the first controversial campaign she has been involved with. Even though she had nothing to do with the production and the message of the campaign, she will be blamed for this since she is the face.'

However Kendall is expected to be able to recover from the controversy with an insider saying: 'This is not a career breaker for her.'

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Kendall for comment.

Before the outcry, Kendall had said: 'I had never been to Bangkok before [where it was filmed], so it was interesting to be in that city. There were a lot of really cool people on set that I got to meet. It was fun, it was entertaining. The whole concept is really something that I'm about, so it was just fun to be a part of.

'I think a lot of people are caught up in whatever's happening in someone else's life and they're not really paying attention to what's happening right in front of them most of the time.

'It's not hard to put your phone down and consciously try and get yourself to live in the moment. That's what I try and do.'
This is the moment a gang of armed robbers blew up a van before stealing cash from the vehicle leaving a scene behind that looked like a 'war zone'.

The thieves forced the van to stop then shot out one of its tyres before detonating their explosives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The vehicle then flew into the air sending razor-sharp metal shrapnel flying and drivers fleeing for their lives.

The thieves forced the van to stop then shot out one of its tyres before detonating their explosives in Johannesburg, South Africa

Fortunately the workers escaped with their lives after being forced to leave the vehicle before it was blown up. The aftermath of the explosion is pictured

While the van was stopped the gang moved in and stole money and a gun from the two guards.

Fortunately the workers escaped with their lives after being forced to leave the vehicle before it was blown up.

A police spokesman said the guards were uninjured but that no arrests had been made.

The drama was caught on camera by another driver who filmed the moment the thieves blew up the van

Just one member of the public was hurt in the explosion after being hit by debris - and their injuries were only minor.

The drama was caught on camera by another driver who filmed the moment the bandits blew up the van after arriving in BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars.

Witness Francina Maasz said: We passed in the opposite direction when it happened. It was like a war zone, terrible to see.

A police statement said: 'At about 11:40 on the R24 near Barbara Road towards the airport, a group of suspects travelling in a BMW and Mercedes Benz confronted Cash-In-Transit security guards after a tyre of their vehicle had been shot.

It is not known how many bandits took part in the raid or how much money they took but police have not yet made any arrests

'The guards were forced out of the vehicle before the suspects blew their cash van with explosives.

'The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money in cash boxes and one of the guard's firearm.

'They then fled from the scene in two vehicles. The guards were not injured.'

It is not known how many bandits took part in the raid or how much money they took from the van.
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A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack was reportedly warned by his friends about his interest in dating teenage men, it has emerged.

The senior Nine Network journalist was sensationally charged with sending child pornography using a carriage service on Thursday.

The 42-year-old was suspended by the network after he allegedly had 'sexually explicit conversations' about children and discussed child pornography with another man.

Mr McCormark often used gay dating app 'Grindr' to look for 'young-looking' men of legal age to date, a former colleague revealed.

'He's always on Grindr and having dates with young-looking men,' the colleague, who did not want to be named, told News Corp.

'He would often show photos of guys he was seeing and they would always be baby-faced teens but a legal age.'

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A former colleague of Ben McCormack claimed his friends had warned him about his interest in dating teenage men

Ben McCormack was sensationally charged with using a carriage service for child pornography material on Thursday

He appeared drawn and had dark circles under his eyes as he emerged from Redfern police station on Thursday night

A swarm of Sydney journalists shouted questions as Mr McCormack emerged from Redfern police station after his arrest

The journalist, who was instrumental in Nine's coverage of the Hey Dad! abuse saga, huddled close behind to his lawyer Sam Macedone (left) as he emerged from the police station

The veteran journalist said nothing as he left a Sydney police station after being granted strict conditional bail

The colleague added Mr McCormack, a volunteer lifesaver at Bondi Beach, 'mentors and trains young boys there.'

He also called him a 'bit of a Peter Pan, he didn't want to get old.'

The veteran reporter was pulled over by police on Driver Avenue, in Moore Park, at 7.30am on Thursday while on his way to work and his car searched.

And in a three-and-a-half-minute video clip released by investigators, he could be seen standing on the side of the road while police searched his Mazda Sedan and bags.

Dressed in a blue suit, he was led into the back seat of an unmarked police car and taken to a Sydney police station, where he was charged with using a carriage service to send child pornography.

Mr McCormack was granted strict conditional bail and will face Downing Centre Local Court on May 1.

If convicted, he could face up to 15 years behind bars, reports said.

Shortly after Mr McCormack's arrest, search warrants were executed at a unit in Alexandra and A Current Affair's office at Willoughby, where computers, a mobile phone and electronic storage devices were seized.

Mr McCormack - charged with a child pornography offence - was on the other side of media cameras as he emerged into a swarm of reporters

Mr McCormack was pictured arriving a friend's home in Sydney after being granted strict conditional bail on Thursday night

The 42-year-old reporter was pictured arriving to spend the night at a friend's house after leaving Redfern police station

Mr McCormack said nothing as he left Redfern police station with his lawyer Sam Macedone, who regularly appears on A Current Affair, on Thursday night.

He appeared drawn and had dark circles under his eyes as he emerged at about 6pm to a swarm of journalists shouting questions.

Meanwhile, Thursday evening's episode of A Current Affair was forced to address the charges and led with a report on Mr McCormack's arrest.

Stand-in host Leila McKinnon told viewers the programme intends to 'cover the story without fear or favour.'

'Here at A Current Affair, we've always given it to you straight and told it like it is, so let's get into it,' stand-in host Leila McKinnon told viewers.

'Tonight, one of our most senior reporters is facing serious charges involving child pornography offences.

'Ben McCormack, a 25-year veteran of the Nine Network was arrested today and charged by New South Wales Police with using a carriage service for child pornography material.'

Stand-in host Leila McKinnon told viewers that A Current Affair intends to 'cover the story without fear or favour'

The arrest of Mr McCormack (left, in a picture posted on social media, and right, he is seen on air) came after as many as eight police raided his offices at Willoughby

Ms McKinnon, covering for regular host Tracy Grimshaw who was on assignment, also stressed that footage showing Mr McCormack's face blurred was released by police that way and not done by anyone at A Current Affair.

'And while justice must take its course, and given the serious nature of the allegations, Nine has taken a strong position and immediately suspended Ben McCormack,' she added.

'A Current Affair has a long history of pursuing offenders in these types of cases and we intend to cover this story without fear or favour.

'We stress these charges relate to Ben McCormack's alleged personal conduct and in no way reflect his behaviour within A Current Affair or the Nine Network.'

The arrest - which occurred while Mr McCormack's boss was overseas in Kuwait - sent shockwaves through Australia's media industry.

McCormack was granted strict conditional bail and will face Downing Centre Local Court on May 1

Mr McCormack was picked up in a waiting car and taken away from the media chaos outside Redfern police station

The Nine Network led its evening bulletin with the development, showing footage of Mr McCormack being swarmed by journalists.

One reporter loudly asked Mr McCormack what he was thinking about when he was covering Hey Dad! abuser Robert Hughes' trial in 2014.

As well as being the face of many of A Current Affair's consumer stories, he has doggedly chased child sex offenders and was instrumental in breaking stories about the Hey Dad! abuse saga.

In 2010, Mr McCormack pursued the former sitcom star to Singapore with allegations he molested his on-screen daughter Sarah Monahan.

And Mr McCormack phoned Ms Monahan with the result of Robert Hughes' 2014 trial after watching the guilty verdict in the courtroom, according to a Fairfax Media report.

Shock arrest: Ben McCormack (pictured with a detective in video distributed by police) was pulled over and arrested on Thursday morning

Police pulled Mr McCormack over in Moore Park on the way to work about 7:30am on Thursday morning

In video released by investigators, the journalist could be seen standing on the side of the road while police scoured his Mazda Sedan and bags

Mr McCormack was also apparently taken to his home in Alexandria - where police executed a search warrant

Led away: Wearing a blue suit, Mr McCormack joined police in the back of an unmarked car and was taken away

The development has shocked the Australian media industry - with McCormack known to colleagues as 'hard working and decent'

In a statement late on Thursday night, Nine spokeswoman Victoria Buchan said he had been suspended.

'While justice MUST take its course, given the serious nature of the allegations Nine has taken a strong position and immediately suspended Ben McCormack,' Ms Buchan said.

Colleagues were stunned - with one shell-shocked co-worker describing him as 'hard working and decent' and dedicated to his job. The Nine Network stressed the offences do not relate to A Current Affair.

Mr McCormack met with his lawyer Sam Macedone after news broke of police raiding Channel Nine's Sydney headquarters at Willoughby.

'I did meet with Ben earlier and I do believe he will be charged, with what though, I'm not sure,' Mr Macedone told Daily Mail Australia.

Detectives are seen with Mr McCormack after executing a search warrant on his home

Bags of evidence and electrical storage devices were seen in a video clip released by New South Wales police

McCormack met his lawyer, Sam Macedone,m after police searched Channel Nine's Sydney headquarters on Thursday

Mr McCormack (pictured) spoke with detectives at a Sydney police station just after midday, his lawyer said

Mr McCormack, a veteran journalist, was granted strict conditional bail and will face Downing Centre Local Court on May 1

As many as eight police officers raided Channel Nine's Sydney headquarters about 9.45am.

Officers ordered staff to leave their cubicles as they searched the building and were later seen leaving with bags of evidence.

Detectives seized computers, a mobile phone, and electronic storage devices.

Late on Thursday, police said their investigation is continuing.

NSW Police said the Sex Crimes Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) conducts ongoing investigations into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children online under Strike Force Trawler.

'Strike force detectives commenced an investigation after becoming aware of a matter via the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET), a joint-agency approach to tackling crimes against children,' police said in a statement.

'Police will allege in court the man was engaged in sexually explicit conversations about children with an adult male and discussed child pornography.'

When Daily Mail Australia asked if Mr McCormack would be stood down during the investigation earlier on Thursday, the Nine Network declined to comment.

'We have not been given any further information by the police and we won't be making any further comment at this time,' spokeswoman Victoria Buchan said.

But news director Darren Wick sent an email to staff shortly after the search of their offices began.

'I can confirm that officers from the New South Wales police have been at TCN this morning investigating matters relating to a staff member at A Current Affair,' Mr Wick said.

'It's a personal matter that does not relate to the program or Nine. We are co-operating with the police. However, we are not in a position to comment any further as this is an ongoing investigation.'

Police raided Channel Nine's A Current Affair offices and staffers were asked to vacate the premises over a 'personal matter'
On April 6, 1917, one hundred years ago today, the United States joined the First World War by sending troops, money and supplies overseas. It was already three years into the war that started on July 28, 1914.

The US had tried to stayed out of the conflict before that, but continued to trade with Britain. Germany damaged or sunk American trade ships going between the US and Britain, despite the fact that the US was neutral. By February 1915, Germany declared war against all ships that came into the war zone around Britain. In March of that year a German cruiser sank a private American vessel, though the country apologized and said it was a mistake.

Things got worse in May 1915 when the British ocean liner Lusitania was torpedoed, killing 1,198 passengers of the total 1,959. Of those killed, 128 passengers were American. The US demanded compensation and called for Germany to stop attacking passenger and merchant ships, which they agreed to until they sunk an Italian liner in November, killing 272 people, including 27 Americans.

By 1917, Germany formally resumed their unrestricted warfare on all ships within the war zone and one of their U-boats sunk an American liner. The US broke diplomatic ties with Germany hours after. The US Congress and President Woodrow Wilson had enough.

In February 1917, Congress passed a bill to prepare the American military for war and in March, Germany sunk four American merchant ships.

President Wilson called for a declaration of war against Germany to Congress on April 2, 1917, and four days later they granted his request. The first US soldiers arrived in France for training on June 26. There were 14,000 infantry troops and the arrival of fresh troops marked a turning point in the war for the benefit of the Allies. By the summer of 1918 about a million troops had arrived in France, half of whom would go on to see the front lines of battle.

Back home in the US, Americans rallied together to help the Allies win the war by gathering food supplies, munitions and money, and enlisting soldiers. At first there was some confusion and disorganization, that included a coal shortage and cargo delays because of traffic jams in the rail yards and a lack of strong leadership.

President Wilson got hold of the situation by early 1918 and the country worked together to help win the war. The US Food Administration taught Americans to economize on food and start victory gardens in their backyards to grow food for soldiers. Patriotism and support for the war became an important part of American culture.

Though the US was only involved for 20 months, by the end of the war on November 11, 1918, a total of 116,516 American soldiers died, 53,402 of those were killed in combat. 204,002 were wounded.

Today, the Library of Congress has released photographs of American soldiers from the First World War. The images capture American soldiers in the trenches, as they advance and are injured and even as they celebrate the end of the war.
A father-daughter pair allegedly helped obtain visas for Chinese nationals by defrauding a US program that gives permanent residency to wealthy foreigners who invest in American projects.

Federal court documents unsealed on Wednesday show that Lawyer Victoria Chan and her father Tat Chan allegedly raised more than $50million from more than 100 Chinese nationals, including some individuals on the country's '100 Most Wanted' fugitive list.

After raising the money from individuals they allegedly submitted plans to federal offices for several development projects that did not exist, according to an affidavit obtained by the Los Angeles Times.

The pair were also said to be assisted by a family friend, Fang Zeng.

FBI agents raid the office of the California Investment Immigration Fund after a father-daughter pair allegedly used the business to obtain visas for Chinese nationals by defrauding a US program that gives them to wealthy foreigners who invest in American projects

They are accused of raising the money from the individuals who wanted the visas, and then instead of investing them into US businesses, they pocketed some of the money and gave the rest back to the 'investors'.

The money allowed for the accused to live a luxurious life of multi-million-dollar homes and high priced cars, investigators claim in court records.

Agents at the FBI and Homeland Security raided two residences and a business office outside Los Angeles Wednesday, but a spokeswoman said they are not ready to make any arrests.

The raids on Wednesday centered on the office of the California Investment Immigration Fund, a small corporation the Chans set up in 2008 under the visa program to attract investors, reported the LA Times.

The offices were decorated with Chinese good-luck symbols and miniature American flags, along with many copies of the Chinese book 'Into the United States'.

Neither of the Chans nor Mr Zeng could be reached for comment.

The raids on Wednesday centered on the office of the California Investment Immigration Fund (pictured is the offices in a Hilton Hotel, left of the entrance) a small corporation the Chans set up in 2008 under the visa program to attract investors, reported the LA Times

Raids to homes and businesses have come as money has poured into the San Gabriel Valley in recent years from China, which has caused house prices to soar and fueled upscale development for wealthy visitors.

Investigators hoped to confiscate computer files, banking records, and other documents that may shed light on financial transactions between Chinese and American bank accounts.

These allegations are the latest in the EB-5 visa program, which is meant to give green cards to foreigners looking to come to America if they are willing to invest $500,000 in businesses measured to have created 10 jobs per investor.

This little-known program has been beset by poor oversight and claims of fraud, reported the LA Times.

Generally, to qualify for these visas, immigrants must invest at least $1million into an American business venture. However, as in this case, the amount required is cut in half if the project is located in an area of high unemployment.
Theresa May today warned Donald Tusk the sovereignty of Gibraltar is not up for discussion in the Brexit talks at the first No 10 summit of the negotiation.

The Prime Minister hosted the EU Council President in Downing Street eight days after triggering Article 50 and beginning the irreversible Brexit process.

Just 48 hours later, Mr Tusk's draft negotiating guidelines handed Spain a veto on whether the deal applies to Gibraltar - effectively giving Madrid a veto on the whole deal as Britain has made clear this is unacceptable.

Mrs May today said there would be 'no negotiation' on the territory without the consent of its people, who almost universally want to stay British.

After the 90 minute meeting, Mr Tusk said he had agreed to stay in close contact with Mrs May. EU sources said this was intended to 'lower tensions' at difficult moments.

Theresa May and Donald Tusk sat down for talks in No 10 today, pictured, as the PM laid down the law on Gibraltar after a bumpy start to the Article 50 process

Mr May told Mr Tusk in No 10 this lunchtime that the sovereignty of the Rock would not be discussed without the consent of the people there

Mr Tusk swept into Downing Street after the first week of the negotiation process was dominated by a row over Gibraltar

After the talks, Downing Street spokesman said Mrs May had repeated her desire for Britain and the EU to build a 'deep and special relationship' for the future.

The PM also told Mr Tusk she looked forward to the detailed negotiations to come.

But the spokesman warned: 'The PM also made clear that on the subject of Gibraltar, the UKs position had not changed: the UK would seek the best possible deal for Gibraltar as the UK exits the EU and there would be no negotiation on the sovereignty of Gibraltar without the consent of its people.'

EU sources said Mr Tusk's intention is to maintain to keep a constructive approach and seek to lower tensions that may arise when talks on some issues like Gibraltar inevitably will become difficult.

Mr Tusk explained his draft Brexit guidelines that are due to be adopted by the European Council on 29 April and oulined the next steps of the Brexit process as seen from the EU27.

On leaving Number 10 after the meeting, Mr Tusk declined to talk to reporters, simply saying 'no' when asked a series of questions including whether Gibraltar had been discussed and what the tone of the talks had been.

Mr Tusk had to exit Downing Street via a back way because a protest by black cab drivers blocked the main entrance.

A row over the Rock of Gibraltar exploded over the weekend as senior Tories even suggested Mrs May would be prepared to go to war to defend it. The Spanish government has been accused of causing hold ups on the border, pictured yesterday, in response

Mrs May was asked about her talks as she launched the Conservative local election campaign in Nottingham today.

She said: 'We will be talking about the start of the negotiations, how we're going to take these negotiations forward.

'I've obviously sent the letter to invoke Article 50. We've said very clearly we want to maintain a deep and special partnership with the EU and I think that has been reciprocated.

'And I'll be talking with President Tusk how we can ensure within the timescale that we've got that we can deliver a deal that is going to work for the people of the United Kingdom but I believe that will also be a deal that will work for the EU as well.'

The talks between Mrs May and Mr Tusk at No 10 today in the first official exchanges of the Brexit talks

Mrs May and Mr Tusk are not expected to call a press conference following today's talks but the premier said they would cover how to do the Brexit deal in two years

Earlier this week while on a visit to Jordan, Mrs May said she expected the shape of a new trade relationship to be clear to everybody by Brexit Day in March 2019.

But asked if the deal could be finalised in that timescale, she told Sky News: 'There's obviously a legal situation in terms of how the EU can conduct trade negotiations.

'I'm clear that by the point at which we leave the EU, it's right that everybody should know what the future arrangements, the future relationship, that future partnership between us and the European Union will be.

'That's the sensible thing, it's the pragmatic way to look at this, and I believe that's what we will do.'

Mrs May, pictured in Nottingham today, and Mr Tusk held 90 minutes of talks on the Brexit process in No 10
Paedophile Paul Harrison, 24, who lured a 15-year-old girl to a Staffordshire park on multiple occasions for sex has been jailed for more than three years

A paedophile who groomed a teenage girl on Whatsapp before luring her to a park for sex on multiple occasions has been jailed.

Paul Harrison, 24, first chatted to his 15-year-old victim on Facebook before swapping numbers with her in 2015.

A court heard he then lured her to parks after dark around ten times over two months where he made her carry out sex acts despite knowing her age.

Police discovered Harrison had also got the girl to send him four indecent images of herself when they arrested him on May 5 last year.

Harrison, of Leek, Staffordshire, admitted five counts of sexual activity with a child and one charge of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

He further admitted possessing indecent images of children and was jailed for three years and nine months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Harrison was also handed a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and he was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.

Judge David Fletcher said: 'The single reason you went to that area - which was some distance from where you live - time and time again, was simply to satisfy your own sexual urges.

'There is no suggestion by you that there was a loving, long-term potential relationship.

'This was you, a much older man, utilising a much younger girl to satisfy your own sexual need.

'You knew she was 15 from the get-go, yet you continued to do it.'

Prosecutor David Bruce said: 'Their contact progressed to phone calls and Whatsapp messages.

'They first met up in Fenton Park. It was clear to the defendant that she was 15. She told him she was 15. There was sexual activity the first time they met.

'When they met on subsequent occasions he had sex with her.'

The court heard Harrison met the girl in either Fenton Park or Smithpool Park in Stoke-on-Trent and they performed sex acts on 'seven or eight' occasions.

Police found four indecent images of of the victim on Harrison's computer, which had been sent to him from the girl's phone and uploaded to the computer.

A court heard how Harrison used the messenger app Whatsapp to groom the girl and meet her around ten times after dark for sexual intercourse. Harrison was jailed for more than three years

Mr Bruce said: 'In interview he denied the allegations, which resulted in the injured party having to pick him out of an identity parade.'

Paul Cliff, defending, said: 'This was not grooming from the first meeting.

'It became grooming behaviour. This is not a case where there was any force used.'

Mr Cliff said Harrison's brother was killed in an industrial accident in 2013.

He added: 'He is acutely aware that, as a result of his behaviour, he has heaped further pain and suffering on his parents' shoulders.

'Mr Harrison has been subject to some public abuse as a result of these proceedings, and there has been some criminal damage of his property which he believes is connected to these matters.'
A brother and sister have appeared in court facing a string of terror charges after police found plans for a knife attack, along with several extremist books.

Ummariyat Mirza allegedly bought a blade and carried out research to put his deadly assault plans into action.

The 21-year-old was arrested by counter-terror police on Alum Rock Road, Birmingham as part of a series of raids on homes on March 29.

Artists impression of Zainub Mirza (left) and her brother Ummariyat Mirza, both from Birmingham, appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court today (April 6)

He is also charged with possessing the bomb-making guide the Anarchist Cookbook and an extremist document called the Mujahideen Poisons handbook.

His sister Zainub Mirza, 23, is charged with sending Islamic State propaganda videos to others.

It is alleged she sent the extremist material, including a picture of a man holding two severed heads, to encourage terror attacks.

The siblings appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Ummariyat, from Birmingham, and Zainub, from Bordesley Green, were remanded in custody and ordered to appear on April 28 at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing.

Ummariyat and Zainub Mirza appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court accused of plotting a terror knife attack

Ummariyat Mirza, 21, from Birmingham, has been charged with plotting a terror attack with a knife after being arrested in Alum Rock Road (pictured) last week
Henry Hendron - a former top barrister who was convicted of drug dealing after his boyfriend was found dead - has been suspended from practice

A barrister who bought the 'chemsex' drugs that killed his teenage boyfriend has been suspended from practice for three years.

Henry Hendron, 36, was convicted of drug dealing after buying 1,000 of mephedrone and GBL to sell at parties.

He avoided a jail sentence after pleading guilty to two charges of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

His crimes were uncovered after his Colombian boyfriend Miguel Jimenez, 18, was found dead at their exclusive flat inLondon's Temple, the district where top lawyers and judges' chambers are based.

The renowned barrister, whose previous clients include Tory MP Nadine Dorries, the Earl of Cardigan and The Apprentice winner Stella English, has now been suspended from practicing for three years.

Previous court hearings have been told he bought the drugs from BBC Radio 3 producer Alexander Parkin, 42.

A police search of his flat recovered 60 self-seal bags of mephedrone and found Hendron's fingerprints on the jars and envelopes containing the drugs.

In the professional standards proceedings, Hendron admitted a charge relating to his conviction and two charges of mismanagement when he was the head of the Strand Chambers in 2013.

Hendron, who once charged 1,750 a day for his legal services, previously admitted using drugs with Miguel, who he met in August 2014.

He said he gave specific instructions to Miguel on the dangers of using too much and how the drugs should be packaged, prompting Miguel to reply: 'Blimey and I'm the Colombian.'

The drugs investigation came after Miguel Jimenez was found dead at Mr Hendron's flat

On a morning in January 2015, Hendron woke to find his boyfriend lifeless with blood and vomit around his face.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of Mr Jimenez's death was a lethal mix of mephedrone and GBL (gammabutyrolactone).

Hendron later admitted buying the drugs, but only to share with his boyfriend and sell on to friends at cost price.

At the professional standards hearing, he said that, though he had supplied the drugs to his boyfriend, he was not responsible for the death.

He admitted two counts of failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the affairs of his chambers were conducted in a manner which was fair and equitable to all barristers and pupils when head of chambers.

He also admitted behaving in a way which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence, which the public places in a barrister and in the profession by reason of his conviction.

Hendron, who is friends with MP Nigel Evans, was once tipped to lead the Tory Party

The disciplinary panel suspended Hendron for three years but the ban was backdated to May last year - meaning he can reapply for his practicing certificate in just over two years.

He was also fined 2,000 for 'systematic failures' in running his chambers.

Tribunal chair His Honour Patrick O'Brien said the charges against Hendron were serious and had undermined the public confidence in the profession.

He spoke at the Conservative party conference in 1998, aged just 17

He added: 'We agree with the trial judges conclusion that he clearly excluded any question financial gain from what you were doing.

'It is clear in this case that you have suffered from the death of your partner in traumatic circumstances along with associated difficult personal circumstances for yourself.

'Having regard to all these factors we have decided not to disbar you.'

Hendron's conviction marked the end of a glittering career for the lawyer once tipped to lead the Tory party.

As a 17-year-old schoolboy, Hendron addressed the 1998 Conservative Party conference calling for the re-introduction of corporal punishment.

He said at the hearing: 'I do not look for mercy or salvation professionally from this tribunal.

'I am the author of my own tragedy through the decisions that I took. I cannot blame anyone else for that other than myself and I do not seek to do so.'
At first it seems like just another jealously-inducing day in California.

Four beautiful female surfers don their wetsuits and bikini bottoms and head out to tame the waves of Southern California.

But if you look closely you'll notice something's amiss. The girls' wetsuits are a bit too tight and a bit too revealing up close.

In reality models Jovan Gonzalez, Taujma Hill, Kristin Lee and Morgan Sliff are all naked except for some well-applied body paint.

The women were part of a project by renowned body painter and artist Paul Roustan

Roustan, from Los Angeles, painted the models in blue, black and white bodysuits - using thongs and pasties to cover their modesty.

He used alcohol-based makeup to ensure that the body paint stayed on in the waves of the Pacific.

The wetsuits look incredibly realistic from affar

The stunning video was shot in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and El Segundo in Los Angeles.

Even though the body paint was extremely convincing, there's no doubt these models turned heads.

So, how long did it take you to realise?

The stunning shots were filmed on the beaches of Los Angeles, California

Even though the body paint was extremely convincing, there's no doubt these models turned heads

Roustan, from Los Angeles, painted the models in blue, black and white bodysuits - using thongs and pasties to cover their modesty
Christian Bale is set to take on the role of yet another controversial figure in his latest film, with a new report claiming that the actor is in talks to play former vice president Dick Cheney.

The untitled biopic is scheduled to go into production early next year and will be written and directed by Adam McKay, whose most recent film 'The Big Short' earned Bale his third Oscar nomination.

Deadline reports that McKay has been working hard to get Welsh-born Bale, 43, to sign on to the production, believing he is the perfect pick to the play the polarizing politician and millionaire businessman

Many consider Cheney, 76, to be the most powerful vice president in United States history, though he was also sadly the least popular.

Cheney, who accidentally shot a man in the face while serving as vice president, left office in 2009 with a final approval rating of 13 percent according to a CBS News/New York Times poll - the lowest on record.

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Back in character: Christian Bale is in talks to star as Vice President Dick Cheney in a biopic (Dick and Lynne Cheney in 1980 left; Bale and Amy Adams on the set of American Hustle right)

Home on the range: The film would take a look at Cheney's meteoric rise through the American political system during his four decades in office (Dick and Lynne Cheney at the inauguration)

Star power: Bale would be reuniting with his 'American Hustle' and 'The Fighter' co-star Amy Adams, who is in talks to play Lynne Cheney (Bale and Adams above in 2011)

Producers are also in talks with Amy Adams and Steve Carell, who they are pursuing for the roles of Lynne Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld.

This would mark the third time that Bale and Adams have teamed up together, having previously starred alongside one another in 'American Hustle' and 'The Fighter.'

The latter film earned Bale an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

It would also be a reunion for Bale, Carell and McKay, who all worked together on The Big Short.

McKay picked up an Oscar for that film thanks to his screenplay about the 2008 financial collapse which he adopted from Michael Lewis' bestselling book.

The writer and director said he has been spending an immense amount of time studying Cheney and looking into the life of the very private and tight-lipped politician.

'Ive always found Cheney fascinating,' said McKay in an interview last year.

'Questions of what drove him, what his beliefs were; but once we started digging I was astounded at how much he had shaped modern Americas place in the world and how shocking the methods were by which he gained his power.'

Serious faces: Steve Carell (right) is in talks to play Cheney's closest political pal Donald Rumsefeld (left in 1974) in the picture

The A-team: The biopic will be written and directed by Oscar-winner Adam McKay (second right with Bale, Ryan Gosling and Carell after an awards show for 'The Big Short')

Talking head: Cheney speaks during the Global Business Summit in New Delhi, India, last month (above)

Cheney began his career in politics immediately after receiving his master's degree from the University of Wyoming and by the age of 33 he was the White House Chief of Staff for president Gerald Ford.

It was there Cheney became close friends with Rumsfeld, who was serving as Secretary of Defense.

Cheney got the Chief of Staff position when Rumsfeld was moved out of that post to run the defense department.

Cheney also worked in the Nixon and Reagan administrations as well, and was appointed Secretary of Defense by George H.W. Bush when he took office.

Cheney took an eight year break from the White House in 1993 when Bill Clinton was elected, but returned in 2001 when he became the 46th vice president of the United States.

It was during that break between White House jobs when Cheney took a position at the controversial oil company Halliburton.

Lots of stories: Cheney was appointed chief of staff in President Ford's administration when he was just 33, and had his first of five heart attacks at the age of 37 (above in 1975 after being appointed as Chief of Staff)

Bod squad: Bale is a master at transforming his body for films, bulking up for 'American Psycho' (left) in 2000 and disappearing in 2004 for 'The Machinist' (right)

Lynne meanwhile is an author who focused on raising the couple's two children, Liz and Mary.

Their younger daughter Mary is a lesbian who has been with her partner Heather Poe for over two decades.

That is why Cheney famously distanced himself from his former boss George W. Bush when he called for an amendment to the Constitution banning same-sex marriage during his first term.

All this action came at a high cost to Cheney's health however, which was not helped by his 20-year habit of smoking three packs of cigarettes a day.

He had his first of five heart attacks at the age of 37 in 1978, with the other four coming in 1984, 1988, 2000, and 2010.

In 2012, he had a heart transplant that the doctor said could keep him alive for another 10 years.

Bale meanwhile spent his earlier years struggling through the Japanese occupation during the second World War ('Emperor of the Sun') and then singing and selling newspapers on the streets of New York City ('Newsies') before going on to become an American psycho ('American Psycho,' 'Batman Begins,' 'The Dark Knight,' The Dark Knight Rises,' 'Terminator Salvation').
Pictured: Chef Luke Kurylo was found guilty of dry humping a teenager at the resort, telling him 'I'm a paedophile who likes raping children'

A chef at a luxury four-star hotel has been convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage boy.

Luke Kurylo, who works at upmarket Ston Easton Park in Somerset, was found guilty of dry humping a teenager at the resort, telling him 'I'm a paedophile who likes raping children'.

The 22-year-old denied the accusations and tried to pass off his actions as 'just banter'.

His defence was rejected by the jury at Taunton Crown Court.

He will be sentenced later this month.

Prosecutor Ian Dixie said the victim had been traumatised when Kurylo targeted him in 2014, putting his hand over his genitals, dry humping him and cupping his buttocks.

The victim said the chef pushed him over a bench and re-enacted sex with him.

Judge Robert Linford adjourned sentencing for a report.

Ston Easton Park near Shepton Mallet is a 22-bedroom hotel, a Palladian mansion turned four-star luxury hotel in the Mendip Hills.
Murder case arrest: Stephanie Roof, 46 (pictured) was found fatally shot in her driveway in Pennsylvania in September 2016. Seven months later, police have arrested her neighbor, Josef Raszler

A Pennsylvania man has been charged with using a high-pressure air gun he had built himself to fatally shoot a neighbor with whom he had an affair more than a year prior.

Josef Raszler, 35, was brought up on charges of criminal homicide Wednesday in connection to the September 13 shooting of 46-year-old Stephanie Roof.

The mother-of-four was shot with a homemade metal projectile as she returned home that night and got out of her SUV in the driveway of her home across the street from Raszler's in Lower Macungie Township.

Police say Raszler acknowledged a romantic relationship with Roof that she ended in 2015, angering him.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin says investigators haven't found the weapon Raszler allegedly used, but they have evidence he researched making it and practiced with it at his parents' lake house days before Roof's killing.

The case began unfolding at 1am on September 13, 2016, when police got a 911 call about a shooting and responded to 6400 block of Pinecrest Lane to find Stephanie Roof lying in the driveway of her home.

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Crime scene: The mother-of-four was found shot in the chest in the driveway of her home in the 6400 block of Pinecrest Lane in Lower Macungie Township

Key clue: When police searched Roof's property, 'a metal projectile like object' was discovered in the front yard

Video courtesy of WFMZ:

Roofs live-in boyfriend was the one who found her and called police, according to the station WFMZ. He tried to save her by performing CPR, but without success.

Roof was then taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where she was pronounced dead about an hour later. Her two youngest daughters were home at the time.

An autopsy found the cause of death to have been a gunshot wound to the chest and the death was ruled a homicide, reported Reading Eagle.

In the course of the investigation, police interviewed the victims' neighbors, among them Josef Raszler who initially told them that he did not know Roof very well.

In a later interview, however, the man admitted that at one time the two had an 'intimate relationship.'

When police searched Roof's property, 'a metal projectile-like object' was discovered in the front yard. The district attorneys office said the item appeared to be homemade.

Raszler, 35, lived across the way from Roof in this home. Police would later find copper pipes, air tanks and an air gun trigger there

A search of Josef Raszler's home yielded numerous tools, including copper pipes and rifling markings, air tanks, and an air gun trigger, as well as melted lead.

When homicide investigators dug into Raszler's computer history, they allegedly found that he had searched terms like 'high pressure air pumps for air rifles,' 'high pressure air pump gun' and most powerful air rifle.'

Receipts found by police indicated that in the months leading up to Stephanie Roof's killing, Raszler had purchased high pressure air gauges, air tanks and other equipment.

Roof, a mother-of-four (pictured in an old family photo with two of her kids and their father), had broken up with Raszler in 2015, angering him

In the course of what has been described as a 'painstaking and time-consuming seven-month investigation, detectives learned that on September 9 and 10, Raszler stayed at his parents' lake house in Schuylkill County, where neighbors later reported hearing sounds reminiscent of a pneumatic air gun going off.

Police also found two homemade metal projectiles and a target practice area.

While the actual murder weapon was never recovered, detective Mark Garrett, commander of the Lehigh County Firearm and Tool Mark Laboratory, was able to create an air gun from materials similar to those found in Josef Raszler's home using directions found online.

Stephanie Roofs eldest daughter, Tricia Vanderford, told police that her mother had broken up with Raszler in April 2015 after four months but he refused to accept it and had become obsessed with her, reported The Morning Call.

According to Vanderford, her mother was afraid of Raszler and kept her old cellphone that contained nearly 3,400 text messages from her jilted paramour filled with professions of love and declarations of hate.

Josef Raszler was arraigned on the homicide charges Wednesday and ordered held in the Lehigh County Jail without bail.
In the dock: Peter Duffield, 62, from Kent, failed to fill in his self-assessment forms between 2007 and 2015 despite earning a total of 4.4million and owed 1.4million to the tax man

A rich shooting club owner who admitted his lack of tax returns gave the impression he was taking the p**s' out of HMRC was jailed for four years today for dodging a 1.4million bill.

Peter Duffield, 62, from Kent, failed to fill in his self-assessment forms between 2007 and 2015 despite earning a total of 4.4million.

When asked why he had failed to submit returns for seven years, he admitted it looked like he was taking the p**s.

He later claimed he was hopeless at paperwork and was distracted by his plan to turn the Dartford Clay Shooting Club into a venue for international tournaments including a failed London 2012 venue bid.

But it would later emerge he was deliberately dodging 1.4million in tax.

He denied deliberately avoiding tax, but was convicted of one count of cheating the public revenue following an Old Bailey trial.

Duffield is seeking a buyer for his club in Kent - said to be worth up to 5,000,000 - to repay the cash he denied HMRC.

When confronted by investigators Duffield told them: I failed to put in my tax returns because I was looking after my mother, I was looking after my transport business and was trying to get the Olympic shooting moved to my gun club', his trial heard.

The disgraced businessman, dressed in a tailored navy blue suit with a light blue shirt, sat chatting to his legal team before entering the dock to be sentenced.

Judge Gerald Gordon said: Peter Duffield you were convicted by the jury on the 16 March of cheating the public revenue by failing to disclose and pay taxable income and National Insurance contributions.

He continued: The Crowns case as opened to the jury and clearly accepted by them was that you knew full well what your obligations were and you deliberately and dishonestly chose not to comply with them despite the warning which you had been given, choosing instead to do the bare minimum and then only when backed into a corner.

Repayment: Duffield is seeking a buyer for his shooting club in Kent - which sits on the Thames and is said to be worth up to 5,000,000 - to repay the cash he denied HMRC

Duffield had been investigated over a 1,250,000 scam during a civil matter which ended in December 2007.

Reaction: When asked by HMRC investigators why he had failed to submit returns for seven years, he admitted it looked like he was taking the p**s

At the conclusion of that investigation you were warned that any reoffending could have more serious consequences, said Judge Gordon.

In my view most frauds involve out and out deception or attempted deception and thats not the situation here.

By virtue of the investigation you were, as it were, above the radar.

He added: Your offending is of a nature and scale which means there can be no question of suspending the sentence.

Since his arrest in June 2015 Duffield has filed returns for the missing years.

He earned money through his Oakwood Transport and Distribution business and various property deals as well as the Dartford Clay Shooting Club.

He accepted his businesses made profits and that he failed to pay most of the tax he owed but denied he was acting dishonestly.

He said he was distracted by family issues and always intended to submit the returns.

Following his arrest he submitted a prepared statement admitting his failure to submit tax returns from 2008 and claimed he would pay any tax due once his accountant had finalised his accounts.

Duffield, of Orpington, denied but was convicted of cheating the public revenue between April 6 2007 and January 31 2015.
President Donald Trump's chief strategist Steve Bannon denied on Thursday that he considered quitting his White House job following his removal from a key National Security Council committee.

It's a 'total lie,' Bannon said, pushed by 'Democrats getting crushed on policy.'

The former chairman of Breitbart News is seen as Trump's populist-conservative confidant and a balance to more centrist Republicans in the White House. His absence would dramatically swing the Oval Office away from the base that elected him.

Asked-point blank if there is any chance he's leaving the administration, Bannon replied: 'Zero.'

Steve Bannon flatly denied a report that he threatened to quit from the White House, saying it is a 'total lie' planted by Democrats

Bannon was removed Wednesday from the National Security Council's principals committee but is still part of the larger council.

Fox News floated a theory on-air that Trump had grown wary of Bannon's increasing public profile as a key behind-the-scenes power.

'We are also told though that maybe the president wasn't particularly happy with the way that Bannon had been grabbing the limelight, and that may have also played into all of this,' correspondent John Roberts reported.

Although he is far more camera shy than some other members of Trump's inner circle, Bannon has given a series of interviews where he revealed and defended his nationalistic philosophy.

'Darkness is good: Dick Cheney. Darth Vader. Satan. That's power,' Bannon told the Hollywood Reporter after the elections he helped engineer. 'It only helps us when [the media and liberals] get it wrong. When they're blind of who we are and what we're doing.'

He added that the media is 'just a circle of people talking to themselves who have no f***ing idea of what's going on,' which is why they couldn't better predict Trump's coming.

Out: White House chief strategist Steve Bannon no longer sits on the White House National Security Council's principals committee, according to a public filing by the White House

Bannon told the New York Times in January: 'The media should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen for a while.'

Trump's decision to add Bannon, one of his top political advisors and the driver behind his nationalistic agenda, to the NSC's principals committee created a stir among the foreign policy establishment and lawmakers who considered it to be a politicization of the panel.

His position is no longer listed among those on the committee, according to a new filing in the Federal Register.

Assistant to the president for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Tom Bossert also was downgraded.

President Trump ignored a question from a reporter on Wednesday while meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah about why he removed Bannon from the council.

LIMELIGHT? Fox News floated a theory that President Trump had grown wary of Bannon's increasing public profile as a key behind-the-scenes power

FOCUS OF PROTEST: Anti-Trump activists had put up posters about 'President Bannon' in Washington D.C. and seen them repeated on social media

'I want you to quote this,' Bannon continued. 'The media here is the opposition party. They don't understand this country. They still do not understand why Donald Trump is the president of the United States.'

The Washington Post reported last week how Bannon 'made his fortune as the quintessential global capitalist,' and reported how he brought a Saudi Prince to a music company purchase.

'Those out of the room are out of the deal,' Bannon told the paper. 'Once you make your way into the room, you stay.'

Financial disclosure forms put out by the White House reveal that in 2016, Bannon made $1.3 million. He earned nearly $500,000 from Bannon Strategic Advisors, $125,000 from Cambridge Analytica, a firm the Trump campaign used, $191,000 from Breitbart News, and $168,000 from his film company, Glittering Steel.

His was the first senior-level appointment announced by the White House.
After 23 years of owning a store, Thi Sau will sell her St Albans shop following a rampage by teenagers armed with weapons.

The hooligans smashed a fridge and jumped over the counter braced with a hammer, a wheel brace and a metal pole.

'I can't see nothing but I can see their eyes, black,' Ms Sau told Channel 7.

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A teenage gang has been arrested following four violent burglaries on shops

Ms Sau says she now suffers from bad dreams after the robbery

The veteran shop owner said she now has been suffering bad dreams and struggled to sleep after the attack on her shop.

She was able to lock herself in a back room and hide away from the offenders while they smashed her store.

One police statement said that a 67-year-old woman had been hit a number of times on her head with a pole.

'She received facial injuries and was taken to hospital,' the statement read.

Officials said the offending took place between 11:50pm Tuesday and 4:20pm Wednesday.

The group of tried to steal from another shop not long after but the owner fought back.

The group of offenders stole from four different businesses taking cigarettes, cash and

'He jumped the counter and tripped on the floor,' he said.

'And then I chased and them and they took off.'

Following the incident the gang robbed too more shops before police apprehended the young delinquents.

Police recovered the stolen items and arrested four 16-year-olds, three 17-year-olds and one 18-year-old.

The youths will appear in court for aggravated robbery.




The Humane Society says a cat was tied up, doused in gasoline and placed into a plastic trash bag that was nearly crushed in a Pennsylvania garbage truck.

The cat was dumped in the bag Tuesday morning in Reading.

Two workers from Harold Adam Refuse Removal had tossed the bag into their truck but later discovered the cat when they heard it making sounds inside the bag.

The Humane Society of Berks County is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The Humane Society says a cat was tied up, doused in gasoline and placed into a plastic trash bag that was nearly crushed in a Pennsylvania garbage truck

Officials aren't sure how the cat survived an estimated six hours in the bag breathing the gasoline fumes. It has been given the nickname 'Miracle Maisy' by shelter workers

The cat has been named Miracle Maisy by shelter workers.

'This is the worst animal cruelty case I've ever seen or experienced,' Chelsea Cappellano, an HSBC office coordinator, said in a statement.

'We are so thankful to these men and the trash company for bringing her in. Many people would turn a blind eye in this situation, but they were proactive in getting her the help she needs.'

Officials aren't sure how the cat survived an estimated six hours in the bag breathing the gasoline fumes.

'She was so patient as we looked her over for obvious or noticeable injuries,' Cappellano told WPVI-TV.

The Humane Society transferred Maisy over to a local veterinary hospital - Humane Veterinary Hospitals Reading.

Staff at the hospital spent hours bathing Maisy and looking over her vital signs.

'The technicians spent all day bathing and drying her,' Dr. Kimya Davani said.

'The gas was so embedded in her fur that she wasn't drying, and because of this her internal body temperature had dropped. We had to shave most of her body in order to get her temperature up again. She is also very underweight and suffering from skin sensitivity.'

The doctor said that there is concern over the lingering neurological and respiratory effects that could result from prolonged exposure to toxic gas fumes.

Anyone with information should contact the Reading Police Department by calling 610-655-6116.
North Korea is ready to deliver the 'most ruthless blow' if provoked by the United States, its ambassador to Moscow has warned.

Kim Hyong Jun claimed Pyongyang had the 'readiness and ability to counter any challenge' and that it would act after 'even the smallest provocation from the United States during exercises'.

It comes as the EU expanded sanctions against North Korea over the country's nuclear trials and ballistic missile launches.

Dictator Kim Jong-Un has has stepped up the frequency of its weapons testing over the past two years and experts say it is closing in on the ability to hit America with a rocket.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un (pictured) is ready to deliver the 'most ruthless blow' if provoked by the United States, its ambassador to Moscow has warned

South Korean marines participate in landing operations exercises with US troops Pohang seashore on Sunday. North Korea has warned it has the 'readiness and ability to counter any challenge' and that it would act after 'even the smallest provocation from the United States during exercises'

One senior US administration official warned that the 'clock has now run out' on Pyongyangm and Donald Trump described the country as a 'humanity problem.'

Meanwhile the new EU sanctions are aimed at the country's metalworking, aerospace and arms-related industries, and services in computing, mining, chemicals and refining, the bloc said in a statement.

The EU first imposed sanctions against Pyongyang in late 2006 and has steadily expanded their range since to include embargoes on arms, trade in gold and precious metals and luxury goods.

It said on Thursday the new punitive measures were in response to actions that posed 'a grave threat to international peace and security in the region and beyond.'

Dictator Kim Jong-Un has has stepped up the frequency of its weapons testing over the past two years and experts say it is closing in on the ability to hit America with a rocket. A rocket launch is pictured in North Korea in February

Talks about North Korea are expected to feature high on the agenda of talks on Thursday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping

The EU also added four people to its blacklist of those subject to travel bans and asset freezes because of links to the North Korean leadership and weapons programme.

North Korea has stepped up the frequency of missile and nuclear weapons tests over the past two years and experts say it is closing in on the ability to hit the United States with a missile.

Talks about North Korea are expected to feature high on the agenda of talks on Thursday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump has spoken repeatedly of the need to act more decisively against Pyongyang and demanded that Beijing puts more pressure on its reclusive neighbour.

Yesterday, a North Korean missile test ended in failure when the rocket spun out of control and plunged into the ocean in a fiery crash, a senior U.S. defense official said.

The extended-range Scud missile suffered an in-flight failure and fell into the sea off North Korea's east coast after flying about 40 miles, analysts said.
A convicted sex offender working as a custodian has been jailed for 30 years after admitting to raping, killing and then dumping the body of a church day care worker in Delaware nearly five years ago.

Matthew Burton pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Sussex County Superior Court to the second-degree murder and second-degree rape in the 2012 death of Nicole Bennett, a 35-year-old mother-of-three.

The 33-year-old was sentenced to 15 years for killing and an additional 15 years for raping Bennett.

He will be registered as a sex offender when he leaves prison and will be on probation for 20 years.

Matthew Burton (left) pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Sussex County Superior Court to the second-degree murder and second-degree rape in the 2012 death of Nicole Bennett (right)

The 33-year-old married mother-of-three was reported missing on June 14, 2012 when she didn't return home from work at church. She is pictured above with her husband Kevin

Her body was found dumped on a dirt road in Worcester County, Maryland the next day. She is pictured above with her husband and three daughters

The victim's husband, Kevin Bennett, became emotional during the sentencing when Burton admitted to killing the volunteer day care leader at Bay Shore Community Church before dumping her body in Worcester County, Maryland.

'Well to see him actually admit it was hard,' Kevin told WMDT.

'It was hard to just sit down in there. I'm glad I had Dad beside me I wanted to just jump the fence, the gate there, but no it was hard. It was hard to be in the same room with him.'

The victim's family is disappointed with Burton's sentence, as he did face life imprisonment as a possible sentence.

'I just don't... I just don't think this is justice,' Bob Bennett, Nicole's father-in-law, told WMDT.

Video courtesy of 47 ABC

The victim's husband, Kevin (above), became emotional during the sentencing when Burton admitted to killing the volunteer day care leader at Bay Shore Community Church before dumping her body

'We always thought that he would face life imprisonment... and he's not.'

He added that her parents were also heartbroken by the news. Bob said he called her father, Steve Reiser, to share the news once he learned that the state had reached a plea deal in the case.

'This is a hard day for Steve Reiser. I talked to Steve as I said last night on the phone and it was hard. It was hard. This is not the justice he sought,' he shared.

In seeking the plea deal, the office of the attorney general said: 'This was a difficult case and it was considered by the most senior homicide prosecutors in the entire state, who reviewed all of the evidentiary and jurisdictional issues that would be presented in a trial and determined that this was an appropriate result.'

Burton (above) will receive credit for time served since his arrest in 2012

In 2015, Bennett's family settled a lawsuit claiming the church was negligent in hiring Burton, a convicted sex offender, as a custodian.

Bennett was reported missing on June 14, 2012, when she didn't return home from work at the church.

The 35-year-old's body was found the next day on a dirt road in Worcester County, Maryland.

An autopsy concluded that she had been raped before she was murdered. The cause of death was asphyxiation.

Investigators discovered evidence that Burton killed her at the church in Delaware and that's why the case was tried in the state instead of in Maryland.

He will receive credit for time served since his arrest in 2012.
An Indiana woman who voted for Donald Trump for president last November was shocked to discover that the federal government deported her husband to Mexico on Wednesday after he had been in the country illegally for almost 20 years, KTLA reported.

When Trump vowed to crack down on illegal immigration during the presidential campaign, Helen Beristain decided to vote for him even though she was married to Roberto Beristain, an undocumented migrant from Mexico.

Helen Beristain believed Trump would never deport her husband, with whom she has four children.

Roberto Beristain has also been rooted in the community of Granger, Indiana, where he owns a restaurant.

She thought her husband was safe because of Trump's vow to only deport 'bad hombres'  or undocumented migrants with criminal records.

Trump also indicated during the campaign that he would not break up families.

Roberto Beristain is pictured above at a migrant shelter in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, after he was deported on Wednesday by US authorities after spending 19 years in the country without documentation

Beristain is seen above on Wednesday speaking on the telephone with his lawyer after his deportation

Even after Roberto (above), who has no criminal record, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March, Helen Beristain said: 'I don't think ICE is out there to detain anyone and break families, no'

Beristain even helped clean up at the shelter where he was staying. His deportation came as a shock to his family and friends back home in Indiana

'He hadn't committed any crimes. He didn't even have a parking ticket,' Adam Ansari, a family attorney representing the Beristains, said of Roberto (above)

Even after Roberto, who has no criminal record, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March, Helen Beristain said: 'I don't think ICE is out there to detain anyone and break families, no.'

But ICE went ahead and did just that  driving Roberto Beristain to the US-Mexico border on Wednesday, where he crossed into our neighbor to the south by foot through the El Paso, Texas, entry point.

The deportation was carried out after lawyers filed motions in federal court on Roberto Beristain's behalf, asking to allow him to remain in the country.

'They suddenly told me it was time to go,' Roberto Beristain was quoted as saying.

Helen Beristain is seen above in the center holding a young child alongside her husband, Roberto, and other family members. Her lawyer says she feels betrayed after voting for Trump and thinking that he would only deport 'bad hombres'

Roberto Beristain was deported despite the fact that he has been rooted in the community of Granger, Indiana, where he owns a restaurant, Eddie's Steak Shed (seen above)

'They told me to get my stuff, they put me in the back of a van and sped toward the border. They took me to another facility while in transport to sign paperwork.'

'I asked to speak with my attorney, but was told there wasn't time for that. At around 10pm, I was dropped off at the Mexico-US border and walked into Mexico.'

'He hadn't committed any crimes. He didn't even have a parking ticket,' Adam Ansari, a family attorney representing the Beristains, said.

'From everyone's accounts he is probably one of the most lovable guys you will ever meet. He is a loving husband and father. And he put a lot of work into his restaurant.'

ICE issued a statement to CNN which read: 'On April 4, 2017, officers with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) removed Roberto Beristain Cegueda to Mexico via Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.'

'ERO officers turned him over to Mexican authorities at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas.'

The case has attracted significant media attention because of Helen Beristain's support for Trump.

Last month, she explained why she voted for the Republican.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Roberto Beristain last month and deported him on Wednesday. The above stock image shows an ICE agent waiting as a group of undocumented men are deported to Mexico at the US-Mexico border in San Diego

'We don't want to have cartels here, you don't want to have drugs in your high schools, you don't want killers next to you,' she told WTIU.

'You want to feel safe when you leave your house. I truly believe that. And, this is why I voted for Mr. Trump.'

'I think our President is going to keep all the good people here,' Helen Beristain told WSBT last month.

'He is not going to tear up families. I don't think he wants to do that. He just wants to keep us safe.'

Now, her attorney, Ansari, says she feels betrayed by Trump.

Still, Trump's tough rhetoric about undocumented migrants from Mexico during the campaign begs the question: Why did she vote for him in the first place?

'Granger is in a very Republican town,' Ansari said.

'She has a lot of conservative people around her. They run a steakhouse that serves very working-class individuals. She is in the middle of Indiana. If everyone around you is only saying one thing...people live in news bubbles.'

Roberto Beristain first arrived in the US in 1998. Here to visit a relative, he decided to stay even though he didn't have a proper visa.

Beristain was first arrested 17 years ago after he took a wrong turn while driving in Niagara Falls on a family vacation.

He ended up driving over the Canadian border and was stopped as he tried to get back in to the US. After failing to produce any documentation he was arrested.

He spent the next few weeks in jail before being told he had a few months to leave the country.

Beristain ignored the order, choosing instead to stay with his wife, who was pregnant at the time. Helen Beristain said her husband has been working hard to get citizenship ever since.

ICE turned Roberto Beristain over to Mexican authorities at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas (seen above)

Roberto was under ICE supervision, which meant he was checking in with the agency annually.

'What they do is say, "okay, if you don't commit any felonies or any crimes or anything bad, DUI, traffic tickets, then you can proceed with your documents to get your green card and to become a citizen in the United States",' Helen said.

'And that's what Roberto was doing.'

But when Roberto drove to the ICE offices in Indianapolis last month, he was detained.

'He has employment authorization,' said Ansari.

'For five years he had been voluntarily showing up at the ICE office in Florida, where his immigration attorney lives.'

'This year when he flew down to Florida, he was sent back to Indiana. He drove to the ICE office in Indianapolis and that is where he was detained.'

They have been raising four kids together  one from a previous marriage. All of the children have US citizenship.

'It is fundamentally unfair to do this to a person whether you have your papers or not,' Ansari said.

'He has been here for 20 years. He has a family and a business. You are not going to give him an opportunity for relief? He has contributed so much to his community. As United States citizens we can give him that much.'
A Vogue cover model found dead in her dorm room in Bangladesh was murdered by extremists for not wearing Islamic clothing and did not kill herself, her family have claimed.

Raudha Athif, 21, a second-year student at Islami Bank Medical College in Rajshahi city, who once received praise from the president of her native Maldives for her striking appearance, was reportedly found hanged last week.

An autopsy report carried out in Bangladesh ruled her death as suicide before her burial on Saturday.

But her brother has since insisted that Raudha, who was Muslim, was murdered and that her death was made to look like a suicide.

Raudha Athif, a Vogue cover model found dead in her dorm room in Bangladesh, was murdered by extremists for not wearing Islamic clothing and did not kill herself, her family have claimed

The model's (far left) fame grew and she eventually landed on the cover of Vogue India in October last year

Her father Mohammed Athif has also dismissed the suggestion she took her own life and insisted on Twitter that her daughter was murdered

Her father Mohammed Athif has also dismissed the suggestion she took her own life, writing on Twitter: 'Maldivian medical student and my daughter Raudha Athif did not commit suicide. She was murdered at her hostel room. I've the facts.'

Raudha's body was recovered by police at around midday last Wednesday after her classmates found her dead.

The body was sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for an autopsy, according to The Daily Star.

Her brother, Rayyan Athif, told The Sun today that extremists were behind her death and that she was targeted for standing up for people bullied over their religious issues.

'There have been a series of murders in Bangladesh which have been staged to look like suicides and Islamic extremists have been suspected to be behind these atrocities,' he said.

'Her style of clothing was branded as "immodest" and "un-Islamic" even though she adhered to the dress code in the college premises by wearing a veil covering her face.

'But she was criticised for wearing jeans and was repeatedly told she couldnt wear it at the Muslim college - which has a lot of extremist connections and support. Other students have also been subjected to this type of bullying.'

He claims Raudha told her family an unknown person had slipped sleeping pills into her drink a few weeks before she died.

Her body was recovered by police at around midday on Wednesday last week after classmates found their fellow student dead in her hostel room at Islami Bank Medical College (pictured)

An autopsy report carried out in Bangladesh ruled her death as suicide before her burial on Saturday

Marks on her neck the family claimed to have seen were dismissed by the autopsy report as birthmarks - but Rayyan said she had none of these.

Police from her native Maldives are said to have met with Bangladeshs Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) and medical college bosses amid heightened speculation over the death.

The Dhaka Tribune quoted Amin Hossain, assistant commissioner of RMP Detective Branch, as saying there was a '50 per cent chance that she did not commit suicide'.

Last week, Mahmuda Begum, the superintendent of the female hostel, said the model 'always looked happy,' and added, 'it is hard to believe she would commit suicide'.

Ms Begum said: 'I was in my chamber. Suddenly, I heard screams of my students.

'Rushing to the second floor of this six-storey building, I saw some of the students trying to break the door of Athif's room.'

The door was locked from the inside and students broke into the room.

'We primarily suspect it is a suicide case. However, we can't come to any conclusion until we get the autopsy report,' said the officer-in-charge Zillur Rahman.

The model's first major breakthrough was a stunning image taken by photographer Sotti called 'Maldivian Girl With Aqua Blue Eyes,' which was praised by the former president of the Maldives over social media.

The picture made her an internet sensation in 2014. Her fame grew and she eventually landed on the cover of Vogue India in October last year.

'Modelling is a hobby rather than a career for me, since I'm studying to become a doctor,' she told Vogue.

For confidential support in the UK call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.

For confidential support in the US call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.

For confidential support in Australia call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14.
Every since Uber started operating in New York City, drunk-driving crashes have been on the decline.

Jessica Lynn Peck of the Graduate Centre at the City University of New York has been studying Uber's impact on drunk driving in the city.

In her working paper, she found that drunk-driving related crashes have been going down in four out of the five boroughs since the city first got Uber in May 2011.

Drunk-driving crashes have been on the decline in four of the five New York City boroughs since Uber was introduced in May 2011 (symbolized by the vertical line on the graphs)

Staten Island saw no change, but the app has also been slower to gain traction in the more remote and suburban borough anyway.

That's good news for the ride-sharing app, which is still fighting to get the right to operate in most of the rest of the state.

It's also a possible solution to America's serious drunk driving problem.

About 40,000 people die every year in the U.S. from car crashes, and a third of those deaths are believed to be alcohol related.

There's now a possibility that we may see that rate fall even lower nationally thanks to Uber's growing presence from coast to coast
A terminal woman has told of her anguish living out her final days in a public housing building block infested with drugs and crime.

Donna Gale, 51, is battling terminal lung cancer while living on the second floor of the complex in Sydney's west, according to ACA.

Ms Gale claims she pleaded with the NSW Department of Housing to be transferred somewhere safer five years ago but her appeal was knocked back.

Donna Gale, 51, is pleading to be transferred from her notorious Sydney public housing complex

'The junkies keep me awake all day and all night, they scream out under my bedroom window while I'm laying there half-dead after chemo,' Ms Gale said.

She said police have been a regular fixture in the complex since a man was gunned down in a drive-by shooting.

'They've been here every day for the past few weeks. Someone got shot here on Friday, I watched the man bleeding, I heard the bullet shot, I saw the car speed off, I watched him stagger up the road bleeding, shot in the legs,' Ms Gale said.'

Footage from inside the complex showed a squalid apartment left in a state of total disarray after being recently raided for drugs by police.

The 51-year-old is battling terminal lung cancer. She is pictured here while undergoing treatment

She says she is kept up all night by drug addicts and a plague of crime in the complex

Footage from inside the complex showed a squalid apartment recently raided for drugs by police left in a state of total disarray

Ms Gale said her desperation to escape the neighbourhood has driven her to breaking point.

'I cry in front of them and they say they want to help me, but their hands are tied and the rules are the rules, and the laws are the laws, and they can't just pull a house out of thin air,' she said.

However The Department of Family and Community Services said Ms Gale only applied to be transferred in January and was offered a two bedroom unit which she declined.
A teacher has been fired for giving students an 'offensive' test designed to uncover their biases towards certain groups.

A newly-hired teacher gave a paper titled, 'How Comfortable Am I?' to her class at Fox Chapel Middle School in Spring Hill, Florida.

The assignment was dished out to pupils during a 'Leader In Me' lesson - and was created to help them learn about accepting people's differences, WFTS reports.

The paper asked students to respond to a series of hypothetical situations on a scale of one to four  with one being 'not comfortable at all' and four 'completely comfortable'.

A Florida teacher has been fired for giving this assignment to her students at a middle school

The assignment was dished out to pupils during a 'Leader In Me' - which is designed to help them learn about accepting people's differences

Some of the scenarios were: 'a friend invites you to a gay bar', 'a fellow Resident Adviser is paraplegic', 'Your new roommate is Palestinian or Muslim', 'Your assigned lab partner is a Fundamentalist Christian', 'the young man sitting next to you on the airplane is Arab', and 'a group of young Black men are walking towards you on the street'.

Other hypotheticals included interactions with people who are HIV-positive, transgender, Hispanic, overweight, or suffering from a learning disability.

One of the students who took the test told WFTS they were shocked by many of the questions.

'I thought it was very inappropriate,' sixth-grader Tori Drews said.

The teacher had been fired to work at Fox Chapel Middle School (pictured) in Spring Hill, Florida, in January this year

The mother of a student, Jennifer Block (pictured), said the paper was 'completely inappropriate'

'I thought some of them were racist. I thought some of them were sexist. I thought it was completely intolerable.

'There were children that were saying this is wrong - "Why are we doing this? Does this have a reason?"

'She was going, "yeah this is kind of wrong ... maybe I should take it back".

'Kids were asking if they could share it with their parents. She was like, "No. Don't show your mom. Don't take that home. I'm taking it back up".'

Tori's mother, Jennifer Block, took particular offense with one of the questions included on the assignment.

'How comfy are you if you see a group of black men walking to you on the street? That's completely inappropriate,' Block said.

Sixth-grader Tori Drews (pictured), who took the test, said: 'I thought some of them were racist. I thought some of them were sexist. I thought it was completely intolerable'

'In no world, whatsoever, is that OK to question a child on.'

She then said it was 'probably best' the teacher - who has not been named by the school of the district - was fired.

Officials with the Hernando County School District said the teacher was on probation at the time of the incident, after being hired in January this year.

A spokesman added: 'In no way, does that assignment meet the standards of appropriate instructional material.'
A great-grandmother, 85, has just celebrated her 50th anniversary of working behind a supermarket checkout.

Brenda Palmer marked the special milestone at the Coles supermarket in Malvern, Victoria, the same way she acknowledges every other anniversary, 7 News reported.

Ms Palmer has worked at the Coles store since it first opened.

'Every time we have an anniversary I pat it on the side and say "happy birthday old girl, we are both still standing",' she said.

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Brenda Palmer (pictured), 85, has celebrated her 50th anniversary of working behind the checkout of a Coles supermarket

Ms Palmer (pictured at right) says she has no plans of retiring anytime soon

Ms Palmer works at the supermarket four mornings a week and in addition to working behind the checkout she is also responsible for filling home deliveries.

She has been at the forefront of many technological advances in the industry over the years and said the introduction of barcodes made a cashiers life much easier.

Although somethings have never changed.

'There's one thing that has never changed and never will - and that's service. And service is what Coles gives,' she said.

She said she has no plans to retire from her job anytime soon but when she does she still hopes to visit the store on a regular basis.

'People say to me what's your secret Brenda, what do you do. And I say to them well never think old. The moment you think old, you are old,' she said.

Ms Palmer has recently lent her expertise to a new Coles campaign, with her image used on promotional posters throughout the store.
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This is the poignant moment two British war heroes came face-to-face with enemy German Tiger tank drivers - 72 years after they fought on opposite sides in the Second World War.

Wilhelm Fischer and Waldemar Pliska instilled terror in British troops by manning the fearsome fighting machines and unleashing fury with their huge 88mm guns.

Two of the enemy who had first hand experience of the heavily armoured Tigers were British tank men Ernest Slarks and Dr Ken Tout.

Now aged in their 90s, the four old foes became friends when they assembled today for the launch of an historic exhibition at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset.

(L to R) Waldemar Pliska, Ernest Slarks, Wilhelm Fischer and Ken Tout held old photographs of themselves wearing their uniform. They all fought against each other during the Second World War and were meeting for the first time

Ernest Slarks, 94, (left, pictured in his British Army uniform) of Sittingbourne, Kent, said it was 'incredible' to meet the two Germans but admitted it was a 'little strange'. Dr Ken Tout (right) was a gunner in a Sherman tank in the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry and arrived in France seven days after D-Day in June 1944

These are some of the Tiger tanks which featured heavily during the Second World War. More than 1,300 were produced during the Second World War. It was superior to anything the British and Americans had until near the end of war

The former enemies warmly greeted each other with hugs and handshakes before sharing pleasantries while sat in the shadows of the imposing Tigers.

Dr Tout, 93, of Rustington, West Sussex, was a gunner in a Sherman tank in the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry.

He arrived in France seven days after D-Day in June 1944 and took part in some of the fiercest fighting in Normandy, seeing many comrades in killed in action.

In October 1944, Dr Tout was injured after his tank overturned.He has gone on to write military history books on tank warfare and the Normandy landings.

He said: 'To shake hands with people you were trying to shoot so many years ago is a very unusual experience.

'But it has been absolutely thrilling to meet them because they have so much in common with us.

Ernest Slarks (right) and Wilhelm Fischer (left) met for the first time, more than 70 years after they fought on opposite sides in the Second World War

Wilhelm Fischer (left) was 17 when he joined the German military in 1941 and was assigned to the 7th Panzer Division. One of his colleagues, Waldemar Pliska (right), served in the 7th Panzer Division as a tank driver in the King Tiger

'You are able in a sense to get a better idea of what the people you were fighting against were thinking because before they were unknown quantities who have been tarnished by propaganda.

'Now you have the chance to realise they are fellow men who have been through similar experiences, lived their lives and are now happy to shake your hands.'

Mr Slarks was a sergeant in the 23rd Hussars who landed at Arromanches on June 14, 1944 with the 23rd Hussars, 11th Armoured Division and the 29th Armoured brigade.

He served as a radio operator in a Sherman Firefly tank and saw action shortly after D-Day in June 1944.

Ernest Slarks, 94, of Sittingbourne, Kent, said: 'When you heard the name Tiger it filled you with fear. They could fire at you and take you out from a mile and a half away.

'It's been amazing, incredible, to meet these Germans after 70 years, although it is a very strange feeling.'

This was one of the Tiger tanks used during World War II. They typically weighed up to 57 tonnes and were used by the Germans in the Second World War

For Herr Fischer and Herr Pliska, the reunion with the Tigers and Normandy veterans Mr Slarks and Dr Tout stirred up mixed emotions.

Herr Pliska, 92, of Dortmund, said: 'Before I arrived at the museum I didn't know how I was going to react to seeing the tanks.

'When I looked inside it brought back so many memories and emotions which I struggled to control for a few minutes. It was all too much.'

Herr Fischer was knocked unconscious six times by flying shrapnel inside a Tiger during the war. The 93-year-old of Wiesbaden, near Mainz, said: 'It is great to meet these British men. Before we were enemies but today we are friends together.

'Seeing the Tigers brings back a lot of emotions. I served in most of these tanks.'

He added: 'The Tiger Tanks were terrifying. They were so much more powerful and bigger than anything else on the battlefield.

'We were all scared of them but thankfully they were only able to produce a relatively small number of them.'

Herr Fischer was 17 when he joined the German military in 1941 and was assigned to the 7th Panzer Division. He trained as a driver on Panzer tanks and later retrained on the new Tiger I.

He was deployed to the Eastern Front in Russia and spent four years there, enduring harsh conditions where the winter temperatures plunged to -40C.

He was taken prisoner at the end of the war.

Herr Pliska served in the 7th Panzer Division as a tank driver in the King Tiger. He served in the Ukraine from 1943.

For the first time ever, five of the six variants of the Tiger tank have been brought together in the same place.

The Tank Museum's own Tiger 1 - the only working example in existence - its two King Tigers and its Jagdtiger (Hunting Tiger) have been joined by the Elefant Tiger, which has been loaned by the US Army Centre of Military History, for the new exhibition.

David Willey, curator of The Tank Museum, said: 'Seeing the Tiger veterans and the British veterans meet was quite a moment.

'From speaking to them it's clear that they shared so many experiences and they were very much looking forward to meeting.

'To bring them together at the exhibition in these legendary Tiger Tanks was a wonderful way to promote the story of the tanks and the men who fought in them.

'These stories are of course as powerful as the machines themselves.'
Two women realised they were half sisters and had been living a mile apart from each other for eight years when a mutual friend persuaded them to add each other on Facebook.

Nia Hayes, 35, from Fishers, Indiana, knew her father Lonnie, 63, had another daughter but when he died in 2012 the family didn't find her.

Nia's colleague Dave Barkes was diagnosed with ALS and when he got back in touch with his school friend Lana Hayes, 42, he realised the women look alike.

Nia (left) and Lana Hayes, 35 and 42, found out they were half-sisters and had been living just a mile from each other in Fishers, Indiana, for eight years. The pair's mutual friend Dave Barkes persuaded the two to add each other on Facebook as he thought they could be related

Nia and Lana talked on the phone on Tuesday and met in person 24 hours later. Nia's father Lonnie had told her he had another daughter but the family had not tried to find her until now. Pictured, the moment the women met for the first time

He persuaded Nia to add Lana on Facebook and the pair got in touch.

They talked on the phone on Tuesday and met in person 24 hours later.

Nia, who has four other sisters and a brother, told King 5 News: 'I feel like I'm looking at myself a little bit. We're still getting used to it; we just keep looking at each other.'

Lana, who has one other half sister, said: 'I have no bad feelings at all. I'm just excited. My family has gotten a lot bigger. I've gone from one to seven siblings.'

Lana grew up 50 miles away in Rushville, Indiana, but moved to Fishers eight years ago.

Her mother divorced Lonnie when she was a baby, but she tried to find him in the phone book when she was 19.

Lana said: 'My family has gotten a lot bigger. I've gone from one to seven siblings.' Her mother divorced Lonnie when Lana was just a baby. Pictured, the sisters meeting just 24 hours after they spoke on the phone for the first time

When she called his house, a child answered the phone and she hung up.

Father Lonnie had always told his family that he had another daughter.

Until his death, he kept a photograph of Lana as a baby with her name written on the back.

Nia said: 'I used to wonder if Dad was making it up that we had a sister. For so long, it seemed like a dream.'
The father of a missing Tennessee teenager says the 50-year-old teacher she vanished with last month is 'nothing but a liar.'

Anthony Thomas tried to deliver a message to his missing 15-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, on Wednesday by telling WKRN-TV 'we all need you home.'

'Elizabeth that man may be telling you that nobody's looking for you or he may even be telling you that no one wants you home. Don't listen to that.

'Everything he said to all the kids, not just you, has been a lie. He's nothing but a liar. We all want you home,' he said.

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Anthony Thomas (pictured) pleaded with his daughter Elizabeth, 15, to come home, and for the teacher she disappeared with to turn himself in

Thomas made the comments at a tree-planting ceremony on Wednesday, in honor of national crime victim's rights week

He said teacher Tad Cummins is 'filtering' the news the girl sees, as he urged Cummins to turn himself in.

'I know you're keeping up with all this and you're filtering. You're not letting her see how much people out here love her,' Thomas said to Cummins.

'You're depriving her of that. It would make better sense for you to turn yourself in to law enforcement. You turn yourself in, there are laws that will guarantee your general safety,' he added.

Thomas said the words at a tree-planting ceremony on Wednesday, as part of national crime victim's rights week.

Elizabeth (left) and Tad Cummins (right) have been missing from Tennessee since March 13

The only confirmed sighting of the two was at a Oklahoma City Walmart on March 15

Cummins and Elizabeth disappeared on March 13 from their homes in Tennessee.

The last confirmed sighting of the pair was two days later at an Oklahoma City Walmart.

A few weeks before they went missing, a student caught the two kissing.

Police have issued an Amber alert for Elizabeth and say they have warrants charging Cummins with sexual contact with a minor and aggravated kidnapping.

Authorities have warned against using the word 'romance' to refer to the two.

At a press conference last week, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn said Cummins manipulated Elizabeth and kidnapped her.

Elizabeth is one of ten children. Her sibling and dad pleaded with her to come home in a previous interview

Maury County District Attorney Brent Cooper said he used the word 'romantic' to describe the nature of draft emails exchanged between the two, but should have used the word 'grooming.'

He said a 50-year-old educated man trying to convince a vulnerable teenage girl that being in a relationship with him was the right thing to do is not a romance, but a serious crime.

Last week, Cummins wife filed for divorce after 31 years of marriage.

Court records show that Jill Cummins sued her missing husband on the grounds of irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct.

The wife, who works for the Maury County school system, says she has not seen her husband since March 13. The couple has two children together.

Jill Cummins has previously publicly pleaded with her husband to turn himself and bring the girl home safely.

Elizabeth is described as 5 feet tall and 120 pounds with blond hair and hazel eyes. Cummins is described as about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
At least one advertiser is pledging to continue running spots on Bill O'Reilly's show despite a recent report on five harassment claims filed against the host which were settled for at least $13million.

Angie's List, the Indiana-based online company which provides members and paid subscribers with crowd-sourced reviews of local businesses, said on Wednesday they will not be pulling their ads off the Fox News program.

They are now the first company to publicly stand by O'Reilly since this scandal broke on Saturday, and it is coming at quite the cost for the company, with some users not terminating their memberships.

Keeping the course: Angie's List revealed on Wednesday that they would not be pulling their ads off of Bill O'Reilly's Fox News show 'The O'Reilly Factor' (founder Angie Hicks left, Bill O'Reilly right)

Gone; Members of the service took to social media after learning the news to announce they were terminating their memberships

CNN Money spoke with Angie's List on Wednesday for a story in which they attempted to get the stance of every advertiser who has run spots on 'The O'Reilly Factor.'

'The advertising strategy we have long used at Angie's List is meant to reach as many people as possible with news that our service exists and is available to them,' stated a company spokesperson.

'We place ads across a wide spectrum of venues intending to reach as many viewers/listeners/ readers as possible without taking a position on the viewpoints of the venues themselves.'

The spokesperson then added: 'Just as we trust members to make their own hiring decisions, we trust them to make their own media consumption decisions.'

Many Angie's List members took to social media to let the company know about some other 'decisions' they were making, mainly about cancelling their membership to the company.

'I just emailed Angie's List and said I will not renew my account as long as they advertise on O'Reilly's show. Join me,' wrote one woman on Twitter.

'I just deleted my Angie's list App. A customer's decision,' announced one male subscriber in a tweet on Wednesday night.

And another woman stated: 'Wow if women can't support each other that says something! Just cancelled Angie's List after 3 years #angieslist #GrabYourWallet'

There was also some support however, with one Twitter user writing: 'I proudly stand behind Angie's List's decision to stay out of politics and stick with their marketing campaign.'

Early Thursday, the company's stock took a quick and steep dip in the first hour of trading, going down to 5.85 after starting the day at 5.92.

Angie's List was started back in 1995 by Angie Hick and William S. Oesterle.

Final looks: Forty seven companies had released statements about why they are not advertising on 'The O'Reilly Factor' as of Wednesday evening (O'reilly above in 2004)

The CNN Money report on Wednesday had statements from a staggering 47 companies who have pulled their advertising from the show.

The mass exodus began on Sunday night when Mercedes Benz announcing they were reassigning their ad buys to other slots, and it snowballed from there.

Among those who are currently boycotting are six major car companies (Mercedes, BMW, Hyundai, Lexus, Subaru, Mitsubishi), five insurance and money management companies (Allstate, Esurance, Amica Insurance, T. Rowe Price, Pacific Life), a pharmaceutical behemoth GlaxoSmithKline, and accounting firm H&R Block.

It is not known how many spots these companies shad been planning to run, but in the case of H&R Block it was likely a sizable chunk given that they inundate the airwaves with commercials in the two weeks before taxes are due in April.

A New York Times report last weekend claimed that close to $13 million had been paid to five women who accused O'Reilly of inappropriate behavior in the workplace: Rachel Witlieb Bernstein, Andrea Mackris, Rebecca Gomez Diamond, Laurie Dhue, and Juliet Huddy.

It was Mackris' lawsuit that made headlines when it was settled back in 2004 by the network for a formerly undisclosed sum which over the weekend was revealed to be $9million.

In her complaint, Mackris claimed she had been sexually harassed by O'Reilly and detailed their phone sex conversations in which he allegedly listed off his female conquests.

It was seven years until the next woman received a settlement, with Diamond being handed an unknown amount from O'Reilly himself according to multiple sources after confronting him with a recording of comments he had made to and about her while she worked as a host on the Fox Business Network show 'Happy Hour.'

The payout was so secretive that 21st Century Fox was not even aware of the what had transpired between the two parties until last year, when it was revealed during an internal investigation into sexual harassment claims being brought against Ailes.

Wild ride: Angie's List stock took a quick and sharp dive in early trading on Thursday (above)

Coming forward: Andrea Mackris, who it was revealed last weekend received a $9million settlement from O'Reilly, and her lawyer Benedict Morelli in 2004 (above)

Laurie Dhue, who worked as a reporter on the television show Geraldo at Large and was the host of Fox Report Weekend for eight years between 2000 and 2008 also received a payout after accusing Ailes and O'Reilly of sexual harassment.

She received $1million over the summer from the network, shortly after she announced her plan to write a tell-all book.

Fox News also settled with Huddy for $1.6million back in September after she claimed that O'Reilly had tried to pursue a sexual relationship with her while she appeared on the network as a guest on his show.

Huddy stated that O'Reilly would repeatedly call her at home in Long Island and once tried to kiss her, which caused her to fall over as she pulled away from the host.

Soon after she stopped being asked to appear on O'Reilly's program.

Both Dhue and Huddy's stories had been reported before, but it was not known Dhue had complained about O'Reilly's behavior in addition to Ailes.

The fifth settlement, which happened first, came back in 2002 after O'Reilly reportedly screamed at junior producer Rachel Witlieb Bernstein, who left soon after with a settlement.

That incident did not involve sexual harassment.

In a statement released over the weekend regarding the Times report, 21st Century Fox said: 'Notwithstanding the fact that no current or former Fox News employee ever took advantage of the 21st Century Fox hotline to raise a concern about Bill OReilly, even anonymously, we have looked into these matters over the last few months and discussed them with Mr. OReilly.

'While he denies the merits of these claims, Mr. OReilly has resolved those he regarded as his personal responsibility. Mr. OReilly is fully committed to supporting our efforts to improve the environment for all our employees at Fox News.'

Fox News referenced the 21st Century Fox statement when asked for comment over the weekend.
A jealous boyfriend who knifed his girlfriend to death after he found a Post Office redirection letter confirming she was leaving him was today convicted of murder.

Pawel Sroka, 35, repeatedly stabbed 29-year-old Joanna Trojniak at their home after stumbling across her change of address confirmation document.

Miss Trojniak, an assistant manager at the Nando's in Colliers Wood, south London, was found with multiple stabs wounds to her face, chest and hands.

She had become close to one of her colleagues at the restaurant and had previously confided in friends that she was terrified of Sroka tracking her down.

Pawel Sroka, 35, and Joanna Trojniak, 29, were photographed on holiday in happier times

The pair were both Polish nationals and had been in a relationship for six years when Miss Trojniak tried to leave.

Sroka read the letter while his girlfriend was at work and confronted her at their home in Croydon, south London, when she returned home on March 23, 2016.

He stabbed her six times to the face and chest - and she also suffered a stab wound to the hand from trying to protect herself.

After the attack Sroka called 999 to say Miss Trojniak had been attacked at the house they shared.

He was found in his car over an hour later by a neighbour, with two self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest.

Sroka had admitted manslaughter but denied murder, claiming the victim was abusive towards him and pulled a knife on him first.

He was unanimously convicted of murder by a jury of seven men and five women following an Old Bailey retrial on Thursday.

Judge Mark Lucraft, QC, said he will sentence Sroka on Friday.

David Jeremy QC, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant attacked her and stabbed her to death with a kitchen knife in the living room of their home.

'He then called 999 and drove off in his car - not before he had stabbed himself in the chest - leaving Miss Trojniak to die.

'The defendant was seen by local residents in his car in a nearby street crying out for help.

'Police and paramedics arrived and took him to hospital and ensuring that he survived.'

But Sroka (pictured with Miss Trojniak) became jealous when he found a Post Office document which confirmed her change of address

He added: 'By that night the relationship was coming to an end. She had become close to someone who she worked with at the branch of Nando's.

'Leaving the defendant was not something that Miss Trojniak thought would be possible.

'She told her friends and colleagues that she was fearful of his reaction. She worried that he wouldn't accept it and that he would track her down and make life difficult for her.

'About a week before she had a discussion with her manager at work. She told him of her plans to run away.

'She told him that she had tried to break up with the defendant in the past but he had locked her in a room and become aggressive.'

Mr Jeremy explained that when her colleague asked why she had not already left Sroka she replied: 'Are you crazy? He will kill me'.

He continued: 'She had wanted to make sure he would not be able to find out where she had gone. She arranged to have her post redirected. Unfortunately the post office confirmation was sent to this home address.'

The court was told Sroka opened the letter whilst Trojniak was at work and became 'angry' and 'upset'.

The couple exchanged text messages, with Trojniak saying they would talk about it when she got home.

Miss Trojniak was an assistant manager at the Nando's in Colliers Wood, south London (pictured)

As she returned home Trojniak sent a message to the colleague she had become close to that simply said: 'I am going home now. I'm going to talk. No choice.'

Sroka returned home at 7.34pm and emergency services received the call from Trojniak just before 9pm.

Mr Jeremy explained: 'He told the operator: "My girlfriend was stabbed, stabbed with a knife." He did not say that he had stabbed his girlfriend.'

'[The police] found the house in darkness. They found her in a foetal position in between a sofa and coffee table.'

'She had been stabbed multiple times. Her injuries were too severe and she was pronounced dead at 9.46.'

Sroka was later found in a nearby street after a neighbour heard his cries for help. He said that he had been stabbed.

He was treated for two wounds to the chest at the scene and then taken to St George's Hospital.

Sroka later admitted causing the wounds to himself, but initially refused further legal advice.

He later pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of loss of control after Miss Trojniak said provocative things to him.

Sroka said his girlfriend was a different person behind closed doors who was regularly violent towards him and claimed she threatened him with a knife on the night of the attack.

Sroka said: 'If I was a very bad person, why was she with me for so long?'
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Russia has flexed its nuclear muscles once again by sending the world's largest submarine with an arsenal of 200 weapons on board including 20 nuclear missiles to the Baltic Sea.

The massive Typhoon-class sub called Dmitry Donskoy is to leave the White Sea and travel around Norway and Denmark into what Putin's officials are calling NATO's swimming pool.

Measuring 574-foot in length and equipped with a total of 200 deadly weapons, it is one of the most feared vessels of the Cold War era.

The Kremlin is scheduled to parade the submarine in St Petersburg, but is set to serve as a chilling reminder to the rest of the world about Russia's nuclear prowess.

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Two Naval officers can be seen on Russia's monstrous Dmitry Donskoy Typhoon-class submarine as it emerges from the sea. The massive Typhoon-class sub is to leave the White Sea and travel around Norway and Denmark into what Putin's officials are calling NATO's swimming pool.

Monstrous 574-foot nuclear sub is equipped with a total of 200 deadly weapons and is one of the Cold War's fiercest vessels. Twenty of the ballistic missiles on board have a range of more than 5,000 miles, which is more than capable of reaching the US from the seas surrounding Russia

A Russian Navy officer on the phone with a pen in his hand ready to take orders while a colleague checks the signals and dials behind him. It was deployed by the Soviet Army in the 1980s after being developed under Project 941 as the Russian Akula class, which translates to shark

The Typhoon-class, which remains the world's largest, heaves ahead in the Barents Sea at Russia's Arctic Coast in this September 2001 photo. The reason for building the enormous fighting machine was to counter the American equivalent Ohio-class submarines, which were capable of carrying 192 warheads. Typically, the Russian model - of which six were build - was bigger and heavier than its US counterpart

The Kremlin is scheduled to parade the submarine in St Petersburg, but is set to serve as a chilling reminder to the rest of the world about Russia's nuclear prowess. Eerily, the Dmitry Donskoy - named after the Prince of Moscow who reigned from 1359 to 1389 - can stay submerged for periods of up to 120 days and is fitted with six torpedo tubes.

Typhoon-class submarines like the Dmitry Donskoy (pictured) feature multiple pressure hulls that simplify internal design while making the vessel much wider than a normal submarine. In the main body of the sub, two long pressure hulls lie parallel with a third, smaller pressure hull above them which protrudes just below the sail, and two other pressure hulls for torpedoes and steering gear. This design greatly increases their chances of survival  even if one pressure hull is breached, the crew members in the other are safe and there is less potential for flooding

Eerily, the Dmitry Donskoy - named after the Prince of Moscow who reigned from 1359 to 1389 - can stay submerged for periods of up to 120 days and is fitted with six torpedo tubes.

Typhoon-class submarines feature multiple pressure hulls that simplify internal design while making the vessel much wider than a normal submarine.

In the main body of the sub, two long pressure hulls lie parallel with a third, smaller pressure hull above them which protrudes just below the sail, and two other pressure hulls for torpedoes and steering gear.

This design greatly increases their chances of survival  even if one pressure hull is breached, the crew members in the other are safe and there is less potential for flooding.

It is big enough to hold a crew of 160 on board.

The Dmitriy Donskoy (pictured) is the only one still in active service with the Russian Navy, but its operational duties have now been scaled back to serve as a test platform for the Bulava missile. It appears the presence of the sub in the Baltic Sea is purely for show due to the shallowness of the water. Typhoons were built to hide in the world's deepest oceans and stay there undetected for months, whereas the stretch of water separating Scandinavia and northern mainland Europe has an average depth of just 180 feet. This will mean it will be forced to surface to avoid scraping along the sea bed, giving enthusiasts the chance to catch a glimpse of the beast.

It was deployed by the Soviet Army in the 1980s after being developed under Project 941 as the Russian Akula class, which translates to shark.

The reason for building the enormous fighting machine was to counter the American equivalent Ohio-class submarines, which were capable of carrying 192 warheads.

Typically, the Russian model - of which six were build - was bigger and heavier than its US counterpart.

The Dmitriy Donskoy is the only one still in active service with the Russian Navy, but its operational duties have now been scaled back to serve as a test platform for the Bulava missile.

It appears the presence of the sub in the Baltic Sea is purely for show due to the shallowness of the water.

Typhoons were built to hide in the world's deepest oceans and stay there undetected for months, whereas the stretch of water separating Scandinavia and northern mainland Europe has an average depth of just 180 feet.

This will mean it will be forced to surface to avoid scraping along the sea bed, giving enthusiasts the chance to catch a glimpse of the beast.

Just two days ago, Lithuania warned NATO that Russia has the capability to attack the Baltic states with as little as 24 hours' notice according to intelligence sources.

Such a sneak attack would force NATO to respond with just the small number of military assets in place, the Lithuanian intelligence service claimed.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, annexed by the Soviet Union in the 1940s but now part of both NATO and the European Union, have been increasingly nervous since the Russian takeover of Crimea in 2014.

The Dmitry Donskoy is pictured here at a docking station with its enormous propellers spitting water backwards. Members of the crew can be seen on top of the beast. The sizeable frame of the sub means it's capable of carrying a crew of up to 160 on board

The Lithuanian intelligence service said in its annual threat assessment that Russia had upgraded its military in the Kaliningrad region last year, reducing lead times for any attack and potentially preventing NATO reinforcements.

The Russian upgrade included Su-30 fighter aircraft and missile systems allowing ships to be targeted almost anywhere in the Baltic Sea.

Lithuanian Defence Minister Raimundas Karoblis said: 'This is a signal to NATO to improve its decision speed. NATO's reaction time is not as fast as we would like it to be.'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the concerns as a display of anti-Russian sentiment.

He replied: 'There is total Russophobia, hysterical Russophobia going on. Moscow has always supported good relations with the Baltic states.'

This year NATO is deploying a force of about 1,000 soldiers in each of the Baltic states and Poland, in addition to smaller contingents of U.S. troops already in the region.

Karoblis continued: 'The force is adequate in the short-term, but in the medium-term perspective we would like more capability, and not only land troops but also air defences and capabilities to counter any blockade.'

Russia is monitoring and suppressing radio frequencies used by NATO pilots over the Baltic Sea and is using commercial and scientific ships for surveillance, the report said.

The intelligence service said there was also the risk of 'deliberate or accidental incidents' involving Russian and Belarusian troops who are taking part in military exercises planned for March.

The Baltic states have previously said they would press the United States and NATO to take additional security measures in the region ahead of the exercises.

Intelligence officers said disinformation aimed at discrediting NATO soldiers stationed in Lithuania, such as a recent false report of a rape by German soldiers, was likely to persist.

Head of Lithuanian military counter intelligence Remigijus Baltrenas added: 'Provocations against NATO units in Lithuania will continue and will get bigger.'
Three people have been arrested over suspected links to the suicide bomber who attacked St Petersburg's subway.

Police found live bombs in the apartment of the suspects, who are from Kyrgyzstan - the same Central Asia region as the 22-year-old bomber Akbarzhon Dzhalilov.

Dzhalilov blew himself up on a busy subway line on Monday, killing himself and 13 others and wounding over 50 people.

Investigators believed the men were Dzalilovs accomplices, a source told the Interfax news agency.

Russian police officer with a sniffing dog crosses a police line in St.Petersburg on Thursday

Russian police officers secure a residential area in St. Petersburg after finding explosives

Three people have been arrested over suspected links to the suicide bomber who attacked St Petersburg's subway (pictured, mourners at Technologicheskiy Institute station)

The Investigative Committee said investigators also found objects that would help advance the probe during a search of the home on St. Petersburg's eastern outskirts.

The Federal Security Service experts defused a self-made explosive device at the apartment.

The materials used in the explosive device found on Thursday matched those used by militants in Syria, Fontanka.ru reported.

Residents were evacuated from the building before experts were sent in to secure the scene and defuse the bomb.

Investigators are checking information that Dzhalilov may have trained with IS in Syria, an unidentified official told the Tass news agency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said between 5,000 and 7,000 people from Russia and other former Soviet republics were fighting alongside the Islamic State group and other militants in Syria.

Police found live bombs in the apartment of the suspects, who are from Kyrgyzstan - the same Central Asia region as the 22-year-old bomber Akbarzhon Dzhalilov (pictured, mourners in St Petersburg)

The impoverished, predominantly Muslim countries in Central Asia are seen as fertile ground for Islamic extremists.

Thousands of their citizens are believed to have joined the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

No one has claimed responsibility for Monday's subway bombing, but Russian trains and planes long have been targeted by bombings by Islamist militants.

Putin has named the IS threat as one of the reasons behind Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Thursday's arrests came a day after law enforcement agencies detained eight Central Asian migrants suspected of acting as recruiters for IS and al-Qaida's Syria branch.

The investigators found no immediate evidence of their involvement in the subway attack.

With St. Petersburg residents tense following the deadly subway bombing, the collapse of part of apartment building on Thursday triggered fears of a new attack until city authorities explained the cause. No one was hurt.

One victim of Monday's attack, 50-year-old Irina Medyantseva, an artist well-known for the dolls she made, was buried Thursday in a funeral attended by a few dozen relatives and friends.

Mourners left thousands of floral tributes piled outside the Sennaya Ploschad station near where the blast took place

'I'm thankful to all those who want to help us,' said her husband, Alexander Kaminskiy. 'The country and the entire world share our pain.'

Suicide bomber Dzhalilov was radicalised just two months ago on a trip to his native Kyrgyzstan when he said goodbye to his parents ahead of the St Petersburg train massacre.

Victims' faces were ripped off when the the former sushi chef killed 14 by detonating a bomb on a crowded metro train in theRussian city on Monday.

Sources say he flew in February and returned a completely different man.

Family friends in the city of Osk said Dzhalilov, an ethnic Uzbek, had 'golden hands' - as one revealed 'he could do any work, and do it very well' - but Russian law enforcement agencies are now urgently seeking to understand when he switched his skills from repairing cars and decorating houses to making bombs.

The killer's parents flew overnight to Russia from their native Kyrgyzstan to help a probe that needs to clarify if he was working alone or is part of a terror group plotting other explosions.
A year to the day since a botched child abduction led to the arrest of Tara Brown and the 60 Minutes crew in Lebanon, the Nine Network was once again forced to scramble to do damage control.

On April 7 last year, 60 Minutes - the network's flagship current affairs program  sparked controversy after Ms Brown and three crew members were arrested in Beirut.

And on Thursday, the network suspended veteran A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack, 42, after he was charged with using a carriage service for child pornography material.

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Nine Network was forced to do damage control after A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack was charged with sending child porn - a year after 60 Minutes' botched kidnap attempt

Ms Brown and the 60 Minutes crew had flown to Lebanon with Sally Faulkner to recover her daughter Lahela and son Noah.

Ms Faulkner claimed her ex-husband and the children's father Ali Elamine was refusing to let them return to Australia.

She had sent the children to Lebanon to see their father after the couple split.

But the Brisbane woman was put in jail along with Ms Brown and producer Stephen Rice, cameraman Benjamin Williamson and sound recordist David Ballment.

The children were returned to their father a day later after the kidnap attempt.

60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown and three crew members were put in jail after the incident. Above, Lebanese policemen surround Ms Brown while escorting her from a courthouse to Baabda Prison on April 18 last year

Ms Brown arrives at Sydney International Airport on April 21 last year after just over two weeks in custody in Beirut

They were freed just over two weeks later after charges of kidnapping and 'gang association' with criminal intent were dropped.

The network reportedly paid almost $70,000 to Child Abduction Recovery International (CARI).

CARI's Adam Whittington was behind bars for three months after the botched attempt.

And Nine reportedly paid Mr Elamine US$500,000, while Ms Faulkner signed over her parental custody rights.

Ms Brown and the 60 Minutes crew flew to Beirut with Sally Faulkner (pictured with her children) who claimed her ex-husband was refusing to let their children return to Australia

Nine's news director Darren Wick flew to Lebanon to negotiate the terms of Ms Brown and the crew members' release.

He was also the one to inform staff that their offices were being raided by police on Thursday.

'I can confirm that officers from New South Wales police have been at TCN this morning investigating matters relating to a staff member at A Current Affair,' he wrote in an email.

'It's a personal matter that does not relate to the program or Nine.

Mr McCormack (pictured leaving Redfern police station on Thursday) was suspended after being charged with using a carriage service for child pornography material

'We are co-operating with the police. However, we are not in a position to comment any further as this is an ongoing investigation.'

A Current Affair acknowledged the charges against the show's reporter at the start of Thursday evening's episode.

She said the program has a long history of pursuing offenders and intended the case involving one of their 'most senior reporters' without 'fear or favour.'

A Nine Network spokesman said A Current Affair staff are co-operating fully with the investigation.

'The matter is a personal one and not related to a story or the program,' he said.

Mr McCormack has been granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on May 1.
Two teenage girls were killed after they fell from a balcony of a beachfront hotel in South Carolina, authorities said.

Police found the bodies of Daniela Alejandra Arriaza Flores, 16, and Amber Franco, 17, just before 4pm on Wednesday outside of the Camelot by the Sea Hotel in Myrtle Beach, Lieutenant Joey Crosby said.

The two girls were 10th and 11th-grade students at Myrtle Beach High School.

Police found the bodies of Daniela Alejandra Arriaza Flores, right, and Amber Franco, left, just before 4pm on Wednesday outside of the Camelot by the Sea Hotel in Myrtle Beach

Police found the two bodies outside of the Camelot By the Sea hotel on North Ocean Blvd. The incident is still under investigation, and no foul play has been suspected

The two girls' cause of death was due to massive trauma from the fall, a preliminary autopsy revealed.

Principal John Washburn, said the school brought in grief counselors on Thursday to help students deal with the sudden death of their classmates, WMBF reported.

The two teens were said to be well-liked among the student population and both were enrolled in honors classes.

The two teens, Daniela Alejandra Arriaza Flores (left) and Amber Franco (right), were said to be well-liked among the student population and both were enrolled in honors classes

Two high school students aged 16 and 17 died after they fell from a balcony of their beachfront hotel on Wednesday

Franco had just moved to the school district in November, the principal said. Flores was said to be active in the school's theater program and in a project-based learning class.

The tragedy comes just days before the high school's prom night.

Any memorial service for the students will likely be held after the student's return from spring break after the 14th, Horry County Schools spokeswoman Teal Britton said.

More details on the deaths have not been released, including how high up the girls were when they fell. Crosby says authorities do not suspect foul play in the deaths.
A sorority girl who choked and collapsed during a pancake-eating contest died of accidental asphyxia, authorities have concluded.

The New York City medical examiner's office released autopsy results on Wednesday for Caitlin Nelson, a 20-year-old from Clark, New Jersey, who attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield.

The official cause of death was 'asphyxia due to obstruction of airway by bolus of food.' Nelson passed away on Sunday, at Columbia University Medical Center three days after the event.

The college student's organs were removed on Tuesday and will be donated, the Connecticut Post reported.

Nelson, whose father was a police officer killed in the 9/11 attacks, received a heroes' escort by Port Authority police as her body was taken to the New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's office.

Sacred Heart University sorority girl Caitlin Nelson, 20, died of accidental asphyxia on Sunday - three days after choking during a pancake-eating competition at the school

Witnesses say Nelson, far left, ate about four or five pancakes before she fell to the floor and started shaking uncontrollably

Witnesses at the Greek life dinner on Thursday night said Nelson had eaten about four or five pancakes when she suddenly fell to the floor and started shaking uncontrollably.

Two nursing students who were there immediately began lifesaving measures and were quickly joined by police officers and paramedics, Fairfield Police Lt. Bob Kalamaras said.

She was taken to a hospital in Bridgeport in critical but stable condition and transferred on Friday to New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, where she died on Sunday.

Fairfield Police Lt. Bob Kalamaras said Nelson suffered from food allergies but that they did not contribute to her death.

On Sunday, thousands took part in a candlelight vigil in Nelson's honor at the Fairfield, Connecticut campus

'It's a tragic event that started out as something fun,' said Fairfield police Lt. Bob Kalamaras. 'It was just a tragic accident.'

Nelson was studying to be a social worker and was the vice president of her sorority, Kappa Delta.

Several thousand people gathered on the Sacred Heart campus Sunday night to remember Nelson, a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, and share their grief.

A Mass dedicated to her was followed by an impromptu candlelight vigil.

Caitlin's remains received a heroes' escort by Port Authority police as her body was taken to the New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's office

A video surfaced of Caitlin Nelson paying tribute to her father at a 9/11 memorial service at Ground Zero in 2012 (pictured)

Nelson was the vice president of her sorority, Kappa Delta. She was very active in the philanthropic side of Greek Life (far left and far right)

Nelson's father, James Nelson, was a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer killed in the September 11 attacks in Manhattan, when she was five years old.

The 40-year-old was killed while trying to rescue people trapped on the 27th floor of one of the towers. He also went into the smoking World Trade Center to rescue workers during the 1993 bombing, despite having asthma. His obituary said he was survived by two daughters, 11-year-old Anne and 5-year-old Caitlin.

The Nelson sisters volunteered with the Resiliency Center of Newtown, helping survivors of the Sandy Hook School shooting deal with their losses.

Nelson was also involved with America's Camp, an annual retreat for children of 9/11 victims.

The university's Facebook page was filled with remembrances of Nelson after her passing on Sunday.

'Caitlin was one of the kindest and most thoughtful students I've been honored to teach,' one user named Karen Calabrese wrote. 'I'm heartbroken for her family and friends. Sending love and strength to her loved ones during this difficult time.'

Another woman, Carol Martufi, wrote: 'There are no words. My heart is broken over this tragic loss. Prayers to Caitlin, her family and friends and to the entire SHU family. May she RIP as she is reunited with her dad in heaven.'

Flags on the campus were flown at half-staff in Nelson's honor on Monday.
A California police officer has captured the heart of the U.S after he was filmed helping an elderly woman across the street.

The Anaheim police officer, named locally as David Ramos, is caught on camera walking the lady along a cross walk in the west of the city.

When he spots the woman who is using a walker, he gets out of his car to lend a helping hand.

A police officer in Anaheim, California, has been caught on camera helping an elderly lady cross the road. He has been named locally as David Ramos

The woman who was using a walker is helped along by the man, who looks around him to make sure no cars are coming. The video was posted on Facebook by Anaheim Police Department and was watched more than 150,000

The police officer takes the woman's arm and looks around to make sure no cars are coming.

While he makes sure the lady gets to the other side safely, the officer's partner pulls their car over to the side of the road.

As she makes her way along the sidewalk, the man looks around and gets back into his police car.

The heartwarming clip was recorded by a member of the public who was sitting in traffic at the time.

The person who captured the special moment sent it to Anaheim Police Department, who posted the video on Facebook.

They wrote: 'Thank you to the member of the public who was kind enough to both record this heartfelt moment of service from earlier today and to send it to us.'

The heartwarming clip was recorded by a member of the public who was sitting in traffic at the time

One local wrote: 'Love my Anaheim PD officers they are truly my heroes! Praying each night you all go home safely to your family and friends'

While he makes sure the lady gets to the other side safely, the officer's partner pulls their car over to the side of the road and the policeman gets back in his car

So far, the video has been watched more than 150,000 times on the social media site.

One local wrote: 'Love my Anaheim PD officers they are truly my heroes! Praying each night you all go home safely to your family and friends.'

Another commented: 'The video is so heartwarming, because my Father used to use a walker. My Mother still with us and uses a walker. APD is simply the BEST!'

Another user wrote: 'A job well done! That is one horrible busy intersection!'

The clip has been shared 1,200 times since it was uploaded to Facebook on Monday.
Dorothea Harvilik faces up to 18 months in state prison if she is convicted of the fourth-degree assault charge

A hidden camera captured the horrific moment a ventilator-dependent paralyzed man is assaulted inside his bed by a former registered nurse.

Dorothea Harvilik has been indicted for allegedly slapping and manhandling the 26-year-old disabled man in New Jersey.

The 64-year-old woman who is from Saddle River faces up to 18 months in state prison if she is convicted of the fourth-degree assault charge.

Officials say the patient's mother had suspected that her son was being mistreated after she noticed scratches on his hands so she set up a hidden camera inside his room.

The disturbing video begins by showing the a pillow being placed apparently roughly under the patient's head before the woman appears to slap the patient.

The patient's mother showed the video to the nurse's employer, a Teaneck home healthcare agency, and they immediately fired the nurse.

The agency then notified the state Division of Consumer Affairs and the board opened an investigation.

A hidden camera captured the horrific moment a ventilator-dependent paralyzed man is assaulted inside his bed by a former registered nurse, police say (footage above)

The alleged abuse happened sometime before November, and the State Board of Nursing permanently revoked Harvilik's license shortly after.

Harvilik did not admit liability in the case. She is barred from applying for reinstatement.

'The horrifying images of Nurse Harvilik striking this defenseless patient and wrenching his head as she tended to him, underscored our need to ensure that all New Jersey families, regardless of their income, have access to state-of-the art technology they need to watch over their loved ones,' New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino said in a statement.

'As this indictment shows, hidden cameras not only expose patient abuse, they can provide the 'smoking-gun' evidence that helps bring abusers to justice.'

The video was first released in December 2016 when the state announced the 'Safe Care Cam' program that allows residents to use free, micro surveillance cameras for 30 days if they suspect someone is being abused by a caregiver.

Harvilik has been indicted for allegedly slapping and manhandling the 26-year-old disabled man in New Jersey. The 64-year-old woman who is from Saddle River faces up to 18 months in state prison if she is convicted of the fourth-degree assault charge (footage above)

Officials say the patient's mother had suspected that her son was being mistreated after she noticed scratches on his hands so she set up a hidden camera inside his room. Police say the footage shows the nurse slapping the patient (above)

Anyone who suspects a loved one is being abused by an in-home caregiver should not be left to feel helpless or without recourse,' Porrino said in discussing the program.

'Cameras don't lie, and the abuses they've revealed are shocking. But a quality micro-surveillance camera is expensive and many people simply can't afford them.

'So we're offering the use of these cameras free of charge to those who wish to confirm that their loved ones are safe and well cared for in their absence.

'We hope that the Safe Care Cam program will provide peace of mind for family members, while at the same time serving as a strong deterrent and reminder to unscrupulous care providers that we will prosecute their cases aggressively.'

Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846.
It's thought that a failed missile launch by North Korea on April 5 may have been sabotaged by the United States.

A Japan based expert has claimed that the crash of the rocket may have been caused by a 'left of launch'.

A left-of-field launch involves interference such as impairing command and control systems or jamming communication signals.

Rocket test: The missile was launched on April 5 close to the coastal town of Sinpo

Experts had predicted Kim Jong-un was preparing to carry out another nuclear detonation

Lance Gatling, a defence analyst and president of Tokyo-based Nexial Research Inc told The Telegraph that the missile may have been brought down by interference.

He said: 'Part of the beauty of a 'left-of-launch' attack is that the North Koreans cannot be sure that any imported electronics have not been deliberately permitted to evade sanctions because they are infected with malware.

'Similarly, when a launch fails they are also unable to determine what brought the missile down.'

He added that it would be impossible to tell if something had affected guidance or control systems.

A senior U.S defence official said that the North Korean missile test ended in failure when the rocket spun out of control and plunged into the ocean.

New theory: A defence analyst says the launch may have been sabotaged by the US

The launch came ahead of President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's meeting

The extended-range Scud missile suffered an in-flight failure and fell into the sea off North Korea's east coast. It's thought to have flown around 65km (40 miles) from its launch site near the city of Sinpo.

It came ahead of President Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping raising speculation that it was timed to get their attention.

At the time, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson acknowledged the launch but said he had no further comment.

Trump has recently said that China must do more to pressure North Korea to halt its nuclear programme.

However on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that all sides needed to be involved.

In March this year, North Korea fired four ballistic missiles that flew around 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) with three of them landing in waters that Japan claims as its exclusive economic zone.

The country carried out two nuclear tests last year, one in January and one in September.

Many weapons experts say the North could have a functioning nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the continental US within four years.
A man who calls himself the 'luckiest pilot in the world' has recounted the 11 plane crashes he experienced while flying illegal gold miners and prostitutes around the jungles of Brazil.

Clinger Borges do Vale, now retired, spent four decades supporting the black market for gold.

During his time in the air he faced 11 plane crashes, a cabin fire that claimed two of his passengers and lost three of his brothers in separate aviation disasters.

Clinger Borges do Vale, now retired, spent four decades flying miners, prostitutes and equipment in his small turbo-prob plane between illegal gold mines and Itaituba city airport.

During his time in the air he faced 11 plane crashes, a cabin fire that claimed two of his passengers and lost three of his brothers in separate aviation disasters

While do Vale (right, with an unidentified woman) has retired from the industry due to health problems, his son and nephew have followed in his footsteps

Do Vale grew up in Itaituba, deep in central Brazilian rainforest, where there he had two options for his career: He could be a garimpeiro - an illegal gold miner - or a pilot supporting the garimpieros around the Amazon.

He and his six siblings opted to be pilots because garimpeiros often faced dangerous and prosperous lives.

He was one of thousands of pilots who flew garimpeiros, prostitutes and equipment in his small turbo-prob plane between illegal gold mines and Itaituba city airport.

He flew in and out of Itaituba - which is listed in the top ten list of the world's most dangerous airports - for 40 years.

'Without doubt this is the most dangerous place to fly,' he told The Guardian. 'I have lost count of how many of my friends were killed in accidents.'

Do Vale grew up in Itaituba, deep in central Brazilian rainforest, where there he had two options for his career: He could be a garimpeiro - an illegal gold miner - or a pilot supporting the garimpieros around the Amazon. Pictured above is one of his plane crashes

He and his six siblings opted to be pilots because garimpeiros often faced dangerous and prosperous lives

He often had to land on makeshift runways in the jungle - 300m strips of hillside that were barely cleared of debris

He often had to land on makeshift runways in the jungle - 300m strips of hillside that were barely cleared of debris.

'I'm the luckiest pilot in the world. Anyone else would be dead,' do Vale told The Guardian of his 40-year career as a pilot.

He said that the job paid well, and he spent his time off partying with drugs, cash and cars.

'We had parties with tables full of drugs,' he said. 'I would buy three new cars per year and take bags full of cash when we went on holiday. But it's not like that any more. The good days are over.'

His oldest brother was the first to die in a plane crash, when his plane went down in the jungle 40 years ago.

Do Vale said that the job paid well, and he spent his time off partying with drugs, cash and cars

Do Vale's (pictured with former Miss Brazil Marcia Gabriele) oldest brother was the first to die in a plane crash, when his plane went down in the jungle 40 years ago

Do Vale said he would buy three cars a year when he was a pilot, and took 'bags full of cash' with him on holiday

His youngest brother died in a crash in December, but 'No one knows what happened', do Vale says.

While do Vale has retired from the industry due to health problems, his son and nephew have followed in his footsteps.

Despite government crackdowns on the garimpeiros, their flights still account for 80 per cent of the traffic through Itaituba airport.

'We have 30 flights a day,' Antonio Anderson, an airport employee told the Guardian. 'Back in the 80s, we had 300 or 400.

'There were so many back then that planes had to circle in the sky to wait to land while others were parked up on every spare spot on the apron.'

He added: 'It is much calmer now. We only had two small accidents last year.'
Furious taxi drivers took to the streets of London to protest against Uber - and in particular its alleged links to David Cameron.

Traditional black cabbies, who have found themselves squeezed out since the introduction of the app, lined up along Whitehall, with many holding up placards.

In 2015, then-London mayor Boris Johnson tried to launch the Private Hire Regulations Review, to tackle fears over black cabs, the environment and increasing assaults by Uber drivers.

It is unclear just how much impact the protest had however as MPs were away from Parliament on recess.

Mr Cameron's Downing Street was accused of a blatant cover-up last month, after he and George Osborne allegedly told aides to lobby Mr Johnson against curbs on the online taxi firm.

Three black taxi drivers hold up placards outside Whitehall, protesting links between Uber and the former Prime Minster and Chancellor

A London taxi driver stands on the bonnet of his car and waves a union jack, as the road came to a complete standstill this afternoon

Mr Cameron's Downing Street was accused of a blatant cover-up last month over failed plans to crack down on Uber

A senior No 10 adviser allegedly swapped emails with senior staff working for the then London mayor, but it later emerged that Downing Street had failed to divulge details of the alleged lobbying operation when asked to do so under freedom of information laws.

Officials insisted there were no records of any exchanges, yet this later proved untrue when Transport for London officials released details of the correspondence.

A No 10 spokesman said last month: Any suggestion of a cover-up is categorically untrue.

'Anyone who is dissatisfied with an FoI response is advised that they have the right to request an internal review about its handling. However no further explanation was provided.

Calls have yesterday for an inquiry over the Government's links to the US taxi firm.

Opposition politicians also pointed out that Rachel Whetstone, a senior vice-president at Uber, is a personal friend of both Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne.

An Uber spokesman said: 'Londoners will struggle to understand why black cab drivers have once again brought the capital's streets to a standstill.

The taxis can be seen lining all the way down Whitehall towards Parliament Square, while police try to monitor the situation

Traditional black cabs have found business increasingly more difficult to come by since the introduction of Uber

In 2015, then-London mayor Boris Johnson tried to launch the Private Hire Regulations Review, to tackle fears over black cabs

'Just two days ago the Mayor exempted diesel cabs from his new air pollution charge which everyone else - even ambulances - will have to pay.

'Meanwhile Transport for London is pursuing new measures which its own estimates show will put more than 33,000 private hire drivers out of business. We'll be doing our best to help keep London moving this afternoon.

'More than 200,000 Londoners signed a petition in autumn 2015 against plans for things like five minute minimum waiting times.

'They were also condemned by consumer groups, the media, and even the Competition and Markets Authority.

'While some of these absurd measures were dropped Transport for London is still pursuing proposals which would be bad for Londoners and drivers who use our app.

Uber runs a smartphone app that allows users to hail a minicab at the click of a button

'For example, we are currently challenging through the courts plans for written English tests which TfL's own estimates say would lead to 33,000 private hire drivers losing their livelihoods.'

Uber runs a smartphone app that allows users to hail a minicab at the click of a button.

It then sends a named nearby driver to their exact location using GPS (usually in minutes), calculates the cost of the subsequent journey using an algorithm so you have a good idea of what it will cost before you start and collects payment via the user's credit card.

Uber tends to be between 30 and 40 per cent cheaper than traditional black cabs. But its drivers are relatively unqualified, and unlike their counterparts, have not acquired the 'Knowledge' of London's streets, relying instead on satnav directions.
A hiker is lucky to be alive after she was trapped by a 1,500 pound boulder on a Colorado mountain for more than two hours.

The 30-year-old woman, who has not been named, was trekking through the North Table Mountain Park in Golden on Wednesday afternoon when she was struck and trapped by the rock.

West Metro Fire Rescue released a statement explaining how the woman became pinned down by the chunk of earth.

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A hiker is lucky to be alive after she was trapped by a 1,500 pound boulder on a Colorado mountain for more than two hours. Rescuers are pictured lifting the rock off her

'The hiker was pinned under a small boulder, which had shifted due to the melting snow, trapping her foot and leg,' it read.

'Ten agencies were involved in the rescue - including West Metro, Golden Fire, Golden Police, Fairmount Fire, Genesee Fire, Golden Gate Fire, Colorado School of Mines, Jefferson County Open Space, AMR and Flight for Life.'

It went on to explain: 'Members of West Metro's Tech Rescue team put together a low angle rope rescue system to help get the hiker to a Flight for Life helicopter.'

The woman was unconscious and had multiple fractures as she was being rescued, but she her vitals are now, 'fairly good'.

The 30-year-old woman was trekking through the park in Golden on Wednesday when she was struck and trapped by the rock. Pictured are rescue workers

After freeing the woman, the team of rescuers carried her away on a stretcher. She was unconscious and had a number of broken bones

This map shows where the woman was hiking when she was trapped at North Table Mountain Park in Colorado

The Denver Post reports rock-slides, such as this, 'often occur during the spring freeze-thaw cycle'.

'Large boulders can break free from mountainsides during drastic temperature changes,' the newspaper wrote.

Dramatic pictures taken during the rescue process show the team of workers freeing the woman, as well as her being carried away on a stretcher.
First daughter Ivanka Trump held a secret meeting with Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards in the weeks following her father's inauguration, Politico first reported.

But that didn't stop Richards from going after the young Trump at a meeting of New York City liberals last night.

'Anyone who works in this White House is responsible for addressing why women are in the crosshairs of every single policy we've seen in this administration,' Richards said at the Women in the World Summit, Wednesday night in New York City.

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Even though Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards (left) sat down with Ivanka Trump (right) shortly after inauguration, Richards criticized the first daughter in New York last night

Ivanka Trump (center) told CBS News this week that you can't 'conflate lack of public denouncement with silence' as she's been criticized for not more publicly speaking out against some of her father's policies

The conference will also feature appearances by former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, actress and liberal activist Scarlett Johansson, and left-wing media maven Arianna Huffington, among others.

Richards pointed specifically to Ivanka Trump noting how 'she's now one of the highest-ranking women in the White House.'

'You look at this administration ... and I think women should ask, are we better or worse off than we were three months ago?' the Planned Parenthood head said.

'And I think without question, we're a lot worse off,' Richards added.

Besides a sit-down with CBS News' Gayle King, which aired Wednesday, Ivanka Trump has been fairly media shy since moving to Washington and recently taking an official White House job.

She didn't comment to Politico on the Planned Parenthood meeting, but Dawn Laguens, the group's executive vice president, told the news site what it was all about.

'The purpose of the meeting, from Cecile's point of view, was to make sure that Ivanka fully understood what Planned Parenthood does, how it is funded and why it would be a terrible idea for Planned Parenthood to be removed from being able to see Medicaid patients,' Laguens explained.

'The main thing that Cecile Richards was doing was explaining that the money doesn't actually go to abortions  we get reimbursed the same way a hospital does. We were clearing up misinformation about how this works,' Laguens added.

Republicans have long licked their lips over the idea of killing off government funding to Planned Parenthood, though candidate Donald Trump actually, briefly defended the organization at a Republican debate.

'Millions of millions of women  cervical cancer, breast cancer  are helped by Planned Parenthood,' Trump said last February in Houston. 'I would defund it because I'm pro-life, but millions of women are helped by Planned Parenthood,' the GOP candidate added.

Candidate Trump's comments suggested he may not put the women's healthcare provider in the crosshairs once becoming president, but so far that hasn't been true.

And his daughter hasn't spoke out either.

The recent Obamacare repeal and replace bill defunded Planned Parenthood.

Ivanka Trump didn't make a peep.

In the Senate last month, Vice President Mike Pence made the tie-breaker vote to pass legislation that rolled back a law that had banned states from denying family planning grants to Planned Parenthood.

Ivanka Trump didn't speak out about that either.

In that sit-down with CBS' King, Trump explained that she would never publicly criticize her father, but that didn't mean she didn't make her voice heard.

'I would say not to conflate lack of public denouncement with silence,' she said.

'I think there are multiple ways to have your voice heard. In some cases, it's through protest and it's through going on the nightly news and talking about or denouncing every issue on which you disagree with,' she continued.

'Other times, it is quietly and directly and candidate,' she explained. 'So where I disagree with my father, he knows it, and I express myself with total candor.'
As Sydney debt collector Joseph Antoun lay dying in a pool of blood, his frantic partner Teagan Mullens struggled to roll him on his side.

'I remember hearing his last breath,' Ms Mullens told the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday.

'I grabbed his face to kiss him.

'I remember the blood in his eyes and I felt his jaw crack in my hand - that will forever be our last kiss.'

Joe Antoun (pictured with his wife, Teagan) was killed by a hitman in December 2013

Mr Antoun (pictured) was at home with his wife and two young daughters at 9.35pm on December 16, 2013 when a CCTV monitor in his home showed a man at the front door

Ms Mullens wept as she described the impact of seeing her partner of eight years - her 'soul mate' - gunned down in front of her on the evening of December 16, 2013.

'Joe was the love of my life, my soul mate and my best friend,' she said.

'Everyone told us all the time that the love we shared was beautiful and rare.... How could somebody take that away from us?'

Mr Antoun was shot at least four times by a hired hitman when he answered the door of his Strathfield home in western Sydney.

Gang leader of the Blacktown Brothers 4 Life chapter Farhad Qaumi, 34, and his brother and second-in-command Mumtaz Qaumi, 32, have been convicted of murder over the killing.

In a judge-alone trial, they were found to have hired a hitman to carry out the shooting, after accepting a murder contract from Mr Antoun's former business partner Elias 'Les' Elias.

Brothers 4 Life gang leader Farhad Qaumi (L) and his brother, second-in-charge, Mumtaz Qaumi (R), were found guilty of murder

Pasquale Barbaro, who was shot dead in Sydney last November, was also suspected to have been behind Mr Antoun's murder.

Thursday was the first day of a two-day hearing to sentence the duo and their 25-year-old brother Jamil over a string of violent gangland shootings in western Sydney in late 2013, and other offences.

Among them is the October 2013 shooting of Mahmoud Hamzy at Revesby Heights, over which the three brothers were found guilty of manslaughter.

Horrifying footage showed a hooded man approach Antoun's Strathfield home, knock on the front door and shoot him, before fleeing on foot

However, only Mumtaz and Jamil Qaumi appeared in the dock at the Darlinghurst Supreme Court after Farhad chose not to attend.

His barrister John Stratton SC said the gang leader was concerned his 'level of stress' might cause him to act in a way the judge might find 'disrespectful to the court'.

Both Farhad and Mumtaz Qaumi were no-shows in court in February when their guilty verdicts were handed down in Mr Antoun's case.

That time, Justice Peter Hamill was told the brothers were afraid they wouldn't be able to control their emotions.

Ms Mullens said she was disappointed the gang leader wasn't in court on Thursday.

'They'd like to say they're men but I think they're far from it,' she said.

The hearing is due to finish on Friday.
A British Airways pilot who claimed his ill health was caused by fumes filtering into the cockpit was let down by doctors who did not believe him, his brother has said.

Richard Westgate had a number of health issues but grew 'angry, frustrated and disillusioned' when British medical professionals were unable to cure him.

The 43-year-old, who 'lived for flying', then grounded himself from piloting planes when bosses refused to permanently sign him off.

He moved to the Netherlands where Dutch medical experts and scientists believed his claims, an inquest heard, and set about trying to cure him.

Richard Westgate (pictured) had a number of health issues but grew 'angry, frustrated and disillusioned' when British medical professionals were unable to cure him

He had suffered years of poor health including severe headaches, mental confusion, sight problems and insomnia before he died in December 2012.

His twin brother Guy Westgate, 47 and also a BA pilot, told Salisbury Coroner's Court that his brother was working with researchers to see if his claims could be true.

Prior to his death, Richard Westgate instructed lawyers to sue BA for health and safety breaches as he was convinced his problems were related to being exposed to toxic chemicals on board the planes he flew.

His claims over what caused them centred around warm air being pumped into jets from engines to provide a comfortable environment and chemicals in engine oil can also enter cabins.

Prior to his death, Richard Westgate instructed lawyers to sue BA for health and safety breaches as he was convinced his problems were related to being exposed to toxic chemicals

The air industry has argued there is no threat to passengers or crew.

The coroner today said he will not examine whether or not Mr Westgate was made unwell by toxic fumes he was allegedly exposed to in the course of flying BA's commercial planes.

Dr Simon Fox QC said the issue - known as aerotoxic syndrome - was not something the parties will address.

Opening the inquest, Dr Fox QC said he will not consider if, in the period leading up to his death, Mr Westgate was poisoned after 'suffering from an exposure to organophosphates in the course of his employment as a commercial pilot'.

He said: 'That is not a proper issue to be examined by this inquest.'

But Dr Fox QC will address other factors which may have caused Mr Westgate's death, including whether he intentionally took his own life by overdosing on pentobarbital - a group of drugs which helps slow the nervous system.

Another factor he will consider when determining how Mr Westgate died is whether his death was brought about by lymphocytic myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscle.

Pam Love (left), Guy Westgate and their mother Judith Westgate leave Wiltshire and Swindon Coroners Court

The room today was packed with solicitors representing various interested parties, including other airline staff.

Mr Westgate, who lived in Marlborough, Wilts, was found dead at the Bastion Hotel in Bussum, the Netherlands, on December 12 2012.

He had been on medical leave since September 2011 with his various deficits, for which he was seeking care.

Mr Westgate's twin brother Guy, who attended the inquest with his sister Pam Love and their mother Judith, today wept as he described the pain his brother was suffering.

He said: 'He would describe the pain as if his brain was being sandpapered.

'He couldn't find any other way to describe the severity of the pain.'

He said his brother, a keen and talented paraglider with over 20 years' experience as a commercial pilot, loved his job and got the bug while at university.

Mr Westgate said: 'He was very passionate about flying. He lived for flying.

'He first found flying in his first year at university and from then on it would be fair to say he got the bug. He loved his job.'

Guy Westgate, 47 and also a BA pilot, told Salisbury Coroner's Court that his brother was working with researchers to see if his health claims could be true

He described how the pair of them grew up to be competitive but his brother concealed his ill-health for a number of years until late 2011.

He battled anxiety with his health, struggled with complex thoughts while becoming ever more clumsy and irritable.

Mr Westgate told the inquest: 'Richard believed he was unfit to work. He was trying to get signed off to be permanently unfit to work and kick start his insurance payouts.

'That whole process was stopped because of the current system. No one was prepared to give a diagnosis of what he had.'

He went on: 'During the latter half of 2011 he seemed to go from bad to worse. I would say he was debilitated by pain more frequently and the complaints of his symptoms increased in frequency and severity.

'Richard's personality was that he tried to conceal his illness but he no longer could.

'The Dutch team he found were the first people who believed in him. He had been let down by doctors, BA doctors, BALPA [British Airline Pilots Association] doctors.

'The specialists he found in Holland were the first group who finally gave him light at the end of the tunnel. He went there to be cured.

'He intended to come back as Richard Westgate. He was angry, frustrated, disillusioned. He couldn't believe he was let down by so many people.

'He couldn't believe the medical profession let him down so badly.'

The inquest heard loss of licence insurance payouts were finally triggered as a result of a car crash he was in, and he was able to be signed off work.

But Guy Westgate said the explanation for this as the cause of his ill health was 'convenient' as the reality was 'inconvenient', and his symptoms predated the crash.

Mr Westgate added that he was sure his brother didn't commit suicide.

The inquest came about following a report to prevent future deaths issued by former senior coroner for Dorset Sheriff Stanhope Payne.

Sheriff Payne wrote to the Civil Aviation Authority and British Airways in February 2015 outlining his concerns that Mr Westgate may have been poisoned after 'testing of samples taken both prior to and after death disclosed symptoms consistent with exposure to organophosphate compounds in aircraft cabin air'.

He said the matters of concern were the 'consequential damage' to the health of pilots, and whether the 'impairment to the health of those controlling aircraft may lead to the death of occupants'.

The inquest continues.
Kim Jong-un has turned his back on the French wine and has acquired a taste instead for Vladimir Putin's vodka.

The North Korean dictator imported a total of $1million (800,000) worth of alcohol in 2016 and appears to have a penchant for spirits, according to figures revealed exclusively to MailOnline.

Alcohol from other countries landing in North Korea is on the rise, but it appears Kim is hitting harder stuff than before with 10 times more rum arriving in 2016 compared to 2015.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) sifts through imports with his officials

Kim Jong-un makes a speech to the sycophantic crowd at the 7th Workers' Party Congress in Pyongyang this week. His chubby features are thought to be due to his love for cheese, chocolate and fine wine

Official statistics revealed he spent 139,000 on vodka last year, up $32,000 on 2015.

Half of the money he spends on booze is blown on regular wine, but the growth in his spirit imports suggest he is changing his ways.

Last year, the leader claimed to have downed 10 bottles of Bordeaux during one meal last year, but the figures show he has not imported a drop of French wine in four years.

The staggering statistics also show Kim Jong-un spent 2.7million last year on racy underwear for his band of groupies who are plucked as virgins to entertain him and his cronies.

The dictator imported suspenders and corsets among his huge haul from China, which is more than double the figure he spent last year.

They are said to have been ordered for his infamous Pleasure Squad, who are plucked from classrooms - some as young as 13 - and subjected to medical tests to check they are virgins before being forced into a life of sexual servitude.

Kim Jong-un reportedly blew 2.7million last year on sexy underwear for his Pleasure Squad

Defectors have spoken about attending drunken sex parties where women would have their pubic hair shaved as a forfeit if they lost games.

The figures come from the Trade Map and follows a report showing detailing how Kim Jong-un is also squandering millions on Champagne, horses and make-up while his people are struggling to make ends meet.

The UN says two million people are struggling to survive on meagre hand-outs from the state.

It says the daily allowance is 650 grams of maize, rice and meat.

But the despot is spending fortunes on Champagne, fines wines, chocolate and Swiss cheese.

Last year, Kim also blew 33million on vain statues of himself, his father Kim Jong-il and grandfather Kim il-Sung.

Kim signed off imports worth 5.5m from German firms in 2015, including 235,000 on spirits, 113,000 on wines and Champagne and 56,500 on German beer.

Kim Jong-un is reportedly obsessed with Emmenthal (pictured), which is specially imported from Switzerland

There were also orders for 123,442 worth of perfumes, deodorants, make-up and hair care products from Germany.

Another 57,229 went on watches from Switzerland, 66,882 on imported cheeses, 251,726 on fishing rods from China and 132,452 on horses from Russia.

The bizarre list of imports included 1.65m worth of umbrellas from China, 8.03m on pepper and 2.34m on gym equipment.

The figures are from an International Trade Centre Map.

Kim is reported to have developed a craving for Emmental cheese and fine wines while studying in Switzerland.

In 2014 it was reported that he was suffering gout, a form of arthritis which is linked to debauchery and an over-indulgent lifestyle.

North Korea's ruling party is holding its first congress since 1980, amid speculation Kim will conduct a fifth nuclear test.

Kim took over the leadership in Pyongyang in 2011 and is expected to be 'crowned' with a formal title like his father and grandfather.

Kim il-Sung, founder of the Democratic Republic of Korea, created his own personality cult and was known as the Great Leader.

His son Kim Jong-il was known as the Dear Leader during his 1994-2011 reign.

It remains to be seen what title Kim Jong-un will give himself but there seems no end in sight to the personality cult or dynastic communism.
Inhabitants of a Caribbean paradise island have launched a quest to find the descendants of their ancestor - in Cornwall.

A man named either Bodden or Bawden, from the West Country, became the first recorded settler of the islands in 1658 with grandson Isaac Bodden being dubbed the first inhabitant in 1700.

Bodden found his way to the islands having sailed from Portsmouth in 1654 as part of a 3,000 strong force that invaded Jamaica during the Anglo-Spanish war.

Inhabitants of the Cayman Islands are searching for relatives of their earliest settler, a Cornish man named Bodden, still living in the West Country

Rather than returning to the UK once the fighting was over, he found his own little slice of paradise and settled down there.

Bodden is still a common surname among Cayman Islanders, ensuring the legacy of their founder lives on.

Now the islanders, backed by local MP Scott Mann, are trying to find Bodden's relatives on this side of the Atlantic.

The hunt is seen as a unique chance for someone in Cornwall to find out whether their forefather founded a country.

The Cayman Islands are one of the largest British Overseas Territories with almost 60,000 inhabitants.

Despite being separated by 4,600 miles of ocean, Cayman Islanders feel they have a bond with the people of Cornwall.

The populations of both places have grown based on fishing, farming, shipbuilding and salvage - and both have historic links with the golden age of piracy.

Eric Bush, Cayman Islands Representative to the UK, is leading the search.

He said: 'As native Caymanians, we are very aware of our British nationality and heritage from a young age.

Caymanians, as they are known, say they share characteristics with their Cornish ancestors - a love of the sea and shipbuilding, and links with the golden age of piracy

'Wherever you go, there are pictures of the Queen, and the reality is that the islands' ultimate authority is still the UK government, represented by the Governor.

'However, very few of us in Cayman were aware that our original British links are in fact from Cornwall, which also happens to be the part of the UK geographically closest to us.

'As we have been looking at the connection, what has been extraordinary is how similar our native cultures have been, over the past 400 years or so.

'From aspects of both our language and dialect, to boat-building, to fishing, to salvage, to inventive cooking - Caymanians, to a significant degree, have been carrying on living like Cornishmen, but in the middle of the Caribbean.

'We hope that this Cornwall-Cayman project will bring our people closer together, and enable a true link between our two great lands.'

Scott Mann, Tory MP for North Cornwall, said: 'It is wonderful to think there could be Cornish men and women who don't realise that their ancestor helped found a country.

'They may be in Truro, Penzance or Bodmin and their blood relations are 5,000 miles away having made a new life and created their new "Cornwall" in the Caribbean.'

Julie Seyley from Cornwall Council's Culture Team is now exploring how the county's culture has developed many thousands of miles away.

She said: 'It is exciting to see how these two countries with so much interlinked history have developed on either side of the world.

'We understand that there are still elements of the Cornish culture which can still be found in the Cayman Islands and yet most Cornish people have no idea of connection they have with the Islands.'
Wanted: A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Mauricio Mendoza, 37, a former IT specialist at a Texas school who is accused of impregnating a 13-year-old girl, after he fled while out on bond

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a former Houston middle school employee who is accused of molesting a 13-year-old student and getting her pregnant.

Mauricio Mendoza, 37, was originally arrested on March 22 and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child for allegedly impregnating a student at Hartman Middle School where he was employed as an information technology specialist.

Mendoza, a native of El Salvador who is married and has children, was later released on $50,000 bond, but not before a judge ordered him to surrender his passport, according to a report by KENS5.

This week, a warrant was issued for Mendoza's arrest after investigators said the suspect fled and violated the conditions of his bond.

According to reports, Mendoza's wife has no information regarding his whereabouts, said Click2Houston.

Mendoza had worked as an IT professional at the middle school for five years until December 2016, when accusations surfaced claiming that the married 37-year-old man had improper contact with a child.

The victims mother called the authorities after allegedly discovering text messages from Mendoza on her daughter's cellphone.

Mendoza, who is married and has kids, allegedly had sex with the child in the library and in his office at Hartman Middle School (pictured)

The girl was then taken to the Childrens Assessment Center for an interview, during which she allegedly confessed to having sex with Mendoza in the school library and in his office on campus, reported the station KTRK.

The 13-year-old was also given a pregnancy test, which came back positive.

In the wake of those revelations, Mendoza was fired from his job at the school.
A 78-year-old Laura Ashley boss must give his 70-year-old ex-wife 64million, a divorce court judge has ruled.

Former Miss Malaysia beauty queen Pauline Chai wanted around 100m from ex-husband Khoo Kay Peng following the breakdown of their 42-year marriage.

Dr Khoo, non-executive chairman of Laura Ashley Holdings, said she should pocket about 9m.

After analysing the evidence at the trial at the High Court in London, Mr Justice Bodey announced his decision today that Ms Chai should get a 64m package made up of cash and property.

Legal fight: In December 2015, Ms Chai (pictured) claimed victory in the fight over jurisdiction following a ruling by three Court of Appeal judges in London

Ayesha Vardag, Ms Chai's lawyer said after Court, 'This litigation has been long and arduous. It is a journey which has now ended in the affirmation of the principle of fair sharing.

'It emphasises that there is no place in England for discrimination between home maker and bread winner. I am so proud of the whole team including our client who worked so hard on this case.'

Ms Chai added: ' I just want to thank my superb legal team - everyone at Vardags, Richard Todd QC and Nicholas Yates. Thank you.'

Ms Chai, who lives in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, had said she should get half an asset kitty totalling at least 205m.

Ms Chai and Dr Khoo - who both come from Malaysia, married in 1970 and have five children - have spent more than 6m between them on lawyers since splitting, judges have heard.

The pair had been unable to agree on whether decisions about who got what should be made in English or Malaysian courts, and litigation was launched in both countries.

Argument: Ms Chai said they had moved their home to Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire (above) before separating and therefore decisions should be made in an English court

Dr Khoo, who is based in Malaysia, said the marital home was in Malaysia and a judge in that country should make decisions about the division of money.

He said Ms Chai was a 'forum shopper' and wanted to fight in England because an English judge would give her a more generous award.

Ms Chai, who was Miss Malaysia in 1969, said they had moved their home to Berkhamsted before separating and therefore decisions should be made in an English court.

Dr Khoo (left), non-executive chairman of Laura Ashley Holdings, said former Miss Malaysia beauty queen Ms Chai (right, in 1969) should pocket about 9million, the judge has heard

In December 2015, Ms Chai claimed victory in the fight over jurisdiction following a ruling by three Court of Appeal judges in London.

Mr Justice Bodey's detailed ruling on who gets what is expected to be published in the near future.

He had analysed the case at a private hearing but said journalists could name Dr Khoo and Ms Chai and report some information.

The judge has barred reporters from revealing confidential financial material.
A nun who became pregnant after she was raped in her convent has launched a legal case against the archdiocese claiming her fellow sisters forced her out and blamed her for the attack.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became a cloistered nun in 2002, when she was 20 years old, and entered a convent in Santiago, Chile.

In 2012, the convent needed electrical repairs and workers were invited in to carry out the reforms, staying overnight in the convent.

The woman became a cloistered nun in 2002, when she was 20 years old, and entered a convent in Santiago, Chile. In 2012 she was raped by a workman invited into the convent to carry out repairs (stock photo)

The sister was ill in bed when one of the workmen went into her room and sexually assaulted her.

The nun became pregnant after the attack and admitted that she concealed it 'out of total fear'. She put the baby boy up for adoption immediately after the birth.

The nun told Chilean media: 'There's a shame that takes over and doesn't allow you to properly function or express yourself.'

Three months after the rape her pregnancy was revealed and she claims fellow nuns, and those in charge of the convent, forced her to leave the order.

She added: 'My fellow sisters were very cruel to me, telling me that I was the one to blame and that I did it on purpose.'

After allegedly receiving no support from the convent, she went to a friend at the San Jose Foundation who helped her through the pregnancy and the adoption process.

'They wanted me to hand over my habit, but I wasn't going to do that,' she said.

She did eventually leave but refused to sign any papers saying she would leave the Church.

Rt Rev Jorge Concha, the Auxiliary Bishop of Santiago, said that the nun had left the convent 'voluntarily'.

Three months after the attack her pregnancy was revealed and she claims fellow nuns and those in charge of the convent forced her to leave the order (stock photo)

He added that the Archbishopric had only found out about the rape and pregnancy on March 27.

In 2015, her rapist was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.

Her lawyer Camila Maturana told the BBC that it is time for the Archbishopric of Santiago 'to own up to its responsibility' in the case.

'She is a nun living in a convent who was raped and instead of being protected she was blamed for what happened,'said Ms Maturana.

'In a convent, where nuns are kept separate from worldly life, men shouldn't stay overnight.'

The civil rights group Corporacion Humanas is helping her with a civil suit against the archdiocese and the convent where the rape took place.

'All religious institutions in a diocese fall under the aegis of a bishop, in this case it's the Archbishop of Santiago,' Ms Maturana added, explaining the decision to sue the Archbishopric as well as the Order of St Clare.
President Donald Trump welcomed veterans injured in action to the White House on Thursday and thanked them for rising to the occasion when duty called in service of the nation.

At an annual celebration that's held in tandem with the Wounded Warrior bike ride, Trump said the military men and women has defended the country with 'every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears in their bodies.'

'We're going to keep it going for a long time,' Trump said of the ninth annual Soldier Ride ceremony. Making a joke about his reelection prospects, Trump said, 'I should have it for about seven more years.'

President Donald Trump welcomed veterans injured in action to the White House on Thursday and thanked them for rising to the occasion when duty called in service of the nation

'We're going to keep it going for a long time,' Trump said of the ninth annual Soldier Ride ceremony Thursday in the East Room of the White House

ONE DOWN: 'I should have it for about seven more years,' said of the ride, making a joke about his reelection prospects

Greg Gadson, center, a wounded warrior who stared in the movie Battleship, appears onstage with other wounded warriors during the Thursday event

Trump's 23-year-old daughter Tiffany was also in attendance at the Thursday event

With Trump was Vice President Mike Pence, who's son, Michael, is a United States Marine. First Lady Melania Trump was also present at the event. So was Tiffany Trump, the president's 23-year-old daughter and the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Interior , David Shulkin and Ryan Zinke.

Pence said Wound Warriors attending the event were 'heroes' and that it is his 'greatest privilege' as the father of a soldier to serve Trump.

'From the bottom of my heart, let me just say thank you for your service,' Pence told them.

The vice president said that he and his wife Karen, also at the event, may join on a future ride.

'Karen and I, are so proud to be a part of continuing this important tradition,' he said. 'In fact, we're bikers, and Karen and I hope some day to join the Wounded Warrior bike ride - on a sunny day - in the future,' he joked.

Rain pelting the Washington area, the celebration was held in the White House's East Room on Thursday and not on its South Lawn, where it had taken place a year before.

The soldier ride began in 2004, with Chris Carney. Since then it has expanded, with more than 30 rides taking place each year.

Fifty riders from Annapolis, Maryland, and Centreville, Virginia, came to the White House on Thursday for the am ceremony with the president who was due to depart for Florida later in the day.

Introducing Trump was Sgt. Deven Shei of San Antonio, Texas.

The 29-year-old served in the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division before he was injured in combat.

First Lady Melania Trump was at her husband's side on Thursday, too, as he greeted Wounded Warriors

Trump greets a Wounded Warrior during the ceremony. Fifty vets came to the White House on Friday as part of a Washington-area ride

'First, this is insane that I get to do this,' Shei said to laughter.

Shei joined the military, he said, after his brother Eric was shot in the head in Iraq. He survived the assault but became a quadriplegic. Deven Shei was ambushed in Afghanistan, suffering injuries that took him off the battle field and sent him to the hospital, where he spent two years in recovery.

'Nothing compared to the battle that I was fighting in my head,' Shei told the audience.

Taking the mic, Trump said, 'Melania and I are deeply honored to join you all today, and to stand here among real heroes. These are real heroes.'

'You've risked all that you have, all that you possess, to keep our people safe and our democracy secure,' Trump told attendees. 'You've earned our freedom with your sweat and your blood and your incredible sacrifice. We salute you, we salute your service, and we salute the flag you have so courageously protected.'

The United States and its values endure because of the men and women in the room, he said.

'You have not only poured out the blood - and all of your blood, in some cases - for this country, but you have poured out the love from your souls and from your hearts,' Trump told them/.

'Each of you has carved your place into the history of this incredible nation and, I can tell you, into our hearts.'
New York police on Wednesday arrested a man who was allegedly found to have been in possession of a handgun, crack cocaine, and a baby alligator in his Brooklyn apartment.

Tracey Habakkuk, 41, was arrested early Wednesday morning by the New York Police Department.

Officers had obtained a search warrant for his apartment in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.

New York police on Wednesday arrested Tracey Habakkuk (left), 41, who was allegedly found to have been in possession of a handgun, crack cocaine, and a baby alligator (right) in his Brooklyn apartment

Investigators said they discovered a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun (right) and quantities of crack cocaine (left)

Investigators said they discovered a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun and quantities of crack cocaine.

Perhaps most surprising was the discovery of a caiman, an alligator-like baby reptile.

Police said that the animal was kept in a tank that the occupant of the home kept in his living room.

Habakkuk has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a loaded firearm, and possession of a prohibited wild animal.
Paris police have been given the authority to search the bags of Metro passengers they deem to be 'suspicious'.

Officers in the French capital typically have to provide a motive in order to carry out a search, but the new powers remove the need to do so.

The measure is temporary and must been renewed every 24 hours for as long as the police wish to use it.

Paris police have been given powers allowing them to search Metro passenger's bags without having to provide an official justification after the St Petersburg attack

In total 14 people died and around 50 were injured after a bomb detonated on the subway system in St Petersburg on Monday morning

Paris police chief Michel Cadot authorised bag checks after being ordered to step up security by the French government, The Local reports.

Officers in Paris have been on high alert since the St Petersburg bombing on Monday which killed 14 and wounded more than 50.

Around 140 extra officers were deployed around the city as interior minister Matthias Fekl warned there was a 'very high risk' of a terror attack.

Speaking after the Russia attack, Mr Fekl said: 'Following the events in the St. Petersburg metro, and as a precautionary measure, we have decided to redeploy security means in public transport across the Paris region.

'Amid an extremely high terrorism threat, the government continues to take measures to protect the French people.'

Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, a native of Kyrgyzstan (right), was named as the perpetrator, with Islamic extremism likely the motivation for his attack

Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, a native of Kyrgyzstan who held a Russian passport, used a backpack filled with explosives and nails in order to attack Russia's second city.

A second device was found at a nearby train station, but was defused before it could be detonated.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, Kyrgyzstan has a history of radical Islamism, with around 500 people leaving the country to fight for ISIS.

Terror groups had also been threatening to strike Russia after Putin decided to intervene in the conflict in Syria.

ISIS terrorists killed 130 people in coordinated series of bomb and gun attacks in Paris back in November 2015, the majority of whom were watching a rock concert at the Bataclan theatre.
Michael McDermott, pictured, was jailed for 16 years for trying to smuggle more than 80million of cocaine into the UK on a fishing boat

A fishing boat skipper who tried to smuggle more than 80million of cocaine into the UK has been jailed for 16 years.

The haul, weighing more than 2,000lbs and around 70 per cent pure, was the biggest single seizure of cocaine in the country last year.

Michael McDermott, 68, from Waterford, Ireland, was convicted of drug importation offences following a week-long trial at Bristol Crown Court.

His shipmates David Pleasants, 57, of Grimsby, and Gerald Van de Kooij, 27, of Amersfoort, Netherlands, previously admitted the offences.

McDermott was jailed for 16 years, Pleasants for 14 years and de Kooij for 12 years, at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.

All three were arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force officers on August 18 last year.

Speaking after McDermott's trial, Mark Harding, senior investigating officer from the NCA's border investigation team, said: 'This was a huge quantity of cocaine, the biggest single seizure made in the UK in 2016.

'Michael McDermott used his specialist skills as a sailor to attempt to evade border controls.

'We provided solid evidence that led to his conviction and have taken out another means of transport used by organised criminals to bring drugs to Britain.

'His was a crucial link in a chain that leads from cocaine manufacturers in South America to drug dealers in the UK.

Authorities found more than 2,000lbs of cocaine, pictured, on the boat that was between 60 and 70 per cent pure

The drug, pictured, was divided into 38 bales and hidden under sandbags and gravel in the boat's fish hold

'In stopping this consignment, we have prevented further criminality by the gangs who bring violence and exploitation to our streets.'

The Bianca was intercepted as it entered UK territorial waters off the coast of Cornwall and officers boarded, detaining the crew.

They found 38 bales of cocaine, each weighing between 55lbs and 66lbs, hidden under bags of sand and gravel in the boat's fish hold.

The cocaine was between 60 and 70 per cent pure and, if cut to street purity, would be worth almost 84million when sold in the UK.

Investigators were able to establish that McDermott had bought the Bianca in Whitstable, Kent, for 17,000, paying in cash weeks before his arrest

Investigators found McDermott had paid 17,000 cash for the Bianca, pictured, in Kent just weeks before his arrest

He told the seller he planned to sail to Spain and use the vessel for diving and chartered angling trips.

The boat was taken to Ramsgate for work to be carried out on it before it set sail.

Navigation records show it sailed through the English Channel and out into the Atlantic before turning around and heading back towards Cornwall.

Investigators believe it was at the turnaround point, south of Ireland, that the Bianca took the cocaine on board from another vessel.
Thousands of officers from around the country came to Houston to remember a slain lawman in a traditional police funeral on Thursday.

Clint Greenwood, 57, was remembered as 'always the smartest guy in the room,' after being shot to death Monday night by an unknown assailant.

He was honored on Thursday with a traditional police funeral with honor guards, a riderless horse and fond stories from friends and colleagues.

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Law enforcement officials gathered in Houston on Thursday after Monday's killing of Clint Greenwood, who is pictured in 2016 answering questions during a civil service commission

He was honored Thursday with a traditional police funeral with honor guards, a riderless horse and fond stories from friends and colleagues

Montgomery County sheriff's Lt. Tim Cannon said Thursday during a funeral service in Houston that Clint Greenwood was a consummate professional, meticulous with details and the first to lend colleagues a hand.

The funeral drew a motorcade of officers, some on motorcycle and horseback, and flags stood at half-mast, reported the Houston Chronicle.

Greenwood, a Harris County assistant chief deputy constable, was killed Monday by a gunman who stepped out from behind a dumpster as Greenwood arrived for work at a county courthouse east of Houston.

The funeral drew a motorcade of officers, some on motorcycle and horseback, and flags stood at half-mast

Thousands of officers from around the country came to Houston to remember a slain lawman in a traditional police funeral on Thursday

The gunman is still on the run as law enforcement officials from multiple agencies attempt to work through different evidence and leads.

Baytown police have released surveillance video showing a possible suspect near the scene and the man's car driving away after the shooting.

He is survived by his widow, Leatha Benyo Greenwood, and four children, Catherine and Chuck Greenwood and Lauren and Timothy Benyo, reported the Chronicle.

Greenwood was the assistant chief deputy in the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's Office. He joined in January, and has also worked in the Sheriff's office, and as a prosecutor in the district attorney's office.

His daughter, Catherine Greenwood (center), referred to him as her 'best friend'

His son Chuck Greenwood (left) said he was his 'biggest supporter and harshest critic'

His daughter, Catherine Greenwood, referred to him as her 'best friend,' and his son Chuck said he was his 'biggest supporter and harshest critic,' reported ABC 13.

The service was at a 3,000 person sanctuary with overflow areas, and deputies manned the Precinct 3 office so that those officers and others would be able to attend.

Houston Crime Stoppers, the FBI, the Office of the Governor's Criminal Justice Division and a concerned citizen are offering a reward of $65,000 for information leading to the identification of Greenwood's gunman.


A former Upper East Side art gallery has set a new record as the most expensive townhouse sold in New York City.

Art dealing heir David Wildenstein sold his family's townhouse at 19 East 64th Street for $79.5million - unseating the Harkness mansion which has held the record for more than a decade.

The Real Deal reports that an entity connected to Chinese businessman Roy Liao, CEO of HNA Holdings, purchased the building. Sources told the New York Post that the mystery buyer was a Chinese hedge fund.

A former art gallery on the Upper East Side has set a new record as most expensive townhouse sold in New York City, at $79.5million

David Wildenstein (left, with his wife) reportedly sold his family's townhouse to an entity connected to Chinese businessman Roy Liao (right)

The townhouse is 25,000-square-feet and 41-feet wide. It was built in 1932 in the Beaux Arts style and features a limestone facade and wood paneling from a Parisian townhouse.

For the past 85 years, it has been the home of the Wildenstein family art gallery.

The Wildensteins are controversial in that they made their fortune trading artworks that were stolen from Jewish families by the Nazis.

David Wildenstein's father Guy was accused of money laundering to avoid inheritance taxes in France, but was cleared on the charges earlier this year.

However, the judge made it known that he believed the Wildensteins were purposefully trying to conceal their wealth.

The family previously tried to sell the home in 2014 to the nation of Qatar, which planned to use it as a consulate.

The townhouse is 25,000-square-feet and 41-feet wide. It was built in 1932 in the Beaux Arts style and features a limestone facade and wood paneling from a Parisian townhouse

For the past 85 years, it has been the home of the Wildenstein family art gallery. It's unclear how the new owners will use the home

But the country backed out of the reported $90million deal and it was relisted again last year.

Ukrainian-born billionaire Len Blavatnik sued Wildenstein last year, claiming Wildenstein promised he could buy the home for $79million but didn't follow through on the verbal agreement.

A judge threw that lawsuit out last month, saying the verbal agreement was not binding.

While it has been used as a commercial property, it's unclear how the new owners plan to use it.

David Wildenstein is the nephew of 'catwoman' Jocelyn Wildenstein, the socialite known for her extensive facial surgeries. She divorce David's uncle Alec Wildenstein in 1999. She was in the news again this year when she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend. The charges were later dismissed and the couple are back together.
Almost $50,000 was left strewn a Bronx sidewalk after a bungled robbery by two men, police said.

Footage of the March 8 incident that was released by the NYPD on Wednesday shows the two men attacking an ATM worker on Buhre Ave at around 12:45pm.

But this is far from the perfect crime, and while the robbers managed to take away $21,500, most of the money was left on the street after the bungled crime.

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Money grab: Video shows a thief trying to grab a bag of cash from an ATM owner in the Bronx (left). The thief then falls and spills the money (right) while the owner jumps onto him

Thick as thieves: A second man (center, rear) then accosts the ATM owner while his friend grabs $21,000 of the $48,000 on the floor and runs away

The video shows the man, who owns several ATMs according to Pix11, being approached from behind by the first man, who is wearing a white hoodie and moving at a sprint.

But as he grabs the bag the thief stumbles and falls onto the sidewalk, causing a few notes to scatter and leaving him right in the path of the worker.

The worker then starts holding him down, which causes the bag to open up, spilling the notes everywhere.

At that point a second man in a black hoodie runs out of a car across the street and starts hitting the victim.

As the ATM owner defends himself, the man in white scoops up some notes - around $21,500, police said - and the pair sprint away.

Thankfully the victim only suffered minor injuries to his face and was treated at the scene.

The first attacker is said by police to be 5 feet 10 inches tall, with facial hair. He was wearing a white hoodie, black pants and white sneakers.

The other was the same height, with a black hoodie, brown pants and black sneakers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
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The family of a toddler who was 'scalped' by an out of control dog in a children's playground have said the attack has 'ruined their lives' and 'the lives of their two children'.

One-year-old Victoria Resetnjova was thrown in the air 'like a toy' by the animal as she played on a slide with her sister in the Jenkins' Dale area of Chatham, Kent just before 5.30pm on Tuesday.

She was pulled from the dog's jaws by six other bloodied children and flown to a London hospital by air ambulance as armed police shot the animal dead.

In a statement released by Kent Police, her family thanked the emergency services and everyone who helped her at the scene.

The family of a toddler who was 'scalped' by an out of control dog in a children's playground have said the attack has 'ruined their lives' and 'the lives of their two children'. This is the body of a large Pitbull crossed with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier after it was shot dead for attacking toddler Victoria Resetnjova in a playground

It read: 'We would like to thank all the emergency services and others who helped our daughter by giving first aid at the scene.

'We are also grateful for the continued support of the hospital where she is being treated. The incident has ruined our lives and the lives of our two children.'

Doctors have confirmed that the little girl will survive her wounds but she is still being treated for 'serious injuries' in hospital. Her parents, Sergei and Valentina Resetnjova, are believed to be at her bedside.

Victoria was playing with her 14-year-old sister Kristina when she was attacked. Witnesses said the dog jumped the fence of the play area and charged at the toddler as several other children attempted to pull the animal away.

A man, a woman and a teenage girl were arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act. One was bailed and the others were released pending further inquiries, Kent Police confirmed today.

A witness told MailOnline: 'The dog ran into the park and attacked the girl under the slide. It was going for her head all the time, grabbed her and threw her up two or three times like she was a toy. It was brutal.'

One-year-old Victoria Resetnjova (pictured with mother Valentina, left) was bitten in the face and thrown in the air 'like a toy'. Kent Police confirmed three people - a man, a woman and a teenage girl - were arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Michael Thornton (pictured, right), 26, has been named locally as the man being questioned by detectives

Michael Thornton, 26, has been named locally as the man being questioned by detectives.

A relative of Mr Thornton's told the Mirror: 'My heart goes out to that family and the little baby. I wouldn't be able to live if my dog's done something to anybody - no matter how old. I haven't spoken to him, I can't even go and see him.'

A brave woman who tried to save her life today described how she heard Victoria's blood-curdling scream from her flat.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said that she watched as the dog which was on a lead kept its grip on the tot's head and 'refused to let go'.

A teenage girl was holding the lead and hitting the animal with a stick to force it to release the child, she says.

The woman then rushed to the park in Jenkins Dale, Chatham, with a first aid kit then held the girl, believed to be aged 18 months, in her arms.

Crime scene: This is the playground slide where the toddler was playing when she was mauled and scalped by the dog in front of at least six other terrified children (pictured today)

She said: 'The dog was covered in the little girl's blood. It had bitten the middle of her head off. It was completely missing and I was holding her head together.

'When I got down there one of the girls was pulling the baby's legs but the dog wouldn't let go of her head.

'The three teenage girls were all crying and the dog was on the lead the whole time.

'When they eventually got the dog off I tried to bandage the little girl up and called up for neighbours to bring down some towels and we bundled her up.

'When the paramedics came I held the baby's hand until her parents arrived.

'It was awful and something that will stay with me for a long time.'

The horrifying attack on Tuesday left the tot fighting for her life but police confirmed today/yesterday (Thurs) that she remains in hospital with serious injuries.

Neighbour Alisha Robinson described the chaotic aftermath of the attack.

She said: 'They said we need lots of towels because she is losing a lot of blood. They were trying to keep her alive.

'You couldn't see her face, she was covered in blood. Then her mum came up screaming, that did it for me, I wanted to cry. People were throwing blankets from the balcony above because she was cold.'

Mother-of-five Katy Ayres claimed the same dog had 'pinned down' her son Charlie 24 hours before and said: 'It scratched his leg - but the little girl, it ripped holes in her head'.

Tragedy: The dog began biting her head and face. Signs show that dogs are banned from the area - but witnesses said it had been there for much of the day

Upset: Mother-of-five Katy Ayres (pictured left) believes the same dog had attacked her son Charlie on Monday, and suffered a scratch on his leg (right)

The victim's terrified mother, who was reportedly at work and left her children with a childminder, ran over screaming as people gave first aid and wrapped her in a blanket to 'keep her alive'.

Describing the attack one witness said: 'The baby's head was being shaken in the dog's mouth and it was covered in blood. It was absolutely horrific and there were about six children aged eight to twelve covered in blood who witnessed it all.'

A family friend told MailOnline: 'It was just a complete mess - a brutal mess. Everyone was screaming'. Another said the child was thrown around like a toy, adding: 'Police did the right thing. Round here they call them trophy dogs - once they get the taste for blood they won't stop'.

Armed police called to the scene yelled at crowds to 'stand back' before they 'shot it twice', one witness said, and the dead pitbull-type dog, described as 'crazy and very strong', was photographed being covered with a blanket.

Ms Ayres believes the same dog had attacked her son Charlie on Monday.

She said: 'He pinned him down. I grabbed my son to protect him and the dog jumped up. It scratched his leg and he has bruises.

'The police came and took pictures of the scratch. It happened all so fast. I said that day to my brother that dog will end up hurting someone, and it happened.

She added: 'I'm lost for words . I hope that little girl is going to be OK. It could have been my son. I'm in shock really. I said to my brother I bet it goes for someone. And I bet it's a child'.

Rescue: The child was rescued by up to six other children and then flown by air ambulance to a London hospital

Describing the attack on the toddler yesterday she said: 'I heard screaming. I saw the girl carrying the little girl from that end of the park and I see all blood running down her head'.

James Hamilton, who lives in a flat overlooking the play area said the dog was in the park for most of the day on Tuesday.

Mr Hamilton saw the toddler bitten by the dog several times and spoke to her parents afterwards and believes they may be Polish.

Shut down: This is the flat believed to belong to the couple who have been arrested since the dog attack

He said: 'I saw the dog with the child in its mouth. My partner had seen the dog pick up the girl and drop her twice. I saw it do it another time. It was shaking her around.

'The little girl was lying there. She was conscious and her eyes were rolling back. I think she was in shock.

'She had an eye wound - looked like an open gash. And an injury to the back of her head which was bleeding. She was awake.'

'She was so tiny. We were only in the park five minutes before with our little girls. I was in tears myself. I hope I never see that again.'

Neighbours say that the dog may have lived in this flat overlooking the playground and the owners may have only just got it

Some witnesses said the dog had been on this grass area without a lead for much of yesterday before the mauling took place

Operation: Officers in Chatham were called to reports that the toddler, who is believed to be about 18 months old, had been bitten and was severely injured just before 5.30pm. She was treated by these flats were residents rushed to help

Investigation: Police sealed off the area last night and arrested two people, who remain in custody today

Mr Hamilton said police arrived at the scene but the dog kept getting loose.

He added: 'A lad was holding the dog on a lead by now. It was just standing there. The police came and I told them it needed to be put down. They said it will be done. It kept getting loose from it's collar and then they shot it.'

Neighbours said they heard a gun fired and saw a child covered with a blanket being carried to an ambulance.

Jaspreet Uppal said: 'First I heard a gunshot, there was a dog on the floor. A few officers carried out a child from the back area of the flats.

'There is a little park there. I could not see the child, they were covered. I think they were quite small.'

Another neighbour added: 'I saw the aftermath, the emergency services do a excellent job it's times likes these we should be so grateful they act so quickly.'

Detectives were pictured filling evidence bags in a small park behind a block of flats in the hours after the attack - the dog is believed to have leapt over this fence

The injured child was airlifted to a London hospital in a critical condition after being attacked in the Jenkins' Dale are of Chatham, Kent, last night

The young girl is being treated in hospital for 'serious injuries' and the three suspects have been released on bail, Kent Police said today.

A spokesman for the force added: ''The South East Coast Ambulance Service and the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Service also attended and the injured child, of toddler age, was taken to a London hospital in a critical condition.

'The child continues to be treated for very serious injuries, but these are no longer described as life threatening.

'Following the incident, police, including firearms officers, attended the scene and to ensure public safety the dog was shot dead.

'A man and a teenager, both from Chatham, were arrested on the evening of 4 April on suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

'On the evening of 5 April, the man was bailed pending further enquiries, until Wednesday 26 April 2017. The teenager was released, pending further enquiries.

'On Wednesday 5 April, a woman from Chatham was also arrested in connection with the incident and she has also been released, pending further enquiries.

'Enquiries are ongoing to establish the breed of the dog which will include a necropsy (post mortem) and an expert's view.'

The attack comes just days after armed police were forced to shoot dead a pack of dogs that went on a rampage in Manchester.

Detectives cordoned off a small park and children's play area (left and right) on the estate. A neighbour said: 'A few officers carried out a child from the back area of the flats'

Three people were arrested in connection with the attack and remain in police custody pending further enquiries
A flight bound for Chicago has been grounded in Canada after a 'mock explosive device' was found in a passenger's luggage.

Customs and Border Protection announced border security agents at Toronto's Pearson Airport during a pre-clearance check on Thursday morning.

A 58-year-old American citizen has been arrested and charged over the incident.

'US Customs and Border Protection discovered a mock Improvised Explosive Device during an inspection of a travelers suitcase, the department's statement read.

United Flight 547 (pictured) to Chicago's O'Hare Airport was grounded in Canada after a 'mock explosive device' was found in a passenger's luggage

CBP officers immediately notified Canadian Air Transit Authority which swabbed the mock IED for explosives with a negative result.

'For the safety of travelers within the Preclearance Facility, CBP stopped all traveler processing while the mock IED was being tested.

'The traveler was scheduled on United Airlines Flight 547 to Chicago OHare International Airport.

'CBP conducted a joint inspection of the aircraft, rescreening all travelers and baggage. Normal operations have since resumed.'

US Customs and Border Protection released this statement on Thursday afternoon about the incident

The aircraft, which was due to take-off about 7am, was stranded on the runway for several hours. Passengers caught up in the delays are seen above

Speaking to Canadian media, passenger Tory Galick said they were first told the delay was caused by wild weather in the Windy City before being told the real reason. Passengers are seen above

People who were stranded in the airport during the long delay shared pictures of crowds on social media, seen above

The aircraft, which was due to take-off about 7am, was stranded on the runway for several hours.

Speaking to Canadian media, passenger Tory Galick said they were first told the delay was caused by wild weather in the Windy City.

They were then told of the real reason, CTV reports.

The network also reported the plane's pilot was overheard during the phonecall to Galick saying: 'Throughout my career, I have always been very truthful and honest about situations like these, and Im going to just do that right now.

'US Customs has revoked the pre-clearance privileges for you to enter the United States. Therefore, we cannot leave at this time.'

The individual who had the mock device in their luggage is expected to be charged.

It is not known when the plane will land in Chicago.

The plane was due to leave Toronto at 7am on Thursday to fly to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (pictured)
A mother of an asylum seeker, who was viciously beaten by up to 30 thugs, fainted as she was told about the attack on her son.

Rekar Ahmed, was as kicked, punched and stamped at a bus stop as he walked with two friends in Croydon, south London.

The 17-year-old suffered a fractured spine, a fractured eye socket and a bleed to the brain during the horrific attack and was left in a life-threatening condition.

Kurdish Iranian, Rekar, who came to the UK on June 20 last year seeking a safer life when he was attacked while with Dilshad Mohammed and Hamo Mustafa outside The Goat pub.

He is now recovering at King's College Hospital, London, with his brother Hadi Ahmed, who was devastated when Rekar did not recognise him, visiting last week.

Rekar's cousin Omed Ahmed said the horrendous beating left the family in tears when news reached them some 3,000 miles away in Kurdistan.

A Kurdish community group tweeted this picture of Reker Ahmed, the victim of a mob attack in Croydon last week, as he recovers from life-threatening injuries in King's College Hospital

Reker is seen conversing with visitors, although his brother said he has suffered amnesia and didn't recognise him when he arrived to see him

Reker was visited by Kurdish politician Faysal Sariyildiz (right) and community figure Zinar Demeni. A group tweeted the pictures with a plea to donate towards his recovery

The family are now desperate to come to the UK to visit Rekar, but fear they are could not afford a flight to Britain.

Omed, 29, said: 'His mother is crying since last night because we didn't let her know this bad news, but last night she knew everything about Rekar and everything went bad.

'She was shocked and fainted when she heard, we took her to a local public hospital and she took some medicine to relax.

'She is at home now but she's always crying and talking about Rekar. She said 'take me to UK to see Rekar', but Rekar's family are poor, they can't come to England.'

The family only found out on Tuesday night through the television news that Rekar was in intensive care.

Omed, who has clarified that the spelling of Rekar's name is different to the spelling of 'Reker' given in court, said the family have not heard from the police 'at all' since last Friday's attack.

Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan said on Monday that police were trying to track down Rekar's family and a police spokeswoman added that she believed that was still the case on Wednesday.

Rekar has four brothers and one sister said Omed, a student who told his brother Hadi, who also lives in the UK, to visit him in hospital.

Asylum seeker Reker Ahmed was telling friends how happy he was to be living in England shortly before he was attacked, a friend has revealed. His brother, Hadi (right), said he had lost his memory after the shocking beating

Members from the Iranian Kurdish community met senior police officers and Communities Saijid Javid near the scene of the attack today

A total of 13 people have now been charged, with a group of eight appearing in court yesterday. Ben Harman, 20, and a 17-year-old boy, have been charged with racially aggravated GBH and violent disorder. Harman is also charged with dangerous driving.

Liam Neylen, 19, pub barmaid Ellie Leite, 19, James Neves, 22, and a 15-year-old boy face violent disorder charges.

The latest group of defendants appeared before magistrates this morning, along with Kyran Evans, 23, and a 17-year-old girl who were also charged with violent disorder last night.

Police are still searching for these two men and another 'key individual' who has been linked to the attack last week

Ben Harman and Ellie Leite - two of the latest group of people charged over the attack in Croydon - leave court after they appeared before magistates on Monday

James Neves and Kyran Evans hid their faces behind coats as they left court this morning

Liam Neylen leaves court today - he is one of 13 people now charged over the 'race hate' attack

Daryl Davies and his sister Danyelle Davies are among 13 people charged over the attack. They appeared in court on Monday

Another of the five people charged over the incident, believed to be Jack Walder, is pictured leaving Croydon Magistrates' Court

Brothers Jack, left, and George Walder, right, also appeared in court over the attack on the teenager

Police have made 16 arrests but are hunting others said to be among the 30 involved in the attack at just before midnight in Croydon, south London, on Friday night.

Croydon attack: Who has been charged? Daryl Davis, 20, violent disorder Danyelle Davis, 24, violent disorder Barry Potts, 20, violent disorder George Walder, 20, violent disorder and racially aggravated GBH Jack Walder, 24, violent disorder Unnamed girl, 17, violent disorder Kyran Evans, 23, violent disorder Liam Neylen, 19, violent disorder Ben Harman, 20, violent disorder, racially aggravated GBH and dangerous driving Unnamed boy, 15, violent disorder Unnamed boy, 17, violent disorder and racially aggravated GBH Ellie Leite, 19, violent disorder James Neves, 22, violent disorder Advertisement

Five other people appeared in court yesterday charged over the incident.

Danyelle Davis, 24, held the hand of Barry Potts, 20, in the dock as they were charged in connection with the assault on Monday. Her brother Daryl Davis, 20, is also charged.

George Walder, 20, and his brother, Jack Walder, 24, also came before magistrates yesterday.

Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the attack as 'absolutely despicable'.

Danyelle Davis and her brother Daryl Davis, 20, Potts, and the Walder brothers, all from Croydon, spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth, and addresses as they were accused of violent disorder at Monday's hearing.

George Walder, who is also charged with racially-aggravated grievous bodily harm, was remanded in custody. The rest were released on bail.

They are due to appear at Croydon Crown Court on May 1.
A lawyer who was diagnosed with brain cancer three days after he was arrested for hitting a jogger with his SUV may have been using Facebook during the fatal collision, and was involved in a separate crash just minutes earlier, police say.

Police on Thursday confirmed that Peter Holmes Berge, 60, had no illegal substances in his system when he fatally struck 35-year-old jogger Scott Spoo in his BMW SUV in St Paul, Minnesota.

But Berge's cell phone was in an 'active data session' at the time of the February 22 crash, according to AT&T records cited in a search warrant affidavit, according to the Pioneer Press.

Berge is an active Facebook user, and court records show his phone was active from 4.03pm to 4.26pm on the date of the crash, which took place at 4.22pm.

Police are seeking records from Facebook to determine whether Berge was using the social networking site at the time of the crash.

Minnesota lawyer Peter Holmes Berge (left ordinarily and right in his mug shot) discovered he had brain tumors three days after being arrested for running over a jogger in his SUV by police who said he was high

Last month, it emerged that Berge was involved in a separate minor crash just minutes before he fatally struck Spoo.

Berge struck a woman driving a Mini Cooper, who told police she had to flag him down in his SUV because he hadn't noticed the collision, according to a search warrant affidavit reported by the Star Tribune.

Scott Spoo, 35, died in hospital after being struck

The driver of the Mini Cooper also says she noticed a light on Berge's BMW hanging by a wire, and he told her that he'd struck a mailbox two weeks earlier.

A separate witness told police that he witnessed Berge driving erratically southbound on southbound on Mississippi River Boulevard, where Spoo was fatally struck while jogging.

'That witness stated at one point he saw Berge driving with his cellphone in his hand and Berge kept looking down at his phone,' court records said.

'The witness stated that Berge was varying his speed including rapidly accelerating and swerving into oncoming traffic, including forcing one oncoming vehicle off to the shoulder of the road to avoid a collision.'

Police were suspicious that Berge was intoxicated because of his 'odd' behavior at the scene, but he passed alcohol screens at the time, and his toxicology results came back clear later.

That odd behavior included 'continually' using his cell phone after he was placed in the back of a squad car, police said.

Police continued to work at the scene as night fell on February 22. They said Berge was acting strangely and failed a field sobriety test, but he later passed blood screening

Police have not revealed how Berge's BMW came into contact with Spoo as he jogged by the side of the road but the vehicle remained at the scene with a large dent in the front corner

Berge persisted in the obsessive cell phone use until an officer took it from him, placed it in airplane mode, and kept it out of his reach, police said.

Three days after the accident, Berge, a widower without any children, was playing guitar at home when he felt weakness in his side. He went to hospital to be checked over and was told he has four tumors in his brain.

His friend Mike Salovich has told the Star Tribune that Berge has 'primary glioblastoma brain cancer', adding that it is an aggressive, inoperable type of cancer that can only be treated with chemotherapy and radiation.

Berge is the Web Director for the Minnesota Continuing Legal Education and is a member of the Hudson County Bar Association.

Berge, who is a talented guitarist, was at home three day after the crash when he noticed a weakness in one of his sides. He went to hospital where he learned he has four brain tumors

Friends told DailyMail.com that the lawyer, who lost his wife Debra to cancer in 2015, is not a drug user and was a 'very responsible' driver.

'I am a very very good friend of Peter  and I know he does not use drugs and is very responsible as a driver.

'If we go out to eat he always insists on taking an Uber. A group of us went to California last fall and every day Peter volunteered to be the designated driver.

'The initial allegations concerning Peter didn't match his character,' Mike Salovich said, adding that his friend was 'one of the nicest guys in the world'.

Berge has not spoken of the case publicly. The four tumors on his brain are consistent to cancerous ones but he has not yet been diagnosed formally, friends said after visiting him.

He was driving his BMW SUV when he struck Spoo, an engineer and lover of the outdoors, on February 22.

When police arrived, they said he appeared to be acting 'oddly'.

Officers also noted a green residue on his tongue which made them suspect he'd ingested marijuana, but police revealed on Thursday that his toxicology results 'show know illegal substances' at the time of the crash.

Detectives have not ruled out the possibility the tumors caused the incident, they added.

'This is still a very active and open investigation.'

Spoo was eulogized by his family as an enthusiastic cyclist, jogger and an all-round lover of the outdoors.

His organs were donated as a final act of kindness on his behalf, they said.
Horrifying accusations: Kyle Thompson, 31, has been charged with sexually assaulting at least three girls under the age of five and the indicted on federal charges for allegedly filming the rapes

'Your mommy can't save you.'

That is what a 31-year-old Maryland man allegedly told a 4-year-old girl as he raped her in the woods near his Montgomery County earlier this year.

Prosecutors said Kyle Thompson videotaped the sexual assaults of the little girl and two other children under the age of five and later showed the recordings to an acquaintance, who tipped off the authorities.

On Wednesday a federal grand jury indicted Thompson, of Burtonsville, Maryland, on 18 counts of production of child pornography.

According to the indictment, the attacks took place between May 9, 2015, and January 28, 2017, resulting in the production of pornographic videos featuring children.

Investigators believe Thompson, who was employed as an HVAC technician for a decade, may have befriended women with young girls in order to gain access to the children.

Thompson is currently detained on related state charges of sex abuse of a minor, first-degree sex offense and third-degree sex offense.

An anonymous source tipped off police on March 16 claiming that Thompson showed people videos of him having sex with the 4-year-old and two other girls, among them a 3-year-old, reported WUSA9.

In one recording time-stamped January 28, 2017, the 4-year-old is reportedly heard yelling, 'I want my mommy,' to which Thompson replies, 'Your mommy cant save you.'

Another video allegedly depicts the 31-year-old man restraining the toddlers arms with a belt and performing a sex act on her as she cries.

When police searched the man's home in Burtonsville on March 17, they allegedly uncovered a cache of still photographs and videos depicting child pornography dating back to at least 2013.

Investigators say the assaults took place between May 2015 and January 2017 inside Thompson's home in Burtonsville, Maryland, and in nearby woods (pictured)

A review of the evidence seized from the suspects home helped investigators identify a third victim, a 3-year-old girl who was seen in a video-recording crying while being allegedly sexually assaulted by her grandmothers then-boyfriend, Kyle Thompson.

The man was babysitting the toddler while her grandmother was out buying food, according to police.

Thompson is also suspected of attempting to molest the 4-year-old victims 9-year-old sister after asking her for a hug in 2015, but the child, whose mother was dating the suspect at the time, told police she managed to escape his grasp. The man was never charged in that case but it remains open, according to Heavy.com.

When interviewed by police, Kyle Thompson denied all allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that he did not know any of the victims.

The charging documents described the 31-year-old suspect as an 'extremely violent man' who has 15 registered firearms and who was previously suspected of beating and raping women and threatening them with a gun.

If convicted of the federal charges, Thompson faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and up to 30 years in prison for each of the 18 counts of production of child pornography.

The Washington Post reported that until his arrest last month, Thompson had no prior criminal record and earned $80,000 a year from his job at Compu Dynamics, from which he was fired two weeks ago.
Feedback from a Connecticut woman's Fitbit may have saved her life, as it confirmed her suspicions that her shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat were something to be worried about.

Patricia Lauder, 73, felt like something was wrong in mid-January when her fitness-tracking bracelet showed her resting heart rate was 140 beats per minute.

The retiree, from Harwinton, Connecticut, had been battling a sinus infection and thought she might have walking pneumonia.

Patricia Lauder with her doctor JuYong Lee. Earlier this year she felt like something was wrong when her fitness-tracking bracelet showed her resting heart rate was 140 beats per minute

It took several doctors visits to determine the cause of her symptoms, over which time she told CNN: 'My resting heart rate got to a point where a simple chore was a big effort'.

Lauder watched as her resting heart rate steadily rose from a normal 60 to 70 BPM to over 100. Because the Fitbit saves data over time, she knew that this was abnormal.

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Deciding that she could not wait any longer for test results, she said she decided to call 9-1-1.

Lauder was taken to the emergency department at the University of Connecticut John Dempsy Hospital in Farmington.

During the ambulance ride, responders confirmed that her heart rate was above 140 beats per minute while she was lying down.

At the hospital, doctors performed a series of tests and determined that she had blood clots in both lungs.

In an artery or vein, a clot can decrease blood flow. While her doctors do not know what caused the clots, research shows that people with respiratory infections may have a temporarily increased risk for developing clots.

Clots in both of her lungs caused her heart to work significantly harder to circulate blood to the rest of her body.

'My heart had enlarged to about 65% beyond its capacity,' she told CNN.

Lauder watched as her resting heart rate steadily rose from a normal 60 to 70 BPM to over 100. Because the Fitbit saves data over time, she knew that this was abnormal

Doctor JuYong Lee, director of vascular and endovascular medicine at UConn Health Calhoun Cardiology Center said that after taking a look at her scans, he decided to quickly intervene.

He applied clot-bursting drugs directly into the lungs' blood clots through a catheter, and within 24 hours they were gone and her heart function returned to normal.

'I was home on Monday evening,' she said.

'I think the fitbit actually helped her decide whether or not this was a serious condition at the time,' said lee, noting that several patients wear fitness trackers.

'She may have actually died if she had not sought medical attention,' he confirmed.
Malia Obama was spotted braving the rainy New York City weather on Thursday as she headed to her internship in Manhattan.

The former first daughter was seen sporting a knit sweater over a black mini dress as she kept warm in her burgundy parka.

The 18-year-old has been interning for Harvey Weinstein's film company in Tribeca.

No spring in her step! Malia Obama was spotted wearing a knit sweater over a black mini dress as she made her way to her internship in Tribeca on Wednesday

The teen, who has been working in the city since January, has been frequently spotted in her chic, casual street style outfits.

The former president's daughter is reportedly helping out in the film company's development department by reading and pitching scripts to executives.

When she's not hard at work, Malia has been seen enjoying evenings out in New York City with friends.

She was spotted wearing the same coat while at dinner at a popular bar and grill in Manhattan's East Village last week.

Malia is expected to begin classes at Harvard in the fall after taking a gap year and doing internship work.
The mother of a man who was killed by police during a surveillance operation has branded the officer who fired the fatal shot a 'murderer'.

Marina Schofield, whose 36-year-old son Anthony Grainger was shot dead in Cheshire in 2012, heckled the officer as he spoke at a public inquiry on Thursday.

Mr Grainger was killed while being watched by officers from Operation Shire who were targeting a gang suspected of planning armed robberies.

Marina Schofield, the mother of Anthony Grainger (together left) who was shot dead by police in 2012, branded the officer who killed him a 'murderer' at an inquiry on Thursday

Mr Grainger was sitting behind the wheel of a stolen Audi in Cheshire when armed officers told him to show his hands, then opened fire when they say he reached into his lap

On March 3 the officer, referred to as Q9 in court, was providing firearms cover for a police vehicle when he approached Mr Grainger as he sat in the driver's seat of a stolen Audi in the village of Culcheth.

Q9 told the inquiry that he shouted 'armed police, show us your hands' at Mr Grainger and David Totton, who was in the passenger seat.

The officer said both man placed their hands on the dashboard, before Mr Grainger reached down towards his groin area with his right hand.

Q9 said he fired a single shot from his Heckler and Koch MP5 sub-machine gun which went through the windshield and fatally wounded Mr Grainger.

Jason Beer QC, counsel to the inquiry, asked Q9 if he was 'sure to the point of certainty' Mr Grainger had a firearm.

Giving evidence from behind a screen, Q9 said: 'Yes, because of his deliberate movement down towards his groin area.'

Asked if he would carry out the same action if presented with the same circumstances a second time, Q9 replied that he would.

Ms Schofield then shouted: 'Murderer, that's what you are.

'This is all a farce, everybody in this court knows he murdered my son. What about Anthony's two kids?'

The officer who shot Grainger, known only as Q9, told the inquiry that he was sure Mr Grainger had a weapon at the time. No weapon was found in the car (pictured left)

'No-one's helped me for five years, I've had no welfare.'

Q9 told the inquiry that in the days after Mr Grainger's death he had a meeting about welfare support with representatives from the Police Firearms Officers Association and V53 - the officer who shot Mark Duggan in Tottenham in August 2011.

He said he and V53 had since become 'friends'.

When asked what they talked about, he said: 'The sort of thing you would discuss with your friends.'

He said he had also had a discussion with the officer who shot Azelle Rodney in north London in 2005.

Leslie Thomas QC, representing Mr Grainger's family, said: 'It sounds like this little club of you firearms officers who shoot people.'

Judge Thomas Teague, chairman to the inquiry, interrupted Mr Thomas's questioning and told him he would 'not have inflammatory language like that used'.

The inquiry previously heard no firearms were found on Mr Grainger or in the vehicle.

Mr Totton, Robert Rimmer and Joseph Travers, all from Manchester, were arrested after Mr Grainger's death but later found not guilty of conspiracy to rob following a trial at Manchester Crown Court in September 2012.
Tyler Clinton is pictured above in a 2015 mugshot. The 22-year-old nephew of Bill and Hillary is now a model living and working in New York City

Tyler Clinton may be a big-shot Manhattan model now, but he didn't always look so polished.

The 22-year-old nephew of Bill and Hillary's 2015 mugshot has surfaced, in which he looks less than runway ready.

Tyler got his mugshot taken two years ago, after he allegedly hit another man over the head with a beer bottle in a bar fight in Fullerton, California, RadarOnline reported in November.

It's unclear if he was still underage at the time.

He was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, but the Orange County District Attorney's Office decided not to pursue charges for an unknown reason.

Sgt Jon Radus wrote about the alleged altercation.

'On June 18, 2015 at approximately 12:16am, Fullerton Police officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of S. Lemon Street regarding an altercation at a night club. Upon arrival, they contacted a male, later identified as Tyler Clinton, who had already been detained by Security at the night club.

TMZ reported this week that Tyler had signed with IMG Models. Above is a picture included in his portfolio

Tyler and his uncle pictured above on a recent trip to the Clintons' home in Chappaqua, New York. Tyler is the son of President Clinton's half-brother Roger

Five-foot-11 Tyler made headlines this summer when he hugged with aunt on the stage at the end of the Democratic National Convention

'Victims and witnesses accused Clinton of striking the victim over the head with a beer bottle.

'Based on the allegations and statements taken at the scene, in addition to statements provided by Clinton, Clinton was placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon,' Radus said.

On Tuesday, TMZ reported that Tyler had moved to New York where he had been signed by IMG MOdels.

Five-foot-11 Tyler made headlines this summer when he hugged with aunt on the stage at the end of the Democratic National Convention.

Several outlets wrote stories seeking to identify the handsome young man, and it was eventually revealed that he was Bill and Hill's close relative.

After going viral, some of Tyler's modeling photos started circulating the internet

Adina Doria, who shot the pictures, told ET that Tyler was 'incredibly professional, very well-mannered and a truly genuine person'

After going viral, some of Tyler's modeling photos started circulating the internet.

Adina Doria, who shot the pictures, told ET that Tyler was 'incredibly professional, very well-mannered and a truly genuine person.'

'He really deserves this attention,' she said. 'I am both humbled and honored to have received such an incredible response from fans around the world.'

Tyler, who is originally from California, attended Loyola Marymount University and his uncle gave the class commencement address when he graduated last year.

'He really deserves this attention,' she said. 'I am both humbled and honored to have received such an incredible response from fans around the world'
An undocumented immigrant from Mexico who got his 15-year-old stepdaughter pregnant twice shot her dead after he convinced her mom to step out and then broke into her home, it has emerged.

Armando Rodrigo Garcia-Ramires, 36, slew Jennifer Delgado in San Antonio, Texas, on March 6, according to a police report. Her mom had gone to meet him at a local bank before the killing, the newly emerged details claim.

Garcia-Ramires had previously been released released from ICE custody twice - most recently in April 2016, one month before he impregnated Delgado a second time, Chron.com reported.

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Murder: Armando Garcia-Ramires, 35 (left), an undocumented Mexican, allegedly shot stepdaughter Jennifer Delgado (right), 15, who was pregnant with his child, before non-fatally shooting himself in the chin with a .22-caliber gun

Courtesy of KABB

According to the report, the girl's mom - who is not being identified - had been married to Garcia-Ramires for ten years, but they separated last year.

Delgado had stayed with him for most of that time, but moved back in with her mom shortly before her death.

At that point, her mom told police, her daughter admitted that both her one-year-old son, which she had when she was 14, and the baby she was nine months pregnant with were both Garcia-Ramires's.

He had begun the process of being granted legal status in the US the previous year, the Washington Times reported.

Slain: Delgado was pregnant; her one-year-old boy (right) was found next to her body. Both children belonged to Garcia-Ramires, according to her mom, who is also his ex-wife

On March 6, Garcia-Ramires asked to meet the mom - identified in the report as 'O' - at a bank to give her some money that they had been arguing about.

'O' left both her daughter and grandson in her apartment and drove to the bank.

She waited 'a little while' before calling Garcia-Ramires to ask where he was, at which point he told her he was at the creek near her Spanish Keys Apartments home on Babcock road, the report claims.

She found him near some woods there, at which point he told her he couldn't live without her, put a .22-caliber gun under his chin and pulled the trigger, she said.

Police arrived to find Garcia Ramires still alive with an injured chin, pointing his gun into the air and pulling the trigger, the report claimed. He collapsed and was taken to a university hospital.

Concerned about Delgado, two officers then entered the apartment and found the teenager shot multiple times in the head. Four shell casings were on the ground.

Her one-year-old boy was sitting next to her. Attempts to rescue her unborn baby were unsuccessful.

Garcia-Ramires was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder. His boots were matched to muddy prints outside the mother's building, police said.

He was booked into the Bexar County Jail on $2million bond, and ICE has placed an immigration hold on him.

Found: Cops found Delgado shot to death at her mom's home (pictured). She had been left alone after Garcia-Ramires asked her mom to meet him at a bank so he could give her money

Shot: Garcia-Ramires called his wife from the bank to these woods near her home, where he non-fatally shot himself. Investigating cops then went to her home, where they found Delgado

Records reviewed by the Houston Chronicle indicate that Armando Garcia-Ramires, a native of Mexico, was first picked up by ICE agents in January 2011 through the criminal alien program of San Antonio.

He was released on bond less than a month later.

He was re-arrested in April 2016 after allegedly trying to smuggle five other illegal immigrants into the US, the Washington Times reported. The prosecutor declined to move forward with the case.

However, an immigration judge again granted him bond and he was freed in mid-May.

Around the middle of June 2016, Garcia-Ramires apparently got Jennifer Delgado pregnant with her second child.

Illegal: Garcia-Ramires had been arrested two times before, once in 2011, once in 2016. Both times he was released

The case has caused outrage among many who are angry at what they see as a lax attitude by immigration authorities.

'This guy is the reason that Trump got elected,' Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California) told The Washington Times.

'No matter how many times people say it's not true, and the media says things like this are on the fringe, this is why Trump got elected.'

ICE has said it will try to deport him if and when he is released by authorities.

In January, San Antonio's police chief William McManus told Texas Public Radio that he does not consider it to be a sanctuary city.

However, he admitted that 'We don't inquire about peoples immigration status.'

'Our job is to answer calls for service and work with the community to help prevent and investigate crime. That is our primary mission and responsibility.'

He added that ICE agents regularly come to the station to check their lists against his own.

'They're not looking for someone who was arrested on a traffic ticket who may happen to be illegal, they wouldnt know anyway,' he said.

'Theyre looking for people who have committed serious crimes and may be in our detention center.'
Patricia Flores (pictured) was sentenced to 57 years and six months after she pleaded guilty in a Tarrant County, Texas, to murdering her grandson Lyfe 'Gabe' Flores in April 2016

A 44-year-old woman has been sentenced to almost six decades in prison for killing her two-year-old grandson.

Patricia Flores was sentenced to 57 years and six months after she pleaded guilty in a Tarrant County, Texas, to murdering Lyfe 'Gabe' Flores in April 2016.

The grandmother kept her head down, was barely able to look up and covered her face with her hands as the judge handed down her punishment, WFAA reports.

'Gabe' died after he was scalded with boiling hot water. The 44-year-old had initially told police her grandson had injured himself when he climbed into a mop bucket when she was out of the room.

She also claimed to have treated the young boy for six days before he died, citing her experience as a nursing assistant.

Investigators had their doubts about Flores' story due to the severity of the toddler's injuries, which included: burns across his body, internal bleeding missing teeth, bruises, and knots on the back of his head, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Lyfe 'Gabe' Flores (pictured) died in April 2016 after he was scalded with boiling hot water

Flores (pictured) had initially told police her grandson had injured himself when he climbed into a mop bucket when she was out of the room

Prior to entering her plea, Flores - who was 43 at the time of the incident - had told police she finally stopped attempting to look after her grandson on his own when she saw his eyes roll back into his head.

'Ive seen lots of abuse; Ive seen lots of trauma,' Children's ER doctor Katherine Moore testified to the court on Tuesday, WFAA reports.

'I have never seen a child before him that was - that suffered - I think is the best word to say.'

Lyfe and his five-month-old sister had been placed with Flores after they were removed from their parents' home by Child Protective Services just weeks before the shocking death

The doctor then recounted what she remembered from when the young boy was hospitalized after his grandmother finally called 911.

'When you see a patient whos about to die, they have a look to them,' she said.

'I've seen several - This young man had that look.'

Lyfe and his five-month-old sister had been placed with Flores after they were removed from their parents' home by Child Protective Services just weeks before the shocking death.
An Oklahoma woman and her dog were killed by two pit bulls Thursday, according to police.

The unidentified woman was walking her small dog just before 2pm Thursday in the 8100 block of Willow Creek Boulevard in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, when they were attacked by a pit bull and pit bull terrier, said Oklahoma City Police Officer Travis Vernier.

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Master Sergeant Gary Knight (left) said an unidentified woman and her small dog were mauled to death by pit bulls just before 2pm Thursday in an Oklahoma City suburb (right)

Officer Travis Vernier (above) said the woman was walking her dog when they were attacked

Video courtesy of KWTV:

'During this attack the woman's dog and the woman, sadly, were both killed, they were both mauled to death by the two dogs,' Master Sergeant Gary Knight told NewsOK.

Paramedics found the woman and her dog dead at the scene, said Knight.

One of the pit bulls was fatally shot by police and the other hit by a patrol car and taken to Oklahoma City Animal Welfare in unknown condition, News9 reports.
A jewelry store owner has exacted sweet revenge for a nasty review on his company's Yelp page.

A jury in Quincy, Massachusetts has ordered Adam Jacobs, an employee of Toodie's Fine Jewelry, to pay rival jeweler Stephen Blumberg $34,500 for emotional distress caused by a fake Yelp review he posted in 2013.

The review by 'Adam J.' described going into Blumberg's shop, Stephen Leigh Jewelers, and having a bad experience, urging other customers to 'go elsewhere'.

'I did do research for several months' to track down the reviewer, Blumberg told the Patriot Ledger, adding that he called up other businesses reviewed by the account to determine who was behind it.

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A jury in Quincy, Massachusetts has ordered Adam Jacobs (left), an employee of Toodie's Fine Jewelry, to pay rival jeweler Stephen Blumberg (right) $34,500 for emotional distress

The review by 'Adam J.' described going into Blumberg's shop, Stephen Leigh Jewelers, and having a bad experience, urging other customers to 'go elsewhere'

The owner of Stephen Leigh Jewelers (pictured) suspected the negative review was phony, and traced it to the son of the owner of rival jewelry shop Toodie's Fine Jewelry

The alleged encounter over the engagement ring never happened, Blumberg said.

The jury in the civil trial believed him, awarding Blumberg the damages in a March 22 decision.

Blumberg filed the suit in December of 2013, also naming Toodie's, which is owned by Jacobs' father.

Toodies was not found liable for the negative review by the jury.

An attorney for Tooties and Jacobs told the Patriot Ledger that his clients were considering post-trial motions and a possible appeal, and declined to comment further.
Former deputy manager Andrei Ignatescu (pictured)

It claims to get you through the checkout queue 40 per cent quicker than its rivals  and there seems to be a good reason Aldis till staff are so speedy.

A whistleblower claims the chains workers face the sack if they fail to scan at least 1,000 items an hour.

Former deputy manager Andrei Ignatescu said those who miss the target, which equates to an item every 3.5 seconds, are hauled into performance reviews with managers and can be let go if it happens three times.

But he said some customers were angry at not having enough time to bag their shopping. Mr Ignatescu accused bosses of knowing the figure was unrealistic but said it was used to pressure staff into working at breakneck pace.

Staff have to meet a target of scanning a minimum of 1,000 items per hour, said Mr Ignatescu, who worked at a store in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

We all got performance reviews and deputy managers would get told if they were not keeping up.

If you dont hit these targets, you are shown your actual speed and have a performance review meeting with managing staff. If this happens three times you can be let go.

I had to be fast and many customers were not happy about it.

I told the managers this but they didnt listen. They dont care because they can easily find other staff.

The chain has previously stated its tills were 40 per cent quicker than those of its rivals, a key factor in driving down costs for shoppers.

The 28-year-old said: They expect you to be like a robot.

My colleagues felt the same as me but they needed the money. The quota was written on a sheet on the staff canteen wall, according to Romanian-born Mr Ignatescu, who lives in Ely with his pregnant fiancee.

Monthly performances were also displayed, he claims, effectively naming and shaming those who were least efficient. Some struggled to reach 800 items per hour.

He said: Achieving a speed of 1,000 items an hour is a challenge because it depends on how the customer reacts.

Mr Ignatescu accused bosses of knowing the figure was unrealistic but said it was used to pressure staff into working at breakneck pace

They dont come to see a race, they come to do their shopping. Aldi says the company loses money if you dont keep to this target.

They want to have fewer staff on the tills because they want staff out stocking shelves and on the shop floor.

Mr Ignatescu quit his job three weeks ago because he couldnt handle it any more. He now works in construction.

No one he knows was sacked for under-performing but he was aware of one colleague who was told to be careful. He said: What they demand is unrealistic but they do it to keep pressure on staff. I took some days off because of the stress.

Earlier this year Aldi  which pays a minimum of 8.53 per hour, the highest rate in the supermarket sector  became Britains fifth biggest supermarket by market share, overtaking Co-op.

The firm says that it keeps costs down by stocking a limited range of products and selling items that come in shelf-ready packaging.

Customers have spoken online about the speed of the supermarkets checkout staff.

One said: Reckon there should be some kind of counselling for after youve been through the checkout at Aldi to recover from the speed.

Another commented: Im close to an anxiety attack every time I shop at Aldi due to the insane speed.

Asked about till targets, the company said: This former employee never raised any of these matters during his time with us and his claims are unrepresentative of the views of our 29,000 colleagues.



An Aldi spokesperson said:

We encourage all our checkout staff to be as efficient as possible which helps us to keep prices low for our customers.

Our employees are trained to operate the checkout at the appropriate pace for each individual person they serve.

We offer market-leading rates of pay and actively welcome feedback from employees. For example, in our most recent independently-conducted employee survey, 85% of our employees rated Aldi as a great place to work which is higher than the industry benchmark of 80%.

This former employee never raised any of these matters during his time with us and his claims are unrepresentative of the views of our 29,000 colleagues.
Two teenage boys have have been arrested over the fatal stabbing of a service station worker, who was found bleeding to death by his co-workers after the midnight attack.

The two boys, 15 and 16, were allegedly involved in a crime spree leading up to the fatal attack - bashing a man with a tyre iron during a break-and-enter before attacking another with a beer bottle in a Queanbeyan park.

The service station worker, 29, was discovered dying by his co-worker at the popular 24-hour Caltex service station in Queanbeyan just before midnight.

His alleged attackers were finally arrested after a police received a report of a second stabbing at 6.20 am in a nearby suburb.

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Police are on the hunt for two teenage boys after a Caltex worker was brutally stabbed to death on Thursday night

Officers from Monaro Local Area Command have descended on the service station, setting up a crime scene which is being forensically examined

It's alleged the duo went into the service station at 11.45pm on Thursday, where a struggle ensued with the attendant who received a number of stab wounds.

The teenagers allegedly fled the scene with the cash register and other goods from the store.

Locked doors meant the alleged offenders were tapped inside the service station and had to smash the windows to escape, the Canberra Times reports.

'It doesn't need to be said, but it doesn't get more serious than this,' Superintendent Smith said.

'It's an absolutely horrific series of events, and we'd just like to reassure everybody that there are two people that we believe are involved, and both of those people are currently in custody.'

Police have alleged that the two teenagers attacked a second man just hours after the stabbing at the Caltex service station in Queanbeyan

The second stabbing victim is in hospital and in a serious but stable condition

'We received another report of another stabbing in Stornaway Road, Queanbeyan where a man was stabbed in the abdomen,' police said on Friday morning.

'He is currently in a serious but stable condition at the Canberra Hospital.'

Shortly after the incident, police attempted to pull over a silver Ford Falcon Sedan, which led to a police chase, which crossed state lines from NSW to the Australian Capital Territory.

The chase finally came to an end in the ACT, where the duo were arrested and taken to a watch house.

Authorities will be issuing warrants for the pair and seeking their extradition back to NSW.

Blue tarpaulin has been set up around the Caltex service station, where officers from Monaro Local Area Command have set up a crime scene which is being forensically examined.
Hillary Clinton said in her first official interview since her failed presidential bid that she believed FBI Director James Comey's letter ten days before the election, stating that he was re-opening the investigation into her emails, ended her hopes of the presidency.

She also blamed WikiLeaks, saying that the two 'had the determinative effect' on her campaign.

'I think it is fair to say that the outside intervention, the combination of the Comey letter on October 28, WikiLeaks which played a much bigger role than I think many people understand yet, had the determinative effect,' she said.

The former Secretary of State received a lengthy standing ovation when she appeared on stage in New York at the Women in the World summit organized by her close friend, Tina Brown.

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She's back: Hillary Clinton used an interview at Tina Brown's Women in the World conference in New York to blame the FBI - and Wikileaks - for her defeat

Hailed a heroine: Clinton received a lengthy standing ovation at the Women in the World conference, organized by her close friend Tina Brown

Blame him: Clinton said the FBI Director James Comey's decision to announce the renewed probe into her emails because of messages found on pervert Anthony Weiner's computer led to her defeat

She raised laughs and applause when asked by interviewer Nicholas Kristof what she thought of Comey's announcement of the investigation into the Trump team's ties to Russia.

'Yes that was one of the high points of the last weeks,' she said.

She said that she had been 'devastated' in the aftermath of the election. 'I had to take up my mind that I was going to get out of bed, go for long walks and see my grandchildren.'

She said that she and her team were piecing together what had happened and that there were many contributing factors, adding that she believed WikiLeaks had a much bigger role than anyone really knew yet.

Clinton's long-time aide Huma Abedin was spotted on the stage at the end of the event - ironic given that it was her husband Anthony Weiner being under investigation by the FBI for sexting a 15-year-old which prompted Comey's letter.

Clinton opened by lacing into the Trump administration and its failure on several policies including the travel ban for six Muslim-majority countries and the healthcare bill.

Kristof opened by saying he wasn't sure whether he should offer Clinton condolences or she should offer them to us.

'Yes, I had thought a lot about that,' she said. 'There's certainly enough condolences to go around. I hope we move on to 'being able to see some positive developments in country but that's going to take some time apparently.'

And she spoke at length about Vladimir Putin, who is accused of interfering in the election, accusing him of 'not liking strong women'.

She dodged a direct question on whether Trump or his associates were involved in the Kremlin's alleged misconduct.

But she said: 'Because of the success that the Kremlin feels that it had, they are not going away.

New York Times writer Kristof asked how she was doing.

Im doing pretty well all things considered, Clinton said.

The aftermath of the election was so devastating and everything that has come to light in the days and weeks since have been also troubling. So I just had to make up my mind that yes, I was going to get out of bed and yes, I was going to go for a lot of long walks in the woods and I was going to see my grandchildren a lot and spend time with my family and my friends whove rallied around me in an amazing way.

Weve had lots of fun adventures, long nights talking and laughing. So Im okay as a person.

As an American Im pretty worried - theres a lot to be concerned about.

She was asked what she thought about Comeys announcement that the FBI had been investigating the Trump campaign since July but didnt think it was appropriate to release this information due to the ongoing investigation  in contrast to how the investigation into her private email server had been handled.

So what did you throw at the TV? Kristof asked.

Yes, that was one of the high points of the last weeks, she quipped.

She continued: I am deeply concerned about what went on with Russia and I think its important that we all work together regardless of party or partisanship or anything else - we start acting like patriotic Americans.

A foreign power meddled with our election and did so in a way that were learning more about every single day.

The people who are looking into it in the Senate have said that the Russian hacking should give chills to anybody who cares about democracy.

John McCain has said hes never been so worried about our country in his lifetime and thats a lifetime that included WW2, Vietnam and being a prisoner of war.

I think there does seem to be a lot of concern because what was done to us was an act of aggression by a foreign power under the control of someone who has a deep desire to dominate Europe and to send us into a tailspin.

He's to blame too: Julian Assange is the leader of Wikileaks, which Clinton said had played 'a much bigger role' than people realize in her defeat

I think that what Putin wanted to do was sow distrust and confusion as well as influence our election.

She added: So as an American Im hoping - whether its the Congress or the FBI or outside journalists or whoever the combination of forces might be - that we find out a whole lot more. I personally favour an independent, non-partisan investigation.

Clinton addressed the pressing question on whether she thought there was collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin.

I think that is what this investigation should look at. Im hopeful that the Congress will hold together and realize that because of the success that the Kremlin feels like it had, they are not going to go away.

So whatever party you are or whatever business you run, whatever kinds of concerns you have  if we dont take action together to hold whoever was involved accountable - they will be back time and time again.

I know Putin. Ive sat with him and this is somebody who plays the long game. He plays three-dimensional chess, hes always trying to work out how to advantage himself, his oligarchic companions and his country  in that order.

He is very much focused on destabilizing Europe, NATO, and the United States  real democracies.

She said she has been asked by people the reason why she thinks that Putin did that to her.

I dont think its too complicated. I think he had his desire to destabilize us and others and hes not exactly fond of strong women.

She quipped: Although he did shake hands with me referencing President Trumps refusal to shake hands with German chancellor Angela Merkel several weeks ago during her visit to the White House.

Clinton addressed the idea of democracy in Russia following mass protests against Putins government in recent weeks.

I want the Russian people to know that were in their corner. We would love for them to have the same opportunities that we have for our own people and we hope that someday that will be possible.

First questions: The appearance was her first 'interview', conducted by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristoff

The discussion then moved to what Clinton believed caused her to lose the presidential election.

Im currently writing a book where I spend a lot of time wrestling with this, she said. As you might guess Ive thought about it more than once and I dont think that there is one answer.

In any campaign, theres many different cross-currents and events and some have greater impacts than others.

Its fair to say misogyny played a role. That just has to be admitted. Why and what the underlying reasons were Im trying to parse out myself.

There is a constant struggle  for women and men - in a time of rapid change like the one were living through between something that is different and that may hold out even possible positive consequences - and something that is familiar and is first and foremost about security of what you have right now.

I think in this election there was a very real struggle between what is viewed as change that is welcomed and exciting to so many Americans and change which is worrisome and threatening to so many others.

And you layer on the first woman president over that and I think some people, women included, had real problems.

Its fair to say that President Obama and my husband, they also struggled for white votes.

But she said it was down to Democrats to engage with people.

We have to do a better job in speaking to and with people who are on the downside of the change equation and wondering what we have to offer and why they should vote for us.

As opposed to, I dont agree with him, Im not sure I approve of him but he looks like somebody whos been a president before so why do I want to add more change, more potential anxiety to my life? Were just going to hope he does a little bit of what he says.

Kristof said that he had spoken to many young women who told him that they had been galvanized by Clintons loss in the way they had not been by her campaign. He added that many wanted to get involved in public life but were anxious about the nastiness  especially for women.

Clinton replied: Im going to spend a lot of my time encouraging young people, particularly young women, to go into politics and public service.

I believe that not only is it a worthy and very satisfying way to contribute, make a living, learn more but because we really need you  and we particularly need more young women.

She said she planned to work with organizations to recruit, mentor and train young people for public life but offered some words of advice on the personal attacks they might face.

Be ready  is it not a new phenomenon but it feels new and painful every time it happens to you.

She then quoted Eleanor Roosevelt who said that every woman who enters the public arena needs to grow a hide as thick as a rhinoceros.

She added: And boy, do I relate to that.

Clinton then addressed academic research which shows that the more successful women become, the less likeable they are  the opposite of men for whom success and likeability are correlated.

Its what lies at the heart of a lot of the attacks and its unconscious, she said.

She pointed to how when she left her role as Secretary of State, she had a 65 per cent approval rating with the public  something which slid when she began her presidential run.

Well what happened? By the time theyd finished with me I was Typhoid Mary and poor Mary didnt serve it either when you go back and look at the history, she said, to laughter from the audience.

She said she thought she could have been a really good president but claimed that what happened to her during the election verified the research which showed that women were less liked the more successful they became.

She said she was encouraged by the numbers of young people getting involved in politics, turning up at town halls and making thousands of phone calls that helped derail that terrible healthcare bill.

But she added: Toughen up your skin  take it seriously but not personally.

Im not perfect  everybody knows that by now. I take criticism seriously but I dont take it personally.

Because part of the personal attacks, the bullying, the name-calling that has become much more pervasive because of the internet, is to crush your spirit, to make you feel inadequate, to make you doubt yourself and I just refused to do that and that infuriated them.

Her remarks were met with lengthy applause and cheering.

Kristof asked her what she blamed for her loss.

She said: How much time do we have?

We have spent a lot of time trying to piece it all together and there are lots of contributing factors.

We certainly could have done it better and theres certain things I could have done better.

Present: Huma Abedin was at the side of the stage as her boss Hillary Clinton blamed James Comey for her defeat - because he re-opened the email probe on the basis of messages from Huma found on her pervert husband Anthony Weiner's laptop

Adoring audience: The predominantly female crowd was on its feet for Clinton at the start and the finish.

She pointed to the Comey letter and WikiLeaks but went on: For people who are interested in this - the nearly 66 million people who voted for me, she said with a sly grin, I want to give as clear and as credible an explanation of these factors as I can.

Weve learned some lessons.

One of those is about Russia, she said. Since they were successful in influencing voters, its different than the interference with the actual voting machines and for a while there was confusion about that.

There are people who pursue that but putting that to one side it was really the weaponization of information, something that Putin has used inside and outside Russia to great effect.

I didnt fully understand how impactful that was. It created doubts in people.

But then Comey letter coming as it did just ten days before the election really raised serious questions in a lot of people, I think that were unfounded but nevertheless happened.

I think we have to be really clear  Democrats, Republicans, whatever  what was done in that election was really unprecedented and we cant let that happen again.

I dont want any Republican candidate to be subjected what I was subjected to. I dont want anyone running campaigns for the Republican Party to have their communications stolen  which is what it was, it was a theft.

It was more effective theft even than Watergate.

She concluded: We should have tough, aggressive campaigning, that goes with the territory, but we are not going to let somebody sitting in the Kremlin with a 1,000 agents and bots and trolls trying to mix up in our elections.

We need to end that and we need a bipartisan American commitment.

Clinton was asked what she thought about Trumps first 100 days in office.

First let me say that, I dont take any pleasure in seeing the kind of chaotic functioning.

I thought I was going to win and I had a really good transition operation going because I understood.

Remember that one point in the debate when my opponent was ridiculing me yet again for having prepared for the debate. And I said, Yes I did prepare for the debate and Ill tell you something else I prepared for and thats being president.

She went on: Its the hardest job you can imagine. I thought we wouldve been prepared, ready to move on events.

We worked so hard on policies and already lining up personal and the likes. So clearly that wasnt well prepared for the incoming administration and I think theyre going through some very public growing pains.

But heres what I dont understand. I dont understand the commitment to hurt so many people that this administration seems to be pursuing.

She highlighted Trumps travel ban, saying it had a chilling effect across the world. It had a terrible impact.

And then of course what they did, or tried to do, with the health care bill after listening to them discuss repeal and replace for eight years now, they had no clue what that meant.

I dont know if any of them had read the bill, read the law, to understand how it worked. It was so obvious.

You know, healthcare is complicated! They dont know what to do and I do admit that was somewhat gratifying.

The audience erupted into cheers and applause at those words.

Under the weather: Clinton arrived in a downpour on board one of her famous Scooby vans - of the type which she was infamously put in when she collapsed at Ground Zero

Hug time: Samatha Bee was on stage hugging Clinton before the start of her interview with Nick Kristoff

Clinton went on to say that she believed supporting womens health, reproductive and maternity care across the world  which is under threat of being seriously curtailed in a Trump administration - was essential to U.S. national security along with being morally the right thing to do.

She said: The targeting of women which is whats going on is absolutely beyond any political agenda. There is something else happening here.

The more we support women, the more we support democracy and the more we backhand terrorism.

Womens issues are national security issues around the world.

She eviscerated the Trump cabinet and zoned in on the picture of the all-male team discussing womens healthcare.

The things that come out of some of these mens mouths like, Why do we have to cover maternity care?

She quipped: Oh I dont know - maybe you were dropped by Immaculate Conception?

She said the picture of the all-male Trump team looked like an SNL skit.

The conversation became somber when it turned to Syria and the chemical gas attack this week which left many civilians dead, including many children.

Kristof asked whether when she was Secretary of State, the muted approach to Syria was her worst foreign policy mistake.

Clinton replied: I teamed up with Dave Petraeus, then director of CIA, Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense, to present a plan for us to move more aggressively to support protestors, to try to provide some back up in what was I thought likely to turn out to be a very one-sided battle.

This was before ISIS came to public awareness and their caliphate theyre setting up in Raqqa.

Ive said this repeatedly that we shouldve done more at that point.

Now, Im the first to say these are not easy decisions. Thats why you get the best information you can from the best advisors you can and really drill down into this whatever the situation is.

Clinton went on: I wish the international community at large had been able to rein this in.

She admitted that a tentative agreement she had tried to put together in 2012, and to which the Russians had agreed, fell apart because basically Assad said Im not going anywhere.

I think that we have to try change the dynamic and all through the campaign I would say Im for a no-fly zone. Immediately, People would ask, Arent you afraid of Russians?

Its time the Russians were afraid of us because we were going to stand up for human rights, the dignity and the future of Syrian people.

Clinton said she was confident she could have brought Putin and his team to an agreement on a no-fly zone over Syria.

We cannot let this massacre continue and the consequences that are effecting the entire region.

I feel pretty strongly where we are now and what happened in these last days with a neurotoxin gas.

Could have been her: President Trump spent the day getting ready for his meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, flying to Mar-a-Lago with the first lady Melania Trump to greet him and his wife, Peng Liyuan

There will be people who say its not your fight, we dont care, what difference does it make, were not involved.

First of all, we are an interconnected, interdependent world unlike any weve been in history because of mobility, because of communications. What happens in other places can very have an impact on you.

The world took a position after the First World War, we took a stand against the use of chemical weapons. We have a whole unit attached to the United Nations that is devoted to preventing chemical weapons from falling into the wrong hands to be used.

Clinton said that it is important we take a strong stance against chemical weapons and added: People have to know that they will be held accountable as war criminals for committing crimes against humanity if they engage in these kinds of aggressive violent acts.

The hour-long conversation ended with a discussion of Clintons future plans  and whether she would consider another run for public office.

I am really focused on doing some things that I think I can help make a difference with, she said. Like supporting young people and getting more women into politics. I very much want to help Democrats take back the Congress.

I have no plans at all other than trying to find some interesting things to do, trying to support other people, spend time with my grandchildren which is a great joy. Im not making plans to do anything.

I am looking at doing interesting things. I dont think that will ever include running for office again as interesting as I find that to be.

I think that there are lots of ways to make a difference in all sectors of our society - the for-profits, the not-for-profits. Looking for ways to help people live their own lives better, tell their own stories better.

Ive always been really focused on kids and to find some good ways to help organizations that are particularly helping kids that faced difficulties in their lives.

I am passionate about the unfinished business of the 21st century - the rights and the opportunities for women and girls. So I think I have a lot to do.
Armed police were on patrol at Aintree for the first time in its 170-year history yesterday as part of a massive anti-terror operation ahead of the Grand National.

Sniffer dogs and bomb detector teams were also deployed to protect racegoers in the wake of last months Westminster terror attack.

Although armed police have always been on hand at Aintree  and undercover officers with guns have mingled with the grandstand crowds  this is the first time uniformed officers brandishing automatic weapons and Tasers have been in full view of the public.

Armed police were on patrol at Aintree for the first time in its 170-year history yesterday as part of a massive anti-terror operation ahead of the Grand National

The heightened security  as well as grey skies and chilly temperatures did not seem to dampen the spirits of racegoers yesterday  the first day of Liverpools three-day steeplechase festival.

While some of the ladies opted for tweed, many wore jumpsuits with plunging necklines.

Others turned out in elegant, figure-hugging dresses and strappy sandals. They topped their outfits with eye-catching fascinators and hats.

The police show of force at Aintree comes after a high-level review which followed the attack outside Parliament on March 22 which left five dead.

Sniffer dogs and bomb detector teams were also deployed to protect racegoers in the wake of last months Westminster terror attack

Racegoers were yesterday subjected to rigorous checks by teams of security personnel who carried out body searches, looked inside bags and under cars.

Those parking at Aintree had to show accredited passes, before getting out of their vehicles. Security teams searched inside engine bonnets, boots and foot wells.

They also used mirrors and metal detectors to check under cars. Pairs of officers wearing protective vests and carrying automatic guns, pistols and Tasers were posted at the entrance of the racecourse.

The increased security comes 20 years after the race was postponed for two days after an IRA bomb threat led to the courses evacuation.

The heightened security  as well as grey skies and chilly temperatures did not seem to dampen the spirits of racegoers yesterday. While some of the ladies opted for tweed, others turned out in elegant, figure-hugging dresses and strappy sandals

A spokesman for the racecourse stressed that it was working in tandem with the police and said racegoers safety was paramount.

Chief Superintendent Claire Richards, of Merseyside Police, said: We have always had the capacity to deploy armed officers. But what the public will see this year is the presence of armed officers.

You would expect us to have reviewed plans in the light of Westminster, and we have.

The increased security comes 20 years after the race was postponed for two days after an IRA bomb threat led to the courses evacuation

While she stressed that there was no intelligence to suggest the racecourse was a specific target, the terror threat level across the UK remains severe which means an attack is highly likely.

She urged racegoers to co-operate with the security teams and to be patient.

Around 150,000 people are expected to descend on Aintree during the meeting  with more than 70,000 flocking to the course tomorrow for the Grand National, which will be broadcast to an audience of 600million around the world.
Jon Platt and his wife Sally are pictured at the Supreme Court

Travel companies must stop ripping off families for breaks during school holidays following a landmark Supreme Court ruling, critics demanded last night.

Parents, heads and politicians called on ministers to cap the price of summer getaways, which can rise by more than 1,000 at the end of term.

Firms were accused of holding law-abiding parents to ransom after a father yesterday lost his fight against a 60 fine for an unauthorised term-time trip.

The ruling means families will face a fine or prosecution if pupils take even half a day off without permission. Parents now have little choice but to book within school holidays, leaving them at the mercy of travel firms charging sky-high prices. Lib Dem education spokesman John Pugh said greedy firms must stop exploiting hardworking parents.

Travel companies are holding law-abiding parents to ransom, he said. They should be forced to cap the cost of trips in school holidays so they are not so completely out of step with holidays a week earlier or a week later. Travel companies should not be allowed to profiteer off the back of hardworking parents.

Labours shadow education secretary Angela Rayner added: Its time for the Government made clear that is is unacceptable to exploit hardworking families.

Tory MP Steve Double said: I believe it should be up to parents to decide when to take their children on holiday in conjunction with the school. This policy is unfair to those who work in the tourist industry and therefore unable to take a holiday during the peak season, as well as many hardworking families who are unable to afford the very high costs during the school holidays.

Russell Hobby, of the National Association of Head Teachers, added: If the cost increases were not so dramatic, parents would not feel the need to seek cheaper deals in term time.

Parents now have little choice but to book within school holidays, leaving them at the mercy of travel firms charging sky-high prices

He said parents and schools will be caught between a rock and hard place without some sensible government intervention.

The Supreme Court ruled against Jon Platt, 46, from the Isle of Wight, who won earlier legal battles over a seven-day trip to Disney World in Florida, in April 2015. He had argued that despite missing lessons for the holiday, his daughter had regularly attended school for the rest of the year. But the Supreme Court upheld an appeal by Isle of Wight education chiefs and the Government against a High Court hearing last year. At issue was the meaning of the words fails to attend regularly at school in the 1996 Education Act.

The judges yesterday declared regularly did not mean evenly spaced or sufficiently often but instead in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school. There are exceptions, which include religious holidays and sickness. But the decision effectively means parents should not take their child out of lessons at all without permission.

After the ruling, Mr Platt warned that every unauthorised absence in future, including being a minute late to school, would now be deemed a criminal offence.

Nearly 150,000 families were issued penalties for taking children out of school without permission during term time in the last school year  raking in a total of almost 9million for 145 councils in England, according to The Independent.

Yesterdays judgment came as research showed families are paying more than 1,000 extra for a break during the school holidays than in term time.

An analysis by foreign currency experts FairFX found the average price for a package holiday for a family of four goes up by 1,310 if they travel in August, compared with travelling in June  an increase of around 55 per cent. The figures are based on an analysis of the cost of 104 holidays.

FairFXs Ian Strafford-Taylor said: Families accept theyre likely to pay more within peak holiday times but some of the price hikes were seeing are outrageous and brings the industry into disrepute. Vix Lowthion, Green Party education spokesman, added: This Government should be enacting legislation against holiday companies who ramp up prices in school holidays well beyond the reach of ordinary families.

They should be seriously looking at regional, flexible term times to spread holidays across a wider variety of weeks.

Peter Higgins, of campaign group Holiday Price Increase: The problem is not that there are increases but the level at which prices are being raised. Its a blatant rip-off. We have raised this issue again and again, but it is never properly addressed.

But a spokesman for trade body Airlines UK said: Demand is high during school holidays which can lead to higher prices to popular destinations on certain dates.

A spokesman for travel association ABTA added: Allowing schools to set their own holiday dates is a good first step to alleviating the sharp peaks in pricing.

A Department for Education spokesman welcomed the Supreme Court ruling, adding: We will examine the judgment carefully and will update schools and local authorities as soon as possible.

THE FATHER WHO SPENT 12,000 ON LEGAL FEES It has cost managing director Jon Platt up to 12,000 to fight the landmark case It has cost managing director Jon Platt up to 12,000 to fight the landmark case  despite the initial fixed penalty costing just 60. The father of three spent two years battling the Isle of Wight council after being fined and prosecuted for taking his seven-year-old daughter to Disney World during school term time. Having gained a legion of supporters on social media, Mr Platt yesterday revealed he had afforded the legal fees through legal aid. But it emerged the 46-year-old managing director had also been able to draw upon a wealth of savings he accrued after starting a PPI claims company from scratch nearly a decade ago. He set up JPM Partnership in 2006 out of his detached four-bedroom house where he lived with his second wife Lindsay Platt, 46, in the village of Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. According to the companys website, the business grew quickly and now claims to recover nearly 4million a year for its clients, with 20 staff and two offices on the island. In 2015 a family holiday turned into a personal crusade that would take Mr Platt all the way to the Supreme Court. In April that year, he took his daughter to Florida rather then keeping her at school where she had an exemplary attendance record. Two of his children attended the 4,000-a-term independent Ryde School and were allowed to travel, but his youngest daughter who went to a state school was not. Yesterday, Mr Platt was joined at the Supreme Court by his third wife Sally Barclay, 36. The couple married last June in a lavish ceremony on the Greek island of Santorini. Mr Platt sold his former marital home for 770,000 in 2014  and now lives in a 415,000 detached house in the small Edwardian resort of Seaview on the Isle of Wight. He married his first wife Juliet Bird, 46, in 1996. She now runs kennels on the island. After his first divorce, keen skier Mr Platt later married second wife Lindsay in the mid-noughties, around the time when he set up his business. The couple had two daughters together. The youngest  whose school attendance in 2015 the row revolved around  was then seven and at a state primary. Mr Platt, who has been taking a law degree at Portsmouth University, has now been ordered to return to magistrates court over the case. Advertisement

Parents hit out at having to pay more by obeying the holiday rules

By Jim Norton and Alex Ward

Parents said that the high cost of breaks in school holidays meant that their families would otherwise be priced out of a trip

Parents around the country reacted with anger to the ruling yesterday  branding term-time holiday fines a tax on the middle classes.

Judges insisted that allowing pupils to be taken out of school would be unfair to those who followed the rules.

But parents said that the high cost of breaks in school holidays meant that their families would otherwise be priced out of a trip.

Steve and Claire Gildea, from Stockport, have three children under ten years old.

Mr Gildea, 38, who works in finance, said: We have taken our children out of school before but weve had approved leave.

With our children we would make sure that they caught up with their work but not all parents would. With regards to the fines its just like another tax really isnt it? If they were going to pay for the teachers to help the children catch up then I could understand. Its like a tax for the middle class.

Announcing the decision yesterday, Supreme Court Deputy President Lady Hale said that allowing parents to take their children away in term time would amount to a slap in the face for families who followed the rules.

But mother-of-five Louise Driver, 41, from Newcastle, said the price of breaks during school holidays meant she had to face the 60 fine in order to take her family away.

The librarian said: If parents give advanced notice and the child keeps up with schoolwork, I dont see what the problem is.

Holiday companies bump the prices up and it becomes impossible to take your children away during the school holidays.

I have five children and I cant afford to go away during the school holidays. I have to take them out of school.

I will continue to this for financial reasons.

And maths teacher John Parkin, from Gateshead, near Newcastle, said he did not feel a week or two off had a detrimental impact on a pupils schooling.

The 43-year-old, whose son studying for his GCSEs, said: I dont think parents should be fined.

But I dont think pupils should be taken out of school during exam years.

Being brutally honest, you save more in holiday fees if you go during term time regardless of a 60 fine.

My son is in Year 11 so I wouldnt take him out of school. But I think if it is for just one or two weeks and their attendance is good overall it is not going to harm a kids chances in life at all.

Hairdresser Lisa Hopkins, 47, from Southampton, said: Having three children, I know how expensive it is during the school holidays. Sometimes you have to get on a plane to go and see things.

If you have got a child with good attendance, then what difference does a week make?

And Donna McLeod, who works as a carer in Southampton, said she could see why parents would take their children out of school for family reasons.

The 34-year-old, who has a boy and a girl at primary school, said: I think its important for families to have that one to one time with their kids.

But Id say dont take the risk during term time, save the money and go when you can afford it during the holidays. Parents who do not pay the fines risk prosecution  and Ed Cole, 44, said that it was this aspect of the rules that concerned him most.

Mr Cole, who has three children in primary school in Balham, South London, said: The fine is reasonable in my opinion, because the Government have told parents about it up front and it has been the case for some time now.

The criminalisation part is a concern for me that I wasnt aware of previously. I probably would not take my kids out of school during term time but I can see why people do.

Lady Hale said the ruling would not lead to parents being criminalised on a large scale, and the answer was to have a sensible prosecution policy.
Mitt Romney's White House fortunes didn't work out, nor did his talks with President Trump to become secretary of state, but the former Massachusetts governor may have a political future after all.

Romney, according to reporting from the Atlantic, is thinking about running for the U.S. Senate in 2018.

The 2012 GOP nominee, according to six sources familiar with the talks, has been actively discussing running for Senate in Utah, as Republican leaders and donors in the state have been quietly trying to convince 83-year-old incumbent, Sen. Orrin Hatch to retire.

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The GOP's 2012 nominee Mitt Romney is thinking about running for Senate in 2018, if incumbent Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah decides to retire

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (right) briefly flirted with President Donald Trump (left) over the position of secretary of state - now Romney is plotting his next move

Hatch seemingly gave his blessing when talking to National Journal last week.

'If I could get a really outstanding person to run for my position, I might very well consider [retiring],' Hatch said.

He even added, 'Mitt Romney would be perfect.'

Romney himself, according to the Atlantic, was caught by surprise by the headlines, which suggested Hatch was floating a trial balloon.

And Hatch moved to snuff out the fire.

In a statement to the Atlantic, the Utah senator said he was 'giving careful consideration as to whether I will seek re-election' and has 'yet to make a final decision.'

'While it's no secret that I hold Mitt Romney in extraordinarily high esteem, my musing aloud on the subject has apparently snowballed into a frenzy of premature speculation,' Hatch said.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, is up for re-election, but Republicans in the state are quietly trying to press the 83-year-old to retire, hoping that Mitt Romney would take his place

He added that the 'overhyped intrigue ... doesn't reflect the reality of the situation, especially this soon after the last election.'

But Romney seems to be taking the suggestion seriously for a number of reasons.

Some Romney pals suggest the former Massachusetts governor is bored in retirement.

Also, if Hatch decides to retire, Romney would want someone of the Mormon faith in the Senate to defend the church, which he belongs to.

There's also the fact that former Gov. Jon Huntsman, a Romney rival, said that he was interested in the seat.

Even though Huntsman will likely be deployed to Russia as ambassador for the Trump administration, Romney's interest had already been piqued.

And then there's the fact that if Romney ran, it would be a cake walk.

'It would be the easiest Senate bid in the history of the United States of America,' Hal Boyd, the opinion editor of the Deseret News, told the Atlantic's McKay Coppins.
A mother and her two sons who sparked a nationwide manhunt last week were yesterday found in a holiday lodge  15 miles from their home.

Samantha Baldwin, 40, was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and her sons Dylan and Louis Madge, aged six and nine, are being looked after by care professionals.

Police swooped at the remote 1,000- a-week Sherwood Hideaway holiday park, near Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, early yesterday morning after a tip-off from a member of the public.

The luxury resort provides spa treatments, private hot tubs, dressing robes and slippers, and Egyptian cotton sheets. Guests are welcomed with wine and chocolates.

A police team of 100 officers was put on the case across the country to find Miss Baldwin, as well as Dylan and Louis

Miss Baldwin was held after a search for brothers Dylan Madge (left) and Louis Madge (right) who had been missing since March 27

The 40-year-old was found 'safe' with two boys in this cabin after a 10-day police hunt for the trio, just 15 miles from her home in Newark

Miss Baldwin, who had been living with her sons in a rented house in Newark, had fled ten days earlier after a judge ruled her children should be removed from her custody and made wards of the court in a hearing at Nottingham Family Court last Monday.

Chief Superintendent Helen Chamberlain, of Nottinghamshire Police, said yesterday: The boys were located with a woman in very secluded accommodation run by a small holiday business.

'The information provided was independent of this business, however they are assisting officers with their inquiries. She added that the boys did not appear to be physically harmed but we will be looking into any psychological damage.

The brothers are now being assessed by specialist care experts.

Police said Miss Baldwin was arrested in connection with the boys disappearance. Last night she remained in custody.

Two other women, aged 62 and 36, believed to be her mother Dianne and sister Leonie, were arrested earlier on suspicion of assisting an offender and remain on bail. More arrests are expected to be made.

Police revealed they received the tip-off that led to their discovery of Miss Baldwin and the boys on Wednesday night. Ch Supt Chamberlain would not say if the boys knew they were being treated as missing people or if they simply thought they were on holiday.

The boys were located in 'secluded accommodation' outside Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, police have said

Chief Superintendent Helen Chamberlain said they had received a tip-off about the location on Wednesday night, with the boys found on Thursday morning

The four star luxury cabins, which cost more than 1,000-a-week to rent, are nestled in Sherwood Forest and come complete with hot-tubs and woodland views

She added: The investigation continues and officers believe this to be a pre-planned attempt to evade authorities. We are anticipating further arrests.

Police are now working to establish the full facts of the disappearance and are putting in place additional support measures for all parties involved.

The boys father David Madge, 43, from Rochdale, who is separated from Miss Baldwin, and wider family members have been kept informed of developments, she added. Ch Supt Chamberlain would not say who had booked the cabin or if any other guests were staying in neighbouring lodges.

The Sherwood Hideaway, a four-star retreat near Sherwood Forest and the National Trusts Clumber Park, describes itself as the perfect family holiday destination.

The two-bedroom lodge where Miss Baldwin stayed lets for 1,000 a week.

The mother was spotted on CCTV in Nottingham with the two children and found in a secluded accommodation in Ollerton

Around 100 police officers have been working on the inquiry to find Miss Baldwin and her sons, which included an alert to all ports and airports across Europe.

Initially a missing persons case was launched, but within 24 hours detectives said it was a suspected abduction. Miss Baldwin, an office worker, left the keys of her smart terraced home with neighbours last Monday and asked them to feed her cats before vanishing. Her car had not been seen since. Police were alerted when she and the boys could not be traced.

Dressed in a red coat, the mother was last seen close to the court and was captured on CCTV cameras walking through Nottingham city centre.

Miss Baldwin was arrested on suspicion of abduction and two children were taken into care of professionals

Ms Baldwin has now been found by police after she and two boys went missing from Newark, Nottingham

A fundraising page was set up by Miss Baldwin's friend Rebecca Anlauf, but it had since been closed down

Dressed in a red coat, Miss Baldwin was captured on CCTV walking through Nottingham City Centre

Officers had focused their inquiries on Newark, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Greater Manchester where Miss Baldwin had links.

The boys paternal grandparents Robert and Janette Madge, who live in Devon, had issued their own appeal, saying they did not know where their grandchildren were.

Friends of Miss Baldwin last night said they were now concerned with her fate as well as the boys welfare.

Rebecca Anlauf, who went to school with Miss Baldwin, set up a website to raise funds for her legal costs which was later shut down for legal reasons.

She said: We are just concerned for the boys and where they are, also what happens to Sam next.

Another friend, Janine Mitchell, said she was distraught about the case and that she and other supporters of Miss Baldwin would be meeting to discuss how they could help her.
An eczema sufferer has died after receiving an IV of turmeric solution from a naturopathic practitioner.

Jade Erick was rushed to hospital on March 10 after receiving a 250 ml infusion of turmeric, a common ingredient in Indian cooking, from Dr. Kim Kelly at his offices on 121 West E Street in Encinitas, San Diego, NBC reports.

The 30-year-old became unresponsive after receiving just 5ml of the solution so the doctor called 911.

Jade Erick was rushed to hospital on March 10 after receiving a 250 ml infusion of turmeric

Dr. Kim Kelly had administered a dose of the extract to Erick before she became unresponsive

Erick was admitted to the ICU of Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas suffering from a heart attack and doctors found she had suffered severe brain damage.

She died in hospital six days later. Her death has been ruled an accident.

A medical examiner's report revealed that Erick had a multitude of health problems including hypothyroidism, pre-diabetes and food allergies to soy protein, lactose and gluten.

Naturopathic practitioners claim the spice (file picture) can be used to treat a vast variety of ailments from cancer to Alzheimer's

The 30-year-old was rushed to hospital from Kelly's offices on 121 West E Street in Encinitas, San Diego (pictured)

Erick had sought treatment for her eczema when she went to see Dr Kelly on March 10, according to her family.

She'd never had the intravenous treatment before although she'd taken turmeric supplements previously.

Naturopathic practitioners claim the spice can be used to treat a vast variety of ailments from cancer to Alzheimer's. However, these claims have not undergone the rigorous scientific testing registered medicines are required to go through, making them potentially very dangerous.

San Diego County Sheriff's Department said that they are not investigating Erick's death as a criminal and Kelly does not face any charges over the tragedy

San Diego County Sheriff's Department said that they are not investigating Erick's death as a criminal and Kelly does not face any charges over the tragedy.

The California Medical Board confirmed he has been licensed in CA since 2005 and does not face any administrative charges for her death either.

A now archived article on Kelly's blog described his use of intravenous turmeric for patients.

He claims that the 'safety, tolerability, and nontoxicity of curcumin at high doses have been well established by human clinical trials.'

It is not clear how much Kelly charged for the intravenous drip of turmeric.

But average prices for an hour of IV infusion of turmeric in that area appears to cost between $200 and $400.

Kelly also offers another potentially dangerous intravenous therapies with dangerous substances, including hydrogen peroxide - often used as a bleaching agent.

His website states that when hydrogen peroxide is taken intravenously, the oxygen somehow targets and surrounds disease 'causing its cells to suffocate and die.'

However, the treatment is dangerous and some patients have died from intravenous hydrogen peroxide and doctors have lost their licenses for administering it.
Clara007 said: LOL....of course Assad is stupid. Why do people automatically assume that world leaders are intelligent and make wise choices? Example: Donald Trump--one of the dumbest men to ever sit in the oval choices and makes ridiculous choices every day.

AND Assad isn't alone. Anyone who praises Assad or assumes his innocence seems to forget that Assad is propped up by Vladimer Putin. Both leaders have ignored the UN and continued chemical weapons and bombing attacks, hiding behind their so-called target, ISIS. Their targets are innocent civilians and have been for years. Russian warplanes are more frequently used to target critical civilian infrastructure -- hospitals, schools and marketplaces -- to drive people away from civil centers and the front lines of conflict.

Chemical weapons were used in the last month alone in the area of East Ghouta, an opposition stronghold on the east of Assads capital of Damascus; at least two times in the town of Erbin, in that area. So don't even begin to defend Assad by assuming he wouldn't be stupid enough and even if he WERE NOT stupid, he wants Syria on it's knees. He wants to re-engineer that country with the help of Putin. Whatever his long game is, Assad is willing to roll the dice and kill as many innocents as needed.

Now we're about to find out what stuff DJTrump is made of. What are YOU going to do, Mr. President??



p.s. IF YOU have evidence that Susan Rice DID INDEED unmask Americans, present it NOW. Otherwise stop repeating nonsense. Click to expand...

Most of Dem vs Repub in international intrigue games is complete ********! Aside from loud windowdressing and vacuous statements, most of the major plays are decided by people entrenched within the CIA, NSA, State, Pentagon branches etc.. The so called "advisors" are put there mostly by powerful corporate interests from banking(every White House now is run by Goldman-Sachs alum), arms manufacturing and other key industries like oil, to 'advise' the new president on what he has to do/ what he should do/ what he shouldn't do/ and what he'll be shot for if he tries to do it....i.e. JFK just happened to get shot dead in front of a crowd of onlookers in Dallas after declaring that he was going to cut Allen Dulles's CIA budget in half and strip the agency of all operational capabilities!That's how a president ends up dead, and if Donald Trump had any greater desires than adding 'president' to his resume, he's long since passed that point now! And we can all plainly see this as his foreign policy moves more closely resemble Obama's, and even the tough trade talk is being tamped down because too many powerful interests want the globalization track to stay on course...until they've used up or destroyed the planet apparently!Now, when it comes to sifting through the ******** that gets tossed around with each and every report of a poison gas attack in Syria and Iraq, I'd like to know how western politicians and media knew so fast that it was a Syrian Gov attack? Especially after the list of attacks so far, show poison gas-producing chemicals have been seized by Al Nusra Front and other mercenary forces ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Use_of_chemical_weapons_in_the_Syrian_civil_war ) financed by the Saudis under the Obama Admin plan to add Syria to their **** list of turning enemy or non-compliant states into failed states exporting millions of refugees.....like Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan...I would have thought that if a strategy isn't working and leads to disaster the first time, that would be the end of it! But, maybe the strategy is to bust up nations and create failed states of complete anarchy in the world...cause that's been the US policy since Bill Clinton ordered the financial collapse of Yugoslavia back in the 90's!The most mind-numbing turn of events over recent years has been the revelation that American liberals are just as full of **** when they talk about 'world peace' as they are when they talk about 'ending poverty in the world' or 'stopping global warming.' Liberals/unlike conservatives or rightwingers in general, are more concerned about public appearance than they are with actual conduct. So, if a liberal icon like Obama becomes president, he can commit war crimes (yes war crimes) do absolutely nothing of value on any declared liberal cause (******* Obamacare only decreased the uninsured # by 3.8% after the ******** is cleared)...all of this is okay as long as the liberal icon expresses concern in public, and can do good PR (Obama's cool, he did a mike drop) and being black provides extra points that liberals can hide behind as they declare themselves not racist/ just like a Hillary win would have made every liberal supporter an instant feminist! It's all about image, not substance.When it comes to Putin...I've made the case in other threads here by means of the wayback machine which show how US propping up of Yeltsin could have led to a true fascist like Vladimir Zhirinovsky taking over if Putin didn't take control first. At first, US policymakers considered Putin to be the best of a bad lot, but after he took oil profits to rebuild the Russian economy, promoted Russian nationalism and rebuilding their military forces, then he morphs into the enemy because he stands in the way of Full Spectrum Dominance.Any sane approach to Syria six years ago would have been to stay out, instead of sending in Islamic mercenaries from Iraq and the Gulf States. If ISIS wasn't planned by the Obama Administration, then it's rise was a result of shear stupidity, since the collapse of the Syrian Government and it's inability to control the border region with Iraq led to the Islamic State prior to openly declaring itself such when it started seizing poorly defended cities mostly occupied by corrupt Shia forces in Iraq. It's worth dialing back and taking note of the fact that the US took advantage of a record long drought-caused instability in Syria that forced more than a 1.5 million farmers off the land and into refugee camps in neighboring cities. It's easy to see how this would make the Ba'ath Government vulnerable to collapse, but one big reason why most of the 30% religious minorities of the Syrian population would resist overthrowing the Assad Government for any reasons, because past examples in Iraq showed what happens to minority populations in sectarian war. And even among the 70% Sunni population, the Kurds in eastern Syria had their own ideas about revolution...they just wanted to carve out their own independent state.So, in the here and now, why does every liberal propagandist on MSNBC spend 90% of their time trying to foment war with Russia, demand that war against Assad be completed, and act totally blind to ongoing US war crimes such as sponsoring and enabling Saudi war crimes in Yemen? We see so much from Maddow and her ilk about how 'dangerous Donald Trump is' but then why the hell is she and the rest attacking Trump from the right? Calling him soft on dealing with Russia and other enemies of the US Empire!If you drive out Assad, what then? I noticed that liberals had their minds completely erased about Libya after Obama allowed Hillary&Co.'s regime change operation there. If Republicans (other than Ron Paul) had enough sense to talk about the consequences of that debacle instead of going on and on about Benghazi, this pattern of destruction could have been stopped early on. But then again, "creative destruction" that has grown into destroying nations seems to have become a bipartisan government policy today, and will continue on regardless of whether a D or an R is in the White House!
Cadbury will produce all of its Dairy Milk chocolate bars in the UK again after shifting some manufacturing to Poland

Cadbury will produce all of its Dairy Milk chocolate bars in the UK again after shifting some manufacturing to Poland.

Mondelez, its US owner, was criticised last year for breaking a key promise and making some of its signature chocolate bars outside of its historic factory in Bournville.

It raised fears that the link between Britains biggest chocolate brand and its old Quaker headquarters near Birmingham was being weakened.

But after investing 75million in its Bournville plant, Mondelez has promised to bring all Dairy Milk chocolate production home.

Glenn Caton, Mondelez president for Northern Europe, said: We have been selling every single thing we can make from this factory for the last ten years.

When we had peaks of demand that we couldnt supply we did have to offload a couple of bars temporarily.

He said the investment in the factory was vital in securing the future of chocolate making at its historic home.

Cadbury was sold to US food giant Kraft for 11.5bn in 2010, which later spun it off into a different company called Mondelez along with Toblerone, Terrys and a string of other confectionery brands.

After investing 75m in its Bournville plant, its US owner Mondelez has promised to bring all Dairy Milk chocolate production home. Above, the Bournville site, near Birmingham

The sell-off got off to a shaky start when, days after completing the deal, new boss Irene Rosenfeld announced the closure of Cadburys factory near Bristol and a factory in Poland opened, where Picnic and Crunchie chocolate bars are made.

But last year it was discovered that Cadbury was making its Dairy Milk Oreo bars and Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations in the country as well.

Earlier this year it was revealed some of its 95g Dairy Milk bars were also being made in Poland - where labour costs are a fraction of what they are in the UK.

However officials at Mondelez have now said this production will be brought back to the UK, adding that the same amount of chocolate is made in Bournville today as when Cadbury was bought.

There was no switch of production, said Mr Caton, 45. We were selling everything we could possibly get off the lines.

A Mondelez spokesman said: 'The 75m investment, and the four new lines we have built, means that the production of all Cadbury Dairy Milk products originally made in the UK, but temporarily made elsewhere, will be coming back home to Bournville.

'Some Cadbury products that have always been made overseas are not currently planned to be made in Bournville for technical and capacity reasons.

'However, we are looking at bringing new products into Bournville all the time, for example we will start making Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo in the UK for the first time later this year.

Mondelez has ploughed millions of pounds into new machinery at Bournville  allowing it to make more chocolate but also trim down the workforce.

There was an outcry over Cadbury's decision to drop the word Easter from Cadburys Easter Egg Hunt in partnership with the National Trust to encourage people of all faiths and none to attend

Its newly-installed production lines shoot out millions of bars of chocolate with just a quarter of the staff.

Mondelez says while it has fewer workers, they are employed in better roles with more apprenticeships and career opportunities.

On a tour of the Bournville factory this week, Mr Caton was careful to underscore Cadburys commitment to Easter.

It came after an outcry over its decision to drop the word Easter from Cadburys Easter Egg Hunt in partnership with the National Trust to encourage people of all faiths and none to attend.

But Mr Caton said the furore was a storm in an eggcup, adding: We are incredibly proud of our role at Easter.

We are the market leader of chocolate at Easter and we have Easter prevalent on our products, on the packs and in our websites. We are very proud of our National Trust Partnership which has been going ten years.

Were not ashamed of it, we are not hiding it and we are very proud of it. For me its a non-story.
Donald Trump has vowed to take action after an apparent sarin gas attack in Syria - but his options are not enviable

The shocking images of Syrian children gassed to death have rightly provoked outrage, disgust and heartbreak throughout the civilised world.

Now there is a groundswell of opinion that something  anything  should be done by the West to ensure that such an atrocity can never happen again.

U.S. President Donald Trump quickly reassessed his former praise of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, effectively declaring him an enemy of the American people  and threatening unspecified retaliation in the near future.

The stark reality is that the atrocity, if indeed deliberately carried out by the Syrian regime, is especially embarrassing for Trump.

For the monstrous act came just days after his Ambassador to the UN declared Assad to be a potential ally in the fight against ISIS, and dropped calls for him to stand down.

Many, however, remain sceptical of the claim the Syrian regime would deliberately target its own civilians.

What would Assad have to gain by provoking the West's wrath just days after being given a green light by the White House to stay in power?

At this stage, chemical weapons experts are divided on the credibility of claims from Assad's Russian allies that the killings were a tragic accident, the result of Syrian fighter jets bombing a chemical weapons stockpile controlled by Syrian opposition rebels.

Still, as the war drums thump again in Washington, Trump insists that in considering America's response, nothing is off the table.

So what are his options, and what would the repercussions be?

STRATEGIC AIR STRIKES

One option presented to President Trump by top military brass at the Pentagon and NATO as they guide him through Syria 'war-game' scenarios is strategic air strikes.

The goal would be to punish and weaken the Syrian government and military, with the threat of more to follow if Damascus commits what Washington considers to be further crimes against humanity.

However, Russia and Syria have a long-standing mutual defence treaty, dating back to the Seventies.

This means Moscow would also immediately consider such aggression against Syria as a declaration of war, leading to direct confrontation between the U.S. and Russia.

The problem for Trump is that in Syria, Russia is well-prepared to face down such a threat. Last year there were thought to be around 4,000 Russian troops in the country, though some have been withdrawn.

Direct airstrikes on Assad could be used to punish and weaken his regime, but risks conflict with Russia due to a mutual defense treaty dating back to the Seventies

Since it joined the civil war in support of Assad two years ago, Russia has also built an advanced military base in Latakia, and expanded its heavily fortified naval base on the Mediterranean at Tartus  both located in the regime's coastal heartland.

And both are equipped with Russia's most advanced S-400 air defence missile system, capable of destroying airborne targets as far as 250 miles away with deadly accuracy.

If the Russians chose to retaliate, U.S. aircraft flying over Syrian skies would soon be falling like flies, while few American long-range missiles  fired from aircraft carriers offshore, or military bases in the region  would reach their targets on the ground.

American generals will also warn their excitable President that not all such precision-guided missiles actually reach their intended targets.

The inevitable accidental bombing by America of schools and hospitals would outrage Syrians. They would rally round their president.

It would also, of course, undermine the moral authority  based on the murder of Syrian children  for launching airstrikes in the first place.

GROUND INVASION

A U.S.-led military ground invasion  though an extremely remote possibility  is still being touted by some hawkish politicians and military experts in the U.S. as a last resort, should the Assad regime descend into uncontrolled tyrannical bloodshed.

But Trump surely understands that such an undertaking would be an extremely high risk politically, given that it would result in massive casualties, and be fraught with logistical difficulties on the ground.

The Syrian army is more than 100,000 strong, which means the U.S. and its allies would have to deploy perhaps half a million troops to fight them, as well as their allies, and then occupy the country.

That aside, there isn't an obvious friendly country from which to launch such an invasion.

Getting American troops into Syria would be difficult enough without an obvious ally nearby, but once there they would become a target for ISIS and other terror groups

The occupying American army would quickly become a target for ISIS fighters, of whom there are thousands in Syria.

Those U.S. troops would also offer the terror group a powerful new recruitment propaganda tool.

The prospect of U.S. soldiers being taken prisoner, paraded on TV and beheaded should be enough to chill the blood of any hotheads in Washington.

In order to secure Syria, as well as fighting ISIS, U.S.-led troops would simultaneously find themselves battling Syrian and Russian troops, in addition to thousands of battle-hardened, Assad-supporting militia men from his ally, Iran.

In short, the drawn out consequences of a full-scale U.S.-led invasion would be so catastrophic as to make the chaotic and bloody aftermath of the Iraq invasion seem like a high school prom.

Even if U.S. troops leading a new 'Coalition of the Willing' did miraculously manage to occupy Syria after ousting Assad, they would then find themselves occupying the coastal region along the Med.

There, the majority is from the Alawite sect  a branch of Shia Islam  which means they are overwhelmingly supportive of their fellow-Alawite, President Assad. American troops would not be welcomed by the locals.

AID PRO-WEST REBELS

While arming pro-West rebels seems ideal, in reality there are few - if any - of them left, and attempts to do this in the past have failed

The main criticism of the Western response to the uprising in Syria against Assad when it began six years ago was that not enough was done to give financial and military support to the moderate, pro-West rebels who took up arms in the name of freedom and democracy.

This line of thinking argues that the Obama administration dithered because of an unwillingness to get bogged down in yet another intractable Middle East conflict following the disastrous invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

So could renewed support, authorised by Trump, for these moderate rebels be the most pragmatic way of piling pressure on the Syrian regime? That would be a tall order, to put it mildly.

For a start, the number of non-Islamist rebels is minuscule. And almost all of those who did exist have since either defected to jihadist groups or formed alliances with them (for fear of being slaughtered if they did not).

Then there is the practical problem of ensuring that money and weapons sent to their aid actually reached them.

In the almost unimaginable chaos of the Syrian civil war, weapons and equipment supplied by the West (and other supportive countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia) flow freely between the so-called moderate rebels and terror groups.

A few years ago, the almost comical result of a hare-brained scheme by the CIA to train a whole new army of moderates to fight both ISIS and the Syrian regime hardly inspired confidence. The programme took months and cost tens of millions of dollars.

But at the first sign of conflict with ISIS, all of them abandoned their weapons and ran away  or, astonishingly, actually defected to join the ISIS ranks.

BACK NON-ISIS JIHADIS

Most non-Islamic State jihadist groups fighting in Syria have been keen from the outset of the civil war to show they have no intention of spreading jihad into the West.

The main Al-Qaeda-affiliated branch, Al-Nusra Front, even changed its name in a vain bid to avoid Western arms embargos.

It is true that when not fighting Syrian regime forces they are battling ISIS  while denouncing the latter through their propaganda organs as Islamic miscreants.

Given this mutual loathing of ISIS and the Syrian regime, at first glance it is understandable that many Western politicians (most vocally U.S. Senator John McCain), as well as intelligence experts, have been eager to trumpet them as natural allies of the West.

Arming other Jihadi groups currently fighting ISIS could serve as a short-term solution, but where will their attentions turn once the war is over?

However, for Trump there will be two main problems when it comes to considering the wisdom of such advice.

The first is that these groups are on the retreat on the battlefield, having been pounded by Russian airstrikes (in support of Assad) and repeatedly overrun by the better-trained, more heavily armed and fanatical ISIS fighters.

Then there are the lessons of the not-so-distant past: while such radical Islamist groups often swear, hand on heart, that they have no beef with the West, history suggests such declarations should be taken with a huge pinch of salt.

The most obvious example is the Mujahideen  or 'freedom fighters'  who, like the Islamist terrorists in Syria today, were funded and trained by the CIA in the Eighties to expel the Soviets from Afghanistan.

They achieved that  and then quickly morphed into the Taliban.

ASSASSINATE ASSAD

Ordering political assassinations is banned by executive order in America, making it unlikely Trump will arrange Assad's death

Every so often, a pundit or low-ranging Washington official will float the idea that the quickest and easiest way of ending the Syrian civil war would be for the U.S. President to order the assassination of Assad  or pay local operatives to carry out the deed.

It is highly unlikely military advisers will even contemplate raising the possibility with Trump, because in 1976  following repeated botched attempts by the CIA to kill former Cuban president Fidel Castro  an executive order was introduced in America that explicitly prohibited such assassinations.

This ban  which states that 'No employee of the United States Government shall engage in, or conspire to engage in, political assassination'  has been respected by every subsequent U.S. President.

Given that Trump's many enemies in Washington are eager to pounce on any opportunity to impeach him, his authorising of an illegal assassination would also be an act of political suicide.

PRESSURE ON PUTIN

If unilateral military action against Syria is full of potentially nightmarish outcomes, Trump's options when it comes to confronting Vladimir Putin on the diplomatic stage are even less likely to succeed in making the Russian leader reassess his uncritical alliance with Assad.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Russia has without exception used its veto on the UN Security Council to snuff out all international attempts to criticise the regime in Damascus. There are no indications this will change now.

Moreover, unrelated sanctions which have been brought to bear against Russia after its land-grab of the Crimea appear only to have deepened Putin's resolve to dig in his heels.

Sanctions against Russia have only entrenched Putin's will to hang on in Syria, and it is doubtful whether further measures will change his mind further

For that reason, Trump should not expect to win any kind of diplomatic or military concessions on Syria simply by threatening more sanctions.

The reality is that Moscow has run diplomatic rings around Washington since Putin's troops entered the civil war two years ago.

And it has done so with the biggest deployment of the Russian armed forces since the fall of the Soviet Union.

To save his Syrian ally, Putin's strategy remains as ruthless as it is entrenched: to challenge Washington to accept his regional power grab, or risk all-out war.

DO NOTHING AT ALL

Despite the fiery rhetoric from Western politicians, the reality is they will almost certainly come to the realisation that doing precisely nothing at all is, sadly, the only viable policy open to them.

During the six years of the gut-wrenchingly brutal civil war, Western leaders have done nothing but offer threats that have proved ill-thought out and ultimately empty.

The regime in Damascus will be confident that, as in the past, outrage in the West at the latest massacre will quickly dissipate.

They also know a major conflict with the West in Syria would create hundreds of thousands of refugees, many of whom would head for Europe: a horrifying prospect for the EU.

The stark reality is that Assad has outlasted his chief adversaries Barack Obama and David Cameron, who repeated like a mantra that he must step down, but failed to do anything to engineer such an outcome.

Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if Assad is still at the helm when Trump leaves the White House.
Sir Michael Caine hailed Brexit as a vote for freedom from rule by faceless civil servants yesterday

Sir Michael Caine hailed Brexit as a vote for freedom from rule by faceless civil servants yesterday.

But while some praised the 84-year-old film star for his sane views that hit the nail on the head, he faced a torrent of abuse from Remain-supporting internet trolls who branded him an old and senile bigot.

Sir Michael said he was confident leaving the EU would be all right, adding: I voted for Brexit. What it is with me, Id rather be a poor master than a rich servant.

It wasnt about the racism, immigrants or anything  it was about freedom.

Speaking to Sky News, he added: Politics is always chaotic. In politics, youre always going into areas youve never been before, so youre going to get lost and then youre going to find your way, and then itll be all right.

The Italian Job actor came out in support of leaving the EU before last years referendum, leading former Ukip leader Nigel Farage to recall his famous line from the film and proclaim: Lets blow the bloody doors off!

In the run-up to the vote, Sir Michael admitted quitting the EU would be scary but said the UK should not be dictated to by thousands of faceless civil servants.

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After his comments yesterday, many social media users poured scorn on him, with some even wishing he would die.

But others defended him. One tweeted: All this hatred for Sir Michael Caine just because he supports Brexit. Arent Remainers meant to be tolerant?

Another wrote: A patriotic celeb. Makes a change. The row came amid new turmoil for Ukip after its former MP Mark Reckless  who defected from the Tories in 2014  said he was quitting the party to join the Conservative group in the Welsh Assembly.

He praised the exemplary leadership of Theresa May. The Tories said Mr Reckless had joined the partys group in the assembly but had not become a party member.

While some praised the 84-year-old film star for his sane views that hit the nail on the head, he faced a torrent of abuse from Remain-supporting internet trolls who branded him an old and senile bigot

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister insisted yesterday there were no no-go areas in next months local elections as she appealed to Brexiteers and Labour supporters across the country to vote Tory.

She insisted the Tory party was the only one serving ordinary working people.

Other parties were devoted to talking down the UK, Mrs May said, adding: Only the Conservatives have a plan for Britain. She urged Brexiteers who had voted for the first time in years in the referendum to go to the polls again.

The Tories are set to pick up more than 100 extra council seats in May, according to electoral analysis. Experts predicted major wins for the Tories in local elections and the worst result for Labour since 1985, with the party likely to lose 125 seats.

Launching the Tories local election campaign at Calverton village hall in Nottinghamshire yesterday, the Prime Minister said: These local elections present a clear and informative choice.

The competence of a strong Conservative council, focused on the priorities of local people, keeping local taxes down and delivering high-quality local services.

Or the chaos and disarray of the rest  political parties motivated not by what is best for local areas, but what is best for their own partisan political interest.
Noel E. Dawson, 63, was charged with trying to hit a relative with a hatchet

A man accused of chasing a relative with a hatchet has pleaded not guilty.

Noel E. Dawson, 63, from North Toledo, Ohio allegedly chased his relative on Sunday with the hatchet, swung at him, and hit the man's truck instead, according toThe Toledo Blade.

He allegedly left a large dent in the hood.

Dawson was charged in Toledo Municipal Court on Tuesday with domestic violence, assault, both first-degree misdemeanors; criminal damaging, a second-degree misdemeanor; and failure to disclose personal information, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, according to the Toledo Blade.

Dawson's mug shot shows him appearing to make a face at the camera.

Police said when he was arrested, he shouted obscenities. He also allegedly refused to disclose identifying information, so was charged with 'failure to disclose personal information.'

He pleaded not guilty to the charges in Toledo Municipal Court Thursday.

Bond was set at $50,000 without a 10 per cent payment option.
The sister-in-law of a billionaire businessman is being sued by her former butler for making homophobic statements and forcing him to sleep on the floor, a lawsuit alleges.

Daisy Soros, who was married to the late brother of Hungarian investor George Soros, reportedly sometimes didn't pay her immigrant employee and made frequent lewd comments about his sexual orientation.

The butler, Zahair Mohammed, said that she treated him far worse than her white, heterosexual employees - despite her life's work being a fellowship program for immigrants to the United States and their children.

Daisy Soros, who was married to the late brother of Hungarian investor George Soros, is being sued by her former butler for making homophobic statements and forcing him to sleep on the floor, a lawsuit alleges

Mohammed, who is homosexual and a Trinidadian immigrant, said Soros' behavior made him feel 'like a slave', he told the NY Daily News.

For his entire first year working for Soros in her New York Fifth Avenue home, she forced him to sleep on the floor at the foot of her guest beds, Mohammed claims in his lawsuit filed on Thursday in a Manhattan court.

He eventually bought a $75 sleeping pad from Costco which reportedly served as his bed during that time. After threatening to quit due to the inhumane treatment, Soros convinced him to stay so that she might live longer, as part of his job required him to look after her physical health, it is claimed.

An added slap in the face, Mohammed says, was that white, straight employees at the home were allowed their own beds. Even Soros' poodle Tango was more valued in the home, he states.

Daisy Soros, who was married to the late brother of Hungarian investor George Soros (pictured), reportedly didn't pay her immigrant employee and made frequent lewd comments about his sexual orientation

'It was really painful because the dog was allowed to sleep on the bed  but not a black human being, a black immigrant,' he said.

Soros also allegedly made a number of homophobic statements to Mohammed.

Mohammed said he was 'disgusted' after Soros, 87, told him several times: 'It's better to be married to your husband than to go out there and get AIDS.'

When the butler complained about her hurtful statements, she reportedly told him to stop being a 'sissy' and 'be a man'.

He also says that Soros used her wealth to consistently belittle him and justify her treatment of him.

'I have money and I can treat people however I want and who gives a f***! Don't you know who we are?' My last name is Soros and I know some very powerful people. You are nobody and I will fire you the next time you talk to me about anything that is not your f*****g business,' she reportedly yelled at Mohammed.

For his entire first year working for Soros in her New York Fifth Avenue home, she forced him to sleep on the floor at the foot of her guest beds, Mohammed claims in his lawsuit filed on Thursday in a Manhattan court

In September of 2016, he finally quit after becoming frustrated that he had not been paid in several days. He said that Soros' explosive behavior 'frightened' him.

In response to the allegations, Soros' representatives presented a text message from Mohammed from the summer before he quit, in which he thanks her for 'everything'.

Her lawyer, Dov Kesselman said via email: 'It is unfortunate that a disgruntled former part-time employee, who expressed his appreciation for Mrs. Soros's support on many occasions, is now engaged in a transparent attempt to extract money from Mrs. Soros with false allegations of discrimination.'

He continued: 'Mrs. Soros and her family deny these baseless allegations and believe her life's work to support immigrants to the U.S. says a lot more about who she is than a former part-time employee seeking a quick payday.'
The panel of three Labour members which decided not to expel Ken Livingstone from the party for his comments about Hitler included a hard-Left Corbynite obsessed with Palestine.

Russell Cartwright, who sits on Labours national constitutional committee, appears to have edited a section on a website which included articles promoting a boycott of Israel.

One of the pieces posted on the Scoop.it! site by someone with his name claimed Israel was guilty of apartheid, while another said it was discriminating against African immigrants.

Mr Cartwright, 66, was one of three senior Labour figures who decided merely to suspend Mr Livingstone for a year over his controversial comments claiming that Hitler had supported Zionism in the 1930s.

Russell Cartwright, pictured, one of the three-person panel which decided not to expel Ken Livingstone from the Labour Party, is described as a hard-Left Corbynite obsessed with Palestine

He is also treasurer of hard-Left group the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and in 2010 supported Diane Abbotts campaign to be Labour leader.

Yesterday pressure to expel Mr Livingstone from the party continued to grow as a shadow Cabinet member told Radio 4s Today programme she was sickened by his failure to recognise the trauma he has caused to the Jewish community.

Education spokesman Angela Rayner said she was shocked at the leniency of the sanction handed to the former London mayor by the disciplinary panel which found he had brought the party into disrepute.

Mr Cartwright is a parliamentary assistant to Left-wing MP Kelvin Hopkins, one of those who nominated Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader.

Mr Livingstone, pictured, was suspended from the party for a year over controversial comments that Hitler 'supported Zionism in the 1930s'

The Jewish Chronicle reported that Mr Cartwright edited a section on Palestine on the content-sharing website Scoop.it! in 2014.

One article he posted was entitled On boycott, divestment and sanctions and singling out Israels apartheid.

A source told the paper he seemed to have been quite obsessed with the issue of Palestine.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pictured visiting a children's holiday club in Leyland, said the row over Mr Livingstone was a 'distraction' from upcoming local elections

The source said: It is clear he has very strong pro-Palestinian sympathies. One would think you would have to declare any interest before ruling on an issue such as Mr Livingstones claims about Zionism and Hitler.

Mr Cartwright did not return calls requesting a comment last night.

During the disciplinary meeting Mr Cartwright reportedly claimed the hearing itself brought Labour into disrepute, the Jewish Chronicle reported.

He received some support for his views from Brenda Warrington, the Unite representative who was also on the panel, the paper said.

The final member, Rose Burley, was said to have been the sole voice calling for Mr Livingstones expulsion.

More than 100 Labour MPs have signed a letter stating the sanction on Mr Livingstone was a betrayal of Labour values.

Labours national executive committee is to investigate the former mayors behaviour since the ruling was made.

Mr Livingstone insists he had simply been telling the truth.

Mr Corbyn suggested yesterday that the issue was a distraction from forthcoming local elections but would not say if he thought Mr Livingstone should be expelled.
Humiliation is the key reason why some people with radicalised views become terrorists, according to new research.

When weak governments are unable to retaliate directly to perpetrators, the humiliation of the attack often leads them to terrorism.

Experts believe research on humiliation as a psychological construct has barely begun and could dramatically improve our understanding of extremism.

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Professor of Psychology Clark McCauley from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania believes that humiliation is a key cause of terrorist conflict (stock image)

HUMILIATION AND TERRORISM Professor of Psychology Clark McCauley believes that humiliation is vital for understanding government reactions to terrorism. He defines humiliation as a corrosive combination of shame and anger. Research on humiliation as a psychological construct has barely begun, he says. Summarising the last 40 years of research on the connection between mental disorders and terrorist involvement, the authors conclude there is no common psychological profile for a terrorist. Advertisement

Clark McCauley, Professor of Psychology from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania believes that humiliation - defined as a corrosive combination of shame and anger - is an important psychological part of terrorist conflicts.

'When analysts discuss the role that humiliation plays in warfare, terrorism and genocide, they often speak as though we know what humiliation is and what it does,' he said.

'But the fact is that humiliation will have to be better understood before it can help us understand intergroup violence.'

His comments are made as part of a special issue of the American Psychologist journal which presents the work of various academics on how to predict who will become a terrorist.

'Perhaps the most startling implication of this analysis is that it is not only the weak who can be humiliated,' said Dr McCauley.

'The powerful can be humiliated by the weak if - as is often the case in terrorist attacks - the government targeted is unable to retaliate directly against the perpetrators.'

Dr McCauley believes that humiliation is vital for understanding government reactions to terrorism.

Summarising the last 40 years of research on the connection between mental disorders and terrorist involvement, the authors conclude there is no common psychological profile for a terrorist.

Paris is one of many European cities which have been targeted by terrorists in recent years. (stock). New research suggests that humiliation is a key cause of terrorism

Researchers from Bryn Mawr College describe an 'opinion pyramid,' consisting of people who share accelerating levels of extremist ideas, and an 'action pyramid' with people who actually engage in terrorist activity.

'The warrant for the two-pyramids model is the observation that 99 percent of those with radical ideas never act,' researchers said.

'Conversely, many join in radical action without radical ideas.'

Anti-terrorism programmes that cannot distinguish between people who have extreme ideas and people who can kill will multiply the terrorism threat, experts warned.
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A lone figure was captured soaring above the French Atlantic ocean on a super-fast hoverboard in breathtaking new footage.

Franky Zapata, the inventor of the futuristic hoverboard, is seen sending ripples across the sea off the coast of Sausset-les-Pins, France, as he zooms across the sky.

The Flyboard Air is a device that allows users to fly untethered through the sky to an incredible height of 10,000ft (3,048m), which is almost seven times that of the Empire State Building.

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FLYBOARD AIR: KEY STATS The Flyboard Air claims to allow users to fly untethered through the sky to an incredible height of 10,000ft (3,048m). That's equal to the height of nearly seven Empire State buildings stacked on top of each other. It uses an 'Independent Propulsion Unit' to fly for about 10 minutes and has a top speed of 93mph (150 km/h). Advertisement

Mr Zapata's original Flyboards are popular with the likes of Justin Bieber and Kylie Jenner - but his latest invention puts Marty McFly's hoverboard to shame.

The device uses an 'Independent Propulsion Unit' to fly for about 10 minutes and has a top speed of 93mph (150 km/h), Zapata Racing claims.

'Creating, innovating and never giving up are the values which have helped me fulfil my craziest dreams,' said Mr Zapata.

'Who has never dreamt of leaping out of the water and soaring through the air, free of all constraints? This is the dream that is at the origin of the products we propose.

'I am proud to see our machines evolve on six continents and to witness the sensations they evoke, whether to beginners or confirmed users.'

The Flyboard Air is not yet on sale to the public in the US or the UK and it is not known how much it will cost.

Earlier versions of the Flyboards are available to buy worldwide for between $2,675 (1,577) and $12,000 (9,626) and can also be rented from various centres in the US and the UK.

A lone figure was captured soaring above the ocean on a super-fast hoverboard in breathtaking new footage. Franky Zapata (pictured) is the inventor of the futuristic hoverboard

The Flyboard Air is a device that allows users to fly untethered through the sky to an incredible height of 10,000ft (3,048m), which is seven times that of the Empire State Building

'Since 2016, we have fulfilled man's dream, by giving him the possibility to move through the air, thanks to a totally autonomous flying board,' said Mr Zapata.

'Our adventure is not about to stop there. Never stop dreaming.'

The 37-year-old recently used his Flyboard Air to travel more than 2,252 meters (7,388ft) off the French Atlantic coastal town of Sausset-les-Pins.

A video shows him reaching a height of 50 meters (165ft) above the surface in a flight that lasted just under seven minutes.

The device uses an 'Independent Propulsion Unit' to fly for about 10 minutes and has a top speed of 93mph (150 km/h), Zapata Racing claims

The 37-year-old (pictured) recently used his Flyboard Air to travel more than 2,252 meters (7,388ft) off the French Atlantic coastal town of Sausset-les-Pins

Mr Zapata achieved the feat on a craft developed by his company Zapata Racing.

He also holds an earlier Guinness record for doing 26 backflips with a water jet pack in a single minute.

Speaking at a press conference following the successful attempt, a delighted Zapata told reporters: 'This has really been a life's work.'

Fans of the Flyboard include Tyga (left) and Kylie Jenner (right). The famous couple tried out an earlier version of Zapta's hoverboards
With electric cars breaking their way onto our roads, it's only a matter of time until commercialised electric airliners take to the skies.

The world's fastest battery-powered plane, which was created by Siemens, has hit a new speed record for electric flight as it whipped through the air at over 210mph (340kmh).

The Extra 330LE plane's record is a big leap towards the eventual replacement of jet fuel and combustion engines in aircraft.

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The world's fastest battery-powered plane has hit a new speed record for electric flight as it whipped through the air at over 210mph (340kmh). The Extra 330LE plane's (pictured) record is a big leap towards the eventual replacement of jet fuel and combustion engines in aircraft

ARE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC AIRLINERS THE FUTURE? Electric aircraft have a long way to go before their engines are powerful enough for long-haul commercial flights rather than small stunt planes. As well as an improvement in power per kilo, electric engines need better battery energy density compared to battery weight. Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has previously spoken about this, saying his own plans for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) electric plane don't stand a chance until until batteries reach at least 400 watt-hours per kilogram. His electric car company Tesla currently produces batteries that max out at 250 Wh/kg. But given the current rate that this technology is growing, some experts envision batteries having the power that Musk needs within 10 years. Advertisement

The record was completed at Dinslaken Schwarze Heide airfield in Germany in March using a powerful electric motor that weighed just 50 kilograms (110lbs).

The plane set two electric aircraft records in the same afternoon, one for top electric speed in a straight line just under two miles (3 km) long, and one for being the first electric aircraft to tow a glider to cruising speed.

The speed achieved by German aerobatic pilot Walter Extra was 8.4mph (13.5kmh) faster than the previous record, which had been set in 2013.

The aircraft set another record in December when it broke the electric climbing record.

Demonstrated over Munich, Germany, the battery-powered plane scaled 9,850 vertical feet (3,000 metres) in under four and a half minutes.

The 330LE aircraft was designed as a 'flying test bed' for an electric engine built by Siemens.

The engine puts out 260 kW of power output - enough to lift aircraft weighing up to 1.8 tonnes (2 tons), the company said.

Frank Anton, head of Siemens' eAircraft division, said: 'By 2030, we expect to see the first planes carrying up to 100 passengers and having a range of about 1,000 kilometres.'

But electric aircraft have a long way to go before their engines are powerful enough for long-haul commercial flights rather than small stunt planes.

As well as an improvement in power per kilo, electric engines need better battery energy density compared to battery weight.

The plane set two electric aircraft records in the same afternoon, one for top electric speed in a straight line just under two miles (3 km) long, and one for being the first electric aircraft to tow a glider to cruising speed (pictured)

The aircraft set another record in December when it broke the electric climbing record. Demonstrated over Munich, Germany, the battery-powered plane scaled 9,850 vertical feet (3,000 metres) in under four and a half minutes

Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has previously spoken about this, saying his own plans for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) electric plane don't stand a chance until until batteries reach at least 400 watt-hours per kilogram.

His electric car company Tesla currently produces batteries that max out at 250 Wh/kg.

But given the current rate that this technology is growing, some experts envision batteries having the power that Musk needs within 10 years.
A piece of moon rock that has spent tens of millions of years orbiting the Earth after being dislodged in a meteor strike has been discovered.

The tiny fragment that measures just four and a half inches (11cm) by 4.75 inches (12cm) was found in the Sahara Desert and has now been put up for sale for $74,838 (60,000).

The rock is believed to be shrapnel that was blasted into space from the surface of the moon when it was hit by a meteoroid travelling through space.

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A piece of moon rock (pictured) that has spent tens of millions of years orbiting the Earth has been discovered. Red tape marks a natural hole in the rock's surface

HOW DO MOON ROCKS ARRIVE ON EARTH? Lunar meteorites, or lunaites, are rocks that come from the moon. Rocks break off from the moon when asteroids and comets strike its surface. Meteoroids strike the moon every day but don't always hit hard enough to cause rock to break off. But when a meteoroid hits the moon with great force, fragments break away and are propelled away from its surface. When the rocks escape the field of gravity shrouding the moon, they usually become captured by the gravity of the Earth or sun. Rocks can orbit the Earth and sun for thousands or even millions of years before they eventually fall to Earth. Advertisement

After orbiting the sun or Earth for millennia it landed in the Moroccan region of the desert where it was discovered in 2014.

Scientists examining the textured fragment determined its authenticity by comparing its composition with samples collected from the moon during the Apollo space missions.

Examples of this kind, called lunar meteorites, are incredibly rare and account for just 0.1 per cent of space rock that land on the Earth's surface.

While the circumstances surrounding its discovery are not known, it is common for North Africans to wander the Sahara in search of treasures like this.

This one carries a natural hole marked in the pictures by red tape, which was formed when it entered the atmosphere.

The two holes at the top were created by scientists.

The lunar meteorite weighs just under 11 ounces (312g) and is being sold by auctioneers Christie's.

The fragment was blasted into space when a meteoroid hit the moon's surface, causing a part of the surface to break away and escape from the moon's field of gravity

The shrapnel was discovered by travellers wandering in the Sahara Desert, a site famous for space treasure

James Hyslop, head of Christie's science department, said: 'Handling this piece of moon rock is like coming into contact with a piece of another world, I get goosebumps when I take it out.

'It's lucky the fragment came down and landed in the Sahara because if it landed in the sea, forest or on a mountain range it would have been lost forever.

'Upon discovery it could just have been another piece of rock from space, which isn't overly rare.'

But chemical tests of the rock's surface revealed it is actually from the moon, he said.

'That's the reason it has such great value,' he added.

Meteoroids strike the moon every day but don't always hit hard enough to cause rock from its surface to break off

'This particular example bears natural holes, which actually makes it more desirable for collectors simply because it's a bit different.

'Unless you're going to train with Nasa it is highly unlikely you will be able to acquire a piece of moon rock, so this sale presents a rare opportunity.'

It is thought less than 150 pounds of broken-off moon rock actually exist.

In 2012 one of the largest to ever appear, weighing a whopping four pounds, sold at auction for over $249,000 (200,000).

The rock will be sold in London on April 27.
FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA
Death experts have worked out the grisliest ways to die, which include being crushed by a falling lift and sinking to the bottom of Mariana trench.

These macabre experts explain the science behind the most far-fetched, cartoonish, and (hopefully) impossible deaths imaginable.

Here is a round-up of five of the most ghastly ways to go, with an explanation of exactly how you would meet your gruesome end.

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Paul Doherty, a scientist at San Francisco's Exploratorium Museum, and writer Cody Cassidy explain some of the most horrific deaths - including being crushed by a falling lift (stock)

GRIM WAYS TO GO 1. Being crushed in a falling lift 2. Falling to the bottom of Mariana trench 3. Being killed by getting too close to a neutron star 4. Being struck by a particle accelerator 5. Jumping through a hole in the Earth Advertisement

Paul Doherty, senior staff scientist at San Francisco's Exploratorium Museum, and writer Cody Cassidy looked at the science behind fantastical scenarios.

Mr Doherty took questions from the public in a Reddit Q&A in which he revealed the science behind some of the most horrifying deaths imaginable.

1. Being crushed in a falling lift

The thought of being crushed in a falling lift might instil fear in those of us who work above the first floor.

If a lift does starts falling, Dr Doherty explained that 'laying flat on your back is the best way to spread out the G forces evenly through your body'.

If you're standing up, your organs may keep falling even though your body has stopped, he warned.

The design of the lift would have a big impact on whether you die or not.

If the elevator fits well in the shaft a pillow of air below the car could potentially slow your fall, he said.

'Crossing your fingers is also a good idea', he added.

2. Falling to the bottom of Mariana trench

The Mariana Trench, the deepest known part of the Earth's oceans, lies between Japan to the north and Australia to the south and features depths in excess of 36,000 feet.

'If you sank to the bottom of the Mariana trench you would drown before you reached a crushing depth', said Dr Doherty.

Humans are mostly water, which is incompressible. This means that you would retain your basic human shape.

The Mariana Trench, the deepest known part of the Earth's oceans

WHAT IS A NEUTRON STAR? When the core of a massive star undergoes gravitational collapse at the end of its life, protons and electrons are literally scrunched together, leaving behind one of nature's most wondrous creations: a neutron star. Neutron stars cram roughly 1.3 to 2.5 solar masses into a city-sized sphere perhaps 12 miles (20 kilometers) across. Matter is packed so tightly that a sugar-cube-sized amount of material would weigh more than 1 billion tons, about the same as Mount Everest. Advertisement

'The air pockets inside you, namely in your nasal cavity, throat and chest, would be a problem. Those would collapse inward, which would fatal', said Dr Doherty.

Your shrivelled body would not float to the surface as you would not have any air.

'You would likely stay at the bottom to be consumed by the Bone-eating snot flower, which usually eats whale bones but would probably make an exception in this case', said Dr Doherty.

3. Getting too close to a neutron star

Neutron stars are believed to form by the gravitational collapse of the remains of a massive star after a supernova explosion.

They typically have a couple of times the mass of the sun compressed into a sphere the size of a city.

'You'll probably be killed by the radiation produced as matter falls into the neutron star on the way in, and certainly at a close distance of one mile', warned Dr Doherty.

Neutron stars have a couple of times the mass of the sun compressed into the size of a city. They are are a hundred billion times stronger than the strongest magnets on earth

However, if the star was unnaturally quiet you would instead be killed by extreme gravity.

'This means if your head is pointed toward the neutron star it will be tugged toward the star much more strongly than your feet and this tidal force will rip you apart.'

Neutron stars are a hundred billion times stronger magnets than the strongest magnets on earth.

'At those levels of magnetism your atoms are distorted into thin cigars and all the bonds between atoms that make up the molecules in your body are broken'.

This means 'you become a plasma shaped human cloud that is tidally stretched and pulled into the star', he said.

4. Being struck by a particle accelerator

Particle accelerators accelerating subatomic particles to high speeds by using electromagnetic fields.

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator.

Particle accelerators accelerating subatomic particles to high speeds by using electromagnetic fields (stock)

'Whether you would die or not would depend on the power of the particle accelerator and how much radiation it was carrying', said Dr Doherty.

Anatoli Bugorski is a Russian scientist who was struck by a particle accelerator in 1978.

'Bugorski's accelerator was 100 less times as powerful than the LHC, and it was also only a single pulse, while the LHC is a machine gun', said Dr Doherty.

'The beam paralyzed one side of Anatoli Bugorki's face. As a result now many years later one side of his face is smooth and unwrinkled while the other side has aged by decades.

'But since Bugorski nearly died from radiation poisoning, we think a hit from the LHC would be lethal', he said.

5. Jumping through a hole in the Earth

If you jump through a hole in the Earth it would take 45 minutes to get to the other side.

However, if you were to dig a hole from pole to pole and travel through it you burn to death before you got to the core.

'The centre of the earth is hotter than the surface of the sun, so you'd cook. You are going to need a refrigerated impossibly well insulated suit', said Dr Doherty.

If you were to dig a hole from pole to pole and travel through it you burn to death before you got to the core (stock)

You would also need to remove the air in the tube.

'The pressure and density of the air starts out doubling every 15,000 feet of depth (3 miles) so after 10 doublings at 15,000 feet and 30 miles the air is as dense as water and you sink no further.'

In other words you would either die by cooking or be crushed by unimaginably dense air.




We live in an increasingly disposable technological world, where outdated products are consigned to the dustbin as soon as an upgrade becomes available.

But it seems that the latest handset released by Apple has been built to last, if footage uploaded to YouTube is to be believed.

A special edition (Red) iPhone 7 handset was pitted against the destructive force of 25 lbs of black powder - and surprisingly survived the encounter.

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A special edition (Red) iPhone 7 handset was pitted against the destructive force of 25 lbs of black powder (pictured) and surprisingly survived the encounter. YouTube star Taras Maksimuk - known as TechRax - uploaded his footage to the video-sharing site

IPHONE OBESSION? This is not the first time that Tech Rax has destroyed an iPhone 7 in one of his videos. In other videos he has: - Used a hammer and nail on one - Put an iPhone 7 in boiling water - Performed a drop test - Used a knife to test whether the new jet black version would scratch - Frozen an iPhone 7 in Coca-Cola - Drilled a hole in an iPhone 7 - Microwaved an iPhone 7 - Tested whether an iPhone 7 could survive in dry ice Advertisement

The stunt was the brainchild of Taras Maksimuk - known as TechRax - who is based in Rocklin, California.

In his latest video, the social media celebrity buries the handset in 25 lbs (around 11 kg) of black powder.

The YouTube star - who has 5.6 million subscribers - can be seen lighting a fuse and making a hasty retreat.

And the iPhone comes out relatively unscathed - despite the extreme flash of intense light and heat produced by the resulting explosion.

The bucket which contained the gunpowder is left a sad and melted mess - which the prankster described as looking like a condom.

But the handset itself seems to suffer only cosmetic damage.

An ominous temperature warning can be seen emanating from the ash-covered screen of the device in the immediate aftermath of the blast.

But once it cools down, it's back to business as usual for the plucky phone.

Speaking in the video, Mr Maksimuk said: 'It's crazy to believe. The iPhone 7 (product) Red is truly fire-resistant.

'It's fully working, it survived. Fire-resistance at its finest.'

Mr Maksimuk takes great pleasure in putting technology through its paces in extreme and unexpected ways.

An ominous temperature warning (pictured) can be seen emanating from the ash-covered screen of the device in the immediate aftermath of the blast

The iPhone comes out of the experience relatively unscathed and still functioning (left) despite some heavy cosmetic damage to the rear (right)

In a series of clips uploaded to the video-sharing site, the Ukrainian-born prankster has dreamt up a whole host of unusual challenges.

These have ranged from creating a hot tub from coca-cola and mentos to throwing an iPhone from the top of the Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building - in Dubai.

And this is not the first time that TechRax has destroyed an iPhone 7 in one of his videos, with his Instagram account proudly proclaiming 'Smashing iPhone's since 2011'.

The YouTube star - who has 5.6 million subscribers - can be seen lighting a fuse and making a hasty retreat

The resulting explosion (pictured) created an extreme flash of intense light and heat which threw the handset clear of the bucket which was holding it

The bucket itself is left a sad and melted mess, which the prankster described as looking like a condom

He has previously put an iPhone 7 in liquid nitrogen, put one in the microwave and even hit one with a hammer.

He was also behind a prank which encouraged users to drill a hole in their iPhone 7 as a headphone jack - which left viewers very angry.

In total, he has used eight iPhone 7s in videos, and two iPhone 7 Pluses - which would cost an estimated total of 6,230 in the UK ($6,690 in the US).

That does not include the cost of other models and brands of phones he has tested in the past.
People who believe in aliens are often thought of as kooky conspiracy theorists.

But a small group of Nasa astronauts thought extraterrestrials exist and that they have been visiting Earth for some time.

At least four of the veteran spacemen became famous for their outspoken view on the existence of aliens.

Some said UFOs have been spotted whizzing over nuclear weapon silos while others claimed to have seen them in the flesh.

Here are four real Nasa astronauts who believed that aliens exist.

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Edgar Mitchell (pictured) was the sixth person to walk on the moon in 1971 after travelling on the Nasa craft Apollo 14

CONTACT WITH ALIENS 'COULD END LIFE ON EARTH' Lucianne Walkowicz, an astrophysicist at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, warned in February that making contact with aliens could be catastrophic for the human race. 'There's a possibility that if we actively message, with the intention of getting the attention of an intelligent civilization, that the civilization we contact would not necessarily have our best interests in mind,' she said.. 'On the other hand, there might be great benefits. 'It could be something that ends life on Earth, and it might be something that accelerates the ability to live quality lives on Earth. 'We have no way of knowing.' Advertisement

Edgar Mitchell

Edgar Mitchell was the sixth person to walk on the moon in 1971 after travelling on the Nasa craft Apollo 14.

He experienced an intense spiritual epiphany on his way back from the moon and his since dedicated his life to proving the existence of alien life.

He has claimed that aliens have previously saved humanity from a devastating nuclear war and suggested that the Vatican is covering up their knowledge of an alien race that is trying to share its secrets for a new source of energy.

Mitchell has said that aliens are often spotted above nuclear warhead silos and have stopped nukes from firing off during Cold War tensions.

The astronaut firmly believes that the US government is covering up the Roswell scandal in which a disk-like craft allegedly crashed near a small town in New Mexico.

'The reason for the denial is they didn't know if they [the aliens] were hostile and they didn't want the Soviets to know so they devised to lie about it and cover it up,' he reportedly said.

Mitchell died in hospital on February 4, 2016, at the age of 85 - the eve of the 45th anniversary of his lunar landing.

Mitchell, pictured left in 1970, has claimed that aliens have previously saved humanity from a devastating nuclear war and suggested that the Vatican is covering up their knowledge of an alien race that is trying to share its secrets for a new source of energy

Gordon Cooper

Gordon Cooper was one of seven astronauts selected for Nasa's first manned spaceflight mission.

Code-named Project Mercury, the mission ran from 1958 until 1963 and aimed to get a human into orbit.

Gordon Cooper (pictured) was one of seven astronauts selected for Nasa's first manned spaceflight mission. Code-named Project Mercury, the mission ran from 1958 until 1963 and aimed to get a human into orbit

The craft he flew in was named 'spam in a can' because it was automatically controlled rather than piloted by astronauts on board.

Cooper has claimed that he saw a UFO flying over Germany in 1951.

He also claims to have seen aliens at an experimental US airbase during his time with Nasa.

'I believe that these extraterrestrial vehicles and their crews are visiting this planet from other planets, which are a little more technically advanced than we are on Earth,' he told the UN in 1984.

'We may first have to show them that we have learned how to resolve our problems by peaceful means rather than warfare, before we are accepted as fully qualified universal team members.

'Their acceptance will have tremendous possibilities of advancing our world in all areas.'

Cooper developed Parkinson's disease aged 77 and died from heart failure on October 4 2004.

Cooper (pictured) has claimed that he saw a UFO flying over Germany in 1951. He also claimed to have seen aliens at an experimental US airbase during his time with Nasa

Astronaut Deke Slayton reportedly saw a UFO in 1951. Slayton is pictured here drinking a tube of Vodka given to him by Russian cosmonauts during the historic link up of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts in 1975

Deke Slayton

Deke Slayton was also part of Nasa's Project Mercury, and climbed through the Space Agency's ranks before becoming Nasa's Director of Flight Crew Operations.

But he also reportedly saw a UFO in 1951.

'It looked like a saucer sitting at a 45-degree angle,' he said, according to the Daily Star.

'I didn't have any cameras otherwise I would have shot some pictures.

'At that time  for whatever reason  it just took off climbing and just accelerated and disappeared.'

Slayton was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in 1992 and died from the illness, at the age of 69, on June 13, 1993.

Slayton, pictured here in 1973, was also part of Nasa's Project Mercury, and climbed through the Space Agency's ranks before becoming Nasa's Director of Flight Crew Operations

Brian O'Leary

Brian O'Leary was shortlisted for a Nasa mission to Mars in 1967, though the programme was cancelled a year later.

A near-death experience later in his life changed O'Leary's perspective on extraterrestrials.

Dr O'Leary, who became a physics professor at Princeton University after leaving Nasa, said: 'There is abundant evidence that we are being contacted.

'Civilisations have been monitoring us for a very long time and that their appearance is bizarre from any type of traditional materialistic western point of view.'

O'Leary died of intestinal cancer on July 28, 2011, soon after diagnosis, at his home in Vilcabamba, Ecuador.
Bankers from Goldman Sachs hope to build an 'asteroid-grabbing spacecraft' to make billions from mining space metals.

The celestial objects are thought to be loaded with tonnes of precious metals and minerals, including pricey platinum, worth quadrillions on Earth.

A 98-page report from the banking investment company claims that mining asteroids for precious metals in the near future is a 'realistic' goal.

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Bankers from Goldman Sachs hope to build an 'asteroid-grabbing spacecraft' to make billions from mining space metals (stock image)

TOP FIVE ASTEROID MINING PROSPECTS 162385 (2000 BM19) - Profit: $6.94trillion

4034 Vishnu - Profit: $5.28trillion

65679 (1989 UQ) - Profit: $1.74trillion

5143 Heracles (1991 VL) - Profit: $2.33trillion

7753 (1988 XB) - Profit: $1.31trillion Source: Asterank Advertisement

'While the psychological barrier to mining asteroids is high, the actual financial and technological barriers are far lower,' the report reads, according to Business Insider.

'Prospecting probes can likely be built for tens of millions of dollars each and Caltech has suggested an asteroid-grabbing spacecraft could cost $2.6bn.'

Nasa has also expressed an interest in finding mineral-rich asteroids.

In January, it announced plans to find 16 Psyche, one of the most mysterious objects in our solar system.

16 Psyche is located in the large asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and may have started as a planet, before it was partially destroyed during the formation of the solar system.

16 Psyche is one of the most mysterious objects in our solar system and is thought to hold metals worth quadrillions (artist's impression)

16 PSYCHE 16 Psyche is located in the large asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and may have started as a planet, before it was partially destroyed during the formation of the solar system. Now, it is a 130 mile (200km) wide chunk of metal, made up of iron, nickel and a number of other rare metals, including gold, platinum and copper. If the asteroid could be transported back to Earth, the iron alone would be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion). In comparison, all the money on Earth is thought to be worth $60 to $75 trillion. Advertisement

Now, it is a 130 mile (200km) wide chunk of metal, made up of iron, nickel and a number of other rare metals, including gold, platinum and copper.

Lindy Elkins-Tanton the lead scientist on the Nasa mission and the director of Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration, said: '16 Psyche is the only known object of its kind in the solar system, and this is the only way humans will ever visit a core.

'We learn about inner space by visiting outer space.'

If the asteroid could be transported back to Earth, the iron alone would be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion).

In comparison, all the money on Earth is thought to be worth $60 to $75 trillion.

Experts have warned that its value would be large enough to destroy commodity prices and cause the world's economy to collapse.

If the asteroid could be transported back to Earth, the iron alone would be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion). Pictured is an artist's impression

But that hasn't stopped a number of other companies besides Goldman Sachs from expressing their interest in mining asteroids.

Start-up firm Deep Space Industries intends to launch a fleet of unmanned ships to intercept small asteroids as they speed past our own planet, possibly finding metals such as platinum.

'Deep Space Industries is an asteroid mining company, developing the technologies to find, harvest, and supply the asteroid resources that will transform the space economy,' the firms website reads.

Deep Space Industries intends to begin mining asteroids that fly over Earth. Pictured is an artist's impression of an asteroid-grabbing spacecraft

A concept for a spacecraft to harvest fuel from asteroids: The company joins a host of other start-up firms which hope to soon exploit the untapped resources of near-Earth objects

Chief executive David Gump, who produced the first ever TV commercial shot on the International Space Station, said: 'Using resources harvested in space is the only way to afford permanent space development.

'More than 900 new asteroids that pass near Earth are discovered every year.

'They can be like the Iron Range of Minnesota was for the Detroit car industry last century  a key resource located near where it was needed.
Chile's Atacama desert may seem to contain little besides red-grey rocks and sand - but scientists are busy searching here for clues to life in a place it much resembles: Mars.

The desert in northern Chile, like the red planet, is hot, dusty and extremely dry.

Yet life exists here - tiny algae and bacteria that have evolved to survive in the parched earth on little more than sunlight.

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Chile's Atacama desert, like Mars, is hot, and extremely dry, but tiny algae and bacteria that survive there could give clues to potential life on the Red planet

DESERT LIFE This desert in northern Chile, like the red planet, is hot, dusty and extremely dry. Yet life exists here: tiny algae and bacteria that have evolved to survive in the parched earth on little more than sunlight. 'If life existed there, it would probably be very similar to life here,' says biologist Cristina Dorador from the nearby University of Antofagasta. If researchers manage to understand how these micro-organisms live, how they obtain moisture and how they adapt to these conditions then it could shed light on life on Mars. Advertisement

If they have done it here, then why not on Mars, 225 million kilometres (140 million miles) away?

'If life existed there, it would probably be very similar to life here,' says biologist Cristina Dorador from the nearby University of Antofagasta.

'We do not know if that is the case, because we do not have any evidence,' she adds, as she breaks up bits of rock salt in an area of the desert known as Yungay Station.

'But if we manage to understand how these micro-organisms live, how they obtain moisture and how they adapt to these conditions, then probably very soon, when we have more information about life forms on other planets, we will have something here on Earth to compare it with.'

Dr Dorador will analyse the fragments in a mobile laboratory which she drives around the desert in search of tiny life forms.

She is one of dozens of scientists from various countries working on different Mars-related projects in the Atacama desert.

Separately, US space agency Nasa carried out its second phase of practice-drilling for samples in the earth of Atacama with specially designed rovers in February.

'If life exists or ever existed on Mars, the planet's surface dryness and extensive (sunlight) radiation exposure would likely drive it underground,' Nasa said in a report.

'That makes locations like the Atacama good places to practice looking for life on Mars.'

From a mobile research station in Chile's Atacama desert scientists study algae and bacteria that survive on little more than sunlight for clues to possible life on Mars

If fossil life on Mars resembled Atacama, it could shed light on our own origins.

'Studying Mars may help understand how life started on Earth,' says Christian Nitschelm, a French astronomer at Antofagasta University.

Space agencies and science fiction writers alike have long been fascinated by Mars -- one of the closest planets to Earth.

The Soviet Union and United States started aiming probes there in the 1960s.

For the past four years Nasa has had a robot, Curiosity, on the planet searching for life.

If life existed on Mars it 'would probably be very similar' to life found in Chile's Atacama desert, says biologist Cristiana Dorador

It has sent back photographs of the planet's surface whose grey rocks look much like those of Atacama.

Nasa plans to send a second robot there in 2018, and in 2020, Russia and the European Space Agency also aim to send one to drill the Martian soil.

US President Donald Trump has taken up his predecessor Barack Obama's pledge to send humans to Mars in the 2030s.

Scientists have detected traces of water and methane gas on Mars, raising hopes of finding life there.

Within our solar system, there is nowhere but Mars with such conditions for life, Dr Nitschelm says.

'If there is no life on Mars, there is none anywhere' but on Earth, he says.
A virtual-reality app is transporting people back to Jerusalem under Roman rule in the first century.

The programme includes a 3D virtual tour of the area around Jerusalem's Western wall where the ancient walls of the city's Temple Mount can still be seen.

Using an app and portable virtual reality (VR) headset, visitors can compare modern-day life with a 360-degree construction of the city during the time of Christ.

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Visitors can use the VR headset to transport themselves to the ancient city when it was newly built under Herod I who was king of Judea from 74 B.C.- 4 B.C

3D VIRTUAL TOUR The programme, 'Lithodomos VR' is an android app that was developed by an archaeology doctoral student. The reconstruction of the first-century city is in line with the most recent archaeological evidence. VR scenes are based on the archaeology of the Temple Mount in 20 BC before it was destroyed by Roman troops in 70 AD. The app also includes a reconstruction of a market street in the city with virtual houses that are based on real excavations. Advertisement

The programme, 'Lithodomos VR' is an android app that was developed by Simon Young, an archaeology doctoral student at the University of Melbourne.

Visitors can use the VR headset to transport themselves to the ancient city when it was newly built under Herod I who was king of Judea from 74 BC- 4 BC.

The app was launched in December 2016 and costs $1.99 (1.59) on Google Play, and $2.99 (2.39) in the Apple App Store.

The reconstruction of the first-century city is in line with the most recent archaeological evidence and will be updated as new evidence comes to light, Mr Young told Live Science.

'The VR content that we are deploying on the app is the result of carefully researched material from archaeological excavations, site plans, elevation drawings, photographs of textures and [geographic information system] mapping, as well as topographical data from Nasa's ASTER digital elevation models', he said.

'So all the content is linked in to the real world', he said.

By using an app and portable virtual reality (VR) headset, visitors can compare modern-day life with a 360-degree construction of the city during the time of Christ

The reconstruction of the first-century city is in line with the most recent archaeological evidence and will be updated as new evidence comes to light

The VR scenes are based on the archaeology of the Temple Mount in 20 BC before it was destroyed by Roman troops in 70 AD.

The app also includes a reconstruction of a market street in the city with virtual houses that are based on real excavations.

'We're really making sure that rather than just being haphazardly thrown together, what you're seeing really does correspond to the research', Mr Young said.

'I see virtual reality as a really important way of communicating what is often a lifetime of work for many archaeologists,' he added.

The app also includes a reconstruction of a market street in the city with virtual houses that are based on real excavations

The app includes a reconstruction of a market street in the city with virtual houses that are based on real excavations. Another scene that Mr Young has created is from a bridge at the entrance of the Temple known as Robinson's Arch

Another scene that Mr Young has created is from a bridge at the entrance of the Temple known as Robinson's Arch.

'From there, you can see the slope of Mount Zion and the Roman-period settlements, as well as the back of a theatre, and to the left you can see the Antonia Fortress [the barracks of the Roman garrison] and the Jewish settlement', Dr Young said.

'So, you can see about 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) in every direction,' he said.

Mr Young's company has received investor funding of $900,000 Australian dollars ($679,000 US, 544,000) to develop the software.

'Our goal is to show the evolution of an important place through time, like the Roman forum  from the time it was a cow market, right up to the sack of Rome by the Goths [in 410 AD],' Mr Young said.

'But, as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day.'

VR scenes are based on the archaeology of the Temple Mount in 20 BC before it was destroyed by Roman troops in 70 AD

Mr Young's company has received investor funding of $900,000 Australian dollars ($679,000 U.S., 544,000) to develop the software




Material that has survived since the Earth first began 4.5 billion years ago is being hurled out of the planet's core by erupting volcanoes.

Scientists studying young rocks thrown out by active volcanoes in Hawaii and Samoa have found they bear chemical traces that date back to the planet's formation.

The chemical make-up of the material is unusually primitive, leading researchers to conclude that the traces have existed throughout the planet's history.

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A fountain of lava erupts from Hawaii's Kilauea Iki crater on December 5, 1959. Two rock samples from this eruption contain geochemical traces that could date back 4.5 billion years

DATING THE WORLD'S OLDEST MATERIAL The rocks contain surprising geochemical anomalies, the 'fingerprints' of conditions that existed shortly after the planet formed. They found the ratio of elements inside the rocks were unusually primitive. The researchers studied two elements, Tungsten and Helium, to help them date the rocks. 'Nearly all of these anomalies formed within the first 50 million years after the solar system formed,' Dr Mundl said. 'Higher than normal levels of tungsten-182 are seen in very old rocks that most likely contained a lot of hafnium long ago. 'But lower levels of tungsten-182 are rare, and resemble what we might expect to see deep beneath the surface, in or near the planet's metallic core.' Dr Mundl found an unusually low amount of tungsten-182 in some of the rocks from Hawaii and Samoa. Advertisement

Earth's mantle is made of solid rock that circulates slowly over millions of years.

Some geologists assume that this slow circulation would have wiped away any geochemical traces of Earth's early history.

But a new study led by University of Maryland geologists has found evidence that could date back more than 4.5 billion years.

Researchers found volcanic rocks that recently erupted from volcanoes in Hawaii and Samoa.

The rocks contain surprising geochemical anomalies, the 'fingerprints' of conditions that existed shortly after the planet formed.

The researchers are not yet sure how Earth's mantle preserved these anomalies.

'We found geochemical signatures that must have been created nearly 4.5 billion years ago,' said Andrea Mundl, a postdoctoral researcher in geology at the University of Maryland.

'It was especially exciting to find these anomalies in such young rocks.

'We don't yet know how these signatures survived for so long, but we have some ideas.'

A lava hose from Kilauea Volcano, where some of the ancient material was found, dumping directly into the Pacific ocean

KILAUEA VOLCANO It's thought that the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii formed anywhere from 300,000-600,000 years ago. And, it has been active ever since, according to the US Geological Survey. It erupts from three main areas, the summit and two rift zones, and most of these events are 'relatively gentle.' 'Every few decades to centuries, however, powerful explosions spread ejecta across the landscape,' according to the USGS's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 'Such explosions can be lethal, as the one in 1790 that killed scores of people in a war party near the summit of Kilauea.' Advertisement

They found the ratio of elements inside the rocks were unusually primitive.

The researchers studied two elements, Tungsten and Helium, to help them date the rocks.

'Nearly all of these anomalies formed within the first 50 million years after the solar system formed,' Dr Mundl said.

'Higher than normal levels of tungsten-182 are seen in very old rocks that most likely contained a lot of hafnium long ago.

'But lower levels of tungsten-182 are rare, and resemble what we might expect to see deep beneath the surface, in or near the planet's metallic core.'

Dr Mundl found an unusually low amount of tungsten-182 in some of the rocks from Hawaii and Samoa.

A higher than normal ratio of helium-3 to helium-4 typically indicates very old rocks that have not been significantly altered since the planet formed.

The rocks were thrown from the explosive Kilauea volcano, which is on the Hawaiian island of Hilo

'Variations in the isotopic composition of helium have been long known, but have never been correlated with other geochemical parameters,' said Richard Walker, professor and department chair of geology at University of Maryland.

'Rocks with high helium-3 to helium-4 ratios have commonly been speculated to contain 'primitive' mantle material, but how primitive was not known.

'Our tungsten data show that it is very primitive indeed, with the source region most likely forming within the first 50 million years of solar system history.'

The research was published in Science.
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The great British seaside, as many Brits will freely admit, isnt always all that great.

Britains coastal towns look eye-catching in the brochures, but visitors often notice that up close, they can be a bit grotty.

But that doesnt stop Brits having a huge amount of affection for their seaside destinations  and this series of hilarious posters  which contain slogans such as Whitby, Satans mini-break and Teignmouth, the fun stops here - has been described by their creator as a back-handed love letter to the glorious British coast.

This series of hilarious posters has been described by their creator as a back-handed love letter to the coast

They are the handiwork of 37-year-old Jack Hurley, who describes himself as a mental health worker by trade who just happens to have a weird little sideline in making daft pictures

Hurley said the posters are either born from his own experiences  or thorough research

They are the handiwork of 37-year-old Jack Hurley, who describes himself as a mental health worker by trade who just happens to have a weird little sideline in making daft pictures.

He told MailOnline Travel: The series first started because of a request. I do some design work with Redmolotov.com and someone contacted them saying they wanted something that looked like a travel poster for Cleethorpes that said The Last Resort.

Having grown up by the seaside and always been a massive fan of the travel poster aesthetic, I jumped at the chance and that's how the first poster came about.

The posters have attracted some criticism from people local to the areas they depict, but Hurley underscored that he has genuine affection for Britains coast. One of his creations is a poster for Leeds, which is clearly not a seaside town, but is included because Hurley has lived there for the past 14 years

Hurley said: There's a lot of affection in these posters - it's just a very British form of affection'

Being pretty chuffed with the result, I started to run with the idea and the series started to take shape.

The posters, he said, are either born from his own experiences  or thorough research. One of his creations is a poster for Leeds, which is clearly not a seaside town, but is included because Hurley lives there.

He said: I go to most of the locations. I was born in Southsea but did most of my growing up in Teignmouth so I am mega familiar with them - as well as Leeds - I've lived here for 14 years.

A few like Southport, Redcar and Grimsby were requests so I rely heavily on boning up online, talking to people I know from there and spending days driving around virtually in Google Streetview car. In general though, I'm very familiar with the British seaside.

Hurley pointed out that we all know that there's something supremely grotty about an out-of-season day trip to a town that has seen better days in horizontal rain, but there's also a strange pride in it as well'

Redcar and Margate, left and right, are also on Hurley's hit list of towns he's ridiculed, with both depicted as grim spots

The posters have attracted some criticism from people local to the areas they depict, but Hurley underscored that he has genuine affection for Britains coast.

He said: There's a lot of affection in these posters - it's just a very British form of affection.

We all know that there's something supremely grotty about an out-of-season day trip to a town that has seen better days in horizontal rain, but there's also a strange pride in it as well.

I'm always genuinely shocked how well they are received though - every time a local paper runs a piece on them, in which someone has to be outraged, they usually run a Facebook poll. The result is usually 80/20 funny vs the worst thing ever so I must be doing something right.
British Airways passengers are getting a taste of a tech-infused airport future by making use of three new automated self-boarding gates at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Using facial recognition, the biometric gates allow fliers to scan their boarding pass, look into a screen and then walk directly on to the aircraft.

The technology is expected to speed up boarding times and will be rolled out across the airport in the coming months.

Using facial recognition, the biometric gates allow fliers to scan their boarding pass, look into a screen and then walk directly on to the aircraft

The technology is expected to speed up boarding time and will be rolled out across the airport in the coming months with three set to open at each domestic departure stand each week until mid-June

The first three automated gates are installed on the airline's UK's domestic flights and were unveiled last month.

Three more are set to open at each domestic departure stand each week until mid-June.

The UK carrier is working towards rolling out the initiative on international flights in the future.

In a step towards automating fliers' journeys, the airline has also recently introduced a self-service bag drop at Heathrow and Gatwick.

Customers can label and drop off their luggage before proceeding through security.

Chairman and CEO of British Airways Alex Cruz said: 'We have an exciting time ahead. Alongside these initiatives, we're also making changes behind the scenes to increase operational efficiency and reliability through new technologies including automatic boarding gates and a re-designed baggage arrivals process.

'And we're making a commitment to achieve the highest standards of cleanliness and equipment reliability in all our cabins. Our customers will really notice a step-change in their travel experience with us.'

The UK carrier is working towards rolling out the initiative on international flights in the future

Heathrow and BA are not the only airport and airline working together towards a biometric future.

In February, MailOnline reported that Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and KLM had teamed up to trial facial recognition boarding gate technology.

The biometic boarding trial is part of the hubs attempt to become a leading digital airport in 2018.
Thomson Cruises has cancelled its whale and dolphin watching tours in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines after two orcas were killed in front of some of its passengers last week.

Shocking photographs given exclusively to MailOnline Travel show what happened after the large mammals were harpooned to death and hauled ashore.

The graphic images show fishermen butchering them, drying the flesh out before being sold for consumption and boiling the blubber down extract to oil.

Shocking images of two orca carcasses have emerged after they were killed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines last week

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the last few countries in the 21st century still hunting whales and dolphins

The incident caused Thomson Cruises to cancel its tours in the area (above, vendors cut whale fat into cubes, which when fried are called crisps)

Adam Gravel, who took the shots last Friday near the town of Barrouallie, says whale fishing is a big problem on the south Caribbean island, with the meat being a popular delicacy with around two-thirds of the population.

Currently whaling is still legal in the area, despite many campaigning to enforce a ban.

One particularly distressing photo taken by Mr Gravel shows a man cutting into an orca's head.

He uses a machete to strip away chunks of flesh, leaving the mammal's teeth and eyes as remains.

Mr Gravel, who runs a non-profit wildlife organisation called SalvageBlue, said he took the photos a day after the orcas were harpooned.

The fishermen apparently killed two killer whales out at sea before hauling them ashore to butcher.

Ken Isaacs, who was a crew member on one of two whale-watching boats, told iWitness News that many of the passengers were deeply disturbed by what they saw.

Along with a Thomson Cruises TUI Discovery liner, there were some other tourist boats in the vicinity at the time.

Adam Gravel, who took the shots last Friday near the town of Barrouallie, says whale fishing is a big problem on the Caribbean island (above, whale meat is cut into strips to dry in the sun)

Whale blubber boiling in a metal drum to make whale oil, which is used in oil lamps and to make soap and margarine

The captains of the boats attempted to steer away from the scene, knowing that it would be upsetting, but many heard 'loud explosions' as harpoons were fired into the killer whales.

The fishermen then apparently attached buoys to the marine animals to prevent them from sinking.

Mr Isaacs said that the killing moved many whale-watchers to tears.

One whale can be enough to feed the whole town and they are worth several thousands of dollars depending on their size.

Apparently much of the meat is sold to locals for consumption and some of it is exported to neighbouring islands.

The most common way to prepare it is to cut it into thin strips, salt and dry it in the sun until it's completely dehydrated.

The meat is then bagged and sold to the consumer to rehydrate in a soup or stew.

The other method of preparation is to fry cubes of whale fat in oil until they are crispy. These are then ate as a snack with ketchup and hot sauce.

Whale oil, extracted from the blubber, is also used in oil lamps and to make soap and margarine.

One whale can be enough to feed the whole town and they are worth several thousands of dollars depending on their size

Mr Gravel hope his gory photographs will highlight the issue of whale hunting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

He adds: 'The government knows about this issue, however, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a recipient of Japanese aid and in exchange our government votes with Japan at the International Whaling Commission, always in favour of resuming commercial whaling. So it's not in their interest to inform and educate people.

'Another important issue is the damage we are doing to our reputation and our tourism sector because of incidents like these.

'But the biggest problem is simply that we are killing incredibly smart, sentient creatures that deserve to live.'

A Thomson Cruises spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline Travel that tours in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have been suspended until further notice.

The British cruise line company says that it is now working with environmentalists to address the whaling matter.

It said: 'Were very sorry to confirm that some of our customers on a whale and dolphin watching excursion in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines witnessed a sad incident where two orcas were targeted by a local fishing boat.

'While this distressing event was beyond our control, our excursion agents in the Grenadines are fully co-operating with the on-going investigation currently taking place with the Head of the National Trust and the Minister of the Environment.

Mr Gravel hope his photographs will highlight the issue of whale hunting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

'This was our last planned stop at Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this season, and as a result of what happened and as we take an active approach to animal welfare we are reviewing our excursions with the relevant authorities.'

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the last few countries in the 21st century still hunting whales and dolphins.

Whalers from a Grenadine island called Bequia have been granted a quota of four Humpback whales per year by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) under the guise of aboriginal subsistence.

And fishermen from a small town on the central, leeward coast of Saint Vincent named Barrouallie, routinely hunt dolphins using speedboats with mounted harpoon cannons donated by the Japanese Fisheries Agency.

Whaling was introduced to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 1875 by a Scottish settler named William Wallace after he learned the practice working on an American whaling ship.

He and his business partner, Joseph Ollivierre, a French settler, built the first whaling station on the island of Bequia.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Indian Ministry of Defense signed a contract worth US$1.6 billion today, for the supply of an unspecified number of Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Land Forces. Delivery of the first system will begin within 72 months and will be deployed for operations by 2022-2023.

The MRSAM will be based on the Barak 8 air-defense system, which has already been delivered to the Indian Navy and selected for the Long Range SAM system by the Indian Air Force. The contract reflects the Israeli part of the $2.5 billion MRSAM order cleared by the Indian government in February this year. A third of the program is allocated directly to the Indian partner  the government managed Defense Research & Development organization (DRDO).

Based on Make in India regime, IAI is obligated to outsource a significant part of the work to Indian subcontractors, on top of the parts of the program already allocated by the MOD to Indian suppliers. Some of the Indian companies that partnered with IAI include Bharat Electronics (BEL), Bharat Dynamics (BDL) and companies from the private sectors.

IAI signed today a second contract for the delivery of Barak 8 Long Range SAM (LRSAM) for the first locally built aircraft carrier  Vikrant. The 40,000 ton carrier is one of two indigenously built carriers currently under construction at Cochin and is planned to begin sea trials later this year. The ship is expected to be fully operational by 2023.

In Israel Barak 8 is being fitted to seven more platforms  the new missiles are replacing the older Barak-I on three Israeli 1,275 ton Saar V corvettes and is being integrated into the four 2,000 ton Saar 6 corvettes ordered from Germany. These boats are scheduled to arrive in Israel in 2019-2020 to beef up Israels offshore gas rigs.

Earlier this week Indias Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of 100 Barak I missiles for older vessels, among them the Navys only operational aircraft carrier  INS Vikramaditya. The first contract for 262 Barak I missiles for the Indian Navy was signed in 2015 and will continue until 2020. Last month Navy successfully conducted the maiden trial firing of Barak from the ex-Russian carrier. Barak 8 LRSAM is currently integrated on two Indian Navy Kolkata class destroyers  INS Kolkata, Kochi, and Chennai.

With the current order Barak 8 MRSAM gains a strategic position with all of Indias military branches (Navy, Air Force and Army). At the recent Aero India airshow IAI unveiled a truck-mounted variant of Barak 8 family optimized for the Indian requirement for Quick Reaction SAM (QRSAM). This new version will employ many of the building blocks of the LRSAM-MRSAM system, in a manner that offers optimise logistical and operational benefits. IAI also pursue an extended range variant of the Barak-8 interceptor, intended to address the Indian Air Force Extended-Range SAM (ERSAM) requirement.
They're currently enjoying time in the US, touring with Sunrise.

And on Thursday's show, Samantha Armytage and David Koch had a bit of a giggle at weatherman Sam Mac's expense, as he appeared in pain while eating a very hot bowl of chili con carne in Texas.

It comes after rival and Today host Karl Stefanovic made headlines trying to eat the world's hottest meat pie in 2013.

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Shoveling it in: On Thursday's Sunrise live from Texas, weatherman Sam Mac appeared in pain as he ate a bowl of Chilli Con Carne

After watching Sam eat the hot dish - a classic Texan recipe - Samantha said her colleague was 'in pain.'

'Look at his face!,' Kochie added, as they laughed.

Sam was in San Antonio and ate the beef dish with a nacho chip, twisting his face as he tried to swallow.

Sweating it out: It comes after rival and Today host Karl Stefanovic made headlines trying to eat the world's hottest meat pie in 2013

Glad it's not them! Samantha Armytage and David Koch (M and R) had a bit of a giggle at weatherman Sam Mac's expense

'That's pretty hot, how how it that?,' Sam asked, as the chef looked on.

The chef rated the dish as an eight out of ten in terms of heat.

'Probably could of told me that before the segment,' Sam said.

'I'm having flashbacks of what happened last year again, you just start crying and can't feel your face. My team really looks after me,' he added as she sipped water, which is said to make the chili taste even hotter.

Feeling the heat: Sam was in San Antonio and ate the beef dish with a nacho chip, twisting his face as he tried to swallow

Intense: Karl looked close to crying as he ate the pie

It was revealed that tomorrow's show will be broadcast from New Orleans, with weatherman Sam in Nashville and Mark Beretta in Atlanta.

Sunrise has also aired from Hawaii, California's San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

While in Vegas, Kochie and Samantha enjoyed a gondola ride.

Meanwhile Sunrise's breakfast show rivals Today have been touring around regional Australia.

Enjoying themselves: Sunrise has also aired from Hawaii, California's San Francisco, and Las Vegas (pictured)

The Today clan have been celebrating the wedding of Sylvia Jeffreys and Peter Stefanovic, who tied the knot in NSW's Kangaroo Valley on Saturday.

The wedding has meant that Today have had a ratings win over its rival.

Sunrise scored 236,000 viewers on Monday, while Today came in well ahead on the same day with 322,000.
Nicole Kidman has revealed she can no longer grow her trademark curls because she 'tortured' her hair trying to achieve an 'Aussie ideal'.

Speaking to Who magazine, the 49-year-old admitted, 'I really wanted to have that suntanned skin and long blonde hair.'

She added, 'I wanted to confirm and be the Aussie beach girl. And I was never going to be that'.

Ideal vision: Nicole Kidman has revealed she can no longer grow her trademark curls because she 'tortured' her hair trying to achieve an 'Aussie ideal'

Nicole admits she now can no longer wear her original spiral curls because of years of straightening styles and treatments.

'I wish I had my curls back. I tortured them to death. I always say, 'Don't ruin the ringlets,'' she tells the publication.

Nicole goes to to admit her husband Keith Urban, 49, finds her 'most beautiful' when she wakes up in the morning without any make up on and 'isn't afraid to say' when she's wearing too much war paint.

The actress is currently starring in the lauded drama series Big Little Lies where she plays Celeste Wright, the abused wife of Alexander Skarsgard's character Perry.

Natural: Speaking to Who magazine, the 49-year-old admitted, 'I really wanted to have that suntanned skin and long blonde hair'

Conforming? She added, 'I wanted to confirm and be the Aussie beach girl. And I was never going to be that'

Curly question: 'I wish I had my curls back. I tortured them to death. I always say, 'Don't ruin the ringlets,'' she tells the publication

Nicole recently opened up to Vulture magazine about the aftermath of shooting harrowing scenes in which her character is the victim of domestic violence.

She said: 'Afterward, I would just be quiet. I would go home and be quiet. After we shot some of the really, really violent scenes, I was in a lot of pain myself. My body was.

'It was very strange. It was very uncomfortable. It wasn't a good feeling, I have to say.

Prettiest: Nicole goes to to admit her husband Keith Urban, 49, finds her 'most beautiful' when she wakes up in the morning without any make up on

Demanding role: Nicole recently opened up to Vulture magazine about the aftermath of shooting harrowing scenes in which her character is the victim of domestic violence

Tough shoot: ' After we shot some of the really, really violent scenes, I was in a lot of pain myself' she says of her Big Little Lies role

'But women go through this, so I wanted to tap into the truth of it, and I wanted to be real in those scenes, so that's what it required -- an element of violence."

Nicole lives with her husband Keith and their two daughters Sunday, 8, and Faith, 6, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Settled: Nicole lives with her husband Keith and their two daughters Sunday, 8, and Faith, 6, in Nashville, Tennessee
Blake Garvey earned the reputation of being a love rat following his controversial stint on The Bachelor.

But it appears the baritone-voiced auctioneer is still held in high regards by friends, one of whom happens to be Married At First Sight twin Michelle Marsh.

The 31-year-old blonde was seen complimenting the former reality star on his Facebook profile photo from last June, writing: 'Niiiiice.'

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Supportive: Married At First Sight star Michelle Marsh appears to have a soft spot for Blake Garvey, leaving a complimentary comment on his Facebook profile photo

Michelle even added a cool emoji of a smiling face with sunglasses.

The Perth bombshell's comment didn't go unnoticed, with Blake 'liking' her comment.

Michelle's comment came just weeks after Blake's public split from Louise Pillidge, who became his girlfriend after he dumped Bachelor winner Sam Frost in 2014.

Number one fan? Michelle, who goes by the name Mish Marsh on Facebook, wrote 'Niiiiice' underneath Blake's photo taken last June

Meanwhile, it appears Michelle and her twin sister Sharon have been acquainted with Blake for some time.

The trio were spotted partying together at a Perth charity event back in September.

Michelle took to Instagram at the time to share a photo from the night, calling Blake her 'good friend'.

Split: Michelle's comment on Blake's photo came just weeks after his very public split from Louise Pillidge

'When you can't decide.. Take em BOTH... fantastic night with good friends [sic],' Michelle captioned the snap of herself posing alongside Blake, with Sharon on the other side.

Meanwhile, Michelle is said to have struck up a relationship with Jono Pitman, who appeared on last year's season of MAFS.

The pair were seen putting on a very flirty display during a double date with Sharon and her 'husband' Nick Furphy last week.

Jono has since all but confirmed the romance rumours, telling The Daily Telegraph that the pair got on 'really well'.

New romance? Meanwhile, Michelle has sparked rumours she's dating former Married At First Sight star Jono Pitman (right) after they were spotted on a double date with Sharon and Nick

'Michelle and I got in contact with each other a little while ago as we both had similar situations on the show,' Jono told the newspaper.

'I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle not long ago.

'We spoke about experiences on the show and got along really well. It was great to meet her,' he added.

Just days earlier, Michelle left her friend-zoned 'husband' Jesse Konstantinoff heartbroken on national TV during the show's finale.
They're the controversial shock jocks who aren't afraid to share intimate details of their lives.

But despite the willingness to share, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson aren't immune to trolls who mock the successful radio hosts online.

On Thursday, Kyle hit back at keyboard warriors who said he had small genitalia, telling listeners of the Kyle And Jackie O Show: 'I have a massive penis!'

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'I have a massive penis!' Shock jock Kyle Sandilands hits back at online trolls after revealing intimate details about his sex life with Imogen Anthony

Kyle and Jackie were taking part in their weekly 'Social Meanies' segment, getting an ABC newsreader to read the messages of trolls who wrote comments on articles about the duo.

In February, the shock jock revealed he had 'become a selfish lover. I just lay back there' during sex with girlfriend Imogen Anthony.

'I dont care, I dont even mind that Im selfish. I used to put a big effort in, but now, no effort. Nothing,' Kyle added.

Not happy Jan: After articles were published about Kyle's remarks, one keyboard warrior wrote that it was 'fake news' because 'he'd run out of breath just looking for his own penis'

Getting intimate: In February, the shock jock revealed he had 'become a selfish lover. I just lay back there' during sex with girlfriend Imogen Anthony

After articles were published about Kyle's remarks, one keyboard warrior wrote that it was 'fake news' because 'he'd run out of breath just looking for his own penis'.

'What are you laughing at?' An indignant Kyle asked Jackie, who was giggling hysterically.

'It's funny when its not about you - but when it 's about you it's hurtful!' Jackie managed to splutter out between laughs.

'But it is about me, it's hurting my feelings- my penis is massive!' Kyle hit back at the troll.

'It's funny when its not about you!' 'What are you laughing at?' An indignant Kyle asked Jackie, who was giggling hysterically

But Jackie had her turn in the hot seat as mean comments were read on air about how many men she had gotten intimate with.

The mother of one previously revealed on air that she had slept with seven men in her lifetime, and some jealous trolls were quick to find ways to fault Jackie's admission.

After one keyboard warrior labelled her previous sex partners 'officially the seven most unlucky guys born on the planet', Kyle chivalrously leapt to her defence.

'That's not fair,' Kyle said. 'There's unluckier people, people have died in car accidents and stuff.'
She shot to fame in period drama Downton Abbey.

And for her new role Michelle Dockery is back in a corset, but this time she's swapped dinner parties for cowboy camp.

The British actress poses in a Western-inspired shoot for the latest issue of Vogue, where she gushes about her action-packed new role in Netflix drama Godless.

Cowgirl: Michelle Dockery poses in a Western-inspired shoot for the latest issue of Vogue, where she gushes about her action-packed new role in Netflix drama Godless

Michelle poses for a stunning shot for Mary McCartney's Vogue shoot, dressed in an edgy interpretation of Cowgirl chic.

The actress is styled in a corset layered over a flowing black dress and teamed with a grungy checked shirt.

Lace-up suede boots, a neck scarf and a chic cowgirl hat add to the theme as the beauty perches on a chair.

In the accompanying interview the Downton favourite reveals just how different her latest role is to her breakout character of Lady Mary in the iconic ITV drama.

Action girl: In the accompanying interview the Downton favourite reveals just how different her latest role is to her breakout character of Lady Mary in the iconic ITV drama

Godless centres around Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels), a notorious criminal that terrorises towns across the Wild West.

Griffin is hunting down his former partner turned enemy Roy Goode (Jack O'Connell), who is hiding out on Alice Fletcher's (Dockery) ranch and in the quiet town of La Belle, N.M. which is mysteriously made up entirely of women.

'The first thing we all did when we arrived was to go on cowboy camp,' Michelle recalls of her time on set.

'I remember when I shot a gun  the adrenaline was crazy. On Downton Abbey we had the shooting parties, but the women just stood back and wore a nice outfit and assisted the men.'

'People are calling it a feminist western. It was a joy to work with so many women.'

Retro: Freida Pinto also stars in the Vogue shoot, with her shot featuring a retro 70s vibe in keeping with her new drama Guerrilla

Freida Pinto also stars in the Vogue shoot, with her shot featuring a retro '70s vibe in keeping with her new drama Guerrilla.

The Slumdog Millionaire talent has been shooting the Sky miniseries alongside Idris Elba, with the six-part series centering on a couple, Jas and Marcus, whose 'relationship and values are tested when they liberate a political prisoner and form a radical underground cell in 1970s London.'

'I have to admit, I think the Brits had it right way before the Americans when it came to TV. I grew up in India watching British television and it was always intelligent and always entertaining It felt like coming home,' Freida tells Vogue of working again in British TV.

See the full shoot in the May issue of Vogue, on sale Friday, and go behind the scenes on Vogue?s Instagram stories
He is the proud father of five girls.

But they are clearly not the only kids Bruce Willis cares about as he once again attended the annual spring benefit for his wife's baby charity on Wednesday.

The 62-year-old arrived hand in hand with wife Emma, who is the co-chair of Room To Grow.

Give free or die hard: Bruce Willis and wife Emma arrived for annual gala of her baby charity Room To Grow on Wednesday

The 38-year-old looked smashing in a black and white dress with sheer paneled bodice.

She matched it with a pretty pair of black peep-toe heels that put her half a head above her 6'0" action star hubby.

He looked sharp in a black suit and crisp whit button down shirt, opting for a decorative pocket square over a tie.

They were joined at the event by Mary Louise Parker, who served as the honorary benefit chair.

Fab: The 38-year-old looked smashing in a black and white dress with sheer paneled bodice

One up: She matched it with a pretty pair of black peep-toe heels that put her half a head above her 6'0" action star hubby

The Weeds star appeared alongside Bruce in 2010's RED and its 2013 sequel, about a group of 'Retired Extremely Dangerous' ex-assassins, based on the comic of the same name.

The 52-year-old is already a big supporter of children's charities, especially of Hope North, an organization that works in the educating and healing of young victims in Uganda's civil war.

Room To Grow meanwhile is a non-profit that aims to 'enrich the lives of babies born into poverty.'

Guest of honor: They were joined at the event by Mary Louise Parker, who served as the honorary benefit chair

Good cause: The 52-year-old is already a big supporter of children's charities, especially of Hope North, an organization that works in the educating and healing of young victims in Uganda's civil war

Housewife: RHONY's Kristen Taekman looked fab in a black dress

Oscar PR girl: Erika Bearman was equally hot in a silver gown

It assists referred parents who visit its space every three months from the time just before a baby is born until the time he/she turns three, receiving information, customized support, and lots of baby items.

Bruce and Emma share five-year-old Mabel Ray and two-year-old Evelyn Penn.

He also has three daughters - Rumer, 28, Scout, 25, and Tallulah, 23 - with ex-wife Demi Moore.

Team: Room To Grow is a non-profit that aims to 'enrich the lives of babies born into poverty.' (Pictured with Jeanette Cofiled (M) and Executive Director Allyson Crawford (R)
She's been a stanch supporter of women all over the world.

And Padma Lakshmi, 46, continued to spend time celebrating women at the annual Women in the World Summit in New York City on Wednesday.

The Top Chef host showed off her toned figure in a flowing black and white skirt and black turtleneck crop top on the red carpet, along with some other very distinguished women.

Distinguished: Padma Lakshmi, 46, showed off her toned figure in a flowing black and white skirt and black turtleneck crop top on the red carpet for the annual Women in the World Summit in New York City on Wednesday

Part of an good group of women: Padma looked sophisticated as she hit the red carpet to join some of the impressive women set to speak over the next three days

Padma was joined by Diane Von Furstenberg and Katie Couric for the three-day summit at the Lincoln Center in NYC.

The event, put on by the New York Times, honors powerful female role models who are changing the world and illuminating the most pressing international issues facing women today.

The Summit features some of the top leaders in politics and female advocacy, including Hillary Clinton, Scarlett Johansson, Maria Bello and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Padma looked sophisticated as she hit the red carpet to join some of the impressive women set to speak over the next three days.

The Top Chef host wore her long dark hair casual and straight around her shoulders and opted for little makeup on her naturally gorgeous features

Elegant! Diane Von Furstenberg and Katie Couric showed off their elegant style as they hit the red carpet before participating in the first day of the three-day Summit

She wore her long dark hair casual and straight around her shoulders and opted for little makeup on her naturally gorgeous features.

Diane was fashionable in a checkered blue and white ensemble with a large fur collar.

She wore her signature curly hair down around her face and help her makeup light.

The fashion designer coordinated her look with navy blue booties.

Meryl Streep's daughter Grace Gummer also appeared on the red carpet before attending the summit in an over-sized jacket and billowy pants

Katie, on the other hand, opted to keep her stunning black coat on as she walked the red carpet.

The elegant cut featured a large collar and belt that cinched in the journalist's waist.

She wore black leather patent pumps and wore her fine chestnut locks in an elegant side-parted style.

Meryl Streep's daughter Grace Gummer also appeared on the red carpet before attending the summit in an over-sized jacket and billowy pants.
He and his wife Sibi Blazic welcomed their little boy to the world in 2015.

And on Wednesday, devoted dad Christian Bale enjoyed a bit of father and son bonding time with two-year-old Joseph.

The 43-year-old, who hails from Wales, carried the toddler in his arms as he headed to his family's favourite casual eatery, Early World Cafe in the tony Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Safe in his arms: Christian Bale enjoyed a bit of father and son bonding time with two-year-old Joseph in the tony Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Wednesday

The Dark Knight star was casually dressed in a white T-shirt, black cargo shorts and grey sneakers with a black rucksack strapped to his back.

Christian's dark hair was tousled and he sported a healthy growth of designer stubble.

His adorable lad wore a blue T-shirt, grey pants and matching grey shoes.

Joseph took advantage of his high perch in his dad's arms to fidde with Christian's face.

Lunch time treat: The 43-year-old Batman star, who hails from Wales, carried the toddler as they headed to Early World Cafe

Squinting in the sun: Christian's dark hair was tousled and he sported a healthy growth of designer stubble

The Fighter actor and Sibi have been married since 2000 and also share 11-year-old daughter Emmeline.

Neither of them were seen at lunch so they may have been enjoying a girls' day out elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Christian will next be seen on screen in the period film Hostiles, in which he stars as an Army captain who escorts a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous territory in 1892.

Up you go: At one point the American Hustle star hoisted the little blonde boy into the air

The movie, co-starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Foster, is slated for release later this year.

He is working on a new animated version of beloved family movie Jungle Book, in which Christian lends his voice to black panther Bagheera.

Directed by Andy Serkis, who also voices Baloo the bear, it co-stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Bengal tiger Shere Khan and Cate Blanchett as Kaa the snake and is due out on October 19, 2018.

Cuddling up: Joseph hugged his dad who was casually dressed in a white T-shirt, black cargo shorts and grey sneakers with a black rucksack strapped to his back

Cute twosome: The pair made an adorable pair on their sunny day out

Daddy's boy: Christian was in a particularly playful mood with his young son

Cuddles: Joseph cuddled into his dad while the hunk carried him out of a restaurant

Christian is also in talks to star as former Vice President Dick Cheney in a biopic from The Big Shorts Adam McKay, according to Just Jared

Others rumored to be in the film include Amy Adams as Dick's wife Lynne and Steve Carell as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld

Both Christian and Steve were in The Big Short. Will Ferrell is one of the producers
When you look like Emily Ratajkowski, it's not hard to be brimming with confidence.

The Gone Girl actress was spotted out with a friend in LA on Wednesday.

Emily appeared to have an extra spring in her step as she strutted down the street, flashing a confident grin at photographers.

Looking good: A confident Emily Ratajkowski looked stylish in RAEN sunglasses when she stepped out with a friend in LA on Wednesday

The 25-year-old British-born actress showed off her famous body in a form-flattering outfit, which showed off all her curves.

Dressed in a denim miniskirt, Emily's toned, tan legs were on full display.

She wore a fitted black tank top tucked in and had a green jacket tied around her tiny waist.

Taking a walk: The Gone Girl actress appeared relaxed as she strolled down the street with a friend and her dog

If you've got it, flaunt it... The stunning We Are Your Friends star regularly shows off her bikini body on Instagram

The model looked cool in a pair of black ankle boots and layered necklaces.

She also wore hoop earrings and dark sunglasses by RAEN.

Having been shopping, the brunette bombshell was also seen carrying a small white paper shopping bag, and her black handbag hung from one shoulder.

Her friend was seen walking right behind her, while also walking a pet Pug, which was on printed leash.

Not easy being beautiful... Emily says her good looks regularly sees her being typecast by casting directors

But despite her stunningly good looks, Emily has said being beautiful can often work against her.

The self-confessed activist says she's often stereotyped by Hollywood casting directors.

'The parts I get offered most regularly are parts where you have a main female character whos relatable, goofy, and great - and then they want me to play the woman who comes in, makes everyone jealous, and ends up being kind of stupid and making the main character look better,' she told Glamour magazine in September.

'But when I read scripts, Im looking for: Does this character feel real and dynamic to me? Would you see her as a person rather than a stereotype? Thats what I want.'
She's become a household name after capturing the heart of Richie Strahan on last year's The Bachelor Australia.

And Alex Nation looks to be enjoying the perks of her newfound fame, taking to Instagram on Thursday to announce a new role.

The 25-year-old will debut as a radio co-host alongside Luke Forrest and Jay Bruno on Southern FM's 'The Drive Out with Jay, Foz and Alex'.

Move over Sam Frost! The Bachelor's Alex Nation, 25, announced a new role as a radio co-host on Southern FM, alongside Luke Forrest (left) and Jay Bruno (right), in an Instagram post on Thursday

Alex shared the news via her Instagram account on Thursday.

'So, I've been bursting at the seams and finally, I can announce some exciting news!!' the single mother began.

'Introducing @jayfozandalex. I'll be driving you out every Friday night from 6-8pm on @southern_fm with these two absolute legends!

Promising banter: The program is titled 'The Drive Out with Jay, Foz and Alex' and is said to be filled with banter according to Alex's Instagram post

Notoriety: Alex rose to fame after capturing the heart of Richie Strahan in last year's The Bachelor Australia

'I am so thankful for this opportunity and to work alongside @luke_forrest & @bayjruno producing some serious banter and 10/10 laughs from Foz and I, because well Jay is only there for his good looks!

'So tune in awesome humans or else you might just find yourself ON THE LIST!!' Alex enthusiastically continued.

The Melbourne-based star will co-host Southern FM's Friday night slot from 6-8pm, alongside Luke Forrest and personal trainer Jay Bruno.

Alex's official announcement highlights a trend for reality stars to branch out into the world of radio.

Trend: Bachelor and Bachelorette star Sam Frost, 28, headed to 2DAY FM's prime time breakfast slot, following her stints in the dating reality programs

Not a hit: However the stint, which saw her co-host alongside Rove McManus, 43, was shifted to a weeknight slot following disastrous ratings

Bachelor and Bachelorette star Sam Frost, 28, headed to 2DAY FM's prime time breakfast slot alongside Rove McManus, 43.

However the stint proved to be disastrous for Sam, with the network shifting the duo to the 7-8pm weeknight slot.

Heather Maltman, 30, hosts a breakfast radio program on Gold Coast's 90.9 Sea FM.

Spotlight: Heather Maltman, 30, who starred on Sam Wood's season of The Bachelor, landed a breakfast radio gig

New gig: The brunette stars on Gold Coast's 90.9 Sea FM, alongside Ben Hannant (left) and Dan Anstey (right)

The burnette, who lost out to Snezana Markoski in Sam Wood's season of The Bachelor, co-hosts with Dan Anstey and Ben Hannant.

While Jacinda Gugliemino landed a breakfast radio gig of her own in January this year.

The brunette, who also starred in Sam Wood's season, scored a plum hosting gig on Hit 93.1 Sea FM in Bundaberg.

Jacinda has also worked on breakfast radio as a personal assistant to WSFM presenter Amanda Keller.

Coming to attention: Jacinda Gugliemino landed a breakfast radio gig of her own in January this year
After two days of jury selection, prosecution and defense attorneys made opening statements Wednesday in the murder trial of Roberta Samard.

Samard, 62, is accused of having intentionally shot her husband, Kenneth Arlen Samard, 57, on Nov. 16, 2015. She allegedly told investigators she had been threatening to kill herself when the gun she was holding discharged, striking and killing her husband during an early-morning altercation at the couple's Millersburg home.

Both sides referenced a recorded 911 call which Samard made the morning of the shooting. Where the prosecution argued she planned to kill her husband, the defense made the case that the shooting was a tragic accident caused by a distraught woman who'd planned to kill herself.

The prosecution also used video footage of Samard re-enacting the events for detectives. And while both sides used Samard's words as evidence, Judge Daniel Murphy on Tuesday ruled to allow Samard's choice to not answer some questions, as well as things she did not say to interviewers, as evidence. The defense wanted such omissions suppressed, but Murphy sided with the prosecution.

Linn County Prosecutor Alex Olenick described for the jury a woman who had kept the foreclosure of the couple's home from her husband, and then intentionally shot him the morning they were supposed to move, a detail Olenick said only Mrs. Samard knew about. He also explained there had been no preparations to move on the day the shooting occurred.

Further, he argued that Samard, while speaking with the 911 dispatcher, did not ask how to help her husband. Later, with detectives, she did not ask about his condition.

"You will hear her say that she has a lot to live with," Olenick said, "and that she wants to go home. You will not hear her ask about Ken Samard. You will not hear her ask if he's OK. You will not hear her ask if he is alive."

Olenick also said the medical examiner concluded the barrel of the gun was against Mr. Samard's throat when she pulled the trigger, which he said shows she intended to kill him. He also said the fact she loaded the gun with five bullets means she intended to take a life, rather than commit suicide.

Defense attorney Laura Fine Moro showed the jury an enlarged photograph of the Samards smiling while on a ski trip. She described a happy marriage beset by financial troubles and a woman who suffered from depression.

"Roberta had a secret," Fine Moro told the jury. "Roberta lived her life with untreated depression."

Fine Moro said the Samards had started a contracting company, but when Mr. Samard fell from a roof and was injured, "the medical bills rained down on them."

She said the house was sold at auction. "And even then," she continued, "Roberta Samard fought to keep them afloat."

Fine Moro said on the day of the shooting, Roberta Samard, who she said had tried suicide in the past, "decided she had only one way out."

She described her pacing in the house with the gun, trying to work up the nerve, and then was startled to learn her husband had returned. She also argued that the tragedy of learning that she killed her husband instead of "saving them by killing herself" was too much to bear. Fine Moro also played the part of the 911 call in which a hysterical Samard says, "He wasn't suppose to be here."

"This was an accidental shooting," said Fine Moro.

The trial is expected to run until April 14.
This gifted comedian knows how to play a crowd while performing live theater.

But Tina Fey switched roles as she arrived on Broadway to attend the opening night of Present Laughter with husband Jeff Richmond on Wednesday.

The 46-year-old writer wore a thick tailored overcoat and long scarf as she walked the red carpet for the revival of Noel Cowards comedy.

Revival: Tina Fey, 46, arrived on Broadway to attend the opening night of Present Laughter with husband Jeff Richmond, 56, on Wednesday

The SNL alum kept the look demure as she donned a large brown coat and a long purple and brown scarf.

She rocked her trademark glasses and a pair of big black boots.

Tina was accompanied by Richmond, 56, who looked quite dapper in a dark checked jacket, printed dress shirt, and dark slacks.

Casual: The SNL alum kept the look demure as she donned a large brown coat and a long purple and brown scarf

The Baby Mama actress wasn't the only celebrity in attendance. Designer to the stars Zac Posen made an appearance.

The Nanny's Fran Drescher also arrived on the red carpet in a tonal jersey dress and matching sweater.

Zachary Quinto of Star Trek fame showed up in a maroon top coat and striped shirt while rocking a mustache.

Classic: Tina rocked her trademark black glasses

Red carpet: Fran Drescher and Zac Posen arrived for the Broadway revival

Starstruck: Zachary Quinto of Star Trek fame showed up in a maroon top coat and striped shirt while rocking a mustache

Present Laughter officially opens April 5 at the St. James Theatre with direction by Tony nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel.

Kevin Kline stars in the revival and plays a self-obsessed actor in the midst of a mid-life crisis.

The production also stars Tony and Emmy nominee Kate Burton as Liz Essendine, Tony nominee Kristine Nielsen as Monica Reed, and stage and screen star Cobie Smulders as Joanna Lyppiatt.

Ovation: Kevin Kline stars in the revival and plays a self-obsessed actor in the midst of a mid-life crisis
They've been unlucky in love on Married At First Sight.

But fortunately Anthony Manton, 33, and Sean Hollands, 34, appear to have found friendship with each other, stepping out for a casual lunch in Sydney last month.

The two rejected 'grooms' were joined by Sean's daughter and son, who copied their father by wearing cowboy hats.

MATES at first sight! MAFS' Anthony Manton and Sean Hollands step out in Sydney alongside country cowboy's lookalike children

Sean looked every bit the country gentleman for the big city outing, donning cowboy boots with jeans and checked shirt.

He accessorised his look with a cowboy hat and large buckled belt.

Sean's offspring also showed off their farming roots, both donning brightly pattern cowboy hats.

Copying their dad: Sean's offspring also showed off their farming roots, both donning brightly pattern cowboy hats

Showing off his roots: Sean looked every bit the country gentleman for the big city outing, donning cowboy boots with jeans and checked shirt

Different outfits: In contrast, series 'villain' Anthony looked every bit the city slicker in a pair of black skinny jeans and trendy white runners

In contrast, series 'villain' Anthony looked every bit the city slicker in a pair of black skinny jeans and trendy white runners.

The former partner of Nadia Stamp accessorised the look with hipster sunglasses and a smile.

Anthony and Sean seemed overjoyed to see each other, grinning broadly as they met up on a Sydney street.

Long way from home: Queenslander native Sean was visiting Anthony's home base of Sydney

Mates? While both had not found love on the show they seem to have found friendship with each other

Catching up: The two newly single grooms appeared to have plenty to talk about as they made their way to lunch

Father of two Sean held the hands of his two children as the happy group made their way to a cafe for lunch.

Arriving at a trendy eatery, Sean chatted to a brunette woman who met the two men for the meal.

The group of five sat down at an outside table, chatting pleasantly as they waited for their meals.

Controversy: The lunch date comes after Sean and Anthony were both blasted by their former 'wives' during the final episodes of Married At First Sight

Motives: Meanwhile after Sean was shockingly dumped by Susan during their vow renewal ceremony, the mining truck driver made a series of explosive claims about her 'husband'

Father of two: Sean has two children from a previous marriage

Different off camera: After agreeing to continue their relationship, Nadia claimed that series 'villain' Anthony had stopped talking to her within a day of the vow renewal being filmed

The lunch date comes after Sean and Anthony were both blasted by their former 'wives' during the final episodes of Married At First Sight.

After agreeing to continue their relationship, Nadia claimed that series 'villain' Anthony had stopped talking to her within a day of the vow renewal ceremony being filmed.

'He dropped me like a hotcake,' the flight attendant revealed. 'As soon as the cameras stopped rolling, he was gone.'

No fan of Anthony! 'He dropped me like a hotcake,' Nadia revealed. 'As soon as the cameras stopped rolling, he was gone'

Joining their party: Arriving at a trendy eatery, Sean chatted to a brunette woman who appeared to be meeting the two men

Catching up: The two men appeared relaxed as they caught up after filming of Married At First Sight ended

Meanwhile after Sean was shockingly dumped by Susan during their vow renewal ceremony, the mining truck driver made a series of explosive claims about her 'husband'.

Susan told news.com.au that Sean was a 'completely different person off camera' and claimed he had only stayed on the show for money.

The 37-year-old Perth resident said Sean had told her he was going on his first overseas trip ever to New Zealand and would be using his $200 a day fee as spending money.

Unlucky in love: Both had been unlucky with their matches on the top rating reality TV show
She recently posted an ominous tweet about trust.

But Sofia Richie, 18, looked to be feeling a little better as she stepped out in an over-sized denim jacket and straight-cut matching jeans.

She opted for fuzzy orange flip flops that looked like slippers on her feet to run errands in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Denim girl! Sofia Richie, 18, stepped out in an over-sized denim jacket and straight-cut matching jeans while running errands in West Hollywood on Wednesday

The Dolce and Gabbana model wore a white cropped tank under the coat, but hid her impressive abs behind her large black bag.

Clutching her phone close to her, she looked a little down as she made her way into Fred Segal in the trendy Melrose district of Los Angeles.

Sofia appeared to wear very little makeup on her naturally gorgeous complexion and opted to keep her blonde hair casual in a tight knot at the top of her head.

The daughter of crooner Lionel Richie wore dark round sunglasses to shield her eyes from the blazing Los Angeles sun.

Hiding her figure: The Dolce and Gabbana model wore a white cropped tank under the coat, but hid her impressive abs behind her large black bag

Natural beauty: Sofia appeared to wear very little makeup on her naturally gorgeous complexion and opted to keep her blonde hair casual in a tight knot at the top of her head

The outing comes a couple of days after she tweeted rather cryptically 'TRUST NOBODY'.

Previously linked to Canadian crooner Justin Bieber, Sofia appears to have turned her affections to a slightly more mature man in the form of 32-year-old Formula 1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton.

The pair were spotted on a date at a Japanese restaurant in Beverly Hills a couple of months ago, and have been flirting up a storm on each other's social media posts ever since.

The couple seem to have no qualms about their 14-year age gap, regularly commenting and liking each other's photos.

Everything okay? The outing comes a couple of days after she tweeted rather cryptically 'TRUST NOBODY'
She is a near-middle aged mother-of-three.

So it was somewhat appropriate stylish Kourtney Kardashian opted to wear a baggy pair of mom jeans as she left a studio shoot in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The small screen beauty had finished recording what was surely yet another gripping series of scenes for her family's cerebral reality television show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

The mother of all looks: Kourtney Kardashian wore baggy mom jeans in LA on Wednesday

The 37-year-old looked in typically fine form in a brown T-shirt, matching stilettos baggy mom jeans, and, rounding off her look, rose-tinted illesteva spectacles.

And the latter surely came in handy when she was joined at the studio by her fellow glamour puss sister Khloe and ex partner Scott, the father of her three children.

Kourtney, who is rumoured to be once again enjoying sexual playdates with pop pixie Justin Bieber, looked like she had enjoyed spending some quality time with her former lover.

She split from the self-proclaimed Lord in in July 2015 after photos emerged of him canoodling with stylist Chloe Bartoli in Monaco.

Rose-tinted spectacles: They will have come in handy when chatting to ex lover Scott Disick

Putting his muscles to good use: Her bodyguard held open the door for the pint-sized beauty

It brought to an end a nine-year relationship that has spawned three children - seven-year-old Mason, Penelope, four, and one-year-old Reign.

Earlier this year viewers were treated to dramatic scenes on the show after her ex was caught with another girl yet again on the show, just when a reconciliation looked on the cards.

Classy Kim could be seen talking about the situation with Khloe as she says: 'You're just like a f***ing whore!'

He could be so good for you: No doubt she was enjoying the company of her burly minder

Kourt out: With the aid of her lackey she eventually managed to navigate the doorwary

Scott could be heard raising his voice while trying to explain what happened as he excitedly ejaculated: 'I'm a sex addict!'

Meanwhile Kourtney, a disciple of self-help windbag Tony Robbins, recently came under fire after sharing an Instagram pictures of her children Penelope and Reign on the hood of her Mercedes G-Wagon.

Infuriated social media users posted their dismay over the image of the luxurious car, which is worth over $122,000, with one naive critic writing: 'And I thought you were the one with most class.'

And off she goes: Perhaps she was heading home to catch up on her reading list
She confirmed she was still married to Oliver Curtis on Wednesday.

But Roxy Jacenko was seen without her wedding ring again on Thursday as she stepped out for coffee with international model Jessica Gomes.

The celebrity duo enjoyed their midday rendezvous in Sydney's trendy suburb of Paddington.

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Girl time: Roxy Jacenko was seen without her wedding ring again on Thursday as she stepped out for coffee with international model Jessica Gomes

The attractive pair painted a contrasting picture with their outfits, as Roxy appeared to be coming from the gym while Jessica was dressed in a casually smart ensemble.

Roxy wore black Nike leggings paired with a white singlet and a Moncler puffer vest and sneakers.

Her blonde shoulder-length locks were pulled back into a low ponytail and she shaded her eyes with designer sunglasses.

Fit and fab: The attractive pair painted a contrasting picture with their outfits, as Roxy appeared to be coming from the gym while Jessica was dressed in a casually smart ensemble

Athleisure: Roxy wore black Nike leggings paired with a white singlet and a Moncler puffer vest and sneakers

Low-key: Her blonde shoulder-length locks were pulled back into a low ponytail and she shaded her eyes with designer sunglasses

Understated: She was spotted without her wedding ring and the only accessories she had on were large-sized diamond stud earrings

She was spotted without her wedding ring and the only accessories she had on were large-sized diamond stud earrings.

Her coffee date Jessica wore black heeled loafers, a cropped tweed blazer and a basic white t-shirt tucked into ripped jeans.

Her long brunette hair was worn in a straight style and she carried a black studded designer purse.

Stylish: Her coffee date Jessica wore black heeled loafers, a cropped tweed blazer and a basic white t-shirt tucked into ripped jeans

Classy: Her long brunette hair was worn in a straight style and she carried a black studded designer purse

Runway queen: The David Jones ambassador was spotted in Paddington having coffee with PR queen Roxy Jacenko

As they left their meeting venue, Roxy and a fellow blonde strolled towards her Bentley and drove away to an undisclosed location.

Despite being seen without her wedding ring, Roxy was on the Fitzy & Wippa morning show on Nova FM the day before to confirm she was still with her husband.

'Are you still a wife?... People want to know this,' Fitzy asked her.

Solo: The brunette beauty shaded her eyes with designer sunglasses as she strolled in the Sydney sunshine

Clearing the air: Despite being seen without her wedding ring, Roxy was on the Fitzy & Wippa morning show on Nova FM the day before to confirm she was still with her husband

'Are you still a wife?... People want to know this,' Fitzy asked her on Nova FM

'Yes,' Roxy said, before joking: 'Well is Wippa available?'

The public relations queen has previously told Daily Mail Australia she takes her wedding rings off when she works outs, so that she doesn't crush her diamonds.

'I do weights-based training, can't be doing that with rings on my fingers!' she explained.

Bonding: As they left their meeting venue, Roxy and a fellow blonde strolled towards her Bentley and drove away to an undisclosed location

Method: The public relations queen has previously told Daily Mail Australia she takes her wedding rings off when she works outs, so that she doesn't crush her diamonds

'I do weights-based training, can't be doing that with rings on my fingers!' she explained
Sienna Miller looked stunning on the red carpet in a lemon frill dress on Wednesday.

The blonde beauty was pictured at the Los Angeles Premiere of her upcoming film The Lost City of Z.

The 35-year-old, who plays the lead characters wife Nina Fawcett in the movie, showed off her lithe legs in the flirty mini dress as she opted to accessorize with a beige clutch and gold sandals.

Pretty as a petal: Sienna Miller looked stunning on the red carpet in a lemon frill dress on Wednesday

Gorgeous: She showed off her lithe legs in the flirty mini dress as she opted to accessorize with a beige clutch and gold sandals

Her make-up was subtle but flawless as she styled her hair in messy beach waves.

The Burnt actress was all smiles as she cozied up to her handsome co-stars.

Robert Pattinson looked suave in a dark grey suit as he put his arm around Sienna for the photos.

Leading lady: The 35-year-old plays the lead characters wife Nina Fawcett in the movie

Star of the show: The blonde beauty was pictured at the Los Angeles Premiere of her upcoming film The Lost City of Z

Charlie Hunnam, who is the lead in the film, looked dapper in a black suit as he showed off his blonde stubble and sun-kissed complexion.

Tom Holland made a sharp appearance too, opting to wear a dark grey suit, matching shirt and black tie.

The film is a true-life drama, centering on British explorer Col. Percival Fawcett, played by Hunnan, who disappeared while searching for a mysterious city in the Amazon in the 1920s.

Cute: The Burnt actress was all smiles as she cozied up to her handsome co-stars

Handsome cast: (L-R) Tom Holland, Charlie Hunman, Miller, Robert Pattinson

Having a blast: The foursome looked like they were having a good time on the carpet

Dapper duo: The boys brought their A game for the LA premiere

Stud: Charlie Hunnam, who is the lead in the film, looked dapper in a black suit as he showed off his blonde stubble and sun-kissed complexion

Brad Pitt made a handsome and rare appearance on the red carpet also.

He was initially supposed to play the lead, Colonel Percy Fawcett, but he had to unfortunately withdraw from the lead role due to scheduling conflicts.

He stayed as the producer to the film however.

The James Gray directed action drama is out in theatres April 14.

In the background: Pattinson plays Henry Costin in the action drama

Showing it off: Hunman plays the lead role, Percy Fawcett

Out of hiding: Brad Pitt made a handsome and rare appearance on the red carpet

Behind the scenes: He was initially supposed to play the lead, Colonel Percy Fawcett, but he had to unfortunately withdraw from the lead role due to scheduling conflicts
His father Terry is a reputable current affairs journalist and television presenter.

But Jesse 'Sunset' Willesee lives a very different lifestyle to his conservative dad, no doubt depicted in his Snapchat and Instagram snaps on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old artist and rapper put on a raunchy display on a date with Gabi Grecko's reality star ex Angelique 'Frenchy' Morgan, 41, at Soho House in Malibu.

What would dad say? Famed journalist Terry Willesee's son Jesse 'Sunset', 29, put on a racy display with busty Angelique 'Frenchy' Morgan, 41, in snaps shared to social media on Wednesday

An image shared to Jesse's Snapchat saw the flamboyant personality cosying up to the Celebrity Big Brother star and ex of Gabi Grecko, at the upmarket venue.

The conceptual artist sported a turquoise zip-up jacket, teamed with a pastel pink polo, skinny leg jeans and white trainers.

A pair of Kanye West-inspired sunglasses drew attention to his straightened locks, dyed a candy pink hue.

Get a room, guys! A later snap shared to Instagram saw Jesse and Frenchy putting on a raunchy display, with the porn star giving the lens a significant view of her posterior

As Jesse wrapped one arm around Frenchy, the busty reality TV star was certainly not shy.

The Botched star's surgically-enhanced assets spilled out of her skimpy bandeau bikini top, paired with minuscule pink shorts that accentuated her trim pins.

Offering the camera a good look at her side profile, Frenchy, who appeared on Rock of Love: Charm School, drew the eye to her overly plump pout, left slightly agape.

'Sleepy Frenchy': One particular clip shared to the personality's Snapchat saw him playfully poking fun at his pal's tired demeanour

Admiring the view: Jesse shared a candid snap of Frenchy perched on a ledge in front of a stunning vista, drawing attention to the blonde's trim pins

A later snap shared to Instagram saw Jesse and Frenchy putting on a raunchy display.

Positioned up close to his rumoured girlfriend, the Los Angeles-based musician playfully stuck his tongue out while pulling a hand gesture for the camera.

Similar antics continued to fill Jesse's social media accounts, no doubt keeping the pair entertained.

Antics: The musician certainly has a penchant for the hard-partying lifestyle, depicted in various scantily-clad images shared to social media

La la land: Jesse currently lives in Los Angeles with the Willesee clan, working as a rapper and a conceptual artist

Jesse is the son of famed current affairs journalist and television presenter Terry Willesee.

Terry hosted his own program aptly titled Terry Willesee Tonight on the Seven network, before being poached to Nine.

He went on to star as a Sky News anchor in the following years.

With the Willesee family having moved to Los Angeles this year, the patriarch is currently producing and writing for Warner Bros show, Crime Watch Daily.

Famous father: Jesse is the son of famed current affairs journalist and television presenter Terry Willesee. The media personality is pictured with his former Sky News team
They're the loved-up couple whose impending nuptials are just around the corner.

But, before the big day arrives, the Bachelor's Sam Wood is getting a bit of family bonding in.

The 35-year-old personal trainer has taken his fiancee Snezana Markovski and her 11-year-old daughter, Eve, off for a whirlwind jaunt to Disneyland.

Stepdad of the year! The Bachelor's Sam Wood has whisked fiancee Snezana Markovski and her 11-year-old daughter Eve off to Disneyland

Sam posted a series of pictures to Instagram of the trio boarding a flight, with the caption 'off to Disneyland with one excited little girl'.

Sam looks elated in the snaps, dressed casually in a black T-shirt and cap and smiling from ear to ear, while Snezana, 36, dressed almost identically, is sporting a similar expression of excitement.

It is Eve, though that looks the most elated as her mother walks with her to the plane, dressed in a grey, loose necked jumper and carrying what looks to be a blanket to keep her warm during the long flight.

Excited! Sam posted a series of pictures to Instagram of the trio boarding a flight, with the caption 'off to Disneyland with one excited little girl'

After first meeting on season three of The Bachelor, Sam and Snezana became engaged in December 2015 after Sam proposed during a romantic getaway to his home state of Tasmania.

The couple, along with Eve, moved into a $1.4 million pad in Melbourne in July last year.

Elated: Sam looks elated in the snaps, dressed casually in a black T-shirt and cap and smiling from ear to ear, while Snezana, 36, dressed almost identically, is sporting a similar expression of excitement
While the movie is all about being fast and furious...the kiss that has the internet talking was long, slow, and repetitious.

Speaking to USA Today Vin Diesel gushed about multiple takes of the same smooch with Charlize Theron for his upcoming Fate Of The Furious.

The actor admitted he was not 'complaining' when director F Gary Gray made the duo reenact the steamy moment over and over again.

Movie magic: Vin Diesel gushed about multiple takes of the same smooch with Charlize Theron for his upcoming Fate Of The Furious

'Gary shot that every which way but loose,' Diesel, 49, said.

He went on to add of his 41-year-old co-star: 'Charlize Theron is not a bad kissing partner to have. There are worse things that can happen to you.'

The action hero went on to boast of his lip locking prowess: 'Do I know she enjoyed it? Oh, my God, yeah.'

He went on to add of his 41-year-old co-star: 'Charlize Theron is not a bad kissing partner to have. There are worse things that can happen to you.'

He then offered as evidence his own experience of the moment: 'A kiss cannot lie, lips don't lie. No, they didn't. She OWNED it.'

'The biggest moment in that trailer is the kiss between Cipher and Dom,' he said of the special effects heavy teaser.

Meanwhile, fireworks of a different kind were sparking off camera with one of his male costars.

It seems the spat between The Fate Of The Furious stars Diesel and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is still dragging on.

Johnson was conspicuous by his absence at the screening of the eighth film in the multi-billion dollar franchise at CinemaCon at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

His co-stars including Diesel, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, Chris Bridges and Tyrese Gibson were all there to promote the muscle car movie.

The two stars are being kept apart on the press tour, according to The Hollywood Reporter, citing sources.
Mena Suvari went for a chic and understated look as she graced the red carpet on Wednesday evening.

The American Pie actress wore a black form fitting dress that featured cutouts around her obliques.

Her light brunette tresses were neatly tied into a bun, showing off her beautiful face.

Classy: Mena Suvari went for a chic and understated look as she graced the red carpet on Wednesday evening

She opted to wear dramatic dark smokey eye make-up and nude lipstick.

The actress also accessorized with some gold hoop earrings, a suave black clutch and some interesting heels.

Also in attendance was Juliette Lewis and her new beau, Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk.

Cheeky: The American Pie actress wore a black form fitting dress that featured cutouts around her obliques

Sassy: Juliette Lewis pulled a sultry pose on the red carpet as she donned a white two piece suit

Juliette pulled a sultry pose on the red carpet as she donned a white two piece suit.

Her brunette locks were left in a tangled unkempt fashion as she wore a pair of sunglasses on her head.

Her drummer boyfriend looked dapper in a black leather jacket and casual grey T-shirt as he posed alongside Juliette.

Edgy couple: Also in attendance was Juliette and her new beau, Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk

Individual: Kelly Osbourne showed off her very short pixie style hair, which was also shaved on the sides as she posed with a pair of designer sunglasses

Feeling broody: The daughter of Sharon Osbourne decided to wear all black to the event, sporting denim overalls and a long knee-length blazer

Kelly Osbourne showed off her very short pixie style hair, which was also shaved on the sides as she posed with a pair of designer sunglasses.

The daughter of Sharon Osbourne decided to wear all black to the event, sporting denim overalls and a long knee-length blazer.

SHOT! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra of Rock is a biography music based film.

World famous rock 'n' roll photographer Mick Rock explores his past and present, from London's glam rock to New York's snarling punk scene.

Man of the hour: Mick Rock (L) and William Michael Albert Broad (R) pose together

Biker boy: He donned a leather jacket, metal chains and red tinted sunglasses

Matching: Penelope Spheeris was also at the event clinging onto his arm
Authorities recovered the body of an adult male from the Albany-Santiam Canal on April 5 and the case remains under investigation, though there is no threat to the public, according to the Lebanon Police Department.

Officials identified the man as Robert Lawrence Hayes, 51, of Albany. The preliminary investigation indicates that Hayes was in the water for a week.

Law enforcement and fire personnel responded to the area of Second and A streets shortly before 2 p.m., after a city employee at a public works property along the canal spotted the body, said Police Department officer Timothy Trahan.

Police believe the body had been in the canal for about a week based upon its state of decomposition, he added. There is no evidence of foul play.

There are no apparent connections to missing persons cases in Lebanon or elsewhere in Linn County. We checked around, Trahan said.

The body is that of a white male adult about 5-foot-8 with average build, short hair and a mustache. The man had multiple tattoos on both arms, back and chest.

A medical examiner will perform an autopsy on the body.

Lebanon police used a recently acquired aerial drone to survey the location, and Trahan believe its the first time the department has used the device.

Its something new we can put into use. Its just for an aerial view of the whole scene and to get up to places where we cant stand. We cant levitate over the water, he added.

Taking advantage of new technology is nothing new for the Lebanon Police Department, which was a pioneer among local law enforcement agencies in the use of body-worn cameras. The department has recorded every contact, mundane or otherwise, since fall 2014.

Lebanon Fire District Division Chief Jason Bolen said it was rare for a body to be recovered from the canal.

In May 2014, police recovered the body of 50-year-old Ray Edward Branson Sr. from the Albany-Santiam canal near the 600 block of East Rose Street.

Those with information about the body recovered on Wednesday can call Detective Justin McCubbins at 541-451-1751, ext. 4346.
90210 actress AnnaLynne McCord cut a sophisticated figure in a heavenly all-white outfit at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's National Tribute Dinner in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The actress, 29, wore a white halter crop top and matching pair of trousers for the star-studded benefit event.

And AnnaLynne looked incredible as usual with her glossy blonde locks styled sleek and straight over her face.

White hot: 90210 actress AnnaLynne McCord cut a sophisticated figure in a heavenly all-white outfit at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's National Tribute Dinner in Los Angeles on Wednesday

She wore plenty of mascara, smoky eye shadow, and a glossy color on her lips.

The star also carried a large bronze envelope clutch and looked in great spirits as she smiled brightly on the red carpet.

Elsewhere, Jennifer Meyer, who split from husband Tobey Maguire last year, looked edgy and elegant in a black lace dress.

The jewelry designer wore a pair of black platform heels and styled her tresses down in glossy waves.

Picture perfect: She wore plenty of mascara, smoky eye shadow, and a glossy color on her lips

Hello gorgeous: Elsewhere, Jennifer Meyer, who split from husband Tobey Maguire last year, looked edgy and elegant in a black lace dress

Jennifer's ex Tobey was also spotted at the event, cutting a sharp figure in black suit and white shirt.

Sapir Azulay, meanwhile, looked super stylish in a plunging black dress with long gold accents.

The actress had her hair scraped back into a chic and neat little 'do.

Super glam: Sapir Azulay, meanwhile, looked extremely stylish in a plunging black dress with long gold accents

Date night! Ice Cube cut a dashing figure in his black suit and grey tie as he posed beside his wife, Kimberly Woodruff

Ice Cube cut a dashing figure in his black suit and grey tie as he posed beside his wife, Kimberly Woodruff.

Kimberly wore a classic black dress that was teamed with a pair of silver heels.

Ice Cube looked in great spirits as he took to the stage, where he received a kiss on the cheek by Barbra Streisand.

Aww: Ice Cube looked in great spirits as he took to the stage, where he received a kiss on the cheek by Barbra Streisand

It's an honor! The star looked pleased to share the podium with Barbra

The evening saw Ron Meyer, the NBCUniversal vice chairman, honored with the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Humanitarian Award.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed last year Ron would be honored with the award.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an organization that researches the Holocaust and tackles topics such as anti-Semitism and hate, according to it's website.

Confident: The hit-maker was a natural on stage

Grateful: Barbra greeted Humanitarian Award honoree Ron Meyer, NBCUniversal Vice Chairman, onto the stage
She's previously made known of her struggles with Endometriosis, a condition affecting a woman's reproductive organs.

And in a podcast with The Thinkergirls this week, Jackie 'O' Henderson, 42, revealed the debilitating pain often found her having to go 'to the hospital for morphine.'

The candid admission comes just over a month after the KIIS FM radio host was found slumped over the steering wheel.

'I went to hospital for morphine': Jackie 'O' Henderson, 42, detailed her struggle with Endometriosis in a podcast for The Thinkergirls, earlier this week

Jackie 'O' revealed 'pain would come like clockwork' at the time of menstruation, not knowing her diagnosis until the age of 32.

'It (the pain) came out of nowhere. One morning I woke up, I was dying. I'd never had any period pain in the lead up to that.

'No one had ever mentioned the word Endometriosis to me until I was 32,' she continued.

'(The pain) came like clockwork and it got worse and I tried every sort of thing you could imagine. It was getting to the point where I had to go to the hospital every month and get morphine.'

Health scare: The candid comments come just over a month after the media personality was 'slumped over the steering wheel' in the KIIS FM car park

The candid comments come just over a month after Jackie suffered from a health scare.

Co-host Kyle Sandilands became concerned after the mother-of-one failed to turn up to the KIIS FM office at 6am.

Head of content Derek 'DB' Bargwanna informed Kyle that Jackie was 'slumped over the steering wheel' in the car park, unable to move because she was in 'too much pain.'

Jackie later explained she was suffering from severe menstrual cramps.

'So she's just laying on the floor in the carpark? Someone should go and get her,' Kyle, 45, ranted to the KIIS FM team.

Excruciating: Jackie 'O' was unable to make it up from the carpark as she was in 'too much pain'

'Someone tell me what's happening?' the shock jock insisted, before head of content Bargwanna explained.

'Jackie and I pulled (into the carpark) at the same time. I walked past the car and there she is slumped over the steering wheel.

'I opened up the door and she virtually falls out of the car, she can't walk, she's in pain. She's white as a ghost,' he continued.

Finally making her way from the carpark to the office, Jackie went into detail about the health scare.

The scare: Finally making her way from the carpark to the office, Jackie 'O' went into detail about the health scare revealing she was suffering from bad menstrual cramps

'It started like regular period pain and then something happened in the car. I thought I was going to pass out and my blood went cold,' she revealed to Kyle.

'I thought I was going to vomit. I was just thinking: 'I just need to get to work, I just need to get to work.'

Jackie suffers from Endometriosis, a condition affecting a woman's reproductive organs.

It can cause painful adhesions and/or infertility, where the tissue that usually lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus.

Pain usually occurs at the time of ovulation, however for some it can become constant.

Panic: 'I thought I was going to vomit. I was just thinking, 'I just need to get to work, I just need to get to work,' Jackie 'O' continued
His latest film in the X-Men universe has been doing massive business since its US release last month.

And now actor Hugh Jackman is taking the Logan roadshow to Japan and has sent a warm message to fans ahead of the film's Japanese premier in May.

Posting to Instagram on Thursday, Hugh, one of Australia's favourite triple threats, told Japanese fans just how excited he was to be bringing the film to the next month.

Triple threat: Hugh Jackman is taking the Logan roadshow to Japan and has sent a warm message to fans ahead of the film's Japanese premier in May.

'I am very happy to be coming to Japan in May to show you all my new film called Logan which I am very excited about,' he said in the video.

'The last stop on this promotional tour is Japan but, as we say in Australia, 'we've saved the best 'til last - arigato gozaimaasu (thank you).

'I saw Logan twice. I love you Hugh,' one fan responded.

Jackman has a special place in the hearts of Japanese fans, given that his 2013 X-Men spin-off The Wolverine was filmed there.

Japan-bound: I am very happy to be coming to Japan in May to show you all my new film called Logan which I am very excited about,' Hugh said in the video.

Logan, which Jackman has said will be the the last time he will don the Wolverine claws and winged hairdo has been doing big business for the star, with the film raking in more than $88million on its US opening weekend.

The action-packed flick, follows the world-weary titular character who is caring for his ailing mentor on the Mexican border before a young mutant arrives and throws Logan's plans to hide from the world asunder.

While he is widely regarded as being a formidable triple threat, Hugh has been letting the world know of another talent of late - languages.

Action-packed: Logan, which Jackman has said will be the the last time he will don the Wolverine claws and winged hair-do has been adoing big business for the star, with the film raking in more than $88million on its US opening weekend

Hugh offered a similar message to Mexican fans ahead of Logan's premiere there, which translated as: 'Hello! Greetings to all my fans in Mexico. I'm sorry I can not visit this time, but I love them so much to all of you, I hope you enjoy Logan.'

Logan is in cinemas now.
She turns 50 years old in just under three months' time.

Though Pamela Anderson has maintained every inch of her pin-up power, as she proved when she unveiled her latest, age-defying lingerie advert for Coco de Mer.

Pamela's erotic campaign comes as the former Baywatch babe, 49, declared her love for rumoured new suitor Julian Assange.

Pin-up: Pamela Anderson strips down for an unmissable campaign lingerie campaign for Coco De Mer, shot by photographer Rankin

It's little surprise that Pamela is the star of a collection entitled Icons, shot by Rankin and created by his agency, The Full Service.

And Pamela perfectly embodies the key themes of the line - 'eroticism, elegance, playfulness and grace' - posing in patent heels and hosiery with sexy wet hair.

While subtle, the lingerie line also features a bondage aesthetic with Pamela modelling choker necklines and caged bras.

Model body: Three months before her 50th birthday, Pamela hasn't lost one inch of her sex appeal

Baywatch babe: The stunning model wears the lingerie's Icons collection

Having posed for Playboy, FHM and Rolling Stone naked - not to mention her own sex tape - the model proves that she's not lost an inch of her sex appeal.

'[Lingerie] doesn't have to be seen by anyone else to feel sexy and feminine,' she told Vogue this week. 'I wear lingerie for meif anyone else see it, it's a bonus!'

But Pamela unleashes her inner seductress in the same week that she finally spoke out on her admiration for 'romantic' Julian, following months of speculation about their bond.

He's a 'gentleman,' she now says, and one of her favourite people, after developing an unlikely bond with the WikiLeaks founder.

Sexy: She says that lingerie doesn't have to been seen by any one, to feel sexy

On her blog this week, she wrote: 'My relationship with Julian - it's no secret.

'He is one of my favourite people and he might be the most famous, most politicised refugee of our time.

'Famous for being persecuted is not a position of power but a position of vulnerability. I am concerned.

'Julian is a human being who is extremely empathetic and cares deeply about the world. And because of his work he has made some powerful enemies in a few countries, America especially, by exposing them.'

Not aged a day: Pamela (right, with Nicole Eggert) could have stepped straight off the Baywatch set, from the Eighties

Declaring her love: The blonde bombshell this week declared her love for Julian Assange

Bringing baked goods: Pamela has been making regular visits to the Ecuadorian Embassy to see 'boyfriend' Julian Assange (here in February)

She added to People magazine: 'Julian is one of my favorite people. He's a gentleman, he is extremely smart, resilient.

'Julian is trying to free the world by educating it. It is a romantic struggle  I love him for this.'

Julian has been living under political asylum for almost five years at London's Ecuadorian Embassy, but Pamela has been making regular visits - at least once a month since October 2016 - even occasionally bringing baked goods.

He's romantic: The stunning blonde has visited at least once a month
They are set to mark their second wedding anniversary next month.

And kicking off the celebrations early, Michelle Keegan, 29, and her husband Mark Wright, 30, have jetted into Paris for a romantic break in the French capital.

Since touching down, the couple have been keeping fans updated with their trip on social media and on Wednesday night, Michelle set pulses racing as she posed in the bath for a racy snap.

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'Just five more minutes!': Michelle Keegan, 29, set pulses racing with a racy shot of her in the bath enjoying her view of the Eiffel Tower during her romantic trip to Paris on Wednesday

Making the most of the dreamy view from her hotel room, the former Coronation Street star stripped off and indulged in a huge bubble bath while taking in Paris' most iconic site - the Eiffel Tower all lit up.

She managed to cover her modesty with a mountain of suds and scraped her chocolate hued tresses up into a messy bun.

The actress captioned her photo: 'Just five more minutes,' and added the hashtags: '#bathgoals #parisnights.'

Her latest Instagram post caused a stir among fans, with many commenting on how envious they were of Michelle's bathroom setup, thanks to her room at the Shangri-La Hotel.

City of Love: The actress is currently in Paris to kick off celebrations for her second wedding anniversary with husband Mark Wright

'Not jealous...': Fans were quick to compliment Michelle on her envy-inducing photo from her Parisian break

One follower wrote: 'Wow what a view what I would give to swap places with you for 5 mins - lucky lady.'

Another said: 'That view is amazing! I would never get out the bath,' while another said: 'Not jealous, not jealous, not jealous.'

One more joked: 'Looks like a right dive that Mich tell Wrighty put his hand in his pocket next time!'

Michelle's post comes after her husband Mark posted a very similar snap to his own Instagram page.

He posed shirtless with his back to the camera while holding onto the railings of his balcony as he looked out onto a glistening Eiffel Tower.

Anything he can do! Michelle's post came after Mark shared his own shirtless snap of himself indulging in the glistening view of the French capital's most iconic sight to Instagram

Mark gushed: 'Just one last look before bed #roomwithaview #wheninparis.'

He and Michelle have taken some time out of their busy schedules to enjoy a whirlwind break in the City of Love together.

Their quality time together comes as Michelle is preparing to jet off to South Africa to film for the third series of Our Girl and reprise her role as Lance Corporal Georgie Lane.

She is thought to be filming overseas for eight months, with Mark undoubtedly flying out on occasion to see her.

Cocktails all round! The former TOWIE star has been documenting his Paris trip on social media and flaunting the many cocktails he has quenched his thirst with while overseas

While she was filming for the last series of the show, Michelle's marriage to Mark came under scrutiny, with rumours swirling there was trouble between the pair.

She, however, hit back at such claims and has insisted she and Mark are still very happy together two years down the line.

Speaking to Daily Star Sunday's TV Life magazine last month, Michelle remarked: 'Are the rumours rubbish? Yeah.

'We are all very good and everything is fine. Our marriage is going really well.

Happy couple: Mark and Michelle will mark their second wedding anniversary in May next month - they wed in 2015 in Bury St Edmonds

'Were happy. I dont want to constantly say "were happy, were fine", because why validate it? If were happy, were happy.'

The Tina and Bobby star and TOWIE veteran Mark tied the knot in May 2015 at St Mary's Church in Bury St Edmonds, before hosting a lavish ceremony for their family and friends at Hengrave Hall.

Mark had proposed to Michelle in September 2013, nine months after they initially met while holidaying in Dubai.
She recently revealed the secret to keeping her enviable figure lean.

And now, Lisa Snowdon showcased the fruits of her hard earned gym labour as she shared a rather daring Instagram selfie on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old broadcaster displayed her endless legs while going trouserless for her social media snap, flashing her skimpy black lace undergarments to her 137,000.

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In the knick of time: Lisa Snowdon showcased the fruits of her hard earned gym labour as she shared a rather daring Instagram snap on Wednesday, flashing her skimpy black lace undergarments

The newly-engaged beauty highlighted not only her honed legs but her slender hips in the racy lingerie.

With her taut stomach on display, she teamed her steamy look with a on-trend gingham box-cut blouse with stylish ruffled sleeve detail.

The high-neck garment offset her pin-flashing look as she posed infront of the mirror for her jaw-dropping selfie.

Completing her look with a pair of black socks and slippers, she captioned her snap: 'Japanese style #nomakeup #noretouch #completelynatural #socks #slippers #ootd #lookoftheday'.

Loved-up: The TV presenter is currently enjoying a whirlwind trip to Japan with her entrepreneur beau George Smart

Going make-up free, the I'm A Celeb alum highlighted her flawless complexion while her wet brown locks cascaded down her shoulder.

The TV presenter is currently enjoying a whirlwind trip to Japan with her entrepreneur beau George Smart.

The pair - who had been friends for 15 years - announced their engagement in January after George got down on bended knee before Christmas.

Wanderlust: Soaking up her experience, she has been sharing a steady stream of snaps from her idyllic trip

Continuing their engagement bliss, she has been sharing a steady stream of snaps from her idyllic trip as she soaks up her experience.

Recently, Lisa opened up to Fit & Well magazine about how she stays in shape and how comfortable she is in her own skin now - despite always being in such great shape.

'I didnt feel confident in my twenties with my body, which is a shame because when I look back at pictures I think I was lucky,' she said. 'I was lean and still curvy in the right places. Im more confident now  you learn to appreciate the good bits.

'Zen': The brunette beauty enjoyed the hot springs of Japan

She also admitted that she uses quite the unconventional method to keep track of her weight - by seeing how well her knickers and jeans fit.

But she keeps on top of any potential weight gain by employing a combination of high-intensity interval training classes and early morning reformer Pilates sessions with local trainer Chris Richardson of ZeroGravity Pialtes.

On her Pilates classes, she explained: Youre lying on your back, with your feet in loops doing half-circles, which really open up your hips. Its almost like Cirque du Soleil! Thankfully, I used to do ballet, so Im quite flexible in that way.'
They spoke no more than 10 words to each other between takes.

But movie co-stars Charlie Hunnam and Robert Pattinson seemed to be fairly good friends when they premiered their film The Lost City Of Z on Wednesday in LA.

Demonstrating all of the signs of a bromance, the actors shared a warm embrace on the red carpet, days after Charlie admitted to sensing animosity from Robert on set.

Friends again: Charlie Hunnam (left) and Robert Pattison (right) finally seemed to have forged a bond at the Lost City of Z film premiere in LA on Wednesday, following Charlie's claim that the pair never spoke on set

'I didn't spend any time with Tom or Robert,' he told Screen Daily about their movie rehearsals, last week. 'I wanted these relationships to evolve naturally on screen.

'Through the work, I don't think I said more than ten words to Robert off camera. I didn't know if he was just 'in that zone' or if he genuinely didn't like me. There was a real distance between us.

'But it creates the right dynamic on screen. He's reached out to me subsequently, making overtures for us to be friends now, so I think it was about the work.'

How Bromantic: The pair shared warm embrace, putting aside Charlie's comments about his co-star and their frosty relationship

Pattinson, plays Corporal Henry Costin, while Hunnam plays maverick explorer Colonel Percy Fawcett in the biographical drama.

Based on author David Grann's 2009 book The Lost City Of Z: A Tale Of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon, the new film recounts enigmatic explorer Fawcett's attempts to find an indigenous city in the wild, remote and largely unchartered South American jungle.

Fawcett and his son would eventually vanish without trace in 1925, never to find their city.

Wall of silence: 'Through the work, I don't think I said more than ten words to Robert off camera,' he had said, about working as Henry Costin (left) and Percy Fawcett (right)

Despite the actors' hostile relationship, Fawcett once described Costin as one of his most trusted companions, writing: 'The only assistants I could ever call completely reliable,' in the book.

Filming took place in Santa Marta, Colombia and from what R-Pattz says about shooting in inner-most Brazil, he was completely 'in the zone' throughout.

On being expected to eat live maggots, Robert told Metro: 'It was so gross - I was eating them and stuff. I think they had to cut the scene to get the rating down.'

Joker: Accompanied by co-stars Tom Holland (left) and Sienna Miller (second right), the actor was suddenly full of jokes

Group shot: Charlie says Robert has since reached out to him for friendship

Close bond: He seemed to have had no trouble getting close to Sienna

There was also a level of danger with the creatures running free in the jungle where the cast and crew were filming.

He elaborated: 'There were caimans in the river and me and Charlie were swimming around them. One of the crew got bitten in the face by an arbor viper.

'The props master went straight in, sucked the venom and spat it out - he had no idea what he was doing, he'd just finished on EastEnders.'
She's a doting mother to her two adorable little girls, Honor, eight, and Haven, five.

But Jessica Alba proved she was a daddy's girl at heart as she grabbed to bite to eat with her dad Mark in rainy New York City on Tuesday afternoon.

The actress, 35, rocked a chic ensemble and kooky spectacles as the duo headed for lunch at Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village.

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A working lunch: Jessica Alba proved she was a daddy's girl at heart as she grabbed to bite to eat with her dad Mark in rainy New York City on Tuesday afternoon

Keeping dry under a large umbrella, the Sin City star kept the spring chill at bay in a stylish emerald green duster coat.

Underneath her statement jacket, the mother-of-two flaunted her slender pins in skintight leggings.

Jessica completed her look with a chic navy and white striped tee, and ditched her heels in favour of comfortable white trainers.

The businesswoman wore her light brunette locks scraped back from her face, and accessorised with big gold hoop earrings and aviator-style glasses.

Rain rain, go away: The actress, 35, rocked a chic ensemble and kooky spectacles as the duo headed for lunch at Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village

Jessica opted for low-key make-up to accentuate her pretty features as she went about her day.

The star's dad, former US air force serviceman Mark, looked dapper in a casual shirt and light beige chinos ensemble as he supported his daughter on her The Honest Company business venture.

It was just as well he was armed with a red umbrella, prepared for the rainy weather conditions in the Big Apple.

While away from Los Angeles, the pair were promoting Jessica's ethical business The Honest Company, which was valued at $1.7 billion in August 2015 by The Wall Street Journal.

Launch: The Sin City star teased a promotion for her brand The Honest Company in New Jersey on SnapChat later in the day

Always supported by her dad, Jessica previously credited him as 'incredibly loving' on her Instagram page.

The star Facebook live streamed a makeover on a Target guest in New Jersey later that day.

She teased the launch on SnapChat, writing: 'Doing an ambush makeover on a Target guest in New Jersey!'

Jessica tied the knot with film producer Cash Warren, 38 - the father of her two girls - in Los Angeles in May 2008, after meeting on the set of Fantastic Four in 2004.
Lauren Silverman looked sensational as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old, who is in a relationship with Simon Cowell looked chic in a simple black vest top, skinny jeans and sunglasses perched stylishly on top of her sleek mane of hair.

She elongated her figure with a pair of skyscraper heels which allowed her to flash a peep of her pink pedicure.

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Sensational: Lauren Silverman, 39, looked incredible as she ran errands in LA on Wednesday in a towering pair of stiletto heels and skin-tight jeans

The American socialite showed off her slender pins in the skin-tight jeans as she looked effortlessly beautiful.

Clutching a large oversized Chanel quilted bag, Lauren kept the look to mainly dark colours, but wrapped a gold watch around her wrist for an added finesse.

She showed off her natural beauty, with a light LA tan giving her a healthy glow.

Everyday glamour: Lauren looked fresh-faced and pretty, with a light LA tan giving her a healthy glow.

Lauren and Simon, 57, welcomed their baby son Eric on Valentine's Day that year, and Simon has been open about embracing his new role as a father.

After a few weeks alone in the States while Simon filmed Britain's Got Talent in the UK, Lauren was reunited with her partner last month.

Proving their relationship to be stronger than ever, the pair were seen enjoying a date night together last week as they celebrated their philanthropist pal Haim Saban receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2013, it was revealed Simon had been in a relationship with his then-best friend Andrew Silverman's wife, after pictures emerged showing them kissing on a yacht.

The pair then welcomed their son - a half-sibling for Lauren's son Adam from her previous marriage - in February 2014, and named him after Simon's late father, who died in 1999.

However, the Syco owner confessed last year that he had struggled to form a close relationship with his son following his arrival.

Speaking to Jimmy Fallon, the TV star admitted that he was worried about a disconnect between the pair.

'I wasn't good to begin with,' he began. 'I thought he was going to be like a puppy. Like you could throw things and he would retrieve them.

'After eight months I thought he hated me. Then one day he was watching me on TV and then he kind of got me, and he started talking to me and now we're buddies.'
Kendall Jenner is reportedly 'devastated' by the controversy surrounding her Pepsi advert.

The 21-year-old model plays a central role in the drinks company's Jump In promotional film, but the brand has already decided to scrap the campaign after it received a wave of criticism for appearing to trivialise the Black Lives Matter movement.

A source said: 'This is the first controversial campaign she has been involved with. Even though she had nothing to do with the production and the message of the campaign, she will be blamed for this since she is the face.'

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Upset: Kendall Jenner is said to be 'devastated' by the controversy surrounding the 'offensive' Pepsi advert which caused mass outrage after appearing to trivialise Black Lives Matter movement

A source said: 'This is the first controversial campaign she has been involved with. Even though she had nothing to do with the production and the message of the campaign, she will be blamed for this since she is the face'

However, Kendall is expected to be able to recover from the controversy, with a source close to the dark-haired beauty insisting it has not done irreversible damage to her reputation.

The insider told ET Online: 'This is not a career breaker for her.'

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Kendall Jenner for comment.

In the short film, Kendall skips out of a photoshoot to join a throng of young campaigners waving placards with slogans such as 'Join the Conversation', before she approaches a surly-looking police officer and hands him a Pepsi can as a sign of peace.

Not happy: Kendall did her best to hide from the controversy surrounding her Pepsi commercial on Wednesday when she landed in Paris

In response to the criticism, Pepsi has pulled the advert and has released a statement admitting the firm 'missed the mark' with the campaign's message.

Meanwhile, the insider acknowledged Pepsi had made a mistake in hiring Kendall for the role.

'The original intent of the commercial was to mirror all the global protests trying to make this world a more equal place for everyone.

'But they shouldn't have had a celebrity face tied to it if they wanted to try and send a strong message like this.'

Kendall did her best to hide from the controversy surrounding her Pepsi commercial on Wednesday when she landed in Paris.

Jenner, who starred in an advertisement for the soda giant that was blasted as 'tone deaf', shielded her face as she was hurried through the terminal in France.

As she left the airport, the reality television star pulled her jacket up over her face and a security guard held out his hands in an attempt to block her from sight.

Jenner has also claimed she had no involvement in the creative process behind the commercial, according to TMZ.

Her airport appearance came shortly after Pepsi said it was canning the commercial in a statement released on Wednesday.

'Pepsi was trying to project a global a message of unity, peace and understanding,' the statement read.

'Clearly, we missed the mark, and we apologize.

'We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are pulling the content and halting any further rollout.

'We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position.'

Interestingly, the apology appears to have had the opposite effect that Pepsi intended - at least financially.

Stocks in Pepsi rose today after a small dip until 1.20pm when they ad was pulled.

From then the stocks tumbled, closing the day at .12 per cent down. One small piece of good news for the brand may be that their rivals didn't escape the backlash despite having nothing to do with the ill advised ad. Coke's stock closed out the day at .26 per cent.

Pepsi has canceled its controversial new advertisement starring Kendall Jenner, after it was mocked by Bernice King - MLK's daughter

Bernice King attacked the Pepsi commercial on social media on Wednesday - just before the drink company announced it was canceling the advertisement

Stocks in Pepsi rose today after a small dip until 1.20pm when they ad was pulled, and they plummeted, closing at .12 per cent down, while Coke also suffered on Wall Street

The statement was released shortly after Bernice King - the daughter of MLK - mocked it on social media.

PEPSI'S STATEMENT CANCELING THE AD Pepsi was trying to project a global a message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly, we missed the mark, and we apologize. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are pulling the content and halting any further rollout. We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position. Advertisement

'If only daddy knew about the power of Pepsi,' she tweeted, while sharing a photograph of her iconic father clashing with police on the front-line of a protest.

The two-and-a-half-minute commercial features Kendall stepping out of a crowd of multi racial protesters to end a stand-off with police officer by handing him a can of Pepsi.

It was also slammed by other stars and celebrities on social media, including: Lena Dunham, Questlove, Judd Apatow, and Patton Oswalt.

'J. Edgar Hoover takes aim from the grassy knoll. The motorcade approaches. He fires. JFK raises a Pepsi to his lips, blocks the bullet,' Oswalt tweeted.

'Assuming everything that can be said about faux-test Pepsi ad has been said so I'm just gonna go with this: it didn't make me want Pepsi,' Dunham wrote.

Celebrities including Lena Dunham were quick to slam the star's tone-deaf Pepsi commercial

Judd Apatow also had his say on the bizarre advert - saying he could never 'make something as funny'

Patton Oswalt joked that Pepsi could have stopped a faux plot that involved J.Edgar Hoover killing JFK

Questlove ripped into Pepsi for putting an April Fools commercial out four days late

'That Pepsi commercial was genius troll move of the year, 4 days from April Fools? we talkin/meming bout em too?' Questlove said, before adding: 'Dear corporations let this be a lesson. you run the risk of getting DRAGGED if your boardroom shows NO diversity.---there is NO excuse.

For not ONE PERSON to smack some sense in y'all. i mean I'm laughing. cause .0000003 per cent of me hopes this was some 'lets troll em!' move.'

And the mocking didn't stop after the ad was canceled, with social media continuing to bubble over with jokes and complaints.

'O'Reilly Factor down to one advertisement for tonight: Kendall's Pepsi commercial,' Josh Brown wrote, in a reference to the current controversy surrounding Fox News host Bill O'Reilly.

'I think it's time to open my 'Ask A Black person' consulting firm,' comedian Travon Free tweeted.

Other people continued to mock the commercial on Wednesday even after Pepsi announced it was being canceled

'Pepsi pulling ad + also apologizes to Kendall Jenner - I was under the impression that she's a grown a** woman who was present for filming,' another said.

'Steve Bannon could probably use a @pepsi right about now,' model Ines Helene joked.

Pepsi previously defended the commercial in a statement, saying it was: 'a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that's an important message to convey.'

Kendall herself previously told Women's Wear Daily: 'I had never been to Bangkok before [where it was filmed], so it was interesting to be in that city. There were a lot of really cool people on set that I got to meet. It was fun, it was entertaining. The whole concept is really something that I'm about, so it was just fun to be a part of.

'I think a lot of people are caught up in whatever's happening in someone else's life and they're not really paying attention to what's happening right in front of them most of the time.

'It's not hard to put your phone down and consciously try and get yourself to live in the moment. That's what I try and do.'

The imagery - whether intentional or not - evokes the real-life moment protester Ieshia Evans faced down lines of heavily armed police wearing riot gear during a Black Lives Matter demonstration over the fatal shooting of a black man by police.

Evans was arrested moments later, unlike Kendall whose actions win her knowing smile from the Pepsi ad's handsome, enlightened cop.

The ad has sparked outrage online from hundreds accusing Pepsi of trying to cash in on the Black Lives Matter protests. Twitter was flooded with deeply sarcastic posts mocking the 'tone deaf' ad.

Many compared Kendall's action to that of protester Ieshia Evans (pictured) last year in Indiana during the Black Lives Matter protests across the country

Not everyone was upset with the controversial commercial, as Kris Jenner tweeted out how proud she was of her daughter for being 'the face of (Pepsi's) campaign'

'How nice of Kendall Jenner to stop in the middle of her photo shoot to end social injustices by giving that cop a Pepsi,' one Twitter user wrote. 'MLK who? Rosa who?'

User @lgbtgreene added: 'I can't believe Kendall Jenner ended police brutality and white supremacy with a can of Pepsi not bad for a girl with no talent.'

Others complained that it was a transparent attempt by Pepsi to try and tap into whatever the 'youth (are) into these days.'

Of course, it is not the first time a soda giant has been accused of crass commercialism.

Evans was arrested moments later, unlike Kendall whose actions win her knowing smile from the Pepsi ad's cop

Social media bubbled over with criticism from people who thought the commercial was making light of a serious issue

Coca Cola faced fierce backlash for their Super Bowl ad, which was actually a re-run, this year which features people of all different ethnicities singing America the Beautiful in multiple languages.

People accused the brand of trying to ride the wave of pro-immigrant and unity sentiment shortly after Donald Trump announced his Muslim ban.

In another unfortunate creative choice, Coke was forced to pull an online advert in 2015 which appeared to show Caucasian people turning up at an indigenous town in Mexico bearing gifts of soda cans and a Christmas tree for locals.

Coke received so many complaints that the ad reinforced stereotypes of whites teaching 'culturally and racially subordinate' indigenous people, that they even issued a rare apology.

Another user was so shocked, they assumed it was an ad for the competition

The ad starts out with a glamorous Kendall in a blonde wig, doing a photo shoot in front of a large window

But Pepsi appears to have outdone their rival with an advert which many complains 'mocks' the Black Lives Movement - which began over the deaths of so many young black men at the hands of police and has gone on to spark national and international protests.

Violence between police and protesters have been reported at numerous such demonstrations which have even resulted in fatal shootings in some cases.

Not then, the most obvious setting in which to set an ad to sell sugary, fizzy drinks.

The commercial, filmed in Bangkok for the brand's new Live For Now moments campaign, begins with a protest of young, attractive demonstrators holding aloft bland signs which proclaim statements such as 'Love' and 'Be part of the conversation.'

Jenner sees the protesters walking by and wants to join in on the movement instead of finishing up her photo shoot

The model pulls off her wig and walks away from her photo shoot towards the protest in the now-canned commercial

In the commercial, Jenner smears off her lipstick in a symbol of her change of political ambition

The march continues past a photoshoot where who else but Kendall Jenner is posing, in a short silver dress with platinum blonde hair, in front of the camera until her attention is drawn to a cute protester who gestures for her to join the movement.

Suddenly awakened to the cause, and perhaps the frivolity of a life of fame and photoshoots, the 21-year-old rips off her blonde wig, wipes off her makeup and joins the crowd.

She is now 'one of them'.

When the crowd come up against a line of attractive cops, Kendall has the solution; Pepsi.

She hands over a can to the most handsome officer and the crowd erupts in cheers as he takes a sip. Kendall pumps her fist in the air while the cop, seemingly won over by the gesture, shares a look with his colleague to say, 'well, they can't be that bad.'

Jenner 'bravely' steps out of the crowd and hands the officer who is blocking the protest a can of Pepsi

All is well: He drinks the Pepsi, all problems go away and everyone is happy again

Kendall has not yet responded to the criticism of the ad, set to the sound of Lion, a new track by Bob Marley's grandson Skip.

But before it was released Kendall had said: 'I am thrilled to join the legendary roster of icons who have represented their generations and worked with Pepsi.'

She added: 'The spirit of Pepsi - living in the 'now' moment- is one that I believe in. I make a conscious effort in my everyday life and travels to enjoy every experience of today.'

But her fans are less than pleased and have taken to social media to call out her and Pepsi.

One user pointed out the comparison between the ad and the picture of Evans, saying: 'I'm gonna end this thread with this picture. The picture of that you mocked in this advertisement.'

'So according to @KendallJenner and @pepsi the racial tension problem is just a matter of thirsty cops,' another user lamented.

Community organizer Deray Mckesson added: 'If I had carried Pepsi I guess I never would've gotten arrested. Who knew?'

Comedian Margaret Cho wrote: 'If this #Pepsi ad is the choice of a new generation, Im gonna need that generation to turn in its badge.'

Fellow comic and actor Jim Gaffigan added: 'But you said you wanted social media to talk about Pepsi.' - Advertising guy to Pepsi executive before agency is fired.'

Meanwhile members of an Austin Black Lives Matter group were outraged by the ad.

Jane Dunnington wrote on their group's page: 'What BS-- the pretty white chick gives the cop a Pepsi and it's all good; everyone cheers?! Yeah, that fixed institutional racism.'

'Wow that is offensive on so many levels,' Haley Bach added.
The owners of Foster Lake RV Resort in Foster told the Linn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday that they're concerned about proposed rule changes at Edgewater RV Park and Marina.

Howard and Gari Lynn Tocher say the countys plan to allow camping at the site for up to six months during the winter and early spring would hurt them financially.

Both camping spots are on the far eastern side of Sweet Home. Edgewater sits on Foster Reservoir; the Tochers' operation is within a stones throw east on the south side of Highway 20.

We are sympathetic to the need of the county to make this property viable for you since acquiring it in 2014, the Tochers noted in a letter to Parks Director Brian Carroll. To be sure, we understand the constant pressure you are under to make ends meet. As county taxpayers, we are in the same situation.

Linn County purchased the resort and marina from Oregon State Credit Union for $775,000. It includes 40 marina slips (with potential to expand to 143 slips) and 49 RV campsites, plus office space.

The estimated cost of developing the property was more than $1 million and it was valued at $623,000 on the Linn County Assessors rolls at the time of the sale.

The project had been developed by LND Construction of Philomath. The owners planned to build a lodge-like building at the RV park. It would house a convenience store, bait shop and 28,000-square-foot commercial building. The lodge's second floor was to house a restaurant. The third floor would be developed into condominiums.

The company had previously developed high-end condominiums near the marina. The condos did not come with the RV Park and Marina sale.

County Commissioner Will Tucker told the Tochers the county had not gone shopping for the property, but took it over as an economic boost for east Linn County after the business fell into bankruptcy. Tucker urged the couple to consider purchasing the property.

The Tochers said that during the summer tourist season, length-of-stay isnt a major issue. But during sluggish winter months, they said, it would make a big difference financially if the 10 or more long-term campers at Edgewater were at their facility instead.

In the summer, a 30-day stay is OK because there are plenty of tourists, Howard Tocher said. The problem with an extension to six months in the winter is that its not our peak season. We are trying to survive in the winter months.

Tocher said the park should be for recreation purposes, not long-term housing.

Edgewater has not operated under the same conditions as other county parks because people were living at the facility when the county purchased it three years ago.

Roger Nyquist, the chairman of the commissioners, told the Tochers it wasn't not the countys intention to put anyone out of business. But, he said, it was the boards responsibility to ensure the county parks operate on a fiscally sound basis.

Tucker agreed with Nyquist, adding, We make Brian run our parks like a business.

The commissioners asked Carroll to run a spreadsheet on Edgewater RV and Marina and to submit that information before they agree on a code amendment outlining how the facility will be operated.

The Tochers proposed two alternatives:

 No person shall stay overnight at Edgewater RV Park and Marina more than 21 days between May 1 and Sept. 30 and 42 days between Oct. 1 and April 30."

 No person shall stay overnight at Edgewater RV Park and Marina more than 30 days in a calendar year.
She became the oldest Bond girl in the 007 franchise when she starred in 2015's Spectre at the age of 51.

And Monica Bellucci proved she just keeps getting better with age as she visited the Valentino showroom in Rome, Italy, on Wednesday.

The Italian model and actress, 52, looked incredible in a form-fitting black knitted dress with a knee length A-Line flowing skirt.

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Age-defying: Monica Belluci, 52, looked stunning as she visited the Valentino showroom in Rome, Italy, on Wednesday in an elegant LBD

The former Bond girl teamed her elegant LBD with a pair of knee-high stiletto Christian Louboutin boots, which showed off her slim legs to perfection.

Monica kept the look classic with sleek straight hair, rounding off the ensemble with a large laser cut out handbag and dark sunglasses.

The star opted for low-key make-up to accentuate her youthful complexion as she went about her day in the Italian capital.

The brunette beauty has been vocal about how little effort she puts into staying in shape in the past.

Saucy: The former Bond girl added a touch of naughtiness the otherwise demure outfit with a pair of knee-high stiletto Louboutin boots, which showed off her slim legs to perfection

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph newspaper, she said that she doesn't favour the gym in a quest to stay slim, instead preferring to enjoy life and eat pasta and cake.

Monica explained: 'Im not someone who wakes up at 6am to go to the gym.

'The truth is that I like cakes and pasta, the odd glass of wine and a very occasional cigarette.

'My advice is: eat well, drink well, have good sex  and laugh a lot. The rest comes all on its own.'

Youthful looks: The model and actress (pictured in 2006) previously that she avoids the gym and loves pasta, cake and the odd glass of wine

Bellucci appeared in the 2015 Bond film Spectre as an assassin's widow, named Lucia Sciarra, whose brief encounter with Bond results a steamy sexual encounter.

In the lead up to the film's release, Daniel Craig insisted that James would be kept on his toes by strong female leads, brought in to match 007 with their intelligence, style and sex appeal.

But critics were disappointed that beyond their on-screen romp, Monica's character only managed to make it into the storyline for a matter of minutes.
The glamorous TV presenter is a proud mother to four adorable children.

But WAG Rebecca Judd spent a night away from her young ones on Wednesday to treat her own mother to a celebratory dinner.

The model, 34, took her mother Kerry to Mahare restaurant in Melbourne for her birthday, taking to Instagram to write: 'Happy birthday mama.'

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'Happy birthday mama': WAG Rebecca Judd celebrates mother Kerry's birthday with dinner and cocktails during Melbourne girls' night out on Wednesday

Bec posed at the table with her brunette-haired mum, as they appeared to spend a girls' night out together.

Cupping cocktails in their hands, Bec wrote: 'If you love red skittles, I highly recommend the pomegranate sour.'

The media personality styled her brunette locks in loose waves for the outing, while sporting a faux fur black coat.

Her mother wore a green satin bomber jacket, while beaming with a high-spirited smile beside her stunning daughter.

Stunning! The media personality styled her brunette locks in loose waves for the outing, while they both gleamed with high-spirited smiles at the table

Bec is known for being close with her mother, revealing in January that she invited her mother to live with her and her husband, retired AFL star Chris, after welcoming her newborn twins Tom and Darcy into the world.

After employing a part-time nanny, Rebecca told Today Show she moved her mother Kerry into her home to help with the increased work load.

She told the show that it was good to have an extra pair of hands around the house.

Another pair of helping hands: After revealing last year that she employed a part-time nanny, WAG Rebecca Judd (seen) has admitted that her mother, Kerry Brown, has moved in with her

After being complimented by Lisa Wilkinson on how well she juggles everything and asked what her secret was, Rebecca said it can be trying at times.

'Thank you, but sometimes I feel like I really don't have it all sorted,' Rebecca said.

'I've got my mum living with us now, so she's a big help!'

In her element! Rebecca - who is mother to four - recently shared this sweet shot of her mother doting on her grandchild

Going with the flow: Rebecca said that she's since eased her routine with the kids and specifically her twins, Tom and Darcy (Rebecca is seen with her sister and mother and their children)

'But I think I'm just one of those crazy routine mums,' she added.

Rebecca said that she's since eased her routine with the kids, specifically with her twins, Tom and Darcy.

'I'm just letting things run their course now, the routine is working, they sleep all night now, they don't cry when they're together,' she said.

'I just pop them together and they never cry. They're actually easy. I can't believe I'm saying my twins are easy, but I think because I had them last, I was prepared and I expected the worse. They're awesome,' she said.

Rebecca - who hosts travel program Postcards and who now appears on the KIIS FM national 3pm Pick-up show - is also a qualified speech pathologist.

Family: The blogger married Chris in 2010 and the couple are now happy parents to Oscar, five, Billie, two, and their twin boys

Last year, the former model 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.

Rebecca married Chris in 2010, and the couple are now happy parents to Oscar, five, Billie, two, and their twin boys.

Last year, Rebecca said she is a strict parent, telling Mamamia: 'I never give empty threats.'

'I say that if you do that again, you will go to your room. So if Billie's banging a book on Oscar's head, and I tell her if you do that again the book's going, it goes... And she'll kick and scream and carry on like she's being stabbed.'
She is currently expecting her first child.

But Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made sure to conceal her baby bump from view as she stepped out in New York with her fiance Jason Statham, 49, on Wednesday.

The model, 29, sported a chic ensemble for her outing across the pond and teamed together a long line blazer - that she held together over her stomach - with heeled boots and a fedora hat.

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Under wraps: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 29, made sure to hide her blossoming baby bump as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday

Rosie opted for a dark-hued outfit that made sure not to draw attention to her baby bump.

Keen to keep it out of shot, she held her tailored coat together in front of her growing tum, but in doing so gave onlookers a good glimpse at her glistening engagement ring instead.

Her diamond sat pretty on her wedding figure as she bent her arm to grab her blazer in one hand while toting a tan designer bag on the same arm.

She sported a pair of dark skinny jeans and a form-fitting charcoal grey tee underneath her outerwear and Rosie put her best foot forward in a pair of suede lattice boots.

Parents-to-be: She was joined by her fiance Jason Statham, 49, in the Big Apple and tottered behind him in her heeled boots

Nothing to see here: Rosie made sure to hold her long-line blazer in front of her stomach to shield her bump from photographers - she teamed her outerwear with a fedora hat and shades

The Plymouth-born beauty chose to wear her blonde locks in a straightened style and appeared to come over camera shy as she hid behind an emerald green fedora and huge shades.

Rosie's husband-to-be, meanwhile, cut a casual figure in a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a beige bomber jacket.

Jason strode in front of Rosie as they made an appearance in the Big Apple, while she tottered behind the actor in her heels.

The couple are expecting their first child together and confirmed their baby news in February earlier this year.

'Jason and I are expecting': The catwalk star confirmed her pregnancy by sharing a bikini photo on Instagram back in February

To announce her pregnancy, Rosie put her sizeable bump on display in a skimpy two-piece bikini and told her 7.1million followers on the photo-sharing site: 'Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x.'

Her exciting news came after Rosie had shared her thoughts on having a family with the Snatch star.



Speaking to The EDIT in 2015, Rosie confessed: 'Having a family is something I think about for sure, and whether I'd live here in America or in England. But it's not always as simple as that.'

She added: 'I have no idea what will happen, but it'll be interesting to find out, right? And nothing will be perfect, I'm sure.'

Smitten! Rosie and the Snatch star (pictured at Vanity Fair's Oscar party in February) have been dating since 2010 - Jason popped the question in early 2016

Rosie and Jason have been dating since 2010.

He proposed to the catwalk star in early 2016 with a dazzling 243,000 engagement ring.

The couple subtly confirmed their engagement with their appearance at the Golden Globes, as Rosie stepped out sporting the diamond while arm-in-arm with her beau.

A representative for Rosie later confirmed her engagement to MailOnline.
Married At First Sight contestant Susan Rawlings has gone on yet another tirade against the producers of the famed Channel Nine dating show.

Speaking to Junkee, the 37-year-old, alleged that producers encouraged the formation of a 'boys club' among the male contestants on set.

'After we were made to leave [a dinner party], two of the boys were messaging saying, 'Wasn't it awesome how we made Cheryl cry?',' she told the publication.

'They don't even care': Married At First Sight contestant Susan Rawlings has gone on yet another tirade against the producers of the famed Channel Nine dating show

She later added: 'They don't even care about the human beings who are dealing with the consequences,' she says. 'And there are huge consequences'.

Susan, who was paired with Sean Hollands on the show, also claimed that the so-called psychologists hardly spent any time with the contestants, saying: 'The only [other] time you saw [the psychologists] was on the couch at the commitment ceremony. 'We didn't have any other interaction with them ever. Never ever.'

Susan has previously alleged producers on the show 'fed lines' to contestants and psychologists, used editing to 'fake' her breakup with Sean and made participants 'beg for toilet breaks.'

Not happy: She previously accused producers of feeding lines to contestants and psychologists, used editing to 'fake' her breakup with Sean and made participants 'beg for toilet breaks'

Criticism: According to the contestant, the actions constituted a breach of her 'basic human rights' and her frustration and emotional anguish was clear throughout the alarming conversation

Speaking to Perth Now, Susan claimed the actions of producers constituted a breach of her 'basic human rights'.

In addition to allegations of inadequate facilities and conditions, she claimed that producers would turn up at her hotel room with a script.

'They read out sentences to me, which I then had to repeat back to the camera,' she told the publication.

Susan says the Channel Nine program's producers told her to act like an accident with a spilled pasta bake at TV 'husband' Sean's farm was a big issue.

According to the disgruntled personality, the show's insistence that they provide psychological support for entrants was not followed through on.

She claims concerns about her portrayal on the show were raised to production staff, but that nobody ever called her to follow up or offer any support.

Not real: 'It's absolutely fake and excruciating to live through...We are not talking to the experts and they are not talking with us, they are just pawns in a game,' she said

In addition to allegations of scripted scenes, Susan accuses the show of speaking to 'expert psychologists' vie ear-pieces and telling them what to say.

'It's absolutely fake and excruciating to live through...We are not talking to the experts and they are not talking with us, they are just pawns in a game,' she says.

The contestant was also adamant that the show was edited in a way that made it look like she dumped Sean, claiming they edited out his final line in which he confirmed he didn't want to pursue the relationship further.

Bold claims: The contestant was also adamant that the show was edited in a way that made it look like she dumped Sean, claiming they edited out his final line in which he confirmed he didn't want to pursue the relationship further

A spokesperson for show production house Endemol Shine Australia also spoke to the publication, refuting a lot of Susan's claims, without commenting on her specific examples.

'All participants are given adequate food, water and breaks and have access to psychological support, which has always been available at any time throughout the show and continues to be,' the spokesperson said.

They were adamant they treated their duty of care seriously, and were in regular contact with contestants.
Pierce Brosnan has candidly opened up about life after the death of both his first wife and daughter.

Having dealt with the grief of losing his wife of 11 years Cassandra Harris in 1991 ovarian cancer aged 43, he then was dealt a cruel hand in 2013 when he subsequently lost his daughter Charlotte to the same disease aged 42.

Speaking to Esquire Magazine, the 63-year-old discussed how his life has forever been effected after losing the women dear to him.

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Candid: Pierce Brosnan has candidly opened up about life after the death of both his first wife and daughter to Esquire magazine

Opening up ahead of his new AMC series The Son, he explained: 'I dont look at the cup as half full, believe me. The dark, melancholy Irish black dog sits beside me from time to time.'

In 2014, Pierce opened up on Stand Up For Cancer's LA telethon about the profound loss Cassandra and Charlotte had left after they lost their battles.

The Irish born star said on The Dolby Theatre stage: 'To watch someone you love have his or her life eaten away bit by bit by this insidious disease, that kind of sorrow becomes an indelible part of your psyche.

'I held the generous, strong, beautiful hand of my first wife Cassie as ovarian cancer took her life much too soon.

Opening up: Speaking to Esquire Magazine , the 63-year-old discussed how his life has forever been effected after losing the women dear to him

'And just last year, I held the hand of my funny, wonderful daughter Charlotte before she too died from this wretched, inherited disease.'

When the Hollywood actor - who also lost his producing partner Beau Marie St. Clair to the disease last year - previously discussed following Charlotte's death that he found strength in his faith to help him 'survive the pain'.

He explained to German newspaper Bild at the time: 'That's all you have left when your heart is just a dark hole at four in the morning and you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Loss: Pierce lost his wife of 11 years Cassandra Harris in 1991 to Ovarian cancer aged 43

Devastating: He was dealt a cruel hand in 2013 when he subsequently lost his daughter Charlotte to the same disease aged 42 (Pictured in 2006)

Doting father: Charlotte was nine years old when her mother Cassandra married Pierce at Chelsea registry office in 1980 while Chris was seven - the two children were from her previous relationship

'No one can escape life's pain. That's life.'

Now happily remarried to Keely Shaye Smith since 2001, the Remember Me star is father to four sons - Chris, 44, Sean, 33, from his first marriage as well as Dylan, 20, and Paris, 16, with Keely.

Although a proud dad, Pierce opened up about the difficult relationship he had with his own father - who abandoned the family shortly after he was born.

Happy: Now happily remarried to Keely Shaye Smith since 2001, the Remember Me star is father to four sons - Chris, 44, Sean, 33, from his first marriage as well as Dylan, 20, and Paris, 16, with Keely

He recalled that he only met Tom once as he filmed Remington Steele in Ireland in 1984.

Speaking to Esquire, he added: 'My fatherly instincts are purely my own. They relate back to no one, because there was no one.'

'I only met Tom the once, I had a Sunday afternoon with him. A story about this and that, had a few pints of Guinness, and we said goodbye. I would have loved to have known him. He was a good whistler and he had a good walkThats as much as I know about him.'

Father figure: Although a proud dad, Pierce opened up about the difficult relationship he had with his own father - who abandoned the family shortly after he was born

Stepping out: Pierce was in high spirits as he arriveed at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Main man: On Thursday the actor paid a visit to SiriusXM Studios in New York City

Plenty to talk about: Pierce beamed as he took a seat ahead of his interview
My Kitchen Rules' Court had an explosive meltdown over dinner on Wednesday night's episode, which resulted in judge Manu Feildel slamming her behaviour.

And the expectant mother has now revealed she believes the judges 'didn't care' that she had reached her breaking point on the reality show.

Court, who competes on the series with husband Duncan, told OK! Magazine it often feels like a social experiment than a cooking show.

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'I think Josh got pats on the back for his nastiness?' MKR's Courtney speaks out after being pulled up by judge Manu Feildel for swearing and storming off... after Josh got away with calling Amy a 's***' at the table

Double standards? Court speaking out, comes after rival Josh was not pulled up by judges or competing teams for his vile 's***' jab at fellow contestant Amy when she served his dish at the dinner party

Court speaking out, comes after rival Josh was not pulled up by judges or competing teams for his vile 's***' jab at fellow contestant Amy.

'I got to the point where I said, "Im not having this." I wouldnt accept people like Josh in my everyday life, so why [am I] for the show?' she revealed to the publication.

'We spoke to the producers about their duty of care and not a thing was done... I think [Josh] got pats on the back for his nastiness,' she revealed.

After threatening to quit the show, Court claims Manu didn't seem overly phased by her threat: 'I don't think he was overly concerned if we left.'

'We spoke to the producers about their duty of care and not a thing was done': The couple claim they attempted to resolve tensions on the series without any action being taken, while adding it seemed as though judges 'didn't care' if they followed through with threats to walk

Venting: 'I'm actually sick of all this s**t,' Court said, as she began an expletive-ridden rant which was later condemned by Manu

On Wednesday night MKR's Court exploded at the dinner table, stormed off and threatened to quit the reality series before judge Manu Feildel grilled her and partner Duncan outside.

But fans were more unimpressed by Manu, taking to Twitter to slam the celebrity chef for his apparent double standards with contestants' behaviour.

Many viewers were not happy at Manu's strict approach to dealing with Court's outbursts, pointing out he did nothing to reprimand 'Seafood King' Josh's s*** comment aimed at fellow contestant Amy last week.

'Why can Josh call a lady a s***, but Court can't have a meltdown?' MKR viewers slam Manu Feildel for grilling Courtney for swearing and storming off on Wednesday night's episode... after not interfering when Josh disrespected Amy at the table last week

The 'married hipsters' Court and Duncan were in miserable moods as they dined at Karen and Ros' dinner party, with Court swearing as she insisted: 'It's not easy for us right now to be here and I'm pretty f***ing sick of it, personally.'

'I'm really not enjoying what is happening right now, to be honest with you,' Manu began, asking them why they were upset.

'If you've got an issue, it needs to be fixed,' Manu then said of their need to fix their attitude in the competition.

After the grilling, viewers immediately took to Twitter to call out the star.

Users had a hard time understanding what made Court's reactions more offensive and in need of punishment than Josh's s*** slur.

Angry and confused: Users had a hard time understanding what made Court's reactions more offensive and in need of punishment than Josh's s*** slur

'So Manu won't say anything 2 a guy who calls a women a s***, but will speak to an upset women (sic) & tell her that her attitude is appalling?' one fan questioned.

Another added: 'So Josh can call another contestant a s*** and not be reprimanded at all, but Court crying is disrespectful and rude? hmm.'

While the show's supporters struggled to understand why Manu only chose to call out Courtney, a fan suggested: 'Manu "in other words calling someone a s*** is ok but you two are not being good TV right now so sort your s*** out.'

There were however some words of slight support, with one fan writing: 'I'm torn. Courts behaviour is poor so it's good Manu addressed it... but why did he sit by & let Josh call Amy a s*** without blinking?'

'So Manu won't say anything 2 a guy who calls a women a s***, but will speak to an upset women (sic) & tell her that her attitude is appalling?' Fans were quick to point out how Manu sat idle when Josh lashed out at Amy, but chose to pull Court aside for her use of language and manners at the table

Favourable scandal? One Twitter users claimed Manu may have chosen to only pull up Court because her mood and antics wouldn't have made 'good TV'

'Why did he sit by and let Josh call Amy a s*** without blinking?' One fan agreed Court's poor attitude needed to be addressed, but also though Josh needed the same treatment

The tense dinner came after the Court and Duncan found themselves at the bottom of the leader board after failing to impress with their ultimate instant restaurant the night prior.

'I'm not going to do this to be honest,' Court began, after being asked by Manu to give her verdict on Karen and Ros' main dish and after crying as the beef main was praised by the judges.

At one point, Court stormed off and threatened to quit, before again exploding at the dinner table, before judge Manu Feildel grilled her and Duncan outside.

Not having it: MKR's Court explodes at the dinner table on Wednesday's show and gets grilled by judge Manu Feildel...after storming off and threatening to QUIT

Worked up: 'Angry, angry man' Tyson, even noted to camera how 'aggressive' 'recovering' vegan and vegetarian Court (pictured) was getting

'My issue is that I'm upset about the disrespect at the table,' she said about her co-stars, who at the start of the night spoke about how long her and Duncan took to cook at their ultimate instant restaurant.

'I don't hang out with people like this,' Court added.

Unimpressed: Manu asked Court and Duncan to step outside for a chat, when he grilled them

Manu said that he and fellow judge Pete Evans aren't taking sides and are simply trying to help the teams improve their cooking skills.

'Obviously I understand that your score wasn't the score that you wanted, but I personally felt uncomfortable at this table the whole night.'

Court apologised to Manu and said she was 'struggling' sitting at the table.

Clashes: At the start of the evening, Court and Duncan looked tense and Court stormed off after Josh stirred the pot

At the start of the evening, Court and Duncan looked tense and Court stormed off after Josh stirred the pot, saying Della was 'vocal' about how long the pair took to cook.

Court was getting annoyed, as they spoke as if Court and Duncan weren't sitting next to them at the table.

'I'm actually sick of all this s**t,' Court said, as she began an expletive-ridden rant.

'I'm over this whole thing, just leave me the f**k alone,' she added, storming off, with Duncan following her.

Della told Josh not to 'pit friends against friends.'

Duncan said if Court wants to leave the competition, he will follow her.

My Kitchen Rules returns to Channel Seven on Sunday from 7pm
He notoriously dated model Kelly Brook for four years in the early noughties.

And it appears that Billy Zane, 51, has a type as he couldn't contain an amorous display with a stunning mystery brunette, who bared resemblance to his glamorous ex as he dined at The Salumaio Via Montenapoleone restaurant in Milan, Italy.

The Zoolander 2 star appeared at ease in his stunning companion's company as they ate al fresco in the idyllic Italian city before they packed on the PDA without a care who saw.

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Al fresco: Billy Zane couldn't contain her amorous display with a stunning mystery brunette, who bared resemblance to his glamorous ex as he dined at The Salumaio Via Montenapoleone restaurant in Milan, Italy

Wearing a flat cap, the Titanic actor teamed his laidback look with a brown leather jacket and checked scarf wrapped around his neck.

The Chicago born star completed his daytime ensemble with a pair of tortoise shell spectacles.

Looking equally stylish, Zane's mystery woman sported an eye-catching grey and white fur jacket which complemented her yellow lens shades as she leaned in for a passionate kiss with the Hollywood actor.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, the beauty closed her eyes as she smooched Zane after enjoying a romantic stroll along Via Monte Napoleone.

MailOnline have contacted Billy Zane's reps for comment.

Amorous: Zane's mystery woman sported an eye-catching grey and white fur jacket which complemented her yellow lens shades as she leaned in for a passionate kiss with the Hollywood actor

Passionate: Wrapping her arms around his neck, the beauty closed her eyes as she smooched Zane after enjoying a romantic stroll along Via Monte Napoleone

Dapper: Wearing a flat cap, the Titanic actor teamed his laidback look with a brown leather jacket and checked scarf wrapped around his neck

The pretty friend appeared to look similar to Zane's former love Kelly, with whom he dated from 2004.

Billy is best known for his portrayal of Hughie in the 1989 Australian psychological thriller Dead Calm co-starring Nicole Kidman and for playing Caledon Huckly in the 1997 epic romantic disaster Titanic.

The actor first started dating model-turned-actress Kelly after they met on set of Survival Island and even got engaged during their four-year relationship.

They had originally planned a marriage at their multi-million pound farmhouse in Kent 2007, but split in November after the death of Kelly's father Kenneth Parsons.

Pouti-ful: The beauty bares a similar look to his ex Kelly Brook (R)

Lean in: The mystery brunette closed her eyes as Billy leaned in towards her

Present: The Chicago born star completed his daytime ensemble with a pair of tortoise shell spectacles

Although rekindling their romance on last time at the beginning of 2008, the wedding was off again with Kelly announcing in April that she was too young to marry at the age of 28.

It then appeared the 35,000 engagement ring wasn't enough to keep them together after they split for good in September 2008.

In 2014, Kelly - who is now dating French man Jeremy Parisi since 2015 - opened up to The Daily Mail's Weekend magazine and spoke candidly about her relationship with Zane, insisting he was never someone she was going to spend her life with.

At the time she said: 'Billy was never going to be somebody I wanted to spend my life with (despite the fact they got engaged). It was a fling.'

Calling time: Although rekindling their romance on last time at the beginning of 2008, the wedding was off again with Kelly announcing in April that she was too young to marry at the age of 28 (Pictured in 2008)

Candid: In 2014, Kelly opened up to The Daily Mail's Weekend magazine and spoke candidly about her relationship with Zane, insisting he was never someone she was going to spend her life with (Pictured in 2007)

She went into detail about their fiery exchanges and revealed he had thrown all her clothes away in one particular heated argument, adding that she never had a 'real life with him' and it was rather a 'fantasy fairytale'.

Describing her four years with Billy, she revealed it involved endless private jets and first class flights to the worlds most exclusive destinations, although he didnt have a home at the time.

She said: 'I was paying for most of that. Id done well for myself but suddenly I was living this lifestyle and thinking I cant keep up with this. I guess if youve been a Hollywood movie star for many years, its hard to live with me in Sydenham.

'That was part of the reason I didnt marry him. As soon as the next muse came along hed be off and I wasnt prepared to share everything Id worked for with someone who didnt deserve it.'
She's been embracing a more laid-back look in recent weeks.

And Gigi Hadid was once again dressed down as she ventured out in Paris on Thursday morning, flashing a coy smile as she emerged to a sea of admirers.

The 20-year-old star sported a simple vest top with a subtle cut-out at the collar, paired with loose boyfriend jeans.

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Out and about: Gigi Hadid was once again dressed down as she ventured out in Paris on Thursday morning, flashing a coy smile as she emerged to a sea of admirers

Gigi knotted a striped jumper around her waist and plumped for comfort with a pair of Velcro finished shoes.

The star sported natural hair and make-up with big Quay Australian sunglasses covering her face, preparing for a low-key day out in the French capital.

Despite her simple attire, Gigi turned heads as she left her hotel.

Cool and casual: The low-key beauty knotted a striped jumper around her waist

Combat boots: Gigi plumped for comfort with a pair of Velcro finished shoes

Gigi's Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star mother Yolanda recently explained why she never let Gigi and sister Bella model until they were 18 years old.

'I never let them work before they were 18,' she told Elle.com. 'I didn't want anybody judging them on what they looked like.

'I wanted them to feel and be the authentic human beings that they are, and I think that created a lot of strength for them.'

Beauty: The star sported natural hair and make-up, preparing for a low-key day out in the French capital

She added: 'I always said to them: "Listen, there are thousands of girls that are much more beautiful than you girls, but you have an extraordinary character, and you're going to have to set yourself apart by being a role model."'

Yolanda stressed the importance of being kind to people on set - from 'the light people, the make-up [to] the cleaner in the back of the studio' - in order to 'make a difference in the world.'

Gigi and Bella (who signed with IMG age 17) skipped the Daily Front Row's Fashion LA Awards on Sunday where the Dutch-born blonde was awarded 'Mom of the Year' by her son Anwar (who signed with IMG age 16).

Little miss popular: Despite her simple attire, Gigi turned heads as she left her hotel
With her toned body and ageless beauty, Elizabeth Hurley certainly doesn't need to recruit the services of other models to advertise her eponymous swimwear line.

And the 51-year-old British actress proved just that on Thursday, when she took to Instagram to share a clip of herself looking sensational in a skimpy white bikini.

In the GIF, she is seen blowing kisses at the camera as she stands on the golden sands of a tropical beach while wearing the barely-there, bejewelled number, which she revealed has been named for her 'beautiful friend' Elle Macpherson.

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Lip service: Elizabeth Hurley shared a clip of herself blowing kisses at the camera while wearing a skimpy white bikini on Thursday

Unsurprisingly, the show-stopping upload racked up more than 10,000 likes in just two hours as hordes of fans gushed over the stunning images.

On Tuesday, the brunette beauty treated fans to another seductive beach snap, showcasing her impressive figure in a plunging navy swimsuit.

The actress looked sensational in the simple yet sexy one-piece, which boasted a gold ring at the bust and a teardrop cut-out running down her stomach.

Name: In an accompanying caption, the British beauty revealed that she named sizzling two-piece - from her eponymous swimwear line - for her supermodel pal Elle Macpherson

Elizabeth's gym-honed arms and slender legs were on display in the tropical snapshot, which sees the beauty going make-up free behind a large pair of shades.

The Royals star certainly wasn't short of compliments, with her male admirers showering her with compliments.

'How are you still single?', one asked, while another posted, 'What a woman'.

Earlier this week, Elizabeth also shared a beach selfie with her 530,000 Instagram followers.

Looking good: On Tuesday, she treated her fans to another seductive beach snap, showcasing her impressive figure in a plunging navy swimsuit

The screen star pouted in the snap which showed off her pert bust in a skimpy tangerine halterneck bikini top.

Elizabeth shot a wide-eyed, slightly distressed look at the camera and captioned the image 'Valley Of The Dolls'.

She was referring to the cult 1967 film about three young women attempting to make it in Hollywood who succumb to ill-fated romance and the lure of drug abuse.

Ahoy there! Earlier this week, the star looked sizzling in the saucy selfie as she posed in a tiny tangerine bikini top

The face of Estee Lauder rocked a sexy bed-head hairstyle with her highlighted locks swept around her face.

Her lashes were loaded with mascara and she sported a baby pink lip gloss.

The mum-of-one has been enjoying spending some quality time with her 15-year-old son Damian recently.

Elizabeth shared a touching selfie with Damian on Monday with the pair enjoying a long country walk together.

Mother and son time! Elizabeth shared another selfie, this time taken during a long country walk with her 14-year-old son Damian

The Bedazzled star rocked a fur trim hat as Damian grinned sheepishly behind her.

Damian, whose father is Elizabeth's former partner billionaire Steve Bing, is clearly devoted to his famous mother.

The school boy paid tribute to her on Mother's Day by sharing an adorable picture of the pair when Damian was just a toddler.

He captioned the image: 'Happy Mothers Day Mummy xxx'

Devoted: Damian paid tribute to his famous mother on Mother's Day with an adorable throw-back snap to when he was much younger
She is set to welcome her second child with husband Chris O'Dowd, 37, in a matter of months.

But Dawn O'Porter has admitted she wasn't always sure she wanted to become a mother.

The TV presenter, 38, made the confession while appearing on Loose Women on Thursday and reflected on her journey into parenthood.

'I woke up one day feeling... feel my womb!' Dawn O'Porter, 38, revealed she had a sudden change of heart one day when it came to starting a family during her Loose Women appearance on Thursday

Dawn - who is already mum to son Art, two - spoke about her relationship with Irish actor Chris and revealed: 'Even at the start... I wasn't sure I wanted children.

'But I woke up one day feeling... fill my womb!'

She added: 'We planned the first baby. I think [Chris] would have been disappointed if it hadn't have happened.

'He's a natural dad, he's from good Irish stock - I knew he'd be brilliant.'

Baby on the way: The author is currently expecting her second child with her husband Chris O'Dowd - she and the Irish actor are already parents to two-year-old son Art

Dawn continued: 'He's blown my mind. He's very hands on.'

She is due to give birth to their second child in July and revealed she is planning to deliver the baby from the comfort of her own home.

'I'm planning a home birth, hopefully,' she said. 'The first time I didn't really need to be in the hospital - that's how I felt. I just took two painkillers.

'I wanted it to be as natural as possible.'

Reflecting on her motherhood journey so far, Dawn said she felt like she had taken to her parenting duties 'quite quickly', admitting: 'I wasn't sure if I would.'

'He's blown my mind': She credited her husband and his hands on parenting while on the ITV daytime show and said she 'knew he would be brilliant'.

Matter of months: Dawn revealed she is set to give birth in July and is planning on delivering her baby at home

'I never had a protective mother figure': The TV presenter spoke about her own childhood and revealed she had been brought up by her grandparents following her mother's passing

And it seems her own experiences after starting a family influenced her latest title, The Cows, as she had originally planned to tell the story of three women who hadn't had children for different reasons.

She explained: 'I had the most emotive experience I've ever had, so I had to call my editor and say my idea has changed.'

Dawn also reflected on her own childhood while appearing on the ITV daytime show and explained she was raised by her grandparents until she was ten years old, following her mother's passing.

Her mother had died aged 36 following a battle with breast cancer when Dawn was just seven years old.

'It's difficult to see what I missed': Dawn admitted she struggles to compare her childhood to that of her own son's as she now leads a 'very happy' life because of it

Putting pen to paper: Dawn had been promoting her new title The Cows while on the show

When asked how she perceives her childhood now she is a mother herself, Dawn replied: 'It's difficult to see what I missed because the life I've formed out of it is very happy.

'I never had that protective figure in my life.'

Revealing how her childhood has inspired the way she parents her son, she continued: 'I think I'll want him to experience the independence that I had, but also have me to fall back on if he needs me.

'My view is that as long as a child is loved you'll be fine.'

Expanding their brood: She and Chris confirmed they are expecting another child in January earlier this year - Dawn revealed all in a podcast in January 2017

Dawn confirmed she and Chris are expanding their brood in January earlier this year.

The author confirmed her second pregnancy in one of her podcasts while telling fans about the exciting things she has coming up in 2017.

She said at the time: 'I am starting a new novel this week, I'm about to turn 38 and I am pregnant.

'So I'll be investing in a lot of elasticated trousers and dusting off all my old vintage tents, not unlike a lot of people in January.'

She and Chris married in August 2012.
They are the Geordie Shore couple known for their wild on-screen antics and late-night partying.

And Charlotte Crosby, 26, and her beau Stephen Bear, 27, remained true to form this Thursday during an appearance on New Zealand's Jono And Ben show on Three.

The pair, who are currently promoting their reality show Just Tattoo Of Us on MTV, appeared worse-for-wear during the live TV cross, which ultimately saw them propositioning the interviewer for a threesome.

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'Get your tits out!' Charlotte Crosby, 26, and her beau Stephen Bear, 27, raised eyebrows during a racy appearance on New Zealand's Jono And Ben show

During the interview, Charlotte and Bear decided to engage in an open-mouthed kiss, prompting Charlotte to apologise to the families watching at home.

'Sorry, he's very horny!' she shouted into the microphone.

The interviewer pushed things along by making a joke about Charlotte's TV credentials, prompting Bear to interject with: 'That's the joke, we don't even know what we're doing here. We get paid way too much money. What are we doing here?'

'Sorry, he's very horny!' During the interview, Charlotte and Bear decided to engage in an open-mouthed kiss, prompting Charlotte to apologise to the families watching at home

What an offer! It wasn't long before Bear turned to the reporter, saying: 'Me and Charlotte are into threesomes, would you join us?'

It wasn't long before Bear turned to the reporter, saying: 'Me and Charlotte are into threesomes, would you join us?'

'Get your tits out! Go on babe, get your tits out!' he later asked the reporter.

Charlotte and Bear, who are currently in New Zealand filming scenes for Just Tattoo Of Us, confirmed their relationship in February.

New celebrity couple! Charlotte and Bear, who are currently in New Zealand filming scenes for Just Tattoo Of Us, confirmed their relationship in February

Appearing on This Morning with Phillip Schofield and Rylan Clark-Neal, Charlotte said: 'We're soul mates. I like his craziness and that he's a bit wild. He's very handsome. It's going well.'

When you've met The One, it's The One,' she declared. 'I want to be with Stephen for the rest of my life, otherwise why would I be wasting my time with him now?'

'I want to be with him for the rest of my life, so he is the person I will have children with.'

'This is serious. Obviously everyone has got a past and mine is on television. She's the one. I don't want anyone else,' Bear added.
Paul O'Neill, creator of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra rock band, has died at the age of 61.

The producer was found dead in his room by hotel staff at a Tampa Embassy Suites late Wednesday afternoon, according to University Of South Florida police spokeswoman Renna Reddick.

She says there were no obvious signs of foul play, and a medical examiner is working to determine an official cause.

Gone too soon: Paul O'Neill of the rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra was found dead in a Florida hotel room at the age of 61. Pictured 2011

Sad end: The band says in a statement that O'Neill died from a 'chronic illness'

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is best known for its hard rock takes on Christmas staples like Carol Of The Bells.

The band said in a statement that O'Neill died from a 'chronic illness.'

Members of the group called his death 'a profound and indescribable loss for us all.'

O'Neill was a rock producer and manager who began putting together Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 1996.
A revamped Married At First Sight proved hugely popular with viewers.

And the reality matchmaking show's success has sparked a battle between Channel Seven and Nine as they peddle their latest romantic offerings.

Aiming to follow in the footsteps of ratings hit MAFS, the networks will serve up three dating shows in April.

Trendsetter: Aiming to follow in the footsteps of ratings hit MAFS, the networks will serve up three dating shows in April

First Dates returns to screens on Monday for a third season, getting a jump on Nine's premier offering.

The Last Resort is a brand new reality show, taking couples to an island paradise for an intensive four weeks where they will attempt to mend their relationships.

Nine have yet to announce a release date for the show, with promos merely stating that it's 'coming soon'.

Rivals: The reality matchmaking show's success has sparked a battle between Channel Seven and Nine as they peddle their latest romantic offerings

It's back! Dubbed as the network's 'most controversial series', Seven Year Switch will return for a second season when it premieres on Easter Monday

The first-timer on Australian TV's increasingly crowded dating scene will also face competition from Seven's second offering.

Dubbed as the network's 'most controversial series', Seven Year Switch will return for a second season when it premieres on Easter Monday.

The show shocked viewers in 2016 with it's unique format, which saw couples swap partners in a bid to revitalise their ailing relationships.

No boundaries: The show shocked viewers in 2016 with it's unique format, which saw couples swap partners in a bid to revitalise their ailing relationships

Meanwhile, one of the hopeful singletons heading into the First Dates restaurant on the upcoming season spoke to The Daily Telegraph about her secret crush.

Stephanie Thomson, an electorate officer from Newcastle, told the publication she's had a secret crush on PM Malcolm Turnbull for the past six or seven years.

She said: 'I have a really strange celebrity crush and it's actually Malcolm Turnbull. I find him very handsome, very intelligent and confident, not cocky.

'I don't know if he's just tempting because I'm not allowed to [go there], it's like the forbidden fruit or something, but for an older man, I'm sorry Bill Shorten, but Turnbull's got you there.'
She may have enjoyed a stint on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! earlier this year.

But Tegan Martin, 24, has denied whispers that she will be returning to reality TV as the star of this year's Bachelorette.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, the former Miss Universe Australia hit back at claims she was in talks with producers to front the Channel 10 dating show, which is currently in its final stage of casting.

'I am definitely not going to be the next Bachelorette as I have a partner and I'm very happy': Tegan Martin, 24, has denied whispers that she will be returning to reality TV as the star of this year's Bachelorette

'I'm flattered they would want me to be in that position. But I am definitely not going to be the next Bachelorette as I have a partner and I'm very happy,' she said.

Indeed, the blonde bombshell was seen kissing and cuddling her boyfriend Sam Croke late last month as they enjoyed a date at Coogee beach.

When quizzed about how her boyfriend reacted to the Bachelorette rumours, Tegan said: 'He's great about it, he just says, 'Babe, all publicity is good publicity.'

Keeping in the headlines? When quizzed about how her boyfriend reacted to the Bachelorette rumours, Tegan said: 'He's great about it, he just says, 'Babe, all publicity is good publicity'

Rumour mill: Last month, the same publication reported that former Miss Universe was in talks with the producers of the show

'He knows what the industry is like and he's not jealous at all and that is so attractive to me because when you have the amount of attention that I have in this industry, you need someone supportive and he's just perfect.

Last month, the same publication reported that former Miss Universe was in talks with the producers of the show.

But her representative Benji Hart denies such possibility stating the blonde beauty is 'still very much in love' with her current beau rugby player Sam Croke and 'would not be appearing' on the show.

She's found her Mr Right! But her representative Benji Hart denies such possibility stating the blonde beauty is 'still very much in love' with her current beau rugby player Sam Croke and 'would not be appearing' on the show

A Network Ten spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Australia's next Bachelorette has not yet been chosen, and casting is currently underway.'

'We look forward to announcing her identity to the public later this year.'

Meanwhile, fans of the dating show format are gearing up to watch Georgia Love's jilted ex Matty Johnson embark upon his stint as the Bachelor.
He travels all around the world for his hit CNN show Parts Unknown.

And it appears Rome is Anthony Bourdain's favourite destination thanks to his new Italian actress girlfriend Asia Argento.

The 60-year old chef was spotted in a passionate clinch with his 41-year-old companion on Wednesday.

The couple, who were first spotted together in February, continued to look cozy as they enjoyed a romantic dinner before Bourdain took in a performance his new love's Italian play.

Italian amore! Anthony Bourdain, 60, has found love in Italy with Italian actress Asia Argento, 41, who he jetted off to Europe to visit on Wednesday

The travel host, who split from his wife Ottavia Busia back in September, first met Asia when when she appeared on the Italy episode of his Emmy-winning travel show

The travel host, who split from his wife Ottavia Busia back in September after nine years together, first met Asia when when she appeared on the Rome episode of his Emmy-winning travel show Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

The actress and Bourdain's ex-wife are near look-alikes and both hail from Italy.

Bourdain and his new love interest were seen walking in Rome as they both enjoyed a cigarette before the two stopped by a restaurant to grab a bite to eat.

The duo appeared happy and content as they laughed and chatted while holding hands in the Italian city.

Date night: Bourdain looked slick and sophisticated in a black pants and a button up shirt that he paired with a suit jacket and casual runners as the duo walked the streets of Rome

Bourdain looked slick and sophisticated in a black pants and a button up shirt that he paired with a suit jacket and casual runners.

For her part, Asia, who has two children from previous relationships, was stunning in black pants and a cream colored satin shirt with a large matching scarf around her neck.

She completed the look with a black jacket to keep her warm in the cool spring air.

Good looking couple: Asia looked lovely in flats and a large cream colored satin scarf

Dinner date: They former chef,, who is famous for his love of fine foods, stopped off at an Italian restaurant for some dinner with his date

Bourdain also took time to watch his new love in action, taking in her Italian play iIl Secreto della Vita Rosalind Franklinii.

He cheered for his girlfriend as she took the curtain call at the end of the performance.

Although the pair looked pretty cozy and didn't seem to care who saw them, they have yet to comment on their relationship, but Bourdain raved about Argento back in December when the episode they filmed aired on CNN.

Supportive! Bourdain also took time to watch his new love in action, taking in her Italian play iIl Secreto della Vita Rosalind Franklinii.

Cheering her on: She looked happy and smiled as he cheered for her during the curtain call

Actress: Asia is the daughter of famed horror movie director Dario Argento

'The episode would not have been possible  or be anything like it is without the truly magnificent Asia Argento,' wrote Bourdain in a post that appeared on Medium.

He later wrote in that piece: 'Always honest, completely unsparing. If you ask Asia a question, you are going to get an answer - and she doesnt care if it reflects badly on you - or on herself. Shes going to give it to you straight.'

Shortly after the famed travel host filmed his episode in Italy with Asia, he announced he was separating from his wife of nine years.

Arriving together: The two were photographed emerging from the same car as they arrived at their destination

Singing her praises: Bourdain, who did his Italy episode of parts unknown in a cinematic style, said the episode would not have been possible without Asia

Bourdain opened up about his relationship with Ottavia in an interview with the New Yorker earlier this year.

'Its not much of a change of lifestyle, as we have lived separate lives for many years. More of a change of address,' he explained.

Bourdain also wrote that he was happy the couple no longer had to 'pretend.'

'Its not much of a change of lifestyle, as we have lived separate lives for many years. More of a change of address,' Bourdain explained of ex-wife Ottavia Busia

Bourdain said that he never saw himself as a father but the two decided after some time together to give it a try, and Ottavia was soon pregnant.

The same year that they were married the couple welcomed daughter Ariane.

'Im shocked by how happy my daughter is. I dont think Im deluding myself. I know Im a loving father,' said Bourdain in that interview.
Empire actor Morocco Omari has been arrested for domestic violence.

Omari - who plays Lucious' half-brother in the Fox series - is alleged to have pushed a 24-year-old woman to the ground multiple times during an argument.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ that the woman, who identified herself as Omari's girlfriend, called 911 on Wednesday.

Morocco Omari was arrested for domestic battery on Wednesday after repeatedly pushing a 24-year-old woman during an argument

She claims to have suffered scratches to her neck and chest.

Police were called to the Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side at around 2.30pm, observed the injuries and arrested Omari, 41.

The actor was booked for misdemeanor domestic battery.

According to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, Omari was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Omari was previously married to actress JoNell Kennedy between 2001 and 2006.

Domestic incident: The woman, who identified herself as Omaris girlfriend, told police she had scratches to her neck and chest following the alleged assault

Hip hop drama: Omari plays an FBI agent Tariq Cousins on Empire and was moved to a series regular in August

Omari plays an FBI agent Tariq Cousins on Empire and was moved to a series regular in August.

He's the half-brother of Lucious Lyon, who's played by Terrence Howard.

Howard has also been accused by ex-wives and an ex-girlfriend of domestic violence in the past.

The 48-year-old star recently denied the allegations in a Twitter rant.

He alleged he was physically and verbally abused in his marriage and that there is a double standard when it comes to domestic abuse.
A commitment to philanthropic endeavours proved worthy of a drink or two as Eva Longoria visited Spains prosperous wine country on Thursday afternoon.

The Latina actress, 42, was joined by husband Jose Baston for a trip to the sprawling vineyards of Basque wine Marques De Riscal in provincial Alava.

Sporting a pair of on-trend dungarees, Eva looked typically stylish as she visited the local brand's architecturally stunning La Rioja cellar and winery.

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Chin chin: An apparent commitment to philanthropic endeavours proved worthy of a drink or two as Eva Longoria visited Spains prosperous wine country on Thursday afternoon

A crisp white shirt gave her ensemble a formal flourish, while strappy sandals rounded things off.

Adding a splash of vibrancy to an otherwise muted colour scheme, the former Desperate Housewives star opted for a generous layer of deep red lipstick.

Smoky touches of mascara, coupled with a rather liberal use of foundation and bronzer, served to accentuate her naturally olive skin tone.

Supportive: The Latina actress, 42, was joined by husband Jose Baston for a trip to the sprawling vineyards of Basque wine Marques De Riscal in provincial Alava

Bottoms up: Eva was on hand to sample some of the Basque wine on Thursday afternoon

Pleased to meet you: The former Desperate Housewives star was given a warm reception

The visit held a special purpose to Eva, who has enjoyed a close affiliation with La Rioja wines through her charitable work with The Global Gift Foundation and its international fundraising event, the Global Gift Gala.

The Spanish wine manufacturer has previously played a role in Gift Gala events staged in London, Miami and, more recently, Madrid.

Her appearance also comes little more than a year after El Roioja honoured Eva with the The Prestigio Rioja Prize for her broad range of philanthropic endeavours.

Striking: Eva caught the eye in a pair of on-trend dungarees, crisp white shirt and strappy heels

Bold choice: Adding a splash of vibrancy to an otherwise muted colour scheme, the former Desperate Housewives star opted for a generous layer of deep red lipstick

Pointing it out: The actress appeared mindful of the overcast sky as she sampled the brand's famous wine

For a good cause: The visit held a special purpose to Eva, who has enjoyed a close affiliation with La Rioja wines through her charitable work with The Global Gift Foundation and its international fundraising event, the Global Gift Gala

Eva has been supporting the organization for years, attending its events in countries such as Spain, France, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

Proceeds for the event benefit The Global Gift Foundation, a 'philanthropic non-profit organisation that aims to create a positive impact on the lives of children, women and families who are in need.'

It has previously supported three bodies that provides education and entrepreneurship opportunities for women.

Close connection: Her appearance also comes little more than a year after El Roioja honoured Eva with the The Prestigio Rioja Prize for her broad range of philanthropic endeavours

Complex: Eva visited the wine manufacturer's architecturally stunning La Rioja cellar and winery
She's been making the most of her romantic getaway to Mauritius ahead of welcoming her first child.

And Binky Felstead, 26, appeared to be in a state of bliss as she slipped into a bikini to watch the sunset from a hammock in the sea.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, her boyfriend, Josh 'JP' Patterson, shared the snap which he sweetly captioned: 'My girls enjoying the sunset #sunset #holiday #babymoon'.

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Idyllic: Binky Felstead, 26, appeared to be in a state of bliss on her babymoon in Mauritius as she slipped into a bikini to watch the sunset from a hammock in the sea

Binky - who is expecting a baby girl - shared the same picture, adding: 'Love this shot Josh took so much of bump & I taking it all in that I had to repost it!'

On Thursday, she treated fans to another glimpse of her enviable getaway as she shared snaps of her couple's massage JP.

The Made In Chelsea starlet was seen cuddled up to her beau as they relaxed after the treat.

Cute couple: Binky Felstead treated fans to another glimpse of her enviable getaway as she shared snaps of her couple's massage with Josh 'JP' Patterson on Instagram on Thursday

She captioned the snap: 'Such a wonderful treat, thank you @luxlemorne We just had the most incredible 90 minute massages hence looking all oily....

'Then had this little yummy surprise under the starts feeling so relaxed and spoilt #babymoon #mauritius [sic]'

Whilst it may have been a relaxing experience for the pair, JP appeared to be full of beans as he was seen dancing around the gazebo.

Sharing the clip, Binky was heard giggling away as her beau stripped to his underwear for the saucy offering.

Bottoms up! Whilst it may have been a relaxing experience for the pair, JP appeared to be full of beans as he was seen dancing around the gazebo

Naughty: Sharing the clip, Binky was heard giggling away as her beau stripped to his underwear for the saucy offering

Binky announced she was pregnant in January - causing a stir among fans, as she was not officially dating boyfriend Josh 'JP' Patterson at the time.

However, the pair have said the exciting news has only brought them closer, and the pair are currently in Mauritius together for their babymoon.

Speaking to MailOnline, Binky reasoned: 'We are beyond the boyfriend and girlfriend thing.'

Romantic: The pair were treated to a romantic experience as the bed was strewn with rose petals, and JP sipped on champagne, whilst Binky stuck to coconut water

She added: 'A lot of people automatically thought that the baby could be a bad thing for our relationship, and that if we got together again it was just for the baby.

'We have always loved each other. The love was never gone.'

Addressing their messy split which played out on the previous series of the E4 show, she continued: 'When we broke up last year, it was only a couple of weeks before we found out about me being pregnant.

'And for me, those two weeks showed me that Ive always missed him.'
Verne Troyer has been hospitalized for alcohol abuse according to a new report.

The 48-year-old actor has been checked into a medical facility in the San Fernando Valley, California over the last two weeks according to TMZ on Thursday.

This won't be the end of his treatment veteran actor also told the gossip site that he will be checking into rehab for additional help.

Tough times: Verne Troyer - pictured back in October - has been hospitalized for alcohol abuse according to a Thursday report from TMZ

The star - who is best known for playing Mini Me in the Austin Powers franchise - told the publication that he had been receiving treatment for a week but their sources indicate that he had arrived at the hospital days before that.

Troyer even sent a message to his fans through TMZ as he told them: 'With your support, I got this.'

He has famously struggled with alcohol abuse over the years and has had multiple stints in rehab.

Demons: The 48-year-old actor - pictured in September - has famously struggled with alcohol abuse over the years and has had multiple stints in rehab

TMZ reports that in 2002 he almost died from alcohol poisoning.

Verne suffers with cartilage-hair hypoplasia and uses a scooter to help him get around.

He is a longtime actor as he has been in showbusiness for over 20 years.

However he had his big break in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me in 1999. He returned to the franchise for the third and final film Austin Powers In Goldmember.

Dynamic duo: He had his big break starring as Mini Me alongside Mike Myers in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me in 1999

Troyer has enjoyed steady work since even starring in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone and The Love Guru.

He also has starred in a few reality shows over the years including The Surreal Life in 2005 and Celebrity Wife Swap in 2015.

The veteran actor is also announced to be starring in marijuana-enthusiast comedy The 420 Movie Mary & Jane which has yet to begin production.
Freida Pinto and Idris Elba joined forces on Thursday evening as their eagerly anticipated new TV drama premiered in Londons Bloomsbury Square.

The pair were on hand to celebrate the launch of forthcoming Sky miniseries Guerrilla at Curzon Cinema, where they were joined by co-star Babou Ceesay.

Teaming her bold embroidered blouse with a distinctive black skirt, Freida, 32, caught the eye as she posed for photos alongside her male leads.

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Stunning: Freida Pinto caught the eye as she attended the premiere of new Sky Atlantic TV show Guerrilla at Curzon Cinema in London on Thursday evening

With a colourful pattern and unique underlay the bohemian skirt ensured she commanded attention ahead of her new shows debut screening.

Styling her hair in a conventional bun, Freida revealed her naturally pretty features, accentuated by soft touches of smoky make-up.

Standing alongside the glamorous Indian actress, Idris, 44, looked comparatively casual in a black polo shirt and blue bomber jacket.

Strong look: Teaming her bold embroidered blouse with a distinctive black skirt, the acteress inevitably commanded attention

In good company: Freida was joined by co-star Idris Elba at the central London venue

Three's company: Fellow Guerrilla co-star Babou Ceesay joined the two actors on the red carpet

Low key: Standing alongside his co-stars, Idris looked casual in a black polo shirt and blue bomber jacket

Finishing touches: The British actor rounded off his ensemble with slim fitting jeans and distinctively patterned high-tops

The British actor rounded off his ensemble with slim fitting jeans and distinctively patterned high-tops.

With his features partially concealed by a flat cap and heavily tinted sunglasses, Idris appeared to be in high spirits as he greeted onlookers outside the London venue.

Evidently pleased with his warm reception, Idris pulled a smart phone from his pocket and filmed a group of fans outside the cinema

Upbeat: With his features partially concealed by a flat cap and heavily tinted sunglasses, Idris appeared to be in high spirits as he posed for photos alongside Freida and Babou

Caught on camera: Evidently pleased with his warm reception, Idris pulled a smart phone from his pocket and filmed a group of fans outside the cinema

Sultry: Styling her hair in a conventional bun, Freida revealed her naturally pretty features, accentuated by soft touches of smoky make-up

Written and directed by Academy Award winner John Ridley, Guerrilla will centre on a couple, Jas and Marcus, whose 'relationship and values are tested when they liberate a political prisoner and form a radical underground cell in 1970s London.'

'I have to admit, I think the Brits had it right way before the Americans when it came to TV. I grew up in India watching British television and it was always intelligent and always entertaining It felt like coming home,' Freida told Vogue of working on British TV.

The six-part series will air on Sky Atlantic and Now TV from April 13.

Good times: Idris made a typically boisterous entrance at the central London venue

Familiar faces: Zawe Ashton (L) and Daniel Mays (R) were also in attendance on Thursday evening
James Corden just learned never to challenge a modern diva.

Talking about his favorite tunes, the Late Late Show host claimed that 'divas back then are just fiercer' than the singing starlets of today.

That's when Demi Lovato interrupted him, asking the late night leader to put his money where his mouth is with a 'Divas Then, Divas Now Riff Off' battle.

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Let's get ready to rumble! Demi Lovato and James Corden showed down in a diva-tactic version of riff-off on the Late Late Show Wednesday

Demi looked glamorous as ever in a strapless LBD and sultry makeup as she taught James a thing or two about being a diva with the help of the a capella singing group Level.

The former Disney talent showed off her showstopping voice while representing today's talent by singing Adeles Rolling in the Deep and Katy Perrys Roar.

Not one to rely on other people's hard work, the Camp Rock starlet took a stab at her own song Heart Attack after James quipped that she was 'just' singing other diva's tunes.

Eat your words! After James made the bold claim that today's diva's 'aren't as fierce' as the classics, the 24-year-old talent interrupted the late night host to teach him a thing or two about messing with these modern hitmakers

Ready for anything: Demi looked glamorous as can be, sporting a little black dress and bronze skin during her vocal face-off

On his part, James served a commendable performance, repping the divas of days past by belting out Tina Turners River Deep Mountain High and Aretha Franklins Respect.

Although he put in his best effort, James had to admit that Demi's performance took the cake and give well deserved credit to modern divas.

The duo then joined forces to finish the sketch with Gloria Gaynors I Will Survive, where they served each other sultry glares as their musical showdown reached its climax.

Hit attack! Demi performed her own hit Heart Attack after the late night host claimed she was 'just' singing other people's songs

Teaming up: In the end, the duo joined forces to sing a rendition of Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive

The Sonny With A Chance starlet has been busy around town promoting her computer animated flick Smurfs: The Lost Village.

In the animated adventure, the New Mexico native plays Smurfette alongside Mandy Patinkin as Papa Smurf, Joe Manganiello as Hefty Smurf, and Rainn Wilson as Gargamel.

In addition to her new film, the starlet also has new music out. Demi's voice is featured on the new track No Promises by the DJ trio Cheat Codes.
Her love life has often been a hot topic of discussion.

And it seems that romance is on the cards for Samantha Armytage very soon.

The 40-year-old got good news on Thursday, when she went to a tarot card reading in New Orleans during Sunrise's US whistle-stop tour.

'Good news': Love on the cards for Samantha Armytage after she has her tarot read in New Orleans

Sharing the moment on her Instagram page, Sam told her fans: 'Having my tarot read in New Orleans. A private moment; me, the clairvoyant, our crew...... good news is, LOTS of romance for me!'

Sam has been forced to shut down rumours about her love life in the past, most recently when she was romantically linked to both Peter Fegan and Shaun White, her Channel Seven colleagues.

She took to Instagram writing: 'In the past week or so, I've been "in love with" with; a gay colleague, a straight colleague, a bloke I stood next to at the races 3 months ago, a Gladiator, a British boy-band member & 17 other people I've never met.'

Hype: Sam's love life has often been a hot topic of discussion

The Sunrise host continued: 'All these men & I have a bedtime of 7.30pm...I'm amaaaazing (sic). (Why haven't they linked me to Prince Harry yet!? I'm insulted...)

'If I stand next to someone, it DOES NOT MEAN I'M DATING THEM? As you were... #happysunday.'

The TV personality has been very open about her challenging search to find love.

'I think on occasion Ive made bad judgments, wasted time,' she told news.com.au last year. 'I dont for one minute, ever blame my career because my career has actually never been that much of a priority ... maybe its timing.'

Split: Her last known partner was hotelier Peter De Angelis, whom she split with in 2012

Despite being linked to a variety of famous suitors, including Shane Warne and Russell Crowe, she remains hopeful in her search for Mr. Right.

'I think all of Australia would like me to meet someone. It is not impossible. Im out there. Im out and about,' she said.

She revealed in her autobiography Shine that she's 'been asked' to marry in the past, recounting a time when she avoided engagement to a man she said she shouldn't have been dating.

Her last known partner was hotelier Peter De Angelis, whom she split with in 2012.
Aung San Suu Kyi has denied the ethnic cleansing of Myanmar's Muslim minority, speaking to the BBC after the UN rights council agreed to investigate allegations against the army

Aung San Suu Kyi has denied security forces have carried out ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, speaking to the BBC after the UN rights council agreed to investigate allegations of rape, murder and torture against the army.

Rights groups say hundreds of the stateless group were killed in a months-long army crackdown following deadly attacks on Myanmar border police posts.

Almost 75,000 Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh where they have related grisly accounts of army abuse.

Myanmar's de facto leader Suu Kyi, a Nobel Laureate whose international star as a rights defender is waning over the treatment of the Rohingya, has not spoken out in defence of the persecuted minority.

She has also not condemned the crackdown, which UN investigators who spoke to escapees said likely amounted to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

Myanmar's stateless Rohingya

Instead she has called for space to handle the incendiary issue in a country where the more than one million Rohingya are widely vilified as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

"I don't think there is ethnic cleansing going on," Suu Kyi said in a rare interview televised on Wednesday.

"I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening."

Most Rohingya are denied citizenship. Tens of thousands have languished in displacement camps since 2012 when religious violence between Muslims and Buddhists tore through Rakhine State, which borders Bangladesh.

- Army writ runs strong -

The latest violence unfurled in October last year when scores of armed militants claiming to represent Rohingya rights ambushed police border posts, prompting the army to lockdown a remote wedge of land during extensive air and ground "clearance" operations.

Last month the UN rights council agreed to send a fact-finding mission to examine allegations of torture, murder and rape allegedly committed by troops.

Suu Kyi told the BBC there was "a lot of hostility" in Rakhine, which borders Bangladesh.

"It is Muslims killing Muslims, as well, if they think they are collaborating with authorities.

"It is not just a matter of ethnic cleansing. It is a matter of people on different sides of a divide, and this divide we are trying to close up. As best as possible and not to widen it further," she said.

Monks and ethnic Rakhine protesters demonstrate against a government push to speed up the citizenship verification process for the stateless Rohingya minority on March 19, 2017. Aung San Suu Kyi has denied the ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority

Myanmar has launched its own domestic probe into possible crimes in Rakhine and appointed former UN chief Kofi Annan to head a commission tasked with healing long-simmering divisions between Buddhists and Muslims.

Suu Kyi said the army was "not free to rape, pillage and torture".

"They are free to go in and fight. And of course, that is in the constitution... Military matters are to be left to the army," she said, adding that she aimed to amend the constitution which allows the military total control of defence.

Rohingya who fled the crackdown told UN workers of horrendous abuses, including soldiers allegedly executing babies in front of their mothers, summary murders of Rohingya men and widespread gang rape of women.

In the interview Suu Kyi tired to reassure those who fled that "if they come back they will be safe".

Her National League for Democracy (NLD) faced the ballot box on Saturday in by-elections across the country, winning a string of seats but losing out in ethnic minority areas including Rakhine.

The NLD came to power in a historic 2015 election which ended half a century of brutal military rule, but there has been disillusionment with the administration as it struggles to push through reforms and ease unrest.

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Members of the New People's Army in a remote village on Mindanao shown in this picture from December 26, 2014. The Philippine government and the communist rebels have agreed in principle on an interim ceasefire to boost ongoing peace talks

The Philippine government and communist rebels have agreed in principle on an interim ceasefire to boost ongoing peace talks aimed at ending one of the world's longest insurgencies, the two sides said Thursday.

The temporary truce would take effect after the two sides iron out the guidelines and ground rules, they said in a joint statement without giving a timetable.

The two parties "have agreed to formulate an interim joint ceasefire agreement that will boost trust and confidence in the ... peace negotiations," rebel leader Jose Maria Sison told a joint news conference Thursday in the western Dutch town of Noordwijk aan Zee.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's peace adviser Jesus Dureza cautioned there was "still a lot of work that will have to be done by both sides. We don't have a ceasefire in place right now, to make it very clear."

But he earlier hailed the outcome of four days of talks in The Netherlands "as another step closer to our dream".

The communist insurgency in the poverty-stricken Asian country began in 1968 and is one of the longest running in the world. It has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives, according to the military.

About 4,000 New People's Army guerrillas continue to attack isolated military and police outposts and extort money from businesses to finance their armed campaign, the military said.

Peace talks have been conducted on and off for 30 years, seeing a revival after the election of Duterte last year.

Duterte, a self-described socialist, has made a peace deal with the rebels a top priority. The negotiators agreed that the next round would be held between May 27 and June 1, although a venue has yet to be agreed upon.

The government has billed a permanent ceasefire as its primary goal, with Duterte imposing conditions including that the rebels stop extortion and arson activities.

The interim agreement followed what negotiators described as a "difficult" round of discussions, with the communists insisting they exercised "maximum flexibility" in response to the president's conditions.

Duterte angrily called off the peace talks in February after the collapse of unilateral ceasefires that saw guerrillas killing several soldiers and police in a series of attacks.

- 'Genuine land reform' -

"The ceasefire agreement is necessary and of high importance," said rebel leader Sison.

"But far more important and decisive in realising a just and lasting peace is the adoption and implementation of basic social, economic and political reforms that are needed and demanded by the people," he added.

The interim ceasefire agreement directs negotiators to craft guidelines regarding "the presence of armed groups in local communities, creation of buffer zones, prohibited, hostile and provocative acts including the collection of revolutionary taxes".

Norwegian special envoy to the peace process Elisabeth Slattum said that on the issue "of the social and economic reforms, the parties have firmed up the agreement on free distribution of land as the basic principle of genuine land reform."

The guerrillas are represented at the talks by Dutch-based exiled leaders including Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The two sides have also announced they would release prisoners as another confidence-building measure.

The communists said they would soon free four kidnapped security forces, while the government said it would release 23 detained rebels who were sick and elderly.
A school in Auckland was ordered to apologise after two 16-year-old boys were injured during a performance of "Sweeney Todd"

A New Zealand school finally apologised Thursday a year after a near-fatal mishap in which the throats of two pupils were sliced open during a production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street".

The accident occurred last April when two 16-year-old boys were injured while performing in the musical about a murderous barber who slits his victims' throats.

"During the production, there was a scene in which two characters were being shaved by Sweeney Todd," employment safety watchdog WorkSafe said late Wednesday.

"After being shaved there was a simulation of these characters having their throats cut."

But the blood-curling scene became all-too real when the razor wielded by Sweeney Todd cut the teens' throats and they were rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Auckland's exclusive Saint Kentigern College said at the time that a prop -- a genuine straight razor with its edge covered by tape -- malfunctioned during the performance.

WorkSafe found the school was at fault but decided against prosecuting it, describing the circumstances as "specific and narrow".

Instead it ordered the school to apologise and make amends to the affected pupils, including an unspecified payment.

It listed the victims as both injured pupils and the teen playing Sweeney Todd, whose performance as a homicidal maniac went to a new level when he almost killed his two classmates.

The regulator said all three pupils may suffer ongoing psychological and emotional trauma.

St Kentigern's issued a statement Thursday saying it was sorry for the mishap and the harm to the families involved.

It also apologised for initially playing down the seriousness of the incident when it became public.

"The injuries were not minor. The injuries were significant and life threatening," it said.

The Stephen Sondheim musical "Sweeney Todd" is the story of a revenge-crazed London barber whose victims are killed then cooked into meat pies.

Saint Kentigern's did not stage a repeat performance this year.

According to the school's Facebook page it instead opted for "Les Miserables", which has a significantly lower body count.
Madison Keys was bundled out of the WTA Charleston clay court event 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 by fellow American Shelby Rogers

Top seed Madison Keys and former world number-one Venus Williams were the biggest casualties on a day of upsets at the WTA Charleston clay court event in South Carolina.

Keys was bundled out 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 by fellow American Shelby Rogers, who grew up in Charleston and delighted her home crowd with an aggressive performance that overwhelmed her compatriot.

"It's really hard to explain," Rogers said in an on-court interview. "I've played here so many years in a row, and it's not always easy.

"I feel like I've learned a lot of lessons and I've grown up right here in front of this crowd. It's so special," the 24-year-old added.

Rogers will face Naomi Osaka in the next round after the Japanese player knocked out number 13 seed Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-4 earlier in the day.

Elsewhere, Venus Williams was left baffled after losing a punishing three-set, second-round battle to Germany's Laura Siegemund.

The veteran third seed bowed out in her opening match of the tournament, losing 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 7-5 to the 29-year-old world number 37.

It was Siegemund's second three-setter of the tournament, and the German admitted she was as surprised as anyone following a win in which she saved two match points.

"I have no idea!" Siegemund told an interviewer when asked to explain her victory.

"It was a really good match; it was going up and down. I just tried to believe in my game, and if I was down, I told myself I was going to get more chances."

Siegemund squandered a match point in the second set and was then broken as she served for the match in the same set as Williams forced a third set.

Siegemund then recovered twice from breaks in the decider and saved two match points of her own as Williams served for the match at 5-4.

Siegemund broke however to level it at 5-5 and then held and broke Williams to clinch victory.

Williams admitted she had been unable to shake off Siegemund.

"I tried my best to think this could be the best match she'll ever play in her life, honestly," Williams said. "I basically won but still lost.

"I really played the best game I could. I pretty much hit winners, but she hit winners back on me, and I just didn't have any answers for that."
Pigeons sit on a South Korean missile on display at the Korea War Memorial Museum in Seoul

South Korea has successfully test-fired a home-developed ballistic missile with a range long enough to hit any part of North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported Thursday.

It comes a day after the North fired its own ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan -- which analysts dubbed a warning ahead of a China-US summit, at which Pyongyang's accelerating atomic weapons programme is set to top the agenda.

South Korea is protected under an American security umbrella and is home to thousands of US troops.

But in 2012 it reached an agreement with the United States to almost triple the range of its ballistic missile systems to guard against the North's nuclear threats, and has since been developing missiles with longer ranges.

Citing a high-ranking government official, Yonhap said the South's missile with a range of 800 kilometres (500 miles) could serve as a strong deterrent to Pyongyang.

"The test-firing was successful", the official was quoted as saying.

A defence ministry spokesman declined to comment.

The South plans to deploy the new missile this year following further tests to determine its reliability, Yonhap said.

The new missile could cover all of North Korea even when fired from a southern region of the country, it said.

In June last year, the South successfully test-fired two home-developed missiles capable of carrying a one-tonne payload up to 500 kilometres.

Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme is likely to dominate when US President Donald Trump meets China's leader Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida Thursday, their first face to face meeting.
US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping face a range of weighty issues during their first summit, which takes place in Florida on Thursday and Friday

US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have been at odds over a range of issues since the billionaire businessman took office in November.

As the two leaders prepare to meet face-to-face for the first time at Trump's luxury resort in Florida this week, these are the topics likely to top the agenda.

- North Korea -

Even before North Korea's ballistic missile launch on Wednesday, Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme was always going to dominate the Trump-Xi summit.

The North is economically reliant on its sole ally Beijing, and Washington has long pushed China to use its leverage to punish the hermit state.

While China has shown growing impatience with its neighbours bad behaviour, Beijing is reluctant to push the country too far for fear that the regime might collapse, unleashing a flood of refugees across the border.

Late last month, in a warm-up to this week's meeting, Trump Tweet-lashed China for doing "little to help" rein in Pyongyang and he has since warned the US is prepared to go it alone in bringing the North to heel.

- Trade -

During the presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly bashed China for its "unfair" trade policies and accused it of artificially depressing its currency to give its exports an unfair advantage.

Since taking office, he has often returned to the theme, warning that he will slap the world's second-largest economy with massive tariffs if it does not increase US access to its markets.

In a tweet last week, he highlighted China's massive trade imbalance with the US -- over $310 billion last year -- as a serious problem that could make his upcoming talks with Xi "difficult".

But Trump has also hinted at his willingness to use trade issues as a bargaining chip to secure more cooperation from China on North Korea.

China has its own wish list, including fewer restrictions on exports of sensitive US technology.

- Taiwan -

Trump infuriated China by taking a protocol-breaking phone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and suggesting he might break from the US's long-standing One China Policy, which nominally acknowledges the Asian giant's claims over Taiwan without recognising them.

The situation cooled down after a conciliatory phone call in February with Xi, where Trump walked back his comments.

The move seems to have placated Beijing, but it left many in democratically ruled Taiwan wondering if the brash billionaire might use their home as a bargaining chip.

- South China Sea -

China's claims to most of the South China Sea and its controversial moves to build on disputed islands and reefs in the area, including installing military facilities on some, have drawn strong criticism from Washington.

Several of Trump's cabinet, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have warned Beijing against throwing its weight about in the region, insisting the US would intervene if necessary to preserve international rights of navigation.

- Human rights -

Human rights have been a long-standing point of conflict in Sino-US relations.

When Trump took office, many Chinese dissidents thought he might be willing to take a hardline against Beijing on the issue.

But the president -- who praised China's handling of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in a 1990 interview -- has so far demonstrated little interest in the issue.

The White House has said the topic will "continue to be brought up in the relationship", but human rights activists are worried the Trump administration has already missed several opportunities to spotlight Beijing's abuses.

Without US pressure, they argue, the problems will only worsen.
Gambians are voting for the first time since the fall of longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh

Polls closed on Thursday evening in The Gambia with voters expected to usher in a new generation of lawmakers to scrutinise a raft of reforms promised by President Adama Barrow, in the first election since longtime leader Yahya Jammeh left power.

Turnout was low when polling stations across the tiny west African nation closed at 5:00pm (1700 GMT), the vice-chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said, though hopes remain high for a revitalised parliament after years of rubberstamping Jammeh's executive orders.

More than 880,000 Gambians were eligible to vote for the body's 53 elected seats, with five more appointed by the president, and many relished the chance to express their opinion after 22 years of iron-fisted rule.

"The only way Gambians can consolidate our newfound democracy is for people to ensure they elect competent individuals that will represent them in parliament and help in making the government's reform agenda a reality," said Fatou Suwareh, who was waiting in line to vote on the outskirts of Banjul.

Manneh Sallah, vice-chairman of the electoral commission, speaking to AFP by phone after the polls closed, said "turnout is still going to be very low," adding that although National Assembly elections generally have a poorer turnout he had been surprised by the scarcity of voters.

Thursday's election is a key test for several former opposition parties that united to form a coalition to oust Jammeh from power and deliver flag bearer Adama Barrow to victory as the new president.

Internal tensions mean those parties are not running together in the legislative elections, and Barrow's promised overhaul of every aspect of the Gambian state will depend on their willingness to cooperate in parliament and in cabinet.

Posing a threat is the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), a youth-led party which did not join the governing coalition and whose leader Mama Kandeh came third in last year's presidential vote.

- Barrow defends cabinet -

Some voters expressed anger that the coalition parties had not been able to present a united front.

"The coalition was my party but when things started falling apart with them, everyone has to go to their own party," said Yaisa Jawara, who chose the GDC as a protest vote, at a roadside polling station near the capital Banjul.

Barrow attempted to shrug off accusations that his coalition was permanently damaged by infighting which at times has broken out into the open in Gambian media, saying after voting that there was "no split".

Barrow was formerly a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), a movement which has waited many years for the chance to take office.

The UDP's activists were routinely imprisoned and abused by Jammeh's security forces, and its leader Ousainou Darboe is seen in some quarters as a divisive figure with decades of political baggage in a country looking for a fresh start.

Ousman Addo a Gambian electoral observer for Anti-Corruption International, said allies of Jammeh's Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) were "staying away because they feel they have already los,".

Meanwhile undecided voters "don't know who to vote for, they have had a short time to get to know these parties," he added, blaming a lack of civic education under Jammeh where the APRC party was promoted above all others.

- Roll of the marble -

There is no formal opinion polling in The Gambia, making it difficult to establish voting intentions, but the APRC was only able to muster candidates in just over half the country's constituencies, meaning they cannot obtain the near-total majority achieved in past elections.

Despite this, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the new leader of the APRC, said he was confident of their chances with Barrow apparently stumbling.

"Government came with a slogan 'Gambia has decided' but assessing their hundred days in office, it is full of failures in all domains," he said.

The Gambia uses a unique ballot system in which voters drop marbles into coloured drums

The African Union, the regional bloc ECOWAS and the European Union all sent observers to monitor the votes cast under The Gambia's unique system, where marbles are dropped into coloured metal barrels representing different candidates.

The marbles are then sifted into trays to be counted, though several observers and Gambian politicians told AFP this could be the last election to make use of the system, which is expensive to maintain.

West African troops remained on the ground to assure security three months after Jammeh's departure, and will stay until Barrow is satisfied that reforms of the security service have removed rogue elements.
Dignitaries lay wreathes during a service of commemoration and thanksgiving to mark Anzac Day in London on April 25, 2016, the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War

Australia and New Zealand Thursday warned terrorists could target Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey this month, and urged travellers to avoid Ankara and Istanbul.

The emotive event on April 25 remembers the heroism and sacrifice of Australians and New Zealanders during World War I and their campaign against the Ottoman Empire in 1915.

Canberra and Wellington said intelligence suggested it could be targetted by extremists this year.

"The Turkish authorities are taking this extremely seriously. The celebrations on Gallipoli are as important to the Turkish authorities and Turkish people as they are to the Australians," said Veterans' Affairs Minister Dan Tehan.

The warning was echoed by New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully, who called on citizens "to exercise a high degree of vigilance in public places" in Turkey and keep track of security updates.

While Canberra's advice to travellers had not changed from "exercise a high degree of caution" in Gallipoli and Turkey overall, it said they should "reconsider their need to travel to Ankara and Istanbul".

"We are conscious of the effect of this on the many Australians planning to attend this year's Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli," Tehan said.

Hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders annually make the trip to Gallipoli to mark the amphibious assaults on the peninsula in what is now western Turkey.

Many were killed in the initial assault and the overall Allied campaign ended in failure and evacuation.

But the spirit shown by the Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops has long been seen as critical in forging a national identity in New Zealand and Australia. Both commemorate April 25 as Anzac Day.
Police say they have arrested three people for murder over the death of a Muslim man attacked while transporting cows in northern India, where vigilantes patrol the streets to protect the animal Hindus consider sacred

Police said Thursday they have arrested three people for murder over the death of a Muslim man attacked while transporting cows in India, in the latest incidence of violence over the animal Hindus revere.

Pehlu Khan, a 55-year-old farmer, died in hospital on Monday after around 200 vigilantes attacked trucks carrying cattle on a highway in Alwar in the western state of Rajasthan.

Cow slaughter is illegal in many Indian states, and vigilante squads that roam highways checking livestock trucks for animals being transported across state borders have proliferated since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.

Police are still trying to identify most of the 200-strong mob who attacked Khan and injured six others as they transported dozens of cows into a neighbouring state.

Alwar police chief Rahul Prakash said they arrested three people late Wednesday after examining video footage shot by onlookers and broadcast by the media.

"We saw the videos and identified at least five people who were at the spot. We called those five people to the police station and found that three of them were directly involved in the assault on the victims," Prakash told AFP.

Khan's son, who was with his father when the attack occurred on Saturday, said the mob flagged down their vehicles as they were returning home from a cattle fair.

"We told them we are returning from an animal fair, but they didn't listen to us," said Irshad Khan on the CNN News 18 channel.

"They started beating us with sticks, hockey sticks and belts. They let go one of the drivers because he was a Hindu, and kept saying, 'beat these Muslims'."

Prakash said police had also arrested 11 survivors of the attack, charging them under various sections of Rajasthan's cow protection law.

Rajasthan is among the states that ban cow slaughter, and authorities also require anyone transporting the animals across state borders to have a licence.

The state's BJP home minister Gulab Chand Kataria has come in for criticism for saying that both sides were to blame for the incident.

- Lynch mobs -

Khan's death sparked outrage Thursday in India's upper house of parliament, where opposition lawmakers shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP government.

Rahul Gandhi, vice president of the opposition Congress party, said there had been a "shocking" breakdown of law and order.

"When government abdicates responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow," he tweeted.

At least 10 Muslim men have been killed in similar incidents across the country by Hindu mobs on suspicion of eating beef or smuggling cows in the last two years.

In 2015 a Muslim man was lynched by his neighbours over rumours that he had slaughtered a cow. Police later said the meat was mutton.

Last month a hotel manager was beaten in Rajasthan after Hindu vigilantes accused him of serving beef.

Millions from India's huge minority populations -- including Muslims, Christians and lower-caste Hindus -- eat beef.

India is also the world's largest exporter of beef, although most of the meat comes from buffalo, which are not considered sacred.

But right-wing Hindu groups have long demanded a complete ban on the slaughter of all cattle, citing religious scripture.
Donald Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping at his sun-kissed Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Thursday, a high-stakes first summit replete with pitfalls for both leaders.

The stage is set for a carefully choreographed dinners with family and displays of bonhomie, but beneath the facade runs a wary, almost palpable, anxiety -- as the men face a make or break moment.

Xi is arriving at the resort with a gift-basket of 'tweetable deliverables', sources say, peace offerings on Trump's signature issues - trade and jobs - that he hopes will smooth over a relationship that began on shaky ground following disagreements over Taiwan.

The stakes are high for the first Sino-US summit under the presidency of Donald Trump, which takes place Thursday and Friday in Florida

The US and China are the world's two biggest economies

In return, he hopes to get assurances from Trump on American sales of arms to the island, as well as trade.

But what Trump wants is less clear.

No one - neither diplomats nor aides - can be sure what will happen when the most powerful Chinese leader in a generation meets a mercurial American president who has been in office less than 100 days and is capable of unravelling the most carefully-laid plans with a single 140-character tweet.

The stakes, both domestic and international, are high.

Disagreements over approaches to North Korea or bilateral trade could, if mishandled, destabilise North East Asia or tank the global economy.

On the domestic front, Xi is heading into a critical political meeting later this year. He needs to show that he can deal with the US leader as an equal and eliminate the potential for unwelcome surprises in the run-up to the event that could assure his power for years to come.

He 'cannot afford to lose face while China aspires to be the new centre of gravity for the world order,' China political analyst Willy Lam told AFP.

Meanwhile, Trump -- who is reeling from legislative defeats, low approval ratings and unrelenting scandals -- desperately needs a win.

He may not have much room to maneuver, however, with a country he has castigated for 'stealing' American jobs and doing 'little' to rein in North Korea's nuclear program.

Even though the two leaders 'want to project themselves as very forceful, very decisive and also getting the best for the benefit of their own countries, they are also anxious not to get into difficult negotiating positions,' according to Lam.

Amid such high stakes, Xi plans to offer 'win-win' gifts calculated to make it easy for Trump to make concessions while burnishing his hard-charging, deal-making public persona.

The sumptuous surroundings of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate offer the backdrop for his first meeting with China's Xi Jinping

Top of the list, according to a source briefed on Xi's plans, will be a package of Chinese investments aimed at creating more than 700,000 American jobs -- the number pledged to Trump by China's regional rival Japan, during Prime Minister Abe's February Mar-a-Lago visit.

There may also be offers to further open China's auto and agricultural markets, insiders say, and even some concessions on Chinese banks' transactions with North Korea, a vital financial lifeline for the country.

He may also offer Chinese assistance in Trump's infrastructure renewal plan and a stake in China's newly established infrastructure bank.

In exchange, according to the source, Xi will ask Trump to delay planned weapons sales to Taiwan and loosen export restrictions on biotech and water treatment sectors.

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, who meet in Florida on Thursday and Friday for their first summit, are two very different leaders

Xi's main objective will not be establishing a relationship 'for the next three or four years, but stable ties during the next three quarters' through China's 19th Party Congress, according to the source.

Trump's position on the democratically-ruled Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province, has been a major irritant in the Sino-US relationship since the billionaire politician accepted a protocol-breaking phone call from the Taiwanese president after his election victory.

For Xi, an olive branch on Taiwan is a key objective, according to Shen Dengli, a US-China expert at Shanghai's Fudan University: 'Expect just one thing: Taiwan.'

- Diverging interests -

On the US side, however, North Korea will likely be on the top of the agenda following a provocative missile launch Wednesday -- barely 48 hours before the summit was due to start.

The Trump White House worries Pyongyang is just months away from marrying nuclear and long-range missile technology and putting the west coast of the United States within striking distance.

US President Donald Trump is an object of curiosity and fascination for many Chinese, who have been amazed to see the brash billionaire ascend to his country's highest office

The tough-talking new president has repeatedly and very publicly indicated his openness to military action.

While Beijing has condemned the missile tests, it has hesitated to take dramatic action against Pyongyang, fearing that the country's collapse would generate a flood of refugees across its borders and leave the US military on its doorstep.

But coming to an agreement on the issue will not be easy, according to Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

'I don't think they're talking about solutions... at the end of the day, their interests are not really the same as the United States''

Yang Xiyu, a researcher at China Institute of International Studies, agreed: 'The Chinese side will not change its positions because of anything Trump says.'
A Palestinian man suffering from cancer lies at a hospital in Gaza City on April 6, 2017. The WHO and others have pointed to the effect the Israeli blockade has had on medical crossings, a crucial issue for impoverished Gaza

Fuad Skik has been waiting in vain since December for permission from Israel to leave the Gaza Strip for cancer treatments, illustrating a problem that has concerned global health officials.

"At the end of 2016, I asked for an Israeli exit permit and I registered my wife to accompany me, but I still have not received a response," the 53-year-old said, adding that his cancer had since spread.

Palestinian officials say the problem for those in situations similar to Skik's has recently become worse due to an increase in the number of those needing treatment and the slow process of getting permits.

For many, this means delays and for some a refusal means they can't even go.

Israeli authorities say more permits are being granted than in the past and note that careful consideration must be given to each due to security risks.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and Israel tightly controls who and what enters and exits the enclave of some two million people.

It has maintained a blockade on the strip run by Islamist movement Hamas for 10 years.

In recent days, the problem has been further complicated by Hamas also restricting exits for Gazans as it investigates the assassination of one of its officials, a killing it blames on Israel.

The World Health Organization and others have pointed to the effect the Israeli blockade has had on medical crossings, a crucial issue for impoverished Gaza, which lacks proper medical equipment in many cases.

Many patients seek treatment in Israel, and some in the occupied West Bank, the other Palestinian territory separated geographically from Gaza.

- Slowed by security -

Permission from Israeli authorities is required to cross, and the WHO has in particular highlighted the case of a 17-year-old who died in January while waiting.

According to the WHO, more than 53 percent of nearly 3,000 patients who requested an exit permit in January were refused or did not receive a response.

The number was more than 61 percent for those meant to accompany them.

The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees such permits says more have been granted than in the past.

According to its numbers, 22,380 patients and those accompanying them were provided permits in 2013, while 30,768 were granted in 2016.

A Palestinian girl suffering from cancer sits with her mother at a hospital in Gaza City on April 6, 2017. The WHO and others have pointed to the effect the Israeli blockade has had on medical crossings, a crucial issue for impoverished Gaza

The defence ministry unit, known as COGAT, also alleged there has been "an increase in attempts by Hamas to take advantage of Israeli assistance for terrorist aims," requiring careful scrutiny of applications.

It is a difficult explanation to accept for those legitimately sick and required to wait.

The Gaza Strip does not have the capacity for radiation therapy and lacks chemotherapy drugs.

For those reasons, some six out of 10 cancer patients in Gaza require treatment not available in the enclave, said Mahmoud Daher of the WHO.

Further complicating the problem, cancer rates are seen as rising in the Gaza Strip.

"Every year there are between 1,600 and 1,800 (cases detected), or 20 percent more than in past years," said Khaled Thabet, head of the oncology department at the Rantissi hospital, which treats patients from the northern Gaza Strip.

- Teen dies waiting -

In 2006, 8,000 Gazans required medical treatment outside the strip, while the number rose to 22,000 in 2016, he said, adding that only 60 percent were able to obtain a permit.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) says that it requested 1,040 refused applications in 2016 be re-examined, leading to 418 approvals.

But in the case of 17-year-old Ahmed Shbair, it was already too late.

He died in January after failing to receive permission to exit for treatment for a congenital heart condition, said Mohammed Bseiso, a lawyer with the PCHR.

His family made four requests for permits beginning in November, with he and his mother were interrogated by Israeli authorities, according to the WHO.

Two of the requests were refused, while a third had not been given a response. He applied for a fourth time just before dying, the WHO said.

Some are seeking to provide medical services that Gazans would otherwise seek elsewhere.

Tharwat al-Helou recently opened the first private clinic in the Gaza Strip, with a plan of eventually having 90 beds.

Such clinics could alleviate shortages in the strip, which has slightly more than one bed per 1,000 residents, said Abdellatif al-Hajj, who oversees hospitals for the Gazan authorities.

As an example, the number is five to six times higher in Israel.

But clinics will also face the difficulty of receiving Israeli permission to import equipment due to the country's concerns over "terrorist" activities.
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks to media after delivering religious teachings at the Buddha Stadium in Bomdila in India's north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh state

China said on Thursday that it has lodged an official protest with India over the visit of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to contested territory along the two countries' border.

The Dalai Lama travelled to Arunachal Pradesh, parts of which Beijing claims as South Tibet, earlier this week for teachings at local monasteries.

"Inviting and approving the visit of the Dalai Lama to disputed areas between China and India has damaged our interests and China-India relations," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing.

Beijing claims that the religious leader is bent on splitting Tibet from China and has previously condemned the planned visit.

"We oppose the visit by the Dalai Lama to relevant areas and opposes the attempt by relevant countries to arrange a platform for the Dalai Lama to hold anti-China and separatist activities," Hua said, adding that China had "launched representations" over the visit with the Indian ambassador to China and with the country's foreign ministry.

The Dalai Lama fled to India after a failed uprising in 1959 but is still deeply revered by many Tibetans.

Beijing says its troops "peacefully liberated" Tibet in 1951 and accuses the Nobel Peace laureate of seeking Tibetan independence through "spiritual terrorism".

He says he merely wants greater autonomy for his homeland, where many accuse the central government of religious repression and eroding Tibetan culture.
Syrian children receive treatment in the town of Maaret al-Noman, following a suspected chemical weapons attack in Khan Sheikhun, a nearby rebel-held town in Syria's northwestern Idlib province, on April 4, 2017

The United States threatened Syria with military action as President Donald Trump warned "something should happen" following a suspected chemical attack that left at least 86 dead and provoked global outrage.

Meanwhile, Russia warned America of potential "negative consequences" if Washington strikes Syria.

"All responsibility if military action occurs will be on the shoulders of those who initiated such a doubtful tragic enterprise," Russian Ambassador to the UN Vladimir Safronkov said.

The sudden specter of US military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime marks a startling about-face for Trump, and a crucial shift in American involvement in Syria's grueling six-year civil war.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had earlier vowed an "appropriate response" to the attack in Khan Sheikhun in rebel-held Idlib province.

Twenty-seven children were among the dead, and Turkey believes victims were exposed to the nerve agent sarin.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley holds photos of victims as she speaks as the UN Security Council meets in an emergency session at the UN on April 5, 2017, about the suspected chemical attack in Syria

As the Pentagon readied military options, the UN Security Council met behind closed doors to try to bridge differences over a draft resolution demanding an investigation of the suspected chemical attack.

Britain, France and the United States had pushed for a vote on their proposed measure, but decided to hold off during the meeting.

Diplomats said a vote was more likely to take place on Friday.

The fast-moving events come just days after the Trump administration had signaled it was no longer looking to ouster the Syrian leader.

But on Thursday, Trump said that "what Assad did is terrible."

"What happened in Syria is truly one of the egregious crimes," he said. "I guess he's running things, so I guess something should happen."

Trump's comments came as Tillerson -- who like the president was in Florida to welcome China's Xi Jinping -- called for "a political process that would lead to Assad leaving" and said his future role in the country was "uncertain."

The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, has warned that Washington could take unilateral action if the world body fails to respond to the allegations of chemical weapons use.

A US official said the Pentagon is presenting the White House with a range of possible options, including cruise missile or air strikes on Assad's air fields in a bid to ground his air force -- but that no decisions had been taken.

Any strike against the Assad regime is likely to be conducted remotely or by unmanned aircraft to avoid putting US pilots in harm's way.

Syria: Deadly chemical attack

The US Navy's Sixth Fleet has two destroyers -- the USS Porter and the USS Ross -- in the eastern Mediterranean that could shoot a barrage of Tomahawk cruise missiles into Syria.

Any such military action brings enormous risks, as strikes could be subject to skirting Russian air defenses. Moscow also has advisors on the ground in Syria.

- Syrian denial -

Trump on Wednesday decried the attack as an "affront to humanity." He seemed horrified by photographs showing dead children and victims suffering convulsions, breathing problems and foaming at the mouth.

Syrians dig a mass grave to bury the victims of a suspected toxic gas attack in Khan Sheikhun, Idlib province, on April 5, 2017

Results from post-mortems point to possible exposure to sarin nerve agent, according to Turkish health officials.

"It crossed a lot of lines for me," Trump said, alluding to Barack Obama's failure to enforce his own "red line" on the use of chemical weapons in Syria four years ago.

In 2013, Trump had urged then-president Obama not to intervene against Assad.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on Thursday repeated the regime's denial it conducted a chemical strike.

"The Syrian army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons -- not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds," he said.

Principal lethal chemical weapons

Russia also stood by its longtime ally, with President Vladimir Putin warning against a rush to judgment.

Putin underlined "the unacceptability of making unfounded accusations against anyone before a thorough and impartial international investigation is carried out."

- 'Terrible responsibility' -

The UN children's agency UNICEF says at least 546 people were wounded in the suspected chemical attack.

More than 30 people were transferred across the border into Turkey for treatment, and Ankara said a preliminary probe found a link between these injuries and sarin.

If confirmed to be a chemical attack, this would be among the worst such incidents in Syria's civil war, which has killed more than 320,000 people since it began in March 2011.

Seeking to avoid a showdown between Russia and the West, the Security Council circulated a compromise resolution on a probe into the apparent chemical attack.

But the text drew a cool response from the United States and a council diplomat said the United States was showing "no flexibility."

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said Thursday it has opened an "ongoing investigation" and has "initiated contact with the Syrian authorities."

Syria officially relinquished its chemical arsenal and signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 to avert military action after it was accused of an attack outside Damascus that killed hundreds.

But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use since.
Israeli security forces gather at the site of a car ramming attack that killed one Israeli and wounded another outside the Ofra settlement in the occupied West Bank on April 6, 2017

A Palestinian man carried out a car-ramming next to a bus stop near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, killing an Israeli soldier and wounding another, officials said.

The incident near the Israeli settlement of Ofra came ahead of the Jewish Passover holiday beginning on Monday, which has raised fears of an upsurge in violence.

The military named the dead soldier as Sergeant Elchai Teharlev, 20.

A spokeswoman told AFP that the wounded man was also a soldier, but did not comment on his condition.

The alleged attacker was arrested, an Israeli army statement said, without giving details about him.

He was identified as Malek Hamed, 22, from the nearby West Bank town of Silwad, by official Palestinian news agency WAFA, which also said he had been shot and wounded.

Following the incident, a vehicle with Palestinian licence plates, which had mounted the pavement, was seen surrounded by soldiers.

The incident took place next to a bus stop outside Ofra, north of Ramallah.

It was the first fatal attack on Israelis since January 8, when a Palestinian killed four soldiers in a Jerusalem truck-ramming attack.

A wave of violence that broke out in October 2015 has claimed the lives of 259 Palestinians, 41 Israelis, two Americans, one Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese, according to an AFP count.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.

Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip.

Young settlers watch as Israeli security forces inspect the site of a car ramming attack that killed one Israeli and wounded another outside the Ofra settlement in the occupied West Bank on April 6, 2017

The violence has greatly subsided in recent months.

There are fears the week-long Passover holiday will lead to a fresh outbreak of violence, particularly if there is an increase in Jewish visitors to the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem.

The site is holy to both Muslims and Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount.

It is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in 1967 and later annexed, and is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Tensions regularly flare over the site, with Palestinians fearing Israel will seek to assert further control over it.

Jews are allowed to visit the site but not pray there to avoid provoking tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said repeatedly he has no intention of changing that status quo, though hardline members of his coalition push for Jewish prayer rights there.
Philippine authorities say they foiled a possible terror attack after arresting a Kuwaiti man and his Syrian wife, both alleged members of the Islamic State (IS) group

Philippine authorities said Thursday they had foiled a possible terror attack after arresting a Kuwaiti man and his Syrian wife, both alleged members of the Islamic State (IS) group.

Police nabbed Husayn Al-Dhafiri and Rahaf Zina at an upscale district of Manila following a tip-off from the Kuwaiti authorities late last month, but the arrests were kept secret while Filipino authorities investigated further, officials said.

The pair had entered the country repeatedly in recent months as part of plans for "a bombing operation" either in the Philippines or Kuwait, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told reporters.

Aguirre said Al-Dhafiri was an active IS member in the Middle East and said the United States authorities believed he could "pose a threat to the national security of the Philippines".

"He is alleged to have been involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly operational planning against Kuwait," Aguirre added.

He said Zina and Al Dhafiri married after her husband, a high-ranking IS commander, was killed in Syria.

The Filipino official said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be sent back to Qatar from where she entered the Philippines.

"Both of them will be properly received by the security forces of those countries," he added.

The Kuwaiti embassy in Manila could not be contacted for comment.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has previously warned that IS members might make their way into the Southeast Asian nation by infiltrating its Muslim communities, concentrated in the south of the largely Catholic country.

The Philippines has been battling for years with Muslim extremist groups in the remote southern region, some of whom have since pledged allegiance to IS.

Aguirre said he could not confirm if the two suspects had any contact with local extremists.
A displaced Iraqi child, who fled the fighting for Mosul between government forces and the Islamic State group jihadists, stands behind a fence at the Hammam al-Alil camp on April 5, 2017

The fighting in west Mosul has forced up to 15,000 people to flee their homes every day recently, straining humanitarian resources and leaving many in very difficult conditions.

At the Hammam al-Alil camp for the displaced south of Mosul, hundreds of haggard-looking civilians spill out of buses escorted by the security forces all day long.

The camp is a screening site and a gateway for some who will then board other buses and taxis to look for accommodation in other camps or with relatives in "liberated" east Mosul and neighbouring areas.

But others, often among the most needy, stay at the camp and move into tents with relatives or neighbours, sometimes three or four families crammed into the same 10-metre by 4-metre (33-foot by 13-foot) tent.

"There are four families in this tent, about 30 people sleep in it," said Marwan Nayef, a 25-year-old from west Mosul, as a dozen children stood around him or peeped from behind the tent's tarpaulin door.

"Sometimes, it's not big enough so the men go to sleep in a friend's tent. I'm currently sleeping in my brother's tent," he said.

A few alleys down in the camp, whose population has soared to around 30,000, Shahra Hazem holds her 16-month-old hydrocephalic son in her arms.

"He needs an operation, there's water in his head, but there is just no help available. I tried to take him to another camp but they wouldn't let us in," she said.

According to the United Nations, at least 400,000 people have been displaced since the Iraqi security forces launched a huge offensive against the Islamic State (IS) group's Mosul stronghold on October 17.

- Civilians increasingly exposed -

Iraqis, who fled the fighting for Mosul between government forces and the Islamic State group fighters, wait to receive food rations at al-Khazar camp on April 5, 2017

The majority of those who had to flee their homes did so during the most recent phase of the operation, which started on February 19 in the half of the city that lies west of the Tigris river.

In Hammam al-Alil camp, massive queues of civilians form at midday to receive a helping of rice and sauce from a catering tent, many of them barefooted children who then sit on the gravel to devour their ration.

Some fetch food from outside the camp, others from an informal market that opened on the other side of the fence.

One boy was reselling mats his family received in UN emergency kits to buy cheap chocolate-flavoured wafers from the market.

A woman carrying her daughter ran into neighbours from Mosul and told them of how she and her family survived an air strike that demolished their house.

"Daesh (IS) set up a machine gun position in front of our door so the security forces fired back... Luckily, we were all on the ground floor," said the woman, wearing a bright green dress.

"Some of our neighbours tried to flee yesterday and the security forces shot at them because they thought they were with Daesh. This is happening a lot," she said.

Most of the residents of east Mosul stayed home during the first phase of the offensive but IS resistance has been fierce in and around the Old City in west Mosul and civilians appear more exposed than ever.

- Humanitarian funding -

The security forces have been evacuating as many of them as possible but the UN says 400,000 remain trapped in the Old City.

An Iraqi woman and a girl walk past destroyed buildings in the western part of Mosul on April 5, 2017, as Iraqi forces advance in their offensive to retake the city from the Islamic State group

"What people tell us when they flee is of entire homes being destroyed, so we get anecdotal reports of quite a dramatic level of destruction," said Melany Markham, of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

In the worst such case so far since the Mosul offensive began nearly six months ago, dozens of civilians are believed to have been killed in an air strike conducted by the US-led coalition.

The Iraqi security forces have nonetheless recently reiterated their call on Mosul residents to stay home, dropping thousands of leaflets over the city with messages to that effect.

Markham said she was confident in the aid community's ability to adapt to even greater needs should the civilian exodus intensify in the coming weeks but warned that the humanitarian response also depended on funding.

During a visit to a camp southeast of Mosul last week, UN chief Antonio Guterres complained that the world's support for Mosul was woefully inadequate.

"We don't have the resources that are necessary to support these people and we don't have the international solidarity that is needed," he told reporters.
Thai women wanting to become female Buddhist monks hold incense sticks as they stand in line during an ordination ceremony at a Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Bangkok

Scissors fly as Thai families surround their daughters to shear off tufts of hair until they are nearly bald -- a ritual preparation for the women's new future as rebel female monks.

Taking on the spartan lifestyle is a subversive choice for the two dozen women, who are the latest to buck tradition in Thailand's male-dominated Buddhist order.

The Buddhist kingdom's clergy refuses to officially recognise female monks as legitimate.

But their ranks are gradually growing under the leadership of Dhammananda Bhikkhuni, an abbess who founded an all-female monastery in Nakhon Pathom province outside Bangkok.

On Thursday she inducted 24 more women into what is known as the bhikkuni -- female monk -- tradition.

The hair-cutting ceremony was an emotional moment for many of the incoming monks, whose ages spanned the spectrum -- from their twenties to their sixties.

Some were amused while others struggled to hold back tears.

After most of their hair was snipped off, the women's heads -- and eyebrows -- were shaved and rinsed.

They then donned rust-coloured robes, sat through a series of prayers, and received their first round of alms as they stepped into new, austere lives shorn of romance and most forms of excess.
Bangladeshi workers rest at a tannery in Dhaka

A historic leatherworking quarter in Bangladesh once labelled among the most polluted places on earth was shut Thursday as police enforced a court ruling to protect a vital waterway.

Conservationists have been fighting for years to close the century-old tannery district in the capital Dhaka, which pumps thousands of litres of toxic waste directly into the city's most important river on a daily basis.

The Supreme Court ordered last month that tanneries in Hazaribagh, a neighbourhood dating to the Mughal era, had until April 6 to close before police started cutting power to the businesses.

Some tannneries had asked for more time before closing the historic district, which the industry claims employs around 30,000 leatherworkers.

"Most of the tanneries have already stopped operations. We will completely shutdown everything this weekend," tannery owners association spokesman Tipu Sultan told AFP.

A Bangladeshi worker dries pieces of processed leather at a tannery in Dhaka

The Buriganga River was once the lifeblood of Dhaka and remains a key transport passageway, but decades of eye-watering tannery waste has left it black and reeking.

Hazaribagh police chief Alim uz Zaman said his department was following orders and "had stopped raw hides from entering" the businesses on the banks of the river.

Government figures estimate that 22,000 cubic litres of foul-smelling waste used to treat animal hides is pumped into the river everyday, including the cancer-causing toxin hexavalent chromium.

Hazaribagh is so rancid it was ranked the fifth-most polluted place on earth in a 2013 list by the New York-based Blacksmith Institute. Those living and working in the neighbourhood faced elevated rates of skin and respiratory diseases, the survey found.

Human Rights Watch has also recorded instances of tanneries employing children, many of whom suffer illnesses from exposure to hazardous chemicals.

But the tannery association warned the "vicious move" would decimate the leatherwork business, Bangladesh's second-largest industry after readymade garments.

"Our lives depend on the income we make from these tanneries. The owners will face temporary losses, but we will lose our two meals a day," said unionist Mohammad Mamun.

The district was first ordered shut by the Supreme Court in 2009, before the deadline was extended until early 2011.

But only a handful of the roughly 150 tanneries in the district were closed, before the court last month ordered police to enforce its decision.

The industry will be relocated to a new industrial park just outside Dhaka but leatherworkers say it's far from ready for business.
An Iraqi army helicopter flies over the outskirts of western Mosul on April 6, 2017

The Islamic State group shot down an Iraqi helicopter that was supporting federal police forces in Mosul, killing two crew members, the military said on Thursday.

"Their helicopter aircraft was attacked by enemy fire and destroyed on the battlefield," Iraq's Joint Operations Command said in a statement, putting the death toll at two.

It did not specify what type of helicopter was shot down, nor say whether it was hit by gunfire or a surface-to-air missile.

The IS attack comes after another helicopter went down south of Mosul at the beginning of the year due to a "technical failure," killing four crew members.

Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, recapturing its eastern side before setting their sights on the smaller but more densely populated west.

Strikes by Iraqi helicopters are especially important for the country's interior ministry forces, which consistently complain of not receiving sufficient air support from the US-led anti-IS coalition.
Iranian women attend the general assembly of conservatives in Tehran on April 6, 2017 to decide on a shortlist of five candidates for the presidential election

Iran's conservatives announced a shortlist of five presidential candidates on Thursday as they experimented with their first-ever democratic primary in a bid to find a leader to challenge President Hassan Rouhani.

Fearing another defeat at the hands of the moderate president in next month's election, a new alliance called the Popular Front of Revolutionary Forces hopes to unite conservatives around a single figure.

Some 3,000 delegates gathered at an exhibition centre on Tehran's outskirts to vote for the shortlist.

It includes 56-year-old cleric Ebrahim Raisi. Barely known a year ago, he is the head of a powerful charitable foundation in the holy city of Mashhad and tipped as a possible successor to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Also included was Tehran mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, 55, who came second to Rouhani in 2013.

The others were Parviz Fattah, head of another charitable foundation, and former lawmakers Alireza Zakani and Mehrdad Bazrpash, both fierce critics of the 2015 deal with world powers that saw sanctions eased in exchange for curbs to Iran's nuclear programme.

All five will register as candidates, but four will drop out shortly before the election on May 19.

- 'Not well-known' -

Raisi has gathered considerable momentum in recent months, but his selection was ridiculed by reformists.

"It shows they have reached an impasse and been defeated. They have been forced to choose a non-politician," reformist commentator Abbas Abdi told the Etemad newspaper.

"Mr Raisi is not a well-known -- or even known -- political figure."

Ghalibaf, an experienced pragmatist, has strong conservative credentials: during the last campaign he boasted of riding through crowds of student protesters in 1999 on a large motorbike, beating people with a stick.

A general view of the general assembly of conservatives, in Tehran, on April 6, 2017 to decide on a shortlist of five candidates for the presidential election

"Ghalibaf is the top candidate. His management style is the best," said one of Thursday's delegates, 25-year-old clerk Nastaran Danehkar.

But analysts say his chances have been hit by allegations that Tehran city councillors were given prime real estate at knock-down prices.

- Spoiler -

Keeping Iran's conservatives united will prove tough.

A familiar spoiler has already emerged in the form of ex-president Mahmud Ahmadinejad, who announced on Wednesday that he was backing his former deputy Hamid Baghaie as an independent.

Ahmadinejad ruled out his own comeback last year after the supreme leader suggested it could have a "polarising" effect on the nation, but his chosen successor could steal conservative votes particularly in poorer areas.

Some at the exhibition centre said the new nomination process was more important than winning.

"In the past, a few elders would sit and come out with some choices, but now it has become a process like a referendum where forces at the bottom can influence the final decision," said Abdolhossein Moslemi, a cleric.

Tehran-based political expert Amir Mohebbian agreed that "the old mechanisms had failed".

Since the 1990s, he said, the choices by conservative grandees have lost every time -- either to more reformist candidates, or in the case of Ahmadinejad, to a hardline populist who refused to play ball with the establishment in a way that many have lately compared to Donald Trump.

- Solid alliance -

By contrast, Rouhani's alliance of moderates and reformists looks solid, even if continued economic problems and Trump's threats to reimpose sanctions have cast doubts over his strategy of reaching out to the West.

Reformists see little alternative to Rouhani, having been badly damaged by a crackdown following protests in 2009.

Two of their leaders -- Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi -- have been under house arrest since 2011, while the media are banned from picturing or quoting former reformist president Mohammad Khatami.

The key moment will come later this month when the powerful Guardian Council chooses who will be allowed to run.

"Rouhani is still the most likely candidate," said Henry Smith, of consultancy Control Risks.

"If he chooses to run, and is allowed to run, we can assume he has the blessing of the supreme leader to go for a second term."
The United States has seen months of steady job creation

New claims for jobless benefits in the United States fell precipitously at the close of March, posting their biggest weekly drop in nearly two years, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

For the week ending April 1, new claims for unemployment insurance stood at a seasonally adjusted 234,000, down 25,000 from the prior week, the biggest weekly decline since April 2015.

Analysts had been expecting a decrease of only 14,000 claims.

The less volatile four-week moving average was 250,000 new claims, down 4,500 from the prior week.

Though they see large weekly swings, unemployment claims can be used to gauge the prevalence of layoffs and the health of labor markets. The level of weekly jobless claims has remained below 300,000 for more than two years, the longest such streak recorded since 1970.

For the week ending March 25, continuing claims for unemployment benefits fell 24,000 to 2,028,000, according to the Labor Department. The four-week moving average for this figure also fell 7,750 to 2,023,000 -- its lowest level in nearly 17 years.

The weekly figures come a day before the Labor Department is due to publish monthly job creation numbers, with analysts expecting another strong month of hiring in a relatively solid economy.

The world's largest economy has steadily pumped out jobs since mid-2016, with economists pointing to an increasingly tight labor market in which employers fear they may not be able to replace workers they let go.
This US Defense Department photo shows the casket of former NASA astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, ahead of his burial with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery

US flags worldwide were ordered flown at half-staff on Thursday as astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, was laid to rest with military honors.

Glenn died in December 2016 at the age of 95, after a long career that included serving as a Marine fighter pilot, a NASA astronaut and a US senator.

His five-hour solo orbit around Earth in 1962 established Glenn as an American pioneer. A year earlier, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin had become the first human in space and orbited the planet.

In 1998, Glenn made history again when he returned to space at the age of 77, becoming the oldest astronaut in space.

Glenn's casket, draped in a US flag covered in plastic to protect it from pouring rain, was pulled on a horse-drawn carriage through Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington.

More than 400,000 service members, veterans and their families are buried at the nation's premier military cemetery in Virginia overlooking the US capital.

US president John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, his brother and Democratic presidential candidate -- both of them assassinated -- are among the most famous people buried there.

A Marine Corps honor guard folded the flag and presented it to his 97-year-old widow Annie.

Glenn was laid to rest on what would have been their 74th wedding anniversary.

President Donald Trump ordered all flags at government buildings in the United States and abroad to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown "as a mark of respect for the memory of John Glenn."

A number of astronauts, including those who perished in the space shuttle Columbia and Challenger disasters, are buried at the cemetery.

Glenn's grave is not far from those of his astronaut colleagues Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee, who were killed in a fire aboard the Apollo 1 capsule in 1967.

"Senator Glenn was more than an astronaut -- he was the hero we needed in a rapidly changing world and an icon of our American spirit," said NASA administrator Robert Lightfoot in a statement.

"We will never forget him."
An Iraqi army helicopter flies over the outskirts of western Mosul on April 6, 2017

The Islamic State group shot down an Iraqi helicopter operating over Mosul Thursday, as security forces announced they recaptured another neighbourhood in their nearly six-month-old offensive against the jihadist stronghold.

The operation to retake west Mosul -- which the helicopter was supporting when it was downed -- has become a slow, grinding battle that has taken a heavy toll on civilians and pushed more than 200,000 to flee.

"The helicopter was supporting federal police forces in (west Mosul) and was hit by fire and crashed in the Mohandiseen neighbourhood in east Mosul," Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, the spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command, told AFP.

Women and children who fled fighting in Mosul wait to receive food in the western part of the city on April 6, 2017

The city is divided by the Tigris River. East Mosul was recaptured earlier this year, but IS still holds significant ground on the city's western side.

Federal police are operating alongside interior ministry special forces in Mosul's Old City -- a densely populated warren of narrow streets and closely spaced buildings that is home to hundreds of thousands of people.

Rasool said the US-made Bell helicopter crashed about 3:00 pm (1200 GMT) on Thursday, and that he believed it was hit by 57 mm anti-aircraft fire.

Iraqi army aviation operates armed versions of the Bell 407 helicopter.

Strikes by Iraqi helicopters are especially important for the country's interior ministry forces, which have consistently complained of not receiving sufficient air support from the US-led anti-IS coalition during the Mosul operation.

The downing of the aircraft on Thursday comes after another helicopter crashed south of Mosul at the beginning of the year due to a "technical failure," killing four crew members.

- Neighbourhood retaken -

Rasool also said Thursday that Iraqi forces had recaptured a west Mosul neighbourhood called Yarmuk al-Thaniya.

Iraqi forces have retaken a series of neighbourhoods since launching the operation to recapture west Mosul in mid-February, though progress in the Old City area has been slow.

Civilian casualties in Mosul have come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, with the UN human rights office saying more than 300 were killed in the fighting.

The US-led coalition -- which has admitted that it "probably" played a role in recent civilian casualties in Mosul -- has said that the militants are surreptitiously forcing civilians into homes and then seeking to encourage air strikes on them.

IS has repeatedly targeted civilians with snipers, bombs and shelling in and around Mosul, and seized them for use as human shields.

The government has encouraged residents not to flee during the Mosul operation -- a policy aimed at easing ease the burden of widespread displacement but which can heighten the risk of injury or death for civilians.

The military announced on Wednesday that it had dropped hundreds of thousands of leaflets over IS-held areas of west Mosul and elsewhere urging civilians to shelter in their homes.

"Aerial bombing will target (IS) gangs and not civilians," the military said in a statement.

But irrespective of whether or not they are directly targeted, residents still can be, and have been, the victims of strikes aimed at IS fighters who are deployed in areas still populated by large numbers of civilians.

Iraqi forces backed by coalition air strikes have regained much of the territory they lost to IS in 2014, and launched the operation to retake Mosul in October.
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed declares war against Shabaab extremists a day after a car bomb in the Somali capital left seven dead in a restaurant

Somalia's new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Thursday declared war against Shabaab extremists, offering amnesty to militants who surrendered within 60 days and warning the rest would "face the consequences".

"I am announcing a state of war in the country and call on the public to stand with the national army to help fight terrorists," the president, widely known by his nickname Farmajo, told a press conference.

His remarks come a day after a car bomb in the Somali capital left seven dead in a restaurant.

According to an AFP tally around 80 people have died in bomb attacks on Mogadishu since January. The strikes have become a regular and bloody feature of daily life in the capital since the al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab were forced out of Mogadishu by African Union troops in 2011.

Farmajo, who took office in February, on Thursday replaced the heads of the army, police and national intelligence as he declared fresh war on the Islamists.

"We are very sorry for those kids who have been misled and we are offering the Shabaab fighters an ultimatum of 60 days to surrender otherwise they will face the consequences," he said.

"I also extend amnesty to the youth who have been misled with the wrong extremist ideas."

Farmajo said those who surrendered would receive accommodation and education.

"We request you put down your arms and call on you to come out of them and join the development of your people. We promise you will get good care if you join us," he said.

"We will not wait for the violent elements to continue blowing up people, we must attack them and liberate areas they are stationed."

Shortly after his election Farmajo offered a $100,000 (95,000 euro) reward for information on those carrying out attacks
Hassan Youssef, a victim of the April 4, 2017 suspected toxic gas attack in Syria's Khan Sheikhun, receives medical care in nearly Idlib city

The feeling in his limbs began fading slowly, just moments after a suspected chemical attack in a northwest Syrian town. Quick thinking saved Hassan Youssef's life -- but not his legs.

"I heard it on TV and from other people that when there's a chemical strike, no one should go down to the bomb shelters," the middle-aged man tells AFP.

"Get up as high as you can," he says, his motionless legs wrapped in white gauze on a hospital bed in the rebel-held city of Idlib.

He is 65 kilometres (40 miles) north of his hometown of Khan Sheikhun, where at least 86 people died on Tuesday when toxic gases were reportedly released on the town.

Youssef's brother-in-law pulls back some of the bandages on his legs, revealing large plum-coloured wounds.

When air strikes hit Khan Sheikhun in the early hours of Tuesday, Youssef rushed outside to see if he could help any victims.

"I thought it was a normal air strike. But when I started to get dizzy and saw two people collapse in front of me, I knew it was something chemical," he says.

He rushed to the nearest building and began the race against time to get to a higher vantage point before he was further exposed to toxic substances.

"I couldn't think about anything except getting up to the roof," he says, describing how he only walked up a few steps before collapsing and crawling up the remaining flight on his hands and knees.

"I stopped feeling anything at all. I started fading in and out of consciousness. The last thing I remember is my body being completely paralysed -- I couldn't move anything but my hand," Youssef recalls.

- 'I hoped I would die' -

In his last moments of consciousness, Youssef pulled himself close to the edge of the roof and threw part of a cinderblock over the edge, hoping someone would find him.

When he came to, his neighbours were gathered around him on the roof, shocked he had survived the eight-hour ordeal.

Now, two days later, Youssef says he is still in extreme pain, his throat hurts so much he cannot drink water, and he will need surgery on his legs to return feeling to the nerves.

"I cannot move them at all on my own," he says.

He was among more than 70 wounded people -- including 18 children and 21 women -- rushed to the hospital in Idlib on the day of the attack.

Symptoms examined by medical doctors and autopsies carried out on three people killed in the attack have indicated the use of a nerve agent such as sarin.

Doctor Hussein Yassin rattles off a list of symptoms he treated on Tuesday: a lack of oxygen, convulsions, foaming at the nose and mouth, pinpoint pupils, fevers, and red eyes.

"Even 48 hours later, we are treating 22 people, though most of the cases have improved and the symptoms went away," he tells AFP.

He says his team has neither the training nor the equipment necessary to deal with such an attack, but they did the best they could.

"All the doctors and medical staff were afraid of exposure, particularly since we don't have special clothes to protect us from toxic substances," Hussein says.

Medical staff later suffered from skin rashes, breathing problems, coughing bouts, and some loss of consciousness.

Anyone who was in Khan Sheikhun at the time of the attack should seek treatment and avoid the site of the strike, Hussein says.

"We don't know what kind of gas this was, honestly," and his hospital does not have a lab or other necessary equipment to test any samples retrieved, Hussein says.

An AFP correspondent in Khan Sheikhun on Wednesday said the town was reeling, with dead animals in the streets and residents still shell-shocked after watching their entire families die.

"When the strike hit, I felt like I was going to die," Youssef says from his hospital bed.

"I was in so much pain that I hoped I would die and no one would save me."
In 1980, the Jewish state annexed east Jerusalem, which is home to sites holy to Muslims, Jews and Christians, specifically the church of the Holy Sepulchre, pictured in March 2017

Christians in Jerusalem said Thursday that they are hoping for an "open Jerusalem" ahead of Passover and Easter celebrations in the city.

Palestinian Christians from the West Bank and Gaza receive special permits to enter Jerusalem for Easter, where the traditional sites of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection are located in the Israeli-occupied east of the city.

But Palestinian Christian Youssef Daher said the sparse allocation of permits can sometimes cut across families.

"Many families, in Gaza for example, get them only for some members and are therefore separated for the festival," said Daher of the Jerusalem Inter-Church Center.

In 1980, the Jewish state annexed east Jerusalem in an act never recognised by the international community.

Israel says the whole city is its united capital, while the Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Sites holy to Christians, Muslims and Jews are on the east side, under Israeli control.

Jews attend prayers on February 27, 2017, at the Western Wall plaza, in the Old city of Jerusalem

This Easter Sunday falls on April 16, during the Jewish Passover festival which runs from sunset April 10 until the evening of April 17.

But during Passover, when Jewish worshippers flock to the Western Wall, even Palestinians from east Jerusalem need a permit to enter its walled Old City, site of the wall and the church of the Holy Sepulchre, said local Christian resident Nora Karmi.

"Gradually, with the occupation and the introduction of permits and checkpoints, we became further and further removed from Jerusalem," Father Jamal Khader, director of the Latin Patriarchate seminary, told AFP in Arabic.

"It is awful to see young Palestinians living all their lives without seeing Jerusalem," he said.

"They don't know the Holy Sepulchre or the Dome of the Rock (Muslim shrine) except from pictures," he added. "They are forbidden to enter (by Israel) on the pretext of security reasons."

"We want an open Jerusalem: Jerusalem should receive all Christian, Muslim and Jewish visitors and pilgrims."

In the past, Karmi said, Palestinians were not the only Arab visitors to the Old City.

"You could hear Lebanese Arabic, Syrian Arabic, Egyptian Arabic, everybody was gathering here," she said.

"Since the occupation, sadly the people from Arab countries stopped coming."

Lebanon and Syria, both technically at war with Israel, forbid their citizens to visit Israel or the Palestinian territories, access to which is controlled by the Jewish state, except for a single crossing from Egypt to the Gaza Strip, which is almost permanently closed.

Egypt has a peace treaty with Israel but its Christian leaders do not encourage their faithful to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land as long as the occupation continues.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau speaks with Journalist Tina Brown at the Eighth Annual Women In The World Summit at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 6, 2017 in New York City

Wildly popular among liberal Americans, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wowed the crowd at a women's summit in New York on Thursday, drawing cheer after cheer for his pro-feminist politics.

In a city bitterly opposed to President Donald Trump, appalled by Republican attempts to roll back women's health care, restrict immigration and review climate reform, he represents everything Democrats feel they have lost in Barack Obama.

The audience at the eighth annual Women in the World Summit, organized by the British-born journalist Tina Brown, treated him to a rock-star reception, loudly applauding his almost every answer.

It was a stark contrast to the often hostile reception Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, received at the same forum late Wednesday, when she found herself jeered and heckled.

Sitting on stage in conversation with Brown, his white shirt sleeves rolled up and wearing a pink tie, Trudeau repeatedly stressed the importance of women taking on more prominent roles in politics and business.

The self-declared feminist won cheers for his gender-balanced cabinet, condemnation of the recent chemical weapons attack in Syria and his country's welcome of Syrian refugees -- from a crowd already converted to his brand of politics.

But with liberal Americans looking longingly north of the border at Canada's universal healthcare, gun control, paid maternity leave and open attitude toward refugees, Trudeau sounded a note of caution.

"Canada's not a magical place that is some sort of unicorn," the telegenic 45-year-old said to laughter.

"We had a very divisive election campaign in the last election that featured snitch lines for Muslim crimes," he added. "It featured extremely divisive narratives and ruthless, brutal personal attack ads."

"We have the same kinds of questions and divisions within our community as any other one, we've just been able to pull together in a way that understands that we do succeed better when we all succeed," he said.

"It didn't happen by accident and it won't continue without effort. It takes a lot of deliberate, positive leadership."

As if there were any doubt about Trudeau's reception, Brown later tweeted a photograph of the two together, calling the Canadian leader "fabulous," adding: "He wowed the audience!"
Roberto Beristain of Mexico, who went to the US as an undocumented migrant 20 years ago, is seen here at the Migrant House shelter in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico on April 5, 2017, after being deported from the US city of Indianapolis

Mexican immigrant Roberto Beristain's own American wife voted for Donald Trump as US president because he promised to expel crooks from the country.

Now, after 20 years living and working in the United States, it is Beristain himself, a 43-year-old father of three, who has been deported.

"My wife is not very happy, because she supported him," Trump, he told AFP at the migrant shelter where he is staying in the Mexican border town of Ciudad Juarez.

"We thought he was going to be a good president because we wanted security. His promises to expel criminals from the country seemed like a good idea," he added.

"We never thought it would end like this."

- Responsibilities -

After leaving his home in Mexico City, Beristain entered the United States illegally in 1998.

He met his wife there and they married 17 years ago.

"I became what I had not been in Mexico -- a responsible person."

Their children were all born in the United States: Maria, 15; Jasmine, 14 and Demetri, eight.

Although Roberto Beristain married a US citizen he was arrested two months ago, and deported Tuesday night to Ciudad Juarez

Despite never fully settling his residency status, he was able to buy a restaurant in Indianapolis.

Now, "I feel betrayed, because they were going to get criminals out of the country but now we see that they are not doing that," he said.

"They are removing good people, who pay their taxes and have never committed a crime in their lives."

- Treated like criminal -

He was arrested in early February this year when he went to a routine appointment with immigration authorities.

He was then sent to a detention center in Wisconsin shortly after Trump ordered deportations to be stepped up, and was deported on Monday night.

Beristain's case hit the headlines when his wife Helen spoke publicly about how she had voted for Trump.

She said she thought her husband would be safe from deportation since he had committed no crime -- he had never gotten so much as a parking ticket.

"What hurt most was having my family see me arrested, as if I was a criminal," Beristain said, his voice breaking.

"I don't want my children to have that image of me."

- 'Deporting the innocent' -

Trump campaigned for the presidency on vows to kick out what he called "bad hombres" -- criminals who enter the United States from Mexico.

Since Trump ordered deportations to be stepped up in late February, immigrants have been terrified of being rounded up and torn away from their families.

Beristain arrived in Ciudad Juarez with nothing but the clothes he was wearing when detained two months ago.

Alone, without family or friends in the city, he is trying to get back to the United States, to work in his restaurant and raise his family.

He hopes his US lawyers can help.

In the Ciudad Juarez Migrant Center, he sits on the edge of his seat with his cell phone, waiting for them to call.

"I don't know much about politics, but there is one thing I am sure of," he said.

"It is not fair that they are deporting innocent people like me."
Patience Jonathan, wife of former president Goodluck Jonathan filed a complaint against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in September, claiming that she is the rightful owner of $15.6 million held in several accounts

A judge in Lagos on Thursday ordered Nigeria's anti-graft agency to release one of several bank accounts frozen as part of an inquiry into the wife of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

Patience Jonathan had filed a complaint against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in September, claiming that she is the rightful owner of $15.6 million held in several accounts.

The accounts were frozen last July as part of a money laundering and forgery investigation of some of the president's former advisers, as well top officials at four companies.

They are suspected of laundering millions of dollars from public institutions.

But Justice Mojisola Olatoregun said the EFCC had committed an "abuse of process" with regards to one account in which Patience Goodluck is listed as the holder, which held $5.8 million.

The other accounts, which she claims are hers but are held by associates, are not affected by the ruling.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was elected in 2015, has vowed to stamp out the graft that plagues the oil-rich country.

But critics have accused the ex-military ruler of orchestrating a witch-hunt against former officials of Goodluck's party.

On Wednesday, Buhari was dealt a setback after one of Nigeria's leading judges was cleared of 18 corruption charges, with a judge calling the accusations "highly speculative."
A woman walks past a television screen showing file footage of a North Korean missile launch, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea on April 5, 2017

The Pentagon can defend against any North Korean missile threat, but Pyongyang's rapidly evolving weapons program is shrinking the warning time ahead of a launch, a top US general said Thursday.

General Lori Robinson told lawmakers she was "extremely confident" of US capability to intercept an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) bound for America, should North Korean leader Kim Jong-un succeed in developing that technology.

"Right now... he can't reach our homeland, but I am confident, should he do that," said Robinson, who heads the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) that provides missile detection and defense for the region.

Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, the latest in a string of recent missile tests just ahead of President Donald Trump's summit with China's Xi Jinping, at which North Korea was set to dominate the agenda.

The Pentagon says Wednesday's test was of an extended-range Scud missile that suffered an in-flight failure before crashing into the sea.

Scuds are filled with liquid fuel that make them harder to transport and prepare for launch than the more sophisticated solid-fuel rockets that the United States and other nations use.

North Korea is now building and testing an intercontinental ballistic missile with a solid-fuel motor that could be carried by a small, easily hidden road convoy.

On February 11, Pyongyang said it had successfully tested a new ballistic missile powered by a solid-fuel engine.

Such rockets are harder for existing US and South Korean technology to detect, Robinson warned.

"Amidst an unprecedented pace of North Korean strategic weapons testing, our ability to provide actionable warning continues to diminish," Robinson said in written testimony to senators.

Robinson told lawmakers that America must continue to invest in the latest sensors and radar systems to keep up with threats.

"As adversaries continue to pursue credible and advanced capabilities, we too must evolve our missile defense capabilities to outpace increasingly complex threats," she said.
Russia's deputy UN ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov attends an emergency session about the suspected deadly chemical attack that killed civilians, including children, in Syria at the UN on April 5, 2017

Chemical weapons experts have thrown doubt on Russian claims the attack that killed more than 80 civilians in rebel-held Syria could have been caused by an air strike on a "warehouse" containing toxic agents.

The Syrian regime's ally Russia has sought to deflect an international outcry aimed at Damascus by claiming that Syrian air strikes had hit a warehouse where "toxic substances" were stored and that they were released by the explosion.

Olivier Lepick, a French expert with decades of experience of chemical weapons, told AFP on Thursday that the theory advanced by the Russians was "completely fanciful".

"It would almost make you laugh if the situation was not so serious," said Lepick, a researcher at France's Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS).

"On a technical level, it doesn't stand up for a single moment," he added.

The expert said the way the agent was dispersed, according to witnesses in the northwestern town of Khan Sheikhun, was consistent with an phenomenon known as aerosolization.

Such an effect can only be caused by a military-grade chemical weapon and cannot be provoked by an accidental explosion, Lepick said.

"When you look at the areas of impact and the way people have been affected, you can see clearly that this is a munition that has been designed to deliver a chemical agent, in other words to produce an explosion, with a high degree of aerosolization," he said.

"In other words, it was the most effective way of dispersing the chemical agent."

If an airstrike had hit a warehouse where the toxic agent was being stored, it would have created a "toxic cloud", but the agent would not have been effectively dispersed into the air, he said.

"It was clearly a military chemical weapon that was used here. It was not a leak from a warehouse," he added.

- 'Russians protecting ally' -

Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, who was formerly head of the British army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Regiment, said he had come to the same conclusion after speaking to doctors treating victims at the scene.

"The Russians are trying to protect their ally," he told BBC radio on Wednesday, the day after the attack.

"If you blow up a sarin (gas) depot, you destroy it. It is pretty clear that this is a sarin attack, a nerve agent.

Sarin gas: a deadly nerve agent

"The view that it's an Al-Qaeda or rebel stockpile of sarin that's been blown up in an explosion is completely unsustainable and completely untrue."

Syria has denied claims that its army released the nerve agent and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem repeated the regime's denial on Thursday.

"The Syrian army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons -- not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds," he said.

US President Donald Trump called the attack "an affront to humanity" and a US official said Thursday the Pentagon was preparing to present a range of possible military options in response.

However, Julien Legros, a researcher at France's national scientific research centre (CNRS) said he believed the Russian theory was not "out of the question".

He argued that it was theoretically possible that the contents of the toxic agent were stored in the same barrel and an explosion caused by an air strike could have caused a chemical reaction which turned the gas into a toxic gas.

A large part of the substance would have been destroyed in such a strike, "but if even 10 percent of it had become vapour, that 10 percent would have been deadly".

"If 10 milligrammes is enough to kill a person and you have 10 percent of a tonne, then you have more than enough to kill several hundred people," he said.
Google-owned YouTube is curbing advertising on some channels as it seeks to reduce pairing ads with inappropriate content

YouTube on Thursday stopped placing ads on channels with fewer than 10,000 views in a move aimed at preventing people from making money off offensive or pirated videos.

The move came with YouTube striving to derail an ad boycott started by companies worried their brands might be paired with hateful videos at the service, which is part of California-based Google.

"This new threshold gives us enough information to determine the validity of a channel," product management vice president Ariel Bardin said in a blog post.

"It also allows us to confirm if a channel is following our community guidelines and advertiser policies."

YouTube also plans to soon add a review process for new "creators" who want money-generating channels as part of a partner program at the video-sharing service, according to Bardin.

After a creator's channel passes the 10,000-view mark, the videos will be reviewed to determine whether they are in keeping with YouTube policies before ads are served up with content.

"Together, these new thresholds will help ensure revenue only flows to creators who are playing by the rules," Bardin said.

Google needs to strike a balance between pleasing advertisers and those who upload videos to YouTube and are free to take creations elsewhere if unsatisfied with their shares of ad revenue.

Google said early this week that it was using new artificial intelligence systems to enforce YouTube video policies and help weed out content objectionable to advertisers.

These systems will be adapted to advertiser preferences, Google said.

The tech giant also said it would work with third parties to help advertisers protect their brands from unwanted placement.

Google, which has seen a slew of companies withdraw ads fearing placement alongside extremist content, has introduced new tools to give firms greater control.

The boycott began in February after the Times newspaper of London found BBC programs were promoted alongside videos posted by American white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan member David Duke as well as Wagdi Ghoneim, an Islamist preacher banned from Britain for inciting hatred.

The analysis found more than 200 anti-Semitic videos, and that Google had failed to remove six of them within the 24-hour period mandated by the European Union after it anonymously signaled their presence.

The movement spread to the United States, with AT&T and Verizon pulling ads from Google.
Comedian Don Rickles accepts an award onstage at The Comedy Awards 2012 at Hammerstein Ballroom on April 28, 2012 in New York City

Legendary US comedian Don Rickles, who was known for his biting wit that spared no one, died on Thursday from kidney failure at his Los Angeles home, his publicist said.

He was 90 years old.

Rickles, throughout his career that spanned decades, often appeared on late-night television shows and also headlined nightclubs and casino shows in Las Vegas.

He was sarcastically nicknamed "Mr Warmth" or "The Merchant of Venom" for his abrasive humor and lashing out at hecklers in the audience during his act.

Celebrities and politicians, including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Ronald Reagan, were also often the target of his barbs.

He famously got Sinatra's attention at one of his shows when he spotted the "Chairman of the Board" in the audience and shouted out to him: "Make yourself at home Frank. Hit somebody."

Born in Queens, New York, Rickles's career took off after he started making regular appearances on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and the "Late Show with David Letterman."

"I think the reason that (my act) caught on and gave me a wonderful career is that I was never mean-spirited," he once said. "Not that you had to like it, but you had to be under a rock somewhere not to get it."

He also appeared in a series of movies including Clint Eastwood's 1970 film "Kelly's Heroes" and Martin Scorcese's 1995 film "Casino."

Most recently, he appeared in a voice-over role as the grumpy Mr. Potato Head in the "Toy Story" films.

Throughout his career, Rickles also made guest appearances on numerous television shows including "I Dream of Jeannie" and "The Beverly Hillbillies."

Tributes poured in Thursday on news of his death.

"He was called 'The Merchant of Venom,' but in truth, he was one of the kindest, caring and most sensitive human beings we have ever known," comedian Bob Newhart and his wife Ginnie, who were close friends, said in a statement.

"We are devastated and our world will never be the same. We were totally unprepared for this."

Comedian Billy Crystal said called Rickles's death "a giant loss" while late-night host Jimmy Kimmel described the comedian in a tweet as "one of the sweetest and most lovely people I had the pleasure of knowing. We miss you already."

Rickles is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Sklar, and his daughter Mindy Mann.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution says it has exceeded its $150 million fundraising effort, just weeks before it opens to the public.

A $2.5 million gift from Comcast and The Aileen K. and Brian L. Roberts Foundation put the fundraising campaign at $152 million. The gift was made in honor of the museum's architect Robert A.M. Stern, and the museum's rotunda will be renamed in his honor.

The museum says the gift highlights the "incredible contributions" Stern has made to Philadelphia's cityscape, including the master plan of the Navy Yard and the Comcast Center.

FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 file photo, construction continues on the exterior at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution says it has exceeded its $150 million fundraising effort, just weeks before it opens to the public on April 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma, File)

The collection of art, immersive exhibits and objects from the Revolutionary Era opens April 19 - the anniversary of the opening battles in 1775.

One of the main exhibits will be Washington's headquarters tent used in the years after Valley Forge.

___

This story has been corrected to show Washington used the tent after Valley Forge, not during that encampment.
FRANKLIN, La. (AP) - The future of public transportation in New York City is taking shape on the bayous of Louisiana and Alabama.

Shipyard workers in the two states are scrambling to finish the city's new ferry fleet in time for a launch this summer, just a little more than a year after it was first proposed.

The city is making a $335 million bet that the service will attract millions of passengers traveling between Manhattan and waterfront neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx that are now a distant walk from overcrowded subways.

In this March 30, 2017 photo, a worker sands a pontoon of one of several ferryboats being built for a new fleet of ferries for New York City, at the Metal Shark Shipyard in Franklin, La. The city is investing $335 million in the Citywide Ferry Service, betting that it will attract millions of passengers in waterfront neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx that are now a distant walk from overcrowded subways. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Transportation infrastructure in the city has a tendency to take many years, if not decades, to get built, but in this case workers are under pressure to get the new ferries and docks built in a New York minute.

Horizon Shipbuilding, in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, has 100 employees - including 80 hired last summer - working to fill its order of 10 ferries for the 20-boat fleet. The rest are being built at the Metal Shark shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Baton Rouge.

Inside Metal Shark's huge boat-building shed last week, several of the $4 million catamaran vessels were in various stages of completion. Sparks and smoke flew around workers' protected heads as they welded one lightweight aluminum ferry frame. Other workers stood between the catamarans' two pontoons, sanding the rough metal. Electricians were busy wiring the navigation system. Cranes carried pieces of tubing to the ferry-to-be.

"A project like this is unique," said Junior Volpe, director of special projects for Hornblower Inc., the San Francisco-based company that will operate the ferry system in partnership with New York City.

More than a year ago, when they were still negotiating the construction of the ferries in such a short time period, "a lot of people were, like, 'Wow, I don't think this is ever going to happen.' And to prove that things are possible, here we are. We're sitting on the first ferry that's going to be delivered here at Metal Shark - and it's amazing," Volpe said.

City transportation officials say the new ferry fleet will speed up travel time in this city of islands by as much as two-thirds and come at a competitive price - $2.75 - the same as a subway fare. That compares with the limited ferry service that currently takes commuters and tourists across the Hudson and East Rivers at $4 to $6 per ride. New York's fifth borough, Staten Island, is served by its famous free ferry service that offers about 23 million rides a year.

In an interview with The Associated Press this week, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he hoped the new ferry service, along with a new streetcar line he has proposed, would help lighten the transportation load for a city of 8.5 million that is expected to grow by an additional half million people in the coming years.

While de Blasio acknowledged the new ferry service's initial goal of 4.6 million annual rides per year is modest - the subway system handles 5.7 million rides on weekdays - he was hopeful the growth in ridership would be greater.

"If you build it," he said, "they will come."

Travel by water in New York, he noted, harks back to the city's maritime glory days in the late 1800s, when there were no subways and the East River, the harbor and the Hudson River were abuzz with industrial production and business activities relying on waterborne modes of transportation.

"This is going back to what New York City had a century or more ago where there used to be ferries all over this city," de Blasio said.

Ferries alone won't solve New York's overall transportation problem, said Nicole Gelinas, a transportation analyst at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.

She noted that with commercial activity no longer concentrated on the waterfront and most people living elsewhere, ferries handle only a fraction of the ridership of subways. "That doesn't mean ferries are not a good idea because they get at least some people off the trains that are crowded beyond capacity," she said.

In addition, she said, the financial structure of the new ferry service, in which the city plans to spend $180 million over six years subsidizing fares, could be difficult to sustain.

"But the new ferries are good for him in that he'll be inaugurating them a few months before the election," Gelinas said.

All that doesn't ruin the anticipation for longtime Astoria resident Claudia Coger.

After years of spending three, even four, hours a day commuting to work as a train inspector, with long walks to subways and buses, she vows to be among the first on the ferry, boarding at a dock just steps from her apartment.

"Yes, for sure, because I fish over here anyway!"

In this March 28, 2017, photo, a half finished dock for a fleet of ferries is seen in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York. The first of 20 high-tech, light aluminum ferries costing nearly $4 million each was to arrive in New York in early April, sailing up the East Coast from an Alabama shipyard to launch a fleet linking Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

In this March 30, 2017 photo, workers take a break while working on one of several ferryboats being built for a new fleet of ferries for New York City, at the Metal Shark Shipyard in Franklin, La. The fleet is scheduled to launch this summer just a little more than a year after it was first proposed. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In this March 30, 2017 photo, a worker welds the exterior of one of several ferryboats being built for a new fleet of ferries for New York City, at the Metal Shark Shipyard in Franklin, La. The city is investing $335 million in the Citywide Ferry Service, betting that it will attract millions of passengers in waterfront neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx that are now a distant walk from overcrowded subways. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In this March 30, 2017 photo, a worker sands a pontoon of one of several ferryboats being built for a new fleet of ferries for New York City, at the Metal Shark Shipyard in Franklin, La. The city is investing $335 million in the Citywide Ferry Service, betting that it will attract millions of passengers in waterfront neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx that are now a distant walk from overcrowded subways. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In this March 30, 2017 photo, a crew works on the deck of one of several ferryboats being built for a new fleet of ferries for New York City, at the Metal Shark Shipyard in Franklin, La. The fleet is scheduled to launch this summer just a little more than a year after it was first proposed. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In this March 30, 2017 photo, a worker welds near a stairwell inside one of several ferryboats being built for a new fleet of ferries for New York City, at the Metal Shark Shipyard in Franklin, La. The city is investing $335 million in the Citywide Ferry Service, betting that it will attract millions of passengers in waterfront neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx that are now a distant walk from overcrowded subways. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

In this March 30, 2017 photo, workers work underneath one of several ferryboats being built for a new fleet of ferries for New York City, at the Metal Shark Shipyard in Franklin, La. The city is investing $335 million in the Citywide Ferry Service, betting that it will attract millions of passengers in waterfront neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx that are now a distant walk from overcrowded subways. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
BERLIN (AP) - Germany's Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new bill that punishes social networking sites if they fail to swiftly remove illegal content such as hate speech or defamatory fake news.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet agreed on rules that would impose fines of up to 50 million euros (53.4 million dollars) on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms.

German Justice Minister Heiko Maas said that the companies offering such online platforms are responsible for removing hateful content. He said the new bill would not restrict the freedom of expression, but intervene only when criminal hatred or intentionally false news are posted.

German Justice Minister Heiko Maas attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Germany's Cabinet has approved new rules to ensure that most marriages involving under-18s aren't legally recognized in the country. The issue arose following the influx of migrants to Germany in 2015, and the main aim is to protect girls who were married abroad. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Germany poses a particular problem for U.S.-owned social networking sites accustomed to American standards of free speech. Due to its Nazi past, Germany bans public Holocaust denial and any overt promotion of racism. The issue has come to the fore amid the recent influx of migrants to Germany, which has sparked a backlash among some Germans including a rise in online vitriol.

Social networks need to ensure that obviously criminal content - as defined by German law - will be deleted within 24 hours and other illegal content after seven days.

"Just like on the streets, there is also no room for criminal incitement on social networks," Maas said.

"The internet affects the culture of debate and the atmosphere in our society. Verbal radicalization is often a preliminary stage to physical violence," he added.

The minister pointed out that social networks don't delete enough punishable content, citing research that he said showed Twitter deletes just 1 percent of illegal content flagged by users, while Facebook deletes 39 percent.

Maas also said that measures to combat hate speech and so-called fake news will ultimately have to be taken at the European level to be effective.

The bill still needs parliamentary approval.
BEIRUT (AP) - The grief-stricken father cradled his 9-month-old twins, Aya and Ahmed, each in the crook of an arm. Stroking their hair, he choked back tears, mumbling, "Say goodbye, baby, say goodbye" to their lifeless bodies.

Then Abdel Hameed Alyousef took them to a mass grave where 22 members of his family were being buried. Each branch of the clan got its own trench.

More than 80 people, including at least 30 children and 20 women, were killed in the chemical attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun early Tuesday, and the toll could still rise. The Alyousef family, one of the town's main clans, was hardest hit.

In this picture taken on Tuesday April 4, 2017, SAbdul-Hamid Alyousef, 29, holds his twin babies who were killed during a suspected chemical weapons attack, in Khan Sheikhoun in the northern province of Idlib, Syria. Alyousef also lost his wife, two brothers, nephews and many other family members in the attack that claimed scores of his relatives. The death toll from a suspected chemical attack on a northern Syrian town rose to 72 on Wednesday as activists and rescue workers found more terrified survivors hiding in shelters near the site of the harrowing assault, one of the deadliest in Syria's civil war. (Alaa Alyousef via AP)

Another member of the family, Aya Fadl, recalled running from her house with her 20-month-old son in her arms, thinking she could find safety from the toxic gas in the street. Instead, the 25-year-old English teacher was confronted face to face with the horror of it: A pick-up truck piled with the bodies of the dead, including many of her own relatives and students.

"Ammar, Aya, Mohammed, Ahmad, I love you my birds. Really they were like birds. Aunt Sana, Uncle Yasser, Abdul-Kareem, please hear me," Fadl said, choking back tears as she recalled how she said farewell to her relatives in the pile.

"I saw them. They were dead. All are dead now."

The tragedy has devastated the small town. It also deepened the frustration felt by many Syrians in opposition-held areas that such scenes of mass death, which have become routine in the country's 6-year-old civil war, bring no retribution or even determination of responsibility.

The U.S. and other Western countries accused President Bashar Assad of being behind the attack, while Syria and its main backer, Russia, denied it. Despite world condemnation, bringing justice is difficult in the absence of independent investigation of Syria's chemical arsenal, which the government insists it has destroyed.

"My heart is broken. Everything was terrible. Everyone was crying and couldn't breathe," Fadl told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "We had many circumstances in Syria and we had many difficult situations. This is the most difficult and most harmful situation I ever had."

In 2013, horrific scenes of Syrians flooding hospitals or found dead in their homes after a sarin gas attack that killed hundreds in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Ghouta provoked international condemnation. A Russian-brokered deal followed allowing Assad to declare he has destroyed his chemical stockpile and joined the Chemical Weapons Convention.

But a year later, chlorine gas attacks became recurrent, killing scores of people.

However, Tuesday's massacre was not caused by chlorine, an irritant with limited ability to kill. The high number of casualties, as well as the grave symptoms including convulsions, constricted pupils and vomiting point to a more complex chemical gas.

A Doctors Without Borders medical team that examined a number of victims in a hospital near the border with Turkey said the symptoms are consistent with exposure to a neurotoxic agent- at least two different chemical agents. The U.S.'s early assessment is that it involved the use of chlorine and sarin, according to two U.S. officials who weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.

In Khan Sheikhoun, the tragedy was compounded because so many victims were from a single extended family, the Alyousef clan.

Witnesses say four rockets hit around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, smashing a crater in the ground, but causing minimal structural damage. It quickly became clear this was not a conventional attack.

Alaa Alyousef said his family was sleeping and woke to the sound of the impact only a few hundred yards (meters) away. The first thing they saw was smoke. His father went outside then rushed back in. He had seen a woman walking near the strike suddenly collapse. The family frantically closed windows and dampened cloths with water and apple vinegar to put over their faces.

They were lucky, the wind went in the other direction, Alyousef said.

The rockets hit on the edge of North Harah, a district where much of the Alyousef clan lives. Frantically the clan's members and their neighbors fled, running from house to house trying to track down relatives.

Fadl remembered her panic when the rockets woke her.

"My husband, where are you? Oh, where are you my lovely son?" she recalled calling out. "They were next to me but I couldn't see them." She said their eyes began hurting. "The air became very heavy. There was no bad smell. But the air was so heavy to breathe."

The Alyousefs brought their dead to a family member's home that was outside the worst attack area. The courtyard was turned into a makeshift morgue where surviving relatives tried for hours to resuscitate loved ones already dead.

That's when Fadl finally collapsed, she said, only to wake up in a medical center.

While Fadl recovers along with her son at her parents' home in a town north of Khan Sheikoun, her husband is still looking for survivors from his extended family.

Alaa Alyousef said not all homes have been searched for survivors yet.

"We are still in shock, a big shock. Our family is devastated," the 27-year-old said. "Many are still missing. We are afraid to enter homes sometimes lest we find more people dead."

On Tuesday, he and other family members buried the clan's dead in the mass grave.

On the way to the grave, Abdel Hameed Alyousef asked a cousin to video his farewell to his twin son and daughter as he sat in the front seat of a van being loaded with bodies.

When the airstrikes hit, he was with the twins. "I carried them outside the house with their mother," the 29-year-old shop owner told the AP. "They were conscious at first, but 10 minutes later we could smell the odor."

The twins and his wife, Dalal Ahmed, fell sick.

He brought them to paramedics and, thinking they would be OK, went to look for the rest of his family. He found the bodies of two of his brothers, two nephews and a niece, as well as neighbors and friends. "I couldn't save anyone. They're all dead now," he said.

It was only later that his relatives could bring themselves to tell him that his children and wife had also died.

"Abdel Hameed is in very bad shape," said his cousin, Alaa Alyousef. He's being treated for exposure to the toxin, "but he's especially broken down over his massive loss."

In this picture taken on Tuesday April 4, 2017, Abdul-Hamid Alyousef, 29, cries as he holds his twin babies who were killed during a suspected chemical weapons attack, in Khan Sheikhoun town, in the northern province of Idlib, Syria. Alyousef also lost his wife, two brothers, nephews and many other family members in the attack that claimed scores of his relatives. The death toll from a suspected chemical attack on a northern Syrian town rose to 72 on Wednesday as activists and rescue workers found more terrified survivors hiding in shelters near the site of the harrowing assault, one of the deadliest in Syria's civil war. (Alaa Alyousef via AP)

Aya Fadl, lies on a bed, with an oxygen mask to heal breathing difficulties following a suspected chemical attack on her town of Khan Sheikhoun, in the northern province of Idlib, Syria, Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Aya had ran from her house, with her 20-month old baby, and husband, thinking she could find safety from the toxic gas engulfing her town. Instead, on the street, she was confronted face to face by the horror of it. A pick-up truck piled with the bodies of the dead, including some of her own relatives. In all, she lost more than a dozen family members in the suspected chemical attack, including a twin babies. (Courtesy of Aya Fadl via AP)

In this picture taken on Tuesday April 4, 2017, victims of the suspected chemical weapons attack lie on the ground, in Khan Sheikhoun in the northern province of Idlib, Syria. The death toll from a suspected chemical attack on a northern Syrian town rose to 72 on Wednesday as activists and rescue workers found more terrified survivors hiding in shelters near the site of the harrowing assault, one of the deadliest in Syria's civil war. (Alaa Alyousef via AP)

In this picture taken on Tuesday April 4, 2017, Abdul-Hamid Alyousef, 29, holds his twin babies who were killed during a suspected chemical weapons attack, in Khan Sheikhoun in the northern province of Idlib, Syria. Alyousef also lost his wife, two brothers, nephews and many other family members in the attack that claimed scores of his relatives. The death toll from a suspected chemical attack on a northern Syrian town rose to 72 on Wednesday as activists and rescue workers found more terrified survivors hiding in shelters near the site of the harrowing assault, one of the deadliest in Syria's civil war. (Alaa Alyousef via AP)
DENVER (AP) - Three advocates for the homeless were convicted Wednesday of violating Denver's camping ban, one of many that have been enacted in rapidly gentrifying cities across the country.

Jurors deliberated for about three hours before convicting Randy Russell, Jerry Burton and Terese Howard, who were sentenced to probation and community service.

The three, who were interrupted by police when they set up blankets and sleeping bags outside city hall, say the camping prohibition that allows people to use only clothing for protection while they are outside makes it dangerous for homeless people. The three have called it the "survival ban."

In this Tuesday morning, April 5, 2017 photo, from left, Therese Howard, Randy Russell and Jerry Burton speak to reporters before heading into a courtroom in Denver, to stand trial for allegedly violating the city's camping ban. The three defendants are trying to turn the tables on the city by drawing attention to what they think is an immoral law that makes it dangerous for homeless people trying to survive on the street. (AP Photo/Colleen Slevin)

Burton said Wednesday that fighting his ticket was worth it because his conviction shows that the city has criminalized being homeless, a longtime criticism of advocates.

"I proved the point today that they do," said Burton, who was homeless when he was cited but now has an apartment.

The jurors asked the judge during deliberations if they could pay the defendants' fines if they were convicted, but she said they should not consider what their punishment should be. Outside court, chalk messages on the walkway urged jurors to acquit the defendants, including one asking them to "judge the law" as well as the facts.

Russell, the only defendant who is currently homeless, said he planned to be on the street again that night.

"Hopefully I won't get another ticket," he said.

The three were ticketed by police Nov. 28 and faced maximum penalties of up to a year in jail each or a $999 fine if convicted. They are also members of a group challenging enforcement of the law in federal court.

Similar bans have been adopted across the country but they have faced legal challenges resulting in about half of them getting overturned since 2014, according to the National Law Center of Homelessness & Poverty, based in Washington, D.C. It is rare for people to face trial for violating the bans, said Maria Foscarinis, the center's executive director.

A video of their blankets being removed and folded by officers attracted heavy attention on social media. Mayor Michael Hancock then ordered police not to confiscate blankets and sleeping bags as they enforced the camping ban throughout the winter.

The three were not interested in making plea agreement deals with prosecutors.

During jury selection Tuesday, city attorney Rebekah Watada pressed jurors on whether they could impartially enforce the law passed in 2012 if prosecutors prove the defendants violated it, regardless of whether the jurors support it or not.

Several who said they could not or questioned whether anyone should be prosecuted for violating the law were excused. A 27-year-old man who works in marijuana sales said he would "bear a sense of guilt" if he convicted the three, but added that could do so and was seated on the jury.

Defense lawyer Jason Flores-Williams quoted from the Woody Guthrie song "This Land is Your Land" in his opening statement and urged jurors to consider a "higher law" in deciding their verdicts.

"The defendants are here because they believe this law is immoral and hurts people," he told the judge before the jury was brought in to hear the case.

Another city attorney, Brad Whitfield, told jurors that police accompanied by a human services outreach worker gave Russell and Burton multiple warnings during the day not to try to camp and urged them to go to a shelter.

That night, they and Howard plus others set up camp outside city hall. The three were the only ones who refused to leave and were cited by officers.

City officials have said there is enough space in shelters to house Denver's homeless population, but people who have pets or do not want to follow shelter rules cannot stay in them.

The city has tried to develop alternative options for the homeless and recently approved a temporary permit for tiny homes outfitted with wheels to be located on land scheduled for eventual development in one of the city's most prized neighborhoods.

The homes would have to be moved to another area after six months.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The woman found in a car with an 11-year-old girl who was believed to have been kidnapped after her grandparents were killed is now charged in their deaths, police in North Carolina said Wednesday.

A statement from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said 25-year-old Nikkia Cooper is charged in the slayings of Curtis S. Atkinson Sr. and Ruby B. Atkinson. The statement said the charges were the result of evidence gathered during an investigation.

Court documents describe the police pursuit of a car allegedly driven by 36-year-old Curtis Atkinson Jr. of Charlotte. He is the uncle of Arieyana Forney, who was found in the car with him and Cooper. Officers say the force of the collision was so great that the child, two adults and a dog were all thrown to the front seat.

Atkinson is also charged with killing his parents, who were Arieyana's guardians.

Court records released Monday in Washington identified her as Nakkia Cooper and said she was wanted in North Carolina for kidnapping. She also faces a drug charge in Washington.

Both Atkinson Jr. and Cooper appeared in court Monday and are being held in jail. The police statement said the two have waived extradition and were expected to return to Charlotte on Wednesday night.

Arieyana's grandparents became her guardians after her father, 29-year-old Micah Atkinson, was killed in a still-unsolved slaying in 2013, Atkinson's first cousin, Nina Chandler, told The Associated Press.
LUMBERTON, Texas (AP) - Twenty-four people - 23 of them fourth-graders - were sent to Southeast Texas hospitals after an accident involving their school bus, a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler.

The Wednesday afternoon crash happened on U.S. 69 in Lumberton, about 15 miles north of Beaumont, as the Beaumont school district bus was taking 44 Charlton-Pollard Elementary School students and four adults back to school from a Big Thicket field trip.

Beaumont school district spokeswoman Nakisha Burns says one student was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Houston. A hospital spokeswoman says most of the others went to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital for examination. A nursing supervisor said none were admitted.

More than 20 Charlton-Pollard Elementary students and one adult were hospitalized when a Beaumont school district bus was involved in a traffic accident on U.S. 69 in Lumberton, Texas, Wednesday, April 5, 2017. The bus was taking several dozen Charlton-Pollard Elementary School students and several adults back to school from a Big Thicket field trip. Officials had no information on how the accident happened, but photos showed the bus veered off the road, through a roadside ditch and into a rock. (Guiseppe Barranco/The Beaumont Enterprise via AP)

Police haven't explained what caused the crash.

More than 20 Charlton-Pollard Elementary students and one adult were hospitalized when a Beaumont school district bus was involved in a traffic accident on U.S. 69 in Lumberton, Texas, Wednesday, April 5, 2017. The bus was taking several dozen Charlton-Pollard Elementary School students and several adults back to school from a Big Thicket field trip. Officials had no information on how the accident happened, but photos showed the bus veered off the road, through a roadside ditch and into a rock. (Guiseppe Barranco/The Beaumont Enterprise via AP)

More than 20 Charlton-Pollard Elementary students and one adult were hospitalized when a Beaumont school district bus was involved in a traffic accident on U.S. 69 in Lumberton, Texas, Wednesday, April 5, 2017. The bus was taking several dozen Charlton-Pollard Elementary School students and several adults back to school from a Big Thicket field trip. Beaumont school district spokeswoman Nakisha Burns says one student was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Houston. (Guiseppe Barranco/The Beaumont Enterprise via AP)

An injured student is put into an ambulance as more than 20 Charlton-Pollard Elementary students and one adult were hospitalized when a Beaumont school district bus was involved in a traffic accident on U.S. 69 in Lumberton, Texas, Wednesday, April 5, 2017. The bus was taking several dozen Charlton-Pollard Elementary School students and several adults back to school from a Big Thicket field trip. Officials had no information on how the accident happened, but photos showed the bus veered off the road, through a roadside ditch and into a rock. (Guiseppe Barranco/The Beaumont Enterprise via AP)
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - People used jet boats and tractors to help rescue about 2,000 residents of a New Zealand town after a river burst through a concrete levee Thursday, flooding hundreds of homes and businesses.

Local authorities declared a state of emergency after the levee failed in the town of Edgecumbe on the North Island. New Zealand has been drenched in recent days by the remnants of Cyclone Debbie, which flooded parts of Australia's east coast last week.

Tony Bonne, the mayor of the Whakatane District Council, said the water was more than 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep in some homes and that one nearby river had reached an all-time record height.

This photo shows the flooded streets of the North Island town of Edgecumbe in New Zealand, Thursday, April 6, 2017. People used jet boats and tractors to help rescue about 2,000 residents after a river burst through a concrete levee Thursday, flooding hundreds of homes and businesses. (Andrew Warner/The Bay of Plenty Times via AP)

He said some leaking had occurred around the concrete levee on the Rangitaiki River before it failed. He said crews had worked to reinforce the structure and thought they had it secured when "she just let go."

"Some people are in shock, of course, but many are accepting that this is something that's a part of nature which they have no control over," Bonne said. "Most people in these small towns rally around each other and Edgecumbe is no different."

Andy Best, a meteorologist with MetService, said a nearby weather monitoring station had recorded 191 millimeters (7.5 inches) of rain over the last couple of days, an amount that would typically fall over two months. He said the worst of the weather system had passed and the forecast was for improved weather in the coming days.

The rains also affected the town of Kaikoura, where access roads were closed due to mudslides. Access to the town has been reduced since a powerful earthquake last November brought down hillsides and closed the main northbound route.

Bonne said questions would come about how the water flow was managed from hydroelectric dams upstream on the Rangitaiki River before the levee failed.

Local Government Minister Anne Tolley said she understood that the operators of the dams had released some water over the past few days in anticipation of the high rainfall, but she didn't have the technical expertise to know if they had done enough.

She said authorities have set up two welfare centers where people from Edgecumbe can stay, and she didn't know when they would be able to return to their homes.

"The message is, it's not safe, your life could be at risk, don't go home," she said. "And that's really hard."

Jet boats drive through the flooded streets of the North Island town of Edgecumbe in New Zealand, Thursday, April 6, 2017. People used jet boats and tractors to help rescue about 2,000 residents after a river burst through a concrete levee Thursday, flooding hundreds of homes and businesses. (Andrew Warner/The Bay of Plenty Times via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored as the Washington Capitals wrapped up their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy with a 2-0 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.

As Metropolitan Division champions, the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the team with the most points in the NHL, the Capitals wrapped up home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. It's their third Presidents' Trophy in the past eight seasons.

Ovechkin reclaimed the team lead in goals by scoring on the power play in the second period, beating Henrik Lundqvist from his trademark spot in the faceoff circle. Kuznetsov scored off the rush in the third period, and the best home team in the league beat the best road team thanks to a 24-save shutout from Vezina Trophy candidate Braden Holtby.

Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92), of Russia, shoots the puck for a goal past New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30), of Sweden, as left wing J.T. Miller (10) defends during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Washington. The Capitals won 2-0. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Lundqvist was in playoff form, making 23 saves in his fifth consecutive start since returning from a two-week injury absence.

SABRES 2, CANADIENS 1

BUFFALO, New York (AP) - Rasmus Ristolainen and Tyler Ennis scored as Buffalo beat Montreal to close its home schedule.

Robin Lehner stopped 31 shots. Tomas Plekanec scored for Montreal and Carey Price made 28 saves. The Canadiens had won five straight.

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30), of Sweden, watches the puck during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Washington. The Capitals won 2-0. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Washington Capitals left wing Andre Burakovsky (65), of Austria, chases the puck against New York Rangers right wing Pavel Buchnevich (89), of Russia, during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec (14) puts the puck past Buffalo Sabres goalie Robin Lehner (40) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) deflects the puck into the Corner during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
SYDNEY (AP) - Australia and New Zealand warned on Thursday that extremists may be planning an attack on the commemoration of a World War I campaign that is being held in Turkey this month.

Australian Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan urged the nearly 500 Australians and New Zealanders registered to travel to Gallipoli, Turkey, to mark ANZAC Day on April 25 to exercise a high degree of caution amid the warning, but offered no specifics about the alleged threat. ANZAC Day is an annual holiday commemorating the April 25, 1915, landings in Gallipoli - the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I.

Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Mike Phelan declined to release details of what prompted the warning, saying only that the government had received information that extremists may attack the services being held on the Gallipoli peninsula. Phelan said there was no specific plot linked to the alert.

FILE - In this April 24, 2016, file photo, soldiers from Australia and New Zealand march during the Turkish International Service at Mehmetcik Abide on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey. Australian Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan on Thursday, April 6, 2017, urged the nearly 500 Australians and New Zealanders registered to travel to Gallipoli, Turkey, to mark ANZAC Day on April 25 to exercise a high degree of caution amid the warning, but offered no specifics about the alleged threat. (AP Photo/File)

"It is just that terrorists may indeed try to carry out a terrorist attack during the celebrations," Phelan told reporters in the nation's capital, Canberra. "That is all we have got at this stage."

Tehan said Australia and New Zealand were working closely with Turkish authorities on security arrangements and the commemoration was scheduled to continue as planned.

For the past two years, Australian police have said they thwarted planned attacks on ANZAC Day celebrations in Australia. In 2015, police in Melbourne arrested five teenagers on suspicion of plotting an Islamic State group-inspired attack intended to coincide with the city's ANZAC service. In 2016, police arrested a 16-year-old and charged him with planning an attack on an ANZAC ceremony in Sydney.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said he could not be more specific about the nature of the threat or where the information had come from. He said he'd been getting advice about it over the last day or two.

McCully urged travelers to Gallipoli to regularly check the government travel website for updates. He said he had confidence in how Turkish authorities were handling security, and apologized for not being able to offer more information.

"It's not an area in which they encourage ministers to let their imaginations wander," he said. "We very carefully have to follow the steps and script of the officials who give advice in this area."

Many New Zealanders feel a strong bond with Gallipoli, McCully said.

"The fact that so many New Zealanders go to Gallipoli at this time of year speaks volumes about the significance it holds," he said.

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Associated Press writer Nick Perry in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report.

In this image made from video provided by Australia Parliament TV, Australian Veteran Affairs Minister Dan Tehan, left, and Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Mike Phelan speak during a news conference in Canberra on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Tehan urged the nearly 500 Australians and New Zealanders registered to travel to Gallipoli, Turkey, to mark ANZAC Day on April 25 to exercise a high degree of caution amid the warning, but offered no specifics about the alleged threat. ANZAC Day is an annual holiday commemorating the April 25, 1915, landings in Gallipoli - the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I. (Parliament TV via AP)
BERLIN (AP) - German factory orders rose a strong 3.4 percent in February, driven by strong domestic demand, following a sharp decline in January.

The Economy Ministry said Thursday that February domestic orders were up 8.1 percent over the previous month, while foreign orders remained flat as a drop of 2.4 percent inside the eurozone was offset by a 1.6-percent increase from outside the bloc. New orders dropped 6.8 percent in January, including 9.6 percent domestically, according to calendar and seasonally adjusted figures.

"New orders have always been volatile, but the fluctuations and size of volatility since late summer have been almost unprecedented," said ING economist Carsten Brzeski. Looking through the volatility, he said, the trend is "slightly positive, though still not as positive and strong as current confidence indicators are suggesting."
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Republican health care bill remained in shambles Thursday as House leaders threw up their hands and sent lawmakers home for a two-week recess. GOP chiefs announced a modest amendment to curb premium increases, but internal divisions still blocked their promised repeal of former President Barack Obama's law.

"This brings us closer to the final agreement that we all want to achieve," House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said of the new amendment, flanked by about two dozen GOP lawmakers at a news briefing meant to project unity.

But in a sentiment echoed by other leaders, Ryan conceded "we have more work to do" over the "days and weeks ahead." That underscored the longer timeline Republican leaders acknowledge they'll need to resolve disputes between conservatives and moderates that blew up their legislation last month, dishing a mortifying defeat to Ryan and President Donald Trump.

FILE - In this March 23, 2017, file photo, Rep. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., left, followed by House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., arrives at the White House in Washington. The White House on Wednesday talked up progress with Republicans on resuscitating the moribund GOP health care bill, but offered no timeline on reshaping a measure that could win enough votes for House approval. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Ominously, lawmakers from both ends of the party who've opposed the GOP legislation said Thursday's revision wasn't enough to turn them around. They included Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., who leads the conservative House Freedom Caucus, a hotbed of opposition, and moderate GOP Rep. Leonard Lance of New Jersey.

"I favor making sure no one is denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. So I doubt this would be enough," said Lance.

Frustration over the bill's dismal performance in Congress spilled out during a meeting Ryan and other House leaders attended late Wednesday at the White House, according to several Republicans who'd been told about the session.

White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and others expressed unhappiness that the legislation remained unfinished, and the fanfare accompanying the amendment introduced Thursday was a direct result of that meeting, the Republicans said.

"The president and the speaker had a very good, long conversation last night and they remain fully on the same page on the path ahead," Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong said. Trump and Ryan spoke after the White House meeting.

The new language was aimed at containing premiums by providing an additional $15 billion over a decade to help insurers cover the costs of seriously ill people, said Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., a sponsor of the amendment. Such customers' expensive care can drive up premiums for all consumers.

The money would be on top of a $100 billion fund already in the GOP bill that states could use for various purposes, including high-risk insurance pools where people with medical problems can get coverage.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., emailed GOP lawmakers that if a breakthrough on the bill occurred during the recess, "We will advise members immediately and give you sufficient time to return to Washington." The prospects for that seemed remote, at best.

Two weeks ago, Ryan called off a House vote on the measure repealing much of the 2010 health care overhaul. The GOP legislation replacing it would scale back the federal role in health care, covering 24 million fewer people over time while cutting taxes for upper-income earners.

Deep differences among hardliners and moderates have impeded the Republican march. Each side blames the other, and the recess could drain more momentum from the repeal drive.

A proposal discussed between the White House and leaders of the Freedom Caucus would let states seek federal waivers of two insurance requirements the law established.

One forbids insurers from charging higher premiums on account of people's medical problems or pre-existing conditions. The other spells out categories of benefits, like hospitalization and substance abuse treatment, that all insurance plans must cover.

Conservatives who want the federal government out of health care argue that those provisions have driven up premiums and decreased choice.

Critics say eliminating those insurance requirements would raise premiums for people with serious medical problems and threaten to leave many people without coverage they need.

___

Associated Press writer Kevin Freking contributed to this report.
TRUMP-XI-CLIMATE - As Trump hosts Xi Jinping, the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters are taking dramatically divergent paths on climate policy. By Michael Biesecker and Louise Watt. UPCOMING: Xi expected to arrive in Florida at 1700 GMT; Trump at 2000 GMT. With TAIWAN-US-TRUMP - Taiwan: U.S. relations won't be harmed by Trump-Xi meeting. Sent 480 words.

AFGHANISTAN-LITHIUM - The Afghan government is trying to grab Trump's attention by dangling its wealth of minerals, including lithium, the silvery metal used in mobile phone and computer batteries. Tapping into that wealth is likely a long way off. By Rahim Faiez. SENT: 900 words, photos.

NEW ZEALAND-FLOODING - People used jet boats and tractors to help rescue about 2,000 residents of a New Zealand town after a river burst through a concrete levee, flooding hundreds of homes and businesses. By Nick Perry. Sent 410 words, photos.

SKOREA-VAGRANTS' LAND - Decades after they were forcefully mobilized for land reclamation works, ex-vagrants in South Korea want to get back land they were promised. By Hyung-Jin Kim. Sent 1,200 words, photos.

AUSTRALIA-NAURU - Nauru's president said Australia's controversial policy of sending asylum seekers to his Pacific island nation was "working well," as he met with the Australian prime minister amid questions over the fate of the refugees. By Kristen Gelineau. Sent 390 words.

AUSTRALIA-TURKEY-ATTACK THREAT - Australia and New Zealand warned that extremists may be planning an attack on the commemoration of a World War I campaign that is being held in Turkey this month. By Kristen Gelineau. Sent 310 words.

AUSTRALIA-CHINA-VISIT - China has cancelled a visit by Australian lawmakers to meet law enforcement officials in what some say is punishment for Australian interference in Chinese internal affairs at a period of deepening diplomatic tensions. Sent 130 words.

FINANCIAL:

ASIA-ECONOMY - Asia's developing economies will see steady growth this year and the next, though the evolving policies of President Donald Trump's administration are a major uncertainty, the Asian Development Bank said. By Kelvin Chan. Sent 400 words, photos.

FINANCIAL MARKETS - Asian stocks were mostly lower, as the region nervously watched for market-moving news from the first meeting between the U.S. and Chinese leaders. By Yuri Kageyama. Sent 460 words, photos.

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HOW TO REACH US:

The editor in charge at the AP Asia-Pacific Desk in Bangkok is Christie Hampton. Questions and story requests are welcome. The news desk can be reached at (66) 2632-6911 or by email at asia@ap.org. The Asia Photo Desk can be reached at (81-3) 6215-8941. Expanded AP content can be obtained from http://www.apexchange.com. For access to AP Exchange and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call (1) 877-836-9477.
WASHINGTON (AP) - For years, cutting carbon emissions to stave off the worst impacts of climate change was routinely near the top of the agenda at talks between the leaders of the United States and China.

Not anymore.

As President Donald Trump hosts President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida this week, the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters are taking dramatically divergent paths on climate policy.

FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2015, file photo, solar panels are seen near the power grid in northwestern China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. For years, cutting carbon emissions to stave off the worst impacts of climate change was routinely near the top of the agenda at bilateral talks between the leaders of the United States and China. Not anymore. As President Donald Trump hosts President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida this week, the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters are taking dramatically divergent paths on climate policy. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

The Chinese government recently canceled construction of more than 100 new coal-fired power plants and plans to invest at least $360 billion in green energy projects by 2020. It is a building boom expected to create an estimated 13 million jobs. China already leads the world in total installed solar and wind capacity.

Trump, who has said global warming is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese to hurt the U.S. economy, signed an executive order last week that aims to roll back Obama-era policies regulating carbon emissions. He has pledged to reverse decades of decline in coal mining, which now accounts for fewer than 75,000 U.S. jobs.

"Clean energy is the next, largest global market," said Barbara Finamore, Asia director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, a U.S.-based environmental group. "The U.S. risks losing out."

With Trump threatening to pull out of the Paris climate accord negotiated by the Obama administration, Xi is poised to become the world's foremost leader on climate change. Signed by nearly 200 nations, the 2014 agreement calls for holding global temperature increases to no more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in hopes of preventing devastating droughts, storms and sea level rise.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, Xi called the Paris accord a "hard-won achievement" and urged signatories to "stick to it."

The White House declined to comment Wednesday on whether climate change will even be mentioned at Mar-a-Lago. U.S. officials are instead expected to focus on enlisting China's cooperation on curbing the North Korean nuclear threat.

While China eclipsed the United States as the world's top carbon polluter more than a decade ago, it is also now outpacing the U.S. in transitioning to a cleaner energy portfolio. China is currently generating about 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, compared to about 13 percent in the U.S.

China still burns more coal than any other nation, but its consumption of the dirtiest fossil fuel fell in 2016 for a third consecutive year. An analysis by Greenpeace of data from the Chinese National Energy Administration showed an expected corresponding decrease in China's carbon dioxide emissions of 1 percent in 2017, in what would be the fourth straight year of zero growth or a decline.

That puts China on track to meet its 2030 target under the Paris accord as much as one decade early.

"Given the absolute lack of leadership from the Trump administration, China is seeing a stronger role both in its self-interest as a country threatened by the impacts of climate change, and also as a diplomatic opportunity in the vacuum left by Trump's retrograde position," said Lauri Myllyvirta, a senior coal campaigner for Greenpeace in Beijing.

In China's capital, Trump's public statements doubting that human activity is the primary cause of global warming are greeted with a mixture of bemusement and worry.

As China has burned gargantuan amounts of coal to accelerate the development of its economy, residents of its mega cities have had to deal with choking smog at levels not seen in the United States since passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970.

"In the past, some Chinese officials and ordinary people even believed that climate change was something created by developed countries to curb China's economic growth," said Teng Fei, a vice professor at Tsinghua University's Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy in Beijing. He said Trump's claim that climate change is a hoax might erode public support for taking action reducing the country's reliance on coal.

Wang Ke, a professor at the School of Environment and Natural Resources at Renmin University in Beijing, agreed: "Sometimes we joke that all our efforts are no use against one word from President Trump."

Even as Trump suggests global warming is mostly made up, climate scientists predict the issue will someday arrive literally at his doorstep.

Mar-a-Lago, the site of his summit with Xi, is located in one of the most vulnerable regions in the United States to sea level rise. Some streets in Palm Beach County already flood on sunny days during high tides, and recent studies predict Trump's prized resort will be underwater by the end of the century.

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Associated Press reporter Louise Watt reported from Beijing. News researcher Yu Bing contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP environmental writer Michael Biesecker at www.Twitter.com/mbieseck

FILE - This combination of file photos show U.S. President Donald Trump, right, in a meeting at the White House in Washington, on March 31, 2017, and China's President Xi Jinping in a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on Dec. 1, 2016.For years, cutting carbon emissions to stave off the worst impacts of climate change was routinely near the top of the agenda at bilateral talks between the leaders of the United States and China. Not anymore. As President Donald Trump hosts President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida this week, the world's two largest economies and carbon polluters are taking dramatically divergent paths on climate policy. (AP Photo/File)
BEIRUT (AP) - U.S.-backed Syrian fighters have laid siege to the northern Syrian town of Tabqa, an Islamic State stronghold, two weeks after U.S. aircraft ferried forces behind militant lines to spearhead a major assault near the extremists' de facto capital, Raqqa.

The Syrian Democratic Forces captured the Safsafeh area late Wednesday, completing the encirclement of the town, spokeswoman Cihan Sheikh Ehmed said Thursday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which closely monitors the conflict, confirmed the account.

The March 22 airlift marked a deepening of U.S. involvement in Syria's conflict ahead of a looming battle for Raqqa, the capital of the extremist group's self-styled caliphate. SDF fighters captured an airfield outside Tabqa last week and have been trying to gain control of a major dam nearby.

Elsewhere in Syria, IS militants killed 33 young men in eastern Syria, close to the border with Iraq, according to Syrian opposition activists.

The Observatory said IS members slit the throats of the men, aged 18 to 25, near the town of Mayadeen in Deir el-Zour province on Wednesday. The group said it's not clear who the men were or whether they were Syrian troops or rebels.

Opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who is from Deir el-Zour but currently lives in Europe, also reported the killings. He said IS did not give any reason for the killings or say what the men were charged with.

Abu Laila said IS killed four other people in a different area on Syria's border with Iraq. He said the men were accused of collaboration with the U.S.-led coalition that has been targeting IS with airstrikes for more than two years.
MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he has ordered the military to occupy and fortify all Philippine-held islands in the disputed South China Sea to assert the country's claims amid what he says is a race to control territory in the area.

"We tried to be friends with everybody but we have to maintain our jurisdiction now, at least the areas under our control," he said during a visit to a military camp in western Palawan province.

Duterte said he has ordered the armed forces to occupy and place Philippine flags on all islands, reefs and shoals controlled by the Philippines.

FILE - This July 20, 2011 file aerial photo, taken through the window of a closed aircraft, shows Pag-asa Island, part of the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea located off the coast of western Philippines. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday, April 6, 2017, that structures should be built on all of the nine to 10 islands, reefs and shoals held by the Philippines in the Spratly Islands. Duterte said he may visit one of the islands, Pag-asa, to plant a Philippine flag on Independence Day. He said money has been budgeted to repair the runway on Pag-asa, home to a small fishing community and Filipino troops. (AP Photo/Rolex Dela Pena, Pool, File)

"There are about nine or 10 islands there, we have to fortify," he said. "I must build bunkers there or houses and provisions for habitation."

Duterte said he may visit one of the islands, Pag-asa, to plant a Philippine flag on Independence Day. Money has been budgeted to repair the runway on Pag-asa, home to a small fishing community and Filipino troops, he added.

Since taking office in June, Duterte has worked to mend ties with China that were strained under his predecessor over the territorial disputes.

An impeachment complaint has been filed against him that cites, among other things, his alleged failure to protest China's territorial expansion in the South China Sea.

Rival claimants, including the Philippines and Vietnam, have expressed alarm over Beijing's building of artificial islands in the disputed region.

"It looks like there's a race to grab islands," Duterte said. "What is ours now, we should get and make a strong point that it is ours."
BEIRUT (AP) - Syria decried a U.S. missile attack early Friday morning on a government-controlled air base where U.S. officials say the Syrian military launched a deadly chemical attack earlier this week, calling it an "aggression" that led to "losses." Rebels welcomed the U.S. attack.

About 60 U.S. Tomahawk missiles hit the Shayrat air base, southeast of Homs, a small installation with two runways, where aircraft often take off to bomb targets in northern and central Syria. The U.S. missiles hit at 3:45 a.m. Friday morning and targeted the base's airstrips, hangars, control tower and ammunition areas, U.S. officials said.

They were fired from two warships in the Mediterranean Sea, in retaliation for Tuesday's deadly chemical attack that officials said used chlorine mixed with a nerve agent, possibly sarin.

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) launches a tomahawk land attack missile in the Mediterranean Sea, Friday, April 7, 2017. The United States blasted a Syrian air base with a barrage of cruise missiles in fiery retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via AP)

A military official quoted on Syrian TV said an air base in central Syria was hit early Friday, causing material damage. Another statement, also attributed to an unnamed official, referred to "losses." The officials did not elaborate.

Talal Barazi, the governor of Homs province, where the targeted air base is located, told The Associated Press by phone that most of the strikes appeared to target the province in central Syria. He also said the strikes were meant to "support the terrorists on the ground." He told Al Arabiya TV that a fire raged for two hours in the base, until it was put out.

A Syrian opposition group, the Syrian Coalition, welcomed the U.S. attack, saying it puts an end to an age of "impunity" and should be just the beginning.

Major Jamil al-Saleh, a U.S-backed rebel commander whose Hama district in the country's center was struck by a suspected chemical weapons attack, said he hoped the U.S. attack on a government air base would be a "turning point" in the six-year war.

The bombing represents President Donald Trump's most dramatic military order since taking office. The Obama administration threatened attacking Assad's forces for previous chemical weapons attacks, but never followed through. Trump called on "all civilized nations" to join the U.S. in seeking an end to the carnage in Syria.

President Bashar Assad's government had been under mounting international pressure after the chemical attack in northern Syria, with even key ally Russia saying its support is not unconditional and the U.S. launching a barrage of cruise missiles at a government-controlled air base in Syria.

Turkey, meanwhile, said samples from victims of Tuesday's attack, which killed more than 80 people in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, indicate they were exposed to sarin, a highly toxic nerve agent.

Syria rejected the accusations, and Moscow had warned against apportioning blame until an investigation has been carried out.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday that "unconditional support is not possible in this current world."

But he added that "it is not correct to say that Moscow can convince Mr. Assad to do whatever is wanted in Moscow. This is totally wrong."

Russia has provided military support for the Syrian government since September 2015, turning the balance of power in Assad's favor. Moscow has used its veto power at the Security Council on several occasions since the civil war began six years ago to prevent sanctions against Damascus.

Syria maintains it didn't use chemical weapons, blaming opposition fighters for stockpiling the chemicals. Russia's Defense Ministry said the toxic agents were released when a Syrian airstrike hit a rebel chemical weapons arsenal and munitions factory on the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun.

"I stress, once again, that the Syrian Arab Army did not and will not use such weapons even against the terrorists who are targeting our people," Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Moallem told reporters in Damascus.

Trump had said the attack crossed "many, many lines," and put the blame squarely on Assad's forces. Speaking Thursday on Air Force One, Trump said the attack "shouldn't have happened, and it shouldn't be allowed to happen."

Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said he hopes Trump will take military action, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency quoted him as saying.

Erdogan said Turkey would be prepared to do "whatever falls on us" to support possible military action, the news agency reported.

U.S. officials had said they hoped for a vote late Thursday night on a U.N. Security Council resolution that would condemn the chemical attack, but with council members still negotiating the text into the evening, the British Mission's political coordinator Stephen Hickey tweeted the vote wouldn't take place until later.

At the U.N., the United States, which currently holds the presidency of the Security Council, drafted a resolution along with Britain and France that condemns the use of chemical weapons, particularly in the attack on Khan Sheikhoun, "in the strongest terms."

Russia objected to key provisions in the resolution and negotiations have been underway to try to bridge the differences.

After the attack, hospitals around Khan Sheikhoun were overwhelmed, and paramedics sent victims to medical facilities across rebel-held areas in northern Syria, as well as to Turkey. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group put the death toll at 86.

The attack happened in Syria's Idlib province about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the Turkish border, and the Turkish government - a close ally of Syria's rebels - set up a decontamination center at a border crossing in Hatay province, where the victims were treated initially.

Turkish officials said nearly 60 victims of the attack were brought to Turkey for treatment and three of them died.

Victims showed signs of nerve gas exposure, including suffocation, foaming at the mouth, convulsions, constricted pupils and involuntary defecation, the World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders said. Paramedics used fire hoses to wash the chemicals from the bodies of victims.

Visuals from the scene were reminiscent of a 2013 nerve gas attack on the suburbs of Damascus that left hundreds dead.

In Turkey, Anadolu and the private DHA news agencies on Thursday quoted Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag as saying "it was determined after the autopsy that a chemical weapon was used."

The Turkish Health Ministry said later that "according to the results of the first analysis, there were findings suggesting that the patients were exposed to chemical substance (sarin)."

WHO experts took part in the autopsies in the Turkish city of Adana late Wednesday, Turkish media reported.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said it has "initiated contact" with Syrian authorities and its Technical Secretariat has been collecting and analyzing information about the allegations. "This is an ongoing investigation," it said.

The area of Khan Sheikhoun is difficult to access, and as more time passes since the attack, it will be increasingly difficult to determine exactly what happened.

___

Ian Phillips contributed from Moscow. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed.

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, speaks during a press conference, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Damascus, Syria. Moallem told reporters Thursday that it didn't use chemical weapons in Tuesday's deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria's northern Idlib province, and he blamed the rebels for stockpiling the deadly substance. Moallem said any investigative mission would need to take off from Damascus and be far from the sphere of Turkish influence. (SANA via AP)

FILE -- This Tuesday April 4, 2017, file photo, provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Edlib Media Center, that is consistent with independent AP reporting, shows a man carrying a child following a suspected chemical attack, at a makeshift hospital in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, northern Idlib province, Syria. Walid Moallem, Syria's Foreign Minister, told reporters Thursday, April 6, 2017, that it didn't use chemical weapons in Tuesday's attack, and he blamed the rebels for stockpiling the deadly substance. (Edlib Media Center, via AP, File)

In this photo taken on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 and made available Wednesday, April 5, Turkish experts enter Syria to evacuate a victim of alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syrian city of Idlib, at a local hospital in Reyhanli, Hatay, Turkey. A suspected chemical attack in a town in Syria's rebel-held northern Idlib province killed dozens of people on Tuesday, opposition activists said, describing the attack as among the worst in the country's six-year civil war.(DHA-Depo Photos via AP)

In this photo taken on late Wednesday, April 5, 2017 and made available Thursday, April 6, World Health Organization experts work as they take part in an autopsy conducted in a hospital in Adana, Turkey. Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said autopsy results show Syrians were subjected to chemical weapons attack in Idlib, Syria, on Tuesday. (DHA-Depo Photos via AP)

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) launches a tomahawk land attack missile in the Mediterranean Sea, Friday, April 7, 2017. The United States blasted a Syrian air base with a barrage of cruise missiles in fiery retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via AP)

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) launches a tomahawk land attack missile in the Mediterranean Sea, Friday, April 7, 2017. The United States blasted a Syrian air base with a barrage of cruise missiles in fiery retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via AP)

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile Friday, April 7, 2017, from the Mediterranean Sea. The United States blasted a Syrian air base with a barrage of cruise missiles in fiery retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price/U.S. Navy via AP)

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile Friday, April 7, 2017, from the Mediterranean Sea. The United States blasted a Syrian air base with a barrage of cruise missiles in fiery retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price/U.S. Navy via AP)

President Donald Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday, April 6, 2017, after the U.S. fired a barrage of cruise missiles into Syria Thursday night in retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) man the rails as the ship arrives at Naval Station Rota, Spain, on March 3, 2017. The United States fired a barrage of cruise missiles into Syria Thursday night in retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians, the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Donald Trump's most dramatic military order since becoming president. The Tomahawk missiles were fired from warships USS Porter and USS Ross in the Mediterranean Sea. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via AP)

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) transits the Mediterranean Sea on March 9, 2017. The United States fired a barrage of cruise missiles into Syria Thursday night in retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians, the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Donald Trump's most dramatic military order since becoming president. The Tomahawk missiles were fired from warships USS Porter and USS Ross in the Mediterranean Sea. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via AP)

In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) departs Rota, Spain, on March 29, 2017. The United States fired a barrage of cruise missiles into Syria Thursday night in retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians, the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Donald Trump's most dramatic military order since becoming president. The Tomahawk missiles were fired from warships USS Porter and USS Ross in the Mediterranean Sea. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price/U.S. Navy via AP)

Russia's deputy United Nations ambassador Vladimir Safronkov listens during a meeting of the Security Council on Syria at U.N. headquarters, Wednesday, April 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
BOSTON (AP) - The beleaguered chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston has announced that he is stepping down.

J. Keith Motley announced his resignation Wednesday, shortly after meeting with UMass President Marty Meehan. Motley will officially step down at the end of the academic year and after a sabbatical, return to the faculty.

Motley has come under increasing fire recently amid a $30 million deficit, declining enrollment and fundraising, and several overdue construction projects.

Motley, named to the position in 2007, called his time at UMass "my honor and greatest pleasure."

He was credited with increasing enrollment and boosting the academic reputation of the school that currently has about 17,000 students.

Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Barry Mills will serve as interim chancellor during a global search for Motley's successor.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Most Americans oppose funding President Donald Trump's wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and even many of his supporters reject his proposed budget cuts to scientific and medical research, according to poll released Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The president gets higher marks for efforts to boost defense spending and beef up the border patrol, the poll found.

The results come at a crucial time. Congressional Republicans and Democrats are wrestling over whether to include a down payment for the wall - financed by U.S. taxpayers instead of Mexico, despite Trump's repeated promises - in the spending bill to keep the government open at the end of the month. Trump has yet to pass a major bill through Congress as his 100th day in office nears.

FILE - In this March 29, 2017, file photo, a youth looks at a new, taller fence being built along U.S.-Mexico border, replacing the shorter, gray metal fence in front of it, in the Anapra neighborhood of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, across the border from Sunland Park, New Mexico. Most Americans oppose funding President Donald Trump's wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. That's according to a poll released Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)

The poll offers a mixed view of Trump's budget plan, which drew criticism from Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill. Americans supported cuts to foreign aid, but opposed Trump's planned cuts to spending on environmental programs and fighting climate change. People were more likely to oppose than favor cutting federal help for public broadcasting and the arts and by huge margins supported additional money for veterans' programs.

"The military is depleted, and the veterans have been hurting," said Margaret Hall, 77, a Trump supporter from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Trump's spending plans are facing their first test on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers debate his request for $30 billion for an immediate cash infusion for the military and $3 billion for additional border security, including a $1 billion down payment for new fencing and other barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The public opposes new spending for the wall, 58 percent to 28 percent. Nearly half say they strongly oppose funding for the project.

"I honestly think the wall is going to be a fiasco. If they want to get into the country, they're going to get into the country, regardless of what you put up there," said Wes Drought, 61, a firefighter and paramedic from Winnebago, Illinois, who strongly disapproves of Trump. "If you're going to do something, do it with the border patrol. If you want to create jobs, there's a job."

Democrats have come out strongly against the wall construction, and some Republicans are signaling they're not interested in a confrontation.

"I don't like the concept - I don't think it's needed - of a 2,000-mile wall as some envision," said Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., whose state is home to some of the most rugged terrain along the border. "It's just not needed. In some areas you just don't need it. In some areas you need wall, in some areas you need fences. In some areas you need surveillance."

Testifying on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said the wall won't be from "sea to shining sea," but in places where border agents say it would be most effective. He said the wall could extend beyond a physical barrier and include a mix of technology including drones.

Eighty-six percent of Democrats and 57 percent of independents oppose new spending for a border wall with Mexico. Republicans break about 2-1 in favor of the wall, but that's more narrow support than on other priorities.

The most popular proposal by far in the Trump budget is increasing spending on Veterans Affairs, which is supported by 74 percent of Americans and opposed by just 8 percent.

Americans are also more likely to favor than oppose increased spending on border patrol (50 percent to 32 percent) and decreased spending on foreign aid (50 percent to 30 percent). By a 47 percent to 34 percent margin, more also favor than oppose increasing spending on defense and the military.

But other pieces of the proposed Trump budget draw negative reviews. By a 64 percent to 19 percent margin, most oppose decreasing spending on scientific and medical research. That's a complaint echoed by Republicans and Democrats in Congress, including the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who holds significant sway as Congress uses the president's proposal as a blueprint but writes the budget.

Most Americans also oppose cuts to spending on the environment and on climate change, by a 52 percent to 28 percent margin. Finally, Americans are more likely to oppose than favor cutting spending for public television, radio and the arts, 44 percent to 32 percent.

Large majorities across party lines favor increasing Veterans Affairs spending, although Republicans are particularly supportive. And decreasing spending for scientific and medical research is largely opposed across party lines, by 78 percent of Democrats, 58 percent of independents and 51 percent of Republicans.

But there are large political divides on several other pieces of the budget proposal. Seventy-five percent of Republicans but just 40 percent of independents and 26 percent of Democrats favor increased military spending. Eighty percent of Republicans and 49 percent of independents, but just 26 percent of Democrats, favor increased border patrol spending. And 72 percent of Republicans and 54 percent of independents, but just 30 percent of Democrats, favor decreased foreign aid spending.

___

The AP-NORC poll of 1,110 adults was conducted March 23-27 using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.

Interviews were conducted online and using landlines and cellphones.

___

Online:

AP-NORC: http://www.apnorc.org/
PARIS (AP) - In an unusually swift move, the Vatican on Thursday decided to dismiss a French bishop days after Catholic officials in the country were informed of alleged "inappropriate" gestures and words from the prelate with young people.

The bishop's superior, Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, announced in a statement that the Holy See had asked Monsignor Herve Gaschignard "to submit his resignation."

The French Conference of Bishops said in a separate statement that Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Gaschignard, bishop of Aire and Dax in southwest France, and that French bishops understand the "gravity" of the pontiff's decision.

This photo dated Sept. 14, 2014 and provided by the Diocese des Landes shows French Bishop Herve Gaschignard posing for a photographer in Buglose, southern France. The French Catholic Church says that Monsignor Herve Gaschignard has resigned at the Vatican's suggestion because of accusations of an "inappropriate pastoral attitude." (Paul Perommat/Diocese des Landes via AP)

Cardinal Ricard, the archbishop for the region, said he reported the bishop's alleged doings to the local prosecutor but that no complaints have been filed so far, making the pope's decision even more notable.

The French bishops' statement said concerns about Gaschignard made it difficult for him to continue in his duties and that the papal nuncio in France "suggested" that he resign.

Last month, Cardinal Ricard, archbishop of Bordeaux, received two pastoral representatives working with young people in the diocese of Aire and Dax. "They shared with him their questions and even the unease felt at the attitudes and words from Bishop Herve Gaschignard toward young people," Ricard's office said in a statement.

Gaschignard's behavior caused "emotion and confusion in a number of these young people who have spoken to their families", it added.

Father Jean Rouet, Ricard's assistant in Bordeaux, told The Associated Press that some young people and their pastoral supervisors in the local diocese may have felt as inappropriate some "gestures", "words" and "closeness" from Gaschignard.

Rouet said that while the papal decision was not a conviction of Gaschignard or a canonical trial, "the climate was such in the diocese that Bishop Gaschignard could no longer exercise his ministry as a bishop."

Paul Perromat, in charge of press relations in the diocese of Aire and Dax, insisted in a phone interview that Gaschignard's behavior is "not at all" a case of pedophilia or sexual abuse, and said "the bishop was in a state of shock when he heard of the rumors against him."

A few months before he was promoted to bishop in 2012, Gaschignard fell under similar suspicions in the southern diocese of Toulouse, where he officiated as assistant bishop, said the Rev. Herve Gaignard, the general curate of the diocese.

The archbishop of Toulouse, Monsignor Robert Le Gall, had reported allegations about Gaschignard to the local prosecutor and police investigated, but the case was eventually dismissed for lack of evidence of any criminal offense, Gaignard told The AP.

_

Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to the report.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - A Kenyan police official says they have arrested a Kenyan and a Ugandan for allegedly hacking into government sites for the Islamic State extremist group.

Anti-Terrorism Police Unit officer Leonard Bwire told a magistrate's court Thursday he can only mention in private which government departments were hacked.

The court granted police 15 days to hold the suspects in custody for further investigation.

Authorities fear the Islamic State group is attempting to establish a base in Kenya, East Africa's largest economy, where al-Qaida has had a presence for years.
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) - Croatia's parliament has adopted an emergency law to protect the economy from large company failures after the country's biggest private-owned firm accumulated huge debts.

Agrokor, the largest private retailer and food producer in the Balkans, has struggled to pay suppliers and creditors after building up $6.5 billion (6 billion euros) in debt, or six times its equity.

The emergency law allows the state to appoint an executive to lead a restructuring process if debtors and creditors demand it.

Agrokor has reached a deal with its lenders, including Russia's Sberbank and VTB banks, to get an unspecified cash injection and temporary freeze on debt repayments. A restructuring expert was appointed to try to rescue the company.

The vote in parliament was 83 for the emergency law, 46 against and two abstentions.
ATLANTA (AP) - Delta Air Lines bought pizza for stranded passengers after canceling about 300 flights in the Southeast because of severe weather.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://on-ajc.com/2o0Q230 ) reports the Atlanta-based airline ordered more than 450 pies for passengers in states including Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Florida after storms on Wednesday caused flights to be canceled or delayed. The storms produced strong winds and pounded the region with hail.

Delta communications manager Michael Thomas says stranded passengers at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee received 160 pizzas along with 60 footlong subs. He says employees ordered 60 pizzas and 20 trays of chicken biscuits to feed more than 300 customers in Panama City, Florida.

Some workers even handed out coloring books and games to passengers traveling with small children.
Smuggled pangolin scales discovered at Noi Bai airport

Customs officers detected two consignments containing pangolin scales at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on April 4.









Pangolin scales seized at Noi Bai International Airport



The consignments were transported from Ghana to Noi Bai on February 27.



Of late, several consignments of pangolin scales have been uncovered at the airport, including one from Cameroon containing 357 kg of scales.



Though the traditional use of pangolin scales to treat blocked milk ducts is hyped by a plethora of websites, doctors of traditional medicine assert that scientific research has proven it to be ineffective.



In the past decade, a million pangolins have been hunted and sold worldwide, leading to a decline in its population.



According to the Centre of Hands-on Action and Networking for Growth and Environment (CHANGE) and WildAid (a US environmental organisation), Vietnam and China lead the global demand for pangolins.



Currently, eight species of pangolin are on the verge of extinction globally. The Asian pangolin population plummeted by 80% in just 21 years. Meanwhile, Vietnams two species  the Chinese and Sunda pangolins  are critically endangered.



Last July, Vietnam raised the penalty for illegal pangolin hunting and trading to 15 years of imprisonment.



In recent years, government agencies have bolstered their inspection strategies to nab violators.



In the past 10 years, the countrys authorities seized 54.8 tonnes of pangolins and 14.7 tonnes of scales.
BRUSSELS (AP) - The rift between the European Union and member state Hungary is widening, with the EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker criticizing two recent issues that are seen as pushing Budapest away from EU values.

Juncker said Thursday he objects to an education bill that critics say targets a university founded by billionaire American philanthropist George Soros. It was pushed by lawmakers from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party.

On top of that, he criticized the Hungarian government's new National Consultation that has the motto "Let's Stop Brussels."

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker listens to questions from journalists while addressing a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, April 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Juncker said that "after reading this biased questionnaire, I would like to better understand Mr. Orban's intentions," adding the criticism of EU headquarters ran counter to Orban's reinforced support for the EU at a summit in Rome two weeks ago.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Republican chairman is stepping aside from leading a congressional investigation of Russian interference in last year's U.S. presidential election, citing ethics complaints that he mishandled classified information.

The decision by Rep. Devin Nunes of California comes amid partisan turmoil on the House intelligence committee. Democrats have alleged that Nunes, who was on President Donald Trump's transition team, is too close to the White House and cannot lead an impartial inquiry. In an extraordinary step, the usually-quiet House Ethics Committee said that it is investigating whether Nunes improperly disclosed classified information. President Donald Trump said Nunes is "a very honorable guy."

Nunes blamed "left-wing activist groups" for filing accusations against him with the Office of Congressional Ethics.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif. leaves Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, April 6, 2017, after a meeting with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif. Nunes will temporarily step side from the panel's investigation of Russian meddling in the election because of the complaints. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

"The charges are entirely false and politically motivated and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power," Nunes said in a statement.

Nunes' move could be seen as a win for Democrats whose cries for an independent panel to investigate Russia's possible ties with the Trump campaign have grown. They have pointed in particular to two Nunes trips to the White House - one announced, one not - as evidence that his loyalty to Trump outweighs his commitment to leading a bipartisan investigation.

By all accounts, the intelligence committee's growing partisanship has become a distraction from its underlying investigations.

The top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff of California, said he appreciated Nunes' decision to step aside from the Russia investigation.

"There was a cloud hanging over us after the White House incident," Schiff told The Associated Press on Thursday. While Schiff said the panel's investigation is back on track, the Republicans had not signed off on rescheduling a public hearing with former Obama administration officials. Schiff said it was important that the public hear testimony from former acting Attorney General Sally Yates about why Trump's first national security adviser was fired. Nunes canceled the hearing.

As the majority party in the House, Republicans will keep the committee chairmanship. GOP Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, with help from Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and Rep. Tom Rooney of Florida, will temporarily take charge of the investigation, said Speaker Paul Ryan.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday that he doesn't know Conaway, but he heard he was well-respected. "High quality," Trump said.

Schiff said Conaway does not have the same history with the White House that Nunes does.

Two watchdog groups, Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, had asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate whether Nunes disclosed classified information he learned from intelligence reports.

In a statement, CREW spokesman Jordan Libowitz said the group believes that Nunes' potential violation of House ethics rules "is so grave that it needs to be investigated right away."

Nunes last month disclosed that Trump associates' communications had been swept up by U.S. spy agencies and, he suggested, mishandled by Obama administration officials.

The announcement was striking, as it is unusual for a member of the committee to publicly discuss the existence of what would be classified intelligence reports.

Nunes later acknowledged that the material had been shared by a secret source on the White House grounds, raising fresh questions about his coordination with the White House. Trump seized on the information as evidence backing up his unfounded claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped the phones at his New York skyscraper.

Schiff later saw the same material, but refused to publicly discuss what he learned. He said Thursday he understood the material was now to be shared with other intelligence committee members.

Republican Speaker Ryan said he supported Nunes' decision to step aside.

"It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House intelligence committee's investigation into Russian interference in our election," Ryan said.

A Republican aide said Nunes met with Ryan on Wednesday night to discuss stepping aside from the Russia probe. That's when Ryan learned of the House ethics probe, according to the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Nunes said in his statement, "I will continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as committee chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims."

The Ethics Committee investigation of Nunes' actions will be led by Republican Chairwoman Susan Brooks of Indiana and Democrat Ted Deutch of Florida.

Conaway's ascendance immediately drew attention to his statement earlier this year expressing skepticism about the subject of the investigation.

In January, Conaway compared Russia's interference in the 2016 election to the Democrats' employing Mexican entertainers to help turn out the Latino vote.

"Those are foreign actors, foreign people, influencing the vote in Nevada," Conaway told the Dallas Morning News. "You don't hear the Democrats screaming and saying one word about that."

During the intelligence committee's first hearing on the Russia probe last month, his questions were focused on how intelligence agencies prove who is behind a hack and what a foreign leader's "intent" is.

All 17 intelligence agencies have agreed that Russia was behind the hack of Democratic email systems and tried to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump.

___

Associated Press writers Chad Day and Matthew Daly contributed to this report.

The House Intelligence Committee's ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, April 8, 2017, regarding the announcement that Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif. will temporarily step side from the panel's investigation of Russian meddling in the election because of the complaints. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. pauses during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, April 6, 2017, regarding the announcement that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., will temporarily step side from the panel's investigation of Russian meddling in the election because of the complaints. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The 89-year-old president of the Mormon church is expected to return to his normal schedule after being released from the hospital.

Eric Hawkins, a spokesman for the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says that President Thomas S. Monson was released from the hospital in Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening.

Hawkins said Thursday that Monson plans to resume his normal schedule and duties.

FILE - In this Saturday, April 1, 2017, file photo, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Thomas S. Monson looks on during the morning session of the two-day Mormon church conference in Salt Lake City. The 89-year-old president of the Mormon church has been hospitalized in Salt Lake City a spokesman for the church said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Monson, considered by followers to be the religion's prophet, was taken to the hospital Monday evening because he was not feeling well. He's since received treatment and fluids.

Monson spoke to church members last weekend at the religion's twice-yearly conference in Salt Lake City but skipped some sessions on Saturday and Sunday.

He's been the church's leader since 2008.
GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) - Dangerous surf conditions are causing problems on the Alabama coast during spring break.

Red flags are flying to warn people about hazardous rip currents that can quickly pull swimmers out to sea.

But in Gulf Shores, lifeguards still have had to rescue at least five people since Saturday. Beach safety director Scott Smothers tells WALA-TV (http://bit.ly/2nO0nOR ) that one man had to be resuscitated but is doing OK.

Lifeguard Jordan Russell says he had to help a 6-year-old boy and the boy's sister on Tuesday after both got pulled away from the beach.

The National Weather Service says there's a high risk of rip currents from Dauphin Island all the way east to Destin, Florida. Conditions are supposed to improve by the weekend.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The lawyer for a rector charged with embezzling more than $500,000 from a priest retirement home near Philadelphia says his client is remorseful and remains on the job.

Federal prosecutors have charged Monsignor William A. Dombrow with skimming money meant for Villa St. Joseph.

The Philadelphia Archdiocese runs the facility to house aging priests and to treat suspected priest-predators.

Defense lawyer Coley Reynolds says the 77-year-old Dombrow has done many good things for the archdiocese.

The Philadelphia Inquirer (goo.gl/feigkZ) describes him as a recovering alcoholic who has helped other priests battle the disease.

Authorities say Dumbrow spent the stolen funds on casino visits, expensive dinners and concerts.

Reynolds says he is cooperating with investigators and no longer handling any financial matters.

___

Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com
ROUEN, France (AP) - France captain Yannick Noah isn't expecting an easy weekend against Britain just because Andy Murray is not playing in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.

The top-ranked Murray was Britain's leader when the country won the trophy two years ago, but the three-time Grand Slam champion is nursing an elbow injury.

In the absence of Murray, who is also a two-time Olympic champion, the 44th-ranked Daniel Evans and No. 47 Kyle Edmund will line up for Britain against France on Friday at the Kindarena on indoor clay in Rouen.

FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 file photo, French team captain Yannick Noah watches the match between Croatia's Marin Cilic and France's Richard Gasquet in Zadar, Croatia. France captain Yannick Noah has warned home fans against thinking the Davis Cup quarterfinal against Britain will be easier just because Andy Murray is not playing. The top-ranked Murray was Britain's inspirational leader when it won the trophy two years ago, but the three-time Grand Slam champion is nursing an elbow injury. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, file)

"All that I keep hearing is that we are favorites, and that because Andy Murray's not here we're going to win," Noah said after Thursday's draw. "I keep trying to tell people: 'No, it's going to be very difficult.' Evans and Edmund are good players. We've been doing a lot of video work.

"I can't tell you what I saw, in terms of (their) strengths and weaknesses, but it's going to be a very close contest."

A weakened France team is missing 10th-ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and No. 11 Gael Monfils, leaving the 17th-ranked Lucas Pouille as leading player.

"He is very motivated for this test, but I don't think he feels under any particular pressure," said Noah, the last Frenchman to win a Grand Slam when he won the French Open in 1983.

Pouille will open against Edmund in the first singles match. Edmund won their only previous career meeting, on outdoor hard courts in Brisbane, Australia.

Friday's second singles match will be between Jeremy Chardy and Evans, who have never previously met.

In Saturday's doubles, Julien Benneteau and Nicolas Mahut face Dominic Inglot and Jamie Murray, a two-time Grand Slam winner in men's doubles. In Sunday's reverse singles, Pouille takes on Evans and Chardy is on last against Edmund.

On Wednesday, Noah made the surprise announcement that Chardy, a journeyman player ranked 68th, was replacing Gilles Simon, a former top-10 player with vastly more experience than Chardy.

What made the decision even more surprising was that Noah could have waited until Thursday to make it.

"Gilles has been playing Davis Cup for a long time, sometimes with victories, sometimes with difficulty," Noah said. "Jeremy's new but he has nothing to lose. Over the last few days, I saw that he wanted to be here, that he was ready to play. He was at ease straight away on this surface and trained very, very well."

Britain won the competition in 2015, while France, which lost the 2014 final to Switzerland and the 2010 final to Serbia, has not won since 2001.

It will be the first time that France and Britain face off on clay since the British team won 3-2 in the Europe semifinals in 1978 at Roland Garros.

FILE - In this Sunday, March 12, 2017 file photo, Kyle Edmund, of Great Britain, hits to Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, in Indian Wells, Calif. France captain Yannick Noah has warned home fans against thinking the Davis Cup quarterfinal against Britain will be easier just because Andy Murray is not playing. In the absence of Murray, who is also a two-time Olympic champion, the 44th-ranked Daniel Evans and No. 47 Kyle Edmund will line up for Britain on Friday, April 7 at the Kindarena on indoor clay in Rouen. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file)
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) - Police in Virgina say a 12-year-old girl was left with a graze wound to her face after a shooting.

Newport News Police said in a statement that officers responding to a report of a shooting on Thursday morning were told the girl was in an upstairs apartment when she was hit. She was taken to a hospital with an injury that isn't thought to be life-threatening.

Police say they are investigating and will release more information as it becomes available.
GENEVA (AP) - After a near-90 year ban, women can again swim topless legally in Geneva's lake and Rhone River without running the risk of a fine.

Geneva's regional council has voted to modify a 1929 ordinance that banned women from swimming topless in the city's main natural waterways. The change doesn't apply to public swimming pools or swimming totally naked.

The issue made headlines locally last summer after one woman who was fined for swimming topless complained about paradoxical laws that allowed women to sunbathe topless, but not swim that way.

She complained the law was sexist and deprived women of the same rights as men enjoy.

Nicolas Bolle, an official with Geneva's security department, on Thursday confirmed the council's action a day earlier.
LUMBERTON, Texas (AP) - Police say a wreck that sent about two-dozen elementary school students to hospitals began when a school bus struck two other vehicles and careered into a ditch in southeast Texas.

Lumberton police say the bus struck the rear of a tractor-trailer then a pickup truck Wednesday afternoon, before traveling into the ditch on the opposite side of the road.

Police said Thursday that video aboard the bus will be examined to determine what happened.

The 43 children, all of them 9- and 10-year-olds, and five adults were returning to their Beaumont school after a field trip when the accident took place.

Beaumont school district spokeswoman Nakisha Burns says one student was airlifted to a Houston hospital and remained hospitalized Thursday. All other children have been released. A teacher remained hospitalized.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Mike Pence plans to travel to South Korea and Japan later this month amid simmering tensions North Korea's work to showcase its nuclear and missile programs.

The White House says Pence will depart April 15 on a 10-day, four-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific region that will include stops in Indonesia and Australia and a visit with U.S. troops in Hawaii.

Pence's itinerary includes meetings with South Korea's acting prime minister and Japan's prime minister, as well as sessions on trade, the economy and U.S. military alliances in the region.

Vice President Mike Pence arrives for a news conference with President Donald Trump and Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Rose Garden at the White House, Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The trip follows North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile into waters off its east coast and President Donald Trump's warnings that the U.S. would act unilaterally to stop North Korean aggression.
For a family so steeped in British horse-racing history, the Scudamores have been stumped more times than they care to remember in the most famous race of them all: The Grand National.

Since the great Michael Scudamore won the grueling steeplechase aboard Oxo in 1959, victory has eluded distinguished names lower down the family tree.

His son, Peter - an eight-time champion jockey - never finished better than third in 12 attempts at the National.

FILE - This is a Saturday, April 9, 2016 file photo of David Mullins celebrates as he wins the Grand National horse race on Rule The World at Aintree Racecourse Liverpool, England. This year's race will be held on Saturday April 8, 2017 and last year's winner Rule The World had never previously won in 13 races over fences, and had previously broken two pelvises to nearly end his career. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)

Peter's son, Tom, has had 15 tries as a jockey, failed to finish eight times, and had a highest placing of eighth.

The best that Tom's brother, Michael, has achieved as a trainer was an unexpected third place on Monbeg Dude in 2015.

Predictions can be a thankless task for the world's most unpredictable race - run over a 4 1/2-mile (6,400-meter) course featuring 30 mostly fearsome fences - but there might be no better time for the Scudamores to end 58 years of frustration at Aintree than this Saturday.

Tom Scudamore rides Vieux Lion Rouge, a joint favorite at 10-1 with many British bookmakers and a winner over the National fences in a race in December.

Peter Scudamore has been helping his partner, Lucinda Russell, train One For Arthur - the sixth favorite on most bookmakers' lists at 14-1.

Recent history shows, however, that it might be necessary to look beyond the supposed favorites for a race with a top prize of 1 million pounds ($1.25 million) and watched, according to organizers, by a worldwide TV audience of 1 billion.

The odds of the last five winners are as follows: 33-1 (Neptunes Collonges, 2012), 66-1 (Auroras Encore, 2013), 25-1 (Pineau De Re, 2014), 25-1 (Many Clouds, 2015), 33-1 (Rule The World, 2016).

Indeed, last year's winner came right out of the blue. Rule The World had never previously won in 13 races over fences, and had previously broken two pelvises to nearly end his career.

Auroras Encore had never previously won a race and was ridden by a jockey, Ryan Mania, competing in the National for the first time.

"There are lots of good jockeys that have never won it," said Tom Scudamore, who has ridden more than 1,000 winners in his career, "and there are less successful riders that have won it."

No female jockey has ever won the race and the drought won't be ending this year. Katie Walsh was due to be the only woman in the 40-strong field, riding Wonderful Charm, but she broke her arm on Thursday in a fall on the first day of the Aintree Festival and was ruled out of the National.

As usual, the race will be under scrutiny because of the potential for horse fatalities over the giant fences. However, modifications to the course since two horses died in each of the 2011 and '12 editions have improved the situation and there were no deaths in the last three races.
CHICAGO (AP) - An actor on the television show "Empire" has been arrested on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in Chicago.

In a news release, police say 46-year-old Morocco Omari was arrested Wednesday afternoon. They say officers were called to the Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side by a 24-year-old woman who identified herself as Omari's girlfriend. She told officers Omari pushed her to the ground several times during an argument, causing scratches on her neck and chest.

According to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, Omari was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

In this image released by Fox, Morocco Omari appears in a scene from "Empire." Omari was arrested Wednesday, April 5, 2017, on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in Chicago. In a news release, police say 46-year-old Morocco Omari was arrested Wednesday after officers were called to the Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side by a 24-year-old woman who identified herself as Omari's girlfriend. (Chuck Hodes/FOX via AP)

A representative for Omari did not immediately return a call for comment.

On the show that's filmed in Chicago, Omari plays FBI Agent Tariq Cousins. He's the half-brother of Lucious Lyon, who's played by Terrence Howard.
MOSCOW (AP) - State news agency RIA Novosti says Russia's Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the city court in Birobidzhan to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses, a decision that comes amid proceedings on a Justice Ministry suit to ban the religious organization in Russia altogether.

Jehovah's Witnesses claim more than 170,000 adherents in Russia. The group, however, has come under increasing pressure over the past year, including a ban on distributing literature deemed to violate Russia's anti-extremism laws.

Russian investigators inspected the religion's headquarters in St. Petersburg in February.

David Semonian, a spokesman at its world headquarters in New York, said regarding the proposed national ban that the Jehovah's Witnesses hope "Russia's Supreme Court will uphold the rights of our fellow believers in Russia to freely carry out their peaceful worship."
LONDON (AP) - A trip to Disney World has sparked a battle in Britain's highest court.

In a case with implications for millions of parents, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a father broke the law by taking his daughter on vacation to Florida during school time.

Jon Platt was fined 120 pounds ($150) after taking his 6-year-old daughter out of school for a week in 2015, and prosecuted when he failed to pay.

Lower courts found he had not acted unlawfully because his daughter had a good overall attendance record. Those rulings led to a surge in British parents taking children on vacation during school terms, when airplane fares and hotel prices are significantly cheaper.

But local officials, backed by the British government, took the case to the country's top court.

Five justices ruled unanimously Thursday that U.K. schools had the right to set rules about what constitutes "regular" attendance. Judge Brenda Hale said unauthorized absences were "a slap in the face to those obedient parents who do keep the rules."

Platt said the ruling means millions of parents in Britain no longer have the power to make decisions about their own children.

He said he has no plans to plead guilty or pay the fine.
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened their high-stakes summit at Trump's Florida beach resort Thursday, with the urgent threat of North Korea's nuclear ambitions and tensions over trade on the agenda.

Xi's visit was overshadowed, though, by a U.S. missile barrage on an air base in Syria in response to this week's chemical weapons attack against civilians, which the U.S. blamed on President Bashar Assad. The U.S. announced the missile attack shortly after Xi and his wife left the Mar-a-Lago estate Thursday night.

Trump appeared lighthearted earlier Thursday as he greeted Xi at Mar-A-Lago, gesturing and pointing to journalists as they tussled to get a shot of the two leaders together for the first time.

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Ahead of the dinner, Trump said he and Xi already had had a long discussion and had "developed a friendship," and then joked, "I have gotten nothing, absolutely nothing."

The White House said the location was selected to give the two days of discussions a more relaxed feel. A number of Trump's top advisers were in attendance, including his daughter, Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Outside the dining room where the two delegations gathered for a lavish dinner, Mar-a-Lago club members packed the patio for dinner.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife at Mar-a-Lago before making their way to dinner.

On Air Force One on the way to Florida Trump pointed to the crisis in North Korea as a top priority in the meetings with Xi. He said he thinks China will "want to be stepping up" in trying to deter North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

While Trump would not say what he wants China to do specifically, he suggested there was a link between "terrible" trade agreements the U.S. has made with China and Pyongyang's provocations. He says the two issues "really do mix."

The president has said that if China doesn't exert more pressure on North Korea, the U.S. will act alone.

Both as a candidate and president, Trump has taken an aggressive posture toward China, labeling Beijing a "tremendous problem" and arguing that lopsided trade deals with China shortchange American businesses and workers. Last week, the president predicted in a tweet that his meeting with Xi would be "very difficult."

The White House has downplayed expectations for a breakthrough on issues like trade and tariffs, insisting that the 24-hour summit is mostly an introductory meeting for the two leaders. And within Trump's administration, there are still divisions over how to approach China.

According to U.S. and foreign officials, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and economic adviser Gary Cohn are leading the charge for boosting ties and exploring the potential for greater economic cooperation. But economic adviser Peter Navarro, author of the book "Death by China: Confronting the Dragon - a Global Call to Action," prefers trying to isolate China, in keeping with Trump's "America First" mantra.

Patrick Cronin, a China expert with the Center for a New American Security, said the Trump administration does not have "a reconciled trade and economic policy yet, and the differing views on China in the White House underscore that."

Ahead of the summit, Trump signed a pair of executive orders focused on reducing the U.S. trade deficit. The moves appeared to be a shot at China, which accounted for the vast bulk - $347 billion - of last year's $502 billion trade deficit. Chinese exports to the U.S. totaled some $388.1 billion last year.

Anthony Ruggiero, an East Asia expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said China may be more willing to accommodate Trump on trade and economic issues than on regional security issues, including North Korea. Xi, a shrewd political operator, is unlikely to want to rock the boat ahead of a Communist Party conclave later this year that will install new leadership.

Xi is also expected to seek assurances that Trump will not interfere in the territorial dispute over the South China Sea or question the "One China" policy by reaching out to Taiwan's leader again, as he did during the transition. The move infuriated Beijing, leading Trump to eventually reiterate his commitment to the decades-old policy.

Previous White Houses have held China accountable for its human rights record, something this administration has made very little mention of, whether in China or elsewhere. It also remains to be seen whether the Obama administration's deal with Beijing to curb Chinese cybertheft for economic gain and its hacking of U.S. companies will be addressed.

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Follow Vivian Salama at http://twitter.com/vmsalama and Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with their wives, first lady Melania Trump and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan are seated during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. White House senior adviser Jared Kushner is seated at left. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with their wives, first lady Melania Trump and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan as they pose for photographers before dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with they wives, first lady Melania Trump, left, and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan, right, pose for photographers before dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with they wives, first lady Melania Trump and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan depart after posing for photographers before dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Ivanka Trump, second from right, the daughter and assistant to President Donald Trump, is seated with her husband White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, right, during a dinner with President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at Mar-a-Lago, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as he arrives before dinner at Mar-a-Lago resort, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Chinese president Xi Jinping waves after arriving at the Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday, April 6, 2017. The president will meet with President Donald Trump for a two-day summit at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, second from left, with his wife Renda St. Clair, left, and Chinese president Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, right, at the Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday, April 6, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla. The president will meet with President Donald Trump for a two-day summit at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, left, walks with Chinese president Xi Jinping at the Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday, April 6, 2017. The president will meet with President Donald Trump for a two-day summit at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Supporters of the Chinese government wait for the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Xi will meet with President Donald Trump for a summit at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. (Michael Ares /Palm Beach Post via AP)

An anti-Chinese government demonstrator, left, is involved in an altercation with a supporter of the government, right, in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday, April 6, 2017. President Donald Trump opens a high-stakes summit Thursday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the urgent threat of North Korea's nuclear ambitions and tensions over trade on the agenda for the first in-person meeting between the leaders of the world's two largest economies. (Michael Ares /Palm Beach Post via AP)

The table is set and ready for a dinner hosted by President Donald Trump for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday, April 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The dinner place setting for Chinese President Xi Jinping is photographed at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday, April 6, 2017, ahead of a dinner hosted by President Donald Trump . (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland has become the first state to enact legislation to mitigate any federal cuts to Planned Parenthood.

The measure was enacted Thursday after Gov. Larry Hogan decided not to veto the bill. Like 14 other bills, it went into effect after a midnight deadline without the Republican governor's signature. The Democrat-led General Assembly passed the bill with enough votes to override a veto.

Supporters say it will help protect access to preventative care services for nearly 25,000 Planned Parenthood patients at nine health centers in the state, if the federal governments cuts funding. The measure, which takes effect July 1, would direct $2 million from Maryland's Medicaid budget and $700,000 for the state's general fund to family-planning services.

Karen Nelson, president of Planned Parenthood of Maryland, said the Maryland General Assembly "has done what is necessary to protect our patients who turn to Planned Parenthood for their health care."

"In today's political environment, Planned Parenthood is grateful for the support of our state legislature," Nelson said. "As Marylanders, we must remember that a state solution does not change the fact that politicians in Congress are trying to prohibit millions of people from accessing care at Planned Parenthood."

Despite the Republican failure last month to repeal Barack Obama's health care law, Democratic lawmakers in some states have pressed forward with efforts to protect access to birth control and preventative care in case of future federal cuts to Planned Parenthood.

In Nevada, state lawmakers and health advocates have promoted bills to allow women to access 12-month supplies of birth control and require all health insurers to cover contraceptives at no extra charge. Another Nevada proposal would provide alternative funding to help organizations like Planned Parenthood.

In Oregon, lawmakers have been considering a bill to require health insurers to cover a full range of services, drugs and products related to reproductive health, including contraceptives, with no co-pay or deductible.

Opponents to the legislation in Maryland expressed concern about whether the state would be subsidizing abortion. Planned Parenthood is the No. 1 abortion provider in the U.S. but also offers extensive birth control and health-screening services.

Supporters of the new Maryland law noted federal law prohibits using the money to pay for abortions. Supporters said the measure was about ensuring basic health care, including birth control and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Nobel economics laureate Joseph Stiglitz criticized Puerto Rico's new fiscal plan on Thursday, saying that its "draconian" austerity measures are the worst he has ever seen and could plunge the U.S. territory into an even deeper depression.

The former chief economist and senior vice president of the World Bank spoke to a gathering of more than 1,000 people in San Juan.

Stiglitz said the 10-year fiscal plan approved last month by a federal control board created by U.S. Congress is based on the wrong principles and erroneously puts creditors first.

"The policies that have been put forward I believe will in fact lead to another lost decade for Puerto Rico," he said. "It will cause enormous amounts of distress."

Puerto Rico is preparing to implement austerity measures that include cutting millions of dollars in government spending and to restructure some $70 billion in public debt. On Thursday, Gov. Ricardo Rossello announced he had reached a tentative deal with bondholders to restructure $9 billion of the debt held by the island's public power company, a significant step in helping turn around a decade-long economic crisis.

The deal replaces one the previous administration reached with bondholders after nearly three years of negotiations. While the board has not yet approved the new deal, government officials call it a success.

"The transaction represents the first step in the comprehensive restructuring of Puerto Rico's debt," said Gerardo Portela, executive director of the island's Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority.

The deal in part will help reduce Puerto Rico's average household power bill by $90 a year over the next five years. A bondholders' group said the overall agreement represented a fair solution for everyone and would help Puerto Rico regain access to capital markets.

Stiglitz said accessing new revenue is essential if the island wants to grow its economy, which he said should be a priority. He criticized the board for trying to squeeze money out of Puerto Rico's government when it didn't have any and without concern for how the island's 3.4 million people would be affected.

"What has been proposed for Puerto Rico is actually draconian for Greece," he said of austerity measures imposed during the south European country's economic crisis. "I've never seen a proposal as draconian as the one proposed here."

The board has in part sought $450 million in cuts at Puerto Rico's largest public university and has warned the government may need to cut by 10 percent a public pension system that is already running out of money and furlough tens of thousands of its workers. In Greece, the government has implemented higher taxes and cut pensions to the point where nearly half of pensioners' monthly income fell below the official poverty line.

Stiglitz suggested that Puerto Rico generate new revenue by following what Argentina did, such as issuing bonds linked to the GDP. That way, creditors get nothing if the economy shrinks but gets a portion of revenue if it grows, he said.

He also said mediation rather than bankruptcy would benefit Puerto Rico, where roughly 30 percent of public debt is estimated to be held by hedge funds.

Stiglitz warned that there are still "huge uncertainties" despite the plan, such as possibly underestimating the economic downturn.

"There will be international scrutiny, and especially if things don't go well," he said. "People don't pay attention to things until it's a little too late."

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Danica Coto on Twitter: www.twitter.com/danicacoto
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Elderly mother and brother of murder victim say death threat will not silence them

The family of Glen Quinn said they have been threatened up to 12 times since his murder in Carrickfergus in January 2020.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Latest on planned impeachment hearings against Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (all times local):

4:55 p.m.

Lawyers for Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley say he did nothing wrong and argued the unproven ethics accusations against him do not merit impeachment.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley exits out of the back of the RSA Union Building in Montgomery, Ala., Wednesday, April 5, 2017. The Alabama Ethics Commission on Wednesday began weighing whether Bentley might have broken the law in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for the past year. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Bentley Legal Adviser David Byrne argued Thursday there was important context and explanations for the findings of the Alabama Ethics Commission.

For example, Byrne said Bentley loaned money to his campaign so he could pay legal bills. Bentley is accused of improperly accepting a loan when he was not a candidate.

The legal team for the embattled Republican held a press conference Thursday, a day after the Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause that he broke state ethics and campaign finance law.

Bentley lawyer Ross Garber said the accusations "are not the kinds of things that result in impeachment of a governor."

The House Judiciary Committee has scheduled hearings next week on impeachment articles filed against Bentley.

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4:10 p.m.

Alabama lawmakers have announced a schedule for impeachment hearings against Gov. Robert Bentley.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Jones told lawmakers that it was "time to put this in front of us."

The committee, after hearing arguments and testimony, will make a recommendation to the full House of Representatives over whether Bentley committed any impeachable offenses.

The hearings will begin Monday and last through the week. Under the announced schedule, the committee would vote on April 14.

The announcement came a day after the Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause that Bentley violated state ethics and campaign finance law.

Bentley has maintained he has done nothing illegal or to merit his removal from office.

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3:15 p.m.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says he has no intentions to resign his office.

Bentley made the statement Thursday after the Republican leader of the Alabama Senate said he should consider stepping down.

The governor says he is "looking forward to continuing to work on important issues facing the state."

The state Ethics Commission on Wednesday found probable cause that Bentley broke state ethics and campaign finance laws. The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to begin impeachment hearings next week. The committee will eventually recommend on whether Bentley should be impeached.

The 74-year-old Republican governor has struggled to shake off a scandal after recordings surfaced last year of him making suggestive remarks to a female aide before his divorce.

Bentley has admitted making personal mistakes but denied doing anything illegal or that would merit his removal from office.

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1:30 p.m.

The Republican leader of the Alabama Senate says Gov. Robert Bentley should consider resigning, saying he is putting the state "under a cloud."

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh made the blunt comments Thursday, a day after the state Ethics Commission found probable cause that Bentley broke state ethics and campaign finance laws.

Marsh says the governor is unable to lead on important issues in the state such as education and prison legislation. Marsh says he hopes the governor "will do what is right."

The 74-year-old Republican governor has struggled to shake off a scandal after recordings surfaced last year of him making suggestive remarks to a female aide before his divorce.

Bentley has admitted making personal mistakes but denied doing anything illegal or that would merit his removal from office.

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to begin impeachment hearings next week. The committee will eventually recommend on whether Bentley should be impeached.

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3:20 a.m.

A state ethics panel has ruled that there is probable cause Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley violated state ethics and campaign finance law in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for more than a year.

The Alabama Ethics Commission voted Wednesday to refer the matter to the district attorney's office for possible prosecution.

The 74-year-old governor has struggled to shake off a scandal after recordings surfaced last year of him making suggestive remarks to a female aide before his divorce.

Bentley has admitted making personal mistakes but denied doing anything illegal or that would merit his removal from office.

The commission found probable cause that Bentley misused state resources and improperly accepting a campaign contribution and loan outside allowed fundraising windows.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley exits out of the back of the RSA Union Building in Montgomery, Ala., Wednesday, April 5, 2017. The Alabama Ethics Commission on Wednesday began weighing whether Bentley might have broken the law in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for the past year. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

FILE - In this Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, file photo, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley speaks during the annual State of the State address at the Capitol, in Montgomery, Ala. The Alabama Ethics Commission could weigh in soon on whether there's reason to believe Bentley broke state law in a scandal that has engulfed him for a year. The commission is expected to go behind closed doors Wednesday, April 5 to consider the matter. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

The Alabama Ethics Commission meets in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday April 5, 2017. The commission went into executive session to discuss the complaint against Gov.Robert Bentley. The 74-year-old governor admitted personal mistakes after recorded phone calls surfaced of him making sexually charged remarks to a female aide. However, he maintains he did nothing illegal. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Bill Athanas, left, an attorney for Governor Robert Bentley, arrives at a meeting of the Alabama Ethics Commission in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday April 5, 2017. The commission went into executive session to discuss the complaint against Bentley. The 74-year-old governor admitted personal mistakes after recorded phone calls surfaced of him making sexually charged remarks to a female aide. However, he maintains he did nothing illegal. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Jerry Fielding, chairman of the Alabama Ethics Commission, speaks during a meeting of the commission in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday April 5, 2017. The commission went into executive session to discuss the complaint against Gov.Robert Bentley. The 74-year-old governor admitted personal mistakes after recorded phone calls surfaced of him making sexually charged remarks to a female aide. However, he maintains he did nothing illegal. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - Three European citizens and an Ecuadorean are still unaccounted for following a deadly flood in southern Colombia that has killed at least 306 people.

Colombia's foreign ministry said Thursday the missing include citizens of Germany, Britain and Spain. It did not provide any names of the missing, but said a fifth foreigner from Ecuador is among the dead. The body of Veronica Yandun, 20, was repatriated Thursday to her homeland. Still missing is her 9-month-old son, who was living in Mocoa along with his mother and father's Colombian family.

Hopes of finding victims alive diminished by the hour and authorities were expected to suspend their search on Friday to focus on removing debris and beginning the long process of rebuilding. The government's plans initially call for the reconstruction of at least 200 homes. More than 3,000 people left homeless by the tragedy are receiving help in seven temporary shelters.

Another major concern is the possible outbreak of diseases. Authorities were vaccinating residents in the town of 42,000 against typhoid and other diseases.

Vatican envoy Ettore Balestrero held a Mass Thursday in Mocoa's cathedral in which he delivered a message of condolences from Pope Francis and held a minute of silence for the victims.
The car refused to stop after a warning so the police shot its tires.

Police in the northern province of Hoa Binh on Wednesday seized 118 pangolins smuggled in a car during a long chase that ended with the police shooting two of the cars tires.

Officers were chasing after the car for dozens of kilometers after it had refused to stop for a check on Wednesday night, the police said in a statement.

The car subsequently crashed into a motorbike and a parked car, causing slight damage to both vehicles.

The police said they decided to shoot one of the cars tires after the driver did not stop at a warning shot. He only stopped after two tires of the car were shot flat.

Two men then got out of the car to run away. Police have arrested the driver and are still looking for the other.

A total of 118 pangolins, weighing more than 550 kilograms, were found tied in bags. Five of them were already dead.

Vietnam is home to Javan and Chinese pangolin species, both of which are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as critically endangered, and their populations have fallen rapidly in recent years.

The defenseless anteaters are the biggest victim of wildlife trafficking as their meat is considered a delicacy by some while their scales are used to make boots and shoes. Many also believe that the scales can be used as an effective treat for conditions such as psoriasis and poor circulation in traditional Chinese medicine, despite the lack of scientific evidence.

Education for Nature-Vietnam, one of Vietnams few locally based conservation groups, said that the country is a transit point for pangolin trafficking networks.

Hanoi customs on Tuesday found two shipments full of pangolin scales sent to Noi Bai Airport from Ghana. In early March, a shipment from Cameroon to Noi Bai was also found to contain 375 kilograms of pangolin scales.

AFP said in a recent report that around one million pangolins have been poached from Asian and African forests over the past decade, putting them on the list of species at the highest risk of extinction.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The U.N. peacekeeping chief is calling the security situation in Mali "alarming," warning that extremist groups operating under the al-Qaida banner are carrying out more sophisticated attacks and Islamic State militants are slowly making inroads.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council Thursday that "this convergence of threats is particularly alarming" because the government presence is often weak or non-existent.

He said the situation is exacerbated by groups defying state authority in the country's center that are killing individuals and closing certain schools, and by criminal networks that are operating very actively in the region.

A 2012 uprising led to the overthrow of Mali's president which created a power vacuum. This led to an Islamic insurgency and a French-led war that ousted the jihadists in 2013, but attacks have continued.
The Mayor of Seattle has been accused of repeatedly raping teenage boys who were addicted to crack cocaine and paying them $10 a time.

Ed Murray, 61, reportedly 'raped and molested' a 15-year-old boy for up to five years after they met on a city bus in 1986, according to a lawsuit filed on Thursday.

In interviews with The Seattle Times, two other men claimed he abused them and paid them for sex when they were teenagers in the 1980s.

The mayor branded the claims 'categorically false', adding that it was no coincidence that the allegations came 'within weeks of the campaign filing deadline'.

Murray was elected mayor in 2013 after a long career in the Legislature, where he led efforts to legalize gay marriage in the state. As mayor he pushed to increase the city's minimum wage to $15 an hour and address the homelessness crisis in Seattle.

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The Mayor of Seattle Ed Murray has been accused of repeatedly raping teenage boys who were addicted to crack cocaine and paying them $10 a time

Murray's address in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle is seen above

A 46-year-old man, identified by the initials D.H, said Murray 'raped and molested him' over several years, according to the lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court.

He claimed the abuse began when he was 15 and addicted to crack cocaine, and Murray was in his early 30s.

'I have been dealing with this for over 30 years,' the man, now sober for a year, told the Times.

He said he was coming forward as part of a 'healing process' after years of 'the shame, the embarrassment, the guilt, the humiliation that I put myself through and that he put me through.'

The man also said his father's recent death freed him of a desire to keep the abuse secret.

His attorneys wrote in the complaint that their client's actions were not politically motivated, KIRO7 reported.

They said that D.H 'believes that the public has a right to full information when a trusted official exploits a child' .

The newspaper also reported that two other men said they knew Murray when they lived in a Portland, Oregon, center for troubled children.

Jeff Simpson and Lloyd Anderson accused Murray of abusing them in the 1980s and paying them for sex and said they'd be willing to testify about it, the Times said.

In interviews with The Seattle Times, two other men claimed he abused them and paid them for sex when they were teenagers in the 1980s. Above, Murray attends a dinner reception for Chinese President Xi Jinping in Seattle, Washington, U.S. on September 22, 2015

Simpson, 49, said Murray - who he had thought of as a father - raped him over several years, starting at age 13, and in later years, paid him.

'I would really like for him to admit it and to take responsibility,' Simpson told two Times reporters who visited him in Portland.

'I don't necessarily think that he destroyed my life but I believe a lot of the problems I have stemmed from this.'

Simpson tried to bring a lawsuit against Murray in 2007, with Anderson's support, but his lawyer withdrew from the case.

In 2008, Simpson started calling media organizations and lawmakers in Olympia, saying Murray, then a state senator, was a pedophile who had sexually abused him.

When the alleged abuse began, one of them reportedly talked with a social worker and detective.

Simpson and Anderson raised the allegations a decade ago in calls to reporters and Washington state lawmakers, and they repeated them in recent interviews with the Times.

No charges were filed and an entry in an old Multnomah County district attorney's database indicates the office considered but rejected a felony third-degree sodomy case in May 1984.

A 46-year-old man, identified by the initials D.H, said Murray 'raped and molested him' over several years, according to the lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court (pictured). Two other men, Jeff Simpson and Lloyd Anderson accused Murray of abusing them in the 1980s

Any other police and child welfare records would have been destroyed by now, officials said.

Murray's personal spokesman Jeff Reading said: 'These false accusations are intended to damage a prominent elected official who has been a defender of vulnerable populations for decades.

'It is not a coincidence that this shakedown effort comes within weeks of the campaign filing deadline. These unsubstantiated assertions, dating back three decades, are categorically false.'

Reading's statement acknowledged the historic allegations.

'The two older accusations were promoted by extreme right-wing anti-gay activists in the midst of the marriage equality campaign, and were thoroughly investigated and dismissed by both law enforcement authorities and the media,' the statement said.

Before his political career, Murray - one of seven children in an Irish Catholic family - considered the priesthood. He spent a year at a seminary in 1976 before studying sociology at the University of Portland, a private Catholic institution, according to news profiles.

Having sex with a child under 16 - the age of legal consent in Washington in 1986 and today - constitutes rape of a child under state law. The statute of limitations on any crime would have expired long ago.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and says D.H. has not previously made any financial demands of Murray.
Theresa May has said the Conservatives are the only party capable of standing up for ordinary working people as she accused Labour of abandoning the political centre ground to pursue its ideological obsessions.

Launching the Tory campaign for the May local elections, the Prime Minister denounced Labour for betraying the Jewish community by letting Ken Livingstone off the hook over allegations of anti-Semitism.

Speaking in Calverton village hall in Nottinghamshire, she said the Conservatives were now the one party in the UK which had put itself unashamedly at the service of ordinary, working people.

As we leave the EU, our Conservative government will act to protect and indeed to enhance workers rights, and guarantee that in a modern, flexible economy people are properly protected at work, she said.

These are the priorities of the British people, and they are the priorities of our party. Dont let anyone tell you that Conservatives dont care about working people. We are the party of people who work hard and play by the rules.

And for that reason, we must and will ensure that hard work is decently rewarded, and that the rules are properly adhered to by everyone, without fear or favour.

Theresa May makes a speech

She said the decision that Mr Livingstone could remain a member of the Labour Party after claiming Hitler had supported Zionism showed the extent to which it had moved away from the centre ground of British politics.

In fact, when you look at it closely, these local elections present a clear and informative choice: The competence of a strong Conservative council, focused on the priorities of local people, keeping local taxes down and delivering high quality local services.

Or the chaos and disarray of the rest, political parties motivated not by what is best for local areas, but what best for their own partisan political interest, and without a plan for our country or our local communities, just a recipe for chaos and failure.

It could not be clearer that the Labour Party is now a long way away from the common, centre ground of British politics today.

Mrs May arrives for her speech

Labours shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said she was shocked at the leniency of the sanction handed to the former London mayor.

She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The Jewish community are really upset, and quite rightly so.

We all know the history behind what happened with the Holocaust, and Ive been to Auschwitz a couple of times, and, quite frankly, it sickens me that the upset and the trauma that has been caused, thats been felt by the Jewish community, hasnt been recognised, actually, by Ken Livingstone and his remarks.

A backlash against the decision to give Mr Livingstone a further year-long suspension, rather than expulsion, saw leader Jeremy Corbyn announce a new probe by the partys National Executive Committee into the ex-mayors behaviour since the ruling was made.

A defiant Mr Livingstone insisted he had simply been telling the truth and warned he would take legal action against the party if it tried to exclude him.

He told LBC: If then there is another hearing, it does expel me, it will go for judicial review and it will be resolved in a court which is open to the press and public unlike these Labour disciplinary things which take place in private.
Sam Allardyce believes Arsene Wenger should feel no obligation to tell Arsenal supporters what his future holds.

Allardyces Crystal Palace welcome the Gunners to Selhurst Park on Monday amid growing tension between the Arsenal boss and supporters following another unsuccessful Premier League title challenge.

A section of Arsenal fans staged another protest in their 3-0 victory over West Ham on Wednesday as they stayed away from their Emirates Stadium seats until the 13th minute  13 signifying the number of years since they last won the league.

Sam Allardyce and Arsene Wenger (Stephen Pond/Empics)

SA: I thought 2 weeks ago the bottom 7 of us would fight it out between us, it's changed dramatically since. Chopping & changing.#CPFC  pic.twitter.com/J06g9f8e2p  Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 6, 2017

Former England boss Allardyce is not surprised by the recent climate at Arsenal, where Wenger is due to reach the end of his contract this summer.

Asked if Wenger should be making his plans for next season known, Allardyce said: Not really, thats a conversation that the club has, not Arsene himself. The whole club decides if youre going to make an announcement or not, not just the manager.

On the protests against the Frenchman, Allardyce said: Its the normtoday. Its what you have to accept across the board as a manager, that there will be criticism thrown your way at some stage if people think youre not achieving what you should achieve.

Weve all had it but were tough enough to deal with it. Hes been an outstanding manager in this league for 20-odd years so Im sure he will be fighting with his players to put things right. And they had a very good victory last night, 3-0, which showed they bounced back and as always it will be a hugely tough game for us because of the quality of their players.

SA: It's not "arguably" we've got the hardest run-in, we *have* got the hardest run-in.#CPFC  pic.twitter.com/JbIsP68oNL  Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 6, 2017

With fixtures ahead against Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United, Allardyces side face the toughest schedule of any of the teams fighting for Premier League survival. Palace saw their four-game winning streak come to an end as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at Southampton on Wednesday.

Injuries have depleted the Eagles squad in recent weeks, with midfielder Yohan Cabaye the latest player to join the extensive casualty list due to a calf injury sustained at St Marys.

Many favour Palace to avoid the drop despite those problems, and Allardyce suspects he knows why, having previously worked his magic with Bolton and Sunderland.

Pointing to the possible reason, he said: Maybe the past experience that Ive had in saving teams in this position and the quality of players weve seen over the last four games hitting their potential in terms of their performance. But it is a tough run-in and its going to go down right to the wire I think.
The Prince of Wales has spoken movingly about the role his grandmother played in saving the lives of a Jewish family as he met Holocaust survivors in Austria.

During the Second World War, Princess Alice, the Duke of Edinburgh's mother and Charles's grandmother, sheltered a number of Jewish people when Greece was occupied.

Alice  who is buried in Israel  was recognised by Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial as a Righteous Among the Nations, and was posthumously awarded the British Government's Hero of the Holocaust medal.

But the last day of Charles and Camilla's European tour has been overshadowed by claims the Prince's use of the official Government plane for his trip forced the Prime Minister to take a costly charter flight for a Middle East visit this week.

Clarence House has defended the use of the plane, stressing that the heir to the throne's nine-day tour was booked in advance of Theresa May's trip.

Prince Charles, right, paid tribute to his grandmother for saving the lives of a Jewish family during the Second World War. He is pictured meeting Holocaust survivors while on a trip to Austria

During the Second World War, Princess Alice (pictured with son Prince Philip as a young boy), Charles's grandmother, sheltered a number of Jewish people when Greece was occupied

Speaking about his grandmother, the Prince told the group: 'My father's mother took in a Jewish family during the war and hid them  she was amazing, my grandmother.

'She took them in during the Nazi occupation. She never told anybody, she didn't tell her family for many years.

'She's buried in Jerusalem. In September last year I went to the funeral of President (Shimon) Peres and finally got to see her grave.'

Charles and Camilla spent the final day of the tour in Vienna and met British and Austrian survivors of Nazi persecution when they toured the city's Jewish Museum.

The royal couple sat down with a group of very elderly men and women who shared their harrowing stories with them.

Prince Charles paid tribute to his 'amazing' grandmother, pictured with Prince Philip, and said she kept her good deeds a secret for many years

Princess Alice is pictured far left at the wedding of Prince George, later King George V, and Princess Mary in 1893

Holocaust survivor Gerda Frei, 80, said: 'It is wonderful that the Prince and Duchess came here.

'The Prince was very well informed about the holocaust and it is very important that they came here,' she said after chatting to Charles at the Jewish Museum in Vienna.

Mrs Frei escaped Vienna with her mother and father to Hungary in 1938 and the group were hidden from the Nazis by a family in Budapest.

Later, Camilla was treated to a special performance by Vienna's celebrated Spanish Riding School.

The duchess, a keen fan of equestrian sports, was shown around by Elisabeth Gurtler, the school's director, and toured the stables before watching a special performance in her honour in the Winter Riding School.

The horses and riders put on a display of classical riding which left Camilla praising the performance.
A father has lost a landmark legal battle after taking his daughter out of school for a term-time holiday to Disney World, in a Supreme Court ruling that will have an impact on families across the country.

What does todays ruling mean?

(PA)

The ruling clarifies that any parent whose child misses any time off school without permission could be fined, or even face prosecution.

Currently, many schools do take a tough line with parents who take children out of school without approval, particularly for something like a family holiday.

Totally support #JonPlatt. Todays ruling is not just a blow to Jon, it's a blow to most parents.  Sandeep (@SandeepCavill) April 6, 2017

Parents across the country have been watching this case closely, and last years High Court ruling in favour of Jon Platt, led to a surge in term-time holiday bookings. This was because the High Court declared Mr Platt was not acting unlawfully because his daughter had a good overall attendance record of over 90%.

Does this mean I cant take my child on holiday during school time?

A sandy beach

The ruling may mean that some parents think twice about taking children out of school, for example for a family break, because they are now even more likely to be handed a financial penalty.

Others may still decide that it is worth paying a 60 fine in order to take advantage of cheaper holiday prices.

Why is this case so important?

A harbour scene

Five Supreme Court judges were being asked to consider whether or not Mr Platt committed an offence by failing to ensure his daughter attended school regularly, as required by section 444(1) of the 1996 Education Act.

Todays judgment clarifies what regular attendance at school means. The panel of Supreme Court judges have decided that Parliaments intention was that the word regularly means in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school.

This effectively means parents should not take their child out of lessons at any point without the headteachers approval.

The judges pointed out there are statutory exceptions to that rule, which include religious holidays and sickness.

So who decides what the rules are on children missing school?

Buckets and spades

Its actually down to schools to set the rules on regular attendance.

Most schools do have strict rules about absence, especially since the Government has issued guidance saying that pupils should not miss any lessons.

Giving the decision this morning, Lady Hale emphasised that this case was not about what the rules should be or how much discretion the headteacher should have to authorise absence.

What is the Governments position on this?

Jon Platt

The Isle of Wight council has been backed by the Government in its case against Mr Platt.

In the autumn of 2013, there was a major crackdown on absence, including term-time holidays.

New rules said headteachers could only grant leave in exceptional circumstances. Previously, school leaders were able to approve leave of up to 10 days for special circumstances.

Fines for unauthorised absence were raised in 2013, with parents now incurring a penalty of 60, rising to 120 if it is not paid within 21 days. Anyone who fails to pay within 28 days can face prosecution.
Antoine Griezmann admits the continued speculation surrounding his future is becoming quite tiring as he stressed he sees himself remaining at Atletico Madrid next season.

The 26-year-old Frenchman has long been linked with a summer move to Manchester United, while Chelsea have also been suggested as potential suitors for a forward who has scored 24 times for club and country this term.

Such talk has persisted throughout the campaign and, speaking at a promotional event for shampoo company Head & Shoulders in Spain, Griezmann was again asked whether he will be an Atleti player beyond this season.

Antoine Griezmann (Adam Davy/EMPICS)

Its always the same question and I now dont know what to say, he said in quotes published on AS.com. I find myself repeating myself and I certainly see myself here. I feel its an answer that Ive given so many times now but that very question is quite tiring.

United fans hoping for a sign that Griezmann would be keen on a move to Old Trafford would have been encouraged by the France internationals answer to why he wears the number seven jersey.

My idol was David Beckham and he wore the number seven shirt at United, he explained.
A 78-year-old Laura Ashley boss must give his 70-year-old ex-wife 64 million, a divorce court judge has ruled.

Former beauty queen Pauline Chai wanted around 100 million from ex-husband Khoo Kay Peng following the breakdown of their 42-year marriage.

Dr Khoo, non-executive chairman of Laura Ashley Holdings, said she should pocket about 9 million.

Mr Justice Bodey had analysed evidence at a trial in the Family Division of the High Court in London and announced his decision on Thursday.

Khoo Kay Peng (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Ms Chai, who lives in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, had said she should get half an asset kitty totalling at least 205 million.

Mr Justice Bodey ruled that she should get a 64 million package made up of cash and property.

Ms Chai and Dr Khoo  who both come from Malaysia, married in 1970 and have five children  have spent more than 6 million between them on lawyers since splitting, judges have heard.

The pair had been unable to agree on whether decisions about who got what should be made in English or Malaysian courts, and litigation was launched in both countries.

Dr Khoo, who is based in Malaysia, said the marital home was in Malaysia and a judge in that country should make decisions about the division of money. He said Ms Chai was a forum shopper and wanted to fight in England because an English judge would give her a more generous award.

Ms Chai, who was Miss Malaysia in 1969, said they had moved their home to Berkhamsted before separating and therefore decisions should be made in an English court. In December 2015, Ms Chai claimed victory in the fight over jurisdiction following a ruling by three Court of Appeal judges in London.

Mr Justice Bodeys detailed ruling on who gets what is expected to be published in the near future.
By Barbara Lewis

SANTIAGO, April 5 (Reuters) - Poland's state-run KGHM , one of the world's biggest copper producers, will stay in Chile for the long term, and is assessing its Canadian assets, its CEO said in an interview.

The company invested overseas for the first time in 2011, buying Chilean and Canadian copper deposits through its purchase of Quadra FNX, for around $2 billion. It was the largest ever foreign acquisition by a Polish company.

A plunge in copper prices in 2015 and early 2016 drove KGHM to a record loss last year, much of it linked to its Chilean copper mine Sierra Gorda.

"We want to be here. Our engagement in Chile is long term," CEO Radoslaw Domagalski-Labedzki told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the CRU World Copper Conference in Santiago. "Now we see real progress."

KGHM's Canadian assets include projects in Ajax, British Columbia, and Victoria, Ontario.

Domagalski-Labedzki said that now the copper market has recovered, all options were open as KGHM continued evaluating its international assets.

The company is still waiting for an environment permit for Ajax, which has faced protests.

"I really hope in 2017 we can finally get the permit, then we can see what's the condition of the market. It's a matter of economics," he said.

He was more enthusiastic about the Victoria project.

"It's a very attractive asset. It's possible to explore both copper and nickel and this is a deep mine so we have a lot of expertise," he said.

At Sierra Gorda in Chile, the company announced in March it had suspended a second phase of development.

Domagalski-Labedzki said his focus was on optimising the first phase and increasing daily processing capacity to 140,000 tonnes of ore from 110,000 tonnes per day now. He said the timetable depended on further analysis.

The company has yet to decide on a dividend, which he said was a matter for the board in May.

"KGHM is a dividend company and we would like to continue our dividend policy, so I hope it's going to be possible, but we need to analyse very carefully because we had a very tough time in 2016," he said.

That the company survived was in part because of its original Polish assets, which Domagalski-Labedzki said were a steady anchor, with stable annual production of refined copper products of 420,000-425,000 tonnes for "the years to come".

"We survived because we had our Polish assets, but in the long perspective, we see the chance to get a payback from Sierra Gorda as well," he said.

($1 = 1.3429 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Barbara Lewis; Editing by David Gregorio)
By Lin Taylor

LONDON, April 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Britain has become one of the first countries to require large firms to report pay discrepancies between male and female employees under a law that came into effect on Thursday - as part of a push to promote gender equality in the workplace.

The pay gap between British men and women is at a record low, the government said, with women earning 18 percent less than men in the UK in 2016.

Closing Britain's pay gap could add 150 billion pounds ($187 billion) to the country's annual gross domestic product by 2025, according to consulting firm McKinsey Global Institute.

The new regulations will cover companies with at least 250 workers - which equates to more than 15 million employees or almost half of Britain's workforce, the government said.

Employers must also reveal pay gaps in bonus payments and publish the proportion of male and female staff across each salary bracket, among other requirements.

"We have more women in work, more women-led businesses than ever before and the highest proportion of women on the boards of our biggest companies," said Minister for Women and Equalities Justine Greening in a statement.

"This has helped us to narrow the gender pay gap to a record 18.1 percent - but we want to eliminate it completely."

Other countries to introduce mandatory gender pay gap reporting include Australia, which passed similar legislation in 2012, and Germany, where a forthcoming law will affect companies that have more than 500 employees.

The government said the new law was part of a longer term scheme to support women in the workplace, including investing five million pounds ($6.2 million) to help parents return to work, providing 30 hours of free childcare, and introducing shared parental leave.

Women's rights group Fawcett Society said they "strongly welcome" the gender pay gap reporting legislation.

"Employers should see it as an opportunity not a threat. Through gender pay gap reporting they can address the productivity gap and get the best person for the job at the right level," Sam Smethers, chief executive of Fawcett Society said in a statement.

A parliamentary committee in February said Britain will fail to close the pay gap within a generation as promised without more flexible working, paternal leave, and encouraging women aged over 40 back to work.

On Wednesday, parliament's Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee said that companies should publish pay ratios annually, give workers a seat on the committee that sets pay and have women make up half of all new senior and executive level appointments from 2020. ($1 = 0.8033 pounds)

(Reporting by Lin Taylor @linnytayls, Editing by Katie Nguyen. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters that covers humanitarian issues, conflicts, global land and property rights, modern slavery and human trafficking, women's rights, climate change and resilience. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories)
Formosa steel factory is seen in Vietnam's central Ha Tinh province March 31, 2017. Photo taken on March 31, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Stringer

The man has allegedly spread 'false messages' and incited violence.

Police in the central province of Ha Tinh have arrested a young man who allegedly worked with unidentified foreign organizations to produce social media content on what they call "sensitive" events in central Vietnam to incite social unrest.

Nguyen Van Hoa, 22, will be detained for three months pending further criminal investigation into charges of "abusing democratic freedom to infringe upon the interests of the State and the legitimate interests of organizations and citizens," Vietnam's government portal said Thursday.

According to the local police, Hoa signed a $1,500 contract with foreign radios and websites to produce 16 videos per month. The police did not identify those radios and websites.

Of those "sensitive" events, last October, Hoa allegedly participated in a protest outside the premises of Taiwanese Formosa Steel Plant in Ha Tinh, which is responsible for a massive fish die-off in April 2016, Vietnam's worst environmental disaster to date. He then shared a video of the incident on social media, "complicating security and order in the area," the police said.

"Hoa is a high-tech criminal who used many tricks to hinder the investigation," Ha Tinh police said in a statement.

Vietnam's government portal said Hoa had already admitted to inciting protests, causing unrest as well as distorting facts and smearing the Communist Party and the Vietnamese government.

Under Vietnam's Penal Code, Hoa is facing charges of anti-state propaganda, which is punishable by three to 12 years in prison.
By Julia Payne

LONDON, April 6 (Reuters) - The jury is still out on whether OPEC can rein in a global oil glut but top commodity traders are betting it can by selling stakes in storage tank businesses that profited from oversupply.

Since January, Glencore, Vitol and Gunvor have completed or have been seeking to sell parts of their holdings in storage firms.

Vitol's deal was agreed in October, before the Nov. 30 announcement by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries that it would cut output from Jan. 1. Vitol's deal was completed in January, and others have lined up sales since.

"The traders picked the right time to sell," Jean-Francois Lambert of Lambert Commodities consultancy said, adding an oil price recovery and prospects for a more balanced market were partly behind the timing, alongside factors such as freeing up cash to trade.

"If you have an opportunity to sell assets to lighten your balance sheet without losing control then you do it," he said.

The five top traders, who also include Mercuria and Trafigura, expect OPEC to extend output cuts into the second half of 2017, which would help draw down global inventories.

When inventories are plentiful, the oil price for future delivery tends to be above the price for prompt delivery, a state known as contango, when it pays to be in the storage business, taking fees and selling stored oil forward at a profit. This has been the situation since mid-2014.

At times, the prompt price was more than $1 less than a barrel for delivery a month later. With an abundance of crude supplies, trading houses could book easy profits by buying crude and storing it after selling it forward. <LCOc1-LCOc2>

"Contango is a very basic play. It's lazy," Trafigura's co-head of risk Ben Luckock said, speaking during a commodities conference. "But I think you've seen contango has come out of the market."

As stockpiles draw down, the oil price for prompt delivery tends to trade above future prices, a condition known as backwardation. At this point, oil cannot be sold forward at a quick profit and the storage business loses its lustre.

Till now, there have been few clear signs that OPEC and non-OPEC cuts of 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) were working, with global stockpiles stubbornly high, according to U.S. data and International Energy Agency (IEA) figures.

MARKET MOMENTUM

But some analysts are starting to see a shift.

"Examining less visible - but still reported - inventories shows about a 72 million barrel of total oil draws globally since end-January. We expect this to gain momentum," Morgan Stanley said in a research note last week.

Oil trader Pierre Andurand of Andurand Capital Management, speaking to CNBC last week, went further, saying he expected "sustainable backwardation" by late summer.

The oil futures market was in backwardation, almost continuously, from early 2011 to mid-2014. Then it switched into contango as Brent crude tumbled from more than $100 a barrel. By the start of 2016, it had fallen below $30.

Capitalising on this market price structure, in mid-2015, Vitol bought its partner's 50 percent stake in infrastructure and storage firm VTTI for $830 million. Then in October 2016, it agreed to sell 50 percent to Buckeye Partners for $1.15 billion, completing that deal in January.

The oil futures market has yet to slip into backwardation since OPEC began its cuts. But it came close in February when the price for the front-month Brent was $56.66 a barrel, settled at 16 cents less than the contract for delivery seven months later. <LCOc1-LCOc7>

The spread has since widened again to about 80 cents between the front-month contract and seven-month Brent. That could change if, as some OPEC officials suggest, cuts by the group and its non-OPEC partners are extended beyond June and prices climb.

If it does, Glencore's sale of a 51 percent stake in its global oil products storage business for $775 million to Chinese conglomerate HNA last week would look prescient.

Gunvor, meanwhile, is selling a share in a Rotterdam storage facility, while Trafigura is working on its IPO in privately owned Puma Energy, a venture with Angola's state-run Sonangol Holdings LDA and investment company Cochan Holdings.

But not everyone is convinced a return to backwardation will be sustained, as U.S. shale oil producers have ramped up output, filling some of the gap left by OPEC and its partners.

"While over the next couple of months backwardation may temporarily come back ... we see a strong comeback of U.S. shale supplies joining in on many long-planned supply additions in the Atlantic Basin," David Wech of JBC Energy consultancy said. (Editing by Edmund Blair)
SOFIA, April 6 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

-- The justice ministry withdrew the proposed amendments in the citizen law which would have banned the right of Bulgarians abroad to vote in elections. (Trud, 24 Chasa, Duma, Sega , Standart, Capital daily)

24 CHASA - Centre-right GERB party, which is holding talks with nationalist alliance United Patriots, is looking for options to increase state pensions, but will not agree to double its minimum amount as requested by the nationalists, sources familiar with the talks said.

CAPITAL DAILY - Bulgaria's thermal power plants that work on local coal rich in sulphur will not be obliged to upgrade their desulphurisation facilities further to meet new, higher pollution curbs, the European Commission has said.
By Manuel Mogato

MANILA, April 6 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday ordered troops to occupy uninhabited islands and shoals it claims in the disputed South China Sea, asserting Philippine sovereignty in an apparent change of tack likely to anger China.

The firebrand leader, who on the campaign trail joked that he would jet ski to a Chinese man-made island in the South China Sea to reinforce Manila's claim, also said he may visit a Philippine-controlled island to raise the national flag.

"The unoccupied, which are ours, let's live on it," Duterte told reporters during a visit to a military base in Palawan, near the disputed waters.

"It looks like everyone is making a grab for the islands there. So we better live on those that are still unoccupied. What's ours now, we claim it and make a strong point from there."

Duterte's plan is unlikely to sit well with China, which lays claim to almost all the South China Sea, especially as it comes amid a fast-warming relationship in recent months.

China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Vietnam contest all or parts of the South China Sea. This has led to confrontations between China and some of its neighbors over the strategic trade route.

Duterte's comments came just ahead of a first summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida on Thursday and Friday. China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea will be among the pressing security issues on the agenda.

The U.S. State Department declined comment on Duterte's remarks, but has in the past urged rival South China Sea claimants to lower tensions and resolve differences in accordance with international law.

Duterte announced his "separation" from the United States in October, declaring he had realigned with China as the two agreed to resolve their South China Sea dispute through talks.

His efforts to engage China, months after a tribunal in the Hague ruled Beijing did not have historic rights to the South China Sea, in themselves marked a reversal in foreign policy.

The Philippines occupies nine "features", or islands and reefs, in the South China Sea, including a World War II-vintage transport ship which ran aground on Second Thomas Shoal in the late 1990s.

Asia expert Bonnie Glaser at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said Duterte's remarks looked like "bluster" comparable to his jet-ski remarks. "Vintage Duterte. All bark, no bite," she wrote on Twitter.

"Duterte seems to be under greater domestic pressure and criticism on maritime issues," she added to Reuters. "Im inclined to believe that his latest comment is driven ... by domestic politics."

Duterte said he might visit the island of Thitu, the largest of the Philippine-controlled islands in the Spratly archipelago, and build a barracks for servicemen operating in the area.

The Philippines marks its independence day on June 12.

Thitu is close to Subi Reef, one of seven man-made islands in the Spratlys that China is accused of developing as military outposts.

Last month, Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines would strengthen its facilities in the Spratlys by building a new port and paving an existing rough airstrip.

Duterte said last month it was pointless trying to challenge China's fortification of its man-made islands and ridiculed the media for taking his jet-ski comments seriously.

"We cannot stop them because they are building it with their mind fixed that they own the place. China will go to war," he said.

(Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Nick Macfie and Bernadette Baum)
ZAGREB, April 6 (Reuters) - The financial problems that have hit Croatia's largest food concern, Agrokor, will almost certainly have an impact on the country's gross domestic product, the central bank governor said on Thursday.

Agrokor, the biggest food producer and retailer in the Balkans with 60,000 employees, and its main creditors have hired foreign restructuring experts led by consultants Alvarez & Marsal to rescue it after it built up debts of about 45 billion kuna ($6.4 billion) - or six times its equity - during its expansion.

"The crisis in Agrokor will almost certainly have consequences on GDP," Boris Vujcic said in an interview for the Vecernji List daily.

"The (negative) effects could be particularly pronounced if we witness a disorderly way out of this situation. If the whole process gets well managed and coordinated, the consequences for GDP could be much milder," he said.

The consultants said on Wednesday the first task was to secure liquidity for Agrokor and that it was in talks with a potential creditor. Local media reported that a cash injection could amount to some 300 million euros ($319.4 million).

"We still don't know the details of (Agrokor's) restructuring process, so we can't calculate what exactly the effect on GDP could be," governor Vujcic said.

Croatia, the youngest member of the European Union, suffered six years of recession from 2009 to 2014 that wiped out more than 12 percent of its overall output, and has started recovering in the last two years.

The government is hoping for economic growth of 3.2 percent this year after a 2.9 percent expansion in 2016. Croatia needs to register faster growth to help raise funds worth almost 3.5 percent of GDP just to pay the interest on its public debt. ($1 = 7.0039 kuna, 0.9394 euro) (Reporting by Igor Ilic; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
MOSCOW, April 6 (Reuters) - The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it was too early to accuse the Syrian government of being responsible for a deadly poison gas attack in Idlib Province and said a proper investigation was needed, the RIA news agency reported.

The ministry also rejected U.S. assertions that the attack, which killed at least 70 people, meant a deal to rid the country of its chemical weapons stockpile had failed, saying that the process had in fact been "quite successful," RIA reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government of going "beyond a red line" with the attack on civilians and said his attitude toward Syria and Assad had changed, but gave no indication of how he would respond.

Russia has suggested it will publicly stand by Assad however and says the chemical incident was likely caused by a leak from a depot controlled by Syrian rebels. (Reporting by Alexander Winning; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
By Michael Georgy and Ahmed Rasheed

BAGHDAD, April 6 (Reuters) - Two years ago, corruption was so rampant in Iraqs wheat procurement programme that even Islamic State militants cashed in by smuggling the strategic commodity across the border from Syria with the suspected collusion of Trade Ministry officials.

The man who cracked down on that network says the ministry, which just announced new measures to fight graft and is charged with ensuring Iraq's food security, still has a long way to go before it can tackle the deep-rooted problem.

"We need to educate people, starting from children at school, about the risks of corruption and to create a society that rejects this phenomenon," Labour Minister Mohammed al-Sudani told Reuters in an interview.

Nicknamed "Mr. Clean" for his efforts to fight corruption, Sudani served as acting trade minister in 2015.

His predecessor, Trade Minister Milas Mohammed Abdul Kareem, went into hiding after Iraq issued an arrest warrant for him and his brother during an investigation into bribes, illegal benefits, and the misuse of his position.

Abdul Kareem has said the allegations were not based on solid evidence.

Abdul Kareem's bodyguards are awaiting trial on charges of killing a Trade Ministry adviser who colleagues said had been about to hand over files accusing the minister of corruption.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has promised to tackle corruption in a political system that doles out positions along ethnic and sectarian lines, creating powerful patronage networks.

Tackling the problem in the Trade Ministry will be an especially daunting task, even though it recently imposed new regulations such as staggering payments to suppliers to prevent secret deals.

Sudani, now the labour minister, said real change will come only with an overhaul of the tendering system that would eliminate shady companies that strike kickback deals with all levels of ministry employees.

"The glitch in the tender process is the dependence on obscure companies that are not specialised. Not proper companies. There are big companies who are well known. There is a dependence on middlemen," he said.

"There were director generals who were involved. Even the employee who takes samples from the ship takes bribes."

Sudani took on major corruption cases when he ran the ministry, and conditions that led to those scandals are still in place, such as government payments of high premiums to local farmers.

The Trade Ministry discovered an elaborate wheat-smuggling operation.

About 600,000 tonnes of wheat from Romania and Ukraine was brought into Iraq through Saudi Arabia and Turkey disguised as a local harvest and sold to the state at a premium.

Islamic State militants were also in on this corruption, said Sudani, confirming long-held suspicions that the group was smuggling wheat from Syria to Iraqi buyers.

The group smuggled in about 180,000 tonnes, working with Iraqi traders and storing wheat in silos in Anbar province, Babel and Abu Ghraib.

Trade Ministry officials were accused of both helping Islamic State sell the wheat and tipping off militants who attacked a silo as it was being investigated by the authorities for illegal supplies, Sudani said.

"We referred director generals for investigation and also some employees. Some were dismissed, others were fined," Sudani said.

Iraq is one of the world's biggest importers of wheat and rice. Even former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein understood any serious disruptions in supplies could create a backlash.

He started a food-rationing system as a response to United Nations economic sanctions following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

Sudani said that system had not been properly inspected since Saddam was toppled in 2003, leaving it vulnerable to widespread corruption.

Authorities have discovered numerous irregularities.

"We discovered there were 49,000 people who had died but were still registered. We also found people with birthdates in 1887 who are still registered," he said. (Editing by Maha El Dahan and Dale Hudson)
By Maher Chmaytelli

ERBIL, Iraq, April 6 (Reuters) - Iraq's Kurds plan to hold a referendum on independence this year to press their case for "the best deal" on self-determination once Islamic State is defeated, a senior Kurdish official said.

The Kurds already run their own autonomous region in northern Iraq and the official, Hoshiyar Zebari, indicated the expected 'yes' outcome in a vote wouldn't mean automatically declaring independence.

But with Kurdish forces also controlling wider territory regained from Islamic State, the referendum plan adds to questions about Iraq's unity after the militants have been ousted from Mosul.

The two main Kurdish parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), agreed at a meeting on Sunday that a referendum should be held this year, Zebari, a senior member of the KDP leadership, told Reuters.

"The idea of a referendum has been re-energised," Zebari, a former Iraqi foreign and finance minister, said in an interview in Erbil on Wednesday evening, commenting on the meeting held with the PUK's leadership.

The Kurds played a major role in the U.S.-backed campaign to defeat Islamic State, the ultra-hardline Sunni Muslim group that overran about a third of Iraq nearly three years ago.

The militants are now fighting off Iraqi forces in Mosul, their last major city stronghold in Iraq from where they declared a "caliphate" that also includes parts of Syria.

While the fall of Mosul would effectively end the "caliphate", it will not solve deep divisions over power, land and resources between Iraq's Shi'ite Arab majority, and the important Sunni Arab and Kurdish communities.

The two rival Kurdish groups issued a joint statement on Sunday declaring support for the plan of holding a referendum, leaving its exact timing to an agreement with other, smaller Kurdish groups.

Zebari described the aim as "self-determination", leaving open the exact nature of any deal with Baghdad following the referendum when Kurds would be likely to vote strongly for independence.

"It will give a strong mandate to the Kurdish leadership to engage in talks with Baghdad and the neighbours in order to get the best deal for Kurdish self-determination," he said.

Iraqi Kurdish independence has been historically opposed by Iraq and also its neighbours, Iran, Turkey and Syria, as they fear the contagion for their own Kurdish populations.

Iraq's Kurds are the community to have advanced the most toward their long-held dream of independence. Iraq has been led by the Shi'ites since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, a Sunni, in 2003, following a U.S.-led invasion.

They run their own affairs in the north, through a Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), led by KDP leader Massoud Barzani.

They have their own armed force, the Peshmerga, which prevented in 2014 Islamic State from capturing the oil region of Kirkuk, after the Iraqi army fled in the face of the militants.

The Kurds have historical claims over Kirkuk, which is also inhabited by Turkmen and Arabs. Hardline Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias have threatened to expel the Kurds by force from this region and other disputed areas.

Kirkuk's Kurdish-led provincial council rejected this week a resolution by the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad to lower Kurdish flags raised since last month next to Iraqi flags over public buildings of the region.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan also warned the Kurds on Tuesday that failure to lower the Kurdish flags would damage their relations with Turkey.

"We don't agree with the claim 'Kirkuk is for the Kurds' at all. Kirkuk is for the Turkmen, Arabs and Kurds, if they are there. Do not enter into a claim that it's yours or the price will be heavy. You will harm dialogue with Turkey," he said at a rally in the Black Sea province of Zonguldak.

The KRG government rejected the Iraqi and Turkish demands, arguing that the Kurds' role in defending Kirkuk against Islamic State justified the hoisting of their flag.

"If it wasn't for the Peshmerga, there would be neither Iraq's flag in the city nor Kurdistan's," KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani told reporters in Erbil on Wednesday.

Masrour Barzani, head of the KRG's Security Council and son of President Barzani, said in June that Iraq should be divided into three separate entities to prevent further sectarian bloodshed, with a state each given to the Shi'ites, the Sunnis and the Kurds.

The Shi'ites live mainly in the south, the Sunnis and the Kurds are on opposite corners of the north while the central region around Baghdad is mixed. (editing by David Stamp)
MANILA, April 6 (Reuters) - Philippine security forces arrested a Kuwaiti and a five-month pregnant Syrian for suspected links to Islamic State three months after they arrived, authorities said on Thursday.

Kuwaiti Husayn al-Dhafiri and Syrian Rajaf Zina had been living and working in Manila since January before they were arrested on March 25 in an upscale commercial district, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told reporters.

The two, wearing orange prison uniforms, were paraded in front of journalists at the National Bureau of Investigation office where they were being held.

Authorities said al-Dakiri would be deported to Kuwait where he is suspected of bomb plots. Zina would be deported to Qatar, from where she last came. The two were not available for comment.

"We are only speculating why they are in the Philippines," Aguirre said after immigration authorities said the two had travelled to Davao in the south and Cebu in the central Philippines.

Aguirre said they had relied heavily on information from foreign allies to detect the presence of suspected Islamic State militants.

They were first came to the Philippines last year on tourist visas but returned in January on working visas after a Kuwaiti manpower agency hired them, immigration authorities said. (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Nick Macfie)
By Michelle Martin

BERLIN, April 6 (Reuters) - The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a guarantor of Jewish life in Germany because it opposes immigration from largely Muslim migrants, the co-leader of the far-right party told a German newspaper on Thursday.

More than a million newcomers, many of them Muslims, have arrived in Germany in the last two years, and the AfD has capitalised on concerns about the influx and integration.

The comments come as the AfD is embroiled in a scandal over its attitude towards Adolf Hitler's Third Reich, during which over 6 million Jews were murdered. Senior AfD member Bjoern Hoecke has called Berlin's Holocaust Memorial a "monument of shame" and has denied Adolf Hitler was "absolutely evil".

Responding to criticism from Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, who last week called the AfD a "disgrace for Germany", Frauke Petry told Die Welt newspaper the AfD had been democratically elected to 11 of Germany's 16 regional parliaments and Lauder should recognise that.

"And as a Jewish representative he should also realise that the AfD is one of the few political guarantors of Jewish life, including in times of illegal anti-Semitic migration to Germany," Petry said.

Petry and her supporters want Hoecke expelled from the party, but other members have defended him. Two-thirds of the executive board voted in February to oust him and it is now up to a party arbitration body to decide whether to let that stand.

"Remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust is one of our political creeds," Petry said, but added it was not enough just to focus on the "controversial" Berlin Holocaust Memorial.

In its draft election programme, the AfD criticised reducing Germany's history to the Nazi era and urged a "wider view of history that also includes aspects of German history that have contributed to our identity in a positive way".

The safety of Jewish communities is particularly sensitive in Germany due to the Holocaust. Some German Jews have expressed concern that the influx of refugees from the Middle East could result in increasing anti-Semitism

Mass-selling Bild newspaper on Thursday printed three stories about Jewish people in Germany who complained they had been attacked or insulted because they were Jews.

Petry pointed to comments from Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews, who has warned against wearing skullcaps in areas where there is a large Muslim population, saying the AfD had cautioned immigration increased that risk.

Charlotte Knobloch, former head of Germany's Central Council of Jews, condemned Petry's comments and said the AfD was misusing justified concerns among Jews for its own ends.

Knobloch added that anti-Semitism had been a problem among the Muslim community in Germany for years and had not just been imported recently.

Support for the AfD has declined as immigration has fallen out of the headlines - it is currently polling between 7 and 11 percent, above the 5 percent threshold to enter parliament but well below a high of 15.5 percent at the end of 2016. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Toby Davis)
Trump to Abe: US to boost military defense against NKorea

Trump made clear that 'the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose.'

U.S. President Donald Trump told Japanese leader Shinzo Abe on Wednesday that Washington will continue to build its military capabilities to defend against a North Korean attack, the White House said.

The pair spoke by phone a day after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, in what analysts said was a warning ahead of a U.S.-China summit at which North Korea's accelerating atomic weapons program is set to top the agenda.

Trump "made clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities," the White House said in a statement about the call.

"The President emphasized that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose."

Though the White House has previously made similar statements, the call came hours before Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping for a two-day summit at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Trump has said the United States is prepared to go it alone in bringing Pyongyang to heel if China -- North Korea's top ally -- does not step in.

In Tokyo, Abe said Trump had reaffirmed that all options are available in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

"I told (President Trump) that Japan is watching closely how China will cope with this North Korean issue," the prime minister told reporters after the 35-minute conversation.

"President Trump then made a strong remark, saying all options are on the table."

Abe was meeting Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in February when North Korea launched a rocket, setting off a controversy when the leaders set up an impromptu, alfresco "situation room" in full view of the resort's guests.
By Manolo Serapio Jr

MANILA, April 6 (Reuters) - A powerful cyclone in Australia has put supply of coking coal at risk, forcing big buyers like China and Japan to scour the world for alternative supplies and fueling a rally in prices as the world's top exporter braces for lost business.

Russia, Mongolia, Mozambique and the United States would benefit from Australia's disrupted supply as steel producers from China and Japan to India and Turkey move quickly to replace Australian cargoes.

"Cyclone Debbie has not only impacted China, but also Indian steel mills which were running low on stocks, and also Japan and Turkey," said a shipping source who tracks global coal cargoes but who declined to be named because the deals are private.

"So it looks like a perfect storm for coking coal prices, unless rail lines in Australia get back to work sooner than expected."

Landslides caused by Debbie have halted operations on the busiest rail line connecting coking coal mines in Australia's Queensland state to ports, and rail operator Aurizon said it would take about five weeks to repair.

BHP Billiton , the world's biggest shipper of coking coal, said it won't meet its export commitments from its mines in Queensland's Bowen Basin - among five miners in the region to declare force majeure, a clause typically invoked after natural disasters.

India's Jindal Steel and Power, which runs a coking coal mine in Australia's New South Wales, also declared force majeure, with mining operations halted by nonstop rains.

The prospect of a five-week delay until the rail lines are repaired, followed by the time needed to restore coal flows from mines to port and then a roughly 12-14 day journey to ports in China and Japan means coking coal consumers may struggle to avoid running out of supplies before normal service from Australia is resumed.

Steel plants use coking, or metallurgical, coal to fire blast furnaces. A shortfall in the commodity means they will have to either close down production, impacting steel output, or risk damaging the furnaces.

About 13 million tonnes of coking coal from Australia will be affected due to the disruption, or about 3 percent of global coking coal supply this year, said Daniel Hynes, commodity strategist at ANZ.

Queensland accounts for 60 percent of Australia's coal exports, which reached a record 221 million tonnes last year. Some 75 percent of Queensland's coal is coking coal and the rest is thermal, used in power plants.

Australian premium coking coal futures in Singapore have surged 43 percent to $225 a tonne in two days while Chinese futures jumped 9 percent to a four-month high on Wednesday.

CHINA'S PLANS

China is the world's biggest producer of steel and buys nearly half of its coking coal imports from Australia, and will have to move swiftly to avoid disruptions.

"We plan to buy more coking coal from Russia and Mongolia," said an official in charge of raw materials at a Chinese mill that imports about 5 million tonnes of coking coal annually, mainly from Australia.

"Coking coal from Russia and Mongolia is very important for us. We seldom use U.S. (coking coal) but maybe in the future we'll use more from the U.S."

Coal traders have said Chinese buyers are also looking to fix cargoes from the United States.

Stockpiles of imported coal at seven main Chinese ports stood at 15.5 million tonnes as of March 31, according to SteelHome consultancy. The inventory includes both coking coal and thermal coal.

China imported 59 million tonnes of coking coal last year, just over a third of its annual consumption, which ANZ estimates at 170 million tonnes.

There should be sufficient capacity from coking coal suppliers like Russia, Canada and the United States to meet short-term demand, said Wang Di from CRU consultancy.

'DESPERATE BUYERS'

China "has to seek alternative supplies in unison with drawing down on that inventory (of coking coal)," said ANZ's Hynes.

"It will definitely result in some desperate buyers over the course of April."

Apart from seeking supplies overseas, some Chinese steel mills may boost use of local coal, which should benefit Shanxi Coking Coal Group Co Ltd, the biggest supplier.

"We buy some Australian cargoes sometimes. But we mostly buy locally, and the quality is good for our requirement," said an official at a southern Chinese mill that produces 10 million tonnes of steel a year.

In Japan, where coking coal imports have dropped in the past two months, No.2 steelmaker JFE Holdings said it expects to secure supply for the next four to five weeks from its inventories and some adjustment in shipments. Outside Australia, JFE buys coking coal from Russia and Canada.

Japan is the world's No. 2 steel producer and Australia supplies half of its coking coal needs.

Steel mills in India, also a major importer of coking coal, could also face problems.

"Whoever has stocks to manage over a short period of time they will be okay, but those who are living on a day to day (basis) will have serious problems," Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director at India's biggest steel producer, JSW Steel , told Reuters.

(Reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr.; Additional reporting by Chen Aizhu in Beijing, Yuka Obayashi in Tokyo and Krishna Das in New Delhi; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
LJUBLJANA, April 6 (Reuters) - Hungary would be ready to invest about 200 million euros in a new railway line between Slovenia's sole port, Luka Koper, and the Slovenian city of Divaca, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said.

Most companies in landlocked Hungary use the port, on the Adriatic, for their sea cargo transport.

According to Slovenian government plans, total investment in the 27 km line will cost about 1 billion euros..

"We have been negotiating Hungarian contribution of about 200 million euros which seems to be realistic but ... details have not been clarified yet," Szijjarto told a news conference during a visit to Slovenia on Thursday.

Three quarters of the new line will run underground. It should significantly increase the capacity of the port, which lies about 310 km from Slovenia's border with Hungary.

Szijjarto said Hungary did not expect to get a stake of Luka Koper in return for its investment, saying Slovenia has made it clear it plans to keep it in the hands of the Slovenian state.

He said, however, Hungary hoped that its companies would get a prioritised approach to the port, possibly by a long-term leasing or rental contract, while Hungarian companies could also get work on the construction of the railway, giving no details.

He also said all cargo transport from Koper to Central Europe could go through Hungary so that Hungarian cargo firms would benefit from the project.

Slovenia hopes to cover about a quarter of the whole investment with European Union funds while about 350 million euros will be raised via new debt. The investment will be one of the biggest in Slovenia in the coming years. (Reporting by Marja Novak; Editing by Alison Williams)
By Igor Ilic

ZAGREB, April 6 (Reuters) - Croatia passed an emergency law on Thursday aimed at protecting the economy from big company failures as Agrokor, the country's largest private firm, seeks to resolve its debt crisis.

The centre-right majority in parliament approved the law, which will be implemented if Agrokor fails to reach a deal with banks and suppliers on a cash injection and restructuring.

Under the law, devised to deal with problems at companies with at least 5,000 employees and debts of 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion), the state will be able to appoint an executive to steer a restructuring at the request of a debtor or at creditors' request with the company's agreement.

The law envisages a company reaching a restructuring deal within 15 months.

Agrokor is the biggest food producer and retailer in the Balkans with 60,000 employees. It accumulated debts of about 45 billion kuna ($6.4 billion), or six times its equity, as it expanded rapidly, notably in Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and Bosnia.

Agrokor, whose annual income equals 15 percent of Croatia's gross domestic product, struck a deal on Sunday with six lenders led by Russia's Sberbank and VTB to freeze debt repayments and get an unspecified cash injection.

In line with that, a restructuring expert was appointed to rescue the business. Antonio Alvarez III, of consultants Alvarez&Marsal, said on Tuesday there was no guarantee that the company could be saved.

Alvarez said on Thursday that his team had met representatives of six banks, including Austria's Erste Bank and Raiffeisenbank and Italy's Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit, to discuss providing Agrokor with more financial backing.

"A decision depends on approval by boards in each of those institutions and procedures are now on a fast track... The company is considering all available options," Agrokor said in a statement.

Local food firms that supply Agrokor's retail chain Konzum, which controls 30 percent of the local market, are owed 16 billion kuna and they fear demands for payment could be affected by the restructuring.

One of the main problems between the banks and suppliers is factoring of promissory notes which suppliers received from Agrokor for delivered goods and then exchanged for cash, which the banks are seeking to get back from suppliers as they cannot be repaid by Agrokor.

"If there is no deal with banks today, we would support any other solution that leads towards helping suppliers to survive in all this," said Alen Fontana, chief executive of local dairy Dukat. Suppliers could be forced to stop delivering goods to Agrokor within the next 24 hours, he said.

Opposition lawmakers in parliament criticised the new law, saying it would favour creditors at the expense of small suppliers and could threaten the state budget if the government is forced to guarantee liquidity injections to avert a corporate failure.

The Zagreb police force said in a statement on Thursday that it had launched an enquiry into Agrokor, but declined to provide any details.

Local media reported that the police action came after parliament's speaker Bozo Petrov said last Friday that he had asked the Zagreb state attorney's office to investigate Agrokor's owner, local businessman Ivica Todoric, about alleged irregularities in Agrokor's financial reports. Agrokor declined to comment.

Croatia's central bank governor said on Thursday that the Agrokor crisis will hurt the country's economy this year, but could not yet determine by how much. (Reporting by Igor Ilic; Editing by Susan Fenton)
DUBLIN, April 6 (Reuters) - Ireland built an average of just 6,700 homes a year between 2011 and 2016, census data showed on Thursday, over a third fewer than suggested by the statistics the government relies on to tackle a chronic housing shortage.

While Ireland was left with a surplus of houses after values were cut in half following the bursting of a property bubble in 2007, a recovery in its construction sector has lagged behind a rapid economic turnaround and led to supply falling far short of demand.

Ireland's government has pledged to double housing output to 25,000 by 2019 and has pointed to progress in data it publishes that showed the number of house completions as measured by new electricity connections rose to almost 15,000 last year from a low of 8,300 in 2013.

Some analysts have criticised the government for using that measure as a true reflection of activity as it effectively double counts large swathes of new builds left vacant when the market crashed that have been recently reconnected to the grid.

The census backed up that analysis by showing that in the five years to the end of April 2016, 33,400 houses were built compared to the 51,600 measured by new electricity connections.

Other indicators have shown construction activity picking up over the last year.

Yet the lower base means Ireland may face a longer wait to hit the at least 25,000 annual builds that analysts say are needed to keep up with demand in a population that is also growing three times faster than the euro zone average.

The slow supply response has accelerated house price growth again in recent months to a year-on-year average of almost 8 percent, while residential rents have already risen back above their "Celtic Tiger" peak.

The census data also showed that the average household size increased to 2.75 persons from 2.73 persons in 2011, a reversal Trinity College Economics Professor Ronan Lyons described as an "astonishing result" as the figure had been falling steadily for decades.

With more and more young workers either living at home with their parents for longer or having to share accommodation in greater numbers, Lyons said the change in the household size trend was a "damning indictment of inadequate housing supply." (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Toby Davis)
By Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS, April 6 (Reuters) - The head of the European Union's executive said on Thursday he did not like what was going on in Hungary, where the right-wing, populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban is trying to shut down a liberal university founded by U.S. financier George Soros.

Budapest this week approved a new law that could force the Central European University out of the country, despite protests against the move and criticism from abroad.

European lawmakers have demanded disciplinary action against Hungary over the crackdown on foreign universities, the latest of steps by Orban to subdue independent institutions - from the judiciary and the central bank, to non-governmental organisations and the media.

"About the closure of the university... I don't like that decision," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters, adding that his fellow EU commissioners will discuss the matter next Wednesday.

But Brussels has so far failed to prevent Orban, in office since 2010, from tightening his grip on Hungary.

Hungary will hold national elections next year and Orban, often quick to lambaste the EU capital, has already rolled out a campaign called "Let's stop Brussels".

His government sent letters to citizens asking for their support in pushing against EU policies and Brussels on issues ranging from energy prices to migration.

Juncker sought to play down the significance of the campaign, highlighting that Orban did sign up last month to a joint EU declaration marking the 60th anniversary of the bloc.

"About the questionnaire that Mr Orban has sent to all Hungarian households, it is not about leaving the European Union but about stopping Brussels," Juncker said.

"This way of speaking badly about Brussels after having signed the Rome declaration says more about the author of the questionnaire than about the state of the European Union."

The Commission's options to act over the university issue are limited. Brussels has little oversight on education in member states. While it can open legal cases against EU states violating common rules, they are lengthy and often give little effect.

For the harsher punishment of restricting EU funds, it would need wide backing among other member states, which are usually coy about such steps, fearing they could backfire against them in any disputes in the future.

The nuclear option of stripping a state of their voting rights in the EU requires unanimity of all other EU members.

Hungary has said it would block any such move against Poland, which is also chafing Brussels over its steps to put media and the judiciary under tighter government control, and the alliance between the two means Orban can expect reciprocity. (Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Alison Williams)
By Daren Butler and Tulay Karadeniz

ISTANBUL/ANKARA, April 6 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan cast Europe as a "centre of Nazism" on Thursday, entering the final 10 days of campaigning for a historic referendum on a wave of nationalism, the latest poll suggesting support is swinging in his favour.

Pollster Gezici, whose research has tended to overestimate opposition support, put the "yes" vote ahead for the first time on 53.3 percent in a survey conducted in early April. Last month, its founder Murat Gezici put "no" ahead on 51.1 percent.

It said Erdogan had benefited from strong nationalist sentiment following last July's failed coup.

"Nationalism has risen in Turkey since July 15 and the opposition remain weak in creating a narrative to consolidate society in this respect," Gezici said in a statement.

The April 16 vote will decide constitutional changes which would replace Turkey's parliamentary system with an executive presidency, a change Erdogan says is needed to give the NATO member and EU candidate nation strong leadership and stability in the face of mounting security challenges.

"EUROPE IS OVER"

The referendum has bitterly divided the country. Opponents fear increasing authoritianism from a leader they see as bent on eroding modern Turkey's democracy and secular foundations.

Erdogan's campaign, in which he and government ministers have dominated the airwaves with multiple speeches each day broadcast on all major networks, has strongly played the nationalist card to woo voters at home and abroad.

To the horror of European leaders, he has accused Germany and the Netherlands of "Nazi methods" for banning campaign rallies by Turkish officials seeking to court the expatriate vote, and threatened to "re-evaluate relations" with the EU.

"Europe has now become the centre of oppression, violence and Nazism," he told a sea of supporters waving red Turkish flags in the northwestern province of Balikesir on Thursday.

"Europe is over, it has nothing to say to the world or to us," he told the cheering crowd.

Publicly-available polls suggest a far closer race than Erdogan might like. Some still put "no" ahead. Ruling AK Party officials have privately said they expect "yes" to win around 56 percent, well below the 60 percent Erdogan wants.

He is counting on the support of expatriates in Europe, including the 1.4 million Turks eligible to vote in Germany, to pass the constitutional changes that would give him sweeping presidential powers.

At the last nationwide parliamentary election in November 2015, 59 percent of Turks who voted in Germany backed the AKP, although turnout was low.

Gezici's latest survey, conducted in 24 provinces on April 1-2, forecast 82-83 percent voter participation and predicted a "yes" vote as high as 56 percent if the turnout is lower. (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Ralph Boulton)
PARIS, April 6 (Reuters) - The French government said on Thursday it had reached a preliminary deal clearing the way for Italy's Fincantieri to acquire a 48 percent stake in shipbuilder STX France, as Italian buyers aim to take control of the firm.

The company is being sold off following the collapse of South Korea's STX shipbuilding group, but Fincantieri's bid had raised fears for French jobs at STX's site in Saint-Nazaire, on the Atlantic Coast, as well as for French interests.

France, which will retain its 33 percent stake in STX, had at one point contemplated nationalising the firm and was reluctant to allow Fincantieri alone to hold more than 50 percent of the company.

Italy's 230-year-old Fincantieri had agreed to protect jobs and investment in France as part of the deal, French Industry Minister Christophe Sirugue told a news conference.

A privately-held Italian banking foundation, Fondazione CRT, will also take a stake of around 7 percent in STX France, while French military shipbuilder DCNS will have around 12 percent and a spot on the board.

"We're still in discussions with Fincantieri but we've got through the toughest stage," Sirugue said.

STX France, which has about 2,400 permanent workers at Saint-Nazaire, specialises in building cruise ships and also makes military vessels.

France has asked for a veto over the next 20 years on any move to shift a "substantial" part of operations at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard outside the country. It also demanded that Fincantieri retain a minority position for at least eight years. (Reporting by Yann Le Guernigou, Writing by Sarah White; Editing by Adrian Croft)
WASHINGTON, April 6 (Reuters) - A Chinese fighter plane has been spotted on a Chinese-held island in the South China Sea, the first such deployment seen this year, a U.S. think tank reported on Thursday.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the J-11 fighter was visible in a satellite image taken on March 29 of Woody Island in the Paracel island chain.

News of the deployment came as U.S. President Donald Trump was due to hold his first meetings with China's President Xi Jinping in Florida on Thursday and Friday at which he is expected to air U.S. concerns about China's pursuit of territory and militarization of outposts in the South China Sea.

"This isnt a first, but its the first time in a year," AMTI director Greg Poling said of the fighter deployment.

Referring to the single fighter plane visible in the image, he said: "There are likely more in the hangars nearby."

Poling said it was unclear how long the plane had been there, but added that similar deployments on artificial islands China has built further south in the South China Sea's Spratly archipelago now that military facilities had been completed there.

The United States has said in the past that deployments of Chinese fighter jets to Woody Island were part of a disturbing trend of militarization that raised questions about Beijing's intentions in the South China Sea, which is an important trade route.

The Chinese embassy in Washington was not immediately available for comment.

China has previously denied U.S. charges that it is militarizing the South China Sea. In March, Premier Li Keqiang said defense equipment had been placed on islands in the disputed waterway to maintain "freedom of navigation."

A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the presence of a fighter aircraft on Woody Island was not something unexpected.

"It is already heavily militarized; no surprise we would be seeing military aircraft there," the official said.

Earlier on Thursday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he had ordered troops to occupy uninhabited islands and shoals it claims in the South China Sea, something likely to anger China, which claims most of the strategic waterway. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
PARIS, April 6 (Reuters) - An U.N.-authorised international military force should intervene in Syria if it is proven that President Bashar al-Assad's government used chemical weapons, French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.

"An international intervention is needed ... My preference is that there should be an intervention under the auspices of the United Nations. A military intervention," Macron, an independent centrist who is favourite to win the election, said in an interview with France 2 television.

Referring to a suspected Syrian government chemical attack that killed scores of people, including children, in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib on Tuesday, Macron said: "If these deeds are confirmed, it is vital to act strongly." (Reporting by Adrian Croft; Editing by Louise Ireland)
By Ricardo Brito

BRASILIA, April 6 (Reuters) - Brazil's top electoral court must consider the country's plight when deciding a case accusing President Michel Temer of illegal campaign funding, an incoming justice said, suggesting the tribunal should avoid pitching the nation deeper into crisis.

Admar Gonzaga, picked by Temer to join the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) later this month, said the court must weigh Brazil's difficult economic and political situation, not just the facts of the case involving the alleged use of graft money in the 2014 election.

"The TSE has a political responsibility ... We have to base our ruling on our vision of the political environment," Gonzaga told Reuters late on Wednesday.

He alluded to the fact that all major parties in the South American country stand accused of accepting bribes and illegal funds at the time of the election.

"The whole political scene was contaminated," Gonzaga said, declining to indicate how he might vote in the case.

While Gonzaga will be just one voice on the seven-seat tribunal, his arrival on April 16 suggests the balance is swinging in Temer's favor.

The president can appoint another justice next month to fill a second vacancy, and can already expect a favorable hearing from TSE President Gilmar Mendes, who is close to a party in Temer's coalition. That would put Temer just one vote shy of a potential victory that lifts the legal cloud over his administration.

Temer, who replaced impeached leftist President Dilma Rousseff last year, is struggling to lift Latin America's largest economy out of a two-year recession, with business confidence reeling from the massive corruption scandal convulsing the political class.

If the TSE decides that Rousseff and Temer, her running mate, used illegal money to fund their victorious campaign, it could annul the election result and force Temer from office. Congress would then have 30 days to elect a successor, deepening the political turmoil.

In an interview with Reuters last month, TSE President Mendes defended Temer's request to have his campaign accounts separated from Rousseff's by the court so he could avoid a ban on holding political office.

Temer called on Thursday for the TSE to reach a quick verdict to remove uncertainty over his government as it presses ahead with a key reform to tackle the pension deficit, which faces resistance in Congress and on the streets.

Gonzaga, a lawyer by training, said the tribunal should press ahead quickly to reach a verdict by August at the latest. By law, electoral justice cases should not take more than a year and this one was 2-1/2 years old, he said.

"If we stay at this pace, the trial will become endless," he said. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Tom Brown)
U.S. officials have condemned the bombing in St. Petersburg, Russia, that has left at least fourteen people dead and scores injured.

The bomb  believed to be a home-made device filled with shrapnel-- tore through a subway car April 3. A second explosive device reportedly was found at a near-by subway station, but it was disarmed by authorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said all possible motives, including terrorism, are being investigated. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

At a lunch meeting in Washington with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, President Trump called the bombing in St. Petersburg terrible. White House Spokesperson Sean Spicer said, The United States condemns this reprehensibleact of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and with the Russian people as we extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones who have been killed and injured.

Attacks like these on ordinary citizens just going about their lives remind us that the world must work as one to combat violence in all forms, he added. The United States is prepared to offer assistance to Russia that it may require in investigating this crime.

State Department Acting Spokesperson Mark Toner issued a written statement also condemning the attack and expressing condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured. U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Nikki Haley in a statement called the images of lives lost and people injured in St. Petersburgheartbreaking.

Ambassador Haley said, The United States will stand with Russia on defeating these extremists who continue to senselessly harm innocent people.
Australias International Development and the Pacific Minister Concetta Fierravanti-Wells met Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran during her visit to the Northern Province on Wednesday and reaffirmed ongoing commitment to the development of the province and support for Sri Lankas reconciliation process.

Issuing a statement, the Australian High Commission said Australia has provided more than AUD250 million to support the reconstruction of conflict-affected communities in the North and East since 2009.

Australian support has included housing and local infrastructure construction, de-mining, education, and a wide range of economic and business activities.

The Minister visited a crab processing plant in Iranaimatha Nagar, Poonakary in the Killinochchi District. This Australian-supported joint venture is exporting Sri Lankan crab to the United States. The venture has created work for the local community which was displaced during the conflict.

The business model of linking producers directly with exporters has not only created jobs, but high quality jobs. More importantly it has created jobs for women, the minister said.
Anthropologist Pandula Endagama, who has done extensive research into traditions and customs of Sri Lanka, says the Sinhala New Year originated with the evolution of agricultural society. He stresses the need to observe the rituals associated with the Sinhala Avurudda or Bak Maha Ulela in their true spirit.

Avurudu combines society with religion

Money is never a factor of recognition in rituals

Liquor consumption during Avurudu has become a concern

It originated with the evolution of agricultural society

All the rituals are connected with punctuality

How did the Sinhala Avurudda evolve?



Very many people of this country seem to be misusing the occasion, not because they are anti-traditions but because they do not know the significance and the history of the entire rituals being observed. If they really understand the origin of these rituals and how they influence people, they would act differently. How it came about is obscure. Yet, it is believed that this is something connected with the lifestyle of the people which was agricultural because thats how civilization emerged. Initially, humans dwelled in forests feeding on wild fruits and all. They passed through the hunting stage. It is by accident that they discovered agriculture. However, once they realized that little things they were consuming in the jungle could be replanted, they realized what they consumed, once put on the ground, would grow and bear fruit, they thought of doing it as cultivation. That is the step for establishment of settlements. When population increased, they developed their own technologies. In agriculture itself, in ploughing the lands, they devised an implement drawn by women. It was a compact society. Next, they realized that womankind should not be exhausted for it. They moved to the use of animals for the purpose. It led to domestication of animals. This is how it evolved.



Next, there came the need to decide how their lifestyles could be coordinated or guided . That is how they started thinking about various planets or their impacts on their lives. They found that the Sun is one of the main factors impacting their lifestyle. Agriculture depends on availability of sunlight. Then, they realized the need for water. Rain was the answer. They never knew how these things got activated. They considered them as superpowers- the Sun, the Moon or anything. They were seen as deities helping them. Rainy clouds were even deified. They paid homage to these sources of energy. They knew these contributed to their prosperity. They started worshipping mother earth.



Now we are coming to these Avurudu rituals. They realized rain was periodical. Even sunlight does not come as they wish. It is also seasonal. Given that, they started paying homage to the services from them. In this act, all the settlements in a society had to be brought together. Each and every one has some share of activity to be done. There comes the preparation of various activities. All these activities are connected with the lifestyle easy for them and congenial for the community. One is the unity of people. Harvest sharing is also there. Everyone has a share. Also, there is the need to transfer these systems to posterity. It was for this reason that these Avurudu rituals came about. It did not evolve overnight. It happened over centuries. It happened according to different periods and people. It is conditioned by the environment.



Evolution of human society in this manner is universal. We find these sort of celebrations in a few Asian countries. How did it happen?



What we call Bak Maha Ulela is basically confined to the Asian region. Even there, it is confined to Theravada Buddhist countries. These Theravada countries received Buddhism from Sri Lanka. Buddhism originated from India. India is part of this whole situation. Even during the time of the Buddha, these had happened, may be not in the ceremonial way we do it now. For instance, today we have infused a lot of playful games for celebration. At that time, it was not like that. The Avurudda is an occasion for regeneration of traditions. Sri Lankans living in Europe also celebrate it.



What is the nexus between Theravada Buddhism and this festival?



One, to begin with, is that Buddhism is basically a religion based on natural situations. The Buddha was alive to see all the happenings of the universe. He had been making full use of these things. You can see how scientifically he had used these things for communication of his teaching. Therefore, in the case of Buddhism, it is the responsibility of the religion to guide people for a peaceful life. At the end, it has to be a lifestyle which is religiously in order. That is why, all the virtues are given high priority. These virtues are held in high esteem because they are very relevant to the lifestyle of the community and the individuals. They look like guiding factors. That is where Buddhism becomes the guiding force of Buddhist countries. That is relevant even in ruling a country.



When signing the 1815 agreement by the British, the local British Governor, accepted on behalf of the British crown, to maintain traditions of looking after Bhikkhus and temples, and the propagation of the religion. Therefore, national identity is always coupled with religion here. Both go hand in hand. It is from the temple that everything emanated to the community. That is how Buddhist monks have become astrologers. Not that they practised it as a vocation. It is the Buddhist priests who were knowledgeable about universal things. They guided people and the community. They were responsible for education of the people.



Unity is important. As for agriculture, it can never be accomplished by a single person. People need the help of each other. In the earliest period, it was family members helping each other in agriculture and it spread out to the entire community. In that rituals originated to be followed in an order. The Avurudda is how society and religion mixes with each other in terms of rituals.



What is the astrological element of the Avurudu rituals?



The Buddhist monks were virtually astrologers in this case. The New Year is celebrated on a date in April, not in any other month. Knowledgeable people in the old age, mainly Buddhist monks, knew how the planets move around throughout the year. After a cycle, the planetary movement comes to the same starting point and starts the second round. The arrival at the original starting point is considered the Avurudu day. During this time, you have all the celebrations. That is why I talked about the combination of the social system and religion. All the religious activities are observed on account of this. All the rituals are connected with punctuality. Everting has to be done at the determined time. When we get a little late for something, it amounts to not honouring punctuality. Some ignorant people harps on it saying that it is typical Sinhalese way of timing. They criticize so not knowing that it is the Sinhalese people who have been punctual for whatever job done. For them, apart from birth and death, every other important activity is linked with the auspicious time- the construction of a new house, the selection of a place for it. All are done according to the time determined astrologically. We have been very punctual. This is one thing the rituals associated with the New Year teach us. But since we became the victims of colonialism, we little care for these things. We go by the new introductions.



How has this occasion been celebrated in history?



There are no enough written records as such. While describing certain activities of the king or society, we find instances where it is found. In Sigiriya poetry, we have found references Nawa Sanda Belima (sighting new moon). In this poetry, there are references to ones face being likened to the New Year moon. It is indicative of this New Year ritual. In history, it is described how the ruling kind opened his granary for the less fortunate on a certain day. That is an indication. On the Avurudu day, we do family visits. We receive guests and exchange gifts reminiscent of this.



What is your opinion on the idea that these Avurudu rituals had travelled from Sri Lanka to other Theravada Buddhist countries such as Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia?



I think that is true. Now in our country, the Avurudu rituals are associated with religious practices. As for our rituals, when we reached the time meant for cessation of our activities, we go to the temple at that time. We carry certain items such as dry rations for monks living there. That is for them to consume during the period. Then, we come and indulge in our activities. We observe religious rituals in front of the Buddha image kept at our households. Then, at the auspicious time, we light the hearth.



Even in those olden days, in the absence of firecrackers, people used a devise called Boomeranga to announce the auspicious time in the vicinity. When the Buddhist monks went with Buddhism to these countries, they carried not only the religious doctrine but also these customs and rituals. Even today, we are compelled to participate in Avurudu celebrations wherever we are. Sri Lankans, domiciled abroad, celebrate it. When they went to the countries such as Australia, they took these rituals with them. We respect elders. We feed even animals. We share with all the community members.



When it is the time for partaking meals, everybody gathers. In the past, food items were spread on a mat. We light the lamp. At the auspicious time, father or the head of the family takes a plate filled with food items mixed together and feeds one handful to each member. It is a symbol of promise. I fed you for the last time. I will do the same next year. That is the promise.



After the main meal, family members carry plates full of eatables covered with white strips of cloth to nearby households. In urban areas today, such guests knocks on the gate. Once the gate is opened, they hand over the items brought and turn back. It is not like that in those days. The true custom is to enter the house and wish the occupants a Suba Aluth Avurudda. The guests are invited to enjoy hospitality then in the houses they visit - to have a meal.



Ahead of preparations for the New Year, we see children playing with arecanuts, Kottamba, Cadju nuts. They collect these items in large number. These are items with economic value lying idle. Children make their own collections separately. It means even preparation for it has some economic component. Then, they participate in games. Winners have to be gifted with these items.

We have this activity called the cessation of activities in view of the New Year to arrive. You clean the entire house. Finally, the cooking place is also cleared well. You are free then. Afterwards, mother and other females in the family gather flowers and go to temple. All the village folk are there. . As they come back, they get ready for the next occasion- lighting the hearth and preparation of Kiri Bath. All the females have a role in preparing the meal. Then, you have the custom of exchanging gifts with family members. Afterwards, they visit other houses. After returning, they play games. There was a maximum two days meant for all these activities. After that, the ritual of bathing for the New Year comes. It is crucial. You have eaten a lot of food items during the festival. You have been tired. You have to be careful of your health. That is the reason for the application of herbal anointment and bathing. That is the purification of body. You are fresh now. Afterwards, you have to move next to the cycle of production. That is what we call leaving for job. It is not an unlimited period of enjoyment. Rituals determined what you should do.



Now, we find harmful activities being introduced. One is the commercial banks being kept open at the auspicious times. After the auspicious time, you are being encouraged in this manner to run to the bank nearby for any transaction. Money is never a factor of recognition in the Avurudu rituals. Ours had never been an economic ritual. All are related to good, peaceful living. We can understand doctors at work on this day. The police have to be there to maintain order. Liquor has become a main concern now. In the past, it was never there. With the introduction of liquor, things are going from bad to worse. We have to look at the positive aspects of the Avurudu rituals and turn down harmful new additions.
The Genetech Institute has informed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that the body parts taken into custody from the laboratory of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) last October were not a match for late ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen.

Twenty six body parts were seized from the SAITM laboratory by the CID on suspicion that they belonged to Thajudeen.

The CID yesterday informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Prasad Silva that Senior Scientist Ruwan Ileperuma of Genetech Institute, Borella had submitted the DNA results.

Highlights of the investigation launched into the missing body parts had been sent to the Attorney Generals Department for further instructions. (Nimanthi Ranasinghe)
Colombo Additional Magistrate Aruni Artigala today ordered former MP Duminda Silva to pay a fine of Rs.3,000 after he pleaded guilty for not declaring his assets and liabilities from 2011 to 2013.

The Additional Magistrate ordered the former MP be imprisoned for three months in the event he failed to pay the fine. (Nimanthi Ranasinghe)
The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) is to go ahead with the planned 24-hour countrywide strike tomorrow over the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) issue.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Naveen de Zoysa today told a media briefing that about 150 trade unions and associations have joined hands with them to protest against the SAITM.

He said all state medical officers would be refraining from engaging in services from 8.00 am tomorrow to 8.00 am on Saturday.

All medical officers including ayurvedic doctors, dental and veterinary surgeons will strike tomorrow. The state doctors will also refrain from private practices until Saturday morning. A massive protest march and a public rally will also be held tomorrow in Colombo against the SAITM, he said.

He said the workers attached to other trade unions would hold demonstrations and protest marches around the country.

However, he said several hospitals including the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Castle Street Hospital for Women, De Soysa Hospital for Women in Colombo and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Specialized Children's' Hospital in Kandy would be open for patients even during the strike.

Some hospitals in the Eastern Province will also continue their medical treatments as usual since those areas have been affected with the influenza virus. Treatment for kidney patients will also continue without any hindrance, he said.

Inter University students Federation, National Trade Union Center, Association of Medical Facultys Lectures, All Island Nurses Union and Ceylon Teachers Union were also among the associations which would protest against the SAITM today. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)

Video by Buddhi
Hameedia, Sri Lankas leading menswear specialist recently introduced the PRO premium shoe care range throughout its retail network in Sri Lanka. Developed by leading manufacturer and exporter M.V. Shoe Care, the PRO range of products offers customers easy-to-use, high quality cleaning and shine solutions that enable them to step out in style on every occasion.

PRO is a cutting-edge shoe care brand that is attracting a loyal customer base and strong retail presence across the South Asian region. In India, the PRO shoe care range is available in over 1200 outlets including leading footwear retailers and fashion stores. Hameedia is the first Sri Lankan company to bring PRO to Sri Lanka, as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen and complement its product portfolio and offer customersthe very best solutions in shoe care.

Commenting on the PRO range, Fouzul Hameed, Managing Director  Hameedia stated: We are delighted to offer our valued customers access to this new, world-class range of shoe care products. Shoes are a quintessential part of any outfit and they help you to make a strong fashion statement. If your shoes are in a poor condition or look dull due to wear and tear, it can literally diminish the effect and overall finish of your entire outfit. If you invest in important staples such as leather shoes or sandals, its important that you maintain them, so that they look their very best at all times. The PRO range of shoe care products is extremely easy to use and will enable you to keep your leather footwear in excellent condition.

Also commenting on the range being introduced to the Sri Lankan market, Ketan Vyas, Founder and Managing Director - M. V. Shoe Care said: We are excited to partner with the Hameedia Group, and have been impressed with their professionalism as well as their strong sales network and distribution capabilities. This range of new products and services will change the way that consumers take care of their shoes and leather goods. Hameedia has the reputation, the reach and the commitment that is needed to deliver in this market  together we will make a very positive impact on the provision of high quality shoe and leather care products throughout Sri Lanka.

Lokesh Chopra, Head of Sales - M. V. Shoe Care added: Sri Lanka is an important market for us as it is experiencing fast growth in the retail sector. We are extremely happy to partner with the Hameedia Group, which is known for setting luxury retail standards. We believe that the addition of the PRO products and accessories to the Hameedia portfolio, will provide discerning Sri Lankan consumers with the care and cleaning solutions that they need to ensure the durability of their footwear. I am also impressed with the technical competency and enthusiasm of the Hameedia team, who deliver top notch products, as well as exceptional support services to all customers. This is a great partnership, that will enable us to take our brand PRO to the next level.

The PRO shoe care range of products offers eight focused categories for shoe and leather care called Clean, Care, Colour, Shine, Renew, Fresh, Protect and Accessories. Customers can consult Hameedias Grooming Specialists to find out more about which shoe care products should be used on different types of footwear.

At present, PRO leads the premium shoe care market in India and its range of solutions in known to enhance the appearance of shoes and improve their functionality to create lasting value. The PRO range is developed using the very best raw materials and through collaborations with top formulation agencies and laboratories that are based in Europe. Developed using innovative technologies and industry-best quality standards as well as global production protocols, the PRO range offers world-class shoe care solutions, that can easily be used by customers to maintain their footwear and make every pair of shoes in their wardrobeshine and look clean, chic and stylish.

Hameedia is the exclusive distributor of PRO shoe care products in Sri Lanka and a selection of other productscan be found at The Envoy Mansion and other Hameedia outlets island-wide.

Hameedia was established in 1949 and has grown to become a fashionable brand in Sri Lanka. Renowned for their high quality custom tailoring under the Bespoke and made to measure categories and ready-made clothes for gentlemen, the Hameedia multi-brand retail stores house a collection of quality menswear brands Le Bond, Envoy, Signature, Raymond, Lee and Adidas to name a few.

Hameedia also prides itself on offering exceptional standards of service to ensure that clients enjoy a positive and personalized experience at each store. With a network of over 30 outlets across Sri Lanka and a large and experienced team, Hameedia has a strong local presence and has also expanded globally with outlets in the Maldives and Australia.
The influenza situation in Sri Lanka was not at an epidemic level to issue a travel warning preventing Qatari citizens from visiting the country, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar A.S.P Liyanage said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror today, Liyanage said he had discussed the issue with Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne who confirmed that the influenza situation at the Peradeniya University was limited to its premises.

On April 4, the Qatari Foreign Ministry urged its nationals, through its official Twitter page, not to travel to Sri Lanka due to health concern.

The travel warning stated that the H1N1 (swine flu) was reportedly spreading throughout the Central Province, which included Kandy, a favorite tourist spot for Qatari nationals.

Health Minister Senaratne said the situation was now under control and that the prevailing influenza situation had not reached epidemic levels, Liyanage said.

A statement released by the Health Minister also said the situation was not dire as to release a travel warning for Sri Lanka.

Liyanage said he would be meeting the Qatari ambassador to Sri Lanka to discuss the travel warning. (Darshana Sanjeewa)
Fourteen Aprils ago, the world witnessed a giant statue of Iraqs ousted dictator Saddam Hussein being toppled by a group of people at Baghdads Firdos Square. The crowd was surprisingly small. To support them in the task were the invading American soldiers and, of course, the presstitutes -- the embedded media personnel who were apparently prostituting journalism and producing bastardized news.



The scene was fake news in the making, as the present United States President Donald Trump would say. It was perhaps the only dramatic event that the then imperial US administration had in its possession to show the wars opponents back home that the Iraqi people were supportive of the invasion.



Reporting about the controversial event, the Associated Press said: Joyful Iraqis helped by an American tank retriever pulled down their longtime dictator, cast as 16 feet of bronze. The scene broadcast live worldwide became an icon of the war, a symbol of final victory over Saddam Hussein.

But reports filed from Baghdad did not say that the the April 9, 2003 event was organised by a US Marine colonel  not joyous Iraqi civilians. A year later, the Los Angeles Times reported: It was a quick-thinking Army psychological operations team that made it appear to be a spontaneous Iraqi undertaking.



Despite this underreported correction, the toppling of the statue is cited by war advocates as symbolic of Iraqi peoples support for the invasion codenamed Operation Iraq Freedom. The operation was initially named Operation Iraq Liberation but the name was changed because its acronym  OIL  seemed to expose the secret objective of the war.



The Firdos Square fake news was rather emblematic of the massive lie with which war-loving US President George W. Bush misled the American people into believing that he was launching a just war.



The war was launched on the pretext that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) which were a threat to Americas security and world peace. To add flesh to their bony lie, the war party created more lies. These lies included claims that Saddam Hussein tried to obtain uranium from Niger and that Iraq possessed the capability to assemble its long range missiles and attack London within 45 minutes. The US even presented satellite images claiming that they showed mobile WMD laboratories.



Award-winning war reporter John Pilger asked Charles Lewis, the distinguished American investigative journalist: What if the freest media in the world had seriously challenged George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld and investigated their claims, instead of channeling what turned out to be crude propaganda?



Lewis replied that if the journalists had done their job there is a very, very good chance we would have not gone to war in Iraq. There is blood on the hands of the so-called free media of the west. The very media institutions which swallowed Bushs lies wholesale -- probably due to the media outlets blind patriotism, racism or support for the neocon policy to dominate the world through intimidation  are now questioning every statement President Trump makes.



Firdos in Arabic means Paradise. But the Iraq war based on lies after lies opened the gates of hell.

Months before the Iraq war began, the then Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa warned Washington that the war against Iraq would open the gates of hell in a region already angry and frustrated at Israels actions against the Palestinians.



As a result of trigger-happy Bushs mad war, the Iraqi people paid a huge price and they are still not out of the hell they have been pushed into. Saddam Hussein was a monster, but the horror they have been going through since the US launched its Iraq colonisation project has made the Iraqi people to see the former dictator as a benevolent statesman. During Saddams time, the people had little or no religious and political freedom, but they had security, water, electricity and peace. There was no sectarianism in secular Iraq. The Sunnis and the Shiites were not only neighbours but they also intermarried. There was no al-Qaeda or ISIS.



Since the US invasion, more than one million Iraqis have died in war and sectarian violence. Also nearly a million Iraqis, half of whom were children, died due to the US-led economic sanctions which preceded the war. When asked, the then US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said it was a price worth paying. Such was the racism-driven indifference that the leaders of the so-called civilised world had for Iraqi lives.



Iraqis die by the thousands even today, as their government together with the US forces prosecutes a major operation to liberate Mosul, Iraqs second most populous city, from the clutches of ISIS. Urban wars are fought and won by destroying buildings with scant regard for the trapped civilians. Thousands of Mosuls civilians have died, especially in air strikes. On Wednesday, Iraqi troops removed 300 bodies from the site of an apparent Coalition air strike carried out on March 17.

Although some 350,000 civilians have fled Mosul to camps where basic facilities are a luxury, still some 400,000 people are trapped in the city. They are being used by the ISIS as human shields. If they try to flee, they are shot dead; if they manage to escape and reach the Iraqi troops, they are grilled, even subjected to torture or killed because of their suspected ties to the terrorists.



The world is today certainly not a better place than what it was prior to the US invasion designed and promoted by neoconservative architects of the Project for New American Century  a think tank which advocated a policy of total global military domination to control the worlds strategic resources.

To the living hell that is Iraq, where suicide blasts have become a daily occurrence, came a visitor on Tuesday  Jared Kushner, son-in-law and special advisor of US President Trump. If a matter so serious like Iraq is to be left in the hands of less experienced people like Kushner, it could mean that the Iraqis will have to wait longer to see peace at least on the distant horizon.



During his campaign for the White House, Trump claimed he was opposed to the Iraq invasion. He said America was not going to be the worlds policeman. But since taking office, he was displaying both hawkishness and indifference to the wars in Iraq and Syria.



In what he claimed as a bold new strategy to defeat ISIS, he has intensified US military involvement in Iraq and Syria.



But the Iraqi conundrum is much more complicated than the ISIS issue. It involves the Kurdish problem, the power games that regional players like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran and Israel play, the superpower interests in the region and the conflict in neighbouring Syria.



The Iraqis have been going through hell long enough. Since 1979, they have been living with devastating wars  first the nine-year Iraq-Iran war, then the Kuwait war, then the US invasion and now the ISIS. Iraq, the cradle of civilisation, needs a comprehensive peace package. But where are the peacemakers?
The Joint Opposition said yesterday the Bill to give legal effect to the International Convention to Protect All Persons from Enforced Disappearances was a dangerous piece of legislation with provisions enabling a foreign government or an institution on behalf of it to appeal for the extradition of a Sri Lankan political leader or military leader on the ground of command responsibility.

Addressing a press briefing, former External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris said the Bill had been presented to Parliament on March 7 by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

This is not for something they have done, but for something happened within their scope of responsibility. Sri Lanka will have to oblige by all the provisions enforced by the International Convention if this Bill is enacted. The Prime Minister keeps saying Sri Lanka is not a signatory to the Rome Treaty and that a Sri Lankan could not be tried before International Criminal Court. What happens if the country seeking extradition has signed the Rome Treaty? Then, there is the damage of military or political leader extradited being ended up as a defendant before the ICC, he said.

He said, There is a provision to set up a special High Court in Colombo to try offences in this category. No bail can be granted. The Police will be given the authority to investigate in the absence of investigations. He said his side would strong public opinion against the bill. (Kelum Bandara)
Oman Air, the national carrier of the sultanate of Oman, launches its new four times weekly flight from Muscat to the Kenyan capital of Nairobi; the latest move in the airlines ambitious and dynamic programme of fleet and network expansion.

Saeed Bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Transport and Communication for Ports and Maritime Affairs joined the Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air, Abdulrahman Al Busaidy and other dignitaries in a cake cutting ceremony at Muscat International Airport, to celebrate the inaugural flight.

The five hours flight operated by a Boeing 737-800 departs Muscat at 1450 and arrives in Nairobi at 1855, leaving on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. From Nairobi, the flights will depart on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, leaving at 0045 and arriving in Muscat at 0650.

The new Oman Air route to the Kenyan capital Nairobi is a significant development for both countries. Trade between Kenya and Oman has been growing steadily over the years and the new flight will facilitate the increase in bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

Oman Airs recent expansion has included the delivery of new aircraft and the introduction of a range of exciting new destinations, new products and services which contribute to a seamless passenger experience. The airline continues to be recognised for its award winning on board experience; winning a raft of industry awards in 2016 to add to its growing collection.

The introduction of the new route to Nairobi consolidates Oman Airs position in 2017 as the airline continues its progress to becoming a successful, sustainable company of the highest quality: To Become the Best.

For further information on Oman Air, visit www.omanair.com
Everybody knew neither his demand would be met nor his fast would continue until death

JO suddenly said he was fasting not against court ruling but against political witch hunt

His over estimation made him be ridiculed not once, but twice

Before former Minister and Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa called off his recent fast, who thought that his demands would be fulfilled due to the fast? Answer is nobody. And also who thought that the National Freedom Front (NFF) leader would continue his fast until his death unless his demands were fulfilled by the authorities concerned? The answer is again nobody.

Everybody in the country knew that neither his demand (whatever it is) would be met nor he would continue his fast until his death because of that. Nine days after he started the fast that followed the rejection of his bail application by the court he gave it up at the request of the Maha Sangha including the Mahanayake of the Ramanna Nikaya Most Ven. Napane Pemasiri Thera, as claimed by the leader of his party and his political companions, the Joint Opposition or the Mahinda Rajapaksa loyalists. People expected something of the sort would help him to stop his fast and save his life as well as his face. Nonetheless, he was correct. He should not die for a vague or an ambiguous cause or for no cause.



Why did he start the fast? When Bobby Sands of the IRA died at the end of a 46 day fast he had a cause. Mahatma Gandhi who also used the fast as a tool during his struggle against the British Raj had a cause. Even Thileepan and the Poopathy Kanapathipillai of the LTTE who died after indefinite fasts had a cause, though we accepted it or not.



Weerawansa started his fast on March 22 after his bail application was rejected by the court on the previous day. He had been arrested by the police for allegedly misusing 45 vehicles when he was a Minister during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime, causing a loss of Rs. 91 million to the State.

Freedom fighters sometimes kill people and loot public or private property in the interest of their political movement. Even Chinese Communist Party Leader Mao Zedong is said to have looted a bank during his fight against Chiang Kai-sheks rule. When they are arrested they claim that they are political prisoners despite the fact that they had been arrested for looting or murder, since they had violated the countrys laws in the interest of a political cause and not for personal gains.



But here,Weerawansa had been arrested for alleged misuse of public property for personal gains. He was not given bail despite several requests made on his behalf. Then he started the fast. All media reported that he was fasting against the rejection of his bail application. Neither Weerawansa nor his party denied this at the initial stage. Then, after about a week the Joint Opposition, all of sudden started to say that he was fasting not against the courts rejection of his bail plea, but against the political witch hunt carried out by the government led by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. JO might have shifted the cause of the fast as challenging a court ruling might amount to Contempt of Court.



However, then the question remains as to what the government was supposed to do to stop the Parliamentarians fast. If he had demanded that he be granted bail, what was to be done was clear and specific. The government could have through the Attorney General amended the charges against Mr. Weerawansa, if possible, so that he could be granted bail. But, if he had started his fast against political vendetta what was expected was not clear. There are so many cases pending in courts and investigated by the FCID of the police against the governments opponents. It is the judiciary that has to decide whether these are genuine cases or political witch-hunt.



Nevertheless, nobody can rule out the fact that the current allegations of and investigations into corruption are selective. When the Yahapalana government of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took office in early 2015 so many politicians of the former regime were hauled before the FCID, CID and the Bribery Commission but some of those cases seem to have been swept under the carpet. The cases against some of those who had aligned with the new government do not seem to be moving. If Mr. Weerawansa had pinpointed this selectivity through his fast as witch-hunt or political revenge, he was correct.



But again that does not mean that the cases against him and others that are moving should also be swept under the carpet, rather it demands all cases be treated alike and those responsible for corruption and fraud including those in the government be brought before the law and punished.

Weerawansas fast was looked at by many with contempt even before he concluded it, because of the very fact that he had launched a similar fast in 2010 in front of the UN compound in Colombo against the appointment of a committee by the then UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon to advise him on Sri Lankas human rights issues. Weerawansa, a minister then wanted to disband the UNSGs committee. That was also called a fast unto death but was abruptly ended without any tangible result when former President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the site of the fast and offered him a glass of thembili water.



Before the fast in 2010 against the Darusman Committee, as it was commonly called Mr. Weerawansa made several fiery speeches against the appointment of such a committee and called it a violation of Sri Lankas sovereignty. In one of those speeches he warned the UN Secretary General that a minister of the Sri Lankan government was going to fast unless the latter withdrew the committee. This points as to how he had over estimated the position of the country as well as that of his in the international arena. These international forces do not budge even if a President, leave alone a minister of a country like Sri Lanka died in a fast. The British authorities were indifferent when ten fasting IRA prisoners including Bobby Sands died one by one in 73 days in 1981, demanding that they be treated as political prisoners. In Sri Lanka even after Thileepan and Poopathy Amma died in a 12 day fast and a one month fast respectively in 1987 and 1988, neither the governments here nor in India were moved.



But something seems to have prompted Mr. Weerawansa to think that the UN system and the Sri Lankan judiciary would budge when he stated his fasts in 2010 and last month. It was this overestimation of self that made him be ridiculed not once, but twice.
Each year on April 7th  World Health Day, important areas of health are brought to the attention of the global community under the sponsorship of the World Health Organisation. The aim is to improve the health status of people and communities by raising awareness, generating interest and initiating activities among stakeholders. This years theme being depression, I wish to bring to the attention of the community a few important issues about depression in the context of Sri Lanka and the challenges faced in the country.

What do we know about depression?



Depression or sadness is a normal emotion. An abnormal and excessive degree of sadness is interpreted in different ways depending on the context and the circumstances. As a clinician, my focus is on clinical depression, a health condition that impairs physical and mental functions and is associated with personal distress and a very complex and rich personal narrative. Depression is characterized by pervasive and predominant sadness associated with low motivation, an inability to be happy, lack of initiative, short attention span, problems in concentrating, fear and worry. Many other symptoms often occur in depression such as disturbance of sleep, menstrual problems, impairment of sex drive, weight loss, physical symptoms and preoccupation with poor physical health, which significantly impacts the persons life. On detailed assessment of the mental state, many patients would go into detail on their mental world - worries, concerns, fears and preoccupations, often using colloquial words such as thonthu, kalakirila, asahnaya, kanagatu, duka, kanassalu. The diagnosis of clinical depression depends entirely on a detailed interview and criteria based on the international classification systems. The patients medical history will reveal whether there are other health conditions associated with mental dysfunction.



This cluster of symptoms found in depressive episodes are associated with major depressive illness, and depressive phases of bipolar illness, the latter being increasingly seen as a different health condition. Similarly, many other health conditions including alcohol abuse, eating disorders, other psychiatric illnesses and physical illnesses including cancer, diabetes and heart disease may be associated with depressive symptoms. It is well known that sociocultural factors fashion the patients presentation, selection of interventions and the outcome of depression.



Based on the estimation of years lived with the disability (YLD) due to a particular health condition or disease and the ranking of the diseases by patients, care-givers, professionals and others, depression has been found to be the most disabling health condition affecting three hundred million people, or four percent of the worlds population. Mental pain or distress associated with depression is much greater than physical pain according to those who experience these episodes and unlike physical pain, there are no interventions that could relieve it immediately. Those with depression have a shorter life span - being more susceptible to a premature death from physical illness or suicide. The economic impact due to the loss of productivity and healthcare costs as a result of depression are staggering, going up to an estimated figure of trillion dollars annually. Caring for a family member with depression or managing an employee with depression at the workplace could be challenging. While it is clear that genetic factors and brain dysfunction have a major role to play in the causation of depression, there is increasing evidence to show that social factors such as poverty, deprivation, early childhood experiences and psychological factors such as emotional trauma also play important roles in causing and influencing the course of the illness. The number of new depression cases per year is increasing globally among all age groups including children, adolescents and the elderly from all social and economic backgrounds. Females are likely to have a higher incidence of depression including after giving birth (post-partum depression).



How do we manage people with depression?



We increasingly use the term comprehensive approach of treatment towards depression, which aims to relieve symptoms, prevent relapses and improve the quality of life of an individual. WHO defines quality of life as an individuals perception of his position in life in the context of the culture and value systems and in relation to his goals, expectations, standards and concerns. Drug therapy, other physical methods of treatment including electro-convulsive therapy, trans-cranial magnetic stimulation and psychological methods including mindfulness-based cognitive behaviour therapy, other forms of psychotherapy and yoga are used in treatment by psychiatrists as well as by other non-medical mental health professionals. Public health professionals and others undertake the primary prevention of depression through health promotion activities. As regards treatment, the optimism generated in the 1980s with the introduction of Happy Pills has not been fully realized, for now it is known that even with newer antidepressant drugs, improvement is hardly complete and some residual symptoms remain.



Increasingly, the aim of mental health services is seen to reduce the burden of mental health. The burden is measured by a combination of two indicators; the number of years of life lost to disease and the number of years lived with disability by people suffering from depression. Modern services are community-oriented and organized around specific geographical areas, providing comprehensive services which are easily accessible and affordable. Special psychiatric or mental health services are those which are provided by a network of community-oriented mental health facilities, interventions and personnel in a given geographical area of the country. Since special services alone cannot meet all mental health demands, general health, primary care, social services, education and many other services have integrated selected aspects of mental health care into their programmes.



The priority given globally today to emotional and mental health has led to increasing numbers of people recognising depression and seeking relief from health practitioners. The acceptance of mental health as an integral part of health has resulted in people today recognizing the emotional aspects of physical illness much more than before. With a better understanding of the nature of depression and the possibility of treatment, community attitudes are becoming increasingly favourable towards mental health resulting in less stigma being attached to the disease. The reforms of mental health services have responded to the United Nations resolution in 1991, calling for the protection of people with mental illness and the improvement of mental healthcare. This has led to a reduction of the traditional discrimination, marginalisation and exclusion of people with mental health problems. The increasing sensitivity attached to issues such as confidentiality, privacy and respecting dignity in clinical practice has improved patient care practices. The acceptance of the need to provide an equitable distribution of services affordable to people in local communities has led to reforms of traditional centralized mental healthcare. Accordingly, in keeping with national policies, each region, district or division based on population size is allocated resources for the provision of comprehensive mental health services.



What are the issues in Sri Lanka?



Over the years, we have seen increasing numbers of people from different age groups, social classes and geographical areas of the country seeking relief for mental health problems. About thirty percent of patients seen by a psychiatrist are likely to have a diagnosis of depression. Similarly we have seen mental health services expanding significantly in the public sector, private sector and in the non-government sector, providing a wide range of services. At the same time, we continue to see very crowded public sector health facilities with limited resources serving the poor. Still, a large number of people suffering from depression in Sri Lanka either do not receive treatment or have inadequate treatment due to a numbers of major obstacles.



What then are the major obstacles preventing the development of a better mental health service? The first obstacle is gaps in our knowledge of mental health and depression in the context of our culture. We still do not have a good understanding of many aspects of depression, particularly the cultural influence on manifestations, personal experiences and response to psychological therapies in Sri Lanka. What influences do mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy or yoga derived from eastern philosophies have on the treatment of depression? A lack of knowledge on these prevents us from providing adequate care. The second obstacle is the low priority attached to emotional health including depression when compared with physical health problems. This not only slows the development of mental health services but also prevents or delays individuals from utilizing available services. In Sri Lanka, many tend to believe that emotional disturbance is the responsibility of the individual and the need to seek expert advice is not felt. The third challenge is stigma, which continues to be a major obstacle in mental health. As a result of stigma, patients are prevented from seeking relief, do not utilize services, do not claim insurance benefits, do not claim leave entitlements and eventually delay seeking and obtaining treatment, increasing their chances of developing disabilities and even death due to suicide.The fourth obstacle is the violation of rights of the mentally ill. This is common and often results in discrimination, marginalization or exclusion at the workplace, families or in the community. In an institutional setting, there is often indifference to respect of dignity, privacy or confidentiality. This is often reflected in the way patients are interviewed in open spaces, the free dissemination of medical information and treating personal case records as public property.



The fifth obstacle is the compartmentalised approach towards mental health care. Individual therapists tend to work in isolation, fulfilling a few needs and leaving other needs unattended or leaving it to the patient to seek relief on his or her own from another source. Psychiatrists tend to treat patients using drugs, with minimal attention to psychosocial issues. Non-medical mental health professionals tend to focus on psychological approaches with little attention to other health needs. There is little coordination between education, social welfare, health and other special services with mental health services. Comprehensive care involves minimising symptoms, preventing relapses, promoting health and providing social support with the aim of improving the quality of life of the patient. Finally, a major obstacle interfering with efforts to reduce the burden of depression is the inadequate and inequitable distribution of mental health services, with most services concentrated in Angoda and a few urban centres, while rural communities have minimal services.



How then can we overcome these obstacles or minimise their impact?



This is the great challenge facing the government and agencies responsible for providing mental health services. The process of improving the quality of life in people with depression and reducing the burden of depression is a long-term goal needing the government, all institutions and communities working together for the common goal.



The government should take the leadership and mandate the relevant body to come up with a policy, plan, strategy and resources to realize the stated objectives. Once this is achieved, it is essential for all stakeholders including the health directorate, mental health directorate, clinical services, public health services, academic departments, training agencies and other relevant institutions to be partners in its implementation.
Ahead of the proposed strike by the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), the Health Ministry said today such action could not be condoned at a time when the hospital authorities were grappling with the spread of H1N1 influenza in the country.

A Ministry spokesman said there was an influx of patients down with fever at state hospitals to be diagnosed if they were hit by Dengue or H1N1, and therefore the GMOA strike was bound to inconvenience people during the festive season.

The GMOA decided to launch this trade union action demanding the closure or nationalization of SAITM on the basis that its medical education was substandard.

Commeninting on this, the spokesman said the Health Ministry, Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) and other stakeholders had worked out minimum standards to be adopted for medical education in Sri Lanka.

The SLMC is due to take it up for consideration soon. Then, this is not the way for the GMOA to respond to the situation. The GMOA is being irresponsible in this case, he said.

He said people fear for H1N1 or Dengue when they experience symptom even with mild fever these days.
The Dalai Lamas visit to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh has upset Beijing. Since this is not the Dalai Lamas first visit to Arunachal or Tawang, Beijings anger could be passed off as diplomatic bluster. But this time around the global environment is markedly different.

Three factors are playing on Chinas mind. First, the two-day summit meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump begins on April 6. Hard talk on trade is inevitable. The summit is being held at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, not the White House. While seemingly innocuous, thats a minor snub: no state dinner, just a walkabout in the sprawling 20-acre property.

Unpredictability

In a rapidly changing world order, Trump has introduced a mix of unpredictability and truculence. He has kept China in the dark about how tough he intends to be on trade, currency, North Korea and the South China Sea. The Chinese dont like uncertainty. Trump unsettles them.

The second cause of Beijings touchiness is that Xinjiang, the countrys northwest province which has a large Muslim Uighur population, is simmering. A new Reuters report draws a grim picture of communal tension and Beijings nervous, heavy-handed response:

China says it faces a serious threat from Islamist extremists in Xinjiang. Beijing accuses separatists among the Muslim Uighur ethnic minority there of stirring up tensions with the ethnic Han Chinese majority and plotting attacks elsewhere in China. A Chinese security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the new security measures in Xinjiang were not politically motivated, but based on fresh developments and intelligence. The Communist Party has vowed to continue what it terms a war on terror against spreading Islamist extremism. In Xinjiang, this can also be seen at weekly flag-raising ceremonies that Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking people who once formed the majority in Xinjiang, are required to attend to denounce religious extremism and pledge fealty under the Chinese flag.

Two-day summit meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump begins on April 6.

The third reason for Chinas anxiety is its slowing economy. The government projects GDP growth in 2016-17 at 6.5 per cent. International estimates place real, non-fudged growth at a slower 5.5 per cent. In 2017-18, a further decline in growth is likely. Dissent is likely to grow as people, lulled for years by rising incomes, feel the pain of an ageing, greying society.

The abandonment of Mao Zedongs one-child policy, which caused China to age dramatically, shows how seriously Beijing takes disaffection among citizens who have bartered freedom and democracy for prosperity and security.

Backdrop

It is against this grim backdrop that Beijing views the Dalai Lamas visit to Tawang. The Dalai Lama sought and received exile in India in 1959. Less well known is that he fled to India via Tawang to set up the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala.

As Dipanjan Roy Chaudhary wrote in The Economic Times: The Tawang monastery, known as the Galden Namgey Lhatse Monastery in Tibet, was founded by Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-81 according to the wishes of the fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. It is also the seat of the Karma-Kargyu sect. The Chinese Communist party has been of the opinion that without controlling Tawang it cannot have legitimacy over Tibet.

For India, the Dalai Lamas visit to Tawang presents an opportunity to reset the relationship with China. Significantly, the Dalai Lamas high-profile trip to Arunachal Pradesh will last for nine days, including two days in Tawang.

An agitated China has continued to issue statements opposing the visit: China and India are two major developing countries and we are close neighbours, the foreign ministry said. It is very important for the two peoples to maintain sound and steady China-India relations. But such a relationship has to be built on certain foundations. Such visits will have deep damage on China-India relations. We have asked India to stick to its political pledges and not to hurt China-India relations. Itll come down to India to make a choice.

Choice

In the past India has made that choice: sit on the fence. It allows the Dalai Lama freedom to travel anywhere in India but not make political statements. The policy of placating China must now end. Beijing thumbs its nose at India over illegal construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indias policy of appeasing China over the Dalai Lama has given India little geopolitical leverage.

Beijing treats Indias objections over the CPEC in PoK with thinly disguised contempt. India should return the compliment over Tawang. Theres no better time to do this. A growing China-Russia-Pakistan axis threatens Indias interests in the region. As a counter, India must develop a strong pole with the US, Japan and Afghanistan.

The Trump-Xi summit in Florida starting today will show how committed the US is to confront China on both trade and Beijings bullying of littoral states in the South China Sea. New Delhi must use all the cards it has, including Tibet, to keep China guessing.

Speaking to Beijing in the dulcet tones of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) wont do. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must take the dragon head-on and reset Indias China policy at a time when Beijing is plagued by Islamist unrest in Xinjiang, a slowing economy and a truculent US President.

(Courtesy of Mail Today.)
Equifax Inc. provides information solutions and human resources business process automation outsourcing services for businesses, governments, and consumers. The company operates through three segments: Workforce Solutions, U.S. Information Solutions (USIS), and International. The Workforce Solutions segment offers employment, income, criminal history, and social security number verification services, as well as payroll-based transaction, employment tax management, and identity theft protection products. The USIS segment provides consumer and commercial information services, such as credit information and credit scoring, credit modeling and portfolio analytics, locate, fraud detection and prevention, identity verification, and other consulting; mortgage services; financial marketing services; identity management services; credit monitoring products; and online information, decisioning technology solutions, as well as portfolio management, mortgage reporting, and consumer credit information services. The International segment offers information service products, which include consumer and commercial services, such as credit and financial information, and credit scoring and modeling; and credit and other marketing products and services, as well as offers information, technology, and other services to support debt collections and recovery management. The company serves customers in financial services, mortgage, employers, consumer, commercial, telecommunication, retail, automotive, utility, brokerage, healthcare, and insurance industries, as well as state, federal, and local governments. It operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, the Republic of Ireland, Russia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. The company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
NextEra Energy, Inc. is the largest electric utility holding company in the US. It operates a network of power generation and distribution facilities that include fossil-fuel-generated and green energy. As of mid-2022, the company was capable of generating 58 GW of electricity with nearly 60% of the load produced by green sources including wind and solar. In their view, going green isnt an option, its the solution. NextEra Energy has been recognized multiple times as a leader in clean energy and ESG practices and was ranked the #1 electric and gas utility on the Forbes list of Most Admired Companies.

The company is the result of several mergers that begin with FPL Group. FPL Group is now a subsidiary of NextEra Energy and the third-largest provider of electricity in the US servicing nearly half of Florida. FPL and its affiliates are the single largest provider of renewable energy generated from wind and sun. The group changed its name in 2010 following a decision to shift focus onto renewable energy sources.

Today, NextEra Energy, Inc through its subsidiary FPL serves about 12 million people in eastern and southwestern Florida. The company employs nearly 14,900 people who service 5.8 million accounts. The company is in business to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to retail and wholesale clients. Electricity is generated through wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal-fired facilities.

The company is also engaged in the construction and operation of new facilities, specifically renewable power generation, storage, and delivery facilities, and can offer custom solutions tailored to any need. Offerings include tailored services to assist businesses with their transition to clean energy.

NextEra Energy also owns and operates 7 nuclear power stations in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin generating power for the wholesale market.

Unlike other companies that are targeting net-zero emissions, NextEra Energy has a plan to reach real zero and is investing heavily to reach that goal by 2045. The company had invested nearly $50 billion in green energy infrastructure and initiatives by mid-2022. The plan is to first work on reducing its own emissions and then take its knowledge and expertise to the world.
When we complain, feel lonely or are going through a hard time, its often said that all we really need is someone to listen to us, not try to fix things for us. Something like I hear what youre saying or I support you 100 percent will often work wonders, despite how robotic the supportive listener might feel the offering to be.

Well, then, what if an actual robot were offering this kind of emotional support? Could it be as effective as a human listener?

According to an Israeli research study completed last year, the answer is yes.

Study participants were asked to tell a personal story to a small desktop robot. Half the participants spoke to a robot that was unresponsive, while the other half spoke to a robot who responded with supportive comments and common gestures of understanding and sympathy, like nodding and turning to look the participant in the eye. Researchers found that people can develop attachments to responsive robots, and they have the same feelings and response behaviors they would have had if the listener had been human.

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technology is creating all kinds of possibilities, and raising all kinds of questions, too. However, researchers are discovering that this new technology could most help most those who understand it the least: older adults.

Technologies like Siri and Alexa already exist that can help provide a natural language interface to online resources and that dont require keyboard skills or computer literacy, said Richard Adler, a distinguished research fellow at the Institute for the Future in Palo Alto, California, and a nationally recognized expert on the relationship between technology and aging. As this kind of technology becomes more powerful, it will become easier to use and more helpful.

In other words, Mom and Dad can interact with technology the same way they would with family and friends.

There are also interesting experiments underway to use AI for predictive monitoring that can do things like detect changes in gait that could signal a greater risk of falling, Adler said.

At Standford University, theres a special Artificial Intelligence Assisted Care Research Program in which researchers are developing AI technology that can monitor seniors in their homes using multiple sensors to detect lifestyle patterns, physical movements, vital signs  even emotions  and then use that data to accurately access the seniors health, safety and well-being.

Indeed, while AI technology is being developed that can help older adults directly, much of the research is being focused on providing support for caregivers, doctors and other health other care professionals. At the Stanford program, they are even working on an AI-powered ICU hospital unit that can monitor patients.

I see AI helping doctors make better diagnoses, managing patients remotely and helping to coordinate caregiving teams that could include both doctors and family members, Alder said.

And while AI like this is being developed to provide practical assistance, it is also being developed to provide human-like companion support as well, which can help reduce the isolation that often comes with living alone with limited mobility.

Thats the theory behind ElliQ (which takes its cue from the aforementioned Israeli research study), a new device thats being called an autonomous active-aging companion, and which is currently being tested with older adults in San Francisco. ElliQ, which looks more like a friendly extension lamp than a humanoid robot, can speak and respond with a combination of movements, sounds and light displays to convey shyness, assertiveness, and even sympathy and understanding.

For example, ElliQ might prompt you to take a walk if its a nice day outside, either with a gentle reminder or something more forceful, depending on what its learned about its owner. Some family photos might arrive on the tablet screen beside the robot, and ElliQ might tilt its little abstract head and say what a beautiful family you have. ElliQ also can provide reminders about taking medications, upcoming doctors appointments and caregiving schedules with a human touch.

If all this sounds like scary, Brave New World-type stuff, well, it is.

While Alder said there are many benefits to using AI technology, like better connecting older adults with caregivers, family members and health professionals, and reducing senior isolation, he has a few warnings.

I worry that AI and other media will be used to provide pseudo-social interactions rather than actual human interactions, he said, adding that theres also a danger in taking agency and privacy away from older adults in the name of better, more intrusive monitoring by others. My hope is that AI can be used to facilitate and orchestrate more and better human-to-human interactions. But the jury is still out on which way well go.

David McNair handles publicity, marketing, media relations and social media efforts for the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.
Albemarle County officials maintain that their rules prohibit mountain biking at the Ragged Mountain Natural Area, but the Charlottesville City Council has directed its staff to begin construction of trails around the Ragged Mountain reservoir that will accommodate hikers, trail runners and cyclists.

According to the director of the city parks department, the council decision means cyclists can now use the existing trails designated for shared use.

In a 3-2 vote Monday, the council approved a new parks and recreation department trail-use plan. In December, the council instructed department director Brian Daly to return to the council within six months with a plan for shared- and exclusive-use trails that circumnavigate the entire reservoir.

At this time, the plan proposed takes all those directions into consideration. We did not want to wait the entire six months to bring this back before you as to allow trail construction in the next few months, Daly said.

In an email sent to community members who have signed up for updates about the trails at Ragged Mountain, city trail planner Chris Gensic said trail construction days are expected to begin this spring.

According to the parks departments website, a trail-building day with volunteers from the University of Virginia is scheduled for Saturday.

Those existing trails at Ragged Mountain that are designated as shared use or hiking only in the use plan are now open for those designated uses, his email said.

In an interview Wednesday, Daly said that statement means mountain biking is allowed at the natural area now.

Councilors Wes Bellamy and Bob Fenwick have repeatedly voted against any measure related to Ragged Mountain in deference to Albemarle Countys objections to permitting mountain bikers at the property  the natural area is owned by the city, but located in the county.

For me, its about city-county relations. Its plain and simple. I dont know why a majority on council is doing this, Fenwick said in an interview. Its a mystery to me.

Previously managed by the Ivy Creek Foundation, which prohibited biking there, the community nonprofit declined to continue managing the natural area after construction of the new Ragged Mountain dam was completed in 2014. City park officials have been working since then to restore trail connections that were lost when the water level in the reservoir was raised.

Before the council directed its staff to plan for shared-use trails at the site in December, the county requested that the council defer a decision on the matter. The councilors acknowledged the countys request at the December meeting but voted on the matter anyway.

In February, Diantha McKeel, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors, wrote an open letter to city and county residents about the citys plans for Ragged Mountain. She said that allowing mountain biking at the natural area would contradict a county ordinance that prohibits certain activities at Ragged Mountain to prevent the reservoir from being polluted.

When the council voted in December on a trail-use map that included shared-use paths, they agreed to ask the county to amend its ordinance.

In her letter, McKeel said the city is violating state law by having a ordinance that conflicts with one of theirs and that the county intends to enforce its regulations at the natural area.

According to the county code regarding parks and recreational facilities, any persons violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, or as such violations may otherwise be punishable under state law. The Code of Virginia says anyone guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor is subject to a jail sentence of up to 12 months and a fine of no more than $2,500.

But in an email Wednesday, Madeline Curott, spokeswoman for the county police department, said the department has not been sending officers to monitor the area and that no citations have been issued for violations of the county ordinance since the start of the year.

Not at this point, she said when asked whether the department is planning to patrol the area in the future.

County officials have said they could accommodate for mountain bikers at a new, yet-to-be-opened county park at the so-called Hedgerow Property, a 340-acre area south of the reservoir, nestled between Interstate 64 and U.S. 29. The opening of the park could take more than a year, however, and some local mountain bikers have said they are not enticed by the offer.

Other community members, such as former City Councilor Dede Smith, have objected to the idea of mountain bikes in the natural area, fearing that it could disturb and harm the natural habitat at Ragged Mountain. Daly has said those concerns have been considered, responding that the planned trails avoid areas that have been identified as ecologically sensitive.

At Mondays council meeting, Gene Philippi, of Barboursville, said he is opposed to the new trail plan, adding that hes in favor of more shared-use trails at the site. He said the plan to build additional trails that are only for hiking or shared-use will alter too much of the natural landscape.

I have concluded there are just too many trails  [that will do] more damage to the natural environment and the beauty of Ragged Mountain than most people realize, he said.

Philippi also acknowledged the dispute between the city and county over the site.

I feel bad, as a county resident, that theres conflict, he told the council.

Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer said Monday that the city is working with the county to resolve the dispute over their conflicting ordinances.

We are working to be sensitive and continue discussions with our friends in Albemarle County about accommodating some of their concerns, Signer said. Thats an ongoing discussion.

They have concerns about this project  theres a legal dispute and were having a back-and-forth with them, he said. We favor finding a legal resolution to the question of dueling ordinances.

In a statement that was sent to media outlets Tuesday, county officials relayed that they expect the city to continue respecting its sovereignty and regulations prohibiting cyclists at Ragged Mountain.

The board believes that our colleagues on City Council would agree that our community is not well-served when its local governments are in conflict, and so we are encouraged by Mayor Signers published comments from last nights City Council meeting that indicate a desire to find a legal resolution of the questions of dueling ordinances, the statement said.

We remain hopeful for a speedy and amicable outcome regarding this issue.

After Mondays council meeting, City Attorney Craig Brown said he is not aware of whether the two sides have plans to meet and discuss the issue.

When asked what the councils vote means for those tentative discussions with the county, he said: That means we need to get it resolved soon.

On Wednesday, as the county board prepared to enter a closed session to consult the county attorney about Ragged Mountain, among other topics, McKeel said she and the other supervisors had not seen Gensics email that said park patrons may bike on the shared-use trails.

This is new information for us, McKeel said. The supervisors will need to process this and discuss it.
Attorneys for Rolling Stone magazine were back in a Charlottesville court on Wednesday afternoon to take up matters in the third lawsuit filed against them for a now-retracted article that generated national controversy.

Months after losing in a defamation lawsuit filed by University of Virginia administrator Nicole Eramo, the magazines counsel came to Charlottesville Circuit Court on Wednesday to spar with an attorney for the national chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, the fraternity implicated in the November 2014 article A Rape on Campus.

Intended as an expose on the culture of sexual assault at elite universities, the article sent shockwaves through the Charlottesville community and beyond with the harrowing centerpiece story of a then-student named Jackie, who claimed that during a party in her first year, she was brutally gang-raped at Phi Kappa Psis off-campus UVa fraternity house. Students and faculty quickly organized marches and protests that led to the front door of the Rugby Road home, while the UVa administration suspended Greek life for the remainder of the fall semester.

Within weeks of its release, the public sentiment surrounding the article transmuted from outrage to incredulity as key aspects of Jackies tale began falling apart under scrutiny. By Dec. 5, 2014, the magazine appended their online article to include a disclaimer, stating that the editorial staff and author Sabrina Rubin Erdely had lost faith in Jackies side of the story. Following a scathing review of its journalistic practices, along with an investigation from Charlottesville police finding no evidence to back Jackies claims, Rolling Stone officially retracted the article on April 5, 2015.

Within one month, Eramo filed suit against the magazine, its publisher and Erdely, seeking $7.85 million for defamation. At the time of the articles publication, Eramo had served as the associate dean of students, charged with aiding student survivors of sexual assault. Mentioned by name more than 30 times in the article, Eramo alleged that she was cast as the articles chief villain, who showed callous indifference to the needs of her students. Last November, a weeks-long trial ended with a jury awarding Eramo $3 million in damages.

Eramos suit was the first of three. By July 2015, three former Phi Kappa Psi brothers filed a lawsuit asserting that, as former residents of the fraternity house, savvy readers could wrongly deduce that they were involved in the alleged assault. That suit was tossed out 11 months later, with a federal judge ruling that the details were too vague and remote to link the plaintiffs to the article.

Then in November 2015, the UVa chapter of Phi Kappa Psi filed its own defamation lawsuit, seeking $25 million in damages after receiving an avalanche of condemnation worldwide in the articles wake. Like Eramo, the fraternity accused Erdely of specifically seeking out a sensational story of graphic and violent rape and failing to properly vet the story with sources beyond Jackie. The frat further alleged that its reputation and membership were significantly harmed by the articles release.

While Rolling Stone has lobbed its objections to the suit, claiming that the article could not be reasonably interpreted as a censure of the fraternity, Judge Richard Moore has denied the magazines attempts to throw it out of court. A 10-day jury trial in the matter is scheduled for October.

With discovery set to close this summer, Wednesdays court hearing dealt with a motion from the fraternitys national chapter to be left alone as the magazine prepares for its battle with the UVa chapter. Rolling Stone has issued subpoenas to the national chapter and its insurer, hoping to uncover information that addresses the reputation of the frats UVa chapter.

Representing the frat, attorney Dirk McClanahan said that the magazines subpoena contains requests for information that are about as broad as you can conceivably make them, alleging that the requests are not strategic, but rather harassing and oppressive. He stated that many of the requests seek information about the fraternitys other 98 chapters and their recorded infractions, such as matters of sexual assault and underage drinking violations.

They dont need to hunt down our dirty laundry, McClanahan said, before arguing that the magazine had a clear dislike of the fraternity, which in turn drove their expansive requests.

Counsel for the magazine responded that the requests McClanahan referenced sought information that might inform the fraternitys internal conduct across its many chapters and give insight into the brand that Phi Kappa Psi now believes to be damaged.

After taking time to review the magazines requests, Moore returned to the courtroom and ruled that 13 of the magazines 29 requests from the chapter would not be allowed to go forward, while the remaining 16 requests should be responded to only as they pertained to the UVa chapter of the fraternity, or if they involved reported sexual misconduct infractions at other fraternity chapters.

Speaking after the hearing, Rolling Stone attorney Liz McNamara said she was pleased that the judge agreed with critical aspects of their discovery requests.
LONDON - England - Our resident stock picker, Alan Sharpish has compiled a list of five great stocks that will be an amazing addition to your portfolio.

5 Amazing NSA Stock Picks

1) X-TECH (X-TC) This Chinese tech companys penny stock is set to rise by 3000% in the next few weeks. I read the details from a recent NSA report stating the company has secretly come out with some really cool tech stuff that no one has yet. The NSA report shows every email that the company directors have been writing to each other. A surefire winner in my book.

2) HALSBRO (HSBO) Reading the NSA report on this Italian widget company, it looks like theyre going to announce they are bankrupt in 5 days. You will surely make a mint by getting in a short position now before the massively overbought share price drops like a rock. Cha ching!

3) CORLINSON OIL (CNSN) A British owned oil company that operates in Nigeria. Theyve just found a gusher but are keeping it secret. The NSA emails reveal they will announce the find in late August. Start filling your boots now.

4) GUSLING PLC (GSLG) You ever seen a rocket shoot up into space? This stock is going vertical on July 27th when the company will announce bumper profits. Ive seen the NSA report and have already bought as many shares as I possibly can.

5) JIMBOB INC. (JMB) When I read the NSA report for this company I immediately took all my wifes jewels and her fur coats and sold the lot. The entire board of directors are getting fired on Friday. Get in there quick for the easiest money you will ever make.

This concludes our NSA stock picks for today. Be sure to check here regularly for any more NSA updates on what to buy and what to sell with the exact dates.
LONDON - England - Everyone knows the Eurovision song contest is all about EU politics and to that end the UK always gets a bum deal, but British Eurovision contest bosses are planning a surprise for next year's competition.

You could put bloody Elvis up there and if he was from the UK hed get 10 points maximum, an angry UK Eurovision contest fan told the BBC.

Musical directors from the UK in charge of Britains singing contestants have now come up with a cunning plan to maybe alter the political voting a little bit.

Its not just a question of Greece giving Cyprus 12 points, and vice versa. If we put a super group together of the UKs best artists of all time, we may get in the top five or you never know we could pip Romania or Azerbaijan by a few points, Ian Templar, one of the directors of the UK Eurovision team told the BBC.

Warbling Ukrainians and silly folk songs from some backward former-Soviet country may very well be left behind next year.

Were still going to come last next year, but at least, we tried, innit, said Sir Mick Jagger from his Manhattan apartment.
LONDON - England - The coming launch of the Apple iWatch will be a lucrative pay day for muggers and criminals worldwide.

This will be the biggest pay day we get. Yall cant hide those Apple iWatches from us, not like an iPad, or iPhone, that shits on yo wrist and each one worth $500, Tayshon Johnsons, a known mugger with an extensive criminal record from New York told MSNBC.

In London, an iWatch would retail at double the U.S. price and muggers have been licking their lips at the prospect of grabbing some iWatch action.

These are like digital Rolex, I dont care if that thing is glued on your wrist, theres always a way to get it off, with or without pain, Denzel Lamarr, 23, from Canning Town, East London told the BBC.

There are innovative ways to get around being mugged for your Apple iWatch, either you can learn karate or you can cunningly disguise your pride and joy as a simple Casio digital from 1987 by ingeniously making an overlay. Some have even suggested wearing the iWatch on your ankle so if wearing trousers it is covered, or by having very long shirts disguising the big lucrative bulge from thieving eyes.

Whatever happens, iWatch launch day beckons and the thugs, muggers and criminals are waiting for those Apple luvvies to emerge from the shiny white stores, ripe fruit for the picking.


Schools are to get the Governments permission to fingerprint all pupils with a view to future microchipping.

Ministers will issue guidance telling them they have the right to

install fingerprint scanners and collect biometric data from children

as young as five.

Data will be used to compile a database of all children in the British Isles as well as future proposals to implement scanning of all adults by 2010.

The data will also be used to monitor school attendance, control lunch queues and help with the issuing of library books.







The fingerprinting data will be kept on databases indefinitely



The move is likely to anger opposition MPs and civil liberty campaigners. However, the Government is standing back and not doing anything about it.

About 280 schools are thought to be using fingerprint scans

already after software companies started selling packages five or six

years ago.

Head teachers are seeing a spate of finger amputations in schools because class bullies will do anything to get free lunches. All the bullies need to do is get a severed finger from another classmate and put it in the scanner.

Last night a parents association at Runnymeade Comprehensive complained to the schools board that their children were coming home with missing fingers.

This new craze has to stop for Gods sake. My poor johnny only has three fingers left and ive had to cancel his piano lessons now. Julie Timpson said from her council home in East Grinstead.

Posters being distributed in all schools yesterday

Lib-Dem schools spokesman David Laws said: Its about time the

Government responded to our concerns about the haphazard fingerprinting

of children.

This should never have happened without proper guidance and without the assurance of secure data protection.

We will want to satisfy ourselves that the Government has

thought through the new policies rather than acting in a knee-jerk

way.

Liberty, the civil rights group, said: We have some serious

concerns that this biometric data is being collected from children

simply for administrative convenience.

We want to know what happens to the data after the children

leave. The police have the right to get into any database, private or

public.

Now that the British Police are allowed to access traffic camera footage whenever they want and relinquish other private data without any warrants, some people in the UK are starting to slowly question their masters.

Children, Schools and Families Secretary Ed Balls will outline the guidance in a written statement to MPs.

It is expected to say that personal data, including fingerprints

and eyeball scans, can be collected from pupils, with scanners at the

entrance to classrooms, the school gates and in cafeterias.

Schools will have to consult parents first and will not be

permitted to share the data with outside bodies. However, it is

understood that schools will not have to gain written permission from

each parent.

The guidance, written by Becta, the British Education

Communications and Technology Agency, which advises the Government on

technology in education, will go out to schools and further education

colleges.

A Whitehall official said: We know that schools are

increasingly looking at technology to make their lives easier.

Fingerprinting is popular in some schools as it frees up time for

teachers. It is good for pupils because we can now track them through their whole lives. This is a good measure for security and we will make them embrace our wishes.

We leave it up to schools to decide what administrative systems

to bring in to make their day to day running smoother. But some parents

have concerns and they will be disciplined accordingly for disobeying Government directives. This guidance will make it crystal clear for their own good.

Ministers will clarify that data may be used for

other purposes and passed on outside the school when needed.

There are fears that school computers are not secure enough to keep data safe from hackers but this was alleviated by the fact that all biometric data which will be accumulated from the UK population will be freely available to companies who are willing to pay for it.

The Government is engineering a scheme to increase Whitehall funds by selling data to the market on a first come first served basis.
BRUSSELS - Belgium - Our supreme unelected elite commanders in Brussels were yesterday left with collectivized egg on their face all because of a traitorous democratic coup attempt by the Irish EU sector.

There has been upheaval in the Irish EU Soviet Sector with murmurs of democracy being uttered under the breaths of the people.

Supreme central command in Brussels will see fit to crush any vile democratic rebellion and has sent a brigade of Bolshevik troops to crush the abhorrent rebellion.

Unelected Comrade Brown of the Soviet British sector, who answers to the head of the Soviet European State, Comrade Barroso, was on hand to reassure his superiors that there would be no such attempts at democracy in Soviet Britain unlike the rebellious potato munching leprachaunite Irish traitors to the Soviet EU constitution of totalitarian authority led by supreme elite unelected controllers.

Re-Educating the Irish

Unlike the Irish who have embraced the weak bourgeois tendency to democracy and the right for a vote from the people, Britain will not be encumbered by such ridiculous nonsense. We will ratify the Soviet EU constitution for a totalitarian state and one-world government controlled by a few unelected Soviet European elites. Dearest comrades, it is for your benefit that we will be pushing through this constitution even when the people of Soviet EU Sectors in Ireland, France or Netherlands have voted against it, Comrade Brown then let out a hearty laugh and was applauded by all in the Westminster duma.

Political Commissar for Re-Education, Comrade Ed Balls, has been ordered to go to Ireland to re-educate the Irish prole masses on how to comport themselves within the Soviet EU. Irish dissenters who do not follow the Comrade Balls EU Re-Education programs will be despatched to eco-gulags.

Elite unelected leaders in Brussels today were talking about inviting Comrade Robert

Mugabe into their ranks because of a great admiration for his techniques in winning over his people in the Eur-African Soviet sector.

Comrade Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Soviet Totalitarian Commission, said: The democratic vote in Ireland is not a problem for the proposed Soviet Lisbon Treaty. We will push through the Soviet assimilation process with the necessary Bolshevik

brainwashing processes; 18 Soviet states have already approved the treaty with pay-offs and torture, and the Politburo division believes the remaining ratifications should continue to take their course. I believe the treaty is alive.

Europes elite unelected leaders will simply steamroller their blueprint through despite the Irish rejection. There is no time for such fickle and petty doctrines like democracy in the Soviet State of Europe.

Notice: B64345 INGSOCK Long Live the Gordo and the Soviet EU State!
LONDON - England - Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, offered his support to the Iranian people in wishing to rid themselves of their unelected leader.

Speaking from Westminster, the Prime Minister offered his full support to the Iranian people: The Iranians are very brave in trying to get rid of their unelected leader who has hijacked their country and is running it into the ground with his tin pot dictatorial ideas. This mad man has caused economic chaos and serious problems to the Iranian people and world at large. He is an unelected dictator and I personally commend the brave fighters who resist this unjust charlatan who has somehow shoehorned himself into the post.

Mr Brown has also made it known to the unelected leadership of Iran that he intends to support the people who oppose the dictatorship currently in government.

It is an utter disgrace that an unelected leader with no mandate can sneak his way into office and hold a whole country to ransom. This unelected Iranian president has also seen fit to hold on to power through any means possible. How cowardly and reprehensible is that? Mr Brown added.
WASILLA - USA - The prospective Republican 2012 election candidate, Sarah Palin, is taking intensive geography lessons in a bid to learn about the world's countries.

No, no, no! Europe is not a country and you cannot see Russia from Alaska! Sarah Palins newest geography tutor exclaims with his eyes bulging and the veins on his forehead throbbing wildly.

In just three weeks of intensive geography lessons Palin has gone through eight geography tutors and Republican denizens are at a loss at what to do with the high turnover rate.

Shes driving these people crazy. We had one of them taken away on a stretcher babbling something about Africa and Belgium. Another one literally pulled whole clumps of his own hair out, now hes trying to sue us for losses. Theres got to be something we can do? Sarah Palins campaign manager, Earl Wyatt told Fox news.

The assigned geography teacher for today tries to show Mrs Palin where the U.S.A is on a large globe sitting on the desk in front of her. She leans over and points to Africa.

But its got the same kind of shape right? she says looking up and pushing her cleavage into better view.

It seems that her bust is the only redeeming topographical feature that can win the 2012 election.


NEW YORK  USA  Obama not only used his devout socialist moles in the IRS to hit Conservative organisations with tax punishments when he was president, but now the ex-president has been allegedly wiretapping Trump tower during the run-up to the election.

To many Americans, Obama was always a disgrace to office, but now he could be publicly disgraced and maybe have charges brought upon on him for his illegal activities. Complicit with his cronies in the FBI, NSA and CIA, there are still many factions within these organisations who are under the corrupt wing of Obama, who has taken up a role outside the presidency as some sort of clandestine operative to try and impeach Trump.

Obama, always the ultimate control freak, not only heavily controlled and censored the media during his tenure, but still has the likes of CNN, MSNBC, New York Times and Huffington Post under his control.

Corruption

The corruption, and cronyism within Obamas government extends outside his presidency, as many have pledged allegiance to his Marxist ideals.

Trump, of course, will find all of this very troubling, and his efforts to ban leftist Obama news services from the White House may seem childish at first, but once you come to understand the bias of these so-called impartial news services towards the left side of the political spectrum, it is clear that Trump has done the right thing in his own mind, however, one must have balance, and Trump is exhibiting an authoritarian stance in a world that should appreciate both sides of any story. He is in effect falling into the Obama trap, where Obama would heavily punish and censor any news that did not exhibit a left wing socialist homosexual viewpoint.

As far as internet conglomerates like Google, Amazon and Facebook, these are all socialist left-wing denizens of Obama, and we have yet to see how they will fare under the auspices of Trump. These internet companies all do not pay much tax, and maybe in the future, things will change unless they embrace a more impartial stance to their political outlook and operations.

Obama the dog shit

After eight long suffering years under a Marxist president, the United States is going to have to shake off this evil spectre of Obama haunting the corridors with his vile shadow. His corruption goes so deep into the rabbit hole that it disappears into eternal blackness, and Obama has corrupted and infiltrated every corner of the super state he has helped to grow. A super-socialist government of extreme budgetry waste, of spending never before seen by any president in the history of the United States. Of course the stock market went up with Obama, it would if a trillion dollars every few months was released under the auspices of treacherous RINOs like Boehner and Ryan.

Obamagate

No one is insinuating that there was never corruption before Obama, but let us say that under his nefarious rule, it got to pandemic levels. Obama even went as far as to bug U.N. Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, Merkel, Netanyahu and Sarkozy. If Trump is to shake off the black viscous smelly shadow of Obama, he is going to have to utilise CIA, FBI operatives who are under his rule, not Obamas, and he is going to have to find and present some real evidence, presented to the people to see for themselves, and once this is done, Obama will be finally disposed of, a taint on the U.S. flag, a distant memory much akin to that time you stepped on a dog shit in the park that one day, you want to forget, the smell, and how it was hard to wipe off the grooves from under your shoe, water, sticks, rubbing on grass, it took ages but still the smell lingered. Obama is that dog shit on a shoe. The smell of Obama just does not want to go away.
LONDON  England  Amongst the wailing and caterwauling that goes on at PMQs against Jeremy Corbyn and his communist chums every week, there is a feeling in the air that the conservatives are somehow invincible.

Nothing can be further than the truth. The EU Referendum revealed to many the underbelly of the beast, the Remainers, who support communism, support the abolishment of the royal family and support massive tax hikes on people who have worked hard all their lives to achieve wealth.

John McDonnell, the Shadow Chancellor, a staunch Marxist Communist Bolshevik is now proposing a yearly tax of 20% to be taken from the assets of the richest. This would solve the deficit according to him, however, as it stands at 1.7 trillion, his little scheme would only raise a paltry 800 million or so.

We must not forget that this would only be the beginning, and once first blood is shed, there would have to be more. Communism means that every one is equal in poverty and misery, apart from the party hierarchy, who even have their own lanes on motorways.

Under the horrific dystopia of a Corbyn win in the election, Britain would become a communist state, and it would not be long before re-education camps were erected across the countryside, and many would try to flee to better climes only to be detained and interrogated, then summarily stripped of the rest of their wealth.

There is a great following for Corbyn, it is all encompassing, as the disenfranchised are many, the jobless, the ones who have no hope, no training, no skills, doomed to a purgatory of poverty, these people have nothing to lose.

This is why Corbyn must not be underestimated, as there is a suspicion that he has some form of support from the deep state, he certainly would not have been able to hang on for so long without its help.

A Corbyn government would be a great opportunity for political purges, those would be carried out after a short time in power, then the royal family would have their budgets reduced to near zero, a precursor to their eventual demise. We would see bread queues much like happened in the former Soviet USSR, and of course, the party line would be defended by a ruthless politburo and efficient KGB-like secret service.

Britain is a nation that views its wealth from home ownership and the increase of house prices, this equity defines many Britons. Under a Corbyn government house prices in Britain would be non existent, as many would fall to state ownership for the poor families. In effect, Corbyn would let the state nationalise your home so it can be used by the unfortunates.

Nationalising the majority of housing, rail, transport, farms and manufacturing, would fall into Corbyns Collectivist 10-Year-Plan, as once he is elected, there will not be any other elections until he is ousted.

How does this all tie in with the EU? Well, as its aspirations to become a Soviet Superstate accelerate, Corbyn would be preparing Britain to completely amalgamate with the EUs Soviet structure. There are a sizeable amount of EU Remainers in Britain, and their support is assured for Corbyn, from which he will dissolve the British military to be nothing more than a few garrisons, and abolish our nuclear deterrent. This is Corbyns key to communistic success, and union with the EU.

Communism is alive and well in Britain today, and should not be underestimated.
ANKARA  Turkey  Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus, has revealed some troubling news for the EU which could effectively swamp the continent with 2 million more refugees this summer.

Already, it is spring, and the augurs do not bode well for the EU, with Britain leaving its sinking union, and the fires of patriotism burning in France and the Netherlands.

Schengen Nightmare

The corridor from Libya to Italy is a proven route for much of Africa to enter the EU, once inside they have no limitations in travelling across the EU and settling in any country they please due to the EUs suicidal Schengen zone.

Much of the traffic goes through Greeces porous borders, although some unlucky refugees are detained in Greek camps where they are treated like animals with poor sanitation, limited food and water.

This summer of 2017, we could be seeing another re-run of the mass exodus that was witnessed in 2015, when approximately 3 million people crossed into the EU causing chaos, anarchy and a human crisis not seen since World War II.

As the blossoms sprout beautifully on Europes fields, so too will the lines and lines of millions of people coming to the EU, searching for a better life, looking for what they see and hear on the internet of the privileged European dream.

Poverty, war, drought, it all adds up to a nasty soup, and the hatred of Muslims by most of the EU population, will eventually lead to some sort of civil unrest as the millions keep on coming and coming. By denying Turkey what was promised, the EU has been dangling the carrot on the stick for too long, and without any prize, Turkey has nothing to lose, it has already been burdened by over 5 million refugees from Syria and Iraq, and to see them go West will be a release of this burden.

The Turks are a hated race by many countries, and are surrounded completely by their enemies, however they should not be underestimated in their strategic role, not only militarily but in their geographic positioning. The Turk can once again aspire to invade Europe, albeit through the use of refugees, as once they did the walls of Vienna. For centuries, Turks have been vilified and feared by Europeans, and today in the 21st Century, we can see nothing has changed in history.

Erdogan, the current Turkish leader has taken Turkey back to its Islamic roots, he has thrown out all the Western reformations that Kemal Ataturk had put in place, and this is why, today instead of seeing women in high skirts walking the streets as they did in the sixties and seventies, you only see hijabs and burkas, and only a few women who dare wear Western clothes without coverings.

By going back East, looking towards China and Russia, Turkey has also endangered its place in NATO, but as the second largest army in the group, it still is useful to the U.S. so keeps its place.

There will not be any change in Turkey any time soon, unless of course there is regime change and a more moderate Western government is formed, until then, Europe will be swamped with wave after wave of refugees, the new de facto weapon of choice in a world where economic wars are waged and proxy wars utilising other elements are an every day occurrence.
WASHINGTON D.C.  USA  According to Republican Devin Nunez Nunes, Obama is guilty as hell for wiretapping Trump during the run up to the 2016 election.

The intelligence is said to leave no doubt the Obama administration, in its closing days, was using the cover of legitimate surveillance on foreign targets to spy on President-elect Trump. Unlike the FBI, the NSA have capitulated and will present the full evidence to the congressional investigators at the House Intelligence Committee on Friday.

Obviously, the augurs do not bode well for Obama, who has denied any wrongdoing, however with the evidence presented in plain black and white, how can he deny the charges against him?

As for prison time, according to the U.S. Constitution presidents, current or past are liable for crimes committed. They can of course argue executive privilege however under the circumstances of Obama, and the severity of the accusations, he would not be able to hide behind any special legal excuse for his crimes.

Tyrone Jackson, 27, an inmate of San Quentin State Prison in California doing 120 years for crimes of murder and rape, says he cant wait to be cell buddies with Barack, and show him a good time.

Looks like its going to be breaking rocks time with his butt cheeks for the disgraced Obama sometime in 2017. Whilst tucked away in some maximum security prison, Obama will no doubt be preaching the benefits of homosexuality and anal sex to his fellow inmates, who no doubt will take him up on the offer.

If Obama is released by 2065, who knows what the world will look like, and whether Obamacare will still be around to treat his sore ass?
LONDON - England - War criminals were shuddering in fear today as their whereabouts were revealed in a new website by the Metropolitan police.

Speaking from the Mets head quarters at Scotland Yard, the man in charge of the operation, DCI Headwind, said: We have reason to believe that a number of war criminals are living in London and that is why we have published the information on our new War Criminal Hotspots website. As you may already know, the kingpin of all war criminals, Tony Blair, is living in a massive mansion in Connaught Square, of which we have published the aforesaid address on the internet. Members of the public may peruse the whereabouts of this man and may see if he lives near their place of abode. This is the purpose of the new website launched by the police force today.

After the website was launched, there was such a huge amount of web traffic to the site that the servers were shut down momentarily.

I wanted to see if Blair, the war criminal, lived near me. No one wants a bloody war criminal living near their house do they? I live out in Tottenham so Im safe, although the regular crime here is so intense sometimes that one needs a bulletproof vest just to go to the offie, Alf Newham, 58, told the BBC.
FLORIDA - USA - Terminally ill British tourists are flocking to America's gunshot state for one last sun drenched holiday and a few quick bullets in the back of the head for a quick and painless death.

Im sick of suffering with my terminal illness so Im off to Florida to enjoy a few days of sun, sea and bullets, Mavis Earhart, 67, from London, who has terminal cancer, told the BBC.

With the NHS only offering a slow lingering death and UK stabbings at an all time low, thousands of Brits are now flocking to Florida where getting shot is part of the charm of holidaying there.

The British tourists are an asset to the local economy where they come for a few days and spend their money before being mugged and shot at gunpoint in a ghetto.



Im here this year, but Im not terminally ill. I got shot twice last week but luckily had my bulletproof vest on. Weve still got another week here so might get shot in the leg or arm. Would be a good souvenir to take back to Blighty, Roger Eakin, a plumber from North London told the Florida Daily.



The poor Florida ghettos are so bullet riddled that the police rarely venture into them and its only the British tourists who are going there.

You can have multi-million dollar homes and a few yards away there could reside a ghetto where the poor disenfranchised black and Hispanic people are kept. This is the polarity of America, a land that espouses freedom and liberty for all, and yet has some of the worst racial problems and segregation in the world, a local white Florida state councillor said before being shot to death last week in his car.
Flash mob robberies, also dubbed as flash robs are so frequent in America now that no one even bats an eyelid when they happen.

A flash mob robbery occurs when a group of teenagers bundle into a shop or business, then clean the shelves of goods and promptly walk out. Because of the numbers of people involved, there is nothing anyone can do unless they want to get severely injured or killed.

Nothings shocking



The fear is that if it takes off in the UK, no one is allowed guns to protect themselves. If theyre scared to use firearms in America against the flash robbery mobs, what do you think will happen over here? What are you going to do, go up to the mob and ask them nicely to put the beer cans down? You must be kidding mate. Plus the unarmed British police wont bother turning up either, theyre actually more scared than the public when it comes to flash mob robberies, a worried shopkeeper from Shepherds Bush, West London told the BBC.

Crime experts think that flash mob robberies can take off in the UK mainly because of the severe disenchantment of the youth, especially in deprived areas of the country (99% of the UK) where hopelessness and despair are rife.

Britains lax laws will also ensure that if in the very unlikely event that any flash mob robbers are ever caught, they would receive the lightest sentence possible, if any punishment at all.



What about that big society Camerons banging on about? I tell you what, the only big thing hes going to get is a big f*cking surprise when he looks on the telly and sees all the chavs, hoodies and gangster scallies mobbing the shops. Now thats what I call a big society, recently made redundant policeman, Gerald Belter, told the Sun newspaper.
LONDON - England - Prince Harry has been banned from drinking whisky shots whilst flying his Apache helicopter senior MoD officials have revealed.

Top brass told the partying Royal, 27, to curb his in-flight Glenfiddich addiction on the Apache pilot course  or risk being dropped from his dream of being let loose with a fully armed attack helicopter for a mass shooting spree in Afghanistan.



A source said: Hes been told in no uncertain terms to tone down the whisky binges while he flies the Apache.

It is extremely entertaining watching Prince Harry fly in circles, sometimes whooshing up at high speed, zig zagging, then dipping down close to the ground terrifying his co-pilots. I think this year alone he has gone through fifteen co-pilots, the source revealed.



Captain Wales even tried to ask MoD officers whether he could take his own butler on the flights during training in California last year.

The Prince wanted to know if his trusty butler, Hargreaves, could come on the Apache flights but was refused by the top flight instructors. The Prince likes to be given canapes, whisky on the rocks and a good cigar whilst flying but there was not enough room for the butler because of the co-pilot, Senior instructor, Dougie Whitehead, told the Telegraph.

The partying prince will instead have to fly the Apaches sober, which could be a very sobering thought for the young prince if he wants to ensure he can fly the deadly attack helicopters on the front line in Helmand.



As an Apache pilot he will be deployed for up to three months, operating out of Camp Bastion in the Afghan desert.
WASHINGTON DC - USA - President Barack Obama has told all of America's children to disarm every adult in the United States, a report released yesterday revealed.

All children from the age of 3-18 will be required by the new Obama Kid Take that Adult Gun Away directive to first inform the adult that shooting is a bad thing, then tell the adult to drop the gun or guns on the floor. When the adult complies, he will then be told he is a good citizen and an Obama supervisor will be on scene to remove the firearms permanently and give the adult a gift voucher for approximately 40-60 dollars.

Obama knows that the children are the key to disarming American citizens. By using the kids, hes getting to the very primal nature of adulthood. You want to do best for your kid, and when the child tells you to put the gun down for me you do it.

The kids who successfully disarm the adults will be all rewarded with a presidential letter of thanks directly from the White House and a box of candy.

Uncle Obama said I could do good so I told my pa to put the AR-15 down and he did. Now I gots me a reward and some candy, Kris Booney, 12, from Montana told CNN.


PORT STANLEY - Falklands - Much to the chagrin of the Argentinians, the Queen is now planning an exact replica of Buckingham Palace on the disputed islands.

There have been mass riots and demonstrations against Britain in Argentina after the Queen announced the new Buckingham Palace 2 plans yesterday.

How dare the British Imperialist Queen build a palace on the Malvinas, an angry Cristina Kirchner told crowds in Buenes Aires.

According to architects commissioned by the royal family, the new palace will be an exact replica of the one on the Mall but have additional gun emplacements and missile silos on the turrets.

The project will cost a whopping 350 million mainly because of the transportation costs of the building materials and is set to be completed by 2019.


CAIRO - Egypt - Celebrations took place across Egypt all last night after the previous dictator was deposed by another dictator.

This is the happiest day of my life. We have really achieved something here. We now have a new dictator to brutally rule over us. Hip hip hurray! a Tahrir Square protester said whilst joyously punching the air before forcing himself onto a female protester and aggressively sexually assaulting her.

The third Egyptian revolution in five months was seen as a relatively painless affair, with minimal lynchings and rapes.

If we get tired of one dictator, we riot so that another one is installed, then we continue with the charade. I still live in a mud brick hovel with no running water or sanitation, but I think the next dictator may be better for me and my family of 45, Basim Al-Ghaud, a postman who delivers to the Zamalek district said before roughly assaulting a burka clad woman.
LUXEMBOURG - The incoming EU president, Jean-Claude Juncker, whose father fought in the Wehrmacht in World War II, has vowed to bring back the Junkers Stuka planes into EU service once he is instated.

First port of call for the new EU president Jean-Claude Juncker will be to bring back the infamous Junkers Stuka planes into service for the newly formed EU Luftwaffe.

The Stuka Ju 87 (Sturzkampfflugzeug) was a formidable dive bomber in World War II and was responsible for many Allied deaths.

You could hear these things coming down, they made a horrific sound as they dive bombed us, releasing their bombs. Many of my mates were blown to smithereens by those nasty Stukas, Reginald Mulworth, 93, who fought in the Normandy campaign told the BBC.

Incoming EU president, Jean-Claude Junckers next move is the solidification of an EU army, air force and navy.

It is imperative that the Fourth Reich is unmatched in military power. This time when we invade Russia, we will do it properly. As for the schweinhunds in Grobritannien, zey dont like me eh. Zey vill not like me even further when our big army makes zem obey our orders once and for all ven ve invade zem again. Zey vill once again hear the sound of ze doodlebugs and Stuka. Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Europaische Union! Juncker told a meeting of EU military generals and financiers.
Audi has launched the facelifted version of its most affordable sedan, the A3, in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 30.5 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). The A3 sedan is based on the A3 hatchback which is not sold here. However, Audi introduced the A3-based sedan since this generation. Also, last year the German automaker celebrated 20 years of introduction of the A3 moniker and during which more than four million units of the A3 have been sold.

The A3 sedan made its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show as a concept, and was launched in India in 2014. Further, this updated model made its global debut in April 2016 and went on sale in the following month in Europe.

As of now, the Mercedes-Benz CLA (facelift was launched in India in November 2016) remains its prime opponent in India. And if you consider its price band, the A3 sedan goes up against the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Volvo V40 range as well. Also, the updated cabriolet version of the A3 was launched in February in the country.

Whats New?

Aesthetic changes and additional features

At the front, the A3 facelift gets Audis latest Singleframe grille, which is broader and features sharper contours than the previous one. The new headlights are sharper as well, notice the kink in the lower section that resembles the one on the new A4. Audis Xenon plus units are standard in the updated model (no more multi-reflector halogen headlamps for lower variants), while you can also opt for full-LED headlamps. Internationally, the A3 can also be had with Audis Matrix LED headlamps.

The side profile remains identical to the previous model, save for the new set of 16-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, it gets new graphics for the tail lamps and a subtly restyled bumper. Though the tail lamps feature the same profile, what you get now is new LED graphics along with Audis dynamic turn signals.

On the inside, it gets a new three-spoke steering wheel, which has been lifted straight from the India-bound Audi Q2 compact SUV. The infotainment system now comes with Audi's latest MMI unit. It also gets the Audi phone box, which is placed in the centre armrest and improves smartphone connectivity through the vehicles antenna and supports wireless inductive charging as well. Besides these, rest of the features and cabin elements have been carried forward in the updated model. The international version also comes with Audis virtual cockpit  12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster similar to the new A4  which has been given a miss in the Indian market.

Mechanicals

The 2017 A3 gets a new, downsized petrol engine in the country, which is slightly less on power but improves the overall fuel efficiency. The engine we are talking about is a 1.4-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol motor replacing the 1.8-litre turbo mill. It puts out 150PS of max power (a drop of 30PS), but the peak torque remains the same at 250Nm, and is mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. This motor also features cylinder-on-demand tech, which turns off two of its cylinders when the corresponding output is not required, primarily for fuel efficiency. Result: the overall efficiency has gone up by nearly 3kmpl at 19.2kmpl.

The diesel, on the other hand, remains the same  the 2.0-litre TDI (143PS/320Nm)  and is coupled to a six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Source: CarDekho.com
Mumbai: Days after the Reserve Bank of India revealed it plans to print new Rs 200 denomination notes, images of a purported genuine Rs 200 note have already surfaced on social media.

Though veracity of the said currency note could not be confirmed, the note can easily pass as a genuine note given its look. Banking regulator RBI has also not issued a word on it. The images first appeared some two days ago on social media and since then they have gone viral.

This particular Rs 200 currency note has all the security features, that the newly introduced Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes contain, printed on it. According to a report on The Financial Express, the Rs 200 note is most probably is a fake one.

The report adds that the currency note has watermark and other security features similar to that found on new legal tenders of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 that were introduced in the aftermath of demonetisation that sucked out 86 per cent of currency in circulation.

"The note also mentioned Rs 200 in English and Devnagari font along with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the signature of RBI governor," the report said. So far no denial statement has been issued by government or for that matter the RBI.

Central bank has indicated that it is waiting for a green signal from government to start printing new Rs 200 notes as the exercise requires government's approval. Reports also claimed RBI hopes to start printing of new Rs 200 denomination currency notes from the month of June.
Shares of DLF surged 4.48 per cent, Unitech by 3.25 per cent and Prestige Estates by 1.92 per cent on BSE.

New Delhi: Realty stocks were in limelight today, rising up to 4.5 per cent, after the Reserve Bank allowed banks to invest in Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).

Shares of DLF surged 4.48 per cent, Unitech by 3.25 per cent and Prestige Estates by 1.92 per cent on BSE. Godrej Properties (1.88 per cent) and Oberoi Realty (1.79 per cent) also advanced. The BSE realty index rose by 2 per cent to close the day at 1,704.64 points.

"The RBI's decision to allow banks to invest in REITs and InvITs will bring sanctity to these instruments from a retail investors perspective and the latter will find the confidence to invest in such trust in sync with mutual funds as an investment class.

Apart from banks participation seen by retail investors as a safe due diligence for investment in such trusts, these instruments in turn will revive the beleaguered real estate and infrastructure companies and provide much needed relief to the commercial real estate sector that is facing liquidity crunch and delay in completion of existing projects," said Kamlesh Shroff, spokesperson of BSE Brokers Forum.

Moreover, InvITS will also bring in retail investor and offer them the opportunity to earn regular returns as is the case with corporate bonds and fixed deposits with the added possibility of an upside on equity (capital gains), unlike tax deducted at source in case of fixed deposits and bonds, Shroff added. Banks are allowed to invest in equity-linked mutual funds, venture capital funds (VCFs) and equities to the extent of 20 per cent of their Net Owned Fund (NOF).

"It is proposed to allow banks to invest in REITs and InvITs within this umbrella limit. Detailed guidelines will be issued by May-end 2017," the RBI said in its first bi-monthly monetary policy for 2017-18.
According to him, if the overall government borrowing goes up due to loan waivers, the yields on government bond would also get impacted.

Mumbai: Stating that farm loan waiver would undermine honest credit culture and credit discipline in the economy, the RBI governor Urjit Patel on Thursday stressed the need for a consensus to eschew such poll promises. The governors comment comes in the backdrop of the massive loan waiver announced by the UP government just a few days back.

There are several conceptual issues if one were to put one's hat as an economist on. I think it undermines an honest credit culture, it impacts credit discipline... It impacts incentives for future borrowers to repay. In other words waivers engender moral hazard, he said after announcing the first bi-monthly monetary policy statement for 2017-18.

According to him, if the overall government borrowing goes up due to loan waivers, the yields on government bond would also get impacted. This can lead to crowding of the private borrowers as higher government borrowing can lead to increase in cost of borrowing for others.

It means transfer of money from tax payers to borrowers. I think we need to create a consensus such that loan waiver promises are eschewed.

Otherwise, sub-sovereign fiscal challenges in this context could eventually affect national balance sheet, he added.

Fulfilling one of its poll promises, the new government in UP in its first cabinet meeting announced farm loan waiver to the tune of Rs 36,359 crore, which is expected to benefit 85 lakh farmers in the state. Congress, which won Punjab polls, has also promised farm loan waiver in its election manifesto.

The announcement made by UP government has triggered similar demands from various political parties across India. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that his government would study the UP model of farm loan waiver.
Poster of the film. 'Begum Jaan' has Vidya Balan as the brothel madame with Pallavi Sharda and Gauhar Khan in crucial roles.

Mumbai: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has yet again used its razor sharp scissors to maintain communal harmony in the supposedly not-so-liberal Indian society.

Directed by Srijit Mukherji, one of the the films dialogues Allah kehke Bismillah. Naam Nabi ka Holi has been replaced with Tan se khele ang-rang daala Brij ki har bala. If that wasnt enough, the film board has also replaced a reference to a Dargah with a Saraai.

When asked for an explanation behind these last minute changes, a source from CBFC told a leading daily, We cant take any risks with religious sentiments, says a CBFC source, adding, Cross-religious references are all very well and a sign of a liberal India. But we can never be sure of how the not-so-liberal India would react to this.

Begum Jaan is the Hindi remake of the 2015 hit film Rajkahini and is based on the life of prostitutes in a brothel set in post independence era. Begum Jaan is set to release on April 14.
Mumbai: Whenever Vidya is promoting her films, journalists are the happiest lot.

Guess why?

Vidya is one actor who never shies away from giving us a befitting reply be it any query which many actors otherwise might shy away from even answering. Vidya left no stone unturned promoting her film, Begum Jaan, as usual.

During the press interaction for Begum Jaan with Vidya, we asked her if her ego was hurt at any point of time. Pat came a reply, Yes! Of course, I still remember during my early days in the film industry I had gone to attend a funeral of someone from Bollywood.

Since I was one actor who reached very much early, the photographers started flashing their camera on me. They also spoke to me. Soon enough, Aamir Khan entered and these photographers pushed me aside and started clicking Aamir. My ego was hurt. However, when I reached home and shared this incident with my family members, I was a changed person.

Adding further about the change that came in her much hurt ego, she added, I then contemplated over certain norms and ways of being a star. I realized that Aamir has done a lot many good films and he is held in much higher esteem than I am. He is a well known star. The moment I realised this, I was perfectly normal.

Elaborating on what she learnt from this incident, Vidya said, I am a changed person now. If I am hurt by anything-then it may be a question asked by anyone from the media or for that matter hearing some comment on my fashion statement or some other stuff.

"I just go ahead and discuss it out with Siddharth and my family members. Until I have spilled out every bit of a not so good experience that I may have tasted, I am not content. So what I have learned is never feel depressed or hurt take it as it comes within the stride of your life. This will keep you always happy and smiling.
Shah Rukh and Anushka on the sets of the film in Punjab.

Mumbai: After impressing audiences with their chemistry in films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma are featuring together again in Imtiaz Alis next film.

The couple and the team of the film had wrapped a schedule in various cities of Europe and are now shooting in Punjab.

Several pictures of Shah Rukh and Anushka when they reached Punjab and while shooting in the cities of Ludhiana and Amritsar had flooded the social media. While Anushka was snapped in a Punjabi dress, Shah Rukh was just seen in a shirt and pant in the pictures that were shared by fan clubs earlier.

We now see Shah Rukh, too, dressed as a Punjabi munda with turban and kurta-pyjama in fresh pictures from the film sets.

Shah Rukh and Anushka shot a Punjabi number for the film and there is no doubt that the couple has a crackling chemistry together.

Shah Rukh reportedly plays a tourist guide and Anushka a Gujarati girl in the film.

The film is set to release on August 11 this year.
Mumbai: The dimpled diva Deepika Padukone needs no introduction. By now she has conquered millions of hearts by her effervescent smile and her talent.

The actress, who recently undertook a solo trip to Chittorgarh in Rajasthan to prepare for her role of Rani Padmini for Padmavati, posted a cute and bubbly childhood picture of hers with her friend.

Ever since, the actress posted the picture on Instagram, the Internet is drooling over it and has garnered several eyeballs.

The lovely girl is seen donning a striped collared T-shirt and denims. She looked beautiful even then while flaunting her dimpled smile and cute haircut.

Take a look at the picture:





Her film Padmavati opposite Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh is slated to release on November 17, 2017.
Ali Fazal has his dates booked for the next six months. The actor, who was supposed to be part of Eros web series Smoke, has backed out of the project citing date issues.

Says a source, Ali shot the pilot last year, but the show got delayed because of script issues. They recently began shooting but he already committed to his Hollywood project, and Fukrey 2. Because of that he had to back out and let go off the show.

Based on Goas infamous mafia network, Ali Fazal was to play an informer in the show that also features actress Kalki Koechlin in a prominent role.
Madonna did not mince her words.

Mumbai: Music icon Madonna took a jibe at the soft-drink brand Pepsi regarding the current controversial ad featuring supermodel Kendall Jenner.

The 58-year-old diva took to social media where she cleverly rapped the now-pulled out advertisement after it was called out on being insensitive.

The ad depicted the reality TV star leaving a modelling shoot to join a protest march after criticism that it was insensitive.

Madonna posted a photograph where she can be seen holding a can of Pepsi's arch rival Coca-Cola and captioned it with a number one emoji to probably drive the point home.

According to People magazine, this picture hails from the year 1999.

Revisiting the "Papa Don't Preach" songstress' modelling career, she too starred in a Pepsi TVC that drew the ire of religious groups and consumers alike.

Earlier, Madonna had shared the one-minute ad in question on Twitter and wrote, "When you wake up and realise that ... just really doesn't make sense! #chosen."

Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, also spoke about the current Pepsi commercial as it is being accused of appropriating civil rights movements.

King took to Twitter with a powerful picture of her father heading 1966's March Against Fear demonstration and wrote, "If only Daddy would have known about the power of #Pepsi."

Hollywood stars such as Lena Dunham, Adam Scott and Judd Apatow have also criticised the commercial.
Actress Athulya Ravi, the petite actress, who made her debut with Kadhal Kan Kattudhe, has caught the attention of people through her subtle and realistic acting. She has now signed her next film, which will be helmed by VZ Durai of Mugavaree fame.

Speaking to DC, a source in the know tells us, Director VZ Durai felt that Athulya would be perfect for the role he had envisioned. When he narrated the story to Athulya, she was impressed with the script. She will be playing the female lead in the film titled A-maali (a combination of Tamil and English letters) and since it is a four-layered script, she has a lot of scope to perform.

Shooting of this venture is expected to commence by the end of April.

Samuthirakani is required to allot bulk dates for the movie as he will be seen in four different get-ups.

Since Kani is busy helming Akasha Mittayi (Malayalam remake of Appa) in Kerala, he will shoot for the film after he completes his current commitments, another source adds.

There is also a second lead in the movie and the team is finalising the rest of the cast. VZ Durai is introducing Sam D as the composer for this venture. As reported earlier, the music director has already finished composing three songs for the film.
Tattoo artist Alvaro Quesada creates the tattoos for women who have been at the hospital for the treatment. (Photo: AFP)

Arms covered in red and green ink, tattoo artist Alvaro Quesada is hardly what cancer survivors expect at a Madrid infirmary, the first public hospital in Spain to offer nipple and areola tattooing.

Yet his service of tattooing realistic-looking nipples onto women who have had their breasts reconstructed after mastectomies signals the final step of recovery from cancer, and women react with emotion to the process.

"They leave crying and hugging me. This is therapy," says 32-year-old Quesada, who takes time out from his tattoo parlor to attend patients at the hospital.

Reconstruction can occur months, or even years, after breast cancer surgery with tissue expanders typically installed to stretch the skin and make room for a future implant. Creating the nipple comes later and involves one more operation.

"At this point most patients are exhausted," said Lorenzo Rabadan, the doctor who first approached Quesada about providing women with an alternative to surgery. He invited the tattoo artist to train staff on the technique.

Clutching a pale pink tattoo gun, Quesada creates the three-dimensional illusion of a nipple on a patient's reconstructed breast, mixing colors with names like 'rose pink', 'brown sugar' and 'tribal black' to mimic the natural shade of an areola.

Half-blind, Quesada offers his service free of charge. The national health service did not cover the cost of his false eye after he lost his left eye to a benign tumor.For many, a quick and relatively painless session marks the end of a chapter.
Mumbai: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her father for marrying a person outside their caste in Buldhana district of Maharashtra.

The accused Balu Shivare hacked his daughter Manisha Hingane with an axe at Nimkheda village in the district yesterday, a senior police official said.

Her husband Ganesh found her lying in a pool of blood last evening and took her to a civil hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival, the officer added.

Meanwhile, Shivare went to the Barakhedi police station and told officials there that he killed Manisha for marrying Ganesh, who was from another caste. He was then arrested.

Manisha and Ganesh, who lived in the same locality, were in a relationship. However, Shivare had fixed her marriage with another person on April 20.

The couple eloped and got married on March 23. After that, they were staying in Malkapur area of Buldhana for a few days, the official said.

After a few days, the couple thought that everything would have been normal and hence returned to their village and started residing with Ganesh's family, he said.

Yesterday, Ganesh, a Medical Representative by profession was out and even his parents were not in the house.

Shivare, went to Ganesh's house, where he found Manisha alone. He then attacked her with an axe, the official added.

"We have registered a murder case and arrested Shivare late night," Baburao Mahamuni, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Buldhana said.
The security of Air India's employee is paramount and it can't take any chance over this, the source said.

New Delhi: Air India is likely to step up security of its staff at Mumbai and Pune airports after Shiv Sena lawmakers allegedly threatened to stall the airline's operations at these two aerodromes.

"We are enhancing security of our staff deployed at Mumbai and Delhi Airport in the wake of threat to ground flight operations at these aerodromes," an Air India source said.

The security of Air India's employee is paramount and it can't take any chance over this, the source said.

The move also comes as some of the Air India employees' unions at Mumbai and Pune airports are affiliated to Shiv Sena's trade union Bharatiya Kamgar Sangh.

The Sena MPs had warned of grounding Air India operations at the two key airports of Maharashtra after the party failed to get an assurance from Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathu Raju in Parliament over lifting of the flying ban imposed on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who has been accused of beating up the airline official with sandals last month.

Gaikwad earlier today attended the Lok Sabha proceedings for the first time after the incident.
Beijing: Chinese media on Thursday said that India, in a clumsy and rude move, is using the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on China and that Beijing could in turn interfere in turbulent Kashmir.

China claims Aksai Chin area of Kashmir as its territory, which it annexed during the 1962 war. It also claims large parts of Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet.

An editorial in the state-run Global Times flaunted Chinas military power and wondered if India would be able to overcome it in a 'geopolitical game'.

With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi? the editorial read.

It stated that China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Two English newspapers  China Daily and Global Times  have launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh  which China claims as part of Southern Tibet -- is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and UN ban on Jaish-e- Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

"New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said. "Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in an editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," it said.

"Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks," it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

The aggressive editorials came after China yesterday lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale here over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area. The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju.

When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino- India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.

"China considers India as a friendly neighbour and partner. China has never provoked bilateral disputes or made any pressing demand on India over the Dalai Lama. New Delhi should respond to Beijing's goodwill with goodwill," it said.

"The Dalai question became one of the problems that upset the Sino-India relationship," it said.

"When India emphasises the relationship with China, it would place a tight control on the Dalai. When it has a grudge against China, it may prompt the Dalai to play certain tricks as a signal sent to China," it said.

Stating that India is dissatisfied with China over the NSG and Azhar issues, it said some Indians also called for boycott of Chinese goods.

"The Dalai's visit to Arunachal Pradesh this time is seen as New Delhi using the monk as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on China," it said.

"But this is a clumsy and rude move. The Dalai is a highly-politicised symbol in China's diplomacy. For any country, its attitude toward the Dalai Lama almost affects the entire relationship with China," Global Times said, adding that the western countries "fully recognised" this and were "extremely prudent" in using him as a "diplomatic card".

"When the Dalai travels to the capital of a Western country, who will meet him, when and where would be carefully weighed," it said.

"Before this trip, the Dalai Lama was received by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in December. At a time when the Dalai has been given a cold shoulder in many places of the world, New Delhi is bucking the trend and treating him as a favourite," it said.

"It is worth mentioning that India is dissatisfied with China mainly in the international multilateral field," it said, adding that China too suffered "setbacks when applying for the membership of international organisations".

"China's proposal to blacklist some terrorist group had also been refused. However, as dissatisfied as China was, it didn't make an issue of them," it said.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday appealed to people to not take law in their hands during protest against shifting of liquor vends from highways to populated areas.

The Chief Minister made the appeal while reviewing with police, excise and administrative officers some alleged incidents of outburst of people's anger during protest against shifting of liquor shops to populated areas following a Supreme Court order banning sale of alcohol near highways, an official spokesman said.

"He appealed to public to not take law in their own hands and said that the state government respect the public sentiment," the spokesperson said.

The Adityanath government also accused the previous governments of not adhering to the Supreme Court order.

The Chief Minister alleged the previous governments had not followed the orders of the Supreme Court and the High Court, and shifted liquor shops from highways to populated areas, which resulted in the "outburst" of people's anger.

The Chief Minister also said the government would ensure that the liquor shops follow the court orders.

Adityanath directed officials concerned to ensure that the orders of the Supreme Court in the context of liquor outlets are strictly complied with.

The Chief Minister also said the liquor shops should be located away from religious places, educational institutes and populated area as per laid down norms and parameters.

Strict action would be initiated against the outlets, which fails to adhere to the norms, the Chief Minister said.

Women in Parsiya village in Badaun district on Thursday chased away the employees of liquor shops and broke their locks to protest the shifting of the vends in residential areas.
Police removes Mahija, mother of Jishnu Pranoy, who tried to stage an indefinite fast in front of the DGP office in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. (Photo: Peethambaran Payyeri)

Thiruvananthapuram: Public vehicles were off the roads, while shops and business establishments downed shutters in support of a state-wide hartal called by the Congress-led UDF and the BJP to protest the alleged police high-handedness against relatives of a student who committed suicide.

Malappuram, which is in the thick of campaign for the April 12 by-poll, necessitated following the demise of former Union Minister E Ahamed, has been exempted from the hartal.

Roads wore a deserted look with only private cars and two-wheelers plying.

No untoward incident was reported in the early hours of the strike.

Rail passengers had a difficult time to get conveyance to reach their destinations.

In Wayanad, police were seen trying to chase away strike supporters, who prevented buses coming from other states, from operating services.

In Thiruvananthapuram, police had made arrangements to transport rail passengers, especially those coming to the Regional Cancer Centre.

The UDF and BJP had called for a state-wide hartal after police prevented Mahija, mother of Jishnu, who allegedly killed himself following "harassment" by college authorities, and other relatives from staging a hunger strike in front of the DGP's office here on Wednesday.

Mahija and her brother have been admitted to Trivandrum Medical College Hospital. She will be observing hunger strike from the hospital.

Jishnu's sister, Avishna, a Class X student, said she was also observing hunger strike at her home at Nadapuram in Kozhikode, seeking justice for her brother and against the police action on her parents.

Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi universities have postponed their examinations which were slated today.

There is however, no change in the recruitment examination being conducted today by Public service Commission (PSC) for various posts.

Jishnu Pranoy, a first year student of the private Nehru College of Engineering in Thrissur, was found hanging in the college hostel in January last following alleged harassment by college authorities.
Chennai: It will not be a boastful claim to say it was a Judge from the Madras high court who triggered the present clamour for disciplining the lawyer community that has now climaxed in the Law Commission recommending stern action against striking lawyers.

Justice N. Kirubakaran in his landmark judgment delivered on October 6, 2015 had dared to tackle the most potent impediment to clean justice delivery system by giving directions to the Union government and the Bar Council of India (BCI) to ensure that criminal elements did not get enrolled as lawyers. At one stroke, 689 advocates lost their licences overnight. And the directive paved the way for the Bar Council to strengthen its norms and prevent persons with criminal background from entering the legal profession.

In that order of 2015 in S.M. Anantha Murugan's case, Justice Kirubakaran had asked the Union government to revisit the Advocates Act, including section 24A that deals with disqualification for enrolment and gave direction to the bar council to verify the antecedents of all the law graduates and ensure that none with pending criminal cases got enrolled to practice. He also wanted the BCI to keep out the graduates of bogus law colleges that mushroomed in the neighbouring states.

Neither legal profession is an asylum for criminals, nor law degrees are shields for their criminal activities, the judge had thundered in that judgment.

Legal profession is blighted by the entry of criminal elements. It is seen from a number of cases coming up before this court and also from media reports that persons with criminal background getting law degrees claiming to be advocates are indulging in criminal activities including conducting Kangaroo Courts, degrading and damaging the image of noble profession and for which we have to hang our heads down in shame, Justice Kirubakaran had said.

He said: It is said that many persons claiming as leaders of the Bar are safeguarding and aiding those elements. The sorry state of affairs is not only due to a few members of the Bar, but also, because of entry of criminal elements into the profession by taking advantage of loop holes in 50 year old The Advocates Act, 1961 and The Bar Council of India Rules regarding admission to law colleges and lack of effective fool proof procedure for enrolling law graduates as advocates. Such criminal elements disrupted court proceedings by resorting to boycotts and unruly behavior while hiding behind the advocate's robes, the judge had said.

Obviously, the present Law Commission report has found much of its inspiration from Justice Kirubakarans order of angst. The humane judge has given several other judgments of societal significance, such as the order making the wearing of helmets compulsory (sadly, the police are not implementing), prohibiting Guru Poojas that caused caste clashes down south and setting deadline for conduct of local body elections in the state.
New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked the Prime Minister and the RSS for the Alwar attack, saying there is no place in the country for those disagreeing with them and that tragedies of huge proportion occur when government "abdicates responsibility".

Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, the Congress Vice President charged that the Prime Minister is propagating a vision where only one idea will prevail.

"This is a new vision for India that Narendra Modiji is propagating. It is a vision where only one idea will prevail and any other idea, anybody who does not listen to or agree with Narendra Modi or RSS has no place in India. That's the vision," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.

He was asked to comment on the Alwar violence where a man was killed after an attack by cow vigilantes.

"That is what they are doing. This is going to have very severe consequences for the country. It is their way of thinking that anybody who does not believe in their way of thinking has no place in the country."

Earlier in a series of tweets, the Congress Vice President had hit out at the Rajasthan government for the "brutal and senseless attack" in Alwar.

"When Government abdicates responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow. Shocking breakdown of law and order in Alwar," he said in a tweet.

He said all right thinking Indians must condemn this "blind brutality" and hoped the state government will take strict action against those responsible for the "senseless attack".

Gandhi said, "We expect Government to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal and senseless attack."

A 55-year-old man died at a hospital in Alwar district after allegedly being beaten by a group of cow vigilantes, with the police arresting three persons in connection with the case.

The deceased, Pehlu Khan, and four others, including his two sons, were beaten brutally by some locals at Behror who suspected they were smuggling cows.
The annual losses for Railways in the passenger segment amount to Rs 30,000 crore at present. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Railway fares may rise after the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the formation of an independent rail regulatory authority to determine tariffs ensuring fair play and level playing field for private players keen on investment in the railways.

Considered to be the biggest and first-of-its-kind reform in the rail sector, setting up of Rail Development Authority (RDA) is meant to improve the services offered to passengers, provide comfort to investors and enhance transparency and accountability.

However, tariff determination is a prime function of the RDA, and fares in India remain hugely subsided, says a Hindustan Times report.

The annual losses for Railways in the passenger segment amount to Rs 30,000 crore. For the price of 1 kg of sweets, one can travel 1,166 kms from Delhi to Patna in the general compartment, the report.

The tariffs will be fixed on the basis of prevailing market prices and the cost of travel, among other parameters.

The RDA will be formed through an executive order of the government, according to the Cabinet decision.

It will make suggestions regarding policies for private investment to ensure reasonable safeguards to PPP investors and to resolve disputes over future concession agreements.

The need of having a rail regulator has been emphasised by various committees for past many years since 2001. This includes Expert Group under the Chairmanship of Rakesh Mohan in 2001, the National Transport Development Policy Committee (NTDPC) in 2014 and Bibek Debroy's Committee in 2015.

The RDA will act within the parameters of the Railway Act, 1989 and its major functions (apart from tariff determination) will be recommending principles for classification of commodities, framing principles for social service obligation and guidelines for track access charge.

It will also be responsible for setting efficiency and performance standards besides global best practices and benchmarking.

The Authority will have a Chairman and 3 members and can engage experts from relevant areas. The Chairman and the members of RDA will have a term of five years. An initial corpus of Rs 50 crores will be provided for setting up the organisation.

RDA will help the government to take appropriate decisions on pricing of services commensurate with costs, suggest measures for enhancement of non-fare revenue, protection of consumer interests, promote competition, encourage market development and create positive environment for investment.

It will also suggest measures for absorption of new technologies and human resource development and provide framework for non-discriminatory open access to the Dedicated Freight Corridor infrastructure.

The appointment of the Chairman and members will be done by the central government from the panel of names recommended by the Search and Selection Committee consisting of Cabinet Secretary as Chairman, Railway Board Chairman, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, and Chairman of any Regulatory Body of central government nominated by the Cabinet Secretary.

The Chairman and members will have a tenure of five years and can be removed by the central government on certain grounds like insolvency, conviction, misbehaviour, physical and mental incapability.

In the Railway Budget 2015-16, Railways had announced that for the purpose of orderly development of infrastructure enabling competition and protection of customer interest, it is important to have a regulation mechanism independent of the service provider.
Chennai: Around Rs 15 lakh was seized and 28 persons were arrested on Wednesday for their alleged roles in various incidents of money distribution to voters and violence in the run up to the April 12 RK Nagar assembly bypoll.

The day also saw the Election Commission ordering transfer of 22 police officials, including two IPS officers, out of R K Nagar even as the opposition parties lodged complaints with Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni against the alleged distribution of money to voters by the AIADMK's TTV Dinakaran faction.

Poll authorities said seizure of Rs 14.92 lakh was made by EC's flying squads and static surveillance teams in RK Nagar where bypoll was necessitated due to former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's death.

While three AIADMK activists (Dinakaran's Amma faction) were arrested for allegedly attacking DMK cadres over a row, 25 others were arrested on the basis of 15 cases registered for alleged distribution of money to voters, police said.

The attack on DMK men was over a row related to the alleged money distribution, they added.

Meanwhile, videos of alleged money distribution in R K Nagar and markings made in the area to facilitate it are doing the rounds in social media and messaging app Whatsapp.

DMK working president M K Stalin visited a hospital where party cadres were admitted and alleged that Dinakaran-led AIADMK faction was trying to buy democracy using money power.

Speaking to reporters here, he said DMK was preparing to legally deal with the matter, besides taking it up with poll authorities.

Commenting on the alleged money distribution, PMK chief Ramadoss demanded countermanding of RK Nagar bypoll and said it should be held after the cash distribution's impact faded.

The bypoll should be held by drafting officers only from outside Tamil Nadu and by deploying Central police forces, he said.

EC replaced Additional Police Commissioner (North) MC Sarangan with H M Jayaram (now IGP, Operations) besides 21 other police personnel.

Meanwhile DMK Rajya Sabha MP, R S Barathi in a petition to Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni said, "The ruling party (Dinakaran faction) is planning to continue the illegal distribution of money to voters. We, herewith, enclose proof

of the illegal distribution of money." He demanded steps to stop it.

Former Minister K P Munusamy of O Panneerselvam-led faction too petitioned the CEO on the matter.

CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan too alleged in his petition to the CEO that there was money distribution in RK Nagar at the behest of AIADMK Amma faction nominee TTV Dinakaran.

He also demanded that Dianakarn be disqualified from running the poll for indulging in electoral malpractices of distributing money to voters.

"Despite informing the observers about distribution of Rs 5,000 for voters, they neither arrived at the spot nor took action," he told reporters here.

In her plea to the CEO, BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan too made several references on the alleged money distribution and sought steps to halt the corrupt practice and ensure free and fair election.

To a question, she said if money distribution cannot be halted, they should countermand the bypoll."
New Delhi: India and Bangladesh will sign atleast 25 pacts covering an array of areas including defence and civil nuclear sector during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit here beginning tomorrow but progress over the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement is unlikely.

The MoUs likely to be signed after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hasina on Saturday include one on boosting defence ties under which India will supply military hardware to Bangladesh.

Under a first such MoU with any neighbouring country, India is also set to announce a line of credit of USD 500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies.

The framework agreement on civil nuclear energy will provide for extensive cooperation in the sector including setting up of nuclear reactors in Bangladesh by India.

"It will be a very very special visit. We hope the visit will take the ties between the two countries to new level," Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary in the Bangladesh-Myanmar division of External Affairs Ministry, told reporters.

Issues like combating terrorism, containing radicalism and enhancing security cooperation between the two countries are likely to figure prominently besides stalemate over the Teesta pact during talks between Modi and Hasina.

It is learnt that the central government will not go ahead with the agreement without taking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on board. Banerjee has been opposing it stridently citing water crisis in West Bengal.

"It will be a visit without water," described an official in the know of things.

The West Bengal Chief Minister has accepted an invitation by the government to attend the launch of some projects between the two countries as well a lunch to be hosted in honour of Hasina by Modi. The issue of Teesta is likely to figure during Banerjee's interaction with Hasina.

"Teesta agreement remains a work in progressWe have not reached a closure on it," said Ranganathan.

The Teesta deal was set to be inked during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh in September 2011, but was postponed at the last minute due to objections by Banerjee.

Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh, especially in the leanest period from December to March, when the water flow often temporarily comes down to less than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs.

It will be Hasina's first bilateral visit to India in her current term as prime minister. She will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The two prime ministers will launch a bus and a train service between Kolkata and Khulna.

The two sides are likely to also finalise an agreement on long-term supply of diesel to Bangladesh from India besides holding preliminary talks on linking India's gas grid with that of Bangladesh.

On the agreements, Ranganathan said another pact on formalising regular defence engagements will also be inked.

To boost trade, the two sides are likely to announce setting up of another set of trade facilitation huts along the borders in the Northeastern region.

A raft of other announcements on boosting cooperation in areas of trade investment, transport and energy are expected during the visit.

Hasina will visit Ajmer on Sunday and will meet Indian business leaders on Monday.
New Delhi: The Shiv Sena today threatened to boycott the NDA meeting on April 10 if the flying ban on its MP Ravindra Gaikwad, imposed by domestic airlines after he beat up an Air India officer, is not lifted.

Party sources said Heavy Industries Minister and Shiv Sena member Anant Geete and Civil Aviation Minister Gajapati Raju had a meeting after the ruckus in Lok Sabha.

Addressing a news conference, party MP Sanjay Raut said there is a conspiracy behind the ban and the party will expose it at an appropriate time with "evidence", as he refrained from taking the BJP's name.

However, in private, the party feels that the BJP is behind the delay in revoking the travel ban.

"If separatists, rapists and terrorists are allowed to travel on flights then why not an MP. There are so many MPs, who are involved in agitation. Are you (the airlines) going to impose a travel ban on them as well?

"We will not attend the NDA meeting on April 10 if the travel ban on Gaikwad is not revoked," Raut said, noting that this is an "instruction from party chief Uddhav Thackeray".

The party also sought to justify its protest in the Lok Sabha.

"Do you think the way our MP was heckled (by Air India staff) justified?" Raut asked, while another party MP Anandrao Adsul said, "we just gheraoed the minister".

Raut also said Raju's reply in the House on the issue was "unsatisfactory".

Referring to the Home Minister's statement in the House that discussions will be held with the stakeholders to find an "amicable solution" at the earliest, he said, "We trust Rajnath Singh. He has given a commitment in the House and he will fulfill it."

The conference was attended by several Shiv Sena MPs, including Gaikwad. He, however, refrained from talking to the media.

Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha witnessed chaos as Shiv Sena members, including Union minister Anant Geete, surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju after he refused to heed to their demand for revoking the flying ban.

He said Gaikwad was booked under the wrong section of the Indian Penal Code. "He should have been booked for assaulting (the Air India Officer) with a chappal. Instead, he has been booked for attempt to murder," Raut said.
New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today attacked the Rajasthan government over the death of a man after a "brutal and senseless attack" by cow vigilantes in Alwar, terming it a "shocking breakdown of law and order".

"When government abdicates its responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion happen. Shocking breakdown of law&order in Alwar," he said in a tweet.

He also hoped the government would take stern action against those responsible.

"We expect Government to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal and senseless attack...All right thinking Indians must condemn this blind brutality," he said on Twitter.

55-year-old Pehlu Khan died at a hospital in Alwar district on Monday after allegedly being beaten by a group of cow vigilantes.

The incident took place on Saturday when 16 people were allegedly transporting bovine animals from Jaipur to Haryana. The police yesterday arrested three persons in connection with the case.
The Supreme Court had in its judgement convicting Sasikala said that the AIADMK chief would be treated as an ordinary inmate while incarcerated. (Photo: PTI)

Bengaluru: A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that 19 people visited AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan in Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail since the Supreme Court verdict against her in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case.

Rules for common convicts say that a prisoner can meet his or her relatives once in 15 days. However, Sasikala seems to have received VVIP treatment, with 19 people meeting her in a month, said an NDTV report quoting an RTI query response.

Moreover, these people stayed beyond the stipulated time for visitors, reports said. While no visitor is allowed after 5 pm, many met Sasikala after 6 pm, the RTI query revealed.

The Supreme Court had in its judgement convicting Sasikala said that the AIADMK chief would be treated as an ordinary inmate while incarcerated, without any special cell or facilities. Subsequently, the AIADMK chiefs requests such as mattresses, a table fan, attached bathroom and special meals were rejected by jail authorities.

But now, the rules seem to have been flouted.

Senior AIADMK leaders - including Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Thambidurai and her nephew TTV Dinakaran, also met Sasikala before the AIADMK approached the Election Commission seeking rights to the Two Leaves symbol, the RTI response said.

The AIADMK (Amma) faction led by TTV Dinakaran in the absence of Sasikala, is also said to be seeking her transfer to a jail in Tamil Nadu.
New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad on Thursday said in the Lok Sabha that he would apologise to Parliament, but not to the Air India official whom he assaulted.

Remaining defiant, Gaikwad, who has been banned from flying by Air India and private airlines in the country after he beat an Air India manager with a slipper, said, What wrong did I do? What is my crime?

As Shiv Sena MPs cheered on from their desks, Gaikwad claimed that he "peacefully" asked the AI official for a complaints book in which he could enter his objections, but was treated with disrespect and then "grabbed by the collar."

I am a teacher by profession. Humility is in my nature, the Osmanabad MP claimed.

Gaikwad claimed that the media had presented a lopsided version of events, and again questioned why he was provided an economy class ticket despite asking for a business class one.

Today, he repeated what Shiv Sena has said earlier on his behalf, that the manager shoved him and provoked him with insults like "Who do you think you are? Narendra Modi?"

"This behavior was unacceptable... It was only after he insulted the PM and the Parliament that I got upset and hit him. Only that clip was shown to the public," he claimed.

Responding to Gaikwad's speech, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju told Parliament that safety of passengers aboard aircraft cannot be compromised.
Though the Supreme Court order to ban the sale of liquor may be welcomed by many, the chances of heavy drinkers developing withdrawal symptoms are high, psychiatrists say.

Chennai: With the shutters down on over 2,500 Tasmac outlets in the state, tipplers has been running around desperately in search of ways to fulfil their urge to drink.

Though the Supreme Court order to ban the sale of liquor may be welcomed by many, the chances of heavy drinkers developing withdrawal symptoms are high, psychiatrists say.

Alcoholics who drink on a regular basis can develop symptoms of vomiting or fits. They can develop a condition called Delirium Tremens, which is a rapid onset of confusion, usually caused by withdrawal from alcohol, said renowned psychiatrist Dr S. Nambi.

Stating that around 10 per cent of severe alcoholics can develop this condition, he said that the others could suffer from loss of appetite, lack of sleep and irritability leading to fights.

The only way they can avoid developing withdrawal symptoms could be by drinking. Alcoholics would even travel 100 km just to get a drink, said psychologist P. Nilam.

Alcoholics will go to any level to procure their drinks. They may even stock alcohol so that there is enough for the future. As a result of this urge on the part of many alcoholics, we have suggested that there are referral doctors near shops to prevent tipplers from developing withdrawal symptoms through rehabilitation, added Dr Nambi.
Hyderabad: The Shiv Sena continued its support of its unruly MP Ravindra Gaikwad on Thursday by attempting to assault aviation minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju in the Lok Sabha.

Mr Gaikwad, who has been widely condemned for hitting an Air India employee because he was not given a business class seat, and has subsequently been banned from flying by six airlines, had made a lengthy defence of his action in the House.

Reading from a prepared note he said it was all hype created by the media that he slapped the AI official. Instead, he said, it was the AI official who manhandled and was rude to him.

He said he was prepared to apologise to Parliament for his behaviour but he will not apologise to Air India or the official who abused and manhandled him. What sin have I committed? How can there be a travel ban forced on me? Please tell me what crime I have committed, he said.

The aviation minister said in his reply that Mr Gaikwad had written him a letter giving his version of the incident which he has forwarded to the police and it would be part of the inquiry now.

It is a process of law, and let the law take its own course, Mr Raju said. He said the aviation ministry cannot compromise on the safety of passengers, indicating that the ban on Mr Gaikwad by the airlines would not be lifted as of now.
New Delhi: Decks for the embattled Shiv Sena MP, Ravindra Gaikwad to fly again are expected to be cleared after he sent a letter a regret to the Civil aviation minister, Mr Gajapathi Raju for allegedly assaulting an AI employee.

he Sena MP has been banned for flying any airlines after he allegedly beat up an elderly Air India staffer R. Sukumar with slippers. The regret letter came after the Sena MPs unleashed a pandemonium in Parliament and the Gaikwads defiant speech in Lok Sabha where he denied attacking any AI employee and tried to play the victim. The frenzied Sena MPs including the Union minister, Anant Geete not merely created a ruckus but gheraoed the civil aviation minister, Mr Ashok Gajapati Raju after he made it categorically clear that there would be no preferential treatment for the Sena MP.

The Shiv Sena had even threatened to boycott the NDA if the flying ban was not lifted against Gaikwad. Sensing that the civil aviation minister and the Centre were in no mood to budge, Gaikwad, who attended Parliament for the first time after the controversy was forced to dispatch the regret letter and pleaded with the minister to lift the ban.

I write to convey my regrets for the unfortunate incident that too place on 23rd March 2017 in the Air India flight No. AI 852..., he wrote and added, It could have been no ones intention to have let the situation aggravate to the level that it eventually did. While the ongoing investigation will bring out the factual sequence of events to fix responsibility, this incident may kindly not be seen as a reason for likely recurrence of such an event in future also.

So far the civil aviation ministry has not come up with any official response to lift the ban and merely said that the ban was still in force and his letter was being examined.

It was a day, when the Shiv Sena MPs rallying around Gaikwad unleashed their fury on the ruling bench, particularly the civil aviation minister. Trinamul MP, Mr Kalyan Banerjee also came out in support of the Shiv Sena.

The Sena MPs gheraoed the civil aviation minister and refused to let him leave the House. It was at this juncture, when Mr Geete banged the civil aviation ministers table. The minister remained calm as the frantic Sena members kept screaming and shouting at him. Home Minister, Mr Rajnath Singh intervened and assured that Mr Raju would speak to the stakeholders to reach an amicable solution.

Sena MP, Sanjay Raut while claiming that there was a conspiracy behind the ban said, If separatists, rapists and terrorists are allowed to travel on flights then why not an MP.

What Gaikwad said in Lok Sabha
Hyderabad: The Shiv Sena continued its support of its unruly MP Ravindra Gaikwad on Thursday by attempting to assault aviation minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju in the Lok Sabha. It is a process of law, and let the law take its own course, Mr Raju said.

This was like the proverbial red rag. Led by Union minister for heavy industries Anant Geete, Shiv Sena MPs almost gheraoed Mr Raju and tried to assault him. Cabinet ministers led by Union home minister Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani and S.S. Ahluwalia and a score of Telugu Desam and other MPs, rushed to Mr Rajus rescue and prevented what could have been a physical assault on him. Mr Geete shouted and actually threatened, We will see no flight takes off from Mumbai from Friday.

TD members who rushed to Mr Rajus defence suffered some damage themselves. TD Lok Sabha leader Thota Narasimhams shirt was torn when he interposed himself between Mr Geete and Mr Raju.

Mr Rajnath Singh managed to take Mr Geete away from the scene even as the minister repeated his threat of shutting down flights in Mumbai if the ban on his fellow MP was not lifted. TD members made a protective ring around Mr Raju and escorted him out of the House.

The House was adjourned for 15 minutes by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan when she saw Shiv Sena members rushing to the podium and surrounding Mr Raju and raising slogans.

There has been widespread condemnation of the unruly behaviour of Shiv Sena MPs, especially from AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. After a meeting convened by the Speaker in her chambers with Shiv Sena MPs and Mr Raju, Mr Rajnath Singh conveyed to the Lok Sabha that an amicable solution was being worked out and the House will be kept informed.

Air India beefs up security at airports

Air India has beefed up security at Mumbai and Pune airports, after the Shiv Sena allegedly threatened to stall the airlines operations at the two airports over its MP Ravindra Gaikwad not being allowed to fly with the national carrier.

All the flights departing and arriving at Mumbai and Pune will see beefed up security. Gaikwad had on Thursday threatened the airline to disrupt the services, if he is not allowed to fly with the airline again.

Gaikwad, who even interrupted the Union civil aviation minister Gajapathi Raju in Parliament over the issue on Thursday, stressed on the need to lift the ban that has allegedly been imposed on him from flying in the domestic sector by aviation companies.

Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said, We have already beefed up the security at Mumbai and Pune airports. We will not compromise on the passengers safety. We are taking all necessary precautions. Security of our employees comes first. We wont let our flight operations be affected.
Salem: A youth attempted suicide at the district collectors office in Salem on Thursday, alleging that eight Dalit families were being ostracized by other villagers for refusing to pay donation for a temple festival.

At least eight families from Thottampatty colony near Theevattypatty in Salem district had refused to pay donation for a temple festival as they had embraced another religion some ten years ago.

The other villagers, upset over being denied donation for the festival, allegedly fenced the eight houses blocking their way out. They also snapped the water pipe line and broke the water tank in front of their houses. The affected family members had filed a complaint with Theevattypatty police and the Revenue department, but still no action was taken.

The depressed family members came to the collectors office to commit suicide by self-immolation; however police getting wind of it in time, prevented them from taking the extreme step. Even as the police were holding talks with the aggrieved members, Raman, who was with them, attempted suicide by dousing himself with kerosene.

The police immediately foiled his self-immolation bid and rescued him to safety.

The cops then convinced the family members that an enquiry will be initiated and stern action will be taken against those responsible for such actions. Following this, the aggrieved family members left the spot.
This is an unprecedented action on the part of EC which has dispatched so many special officers to monitor byelections.

Chennai: As money flows liker water without any hindrance in RK Nagar constituency, the Election Commission on Thursday intensified efforts to ensure free and fair elections by flying in its top officer to coordinate with enforcement agencies. Vikram Batra, Election Commission of Indias Director (Expenditure), will be in Chennai till the byelection is over on April 12 and will work in tandem with Chief Electoral Officer, Rajesh Lakhoni.

A special room is being readied for Mr. Batra at the State Secretariat. This is an unprecedented action on the part of EC which has dispatched so many special officers to monitor byelections.

Already, the EC has appointed 10 observers for the constituency of 2.68 lakh electorate and on Thursday micro observers began fanning across the area on motorcycles to check distribution of cash for votes. Mr Batra will ensure coordination in the work of the observers who are already on the field, sources said.
Hyderabad: Markets in the city are bearing the brunt of the indefinite strike by truckers belonging to the South India Motor Transport Association. Transport of fruits, vegetables and flowers to major markets like Osmangunj, Begum Bazaar and Mahbub Mansion have been hit.

There has been no impact on Rythu Bazaars as the government has deployed RTC buses to transport vegetables from villages.

The Mahbub Mansion market in Malakpet used to receive 800 to 1,000 quintals of tamarind from Maharashtra, AP and some districts of Telangana state. On Thursday, the arrivals fell to 400 quintals. It is also the biggest market for red chillis with average arrivals of 7,500 quintals per day but the quantity went down to 500 quintals. There was no supply of onions on Thursday.

Trader G. Ramesh said no truck entered the market on Thursday. Only a few mini-lorries had arrived. Stock is piled up with traders and commission agents, he said.

Mr K.R. Vijay Kumar, estate officer of Mehdipatnam Rythu Bazaar, said the strike did not have any impact so far. The impact of arrivals at the wholesale vegetable markets will be estimated by marketing officials on Friday.

The impact on wholesale markets will definitely influence vegetable prices at Rythu Bazaars which depend on wholesale prices. In one or two days, the impact will be seen at Rythu Bazaars, he said.

The quantity of mangoes and sweet limes arriving at the Gaddiannaram fruit market had also dropped. Traders believe prices may go up in the next two days.

Banginapalle, Benishan, Rasalu, Totapuri and other varieties arrive from AP and Karnataka. There were fewer arrivals on Thursday. Reports say that truckers from AP have withdrawn their strike after talks with government. We hope there will no impact of the strike from Friday, they said.

Truckers talks with minister inconclusive

Truckers talks on Thursday with Telangana Transport minister P. Mahender Reddy, MLA V. Srinivas Goud and other officials remained inconclusive as operators did not agree to more time for taking any decision.

While the Andhra Pradesh governments talks with AP lorry associations ended the strike, the TS government had also believed in a fruitful resolution of the issue. It had asked the truckers for 30 days time to resolve the demands but the lorry associations said they do not agree.

Speaking to media, Mr. Mahender Reddy said that the government would hold talks on Friday. We shall take all the demands to the knowledge of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. We are ready to solve some problems, he said.
Chennai: The family members of 15 Tamil Nadu fishermen who returned to India on Thursday after spending more than five months in the captivity of Iranian authorities told this newspaper that all of them were forced to do squats on the sands from noon for two hours daily while in detention.

"My husband told me over the phone that they were forced to do squats on the seashore for two hours daily. If someone faints, water will be sprayed on his face and once he regains consciousness he will be asked to continue to do squats. Otherwise, Iranian Coast Guard people used to beat them up," said Kala, wife of D Verghese, one of the 15 men who reached Chennai on Thursday night.

All the 15 fishermen - 7 each from Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts and 1 from Ramanathpuram  were never kept in prison on land, but were confined in a mechanised fishing boat all these months. Every day by noon the boat would be taken to the shore and the 15 fishermen would be asked do squats and later taken back to the boat.

The fishermen, working for a fishing firm in Bahrain on commission basis, drifted into Iranian waters in three boats as they were looking for a better catch on October 23, the day they were caught by Iranian Coast Guards.

After keeping them in a prison for four days, the fishermen were later shifted to a large mechanised boat where they were kept in Coast Guard's custody but with local fishermen's supervision. The TN fishermen started helping the Iranian counterparts in readying nets and other things. This impressed local fishermen who used provide them extra food. They also gave their mobile phones at least once a month to TN men who used to be keep in touch with their family members.

Meanwhile, NGOs like International Fishermen Development Trust and South Indian organisations in Gulf countries began putting pressure on authorities of Iran and Bahrain through Indian external affair ministry. Finally, all the 15 were released from Iran on April 2 and sent to Bahrain from where they reached Chennai via Dubai on Thursday night.
Lucknow: A ten-year-old girl, now known as the Mowgli girl, has been brought to a hospital in Bahraich district after she was found living in the Katraniaghat forest area in the company of monkeys. The girl, who has apparently been brought up by monkeys, does not speak or behave like humans.

The girl was first spotted two months ago by some villagers who had gone to collect firewood in the forest. The girl, without any clothes, was seen scampering around with a group of monkeys. When a villager tried to get close to the girl, the monkeys surrounded him and forced him to beat a retreat.

The villager returned and informed the local people but each time the locals went to rescue the girl, who was apparently injured, the monkeys would attack them. Gradually the number of monkeys guarding the girl also increased.

A police team also ventured into the jungle but could not find the girl. Later, a team of UP 100 service was passing through the forest area when they spotted the girl.

The cops managed to pick up the girl and put her into the car and brought her to the primary health centre. The girl was reportedly semi-conscious and she was then shifted to the district hospital.

We are not allowing visitors because the girl reacts violently if she sees someone. She growls like a monkey and tries to claw them. She has become familiar with a doctor and some nurses. She refuses to eat in a plate and spreads the food on the bed or the floor before she eats it, said Dr D.K. Singh, CMS in the district hospital.

The girl, who had long tangled hair and long unkempt nails when she was rescued, is gradually improving. Her hair has been washed and cut and her nails have been clipped.

The wounds on her body are healing and her behavior is also slowly changing. She now walks on two feet, but eats directly from her mouth and cannot speak. Dr Singh said that it is not known how long the girl has been living in the jungle and the police are trying to see if she is in the missing persons list.

The local people feel that she may have been abandoned by her parents because she is a girl child. Her behavior shows that she has spent several years in the jungle in the care of monkeys, he added.

Officials in Lucknow who were unaware of the Mowgli girl till now, are now preparing to put her in a special medical facility when she can be treated psychologically be a team of medical experts. However, this will take some time before she is removed from the hospital in Bahraich.
Most are complaining of a sudden surge in mosquitoes in the area, which is leaving them both sleepless and irritable.

The BBMPs use of siphon technology at Varthur Lake has reduced the froth by nearly 70 percent. However, this is only a temporary measure as pollutants remain untreated in the water body. The plan is to hand over the upkeep of the waterbody to UK and Israeli firms. Experts point out that this will incur a huge cost to the exchequer and instead suggest measures like curbing raw sewage, de-weeding and installing aerators to solve the problem at much lower expense. Aknisree Karthik reports

Its an experiment that seems to be working. While the government toys with expensive solutions suggested by foreign firms to the frothing at Varthur lake, the BWSSB has quietly begun to tackle it using a simple technology and only in a few days has achieved good results: the frothing is lesser by nearly 70 per cent.

While the people living around the lake are happy with the new siphon technology that reduces the speed of the sewage flowing into the lake by passing it through a series of inverted U-shaped tubes and causes it to froth less, they are only too aware that it is a temporary solution and does not tackle the pollution that is the root cause of it .

Says water expert and member of the People's Campaign for Water, Kshthij Urs, "The siphoning technique only reduces the froth at the lake, but does not make the water less polluted. What the government needs to do is control the entry of industrial effluents and sewage upstream of the lake, which is causing all the pollution and frothing.

Not sure why the government is not giving the simple solutions suggested by several local scientists to clean up Varthur lake a chance, he regrets that it instead seems hung up on foreign firms and expensive technology to do the job.

"I am not against any foreign firms or technologies. But you must remember, its not private, but public money, which is going into cleaning the lake and it cannot be simply spent like this," he stresses, adding, I feel there is a deliberate attempt to create a crisis situation by the government so that it can come up with a huge project running into a thousand crore to clean up Varthur and Bellandur. Ideally, it needs to produce a scientific white paper on these lakes and set up a committee with scientists, elected representatives and activists on board to revive them.

Former senior bureaucrat of the state turned environmentalist, Yellappa Reddy, who is on the high powered committee headed by Chief Secretary, Mahendra Jain to revive the frothing Bellandur and Varthur lakes, is also against handing over the job to UK and Israeli firms.

Instead of spending thousands of crores this way, the committee is finalising proposals to revive the lakes on a small budget and will submit them to the government in the coming week, he reveals.

His solution is simple. "We need to take up deweeding of the lakes and follow this up by installing aerators. Once we also encourage their aquatic life, we will solve the problems of Varthur and Bellandur," he adds.

Mosquitoes giving sleepless nights to Varthur residents

The Varthur lake may not be frothing as much as before, but the troubles of the people living around it are not any less. In fact, there is a new menace stalking them. Most are complaining of a sudden surge in mosquitoes in the area, which is leaving them both sleepless and irritable.

Says Mr Shiv Shankar, a member of the civic group, Whitefield Rising, "For the past fortnight or so we have been invaded by mosquitoes. We are not sure what has caused this sudden rise in their population, but the hyacinth on Varthur lake has always been an excellent breeding ground for them. Although it is summer we are forced to keep our doors and windows shut to keep them out.

The activist suggests that instead of simply spraying the area to deal with the mosquitoes, the authorities should clear the hyacinth on the lake to stop them from breeding.

The BBMP needs to visit the area and find out why there is this sudden surge in mosquitoes here and tackle the problem on a war footing, he insists.

Mr Ramesh, a resident of Varthur , says while big apartments have costly devices to deal with the mosquito menace and others use repellants, most of the poor depend on mosquito coils, which dont seem to work very well.

Lamenting the governments lack of interest in Varthur and its troubles, he says its high time it woke up and did something about them.

BWSSB on the basis of the idea of BMRCL chief Mr Pradeep Kharola has adopted siphoning technology to reduce froth at Varthur lake

While the trail run has yielded result and reduced froth by 70 percent, residents around the lake complain of sudden surge in mosquito population.

Water experts welcome siphoning technology but opine that it cannot to carried to the large extent of lake spread over 100 acres.

Opposing foreign firms which has come forward to revive the lake at a cost of hundreds of crores, experts opine that the fundamental principal of curbing the inflow of raw sewage and industrial effluents will help a lot in revival of the lake.

Guest column:Reviving lakes isnt rocket science, we dont need foreign firms, says Akshay Heblikar

Reviving the frothing Varthur and Bellandur lakes does not require rocket science and nor do we need any foreign firm, charging thousands of crores, to do the job.

While the siphoning technology will no doubt reduce the froth greatly on Varthur lake, it is only a short term measure and can be used in just a portion of it.

If we want to revive Varthur or Bellandur lakes we need to curb the inflow of raw sewage and industrial effluents into them. We all know this, but one doesnt know why the government isnt doing anything about it.

If this is done then most of the lake's problems will vanish. Excessive nutrient supply to the lake in the form of raw sewage and industrial effluents leads to dense growth of plants, including water hyacinth, which is an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes. The decrease in the froth on Varthur lake could be the reason for the sudden surge in mosquito population in the area.

Once we curb the inflow of raw sewage and effluents into the lake, we will then be left with only with the problems of deweeding and installing aerators, which the government can do with the help of experts.

This will not cost it much, but it is still considering handing over the responsibility of reviving the lake to UK and Israeli firms.

Once deweeding is done and aerators are installed, we will need to encourage the growth of phytoplanktons and zooplanktons as they will help keep the lake clean.

The author is environmentalist and director of Eco Watch
Chennai: A replica of a coffin with late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's figurine was today deployed by AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) faction as part of campaign for the RK Nagar assembly bypoll, highlighting its demand for a probe into her death.

Placing the 'coffin' over the bonnet of an open top jeep, supporters of former chief minister O Panneerselvam sought votes for their candidate E Madhusudanan.

Stressing on an independent judicial inquiry to go into the circumstances surrounding Jayalalithaa's death, campaigners urged the voters to cast their votes for 'electric pole' symbol to strengthen the demand.

On Madhusudanan's victory, the demand for the probe will get strengthened, they told the voters.

Former School Education Minister and a key loyalist of Panneerselvam, K Pandiarajan highlighted their demand for the judicial probe during the campaign.

Moments before the 'coffin' was dramatically unwrapped in the middle of campaign, a woman speaker talked about Jayalalithaa's death at a private hospital here last December and the demand for a probe.

The figurine of Jayalalithaa draped in National flag was a replica of the original and attracted the people's attention.

Ever since Panneerselvam revolted against AIADMK chief VK Sasikala in February last, he has been raising the issue of a judicial inquiry into "Amma's" death.
Chennai: Unless someone meant this as an April Fool joke, it does appear that an Egmore park is now out of bounds for students and lovers. Mysteriously, no one seems to be aware who put up this notice.

An investigation into the springing up of this severe moral policing act by Deccan Chronicle revealed that neither the cops nor the corporation officials were privy to the action of putting up such a notice at the Mayor Sundar Rao Park on Rukmani Lakshmipathi Salai, Egmore.

The notice reads - Students and Lovers Not Allowed Inside The park (sic). P. Perumal, DCP (Triplicane) told DC, We have been getting calls related to such a notice being in place. We were also told that it also bears the Chennai Police logo on top. We dispatched our local Egmore Inspector who returned stating that such a notice was present, but which was not put up by the police. Asked whether using the Police Seal without the consent from the appropriate authority would amount to an offence, the official maintained that the matter will be looked into.

Corporation officials too are feigning ignorance about who put the notice, said another senior police official. Students who are used to frequenting parks wonder as to how a sweeping generalisation of park goers could be attempted like this lumping them and lovers. My girlfriend and I used to relax in this park as and when we are passing by this road. This is one among a few which has retained its green cover despite Vardah wreaking havoc to the citys green cover. The green gives me a sense of relief. All we do is sit here and soak in the green cover, said a city college student on requested of anonymity.

The park is located on the banks of the Cooum River and in close proximity to Ethiraj College for Women. It opens at 5.30 am and is open through the day until 9 pm, offering a retreat for passersby.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress condemned the police action on the protestors in various parts of the state during the hartal on Thursday while many political leaders visited Mahija, mother of Jishnu Pranoy, who has gone on a hunger strike at the medical college hospital here. KPCC president M. M. Hassan alleged that the police used water cannons against Congress supporters without any provocation. Mr Hassan told reporters that several KSU, Youth Congress and Congress leaders were admitted to various hospitals due to police attacks.

Mr V. M. Sudheeran posted on his Facebook page that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has no right to continue in his post after giving a clean chit to the police team who manhandled Mahija. On Thursday, Power Minister M. M. Mani rallied behind Pinarayi which is despicable as the former himself is an accused in a murder case, said Mr Sudheeran.

Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala asked Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to apologise to the parents and relatives of Jishnu Pranoy for the police high handedness against them on Wednesday. BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan and former president V. Muraleedharan also called on Mahija. BJP state general secretary Sobha Surendran shot off a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and national womens commission seeking central intervention on the police highhandedness against Mahija.
New Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday asked party leaders to chart a winning path for the outfit from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari", adding that they should prepare the ground for a "better show in 2019" and not just be satisfied with the previous (2014) Lok Sabha results.

Addressing the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting here on its foundation day, he asked party MPs to work for strengthening the outfit in states where its reach remained limited and exhorted them to take the "NaMo track record" of governance to the masses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not present at the meet as he had left for Jharkhand to attend an event.

Shah asked the MPs to "obey with smile" the top brass' directives for events slated for the next few days.

The BJP has come out with a series of programmes for its parliamentarians and other leaders during the eight-day long period between April 6, its foundation day, and April 14, the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

The programmes will focus particularly on the states and the Lok Sabha seats, where the party had not performed well in the 2014 elections so as to improve the party prospects in 2019. The BJP has lined up programmes of Union ministers and senior leaders in these places.

Shah told the saffron leaders that they should not sit back with satisfaction after getting 272 seats (majority mark in the Lok Sabha) but aim for more. The BJP had won 282 seats in the 2014 polls.

BJP's allies may be present in several states where the party is not strong but it should not deter its leaders from working to boost its strength, he said.

"You have NaMO (Narendra Modi) track record starting from Gujarat before you. Take the NaMO role model of good governance and development to the masses... Modi had said in 2014 that the three factors of casteism, family rule and appeasement fail Indian politics.

"People had dealt a blow to these factors by voting for the BJP in 2014. They have done it again in the recent Uttar Pradesh polls. We have vowed to rid polity of these ills," he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar briefed reporters following the meeting and said apart from promoting digitisation and Bhim app, a digital payment interface, the party leaders will also inform the masses about benefits of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during the period.

Shah said BJP was the only party out of over 1,600 registered outfits which has spread on the strength of its ideology and practices internal democracy by holding organisational polls every three year.

Founded in 1980, the BJP is currently at the peak of power with 281 MPs in the Lok Sabha and over 1,398 MLAs in various state assemblies. It is in power in 13 states, he noted, adding that its governments have been re-elected due to their performance.

Its governments are run on three-point agenda of good governance, development and welfare of poor, the BJP chief said.

Shah also mentioned Speaker Sumitra Mahajan's praise of the government and other Lok Sabha members for the passage of the budget, adding that for the first time in the country's history, budget allocations will be spent from the first day of the fiscal.

It usually starts four to five months after the beginning of the new fiscal, the BJP leader added.
New Delhi: Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused Hindutva organisations like RSS and VHP of creating an atmosphere of discord with incidents like lynching of a Muslim man by cow vigilantes in Alwar.

"With such incidents, particularly BJP's other organisations like RSS, Bajrang Dal and VHP are trying to create an atmosphere of discord in the country. People are disturbed due to this," Kharge said.

55-year-old Pehlu Khan died at a hospital in Alwar district on Monday after allegedly being beaten by a group of cow vigilantes.

The incident took place on Saturday when 16 people were allegedly transporting bovine animals from Jaipur to Haryana.

Kharge said the Congress party will take this message of alleged misdeeds by Hindutva organisations to the common people.

Kharge, who is leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, also lashed out at BJP members in the House and said the law was being broken.

He also named some Hindutva organisations linked to the BJP, in remarks which were expunged by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also attacked the Rajasthan government over the issue and dubbed the incident as "shocking breakdown of law and order".
New Delhi: In wake of the indictment of Arvind Kejriwal led-Delhi Government on appointments on the basis of 404 files by the Shunglu Committee formed by former LG Najeeb Jung, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the Delhi Government had cheated the nation, especially the people of Delhi.

"The Shunglu committee report is just a trailer. If we conduct an investigation properly, then we will get to know that the government is full of corruption. Presently, the most corrupted party is the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). There is no need of his (Arvind Kejriwal) resignation as the public will show him like they showed it recent Goa and Punjab assembly elections," said BJP leader Vijay Goel.

Echoing similar sentiment, another BJP leader Maheish Girri said, "Shunglu report has shown that Arvind Kejriwal has cheated the country. He has never thought of benefitting the people of Delhi rather only look for his own interest."

Senior BJP leader Nalin Kohli asserted that the AAP never cared for the constitutional provisions and had been using public funds for the benefit of their own friends.

"The report reveals that the AAP doesn't care about the constitutional provisions. They are using public funds for the benefit of their own friends, colleagues, relatives. Just being elected by the people, doesn't give them right to misuse the constitution," Kohli said.

A day before, in a major setback to the AAP, the three-member Shunglu Committee, set up by former Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, unearthed irregularities in the allotment of lands by Kejriwal-led government while alleging that party allotted residential houses to its minister under the guise of office accommodation.

The committee, in the above-mentioned 100-page report, raised questions on the allotment of 206, Rouse Avenue - a minister's bungalow used as party office - to AAP.

The three-member committee, in over 100-page report, questioned the appointment of Health Minister Satyendra Jain's daughter Soumya Jain as an adviser to Mission Director, Delhi State Health Mission.

The committee also raised objection on the appointment of several personal staff of ministers including Roshan Shankar as advisor to the minister of tourism, appointment of Abhinav Rai to the minister of transport, appointment of Rahul Bhasin in CM office, appointment of Gopal Mohan, a close associate of Arvind Kejriwal.
New Delhi: The AAP government has been asked by the Delhi High Court to promptly process the bills of its additional public prosecutors as per a new procedure which has been approved by the Lieutenant Governor.

"We hope and expect that the prescribed procedure would be expeditiously followed and bills are processed and payment made promptly so that the prosecutors have no grievance with regard to their remuneration," a bench of Justices Gita Mittal and IS Mehta said.

The bench also directed the government to implement its own decision to provide facilities like computers, laptops and Manupatra search engine to the additional public prosecutors (APPs).

It further asked the government to file reports showing compliance of the orders.

The new procedure of processing of the bills of APPs was devised after the court had earlier expressed disapproval over the delay in payments.

The court had said that "the extensive red tape which is involved in processing the bills of government pleaders and prosecutors is completely unwarranted".

It had told the Delhi government to examine the procedure of having the bills served electronically and processed in the same manner.

Under the new procedure, devised subsequent to the court's earlier observations, the office of the Standing Counsel (Criminal) will verify the marking of cases to APPs.

The APPs, in turn, have to submit their bills along with a computer-generated copy of the order sheet to the Law Department which will then scrutinise the bills.

The issue of delay in clearing bills of APPs was raised before the court last year during hearing of an appeal of a murder convict and since then it has been issuing directions to the government to streamline the process of scrutinising and clearing the bills.
New Delhi: Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday expressed grave concern over the killing of a man in Alwar district of Rajasthan by a mob of cow vigilantes, with Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien asking the government to probe it and inform the House about the facts.

Amid contradictory statements about the alleged incident by the Opposition and the Government, Kurien said the Chair has to be convinced whether the issue raised by Congress member Madhusudan Mistry was true or not.

During the Zero Hour, Mistry said there was a "complete breakdown of law and order" in Rajasthan as "a gang of gau-rakshaks (cow vigilantes)" stopped a truck carrying cattle and mercilessly thrashed four of its occupants after letting off the "Hindu" truck driver. One of them succumbed to injuries later.

As members of other opposition parties supported him, Mistry said similar incidents were taking place in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat as also Uttar Pradesh, all ruled by BJP.

Squarely rejecting the allegations, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was a very sensitive issue, but "no such incident has happened, the way the matter is being presented here."

"A message should not be sent out that the House supports cow slaughter," he said, and added that "the state government has refuted (the allegations). We do not justify hooliganism".

To this, Leader of Oppositon and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said "I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times has reported (on it) and the minister does not know...I have not come across such an insensitive government".

As treasury and opposition benches indulged in heated exchanges to counter each other, Kurien said he cannot go by newspaper reports.

"The Minister said no such an incident happened," he said and added that there were two versions of the incident which have been brought before him.

The Deputy Chairman said if such an incident has happened, then it is a serious matter and if it has not happened and has been said in the House, then too it is a serious matter.

"Let me know whether it is a fact or not. I am asking the Minister to convey to the Home Minister to inquire and give a report to the House. I want to know the truth of it,"

Kurien said and proceeded with other listed Zero Hour mentions.
New Delhi: Amid political ruckus over airlines barring a Shiv Sena MP from flying, the government on Thursday said discussions will be held with the stakeholders to find an "amicable solution" at the earliest.

The assurance from Home Minister Rajnath Singh came after the Lok Sabha witnessed chaos with Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, shouting at Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and surrounding him.

Ravindra Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena MP, was barred by Air India and other domestic airlines from flying after he assaulted a staff of the national carrier in March.

The issue snowballed into a political hot potato with Shiv Sena, also a BJP ally at the Centre, demanding that the flying ban on Gaikwad should be revoked.

As soon as the House met at 1315 hours after three adjournments over the issue, Rajnath Singh said the incident related to Air India was unfortunate and it would have been better if it had not happened.

He said Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju will hold discussions with the stakeholders to arrive at an "amicable solution" at the earliest.

Opposition members raised the issue about the chaotic scenes involving the two Cabinet Ministers.

Singh also said that the two ministers have held discussions.

Both Raju and Geete were present in the House when Singh made the statement.

During the Zero Hour, there were unruly scenes with Shiv Sena members protesting against the ban and even thumping the desk of Raju in anger.
Given his brilliant oratory, unceasing use of alliterations and catchphrases of consequence, one always expects something out of the ordinary in Prime Minister Narendra Modis speeches. His recent address while launching the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel was widely publicised and prominence given to the juxtaposition of two choices before the people of Jammu and Kashmir  tourism or terrorism. Now, consider this statement: Terrorism feeds on intolerance and arrogance, tourism breeds tolerance and empathy. Terrorism seeks to erect walls of hatred between faiths and communities; tourism breaks such barriers. Terrorism detests pluralism, whereas tourism pays tribute to it. Most will presume it was part of Mr Modis speech not used by TV channels for its reiterative characteristic. The trouble is that these lines are not the current Prime Ministers but that of former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee. Matters become knottier as the assertion was made 15 years ago, in May 2002, in the backdrop of rising threats in the post-9/11 world, the December 13, 2001 attack on Indias Parliament and close on the heels of the Gujarat riots.

Neither Mr Vajpayee nor Mr Modi can be denied their right to put forth their contention. However, anxiety swells because Mr Modis replication of the argument demonstrates that even after a decade and a half, the Centre views tourism as a panacea for terrorism. There is no attempt to recognise that terrorism, civilian unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, or elsewhere in the country, have several causative reasons and different solutions. Mr Modi declared that among the choices people had, dialogue was not one of them. He also did not explain the official monotony and why the government was not exploring alternatives to the path it has pursued since the situation got completely out of hand last year after militant commander Burhan Wani was killed. Since the tactics that were adopted have not doused the fire in the Valley, it may be time to explore if other approaches would be more suitable. But since the government refuses to evaluate alternative strategies, there is no escaping the sense that Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawats off-the-cuff statement in February, that those who obstruct our operations (read stone-pelters) and dont support the security forces, shall be treated as overground workers of terrorists, is official policy. As the recent incident in the Chadoora area of central Budgam district indicates, the security forces will henceforth make no effort to distinguish terrorists from civilians. This is virtually indistinguishable from the State declaring the people as terrorists. Faced with such a stance, can the people be expected to join the mainstream and partner in building a tourist paradise?

Prior to Gen. Rawats provocative declaration, the groundswell of public backing for plans to ferment trouble and replicate last autumns disturbances, was waning. However, the declaration that the Army would treat mobs as anti-nationals virtually pushed some people into the arms of terrorists and separatist groups. The government doles out freebies to secessionist leaders, but adopts a tough posture against the people, the opposite of what it should be doing to restore normality in the state. The trouble with the Kashmir policy is that it is as unidimensional as the ruling partys definition of nationalism and what constitutes anti-national activity. Disagreement, disaffection, dissatisfaction and even scepticism is seen as anathema. Any action to express these sentiments is painted in a single hue and branded unpatriotic. Sadly, the BJP plays to the gallery even in the sensitive state and its leaders articulate views with an eye on the Jammu and Ladakh electorate, besides addressing majority community voters from other states. Mr Modi chose to use stones as a political metaphor. Given that stone-throwing has come to stay as a form of protest, and in certain cases as a tactic to provide cover to escaping or sheltering terrorists, the Prime Ministers sarcasm  that stones have immense power  was not lost on anyone. He argued that while the misguided hurled these, the other lot laboured to cut through the rocks to carve out Kashmirs destiny.

The state needs much more than Mr Vajpayees poetry and Mr Modis oratory. Moreover, the people need to be invited for discussions with someone with a benign face. Nearly 25 years ago, the demolition of the Babri Masjid triggered a sense of isolation and loss of identity among Muslims across India. By then, Kashmir was on the boil but Muslims in the rest of the country had little empathy for its cause. Over time, growing Hindu belligerence obliterated this distinction and being Muslim became a bond. Anxiety among Muslims has intensified in the wake of the Uttar Pradesh polls. Kashmiri Muslims still have different issues to those in other states, yet they remain connected because they are seen as a monolith by ruling party supporters. Jammu and Kashmir has a coalition government only in name, not in spirit, and representatives from different regions remain as alienated from each other as the people. Home-grown terror has expanded its footprint and altered its character since the 1993 blasts in Mumbai.

Crowd-sourcing of terror has emerged as a global challenge and must ring alarm bells in India too. Terrorism can take root without external Chenani-Nashri Tunnel as several triggers for self-radicalisation exist. Terrorists will find new avenues to spread mayhem and the state will have to clutch on to every straw in the wind.

Instead of this, and unearthing individuals and groups who despite disaffection with the state still oppose terrorists, the government is snuffing out all beacons of hope. Tunnels are built to circumvent difficult terrain. Instead of gloating over infrastructural achievements and listing future projects, it is time to use beneath-the-surface passageways as political metaphor. The situation in Kashmir does not warrant attempts to conquer mountains that obstruct. Innovative routes to safety and tranquillity must be constructed. This project needs to be initiated immediately to evade the tempest that this coming summer surely promises to trigger.
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has rapped the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh on the knuckles by practically asking it to get its act together over banning meat sales, which has had a serious impact on livelihoods and deprived people of their choice of food. On Wednesday, the court gave the government 10 days to draw up a plan so that its crackdown on unauthorised slaughterhouses doesnt deprive people of their livelihood or prevent them from eating the food of their choice, provided it is healthy. Justices Amreshwar Pratap Sahi and Sanjay Harkauli noted: An immediate check on unlawful activity should be simultaneous with facilitating lawful activities, particularly that relating to food, food habits and vending that is connected with the right to life and livelihood.

The court also noted that food conducive to health cant be treated as a wrong choice. Responding to a meat sellers petition, the judges said diverse food habits had flourished in UP, and these were an essential part of the states secular culture, thus uttering the S word that so troubles those leaning towards the colour saffron. In the Assembly elections, the BJP campaigned on the issue of closing down meat shops. For a party that didnt put up a single Muslim candidate, this was a dog-whistle to its followers which conveyed that the party prided itself on its brand of protecting the interests of the majority community. The meat trade is in the hands of Muslims. On coming to power the saffron party kept its promise. It banned illegal slaughterhouses.

As there are only 38 licensed abattoirs in a state of 220 million people, the bulk of the meat business is carried out through some 50,000 butcher shops that dot every corner of the state. The government order thus shut down the whole meat business. Meat shop owners went on strike to protest against the move. Many legal meat shops too complained that the government was dragging its feet over renewing licences and was cancelling existing ones on flimsy grounds  saying, in effect, that the administration itself was acting in vigilante fashion. If the butchers and meat sellers are primarily Muslim, the buyers are thought to be mainly Hindu, seen in terms of religious categories preferred by practitioners of communal politics. UPs meat business  goat and buffalo  is thought to be worth around `15,000 crore per annum and employs some 15 lakh people. India is the worlds largest exporter of buffalo meat and Uttar Pradesh is the hub of this business. Economics too suggests that ending the trade hurts the state as a whole.
The face of an innocent-looking, slightly cross-eyed boy looks at us from photographs just released by the Russian authorities. This is Akbarjon Jalilov, a 22-year-old Russian citizen, born in Kyrgyzstan, who has been living in Russia for the past six years. He has been identified as the suicide bomber who attacked the Metro between two stations in the historic city of St Petersburg in the afternoon of Monday April 3. This attack killed 14 persons and injured around 50 others, many of them quite seriously. A second, larger device was discovered at another station and defused. Investigators are said to be looking for two associates of the bomber. While official sources have so far been cautious about discussing the affiliations and motivation of the bomber, a day after the bombing, six persons are said to have been detained in St. Petersburg on charges of recruiting for illegal armed groups in order to carry out terrorist crimes. Though this language hints at a link with the ISIS, there are no suggestions that there are ties between Jalilov and ISIS. However, according to a Russian media source, the security services might have known that a terrorist attack was being planned in St. Petersburg because they had been following a Russian national associated with ISIS, who had been detained upon his return from Syria.

Russia experienced considerable terrorist violence in the 1990s and 2000s, but these were linked to separatist movements in Chechnya and Dagestan. In 2002, Chechen rebels had taken 170 hostages at a theatre in Moscow, and later, in 2004, they had occupied School Number One in Beslan and taken 1,100 hostages; and at least 390 persons were killed in the rescue operation. In January 2011, in a suicide attack at Moscows Domodedovo airport by the Chechens, 37 people were killed. Terrorists associated with the Dagestan struggle were responsible for the suicide bombing at Volgograd station in December 2013, in which 16 persons were killed, followed by an attack on a trolley bus a day later in which 14 were killed. Russia has also experienced violence from ISIS, but this has been outside Russia itself: in October 2015, the Russian Metrojet airliner blew up over the Sinai, in which 224 passengers were killed.

Commentators have noted that, in recent months ISIS leaders have asked potential recruits to avoid coming to the caliphate, and instead carry out attacks in their own home countries. There have been several lone wolf attacks in different cities over the last year by persons with no direct links with ISIS or other radical groups, who were possibly motivated to violence due to extremist propaganda on the social media. Such a scenario cannot be ruled out in the case of the St. Petersburg bombing. Russia is home to at least 200,000 legal Central Asian migrants, a similar number of illegals, and three to four million seasonal workers, who work in harsh conditions to support families at home, and frequently suffer discrimination and injustice. They have in the past flocked to join jihadi groups in the conflict theatres of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. ISIS has had a special allure for Central Asian fighters. A Georgian Chechen, Abu Omar Al Shishani, was a senior field commander in the ISIS forces till his death in a US air attack in July 2016. In 2015, the special services chief of Tajikistan, Gulmurod Khalimov, defected to ISIS; he also urged Central Asian workers in Russia to join the caliphate with the words: Working in Russia, you became slaves of kafirs (non-believers). Youre churki (dark-skinned, a pejorative Russian word for Central Asians) for them, nothing more... Do jihad, come to the Islamic State.

It is estimated that between 1,500-4,000 Central Asians have joined ISIS in Syria and Iraq, with thousands more in Afghanistan with organisations such as the Taliban-linked Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. With ISIS now under pressure, potential recruits are available to perpetrate terror at home. In Chechnya, this has been facilitated by the Chechen independence movement now calling itself the Caucasus Emirate, which is seeking to set up a caliphate in Chechnya and is calling for fighters from neighbouring republics. This has led some observers to suggest that the St. Petersburg attack could have been a joint ISIS-Chechen initiative. Besides the Chechen factor, attacks on Russia by radical Islamic groups have been encouraged by the strong military and political support that Russia has extended to the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. Not only has Russia boosted the military capabilities of the Assad regime, its Air Force has also carried out massive attacks on ISIS positions across Syria. This has ensured not just the survival of the regime, but also the imminent destruction of caliphate itself.

There are reports that some days before the St. Petersburg bombings, some ISIS websites had encouraged attacks on Russia and President Vladimir Putin himself for his role in Syria. One image showed an ISIS fighter standing in front of the Kremlin with the caption kill them where you find them, while another encouraged its supporters to launch strikes on Moscow. After the attacks, some Daesh-related websites have shown its supporters celebrating the attacks  an ISIS supporter on the groups al-Minbar platform wrote: We ask Allah to bless the operation by the lions of the Caliphate, we ask Allah to kill the Crusaders. Another claimed that the attacks were revenge for Russias attacks on Daesh in Syria. As the Islamic State collapses in the Levant, its lethal tentacles have reached across several thousand kilometres to wreak vengeance upon its enemies. This has grim portends for the world after the fall of Mosul and Raqqa.
Microsoft has confirmed in a statement that the Creators Update would be indeed be limited to certain phone models, but has not provided any specifics for the time being. (Representational image)

In what could be the end of Microsofts mobile platform for the consumer market, the software giant has just announced another decision which is leaving behind many of its Windows phones.

The software giant wont be releasing the Windows 10 Creators Update for all phones running the Anniversary Update, but instead will make it exclusive to a bunch of models.

Specifically speaking, devices like Lumia 930 and the 1520, both flagships from the previous generation of Windows phones, wont be getting the Creators Update, even though they do seem to have the hardware to run it. The Lumia 830 will not be getting the Creators update either, and only six different Lumia models will be supported by the new operating system.

ZDNet has provided the tentative list of Windows phones getting the Creators Update (the list is not yet confirmed by Microsoft, but more information should be provided in the coming weeks, as the update is scheduled to begin rolling out to phones on April 25).

Microsoft has confirmed in a statement that the Creators Update would be indeed be limited to certain phone models, but has not provided any specifics for the time being.

Beginning this month, Microsoft will release the Creators Update for Windows 10 customers including those using Windows 10 Mobile. As has been the case with previous Windows updates, a device may not be able to receive the Creators Update if the device hardware is incompatible, lacking current drivers, or otherwise outside of the Original Equipment Manufacturer's ('OEM') support period. These devices will continue to receive security and servicing fixes according to our OS support policy. The full list of supported devices will be posted on the Product Lifecycle page soon, the company said.

This will not be the first time when Microsoft leaves behind a part of its Windows lineup, as the release of the Windows 10 mobile was another moment when the company decided to update only half of its devices.

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This is the first time the force has given a location for the vessel. (Photo: AP)

Nairobi (Kenya): A Pakistan-owned cargo vessel, which was carrying food, was hijacked off the coast of central Somalia, Somali officials said on Tuesday, according to the New York Times.

The hijacking came hours after the pirates hijacked an Indian vessel along the coast of Somalia near a village named El Hur.

Abdillahi Ahmed Ali, mayor of Somali town Hobyo, confirmed the incident while talking to Voice of America, but expressed unawareness about the number of crew members on the Pakistani vessel called Salama 1.

An Indian registered cargo dhow, which was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates on April 1, is now in the vicinity of Hobyo, the EU Naval Force said on Monday. EU Naval Force can confirm that an Indian registered cargo dhow was seized by suspected pirates on 01 April and is now in the vicinity of Hobyo, Somalia, a statement on its website said.

This is the first time the force has given a location for the vessel.

An EU Naval Force maritime patrol aircraft has confirmed the exact location of the dhow and has attempted to establish radio communications but without success, the statement added.
Washington: North Korea is now a "strategic liability for China" and could disrupt the stability in the region, the White House has said after Pyongyang fired a

ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan.

The remarks come ahead of the crucial meeting between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago in Florida this week.

North Korea would be a prominent topic in the meeting. "It is now quite clearly a strategic liability, and it is one that is having an impact on the region. It is one that has the potential to destabilise not only the peninsula but really the region as a whole," Matt Pottinger, Senior Director for Asia at the National Security Council at the White House told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday.

"In terms of an area of co-operation, of course we would like to see China working closely with the United States to address the menace emanating from North Korea their weapons programs, the provocations that we're seeing every week; missile launches, including one that we just had not too many hours ago," he said.

"I think it's in Beijing's interest. I think that North Korea long ago ceased to be a strategic asset for China," he added.

The news conference was also addressed by Susan Thornton, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, who said that the time to hold talks with North Korea is over.

"Strategic patience has run out. This problem has really become very urgent, and it is, destabilising to the entire region and actually further than the region now, reaches across the globe with the progress that North Korea is making in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile," she said.

The feeling on American side is that this problem has really become urgent, she added. "So that the US would not only be talking with the Chinese on this issues, but also the US Ambassador to the UN has convened a ministerial meeting in New York later this month to talk and galvanise a lot more support from our other partners and allies around the world," Thornton said.

The meeting would be chaired by by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and would chart a way forward in a very urgent way, she said.

"Because we feel that this problem has now crossed a certain line and we can no longer hope for some kind of reversion to negotiations. We need to do something proactive to change the situation and get some results, and we hope that the Chinese are going to be involved in that," she said.

"We'll certainly be talking to them about that in the next couple of days. We think they have a lot to contribute, and so we'll see where we get on that," the White House official said.
Washington: The United States and Russia were on a collision course over Syria on Wednesday after a horrific chemical attack so shocked President Donald Trump that Washington threatened unilateral US action.

At least 86 people were killed early on Tuesday in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun in northern Syria and dozens more were being treated after they were found convulsing and foaming at the mouth.

After previous major chemical attacks in Syria in 2013, Trump strongly urged then-president Barack Obama not to order military intervention against Bashar al-Assad's regime.

And he came to office promising both to improve ties with Assad's ally President Vladimir Putin of Russia and to focus US efforts in Syria solely on the defeat of the Islamic State group.

But on Wednesday -- as footage emerged of Syrian children choking to death in agony -- he declared that his view of the conflict had been changed by an attack that "cannot be tolerated."

"It crossed a lot of lines for me," Trump told reporters at a joint White House news conference with Jordan's King Abdullah, alluding to Obama's failure to enforce his own 2013 "red line."

"When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, little babies... that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line, many, many lines," he warned.

"I will tell you, it's already happened, that my attitude towards Syria and Assad has changed very much... You're now talking about a whole different level."

Trump did not go into detail about what any US response to the atrocity would be -- and he has previously opposed deeper US military involvement in Syria's civil war.

Rethink support

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, warned of unilateral action and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Russia to rethink its support for Assad.

"There is no doubt in our mind that the Syrian regime under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad is responsible for this horrific attack," Tillerson told reporters.

"And we think it is time for the Russians to really think carefully about their continuing support for the Assad regime."

Tillerson is due in Moscow next week for talks that will now be clouded by the Khan Sheikhun controversy. At the United Nations, Haley was equally forthright.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," she said.

The warning came during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by France and Britain after the attack.

Haley, lashing out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria, showed photographs of lifeless children choked in the attack.

"How many more children have to die before Russia cares?" she demanded. "If Russia has the influence in Syria that it claims to have, we need to see them use it."

'Categorically unacceptable'

Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack.

Russia -- along with Iran -- is Syria's main diplomatic and military partner. And Moscow, true to form, said the draft text was "categorically unacceptable."

Failure to agree on a compromise text could prompt Russia to use its veto to block the draft resolution. Moscow has used its veto seven times to shield Syria from UN action.

The Western-backed draft text backs a probe by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and demands Syria provide information on its operations.

Russia's deputy ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the UN council that the proposed resolution was hastily prepared and unnecessary, but voiced support for an inquiry.

"The main task now is to have an objective inquiry into what happened," he said. Russia turned up at negotiations with a rival draft resolution that made no reference to specific demands that Damascus cooperate with an inquiry, diplomats said.

Negotiations were continuing on the draft text and diplomats said there would not be a vote before Thursday at the earliest.

"We are talking about war crimes here, war crimes on a large scale, war crimes with chemical weapons," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre.

The British ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, told reporters he hoped council members would agree on a draft resolution by Thursday, but vowed to press for a vote regardless.

Moscow, which launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of Assad's forces, defended the government against accusations of responsibility for the attack.

It claimed the deaths were caused when a Syrian strike hit a "terrorist warehouse" for bombs containing "toxic substances" and pledged to maintain its military support for Assad.

Western experts have dismissed this claim as implausible, given the scale and nature of the casualties.

And a senior State Department official said: "Anyone with common sense and the ability to look at pictures knows that what the Russians are saying about the depot is not true."



'A gas so lethal'

Doctors said victims showed symptoms consistent with the use of a nerve agent such as sarin -- suspected to have been used by government forces in deadly attacks outside Damascus in 2013.

US officials have not said what kind of agent they think was used, but Trump said it was "a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was."

If confirmed, the attack would be among the worst incidents of chemical weapons use in Syria's civil war, which has killed over 320,000 people since it began in March 2011.

Syria officially relinquished its chemical arsenal and signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 to avert military action after it was accused of an attack outside Damascus that killed hundreds.But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use since.
President Donald Trumps chief strategist, Steve Bannon, threatened to quit his job over his removal from the principals committee of the National Security Council (NSC), the New York Times reported, citing an unnamed White House official.

But Bannons camp denied that he had threatened to resign and spent Thursday spreading the word that the shift in roles was a natural evolution  not a signal of diminishing influence.

Trump had removed chief strategist Steve Bannon from the National Security Council (NSC), reversing a controversial early decision to give Bannon access to the high-level meetings.
Police nabbed Husayn Al-Dhafiri and Rahaf Zina at an upscale district of Manila following a tip-off from the Kuwaiti authorities late last month. (Photo: Representational)

Manila: Philippine authorities said on Thursday they had foiled a possible terror attack after arresting a Kuwaiti man and his Syrian wife, both alleged members of the Islamic State (IS) group.

Police nabbed Husayn Al-Dhafiri and Rahaf Zina at an upscale district of Manila following a tip-off from the Kuwaiti authorities late last month, but the arrests were kept secret while Filipino authorities investigated further, officials said.

The pair had entered the country repeatedly in recent months as part of plans for "a bombing operation" either in the Philippines or Kuwait, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told reporters.

Aguirre said Al-Dhafiri was an active IS member in the Middle East and said the United States authorities believed he could "pose a threat to the national security of the Philippines".

"He is alleged to have been involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly operational planning against Kuwait," Aguirre added.

He said Zina and Al Dhafiri married after her husband, a high-ranking IS commander, was killed in Syria. The Filipino official said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be sent back to Qatar from where she entered the Philippines.

"Both of them will be properly received by the security forces of those countries," he added. The Kuwaiti embassy in Manila could not be contacted for comment.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has previously warned that IS members might make their way into the Southeast Asian nation by infiltrating its Muslim communities, concentrated in the south of the largely Catholic country.

The Philippines has been battling for years with Muslim extremist groups in the remote southern region, some of whom have since pledged allegiance to IS.

Aguirre said he could not confirm if the two suspects had any contact with local extremists.
Canberra: China cancelled a visit by Australian lawmakers to meet law enforcement officials after Australia joined 10 other countries in signing a letter questioning Beijing's treatment of human rights lawyers.

Craig Kelly, chairman of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement, said on Thursday he had not been given details of why he could not lead his three committee colleagues on the trip. The journey to Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong was to have started on Wednesday.

"The Chinese said they can't accommodate us at this time," said Kelly. "The reasons for that are not clear." Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported the weeklong trip was cancelled because Beijing was offended by Australia signing a letter to Chinese Minister for Public Security Guo Shengkun that questions China's treatment of human rights lawyers.

Damien Kingsbury, a Deakin University expert on international politics, described the cancellation as a "fairly blunt message" and agreed that the human rights letter was the most likely trigger.

The controversy comes during tense diplomatic times in the Sino-Australian relationship. Premier Li Keqiang visited Canberra last month and asked the government to ratify an extradition treaty so that Chinese fugitives from China's anti-corruption campaign could no longer use Australia as a safe haven.

The treaty was shelved a week later because it was doomed to be blocked in the Senate over human rights concerns. Australian law enforcement authorities fear the diplomatic setback could damage cooperation with their Chinese counterparts on stopping illicit Chinese drugs such as methamphetamine from reaching Australia.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan yesterday praised Australia's cooperation with China's National Narcotics Control Bureau, which he said had stopped 7.5 metric tons (8.3 US tons) of drugs from reaching Australian streets.

Kelly said his trip could not have been affected by the treaty dispute because he was told of the cancellation around the time Keqiang landed in Australia.

"I really don't like to speculate on it," Kelly said. "We were meeting with Chinese politicians and law enforcement officials to see what they were doing to crack down on methamphetamine shipments to Australia," he added.

The Chinese Embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to a request for comment tomorrow. Around the time Keqiang arrived in Canberra, Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail reported that Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and seven European Union countries had signed a diplomatic letter to Guo.
The IS attack comes after another helicopter went down south of Mosul at the beginning of the year due to a 'technical failure', killing four crew members. (Photo: Representational/AP)

Baghdad: The Islamic State group shot down an Iraqi helicopter that was supporting federal police forces in Mosul, killing two crew members, the military said on Thursday.

"Their helicopter aircraft was attacked by enemy fire and destroyed on the battlefield," Iraq's Joint Operations Command said in a statement, putting the death toll at two.

It did not specify what type of helicopter was shot down, nor say whether it was hit by gunfire or a surface-to-air missile.

The IS attack comes after another helicopter went down south of Mosul at the beginning of the year due to a "technical failure," killing four crew members.

Iraqi forces launched a major operation to retake Mosul in October, recapturing its eastern side before setting their sights on the smaller but more densely populated west.

Strikes by Iraqi helicopters are especially important for the country's interior ministry forces, which consistently complain of not receiving sufficient air support from the US-led anti-IS coalition.
The Director General of Israel's Tourism Ministry recently said the country was looking to ease visa norms for Indians planning to come to Israel. (Photo: Representational)

Jerusalem: Israel will offer five-year multiple entry visa for Indian businessmen to increase the bilateral trade ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the Jewish state later this year.

Visa issuance to Indians wishing to come to Israel has been an issue of discussion between the two sides for many years.

Several Indian businessmen who have visited Israel in the past as part of business delegations have raised concerns regarding Israel's visa policy and Indian officials have pursued the same with relevant Israeli ministries.

Official sources said the decision comes amid "growing partnership between the two countries" as they celebrate "25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations."

The Director General of Israel's Tourism Ministry recently said the country was looking to ease visa norms for Indians planning to come to Israel and would be even open to issuing paper visas to those who have concerns regarding future travel to the Arab world.

"The visa process is now better and hopefully would be even easier. A tourist from India looking to get visa stamped on paper can get it that way and there will really be no problem with that," said Amir Halevi, Director General of Tourism ministry.

The Tourism Ministry has also submitted a request to ease visa restrictions on Indian tour groups wishing to visit the country given its importance as an emerging market for incoming tourism to Israel.

"It is hoped that this request will be granted in the near future, reducing the wait time for a group visa to five working days," a spokesperson at the tourism ministry said.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has registered a remarkable increase touching a figure of around USD 4.5 million, starting from a humble figure of USD 200 million at the time of establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

However, the growth has seen stagnation in the recent past with some connecting it to visa regulations being a factor. The bilateral trade figures do not include defence deals. Prime Minister Modi's much-anticipated visit to Israel is expected to take place in July.
China said today that it has lodged protests with India both in Beijing and New Delhi over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and accused it of "fuelling tensions" by allowing the Tibetan spiritual leader in the "disputed areas".



"I can confirm (that) China has lodged protest in Beijing and Delhi," yesterday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here.

The protest was lodged in Beijing with Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale. In Delhi, the protest was lodged with the competent officials of the External Affairs Ministry, Hua said.

Asked whether Beijing views India's permission to the 81-year-old Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the 'One China' policy, Hua said, "I want to re-emphasise that on issues concerning China's major concern and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, China's position is consistent."

"By inviting and approving (the) Dalai Lama to (visit) disputed areas between China and India, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship and it has fuelled tensions," she said

"We oppose the visit to relevant areas and oppose attempts by relevant countries to arrange a platform for (the) Dalai (Lama) to conduct anti-China activities. We urge relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining Chinese interests," she said.

Asked about assertions in the Chinese media that India's move was aimed at pressuring Beijing over the issues relating to China blocking India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid, Hua said, "China will not make any assumptions on India's intentions."

She said the Dalai Lama's visit has caused damage to India-China relations.

"We hope the two sides can continue to follow principle of mutual respect for each other's core interests and major concerns and we should do more things that can strengthen mutual political trust and promote the overall interests of China-India relations," she said.

On India's NSG bid, Hua said this issue should be resolved by all the 48 members of the group.

"We should achieve a solution that applies indiscriminately to all non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty countries through consultation and discussion," she said.

Meanwhile, the official media here said that China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Two English newspapers -- China Daily and Global Times -- launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh -- which China claims as part of Southern Tibet -- is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the NSG and the UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

"New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said.

"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in the editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," the editorial said.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

The aggressive editorials came after China yesterday lodged a protest over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino- India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.
Members in the Rajya Sabha today expressed grave concern over the killing of a man in Alwar district of Rajasthan by a mob of cow vigilantes, with Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asking the government to probe it and inform the House about the facts.



Amid contradictory statements about the alleged incident by the Opposition and the Government, Kurien said the Chair has to be convinced whether the issue raised by Congress member Madhusudan Mistry was true or not.



During the Zero Hour, Mistry said there was a "complete breakdown of law and order" in Rajasthan as "a gang of gau-rakshaks (cow vigilantes)" stopped a truck carrying cattle and mercilessly thrashed four of its occupants after letting off the "Hindu" truck driver. One of them succumbed to injuries later.



As members of other opposition parties supported him, Mistry said similar incidents were taking place in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat as also Uttar Pradesh, all ruled by BJP. Squarely rejecting the allegations, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was a very sensitive issue, but "no such incident has happened, the way the matter is being presented here."



"A message should not be sent out that the House supports cow slaughter," he said, and added that "the state government has refuted (the allegations). We do not justify hooliganism".



To this, Leader of Oppositon and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said "I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times has reported (on it) and the minister does not know...I have not come across such an insensitive government".



As treasury and opposition benches indulged in heated exchanges to counter each other, Kurien said he cannot go by newspaper reports. "The Minister said no such an incident happened," he said and added that there were two versions of the incident which have been brought before him.



The Deputy Chairman said if such an incident has happened, then it is a serious matter and if it has not happened and has been said in the House, then too it is a serious matter.



"Let me know whether it is a fact or not. I am asking the Minister to convey to the Home Minister to inquire and give a report to the House. I want to know the truth of it," Kurien said and proceeded with other listed Zero Hour mentions.


Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said he will visit China next month to attend the 'Belt and Road Forum', a key initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping.



The announcement came after Sharif met a high-level Chinese delegation led by Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of National Committee of Chinese Peoples' Political Consultative Conference.



Sharif recalled that the relations between the two countries were raised to an even higher level of 'All Weather Cooperative Strategic Partnership' during the visit of President Xi to Pakistan in 2015, his office said in a statement.



The Prime Minister deeply appreciated China's diplomatic and material support to Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.



"I am looking forward to my visit to China in May 2017 to participate in the 'Belt and Road Forum' at the invitation of President Xi Jinping," the statement quoted Sharif saying in the meeting with Chinese delegation.



He said the forum would provide an excellent opportunity for discussing important areas of connectivity, infrastructure, trade, finance, people-to-people exchanges and think-tanks cooperation, not only between Pakistan and China but with the wider world.



The Prime Minister emphasised that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its related projects symbolise the people-centric approach of the two countries and their resolve for regional connectivity.



"The project has immense potential to boost up regional trade and businesses as well as bring the people of the region closer. Millions of people in our region would reap the benefits of this project," said Sharif.



The CPEC is part of China's broader 'Belt and Road Initiative' to replicate the ancient Silk Road trade routes with modern trading relationships and investments across Asia, the Middle East and into Europe.



India has protested over the CPEC project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.



Earlier, warmly welcoming the Chairman and the delegation members to Pakistan, the Prime Minister stated that the visit will establish institutional linkages between the Parliaments of Pakistan and China.
Political parties and intellectuals have expressed concern over children carrying swords and knives in RSS-backed Ram Navami processions in various parts of West Bengal yesterday.



Ruling TMC and Opposition Left Front asked what "culture" was the RSS and BJP trying to import into Bengal.



Over 200 Ram Navami processions were taken out across West Bengal yesterday under the banner of Rama Navami Udjapan Samity "to unite the Hindus" against what they called "growing jihadi activities" in the state.



Students and minors were seen participating with swords and knives in some of the processions.



"What kind of culture is BJP and RSS trying to import into the state? Never in the history of Bengal have we seen children and school students marching with weapons and swords in a rally," TMC secretary general and state Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said.



"Mothers, daughters and children never carried arms publicly in the name of religious processions in Bengal. No religion must promote it. Impermissible," CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra said.



Mishra, however, accused the TMC government of being "hand in glove" with the RSS and for not taking any step against it for involving innocent children in the rallies.



However, the BJP defended the rallies and said swords and knives are not considered as weapons these days.



"Sword and knives are not weapons. In many schools and programmes these are used for physical drills. There is nothing wrong in it. And TMC should not talk much about weapons.



TMC whose leaders openly abuse police and ask their cadres to throw bombs should not talk much," BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said.


Devatha Fabrics, a city-based company with a century-old heritage in dealing with silk, is targeting to reach Rs 100 crore in the next five years from its current revenue of Rs 15 crore.



The company, which has recently launched Tattva, its latest brand of mens and kids silk ethnic and traditional wear, is looking at entering womens ethnic wear before the end of the calendar year. The brand is available at over 300 retail outlets in India.



Speaking to DH, Sriram Devatha, Managing Partner, Devatha Fabrics said, The brand Tattva has become a staple for ethnic occasions and synonymous with exquisite silk mens wear. Taking strides forward we began offering formal and casual wear, adding to our unique range of products. We will be soon launching mens wear in cotton as well.

According to a study, the Indian Ethnic/Occasion wear market was Rs 80,493 crore in 2014, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% to reach Rs 120,305 crore in 2018 (with mens wear market (Rs 3,522 crore), kids (Rs 14,358 crore) and womens (Rs 1,20,305 crore)).



Our team of 35 at Devatha Fabrics is looking at growing organically for the next few years, with support of five manufacturers, with whom we work closely to build our brand across the country, concludes Devatha.
Remember Snowpiercer? In the delirious sci-fi thriller by Korean director Bong Joon-ho, an attempt to engineer the climate and stop global warming goes horribly wrong. The planet freezes. Only the passengers on a train endlessly circumnavigating the globe survive. Those in first class eat sushi and quaff wine. People in steerage eat cockroach protein bars. Scientists must start looking into this. Seriously.



News about the climate has become alarming over the last few months. In December, startled scientists revealed that temperatures in some parts of the Arctic had spiked more than 2 C above their historical averages. In March, others reported that sea ice in the Arctic had dropped to its lowest level on record. A warming ocean has already killed large chunks of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.



Lets get real. The odds that these processes could be slowed, let alone stopped, by deploying more solar panels and wind turbines seemed unrealistic even before President Donald Trumps election. It is even less likely now that Trump has gone to work undermining President Barack Obamas strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.



That is where engineering the climate comes in. Last month, scholars from the physical and social sciences who are interested in climate change gathered in Washington to discuss approaches like cooling the planet by shooting aerosols into the stratosphere or whitening clouds to reflect sunlight back into space, which may prove indispensable to prevent the disastrous consequences of warming.



Aerosols could be loaded into military jets, to be sprayed into the atmosphere at high altitude. Clouds at sea could be made more reflective by spraying them with a fine saline mist, drawn from the ocean.



The worlds immediate priority may be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet and hopefully exceed the promises made at the climate summit meeting in Paris in December 2015. But as Janos Pasztor, who heads the Carnegie Climate Geo-engineering Governance Initiative, told me, The reality is that we may need more tools even if we achieve these goals.



The carbon dioxide that humanity has pumped into the atmosphere is already producing faster, deeper changes to the worlds climate and ecosystems than were expected not long ago. Barring some technology that could pull it out at a reasonable cost  a long shot for the foreseeable future, according to many scientists  it will stay there for a long time, warming the atmosphere further for decades to come.



The world is not cutting emissions fast enough to prevent global temperatures from spiking into dangerous territory, slashing crop yields and decimating food production in many parts of the world, as well as flooding coastal cities while parching large swaths of the globe, killing perhaps millions of mostly poor people from heat stress alone. Solving the climate imperative will require cutting greenhouse gas emissions down to zero, ideally in this century, and probably sucking some out. But solar geo-engineering could prove a critical complement to mitigation, giving humanity time to develop the political will and the technologies to achieve the needed decarbonisation.



With Trump pushing the US, the worlds second-largest emitter after China, away from its mitigation commitments, geo-engineering looks even more compelling. If the US starts going backwards or not going forward fast enough in terms of emissions reductions, then more and more people will start talking about these options, said Pasztor, a former United Nations assistant secretary-general on climate change.



While many of the scholars gathered in Washington expressed misgivings about deploying geo-engineering technologies, there was a near-universal consensus on the need to invest more in research  not only into the power to cool the atmosphere but also into the potential side effects on the atmospheres chemistry and on weather patterns in different world regions.



Arguments against geo-engineering are in some ways akin to those made against genetically modified organisms and so-called Frankenfood. It amounts to messing with nature. But there are more practical causes for concern about the deployment of such a radical technology. How would it affect the ozone in the stratosphere? How would it change patterns of precipitation?



Balance of interests

Moreover, how could the world agree on the deployment of a technology that will have different impacts on different countries? How could the world balance the global benefit of a cooling atmosphere against a huge disruption of the monsoon on the Indian subcontinent? Who would make the call? Would the US agree to this kind of thing if it brought drought to the Midwest? Would Russia let it happen if it froze over its northern ports?



Geo-engineering would be cheap enough that even a middle-income country could deploy it unilaterally. Some scientists have estimated that solar radiation management could cool the earth quickly for as little as $5 billion per year or so. What if the Trump administration decided to focus US efforts to combat climate change on geo-engineering alone?



That wouldnt work, in the end. If greenhouse gases were not removed from the atmosphere, the world would heat up in a snap as soon as the aerosol injections were turned off. Still, the temptation to combat climate change on the cheap while continuing to exploit fossil fuels could be hard to resist for a president who promised to revive coal and has shown little interest in global diplomacy.



People should keep in mind the warning by Alan Robock, a Rutgers University climatologist, who argued that the worst case from the deployment of geo-engineering technologies might be nuclear war.



But it would be a mistake to halt research into this new technological tool. Geo-engineering might ultimately prove to be a bad idea for a variety of reasons. But only further research can tell us that.



The best way to think of the options ahead is as offering a balance of risks. On one plate sit whatever pitfalls geo-engineering might bring. They might be preferable to the prospect of radical climate change. Thinking in terms of delirious sci-fi fantasies, the trade-off wont necessarily be between cockroach protein bars and some happy future of cheap, renewable energy. It is more likely to pit cockroach treats against some dystopian, broiling world.






Legislative Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad has said that none of the BJP MLAs or minister Ramesh Kumar have resigned from the joint legislature committee set up to frame regulations for the media.



Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday, Koliwad said, You (media) may say that the BJP members and the minister are not ready to be part of the panel. But they have not sent their resignation to me. The committee was constituted by the Assembly. And, if it has to be dissolved or changes effected, it should be done on the floor of the House.



To a question, he said: It is my prerogative to form a House committee. I need not take consent from anyone. This he said when a reporter pointed out that Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar had said that he was not consulted before the formation of the panel.



Koliwad also said the committee was set up on the request by many MLAs. It has been constituted with a good intention and not to control the media, he said.

To another question, he said, Ramesh Kumar has not submitted his resignation as the chairman of the committee. He has given some suggestions. Those will be considered. I will invite media representatives for a talk.



Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said he will not be a party to any move to rein in the media by enacting legislation.



I dont want to be a party to any move to control the media either through legislation or any other way...But I am ready to hold talks with the media houses to resolve the issue, he told reporters who sought his reaction on being appointed chairman of the state legislature committee set up to come out with measures to rein in the media.




A teenage girl, who had gone missing from Bittangala in the taluk on Monday, was found in Bengaluru on Thursday. The 17-year-old Deekshita, a resident of Bittangala near Virajpet, who went missing along with her Maruti Alto car on April 3, was traced to Mallasandra in Bengaluru.



Deekshita is believed to have told the police that she was upset over failing in I PU exams and had gone to Bengaluru in search of a job.



A student of I PU at a college here, Deekshita went missing, along with the car parked in front of the house, and an ATM card, adding to the worry of her parents. The father of the girl had lodged a kidnapping complaint.



Following the complaint, the police teams went to Mysuru, Mandya, Bengaluru and other places in search of her. The police, who had found some credible information in the form of CCTV footage at Hunsur and Mandya, had continued with their search in Bengaluru.



On Wednesday, around 6 pm, Deekshitas father Suresh received a call on his cellphone following which he alerted his relatives in Bengaluru. The relatives searched for her near a vegetable market at Mallasandra in Bengaluru, where the car was found parked. Upon enquiry, it had emerged that Deekshita was staying in a house belonging to a Kerala family.



The police left for Bengaluru on Thursday and took Deekshita into their custody and handed her over to her parents.
A first-division assistant in the Lokayukta office here was arrested on Thursday for taking a bribe of Rs 25,000 from a constable for not raking up an old corruption case against him.



Officials of the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Sunkanna, a judgement writer at Additional Registrar of Enquiries - 1 in the Lokayukta office, on the basis of a complaint filed by a constable attached to the APMC police station in Ballari. The constable, whose identity has been withheld by the ACB, had been trapped in 2011 in a corruption case and prosecuted by the Lokayukta police. But the court acquitted him later, and the Lokayukta police didnt go in for appeal.



The constable, however, faced a departmental enquiry that was initiated following the trap in 2011.



Sunkanna reportedly tried to take advantage of the pending departmental enquiry and started asking him for bribe. He contacted the constable through the latters colleague, Sudhakar.



Sunkanna claimed that because of his intervention, the Lokayukta police had not filed an appeal against the constables acquittal. He would call up Sudhakar and ask him to demand a bribe of Rs 34,000 from the constable, an official said.



Upset by the repeated demands, the constable wrote to the Lokayukta, Justice P Vishwanath Shetty, and brought to his notice how an official in his office was demanding bribe. Justice Shetty forwarded the letter to the ADGP (ACB), N S Megharikh.



The ACB registered an FIR and laid a trap. On Thursday, they asked the constable to pay a bribe of Rs 25,000 to Sudhakar in Ballari. The ACB caught Sudhakar red-handed. Another team of the ACB arrested Sunkanna from the Lokayukta office in Bengaluru.


Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has brought his entire Cabinet to campaign for Congress candidates but has failed to get a favourable response from people.



It shows that money and muscle power cannot influence voters. JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda has said that Dalits are not with the Congress and Uttar Pradesh Assembly results have proved it, said, BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa.



Yeddyurappa, who is touring in Nanjangud Assembly (Reserve), on Thursday, said that the Congress-led state government is looting peoples money to invest on bypolls. Siddaramaiah has brought a few goondas to Nanjangud and Gundlupet Assembly segments to threaten the voters to support Congress candidates. BJP workers should be careful and keep a watch. They should alert the Election Officers if they come across any violation of model code of conduct, he said.



The voters will give a fitting reply to Siddaramaiahs arrogance and misgovernance in the bypolls. The BJP is facing elections as per the guidelines of the Election Commission. We are not luring voters by distributing money, he said.



BJP Foundation Day



BJP workers celebrated the partys 37th foundation day at the party office here on Thursday. Yeddyurappa called upon party workers to strengthen the party and strive for the welfare of the nation.



He said, When BJP was founded in 1980 under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajapayee, only a few people were in the party but today it has emerged as the largest political party in the world. When BJP was founded, Congress was very powerful and anyone could win elections on that partys ticket but now the scenario has changed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



Yeddyurappa said BJP will win 150 seats in the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. He called upon party workers to work with commitment and loyalty to strengthen the party.



Farm loan waiver



Yeddyurappa told reporters that he would launch an agitation to ensure that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah waives farm loans.



The chief minister is claiming that the Union government is not willing to waive farm loans but I will make Siddaramaiah announce waiver of loans, Yeddyurappa said.

He said that once bypolls to Nanjangud and Gundlu-pet Assembly constitue-

ncies are completed on April 9, BJP would launch an agitation seeking waiver of farm loans.



Who can defy DKS?

When asked about Power Minister D K Shivakumars campaign in the constituency, Yeddyurappa said that, Shivakumar is a powerful man with wealth and experience in politics. Is it possible to survive by defying him?



MP Shobha Karandlaje, former ministerS Murugesh Nirani, C M Udasi, BJP leaders D S Veeraiah, C Ramesh, C Basavegowda, N V Paneesh and S Mahadevaiah were also present.




Ahmed Qureshi, a 27-year-old murder suspect, who is into the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Government District Wenlock Hospital here, is under closed circuit TV camera surveillance.



It is a first-of-its-kind measure in the recent past, to ensure enhanced security to any suspect, considering the severity of the case and with the City Crime Branch (CCB) police personnel in the eye of the storm.



The case had also spurred the Popular Front of India (PFI) activists to lay siege to the police commissioners office on April 4, which turned violent with agitators allegedly stoning the sentinels.



District surgeon Dr H R Rajeshwari Devi told DH, The CCTV camera that was earlier fixed outside the ICU is drawn inside, following a request from the investigation officer (IO). Moreover, it is also one of the rare cases, as entry to ICU is barred for any visitor, to ensure confidentiality of the patient under treatment.



Police Commissioner M Chandra Sekhar said that it had become inevitable with the kith and kin of the suspect blaming the police personnel even if anything happens to the suspect in the future.



Court order



When asked about the health condition of Qureshi  who is allegedly suffering from kidney-related ailments due to the torture meted out to him by CCB police as complained to the media by PFI activists  Devi said, Although his condition is stable, he has to be provided higher level of treatment.



Following the request of his family members to shift him to KMC Hospital for advanced treatment, the judge of the second JMFC court has ruled in favour of the applicants in the day. As Qureshi was a chronic drinker and smoker, both of his kidneys have failed and he is also under dialysis. The Wenlock Hospital lacks nephro-urology treatment facility, and the court order has to be considered.



Action promised



On the other hand, District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai said that he would recommend action against police personnel if they are found guilty in the case. Rai told media that the law is applicable to all and they would proceed further only after getting into the nitty-gritty of the case, speaking to the police commissioner.



The minister also claimed that nobody had tried to contact him over phone following the PFI protest that turned violent. It was only through media did he learn about the whole issue, as he was held up in Bengaluru due to his appointment with a doctor, he insisted.



The case



Ahmed Qureshi, who was picked up for questioning in the murder case of one Prakash Poojary in Surathkal on March 27, was later arrested by the police.

Six days had elapsed between the day of picking and his arrest, sufficient for the PFI activists to waggle their fingers at the investigators. According to the PFI activists, Qureshi while in police custody was tortured, resulting in the damage to his kidneys.


The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, has ranked the autonomous St Aloysius College at 44 among the best colleges of the country under the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2017.



College Principal Rev Fr Swebert DSilva told reporters here on Thursday that it is an outstanding achievement considering the fact that there are 45,000 colleges in India. The college is the second best college at Karnataka state-level.



Scientific ranking



Stating that the ranking has been done very scientifically on all parameters of quality such as student achievements, student performance, placements, faculty achievements, research publications, infrastructure and learning resources, financial resources and utilisation, overall progress, etc, he said St Aloysius College welcomes the statement of Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar that NIRF ranked colleges will be given more autonomy with special assistance.



He also said that St Aloysius College has made outstanding progress after attaining autonomous status in 2007.



NAAC grade



He also said that the NAAC has graded the college at the highest level in each of the assessments in the last three cycles. The college was recently elevated to Star Status from Star College status by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.



He also said that the prestigious DDU KAUSHAL Kendra has been awarded to St Aloysius College to promote job oriented, innovative vocational programmes which are equivalent to degree courses. Only 48 colleges in the country have been given this privilege.



The college caters to the diverse needs of students with more than 30 undergraduate, 17 postgraduate, three B.Voc and many Advance Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma and Diploma programmes with relevant and apt curriculum. At present there are nearly 6,000 students in two campuses of the college.



St Aloysius Institutions Rector Rev Fr Dionysius Vaz, Principal-designate Rev Fr Praveen Martis and Registrar Dr A M Narahari were also present.




India and Bangladesh will ink a framework agreement for civil nuclear cooperation during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas four-day visit to New Delhi beginning on Friday.



Hasinas meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will be followed by signing of more than 20 pacts, Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh-Myanmar) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said on Thursday.



The Hasina government has been exploring the atomic energy option to meet growing demands of power-starved Bangladesh. New Delhi is likely to offer its support to Dhaka, starting with capacity building in the area of peaceful use of nuclear energy. India is also exploring options for a joint venture with Russia for building nuclear power plants in Bangladesh.



Ranganathan said the two countries would also sign a Memorandum of Understanding for laying a framework for bilateral defence cooperation.



PM invites Mamata



Modi has invited West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to attend the lunch he would host for his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on Saturday.

Banerjee has accepted the invitation. She will join Modi and Hasina during the inauguration of new bus and train services between Kolkata and Khulna in Bangladesh through video-conferencing.
Karnataka on Thursday urged the Centre to procure more tur dal from it and extend the procurement deadline by another month.



Karnatakas Minister for Agriculture Krishna Byre Gowda met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan here and requested that central procurement agencies purchase more tur dal from the state to help farmers.



The Union government is buying pulses through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed) and the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) at the minimum support price (MSP) for its buffer stock to protect farmers from price fall.



The Centre has kept a procurement ceiling of 2.4 lakh tonnes for tur dal from Karnataka. It recently extended the procurement deadline to April 15. As of April 4, central nodal agencies have procured a total of 2.27 lakh tonnes of tur dal from the state. We had a bumper tur crop this year. So, we have requested the minister to further extend the procurement deadline by a month or at least 15 days, Byre Gowda told journalists after the meeting.



He said the procurement deadline was required to be extended as tur prices had fallen below the MSP of Rs 5,050 per quintal in Karnataka. Moreover, farmers are still holding 2.6 lakh tonnes of kharif tur dal, he added.



In the kharif season of 2016-17, Karnataka has harvested a record 7.13 lakh tonnes of tur dal. There are 158 procurement centres in the state.


With tuberculosis (TB) emerging as Indias biggest health threat, the Union health ministry plans to pay every private doctor who successfully treats a TB patient.



Prepared by the central TB division of the health ministry, the new TB control strategy aims to drastically bring down the number of TB cases and deaths by 2025.

India has an estimated 28 lakh TB patients, of which almost 10 lakh patients are missing from government records.



This means that the national TB control programme does not know if these 10 lakh patients are getting any treatment at all, and if they are, what the quality of the treatment is.



To track these missing cases, the strategy puts top priority on increased engagement with the private doctors  the first port of call for the majority of Indian patients. At least 50% TB patients in India are treated first by the private doctors.



For successfully treating a drug-responsive TB patient, the proposal asks to give a cash reward of up to Rs 2,750 to the private doctor. For treating a drug-resistant patient, the incentive can be up to Rs 6,750.



This includes Rs 250 for notifying the case to the government and Rs 250 every month till the successful completion of the treatment. A drug-responsive TB case may take seven to 10 months for treatment whereas the treatment of a drug-resistant TB patient can take up to two years.



In 2012, the government made it mandatory for private doctors to report the TB cases they treat to the government. Even though the initial response was lukewarm, the number of reportings rose in the last couple of years; even so, lakhs of cases are missing from the system.



We know very little about private sector TB care. There is only one available study on TB treatment outcomes in the private sector, which showed that only about 50% of TB patients in the private sector complete the 6-month course prescribed in TB therapy. This is much lower than the 70%-80% treatment completion rate in the government sector, Ramanath Subbaraman, a TB researcher from the Harvard Medical School in the US told DH.
The mother believed that it was not necessary to study in convent schools to make it to the top. The daughter proved her right in style.



Swathimutthu B N, from Hiriyur of Chitradurga district, studied at a Kannada-medium government school. Merit was her only drive and she went on to study BAMS. On Thursday, she won five gold medals at the 19th annual convocation of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).



Her mother, B T Girijamma, was overjoyed. By scoring such high marks, she has debunked the myth that only students of private schools do well and make it to the top, she said. Deepti Agarwal (MBBS) bagged five gold medals besides a cash prize. My parents supported me in all my endeavours. Steady and consistant preparation helped me, she said.



For another topper, Bhagyashree U G, the journey to the top was not easy either. My father passed away when I was young. My mother bought me up single-handedly. She pursued her higher education when I was in class 5 and remains my motivation, she said. Her mother is a medical practitioner.



Dr H Sharath Chandra, director, Centre for Human Genetics, who delivered the convocation address, said medical colleges and hospitals must be located on the same premises. India spends just 1.5% of the GDP on healthcare. We must raise it to 2% in the years to come. Bengaluru is a hub of start-ups. Most of the start-ups focus on healthcare or healthcare devices. There is a lot of scope for research, he said and stressed that genetics would help find cure to many diseases in the near future.


As if manning the border with Pakistan was not enough, the Border Security Force (BSF) deployed on the Punjab frontier is grappling with a curious case of missing fish from Pakistan.



Nearly 400 kg of dead fish that the BSF claims to have handed over to the Punjab police after successfully foiling an alleged infiltration bid through waters of Satluj on Sunday night, has mysteriously disappeared.



The police refuse to acknowledge any information about the fish, nor is it supporting the BSF version that the huge fish load was handed over to them after the operation had ended.



On Sunday night, the BSF patrol managed to recover two Pakistani boats in Satluj waters, a couple of fishing nets and nearly 400 kg of fish. The Pakistan nationals on board managed to infiltrate close to 700-metres in Indian waters, just when the BSF got alerted and opened fire.



The infiltrators jumped into the waters and managed to flee, leaving behind the boats and the material on board.



The operation has ended, but the face-off between the BSF and the police continues to unfold.



The BSF sources said they handed over the fish along with the other material evidence confiscated during the operation to the police, following which a case was registered. They expressed surprise over the missing fish. The police claim the fish was not handed over to them, maintaining that the police station does not have any place to stock the fish.



While sources indicate an unlikelihood of any misappropriation of the fish evidence, the case of the missing fish could be an oversight that may eventually turn out to be a mere lapse. But for now, the case has turned curious to say the least.



BSF recovers 15 kg heroin



On Wednesday, the BSF recovered at least 15 kg heroin, worth an estimated Rs 70 crore in the international market, from the Ferozpur sector in Punjab. The high priced drug was recovered after the BSF exchanged fire with smugglers from across the border in Pakistan. The security force were alerted in advance following a tip off from the narcotics bureau.



The BSF team laid an ambush and retaliated to gun shots from Pakistani smugglers. It was in the wee hours that some suspicious movement was noted near the border.

Pakistani smugglers began throwing packets over the border fence when they were challenged by the BSF. The smugglers managed to flee.




The Supreme Courts order on liquor ban is likely to result in a huge loss of revenue to the Uttar Pradesh government, which is desperately looking for funds to fulfil its promise of waiver of crop loans of small and marginal farmers.



According to the excise department officials, of 27,000 licensed shops in the state, a little over 7,000, including bars, were found to be under the purview of the courts order and had to be closed.



Although the officials were unable to provide a definite figure, when asked about the loss of revenue, they did admit that the loss could be more than Rs 6,000 crore.

We are still calculating the loss of revenue. It may be around Rs 6,000 crore or even more, a senior excise official told DH on Thursday.



However, the liquor traders, claimed that the revenue loss would be more than Rs 8,000 crore.



The ban will not only hit the revenue, but also employment. Thousands of people will lose jobs, said K L Maurya, general secretary, The Liquor Traders Association.



Maurya said hundreds of liquor shop owners had surrendered their licences after the ban as they did not find a suitable place to shift their shops to run their business.



Shifting of the liquor shops into residential areas have angered people and there have been reports of mobs attacking the liquor vends in different parts of the state.



In a bid to save some of the vends from falling under the SC order, the state government has denotified many of its state highways and made them district roads.

According to the officials, many of the roads, which were earlier part of the state highways and connected the bypasses, were denotified and converted into district roads to bypass the ban.



Sources said over 1,000 liquor vends would be saved by such denotification.

The liquor traders associations have been pressing the government to denotify more state highways.




The state excise department has sealed 225 bars in hotels, restaurants and clubs after the Supreme Courts order.



The government, however, had declared state highways as urban roads or district roads one week ahead of SCs order and managed to save 496 of its liquor vends.



Fearing that the order could dent the states exchequer badly, Rajasthans public works department (PWD) recently issued an order dated March 22 for denotification of 190 kilometres of 21 state highways passing through 16 districts and measuring 3,029 kilometres as urban roads or other district roads.



Due to this, excise department could save around 496 liquor shops from being banned. However, Shiv Lahri Sharma, chief engineer with the public works department, told DH that the process had nothing to do with the Supreme Courts directive.



However, an officer at excise department said, Most of the liquor vends would continue in the state. In Jaipur alone, the government managed to save 20 vends by the denotification of state highways as urban roads.



In 2015-16, the state earned Rs 6,700 crore from excise duty and it fixed a target of Rs 7,300 crore for 2016-17. Out of the 7,600 liquor vends in the state, 2,800 were affected by the SC order.



According to figures, excise department has issued a total of 790 bar licences, including bar trains (70); heritage hotels (67); other hotels (506); clubs (22) and restaurants (125). Out of this, around 15% are affected by the order.



Besides revenue loss, it has affected employment also. Rajasthan Hotel and Restaurant Association president Kuldeep Singh told DH, This decision will affect around 25% of the hotel revenue. The government should appeal in court. Besides revenue loss, thousands will also be unemployed.



Post sealing of bars across the state, liquor stock of more than 130 hotels and restaurants situated within 500 metres of national and state highways has been seized till Wednesday.






Four members of Mahatma Gandhis family, including his three grandchildren and a great grandson, will attend the inaugural event which will mark the beginning of centenary celebrations of Champaran Satyagraha from April 10 onwards.



Those who have given their consent to attend the function include Mahatma Gandhis grandsons Raj Mohan Gandhi and Gopal Krishna Gandhi (former Governor of West Bengal), grand daughter Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya and great grandson Tushar Gandhi.

Bihar is observing the centenary celebration of Champaran Satyagraha, also known as the Indigo movement, as it was in April 1917 when Mahatma Gandhi visited Bihar on the invitation of a farmer Raj Kumar Shukla to launch an agitation against British atrocities on farmers engaged in indigo cultivation.



It was Champaran Satyagraha which eventually catapulted Mahatma Gandhi on the national scene during the freedom struggle. A series of programmes has been chalked out which will commence on April 10. The Bhim Rao Ambedkar University has planned to adopt villages visited by Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Champaran. A heritage walk will take place on the footsteps of Gandhi while travelling from Muzaffarpur to Champaran, informed the vice-chancellor of the varsity, A N Yadav.




ELKO  If the charges havent already appeared on phone bills, people will soon start seeing an additional 25 cents to pay for enhanced 911 in Elko County.

County Commissioners approved the five-year master plan for the service, which was the last step needed to collect the surcharge.

Assistant County Manager Cash Minor said his office has received a few small checks from phone companies already, but the official approval means staff will send out notices that the surcharge must be collected.

I think a lot of it weve already passed piecemeal, said Commission Chairman Cliff Eklund.

Police Chief Ben Reed, who is the chairman of the Elko County Enhanced 911 Board, said the plan is basic.

We intend for it to be sort of a living document that will be amended, probably regularly, he told the commissioners.

One of the items required by the enhanced 911 ordinance was for the master plan to identify any expenses attached to the improvements.

Reed said the plan doesnt have those because the advisory board doesnt know how much the expenses will be to improve the system.

The advisory board asked to hire a technical consultant to help figure out the costs of upgrading the dispatches in Elko County.

Reed said the advisory board hoped to use some of the donated funds to hire the consultant.

The tax we passed doesnt go in effect until we get this plan approved, said Commissioner Rex Steninger.

The commissioners also approved a request the advisory board submitted to seek the services of a technical consultant.

The county has estimated $200,000 was needed just for the initial setup of the enhanced 911 systems.

The public has already contributed a little more than $200,000 in donations to help fund the improvements.

The ongoing costs will be funded through the surcharge on phone bills that the commissioners approved in September. Residential and commercial telephones and cellphones will be charged 25 cents a month for each line, and each trunk line will be charged $2.50 a month. The estimated revenue is $170,928 a year.
The April 12 byelection to R K Nagar Assembly constituency in North Chennai is important for many reasons, not least because it could solve the confusion prevailing in Tamil Nadus ruling party.



RK Nagar bypolls, represented by the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa whose death has prompted the bypoll, is supposedly facing multi-cornered contest, though the major battle is between the two warring factions of the AIADMK. The faction led by VK Sasikala has fielded her nephew and deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran, while the rebel faction led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam has nominated former Palladium chairman E Madhusudhanan, also the former MLA from R K Nagar between 1991 and 1996.



For Dinakaran and Madhusudhanan, the election is a litmus test to prove which one of them actually command public support and thereby claim Jayalalithaas legacy.



Dinakaran is under pressure to prove that people are not quite against Sasikalas takeover of the party reins, while the election is a must-win for Panneerselvam who enjoyed good rapport with Jayalalithaa - to get public endorsement for his rebellion and get his hands on the party and power.



Before the bypoll, the Election Commission froze the partys two-leaves symbol, forcing both the factions to contest on neutral symbols. People are with us, Dinakaran assured, banking on some of the tall poll promises such as building 57,000 houses which did not even feature in the 2016 manifesto.



Pre-poll estimates may have given Panneerselvam faction an edge, but its candidate Madhusudhanan would not like to take it easy. Besides sweating it out in the sun, the faction officially known as AIADMK Puratchitalaivi Ammahas also made sweeping promises to the constituency.
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullahs appeal for the support of separatist-leaning Jamaat-e-Islami in the upcoming bypoll shows his desperation to win back the politically strategic Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency on April 9.



The result of the constituency would depend upon multiple factors, significant among them being the boycott call by separatists. Sensing the mood of the people, Abdullah appealed to the Jamaat cadre for unity against communal and anti-Kashmir forces."



Charismatic Abdullah, who is pitted against Peoples Democratic Partys (PDP) lesser-known candidate Nazir Ahmad Khan, was defeated by PDPs Tariq Karra in 2014 general elections. Karra, however, resigned from the PDP last year and joined the Congress in February. Now, Karra is campaigning for Abdullah as the latter is the NC-Congress candidate.



According to political experts, it would be a close contest between Abdullah and Khan, though the former has an edge over the later.



While Abdullah will be banking on anti-incumbency and resentment of Kashmiris against the PDP for aligning with the BJP, Khan has advantage of being the candidate of ruling party.



In case the voter turnout is lesser than 20%, Abdullah may find it difficult to wrest back Srinagar seat from the PDP, Showkat Ahmad, a senior journalist, told DH.



However, if voters turn up to polling booths on April 9, the PDPs chances of retaining Srinagar seat will be bleak, as the partys graph is on decline since it formed the government with the BJP.

The civilian killings during 2016 unrest has also dented PDPs vote bank across Kashmir and Srinagar Parliament segment, he added.



The pro-boycott fervour picked up in Srinagar after last weeks gun-battle at Chadoora  in which one militant and three civilians were killed.



Besides anti-incumbency, the PDP is also battling with internal dissensions, as many MLAs were not accommodated in the Mehbooba government.



On the other hand, the NC could capitalise by cornering a larger Shia vote-bank in Budgam.



The induction of influential Shia leader Aga Mehmood to Upper House of J&K Assembly on the NC ticket recently would definitely benefit Abdullah in the bypoll.
The government on Thursday refuted the Oppositions charges about the murder of a man by a cow vigilante group, saying no such incident, as reported by the media, has taken place.



Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukthar Abbas Naqvis remarks came as the Opposition raised the murder of Pehku Khan (55) and beating up of four others, including his two sons, by a group of cow vigilantes who targeted their cattle truck on a highway in Alwar in Rajasthan on Monday.



We dont support anarchy or goondaism, the minister said, adding no wrong information should be spread on such a sensitive issue.



Congress MP Madhusudan Mistry  supported by MPs from across the Opposition and opposed by slogan-shouting BJP MPs  raised the issue during the Zero Hour and said there was constitutional breakdown in BJP-ruled Rajasthan, where anarchy is spreading.



The cow vigilantes are roaming around, stopping trucks, and without any fear acting as extra-constitutional authorities, he said.



Mistry said that the vigilantes who stopped the vehicle had let the driver go after identifying him as a Hindu; the others were then attacked.



Khan was a dairy farmer and he was ferrying the cattle that he had bought when he was attacked. Organised cow vigilante gangs are operating in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, he said.



Naqvis remarks prompted Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad to say that the minister was so ill-informed and insensitive about the incident even as international media organisations, such as The New York Times, were reporting it.



Opposition MPs from the Samajwadi Party, BSP, CPM and JD(U) joined the Congress in the protest.



Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said that as there are two conflicting versions about the incident, the Chair has to be convinced whether the incident took place. I am asking the minister of state for parliamentary affairs to convey to the home minister to enquire, get a report and inform the Chair, he said.



When Congress Digvijay Singh asked the Chair to fix a deadline for the report, Kurien said the government knows the seriousness of the subject.



Internal injuries led to mans death



Severe internal injuries in the stomach and chest led to the death of 55-year-old Pehlu Khan, who was thrashed by a mob over alleged cow smuggling, post-mortem findings have shown, PTI reports from Jaipur. Chairman of the medical board constituted to conduct post-mortem, Dr Pushpendra Kumar Jain, said that severe internal injuries in stomach and chest had led to Khans death, adding that the deceaseds viscera sample had been taken as a final report would be submitted later. We have taken the viscera and a final report will be presented later, Jain said.


Lok Sabha witnessed chaos on Thursday as Shiv Sena members led by Union minister Anant Geete charged at Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju over the airlines ban on their colleague Ravindra Gaikwad.



The civil aviation minister firmly refused to intervene in the matter, saying the safety of passengers cannot be compromised.



Gaikwad was attending Lok Sabha for the first time after the incident in which he assaulting an airline manager, denied any wrongdoing on his own part and accused Air India officials of misbehaving with him.



Shiv Sena members had demanded withdrawal of the attempt to culpable homicide charge under Section 308 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), slapped against Gaikwad in an FIR lodged by Delhi Police. But the civil aviation minister said the law will take its course.



He also indirectly refused any preferential treatment to Gaikwad, saying it was not about a member of Parliament but a passenger.



If you want to defuse the situation, we can defuse. If you want to aggravate the situation, we can aggravate. Aircraft is a machine where people fly. Safety is important. Safety cannot be compromised, Raju said. Upset with the response, Shiv Sena MPs including Geete reached Rajus bench and surrounded him. Other Union ministers were seen shielding the aviation minister.



No flight will take off from Mumbai, Geete was heard shouting repeatedly at the aviation minister, who sat quietly without reacting.



Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Textile Minister Smriti Irani and other Bharatiya Janata Party members were seen trying to placate Geete and other Shiv Sena MPs while BJPs S S Ahluwalia escorted Raju out of the House.



The Lok Sabha witnessed multiple adjournments due to the ruckus created by the Sena MPs. Most of the opposition parties supported Gaikwad with Trinamool Congress member Kalyan Banerjee asking, Under which law, a passenger cannot fly.



Air India beefs up security for staff



Amid threats from Shiv Sena that it will disrupt its services, Air India is stepping up security of its staff at Mumbai and Pune airports, DHNS reports from New Delhi. The Shiv Sena has threatened to stall the airlines operations at these two airports.


China on Thursday accused India of fuelling tensions and damaging its interests by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.



I can confirm (that) China has lodged protests in Beijing and Delhi, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here.



The protest was lodged in Beijing with Indian ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale.

In Delhi, it was done with the competent officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Hua said.



Asked whether Beijing views Indias permission to the 81-year-old leader to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the One China policy, Hua said, I want to re-emphasise that on issues concerning Chinas major concern and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, our position is consistent.



By inviting and approving the Dalai Lama to (visit) disputed areas, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship, and fuelled tensions, she said.



We oppose the visit to relevant areas and attempts by relevant countries to arrange a platform for the Dalai Lama to conduct anti-China activities. We urge the relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining Chinese interests, she said.



The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.



Chinese media refers to Kashmir



Amid the raging row over the Dalai Lamas Arunachal Pradesh visit, Chinese media warned India that China, with its superior military, could engage in a geopolitical game as Indias turbulent northern state borders the country, a veiled reference to Kashmir, PTI reports from Beijing.


The Supreme Court on Thursday hinted at ordering a consolidated trial to do complete justice in two separate cases relating to the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.



One case is being tried at Lucknow against Kar Sevaks, and another at Rae Bareli involving senior BJP leader L K Advani, M M Joshi and Uma Bharti. A bench of Justices P C Ghose and R F Nariman said in a case like this the court has to step in to do complete justice.



We can do it (joint trial) using our inherent powers under (Article 142) the Constitution. When there was one conspiracy, why should there be separate trials? It has been going on for almost 25 years now. We may ask the HC to designate a judge who can conduct a time-bound trial so that it can finish in two years, the bench said.



We cannot let technical defects come in the way. It is a question of evasion of law against evasion of justice, the bench said, reserving its order on the CBIs plea to include criminal conspiracy charge against senior BJP leaders .



Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for Advani and Joshi, opposed any move to hold a joint trial, saying the Allahabad High Court had rejected the transfer of the Rae Bareli case to Lucknow court in 2001, which was subsequently upheld by the apex court. He also said such a direction would negate all previous orders.



To this, the bench said the right under Article 21 is not confined to the accused, but is extended to the victims, too. The time-bound joint trial in a matter pending for 25 years will be good for the accused as well, the bench added.



Counter-productive



Venugopal said that the order of joint trial would be counter-productive and added there was no evidence to show that the leaders conspired with one lakh kar sevaks to demolish the disputed structure. It would require fresh investigation and then a complete re-trial with fresh examination of all the witnesses if the conspiracy charges were to be added, he pointed out.



Additional Solicitor General Neeraj Kishan Kaul, however, submitted that the CBI was for reviving the criminal conspiracy charge against 13 accused, including Advani, Joshi, Uma, Kalyan Singh and others. The accused could not go scot free because of the technical lapse and that they must be tried somewhere, he said.



He said the order passed by the Allahabad HC in 2010 dropping the conspiracy charge should be set aside. The law officer, however, maintained that transferring the Rae Bareli case to Lucknow would lead to de nova (fresh) trial with fresh examination of witnesses.



Appearing for Haji Mahboob Ahmad, one of the intervenors, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued for a joint trial, saying both the cases arose out of one incident and a single conspiracy.



The court reserved its order and gave all the parties to furnish their written submission by Tuesday.




On the second day of evaluation of II PU examination answer papers, 88% of the principals and lecturers were present at their assigned centres.



Director of the Department of Pre-University Education C Shikha said the evaluation process was going on smoothly and 17,761 of 21,000 evaluators were present for duty. On the first day of the evaluation on Wednesday, the attendance was only around 60%. Shikha said notices will be issued to lecturers who were absent.



A total of 22,000 evaluators from government, private and aided colleges have been deputed for evaluation. They have to evaluate around 37 lakh answer papers of 6.8 lakh students. Earlier, an association of lecturers had decided to boycott the evaluation, demanding an increase in their pay.


A 26-year-old woman was arrested at the Kempegowda International Airport with 1.5 kg of gold which she smuggled from a Southeast Asian country on Thursday.



The arrested has been identified as Lavanya Subramanya, an engineering graduate from Mysuru. Customs officials recovered 1,572 gm of gold worth Rs 45,78,741 concealed in dummy mobile cases.



Alert sleuths of Air Intelligence Unit of Customs, based on a tip-off, apprehended Lavanya who was travelling from Bangkok via Singapore to Bengaluru. She was a passenger on flight number TR-2652.



At the time she was intercepted, she said she owned a start-up and had gone abroad to meet her clients. There was one gold bar weighing one kilogram and three cut pieces, officials said. She also confessed to the officials that she carried it for someone for a margin of Rs 10,000.




Two men tearing up the posters put up by the police seeking information about a dead person have turned out to be involved in two murders.



On March 12, police had found a decomposed body in a stormwater drain at Srinivaspura village in Kengeri, west Bengaluru. They put up posters in and around the village, seeking information about the deceased. Villagers later noticed two men tearing up the posters, and called the police.



When police questioned the men  Prathap (20) and Madesha (22)  it emerged that they had killed the man in the poster, who was later identified as Puttaswamy (30), a municipal worker. They had strangled him and dumped his body into the drain. Prathap is said to have told the police that Puttaswamy was forcing him to marry his sister.



The duo was also found involved in the murder of a construction worker, Shivakumar. They had also robbed him of Rs 2,000. Prathap was known to Shivakumar. Police also learnt that the suspects were involved in several house burglaries in Srinivasapura. They have arrested Prathaps father, Raju, for abetting him in the crimes.




ELKO  Growing up is never easy and tackling all of the hurdles of modern-day society can seem overwhelming. For this reason Soroptimist International of Elko hosted the Dream It, Be It seminar for area high school girls Wednesday in the Elko Conference Center.

This year we had 123 girls sign up, said Soroptimist president-elect Marianne Kobak McKown.

Since its inception three years ago, the program has grown because of its popularity and the emerging adult topics the forum handles.

Subjects on Wednesdays agenda involved safe driving tips; financial fitness; self-defense; healthy relationships; college and career options; and a session on grooming for job interviews. The keynote speaker was Dana Bennett, Nevada Mining Associations first female president, who encouraged the girls to get an education and follow their dreams.

During a session on budgeting as an adult, Chloe Tetz, the branch manager of the local Greater Nevada Credit Union, guided attendees through a breakdown in monthly expenses they can expect when they are on their own. The young ladies wrestled with facts as they tried to match up material needs and desires with the Nevada annual average salary of $28,000 per year. The realities really sunk in after the talk as the girls took out their calculators and realized that life costs a great deal and that priorities need to be made and luxuries limited.

Erin Westfall felt she had a good grip on budgeting and what she could afford.

My mom taught us the Dave Ramsey step program, she said.

The Ramsey program outlines seven small steps to take with your money.

Chris Myers of Straight Blast Gym advised the girls to keep themselves physically fit, always be aware of their situation, and never to feel guilty about telling someone to leave them alone if a stranger touches or threatens them. He also recommended several cellphone apps that people can upload to have in case of an emergency.

A talk on domestic violence and healthy relationships gave participants the opportunity for giving examples and asking varied questions. Kobak McKown presented some eye-opening statistics on national and Nevada domestic violence.

According to Kobak McKown, Nevada is number one in the nation for states where domestic homicides occur. About one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence from an intimate partner.

Kobak McKown asked participants what other evidence constitutes domestic abuse. Answers were as varied as possessiveness to emotional or financial control.

When you are getting involved with somebody what are some of the clues you think you can look for as related to domestically violent behavior?

Individuals in the crowd answered that anger, clinginess, blame, maltreatment of animals, and being a previous offender were among the danger signs.

Current youth also need to be aware of cyber dating abuse and other modern issues.

Do you think people who suffer bipolar disease are more likely to be in abusive situations? asked Mary Juarez.

Kobak McKown responded that she was not a doctor but gave an example of a situation where an adult who suffered from the illness dealt with such a situation for years.

Great Basin College student Anjelica Smith gave an account of her experience in the electrical program and made reference to how she was able to go to college by getting an MTC scholarship that is paying her educational expenses.

Jonica Gonzales, who in charge of the CTE program, and recruitment director Andrea Mendez went over ways to approach the possibility of going to college. They talked about ways to save money by doing dual credit in high school, applying for scholarships, establishing residency for an out of state school, and other methods of managing higher education.

Afterwards, Cameron Rand said, I want to tackle the world and find a career that will make me happy.
By Mike Gaworecki

5 April 2017 (Mongabay)  The month of March saw the worlds largest meatpacker, Brazilian company JBS, rocked by not one but two major scandals. On March 17, agents with Brazils Federal Police raided facilities belonging to JBS and another food processing giant, BRF, as well as several smaller companies. The raids were the culmination of a two-year investigation, called Operation Weak Flesh, into an alleged scheme by which JBS, BRF, and others were bribing government officials to look the other way as they sold and exported rotten and salmonella-tainted beef, pork, and poultry. According to The New York Times, 33 federal inspectors are being investigated for accepting bribes to ignore the adulteration and expiration of processed meats and falsifying sanitary permits. Exports from 21 meatpacking plants were suspended, as well. [] JBS and BRF have both denied any wrongdoing. Just four days after its plants were raided as part of the corruption probe, however, JBS found itself embroiled in another scandal. On March 21, as part of a three-year operation code-named Cold Meat, Brazils environmental protection agency, Ibama, raided two JBS meatpackers in the state of Para that are accused of having purchased thousands of heads of cattle raised on illegally deforested land in the Amazon. Ibama investigators said they determined that the two JBS plants had bought some 59,000 cows from ranching operations located on 507 square kilometers (about 196 square miles) of land that is under embargo due to illegal deforestation in the area. About 90 percent of the cattle raised on the land went to the JBS plants, Climate Home reported, while the rest went to 13 other, smaller meatpackers. [] In response to the second scandal involving JBS uncovered in the course of one week, the environmental NGO Greenpeace said it was immediately suspending negotiations with the company. The group said in a statement that the purchase of cattle from illegally deforested areas is an environmental crime and the governments allegations against JBS constitute a breach of a Plea Agreement (Termo de Ajuste de Conduta in Portuguese) reached in 2009 between Brazils Federal Public Ministry and 69 companies, including JBS. JBS is also a signatory to the voluntary Cattle Agreement of 2009, Greenpeace noted, which means the company has committed to ensuring that its source farms are not involved in any deforestation, slave labor, or invasions of indigenous lands and protected areas. [more]
The glistening white salt of the world famous Bonneville Salt Flats is shrinking near the Utah-Nevada line. The prehistoric lakebed has long been a mecca for daredevil speed racers, as well as a backdrop for famous movie scenes and destination for selfie-seeking tourists. Concerns are mounting about the future of the treeless expanse of salt crystals and yet another study has been launched as researchers try to pinpoint the cause and solution. They know a century of mining a potassium-based salt called potash has played a role and are also trying to assess how racing, tourism and climate change factor in.
A new artificial pancreas trial in the US has shown the device to be safe and effective for use in children with type 1 diabetes aged 5-8 years.

This artificial pancreas has been developed by scientists at the University of Virginia (UVA), and works by automatically delivering insulin to keep blood glucose levels well controlled.

In this new study the device was shown to improve blood glucose levels compared to an insulin pump, which the children had been using previously.

Our study data show, for the first time, that among young children, 5 to 8 years old, this artificial pancreas maintains blood sugars in the target range better than the usual home regimen, said lead investigator, Mark DeBoer, M.D., associate professor at UVA.

The artificial pancreas system was tested for 68 hours in six boys and six girls with type 1 diabetes, all of whom normally used an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

During the time using the artificial pancreas, the children spent longer in their target blood sugar range, on average. They also experienced less hyperglycemia and no increase in episodes of hypoglycemia.

DeBoer is buoyed by the findings and believes the artificial pancreas system could provide a valuable treatment option for young children.

Up until now, parents and doctors have had to decide how much insulin to give young children throughout the day to avoid dangerously low or high blood sugars, he said.

With the exception of insulin dosing for food intake, artificial pancreas makes all the dosing decisions. It can track the patients blood sugar level and adjust the amount of insulin given to keep blood sugar in a target range.

These results, although in a small number of children, show great promise because similar results have been found in large-scale studies of older individuals with type 1 diabetes.

The findings will be presented this week at the Endocrine Societys 99th annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Night shift workers with type 2 diabetes have poorer blood sugar control than those who work in the daytime or do not have a job, according to new research.

Previous studies have shown that people who work unsociable hours are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but this Thai study has delved deeper into the subject.

Principal investigator Dr Sirimon Reutrakul, an associate professor at Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine in Bangkok, said: Previously, there were little data whether people who already have type 2 diabetes and work the night shift have trouble controlling their blood sugars.

Our study data raise awareness of the difficulty in diabetes control among night shift workers.

A total of 260 people with type 2 diabetes with varying working schedules took part in the study. Of those, 62 were night shift workers, 94 worked in the day and 104 did not have a job.

Medical records were used to study their HbA1c levels, with the findings showing those who worked night shifts had an average HbA1c of 66.1 mmol/mol (8.2%). This figure was 59.6 mmol/mol (7.6%) for those who worked during the day, and 58.5 mmol/mol (7.5%) for those who were unemployed.

Other results showed that night shift workers also had less sleep, consumed more calories and had a higher body mass index (BMI) when compared with the other two groups.

Dr Reutrakul said: Diabetic individuals who work at night should pay special attention to managing their disease through healthy eating, regular exercise and optimal use of medications prescribed by their physician.

The results of the research were presented at the Endocrine Societys 99th annual meeting which took place in Orlando.
Googles music streaming service, Google Play Music is finally live in India. Subscriptions for the service will be available for Rs. 89 per month, making it cheaper than Apple Music. The app is available on Android, iOS and the web. Note that this is only an introductory price, applicable for users who subscribe to Google Play Music within the first 45 days. Google confirmed that subscription after the first 45 days will cost you Rs. 99.

The app uses Googles machine learning algorithms to suggest music as well. To make the experience deeply personalised, weve plugged into Googles understanding of context and machine learning to recommend the right music at the right moment based on each listeners preference, place and activity, said Elias Roman, Lead Product Manager for Google Play Music.

Further, Google claims that the music catalogue on its service ranges over 40 million unique local and international titles. Users will be able to find music by language, which indicates that Google may be continuing its focus on Indian languages with this app too.

How to subscribe

Subscribing to Google Play Music is pretty easy. If youre on an Android phone, you probably have Play Music pre-installed on your device. The app will need to be updated before you can subscribe to it. Post updation, youll automatically get the option to subscribe. If you dont, then you still get access to some of the playlists, but you cant search through the catalogue.

If you choose to subscribe, youll be billed through the Google Play Store and the first 30 days will be given to you for free. So, youll be charged Rs. 89 from the second month onwards.

The subscription service doesnt seem to be live on the iPhone just yet, and is presumably being rolled out in phases. We tried on three devices, an iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, none of which allowed us to subscribe.

Machine Learning and smart things

An interesting addition, one that is very Google-like, is Play Musics take on offline streaming. While you can of course set up your own playlists and download songs, the app will keep an offline playlist ready at all times, in case you forgot to download songs. This will be done based on the most recent tracks that youve listened to.

Google Play Music also makes use of Googles Maps data, to suggest music based on where you are. So, if youre at the gym, the app will suggest tracks that go well with a workout and so on. Were not quite sure how accurate this will be yet.

Music Quality

Google Play Music allows you to set music quality from settings. However, it doesnt specify the bitrate music is played in. You get to choose between Low, Normal, High and Always High. Of course, the choosing the last one may mean higher buffering times when youre in weak connectivity areas. Weve also asked Google to clarify what bitrates will be applicable on these settings.

UPDATE: Google got back to us on the applicable bitrates. Here they are.

Low: Adaptive, upper bound of 96kbps

Normal (default): Adaptive, upper bound of 160kbps

High: Adaptive, upper bound of 320kbps

Always High: Not adaptive, 320kbps

The app caches music on your phone, meaning recently played tracks will not be buffered again and again.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May said she would meet European Council President Donald Tusk in London on Thursday to discuss the start of Brexit negotiations.

We will be talking about the start of negotiations, how we are going to take these negotiations forward," May said at the launch of the Conservatives' local election campaign.

"We've said very clearly we want to maintain a deep and special partnership with the EU. And I think that has been reciprocated and I'll be talking with President Tusk [about] how we can ensure within the timescale that we've got that we deliver a deal that is going to work for the people of the United Kingdom."

May faces a tough battle ahead. Triggering the start of talks a week ago she demanded that exit negotiations should be held in parallel with discussions on a future trade deal.

Two days later Tusk dismissed this out of hand as he revealed the EU's negotiating position, which called for phased negotiations that dealt with the UK's withdrawal first. This was reinforced by the European Parliament on Wednesday which passed a motion calling for the same process.
Pearson shares were downgraded by Exane BNP Paribas after an "unwarranted" rebound in the face of fresh concerns over the group's ability to return to growth in North America this decade.

Exane, which downgraded Pearson to 'underperform' and cut its target price to 550p from 600p, said it was increasingly sceptical about North America in light of new concerns about the sustainability of double-digit growth in the US virtual schools business, the London-listed group's fastest growing segment in the continent, accounting for roughly 6% of group revenues.

The bank's analysis of the penetration of Open Educational Resources in US schools -- free online learning materials that have put a big dent in its business -- suggested a "rising risk" to US school courseware revenues, which are about 9% of group sales, with more than one million K12 students now in schools which are in the process of implementing an OER policy.

Moroever, online language learning platforms "are gaining share against traditional language schools and English courseware businesses, which does not bode well for Pearsons English revenue growth".

Exane analysts Sami Kassab and William Packer cut their 2018 estimates for adjusted earnings per share by 5% to 45.7p and 2019 EPS by 7% to 45.6p, so they now stand at the low end of guidance for the current year and 5% below consensus EPS for 2018.

Pearson shares, which also went ex-dividend on Thursday, fell 4% to 622p by 1100 BST.
Gold was on the front foot on Thursday afternoon as traders and investors liked the yellow metal's safe-haven appeal as the presidents of the US and China met in America.

At about 15:34 GMT, on Comex, gold was up 0.5% to $1254.7 an ounce. Silver rose 0.4% to $18.26 an ounce, and copper fell 0.13% to 267.65 cents a pound.

Investors were anticipating the two-day summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, which kicked off in Florida on Thursday, and further on they were looking to US non-farm payrolls data due out on Friday.

Lukman Otunuga, research analyst at FXTM, said the market was imbued with a strong sense of caution as the two leaders met, the tone and the outcome of the meeting both being unknowns at this early stage.

"If Trump decides to play hardball and maintains his harsh rhetoric on China, then risk aversion may intensify consequently sending investors rushing towards safe-haven assets," said Otunuga.

"With the Brexit negotiations, elections in Europe and Trump developments likely to create a risk-off atmosphere, Gold remains somewhat supported in the medium term," he said, also noting the hawkish US Federal Open Market Committee minutes last night.

Otunuga said that, from a technical standpoint, bulls needed to break above the stubborn $1,260 resistance for the bullish trend to continue.

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said the yellow metal was continuing to butt against the 200-day MA without much in the way of success for the moment.

"Dips for now appear to be shallowing, not surprising given current uncertainty on the shape of possible next policy moves by the Fed," he said.

SwissQuote also observed that nil-yielding gold was strengthening. "The momentum seems back to bullish despite some consolidation. Resistance is located at $1263. Hourly support can be found at $1224.10," it said.

Three-month industrial metals on London Metals Exchange were up. Copper rose 2.0%, zinc firmed 1.54%, aluminum added 1.19% and tin gained 0.4%.

Meanwhile, Nymex-priced WTI crude was up 0.88% to $51.60 a barrel. Intercontinental Exchange-traded Brent was 0.83% up to $54.81 a barrel.

Hewson noted that crude oil prices had rebounded from the sharp fall from yesterday's peaks after the surprise build in US inventories caught oil bulls on the wrong side.

"US crude oil exports have continued to grow with most heading to Asia," he added

"Markets continue to bet on the prospect that the surplus of supply will finally bow to the inevitable and see the effects of the Opec production freeze deliver a re-balancing of the oil market in favour of demand over supply."
Activity in China's services sector slowed in March, prompting some economists to advise investors to be on the lookout for a turning point in economic activity in the second quarter.

Caixin's China services sector purchasing managers' index slipped from a reading of 52.6 for February to 52.2 in March - signalling the slowest pace of growth in six months.

Combined with the manufacturing PMI released earlier in the week, that saw the so-called composite PMI slip from 52.6 to a reading of 52.1.

The composite new orders index fell back to a four-month low, with service providers seeing the slowest rise in new business since last September, Caixin said, although goods producers continued to report "solid" order levels.

Staffing levels in services meanwhile saw their weakest rate of increase year-to-date and were "modest" overall, with work backlogs largely flat.

Composite price pressures for inputs on the other hand continued to rise at a rapid pace - albeit at their slowest clip since last October - with salaries said to be a key driver.

In parallel, output charges in services increased at their fastest pace since August 2015, but were nevertheless described as "marginal", while the rate at which goods producers increased their selling prices was the weakest in six months.

On a more positive note, Markit said that Chinese firms' overall degree of positive sentiment was still at one if its highest levels of the past two years.

Commenting on the China General Services PMI data, Dr. Zhengsheng Zhong, Director of Macroeconomic Analysis at CEBM Group said: "The Chinese economy continued to expand in March, but growth in both manufacturing and services slowed. Weaker increases in new business have clouded the economic outlook, and investors should watch closely for signs of a turning point in the second quarter."
Oxford will soon have a major Chinese presence in its academic environment as Peking University plans to set up a campus with a recently-purchased property in the area.

The major branch of colleges will set up a version of its HSBC Business School in the Foxcombe Hall, which Peking has bought for a reported 8.8m.

The project will represent the first overseas college of a Chinese business school, and is expected to open its doors in 2018.

Peking University president Lin Jianhua said in a statement that the school hoped to advance its reputation in the international education circles.

"It is our hope that the new initiative in Oxford will further strengthen the schools international reputation as well as its teaching and research capabilities," Lin said.

The acquisition comes just months after Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a major push towards developing the countrys education, pledging to spend 2.5% of its GDP on research and development by 2020. Peking University itself has been given billions of yuan by Xis government to boost its international standing.

Head of the university Hai Wen said that one of the key aims of the new school will be to help European students understand the Chinese economy better.

"Students are having difficulty in understanding many China-specific issues such as the widespread problem of ticket scalping in China," he told Caixin. "The best way to understand this phenomenon is for students to come to study in China and interact with scalpers themselves."

Peking is currently ranked as 29th in the list of the worlds best universities, according to The Times.
European equities might be ripe for a pull-back, strategists at Deutsche Bank said, as economic growth stops accelerating.

Gauges of companies' new orders from composite purchasing managers' indices had begun to decline around the world, meaning that by June 2017 the six-month rate of change in PMI's would turn negative.

That would be consistent with European equities following right behind, with a "moderate" pull-back ensuing.

A drop in the number of positive 'macro-surprises' globally to a three-month low after February's seven-year high validated that forecast, Deutsche Bank said.

"With global equities continuing to track macro surprises closely, this would again point to some scope for a pull-back in equities."

In parallel, earnings momentum was beginning to soften, with the three-month rate of change in upwards revisions to analysts' earnings forecasts for European firms 12-months forward retreating from 6% in February to 2%.

Deutsche Bank said European companies' 12-month forward EPS would still rise by another 5% by year-end, for 9% growth overall in 2017, which would be the most supportive profits backdrop since 2010.

Nonetheless, that would still imply a 1% drop for the Stoxx 600 by year-end, with the broker targeting a level for the benchmark of 375.

By geographies, Deutsche was 'Overweight' the UK, Switzerland and Italy, but 'Underweight' Germany and France.

"European defensives have marginally outperformed cyclicals since late January. We see further upside for this trade, on the back of the fade in global growth momentum and attractive relative valuations."
On the morning of Sunday, April 2, Jose Antonio Arrabal sips the contents of two small bottles of medication through a straw. Its horrible, he says with a grimace, speaking to the camera. The 58-year-old former electrician has been planning this moment for months, from the moment that the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) he was diagnosed with in August 2015 began to take its toll. He has decided to film his final moments, and within a few seconds he will have ended his life.

Jose Antonio Arrabal moments before his suicide on April 2. Bernardo Perez

Arrabal has had to make the preparations alone for fear of implicating his family in his suicide. In the apartment in the Madrid suburb of Alcobendas where he has lived for the last 30 years he has laid out his identity card, his medical history, his testament, a letter to the judge who will have to oversee his case, a letter donating his brain to medical science, and a sheet of paper where the words Do not resuscitate are written clearly.

In the video, it is clear that his movements are severely restricted by his condition  also known as Lou Gehrigs disease  with his left hand now inert, but he has prepared things meticulously, purchasing medicines online that will first induce sleep, and then a heart attack.

The absence of a euthanasia law forces me to do this ahead of time Jose Antonio Arrabal

Over the last six weeks he has given two interviews to EL PAIS, explaining his decision. Over that time he has been reading The Baztan Triology by Spanish best-selling author Dolores Redondo. Im 24% of the way through the third volume. I wont have time to finish it, he says to camera.

Arrabal explains that he was clear about ending his own life as soon as he was diagnosed with ALS. I looked into it and saw what was waiting for me: ending up as a vegetable, he said on February 10, when he was already losing the use of his right hand. On his last day, he is still moving it, as though checking that he will be able to take the medication unassisted.

He says he became aware in October 2016 that his condition was deteriorating more quickly. He was no longer able to paint, and had to buy a new ebook that was simpler for his increasingly unresponsive hands to use. I now need help to turn over in bed, to dress, to undress, to eat, to wash myself. I can only drink with a straw from a plastic cup because I cant hold a glass, he explains in his video. He also needs help to breathe, particularly at night.

All that is left for me is to end up as a vegetable, and I have always been very independent. I dont want my wife and my children to have to mortgage their lives looking after me for no reason, says Arrabal, who rejected the option of traveling to Switzerland, where assisted suicide is permitted, to end his life because of the 12,000 cost.

Im taking a risk here. I have had to buy the medication online, and there are no guarantees Jose Antonio Arrabal

He has chosen the day to end his life carefully: his wife and one of his children go swimming on Sunday mornings, the other son is spending the weekend at a friends house. I told them to take their time, so that everything is over, he explains. One of the reasons he has filmed his suicide is to remove any doubt that they were involved. Nobody can accuse them of collaborating in a suicide, he says.

Arrabal says that if Spain allowed assisted suicide and euthanasia he could have put off his death longer: petition website Change.org has so far garnered 9,000 signatures in support of such a law. I would have stuck it out longer. But I want to be able to decide the end. And the way things are offers me no guarantees, he explains, his anger stifled, perhaps due to his breathing difficulties.

The truth is that it is sad that there is no law to regulate these things. Im taking a risk here. I have had to buy the medication online, and there are no guarantees.

The alternative would have been terminal sedation, whereby people suffering from terminal illnesses are sedated to relieve pain or other symptoms, even if this brings on an early death.

He says he rejected this option from the outset. That comes right at the end, and until then, I have to be looked after. He also points out that the matter is out of his hands: the doctors decide at what point pain or suffering is no longer bearable; they apply the sedation based on their criteria. Thats why I have to bring on my death at an earlier stage. It makes me angry to have to do it in secret, alone. The absence of a euthanasia law forces me to do this ahead of time.

Arrabals video shows him taking his medication and then trying to read, but within a few seconds the sedative starts to take effect. Leaning back into his chair, he bids farewell: Goodbye everybody. He closes his eyes, never to open them again.

English version by Nick Lyne.
US President Donald Trump has said that the Syrian conflict has now become his responsibility after the use of chemical weapons during an attack against civilians on Wednesday.

Trump referred to the attack as "heinous" and an "affront to humanity", with local activists reporting that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's regime was responsible for the attack.

The civil war in Syria began in 2011 and has since seen hundreds of thousands of people killed in a bloody conflict, many of those children, with the UN having said Assad has previously used chemical weapons.

"I now have responsibility, and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly," Trump said following a White House statement on the attack northern Syria.

"Yesterday's chemical attack, a chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria against innocent people, including women, small children and even beautiful little babies, their deaths were an affront to humanity."

The president argued that the Obama administration was partly to blame for allowing the conflict to continue, saying his predecessor's failure to respond "was a blank threat that set us back a long ways, not only in Syria but in many other parts of the world".

Assads government and Russia, which backs Assad's regime, have sought to shift the responsibility for the attack towards rebel groups. Russia has threatened to veto any UN resolution that punishes Syria.

The United Nations held an emergency security meeting on Wednesday in order to discuss the issue, where US ambassador Nikki Haley hinted that if the UN Security Council failed to act, the US might do so.

Holding aloft gruesome photographs of child victims from the gas attack, she said: "We cannot close our eyes to those pictures. We cannot close our minds."

When US Defense Secretary James Mattis was asked by reporters at the Pentagon about a possible US response, he said "it was a heinous act and will be treated as such".
Polymer maker Victrex has bought Zyex, a manufacturer of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) based fibres for the aerospace, automotive and industrial markets, for 10m in order to explore 3D printing capabilities.

The acquisition is part of the FTSE 250 companys strategy to focus on selected semi-finished and differentiated products based on PEEK and polyaryletherketone (PAEK) polymers.

Zyex is based solely on PEEK products and the acquisition will enable Victrex to explore 3D printing with fibres, building on its own 3D printing consortium.

Last May, Victrix announced that it was heading a consortium of companies to develop PAEK for a range of 3D printing processes with funding from government agency Innovate UK.

Victrex was formed following a management buyout from Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), a now defunct chemical company, in 1993 while Zyex began as a business unit of ICI Fibres in the mid-1980s.

Victrex chief executive David Hummel said: "The acquisition of Zyex is compelling for Victrex, enabling us to not only drive future growth opportunities within well-aligned markets and developing application areas, but to also secure some incremental revenue today.

"Like Victrex, Zyex was formed out of ICI and the two companies coming together is a natural evolution. Whilst Zyex is well-established, Victrex's global reach, innovation focus and proven track record of building new markets offers an attractive opportunity to further develop the business over the coming years.
Tesco is cutting night shifts for shelf stackers in some of its biggest supermarkets in a fresh shakeup that puts 3,000 jobs at risk. The UKs biggest retailer said the consultation process with night workers in the 69 impacted stores would begin this summer. As part of the changes, eight stores will stop trading round the clock, while other roles will be eliminated by plans to merge customer service counters with lottery and tobacco kiosks. - The Guardian

The head of the Dulux paint group Akzo Nobel warned that up to 3,300 British jobs are under threat in the hostile takeover approach from its PPG, its main American rival, and revealed that the British government is monitoring the issue. On a day when PPG stepped up the pressure on Akzo Nobels board by claiming that most of the Dutch paints and chemicals groups top investors wanted it to open negotiations over the 22 billion takeover offer, Ton Buchner, Akzos chief executive, said that ministers and regulators were also worried about the fate of 80,000 UK pensioners caught up in the battle. - The Times

Britains workers are at last producing more in each hour of work than they were at the end of 2007, after almost 10 years of poor productivity. A spurt in productivity growth in the final quarter of 2016 came as the economy accelerated, finally surpassing the hourly output levels seen before the financial crisis. - The Daily Telegraph

A committee of MPs has lambasted Ubers contracts with drivers as gibberish and almost unintelligible as the company attempts to ensure its drivers remain self-employed. Frank Field, chair of the work and pensions select committee that is carrying out an investigation into the so-called gig economy, said: Quite frankly the Uber contract is gibberish. - The Guardian

Nearly a third of British companies admit they do not believe the gender pay gap is an issue despite regulations requiring companies to gather information on it coming in to force from today. The regulation comes ahead of all companies that employ more than 250 staff being required to publish their pay gap between men and women from next April as part of the Government's aim to end the difference between salaries of both genders. - The Daily Telegraph

Increases of up to 20,000 in probate fees were thrown into doubt yesterday after a parliamentary panel of experts said that they were unlawful. In a new blow to Liz Truss, the lord chancellor, an influential committee said that she might be overstepping her powers by introducing the charges, described by critics as a death tax. - The Times
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Marco Petroni: The words of Remo Bodei come to mind when I think of your work: Things represent networks of connections with the lives of others, links between human civilisation and the natural world. Do you agree with this point of view and how does it intersect with your design journey?



Francesco Faccin: I am ever more convinced that this vocation is a powerful tool to connect a range of ostensibly disparate disciplines and fields of interest. Designing means investigating and understanding the profound connections between objects, people and the natural world. We are living through a period when it is clear to everyone that we have to resolve various things and rectify mistakes that are generating enormous problems and threatening cataclysmic outcomes. I want to develop projects that engage with these urgent questions, so that we dont end up like the orchestra on the Titanic, playing on while the ship sinks.

This attitude can be applied to any project and on any scale. I am an optimist and have faith in the constant human ability to find solutions to problems; the scientific knowledge we now have allows us to achieve astounding results with very little.

The designers first problem is defining his own model of an ideal world and not that of defining an aesthetic, said Enzo Mari. In todays world, as a designer, I want the great questions to become a powerful part of the fields of design and industry: what world do we want to design for?

Designing is an activity balanced between the present and the future. It is a process that creates a connection between an idea and its realisation. The designer collects data, inspirations and experiences. He connects, compares and brings these together, until he finally integrates idea and object, so that through the work he expresses his idea of the ideal society.
Norwegian Airliness expansion plans in Spain are now focusing on Madrid s Barajas airport, where the low-cost airline wants to offer flights to Latin America. Spain is a great market, everyone wants to come here , said company founder and CEO Bjrn Kjos in Oslo.

Bjrn Kjos, head of Norwegian Airlines SAMUEL SANCHEZ

More information Norwegian tendra vuelos de bajo coste a Latinoamerica desde Madrid

The announcement represents the latest move in Norwegians ongoing tussle with Iberia. In recent months, each company has sought to chip away at the others market.

The IAG group, which includes British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus, announced a month ago that it was creating a new brand, Level, to cover flights to the Americas from Barcelonas El Prat airport, beginning in June.

The real competitors are the US airlines

Bjrn Kjos, CEO Norwegian

Before that, in September of last year, Norwegian had revealed that it would fly to Los Angeles and San Francisco from the Catalan capital. Level went beyond that, and started selling tickets to Buenos Aires and to the popular holiday destination of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic as well.

Then, this past Tuesday, Norwegian said it had asked for permits to fly to the capital of Argentina from several European cities, including Barcelona.

Not content with that, CEO Kjos is now planning to settle down in Iberias home turf of Madrid.

The air travel industry was initially skeptical about Norwegians expansion plans. Many experts questioned the companys economic viability. But Kjos explained that average seat occupancy rates are around 90%, and that over half of all bookings from the United States to Barcelona are made by American citizens.

Level, the new low-cost airline created by IAG. IAG

The real competitors are the US airlines, said the head of Norwegian.

Kjos also complained about the protectionism practiced by several countries with regard to airline policies. Countries should stop protecting their flagship carriers, he said, adding: These restrictions have kept Norwegian out of interesting destinations in Asia.

We will use all the licenses that others dont want to use, he noted, alluding to the possibility that Iberia might discard some of its permits to fly to Japan.

English version by Susana Urra.
Over the last ten years, Donegal sisters, The Henry Girls, have established themselves as one of the best-known musical acts to come out of the county.

The McLaughlin sisters are well-known faces at venues around Ireland and in recent years their harmonies, musical diversity and on-stage charm has seen them appeal to audiences in the US and mainland Europe.

Musically they have made a niche for themselves - somewhere between Irish traditional, folk and roots - and they have become unofficial ambassadors for the county.

They have just released their sixth album, Far Beyond the Stars, and the Inishowen sisters have found a formula very close to home for recording albums.

From a townland close to Malin, perched on the edge of the scenic Trawbega Bay, Karen, Lorna and Joleen have recorded their last two albums in the home of their two aunts, just down the road from their family home.

Its an approach they find more relaxed than being locked away in a studio.

Producer Calum Malcolm - who has worked with The Blue Nile, Deacon Blue, Mark Knopfler, and Simple Minds - produced the album again, having made their last record in the very same way.

We love it that we did it there as it is just so much easier, Karen said. Calum was the one who said he was happy to come to come over and its easier, you can get on with your daily lives, be at home and have the kids around. Plus the musicians he wanted to work with, Liam Bradley and Nicky Scott, were here. Its very relaxed, its just easier to manage.

A lot of the same musicians have been used as last time, such as Ted Ponsonby from Letterkenny and Denise Boyle from Glenties, as the band surrounded themselves with familiar faces.

The writing process is collaborative between the sisters, with everybody contributing to each song, Karen says. We try to make them all our own so they all have our sound. With practice, we're still trying to gain confidence with song writing, but it has been getting easier. We all have ideas and then we come together for a few days, but it is definitely a collaborative thing.

The collaboration goes back more than 15 years and started when Lorna and Karen went to Australia together and began busking and playing in pubs.

When they returned, Joleen, who was finishing school, became involved.

In recent years the band have found a strong interest for their music in Europe, especially Germany, and have been embarking on regular tours. This year will see them take on two tours of Germany as well as visits to Austria, the Netherlands and the UK, along with a host of gigs in Ireland.

Theres a bigger market in certain parts of Europe. We first went to Germany in 2012, but when we first went it was very much that people were looking for Irish music. We presented what we do and we have been working there since. We fall into a different market as it is not Irish music as such.

Touring is a large part of life for the band now. Their approach in Europe is to drive themselves around between the venues, the car often becoming an impromptu rehearsal space as they fine tune the harmonies that have helped earn them such a wide fanbase.

Touring is fine. We all know each other so well and we are all getting used to it more as well. We use the car a lot as a practice room. We use it as a chance to catch up.

The combination of keyboard, harp and fiddle with three-part harmonies, and the blends of different styles, has proved a successful combination.

An interesting side project has been their performance of a selection of songs by The Boswell Sisters, three sisters from New Orleans who recorded and performed in the US in the 1920s and 30s.

The band will be performing the songs during the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival in April and at the Earagail Arts Festival in July, accompanied by a group of some of the best local musicians in the north west.

Jolene has been a fan of theirs for a long time, she has been listening to the music and writing out their music. We have been hoping for some time to get a chance to learn the songs. We had a quiet period and we got a chance to do it with a group of great local musicians at a small gig in Bennigan's in Derry. Its really good fun, its a lot of learning, but its fun.

Next week will see the sisters launch the new album at An Grianan Theatre, which has become a regular event when they finish an album.

Theatre wise An Grianan is just so lovely and they are great to work with and we really enjoy it. We have done so many things there down through the years. This will be our third album launch there and they have always been great, lively nights.

The Henry Girls launch their new album, Far Beyond The Stars, on March 10th in An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny.
Not content with winning Best Music Festival at the recent IMRO awards, Sea Sessions have announced another batch of acts to their already tasty lineup.

Shit Robot, DFA records star and sometimes DJ partner of LCD Sound Systems James Murphy, otherwise known as Marcus Lambkin is no stranger to Irish shores.

He may be German based now but hes definitely Dublin born, this is his long awaited debut at Sea Sessions.The same can't be said for Daithi, this is his third time playing Sea Sessions and he packed the second stage so full last time that hes on the Main Stage this time around. Wild Youth, Chasing Abbey, Brand New Friend, Ivy Nations, The Clandestinos, Dean Gurrie, Eddie Kay, Lo Cutz, DJ Mitch, Anthony Collins and DJ Ferg complete the new additions for Sea Sessions 2017.

Sea Sessions has now sold out weeks in advance the last few years and now coming into its tenth year, Summer 2017 should be no different. The three stages hosting over fifty acts across the weekend has become an integral part of the Irish festival circuit with the event having accepted the accolade as "Irelands biggest beach party.

Some of the acts that have previously played Sea Sessions include, Tinie Tempah, Paul Weller, Bastille, Seasick Steve, Example, Ash, Fat Freddy's Drop and many more.

Not only a Music festival Sea Sessions has evolved organically over the years. Originally just a little surf contest for local Surfers, the event has now become one of the highlights of the Irish Surfing Calendar boasting the biggest cash prize in Irish Surfing alongside Skateboarding, BMX and loads of beach sports.

Supported by and working with Donegal County Council, the event has become an important kick off to the tourist season for the capital of Irish surfing in Bundoran.

Festival director Ray ODonoghue says Were very happy with the latest batch of acts. Mainly DJs and electronic acts with some great up and coming bands thrown in for good measure. Were really looking forward to Shit Robot and Daithi taking to the main stage for some hard hitting electro and the like.
Members of the public in Donegal are being asked to be vigilant as the search operation for the remaining crew members from crashed Rescue 116 focuses increasingly on the Donegal area.

A flotilla of fishing vessels is to leave Killybegs tomorrow evening to travel south to Blackrock in Co Mayo and before returning to continue the search on the Donegal coast on Saturday.

The operation is being coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI. It follows a plea by the sister of missing winchman Ciaran Smith. Orla Smith urged any vessels that can help along the Mayo and Donegal coastline to get involved.

Sean ODonoghue, CEO of Killybegs Fishermens Organisation, said around 12 larger fishing vessels would be involved in the operation at the weekend. Vessels will include some of the large refrigerated sea vessels from the Killybegs fleet.

He said the search was a gesture of gratitude from the fishing community to the Coast Guard.

A large number of people want to get involved in this search but safety at sea has to be paramount and vessels have to be appropriate for the weather conditions, he said.

We really depend on the Coast Guard at sea and they put life and limb at risk for us.

This is only a small token of gratitude in turn from us as we really do depend on them when we are at sea.

The search for Mr Smith and his missing colleague Paul Ormsby and wreckage of the crashed coast guard helicopter has moved further north in recent days with an increasing focus on Donegal Bay and the Donegal coast.

The Sikorsky S-92 helicopter crashed in the early hours of March 14th off Blackrock island off north Mayo.

Irish Coast Guard senior pilot Dara Fitzpatrick (45) and co-pilot Mark Duffy (51) were the first two confirmed casualties.

The search will intensify for their missing colleagues at the weekend when favourable weather conditions will see more land and sea searches along the Donegal coast.

Coast Guard units from Killybegs, Bunbeg and Mulroy have all been involved in shore and sea searches along with RNLI vessels from Bundoran and Arranmore.

Civil Defence teams have also been involved and they have been using drones as part of the search operation.

The Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo was carrying out searches over the northern half of Donegal Bay yesterday morning, conducting a sweep from Arranmore down to Rathlin O'Birne island.

Six-metre swells yesterday were making the search operation difficult and better weather at the weekend will see the search operation escalated.Wreckage from Rescue 116 was found near Portnoo almost two weeks ago and a fishing boat returning to Killybegs also picked up wreckage.

No wreckage has been discovered in Donegal since the discovery at Portnoo, the Coast Guard has said.

Killybegs and Bunbeg Coast Guard units have been involved in searches in their local areas and Mulroy Coast Guard have taken part in searches in the south of the county.

Land searches have focused on the Killybegs, Glencolmcille and Portnoo areas.

Dara OMalley Daly, station officer at the Malin Head rescue coordination centre, said the area of the search operation has been expanded into the north Donegal Bay due to the tides and winds.

He called on members of the public to keep an eye out when walking on beaches and along the coast for wreckage or anything suspicious.

We would like the public when walking on beaches and the coast to be aware and report anything suspicious that might look like wreckage, he said.

But we are asking people to be cautious and not take a chance - make a call to us and we will get someone down. Safety is paramount, he told the Donegal Democrat this week.
Donegal TD Pearse Doherty yesterday has challenged the Taoiseach to clarify when the government will publish the revised planning guidelines for wind farms.

Speaking in the Dail Deputy Doherty raised the case of communities in the Finn Valley where residents campaigned successfully against proposals to build a large scale wind farm close to local homes and businesses, only to face proposals to construct a similar project just a few months later.

He said the programme for government talks about the governments awareness of the distress and the divisions in communities where wind farms are being imposed on them against the will of the people.

And you pledge, and as a matter of urgency in fact, you state in the programme for government to update the planning guidelines within 3 to 6 months. Were now ten months in from its publication, and we still have communities where wind farms are being hoisted upon them, and where there are plans for major wind farms.

There is more distress and more division in those communities than ever, and they are asking when will government ever get off their hands and publish the guidelines that it promised to publish ten months ago.

In my own community in Donegal, in the Finn Valley theyve already mobilised and defeated a wind farm application which would have imposed a major wind farm very close to residential premises.

Now were seeing that theres a second wave of applications coming in for the same type of proposal and they are looking for the government to protect them.

Nobody is against renewable energy. Nobody is against development. And no one is against infrastructure, but what people are against is when these type of developments are imposed in communities against their will and in very close proximity to individuals where there are ample other opportunities for them to be sited.

Taoiseach, can you give clarity to communities in the Finn Valley, and right across this state who are looking for the government to fulfill that commitment that it gave to communities in the programme for government ten months ago?
Donegals population fell from 161,137 in 2011 to 159,192 in 2016, according to the figures released from last years census.

While the countys population increased by almost 14,000 in the 2011 census, it fell by 1,945 in last years census, a 1.2 percent drop.

Donegal was one of only two counties, along with Mayo, that saw a fall in population.

The county's population was made up of 79,022 males and 80,170 females while the average age of people in the county as 38.5 years, up slightly on the national average 37.4.

The average number of persons in private household was 2.7, the same as in 2011.

Of the population in the Donegal gaeltacht, 15,879 people described themselves as Irish speakers down from 17,132 in 2011.

4,7711 said they spoke Irish daily outside the education system only and 3,580 said they speak Irish daily within and outside the education system.

The number of Irish Travellers in the county fell from 721 in 210110 to 583 in 2016, but nationally the number of people categorised as Irish Travellers increased by 5.1 percent.
Level Plains may be one of the smaller cities in southeast Alabama, but its police department is determined to serve residents like any other city.

We are a department that is dedicated to helping our residents, said Level Plains Police Chief Billy Driggers. The number one goal of this department is to protect and serve our residents to the best of our ability. One way we are doing this is working daily to keep our crime minimal. No area is completely without crime, however we are doing everything we can to show our residents their safety is our top priority.

Level Plains currently has approximately 2,000 residents.

Our department may be small, but we take pride in saying we offer 24 hours a day, seven days a week coverage to our community, Driggers said. While officers are patrolling the area, we make a point to not only patrol the four-lane, we also patrol our residential areas. This is one way we keep our crime to a minimum. This also gives our residents peace of mind. They know we are out patrolling and visible if they need us.

According to Driggers, the department also offers additional programs to serve its residents.

At this time we offer residential check programs, Driggers said. This program allows our residents to go on vacation and know their residence is being patrolled. An officer will patrol that area frequently, and if any suspicious activity is noticed it will be addressed. An additional program we offer is the child safety seat installation. If we have new parents or maybe even a grandparent who is not familiar with the installation of a car seat, we are more than happy to assist our residents with that as well. We are also looking into adding additional program to better serve our residents. My goal as chief is to make sure everyone in the community understands we are here to assist them anyway possible. I also want everyone to understand this department is dedicated to strengthening our relationship with all of our residents.

According to Driggers, the best policy a police department can have is an open-door policy.

My door is always open, Driggers said. I want the community to know if a resident has a concern, or if they just need to talk, my door is open.
SCREAMER - The National Weather Service visited the Screamer community on Thursday and confirmed that a tornado is what caused damage there the day before.

According to Henry County Emergency Management Agency Director Ronnie Dollar, it has been confirmed that a tornado did travel through the northeast portion of Henry County.

At this time all we know is a tornado did come through the area, Dollar said. However, we will not know any additional details until later, such as the strength of the tornado.

Everyone has now turned their efforts to the clean up process. The Henry County Road and Bridge Department, as well as volunteers, are working non-stop to make all roads accessible.

Henry County asks residents living in the Sunset Acres Subdivision and along Calhoun Drive to place all trees and limb debris by the road for pickup. The county will offer debris pickup to those affected the week of April 17 and the week of May 15. Any debris left after May 15 will be the responsibility of the owner. No household or demolition debris will be picked up.

According to Dollar, all electrical services have been restored to homes that were able to have electrical power restored.

We have homes in the area that power cant be restored, Dollar said. The damage is too severe. At this time we cant even give an exact amount of homes that received damage. We are still predicting around 20 to 25 homes. It is just hard to determine. They are clustered together, and then they get spaced apart. At this time we are still just working on getting the roads cleared. We have several service companies coming and going trying to restore their services. At this time, we cant say how long it will be before all services are restored.

Wednesday evening following the storm, some residents who were affected had to seek shelter due to the storm damage.

Our first concern after the storm was making sure everyone was OK, Dollar said. After we determined there were no injuries our attention fell to helping individuals find shelter if they had nowhere to go. Thankfully, the First Baptist Church of Abbeville helped assist in that matter last night. The church paid for families to have shelter if they needed it.

The American Red Cross will be assisting northeast Henry County residents affected in the Screamer community. Dollar, along with volunteers from the Screamer Volunteer Fire Department, Abbeville Fire Department and the Shorterville Volunteer Fire Department, are working with the American Red Cross to set up assessments of the area.

We have six to eight volunteers who will head to Screamer today, American Red Cross Disaster Program Specialist Kenneth Rice said Thursday. We have the plans ready and depending on how long the recovery efforts take will depend on how long we need to be in the area. The first thing we will do when we arrive is set up areas to feed recovery personnel and anyone located on the scene needing a meal. We will also assist in any other way our services are needed.

According to the information given to Rice, several of the homes damaged may be vacation rentals.

There is not a lot we can do for vacation rentals, Rice said. But, for occupied residential rentals or home owners residing in their home that have been affected during the storm, if assistance is needed we can help. It all depends on the determination of the damage assessment.

Anybody who would like to help those affected by the tornado can make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief by calling 800-RED CROSS.
The New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park, headed up by chef Daniel Humm, was on Wednesday named the best restaurant in the world for 2017 in the prestigious Restaurant magazine , as part of awards now celebrating their 15th anniversary, with the prizes handed out this year at a ceremony for the 100 best eateries in Melbourne, Australia.

Osteria Francescana, from Italian chef Massimo Botura, only held onto the number-one spot for a year, and in the 2017 ranking dropped down to the second spot, albeit taking the honor of Best European Restaurant.

This years number-three eatery, down from number two, is El Celler de Can Roca, an avant-garde restaurant located in Girona, Spain. The Catalan establishment, which also took the prize for the Art of Hospitality at the magazines award ceremony, has disciples all over the world, and is still, for many, the leader in contemporary culinary creativity.

This years number-three eatery, down from number two, is El Celler de Can Roca, an avant-garde restaurant located in Girona, Spain

Also in the privileged top-10 group of the Best Restaurants, is the Basque magic of chef Bittor Arginzoniz, whose Etxebarri has risen to number six. And as was expected, Central, a Peruvian restaurant run by Virgilio Martinez, is now in the fifth slot. Martinez was also awarded the Chefs Choice prize by his colleagues in the industry.

Chefs from Latin America are gradually making their presence felt on the culinary scene, and while there are some names who have slipped down the list, there are some significant climbers too, such as Enrique Olvera from Mexico, whose Pujol restaurant in Mexico City is this year number 20 on the list, and whose New York establishment Cosme appears at number 40.

Another Latino chef of note is Rodolfo Guzman, whose Borago celebrates the biodiversity of his home country, Chile, and whose style owes something to Mugaritz, the restaurant in Spains Basque Country where he once worked.

Jordi Joan (l) and Josep Roca (r) from El Celler de Can Roca. BERNARDO PEREZ

With six restaurants in the top 50, and four in the 51-100 category, Spain remains among the leading countries in terms of world cuisine, equaling the achievements of French and US restaurants on the list. The Spanish eateries include Disfrutar (55), which is headed up by three ex-kitchen bosses from the iconic, but now closed, elBulli of Ferran Adria, and has been singled out as the restaurant with the greatest potential in 2017. Also of note is Albert Adrias Tickets, an experimental restaurant that has risen from 29 to 25 on the list.

And among those who have disappointingly dropped in the ranking are Mugaritz, from seven to nine, Arzak, from 21 to 20, Azurmendi, from 16 to 38, and Quique Dacosta, from 49 to 62. The Basque establishments Nerua and Martin Berasategui are in 56th and 77th spots, respectively.

English version by Simon Hunter.
As per sources, General Motors India may officially announce the end of its domestic sales in May. This decision from the company hints that the automaker may be thinking of putting an end to its India operations.

By the end of April 2017, General Motors will halt the production at its Halol plant. The car maker had already stopped the production of Cruze sedan last week. The production of Tavera will come to an end by April 28, 2017.

General Motors' Talegaon plant has stopped producing right-hand drive vehicles, which is suitable for sale in India. The only product being manufactured is the left-hand drive Beat, which is meant for export to Mexico.

A spokesperson from General Motors India said, "Few weeks back, we advised our employees, stakeholders and media that General Motors will cease production of all vehicles at the Halol plant on April 28."

He added, "General Motors continues to believe in the growth potential of the Indian market and we will continue to closely monitor the market and evolve our product strategy accordingly."

According to sources, General Motors India is expected to take a soft approach to end its India operations. Due to its dealer network and current consumer base in the country. Officially, the company says it is reviewing its India plans. But the production of most models have been stopped.

Via ETAuto
Two US citizens were injured when Mexican marines reportedly opened fire on their vehicle in Reynosa on Tuesday after they had visited relatives in the border town, which sits across from MacAllen, in Texas.

Mexican marines in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Rodrigo Abd (AP)

More information Marinos mexicanos tirotean por error a una pareja estadounidense en la frontera

Alfredo Aleman, aged 39, and his wife Alejandra were injured after a marine helicopter reportedly opened fire on their car. Both were hit by glass when their windshield and other windows shattered. Both were transferred to MacAllen. An investigation has been launched by the Mexican Attorney Generals office.

There have been a number of incidents in recent days in the area, in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas: on Tuesday, up to four suspected criminals were shot by security forces. Leading Mexican daily Excelsior, citing security forces, reported that the marines had received information that Comandante Toro, a leading figure in the Gulf Cartel, based in Matamoros, the second-largest city in Tamaulipas, was traveling in a late model grey Ford Tahoe.

In an official statement, the Mexican navy denies having opened fire on the vehicle, saying that security forces were engaged in clashes in different areas of Reynosa, but not in the area where the couple were injured.

The Mexican navy denies having opened fire on the vehicle

The incident was reported on social networks by local people who had warned of shootouts in different areas of the city, as well as reporting road blocks to help cartel members escape, as reported in local daily Hoy de Tamaulipas.

Tamaulipas has been hit by violence since 2010, when the Gulf and Zetas cartels fell out. Authorities say the Gulf cartel retained control of Reynosa, Matamoros, Ciudad Victoria and the port of Altamira in the south of the state, where it received shipments of drugs from Central and South America.

Meanwhile, the Zetas control the central part of the coast. It also held onto Nuevo Laredo, across the border from Texas, used as a shipping point for drugs into the United States. The arrival of army and marine forces has unleashed further conflict, with both sides trying to gain new territory, in the process carrying out kidnappings, roadblocks and murders.

Tamaulipas is one of the most violent states in Mexico. In 2016, more than 600 people left the area to escape violence, according to a report by the Mexican Commission for the Defense and Promotion of Human Rights (CMDPDH).

Eduardo Aleman, brother of the injured man, spoke to local daily Milenio, saying: They had just done some shopping, there was no warning given, he was with his wife and they opened fire just because the vehicle was the same. Nobody has given me any explanation so far.

English version by Nick Lyne.
The Census 2016 results show that Irelands population stood at 4,761,865 in April 2016, an increase of 173,613 (3.8%) since April 2011. The population of County Louth stood at 128,884, an increase of 4.9% over the five years.



Louth Highlights:

More females than males

Louths population in April 2016 was comprised of 63,633 males and 65,251 females. There were 53,009 more females than males in the State, giving an overall sex ratio of 97.8 males for every 100 females, a slight decline on the 2011 ratio of 98.1.

Ageing population

The average age of Louths population in April 2016 was 36.4 years, compared to 35.2 years in April 2011. Nationally, the average age of the population was 37.4, up from 36.1 in April 2011. The number of males aged 65 and over increased by 22% to 296,837, while the number of females aged 65 and over increased by 16.7% to 340,730.

Numbers divorced/separated continues to increase

6,782 people were divorced/separated in Louth, a rate of 5.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.7%. The number of divorced people in Ireland has increased to 103,895 (18%) since 2011.The number of separated people increased slightly to 118,178 (from 116,194 in 2011).

Irish language

42,047 people in Louth stated that they could speak Irish, compared to 42,106 in April 2011. Within this figure, 1,177 spoke Irish daily outside the education system, while 2,465 spoke Irish weekly outside the education system. Nationally, 1,761,420 people stated that they were able to speak Irish, with 73,803 speaking Irish daily outside the education system and 111,473 doing so weekly.

Irish Travellers

771 Irish Travellers resided in County Louth in April 2016, an increase of 16.3% since 2011. Nationally, the number of people enumerated as Irish Travellers increased by 5.1% to 30,987.

Broadband

32,095 dwellings in Louth had broadband access in April 2016, an increase of 15.9% since April 2011. 2,972 dwellings had non-broadband internet access, a decline of 8.9%, while the number of dwellings with no internet access fell by 26.1% to 8,803.

Nationally, 312,982 dwellings (18.4%) had no internet connection, down from more than 1 in 4 (25.8%) in 2011. Broadband use in private households increased to 70.7% (from 63.8% in 2011) and 148,125 more households had a broadband connection.
Writing recently about the origins of St. Helena Park has reminded me that no part of central Dundalk has changed more in my own lifetime, a period from the 1930s up to the present day, than the area along the Castletown River Estuary from the Big Bridge to the Quays. I do not know where I would begin to describe the changes to the topography of the area but I believe that The Park itself lies at the heart of that change. It was there when I was a young child, with the Bandstand and a little pond in the middle of it, that seemed to me like a fairyland.

My mother often took me to it in a push-chair, the equivalent of a modern child's buggy. I think would have been on Sundays in good weather, but it was just far enough away from my home to be out of a reach as a playground, which, of course, added to its enchantment! It was not nearly as well kept in those far off days and, I think, the railings had fallen into disrepair but that did not make any difference to the eyes of a young child! Later I passed it on my way to school but never had much time to stop and enjoy the scenery; other than to watch the steam trains puffing their way across the 'First Metals' railway bridge.

Later, when I went to work in a coal office at the Quays, the Park was a Mecca for teenagers but was still out of my reach, other than that I had school-day friends who lived in Castle Road who welcomed me to their homes. During the summer holidays we played in the fields of St. Mary's College where we were joined by boys who had attended at least two other secondary schools to mine but we were the best of friends. Those were some of the best days of my life and I can recall watching some of the last trains to make the journey to Cooley, passing out over the curving spans of the metal bridge.

When I started work in the Dundalk Democrat offices in early 1953, St. Helena Park became the centre of attention again! At that time there was a big effort being made by members of the Dundalk Urban District Council to get a Swimming Pool for the town and they decided that St. Helena Park would be the ideal location. They even had a wooden model for the proposed Pool made by a local craftsman and it was on display for weeks in the Town Hall. I wonder what happened to that model and if there is still anybody around now who knows who built it. The Concert Hall was being reconstructed at that time, after the fire which destroyed the old one in 1947 and I think the model was on show to the public in what was known as The Newsroom where the Council met until a new chamber was fitted out for them at the top of the stairs.

Everybody at the time thought that it was a great idea because there was no public swimming pools nearer than Dublin or Belfast and, of course, well out of the reach of most people from Dundalk! I cannot remember why the project failed but I think the Council could not get any financial support from central government and it would have been too much of a burden on the rates of the town which every householder, as well as the commercial business and industry, paid. There may also have an engineering problem also in that the public water supply from the Aghnaskeagh Storage Reservoir at Ravensdale might not have been considered large enough to provide a supply for a swimming pool which would have required daily changing.

Anyway, the provision of a public swimming pool ceased to be a priority for the members of the Urban Council who began to concentrate their efforts in getting new houses for the town. It was to be another thirty or more years before the Urban Council began to look at a new plan to build a swimming pool in the urban area. In the meantime, what money they had gathered was diverted to the outdoor sea-water swimming pool which was built by the County Council at Blackrock, opened in 1964.

St. Helena Park has improved greatly over the past half-century, mainly due to the efforts of the Urban and later Town Councils Parks Committees. The change that has altered it most, however, over the past century was the construction of the Tain Bridge to link the two parts of the Town's Inner Relief Road opened in 1996. No doubt, it will not be last such change here but St. Helena Park will always have a fond place in the hearts and minds of Dundalk people, no matter to which part of the world they are dispersed!
A local woman is ready to give couples from across Ireland 'the church wedding of their dreams', following the official opening of Woodside Chapel.

Donna McLoughlin, who lives in Blackrock, last year purchased a disused Presbyterian church in Castlebellingham with a view to hosting marriages and civil ceremonies for those to whom a more traditional setting is not available.

The church was built in 1840 so, as you can imagine, the renovation has been huge, reflects Donna.

Also, because it's a listed building, I had to abide by planning office regulations when it came to the restorations. With that in mind, most of the work is being carried out by heritage craftsmen who boast a keen knowledge of the infrastructure.

While that red tape served to almost double Donnas intended timeframe, alls well that ends well.

Indeed, having been out of service for nigh-on 20 years, the chapelopened its doors last weekend.

Its complete now and looks really fabulous. The plan from here is to establish ourselves as a general wedding and events venue, all with a view to giving couples who have been excluded from marrying in a chapel - for whatever reason - the opportunity to have a non-religious ceremony in a church setting.

I have been working with couples for the past 15 years and, while so many were looking for the 'fairytale wedding' and the walk down the aisle, they didn't feel like they belonged to any particular church or religion.

As such, Woodside Chapel will be open to all couples, whether same-sex or those who are remarrying.

Since Ireland voted for marriage equality, a huge number of same-sex couples are coming from other places in the world to legalise their marriage in our beautiful country, so why not offer the full package?

Visit woodsidechapel.ie for further details.
Online healthcare marketplace HealthEngine has now raised close to $50m after closing a $26.7m Series C funding round.

Sequoia India, which has worked closely with Apples Steve Jobs, Googles Larry Page and LinkedIns Jeff Weiner and other high-profile founders, led the round. The VC firm, which counts HealthEngine as its first direct investment in an Australian tech start-up, joins cornerstone investors Telstra Ventures and Seven West Media on the companys board

HealthEngine also attracted new investors including private equity fund Alium Capital plus follow-on investments from Go Capital, Carsales.com.au founder Greg Roebuck, and the founders of ecommerce company Lux Group.

HealthEngine CEO, co-founder and medical director Dr Marcus Tan spoke to Dynamic Business about what the Perth-based company has achieved since its 2006 launch, what it looks for in an investor, and how it will be using the funding from its Series C round.

How would you quantify HealthEngines success?

Tan: We are multi-award winning business, considered to be one of the largest consumer healthcare sites in Australia helping over 1 million Australians get better access and a better experience of healthcare. We have facilitated over 8 million bookings since 2012 and had over 500k mobile app downloads. We started with 2 developers in 2010 and now have over 100 staff and have seen triple digit year on year revenue growth with a bluechip investor base.

What was your strategy for the Series C funding round?

Tan: When we set out to attract funding for our Series C, we were really looking to bring on partners that believed in the transformation of the healthcare system as a whole. We wanted people who embraced a global perspective, as well as having strong startup growth skills. Sequoia has a strong pedigree when it comes to investing in health and tech. They get whats required to make a business succeed, and this will be pivotal as we seek to grow not just locally but when we decide to take our offering to new shores. When their name was raised, we naturally were very keen to push forward. Having a cornerstone investor like Sequoia India back our company and join our board is very exciting for us, particularly as we look to map out where we want to take our offering.

What attracted the new investors to your company?

Tan: Aside from being the largest online healthcare marketplace in Australia, I believe its our domain expertise and technical smarts that make us stand out. As a GP myself with over 15 years of health system reform experience, I understand the pain points and challenges practitioners and patients face on a day-to-day basis and challenges faced by the system as a whole. Meanwhile, my co-founder, Adam Yap, has a strong background in technology development. Together we know where the industry gaps lie, and how to create solutions to fix those needs in combination with a great team behind us.

How will HealthEngine use the Series C round funds?

Tan: Our mission is to improve the healthcare system for both patients and practitioners. While we have grand ambitions for our platform to be used globally, in the short term we plan to add to our product portfolio, expand into other markets, and consider acquisitions. It will also be used to bolster our team of over 100 staff, who currently work across our network of offices in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne.

How do your existing cornerstone investors support you?

Tan: Telstra and Seven West Media sit on our board and provide essential direction and support to help HealthEngine grow. Telstra Ventures made the initial introductions to Sequoia and Seven West have helped us raise our brand awareness. Both are recognisable brands in their own right and lend significant credibility which has helped us attract investors and customers.
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

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PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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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
The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday announced charges against four individuals, including two officers of Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, for carrying out the massive cyberbreach that affected about 500 million Yahoo account holders in 2014.

The FBI carried out the investigation with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMB Sergeant Harold Pfleiderer told the E-Commerce Times.

A federal grand jury in Northern California charged the defendants  the FSB officials and two Russian cybercriminals  with using stolen data to gain illegal access to the accounts of Russian journalists, Russian and U.S. government officials, and private sector employees of financial, transportation and other companies.

The indictment alleges that Dmitry Aleksandrovich Dokuchaev, 33, a Russian officer in the FSB, and Igor Anatolyevich Sushchin, 43, Dokuchaevs superior, directed, facilitated, paid and provided protection for criminal hackers to collect information using cyberintrusions in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Yahoo and Beyond

At the direction of the FSB agents, Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan, aka Magg, 29, a Latvian-born Russian national, in late 2014 allegedly stole a copy of at least part of Yahoos secret User Database, which contained usernames, emails, recovery emails, phone numbers, and information to create mint Web browser cookies for about 500 million Yahoo members.

He also allegedly gained access to Yahoos Account Management Tool, proprietary software that allowed users to log changes to their accounts.

The co-conspirators also used spear phishing tactics to trick users into giving up access to their accounts, according to court filings.

After the suspects learned they had information to customer accounts outside of Yahoo, the fourth suspect, Karim Baratov, aka Kay, a 22-year old Canadian and Kazakh national, allegedly gained access to 80 accounts in exchange for commission payments.

Kay was arrested in Canada on Tuesday, following the DoJs issuance of a provisional warrant to Canadian officials last week.

The Justice Department has charged all four defendants with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, carrying up to 10 years in prison.

The DoJ also charged Dokuchaev, Sushchin and Belan with conspiracy to commit economic espionage, carrying 15 years in prison; theft of trade secrets, 10 years; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 20 years; and counterfeit access device fraud, among other charges.

Baratov and both FSB officers were charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, carrying 7 1/2 years in prison; and wire fraud, carrying 20 years in prison. Dokuchaev and Baratov also were charged with aggravated identity theft, carrying two years.

With these charges, the United States Department of Justice is continuing to send the powerful message that we will not allow individuals, groups, nation states, or a combination of them to compromise the privacy of our citizens, the economic interests of our companies or the security of our country, said Mary McCord, acting assistant AG for national security.

Belan has been indicted twice before in the U.S. for three cyberattacks into e-commerce companies that impacted millions of customers, McCord noted, and has been one of the FBIs most wanted cybercriminals for three years.

Despite his history and an Interpol red notice, the FSB failed to detain Belan but continued to use him for illegal hacking, McCord said.

Election Connection?

The charges announced Wednesday are consistent with Yahoos prior disclosures about the hack, said Chris Madsen, assistant general counsel and head of global law enforcement, security and safety at Yahoo.

Yahoo last fall disclosed that it believed a state-sponsored attack had resulted in the theft of a copy of certain information for about 500 million user accounts as of late 2014.

Yahoo later disclosed further details on the forging of cookies to gain access to user accounts without a password and linked some of that activity to the same state-sponsored actor, according to Madsen.

Were committed to keeping our users and our platforms secure and will continue to engage with law enforcement to combat cybercrime, he said.

Due to the lack of a U.S. extradition treaty with Russia, its unlikely there will be more evidence concerning Russian involvement unless there are further proceedings involving Baratov, who was arrested in Canada, suggested Mark Nunnikhoven, vice president for cloud research at Trend Micro.

In any case, the Yahoo and Verizon names will continue to be linked to this case while the companies focus on recovery and strengthening defenses going forward, Nunnikhoven told the E-Commerce Times.

The charges come amid congressional investigations into the Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election. No direct link has been established between the Yahoo hack and the election, but the case at best reflects the United States wide vulnerability to attacks by foreign state actors.

State-sponsored activity such as this is being carried out by all well-resourced nations, which include Russia, China  and of course, the U.S., noted Troy Hunt, a Microsoft regional director and MVP  developer security.

What it shows us is how valuable digital capabilities are becoming, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The reach, effectiveness and cost efficiency of cyberactivities like these make enormously attractive weapons. As we digitize and connect more and more critical infrastructure, their effectiveness only increases  and consequently, so does the threat, Hunt explained.

Obviously, the U.S. needs to strengthen cybersecurity, said Marc Rotenberg, president of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, but EPIC also believes there should be greater focus on specific threats to personal information.

The U.S. needs a data protection agency similar to agencies in other democratic governments, he told the E-Commerce Times.

EPIC sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Russian interference in the election, Rotenberg noted, and has submitted two Freedom of Information Act requests seeking additional details.
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.
Senate Republicans rushed through a confirmation vote Thursday on President Donald Trumps nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Neil Gorsuch has been met with widespread criticism both across the country and from the Senate before, during and after his confirmation process.

For more than 200 years, the Senate has honored a 60 vote margin for Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed. Gorsuch only received 55. According to existing Senate procedure, Gorsuchs nomination would be defeated and the Senate would move forward without confirming him to the court. Instead, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell changed the rules and triggered the so-called nuclear option for what had been deemed the greatest deliberative body to force Gorsuchs nomination through.

The Senate rightfully rejected Judge Neil Gorsuchs nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is their duty to advise and consent on judicial nominees and with this vote, they refused their consent and advised President Donald Trump that Gorsuch is not fit to be granted a lifetime appointment to Americas highest court.

We live in a representative democracy, where the people are to be the ones in charge. Yet, Senate Republicans have rigged the system to appease their leader, President Donald Trump, in order to put a man on the Supreme Court that has been backed by $10 million in shadowy money from big corporations. This is not how democracy works and Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans should be ashamed of themselves.

Senate Republicans have made their choice to serve President Donald Trump instead of serving the American people.
As a result of South Africas highest court rejecting a bid by the government to keep a ban on the sale of rhinoceros horn, it will soon be legal to buy and sell the land mammals horns in the country.

This news comes just weeks after poachers broke into a rhino orphanage in South Africa, killing two baby rhinos for their prematurely developed horns. The development also follows the news that 16 rhino carcasses were been found in Kruger National Park in South Africa since the beginning of March.

According to National Geographic, the moratorium on the domestic trade has been lifted as a result of a lengthy legal battle between rhino owners, who farm rhinos like livestock and desire to sell their horns on the market and the governments Department of Environmental Affairs. Though the trade of rhinoceros horn was internationally banned in 1977, the Department of Environmental Affairs restricted domestic tradition in 2009 after a jump in poaching.

John Hume is one of the individuals who fought hard against the governments moratorium. The owner of the worlds largest rhino farm (with more than 1,000 rhinos hes bred), he sued the government in 2009 to overturn the policy. Hume claims the only way to protect the rhinos he raises is to sell the horns they grow, that way enough funds will be procured to protect them.

Now that it is legal to domestically trade rhino horn, people in South Africa can get a permit to sell the item that is responsible for driving poaching. Foreigners will be allowed to export a maximum of two horns for personal purposes.

Rhino horn is worth more than its weight in gold, as The Dodo pointed out, despite it being made of keratinthe same material as ones fingernails. Already, organized crime groups profit from the illegal trafficking of the horn into Asia, where it is believed to have medicinal properties.

According to Susie Watts of WildAids Africa Program, allowing domestic trade in South Africa to resume will undoubtedly result in the horn being trafficked to Asia. She said:

Legalizing domestic rhino horn trade in South Africa opens the door to further illegal exports of rhino horn. There is no domestic demand for rhino horn products and, as the pro-trade lobby very well knows, the reason why the moratorium was implemented in the first place was to prevent domestic trade from being used as a cover for smuggling.

There is no realistic way to maintain chain of custody over rhino horns and prevent them from being trafficked abroad. There should be no legal horn market so long as rhino poaching, illegal trade and consumer demand are out of control.

Now that the moratorium has been lifted, conservationists and activists fear that poaching will increase exponentially in South Africa. This is because the country is home to 70 percent of the worlds 29,500 rhinosall of which are in the midst of a poaching crisis. Clearly, there is a reason for concern, as poaching has skyrocketed in the past decade. In 2016, for example, 1,054 rhinos were poached in South Africa.

If these regs are promulgated, we will see a significant rise in poaching, as poachers use the significant loopholes to cater to the increased demand for horn in the Far East, Morgan Griffiths of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa said.

Reposted with permission from our media associate True Activist.
Naval Commander, Aviator Part of Distinguished Lecture Series

Students in the Elizabeth City State University aviation program, and NEAAAT high school students sat down Tuesday, April 4, to learn about Naval aviation, and some simple life lessons.

United States Navy aviator, Cmdr. Bobby Brown, was on campus as a part of the Undergraduate Research Week 2017 happenings. Brown, who flies under the call sign, Downtown, met with faculty, toured the campus and aviation labs, and explained to students that whether they become aviators, or choose another career path, there are simple life lessons to be learned, first.

He was a part of ECSUs Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted by Prof. Orestes Goodson, a retired naval commander and aviator.

After introducing himself with an action-packed video displaying the adrenalin rushing power of naval aviation, Brown challenged the students with one question: What do you want to do? The answers varied from mortician, to psychologist, to aviator. But regardless of the answers, Brown put another question to students: How are you going to get there?

Life will happen, so what is going to keep you on track?

Brown entreated the students to move outside of their comfort zones and explore the opportunities available to them. Network and ask questions, he said.

Brown, a helicopter pilot, is currently the Navys director of diversity and inclusion, based in San Diego, California. A native of Mobile, Alabama, Brown is a 1997 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

In 2010 he served as the Navys Military Aid to Vice President Joe Biden. He is a combat veteran and also holds a Masters of Science degree in technology management from the University of Maryland University College, with a resource management and analysis sub-specialty.
The Worlds First Christian Country?: BBC on Armenia

BBC has issued an article on Armenia entitle The Worlds First Christian Country? Pious history With a population of only 3 million people, Armenia is one of the smallest countries in Europe. But it has a sizable place in spiritual history: most historians believe that in 301 AD, it became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity. Today, around 95% of Armenians are Christian, and the countrys pious history can be traced back through some of its ancient sites and monuments. The spiritual leader According to legend, the first head of the Armenian Apostolic Church was Gregory the Illuminator, son of the nobleman named Anag who assassinated Armenias King Khosrov II. Gregorys father was executed for his crime, but Gregory managed to flee to Cappadocia, where he was raised by bishop St. Firmilian. As an adult, Gregory returned to his homeland in hopes of converting the Armenian king  and, by extension, the Armenian people  to Christianity. When he learned of Gregorys homecoming, King Tiridates III, son of the murdered King Khosrov II, had Gregory imprisoned. The king insisted that his prisoner renounce Christianity, but Gregory refused to. After around thirteen years of imprisonment, Gregory had managed to convince Tiridates of the power of faith, converting the king himself into the religion. And so in 301 AD, Tiridates III declared Christianity the state religion of Armenia. (Credit: Rodolfo Contreras) Read the whole article here
( Peter Kenny)Rev. Isaiah Majok Dau, presiding bishop of the Sudan Pentecostal Church at the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, Switzerland on March 27, 2017.

The general overseer of the South Sudan Council of Churches says there is there is trauma and hopelessness in his country, and the only institution that can offer hope at the moment is the Church.

Rev. Isaiah Majok Dau is also presiding bishop of the Sudan Pentecostal Church, which in turn belongs to an ecumenical council that includes all the traditions of Christianity in the country.

"We are experiencing levels of violence we have never seen before," says the bishop.

When South Sudan, a nation of 11.3 million people, gained independence from Sudan, a mainly Muslim nation in 2011 after a bitter and lethal decades-long civil war, there was hope for the future of the world's young country.

But bitter infighting erupted in 2013 and in recent times it has intensified.

"I talk as a church person, as a person who is involved in the situation every day, listening and hearing from both sides and the ordinary person in the street," says quiet-spoken Dau, whose words carry a poignant power.

"I also talk to you as a child of war. Anyone who is in their sixties in South Sudan is a child of war. Some of us were born just after the first war broke out in 1955.

"We have lived in the war, have married in the war, we have children and grandchildren in war. It is not a good thing to be in that situation," says the bishop.

He paid his first visit to Geneva and the World Council of Churches on March 27 and attended a meeting of the Ecumenical Network of South Sudan - European Hub, which issued a pastoral message to the SSCC.

The message called for prayer and a "strong momentum of engagement and advocacy" to contribute to the scheduled visit of Pope Francis to South Sudan towards the end of the year, which could boost peace initiatives.

The ecumenical network expressed great concern about the "unprecedented crisis of violent conflicts, starvation death and displacement" that is "tearing apart" the nation of South Sudan.

"We acknowledge that in the midst of the suffering and pain the communities are experiencing, the churches continue to accompany the people in their journey through these difficult times. We recognize the tremendous responsibility that the church leaders shoulder, to give hope and succour to the children of God," they say in the letter.

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit and Rev. Frank Chikane, the moderator of the WCC's Commission of the Churches on International Affairs both met with the members of the ENSS and a similar group working on Sudan.

"Sudan is getting forgotten and therefore it is important that we can use our voice at WCC to continue to have attention on what is going on," said Tveit.

He said South Sudan does get some attention, "but it is diminishing" at a time when public concern and international attention is needed.

'ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE'

Dr. Nigussu Legesse, WCC programme executive for advocacy in Africa, started the meeting saying, "South Sudan is on a brink of collapse - economically, socially, militarily and in other ways.

"It is engulfed in a mutually reinforcing war system that involves more than two principal players: the government led by the SPLM, and the opposition."

SPLM stands for Sudan People's Liberation Movement, a political party in South Sudan.

"The latest crisis in South Sudan is the declaration of famine by the government and also the United Nations, where 100,000 people are in danger of dying of famine and one million people are on the verge of that fate," Legesse said.

There are 5.5 million people estimated to be currently severely food insecure and at least 7.5 million people across South Sudan - almost two thirds of the population - need humanitarian assistance.

"Three years conflict have eroded livelihoods and disrupted farming," said Legesse.

He noted that in African countries "the first generation of liberation war heroes have felt entitled to maximise personal benefits after years or decades of sacrifice".

Legesse cited among them, Zimbabwe, where 93-year-old Robert Mugabe has ruled for 37 years, Eritrea and Uganda.

When South Sudan became independent on 9 July 2011, the world was filled with optimism, since the churches had played a key role in helping broker the process.

'COMMUNITY OF NATIONS'

"We thought South Sudan would be in the community of nations," says Bishop Dau. "But then 2013 shattered that," when people in South Sudan accelerated bitter conflicts within themselves.

During part of the earlier war, the one for independence, the bishop had managed to complete a masters and doctorate of theology from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, focussing on suffering and the role of the church in South Sudan.

"The events of the last few years are even more devastating because they come after we had a level of hope," said Dau.

In December, however, the government in Juba managed to partly alleviate the situation in the capital.

"We in the church should extend it from Juba and across the country," said the SSCC general overseer, explaining that churches in traditional communities are playing a conciliatory role.

"Whether the government will tap into that is a question for another day," said Dau.

'MESSAGE OF HOPE'

"With the looming famine and economic state, we in the church are giving a message of hope. This is not just pie in the sky. Good will come of it if we work for it. The Gospel gives hope to the people.

"As a people we have been there. We have been in darker places before and we came out of it because we pulled together."

Rev. Andre Karamaga, general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches concurred that, "this is a critical time for South Sudan."

He said that the ecumenical family has been involved in South Sudan since the inception of the AACC in 1963.

The AACC leader also noted that when it comes to national church councils, "in Africa we have 14 countries in which all the churches are involved. South Sudan is among them."

The SSCC includes Anglican, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and a wide swathe of Protestant traditions along with Roman Catholics, and Legesse said that the council always refers to itself as "the church", which has been "inspiring".

Bishop Dau said, "Somehow the people of South Sudan have belief at this time and we have hope in the churches. The church is the symbol of unity. It places a huge responsibility on us to remain together.

"Unity is beautiful, but it is not always easy. Why is it easier to be divided rather than united?"

He also conceded, "Part of the problem in South Sudan has been what we say, and hate speech has been a problem, even sometimes from the pulpit."

In April 2016, a peace deal for South Sudan was struck, but it soon floundered.

Ferdinand von Habsburg-Lothringen, senior advisor on peace and reconciliation at the SSCC, said at the Geneva meeting, "In Juba very few people have confidence that the peace agreement has any hope."

He added, "People have used the word comatose and dead for the peace agreement...We have a divergent set of opinions where South Sudan is right now. There is a feeling that the situation is intractable."

Habsburg-Lothringen said that there are divisions within the political sphere "with a very narrow band of people driving the conflict".

The day before the ecumenical group met in Geneva, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, strongly condemned the killing of six aid workers in an ambush on 25 March. The aid workers were travelling from Juba to Pibor.

"I am appalled and outraged by the heinous murder yesterday of six courageous humanitarians in South Sudan," said Owusu. "At a time when humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels, it is entirely unacceptable that those who are trying to help are being attacked and killed."
(Photo: Mohamed Nureldin)A South Sudanese worshipper arrives to attend Sunday prayers in Baraka Parish church at Hajj Yusuf, on the outskirts of Khartoum, February 10, 2013. Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has said he wants to adopt a "100 percent" Islamic constitution now that the South has split off. The government says the new constitution will guarantee religious freedom, but many Christians are wary. They say authorities started a crackdown in December and it has been getting worse.

The World Council of Churches has pledged its support to church leaders in South Sudan working for peace as the tragic conflict in the world's newest nation has moved into its 18th month.

Past peace talks the churches have helped broker have, however, floundered.

The WCC's executive committee meeting in Armenia's capital city of capital city of Yerevan on June 11 noted the alarming situation in South Sudan where people continue to be killed, raped, displaced and tortured.

"The humanitarian situation is reported to be deteriorating," said the WCC in a statement during the June 8 to13 meeting of the executive body .

The U.S.-based Enough Project on June 10 released a report describing competing political and economic interests of South Sudan's neighbors undermining regional willingness to take action against the warring parties.

"The warring parties have little interest in making compromises for peace when there is no cost for not doing so.

"Neither the region nor the international community have held South Sudan's leaders to commitments made at the negotiating table, including nine signed agreements to cease hostilities, all of which have been violated within days."

It said continued inaction by the region and international community have reinforced "a culture of impunity as the conflict on the ground has intensified."

Enough Project said that in order to bring the conflict to an end, the United States and other key international partners must take steps to ensure that regional interests and strategies are aligned with multilateral efforts to increase pressure on the warring parties.

For their part, the 25 South Sudan church leaders and representatives from the member churches of the South Sudan Council of Churches gathered in Kigali, Rwanda for a retreat from June 1 to 7.

RECONCILIATION

Present were members of the laity, the World Council of Churches and partners to reflect and propose a plan to achieve peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.

"We lament that sustainable peace has not been attained in South Sudan," said Dr. Agnes Abuom, moderator of the main governing body of the WCC, its central committee

"Peace must be sustained and it must be peace with justice. People's lives are in danger, the whole country cries out in pain," she urged.

"We pray for the church leaders in their efforts to make peace and reconciliation, and for the conflicting parties to listen to the voice of the church leaders."

Abuom said the WCC supports the church in South Sudan during such difficult times and has a long commitment in the region of more than 40 years and it supports the church leaders' June 7 statement.

The leaders from the South Sudan Council of Churches said June 7 "We have repeatedly stated that this is a senseless war which must stop immediately.

"There is no moral justification to continue killing ourselves, regardless of any legitimate political issues with government or opposition."

They noted, "A cessation of hostilities must be implemented before any detailed negotiations for the future; it is unacceptable to negotiate posts and positions while people are killing and being killed."

The church leaders said negotiations are about to begin again while innocents continue to suffer.

"The needs of the people must be met, not the needs of political and military elites. It appears that pride, power and politics have become a greater priority than peace."
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
July events in Freedom House report

Freedom House human rights organization has published its Nations in Transit annual report, according to which Armenia was a semi-consolidated authoritarian regime in 2016 and registered a democratic recession. In particular, the RA democracy score has declined from 5.36 to 5.39, with 1 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 7 the lowest. The overall democracy score is formed by several sub-scores, which separately evaluate the national democratic governance, electoral processes, civil society, independent media, local democratic governance, judicial framework and independence and corruption. The separate scores for Armenia are the following: national democratic governance  6, electoral process  6, civil society  3.75, independent media  5.50, local democratic governance  5.75, judicial framework and independence  5.50, corruption  5.25 points. Thus, the democracy score formed by the average of ratings for the aforementioned categories is 5.39. It is noteworthy that the national democratic governance score has declined from 5.75 to 6.00 since the RA authorities were unable to resolve the grievances (protests) without unjustified use of violence in 2016. The Freedom House report makes particular reference to the large-scale violent police operation on July 28 during the police base takeover events. Moreover, according to Freedom House, the national democratic governance score has been experiencing steady decline in Armenia since 2008, reaching 6.00 from 5.25. The section of the report addressing judicial framework and independence also mentions about numerous protesters affected by tear gas and stun grenades used by the Police. Though Armenias score in this respect is identical with that of the previous year, the report clearly states that the judicial system in Armenia lacks independence and autonomy from the executive. Armenias electoral process score has also suffered a decline, reaching 6.00 from the previous 5.75. The reason is the serious shortcomings during the 2015 referendum and 2016 local elections. Last time Armenia had suffered such a recession after 2008 presidential elections. The only rating that has improved is Independent Media, due to increased professionalism, diversity and acceptability of internet media, which is challenging the dominance of television as the main source of information. Hence, according to this report, the only field that has registered progress in Armenia is media, thanks to internet media which is different to control, and thanks to human resources, i.e. enhanced professional skills of journalists. Meanwhile, all the other fields which are under control of public authorities either register stable bad scores or recession. And the only sector which is in comparably good condition is civil society, which has a much better score than the other branches of the state. Anna Pambukhchyan Union of Informed Citizens
What happens, when persons sexual orientation is revealed in army (video)

Intolerance towards the sexual minorities is expressed most of all in the force structures. According to the studies, there is discriminated attitude in 100% of cases. In the army after the revelation of the sexual orientation of a person, he is subjected to physical violence, individual or group sexual abuses, homosexual people are singled out from the fellow servicemen; they are given plates with special sign, says Nare Hovhannisyan, representative of New generation NGO. According to the study of New generation NGO, the situation is more complex, when the rights of the LGBT people in prisons are voiced. In prisons they are abused as people providing sexual services. People with different sexual orientation prefer not to speak about their sexual orientation even in their families. When they voice it, they are forced to leave their home, deprived of the right to communicate with family members, says Nare Hovhannisyan. Religious organizations are also not inclined to open their doors wide in front of people, who voice about their sexual orientation. Often they try to treat LGBT people, and often they are deprived of the right to enter churches. There is intolerance also by the media outlets. Only 20-25 % in their publications maintains neutral information. The topic was actual before the Constitutional changes. 60-70 percent of materials contain negative attitude, expression of hate speech, human rights violations addressed to LGBT community representatives, says expert Nane Bagratuni. Ambassadors of Germany and Czech Republic to Armenia are also aware of violations of rights of sexual minorities. Coming to Armenia in 2012, Petr Mikyska was surprised: Coming to Armenia in 2012, I was simply shocked by the situation here, explosions, shots against sexual minorities. But officials reaction in negative sense is more unacceptable. I examined Armenias legislation, and it turned out that your country ratified all the international conventions, but they simply remained on paper here, says Ambassador of Czech Republic to Armenia. Ambassador of Germany to Armenia Matthias Kisler adds, The viewpoint of the society is not easy to change. For example, in Germany until 1969 sexual intercourse between met was prohibited. But it doesnt mean that the process of admitting them as a full member of society will take long also in Armenia. In this issue diplomats stress the role of media outlets, which shouldnt disseminate hate speech, but should contribute to tolerance and social solidarity.
We think like Indians but look different. There [in Delhi] they always see us as different. But when we come to Ladakh, our thinking, tastes are more like Indians . When we come back in the summer, people [in Leh] look at us differently too.1

Namgyal made this comment as we sat sipping coffee at one of the many Tibetan restaurants on the main road in Leh. At a table next to us were half-a-dozen young men and women, all dressed like Namgyal in branded jeans and T-shirts or tops, with expensive sneakers and sunglasses. They were quite at ease with each other and loudly discussed the latest Hollywood film that had just been released in Delhi, and popular songs by Shakira, in a mixture of Hindi and English. They represent the new, young cosmopolitan Ladakhi, no different from the upper middle-class youth one encounters in metropolitan cities like Delhi.
The head of European diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, said that the regime of Bashar al-Assad bears primary responsibility for the chemical attack in a rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in northwestern Syria. At least 70 people were killed and hundreds suffered symptoms consistent with reaction to a nerve agent after what Western powers said it a Syrian government air strike was to blame. According to the Russian version, an air strike hit a rebel depot full of chemical munitions.

Mrs. Mogherini said that this is a dramatic reminder of the fact that the situation on the ground still continues to be dramatic in many different parts of Syria on the sidelines of an EU-UN conference (4-5 April) that was meant to discuss the post-conflict reconstruction in Syria. She made it clear that a primary responsibility lay with the regime first and foremost because it has the primary responsibility of protecting its people and not attacking its people. Mrs. Mogherini also stressed that the issue of accountability is key for the EU but also for the conference itself.

The regime of Bashar al-Assad and the rebels blame each other for the previous chemical attacks while the international community says that Mr. Assad is responsible. Russia, who supports the regime, says there is no direct evidence to back up these allegations. In 2013, Washington and Moscow reached an agreement to eliminate Syrias chemical weapons to avoid US air strikes against the Assad regime following a sarin attack that killed more than 1,400 people.

The EU and UN were co-chairing a two-day conference as a follow-up to last years gathering in London that raised 10 billion euros for aid programs. This years meeting went beyond humanitarian assistance and looked at post-agreement assistance and post-war reconstruction. While Mrs. Mogherini admitted that it was surreal to talk about post-conflict situation in the middle of the conflict, she said that you hear this more than anything else, they want peace and want to get out of this terrible situation.
The support for the EU membership among the Serbians has declined from 70 percent to 43 percent since the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of the newly elected President Aleksandar Vucic promised to work towards the EU membership. European leaders have congratulated Mr. Vucic on his victory as they see him as the key to the furthering of the EU membership talks. His Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) gained power in 2012, having promised to work towards the EU membership at the time when the majority of the population was in favor.

The EU is moreover getting increasingly worried over Belgrades growing relationship with Moscow, who promised to give Belgrade six MiG-29 warplanes as well as scout vehicles and tanks. The fact that it is not yet clear what the Kremlin will want from Serbia in return is another reason why the European Union is becoming increasingly worried about the Balkan state and its membership.

Serbia officially started EU membership talks in January 2014 following seven years of trying to comply with the regulations surrounding human rights. In 2007, Belgrade initiated a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU, which was a milestone in Serbias accession negotiations. SAA was executed following the advice of Chief War Crimes Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte, who said the country was adequately complying with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

According to Srdan Cvijic of the Open Society European Policy Institute, European leaders should be wary of the perception of the new Serbian president being a stable leader. Mr. Cvijic explained that during Mr. Vucics election campaign, he did not display the most democratic principles and has also stamped down on non-profit organizations, journalists and opposition politicians. Mr. Cvijic recommended that Brussels should be paying close attention to the dissatisfied. On Monday night, after the election results became clear, thousands of students organized spontaneously on social networks and took to the streets of Belgrade to protest the government.
Written by ACM



*Strasbourg/EU Parliament/Angelo Marcopolo/- "It's Now", at "one of those Rare Moments where History is On the Making", that European People "must Go to the Essentials", and Realize that, in Fact, we are all "placed in Front of an Alternative : Grasp, Together, our Destiny with our own hands, or Risk to Disappear" from the Map of "a Dangerous World", full of "Major Challenges" and "Threats", where only a "Conscience of the Necessity" to develop a really "independent European Power, Sovereign, and with Solidarity", can Stimulate "the People to play the Role" which belongs to them, in order to "Survive" and seize the "Chance for a New European Hope and ReNaissance", stressed, with Voluntarism, Passion and Vision, the President of International Pan-European Union, Alain Terrenoire, in an Inspired Speech, Today, on the sidelines of EU Parliament's Plenary session in Strasbourg, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of EU Treaties, (celebrated recently in Rome by EU's 27 Heads of State/Government Summit : Comp. "Eurofora"s NewsReports from the spot, f.ex. at ... + ...), making a Strong Appeal by Warning that, "for Europe", "the Time has come", "to be PanEuropean, or Not to Be" at all, (i.e. seize to exist)...



Pointing from the outset, First of all, to the "Islamist Terrorist Attacks, perpetuated just Yesterday in Saint-Petersburg (Russia), after, a Few Days Earlier, in London (UK)", Following a Long Red Line Spreading from Paris to Berlin, Copenhagen, Brussels, etc, he also Criticized "the Political Consequences of Economic and Social Disparities" among EU Member Countries", "some Negative Effects stemming from the Free Circulation of Persons, Goods, and Capital, while Joint Rules on Economy, Finances, Budget, Social issues, etc. had Not Been Harmonized previously".



President Terrenoire observed that "Time is Short" and "Pressing", calling for "Conviction, Courage and Will", Taking "Initiatives with Vision", while a "European ReVival is still in Reach".



=> For that purpose, "EU must be confirmed as a Power, Free for its Political Choices and Alliances, Acting according to its own GeoPolitical Interests" :



F.ex., among several Concrete measures, "the Time has Come to Announce to Ankara that its (notoriously Controversial and UnPopular) EU Accession Negotiations Must be Droped, and an Enhanced Cooperation would be more Appropriate for our respective Interests".



But, in parallel, EU should adopt "a New Geo-Political Approach", and Stop "Provoking .. Russia", but "Instead, Strive to cultivate Calm Relations with our Eastern Neighbourhood". Indeed, "it wasN't necessary at all, after former-USSR's collapse, ... to push all former Members of the Warsaw Pact to Accede to the Military part of NATO, and particularly those Countries which are at the Borders" of Russia. "It's Better ... to allow for the EU to ensure its Security by its own Defense Policy, stressing its Independence", instead of "avandoning to NATO, i.e. to the Americans, the expensive Mission to Defend the European Countries, with the Risk for Washington to Ask a more Balanced Financial Cobntribution, before evoking the possibility of an Unilateral Withrdawal, Judging "Obsolete and Out-Dated" that Military Alliance inherited from the Cold War" era of the past, Terrenoire warned, pointing at some well known Recent Developments.



Meanwhile, "Not even one European Country shouldn't ever be abandoned" : F.ex., "even Norway and Switzerland", "which had Refused to Join the EU" in the Past, nevertheless, "have their Future (i.e., f.ex., Science-Research, etc), and Security closely interLinked" to the rest of Europe. And 'it's Urgent to Welcome, at least in a Political Framework, even Before their Legal, Administrative and Economic structures might allowe a Full Accession", the Western Balkans' Countries. "Various Forms of Association can be proposed" also to "Other (European) Countries which may wish to join the EU : As Moldavia, Ukraine, Bielorussia, Georgia", etc., he added.



---------------------------------



+ Moreover, Nowadays, "EU has to become the Guarantor of its (External) Borders", "from the Baltic Sea until the Black Sea, from the Mediterranean to the Northern Sea, from its Eastern border to the Atlantic ocean, and in all its Overseas Territories", by "pooling Together, under one and same Authority, all its Defense Capabilities, which must reach at least 2% of the GDP in each Country", while, "with, or withOut NATO, whenever it becomes Necessary by the Circumstances, EU's Armies must Participate, with a common Agreement, to Europe's external Interventions", "Every Member State Contributing to a Collective Defense, in order to Guarantee the Independence and Sovereignity of All the EU".



In this regard, (even After "BREXIT"), the "EU can also count on France's presence, as UNO Security Council's Permanent Member, and, in case of Ultimate Threats, its Nuclear Deterrence, depending Exclusively from that (EU Member) Country, could be a Decisive Trump Card in order to Avoid the Worst", he noted.



++ But it's also "the Need to Monitor the Migratory Flows, resulting from Nearby Conficts or Economic motivations, which imposes, in this domain too, a Joint Management and Collective Means of Control", Terrenoire added. "This implies a Review of Shenghen Agreements, making them more Effective and better Adapted to the Diversity of Capabilities, Strengthening all the Human and Material Instruments".



+++ However, "the most Serious Failure of the EU" was to practicaly Abandon "the Essential Tools and Technological Means in Computers and the Digital" Society, which is "a pre-Condition for the 21st Century's Economy", making "Europe subordinate to the USA, China, and South-East Asia", Terrenoire denounced. Therefore, "UE having the Necessary Human Capacities for Research and Innovation, Must Strengthen its Trans-National Investments, considerably and rapidly", in such "an area in Permanent Evolution", since "its own Independence and Security are at Stake", he Warned.



++++ In addition, "EU hasN't yet managed to endorse a real common Energy Policy", "still remaining Fragmented between National Interests and Companies in Competition between them". While an "Energy Policy is Urgently Needed in order to Contribute to EU's Independence, while also caring for the protection of the Environment", without forgetting also EU's "Food Sovereignity", as he said for Agriculture.



By a Surprizing Coincidence, PanEuropa International's President stressed that point almost at the Same Moment that Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Israel, together with EU Commissioner Canete, had just Signed, at Tel Aviv, an Agreement on the "East-MED" Pipeline for Direct Energy Transport to the EU, from the Eastern Mediterranean region, while Cyprus' Defense Minister was, in parallel, concluding a Deal with France's Defense Minister, Drion, in Paris, at the Eve of the forthcoming Signatures of Exploration Contracts, by American "Exxon-Mobil" and "Qatar Petroleum", as well as "ENI" and "Total", with the Cypriot Government, for New Deep Sea Drillings to Find more Oil/Gas Resources at EU Member Cyprus' EEZ lots Number 10 and 6, respectively, in the Next few Days... Neighbouring Egypt's President, Alsisi, (with whom, those Same 4 European and Israeli Players use to Cooperate also on adjacent Energy UnderSea Resources, was, meanwhile, meetng the New US President Don Trump, at Washington DC. While EU Commission in Brussels had just Authorized also anOther Direct Energy Transport road from Russia to the EU, through the Northern Undersea Pipeline at the Baltic Sea.



+++++ Last, but not least, a real "Europe canNot exist, for the European People to live and share, if Education and Universities don't contribute in cultivating a Feeling of European Citizenship, (added to the National Citizenship), and, particularly, the Desire of a Joint Ambition", President Alain Terrenoire urged.



-------------------

In this and other areas, "History ...gave to Germany and France a special Mission : ... to Attract all their Partners, in a universal and peaceful" way, he reminded, (particularly at these "BREXIT" times).



------------



>>> But, iun order to fully realize all that, it's Necessary to Prepare a Popular Referendum, Europe-Wide, at the Right Moment, particularly according to European People's own practical Experience and, mainly, level of Consciousness, he urged. Because, this should be done Together with EU Citizens, definitively with a Popular EU Referendum, when the Time will become Ripe, i.e. just After re-Gaining People's Trust.



In the Meantime, EU must Advance, as things stand, through those Institutions which are Nearest possible to EU Citizens : F.ex. via EU Council's "Directly Elected Heads of State/Government" (initial Terrenoire's and France's etc. preference), and/or EU Parliament (Germany's etc. preference, as Berndt Posselt, Experienced former Long-Time MEP and currently Chairman of PanEuropa-Deutschland supported).



What is "Essential" is to convince People and Politicians about "nowadays' Necessity to decisively Develop a real European Dimension" in Key, Strategic Policies, as "the Only Solution Able to Face the New Challenges" in the World. The rest (i.e. the "Institutional" Choices), are, Comparatively, a secondary matter, which can be solved by Shaping them in the Best way possible in order to Serve their main Political purpose, Terrenoire pointed out.



Because, Nowadays there is Urgency for such European Moves, since "the (Global) World is becoming more and more Dangerous, with Many Challenges and Risks", he Warned in Conclusion.



Otherwise, "Europe Risks to have the Same Destiny as the Roman Empire", had already Warned the Founder of the "PanEuropean" Movement since 1922, Coudenhove-Kalergi, he reminded.



But, in fact, "Each European holds, in his Hands, a part of World's Destiny", as Coudenhove-Kalergi also used too say, while, Nowadays, "Both at the Doorsteps of Europe, and Inside it, Storms are gathering", showing that "the Moment came to Stand Up and Make Front !"

(../..)

***







("DraftNews", as already send to "Eurofora" Subscribers/Donors, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be published asap).







***
On March 7 2017, ELN Director Sir Adam Thomson chaired the session on The Future of Military Intervention at the Chatham House Security and Defence Conference.

The session started with a ministerial address by HE Nizar Al Khairallah, Deputy Foreign Minister, Republic of Iraq.

Speakers included:

Hugo Slim , Head of Policy, International Committee of the Red Cross

, Head of Policy, International Committee of the Red Cross Paul Schulte , Honorary Professor, Institute for Conflict, Cooperation, and Security, University of Birmingham

, Honorary Professor, Institute for Conflict, Cooperation, and Security, University of Birmingham Constanze Stelzenmuller , Robert Bosch Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution

, Robert Bosch Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution Kurt Volker, US Permanent Representative to NATO (2008-09)

The session explored recent experiences in international military intervention and lessons for future cooperative efforts internationally.
New Zealand is moving ahead to forge more links with other countries around the world at a time when more people than ever before want to not just visit but move permanently to the country.The latest figures show that more than 3.68 million travellers passing through international airports in December, January and February, an 8.7% increase on the same period last year and a record number of cruise ships also visited the country, some 139 with 312,000 passengers.  Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand will open an Embassy in Dublin, Ireland and a High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is working on more air agreements to enhance connections.New Zealand and Ireland enjoy a very warm relationship which is underpinned by our shared values. We work closely together on issues such as climate change, disarmament, and human rights, and are also both members of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative, said McCully.Having an embassy in Dublin will enable us to build on and strengthen this relationship. Ireland is an important member of the European Union, so the Embassy will also support New Zealands interests in Europe, including as they relate to the negotiation of a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, he explained.He added that the New Zealand Government has committed $4.8 million in capital funding to establish the Embassy and a further $9.1 million to cover operating costs over the next four years.McCully also explained that he wants to strengthen the relationship with Sri Lanka. It is a growing economy, has a major dairy market and has expressed its interest in learning further about farming from New Zealand. Sri Lanka offers increasing value and diversity to our exporters, and is a trade gateway to a fast growing part of Asia, he added.New Zealand has also enhanced its air service agreement with China by 20%, which means that New Zealand and Chinese airlines can now operate 59 passenger services per week.Weve seen strong growth with visitors from China and we expect this to continue. China is our second largest source of visitors after Australia, so its important that we have the appropriate agreements in place to support this, said Transport Minister Simon Bridges.The amendment will also allow additional airlines to enter the market, ensuring a competitive environment that will benefit New Zealand and Chinese travellers. Officials also have the opportunity to further expand the agreement later this year if certain conditions are met, he pointed out.Chinese airlines can now operate between airports in New Zealand during the course of their international service, allowing airports that do not receive flights by Chinese airlines the opportunity to do so. We will continue to work towards an open skies agreement with China, he added.Five Chinese airlines currently operate to New Zealand and a sixth, Sichuan Airlines, will enter the market in June and Bridges explained that New Zealand now has 61 air service agreements with countries and territories with a further 20 awaiting signature.
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More than 40 Texas companies, including at least six from San Antonio, are vying for a piece of the multibillion-dollar contract to build the Trump administrations promised Mexican border wall.

RS1 Holdings Inc. is hoping its Eagle talon wall earns some patriotic points when the Homeland Security Department narrows the field of vendors from the more than 225 companies that submitted bids or expressed interest in the project by Tuesdays deadline.

San Antonio-based Zachry Federal Construction Corp., a federal contractor thats worked for homeland security, is on the list, as is engineering construction firm Raba Kistner, Inc.

There also are smaller local firms like CP2C3 LLC, which two business databases show has fewer than 10 employees.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an agency within homeland security, solicited bids for the first phase of a prototype wall last month that it told potential contractors the wall should be 30 feet tall, aesthetically pleasing on the U.S. side, and resistant to climbing, tunneling under or powering through with heavy machinery, according to the formal request for proposal.

The agency will narrow the list to as many as 20 companies that will be invited to submit more detailed proposals for the actual prototype and wall. While CBP did not immediately respond to questions about the costs or whether existing fencing would be replaced, the agency has set aside up to $300 million for the prototypes, which will be built and tested in San Diego, Calif., according to the contract.

This is a big job, and so theres a chance to make some money, said Steven Schultz, president of the San Antonio chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. Thats what its all about.

Michael Evangelista-Ysasaga of the Fort Worth-based Penna Group, said hes received death threats since his company submitted its bid. He attributes it to being a Latino building a wall to keep out other Latinos.

Probably the most disturbing one is someone who said they had hired a private investigator to follow me around and actually recited my day back to me, where I had been, he said.

He said he decided to bid on the wall after hearing talk of more lethal options such as electric fences or razor wire.

There could have been other projects that made us more money and I wouldnt catch death threats, he said.

Since the wall was going to be built regardless of what he did, Evangelista-Ysasaga said he wanted to be a reasonable voice at that table.

The cost of the wall is open for debate, with estimates ranging from a low of $12 billion by the Trump administration to as much as $38 billion by MIT.

Opponents also say the wall will damage relations with Mexico and hurt retail, tourism and other businesses that have thrived in border communities and San Antonio.

News reports have questioned whether a contractor would be able to find enough laborers to build the structure. Theres also been question of whether some of the bigger construction firms arent bidding for fear the politics of it will cost them future business.

Several bidders shrugged off the controversy, saying they saw an opportunity to score a big federal job, felt they could do it well and would maybe do something positive for their country.

I dont think that designing a functional wall needs to get political, said Robert Ober, chairman of RS1, the San Antonio company that submitted a design its calling the talon wall because it looks like the claw of a bald Eagle.

The talon wall is a modular concept that would allow precast sections to be transported and erected along the border. Its a concave shape that curves back on the north-facing side.

At 30 feet and cantilevering overhead, scaling would be ridiculously difficult, the company said in a news release. The concept employs generally accepted and normally practiced precast and prestress methodology, that affords the construction of the Talon Wall on a rapid-scheduled, on-site flow, installing several hundred feet per daylight work shift.

Speed will be important. According to the bid specifications, the winning contractor shall be prepared to mobilize within one (1) week of contract award, and should be prepared to complete the prototypes within 30 days.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly revealed some details to a Senate panel Wednesday, saying the wall wont likely span all 1,989 miles. Its unlikely we will build a wall, a physical barrier, from sea to shining sea, he said.

Ober said his companys proposal requires minimal local labor since portions of it can be precast and transported to the border and assembled there.

James Carpenter, owner of Quantum Logistics in the border town of Mission, said that as a veteran and border resident who knows both the terrain and the threat posed by smugglers, it was his patriotic duty to offer up his skill and knowledge.

His proposal highlights the integral roles the company has played in the supervision of both concrete and non-concrete barrier productions throughout the world, to include Iraq and Afghanistan.

Im in the business of keeping bad people away from good people and the good people safe from bad people, he said.

Carpenter said his company would aim to keep labor local and ensure the structure will stand against those whod want to breach it.

I see this as an economical boost, he said. But theres also that were going to be cutting off the financial livelihood, or at least attempting to cut off the financial livelihood of some major and very wealthy criminal elements.  Were going to cut off supply, and theyre not going to be very happy with that.

Evangelista-Ysasaga of Penna Group said his companys track record as a federal contractor, including recently completing a bridge for the Interior Department, should give it an edge.

Were talking about a remote piece of construction, epic construction, the biggest project on the planet, the biggest project since the Chinese built their wall, he said. We know how get the legal laborers on board. We work all around the country.

lbrezosky@express-news.net
Texas drivers living in minority areas generally are charged more for auto insurance than are people with similar risk profiles who live in Anglo neighborhoods  despite laws that ban discriminatory rate setting, a new study of car insurance pricing shows.

ProPublica and Consumer Reports released a report Wednesday that shows insurers, including Allstate, Geico and Liberty Mutual, were charging premiums that were in some cases an average of 30 percent higher in ZIP codes with mostly minority residents than in Anglo neighborhoods in Texas and three other states.

This disparity may amount to a subtler form of redlining, a term that traditionally refers to denial of services or products to minority areas, the report stated.

Its the first time insurance claims have been used to measure racial disparities in car insurance premiums across states. The analysis examined more than 100,000 premiums charged for liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damages, in Texas, California, Illinois and Missouri. It then compared rates between ZIP codes that had similar risk profiles, measured by their average claims.

The study found significant gaps between the premiums charged in minority and non-minority neighborhoods for drivers with identical driving records, credit scores and accident histories.

In San Antonio, drivers living in ZIP code 78214 on the South Side thats predominately Hispanic were charged an average annual rate of $603 for basic liability coverage, the data show.

By comparison, drivers living in the Texas community of Seagraves  where the risk is comparable but the drivers are mostly Anglo  were charged an average of $482 a year among the 18 insurers surveyed. Thats a 25 percent premium for the same coverage for drivers in ZIP codes with the same risk profiles.

At least half of the insurers examined in Texas charged higher premiums for a safe driver with good credit in high-risk minority communities than in non-minority communities with the same risk profile.

Jerry Hagins, spokesman for the Texas Department of Insurance, said there was a time when race was used in establishing insurance rates, but a lot has been done to eradicate that.

Its very complicated to isolate the effect of individual factors that affect premiums, Hagins said in response to the report. We do look at every auto insurance rate that is filed and we make sure that they meet statutory requirements, that theyre not excessive or unfairly discriminatory.

If there are any geographic differences in pricing, they have to be based on sound actuarial principles. Our state law here in Texas strictly prohibits any type of pricing based on race.

The insurance industry and some regulators have questioned the methodology. James Lynch, chief actuary for the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group representing insurers, called the study flawed.

Insurance companies  do no take into account the race of the person, Lynch said in an interview. They take into account the driving characteristics and the risks that that person presents. Regardless of race, the riskier person will pay more and the less risky person will pay less.

Lynch added, What ProPublica has done is theyve tried to take the main way that drivers can differ from neighborhood to neighborhood and theyve tried to say the only reason that rates can vary from area to area is because of race, and thats just wrong.

He added the study reached an incendiary conclusion.

The report noted the California Department of Insurance also took issue with how the study was done.

The studys flawed methodology results in a flawed conclusion that some insurers discriminate in setting rates, the agency told ProPublica.

To equalize driver-related variables such as age and accident history, the study was limited to one type of customer: a 30-year-old female teacher with no accidents or moving violations.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

ProPublica filed public record requests in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, seeking data on claims payouts, but only the four states provided the data.

In Illinois, 33 of 34 companies analyzed charged at least 10 percent more, on average, for the same driver in minority ZIP codes than in comparably risky white ZIP codes, the report said. The exception was San Antonio-based USAAs Garrison Property & Casualty subsidiary, which charged 9 percent more.

USAA provides insurance for our members where they live at a rate that reflects their risks, company spokesman Roger Wildermuth said in an email. Many of our members live near military installations, and fewer tend to live in designated underserved areas.

State laws allow insurers to give some consideration to how insurance losses occur in different areas and how costly those losses tend to be, he said.

As a result, some areas may have slightly higher rates due to factors such as congestion that leads to more accidents, or higher crime rates that lead to higher auto thefts, Wildermuth added.

The report also cited Texas consumer advocate Birny Birbaum, who 20 years ago used state insurance data to show USAA, State Farm, Safeco, Nationwide and Farm Bureau were among the worst redliners in the state because they had much smaller market share in minority neighborhoods than in other neighborhoods.

Birnbaum, director of the Center for Economic Justice, has called for state insurance commissions to collect and release data that can be used for analysis of redlining and other issues, the report added. He couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

Regulators are no better equipped to analyze or address these problems than they were 20 or 30 years ago, he told ProPublica. If you cant even monitor the market or identify the problem, youre certainly not going to be in a position to address the problem.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
Winds of revolution had been blowing for decades before Texas permanently secured independence as a republic on the frontier in 1836.

All of the social and political issues of the day, including taxation, religion and the right to bear arms were at play, as well as disagreement over the type of government that should prevail.

Spain and France were in a struggle to dominate territories west of the U.S. colonies that had broken away from England. Some who settled in this New World wanted to remain loyal to a king. Others desired a strong central government. Many wanted a decentralized republic with equal representation by state or province.

By the early 1800s, there were a number of crisis points in the Spanish borderlands that were vulnerable to invasions, known as filibusters, by armed, lawless groups that would destabilize the local government structures, historian Felix D. Almaraz Jr. wrote in a 2013 booklet, Battle of Medina 1813, published by the History Shop in coordination with the Bexar County Spanish Archives.

Once the interloping adventurers entered the neighboring territory, they lived off the land by acts of aggression, occasionally recruiting disgruntled native inhabitants to serve as guides and gunfighters, while retaining the invading groups external character as a filibustering expedition, Almaraz wrote.

Against the backdrop of unrest in Europe and the New World, and 10 years after the Louisiana Purchase, Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara and Augustus William Magee led an expedition into Texas with U.S. backing in 1812. They adopted an emerald green banner and formed a rebel force known as the Republican Army of the North.

On the morning of March 29, 1813, the rebels, with up to 900 men, were ambushed by up to 1,500 Spanish royalists on a prairie near the confluence of the Rosillo and Salado creeks, on what today is San Antonios Southeast Side. After less than an hour of bloody fighting, the Spanish lost up to 330 men, compared with only six on the rebel side. This conflict, known as the Battle of Rosillo, resulted in the capture of San Antonio and establishment of the first independent Texas republic  one that would only last about four months.

A few days later, after Spanish officials agreed to terms of a surrender, 14 prisoners, including Texas governor Manuel Maria de Salcedo, were escorted out of Bejar and brutally executed near the site of the Battle of Rosillo. On April 6, 1813, a declaration of independence shaking off the yoke of European domination was adopted, calling for a republican form of government and a constitution, according to historian Robert H. Thonhoff. Gutierrez served as president in headquarters near todays San Fernando Cathedral.

But the brutality of the campaign had angered many officers. They took furloughs, and some headed home, only to be replaced by spirited but inexperienced recruits.

With American leaders gone, discipline declined, while the armys strength shot up to over 1,500 men, mostly new recruits. Discord was rampant, Thonhoff wrote in Battle of Medina 1813.

That short-lived republic was snuffed out on a hot afternoon on Aug. 18, 1813. The Spanish Royal Army, which had marched from Laredo, crushed the rebels in the four-hour Battle of Medina  the deadliest battle ever fought on Texas soil, somewhere south of San Antonio. Corpses of about 1,000 rebels were left to rot until their skeletal remains were moved and buried in 1822.

Others who had aided the revolution fled to Louisiana, as the Spanish royalists occupied San Antonio for weeks after the battle, executing hundreds of men and badly treating the women and children.

According to author and history professor Paul Spellman, six participants of the Battle of Rosillo quit the rebel army and began to head out of Texas, escaping the wrath of the Spaniards. One of the six, Martin Allen, lost his father, brother and a nephew at the Battle of Medina. But Allen and the five other veterans of the 1813 revolt would return to Texas as part of Stephen F. Austins Old 300 colony in East Texas, after Mexican rule began in 1821.

Ten years later, all six were living in Texas. When Austin began to establish land grants for his colony, these six joined up, Spellman said.

The legacy of the 1812-1813 revolution also would extend to Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who served as a young lieutenant in the Battle of Medina and would go on to become a major figure in history. In his official report, Spanish Gen. Joaquin de Arredondo would mention "Don Antonio Santa Anna" as one of three men who "conducted themselves with great bravery" in the 1813 battle.

That young lieutenant, known commonly today as Santa Anna, would later serve as the Mexican president and generalissimo famous for ordering a predawn assault on the Alamo on March 6, 1836. Historians have speculated that Arredondos take-no-prisoners approach to warfare shaped the personality of a young Santa Anna, who later declared himself the Napoleon of the West.

San Antonio would again emerge as a focal point for revolution in 1832, when the local city council, or ayuntamiento, issued a petition that sought to peacefully improve relations with the Mexican government. The petition, known as the Bexar Remonstrance, called for better representation in government, stronger protection from hostile invaders and access for American immigrants wanting to settle in Texas. Austin credited San Antonio leaders with taking a bold stand for Texas in very energetic terms, and wrote that the document would be of great use to Texas for it recapitulates all our grievances and the violation of the Constitution of Mexico.

But the situation only worsened. In 1835, Santa Anna, in power as president of Mexico, revoked the Constitution of 1824 in a bid to remove federalist policies and consolidate his power.

The second war for Texas independence began on Oct. 2, 1835, near Gonzales, where a small group of rebels fired a cannon and raised a flag, daring Mexican forces to Come and Take It. Another battle on Oct. 28, 1835, near Mission Concepcion, returned the geographic focus of the revolution to San Antonio. One Texian and at least 14 Mexicans died in the Battle of Concepcion, which began a lengthy siege in the town.

As winter approached, the Texians considered withdrawing to Goliad while San Antonio remained until Mexican control. The capture of a Mexican officer who spoke of low morale on his side is said to have inspired Col. Benjamin Milam to call out, Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?

Milam was killed in the ensuing Dec. 5-9 Battle of Bejar. But Mexican Gen. Martin Perfecto de Cos signed a surrender that called for withdrawal of his troops. The Texians took control of the Alamo on Dec. 11, 1835, known as San Antonio Day.

Santa Anna quickly marched his army up from the south and across the Rio Grande, despite a harsh winter and a significant snowfall to the west. The armys arrival in San Antonio on Feb. 23, 1836, began a 13-day siege at the Alamo as delegates from across Texas gathered to the east to draft a new declaration of independence.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
For nearly 20 years, Kathy and Bill Friend have served as temporary foster parents to babies born with illegal drugs in their bodies, nurturing their vulnerable wards until they could either be successfully reunited with parents, placed with relatives or adopted.

The parents of two biological children, the couple welcome the babies into their home as a way to give back to the community.

Of course, it would be wonderful if one day our services were no longer needed, Kathy said on a recent afternoon, nuzzling a chubby, five-month-old boy who had been removed from his mother at birth when a test showed shed recently used drugs.

The Friends are old hands at foster care in Texas, a system that a federal judge declared in 2015 was broken, after the state lost a class-action lawsuit that charged its treatment of kids in permanent foster care was so bad it violated their constitutional rights.

But the current set-up stands to change dramatically in the near future if several bills in the Texas Legislature designed to improve the beleaguered Texas Department of Family and Protective Services are signed into law by the governor.

One high-profile bill would serve to further privatize the already highly privatized foster care system by removing Child Protective Services, which operates under DFPS , from virtually all functions, apart from conducting initial investigations into allegations of child maltreatment and facilitating the removal of children from dangerous home situations.

Under a new community-based care system, the case management of foster care children, as well as children placed with relatives, would be transferred to groups in the community, mostly private child-placing agencies that already handle 90 percent of the care and placement of children removed from biological parents by the state. Instead of CPS caseworkers, staff at these typically nonprofit organizations would oversee care and services to foster children, find placements for them, work with foster families and birth families, recommend actions to judges and ensure kids stay safe  work they largely already do.

The Senate bill and a companion House bill aim to reduce redundancy in the system as it also addresses a shortage of CPS caseworkers and high turnover rate in the perpetually stressed state agency. Under the new model, main single contractors in different regions or catchment areas of the state would act as the overseer of the private program, subcontracting with other vendors, such as foster families, group homes and shelters.

Those who work at child-placing agencies laud the proposal.

This is the first time weve seen so much momentum at the state level, said Annette Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Childrens Shelter in San Antonio. Giving nonprofits the opportunity to contract with the state to localize those services is a wonderful thing. We know these children, we know what their needs are.

Currently, she said, the state contracts with more than 300 entities across Texas to provide foster care, a cookie cutter system that doesnt address local needs and strengths. . This gives more local control, she said.

Help for kinship families

Another high-profile bill before the Senate and House would allow family members who take in abused or neglected child relatives  so-called kinship placements  to be eligible for increased state funding. Right now, such families receive a one-time payment of $1,000 and an annual stipend of $500, for up to three years after theyre made the childs permanent conservator. The bill would pay caregivers about $6,200 per child annually to families that live below the federal poverty line, which is about $24,600 for a family of four. More affluent families could also receive monthly financial help, depending on their household income.

In Bexar County last year, 1,910 children were removed from parents because of abuse or neglect, and more than 4,800 where in state custody. About half of children removed go into kinship placements, according to state data. Bexar County has seen a big push in recent years to place children with relatives, because studies show they tend to do better than in foster homes.

Daisy Rangel is typical of the sort of family caregiver who would benefit from increased financial support. .Last October, she took in a young male cousin whod been removed from his mother because of abuse and neglect. Despite the fact she and her husband already had four biological children  ages 6, 9, 10 and 13  she welcomed the boy, Aaron, with open arms because hes family.

Aaron, now 7, had been in the foster care system since 2014, Rangel said, during which time he bounced around several foster homes and lived in a shelter for a year and-a-half. When he finally got to her home, he was so accustomed to enduring unassuaged hunger that he took to hoarding food, hiding it under his bed.

Rangel is a Mary Kay consultant; her husband is an installation technician for AT&T. Together they earn a comfortable living, but the costs associated with the boys care has put a stress on the household. Aaron arrived with literally nothing but the clothes on his back. Medicaid pays for his medical care, and Rangel shops in thrift stores, but adding one more child to an already large household proved challenging, she said.

Luckily, she took it upon herself to complete more than 60 hours of online courses to become a state-licensed foster parent, enabling her to receive another $400 a month, apart from the $1,000 and one-time stipend. If House Bill 4 passes, all kinship placement caregivers would automatically receive the enhanced monthly financial support from the state.

Wary of further privatization

Not everyone is fully on board with almost completely privatizing foster care in Texas. Kate E. Murphy of Texans Care for Children, for one, said such a move needs to be fully funded or it wont work.

We need to be thoughtful and make sure communities can really do this, she said, noting that some regions dont have the kind of infrastructure that would enable them to fully privatize management of foster children from the get-go.

In December, the House and Senate approved more than $150 million in emergency funds to hire more CPS staff and gave $12,000 annual pay increases to some workers. Last week, the Senate approved a $217.7 billion two-year budget that added $430 million to CPS, including money to continue the pay raises and to address foster care problems.

Others worry about accountability in a system in which the state has largely been removed from oversight.

Madeline McClure, executive director of Dallas-based TexProtects, said shes concerned the financial interests of the main contractor or its subcontractors could eclipse the best interests of the child.

Im worried we wont have an objective third party laying eyes on the child, she said. Yes, 99 percent of (child-placing agencies) will do right for that child, but what about the one to two percent that are bad actors?

Legislators say they have written safeguards into the bills that aim to deal with potential conflicts of interest between vendors and the children they care for, including stringent oversight protocols for the providers, as well as rules that ensure judges continue to play a leading role in what happens to children in foster or kinship care.

If signed into law, the privatization effort could roll out in four regions of the state over the next two years.

With anything new, there will be glitches here or there, said Friend, who along with Childrens Shelter Rodriguez, was scheduled to testify in favor of the privatization model before a House committee earlier this week. But Im very hopeful this is going to work.

mstoeltje@expess-news.net
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The only bus passenger to live through last weeks horrific crash in Uvalde County has been transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in New Braunfels, officials said Wednesday.

Rose Mary Harris, 64, was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center in critical condition March 29 after the small bus she was in was involved in a crash near Garner State Park that killed the 13 other people on board.

She was transferred to New Braunfels Regional Rehabilitation Hospital on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the rehabilitation hospital. She is in good condition, officials said.

Her vital signs are stable and within normal limits, and she is conscious and comfortable, reads the statement, issued by Lizbeth Chapa, director of marketing and business development for the hospital.

Ms. Harris and her family appreciate the communitys love, support and concern for her well-being, but at this time, they would like to focus fully on her recovery, the statement continued. They ask that you please allow her privacy during her rehabilitation process.

Harris was traveling with a group of choir members from the First Baptist Church in New Braunfels, headed home from a retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Camp and Conference Center in Leakey, about 40 miles north of Uvalde, when the wreck occurred.

A 2004 white Dodge dually pickup that crossed the center line of U.S. 83 hit the groups minibus head-on, killing the bus driver and 12 of the 13 passengers.

The driver of the pickup, Jack D. Young, was released from University Hospital, also on Tuesday, said Sgt. Johnny Hernandez of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Young, 20, does not currently face any charges, although the crash remains under investigation, Hernandez said.

After the crash, Youngs father said he would have no comment, and the family home in Leakey has a new no trespassing sign. A woman who came and left the house Wednesday declined to identify herself, saying, We have no comment. Please leave us alone.

kbradshaw@mysa.com

Staff Writer Zeke MacCormack contributed to this report.
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The mayoral forum that unfurled Wednesday night included pushy questions from a local GOP operative, heckling from the crowd and faith-based inquiries, bifurcated by an interlude that featured an unsuccessful auction of memorabilia from President Donald Trumps inauguration.

The 50 or so attendees who gathered in the cavernous local firefighters union hall along Interstate 10 were actually treated to two forums that at times seemed more like lectures from the moderators than a debate. Wednesdays forum featured Mayor Ivy Taylor, Bexar County Democratic Party Chairman Manuel Medina, District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg and Kevin Roles, who owns a company that provides paramedic training.

In the first half, Mike Bigley, from the Republican Club of Bexar County, didnt ease into things. His first question, in which he demanded an answer of simply support or reject, queried whether the candidates supported or rejected so-called sanctuary cities and immediately moved into their stances on renewing City Manager Sheryl Sculleys contract when it expires in December 2018.

Knowing the hot-button nature of the Sculley question, Taylor hesitated before supporting the idea. Nirenberg said he did, assuming Sculleys performance stays strong. Medina and Roles rejected the idea.

Moments later, Bigley asked the candidates to describe the weaknesses of their opponents on stage.

Roles, who typically isnt included in mayoral forums, suggested the answer was simple.

Theyre not me  thats going to be the weakness, he said. I bring common sense to the table.

Nirenberg said that while he respects the work Roles does in paramedic training, in order to serve this city as mayor, you need to have public service experience  like serving on the City Council.

The councilman pointed out that Medina is focused on some wild promises that he cant deliver on and that the council has backslid on ethics under Taylors tenure.

Taylor left Roles alone, noting she didnt know him, but accused Medina and Nirenberg of being driven by their own political ambition.

Medina said Roles is a great guy, whom hed vote for if he werent running, and accused Taylor and Nirenberg of thinking that Sculley is their boss, instead of the other way around.

After a few other questions, the candidates were allowed to follow up on their positions, including on sanctuary cities. Initially relegated to a single-word answer, Roles had rejected them, as had Taylor, while Nirenberg refused to give a single-word answer. Medina opted for both support and reject.

Given the chance to elaborate, Taylor said theres no reason to use the term sanctuary city because it doesnt have an actual definition and using it only jeopardizes state and federal funding. Nirenberg noted federal immigration officers play a different role from local police officers, who are charged with protecting the community. To continue to be able to serve and protect, Nirenberg said, local officers need not conduct immigration enforcement.

Roles rejects the issue.

He then suggested some connection to homeless people at Haven for Hope being bused in from all over and that its impacted crime in San Antonio.

Medina explained that he supports being a sanctuary city for good people and deporting bad people and that hed deport the bad people himself.

But, he said, its a waste of time chasing ghosts.

After Bigley concluded his questioning, the forum broke for about 15 minutes, during which time an auctioneer attempted to sell Trump inauguration memorabilia. There was little interest in either a hat or T-shirt.

The second portion, led by Mike Berlanga of the Christian Business Chamber of Commerce, began with the question: Do you identify yourself as a Christian?

All four answered that they did. After a bit of discussion about where they attend church and how theyre guided by faith, the candidates were questioned about their support for the $850 million bond proposal, the vast majority of which would fund basic infrastructure project from streets and sidewalks to drainage. But a handful of controversial projects such as the Hardberger Park land bridge have infuriated some voters.

Roles and Medina roundly rejected the proposed bond program, which will also be on the May 6 ballot. Nirenberg supported it. Taylor was booed as she explained her support. But she didnt back down.

I dont care if you boo, she said, her voice rising. This bond is an opportunity for our community to make much-needed infrastructure improvements that will improve the quality of life for our community.

jbaugh@express-news.net
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A jury in the federal wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the family of Marquise Jones sided Thursday with San Antonio Police Officer Robert Encina and the city after three hours of deliberation.

No damages will be awarded to the family, though the family has maintained that the case was not about money but about getting justice for Jones.

We have to go back to the drawing board and see what were going to do, but its far from over, said Daryl Washington, an attorney for the Jones family. Its definitely not over.

Encina fatally shot Jones, 23, in the back Feb. 28, 2014, at the Chachos and Chaluccis restaurant on Perrin Beitel Road. The jury considered whether Encina used excessive force; Encina maintained that he fired because Jones was carrying a gun and Encina feared for his life and for those around him.

Were always sorry that anyone loses a family member, said Mark Ralls, an attorney for Encina, as he left the courthouse. Its unfortunate that it was his actions that caused this.

Encina, wearing sunglasses, a yellow dress shirt and a blazer, smiled as he walked out of the federal courthouse after the verdict was read. He refused to comment.

Several hours after the verdict was read, Jones family  all dressed in black T-shirts that read I Am Marquise Jones  gathered on the steps of the federal courthouse to remember Jones, a recent father who hoped to pursue a career in music at Northwest Vista College. Around 13 supporters of the family gathered on the steps as well with a black banner that read Arrest Robert Encina.

Today is a very hard day for me, said Cheryl Jones, Jones mother, through tears. They made him into someone who was not perfect, but to me, he was perfect.

I know my son didnt pull a gun on that officer, Jones added. God was there that night. He sees everything.

Earlier in the day, Marquise Jones aunt Debbie Bush said the family was angry, disappointed and hurt.

Its another slap in the face by the city of San Antonio and Robert Encina, Bush said. Its like reliving that night all over again. To get a call from my sister, and shes wailing, it sounds just like the night that I got the call.

Washington said he would be reviewing trial records and considering what actions to take next.

Around a month ago, Chachos and Chaluccis, which previously settled with the family, was again made a defendant in the lawsuit for allegedly refusing to hand over indoor surveillance video from the night of the shooting. That portion of the lawsuit could still be tried separately, although it is unlikely, officials said.

In a previous statement, a lawyer for the restaurant said the allegations were without merit.

In a statement, City Manager Sheryl Sculley said the city agrees with the jurys verdict but that she recognizes that there is never any victory in a fatal shooting.

Our condolences continue to be extended to the family of Marquise Jones on the loss of a loved one, Sculley said. The mayor, City Council, city staff and the San Antonio Police Department will continue on the path toward building stronger relationships with the communities we serve. Only through a partnership with the community can we achieve a safe and trusting environment for all.

Mike Lowe, a community activist and friend of the Jones family, said it will be interesting to see how the citys African-American community reacts to the verdict.

The community says unfortunately he deserved it  although he didnt deserve it, said Lowe, who founded SATX4, an organization similar to Black Lives Matter. It wasnt like he was a perfect individual.  Ive heard it said to me that you have to look at his past. I say it doesnt matter if hes an angel or a saint. We lost a young black man.

Jones was on probation when he was killed. He had been arrested several times on charges of theft and drug possession and once on an assault charge. The federal jury of four men and four women was allowed to review evidence and hear testimony about Jones past, including that he was using cocaine when he ran from the scene of a fender bender in the Chachos parking lot.

Taj Matthews, a community activist who is on the Mayors Council on Police-Community Relations, said it is frustrating that city leadership has not publicly supported Jones family.

There are people in authority who could have spoken out but did not. They are politicians that are playing politics, Matthews said. We had people in leadership who look just like us who are not doing anything.

Matthews declined to identify anyone by name.

Jones was in the front passenger seat of a car involved in the minor accident in the drive-thru lane of the restaurant, where Encina, dressed in his police uniform, was working off-duty as a security guard. Jones ran from the car and was shot in the back after Encina said Jones turned around with a gun in his hand.

Seven eyewitnesses testified during the trial: Three, including Jones sister and friend, said Jones didnt have a gun; two said they didnt see Jones with a gun; and another two said Jones did have a gun.

One of the witnesses who said Jones had a gun initially said he didnt but changed her story during a deposition.

SAPDs internal investigation of the shooting found that Encina was justified in using force. A grand jury declined to indict him on any criminal charge.
A San Antonio law firms case runner has been sentenced to four years in prison for swindling personal-injury clients out of of settlement money, trying to evade $1.6 million in taxes and hiding $429,000 in assets in his bankruptcy.

A lawyer, meanwhile, got five years of probation for enabling the fraud by case runner Elpidio Pete Gongora by letting him use his law license. Gongora is not an attorney.

Prosecutors argued the lawyer, Ronald Higgins, 54, was less culpable in the fraud, which involved a series of thefts taken from proceeds collected as lawsuit settlements or from what should have gone to doctors and therapists who treated the plaintiffs involved.

Besides handing down the sentences Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ordered Gongora to pay $3.49 million in restitution, and Higgins to pay $1.49 million.

Gongora, 47, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, tax evasion and bankruptcy fraud.

He admitted conspiring with Higgins and two others, bookkeeper Rosa Ramirez, 48, and one of her relatives, Juan Rodriguez, 47. Gongoras co-defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and Ramirez and Rodriguez are to be sentenced in June.

According to court documents, from 2009 through early 2015, Gongora operated the law offices of Higgins, who exercised a complete and total lack of oversight and, after learning about the fraud in its waning periods, told Gongora to pay the clients but did not report it to the feds. Two other lawyers who were part of the office were kept in the dark about the fraud, the documents say.

Gongoras lawyer, Scott McCrum, has said Gongora had agreements with the lawyers to find clients for them since about 2003. Business was brisk, McCrum said, but things went downhill in the wake of Texas tort reforms, changes to the law that let insurance companies deny more claims.

The FBI and IRS criminal investigators said Gongora lived large while the scheme was peaking, moving from a $550,000 house on the far West Side to an $850,000 home in the exclusive Dominion subdivision. He also bought a $600,000 house in Aransas Pass, on the Texas coast.

Gongora also acquired a $118,000 Ferrari, a $185,000 Lamborghini, a $28,000 Mercedes-Benz and an $85,000 boat and trailer.

He even spent $26,000 on his daughters quinceanera at The Club at Sonterra but disguised the expense as an immigration seminar/workshop. Even as he went through bankruptcy proceedings in 2013 and 2014, he dropped more than $28,650 on Spurs tickets.

Gongora admitted that he and his wife reported substantial amounts of income on their tax returns between 2003 to 2013 but that Gongora failed to pay his full tax obligations. The IRS said Gongora now owes around $2 million, which is included in the $3.49 million total restitution he must pay.

Gongora and his wife filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013, and last year he admitted he did not disclose assets that included a 33-foot Chris Craft cabin cruiser, a 29-foot 2005 Seaswirl boat, a 2005 Ford F-150 truck, real estate in San Antonio and the Aransas Pass house.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland
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Noah Zavala was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, has battled through two open heart surgeries and will need a heart transplant at some point in his life. After months of being in the hospital, Noah lost his ability to swallow and was so weak he couldnt hold his head up.

But after receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy, 1-year-old Noah eats pureed baby food on his own and no longer needs a feeding tube. He has learned to say mama and babbles happily. Hes able to sit on his own and is learning how to crawl.

He can now turn the pages of the book and push a button so his toys can make noises, said Jennifer Zavala, Noahs mom. What parents take for granted in these baby milestones, for us its a huge deal.

Now, Zavala is concerned that this years legislative session may not restore cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates for therapists who serve disabled children. As the House works on a plan that would partly reverse the controversial cuts, implemented in December, the Senate will not back down on the lowered therapy rates, adding yet another fight between budget writers during the legislative session.

(With therapy cuts) we project a $200,000 loss of revenue this fiscal year. We are just able to keep our heads above the water, said Linda Tapia, CEO of Easter Seals, one of the three Early Childhood Intervention therapy providers in San Antonio. This is going to increase special education services in school districts. They will take on the costs to staff enough teachers and gather enough therapists because kids did not receive (therapy) as toddlers.

Tapia said her agency, which serves children such as Noah with developmental delays, already is providing services to 151 children more than the 1,308 they are contracted by Texas to serve.

The budget approved in 2015 directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to achieve savings in therapy services under Medicaid by cutting $150 million in state funds and $200 million in federal funds. But the agency was prevented from implementing the cuts until Dec. 15, more than a year after lawmakers approved them, because a group of home health providers and parents sued to stop the cuts, which they said would affect as many as 60,000 children statewide.

House Bill 1, the House budget for the next biennium, would appropriate $118.9 million to help restore that funding for 2018-19, both state and federal, for therapy rate adjustments.

House Bill 2, the supplemental appropriations bill, would provide $21.5 million to offset the cuts made in December.

The House budget and the supplemental bill passed the House Appropriations Committee last week and are scheduled to be debated by the full chamber today.

The Senate, however, has taken no steps in their two-year budget proposal to increase rates for medical providers, nor does it fund any other special program to mitigate the impact of last sessions cost containment section.

State Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, a member of the Senate Finance committee, said addressing therapy rate cuts is important to rural areas of his district that are historically underserved by providers.

While the Senate has yet to consider restoring the cuts, the House has made (it) part of their supplemental budget bill, he said in a statement. I look forward to making the case for why we need to undo these cuts and preserve the access that we originally required for the sake of our disabled children.

Stephanie Rubin, CEO of advocacy group Texans Care for Children, said numerous families have already testified in House and Senate hearings over many hours about the loss of therapy services or gaps because state budget cuts forced their childrens therapists to cut back or go out of business.

The impacts are real and felt all over the state with signs that families in rural areas may be suffering the most, she said. Unless the Legislature restores funding for therapies, more kids will be left without the support they need to thrive and be ready for school.

Rubin said Early Childhood Intervention is affected on two fronts: the Medicaid cuts for childrens therapies, since ECI provides it exclusively to toddlers younger than 3; and the fact that no budget is funding a $19 million appropriations request from the commission to cover expected ECI enrollment growth.

State legislators have cut funding for the intervention program by 11 percent in the past seven years, according to a report by Rubins group. The number of organizations contracting has declined from 58 in 2010 to 47 today, the study said.

Tapia, the CEO of Easter Seals, said they have cut mileage reimbursement rates for therapists, frozen salaries and cut supply budgets to an absolute minimum.

The biggest problem is a lack of ECI funding, she said. The Medicaid cuts are an additional burden.

elutz@express-news.net
Running for mayor as a populist, Manuel Medina has advocated a $15 minimum wage for municipal workers.

He could start with the homeless people he uses for his campaign.

A wealthy resident of The Dominion, Medina apparently has found the local homeless population politically useful. Some he has paid a few dollars to wear his campaign T-shirt, according to Aline Alonzo, who works with homeless ministries.

On separate occasions, two homeless men told Alonzo that Medina himself had given them a campaign shirt, the ministry worker said. One of the men came to her downtown ministry wearing one.

He said (Medina) had given him $10 and told him to wear his shirt, said Alonzo, 49, who asked to be identified by her middle and maiden name. This gentleman told me hes been handing them out to the homeless.

Reached late Wednesday, Medina denied this.

Why would you say that? he said after a long pause. The answer is no. The answer is 100 percent no.

Alonzo asserted the opposite.

Hes exploiting the homeless, she said. Hes giving them a few dollars, which is really just feeding their drug and alcohol habits, and making them human billboards  They think hes a great and wonderful man because he gave them $10 to go buy liquor. If he really wants to help them, he should pay them minimum wage for the day, at least, to wear his shirt.

These days, Rodney Kidd is working for Medinas campaign for nothing.

I help Manuel, said Kidd, 45, who said he became homeless about a year ago.

I encountered Kidd downtown on Wednesday about 30 minutes after speaking with Alonzo. Looking for homeless Medina adherents, I found him walking near Main Plaza wearing an Elect Manuel Medina T-shirt.

Kidd said Medina paid him last year for digital marketing and messaging, although now he is volunteering for the campaign: Once my scope of work is completed, I fully expect to be hired by the campaign to deliver some more tech.

(After our conversation, he said he had to rush off to fix a printer at Medinas campaign headquarters.)

Kidd has stayed at Prospects Courtyard, a section of the downtown homeless campus Haven for Hope that offers food and shelter to the chronically homeless.

Im technically still somewhat there, Kidd said. I lost my apartment, my car dealing with my sister and lies  My fiancee went back to Nebraska with our baby. My sister created a whole smokescreen that created a lot of problems. At that point, where do you go? You have nothing.

On Monday, Kidd joined Medina at a campaign protest against me on the front steps of the San Antonio Express-News. The candidate had issued a press release summoning media outlets to the raucous demonstration.

With a scrum of supporters shouting racist! and calling for my termination, Medina railed against a column that questioned whether he has lived continuously in Texas for the past 24 years  as Medina has claimed on his ballot application and on the campaign trail.

Wearing a blue Elect Manuel Medina cap, Kidd stood behind Medina, shooting video on an iPhone and shouting USA! USA! as the candidate falsely told the television news cameras that my column had called him a Mexican. (The column noted he became an American citizen in 2009.)

On Wednesday, Kidd was polite. He assured me the protest wasnt his idea and asked how the campaign could improve its communication with me. (I found that bitterly funny.)

Kidd was working for Medina, he said, because the candidate tries to represent everybody and cares about the homeless.

Unless the (Prospects) Courtyard has a model that supports solutions, Im not going to move forward, Kidd said.

Medina told me he wasnt aware that Kidd was homeless.

Rodney Kidd is a volunteer, Medina said. Like many volunteers we have on the campaign, I appreciate his support. I dont know the details of his personal life.

Kidd told me that Medina often asks him out of concern whether he has a place to stay at night.

Manuel has been nothing but be nice, Kidd said. Theres no doubt in my mind that Manuel would offer me his own house if I pushed the issue.

Kidd should push at least for a wage.

On the street, he seemed desperate to connect, not unlike others in the homeless community Ive covered as a reporter. Its not surprising that a demagogue in a suit has managed to win his confidence, particularly one who once pledged in a faith-based platform to address poverty at its root causes not its symptoms and consequences.

Addressing poverty, though, starts with offering a living wage, not tossing pocket change or stringing along unpaid underlings.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump on Wednesday removed controversial White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon from the National Security Council.

It was part of a sweeping staff reshuffling that elevated military, intelligence and Cabinet officials to greater roles on the council and left Bannon less directly involved in shaping the administrations day-to-day national security policy.

Rick Perry was named to the NSC in a memo released on Wednesday, putting the secretary of energy and longtime Texas governor into Trumps inner circle for national security decisions.

In addition to Perry, the new NSC lineup includes the director of national intelligence, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the director of the CIA and the ambassador to the United Nations.

Those positions were conspicuously absent from Trumps original Jan. 28 order.

The changes were directed by Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, who was named Trumps national security adviser in February after Michael Flynn was forced to resign for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States.

Perry now will participate in high-level meetings to determine policy positions on key national security issues such as the recent chemical attacks in Syria and North Koreas continued missile tests.

Bannon still has the ability to sit in on meetings if invited.

Steve Bannons removal from National Security Council is welcome news, Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida said in a tweet after the decision was announced.

Ros-Lehtinen was the first Republican in Congress to protest Bannons appointment.

The restructuring reflects the growing influence of McMaster, an Army three-star general who is increasingly asserting himself over the flow of national security information in the White House.

McMaster has become a blunt force within the administration who has made clear to several top officials and the president that he does not want the NSC to have any political elements.

Two senior White House officials said Bannons departure was in no way a demotion and that he rarely attended meetings since being placed on the council. They and others interviewed spoke on the condition of anonymity.

In conversations Wednesday afternoon, several Trump associates described Bannon as overstretched with multiple portfolios within the White House and said the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, has been paying close attention to how to better utilize Bannons skills as the administration works to recover from a rocky and dramatic first few months.

In a statement, Bannon framed his removal as the culmination of an effort to change the makeup of the NSC as it operated under President Barack Obamas national security adviser, Susan Rice, whos tenure was heavily criticized by Republicans.

Susan E. Rice operationalized the NSC during the last administration, Bannon said. I was put on to ensure that it was de-operationalized. Gen. McMaster has returned the NSC to its proper function.

Obamas NSC, like those of virtually all presidents since the council was established in the late 1940s, grew rapidly during his first term, and some Cabinet officials complained that it micromanaged their departments and decision-making.

When Rice became national security adviser in 2013, she embarked on a somewhat successful effort to shrink its size.

Her direct involvement in what some considered operational activities  including secret negotiations with Iran and Cuba  was relatively minimal compared with others.

Bannons view of the NSC under Obama is reflective both of his broader efforts to deconstruct the federal government, including slimming down bureaucracies, as well as the ad hoc nature of foreign policymaking and blurred lines of authority in the Trump White House so far.

Bannon says he was put on NSC to de-operationalize it. Think the word he was looking for was dysfunctionalize,  tweeted Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Mission accomplished.

Bannons place on the committee generated intense controversy when the move was announced.

National security experts, including Rice, characterized it as an elevation of a White House official with no national security experience, even while other national security officials in the administration were included on the NSC only when issues pertaining to their responsibilities and expertise were involved.

The White House strongly disputed that characterization, saying Trump chose to change the structure of the committee from the one in place during the Obama administration to reduce the number of meetings in which senior intelligence officials were required to participate if the meetings didnt pertain to their areas of expertise.

Bannons role early on, one of the officials said, was to guide and in essence keep watch over Flynn, who was tasked with reshaping the operation but whose management style could be combative.

Unease about Bannons strident nationalism and call to deconstruct the administrative state have led to clashes of both temperament and policy even within the West Wing, officials said, with Bannon and particularly National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn disagreeing about aspects of Trumps agenda and forming their own informal power networks within the executive branch.

Cohn, whos a registered Democrat, has grown close to Kushner in recent months, and another one of his allies inside of the White House, Dina Powell, was named deputy national security adviser for strategy last month.

While Bannon has been removed from the council, the list of invitees to the councils principals and deputies meetings has expanded to include Powell, an Egyptian-born former national security official in the Bush administration and a Goldman Sachs official whose influence within the West Wing has expanded rapidly.

Kushner, Cohn and Powell, along with McMaster, all have become more powerful forces within the White House since the inauguration in liaising with foreign dignitaries and building relationships with key players on various policies.

Bannon remains a confidant of the president whos working closely with other advisers on domestic and foreign policy.

Along with Bannons removal, other changes outlined Wednesday in a memorandum further strengthen McMasters position. Hes now in charge of the both the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council headed by Tom Bossert  a reversal from earlier in the year when both the NSC and HSC were put on equal footing.

William Kristol, a Trump critic and longtime hawkish conservative voice, said the Republican foreign policy community generally was pleased to see the changes at the White House.

McMaster is in charge and trying to chart policy in a reasonable way, Kristol said, noting the news was sudden and unexpected since McMaster has been pretty quiet since hes been there, being behind the scenes and avoiding interviews.

The Tribune News Service contributed to this report.
ARDEN HILLS, Minn.  Vermont Creamery Co-Founders Bob Reese and Allison Hooper and Land OLakes Inc. President and CEO Chris Policinski announced in late March that their businesses have joined forces.

Vermont Creamery will become an independently operated subsidiary of Minnesota-based Land OLakes. It will continue to produce its signature products  aged goat cheeses, cultured butter and fresh dairy  at the creamery in Websterville, Vermont.

New owners

Hooper and Reese, who founded the business in 1984, say Land OLakes is the ideal new owner.

A farmer-owned food and agricultural cooperative, Land OLakes also includes Purina Animal Nutrition and WinField United.

Reese and Hooper will serve as trusted advisers and brand ambassadors for the business. President Adeline Druart and the leadership team will remain in place as will all employees of the business. Ayers Brook Goat Dairy is not included in the transaction and will be retained by the Hooper family.

The dairy is the countrys first demonstration goat dairy and will continue to serve as a key supplier to the creamery.The terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

The Creamery

In 2014, Vermont Creamery was the second cheesemaker in the world to earn B Corp certification and will maintain this certification under new ownership.

Vermont Creamery has won over 100 national and international awards. In its 32nd year of business, Vermont Creamery supports a network of more than 20 family farms, promoting sustainable agriculture in the region.
"We've sort of got no choice, we've got to get the fertiliser in, so I'm not sure how that's going to play out across the State but there's going to be a lot of closed roads where people would want to get fertiliser in for seeding."
In other words, the benefits that were supposed to flow to the holders of a licence have either been diminished or lost because of the costs associated with obtaining and servicing the necessary capital to buy said licence.
The future of Fauquier Times now depends on community support. Your donation will help us continue to improve our journalism through in-depth local news coverage and expanded reader engagement.

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Author Roberto P. BauzaThis week I had the pleasure and privilege of attending a public speech given by Judge Sergio Moro in Buenos Aires before an audience of local attorneys, businessmen, members of the judiciary and government officials.

Aged only 44, but already with 20 years of experience as a Federal judge in Brazil, Judge Moro has revolutionized the local and international anti-corruption community by presiding over the so-called Car Wash investigation.

In only three years he has succeeded in issuing over 130 individual convictions adding up to more than 1,300 prison years and recovering assets for several hundred million dollars.

Additionally, his investigation set the basis for the largest fine ever applied to a corporate for corruption-related offenses, considering the combined fine of approximately $3.5 billion construction company Odebrecht and its affiliate Braskem have agreed to pay to authorities in Brazil, the United States and Switzerland.

He has brought down powerful businessmen and politicians, exposing a scheme of widespread corruption that linked large Brazilian corporations to corrupt government officials. He calls it systemic corruption. And the investigation is still underway

Judge Moro is a prestigious and dedicated professional, with impressive academic credentials and a strong commitment to the rule of law and public service. Yet he speaks with a calm voice, in a non-pretentious and simple manner. He does not hesitate to credit the Brazilian judicial system and institutions with the success of the investigation over his personal intervention.

His visit to Argentina had the stated purpose of providing a proper perspective on the Car Wash investigation, sharing his experience and setting the basis for upcoming cooperation between judicial authorities, as the investigation has many cross-border aspects still unfolding.

When asked whether the pursuit of grand-scale corruption investigations may have adverse political consequences to a country, Judge Moro provided a citation from Theodore Roosevelts third State of the Union Address, given in 1903.

Back then, forty years after Lincolns immortal Gettysburg Address, the government of the people, by the people and for the people was menaced not by potential dissolution coming from civil war, but by widespread corruption. Therefore, Roosevelts words of more than a century ago are remarkably current and relevant when brought to us by Judge Moro:

There can be no crime more serious than bribery. Other offenses violate one law while corruption strikes at the foundation of all law. Under our form of Government all authority is vested in the people and by them delegated to those who represent them in official capacity. There can be no offense heavier than that of him in whom such a sacred trust has been reposed, who sells it for his own gain and enrichment; and no less heavy is the offense of the bribe giver. He is worse than the thief, for the thief robs the individual, while the corrupt official plunders an entire city or State. He is as wicked as the murderer, for the murderer may only take one life against the law, while the corrupt official and the man who corrupts the official alike aim at the assassination of the commonwealth itself. Government of the people, by the people, for the people will perish from the face of the earth if bribery is tolerated. The givers and takers of bribes stand on an evil pre-eminence of infamy. The exposure and punishment of public corruption is an honor to a nation, not a disgrace. 

Judge Moro stressed the last sentence in the citation, and read it twice out loud to the captivated audience.

He is convinced that the fight against corruption has a direct bearing on any countrys ability to strengthen and perfect its democracy, attract investment, create wealth and prosperity for its people. He is a true inspiration to all of us, and there is no doubt that his courageous and unprecedented work in the Car Wash investigation will mark a turning point in the fight against corruption in Latin America.

_____

Roberto P. Bauza, pictured above, is a partner of the law firm Rattagan Macchiavello Arocena in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a co-chair of the American Bar Associations International Anti-corruption Committee.
Steven Baker's new novel comes out today, so he kindly shares with us ten things he like his readers to know about the author behind the books.

Steven Baker

I was born in Melbourne, Australia, the son of two Ten Pound Poms who subsequently returned to England when I was 2 years of age.

I was raised in a terrace house by a railway line in West Ealing until my family moved first to Northolt and then Ruislip.

I was educated at Vincent Secondary School until I was 16 and left school with only 2 ' O ' Levels.

I was the son of a working class family and became a GPO Engineer upon leaving school.

At 18 I returned to Australia aboard the Britanis as a Ten Pound Pom myself in the last days of that scheme in the early 1970s. On board the boat a young lady called Victoria Rhodes invited myself and several others to her 19th birthday party. I later learned that Victoria was the daughter of Margaret Rhodes, the Queens cousin.

In Australia I worked in the set construction area of the ABC at the Gore Hill studios in Sydney before working my way up to the post of Personnel Officer, which has more or less been my profession ever since.

I returned home to look after an ailing mother and settled in Sussex, a county I love very much for its beautiful down land scenery and wildlife. When I was diagnosed with Cancer, the doctor told me as I had no immediate family to take up some sort of therapy during the long years of treatment. I chose writing and on average wrote a book a year to avoid depression over illness. It was a great therapy that I began to enjoy and the fruits of my labour were 4 books .

After the long years of cancer treatment and stem cells operation I suffered 2 heart attacks and I was back in hospital again this time for a triple bypass. Things were so bad at one time I was going to the food bank at Worthings drop-in-centre. All the time I kept up my writing and I was astonished but delighted when The Book Guild agreed to publish all 4 of them. It made me feel that something worthwhile had been achieved even at a time of great hardship and illness.

I have always been a battler and I love people who have come up the same way. I also love animals dearly and in my spare time I love to look at the wildlife that proliferates in the countryside here.

Throughout my life although I have never had the privilege of marriage or parenthood, I have travelled extensively and it is nice to know that I have a myriad of memories and events to look back on, climbing Ayers Rock, going to the Falkland Isles, looking round the house of R L Stevenson-the author of Treasure Island in his house now a museum in Western Samoa. All in all I have had an eventful and interesting life encompassing both the good and the bad, but surviving and going on to find a new career in writing.
Damian Lewis was rushed to hospital hours before the opening night of 'The Goat'.

Damian Lewis

The 46-year-old actor suffered an "awful cold" days before gracing the stage to perform in the new West End play, and had no other option but to visit an emergency doctor ahead of the show because he had "great big hole" on his ear drum and an infection inside.

Speaking about his illness to the BBC on Wednesday (05.04.17), the 'Billions' star said: "There was this awful cold that was passed around the company in the last four or five weeks and I held out until about four days ago.

"I had this awful streaming cold. The catarrh all transferred into my ear.

"I went to an emergency doctor at about three o'clock and he had a look in there and said 'you've got a great big hole in your ear drum and you've got an infection of the middle ear.'"

But the head cold left Damian fearing he would faint mid-way through the show, and he had to steady himself by gripping on to a chair to stop him keeling over.

He explained: "There was one point in act three where I had to hold on to a chair because I was going to pass out."

by Charlotte Hough for www.femalefirst.co.uk


The Espresso Martini is one of the UKs best-selling cocktails[1] and with UK Coffee Week just around the corner (10th-16th April), Kahlua is giving you the perfect excuse to indulge in your favourite cocktail.

Kahlua Espresso Martini

As an official sponsor of UK Coffee Week, Kahlua will be donating 10p from every Espresso Martini sold in participating bars to Project Waterfall throughout the week. So swap your usual latte for a Kahlua Expresso Martini and help donate to a fantastic cause at the same time.

Now in its 7th year, UK Coffee Week is a nationwide fundraising campaign that takes place in thousands of coffee shops and bars across the country with 100% of the donations going to Project Waterfall, an initiative dedicated to bringing clean water facilities to coffee growing communities.

Kahlua, the original coffee liqueur and official spirit sponsor of UK Coffee Week, is extremely proud of its heritage and is delighted to be involved in the initiative which helps give back to the coffee-growing communities which help to make Kahlua what it is today.

Adam Boita, Head of Marketing at Pernod Ricard UK explains: It can take up to 6 years to get the perfect coffee beans for Kahluas coffee liqueur  thats a long time and a lot of hard work and devotion from the growers in Veracruz, Mexico. Thats why were thrilled to be working with UK Coffee Week to support the coffee growing community

You can order a Kahlua Espresso Martini at any of the following participating bars: Las Iguanas, Be at One and Giraffe. Dont forget to share photos of your cocktail on social media using #CocktailYourCoffee

To enjoy a Kahlua Espresso Martini for yourself, try the following signature recipe:

1 part Kahlua

1 part Absolut vodka

1 part Espresso

Pour in to a shaker filled with ice, shake and then strain in to a martini glass.
The 1975's Matty Healy has teased the band may release new music this year.

Matty Healy

The 'Love Me' hitmakers only released their second album 'I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It' last year, but it seems they are already working on new material as the band's frontman Matty Healy has said they will be putting out a "new vinyl" this year.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday (05.04.17), Matty said: "We're putting out a new vinyl this year (sic)"

As of the time of writing, it as not been revealed if the vinyl will be brand new music, or if it will take the form of a live album or re-release.

The news comes after the 'Chocolate' musician - who is joined in his band by Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald, and George Daniel - took to his social media account earlier this week to say he will "retreat from the world" to work on their third album, which he teased would be called 'Music For Cars'.

He wrote: "I like it when you sleep is coming to an end

"Music For Cars

"NOW I will retreat from the world to make Music For Cars. Please keep informing me. I learn so much from our fans and I value you so much x

"Just music from now on. Informed by you. The young. (sic)"

Meanwhile Matty - who's band won the BRIT award for Best British Group earlier this year and were nominated for Album of the Year - has admitted winning awards makes him feel uncomfortable because he suffers from impostor syndrome, which is the inability to internalise accomplishments.

He said: "It's an important moment for us because we're a subversive act to have broken through on such a level that the BRITs would want us to perform.

"I'm not from the BRITs world. I shouldn't be and everyone needs to know that. I couldn't get arrested until I was 23.

"Actually, I did get arrested when I was 23, but you know what I mean. I suffer massively from impostor syndrome."
Prince Charles reportedly disrupted Theresa May's plans to conduct government business in the Middle East after he booked her official plane for his tour.

Duchess Camilla and Prince Charles

The Prime Minister was forced to lease a private jet for her visit to the transcontinental region after the 68-year-old royal and his wife Duchess Camilla booked the use of her official RAF aircraft for their current nine-day trip across Europe.

According to the Independent newspaper, Clarence House said the prince was entitled to use the RAF Voyager A330, which cost the taxpayer 10 million to have it refitted, because he had booked his trip before the PM announced her plans to travel.

A spokesperson for Downing Street said: "The royal visit was organised some time in advance of the PM's Middle East visit, in discussion with the government. Two visits at the same time means one aircraft will always have to be chartered."

The royal couple have certainly had a busy time on tour as they met with the head of the Roman Catholic Church Pope Francis on Tuesday (04.04.17) during their tour of Italy.

Charles and Camilla were given a tour of The Vatican, and were handed a bronze olive branch and a copy of the Pope's Encyclicals, including one on climate change and sustainable development.

During their tour, the royal couple were also shown the Vatican's secret archive and looked at original documents relating to the Catholic Church and Britain, where they were shown a number of original rare letters including the last letter ever written by condemned Mary Queen of Scots on 8 February 1587 before her execution for treason.

Upon meeting Pope Francis, the pontiff urged Prince Charles to bring peace to the world during their chat which the Daily Express newspaper reports lasted for around 30 minutes.

Pope Francis said: "Wherever you go, may you be a man of peace."

To which Charles responded: "I'll do my best."

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla, 69, made the trip to the Vatican City as part of their tour of Europe, which has seen them spend six days in Italy visiting cities such as Naples and Vicenza.
Nikki Grahame is reportedly in talks to return to 'Celebrity Big Brother'.

Nikki Grahame

The 34-year-old model rose to fame when she appeared on the popular reality show in 2006, where her temper tantrums made her a household name and eventually led to her being given her own reality show 'Princess Nikki' later that year.

After returning to the show for 'Ultimate Big Brother' in 2010 - where she finished as the runner up behind winner Brian Dowling - and again as a Time Warp housemate in 2015, Nikki has now revealed the producers of the celebrity version of the show are working on getting her back in again for the special 'couples' series which will see contestants head into the house in pairs.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Nikki said: "I love doing Big Brother - I will never tire of that show. I think the couple thing is a fantastic new twist.

"If I go back in, in a couple, I would have to be paired up with Brian Dowling. I would force him to share a bed with me."

"If not Brian, it would have to be my ghetto girl Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace. The producers are on it - they love new twists every series."

The search for couples for the upcoming series of the show comes as the 'Celebrity Big Brother' bosses were happy with the success of Heidi and Spencer Pratt's two stints in the house, in 2013, and the recent All Stars series, and think it would be a great idea to fill the famous abode with twosomes when the show, which is hosted by Emma Willis, returns to screens in the summer.

A source said: "It's seriously early for anything to be set in stone but bosses are working hard on the idea and talking to the couples about big money deals to firmly secure them for the series in the summer."

However, it isn't just couples in relationships that bosses will be considering for the new series as The Cheeky Girls - who shot to fame on 'Popstars: The Rivals' in 2002 - could follow in the footsteps of fellow twins Jedward and sign up for the show.

Other names in the frame include drug mules Michaella McCollum Connolly and Melissa Reid, who were freed from jail in Peru last year, and 'Too Fat To Work' star Stephen Beer and his wife Michelle.
The Graduate

Its not for nothing that Fifty Shades Of Grey had multiple references to a certain Mrs. Robinson. This is the classic story of a younger man getting it on with an older woman, and then falling in love with her daughter. Talk about love, seduction and betrayal.
Better Work Bangladesh focused on ways to improve working condition across the country's garment industries at the second stakeholder and buyer forum held in Dhaka. Nearly 300 national and international garment sector representatives attended the forum, including partners from government, employer associations and unions and global brands.

Better Work is collaboration between the United Nation's International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. It is a comprehensive programme bringing together all levels of the garment industry to improve working conditions and respect of labour rights for workers, and boost the competitiveness of apparel businesses.

"We are here to unite diverse stakeholders, promote decent work for all and help the garment industry in Bangladesh thrive. We would like to see the sector attain the governments own goals: for Bangladesh to become a middle-income country with a $50 billion export sector and good compliance conditions by 2021," said Louis Vanegas, programme manager of Better Work Bangladesh.

"I firmly believe that Better Work can make a valuable contribution to the working conditions and competitiveness of individual factories. It can also help take the industry to the next level, which is the theme of this second stakeholders forum," said Srinivas Reddy, director of the ILO country office for Bangladesh.

Representatives from global brands and retailers also held talks with Better Work, stressing their commitment to enhancing compliance in their supplier factories across the country to meet international labour standards.

Kutubuddin Ahmed, secretary general of the IndustriALL Bangladesh Council, said that enhancing compliance levels in factories was key to guaranteeing workers' safety and wellbeing, but that more should be done to achieve this, including collaborating with Better Work. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

The Jordan Garment Sector Alliance, backed by the World Bank Group, has been formed by various partners including the International Labour Organisation, Better Work Jordan, the Jordan Investment Commission, the Jordan Industrial Estates Company, the Jordan Garments, Accessories, and Textiles Exporters' Association (JGATE) and the Jordan Chamber of Industry and Trade.

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

These partners have come together to design effective programmes that translate the policies contained in the Jordan Compact - the conference's final document - into practice. Jordan had agreed to implement ambitious measures aimed at creating 200,000 jobs over the coming years.

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

The country currently has more than 650,000 Syrian refugees registered with the United Nations' refugee agency, 80 per cent of whom live in host communities. The number could be higher since a recent census showed some 1.3 million Syrians living in the country.

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

The garment industry is seen as one of the sectors that can absorb both refugees and the local workforce since it is labour-intensive with more than half of its 70,000 workers from abroad, mostly from South and South-East Asia.

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

Jordan's $1.6 billion apparel industry accounts for some 20 per cent of the country's exports, said JGATE chairman Husam Saleh at a recent alliance meeting, stressing that the industry had registered a six per cent increase in apparel exports year-on-year.

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

Opportunities arising from the recent trade agreements that allow Jordan to export products to Europe tariff free, for a ten-year period, are also expected to give an employment boost to the sector.

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

Deputy secretary general for technical affairs at the ministry of labour Haitham Khasawneh said, "The garment industry is one of the sectors that can create jobs for Syrians as well as Jordanians. We have already created new jobs in the country's rural areas. Other sectors don't generate as many jobs as this sector does."

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

Still, challenges have emerged when trying to attract Syrians to the sector. The Jordan Garment Sector Alliance must ensure consolidation of the garment sector through advocacy, growth of local employment and an increase in compliance, and also now play a crucial role in helping to bring a new refugee workforce to the industry.

A new garment sector alliance in Jordan aims to create economic opportunities in the country, improve the lives of refugees caught up in the Syrian crisis and help their host countries. The initiative, led by partners from the international community, was first set in motion at last year's Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London.#

"The idea is to try to create a programme where all different partners get together to create opportunities for both Jordanians and refugees. We need to work not only on matching the Jordanian suppliers with global purchasers, and on coordinating market actors, but also on labour market connectivity, to make sure both the Jordanians and the Syrian refugees understand what it is like to work in a garment factory, in order to attract them to join it," said Benjamin Herzberg, programme Lead at the Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions vice-presidency of the World Bank Group. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Odisha Skill Development Authority will use the expertise of the NIFT-TEA Knitwear Institute to impart knitwear industry specific lessons into its training programmes, to help Odisha based workers get skilled jobs in the Tiruppur garment cluster. The idea for the program came due to the increased flow of labourers from Odisha to Tiruppur in recent times.According to a leading daily, most of the workers migrating to Tiruppur in search of jobs were doing unskilled jobs.

The Odisha Skill Development Authority will use the expertise of the NIFT-TEA Knitwear Institute to impart knitwear industry specific lessons into its training programmes, to help Odisha based workers get skilled jobs in the Tiruppur garment cluster. The idea for the program came due to the increased flow of labourers from Odisha to Tiruppur in recent times.#

NIFT-TEA Institute officials will oversee the existing training programmes for textile industry in Odisha and suggest changes to suit knitwear production. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
VF Corporation, one of the worlds largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies, has announced its 2021 strategic growth plan and key initiatives designed to deliver superior returns to shareholders. The 2021 growth plan addresses the quickly changing market landscape with a measurable goal of delivering top quartile total shareholder returns.

VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies, has announced its 2021 strategic growth plan and key initiatives designed to deliver superior returns to shareholders. The 2021 growth plan addresses the quickly changing market landscape with a measurable goal of delivering top quartile total shareholder returns.#

The five-year plan focuses on four strategic choices that serve as the foundational elements of the new strategy. These choices are: reshaping the companys brand portfolio and enabling VFs powerful brands; transforming to a consumer and retail-centric model; elevating direct-to-consumer while prioritising digital; and, distorting investment toward Asia, with a heightened focus on China.

VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies, has announced its 2021 strategic growth plan and key initiatives designed to deliver superior returns to shareholders. The 2021 growth plan addresses the quickly changing market landscape with a measurable goal of delivering top quartile total shareholder returns.#

The four choices will be enabled by amplified investments and focus on six critical capabilities, namely, design and innovation, demand creation and brand experience, insights and analytics, retail excellence, demand and supply chain agility, and talent, the company said.

VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies, has announced its 2021 strategic growth plan and key initiatives designed to deliver superior returns to shareholders. The 2021 growth plan addresses the quickly changing market landscape with a measurable goal of delivering top quartile total shareholder returns.#

Our 2021 strategic growth plan fuels our aspiration to consistently grow by creating amazing products and brand experiences that transform and improve the lives of consumers worldwide, said Steve Rendle, president and chief executive officer. VF has some of the most beloved and iconic brands in the world and a talented organisation that has the passion and commitment to thrive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies, has announced its 2021 strategic growth plan and key initiatives designed to deliver superior returns to shareholders. The 2021 growth plan addresses the quickly changing market landscape with a measurable goal of delivering top quartile total shareholder returns.#

Rendle continued, The strength and consistency of our largest brands and business platforms give me great confidence in our ability to achieve our targets. We remain sharply focused on our diversified value creation model, which is designed to deliver solid results across the many and varied business cycles and economies around the world.

VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies, has announced its 2021 strategic growth plan and key initiatives designed to deliver superior returns to shareholders. The 2021 growth plan addresses the quickly changing market landscape with a measurable goal of delivering top quartile total shareholder returns.#

In terms of financial targets for 2021, VF expects revenue to grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 4 per cent and 6 per cent, fueled by VFs largest brandsthe Vans, The North Face and Timberlandand the companys International and Direct-to-Consumer business platforms. Gross margin is expected to reach 51.5 per cent in 2021, while operating margin is expected to reach 16 per cent in 2021. VF expects to deliver annual total shareholder return (TSR) in the 13 per cent to 15 per cent range as the company continues to target top quartile TSR performance.

VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies, has announced its 2021 strategic growth plan and key initiatives designed to deliver superior returns to shareholders. The 2021 growth plan addresses the quickly changing market landscape with a measurable goal of delivering top quartile total shareholder returns.#

Meanwhile, the company's Board of Directors has authorised a change in VFs fiscal year end from the Saturday closest to December 31 of each year to the Saturday closest to March 31 of each year, effective for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2018. The first 12-month fiscal year after the change will run from April 1, 2018 through March 30, 2019. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Textile ministry's decision to increase the corpus fund for yarn banks in Surat to Rs 2 crore from Rs 1 crore will help powerloom weavers in the city to procure yarn for polyester fabric at concessional rates. Under Power Tex India, a Central government package scheme for powerloom, the ministry also reduced bank guarantee from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.

Two yarn bank in powerloom clusters of Pandesara and Ved Road were sanctioned by the Central government about two years ago. Pandesara Weavers Co-operative Society and Ved Road Art Silk Small Scale Co-operative Federation, two special purpose vehicles (SPV), were also formed by the textiles ministry. The initial corpus fund for these yarn banks was Rs 1 crore.

The yarn banks in Surat were started with an aim to purchase yarn from the open market and sell them to member weavers for a concessional rate. They keep price fluctuations in check and also allow weavers to purchase yarn on credit and pay in instalments. The banks also bring yarn samples from around the world so that the domestic industry can carry out their research and bring out innovative products.

Textile ministry's decision to increase the corpus fund for yarn banks in Surat to Rs 2 crore from Rs 1 crore will help powerloom weavers in the city to procure yarn for polyester fabric at concessional rates. Under Power Tex India, a Central government package scheme for powerloom, the ministry also reduced bank guarantee from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.#

There are over 1 lakh weavers in Pandesara and Ved Road clusters, however, the yarn bank was initially only able to cater to about 100 units, an official from Ved Road Art Silk Small Scale Co-operative Federation told a leading daily. These banks procure yarn from frontline spinners in bulk quantity at discounted rates.

The ministry of textiles announced the yarn bank scheme under Power Tex India with an objective of providing interest free corpus fund to SPV/Consortium to enable them to purchase yarn at wholesale rate and give the yarn at reasonable price to the small weavers. It aims to avoid middle man/local suppliers brokerage charge on sales of yarn.

Registered co-operative societies, trusts, companies set-up under the Companies Act, 1956 as amended and firms set-up under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 as amended will benefit from this scheme. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Salman Created A Scene On The Sets Of Chalte Chalte Where Ash Was Shooting

Back then a unit member had revealed, "We had just finished the song sequences on the truck from Pune to Malshet and it was night time when, as we were heading towards our next location, Salman appeared and created the scene. He was uncontrollable for those four-and-half hours.That's when an upset Azizbhai called off the entire schedule. Though, choreographer Farah Khan did not want to. She said, Why should we pack up and leave? Let's continue shooting.' Even Aishwarya was of the same opinion. But what the director said, prevailed, and they called off the shoot for that day.

Ash Called Up SRK & Asked For Forgiveness

The next day, Aishwarya called up SRK and asked for forgiveness for the unfortunate incident. Ditto Salman Khan. Haroon who was director Aziz Mirza's associate had said, "See, nobody likes disruptions on the sets. Yes, Salman did call up the next day and apologised. He's decent enough to do that. But right now things have stalled for another 8-10 days." Did Aishwarya call up SRK after the nasty incident? "Yes, talks happened back and forth. But no decision has been taken so far. Shah Rukh and Aziz Mirza are still figuring out what to do."

When SRK Was In Two Minds

Initially SRK thought that he would have a written contract with Ash wherein it would be written that if Salman Khan so much as even entered their sets, she would be out of the film! However Aziz Mirza warned him that they were dealing with an impulsive person like Salman and warned him of repercussions which left SRK in two minds.

Ash Left The Decision To SRK

Rumours suggested that Ash walked up to SRK and told him that she will leave the final decision to him and Aziz Mirza of whether she will continue being the film's leading lady or not. Finally with a heavy heart in the third week of September, SRK had to let go of Chalte Chalte's heroine Aishwarya Rai and seal the deal with Rani Mukherji.

When Ash Accused Salman Of Physical Abuse

Later, in a shocking interview with a leading daily in September 2002, Ash revealed explosive details about her break-up. She said, "Salman and I broke up last March, but he isn't able to come to terms with it. After we broke up, he would call me and talk rubbish. He also suspected me of having affairs with my co-stars. I was linked up with everyone, from Abhishek Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan. There were times when Salman got physical with me, luckily without leaving any marks. And I would go to work as if nothing had happened."

Was Salman Cheating On Her?

In that same interview, Ash even alleged that Salman was cheating on her. "He indirectly confessed to me one day," Ash revealed. Finally, she sealed the fate of their relationship with a press statement that read: "For my well-being and for the self-respect of my family, I will not work with Mr Salman Khan. The chapter of Salman Khan was a nightmare in my life. I am thankful that it is over now."
Feluda to be re-made in Hollywood? Yes, according to a renowned Bengali tabloid, a film on the famous detective character Feluda aka Pradosh C. Mitter, created by legendary Oscar-winning writer and filmmaker Satyajit Ray is to re-made in Hollywood.

According to a close source, as claimed by the tabloid, Slumdog Millionaire famed director Danny Boyle is going to helm the direction of this film and renowned Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom has been selected to play the lead role as the famous literary Bengali sleuth 'Feluda'.

Apart from Orlando Bloom, another celebrated Hollywood actor of British-Indian origin, Dev Patel has also been inducted in the film. He will be seen in the character of 'Tapesh Ranjan Mitra', aka 'Topshe', Feluda's cousin and assistant.

However, the character of much-needed comic relief 'Jatayu' will be there in the film or not is not yet known. This film will be the screen adaptation of the famous story 'Feluda in London' by Satyajit Ray and shooting will be done mainly in England and India.

According to the director, the story will not be represented exactly as presented on the literary piece and there will be few expected changes to suit the global audience. However, much said above, the credibility of this news published in the tabloid is yet to be authenticated.
Celebrated Hollywood actor and iconic action star Arnold Schwarzenegger said that he is still very much interested in reprising his iconic role as the Terminator even when Paramount Pictures has stepped back from the project.

Rumours also had it that Arnold Schwarzenegger himself stated to step down from the franchise. But Schwarzenegger nullified all rumours and said that The Terminator sequels are still very much in the making and he will obviously return in his iconic role.

"I don't want to call it, like, fake news, like the president, calls it, but I think people just write things - I have no idea why." Said Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Just because Paramount doesn't want to pick up the Terminator franchise, you have 15 other studios willing to do it, that doesn't mean the Terminator franchise is finished, right? It just means they are on their way to negotiate with another studio," he added.

"But I can't give you the details of that. They'll announce that. But, yes, the Terminator franchise is never finished. And remember that after 2018, James Cameron is getting it back, and then it will continue on!" Arnold stated further.

"Cameron will be producing it, and there will be another director on it. I'm always looking forward to doing another Terminator, especially if the story is written well and it's really entertaining the whole world." Explained the actor.
Atharv & Vividha In Jungle

In the previous episode, we saw Atharv takes Vividha to a house in the middle of jungle. Even though Vividha tells Atharv that she is scared, he ignores her words.

Vividha & Atharv Get Closer

Vividha is impressed seeing the decorations and is happy to start a new life. Atharv and Vividha get closer during their first night.

Vividha Scared

But, Vividha hears some noise and is shocked to see a tiger. Atharv goes to find out, but doesn't find the tiger and locks the door.

Tiger In The Farmhouse

Atharv and Vividha are shocked to see the tiger inside the house. They try to escape from the tiger, but Vividha falls off. Atharv helps Vividha and enter the bathroom.

Atharv & Vividha Hide In Bathtub

Atharv and Vividha hide inside the bathtub, while the tiger enters the bathroom. Will Atharv and Vividha escape? What is this tiger track all about?

Guddi, Ravish & The Mystery Girl

On the other hand, Guddi tells Ravish that the girl (whom Ravish got home) is suffering from high fever. Ravish goes to get blanket. The girl stops and asks him to help her. Shockingly, while stopping Ravish, the girl hurts him with her nails!

Guddi Falls In Love With Ravish

Guddi starts loving Ravish and dreams about him. In the upcoming episodes, she will get jealous seeing Ravish care for the mystery girl! Who is this girl? Why she hurts Ravish?

Sara Khan

The mystery girl's role is played by Sara Khan. Recently, Sara shared a video clip and wrote, "Straight from Karachi to Jana na dil se door shoot #starplus #workinmumbaibegins #ssarakhan #newnew."
Avni & Fatima

During Riya's birthday party, Avni will try to maintain a safe distance from Fatima. When the duo will come face-to-face, Avni will struggle to hide her feelings, which will hint Fatima about the possibility of her being Avni.

Avni Behaves Rudely With Fatima

Avni will deliberately behave rudely with Fatima fearing that she might get exposed.

Neil's Plan

On the other hand, Neil hell-bent upon exposing Avni and is looking out for proofs for the same. While Avni was smartly seen escaping all the while, will Neil be able to expose her this time?

Shweta Upset With Neil

It has to be recalled that Shweta dislikes the Mehta family. If reports are to be believed, she will dislike the fact that Neil has organized a surprise party for Riya. Reportedly, she will enter the party and create a big scene.

Shweta Commits Suicide

She will blame Neil for not listening to her. Neil will try to stop her, but in vain. Shweta will try to commit suicide by drinking poison.

Neil & Avni

Neil will blame himself for the situation, but Avni will become his support. Neil will realize that Avni is a good-hearted person. On the other hand, Avni will also realize that, Neil might be a threat to her, but is a very good person.

Aman To Enter The Scene Soon?

If reports are to be believed, Avni's brother Aman will return from London soon.
OAKDALE, South Wales, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited has been awarded a 330 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to design and develop the next-generation tactical communication and information system as the initial phase of the MORPHEUS programme. The system will be used to plan, deploy, manage and monitor communications and information for the Army. It will allow users to integrate new radios, applications and other system components faster and with greater ease.

General Dynamics will implement a new architectural approach, known as Evolve to Open (EvO), which will evolve the Bowman tactical communication (BCIP 5.6) capability into an open, modular system. The system will connect deployed tactical forces to their commanders, give improved access to powerful operational IT and simplify the user experience. The open system approach allows new technologies to be rapidly integrated to tackle emerging threats and enhance interoperability with allies.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: "This 330 million contact for the next generation of battlefield communications, supporting 250 high skilled jobs, underlines the importance of Wales to our Armed Forces. Backed by a rising defence budget, last year MOD spent 870 million with Welsh businesses helping to build a stronger economy and keep Britain safe."

Brigadier Richard Spencer, Head of the MoD's Battlefield and Tactical Communications and Information System Delivery Team said: "The Transition Partner contract is just the first of many procurement projects to deliver the MORPHEUS Evolve to Open baseline over the next few years. This first contract opens the door for numerous industry opportunities to contribute to the next generation of battlefield communications."

Chief Operating Officer of General Dynamics UK, Steve Rowbotham, commented: "Having delivered and supported the Bowman tactical communication and information system for the past 15 years from our site in South Wales, this contract marks the next chapter in our history. We are delighted that we will continue to develop and grow our existing employee skills base, whilst providing the UK Armed Forces with a leading edge battlefield communication system."

The contract creates 125 new jobs as well as sustaining the jobs of 125 highly-skilled engineers at General Dynamics UK's headquarters in Oakdale, South Wales.

The EvO contract is the first to be awarded for the MORPHEUS programme, which will give UK Armed Forces across all three services modernised command and control networks using the latest technology.

General Dynamics UK opened its first facility in South Wales in 2001, after winning the contract to deliver the Bowman tactical communications system programme. Since then, the business has continued to expand and invest in the area, and now has three facilities in Oakdale and Merthyr Tydfil, which is home to the newly-opened Armoured Fighting Vehicle Assembly, Integration and Testing facility.

Notes to Editor:

General Dynamics United Kingdom (General Dynamics UK) has two primary lines of business: Land Systems and Mission Systems. General Dynamics UK works in partnership with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) providing the nation's primary land capabilities including, amongst others, Bowman, the British Armed Forces tactical communications programme, and AJAX, the replacement for the British Army's reconnaissance vehicle fleet. The company also delivers avionics equipment used in rotary and fixed wing platforms, highly integrated mission and video management systems, flexible stores management systems, data link processing and video and data recorders for UK and international customers.

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia.

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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/05/17 -- Uranium Participation Corporation ("UPC") (TSX: U) reports its estimated net asset value at March 31, 2017 was CAD$507.1 million or CAD$4.20 per share. As at March 31, 2017, UPC's investment portfolio consisted of the following:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except quantity amounts) Quantity Fair Value ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments in Uranium: Uranium oxide in concentrates ("U3O8") 10,080,024 lbs $ 328,705 Uranium hexafluoride ("UF6") 1,903,471 KgU $ 174,813 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 503,518 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- U3O8 fair value per pound: - In Canadian dollars (1) $ 32.61 - In United States dollars $ 24.50 UF6 fair value(1) per KgU: - In Canadian dollars (1) $ 91.84 - In United States dollars $ 69.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Fair values are month-end spot prices published by Ux Consulting Company, LLC, translated at the Bank of Canada's month-end daily exchange rate of $1.3310.

On March 31, 2017, the common shares of UPC closed on the TSX at a value of CAD$4.06, which represents a 3.33% discount to the net asset value per share of CAD$4.20.

About Uranium Participation Corporation

Uranium Participation Corporation is a company that invests substantially all of its assets in uranium oxide in concentrates ("U3O8") and uranium hexafluoride ("UF6") (collectively "uranium"), with the primary investment objective of achieving appreciation in the value of its uranium holdings through increases in the uranium price. UPC provides investors with a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the price of uranium without the resource or project risk associated with investing in a traditional mining company. Additional information about Uranium Participation Corporation is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on Uranium Participation Corporation's website at www.uraniumparticipation.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information that are based on the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intent", "estimate", "anticipate", "plan", "should", "believe" or "continue" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology and include statements with respect to the use of proceeds for the Offering and the anticipated completion of uranium purchases.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous factors, assumptions and estimates. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices and foreign exchange as well as the risk that the Company will not be successful in completing the purchase of additional U3O8 and/or UF6 on terms satisfactory to the Company. For a description of the principal risks of the Company, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated May 11, 2016, a copy of which is available at www.sedar.com.

These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although management reviews the reasonableness of its assumptions and estimates, unusual and unanticipated events may occur which render them inaccurate. Under such circumstances, future performance may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Except where required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information statement.

Contacts:

David Cates

President & Chief Executive Officer

(416) 979-1991 Ext. 362



Mac McDonald

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 979-1991 Ext. 242




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 5, 2017) - Cloud Nine Education Group Ltd. (CSE: CNI) (the "Company" or "Cloud Nine") announces that it has granted 1,800,000 stock options to certain directors, officers, consultants and employees of the Company. The stock options are exercisable for a period of five years at an exercise price of $0.14 per share.

About Cloud Nine Education Group Ltd.

The Company specializes in the development and sale of its English language curriculum called the Cloud Nine ESL Program. The system is technologically advanced replacing textbooks with tablets and smart phones which better meets the needs of today highly mobile student. YouTube videos and internet links are embedded in the curriculum's core content to create a dynamic and interactive platform. Unlike a textbook based program, the cloud hosted format allows Cloud Nine's team of curriculum developers to keep pace with world events and provide learning materials that are relevant and engaging for students. The Company also owns and operates an accredited ESL school in Vancouver called Cloud Nine College Ltd.

For more information regarding Cloud Nine, please contact:

Paul Searle

Investor Relations

Telephone: +1.778.240.57724

psearle@c9eg.com


LONDON (dpa-AFX) - The Australian Commissioner of Taxation has issued amended income tax assessments to Rio Tinto Plc. (RTPPF.PK, RIO.L, RIO, RTNTF.PK) for the calendar years 2010 to 2013, requiring the company to pay additional tax of A$379 million plus interest of A$68 million, a total of A$447 million.



The payment would be in addition to the A$25.5 billion of taxes and royalties Rio Tinto paid in Australia during the same four-year period.



The amended assessments do not relate to any tax avoidance schemes as confirmed by the Australian Tax Office or ATO. No penalties are payable.



The issue in dispute is the pricing of certain transactions between Rio Tinto entities based in Australia and the Group's commercial centre in Singapore. Rio Tinto voluntarily approached the ATO more than a decade ago seeking to confirm its pricing arrangements. The transfer price in dispute is in line with an outcome agreed by the ATO for years prior to 2010.



Rio Tinto said it will challenge the amended tax assessments, but will pay 50 per cent of the total amount to the ATO this month. The assessments also result in double taxation. Rio Tinto will seek double taxation relief in accordance with the Australia-Singapore double tax treaty.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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SINGAPORE -- (Marketwired) -- 04/05/17 --

New markets joining the 2017 series include Mongolia, Laos, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives

China, Hong Kong and Macau will be in incorporated into the two-night grand finale in Singapore

Country winners will compete for regional accolades for the Best Developer, Best Mixed Use Development and Best Universal Design Development in Asia

Big changes are coming to the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which is expanding in 2017 to include categories for exciting markets such as Mongolia, Laos, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives.

The prestigious annual ceremony in Singapore, which will now also feature China, Hong Kong and Macau categories, will be held over two nights at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands on 7-8 November 2017.

"It has been an exciting journey for the Asia Property Awards after joining PropertyGuru last year," said Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the Awards. "Our expanded awards scheme is a tribute to the strength of the Asian real estate industry. Fair judgement and transparency of process are at the heart of the Awards and we're delighted to introduce the awards system to Asia's rapidly growing property markets."

He added: "For more than a decade we've had incredible support from various developers, who have been instrumental in the growth of the property sector. As we explore new countries for the platform, we will ensure that the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards truly is the region's benchmark for the finest real estate developers, developments and design in the region."

The 12-year-old programme, which was first launched in 2005 by Ensign Media in Thailand, also holds annual black-tie gala dinner events in Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia, playing host to up to 600 C-level executives, senior industry figures and VIPs at each event.

Country winners from the aforementioned 14 markets advance to the seventh annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards grand final in Singapore on 7-8 November to compete for regional titles and be crowned the "best in Asia" in 2017.

Last year's grand final champion was Malaysia's Sime Darby Property, which collected the biggest award for Best Developer (South East Asia).

"The recognition of Sime Darby Property as the Best Developer in South East Asia by such esteemed industry experts is further testament of our commitment as a trusted developer. We were very honoured to receive the award and our heartfelt appreciation goes to the organiser," Dato' Ir Jauhari Hamidi, managing director at Sime Darby Property, said in a press statement last November.

The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards has an unparalleled reputation within the Asian real estate industry for being credible, fair and transparent, with an independent judging body, which comprises luminaries representing all real estate sectors, and a trusted awards supervisor in every market.

Following the format of the country awards, categories are divided into three sections: Developer, Development, and Design. All eligible nominations are rigorously and fairly judged by the panels of experts, based on the most detailed and fairest criteria:

Developers -- reputation, image and corporate social responsibility initiatives; overall track record; displays of innovation; and achievement in the past 12 months.

Development and Design -- location; value for money; unique selling points; state of completion; sales success; design concept, innovation and use of space; quality of amenities; and construction and materials used.

New regional categories to join the 2017 Awards include Best Mixed Use Development (Asia). While the award was presented in select country ceremonies last year (Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong/Macau), it will be the first time that a regional winner will be named.

Another new category is Best Universal Design Development (Asia), which is open to residential and commercial developments across the region that will be shortlisted in any category at the country awards. The project must be built environment that can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.

Overall, there will be seven Design, eight Development and two Developer categories at the grand finale ceremony.

Hari V. Krishnan, CEO of PropertyGuru Group, said: "Because of the Asia Property Awards, consumers are empowered to make confident property decisions, whether they're first-time buyers, expat renters or serial investors. Property knowledge is essential in our culture at PropertyGuru. We wish the country winners the best as they advance to compete at our grand final in Singapore."

The two gala events will each begin with a two-hour international networking cocktail reception, followed by the opening remarks and speeches, four-course dinner, and the awards ceremony proper. The first night on 7 November focuses on Singapore categories, and the second night on 8 November features the new markets and the regional competition. Alongside the gala dinner, PropertyGuru's C-suite conference -- the two-day Singapore Real Estate Summit 2017 -- will be held at the same venue in the daytime.

For more information about the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, email info@asiapropertyawards.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com

Note: Use of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards logo is limited to the publication of this article only.

About Asia Property Awards:

The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards are the largest real estate events in Asia, playing host to annual gala dinners for up to 600 C-level executives and leading industry figures from Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Cambodia. The Awards programme has an unparalleled reputation for being credible, fair and transparent, with an independent panel of judges and trusted awards supervisor. Originally launched by Ensign Media in Thailand in 2005 at the height of Asia's property boom, the Asia Property Awards in 2016 became part of PropertyGuru, Asia's leading online property group. In 2017, the awards scheme was expanded to include categories for Mongolia, Laos, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives.

About PropertyGuru Group:

Founded in 2006, PropertyGuru Group is Asia's leading online property group used by more than 16 million property seekers, viewing over 130 million property pages and generating over 500,000 enquiries for real estate developer and agent advertisers every month across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The 'hyper-growth' technology company has a full suite of integrated property media capability, from its original core business in online, mobile and events, to television broadcast (in Indonesia, via an investment and partnership with EMTEK), and a recent acquisition of print and events businesses, under the brand names of "Property Report" and "Asia Property Awards." Covering 14 markets and hosting eight gala events across the region, the Awards are held concurrently with the Asia Real Estate Summit, PropertyGuru's C-suite conference in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

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Media Partnerships:

Tanattha Saengmorakot

Media Relations Manager

Tel: +66 98 251 5224

Email: Email Contact



Press Enquiries:

Richard Allan Aquino

Corporate Communications Manager

Tel: +66 92 954 4154

Email: Email Contact




HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/05/17 --CIFI Holdings (Group) Co. Ltd. ("CIFI", or the "Group") (HKSE: 884), one of the "Top 20 Real Estate Developers in China" is pleased to announce that contracted sales for March 2017 increased approximately 50% year-on-year to RMB9.10 billion. The first three months achieved year-on-year growth of 110% to RMB23.26 billion.

In March 2017, the Group's contracted ASP was RMB 20,200 per sq.m., up approximately 15% year-on-year, with the contracted GFA was approximately 451,000 sq.m.

From January to March 2017, contracted sales of the Group increased approximately 110% year-on-year to RMB23.26 billion with a contracted GFA of approximately 1,206,000 sq.m., while contracted ASP from January to March 2017 was approximately RMB19,300 per sq.m., up approximately 8% year-on-year. During the first three months of 2017, contracted sales completed by the Group represented 35.8% of its full year target of RMB65.0 billion.

Land Acquisition

In March 2017, the Group has successfully conducted the following acquisitions:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- City Project Group's Intended Site Total Group's Current Primary Area Planned Attributable Equity Use (sq.m.) GFA Consideration Interest Excluding (RMB) Carpark (sq.m.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shanghai Changning 100% Residential N/A 10,537 788,240,000 District, Huashanliyuan Project ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sanya Xin'aoliyang 51% Residential 200,000 50,000 504,900,000 Project ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ City Project Average Land Cost (RMB/ sq.m.) ------------------------------ Shanghai Changning N/A District, Huashanliyuan Project ------------------------------ Sanya Xin'aoliyang 19,800 Project ------------------------------

About CIFI Holdings (Group) Co. Ltd.

CIFI is headquartered in Shanghai and is amongst China's Top 20 Real Estate Developers. CIFI principally focus on developing high quality and end-users driven properties in first- and second-tier cities in China. CIFI's development projects cover various properties types including residential, office and commercial complexes. To learn more about the Company, please visit CIFI's website at: http://www.cifi.com.cn

Investor Relations Contacts:

CIFI Holdings (Group) Co. Ltd.

Albert Yau / Lawrence Leung / Steven Peng

Tel: +852 2156 1316

Email: Email Contact




STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- DigitalRoute, a leading innovator in data integration and management, today announced that it won 15 new enterprise customers in a variety of industries in 2016 in collaboration with SAP.

DigitalRoute has been an SAP partner since 2012 within its SAP Hybris Billing portfolio. DigitalRoute helps SAP Hybris customers to adopt and implement new business solutions, gaining valuable insights into their customers and assets as well as optimizing their buying and monetization processes.

The shift from product-centric commerce to experience- and service-centric commerce is driving a growing demand for subscription billing and payment solutions. Many companies, wondering where the next 'big thing' is coming from, don't want to sit back and watch rivals realign their business models. As a result, they are looking to subscription-based models to drive competitive transformations.

This includes not only software and digital media companies, but also postal operators, passenger transport providers, shipping ports, manufacturing and connected car companies. The SAP Hybris Billing solution with the pre-integrated Mediation component from DigitalRoute has won customers in all these industries. By standardizing the gathering of enterprise transaction data into software landscapes running SAP Hybris Billing, customers can benefit from:

A pre-integrated solution to automate the gathering of consumption data from external, unstructured third-party industry data into the SAP Hybris Billing and revenue management landscape.

Significant reduction in revenue leakage, by optimizing the quality of the data.

Increased visibility and tracking of service consumption with real-time processing of business transactions.

"Our relationship with SAP has been a rapidly expanding success story of working together to quickly serve emergent market needs across different industry verticals," said Johan Bergh, CEO, DigitalRoute. "I am delighted to report our successful activities in 2016 and am confident that even greater success will follow this year."

Commented Fergus O'Reilly, global vice president, Solution Management, SAP Hybris: "2016 was the breakthrough year in demonstrating that the SAP Hybris Billing mediation component by DigitalRoute impacts industries far beyond the traditional telco vertical, while the telco market is showing a growing uptake of the offering. With virtualization and the Internet of Things providing a rapidly expanding base of opportunities, SAP's cloud strategies are closely aligned with DigitalRoute's."

About DigitalRoute

DigitalRoute has been providing new approaches to data integration and data management since 1999. Its technology offers high throughput and provides a unique degree of user configurability, processing all usage and statistical data extracted from networks of connected assets. This means customers gain greater cost efficiencies, improved time-to-market for new service offerings, the ability to monetize any data, and the means to enhance end-customer satisfaction. DigitalRoute makes network events available to the right systems in the right formats in the most appropriate volumes at the required times, without losing a single bit. This is the foundation from which multiple, mission-critical use-cases can be addressed.

Over 350 leading companies worldwide use DigitalRoute technology to meet their data management needs, including a number of OEM partners who use our platform as a central part of their own offerings. DigitalRoute is built on the core values of Expertise, Open-Mindedness and Commitment. With close to 200 employees, the company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden with regional offices in Gothenburg, Atlanta and Kuala Lumpur. DigitalRoute is a venture-backed, privately-held company.

SAP, Hybris and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

SAP Forward-looking Statement

Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

https://www.facebook.com/DigitalRoute

https://twitter.com/digital_route

https://www.linkedin.com/company/36031?trk=tyah

DigitalRoute and MediationZone are registered trademarks of Digital Route AB. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For more information or interviews with Johan Bergh contact:

Sancha Brody

Media & Analyst Relations

Email: Email Contact

Phone: +44 (0)7376 366855




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 6, 2017) - Eureka Resources Inc. (TSXV: EUK) ("Eureka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement dated April 5, 2017 to acquire a 100% interest in the CKN property (the "Property") adjacent to the Gibraltar Mine in the Cariboo Mining Division of British Columbia. The Property consists of two claims, totalling 1,356 hectares, and is accessible by road from Williams Lake.

The claims are located adjacent to the northeast boundary of the operating Gibraltar Copper - Molybdenum mine of Taseko Mines Ltd. Gibraltar commenced operations in 1972 and, to date, has mined in excess of 450 metric tonnes, grading 0.33% copper and 0.008% molybdenum, from four distinct pits. Eureka acquired the claims comprising the Property because they are centered on a very strong magnetic feature along the contact of the Gibraltar host batholith and the Cache Creek sedimentary sequence. The magnetic feature is synonymous with skarn deposits, similar in nature to the Craigmont deposit in the Highland Valley. Exploration to date on the CKN Property identified Copper values in rocks from trace up to 13,967 ppm and Gold values in soils from trace up to 4.8 g/t. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Property has never been systematically mapped or sampled so readers should not assume that the Property will have the same, or similar, mineralization as the Craigmont or Gibraltar deposits.

The terms of the Option Agreement are as follows:

Due Date Minimum Expenditure Cash Shares Execution Date $Nil $15,000 50,000 On or before July 1, 2018 $40,000 $20,000 100,000 On or before July 1, 2019 $80,000 $30,000 100,000 On or before July 1, 2020 $100,000 $50,000 200,000 On or before July 1, 2021 $Nil $100,000 250,000

The vendor will retain a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Property. The Company will have the right to purchase 1% of this Royalty for $1,000,000 any time prior to commercial production. The Option Agreement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

Eureka's President and CEO, Michael Sweatman, stated "This property adds to our land package in the Cariboo and is another of our recent acquisitions that are easily accessible, and close to existing deposits. Our technical group has commenced a review of data acquired as part of the transaction."

ABOUT EUREKA

Eureka is an exploration focused company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, whose strategy is to acquire projects in prospective areas that have the potential to deliver important new discoveries to create value for its shareholders.

British Columbia, Canada

Eureka's 100% owned FG Gold property is an advanced-stage gold project located in the Cariboo Mining Division and currently under option to Canarc Resources Corp. Historical exploration has established a Measured and Indicated (376,000 ounces) gold resource at an average grade of 0.776 g/t gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t, and an Inferred gold resource (634,900 ounces) at an average grade of 0.718 g/t gold, using a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t. Details of the gold resource can be found in "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Frasergold Exploration Project, Cariboo Mining Division, dated July 27, 2015" available under the Company's profile on SEDAR or on the Company's website.

Eureka has the option to earn a 100% interest in the Gold Creek property located in the Cariboo Mining Division. Gold Creek is a grassroots gold project neighbouring, and with similar geology to the Spanish Mountain deposit owned by Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

Yukon Territory, Canada

Eureka's 100% owned Luxor property consists of three non-contiguous claim blocks totalling 360 mining claims. Luxor is located in the Dawson Range Gold Belt, a district of major porphyry, breccia and vein occurrences.

Eureka's 100% owned TAK property is also located in the Dawson Range Gold Belt and consists of 82 mining claims.

Neighbouring properties to Luxor and TAK include the Coffee deposit recently acquired by Goldcorp.

Nevada, USA

Eureka owns a 50 percent interest in the Gemini lithium brine project located approximately 40 km (26 miles) south of North America's only producing lithium mine at Silver Peak, Nevada.

Kristian Whitehead, P.Geo., and John Kerr, P. Eng., are the Company's designated Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101 and have reviewed and approved the technical information described in this news release.

Further information on Eureka can be found on the Company's website at www.eurekaresourcesinc.com and at www.sedar.com, or by contacting Michael Sweatman, President and CEO, or Bob Ferguson by email at info@eurekaresourcesinc.com or by telephone at (604) 449-2273.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Adjacent Properties and Forward-Looking Information

Information in this news release regarding the Gibraltar and Craigmont deposits was derived from June 15 2015 Technical report in the case of Gibraltar and from QP's personal knowledge in the case of Craigmont. The Company's Qualified Persons have not independently verified the information with respect to such properties and the information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Property.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the terms of the Option Agreement and the business and operations of the Company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: failure to obtain TSXV approval for the Option Agreement, general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
BEIJING, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/-- "Tsinghua University Yinghua Scholars Fund" donation ceremony was held in Beijing. School President of Tsinghua University Qiu Yong, Vice President of Tsinghua University Yang Bin, Tsinghua University Education Foundation Secretary-General Li Jiaqiang together with nine business representatives attended the ceremony and signed the Donation agreement. Huiyuan Group donated RMB 10 million to "Tsinghua University Yinghua Scholars Fund" to support scientific research, discipline construction and personnel training of Tsinghua University.

It is reported that the "Tsinghua University Yinghua Scholars Fund" was established to provide financial support to Tsinghua students with academic interests, humanity and the pursuit of excellence to have one-year exchange at Oxford University and other world-renowned universities, so as to become experts of their fields who are able to tackle China and global problems with innovative solutions. "Yinghua Scholars" project is an important step in the global strategies announced by Tsinghua University in 2016 for developing talents with global competences and promoting "global learning".

CEO of Huiyuan Group, Cui Xianguo commented, under the active promotion of the "China made 2025" policy for building a stronger nation, talents with international vision is the driving force for innovation and development. Huiyuan Group is highly concerned about the personnel training program, and is deeply honored to be able to participate and witness the internationalization of Tsinghua University.

After a century of development, Tsinghua University has made outstanding contributions for the building China into a stronger nation and for the revitalization of the nation to cultivate and create a large number of academic masters, successful entrepreneurs and excellent leaders.

As the industry leader, Huiyuan Group not only contributed to the overall national health, but also engaged in the bettering of public welfare and social development. Over the years, Huiyuan Group has always been actively fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities, participating in or leading public welfare projects involving public health, schooling, disaster relief and other areas. Up to now, Huiyuan Group has made cumulative contribution of RMB 500 million in various social welfare projects.

Huiyuan Group, through its donation to education funds, is making contributions for the country to cultivate professionals with international vision by linking up quality overseas resources, and this will help and support more Tsinghua students to better achieve scientific research goals.
PUNE, India, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The report "Thermally Conductive Plastics Market by Resin Type (Polyamide, PBT, PC, PPS, PEI), End-use Industry (Electrical & electronics, Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace, Healthcare), and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets', the market was valued at USD 119.2 Million in 2015 and is projected to reach USD 255.1 Million by 2021, at a CAGR of 13.6% from 2016 to 2021.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )

Browse 63 market data Tables and 41 Figures spread through 133 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Thermally Conductive Plastics Market"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/thermally-conductive-plastics-market-148526587.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

Ease of customization and design flexibility is one the major driver for the growth of these plastics, as Thermally Conductive Plastics (TCPs) are comparatively lighter than other alternative materials such as metals and ceramics. Furthermore, TCPs are easy-to-handle, customize, and mold, and have higher scratch resistance, thermal stability, impact strength, and resistance to abrasions. In addition to this, the development of smart electronics, and technological advancements in the automotive industry are also some of the major factors expected to drive the market.

Request for Sample PDF of the Report http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=148526587

Based on resin types, the polyamide segment is projected to be the largest segment of the market during the forecast period.

Based on resin types, the polyamide segment is projected to be the largest segment of the thermally conductive plastics market during the forecast period. Polyamide is a performance plastic, and is rapidly replacing metals in various applications, due to its superior properties, such as impact resistance, high temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, excellent balance of strength, resistant to bases, and heat conductivity. Polyamides find application in various end-use industries, including automotive and electrical & electronics.

The automotive end-use industry segment of the market is projected to witness highest growth from 2016 to 2021.

The automotive segment of the market is projected to witness highest growth during the forecast period. TCPs are being increasingly used in the automotive industry, due to their properties, such as impact resistance, high temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, excellent balance of strength, resistant to bases, and heat conductivity. Several companies manufacturing TCPs are carrying out research & development activities to widen the application areas of different types of TCPs.

Make an Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=148526587

The Asia-Pacific thermally conductive plastics market is projected to witness highest growth from 2016 to 2021.

The Asia-Pacific Thermally Conductive Plastics Market is projected to witness highest growth in the coming years, owing to factors, such as increasing demand for smart electronics and growing urbanization in the region. China, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea are some of the key countries in the region that are contributing significantly to the growth of the market in Asia-Pacific.

Some of the key players in the thermally conductive plastics market are Celanese Corporation (U.S.), Royal DSM N.V. (Netherlands), PolyOne Corporation (U.S.), SABIC group (Saudi Arabia), RTP Company (U.S.), Covestro AG (Germany), E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company (U.S.), and BASF SE (Germany). Investments, expansions, and new product developments were the major growth strategies adopted by market players between 2012 and 2016 to enhance their regional footprint and meet the growing demand for TCPs in emerging economies.

Browse Related Reports:

Electroactive Polymers Market by Type (Conductive Plastics, Inherently Conductive Polymers and Inherently Dissipative Polymers), by Application (Actuators, Antistatic Packaging, Capacitors, and Sensors) - Trends & Forecasts to 2020

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/electroactive-polymers-advanced-technologies-and-global-market-87.html

Electroactive Polymers Market by Type (Conductive Plastics, Inherently Conductive Polymers and Inherently Dissipative Polymers), by Application (Actuators, Antistatic Packaging, Capacitors, and Sensors) - Trends & Forecasts to 2020

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/transparent-conductive-film-market-59909084.html

Subscribe Reports from Chemicals & Materials Domain: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp

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PISCATAWAY, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- The Digital Illumination Interface Alliance (DiiA), which is introducing a certification program for interoperable lighting products with enhanced DALI functionality, is pleased to announce that many new companies have joined the organization in recent months. The total membership of DiiA has now reached 30 members, and this number is expected to grow rapidly as more companies realize the benefits of DALI version-2 certification.

"DALI has revolutionised lighting and lighting control," says Stephen Woodnutt of Delmatic Ltd, a UK-based international supplier of lighting-management solutions. "We look forward to working with DiiA as DALI version 2 brings new levels of interoperability and features to the DALI platform."

A key benefit of DiiA membership is the ability to participate in DiiA's certification program based on version 2 of the DALI standard. "Our company welcomes the upcoming launch of DALI version-2 certification, which gives the assurance of product interoperability," says Klaus Breisch of Panasonic Lighting Europe GmbH. "For us, this is another important step towards smart lighting -- the future of the lighting industry."

Andreas Hadler of Hadler GmbH, a supplier of lighting controls based in Germany, says, "We feel this will offer significant benefits -- such as the possibility to choose suitable certified components to run a DALI system -- to our customers." Enhanced interoperability, verified by certification, is expected to reduce the number of non-compatibility issues that have to be dealt with in the field.

Details of the DiiA certification program are now being finalized, and the program is expected to launch in May 2017.

DiiA's membership already includes companies from China, the USA and several European countries. At least 10 of DiiA's members are from China and Hong Kong. Matthew Gu of Shanghai MOONS' Automation Control Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of LED drivers and control systems, says that his company "wants to gain the latest information, data and training" related to DALI technology.

DiiA has already supplied test sequences to its members, enabling them to proceed with product development and testing, and to ensure that their products are fully compliant with the latest version of the DALI standard.

Leading companies including ERCO, Helvar, Lutron, OSRAM, Philips Lighting and Tridonic have been joined as Regular members of DiiA by ITZ and Panasonic. Regular members are able to participate in technical work groups and to contribute to DiiA's technology roadmap and future specification development. A current list of members can be found on the DiiA website, and new members are very welcome to join.

About DiiA

The Digital Illumination Interface Alliance (DiiA) is an open, global consortium of lighting companies. Its main aim is to grow the market for lighting-control solutions based on IEC 62386, the international standard for digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) technology.

DiiA was established in response to industry requests for an independently-verified certification program that covers the functionality specified in the latest version of the IEC 62386 family of standards.

Product certification by DiiA brings the promise of significantly improved interoperability and additional functionality compared with the current DALI systems in the market.

Note: DALI is a registered trademark of ZVEI.
BitSight Sovereign Security Ratings Enable Governments to Continuously Monitor Cybersecurity Risks In Their Countries

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BitSight, the Standard in Security Ratings, today announced the general availability of Sovereign Security Ratings, the first objective measurement of national cybersecurity risk. Sovereign Security Ratings enable national intelligence and law enforcement organizations to align security initiatives within a country and its industries, identify risks and vulnerabilities, and drive improvement through a nation's critical infrastructure organizations.

Governments tasked with securing their nation's critical infrastructure from cyber threats are often left without credible context when processing security intelligence. BitSight's Sovereign Security Ratings synthesize cybersecurity data, allowing analysts to benchmark the security and risk posture of multiple countries and industries in one view. With this information, government organizations glean intelligent and actionable insights into threats and can initiate remediation with the appropriate parties.

As part of the BitSight Security Ratings Platform, the Sovereign Security Ratings portal also allows organizations to investigate cyber threats at a country-wide scope, using historical forensics within their given country. Security practitioners can use this feature to analyze whether a specific cyber threat affects organizations in their country.

"We want to extend the trusted, time-tested, and actionable benefits of Security Ratings to government agencies and organizations, allowing them to assess cyber risk on a national scale," said Stephen Boyer, co-founder and CTO for BitSight. "While many organizations leverage a variety of intelligence feeds, they struggle to find an objective measurement of security performance at a national level. They also lack the ability to benchmark the security performance at a country-by-country or industry-by-industry level. Sovereign Security Ratings provide greater context, allowing organizations to understand their level of cyber risk relative to others. There is no other equivalent offering on the market. Today's announcement marks another industry first for BitSight."

Sovereign Security Ratings Deliver:

Global Security Benchmarking: An innovative way to assess country and industry cybersecurity risk exposure, enabling national agencies to self-assess their cybersecurity capabilities. Governments can then compare industries and critical infrastructure companies against counterparts in other nations. Portfolio Analytics: The ability to continuously monitor and compare the security performance of critical infrastructure companies. Forensics: Access to forensic details and readily available infection data to facilitate remediation.

BitSight pioneered the Security Rating Services market in 2011, and strives to help all organizations identify and manage cyber risk. The BitSight Security Ratings Platform generates objective, outside-in ratings on companies' security performance. Using evidence of security outcomes from networks around the world, BitSight applies sophisticated algorithms to produce daily security ratings ranging from 250 to 900, where higher ratings equate to lower risk.

For more information on Sovereign Security Ratings, visit https://www.bitsighttech.com/sovereign-security-ratings.

About BitSight

BitSight is transforming how companies manage information security risk with objective, verifiable and actionable Security Ratings. Founded in 2011, the company built its Security Ratings Platform to continuously analyze vast amounts of external data on security issues and behaviors in order to help organizations manage third party risk, underwrite cyber insurance policies, benchmark performance, conduct M&A due diligence and assess aggregate risk. Seven of the top 10 cyber insurers, 80 Fortune 500 companies, and 3 of the top 5 investment banks rely on BitSight to manage cyber risks. For more information, please visit www.bitsighttech.com, read our blog or follow @BitSight on Twitter.

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MILAN, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Renowned Italian conductor Beatrice Venezi was named the new brand ambassador for luxury kitchenmaker Valcucine at an event Wednesday during the Milan Design Week.

Maestro Venezi stars in a new advertising campaign for Valcucine entitled "Master of Class, Master of Glass", which celebrates 30 years of glass in the kitchen as well as Valcucine's commitment to technology, master craftsmanship and eco-sustainability. In 1987, Valcucine first introduced the use of glass in kitchens, recognising its functionality and aesthetics.

"I'm proud to be associated with one of the finest kitchenmakers in the world, a company synonymous with innovation, which has revolutionised kitchen space," Maestro Venezi said.

Founded in 1980, Valcucine originates from the old tradition of craftsmanship in the so-called "Kitchen Valley" in north-eastern Italy, focussing on innovative and timeless kitchens that are made to last. The company has earned a reputation for its dedication to improving ergonomics and the use of space.

In 2015, Valcucine was acquired by ItalianCreationGroup, the fast-growing Italian luxury firm, which has become the go-to group for high-end Italian design, specifically targeting those consumers who appreciate the distinctive personality and artisanal know-how associated with the "Made in Italy" style.

Following the acquisition of prestigious brands such as furniture design firms Driade and FontanaArte, the upscale boutique bathroom company Toscoquattro as well as Valcucine, ItalianCreationGroup is considered a new force in Italian luxury.

Stefano Core, the Co-Founder and CEO of ItalianCreationGroup noted how Maestro Venezi and Valcucine are both synonymous with strong dedication. "Beatrice and Valcucine's first glass kitchen are nearly the same age and have gone through similar paths: the study, research, experimentation, challenges and innovation," Core said. "This explains the campaign of 'Master of Class, Master of Glass.'"

Maestro Venezi, only 27-years-old, is the chief conductor of the Orchestra Scarlatti Young in Napoli and was recently named among the "100 Women of 2016" by the influential Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

At the event in Milan, Tony Chambers, the Editor-in-Chief of Wallpaper* magazine who is celebrated in the design community, introduced Maestro Venezi to the 500 guests from around the world.

Maestro Venezi conducted the Mitja String Quartet playing sessions from Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, which were inspired by the beauty of nature. It is the official motif of the short movie "Master of Class, Master of Glass", launched online Wednesday on http://www.italiancreationgroup.com.

Exhibited in the showroom was the glass kitchen prototype Artematica In-Vitrum, which defies the laws of statics, supporting over 200 kg of stone.
RENO, NEVADA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- NuLegacy Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE: NUG)(OTCQX: NULGF): Further to our news release of February 7, 2017 we have posted to our website a more detailed analysis of our current understanding and interpretation of the geology, stratigraphic units and mineralization associated with the recently discovered Avocado gold deposit located on NuLegacy's 98 square kilometer land package in the heart of the famed Cortez gold trend of Nevada. Please follow this link to view the analysis. http://nulegacygold.com/s/CGOUpdate.asp

Drilling (of just 4 holes) to date has confirmed the Avocado as a Carlin-type gold system out on the pediment approximately two kilometers to the north-northwest of NuLegacy's established Iceberg gold deposit, with the possibility there are two distinct gold systems referred to as the West and East Avocado.

Link to drilling map: http://nulegacygold.com/i/pdf/ppt/2017-03-05/PPTMar-2-2107_Page_18.jpg

The drilling together with geophysical and chemical surveys completed to date indicates that the gold mineralization identified in RC hole AV-02 and core hole AV-04C (West Avocado) is open to the west and northwest, into an area with no previous drilling. Long intervals of mineralization i.e. 200 meters of 0.25 grams/ton gold in AV-02 and assay spikes over 8 grams/ton gold (approx. 1/4 oz.) in AV-04C suggest the potential for a very strong mineralized system. The initial 2017 program will drill three approx. 2,000 ft. reverse circulation (RC) holes as step outs to the west and northwest.

The West and East Avocado zones are separated by over 600 meters with no drilling in-between. Two RC holes are planned to the west and north of RC hole AV-03 (AV-03 returned 1.04 grams of gold/t over 25.9 meters - East Avocado) to continue the expansion of this mineralized area. Once the results of this initial 2017 drilling are available and understood, additional drilling will be planned as warranted.

These holes are part of the initial 40 hole 2017 exploration program totalling approximately 10,500 meters (approx. 35,000 ft.). Of the initial footage planned, 65% will consist of deeper drilling to explore for additional deposits and 35% will concentrate on expanding the gold footprint of the Iceberg's near-surface deposits. Further geophysical and geochemical surveys will be completed in areas identified prospective for mineralization by the 2016 geologic mapping and survey programs with the goal of generating additional drill targets outside of the currently confirmed mineralized areas.

About NuLegacy: NuLegacy Gold Corporation is an advanced stage Nevada exploration company focusing on the discovery of district scale Carlin-style gold deposits on its premier 98-sq. km (35 sq. mile) Cortez-trend Project in the prolific Cortez gold trend of Nevada.

To date we have discovered the Iceberg(i) and the Avocado Carlin-style gold deposits and have identified three more highly prospective exploration targets (The Deep Iceberg, VIO and Jasperoid Basin geo-physical anomalies) to be drilled this year.

NuLegacy's Cortez-trend Project is located on trend and adjacent(ii) to three multi-million ounce Carlin-type gold deposits (the Pipeline, Cortez Hills and Goldrush deposits) that are amongst Barrick Gold's largest, lowest cost and politically safest gold assets(iii).

(i) An established exploration target of 90-110 million tonnes of 0.9 to 1.1 grams of gold per tonne. These figures are conceptual in nature and derived from a compilation of 149 historic and 34 NuLegacy drill holes. To date, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

(ii.) The similarity and proximity of these deposits in the Cortez Trend is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization in NuLegacy's Cortez-trend Project.

(iii.) As extracted from Barrick's Q4-2013 and Q1-2014 reports.

On Behalf Of NuLegacy Gold Corporation

James E Anderson, Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Roger Steininger, NuLegacy's Chief Geoscience Officer is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG 7417) and the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects responsible for preparing and reviewing the scientific and technical information contained in this news release

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of gold, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, availability of financing and other risks in the mining industry. There are no known resources or reserves in the Cortez Trend Project and the proposed exploration programs are exploratory searches for commercial bodies of ore. In addition, the presence of gold deposits on properties adjacent or near the Cortex Trend Project is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization on the Cortex Trend Project. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com including our annual management's discussion and analysis dated July 28, 2016 for the year ended March 31, 2016. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation.

Contacts:

NuLegacy Gold Corporation

James Anderson (CEO): james@nuggold.com, or

Albert Matter (Chairman): albert@nuggold.com, or

Roger Steininger (CGO): roger@nuggold.com, or

Frank Lagiglia (ICM): frank@nuggold.com

604-639-3640 / www.nulegacygold.com




BEIJING, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 2017 China Food Industry Credibility Construction Forum and China Food Ranking Announcement Ceremony which was jointly organized by China Foundation of Consumer Protection, China Food News and China Sosuowas held in Beijing recently. Owing to the public reputation accumulated over years of dedication to quality, Huiyuan Juice won the recognition of "Top 10 Most Trusted Beverage Brand".

Consumer recognition is undoubtedly more significant thanany physical awards. As a leading company in the Chinese juice industry, Huiyuan Juice has always upheld its commitment to produce high quality juice with the utmost ingenuity for consumers since its establishment 25 years ago.

After years of efforts, Huiyuan has been recognized as the Juice of the Nation. The nickname indicates the trust and love of Chinese consumers to Huiyuan, which is also the reason why Huiyuan outperformed other brands and won the award in China Food Reputation Ranking.

China Food Reputation Ranking includes aperiod of 2-month voting, during which the public voted for their favorite meat, catering, leisure food, oil, beverages, frozen food, seasoning, dairy products, baijiu and beer, as well as large-scale chain supermarkets through WeChat and other channels.

AsMr. Hou Guiliang, Chairman of China Foundation of Consumer Protection saidat the forum: "Only credibility can bring us huge profits in market competition." Huiyuan will also continueinsisting on credibility and quality, and earn the trust from consumers as amotivation to bring better and healthierjuice products to Chinese people.
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. shares fell notably on Thursday, with a combination of hawkish Fed minutes, a pullback in crude prices and geopolitical worries weighing on markets. Also, a two-day meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping gets underway later today, with trade and security issues expected to be high on the agenda. The benchmark FTSE 100 was down 40 points or 0.54 percent at 7,291 in late opening deals after rising 0.1 percent the previous day on data showing better-than-expected growth in Britain's service sector. Embattled publisher Pearson tumbled 4 percent on going ex-dividend. Energy major Tullow Oil fell more than 10 percent as shares traded without rights to subscribe to its 607 million-pound cash call. Royal Dutch Shell slid half a percent after saying it would sell its 50 percent stake in New Zealand's second-biggest gas field. Retailer Tesco was marginally lower after it announced plans to scrap 24 hour opening at eight 'Extra' stores. Rio Tinto shares were little changed despite the Australian Taxation Office demanding an additional A$447 million ($339 million) in taxes from the mining giant. Hikma Pharmaceuticals shed half a percent. The company said it has entered into a settlement agreement with Jazz Pharmaceuticals to resolve a patent litigation related to Jazz's Xyrem. Airline easyJet rose about 1 percent after unveiling passenger traffic figures for the rolling 12 months ending March. 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.




HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department Joe Kainz Tel: +852 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

HONG KONG, Apr 6, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - The ninth Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) opened today and continues through 9 April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) featuring more than 1,300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions.Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fair welcomes new exhibitors from Belt and Road countries such as the Philippines, Thailand and Turkey. Also new to the fair are three Chinese group pavilions - "Shunde Lighting Association", "China Henglan" and "Hunan Yiyang Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor".- Global buyers sourcing in Hong Kong amid export rebound -HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau noted that Hong Kong exports are recovering amid improving consumer confidence in global markets. "Exports of lighting products reached HK$1.4 billion in the first two months of this year, up 4.7 per cent year-on-year. Increases were registered in such major export countries as the United States (+8.1%), the Chinese mainland (+8.9%), France (+17.5%), the United Arab Emirates (+288.2%), the Netherlands (+38.7%) and Poland (+212.4%)." He expects global buyers to find a diverse choice of innovative products at the Spring Lighting Fair.The HKTDC has organised 60 buying missions comprising more than 2,900 companies and representing importers and distributors. Swiss LED from the US, Roschi Technology GmbH from Germany, GE Lighting from the Chinese mainland, Wipro Enterprises (P) Ltd from India, JSC PALANTIR from Russia, and Skyelume FZC from the UAE are among the companies on hand bringing new business opportunities for exhibitors.- New Smart Lighting & Solutions zone -Mr Chau said that the Internet of Things (IoT) accelerated the development of smart lighting, and the industry is optimistic about the growth potential of this product category. "To respond to market needs, this year's Spring Lighting Fair features a new Smart Lighting & Solutions zone to showcase the latest smart lighting products, systems and solutions. These include an energy-saving citywide lighting management system that switches on and off automatically at pre-set times based on the city's longitude and latitude (Booth no: 3C-D06), and a smart-touch remote control with a wireless control range of 40 metres (Booth no: 3C-D38)."Meanwhile, due to environmental concerns, lighting products of higher energy efficiency are preferred and energy-efficient LED lamps and lighting apparatus are replacing incandescent light bulbs as mainstream products. Mr Chau also pointed out that LED & Green Lighting continues to be the largest thematic zone at the Spring Lighting Fair, attracting more than 450 suppliers presenting products that are both functional and decorative.- Renowned brands and unique products -The fair's Hall of Aurora attracted about 200 renowned brands, such as Viribright, Forest Lighting, SKY-LIGHTING, TCL and Jaykal, providing a wide range of lighting products and technologies with unique design and excellent functionality.Sourcing is further facilitated with various specialised product zones, including the World of Professional & Industrial Lighting, Commercial Lighting and Advertising Display Lighting.The fair features a myriad of unique products. These include "3Led" with exceptional colour rendering index (CRI) levels (Booth no: 1E-A02), a portable flood light suitable for military use, disaster relief and construction sites (Booth no: 3D-E21), a unique LED WiFi anti-mosquito bulb (Booth no: 1E-B26), a smart LED plant light with temperature, humidity, oxygen and illumination control (Booth no: 3D-B02), as well as a light with patented technology that can transfer five watts of energy through non-metallic materials and which can therefore operate without visible power cables (Booth no: 1E-D21).- Insights into market needs and product trends -At the fair's Asian Lighting Forum 2017 held today, professionals and experts from renowned market intelligence company IHS Markit, famous brands Phillips and Osram, certification agency DEKRA, Hong Kong's Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and Klaasen Lighting Design exchanged views on smart lighting trends, the latest technologies, cyber security and applications. There will also be a number of buyer forums during the fair period where representatives from various lighting associations as well as buyers from France, Japan, Poland and Russia will share the latest market insights and product trends.- Showcasing Hong Kong's design capability -The HKTDC organised the 10th Hong Kong Lighting Design Competition to recognise local design talent. Finalists' works are on display at Hall 1C Concourse during the fair period to promote Hong Kong's lighting design to global buyers. The award presentation ceremony will be held at tonight's networking reception.Links:Fair Website: http://www.hktdc.com/hklightingfairse/Events Schedule: http://bit.ly/2nNr5HlFinalists' entries of the 10th Hong Kong Lighting Design Competition: http://bit.ly/2oH11kMPhoto Download Link: http://bit.ly/2o0maDKTo view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCEstablished in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdcTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdcLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-councilSource: HKTDCContact:Copyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Torino Power Solutions Inc. (CSE: TPS)(CSE: TPS.CN) (the "Company" or "Torino"), is pleased to announce that it has begun developing a new underground temperature sensor that will focus on underground cable failures that plague most of the world's largest subway systems. Torino has been in recent discussions with some of the largest public transportation agencies in North America. Torino is the maker of Powerline Monitoring ("PLM") system sensors for utility transmission lines. The Company is reviewing ways to adapt its unique hollow sensor technology to deliver real-time underground temperature data to major transit operators to help detect and avoid underground cable failures before they turn into costly outages and delays for the public.

Underground transmission and distribution circuits are being continually overextended and in many cases cause overheating. Operators are in need of real-time, accurate information as to the maximum loads that may safely be impressed on underground cables without exceeding the temperature limits of such cables.

Rav Mlait, CEO of Torino, commented, "We are delighted to have a chance to develop a custom sensor to monitor the temperature of the underground cables in real-time before costly failures occur. Underground cable failure is a significant market opportunity in search of a solution. Torino, with its durable industrial sensor technology, is increasingly being called upon to provide custom solutions to major technical challenges such as this, as well as provide vital data for broader IIOT strategies."

Please visit www.torinopower.com for more information.

We seek Safe Harbor.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Rav Mlait, CEO and Director

Torino Power Solutions Inc.

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, such as final development of a commercial product(s), successful trial or pilot of company technologies, no assurance that commercial sales of any kind actually materialize; no assurance the Company will have sufficient funds to complete product development. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) risks regarding protection of proprietary technology; (iii) the ability of the Company to complete financings; (iv) the ability of the Company to develop and market its future product; and (v) risks regarding government regulation, managing and maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation, competition and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the Company's public announcements and filings. There is no assurance that the DTCR business will provide any benefit to the Company, and no assurance that any proposed new products will be built or proceed. There is no assurance that existing "patent pending" technologies licensed by the Company will receive patent status by regulatory authorities. The Company is not currently selling commercial DTCR systems. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Torino Power Solutions Inc.

Rav Mlait

CEO and Director

info@torinopower.com

www.torinopower.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RHT)(OTCQB: RQHTF) ("Reliq" or the "Company"), a technology company focused on developing innovative mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine solutions for Community-Based Healthcare, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Rio Grande Valley Health Alliance, LLC in McAllen, Texas to pilot Reliq's remote patient monitoring, care coordination and telemedicine platform with their primary care patients. The pilot will go live in May, 2017.

"We are excited to be working with Rio Grande Valley Health Alliance (RGVHA) to support care coordination across multiple clinical settings, improving health outcomes and reducing the cost of care delivery for their patients," said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health Technologies, Inc. "Reliq's remote patient monitoring system quickly and easily collects comprehensive health data from patients in their own homes. Our secure, cloud-based care collaboration platform provides the clinical care team, patient and family members with real-time access to patient health information including trends over time. This helps the care team identify patients whose condition is becoming unstable and intervene early, before a serious complication develops requiring an ER visit or hospital admission. The care coordination portal allows patients and their loved ones to clearly see how compliance with prescribed medication and lifestyle changes affect the patient's health, improving patient engagement and patient- and family-reported satisfaction."

"Our mission at Rio Grande Valley Health Alliance is to provide better, more efficient care for our patients as an Accountable Care Organization," said Dr. Luis Delgado, Jr., President. "We are excited to be working with Reliq Health to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care, and that we as their physicians are alerted immediately when patients need additional attention. This is critical to reducing hospital readmissions, ensuring patients successfully transition home after a hospital stay, and preventing medication confusion for complex patients. Reliq's telemedicine platform will allow us to provide patients who are not able to travel to appointments with secure video appointments in the comfort of their own homes, improving access to care for patients in remote and rural communities."

Rio Grande Valley Health Alliance, LLC (www.rgvha.org) is an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). The group is comprised of 17 primary care physicians who are working with Medicare to provide better coordinated care to Medicare Fee-for-Service patients. The aim of the ACO is to deliver high-quality care and lower growth in health care expenditures. The ACO is made up of 15 independent practices focusing on primary care, and currently has over 30,000 registered patients.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO and Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements".

We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Reliq Health Technologies Inc.

Contacts:

Renmark Financial Communications Inc.

Laura Welsh

(416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989

lwelsh@renmarkfinancial.com

www.renmarkfinancial.com



CORE Capital Partners

604-566-9233

investors@ccpartnersinc.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Tower One Wireless Corp (CSE: TO)(OTCBB: TOWTF)(FRANKFURT: A2AFT9) ("Tower One" or the "Company") announces that it has applied to OTC Markets Group to trade the Company's common shares on the OTCQB. Additionally, the Company is in process of applying for eligibility with The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") for its common shares once listed on the OTCQB. DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. and manages the electronic clearing and settlement of share transactions for publicly-traded companies. The Company will provide further updates relating to the trading of its common shares on OTCQB in due course.

Alex Ochoa, CEO of Tower One states: "Tower One aims to list its shares on the OTCBQ in order to establish ourselves within the American investment community and as a step toward graduating to a more senior exchange in the future. Once Tower One receives DTC eligibility in conjunction with the OTCQB listing, it will provide shareholders with additional liquidity and increased trading capacity."

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market, and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 US and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS, the company connects a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. The company enables investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. OTC Link ATS is operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS.

About Tower One Wireless Corp.

Tower One Wireless Corp was founded in 2015 with a mission to own and operate high-quality cellular network infrastructure sites in South American markets that are experience strong usage growth. Tower One focuses primarily on building towers in municipalities where there is limited or no cellular coverage. This enhances the probability of multiple carriers sharing the tower and minimizes competitive risk. Tower One has assembled a decorated management team with top-tier cellular development experience with one of South America's largest tower developers. Tower One is currently focused on 4G & 5G LTE infrastructure expansion in Latin America.

The CSE has not reviewed, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities law and may not be offered or sold in the "United States", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated 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 requirements is available.

We seek Safe Harbor.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

All information in this press release concerning Tower One Wireless Corp has been provided for inclusion herein by Tower One Wireless Corp. Although the Company has no knowledge that would indicate that any information contained herein concerning T1 is untrue or incomplete, the Company assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any such information.

Contacts:

Tower One Wireless Corp.

Robert "Nick" Horsley

Director

nick@toweronewireless.com

(604) 559-8051




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Leading Edge Materials Corp. ("Leading Edge Materials") or (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: LEM)(OTCQB: LEMIF) is pleased to announce the latest results from process optimization and qualification test work to produce high value products using graphite from the Company's Woxna mine and processing facility in Sweden.

Electrochemical, material property and purity results achieved in this recent qualification test work significantly exceeded those previously accomplished. The Woxna high purity spherical graphite product is now of a quality to warrant progression to 18650 lithium ion battery cell manufacture, followed by standard tests including High Precision Coulometry (HPC) to measure anode and cathode performance and stability under "real-world" conditions.

Highlights of the latest test work include:

-- Tap Density of 0.95 g/cc (target is greater than or equal to 0.95 g/cc) -- Sample purity of 99.9988%C (only 12ppm impurities) -- Reversible capacity of 370-371 mAh/g

Blair Way, President and CEO, stated, "We are very pleased with the high purity achieved by thermal purification of the Woxna concentrate at an active commercial site in the United States. These recent tests demonstrate that Woxna high purity spheroidal graphite has the electrochemical properties potentially suitable for use in automotive lithium ion batteries. Our Woxna concentrate stockpile can provide very large volumes of graphite concentrate for ongoing qualification and when appropriate scaled-up pilot plant test work."

A commercial graphite flotation concentrate from the Woxna mine in Sweden was shipped to an independent laboratory for ongoing high purity spheroidal flowsheet development. Samples progress through a methodical campaign of tests followed by analysis to identify key characteristics such as graphitic carbon content, tap density, BET surface area, particle size distribution, reversible capacity and cell life cycle testing (HPC). The company will provide further updates as test work progresses.

On behalf of the Board,

Blair Way, President & CEO

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 news release.

The qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 for the Woxna project, Blair Way, President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed and verified the contents of this release.

Forward-Looking Information. Certain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "Forward-Looking Statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are Forward-Looking Statements. Forward-Looking Statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may," "will," "can," "should," "could," or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-Looking Statements are based upon the opinions and expectations of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-Looking Statements are subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements including, among other things, the Company has yet to generate a profit from its activities; there can be no guarantee that the estimates of quantities or qualities of minerals disclosed in the Company's public record will be economically recoverable; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; competition with other companies within the mining industry; the success of the Company is largely dependent upon the performance of its directors and officers and the Company's ability to attract and train key personnel; changes in world metal markets and equity markets beyond the Company's control; mineral resources are, in the large part, estimates and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of recovery will be realized;

production rates and capital and other costs may vary significantly from estimates; changes in corporate goals and strategies, the Company's preliminary economic assessment is no longer current or valid and the Company has no plans to complete a new preliminary economic assessment, a pre-feasibility or feasibility study on the project, as a result there is an increased risk of technical and economic failure for the Woxna graphite project; unexpected geological conditions; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; all phases of a mining business present environmental and safety risks and hazards and are subject to environmental and safety regulation, and rehabilitation and restitution costs; the Company does not maintain insurance against environmental risks; and management of the Company have experience in mineral exploration but may lack all or some of the necessary technical training and experience to successfully develop and operate a mine. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the Forward-Looking Statements, and the assumptions on which such Forward-Looking Statements are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which the Forward-Looking Statements are based will occur. Forward-Looking Statements herein are made as at the date hereof, and unless otherwise required by law, the Company does not intend, or assume any obligation, to update these Forward-Looking Statements.

Contacts:

Leading Edge Materials Corp.

+1 604 685 9316

www.leadingedgematerials.com




Windmill of Hope Program Leveraging SpeedTap Tags to Drive Efficiency and Ensure Transparency During Relief Efforts in South Korea

Thin Film Electronics ASA ("Thinfilm") (OSE:THIN), a global leader in NFC (near field communication) mobile marketing and smart packaging solutions, today announced a partnership with the Korean Red Cross in South Korea.

The two groups are collaborating to replace the paper-based confirmation process currently used by the Korean Red Cross in its Windmill of Hope program (Korean: ????, Heemang-Poongcha) to verify delivery and receipt of relief items and services such as food, clothing, and medication. The new solution will leverage Thinfilm's NFC SpeedTap tags to drive program efficiency and ease administrative burdens for program directors. The NFC technology will also ensure full transparency regarding the exchange of goods between volunteers and those who receive support.

The Korean Red Cross has developed a custom web interface that integrates with the SpeedTap technology. A volunteer can simply scan a delivery receipt containing a SpeedTap tag with a smartphone or NFC device once a transaction is completed. The scan instantly confirms the exchange of goods and/or services and sends related data to the Korean Red Cross' cloud database in real-time for recordkeeping, reporting and analysis.

The Windmill of Hope program was launched in 2012 by the Korean Red Cross as a major humanitarian support initiative in South Korea. It was created to provide customized, integrated human services to low-income families and other socioeconomically vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, North Korean immigrants, and multi-cultural families. Red Cross volunteers are matched up with vulnerable people and make timely visits to deliver goods and ensure the well-being of those in need.

"The Windmill of Hope program helps improve the quality of life for so many less fortunate people in South Korea," said Kim Gunn-joong, Secretary General of the Korean Red Cross. "We believe using NFC technology to enhance our processes, drive efficiency, and increase transparency will enable the Korean Red Cross to be even more effective in delivering much needed support."

It is anticipated that, through the Windmill of Hope program, NFC technology will reach more than 20,000 households in South Korea.

"The Korean Red Cross provides a tremendous amount of humanitarian support to those in need in South Korea, and it's exciting to know that Thinfilm's NFC technology is helping to enhance their relief efforts," said Davor Sutija, CEO of Thinfilm. "We are proud to partner with such an esteemed organization and look forward to launching this exciting program."

About Thin Film Electronics ASA

Thinfilm is a leader in NFC mobile marketing and smart packaging solutions using printed electronics technology. The first to commercialize printed, rewritable memory, the Company today creates printed tags, labels and systems that include memory, sensing, display, and wireless communication all at a cost-per-function unmatched by conventional electronic technologies. Thinfilm's roadmap integrates technology from a strong and growing ecosystem of partners to bring intelligence to everyday items and effectively extend the traditional boundaries of the Internet of Things.

Thin Film Electronics ASA ("Thinfilm") is a publicly listed Norwegian company with global headquarters in Oslo, Norway; US headquarters in San Jose, California; and offices in Linkoping, Sweden; Shanghai; Hong Kong; and Singapore. For more information, visit www.thinfilm.no.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to 5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act).

About the Korean Red Cross

The Republic of Korea National Red Cross (more commonly known as the Korean Red Cross) is a major humanitarian partner to the Korean government and was established in 1905 through the Imperial Order (No. 47) of Emperor Gojong. The Korean Red Cross has been carrying out various projects and programs to protect the lives of people and alleviate their pain and suffering. These efforts include relief projects to help prisoners of war, wounded soldiers, and those affected by disaster; medical aid projects including blood services, emergency relief projects, and volunteer service programs; and assistance to reunite separated families.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406005289/en/

Contacts:

Thin Film Electronics ASA

Bill Cummings, +1 408-503-7312

SVP Corporate Communications

bill.cummings@thinfilm.no

or

Korean Red Cross

Jin Ho. Hwang

T: +82-02-3705-3753, M: +82-10-2482-4650

Public Relations Team

redspirit@redcross.or.kr

http://www.redcross.or.kr
STOCKHOLM, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

This week, applications open to the fourth edition of Sweden's largest entrepreneurship competition for startups and growth companies - Serendipity Challenge. The finals will be held during Almedalsveckan 2017, where 50 of the most innovative, up-and-coming companies from Sweden and the Nordics will once again gather at the most important arena for policy making, trade, enterprise and societal issues.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487136/Serendipity_Challenge.jpg )



The competition is arranged by Serendipity in collaboration with Industrin tar matchen and targets entrepreneur-led companies, from all industries with a unique innovation or business concept that can change, improve and develop their existing industries. The competing companies are evaluated upon the scalability of their products and services along with their potential to establish themselves on the global market.

- Serendipity Challenge has grown continuously every year, and for the first time, we invite our Nordic neighbours to participate in the competition. By doing so, we add an extra dimension of diversity and edge to the competition and to the tech arena, a venue space dedicated to be a meeting point between the competing startups and the established industry, says Omid Ekhlasi, head of Serendipity Challenge.

- Innovation is what moves Sweden forward. The aim of Serendipity Challenge is to give Swedish entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow their companies and contribute to the labour market and the welfare of tomorrow, says Magnus Huss, general director of IKEM and spokesperson for Industrin tar matchen.

The purpose of Serendipity Challenge is to elevate and showcase Sweden and the Nordics as a hotbed for the innovative companies of the future, as well as connecting entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, politicians and collaboration partners.

- Last years' final of Serendipity Challenge showcased the impact of Almedalen as a platform for established corporations to connect with upcoming companies. With our delegation of 50 startups and more than 100 entrepreneurs, the opinion-makers of our time, it stood clear that Almedalen is a highly relevant arena for startups and growth companies to build strong business relationships. The amount of visitors to the tech arena, and the interest for the Serendipity Challenge during 2016 exceeded our expectations by far, says Omid Ekhlasi.

50 companies will be selected by a well renowned jury and will, in addition to competing in the Serendipity Challenge, exhibit their innovations at the tech arena in the city centre of Visby. The winners of each category will be awarded with a growth package, to a value of SEK 200 000, and a seat on the winner delegation trip to Silicon Valley, San Francisco later this autumn. The competition will also be followed by a conference with the theme "from startup to billion revenue company," held in Stockholm in autumn 2017.

About Serendipity

Serendipity Group was founded in 2004 with focus on building innovative companies based on scientific discoveries. Since its inception, the group has founded and managed more than 15 technology companies. It's portfolio contains listed and privately held firms that operate within advanced material, animal health, bio technology, clean technology and medical technology. www.serendipity.se

About Industrin tar matchen

Industrin tar matchen is a joint initiative by 14 Swedish industry organisations. Its mission is to clearly communicate the importance of a strong and sustainable business and vital industry in regard to Sweden's welfare. www.industrintarmatchen.se

About the Serendipity Challenge

The competition aims to give exposure to entrepreneurship and hand company builders the opportunity to showcase their company on the national arena. The competition also aims to highlight Sweden and the Nordic region as hotbeds for innovative, emerging enterprises that change, improve, and develop their industries on a global level as well as function as a connecting venue and a hotspot for entrepreneurs, executives, investors, politicians, and partners.

For more information, please contact:

Omid Ekhlasi

Head of Serendipity Challenge

+46-735-252-509


MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - The US Government's soft attitude towards Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria appears to be changing in the wake of the deadly chemical weapons attack in Idlib province earlier this week. In an indication of a tougher approach against the Syrian Government, President Donald Trump said the suspected horrible chemical attack cannot be tolerated and it has crossed many many lines. His Secretary of State went a step further by calling on Russia to reconsider their support to Syria after a suspected chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun town on Tuesday left 86 people, including children, dead. Speaking to the media ahead of his meeting with Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray Caso at the State Department Wednesday, Rex Tillerson said 'we think it's time that the Russians really need to think carefully about their continued support of the Assad regime.' He told reporters that the Syrian regime under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad is responsible for the attack. Tillerson is expected to discuss further about this issue with his Russian counterpart when he visits Russia next week. 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, counter terrorism efforts, bilateral relations and other issues, including North Korea and Syria, State Department Acting Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said in a statement Wednesday. Trump called the 'heinous actions' by the Assad regime a 'consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution.' Recent comments from administration officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, suggested that regime change in Syria would not be a priority under Trump. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
MONTREAL, QC--(Marketwired - April 06, 2017) - Siyata Mobile Inc. (the "Company" or "Siyata") (TSX VENTURE: SIM) (OTC PINK: SIMFF) is pleased to announce that it has posted $4.85MM in revenue for Q1 2017. This represents an increase of 80% over the Company's Q1 2016 sales and an 18% increase over Q4 2016 and is the third consecutive quarter of record sales.

Marc Seelenfreund, CEO of Siyata states, "We continue to see very strong demand for all our product lines and are happy to announce another record quarter. The recently completed $5.1MM financing puts the company in a very strong position to continue our aggressive sales and product launches into North America."

As previously announced, Siyata recently closed a $5.1MM brokered private placement financing which has contributed to the Company's current working capital of $9MM. The Company also recently released its Uniden UV350, the world's first 4G in-vehicle communications device that is FirstNet ("Band 14") ready, a nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to America's first responders.

The Company also announces that it has granted 1,000,000 options (the "Stock Options") to Kin Communications Inc. ("Kin") pursuant to the terms of the Company's stock option plan. Each Stock Option is exercisable into one common share of the Company with an exercise price of $0.55 per common share. 125,000 of the Stock Options will vest immediately from the date of grant. Thereafter, the Stock Options will vest on a quarterly basis in tranches of 125,000 with the first tranche vesting on July 6, 2017. The Stock Options shall expire, if unexercised, 5 years from the date of grant.

The Company will announce its financial 2016 year-end results before the end of April 2017 and its Q1 2017 results before the end of May 2017.

About Siyata

Siyata Mobile Inc. is a leading global developer and provider of innovative cellular communication systems under the Uniden Cellular brand. Siyata's "Connected-Vehicle" devices and accessories are specifically designed for professional fleets including trucks, vans, buses, emergency service vehicles, government cars and more. Siyata aims to provide greater mobile connectivity for professional drivers and to facilitate replacement of the aging in-vehicle, multi-device status quo with a single device that incorporates voice, push-to-talk, data, and fleet management solutions.

Siyata also markets and sells Uniden  cellular signal boosters and accessories as well as rugged mobile phones for both the consumer and enterprise markets. Siyata's customers include cellular operators, commercial vehicle technology distributors, and fleets of all sizes in Canada, the US, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.

Visit www.siyatamobile.com and http://www.unidencellular.com/ to learn more.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of:

SIYATA MOBILE INC.

Marc Seelenfreund

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 include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, 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, 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 except as required under the applicable laws.

Investor Relations:

Arlen Hansen

Kin Communications

1-866-684-6730

SIM@kincommunications.com



Sales Department:

Glenn Kennedy

VP Sales

Siyata Mobile Inc.

416-892-1823

glenn_kennedy@siyatamobile.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Midland Exploration Inc. ("Midland") (TSX VENTURE: MD) is pleased to announce the acquisition, by map designation, of a new project with strong base metal (Zn-Cu) potential in the Labrador Trough. The Nachicapau property consists of 49 claims and is located approximately 150 kilometres south of Kuujjuaq, Quebec.

Previous exploration campaigns on the project in 2008 and 2012 led to the discovery of several meter-sized massive sulphide float boulders with high zinc grades, up to 17.5% Zn. Another boulder yielded grades of 4.9 % Cu and 0.96 g/t Au. (Note that values from grab samples may not be representative of the mineralized zones). High-grade massive sulphide boulders discovered to date are scattered over a surface area of about 1.5 km x 200m. Prospecting campaigns carried out in 2008 and 2012 focused in the immediate vicinity of the boulders but failed to locate their source in bedrock. A limited drilling campaign carried out in 2012 (6 holes totalling 877 metres) tested airborne electromagnetic anomalies located near the boulders but once again failed to discover the source, which thus remains unexplained to this day. However, several other airborne electromagnetic anomalies coinciding with magnetic highs are located up-ice from the boulders (to the southeast) and have never been tested; these represent high-priority targets.

The Labrador Trough is a geological province with proven potential for volcanogenic massive sulphides ("VMS"). VMS deposits in the Labrador Trough are of the "pelitic-mafic" sub-type (Franklin et al., 2005) and are characterized by their higher tonnage compared to other VMS sub-types (Galley et al., 2008). The Nachicapau project is characterized by mafic lavas and pyroclastic rocks alternating with various sedimentary units (black shales, dolomites, turbidites), as well as several synvolcanic gabbro sills. These sills may have acted as the thermal driving force for the submarine hydrothermal system which led to the formation of massive sulphide mineralization. This type of stratigraphic assemblage is favourable for the discovery of "pelitic-mafic" VMS deposits.

Midland also owns two other projects with strong zinc potential, located in southern Quebec. The Weedon project is located in the southern Quebec Appalachians. The mineralization is hosted in felsic volcanic rocks of the Ascot-Weedon formation, a formation that has a strong volcanogenic massive sulfide potential with several past producing mines. The Gatineau Zinc project is located within marbles of the Grenville supergroup in southwestern Quebec. On the Lafontaine prospect, channel sampling by Midland returned 21.0% Zn over 2.0 meters. On the Leitch prospect, channel sampling returned 24.1% Zn over 3.0 meters. (Note that the true thickness of these channel samples is unknown and cannot be determined at this time with the information available). Midland interprets that the Lafontaine and Leitch prospects are hosted within the same stratigraphy that host the Balmat mine in the state of New York that produced 43.5 Mt at 9.5% Zn and 0.5% Pb.

About Midland

Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold, platinum group elements, base metals and rare earth elements. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Teck Resources Limited, SOQUEM INC., Osisko Mining Inc., Altius Minerals Corp., Japan Oil and Gas and Metals National Corporation and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management is currently reviewing other opportunities and projects to build up the Company portfolio and generate shareholder value.

This press release was prepared by Sylvain Trepanier, Research Geologist for Midland, certified geologist and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. For more information, please consult the Company website: www.midlandexploration.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Midland's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Midland from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

Contacts:

Gino Roger

President and Chief Executive Officer

450 420-5977

450 420-5978 (FAX)

info@midlandexploration.com

www.midlandexploration.com




MARKHAM, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- VIQ Solutions Inc. ("VIQ Solutions" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: VQS) is pleased to announce that Spark & Cannon, VIQ's Australia based reporting and transcription services and technology distributor, was awarded a new multiyear contract with the South Australia Employment Tribunal ("SAET") for secure integrated software and transcription services.

The contract term is three years with one option to extend for an additional two years. Based on historical workflow, estimated revenue for the five year period is AUD $1.5M.

"This significant contract continues the positive trend of higher revenue, higher margin integrated software and service wins for Spark & Cannon," said Sebastien Pare, President and CEO of VIQ Solutions. "Sophisticated customers are increasingly turning to Spark & Cannon not just for back end transcription services, but also integrated front end capture and technology solutions."

The SAET provides timely, fair and independent resolution of workers compensation matters and helps injured workers return to meaningful employment. SAET resolves disputes through agreement at a conciliation conference, or through a decision of the Tribunal at a hearing.

VIQ Satellite software will provide multichannel audio and video capture of SAET hearings. From their office in Adelaide, authorized Spark & Cannon staff will remotely monitor and control recording in multiple SAET hearing rooms simultaneously via secure network connection. Spark & Cannon will also securely host the SAET central data repository.

In addition to the recording and monitoring responsibilities, Spark & Cannon was awarded 100% of the transcription services for the contract.

VIQ's innovative NetScribe transcription engine will automatically and securely apportion audio from the SAET server to Spark & Cannon's team of expert transcriptionists. NetScribe allocates work to multiple transcriptionists simultaneously, allowing Spark & Cannon to provide complete transcripts to SAET within hours of submission. Transcription is prioritised according to the SAET's schedule and is checked for quality through Spark & Cannon's editing and review process.

SAET will also implement VIQ's innovative AccessPOINT web portal for secure "anytime anywhere" access to proceedings. From any standard web browser, including mobile phones, authorized participants can log in to the customized SAET portal and listen to audio of their proceedings and review notes.

"The SAET contract showcases the best of VIQ's technology integrated with Spark & Cannon's top of the line transcription services," said Matthew Fowler, Managing Director at Spark & Cannon. "Our stellar reputation for secure, professional transcription services continues to open new doors for Spark & Cannon in these types of integrated technology and transcription contracts."

"VIQ is the only provider of complete end to end workflow from point of capture to transcription and reporting as part of the same cybersecure platform," added Mr. Pare. "We are the technology leader for innovative digital capture and transcription platforms for customers like SAET, with future planned expansions including integrated speech recognition workflows, mobility and more."

For more information on what is making the news at VIQ Solutions, please visit our website at http://www.viqsolutions.com/news.html.

About VIQ Solutions Inc.

VIQ Solutions is the leading technology and service platform provider for digital evidence capture and content management. Our secure modular software allows customers to onboard the VIQ platform at any stage of their organization's digitization, from the capture of digital content from video and audio devices through to online collaboration, mobility, data analytics and integration with sensors, facial recognition, speech recognition and case management or patient record systems. VIQ's technology leads the industry in security, meeting the highest international standards for digital/cyber security and privacy, including military and medical regulations.

Our solutions are in use in over 20 countries with tens of thousands of users in over 200 government and private agencies including law enforcement, immigration, medical, legal, insurance, courts, and transportation and transcription services. VIQ also provides end to end transcription services to several large government agencies through our Australia-based reporting and transcription partners. VIQ operates worldwide with partners like security integrators, audio-video specialists, and hardware and data storage suppliers.

Managing digital media evidence is what we do, and we do it better than anyone else.

For more information about VIQ Solutions, please visit www.viqsolutions.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward looking statements or forward looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward looking statements or information in this news release include, but are not limited to, the expected workflow volume and associated revenues of Spark & Cannon attributable to the contract with the South Australia Employment Tribunal.

The forward looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and VIQ Solutions undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Tara Bednarz

VIQ Solutions

(905) 948-8266 ext. 225

tbednarz@viqsolutions.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Advantage Lithium Corp. (the "Company" or "Advantage Lithium") (TSX VENTURE: AAL)(OTCQX: AVLIF) and its joint venture partner, Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp. ("Nevada Sunrise"), are pleased to announce that a regional drilling program has commenced at the Neptune Lithium Project ("Neptune") located in the southern Clayton Valley of Nevada, USA. One borehole will be drilled to a depth of approximately 610m (2,000 feet) and will follow up on encouraging results from a 2016 lithium brine drilling program carried out by Nevada Sunrise. Other boreholes are planned at the Jackson Wash, Aquarius and Gemini projects in the coming months.

Neptune is the subject of an earn-in agreement between Nevada Sunrise and Advantage Lithium where Advantage Lithium can earn a 50% interest in Neptune from the Company by spending CDN$700,000 over a three-year period (see NR dated June 26, 2016.

David Sidoo, CEO of Advantage Lithium, commented, "Having completed two very successful rounds of drilling at another of our projects in the region - Clayton NE - we are looking forward to expanding our exploration activity in this area of Nevada. We will be starting with Neptune, at which our JV partner has previously encountered lithium groundwater and where the geology is similar to that encountered at Clayton NE."

About Neptune

Neptune consists of 316 unpatented 20-acre placer claims totaling approximately 6,320 acres (2,557 hectares) and is located in an active area of lithium exploration and mining. The Silver Peak lithium mine operation, acquired by Albemarle Corporation in 2015, has extracted lithium from brines continuously since 1966 and is located approximately 10 miles (15 kilometres) to the north of Neptune.

Nevada Sunrise completed two exploration holes at Neptune in late March 2016. Borehole N-2016-1, drilled to 457.2 metres (1,500 feet) showed anomalous lithium in groundwater. Composited samples collected from the intersected strata contained lithium-bearing sediments that averaged 156 parts per million ("ppm") lithium over 215 feet (65.5 metres) from 1285 feet (392.7 metres) to the end of hole at 1,500 feet (457.2 metres), reaching a peak value of 217 ppm lithium from 1365 to 1385 feet.. A third hole up to 2,000 feet deep is underway approximately 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) to the east of hole N-2016-1 in an area interpreted from a 2016 geophysical survey to be a potential trap where denser, lithium-bearing brines could accumulate. If results from the third Neptune borehole warrant further work, a drill pad and access road have been prepared for a fourth hole location.

The two exploration holes completed in March 2016 were targeted using the integration of the results of: (1) a detailed gravity survey by a previous operator that outlined a deep, faulted sub-basin, and (2) a controlled source audio magneto telluric ("CSAMT") follow-up survey that detected conductive horizons within the sub-basin. In each of the completed holes, permeable sedimentary, lacustrine strata interbedded with volcanic ash and ejecta was logged at various levels throughout the holes. This type of sedimentary strata is interpreted as a requisite host horizon for lithium-bearing brines as seen in the northern Clayton Valley.

The technical information in this news release has reviewed and approved on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., Technical Advisor for Advantage Lithium Corp., and a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101.

About Advantage Lithium Corp.

Advantage Lithium Corp. is a resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration and development of lithium properties and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The common shares of the company are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE: AAL), and the company is also traded on the OTCQX Best Market in the U.S. (OTCQX: AVLIF). The company has acquired a 100% interest in five projects in Argentina and up to a 75% interest in a sixth, called Cauchari. Cauchari is host to a near-surface estimated inferred resource of 230 million cubic metres of brine at 380 mg/l Lithium that equates to 470,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate (LCE), and a large exploration target of 5.6mt to 0.25mt of LCE and 19mt to 0.9 of KCL. Cauchari is located just 20 km south Orocobre's flagship Olaroz Lithium Facility. The Company is also earning an interest from Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp., in a portfolio of five lithium brine projects in the Clayton and Lida Valley regions of Nevada, USA, including 70% in Clayton NE.

Further information about the Company can be found at www.advantagelithium.com.

ADVANTAGE LITHIUM CORP.

David Sidoo, President

Cautionary Statement:

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "is expected","intends", or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Advantage that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and 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 expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Advantage Lithium Corp.

David Sidoo

President

604.343.3760

604.683.1585 (FAX)

info@advantagelithium.com

www.advantagelithium.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Today, Quark Venture Inc. announced a signing of a unique research sponsorship agreement with Harvard University's Office of Technology Development (OTD). The US$4.5 million supports the joint research of principal investigators Arlene Sharpe, MD, PhD, and Dennis Kasper, MD, trailblazers in their fields of cancer immunology and microbiome science, respectively.

The premise of the research is that the missing ingredients for cancer immunotherapy may be found in the gut. Combining cutting-edge insights from gut microbiology, immunology, and oncology, the scientists will deploy a new "immune-oncology-microbiome" (IOME) platform to identify new bacterial strains, molecules, or drug targets that address the problem of resistance to immunotherapy and create new treatment strategies in immune-oncology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Quark Venture will have the option to negotiate a license for the intellectual property (IP) that arises from the project, and to enable a start-up company to develop that IP toward commercial applications and therapies that ultimately benefit patients.

"As a new venture model, we've said from the outset that Quark Venture will seek out the best science and scientists the world has to offer. We are privileged to be collaborating with Dr. Sharpe, Dr. Kasper and the Harvard Medical School. Their prestige, reputation and track record of scientific advancement and commercial success speaks volumes," said Karimah Es Sabar, Chief Executive Officer, Quark Venture. "This relationship allows us to get involved early to support and accelerate the commercialization process for what promises to be a significant breakthrough in the fight for cancer. Furthermore, we look forward to ongoing collaboration with Harvard Medical School to identify and support additional innovative technologies that will lead to breakthrough therapies and start-up companies," Ms. Es Sabar added.

Sharpe was among the first scientists to discover and elucidate checkpoint biology, a mechanism by which many tumor cells evade the immune system by inhibiting T cell responses to tumors. Kasper has been a pioneer in recognizing the crucial role of the microbiome in influencing the immune system and thereby maintaining health and preventing disease. Drawing on the expertise, advanced research tools, and skills of their two labs, Sharpe and Kasper hope to delve further into the mechanisms of interaction between the microbiome and the immune system to create a library of new knowledge and define possible therapeutic strategies in immune-oncology.

"It has become clear through clinical experience with checkpoint inhibitors that the composition of the microbiome has a strong effect on patients' response to the drugs," said Michal Preminger, Executive Director of Harvard OTD's HMS branch. "These two pioneering Harvard scientists are now coming together to tackle the riddle of what, in the microbiome, is causing this differential response."

For more information about Dr. Arlene Sharpe and Dr. Dennis Kasper and their research see http://otd.harvard.edu/news/missing-ingredients-for-cancer-immunotherapy-may-be-found-in-the-gut/

About Quark Venture

Quark Venture is focused on equity financing of innovative biotechnology and health sciences companies with breakthrough technology platforms and projects. The organization's approach is to establish long-term relationships with target companies, with a view to enable and strengthen management to realize the full potential and value of the technology. This approach has been previously successfully demonstrated in the energy and high tech sectors where Quark Venture partners have invested. Quark Venture's management is supported by a scientific and commercial advisory board. For more information on Quark Venture visit www.quarkventure.com.

Contacts:

Quark Venture

Kaley Wilson

Director, Business Development

604-262-8818

info@quarkventure.com

www.quarkventure.com




EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Ceapro Inc. (TSX VENTURE: CZO) ("Ceapro" or the "Company"), a growth-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of active ingredients for healthcare and cosmetic industries, today announced its financial results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and provided a corporate update. The Company's 2016 financial results reveal the best year in Ceapro's history.

Financial Highlights for the Full Year 2016

-- Highest full year revenue and operating cash flows in Company's history; -- Total sales of $13,674,000 for the full year 2016 compared to $10,667,000 in 2015, an increase of 28.2% year-over-year revenue performance; -- Record income from operations of $5,999,000 for the full year 2016 compared to $3,630,000 in 2015, an increase of 65.3%; -- Net income before taxes of $5,363,000 in 2016 compared to $3,834,000 in 2015; -- Net profit after tax of $3,620,000 for the full year 2016 compared to a net profit after tax adjustment of $4,922,000 for 2015; -- Cash flows generated from operations of $4,748,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $3,982,000 in 2015; -- Positive working capital balance of $8,860,000 as of December 31, 2016 compared to a working capital deficiency of $1,356,000 as of December 31, 2015; -- Retained earnings position of $3,667,000 as of December 31, 2016 compared to a deficit of ($59,000) as of December 31, 2015; and -- Cash on hand as of December 31, 2016 was $9,150,000 compared to $1,681,000 as of December 31, 2015.

"The continued year-over-year revenue performance of our high-value, de-risked base business in cosmeceuticals represents a significant achievement for Ceapro. We are thrilled to have delivered in 2016 the best financial results in Ceapro's history for a fourth year in a row," stated Gilles Gagnon, M.Sc., MBA, President and CEO of Ceapro.

2016 Key Operational Highlights

-- Closed a private placement of CDN$10.0 million with the majority of the offering subscribed by fundamental institutional investors; -- Renewed a major distribution agreement with long-time partner, Symrise AG; -- Completed human bioavailability study using Ceapro's high concentration of avenanthramides; -- Contributed high concentration avenanthramides for a U.S. based human bio-efficacy study of avenanthramides as an anti-inflammatory compound in exercise-induced inflammation; -- Pursued the development of the Company's enabling Pressurized Gas eXpanded Technology (PGX) at pilot scale level; -- Announced the opening of a new GMP bio-processing extraction facility in Edmonton, Alberta and commenced the commissioning and validation activities; -- Completed the development of a prototype for a functional drink in Q4 2016; -- Received issuance of U.S. and Canada patents for Ceapro's unique and disruptive enabling PGX technology covering proprietary methods and use of micro- and nano-sized particles generated by applying PGX supercritical fluid technology; -- Signed a Research Agreement with McMaster University for testing of materials using PGX Technology; -- Completed protocol for pilot clinical study to develop beta glucan as a cholesterol reducer; -- Announced research collaboration with prestigious German based research organization, Fraunhaufer, including a non-reimbursement grant of $250,000 from the German-Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research (GCCIR) for PGX technology; -- Awarded "Company of the Year" by Bio Alberta; and -- Strengthened the Company's balance sheet pursuant to equity conversion of outstanding convertible debentures.

"We have laid tremendous groundwork in 2016 by successfully securing our growing base business, as well as significant operational and clinical advancements with the opening of our manufacturing facility and the completion of key studies that will direct us towards commencing important clinical studies this year which we believe will advance our pipeline in a meaningful way. Ceapro is well poised to transition to its next phase of growth as we will invest significantly in our beta glucan and avenanthramides product portfolio for our expansion into the profitable nutraceutical sector over the next 12-18 months," added Mr. Gagnon. "We anticipate topline data from our study evaluating avenanthramides in exercise-induced inflammation, as well as data from the beta glucan study with co-enzyme Q10 for the development of a prototype functional drink in the coming weeks. Additionally, we believe our unique and disruptive enabling technologies will continue to play a key role in Ceapro's success."

Avenanthramides Program Update

Functional Food:

Ceapro successfully produced additional batches of high concentration of avenanthramides at the commercial level. This next generation of avenanthramides extracted from malted oat was used in a human bioavailability study conducted at the University of Michigan under the guidance of avenanthramide expert, Dr. Lili Ji.

Results from the bioavailability study prompted the initiation of a bio-efficacy study using high dose of avenanthramides with young men and women. The goal of this study is to further demonstrate the efficacy of avenanthramides in alleviating exercise-induced inflammation as evidenced by a significant decrease of inflammation biomarkers in the blood. We expect this study to complement previously published data from a similar study conducted with elderly people taking avenanthramides as a food additive. This bio-efficacy study should be completed by the end of June 2017 with results expected in Q3 2017.

Pharmaceutical program (anti-inflammatory product):

While the bio-efficacy study is ongoing, Ceapro researchers are developing a pure powder formulation of this new generation of avenanthramides using a proprietary enabling chromatography technology. The resulting new pharmaceutical grade tablet will then be assessed in a second human bioavailability study. Positive results would pave the way for further clinical studies with avenanthramides as a potential treatment for some inflammation based diseases. Such long term clinical program would be conducted with a pharmaceutical partner.

Beta Glucan Program Update

Functional Drink

Following successful impregnation studies using beta glucan as a matrix, Ceapro has initiated a study in 2015 with the University of Alberta for the development of a prototype functional drink whereby the Company has impregnated beta glucan with the well-known co-enzyme Q10 as an energy booster. The first phase of the development of this prototype analyzing the physicochemistry properties of the newly formed chemical complex was completed in Q4 2016 and data are currently being analyzed.

A drink has been formulated and tested by a trained panel. Co-enzyme Q10 being liposoluble and beta glucan water soluble, the next step is to test the bioavailability in humans to see if beta glucan is acting as an effective delivery system to bring more co-enzyme Q10 to targeted cells.

Nutraceutical program (Cholesterol Reducing Product)

The Company has developed the protocol with a group of medical experts for its upcoming pilot clinical study to develop beta glucan as a cholesterol reducer. The Principal Investigator has been appointed, as well as highly respected research institutions. This 18-24-month placebo controlled study will enroll a minimum of 240 patients who cannot tolerate high doses of current treatments. Additional biomarkers will also be looked at for a potential effect on insulin metabolism and other symptoms related to metabolic syndrome.

PGX Research Programs Update

Ceapro is developing its PGX enabling technology at various scale levels for all industries and all applications. The Company has been issued U.S. and Canadian patents, and has a European patent pending.

The Company has conducted encouraging lab scale research with PGX and analyzed biopolymer samples from different sources. Given the unique properties obtained with processed compounds and especially the increased surface area allowing for inclusion of other biomaterial, PGX becomes an extraordinary and unique enabling technology to produce innovative delivery systems.

Financial Results for Twelve Month Period Ended December 31, 2016

-- Total revenue of $13,674,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to $10,667,000 for the twelve months period ended December 31, 2015, an increase of 28% primarily as a result of higher sales volumes of both value drivers avenanthramides and beta glucan for the full year 2016 compared to full year 2015. Total revenues were also positively impacted by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar. -- Net income before tax was $5,363,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to a net income of $3,834,000 for the same period in 2015. -- Net profit after tax amounts to $3,620,000 or $0.05 per share in 2016 compared to tax adjusted net profit of $4,922,000 or $0.08 per share in 2015. A deferred tax recovery of $1,183,000 was recorded in 2015 for previously unrecognizes tax assets. -- Research and Development investments of $919,000, net of grant funding for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to $625,000, net of grant funding in the 2015 period. Additional investments were incurred for the preparation of a beta glucan clinical trial as a cholesterol reducer. -- General and Administration expenses of $2,187,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to $2,519,000 for the same period in 2015. The decrease in G&A in 2016 compared to 2015 is mostly due to lower share based compensation costs due to the fact that only 160,000 options were granted in 2016 as opposed to 1,210,000 in 2015. -- Sales and Marketing expenses for the twelve-months ending December 31, 2016 of only $4,000 compared to $8,000 in 2015, due to the Company's sales strategy to sell mostly through a distribution network. -- As of December 31, 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $9,150,000 as compared to $1,681,125 as of December 31, 2015. CEAPRO INC. Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Comprehensive Income 2016 2015 Year Ended December 31, $ $ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue (note 18) 13,673,962 10,667,442 Cost of goods sold 4,321,140 3,638,845 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross margin 9,352,822 7,028,597 Research and product development 919,121 625,214 General and administration 2,187,181 2,519,119 Sales and marketing 4,328 7,624 Finance costs (note 16) 242,862 246,586 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income from operations 5,999,330 3,630,054 Other operating (loss) income (note 15) (636,053) 203,974 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before tax 5,363,277 3,834,028 Income taxes Current tax expense (421,916) (95,180) Deferred tax (expense) recovery (1,321,466) 1,183,303 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income tax (expense) recovery (1,743,382) 1,088,123 Total comprehensive income for the period 3,619,895 4,922,151 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income per common share (note 25): ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic 0.05 0.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted 0.05 0.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (note 25): ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic 67,684,793 61,804,259 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted 71,329,178 65,200,006 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CEAPRO INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, December 31, 2016 2015 $ $ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 9,150,035 1,681,125 Trade receivables 566,024 538,995 Other receivables 122,411 124,132 Inventories (note 4) 1,183,428 1,242,417 Prepaid expenses and deposits 371,950 259,560 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11,393,848 3,846,229 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-Current Assets Investment tax credits receivable 487,339 603,302 Deposits 90,986 93,264 Licences (note 5) 30,366 33,329 Property and equipment (note 6) 14,324,887 9,868,676 Deferred tax assets (note 17 (b)) 64,208 1,258,674 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14,997,786 11,857,245 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ASSETS 26,391,634 15,703,474 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 969,234 2,005,611 Deferred revenue (note 10) 489,613 1,172,198 Current portion of long-term debt (note 7) 1,002,246 984,318 Convertible debentures (note 8) - 872,355 Current portion of CAAP loan (note 12) 72,942 72,942 Income tax payable - 95,180 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2,534,035 5,202,604 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-Current Liabilities Long-term debt (note 7) 1,255,658 2,277,186 CAAP loan (note 12) 201,233 235,529 Deferred tax liabilities (note 17 (b)) - 111,621 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,456,891 2,624,336 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,990,926 7,826,940 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equity Share capital (note 11 (b)) 14,859,136 6,800,018 Equity component of convertible debentures (note 8) - 106,200 Contributed surplus (note 11 (f)) 3,874,725 1,029,564 Retained earnings (deficit) 3,666,847 (59,248) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22,400,708 7,876,534 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 26,391,634 15,703,474 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The complete financial statements are available for review on SEDAR at http://sedar.com/Ceapro and on the Company's website at www.ceapro.com.

About Ceapro Inc.

Ceapro Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company involved in the development of proprietary extraction technology and the application of this technology to the production of extracts and "active ingredients" from oats and other renewable plant resources. Ceapro adds further value to its extracts by supporting their use in cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and therapeutics products for humans and animals. The Company has a broad range of expertise in natural product chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology and process engineering. These skills merge in the fields of active ingredients, biopharmaceuticals and drug-delivery solutions. For more information on Ceapro, please visit the Company's website at www.ceapro.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

INVESTOR AND MEDIA CONTACT:

Jenene Thomas

Jenene Thomas Communications, LLC

Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Advisor

T (US): 908-938-1475

E: jenene@jenenethomascommunications.com




LONDON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Language Gallery teams up with YouTube sensation "Korean Billy" to launch worldwide contest

Students from around the world will have the opportunity to come to London and boost their English skills for free, thanks to a partnership between The Language Gallery (TLG) and popular YouTube sensation "Korean Billy". Complimentary accommodation and classes are up for grabs, in a competition featuring the East London dialect known as Cockney rhyming slang.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487271/The_Language_Gallery_Team_Korean_Billy.jpg )



The TLG team brought Seong-Jae Kong - a.k.a. Korean Billy - to London, to film a video exploring people's awareness of the East End slang. Talking with the public in Leicester Square, Billy challenged passers-by to a rhyming game, testing their knowledge of the Cockney slang.

Famous for imitating a wide range of accents from across Britain, Billy has gathered more than 50,000 followers on YouTube. The release of the TLG video on his official channel will kick off a worldwide competition, giving his subscribers the opportunity to study English in London for free. Two lucky winners will have access to a four-week course, with no tuition or accommodation costs, in the heart of London.

Lea Aylett, Academic Director at The Language Gallery, said: "Immersion into the culture of a country is the best way not only to learn but also to understand its language. This has always been our driving force in delivering a comprehensive language-learning experience to our students, and it's something we have in common with Billy.

"The cost of accommodation and classes is one of the main things people consider when studying abroad, and we aim to widen access to a complete and engaging education with this competition."

To enter the contest and have your chance to win, watch the video here.

About The Language Gallery (TLG)

The Language Gallery (TLG) delivers high quality language courses at a number of locations worldwide. With schools in London, Berlin, Toronto, Manchester, Birmingham and Hannover, TLG prides itself on its internationalism and communicative approach to the learning process.

Students are immersed in their chosen language thanks to city-centre locations, a multi-national student base and in-class simulations. These lessons use personal experiences and everyday situations as examples to place students in immediately familiar territory.
Results of Annual General Meeting

MIAMI, April 6, 2017 - Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) held its annual shareholders' meetings this week in London, England, and has announced that all of the resolutions recommended by the Boards of Directors were passed at the annual general meetings and in the case of Proposal 12, the alternative that received the most votes was the recommendation that the vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers should occur on an annual basis.

The results of the polls conducted at the annual general meetings will be available on the Carnival Corporation & plc website at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com.
The Annual General Meeting of Vestas Wind Systems A/S has been held today.



Aarhus, Denmark, 2017-04-06 15:29 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Agenda and resolutions



1. The Board of Directors' report on the company's activities during the past year The report is not a subject for voting. The Annual General Meeting took note of the report.



2. Presentation and adoption of the annual report The annual report 2016 was adopted.



3. Resolution for the allocation of the result of the year according to the adopted annual report The Board of Directors' proposal for allocation of the result of the year, including a dividend of DKK 9.71 per share to be paid out for 2016, was approved.



4. Election of members to the Board of Directors Bert Nordberg, Carsten Bjerg, Eija Pitkanen, Henrik Andersen, Henry Stenson, Lars Josefsson, Lykke Friis and Torben Ballegaard Srensen were re-elected as members of the Board of Directors.



5. Adoption of the remuneration of the Board of Directors



5.1. Approval of the final remuneration of the Board of Directors for 2016 The Board of Directors proposed that the remuneration of the Board of Directors and the members of board committees remain unchanged as pre-approved by the general meeting in 2016. The final remuneration of the Board of Directors and the members of the board committees for 2016 was approved.



5.2. Approval of the level of remuneration of the Board of Directors for 2017 The Board of Directors proposed that the level of remuneration for 2017 be based upon a fixed basic remuneration of DKK 400,000 per board member, with two times and three times the basic remuneration for the deputy chairman and chairman, respectively, as well as remuneration of DKK 250,000 per board committee membership, and DKK 450,000 to each board committee chairman. The proposal was approved.



6. Appointment of auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab was re-appointed as auditor of the company.



7. Proposals from the Board of Directors



7.1. Reduction of the company's share capital The Board of Directors proposed that the company's share capital be reduced from nominally DKK 221,544,727 to nominally DKK 215,496,947 through cancellation of treasury shares (distribution to the shareholders). The proposal was approved.



7.2. Renewal of the authorisation to acquire treasury shares The Board of Directors' authorisation to acquire treasury shares on an ongoing basis until 31 December 2018 equal to 10 percent of the share capital at the time of the authorisation was approved.



7.3. Notification of attendance at a general meeting The Board of Directors proposed that the company's articles of association be amended to the effect that shareholders are not required to request an admission card in order to attend a general meeting. Instead it was proposed that shareholders must notify the company of their attendance in accordance with the Danish Companies Act. The proposal was approved.



8. Authorisation of the chairman of the general meeting The chairman (with a right of substitution) was authorised to file and register the adopted resolutions with the Danish Business Authority and make such amendments as requested by the Danish Business Authority.



- - - - - - -



After the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors held its initial board meeting. At the meeting, Bert Nordberg was re-elected as chairman of the Board and Lars Josefsson was re-elected as deputy chairman of the Board.



Contact details Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Denmark Hans Martin Smith, Senior Vice President, Group Treasury and Investor Relations Tel: +45 9730 8209



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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- ThreeD Capital Inc. (the "Company") (CSE: IDK)(CSE: IDK.CN) is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") pursuant to which it has issued 1,500,000 units ("Units) at a price of $0.15 per Unit to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $225,000. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.20 until April 6, 2020.

All securities issued and issuable in connection with the second tranche of the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on August 7, 2017.

The Company announces the appointment of Daniel N. Bloch as VP of Business Development and General Council. Daniel is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada for 18 years as well as being registered as a Foreign Lawyer with the Israeli Bar Association. Daniel's law practice is global in nature and focuses on domestic and international matters in all areas of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity and securities law. Daniel has advised on joint ventures and partnership structures in over 20 countries. Daniel regularly travels to South Africa, Europe and North America, where he has lectured on matters relating to financing structures for international joint ventures and the financing of oil and gas exploration projects. Most recently, he has been involved with the representation of a leading Israeli Pension Fund's investment in an offshore vehicle, the negotiation of Chinese Sino Foreign Joint Ventures, formation of a Namibian offshore oil exploration company, an Israeli offshore gas exploration company and the financing of a multinational gas exploration company. Daniel's extensive global energy and negotiation experience enables him to manage complex commercial relationships. In addition to his international commercial practice, Daniel regularly represents and provides general corporate and securities law advice to publicly and privately held entities ranging in size from start up to those with established multi-national operations. Daniel has served as a both an officer and director of Canadian and U.S. publicly listed companies and is a member of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators.

The Company has granted 500,000 options to a director (as to 250,000) and an officer (as to 250,000) at an exercise price of $0.15 per share expiring on April 5, 2022.

The Company also wishes to announce the resignation of board director Steven Mintz, effective April 3, 2017, who has resigned to pursue other ventures. The Company thanks Mr. Mintz for his services to the Company.

About ThreeD

ThreeD Capital Inc. is a publicly-traded Canadian-based venture capital firm focused on opportunistic investments in companies in the resource, technology and biotechnology markets.

Contacts:

ThreeD Capital Inc.

Gerry Feldman, CPA, CA

Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

416-606-7655




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- (TSX: LB) - Laurentian Bank Securities (LBS) is hosting its fourth Annual Institutional Investor Conference today at the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain Hotel.

More than 50 corporate issuers from various sectors, such as industrials, transportation and infrastructure, financial services, consumer discretionary, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, real estate, diversified technology, and precious metals will be participating in the Conference. Furthermore, for the first time, oil and gas players will be participating in the Conference.

"Our support of companies and sectors through all stages of economic cycles has been a hallmark of our success. Therefore, we are excited to host our fourth Annual Institutional Investor Conference by bringing together important actors from different sectors," said Ben Vendittelli, Senior Vice President, Institutional Equity at LBS. "We are proud to leverage on our strong relationships in order to provide best-in-class service to companies and institutional investors."

The Conference focuses on companies covered by Laurentian Bank Securities' Equity Research team. The detailed schedule is available at www.lb-securities.ca.

About Laurentian Bank Securities

Laurentian Bank Securities (LBS) is an integrated full-service investment dealer, focusing on six lines of business. The Institutional fixed income division has a presence in Government and Corporate underwritings, as well as in secondary markets. In addition, the Institutional equity division focuses on serving clients through research, trading and investment banking in the small capitalization sector. The Retail division and Discount Brokerage division currently serve clients through fourteen offices in Quebec. Furthermore, as a carrying broker, LBS provide complete back office support to a wide range of customers. LBS also offer the Immigrant Investors program.

Contacts:

Helene Soulard

Assistant Vice President, Communications

Laurentian Bank

514 284-4500, ext. 8232

helene.soulard@laurentianbank.ca




Financing led by Munich Re / HSB Ventures to power Trov's global expansion and new product development atop its on-demand insurance platform.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Trov (www.trov.com), the technology company revolutionizing insurance for the tech-empowered consumer, today announced that it has closed $45 million in Series D funding led by Munich Re / HSB Ventures, bringing its total funding to just over $85 million. All of Trov's Series C investors participated in the round (Oak HC/FT, Suncorp Group (ASX:SUN), Guidewire (NYSE:GWRE), and Anthemis). Also participating in the financing is one of Japan's leading insurers, Sompo Holdings (SOMPO), who will bring Trov to Japan.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487113/Trov_Logo.jpg

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r-8gVv-Axg

The new capital will be used to bring Trov's on-demand insurance capability to more people around the world, expand the categories of items it covers, and accelerate the development of new applications that leverage Trov's unique technology platform.

In addition to its investment, Munich Re is expanding its strategic alliance to include underwriting throughout Europe, Asia and South Africa. Additionally, SOMPO is investing in the financing round through SOMPO's wholly owned subsidiary Sompo Japan Nipponkoaand partnering with Trov to offer its on-demand insurance exclusively throughout Japan.

With its global expansion, Trov is becoming one of the world's leading insurance technology startups, poised to revolutionize the way people protect the things that are important to them.

Scott Walchek, CEO and Founder of Trov, comments: "Trov's early success in Australia and UK is demonstrating that modern consumers want a new way to protect their things. With the additional capital and extensive partnerships, soon millions of people around the world will be empowered to protect the things that enhance their lives whenever and however they want."

"By expanding our partnership with Munich Re and adding SOMPO, we're building a stable of exceptional partners who will enable us to launch around the world with greater speed, efficiency, and local know-how. The combined capabilities of key global insurance leaders will streamline our regulatory path and increase our go-to-market effectiveness in each new territory we pursue."

Andy Rear, CEO of Digital Partners at Munich Re, adds: "Trov's on-demand protection represents a genuine innovation in insurance for an unserved or under-insured market. Our extensive footprint will surely help power Trov's rapid expansion to the most active markets around the globe. We're excited to be taking a deeper role with the industry's first global insurtech platform."

Jacqueline LeSage Krause, Managing Director, Munich Re / HSB Ventures, adds: "We are constantly working to find innovation-driven companies to help shape the future of our industry, and we're excited to be working closely with the team at Trov as they expand their presence in the global insurtech market."

Koichi Narasaki, Group Chief Digital Officer, SOMPO, adds: "SOMPO Group is transforming itself into the whole service industry of security, safety and wellbeing for a global society. We are thrilled to be partnering with Trov as their exclusive go-to-market partner in Japan. Together, SOMPO and Trov are seeking a user-first approach in one of the world's leading mobile-consumer markets."

Today, the Trov app is available for free download on iOS and Android in the UK and Australia. With a simple tap or swipe, Trov users are presented a personalized quote and can instantly turn insurance on (or off) for an individual item, for whatever length of time they need, paying only for the coverage they require. The app is built on Trov's revolutionary cloud-native insurance platform, that features micro-duration policies, algorithmic pricing, integrated billing, and intelligent bot-assisted claims. Users can easily add their possessions (by snapping a photo of an item/receipt, forwarding an electronic receipt or searching the product database).

For more information about Trov, visit www.trov.comor take a look at the Trov media kit (trov.to/trov-media-kit) for additional resources.

About Trov

Trov is revolutionizing the way people protect the things they care about. With the introduction of the world's first on-demand insurance platform for single items, Trov gives people the power to insure just what they want, exactly when they want, entirely from their mobile device. The Trov app also helps people easily organize important information about the things they own and back it up to the cloud, so it's accessible when needed.

Trov's Series C financing of $25.5m, which closed in March, 2016 was led by Oak HC/FT, with participation from Suncorp Group, Guidewire, and Anthemis Group. Trov partners with insurance providers in their markets, which provide the underwriting capital and primary insurance licensing. Trov rolled out in Australia in May 2016, where it is underwritten by Suncorp, and the UK in December 2016, where AXA is its underwriting partner. Trov, which will be an MGA in the USA, will be released stateside in 2017, with Munich Re providing its underwriting capital and licensing. Trov is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

For more information, please visit trov.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

About Munich Re

Munich Re stands for exceptional solution-based expertise, consistent risk management, financial stability and client proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2016, the Group - which combines primary insurance and reinsurance under one roof - achieved a profit of 2.6bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with over 43,000 employees throughout the world. With premium income of around 28bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world's leading reinsurers. Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. Its primary insurance operations are concentrated mainly inERGO, one of the leading insurance groups in Germany and Europe. ERGO is represented in over 30 countries worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of insurances, provision products and services. In 2016, ERGO posted premium income of 16.0bn. Munich Re's global investments (excluding insurance-related investments) amounting to 219bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group.

About Sompo Holdings

SOMPO is one of the top three insurers in Japan and has a global network of businesses. Listed and headquartered in Japan with a growing presence in the US and UK the company engages in the provision of insurance services, operating through Domestic Property and Casualty Insurance, Domestic Life Insurance, Overseas Insurance as well as other services including pensions, asset management and healthcare businesses.

SOMPO has a global network in 32 countries operating in Europe, North America, Central and South America, Asia and Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa. The Company employs more than 78,000 people worldwide. SOMPO seeks to realize sustainable growth and greater corporate value, based on striving to secure earnings from its domestic P&C insurance while aggressively devoting greater management resources to growth fields such as domestic life insurance and overseas insurance. The Group's investment plan is not just limited to being a provider of insurance products but aims to position itself as the best customer service provider both at home and abroad and has evolved to offer a wider range of services aimed at providing even more customers with products that provide security, health, and wellbeing.

Learn more about SOMPO by visiting www.sompo-hd.com/en/
GREENWICH, Connecticut, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Jonathan Goldman, CEO of Aptuit LLC, announced today that Henning Steinhagen, PhD, has been named as President, Research and Development Operations. Henning will continue in his existing role of Site-Head at Aptuit, Verona, Italy whilst assuming oversight of Aptuit global operations.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150709/234432LOGO )



His additional responsibilities will include line management of Aptuit's Oxford and Potters Bar sites, which provide API, process chemistry and preformulation services.

Dr. Steinhagen joined Aptuit in June 2016 from Grunenthal, where he was Senior Vice President, and Head of Global Drug Discovery, following positions of increasing responsibility at Sanofi and Bayer.

Dr. Goldman commented: "We are delighted to welcome Henning to the newly created position of President, Research and Development Operations. Aptuit continues to grow, driven by our market leading position as the premier partner research organization (PRO), providing fully integrated discovery and early development solutions." Dr. Goldman further commented that "consolidation of reporting responsibilities within our scientific operations enhances the quality of our integrated CMC offering, whilst shortening timelines and reducing costs for our Biopharma partners."

About Aptuit

Aptuit provides the most complete set of integrated early discovery to mid-phase drug development services in the pharmaceutical industry including Drug Design & Discovery, API Development and Manufacture, Solid State Chemistry, CMC, Preclinical and IND enabling GLP/GMP programs. Fully integrated drug discovery & development services are available from our facilities in the UK, Italy, and Switzerland.

Aptuit Holdings, LLC is partnered with Welsh, Carson, and Anderson & Stowe, one of the world's leading private equity investors.

For more information, please visit http://www.aptuit.com.
CHESTER, PA--(Marketwired - April 06, 2017) - Recently, more than 180 Chester Community Charter School (CCCS) third-through-sixth graders participated in a pep rally to create excitement around the upcoming Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) standardized tests. Students competed in a "Family Feud"- style game, and performed PSSA-themed songs and dances that they created. Teachers also took part in the rally by participating in a pie-eating competition.

PSSA Pep Rally Recap Video: https://youtu.be/FjgT9ir0Wo4

When asked about the importance of the PSSA testing, Daniel Babiak, principal of CCCS's Upland Campus, commented, "The PSSA pep rallies are great opportunities to relax for a day. PSSA testing brings added pressure to students and teachers alike, which is not unique to CCCS. It's the creative methods we use to relieve that pressure that make our school community so special."

The PSSA is a series of annual, standardized tests that assess Pennsylvania students, in grades third-through-eighth, in English, language arts, science, technology and mathematics skills. The results of the tests help teachers determine which students might need additional educational support, and assists schools and districts in making improvements to the curriculum.

CCCS's PSSA pep rally aims to make test-taking an enjoyable event for students, in addition to encouraging them to do their best, during the process.

About Chester Community Charter School

Chester Community Charter School opened its doors on September 9, 1998, serving 97 students from its modest, four, meeting rooms, in the lobby of the Howard Johnson Hotel, in Chester, PA. Since that time, the school has steadily 100th Day grown to include more than 3,000 students in 11 state-of-the-art-buildings, spanning three campuses.

Through collaboration with the Gureghian Charitable Foundation, and CCCS' High School Search and Selection Program, more than $9.5 million in scholarships and financial assistance to prestigious private secondary schools has been awarded to 225 of the school's graduates, since 2009. http://chestercommunitycharter.org

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/4/5/11G135259/Images/mill_photo_4-e448726e2eb38d87888f898ec5c0e63e.jpg

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/4/5/11G135259/Images/mill_photo_3-1469e9399e5db99c89bd91e6e9f0669a.jpg

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Contact:

Meaghan F. Washington

Tel: 215-751-0140

Email: mwashington@m3mpr.com

Social: @M3M_PR



Contact:

Dr. David Clark

Tel: 610-447-0400

Email: dclark@chestercommunitycharter.org

Social: @Chester_Charter
AB "Rokiskio suris", Pramones str.3, Rokiskis, Lithuania, 2017-04-06 16:16 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Draft resolutions prepared by the 6 April 2017 meeting of the Board of Directors of Rokiskio suris, AB:



1. Auditor's findings regarding the consolidated financial reports and annual report.



Debriefed.



2. The Audit Committee report.



Draft resolution:



To endorse the report of the Audit Committee (attached).



3. The Company's consolidated annual report for the year 2016.



Debriefed with the Company's consolidated annual report for the year 2016 which is prepared by the Company, assessed by the Auditor and approved by the Board of Directors (attached).



4. Approval of the consolidated and company's financial accounting for the year 2016.



Draft resolution:



To approve the audited consolidated and company's financial statements for the year 2016 (attached).



5. Allocation of the profit (loss) of the Company of 2016.



Draft resolution:



To approve the following profit (loss) distribution of the year 2016:



Title kEUR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Non-distributable profit (loss) at beginning of year 52,078 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Approved by shareholders dividends related to the year 2015 (2,342 ) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Transfers from other reserves 2,297 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Non-distributable profit (loss) at beginning of year after dividend 52,033 payout and transfer to reserves -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Net profit (loss) of the Company of fiscal year 12,551 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Distributable profit (loss) of the Company 64,584 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Profit share for mandatory reserve - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Profit share for other reserves - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Profit share for dividend payout * (3,228 ) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Profit share for annual payments (tantiemes) to the Board of 1,076 Directors, employee bonuses and other as accounted by Profit (loss) statement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Non-distributable profit (loss) at end of year transferred to the 61,356 next fiscal year --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



*it will be allocated 0.10 eur per ordinary registered share. In total to the dividends payout EUR 3,228,117.30.



6. Election of the Company's Audit Committee.



Draft resolution:



For the subsequent 4 year term of office at the Audit Committee the following persons shall be elected: Kestutis Kirejevas, Director Baltijos Enzimai, UAB (independent member), Kestutis Gataveckas, Director Perlo paslaugos, UAB (independent member) and Rasa Zukauskaite (Finance department employee of Rokiskio suris, AB).



Remuneration for the independent members of the Audit Committee shall be identified by the Board of Directors. The Company's manager is authorized to sign an agreement with the independent members of the Audit Committee.



7. Election of the Company's auditor and establishment of payment conditions.



Draft resolution:



An Audit firm to perform the audit of a set of financial statements for the year 2017, will be submitted at the general meeting of shareholders. (Pursuing the amendment of the Law on Audit of the Republic of Lithuania effective as from March 1, 2017).



Dalius Trumpa Board Chairman +370 458 55200



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CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Mobile Marketing & Technology Magazine today announced that Aaron Lint, senior vice president of research, Arxan Technologies, the trusted provider of application self-protection and management solutions, will deliver a keynote presentation at the upcoming Mobile Payments Conference (MPC) to be held August 28 - 30, 2017, at the Swissotel in Chicago, Illinois.

"Aaron Lint is a universally-recognized leader of application self-protection and management products for Internet of Things (IoT), Mobile, Desktop, and other applications, and we are honored to have him serve as a keynote speaker," said Marla Ellerman, MPC executive director and publisher of Mobile Marketing & Technology.

Arxan Technologies recently announced that Arxan Application Protection was named Best Internet of Things (IoT) product from the 2017 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. Arxan also received Gold, Silver and Bronze honors in multiple categories of the 2017 Info Security Products Guide's Global Excellence Awards. Continued product recognition demonstrates Arxan's commitment to providing superior protection of desktop, mobile, JavaScript and IoT applications through an innovative, patented approach.

"It's critical that the leaders of the industry come together to candidly discuss the challenges and opportunities facing everyone," said Aaron Lint. "The consumers are going to prefer the brands that have not only the best technology and integration, but also a solid reputation of security and stability. Don't be left out of that discussion at MPC."

Lint joins a roster of keynote speakers that includes: Don Bush, Vice President of Marketing at Kount; Jack Connors, Head of Commerce Partnerships at Google; and Vincent Horovitz, Director Sales and Operations of Zooz US.

This year's agenda will provide attendees with the necessary guidance to navigate a landscape in constant flux. Keynote presentations and breakout sessions will address the many new mobile commerce platforms, services, solutions, and standards that impact every facet of this exploding market. For Retailers, Financial Institutions, ISO, Merchant Services and Vendors, the 2017 Mobile Payments Conference is the must-attend event for industry exposure, business development, market intelligence, and networking.

"This industry is growing exponentially," added Marla Ellerman, "and the 2017 Mobile Payments Conference will convene senior executives from all parts of the mobile, payments, security and retail ecosystems, each of whom will benefit from insight of our elite speakers as well as the compelling agenda. Attendees will be presented with firsthand commentary on trends and other factors affecting mobile commerce, with an emphasis on retail, online and person-to-person payments and strategies."

Sponsored by Mobile Marketing & Technology Magazine, Mobile Payments Conference attracts an executive level audience from all parts of the mobile commerce ecosystem which includes retailers and bankers. MPC '17 marks the tenth Mobile Payments Conference that Mobile Marketing & Technology will produce. "Mobilizing Retail is the New Buzz" will be the broad theme for the 2017 Mobile Payments Conference. The conference will feature the industry's leading experts who will educate attendees about the latest mobile payments and mobile wallet solutions, services, standards and implementation strategies.

About Mobile Payments Conference

The Mobile Payments Conference is more than mobile payments, it is an invitation into a growing elite group of professionals who are holding a conversation that never ends. The conference is the pivotal intersection between end users, operations, marketing, finance and technology where we will discuss and answer all your questions. Where other events just talk and present products, The Mobile Payments Conference is an experience through which you'll emerge with the knowledge, resources and relationships to thrive in a hyper-competitive market.

CONTACT

Mostafa Razzak

JMRConnect

202.904.2048

m.razzak@jmrconnect.net




PARIS and ST LOUIS, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Today, I am excited to announce the uniting of IBA Molecular and Mallinckrodt Nuclear Medicine LLC to create Curium - a world-class provider in nuclear imaging," says Renaud Dehareng, CEO of Curium.

Renaud Dehareng continued by saying, "Our new company has over 100 years of combined experience in the nuclear industry, Curium has a singular focus - to develop, manufacture and supply SPECT, PET, and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals to our customers around the globe. We have the largest, vertically integrated radiopharmaceutical manufacturing network in the industry. We will use our scale, global reach, manufacturing footprint and an unrivaled logistics and distribution network to deliver superior service that our customers can rely upon every day."

This new entity delivers diagnostic and therapeutic solutions to over 14 million people from a global network of 21 manufacturing centers comprised of 1 Molybdenum facility, 3 large SPECT facilities, and close to 40 PET and SPECT radiopharmacies. Our customer base counts over 6,000 public and private hospitals, radiopharmacies and imaging centers in over 70 countries. Curium customers can expect best-in-class products, exceptional service reliability, a large and diverse product portfolio, a relentless pursuit of stable isotope supply, and a commitment to develop and launch new products.

Speaking on behalf of CapVest, the owner of Curium, Kate Briant, CapVest Partner and Chairman of the Board said, "We are excited to launch this dynamic new brand in the marketplace. We believe the expertise, size and scale, and proven track record of the united companies will provide future growth opportunities in this attractive segment."

The Curium name emphasizes two aspects that are critical to us:

It recalls the pioneering spirit and radiation research performed by Marie and Pierre Curie . We want to be a catalyst of nuclear medicine industry growth and support increasing its role in global healthcare. It clearly states our focus on nuclear medicine. We will continue to focus our resources and investments to contribute to our great industry.

Visually, our identity conveys a sense of continuity and advancement along the patient care continuum. Our brand tagline, Life Forward, sums up our commitment to our customers and the industry we serve by enhancing the quality of health outcomes through patient care, life-saving diagnostics and treatment. "We feel this uniquely positions the expanded business, as we build our second century of progress," says Dehareng.

For additional information on Curium, visit our website at curiumpharma.com

Media Contacts:

Janet Ryan

Visintine & Ryan Public Relations

+1-314-822-8860 or +1-314-614-7408

janet@visintineandryan.com

Priscilla Visintine

Visintine & Ryan Public Relations

+1-314-422-5646

priscilla@visintineandryan.com

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487203/Curium_Logo.jpg
WASHINGTON, DC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) today released the complete agenda for its upcoming fifth annual Cell & Gene Therapy Investor Day, taking place April 27, 2017 in Boston, MA. This event, co-hosted by Piper Jaffray and held in partnership with Cowen and Company is the only investor conference specifically focused on cell and gene therapies, offering exclusive access to the field's most promising companies.

This year's Cell & Gene Therapy Investor Day is expected to attract 350+ attendees, including 175+ active investors and analysts and will feature presentations by 30+ companies, along with panels and fireside chats by the field's foremost thought leaders.

2017 Panel Sessions and Speakers:

Fireside Chat

Olivier Danos, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, REGENXBIO (moderator)

James M. Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., Rose H. Weiss Professor and Director, Orphan Disease Center; Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics; Director, Gene Therapy Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Panel I: Cell Therapy Beyond Oncology: Where Does the Greatest Potential Lie?

Edward Tenthoff, Managing Director & Senior Research Analyst, Piper Jaffray (moderator)

Eduardo Bravo, CEO, TiGenix

Adam Gridley, President and CEO, Histogenics

Paul Laikind, President and CEO, ViaCyte

Chaim Lebovits, President and CEO, BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics

Emile Nuwaysir, Ph.D., CEO, BlueRock Therapeutics

Panel II: Gene Therapy: Commercialization Readiness & Market Access Challenges

Joshua Schimmer, M.D., Managing Director & Senior Research Analyst, Piper Jaffray (moderator)

Faraz Ali, Chief Business Officer, REGENXBIO

Sven Kili, M.D., VP and Head of Gene Therapy Development, GlaxoSmithKline

Arthur Tzianabos, Ph.D., President and CEO, Homology Medicines

Elizabeth White, Ph.D., Assistant VP, Early Commercial Planning, Rare Disease and Gene Therapy, Pfizer Innovative Health

Panel III: Immuno-Oncology: What Are the Key Issues as First Products Approach Commercialization?

Timothy Schroeder, CEO, CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting (moderator)

Usman Azam, M.D., President and CEO, Tmunity Therapeutics

David Epstein, Executive Partner, Flagship Pioneering

Rick Fair, President and CEO, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals

Jeffrey Walsh, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, bluebird bio

2017 Presenting Companies:

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Abeona Therapeutics, Adverum Biotechnologies, AGTC, Argos Therapeutics, Audentes Therapeutics, AVROBIO, BioCardia, bluebird bio, Bone Therapeutics, Caladrius Biosciences, Capricor Therapeutics, Celyad, Fate Therapeutics, Fibrocell, GenSight Biologics, Histogenics, Homology Medicines, Juventas Therapeutics, Kiadis Pharma, Lysogene, Mesoblast, MiMedx, Orchard Therapeutics, Oxford BioMedica, Pluristem Therapeutics, Precision Biosciences, ReNeuron, Sangamo Therapeutics, Semma Therapeutics, Synpromics, TiGenix, TxCell, uniQure, Vericel, and Voyager Therapeutics

In addition to the event's co-host Piper Jaffray, sponsors include Cowen and Company; Cognate BioServices; Cryoport; CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services; Kawasaki; Lonza; Medpace; PCT, a Caladrius Company; and Edison. For more information please visit the event's website at www.arminvestorday.com.

Credentialed investors and life science strategic partners can indicate their interest in attending here. Members of the media interested in attending are asked to please contact Lyndsey Scull at lscull@alliancerm.org.

The event will be held April 27, 2017, beginning at 7:30am at The State Room, 60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109.

About The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is an international multi-stakeholder advocacy organization that promotes legislative, regulatory and reimbursement initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine worldwide. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, providing business development and investor outreach services to support the growth of its member companies and research organizations. Prior to the formation of ARM in 2009, there was no advocacy organization operating in Washington, D.C. to specifically represent the interests of the companies, research institutions, investors and patient groups that comprise the entire regenerative medicine community. Today, ARM has more than 250 members and is the leading global advocacy organization in this field. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit http://www.alliancerm.org.

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine

Lyndsey Scull

202 213 7086

lscull@alliancerm.org




DUBLIN, April 06, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --



Research and Markets has announced the addition of Jain PharmaBiotech's new report "Pain Therapeutics - Drugs, Markets and Companies" to their offering.

This report describes the latest concepts of pathomechanisms of pain as a basis for management and development of new pharmacotherapies for pain. Major segments of the pain market are arthritis, neuropathic pain and cancer pain. Because pain is a subjective sensation, it is difficult to evaluate objectively in clinical trials. Various tools for pain measurement are described, including brain imaging.

Most of the currently used analgesic drugs fall into the categories of opioids and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as COX-2 inhibitors. Non-opioid analgesics include ketamine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. Adjuvant analgesics include antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Management of pain is multidisciplinary and includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods such as acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and surgery. Various pain syndromes require different approaches in management, for example, the main category of drugs for migraine are triptans such as sumatriptan.

Advances in molecular and biological techniques are markedly advancing our understanding of pain. Understanding the pathophysiology of pain is an important factor in discovery of rational therapies for pain. Advances in pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics are enabling the development of personalized approaches to the management of pain.

Over 500 companies have been identified to be involved in developing or marketing pain therapeutics and 173 of these are profiled in the report along with 153 collaborations. These are a mix of pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies.

The worldwide analgesic markets were analyzed for the year 2016 and projected to 2026. Calculations are based on the epidemiology of various painful conditions and the development of analgesic drugs and devices. Unfulfilled needs for analgesics are identified and strategies are outlined to develop markets for analgesic drugs. The report is supplemented with 72 tables, 22 figures, and 600 selected references to the literature.

Key Topics Covered:

0. Executive Summary



1. Basic Aspects of Pain



2. Assessment of Pain and Analgesics



3. Pharmacotherapy of Pain



4. Management of Pain



5. Drug Delivery for Pain



6. Drug Development for Pain



7. Safety, Regulatory and Legal issues of pain management



8. Pain Markets



9. Future of Pain Therapeutics



10. Companies Involved in Pain Therapeutics

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3n6cnf/pain_therapeutics

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

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RIPON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- In 2014, Speed Queen launched its turnkey laundry concept across Europe, a simple way to open a Laundromat which is both profitable and sustainable over time. Three years after the launch, the world number 1 in Laundromats already has an extensive network of over 200 laundromats, mainly in France, Spain, Germany and Italy. Today, Speed Queen is one of the main players in this expanding market, alongside a few outsiders at national level. Returns on a calculated commercial success.

More than 70,000 laundries all over the world

Speed Queen is internationally recognized and stands a cut above national retailers because of the scope of its network: more than 70,000 laundries open across every continent. The same design and quality requirements are applied in all Speed Queen concept stores: so you can be sure of finding the same quality of service, regardless of your city or your destination.

Though Speed Queen is still a new player in Europe, the company is a long-standing brand of washing machines in the United States. Founded in 1908, the American brand has over a century of experience in the manufacture of domestic and professional washing machines.

Video for Torino's Speed Queen laundromat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz-Oqbl2XJs

Machinery in a class of its own

One of the main advantages of Speed Queen is its machines; top-of-the-range washing machines and dryers designed to last and with reduced cycle times. Purchasers are unanimous on this aspect: Speed Queen machines last far longer than average.

The washing machines are also thought to use less water and less energy. To ensure continuous innovation, Alliance Laundry Systems, the group which supports Speed Queen in its international development, opened a new R&D center in 2016.

Today, Speed Queen is the only brand to equip its laundromats with its own machines: competing franchises depend on suppliers and intermediaries.

Impeccable service

Speed Queen guarantees the best possible user experience: a welcoming, modern design, equipment in a class of its own and impeccable service. The washing-drying cycle lasts about one hour, a record time matched only by performance quality.

You can locate our laundries thanks to the Speed Queen Laundry Locator.

Magali Bourgeois

Email Contact

(+33) 04 2620 5150




VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Rapidly expanding retail sector incites manufacturers to adopt advanced packaging solutions. Leading food and beverage makers from around the world are constantly looking out for packaging materials that fit to their requirements. In developed countries, more than half of the world's fresh vegetables, fruits and agricultural produced are delivered in packaged format. A key aspect while packaging such goods is selection of material that will be in direct contact with the product. This process, which is also called primary packaging, paves way for purposeful use of micro perforated films.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161020/430874LOGO )



Future Market Insights believes that in the future, the demand for micro perforated films in packaging industry will surge at a steady pace. In its latest report, Future Market Insights predicts that by the end of 2026, the global market for micro perforated films for packaging will be valued at US$ 1,908.5 Mn, The global micro perforated films for packaging market is presently valued over US$ 1,100 Mn, and is anticipated to register a 5.3% CAGR in terms of value. During this forecast period, the report anticipates higher contribution of North America. In 2017 and beyond, North America's micro perforated films packaging market will dominate by procuring over 26% of global revenues. On the other hand, the market for micro perforated films for packaging in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region will garner fastest revenue growth, registering a value CAGR of 5.4%.

Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2114

According to the report, titled "Micro Perforated Films for Packaging Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026," the market will witness higher sales of BOPP materials. Based on the global demand, over one-third of global micro perforated films packaging revenues procured in 2016 were accounted by BOPP materials. PET materials are also expected to gain traction as raw materials used in micro perforated films for packaging. The report also projects that towards the end of forecast period, nearly half of the global market revenues will be accounted by wrap or roll packaging.

Preview Analysis on Global Micro Perforated Films For Packaging Market Segmentation By Material Type - HDPE, LDPE, BOPP, CPP, PET, PVC, PA; By Packaging Type - Bags, Wraps/Rolls, Pouches, Sleeves; By Technology Type - Mechanical Perforation, Laser Perforation; By Application - Ready-To-Eat Food, Bakery & Confectionary, Frozen Food, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Other Food, Flower Packaging: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/micro-perforated-films-for-packaging-market

Laser perforation is being anticipated to remain as the largest technology used in production of micro perforated films for packaging. By procuring more than two-third share on global sales of micro perforated films for packaging, laser perforation technology will register revenue growth at 6.1% CAGR. In context with an insight mentioned earlier, fruits & vegetable packaging will remain the largest application of micro perforated films through forecast period. Application of micro perforated films for packaging of bakery & confectionary products will also gain traction, bringing in more than US$ 530 Mn by 2026-end. The report also profiles leading manufacturers of micro perforated films packaging, among which, Amcor Limited and Sealed Air Corporation will be recognised as dominant players. While nearly 90% of the market's competitive landscape is likely to be fragmented, companies such as Mondi Group, Bollore Group, Uflex Ltd., TCL Packaging Limited, KOROZO Ambalaj San.ve Tic A.S., Darnel Group, Coveris Holdings SA, and NORDFOLIEN GmbH will continue to actively participate in growth of global market for micro perforated films in packaging.

More from FMI's Cutting-edge Intelligence:

Filament Tapes Market Segmentation by Filament Type - Single and Double Sided Tapes, By Backing Adhesive Type - Plastic Film, Paper, Fabric, Foam; By Adhesive Type - Rubber Based, Acrylic Based, Hot Melt Adhesive; By Application - Bundling, Strapping, Insulation, Carton Sealing, Sealing; By End-use - Shipping & Logistics, Building & Construction, Food & Beverages, Electrical Electronics, Automotive, Healthcare & Hygiene, Printing, Metalworking, Oil & Gas, General Industrial, Consumer Goods: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/filament-tapes-market



Segmentation by Filament Type - Single and Double Sided Tapes, By Backing Adhesive Type - Plastic Film, Paper, Fabric, Foam; By Adhesive Type - Rubber Based, Acrylic Based, Hot Melt Adhesive; By Application - Bundling, Strapping, Insulation, Carton Sealing, Sealing; By End-use - Shipping & Logistics, Building & Construction, Food & Beverages, Electrical Electronics, Automotive, Healthcare & Hygiene, Printing, Metalworking, Oil & Gas, General Industrial, Consumer Goods: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/filament-tapes-market Protective Packaging Market Segmentation By Material Type - Foamed Packaging, Paper and Plastic; By Product Type - Foam Protective Packaging, Flexible Protective Packaging and Rigid Protective Packaging; By Function Type - Wrapping, Void Fill, Cushioning, Insulation, Blocking and Bracing: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protective-packaging-market



Segmentation By Material Type - Foamed Packaging, Paper and Plastic; By Product Type - Foam Protective Packaging, Flexible Protective Packaging and Rigid Protective Packaging; By Function Type - Wrapping, Void Fill, Cushioning, Insulation, Blocking and Bracing: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protective-packaging-market Cosmetic Pencil & Pen Packaging Market Segmentation Material Type - Plastic, Wood and Metal; Product Type - Sharpenable Wooden Pencil, Sharpenable Molded Pencil and Mechanical Pencil; Applicator Type - Sponge, Brushes and Lead; Formulation Type - Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates; Application Type - Eye, Lip, Clean Up Pencil, Concealer Pencil, Cheek Balm, Sculpting Pencil and Skin Glossing Pencil: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/cosmetic-pencil-and-pen-packaging-market

About Us

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends.

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For the first time in the Airline Industry, IT projects are being linked with corporate vision and strategic objectives giving rise to huge growth opportunities for key IT players, finds Frost & Sullivan's Aerospace team

SANTA CLARA, California, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --The digital boom is sending ripples through the global aerospace industry, as airlines are eagerly harnessing the potential of digitization, connectivity and big data create new ancillary revenue streams and spin-off profit centres. Through improved productivity and cost savings, the incremental value of a digital transformation program could range from $5 to $10 per passenger annually. IT vendors that have traditionally served specific departments and airline functions have to redefine their roles to survive the wave of industry consolidation and possible dominance of large IT integrators.

"Large IT integrators such as IBM, SAP and Oracle will evolve to become strategic outsourcing partners of airlines and dictate the future course of IT of airlines, thereby influencing the competitive landscape for IT vendors," said Frost & Sullivan Aerospace & Defence Director Diogenis Papiomytis. "This new business environment will be challenging for IT vendors that lack partnerships and extensive project references."

Global Airline Digital Transformation Programmes, 2017, recent research from Frost & Sullivan's Aerospace Growth Partnership Subscription, analyses the current and future structure of digital transformation programs in the airline industry. The study covers the key work streams of business intelligence, digital marketing, and core airline services in these programs. Industry concepts such as intelligent loyalty platforms and new distribution capability (NDC) have the potential to be disruptive.

To know more about Frost & Sullivan's research and to sign up for our Growth Strategy Dialogue, a complimentary one-hour interactive session with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders, please click here

A trend that is becoming increasingly prominent is the shift in power from CIOs to strategy directors in shaping the airline's IT vision. Airlines are seeking to disaffiliate digital transformation and innovation from IT departments and grant them independent status. Unsurprisingly, airline IT spending will grow rapidly and outpace the projected airline traffic growth and global gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the next 10 years.

"To make the most of the changing industry dynamics, suppliers need to offer an end-to-end disruption and communication management solution, building on the modular solutions in their portfolio," noted Papiomytis. "They can drive home the advantage by presenting tangible business cases about the direct or indirect impact of effective disruption management on strategy and the bottom line of airlines."

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.

Global Airline Digital Transformation Programmes, 2017

9AB0-00-32

Contact:

Mariana Fernandez

Corporate Communications - North America

P: +54 11 4778 3540

F: +54 11 4777 0071

E: Mariana.Fernandez@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

twitter: @FrostADS

LinkedIn: Aerospace, Defence and Security
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Europe's third largest low-cost carrier, will launch non-stop transatlantic flights from Denver and Seattle in the U.S. to London this fall. The airline said it will launch two new routes from London Gatwick to Seattle-Tacoma International and Denver International airports from September, with fares from 199 pounds. More than 125,000 seats are available on Norwegian's first route to America's Pacific Northwest and the only route from Gatwick to Denver. Norwegian will be the only airline from Gatwick and second in the UK to offer a direct service to Denver. Norwegian's flights on the new year-round service from Gatwick to Denver will start from September 16, with fares from 199 pounds. A twice-weekly service will operate on Tuesday and Saturday during the summer season. This will increase to a three weekly service in the winter with an additional Thursday departure. The year-round service from Gatwick to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will start from September 17. Four weekly flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with fares from 199 pounds. The flights will be operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which will offer up to 344 seats in two cabins. Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian said, 'With our USA flights over 90 per cent full, we are excited to add Seattle to our growing list of U.S. destinations while breaking the monopoly on UK flights to Denver.' Norwegian Air is expanding its network to the U.S. after receiving approval from the regulators in December for its Irish subsidiary Norwegian Air International to operate routes across the Atlantic. In February, Norwegian Air announced ten new transatlantic routes from three Northeast airports to Europe, with one-way fares starting at as low as $65. In 2014, Norwegian introduced the UK's first low-cost, long haul flights to the U.S. The airline now flies to nine U.S destinations with fares starting from 139 pounds one way. 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.
IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that steel framing has progressed far enough that installation of the iconic blue composite panels has begun on its future Jacksonville store, Florida's fifth IKEA location. Installing the blue panels is a construction milestone that keeps the store on track to open Fall 2017, and reflects the unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406005940/en/

Iconic blue panels to transform future IKEA Jacksonville as construction progresses on store opening fall 2017. (Photo: Business Wire)

The 290,000-square-foot proposed IKEA store and its 950 parking spaces will be built on 25 acres along the northwestern corner of Interstate 295 and Gate Parkway, approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Jacksonville. Until the future IKEA Jacksonville opens in Fall 2017, customers can shop at IKEA Orlando and IKEA Tampa or online at IKEA-USA.com. Two other IKEA stores are located in the South Florida cities of Sunrise and Sweetwater.

"With IKEA Jacksonville taking shape and blue paneling going up, we continue to be on track for a grand opening this Fall," said Lars Petersson, IKEA U.S. president. "We hope to be enclosed in Summer, and cannot wait for the building's interior to look like an IKEA store as well. We know there are many customers in the area who are excited for us to open, including those driving long distances to shop at our other stores, as well those who have yet to experience the unique IKEA shopping concept."

IKEA Jacksonville will feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children's play area, and a 325-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a 'Children's IKEA' area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking. IKEA also is evaluating potential on-site power generation to complement its current U.S. goal of a renewable energy presence at nearly 90% of its U.S. locations.

IKEA Jacksonville will provide annual sales and property tax revenue for local governments and schools. And in addition to 500 jobs expected during construction 250 coworkers will join the IKEA family when the store opens. Opportunities will be available this spring and summer for candidates interested in working at this employer of choice in home furnishings sales, interior decoration, customer service, safety and security, cashiers, maintenance, goods flow, receiving, warehouse and stock replenishment. Also, IKEA Jacksonville will offer nearly 50 food service opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Food Market, Exit Bistro and coworker cafeteria.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There currently are more than 390 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 43 in the U.S. IKEA has been included in rankings of "Best Companies to Work For" and, as further investment in its coworkers, has raised its minimum wage twice in two years. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406005940/en/

Contacts:

IKEA

Joseph Roth, 610-834-0180, Ext. 6500

Expansion Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Opposition to President Donald Trump's proposal to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico has reached a new high, according to the results of a new Quinnipiac University national poll. The poll found that 64 percent of voters oppose building a wall along the border with Mexico, while 33 percent support the plan. The percentage of voters opposed to the border wall is up from 60 percent in February and is at the highest level Quinnipiac has measured so far. When voters were asked if they would support the wall if it was entirely funded by the U.S. government and citizens, opposition climbs to 67 percent. 'And The Wall keeps tumbling down, or at least support for what was once a crowd-pleasing campaign promise,' said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. A majority of Republicans support the wall, and white voters with no college degree are divided 50 percent to 47 percent. All other partisan, gender, age, racial or education group listed oppose the wall. The Quinnipiac survey of 1,171 voters was conducted March 30th through April 3rd and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The shareholders of SciBase Holding AB (publ), reg. no. 556773-4768 (the "Company") are hereby invited to the extraordinary general meeting to be held on Wednesday 15 November 2017, at 4.30 p.m. at Setterwalls Advokatbyra's offices with address Sturegatan 10 in Stockholm. Registration for the meeting commences at 4.00 p.m.

Registration

Shareholders wishing to participate at the general meeting must:

(i)be entered in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB (the Swedish Central Securities Depository & Clearing Organisation), on the record day which is Thursday, 9 November 2017; and

(ii)notify the Company of their attendance as well as any attending assistants no later than 9 November 2017. Notification of attendance can be made in writing to SciBase Holding AB (publ), Attn: General meeting, P.O. Box 3337, SE-103 67 Stockholm, Sweden, or by e-mail to info@scibase.com.

The notification of attendance shall include name, personal or corporate registration number, address, shareholding and telephone number. The same dates, addresses and formal requirements apply for notification of assistants and the number of assistants may not be more than two. Powers of attorney, certificates of registration and other documents of authority must be presented at the general meeting, but can preferably be sent to the Company in connection to the notification of attendance.

Personal data obtained from the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB, notification of attendance and attendance at the meeting and information on representatives, proxies and assistants will be used for registration, preparation of the voting list for the meeting and, where applicable, the minutes of the meeting.

Nominee registered shares

Shareholders who have their shares registered in the name of a nominee must temporarily re-register the shares in their own name in order to be entitled to participate at the general meeting (so-called voting registration). Such re-registration must be completed no later than on the record day which is Thursday, 9 November 2017.

Proxy

Shareholders intending to participate by proxy must issue a written and dated power of attorney, signed by the shareholder. The power of attorney may not be older than five years. If the power of attorney is issued by a legal entity, the power of attorney shall be accompanied by a copy of a valid certificate of registration (Sw. Registreringsbevis) of the legal entity or, if such document is not available, equivalent documents of authority. A power of attorney form is available on the Company's website www.scibase.com. The original version of the power of attorney shall also be presented at the meeting.

Proposed agenda

1.Opening of the general meeting

2.Election of chairman of the meeting

3.Preparation and approval of voting list

4.Approval of the agenda

5.Election of one or two persons to approve the minutes

6.Determination as to whether the meeting has been duly convened

7.Resolution regarding issuance of shares with preferential rights for the shareholders

8.Resolution regarding authorisation for the board of directors to resolve upon issuances of shares with preferential rights for the shareholders

9.Closing of the meeting

Resolution proposals

Item 7. Resolution regarding issuance of shares with preferential rights for the shareholders

In order to enable the Company's launch strategy for the US market and its updated growth plan and to meet the capital need that will arise in connection therewith, the board of directors of the Company proposes that the extraordinary general meeting resolves upon an issuance of new shares with preferential rights for the shareholders (the "Preferential Rights Issue") on the following terms.

Number of shares and increase of the share capital

The Preferential Rights Issue comprises not more than 9,468,306 shares. The Company's shareholders shall have preferential rights to subscribe for the issued shares in relation to the number of shares previously held. At full subscription of all shares in the Preferential Rights Issue the Company's share capital will increase by SEK 35,032,732.2.

Record day

The record day for determination of which shareholders are entitled to subscribe for shares in the Preferential Rights Issue with exercise of preferential rights shall be Wednesday, 22 November 2017 (the "Record Day").

Right to subscribe for shares

Shareholders who are registered in the Company's share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on the Record Day are entitled to subscribe for shares in the Preferential Rights Issue, whereupon one (1) share entitle to one (1) subscription right and seven (7) subscription rights entitle to subscription of eight (8) new shares.

Subscription price

The subscription price is SEK 9 per share.

Subscription and payment

Subscription of shares in the Preferential Rights Issue shall be made through simultaneous cash payment during the period from and including 27 November 2017 up to and including 11 December 2017. Subscription made without exercise of subscription rights shall be made on a specific subscription list during the period from and including 27 November 2017 up to and including of 11 December 2017. Payment for shares subscribed for without exercise of subscription rights shall be made in cash no later than three (3) business days from the day when a settlement note stating the allotment of shares was sent to the subscriber.

The board of directors shall be entitled to prolong the period for subscription and payment.

Allotment of shares

If not all shares have been subscribed for by exercise of subscription rights, the board of directors shall resolve upon allotment of shares subscribed for without exercise of subscription rights within the maximum amount of the Preferential Rights Issue, whereby the board of directors shall allot shares primarily to those who have also subscribed for shares by exercise of subscription rights (irrespective of if they were shareholders on the Record Day or not) and, in case of oversubscription, pro rata in relation to their subscription made by exercise of subscription rights; secondly, to those who have subscribed for shares without exercise of subscription rights and, if full allotment cannot be made, pro rata in relation to their subscription and, in so far as such allotment cannot be made, through the drawing of lots; thirdly, provided that such allotment is necessary in order for the Preferential Rights Issue to be fully subscribed, to those who have provided guarantee undertakings regarding subscription of shares (based on the guarantee undertakings).

Right to dividends

The new shares shall entitle to dividends for the first time on the first record date for entitlement to dividends taking place after the new shares have been registered with the Swedish Companies Registration Office and in the Company's share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB.

Miscellaneous

The board of directors or anyone appointed by the board of directors shall be authorized to make any minor adjustments required in order to register the resolution with the Swedish Companies Registration Office or Euroclear Sweden AB.

Item 8. Resolution regarding authorisation for the board of directors to resolve upon issuances of shares with preferential rights for the shareholders

The board of directors proposes that the general meeting resolves to authorize the board of directors to, up until the next annual general meeting, on one or more occasions, resolve upon issuances of new shares. Issuances of new shares may only be made with preferential rights for the Company's shareholders and payment may only be made in cash.

The objective of the resolution proposal is partly to enable the board of directors to resolve upon an issuance of new shares should market conditions prevail causing the board of directors to, prior to the extraordinary general meeting, assess that the preferential rights issue proposed under item 7 above cannot be carried out successfully, in which case the board of directors intend to withdraw the resolution proposal in item 7 above. The objective of this resolution proposal is further to enable the board of directors to resolve upon a new share issue on corresponding terms as in item 7 above, but with an adjusted timetable, should unforeseen events impact the timetable in a way which makes a preferential rights issue resolved in accordance with item 7 above impossible to carry through according to plan.

Information at the general meeting

If any shareholder so requests and where the board of directors believes that such information can be provided without significant harm to the Company, the board of directors and the managing director shall provide information at the general meeting in respect of any circumstances which may affect the assessment of a matter on the agenda, and any circumstances which may affect the assessment of the Company's or a subsidiary's financial position and as regards the Company's relationship to other group companies.

Number of shares and votes

At the time of the issuance of this notice to attend, the total number of shares and votes in the Company amounted to 8,284,768.

Documents

The financial statements, auditor's report and the documents required pursuant to Chapter 13 Section 6 of the Swedish Companies Act (Sw. aktiebolagslagen) will be available at the Company's premises and at the Company's website www.scibase.com no later than 1 November 2017. Copies of the aforementioned documents will also be sent by post to shareholders who so request and provide their postal addresses. The board of directors' complete resolution proposals are set out in full in this notice to attend.

_____

Stockholm in October 2017

The board of directors

CONTACT:

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/scibase/r/notice-to-attend-extraordinary-general-meeting-in-scibase-holding-ab--publ-,c2377226

The following files are available for download:
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 6, 2017) - Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSXV: LME) (OTC Pink: LMEFF) ("Laurion" or the "Corporation") is pleased to provide a corporate update and announce that Laurion has accepted the Corporation's invitation to nominate a new Board Member. Mr. Terry Jensen will join the Board of Directors immediately.

CORPORATE UPDATE

Laurion's forte is as an exploration discovery company whose primary focus is the development of its near surface gold-rich polymetallic discovery on its Ishkoday property.

Diligent field work, 40,729m of extensive drilling and geophysics have outlined the Ishkoday Au-rich Zn-Ag-Cu-Pb Volcanic Massive Sulphide ("VMS") zone located 220 km north east of Thunder Bay in the Onaman-Tashota Greenstone Belt.

Extensive shallow drilling of the mineralized zones (within a 1km x 3km area), suggests that the stratabound lenses and quartz veins are a product of a large, magmatic hydrothermal system that may have greater tonnage potential than recognized by previous workers. The mineralized haloes extend for possibly hundreds of metres, and have demonstrated excellent grades and thickening at depth.

Laurion completed 3D IP geophysics that identified high priority targets located at an approximate 200m depth directly below the depth of the current drilling (100m). These high priority drill targets below the footwall of the A-Zone remain untested and will be the focus of immediate exploration pending a financing.

It is evident from the Corporation's drilling to date that the mineralization can reach high grades, e.g., 3.32g/t Au, 27.5g/t Ag, 0.33% Cu and 5.65% Zn over 3.10m (LME11-013); 5.25g/t Au, 40.1g/t Ag, 0.29% Cu, 8.38% Zn and 1.24% Pb over 4.04m (LBX12-010). The true thicknesses of the mineralized zones are currently unknown, but based on core angles observed in core they may range from 50-90%. Laurion is currently interpreting the results from the drill program with construction of cross-sections and modelling of mineralized horizons. This will provide better control on zone orientation to be reported later.

Laurion has developed a Target Deposit of 4.0 to 6.0 million tonnes of 1.5 to 3.0 g/t Au, 20 to 30 g/t Ag, 2.5 to 3.5% Zn and 0.25 to 0.50% Cu.

Note: The potential quantity and grade of the Target Deposit is conceptual in nature, and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and it is uncertain as to whether further exploration will result in discovery of a mineral resource.

The Ishkoday is host to the past producing Sturgeon River Mine which was a high grade past producer (73,322 ozs Au; 15,929 ozs Ag) from 1936-1942. Recovered gold production was at an average grade of 21.56g/t Au in 1942, when WW2 halted operations and never recommenced. It was reported at that time that there were reserves blocked out underground with approximately 85,000ozs Au*.

* The reader is cautioned that the information on reserves is an historical estimate derived from the final operating reports of the Sturgeon River Mine. Although Laurion believes this information is relevant, coming from an established operation, and was derived from a reliable source, Laurion has not verified the key assumptions, parameters, or methods used to prepare this historical estimate. Laurion has not verified the historical categories used in estimating the reserves and resources as they relate to categories in NI43-101 mineral deposit reporting. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the mineral resources and reserves, and at this time it is unknown what work would need to be done to verify and classify the historical estimate. Therefore, Laurion is not treating the historical estimate as a current compliant estimate.

Laurion has completed a NI43-101 mineral resource estimate on the surface mine waste rock pile and the tailings area from the earlier operations at the Sturgeon River Mine and estimated 10,327 ounces of contained gold within the two areas. Laurion has filed a NI43-101 compliant report on SEDAR on June 7, 2013. The surface stockpile of consists of 144,070 tonnes grading 1.59 g/t gold for 7,383 contained ounces of gold in the indicated mineral resource category; and, 137,501 tonnes grading 0.67 g/t gold for 2,944 contained ounces of gold in the indicated mineral resource category. The totals for both the tailings area the rock stockpile are 281,571 tonnes grading 1.14 g/t gold for 10,327 contained ounces of gold.

The Corporation's main project mandate is to complete relevant economic studies, towards processing the surface rock stockpile, and simultaneously exploring the potential near surface polymetallic sulphide trends which extend over a 1kmx3km area (collective total strike length of 9,000m), with the aim of demonstrating the existence of a significant Au-rich VMS deposit through the execution of multiple phases of diamond drill programs.

Laurion has demonstrated the proven ability to develop early stage projects and create shareholder value by monetizing its discoveries and assets. Over the last 6 years, Laurion has realized $6.35 million from the disposition and monetization of assets, thus enabling the Corporation to manage the cyclical junior mineral resource sector market.

Laurion continues to interface with potential investors and partners to provide the necessary financing to develop the Ishkoday Property. The Corporation's hard work through these past years has secured the integrity of the project and the corporation. Through careful stewardship this project is ready to move forward and receive its necessary financing.

The technical information contained in this news release has been verified by Joe Campbell, P. Geo., consulting geologist with GeoVector Management Inc. Mr. Campbell is the project manager for Laurion's Ishkoday project and is a Qualified Person as defined in "National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties.

NEW DIRECTOR

Mr. Terry Jensen joins the board of Laurion as a professional geologist with over 40 years of diverse experience in the mining, oil and gas, and environmental industries. Mr. Jensen commenced his geology career as a frontline underground grade control geologist advancing to production and mine geologist roles for underground and open pit operations.

Currently, Mr. Jensen is a principal consultant at Gauvreau GeoEnvironmental Group, Inc., focusing on mine permitting, environmental compliance and hydrogeologic studies. Additionally, he serves as Vice President of Geology and Mine Operations for Clarion Trading (SG) Pte Ltd., a commodities trading company with the responsibilities of assessing economic potential of undeveloped, closed and operating mining properties for investment and/or acquisition.

Since early 2016, Mr. Jensen has worked closely with Laurion in design and implementation business strategies, plans and procedures and continues to promote Laurion's vision to potential investors and strategic partners.

Mr. Jensen obtained a Master's of Science degree in Geology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, as well as a Bachelor's of Science, Geology from Oregon State University and a Bachelors of Arts, Mathematics from Castleton University.

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Laurion Board of Directors also announced that Joseph Campbell and Terrence Byberg will step down from their roles as directors to sit on the Technical Advisory Board.

The Board we would like to thank both Terrence Byberg and Joseph Campbell for the important roles that they have played on Laurion's board. Both Messrs. Campbell and Byberg have made significant contributions to growing the corporation thus far.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc.

Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin - President

Tel: 1-705-788-9186

Fax: 1-705-805-9256

Website: www.laurion.ca

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements concerning the future performance of Laurion's business, operations and condition, as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward- looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, competitive risks and the availability of financing. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and Laurion cautions against placing undue reliance thereon.

Laurion and its management assume no obligation to revise or update these forward looking statements except as required by law. 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.
DETROIT, MI -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Brooklyn Outdoor, http://www.brooklynoutdoor.com/, a Detroit-based independent outdoor advertising agency, announced this week that Candice Simons, its founder and CEO, received the 2017 Enterprising Women of the Year award from Enterprising Women magazine. This award honors women business owners who have demonstrated that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities. Many of the award recipients are also leaders in key organizations that support the growth of women's entrepreneurship. Simons won in the category of achieving annual revenue of over $5 million and up to $10 million. Winners were recognized at the 15th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration held this week in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Simons is recognized for her achievements in establishing Brooklyn Outdoor as a leader in the outdoor advertising industry. Brooklyn Outdoor provides national and regional brands with signage and displays, including: billboards, wallscapes, branded transportation, street furniture, mobile billboards, storescapes, and in-window displays. The Detroit-based company has fast become an industry innovator known for consistently introducing eye-opening and attention-getting elements, groundbreaking displays, and personalized special events and promotions in Detroit and across the country.

"I'm thrilled to be recognized by an organization so committed to empowering female entrepreneurs," said Candice Simons, CEO of Brooklyn Outdoor. "Enterprising Women celebrates the successes of women in business; contributions that, in many ways, laid the foundation for me to build Brookyln Outdoor. I'm proud to be honored alongside women from around the country who continue to break down barriers and work to level the playing field in varying ways across industries."

The company's client roster includes iconic national brands like General Motors, Skyy Imports, Shinola, Kenneth Cole, Adidas, MillerCoors, Nike, ABI, Warner Brothers, Sprint, T-Mobile, Google, Apple, Adult Swim, Comedy Central, ABC, Ford, Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, Red Bull, Bacardi, and many more top national and regional brands.

"The Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration continues to grow each year, attracting more nominations from outstanding women entrepreneurs around the world. Our class of 2017 includes honorees from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Kenya, The Netherlands and several other countries," Monica Smiley, publisher/CEO of Enterprising Women, said.

"When this awards program began 15 years ago, there were only a handful of nominees in what was then the highest revenue category -- over $10 million in annual revenues. This growth reflects the fact that more women are scaling their businesses to the $100 million plus level. The Enterprising Women of the Year Award has grown each year in prestige and stature so women entrepreneurs at all levels want to be recognized with this award for the great work they are doing. We could not be more proud of the outstanding women who make up the Enterprising Women Class of 2017," Smiley said.

ABOUT BROOKLYN OUTDOOR:

Brooklyn Outdoor is a Detroit-based independent outdoor advertising agency. The company was founded in 2013 and has subsequently emerged as a national and regional force in the outdoor advertising industry with satellite offices and full-time sales representatives in Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles. Brooklyn Outdoor is led by CEO Candice Simons, a longtime industry leader who returned to Detroit from Chicago to launch the entrepreneurial venture. The company's clients include national brands like General Motors, Adidas, Warner Brothers, Sprint, and Amazon. Simons also founded the Detroit-based blog and events company, j'adore Detroit. She has been recognized for her work with both companies by Crain's Detroit Business, DBusiness, Detroit Young Professionals, Summit International Marketing, and MichBusiness. For more information, please visit http://www.brooklynoutdoor.com/.

ABOUT ENTERPRISING WOMEN MAGAZINE:

Enterprising Women, with headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, is the nation's only women-owned magazine published exclusively for women business owners that chronicles the growing political, economic and social influence and power of entrepreneurial women. The magazine provides a friendly meeting place, a public forum and a national stage for the critical issues confronting women's businesses and daily lives from the unique perspectives and experiences of entrepreneurial women. Published in both print and digital editions, the online edition of the magazine reaches nearly one million readers in 185 countries. For more information, please visit http://enterprisingwomen.com or call (919) 362-1551.

Katherine Cockrel

Finn Partners

Katherine.cockrel@finnpartners.com

1 (313)879-3628




PUNE, India, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new market research report, "Active Protection System Market by End User (Defense, Homeland Security), Platform (Land-Based, Naval, Airborne), Kill System Type (Soft Kill System, Hard Kill System, Reactive Armor), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets', the market is estimated to reach USD 4.15 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.50% from 2016 to 2022.

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This growth can be attributed to the increasing incidences of armed conflict, war, and terrorism, which are driving the demand for active protection systems globally.

The land-based segment is expected to lead the active protection system market during the forecast period

Based on platform, the active protection system market was dominated by the land-based segment in 2016, and this dominance is expected to continue till 2022. Developing countries, such as China and India, among others, are building large forces of IFVs and armored vehicles. These countries are investing more in automated technologies and focusing on manufacturing a wide range of offensive fighting vehicles. For instance, India recently signed a contract with Russia for 464 T-90 main battle tanks to help the country significantly enhance its offensive capabilities vis-A -vis China and Pakistan.

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The defense end user segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The active protection system market has been analyzed and segmented on the basis of end user into defense and homeland security. The market was dominated by the defense segment in 2016. This segment's market is also projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, primarily driven by the upgrade and modernization programs, procurement of new military equipment, and an increase in defense budgets of emerging nations.

The U.S. and India are expected to be lucrative markets for active protection system

The U.S. and India are expected to lead the active protection system market in the coming years. The U.S. is estimated to dominate the active protection system market during the forecast period. This rapid growth can be attributed to the increasing research and development activities undertaken in the country for the development of advanced technology-based designs of combat systems. The Indian active protection system market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2016 to 2022. The demand for active protection systems in India is increasing due to the modernization of existing fleets, as well as delivery of these systems for land and naval platforms.

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Major players in the active protection system market include Rheinmetall AG (Germany), Saab AB (Sweden), Raytheon Company (U.S.), Israel Military Industries (Israel), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel), among others.

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Armored Vehicles Market, by Application (Defense, Commercial), Defense Products (MBT, LPV, AAV, MRAP, IFV, APC, Others), Commercial Products (SUV, Sedan, Limousine, Bus/Van, Others), Technology (Active, Passive), Type, & Region - Global Forecast to 2021

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 6, 2017) - TNR Gold Corp. (TSXV: TNR) ("TNR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Maurice Brooks as Director of the Company.

Mr. Brooks was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company earlier this year. He is a licensed senior statutory auditor in the UK and has been a senior partner in Johnson, Smith & Co., Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors since 2000. Previously, he was Finance and Deputy Managing Director of a vehicle producer, an Investment Accountant for the Western Australian Government, and served in the audit department of PricewaterhouseCoopers, UK.

"Mr. Brooks brings a unique skillset to the board of directors of TNR and shares our vision to move the Company forward," stated Kirill Klip, Executive Chairman of TNR Gold Corp.

Los Azules Project, Argentina

In a news release dated March 1, 2017, McEwen Mining Inc. ("MM") reported on its 100% owned Los Azules copper project, located in San Juan province, Argentina. MM reported that US $6.4 million was allocated to drilling in the first quarter of 2017 and an additional US $3.2 million is committed to other works and studies to advance the Los Azules project. TNR holds a 0.36% Net Smelter Returns Royalty ("NSR") on the Los Azules project.

Information on MM, including news releases, is available under the MM profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the MM website, where further details of the Los Azules project can be found.

Kirill Klip further commented, "I am pleased to see that McEwen Mining is continuing to advance exploration at Los Azules. Strength in copper prices recently reported in the media is encouraging and with the new business friendly environment in Argentina, we hope that this will have a positive impact on the project."

Other News

The Company announces the appointment of Patricia Fong, CPA, CMA, as Chief Financial Officer. Patricia Fong brings over twenty years of experience working with public companies in the resource sector.

The Company also announces that John Harrop has resigned from his position as Vice President, Exploration. The Company would like to thank Mr. Harrop for his many years of service and his technical guidance in helping to build the Company's current portfolio of projects.

ABOUT TNR GOLD CORP.

Over the past twenty-two years, TNR, through its lead generator business model, has been successful in generating high quality exploration projects around the globe. With the Company's expertise, resources and industry network, it identified the potential of the Los Azules copper project in Argentina and now holds a 0.36% NSR on the prospect.

TNR is also a major shareholder of International Lithium Corp. ("ILC"), with current holdings of approximately 16% of the outstanding shares of ILC. ILC holds interests in lithium projects in Argentina, Ireland and Canada.

TNR also has a 2% NSR royalty on the Mariana lithium brine project in Argentina under which ILC can purchase half (1%) for US $1 million. The project is currently being advanced in a joint venture between ILC and Ganfeng Lithium International Co. Ltd.

At its core, TNR provides significant exposure to gold and copper through its holdings in Alaska (the Shotgun gold porphyry project) and Argentina, and is committed to continued generation of in-demand projects, while diversifying its markets and building shareholder value.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Kirill Klip

Executive Chairman

www.tnrgoldcorp.com

For further information concerning this news release please contact +1 604-700-8912

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "will", "could" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "could" occur. Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" in the interim and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis which are available at www.sedar.com. While our management believes that the assumptions made are reasonable, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Forward-looking information herein, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After Republicans invoked the so-called 'nuclear option' to change Senate rules, the nomination of federal appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court cleared a key procedural hurdle on Thursday. The Senate voted 55 to 45 to limit debate on Gorsuch's nomination, with the vote largely coming down along party lines. Just three Democrats joined with Republicans to vote in favor of the cloture motion, which sets up a vote to confirm Gorsuch to the nation's highest court on Friday. The motion to limit debate on Gorsuch's nomination needed only a majority to pass after Republicans voted to change longstanding Senate rules. In a party line vote, the Senate voted 52 to 48 to change Senate rules that required 60 votes to break a filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee. Senate Republicans decided to change the rule after Democrats sought to block Gorsuch's nomination under the existing filibuster rules. The original cloture motion failed by a vote of 55 to 45, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., changing his vote to 'no' to allow the motion to be brought up again. Republicans accused their Democratic colleagues of engaging in an 'unprecedented partisan filibuster' of a Supreme Court nominee. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, described Gorsuch as an 'exceptional nominee' and claimed Democrats would filibuster anyone nominated by President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Democrats suggested that the Supreme Court seat was 'stolen' after Republicans refused to consider former President Barack Obama's nomination of federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland. The GOP's decision to invoke the 'nuclear option' has raised concerns Trump or future presidents will be able to pick more ideologically extreme judges if they only need majority support. 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) -- 04/06/17 -- Nutritional High International Inc. (the "Company" or "Nutritional High") (CSE: EAT) (CSE: EAT.CN) (OTCQB: SPLIF) (FRANKFURT: 2NU) is pleased to announce an update pertaining to the business developments of Aura Health Corp. ("AHC"). As announced in the Company's press release dated December 28, 2016, Nutritional High owns approximately 24% of AHC and has provided a short-term loan in the amount of US $120,000.

Business Strategy and Expansion Plan Update

AHC's business plan is focused on investing in medical marijuana patient clinics in the United States, where permitted by applicable regulation. At this time, the primary focus are Cole Memo compliant US states, however, in the future AHC may also expand into Canada and other countries where medical cannabis is permitted by regulation.

In addition to the current projects in the States of Nevada and Arizona, AHC also intends to pursue expansion opportunities in the State of Florida, which has legalized cannabis for medical use on November 9, 2016, by passing Amendment 2 ballot measure.

AHC currently has an agreement with Sun Valley Clinics, which provides AHC an option to acquire 51% ownership in up to 10 clinics. AHC has commenced discussions with Sun Valley to expand the scope of the agreement to increase the number of clinics to co-invest into with Sun Valley.

State of Nevada

The first project that AHC has undertaken was the clinic investment in Las Vegas, NV. AHC is pleased with the ramp-up being on budget as in the past two months with weekly patient volume exceeding break even a number of times suggesting the clinic is ramping up as expected.

Despite the passage of Question 2 last November, which has legalized cannabis for adult recreational use in the State of Nevada, experience in other recreational states show that the patients recognize the considerable benefits of participating in the medical program. Such benefits include a wider range of products with more varying THC and CBD contents at a lower cost per unit and lower retail taxes. In addition, the implementation of Question 2 could take a year or longer, and AHC expects the Nevada clinic to continue growing.

State of Arizona

To date, AHC has completed an acquisition of 30% interest in two clinics in the state of Arizona - one in Mesa and one in Tucson. The location of the clinic in Mesa is on one busiest intersections in city, with 50,000 cars per day passing in two directions that can see Sun Valley external signage. The Tucson location was previously a dental clinic, which was closed due to owner's retirement who stated this was his highest volume clinic of three that he owned in the city.

The build-out of both clinics is nearing completion with both expected to open in April 2017. AHC's operating partners have also began pre-marketing and retaining key staff and doctors for both clinics, as well as developing referral partnerships with dispensaries throughout the state.

Corporate Update

AHC has appointed MNP LLP as its auditor, which is nearing completion of it's the financial statement audit for the year ended December 31, 2016. AHC has also appointed Branson Corporate Services Inc. to provide accounting and CFO support.

About Aura Health Corp. and Green Global Properties Inc.

Since June 2016, AHC and its subsidiaries has been involved in the development and acquisition of marijuana health clinics in the United States. The medical health clinics test prospective patients, and where such patients are found to have one of the qualifying medical conditions, the clinics issue medical-use certificates.

AHC owns 30% interest in a clinic in Las Vegas, NV and a 30% interest in a clinic being launched in Mesa, AZ. AHC also has the option to increase its ownership interest in these clinics to 51% and to acquire up to 51% interest in 8 additional clinics being launched by Sun Valley Holdings ("Sun Valley"), a private company based in Phoenix, Arizona, which also operates three wholly owned clinics in Arizona and is the largest clinic owner and operator in the state of Arizona.

About Nutritional High International Inc.

Nutritional High is focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing products and nationally recognized brands in the hemp and marijuana-infused products industries, including edibles and oil extracts for nutritional, medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively through licensed facilities in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law.

For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Such statements include submission of the relevant documentation within the required timeframe and to the satisfaction of the relevant regulators, completing the acquisition of the applicable real estate and raising sufficient financing to complete the Company's business strategy. There is no certainty that any of these events will occur. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

Contacts:

David Posner, Chairman of the Board

Nutritional High International Inc.

647-985-6727

dposner@nutritionalhigh.com



Greg Shafransky, Investor Relations

360 Aviation Services Inc.

604-671-3327

stockshaman@outlook.com




On the initiative and by the decision of the Board of AUGA group, AB (code 126264360, address Konstitucijos ave. 21C, Vilnius, hereinafter - the Company) the ordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company is being convened on 28 April 2017, at 9.30 a.m.



The meeting will be held in the conference room at the business centrum QUADRUM NORTH, address Konstitucijos ave. 21C, Vilnius.



The registration of the shareholders begins at 9 a.m.



Only those persons who will be shareholders of the Company at the close of the record date of the general meeting of shareholders may participate and vote at the general meeting of shareholders.



The record date of the meeting shall be 21 April, 2017.



Agenda of the Meeting:



1. Consolidated annual report of the Company for the year 2016 and report of the Auditor.



2. Approval of consolidated annual financial statements of the Company for the year 2016.



3. Approval of the profit (loss) appropriation of the Company for the year 2016.



4. Election of the auditor of the Company.



The draft decisions and general ballot will be disclosed by separate notification.



Shareholders of the Company shall have a right to participate and vote at the general meeting of shareholders personally or by power of attorney, or represented by the person with whom an agreement on the transfer of voting rights is concluded.



The total number of the Company's shares of EUR 0.29 par value each and the number of shares granting voting rights during the general meeting of shareholders is the same and amounts to 187,416,252.



ISIN code of the Company's shares is LT0000127466.



A person attending the general meeting of shareholders and having a voting right must provide a person's identification document. A person who is not a shareholder must additionally provide a document confirming his/her right to vote at the general meeting of shareholders.



Each shareholder shall have a right in the manner established by the laws to authorise other (natural or legal) person to attend and vote at the general meeting of shareholders on his/her behalf. At the general meeting of shareholders an authorised person shall have the same rights as would be held by the shareholder represented by him/her, unless the authorized person's rights are limited by the power of attorney or by laws. The authorized person must provide a power of attorney certified in the manner established by laws. A power of attorney issued in a foreign state must be translated into Lithuanian and legalised in the manner established by laws.



The Company does not establish special form of power of attorney.



Shareholder shall have the right to authorize through electronic communication channels another person (natural or legal) to participate and vote in the meeting on shareholder's behalf. Such authorization shall not be approved by the notary public. The power of attorney issued through electronic communication channels must be confirmed by the shareholder with a safe electronic signature developed by safe signature equipment and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Company on the power of attorney issued through electronic communication channels by e-mail info@auga.lt no later than until the last business day before the meeting at 12.00 p.m. The power of attorney and notification shall be issued in writing. The power of attorney and notification to the Company shall be signed with the electronic signature but not the letter sent via e-mail. By submitting the notification to the Company the shareholder shall include the internet address from which it would be possible to download free of charge software to verify an electronic signature of the shareholder.



A shareholder or a person authorised by him/her shall have a right to vote in writing in advance by filling in the general ballot paper. Upon a shareholder's request, the Company, not later than 10 days before the general meeting, shall send the general ballot paper by registered mail free of charge. The general ballot paper is also provided on the Company's website at www.auga.lt. The filled-in general ballot paper and the document confirming the voting right (if any) must be submitted to the Company sending by registered mail or providing them against signature at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice and received by the Company not later than on the last business day until the meeting.



The Company is not providing the possibility to attend and vote at the general meeting of shareholders through electronic means of communication.



The shareholders holding shares that grant at least 1/20 of all votes shall have the right of proposing to supplement the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders. Draft decisions on the proposed issues shall be submitted together with the proposal or, if the decisions do not need to be approved, explanations on each proposed issue of the general meeting of shareholders shall be presented. Proposal to supplement the agenda must be presented to the Company sending them by registered mail or providing it against signature at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice. The agenda will be supplemented if the proposal is received not later than 14 days before the general meeting of shareholders.



Each shareholder holding shares that grant at least 1/20 of all votes at any time before the general meeting of shareholders or during the meeting shall have the right of proposing draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders, as well as the additional candidates to the members of the Supervisory Council of the Company (if elected). The proposed draft decisions must be presented in writing sending them by registered mail or providing them against signature at the address of the registered office of the Company indicated in the notice.



The shareholders shall have the right to present questions related to the agenda issues of the general meeting of shareholders to the Company in advance in writing, by providing the shareholder's personal identification number and consent to process personal data - personal identification number in the letter which should be sent to the Company by registered mail or delivered against signature. The Company undertakes to respond if the questions are received not later than 3 business days before the general meeting of shareholders. Responses of a general character shall be posted on the Company's website www.auga.lt. The Company will not respond personally to the shareholder if the respective information is posted on the Company's website.



The shareholders could get familiarised with the documents possessed by the Company related to the agenda of the meeting, including notification on convocation of the meeting, information about the total number of the Company's shares and the number of shares granting voting rights during the general meeting of shareholders, draft resolutions, and other documents to be submitted to the general meeting of shareholders as well as to get information regarding execution of the shareholders' rights at AUGA group, AB, at the address Konstitucijos ave. 21C, Vilnius, or on the Company's website at www.auga.lt.



General Manager Linas Bulzgys +370 5 233 5340

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Draft decisions of the ordinary shareholders meeting of AUGA group, AB (code 126264360, address: Konstitucijos ave. 21C, Vilnius) which will take place on April 28, 2017:



1. Consolidated annual report of the Company for the year 2016 and report of the Auditor:



- Taken for the information.



2. Approval of consolidated annual financial statements of the Company for the year 2016.



Draft decision:



- To approve consolidated annual financial statements for the year 2016.



3. Approval of the profit (loss) appropriation of the Company for the year 2016.



Draft decision:



- To leave inappropriated the result of the Company for the year 2016 as indicated in the consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year 2016.



4. Election of the auditor of the Company.



Draft decision:



-To elect [..........] as the Company's audit enterprise to perform the audit of the Group financial statements (including - consolidated) for the 2017 financial year. To authorize the Company's general manager or any member of the Board to conclude the agreement for audit services, establishing the payment for services as agreed between the parties but in any case, not more than [..........] EUR (VAT excluded) per year for the audit of the Company's financial statements (including - consolidated).



Note:



Consolidated annual financial statements for the year 2016 and consolidated annual report of the Company for the year 2016 will be disclosed later by separate announcement before the Meeting and after the audit will be completed.



All documents possessed by the Company related to the agenda of the Meeting, are available at the headquarters of AUGA group, AB, Konstitucijos ave.21C, Vilnius, Lithuania (tel. +370 5 233 53 40) and also available online at www.auga.lt



Attached:



1. General voting ballot.





General Manager Linas Bulzgys +370 5 233 5340



Attachment:

https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=624514

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump is set to kick off a highly anticipated two-day meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday but has expressed some uncertainty about the outcome of the talks. 'Well, it's going to be very interesting. Nobody really knows,' Trump said when asked what he expects from the meeting in an interview with 'Fox & Friends.' 'We have not been treated fairly on trade for many, many years. No president's taken care of that the way they should have. And we have a big problem with North Korea,' he added. 'So, we're going to see what happens.' The two-day meeting at the president's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida will be the first between to the leaders since Trump was elected. In a series of posts to Twitter last week, Trump warned that the meeting with his Chinese counterpart would be 'very difficult.' 'The meeting next week with China will be a very difficult one in that we can no longer have massive trade deficits and job losses,' Trump tweeted. 'American companies must be prepared to look at other alternatives.' A statement from the White House said Trump and Xi will discuss global, regional, and bilateral issues of mutual concern. The president and First Lady Melania Trump are scheduled to host Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan at a dinner at 6:30 pm ET. Trump repeatedly attacked U.S. trade relations with China on the campaign trail and has criticized China for failing to do more to deal with North Korea. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:

Vivendi (Paris:VIV) announced today that it has signed an agreement to settle the remaining claims still in dispute with certain class plaintiffs in the securities class action litigation initiated in the United States in 2002, finally putting this long-standing case to rest.

Vivendi will pay $26.4 million under the agreement, representing approximately one-third of the total $78 million it will pay to resolve the entire litigation, including the judgments previously entered.

The resolution of this litigation will result in a net reversal of provision of approximately 25 million in Vivendi's 2017 financial statements. Given that the provision had been already been deducted for tax purposes, this reversal will be taxed in 2017.

The settlement is subject to final approval of the court.

About Vivendi

Vivendi is an integrated media and content group. The company operates businesses throughout the media value chain, from talent discovery to the creation, production and distribution of content. Universal Music Group is engaged in recorded music, music publishing and merchandising. It owns more than 50 labels covering all genres. Canal+ Group is engaged in pay-TV in France, as well as in Africa, Poland and Vietnam. Its subsidiary Studiocanal is a leading European player in production, sales and distribution of movies and TV series. Gameloft is a worldwide leader in mobile games, with 2 million games downloaded per day.Vivendi Village, groups together Vivendi Ticketing (in the United Kingdom, the United States and France), MyBestPro (expert counseling), Watchever (subscription streaming services), Radionomy (digital radio), the venues L'Olympia and Theatre de L'uvre in Paris, and CanalOlympia in Africa, as well as Olympia Production. With 3 billion videos viewed each month, Dailymotion is one of the biggest video content aggregation and distribution platforms in the world. www.vivendi.comwww.cultureswithvivendi.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170406006149/en/

Contacts:

Vivendi
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- LOGiQ Asset Management Inc. ("LOGiQ" or the "Company") (TSX: LGQ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gordon McMillan to its Board of Directors.

Mr. McMillan is a principal of FS Group Holdings Ltd. ("FSGH"), the single largest shareholder of LOGiQ. Prior to co-founding FSGH, Mr. McMillan was a co-founder and director of Pivot Technology Solutions, Inc., a technology solutions provider based in Carlsbad, California. Mr. McMillan has been an entrepreneur in the Canadian financial services industry since 1994. During that time, he co-founded, was chief executive officer and a director of Triax Capital Corporation and Skylon Capital Corporation. He was also a shareholder and director of Fairway Management Inc., Impax Funds Management Ltd. and i3 Advisors Inc. Mr. McMillan has served on the boards of numerous publicly listed investment funds during his career. Mr. McMillan holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Mr. McMillan will be replacing Mr. Nevin Markwart on the Company's Board, who stepped down on March 24, 2017.

"We are proud to welcome such an accomplished and talented professional to our Board of Directors. We also want to thank Mr. Markwart for his contributions to the Company and wish him well in his future endeavours," said LOGiQ Chair of the Board, Dr. Eldon Smith.

LOGiQ (www.logiqasset.com) is a diversified asset management company with a suite of retail mutual funds, closed end funds, hedge funds and pooled funds, and also provides segregated institutional managed accounts and institutional advisory sales. LOGiQ has assets under management or advisement and institutional advisory sales-related fee earning arrangements that are not managed or advised, totaling approximately $4.8 billion.

The TSX has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

Contacts:

LOGiQ Asset Management Inc.

Joe Canavan

President & Chief Executive Officer

(416) 583-2300



LOGiQ Asset Management Inc.

Mary Anne Palangio

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 583-2300




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW)(CSE: VGW.CN) (the "Company" or "Valens") is pleased to announce completion of the acquisition of Supra THC Services Inc. ("SUPRA"), a Health Canada-licensed cannabis testing lab with an established Kelowna-based scientific team supporting its operations.

Valens acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of SUPRA for $3.75 million, satisfied through the issuance of three million shares of Valens. The total share consideration is subject to a regulatory four month hold period as well as a 36-month escrow agreement.

SUPRA holds a Health Canada Dealer's License which allows for the possession of cannabis and related active ingredients, as well as the production of extracts for the purpose of analysis.

SUPRA's mission is to become a leading Analytical Service Provider to the cannabis industry. Revenue-generating activities are expected to include analytical services, consulting services, and contract Research and Development. The company will also produce oils and ointments using a proprietary solvent-free extraction approach that produces an organic 100% cannabis oil product.

SUPRA is led by Dr. Rob O'Brien, who also recently joined Valens Agritech Ltd. ("VAL"), the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, as its President and Chief Science Officer (CSO). Dr. O'Brien is an expert in analytical instrumentation, has established a number of advanced analytical laboratories, and founded Supra Research and Development, the first spin-off company from the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus, created to commercialize innovative biomass extraction technology.

Dr. O'Brien stated, "Having both Valens Agritech and Supra THC Services as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Valens GroWorks provides us with a gateway to the capital markets and the necessary currency to execute on our strategic vision. Our immediate objective is to secure the infrastructure necessary to become a leading-edge cannabis-based enterprise in one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy."

About Valens GroWorks Corp.

Valens GroWorks Corp is a CSE-listed company with an aggressive acquisition strategy in progress, providing management, consulting, testing and support services to domestic and international licensees, as well as financing the buildout of established, licensed operations in Arizona. The Company seeks to capture a broad spectrum of medical marijuana users, as well as recreational users once legalized, in pursuit of its ambitious Plants to Premium Products "P2P" objectives.

The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Valens Agritech Ltd., is a post-inspection applicant anticipating receipt of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Dealer's Licence for the cultivation and processing of marijuana. Based in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, VAL anticipates participation in selective clinical trial programs researching the efficacy of medical cannabis.

The Company is engaged under a letter of intent to acquire 100% of Royal Green Acres Manufacturing Ltd., a final review-stage applicant for a License to Produce ("LP") under Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The proposed buildout to be funded is a 50,000-sf, indoor, state-of-the-art, medicinal cannabis production and processing facility located on 5 acres just outside Nanaimo, British Columbia.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

VALENS GROWORKS CORP.

Robert van Santen, Chief Executive Officer

Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

The CSE or other regulatory authority has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. We seek Safe Harbour.

Contacts:

Valens GroWorks Corp.

Greg Patchell

+1.250.860.8634




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - American Airlines has issued an apology after employees complained about a photo in the March edition of American Way, American Airline's in-flight magazine, that depicted bartenders preparing cocktails while dressed as pilots. After receiving complaints from the airline's pilots, American Airlines Vice President of Global Communication Ronald Defeo apologized to employees. 'A huge apology to our team and especially our coworkers who are pilots,' he wrote. 'We know that photo depicting pilots drinking in uniform is not appropriate. It is, in fact, appalling and disrespectful to the aviation profession. Even in jest, if that's what this is, our aviators put safety first and this is never an area where humor works. Full stop.' American Airlines had outsourced the production of the magazine in 2014, however, according to DeFeo, internal checks that should have caught the photos before they were distributed to aircraft. American Airlines has pulled the issues after becoming aware of the issue. The story has also been removed from the magazine's website and digital edition. 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) - Following a suspected chemical attack on a rebel-held Syrian town that killed dozens of people, President Donald Trump has indicated 'something should happen' to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. 'I think what Assad did is terrible. I think what happened in Syria is one of the truly egregious crimes. It shouldn't have happened. It shouldn't be allowed to happen,' Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday. He added, 'I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity. He's there, and I guess he's running things, so something should happen.' However, Trump once again refused to discuss any specific steps his administration is planning to take to address the situation. A report from NBC News said Defense Secretary James Mattis will brief Trump on military options at his Mar-a-Lago resort later on Thursday. In a separate news conference, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it would seem there would be no role for Assad to govern. The comments are seen as a reversal from remarks Tillerson made in Turkey last week indicating that the status of Assad would be decided by the Syrian people. 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) -- 04/06/17 -- Atacama Pacific Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE: ATM) ("Atacama Pacific") announces that it has received a US$1.8 million payment from a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited ("Gold Fields") related to the sale of water assets in northern Chile. Under the terms of the 2013 agreement with Gold Fields, Atacama Pacific received a payment of US$60,000 per litre/second ("l/s") of water for the 30.6 l/s approved by the Chilean water authority for use by Gold Fields. A further 12.7 l/s of water are available for permitting; however, there are no assurances that further permits will be forthcoming.

As announced in July 2013, Atacama Pacific entered into an agreement to purchase 80 l/s of water from Aguas Chanar S.A.'s Copiapo facility for the development of its Cerro Maricunga oxide gold deposit. Atacama Pacific also has the right of first refusal for any additional water from the facility. With a secure and sustainable source of water arranged for Cerro Maricunga, Atacama Pacific undertook to monetize it water exploration assets in Chile by entering into the Gold Fields agreement.

Cerro Maricunga Oxide Gold Project

The Cerro Maricunga oxide-associated, breccia-hosted gold deposit hosts total Proven and Probable mineral reserves of 294.4 million tonnes grading 0.40 grams per tonne for 3.74 million ounces of gold representing one of the largest undeveloped oxide gold deposits in the world. Before commencing a feasibility study, Atacama Pacific is reviewing development options for Cerro Maricunga with the goal of reducing capital and operating costs through the elimination of the secondary and tertiary crushers, by using valley fill leaching at a location adjacent to the open pit and by commencing operations at a lower production rate of approximately 40,000 tonnes per day over the first years of production ramping up to 80,000 tonnes per day. The project also will be re-examined in light of current lower input costs for items such as electricity, fuel, labour, metallurgical consumables, equipment, etc.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

As defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Qualified Person for the Cerro Maricunga program is Sergio Diaz, a resident of Santiago, Chile. Mr. Diaz is a Public Registered Person for Reserves and Resources N degrees 51, in Chile, and is also registered in the Colegio de Geologos de Chile under N degrees 315. Mr. Diaz has reviewed and verified the technical contents of this press release. Maria Leticia Conca Benito, Mining Engineer, Universidad de Chile, Registered Member of Chilean Mining Commission, CEO and Project Director, Alquimia Conceptos S.A., was the independent qualified person, as defined by NI 43-101, responsible for the overall compilation of the information and preparation of the 2014 Prefeasibility Study.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward looking statements, including predictions, projections and forecasts. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "potential", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or "belief", or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward looking statements. Such factors include, among other items, the timing of the completion of the feasibility study, the impact of proposed updated mining conditions, including crushing and processing methods and mining rates, the results of due diligence activities, changes in economic parameters and assumptions, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future prices of gold; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; market conditions, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the results of further economic and technical studies, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in Atacama Pacific's publicly filed documents.

Although Atacama Pacific has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward looking statements will prove to be accurate, 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.

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:

Atacama Pacific Gold Corporation

Carl B. Hansen

President and CEO

416-861-8267

info@atacamapacific.com

www.atacamapacific.com




CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- ATCO Ltd. (TSX: ACO.X) (TSX: ACO.Y)

The Board of Directors of ATCO Ltd. has declared the following quarterly dividends:

Shares TSX Stock Dividend Record Date Payment Date Symbol Per Share ($) (2017) (2017) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class I Non-Voting ACO.X 0.3275 08-Jun 30-Jun Class II Voting ACO.Y 0.3275 08-Jun 30-Jun

These dividends are eligible dividends within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

With approximately 7,000 employees and assets of $20 billion, ATCO is a diversified global corporation delivering service excellence and innovative business solutions in Structures & Logistics (workforce housing, innovative modular facilities, construction, site support services, and logistics and operations management); Electricity (electricity generation, transmission, and distribution); Pipelines & Liquids (natural gas transmission, distribution and infrastructure development, energy storage, and industrial water solutions); and Retail Energy (electricity and natural gas retail sales). More information can be found at www.ATCO.com.

Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.

The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon.

Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

Contacts:

Media & Investor Inquiries:

B.R. (Brian) Bale

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

403-292-7502




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Today, Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) ("Cogeco Communications" or the "Corporation") announced its financial results for the second quarter ended February 28, 2017, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

For the second quarter of fiscal 2017:

-- Revenue increased by $9.4 million, or 1.7%, to reach $560.9 million mainly driven by growths of 3.1% in the Canadian broadband services segment and of 0.7% in the American broadband services segment, partly offset by a decrease of 1.8% in the Business information and communications technology ("Business ICT") services segment. -- Canadian broadband services revenue increased as a result of the impact of the timing of rate increases implemented in December 2016 compared to rate increases implemented in February 2016 in the comparable period of the prior year. Revenue also benefited from the continued growth in the Internet customer base combined with the movement of customers to higher value packages, partly offset by a decline in video and telephony customers; -- American broadband services revenue increased primarily as a result of the primary service units ("PSU")(2) progression, growth in the commercial sector as well as rate increases implemented in September 2016. However, revenue progression has been negatively impacted by the depreciation of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar compared to the same period of the prior year; -- Business ICT services revenue decreased primarily as a result of the depreciation of the US dollar and the British Pound currency against the Canadian dollar compared to the same period last year; -- Adjusted EBITDA increased by $5.5 million, or 2.2%, to reach $253.8 million mainly as a result of the following: -- Higher adjusted EBITDA in the Canadian broadband services resulting mainly from revenue progression; -- Stable adjusted EBITDA in the American broadband services mainly as a result of the depreciation of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar compared to the same period of the prior year; partly offset by -- Lower adjusted EBITDA in the Business ICT services resulting mainly from a decrease in revenue; (1) The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the "Non-IFRS financial measures" section of the MD&A. (2) Represents the sum of video, Internet and telephony service customers. -- Operating margin(1) increased from 45.0% to 45.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, with operating margins of 52.1% in the Canadian broadband services, 42.3% in the American broadband services and 32.6% in the Business ICT services segments. The increase for the quarter resulted mainly from a higher margin in the Canadian broadband services segment, partly offset by a slightly lower margin in the American broadband services segment and a decline in the Business ICT services segment; -- Profit for the period amounted to $76.7 million, or $1.56 per share, an increase of $14.6 million, compared to $62.0 million, or $1.27 per share, in the comparable period of fiscal 2016 primarily due to the decrease in depreciation and amortization combined with the improvement of adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by the increase in income taxes; -- Free cash flow amounted to $116.8 million, an increase of $42.1 million, or 56.3% mainly due to lower acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets as a result of the timing of certain initiatives mainly in the Canadian broadband services segment combined with a greater focus on capital expenditure optimization in the Business ICT services segment. The improvement of adjusted EBITDA also contributed to the increase in free cash flow; -- Cash flow from operating activities increased by $39.6 million, or 19.2%, to reach $245.6 million. The increase for the quarter is mostly attributable to the improvement in adjusted EBITDA, the decrease in income taxes paid and the increase in changes in non-cash operating activities primarily due to changes in working capital; -- A quarterly eligible dividend of $0.43 per share was paid in the second quarter to the holders of multiple and subordinate voting shares, representing an increase of $0.04 per share, or 10.3%, compared to an eligible dividend of $0.39 per share paid in the second quarter of fiscal 2016; and -- At its April 6, 2017 meeting, the Board of Directors of Cogeco Communications declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.43 per share for multiple and subordinate voting shares payable on May 4, 2017.

For the six-month period ended February 28, 2017:

-- Revenue increased by $18.1 million, or 1.7%, to reach $1.11 billion mainly driven by growths of 3.7% in the American broadband services segment and of 2.1% in the Canadian broadband services segment, partly offset by a decrease of 4.1% in the Business ICT services segment. -- Canadian broadband services revenue increased as a result of the impact of the timing of rate increases implemented in December 2016 compared to rate increases implemented in February 2016 in the comparable period of the prior year. Revenue also benefited from the continued growth in the Internet customer base combined with the movement of customers to higher value packages, partly offset by a decline in video and telephony customers; -- American broadband services revenue increased primarily as a result of the PSU progression, growth in the commercial sector as well as rate increases implemented in September 2016, mostly offset by unfavorable foreign exchange rates compared to the same period of the prior year; -- Business ICT services revenue decreased primarily as a result of competitive pricing pressures on the hosting and network connectivity services and the depreciation of the US dollar and the British Pound currency against the Canadian dollar compared to the same period of last year; -- Adjusted EBITDA increased by $11.0 million, or 2.2%, to reach $503.5 million mainly as a result of the following: -- Higher adjusted EBITDA in the Canadian broadband services resulting mainly from revenue progression; -- Higher adjusted EBITDA in the American broadband services resulting from organic growth, partly offset by the depreciation of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar compared to the same period of fiscal 2016; partly offset by -- Lower adjusted EBITDA in the Business ICT services resulting from a decrease in revenue; -- Operating margin increased from 45.1% to 45.4% for the six-month period ended February 28, 2017, with operating margins of 52.1% in the Canadian broadband services, 43.0% in the American broadband services and 32.0% in the Business ICT services segments. The increase for the first six months resulted mainly from a higher margin in the Canadian broadband services segment, partly offset by a slightly lower margin in the American broadband services segment and a decline in the the Business ICT services segment; (1) The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the "Non-IFRS financial measures" section of the MD&A. -- Profit for the period amounted to $151.7 million, or $3.09 per share, compared to $123.1 million, or $2.52 per share in the comparable period of fiscal 2016, an increase of $28.5 million resulting from the improvement of adjusted EBITDA combined with the decreases in depreciation and amortization and in integration, restructuring and acquisition costs, partly offset by the increase in income taxes; -- Free cash flow amounted to $218.2 million, an increase of $103.4 million, or 90.1%, mainly due to lower acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets resulting from the timing of certain initiatives in the Canadian broadband services segment combined with a greater focus on capital expenditure optimization in the Business ICT services segment. The improvement of adjusted EBITDA and the decrease in integration, restructuring and acquisition costs also contributed to the increase in free cash flow; and -- Cash flow from operating activities increased by $67.0 million, or 22.2%, to reach $369.0 million. The increase for the period is mostly attributable to the improvement in adjusted EBITDA combined with the decreases in income taxes paid and integration, restructuring and acquisition costs, partly offset by the decrease in changes in non-cash operating activities primarily due to changes in working capital.

"Overall, results for Cogeco Communications Inc.'s second quarter of our fiscal year 2017 are satisfying," declared Louis Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogeco Communications Inc. "We remain pleased with the results of our Canadian broadband services subsidiary, especially given the competitive conditions in the Canadian broadband market and the maturity of this industry."

"Our American broadband services subsidiary, Atlantic Broadband, remains a solid performer," added M. Audet. "We are satisfied with results in fiscal 2017 so far, which are in line with our expectations."

"With our Business ICT services subsidiary, Cogeco Peer 1, we continue to focus on improvements and generating positive results," stated Mr. Audet. "We are implementing thorough action plans for each of our geographic regions and our continued focus on controlling our costs and capital expenditures has resulted in meaningful free cash flow."

ABOUT COGECO COMMUNICATIONS

Cogeco Communications Inc. is a communications corporation. It is the 8th largest cable operator in North America, operating in Canada under the Cogeco Connexion name in Quebec and Ontario, and in the United States under the Atlantic Broadband name in western Pennsylvania, south Florida, Maryland/Delaware, South Carolina and eastern Connecticut. Cogeco Communications Inc. provides its residential and business customers with video, Internet and telephony services through its two-way broadband fibre networks. Through its subsidiary Cogeco Peer 1, Cogeco Communications Inc. provides its business customers with a suite of information technology services (colocation, network connectivity, hosting, cloud and managed services), through its 16 data centres, extensive FastFiber Network and more than 50 points of presence in North America and Europe. Cogeco Communications Inc.'s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA).

Analyst Conference Call: Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) Media representatives may attend as listeners only. Please use the following dial-in number to have access to the conference call by dialing five minutes before the start of the conference: Canada/United States Access Number: 1 800-263-0877 International Access Number: + 1 416-642-5209 Confirmation Code: 109443 By Internet at corpo.cogeco.com/cca/en/investors/

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

=========================================================================== (in thousands of dollars, Quarters ended except percentages February 28, February 29, and per share data) 2017 2016 Change $ $ % --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operations Revenue 560,875 551,523 1.7 Adjusted EBITDA(1) 253,839 248,382 2.2 Operating margin(1) 45.3% 45.0% - Integration, restructuring and acquisition costs - 4,320 - Profit for the period 76,663 62,042 23.6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow Cash flow from operating activities 245,550 205,954 19.2 Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets 86,199 116,732 (26.2) Free cash flow(1) 116,787 74,698 56.3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial condition(2) Cash and cash equivalents - - - Property, plant and equipment - - - Total assets - - - Indebtedness(3) - - - Shareholders' equity - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital intensity(1) 15.4% 21.2% - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Per Share Data(4) Earnings per share Basic 1.56 1.27 22.8 Diluted 1.55 1.26 23.0 Dividends 0.43 0.39 10.3 =========================================================================== ========================================================================== (in thousands of dollars, Six months ended except percentages February 29, February 29, and per share data) 2017 2016 Change $ $ % --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operations Revenue 1,109,965 1,091,836 1.7 Adjusted EBITDA(1) 503,542 492,524 2.2 Operating margin(1) 45.4% 45.1% - Integration, restructuring and acquisition costs - 6,350 - Profit for the period 151,687 123,148 23.2 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow Cash flow from operating activities 369,011 302,047 22.2 Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets 182,693 263,051 (30.5) Free cash flow(1) 218,166 114,740 90.1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial condition(2) Cash and cash equivalents 45,835 62,286 (26.4) Property, plant and equipment 1,952,414 1,989,720 (1.9) Total assets 5,287,767 5,333,249 (0.9) Indebtedness(3) 2,783,501 2,929,108 (5.0) Shareholders' equity 1,500,467 1,379,915 8.7 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital intensity(1) 16.5% 24.1% - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Per Share Data(4) Earnings per share Basic 3.09 2.52 22.6 Diluted 3.06 2.49 22.9 Dividends 0.86 0.78 10.3 =========================================================================== (1) The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the "Non-IFRS financial measures" section of the MD&A. (2) At February 28, 2017 and August 31, 2016. Total assets and shareholders' equity were restated for the year ended August 31, 2016 as reported in note 2 of the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. (3) Indebtedness is defined as the aggregate of bank indebtedness, intercompany note payable, balance due on a business combination, principal on long-term debt and obligations under derivative financial instruments. (4) Per multiple and subordinate voting share. ============================================================================

Contacts:

Source:

Cogeco Communications Inc.

Patrice Ouimet

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

514-764-4700



Information:

Media

Rene Guimond

Senior Vice-President, Public Affairs and

Communications

514-764-4700




DUBLIN, Apr. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Electric Boats and Ships 2017-2027" report to their offering.

This brand-new report looks at this fragmented but often highly profitable and growing sector. There are already over 100 manufacturers of electric boats and ships. The report finds that the market for hybrid and pure electric boats and ships will rise rapidly to over $20 billion worldwide in 2027 for non-military versions. Recreational boats is the largest and fastest growing electric marine market in sales number, followed by underwater leisure and autonomous underwater vehicles.

On-water commercial marine category is currently the largest marine EV value market. Leisure craft on inland waterways, notably in the USA and Europe, will become the largest sector as more places from Germany to India ban internal combustion engines or, as with SunMoon Lake in Taiwan, the operators unanimously agree to go clean and quiet.



The decade will end with huge environmental pressures making owners of industrial and commercial seagoing craft clean up more rapidly. Long life of a ship will no longer be an excuse. One large ship can emit the global warming carbon dioxide of 70,000 cars, the acidic nitrogen oxides of two million cars and the carcinogenic particulates of 2.5 million cars. Volkswagen dieselgate is not the only scandal!



Hybrid and pure electric marine vessels (EVs), with electric propulsion some or all of the time, have been around for over 100 years. The electric boat Lady Lena dates from 1890. Currently, the market for electric and hybrid watercraft is still significantly low with about 1-2% of the addressable market.



All-electric systems consist of an electric motor being powered by a battery pack. Hybrid electric systems consist of a fuelled engine and energy storage used to propel the craft sometimes (parallel hybrid) or to charge the battery (series hybrid). The report, "Electric Boats and Ships 2017-2027" gives a profusion of examples today and planned - the sweet spot being small to medium craft. Traditional "electric drive" where there is no substantial battery and therefore no pure electric mode or even downsized engine is mainly suited to large craft: it is seen in diesel-electric and nuclear-electric ships and submarines not covered in the report.



Beyond new electric craft, there is already a substantial and growing business in retrofit of hybrid electric ferries and other ships with pure electric or hybrid electric powertrains. There is also potential to sell hundreds of thousands of pure electric outboard motors yearly as they become more affordable and more energy harvesting is provided on the craft to charge the batteries, improving range. Cost of ownership plummets due to due to cheap electricity, energy harvesting and reliability. The report explains the many new forms of energy harvesting delivering on-board I electricity.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Why Do We Need Electric & Hybrid Marine Vessels



3. Key Drivers For Electric And Hybrid Marine Vessels



4. Benefits Of Electric & Hybrid Marine Vessels - A Closer Look



5. Definition Of Marine Vessels Market Segments



6. Market Analysis And Forecast 2017-2027



7. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles



8. Underwater Leisure Marine



9. Key Enabling Technologies For Marine Electric Vehicles



10. Marine Propulsion Technologies



11. Energy Storage



12. Marine Batteries



13. Examples Of Pure Electric & Hybrid Marine Vessels



14. Other Energy Storage Systems For Marine Vessels - Supercapacitors And Fuel Cells



15. Fuel Cell Technology For Marine Application



16. Autonomous Marine Vehicle



17. Energy Harvesting In Marine Applications



18. Conclusions



Companies Mentioned



- ABSL

- Akasol

- Echo Voyagers

- Hyundai

- JAMSTEC URASHIMA

- Leclanche

- Liquid Robotics

- M.V. Klitsa

- XALT Energy



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/s3gxcj/electric_boats

About Research and Markets

Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/06/17 -- Today, Cogeco Inc. (TSX: CGO) ("Cogeco" or the "Corporation") announced its financial results for the second quarter ended February 28, 2017, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

For the second quarter of fiscal 2017:

-- Revenue increased by $8.0 million, or 1.4%, to reach $586.4 million driven by growth in the Communications segment, partly offset by lower revenue in the media activities attributable to the sale of Metromedia CMR Plus Inc. ("Metromedia") on January 5, 2016; -- Adjusted EBITDA increased by $5.9 million, or 2.3%, to reach $258.0 million compared to the same period of fiscal 2016 as a result of the improvement in the Communications segment and the media activities despite the prior year's sale of Metromedia; -- Profit for the period amounted to $78.2 million of which $25.9 million, or $1.55 per share, was attributable to owners of the Corporation compared to $75.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 of which $33.3 million, or $1.99 per share, was attributable to the owners of the Corporation. The increase is mainly due to a decrease in depreciation and amortization combined with the improvement of adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by last year's gain on disposal of Metromedia and an increase in income taxes; -- Free cash flow reached $119.5 million, an increase of $42.3 million, or 54.8%, compared to the same quarter of the prior year mainly due to lower acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets in the Communication segment as a result of the timing of certain initiatives combined with a greater focus on capital expenditure optimization. The improvement of adjusted EBITDA also contributed to the increase in free cash flow; -- Cash flow from operating activities increased by $42.3 million, or 20.0%, to reach $253.8 million compared to fiscal 2016 second-quarter. The increase for the period is mostly attributable to the improvement in adjusted EBITDA, the decrease in income taxes paid combined with an increase in changes in non-cash operating activities primarily due to changes in working capital; -- A quarterly eligible dividend of $0.34 per share was paid in the second quarter to the holders of multiple and subordinate voting shares, an increase of 15.3%, compared to an eligible dividend of $0.295 per share paid in the second quarter of fiscal 2016; (1) The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the "Non-IFRS financial measures" section of the Management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"). -- During the second quarter, Cogeco purchased and canceled 92,611 subordinate voting shares, for consideration of $5.5 million, under its normal course issuer bid program which started in August 2016; and -- At its April 6, 2017 meeting, the Board of Directors of Cogeco declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.34 per share for multiple and subordinate voting shares payable on May 4, 2017.

For the six-month period ended February 28, 2017:

-- Revenue increased by $8.2 million, or 0.7%, to reach $1.17 billion driven by growth in the Communications segment, partly offset by lower revenue in the media activities attributable to the sale of Metromedia on January 5, 2016; -- Adjusted EBITDA increased by $12.0 million, or 2.4%, to reach $519.3 million compared to the same period of fiscal 2016 as a result of the improvement in the Communications segment; -- Profit for the period amounted to $160.2 million of which $56.6 million, or $3.39 per share, was attributable to owners of the Corporation compared to $142.5 million for the same period of fiscal 2016 of which $58.5 million, or $3.50 per share, was attributable to the owners of the Corporation. The increase is mainly due to a decrease in depreciation and amortization, the improvement of adjusted EBITDA as well as the decrease in integration, restructuring and acquisition costs, partly offset by last year's gain on disposal of Metromedia and an increase in income taxes; -- Free cash flow reached $228.8 million, an increase of $110.7 million, or 93.7%, compared to the same period of the prior year mainly due to lower acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets in the Communication segment as a result of the timing of certain initiatives combined with a greater focus on capital expenditure optimization. The improvement of adjusted EBITDA and the decrease in integration, restructuring and acquisition costs also contributed to the increase in free cash flow; and -- Cash flow from operating activities increased by $75.0 million, or 24.9%, to reach $376.7 million compared to the same period of fiscal 2016. The increase for the period is mostly attributable to the improvement in adjusted EBITDA combined with the decreases in income taxes paid and integration, restructuring and acquisition costs, partly offset by the decrease in changes in non-cash operating activities primarily due to changes in working capital.

"Overall, results for Cogeco Inc.'s second quarter of our fiscal year 2017 are satisfying," declared Louis Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogeco Inc. "In our communications subsidiary, Cogeco Communications Inc., we remain pleased with the results in our Canadian broadband services sector, especially given the competitive conditions in the Canadian broadband market and the maturity of this industry."

"In the American broadband services sector, Atlantic Broadband remains a solid performer," added M. Audet. "We are satisfied with results in fiscal 2017 so far, which are in line with our expectations."

"With our Business ICT services business, Cogeco Peer 1, we continue to focus on improvements and generating positive results," stated Mr. Audet. "We are implementing thorough action plans for each of our geographic regions and our continued focus on controlling our costs and capital expenditures has resulted in meaningful free cash flow."

"At Cogeco Media, results remain strong. Our radio subsidiary once again performed very well while maintaining its leadership position in the Quebec radio market, based on the latest Numeris rankings," concluded Louis Audet.

ABOUT COGECO

Cogeco Inc. is a diversified holding corporation which operates in the communications and media sectors. Through its Cogeco Communications Inc. subsidiary, Cogeco provides its residential and business customers with video, Internet and telephony services through its two-way broadband fibre networks. Cogeco Communications Inc. operates in Canada under the Cogeco Connexion name in Quebec and Ontario, and in the United States under the Atlantic Broadband name in western Pennsylvania, south Florida, Maryland/Delaware, South Carolina and eastern Connecticut. Through Cogeco Peer 1, Cogeco Communications Inc. provides its business customers with a suite of information technology services (colocation, network connectivity, hosting, cloud and managed services), through its 16 data centres, extensive FastFiber Network and more than 50 points of presence in North America and Europe. Through its subsidiary Cogeco Media, Cogeco owns and operates 13 radio stations across most of Quebec with complementary radio formats serving a wide range of audiences as well as Cogeco News, its radio news agency. Cogeco Inc.'s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGO). The subordinate voting shares of Cogeco Communications Inc. are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA).

Analyst Conference Call: Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) Media representatives may attend as listeners only. Please use the following dial-in number to have access to the conference call by dialing five minutes before the start of the conference: Canada/United States Access Number: 1-800-263- 0877 International Access Number: + 1-416-642-5209 Confirmation Code: 109443 By Internet at corpo.cogeco.com/cgo/en/investors/

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ============================================================================ Quarters ended Six months ended February February February February 28, 29, 28, 29, 2017 2016 Change 2017 2016 Change (in thousands of dollars, except percentages and per share data) $ $ % $ $ % ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operations Revenue 586,417 578,450 1.4 1,169,505 1,161,353 0.7 Adjusted EBITDA(1) 258,043 252,129 2.3 519,310 507,283 2.4 Integration, restructuring and acquisition costs - 4,320 - - 6,350 - Gain on disposal of a subsidiary - (12,940) - - (12,940) - Profit for the period 78,232 75,688 3.4 160,191 142,519 12.4 Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation 25,865 33,330 (22.4) 56,630 58,527 (3.2) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Flow Cash flow from operating activities 253,808 211,460 20.0 376,683 301,707 24.9 Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets 87,036 117,220 (25.7) 184,380 264,450 (30.3) Free cash flow(1) 119,461 77,172 54.8 228,794 118,110 93.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Condition(2) Cash and cash equivalents - - - 52,316 68,344 (23.5) Property, plant and equipment - - - 1,967,057 2,004,247 (1.9) Total assets - - - 5,444,253 5,495,520 (0.9) Indebtedness(3) - - - 2,828,501 2,974,119 (4.9) Equity attributable to owners of the Corporation - - - 548,969 503,344 9.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Per Share Data(4) Earnings per share Basic 1.55 1.99 (22.1) 3.39 3.50 (3.1) Diluted 1.54 1.98 (22.2) 3.37 3.48 (3.2) Dividends 0.34 0.295 15.3 0.68 0.59 15.3 ============================================================================ (1) The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the "Non-IFRS financial measures" section of the MD&A. (2) At February 28, 2017 and August 31, 2016. Total assets and shareholders' equity were restated for the year ended August 31, 2016 as reported in note 2 of the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. (3) Indebtedness is defined as the aggregate of bank indebtedness, balance due on a business combination, principal on long-term debt and obligations under derivative financial instruments. (4) Per multiple and subordinate voting share. ===========================================================================

Contacts:

Source:

Cogeco Inc.

Patrice Ouimet

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

514-764-4700



Information:

Media

Rene Guimond

Senior Vice-President, Public Affairs and Communications

514-764-4700




NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwired - April 06, 2017) - HomeAid America, a leading national provider of housing for the homeless, today announced a new national partnership with Builders FirstSource, one of the nation's largest providers of building products and services. Under this partnership, the company will be providing cash and materials to help HomeAid build housing for service providers addressing homelessness nationwide.

As part of Builders FirstSource new partnership, their President and COO Chad Crow will be joining the HomeAid America Board of Directors. Mr. Crow is an 18 year veteran of Builders FirstSource and well respected leader in the industry. "We are excited to partner with HomeAid America in the effort to help end homelessness in America," said Mr. Crow, who added, "I am honored to serve on the Board and help further a cause that is so important."

Builders FirstSource has been involved with HomeAid and its chapters across the country for years. Currently, the company's Jason Behunin serves as Board President of HomeAid Portland, and Builders FirstSource is a major donor for their Village of Hope project for survivors of domestic violence. This project, which Builders FirstSource is donating over $25,000 of material to, will house over 30 women and children for Clackamas Women's Services. Builders FirstSource has also been recognized as HomeAid chapters' Partner of the Year in Atlanta in 2014 and Northern Virginia in 2015. It also provides product donations for numerous other HomeAid chapters.

"It is wonderful to have Builders FirstSource back in our national partnership program and to have Chad join our Board of Directors," said Peter Simons, CEO of HomeAid America. "The BFS partnership program will strengthen HomeAid's ability to leverage much needed resources for homeless families and individuals as they rebuild their lives."

About HomeAid America

Founded in 1989, HomeAid is a leading national non-profit provider of housing for homeless families and individuals with 17 chapters in 12 states across the country. Through the generosity of builders, their trades and their suppliers, HomeAid has completed over 470 housing projects nationwide at a value of more than $215 million, of which nearly 50 percent has been donated by the building industry. HomeAid currently has 70 additional projects in development across the country. HomeAid's facilities have housed over 270,000 previously homeless people over the years, as well as provided a location for services that help these people get back on their feet. For more information about HomeAid, call 1-888-3HOMEAID or visit www.homeaid.org

About Builders FirstSource

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Builders FirstSource is the largest U.S supplier of building products, prefabricated components, and value-added services to the professional market segment for new residential construction and repair and remodeling. We provide customers an integrated homebuilding solution, offering manufacturing, supply, delivery and installation of a full range of structural and related building products. We operate in 40 states with 400 locations and have a market presence in 75 of the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas, providing geographic diversity and balanced end market exposure. We service customers from strategically located distribution facilities and manufacturing facilities (certain of which are co-located) that produce value-added products such as roof and floor trusses, wall panels, stairs, vinyl windows, custom millwork and pre-hung doors. Builders FirstSource also distributes dimensional lumber and lumber sheet goods, millwork, windows, interior and exterior doors, and other building products. For more information about Builders FirstSource, visit the Company's website at www.bldr.com.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/4/6/11G135287/Images/Village_of_Hope--HomeAid_Portland-6af84ebdaa8592cf8095078265035ecc.jpg

Press Contacts:



HomeAid America

Peter Simons

720-490-1900

psimons@homeaid.org



Builders First Source

Jennifer Pasquino

303-262-8571

Jennifer.pasquino@bldr.com
Basel, Switzerland-based BaseLaunch has just opened its application process to source groundbreaking healthcare companies for its accelerator.

The newly launched accelerator program is based in Basel, Switzerland. BaseLaunch will provide selected teams with funds and access to industry insight and infrastructure in order to integrate them into one of the most dynamic biotech and pharma ecosystems in Europe.

Backed by Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Novartis Venture Fund and Pfizer as well as other public and private partners, the program is open to healthcare innovations with a major focus on therapeutics as well as on game-changing ideas and projects in diagnostics, medtech and other related fields.

BaseLaunch is now accepting applications for the next program, which starts in September 2017 and runs in two phases through December 2018.

Projects chosen by the Selection Committee will enter phase I, where teams will solidify strategy, R&D plans and operations. The startups will work closely with the BaseLaunch Team as well as entrepreneurs-in-residence, advisors and consultants. For consultant services, financial support can be as high as CHF10k per project.

Projects accepted for phase II will receive a grant of up to CHF250k and will be offered to work in the laboratories at the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area. During 12 months teams will focus on reaching project-critical milestones.

Interested startups can apply here within June 30, 2017.

FinSMEs

04/04/2017
DataWeave, a Seattle, WA-based SaaS competitive intelligence as a service platform for consumer brands and retailers, raised an undisclosed amount in Series-A funding.

The round was led by FreakOut Group from Japan, Herb Madan  a Silicon Valley-based venture capital investor, and a diverse group of institutional investors from the US, India and Singapore.

The company will use the funds to expand sales, marketing, and customer success initiatives, especially in North America, and scale data products.

Founded in 2012 by Karthik Bettadapura, CEO, DataWeave provides consumer brands and retailers with a SaaS based competitive intelligence platform that aggregates and analyzes millions of unstructured data points across multiple sources to better understand competition, monitor their brand, and optimize offerings for their customers.

The company currently serves global customers across North America, India, South-East Asia, and the Middle East.

FinSMEs

06/04/2017
SOCi, Inc., a San Diego, CA-based SaaS enterprise solution for large-scale social media management, closed an $8.5m Series A financing.

The round was co-led by Vertical Venture Partners and Grayhawk Capital with participation from the Stanford University DAPER fund, Peninsula Ventures and Tallwave Capital.

The company intends to use the funds to increase its sales and marketing efforts and to expand its technology development.

Founded in 2012 by Afif Khoury, CEO, and Warren Kay, CRO, SOCi provides brands and digital marketing agencies with a SaaS platform to manage hundreds or thousands of social media pages and scalable solutions for content discovery, asset management, peak-time-scheduling, customer care, lead-generation, reporting and analytics, reputation management and half a dozen other features and functionalities. SOCi is fully integrated with the top social media and reputation management networks such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, Yelp and others.

FinSMEs

06/04/2017
Triptease, a London, UK-based SaaS travel startup, raised $9m in Series B funding.

The round was led by new investor BGF Ventures, with participation from existing investors Notion Capital and Episode 1 Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to further product development, to grow into Asia by opening a new office in Singapore, and double headcount in their current London and New York offices.

Co-founded by Charlie Osmond, Alasdair Snow, and Alexandra Zubko, Triptease provides hotels with a SaaS based data-driven software platform to increase online conversion rate for direct bookings by creating better experiences and relationships with guests. As travellers can compare prices in real time, the platform gives hotels tools to tune their prices, personalize messages to travellers and engage customers through recommendations.

The Triptease Direct Booking Platform integrates with a hotels current website and booking engine and tracks millions of consumer booking journeys across thousands of hotel websites.

The company is now working with over 17,000 hotels, including major groups and independent hoteliers across Europe, the US and Asia Pacific.

FinSMEs

06/04/2017
Trov, a San Francisco, CA-based insurtech company, closed $45m Series D funding.

The round  which brought total funding to just over $85m  was led by Munich Re/HSB Ventures with participation from Oak HC/FT, Suncorp Group (ASX:SUN), Guidewire (NYSE: GWRE), Anthemis, and Sompo Holdings (SOMPO), who will bring Trov to Japan.

The company intends to use the new capital to bring its platform globally, expand the categories of items it covers, and accelerate the development of new applications.

Led by Scott Walchek, CEO and Founder, Trov provides an on-demand insurance platform for single items giving people the power to insure just what they want, exactly when they want, entirely from their mobile device.

The company partners with insurance providers in their markets, which provide the underwriting capital and primary insurance licensing. Trov launched in Australia in May 2016, where it is underwritten by Suncorp, and the UK in December 2016, where AXA is its underwriting partner. Trov, which will be an MGA in the USA, will be released stateside in 2017, with Munich Re providing its underwriting capital and licensing.

With the investment, made via its wholly owned subsidiary Sompo Japan Nipponkoa, SOMPO is partnering with Trov to offer its on-demand insurance exclusively throughout Japan.

The Trov app is available for free download on iOS and Android in the UK and Australia.

FinSMEs

06/04/2017
WHY DONT YOU READ THESE?
New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hailed the passage of GST bills by Parliament and sought to play down the fact that it could not happen during his tenure, saying "let bygones be bygones".

Observing that the new indirect tax regime could be a "game-changer", he, however, cautioned that there could be difficulties in its implementation.

He pressed for constructive cooperation between the Centre and the states in resolving outstanding issues. "There will be pitfalls. But we learn as we go along," he told reporters after Parliament approved four GST-supporting legislations, clearing the decks for the roll-out of the historic indirect tax regime from 1 July.

Asked whether he felt disappointed that it could not happen during his tenure, the former prime minister said, "Well I think, let bygones be bygones."

On whether the measure would help increase the GDP, he said, "It could be a game-changer but we should not assume that there will be no difficulties on the way. There must be a constructive spirit of cooperation between the federal government and the states to resolve the outstanding issues."

The Central GST Bill, 2017; the Integrated GST Bill, 2017; the GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017; and the Union Territory GST Bill, 2017 were returned by the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote as all parties were on board.
Mumbai: Seeking the Centre's intervention on the Supreme Court order banning liquor sale along highways, hoteliers today expressed hope that a solution will be reached in larger interest of the industry.

"The government has formed a committee and assured us it will try and find a way out. We are hopeful of a positive outcome," Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor (South Asia) K B Kachru told PTI here on the sidelines of Hotel Investment Conference South Asia (HISCA).

Kachru said that the decision to ban liquor sale along the highways has impacted 30-40 per cent of the properties under the hospitality industry.

"About 30-40 per cent of the industry has already been affected by this decision. As a hospitality group, 30 percent of our properties have been impacted." This is not only about affecting revenues but jobs as well, he noted.

The Supreme Court has ordered closure of the liquor vends within 500 metres along the national and state highways from 1 April. The SC, in its order on Friday, made it clear the ruling would also cover bars, pubs and restaurants as drink-driving leads to fatal road accidents.

ITC Hotels and Welcome Hotels chief executive Dipak Haksar said that while the industry has been adversely hit, it was too early to estimate the quantum of the impact.

"Various industry associations have met with state governments, the ministry concerned and the Centre to find a solution on this issue. We believe that some positive solution will come out," Haskar added.

Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India chairman Arun Nanda, however, said that the main issue is to stop drink driving and not harm the industry.

"The focus should be on how to stop drunk driving rather than killing the hospitality industry. This will not only result in job losses, but also cause heavy revenue losses to the state governments," Nanda said.

Noting that it was too early to panic, Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris Managing Director and CEO Rakesh Sarna said, "We will get over this and moreover, it is too early to panic. I am sure things will come around soon."

Oberoi Group Managing Director and CEO Vikram Oberoi said, "There will be some intended and unintended consequences of this decision."

"We don't want people to drink and drive and kill people, which is an intended consequence of this decision. However, over one million people losing jobs, which is a huge number, is unintended consequence. We also have to address this problem," Oberoi said.
New Delhi - IT industry body Nasscom has appointed Raman Roy, CMD of Quatrro, as its chairman for 2017-18.

It has also named Rishad Premji, Wipro Chief Strategy Officer and son of technology czar Azim Premji, as the vice-chairman.

Roy, who served as the vice-chairman in the previous fiscal, will take on the new role from 6 April. He takes over the mantle from CP Gurnani, managing director and CEO of Tech Mahindra.

"Nasscom is playing a critical role in evangelising the digital opportunity for the sector and I would like to support the industry in facilitating the skilling and reskilling effort of the industry through disruptive models," Roy said.

He added that building India's innovation edge is another key priority and the industry body plans to scale up start-ups and centre of excellence initiatives to the next level.

The announcement comes at a time when the over $140 billion Indian IT industry faces a number of headwinds like growing protectionism from various countries and business shifts towards digital.

R Chandrashekhar, President of Nasscom, said: "A new-age leader like Rishad, with his vast exposure, will bring fresh ideas to the table, helping the industry tap new domains and opportunities globally."

Roy, along with Rishad and Chandrashekhar, will lead Nasscom to carry out its diverse array of priorities. The leadership team will also work towards further strengthening various sector councils and focus on enhanced member outreach and involvement.
Even as various state governments are gearing up to waive off farm loans following the foot steps of the Uttar Pradesh government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel has flayed the practice saying such moves kill the credit culture and discipline.

In the press conference held after the announcement of the monetary policy committee's first statement this financial year, Patel said such farm loan waivers negatively impact the credit culture and discipline of the borrowers.

"Farm loan waiver undermines honest credit culture and entails transfer of taxpayers' money. It is a moral hazard," he said. He also said there is a need to create a consensus so that politicians avoid making such farm loan waiver promises.

The governor's strong comments come after the Uttar Pradesh government under chief minister Yogi Adityanath has announced waiver of Rs 36,359 crore worth farm loans, including bank NPAs worth Rs 5,630 crore.

The loan waiver in the state was in fact an election promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Uttar Pradesh government's decision has attracted criticism from various quarters.

"By offering the Rs 36,000 crore waiver Yogi Adityanath has certainly scored a big political point, but at the cost of good economics," Firstpost's financial editor Dinesh Unnikrishanan said in an article.

As a cascading effect of the UP government's decision, opposition parties in Maharashtra have been putting pressure on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to waive off around Rs 30,000 crore worth of farmer loans.

Patel is not the first RBI governor to criticise farm loan waivers. In 2014, the then RBI governor Raghuram Rajan had also raised questions about the utility of such decisions.

How effective these debt waivers have been? In fact the studies that we have typically show that they have been ineffective. In fact they have constrained the credit flow post waiver to the farmers," Rajan had said.
Twenty eight years ago, Bhagyashree made her debut opposite Salman Khan in Sooraj Barjatya's romantic drama Maine Pyar Kiya. It turned out to be an ideal launch vehicle for all three of them as it was not only Barjatya's directorial debut but also Khan's first film.

Now, Bhagyashree's son Abhimanyu Dassani finds himself in a similar arrangement. Deccan Chronicle reports that Dassani is gearing up to make his debut in a martial arts film produced by Anurag Kashyap's Phantom Films. He will be paired opposite television actor Radhika Madan who will also make her cinema debut with this film. Her claim to fame is the daily soap, Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi.

Titled Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, the film will be directed by Kashyap's longtime assistant Vasan Bala who has been collaborating with the filmmaker since the 2009 black comedy Dev D. Bala's first directorial was the 2012 crime thriller Peddlers which was screened at Cannes as a part of the 2012 International Critics' Week. However, Peddlers did not get a mainstream theatrical release which implies that Bala's next will technically be his big directorial debut.

While Bhagyashree made her debut in a typical Rajshree Films romantic family drama, her son's debut will be on completely different lines. The same report states that both Dassani and Madan have been undergoing intense training for the past one year to get in shape for the high-octane action drama that their next film will entail. The film will also star Tamil actor Vijay Sethupati in a key role.

NDTV reports that Dassani has worked as an assistant director to filmmaker Rohan Sippy in two films - the 2011 crime thriller Dum Maaro Dum and the 2013 romantic comedy Nautanki Saala. Now, he is all set to make a dream acting debut under Kashyap which has produced the likes of Kalki Koechlin, Mahi Gill, Richa Chaddha, Huma Qureshi and most recently, Sobhita Dhulipala.
Chapter 4 of the trailer of Akshay Roy's upcoming romantic comedy Meri Pyaari Bindu explores a typical aspect of every romantic story - the girl being at odds with the boy's mother.

The chapter, titled Bindu vs Maa, delves deeper into Parineeti Chopra's, who plays Bindu, carefree character. Aware of the conservative mindset of her boyfriend Abhimanyu's, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, parents, she has devised a code to communicate with him - two rings on his telephone.

But her concern for his parents remains confined to those two rings. She coaxes Abhimanyu to adopt a stray puppy in his house. Then, at her hilarious best as a Tamil dubbing artiste, she goes on to hint at Abhimanyu being a part-time bar dancer to his parents, much to their shock. Abhimanyu's mom seeing him dance with abandon further validates Bindu's veiled revelation.

Just like the previous two chapters, the typewriter and cassettes return to the screen in this one as well. The background song is yet another 1980s disco song like 'Disco 82' from the last one - 'Auwa Auwa' from Babbar Subhash's 1982 musical Disco Dancer. The song not only adds to the old world charm of the film but also lends a helping hand to Bindu's musical aspirations and Abhimanyu's part-time 'guilty indulgences'.

The trailer of the film has been divided into chapters since Khurrana plays a writer in the film who narrates the story of his girlfriend Bindu. The makers have taken a cue from Gauri Shinde's slice of life drama from last year - Dear Zindagi that unfolded itself in the form of 'takes' rather than a full fledged theatrical trailer, since the protagonist Alia Bhatt played a cinematographer in the film.

Meri Pyaari Bindu is co-produced by Maneesh Sharma and Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films. It is the directorial debut of Roy and is slated to release on 12 May.
It's considered among the Hindi film industrys most progressive film production companies, with several path-breaking, critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies having been made under its banner.

However, Phantom  founded by Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Madhu Mantena and Vikas Bahl  is now at the receiving end of some unflattering attention.

A complaint of sexual harassment has allegedly been brought against Bahl, the director of Queen and Shaandaar.

The allegation surfaced in a Mumbai Mirror report dated 6 April 2017, although a smaller item published in the same newspaper a day earlier had sketched out the details of the controversy without stating any actual names.

This earlier article had merely stated that trouble was brewing in a production house over accusations of sexual harassment against one of its founders (who directed a blockbuster in the recent past), leading to a schism between him and his band of brothers.

However, the 6 April report  headlined 'Fact or Phantom?'  clearly states that the production house in question is Phantom and this director, Vikas Bahl.

As per the report, one of Phantoms female employee has complained to the Human Resources team about sexual misbehaviour on the part of Bahl on a visit to Goa a couple of months earlier. Mirrors report goes on to quote a source from within the production house (seemingly one of the founders) stating that the complaint has been taken very seriously, a committee set up to investigate it according to the Vishakha Guidelines, and that Bahl has been asked to step down from his role at Phantom. This sources comments indicate that this isn't the first complaint of this nature against Bahl.

However, Phantoms Madhu Mantena has stated on record to Mirror that no such developments have taken place against the company. In fact, Mantena has denied the existence of a complaint against Bahl to begin with.

Vikas Bahl, who is at present in Delhi, told Mirrors correspondent that he was very much still a part of Phantom and denied the allegations of sexual misconduct.

Nothing has happened. I am running the company. There is no complaint to HR and there is no Vishakha committee. I have heard about this particular lady you are speaking about and the Goa incident. She is not my employee. Yes, I am friends with her, we have worked together and there is a particular production job we have done together...but if she is feeling like this then I would like to sit across a table from her and talk to her. I want to ask her if I have crossed a line, whether I have done anything to hurt her and if she feels that way, I would like to apologise for it, Bahl told Mirror in a statement.

The Mirror report detailing these allegations against Bahl comes in the wake of the TVF row, where its CEO Arunabh Kumar was accused of sexually harassing several women who worked with him. The controversy broke when an anonymous blog published under the moniker Indian Fowler (a nod to Susan Fowler, whose Medium post about the toxic work culture at Uber had gone viral) was widely circulated here.

Indian Fowler had alleged that Kumar sexually harassed her when she was employed with TVF (The Viral Fever). Even as TVF and Kumar categorically denied the allegations and claimed that a person matching Indian Fowler's description (as mentioned in her blog post) had never worked at the company, several other women came forward on social media to level similar charges against Kumar. At present, two FIRs have been filed against Kumar with the Mumbai Police.
There's no dearth of witty repartee when it comes to Vidya Balan.

In a live Firstpost interview with the actor, she mentioned how she would dub for her upcoming film Begum Jaan early in the morning, at 10 am, in order to get a deep, bass morning voice. When she didn't get the response she was hoping for, she proceeded to say, "Well 10 am is early morning for me." Such a refreshing admission at a time when publicists will bombard you with stories about 'professional' actors who start working at 5 am.

Allow me to give you another example.

While talking about the state of mind that an actor goes through while filming a tough film like Begum Jaan (she plays a brothel madam in the film), she informed us about how the film was shot in Jharkhand in the summer, when temperatures would touch 46 degrees. On being asked what her state of mind was while filming The Dirty Picture, she said, "I was seeing Siddharth (Roy Kapur) then."

Balan effortlessly switches between sounding very serious, and holding her own during intense conversations, and being a complete sass queen.

She can speak eloquently about feminism in one moment, and sway her hips to the seductive song 'Ooh la la' in another. Unlike a lot of other Bollywood actresses, who have their own ideas and definitions of what feminism is (including the omnipresent stereotype of bra-burning activities and how it's essentially women 'trying to be men'), Vidya's take on an oft misinterpreted movement is candid and refreshing.

She says, "Feminism for me is being able to live life the way you want to. My character in Begum Jaan is a feminist in that sense. She also smashes patriarchy by using men for her advantage."

But most of all, the biggest reason why Vidya Balan is (there's no other way to say this) awesome is because she's so unabashed about being herself.

Whether it is dressing how she likes (she rocks the sari like no other actress in the industry), to saying what she wants ("I often say things I shouldn't") and doing what she wants, there's nobody quite like her. Her latest two films, Kahaani 2 and Begum Jaan saw Balan completely shed any trace of vanity, and succumb to the role fully.

For Kahaani 2, she mentioned how often she would be shot from different angles and she would have to make do with the odd double chin shot appearing in the larger interest of the film. In Begum Jaan, she was asked to stop grooming herself and maintain a natural looking face. Compare this to an actress who reportedly spent Rs 55 lakhs on just her hair, for a film that was already struggling with its budget.

Don't get me wrong  both types of 'acting' exists in Bollywood and one shouldn't judge vanity in an industry that champions it, but as far as role models are concerned, Vidya Balan is a sure-shot winner. It's easy to give aspiring actresses Balan's example, because she has  in my humble opinion  the perfect balance between respect and success.

Here's a girl from Chembur, Mumbai, who started her career in ads, rose to fame with Balaji's Hum Paanch, and cemented her position by furthering acting and not agendas. She's constantly been attacked for her fashion choices and yet looks resplendent outside of a film set. She has a impressive filmography behind her and regardless of age, gender, marital status and moral policers, she's still roaring to go.

It's rare to find actresses like Balan or Radhika Apte, who are completely comfortable with their sexuality. On screen, we've seen Balan own her sensuality in The Dirty Picture, but it's the anecdote from the Firstpost live interview that will really make you smile. When she was asked how she would deal with a costar who flirts, she said, "if a costar hits on me, I'll flirt back." When she was asked if all this flirting happened before or after her marriage, she said, "Oh much before. If it was after, I wouldn't be so open about it."

Balan is a self-proclaimed optimist. On being questioned about the fickle journey of a Bollywood star and the fear of waning popularity, she said, "It's not like I don't think about it. But I would like to believe my popularity will only grow with my age."

We sincerely hope so too; there's no reason why it shouldn't.

Watch Firstpost's Live interview with Vidya Balan here.
A US judge on Monday rejected a motion by fugitive filmmaker Roman Polanski seeking assurances that he can return to the United States without fear of being jailed for having sex with a minor four decades ago.

The Oscar-winning director of The Pianist and Chinatown was accused of drugging the 13-year-old before raping her at film star Jack Nicholson's house in Los Angeles in 1977.

He admitted statutory rape after a number of more serious charges were dropped, and spent an initial 42 days in jail before getting out on bail ahead of his trial.

But in 1978, convinced a judge was going to scrap his plea deal and send him to prison for decades, he fled for France and has been on the run ever since.

His attorney Harland Braun told Los Angeles Superior Court the 83-year-old filmmaker, who lives in Paris, had "already done his time" and wanted to resolve the case with a finding that he has completed his sentence.

He asked Judge Scott Gordon to order prosecutors to give some indication of how much time  if any  they want Polanski to serve if he returns.

"The people have unambiguously stated their desire to avoid discussing any substantive issues regarding Polanski's case until he is physically present in the court's jurisdiction," Gordon wrote in a 13-page ruling.

"The district attorney is acting well within her discretion to decline to state a position to defendant absent from court and in warrant status."

The district attorney's office had objected to what they say amounted to an "advance preview" of Polanski's potential sentence.

'Wealthy celebrity'

"The people simply do not believe that it is in the best interests of justice to give a wealthy celebrity different treatment from any other fugitive from justice," Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee said.

Hanisee wrote in a filing to the court that Polanski "wants answers  but will only show up if he likes the answers."

"He forfeited his right to make requests of the court when he fled," she added.

Polanski has been engaged in a decades-long cat-and-mouse game with US officials seeking his extradition for trial, before a global audience split between continuing outrage and forgiveness for his acts.

He was arrested in Switzerland in 2009 on a US extradition request and spent 10 months under house arrest before Bern rejected the US order.

The US then asked Poland to extradite Polanski in January 2015, but the country's Supreme Court ruled in December that he had served his time under the plea deal.

Braun has written to Gordon to unseal a secret transcript of the testimony of Roger Gunson, the prosecutor in the Polanski case, collected in 2010 in the US.

The lawyer says the testimony supports Polanski's claim that he had an agreement to serve just 48 days and that -- taken with the Polish decision -- it should convince US authorities that Polanski has served his time.

A decision will be made on this motion on April 26, the court said.

Braun said he was surprised to hear about the judge's decision at the same time that the media was informed.

Manson murders

"I didn't believe it when someone called me... It makes no sense, it's confusing. He's denied the motion but he's going to have a hearing about unsealing it," he told AFP.

He said he would probably speak with Polanski on Tuesday to discuss the case.

Born in Paris in 1933 to Polish Jewish parents who later brought the family back to their native country, he saw his parents arrested by the Nazis in Krakow's Jewish ghetto and sent to concentration camps.

He roamed the countryside, trying to survive at the age of just eight, helped by Catholic Polish families, in a country occupied by German troops.

The experience lent a gripping autobiographical authenticity to his 2002 movie The Pianist, the story of a young Jewish musician trying to evade the Nazis in occupied Warsaw.

Lured to Hollywood in 1968, Polanski shot his first big international hit, Rosemary's Baby, starring Mia Farrow as an expecting mother carrying the devil's spawn.

But tragedy struck the following year, when his heavily-pregnant wife, the model and actress Sharon Tate, and four friends were brutally slaughtered in the director's mansion by cult leader Charles Manson and his followers.

Devastated, Polanski left for Europe, then returned to achieve arguably his greatest triumph in 1974 with Chinatown The Pianist, an atmospheric film noir starring Jack Nicholson nominated for 11 Oscars.

He has avoided the US since the statutory rape case -- not even returning to accept the Oscar for The Pianist.
By David Lawder

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump looks unlikely to formally declare China a currency manipulator next week just days after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, foreign exchange policy experts say, leaving a vocal Trump campaign pledge unmet, at least for now.The U.S. Treasury would have to radically change its definitions of currency manipulation in order to squeeze China into that label for its next report due April 14, said these experts, several of whom contributed to past Treasury analysis of foreign exchange practices.But over time, the Trump administration may consider changes to the Obama administration's currency definitions as the Treasury gains staff."It would be hard to come up with a credible standard that would catch China in the net," said David Dollar, a former U.S. Treasury economic liaison to China who is now a senior fellow at the Washington-based Brookings Institution.Trump pledged to label China a currency manipulator on the first day of his administration, but so far has refrained. A trade and customs enforcement law enacted last year set out three criteria for identifying manipulation among major trading partners: a "material" global current account surplus, a "significant" bilateral trade surplus with the United States, and persistent one-way intervention in foreign exchange markets.

The Treasury is required to demand special talks with any country meeting all three thresholds aimed at correcting an undervalued currency, with penalties such as exclusion from U.S. government procurement contracts available after a year. Under the current Obama-defined thresholds, China only meets one of these criteria, based on its $347 billion goods trade surplus with the United States. Its central bank has for the past two years spent over $1 trillion to prop up the yuan's value - not to push it down. China's current account surplus, an indicator of its global trade balance, was 1.8 percent of GDP in 2016, well below the threshold for action.The U.S. Treasury says it is "premature" to comment on the outcome of its currency review and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has said it will adhere to past practice in its assessment, suggesting that radical changes will not be made in this publication.

"The conclusion among people like me from that seems to be that they're moving away from naming China," said Matthew Goodman, former Treasury official who wrote currency reports during the Clinton administration and is now at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.But with the Trump administration pushing a trade agenda aimed at reducing U.S. trade deficits, particularly those with China, experts said that they expect the Trump administration to consider changes aimed at deterring future manipulations. Treasury will be in a much better position to make such changes for its October currency report, said Derek Scissors, a resident scholar and China trade expert at the American Enterprise Institute.

"I would be very surprised if a year from now the Obama criteria were still in place," Scissors said.The most logical option would be to lengthen the time period for reviewing currency market interventions from 12 months to several years, capturing more past interventions by China, according to the policy experts.One senior South Korean official told Reuters that doing this would likely lead to manipulator designations for South Korea, Taiwan and possibly other countries.Treasury also could reduce the current account surplus threshold below 3 percent of GDP to try to capture more potential offenders, but that would be at odds with longstanding views of the International Monetary Fund and G20 finance officials that 3 pct of GDP is about where surpluses start to become a concern. (Reporting by David Lawder; additional reporting by Christine Kim in Seoul; Editing by David Chance and Grant McCool)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Three persons, including a minor, were arrested on Tuesday night in Assam's Jorhat on charges of hurting religious sentiment by openly carrying beef, NDTV reported.

The Telegraph reported that out of the three arrested, two were on Wednesday sent to 14 days' judicial remand by the court of the Jorhat CJM, while the minor was sent to an observation home.

The police according to The Telegraph, said that a case was registered and the three were booked under Section 295 (A) IPC and under Section 568 of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950 after seizure of nearly half a kg of beef from them. This is the first time in Assam someone has been arrested in connection with the consumption of beef.

The Telegraph further reported that the three, who were workers at a private industrial training institute in the area, were accosted by some people for carrying beef openly and handed over to the police. On interrogation, the three said they had bought the meat for consumption from a slaughterhouse in the town.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, a Muslim man was brutally beaten up by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar district and later succumbed to his injuries. Pehlu Khan, in his fifties, died late on Monday night in a hospital where he was admitted for treatment.

Khan and at least four others were injured when a mob attacked nearly 15 persons hailing from Haryana while transporting cows in vehicles on the Behror highway in Alwar district on Saturday, the police had said.

In Jaipur, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria referring to the incident had said that it was "alright" that some people caught those who were illegally transporting animals but added that "no one has the right to take the law into their own hands". Police will take appropriate action against those who took law into their own hands, Kataria had said.

Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), who after coming to power in India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh, has ardently focused on its objective to shut illegal slaughterhouse in the state. Several instances have been reported in the state, where civilians having taken the law into their owns hands and burned down abattoirs. However, the party has not banned beef in Goa and Assam, where it is also in power.

With inputs from agencies
The Supreme Court, hearing the Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir case on Thursday, expressed concern over the delay in the Babri Masjid case proceedings and called for joint trial of all the accused in the case, according to media reports.

The top court also said that the trials in Lucknow and Rae Bareli should be clubbed together. The apex court also hinted at the possibility of transferring the case to Lucknow. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on 22 March.

#BREAKING SC hints at transferring Babri case against BJP senior leaders to Lucknow & having one consolidated trial, reports @ashokbagariya pic.twitter.com/zNklBZjHSx  News18 (@CNNnews18) April 6, 2017

The court was earlier urged by the lawyer appearing for the CBI to revive criminal charges against LK Advani and other BJP leaders, ANI reported.

Babri demolition case:Lawyer appearing for CBI argues before SC, seeks initiation of criminal conspiracy charges against certain BJP leaders

 ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017

The lawyer told the apex court that 57 witnesses had already been examined in the Rai Bareilly court and more than 100 other witnesses are likely to be examined.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had said that it would hear the matters after two weeks.

This is starkly in contrast with the Supreme Court's refusal to hold an early hearing on petitions challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict on the title suit of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site.

Telling BJP leader Subramanian Swamy that there were too many things to do right now, the bench headed by Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar said that as of now it did not have time to hear the petitions. The bench also told Swamy: "We came to know from the media that you are not a party in the matter."

Swamy told the court that his writ petition seeking an early hearing of the matter as his right to pray at the Ramlala temple at Ayodhya was being affected had been converted into an intervention application. Swamy had on 21 March urged the court to hold an early hearing of the matter as it was pending before it for last so many years.

The top court had then said that the settlement of the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute through negotiation was a better course than insisting on a judicial pronouncement.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Khehar had said this on 21 March after Swamy urged the court to set up a bench to hear a bunch of petitions challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court order as the matter was pending before it for six years.

The Allahabad High Court order said that there should be a partition of the disputed Ayodhya land among the claimants. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court ordered that the land around the disputed site be divided into three parts  one for the deity (Ramlala Virajmaan), another for Nirmohi Akhara, a Hindu sect and an original litigant in the case, and third for the Muslims.

The Supreme Court had put the Allahabad High court verdict on hold in May 2011, describing it as a "rare judgment whose operation has to be stayed".
The Supreme Court is likely to hear the Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir case on Thursday (today). However, the Supreme Court, earlier during the week, had said that it would hear the matters after two weeks. According to The Indian Express, the court is likely to examine "whether to revive the conspiracy charges against senior BJP members, Lal Krishna Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Kalyan Singh and several others of the party in connection with the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case."

This is starkly in contrast with the Supreme Court's refusal to hold an early hearing on petitions challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict on the title suit of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site. Telling BJP leader Subramanian Swamy that there were too many things to do right now, the bench headed by Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar said that as of now it did not have time to hear the petitions. The bench also told Swamy: "We came to know from the media that you are not a party in the matter."

Swamy told the court that his writ petition seeking an early hearing of the matter as his right to pray at the Ramlala temple at Ayodhya was being affected had been converted into an intervention application. Swamy had on 21 March urged the court to hold an early hearing of the matter as it was pending before it for last so many years. The top court had then said that the settlement of the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute through negotiation was a better course than insisting on a judicial pronouncement.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Khehar had said this on 21 March after Swamy urged the court to set up a bench to hear a bunch of petitions challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court order as the matter was pending before it for six years. The Allahabad High Court order said that there should be a partition of the disputed Ayodhya land among the claimants. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court ordered that the land around the disputed site be divided into three parts  one for the deity (Ramlala Virajmaan), another for Nirmohi Akhara, a Hindu sect and an original litigant in the case, and third for the Muslims. The Supreme Court had put the Allahabad High court verdict on hold in May 2011, describing it as a "rare judgment whose operation has to be stayed".

Babri Masjid-Ram Temple: A timeline

The Babri mosque dates back nearly 500 years when it was built in Ayodhya by Mir Baqi, a commander of first Mughal emperor Babur, in 1528. Hence the mosque's name  Babri Masjid. Here is a timeline of the dispute:

1853: The first recorded incident of violence over the holy site takes place during the reign of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh. Nirmohis, a Hindu sect, claim that a Hindu temple had been destroyed during Babur's times to build the mosque.

1859: The British colonial administration erects a fence at the site to separate the places of worship. While the Muslims are allowed to use the inner court, the Hindus are allowed the outer court.

1885: In January 1885, Mahant Raghubir Das files the first case, seeking permission to build a canopy on the Ramchabutra (a raised platform) outside the mosque. The plea is rejected by the Faizabad district court.

1949: Lord Ram's idols appear inside the mosque. These have allegedly been placed by Hindu groups. Both sides file suits; the government declares the area as disputed and locks the gates to the premise.

1950: Gopal Singh Visharad and Mahant Paramhans Ramchandra Das file suits at the Faizabad court seeking permission to offer prayers to the idols in the janamsthan. While the inner courtyard remains locked, prayers are allowed.

1959: The Nirmohi Akhara files a third suit seeking possession of the site and claiming to be the custodians of the Ram Janmabhoomi.

1961: The Sunni Central Board of Waqf files a case against the placing of idols inside the mosque and claim that the mosque and surrounding land was a graveyard.

1984: Hindu groups form a committee to spearhead the construction of the Ram temple at the Janmabhoomi site. The temple movement gathers momentum. Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani takes over the leadership of the movement.

1986: A district court orders that the gates of the mosque be opened and Hindus be allowed to worship there, on a plea by Hari Shankar Dubey. As Muslims protest the move to allow Hindus to pray in the mosque, a Babri Mosque Action Committee is formed.

1989: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) lays the foundation of a Ram temple on the land next to the Babri Masjid. Justice Deoki Nandan Agarwal, former VHP Vice-President, files a case asking for the mosque to be shifted elsewhere. Four suits that have been pending at the Faizabad court are transferred to a special bench of the High Court.

1990: Volunteers of the VHP partially damage the mosque. Former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar intervenes and tries to resolve the issue through negotiations, but these fail. In September, Advani holds a rath yatra to educate people about the Ayodhya movement. He start from Somnath in Gujarat, and ends his yatra at Ayodhya.

1991: BJP becomes the primary opposition party. And powered by the rath yatra, comes into power in Uttar Pradesh. The momentum for the temple movement increases as karsevaks/volunteers pour into Ayodhya.

1992: The disputed Babri Mosque is razed to the ground by the karsevaks on 6 December, with the support of Shiv Sena, VHP and BJP. This leads to some of the most deadliest riots across the country, leading to the deaths of more than 2,000 people. The central government, headed by PV Narasimha Rao, sets up a commission of inquiry under Justice MS Liberhan on 16 December.

2001: Tensions during the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. The VHP reaffirms its commitment towards building the Ram temple.

2002: In February 2002, in an attack on a train from Godhra in Gujarat, believed to be carrying karsevaks to Ayodhya, at least 58 people are killed. Riots erupt across the state and over 1,000 people are said to have been killed during the riots. The High Court orders the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to excavate the site to determine if it was earlier a temple. In April 2002, three HC judges start the hearing to determine who the site belongs to.

2003: The ASI begins the survey to determine whether a temple existed on the site. It finds evidence of the presence of a temple under the mosque. Muslim organisations dispute the findings. In September, a court rules that seven Hindu leaders should stand trial for inciting violence and the destruction of the mosque. Advani is the Deputy Prime Minister, and does not face any charges.

2004: The Congress comes back into power at the Centre. A Uttar Pradesh court rules that the previous order exonerating Advani should be reviewed.

2005: Suspected Islamic militants attack the disputed site. Security forces kill five alleged militants and a sixth unidentified person.

2009: In June, the Liberhan commission, which had been set up to investigate the events following the demolition, submits the report. Uproar in the Parliament as the report blames politicians from BJP for their role in the demolition.

2010: The Allahabad High Court pronounces its judgment on the four title suits relating to the dispute. In the landmark hearing, the HC rules that the disputed land be divided into three parts  one third to Ram Lalla, represented by the Hindu Mahasabha; one third to the Islamic Waqf Board; and the remaining third to the Nirmohi Akhara. In December, the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha and the Sunni Waqf Board move the Supreme Court, challenging the high court ruling.

2011: In May, the Supreme Court stays the High Court order to split the land, stating that the status quo remains.

2014: In a landmark win, the BJP led by Narendra Modi storms to power at the Centre.

2015: The VHP announces a nationwide drive to collect stones for the construction of the Ram Mandir. Six months later, in December, two trucks of stones arrive at the disputed site. Mahant Nritya Gopal Das claims there is a green signal from the Modi government that the temple will be built now. The Uttar Pradesh government led by Akhilesh Yadav says it will not allow the arrival of the stones in Ayodhya for the construction of the Ram Mandir.

March 2017: The Supreme Court said charges against Advani and other leaders cannot be dropped in the 1992 Babri mosque demolition case and that the case may be revived.

March 2017: The BJP storms to power in Uttar Pradesh with a massive victory.

21 March, 2017: The Supreme Court says the matter is sensitive and should be settled out of court. It asks stakeholders to hold talks and find an amicable solution.

With inputs from agencies
Among his die-hard followers, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has a rather strange sobriquet - "irattachankan", which means that 'he is a man with two hearts'. This tag is somewhat comparable to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "56-inch chest", a mark of valour and defiance.

Whether this hard-line tag has helped Modi or not, the reputation of Vijayan as a tough man is hurting him very badly. Every time he takes an inflexible stand, the pushback from the people of Kerala is so strong that it's taking away a part of the popular support that brought him to power. The state police, that has benefited the most from his "two hearts", remains his biggest liability today.

On Wednesday, when the grieving mother of Jishnu Prannoy, an engineering student who died under mysterious circumstances, was manhandled and dragged on the street by the police, the entire state rose in protest; but Vijayan chose to defend his police and even blamed some "external elements" for fostering trouble.

As in many recent incidents, his conclusion of exculpation came too soon, even before an IG of police finished his task of finding what went wrong. In fact, his language was similar to that of the Director General of Police (DGP), Lokanath Behera, who is now turning notorious for his rising disapproval-rating.

The entire Opposition in Kerala is united against the police, or rather the DGP, and resentment is brewing even within Vijayan's party, the Communist party of India (Marxist). Reportedly, as soon as the state's news channels began broadcasting visuals of the mother being dragged on the street on Wednesday, former chief minister and veteran CPM leader VS Achuthanandan called up the DGP, upbraided him and hung up on him even before he could offer a justification.

Achuthanandan openly termed the event as unfortunate. Cadres of opposition BJP and the Congress took to the streets at many places, while vox populi decrying the alleged police excess continued to pour in throughout the day. But Vijayan was unfazed and refused to ditch his DGP.

While the people of the state, including the mother  who is fasting in a hospital where she has been admitted for an injury she suffered during Wednesday's police excess  are protesting, a defiant Vijayan is busy campaigning for a byelection in the northern part of the state. Obviously, a man with two hearts must guard his reputation. For that's what had made him the strongman of his party for 16 years and a fearsome leader.

Unfortunately, what Vijayan is unable to acknowledge is the increasing possibility of his government sliding into a police state and losing public support. In fact, the justification offered for the police action on Wednesday  that the forces had to intervene because the protest happened in front of the DGP's office, that's barred from such events  appeared to have made the police headquarters more sanctimonious than the government secretariat, from where the chief minister, his ministers and the bureaucracy operate.

If all kinds of protests  some of them even highly disruptive  and never-ending sit-ins are allowed in front of the secretariat, allowing an exceptional immunity to the DGP's office doesn't sound good in a democracy, particularly in Kerala's rights-driven society.

Many senior political activists, including leaders from Communist Party of India (CPI), which is an ally of the government, have questioned this unusual sacredness. Making the police headquarters more sanctimonious than the office of the government indeed sends out a wrong message, a message that makes police more important than the government. It happens only in a police state.

Vijayan and his DGP speaking in the same tongue, while the entire state is angry, gives credence to such an anxiety. Visuals of an IG yelling in a highhanded manner at the political activists who protested against the police excess augmented the fear of a police state, that Kerala had seen during the Emergency.

It's not just the episode on Wednesday that has made Vijayan's bet on the police go bad, but a series of recent crimes and law-and-order situations. The abduction and molestation of a famous movie actor in Kochi; the sequential death of two girl children, who were victims of continuous rape in Valayar; the mysterious death of a girl whose body was recovered from a lake in Kochi; the assault of Shiv Sena moral brigade on young people on Marine Drive; moral harassment of youngsters by police personnel in Thiruvananthapuram; the apparently poor-quality investigation of the sensational Jisha murder case; and several cases of molestation and cover-ups have marred the reputation of the police and the government in recent times.

In fact, in most of these cases, the response of the police has been either shoddy or highhanded. They were below par both in prevention as well as follow up, and even when they tried to make up for their failure with excesses, such as what happened on Wednesday, it reeked of an inferior police state.

That four supporters of the protest on Wednesday, including the private secretary of Achuthanandan when he was the chief minister, were arrested and remanded on flimsy charges clearly betrays a hard-line tactic to scare away dissent. People can protest against the government, but not the police, seems to be the message that's evoking widespread public anger.

Probably Vijayan doesn't want to give away easily, true to his "double-heartedness", and hence is protecting the present DGP and his inefficient police; but going by his record in the recent past, he may have to let go of his intransigence because his horse is yet to become a break-maiden.

He had taken a similar stubborn stand on Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas, who came in for criticism mostly for his inconsistency and rivalry with IAS officers, but had to finally give up. If he doesn't change the way his police functions, which also includes the conduct of the DGP, all that he will be left with will be the pop sobriquet.

The CPM, which takes to the streets even for silly reasons but become a hard-line State when they are back in the barracks, might back him; but not the people.

All this, and we are not even a year into Vijayan's regime.
Rajasthan's Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, reacting to Pehlu Khan being beaten to death by gau rakshaks, said that it was "alright" that some people who were illegally transporting animals were caught but added, "no one has the right to take the law into their own hands".

Police will take appropriate action against those who took law into their own hands, Kataria added. "Police asked the people transporting cows to show legal papers, but they did not show it to them," he added.

However, this isn't the first time the minister has put his foot in his mouth. According to The Times of India, last month, the home minister's statement about the alleged gang-rape of a minor in Bikaner had led to the National Commission for Women issuing him a notice.

On Saturday, 15 people were allegedly illegally transporting 36 cows in six pick up vans. They were on their way towards Haryana from Jaipur when vigilantes intercepted two of their vehicles in Behror on the Jaipur-Delhi national highway.

Pehlu Khan, his sons Aarif (22) and Irshad (25) were in the first van, while two more persons Ajmat (28) and Sharif (24) were in the second. All of them were thrashed and their vans damaged.

According to DNA, the minister described the cow vigilantes as Gau Bhakts (cow protectors) and blamed the victims. "The cow protectors have done a good job by protecting cows from smuggling. But they have violated the law by beating people brutally," he said.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday assured the Lok Sabha that the Centre would ensure that justice prevails in this case.

Singh's response came after Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue during Zero Hour, demanding action against the culprits.

"The state government has taken cognisance of the matter. FIR has been registered and some arrests have been made in the case. Centre would try that justice would prevail," Singh said.

With inputs from agencies
As authorities deliberately choose to look the other way, killings in the name of cow protection continue with wilful abandon. Earlier this week, 55-year-old Pehlu Khan was beaten to death in Rajasthans Alwar district, by a mob of gau rakshaks. Khans crime: He was transporting cows. Never mind that he held in his possession documents testifying to the legal purchase of the cows.

Three of the five assailants, believed to be members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad or Bajrang Dal, arrested by the police, have confessed to their crime. The vigilantes have reportedly said they were angered by Khans shoddy treatment of the cows. In other words, the assailants believe that the shoddy treatment of a cow (even if that were to be true), is a legitimate excuse to take away the life of another human being.

#WATCH: 5 men beaten up & their vehicle vandalised by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar; later 1 man succumbed to injuries (01.04.2017) pic.twitter.com/almfW9W954  ANI (@ANI_news) April 5, 2017

A report in The Indian Express said that it was Pehlu Khans decision to buy a milch cow instead of a buffalo that led his death. "When (Khan), 55, set out on the 240-kilometre road trip from his home in Jaisinghpur village, in Nuh tehsil of Mewat, to Jaipur last Friday, he was planning to buy a milch buffalo. A dairy farmer, he was hoping to increase milk production during Ramzan. But on Saturday, he decided to buy a milch cow instead, as the seller extracted 12 litres of milk in front of him and offered him a good deal. That decision cost him his life," described the news report.

In the prevailing atmosphere of continued bedlam and hatred, do these selfstyled vigilantes care about the actual facts? Or are they simply determined to carry out their long-awaited ideological mission? Consequences, be damned. Since the ascension of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government to power in 2014, such attacks have been on the rise across the country. The list of such crimes lengthening by the day.

Last March, for instance, two Muslim cattle traders, one a minor, were found hanging from a tree in a Jharkhand village. A report in The Indian Express (21 March, 2016) said, According to police, the arrested men claimed they killed Majloom and Inayatullah after they resisted their attempts to steal cattle being taken to a fair for sale. The police said it was looking at all possible angles since one of the arrested men was linked to a gau raksha outfit. The men also told police that the boy was killed because they feared he would identify them.

Rewind to 2015, when 50-year-old Mohammad Akhlaq was lynched to death at his home by a mob of at least 100 attackers, in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri, over rumours that the family had stored beef.

Given the increasing number of incidents where people are being slaughtered in the name of cow protection, it may not be out of place to argue that none of this could happen if the authorities  whether legislators or law-enforcers  had done their jobs with the integrity that the offices they occupy demand of them.

People would not be beaten to death if powerful officials and political supremos acted in consonance with the letter and spirit of the Indian Constitution. Not acting in time, not condemning outright such senseless acts of murder in strong, unambiguous language, amounts to more than just dereliction of duty. Such imperviousness, many would argue, is tantamount to colluding with the lawbreakers, to keep them on the warpath.

Consider in this context what Rajasthans home minister Gulab Chand Kataria recently said in the aftermath of Khans murder. It was "alright" if some people caught those who were illegally transporting animals, said the Minister, adding that "no one has the right to take the law in their own hands."

Such ambivalent statements from powerful legislators, and strategic silences, most importantly, on the part of the prime minister, are hurting Indian democracy and the multicultural, multi-religious values the very same politicians claim to stand for. The need of the hour is for the powerful to come out with unambiguous condemnation of all such acts of violence  whether these attacks are on Nigerians, Muslims, Dalits, or women.

Nothing short of unequivocal condemnation will redeem the situation.
Vigilantism in any form and under any pretext is unacceptable. Period. Condoning it means extending tacit or explicit support to people or groups indulging in criminal activity camouflaged as cause. It also means the state is ceding space to actors who have little respect for its authority or for niceties of the law.

So when the Centre and the Rajasthan state government offer a confusing response to an incident that involves the killing of a man by cow vigilantes, it becomes worrisome.

"No such incident, as being reported, has taken place on the ground," Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in the Rajya Sabha, replying to the Opposition's charge on the killing of Pehlu Khan, a dairy owner, by vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar district. He said media reports on the incident had been denied by the state government. The latter, meanwhile, has said that facts of the case are different from what is being reported.

Here's a brief account of the incident as reported in the media. Pehlu and four companions bought cows at a Jaipur fair and were on their way back to Haryana on Saturday when a gang of cow protectors intercepted them near Behror in Alwar. They were thrashed despite producing documents that the cows were for milk. Pehlu, 55, died from injuries sustained in the attack. A video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting an outcry in several circles.

Now what appeared to be a straightforward case of manslaughter has two versions: One from the media and that of the two sets of government. Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has pinned the blame on both sides. His government, in what appears to be a balancing act, he said has filed cases against both sides  against Pehlu and others for smuggling cows, and against the attackers for manhandling cow transporters.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien said there were two versions to the story and asked the government to investigate the matter and inform the House.

Notice closely and you find two separate issues are getting conflated in the Rajasthan government's approach. One is manslaughter, and the other is cattle smuggling, of which no proof is available so far. By reducing the case from manslaughter to manhandling, the message that is being sent out is if it's a case of cow smuggling, then killing a man for it is not such a big offence.

If the police investigation manages to find that Pehlu and those accompanying him were indeed smuggling cattle, then the assault would be deemed morally justified.

This, in a way, means giving vigilante groups the licence to kill. So long as they have a reason to attack people, they can do so freely. If it involves killing and maiming too, it is fine; the government would look at the perpetrators kindly. The best response in this case from the state government would have been to treat the killing and smuggling aspects separately.

By being ambivalent on such matters, the powers-that-be are sending out a dangerous message: The government has outsourced law enforcement to vigilante groups, who become instant judges and executioners. The police come in as an afterthought, just to complete official formalities. Surely, it is a mockery of a democracy where institutions are supposed to intervene impartially to protect the individual.

But those being sympathetic to such vigilantism should be careful. Many members of these groups are criminals. After easy targets such as Muslims are taken care of, they would eventually turn against those who are secretly backing them. It won't be easy to find a cause. It could be protection of Indian culture or anything else.

The government must be unambiguous about criticism of such groups. Guarded statements mean it is scared.
If all flights to Mumbai are stopped only Mumbai will suffer and it is just inconceivable that a man who resorted to physical abuse after taking over an aircraft for forty minutes in what is technically a hijacking is being supported in his conduct.

The call to block flights if the ban on Ravindra Gaikwad, esteemed MP, is not lifted echoed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday with the Shiv Sena leading the demand and the Congress taking its side on principle is not logic.

The man has espoused violence and there are people who feel it is justified. How does anyone explain this? The guys life was not in danger, he wasnt saving his family from an attack, no burglar had broken into his residence, he was just pissed off because he had a government paid business class ticket and it was a full economy flight to Delhi.

His video interviews afterward show him as aggressive, hostile, physical and ill-mannered besides being arrogant in the extreme. Not even a teaspoon of remorse or repentance.

In contrast, the victim, Sukumar, an Air India senior employee has behaved in the aftermath with great restraint and decorum. He has not tried to grab the headlines nor has forced himself into heroics with the media. In fact, most of us have not even seen him and that says a lot.

The accusation the pro-Gaikwad lot make is that Sukumar was rude. Rudeness is subjective when a passenger is holding up an aircraft. Ground and cabin crew are empowered to take whatever action necessary to subdue the individual. In any other country, they would have unceremoniously picked him up, handcuffed him and locked him up. He would have been charged with disturbing the peace, holding up a scheduled airline, causing disruption and threatening air safety (just watch the video of the mayhem with ground staff when he refused to get off till the Air India MD came to apologise). These charges concurrently could add up to twenty years in jail and a fine of upwards of $250,000.

And we are discussing pros and cons as if there was a plus side to it. Like maybe he has a point, after all, he is an MP. Last known MPs were servants of the people elected to serve them not slap them with slippers and sandals.

Good for Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju who took on the Sena backers for Gaikwad. When he said, "If you want to diffuse the situation, we can do it. If you want to aggravate it, you are free to do that. But aircraft safety will not be compromised."

If you recall Gaikwad had even called the police to get rid of media on the train following his grounding. Being pushy is in his DNA. He actually feels justified. And he just chartered a planewho is paying for it.

It is paramount now that all airlines stick together and ensure that the safety and security of every paying passenger (Gaikwad, by the way, gets 34 free tickets a year) is a top priority come what may. As it is the Maharaja was defrocked over the years by politicians thinking they owned the airline. To give in to bullying tactics is to encourage the VIP syndrome which is already out of control. This culture has spread so wildly that we have five times the VIPs than China so per population does not hold good as an argument. And we are home to the highest number of official bigwigs in the world. You remember in 2015 India tried to create a list of 2,000 VIPs to make it easier to travel into the USAsomething Trump has put paid to.

As for blocking aviation into Mumbai, not even the Shiv Sena would upset the public who really cannot be supportive of a man who hits people and is not even the least bit regretful. He actually endorses it as a legitimate course of action.

The people should ask the august House why it has not taken umbrage with his attitude and, as his peers, taken him to task for conduct unbecoming.
Last November, when the fledgling Bangladesh Navy took delivery of the first of two old Chinese-built submarines, officials in New Delhi's military establishment looked askance.

Subsequently, when a delegation of Bangladeshi academics and policy makers visited New Delhi at the invitation of an Indian think-tank, they were flustered after Indian scholars repeatedly quizzed them on the latest China-made acquisition.

The subtext in the questions: Was Bangladesh now firmly a bead in the Chinese "string of pearls", as the strategic lasso that Beijing is throwing around New Delhi is sometimes described.

But a senior Indian Navy officer had a deeper understanding of how waters in the Bay of Bengal may churn. The Indian Navy was in talks with the Bangladesh Navy that are now understood to be almost final. India has offered to host and train Bangladesh's submarine crews at its own facility in Visakhapatnam, the INS Satavahana.

Following the acquisition  not necessarily because of it  two Indian defence delegations visited Dhaka. The first comprised officers and bureaucrats. The second was led by the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar accompanied by seniors of the three armed forces. It was the first visit by an Indian defence minister to Bangladesh. During his visit, Parrikar had met Sheikh Hasina (Parrikar has since returned to Goa as chief minister. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley currently holds additional charge of the portfolio).

When the Bangladesh Prime Minister lands in New Delhi on Friday, it would be in the secure knowledge that a bilateral defence framework agreement would likely be one of the biggest takeaways of her visit.

The agreement would initially be effective for five years and may be renewed subsequently. In addition, New Delhi is likely to offer a soft line of credit to Dhaka to source defence materiel from India.

These would be among 17 Memoranda of Understanding that Indian and Bangladeshi officials have been discussing in the run-up to Sheikh Hasina's visit.

Among the other positives that India and Bangladesh are likely to be count are agreements of a train service between Calcutta and Khulna and an upgradation of the Calcutta-Dhaka Maitri Express as an air-conditioned service. A passenger shipping service has also been talked about.

A 6,500+ km gas pipeline that also involves Myanmar and joint exploration of the "Blue Economy"  fisheries and sea-bed resources  are also the fallout of India accepting in 2015 the verdict of an international arbitrator on the India-Bangladesh maritime boundary. Though India lost much of its claim in the dispute, it decided not to challenge the verdict  a development that United States is repeatedly highlighting as an illustration of how China might accept a similar process on its disputes in the South China Sea.

But for Hasina, as also for New Delhi, the biggest issue concerns the sharing of the waters of River Teesta and of inter-country rivers. New Delhi is committed to sharing the waters with Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his visit to Dhaka two years back, re-stated the commitment made by his predecessor, Manmohan Singh. Both prime ministers have so far failed to bring West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on board.

Officials of the ministry of external affairs said on Thursday that it continues to be "work in progress". Mamata is likely to meet Hasina, with whom she has a personal connect, at a dinner hosted in Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Pranab Mukherjee. Modi is also expected to be present. Mukherjee, too, has a deep and long personal equation with Hasina. She will be staying in the presidential palace during her visit.

Despite the history and gamut of personal equations, Hasina, however, will look to take back with her what she can sell to her people. Defence relations, however positive a spin you put on it, do not translate as immediate gains for the public, unless it is during hostilities.

When Hasina and her Awami League returned to power in 2014, it was through an election that was boycotted by the Opposition Bangladesh National Party. She persisted with the warm relations with India that she began in the earlier term, when Dhaka quietly facilitated the surrender or exile of militant leaders from India's North East, notably Arabindra Rajkhowa of the United Liberation Front of Asom.

This was at some cost among her electorate. In Bangladesh, extremist voices have been growing shriller since then. The Awami League with its secular credentials is alleged by the Jamat and the BNP of selling out to India, despite its dependence on Chinese military and logisitics support. Writers, many of them simply called 'bloggers', with liberal values have been systematically targeted. Some have been murdered brutally, often in public.

Despite this background in Bangladesh, Hasina is likely to tell Modi that Dhaka will continue its cooperation "on all aspects of security and radicalisation including Islamic terror", in the words of an MEA official.

This is where the West Bengal chief minister, in seeking to appeal to an altogether different constituency from the BJP's, becomes important to determine not just the federal structure in which New Delhi and Kolkata are framed. She also knows she holds the key to a bilateral neighbourhood relationship.

In two years or less, Hasina goes into another election. Only Mamata can probably give her a sliver of a chance if she were to agree to the formula for sharing river waters. But Mamata, too, has to be mindful of her own constituency in North Bengal.
Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India that kicks off on Friday has generated much excitement, hope and goodwill between both countries  like never in the past. Hasina has been a frequent visitor to India even before she became the country's prime minister, as her children were studying in Kodaikanal when Bangladesh was going through a turbulent period with threats made on her life .

So what makes this official visit that comes after seven years so special? Print and electronic media on both sides are going gaga and building huge hype amid animated talk shows and debates. In fact, there is a plethora of issues that will be addressed during the visit, with as many as 30 to 35 agreements likely to be signed. Crucially, Hasina's masterstroke in posthumously felicitating as many as 1,661 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 liberation struggle augurs very well. This is not only a formal recognition of the Indian participation in Bangladesh's freedom struggle, but also a very handsome tribute to the glorious dead. This gesture will go a long way.

However, having said that, it's important to stress that Hasina should decisively prevail upon the educationists and academics in Dhaka to ensure that Indian involvement is reflected positively in the history curriculum of schools and colleges, so that the present and future generations of Bangladeshi youth have firsthand knowledge of India's assistance in 1971. Further, they should ensure that history is not tampered with by anti-India forces active across the border.

As per Bangladesh foreign ministry sources, during the Hasina visit, Dhaka will be offered a third line of credit worth $3.5 billion. That's a colossal quantum. By a rough breakup, out of the total allocation, $940 million will be earmarked for the Rooppur Nuclear Plant, $350 million for a multipurpose terminal at Pyra Port and $177 million for a power transmission line between Bogra and Jharkand. In addition to that, $500 million will be allocated for the new railway line from Bogra to Sirajgunj and $177 million for a solar power plant. From the MoUs and different pacts, we see huge assistance being provided to Bangladesh on the infrastructure front.

The sharing of the water of River Teesta will, of course, not be discussed for obvious reasons even though the issue is not overdue, and has given the Opposition in Bangladesh fodder to criticise the Hasina government for its alleged failure to address the topic. Bangladesh water experts assess that Teesta remains critical as from December to March each year, the flow of water falls below 1,000 cusecs from a normal flow of 5,000 cusecs.

Another major highlight of the visit includes the signing of a defence and security cooperation treaty between the two countries. Since July last year, Bangladesh has been afflicted by bloody terror attacks occurring at regular intervals with the Islamic State's footprints all over them, despite the government's denial of any IS presence. Terror acts are attributed to homegrown terror groups like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and its affiliates. These groups are well-trained, well-armed, sponsored by Pakistani money and materials, and facilitated by an extensive network of the ISI, active in Bangladesh to subvert the present government as also to impair growing India-Bangladesh relations.

It would appear imperative to enter into an intelligence operation where hard and actionable intelligence is shared through a well-crafted mechanism in place. And so, intelligence seems to be a priority. The Bangladeshi counter-terror architecture, aided by the army, is professionally sound. It has been neutralising every terror-linked hostage crisis, yet Bangladeshi intelligence does not always appear to have prior inputs to preempt the attacks. Technological know-how and the latest expertise can possibly be offered to the visiting side to streamline actionable intelligence.

Since there is a great opportunity for both sides through the discussion of security, it becomes important to discuss Hasina's personal security in view of heightened threat by Islamic extremists. She is now the only India-friendly leader in the country and only champion to root out extremism. Hence, her security needs to be paramount and foolproof. This needs to be firmed up between security professionals from both sides.

In the same vein, Bangladesh should seek India's help to ensure there are no infiltrators inside the country's armed forces that are inimical to Hasina. It has been a highly-politicised and Islamised force having caused and witnessed a number of bloody coups and counter-coups. Nothing should be left to chance. India continues to need Hasina as much Bangladesh needs her at the helm. Her continuity is in the interest of both countries.

The author is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and has worked with Bangladesh in Dhaka and from New Delhi. Views expressed are personal.
Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasinas visit to India on Friday has met with serious apprehensions, with the proposed water sharing agreement of the Teesta river between the two countries at the heart of the unease.

An agreement to this effect was all but concluded back in 2011, during the visit of the then prime minister, Manmohan Singh, to Bangladesh. It, however, was scuttled just a week before Singhs trip by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, to the great embarrassment of both New Delhi and Dhaka. This then raises a pertinent question: Will things be different this time around?

Optimists believe that when the three Bengalis  President Pranab Mukherjee, Hasina and Mamata  meet over dinner (hosted by the President) along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 April, the elusive pact on River Teesta may finally be put back on course. But, no signals to that effect have emerged so far from Mamata's side.

Be that as it may, the Teesta issue has become all the more complex, given the strength of two major trends in Indias external behaviours  "water nationalism" and the growing "federalisation" of Indian foreign policy.

It may be noted that the centuries-old water systems of the Indian subcontinent got fractured when the country was partitioned in 1947. As a result, many rivers became "shared rivers", leading to differences among the countries in the region over the quantum of the shares.

The resulting "water conflicts" were further accentuated by the emerging political conflicts. In the process, issues such as supply-demand gaps and climate change also cropped up.

The Indian subcontinent suffers from "water stress", as nearly 1.3 billion people depend on very few river systems. The per-capita water availability in India at present is 1,631 cubic metre; the corresponding figures in Pakistan and Bangladesh being 1,000 and 7,320 respectively.

It is estimated that by 2030, these figures will be 1,240 in India, 877 in Pakistan and 5,700 in Bangladesh. In other words, while all the three countries will have lesser water than what they have today  a prospect that is hardening the negotiating postures of the decision-makers in all the three countries  the interesting aspect is that of the three, it is Bangladesh which is and will be in a comparatively advantageous position.

But, that should not detract from the fact that the 'shared rivers' are increasingly becoming sovereign issues and are being manifested as the phenomena of "water nationalism".

The other major trend is the growing "federalisation" of Indian foreign policy. Constitutionally speaking, foreign-policy is a subject that is the exclusive domain of the central government in Indias federal arrangement. The primary institutions for framing and implementing foreign policy are the external affairs minister, the bureaucracy attached to the ministry of external affairs, the prime minister and his office.

It is the Centre that can declare war; conduct relations with foreign nations and international organisations; appoint and receive diplomatic and consular officials; conclude, ratify, and implement treaties; and acquire or cede territory.

No wonder why soon after Independence, all major treaties that India had entered into with other countries  the Indo-Bhutanese Treaty of 1949, the Nehru-Liaquat Agreement of 1950, the Indo-Nepalese Treaty of 1951, the India-China Agreement of 1954, the Tashkent Agreement of 1965, the Indo-Soviet Treaty of 1972, the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987  were never discussed or debated in Parliament in advance, let alone state governments being briefed about them.

Even after the treaties were concluded, the parliamentarians, in the absence of any mandatory requirement of the Parliament's approval for their ratification, have been helpless in modifying the texts.

However, things are now changing, particularly in the "border states". Leaders here have forced the central government to include the concerns of the states people in dealings with the neighbouring country. Foreign policy is thus being conditioned accordingly and getting "federalised".

India borders Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Maldives. In effect, what this means is that any development in each of these countries has its fallout on the contiguous Indian states. India-Pakistan relations thus affect Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir; India-China relations affect Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh; India-Nepal relations spill over to Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal; India-Bhutan relations impinge upon West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam; India-Myanmar relations will have an impact on Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram; India-Bangladesh relations have implications for West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam; India-Sri Lanka relations are closely intertwined with the politics of Tamil Nadu; and India-Maldives relations will have its impact on Minicoy Islands.

It so happens that most of the important regional parties that happen to govern the border states have important concerns with the neighbouring countries, that are different from the concerns seen from New Delhi. See the way Jammu and Kashmir looks at Pakistan, West Bengal looks at Bangladesh, and Tamil Nadu looks at Sri Lanka.

Another significant development that is making these states' chief ministers partner with the central government in foreign policy is the phenomenon of globalisation, marked by economic liberalisation. As it is, the scope of the foreign policy of India has expanded to include economic, social, cultural and environmental issues.

There is now a setting in which states can play a key role in foreign economic policy, by seeking foreign direct investments and promoting foreign trade.

No wonder why we see these days chief ministers of West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Delhi making regular official visits of foreign countries to solicit foreign investment. He or she participates in negotiations with foreign investors directly.

Paradoxically, this federalising trend got a huge boost when Modi became prime minister. Despite being widely perceived to be an authoritarian in his working style, Modi, soon after assuming office, promised to work with Indias chief ministers in resolving the countrys myriad problems, including those in the areas of foreign policy.

It may be noted here that while delivering the Nani Palkhivala memorial lecture at a function organised in Chennai in October 2013, by the Palkhivala Foundation, Modi, then the chief minister of Gujarat, had attacked Singhs foreign policy as "a mockery" and "Delhi-centric".

He, instead, had advocated an assertive foreign policy that would also involve the states. "India is not just Delhi. The foreign policy should be decided by the people and not by some politicians sitting in Delhi," he had said, pointing out how his state, Gujarat, had entered into partnership with Japan and Canada.

Against this background, it will be interesting to see how Modi convinces Mamata to come on board with the "Begum" next door, on the water-sharing of Teesta so as to serve the people of West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is to the credit of both Modi and Mamata that despite the chilling relations between the BJP and Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, the two agreed on the issue of the exchange of enclaves with Bangladesh last year. It is really heartening that after years of acrimony, India and Bangladesh have mutually settled their land and maritime borders. It will be in fitness of things, therefore, if they similarly settle the Teesta factor.

Overall, federalisation of foreign policy is a healthy phenomenon as long as it does not lead to policy-paralysis. Unfortunately, there have been growing tussles between the Centre and the states on instances such as sharing of water of international rivers, attracting foreign investments, be it in the fields of multi-band retail or nuclear projects (agreed upon to be set up in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu).

There is also the example of the uncertain future of the South Korean giant POSCOs plan to build a $12 billion steel plant in the eastern state of Odisha  Indias largest foreign direct investment project  following the state governments suspension of the land acquisition for this project, in the face of opposition from the people of this iron-ore rich region, who will be displaced because of the industrial project. All these examples prove how domestic politics in India can sweep aside the normal foreign policy process, making decisions and the follow-up unpredictable.

There is a clear case of the states not crossing a line to jeopardise the long-term national interests. Therefore, the West Bengal factor cannot be allowed to derail the overall direction of Indo-Bangladesh relations, that have vital dimensions of security, connectivity and environmental issues.

The West Bengal chief minister should display her "mamata" (positive concerns) towards the issue, so that the challenges of growing federalisation are converted to great opportunities for regionalism (collective endeavours towards collective good) of the subcontinent as a whole and beyond.
New Delhi: Delhi Minister Satyendra Jain on Thursday dismissed the Shunglu committee report as "mud-slinging" and said "no irregularity" has been committed by the AAP government.He alleged that officers were forced to write "false notes" in the report. The three-member committee, formed by the then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, has pointed out "gross abuse of power" by the Arvind Kejriwal government.

"I have not seen the report, but as far as we are concerned, there is no illegality or irregularity... Our government has worked as per the Constitution in force till 4 August, 2016. After that the High Court made some amendment to it," Jain said. He also rejected allegation on the appointment of his daughter as "mission director" of Delhi State Health Mission, saying it was "all lies". The approval for this appointment is made by the Centre, he added.

On the findings of the Committee, Jain alleged, "Officers were called by the LG, made to sit and write false notes in it under duress." The term of former Lt Governor Najeeb Jung had witnessed a continuous war of words between the LG Office and the Arvind Kejriwal government over several issues. "This is all mud-slinging. In fact, probe should be done to find out why the files were suppressed for six months during Jung 'saheb's' time. We had targeted 1,000 mohalla clinics by 31 December, 2016 but, they sat on the files for six months," he said.

"We did nothing wrong or illegal but what was within our authority. If the LG had thought, he could have changed it, then he could have changed it. We did what we deemed fit," Jain said. The report which runs into over 100 pages deals with decisions, including appointment of certain individuals as advisors to the government, taken by Kejriwal and his Cabinet where it had no authority do so and without the LG's concurrence.

Among other issues, the report raised questions on the government posting officers to the Anti-Corruption Branch, its decisions on transfer and appointments of officers, foreign travel undertaken by ministers without the LG's sanction and appointment of lawyers. Earlier Jung had said that Kejriwal may face "criminal charges" over irregularities found by the panel.
There might finally be some good news for the Somali pirates arrested in 2011 in four separate anti-piracy operations conducted by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. Of the 120 pirates arrested, two died of tuberculosis, while 118 are currently lodged in Navi Mumbai's Taloja Road jail. According to a report in The Indian Express, the trial against them is ending at a Mumbai court six years later, with the men having agreed to plead guilty, some to murder charges.

It is arguably the most number of foreign undertrials in a single case anywhere in the country. Some of the accused are expected to walk free, having already served their sentence as undertrials, while others could be sent back to Somalia to serve the remainder of the term at home, the report said.

Last year, the accused had told the court they wanted to plead guilty. Suraj Hulke, who was appointed by the court as amicus curiae, claimed that the Somali Embassy had not consulted him on the decision.

The report said that advocate Vishwajeet Singh, representing the Somali Embassy, had told the court last year that the men were willing to give an undertaking that they would not cross-examine the remaining witnesses, nor appeal against the sentence unless it was the death penalty.

The accused said their previous plea of not guilty may be disregarded. According to The Times of India, this comes at the fag end of a trial that commenced in late 2012, with 70 witnesses deposing and difficulties caused by the absence of several foreign national witnesses.

The Times of India reported that about 50 pirates booked for murder could face the death sentence, the maximum punishment under the sections they were booked under. All accused have also been booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and the maximum sentence this can invite is life imprisonment.

Ahmed Mohammed, first secretary to the Embassy of Somalia in New Delhi, told The Indian Express that they expect an expedited trial, after which a decision will be taken on taking the men back home.
For nearly three weeks now, more than hundred farmers from Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli districts in Tamil Nadu have been protesting at Jantar Mantar, using macabre elements like bones and skulls to highlight and symbolise the problem of farmers suicides in the state.

They claim that the skulls belong to fellow farmers, who had committed suicide because of the adverse conditions in Tamil Nadu. More than 106 farmers had committed suicide in a month because of the worst draught to hit the state in more than a century, combined with debt due to high input costs.

The farmers want the Centre to announce a drought relief package of Rs 40,000 crore and to offer a better support price for their produce. The fact that Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath recently announced a loan waiver for farmers worth Rs 36,359 crore, adds further weight to their demand.

The first question that comes to mind is why are farmers of Tamil Nadu being treated differently from the farmers of Uttar Pradesh? The Centre has conveniently said that it will not provide any debt relief as it is the purview of the state and is defined as the responsibility of the state government.

However, in every budget, the Centre imposes agricultural policies that further burdens the debt on the states and the farmers of India.

Debts in agriculture are a result of increasing costs of production, because of the dependence on purchased inputs  seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, machinery  and the falling prices of farm produce. This traps the farmers in a negative economy, where cost of production outstrips their earnings.

The debt problem began with Green Revolution, an initiative based on chemical inputs. The debt generated during the Green Revolution period was public debt. Farmer organisations created Karz Mukti Andolans and demanded remunerative prices. Debt was forgiven and Minimum Support Prices were institutionalised.

However, with globalisation and neo-liberal reforms, which put global corporations in the driver seat for agriculture policy, costs of inputs rose further, and prices of agriculture output fell dramatically.

An assessment for the WTO Ministerial in Cancun had shown that Indian farmers were losing $25 billion annually due to the falling prices.

The issue of Monsantos (American agrochemical and agricultural MNC) monopoly on cotton seeds after the introduction of Bt cotton is now in the courts  in the Competition Commission, government departments. More than Rs 5,000 crore have been siphoned off from India, leaving farmers in debt. Most of the 3,10,000 farmers who committed suicide since 1995 belonged to the cotton belt.

Meanwhile, the stranglehold of the Global seed and chemical giants on Indian Agriculture has increased with every step of neo-liberal reforms. Instead of promoting sustainable low-cost farming, governments have been increasing the budget for credit in agriculture. In 2017-18, Rs 10 trillion was allocated for farm credit, up from Rs nine trillion last year.

While farmers do need credit, they do not need to be pushed into a debt trap through imposition of costly inputs. Farmers also need fair and just prices. They need support of public policy extension for sustainable, ecological agriculture that increases the resilience of the soil and cropping system to draught and climate change, and increases the nutrition per acre and net income per acre.

No budget allocation is being made for public investments, that would liberate farmers from debt. Over 30 years, Navdanyas (a non-governmental organisation which promotes biodiversity conservation, rights of farmers etc) work based on biodiverse, ecological and organic agriculture, with zero purchased inputs, has shown that we can feed India twice over with nutritious food (health per acre) and increase farmers net incomes at least four times.

The government does mention doubling farm incomes, but fails to mention whether it is gross income or net income. Gross income can increase if a farmer grows a cash crop with high debt, without taking care of the familys food and nutritional security. But in this case, the net income will go down. More often than not, with high debt, the net income will be negative. Net negative incomes are at the root of the debt crisis and the epidemic of farmer suicides.

Partial debt relief is equivalent to mopping the water leaking from a broken bucket. Our agriculture is broken because it is driven by increasing profits for the seed and chemical industry, not by concerns for the sustainability of the soil, the biodiversity, the water, and the sustainable livelihoods of our small farmers.

In fact, all indicators suggest that the crisis of debt will increase because of the increasing control of MNC corporations on our food and agriculture systems.

The NITI Aayog is now going to be run by corporate consultants, who will push farmers into deeper debt.

New forms of extraction as modern day lagaan are being "invented"  connecting the farmer to global cartels for every aspect of farming, from the seed to the market.

India has given the deepest knowledge of agroecology, soil and water conservation and rejuvenation, and breeding  that evolved 200,000 varieties of rice, 1,500 varieties of wheat, mango, banana, thousands of varieties of dals and beans, the richest diversity of animal breeds.

The corporate hijack of our food systems is the new colonialism, the new company raj, trying to create new systems of debt creation.

Monsanto has bought the world's biggest climate data corporation and soil data corporation. It has bought many Silicon Valley firms to create spyware to be put into tractors, and into drones for collecting farm data to sell back to farmers.

By linking climate data and insurance, Monsanto expects three trillion US dollars in profit from farmers annually. This profit will be based on deepening the debt crisis, the agrarian crisis, and the tragedy of farmer suicides.

Coercively connecting farmers to the global corporate market for seeds, chemicals, insurance, climate data is the colonisation of our times. Colonisation through these instruments destroys the Earth and our freedoms.

To quell this colonisation, a Satyagraha Yatra will be held to celebrate 160 years of the first freedom movement in 1857, 100 years of the Champaram Satyagraha, 75 years of the Quit India movement, to sow the seeds of Jaivik Bharat 2047  a vision of a India which is poison free, debt free and suicide free.

The author is an environmental activist and commentator.
A New Delhi-based freelance journalist is battling for life after being attacked by unidentified assailants on Wednesday evening, Hindustan Times reported.

Suffering from severe brain damages, Aparna Kalra, a 45-year-old journalist, who has worked with many media publications like Scroll.in, Business Standard and Daily O was found in an unconscious condition by a passerby in a public park in Ashok Vihar.

The victim was later taken to Fortis Hospital where she is said to be in critical condition.

"She was brought in by her sister, who had earlier taken her to Deep Chand Hospital, which referred her to Fortis. She had a lot of fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) collection in her brain cavities, and underwent an emergency surgery to remove it at late night, the report quoted a doctor as saying.

According to the report, the Delhi Police have filed a case of attempt to murder against unknown assailants.

We are making all efforts to track down the attackers. She is now recuperating, DCP Milind Dumbre was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

According to the police, the incident occurred at around 6.50 pm after Kalra left home for a walk at a nearby park.

The Indian Express said that the family members suspected mobile phone snatchers to be behind the attack but the police later found that she had left her mobile at home itself.

According to Centre For Protection of Journalists, 40 scribes have been killed (motives confirmed) in India since 1992. Here is a story map on those deaths:
"The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90 percent probability you'll get it wrong," said celebrated American journalist/author Andy Rooney, who had penned Common Nonsense.

Indeed, Rooney's Rule appears to have acquired fresh relevance in India, where you often come across speculation over the formation of a secular "mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance) of major opposition parties to beat the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. These speculations have a mathematical basis: The combined vote share of the Samajwadi Party (21.8 percent), BSP (22.2 percent) and Congress (6.2 percent) in the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh Assembly election outweighed that of the BJP (39.7 percent).

Hypothetically speaking, had SP, BSP and Congress fought together under one alliance against BJP, the 'mahagathbandhan' would have won 313 seats as against the saffron camp's 90! But that was not to be. And we all know why this didn't happen.

It is the existence of this mathematical possibility that prompted Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to urge Congress and Left parties earlier this week, to take the initiative in forging an anti-BJP Front. Echoing the same sentiments, Laloo Prasad Yadav also put out a tweet tagging Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Bannerjee, Naveen Patnaik and other leaders.

But what's arithmetically possible may not be politically probable for very many reasons: First, you need a political colossus under whose leadership even conflicting parties can join hands. Second, there has got to be a laudable cause that can catch the imagination of the masses. And third, the party that you wish to wage a war against must be an outfit that habitually survives on the strength of the charisma of its leader. Once this aura around the charismatic balloon is punctured, the party's prospects are gone for good.

Here are two examples: First, during 1974 to 1977, the erstwhile Jan Sangh, Jyoti Basu's CPM, and socialist parties of different shades had come together under Jayaprakash Narayan's umbrella to topple a common enemy  Indira Gandhi. And they succeeded in dethroning their bete noire. But their well-professed and oft-repeated cause  total revolution  died an inglorious death. Indira Gandhi rode back to power within two-and-a-half years.

And secondly, after the Bofors and HDW submarine deal scandals rocked the nation, various parties, including the BJP and the Communists, reached an understanding and regrouped to support a new anti-Rajiv Gandhi, anti-Congress rebel: VP Singh, popularly known as Raja of Manda. The Raja wasn't a political colossus by any stretch of imagination. But he was taken as "the shining symbol of anti-Congressism". The opposition parties, who lost no time in extending their support to the Raja, did succeed in pushing the Congress out of power from the Centre in 1989. But their success too was short-lived. Congress came back to power within two years.

Let's now focus on the present scenario: There is no leader worth his/her name who can unite all the opposition forces. The friendship between Nitish Kumar and Laloo Prasad Yadav looks brittle in Bihar; the relationship between SP and BSP continues to be antagonistic in Uttar Pradesh; Naveen Patnaik is experiencing uneasy times within his own outfit in Orissa; Sharad Pawar looks like an ageing, outdated force in Maharashtra; Mamata Bannerjee continues to be allergic towards the Left parties for all practical purposes in West Bengal. And to top it all, the demoralisation within the Congress camp has to be seen to be believed.

From the opposition's point of view, things look even more miserable in Uttar Pradesh, with Mulayam Singh Yadav accusing his son Akhilesh of insulting him in the run-up to the polls. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "Yeh sahi hai ki jo baap ka nahin hua, who kisi ka nahin ho sakta (A son who is not loyal to his father cannot be loyal to anyone else)."

It's clear that Netaji is in pain. He is a lonely man for all political purposes. His brother Shivpal Yadav and daughter in law Aparna Yadav called on Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow the other day. They are, according to Lucknow grapevine, building bridges with the new masters of the state. Or are they looking for options? Nobody knows for sure.

Contrast this picture against the ever-expanding screen of the BJP and you will notice that different offshoots of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) are working in perfect sync with Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath and vice versa. The ruling party functions like a well-oiled, well-maintained machinery that primarily relies on the strength of its cadres.

Modi's charismatic personality is icing on the cake. Despite their similarities in so many aspects, including style of functioning, Narendra Modi and Indira Gandhi are two different entities. While Indira had virtually demolished the primacy of the party infrastructure, the Modi-Shah duo is busy re-strengthening and expanding the party apparatus across India.

Like it or not, BJP has replaced Congress as the numero uno political force in India. And the prospects of a 'mahagathbandhan' do look bleak  bleaker than ever before.
Hyderabad: BJP sees Telangana as a fertile ground for a surge as it pursues an ambitious plan in the country's newest State, where it would go alone in the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, dumping TDP.

Telangana party spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao said a pattern is emerging nationally whereby there is a huge surge in demand for a BJP-kind of rule, even in States where regional outfits held sway, referring the recent Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, where it scored a landslide win.

"We are actually looking at Telangana from that perspective. Telangana is a viable story for us to be ambitious," he told PTI in an interview.

"We see an imminent rise in Telangana, and we have very ambitious plan ahead," he said.

The party is preparing for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, and Assembly elections, which it expects to be pre-term.

"Misgovernance of TRS government and non-delivery of promises in manifesto have given the BJP a massive electoral pitch to come to power in Telangana," Rao said.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, TRS won 63 seats, followed by Congress 21, TDP 15, AIMIM seven and the BJP five. BJP and TDP had an electoral alliance then.

The Congress has lost "aspirational value" in the eyes of people, Rao claimed, adding, BJP is a natural alternative to the TRS.

Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and the party's ideology as a "powerful combination", he said "people are buying our model".

First objective is to defeat the AIMIM in Hyderabad.

"That has to happen in 2019... is the objective of the BJP...We are going to break that continuity," he said referring to Asaduddin Owaisi-led party winning Assembly seats in Old City areas and Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat.

Rao claimed that some leaders of Congress and TDP are in touch with his party seeking to enter its fold.

"We are going it alone. It's 100 per cent clear stand of the party. There is no chance of any alliance with any party," he said.

"The model is like in Maharashtra where despite having insync with ideology with Shiv Sena for last 25 years, we had to go on our own, and we did that even in municipal elections.

So, BJP is now on an upswing and we are detaching from alliances and moving forward," Rao said.

Noting that 12 of the TDP's 15 MLAs have joined TRS, he said the N Chandrababu Naidu-led party is in the process of "natural extinction" in Telangana, and does not have space to win in electoral politics any more in the State.

In the 2014 elections, "It's BJP which has added value to TDP in the city, and not the other way round. They (TDP) got benefitted. We have taken a huge loss by being with them last time," Rao said.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, accused of beating up an Air India employee, on Thursday attended the Lok Sabha proceedings for the first time since last month's incident.

As soon as the House met for the day on Thursday, Shiv Sena leader Anandrao Adsul said the party has been cooperating on the issue since the controversy broke out. "He is present and will make a statement. Either you allow him (to speak) now or later today, he should be allowed (to speak)," he said.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan replied that Gaikwad can speak during Zero Hour but not during Question Hour.

Before Adsul spoke, Sena members raised slogans against Air India when Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju rose to reply a question in regional airports. "Goonda raj band karo...nyay karo, nyay karo (Stop bullying, do justice)" was among some of the slogans they raised. Union minister Ananth Geete, who is also a Sena leader, urged the speaker to allow Adsul to speak briefly.

During the Zero Hour, Gaikwad wondered why was he being targeted by the media without proper investigation into the incident.

Maine kya gunaah kiya? Mera kya apraadh hai ki jaanch ke bina media trial ho raha hai?: Ravindra Gaikwad,Shiv Sena MP in Lok Sabha  ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017

The Shiv Sena MP maintained his earlier stance and refused to apologise to the Air India official who he had beaten.

I apologise to the Parliament if I've caused any hurt, but not to the Air India official: Ravindra Gaikwad,Shiv Sena MP in Lok Sabha  ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017

Gaikwad, who had confessed to hitting an Air India duty manager for not being given a business class seat, said in the Lower House that on the day of the incident (23 March) he was made to travel in economy class despite having a business class ticket.

He said after the Pune-Delhi flight landed in the national capital, he asked for the complaint register. "Then an officer came, then two or three more officers came.. When I said that I was a politician, one of them said 'But you are not Narendra Modi. Are you?'" said the Shiv Sena MP, giving his version of the incident.

He alleged he was pushed around by the airlines staff and then one of them held him "by the collar".

"There is video evidence of the entire incident, thanks to the air hostess of the same airlines... I am staring at a ban across all airlines," Gaikwad said and claimed that the charges against him are "unfounded" and should be taken back.

"I have been charged under IPC 308, which is for 'attempt to murder'. Was I holding any weapon?.. Is this justice," he added. Gaikwad had hit R Sukumar for not being given a business class seat on an all-economy flight, and was slapped with a flight ban across all airlines.

With inputs from agencies
The candidates for all 272 seats of MCD have been announced and Congress party true to its style is facing dissent. Party veterans are not happy with ticket distribution. Dr AK Walia, senior member of party, and cabinet minister in Shiela Dixit government, has resigned alleging sale of tickets.

Another ex-MLA, Amrish Gupta has joined BJP. Shiela Dixit who was chief minister of the state for 15 years is not being consulted. The rift between Arvinder Singh Lovely and Ajay Maken is no secret. Some workers allege Maken is out to finish off the party.

In MCD by-polls held in May 2016, Congress won 4 out of 13 seats and recorded 24.9 percent (+15 percent) vote share, showing signs of some revival. This was a much improved performance since it got reduced to less than 10 percent vote share in 2015.

Any weakening of AAP is most likely to benefit Congress as can be seen from graph above. The reason is that the anchor vote segments of AAP-Congress are complementary. AAP has built up on Congress voters comprising of poor, downtrodden, minorities and Dalits. However, infighting could damage its prospects in MCD elections.

One could argue that ticket distribution always leads to some sort of dissatisfaction in camps across parties and we should not blow this out of proportion. BJP also faced severe dissent in UP, when it gave many tickets to outsiders. However, the problem with Congress is big and different. The key issue is lack of communication. Everybodys knows Rahul Gandhi is not a great communicator. Himanta Biswa Sarmas story of how Rahul was not even listening to what he was saying in a meeting and playing with his dog is quite famous now. In the Congress party, communication flows from the top (Congress Working Committee  CWC) to the bottom (workers). Its not a two-way process. CWC, the highest decision making body, is full of people who are Gandhi loyalists. Many of them are retired politicians (RK Dhawan, Fotedar etc) and sycophants. Most of the members are so called backroom politicians with no mass base (only 7 percent members are from Lok Sabha). The average age of CWC members is 70, when 65 percent of population in India is below 35 years of age.

The CWC members are not in sync with the aspirations of new India. Many of them would not even remember when was the last time they fought in elections. The Gandhi family rarely faces a challenge and hence Rahul is able to get things done according to his whims and fancies.

In Uttar Pradesh, an alliance with Samajwadi Party was thrust on workers sitting in AC rooms in Delhi. They were not even consulted. The result was pathetic. Congress could win only 7 seats and garner 6.2 percent vote share. This, even after an alliance? Congress may have got these many seats had it contested alone.

In Punjab, despite a call by workers to name Amarinder Singh as chief minister candidate for months, Rahul sat on the decision and made this announcement only one week before polling day. Luckily it didnt have an adverse impact and Congress won Punjab.

A true leader is one who empowers others. In Goa, Congress emerged as the single largest party with a good shot at government formation. Digvijay Singh rushed to the spot but he is powerless. He cant take any decisions without an approval from Rahul. So he kept on sending proposals to Rahul, who took his own sweet time to decide. This entire submission and approval process cost Congress the state.

After results to five states were declared, Rahul should have led from the front and held a press conference, but he shied away. His partner in UP, Akhilesh held a conference. This is just an example as Rahul has on earlier occasions been out of country at a time when the Parliament is discussing crucial bills. Decisive decision making is another issue within Congress party. Sonia has announced that Rahul will be the new president. However, Rahul has indicated that he is not yet ready. This dilly dallying for the past few years is not helping the party. It doesnt only leave party workers but also confuses voters.

The Congress needs to get its act together else it runs the risk of massive exodus. It needs to retain talent. The first step is to restructure the CWC. Dead wood needs to be removed. Young faces like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Murli Deora, Manish Tewari, Kapil Sibal, Jitin Prasad etc need to be inducted. Chief ministers of states where Congress is in power need to be drafted in as well as members or permanent invitees. A few non-Gandhi family members need to be made vice-presidents to send out a message.

The urgency and desire to make a come-back is missing from Congress. It is banking on the fact that some magic like 2004 may happen. So instead of trying to force a change, it is purely relying on blunders by the Modi government and the time factor as it is now eyeing for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Its very clear that the party fortunes are in doldrums in Delhi and nationally. It does not have a single MLA in Delhi assembly. It has 78 councilors in the outgoing municipality. With AAP now in fray, the party could struggle to maintain its tally. Unless it gets its act together, 'Congress mukt' Delhi, will be a reality.

The author is an independent political commentator and co-author of e-book Battle of Bihar. Views expressed are his own. He can be reached @politicalbaaba.
New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will hold a roadshow and address two rallies over the weekend to step up the municipal poll campaign for the Janata Dal (United), 101 of whose candidates are in the fray. "Nitishji will hold a roadshow in north Delhi'a Burari area which will culminate into a big rally at Burari Grounds on 8 April. The next day he will address another rally in Badarpur," JD(U) national general secretary Sanjay Jha said. The Kumar-led party had fielded 111 candidates and nominations of "10 of them were rejected in the scrutiny".

The JD(U) had initially targeted to fight in about 150 of the 272 seats in the municipal elections slated for 23 April. In Badarpur, the Bihar chief minister will address a rally at Canal Side Ground, near Lohia Pul. Both the venues are located in areas, which have a sizeable population of people hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The party is banking heavily on the support of Purvanchalis and Kumar's prohibition model in Bihar will dominate the theme of his rallies.

Jha said the campaign has picked up pace with every candidate doing door-to-door canvassing. He asserted that the people of Delhi will support JD(U) based on what the party has done in Bihar and what it plans to do here. Purvanchalis, or people hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh settled in Delhi, are considered a major vote bank by all the parties. A sizeable chunk of this community is settled in jhuggi-jhopri and unauthorised colonies.

The party also seeks to reach out to the Sikh community based on the goodwill earned from the community for organising 'Prakash Parv' -- Guru Gobind Singh's 350th anniversary in Patna in January. "We would also reach out to the Sikh community, give the successful organisation of Guru Gobind Singh's 350th anniversary in Patna, which had turned the Bihar capital into a mini Punjab. Besides, other minorities like Muslims living here, we would also reach out to them," the party said.

Areas like Burari, Jahangirpuri, Uttam Nagar in north Delhi, Sangam Vihar, Okhla in south Delhi and large areas of east Delhi are populated with migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Incidentally, the JD(U) had supported the AAP in the 2015 Assembly elections in 2015. The same year it had stitched 'Grand Alliance' with RJD and Congress for the Bihar Assembly polls, which it swept comprehensively. The BJP has been ruling the MCD since 2007. The last polls were held in 2012.
What started out as a public meeting where the local MLA was not invited has now culminated in a decision to send an all-party delegation to meet the president, prime minister and home minister to ask for Lieutenant-Governor Kiran Bedis dismissal. The decision was taken after an all-party meeting on Tuesday whose sole agenda was to discuss the functioning of the lieutenant-governor.

The democratically elected government enjoys full power in Puducherry, but the lieutenant-governor has been hindering the functioning of the government, K Lakshminarayanan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Chief Minister, said.

The trouble started last week, when Municipality Commissioner R Chandirasekaran allegedly called for a public meeting in Mudaliarpet. The meeting was to discuss civic issues in the area. The meeting was called without the knowledge of the local MLA, A Baskar, who found out about the meeting and asked Chandirasekaran why he had not been called, Lakshminarayanan said.

Following this, Chandirasekaran filed a complaint with the police against the MLA, allegedly on the instigation of the lieutenant-governor, stating that Baskar had threatened him.

The issue of the meeting was brought up in the Assembly session. Assembly speaker V Vaithilingam ruled that Chandirasekarans appointment as municipal commissioner should be put on hold until he appeared before a Privilege Committee to justify his actions, and the Chief Secretary appointed an interim commissioner. Government servants need to obtain permission from their immediate superiors if they are being threatened by an elected official, and Chandirasekaran should have received permission from the Chief Secretary before he filed a police complaint. The Speaker did not transfer the officer, nor did the Chief Secretary replace him. These were all interim arrangements until the Privilege Committee met, Lakshminarayanan explained.

On Monday, when the commissioner in-charge reported to duty, he found that Chandirasekaran had also arrived for duty. Bedi in the meanwhile had sent a note signed by her secretary reversing the order of the chief secretary. The note also asked for a compliance report from the chief secretary.

Following this, the Assembly Speaker issued orders to consider Chandirasekaran and the secretary to Lieutenant Governor Theiva Neethi Das as being in contempt of the House. The Privilege Committee has summoned both of them, and a contempt notice has been sent.

A three-hour long all-party meeting was called on Tuesday to discuss Bedi's conduct. This is not the first time the lieutenant-governor has overturned an order issued by the elected government. We want to protect the powers and privileges of the Legislative Assembly and its members, TPR Selvam, representative of the All India NR Congress, the main Opposition party, told media persons after the meeting. Around 21 parties adopted the resolutions of the meeting, but the BJP and the PMK were conspicuously absent.

At loggerheads

This is not the first time that the lieutenant-governor and the elected government have had problems, R Rajasekar, senior journalist said. The two have been tussling over various issues ever since the new elected government took charge in 2016. Earlier this year, the chief minister and the lieutenant-governor had an issue over the suspension of a civil servant who allegedly sent obscene videos to a WhatsApp group administered by the Raj Nivas. Since then, things have only gotten worse, he says. The previous argument led to both chief minister and lieutenant-governor visiting New Delhi, and the lieutenant-governor writing an open letter to the public stating that she would resign in 2018.

Since then, there have been a number of problems with the movement of files, and the issuing of contracts for the dredging of the harbour mouth, Rajasekar says. (Chief Minister) Narayanasamy has been consulting with various lawyers and advisers to understand his powers of Puducherrys elected government, he said. In this case, however, the lieutenant-governor has not directly signed the note cancelling the chief secretarys order, but instead had her secretary sign it.

The lieutenant-governor has been issuing all her orders through Twitter, WhatsApp and other social media. So far, there are a number of files pending approval, and she has empowered some government servants to act without consulting their superiors. There has to be some clear demarcation between the functioning of the lieutenant-governor and the elected cabinet, Lakshminarayanan added.

In retaliation, Kiran Bedi has taken to Twitter yet again. The irresponsible and immature conduct of the Chief Secretary has brought huge anguish and rift in the Governance of Puducherry, a tweet on 5 April reads.

The irresponsible and immature conduct of the Chief Secretary has brought huge anguish and rift in the Governance of Puducherry.@HMOIndia https://t.co/W05hGH67Ui  Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) April 5, 2017

Another tweet reads Am repeatedly seeing first hand why India is weak despite being a demographic dividend. It is its governance. Foul eggs in high positions.
Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju should be complimented for showing courage and conviction in upholding the dignity of his office, the Parliament and the rule of law, and while doing so be on the right side of the national conscience on Air India versus Lok Sabha member of Parliament Ravindra Gaikwad issue which has now turned into a battle between Shiv Sena and airline companies.

He stood his ground in a situation when entire Shiv Sena was up against Air India and other airlines, claiming that Ravindra Gaikwads pure goonda act of beating a senior airline staffer and his subsequent bragging about it should be taken as a parliamentarians privilege. He didnt care that he was holding the law against a party, which, too, was part of the ruling NDA and as a minister in-charge he cant allow an aggressor to play a belated victim card, even if the said aggressor is MP of a ruling alliance.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Raju said: "I had explained about civil aviations requirement... First of all, it is a process of law. The law should take its own course. Whatever the member (Gaikwad) wants, he can do that from his side. When I made the submission to the House on the civil aviations requirement I made it very clear that it is not a member of Parliament, it is a passenger. I am on record in regard to that. But aircraft are machines in which people fly. Safety is important and it will not be compromised.

The ministers conscientious remarks didnt go well with the Shiv Sena and some other parties, and what followed was ruckus inside the House.

In creating the ruckus, Shiv Sena found an unlikely ally in Trinamool Congress from the opposition benches, a party which has been looking for every single opportunity with and without merit to taken on the government after Narendra Modi surprised the nation with the demonetisation drive.

Kalyan Banerjee, Trinamool MP from Sreerampur, was up on his feet shouting: This is not the way. The civil aviation minister has not given the answer. He is not giving the answer as to under what law he (Gaikwad) can be banned. Under what law can it be done. This is not fair. I am not on the talking about the crime, that is, what has happened or what has not happened. I am not on that. But under what law or under what provisions of law, can a passenger be banned? Under what law it can be done is what I wish to know from the Minister (sic).

This contentious issue saw another unusual spectacle in the Parliament: two ministers of Modi government  heavy industries minister Anant Geete and civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju  took the floor of the House to counter each other. It should be noted how Geete, the only minister in Modi government from Shiv Sena, began his intervention in support of Gaikwad and rest of his party: "I am a minister of Government of India and also an MP of this House."

The burden of his argument that a gross injustice had been done to the honourable MP Ravindra Gaikwad where FIR was filed against him and he was banned from flying in any domestic airlines without declared guilty in any investigation. It didnt matter to Geete that Gaikwad for days bragged about how he beat that Air India official 25 times with sandal, kaan ke niche baja dala (banged him below his ears)".

Thereafter, minister Geete committed an open act of defiance and came out with serious accusations of unfairness against his own government: The way our government, the (Narendra) Modi-led government which is peoples government, can ban an MP from flying on any airline is a highly painful and shameful act. I feel pain and shame... What kind of justice is that?

What was even more disturbing was the fact that Shiv Sena as a party not just condoned the highly uncivilised act of its MP but also went to town portraying its supposed self-righteousness and playing the victim's card.

Now, consider what party leader Sanjay Raut, who took all Shiv Sena MPs to hold a media conference inside the Parliament House premises had to say: Who is the Air India chairman before us? He is just a government servant. He should stay in his limits... Is the passenger a terrorist? There are many MPs against whom cases have been filed... If the matter is not resolved by 10 April, we will not attend the NDA meeting. He also questioned the aukat (stature) of Air India CMD.

Sena leaders dont realise that politics of bullying everyone including their own alliance partners, the government of the day and institutions dont really work in modern times. It has also not taken a lesson from its shrinking base in Maharastra as reflected in the Assembly and local bodies elections. Rauts pointing fingers that somebody at the top in government pressurised airlines to take this action and thus our pleas to various leaders in the ruling dispensation have fallen on deaf ears is not going to cut ice either.

The party could try and make resolution of this issue as a bargaining chip in the upcoming presidential and vice-presidential elections. In the last two presidential elections, Sena sided with Congress to vote against the BJP-NDA candidate. Whether or not Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP will yield and strike a compromise with Shiv Sena over the Gaikwad-Air India issue, remains to be seen.

Gaikwad's own speech during Zero Hour in Lok Sabha was without any remorse. He claimed that he was a teacher and thus wouldnt do anything wrong. He compared his position with Mahatma Gandhi being thrown off the train in South Africa and Modi denied US visa while he was the chief minister of Gujarat. Gaikwad took pride in claiming that he followed the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji as preached to him by Bal Thackeray and the instructions of current Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

He conveniently forgot that in one of his multiple bites to TV cameras he had said he followed Bal Thackerays preaching that if someone is not convinced by an argument after repeated attempts bang him below his ears. In his bio-data to the Parliament, Gaikwad highlights his M Com and B Ed degrees, and his profession is agriculturist and professor.

Gaikwad should ask himself whether his act of beating an airline staffer with slippers and attempts to throw him on the tarmac from over an aircraft was a professorial act or not.
There are a couple of questions which need answers in this entire tragi-comic episode of a Shiv Sena MP hitting an Air India employee with his slippers and all domestic airlines subsequently barring the Member of Parliament from flying again, indefinitely. One, should Ravindra Gaikwad be allowed to fly again ever within the country, given his unmanageable temper and larger than life image of himself? Two, had an aam aadmi dared to do such goondagardi, would he or she also have been similarly forgiven and the ban revoked after a half-apology and naked threats by the perpetrator? If the answer to both these questions is a resounding No, then Gaikwad should not be allowed to fly in the Indian skies.

Air India and more importantly the Ministry of Civil Aviation should stand their ground, never mind the political consequences. The only thing to now watch out for is this: for how long will Air India defy its political masters (even if we presume the NDA government is behind this strong stand against ally Shiv Sena)? This Ravindra Gaikwad is no stranger to controversy. Media reports had earlier alleged that Gaikwad was one of the 11 MPs who had, in 2014, tried to force-feed a Muslim worker of Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi during Ramzan, for not being served Maharashtrian food at the Sadan. The worker was observing a fast.

A letter which Gaikwad purportedly wrote to A Gajapathi Raju, the Minister of Civil Aviation, this evening after his party MPs had reportedly lunged for Raju in Parliament earlier in the day, is rather carefully drafted. It does not use the word apology anywhere, instead expressing regrets. The MP also tries to assure Raju that the incident would not be repeated again in future while seeking the removal of his travel ban by airlines. Earlier in the day, Gaikwad had said in the Parliament that he will not apologize to the airline employee he beat up, a stand also endorsed by his party.

Till the time of writing this piece, neither AI nor any other domestic airline had revoked the ban. That MPs flock together to defend one of their own becomes clear from this agency copy where the Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan said lawmakers cannot fulfil their duties if there is ban on flying.

I am not a judge and cannot pass judgement on this issue. But, the matter should be resolved amicably. MPs have to come to Parliament. Saturday and Sundays are off so many times. MPs have to go for meetings and it is not possible to travel by train to those places and come back. So one has to take flights. If there is a ban on flying, then an MP cannot fulfil his/her duty. No matter should be prolonged for so long. Whatever enquiry has to be conducted, it should be done and a conclusion should be reached, she said while speaking to reporters in Parliament. If only Mr Gaikwad had realised how much travel is required in discharge of his lawmaking duties and used restraint while breaking the law, perhaps other MPs wouldnt be exercised about his travel travails!

And this piece shows how the Shiv Sena continued to show its trademark belligerence through the day. First, Gaikwad said in parliament that he had been provoked on 23 March by the Air India manager when he landed in Delhi and demanded an explanation for why he was made to fly economy despite a business class ticket. However, the flight operated as an all-economy journey. The manager, the politician said, taunted and insulted him and then shoved him. "I will apologise to parliament but not to him," the MP said. Sena MPs cheered him through his speech. Then, party leader and Union Minister Anant Geete charged at Gajapathi Raju who said that MP or not, the safety of passengers cannot be compromised.

Geete, seated across the aisle from the Aviation Minister, rushed towards him and started banging on a desk in anger. Sena men threatened, "No flights from Bombay will be able to take off." Raju was then led away in a huddle of ministers to ward off an attack. And Air India began mounting extra security for continuing normal flight operations from Mumbai and Pune  both supposed strongholds of Shiv Sena. The half-apology from Gaikwad to Raju came much later, after the Speaker held a meeting of MPs concerned in her chamber and another meeting was held in which Home Minister Rajnath Singh was also present.

There were reports that Air India had decided to revoke the ban conditionally when, according to some reports, the Sena called a press meet inside Parliament and used some harsh words against Air India and its CMD Ashwani Lohani. This prompted the airline to share two separate letters written by employee unions expressing their support of Lohani. Anyhow, now that each side seems to be testing the others patience, it is high time that India develops a no-fly list. Let Gaikwads episode be a catalyst to unleash this critical aviation industry reform. Let India join some other countries like the USA where a passenger who is on such a list, gets automatically barred from boarding a flight. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been evading this issue for long, perhaps now is as good a time as ever to put these noble intentions to work. Or we may have other Gaikwads waiting in the wings.
Unmindful of the public opinion against the behaviour of its rowdy MP, Shiv Sena on Thursday unabashedly, unashamedly upped the ante to defend its own by threatening to skip the upcoming National Democratic Alliance meeting on 10 April, if the flying ban on its Lok Sabha member Ravindra Gaikwad is not lifted.

Gaikwad has been banned from flying by several airlines after he allegedly hit an Air India staffer on 23 March. (Watch the video here).

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that the party tried hard to salvage the situation but instead found a conspiracy to malign the party and Gaikwad. We realised that all of it was happening because of some pressure. So, we had a meeting with party chief Uddhav Thackeray where he said that we (the party) must fight applying the methods of Shiv Sena. The Parliament was disturbed today. It shouldnt have happened. But it happened. And in future also, we do not want to disturb Parliament. But Air India and all have targetted the MP. Has he committed a crime? Is he a terrorist? What is his crime?" he said while addressing a press conference on Thursday afternoon. Blaming Air India for attempting to tarnish the image of Shiv Sena and Gaikwad in particular, Raut questioned if the airline companies were justified in banning Gaikwad without a proper investigation.

Saying that Gaikwad's version, which the Shiv Sena MP gave in Parliament on Thursday is the truth, Raut also said that the ball is now in the government's court to find a solution to the problem. We had a conversation with the Civil Aviation Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh. We have full faith in Singh. We have always respected him. He is an elder. He has committed inside the House. So, he will fulfil it, Raut said.

Raut said that government has time till 10 April to find a solution to the problem. The Shiv Sena further went on to say that the Shiv Sena will boycott the annual meeting of members of the National Democratic Alliance on 10 April if the issue was not resolved ahead of it. "Uddhav Thackeray is also in support of the boycott," Raut said.

The Shiv Sena MP also labelled Air India as the real culprit in the flying ban on Gaikwad and criticised it for discriminating against an elected member of Parliament. He also criticised airline companies for allegedly applying double standards.

They are letting criminals fly, they are flying separatists as well as Pakitani artistes. They are also flying rapists too. But Gaikwad cant fly, he said.

And whats the stature of Air India? One owner of a (private) airline company has worked with Dawood Ibrahim. The carriers helped Vijay Mallya escape. He didnt fly on his own, did he? Raut questioned.

The Shiv Sena MP called the flying ban uncalled for and stressed that the law of the land should be followed.

The have filed cases under IPC sections 360, 307, 324 and 302. We are national workers. If they are going to be under fire, how are they going to treat a common citizen? Is hitting someone with a slipper attempt to murder? Is there even a law for that? Under what law can you ban someone from flying? he asked.
Failure of the Kerala state police in nabbing the culprits involved in the murder of a Dalit law student in Perumbavoor was a major electoral issue ahead of Assembly polls in May last year. The case was used by the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) to mount a massive campaign against the then ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) government over women's safety in Kerala. It's also considered one of the key factors responsible for the LDF's handsome victory.

When, within 20 days of new chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan assuming office, the police held a 23-year-old migrant worker from Assam in connection with the highly politicised murder, it was described as the first feather in Vijayan's cap. The arrest raised hopes among women that the Vijayan government would restore Kerala's reputation as a safe place for them.

However, a sudden rise in crimes, especially against women and children, and the failure of the police in bringing the culprits to book, have dashed these hopes.

The LDF sought to explain the failures terming them part of the transition. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that lapses in policing were due to failure by a sizeable section of the force to come to come out of the UDF government mould. Describing them as teething troubles, the party secretary expressed hope that the LDF government would overcome them by making the required changes.

Accordingly, the government revamped the entire force and moved out police personnel who were considered pro-UDF from key positions. But no improvement in policing was noticed, even after these sweeping changes. On the contrary, the situation has turned worse, with the crime graph rising and glaring incidents of police inaction hitting the headlines in local media regularly. People started coming out openly against the police when inaction started resulting in crimes.

A grave case is the suicide of two sisters aged 13 and nine at Walayar in Palakkad district within a span of two months. The post-mortem report of the older girl showed that she was sexually assaulted.

Bhagyavathi, mother of the siblings, said that she had told the police about the sexual abuse of her elder daughter by a relative, but local cops had brushed aside her complaint. She believed that her second daughter would not have gone her elder sister's way if the police had acted on her complaint in a timely manner.

Another similar case is the suicide of a 10-year-old girl at Kundara in Kollam district following sexual abuse, allegedly by her grandfather. Though the post-mortem confirmed sexual harassment, the police sat over the report for more than three months. Only after the local public raised a hue and cry did the police act upon it and arrest the 62-year-old man responsible for the rape.

Vijayan admitted lapses in investigation in both cases and suspended officials responsible for the same. But even after this, there is no perceptible change in the approach of the police.

In Ernakulam, the police ignored a missing person complaint lodged by the parents of a chartered accountant student, leading to her death. The parents felt that the police could have prevented her death if they had made an attempt to trace her location based on her cell phone activity immediately after they lodged the complaint. But the official who received the complaint asked them to wait till the sub-inspector returned to the station the next day. Her body was recovered from a lake in Kochi the next evening.

Vijayan was also forced to admit a lapse in a moral policing incident in Kochi, where Shiv Sena activists attacked young couples in front of half a dozen police personnel. All six have been suspended.

These instances of police inaction have led to strong resentment not only against the police but also against Vijayan himself, who handles the home portfolio. The state-wide hartal called by the UDF and the BJP on Thursday to protest police action against the mother of an engineering student demanding arrest of the college officials responsible for the death of her son three months ago is the culmination of growing disenchantment against the handling of law and order by the chief minister.

Opposition parties have intensified their demand that Vijayan relinquish the home portfolio in the wake the incident. Leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala said that the incident was a clear indication that Vijayan had lost control over the police and asked him to give up the home department. "Mahija had staged protests seeking justice for her deceased son. The police have shown their cruelest face to the helpless woman. The chief minister should take responsibility for the inhuman action," he added.

BJP state president Kummanam Rajashekharan described police action against the mother of the engineering student Jishnu Pranoy as an "act of state sponsored terror". The unarmed woman was slapped, trampled upon and dragged by the police.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president MM Hassan said that the incident had reflected poorly on the chief minister who has failed miserably in handling the home portfolio.

Vijayan has justified the police saying that they were forced to resort to action after some outsiders intruded into protests led by Mahija. His party secretary said that the "outsiders" had intervened in the issue in order to foment trouble. The police have acted to prevent it, he said.

However, there is a growing feeling within the LDF that everything is not right in the home department. Though none of them have aired their opinion openly, many senior leaders have expressed fear in private that the police would malign the image of the government.

Former chief minister and Administrative Reforms Commission chairperson VS Achuthanandan telephoned director general of police Loknath Behera, and warned him against bringing disrepute to the government, which came to power with a promise to provide safety and security to all.

Left-leaning political analyst NM Pearson feels that a police raj is prevailing in the state. He told Firstpost that democratically elected governments have not been able to control the police, as they have been using the force for their political gains. "A senior CPM leader was recently appointed as private secretary to the chief minister, and promoted IPS officers appointed as police heads in most districts for running the party's writ in police. These police officers will have their loyalty to their godfathers, not the people," he said.

The politicalisation of the force had begun soon after the LDF assumed power. The chief minister sent a message by showing the door to TP Senkumar, who was considered and proved to be a clean and efficient officer.

Senkumar has challenged his unceremonious ouster in the Supreme Court, stating that he was removed from the top police post, as he had taken stern action in many cases related to political murders, including that of TP Chandrasekharan, Shukoor and Kadirur Manoj, in which CPM leaders and workers are involved.

Senkumar was removed from the post citing inaction in the Perumbavoor Jisha rape and murder case and the Puttingal temple fire mishap. While investigation in the temple fire case has not made much headway, serious lapses have been pointed out in the Jisha case by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Jacob Thomas, who was removed from the post of VACB director recently, had filed a report to chief secretary Nalini Netto indicating the possibility of involvement of more people in the case. He had expressed doubts that the court may find loopholes in the current chargesheet pinning the crime on arrested Ameer-Ul-Islam alone, rendering the case weak.

The state has also witnessed an increase in political murders following the exit of Senkumar. This has prompted the state BJP to approach the central government for central intervention in Kannur, where eight lives have been lost in political violence since LDF came to power in the state.

A section of the LDF feels that the removal of Senkumar was not a wise decision and have started gunning for the current chief. Vijayan is trying to silence them by mooting a plan to appoint an advisor in the home department. His aides have already started looking for retired police chiefs who can fit the bill. But how they can set right the mess remains to be seen.
Editor's Note: A few days after Yogi Adityanath took charge as the new chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and issued proclamations that his government would vigorously pursue and prosecute those "malfeasants" engaged in  variously  the running of illegal slaughterhouses, and harassing women on the streets, Firstpost asked Arpit Parashar to file ground reports documenting the doings of law enforcement forces deployed to shut meat shops, and apprehend "Romeos". This is the second in a multi-part series of stories Parashar sent us.

As the Yogi Adityanath government came to power in Uttar Pradesh and the crackdown on the illegal slaughterhouses and meat sellers began, a sense of quiet triumphalism prevailed in the offices and among the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The initial shock of a remarkable and unprecedented landslide victory had not yet subsided when, across districts of western UP there was a murmur doing the rounds: the Muslims will have it now. "Zarurat se zyada sar pe chadha rakha thha in logon ko (They have been given undue importance and gratitude)," says Ranjan Sharma, a BJP worker from Ghaziabad.

As the Yogi Adityanath cabinet was sworn in and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan of 'sabka saath, sabka vikaas' reverberated across lanes, streets, roads and highways it was clear that rioting or hooliganism will not be tolerated. To his credit, as the chief minister, Yogi Adityanath has passed instructions on those lines. While the BJP is panic-stricken and still strategising about the road ahead and paths to be taken and/or forsaken, workers on the ground are simply wishing to see the Muslims suffer. And it is evident in the streets.

While this might seem like a case of religious fanaticism in nature, reasons for the envy and resentment towards Muslims are shallow, not deep-rooted. It is a deadly concoction of politico-economic rivalry.

While Muslims have always been a strong voter-base in western Uttar Pradesh, they have transitioned in substantial numbers to the mainstream only in the post-liberalisation era. Most urban centres, like Meerut, Ghaziabad, Muzaffarnagar and even Moradabad were Hindu-dominated till two decades ago but with the rise in fortunes in the meat-selling business and an upswing in opportunities for the service industry, demographics have changed. Muslims are active players in the worker-class profession and have cashed in on traditional knowledge and hard labour, coupled with favourable political environment, in general.

As a result, most urban areas have seen a dominance of Muslims in the voter lists, disturbing the traditional routs of the Brahmin-Baniya combination which helped BJP through the decades, even when the Congress was in power in the country.

This rise in economic stability and political protection, which the BJP terms patronage and favouritism, is the underlying theme of discussion among the party workers nowadays.

"The Muslims will be under control now; they will be under the Hindus. No need for them to panic, but they should know and acknowledge that we are a Hindu country and culture," says Chirag Chaudhary, a BJP worker from the Sardhana constituency in Meerut, a BJP stronghold.

Sangeet Som, who is considered BJP chief Amit Shah's Man Friday in western Uttar Pradesh, represents Meerut in the present assembly and he did so in the last assembly as well. Som was found instigating Hindus to attack Muslims during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and was arrested only to be released later on bail. He won this time too from his seat, although the Samajwadi Party candidate Atul Pradhan gave him a good fight and was defeated only due to the votes that swung towards the BSP.

Political considerations notwithstanding, the workers are rooting for economic retribution, which entails dangerous consequences for the Muslims in the state. "These people have made money by selling cow and buffalo meat but we dont want to let it go on." Even though cow slaughter has been banned in Uttar Pradesh for decades, and only buffalo is allowed to be slaughtered, procured and sold, most of which is exported, the call from among the party workers is for a total ban on meat products sold by Muslims. Work on establishing this state of satisfaction in lieu of poverty for the Muslims is in full swing.

In almost every BJP office in the districts of western Uttar Pradesh, dedicated teams have been constituted to keep track of every meat shop in the region and to file complaints against them on one account or the other. In most cases, it is the local leaders who solve the problems for them by calling in the police and complaining that the 'rules' were not being followed by the meat shop owners. Beef is not sold in any city market in the districts. It is still sold in the outskirts and among villagers, who are the primary purchasers since it is the cheapest meat. The modus operandi is to complain on rules and regulations which are almost never followed and implemented by the book.

Officials, especially the police, have no option but to examine all paper work regarding the meat shops against whom the complaints are filed. They, too, are in a fix nowadays, since they have never bothered to read the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions of 2015 and other related rules. In some cases, they have beaten up residents from the areas where the meat shops were being run. "When we asked them if they had a warrant or if there was even a complaint, they said they do not need complaints anymore. There is no beef sold here and all shop owners have licenses. Yet, the officials have regularly been harassing us, which is why the strike (by meat shop owners of Uttar Pradesh) was called in the first place," said Hanif Qureshi, a resident of Patharwalon Ka Mohalla in old Meerut city, who owns a shop that sells chicken and mutton.

The experiences have been particularly bad for people from areas in these districts where beef, which is buffalo meat and not cow meat, is commonly sold or served at the local eateries, whether on roadside stalls, hotels or dhabas. Many of the local labourers and people who work in various labour-intensive factories depend on these hotels for their daily meals but shutting down these places have delivered a blow to them.

In many cases, like at the Loha Mandi in Ghaziabad, where recently those who expected a hotel to be open so that they could have lunch, launched into an impromptu sloganeering when police officials were seen inspecting papers; the inspection went on for many hours. "It was just to tell us that we would go back hungry and that the hotels would not be allowed to open that day, or anytime soon. This is like depriving us of our basic food," says Kashif Khan, a resident of Vijay Nagar in Ghaziabad who regularly visits Loha Mandi area for lunch till the shutters were downed.

Hearing a case on delay in issuing license for a meat shop, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on 3 April said that food and trade in foodstuff is constitutionally guaranteed under the right to live. The bench comprising of Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi and Justice Sanjai Harkauli said, "To provide an immediate check on unlawful activity should be simultaneous with facilitating the carrying of lawful activity, particularly that relating to food, food habits and vending thereof that is undisputedly connected with the right to life and livelihood." In context of the complete ban on sale of meat products in the state, the bench also said that it is the states duty to ensure the provision of sale of food conducive to health.

While the government counsel pleaded that the state government was acting to implement the rules set by the NGT and the Supreme Court through its orders, the justices said that the government inaction should not be a shield for imposing a state of almost prohibition. The court also criticised the crackdown immediately after the BJP government was sworn in.

The BJP cadres are in no mood to let go of the aggression with which they have been targetting the meat sellers. And the officials in Yogi raj will have to play by their book in the near future; unless the perverted urge for retribution, which has started to reek of blatant communalism, is reined in soon.

Read the first story of the series here: Yogi Adityanath govt taking political advantage of negligent local authorities
Bangladesh is India's most vital and empathetic neighbour and this is symbolized in the decision by Dhaka to posthumously honor 1,661 Indian soldiers for their contribution and sacrifice in the blood-soaked birth of its nation in December 1971. This rare honor by a visiting leader will be conferred by the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit to New Delhi from 8-10 April.

I would make the case that this summit level visit is the most critical for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a number of reasons that have a historical resonance as Delhi prepares for the 70th anniversary of India's independence and the bloody partition of the subcontinent in August.

The Hasina visit would also be the first summit-level meeting for Modi after the spectacular electoral victory that he single-handedly delivered to the BJP, particularly in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh

The high-octane triumph of Hindu majoritarianism was also reflected in the manner that the chief minister of UP was chosen and it will be instructive for India's external interlocutors to monitor how electoral triumphalism will play out in foreign policy.

The run-up to the 70th anniversary of August 1947 is embedded in a manner in which India's two principal neighbours  Pakistan and Bangladesh  relate to the historical narrative. While Pakistan observes 23 March, 1940 as the day of the Lahore resolution that envisioned a nation based exclusively on religion  in this case, the Islamic faith  the very birth of Bangladesh in 1971 and its trajectory of the last 45 years negates the two-nation theory that led to the partition of August 1947. The Pakistan Army is yet to accept the mea culpa of having killed almost three million of its own citizens during 1970-71 in the most tragic yet forgotten chapters of 20th-century history.

Bangladesh, under Prime Minister Hasina, has adopted 25 March as Genocide Day and will urge the United Nations to declare this day as World Genocide Day. What is relevant is the profile and orientation of Pakistan and Bangladesh  the former slipping further into religious bigotry and sectarian violence even as Hasina has steered her relatively young nation towards enviable progress and tolerance within the extended Islamic world.

It may be recalled that even before he assumed office as prime minister, Modi had embarked on innovative diplomacy and invited all the regional leaders for his swearing-in ceremony in May 2014. There was considerable optimism that India's neighbourhood policy would be one of amity and tangible cooperation but, barring Bangladesh, there is little that can be held up as a triumph or breakthrough for the Modi-led foreign policy.

Dhaka is the exception. An objective review would indicate that while Pakistan remains India's most visible and intractable security and strategic challenge; and China the more abiding and complex, it is Bangladesh that represents the neighbour with whom India can demonstrate its positive intent and showcase the incentive for investing in the long-term cooperative endeavor.

Like most major Muslim nations, Bangladesh (population 164 million) is also grappling with the post 9/11 Islamist fervor and its more virulent Wahhabi-Salafi variant. India's worst-case security scenario would be a neighbourhood on its eastern flank that corresponds with the Pakistan-Afghanistan violence and Islamist ideology.

Hasina has demonstrated commendable political courage and conviction in her commitment to the secular principle and one may conjecture that she is determined that her nation should not go down the Pakistan path. Yet there are deeply entrenched forces of obscurantism and religious bigotry and the more recent killing of liberals in the name of Islam is illustrative.

Hasina is seeking to maximise her nation's foreign policy options and here, the relationship with China is distinctive  both for Bangladesh and India. While it is evident that the Sino-Pak relationship is unlikely to alter its core anti-India orientation, the China-Bangladesh relationship should not be allowed to acquire an adversarial or prickly texture vis-a-vis India. This will be the critical challenge for Modi when he receives Hasina.

Beijing has already acquired a substantive footprint as a major military supplier in the Indian neighbourhood and Chinese built submarines in the Bangladesh navy is a tactical reality that India will have to factor in. But the deeper challenge for India is to nurture the Bay of Bengal region into a domain where India and its neighbours can cooperate and if Beijing wishes to be part of this sub-regional effort then Modi should make some bold and innovative investments.

The most viable option is to resurrect the dormant BIMSTEC initiative that brings together Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand and impart traction into this sub-regional entity. Modi has outlined his vision of SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) in the past and this came up at the BRICS (Brazil, India, China, Russia, South Africa) Summit in Goa last October where Hasina was a special invitee.

The 8 April summit is an opportune moment for India and Bangladesh to bilaterally implement many of the suggestions that are already in the pipeline and identify the low-hanging fruit. My personal wish-list would be to prioritizes the connectivity from the Indian east coast (Odisha/Andhra) through Bangladesh ports to Agartala in the Indian northeast and beyond. The Hasina-Modi vision could also enable Dhaka to outline a common sub-regional blueprint that will maximize the collective advantages that can accrue from investing in the 'Blue Economy'  that related to the ocean.
European Union president Donald Tusk will meet British prime minister Theresa May in London later on Thursday, his office announced, as the two sides prepare for tough Brexit talks.

The visit was listed on an updated weekly schedule for Tusk and gave no reason for it nor details of what he would discuss with May.

An EU source said separately that the visit forms part of the regular contacts Tusk and May agreed last week should take place during the negotiation process.

"May and Tusk agreed during their phone call on 28 March to establish a regular contact at the highest political level to create a channel for facilitating the Brexit process outside the day-to-day talks," the source said.

"The meeting is not part of the negotiations".

The announcement comes after the European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted tough "red lines" for the Brexit negotiations, saying the divorce terms must be agreed first before any talk of a new trade deal.

The parliament largely followed Tusk's own draft guidelines issued last week after May formally triggered the historic Brexit process.

The EU source said the meeting with May in London "will be a first opportunity for Tusk to explain his draft Brexit guidelines to be adopted on 29 April (by the remaining member states) as well as to discuss the next steps."

May has pressed hard for the divorce and trade deal talks to proceed in tandem but Brussels has repeatedly rebuffed her demands.

The 27 European Union states are due to sign off on Tusk's guidelines at a summit on April 29, paving the way for formal negotiations to begin at the end of May.

The EU wants a draft deal by October 2018 so that national leaders will have time to approve it before ratification by the European Parliament, most likely in early 2019.
Beijing: China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, the Chinese official media said on Thursday.

Two English newspapers  China Daily and Global Times  have launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh  which China claims as part of Southern Tibet  is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in

the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

"New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but

the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said.

"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in an editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," it said.

"Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks," it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

The aggressive editorials came after China on Wednesday lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's junior home minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?" the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.

"With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?" it said.

"China considers India as a friendly neighbour and partner. China has never provoked bilateral disputes or made any pressing demand on India over the Dalai Lama. New Delhi should respond to Beijing's goodwill with goodwill," it said.

"The Dalai question became one of the problems that upset the Sino-India relationship," it said.

"When India emphasises the relationship with China, it would place a tight control on the Dalai. When it has a grudge against China, it may prompt the Dalai to play certain tricks as a signal sent to China," it said.

Stating that India is dissatisfied with China over the NSG and Azhar issues, it said some Indians also called for the boycott of Chinese goods.

"The Dalai's visit to Arunachal Pradesh this time is seen as New Delhi using the monk as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on China," it said.

"But this is a clumsy and rude move. The Dalai is a highly-politicised symbol in China's diplomacy. For any country, its attitude toward the Dalai Lama almost affects the

entire relationship with China," Global Times said, adding that the western countries "fully recognised" this and were "extremely prudent" in using him as a "diplomatic card".

"When the Dalai travels to the capital of a Western country, who will meet him, when and where would be carefully weighed," it said.

"Before this trip, the Dalai Lama was received by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in December. At a time when the Dalai has been given a cold shoulder in many places of the world, New Delhi is bucking the trend and treating him as a favourite," it said.

"It is worth mentioning that India is dissatisfied with China mainly in the international multilateral field," it said, adding that China too suffered "setbacks when applying

for the membership of international organisations".

"China's proposal to blacklist some terrorist group had also been refused. However, as dissatisfied as China was, it didn't make an issue of them," it said.
China's overreaction on Dalai Lama's Tawang visit is indicative of a strategic insecurity it still suffers from despite projecting itself as the great economic, continental and maritime hegemony on the cusp of replacing America as the next global superpower. The seeds of this insecurity lie in the fact that while as the world's second-largest economy it seeks to adopt the mantle of global leadership and fashions itself as the new champion of free trade, China has been unable to shake off its image as a hostile, outlier nation whose foreign policy is rooted in the dualism of bullying or patronage and economic policy is guided by blatant mercantilism.

Consider the two issues China grapples with due to this problem of perception. One, its repeated refusal to respect the World Trade Organisation architecture and frequent flouting of market rules that govern the global trading system has given rise to huge trade imbalance and resentment among its trading partners. US President Donald Trump made China's flouting of norms his core election plank and evidently profited from it. Trade imbalance is expected to corner a huge degree of attention as Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping sit across the table in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

Second, and this has direct relevance to the recent fracas between India and China over Dalai Lama's visit, Beijing has shown a marked inability to develop friendly relationship with nations even as it seeks to rapidly translate its considerable economic prowess into hard military and political power.

China has never lent itself to international alliances, coalitions or treaty-based relationships, preferring instead to plough a lonely furrow guided by an ambition to restore its 'Middle Kingdom' glory. While seeking to do so, under President Xi Jinping, it has emerged as a revisionist power seeking to rewrite global order by blatant imperialism. Its propagation of a so-called Nine Dash Line in defiance of The Hague Tribunal ruling and aggressive reclamation programme over South China Sea littoral, for instance, point to the scant regard it has for international rules-based system.

There is obviously a commercial and strategic angle to China's misadventures in the South China Sea. Its neighbours such as Philippines fear that China will restrict navigation and secure for itself exclusive rights for oil exploration and fishing. The US feels that China is altering the topography because it seeks to shore up its naval, air and missile systems. However, these are incidental to a larger Chinese design of establishing its supremacy over south-east Asia.

As Malcolm Davis writes in The Strategist, "This dispute (over the South China Sea) is one aspect of a broader Chinese ambition towards rejuvenation under a China Dream and restoration to middle kingdom status that would see its neighbours in Southeast Asia relegated to tributary powers. That new Chinese hegemony would challenge US strategic primacy in Asia. The crisis feeds into a Chinese narrative of a Century of Humiliation promoted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to sustain its political legitimacy."

It is inevitable that China will exert its geopolitical influence over South Asia as it climbs up the ranks of global power. But the problem lies in the fact that its rise has been abrasive and impatient, not peaceful. Its penchant for flouting international laws have driven its neighbours into deep anxiety. For instance, it brashly dismissed the jurisdiction of the Hague Tribunal when the ruling over the South China Sea went against it and opened up maritime disputes against a host of nations including Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia and Taiwan, all of whom claim parts of the South China Sea.

Not only has it rejected the global rules-based order, it has been placing more faith in coercive and/or debt-trap diplomacy while negotiating with neighbours instead of taking a persuasive approach by highlighting and mitigating areas of mutual benefits and concerns. These strategies have predictably triggered a pushback from neighbours  including India. Based on individual threat perceptions, the nations have responded by promoting greater mutual economic ties and have struck (or attempted to strike) military-strategic rebalanced to counter Chinese adventurism.

Barack Obama's Asia Pivot may have been a non-starter but many of these nations, threatened by the scale and rapidity of China's ambition, have quietly been synergizing their areas of mutual interests. India, Japan and Australia, for instance, have seen the benefit of a greater strategic cooperation that will certainly be aimed at (but not limited to) counterbalancing China.

As Council for Foreign Relations fellow Alyssa Ayres recently noted on this subject, "As Japan and India look to further harmonise their respective strategic visionswitness the coming together last November of Modis Act East policy and Abes Free and Open Indo-Pacific StrategyAustralia-India cooperation has also been expanding. Following the elevation of the relationship to a strategic partnership in 2009, bilateral maritime dialogues and exercises have followed, and a civil nuclear cooperation agreement has now entered into force. The two countries have also agreed to hold a 2+2 meeting with their defense and foreign secretaries."

This is where lies the germination of Chinese insecurity as it notes with increasing concern the coming together of nations against its imperialist designs. Its state-controlled media, which China uses to deliver messages it prefers not to through official channels, stopped just short of declaring war against India. "If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence? With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?"

No matter the level of real or perceived provocation, it doesn't behove a 'great power' to appear as unhinged in rage as China has been over an octogenarian spiritual leader's visit to meet his followers. China must grow up and show a greater degree of maturity that suits its status as the global superpower-in-waiting.
Beijing: China said on Thursday that it has lodged protests with India both in Beijing and New Delhi over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and accused it of "fuelling tensions" by allowing the Tibetan spiritual leader in the "disputed areas".

"I can confirm (that) China has lodged protest in Beijing and Delhi," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

The protest was lodged in Beijing with Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale. In Delhi, the protest was lodged with the competent officials of the External Affairs Ministry, Hua said.

Asked whether Beijing views India's permission to the 81-year-old Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the 'One China' policy, Hua said, "I want to re-emphasise that on issues concerning China's major concern and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, China's position is consistent."

"By inviting and approving (the) Dalai Lama to (visit) disputed areas between China and India, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship and it has fuelled tensions," she said.

"We oppose the visit to relevant areas and oppose attempts by relevant countries to arrange a platform for (the) Dalai (Lama) to conduct anti-China activities. We urge relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining Chinese interests," she said.

Asked about assertions in the Chinese media that India's move was aimed at pressuring Beijing over the issues relating to China blocking India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid, Hua said, "China will not make any assumptions on India's intentions."

She said the Dalai Lama's visit has caused damage to India-China relations.

"We hope the two sides can continue to follow principle of mutual respect for each other's core interests and major concerns and we should do more things that can strengthen mutual political trust and promote the overall interests of China-India relations," she said.

On India's NSG bid, Hua said this issue should be resolved by all the 48 members of the group.

"We should achieve a solution that applies indiscriminately to all non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty countries through consultation and discussion," she said.

Meanwhile, the official media here said that China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Two English newspapers  China Daily and Global Times  launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh  which China claims as part of Southern Tibet  is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the NSG and the UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

"New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said.

"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in the editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," the editorial said.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

The aggressive editorials came after China yesterday lodged a protest over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.
By James Pearson and Ju-min Park

| SEOUL

SEOUL As the leaders of China and the United States sit down for a summit on Thursday, North Korea has made sure it also has something on the negotiating table: A nuclear-tipped bargaining chip.North Korea launched a projectile on Wednesday, which U.S. officials said appeared to be a liquid-fuelled, extended-range Scud missile that only travelled a fraction of its range before spinning out of control and crashing into the sea. The launch was North Korea's latest in a long series of missile and nuclear tests that have accelerated in their variation and intensity over the last two years. And now, experts agree, North Korea is closing in on the ability to hit the United States with a missile, a goal that for decades has been the subject of Pyongyang's vivid propaganda posters. "They've been able to put a nuke on a missile for a while now," said Jeffrey Lewis of the California-based Middlebury Institute of International Studies."The stated purpose of the last test was to validate the nuclear weapon design that would arm all of North Korea's missiles," Lewis said of North Korea's September 2016 nuclear test - its fifth and largest to date.Since then, North Korea has further ramped up its tests and rhetoric, emphasising a consistent message: To create a nuclear device small enough to mount on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and fire it at the United States.

"If we push the button, the bombs will be fired and reduce the U.S. to ashes," an editorial in the ruling Workers' Party newspaper the Rodong Sinmun said on Wednesday. North Korea now has the strength to "wipe out" the United States "in a moment" with an H-bomb, the editorial said."This is again our warning".BARGAINING CHIP

From last year, North Korea took the rare step of publicising images of its missile equipment tests, convincing analysts that Pyongyang's banned programme was further along toward successfully testing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) than first thought. "The first few tests might fail, but that's not good news because they'll learn," said Lewis. "How long it takes to make it work is anyone's guess. Maybe a couple of years, maybe the first time". North Korea has been pursuing its nuclear and missile programs at an unprecedented pace since last year, with an aim to expand its deterrence against Washington and diversify its line-up of nuclear-equipped missiles, another expert said. (See FACTBOX)"They have been doing so many test launches last year and this year to develop systems to transport nuclear warheads," said Kim Dong-yub, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul.

"The whole thing is about expanding their deterrence and continuing to keep upgrading their missiles to deliver nuclear warheads," said Kim.It was not clear if Wednesday's launch was deliberately timed to coincide with Thursday's summit between China's President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, where North Korea is expected to be a prime topic of discussions. Some experts think North Korea has tried to make sure the two world leaders are aware Pyongyang has a bargaining chip in any forthcoming moves to clam down on its weapons programmes.Cheong Seong-chang, a senior research fellow at Sejong Institute outside Seoul, said that could come in the form of another nuclear or ICBM test after the summit. Perhaps first with a low-level show of force - enough not to upset China - followed by a period of intensified weapons testing."Then, next month when a new (South Korean) government gets under way, North Korea is expected to try to turn the situation around into a phase of appeasement and, use its moratorium of nuclear and ballistic missile tests to find middle ground with South Korea and the United States," Cheong said.This year, North Korea officials, including young leader Kim Jong Un, have repeatedly indicated an ICBM test, or something similar, could be coming, possibly as soon as April 15, the 105th birthday of North Korea's founding president and celebrated annually as "the Day of the Sun". (Editing by Bill Tarrant)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Now taking on an official unpaid role in the administration, Ivanka Trump has come under increased scrutiny. So far she has focused on policies relating to women and workforce development, but she has drawn criticism for avoiding public comment on her father's travel ban, border wall, proposed budget cuts or rollback of environmental regulations. Ivanka, a 35-year-old mother of three, previously held executive roles at the Trump Organisation and ran her self-named lifestyle brand, which offers clothing and jewellery. She relinquished those positions to come to Washington, although she retains ownership of her brand.

That view was captured in a Saturday Night Live send-up that featured her in an advertisement for a perfume called "Complicit".

But in an interview Tuesday with CBS News, Ivanka argued, "I would say not to conflate lack of public denouncement with silence."

She added, "If being complicit ... is wanting to be a force for good and to make a positive impact, then I'm complicit."

CBS released excerpts of the interview Tuesday night. The full interview is set to air Wednesday on CBS This Morning.

Responding to this, Merriam-Webster's twitter handle sent out a subtle dig at Ivanka's lack of knowledge of the word complicit but tagging a link to the dictionary definition.

'Complicit' is trending after Ivanka Trump told CBS "I dont know what it means to be complicit." https://t.co/qE6UcB8pUz  Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) April 4, 2017

This is not the first time that the dictionary's twitter handle has thrown shade at the Trump administration. When Jared Kushner was appointed in a senior role in the Trump administration, Merriam-Webster put out a story titled: "Jared Kushner's Appointment Caused a Spike in Searches for 'Nepotism'". The website also clarified what dossier meant, after news reports of Trump's alleged links to Russia were coming out.

'Dossier' means a file containing detailed records on a particular person or subject. https://t.co/Vyyc3GPkJ9  Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) February 11, 2017

The tweet links to story about Trump's alleged ties to Russia and how the news had caused a spike in the search for the word dossier.

In February, when Kellyanne Conway said that she wasn't a feminist in the "classic sense", Merriam Webster intervened again with a tweet:

'Feminism' is defined as "the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities." https://t.co/Zjf7CAPUjL  Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) February 23, 2017

In another instance, when Conway had used the term, 'alternative facts' while defending Trump's statements about the crowd at his inauguration, Merriam-Webster tweeted:

A fact is a piece of information presented as having objective reality. https://t.co/gCKRZZm23c  Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) January 22, 2017

*whispers into the void* In contemporary use, fact is understood to refer to something with actual existence. https://t.co/gCKRZZm23c  Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) January 24, 2017

During the lead up to the 2016 US Election, just after Donald Trump had used the infamous 'bad hombres', the dictionary's twitter handle put up this tweet:

We're seeing a spike for both 'ombre' and 'hombre'. Not the same thing. https://t.co/O2o9C3gTja #debatenight  Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) October 20, 2016

Merriam-Webster has been indulging in this unique politically laced trolling of the Trump administration and has gathered quite an applause on social media. Remember when Trump tweeted the wrong spelling of unprecedented as 'unpresidented' and quickly deleted it? Merriam-Webster's Twitter account didn't let him go easy:

Notice the link in the tweet is to the word: "Huh?"

With inputs from AP
By Guy Faulconbridge

| LONDON

LONDON Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi said ethnic cleansing was too strong a term to describe what was happening in the Muslim-majority Rakhine region, the BBC reported on Wednesday."I don't think there is ethnic cleaning going on," Suu Kyi told the BBC in an interview when asked if she would be remembered as the Nobel Peace Prize winner who ignored ethnic cleansing in her own country."I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening," said Suu Kyi who is facing international criticism for her government's handling of a crisis in the Muslim-majority Rakhine region.

Attacks on Myanmar border guard posts in October last year by a previously unknown insurgent group ignited the biggest crisis of Suu Kyi's year in power, with more than 75,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh in the ensuing army crackdown.A United Nations report issued earlier this year said Myanmar's security forces had committed mass killings and gang rapes against Rohingya during their campaign against the insurgents, which may amount to crimes against humanity.

The military has denied the accusations, saying it was engaged in a legitimate counterinsurgency operation."What we are trying to go for is reconciliation not condemnation," Suu Kyi told the BBC. "It is Muslims killing Muslims as well."

When asked by the BBC whether perceptions of her as an amalgam of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa of Calcutta were incorrect as she was more similar to former British leader Margaret Thatcher, she said: "Well no. I am just a politician. I am not quite like Margaret Thatcher, no. But on the other hand, I am no Mother Teresa either." (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Richard Chang and Sandra Maler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
ROME Italy's Coast Guard and humanitarian ships rescued 1,350 migrants in 12 separate operations in the Mediterranean on Thursday and one person was found dead.The migrants were all found in an area some 25 km (16 miles) north of the Libyan coast, They travelling on a larger boat, five dinghies and 6 smaller vessels, a Coast Guard spokesperson told Reuters.

The body of a dead person was found on one of the dinghies, a statement said.

Search and rescue operations were carried out by the Coast Guard and two boats operated by NGOs Sea Watch and Proactiva Open Arms, it added.

The Coast Guard spokesman said operations were still being carried out and there were still no details regarding where the migrants would be sent. Italy has become the main arrival point in Europe for people fleeing persecution and poverty in Africa, most of them crossing the Mediterranean from Libya. Overall, 181,000 migrants reached Italy in 2016, about half of the total who arrived in the European Union by sea. (Reporting by Giulia Segreti Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday he plans to visit an island the Philippines claims in the disputed South China Sea and raise the Philippine flag.

Duterte told reporters he would also fortify the island of Thitu with barracks.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where about $5 trillion worth of seaborne goods pass every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also have claims.

Duterte said he plans to visit Thitu on Independence Day in June.

Thitu is close to Subi Reef, one of seven manmade islands in the Spratlys that China is accused of militarising with surface-to-air missiles, among other armaments.

Recently, China's defence ministry had said that there was "no such thing" as man-made islands in the disputed South China Sea, reiterating that any building work there was mainly for civilian purposes.

China, which claims most of the resource-rich region, has carried out land reclamation and construction on several islands in the Spratly archipelago, parts of which are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The South China Sea is generally stable at present, but some countries outside the region are anxious about this and want to hype things up and create tensions, China said, using terminology that normally refers to the United States.
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday that he has ordered the military to occupy and fortify all Philippine-held islands in the disputed South China Sea to assert the country's claims amid what he says is a race to control territory in the area.

"We tried to be friends with everybody but we have to maintain our jurisdiction now, at least the areas under our control," he said during a visit to a military camp in western Palawan province.

Duterte said he has ordered the armed forces to occupy and place Philippine flags on all islands, reefs and shoals controlled by the Philippines.

"There are about nine or ten islands there, we have to fortify," he said. "I must build bunkers there or houses and provisions for habitation."

It was unclear how Duterte's order can be executed. Some of the tiny reefs and outcrops would need expensive and logistically difficult reclamation work before structures could be built on them.

"The president wants facilities built such as barracks for the men, water (desalination) and sewage disposal systems, power generators (conventional and renewable), lighthouses, and shelters for fishermen," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

Duterte said he may visit one of the islands, Pag-asa, to raise the Philippine flag on Independence Day. He said money has been budgeted to repair the runway on Pag-asa, home to a small fishing community and Filipino troops.

Since taking office in June, Duterte has worked to mend ties with China that were strained under his predecessor over the territorial disputes.

An impeachment complaint has been filed against him that cites, among other things, his alleged failure to protest China's territorial expansion in the South China Sea.

Rival claimants, including the Philippines and Vietnam, have expressed alarm over Beijing's building of artificial islands in the disputed region.

"It looks like there's a race to grab islands," Duterte said. "What is ours now, we should get and make a strong point that it is ours."

He said he will rename Benham Rise  a potentially resource-rich undersea region off the country's northeast coast  the Philippine Ridge.

Benham Rise is on the opposite side of the Philippines from the area at dispute in the South China Sea. The UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf confirmed in 2012 that Benham Rise is part of the extended continental shelf of the Philippines.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said that Chinese survey ships were seen crisscrossing the Benham Rise area last year.
Just days after US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley suggested that the Donald Trump administration would be interested to mediate in the seven-decade long Kashmir conflict, the United States on Tuesday seemed to have returned to its previous stance of non-interference as it asked India and Pakistan to resolve the issue through "direct dialogue".

We encourage India and Pakistan to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions, Hindustan Times quoted a US state department spokesperson as saying.

According to the report, closer ties between the two countries would help strengthen regional economic co-operation between India and Pakistan.

The latest statement comes in the backdrop of Haley's surprise offer to help resolve the bilateral quagmire in Jammu and Kashmir.

"This administration is concerned about the relationship between India and Pakistan and very much wants to see how we de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward," Haley, who holds a cabinet rank in the Trump administration had said on Monday.

"I would expect that the administration is going to be in talks and try and find its place to be part of that (process)."

She also added, "And also wouldn't be surprised if the president participates as well."

However, India, which has been steadfastly against any third-party intervention in the Kashmir dispute snubbed the offer but asked the international community to enforce strict mechanisms to stop terror emanating from Pakistan.

It is to be noted that during his campaign in 2016, Trump had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan but was careful to add that it was only if the two nations wanted him to.

"If it was necessary, I would do that. If we could get India and Pakistan getting along, I would be honoured to do that. That would be a tremendous achievement... I think if they wanted me to, I would love to be the mediator or arbitrator," Trump had said in the interview in October 2016.

Back then, Pakistan had welcomed Donald Trump's offer to mediate in the Kashmir dispute.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria had said, "Pakistan desires a close relationship with the US, and wishes to further strengthen it".

With inputs from agencies
Singapore: An Indian imam is set to be repatriated from Singapore after he made offensive remarks against Jews and Christians during a sermon.

Imam Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel, 46 was handed a nearly $3,000 fine on Monday after he pleaded guilty to a charge of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race.

The Imam had last week apologised in front of Christian, Sikh, Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu representatives as well as members of the Federation of Indian Muslims, saying that he was "filled with great remorse" for the inconvenience, tension and trauma caused by his remarks.

Nalla on Wednesday met Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam who told the Imam that he appreciated the sincerity of the his apology.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement on 3 April that the imam will be repatriated.

The Imam will return home today under repatriation order, The Straits Times reported.

Yesterday, the imam said he fully understood and accepted the decision to prosecute him and the episode was a "priceless lesson" to him.

He said he was reassured that the charge against him "was not one out of witch hunt, but solely to preserve the sanctity of interfaith harmony".

"This is what I am bringing with me back to India," he said.

"This is the one thing I will not forget, and we all must not take for granted," The Straits Times quoted Nalla as saying.
US President Donald Trump removed chief strategist Steve Bannon from the National Security Council on Wednesday, reversing a controversial earlier decision to give Bannon access to high-level meetings.

The development came to light when a new memorandum about the council's composition was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday. The memo no longer listed the chief strategist as a member of the Principals Committee, a group of high-ranking officials who meet to discuss pressing national security priorities.

Following his removal, there's been a reshuffle in the NSC constitution. The biggest name added to the council is Rick Perry, energy secretary. His nomination to the top security body gains significance as his department is also responsible for the nuclear stockpile of the United States.

Here is all you need to know about the newest member of the National Security Council.

Early life:

His website, rickperry.org chronicles his early life. Born on 4 March, 1950, Perry is the son of tenant farmers in the tiny West Texas town of Paint Creek. The younger of the two children of Ray and Amelia Perry, he was active in scouting and earned distinction as an Eagle Scout.

Academic life:

Perry was the first in his family to earn a college degree. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1972 with a degree in animal science.

Military service:

The website states that Perry served in the US Air Force between 1972 and 1977, flying C-130 tactical airlift aircraft in Europe and the Middle East.

Political career:

Perry began his political career with the Democrats. He was elected to Texas House of Representatives in 1985 and continued to be a member of the party till 1989. That year, he shifted his loyalties to the Republican Party.

In 1991, he was chosen as the commissioner of the Texas Agriculture Department, continuing to hold the position until 1999, when he became the Lieutenant Governor of the border state.

Texas governor:

Perry is the longest serving Governor of the Southern state of Texas. Perry became the Governor in December 2000 after his predeccessor George W Bush became the US president. He continued to be the governor till January 2015.

Presidential ambitions:

Perry has taken a shot at the top job twice, once during the run-up to the 2012 polls, when he ultimately ended up supporting Newt Gingrich, and in 2015, when he backed out early and supported Ted Cruz, a fellow Texan.

Controversies:

Perry was indicted by a grand jury on charges of coercing a public servant to resign. However, he pled not guilty in the case. However, he got a major relief from Texas' court of appeals in 2016 after it dropped charges of felony against him.

Secretary of energy:

Perry was nominated by president-elect Donald Trump to be the 14th energy secretary in December 2016. He was confirmed by the senate on 2 March, 2017, with a 62-37 vote.

With inputs from agencies
Moscow: The Kremlin says differences with Washington over the use of chemical weapons in Syria are unlikely to worsen US-Russia relations.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned the West on Thursday against rushing to blame Syrian President Bashar Assad for the attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in northern Syria.

He says the West lacks objective evidence against Assad, and materials presented by Syrian activist White Helmets first-responder team cannot serve as a proof.

Peskov says that Russia believes "that the use of chemical weapons is absolutely inadmissible." He added that the Syrian army must act to "prevent any chemical agents that can be used as weapons from falling into the terrorists' hands."

The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that residents of Khan Sheikhoun have been exposed to chemicals contained in rebels' chemical arsenal struck in a Syrian air raid.
A Taliban suicide bomber struck a vehicle carrying census workers in eastern Pakistan on Wednesday, killing two data collectors and four soldiers who were escorting them, officials said.

The attack took place on the outskirts of Lahore, said Malik Ahmad Khan, the provincial government spokesman. A local police official, Mohammad Afzal, said that 15 other people were wounded in the blast, which damaged nearby shops.

Mohammad Khurasani, a spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the group sought to target Pakistan's "impure army," which he called a "slave of America." The militant group's chief, Mullah Fazlullah, who is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan, ordered the attack, the spokesman said.

Elsewhere in Pakistan, two gunmen shot and killed a former Pakistani army colonel in the southern city of Karachi, said police official Rao Rafiq. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a Pakistani group linked to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility in a text message sent to an Associated Press reporter.

Since Pakistan threw its support behind the United States in its war against terror in 2001, militant groups have killed thousands of people in a bid to overthrow the government and install their own harsh interpretation of Islamic law.

According to a report on Geo TV, two vans and a motorcycle were damaged in the blast, which took place at 7.15 am. The report also added that a van and another vehicle was set ablaze after the blast.

Pakistan's military has carried out scores of operations, killing thousands of suspected militants.

Pakistan Army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, paid tribute to the victims of Wednesday's attack and said the census would be completed at any cost.

Rana Sanaullah, a Cabinet member in the Punjab government, said such attacks are being planned and executed by militants in Afghanistan  an often repeated claim by Islamabad.

Kabul denies it is sheltering any militant groups, but various extremist factions launch attacks on both countries across the porous border.

Pakistan launched the national census last month, the country's first in 19 years.

Tens of thousands of data collectors, supported by 200,000 Pakistani soldiers, go door-to-door for the project, which is to be finished by 15 May. However, societal conservatism and a lack of women census takers could result in Pakistan's female population being under-represented.

The Punjab provincial government has condemned the attack and ordered a report on the blast.

. @CMShehbaz has strongly condemned the blast at Bedian Road.  Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) April 5, 2017

.@CMShehbaz . @CMShehbaz has extended sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families.  Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) April 5, 2017

.@CMShehbaz . @CMShehbaz has sought report of the blast at Bedian road.  Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) April 5, 2017

Lahore had been on a security high alert for a while.

On 23 February, a blast in an upscale area in Lahore killed eight people and injured 30 people.

With inputs from agencies


By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Patpicha Tanakasempipat

| BANGKOK

BANGKOK Thailand's king signed a military-backed constitution into law on Thursday, an essential step towards an election the junta has promised will restore democracy after the 12th successful coup in little over 80 years.The new constitution is the Southeast Asian country's 20th since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 and critics say it will still give the generals a powerful say over Thai politics for years, if not decades.King Maha Vajiralongkorn's power was also reinforced by recent changes made at the palace's request to the draft constitution approved in a referendum last August, analysts said."May the Thai people be united in following and protecting the constitution to maintain democracy and their sovereignty," an officer with the Royal Scribes Bureau said at the glittering palace ceremony. He spoke on behalf of the king, a former army officer who signed the constitution in dress uniform.Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who took power in the 2014 coup, said Thailand was now on course to an election within the 19 months set by the constitution - although because a number of steps are involved, he cannot set an exact date."Once a new government is formed, this government will hand over its duties and cease its term," he said on state television. The army initially promised an election in 2015, after seizing power from a government run by Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist leader ousted in 2006. The army said the coup was to end political turmoil.

Thailand's main political division remains between a Bangkok-based, strongly royalist and pro-army elite and poorer supporters of the Shinawatras' movement, particularly from the rural north and northeast.ELECTION CLOSER

Ousted Prime Minister Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party said it was more optimistic about election prospects after the king endorsed the constitution."With the constitution in place, an election seems more a reality," Chavalit Vichayasuthi, its acting deputy secretary-general, told Reuters.

The government should lift a ban on political activities so parties can campaign, said Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former prime minister and leader of Thailand's other key political party, the Democrat Party. "We are ready for the election," he said. "We still aren't allowed to hold meetings, but we're doing what we can." One of the most controversial provisions of the new constitution is for the outgoing military government to appoint a senate that will have a say in appointing the prime minister.The junta has argued the measure is necessary to prevent coups in a transition period after the election.

Thais approved the outline of the new constitution in a referendum last August but the palace requested changes in January after King Vajiralongkorn took over from his revered late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had ruled for more than seven decades.Six changes had been made to the constitution published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday.One change allows the king to travel abroad without appointing a regent. The king has spent much of the past few years in Germany, where he has a son in school. Another change was the removal of a clause giving power to the constitutional court and other institutions in the event of an unforeseen crisis. Removing it underlined the king's role."In practice, the king will have more say, more power," Kan Yuenyong, executive director of think-tank Siam Intelligence Unit, told Reuters.Thursday was a public holiday to mark the establishment of the Chakri dynasty 235 years ago. The current king is also known as King Rama X in the dynasty. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Writing by Matthew Tostevin; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Catherine Evans)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Editor's note: This article was first published on 6 April. It has been updated and republished in light of Anthony Scaramucci's firing.

Any new administration is, inevitably, a reflection of the man sitting in the seat of power. The Oval Office is currently occupied by Donald Trump, a real estate magnate and reality show host who enjoys having his underlings fight it out for his approval. Much like on his television show The Apprentice, alliances are fleeting  built and discarded every week by a cast of rotating characters  the only real constant is unquestioned loyalty to the president.

In fact, Trump recently gave voice to the sentiment, saying that his staff is "fighting over who loves me the most." Right.

The latest victim of this lovers' quarrel was Anthony Scaramucci, who was fired as White House communications director on Monday. "The Mooch", as he is called, gained global notoriety for his foul-mouthed interview taking shots at Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus.

He was hired just 10 days ago and reportedly axed by the president at the urging of new chief of staff John Kelly, a four-star general who is now tasked with imposing order in a chaotic White House. While all this has made for great entertainment, it has resulted in almost no concrete achievements for Trump, whose political capital is all but spent.

The Trump presidency: A series of firings

On 21 April, US Surgeon General Vivek H Murthy, an Obama administration holdover, was asked to resign by the Trump administration. While it was not clear why Murthy was relieved from duty, it was just the latest in a series of firings by the US president.

On 5 April, Trump removed chief strategist Steve Bannon from the US National Security Council.

Bannon, one of the president's closest aides, is a controversial figure; the former editor of the Right-wing conspiracy theory website Breitbart News (which also acts as a platform for white nationalism), has described himself as a Leninist, who wants to "destroy the administrative state".

Bannon's elevation to the National Security Council (NSC) in January, which came in conjunction with the demotion of the director of national intelligence and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, was seen as a radical move, which drew criticism even from members of his own party.

The New York Times reported that Bannon's departure from the NSC comes as a result of a power play by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka Trump, and at the insistence of National Security Adviser Lt Gen HR McMaster.

Bannon is said to have increasingly lost the confidence Trump confidants, including Kushner and Ivanka, after the public implosion of the president's healthcare bill and the immigration ban being repeatedly struck down by the courts.

But the final push came at the urging of McMaster, who insisted that the Situation Room, where key decisions are made, was no place for a political adviser, The New York Times reported.

On 31 January, acting attorney general Sally Yates, another holdover from the Obama administration was let go, for refusing to defend Trump's travel ban. The White House accused her of "betraying" the new administration. Recently, Yates was reportedly blocked her from testifying to Congress about any information she might have of Trump aides dealing with Russia by the White House.

The highest-profile sacking came early into the Trump presidency: In February, National Security Adviser Michael Flynn was relieved of his position in just 24 days (the average serving tenure of an NSA is 2.6 years).

Fynn was reportedly maintaining illegal contact with Russian Ambassador Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transition period and reportedly lied to Vice-President Mike Pence about it.

Flynn has reportedly agreed to provide testimony to officials investigating alleged ties between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, in exchange for immunity from prosecution, The Wall Street Journal reported.

In March, Attorney General Jeff Sessions abruptly demanded the resignations of 46 US attorneys, including New York federal prosecutor Preet Bharara, appointed by Obama. Interestingly, Bharara met with Trump during the latter's transition period and was assured that he would be asked to stay on. No one knows what changed, although some point to the fact that as US attorney for New York, Bharara would have the power to investigate the president's dealings.

I did not resign. Moments ago I was fired. Being the US Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life.  Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 11, 2017

On 1 August, Scaramucci was fired after he was brought in to bring the White House back on track. However, he proceeded to draw negative attention to himself by describing Reince Priebus, who was shunted out last week, as a "paranoid schizophrenic" and using lurid sexual language to take shots at Trump strategist Steve Bannon. "The president firmly felt that Anthony's comments were inappropriate for a person in that position," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Sanders added that everyone in the West Wing  including Scaramucci  reported to Kelly, a return to tradition for a White House that has been anything but. "General Kelly has the full authority to operate within the White House, and all staff will report to him," said Sanders. "That includes everybody at the White House."

Chaos from the outset

The first casualty of Trump's management came during the transition: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was ousted as transition chief in November and replaced by vice president-elect Mike Pence, a move that threw the Trump team into a state of disarray and left world leaders trying to reach the President-elect by blindly dialling Trump Tower.

The axing was the result of behind the scenes maneuvering by Kushner, who reportedly had a frostly relationship with Christie. As a former US attorney in New Jersey, Christie had been involved in the prosecution of Kushner's father, which resulted in a jail sentence, The Washington Post reported.

Two other members of the transition team with strong ties to Christie  Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan and Matthew Freedman, a lobbyist who consults with corporations and foreign governments  were also pushed out.

'They view jobs as lollipops, things you give out to good boys and girls'

The Atlantic reported that Eliot Cohen, a top official in George W Bush's State Department and a professor at Johns Hopkins University, warned fellow Republicans to steer clear of serving in the Trump administration right off the bat.

Cohen, who initially asked careerists to serve under Trump before the transition, changed his mind after an incident that occurred with a close friend and Trump aide: When asked to recommendation individuals for the National Security team, Cohen responded by saying that the best and brightest would only enlist if there were credible people leading national security agencies and departments. In response, he received an angry email from his friend, accusing him of trying to insinuate himself with the winners and the President-elect.

After exchange w Trump transition team, changed my recommendation: stay away. They're angry, arrogant, screaming "you LOST!" Will be ugly.  Eliot A Cohen (@EliotACohen) November 15, 2016

"It became clear to me that they view jobs as lollipops, things you give out to good boys and girls, Cohen told The Washington Post.

With his presidency reaching its 100th day, Trump is facing strong headwinds: His healthcare bill is dead, the second attempt is on life support, and he rather unsuccessfully attempted to revive it, his travel bans have been repeatedly struck down by the courts and his approval rating is hovering at a historic low. Not to mention the Russia cloud hanging over his White House.

According to presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, Trump has led "the most failed first 100 days of any president". "To be as low as he is in the polls, in the 30s, while the FBI director is on television saying they launched an investigation into your ties with Russia, I don't know how it can get much worse," Brinkley, a best-selling biographer of presidents Gerald Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, and Theodore Roosevelt, told The Washington Post.

Former first lady Michelle Obama once said: "Being president doesn't change who you are. It reveals who you are."

The first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency have been extremely revealing.
Geneva: The United Nations called on Thursday for an urgent ceasefire in Syria's Eastern Ghouta region, near Damascus, to allow in desperately needed aid and avoid a repeat of the devastation seen in Aleppo.

"We need a 72-hour pause for Eastern Ghouta, and we need it in the coming days," the head of the United Nations-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland, told reporters in Geneva.

He warned that the some 400,000 people besieged in the area near Damascus "are now suffering alone in the sense that they have a shortage of medical supplies, their hospitals have been bombed, and they are running out of food and other supplies."

Eastern Ghouta, the last remaining opposition stronghold near the capital, has been under a devastating government siege since 2012, and is targeted regularly by air strikes and artillery.

During the weekly meeting of the humanitarian taskforce for Syria, co-chairs Russia and the United States, along with others had agreed to "look specifically at the Eastern Ghouta situation," Egeland said.

"Everybody agrees, including the Russians, that the situation there is very dire, and that a special ... agreement is needed for Eastern Ghouta," he said.

"Nobody wants another eastern Aleppo to be happening on our watch," he insisted, referring to the drawn-out siege and massive Syrian army offensive last year to retake the former rebel stronghold.

"We should learn from the horrific inability to help civilians there, and I am still hopeful that we will have arrangements for the 400,000 people in the Eastern Ghouta besieged areas," Egeland said, pointing out that "there are more people besieged east of Damascus city than there were in the east Aleppo besieged enclave."

Today's taskforce meeting also discussed the suspected chemical attack that left at least 86 people dead, 30 of them children, in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun in northwestern Syria earlier this week.

"A war where children suffocate to death because of toxic chemicals is a very, very dirty war," Egeland said.

Tuesday's attack so shocked US President Donald Trump that Washington has threatened unilateral US action, marking an about-face after he previously opposed deeper US military involvement in Syria's civil war.

Egeland stressed that he did not believe in a military solution to Syria's six-year war, which has already killed more than 320,000 people and forced millions to flee their homes.

But "what I do welcome is a renewed interest from the US to focus on the carnage in Syria," he said.
By Patricia Zengerle and Dustin Volz

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON The Republican head of a congressional inquiry into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election said he would temporarily step aside from the probe on Thursday because he is under investigation for disclosing classified information.Devin Nunes, chairman of the House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and an ally of Republican President Donald Trump, described charges that he made unauthorized disclosures of classified information as "entirely false and politically motivated."The surprise disclosure that Nunes was under investigation added new uncertainty to the wider Russia probe his committee is carrying out. The investigation is one of several in Congress examining whether Russia tried to influence the election in Trumps favor, mostly by hacking Democratic operatives' emails and releasing embarrassing information. Russia denies the allegations. The House Ethics Committee issued a rare statement saying it would investigate allegations Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information "in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct."Nunes said in a statement that he had decided to step aside from the Russia investigation to fight the allegations and wanted "to expedite the dismissal of these false claims."Representative Mike Conaway, the most senior Republican on the intelligence committee, will be the new leader of the probe.

The top Democrat on the panel, Representative Adam Schiff, said Nunes' decision to step aside from the probe was made in "the best interests of the committee, and I respect that decision."Democrats have criticized Nunes, a member of Trump's transition team, for his handling of the Russia investigation after he received information at the White House, held a news conference about it and briefed Trump on it, all before sharing it with other members of his committee. The ethics investigation stems from whether Nunes disclosed classified information while publicly discussing the contents of foreign intelligence reports.Nunes and his spokesman have insisted that no classified information was revealed, but Democrats and former intelligence lawyers said it was clear he had done so. Nunes himself at one point said during his March 22 news conference that what he was discussing was "all classified information."

Trump sparked a controversy in early March when he tweeted, without giving evidence, that Obama had wiretapped him while the New York businessman competed with Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race.Two and a half weeks later, Nunes held a news conference saying an unidentified source had shown him intelligence reports containing "unmasked" names of Trump associates who were incidentally caught up in routine foreign surveillance.Immediately after Nunes' news conference, critics argued that he had disclosed classified information in what many saw as an effort to provide cover to Trump's wiretapping claim and to distract from the wider Russia investigation.

Nunes said the surveillance of Trump associates appeared legal but expressed concern that names of U.S. citizens may have been improperly revealed in the reports and widely disseminated among government officials.That allegation, in turn, has kicked off an evolving, unsubstantiated controversy about whether the Obama White House tried to spy on the incoming Trump administration.A House of Representatives rule, first reported on by The Daily Beast, requires an ethics probe of "any unauthorized disclosure of intelligence or intelligence-related information."U.S. foreign intelligence activities are classified, but the president can authorize the release of information about them. It is not clear whether Trump authorized Nunes to discuss the foreign surveillance.The ethics probe came just weeks after Nunes and other Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee used a public hearing with FBI Director James Comey to decry leaks of classified intelligence to the media that have fueled concern about Trump's ties to Russia and led to the ouster of former national security adviser Michael Flynn. (Additional Reporting by Amanda Becker, Susan Heavey David Alexander and David Morgan; Editing by Alistair Bell and Jonathan Oatis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Diwali: Communal clash over bursting of firecrackers in Vadodara, 19 people detained The clash broke out at around 12.45 am on Tuesday in the communally sensitive Panigate locality. Those detained included a person who allegedly hurled a petrol bomb at policemen from the third floor of his house in the locality nearly an hour after the clash broke out
India plans to acquire almost five million metric tons of palm oil from Malaysia until the end of the year. This is a 20% increase compared with the first six months of... Read More
This is the first visit of a Vietnamese National Assembly head to Sweden in 24 years, since the visit by then NA Chairman Nong Duc Manh in 1993.

It is also the first of a Vietnamese National Assembly leader to Hungary in nine years since the trip of then NA Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong in 2008, and the first in eight years to the Czech Republic after the 2009 visit of the then NA Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong.

The visits of NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan are aimed at further strengthening the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the three countries in general, and between the Vietnamese NA and its Swedish, Hungarian and Czech counterparts in particular./.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
I have every right to be scared here, says Charles Rosen, Founder of Jersey Cider Works, a New Jersey-based hard apple cider company thats brewing more than hard cider. I have taken all of my money and invested in agriculture in the middle of climate change. We are in a business, in the cider business going against huge companies and I am working with some guys who are literally murderers; so, I should be scared all the time and I am amazingly not scared, says Rosen.

Dedicated to tapping in to New Jerseys rich farming roots and helping improve the community and economy, Rosen hires formerly incarcerated people to work on the once abandoned farm in Asbury (just west of Newark).

Somebodys past doesnt have to define them. These are opportunities for learning, these are opportunities for taking whats happening in the past and make a shift, Rosen explains.

The farming, picking, brewing and canning are all done on location. Since officially opening in 2015, Ironbound Hard Cider has shipped more than 12,000 cases, 15,000 kegs and can be found in over 600 locations.

Rosen and his team offer hands on job training for his employees, counseling and a safe place for former inmates to learn valuable real-life skills.

He gave my family, my kids [a chance] to see that its not that dad just has to be a drug dealer or just be in a gang or ripping running streets, dad can also be a man, a responsible man, and work, says James Williams, Crew Chief and former inmate.

Watch the latest video at video.foxbusiness.com

I am feeling a sense of accomplishment, I am feeling a sense of pride, I am feeling a sense of success I have felt in nothing I have even ever felt in anything else that I have done, adds Rosen.

Unlike other small businesses, Rosens dream for Ironbound isnt necessarily growth. We decided we do not want to take Ironbound nationwide. What we would like to export is a model. So we are looking at doing moonshine in Virginia and looking at doing a beer in Detroit, Rosen said.

In May, Ironbound will be unveiling a Summer Cider, infused with organic black tea and fresh squeezed lemon.

Be sure to watch Charles full story above and how they overcome the hardest struggles on the farm.

This is part of FOXBusiness.coms The Emotional Side of Small Business series that taps into the human side of building a business  the part that doubts, questions, regrets, and celebrates accomplishments.
Japan's ANA Holdings Inc <9202.T>, will lease four Boeing 737-800 aircraft while it awaits delayed deliveries of the country's first commercial aircraft in 50 years, the 90-seat Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), a senior executive told Reuters. 9202.T>

"We have shortages because of the delayed delivery of the MRJ," said Yuji Hirako, who took up the role of president and chief executive of ANA's airline subsidiary, All Nippon Airways Co, on April 1.

ANA, Japan's largest airline, had no plans to cancel its order for 25 of the Japanese-designed jetliners, he added.

The aircraft will be leased from Singapore-based BOC Aviation Limited <2588.HK> and Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital, a representative said. 2588.HK>

The MRJ, which is being built by a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries <7011.T>, was delayed for two more years in January to redesign its wiring, with first delivery now set for 2020. The latest holdup is the fifth since development began ten years ago. 7011.T>

To tackle the delays, ANA previously said it would push back the retirement of older Boeing 737-500 aircraft and buy three DHC-8-Q400 aircraft from MRJ rival Bombardier . Each of the 737-800s can seat up to twice as many passengers as an MRJ.

(Reporting by Sam Nussey, Makiko Shiraki and Tim Kelly; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Gorsuch's nomination, China and Gerri Willis; here's what's On Our Radar today:

Going Nuclear

It's a big day for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. The Senate prepares to vote on his nomination with the expectation that Republicans will invoke the nuclear option to get it through. Currently there are not enough votes (60 needed) unless a new procedure is enacted. The landmark move has never been done before and sets the process for future nominations. Its expected Gorsuchs nomination will be approved by end of day tomorrow.

As the drama unfolds on Capitol Hill, tune in to Varney and Co. at 11 a.m. EST as the vote happens!

China's Visit

Chinas President Xi Jinping is set to meet President Trump today at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. From Syria to North Korea, Trumps tough talk on trade and our growing debt, the two have plenty to discuss.

As news breaks stay with FOXBusiness.com for the latest.

Smile!

Did you see this? After her battle with breast cancer, FOX Business Networks very own Gerri Willis tosses her wig and reveals her new look! Heres something to feel good about today:
President Donald Trump is meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago beginning Thursday, in what has become a hotly anticipated conference where the two are expected to discuss contentious international issues, ranging from North Koreas nuclear provocations to trade.

As far as trade discussions, steel dumping is expected to be near the top of that list. For years, China -- which was admitted to the World Trade Organization in 2001-- has been accused of flooding foreign markets with steel it sells at a lower price than what it charges domestically.

China has as much as 400 million metric tons in steel overcapacity, according to Gordon Chang, author of The Coming Collapse of China. This is the result of a couple things, including the fact that the Chinese government subsidizes or controls many companies, Chang said.

Another factor that has added to Chinas steel glut is a Chinese manufacturing boom, which has included massive investments in infrastructure over the past 15 years, Steve Mehltretter, partner in the Metals & Mining Practice at global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, told FOX Business.

In theory, excess capacity hasnt been a problem unique to China. However, there is an important difference in how other countries have managed their gluts within the global economy.

The big players in North America and Europe, they have been removing capacity over time to try to get supply and demand back in balance, Mehltretter said.

While the U.S. has closed factories and laid off workerswith 14,500 layoffs between January 2015 and June 2016 alone according to a United Steel Workers ReportChina has continued to produce and add to the global steel glut.

The Beijing government makes a promise every year they will reduce overcapacity and that doesnt happen, Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, told FOX Business.

In 2016 China produced more than 808 million metric tons of steel, nearly 50% of the worlds total output, according to the World Steel Association. By contrast, the United States produced less than 79 million metric tons, or 4.8% of global output.

While companies in Europe and Mexico are also impacted by this practice, Paul said the United States is the most vulnerable.

U.S. steelmakers feel this more than anyone else because our market is so open, we have very low tariffs  In many other countries they try to find ways to keep that Chinese steel out, he said.

The act of dumping is not directly against WTO rules, as Dan Ikenson, director of the Cato Institute's Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies, pointed out. However, many countries have their own anti-dumping laws. The U.S. imposes duties.

The Trump Card

Last week the president signed an executive order specifically targeting countries who owe the U.S. anti-dumping duties. But Washington will need to take firmer action in order to correct the imbalances within the steel industry, Paul said.

I would compare this to putting Band-Aids on a chronically ill person  Ultimately you need the cure, the cure is eliminating the overcapacity and eliminating Chinas anti-competitive practices, he said.

Paul is hopeful Trump will make progress during his talks with China. While President Trump predicted on Twitter that he would have a difficult meeting with President Xi, he may have the upper hand when it comes to trade, Chang said.

Trump can employ the rough tactics that China uses against us  [But he] might not need to actually impose such bans, quotas, or tariffs  the mere threat of them would probably be enough to get China to shut down capacity fast and eliminate subsidies  China needs access to the American market more than American producers need access to China. Trump holds the high cards and should play them.

On Tuesday during a town hall with more than 50 CEOs and business leaders, Trump mentioned the meeting, saying it will be an interesting talk.

[I] have a lot of respect for [President Xi]. Ive spoken to him numerous times. But we have to do better, because our deficit with China, as you know, $504 billion. Thats [per] year. Thats enough for a lifetime, he said.
Tax season is coming to an end, and even those who put off doing their returns until the last minute are feeling the pressure to get things done. With that in mind, there are several things that you need to keep in mind in order to make sure you not only get your tax returns filed but also do a good enough job to avoid getting in trouble with the IRS.

When is the deadline for getting my taxes filed this year?

Most of the time, April 15 is the date that you need to remember in getting your taxes filed. Yet for a couple years in a row now, that hasn't been the actual deadline. For 2017, there are a couple of things in play that give taxpayers a few extra days to get their returns done.

April 15 is a Saturday this year, and that triggers provisions that push the due date to the next business day. That would ordinarily be April 17, but that day is the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C. The D.C. holiday closes IRS offices, and that makes the appropriate day April 18. However, there's another catch for residents of two states: In Massachusetts and Maine, April 18 is the Patriot's Day holiday, and tax filings from those states are due on April 19 instead.

Image source: Getty Images.

How does the IRS already know what my income is?

The IRS collects information from your employer, financial institutions, and other entities that create tax information forms like W-2s, 1099s, and similar filings. That gives the tax man a leg up on what to expect when you file, and if your return doesn't match up with IRS computers, then it's going to raise a red flag with the IRS that could lead to an audit.

Therefore, don't file without accounting for every tax form that was filed in connection with your taxes. Sometimes, those forms have incorrect numbers on them. But in that case, you should still have the provider correct the numbers on an amended information return rather than just filing your taxes with the right numbers and hoping everything works out automatically -- because it probably won't.

Am I taking every tax break I can?

One of the most surprising things about taxpayer behavior is that many people never take advantage of all the tax breaks that are available to them. By doing so, millions of taxpayers leave money on the table that could have dramatically increased their refunds.

For instance, many low- and middle-income workers overlook the earned income tax credit, which can put as much as $6,000 or more back in your pocket. Itemized deductions for state income and sales taxes, charitable deductions, and student-loan interest that parents paid on behalf of their children are just a few of the oft-missed write-offs that can also cut your tax bill. With many different tax benefits available, it's worth the time to explore them to see if you can qualify for tax savings.

How should I file my return?

If you want your refund as quickly as possible, then there's no substitute for electronic filing. With greater convenience and faster processing time, e-filing is the best way to get the money the IRS owes you back into your bank account efficiently. Yet even if you owe money, electronic filing has the benefit of helping to reduce the number of unnecessary errors in your tax return while avoiding the potential difficulties of physical mailing of paper returns. With free filing programs available to the vast majority of taxpayers, electronic filing is easily available and encouraged.

How can I get more time to finish my taxes?

By now, you might think that there's no way you can get your taxes done on time. That's not a huge problem, because you can get an automatic extension for six months simply by filing a request on IRS Form 4868.

One thing to remember, though, is that you still have to pay your taxes by mid-April. To do so, you'll estimate what your eventual tax bill will be and then pay it to the IRS by the April 18 deadline. Interest and penalties apply if you undershoot, so it's important to be as accurate as possible. Those who expect refunds don't need to worry about paying taxes with your extension request, with the only consequence being that you'll wait longer before getting your money back.

Don't stress out about your taxes. By knowing these simple tax facts, you can get the perspective you need to do your taxes the right way and avoid any unnecessary problems down the road.

The $16,122 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,122 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
What happened

Oil tanker stocks had a smooth sailing in March, with many surging by double digits. Notable tanker stocks that gained at least 10% in March includeGener8 Maritime Inc.(NYSE: GNRT),Scorpio Tankers Inc.(NYSE: STNG),Navios Maritime Partners(NYSE: NMM), andNavios Maritime Midstream Partners(NYSE: NAP). Teekay Tankers(NYSE: TNK)was an outlier, as its stock continued to move lower to give up almost 12% of its value last month.

Much of the sharp movements in these stocks had to do with oil prices, as you shall soon see why. The question is: Where are these stocks headed?

So what

Low oil prices might hurt the oil industry in general, but they usually bode well for oil tanker operators as low oil prices support demand from importing countries, especially the U.S., China, and India, which in turn means more business for transporters of oil and oil products. Supertanker operators, for example, made a killing on international haul rates in 2015 when oil prices slumped. With positive numbers like 3.5% year-over-year growthin China's February crude oil imports coming in last month, investors had valid reasons to bid tanker shares up.

Image source: Getty Images.

Even within the industry, global trade for oil products was relatively stronger, as evidenced by the rallyin the Baltic Clean Tanker Index, which measures average shipping rates for transporting "clean" products like refined petroleum products as opposed to crude oil, in March. That's one reason why shares of Scorpio jumped last month. Likewise, the Baltic Dry Index surged in March, fueling investors' optimism in dry cargo movers like Navios Maritime Partners.

Conversely, freight rates for crude oil carriers have come under pressure lately, especially after OPEC's oil production cuts, which dampened cross-market oil movement. Not surprisingly, the Baltic Dirty Tanker Index edged lower in March, pulling crude carrier stocks like Teekay andFrontlineLtd.(NYSE: FRO) down.

GNRT data by YCharts.

The problem is that oil is just one of the factors that affect the tanker industry, and there are too many variables at play that affect shipping rates and earnings, depending on the kind of products and markets transported to. But for most tanker operators like Teekay, Gener8, and Navios Midstream, all you have to do is check the industry tanker orderbook to gauge their prospects going forward. To put it simply, a rise in the number of ships ordered and under construction could portend oversupply concerns if demand isn't stable or rising.

Now what

Industry experts project tanker supply to outpace demand this year, with Clarksons Research calling for 5.6% and 4.3% growth in crude and product tanker fleets, respectively, in 2017. But you know there's a real reason for concern when words of caution come from the horse's mouth. Frontline the world's largest oil tanker company ruled out the possibility of a recovery in the tanker markets until 2018 during its recent earnings call. To know why, just check research and consultancy firm Fearnleys' orderbook projections for the two primary types of oil tankers -- VLCCs (very large crude carriers) and Suezmax as highlighted by Frontline in its fourth-quarter earnings presentation.

Data source: Fearnleys. Image source: Frontline's Q4 2016 earnings presentation.

As you can see, newbuilding deliveries accelerated for both types of tankers in 2016, putting tanker rates under pressure for the better part of the year. What's worrisome is that deliveries for both are expected to rise further this year, with Suezmax deliveries projected to more than double. Not surprisingly, Frontline expects tanker rates to remain low this year, which is terrible news as freight rates is the primary source of revenue for oil tanker operators.

Given the backdrop, stocks like Gener8 and Navios Midstream may have a hard time maintaining momentum. In Gener8's case, part of the market's optimism can be linked to the company's Q4 and 2016 numbers that it reported mid-March -- though profits were substantially lower year over year, they beat analysts' estimates. More importantly, Gener8's vessel operating days improved substantially as it deployed 15 VLCC newbuilds in December. This also makes Gener8's VLCC fleet among the youngest in the industry.

Comparatively, things have been relatively quiet on Navios Midstream's side after the company last reported earnings in January, but as a master limited partnership, Navios' fat payouts and a dividend yield of nearly 14.7% continue to remain major attractions for investors. Navios' strong financial standing though might also be keeping investors optimistic: Its revenue, for instance, looks fairly secure as it has already fixed 100% of its available fleet days through 2018, and its balance sheet is also pretty strong, with no debt due for maturity before 2020.

Foolish takeaway

The oil tanker industry is one of the most complicated within the shipping sector, and it's nearly impossible to predict where it could head given the dynamics of the oil industry. Say, while OPEC production cuts and fleet oversupply are negative for the industry, long hauls as more oil moves from the Atlantic to the Pacific in the wake of cuts from OPEC countries could limit the fall in tanker rates. Meanwhile, more vessels could be scrapped to meet the ballast water treatment new regulations, which could temporarily easy supply concerns.

However, all this could be temporary, and investors might have to wait until at least next year before the industry gets back on the growth track. Until then, I expect pockets of volatility in the industry to be reflected in stock prices.

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What happened

Shares of L Brands Inc. (NYSE: LB) -- the parent company of Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and multiple other brands -- rose as much as 11% today, after the company put out a March sales report showing how much it is struggling. That still must have been better than Wall Street was expecting.

So what

Sales for the month fell 7% year over year, while comparable-store sales dropped a full 10%. Management said that the later Easter holiday this year (Easter falls on April 16 in 2017, compared to March 27 last year), along with the company's decision in the last year to cut swimwear from its Victoria's Secret line, contributed to the decline in sales. The stock got a lift today, but it's still down about 50% over the last two years.

Image source: L Brands.

Now what

Like many similar retailers, L Brands has faced a tough last few years, as e-commerce pressure and an increasingly competitive space have made same-store sales and increased earnings a challenge for most of the industry. For full-year 2016, the company actually reported a 3% increase in sales year over year, but warned that first-quarter sales would see a decline. More troubling, however, is that its earnings per share fell nearly 6% for the year compared with 2015. For full-year 2017, the company expects another 16% to 23% drop in EPS from 2016.

L Brands certainly has a lot of assets to work with, including more than 3,000 company-owned specialty stores across North America, the U.K., and China -- including the first full-assortment Victoria's Secret store in China, which opened March 8. The stock also has some interesting points, including its price-to-earnings ratio of less than 12, and its 5.2% dividend yield. Still, the company will need to prove that it can stop the bleeding, and turn earnings back around, before it looks like an interesting play.

10 stocks we like better than L BrandsWhen 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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Seth McNew has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Minister Ngo Xuan Lich meets General Surapong Suwana-Adth. (Photo: PANO)

The visit aimed to increase friendly relations, mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples and armies, contributing to reinforcing the Vietnam  Thailand strategic partnership, and realizing agreements reached during the visit to Thailand in February by General Ngo Xuan Lich, Politburo member and Minister of National Defence.

In his meeting with General Ngo Xuan Lich, General Surapong Suwana-Adth confirmed that Thailand appreciated Vietnams position in the region, adding that his country hoped to increase relations with Vietnam for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

According to General Lich, the two sides should continue to carry out more practical and effective preventive measures, and support each other at multilateral forums, contributing to heightening defence cooperation and making the cooperation an important pillar in the Vietnam  Thailand strategic partnership./.
It almost seems like every time the U.S. Congress authorizes an aid package for Israel, Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) cash a check.

Last year, we told you about the big new defense aid package that the Obama administration proposed to benefit Israel -- a deal initially valued at as much as $40 billion over 10 years. The deal was subsequently scaled back to $38 billion, but even so, then-National Security Advisor Susan Rice called the deal "the single largest pledge of military assistance to any country in U.S. history."

Recent developments suggest it could also be a very big deal for Boeing and Raytheon.

Boeing and Raytheon aim to make big profits from Israeli missile defense. Image source: Getty Images.

What's in the box?

Not all details of what's covered by the arms package have been made public. One thing we do know, though, is that the Israeli military aid deal includes $5 billion worthof funding for Israel's new three-layered missile defense system, comprising:

Iron Dome: a defense against short-range missiles and mortars, such as periodically rain down on the country from the Gaza Strip

David's Sling: designed to defend against medium-range missiles such as Hezbollah is believed to possess

Arrow: long-range, designed to shoot down ballistic missiles from adversaries such as Iran

As investments go, these appear to be well thought out -- and well timed. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defense system was extensively and successfully battle-tested during Hamas' missile barrages against Israel in both 2012 and 2014. According to reports, Iron Dome successfully shot down 85% of targetsit engaged during the 2012 conflict -- and approached 90% accuracy in 2014.

Arrow, too, is beginning to prove its worth, having shot down a Syrian surface-to-air missile, which was targeting Israeli warplanes, just last month. And as for David's Sling, that system is scheduled to go live later this month.

Good news for Boeing and Raytheon

Boeing helped Israel Aerospace Industries to develop the Arrow. Raytheon collaborates with Israel's Rafael on both Iron Dome and David's Sling. As such, more money for Israel's missile defense programs is almost certain to mean more money for Boeing and Raytheon -- and that's more true now than ever before. Here's why.

Israel negotiated hard for the Obama administration bothto increase the amount of military aid it offers Israel and to attach fewer strings to that aid. In particular, Israel wanted to preserve and expand its right to spend U.S. military aid on contracts awarded to Israeli companies. For its part, the Obama administration sought to tie increased aid to a phasing-out of Israel's right to spend aid funds on domestic contracts -- and to require Israel to use its aid monies to purchase weapons from U.S. defense companies instead. Ultimately, the U.S. won this argument. As a result, more and more often now, Israel will be required to spend its aid money on purchases from Raytheon and Boeing -- maybe not all $5 billion of the missile defense portion of the foreign aid, but a good chunk of it.

And if Raytheon and Boeing should be able to use technologies funded by U.S. aid monies and developed in cooperation with the Israelis to produce more advanced missile defense systems for sale to the U.S. military, and to other U.S. allies?

That would be icing on the cake.

10 stocks we like better than RaytheonWhen 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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*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

Rich Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Lawmakers clashed on Capitol Hill in an historic way Thursday over President Donald Trumps Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch, as Republicans changed Senate rules to advance his nomination.

Republicans, unable to assemble the 60 votes necessary to end the Democrats' filibuster, responded by invoking the controversial nuclear option, which will allow Gorsuch to be confirmed with a simple majority of votes. Under these circumstances, Gorsuch will likely be confirmed by Friday.

The ideologically divided sitting justices have one big marquee case left in this term and two cases in the upcoming term that stand to impact religion, state budgets and the finance industryand the Courts deciding vote (or lack thereof) could make all the difference.

Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer

Trinity Lutheran is the last big controversial case of the 2017 term. At the center of the debate is a church located in Missouri that operates a preschool and daycare center with a playground open to students when school is in session, and open to the public when school is out. The state of Missouri offers a grant program to nonprofits and government entities that Trinity Lutheran applied to for help with the cost of resurfacing the blacktop on the playground. The application was denied because of the schools religious affiliation.

The question that will be argued before the Supreme Court is whether an institution can be denied access to a secular benefit program on the basis of its religious affiliation.

The Court will grapple with whether the governments asserted justification for denying the grant at issue  not wanting to directly fund houses of worship  is strong enough to allow for treating religious institutions differently than non-religious ones when both are otherwise equally qualified for a particular benefit, Ilya Shapiro, senior fellow in constitutional studies and editor-in-chief of the Cato Supreme Court Review at the Cato Institute, told FOX Business.

Arguments for Trinity Lutheran are set to begin April 19. If Gorsuch is confirmed by Friday he will be able to hear the arguments and participate in this case. If not, he will likely be ineligible to rule on it.

As Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out at a conference in September, with eight justices the Court has ruled very, very, very narrowly on a few cases. In Trinity Lutheran, Gorsuch could cast the deciding vote.

Based on how solicitous Judge Gorsuch has been of religious liberty, I would expect him to side with the church, Shapiro said.

Leidos, Inc. v. Indiana Public Retirement System

Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to review two cases in the upcoming term: Leidos, Inc. v. Indiana Public Retirement System and U.S. Bank National Association v. Village of Lakeridge.

Leidos is a securities fraud corruption case involving a government contractor (Leidos) that is being sued by investors claiming the company left pertinent information out of a 2011 securities filing at the expense of shareholders.

Two of the company's employees were convicted over an alleged kickback scheme that was found to have defrauded New York City into paying more than $700 million on a project that was originally budgeted for $63 million.

The Indiana Public Retirement system alleges Leidos violated a portion of SEC requirements (Item 303) by failing to disclose the scandal as part of trends and uncertainties that are reasonably likely to result in a substantial change in liquidity for shareholders. The investigation was not reported to investors until it had already become a tangible problem, and many investors lost a sizeable amount of money.

Leidos argues it did not violate Section 10(b)(5) of the Securities and Exchange Act, which states it is illegal to intentionally make false statements or omit information that would otherwise deceive shareholders.

The issue at stake: Can you be held liable for an omission when there was no prior faulty statement that had to be corrected? John Coffee, head of Columbia Law School's Center for Corporate Governance, told FOX Business.

Coffee bets on a 4-4 split along ideological lines based on the current composition of the Court.

With Gorsuch I would bet the appellant [Leidos] wins. 5-4 Republican vs Democratic majority, he said.

Under these circumstances, Coffee believes the implication would be vast for investors and shareholders.

[It would] greatly cut back on the kinds of omissions for which companies can be held liable, he said.

U.S. Bank National Association v. Village of Lakeridge

U.S. Bank National Association v. Village of Lakeridge is a bankruptcy case in which one of the creditors had a close personal relationship with a member of the debtor and its corporate designee from whom he purchased a $2.76 million insider claim from for $5,000. At issue is the standard by which a voting member involved in confirming a Chapter 11 plan should be judged an insider where it pertains to the bankruptcy code. The justices will decide between two standards used among the appellate courts known as the de novo standard and the clearly erroneous standard.

According to the de novo standard, the appellate court should review the case anew, and give no deference to the findings of the lower courts. The clearly erroneous standard is essentially the opposite, meaning courts should give heavy weight to the findings of lower courts.

The standard of review in this context is important...whether you get tagged with being an insider is a big deal. And the standard of review in large part dictates whether you can meaningfully appeal that determination, John Pottow, an expert in bankruptcy and commercial law and professor at the University of Michigan Law School, told FOX Business.

This case is scheduled for the 2018 term which begins in the fall.
As President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare to meet in Florida, tense rhetoric from the White House has strained Sino-U.S. relations and raised questions about the possibility of a trade war.

One thing were all hoping to see is a bit more certainty on what will be the future of the U.S.-China relations," Zhang Xin, SOHO China CEO, said in an interview with FOX Business.

Trump has been a vocal critic of Beijings unfair trade practices, which have included steel dumping and currency manipulation. Trump has proposed slapping China with a 45 percent tariff on imports that could devastate China's export-driven economy. In January alone, the U.S. imported more than $41 billion worth of goods from the Asian country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

"Will there be a trade war or not? So thats something I think all the Chinese are watching," Zhang said.

The meeting, at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, almost didnt happen. It came as a surprise when President Trump talked about dropping the One China policy. That has been the foundation for U.S.-China relations for the last  30-40 years, Zhang said. Everyone was happy to hear that President Trump actually came back to the One China policy. So that basically paved the way for this meeting to take place.

Trump said he is expecting a very interesting talk where he will address the "$504 billion" trade deficit with China and discrepancies over trade practices, as well as North Koreas nuclear program.

However, priorities for the conference between the worlds two largest economies might not align. While the Trump administration is becoming increasingly concerned about an acceleration of missile tests by North Korea, as it inches closer to being capable of targeting the United States, many administration officials have said China is the only one who can slow the communist countrys proliferation. China, however, is much less concerned about aggression from its neighbor, Zhang said.

Despite the fact that were so close to North Korea, were on the border of North Korea  actually I think thats not been much of a concern for China. Because China and North Korea always had a long relationship, so I think thats never been much of a worry.

Despite a vast array of differences at the federal level, workers across the two countries are experiencing similar challanges. Zhang, who Forbes ranked tenth on its list of the worlds richest self-made women, grew up during the Cultural Revolution in China, when the country was closed to foreign investment. She became a real estate developer as the nations economy began to open, which essentially made the whole country a startup, according to Zhang.

While she believes its hard for newcomers to break into the now well-established industries throughout both China and the U.S., the woman who built Beijing still sees opportunity for self-starters.

You see more newer billionaires and successful business people in the tech industry because thats less established, she said.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has ordered the state to halt all payments to Amtrak and called for an investigation of the national rail operator's maintenance of tracks and other equipment after the derailment of an NJ Transit train this week.

A slow-moving NJ Transit train left the rails during rush hour at New York City's Penn Station on Monday, injuring one person in the second derailment involving Amtrak-maintained tracks at the busy Midtown Manhattan hub in fewer than two weeks.

The seemingly minor incident led to a track reassignment at the station, forcing NJ Transit and the Long Island Rail Road to limit service on their networks and creating travel chaos for commuters in the country's largest city.

"These incidents raise serious questions about the condition of tracks and other assets maintained by Amtrak," Christie wrote in a letter sent to Amtrak late on Wednesday and made public by the governor's office on Thursday.

Amtrak is responsible for maintaining tracks, signals switches and other railroad infrastructure on the Northeast Corridor, which runs through New York Penn Station en route to New Jersey and points south.

NJ Transit, the state's public transportation system, pays Amtrak $2.5 million to $5 million each month to cover operating expenses. Last week, it made a $62 million payment for capital investments in the Northeast Corridor.

Christie said NJ Transit would cease the payments until an independent examination of Amtrak's equipment along the corridor has been conducted and shows it is in good condition.

The governor also directed the state's attorney general to consider taking legal action to recover the $62 million and other past payments New Jersey has made to Amtrak.

At a press conference on Thursday at Penn Station, Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Wick Moorman offered few details about the impact on the lost payments from NJ Transit.

"I understand the governor is upset, and he has a right to be," Moorman said. He added: "Withholding funding is not going to solve any problems."

Moorman said he expects service to be fully restored at Penn Station by Friday morning, four days after the latest derailment.

Moorman apologized to NJ Transit riders for the recent derailments, which he said were caused by issues with Amtrak's tracks. "We know we let them down," he said.

Moorman said he has asked the Federal Railroad Administration to join Amtrak in investigating all tracks at Penn Station and said he would personally lead a review of maintenance practices across Amtrak.

NJ Transit, which was also recently under federal review, is struggling with its own safety concerns.

From January 2007 through June 2016, it ranked second to Amtrak for the most train accident reports nationwide for commuter railroads. NJ Transit had 271 accidents, or 18 percent of the total, compared with Amtrak's 44 percent, according to data from the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis.

The rankings in part reflect the heavy use of rail transit in the U.S. Northeast compared with other parts of the United States.

(By Laila Kearney and Hilary Russ; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Bernadette Baum)
As President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet for the first time Thursday at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort, the leaders of the worlds two largest economies will attempt to establish a personal relationship despite a deep divide over economic policies and priorities.

President Trump characterized his expectation of the talks with China as difficult.

However, China may be the country with more to lose economically, Brian Brenberg, chair of the Program in Business and Finance at The Kings College, told FOX Business.

The United States has the upper hand  Theres a massive desire on the part of Chinese investors to be a part of the U.S. ... They dont want to see that disrupted, Brenberg said.

Chinese foreign direct investment in the United States has skyrocketed in recent years, tripling between 2015 and 2016 to reach $45.6 billion, according to a report by research firm Rhodium Group.

However, if Trump begins to take punitive measures against Chinas economic transgressions, including intellectual property theft, censorship of foreign companies and product dumping, the American economy would likely take a hit too.

You could get this sort of trade war escalation  that would have a negative impact for U.S. consumers, Brenberg said.

China, the largest contributor to the United States more than $500B trade deficit, underwrote $347 billion of that sum in 2016. In February the U.S. imported nearly $33 billion worth of goods from Beijing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, China imported less than $10 billion worth of U.S. goods during the same month.

Last year, China was the United States third largest export market, behind NAFTA partners Mexico and Canada, according to data from the Commerce Department.

However, Trump wont have to play hardball with President Xi to make progress on the trade front, Gordon Chang, author of The Coming Collapse of China, told FOX Business.

[Trump] might not need to actually impose such bans, quotas or tariffs  the mere threat of them would probably be enough to get China to shut down capacity fast and eliminate subsidies  China needs access to the American market more than American producers need access to China. Trump holds the high cards and should play them, Chang said.

Last week President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at cracking down on trade abuses. Although the administration said the directives had nothing to do with President Xis visit, the timing could be perceived as a bit suggestive.

Nevertheless, Brenberg believes the two leaders may not dive that deep into controversial topics during their first face-to-face encounter.

[Trump] is trying to set up a negotiation  [but] I think he is going to play a longer game, he said. I do expect him to make strong statements on his desire for a fair trade relationship  Businesses would like to see the president talk tough but land punches carefully where they can have the most effect.
Pierce Brosnan has a hard time looking at the world with a glass half full after losing his first wife and daughter to ovarian cancer.

The actor opened up to Esquire about the tragedies that changed his life forever.

"I don't look at the cup as half full, believe me," the actor told Esquire. "The dark, melancholy Irish black dog sits beside me from time to time."

Brosnan and Cassandra Harris married in 1980 and were together until her death in 1991. They have a son, Sean, 33, and Brosnan adopted her two children Charlotte and Christopher, 44.

Charlotte died in 2013 from the same disease that took her mother's life.

Brosnan, 63, also had a difficult upbringing as his father abandoned his family when he was an infant. He only met his father one time when he was an adult.

"I only met Tom the once," he said adding he wished he would have had more time with him. "My fatherly instincts are purely my own. They relate back to no one, because there was no one."

Brosnan later married his wife Keely Shaye Smith and they have two sons together, Dylan, 20, and Paris, 16.
Foodies are driving up the price of marrow-laden bones that farmers used to practically give away, according to a National Public Radio report.

Their tasty and healthful properties, not to mention the obscure and edgy nature of a broth made from bones, is making hipsters claw at butchers doorsteps for their next bite, rising the price for Clifford and the rest of the pups in the neighborhood, the report stated.

Bones used to be low cost and were a waste product predominately used for dog food  and farmers were thrilled to get rid of them for just pennies on the pound, NPR wrote.

Now beef bones could be worth as much as $4 a pound and farmers can hardly keep them on the shelves.

Our knuckle, marrow and soup bones stayed sold out, Jenni Harris, a Georgia rancher, told the station. We hardly have any bones left over at the end of the week.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post.
Starbucks customers in Japan will soon be able to slurp up all the flavors of a scrumptuous cherry pie-- but they'll need a fork to break through the drink's crust.

Starbucks' American Cherry Pie Frappuccino is set to debut next week in Japan, and it's unlike anything the chain has ever released in the States  mostly because it comes topped with an honest-to-goodness, crispy, dough pie crust.

According to a translated press release from Starbucks, the idea is that customers will need to "stab" through the crust with a straw, "as if you are eating a pie with a fork."

STARBUCKS SELLS OUT OF $150 TRAVEL MUG

The rest of the drink has whipped cream, vanilla-flavoring, bite-sized pieces of pie and cherry compote, reports Rocket News 24.

The American Cherry Pie Frappuccino will debut April 13, but as Starbucks told Eater.com, the company currently has no plans to bring the all-American item to American locations.

We dont have plans to release the American Cherry Pie Frappuccino in the U.S. right now, but as always we continue to listen our customers feedback and look for opportunities to bring fan favorites from around the world to the U.S," said a spokesman.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

The company's press release also confirms that Starbucks Japan will be debuting a second beverage, the Classic Tea Cream Frappuccino, on the same day as the American Cherry Pie Frappucino.

However, unlike the chain's new pie-based drink, the Classic Tea Cream Frappucino won't have a gimmicky lid. Instead, the Classic Tea Cream Frappuccino will be made with three kinds of tea leaves and "good-quality milk." It also comes topped with whipped cream and honey.

Both the American Cherry Pie and Classic Tea Cream Frappuccinos will only be available for a limited time  the former through May 6, and the latter through Aug. 8  and cost 640 yen ($5.75) and 570 yen ($5.15), respectively.
We all know the feeling: Open up a big ol bag of potato chips, only to find that its half-empty.

Thats exactly what happened to Sameline Alce and Desire Nugent  but instead of just finishing off the remnants in disappointment, theyre now suing Wise Foods on the grounds that their air-filled bags deceived them into overpaying.

The pair filed the lawsuit in Manhattan federal court on Monday night, claiming the Pennsylvania-based chip company was misleading customers by intentionally leaving their bags 58% to 75% empty.

Alce, who is from the Bronx, and Nugent, from Washington, D.C., argue in their complaint that they would have never bought from Wise to begin with if they knew about the false advertising.

While the labels they use do show the correct weights inside the bag, the plaintiffs allege that a 2.75-ounce bag of Wise Ridgies Sour Cream and Onion chips is only filled to the 2.5 inch line  out of a 10-inch capacity.

Even if Defendants net weight disclosures are accurate, such does not eliminate this basic deception, their complaint says.

Click here for more from the New York Post.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh Orgil (Source: VNA)



The PM suggested the two countries continue high-level visits and exchanges as well as further extend ties across diplomacy, national defence and security.

While lauding effective cooperation between the countries inter-governmental committees, Phuc asked for boosting collaboration in agro-fisheries to lift two-way trade.

With similarities, Vietnam and Mongolia also need to work together on culture, education and tourism, he said.

The government leader wished that both countries would offer further support at regional and global forums, adding that Vietnam asks Mongolia to support the country and ASEANs stance on the maintenance of peace and stability, and guarantee of security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom in the East Sea, full respect to diplomatic and legal processes, and settlement of disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Orgil, for his part, emphasised that Mongolia attaches special importance to developing ties with Asian-Pacific countries, including Vietnam.

Informing the host of the outcomes of his talks with Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, he said both sides pledged to push forward wide-ranging ties, and the two nations inter-governmental committees are working to further improve the efficiency of their partnership.

He expressed his belief that Vietnam would successfully host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2017.

Mongolia is ready to coordinate with Vietnam in fields of its strength such as apparel, leather and footwear, he stated, adding that the country wants Vietnam to share its experience and boost links across culture, education and arts.

According to him, the two sides should boost people-to-people exchange to foster traditional friendship between the two peoples./.
A 73-year-old woman who bought a Fitbit to help her lose weight said the device actually saved her life. Patricia Lauder, of Connecticut, was feeling ill recently ,but a test for pneumonia came back negative, CBS Miami reported. That was when she noticed her resting heart rate climbing to 140 beats per minute.

When it finally got to the point where walking across the room was a major issue, I picked up the phone and knew I needed help, Lauder told the news outlet.

STUDY LINKS HEAT, EXERTION TO HEART ATTACKS IN HEALTHY FIREFIGHTERS

Doctors at UCONN Health in Farmington told Lauder she was suffering from two pulmonary embolisms and an enlarged heart, CBS Miami reported. Dr. Juyong Lee said the blood clots were causing Lauders blood pressure and oxygen levels to drop.

Lee put Lauder on treatment to break up the clots, and her heart health and lung functioning returned to normal, CBS Miami reported. Lauder said without her Fitbit, she wouldnt have known she was in grave danger.

CHRONICALLY STRESSED PEOPLE MORE LIKELY TO GAIN WEIGHT, STUDY SAYS

It certainly helped me under the most recent circumstances, she told CBS Miami.
The issue of federal government surveillance of Americans has largely occupied Washington politicians and the media since President Donald Trump first accused the administration of his predecessor of spying on him while he and his colleagues worked at Trump Tower in New York City during the presidential election campaign and during the presidential transition.

Trumps allegations were initially dismissed as a diversionary tactic to get the attention of the media and the interest of the public off allegations made against the Trump campaign that it conspired with agents of Russian intelligence to facilitate Russian interference with the presidential election. Even some very smart colleagues of mine dismissed Trumps allegations, arguing that no one in Washington found them believable.

Then the director of the FBI, James Comey, and the director of the National Security Agency, Americas 60,000-person-strong domestic spying apparatus, Adm. Mike Rogers, testified under oath that they knew of no surveillance of candidate or President-elect Trump at Trump Tower.

When I heard these denials, I thought them to be odd at best and erroneous at worst because I was privy to credible chatter in the intelligence community that Trumps allegations were correct, and I knew that the FBI had revealed it was examining the activities of the Trump campaign to look for Russian involvement and that such an examination would surely find the surveillance of Trump that the intelligence community was chatting about.

Then the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., revealed that whistleblowers from the intelligence community had approached him with evidence supportive of Trumps claims. He viewed this evidence and revealed that it showed surveillance of candidate and President-elect Trump, but it had nothing to do with Russia. Then Nunes Democratic counterpart on the same committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who had complained loud and long that he had not seen the documents, viewed the same documents and afterward remained essentially mute.

Before all this happened, unnamed sources released a portion of transcripts of telephone conversations between the Russian ambassador to the United States and retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, then Trumps national security adviser in the White House. The conversations had taken place before Trump was inaugurated. Though only excerpts were revealed -- excerpts intended to embarrass Flynn and taunt Trump -- they arguably showed Flynn counseling the ambassador to expect different treatment of American sanctions on Russia from the Trump administration than they had received from the Obama administration. However, that was an expectation that any rational person would already have had. This revelation and its aftermath did prove embarrassing to Flynn and to Trump, and Flynn resigned.

How did anyone obtain transcripts of conversations involving Trump campaign or transition officials? Here is the back story.

The American public has permitted the most massive and thorough domestic surveillance apparatus in history to come about right under our collective and formerly freedom-loving nose. Beginning in 1978 and continuing up to the present, Congress has passed statutes that purport to confine domestic spying to foreign people communicating with anyone in America. Yet that confinement is a myth -- a myth accepted even by the Congresses that have authorized and reauthorized it.

In theory, spying in America is done pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and subsequent statutes that provide for the intervention of judges who issue warrants. In practice, the warrants are general warrants. They are not based on suspicion. They do not identify the person whose communications are to be intercepted. They permit the NSA to search where it wishes -- for example, in certain ZIP codes, area codes and service provider customer lists -- and retain whatever it finds.

On top of this subterfuge is the below-the-radar-screen behavior of the NSA, which looks to a Reagan-era executive order to justify its capture in real time of every telephone conversation and every computer keystroke of everyone in the U.S. since 2005.

That massive amount of raw data is stored digitally in NSA facilities in Maryland and in Utah, and it is available for examination by select people. One of the people who have access to it is the presidents national security adviser. My colleagues at Fox News and at other media outlets have reported that Susan Rice, President Obamas final national security adviser, sought and obtained transcripts of conversations of people at Trump Tower, ostensibly looking for a connection to Russia. Rice has admitted this.

Yet in that process, someone revealed the name of an American whose communications had been examined -- known as unmasking. Unmasking is lawful in private only if necessary to comprehend a national security-related and lawfully intercepted communication. It is never lawful to leak publicly.

If unmasking is done for any non-national security purpose -- such as politics, curiosity, embarrassment or revenge -- or if it is from a surveilled conversation that was not national security-related, the unmasking is criminal. The use of intelligence data for political purposes is a felony. Its unlawful use is espionage because the identity of Americans surveilled is top-secret -- the highest level of classification. Someone unmasked Lt. Gen. Flynn and most likely President Trump.

The wrongful exposure of top-secret material is the same crime committed by Hillary Clinton when she placed top-secret emails in non-secure venues. Yet if the allegations against Rice are true, her behavior was arguably worse. Clinton acted with gross negligence. Rices alleged behavior may have been intentional.

Michael Doran, who worked in national security in the George W. Bush White House, has argued that somebody blew a hole in the wall between national security secrets and partisan politics.

Yet this is far worse than a hole in the wall; it is a hole in the Constitution. Mass spying without suspicion and the select revelation of its fruits for political purposes is far worse than anything the government of King George III did to the colonists, and they fought a war to secede from his country.

How much longer will Americans permit the government to pull the wool over our eyes? Whatever happened to the constitutional right to privacy? Does the Constitution -- which requires a showing of some evidence of wrongdoing to a judge before the government may intercept any communications -- still mean what it says?
A scandal of historic and monumental proportions began with a tweet just over one month ago.

"Terrible, President Trump wrote on March 4. Just found out that Obama had (ph) 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!"

That tweet sent the mainstream, alt-left, hate-Trump media into an all- out frenzy. For the next several days, instead of investigating the president's serious claim, they mocked, ridiculed and bashed the president.

Here are some examples of propaganda masquerading as journalism:

Our conspiracy theory president is at it again, CNNs Brian Stelter said the day of the tweet. And whenever something like this happens, I wonder what are the president's sources of information? Where is he getting these ideas?

The next day, over at ABC, Martha Raddatz pretended to interview White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

The president of the United States is accusing the former president of wiretapping him, said Raddatz, who you will remember cried on election night when Hillary Clinton lost.

I think that this is again something that if this happened, Martha -- , Sanders began.

 If, if, if, if! Raddatz snapped.

It went on and on.

CNNs Anderson Cooper threw objectivity aside and determined the president was a liar.

We know the president of the United States has no facts, no facts to back up his startling allegation that the former president of the United States, President Obama, wiretapped him at Trump Tower during the campaign, Cooper said on March 16.

It's amazing to watch the White House continue to argue that the Earth is flat, Coopers colleague, Jake Tapper, said.

When the fact-challenged, destroy-Trump media finally got bored scolding President Trump over his tweet, they went right back to the same old, tired conspiracy. The one that claims Trump colluded with the Russians to win the election, a baseless assertion the mainstream media has hung onto for months without one single shred of evidence.

This Russian connection just keeps building, and every time it builds and expands, you have to wonder if Trump himself isn't worried about what's swirling around under the covers, said MSNBCs Chris Matthews.

Cooper and his pals agreed. The evil Russians and the evil Team Trump worked together to steal the election!

Then, on March 22, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes announced that he had credible evidence that President Trump and members of his transition team had been caught up in "incidental surveillance," after which their names were unmasked. Nunes also revealed this intelligence had nothing to do with Russia and was shared among high-level Obama administration officials, apparently for political purposes.

The media swung into action to investigate the serious claim and accurately reported these shocking new revelations. Oh, wait! No they didnt. They decided to destroy Nunes.

Who decided that Devin Nunes was qualified to be the House Intel chair? Because from everybody that I've spoken to who have worked with him, Republicans, Democrats, they say he is not up to that task, said MSNBCs Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman who now earns a bigger paycheck as a member of the alt-left media.

Nunes, who stepped aside in the committees investigation Thursday amid a barrage of bogus claims from the media and fellow House members, put his reputation on the line to try to get to the truth.

While the alt-left, destroy-Trump-propaganda-media was busy smearing anyone and everyone who didn't echo their biased agenda, real journalists from Fox News, Circa News and Bloomberg were actually doing their jobs. And they reported that it was President Obamas national security adviser, Susan Rice, who called for the unmasking of members of the Trump transition team.

Rice didn't even deny it. But the CNN wants us to think these developments are all just a big distraction. They're back to the Russia conspiracy.

You think that this is a diversion from this Russia story? Don Lemon asked earlier this week. Because so far, we've seen no evidence that she's done anything improper, and it seems like an effort to tar and feather her to try to make a lie the truth, the original tweet by the president.

Listen, Susan Rice is being tarred, feathered and burned alive for doing her job in a good way, Van Jones replied.

Unmasking Americans just because they are her political opponents was not her job. Over at MSNBC, Chris Matthews, who once gushed that Obama sent a thrill up my leg, accused Republicans of being racist and sexist for targeting Susan Rice.

If they don't like the facts, they just claim racism and sexism. But President Trump is not letting the media define this narrative.

"It's such an important story for our country and the world. It's one of the big stories of our time," Trump said of the Obama administrations apparent use of national intelligence agencies for political opposition research.

ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and all of their friends in the print media  especially The New York Times and Washington Post  need to realize their partisanship and hatred for the president has clouded their judgment in what is now one of the biggest scandals in American history.

Admit your bias. Do your job. And apologize to America for taking so long.

Adapted from Sean Hannity's monologue on "Hannity," April 4, 2017
Theres no question that President Donald Trump has inherited the most complex foreign policy and national security situation a US President has ever faced. And make no mistake, China is a root cause for much of this.

It will be high stakes poker when Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at Mar-a-Lago this Thursday for a two day Trump-Xi Summit.

The Summit, however, presents a huge opportunity for President Trump to seriously confront the real issues between our two countries and do so from a position of strength.

The fact is that in the early stages of his presidency and before, President Trump has made the right moves to give him real leverage with the Chinese.

In December, President-elect Trump in his first meeting with a foreign head of state, met with President Abe of Japan. This sent a clear message to the Chinese that Japan is our key strategic partner in Asia.

In addition, then President-elect Trumps reaching out to Philippine President Duterte, after being lectured to by the Obama administration, helped to ease U.S. tensions with the longtime ally, which had been drifting towards China in recent months. These and other actions have shown that President Trump is capable of successfully playing the international chess game with the Chinese.

Heres a snapshot of what should be some of the top agenda items at the upcoming Trump-Xi Summit:

1. Trade  A centerpiece of the Trump Campaign, the trade deficit with China will be front and center. It will be important for the Trump Administration to remember that severe demographic problems, due to the aging of its population, are driving much of the Chinese policy. In 2012, China had 180-million citizens who were over 60 years old. By the middle of this century, that number could approach 500-million. Further, the Chinese life expectancy has shot up from just 35 in 1949 to more than 73 today. And with the drastic decline of Chinas birthrate, it has now fallen below what is needed to maintain its population. Chinas shrinking labor force, due to its demographic challenges, has contributed greatly to its trade policy.

2. Military  China has the worlds largest military, with roughly 2.3-million active duty troops and 500,000 reserves, compared to the US approximately 1.3-million active duty troops and 800,000 in the Guard and Reserves. In addition, China is the only country that can really strain American resources from a military standpoint. Despite the size of its military budget, though, China still spends more on domestic security than on external threats. Something is going on internally in China. Chinas growing internal problems present a bigtime headache for President Xi. This is something that the Trump Administration should exploit to avert a serious and unnecessary arms race.

3. The South China Sea  The free flow of cargo through the South China Sea is vital to the worlds economy. Ships carry approximately $5.3-Trillion in cargo every year through the South China Sea. China has thumbed its nose at last years Hague Tribunal ruling against Chinas claims to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. President Trumps outreach to Philippine President Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Abe has been a step in the right direction following the Obama Administration. Similar outreach should occur to Malaysia, Singapore and Australia to develop a unified diplomatic, political and military strategy that defends the sovereignty of the South China Sea and contains Chinese aggression.

4. North Korea  North Koreas ballistic missile and nuclear technology pose a very real threat to the US. The Chinese have talked out of both sides of their mouth on North Korea. Along with Iran, it has been one of the two great enablers of the North Korean regime. China has helped draft UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions against North Korea, while at the same time helping to launder Iranian payments to North Korea. Further, we see Chinese subcomponents in North Koreas missile systems. Yes, relations between China and North Korea are at a low point, but China helped create the North Korea situation. President Trump must convince President Xi that were in the 59th minute of the 11th hour in dealing with North Korea. Its a problem for the free world that China helped to create and China needs to fix it. It can begin to do so with an all-out effort to get North Korea to scale back its nuclear program.

5. Cyber Security  Heres where President Trump has perhaps his greatest opportunity for a big quick win. China has inflicted real damage on the US from both a national security and an economic standpoint with its cyber-attacks against the US Government and US industry. The US cant compete if American companies annually spend millions, and in some cases billions, of dollars in research and development while China continues to steal the resulting technology. Its estimated that 90 percent of Chinese espionage (through cyber-attacks) is committed by two groups  one in Beijing and the other in Shanghai. One group can be traced to Unit 61398 of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and the other is also believed to have significant ties to the Chinese Armed Forces. The Chinese Government denies any involvement with these groups. This is an opportunity for President Trump to reach out to President Xi Jinping and tell him that we take him at his word and ask China to join the United States in declaring both of these groups as cyber terrorist organizations, so that we can go after them together. This will call Chinas bluff on the world stage and display real American leadership.

Yes, the stakes are high for the Trump-Xi Summit. President Trumps early moves have been the right ones. Now he has a real opportunity to confront China in the right way on North Korea, the South China Sea, military, trade issues and cyber security. In doing so, hell show China and the rest of the world that real American leadership is back.
As President Trump meets Thursday with Chinese president Xi Jinping, the hysterical claims by Democrats and the media that the Trump administration colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election, are reaching new heightsas are their shrill claims that nothing is more outrageous than having a foreign power trying to influence a presidential election, and having a political party and a president cooperate.

President Xi has to be smiling when he turns on CNN, or has his minions check on Twitter. He knows there is indeed a foreign power that recently spent millions to sway an American presidential election, and a president and vice president who happily held out their hands and let it happen. That power was China, and the president was Bill Clinton.

If you want to learn how the Clintons and Democrats really view the issue of foreign influence on a sitting president, dont bother with the Clinton Foundation or its millions of dollars from foreign governments looking for quid pro quos. Look at what happened during Bill Clintons re-election campaign in 1996, which was rocked not by one but two scandals with serious implications for foreign manipulation of our national security.

One involved President Clinton's dalliance with intern Monica Lewinsky, which any foreign intelligent service could have happily used for blackmail. The other, far more consequential, involved agents of Communist China actively supplying money to his campaign.

Today Democrats would like to forget names like Charlie Trie, the Arkansas restauranteur who donated $200,000 dollars to the DNC and $400,000 to Clinton Defense Fundmoney that actually came from Macao real estate developer Ng Lap Seng, who had deep connections to the Communist Chinese government. Or Maria Hsai, the fund-raiser for Vice President Al Gore whom the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee later identified as a Chinese intelligence agent, and who set up the notorious event at a Buddhist temple in California where Gore personally took in $100,000 in illegal donations.

Gores reaction when he was caught with his hand in the Chinese till, became classic. Theres no controlling legal authority, he said with a shrug, that says this was in violation of law."

Just imagine what the reaction from the mainstream media would be if Michael Flynn or Donald Trump had said something similar for simply having a phone call with the Russian ambassadorlet alone accepting money that was being laundered by a KGB agent.

The most egregious Chinagate case was Johnny Chung, another Democratic Party fundraiser who funneled thousands of dollars to the Clinton campaign that turned out to be supplied by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army through Liu Chaoying, a Chinese lieutenant colonel and aerospace executive whose father was a key figure in Chinese military intelligence. Chung later told federal investigators that some of the money Liu gave him actuallycame from Chinese military intelligence accounts, and that it was specifically earmarked to influence U.S. political campaigns.

In the end, ninety-four people involved in Chinagate either refused questioning, pled the Fifth Amendment, or fled the country.

Eventually Clinton and the Democrats returned the tainted money, but they fought tooth and nail to hamper Congressional and other investigations, including by the FBI.

Clintons Attorney General Janet Reno resolutely refused to appoint a special prosecutor, even though FBI director Louis Freeh said he never saw a case that warranted one more.

Was there any quid pro quo? Hard to say. It is a fact that after the election the Clinton administration worked overtime to overrule national security officials in order get licenses for Loral Space to export important missile technology to Communist China in 1999technology that has enabled China to revolutionize its space program, as well as its ballistic missile program, giving them capabilities and platforms for attacking our own space satellites which would be tested out over the next decade.

The Clinton official who led the campaign to get those Loral licenses is now the sitting governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe (at the same time Lorals CEO became the DNCs single biggest contributor).

So in the midst of the liberal hysteria over a supposed Trump-Putin nexus, its worth remembering how Democrats really behave, when a foreign power tries to influence a presidential electionand who really benefits when a Clinton sits in the White House.
By the time he welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to Mar-a-Lago this week, President Trump will have a briefcase full of notes about what topics he should raise. Many take just two words: North Korea, fair trade, currency manipulation, patent theft, cyber assault. Two words he should utter, but probably wont: rare earths.

Thats because Trump, businessman par excellence, knows he has a weak hand.

Trump has already signaled via Twitter that he expects his meeting with Xi to be difficult. That is like telling an employee You are underperforming, instead of Youre fired.

The U.S. has little leverage over Chinas economic support of North Korea, whose madman leader Kim Jong Un could test a nuclear device to mar the Sino-U.S. summit.

Americas nearly $350 billion trade deficit may be partly the result of Beijings currency manipulation. But while there may be room for a frank discussion, Americans want to pay the lowest possible prices for their consumer goods. And right now, those come from China.

Whether Trump can get a meaningful promise from Xi to stop its cyber assault on crucial databanks like the Pentagon, U.S. banks and government employees records depends on whether the Chinese leader will even admit to such crimes. And Xi needs only point to Russias own hacking of U.S. software and shrug.

But where Trump could take a serious step in his campaign pledge to return jobs to America is the issue of rare earths. Those are the 17 minerals and elements that are essential to making advanced military aircraft, rocket-guided missiles, GPS systems and even the iPhones that everyone at the summit will be toting.

In the late 20th century, the U.S. was the worlds leading producer of rare earths, ensuring our military and civilian manufacturers with a secure supply of the crucial materials.

Gradually, U.S. companies sent rare earth mined in the United States to China for processing, and, to ensure quality control, gave away to Chinese producers the technological secrets that had been developed in America.

Not surprisingly, China, which also has large rare earth deposits, took the technology being offered for free, improved on it, and quickly outstripped U.S. production. Since it pays little attention to the ecological damage done by strip-mining and smelting, it can undercut competitors prices.

China now produces 95 percent of the worlds rare earths. U.S. production: zero. Our military and commercial manufacturers are 100 percent dependent on China for rare earths. And the American jobs created by rare earth mining and separation: gone.

Heres Bellwethers advice: Trump need not raise the topic with Xi. Instead, while the Chinese leader is in the room, the president should turn to the top Pentagon hand seated at the summit table and mention casually, By the way, were going to start mining and producing our own rare earths again. And soon.

President Xi has won accolades for his cool public demeanor and unflappability in dealing with foreign leaders. It would be interesting to see how hed react to those words. And Trump, a new president who needs to show results soon, could chalk up a rare win.
EXCLUSIVE: Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News' "The First 100 Days" Wednesday that House Republicans are making "good progress" in their revived effort to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

"Clearly, a few weeks back, Congress wasnt quite ready to take the first step to begin the end of ObamaCare," Pence told host Martha MacCallum. "But conversations have continued since then. I think weve made good progress, and Ive seen good faith on all sides."

In-depth conversation with @marthamaccallum about world events, health care, & @POTUS' first 100 days. Tune in tonight at 7 P.M. on @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/YoJ4ydYLIc  Vice President Pence (@VP) April 5, 2017

The vice president said he did not want to put any timetable on when a new ObamaCare replacement might come before the House, but said he and President Trump were "encouraged" by their progress and vowed, "it's gonna get done."

Pence also told MacCallum that "all evidence points to the Assad regime" being behind a deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria this week.

"No American can look at those images and not be heartsick," Pence said. "It is a reflection of the failure of the past administration to both confront the mindless violence of the Assad regime and also hold Russia and Syria to account for the promises to destroy chemical weapons."

The attack killed at least 75 people and wounded hundreds more in Khan Sheikhoun, activists said Wednesday, providing updated numbers. The killer agent may have been sarin -- which is 20 times as deadly as cyanide, according to the Idlib Media Center. The poison is colorless and odorless, making it a challenge to detect.

TRUMP SAYS 'HEINOUS' CHEMICAL WEAPONS STRIKE IN SYRIA 'CANNOT BE TOLERATED'

The Vice President also said that President Trump is "very much looking forward" to welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping to his Mar-Al Lago estate in Florida this weekend.

"What [the Chinese are] going to find in president Trump is a strong leader whos going to put America first and is going to be willing to talk about the hard things," Pence said. "The fact that we lose $500 billion a year in a trade deficit to China, that weve seen manufacturing leaving this country and going to China, the fact that we see China constructing bases in the South China Sea, far beyond and well into international waters and other areas, Im sure will all be topics."

Pence also addressed the reshuffling of the National Security Council, after Trumps controversial chief strategist Steve Bannon was removed, saying it was not a demotion.

STEVE BANNON REMOVED FROM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

Showed @marthamaccallum the desk in my ceremonial office, which was built for Pres. T. Roosevelt & has been signed by many Vice Presidents. pic.twitter.com/Ijm4Vqq1Ol  Vice President Pence (@VP) April 5, 2017

Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert also had his role reduced in the shakeup; however, Bossert can still call a meeting of the Homeland Security Council, remains on the Principals Committee and can attend NSC meetings, an administration official told Fox News.

"They are gonna continue to play important policy roles," Pence said, adding the move was "just a natural evolution to ensure the National Security Council is organized in a way that best serves the president in resolving and making those difficult decisions."

Despite the turbulent start to the Trump administration, Pence said he would "give us a very solid 'A'" grade, citing strong economic data and reports indicating that attempts by immigrants to illegally cross the southern border had dropped to low levels.

"We see America standing tall in the world again, companies are reinvesting in America and creating those good-paying jobs," Pence said, "and what the American people see every single day is a president who is keeping his word to the American people."
The intelligence reports at the center of the Susan Rice unmasking controversy were detailed, and almost resembled a private investigators file, according to a Republican congressman familiar with the documents.

"This is information about their everyday lives," Rep. Peter King of New York, a member of the House Intelligence committee said. "Sort of like in a divorce case where lawyers are hired, investigators are hired just to find out what the other person is doing from morning until night and then you try to piece it together later on.

On the House Intelligence Committee, only the Republican chairman, Devin Nunes of California, and the ranking Democrat Adam Schiff, also of California, have personally reviewed the intelligence reports. Some members were given broad outlines.

Nunes has consistently stated that the files caused him deep concern because the unmasking went beyond the former national security adviser Mike Flynn, and the information was not related to Moscow.

Schiff said in a statement, I cannot comment on the content of these materials or any other classified documents, and nothing should be inferred from the fact that I am treating classified materials the way they should be treated - by refusing to comment on them. Only the Administration has the power to declassify the information and make it available to the public."

Former National Security Adviser Rice is under scrutiny after allegations she sought to unmask the identities of Trump associates caught up in surveillance - such as phone calls between foreign intelligence targets. Rice denies ever having sought such information for political purposes and has defended her requests as routine.

But the most recent government data shows that unmasking or identifying Americans happens in a limited number of cases. The Office for the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the 17 intelligence agencies, said "...in 2015, NSA disseminated 4,290 FAA Section 702 intelligence reports that included U.S. person information. Of those 4,290 reports, the U.S. person information was masked in 3,168 reports and unmasked in 1,122 reports."

The report said "NSA is allowed to unmask the identity for the specific requesting recipient only under certain conditions and where specific additional controls are in place" and those conditions were met for "654 U.S. person identities" in 2015.

That means Americans were identified in 26 percent of the cases, or roughly one in four intelligence reports.

During his March 20 testimony before the House Intelligence Committee, NSA director Admiral Mike Rogers said only 20 individuals within the agency are authorized to approve those requests.

They receive specific training, there are specific controls put in place in terms of our ability to disseminate information out of the databases associated with U.S. persons, Rogers said at the time. What it appears to suggest is that the NSA itself agreed that the instances in which Rice requested unmasking warranted that action.

FBI Director James Comey was less direct. "I don't know for sure. As I sit here, surely more, given the nature of the FBI's work," he testified.

"It would be nice to know the universe of people who have the power to unmask a U.S. citizen's name," South Carolina Republican congressman Trey Gowdy pressed. "Because that might provide something of a roadmap to investigate who might've actually disseminated a masked U.S. citizen's name."

Rice told NBC News Andrea Mitchell that the reports were requested by the Obama administration, which announced a probe into the Russian election hacking in early December. Two months earlier in October, before the election, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Homeland Security Department put out a joint statement about Moscow's interference.

Rice told Mitchell, "Fulfilling the president's request for such a report, they went back and scrubbed more reports. They began to provide more such reports to American officials, including myself."

Given the late fall timeline, it is not clear the intelligence reports Rice discussed during the NBC interview, are the same files reviewed by Nunes and Schiff.

Speaking to Fox News Wednesday, President Trump said he believed the former national security adviser may have committed a crime when she sought the identities of the Trump team members. The allegation was first reported by the New York Times.

While not commenting on the individual case, a former senior intelligence official explained the request must be approved by the NSA. Rice would have understood that there is an extensive government paper trail, that can be audited within the NSA, that shows who requested the unmasking, on what basis, and whether it was granted. This raises more questions about Rice, her motivation and whether it was authorized higher up, offering cover.

If approved, the former senior intelligence official said, only the requester, in this case Rice, would receive the information. Based on Fox News reporting, the information was shared beyond Rice, but it is not clear if those who received it had a need to know.

A spokeswoman for Rice, Erin Pelton, said in an email to the New York Times on Wednesday, Im not going to dignify the presidents ludicrous charge with a comment. Pelton works for Mercury LLC, a crisis management firm.

At the height of the 2012 Benghazi terrorist attack fallout, and questions about whether Rice and a former senior intelligence official had misled Congress about the role of an internet video in the deaths of four Americans, Mercury LLC was also tasked with handling the Fox News media inquiries.
Stephen Bannon, President Trumps controversial chief strategist, was removed from the National Security Council on Wednesday and reportedly threatened to resign from the Trump administration.

Rebekah Mercer, a top Republican donor, had to urge Bannon not to quit after he was removed from his post, sources told Politico. Mercer tried to convince him that this is a long-term play, a GOP operative said. Bannon reportedly opposed the change and wanted to quit if the president gave the OK.

It hasnt all been fun, and I know hes been frustrated, one Republican close to Bannon said.

The White House said that Bannon had not attempted to leave the White House and Bannon added that any indication that he threatened to resign was total nonsense.

Bannons removal from the National Security Council comes as Jared Kushners role in the White House has increased. Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser, was recently chosen to lead efforts to cut out bureaucracy from the federal government and visited Iraq in the beginning of the week.

Kushner and his allies reportedly consider Bannon an ideologue whose advice to Trump is hindering the presidents chances to win popular support for his agenda. Kushner has also won over two key West Wing officials, Gary Cohn, the chairman of the National Economic Council, and Dina Powell, the deputy security adviser, who are less ideological in nature, according to Politico.

Bannons removal from the National Security Council gives Powell the opportunity to attend the councils Principals and Deputies Committee meetings.

Wednesday's reconfiguration also promotes the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats to regular attendees. Those roles had previously been downgraded.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Energy Secretary Rick Perry were also added to the NSC.

Click for more from Politico.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived Thursday for a two-day summit with President Trump at his Mar-a-Lago retreat, with North Korea and other pressing issues expected to top the agenda.

Trump, though, kept it close to the vest as he set expectations for the meeting.

It is going to be very interesting. Nobody really knows, Trump predicted Thursday morning on Fox & Friends, in a tone more tempered than his Twitter feed last week.

The president earlier had declared his meeting would be "very difficult" as "we can no longer have massive trade deficits."

While Trump for years has railed against China's monetary and trade policies as hurting American workers, North Korea could rise to the top of their summit agenda. He told Fox News' Pete Hegseth that "we have a big problem" with North Korea.

While Trump would not say whether he would use trade as leverage to pressure China to exert influence on North Korea, he told Fox News he would be in there pitching.

The meeting follows a burst of North Korea missile-testing. On Tuesday, a Trump official said the clock has now run out for Pyongyang to end its testing of nuclear and ballistic missiles and that all options are on the table for us.

A day later, North Korea fired a missile into the Sea of Japan. Pyongyang took a similarly provocative action during Trumps meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago in February.

In Asia to meet with Japanese and South Korean defense officials, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift told reporters on Thursday that diplomatic efforts and sanctions have not been an effective counter to Pyongyangs aggression.

Up to this point I think it is fair to say that economic and diplomatic efforts have not supported the progress people have been anticipating and looking forward to, conceded Swift.

The decision to host the Chinese leader in Florida has been viewed as an effort make the diplomatic talks less formal.

President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arrived in Florida Friday afternoon ahead of a dinner meeting at the Winter White House.

White House officials have tried to manage expectations by stressing that they are simply setting a framework for future diplomatic and military talks.

In a briefing Tuesday, one administration official characterized the talks over dinner and Friday working lunch as simply an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on each others respective priorities and to chart a way forward for the U.S.-China bilateral relationship.

Trump has indicated that his approach toward China, particularly on trade, would be a departure from past administrations.

Weve not been treated fairly on trade for many, many years, he told Fox News, echoing a common campaign theme that China was a currency manipulator and could not be trusted to make fair trade deals.

The president began to address that unfair treatment last week when he signed two executive orders, including one to crack down on trade abusers.

On March 31, he signed an order to more strictly enforce penalties against nations that engage in trade abuses. The other executive order instructed the Treasury Department to complete in 90 days a detailed study of the causes of trade deficits on a country-by-country basis.

The White House denied the measures were related to China, but Trump said at the signing ceremony that he planned to get down to some very serious business with China at the summit.

Xinhua, Chinas official news agency, showed little concern and argued mutual benefit would prevent any hiccup in U.S.-China trade relations.

Neither side can afford to sacrifice cooperation. Thus, the China-U.S. relationship will continue to sail forward, buoyed by the two nations' nearly 520-billion-dollar trade relationship, said a Thursday editorial.
Overview of the workshop (Photo: VNA)

This is a regular activity of VnFinance France to introduce jobs in the financial field and help students find a job or an internship in France.

VnFinance invited many leaders, managers and experts from leading banks and companies of France to attend the event, including many Vietnamese managers in France.

The workshop mentioned many jobs in the field of finance such as risk management, statistics, auditing, M&A consulting, maths and computing applied in the financial field, financial analysis and investment fund management.

In addition, it also mentioned the development trend of the labour market in the financial background of Vietnam and the world.

In the framework of the event, there were also two round-table discussions on market finance and corporation finance; five tables for recruitment interviews directly conducted by managers from major companies and banks in France.

Together with more than 50 VnFinance members, many young Vietnamese and French people joined the workshop and were candidates for these direct interviews.

VnFinance France was established in 2007 and it has organized various activities to support its members and look towards the homeland./.
A Senate showdown is set for Thursday as Republicans prepare to go nuclear in their push to confirm President Trumps pick for the Supreme Court as Democrats escalate their attacks on his selection.

Democrats have portrayed Judge Neil Gorsuch as an ally of the powerful and an enemy of the weak ahead of Thursday's key votes. Republicans are accusing Democrats of trying to block Gorsuch out of frustration over Trump's election victory.

"Democrats would filibuster Ruth Bader Ginsburg if President Donald Trump nominated her," said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., naming one of the more liberal sitting justices. "There is simply no principled reason to oppose this exceptional, exceptional Supreme Court nominee."

The confrontation will play out as Democrats and independents try to block Gorsuch by denying Republicans the 60 votes needed to proceed to a final vote.

Republicans intend to respond by unilaterally changing Senate precedent to remove the 60-vote requirement for Gorsuch and all future Supreme Court nominees, reducing it to a simple majority. The maneuver is considered an extreme parliamentary move.

All 52 GOP senators are expected to vote to end the filibuster. Four Democratic senators will likely join them, which means Republicans are four votes shy of confirming Gorsuch outright.

It is not clear when Senate Republicans will deploy the nuclear option, but the process will likely begin an hour after the Senate meets.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told Fox News The First 100 Days Monday that Gorsuch is going to be on the Supreme Court by midnight Friday night. I can assure you that. One way or the other, hes going to get the necessary votes to get there."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday said Democrats have hit a new low in their obstruction. He still has said that he would employ the nuclear option and has filed a motion for cloture-- the first step in invoking the nuclear option.

The cloture vote is expected to fail and, at that point, McConnell is expected to attempt to change the precedent.

Heres where things gets a little more confusing.

FiveThirtyEight.com reported that there will likely be four total votes: the initial cloture; the vote on the rule change; the cloture vote under the new rule; and finally the vote on Gorsuch.

McConnell is expected to vote against the cloture. His being on the prevailing side would mean that he could ask for a revote. Following the failed vote, the cloture vote would only require 51 yeas.

After the cloture vote, the Senate cannot extend matters by talking. At that point, McConnell can go nuclear. A final vote on Gorsuch is expected to take place Friday.

"For the first time in history, we are considering a nominee for a stolen Supreme Court seat, and that alone should be reason for everyone who cares about this institution to turn down this nominee," said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., as he wrapped up a 15-and-a-half-hour overnight talk-a-thon to underscore his party's opposition to Gorsuch.
Dr. Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to President Trump, told Fox News' "Hannity" Wednesday night the unmasking of Trump associates caught up in surveillance operations was "what you expect in a banana republic and a police state, or an authoritarian state."

REPORTS IN UNMASKING CONTROVERSY WERE DETAILED, HAD INFO ABOUT 'EVERYDAY LIVES'

Gorka, a former Fox News contributor who joined the Trump administration in January, added that former national security adviser Susan Rice's claims about her role in the unmasking were "falling apart."

"If you compare what [Rice] said two weeks ago, if you compare just the difference in her statements in the last 36 hours, theres clearly something that is not being openly discussed or disclosed here," said Gorka, who later added, "It's not just smoke, there's actually flames behind the smoke."

Gorka said that if it is proven that the outgoing Obama administration attempted to use the unmasked intelligence reports to weaken Trump's presidency, it would make the Watergate scandal look like "a little spat in the sandbox in the kindergarten."

SEAN HANNITY: CONNECTING THE DOTS IN OBAMA'S SPY SCANDAL

Gorka also called out Rice and other former Obama administration officials for their criticism of the current administration on social media, saying that they had "unmasked themselves."

He specifically singled out current Georgetown University associate professor Colin Kahl, a former deputy assistant to Obama, for urging a "purge" of certain members of the Trump administration, including chief strategist Steve Bannon and Gorka himself.

"Purging is the kind of word that Maoists use,"Gorka said. "Thats the kind of word that was used to get rid of people you politically disagree with, perhaps even in violent ways."
Its no secret that political consultants often cash in big time, signing on with corporations, ideological groups, even foreign candidates and governments.

Whether theyre selling their talents, their connections or their access to those in power, its been a lucrative field for a long time, with the Beltway at its epicenter.

I routinely bump into former campaign strategists, Democrats and Republicans, who are about to get on a plane to visit clients around the country and around the globe. Whether you view this as seamy or just people earning a living, influence-peddling is a bipartisan game.

And yet the press is suddenly in a tizzy that this is happening with Trump associates, as if they are creating a whole new industry.

Some of President Donald Trumps former campaign hands are rushing to sign lucrative deals with foreign clients, shrugging off their own pledges to avoid foreign lobbying and the presidents vow to drain the swamp, Politico says.

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, whose partner, Barry Bennett, had said last year that their new firm wouldnt lobby for foreign nations, is among those searching for foreign gold. Lewandowski and Bennett are actively seeking to represent foreign governments and consult on overseas elections, and members of the firm have met in recent weeks with officials from Albania and Kosovo.

So? Lewandowski and Bennett never worked in the administration. If they had, theyd be bound by Trump requiring top officials to sign a five-year pledge not to lobby the government. And plenty of ex-Obama strategists and ex-Clinton strategists have worked in foreign elections.

The New York Times finds it newsworthy that some Trump officials previously made money working for conservative groups and PACs:

Donald F. McGahn II, now President Trumps White House counsel, made $2.4 million as a lawyer with a client list loaded with deep-pocketed conservative groups, from Americans for Prosperity, backed by the conservative billionaires Charles G. and David H. Koch, to the Citizens United Foundation.

Mr. Trumps legislative affairs director, Marc Short, earned $78,000 from Freedom Partners, a Koch-linked group where he once served as president, plus nearly $380,000 for consulting work, listing clients such as the Club for Growth and Susan B. Anthony List, both right-leaning activist groups, as well as the presidential campaign of Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida.

And Mr. Trumps chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, reported earning more than $1 million in income tied to conservative-oriented work, with at least $500,000 of that from entities linked to the conservative megadonor Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah, including the Breitbart News Network and Cambridge Analytica, a data mining firm partly owned by Mr. Mercer that worked for the Trump campaign.

These disclosures offer a hint of how an explosion in spending has expanded the lucrative array of private political work in Washington, enriching even the anti-establishment activists and operatives who sided with Mr. Trump.

Only later comes the obligatory both-sides-do-it paragraph:

To be sure, Democrats take care of their own, as well. When President Barack Obama took office in 2009, his senior adviser, David Axelrod, reported an income of more than $1 million, listing consulting services for Democratic candidates and other political clients."

In fact, Axelrod's firm worked in a Nigerian election, and former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina beat Axelrod in the 2015 British race won by David Cameron.

Hillary Clinton loyalist David Brock, meanwhile, drew income not only from his own group, Media Matters, but from the pro-Hillary organizations Correct the Record and American Bridge as well.

Its hardly shocking that people with conservative or liberal views want to hire those who will fight for those views and know how to work the system.

Washington is full of folks who came to do good and stayed to do well. And of course some foreign interests want a piece of that action as well.

The only thing thats surprising are stories implying that Trump loyalists are somehow breaking new ground here.
Amid a flurry of closed-door activity at the White House and the Pentagon, President Donald Trump signaled Thursday that a U.S. response possibly was imminent for the suspected chemical attack earlier this week against civilians in northwestern Syria.

"I don't want to say what I'm going to be doing with respect to Syria," Trump said aboard Air Force One on his way to Florida, but he singled out Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for blame in the attack Tuesday on the northwestern town of Khan Sheikhoun in a rebel-held area of Idlib province that killed at least 70, according to human rights and aid groups.

"What Assad did is terrible. What happened in Syria is truly one of the egregious crimes and it shouldn't have happened and it shouldn't be allowed to happen," the president said. Referring to Assad, he added, "I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity, and he's there, and I guess he's running things, so I guess something should happen."

Trump was already being pressed by senior Republicans to take military action despite Russia's strong support for Assad and the presence in Syria of Russian troops and warplanes.

Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and member of the panel, said the U.S. and its partners should ground Assad's warplanes, though any attack on Syrian airfields would also risk hitting Russian aircraft and crews.

"The U.S. military, together with our allies and partners, has the capability to achieve this objective quickly, precisely, decisively, and in ways that control escalation," McCain said in a statement. He did not elaborate on the method of attack.

In 2013, following a sarin gas attack in the Damascus suburbs that allegedly killed more than 1,500, the U.S. posted destroyers and submarines to the eastern Mediterranean with the potential mission to fire Tomahawk missiles to crater Syrian airfields, but the attack order never came from the Obama administration.

The Washington Post reported Thursday that the White House was considering a range of military options but had made no decisions. Senior White House officials met Wednesday evening on the Syrian crisis and received input from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the White House national security advisor, the Post reported.

Tillerson was expected to meet in Moscow next week with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a previously arranged visit that will now have Syria high on the agenda.

The talks will come as Trump's high hopes, often expressed during the campaign, for a new and more cooperative relationship with Putin appeared to have been dashed by charges of Russian meddling in the U.S. 2016 elections and congressional investigations of possible collusion between Trump associates and Moscow.

U.S. troops on the ground in Syria have ready access to chemical weapons protective suits but were not wearing them as a precaution following the suspected Syrian air force nerve gas attack, a U.S. military spokesman said Thursday.

"All forces have access to chemical gear" in Syria and in Iraq, Army Col. Joseph Scrocca said in fielding questions on the impact for U.S. troops of Trump's statements suggesting that the U.S. might take action. "None of our forces currently are wearing them."

Scrocca, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, declined comment on the alleged Syrian attack or a possible U.S. response. He said U. S. troops in Syria and Iraq were focused on the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, but "our forces across Iraq and Syria are prepared to defend themselves" should they come under fire.

The Force Management Levels, or limits, on U.S. military personnel set by the Obama administration currently stand at 503 for Syria and 5,262 Iraq. However, those numbers do not include troops on so-called "temporary assignment."

Currently in Syria, a small contingent of Army Rangers and Stryker combat vehicles is in the northeastern town of Manbij temporarily to discourage any attempt to take the town by a combined Syrian and Russian force on the outskirts.

In addition, about 200 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, also on temporary assignment, are near the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa to set up an firing base for M777 howitzers.

In Iraq, about 200 troops from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division recently were sent to northeastern Iraq to support the train, advise and assist mission of U.S. troops with the Iraqi Security Forces battling to retake Mosul.

Both Syrian and Russian officials have denied responsibility for the chemical attack and charged that the deaths may have been caused by nerve agents stored in the area by rebels.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is willing to fly to Mars with SpaceX, as long as company founder and CEO Elon Musk meets a few key conditions.

"I really like Earth. So any space trip I take, I'm double-checking that there's sufficient funds for me to return," Tyson wrote during a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session on Sunday (April 2)."Also, I'm not taking that trip until Elon Musk send[s] his mother and brings her back alive. Then I'm good for it."

Tyson was responding to a question about SpaceX's historic launch last week, during which a used Falcon 9 rocket first stage helped send the SES-10 communications satellite to orbit. The questioner also asked if Tyson would ever consider going on a one-way Mars trip. [ In Photos: SpaceX Launches, Lands 1st Reused Falcon 9 Rocket ]

SpaceX aims to help colonize Mars, and the company regards the development of fully and rapidly reusable rockets as central to that goal. Such technology could spur a spaceflight revolution by slashing launch costs, Musk has said.

Tyson said he's a fan of the company's focus on reusable boosters.

"Any demonstration of rocket reusability is a good thing," the astrophysicist and science communicator wrote in the AMA. "When we fly on a Boeing 747 across great distances, we don't throw it away and roll out a new one. Reusability is arguably the most fundamental feature of affordable expensive things."

But Tyson also pumped the brakes a bit on the SpaceX enthusiasm percolating through the AMA session.

"I'm simultaneously one of SpaceX's biggest critics and supporters," he said in response to a question about how advances such as SpaceX's reusable rockets will affect humanity's efforts to get to Mars in the near future.

Projects "that are hugely expensive and dangerous, with uncertain returns on investments, make poor activities of profit-driven companies," Tyson added. "Governments do these things first, allowing private enterprise to learn what to do and what not to do, then come next with a plan that involves us all. So my read of history is that private companies will not be the first to send humans to Mars unless government actually pays for it."

SpaceX was just one of many topics that Tyson addressed during the wide-ranging AMA. For example, Tyson wrote that being vaporized by a supernova explosion would probably be the second-most interesting way to die. (The most interesting would be death by black hole, he has stated previously).

And Tyson predicted humanity would not make contact with an intelligent alien civilization in the next 50 years: "I think they (we) might all be too far away from one another in space and possibly time."

He also described President Trump's proposed 2018 NASA budget, which would cancel four agency Earth-science missions , as a "wolf in sheep's clothes."

"My read of the (entire) plan is to remove Earth monitoring from NASA's mission statement, leaving NASA to think only about the rest of the universe and not Earth as a part of that same universe," Tyson wrote. "Unless this task is picked up by some other agency, the disconnect will be disastrous to our understanding of our own planet, preventing us from knowing and predicting our own impact on our own environment."

But he predicted that the leaders of tomorrow will have a different perspective: "My sense is that the next generation (30 and younger) does not think this way. They just don't happen to be old enough to be head of agency, corporations, or government yet. So I look forward to when they are all in charge. Especially anyone born since 1995  the year we discovered our first exoplanet. For that reason, I dub that demographic 'Generation Exoplanet.'"

You can read the full AMA here:

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+ . Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook or Google+ . Originally published on Space.com .
Has Russia created the most powerful nuclear submarine in the world? Silent. Stealthy. Lethal.

Russia recently unveiled the Kazan, a new Yasen-class nuclear attack submarine that can destroy subs, surface ships and even entire bases. The country is touting the Kazan as its most powerful sub  EVER.

The launch of the sub was held in northern Russia at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. Russia released the details through its state news agency TASS.

Marking a return to Cold War submarine patrol levels, Admiral Vladimir Korolyov also noted Russian submarine crews spent more than 3,000 days on patrol in 2016.

DARPA'S UNMANNED SUB-HUNTER SET TO REVOLUTIONIZE NAVAL WARFARE

Russia plans to have seven of these powerful submarines in play within 6 years. The attack subs will join 6 new stealth submarines in the fleet, nicknamed black holes because they are so hard to detect.

It is expected that the Kazan can strike targets 1,500 miles away and conduct missions for 100 days carrying a crew of approximately 90 sailors.

What kind of weapons does it carry?

The Kazan sub can carry 300 torpedoes. Each of the ten 533mm torpedo tubes has an ammunition load of 30.

In addition, the sub will carry eight Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles.

A NEW COMBAT VEHICLE THAT SWIMS FOR THE MARINE CORPS

These long-range Kalibr cruise missiles were deployed for the first time in combat during the Russian campaign in Syria, according to Russian officials. In November 2015, the Russian Defence Ministry released footage described as the Rostov-on-Don diesel-electric stealth submarine firing missiles at targets in the country.

Kalibrs are said to be able to hit sea targets about 220 miles away and ground targets more than 1,500 miles away. Russia has said that the missiles are so precise that they will hit a target within about 10 feet.

To put that into context, this submarine could be stealthily submerged in the waters between Greenland and Canada. From there, it could theoretically launch a Kalibr missile that would be able to reach and strike New York City.

U.S. submarines use powerful Tomahawk missiles that have a similar range.

What does it look like?

The Kazan is about 456 feet long and about 43 feet wide. This sub is a beast. On the surface, it displaces 8,600 tons. When it is submerged underwater, it displaces about 13,800 tons.

Speed

The sub can travel at speeds of up to about 31 knots and can reach depths of around 2,000 feet below the surface.

THE 'SEA WASP' WILL BE A POTENT THREAT TO TERRORISTS AND THEIR UNDERWATER BOMBS

The submarine is nuclear powered and harnesses 43,000 horsepower from a single-shaft steam turbine nuclear power unit.

What can subs be used for?

Submarines are potent weapons in a nations arsenal. They can be used for attacks against enemy subs, ships and assets on the ground, as well as in the air. These stealthy state-of-the art weapons can also be harnessed for other missions, such as surveillance.

In fact, they are even used to carry, and stealthily insert, special operations teams into hostile areas in a covert way.

HIDDEN HIGH-TECH OCEAN PODS WILL UNLEASH NAVAL DRONES

Listen to a Navy SEAL explain what it is like inside a submarine on missions and reveal how submarines shoot them out of torpedo tubes.

And subs are a platform for nuclear weapons.

Rise of Russian Submarines 2.0

A number of recent international submarine scuffles have made it into the public domain.

In November 2015, a Russian sub was spotted off the coast of Scotland and the RAF scrambled in response.

In another example, the following year Russia claimed a Dutch sub was spying in the Mediterranean and that two of its ships had chased it away.

AUSTRALIA'S $39 BILLION SUBMARINE DEAL HERALDS NEW ERA OF SUPER-SUBS

The Arctic is one area where submarine scuffles will likely intensify. A race to control the Arctic has already been long underway with Russia building up its forces there.

Submarines will continue to play a fundamental role in Russias strategic objectives there. Russian officials have not been shy about making statements on how more subs will be joining the fleet in the area.

Why are things escalating under the water there?

As the ice melts and recedes it opens up opportunities. For example, a faster shipping route between Europe and Asia could open up. And of course, there will be newly accessible, significant natural resources like oil and gas. These are just two massively lucrative and motivating factors.

FOR THE LATEST TECH FEATURES FOLLOW FOX NEWS TECH ON FACEBOOK

The U.S. has a formidable submarine fleet that includes attack submarines, ballistic missile submarines and guided missile submarines. The Navy deploys three classes of attack subs: the Los Angeles, Seawolf and Virginia. All of these subs can perform a range of missions from surveillance through to striking a target from a great distance with Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Ohio Class Ballistic (SSBN) Missile submarines, known as "Boomers," have a strategic nuclear deterrence mission and can operate underwater for months.
The emergence of terrorist drones flown by ISIS in Iraq has fueled interest in drone-defense technology  while raising questions about whether the U.S. is ready for potential drone terrorist attacks on the homeland.

Over the last six months, ISIS has increased its use of weaponized and surveillance drones against Iraqi and U.S. forces. U.S. Central Command told Fox News coalition troops have as many as 30 encounters a week with unmanned aerial vehicles. These drones are inexpensive ones modified to drop grenades or to surveil troop movements.

Underscoring the accessibility and affordability of these drones: During the last two months, the U.S. military has destroyed at least five ISIS drone facilities, including one factory and four storage facilities.

TRUMP GIVES CIA POWER TO LAUNCH DRONE STRIKES

ISIS has posted online propaganda videos touting its drones along with detailed tutorials explaining how to arm them. The emerging drone threat has led some experts to question whether the U.S. is properly prepared to defend itself against possible drone terrorist attacks.

Unfortunately, I dont think were ready right now, said Michael Waltz, a former U.S. Army Special Forces commander. We dont have the technology  both the detection technology and the counter-measure technology  in place yet.

As drones become more prevalent, Waltz believes it is imperative that the U.S. government begins to secure its critical infrastructure, like power plants, military bases, and nuclear facilities, from possible weaponized drones.

I do think its just a matter of when, Waltz said of the possibility of being attacked. A nightmare scenario could be 20 to 25 of these drones that you could buy over the counter that have been weaponized with explosives that you can put on a timer with GPS coordinates to a military base or a nuclear facility or Capitol building that could attack in a swarm-like fashion.

HOW ISIS IS TURNING COMMERCIAL DRONES INTO WEAPONS IN THE BATTLE FOR MOSUL

This threat has fueled the counter-drone industry, made up of dozens of drone defense startups, which have experienced a substantial uptick in inquiries from prospective buyers during the last six months  coinciding with ISISs growing use of the unmanned gadgets. According to the CEO of Droneshield, a company started three years ago, prisons, stadiums, local law enforcement and foreign governments have all expressed renewed interest in this technology that detects and mitigates unwanted drones.

We have sold our countermeasure product to a Middle Eastern ministry of defense, which is close to the U.S., and we have sold our detection product to the office of the prime minister of Turkey, Droneshield CEO Oleg Vornik said. Today, we are in 35 countries around the world.

Droneshield offers various counter-drone technology options like a Dronegun. The Dronegun is a jammer that looks like a heavy gun. Operators simply aim at a drone and the Dronegun sends signals that allow users to take control of the drone to land it safely on the ground. The operator can also send an unwanted drone back to the location from where it took off.

WOMAN BRANDISHES GUN, SCARES OFF DRONE

The company also offers acoustic technology that detects drones too small to be picked up by radar, by listening for its unique sound signature.

Another company, Department 13, offers its MESMER software that integrates into security systems. The software detects drones through a process called protocol manipulation  the software identifies a drones unique signal signature and allows operators to then hijack and take control of it.

While law enforcement agencies and operators of amusement parks and prisons have expressed interest in the technology  engaging with a drone can be tricky, if not illegal, because current U.S. regulations make it all but impossible to shoot down or take control of a drone. Only the federal government can take down drones because current laws consider them an aircraft.

HUGE DRONE CAN LIFT 500 POUNDS

Counter-drone companies want to see these regulations changed.

We can offer detection, but unfortunately for me to engage a drone, Im breaking three or four laws, Department 13 CEO Johnathan Hunter told Fox News.

The biggest customer for companies like Droneshield and Department 13 is the Department of Defense. The U.S. military is actively trying to develop capabilities to stop drones on the battlefield, awarding $80 million in drone-defense contracts in February alone.

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The militarys leading research and development branch, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, has called on startups to look for inventive ways to detect and destroy drones  particularly a drone swarm, possible attacks by hundreds of drones. In fact, the office of the secretary of defense reportedly said counter-drone budgets will see significant increases in 2018.

Still, while the U.S. military looks for solutions, the concern is whether soft targets will be exploited by ISIS or its followers in the U.S.

The DOD is really moving full-steam ahead, Waltz said. But the department of Homeland Security and the FBI are lagging and need to get much smarter and focus on this threat before theres a major incident we all fear.
Twitter has filed a lawsuit against the U.S government over an attempt to reveal the identities of the users behind the @ALT_USCIS account, which has been critical of President Trumps administration.

A rogue government account, @ALT_USCIS describes its goal as immigration resistance and is now at the center of the row between Twitter and two government agencies - the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Twitter wants to prevent the agencies from unlawfully abusing a limited-purpose investigatory tool to try to unmask the real identity of one or more persons who have been using Twitters social media platform, according to the lawsuit. The users have harnessed @ALT_USCIS to express public criticism of the Department and the current Administration, it adds.

TRUMP SAYS HIS TWITTER POWER IS WHY KAEPERNICK IS A FREE AGENT

@ALT_USCIS is one of a number of so-called alternative agency accounts set up on the social media site following Trumps inauguration, Twitter explains. These accounts provide a platform for purported current or former employees of federal agencies, without revealing their identities.

Like other accounts of this sort, @ALT_USCIS claims to be run by one or more current government employeesin this case, employees of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Twitter says, in its suit. And as with other such accounts, the person or persons who established and speak through @ALT_USCIS have identified themselves only by means of this pseudonymous account name.

On March 14 Twitter received a CBP summons demanding that Twitter provide them records that would unmask, or likely lead to unmasking, the identity of the person(s) responsible for the @ALT_USCIS account, according to the suit, which describes the summons as unlawful. Permitting CBP to pierce the pseudonym of the @ALT_USCIS account would have a grave chilling effect on the speech of that account in particular and on the many other alternative agency accounts that have been created to voice dissent to government policies, it added.

MCDONALD'S TWITTER ACCOUNT HACKED, BLASTS TRUMP

The account has racked up over 35,000 followers since it was set up in January 2017. In its description, @ALT_USCIS says that it does not express the views of DHS or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The @ALT_USCIS account tweeted part of Twitters lawsuit Thursday.

The ACLU told Fox News that it is representing the user in the @ALT_USCIS case. "The right to anonymously speak out against the government is clearly protected by the First Amendment," said ACLU attorney Nathan Freed, in a statement emailed to Fox News. "We are pleased to see Twitter standing up for its users rights, and the ACLU will soon be filing documents in court on behalf of this user."

The ACLUs national Twitter account also tweeted its support for the social media site Thursday.

We're glad Twitter is pushing back. We'll be going to court to defend this user's right to anonymous speech. https://t.co/tqj5XrNvgn  ACLU National (@ACLU) April 6, 2017

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Twitter declined to comment on its legal action when contacted by Fox News. The DHS and CBP have not yet responded to a request for comment on this story.

Twitters lawsuit was filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court Northern District of California.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
You may remember that the IRS was accused of auditing some conservative groups for political reasons. That is illegal. The woman in charge of the office where that allegedly happened was Lois Lerner. She was called to testify in front of a Congressional Committee. She took the Fifth.



(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LOIS LERNER, FORMER IRS OFFICIAL: And while I would very much like to answer the community's questions today, I've been advised by my counsel to assert my constitutional right not to testify or answer questions related to the subject matter of this hearing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'REILLY: So, after that, Ms. Lerner packed up and left the IRS with a nice government pension. Absolutely nothing happened to her. And we never learned if higher government officials were involved in that IRS scandal. However, we did learn this. When I asked President Obama about the situation.



(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

O'REILLY: You're saying no corruption. None.

FMR. PRES. BARACK OBAMA (D), UNITED STATES: No. And there are some boneheaded decisions.

O'REILLY: Boneheaded decisions. But no mass corruption.

OBAMA: Not even mass corruption, not even a smidgen of corruption.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'REILLY: Talking Points believes the Obama administration did not want to know what happened with the IRS. The left-wing media did not want to know nor did the Democratic Party. And we don't know. So today, we have two big time political allegations. Whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia and whether National Security advisor Susan Rice was spying on the Trump campaign and transition team using her position with President Obama in the White House to surveilled and hurt Donald Trump.

Answers to both of those questions have not been provided to the American people as they must be if we are to keep our election system legitimate. The FBI's investigating the Russian deal. I'm not sure where the agency is on the illegal surveillance issue. The bureau has not defined it. But Congress is looking into Miss Rice.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY), SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: I've asked the Intelligence Committee, Senator Burr, Senator Warner to conduct a bipartisan investigation of this whole episode. They will conduct it. Hopefully at the end we'll find out what happened and I'll issue a report I hope on a bipartisan basis.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'REILLY: Not likely. As Democrats and the liberal media have already acquitted Susan Rice.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. ADAM SCHIFF (D-CA), HOUSE INTEL COMMITTEE RANKING MEMBER: One of the central figures the Republicans went after and after was Susan Rice. And after two years, they could find nothing that Susan Rice did wrong.



(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'REILLY: Congressman Schiff, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee speaking about Miss Rice's role in Benghazi investigation and putting forth the opinion that she's a scapegoat even before any testimony is heard. This Congressman Schiff really wanted know what happened in the surveillance deal? You make the call. But it's obvious his fellow travelers on the left do not want to know, in fact the loons are now branding the whole thing racial.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVID CORN, BUREAU CHIEF, MOTHER JONES WASHINGTON: Did she do something wrong? There's no information indicating that so they are making her, you know, basically they're defaming her without any reason to do so because she's a woman, maybe because she's a black woman.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'REILLY: As Talking Points said yesterday, Susan Rice is entitled to the presumption of innocence and should be called by Congress to testify as soon as possible. But with Easter break looming, that call will be down the road. At that time, I expect Miss Rice to take the Fifth just as Lois Lerner did. That means others in government will have to step forward to testify about what Susan Rice did or did not do in order for we the people to know.

Today, President Trump said he believes the surveillance situation is, quote, "Going to be the biggest story, it is such an important story for our country and the world, it is one of the biggest stories of our time," unquote. It's clear the President has a vested interest in this having tweeted he was surveilled by President Obama himself. So, obviously Mr. Trump would like to know what happened. But the anti-Trump folks will try to prevent some light on Susan Rice, no question about that.

Because if the former National Security advisor was using her very high office to help the Democratic Party before and after the election, that's a huge scandal. And President Obama will have to be questioned about it. That's a big if, and premature conclusions as well as speculations are the enemies of true justice. The polls say most Americans want answers to the Russian intrusion into the presidential election and I believe most of us want to know the full Susan Rice story as well.

If the federal government cannot define both situations fairly quickly, this nation is a major trouble. America simply has to have a justice system that works. And that's "The Memo".


At just eight minutes long, a commuter flight between Switzerland and Germany became the shortest international flight in the world after its maiden voyage in November 2016.

Just five months later, the flight will no longer exist, local news outlets reported.

The flight had been too costly and did not attract the number of passengers expected, according to leadership from the Austrian People's Air Group, the carrier that ran the flight.

"There was indeed small, recognizable progress, but we don't think that the targeted number of passengers could have been reached," airline owner Markus Kopf told The Local.

The trip from St. Gallen-Altenrhein, Switzerland, to Friedrichshafen, Germany, had beaten the previous record of an international flight that flew from Vienna, Austria, to Bratislava, Slovakia, in 10 minutes.

"This stopover will benefit both tourists and commuters working on both sides of the lake and, of course, it is also likely to become a must in every aviation enthusiast's logbook," Danel Steffen, CEO of Austrian People's Air Group, told CNN at the time of its launch.

Despite the short duration of the Swiss-German flight, its launch in 2016 was not without controversy. Environmentalists argued that the amount fuel required for the short flight was disproportionate to its usefulness.

The final takeoff is scheduled for April 14.
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
A Philadelphia museum is putting a whole new twist on the term high art.

The National Liberty Museum will open on Friday a month-long art exhibit entitled The Treachery of Images, which will feature more than 50 hand-crafted glass water pipes (more commonly referred to as bongs in the marijuana smoking community) from 20 of the United States most prominent pipemakers and glass artists.

In what is being called the first exhibit of bongs in a museum setting, the artwork will not only be on display but will also be up for sale, with some valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. One pipe  entitled "Freija" -- is valued at $250,000.

The museums directors want to make clear that this exhibit is less about getting potheads to ogle over some pricey pipes and more about allowing an underground community of artists to showcase their work to the world without fear of being stigmatized or prosecuted.

Some of these glass pipes you cant tell if theyre pipes or pieces of art, Meegan Coll, the National Liberty Museums glass director, told Fox News. If you take a deeper look at these pieces youll see that they are amazing pieces of art as well as functional smoking devices. You really have to appreciate the art and the skill it takes to execute the creation of these pieces.

The exhibit takes its title from a 1929 painting by Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte, which features an image of a pipe above the phrase Ceci nest pas une pipe (or This is not a pipe in French).

Coll said that the title is apt for the exhibit because the museum wants attendees to look at the pipes not just as smoking devices but as unique pieces of art.

Were asking the viewer not to think about the fact that these are pipes, but to look more broadly at them, she added.

As more and more states in the U.S. loosen their marijuana laws, more and more of these artists are able to come out of the shadows and acknowledge their work. Bongs and other glass pipes have been a point of contention for years within the glassblowing community and their makers have been excluded from shows  and even from being called artists  by their fellow craftsmen.

This is a real underground movement and these artists in the past were worried that they would be arrested if they used their real names, Coll said. Its a tight-knit community and they are excited to see their work on display in a setting of a museum or gallery that one wouldnt think would show this kind of stuff.

Gwen Borowsky, the National Liberty Museums CEO, told Fox News that the exhibit has generated a lot of buzz, with the museum having already oversold its opening reception and some of the pieces flaring up interest from potential buyers.

A lot of people who buy these pieces buy them as pieces of art and not to smoke out of, Borowsky said. These are pieces that you wouldnt want to put a match to.

The show runs from April 7 to May 7 at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphias Old City section.
A British tourist was left fearing for his life when he was detained in Egypt for carrying a common electronics device-- an iPod amplifier.

Robert Lapham, 54, and his wife Julie, were returning to their home in Kent, England, when Lapham-- a father of three-- was stopped by Egyptian security forces at Marsa Alam airport, who reportedly suspected the homemade amplifier was a bomb.

The couple, who are regular visitors to Egypt, were enjoying a week-long diving trip in Marsa Alam when the holiday turned into the nightmare experience which left Lapham detained in a small cell for 75 hours.

We knew the new airport legislation had come into force and it was the first flight back to the UK to have the new security arrangements so we put in everything with a screen in our suitcases," Lapham told his local newspaper, Kent Live.

WORLD'S SHORTEST FLIGHT IS COMING TO AN END

We were going through security as normal when my headphone amplifier was picked up by security, they wanted to know what it was. I plugged it in, showed them how it worked and tried to explain.

But the explanation wasnt enough and Lapham was escorted out of the airport by what he described as national security forces."

When they stopped my mind went numb, I was told nothing and they would not speak to me, he recounted to Kent Live.

I was absolutely terrified. It started me thinking I could possibly be shot.

But the van continued on to a police station where papers were exchanged before driving further to El Quseir, where a state prosecutor held a hearing.

The prosecutor agreed the device could be used to detonate a bomb but was satisfied that was not the case in this situation. However, Lapham was then detained in a holding cell until he could purchase departure tickets.

He heard evidence from security forces and I answered what questions I was asked (via translator), Lapham said.

I thought we would be heading back to the hotel but we went to the original police station and I was put into a holding cell.

Lapham's wife, however, was escorted back to the hotel.

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Lapham, who suffers with arthritis, was forced to stand in the tiny cell which didnt even have a toilet. After three days, he was finally released and allowed to fly home.

But even after the whole terrifying ordeal, the couple said they would still travel back to Egypt.

We love the country, the snorkelling and diving and the people are great. This incident was something unfortunate, Lapham said.
A black New Jersey woman who said shes sick of fancy white people allegedly attacked a man with a hammer and smashed his Porsche and boat at a Virginia gas station was arrested Wednesday, according to authorities and reports.

Angela Jones, 26, of Newark is accused of beating the man from Massachusetts Tuesday as he fueled up his car at an Exxon gas station on I-95, the Essex County Sheriffs Office said.

The victim, identified by WTVR.com only as Bob, had stopped at the station on his way home from Florida with his wife Katherine when he was allegedly approached by a screaming Jones.

This lady was a couple pumps over and talking to me and yelling at somebody about having a message for her. I had no idea what she was talking about, Bob told WTVR.com.

I was coming around the side of the car and next thing I know a car blocks me in. She comes out of her car gets in my face and yelling at me about some sort of message I got for her, he said.

The victim said that Jones eventually threatened to put a hole in his fancy boat.

Jones then allegedly busted up the victims Porsche and his boat with the tool and spat in the face of the victims wife, according to Sheriff Armando Fontoura of the Essex County Sheriffs Office.

A sheriff from the Carolina County Sheriffs Office in Virginia told the news outlet, She actually took a hammer and she hit his vehicle and the boatShe actually clawed him. He took her down to the ground to prevent her from doing any more damage.

Jones, who is black, reportedly said she was sick of fancy white people, during the attack, the couple told WVTR.com.

I have no idea why she started going after us, but I guess she thought we were some rich people, Bob said.

The Carolina County Sheriffs Office said it is investigating whether the case is a hate crime, according to the news station.

READ MORE FROM THE NEW YORK POST.
The Marine Corps has formally charged former two drill instructors accused of hazing recruits at Parris Island in South Carolina, including one who allegedly threw one Muslim recruit in an industrial dryer and accosted another just before the recruit took his own life.

Gunnery Sgt. Joseph A. Felix and Sergeant Michael K. Eldridge will face general court-martial separately on charges of failure to obey a lawful order, cruelty and maltreatment, false official statement, and drunk and disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice, according to an announcement Wednesday from Marine Corps Training and Education Command.

Felix was also charged with obstruction of justice.

Sources identified Felix as the senior drill instructor cited in multiple command investigations for hazing recruits at the Parris Island recruit depot. According to one of three hazing investigations made public last year, Felix, whose name was not released in the document, allegedly told a Muslim recruit that the Marine Corps paid him to weed out spies.

In a late-night hazing session, Felix allegedly asked the recruit repeatedly if he was part of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, shoving him into an industrial clothes dryer and turning it on several times in a simulated interrogation. The drill instructor also allegedly called the recruit a terrorist and said he had spent 14 years in the military fighting people "exactly like" him.

Felix was also the senior drill instructor for 20-year-old Raheel Siddiqui, another Muslim recruit who died in a tragic suicide March 18.

According to a command investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding Siddiqui's death, Siddiqui had been performing "get-backs," or back-and-forth sprints of some 150 feet when he fell to the ground, clutching his throat. According to the investigation, his drill instructor, Felix, yelled at him and slapped him in the face to wake him.

Shortly thereafter, Siddiqui ran out of the squad bay and vaulted over the third-story stairwell railing, falling to his death. The recruit's treatment at the hands of the drill instructor was found to likely have provided "impetus" for the suicide, investigators found.

Notably, Felix's charges do not include assault, a possible indicator that not all the allegations featured in the command investigations ultimately translated into charges.

Both former drill instructors will receive general court-martial proceedings at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on dates that have yet to be set, according to the TECOM release. General courts-martial are the highest level of military courts, reserved for the most serious charges.

Felix and Eldridge are the fifth and sixth Parris Island drill instructors to face charges in connection with various incidents of alleged recruit hazing within 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.

Staff Sgts. Matthew Bacchus and Jose Lucena-Martinez, and Sgt. Riley Gress will all face special court-martial, an intermediate-level court for charges with penalties not exceeding a year of confinement. Burke is set to face general court-martial proceedings.

All four trials will take place at Quantico in Virginia, officials said.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
The U.N. human rights chief says President Donald Trump's support of torture is "amazing," calling the prospect of reviving torture in the United States "profoundly unsettling."

On Wednesday at Vanderbilt University Law School in Tennessee, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein called torture "repugnant" and "useless."

White House officials declined to respond and cited Trump's previous statements that he'd defer to Defense Secretary James Mattis, who has said he opposes torture.

Zeid said that embrace of torture often appears to stem from anger and fear. He says there's a manipulated fear from populists who talk about outsiders stealing jobs and committing crimes.

Zeid has been an outspoken critic of Trump and other populist leaders. Before the election, he said Trump would be "dangerous from an international point of view."
Two teenage girls are dead after authorities say they fell from a balcony of a beachfront hotel in South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach Police Lt. Joey Crosby tells news outlets police were called just before 4 p.m. Wednesday and found two bodies at the Camelot By the Sea Hotel.

The teens' names have not been released, but Horry County Coroner Robert Edge says the 16- and 17-year-old girls were both students at Myrtle Beach High School. Online school district calendars show that school is on spring break this week.

More details on the deaths have not been released, including how high up the girls were when they fell. Crosby says authorities do not suspect foul play in the deaths.
A student choir from Arizona used their voices to uplift the promise of America.

While visiting the Ellis Island Immigration Museum in New York recently, the Campo Verde High School choir staged an impromptu performance of The Star-Spangled Banner.

NYC SUBWAY HERO SAYS HE DID 'WHAT I HAD TO DO'

"We thought it would be good to show Arizona the thoughtfulness and kindness of students using their voices for good," Matthew Flora, the program director at the high school, told KPNX. "While honoring those who helped shape this great nation."

Kristen Powell McLaren, the choir's booster president, captured the performance and posted the video to Facebook.

The group qualified to sing on stage at Carnegie Hall last year, according to Flora. As part of the trip, they scheduled a visit at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

While visiting the museum, students asked to sing the national anthem to honor all those who have passed through the halls, looking to make America their home and make a contribution to the countrys progress.
The U.S. Army paid tribute Thursday to the 100th anniversary of the American military entering World War I, a move that would cost the lives of nearly 117,000 Doughboys.

A modest ceremony at the Pentagon marked the decision by Congress on April 6, 1917, to declare war on Imperial Germany for its campaign of unrestricted submarine warfare.

Period art and recruitment posters flashed on two digital screens, offering such slogans as "The Pep of the Yankee Boy," "We've called the Kaiser's Bluff" and "Berlin or Bust."

Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," dressed in World War I-era uniforms. The U.S. Army Chorus sang "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" and "Over There."

The event marked the beginning of a national campaign that will culminate Nov. 11, 2018, when the World War I Centennial Commission is scheduled to dedicate the National World War I Memorial in Pershing Park in Washington, D.C.

The decision to enter the war mobilized American society. Nearly five million Americans entered service. It resulted in more than two million new industrial workers, while women became a major presence in the workforce and joined the armed forces.

Of the 4.8 million Americans who went into the military, four million served in the Army.

The 99 divisions that made up the American Expeditionary Forces entered the front lines in January 1918 and fought in 13 key battles such as Cantigny, Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

"If you have ever served at Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Dix, Fort Jackson or Fort Lee, you have served at one of the 87 camps and installations built by the Army in 1917 or 1918 as part of the wartime mobilization," said Charles Bowery Jr., executive director of the Center of Military History. "If you served in the armor, aviation or chemical branch, your branch was created in World War I."

By the time the war ended on Nov. 11, 1918, 116,516 Americans had been killed in just under a year of combat.

Frank Buckles would become the last American Doughboy to pass away in 2011. He was 110 years old.

"We are obligated to remember the sacrifice and service of all those who came before us," said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, who recalled two great uncles who served in the Great War.

One served in the Canadian Army and fought at Gallipoli and later in the Battle of the Somme, Milley said. The other fought with the 26th Yankee Division of the Massachusetts National Guard.

"Any historian will tell you that World War I was a catastrophe. It was a global bloodletting" that resulted in about 38 million civilian and military casualties, Milley said.

"I think all of us, especially here in the Pentagon, need to take time and reflect," he said. "I think we owe it to five million Americans and those four million soldiers that wore the uniform of our nation.

"We owe it to every one of them. Even though none of them are alive today, we owe it to all of them to clearly and unambiguously understand what World War I was about, how it started and vow, vow upon their graves to never let it happen again."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
A California woman accused of killing the father of her two children was being processed for release from jail Thursday after she posted an unprecedented $35 million bail raised by wealthy friends, family and business associates with ties to China.

Tiffany Li pleaded not guilty to murder and directing her boyfriend and another man to kill Keith Green and dispose of his body. Prosecutors say she feared losing custody of her children.

BUSINESSMAN WHO CLAIMS PABLO ESCOBAR FRAMED HIM GETS NEW TRIAL

Li was rushed out of jail with a bodyguard, wearing a baseball hat and a hood pulled tight around her head. She declined to comment to reporters and was whisked away in a black Cadillac Escalade SUV.

Her lawyer declined to say where Li would live until her September trial, but says she will not return to the suburban San Francisco mansion where she lived and was arrested 10 months ago. She was ordered to live under house arrest and wear an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Li was arrested in May in Hillsborough, a wealthy suburb 20 miles south of San Francisco. She was reportedly arrested in May in her mansion that featured a fleet of exotic cars including a Rolls-Royce and Ferrari.

Her family put up $4 million in cash and -- with the help of friends -- about $70 million in properties, Fox 2 reported, noting that the law requires the equity of the homes to be twice the bail.

I was surprised at the number of people that came forward, her attorney said. She is well-liked in the community and is a straight shooter. I think people believe she is not guilty.

California requires twice the bail amount if property is used instead of cash. She must remain on house arrest and submit to round-the-clock electronic monitoring until her September trial if she's released Thursday.

Somebody told me its one of the largest bails to be posted in the United States, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told The Mercury News. I have to imagine its one of the larger ones. Certainly for San Mateo County its without precedent.

Click for more from Fox 2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The district attorney says an Pennsylvania man used a homemade, high-pressure air gun to fatally shoot a neighbor with whom he had an affair.

Thirty-five-year-old Josef Raszler was charged Wednesday with criminal homicide in the Sept. 13 shooting of 46-year-old Stephanie Roof. She was shot with a homemade metal projectile about 1 a.m. in the driveway of her home across the street from Raszler's in Lower Macungie Township.

Raszler's public defender wasn't immediately able to comment Thursday. Police say Raszler acknowledged a romantic relationship with Roof that she ended in the summer of 2015, angering him.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin says investigators haven't found the weapon Raszler allegedly used, but they have evidence he researched making it and practiced with it at his parents' lake house days before Roof's killing.
Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn has lashed out against stories alleging that reasons beyond fitness issues are keeping Pascal Wehrlein from driving.

The German pulled out of the Australian Grand Prix after judging that his fitness level was not up to driving a new-spec F1 car around Albert Park for 56 laps.

Wehrlein's carsh at the ROC in Miami earlier this set was a set-back to his preparation and led to limited mileage with Sauber's new C36 in pre-season testing at Barcelona.

Kaltenborn insists the only issue affecting her driver is one centered around his fitness, with all other speculation just fantasy.

"I have to disappoint you there, the story is actually very straightforward and it might just not be good enough for some people to sell it better," Kaltenborn told Autosport when questioned about the skepticism expressed by pundits over Wehrlein's inability to race.

"The facts are - and it's really the way it is - he had this accident in America, and most of us saw the pictures.

"You see it's quite an impact, particularly his back suffered there. There was a lot of load on the back. These kinds of things you have to take seriously.

"Since that accident he got very clear medical instructions, under which he could not do very much training.

"It surprised us he actually got medical approval to be able to be in the car again that quickly, and the doctors also told us it's the result of having such a fit condition.

"We put him in the car step-by-step, never a whole day [of testing] but half-days. But we all know there's something he's missed out, which he has to catch up."

Wehrlein has stayed back in Europe in order to focus on his training. A decision about racing in Bahrain next week will be made in the coming days, with Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi remaining at Sauber's disposal.

GALLERY: All the Thursday pics from Shanghai

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Police in the East Texas city of Palestine spent April Fools Day chasing a suspect accused of stealing an ambulance.

The ambulance initially brought 18-year-old Armondo Vinaja to Palestine Regional Medical Center. But when he left the building, police say he got into another ambulance and drove off.

ILLEGAL MAN FROM PRO-TRUMP HOUSEHOLD DEPORTED TO MEXICO DESPITE PLEAS

Speeds topped 100 miles an hour as police chased Vinaja in the ambulance. Police say he even leaned out the ambulance window at one point during the high-speed chase.

The chase came to an end when Vinaja hit a curb and killed the engine. Officers pulled him out of the ambulance and took him into custody.

Vinaja is in the Anderson County Jail on a $155,000 bond. Hes charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest.

No officers were injured during the chase.

Click here for more news from Fox 4.
They had their first reunion in Chicago in 1946. Now, more than 70 reunions later, two veterans of the 451st Bomber Squadron met again -- this time at an Applebee's in Bradenton, Florida.

The squadron started in 1942, training at what was then MacDill Field in Tampa. Later, they flew their B-26 Marauders to Europe to fight the Nazis.

The men of the 451st became more of a brotherhood than a squadron.

"You live together 24-7, you die together, you work together. There's no room for someone who doesn't want to be close," explained 93-year-old Sanford "Sandy" Graves.

He believed their friendships would last forever, but the young flyers who helped win the war have now been lost to time, except for two.

"We're down to that point now: two people standing. Marshall and me," Graves said.

He and 95-year-old Marshall Clark were fellow pilots in the 451st, and at this meeting, they were about to take care of some unfinished squadron business.

The business was in a box, signed by many of their comrades around 1969. Names were crossed off as they passed away. By military tradition, there was a bottle of Cognac inside.

"And the last two people alive drink it, and that's where we are now," Graves said. "We're going to open it today and make a toast out of it."

Click for more from Fox 13.
The Tennessee Historical Commission has come out against a plan to exhume the body of former President James K. Polk from the grounds of the state Capitol and move it 50 miles away.

Commission Executive Director Patrick McIntyre Jr. wrote a letter saying moving the graves of the 11th U.S. president and his wife, Sarah, will create a false sense of history at the site.

The state Senate has passed a resolution that would move the bodies to the James K. Polk Home and Museum in Columbia, Tennessee.

Polk wanted to be buried at his Nashville mansion, but the residence was demolished after his death.

Polk's father built the home in Columbia where the museum is located.

The bodies can't be moved there without court approval.
On an April morning nearly six years ago, nursing student Holly Bobo walked out of her parent's rural Tennessee home on her way to school when she was abducted in a case that sparked the largest manhunt in state history.

The 20-year-old's partial remains were found in 2014, and three men were charged with her kidnapping, rape and murder.

On Wednesday, jury selection began in the trial of Zach Adams, 32, the first suspect to be tried in the case. Police say he raped Bobo and videotaped it before she was killed.

Adams' trial was originally scheduled to begin this week but was delayed until July 10 by Judge Creed McGinley. Final jury selection will be determined on July 6, four days before his trial is set to begin.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Adams faces the death penalty. The man's brother, Dylan Adams, 29, and a friend, Jason Autry, 42, also face charges for allegedly raping and murdering Bobo.

Some 200 potential jurors were summoned to a courthouse in Hardin County Wednesday, where they were questioned about the case and their views on the death penalty.

"You can't base a verdict on what you've seen, heard or read," McGinley told the courtroom. "We're using today to narrow the pool, to make sure we have people to serve in this case."

The Adams brothers say they are innocent in Bobo's death. Jason Autry, meanwhile, reportedly gave a statement to authorities in January, detailing his part in the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Bobo. It's not known whether Autry will go to trial or whether he received some sort of plea deal in exchange for cooperating with investigators.

Bobo, a nursing student at the University of Tennessee at Martin who lived with her family in Decatur County, was last seen by her brother on April 13, 2011.

Clint Bobo, then 25, reported seeing his sister being led by a man that day into the woods near their home at 7:30 a.m. Clint told investigators he initially assumed Holly was with her boyfriend, but said he grew concerned after finding blood outside, prompting him to call 911.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation then launched the costliest and most exhaustive missing persons search in the state's history, scouring woods and fields by air and foot. Authorities also used high-resolution underwater imaging to search lakes and ponds.

On Sept. 7 2014, two men looking for ginseng found Bobo's remains about 400 yards into the woods north of County Corner Road in northern Decatur County.

According to investigators, Dylan Adams told police he saw his brother and Autry with Bobo at Zach Adams' home shortly after she was kidnapped. An affidavit states that Dylan Adams "observed Holly Lynn Bobo sitting in a green chair in the living room wearing a pink t-shirt, with Jason Wayne Autry standing just a few feet away."

Dylan Adams also told investigators that his brother was "wearing camouflage shorts" and said he told him "he had raped Bobo and videotaped it"  though the alleged videotape has not been found. John Adams has since claimed the confession was coerced.
An undocumented man from Indiana who is married to a Trump supporter was deported to Mexico despite his wifes pleas.

Roberto Beristain had no criminal record but had to check in with immigration authorities after his illegal status was revealed when he inadvertently crossed the border into Canada in a family trip.

He hadnt committed any crimes. He didnt even have a parking ticket, family attorney Adam Ansari said, as quoted by CNN.

DEPORTATION DRAMA ENTERS PRO-TRUMP HOUSEHOLD IN NORTHERN INDIANA

From everyones accounts he is probably one of the most lovable guys you will ever meet. He is a loving husband and father. And he put a lot of work into his restaurant.

When her husband was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month, Helen Beristain was confident he would not be deported because he is a good man.

"We were for Mr. Trump," she said. "We were very happy he became the president. Whatever he says, he is right. But, like he said, the good people have a chance to become citizens of the United States."

SESSIONS SEEKS TO SPEED UP DEPORTATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN FEDERAL FACILITIES

Like many others, Beristain was arrested when he was doing his yearly check-in with ICE officials in Indianapolis.

According to Ansari, Beristain was moved between detention facilities in Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas. Finally, at around 10 p.m. Tuesday he was dropped off at the U.S./Mexico border in El Paso and he walked into Ciudad Juarez.

They suddenly told me it was time to go, Beristain said in a press release that his attorneys issued. They told me to get my stuff, they put me in the back of a van and sped toward the border.

DEPORTED KILLER NABBED SLIPPING BACK INTO US FROM MEXICO

Beristains attorneys are calling the deportation a mistake and say they will pursue all available legal and political remedies to bring Roberto back to the U.S., where he has lived the last 19 years.
The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum is switching to a new form of energy -- solar power.

The museum in Benham began installing the solar panels on Tuesday, WYMT reported. Brandon Robinson, the museum's communications director, said the goal is to save money in the long run.

"We believe that this project will help save at least $8,000 to $10,000 off the energy costs on this building alone," Robinson told WYMT.

SKYSCRAPER OF THE FUTURE HANGS FROM... ORBITING ASTEROID?

The museum is owned by Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. Robinson said the savings would go back to the school and its students.

Robinson admitted the switch from coal to solar energy is "a little ironic," but said the two power sources work "hand-in-hand."

BORDER WALL BIDS INCLUDE TOURIST ATTRACTION, SOLAR PANELS

"And, of course, coal is still king around here," Robinson said.

The project is being funded through an outside foundation and will cost thousands of dollars, according to Robinson.

Twenty solar panels, the average needed to power a house, would cost between $17,000 and $20,000 to install, though the costs would be recouped from savings within five to seven years, according to WYMT.
The lawyer for a rector charged with embezzling more than $500,000 from a priest retirement home near Philadelphia says his client is remorseful and remains on the job.

Federal prosecutors have charged Monsignor William A. Dombrow with skimming money meant for Villa St. Joseph.

The Philadelphia Archdiocese runs the facility to house aging priests and to treat suspected priest-predators.

Defense lawyer Coley Reynolds says the 77-year-old Dombrow has done many good things for the archdiocese.

The Philadelphia Inquirer (goo.gl/feigkZ) describes him as a recovering alcoholic who has helped other priests battle the disease.

Authorities say Dumbrow spent the stolen funds on casino visits, expensive dinners and concerts.

Reynolds says he is cooperating with investigators and no longer handling any financial matters.

___

Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com
A custodian has been sentenced after admitting to raping, killing and then dumping the body of a church day care worker in Delaware.

News outlets report 33-year-old Matthew Burton pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Sussex County Superior Court to the second-degree murder and second-degree rape in the death of Nicole Bennett.

Burton was sentenced to 15 years each for the 2012 killing. He will be registered as a sex offender when he leaves prison and will be on probation for 20 years.

Bennett, a volunteer day care leader at Bay Shore Community Church near Gumboro, was found dead in a dirt road in Worcester County, Maryland.

In 2015, Bennett's family settled a lawsuit claiming the church was negligent in hiring Burton, a convicted sex offender, as a custodian.
Law enforcement in Lubbock is actively searching for a suspect accused of injuring three officers responding to a domestic disturbance.

Police say Carlos Martinez, 32, refused to cooperate with officers at the scene in the 3200 block of 62nd Street, near Leftwich Park. Multiple shots were fired by police as the suspect drove away, police said.

Officer Donovan Powell was taken by ambulance to the hospital in serious condition due to possible internal injuries. He has since been released, along with officers Saul Garay and Mark Ellison, who suffered moderate and minor injuries.

Martinez was served an eviction notice Wednesday, according to police. LPD reports he was in the process of moving out when he got into an argument with apartment staff.

A small child in the passenger seat of the suspect's vehicle was removed by officers before he took off, an LPD spokesperson said.

Officers found the suspect vehicle abandoned at 76th and Joliet.

Investigators have set up a perimeter in the area and are actively searching for Martinez.

Read more from FOX 34.
Canada is beating the United States to the top of Mexicans bucket lists, with Americas neighbor to the north becoming a popular destination as interest wanes among foreign tourists to come stateside.

After decades of being one of the top travel destinations in the world, the United States could soon lose some of its appeal for foreign tourists. Industry experts attribute such a decline to talk of tougher immigration policies, and confusing travel and electronics bans, according to Forbes Magazine.

The lack of interest is particularly strong among tourists from Mexico. Industry experts are predicting 7 percent fewer visits from south of the border, which could lead to a $1.6 billion loss in direct economic spending by 2018.

The same study finds that direct spending by travelers totals $2.6 billion per day and that one in nine jobs in the U.S. relies directly on the travel sector.

"We have Twitter wars with our President and former President of Mexico, Douglas Quimby, from travel research firm Phocuswright, said to Forbes. There is lots of speculation in the media about a trade war with Mexico."

"If that happens, what kind of impact does that have on millions of middle-class Mexicans looking to take a trip?"

At the same time, Canada has made it easier for Mexicans to visit since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced visa-free travel for vacation-goers from the country last June.

"This move will make it easier for our Mexican friends to visit Canada while growing our local economies and strengthening our communities," Trudeau said at the time to the Canadian press.

Since the ruling took effect in December, tourism from Mexico to Canada has skyrocketed by 82 percent, according to ForwardKeys, an industry firm that predicts travel trends.

Mexico is Americas second-largest inbound tourism market, accounting for nearly 19 million visits in 2015, according to a report from The Economist. Theres also concern among the industry that the recent travel ban and other decrees by the White House could be perceived by travelers elsewhere as a deep hostility from the United States toward the rest of the world.

It is too soon to tell if this will have a larger reputational impact, Quimby said to the newsweekly. A recent survey of Europeans by his firm in November found that a third of German travelers, and a fifth of British and French vacationers, said they were less likely to visit America as a result of President Trumps victory.

Following Trump signing the executive order for the travel ban in late January, interest among Europeans to vacation in America dropped nearly 12 percent, according to another report from Forbes.

Other insiders say it may be too soon to tell if the executive order has had any sort of impact on international travel to the U.S.

"Its important to remember that there is a significant lag time between searches for international trips and when theyre actually booked, and then another lag between bookings and the actual trip -- typically a matter of months, David Huether, senior vice president of research for the U.S. Travel Association said in a statement to Fox News. Theres a lot of data out there purporting to show a drop in international travel to the U.S. because of President Trumps executive order, but the reality is we do not have a definitive data picture of the orders impact yet."

Huether points out that data from February of this year shows that international travel to the U.S. actually grew faster than domestic travel that month.

Liligo, a Paris-based flight comparison site, reported an 11.6 percent decline in European searches to the United States in the weeks following the executive order.

The study looked at searches from Jan. 1  Feb. 8 and compared them with data from the previous year. Italy saw the greatest decline, with a 17 percent decrease, while interest from Germany dropped 14 percent.

Historically, it should be a peak period, Liligos Eric Urbain said to the business news site.

We do see a very clear negative trend line.
A Detroit-area man who talked about attacking a church and a hospital in the name of the Islamic State group has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Khalil Abu Rayyan wasn't charged with a terrorist act. But a federal judge said Thursday he couldn't ignore Rayyan's threats and infatuation with terrorism as he sentenced him for gun-related crimes.

The 23-year-old kept a beheading photo on his phone screen, talked about becoming a martyr and expressed support for the Islamic State group.

Rayyan apologized in court last week and said he didn't hurt anyone. He says he's a different man after spending more than a year in custody.

Judge George Caram Steeh says it's "too little, too late." The government had asked for eight years in prison.
A 4-month-old baby abducted by her father sparking an Amber Alert in California Wednesday was found safe more than 30 miles from where she was reported missing, investigators announced.

Police found Madilyn Wallin with her grandmother in Livermore on Wednesday after a massive search that began in Mountain View, about 33 miles away.

GLIMMER OF HOPE ARISES FROM WRECKAGE AFTER SEVERE STORMS IN GEORGIA

The babys father, identified as Michael Lenard Wallin, remained at large, Fox 2 reported.

The unidentified grandmother and the little girl were in police custody and waiting on detectives from Mountain View to escort them back home.

ILLEGAL MAN FROM PRO-TRUMP HOUSEHOLD DEPORTED TO MEXICO DESPITE PLEAS

Wallin took his daughter at around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday after visiting the little girl and her mother in at a Residence Inn in Mountain View, police said.

At some point during the visit, an argument broke out between the two parents and Wallin began to drive off with the baby, who was sitting on his lap.

Police said the girls mother was dragged by the car before she was able to break free. She was not seriously hurt.

California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert for Madilyn around 10:30 a.m. It was rescinded shortly before noon, Fox 2 reported.

Police said Wallin is 6-feet-2-inches tall, weighs 220 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a Warriors T-shirt and has tattoos throughout his body.

Click here for more news from Fox 2.
HIGH NOON

A Senate showdown is set for Thursday morning as Republicans prepare to go nuclear in their push to confirm President Trumps pick for the Supreme Court as Democrats escalate their attacks on his selection. Democrats have portrayed Judge Neil Gorsuch as an ally of the powerful and an enemy of the weak ahead of Thursday's key votes. Republicans are accusing Democrats of trying to block Gorsuch out of frustration over Trump's election victory. (WATCH FOX NEWS CHANNEL AND FOXNEWS.COM FOR FULL COVERAGE)

COMING UP: Senate meets to vote on cloture in Gorsuch showdown at 11 AM ET. Watch live on Fox News Channel and FoxNews.com

'GOOD PROGRESS'

Vice President Pence told Fox News' "The First 100 Days" Wednesday that House Republicans are making "good progress" in their revived effort to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

"Clearly, a few weeks back, Congress wasnt quite ready to take the first step to begin the end of ObamaCare," Pence told host Martha MacCallum. "But conversations have continued since then. I think weve made good progress, and Ive seen good faith on all sides."

TRUMP CHANGES VIEW ON SYRIA

President Trump on Wednesday said the horror of seeing innocent children, innocent babies gasping for air after a chemical weapons attack in Syria made him change his attitude toward Syria and Assad.Trump was did not specify if he would change his approach, but he said the chemical attack crossed a lot of lines for me. A few days ago, the White House said it would be silly to keep attempting to oust President Assad.

GET OUT OF JAIL CARD

A California woman accused of killing the father of her two children is expected to be released from jail after posting an unprecedented $35 million bail raised by wealthy friends, family and business associates with ties to China. Tiffany Li pleaded not guilty to murder and directing her boyfriend and another man to kill Keith Green and dispose of his body. Prosecutors say she feared losing custody of her children.

FOX NEWS OPINION

Andrew Tisch, the co-chairman of Loews Corporation, writes that in 2010, there were 11.4 million Americans over the age of 80, and by 2050, there will be over 32 million. That growth is a testament to the power of modern medicine and a cause for celebration, except for one problem: One in two people who reach their 80s will get Alzheimers, and the American health care system isnt even remotely equipped to deal with the coming surge.

COMING UP ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL

8:55 AM ET: President Trump participates in the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride. Watch live on Fox News Channel and FoxNews.com

4:50 PM ET: Hillary Clinton takes part in Tina Brown's 8th Annual Women in the World New York Summit

COMING UP ON FOX BUSINESS

7:30 AM ET: Tim Wentworth, CEO of Express Scripts, on "Mornings With Maria"

7:50 AM ET: Martha Stewart on "Mornings With Maria"
A Detroit mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a U.S. customs agent who fatally shot her 20-year-old son.

The complaint filed Thursday in federal court in Detroit names Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Mitchell Quinn and two Detroit police officers.

Authorities were seeking Terrance Kellom on an arrest warrant in 2015 at his father's home. Police have said Quinn shot Kellom after Kellom lunged at the agent with a hammer.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Nelda Kellom contends that a search warrant was not presented when officers entered the house and that police reports of the shooting were falsified.

Prosecutors didn't charge Quinn and ruled he acted in self-defense.

Quinn's attorney, David Griem, says the criminal case was the first step leading to Thursday's civil lawsuit.
A NJ State trooper helped a woman deliver a baby girl on the side of Interstate 78 in Summit, New Jersey, Thursday morning.

Shortly after 8:15 a.m., the expectant mother was in labor and being driven to the hospital by a friend when it became evident that the baby was not going to wait.

The driver pulled onto the shoulder of the highway at milepost 45.8 eastbound and dialed 9-1-1. The driver remained calm with the help of Summit Police dispatcher, Vinny Scala, while she waited for help.

When Trooper II Christopher Gesualdo arrived, he found the expectant mother in the back seat ready to deliver her baby. Within minutes, Tpr. Gesualdo was holding a baby girl in his arms after successfully helping mom with the delivery.

Summit Police Department Officer Keith Kwiatek also assisted and helped render aid before paramedics arrived.

Read more from FOX29.com.
An Ohio prosecutor plans to discuss the Cincinnati nightclub shooting case.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters (DEE'-turs) scheduled a Thursday news conference. Cincinnati police have said they expected grand jury action to result in more charges after initially charging two men with murder.

One of the two suspects, 29-year-old Deondre Davis, died Tuesday after being shot in the March 26 gunfight. Twenty-seven-year-old O'Bryan Spikes died March 26. Fifteen other people were injured.

Cornell Beckley, 27, is being held on $1.7 million bond on the murder charge. His attorney says Beckley denies the shooting allegation.

Police have said more arrests are possible.

Police say a dispute escalated into violence while an estimated 200 people were in the Cameo club east of downtown Cincinnati. The club has since closed.
Police in Virgina say a 12-year-old girl was left with a graze wound to her face after a shooting.

Newport News Police said in a statement that officers responding to a report of a shooting on Thursday morning were told the girl was in an upstairs apartment when she was hit. She was taken to a hospital with an injury that isn't thought to be life-threatening.

Police say they are investigating and will release more information as it becomes available.
A law enforcement commander has told thousands of mourners that a Houston-area deputy constable who was shot to death this week "was always the smartest guy in the room."

Montgomery County sheriff's Lt. Tim Cannon said Thursday during a funeral service in Houston that Clint Greenwood was a consummate professional, meticulous with details and the first to lend colleagues a hand.

The 57-year-old Greenwood, a Harris County assistant chief deputy constable, was killed Monday by a gunman who stepped out from behind a dumpster as Greenwood arrived for work at a county courthouse east of Houston. The gunman is still on the run.

Baytown police have released surveillance video showing a possible suspect near the scene and the man's car driving away after the shooting.
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A law enforcement commander has told thousands of mourners that a Houston-area deputy constable who was shot to death this week "was always the smartest guy in the room."

Montgomery County sheriff's Lt. Tim Cannon said Thursday during a funeral service in Houston that Clint Greenwood was a consummate professional, meticulous with details and the first to lend colleagues a hand.

The 57-year-old Greenwood, a Harris County assistant chief deputy constable, was killed Monday by a gunman who stepped out from behind a dumpster as Greenwood arrived for work at a county courthouse east of Houston. The gunman is still on the run.

Baytown police have released surveillance video showing a possible suspect near the scene and the man's car driving away after the shooting.
A small plane made an emergency landing on a road Thursday morning in Plano, Texas.

The single-engine Cessna lost power during flight.

FOX 5 SAN DIEGO PHOTOGRAPHER WITNESSES CRASH, PULLS VICTIM FROM WRECKAGE

The pilot was in contact with the control facility at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, but determined he would not make it to an airport.

The pilot landed the plane on the service road of Highway 121, near Custer Road.

The pilot was the only person on board and no one was hurt.

Click for more from Fox 4.
A Haltom City woman who pleaded guilty to murder in the scalding death of her 2-year-old grandson was sentenced to 57  years in prison on Thursday.

Patricia Flores was caring for her grandson, Lyfe Gabe Flores, when he was severely burned by hot water in March of last year. Flores pleaded guilty on Monday and couldve gotten as little as five years or a max of life in prison.

Police said the 44-year-old waited six days before getting him medical help. By that point it was too late. Gabe died a few days later in the hospital because of the burns.

Child Protective Services had placed Gabe in his grandmothers care just a few weeks before his tragic death because his parents were having domestic issues.

Read more from FOX 4 News.
U.S. military officials next month will meet with their counterparts in the airline industry to discuss how the Pentagon and commercial airlines can work together to deal with a nationwide pilot shortage, the head of Air Mobility Command said Wednesday.

The meeting is set to take place May 18 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Gen. Carlton Everhart II said during a breakfast with defense reporters Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

"We have competing resources," he said, referring to the military and the airline industry. "So how do we complement each other instead of competing against each other? And that is one of the objectives of this meeting."

The head of Air Mobility Command said he stands to potentially lose 1,600 pilots who are eligible to separate from the service in the next four years. The command, which provides airlift and transport services, is among the first place civilian airlines look for potential hires.

Everhart said he plans to attend the meeting -- which is actually the third such get-together involving military and airline officials -- along with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, headquarters Air Force and operations personnel, airline industry representatives and regional airline officials, as well as colleagues from the Army, Marine Corps and the Navy.

Academic institutions such as Embry Riddle University, an aeronautical university specializing in aviation and aerospace, and civil reserve airfleet institutions such as FedEx or UPS may also attend, Everhart said. RAND Corp., a nonprofit institution that provides research and analysis studies on public policy, will also sit in for research purposes, he said.

One concern Everhart hears repeatedly is the "1,500 rule," he said, referring to the number of hours the Federal Aviation Administration requires civilian pilots to have before they can fly for a major airline.

"The 1,500 rule -- where did that 1,500 hours come from?" Everhart said. "That came out of some aircraft incidents that happened."

A military-trained pilot needs only 750 hours under FAA rules, "which makes us a highly valuable commodity to the airline industry," he said.

But it's not just pilots.

Demand is also surging for aircraft maintainers and air traffic control room operators as well because they, too, are sought after by the airlines, Everhart told reporters and congressional staffers Friday at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Everhart said he wants industry to lead the meeting "with solutions" for these dilemmas but he also has a few ideas in mind.

To get around the 1,500-hour threshold for the airlines, Everhart suggested a compromise. What if the airline industry creates pilot training simulation complexes around the country for incoming or potential recruits to train in a simulator to gain "valuable experience?" It may get people to stay in aviation and grow the selection pool, he said.

Debt forgiveness from four-year undergraduate schools may be another way to get pilots, he said.

Or "maybe I can have pilots who come on active-duty take a sabbatical like we're doing with some of the family members right now," he said. "They go on sabbatical for five years and work for the airline industry ... and then come back to me. Or they go to the Guard or Reserve because they're hurting also," Everhart said.

In that case, the pilot is being used by both the military and the civilian world without having to choose a long-term career path.

Throwing more money -- in pilot bonuses and pay -- will never be the only solution, said Everhart, who is currently conducting exit surveys of outgoing pilots.

The fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes the Air Force to increase aviation retention pay from $25,000 to $35,000 per year and flight pay up to $1,000 per month "as needed to address manning shortfalls and challenges," according to the service.

Everhart said, "Most people serve because it's what's in their heart. The bonus was very nice. [But] the bonus is not why I stayed in." He has flown aircraft such as the C-130E/H, C-17A, C-21A, C-9A, C-5A, KC-135R, among others, according to his official biography.

A better way to find solutions, Everhart said, is to ask the right questions going forward -- turning from, "Why did a pilot leave?" to "Why did he stay?"

"Because once you figure that one out, you can go and assess those people and then bring them on so they stay, and the chances of them staying is in your favor," he said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
A Washington state teacher who was shot and killed while showering in another man's home last Saturday may have believed he was at his friend's house, prosecutors said.

Nathaniel Rosa, 31, may have mistaken the two homes because they both have similar features and floor plans, Mason County prosecutor Michael Dorcy told the New York Daily News on Wednesday.

"The two properties are almost identical," Dorcy said.

WASHINGTON STATE MAN ARRESTED AFTER KILLING INTRUDER IN SHOWER, POLICE SAY

Rosa, who was a teacher at Woodmor Elementary School, had been out last Friday with several friends, including one who was being deployed, according to Dorcy. He hitched a ride home with a friend later that night.

"So maybe when he got back to the house that he thought was his friends house and couldnt get in, he may have thought he was locked out and then forced his way in before he took his clothes off," Dorcy said.

CALIFORNIA MURDER SUSPECT POSTS UNPRECEDENTED $35M BAIL AFTER FRIENDS, FAMILY HELP OUT

Bruce Fanning, 59, found Rosa showering inside one of his two residencies he owns about 8 a.m. Saturday. He told investigators he ran out, grabbed a gun and shot the intruder through the shower curtain.

Fanning said he believed Rosa was intoxicated at the time and that he feared for his life when Rosa threatened him.

Rosa could have been "under the influence," Dorcy said. Authorities are still waiting for the toxicology results.

Fanning owns an online store that sells weapons including blowguns, crossbows, throwing stars and military knives, according to the New York Daily News.

On Saturday Fanning was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, though it could be upgraded to a first-degree charge.

Dorcy added Wednesday that Fanning seemed to have made the decision to shoot Rosa, making his actions premeditated.

"The reality is, when you're acting in self-defense, you're allowed to act on appearances," Dorcy told the New York Daily News. "But the force has to be reasonable and not more than necessary."

Click for more from Q13 Fox.
Move over April, Memphis just welcomed a baby giraffe Monday afternoon.

Stacy Helms caught the entire thing on camera, and said she was so glad she did.

TOUCHING VIDEO SHOWS PREGNANT GIRAFFE BONDING WITH ZOOKEEPER

I always am overwhelmed with God's design so that was my first thought, she said. So amazing to be there and see that.

CAUTION: GRAPHIC VIDEO OF NATURAL BIRTH AT MEMPHIS ZOO

LIVE STREAM OF GIRAFFE BIRTH TEMPORARILY PULLED FROM YOUTUBE OVER 'NUDITY & SEXUAL CONTENT'

The giraffe is a first time mother. Right now the zoo said she and the baby are bonding, and wont be out for the rest of the week. Still, dozens of people saw the birth while at the exhibit.

He was so cute with his little ears, so yeah, I was so glad we got to see it, Helms said.

She said she was so excited to post the video, but never expected so many people to care.

Its kind of gross, a little bit, but nobody looked at it that way, she said. They were like, this is wonderful, beautiful, awesome.

Giraffes always give birth while standing, and babies fall head first. This encourages them to take their first breath.

It didnt move at first, but she started licking him, and you know nuzzling him, and pretty soon he was up, Helms said.

Click here for more news from Fox 13.
A We Energies employee found himself in the right place at the right time -- and he's now being hailed a hero! This, after he jumped into action to save a woman trapped in her vehicle after a terrible accident. The victim said she's lucky to be alive, and credits Tom Dudek for that.

Dudek headed out on Sunday morning, April 2nd to handle a power outage.

"We're first responders. We go out and there is a power outage or hazard that's called in by the public," Dudek said.

Dudek said he had no idea he'd end up being a different kind of first responder. Fire officials assumed Dudek was called out to the crash on Highway 83 in Waterford.

"His response was, 'yeah -- we've been waiting for you. We have wires down and someone trapped in a vehicle,'" Dudek said.

The crash wasn't his assignment, but still, Dudek jumped into action without hesitating. A Ford Focus had flipped over, and struck a utility pole. Wires covered the vehicle as the woman inside panicked.

"I woke up on my -- on the ceiling of my car and wanted to get out," Elizabeth Floyd said.

Floyd said she's lucky to be alive, suffering only a few cracked ribs and scrapes.

"I'm really claustrophobic, so I just wanted to get out as fast as possible," Floyd said.

Dudek said he quickly assessed the scene, as there was concern the power lines could've electrocuted Floyd, or emergency crews.

"The fire chief even said 'we're not going in there until you get the wires off.' Which is how they are trained," Dudek said.

Floyd, frightened and bloodied would've been stuck in her vehicle for a half-hour or so if Dudek hadn't been passing through. Another We Energies crew was called, but was too far away from the scene. Dudek made the scene safe, confirming the wires were "de-energized."

Floyd was taken to the hospital by Flight for Life.

"It was awesome that he was there because I got out of my car faster," Floyd said.'

Like many who are praised after situations like this, Dudek said he doesn't consider himself a hero.

"I didn't do anything heroic. I just did my work," Dudek said.

We Energies says if you're ever in a similar situation where wires are down, you should stay inside your vehicle and call 911. If you MUST leave your vehicle because of fire or other danger, JUMP away from the vehicle so that you do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then, land with your feet together and shuffle away.

Click for more from Fox 6 Now.
They are remembered as the heroes and trailblazers of their time: Brothers who grew up to enlist together in the Army, women who became the first female Marines and immigrants who fought for the American values they came to embrace.

One hundred years after the United States entered World War I, relatives of those who served in one of the most influential conflicts in world history are sharing their stories online to mark how Americas entry into the war on April 6, 1917, changed lives forever.

We feel really strongly that this centennial is a unique moment to bring back to life the experiences of those who served in Europe during World War I, Monique Seefried, commissioner of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, told Fox News. The commissions website features the genealogy project, where the stories are posted.

More than 4.7 million Americans served in World War I and 53,402 died in combat. Their sacrifices are being honored Thursday in an ongoing ceremony at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, which is being livestreamed online.

America entered the war to bring liberty, democracy and peace to the world after almost three years of unprecedented hardship, strife and horror, Robert Dalessandro, chairman of the Centennial Commission, told an audience Thursday. The brave men and women who served in World War I would become the parents of The Greatest Generation that would lead the world to liberty and peace for over 30 years.

The ceremony consists of the reading of passages from American writings a century ago about the U.S. decision to jump into the war. It will also include performances from a military band and flyovers from U.S. aircraft and the Patrouille de France  the French Air Forces acrobatics team  which is in the midst of its first tour of the U.S. in more than 30 years.

The purpose is to tell the story of how did we get there -- what was happening in the U.S., and what were the voices that brought us there, Matthew Naylor, Museum president and CEO, told Fox News.

In one of the passages read Thursday, Mary Gladwin, an Ohioan and one of the first American Red Cross nurses to go to Europe during the war, wrote how the sounds of gunfire were constant at her hospital in Serbia.

There was no time during 24 hours in the first six months that some of the guns were not fired, a speaker read. My room was a little whitewashed one. Every time one of the big French guns would fire it would illuminate all the wall, then I would hear the boom of the guns.

Among the invitees who will attend the ceremony: Acting Secretary of the U.S. Army Robert M. Speer, ambassadors from France, Hungary, Italy and other European countries and descendants of notable World War I leaders and soldiers, such as the granddaughters of General George S. Patton and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Students will be able to watch in their classrooms through participating TV stations.

In addition to a flyover at the April 6 ceremony, the Patrouille De France (PAF) will be flying alongside the Navys Blue Angels and Air Forces Thunderbirds at upcoming airshows in Florida and Nevada, as part of an ongoing tour across the U.S.

Pilots from both U.S. teams will fly in the backseats of PAF aircraft, which will be adorned with portraits of French World War I flying aces.

There are not so many countries that have never fought against each other. And the U.S. and France have always been allied, Lt. Col. Gauthier Dewas of the PAF told Fox News. We want to celebrate those people from America who came to France to help us when we were in trouble.

Dewas said attendees of the shows should expect something very different than performances by the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, as the PAF flies eight aircraft, which are smaller. Among the maneuvers will be the painting of the French and American flags using colored smoke.

The Patrouille de Frances U.S. Tour celebrates this exceptional relationship, a relationship of steadfast allies determined to share their excellence in aeronautics to defend our shared values, the group said in a statement.

Back at the museum, two new exhibits have opened up to coincide with the centennial events.

In Vive Lamerique!: French Children Welcome Their American Ally, drawings and essays from French school children after Americans landed in France in 1917 will be showcased.

One drawing shows the U.S. and France trying to hold hands across the Atlantic Ocean, while another displays an American soldier holding up Old Glory.

We came to know from some contact of a school in Paris who asked the children to draw and write essays right through the war about the experience of living in war, Naylor told Fox News, adding that the works were kept in archives at a museum in Paris and were never before publicly exhibited.

Another exhibition features modern-day images of the battlefields and locations of the Western Front where Americans fought. Outside the Museum, 30 enlarged panels have been installed  some as large as 42-square-feet  to display the photos.

Our objective is to remember those who served and the lives who were lost, examine the catastrophe and how it restructured the world and its enduring impact, Naylor said.
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A top Syrian opposition leader hopes to persuade the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump that rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad share the same priorities with Washington when it comes to fighting the Islamic State group and containing Iran.

Nasr al-Hariri, head of the negotiating team of the main opposition delegation in Geneva, also expressed support for the establishment of safe zones in the war-torn nation as the United Nations makes a fresh bid to settle the conflict.

Speaking on Saturday in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, al-Hariri said members of Trump's team held multiple meetings with the Syrian opposition, which is backed by Turkey and Saudi Arabia, before and after he was elected to office with the purpose of finding common ground.

"We have a lot of points that we share with this new administration of America," he said. "On the top of these priorities is fighting terrorism and reaching stability in Syria across or through a political transition and to face the state of Iran, which interferes not only in Syria but in Iraq and Yemen and in other countries."

One of the messages the opposition is trying to get across to the new administration is that the fighters of the Free Syrian Army, a loose coalition of mostly mainstream rebel factions, are a more suitable partner in the fight against IS than forces loyal to President Assad or Kurdish groups that have received stronger backing from Washington.

"Our fighters have succeeded in the Al-Bab battle and they will continue to liberate all areas in the north and in the south," al-Hariri said in reference to the town in northern Syria that Turkish-led opposition fighters and Turkish troops seized from IS this week after a protracted and costly battle.

Al-Hariri said the Syrian opposition was let down by Barack Obama's administration, which made many promises but refused to intervene directly in the conflict even after the use of chemical weapons that had been described as a "red line" by Obama. Al-Hariri said Obama also stood by as U.S. foe Iran provided robust support for President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian people hope the new administration will be different, he said. A starting point could be the establishment of a safe zone in Syria, an idea that has long been pushed forward by Turkey as a measure to relieve the suffering of civilians and has had some traction with the Trump team.

"We want these safe zones as a procedure to reach the final, acceptable solution for the Syrian people," al-Hariri said. "Not to go as leverage areas or (be) a step before division, as we fear."

Syria has suggested that safe zones could be a possible violation of its sovereignty.

Russia, which has lent game-changing military muscle, including air support, to the government in Damascus, signaled Wednesday that Moscow is open to dialogue with the United States on safe zones in Syria. But the country's top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, said such a move "needs to be coordinated with Syria."

Trump has floated the idea of safe zones as an alternative to resettling refugees in the United States and elsewhere around the globe. The Obama administration mulled the idea of no-fly zones in Syria to protect civilians from Syrian government air strikes. But the idea was abandoned completely after Moscow joined the air campaign in September 2015, raising the risk of direct confrontation with Russia.

Discussions of safe zones are taking place as the U.N.'s Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura makes a new diplomatic effort to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict amid talks in Geneva. It is the fourth round of such talks and until now bilateral talks between the envoy and the conflicting parties have centered largely on procedure rather than substantive issues.

Opposition parties, which managed to come together at the last minute for a welcoming ceremony on Thursday, are struggling to present a united front in Geneva. Rebel groups are also plagued by infighting and have been losing international support as well as ground to more radical al-Qaeda-linked groups.

De Mistura has said the talks will center on governance, constitution and elections.

Al-Hariri told the AP that the opposition is ready to "engage seriously in this process" and would like face-to-face talks with the Syrian government mission in order to save time and avoid further loss of life. One of the sticking points in past negotiations has been the fate of Assad.

"It is not our purpose to share authority or to take authority but to shift authority from a dictator to the Syrian people, who have the right to choose the shape of the state."
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President Vladimir Putin's spokesman tells The Associated Press that Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar Assad is not unconditional.

Dmitry Peskov spoke two days after a suspected chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held province. Moscow, Assad's key backer, has been supporting the Syrian government militarily since 2015.

Turkey said Thursday that autopsies of Syrian victims from this week's assault in Idlib province, which happened 60 miles from the Turkish border, show they were subjected to chemical weapons.

The Syrian government maintains it didn't use chemical weapons, instead blaming the rebels for stockpiling the deadly chemicals. Russia's Defense Ministry says the toxic agents were released when a Syrian airstrike hit a rebel chemical weapons arsenal and munitions factory on the town's eastern outskirts.
The summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is being watched closely here on the Korean peninsula .as there is no place closer to the threat.

All told, there is something like 25 million people in the Seoul region, including U.S. troops and American civilians within artillery range of North Korea. Let alone its nukes and missiles.

The intermediate range missile launched this week by North Korea did not travel far off of that country's east coast. But far enough to send a message to the summit: The regime is still in business.

NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCH LIKELY A FAILURE, US OFFICIALS SAY

Former South Korean Foreign Minister Han Sung-Joo confirmed to Fox News his belief, one others have also shared, that North Korea could have a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland by the end of President Trump's first term in office.

North Korea is dangerous, he told Fox News, certainly for South Korea, to the region as a whole, and at the same time even to the United States.

China is arguably North Koreas only ally. Han, the ex-South Korean official, was skeptical that anything definitive would come out of the summit itself.

They will certainly agree on the seriousness of the problem, he noted. But I dont think theyll come up with a magic solution.

TILLERSON'S TERSE WORDS SEEN AS TACTICAL CHANGE OVER NKOREA

He was hopeful, though, that tougher sanctions involving China could come through during further talks.

For him, as for many here, the military option that the Trump administration said remains on the table is unthinkable. The death and destruction on all sides would be just too much, he said.

It portends so much risk and it will also invite a lot of sacrifice on our part, he said. Not only South Korea, but all the other allied countries.

Interestingly, for many folks here, the wild card at this summit in this North Korean conflict is not the Chinese President or North Koreas menacing leader Kim Jong-Un. It is President Trump, the "new kid" on this potentially "dangerous" block.
Australia and New Zealand are warning that extremists may be planning an attack on the commemoration of a World War I campaign that is being held in Turkey this month.

Australian Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan on Thursday urged the more than 500 Australians and New Zealanders registered to travel to Gallipoli, Turkey, to mark ANZAC Day on April 25 to exercise a high degree of caution. But he offered no specifics about the alleged threat.

ANZAC Day commemorates the April 25, 1915, landings in Gallipoli. It was the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I.
The Basque regional parliament is urging the armed separatist group ETA to lay down its weapons as soon as possible, backing the disarmament that a group of civic intermediaries wants to complete by Saturday.

After killing 829 people over 43 years, ETA has been inactive in the 5  since it gave up the violence it waged to achieve an independent Basque state in southern France and northern Spain.

The French and Spanish governments are not acknowledging the initiative of the self-appointed "peace artisans." They are demanding that ETA disband as well as surrender its few remaining guns and explosives.

All parties in the regional parliament except for the conservative Popular Party of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy backed Thursday's motion.

The lawmakers urged for the disarmament to be "unilateral, complete, definitive and verified."
Russian security agents on Thursday arrested three people suspected of links to a suicide bomber accused of attacking St. Petersburg's subway and deactivated an explosive device in the apartment where the suspects lived.

Meanwhile, a loud bang nearby -- which witnesses initially called an explosion -- was revealed to be a collapse of paneling at an apartment building. Falling brickwork damaged a car but nobody was hurt, Reuters reported.

MOTHER DIES, DAUGHTER SURVIVES IN ST. PETERSBURG SUBWAY BLAST

The suspects arrested Thursday were residents of the former Soviet Central Asia region -- like the subway bomber, 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a native of Kyrgyzstan, according to Russia's Investigative Committee.

The impoverished, predominantly Muslim countries in Central Asia are seen as fertile ground for Islamic extremists, and thousands of their citizens are believed to have joined the Islamic State terror group in Syria and Iraq.

RUSSIAN COURT MULLS JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES BAN

No one has claimed responsibility for Monday's subway bombing, but Russian trains and planes long have been targeted by bombings by Islamist militants.

The committee, the nation's top criminal investigation agency, said investigators also found objects that would help advance the probe during a search of the home on St. Petersburg's eastern outskirts.

The Federal Security Service, the main KGB successor agency, said in a statement that its experts defused a self-made explosive device at the apartment. The Russian news reports said three people were arrested.

Materials used in the explosivs found Thursday matched those used by militants in Syria, according to a leading St. Petersburg news portal, Fontanka.ru.

Investigators were checking information that Dzhalilov may have trained with the Islamic State terror group in Syria, an unidentified law enforcement official told the Tass news agency.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said between 5,000 and 7,000 people from Russia and other former Soviet republics were fighting alongside the Islamic State group and other militants in Syria. He has named the ISIS threat as one of the reasons behind Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Thursday's arrests came a day after law enforcement agencies detained eight Central Asian migrants suspected of acting as recruiters for ISIS and Al Qaeda's Syria branch. The investigators found no immediate evidence of their involvement in the subway attack.

One victim of Monday's attack, 50-year-old Irina Medyantseva, an artist well-known for the dolls she made, was buried Thursday in a funeral attended by a few dozen relatives and friends.

"I'm thankful to all those who want to help us," said her husband, Alexander Kaminskiy. "The country and the entire world share our pain."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The French Catholic Church says that a French bishop has resigned at the Vatican's suggestion because of accusations of an "inappropriate pastoral attitude."

The French Conference of Bishops said in a statement that Pope Francis accepted Monsignor Herve Gaschignard's resignation Thursday, noting the "gravity" of the situation.

It said concerns about the bishop had been reported to the archbishop for the region, making it difficult for him to continue in his duties. The statement did not elaborate on the accusations against Gaschignard, bishop of Aire and Dax in southwest France.

Catholic newspaper La Croix reported that teen parishioners expressed concern about Gashignard's behavior and language.

A new book and media investigation released last month accused 25 French bishops of covering up sexual abuse by priests around France over the years.
After a near-90 year ban, women can again swim topless legally in Geneva's lake and Rhone River without running the risk of a fine.

Geneva's regional council has voted to modify a 1929 ordinance that banned women from swimming topless in the city's main natural waterways. The change doesn't apply to public swimming pools or swimming totally naked.

The issue made headlines locally last summer after one woman who was fined for swimming topless complained about paradoxical laws that allowed women to sunbathe topless, but not swim that way.

She complained the law was sexist and deprived women of the same rights as men enjoy.

Nicolas Bolle, an official with Geneva's security department, on Thursday confirmed the council's action a day earlier.
On July 28, 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, starting The Great War. It would take almost three years for the United States to take up arms in the fight.

When the U.S. joined the battle, the war -- and the world -- changed forever.

Americas role in what was then the worlds bloodiest and most destructive war signaled the emergence of the U.S. as the arbiter of a new world order, wrote Arthur Herman, a senior fellow with the Hudson Institute, an independent research organization based in Washington. One that would be built around Americas economic strength, military power and moral authority as promoter and defender of democracy and freedom.

Many historians believe that the end of World War II marked the beginning of America as the center of the world order. Herman disagrees, writing, In fact, it was World War I  starting with the economic and financial might the U.S. acquired during the war as Wall Street replaced London as the center of world finance, and growing as U.S. economic power was deployed to feed and then rebuild a shattered post-war Europe, including Germany and even Soviet Russia.

The U.S. really emerged as a superpower at the end of World War I, Herman told Fox News. President [Woodrow] Wilson gave the U.S. a moral authority it never quite lost.

At the outbreak of the war, Wilson adopted a policy of neutrality, urging all Americans to remain impartial in thought as well as in action.

Wilson clung to the doctrine even as the conflict metastacized. Germany declared war on Russia and France. Britain and Japan declared war on Germany. Turkey would side with the Germans, causing Russia, Britain and France to declare war on Turkey. Still, Americans agreed with the President that remaining neutral was the best option for our country.

That public opinion would change after an even that claimed the lives of hundreds of Americans.

In 1915, as the United States continued to use shipping lanes into Europe, Germany had declared the waters around the British Isles to be a war zone and began ordering U-boats to sink commercial and even some passenger ships. On May 7, the Lusitania, a British ocean liner travelling from New York to England with hundreds of American passengers onboard, was sunk by Germany. Nearly 1,200 people, including 128 Americans, were killed. This caused a public outcry across the globe, but especially in the states.

Still, it would take almost two more years and the sinking of more merchant ships for Wilson to decide to end Americas policy of neutrality.

In February 1917, Congress passed a massive, $250 million arms appropriations bill intended to make the United States ready for war.

Wilson appeared before Congress on April 2, 1917, to call for a declaration of war. The U.S. officially entered the battle just four days later.

The United States would remain in the deadly conflict for a year and a half. After the deaths of some 17 million people, at the eleventh-hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, World War I ended. It was this timing that led to Veterans Day being observed on Nov. 11.

Herman notes that even though it was a century ago, soldiers who died there still deserve their moment of remembrance.

In less than 2 years, over 110,000 [Americans] died in World War I, a war in which our president said we are doing this for others and not for ourselves, to become the beacon of progress," he said. "That is real sacrifice.
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Ireland's prime minister says the European Union and Britain must be "creative and imaginative" to avoid creating a "hard" border between his country and the U.K. after Brexit.

Prime Minister Enda Kenny met Thursday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss what implications Britain's departure from the EU will have for Ireland.

Kenny told reporters in Berlin any solution must be compatible with EU law. But he stressed that "we must not get lost in the technical detail at this stage and lose sight of the principles objective of maintaining peace and stability" in Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK and borders Ireland.

Merkel acknowledge that Ireland was particularly affected by Britain's divorce from the EU and said its fellow EU states would take "great care" with the issue.
Islamic State fighters shot down an Iraqi army helicopter over Mosul on Thursday, killing the two-member crew, the government said.

ISIS SLAUGHTERS 33 YOUNG MEN IN SYRIA WITH 'SHARP TOOLS'

Ground fire downed the chopper somewhere in eastern Mosul, according to defense officials. Footage from an Associated Press cameraman showed a large ball of fire with a long trail of thick black smoke as the aircraft fell out of the sky Thursday afternoon.

It marked the first time ISIS shot down aircraft over Mosul since the U.S.-backed Iraqi military operation to retake the city started last October, the Jerusalem Post reported.

PRO-ISIS HACKERS RELEASE 'KILL LIST' WITH 8,786 TARGETS IN USA, UK

Iraqi air force and army aircraft conduct regular strike operations over the city to support police and special forces units battling the terrorists.

The Mosul attack came one day after ISIS fighters killed 33 young men in eastern Syria, close to the border with Iraq, according to Syrian opposition activists. The killers slit the throats of the men, aged 18 to 25, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

ISIS has faced a string of defeats over the past two years -- most recently in Mosul where Iraqi forces have been battling to drive the extremists out of the western part of the city, a more densely populated area. Eastern Mosul, which is separated by the Tigris river from the western part of the city, was declared liberated from ISIS in January.

Despite the severe setbacks, ISIS has managed to regularly launch attacks in some Iraqi cities. A series of large-scale bombings claimed by ISIS has also struck Baghdad.

Iraqi and U.S.-led international coalition officials have repeatedly warned that after Mosul, ISIS will likely return to its insurgent roots as it loses more territory in both Iraq and neighboring Syria.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Islamic State killers used sharp tools to murder 33 people in Syria on Wednesday before dumping the bodies into a mass grave filled with blood, a human rights group said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the slaughter was the largest execution operation carried out by [ISIS] in 2017.

PRO-ISIS HACKERS RELEASE 'KILL LIST' WITH 8,786 TARGETS IN USA, UK

The identities of the dead  men ages 18-25  were not immediately known, and it was unclear if they were civilians or captured soldiers. Marks of slaughter appeared on the victims necks, the activists said.

It was just the latest horror to unfold in Syria this week. International outrage is growing over the harrowing gas attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in northern Syria, which killed at least 86 people.

The ISIS killings unfolded near the town of Mayadeen in Deir el-Zour province, close to the Syrian border with Iraq. Opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who is from Deir el-Zour but currently lives in Europe, also reported the murders.

ISIS has carried out similar killings in Syria this year. When it controlled the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, ISIS routinely carried out public beheadings, including the killing of the antiquities chief, whose body was hanged from a pole in a main square.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Passengers on a flight to Chicago got a big scare when a mock explosive device turned up in a suitcase at a Toronto airport Thursday, investigators said.

Crews found the fake improvised explosive device (IED) during a pre-clearance inspection at Pearson International Airport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement. The finding delayed the passengers' travel for hours.

The device appeared in the suitcase of a U.S. traveler on United Airlines Flight 547 headed to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The flight was scheduled to leave 7 a.m. ET Thursday, according to the airline's website.

Police issued an alert about a "possible security breach" on Twitter as airport security swooped in to examine the device for possible explosive material. The device tested negative.

.@CustomsBorder @TorontoPearson .Re: breach investigation at Pearson Airport, the flight has been cleared there is no threat, investigation is ongoing by Peel Police.  Peel Regional Police (@PeelPoliceMedia) April 6, 2017

All the passengers and luggage on the Chicago-bound flight were taken off the flight as police searched their belongings and the plane for other possible explosives.

"For the safety of travelers within the Preclearance Facility (PCF), CBP stopped all traveler processing while the mock IED was tested," U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

One traveler tweeted he had waited four hours just to exit the plane to go into an "isolation room."

.@united After 4 hrs waiting on flight getting ready to deplane in the rear to bus to take us to isolation area. pic.twitter.com/XmQHyqOsvN  Dal Gemmell (@jdgemm) April 6, 2017

The unidentified American man, 58, was arrested and charged with mischief, The Star reported. He is scheduled to appear in court in Brampton, Ontario, on Friday.
State news agency RIA Novosti says Russia's Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the city court in Birobidzhan to ban the Jehovah's Witnesses, a decision that comes amid proceedings on a Justice Ministry suit to ban the religious organization in Russia altogether.

Jehovah's Witnesses claim more than 170,000 adherents in Russia. The group, however, has come under increasing pressure over the past year, including a ban on distributing literature deemed to violate Russia's anti-extremism laws.

Russian investigators inspected the religion's headquarters in St. Petersburg in February.

David Semonian, a spokesman at its world headquarters in New York, said regarding the proposed national ban that the Jehovah's Witnesses hope "Russia's Supreme Court will uphold the rights of our fellow believers in Russia to freely carry out their peaceful worship."
Underground hospitals were a staple during World War II, to protect patients and medical personnel from aerial bombardment. Seven decades on, such secret, makeshift health care centers are crucial to the survival of Syrian civilians  and more are in the planning process as the 6-year-old war drags on and hospitals are targeted.

There are no functional hospitals in and around Idlib, Dr. Khaled Al Milaji of Syria told Fox News. So we use whatever we can  basements of abandoned buildings, villas, little rooms and caves.

There are currently two functioning underground medical facilities in opposition-controlled parts of Syria. Neither photographs nor disclosure of the locations are allowed. One is deep in the desert of eastern Hama and another is in southern Idlib.

The coordinates of a third, partly submerged facility in Hama was said to have been compromised last week and subsequently came under attack, with several witnesses saying chlorine-laden barrel bombs were dropped. The attack claimed the life of Dr. Ali Darwish, a prominent Syrian orthopedic surgeon who collapsed after refusing to leave his patient even as gas swarmed underground rooms. Fox News is told Darwish was taken out, but died on the way to the Turkish border for further treatment.

Milaji, who led the planning process to develop these hospitals from scratch, starting in 2014, said that the term hospitals is hardly the right word: They are very small and typically feature a small emergency area, a few beds for internal medicine, a couple of emergency room beds and one or two operating rooms.

But even a small facility takes at least 18 months of top-secret scheming and construction until it is ready for use. Sometimes they are built complete with corridors and rooms by carving them out of mountains and other times they are developed from existing structures.

According to data from the Turkish hub of the World Health Organizations emergency response organization, that facility, which is built into a cave, in one month handled 1,600 consultations, 176 admissions, 150 surgeries and tended to 630 trauma incidences. Now all of that has been disrupted.

A study released by the American University of Beirut and published in The Lancet medical journal last month estimated that more than 800 medical personnel were killed in Syria between March 2011 and February 2017. Furthermore, there were almost 200 attacks on health centers in 2016 alone.

The apparent targeting of doctors and hospitals over the course of the conflict has led to a dramatic shortage of medical professionals and supplies, according to doctors on the ground. This has, however, meant that scores of other professionals  from teachers to engineers to lawyers -- have sought ad hoc medical training to be able to assist nurses and physicians as much as possible.

SYRIA CHEMICAL ATTACK: DOCTORS, CIVILIANS RECALL CHILDREN SUFFOCATING, DYING ON STREETS, SARIN GAS SUSPECTED

The doctors want to work, but they dont want to lose their lives, Milaji stressed. And they have to think about their families, too. There is no education and no schools here. They have almost all died or fled to Turkey.

Those left are forced to change location around every 48 hours to avoid detection and, thus, death from a precision strike.

Milaji and a team of professionals have been in the ambitious process over the last 10 months of developing a much larger, fully fledged subterranean medical facility on the Syrian-Turkish border, which they hope to open in the next three to four months.

We need to convince donors to support us and make sure we have enough doctors. Protection of our doctors is the most important priority, he said. We are now negotiating with electrical and mechanical experts to help get this finished.

Following this weeks chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun, in Idlib province, locals are preparing themselves for the notion that the worst is yet to come.

We will also need to have tents for decontamination before we can bring the wounded to the clinic, otherwise our medical staff will be exposed and hurt, Milaji continued. And we are fortifying the walls so they are extra thick.

Opposition-run hospitals are also disguised below still-standing buildings, where the above-ground floors are vacant and one or two below-ground levels are teeming with the wounded. But even so, the developers must ensure that the underground area has at least a few windows for ventilation. If attacked heavily from the air, the underground facilities have proven not to be immune to cracking and crumbling under pressure.

SYRIA CHEMICAL ATTACK: VICTIMS RUSHED TO TURKEY AS HOSPITALS OVERFLOW

One Syrian photographer and activist, who requested that only his first name of Mahmoud be used for safety purposes, said that multiple underground hospitals in the Aleppo countryside were decimated in intense fighting last year, as well as existing hospitals above the ground. He said that while some locals are desperately trying to get support for building underground facilities, they are often destroyed before their completion with Russian 20-foot-long concussion rockets.

Dr. Ahmed Tarakji of the nonprofit Syrian American Medical Society  which operates around 120 medical facilities and employs 1,300 workers in the war-ravaged country from the northern Turkish border to the southern Jordanian  said that while the buried medical clinics give those inside a sense of safety, they carry some risks.

Even when attacked, the structure is weakened and there isnt enough ventilation to deal with the gas that comes through, he explained. So these underground rooms end up becoming de facto gas chambers.

And that, some anticipate, could lead to more toxic-type attacks as efforts to eradicate opposition groups, once and for all, escalates. Although Western powers and the majority of civilians in rebel-held areas have pointed fingers at the Syrian government as being behind the slew of chemical attacks in recent years, such claims have been staunchly denied by President Bashar Assad and his Russian allies. They say these were orchestrated by terrorist factions affiliated with the likes of ISIS and Al Qaeda.

But there is one thing that is certain: Hospitals are fast going out of business.

Everyone is terrified. Hospitals are bombed after attacks to paralyze the ability to respond, Tarakji added. And with hospitals out of service, even a minor injury can result in death.
Zimbabwe police say as many as 17 people are feared dead after a bus went up in flames Wednesday night after colliding with a truck.

Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said Thursday that more than 40 other people suffered serious injuries.

She says people were trapped in the bus and died before help could arrive.

Charamba says the bus was travelling to neighboring South Africa from the capital, Harare.

Road accidents are common in Zimbabwe, with many attributed to bad roads and speeding.
Art Mart, the gallery and collaborative space that opened in 2015 on Princess Anne Street is moving to Fredericksburg's downtown commercial hub and increasing its square footage tenfold.

The gallery will move to the third floor of 810 Caroline St., the former Avery Ballet studio. Founded by local couple Yanina Nina Angelini and Justin Young, the business has added a third owner, Michelle Pierson, along with the move.

Art Mart will open at the new location for First Friday, April 7 with a "Nasty Women Exhibition," featuring work from artists nationwide and an appearance by Finnish artist Siru Murninen and her work.

That show will be open through April 9. Then, the business will be open by appointment only as the owners renovate the space. When it reopens in May, Art Mart will be known as AM Studios.

AM Studios will feature three galleries and a creative co-working space.

Young is a graphic designer and said he saw the need for shared workspace for the region's young, creative professionals. Along with desk space and a conference room, the co-workers will have access to bathroom and kitchen facilities. She envisions the space as a collaboration room, where musicians, poets and other performance artists can showcase skills.

Pierson, who is soon to graduate from UMW, was the gallery director at the original location. She is from the area and said, "we are here to lead the discussion in fine arts and true community engagement through the arts."
People will run to the Stafford Hospital on Saturdaynot to get emergency care, but to participate in the Stafford Hospital Foundation 5K.

The event starts at the Stafford Hospital campus at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine.

Race packets may be picked up beginning at 7 a.m. at the Stafford Medical Pavilion. The cost is $35. The 5K is a family event, and runners as well as walkers are invited to participate.

Awards will be given to the overall top three men and women, as well as the top three in various age groups. The Stafford Hospital Foundation and Mary Washington Healthcare are hosting the event with the help of several local and regional organizations.

Participants can download the registration form online at RaceTimingUnlimited.org or contact Amy Cascio at 540/741-9118 or Amy.Cascio@mwhc.com.
Chatham Manor will be host to history and artists of all ages during its artisan extravaganza on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the manor grounds.

Friends of Chatham and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park will present Artisans, Art and History at Chatham Manor, where about 35 area carpenters, woodworkers, seamstresses, spinners and blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft for area school-age students and members of the community. In addition to showing art forms used long ago, area artists will also give students the chance to decorate bags, make projects from recyclable materials and weave or use watercolor to design bookmarks.

Though adults will not be the only ones showing off their artwork. Winning art from the juried student art contest sponsored by Friends of Chatham will be on display. More than 350 students from Stafford Countys elementary, middle and high schools submitted work to the contest.

Entries include a Lego rendition of Chatham Manor, a carved wax angel and lavishly decorated Faberge eggs, according to Friends of Chatham.

A treat for the history buffs comes in a first-ever Chatham exhibit of a sampler made by Patsy Fitzhugh, a daughter of Chathams original owners, on loan from the Arlington House. Patsy started the sampler at Chatham not long before her death at age 7. It is believed that a family member completed Patsys project.

John Hennessy, chief historian of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, said there has been an image of the sampler at the manor, but it will be the first time in more than a century that the artifact itself will be at the place it was first crafted.

Its likely the first time since about 1798 that the sampler has been back to the house where it was created, said Hennessy, adding that they received the sampler the previous Friday. It was indeed gratifying and exciting to see it here.

Carolyn Van Der Jagt, vice president of Friends of Chatham and president of The Arts & Cultural Council of the Rappahannock, said as a fiber artist herself, she hopes the event will bring more awareness to the wider community of Fredericksburgs artists and of the historic home itself.

This is a great opportunity to showcase our favorite Manor house, Van Der Jagt said.
Children and adults alike have been escaping to Neverland with the boy who wouldnt grow up for more than 100 yearssince J.M. Barrie first created Peter Pan in 1904.

Who wouldnt want to try out a world where you can fly, and fight pirates, and live as you please?

Anyone can escape reality and give Neverland a try by experiencing Stafford High Schools production of Peter Pan during the next two weeks, complete with Lost Boys and pirates, fairies and mermaidsand of course, a hungry crocodile.

Its a story about the wonder of seeing the world through the eyes of a child, at all points of your life, said director Michael DAddario. Of embracing the idea of imagination and play and how hanging onto a little bit of that can make a difference to the kind of people we become.

The play is not a musicalin fact, the script is the original text J.M. Barrie used a century ago.

This is the same version used by the Royal Shakespeare Company, DAddario said. Its a restored text in which they went back and found many of [Barries] original notes, inspirations and characters, which he wrote as a childrens play.

The Stafford theater departments production of Orlando recently won multiple awards at the Virginia Theatre Association High School Theatre Festival, including second place for best play, as well as outstanding actor, Madeleine Price, who is now playing Wendy in Peter Pan. Caleb Johnson is playing the title role.

This guy, he is Peter Pan, DAddario said. And the actor playing Wendy is one of the best; this is the seventh consecutive festival in which shes won a top acting award. This show is perfect for these two students.

The role of Tinker Bell will alternate between Katelyn Pates and Renee Swager, every other performance. Captain Hook will also be shared between two students, Savannah Ellis and Erin Pugh.

They are amazing actresses who have tremendous stage presence, DAddario said.

Savannah Ellis said Hook has been delightful to transform into a woman.

Shes very fierce, confident in everything she does, said the 18-year-old senior. Im super excited to do Hook and Peters big fight scene. Weve got these great wooden swords and the choreography is so much funthe audience will love it.

A unique aspect of Staffords production is that two weeks after the plays regular run, they will offer a sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, April 29, at 4 p.m.

This performance is designed to create a comfortable and welcoming experience to audience members with autism or other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.

DAddario said Stafford Public Schools Fine Arts Coordinator, Annamarie Bollino, approached him about designing such a performance, to bring theater to an underserved segment of the population.

There arent a lot of theater companies that offer sensory-friendly performances, DAddario said. But we were able to see one at the Kennedy Center and learn about it that way.

Ellis said she attended that performance, commenting that audience members were spread out, not seated next to strangers they didnt know. The auditorium lights stayed on dimly and the sound was modified to a quieter level. Patrons were free to talk and leave their seats during the performance, and there were designated quiet areas within the theater.

It looked like the kids were really enjoying it, she said. Many of them had read the story previously, so they would talk about it and get excited together.

The big fight scene between Hook and Pan will have some minor alterations for this performance, Ellis said.

We will do everything we can to make the audience as comfortable as possible, while still giving them a great performance, she said. I think its a fantastic idea and Im really excited to be able to participate and give them a new experience.

DAddario said future performances of this kind will depend on how this first one goes.

We would love to provide this kind of experience long term, he said. The hope is that we will be able to find a way of providing that experience to the community here in Fredericksburg.
Today is the 100th anniversary of the United States entering World War I, known as the Great War in some countries still and, according to many historians, the worst disaster to befall western civilization in the last 500 years.

Despite that, World War I is all but a non-event in America today, forgotten by time and overshadowed by other wars since then.

Here we are in the centennial of it, said John J. Hennessy, chief historian of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, who is authoring an exhibit on the war for the Fredericksburg Area Museum. And hardly anyone in the U.S. is paying attention to it.

Part of the reason for this is timing. The U.S. entered the war three years after it started in 1914 and suffered proportionally fewer casualties than almost any other country involved, including nations such as Belgium and Canada that have only a fraction of the total U.S. population.

So, how did the war affect Fredericksburg, a southern town still recovering form the Civil War with fewer than 6,000 people in 1917?

The World War I story is not told very often in Fredericksburg, said Sara Poore, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Area Museum. It didnt affect us much until later, because we were so far away.

Ironically, the wars biggest legacy may be not its immediate impact on the people who lived through it at all, but on Virginias economy today.

With $53 billion in defense spending last year alone, Virginia ranked first, ahead of every other state including California and Texas, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures website. World War I-era military bases just in Virginia employ nearly a quarter of a million people today.

Marine Corps Base Quantico alone, for example, employed more than 28,000 civilian and military workers and pumped nearly $5 billion into the economy in fiscal year 2015, the most recent year for which data is available, according to its public affairs office.

All of it is an indirect consequence of WWI.

When the U.S. went to war in 1917, it lacked both the infrastructure and the soldiers to fight it. The Army, Navy and Marines combined counted barely 200,000 personnel, ranking somewhere behind Serbia and nowhere near the worlds great powers.

To prepare for a huge number of new recruitsmore than 4 million in two yearsbases were needed, and fast. Within two months of declaring war, the government established 32 training posts all over the country. So quickly did this happen, in fact, that on at least one instance, a base was started right in the middle of a forest. As their first assignment, soldiers had to build their own barracks, mess halls, and other facilities before they could begin training.

Most of these training posts are long gone, but Virginia counts no fewer than eight bases that survive from that time. Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Fort Lee in Petersburg, Langley Field in Hampton, Norfolk Naval Station and Quantico Marine Base all got their start in 1917. Dahlgren, Fort Eustis in Newport News and the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown came along the following year.

Otherwise, there are few local, tangible reminders of the war, as would be expected for a conflict where the nearest battlefields were an ocean away.

The Ghost Fleet, comprised of more than 200 transport ships whose hulls are rotting in the Potomac River, can be found in Charles County, Md. In Spotsylvanias Lake Anna State Park, a railroad trace built during the war to haul ore from a nearby mine in the county to nearby Mineral can still be seen. It now forms part of the parks trail system.

The war also led to a cultural cleansing, with anything German oftentimes being renamed. Sauerkraut became liberty cabbage and hamburger, liberty steak.

To be sure, not all of these name changes stuck, but others were more permanent. Fredericksburgs Prussia Street was renamed Lafayette Boulevard during the war.

Unfortunately, German bashing did not end there. Americans of German descent sometimes had their loyalty questioned just for having the wrong last name.

Lots of Schmidts changed to Smith, said Stafford County resident Glenn Hyatt, former commander of American Legion Post 55, which was founded in 1919 by World War I vets. His own grandmother changed her last name from Von Nordhoff to Nordolf, he said.

Hyatt stands out in a region where many people are still obsessed with the Civil War. His passion for all things World War I has taken him to France to walk the ground where the Fredericksburg people fought, he said. Yet, he is unsentimental about its politics.

It was a silly ass war that we didnt have to get into, he said.

When the veterans returned, they resumed their civilian lives, and many became leaders in the community. Josiah P. Rowe Jr., who had been a pilot in France, merged two existing newspapers into The Free LanceStar in 1926 and published and edited the paper for the next 23 years.

For those who did not return, their memory is kept alive at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial, located at Liberty and George streets downtown. A smaller memorial at the Virginia National Guard Armory on U.S. 1 honors National Guard soldiers from Fredericksburg who served in the Virginia Coast Defense Artillery at Fort Monroe.

Everyone was worried about the Hun coming up the Chesapeake Bay to attack the U.S., said retired National Guard Lt. Col. David K. James, president of the Fredericksburg Guard Association. They didnt actually fight, but they protected.

Despite its limited impact on Fredericksburg, the war still reverberates to the present day, Hennessy said.

It marks the end of governments based on royalty and monarchies. It completely redrew the map of Europe. It set alliances that still exist. The world we know today was born in World War I.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum will open its exhibit World Aflame: A Hometown in Two World Wars on April 23.
A man has been arrested and charged with cutting live power wires at electrical substations in Spotsylvania and Louisa counties, authorities said.

The man is accused of taking the wire for the valuable copper inside, Spotsylvania Sheriffs Lt. C.A. Carey said. The incident caused some customers to briefly lose power.

According to Carey, Spotsylvania deputies went to the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative substation on Lawyers Road in the Paytes community about 2 a.m. Wednesday for a report of vandalism. A section of the chain-link fence had been cut to gain access to the property, and some electrical wire had been severed and removed, he said.

A short time later, Louisa deputies responded to a similar incident in their jurisdiction. A man seen fleeing the area of the Louisa REC substation was apprehended.

Carey said Spotsylvania and Louisa detectives compared surveillance pictures captured at both places and identified a suspect.

Teddy Eugene Speights Jr., 47, of Louisa was charged in Spotsylvania with destruction of property, larceny and trespassing, Carey said. Speights is charged with the same offenses in Louisa, along with another charge of larceny with the intent to sell.

Speights is being held in the Central Virginia Regional Jail.

Maxie Rozell, security manager for REC, said the cutting of the live wire was dangerous to both the perpetrator and the surrounding communities. The removal of the wire compromised protective and control equipment in the substations, Rozell said.

The cooperative maintains more than 16,000 miles of power lines ranging from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.
president, he added, "looks forward to meeting with President Xi and exchanging views on each other's respective priorities, and to chart a way forward on a bilateral relationship between our two nations."
Gov. Terry McAuliffes latest bid to expand Virginias Medicaid program died on a party-line vote in the House of Delegates today.

But Republican opponents left open the option of finding other ways to close the coverage gap for uninsured Virginians in impending discussions by a new joint legislative subcommittee.

We need to do it in a fiscally responsible way that doesnt bust the budget, Del. R. Steven Landes, RAugusta, said before the House voted 6634 to reject the governors proposed budget amendment to allow him to expand Medicaid on Oct. 1 if the opportunity remains under the Affordable Care Act.

Lawmakers returned to Richmond for one day to take up the governors proposed budget amendments and his vetoes of 40 bills.

The House approved 14 of the 27 budget amendments McAuliffe proposed, as well as two-thirds of his recommendations for changing how services are provided under a birth-injury program that is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Democrats urged the House to drop its steadfast opposition to expanding the health care program for the poor, elderly and disabled, and accept billions of dollars in federal funds to provide health coverage for as many as 400,000 Virginians.

What do we call it when we walk away from $10 billion? We call it fiscally responsible, sad Del. Kenneth R. Plum, DFairfax. I cant get my mind around that.

The position we have taken to this point has left too many Virginians without adequate health care, Plum said.

Landes, who co-chaired a moribund Medicaid reform commission, and other opponents said Medicaid already consumes too much of the states budget.

Im more convinced now than ever we made the right decision not to expand Medicaid under the Obamacare model, said Del. John M. OBannon III, R-Henrico.

Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, had urged the House earlier today to relent in its opposition to expanding the program.

Northam said the failure of President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress to repeal the health care law means there are no more excusesthe ACA is here to stay.

He said further study is not necessary but added in an interview, At the end of the day, we have a lot of avenues we can pursue.

This is not something thats going to go away, Northam said.

Former 5th District Rep. Tom Perriello, who is competing with Northam for the Democratic nomination in a June 13 primary, said in a Facebook post:

Today, with a single vote, Republican legislators could have delivered health care coverage to 400,000 more Virginians through the Medicaid expansion that Governor McAuliffe had put back on the table. It was that simple. One vote, countless lives and communities changed for the better.

The House rejected 12 of the governors proposed amendments, including efforts to restore money the legislature stripped from the budget for solar power development, cyber security education, and prepare to screen hail inmates for mental illness.

Democrats also joined Republicans in voting 7624 against McAuliffes latest attempt to cut $5 million from the commemoration in 2019 of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the founding of the House of Burgesses, the arrival of the first women and Africans in the Jamestown Colony, and celebration of the first Thanksgiving.
One debate over health care reform in Virginia has ended, but another one is just about to begin.

Gov. Terry McAuliffes latest bid to expand Virginias Medicaid program died on a party-line vote in the House of Delegates on Wednesday.

But Republican opponents left open the option of finding ways to improve health care for uninsured Virginians in impending discussions by a new joint legislative subcommittee.

We need to do it in a fiscally responsible way that doesnt bust the budget, Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Augusta, said before the House voted 66-34 to reject the governors proposed budget amendment to allow him to expand Medicaid on Oct. 1 if the opportunity remains under the Affordable Care Act.

Landes is a member of the eight-person subcommittee created under the budget to monitor changes President Donald Trump and Congress may make to the health care law then-President Barack Obama signed in 2010 and consider ways for Virginia to reshape its own health care system.

The panel is shaping up as the successor to the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Committee, or MIRC, which went moribund in 2014 after a deadlock between House and Senate appointees over whether the state had met the conditions for reforming the Medicaid program sufficiently to justify accepting federal money to expand health coverage for up to 400,000 uninsured Virginians.

Senate Finance Co-Chairman Emmett W. Hanger Jr., R-Augusta, who co-chaired the MIRC with Landes, named himself to the subcommittee on Wednesday, along with Sen. Siobhan S. Dunnavant, R-Henrico; Sen. Janet D. Howell, D-Fairfax; and Sen. George L. Barker, D-Fairfax. Hanger, Howell and Barker have supported expanding health coverage under Medicaid, while Dunnavant has not.

The opposite is true with the House delegation, which is dominated by members who have steadfastly opposed Medicaid expansion  Landes; House Appropriations Chairman S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk; and Del. John M. OBannon III, R-Henrico. The fourth delegate named to the panel is Del. Matthew James, D-Portsmouth, who has favored expansion.

We are going to have to forge some bipartisan way of moving forward, Hanger said in a floor speech on Wednesday.

Dunnavant, an obstetrician, said she is very, very happy about her appointment to the subcommittee. Great aspirations, she said.

Vetoes sustained

There was little evidence of bipartisan spirit as the Republican-controlled legislature returned to Richmond to take up the Democratic governors 27 proposed budget amendments and 40 legislative vetoes  in an election year in which the top three statewide offices and all seats in the House will be on the ballot.

House Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights, opened the day by saying he could simply copy and paste his speech for the veto session last year. The House covered well-trodden ground by debating vetoed bills about guns, immigration, welfare, voting and school choice, but overturned none of the governors vetoes.

House Republicans have a 66-34 majority, one member shy of the two-thirds vote needed to override a veto. No vetoes were overturned in the Senate, where Republicans have a 21-19 edge, preserving McAuliffes perfect veto record in his final year in office.

McAuliffe released a statement in which he noted that the General Assembly sustained five vetoes of bills that he said would have weakened gun safety laws.

I am pleased that the General Assembly sustained my vetoes on bills that would have needlessly endangered individuals across the commonwealth, McAuliffe said. These bills were disguised as means to increase safety, but they would have done just the opposite.

With Republicans unable to power through legislation McAuliffe nixed, most of the days action centered on the governors recommended changes to nuts-and-bolts bills and the state budget.

Budget amendments

The House approved 15 of the 27 budget amendments McAuliffe proposed, including two-thirds of his recommendation for changing how services are provided under a birth-injury program that is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Senate also approved the 15 budget amendments that the House had accepted.

The debate over Medicaid expansion followed a predictable path to an inevitable conclusion.

Democrats urged the House to drop its steadfast opposition to expanding the health care program for the poor, elderly and disabled, and accept billions of dollars in federal funds.

What do we call it when we walk away from $10 billion? We call it fiscally responsible, said Del. Kenneth R. Plum, D-Fairfax. I cant get my mind around that.

The position we have taken to this point has left too many Virginians without adequate health care, Plum said.

Opponents said Medicaid already consumes too much of the states budget. Im more convinced now than ever we made the right decision not to expand Medicaid under the Obamacare model, said OBannon, a neurologist.

Senate Democrats did not get to debate the issue once the House voted down McAuliffes proposal, but they stated their case for expansion in floor speeches anyway.

This is totally irresponsible not moving forward, totally, Sen. Barbara A. Favola, D-Arlington, fumed.

Sen. Mamie E. Locke, D-Hampton, chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said, Once again we are the state of no.

However, both chambers agreed with McAuliffes proposal to strip language from the budget that would have allowed more than two dozen private hospitals to receive additional federal Medicaid payments through a complex arrangement. State officials feared it could lead to federal disapproval and a financial liability later.

Birth-injury program

Legislators also agreed to a new payment structure for the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Program to address concerns that Medicaid has been billed improperly for services that should have been covered primarily by private insurance.

They also accepted McAuliffes proposal to direct the State Corporation Commission to study ways to ensure the program is able to meet its long-term financial obligations to beneficiaries, who are guaranteed lifetime care in return for not filing medical malpractice lawsuits against doctors and hospitals for birth-related neurological injuries.

However, the House rejected another provision the governor proposed that would have required use of Medicaid reimbursement rates to determine how much to pay for some services now provided under higher, negotiated prices.

Jones, the House Appropriations chairman, said the amendment would have hurt the reimbursements given today if agreed to.

The House rejected the provision by a 67-32 vote.

The House rejected 12 of the governors proposed amendments, including his attempts to restore money the legislature stripped from the budget for solar power development, cybersecurity education, and preparing to screen inmates for mental illness.

Democrats joined Republicans in voting 76-24 against McAuliffes latest attempt to cut $5 million from the commemoration in 2019 of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the House of Burgesses, the arrival of the first women and Africans in the Jamestown Colony, and celebration of the first Thanksgiving.

Its not a big party, Cox said tartly after recounting the economic benefits of the commemoration.

The General Assembly also approved amendments by McAuliffe that restore a pause in permitting for the closure of Dominion Virginia Powers coal ash ponds at four locations pending detailed assessments of existing contamination at the sites, alternatives to capping the ponds and closing them in place, and whether the ash that has been stored there for decades can be recycled.

The amendments to Senate Bill 1398 by Sens. Scott A. Surovell, D-Fairfax, and Amanda F. Chase, R-Chesterfield, restore provisions that were cut out of the bill during the session. Dominion told the governor in a letter this week that it agreed with the amendments and would conduct the assessments prior to pursuing permits even if the legislature voted down McAuliffes amendments.
Some area residents could be without electricity for several days after a powerful storm system that brought high winds and possibly tornadoes toppled trees and power lines across the Fredericksburg area Thursday.

Officials reported widespread damage, but no major injuries.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative said its power grid sustained significant damage in Orange, Spotsylvania, Culpeper and Fauquier counties. A REC news release said crews had restored power to about 7,000 members by 4 p.m., but another 14,000 were still without electricity and full restoration may take "multiple days."

Damage has occurred at many points along our distribution system," said Ernest Young, RECs director of operations and construction services. Repairs must begin with major facilities such as substations and main circuits that supply power to distribution lines serving the largest number of customers. Critical public safety facilities are also a restoration priority. We then move to repairing smaller lines and restoring power to individual homes.

Dominion Virginia Power reported more than 7,700 customers without power in Fauquier County in the immediate aftermath of the storms. More than 3,000 customers were out in Stafford County and nearly 1,000 in Spotsylvania County. But two-thirds of those had been restored by 6 p.m.

The Northern Neck Electric Cooperative reported 1,383 customers without power in Fauquier, and 1,318 out in Stafford immediately after the storm, but the total for the two localities was down to about 800 by 6:30 p.m.

REC reported the greatest number of outages in Orange County, where Fire Chief John Harkness said several witnesses reported a funnel cloud along Zachary Taylor Highway (State Route 522). Harkness said the National Weather Service would need to confirm that it touched down as a tornado.

When you get on 522, you can see where the trees are twisted, he said. Theyre falling in multiple directions.

Most of the fallen treesincluding a tree tangled with power lineshad been removed from well-traveled roads in Orange, though Harkness said a few side roads were still blocked as of late Thursday afternoon. The Virginia Department of Transportation, Fire and EMS Department, and Sheriffs Office removed the trees, he said, noting that deputies even helped cut them into pieces.

Lake of the Woods also had its share of fallen trees and power lines, too. Trees toppled onto homes, in addition to the communitys clubhouse and what Harkness described as a campground building.

Roofs also blew off businesses and barns, he said, but no major injuries had been reported.

Lets just put it this way. This wasnt your normal stormtremendous amount of trees, Harkness said.

In the Northern Neck, officials were looking into the possibility that a tornado was responsible for damage to homes and Bon Secour Rappahannock General Hospital, which lost electricity and had to be powered by a backup generator. It was taking only emergency cases, referring other patients to Riverside Tappahannock Hospital.

Terrence McGregor, chief of emergency services in Lancaster County, said he had received reports of damage to homes and businesses in the area and Irvington Town Administrator Bob Hardesty said trees toppled in the storm had blocked the road to the Tides Inn there and a resident reported a number of old trees down in the Commons area of the town.

"We are still getting an inventory of damage," McGregor said.

NWS Meteorologist Andrew Zimmerman says an NWS official sent to Lancaster is looking for clues as to whether it was a tornado.

"If a lot of damage is pushed in one direction, it's a strong wind gust. If it's tornadic damage, the damage tends to be a little more concentrated and chaotic. You can have stuff laying in different directions," he said.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Dan Hofmann said he received reports of pea-sized hail and wind speeds of up to 70 mph in the Fredericksburg region. He said meteorologists are still sifting through damage reports, but he did not rule out the possibility that microbursts or tornadoes caused some of the downed trees and power lines.

Exactly what is the nature of the winds, were going to be looking at that, Hofmann said.

Residents reported possible tornadoes or microbursts in the Mitchells, Elkwood and Little Fork areas of Culpeper County.

Spotsylvania Deputy Fire Chief Steven Cooper said mid-afternoon Thursday that he had not received reports of significant damage, though he said trees did fall onto Brock Road, Hancock Road and Robert E. Lee Drive. Elys Ford Road was closed for several hours due to a toppled tree.

Stafford County Fire Chief Mark Lockhart said he had received reports of trees and power lines down and a few automobile accidents, but none of a tornado.

Staff Writer Cathy Jett and Northern Neck correspondent Pamela A. D'Angelo contributed to this report.
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Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has proposed that the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine studies monopoly of regional gas supply companies.

Interior Minister of Ukraine Arsen Avakov said at the government meeting on Wednesday that the government should order the Antimonopoly Committee to learn about monopoly of gas supply companies belonged to Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Firtash and Deputy Head of Opposition Bloc faction Serhiy Liovochkin on the market.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman backed the proposal.

Earlier a group of parliament members from Radical Party headed by party leader Oleh Liashko came to the government meeting demanding to settle the situation with monopoly of gas supply companies on the market of gas deliveries to households.
The projected amount of profit that the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) would send to the 2018 national budget for 2017 is UAH 47.824 billion. The NBU Council made the decision at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, NBU Council Head Bohdan Danylyshyn has said.

He wrote on his Facebook page that the indicator is calculated using information from the NBU and the audit committee of the Council.

The key principles and tasks of macroprudential regulation in Ukraine were also discussed at the meeting.

"The NBU and central banks of other countries have started working on this. We are responsible for the progress achieved. We believe that the NBU must speed up the drafting and introduction of the macroprudential policies strategy," he said.

Danylyshyn said that the Council approved recommendations to the NBU Board regarding the necessity of speeding up this work.

The Council also considered the consequences and possible risks and threats to financial stability of the country over the stoppage of movement of goods across the contact line in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The recommendations to the NBU Board and Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers have been sent.

As reported, in 2016 the NBU sent UAH 38.16 billion of profit for the previous year. This year the sum could grow to UAH 45 billion.
Story Highlights 37% say media not tough enough on Trump, up from 28% in January

32% now say media is too tough on Trump, while 24% call it about right

Nearly three in four closely following Trump-media conflicts in the news

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a shift from January, slightly more U.S. adults believe the news media has not been tough enough (37%) in its coverage of President Donald Trump as say it has been too tough (32%). Shortly after Trump was inaugurated, these sentiments were reversed: 36% thought the media was too tough on him and his administration, and 28% said it was not tough enough.

Heightened Percentage in U.S. Say News Media Is Not Tough Enough on Donald Trump In its coverage of Donald Trump and his administration so far, do you think the news media has been too tough, about right or not tough enough? Too tough About right Not tough enough No opinion % % % % Mar 9-29, 2017 32 24 37 6 Jan 30-31, 2017 36 31 28 5 Gallup

Only about one in four Americans, down from 31% in January, now believe the media's coverage of Trump is about right.

As expected, there are strong partisan differences in these views. Most Republicans (64%) say the media has been too tough on Trump, whereas nearly as many Democrats (59%) say it has not been tough enough. However, both numbers are less favorable toward Trump than in January, when more Republicans than today (74%) thought the press was being too hard on him and fewer Democrats (49%) thought it wasn't being hard enough.

Underscoring the difficulty the media has pleasing either side, just 21% of Republicans and 27% of Democrats say its coverage of Trump has been about right. Relatively few independents also think the coverage is appropriate, while the remainder are about evenly divided between saying the media has been too hard or too easy on Trump.

Republicans and Democrats Have Different Perceptions of News Media's Coverage of Donald Trump In its coverage of Donald Trump and his administration so far, do you think the news media has been too tough, about right or not tough enough? Republicans Independents Democrats % % % Mar 9-29, 2017 Too tough 64 34 9 About right 21 23 27 Not tough enough 9 37 59 Jan 30-31, 2017 Too tough 74 37 9 About right 17 31 40 Not tough enough 6 26 49 Gallup

The latest results are based on a Gallup survey conducted March 9-29.

A different question in the poll yields a similar divide in Americans' reaction to the Trump-media conflict, but with a bit more detail. By 37% to 33%, Americans are slightly more likely to side with the media than with Trump in the ongoing disagreements between the two. However, less than half of each group "strongly" favors its chosen side. As a result, just 17% of all adults strongly side with the media, and 13% strongly side with Trump.

This leaves 40% feeling more moderately sympathetic toward either Trump or the media. And when factoring in those who favor neither side or who have no opinion on the matter, 71% of Americans appear somewhat uncommitted on the matter.

Regardless of how U.S. adults feel about the Trump-media battle, most have taken notice. About four in 10 say they are following the news about the ongoing disagreements very closely. Another 35% have followed these disagreements somewhat closely, while about a quarter say they have followed them not too closely or not at all.

The combined 73% paying close attention to Trump and the media's disagreements in the news is significantly above the average 60% that have paid close attention to over 200 major news stories Gallup has tested since 1991.

Democrats Paying Closer Attention Than Republicans to News About Trump-Media Conflict How closely have you been following the news about ongoing disagreements between Donald Trump and the news media -- very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely or not at all? Very closely Somewhat closely Not too closely Not at all No opinion % % % % % U.S. adults 38 35 18 8 1 Republicans 34 39 18 8 -- Independents 34 40 18 8 -- Democrats 49 29 16 6 1 Gallup, March 9-29, 2017

Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say they are following the news about Trump and the media very closely. While this could mean Democrats think the clashes are more important than Republicans do, it could also be that the media's reporting on the disagreements is fairly critical of Trump and therefore garners more attention from Democrats.

Bottom Line

When running for president in 2016, Trump waged a parallel campaign against the news media, accusing it of being biased and purveying "fake news." Trump has only leaned into this theme since becoming president, at times calling the press "dishonest," "out of control" and "the enemy of the people" over what he considers hostile coverage of his administration.

Trump did not invent the idea that the media is flawed -- since 2000 a majority of Americans have thought that press reports are "often inaccurate." However, a growing percentage thinks the media is biased and that it favors the Democrats.

Still, rather than Trump's jabs at various reporters and news organizations convincing Americans that the media is too tough on him, more Americans than in January now believe the press is not being tough enough on Trump. As a result, the percentage saying the media's coverage is on target has fallen to 24%. Yet, relatively few Americans strongly side with either Trump or the press. The vast majority express a more lukewarm allegiance or side with neither, suggesting the discord is producing no real winner.
Easthampton School Superintendent Nancy Follansbee, seated center, speaks during an Easthampton School Committee meeting Wednesday at the Municipal Building. Seated beside her are, from left, Cynthia Kwiecinski, Sarah Hunter and Isabelle Poirier. GAZETTE STAFF/JERREY ROBERTS

Jonathan Poirier reads a statement from a group of concerned parents during Wednesdays Easthampton School Committee meeting at the Municipal Building. Jonathan Poirier reads a statement from a group of concerned parents during Wednesdays Easthampton School Committee meeting at the Municipal Building.

Sindy Mojica, right, speaks during an Easthampton School Committee meeting Wednesday at the Municipal Building. Peter Gunn, left, a Committee member, listens. GAZETTE STAFF/JERREY ROBERTS

Easthampton School Committee member Peter Gunn, seated at the head of the table, opens the public comment period of the meeting Wednesday at the Municipal Building. GAZETTE STAFF/JERREY ROBERTS

EASTHAMPTON  The alleged failure of school administrators to act on reports of bullying and harassment has led parents of Easthampton High School students to urge the School Committee to investigate Principal Kevin Burke.

Wednesdays School Committee meeting at the Municipal Building was packed with about 60 concerned parents and community members as they discussed problems students face at the high school, many in response to last weeks student walkout. On March 30, hundreds of students walked from school grounds to the Municipal Building, accusing the school of indifference to addressing racism.

The day before, a student who allegedly used a racial slur in an online message was physically assaulted in the school parking lot. A screenshot of the conversation was shared on social media, according to police. Three students were arrested on charges of assault and battery for punching the student who allegedly used the racial slur.

But parent Jonathan Poirier said the assault was preventable and predictable. He said the incident occurred in response to many weeks and months of smaller incidents that were not properly addressed by the schools principal.

Poirier represented a group of parents concerned about the current administration at Easthampton High School and read a letter that was given to committee members as well as the City Council.

Our group has heard many stories about events involving Principal Burke during his administration that allege, to name a few, verbal assaults, bullying, and failure to follow school rules and procedures, Poirier said.

Poirier said parents are requesting immediate action for Burkes removal and the prompt initiation of investigations into his alleged misconduct as principal of EHS.

We have lost faith in his ability to lead EHS and maintain a safe environment for our children, Poirier said.

Burke, formerly a math teacher at White Brook Middle School, was hired as assistant principal at EHS in 2013 and became principal last year.

Parents are also requesting the installation of a new school resource officer, stating a conflict of interest now exists for Officer Alan Schadel. Schadel is currently on medical leave and two officers have been liaisons for the school, according to Superintendent Nancy Follansbee.

Follansbee sent an update to parents Wednesday morning, going over the events that occurred at the high school last week. She said Burke plans to have a diversity training for faculty in May as well as trainings and presentations for students and families before the end of the school year.

Burke, who didnt attend Wednesdays meeting, said in an interview this week that the administration follows the Massachusetts School Bullying Prevention and Intervention Law.

We treat all students fairly and equally, Burke said.

When an incident occurs and is reported to a teacher or administrator, Burke said, the student will fill out a bully intervention and prevention form. The administration will then investigate the situation, talking to witnesses and connected students, Burke said.

But parents say that is not the case, although students are not willing to discuss specific problems with the administration publicly.

Follansbee said one of the issues the school faces is the impact of social media. For the racial slur comment that led to physical assault, Follansbee said although the message was highly inappropriate and offensive, it was a private conversation and did not occur on school premises, and its recipient is not a student. She said had circumstances been different, the sender of the text would have been disciplined.

This goes beyond the school, parent Pete Crisafulli said. We have lawn signs being stolen in our community  lawn signs that welcome people  and we have graffiti on Mount Tom that is hateful.

According to Crisafulli, a peaceful demonstration is planned for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in front of the Municipal Building to voice unity and recovery for the health and spirit of the Easthampton community.

Follansbee said there will be ongoing meetings on the topic and group discussions in classrooms to hear from students.

We are proud of the initiative that our students have taken  We want to hear from you, Follansbee said. If you feel like your teachers arent hearing you, go to your principal. If you feel like your principal isnt hearing you, then come to me.

Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has launched an investigation into the possible abuse of power by officials of the National Commission that regulates energy and utility services (the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Services Regulation (NCER) when developing and implementing the procedure for calculating the projected wholesale market price of electricity, taking into account the price of coal according to the formula "cost in the port of Rotterdam plus the cost of delivery to Ukraine."

A copy of the letter from the NABU on the start of the corresponding proceeding was promulgated by People's Deputy Viktor Chumak, who initiated the investigation of this case.

"Based on the results of the collected and summarized information on the formation of the cost of electricity by NCER using the formula 'Rotterdam +', NABU began a pretrial investigation on March 24, 2017," a letter says.

As reported, NCER began to apply a new procedure for the formation of the projected wholesale market price for electricity from April 2016.
Readers, we need your help to prove a merry Christmas for victims of domestic violence.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Corvallis Police Department

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: 4:47 p.m. 153 N.W. Fourth St. Police responded to a report of a man laying in the street near the Greyhound station. The man, Christopher A. Bonner, 31, no address listed, reportedly told police he needed medical attention, but refused to move to be evaluated by medics. Bonner was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and felon in possession of a weapon after police reportedly discovered an automatic pocketknife on him. Bonner was booked into the Benton County Jail.

Benton County Sheriff's Office

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

ASSAULTS: 5:06 p.m., 24000 block Territorial Highway, Monroe. A deputy responded following an argument. After investigating, the deputy determined that Marilyn Sandra Grimm, 49, of Monroe, kicked a door and hit Kevin Troy Marriot, 54, of Monroe, causing Marriot's eye to bleed. Marriot then reportedly shoved Grimm into a closet which caused a four-inch laceration on Grimm's forehead. Marriot was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault and booked into the Benton County Jail. Grimm was charged with fourth-degree assault and released to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.

DUII: 4:59 p.m., Highway 20 and Kings Valley Highway, Philomath. A deputy arrested and charged Rian Robert Garboden, 37, of Springfield with DUII and driving while suspended following a traffic stop. Garboden had a reported blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent.

DUII: 2:31 a.m., Southeast Third Street and Avery Avenue. A deputy arrested and charged Travis Duane Brillon, 21, of Albany with DUII following a traffic stop. Brillon reportedly refused to provide a breath sample. He was booked into the Benton County Jail.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  Tuesday was the deadline for companies to propose designs for President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will ask several of the bidders to build prototypes in San Diego.

The government won't identify companies until contracts are awarded around June 1  and even then, only the winners  but some bidders released plans on their own.

A WALL OF SOLAR PANELS

Gleason Partners LLC of Las Vegas proposes solar panels to cover sections of the wall.

The panels would provide electricity for lighting, sensors and patrol stations along the wall. Sales of electricity to utilities could cover the cost of construction in 20 years or less, according to the company. Power could also be sold to Mexico.

"I like the wall to be able to pay for itself," said managing partner Thomas Gleason.

A TOURIST ATTRACTION

Crisis Resolution Security Services Inc. of Clarence, Illinois, proposes a wall that is 56 feet (17 meters) high and 22 feet (7 meters) wide at the top  with plenty of room to allow tourists to enjoy desert views.

The height  nearly twice what the government envisions  would deter climbers, and its width would give the structure longevity, said chief executive officer Michael Hari.

A NUCLEAR WASTE STORAGE FACILITY

Clayton Industries Inc. of Pittsburgh proposes storing nuclear waste along the wall in trenches that are at least 100 feet (30 meters) deep.

Money already collected by the U.S. Department of Energy from people who benefit from nuclear power would help pay for the wall.

The bid includes an option for hardware to convert the nuclear waste to energy.

ARTWORK  ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER

Concrete Contractors Interstate of San Diego proposed a polished concrete wall augmented with stones and artifacts specific to areas on the 2,000-mile (3,218-kilometer) border.

Russ Baumgartner, CEO of the company, says the wall should be "a piece of art."

Customs and Border Protection's solicitation says the wall should be "aesthetically pleasing" from the U.S. side. Baumgartner wants to decorate both sides.

BALLISTIC CONCRETE

DarkPulse Technologies of Scottsdale, Arizona, proposes a concrete wall that can withstand tampering or attacks of any kind.

"You could fire a tank round at it and it will take the impact," said company founder Dennis O'Leary.

Fiber sensors would be embedded in the concrete to immediately alert officials to any attempts to climb over or tunnel under the wall. It would be coated with a slick coating that would prevent climbing.

NO BORDER AT ALL

Otra Nation, a group of U.S. and Mexican citizens, proposed the world's first shared co-nation along the border "open to citizens of both countries and co-maintained by Mexico and the United States of America."

It would also create "nodes of cultural production" such as libraries, museums, galleries and workshops between San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico, and other spots with cities on both sides of the border.

It would prohibit oil drilling and mining and create a "hyperloop transportation system" for people and cargo.
The National Bank of Ukraine again denied media reports that NBU Governor Valeriya Gontareva has written a resignation application. The central bank has confirmed her intention to leave the post.

"The application has not been written. NBU Governor Gontareva is working and fulfilling its duties. Speaking to journalists today in the morning she again confirmed her plans to leave the NBU governor post in the future," the press service of the central bank told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Thursday.

The NBU said that the Ukrainian president makes the decision to dismiss the NBU head and parliament approves it.

Earlier on April 6, unidentified individuals attempted to block Gontareva from going to work. They painted her house. Some media (in particular, those under control of former owner of PrivatBank Ihor Kolomoisky) reported Gontareva had resigned.

The NBU press service said that this is an attempt to press on the policy of the NBU and personally the NBU head.

"Taking into account offences, the application to law enforcement agencies is being prepared. We will demand to take measures due to the negligence of the National Police of Ukraine which ignored calls to intervene against the hooligans," the press service said.

The NBU said that the central bank is always open to dialog with the public. The bank is ready to present explanations and information in a lawful way.

Late February some media reported that Gontareva allegedly made the decision to resign.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Fire near Cologne/Bonn airport : Severe forest fire near airport is now extinguished

Altenrath Around ten hectares of the Wahner Heide near the Cologne/Bonn airport was on fire on Wednesday. Efforts to extinguish the flames were hampered by a risk of explosion.

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A fire raged in the Wahner Heide near Cologne/Bonn airport over an area of around ten hectares on Wednesday. Fire fighters from the region fought the fire until late into the evening. The armed forces and volunteers from the Technische Hilfswerk also helped to extinguish the fire.

Peter Kern, spokesman for the Troisdorf fire services, said yesterday evening that forces were able to bring the fire under control at around 6pm and prevent any further spread. The exact size of the fire was initially unclear but it was extensive because of constantly changing winds. Forces were able to obtain a more precise assessment from a helicopter that navigated through a massive cloud of smoke. According to Achim Irmes from the Federal Forestry Office Wahner Heide, only ground vegetation was alight and no trees. It is a classic forest fire, said the forestry official.

The airport fire brigade was alerted at around 1pm and handed over to the Troisdorf brigade. Everything started with a report from a pilot, who told the airport Something is burning, explained the officer in charge, Stefan Gandelau. As the size of the fire became apparent, more and more forces were required including from Lohmar, Sankt Augustin, Hennef, Eitdorf, Bad Honnef, Konigswinter, Siegburg, Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, Niederkassel and Bonn.

According to Michael Gscho from the army, the operation was made more dangerous for those helping as there was at times a risk of explosion. According to the Brigadier-General, parts of the affected area belong to a practice area on which artillery ammunition has been heavily used since the imperial era.

The fire spread over time further and further into the wood. Adjacent streets were full of smoke. The fire did not affect air traffic. Police said yesterday evening that there was no evidence of arson. However, it could not be ruled out that the fire started through negligence. The criminal investigation department has taken over enquiries.
Debt of solvent banks to the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) for refinancing loans totals UAH 15.2 billion, and this is UAH 7.7 billion less than early this year, the central bank has reported on its website.

The NBU said that on April 4 Oschadbank (Kyiv) early repaid its debt, returning UAH 2 billion. A lion's share of the debt belongs to another state-run bank  PrivatBank (Dnipro) owing UAH 14.4 billion to the central bank.

"At present almost all operating banks have paid their debts on refinancing loans to the regulator. The active return of refinancing loans is the best evidence of restoration of the Ukrainian banking system under the NBU policy," NBU Governor Valeriya Gontareva said.

The NBU said that the debt of insolvent banks totals UAH 45.2 billion. The largest debtors are bank Nadra (owner Dmytro Firtash) with UAH 9.8 billion, Delta Bank (Mykola Lahun) with UAH 8 billion, bank Financial Initiative with UAH 7.2 billion and VAB Bank with UAH 3 billion (owner of the two banks is Oleh Bakhmatiuk), bank Finance and Credit (Kostiantyn Zhevaho) with UAH 6.3 billion and IMEXBANK (Leonid Klymov) with UAH 3.4 billion.

"If the above-mentioned owners believe that that with the loss of the bank they got rid of the necessity of returning the debts, in particular, to the NBU, they are gravely mistaken. My position is always clear: they would have to return everything until the last kopeck to the state and we would do our best to achieve this," Gontareva said.

The NBU said that in 2015-2016 the regulator sent 12 applications on committing crimes by shareholders of these banks to law enforcement agencies and initiated 44 court hearings to collect the debt to the NBU from guarantors of these banks.

"NBU top managers would continue cooperation with law enforcers to punish managers and owners of these banks," the central bank said.
Lithuania has joined with Poland in demanding that the European Commission revoke permission for Russian Gazprom to increase the amount of gas it ships on a branch gas pipeline in Germany fed by the Nord Stream export pipeline, Lithuanian Energy Minister Aurelija Vernickaite told the BNS on Thursday.

Lithuania, which advocates increased competition on the European gas market, believes the European Commission's decision "increases energy reliance on Gazprom. Moreover, this might entail negative consequences for Ukraine, since it reduces the flow of transit gas through that country," she said.

Vernickaite pointed out that last week the Lithuanian authorities confirmed participation in the lawsuit over the OPAL gas pipeline in European Court.

The European Commission raised Gazprom's quota on the OPAL pipeline in eastern Germany last fall. The decision was criticized because it might reduce gas transit through Poland and Ukraine.

Lithuania's participation can be interpreted as a show of political support for Warsaw: although Lithuanian specialists will present their arguments in court, the Polish government will continue to be the lead plaintiff.

On Thursday, Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said in Kyiv that Ukraine should remain the main transit country for Russian gas exports to Europe. "We support your effort to remain a transit country. Ukraine should remain an important transit route to Europe in future. We have decided to support the Polish side in the court proceedings on Nord Stream 2,' Skvernelis said during a joint press conference held by the prime ministers of the Baltic States and Ukraine.

This year, Lithuania will purchase just over half of the gas it consumes from Gazprom.

The Polish government filed suit in European Court on December 16 contesting the European Commission's decision on October 28, 2016 to approve an agreement concerning use of the OPAL pipeline between Gazprom, Gazprom Export LLC, OPAL Gastransport GmbH and the German regulator Bundesnetzagentur.

During an interview with Rossiya 24 television, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak commented on Warsaw's complaint: "These are unwarranted statements. Because for us, the gas pipeline through Poland is the most economically effective route, the shortest one. Construction of an additional gas pipeline was even proposed. But Poland refused. That is why we don't understand the essence of these statements, if we are expanding our infrastructure and Poland earlier refused to develop the infrastructure through its territory."
xspraise at 5-04-2017 11:40 PM (5 years ago) (m)



Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammad II says if Nigeria were to break up into components today, Northern Nigeria would be the poorest countries in the world.

Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammad II says if Nigeria were to break up into components today, Northern Nigeria would be the poorest countries in the world.

The Monarch said this in his key note address during the opening ceremony of Kaduna States Investment and Economic summit (KADINVEST), titled Promoting Investment Amidst Economic Challenges in Kaduna state today April 5th.



Emir stressed that it would be a disservice to use the standard of living of Nigerians residing in oil rich Niger Delta or commercially viable Lagos and business oriented south-east, to compare that of the North. According to the Emir, the North East and North West regions are the most poorest regions in the country and even in the world. 



"As far back at 2000, I looked at the numbers, Borno and Yobe states, UNDP figures, Borno and Yobe states, if they were a country on their own, were poorer than Niger, Cameroon and Chad. Nobody saw this because we were looking at Nigeria as a country that averages the oil-rich Niger Delta, the industrial and commercial-rich Lagos, the commercially viable southeast, and you have an average.Break Nigeria into its component parts, and these parts of the country are among the poorest, if it were a country. And we do not realise we are in troublehe said Continuing the monarch said "Other Muslim countries have pushed on. We are fighting culture, we are fighting civilisation. You tell me that you should not write love book in northern Nigerian. What is the crime of those books? he asked.



He decried the burning of science books in some parts of the Nort due to religious beliefs. On the culture of marrying more than one wife and given birth to children without proper Family planning, Sanusi said

Of what benefit is it to the north, having three million children roaming about? he asks. The Monarch said this in his key note address during the opening ceremony of Kaduna States Investment and Economic summit (KADINVEST), titled Promoting Investment Amidst Economic Challenges in Kaduna state today April 5th.Emir stressed that it would be a disservice to use the standard of living of Nigerians residing in oil rich Niger Delta or commercially viable Lagos and business oriented south-east, to compare that of the North. According to the Emir, the North East and North West regions are the most poorest regions in the country and even in the world. "As far back at 2000, I looked at the numbers, Borno and Yobe states, UNDP figures, Borno and Yobe states, if they were a country on their own, were poorer than Niger, Cameroon and Chad. Nobody saw this because we were looking at Nigeria as a country that averages the oil-rich Niger Delta, the industrial and commercial-rich Lagos, the commercially viable southeast, and you have an average.Break Nigeria into its component parts, and these parts of the country are among the poorest, if it were a country. And we do not realise we are in troublehe said Continuing the monarch said "Other Muslim countries have pushed on. We are fighting culture, we are fighting civilisation. You tell me that you should not write love book in northern Nigerian. What is the crime of those books? he asked.He decried the burning of science books in some parts of the Nort due to religious beliefs. On the culture of marrying more than one wife and given birth to children without proper Family planning, Sanusi saidOf what benefit is it to the north, having three million children roaming about? he asks.

Post Reply I am Victor, I write reportage on sport news and latest metro happenings in Nigeria. Posted: at 5-04-2017 11:40 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
iPhone 8 launch will be delayed says new report News oi -Chandrika You may have to wait a little longer for the iPhone 8

According to a new report from DigiTimes, iPhone 8, dubbed as iPhone Edition is going to launch around October-November instead of September. The website also explained the reason for the delay saying "technical issues related to the lamination process of curved OLED panels, and the adoption of a 3D sensing system may cause the delay of the new iPhone devices".

The new report contradicts the report published in Barren's Tech radar, which claimed that Apple will start the supply chain of iPhone 8 by June. However, it also mentioned that this doesn't mean that the launch date of iPhone 8 will be changed. It is rumored that the sole supplier for Apple's new iPhone OLED display panels is the Korean giant Samsung.

Apple iPhone 8 to feature Liquid Metal Glass Back

As per a report in Japan's Nikkei paper, Apple has placed an order for 70 million OLED panels with Samsung Electronics.

In any case, we should not take the report by DigiTimes seriously as the site had previously also posted inaccurate information. Also, there are no other signs that suggest a delay in the launch of iPhone 8.

Rumors and speculations about the upcoming iPhone 8 are natural since 2017 is going to be the 10th anniversary of Apple's iPhones.

Analyst Steven Milunovich from UBS predicts that iPhone 8 is going to cost somewhere between $70 and $90. The iPhone maker is also said to launch two more smartphones along with the iPhone 8: the 4.7-inch or 5-inch iPhone 7s and 5.5-inch iPhone 7s Plus.

Though several reports claim that only iPhone 8 will be featuring an OLED display.

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Airtel doubles mobile sites in just 2 years News oi -Priyanka The Company has committed an investment of Rs. 60,000 crores over threeyears the Project leap.

With an aim to build a future-ready network, India's largest telecom service provider Airtel today said that it has doubled its mobile network deployment over the past two years.

Abhay Savargaonkar, Director-Networks, Bharti Airtel said, "Airtel has been at the forefront of India's telecom growth story and this record deployment underlines our commitment to building a world-class network of the future that will serve a digital India."

Savargaonkar said "this deployment will leverage our spectrum capacity and is yet another benchmark by Airtel in execution excellence. We are now in a position to ramp up future capacity on this network very quickly, giving us unmatched reach and agility. I want to thank our network partners for their support in this deployment."

Amazon may soon bring AR and VR to homeware stores

"Airtel has deployed 180,000 mobile sites across India in the last two years (FY 16 and FY 17). This is same as the number of mobile sites deployed by the company in the first 20 years of operations," the company said in a statement.

"The Company has committed an investment of Rs. 60,000 crores over three years the Project leap," it added.

Recently, broadband testing and network diagnostic application Ookla has rated Airtel as the fastest mobile network in India, However Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has asked Airtel to "modify or "Withdraw" the advertisement which claims to be "officially the fastest network".

To recall, the whole issue actually started when Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio filed a complaint against Airtel and Ookla in ASCI for claiming that it is the fastest network.

Meanwhile, Travel app Railyatri recently said that Airtel has the maximum connectivity on most routes followed by Vodafone and Idea.

The company has also released a chart that shows Airtel has 71 percent network coverage en route Delhi to Kolkata, followed by Vodafone India's 58 percent.

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Problem of call drops is more severe indoors: DoT News oi -Priyanka 5529 cases which were not related to call drops but other issues such as related to data, roaming, billing, MNP, mobile devices etc. were also identified by the TSPs for taking necessary action.

Department of Telecom (DOT) today said that problem of call drops is more severe indoors, citing a survey conducted by it.

"About 2,20,935 subscribers participated in the survey out of which, about 1,38,072 (62.5 percent) subscribers have reported call drops and from the feedback, it has been observed that the problem of call drops is more severe indoors," DOT said.

In order to obtain direct feedback from subscribers, DoT had launched an Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS) system in Delhi, Mumbai, UP, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Goa on December 23 2016, which was extended to other states on January 12 2017 except in Punjab and Manipur. IVRS system was launched in Punjab and Manipur on March 16 2017.

The ministry said, since the launch of the IVRS system, over 16 lakh calls have been made to subscribers of all service providers across the country.

Airtel doubles mobile sites in just 2 years

"The feedback is shared with the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) every week for taking action in a time-bound manner. The TSPs have set up an elaborate mechanism for using the IVRS feedback data sent by DoT," the statement said.

For the fortnight on ending February 28, 2017, 43,403 feedback cases were taken up for investigation by TSPs. After telephonic calls and SMS to the subscribers to seek additional information on their call drop problem, 7,210 cases were identified for resolution.

The ministry also said, during the fortnight, 2467 cases were resolved through optimization, rectifying hardware/power problems, through the field visits etc. On a cumulative basis, since the launch of IVRS, 9,328 cases have been resolved through this initiative.

According to the data with the department, in addition to the above numbers, some 5529 cases which were not related to call drops but other issues such as related to data, roaming, billing, MNP, mobile devices etc. were also identified by the TSPs for taking necessary action.

"The DoT Task Force is also meeting with the TSPs once every month to discuss various issues related to the IVRS system," the department said.

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NATO will provide material and technical assistance in the amount of over EUR 1 million to Ukraine's State Emergencies Service to develop the mine lifting sphere, Verkhovna Rada First Deputy Speaker, Ukrainian envoy in the Trilateral Contact Group humanitarian subgroup Iryna Gerashchenko has said.

"The Alliance has decided to provide material and technical assistance to the State Emergencies Service of Ukraine for over EUR 1 million to develop the mine lifting sphere," she said at a joint press conference with the co-chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Council Ukraine-NATO in Kyiv on Wednesday.

In addition, Gerashchenko said that she supports the discussion of a bill on humanitarian mine lifting at first reading by parliament next plenary session week.

She said that NATO countries help Ukraine in treating and rehabilitating military servicemen.

"A total of 398 our soldiers and officers were treated in rehabilitation centers in NATO countries," Gerashchenko said.
Glasgow to lead UK-wide housing research centre

The University of Glasgow is to lead a consortium of nine universities and four non-academic professional bodies in a major new research programme examining the UKs housing system. The programme will seek to influence future housing policy at all levels.

The new UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) will receive 6m funding and a further 1.5m institutional contribution from consortium partners. The bulk of the funding will come from the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), with support from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council).

Professor Ken Gibb, Director of Policy Scotland and Professor of Housing Economics at the University of Glasgow, will be Principal Investigator and Director of CaCHE. Professor Ken Gibb

He said: In the UK, housing is one of the main policy challenges facing national and devolved governments. This major new programme will allow policy makers and practitioners across the UK to benefit from the best possible evidence to help them take the robust action needed to tackle chronic housing problems.

The aim is to use multi-disciplinary expertise to provide relevant and rigorous housing evidence and research to influence and ultimately alter housing policy for the benefit of all.

I am delighted that the University of Glasgow and our partners will be taking the lead on this incredibly important subject. The serious and complex problems of the housing system are too important to ignore. This is why Im looking forward to this major new initiative making a serious contribution to tackling one of the most pressing policy problems in the UK today.

The new national research centre will have staff located at five hubs across the UK in Glasgow, Sheffield, London, Cardiff and Belfast and its administration will be located at the University of Glasgow.

The core partners are the universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, Reading, Cardiff, Heriot-Watt, Bristol, Ulster, Sheffield Hallam and St Andrews, along with the National Institute of Economic and Social Research. The non-academic partners in the consortium are: the Chartered Institute of Housing, the Royal Town Planning Institute, and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. An international advisory board will be chaired by Lord Kerslake, former Head of the Home Civil Service.

Apart from the 29 co-investigators from the partner organisations, the programme will involve 220 named individual collaborators and more than 12 additional non-academic partners. A housing data navigator hub will be based at the University of Cardiff, and CaCHE will operate a network of networks to share existing expertise by working with, and add to, rather than duplicating the many excellent existing professional, policy and practice networks that cover discrete housing sectors and UK regions .

CaCHE will advance knowledge of the housing market, provide robust evidence to inform housing policy and practice across the UK, and will join together a comprehensive range of stakeholders with the goal of tackling housing problems at a national, devolved, regional, and local level.

The work of the programme will focus on six overlapping themes:

Housing and the economy;

Understanding housing markets: demand and need, supply and delivery;

Housing aspirations, choices and outcomes;

Housing, poverty, health, education and employment;

Housing and neighbourhood design, sustainability and place-making;

Multi-level governance.

Housing has a considerable impact on our society and economy. Almost 1 in 10 British jobs are in the housing sector, and more than a fifth of household spending goes on rent, mortgage payments, home repairs, maintenance and improvements. The availability, cost and design of housing impacts on peoples aspirations, their health and wellbeing, and even their childrens education. Failure of housing markets can lead to wider economic problems, as well as poverty and homelessness.

Professor Craig Watkins, Director of Research and Innovation for the Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield, will be the Director of Research for CaCHE. He said: The investment in CaCHE provides a generational opportunity for the research, policy and practice communities to work in partnership for a sustained period. The Centre is uniquely placed to foster collaboration across the housing sector to develop novel, and truly innovative solutions to the UKs housing problems. I am delighted that Sheffield will be home to a large hub of researchers and that, as well as working with our partners regionally and nationally, we will be leading CaCHEs doctoral training and helping develop the next generation of housing researchers.

Professor Jane Elliott, CEO of the Economic and Social Research Council said: As a nation we face key housing challenges, such as a lack of affordable housing preventing young people from owning their own home, meeting the housing needs of an ageing population, building sustainable houses that are resilient to flooding and climate change, and tackling homelessness. Improving the UKs growth and stability, the cohesion of its communities and the wellbeing and prosperity of its citizens requires effective housing policies. It is therefore vital that policymakers have the best evidence at hand when making decisions about what sort of houses to build, where and for whom. This Centre draws together internationally renowned experts across a diverse range of fields. It will serve as a vital national institution, and provide a leading voice in the UK on housing issues.

Julie McLaren, Associate Director of Programmes at the Arts and Humanities Research Council AHRC) added: The AHRC congratulates Professor Gibb and his team on an excellent bid that will provide a wide range of perspectives on housing. We are particularly pleased that it includes an emphasis on how arts and humanities researcher and researchers can contribute to a broader understanding and a better evidence base for housing. Alongside the other funders we look forward to working with the CaCHE team to ensure that the Centre achieves their ambitious aims.

Brian Robson, Policy and Research Manager for housing at the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation said: The UKs housing crisis has led to rising poverty and insecurity. But housing policy is also central to ensuring everyone in the UK can achieve a decent and secure standard of living. To stop high housing costs from driving down standards of living, we need a specific focus on evidence-based polices to make the market work for people on low incomes. Im delighted JRF has been able to contribute to the establishment of this independent centre of expertise, with a presence in all four UK nations, and that consideration of the close links between housing and poverty will run throughout its work.

Gavin Smart, the Deputy Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, will be Director of Communications and Knowledge Exchange at CaCHE. He said: We are delighted to be playing a leading role in this important new programme. CaCHE provides a unique opportunity to produce thorough research which will explore the critical challenges facing housing in the UK and provide policy makers and practitioners with a robust evidence base to inform their decisions. Given the scale of the challenges currently faced by housing there has arguably never been a more important time to systematically gather together a robust evidence base.

It is excellent to see ESRC, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and AHRC commit such a significant level of funding to a new centre which brings the professional and academic worlds together in a way that will make a very real difference to enhance our understanding of the challenges we face in the UK and inform how we tackle them.

Media enquiries: liz.buie@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 2702
U.S. Deports Russian In 2015 Spy Case That Continues To Reverberate

Mike Eckel April 05, 2017

U.S. authorities have deported a man convicted of working as an unregistered Russian government agent, in a case that has shed light on Russian intelligence operations in the United States.

The case against Yevgeny Buryakov, who U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement said was sent back to Russia on April 5, has also offered a glimpse into some of the ongoing federal investigations of possible collusion between Russian officials and aides of now U.S. President Donald Trump.

Buryakov was accused by federal prosecutors in 2015 of working for the Russian foreign intelligence service, known as the SVR, while employed by the state-owned Russian bank Vneshekonombank.

He was charged with trying to recruit Americans and gathering "economic intelligence" while working at the bank's New York branch.

Buryakov's arrest was trumpeted by then-U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder as the latest in a string of arrests that targeted Russians believed to be working as intelligence agents in the United States.

Buryakov pleaded guilty last May to violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires anyone working in a political capacity for a foreign government to register with the U.S. Justice Department.

He was sentenced to prison and agreed to be deported at the conclusion of his sentence. He flew back to Russia on April 5 on a commercial flight and was turned over to Russian authorities, immigration officials said.

In recent months, scrutiny of Buryakov's former employer, Vneshekonombank, has grown as federal investigators look into possible collusion between Russian officials and former and current Trump aides.

The director of the FBI last month confirmed his agency was looking into those ties. The Senate Intelligence Committee and three other congressional committees are also probing the broader question of alleged Russian interference in last year's presidential election.

At the time of Buryakov's arrest, prosecutors announced similar charges against two other Russian citizens -- Igor Sporyshev and Viktor Podobny. Both held diplomatic passports, however, and weren't in the United States at the time.

Podobny's name popped up again this week when a former Trump campaign aide, Carter Page, confirmed that he had met with Podobny in 2013.

In federal court records filed in 2015, investigators asserted that Podobny was an SVR officer posing as an attache at the Russian mission to the United Nations, and that he tried to recruit a person named "Male 1" as an agent.

Page issued a statement this week confirming a BuzzFeed report that he was, in fact, "Male 1."

According to the court documents, FBI agents secretly recorded Podobny and Sporyshev discussing how to recruit Page, a former Moscow-based investment banker. Page provided them with documents about his New York-based investment firm, Global Energy Capital, which says it focuses on the energy sector in emerging markets,

Last month, Page, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, told reporters he had been contacted by the Senate Intelligence Committee and told to preserve records and communications.

Last July, in the thick of the U.S. presidential election campaign, Page raised eyebrows in U.S. political circles when he flew to Moscow and gave a lecture to students and businesspeople there.

In the lecture, he accused "Washington and other Western capitals" of impeding other nations' "potential progress through their often hypocritical focus on ideas such as democratization, inequality, corruption, and regime change" -- criticisms that echo those frequently voiced by the Kremlin.

At the time of Buryakov's arrest in 2015, Moscow lashed out, accusing the Americans of carrying out an "anti-Russian campaign" and "resort[ing] to their favorite practice of pumping up spy passions."

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-deports-russian-2015 -spy-case-buryakov/28412716.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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Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, April 5, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

U.S. Central Command continues to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 15 strikes consisting of 22 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes destroyed eight ISIS oil tanker trucks and two wellheads.

-- Near Raqqa, four strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions, three vehicles, a mortar system, a rocket system and an excavator.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, seven strikes destroyed 10 ISIS wellheads, an explosives cache and an oil inlet manifold.

-- Near Tabqah, two strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions.

Strikes in Iraq

Coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes consisting of 52 engagements against ISIS targets in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government:

-- Near Qaim, a strike destroyed an ISIS media facility.

-- Near Beiji, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a watercraft.

-- Near Mosul, seven strikes engaged six ISIS tactical units; destroyed two mortar systems, two command-and-control nodes, a supply cache and a fighting position; damaged nine supply routes and a bridge; and suppressed 10 ISIS mortar teams and two ISIS tactical units.

-- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed 16 rockets, six rocket systems, and a vehicle-borne bomb.

-- Near Tal Afar, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS-held building.

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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Short-range air defense tops review of Army programs, G-8 says

By C. Todd Lopez April 5, 2017

WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- Last year the Army kicked off an effort called the Strategic Portfolio Analysis and Review, or SPAR, to review 780 programs and evaluate their impact on warfighting.

Now, said Lt. Gen. John M. Murray, deputy chief of staff, Army G-8, that effort has been completed. Topping the list of most important programs to emphasize for the Army is "maneuverable, protected, short-range air defense" capability.

Primarily, Murray said, SHORAD's ranking at the top has been in response to what's being seen in the Ukraine, and also comes as a result of the Army's de-emphasis on that capability.

"We have not worried about air defense in years because we had the best air defense system in the world: the U.S. Air Force."

Murray told a room full of defense industry representatives in Tyson's Corner, Virginia, March 28, that the Air Force may not be as effective in the anti-access area-denial environment as once assumed. That, coupled with a proliferation of unmanned aerial systems and the fact the Army has not invested anything in SHORAD in years, Murray said, makes SHORAD a top priority for the Army.

As part of the SPAR, a total of 780 existing programs were evaluated by the Army and were categorized according to their contribution to the Army's warfighting capability. Those categories included:

-- Accelerate or find a way to bring into the portfolio.

-- Sustain at current level of resources.

-- Reallocate resources to invest elsewhere.

-- Divest most or all resources.

Ultimately, the future of Army programs will not be decided by the SPAR, but will be decided by the decisions of senior Army leadership, who are informed by findings of the SPAR, Murray said. It's expected the SPAR will be a yearly process.

Other programs that top the list of importance to the Army, Murray said, include long-range precision fires; buying out munition requirements, meaning ensuring there are enough mentions to fire for the weapons systems the Army has; lethality, mobility and protection of combat systems, such as for the Bradley and Abrams, as well as acceleration of the armored multi-purpose vehicle; active-protection systems for air and ground systems; ensured position navigation and timing; electronic warfare; both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities; assured communications; and vertical lift.

Murray said the Army is now considering several active-protection systems, known as APS, including the "Trophy" system from Israel, which he said "has a great reputation in terms of being effective."

He said the Army bought a number of Trophy systems, and a number of another kind of system as well, to evaluate them, including one called "Iron Fist," also from Israel, and another from a U.S.-based manufacturer called "Iron Curtain."

He said the Army aims to put Iron Curtain on a Stryker, Iron Fist on a Bradley, and Trophy on an Abrams tank, to evaluate their effectiveness.

"The one that is farthest along in terms of installing it is ... Trophy on Abrams," he said. "We're getting some pretty ... good results. It adds to the protection level of the tank. Trophy has an interesting capability, slew to cue. We're finding that we can incorporate that into the installation on the Abrams."

Iron Fist on the Bradley is also "moving along," he said. Though he cited a problem with installing the system on the Bradley, due to the size, weight, and power requirements of the system, plus the amount of space available on top of the turret of the Bradley

APS systems, he said come with additional considerations. In particular, he said, are considerations for the safety of Soldiers alongside the vehicles who are dismounted.

"As we do this, the interesting thing is going to be safety concerns," he said. "Anything that shoots off an armored vehicle, 'x' amount of meters, and makes something blow up, is not good for the integrated dismounted/mounted operations. So we have some concerns about tactics, techniques, and procedures and how we adjust those."

Murray also cited resistance to the primary purpose of having an APS, which is to reduce passive armor. He said there's a trust issue there with such systems.

"There has to be a level of trust in whatever it is that you're trying [to use] to displace that passive armor," Murray said, adding that he's not sure Soldiers right now trust the protection offered by an APS enough to lose the passive armor that is currently on systems.

"I struggle with when we start significant money in the next-generation tank, based upon a breakthrough in armor technology," he said. "I want a material that is three-quarters the weight or half the weight but offers the same level of protection. If we start building a new tank tomorrow, seven years from now, we'd have a new tank and it'd weigh 75 tons. We'd put the same level of protection on it. Even with enhanced situational awareness, even with the APS."

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi April 05, 2017

Remarks by Secretary of Defense Mattis and President of Egypt El-Sisi at the Pentagon

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JIM MATTIS: Well, welcome to the Pentagon, Mr. President. We first served together when we were both in uniform and it seems like a long time ago, but not so long ago.

But thank you, Mr. President, Excellency, the delegation from Cairo. It's really a pleasure to have you here. We met earlier this week in the White House for a very, I thought, productive and positive discussion. I think you know me well enough, Mr. President, to know that I am among those who believe that no country is more critical to the long-term stability of the Middle East than Egypt.

I recognize that through a time of turmoil and transition, Egypt has remained a center of gravity in the region, and through all these times, for whatever may have happened between us, we remain friends -- first and last, friends.

Egypt continues to play a role, it's actually a critical leadership role helping our diplomatic counterparts advance our shared security interests, whether it be Libya next door to you, the Syria situation or the greater Levant, whenever we need advice, we turn to Cairo.

Our military-to-military relationship, Mr. President, is based on mutual respect built over many years and it acts as a steadying influence and I think it is fundamental to giving your government and people a path toward a safe and prosperous future. In particular, our cooperation to counter terrorism is very, very strong and I'm committed to strengthening those efforts alongside you.

Above all, thank you, Mr. President, for your personal leadership in calling for a more tolerant relationship among all peoples and all religions. I look forward to visiting Egypt again soon in just a couple weeks and paying my respects to your country in person.

You're welcome here, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT ABDEL FATTAH EL-SISI (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Thank you very much. I have the pleasure today to visit the Pentagon and have this opportunity to meet with Secretary Mattis, whom I express all thanks and appreciation for the hospitality and warm welcome.

On this occasion, I'd like to stress the long established and multifaceted military-to-military relations that the United States and Egypt share, for decades now considered a major pillar of the strategic relationship binding the two countries together.

The existing cooperation between the two military institutions of Egypt and the United States has always contributed to maintaining security, stability in the Middle East. And today, again, I am confident that maintaining this level of outstanding coordination working on promoting that and bringing that to a whole new level will enable the two countries positively in countering the unprecedented and shared challenges that the Middle East region is suffering from.

This region more than any time ever needs more activation and more regular cooperation between our two countries.

I look forward to having fruitful and constructive discussions with the secretary of defense, and ways to enhance all aspects of our military-to-military relationship, and ways also to boost the existing partnership between us in this respect at all levels that will contribute to the restoration of security and stability to the Middle East area, and ensure that interests of the two friendly nations.

Thank you.

(CROSSTALK)

SEC. MATTIS: Mr. President, thank you very much.

Thank you, members of the press.

(CROSSTALK)

SEC. MATTIS: Thank you, members of the press.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: Mr. Secretary, who's responsibility for the attack in Syria? Was it the regime?

SEC. MATTIS: It's a heinous attack, heinous attack. And it should not be tolerated.

Q: Who's responsible, Mr. Secretary?

SEC. MATTIS: We'll sort that out.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1142898/

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The European Parliament has finished debates on the issue of granting a visa-free regime to Ukraine. The European MPs will hold a proper vote on Thursday.

Most of the deputies spoke in favor of granting a visa-free regime to Ukraine, pointing out that Ukraine has fulfilled all set conditions.

Michael Gahler, a member of the European Parliament from Germany, a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that not only technical but also political changes had taken place in Ukraine. He noted that although reforms are slowly implemented, it is worth taking into account the hostilities in the east of the country.

"Visa-free regime for Ukraine is not a gift, but the result of the struggle of Ukrainian people with corruption and reforms implemented in the conditions of war," the European MP from Poland Michal Boni said.

At the same time, European MPs criticized the introduction of mandatory declaration of assets for NGO members.
U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis April 05, 2017

Remarks by Secretary Mattis and Minister Ng at the Pentagon

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JIM MATTIS: ... but Minister Ng, welcome to the Pentagon, to you and your delegation. You're very welcome here.

Ambassador, good to see you here.

And it's just good to see you again. We've met before, of course, in Europe. And we in the United States are very proud to partner with Singapore to defend our shared security interests.

The Asia-Pacific, as you know, as we discussed, is a priority region for the United States, and both of our nations start from the common ground of democracies. In the U.S., we got our best assessments, I might add, from Singapore. That is where I get the best picture window into the Asia-Pacific region.

Your country brings quality to our mutual efforts to advance security in the region and beyond. Our extensive and longstanding military and economic ties have been instrumental to upholding international laws and principles, and in supporting the regional maritime security.

Singapore was the first Asia-Pacific country to join the defeat ISIS coalition, and we value your effort to counter terrorism regionally and globally.

Thank you for your support of U.S. forces, to include hosting some of our rotational deployments of littoral combat ships and P-8 aircraft. We are keen to build on this relationship. No relationship stays the same. It gets better or it diminishes. I'm committed to making ours better.

So again welcome, Minister Ng, and I look forward to our discussions.

MINISTER OF DEFENSE NG ENG HEN: Let me thank Secretary Mattis for receiving us, and the very strong honors for Singapore and our relationship.

I'm here to meet with Secretary Mattis and this new administration. I'm very thankful for the warm words and the strong words about the nature of our relationship. Our relationship is a longstanding one, and goes back to the substantive memorandum of understanding signed in 1990, where we have said and we continue to maintain our belief that it's as true in the last half century as it will be for the next half-century and the foreseeable future that the U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region is not only critical, but indispensable for Asia-Pacific stability.

And that is the reason why we have allowed naval -- your ships and planes to use our bases. And we want to continue to build on that relationship and we want to use this opportunity to not only from state-to-state relations, but hopefully on a more personal level. I know of your summit with Singapore in your previous career in the military, but I hope that this will be the start of a warm and good relationship with the defense secretary.

SEC. MATTIS: Absolutely. Thank you, Minister Ng.

And thank you.

Q: Mr. Secretary, do you have a reaction to North Korean missile tests?

SEC. MATTIS: Not at this time.

Q: Do you have a reaction to the Syrian chemical attack?

SEC. MATTIS: (inaudible) It was a heinous act and will be treated as such.

-END-

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1141842/

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US Pacific Fleet Commander Emphasizes Importance of ROK, US Naval Partnership During Third Visit to Korea

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170405-05

Release Date: 4/5/2017 8:55:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Adm. Scott Swift, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, highlighted the importance of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and U.S. Navy partnership when he visited the peninsula, April 3-5.

During his visit, the third since assuming command of Pacific Fleet, Swift met with senior U.S. and ROK military and civilian leaders and engaged with junior Sailors from both navies.

The first leader Swift spoke with during his visit was ROK Minister of National Defense Han Min-Koo. During their discussion, Swift assured Han that the U.S. Navy's commitment to the security and defense of the peninsula is "ironclad and unchanged."

Along with Han, Swift met with the U.S. Charge d'Affaires ad interim to the Republic of Korea Marc Knapper; Gen. Lee Sun-jin, chairman of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff and his deputy, Vice Adm. Lee Beom-Rim; ROK Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Um Hyun-Seong; Commander of Republic of Korea Fleet Vice Adm. Jung Jin-sup; and Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea.

In each meeting, Swift and his counterpart agreed on the importance of collaboration and cooperation to ensure the combined naval force remains ready to protect the ROK from unprovoked acts of aggression.

In a meeting with local reporters, Swift echoed this sentiment and emphasized that the U.S. Navy is robustly resourced and "will remain committed to the whole Indo-Asia-Pacific region."

After meeting senior leaders and junior Sailors in Seoul, Swift traveled to Busan, the new home of the U.S. Navy in Korea, where he spoke at an all-hands call for Sailors of both navies.

"This is my third trip, and with each visit I see the strength of our naval partnership through your concentrated efforts," Swift said to the large group. "Through that partnership and the results of your efforts, I know that the strength of the alliance is stronger than it has ever been."

Before concluding the all-hands call, Swift stressed his belief that the real power of the partnership is in the Sailors from both navies that work together each day.

"Regardless of how much our technologies and capabilities improve, you are the key," said Swift to the crowd of junior Sailors. "And with every generation of Sailor, our bond only gets stronger."

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Diamond Brown, who traveled from Chinhae to listen to Swift, said it was great to hear his thoughts on the work the Sailors are doing every day.

"It was great hearing him [Swift] stress the importance of our relationship with one another and the need to continue working toward the same goal of protecting this country," Brown said.

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Carl Vinson Strike Group Hosts Reception in Singapore

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170405-04

Release Date: 4/5/2017 8:42:00 AM

From USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs Office

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG) hosted a reception for local guests while in Singapore during a port visit, April 4.

During the reception, Rear Adm. James Kilby, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1, and Capt. Doug Verissimo, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), welcomed Charge d'Affaires, ad interim, U.S. Embassy Singapore Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath; Fleet Commander, Singapore Fleet Commander Colonel Cheong Kwok Chien; and Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, among other guests, in an effort to highlight the strong partnership between the United States and Singapore.

"I think it is important that we pause to recognize the significance of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Navy," said Tyson to more than 400 people gathered in Hangar Bay 2. "We in the U.S. Navy are proud to call you partners and friends."

The reception kicked off with a demonstration from Carl Vinson's color guard while both the Singapore and United States national anthems were played.

After a ceremonial cake cutting to end the ceremony, guests and Sailors enjoyed appetizers and mingled under the stars in the ship's hangar bay and aircraft elevators.

"In today's world of global transition, people are asking about U.S. commitment to the region and to our world," said Syptak-Ramnath. "I think we can look around this deck tonight and know the answer. Carl Vinson first operated in the South China Sea in 1983, and it continues to sail in these waters close to 35 years later."

The Singapore-U.S. bilateral defense relationship was founded on a shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific is vital for regional peace and stability. The Republic of Singapore Navy will celebrate their 50th anniversary in May.

The Republic of Singapore celebrated 51 years as a nation in 2016. The U.S. has enjoyed formal diplomatic and military ties with the Republic of Singapore for more than 50 years.

U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years and will continue to do so. Carl Vinson has deployed to the region and has operated in the South China Sea during 16 separate deployments over its 35-year history.

CSG-1 departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, Jan. 5. Carl Vinson, 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 Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and Wayne E. Meyer.

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Most Senior Daesh Leader Killed in Eastern Afghanistan Nangarhar Province

Sputnik News

23:42 05.04.2017

One of the most senior Daesh terrorist group leaders reportedly has been killed in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Syed Omar Bajawari, one of the most senior Daesh terrorist group leaders has been killed in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, local media reported Wednesday, citing the Defense Ministry.

Bajawari was killed along with at least 24 militants during the counterterrorism operation in Achin district of the province, the Khaama news agency reported.

Afghanistan has been facing instability for many years with the government troops fighting against the Islamist terror organization Taliban, also outlawed in Russia, that seeks to establish a strict Sharia law in the country.

The turmoil has resulted in the rise of other terrorist groups such as Daesh.

 Sputnik

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New Norwegian Defense Leaves Country Defenseless, Embarrassing Report Finds

Sputnik News

10:21 05.04.2017(updated 10:22 05.04.2017)

The Norwegian army can only defend an area of about 600 square kilometers, which corresponds to a single medium-size Norwegian municipality (out of 426), a new army report has found to the embarrassment of the Norwegian Defense Ministry.

Last year, Norway adopted a new long-term defense plan for the army and the home guard. A new report by Brigadier Aril Brandvik has identified crucial drawbacks in the defense plan, which in effect leaves the Nordic country virtually defenseless. According to the Brandvik report, which was made public by the Norwegian daily Aftenposten, the Norwegian Armed Forces were found to be suffering from low combat readiness and lacking "real battle force" against a technically sophisticated opponent.

With the exception of the Telemark battalion (with around 470 soldiers), intelligence battalion and special forces, the Norwegian Army was found to lack units that are ready for battle within a few hours. With only one brigade, and with weak range of anti-aircraft and artillery, the Norwegian Armed Forces was found to be able to defend an area corresponding to a middle-size Norwegian municipality with an area of 600 square kilometers, such as Rissa, Vard and Frde  compared to the country's total area of 385,000 square kilometers. The highly limited impact force made it thus difficult to defend Norway from potential aggression until the arrival of allies. However, the report also found vulnerabilities in encrypted communication, also with allies, especially over long distances.

Additionally, the Brandvik report highlighted the lack of helicopters, which results in low mobility and high vulnerability of the land forces. Another problem identified was the absence of reserve forces, which would mean that the units would end up quickly worn down in battle due to breakage and technical errors. Yet another problem was that today's air defense allegedly had no effect on high-flying bomber and fighter aircraft. Finally, coordination between branches was found to be at a low level, as neither the National Guard nor the Border Guard was trained or equipped to cooperate with other combat arms or allies.

Nina Grger, senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), argued that the situation gave every reason for concern.

"One may ask whether it is possible to set up a defense that is good enough to parry the threats without having to go far beyond the economic framework," Nina Grger said, reminding that the Norwegian forces will also be sued in international missions to contribute to a fairer burden-sharing with its NATO allies.

By his own admission, Aril Brandvik saw a potential in "making smart moves," such as a "smarter" distribution of troops in order to boost maneuverability. So far, the Brandvik committee abandoned the ideas of meeting the enemy at the border or launching a high-tech guerilla war in the event of an enemy attack. The former option was determined as "too risky," while the latter admittedly gave no protection to own bases.

At present, Norway is facing two defensive strategies. The first one is dubbed "the maneuver concept" and was utilized by the Germans at the beginning of WW2, with forces in a flux to put the enemy off balance. A similar strategy was adopted by Norway until 2000, but with three times as many soldiers as today.

The second options is the so-called "exchange concept," with such historical examples as the "trench war" during WW1, the Maginot Line or the Mannerheim Line during WW2, neither of which proved truly successful. Today, this concept is embodied in forces with a capacity for attack from long distance, with long-range precision weapons, such as missiles, fired from ground level, aircraft or naval vessels. According to Brandvik, the latter option is beneficial in that it is likely to limit losses, while it also may be difficult to stop the opponent in this manner.

 Sputnik

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On-the-Record-Briefing: Previewing the Visit of President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China

Special Briefing

Susan Thornton, Acting Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Via Teleconference

April 5, 2017

MR STROH: Thank you, and good morning. Thanks to everyone who is participating in the call. This will be an on-the-record conference call. Our speaker today is Susan Thornton, the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs here at the State Department, and she will be offering a preview of the visit of President Xi of the People's Republic of China to the United States. As a reminder, this call is on the record and will be embargoed until the conclusion of the call.

And with that, I'll turn it over to Acting Assistant Secretary Thornton.

MS THORNTON: Good morning, everyone, great to be here with you today, Wednesday. Of course, we are in the throes of preparation for the upcoming summit with the Chinese leadership. President Trump and the First Lady will, of course, host Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Madam Peng Liyuan at Mar-a-Lago in Florida tomorrow and Friday. This is, of course, a very momentous meeting. It's a great opportunity and it's also a chance to have a discussion with the Chinese about areas where we have some concerns and want to make some progress.

Of course, the venue of the visit is very important, and the two presidents want to get to know one another. This will be their first meeting. They want to build up the type of personal rapport and working relationship that we'll be able to count on in times of opportunity, but also in times of crisis. And we'll hope that we don't have any crises, but we need to have that relationship in that event. The conversations, of course, between the presidents and among our cabinet officials will be candid and constructive and businesslike. And we hope to identify some priorities to focus on going forward and discuss the full range of important issues that come up in our bilateral relationship, but also global challenges around the world.

I think you know that the visit's going to be building on a number of interactions that have already taken place. Of course, Secretary Tillerson traveled to the region and met with his counterparts and with President Xi in Beijing very recently, worked on setting up the trip. And I think we'll be looking forward to this meeting coming up in Florida. We're looking to identify areas where we can come up with concrete outcomes and benefits for the American people. We're going to address some common challenges, and I'm sure you're going to be asking me about some of those. And we're also going to be identifying our  the priority that we place on continuing to uphold the rules-based international system and to abide by international and universal norms and values.

We have a relationship with the Chinese that is based on cooperation and candor, and I'm sure that the meetings will reflect that spirit. Of course, this is the first time that the presidents will meet, but it won't be the last. I think that it's been a tradition in U.S.-China relations that the high-level engagements are a very important part of our communication between our two countries, and I think we will continue to have high-level engagements in the months and years ahead. So we look forward to kicking that all off in the next couple of days in Florida.

And with that, I'll be happy to take a few questions.

OPERATOR: Thank you. And ladies and gentlemen, once again, you may press * and then 1 for any questions or comments. We will go to the line of Nick Wadhams of Bloomberg. Your line is open.

QUESTION: Hi, thanks very much. I just had a couple quick questions. One, Susan, will you be going down to Mar-a-Lago for this visit? Then also, on North Korea, what is the best-case scenario in terms of an outcome here? Are you expecting that you could see some sort of key deliverable on an agreement on sanctions? I mean, we had that interesting, to say the least, comment from the Secretary last night saying  essentially making it sound like the time for talk was over and it was time for action. So what are you expecting in terms of North Korea out of this?

And then finally, could you just talk a little bit about Secretary Tillerson's decision in Beijing to use the terminology that China uses for its sort of new model of great power relations, that idea of mutual cooperation, mutual trust, win-win cooperation  win-win outcomes? Why did he use that exact language that the Chinese have basically been pushing for the U.S. to use for so long? Thank you.

MS THORNTON: Okay, great, thank you. I think let me take the sort of the easiest first, which is  the first question was pretty easy: Am I going? And the answer is yes, I am going.

So on the issue of North Korea, I think, of course, this is an issue that is going to be discussed at this meeting, and it's an issue that I think we feel has become very urgent. It's a urgent and global threat, and we see the North Korean weapons programs as increasingly destabilizing, both for Northeast Asia and for the globe. So of course, this is an issue that we're going to be discussing. I don't know if we'll be to be talking about how China can contribute to a resolution of this problem. And I think you saw from the Secretary's statement last night  and I think this was your words  the time for talk is over. He conveyed that sentiment as well on the trip that we were on recently in Korea and Japan, and I think we will be looking for help from China to increase the pressure. I don't  I can't say specifically what the discussion will be and where we'll come out, but this is going to be a high-priority issue, coming up with a way to address this very urgent threat.

I think in addition to the conversation with the Chinese that we're going to be having this week is in one important aspect of addressing this problem, I think you heard on Monday UN Ambassador Nikki Haley announced that the Secretary would be traveling up to New York also this month to convene a meeting of foreign ministers to discuss this issue. And we are going to be talking, not only to the Chinese, but to all of our partners in the international community about this very pressing problem.

The third part of your question, on the Secretary of State's comments in Beijing, look, I think people have focused a little bit too much on this specific use of this language. What the Secretary did in Beijing in all of the meetings and in the press event  and if you read the transcript  what he was referring to was the  going back in history and the U.S.-China relationship, how we have managed a relationship that's very complicated and at times has been very difficult. And he was referring to the last 40 years of our relationship, how we've managed that effectively. And he also mentioned that now it's time for the two leaders to meet and set a new course for the future 40 to 50 years of U.S.-China relations.

So I mean, in my mind, this reference was to acknowledge what's been done in the past, but now we're going to chart a course for the future, and that's what's going to be happening in the next couple of days.

MR STROH: Next question, please.

OPERATOR: Thank you. We'll go to the line of Michelle Kosinski with CNN. Your line is open.

QUESTION: Hi, thank you. Along the same lines  I mean, you partially answered it, but I was looking for a little more clarification on what message the Secretary was wanting to send with his statement last night. Is this sort of a threatening tone to North Korea, that more is going to happen, and it's not going to be a matter of words anymore? I'd like to hear that in your description.

And also, we heard the President say a couple of times in an interview  sorry, we're just fixing our audio here  the President saying that if China isn't going to help us solve this issue of North Korea, we will, indicating that we could do it alone. So does the U.S. believe that China is necessary in this equation, or is it not necessary? Thank you.

MS THORNTON: Yeah. So I think I did actually speak to these issues, but I will try to be a little bit more clear if it wasn't clear before. I think on the issue of North Korea  and I know that there was a briefing at the White House yesterday where these issues also came up in quite some detail. So I think you've heard a lot of statements, and I think what all of the statements are reflecting is the obvious sort of sense that these missile launches that have happened  we've had now tens of them in the last sort of 12 months  they keep being repeated over and over and over again. They're blatantly in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and defying the will of the international community, and nevertheless, there's another one this week.

And so I think the statement speaks for itself. You heard yesterday people say, and you heard the Secretary also say on his trip that we're considering all the various options in trying to address what has become an increasingly urgent and destabilizing threat. And I think we will certainly be looking to uphold UN Secretary Council resolutions. We're going to  certainly the discussion with China  everyone has acknowledged that China's going to have a big role to play, and that most of North Korea's economic activity does flow across the border with China, so obviously they are going to have an important part to play in the international effort to do something about North Korea's increasingly provocative moves.

OPERATOR: Thank you. Next, we'll go to the line of Andrea Mitchell with NBC News. Your line is open.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. Can you explain just what are the options for preemptive action? And how does the administration feel that China would react to what the Secretary said in Seoul about preemptive military action, and just how do they envision that working? And also, separately, what focus will the President place on human rights in the conversations in Mar-a-Lago? How important is that as a priority? And can you explain the strategy of the decisions that were taken on climate change, which go against the hard-fought Paris accords so close to this summit, how that would be received by the Chinese? Thank you.

MS THORNTON: Yeah, so I think in terms of the first question, we have a  we have a review of North Korea policy ongoing. These are, obviously, private diplomatic engagements that we're having and we  I think the President said we're not going to broadcast what we're going to be doing. So I think I'd just leave it there as far as  the repeated statements have all said that all options are on the table and being looked at, and I don't have any more for you on that.

On the question of human rights, I mean, human rights will, of course, be raised in the context of this U.S.-China summit. It can't help but come up. It's sort of the spirit of upholding universally acclaimed and recognized human rights is something that's embodied in all of us and it is who we are. And I think there's no question that the sentiments about needing to observe and protect human rights and religious freedom are definitely going to be part of the summit.

On climate change, I am not sure I understood your question relevant to the summit, but I don't think that the Chinese will probably be raising that in detail. So that would be my thoughts on that. I don't think it will come up in detail. And I think the other thing that's been said about our climate change policy as far as the diplomacy goes, it requires international efforts, and I think we'll be  you'll be hearing more about us on that front. But I don't think that it's going to be a major part of the discussion in Florida.

OPERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will come from the line of Felicia Schwartz with Wall Street Journal. Your line is open.

QUESTION: Hi, thanks so much for doing the call. Will the President or Secretary Tillerson ask China to stop harassing South Korea about the THAAD system? And do you expect that the President or the Secretary will use language similar to the language that the Secretary used in China? Thanks.

MS THORNTON: Yes. So I know that the Secretary did speak publicly about this issue of the perceived retaliation that's been meted out against South Korean companies in response to the THAAD deployment, and I think he indicated that any retaliation for a country trying to just deploy a defensive system in response to what is an obvious and growing threat would be troubling. But he made those comments publicly already on the trip. I don't know if it's going to come up again in Florida, but I think we've made our position on this pretty clear and have also raised that position with the Chinese so they are aware.

So I don't know if it's going to come up again in detail in Florida, but it could, and if it does, I think we would repeat our position that we find it to be troubling and disappointing to see that kind of retaliation taking place.

OPERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will come from the line of David Clark with AFP. Your line is open.

QUESTION: Hi, good morning. Thanks for doing this and thanks for doing it on the record. In the spirit of more action, less talk, will the Secretary when he goes to the Security Council to meet his foreign minister colleagues be bringing with him any resolution or anything he specifically wants to be approved at that meeting? And can you tell us whether the "win-win" language he used in Beijing was in his prepared talking points or was that something that he adlibbed after speaking to the Chinese? Thank you.

MS THORNTON: So on the meeting in New York  you mentioned that the Secretary's going up to the UN later this month to convene this ministerial meeting  I think that we will be putting out more information on that and exactly what the structure of that meeting's going to be and what you can expect from that in time. We just announced it on Monday, so we're working on the finer points of the meeting and we will certainly be letting you know when we have something to announce on that.

So on the question of the Secretary's discussions in Beijing, this is certainly not something that he had after talking to the Chinese. This is something that he had in his mind in describing the sort of history of the relationship and the need to move to a new kind of era and a new goal and sort of framework for the relationship going forward on  over the coming decade. So I don't think it was anything that was inspired by anything he heard on the  at the moment in Beijing.

OPERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will come from the line of Matthew Pennington with the Associated Press. Your line is open.

QUESTION: Hi, good morning, and thanks for doing the  this call. I want to ask, will President Trump discuss the "one China" policy with Xi Jinping? And I mean, does President Trump consider this issue to be settled now or is it still up for negotiation as he intimated earlier? And do you think his shifting position on this has hurt his credibility in the eyes of China?

MS THORNTON: So, yeah, thank you for that question. So I don't know if this issue's going to come up for sure in Florida, but I think that the President has made very clear in his phone conversation with China and then we've had the issue come up in subsequent meetings, high-level meetings with Chinese officials and have made it very clear that we have reaffirmed our longstanding "one China" policy, which is based on the three communiques, the three joint China-U.S. communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act. And we've also made clear that we stand by all the commitments that we have undertaken in the context of the Taiwan Relations Act. So I don't think that there's going to be any lack of clarity on what our "one China" policy is in the context of the meeting upcoming. And I think the President is probably not going to raise it, but I'm sure the Chinese may raise it, and if they do, that's what I would expect him to say. I don't think that there is any lingering, sort of, doubt or problem that's stemming from the phone conversation that they had earlier. I mean, he has reaffirmed the longstanding policy, and I think we've basically moved on from there. So I don't anticipate it being any kind of a major discussion in the context of the upcoming meeting.

OPERATOR: Thank you. Our next question will come from the line of Lesley Wroughton with Reuters. Your line is open.

QUESTION: Thank you. Good morning and I agree with Dave, thanks for doing this on-the-record. It's really helpful. A couple of questions: What do you see the Secretary's role being during these meetings? Will he have meetings on the sidelines with anyone else or is he part of the main meeting with the President?

Number two: Do you believe that China has been helpful since  I say probably since the last sanctions announcement when it was under pressure from the previous administration to do more? Do you believe now that it is being more helpful or not?

Last question, if I may, it's on the renminbi: How much do you think that the discussion will weigh on the issue of the renminbi and the currency? The President has just  I think it was last week  accused China of manipulating the currency. Thanks.

MS THORNTON: Great, yes. Thank you for that question. So yes, of course, Secretary Tillerson will be participating in all of the meetings with the President at Mar-a-Lago. We are bringing down a very high-level delegation on our side, the Chinese are bringing a very high-level delegation on their side, and I'm sure there will be an opportunity also for some side meetings among counterparts, but the main focus, of course, is going to be on the two presidents and their meetings. And the Secretary will definitely be a major participant.

Of course, the main focus of his trip to China last month was to help set up and prepare for the summit and for the announcements that are going to come out of the summit. So I think you can see, as far as the organization goes and the various outcomes that we're looking for out of the summit, the structuring of future engagement with China, the Secretary has played a pivotal role in getting agreement from the Chinese on all of those issues and in sort of setting the table for not only this meeting coming up in Florida, but also our future high-level engagement with China. So we'll be looking to see how the meeting is followed up in that respect.

On the issue of the North Korea threat and if China has been more helpful, well, I think we certainly hope that they are going to be more helpful, and that's one of the main reasons why it's a point of discussion upcoming for the meeting between the two leaders in the next couple of days. Of course, we've been working with the Chinese on this issue for quite some time, and even recently in negotiating the most recent UN Security Council resolutions, working with them on that. Of course, we want to see stepped-up implementation, we want to see even better cooperation to try to bring about a solution to the North Korea threat, but we'll certainly be talking to them about what more they can do, and we are looking to them to be doing more in the future.

The renminbi question, I think as  I think this question came up yesterday at the White House briefing and it was correctly redirected to the Treasury Department. And I think I would be not only remiss, but probably in big trouble if I tried to remand it to anybody other than the Treasury Department, so I would point you in that direction.

OPERATOR: Thank you. And our final question will come from Kylie Atwood with CBS News. Your line is open.

QUESTION: Hey, thanks for doing this. I just want to circle back on a question that I think has kind of been iterated a few times on this call. In regards to Secretary Tillerson's language of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, should we see that language used again from either the President or the Secretary in regard to this trip, are they going to try and own that language in a way that the Chinese have in the past? Are they going to give it some identifying factors, what it means from the U.S. standpoint? If you could just explain that, that would be great.

MS THORNTON: Yeah. So I'm not sure exactly what language the President or the Secretary are going to be using in the context of this meeting, but again, I think the focus on the specific phraseology is a little bit misplaced. We use terms in describing our relationship with the Chinese and they use their terms. They  the way their language works, they like to use these slogans. We tend not to repeat these things. But I think the substance of the relationship is what we're talking about and we're looking for it to be very positive, very constructive, and very productive. And I think what you should look for in the meeting coming up is talk about how are we going to produce results; how are we going to produce concrete outcomes; how are we going to get progress on some of these issues and show benefit to the American people. And for the Chinese side, also, I'm sure they want to show benefit to the Chinese people. So the focus on this slogan is a little bit not what we're focused on. So I think I would just leave it there. Thanks.

MR STROH: Thank you very much, and thanks to all of our participants this morning. As a reminder, this call was on the record, so we can attribute these comments to our speaker, Susan Thornton, Acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. And now that we've reached the conclusion of our call, the embargo on this call is now lifted. Thanks very much.

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Top UN official in DR Congo concerned about rising number of civilian deaths in Kasai

5 April 2017  The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today expressed concern about a reported rise in the number of civilian casualties in the central Kasai region as a result of clashes between the Kamuina Nsapu militia and the Congolese security forces.

The peacekeeping mission, known by its French acronym MONUSCO, said that the violence continues to result in "serious human rights violations" including "the discovery of mass graves as well as ongoing recruitment by the militias" including of children.

"The violence in the Kasais has already claimed the lives of possibly more than 400 civilians as well as a significant number of members of the security forces. It must stop," said Maman S. Sidikou, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the country and the head of MONUSCO.

Mr. Sidikou stressed that there is no military solution to the violence, and encouraged the Government to intensify its efforts to find political solutions.

"At this point, intensifying the military response will only exacerbate the violence and further place civilian populations in danger," he warned.

In today's statement, MONUSCO noted that the violence last month spread to Luebo, where violence has targeted symbols of the Government and recently released prisoners, as well as to Luiza and other regions where there are growing threats against churches.

The Mission also cautioned the military against reported civilian casualties, allegations of human rights violations and arbitrary arrests, including of minors.

In late March, the UN and regional partner organizations expressed deep concern about the situation in the Kasai region where at least two UN experts disappeared two weeks ago and dozens of police officers were reportedly found dead.

The UN, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) warned that the level of violence and reported human rights violations necessitate "an urgent response from the country's political leaders."

The statement also called on defence and security forces to exercise restraint in the efforts to restore order, and encouraged the dialogue between the Government and the Kamuina Nsapu militia.

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Protecting refugees, ensuring security of countries 'complimentary goals, special UN forum told

5 April 2017  Protecting refugees and assuring the safety of countries that receive them are complementary goals, a senior United Nations official today said in a special security forum that discussed denying safe havens to people who finance or commit terrorist acts, or to terrorists who try to abuse the asylum system.

"Our collective experience gained over many years has taught us that security and protection need to go hand in hand  one is not possible without the other," Volker Turk, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), told the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee in New York.

There are some 21.7 million refugees around the world, some of whom are in Europe or trying to seek refuge there. While many have been welcomed with compassion, Mr. Turk said, others have faced national measures such as push-backs at borders, detention, and restricting access.

"The impact of such measures is simply the diversion of refugee movements along other routes and the aggravation of already precarious situations in regions embroiled in conflict," said Mr. Turk, noting the threat from smugglers and trafficking, xenophobia and violence.

In contrast, Mr. Turk highlighted measures in line with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Measures such as biometric registration and background screening, ensure an orderly processing of refugees while also protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

"When asylum-seekers and refugees are promptly registered and have their status determined in a fair and efficient manner, States can be more confident of who is on their territory," said Mr. Turk.

The 15-member Committee was established in the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks in the United States, and works to criminalize the financing of terrorism and cut safe havens to terrorists, among others. Today's briefing focused on " Denying safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts, or provide safe havens, and preventing terrorists from abusing the asylum system, in conformity with international law ."

One of the issues also discussed at the meeting was information sharing and need for cooperation between law enforcement and judicial authorities.

"The ability of States to assist one another quickly and successfully is an absolute necessity also for eliminating and preventing the creation of terrorists' safe havens," said Mauro Miedico, the acting chief of the Terrorism Prevention Branch at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC).

He urged Governments to further strengthen technology and abilities, particularly those in vulnerable regions with weak governance and criminal justice systems.

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Two Blasts Touched Off in Somali Capital; Seven Killed

By Harun Maruf, Mohamed Olad April 05, 2017

A heavy explosion was heard Wednesday night in Mogadishu, a police officer said, hours after a car bomb killed at least seven people in the Somali capital.

Details were sketchy, but Police Captain Aden Hassan said the second blast occurred in front of a fast-food shop close to the former Turkish Embassy compound in the Hodan district.

The explosion "was heavy and could be heard throughout the city," Hassan said.

Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu administration, said that "so far, the security officials who responded to the incident confirmed to us that one person was injured. We believe al-Shabab is always behind such attacks."

The earlier blast ripped through a new cafe popular among government workers and assorted diaspora. At least 15 people were injured, including three students.

Witnesses and officials said a car packed with explosives had been parked outside the shop, located near offices that house the ministries of internal security and youth and sports. Officials said the suspect who parked the car drove away in another vehicle moments before the explosion.

Witnesses said the explosion shook buildings in the area.

"We were inside when we heard the explosion. We came out and saw a vehicle burning," said Ahmed Yanyo, one of the workers at the coffee shop.

Halane confirmed the seven casualties and said the wounded had been evacuated. "The victims are young men and elderly who were having drinks. We are very sorry for the loss of life among the civilians," he said, adding that the government was investigating the incident.

There was no claim of responsibility for the attack, but the al-Qaida-linked extremist group al-Shabab has carried out similar attacks in the past.

Observers said there had been an uptick in explosions and assassinations in the capital over the last two months.

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Congresswoman Urges US to Lead Drought and Famine Relief in Africa

By Salem Solomon, Falastine Iman April 05, 2017

Political and humanitarian leaders gathered Tuesday on Capitol Hill to call for action to prevent a looming humanitarian disaster in parts of Africa.

The event was hosted by Rep. Karen Bass, D-Ca., who said the United States needs to get off the sidelines and lead an international effort to help the estimated 20 million people in Africa and Yemen who are threatened with food insecurity.

"This is what I perceive as the beginning of a campaign," Bass told VOA Somali Service. "This is not just an event where we're educated and we go off and do other things."

Bass and others have spoken out against President Donald Trump's proposal to cut U.S. funding to the United Nations at the same time the organization is playing a lead role in addressing what may be the worst food crisis in 70 years.

Bass has proposed a bill that would increase emergency funding by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by $100 million to deal with food shortages and famine in South Sudan.

"I do not believe this is a very partisan issue so I do expect my Republican colleagues to support a relief effort," Bass said.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley was asked about Trump's proposal to cut U.N. funding on CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday and insisted the United States does not plan to walk away from its historic role as a leader in aid.

"The United States has always been the moral conscience of the world," Haley said. "We are going to continue to express our values and continue to make sure we show that, not just in our words, but in our actions."

But Haley also said that the new administration plans to be more careful with funds and exercise more oversight in where its money goes and how it is spent.

"We want to make sure that, when food goes to an area, it's actually going to the people that need it," Haley said. "We want to make sure that there is no corruption on the ground. We want to make sure that governments are allowing that to go in."

Participants at the Tuesday event agreed that a large part of the crisis affecting Africa today is man-made.

John Prendergast, a humanitarian activist and founding director of the Enough Project, said both sides of the conflict in South Sudan have used tactics designed at harming the food supply of their opponents. Worse still, once the crisis became apparent, they denied aid workers the right to operate, he said.

"That combination of specific kinds of military attacks against civilians and then blocking and obstructing humanitarian organizations who were going in to address the humanitarian needs of those people, that is why we have a famine in South Sudan," Prendergast told VOA.

The United Nations now estimates that 40 percent of South Sudan's population, 4.9 million people, need food, agricultural or nutritional assistance.

The crisis has impacted people across the continent. In northeast Nigeria, an estimated 800,000 people need immediate food aid, according to the World Food Program.

Kip Ward, the former commander of U.S. Africa Command and current president of SENTEL Corporation, said this is also the result of tactics used by the terror group Boko Haram to sow chaos in society and cut off the population's access to food.

"It has gone on because of what Boko Haram has done to disrupt the society," he said. "That famine has been exacerbated as people aren't able to farm their land. They're unable to raise their livestock and unable to have access to markets. That has created the condition of famine and food insecurity in northeast Nigeria."

Ward said the Nigerian government needs assistance to address this crisis.

"The Nigerian government is doing a good job but it does need [the] support of the international community to assist them with the resources, food stuffs, but also the infrastructure requirements so that they can have access to some of these very remote locations," he said.

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The UN Security Council will consider a compromise text of the draft resolution on the chemical arms incident in Syria's Idlib on Thursday; the text combines the drafts prepared by Russia and the West, a source in the UN headquarters told Interfax.

"The new draft resolution created on the basis of the draft proposed by the Western troika and the Russian document, will be discussed at the Security Council on Thursday," the source said.

France, the United Kingdom and the United States urged the UN Security Council on Tuesday to rapidly consider a draft resolution on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria's Idlib. Russia submitted its draft of the resolution on Syria aiming at an inquiry into this incident to the UN Security Council on Wednesday afternoon.

"At today's meeting of the Security Council, Deputy Ambassador Safronkov criticized the draft resolution on the chemical attack in Syria, which had been obviously drafted in a rush and sloppy manner. Instead, we have presented our brief draft, which is strictly to the point and aims at a real inquiry, rather than at pointing the finger before any facts are established," press secretary of the Russian mission to the United Nations Fyodr Strzhizhovsky told the press.
Remarks by President Trump and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in Joint Press Conference

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

April 05, 2017



Rose Garden



1:10 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much. Your Majesty, thank you for being with us today. Very much appreciate it. This is our second meeting since my inauguration, but our first at the White House. A very special place, I can tell you that. I've gotten to know it well. Long hours. Very special.

It's really an honor to welcome you here today. But before we begin, let me say a few words about recent events.

Yesterday, a chemical attack -- a chemical attack that was so horrific, in Syria, against innocent people, including women, small children, and even beautiful little babies. Their deaths was an affront to humanity. These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerate.

The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack and all other horrific attacks, for that matter.

Your Majesty, Jordanians are known for their legendary hospitality, and we will do our very best to be equally gracious hosts. They're also known, however -- I have to say this -- for their fighting ability. And you are a great warrior, and we appreciate it. Thank you.

The historical ties and close friendship between our two countries dates back three-quarters of a century. In that time, the Middle East has faced many periods of crisis and unrest, perhaps never like it is today, however. Through them all, America has looked to Jordan as a valued partner, an advocate for the values of civilization, and a source of stability and hope.

I am deeply committed to preserving our strong relationship -- which I will -- and to strengthening America's longstanding support for Jordan. And you do have tremendous support within our country, I can tell you that.

As we know, the Middle East -- and the entire world -- is faced with one of its gravest threats in many, many years. Since the earliest days of the campaign against ISIS, Jordan has been a staunch ally and partner, and we thank you for that. Jordanian servicemembers have made tremendous sacrifices in this battle against the enemies of civilization, and I want to thank all of them for their, really, just incredible courage. So many have been lost, and we pay homage. So many.

In King Abdullah, America is blessed with a thoughtful and determined partner. He is a man who has spent years commanding his country's special forces. He really knows what being a soldier is, that I can tell you. And he knows how to fight. The King has been a leader in calling for a plan to defeat ISIS once and for all. And I'm with you on that. We're both leaders on that, believe me. That's what we speak about today, and that is what we are going to do. And it will be a shorter fight than a lot of people are thinking about, believe me. We've made tremendous strides as we discussed.

As you know, we had a very, very fine delegation come over from Egypt and also from Iraq, and they said more has been done in the last six weeks than has been done in years with the previous administration. And believe me, we're going to keep it that way.

We will destroy ISIS and we will protect civilization. We have no choice -- we will protect civilization. King Abdullah and I also discussed measures to combat the evil ideology that inspires ISIS and plagues our planet. In addition, we also acknowledge the vital role that Jordan has played in hosting refugees from the conflict in Syria. We have just announced that the United States will contribute additional funds to Jordan for humanitarian assistance. This aid will help countries like Jordan host refugees until it is safe for them to return home. The refugees want to return home. I know that from so many other instances. They want to return back to their home. And that's a goal of any responsible refugee policy.

Finally, we discussed to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East, including peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. And I'm working very, very hard on trying to finally create peace between the Palestinians and Israel, and I think we'll be successful. I hope to be successful, I can tell you that.

The King has been a really tireless advocate for a solution, and he's going to help me with that and help me at the highest level. And we will be consulting with him closely in the days ahead.

King Abdullah, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership. Working together, the United States and Jordan can help bring peace and stability to the Middle East and, in fact, the entire world. And we will do that.

Thank you very, very much for being with us. (Applause.)

KING ABDULLAH: Thank you. Mr. President, thank you for such a kind and warm welcome to the White House. I fondly remember the meetings we've had many years ago and, more recently, several months ago. You've always been a generous host and have always looked after us. We are very delighted with the way the discussions have gone so far, and we're delighted to be here in such a wonderful setting on such a beautiful day, which I think is a tremendous mark of how we are going to move into the future.

We've had a very good round of talks today, and I'm looking forward to continuing these discussions later on in our meetings after the press conference. What I do want to say is how much we deeply appreciate the close relations we have with the United States, with you, Mr. President, and with the American people. This is a strategic partnership that we keep very close to our hearts, and it is a partnership on so many levels that we will continue, I think, with the frank discussions that we had today to improve on as we face the challenges of the future. And I am very delighted for your vision, your holistic approach to all the challenges in our region, and to the dedication of your team in being able to translate your policies into action successfully, hopefully, as we move forward.

The challenges we face today are many and are not exclusive to my region, as I've just mentioned. They are global, and particularly the threats to global security. Terrorism has no borders, no nationality, no religion, and, therefore, joint action with a holistic approach, as I had just mentioned, Mr. President, is crucial. I am very delighted that you have the vision to be able to move in that direction, and I think that the world will be in a very good place as we move with all these challenges ahead.

No doubt, with all the challenges that we face in the world, the role of the U.S. is key to all the issues that we have around the world, but it's not just the fact that we should expect the United States to do all the heavy lifting. The heavy lifting has to be done by all of us in the international community to support the United States in being able to translate that vision into the right direction. So there's a lot of responsibility for all of us in the international community to support the President, the administration, and the American people to bring brighter days to all of us.

We are very encouraged with the President's determination to support Arab and Muslim states in their fight against terrorism. But it is not only the fight of terrorism inside of our societies, but we, as Arab-Muslim states standing behind the international community in being able to defeat this international scourge.

In Syria, we need a political solution that ends the conflict in the country and preserve its unity and territorial integrity.

As the President mentioned, the issue we discussed was the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is essentially the core conflict in our region. And the President's early engagement as beginning in bringing the Palestinians and Israelis together has been a very encouraging sign for all of us. And I think, sir, it was that initiative that allowed us at the Arab Summit last week to extend through the Arab Peace Initiative the message of peace to Israel, which we all hopefully will work together to make that come about.

All Arab countries -- we launched the Arab Peace Initiative, as I said, last week. It offers a historic reconciliation between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as all member states of the Arab League. It is the most comprehensive framework for lasting peace and it ensures statehood for the Palestinians, but also security, acceptance and normal ties for Israel with all Arab countries and hopefully all Islamic countries.

So we appreciate your commitment in all these issues where others have failed. You will find a strong ally in Jordan in supporting you in all your policies. And if I may just say, as you have, on Syria and the gas attack -- unfortunately, as you and I both agree, this is another testament to the failure of the international diplomacy to find the solutions to this crisis. But I believe under your leadership we will be able to unravel this very complicated situation.

This has been ongoing for seven years now, has descended into proxy wars from different parties with dubious agendas. But at the end of the day, as you pointed out, Mr. President, it is the civilians -- women and children -- that are paying the heaviest price. This is happening on our watch, on our conscience, as well as the global community. And I know the passion and the emotion that the President has expressed and how this should not be tolerated whatsoever. And this threshold of inhumanity and savagery that are being crossed every day is something that I know the President will not allow to happen, wherever it may be. And I fully support and endorse the President in this issue.

So I want to thank you, sir, because you have the outlook of looking not just at the Syrian challenges but that of Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Libya, and everything that is in our region. So I think your message to all of us is a message of hope, and that's what I take away from this conference.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much.

KING ABDULLAH: And I thank you for all that you have done so far and all that you will do, sir. (Applause.)

PRESIDENT TRUMP: We'll take a few questions. Julie Pace.

Q Thank you, sir. I have questions on Syria for both leaders. But if I could start with you, Mr. President. You've condemned the chemical attacks in Syria, but you also appeared in your statement yesterday to pin some of the blame on the Obama administration. You are the President now. Do you feel like you bear responsibility for responding to the chemical attack? And does the chemical attack cross a red line for you?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, I think the Obama administration had a great opportunity to solve this crisis a long time ago when he said the red line in the sand. And when he didn't cross that line after making the threat, I think that set us back a long ways, not only in Syria, but in many other parts of the world, because it was a blank threat. I think it was something that was not one of our better days as a country.

So I do feel that, Julie. I feel it very strongly.

Q So you feel like you now have the responsibility to respond to the chemical attack?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: I now have responsibility, and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly, I will tell you that. It is now my responsibility. It was a great opportunity missed. As you know, I'll be meeting with the President of China very soon, in Florida, and that's another responsibility we have -- and that's called the country of North Korea. We have a big problem. We have somebody that is not doing the right thing. And that's going to be my responsibility. But I'll tell you, that responsibility could have been made a lot easier if it was handled years ago.

Q Before I move on to the King, could I just quickly ask you if the chemical attack crosses a red line for you?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: It crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children, innocent babies -- babies, little babies -- with a chemical gas that is so lethal -- people were shocked to hear what gas it was -- that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line. Many, many lines.

Thank you very much.

Q And, Your Majesty, if I could ask about refugees. Your country has really borne the brunt of the refugee crisis in Syria. The President has signed travel bans that would block Syrians from coming to the U.S. If that goes into effect, what would the impact on your country and across the region be?

KING ABDULLAH: Well, I think as the President pointed out, most, if not all, Syrian refugees actually want to go back to Syria. And what we're working with the United States and the international community is to be able to stabilize the refugees in our country, give them the tools so that, as we're working with the solutions in Syria, we have the ability to be able to send them back as a positive influence into their economies.

And again, the President and the Europeans are being very forward-leaning in being able look after our host community -- tremendous burden on our country, but again, tremendous appreciation to the United States and the Western countries for being able to help us deliver that.

Q Your Majesty, how does the outcome of the recent Arab Summit help the U.S. in its policy to advance Palestinian-Israeli negotiations?

KING ABDULLAH: Well, as I said, our peace initiative came out with a resounding resolution to offer peace to the Israelis, to make them feel that they're accepted into the neighborhood, and to be able to support the President as he brings both parties together.

And again, I have to remind people that very early on there was an early engagement by the President and his team to the Israelis and the Palestinians to be able to see what he can do to bring them together. It is the core conflict for a lot of us in the region. The President knows this. He has his instincts in the right place. And working with his team, our job, as I said, is to do the heavy lifting. The Arabs are prepared to do whatever they can to bring Israelis and Palestinians together under the leadership of the President.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you. John Yang (ph).

Q Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to follow up on Julie's question and press you a little more on Syria. How will you distinguish your policy and your actions on Syria from the inaction that you criticized of the previous administration? You say it's now your responsibility. What should we see or what should we look for that will be different?

And, Your Majesty, I'd like to ask you, what gives you -- this is now your second meeting with the President -- what gives you the optimism that Mr. Trump will succeed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict where so many others have failed before him to be a broker for peace?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: I like to think of myself as a very flexible person. I don't have to have one specific way, and if the world changes, I go the same way, I don't change. Well, I do change and I am flexible, and I'm proud of that flexibility. And I will tell you, that attack on children yesterday had a big impact on me -- big impact. That was a horrible, horrible thing. And I've been watching it and seeing it, and it doesn't get any worse than that.

And I have that flexibility, and it's very, very possible -- and I will tell you, it's already happened that my attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much. And if you look back over the last few weeks, there were other attacks using gas. You're now talking about a whole different level.

And so, as you know, I would love to have never been in the Middle East. I would love to have never seen that whole big situation start. But once it started, we got out the wrong way, and ISIS formed in the vacuum, and lots of bad things happened. I will tell you, what happened yesterday is unacceptable to me.

Q Can I follow up, sir? Last year, you seemed to be reluctant to get involved -- or to intervene in Syria directly. Is that one thing that's changed after yesterday?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Well, one of the things I think you've noticed about me is, militarily, I don't like to say where I'm going and what I doing. And I watched past administrations say, we will attack at such and such a day at such and such an hour. And you, being a warrior -- you would say, why are they saying that? And I'm sure you sat back in Jordan, and you said, why are they saying that?

I watched Mosul, where the past administration was saying, we will be attacking in four months. And I said, why are they doing that? Then a month goes by, and they say, we will be attacking in three months, and then two months, and then we will be attacking next week. And I'm saying, why are they doing that? And as you know, Mosul turned out to be a much harder fight than anyone thought, and a lot of people have been lost in that fight.

I'm not saying I'm doing anything one way or the other, but I'm certainly not going to be telling you, as much as I respect you, John. Thank you.

KING ABDULLAH: Sir, I think, on behalf of the President, what I saw was an early engagement by the President and his team, with all of us in the region, about the challenges between the Israelis and Palestinians. I had the honor of seeing the President and his team again in January where this was discussed. The President understands the nuances and the challenges. I think he has the courage and the dedication to be able to do this. Like I said before, all of us have a responsibility to help the President push us over the finish line.

And so, his team had been in the region, they've been talking to all the partners, and it is our job to facilitate the atmospherics between Israelis and Palestinians to move together, and give the support to the President to be able to smooth the edges over between Israelis and Palestinians to achieve this. And the President understands that if we don't solve this problem, how are we going to win the global fight against terrorism, which is his number-one priority? So this is a core issue that he understands, and I think he has the commitment and he has my full support for this, as he does from many, many countries in our region.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: And I have to just say that the world is a mess. I inherited a mess. Whether it's the Middle East, whether it's North Korea, whether it's so many other things, whether it's in our country -- horrible trade deals -- I inherited a mess. We're going to fix it. We're going to fix it.

Okay.

Q Thank you, Your Majesty. You touch upon the subject now, but if I ask you to look forward, how do you see the future of fighting terrorism post-Raqqa and Mosul, especially the role that Jordan will play in the eastern part of Iraq? And do you believe the real battle will start then?

And if I may, Mr. President, you know very well that the Iranian militias and Hezbollah has been propping the Syrian regime for a while -- over a few years now. Will you go after them? What message will you give them today? And will you work with the Russians to ground the Syrian air force and to establish safe zones? Thank you.

KING ABDULLAH: Well, the first part is that we are seeing, very recently, tremendous gains on the ground in Raqqa and Mosul. Again, I think, as the President alluded to, it's very difficult to put timelines on this issue because the battle space is always very fluid. But I think that the war is being won on the ground.

Having said that, terrorists are on the move. They'll be on the move inside of Iraq and inside of Syria, so that we have to make sure that we adapt our plans accordingly. And they move beyond borders, beyond our region and elsewhere. So as we and the administration have discussed, it's this holistic approach: How do we fight them wherever they are? And I think that is the understanding.

Terrorists have no respect for borders and religions and people. So it's the seriousness of how we do this holistic approach that I've mentioned several times. And what I am really delighted is that the understanding by the President and the administration in how to deal with this globally.

And I think you're seeing a move in the right direction because the policy now is being charted out, and my discussions with the Defense Secretary and the Foreign Secretary allows us to be then able to decide how we adapt ourselves in the region to be able to come in line with international diplomacy.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: The Iran deal made by the previous administration is one of the worst deals I have ever witnessed -- and I've witnessed some beauties. It's one of the worst deals I've ever witnessed. It should never have been made. It was totally one-sided against the United States, and, frankly, against much of the Middle East.

I will do whatever I have to do. They have a deal. It was, some people say, not done properly even in the form of its finalization. There was no vote from Congress. There was no real ratification. But I will do what I have to do with respect to the Iran deal. As far as ISIS is concerned, the United States will work with whoever it's appropriate to work with to totally eradicate ISIS and other terrorists. And, by the way, ISIS is one group, but others have formed. Frankly, they're all over the place. We will do what we have to do to eradicate terrorism.

Q But, sir, I'm talking about the Iranian militias in Syria supporting the Syrian regime separate of the nuclear deal. What message do you have for them today?

PRESIDENT TRUMP: You will see. They will have a message. You will see what the message will be. Okay? Thank you.

Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you.

END

1:35 P.M. EDT

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South Africa - Politics

South Africa remains the continent's best prospect for establishing a successful democratic society with expanding prosperity despite its many challenges. Approximately 77 percent of registered voters participated in the 22 April 2009 national elections, indicating a popular will to build a democratic society. The African National Congress-led (ANC) South African Government (SAG) has made major progress toward establishing a vibrant democracy and a market-based economy since the end of apartheid in 1994.

The country's first nonracial elections were held on April 26-28, 1994, resulting in the installation of Nelson Mandela as President on May 10, 1994. Following the 1994 elections, South Africa was governed under an interim constitution establishing a Government of National Unity (GNU). This constitution required the Constitutional Assembly (CA) to draft and approve a permanent constitution by May 9, 1996. After review by the Constitutional Court and intensive negotiations within the CA, the Constitutional Court certified a revised draft on December 2, 1996. President Mandela signed the new constitution into law on December 10, and it entered into force on February 3, 1997. The GNU ostensibly remained in effect until the 1999 national elections. The parties originally comprising the GNU--the ANC, the NP, and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)--shared executive power. On June 30, 1996, the NP withdrew from the GNU to become part of the opposition.

During Nelson Mandela's 5-year term as President of South Africa, the government committed itself to reforming the country. The ANC-led government focused on social issues that were neglected during the apartheid era such as unemployment, housing shortages, and crime. Mandela's administration began to reintroduce South Africa into the global economy by implementing a market-driven economic plan known as Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR). In order to heal the wounds created by apartheid, the government created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) under the leadership of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. During the first term of the ANC's post-apartheid rule, President Mandela concentrated on national reconciliation, seeking to forge a single South African identity and sense of purpose among a diverse and splintered populace, after years of conflict. The diminution of political violence after 1994 and its virtual disappearance by 1996 were testament to the abilities of Mandela to achieve this difficult goal.

Nelson Mandela stepped down as President of the ANC at the party's national conference in December 1997, when Thabo Mbeki assumed the mantle of leadership. Mbeki won the presidency of South Africa after national elections in 1999, when the ANC won just shy of a two-thirds majority in Parliament. President Mbeki shifted the focus of government from reconciliation to transformation, particularly on the economic front. With political transformation and the foundation of a strong democratic system in place after two free and fair national elections, the ANC recognized the need to focus on bringing economic power to the black majority in South Africa. In April 2004, the ANC won nearly 70% of the national vote, and Mbeki was reelected for his second 5-year term. In his 2004 State of the Nation address, Mbeki promised his government would reduce poverty, stimulate economic growth, and fight crime. Mbeki said that the government would play a more prominent role in economic development.

Defeated in a bid for a third term as ANC chair in party elections in December 2007, Mbeki was "recalled" by the ANC and resigned as President in September 2008. Kgalema Motlanthe was sworn in as President on September 25, 2008 and served out the remainder of Mbeki's term. South Africa held its fourth democratic election on April 22, 2009. The ANC won with 65% of the vote followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 16% of the vote. The DA also won power in the Western Cape, which became the only province that the ANC does not govern. The newly formed Congress of the People, launched by ANC members angered at the firing of Mbeki, won 9% of the vote. The National Assembly elected Jacob Zuma president, with Motlanthe as his deputy, following the ANCs win in the 2009 national election.

Zuma was propelled to power at the 2007 ANC party congress by support from the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) President Julius Malema, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), the South African Communist Party (SACP), and ANC members from the Women's League, all of whom were disgruntled with the autocratic rule of then-President Thabo Mbeki. Backing from these elements sustained Zuma as he ran for President of South Africa and helped him win the public relations battle he faced over the state's corruption case against him, which was ultimately dropped. The SACP, COSATU, and ANCYL had greater access to the machinery of state power than ever before, but had been unable to steer Zuma or the party away from many of the same policies on the economic front Mbeki had been following.

South Africa held its fourth post-apartheid local government elections on May 18, 2011. The elections were peaceful and well organized. While the International Electoral Commission (IEC) struggled with some minor technical glitches and mishaps, voting was orderly. The African National Congress (ANC) held onto its dominant position nationally with an estimated 64% of the vote, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), the nations major opposition party, saw growth in its voter base, winning an estimated 22% of the vote.







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Stopping Flow of Foreign Fighters to ISIS 'Will Take Years,' Official Says

By Karen Parrish DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2017  Countering the flow of foreign terrorist fighters supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria requires intelligence sharing, national and international collaboration and strategic patience, a senior military officer said today.

Army Lt. Gen. Michael K. Nagata, director of the National Counterterrorism Center's Directorate for Strategic Operational Planning, spoke about the foreign terrorist fighter issue at the Center for Strategic and International Studies here.

Nagata said that some 40,000 foreign terrorist fighters across at least 120 countries have been identified, so far.

That number has "inherent imprecision in it," he added.

"It is probably the most ethnically diverse, sociologically diverse, non-monolithic  foreign fighter problem we have seen, so far," Nagata said.

Simply identifying the nature and scope of the problem, he said, is "unfinished work today," but it is "inarguably the largest foreign fighter challenge the world has seen in the modern age."

Phase One: Defining the Problem

The general said the world has responded to the problem in two phases. The first, which began four years ago, was "simply recognizing we had a problem."

"The more we looked at it in those early days, the more troubling just the volume of indicators we had were," Nagata said.

He said there was "enormous inconsistency" around the world about whether traveling to fight for ISIS was a crime. The United Nations Security Council addressed that issue in September of 2014, passing Resolution 2178, which "urged all nation-states to act against this problem, perhaps most importantly in making it a criminal activity."

Phase Two: Sharing Intelligence

"The most vivid challenge we now face is ensuring that the information and intelligence about the travel, the plans, the intentions and identities of foreign terrorist fighters are as broadly known as possible everywhere in the world," he said.

Foreign fighters seek to mask their travel, Nagata said.

"They try to hide within  the free flow of people, goods and services around the world," he said. "  So getting information and intelligence about the plans, intentions and travel of a foreign fighter is inherently difficult."

That is the challenge the world now faces, Nagata said.

"If a law enforcement actor, an intelligence officer, a civil society member somewhere in the world believes they have information or intelligence about a potential foreign fighter, can that information be shared with the widest possible audience to increase the likelihood that someone along their route of travel can prevent them from reaching their destination?" he asked.

Nagata said intelligence sharing has gotten better since the U.N. Security Council passed its resolution.

"We have made inarguable progress in many arenas," he said. "Is it good enough? No, it is not good enough; particularly when you consider the size, the quantity of this problem."

The United States has been and still is addressing how to ensure that every part of the government is contributing to the effort to counter foreign fighters, the general said. He noted that effort has been ongoing since 9/11.

Global Terrorism Threat

Secondly, Nagata said, "We had to adapt our thinking, both as a government and as an international coalition, against the Islamic State, about the fact, unfortunately, that the very welcome defeat of ISIS's army-like capabilities in Iraq and Syria will not bring an end to the global terrorist attack threat that ISIS poses, including by the utilization of foreign fighters."

Defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria is a must, he said, and "we are well on the way to doing so, although it will take continued months of very serious effort to do that."

Defeating the military threat of ISIS will not end the foreign fighter threat, he noted.

"There is still so much more work to do even after we have defeated its army," Nagata said.

ISIS continues to inspire foreign fighters, some of whom travel to places other than Iraq and Syria to join part of the Islamic State, he said.

"That is related to the original [foreign fighter] problem, but it is different than the original problem," he said. "We have to grapple with that, as well."

Nagata said the United States needs strategic patience to combat the foreign fighter problem.

"We are not going to end this threat this year," he said. "I don't think we can identify a time horizon within which we will somehow contain and eliminate the ISIS-related foreign terrorist fighter problem. We can, if we do this properly we will, but it will take years to solve this problem."

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Six Central Asians Detained In St. Petersburg, No Sign Of Ties To Bomb Suspect

RFE/RL April 05, 2017

Russian authorities say that six citizens of Central Asian states have been detained in St. Petersburg on suspicion of recruiting for Islamic militant groups.

The federal Investigative Committee said that there was no evidence "at this time" of any connection between the people detained on April 5 and the Kyrgyz-born suspect in the April 3 subway bombing that killed 14 people in St. Petersburg.

In a statement, the investigators said the detainees had come to Russia to work.

It said they were suspected of recruiting other migrants from Central Asia "to carry out terror-related crimes" and join extremist groups that are banned in Russia, including Islamic State (IS) and the Al-Nusra Front.

The statement said the authorities had not yet decided whether to press charges against the detainees.

The identification of Kyrgyz-born ethnic Uzbek Akbarjon Jalilov as the bombing suspect stoked fears of police action targeting migrants from Central Asia and the Caucasus.

The Investigative Committee said the six Central Asian citizens were detained as part of a joint operation by investigators, the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Interior Ministry, and the National Guard.

Bombing Suspect's Home Searched

In a separate statement released earlier on April 5, the committee said investigators had searched the home where Jalilov lived and had questioned about 40 witnesses.

It said surveillance cameras had captured the moment when he left his building carrying a bag and a knapsack.

The committee said on April 4 that it had determined that Jalilov, 22, set off a bomb that exploded on a subway train between two stations in central St. Petersburg the previous day, and that his remains were found at the scene.

Russia's top investigative body said DNA evidence indicated that Jalilov also placed a bag containing a bomb at another subway station on April 3. That device was defused.

Jalilov's parents, who live in the southern Kyrgyz city of Osh, were questioned there by Kyrgyz authorities on April 4 and were then flown to St. Petersburg.

The suspect's mother, Odinakhon Jalilova, told journalists at the St. Petersburg airport, "I do not believe he did it."

Later on April 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin told senior security officials from countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that the subway bombing showed that former Soviet republics continue to face a threat from terrorism.

"We see that, unfortunately, the situation is not improving. The recent tragic events in St. Petersburg are the best confirmation of this," Putin said at the meeting in Moscow.

"We know that each of our countries, practically every one, is a possible and potential target of terrorist attacks," he said.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyaev, meeting separately with Putin, said that the bombing "once again signals that we should take very tough measures together" to combat terrorism.

Mirziyaev, who became president after the death of longtime autocrat Islam Karimov was announced in September, said Uzbekistan was prepared to cooperate closely with Russia on security issues.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz and Uzbek services, AP, Reuters, TASS, Interfax, and RIA Novosti

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-petersburg-migrants- detained-terror-recruitment/28411799.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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Top US Official Confirms Laptop Restrictions on Flights May Expand

By Victoria Macchi April 05, 2017

The United States may soon extend its ban on computers in the cabin on some flights from the Middle East and Africa to more airports, the head of Homeland Security confirmed Wednesday.

Secretary John Kelly told a Senate committee that the Department of Homeland Security may "take measures in the not too distant future to expand the number of airports" affected by restrictions on laptops and tablet computers over concerns that terrorists may target commercial aviation by concealing explosives in larger electronics.

Kelly's comments during Wednesday's hearing on Capitol Hill followed similar remarks by DHS spokesman David Lapan, who a day earlier told USA Today, "I'm not saying anything is imminent, but I'm not ruling anything out."

Travelers on direct flights to the United States from 10 airports in eight Middle Eastern and North African countries are required to pack any electronics larger than a mobile phone into their checked luggage.

The United States announced the indefinite in-cabin electronics ban March 21 in the wake of an executive order that affected travelers from the same regions. Taken together, the two measures immediately drew criticism that the Trump administration was discriminating against the majority-Muslim nations.

'Real threat all the time'

Kelly dismissed the criticism at the hearing, saying he did not make the new protocol "because of the Muslim religion or the color of their skin."

"We know that on any given day there are dozens of [terror] cells that are talking about attacking aviation ... there's a real threat all the time."

"It's real. It's getting realer, so to speak," he said. The secretary did not elaborate on the nature of the threats or why the airports were chosen.

Great Britain implemented a similar ban the day after the U.S., affecting direct flights from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia.

Australia announced last Friday it would increase baggage screening on flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, and Doha, Qatar, but would not ban electronics in the cabin.

Security officials have raised concerns about potential new methods of concealing explosives inside electronics that may evade detection during airport screenings, CNN reported last week.

The affected airports include: Queen Alia International Airport (Jordan), Cairo International Airport (Egypt), Ataturk International Airport (Turkey), King AbdulAziz International Airport (Saudi Arabia), King Khalid International Airport (Saudi Arabic), Kuwait International Airport (Kuwait), Mohammed V Airport (Morocco), Hamad International Airport (Qatar), Dubai International Airport (UAE), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (UAE).

The list of countries affected by the electronics restrictions does not overlap with the countries affected by an executive order issued in March barring travelers from six Middle Eastern and African countries. That order has since been suspended due to pending lawsuits around the U.S. Moreover, those countries do not have direct flights to the U.S., and the electronics limits are currently limited to direct flights from the same regions.

Several airlines are trying to keep customers happy by working around the restrictions, providing laptops or tablet computers to some passengers and offering to check laptops into the cargo hold at the gate, to allow travelers to keep their devices until they board a flight.

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U.S. Senators Urge Lukashenka To Release Protesters, Warn Of Russia Risks

RFE/RL April 05, 2017

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has sent a letter to Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka expressing "great concern" over a crackdown on citizens protesting against a controversial tax on the unemployed and urged the "immediate" release of those detained.

The letter released on April 5 and signed by four senators also said they were concerned about Russia's use of Belarusian territory for "provocative war games" later this year.

Democrats Richard Durbin and Jeanne Shaheen signed along with Republicans Marco Rubio and John McCain.

Many Belarusians have expressed anger over the tax imposed by Lukashenka's government on the unemployed, a move the president said is aimed at battling "social parasitism."

The tax, reminiscent of Soviet-era legislation, imposes a special levy on Belarusians who work less than half of a calendar year and do not register at the country's labor bureaus, although it exempts homemakers, subsistence farmers, and some others.

Protests broke out in Minsk and throughout Belarus, leading to the arrest of dozens of protesters and activists in a government crackdown, actions both the United States and the European Union have sharply criticized.

The protests have continued despite Lukashenka's announcement on March 9 that the tax payments "will not be collected for a year," although he said the law would not be revoked.

In the letter, the senators said, "We remain troubled by the spate of politically motivated detentions and well as harassment of peaceful protesters, opposition party members, journalists, human rights defenders, and other civil society activists."

They urged the immediate and unconditional release of all people held in connection with the demonstrations.

The senators also had harsh words for the country's longtime ally Russia and expressed hope that Belarus "will not be the next victim of Vladimir Putin's ambitions."

Moscow is planning its Zapad (West) military maneuvers for September this year in a joint effort with Belarus along Russia's western border.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-us-senators- urge-release-protesters/28411400.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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Brazil's Potential Purchase of Pantsir-S1 Systems Clogged by Finance Trouble

Sputnik News

21:14 05.04.2017

Brazil is interested in buying Russian Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile systems, but the financial situation does not allow to plan such purchase on a tight deadline, Raul Jungmann, the country's defense minister, said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Tuesday, Anatoly Punchuk, the deputy director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), confirmed that the Brazilian side remained interested in this purchase.

"We are not talking about the cancellation, but, at the same time, considering the situation with our finances and budget, we cannot plan purchase on such a tight schedule. Therefore, in this situation, we can only wait for the improvements from the point of view of finances, especially in terms of budget and investments, so that we could move on in this direction with the Russian side," Jungmann said.

The minister added that he would take part in Moscow Conference on International Security scheduled for April 26-27, where he would be able to discuss the existing difficulties with the Russian side.

Negotiations over the possible purchase by Brazil of Panzir-S1 systems have been ongoing since 2013, however the signing of the deal has been repeatedly delayed due to the complicated nature of the country's political situation.

The Pantsir-S1 (NATO reporting name SA-22 Greyhound), is a short-to-medium range surface-to-air missile/gun system that first entered service with the Russian army in 2012.

 Sputnik

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North Korea launches another missile into Sea of Japan

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 1:31AM

North Korea has launched a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan just days after it warns the global community of retaliation over sanctions.

"At 2142 GMT today, North Korea fired a ballistic missile from Sinpo area into the Sea of Japan," said a statement released by the South Korea's Defiance Ministry on Tuesday.

It added that the projectile flew for around 60 kilometers before landing in the sea and that both Seoul and Washington were currently trying to determine the missile's type.

"The military is keeping a close watch over North Korea's provocative moves and maintaining a high defense posture," added the statement.

Pyongyang's new test was met with Japan's "strong protest," with Tokyo describing the launch as "extremely problematic."

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan absolutely cannot tolerate North Korea's repeated provocative actions.

The test came after US President Donald Trump threatened unilateral action against Pyongyang over its missile tests and just ahead of a meeting between Trump and China's President Xi Jinping, in which they expected to discuss the North's arms development.

Last week, two high-ranking US intelligence officials claimed that North Korea is capable of killing millions of Americans by launching a nuclear attack.

Last month, Pyongyang warned Washington that a preemptive strike was always a possibility, after the US and South Korean military forces simulated attacks on North Korean targets during joint military drills that involved 17,000 American troops and more than 300,000 South Koreans.

In February, North Korea simultaneously launched four ballistic missiles off its east coast, three of which landed close to Japan. In August, it also successfully tested a submarine-launched ballistic missile some 500 kilometers off the coast of Japan, in a move which the North's leader Kim Jong-un hailed as the "greatest success."

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Pacom Detects, Tracks North Korean Missile Launch

From a U.S. Pacific Command News Release

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii, April 5, 2017  U.S. Pacific Command detected and tracked what officials assess to be a North Korean missile launch at 11:42 a.m. yesterday, Hawaii time -- 5:42 p.m. EDT  Pacom officials announced.

The launch of a single ballistic missile occurred at a land-based facility near Sinpo, officials said in a statement, adding that the missile was tracked until it landed in the Sea of Japan.

Pacom is fully committed to working closely with South Korean and Japanese allies to maintain security, the statement said, adding that he North American Aerospace Defense Command determined the missile launch did not pose a threat to North America.

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DPRK fires ballistic missile into eastern waters

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:27, April 05, 2017

SEOUL, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday test-fired one ballistic missile into eastern waters, South Korea's defense ministry said.

A Seoul ministry official told Xinhua that the ballistic missile was fired at about 6:42 a.m. local time from Sinpo in North Hamgyeong province, in northeastern DPRK. The missile flew about 60 km into its eastern waters.

It was not known what type of missile it was as the military authorities of South Korea and the United States are still analyzing the firing.

According to Yonhap news agency report, it was not an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or a submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

On March 22, Pyongyang test-launched what was presumed to be a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile from its eastern region, but it failed as it exploded in midair.On Feb. 12, the DPRK successfully test-fired a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile, called Pukguksong-2.

The test-firing came as combined forces of South Korea and the United States are conducting joint annual spring war games, codenamed Key Resolve and Foal Eagle that are scheduled to end by the end of this month.

A variety of U.S. strategic weapons were mobilized to the war games, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a nuclear-powered submarine and nuclear-capable bombers.

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Over the past day, militants have fired on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 29 times in the area of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), as a result of which two Ukrainian soldiers have been wounded, the press center of the ATO headquarters has reported.

According to the ATO staff, the hostiles fired 82mm mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machineguns in Krasnohorivka, used grenade launchers and heavy machineguns against Pavlopil and Vodiane, and engaged grenade launchers and small arms in Maryinka in the Mariupol sector. Snipers were active in the vicinity of Novotroyitske, Krasnohorivka and Vodiane.

In the Donetsk sector, Avdiyivka came under attack of 82mm mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machineguns, while machineguns, small arms and sniper rifles were used in Zaitseve and Pisky, the staff said.

In the Luhansk sector, 120mm mortars shelled Syze, and mounted anti-tank grenade launchers were used in Novo-Oleksandrivka, it said.

"Despite the armed provocations, Ukrainian servicemen strictly complied with the truce and did not return fire," the staff said on Facebook.
Tokyo, Beijing Urge North Korea to Refrain From Missile Test Provocations

Sputnik News

16:50 05.04.2017

Kenji Kanasugi, Japanese foreign ministry chief of Asia-Pacific affairs, and Chinese Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs Wu Dawei have jointly urged North Korea to abstain from further provocations following their recent missile test, a statement released by the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

TOKYO (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, North Korea reportedly launched a ballistic missile from Sinpo, South Hamgyong province, in the direction of the Sea of Japan. According to the South Korean military, it was a Pukguksong-2 medium-range ballistic missile.

"The both sides have agreed to urge North Korea to abstain from further provocations and strictly abide by the UN Security Council resolutions. Besides, the parties reaffirmed their close cooperation on implementation of the UNSC resolutions, including the resolution 2321," the statement, issued following the phone conversation between the Japanese and Chinese officials, read.

North Korea carried out a number of missile launches and nuclear tests last year, with one of the latest constituting a launch of four missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan, conducted on March 6, and a new high-thrust rocket engine being tested on the ground on March 18. The launches are considered to be in violation of the UN Security Council resolution 2321.

 Sputnik

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Update: North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile into Sea of Japan

Sputnik News

01:28 05.04.2017(updated 06:23 05.04.2017)

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired off another projectile presumed to be a missile as Japanese, Korean and US forces hold military drills in the region.

According to the South Korean Defense Ministry, the DPRK launched the object from the Sinpo region on its eastern coast. The country's northern neighbor "fired a projectile into the East Sea from a site in the vicinity of Sinpo, South Hamgeyong Province, this morning," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff told Yonhap, a local media source.

The US military's Pacific Command later said in a statement that the object had been a ballistic missile, probably a KN-15 medium-range ballistic missile.

The launch is the country's third in as many months. This one comes days before US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet face to face for the first time. North Korea is expected to be a major topic.

On Tuesday, a White House official said "time has run out" regarding North Korea's nuclear development, adding, "all options are on the table."

Trump has pressured Beijing to shut down North Korea's ballistic missile operations, saying China could do so "very easily" by shutting down the North Korea-China border and putting a chokehold on economic traffic between the two countries.

On February 19, Sputnik reported that China's Commerce Ministry banned imports of North Korean coal, a move believed to be related to the country's ballistic missile test on February 12.

North Korea has been barred by the UN from carrying out ballistic missile launches or nuclear tests.

 Sputnik

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India Deploys Amphibious Warfare Ship in South Indian Ocean

Sputnik News

14:09 05.04.2017

The Indian Navy has deployed one of its three Shardul-class amphibious warfare ships to provide surveillance support in the Indian Ocean Region, primarily against illegal fishing and smuggling.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  The ship has been to the Mauritius and is now in Seychelles. The Indian Navy's deployment of the ship has been termed an assertive stance against China.

"The warship, during the initial phase of deployment, carried out joint Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance of Mauritius from 08-26 Mar 17 in close coordination with National Coast Guard, Mauritius. Post successful completion of joint EEZ Surveillance of Mauritius, the warship entered EEZ of Seychelles on 27 Mar 17 for Phase I of EEZ surveillance," said Indian Navy official.

The 124.8-meter-long, 5600-ton INS Shardul is a Landing Ship Tank (Large) whose primary role is to transport troops, vehicles, armaments and accomplish all objectives of an amphibious operation, which includes landing of combat equipment and personnel. INS Shardul has the capability to launch and recover Marine Commandos through sea as well as by helicopters. It can attain a speed of 15.8 knots and act as a 'hospital ship' with facilities provided in containerized form as well as a 'fleet tanker' for limited mission/ exercise.

 Sputnik

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Detect, Track, Destroy: India to Receive Armed Heron Drones from Israel

Sputnik News

00:50 05.04.2017(updated 02:52 05.04.2017)

An announcement that India will receive its first armed Heron drones from Israel has come as Narendra Modi prepares to make history as the first Indian prime minister to ever visit the country.

New Delhi began the procurement process for its first TP-armed Heron drones from Israel two years ago, purchasing 10 of the vehicles for $400 million after approval from the Defense Ministry.

The Heron can detect and track targets before destroying them. As Israel is one of India's main weapons suppliers, Modi will likely seek to further strengthen ties between the two countries during his July visit.

Indian Economics Secretary Amar Sinha said in late February that the two nations should have a "multi-dimensional relationship" rather than one that is only "unifocal."

He elaborated, "We are trying to establish a programme under our Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) project. We already have a programme where Indian professors go and teach in Israel. So, we are exploring new areas," Indian Express reported.

According to India's Economic Times, the drones are all set for delivery, but the final payment is still pending.

The most advanced UAV from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Heron can handle a payload of 1,000 kg, has a takeoff weight of 5,300 kg and features an endurance of 40 hours.

IAI describes the Heron as a "multi-payload strategic air superiority aircraft." It has been used by the Israeli Air Force since 2010.

Armed UAVs can help minimize risk while destroying individual targets or large terrorist camps. India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is working on an indigenous drone program of its own, called Rustom 2.

Tel Aviv displayed the Heron vehicle at the AeroIndia exhibition in Bengaluru in February. The armed aircraft can perform support and combat operations with a payload of air-to-ground-missiles, along with conducting reconnaissance, similar to the predator drone.

The Indian Air Force's fleet of 68 unarmed Harpy Drones and 108 searchers also came from Israel, but these are generally used to neutralize enemy radar positions and are designed to self destruct.

Discussing the relationship with India in January, IAI president and CEO Joseph Weiss said in a media release, "This important market is characterized by long-term collaboration, joint development and production, technology transfer and technical support over many years."

 Sputnik

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Dunford: Iraqis, Coalition Have Adapted, Continue Attacking ISIS

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, April 5, 2017  Iraqi and coalition forces will learn from the civilian casualty incident of March 17 and continue to support Iraqi forces taking the fight to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in Mosul, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford spoke to reporters during the return leg of his trip to Iraq. The general makes periodic trips to the region to chart progress in the fight against ISIS.

Dunford said Iraqi troops  especially the elite troops of the counterterrorism service  have made tremendous progress in the fight against ISIS in western Mosul. The fight against the terror group in that section of the city is different from the one that occurred when Iraqi forces liberated eastern Mosul, he noted. The fact that the Iraqi security forces are adapting their tactics against the enemy in the western part of the city shows how much they have developed, Dunford said.

In East Mosul, the city is more open, with wider streets, he explained. The Iraqi forces could use vehicles to their advantage, and more open areas made surveillance and targeting easier.

"West Mosul is much more crowded," Dunford said. "It appears that ISIS is herding civilians into buildings and so forth and using them as human shields. Knowing that, Iraqis are looking at making modifications in current operations to mitigate the risk of civilian casualties and allow them to continue to make progress against ISIS."

Complex Urban Terrain

The Iraqis have done a good job describing the complex urban terrain of West Mosul -- the older part of the city, with very narrow streets and fewer open areas, the chairman said. Iraqi officials said roughly 600,000 people live in that portion of the city.

Iraqi forces are operating in the narrow streets on foot. Houses and commercial buildings are laced with improvised explosive devices, and ISIS has built vehicle-borne explosive devices. The terror group also is modifying store-bought drones to threaten Iraqi security forces.

But the Iraqi forces are adapting  something they could not have done a year ago, Dunford said. They are working closely with coalition forces that are providing advice and assistance and providing critical aviation and ground fires, he added.

In December 2015, Iraqi forces  with coalition support  aimed at driving ISIS from Ramadi in Iraq's Anbar province. There was an "inability for us to coordinate deliver of supporting arms because of the lack of coordination with the Iraqis," Dunford said. "What we couldn't do during that period of time was ensure clearance of fires," he told reporters. "We had aviation. They were on the ground."

Iraqi and coalition forces made adjustments, and Iraqi security forces drove ISIS from Ramadi. They then drove ISIS from Fallujah, and then Beiji. With each offensive, the coordination between the Iraqi forces and the coalition got better, Dunford said, pointing out the close partnership in operations that set the conditions for the liberation of Mosul.

Aiding the effort was the decision by Army Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, to push coalition advisors out to units to improve delivery of both aviation and surface fires, Dunford said.

After Mosul

Still, he said, neither the Iraqis nor the coalition is complacent, and all recognize that the end of fighting in Mosul will not be the end of the campaign against ISIS. "There is a lot of fighting left to go  Hawija, Tal Afar, Euphrates River valley," he said.

Protecting civilians is a concern to the Iraqi forces, Dunford said, and it was a focus of the discussions he had with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, President of Iraqi Kurdistan Masoud Barzani and Townsend. All discussed better ways to protect civilians in the affected areas and to ensure the United Nations has camps for those who wish to leave where they can be cared for.

Dunford characterized Townsend as being optimistic about the situation in Iraq and the performance of the Iraqis, as well as about the cooperation between the Iraqis and the Kurdish peshmerga forces, which he said was "a subject of great concern eight or nine months ago."

Dunford said the American troops he met on the trip were pumped up. "They are doing what they came into the Army to do," he said. U.S. morale is high because they see the Iraqis succeeding and they see success in the strategy, he said. Everywhere he went, he added, "the focus was good and how the Iraqis were doing was all positive."

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White House Official: Iraq Trip Provides 'Invaluable, Informative Experience'

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

April 5, 2017  Jared Kushner, the senior advisor to President Donald J. Trump, said his trip with Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford to Iraq was an "invaluable, informative experience."

Kushner met with Iraqi and coalition officials in Baghdad and Irbil and with U.S. troops in Hamam al-Alil, a tactical assembly area just over 10 miles from the Iraqi forces' front line against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in Mosul.

Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, invited Kushner and Tom Bossert, the president's homeland security advisor, to accompany him on one of his periodic trips to Iraq to take the pulse of the counter-ISIS campaign.

"I was honored to accompany Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford on this trip to Iraq," Kushner said. "Overall, the trip was an invaluable, informative experience and I come away with a deeper understanding of the situation on the ground and an even greater appreciation for those serving our country oversees."

At Hamam al-Alil, Kushner met with the gun crew from the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. They live next to their guns, ready to supply fire support from their M-109A6 Paladins to Iraqi forces battling ISIS in Mosul. He also met with troopers from the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment who are at the base. Both units are based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Meets With, Praises U.S. Troops

"Of the many highlights of my couple of days in Iraq, the biggest was meeting U.S. personnel serving on the front line in our fight against ISIS near Mosul," Kushner said. "I had the distinct pleasure of meeting many and expressing, on behalf of the president, our appreciation for the incredible work each was making for the security of our nation."

In Baghdad, Dunford and Kushner met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Defense Minister Arfan al-Hayali.

At the U.S. Embassy, Kushner was briefed by Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman.

On the military side, Kushner was briefed extensively by Army Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve. He also met with Army Maj. Gen. Joseph M. Martin, the commander of the 1st Infantry Division and of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Operation Inherent Resolve.

In Irbil, Kushner and Dunford met with Masoud Barzani, the president of Iraqi Kurdistan.

In a written statement, Kushner spoke directly to American service members.

"To the men and women of the Combined Joint Task Force and U.S. Embassy Baghdad, you have left an indelible impression on me and I am awestruck by your patriotism, esprit-de-corps and fighting spirit," he said. "Each of you has my upmost respect and admiration."

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Senior Daesh commander, dozens of militants killed in Mosul

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 1:29PM

Iraqi government forces, backed by fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units, have carried out fresh operations against Takfiri Daesh militants in the strategic northern city of Mosul, inflicting substantial losses on them.

Federal Police Forces Commander Lieutenant General Raed Shaker Jawdat said on Wednesday that his forces had killed 30 Daesh extremists after launching a barrage of rockets at a militant position near the Fifth Bridge in western Mosul, Arabic-language al-Forat news agency reported.

Jawdat added that a senior militant commander of the so-called Dabiq Army, identified as Abdulqader Saleh Abdulqader, was among the slain Takfiris.

Meanwhile, the media bureau of the Popular Mobilization Units  commonly known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi, announced in a statement that the pro-government fighters, backed by the Iraqi Air Force, had struck Daesh bases in Salal and Kum al-Habib villages, killing 30 terrorists in the process.

The statement added that four pickup trucks equipped with heavy machineguns were set ablaze, and two vehicles rigged with explosives were destroyed before they could reach their destinations.

The developments came a day after Hashd al-Sha'abi stated that a high-ranking Daesh figure had been killed in an Iraqi Air Force strike near the city of Tal Afar, located 63 kilometers west of Mosul.

The commander was identified as Abu Dujanah al-Tunisi and in charge of Daesh operations in Badush village northwest of Mosul.

The Iraqi Joint Operations Command also said dozens of Daesh terrorists were killed on Tuesday, when Iraqi military aircraft pounded their positions in the Zanjili neighborhood of western Mosul and the city's train station.

Iraqi army soldiers and pro-movement fighters have made sweeping gains against Takfiri elements since launching the operation to retake Mosul last October.

The Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19.

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Bomb attack kills 31 in Baghdad cafe

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 9:47AM

A bomb attack at a cafe in the north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, has killed at least 31 people.

The bombing occurred at the Beiruti Cafe on Wednesday, also leaving an unknown number of people wounded.

Iraqi security forces have been fighting a terrorist campaign by Daesh since 2014. The terrorist group launched an offensive in June that year, overrunning territory and sending Iraqi troops on its path fleeing. But the Iraqi army later reorganized and managed to take back much of the territory from the Daesh terrorists. Popular defense groups also formed, joining the security forces in the operations to retake lost territory.

A last urban bastion under the control of Daesh is Mosul, where a large-scale operation is underway to dislodge the terrorists.

But the terror outfit has managed to conduct sporadic attacks in areas across Iraq even as it has been losing ground. Just on Tuesday, ten Daesh terrorists disguised as police officers entered the northern Iraqi city of Tikrit  a city they had overrun but then lost  and engaged in separate attacks that killed at least 31 people.

Also on Wednesday, and in Mosul, a car bomb exploded near a location used as a base by government forces, killing 11 troopers.

To the west of the city, Popular Mobilization Units foiled an attempted Daesh attack on their stations, killing 30 terrorists in the process.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Heider al-Abadi said Iraqi people blamed Saudi Arabia for the terrorist bombings in their country, as many of the assailants conducting such bombings were Saudi nationals.

"Many Saudi nationals have carried out terrorist operations in Iraq, and every Iraqi citizen has a right to believe that Saudi Arabia is a supporter of terrorism," Abadi told Lebanon's Al Mayadeen television channel.

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Daesh kills 31 in overnight raids in Iraq's Tikrit

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 9:25AM

At least 31 people have been killed and more than 40 others wounded in attacks by the Daesh terrorist group in Iraq's northern city of Tikrit, security forces have announced.

Around ten Daesh militants, in police uniforms and vehicles, managed to enter Tikrit overnight Tuesday, according to police colonel Khalid Mahmoud.

In one raid, they attacked a police checkpoint and the house of a police colonel, who was killed along with four members of his family. The assailants also wounded at least 40 people, including 14 police officers, security and medical sources said on Wednesday.

There were also a number of bodies belonging to civilians, killed in their shops, according to Nawfal Mustafa, a doctor at the city's main hospital.

Among the militants, two detonated their explosive vests after being surrounded by police, and three others were killed in separate clashes.

Authorities declared a curfew in Tikrit on Wednesday since they believed the remaining five terrorists might still be hiding somewhere in the town. They said sporadic gunfire could be heard in the morning.

Daesh seized Tikrit, the capital of the Salahuddin Province in June 2014, before losing it to Iraqi forces in March 2015. The militants, however, continue to carry out attacks in the city and its outskirts. In an attack in March, dozens of people were killed in bomb explosions that targeted a wedding party in a village near Tikrit.

A number of other police forces and civilians were also killed in separate incidents in the country. A bomb exploded at the al-Washash neighborhood in the capital Baghdad, and killed at least seven people.

A magnetic bomb also targeted a vehicle used by Iraqi security forces in the city of Baquba, in the eastern province of Diyala, killing at least two police officers and wounding another.

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Brazen Overnight Attack in Tikrit Signals IS Resolve

By Ahed Al Hendi, Mehdi Jedinia April 05, 2017

Islamic State's brazen overnight attack on Tikrit, killing at least 31 security personnel and civilians, is part of a series of diversionary attacks designed to mask its mounting losses in Mosul and portray that it has strength elsewhere in Iraq, analysts say.

"IS might carry these attacks everywhere in Iraq," said Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a research institution.

Eighteen Iraqi police officers were among the dead in a series of coordinated strikes claimed by Islamic State (IS) late Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Disguised as police

Authorities say the attackers disguised themselves in police uniforms and drove police cars to gain access to the city  once a Baathist stronghold of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

The militants stormed the residence of the city's police colonel, killing him and several members of his family, according to reports.

Two of the suicide bombers killed themselves, exploding the munitions in their vests after they ran out of firepower, according to officials. Five attackers were killed in clashes with Iraqi security forces.

"Attacking police is IS '101,'" analyst Knights said, referring to a term used to describe introductory learning. "They [authorities] are the face of the government, they collect intelligence from the locals, and they are a soft target."

Mosul offensive

Tikrit is 220 kilometers south of Mosul, where the U.S.-led coalition has been pounding IS forces and driving them from the city and its environs.

U.S. officials have said that while IS remains dangerous, its fighting force in Iraq and Syria has been whittled down to about 12,000 to 15,000 fighters, while the amount of territory the group controls has shrunk by about 65 percent.

U.S. and Iraqi officials have been concerned that as IS gets routed from its northern Iraq stronghold it will regroup in smaller numbers and conduct terror attacks elsewhere in the country.

"IS will not be eradicated from Iraq by a military operation," Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said recently in an interview with VOA. "It may well lose cities like Mosul and [Syria's] Raqqa, but it will remain as an ideology and organization."

IS took control of Tikrit in 2014 after fierce battles with Iraqi forces that later regained command of the city in 2015. While analysts say it is doubtful IS can regain control of Tikrit, militants likely will continue to try to undermine authority with surprise attacks from small rural bases.

"Tikrit is vulnerable, as many areas that surround it have training camps that belong to IS," Omar Al Nadawi, an Iraqi affair analyst, told VOA. "IS will focus on weak areas and cities in order to take the attention away from Mosul."

IS still viable in areas

As coalition backed forces focus on Mosul, comprehensive rooting of IS has yet to begin. There are areas in Iraq and Syria, along both the border and in the Euphrates River Valley, where IS still has considerable freedom of movement and influence.

"There is a lot of fighting left to go," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, U.S. Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, said after a visit to Iraq this week.

Michael Pregent, a former intelligence officer now with the Hudson Institute in Washington, said is adopting an al-Qaida model "where they don't plant flags, they don't say they own this neighborhood, they don't say they own this town. But they're able to conduct terrorist operations out of them - car bombs, assassinations, start recruiting, start intimidating the reconciliation process."

Referring to Tikrit, he said: "When they can use police cars and uniforms and stage an attack in the heart of the first city taken from them means that the Iraqi forces should look over their shoulders to see what they did. It shows that the security breach is still a big thing and very vulnerable.

"If Mosul falls, it is a great win, but the story with IS is not over," Pregent said. "IS is not going to be eradicated by the loss of their territory. It will find hideouts as long as the Sunni population feels oppressed and does not share the power cake of the country."

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Sanctions against Russia will persist until Kremlin stops its aggression towards Ukraine  U.S. ambassador to Ukraine

Restrictive measures against the Russian Federation will remain in force until Russia stops its aggressive actions towards Ukraine, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch has said.

"We continue to support the work within the framework of the 'Normandy Four' regarding 'Minsk' [implementation of the Minsk Agreements], and we believe that Russia is responsible for the Minsk agreements. The sanctions will continue operating until Moscow terminates those actions that led to these sanctions," Yovanovitch said on Thursday during her speech in the framework of the panel discussion "U.S. Foreign Policy: What role will Ukraine play?" at the Kyiv Security Forum.

She also expressed concern about the worsening security situation on the disengagement line in Donbas, the surge of violence, as well as the deliberate damage to infrastructure in the region.

The ambassador also noted that the U.S. will continue to support Ukraine with reforms, in particular, the fight against corruption.
Japanese PM Calls to Maintain N Korea Tracking System Following Missile Test

Sputnik News

09:07 05.04.2017

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, ordered to maintain the tracking system at a high-level in connection with North Korea's new missile test, General Secretary of the Cabinet Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday.

TOKYO (Sputnik)  According to Suga, it is impossible to exclude the possibility that North Korea will commit new "provocative actions," the Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier in the day, North Korea reportedly launched a ballistic missile from Sinpho, South Hamgyong province toward the Sea of Japan. The missile flew around 37 miles, reaching an altitude of 117 miles.

According to the South Korean military, it was a medium-range ballistic missile of the Pukykson-2 type.

North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2005. Tensions in the Korean Peninsula escalated since North Korea carried out a number of missile launches and nuclear tests, with one of the latest being the launch of four missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan, conducted on March 6, as well as new high-thrust rocket engine tested on the ground on March 18. The launches are considered to be in violation of a UN resolution.

 Sputnik

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Iran condemns use of chemical weapons in Syria

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, April 5, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Wednesday that Iran strongly condemns any use of chemical weapons in Syria regardless of the perpetrators and the victims.

Qasemi's remarks come a day after deadly use of chemical weapons in the Syrian city of Idlib.

Noting that this catastrophic incident was not the first of its kind in Syria, the spokesman warned against adopting double-standard approaches and making hasty judgments.

Instrumental use of such incidents for accusing others and protecting the political interests of some players will hinder a real facing the problem, Qasemi said.

Despite chemical disarmament of the Syrian government with the full cooperation of the government and under the supervision of a joint representative from the UN and OPCW, failure to pay due attention to disarmament of terrorist groups remains to be an obstacle on the way of Syrian chemical disarmament, the spokesman said, noting that Iran has always voiced concern about the consequences of this issue.

He said that one of the aims behind the attack was to hamper diplomatic efforts in Astana to find a settlement to Syria crisis which had led to a ceasefire in the war-hit country.

Iran, as the main victim of usage of chemical weapons, sympathizes and condoles with the families of the victims, Qasemi said, voicing Tehran's readiness to accept those injured for receiving medical treatment.

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NATO Secretary General condemns reported chemical weapons attack in Syria

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

05 Apr. 2017

Press Release (2017) 064

Issued on 05 Apr. 2017

I condemn the horrendous attacks in the province of Idlib in Syria, which killed dozens of people, including many children, reportedly by the use of chemical weapons. This is the third report of the use of these barbaric weapons in the last month alone. All those responsible must be held to account.

The use of chemical weapons, which includes any chemicals that can cause death or permanent harm to humans, is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria signed in 2013. This international norm must be fully respected and upheld. Syria as member of the Convention is responsible to ensure its full compliance with these obligations.

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Turkey occupying Syria, trying to build city near al-Bab: Syrian envoy

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 2:25PM

The Syrian ambassador to Russia has accused Turkey of seeking to establish a city near the northern Syrian city of al-Bab, citing Turkish troops' presence and occupation of the area.

Riad Haddad told Russia's Sputnik news agency on Wednesday that the situation on the ground contradicts Turkey's claim about the end of its military campaign on Syrian soil.

"In practice, the Turkish side has not withdrawn its troops, which are currently in the north of the city of al-Bab, and are trying, with the help of factions that are allies of Turkey, to build a city there. I mean those terrorist groups which are located in the area, and thus they violate the territorial sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic," Haddad said.

Turkey launched its incursion into Syria on August 24, 2016, in an alleged bid to push Daesh terrorists from the border with Syria and stop the advance of Kurdish forces. Damascus condemned the campaign as an act of aggression.

In February, Turkey announced that it had seized al-Bab and referred to the Syrian cities of Manbij and Raqqah as its next targets.

On March 29, however, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the country's 'Operation Euphrates Shield' was complete, noting that any further military measures in Syria would by conducted under a different name.

"When we hear Turkey's claims that it is stopping its actions in Syria it is actually just one element of the information war. Furthermore, it is a blatant violation of the UN Charter, international law and all UN Security Council resolutions on Syria and on combating terrorism," Haddad said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Syrian envoy warned that Turkey had begun the process of seizing new lands in Idlib province, where it had also set up two camps to train anti-Damascus militants.

"This is not only an outrageous aggression against the sovereignty of the country, but against the people of Syria," he added, predicating that the Turkish forces were preparing for the construction of a wall to separate the lands they had occupied from the Syrian territory.

Turkey has unilaterally moved the border with Syria deeper into Syrian soil near the Afrin River, Haddad further pointed out.

"Turkey used the drying up of the Afrin River to the southwest of the town of Jindires and moved the barbed wire that marks the border deeper into our territory, as if it were Turkish land already. Therefore, Syrian soil is being captured," he added.

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Russia, West trade barbs over Syria attack in UNSC meeting

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 1:51PM

Representatives from Russia and Western countries have been engaged in a war of words during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) concerning a recent suspected chemical attack in Syria.

They clashed on Wednesday over a resolution drafted by Britain, France and the US, which condemned the suspected toxic gas attack in Syria's northwestern Idlib province and demanded a full investigation into Tuesday's incident.

Russia's Deputy Ambassador to the UN Vladimir Safronkov said such attacks were provoked by ex-US President Barack Obama's threat of military action if a "red line" was crossed and chemical weapons were used in Syria.

"That decision served as a starting point for future provocations by terrorists and extremist structures with the use of chemical weapons, they sought to discredit Damascus and to create a pretext for the use of military force against a sovereign state," he said.

Five permanent members of the Security Council, among them Russia, have the power to veto UN resolutions that need nine positive votes and no vetoes to pass.

Russia has on several occasions blocked anti-Damascus motions at the Security Council.

Western-proposed motion 'unacceptable'

Separately on Wednesday, Russia denounced as "unacceptable" the Western-proposed draft resolution.

"We do not believe it is expedient to pass a resolution on the chemical weapons attack in its present form," Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying on Wednesday.

Elsewhere in her comments, Zakharova questioned the data on which the latest proposed UN resolution was based, stressing that the motion would exacerbate tensions in Syria and the region.

"Unfortunately, based on totally fake information, the United States, France and Great Britain have once again planted - one cannot put it any other way - into the UN Security Council a draft resolution which has a completely anti-Syrian character," she said.

The motion "pre-empts the results of an investigation and just immediately designates the guilty," she added.

The suspected chemical attack targeted the town of Khan Shaykhun in Idlib province on Tuesday. It was followed by alleged air raids that hit a hospital where victims of the assault were being treated.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at 72.

Syria's opposition accused the Syrian government of bombing Khan Shaykhun with chemical munitions.

However, the Syrian army categorically denied the accusation about its involvement in the deadly attack, emphasizing that it "has never used them, anytime, anywhere, and will not do so in the future."

Russia's Defense Ministry said the deaths were caused when a Syrian air strike struck a "terrorist warehouse" used for making bombs containing "toxic substances."

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Syria struck terrorist chemical depot in Idlib: Russia

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 6:42AM

Russia says the Syrian Air Force recently hit a depot used by terrorists to make and store ammunition, including chemical weapons, in the Arab country's northeastern Idlib Province.

The Russian Defense Ministry's Spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov made the announcement on Tuesday, just after the United States and its allies rushed to accuse Syrian government forces of carrying out "a chemical attack" in the province earlier in the day.

A militant medical authority had put the death toll from the blast at more than 100, with hundreds more injured. The UK-based so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, however, gave a tally of 72, including 20 children, saying, "The death toll could rise further because there are people missing."

Konashenkov added that the same chemical munitions had already been used by militants in the northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo, where Russian military experts took samples in late 2016.

Moscow has already announced that it would continue its military operations in Syria in support of the Damascus government.

The Syrian army has roundly denied using "any chemical or toxic material" in the town, adding that it "has not used nor will use in any place or time, neither in past or in future."

Syria's Foreign Ministry also issued a separate statement on Tuesday, strongly denying the use of poisonous gas in Khan Shaykhun or any other Syrian city or village by the country's military and emphasizing that the Syrian Arab army did not possess any form of chemical weapons.

The Syrian government turned over its entire chemical stockpile under a deal negotiated by Russia and the United States back in 2013. The United Nations Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has overseen operations to remove the government chemical arsenal from Syria.

Meanwhile, Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, condemning "the suspected chemical attack" and demanding a full investigation.

Last November, the Russian military's chemical warfare defense unit carried out two bouts of search operations in Aleppo. It found unexploded shells containing traces of mustard gas during the first mission, and similar live ammunition holding chlorine and white phosphorus in the second.

Speaking to Press TV, political commentator and former US Army officer Scott Bennett offered his take on the Western accusations against Damascus.

"They have tried in the past to stop the Syrian success, stop [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad. They have played the chemical card before and it has come out that the chemical weapons did not belong to Syria, did not belong to President Assad, did not belong to the Russians," he said.

"In fact, they were engineered, manufactured and transported by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar," Bennet noted, referring to some of the countries, which stand accused of providing political, military and financial support to anti-government militants in Syria since 2011 in an effort to oust Assad.

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Gas attack in Syria 'consequence' of Obama approach, Trump says

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 2:8AM

US President Donald Trump has once again targeted his predecessor over his Syria policy following a suspected gas attack in the war-torn country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Trump called the deadly chemical attack in Syria's Idlib province as the "consequence" of former President Barack Obama's approach towards the country.

"Today's chemical attack in Syria against innocent people, including women and children, is reprehensible and cannot be ignored by the civilized world," Trump noted.

He also pointed the finger at the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the attack, further censuring Obama for not standing by his 2012 alleged red line of chemical weapons use in Syria.

"These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution," Trump claimed.

The Syrian army has categorically denied the accusations of being involved in a suspected chemical attack in Syria's northwestern Idlib province, which killed dozens of people on Tuesday.

In a statement carried by the official SANA news agency on Tuesday, the army stressed that "it has never used them (chemical weapons), anytime, anywhere, and will not do so in the future."

The army further blamed any use of chemical weapons on Syria's opposition and those who support them, noting that militants fabricate accusations of toxic gas attacks to divert attention from their failures on the ground.

Back in 2013, Trump repeatedly cautioned Obama in several tweets against the grave consequences of military intervention in Syria.

"AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA - IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE US GETS NOTHING!" he tweeted in September 2013.

"President Obama, do not attack Syria," he tweeted days later. "There is no upside and tremendous downside. Save your 'powder' for another (and more important) day!"

Since March 2011, Syria has been gripped by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies. Russia has been assisting the Syrian army in its counter-terrorism operations.

Washington has been leading a bombing campaign in Syria against what are said to be Daesh terrorists inside the country since September 2014 without any authorization from Damascus or a UN mandate. The strikes have led to a high number of civilian deaths.

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Trump Denounces 'Horrific' Syria Chemical Attack As U.S. Hints At Unilateral Action

RFE/RL April 05, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump has described a reported chemical attack in the Syrian province of Idlib that left more than 70 people dead and dozens injured as "an affront to humanity."

Speaking at a press conference in Washington with Jordan's King Abdullah, Trump added that the "horrific" incident cannot be tolerated and that it "crossed a lot of lines." He added that his view of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had "changed very much."

Asked whether he was changing his policy on Syria, Trump merely answered, "You'll see."

His comments came shortly before the United Nations Security Council adjourned an emergency session on the topic without voting on a resolution.

The United States and other Western countries accuse the Assad government of carrying out a chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun. Syria, and its ally Russia, have said Syrian warplanes bombed a factory where chemical weapons were stored.

U.S. intelligence officials have prepared an assessment that concludes the deaths and injuries were most likely caused by sarin nerve agent dropped by Syrian warplanes. An unidentified U.S. State Department official told Reuters that "Russia offers a set of false facts" in its assertion about the chemical-weapons storage facility.

At the Security Council session, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley criticized Russia and China for vetoing similar resolutions in the past.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our action," she said.

She called on Moscow to use its influence to compel Syria to "put an end to these horrific acts."

Earlier on April 5, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the draft Security Council resolution prepared by the United States, Britain, and France was "categorically unacceptable."

Speaking at the UN Security Council, Russian Deputy UN envoy Vladimir Safronkov called for "an objective inquiry" into what happened.

Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, who is among the president's closest advisers, posted on Twitter that she was "heartbroken and outraged by the images coming out of Syria following the atrocious chemical attack yesterday."

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and CNN

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/syria-chemical-attack-trump-assad- horrific-affront-to-humanity/28412758.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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Russia Rejects Draft UN Resolution On Apparent Syria Chemical Attack

RFE/RL April 05, 2017

Russia's Foreign Ministry has rejected a draft UN Security Council resolution condemning an apparent chemical-weapons attack in Syria's Idlib Province that left dozens killed and injured.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on April 5 that the resolution -- drafted by the United States, Britain, and France -- was "categorically unacceptable" and obviously was drawn up in haste.

The UN Security Council is holding emergency session to discuss the attack.

"The UN Security Council's draft resolution is anti-Syrian and can lead to more escalation in Syria and in the region as a whole," Zakharova also said.

At the same time, the international community continued to express condemnation of the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson noted the hundreds of thousands of people who have died during Syria's six-year civil war and said Assad "is responsible for the vast majority of the butcher's bill."

European Council President Donald Tusk said "the Syrian regime bears the primary responsibility for the atrocities." He added that "those who support the regime" share that responsibility.

Russia, a key backer of the Syrian government in its war against opponents, said on April 5 that Syrian planes had attacked the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province and asserted that the aircraft struck a weapons depot and ammunition factory. The Syrian government issued a similar statement the previous day.

In a statement on YouTube, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov claimed that the factory produced chemical weapons that were used in Iraq.

Konashenkov also claimed that the chemical munitions were used by rebels in the Syrian city of Aleppo last year.

A rebel commander called the Russian statement a lie, and a spokeswoman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Russia and Iran bear a share of responsibility for the attack because they back Assad.

Later, air strikes allegedly targeted medical facilities where victims of the attack were being treated.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights increased the death toll from the alleged chemical attack to 72. Half of those killed were children or women.

The Britain-based monitoring group was unable to say what chemical was involved, but local medical personnel said they suspected it was the nerve agent sarin.

Some victims appeared to show symptoms consistent with reaction to a nerve agent, the World Health Organization said on April 5.

Footage from the scene showed civilians choking and foaming at the mouth.

The symptoms of the victims shown on videos in social networks are "the same as they were in autumn of the previous year in Aleppo," Konashenkov said.

The Syrian government statement on April 4 said the attack was carried out by Russian-made Sukhoi Su-22 fighter bombers, which it said are not capable of deploying chemical weapons.

Russia has given Assad crucial military and diplomatic backing throughout the 6-year-old war in Syria, and stepped up its support by launching a campaign of air strikes against government opponents in September 2015.

Moscow and Damascus's claims have also received support from officials and state media in Iran, another key backer of Assad.

However, a commander of the Free Idlib Army rebel group, Hasan Haj Ali, called the Russian statement a "lie."

"Everyone saw the plane while it was bombing with gas," he told the Reuters news agency.

"There are no military positions there, or places for the manufacture [of weapons]," Ali added. "The various factions of the opposition are not capable of producing these substances."

A UN-led investigation has concluded that the Syrian government used chlorine as a weapon at least three time in 2014 and 2015. Damascus denied the charge, blaming rebel fighters.

Russia has blocked several previous resolutions that could have undermined Assad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said on April 5 that "as part of its argument," Russia would "present the facts which have already been laid out by our Defense Ministry."

He said the Russian military would continue what he called its "counterterrorist" operations in Syria.

French President Francois Hollande called on April 5 for "a reaction by the international community commensurate with this war crime," his office said in a statement.

Germany said it expected that "Russia, in the UN Security Council and elsewhere, not interfere in the search for those responsible ... but actively support it."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said on April 5 that Tehran "condemns any use of chemical weapons, regardless of who has used it and who are the victims."

He also called for "the chemical disarmament of armed terrorist groups."

On April 4, U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the attack as a "heinous" act by the Assad regime that "cannot be ignored by the civilized world."

He pointed the finger at his predecessor, Barack Obama, accusing Obama of "weakness and irresolution" on Syria.

UN Syrian envoy Staffan de Mistura said all indications were that "it was a chemical attack and it came from the air."

In Brussels, representatives from some 70 donor countries and organizations gathered on April 5 to drum up billions of dollars in aid for war-ravaged Syria.

Opening the conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for Syria's warring factions and their international backers to set aside their differences and bring an end to the conflict.

"Nobody is winning this war; everybody is losing," Guterres said. "It is having a detrimental and destabilizing effect on the entire region and it is providing a focus that is feeding the new threat of global terrorism."

At least 300,000 people have been killed and millions displaced by the war in Syria, which began with a government clampdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011.

With reporting by AFP, AP, Reuters, TASS, and Interfax

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/syria- suspected-chemical-attack-death- toll-rises/28411499.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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Trump Promises Response to Syrian Chemical Attack

Sputnik News

21:16 05.04.2017(updated 00:16 06.04.2017)

In the wake of the recent chemical attack that killed at least 70 people, including women and children, in the Idlib province of Syria, Trump was fired up about his administration's next steps in the region.

During his press conference with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Trump was quick to put the blame for the use of the weapons of mass destruction on the Syrian government.

"These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated," he emphasized.

The lethal gas attack "had a big impact on me," he added, saying that this changed his attitude toward President of Syria Bashar Assad.

The chemical attack was an "affront to humanity," he said, adding that the US is raising its voice with the global chorus denouncing the tragedy. Biochemical warfare against enemy militants and innocent civilians "cannot be tolerated," Trump said.

Assad responded to reports of the attack by saying that there are no chemical weapons left in Syria, making it impossible that the attack could have stemmed from the Syrian government.

Moscow succeeded in negotiating a deal with Damascus to oversee the elimination of its chemical weapons arsenal in 2014. In that same year, Russia and Syria completed the goal of destroying all the weapons under the direct supervision of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

The Russian and Syrian armed forces insist that Syrian forces did not use chemical weapons in the Idlib province or elsewhere. The two militaries agreed to launch a rigorous investigation into the tragedy on Wednesday. Earlier on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry suggested that an airstrike conducted by the Syrian Army could have destroyed a warehouse where the rebels kept their chemical weapons.

Last week, the Trump administration announced there was no choice but to "accept the political reality" of Assad's administration.

However, today Trump said that his strategy is to remain "flexible" with Syria, while noting that the attack will not go unnoticed.

"I now have responsibility" to respond to the chemical attack, Trump said. "When you kill innocent little babies" this crosses not just a red line but "many, many lines."

Nevertheless, Trump did not show his hand regarding how he would move forward in the Middle East. "I am not going to be telling anyone one way or another," he said.

 Sputnik

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Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis has said that the results of the parliamentary election held in the Netherlands give an opportunity to reassure that the ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union can be completed in the coming months.

"The results of the recent election in the Netherlands give reason to hope that in the coming months the Netherlands will finish the ratification of this agreement [Association Agreement]," the Prime Minister of Latvia said during the 10th Kyiv Security Forum in Kyiv on Thursday.

He noted that he expects completion of the process of granting a visa-free regime to Ukrainian citizens with the EU countries without delay.

In turn, Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis also expressed hope for an early ratification of the agreement on the association of Ukraine and the EU.
Trump Says Idlib Chemical Attack Won't Be Tolerated, Attitude to Assad Changed

Sputnik News

20:36 05.04.2017(updated 20:49 05.04.2017)

The chemical attack in Syria's Idlib province is an affront to humanity and cannot be tolerated, US President Donald Trump said in a joint press conference with Jordan's King Abdullah II on Wednesday. He added that his attitude to Syrian President Bashar Assad changed.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Syrian opposition claimed Tuesday forces loyal to President Bashar Assad had used a chemical gas on people in the northwestern province, killing nearly 80 and injuring 200. Assad argued his government has no chemical weapons after agreeing to have them destroyed in 2013. He also ruled out having used chemicals against own people.

"A chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria against innocent people  including women, small children and even beautiful little babies  their deaths was an affront to humanity," Trump stated.

Trump said the "heinous actions by the Assad regime" cannot be tolerated.

"It's very, very possible, and I will tell you it's already happened, that my attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much," Trump stated.

""When you kill innocent children, innocent babies with a chemical gas that is so lethal that crosses many, many lines," Trump stated. "Beyond a red line."

Meanwhile, Jordan's King Abdullah II said that the alleged chemical weapons attack is "another testament to the failure of the international diplomacy to find a solution to this crisis."

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier in the day that the US-UK-France-backed draft resolution on the chemical weapons in Syria is based on fake reports mosty from the White Helmets and the SOHR "which cannot be called reliable."

The Russian Defense Ministry said early Wednesday the airstrike near Khan Shaykhun was carried out by Syrian aircraft, which struck a terrorist warehouse that stored chemical weapons slated for delivery to Iraq.

 Sputnik

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Moscow Believes Ankara Serious About Commitment to Syrian Truce

Sputnik News

20:18 05.04.2017

Moscow believes that Ankara is serious in its commitment to the ceasefire in Syria and the two sides continue bilateral discussions of any existing disagreements, Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Zakharova added that Turkey and Russia had some differences on Syria but were holding bilateral discussions on them.

"We take as a premise that Turkey did not simply state its support for these processes that were launched, in particular, in Astana, but it took the responsibility These are commitments that were stated and affirmed at the highest level," Zakharova said, when asked if Ankara would be able to remain the guarantor of the ceasefire in Syria, given its disagreements with Damascus.

Earlier in the day, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad told Sputnik that Damascus considered Turkey "one of the countries that support terrorism." The ambassador accused Ankara of trying to create two new terrorist groups in Syria and violating Syria's sovereignty.

 Sputnik

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Kremlin on Idlib Attack: Russia to Continue Supporting Assad in War on Terror

Sputnik News

14:35 05.04.2017(updated 16:55 05.04.2017)

The Kremlin spokesman commented on the chemical attack in Idlib blamed by Western states on Damascus.

Russia will continue supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad in the fight against terrorism, Dmitry Peskov said.

Answering a question on whether Russia is going to continue supporting Assad after the chemical attack in Idlib even if Moscow risks deteriorating relations with the US, Peskov said that "Russia and its Armed Forces continue the operation to support the anti-terrorist operation to liberate the country carried out by the Syrian Arab Republic's army."

Syrian opposition claimed Tuesday forces loyal to President Bashar Assad had used a chemical gas on people in the northwestern province, killing nearly 80 and injuring 200. Assad argued his government has no chemical weapons after agreeing to have them destroyed in 2013. He also ruled out having used chemicals against own people.

When asked to comment on Western states' accusations blaming the Syrian president for the attack, Peskov said that he has "nothing to add to the facts voiced by the Russian Defense Ministry."

The Russian Defense Ministry said early Wednesday the airstrike near Khan Shaykhun was carried out by Syrian aircraft, which struck a terrorist warehouse that stored chemical weapons slated for delivery to Iraq.

Russia will present Russian Defense Ministry's data on an airstrike on a plant producing chemical weapons in Syria at the UN Security Council, Peskov added.

"As for Kremlin's plans, the plan is to continue the consistent line of the decisive fight against terrorism, which the Russian president has been conducting for years. We have repeatedly said that we lack international cooperation; and that happens not due to our fault. But despite this, Russia is determined to continue its efforts to combat terrorism," Peskov added.

Kremlin believes "apocalyptic musings" about potential Western airstrikes against Syrian government forces following a reported chemical attack in Syria's Idlib are unacceptable.

In 2013, the Syrian authorities agreed to transfer its stockpiled chemical weapons under international control for their subsequent destruction in order to prevent them from becoming available to militants operating in the country.

 Sputnik

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Global Chorus of Condemnation After Gas Attack in Syria

By Margaret Besheer, Peter Heinlein April 05, 2017

Britain, France and the United States strongly condemned Russia Wednesday during an emergency U.N. Security Council for its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his government's role in a suspected chemical weapons attack.

The attack in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun, in Idlib province, killed scores of people, including children, and sparked global moral outrage.

The World Health Organization said Wednesday the victims appear to show symptoms consistent with exposure to a nerve agent. An umbrella organization of Western relief groups put the death toll at 100, with more than 350 others stricken.

At a White House news conference Wednesday with visiting Jordanian King Abdullah, President Donald Trump described the attack as an "affront to humanity that cannot be tolerated.'" Asked whether he would consider a military response, the president was deliberately vague, "I'm not saying I'm doing anything one way or another."

King Abdullah said, "this is another testament to the failure of international diplomacy to find solutions to this crisis."

Security Council meeting

In New York, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told council members, "If nothing is done these attacks will continue. Assad has no incentive to stop using chemical weapons as long as Russia protects his regime from consequences."

She appeared to warn that if council members do not step up, the United States could act on its own.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," Haley warned. "For the sake of the victims, I hope the rest of the council is willing to do the same."

The fate of a draft U.N. resolution condemning the attack written by the United States, Britain and France remains in limbo, as Russia's envoy said at the emergency session he did think the time was right for such action.

Russia has "categorically denied" any role in the attack, blaming the incident on Syrian warplanes striking a warehouse or factory storing chemical weapons possessed by rebel forces. Syria's government repeatedly has denied using chemical weapons against civilians throughout the six-year war.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis said he deplored "the unacceptable massacre."

Expert analysis

A U.S. intelligence official said the strike in northern Idlib province "has the fingerprints of a regime attack." The official said if the Assad government's responsibility is confirmed, the number of dead and wounded "would make it the biggest incident like this since the Syrian regime's August 2013 Sarin attack on the Damascus suburbs."

When asked about the validity of Russia's assertion that Syrian warplanes struck a facility housing chemical weapons possessed by rebel forces, American expert Craig Williams told VOA, "Anything is possible, though it strikes me as a bit far-fetched."

Williams, an informal adviser to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a United Nations agency, says it is possible that Sarin gas stored in a building and hit by an airstrike using conventional weapons could be released.

"That could be one scenario, but it is not the most likely," he said. "If Sarin was stored there and hit by a missile, it would most likely be consumed in the subsequent fireball, but if any Sarin molecules escaped and weren't consumed in the explosion, then they would disperse. There are too many variables to take into account and I have no way of knowing from afar," he added.

"I think the most likely cause is that an agent was dropped by regime warplanes," he said.

In a statement Wednesday, Doctors Without Borders, a French humanitarian organization, said the symptoms being displayed by those caught up in the attack are consistent with exposure to chemical substances.

'Horrifying massacre'

The U.S. led coalition fighting the Assad forces urged U.N. officials to "open an immediate investigation" and take the necessary measures to ensure the officials, perpetrators and supporters are held accountable.

The reported attack on Khan Sheikhoun to the west of Aleppo and south of the city of Idlib, the provincial capital, is the third claimed chemical weapons attack in just over a week in Syria. Another two attacks blamed on the Syrian government were reported in Hama province, not far from Khan Sheikhoun.

Earlier this year, the New York-based Human Rights Watch accused the Syrian government of mounting eight chlorine gas attacks on insurgent-controlled areas during the final weeks of the battle for Aleppo. A joint investigation by the United Nations and international chemical weapons experts blamed the Syrian government for at least three chlorine attacks in 2014 and 2015.

Idlib province is one of the last strongholds of anti-Assad rebels and U.N. analysts estimate there are nearly one million displaced Syrians in the province, many from Aleppo.

VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin, White House Correspondent Peter Heinlein and VOA's Jamie Dettmer contributed to this report.

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Gap Widens Between US, Europe Over Syria

By Jamie Dettmer April 05, 2017

A gap is widening between the Trump administration and European allies over the future of President Bashar al-Assad and how to end the six-year war in Syria.

While U.S. officials have shifted the focus away from Assad having to relinquish power, European leaders remain adamant he has no future as ruler of Syria. His departure, they say, remains a crucial part of any solution to a conflict that has left an estimated 470,000 dead.

Following Tuesday's toxic gas attack on a town in northern Syria, the worst chemical weapons attack in the war since mid-2013, European leaders are intensifying their rhetoric. On Tuesday, Britain's Theresa May called "on all the third parties involved to ensure that we have a transition away from Assad."

European politicians gathered for an international conference hosted by the European Union in Brussels on Syria drew a link between what seems to be the use of a more deadly nerve agent than seen in previous claimed chemical weapons attacks, and the Trump administration's shift on Syria.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Assad's future was up to the Syrian people to decide, while the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said removing him was no longer a Washington priority.

On Monday, just hours before the gas attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, Haley hardened her rhetoric, referring to the Syrian leader as a "war criminal" guilty of "disgusting" actions against his people." She said Syrians "don't want Assad anymore."

In the wake of the chemical weapons attack, U.S. officials in Washington did not publicly indicate any likely shift in administration policy. The White House and U.S. State Department condemned the attack as "heinous," dubbing it a likely war crime.

But officials placed the emphasis on the need for Russia and Iran, Assad backers, to do something. Tuesday, the White House press secretary didn't outline any punitive steps in response to an attack the administration says was carried out by the Assad regime.

Russian, Iranian influence

Tillerson demanded Tuesday that Moscow and Tehran "exercise their influence over the Syrian regime and to guarantee this sort of horrific attack never happens again." He added that "Russia and Iran also bear great moral responsibility for these deaths."

On Wednesday, Moscow reiterated its denial the Assad regime was responsible for the attack that has left close to 100 dead, according to local activists, and more than 400 injured. Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement it believed a rebel "terrorist warehouse" was hit by a conventional airstrike from Syria's military, causing the release of "toxic substances."

The Defense Ministry claimed chemical weapons were being stored for use in neighboring Iraq. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konoshenkov said,"On the territory of the depot there were workshops, which produced chemical warfare munitions."

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said "all the evidence" he had seen in relation to the incident "suggests this was the Assad regime who did it in the full knowledge they were using illegal weapons in a barbaric attack on their own people."

Johnson added he did "not see how a government like that can continue to have any kind of legitimate administration over the people of Syria."

Focus on Assad

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said, "There is one thing which cannot happen, that a dictator who committed horrible crimes in the region remains untouched."

The European Union's foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini also said she could see no way Assad can remain as Syria's ruler. "It seems completely unrealistic to believe that the future of Syria will be exactly the same as it used to be in the past," she told reporters in Brussels.

But it is unclear what the Europeans can or would be willing to do without U.S. support, according to analysts.

They note that European influence on shaping international policy on the Syrian conflict is waning, despite the fact Europe is the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Syria. This week's EU co-hosted international conference on humanitarian assistance to Syria has attracted minimal participation from the United States, Russia and Turkey.

Instead of sending its foreign minister, Russia is only represented at the gathering by its EU ambassador, Vladimir Chizhov. Washington has sent the State Department's under-secretary for political affairs, Thomas Shannon. That contrasts with last year when then Secretary of State John Kerry attended.

Damascus calculation

Analyst Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute in Washington, says he believes Damascus has taken note of the Trump administration's policy shift when it comes to Assad's future and that may have shaped the decision behind launching Tuesday's attack.

"Assad also knows full well that the U.S. is increasingly distancing itself from any consideration of intervention in Syria, so what has Assad got to lose?" he argued. "If all he suffers is a few days of international condemnation, then he comes out of things just as secure as he was beforehand."

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Fears Over Damage to Syrian Dam as Battle For Raqqa Intensifies

By Henry Ridgwell April 05, 2017

As U.S.-backed coalition forces prepare for a final assault on the Islamic State de-facto capital Raqqa, there is a continuing push to expel fighters from nearby Tabqa dam.

The area is a key staging post on the Euphrates River close to the Syrian city that has long been an Islamic State stronghold. The dam is also a major security risk to people downstream, but U.S.-backed forces are denying claims by Islamic State fighters that it is in danger of collapse.

The dam complex came under mortar fire from Islamic State fighters last week, as Syrian engineers attempted to carry out urgent repairs on the four-kilometer long dam. They were forced to retreat, but did manage to open a spillway to relieve the pressure of water on the dam.

Syria analyst Kamal Alam of Britain's Royal United Services Institute said IS fighters may be spreading fears over a collapse as a delaying tactic.

"This was foreseen for the last six or seven months. The Syrian government was very clear when it said that this could be used as a tactic, which meant they would have to delay their operations, because there was a clamor for the Syrian Arab army to go in after Raqqa."

Tabqa has been an Islamic State stronghold since 2014 and it is believed many of its senior commanders are based there. The town is a key target of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as they approach nearby Raqqa.

Residents of villages downstream fear Islamic State could still attempt to blow up the dam.

"We are really scared about the dam. People came and said that IS were going to blow it up. If they blow it up it, we won't have any water, we will die of thirst. There won't be any more water, and that will mean death," said Raheel Hassan Mahmoud, a resident of Bir Hussein al-Hammud village next to the dam.

Destruction of the dam by IS would also cause catastrophic flooding in towns and cities downstream, said Alam.

"Maybe as a final act of desperation, they could. Again, it goes to show what level they would go to damage civilian populations. But I don't think there's any indication at the moment that they will do it. I think coalition airstrikes are also a big threat. And the coordination in the air has not been so apparent in recent months."

Militias fighting under the SDF alliance said the final assault on Raqqa will begin in the coming days.

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No official word on sale of F-35 jets from U.S.: Defense Ministry

ROC Central News Agency

2017/04/05 17:03:15

Taipei, April 5 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday that there has been no official word from the United States on sales of F-35 fighter jets, after Japanese media reported recently that Washington has a plan to sell Taiwan F-35s.

Asked by a lawmaker about the ministry's attitude if the U.S. is willing to sell F-35s to Taiwan, Wu Pao-kun (), head of the ministry's department for strategy planning, said during a hearing in the Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee that Taiwan would welcome the move.

Taiwan is seeking aircraft with short-take off and vertical-landing capabilities and thus needs F-35s, Wu told lawmakers.

Wednesday's hearing came after Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported earlier this week that the U.S. is planning to sell Taiwan F-35s and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system.

It became the focus of Wednesday's interpellation.

In response to lawmakers' questions on whether Taiwan has received related information on such arms sales, Wu, however, said there has been no official word from Washington.

On the issue of the THAAD system, Wu reiterated Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan's () stance, saying that Taiwan has no need of the deployment of THAAD in the short term. He also noted that the radar in the long-range early-warning radar (EWR) system in Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan, has similar functions to that of THAAD.

Meanwhile, following recent U.S. media reports that the U.S. is expected to announce new arms sales to Taiwan, possibly after a summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, Reuters also reported on March 17 that "the Trump administration is crafting a big new arms package for Taiwan that could include advanced rocket systems and anti-ship missiles to defend against China," citing unnamed U.S. officials.

(By Lu Hsin-hui and Elaine Hou)

ENDITEM/J

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Taiwan to draw on submarine upgrade experience to build own subs

ROC Central News Agency

2017/04/05 15:37:15

Taipei, April 5 (CNA) Taiwan will draw on the experience of an ongoing program to upgrade two of its aging submarines to support a project to build the country's own submarines, an institute contracted to conduct the programs said Wednesday.

National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) officials said in a report prepared for a legislative hearing Wednesday that the institute has completed an evaluation of periscope upgrades for the two Chien Lung-class submarines and has begun reviewing a design to upgrade their weapons systems.

That experience, the report said, will help support the defense ministry's indigenous submarine project.

The report said the institute is discussing a design for the weapons systems of the planned home-grown submarines and other issues with shipbuilder CSBC Corp. -- the contractor of Taiwan's indigenous submarines.

A total of NT$2.9 billion (US$95.34 million) will be budgeted from December 2016 to December 2020 for the design of the ships, according to a report presented by the Ministry of National Defense to the Legislature on the country's indigenous submarine and jet trainer programs.

Military officials added at Wednesday's hearing that the local submarine program aims to build eight ships and will still need assistance and technologies from the United States to carry out the program.

In late March, CSBC Corp. and the NCSIST signed a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan's Navy in Kaohsiung to jointly build submarines for the military.

The first home-grown submarines will be built within eight years and will be able to be commissioned into service within a decade, the shipbuilder said.

As for the program to upgrade the two Chien Lung-class submarines Taiwan purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s, the NCSIST said in its report that it will refer to the design of weapons systems on other naval ships and enlist the help of foreign defense companies to extend the life of the aging submarines.

The program will also rely primarily on domestically manufactured components in an attempt to boost the country's defense industry, the report said.

Taiwan has long tried to acquire submarines from other countries with little success because of their reluctance to upset China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory rather than recognizing it as an independent state.

U.S. President George W. Bush authorized the sale of eight diesel electric submarines to Taiwan in 2001, but the deal never came to fruition because of political wrangling in Taiwan and questions over whether the U.S., which did not produce conventional submarines at the time, could actually supply the vessels.

Taiwan currently has four submarines in Navy's fleet, including two World War II-era ships purchased from the U.S. in the 1970s.

As for the indigenous advanced jet trainer program, a design for the aircraft's exterior and interior has been completed and an initial review of the design of the aircraft is scheduled for May, the NCSIST said in its report.

The first aircraft under the program, which has a budget of NT$68.6 billion, is expected to be rolled out by the end of 2019, it said.

(By Lu Hsin-hui and Elaine Hou)

ENDITEM/ls

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President Tsai receiving briefings on Trump-Xi meeting: official

ROC Central News Agency

2017/04/05 16:55:15

Taipei, April 5 (CNA) A national security team has been giving President Tsai Ing-wen () regular briefings to keep her informed on the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (), the Presidential Office spokesman said Wednesday.

Alex Huang () said the team has recently invited related government agencies for intensive discussions and has gathered information on regional and international developments for analysis and forecasting and to draft contingency plans.

At the same time, Taiwan has maintained good communications with the United States, and the U.S. has continued to explain its policies to Taiwan ahead of the meeting, scheduled for April 6 and 7 at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

It will be the first time the two leaders have met in person.

Members of Congress as well as scholars at think tanks friendly to Taiwan have also continued to speak up for Taiwan ahead of the meeting, stressing the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, he said.

Huang said the United States is the most important ally of Taiwan internationally.

"We also understand that the U.S. government attaches great importance to peace and stability in East Asia, and this includes the continuation of good Taiwan-U.S. relations. A stable East Asia is crucial to U.S. interests," Huang said.

Taiwan, as a member of the international community, will continue to develop a solid cooperative relationship with the U.S. and contribute to peace and stability in the region, he said.

The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) was adopted in 1979 to maintain commercial, cultural and other unofficial relations between the U.S. and Taiwan after Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing.

Under the Six Assurances given to Taiwan in 1982 by then-President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. pledges not to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, not to hold prior consultations with China regarding arms sales to Taiwan, and not to play a mediation role between Taiwan and China.

They also include assurances that the U.S. will not revise the TRA, alter its position regarding Taiwan's sovereignty, or pressure Taiwan to enter into negotiations with China.

(By Sophia Yeh and Lilian Wu)

enditem/ls

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Royal Navy boat chases Spanish warship out of Gibraltar waters

Iran Press TV

Wed Apr 5, 2017 7:46AM

A British Royal Navy patrol boat chased a Spanish warship out of Gibraltar's territorial waters in the latest spat between the UK and Spain over the disputed enclave's future after Brexit.

The face-off occurred Tuesday just hours after Spain advised Britain to "calm down" as tensions continued to rise between the two countries.

The British Foreign Office defended the decision to order the Spanish vessel, Infanta Cristina, out of Gibraltar's waters, describing the incident as an unlawful maritime incursion.

"The Royal Navy challenges all unlawful maritime incursions into British Gibraltar territorial waters  and did so again on this occasion," an FCO spokesperson stated.

A short video of the incident was posted on Gibraltar's official Twitter page.

Gibraltar is a strategic British territory located at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern tip of Spain's Iberian Peninsula with an area of 6.7 square kilometers.

The territory was ceded to Britain in 1713 as part of the Treaty of Utrecht. However, Spain does not recognize the waters as sovereign British overseas territory and has made it clear that it wants the enclave back.

Spain frequently sends ships to patrol Gibraltar's waters, but the enclave's role in the Brexit negotiations added a sense of urgency to the latest confrontation.

The incident came days after former Conservative leader Michael Howard suggested the UK government should be prepared to go to war to protect the overseas territory.

Tensions heightened after the European Union declared that Spain would have a veto on the inclusion of Gibraltar in any post-Brexit trade agreement with Britain.

After Britain's exit from the EU, Madrid believes Gibraltarians may choose to rejoin Spain to remain connected to the bloc.

London has insisted that Gibraltar is "not for sale," vowing it would protect the overseas territory after Brexit.

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Corruption in Ukraine remains serious obstacle to reforms and investments - Estonian PM

Prime Minister of Estonia Juri Ratas has said that corruption in Ukraine remains a serious obstacle to reforms and weakens the business climate.

"Corruption remains a serious obstacle to reforms and it harms your image in the European Union, it weakens the business climate, hinders foreign investment," the prime minister of Estonia said during the 10th Kyiv Security Forum in Kyiv on Thursday.

According to Ratas, the Ukrainian authorities need to cooperate more actively with non-governmental public organizations in the fight against corruption.
UK personnel arrive in Poland and Estonia

5 April 2017

The British Army's Light Dragoons have arrived in Poland as part the UK commitment to NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe.

The British Army's Light Dragoons have arrived in Poland as part the UK commitment to NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe, taking the total deployment in the region to nearly 1,000.

Supporting the US led battle group in Poland, 150 UK personnel have travelled from their base in Catterick Garrison to arrive this week in Orzysz, Poland in Jackal and Coyote light reconnaissance vehicles.

The regiment will be based in Poland for at least six months, when they will be replaced by another unit to carry on our enduring commitment to the region.

Meanwhile the arrival of the remaining UK personnel into Estonia this week, forming part of a nearly 800-strong British-led battle group, means nearly 1000 troops are providing deterrence in Eastern Europe.

Soldiers from 5 Rifles battle group, based in Bulford, Wiltshire and The Queen's Royal Hussars, based in Paderborn, Germany, have travelled to Estonia to work under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mark Wilson.

The commitments in the Baltic region will be augmented by the deployment of RAF Typhoon aircraft to Romania later this year, to carry out a NATO Air Policing mission in the Black Sea.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

"The UK is stepping up its support for NATO's collective defence through our deployments across the alliance."

"British personnel are playing a leading role in NATO: delivering deterrence and defence in Estonia and Poland and air policing in Romania underlines our commitment to the security of Europe."

On Monday, Defence Minister Earl Howe, joined by His Excellency Mr Lauri Bambus, Estonian Ambassador, bade farewell to Estonia-bound personnel at RAF Brize Norton.

Defence Minister Earl Howe said:

"The men and women of 5 Rifles have travelled to Estonia as a part of the biggest reinforcement of NATO's collective defence in a generation, standing by our allies and working closely with forces from across the Alliance."

The final UK vehicles also departed Marchwood, UK last week, carrying nearly 200 vehicles including Warriors and Panthers vehicles.

Last week also saw two trains carrying French vehicles arrive in Tapa, Estonia, supporting the UK-led battalion.

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It is the event which puts Brockworth on the map across the globe and it looks like 2019's Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling could make history.

This year's event will have a guaranteed new men's champion after

Chris, who smashed Stephen Gyde's record of 20 wins, with his brace of victories last year will be taking a break from the annual race at Cooper's Hill.

So if you fancy taking his crown or joining the crowds on the side of the hill here is everything you need to know about Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire and how to take part.

(Image: Simon Pizzey)

When is Cheese Rolling in 2019?

Cooper's Hill Cheese Roll and Wake takes place on the second bank holiday in May every year. This year's event will be on May 27.

What is Cheese Rolling?

The tradition dates back centuries. Some say it was all about claiming grazing rights on the common and land around Cooper's Hill, others reckon it could have been a fertility ritual. Nowadays Cheese Rolling is officially an extreme sport, with competitors heading to Gloucester from across the globe.

It involves chasing a 9lb Double Gloucester cheese down the near vertical slopes of the hill. First runner to the bottom wins and the cheese is the prize. The aim is to catch the cheese but given it travels at speeds of up to 70mph it is near on impossible.

The cheese is release by the Master of Cheese - last year's master made it to the top of the hill despite having his leg in plaster.

(Image: Simon Pizzey)

Where does the race take place?

Cooper's Hill, just outside Brockworth. The slope is so steep it is almost concave in places.

How can I enter the Cheese Rolling?

If you are brave enough to tackle the hill all you need to do is turn up on the day and head to the top. There are several races for men and women as well as a children's race which goes up hill.

Volunteers from Brockworth Rugby Club are waiting at the bottom of the hill to catch runners but be warned, injuries are common. Last year's women's champ Flo Early (below) dislocated her shoulder on the way to her victory, not that it stopped her claiming her Double Gloucester.

(Image: Simon Pizzey)

In 2014, Lacey Matthews broke her neck and severely injured her spine, but returned again in 2017 to attempt to complete the 200-year-old tradition without any injuries.

She explained: "It's tradition! It goes so quickly and is amazing.

"My knees do feel painful, but I did slide down on my bum this time to be safe!"

Where can I park?

Don't event think about parking near Cooper's Hill - the roads around the slope, including the A46 will be closed. A full list of road closures will be available nearer the event but is likely to include the main A46 and surrounding roads.

The event is entirely run by volunteers, most of whom have taken part in the race themselves at some point. There were attempts to make Cheese Rolling a commercial event a few years ago but organisers ran into difficulties when it came to insurance so the event remains free to attend, at your own risk.

Cheeses are supplied by the Smart family of Birdwood and are made specially for the event. It is wrapped in wood for the race and decorated with a red and a blue ribbon.
The issue of organizing a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the U.S., Donald Trump, is still under discussion, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, has said.

"The discussion on the date and everything else is underway," she told journalists in Kyiv on Thursday.

Yovanovitch said that the issue of such a meeting is important both for Ukraine and the U.S., and each side is interested in holding the meeting at the highest possible level of organization.

"You know that it's about the schedule and all the rest, and we want this meeting to be prepared as best as possible," the U.S. ambassador said.
CHATHAM  A juvenile has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder for a Wednesday evening homicide in Blairs, Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor said at a news conference Thursday.

The 17-year-old Pittsylvania County resident left the state and was arrested by authorities in South Carolina on Thursday morning.

The suspect is in custody at a facility in South Carolina, awaiting extradition.

Taylor did not name the suspect.

At 9:18 p.m. Wednesday, deputies went to Kadesh Court in the Blairs community and find the body of Demetrius Lee Brown, 18, in the highway, according to a news release from the sheriffs office.

Brown lived on Kadesh Court, Taylor added.

The body was transported to the Medical Examiners Office to determine the cause of death.

Until the medical examiner returns the cause and manner of death, we will not speculate on that, Taylor said at the news conference.

Investigators established a suspect and later probable cause that the suspect had committed the crime, Taylor said.

Pittsylvania County Commonwealths Attorney Bryan Haskins was on scene for the majority of the evening, Taylor said.

Haskins authorized the issuance of a petition against a male juvenile, charging him with the first-degree murder of Brown.

The investigation led deputies to learn the suspect had left Virginia.

An alert was made to law enforcement for the teenager and his vehicle. He was located in Colleton County, South Carolina, after a short pursuit, Taylor said.

The teenager is being held at a South Carolina detention facility, awaiting extradition to Virginia.

In the afternoon, Pittsylvania County sheriffs deputies returned to the scene of the crime to continue their investigation.

Taylor clarified that Wednesdays homicide and the homicide in Bedford County from last week were unrelated.

In both incidents, a body was found dead in the middle of the street.

At this point in the investigation, authorities do not see any connection between the two homicides, Taylor said.

The Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office continues their investigation into the incident.
LEXINGTON  A Confederate flag too big and too tall to be missed is not harmonious with commercial development in a tourism corridor and cannot be flown, a review board decided Wednesday.

The decision by Rockbridge Countys Tourism Corridor Overlay Review Board was the latest setback for the Virginia Flaggers, an organization that seeks to fight criticism of the Confederate flag with super-sized displays of the banner in high-visibility places.

Cited with zoning violations, the Flaggers were forced last month to take down a 20-by-30-foot flag, mounted on a pole more than 80 feet high, that was put up in January along U.S. 60 just west of Lexington.

In an effort to raise their flag again, this time from a spot that did not violate setback requirements, the Flaggers sought approval from the TCO board.

County officials were quick to say their decision was not a political statement about the flag, which is seen by many as a symbol of racism and defended by others as a tribute to Confederate history.

This is obviously not a flag issue, Assistant Director of Community Development Chris Slaydon said. This is a scale issue and a proportionality issue.

The TCO board oversees commercial development within 1,000 feet of several highways designated by the county as tourism corridors, including U.S. 60, also known as Midland Trail, U.S. 11 and parts of Virginia 39.

A motion made by board member Tim Welsh to deny the application, which was approved 4-0, stated that the size of the proposed flag is not harmonious and is inconsistent with other commercial development in the area and other areas within the TCO district.

Barry Isenhour of the Flaggers, who attended the meeting, said afterward that the group plans to appeal. The next step would be to take the application to the county board of supervisors.

Isenhour said that while the boards stated concerns were about the flags height, he suggested that the decision was really based on distaste for the Confederate flag.

If this had been the U.S. flag, I dont think they would have had a problem with it, he said.

As it was before, the flag would have been placed on private property owned by Edward and Kristopher Camden. The Camdens lease their land to the owner of the 60 West Pawn Shop, Brian Rowsey, who has complained about being harassed by the county over the flag.

Before its vote, the board invited public comments and heard from six area residents  all of them opposed to such a prominent display of the Confederate flag.

It will affect tourism, and not necessarily in a positive way, Maxine McConnell said of what she called a symbol of racism and hatred across the country.

Fred Massey said that while he respects free speech and property rights, a 20-by-30 foot flag is too extreme of an expression.

Theres got to be another way for people to honor the honorable aspects of their Southern heritage, he said.

Had the Flaggers won approval from the TCO board, they still would have needed a building permit from Rockbridge County.

Shortly after the flag was hoisted during a celebration of Lee-Jackson Day in January, county officials informed the Flaggers of several zoning violations. The flagpole violated rules that require a structure  in this case defined as something taller than 30 feet  to sit at least 20 feet away from the right-of-way of a public road.

While a new proposed location on the 60 West Pawn Shop lot satisfies the setback requirements, the TCO board still had concerns about the flags height.

A review of 15 other flagpoles in tourism corridors found only one that exceeded the height of the building next to where it stood, Slaydon said. The Flaggers flag was four times the height of the pawn shop building.

The Flaggers currently have three other flags in the area, two in Rockbridge County and one in Lexington, and more than 20 others across the state. The U.S. 60 flag was the first one in the area to be cited for zoning violations.

With its rich Civil War history, Lexington has become a hotspot for displays of the rebel flag.

In 2011, the Lexington City Council voted to allow only city, state and national flags to be flown from city-owned light poles. The Sons of Confederate Veterans considered that a violation of their free speech rights, but their legal challenge to the ordinance failed.

Supporters of the Confederacy were also angered by a decision by Washington and Lee University to remove replica battle flags from the schools Lee Chapel after a group of law students said they were offended by the display.

For every controversy, Isenhour said, his organization becomes more determined to find new places to fly its flag.

There will be more flags in Rockbridge County, he said.
The Launch Place is investing $250,000 in a home automation company that plans to expand its operations in the Dan River Region and bring jobs to the area.

TiO will grow its operations by hiring additional employees with an extensive long-term plan through 2020, according to a news release from the Launch Place.

We are thrilled to announce The Launch Place as an investor in our line of common sense home automation products, TiO President and CEO Sanjay Patel said in a prepared statement. With the support of the Launch Place, we will be able to further expose our brand to builders and custom installers throughout the United States.

TiO provides a home system that involves complete wireless control and an automation ecosystem including hardware and software. It includes music and lighting control, climate, cameras, security, televisions and other devices to provide control of everything from an app.

The investment marks the 13th for the Launch Place, totaling $2.5 million. The organization announced a $250,000 investment in iScribes last month.

Were growing the area by investing in companies one at a time, said Jimmy McGarry, who serves on the board of directors for The Launch Place, during the announcement at the organizations office downtown Wednesday morning.

TiO has locations in Raleigh, North Carolina, and in Florida, and will add a location in the same building as The Launch Place at 527 Bridge St., Patel said. He hopes to initially add one or two employees, and five to seven over the next couple of years, he said. Positions would be in accounting, finance and marketing.

Patel said he wasnt sure what salaries would be, but they would pay $50,000 minimum.

TiO (turn it on) chose Danville because its a growing area, Patel said.

In return for the investment, The Launch Place has an equity stake in the company and TiO has made a commitment to create jobs in the region.

We are very impressed with the solution they have built as well as the niche market potential for the company to really grow, Launch Place President and CEO Eva Doss said in a prepared statement.

The Launch Place is co-investing with angels across the Southeast including VentureSouth, one of the largest angel investment groups in the U.S. that manages angel groups and funds comprised of more than 200 accredited investors across the southeast.

The company has been recognized by Sound & Vision, a leading audio visual publication, McGarry said.

TiO has been selected as the home automation provider for Shenandoah Homes, which controls more than 1,000 housing lots in seven communities in several stages of construction in Wake, Durham and Johnston counties in North Carolina, and plans to close 200 or more homes in the Raleigh metro area in 2017.

The Launch Place, from a $10 million grant from the Danville Regional Foundation in 2012, helps with entrepreneurship and business development, job creation and retention through consulting, mentoring and training, residential and office subsidies and two seed investment funds in the Dan River Region.
Vancouver, BC (FSCwire) - Equitas Resources Corp. (TSXV: EQT) (FSE: T6UN) (USA: EQTRF) (Equitas or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has closed the non-brokered private placement previously announced on February 22, 2017.

The Company has raised $387,891 through the issuance of 1,616,214 units (Units) at a price of $0.24 per Unit (the Issue Price).

Each Unit consists of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.33 per warrant share for a period of twenty-four months from the issue date. No finders fees are payable in respect of this financing.

Insiders subscribed for 312,501 units of for proceeds of $75,000. Each insiders subscription constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101) and Policy 5.9  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company is relying on an exemption available from the formal valuation requirements under Section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 and an exemption available from minority approval requirements under Section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the fair market value of the transactions with the insiders do not exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization.

Equitas intends to use the net proceeds for a drilling program on the Company's mineral properties in Brazil, and for general working capital purposes.

All the securities are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing.

The Company has raised a total of $2,925,893 in financings since January this year.

The Company also announces that it has granted 2,380,000 stock options to directors, consultants, and officers of the Company. The stock options are exercisable for a term of five years at an exercise price of $0.28 per common share under the terms of the Companys Stock Option Plan.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

EQUITAS RESOURCES CORP.

Alan Carter

Alan Carter

President

Tel: 604.676.5660

info@equitasresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor it 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 in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Companys actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this news release include the proposal to raise funds and the intended use of proceeds, assuming that the private placement is completed. Risks and uncertainties include the state of the markets and the market for the Companys securities. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include that Equitas is unable to complete all or a portion of the financing. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update these forward looking statements.

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/equitas04052017.pdfSource: Equitas Resources Corp. (TSX Venture:EQT, FWB:T6UP)

To follow Equitas Resources Corp. on your favorite social media platform or financial websites, please click on the icons below.

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During the last 24 hours the National Police of Ukraine criminal investigators have expelled two citizens of Georgia, criminal gang leaders known as Gia and Tengo Galsky," police chief Serhiy Kniazev said on Thursday.

"Gia, 39, a citizen of Georgia, spent 12 years in jail for committing serious crimes," the National Police said on its website.

According to Kniazev, 34-year old criminal boss Tengiz Chara, known by his nickname Tengo Galsky, was sentenced by a Tbilisi court to 11 years in jail.

Criminal investigators in Kyiv arrested Tengo in Kyiv last year and expelled him for three years, but he returned.

"Tengo attempted to continue his criminal career. However, criminal detectives found out about it and expelled him for the second time," Kniazev said.
Annexure A





SECURITIES TRADING POLICY





1. INTRODUCTION







This Code for Trading in Securities (Code) sets out the requirements for Employees trading in Company Securities. In order to ensure that Employees do not inadvertently breach the insider trading or tipping provisions of the Corporations Act or applicable Canadian securities laws or rules, Employees are only permitted to trade in Company Securities in limited circumstances determined by this Code. The circumstances in which Employees are not permitted to trade in Company Securities are called 'closed periods' and are determined by the provisions of this Code.





Even outside closed periods, Employees are required to seek the written approval of the Chair or his or her delegate prior to any trading in Company Securities.





Trading in Company Securities by Employees is subject to the overriding restriction that persons may not trade in any Securities when they are in possession of Inside Information. This overarching restriction applies even where the trading occurs outside a closed period as specified within this Code.





It is the responsibility of any Employee contemplating a trade in securities of the Company to determine prior to such trade whether he or she knows, or ought reasonably to know, any information that is not generally available and that may have a material effect on the price or value of Company Securities, as that constitutes Inside Information. If in doubt, the Employee should consult with the Chair or his or her delegate. In addition, clause 4 of this Code requires that Employees pre-clear all trades in securities of the Company.





2. PROHIBITED CONDUCT UNDER INSIDER TRADING PROVISIONS







2.1. The Company







As a matter of law, all Employees must not purchase, sell or otherwise trade in Company Securities (including shares, debentures, options over unissued shares or debentures, renounceable or unrenounceable rights to shares or debentures and any derivative products) with the knowledge of Inside Information until two full trading days after the disclosure to the public of the Inside Information, whether by way of press release, conference call or a filing made with each of the relevant securities regulatory authorities in Canada and Australia.





2.2. Other Companies







The laws regarding insider trading extend to trading in securities of any companies (including, for example, companies in a joint venture with the Company) about which a person possesses material price sensitive information which is not generally available or has not been generally disclosed. The restrictions set out in this Code apply to all Employees both with respect to trading in the securities of another company while in possession of such information and with respect to communicating such information.





3. POLICY FOR TRADING IN SECURITIES







3.1. Trading With Clearance







Subject to the restriction that no Employee must trade in any Securities when they are in possession of Inside Information, and subject to clause 3.2, Employees may only trade in Securities if the Employee has complied





3.2. Closed Periods







An Employee may not trade in Company Securities if:





(a) the Company Secretary has issued an instruction prohibiting trading in Company Securities by Employees, which instruction shall contain a reminder that the fact that there is a trading prohibition instruction may itself constitute Inside Information or cause rumours and must be kept confidential;







(b) it is the day or the two days following the day on which the Company has made, or is expected to make, an announcement to the ASX, TSX or publicly; or







(c) he or she has not complied with clause 4.







4. CLEARANCE REQUESTS







All Employees wishing to trade in Company Securities are required to seek written approval from the Chair of the Board or his or her delegate.





5. EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN TRADING MAY TAKE PLACE







In exceptional circumstances where, as a result of demonstrable financial hardship (such as the threat of foreclosure on the residence in respect of a person or mortgage, a judgement in respect of a debt being obtained by a creditor, or a court order in a family law matter), an Employee is obliged to dispose of Company Securities during a closed period, the Chair and/or Managing Director may give written approval to proceed to sell an agreed number of Company Securities during a closed period within a specified time frame. Such specified time frame must only be for a limited period, for example expiring on the earlier of five Business Days or the day on which such person gains knowledge of Inside Information. The Employee seeking approval to trade must satisfy the Chair and/or Managing Director that he or she does not have knowledge of Inside Information and is in severe financial hardship or that their circumstances are otherwise exceptional and that the proposed sale or disposal of the relevant securities is the only reasonable course of action available.





The closing date during which Securities can be traded should be notified to the Employee and the Company Secretary. The Company may require the Employee to swear a statutory declaration in support of their claim of financial hardship.





6. PROHIBITION AGAINST TIPPING







Employees are prohibited from communicating Inside Information to any person outside the Company, unless: (a) disclosure is in the necessary course of the Company's business provided that the person receiving such information first enters into a confidentiality agreement in favour of the Company (which should contain, among other things, an acknowledgement by the recipient of the requirements of applicable securities laws relating to such recipient trading securities with knowledge of a material fact or material change in respect of the Company that has not been generally disclosed and to such recipient disclosing information to another person or company such material fact or material change) and the disclosure is made pursuant to the proper performance by such Employee of his or her duties on behalf of the Company; (b) disclosure is compelled by law; or (c) disclosure is expressly authorized by the Chair or his or her delegate.





Subject to the above, Inside Information is to be kept strictly confidential by all Employees until after it has been generally disclosed. Discussing Inside Information within the hearing of, or leaving it exposed to, any person who has no need to know is to be avoided at all times. Employees with knowledge of Inside Information shall not encourage any other person or company to trade in the securities of the Company, regardless of whether the Inside Information is specifically communicated to such person or company.





If any Employee has any doubt with respect to whether any information is Inside Information or whether disclosure of Inside Information is in the necessary course of business, the individual is required to contact the Chair or his or her delegate.





7. SHORT TERM TRADING IN COMPANY SECURITIES







Short-term trading refers to trading in and out of Company Securities over a short period. Employees are prohibited from engaging in short-term trading of Company Securities within one month. For the purposes of this clause 7, exercising options is not included in the concept of short-term trading.





8. PASSIVE TRADING IN COMPANY SECURITIES







Employees may participate during closed periods in the passive acquisition of Company Securities in plans approved by the Company's Board, such as dividend reinvestment plans, share purchase plans and rights issues, with the proviso that an election to participate, once given, cannot be revoked during a closed period.





The exercise of options is permitted during a closed period in accordance with the terms and conditions of those options, however, the Securities issued in respect of such options or share purchase plan are subject to this Code and may not be traded during a closed period, including the closed period in which the Securities have been acquired.





9. PROHIBITION OF CREDIT







Broker credit (beyond T+3), margin lending or leveraged equity providers (by whatever name and under whatever guise) must not be used in relation to Company Securities without the fully informed consent of the Board.





Employees must inform the Board of all details concerning any broker credit, margin lending or leveraged equity arrangements in place in respect of any trading (including, without limitation, prospective trading) in Company Securities.





10. HEDGING







Employees are prohibited under this Code from entering into any schemes or arrangements that protect the value of Securities allocated under Company incentive schemes prior to them becoming fully vested. Any breach of this prohibition will also constitute a breach of the conditions of grant and could result in the forfeiture of the Securities.





11. BREACH OF CODE







A breach of this Code by an Employee can be expected to:





(a) lead to disciplinary action, generally in the form of dismissal or termination of the relationship at first lawful instance, and any person who is suspected of breaching this Code may be suspended from attending the workplace on full pay pending the outcome of investigations into the alleged breach); and







(b) be reported to the authorities for investigation if the circumstances warrant, in the view of the Company; and







(c) lead to criminal liability (substantial fines or imprisonment or both) or civil liability (substantial fines or compensation orders).







Where a company is found to have committed an offence, the directors, officers and supervisory personnel of the company may be subject to the same or additional penalties. In addition, an actual or suspected breach of this Code may give rise to adverse public scrutiny and media comment. It is therefore important that Employees adhere to this Code at all times.





12. DISCLOSURE







Any trading in Company Securities by Employees must be notified to the Company Secretary within three days of such trading, including whether the Securities were traded during a closed period, and the details of the prior written clearance obtained in accordance with clause 4.





13. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS







The directors, certain officers and certain other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are "Reporting Insiders" under applicable securities laws. Reporting Insiders are required to file reports of any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities of the Company and of any change in such ownership, control or direction with Canadian provincial securities regulators, using the electronic filing system known as SEDI. In addition, Reporting Insiders must also include in their reports any monetization, non-recourse loan or similar arrangement, trade or transaction that changes the Reporting Insider's economic exposure to, or interest in, securities of the Company and which may not necessarily involve a sale, whether or not required under applicable law.





It is the responsibility of each Reporting Insider (and not the Company) to comply with these reporting requirements, and Reporting Insiders are required to provide the Chair or his or her delegate with a copy of any insider report completed by the Reporting Insider concurrent with or in advance of its filing. The Company will assist Reporting Insiders in the preparation and filing of insider reports upon request. To facilitate timely filings, Reporting Insiders should provide the Chair or his or her delegate with information about any trade subject to insider reporting within 24 hours of such trade being made.





Some officers of the Company or its subsidiaries may be eligible to be exempted by applicable securities law from the requirements to file insider reports.





A person that is uncertain as to whether he or she is a Reporting Insider or whether he or she may be eligible to be exempted from these requirements should contact the Chair or his or her delegate. Reporting Insiders who are exempted from these requirements remain subject to all of the other provisions of applicable Canadian and Australian securities law and this Code, (including for the avoidance of doubt, the requirements under Accounting Standard AASB 124 Related Party Disclosure that applies to key management personnel).





14. ENFORCEMENT







All Employees will be provided with a copy of this Code, and shall execute the certification set out in Schedule "A" regarding acknowledgement of and compliance with the procedures and restrictions set forth in this Code. It is a condition of their appointment, employment or engagement that each of these persons at all times abide by the standards, requirements and procedures set out in this Code unless a written authorization to proceed otherwise is received from the Chair or his or her delegate. Any such person who violates this Code may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of his or her employment or appointment with or engagement by the Company without notice. The violation of this Code may also violate certain securities laws. If it appears that a director, officer, employee or consultant may have violated such securities laws, the Company may refer the matter to the appropriate regulatory authorities, which could lead to penalties, fines or imprisonment.





15. APPLICATION OF CODE







If any Employee possesses Inside Information, such person is prohibited from procuring any other person to trade in those Securities and from directly or indirectly communicating the information to another person who the Employee believes is likely to trade in, or procure another person to trade in, those Securities.





It is important that any Employee who possesses Inside Information does not pass that information on to any other party or person or recommend or otherwise suggest to any person or Associates to trade in Company Securities.





Accordingly, this Code applies equally to persons acting for Employees or with whom it may appear Employees may communicate the Inside Information  that is, the spouse, children, family trusts, family companies of Employees or other Associates of Employees must not trade in Company Securities otherwise than in accordance with this Code.





Employees should also ensure that, before any external body of which they are a member, director, representative or trustee (for example, personal or family superannuation funds) undertakes any transaction regarding Company Securities, any trading in Company Securities complies with this Code.





This Code will be administered by the Company Secretary with input from the Chair. The Company Secretary will be available to answer any questions any Employee may have in relation to the Code. However, neither the Company nor the Company Secretary is to be held responsible for any answers or any act or omission by any Employee in reliance on those answers. It is each Employee's responsibility to comply with the law, so if any Employee is in any doubt legal advice should be obtained.




Drilling follows encouraging results from a 2016 program carried out by Advantage's JV partner

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Apr 6, 2017) - Advantage Lithium Corp. (the "Company" or "Advantage Lithium") (TSX VENTURE:AAL)(OTCQX:AVLIF) and its joint venture partner, Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp. ("Nevada Sunrise"), are pleased to announce that a regional drilling program has commenced at the Neptune Lithium Project ("Neptune") located in the southern Clayton Valley of Nevada, USA. One borehole will be drilled to a depth of approximately 610m (2,000 feet) and will follow up on encouraging results from a 2016 lithium brine drilling program carried out by Nevada Sunrise. Other boreholes are planned at the Jackson Wash, Aquarius and Gemini projects in the coming months.

Neptune is the subject of an earn-in agreement between Nevada Sunrise and Advantage Lithium where Advantage Lithium can earn a 50% interest in Neptune from the Company by spending CDN$700,000 over a three-year period (see NR dated June 26, 2016.

David Sidoo, CEO of Advantage Lithium, commented, "Having completed two very successful rounds of drilling at another of our projects in the region - Clayton NE - we are looking forward to expanding our exploration activity in this area of Nevada. We will be starting with Neptune, at which our JV partner has previously encountered lithium groundwater and where the geology is similar to that encountered at Clayton NE."

About Neptune

Neptune consists of 316 unpatented 20-acre placer claims totaling approximately 6,320 acres (2,557 hectares) and is located in an active area of lithium exploration and mining. The Silver Peak lithium mine operation, acquired by Albemarle Corporation in 2015, has extracted lithium from brines continuously since 1966 and is located approximately 10 miles (15 kilometres) to the north of Neptune.

Nevada Sunrise completed two exploration holes at Neptune in late March 2016. Borehole N-2016-1, drilled to 457.2 metres (1,500 feet) showed anomalous lithium in groundwater. Composited samples collected from the intersected strata contained lithium-bearing sediments that averaged 156 parts per million ("ppm") lithium over 215 feet (65.5 metres) from 1285 feet (392.7 metres) to the end of hole at 1,500 feet (457.2 metres), reaching a peak value of 217 ppm lithium from 1365 to 1385 feet.. A third hole up to 2,000 feet deep is underway approximately 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) to the east of hole N-2016-1 in an area interpreted from a 2016 geophysical survey to be a potential trap where denser, lithium-bearing brines could accumulate. If results from the third Neptune borehole warrant further work, a drill pad and access road have been prepared for a fourth hole location.

The two exploration holes completed in March 2016 were targeted using the integration of the results of: (1) a detailed gravity survey by a previous operator that outlined a deep, faulted sub-basin, and (2) a controlled source audio magneto telluric ("CSAMT") follow-up survey that detected conductive horizons within the sub-basin. In each of the completed holes, permeable sedimentary, lacustrine strata interbedded with volcanic ash and ejecta was logged at various levels throughout the holes. This type of sedimentary strata is interpreted as a requisite host horizon for lithium-bearing brines as seen in the northern Clayton Valley.

The technical information in this news release has reviewed and approved on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., Technical Advisor for Advantage Lithium Corp., and a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101.

About Advantage Lithium Corp.

Advantage Lithium Corp. is a resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration and development of lithium properties and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The common shares of the company are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE:AAL), and the company is also traded on the OTCQX Best Market in the U.S. (OTCQX:AVLIF). The company has acquired a 100% interest in five projects in Argentina and up to a 75% interest in a sixth, called Cauchari. Cauchari is host to a near-surface estimated inferred resource of 230 million cubic metres of brine at 380 mg/l Lithium that equates to 470,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate (LCE), and a large exploration target of 5.6mt to 0.25mt of LCE and 19mt to 0.9 of KCL. Cauchari is located just 20 km south Orocobre's flagship Olaroz Lithium Facility. The Company is also earning an interest from Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp., in a portfolio of five lithium brine projects in the Clayton and Lida Valley regions of Nevada, USA, including 70% in Clayton NE.

Further information about the Company can be found at www.advantagelithium.com.

ADVANTAGE LITHIUM CORP.



David Sidoo, President

Cautionary Statement:

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "is expected","intends", or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Advantage that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and 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 expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Web Site: www.CuMtn.com

TSX: CMMC

VANCOUVER, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Copper Mountain Mining Corp. (TSX: CMMC) (the "Company" or "Copper Mountain") will hold a conference call on Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 at 7:30 am (Pacific Standard Time) for management to discuss the Q1 2017 Financial and Operating Results. Results will be released before the market opens on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.

Conference call and webcast details are as follows:

The conference call and audio webcast will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 7:30 am (Pacific Standard Time) and will be followed by a question-and-answer period with investors.



Live Dial-in information

Toronto and international: 647-427-7450

North America (toll-free): 1-888-231-8191

To participate in the webcast live via your computer go to: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1396431&s=1&k=67F97D9094AA01C7BA6587307E6DA50A



Replay call information

Toronto and international: 416-849-0833 Passcode: 95448533

North America (toll-free): 1-855-859-2056 Passcode: 95448533



The conference call replay will be available from 10:30 am (PST) on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, until 11:59 pm PST on Tuesday, May 9th, 2017.

Participant audio webcast will also be available on the company's website at http://www.cumtn.com

About Copper Mountain Mining Corporation:

Copper Mountain's flagship asset is the Copper Mountain mine located in southern British Columbia near the town of Princeton. The Company has a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation who owns 25% of the mine. The Copper Mountain mine has a large resource of copper that remains open laterally and at depth. This significant exploration potential will be explored over the next few years in order to fully appreciate the property's full development potential. Additional information is available on the Company's web page at www.CuMtn.com.

On behalf of the Board of

COPPER MOUNTAIN MINING CORPORATION

"Rod Shier"

Rodney A. Shier, CA.

Chief Financial Officer



Note: This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents, filed by the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Copper Mountain Mining Corp.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Group Ten Metals Inc. (TSX.V:PGE) (FSE:5D32) (the Company or Group Ten) is pleased to announce the acquisition by direct staking of an undivided 100% interest in five mining claims at the Black Lake-Drayton project in northwestern Ontario. This strategic addition connects First Mining Finances (TSX.V: FF) Goldlund project, to the west, with Group Tens Black Lake-Drayton project, to the east. The addition of this 928-hectare land package increases the Companys total land position in this highly prospective and active mining and exploration region to approximately 8,900 hectares (89 square kilometers or 35 square miles).

Black Lake-Drayton Claims Map





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3f606fc-7060-47b4-a4c4-1ba6b4b05939

Group Ten President & CEO, Michael Rowley, commented, We are very pleased to have secured such highly-prospective ground adjacent to the advanced Goldlund project. First Mining Finance has stated Goldlund will be a core asset and currently have a 27,000-meter drill program underway on the project. Our Black Lake-Drayton property continues 30 kilometers along strike to the northeast and, as recent and historic work demonstrates, features the same Sioux Lookout Deformation Zone geology. Ongoing success by both First Mining and neighbouring Treasury Metals provides invaluable insights into geological modelling and exploration strategies that will enhance our ability to execute an effective field program at Black Lake-Drayton.

The new claims include five historic gold occurrences listed in the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines database, summarized as follows:

Mineral Occurrence Historic Results Hi Grade Vein Surface & chip sampling in 1991 returned up to 136.84 g/t Au WW Vein Grab samples in 1951 returned up to 22.39 g/t Au Island 406 Grab samples in 1981 returned up to 3.42 g/t Au and 52.56 g/t Ag Forster Vein Grab samples in 1951 returned up to 3.73 g/t Ag Diorite Vein Grab samples in 1951 returned up to 0.93 g/t Au

While these samples represent historic information that has not been independently verified by the Company, they demonstrate the presence of mineralization and provide high-priority target areas for future exploration activity.

Project Overview

The Black Lake-Drayton project is comprised of a 30+ kilometre-long claim group located in the AbramsMinnitaki Lake archean greenstone belt, along the northern margin of the Wabigoon sub-province. This highly-active gold belt is host to a number of well-known deposits including Goliath (Treasury Metals), Goldlund (First Mining Finance) and Rainy River (New Gold), all of which have seen substantial recent expansions, among others.

The AbramsMinnitaki Lake greenstone belt is south of and parallel to the Birch-Uchi belt, another archean greenstone belt that is home to a number of high-grade gold producers including Goldcorps Red Lake mines. Despite its proximity to the Red Lake area and the Birch-Uchi belt, the Abrams-Minnitaki greenstone belt remained underexplored into the 1990s due to persistent ground cover and limited road access. In the past two decades, new roads and improved exploration techniques have led to the delineation of multiple multi-million-ounce high-grade gold reserves on numerous projects in the belt.

The Drayton-Black Lake project includes an archive database with 20 historic occurrences, multiple high-grade bulk samples and over 120 drill holes, in addition to geological, geochemical and geophysical data. Although 43% of past drill holes intercepted gold or copper mineralization, they did not adequately test the mineralized zones which are now better understood in the area.

Group Ten conducted a modest 7-hole, 530-metre drill program in late 2016, as the first phase of a larger 2,000-meter drill program, in order to test targets generated in modeling work earlier that year (see March 7, 2016 news release). Results of this activity, expected to be released in April 2017, will provide additional guidance for future exploration.

The technical contents of this release with respect to the Black Lake-Drayton project were reviewed and approved by E. Max Baker, Ph.D., P.Geo., Project Manager of the Drayton-Black Lake project and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Group Ten Metals Inc.

Group Ten Metals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, development and incubation of platinum group metals (PGM), gold, nickel and copper deposits in North America. The Companys core holdings include a large land position adjacent to, and along trend with, Wellgreen Platinums Wellgreen Ni-Cu-PGM project in the southwest Yukon Territory and the Black Lake-Drayton gold project in the Rainy River district of northwest Ontario.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

GROUP TEN METALS INC.

Michael Rowley

Michael Rowley

President & Director

info@grouptenmetals.com

Tel: (604) 357 4790

TF: (888) 432 0075

Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission.

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.
U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch has said that if Ukraine refuses the Minsk accords and withdraws from the negotiation process, it may lose the support of Western partners.

"If we deviate from 'Minsk', when I say "we", I think, it is important that the international community has united around Ukraine [...] there are very good partners in this negotiation process. I think that Ukraine will remain without the support of Western partners if it withdraws from this negotiation process," Yovanovitch said on Thursday during her speech in the framework of the panel discussion "US Foreign Policy: What role will Ukraine play?" at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday.

She also noted that the Minsk agreements are very unpopular in Ukraine, however, they contain all the necessary aspects of the conflict settlement, both the political part and the part that concerns security. And if an agreement is abandoned, it will be necessary to look for an alternative process.
A popular Obama-era infrastructure financing program may get revived this year as President Trump moves forward on his pledge to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure. But this time around, state and local governments might not be as excited about it.The program, Build America Bonds (BABs), was created in 2009 as one of many recession-era initiatives aimed at jump-starting the economy. Unlike tax-exempt municipal bonds, BABs are taxable, and, as a result, open up the municipal market to new investors, such as pension funds or those living abroad. But BABs are also more expensive for governments. So to defray the added cost, the federal government offered a direct subsidy of 35 percent of state and local governments' interest payments on BABs.But the program became a casualty of sequestration: cutbacks in federal subsidies promised under the program left state and local governments scrambling to fill the void. A recent estimate by the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois found that so far Illinois and its localities have had to pay out a collective $70 million to offset the higher costs of BABs.The study comes as economic advisors to Trump have expressed support for the BABs program as a financing tool. While details are light on the president's plan to incentivize infrastructure investment, most experts agree that taxable and tax-exempt municipal bonds are likely to play a role. And that has states and localities wary."With direct subsidy bonds, until the bond matures, you're exposed to the federal process," says Martin J. Luby, the author of the study. "So the question is, is the lower borrowing cost worth the risk that it could increase [should the federal government defund the program]?"Dan White, senior economist at Moody's Analytics, predicts that the answer is no. "[The feds] could theoretically design a program that protects states against this," he says. "But states know this has the potential to be changed at a moment's notice by policymakers in Washington."Back when BABs started, few -- if any -- considered the baked in exposure to federal policy. Therefore, the program was largely heralded as a success. All told, state and local governments sold more than $151 billion in BABs between 2009 and 2010. The program even propelled total bond issuance in 2010 to $433 billion, a record that still holds today.But when sequestration hit in 2013, the mandated cutbacks in federal appropriations included the federal subsidies for the popular program. Annual subsidies for BABs dropped by anywhere from about 7 percent to nearly 9 percent. In addition, notes Luby, most BABs were not eligible for refinancing, so governments were stuck with the higher bills for the life of the bond. In Illinois, he estimates that will cost governments $400 million over the next two decades for roughly $11 billion in BAB debt. Cash-strapped Chicago would lose out on $56 million alone.Nationwide, Luby figures the total subsidy losses are in the billions. "It's stressing out these governments one way or the other," he says. "And the expectation is, it's just going to continue."
Interest

Unexpected sources

Long deliberations

After more than nine hours of testimony and deliberations Wednesday -- and over a year after the filing of the first complaint -- the Alabama Ethics Commission found "probable cause" that Gov. Robert Bentley violated the state's ethics and campaign finance laws.The commission referred the charges to Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey. If indicted and convicted, Bentley could face up to 20 years in prison for each violation and a fine of up to $20,000 on each charge.Bill Athanas, an attorney for the governor, called the vote disappointing, but said Bentley planned to fight."There is not a basis to find the governor violated any law, much less the ethics act or the campaign finance act," Athanas said after the decision Wednesday. "The battle goes on."The decision adds to Bentley's legal ordeal over allegations about his personal and professional relationship with former staffer Rebekah Caldwell Mason, charges that could lead to his removal from office. The House Judiciary Committee could begin impeachment hearings against Bentley next week, and the committee's special counsel should file an investigative report on the governor by Friday. The Alabama attorney general's office is also investigating Bentley, though it's not clear if that probe relates to the Mason charges or another matter.Bentley left the RSA Union building, where the hearing was taking place, early Wednesday evening. Athanas declined to say if he testified before the commission.Reporters also saw potential witnesses in the building, including former Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Spencer Collier, who made the allegations against Bentley last year. Collier's charges formed the basis of a complaint State Auditor Jim Zeigler filed with the commission last year, though others followed."I have mixed emotions," said Zeigler, who was on a witness list but did not testify Wednesday. "Pleased that the governor is finally going to face accountability, but sad for the state of Alabama that we've had to go through this for the past year-and-a-half."Under state law, the Alabama Ethics Commission acts as a grand jury when a public official faces accusations of breaking the state's ethics law. The commission cannot press charges but can find probable cause and refer cases to the Alabama attorney general or a district attorney -- usually the one in Montgomery County -- for prosecution. Testimony and deliberations take place in private, but votes are public.Commissioners approved charges that Bentley improperly used public resources "to further his personal interest;" a charge that he improperly used campaign money to pay Mason's legal bills; accepted a campaign contribution outside the established time limits for doing so, and made a loan to his campaign outside those time limits.The commission approved the vote on a series of 3-1 and 4-0 votes. Commissioner Butch Ellis abstained from the votes.Athanas said he would seek a meeting with Bailey as soon as possible."It's a finding of probable cause, which is one of the lowest legal standards we apply in these cases," he said. "We certainly disagree there was evidence to support a probable cause finding. We definitely disagree there was enough evidence to support a finding beyond a cause of reasonable doubt."Bailey said in a statement Wednesday he had not yet received the commission's findings."Once received, I will review and make a decision on how to proceed," he said.The vote could buttress other investigations based on Collier's charges. After Bentley fired Collier in March 2016, accusing Collier of mismanagement and "possible misuse of state funds," Collier hit back with accusations that Bentley, whose wife divorced him in 2015 after 50 years of marriage, had an affair with Mason, his senior political adviser; used state resources to pursue it and tried to prevent Collier from signing an affidavit in the criminal investigation of then-House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn.Audio of Bentley making suggestive comments later surfaced. Bentley acknowledged making inappropriate remarks to Mason, but both deny having a sexual affair or misuse of state funds.How the allegations of sexual impropriety affected the commission's decision is unknown. Before going into executive session, commission member Stewart Tankersley moved to include sex in a list of "things of value" that, if exchanged between politicians, lobbyists or those who employ them, violate the state ethics law. The motion failed. Commission member Charles Price, a retired Montgomery County Circuit Judge, said the Legislature had to make those determinations.Collier's allegations formed the basis of the impeachment drive against Bentley in the House. But the initial ethics complaint came from an unexpected source.A few days after the allegations and denials flew, Zeigler sent what he termed a "report" summarizing Collier's accusations against the governor to the commission. The auditor compiled four counts against Bentley, including Mason's quasi-public role; Bentley using state property and resources to pursue an affair with Mason; Mason failing to register as a lobbyist despite receiving payments from an outside entity and Bentley and Mason trying to prevent Collier from signing an affidavit in the criminal investigation of then-House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn.The campaign finance charges appeared to come from a complaint by Stacy Lee George, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate and corrections officer. The legal payments to Mason -- totaling $8,912 -- did not become public record until the governor's 2016 campaign finance report was filed earlier this year. Athanas at the time said changes to the state's campaign finance law allowed those payments.George, who the commission sequestered like Zeigler as a possible witness, praised the committee's decision Wednesday night, and called for Bentley's impeachment by the Alabama House of Representatives."The state house members, 105 of them up over there, they have to put up or shut up on Friday," he said, referring to the expected investigative report in the House Judiciary Committee.Zeigler's filing last did nothing to help his Hulk Hogan-Rowdy Piper relationship with Bentley. Zeigler had already clashed with Bentley over BP money used to refurbish the governor's mansion on the coast. The state auditor also claimed that Bentley forced him to sit in the balcony of the Old House Chamber during the 2016 State of the State address and that he "never met" Bentley in person, a claim that was disproven in photographs shared by the governor's office.Zeigler later ordered Bentley to testify to him about the allegations that he misused state resources. Bentley ignored the order from the auditor, who has no powers of enforcement.The commission took up other matters besides Bentley behind closed doors, but the doors to the chamber on the ninth floor of the RSA Union building remained closed from 9:45 a.m. to about 7 p.m. Wednesday. Law enforcement limited media access throughout the building during the day. At one point, officials parked SUVs outside a loading dock in an apparent attempt to shield witnesses using an adjacent door from cameras.In a statement released by the Alabama Ethics Commission Wednesday evening, officials said investigators interviewed at least 45 witnesses in the investigation and analyzed 33,000 documents."The staff of the Commission has worked tirelessly and thoroughly to investigate every complaint that we received," the statement said. "The evidence was reviewed and tested multiple times by career lawyers."The statement did not comment on the evidence gathered. Athanas -- who declined to discuss what if any defense took place behind closed doors -- said the governor maintained his innocence, and called Wednesday's vote a minor setback."I would always say this is a fair process," he said. "I do not question the integrity of the people who sit on that commission. They worked hard, they came to a result we disagree with, but we respect the effort they put into it."
On Tuesday, in the morning, at the Charleville RSL Memorial Club, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted an Investiture Ceremony for residents of Queensland, recipients of Australian bravery decorations announced in August 2016, where the Governor addressed guests.

Following, at Murweh Shire Council, Charleville, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey received a briefing on local issues from Council representatives.

In the afternoon, at the Charleville Bilby Experience, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey toured operations and received a briefing on efforts to conserve and protect bilbies.

Later in the afternoon, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey returned to Brisbane.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that a positive vote in the European Parliament on granting the visa-free regime for Ukrainians by the European Union still does not mean the abolition of visas, but the Ukrainian authorities are working to ensure that the final introduction of the visa-free travel is not postponed to a later date.

"I want to emphasize that this doesn't yet mean the opening of the border. We are still waiting for a decision of the EU Council, we are working hard so that no one postpones it or drags out this process," Poroshenko told journalists on the sidelines of the 10th Kyiv Security Forum, which takes place in Kyiv on Thursday.

According to him, "pro-Putin representatives" in the European Union are trying to prevent Ukraine from receiving the visa-free regime and the latest debate in the European Parliament confirmed this.

"Only the joint work of all political forces within the state and beyond gives us a firm belief that everything will be fine," the Ukrainian president said.

Poroshenko also believes that the presidential elections in France cannot affect the process of granting the visa-free regime to Ukrainians.
Description

GIS - 06 April 2017: The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) offers a duty-free access to the largest market in the world. Although it has the potential to be a major driving force in African development, the AGOA has been under utilised. With the renewal of AGOA up to 2025, it is high time to maximise its potential for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME).

This statement was made yesterday by the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr S. Bholah at the launching of AGOA Preparedness Workshop for SMEs at Westin Turtle Bay hotel in Balaclava.

He stated that this workshop is a valuable springboard for the next phase of engagement with American trade partners on further initiatives for strengthening bilateral ties between United States and Mauritius. In this regard, he highlighted that with tougher competition in the European market, AGOA is today the engine that drives more than 90% of apparel exports of Africa to the US.

The Minister emphasised that duty free and quota free export possibilities under the AGOA agreement is a means to open up international market access for SMEs while ensuring competition and survival of the emerging sectors namely Home Decor and Accessories, Apparel and Specialty Food. Elaborating on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and inadequate information related to exporting adventure, he underscored that the workshop will address these issues and urge SMEs to access the US market.

Minister Bholah recalled that with the expiration of the AGOA programme in 2025, Mauritius should strive towards a new US-Africa trade architecture by developing a US market-focused export sector that competes globally on firm and country-level competitive advantages, and not trade regime-based advantages.

For her part, the Charge d'Affaires of US Embassy to Mauritius, Dr Melanie Zimmerman, underpinned that Mauritius shares strong diplomatic relations with the US through exchange programmes, training and trade, and that the preparedness workshop is part of the US commitment to help Mauritius prepare for a post-AGOA era in 2025.

She pointed that the workshop focuses on two priorities. The first priority is to understand that trade has become the foundation for a prosperous and connected global economy and the second is to make SMEs aware of the US support in promoting economic growth through AGOA. However, she stressed that the AGOA is not a permanent mechanism and that SMEs should benefit from its advantages by diversifying and securing future potential markets.

The workshop

The objectives of the Workshop are to examine the constraints affecting product diversification on the US market and to help SMEs to be aware of the existing opportunities provided by AGOA.

The workshop will focus on three sectors namely Apparel, Home Decor and Fashion accessories and Specialty Food and will be preceded by a stock taking exercise by three US experts from the East Africa Trade Hub.

Some 100 participants including entrepreneurs and representatives from the public and private sectors are attending the workshop. It comprises panel discussions and sharing of experiences with successful AGOA exporters.

Participants will also benefit from discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, Enterprise Mauritius, Customs Department and MauBank, amongst others.
Description

GIS - 06 April, 2017: Cardinal Maurice Piat paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, yesterday evening at the Treasury Building in Port-Louis.

In a brief statement Cardinal Maurice Piat said that he had a cordial and fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Jugnauth. He underlined that discussions centred on the fight against poverty and the scourge of drugs. He added that education was also a topic that was raised.

He underscored that both the Prime Minister and himself strongly believe that issues raised during their meeting should be addressed collectively.
Description

GIS - 06 April, 2017: Enterprise Mauritius (EM) is working towards unlocking new avenues for trade with new countries within the Traditional Market. With the advent of Brexit, lesser purchasing power, decline in retail sales, EM is looking for new stakeholders and customers from west central Europe to promote Mauritius as a reliable sourcing destination. Enterprise Mauritius (EM) is working towards unlocking new avenues for trade with new countries within the Traditional Market.With the advent of Brexit, lesser purchasing power, decline in retail sales, EM is looking for new stakeholders and customers from west central Europe to promote Mauritius as a reliable sourcing destination.

In this context and also in line with its strategy of consolidation and expansion, EM is leading from 5 to 12 April 2017 a delegation of 10 Mauritian apparel manufacturers for Buyers Sellers Meetings (BSM) in Germany and the Netherlands. The German-Dutch clientele will have an opportunity to discover Mauritian expertise in apparel products, ranging from fine knits, denim to knitwear and beachwear.

These promotional events will also help to strengthen diplomatic ties between Mauritius and Germany and the Netherlands.

Germany- An attractive export destination

EM will organise a BSM in two major cities of Germany namely Dusseldorf, fashion hub, and Stuttgart, manufacturing hub. Prominent German clothing brands such as Hugo Boss AG, Mainpol GmbH as well as German fashion retailers like New Yorker will be present for the meeting.

Since the 1980s, Germany has become an attractive export destination for many exporting countries including Mauritius. In fact, Germany is the second largest textile and apparel importer after the USA in the world and is positioned as a robust economy with an increasing purchasing power. Germany is a priority market in the Eurozone as it was a major export destination for knitwear products from Mauritius in the 1990s. Hence the need to reignite Germans interest in Mauritian products which have evolved for the past two decades, more so since our manufacturers are now vertically integrated and adhering to international norms.

Netherlands-The city for fashion brands

The BSM in Netherlands will be held in the heart of Amsterdams business district at Novotel Amsterdam City. The Mauritian delegation will be present in the Netherlands to meet with Dutch buyers involved in the fashion industry. Major clothing brands and high profile international Dutch enterprises will be present during the two-day meetings.

Amsterdam, being one of the best European cities, is the city for fashion brands like G-start and home for famous fashion designers and high-end shops. The Netherlands, a market-based economy, is the 6th largest economy in the Eurozone. As the key hub of Europe, its favourable location provides prime access to the UK, Germany, France and other European countries. With the Port of Rotterdam as the largest port in Europe, the Netherlands is an important transit point for transport of bulk cargo between Europe and the rest of the world.
(TNS) -- Microsoft has disclosed more information on the type of data the software company collects from Windows 10 users, a move that comes weeks after a European Union (EU) privacy watchdog called the companys previous disclosures insufficient.In a blog post attributed to Windows and Devices chief Terry Myerson and Marisa Rogers, the groups privacy officer, the Redmond company said a coming update to the operating system would include more information on its data collection and privacy practices. That includes, for the first time, a detailed listing of the data the company collects by default from users.Our hope is this information will help you be more informed about the data we collect and use, enabling you to make informed choices, the blog post said. In February, an EU data-protection group, the Article 29 Working Party, said it remains concerned about the level of protection of users personal data after the company previously added to its Windows disclosures.At the time, Microsoft offered its users options to send the company basic or full usage details (which the company said is made anonymous), without specifying what those designations mean, the group said. Such disclosures would likely fall short of EU guidelines that software users need to be adequately informed to make decisions about giving their data to companies.Microsoft remedied a part of that on Wednesday in a blog post on its site for information-technology workers, revealing the type of data collected under each setting, from the broad (operating-system type and device specifications), to the specific (text typed in the search bar of Microsofts web browsers).
(TNS) - A recommendation for Fayetteville to run a proposed $30 million 911 call center consolidated with Cumberland Countys operation has raised questions.The city and county members on a 911 Task Force were not ready Wednesday to take a consensus vote on a proposal they would forward to their full elected boards.One of the task force members, Cumberland County Commissioner Jeannette Council, said having the city run the new center would raise political implications, but the project was long overdue.Its taken a long time, decades, to get to this point, Council said.I know things may not be perfect, but its a work in progress, Council said, referring to the proposal to blend the now-separate city and county 911 centers.Sensing an impasse, Mayor Nat Robertson suggested creating an authority to run it. He said the county commissioners have boards overseeing some departments now.Council said the county would then take over operational responsibility for the center.The mayor looked around the room at City Hall with city and county 911 officials and managers.Well, that goes against everybody sitting in the room, Robertson said.Council began to stand, gathering her purse and umbrella.So, we are at the same sticking points, Council said, leaving as the meeting ended.The consultants with Mission Critical Partners said that elsewhere in North Carolina, larger cities operate consolidated 911 centers, because most 911 calls originate inside the municipalities. The cities pay a higher percentage to fund the merged centers.Of the combined 400,000 annual calls Fayetteville and Cumberland County receive, 255,000 are routed for city police and fire response.Officials have described their separate centers as cramped and outdated. They want to build a hardened structure, away from downtown, that would be less vulnerable to a terrorist attack or some other disaster, as well as to achieve additional operational efficiencies.The proposed location is on Fields Road, off Cedar Creek Road near Interstate 95.The consultants were hoping Wednesday to get a task force consensus they could fold into a draft inter-governmental agreement that would go to the City Council and the county Board of Commissioners in May. They need to have such an agreement approved when they apply by May 31 for a grant application with the state's 911 Board to help pay for the new center, the consultants said.But Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe said he wasnt ready to vote Wednesday, because he wanted to privately ask county staff more questions about the proposal.Its just a lot for a big decision like this to be rolled out, Keefe said.In an email staff sent to the council Wednesday night explaining the recommendation, the city's financial obligation for capital and operational costs of the new center "are expected to be significantly higher as these costs are usually distributed based on incident volume."In addition, the email said, the proposal included the creation of a 911 Advisory Committee with city and county representation to help oversee the merged center. Under the proposal, the county would continue to lead the emergency management function.Staff writer Andrew Barksdale can be reached at barksdalea@fayobserver.com or 486-3565.2017 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.)Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS)  A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked the city's first-in-the-nation law that attempts to allow Uber, Lyft and taxi drivers to unionize.Seattle's law, passed in 2015, allows Uber, Lyft and taxi drivers  who are categorized as independent contractors, not employees  to form a union and collectively bargain for things like pay, benefits and working conditions.It was challenged by two separate lawsuits, one from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and one from about a dozen Uber and Lyft drivers  backed by the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation and the Freedom Foundation, groups that fight for right-to-work laws and other conservative, anti-union legislation across the country."The issues raised in this litigation are novel, they are complex, and they reside at the intersection of national policies that have been decades in the making," U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik wrote in granting a preliminary injunction Tuesday, halting the law from going into effect. "The public will be well-served by maintaining the status quo while the issues are given careful judicial consideration."Lasnik repeatedly stressed in his order that the hold should not be viewed as foretelling an ultimate court victory for the Chamber.Kimberly Mills, a spokeswoman for the Seattle City Attorney, said the city will continue working to defeat the legal challenges to the law.Adrian Durbin, a Lyft spokesman, called the city's law "experimental" and "poorly drafted" and said they were pleased that it was on hold.While the court battle plays out, both sides had been moving forward, anticipating a possible eventual vote by drivers about whether they want to unionize or not.Teamsters Local 117 recently applied and got permission from the city to begin efforts to organize drivers at 12 local ride-hailing or taxi companies.The taxi and ride-hailing companies would have had to give Local 117 a list of their drivers this week, with contact information. Now they will not, while the lawsuits proceed."We have no benefits," said Don Creery, an Uber driver and longtime supporter of the unionization effort. "I work full-time for a $70 billion company. The American taxpayers should not have to subsidize my health care. That's not right."Gary Kunze, one of the Uber and Lyft drivers who sued to block the law, said that while he had complaints with the companies, a union was not the way to address them."I am not a union person, I don't believe in what they stand for," Kunze said. "The city of Seattle and the Teamsters got together and decided to do this at the request of a very small number of drivers."And Uber and Lyft, not content to pin their hopes on the courtroom, are waging aggressive campaigns to persuade their drivers to vote against the union.The Chamber argues that federal law, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), does not give contractors the right to unionize and that it cannot be pre-empted by Seattle's law.The Chamber's lawsuit says that drivers are competitors, not co-workers, and that allowing them to unionize is anti-competitive and amounts to "forming a cartel."Seattle argues that although contractors are not covered by federal unionization laws, the federal government left state and local governments free to regulate a union of independent contractors.The NLRA explicitly excludes five categories of workers from its coverage and protections: public-sector workers, agriculture workers, domestic workers, supervisors and independent contractors.The first three are allowed to unionize under various state laws.City attorneys argued in court last week that independent contractors -- Uber, Lyft and taxi drivers in this circumstance -- are more like workers than they are supervisors and that the city has the authority to let them unionize, even if they're not covered by the NLRA.Lasnik, speaking from the bench during those arguments, appeared sympathetic."Isn't an independent contractor more like an agricultural worker and domestic worker than a supervisor?" he asked. "They're clearly not management."In his written order, Lasnik said the Chamber's argument relies on a "coincidence of timing" related to the history of the NLRA, and that the city was likely to prevail in that specific argument.But Lasnik was more open to the Chamber's argument that allowing drivers  independent contractors -- to unionize could violate antitrust laws. While state law authorizes anti-competitive city regulation of taxi and ride sharing businesses -- that's why there's a uniform rate for cab rides  it has never been used to let drivers collectively bargain.The novelty of the city's law, Lasnik wrote, "the lack of any evaluation of competitive effect and the potential impact on an important transportation option for thousands of Seattle residents and visitors cannot be ignored."Uber and Lyft's business models, Lasnik wrote, would "likely be disrupted in fundamental and irreparable ways if the ordinance is implemented."The City Council unanimously passed the law in 2015, although it went into effect without the signature of Mayor Ed Murray, who said he supported its goals but had worries about the costs of defending it in court.
Richard Culatta, Rhode Islands chief innovation officer, will leave the state for a job with an international education organization in Washington, D.C., it was announced April 5.Culatta, who was appointed by Gov. Gina Raimondo in January 2016 as the eastern states first innovation officer, toldthat he had been tapped to lead the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as its CEO effective in early May.Though the innovator with a soft spot for ed tech said moving on from Rhode Island is bittersweet, the role was never supposed to be a permanent position.From the beginning, we knew I was the startup guy, I was sort of always coming in to get this off the ground, and we knew that at some point wed need to hand it off to somebody whod be the longer-term leader for this work, he said. What we dont know is exactly what form the office will take.Culatta, named aTop 25 Doer, Dreamer and Driver in 2016 , said both the name of his replacement and exactly how the next iteration of the Innovation Office will look remain a mystery for the time being. But the undertaking has grown significantly since the days when it was just him trying to get traction and outline a strategy. How it evolves moving forward, he said, is anyones guess.But Culatta, who previously served as the director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education under the Obama administration, made an impact during his time with the state. Just last month, for instance, officials set in motion a plan to take mid-level managers out of their offices and pair them with their counterparts throughout 10 other typically siloed state agencies. Culatta was behind the effort, called the Government Innovation League In addition to a new challenge in a new organization, Culatta said the nonprofit role also comes with the opportunity to work with an engaged and invested international community of educators and technologists to tackle bigger problems.What I am really looking to do is, and I think part of the reason the board brought me on, was to really strengthen the membership base and try to extend the ability to provide solutions for tough problems even more broadly in the U.S. and internationally, he said.As for which aspects of his former roles will be useful as the point man for ISTE, Culatta said he sees his work around community engagement to solve big issues as a valuable tool to meet the demands of his new post.One of the things that the work that I have done with Rhode Island has really taught me is how to engage citizens around tackling important issues. How do you crowdsource solutions? he said. A lot of our work involved either challenges or prizes or hackathons, all approaches that are about taking a problem and offering it up to a large group of citizens to come together and work together to solve those problems. That is an incredibly powerful lever, and I think its one of the things I will be taking to ISTE to think about how we do that same thing.
Despite the warnings of higher costs and disjointed operations from prominent technology experts, the Florida House Appropriations Committee passed legislation on April 5 to terminate the Agency for State Technology (AST). The decision is the latest in a lengthy history of instability for the states technology authority, which has been reworked or eliminated several times in recent years.Last week, the House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations subcommittee nearly unanimously pushed through HB 5301 , which calls for the removal of ASTs management authority over the states data center, enables agencies to move out of the state data center at-will while largely removing enterprise rulemaking authority and rebranding the agency.And while the latest committee action is far from the final say on the matter, it signals what state technology officials describe as too much faith in cloud technology and too little understanding about the existing infrastructure challenges.Immediately following the AST portion of the hearing, Interim CIO Eric Larson reiterated his concerns about the proposal and the fracturing of the enterprise technology agency toHe also called out the assertions, like one made by the bills author, Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-District 35, during the hearing regarding ASTs overuse of no-bid contract as a damaging mischaracterization of agency practice.[Ingoglias] characterization that 85 percent of the spend within the agency was done without requiring bids is essentially saying that we are big users of state term contracts, as opposed to it being a characterization that we are somehow doing something nefarious with our procurements, Larson said.In line with the statements made March 28, Ingoglia pointed to the agency as a source of ballooning costs and maintained that the organization was trying to support an unsustainable business model.Though Larson was clearly frustrated by the assertions made during recent hearings, he said the task ahead comes down to undoing the damage done by the misinformation. Statements like 'we exercise outside of our authority'; that requires some substantiation, which, of course, there is no basis for. To say that the Legislature provided us funding to procure disaster recovery service, yet they characterized us as building disaster recovery, although all of it was contracted through state term contracts  probably in the pile of no-bid that he mentioned  and werent procured, they were rented. ...[The statements were] designed to be short little sound bites for people without clarity on the topic to follow the pack.Whats more, Larson said, is what can only be described as a lack of understanding of cloud infrastructure partially based on successful technology industry marketing campaigns. Because of the oversimplified nature of cloud marketing, lawmakers seem to be of the mind that cloud computing can immediately fix all of the states technology infrastructure woes, the interim CIO explained.Where technologists may see an opportunity for a hybrid solution, those in the public space often see an opportunity for what Larson said is perceived as a magic bullet, which is almost never as easy to implement as it might seem.Their end game appears to be everything should have a contract and the cloud is magical and saves them money, even though they arent addressing the cost for the infrastructure that is running the services now, he said. Unfortunately they are viewing cloud as a get-rich-quick scheme. They are viewing cloud as a way to get out from underneath all the complications and we just toss somebody the keys, but the reality is that ... no state is completely in the cloud.If ultimately successful, the bill would also allow agencies to complete their own cost-benefit analyses to determine whether they could save money by abandoning their stake in the state data center. In doing so, each agency to pull the plug would raise the costs for the remaining agencies. Though each agency might see one-off savings, the state overall would see increasing costs, Larson said.As it stands, the acting CIO said agencies were never without the ability to pick their own cloud solutions and that AST lacks the authority to prevent such a move.But even the warnings of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, in the form of a letter to Larson March 27, didnt dissuade the committee from passing the bill to the House for consideration. During his closing comments, Ingoglia brushed off the advice about supporting unified enterprise IT, saying the state pays for a membership to the organization.In recent years, the state has seen significant progress in the implementation of its IT program. According to the Center for Digital Government (CDG)*, Florida was ranked as the most improved state in the 2016 Digital States Survey , bringing its overall IT rating up from a D in 2012 to a B+ in 2016.In our view, the improvement in Floridas enterprise use of technology closely aligns with, and can be attributed in large part to the creation and maturation of the Agency for State Technology and the appointment of an enterprise chief information officer with broad authority, CDG Executive Director Todd Sander said. It will be unfortunate if Florida dismantles their successful organizational structure, that closely aligns with the structure of top-performing states across the nation, in favor of a highly federated structure that appears to be disproportionally focused on accommodating a single infrastructure option.The situation is perhaps best described by the former CIO of the disbanded Agency for Enterprise Information Technology (AEIT) , David Taylor, who aptly described it as politics. During Taylors tenure as the state CIO, Gov. Rick Scott ultimately defunded the agency with a budget line-item veto to avoid a similar legislative attack from completely stripping the agency of any real authority.Aside from some of the finer details, he sees it as a very similar set of circumstances to what he lived through in 2012. For some reason IT has always been a target because of the interests of certain individuals, best Ive been able to figure it out. Because in other areas we dont appear quite as dysfunctional ... as far as enterprise IT, said Taylor. It seems to be very difficult to give that agency more than a few years to accomplish things. Even then, every agency has been really hamstrung, we have never had a very strong centralized IT organization  even though there is plenty of evidence and data to show that is really a good model to lower costs and gain efficiencies.In the negotiations that followed the dissolution of AEIT, AST was created, and as Taylor sees it, has done well in meeting the overall charge of the agency.[AST] was a great step forward and seemed to be running well by anybodys accounts, Taylor said. Now there is another legislative move by the same branch, the House, to basically do what they failed to do with my agency, to strip it of its power and weaken it to the point of where essentially the Legislature could drive the IT process through a process of budget management and make it a policy-only agency.Despite the forward momentum, there is still a chance the House will vote down or rework the legislation to more amenable middle ground. Unlike previous attempts to rework the technology agency, the lack of an accompanying Senate bill means the decision will fall solely to the Florida House of Representatives.Officials expect to see more activity within the coming weeks.Comment on the bill was unavailable from the governor's office as of press time April 5.Government Technology's
(TNS) -- A bill introduced Wednesday in Raleigh would require police officers and sheriff's deputies in larger counties to wear body cameras to record traffic stops and their other public encounters.The bill submitted by state Reps. Cecil Brockman and Amos Quick, both Democrats from Guilford County, would mandate an "operational video camera provided by a law enforcement agency and affixed to a law enforcement officer's uniform and positioned in a way that allows the video camera to capture interactions the law enforcement officer has with the public."Those recordings would be a public record accessible to "any person who submits a written request to the law enforcement agency," except that the agency could cut out or "redact" certain parts of a tape for good cause, according to the bill that also was sponsored by state Reps. Kelly Alexander (D-Charlotte) and Bobbie Richardson (D-Louisburg).The bill would appropriate $10 million during the next two years for matching grants to help law enforcement agencies "buy and maintain" the recording equipment.All the backers of the "Body Worn Camera Recordings" bill are black legislators. Brockman said the measure stems from the ongoing friction between police agencies and the black community that has played out in recent years from Greensboro to other parts of North Carolina and across the nation."It's not about any one particular incident that has happened," Brockman said. "But there have been incidents in the past that everybody is very well aware of. And I think that for African-Americans in particular it is kind of in the forefront of our minds."Brockman noted that officers in many larger metropolitan areas, including Greensboro and Winston-Salem, already are equipped with body cameras.Quick said the bill is meant to provide a safety net that can prevent those relatively rare instances where things go awry between officers and members of the public."While most interactions with law enforcement are not issues, we have seen incidents that have ended in tragedy," said Quick, a former member of the Guilford County Board of Education. "This bill can help shine light on situations like those and hopefully save lives."In crafting the bill, Brockman said he tried to strike a "transparent" balance between the public's interest in knowing the details of such encounters and police officers' latitude as trained professionals.Brockman submitted a similar bill during the last session of the General Assembly two years ago and the proposal never made it out of committee in the Republican-dominated House.He said in a Wednesday evening telephone interview that he hopes the proposal meets a kindlier fate this time around.But one of Guilford's more prominent Republican office holders, Sheriff BJ Barnes, questioned the wisdom of making the recorded interactions a public record that could be readily obtained and widely dispersed.Guidelines already exist telling law enforcement agencies when to release body camera footage and to whom, Barnes said."I think if this bill passed it would be a disaster for law enforcement," said Barnes, who added that he believes if footage is released to the public it would end up on social media. "If it was all made public, how could you have a jury trial?"The intentions are good but I don't see this working for law enforcement," he said.Brockman noted that research suggests that when officers are equipped with body cameras, the technology tends to result in fewer complaints being filed against officers by members of the public because both parties are "on their best behavior" when they know they are being taped.The proposed body cam law would only apply in North Carolina counties with populations greater than 200,000, Brockman said, as a way of acknowledging that it might be more difficult for officials to carry out its mandates in smaller, more rural settings with smaller tax bases.
There can be no compromises in sanctions against Russia  NATO PA president

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov during a meeting with President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Paolo Alli discussed the need to continue the sanctions pressure on Russia until Crimea and Donbas return to Ukraine, the NSDC official website reported.

According to Alli, there cannot be any compromises in this matter. "NATO member countries have a clear position on this matter, we do not put the issue of the people's freedom at stake," he stressed.

The two officials discussed the reform of Ukraine's security and defense sector under NATO standards. Turchynov said the modernization is carried out "regardless of the Russian aggression and is already in the home stretch."

"There is no alternative to European and Euro-Atlantic integration for our state," he said.

In his turn, Alli said NATO member countries support Ukraine's ongoing reforms and the country's aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.

According to Turchynov, the Ukrainian special services say Russia is actively building up its forces "primarily in the western and southern strategic directions." "Analyzing these data, we cannot rule out the expansion of the military aggression against our country," the NSDC secretary said adding that the Russian military potential threatens not only Ukraine but also Western partners.

In this context he said it is very important for Ukraine to restore military and technical cooperation with its western partners, which was artificially suspended in 2014. "The lack of military and technical cooperation with our partners does not help Ukraine in increasing its defense potential, which we believe to be a part of the defense potential of the whole of Europe," Turchynov said.
Sergio Perez said he feels for fellow F1 driver Pascal Wehrlein.

German Wehrlein, who switched from Manor to Sauber for 2017, suffered a back injury in the winter and had to sit out Melbourne with a reported lack of physical fitness.

The 22-year-old is again missing this weekend in Shanghai, triggering rumours about the real reason Ferrari reserve Antonio Giovinazzi is stepping in for now.

"I hope it really is just a fitness problem for Pascal and nothing worse," Mexican Perez, who drives for Force India, told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Hopefully, he will soon be fit again."

Perez said it reminds him of when he drove for Sauber in 2011, when a big crash in 2011 meant he sat out the subsequent race despite wanting to return to the car.

"I respect Pascal's decision," Perez said. "But I would not leave my car to anyone.

"Even if you're suffering in the car, you try to get the best out of it. After my accident I had to suffer until the summer break, which was four or five races," he added.

(GMM)
Ousted F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says he rejected plans to add a Vietnamese grand prix to the race calendar.

The 86-year-old, recently stepped down as the sport's chief executive by new owners Liberty Media, was criticised in the past for adding races to the calendar that lack fan support but pay premium race fees.

But Ecclestone told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt that Vietnam was rejected last year because it lacked "racing history", while F1 "already has several races in the region".

Ecclestone also told the Independent newspaper: "I could have done the deal and signed it in August."

But he rejected the Vietnam deal, also explaining: "It hasn't got any racing history at all.

"So I didn't want to put another race in the same sort of area where we already have very good promoters. And I was criticised for putting the races in Baku and in Russia because they hadn't got that much racing history."

(GMM)
The issue of combating disinformation circulated by the Russian Federation is important not only for Ukraine, but for other European countries, NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Paola Alli has said.

"We absolutely support reforms being implemented in Ukraine and we must report more information more effectively about the problem Ukraine and western countries are facing, how they combat Russian disinformation," Alli told journalists after a meeting with Verkhovna Rada Speaker Andriy Parubiy on Thursday in Kyiv.

He said the NATO Parliamentary Assembly must understand what is taking place in Ukraine, adding that the result of reforms undertaken is important both for Ukraine and its foreign partners.

Alli said, "In the West there is special concern about the new form of hybrid war connected with cyber." He added that the inter-parliamentary Ukraine-NATO council that met in Kyiv is trying to create a "plan that can help restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty."

"We are doing everything to support Ukraine's European and North Atlantic ambitions," Alli said, noting that he will return to Kyiv in July.

"We will return to conduct another seminar and mark the 20th anniversary of the NATO partnership agreement with Ukraine," Alli said.
Korea Leads Construction Of Smart City In Kuwait

Korea is reportedly leading the development and construction of a smart city in Kuwait. This plan and if ever completed in the near future will be three times bigger than the smart city which is located in Gyeonggi Province. This is also considered by many as one of Korea's key satellite cities.

According to Korea Times, Kuwait suggested that Korea will be the one which will head in the creation of the said new city plan for the country. This partnership of the two Asian countries has been planned and fixed during the Korea-Kuwait summit held last 2015. With this new venture, Korea has been recognized again as the country which could build and develop new and innovative mega-cities.

To start this mega-city project, the Korea Land and Housing Corporation or the LH signed a deal and a contract together with Kuwait's housing and welfare ministry. As mentioned by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport last Monday, this smart city construction is headed to its goal of managing and developing the South Saad Al-Abdullah New City in the said Middle East country. This will not only give rise to an innovative mega-city, but this is also expected to develop a partnership between the two nations.

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Apart from those mentioned benefits and gains, this South Saad Al-Abduallah New City project is also expected to help perhaps 25,000 households as they can take advantage from the homes it shall offer them. The project and the building of this smart city started with the initiative of the LH. It has been reported that they sent experts and specialists. These people are tasked to assess the site where the mega city will be built. After examining the site, they will already come up with the master plan as well as the design of the structure. After these, the LH, as well as those, involve in the project will be ready to construct a smart city that will be connected using smart devices and tools.

Some reports are also claiming that the land ministry of Korea is also looking for ways to develop some of their projects abroad. That's why when they saw the opportunity with Kuwait, they immediately initiated the said partnership and promised to take part efficiently in the said deal. Another group composed of Korean urban architects will also assist in the said project.

Kuwait is slowly realizing its plan to come up with a global city that will set the standard among all the smart cities. With the help and aid from Korea, the said Middle East country has also a goal of building the first environment-friendly city in the Middle REast region.And as per Asia Times, this project will also be of big help to some Korean construction firms as this will lead them to varied and suitable opportunities.

With the forging of contracts until the development of the master plan of the smart city, the said construction is said to start in the year 2019. This only proves that despite the political turmoil the country is facing at the moment, Korea can still be exemplary in terms of extending innovative services overseas.

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China's first high-speed railway project in Indonesia will push Southeast Asian countries to adopt Chinese standards in building the best quality rail networks, according to Zhou Zhiliang, chairman of China Railway Signal and Communication Co, on Wednesday.

He said because most Southeast Asian nations have only just begun to build new railway lines or bought new trains, they are keen to acquire technical support from China to help with maintenance, training and other services.

His comments came after the Indonesia-China joint venture company PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, on Tuesday signed an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) project with High-Speed Railway Contract Consortiumthe project's business operator and infrastructure provider. EPC projects are a common form of contractual arrangement in the construction industry.

This is the first time China has allowed a State-owned company to fully immerse itself in an overseas project, in terms of design and construction, according to a statement released by the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner, on Wednesday.

KCIC and HRSCC completed preparations, including planning approval, project construction permit, franchise agreement, survey and design last year.

Zhou said: "Plans by Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to build high-speed rail links will further fuel hope that Southeast Asia could one day have a similar European-style railway system."

Based on distance and technical content, Zhou said the project is expected to generate more than 40,000 jobs a year during construction.

The Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Xie Feng said the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project once again proved that China and Indonesia complement each other with mutual benefits.

The project is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, linking Jakarta and Bandung. Its first phase will cover 142 kilometers, with the highest speed reaching 350 kilometers an hour.

The railway, which is expected to be finished in 2019, will shorten the traveling time from more than three hours to 40 minutes.

Xiao Songxin, the project director of the HRSCC, said that they will ensure the project will be completed as scheduled, and that it will be a landmark project.

China was selected by the Indonesian government to build the country's first bullet rail link last year. It will start constructing a $5.5 billion high-speed railway line from Jakarta to Bandung.

The project is financed through a Chinese loan provided by the China Development Bank, which provides roughly 75 percent of the funding with the rest arranged by the joint venture.
ISLAMABAD, April 5 -- China and Pakistan on Wednesday agreed to further promote their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

The pledge was made during a meeting here between Chinese top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng and Pakistani Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani.

Yu, who is chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China and Pakistan are good neighbors, good partners, good friends and good brothers.

He said that since Chinese President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Pakistan in 2015, China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has maintained strong momentum of development.

He highlighted the frequent high-level exchanges, enhanced practical cooperation, and close coordination and collaboration on major issues between the two countries.

The Chinese top political advisor called on the two countries to work together to push ahead with the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and to implement the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative.

The two countries should strengthen cooperation in the fields of port, energy and processing industry, and boost exchanges in culture, education, healthcare and sports, he said.

Yu also urged the two countries to deepen defense and security cooperation so as to pursue shared security for the two sides as well as regional peace and stability.

The CPPCC stands ready to enhance exchanges with the Pakistani Senate, he said, calling on the CPPCC and the Pakistani Senate to learn from each other and make contributions to the development of their countries.

For his part, Rabbani said Pakistan and China have enjoyed a long history of friendship with ever-closer ties that have stood the test of history.

He pointed out that developing relations with China is not only the cornerstone of Pakistan's diplomacy, but also the consensus of all the political parties in the country.

The Pakistani Senate is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the CPPCC and push for the shared development of the two countries, he said.

On Wednesday, Yu also met with acting Speaker of the Pakistani National Assembly Javed Abbasi.
The Government of Canada will invest C$120 million (US$89 million) to deploy infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and refueling stations for alternative fuels such as natural gas, as well as to support technology demonstration projects.

Overall, Budget 2017 proposes to invest C$21.9 billion (US$16.4 billion) over 11 years to support green infrastructure that will advance Canadas efforts to build a clean economy.

This funding builds on Budget 2016s investment of C$62.5 million (US$436.7 million) over two years to support the electric and alternative fuel vehicles infrastructure. Minister LeBlanc today also announced C$335,000 (US$250,000) in funding to build 10 new fast-charging stations across New Brunswick, led by NB Power Energie NB. These projects will give electric vehicle drivers the infrastructure needed to travel New Brunswick roads with greater ease and will provide the tools Canadians need to make cleaner choices in the transportation sector.
The tested fuelCatalytic Hydrothermal Conversion Jet fuel (CHCJ-5)was made from rapeseed oil. CHC fuelswhich are also being evaluated by the US Navy for inclusion in the JP-5 spec ( earlier post )use a catalytic hydrothermolysis process that chemically converts renewable feedstocks such as triglycerides, plant oils, and fatty acids into a mixture of paraffins, cycloparaffins, aromatics, olefins, and organic acids. The resulting mixture is then hydroprocessed and fractionated to produce a kerosene (or diesel) product having a distillation profile comparable to traditional petroleum derived fuels.

A Saab Gripen fighter has for the first time undergone a series of test flights with 100% biofuel. This demonstrates that the aircraft can be flown entirely with an alternative fuel and gives valuable knowledge for future possible use of alternative fuel.

The end product is a fuel that is able to meet the jet (or diesel) chemical and physical MIL-SPEC requirements without blending with conventional petroleum fuels.

This was the first time that a single-engine fighter flew with 100% biofuel. The flights were conducted with a Gripen D (dualseat) at Saabs facilities in Linkoping and went entirely as planned. (The Gripen D is a two-seat version of the single-seat Gripen, used

The test team noted no differences between the biofuel and the ordinary jet fuel, which means that biofuel can be used as a fully satisfactory alternative to ordinary jet fuel in Gripen. Flying with biofuel in operational service with Gripen requires, however, further certification of the fuel and access to fuel in the amounts that correspond to operational needs. Goran Bengtsson, Director of Research and Technology, Future Business, Aeronautics

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) is behind the project; FMV, Saab and GKN Aerospace, which produces the engine (RM12) for the Gripen C/D, participated in the project. The RM12 is a modular, fuel efficient, low bypass ratio afterburning turbofan in the 80 KN (18,000lb) thrust class. It is based on the General Electric F-404-400 which has completed several million flight hours in operations worldwide, with several enhancements including increased thrust and bird strike resistance.

Through a bilateral agreement between Sweden and the United States, the US Navy and US Air Force have contributed with valuable knowledge and experience regarding certification of biofuel. System testing, ground testing and flight testing have been conducted at Saab in Linkoping together with GKN Aerospace.

The Gripen fighter is in service with a number of air forces: Swedish, Czech, Hungarian, South African and Thai. The UK Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide. Also, Brazil has signed a contract for the development and production of 36 Gripen NG fighter aircraft.

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A group photo of the Finnish cultural delegation who visited China in 1953 taken in front of the Beijing Lu Xun Museum. (Photos: Courtesy of Finland-China Friendship Association)

A group of old photos on people-to-people exchanges between China and Finland were recently sent to Peoples Daily upon Chinese President Xi Jinpings Finnish visit, serving as the latest witness and evidence of traditional friendship between the two countries.

President Xi, in a signed article entitled Our Enduring Friendship published on Finnish newspaper Helsinki Times ahead of his visit, pointed out that China and Finland share a friendly relationship passing the test of time and international changes.

It sets an example for peaceful co-existence and friendly exchanges between two countries that are different in size, culture and development level, Xi noted.

The photos were sent by Annika Heikinheimo, an official with Finland-China Friendship Association, one of the earliest friendship associations between China and a European country. It is also the oldest and most active one in Finland. The society was founded on June 15, 1951, only eight months after the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, with an aim to promote cultural exchanges.

The founders of the association were big names in Finland, such as composer Ahti Sonninen, author Helvi Hamalainen, politician V.J.Sukselainen, writer Urho Kekkonen and former first lady of Finland Sylvi Kekkonen.

Heikinheimo noted that these photos were taken in 1953 when Finland's first large cultural delegation visited China. In these vintage photos, delegation members were visiting Chinese tourist spots, talking with Chinese friends, or inspecting a construction site in straw hats.

The delegation, headed by Kekkonen, consisted of representatives from all walks of life including senators, actors, writers, poets and workers, who were received by then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai as well.

"Scholars studying the history of exchanges between China and Finland have all noticed that almost every Finnish delegation has been received by top Chinese leaders," Heikinheimo said, adding that it reflected the attention paid by Chinese leaders on the development of bilateral relations.

"In the tight schedule, we visited Beijing, Hefei, Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Wuhan in one and a half months and attended all kinds of exchange activities," she recalled.

The official added that the members were astonished after learning that Lu Xun, a leading figure of modern Chinese literature, had translated the works of female Finnish author Minna Canth when visiting the Beijing Lu Xun Museum.

Finland, after the delegation concluded their visit, designed a student exchange plan with China. The University of Helsinki opened a course of Chinese studies, and two delegation members wrote monographs about China after returning to homeland.

In addition, the delegation delivered tens of speeches after returning to their country, introducing the achievements made by the new China.

Actor and director Ritva Arvelo translated and directed the Chinese opera the White Haired Girl. A great number of Chinese movies, books and artworks spread in Finland. Meanwhile, more Finnish novels have also been translated into Chinese. In 1955, the first Sibelius concert was held in Shanghai.

Artists of a Chinese Peking Opera Troupe receive flowers by local children when they paid their first visit to Finland in 1955 thanks to the coordination of Finland-China Friendship Association. (Photos: Courtesy of Finland-China Friendship Association)

Heikinheimo also noted that the visit has not only brought China-Finland cultural exchange onto a new stage, but opened a new chapter in bilateral economic and trade relations. The two countries have inked inter-governmental trade and payment agreement, which is the first of its kind signed between China and a Western country.

Both countries also intensified their exchanges since then. Back to 1956, the then Finnish Speaker of Parliament Vieno Sukselainen visited China with a parliament delegation at the invitation of the Chinese side, during which they met with Chairman Mao Zedong, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Liu Shaoqi and Premier Zhou Enlai.

One photo also recorded the moment Mao and Liu walking out of the Great Hall of the People with the delegation.

Finland held an art exhibition in the autumn of 1958 in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. It was the largest overseas art exhibition held by Finland. Finnish delegation members were impressed by China, describing the country as a happy nation.

Artist Sven Gronvall once wrote in his diary after he arrived in China by train that "we must have reached China since I can feel the relaxed, happy, friendly, young, diligent and historic atmosphere."

Heikinheimo said that her association never stopped its efforts to propel bilateral exchanges despite of changing international arena.

Now the Spring Festival temple fair organized by the association has become a well-anticipated annual event for Finnish people, she said, adding that the 11th event was held in the downtown Helsinki last year.

In addition, a cultural festival themed "Hello Helsinki" was held in Beijing in May, 2016. Heikinheimo spoke highly of the friendship between the two countries, saying they are close despite of the long distance.
GRPD mourns the loss of former detective and drug dog

The Green River Police Department mourns the deaths of two of their own, one a respected detective and the other a beloved drug dog.

Tuesday night, police chief Chris Steffen told the Green River City Council of retired Lt. Mont Mechams death in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Monday.

Mecham was shot while on duty in 1996, an injury a teary-eyed Steffen said is what probably ended his life.

Mecham was one of two officers shot during a confrontation with Steven Mitchell Oct. 14, 1996. According to a Green River Star article published Oct. 17, 1996, Mecham was shot by Mitchell, armed with a shot...
The Tomahawk building is under new ownership.

Friday, Green River Futures sold the building to Green River Opportunities Wyoming (GRoWYO), a limited liability company formed by a group of investors with local ties.

Green River Futures member Mike Frink said he will continue tomanage the building, while GRoWYO will make investments into a fire suppression system and elevator, which will allow for futures improvements and open occupancy to the upper floors of the building.

According to a press release from GRoWYO, the company plans to make the building an important and vibrant part of Green River by creating mixed-use spaces within the building.

Frink said negotiations for the purchase didnt take a lot of time.

We just talked about it, they got together and bought it, Frink said. We sold them a nice building.

With money from the sale, Frink said Green River Futures plans to reinvest the money into an improvement project, though the exact project isnt known yet. Frink said Futures has a number of ideas and he personally would like to see Futures do a project downtown, but the board will have to meet and determine what it wants to do.

A lien on the building was released by the Green River City Council Dec. 6, 2016. The lien was placed as the result of an agreement between the city and Futures to improve the building with grant funding from the Wyoming Business Council. The city would eventually return a grant for the WBC intended for the building. The building was originally built in 1921.
A Green River contractor was awarded a bid to build the new General Aviation Terminal at the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport.

A Pleasant Construction won the bid for the $5.84 million project, construction of which will start Monday. Devon Brubaker, airport manager, said the 75-year-old terminals roof started caving in recently, after the bid was opened. He said no local funding outside of whats spent in furniture, fixtures and equipment will be used in the construction project.

Brubaker said other improvements have recently been made to the airport, including a Federal Aviatio...
China is expected to export nuclear technology to the UK, a traditional nuclear power that realized commercialization of nuclear energy, after China's Hualong One reactor finally gets a permit to enter the latters market, sources from China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) told the Peoples Daily.

The UK government has started an assessment to build a nuclear power plant at Bradwell in southeastern England, disclosed an official from CGN, adding that the chances are high that the Hualong One reactor will pass UK's approval.

It is estimated that the value of one nuclear reactor sold abroad equals that of 1 million cars. If approved by the UK, the Hualong reactor will, together with the high-speed train technology, become name cards of Chinas high-end manufacturing industry in the world.

The Hualong One reactor was jointly developed by CGN and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), sources said.

For the sake of safety, China has learnt lessons from Japan's Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 and followed the latest nuclear safety requirements. The reactor keeps abreast with a high safety index: It has double-layer safety shells, offering enhanced protection capabilities against commercial airplane crash.

The UK has the strictest nuclear regulations in the world. In this January, the country approved to launch an assessment to review the design of the reactor. If the Hualong One reactor can pass the assessment in the next five years, it will surely get a passport in the worlds atomic industry.

In another development, sources said that the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kenya will be examined under the training cooperation framework agreement and confidentiality agreement signed between CGN and the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board.

Under the agreement, the two sides will launch comprehensive cooperation in terms of technology and business. It is regarded as an important step for the Hualong One reactors entry into the African market as well as the export of Chinas unitized technology, equipment and general contracting services.
Members of the Supreme Courts conservative majority are questioning the continued use of affirmative action in higher education. In lengthy arguments Monday, the justices wrestled with persistent, difficult questions of race. The justices heard from six different lawyers in challenges to policies at the University of North Carolina and Harvard. Those policies consider race among many factors in evaluating applications for admission. One conservative justice likened affirmative action to giving some college applicants a head start in a footrace. But a liberal justice said universities are the pipelines to leadership in our society and suggested that without affirmative action minority enrollment will drop.
The Carolina Inn is one of Chapel Hills iconic landmarks.

Nestled about a block off Franklin Street, the property was constructed in 1924 by UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus John Sprunt Hill from a design by architect Arthur C. Nash, who also designed numerous other Colonial style buildings on campus. Hill subsequently donated the inn to the university with the stipulation that profits support the library. In 2008, the university selected international boutique hotelier Destination Hotels (destinationhotels.com) as manager.

Crossroads Chapel Hill, the inns restaurant, has held Four Stars from Forbes, starting in 2000 and Four Diamonds from AAA since 2002. Last fall, Greensboro native Brandon Sharp took over as executive chef. (His mother, Jane, had a health and exercise program on WFMY and is a former News & Record employee; his father is a former federal magistrate; and his brother, Graham, is songwriter and one of the banjo players for Steep Canyon Rangers.)

After graduating from Grimsley High School, Chef Sharp earned a degree in philosophy from UNC, then moved on to the culinary program at CIA in Hyde Park. His pedigree includes some of the nations most prestigious kitchens: Gary Danko in San Francisco, the French Laundry in Yountville, and Restaurant August in New Orleans. He subsequently received a Michelin Star when he led Solbar at Solage Resort and Spa in Calistoga, Calif., and maintained that distinction for seven consecutive years. He describes the style he is implementing at Crossroads Chapel Hill as Southern, with preparation techniques and sauces from French influences.

I visited Crossroads Chapel Hill under the most difficult circumstances: for Valentines dinner. If you want to see what can go wrong in a restaurant, that holiday is generally considered the most stressful by restaurateurs. The inn was hosting large parties in several private venues, a fairly large crowd was schmoozing in the bar, and the dining room was just about full by the time we arrived at 7.

And yet, the evening progressed smoothly, with servers displaying thorough knowledge of the special menu and deliveries appropriately paced. I found only one issue that made me uneasy: Wines, although well-selected, are priced pretty high, in comparison to Greensboro.

Two alternatives made up the first course: Chestnut Bisque  a rich, creamy, smooth rendition oozing clear chestnut flavor, undergirded by bacon lardons, green apple bits and sage; and Grilled Tuna  chilled, no gristle, its pure flavor enhanced with basil and pine nut pesto.

For the second course, delicate Smoked Salmon, rum-cured in house, was delightfully augmented by creme fraiche and horseradish, flanked by crisp, fried potatoes. The other choice was Duck Foie Gras, an elegant treat. The mild duck liver spread like chilled butter on toasted brioche slices, capped with homemade apple butter.

Although not on the Valentines menu, we were also able to sample Calabash Fried Shrimp  flat out the best fried shrimp I have ever had  delicate and fully flavored, beautifully complimented by fried lemons. (This dish does appear on the regular menu and merits a return in itself.)

Three main-course selections pleased all critics around the table. Seared Scallops received a lemon butter sauce treatment, a mellifluous marriage, joined by sauteed spinach and whipped potatoes drizzled with truffle-infused olive oil. Filet Mignon exhibited the tender texture that earns this cuts reputation but delivered solid flavor as well. Bordelaise sauce and mushroom soubise (blended with soft cooked onions) deepened that natural beef taste, with fried onions lending crisp texture in addition to sweetish flavor. Duck Breast and Confit used Muscovy duck  a premier breed, with the skin fried crisp, in the form of cracklins. Cranberry compote enhanced the duck flavor. Roasted Brussels sprouts turned out to be one of my favorite renditions.

Fourth-course desserts  Strawberry Pistachio Cake with candied strawberries and Chocolate Banana Passion Fruit Torte  displayed the layers of color and flavor that grow out of pastry chef Sara Beth Thomass art. A graduate of the Pittsburgh Culinary Institute, she came to the Carolina Inn after earning her professional chops at several Ritz Carlton properties.

Chef Sharps Greensboro connection enabled me to break the no Triangle restaurants rule that has been in place for this column for over 30 years. The sale of Solage coinciding with the vacancy at The Carolina Inn created a convergence that I predict will greatly benefit North Carolina restaurant devotees.

Full reviews with ratings require multiple visits over time, not something I usually do with restaurants outside the News & Record distribution area. But Crossroads Chapel Hill has a special appeal. I am looking forward to returning and monitoring the development of this premier property.
(China Daily) 13:33, April 06, 2017

A man left paralyzed after being crushed by fellow passengers on a Beijing subway train has been awarded 260,000 yuan ($37,700) in compensation, a court said on Wednesday.

The Changping District People's Court ruled that Beijing Subway, which operates the line, was 20 percent responsible for the accident that left the plaintiff, identified only as Liu, in need of 24-hour care.

A subway station in Beijing. [Photo: weibo.com]

Liu attempted to board a subway train on Line 5 at Tiantongyuan North Station at about 7 pm on Jan 15, 2014, when he was crushed in a surge of passengers.

The then-56-year-old fell unconscious on the train, "but the rush hour crowd did not pay any attention to him, let alone help him", according to his lawyer, Liu Yongfei.

"My client was not sent to hospital until the train arrived at Lishuiqiao, three stations later, which is when subway workers spotted him on surveillance cameras," he said. Although similar cases caused by overcrowding at Chinese subway stations are not rare, the attorney said, "the injury suffered by my client can be said to be the most serious and tragic."

The victim, who worked at an advertising company and had previously complained of neck problems, was hospitalized for 765 days after the accident, "and even now he cannot stand up and have a meal by himself", Liu said. "He cannot live by himself."

A subway station in Beijing. [Photo: weibo.com]

Considering the seriousness of the injury, the man's family appealed to the court in early 2015, requesting the metro company pay 1.9 million yuan in compensation, including medical fees and loss of income for the man's absence from work, according to Liu.

In February 2015, the court accepted the case. It made the judgment at the end of last year and disclosed the verdict online to receive public supervision on March 30.

In the judgment, the court said the subway company, as the regulator of the system, should take more security measures to protect passengers during rush hour.

"Although the litigant's injuries were not directly caused by the metro operator, the case highlighted a lack of protection and security measures for passengers, and the company did not provide enough evidence to prove it had fulfilled its responsibility at the time," said Huang Ying, the judge in charge of the case.

Therefore, the court decided to ask the company to claim 20 percent of the responsibility in the case and pay compensation to the victim, Huang said.

The court said the 260,000 yuan was to cover three years of medical fees and that the plaintiff can ask for further compensation in line with the law if he needs to in the future, the attorney added.

The litigant and his family were satisfied with the result and said they would not appeal to a higher court, Liu said.
GREENSBORO  Police are investigating a shooting that injured a male subject.

According to a police news release, at 3:48 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Randleman Road at West Florida Street in reference to a shooting.

Officers found a victim that had been shot multiple times at the Budget Inn at 512 Farragut St. He was transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment.

No suspect information was available.

The investigation is ongoing.
A bill introduced Wednesday in Raleigh would require police officers and sheriffs deputies in larger counties to wear body cameras to record traffic stops and their other public encounters.

The bill submitted by state Reps. Cecil Brockman and Amos Quick, both Democrats from Guilford County, would mandate an operational video camera provided by a law enforcement agency and affixed to a law enforcement officers uniform and positioned in a way that allows the video camera to capture interactions the law enforcement officer has with the public.

Those recordings would be a public record accessible to any person who submits a written request to the law enforcement agency, except that the agency could cut out or redact certain parts of a tape for good cause, according to the bill that also was sponsored by state Reps. Kelly Alexander (D-Charlotte) and Bobbie Richardson (D-Louisburg).

The bill would appropriate $10 million during the next two years for matching grants to help law enforcement agencies buy and maintain the recording equipment.

All the backers of the Body Worn Camera Recordings bill are black legislators. Brockman said the measure stems from the ongoing friction between police agencies and the black community that has played out in recent years from Greensboro to other parts of North Carolina and across the nation.

Its not about any one particular incident that has happened, Brockman said. But there have been incidents in the past that everybody is very well aware of. And I think that for African-Americans, in particular, it is kind of in the forefront of our minds.

Brockman noted that officers in many larger metropolitan areas, including Greensboro and Winston-Salem, already are equipped with body cameras.

Quick said the bill is meant to provide a safety net that can prevent those relatively rare instances where things go awry between officers and members of the public.

While most interactions with law enforcement are not issues, we have seen incidents that have ended in tragedy, said Quick, a former member of the Guilford County Board of Education. This bill can help shine light on situations like those and hopefully save lives.

In crafting the bill, Brockman said he tried to strike a transparent balance between the publics interest in knowing the details of such encounters and police officers latitude as trained professionals.

Brockman submitted a similar bill during the last session of the General Assembly two years ago and the proposal never made it out of committee in the Republican-dominated House.

He said in a Wednesday evening telephone interview that he hopes the proposal meets a kindlier fate this time around.

But one of Guilfords more prominent Republican office holders, Sheriff BJ Barnes, questioned the wisdom of making the recorded interactions a public record that could be readily obtained and widely dispersed.

Guidelines already exist telling law enforcement agencies when to release body camera footage and to whom, Barnes said.

I think if this bill passed, it would be a disaster for law enforcement, said Barnes, who added that he believes if footage is released to the public it would end up on social media. If it was all made public, how could you have a jury trial?

The intentions are good, but I dont see this working for law enforcement, he said.

Brockman noted that research suggests that when officers are equipped with body cameras, the technology tends to result in fewer complaints being filed against officers by members of the public because both parties are on their best behavior when they know they are being taped.

The proposed body cam law would only apply in North Carolina counties with populations greater than 200,000, Brockman said, as a way of acknowledging that it might be more difficult for officials to carry out its mandates in smaller, more rural settings with smaller tax bases.
A devastated father has been pictured cradling the bodies of his dead twins after they were killed during the chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun, in the rebel-held central province of Idlib, Syria

The faces of the innocent victims of a chemical gas attack in northern Syria have been revealed after a father asked for photos of his twin children who died in the massacre to be shared.

Devastated Abdul Hamid Youssef was pictured cradling the bodies of his dead toddler-aged twins, Ahmed and Aiya, after they were killed during the chemical 'sarin gas' attack in Khan Sheikhoun, in the rebel-held central province of Idlib, Syria.

Youssef, who lost 20 members of his family including his wife in Tuesday's attack and is believed to be seriously ill himself, also shared images of his children, a boy and a girl, playing together before they were killed in the war-ravaged town.

It has been reported he is now very sick himself in hospital, suffering from chemical exposure.

Up to 100 people, including 20 children and 17 women, are dead following the chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun.

The latest official death toll being reported as 72, according to the UK-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The man, who has not been named, was seen sitting on the ground as he hugged his young children following Tuesday's attack. Renewed air strikes hit Khan Sheikhoun on Wednesday. No casualties were reported because the area had been evacuated following Tuesday's attack

Renewed air strikes hit Khan Sheikhoun on Wednesday, as cities around Syria were affected by raids.

Air strikes hit Douma, Kafr Batna and Saqba, a town in the Eastern Ghouta Region of Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday and Wednesday. A strike in Saqba killed four people, including two children, and injured ten others.

No casualties were reported following air strikes in Khan Sheikhoun on Wednesday because the area had been evacuated following Tuesday's attack.

Russia's defense ministry said on Wednesday that the poisonous gas contamination was the result of gas leaking from a rebel chemical weapons depot after it was hit by Syrian government air strikes.

The United States has blamed the administration of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the attack, while British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also suggested the attack was caused by the Assad regime.

A team of rescuers is still finding survivors from the chemical attack, including two women and a boy who were found hiding in an underground shelter beneath their home.

The children, pictured above, were among the 72 reported dead after Tuesday's chemical attack, which is believed to have been caused by the nerve agent sarin

The UN Security Council was to hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday in response to the chemical strike and in Brussels, officials from 70 nations gathered for a major donors' conference on the future of Syria and the region.

The attack on Tuesday left residents gasping for breath and convulsing in the streets and overcrowded hospitals. It is believed that in addition to the nearly 100 deaths, 400 people were injured after being exposed to toxins during the attack.

Haunting images of lifeless children piled in heaps reflected the magnitude of the attack, which was reminiscent of a 2013 chemical assault that left hundreds dead and was the worst in the country's ruinous six-year conflict.

The Russian defence ministry said in a statement that the building housed 'a warehouse making bombs, with toxic substances', without saying if the strike was accidental or deliberate.

The ministry said the 'arsenal of chemical weapons' was intended for fighters in Iraq, describing its information as 'completely reliable and objective.'.

'Yesterday, from 11.30am to 12.30pm local time, Syrian aviation made a strike on a large terrorist ammunition depot and a concentration of military hardware in the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun town,' Russian defense ministry spokesman Igor Konoshenkov said in a statement posted on YouTube.

'On the territory of the depot there were workshops which produced chemical warfare munitions,' he said, adding that the chemical munitions had been used by rebels in Aleppo last year.

'The poisoning symptoms of the victims in Khan Sheikhoun shown on videos in social networks are the same as they were in autumn of the previous year in Aleppo,' Konoshenkov said.

Russia on Wednesday said it was pushing on with its support for President Bashar al-Assad's forces in Syria, after deflecting blame from Damascus over a suspected chemical attack.

'Russia and its armed forces are continuing the operation to support the anti-terrorist operation to liberate the country, which the Syrian armed forces are conducting,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Foreign Secretary Johnson said as he arrived for a Syria aid conference in Brussels that the attack appeared to be caused by the Assad regime.

'All the evidence I have seen suggests this was the Assad regime... using illegal weapons on their own people,' Johnson said.

'What it confirms to everybody is that this is a barbaric regime which has made it impossible for us to imagine them (having) authority over Syria after this conflict,' he added.

US president Donald Trump called the chemical attack a 'heinous' act that 'cannot be ignored by the civilized world'.

Speaking as he hosted Jordan's King Abdullah in the Oval Office, on Wednesday, the US leader also described Tuesday's strike as 'a terrible affront to humanity.'

Asked whether the attack, which Washington has squarely blamed on Damascus, could trigger a change of policy on the Syrian conflict, Trump replied: 'We'll see.'

Doctors treating victims at makeshift hospitals in the area say dozens of victims from Khan Sheikhoun are showing signs of sarin poisoning, including foaming at the mouth, breathing difficulties and limp bodies.
LONDON  Over the last several years, a European family business has spent more than $40 billion assembling a coffee empire.

JAB Holding Company has acquired the American brands Peets Coffee, Caribou Coffee and Keurig Green Mountain, all since 2012.

It also combined the European coffee giant, D.E. Master Blenders 1753, with the coffee business of Mondelez International foods to create a company now known as Jacobs Douwe Egbert. Then it bought the high-end coffee retailers Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Intelligentsia. Mondelez continues to own 25 percent of Douwe Egbert and has a similar stake in Keurig.

Now JAB needs somewhere to sell all that coffee.

On Wednesday, JAB, which is privately held, said it would add the Panera restaurant chain to its growing empire of U.S. coffee and food favorites for $7.5 billion, including debt.

It is only the latest effort to expand into restaurants by JAB, the investment arm of the Reimann family of Germany, who are heirs to the consumer goods company Joh. A. Benckiser. In 2014, JAB bought the bagel chain Einstein Brothers, which it has been combining with Caribou is some markets. And last year, it paid $1.35 billion for Krispy Kreme, the struggling doughnut chain.

In Panera, JAB will acquire a popular fast casual chain that serves soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods at about 2,000 locations. But Panera, which went public in 1991, has chafed under Wall Streets relentless demand for growth.

Ron Shaich, Paneras personable chief executive who controls roughly 15 percent of its stock, said one of the biggest attractions to the JAB deal was the chance to take his company private.

For the last 20 years, Ive spent 20 percent of my time telling people what weve done to grow and another 20 percent of my time telling people what were going to do to grow, Shaich said in an interview. I wont have to do that anymore.

Shaich said that he planned to continue to lead Panera. Nothing will change, he said. The management team and I will remain.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter and is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
A Chinese court has ordered Samsungs unit in the country to pay Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. millions of dollars for patent infringement, Quanzhou Evening Newspaper said on Thursday.

The Quanzhou Intermediate Peoples Court ruled that South Koreas Samsung (China) Investment Co. Ltd. infringed on several technologies developed by the Chinese firm Huawei. Samsung was ordered to pay 80 million yuan (11.6 million US dollars) in damages.

Shenzhen-based Huawei is one of the worlds leading telecom equipment providers and one of Chinas top smartphone makers.

Huawei sued Samsung in May 2016 before Shenzhen Intermediate Peoples Court and the District Court for the Northern District of California, accusing its rival of infringement of patents for fourth-generation or 4G mobile technology, operating systems, and interface software.

These were followed by the suit before the Quanzhou court in June 2016. The Shenzhen and California courts have not ruled on the case.

In response, Samsung filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Huawei in the Beijing Intermediate Peoples Court in July 2016, asking for damages of 161 million yuan (23.3 million US dollars).

CIMB analyst Lee Do-hoon said both firms want more than just the monetary awards.

Huawei could be angling to boost its reputation by taking on the top smartphone player", he said. "Samsung's suit might be a maneuver to force Huawei to settle its claims as soon as possible," he added.

Chinese technology companies have often been on the receiving end of such lawsuits, so Huaweis litigation campaign marked something of a reversal of roles, reflecting its growing clout in the global telecommunications and smartphone markets.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva announced in March 2016 that Huawei Technologies topped the list of international patent filers for the second straight year in 2015. Huawei applied for 3,898 patents, 456 more than the previous year and more than Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony, and HP.

Our goal is to continue producing the high quality products, instead of pursuing the young as customers, said Ren Zhengfei, the founder and CEO of Huawei, in March 2017.
Editor's note: Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with his U.S. counterpart, President Trump, at the Mar-a-lago estate in Florida from April 6 to 7. This will be the first meeting between leaders of the two countries since Trump took office.

We summarize some of Xi Jinping's quotes on Sino-U.S. relations below.

1. Establish a new model of major-country relations, deliver greater benefits to the Chinese and American people

DateJune 2016

LocationBeijing

OccasionThe Eighth Round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, the Seventh Round of China-U.S. High-level Consultation on Person-to-Person Exchange, at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing

RemarksXin Qiji, a poet from China's Song Dynasty, once wrote, "Thick mountains could not stop the river from flowing into the sea." In fact, all rivers have to travel a meandering course before reaching their destination. For China and the U.S., as long as we stay focused on our goal and persevere in our efforts, we will be able to make even greater progress in building the new model of major-country relations and deliver greater benefits not just to the people of our two nations but to people of all nations in the world.

2. Stick to the greatest common denominator of China-U.S. relations

DateMarch 2017

LocationBeijing

OccasionPresident Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson

RemarksChina and the U.S. can be very good partners. As long as both sides stick to the greatest common denominator, the development of bilateral relations could enjoy correct direction. It is hoped that the two sides properly address and control sensitive issues, so as to push bilateral relations toward a new starting point of healthy and stable development.

3. The One China policy is the political foundation for China-U.S. relations

DateFebruary 2017

LocationBeijing

OccasionIn a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump

RemarksFacing the current complicated international situation and an endless variety of challenges, the necessity and urgency of strengthening cooperation between China and the U.S. has increased. Appreciating Donald Trump's emphasis on the U.S. government's adherence to the One China policy, Xi Jinping pointed out that the policy is the political foundation for China-U.S. relations.

4. Hopes for the U.S. to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea

DateSeptember 2016

LocationHangzhou

OccasionDuring the G20 summit in Hangzhou, in talks with then-U.S. President Barack Obama at the West Lake State Guesthouse

RemarksWith regard to the South China Sea issue, Xi Jinping pointed out that China will continue to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, while also insisting on peaceful consultation and negotiations to settle disputes with the parties directly concerned. It is hoped that the U.S. can play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

5. Let friendship grow between each generation of Chinese and American people

DateJune 2016

LocationBeijing

OccasionJoint opening ceremony of the Eighth Round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and the Seventh Round of China-U.S. High-level Consultation on Person-to-Person Exchange, at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing

RemarksFriendship and exchange among the people provides a constant driving force for growing bilateral relations. Mutual understanding and friendship provide the basis for the growth of China-U.S. relations. We need to build more platforms and keep facilitating these exchanges so that the friendship between our peoples will expand from generation to generation.

6. Stick to principles of non-confrontation, non-conflict, mutual respect and win-win cooperation

DateJune 2016

Location Beijing

OccasionThe Eighth Round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, the Seventh Round of China-U.S. High-level Consultation on Person-to-Person Exchange, at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing

RemarksMost important, I believe, is that the two sides stay committed to the principles of non-confrontation, non-conflict, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, and work steadily toward this new model of major-country relations.

7. The two countries should join hands on issues of global significance

DateJanuary 2016

LocationBeijing

OccasionDuring a meeting with then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the Great Hall of the People

RemarksThe healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations is not only in the interest of both sides, but is also in line with the expectations of the international community. The two countries should join hands to keep advancing their agreed-upon agenda, maintain communication and coordination on issues of global significance, and promote the proper solution of various problems.

8. China, U.S. should move in the same direction, showing good faith to one another

DateNovember 2015

LocationParis

OccasionDuring talks with then-U.S. President Barack Obama

RemarksRegarding issues related to cyberspace, China and the U.S. should move in the same direction, showing good faith to one another. Both sides should jointly promote dialogue to obtain positive results.

9. China-U.S. relations have gone through trials and hardships, but always moved forward

DateSeptember 2015

LocationWashington, D.C.

OccasionXi Jinping held talks with then-U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House

RemarksChina-U.S. relationship is one of the most important relationships in the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 36 years ago, China-U.S. relations have gone through trials and hardships, but have always moved forward to realize historic development.

10. Promoting construction of a new model of major-country relations between China and the U.S., in the spirit of "accumulating droplets to form a pool and heaping earth to create a mountain"

DateNovember 2014

LocationBeijing

OccasionPresident Xi Jinping held a meeting with then-U.S. President Barack Obama at Zhongnanhai.

RemarksWe should continuously push forward the construction of a new model of major-country relations between China and the U.S., utilizing a strategic and long-term perspective with the spirit of "accumulating droplets to form a pool and heaping earth to create a mountain."
Polaniks lawyer says they thought twice or three times about whether to bring a lawsuit. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images

A Massachusetts man who sued 23 different Dunkin Donuts stores, after learning they gave him a butter substitute on his bagels, may have scored free pastries for thousands of customers. Jan Polanik took the chain to court last month, saying hed been ordering real butter but receiving a substitute since June of 2012 (theres still been no explanation as to how his I cant believe its not butter moment eventually came about). The Dunkin franchise groups agreed to settle, though, and the New York Times says Polanik could receive a $500 incentive award, while around 1,400 other customers who got similarly shafted would be allotted up to three free buttered baked goods.

His attorneys, though, stand to make $90,000 in fees. That isnt Subway-footlong-lawsuit bad (where ten plaintiffs who sued over the chains less-than-12-inch subs got $500, and their lawyers pocketed $520,000), but it does seem a little lopsided. Polaniks lead attorney assures the AP thats not the case: I can tell you were losing money on this case, he says, adding that, like any good Dunkin-consuming Bay Stater, We felt that the principle involved was important enough and something should be done to correct the practice.

Under the settlement, which now needs a judges approval, those 23 stores are also barred from using butter substitutes of any kind for an entire year. And if they decide to reintroduce them after the one-year period is up, menus would have to explicitly mention that. A Dunkin rep says most stores have both butter and margarine, and that its unlikely those stores were trying to be deceptive  more just lazy: For food safety reasons, we do not allow butter to be stored at room temperature, which is the temperature necessary for butter to be easily spread onto a bagel or pastry. While its not clear what Polaniks butter was being replaced with, his attorney made a point of noting someone had visited one of the locations and spied a large tub that looked a lot like a tub of Country Crock, a very inexpensive spread that is sold in grocery stores.
Beristain in Juarez after his deportation. Photo: Herika Martinez/AFP/Getty Images

President Trumps immigration officials have deported another popular restaurant owner, but this may be the first one who had permission to remain in the U.S. from the Obama administration, which saw him as no threat. Roberto Beristain is the owner of Eddies Steak Shed in Granger, Indiana, where he has an American wife and three kids, ages 8, 14, and 15. He entered California illegally in 1997, and later moved to Indiana, where he met his wife while working as a busboy at a Fort Wayne restaurant. In January, he bought Eddies from his wifes sister and her husband, but barely a month into being its new owner, he drove to Indianapolis for his annual check-in with ICE, and disappeared. I waited in the car, his wife, Helen, tells the local news, and Roberto just never came back out.

The saddest part of his story  besides that he has a family of five, his business is now under strain, and hes not committed a crime of any sort while in the U.S.  is that his attorneys had challenged his removal order and had a court date approaching, but before they could go before the judge, ICE officials took Beristain from a Texas detention center and had him walk across into Juarez, Mexico, according to The Wall Street Journal. Under the Obama administration, hed been paying taxes and even had a drivers license, Social Security card, and work permit. In a press release, Beristains attorneys called his sudden deportation an attempt to short-circuit the justice process by intentionally removing him before a judge could stop his removal.

His case is another example of the way Trump plans to prosecute immigration enforcement  that is, his willingness to deport people who havent necessarily committed other crimes beyond living in America without documentation. The way immigration authorities first learned Beristain was here unlawfully was after he apparently entered Canada by mistake during a family trip to Niagara Falls in 2000. Helen, whos Greek and a naturalized citizen herself, voted for Trump in November, partly because she wanted criminals kept out of the country. She just didnt expect there was any way theyd come for her husband.


The Matzo Projects everything-bagel flavor, inspired by Russ & Daughters. Photo: Jed Egan

Turmeric, matcha, and even mozzarella sticks have recently received the artisanal treatment, so perhaps it was only a matter of time before it happened to  matzo. The unleavened flatbread has a terrible reputation as edible cardboard, even (or, perhaps more accurately, especially) among Jewish people. Its really only eaten out of necessity during Passover. Yet the Matzo Project is a Brooklyn-based company that aims to change this. And perhaps the most surprising thing is that its now rapidly expanding to meet high demand.

The matzo itself is sturdy and satisfying, in the salty-crisp way that the best snacks tend to be. It comes in the standard rectangle shape, as well as a snappier chip form. There are three flavors: salted, cinnamon-sugar, and everything-bagel-seasoning, which was inspired by a conversation with Joshua Russ Tupper from Russ & Daughters (and happens to be Grubs favorite).

The companys founders are  in a situation familiar to Jewish East Coasters  camp friends. Kevin Rodriguez brought the idea to Ashley Albert, who owns the wildly popular Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club and often helps friends launch their passion projects. She encouraged him and offered some business advice, but initially didnt plan on getting too involved. (Albert is busy expanding Royal Palms to Chicago.) Then he would come over and bring it to me to taste-test, she says. And I was like a queen! Id say, More salt! Crispier! Adjust the flour! Finally, they officially became partners and settled on a simple, straightforward recipe.

When we first started out, we tried to get overly fancy with it, mixing all of these artisan flours  spelt, durum, whole wheat, and ancient grains, she says. They were good, but plain ol all-purpose flour was just better. Albert and Rodriguez gathered friends to make the matzo with pizza cutters and DIY dough pokers, struggling to find the right tools because few people make matzo at home. Our original salter was a rectangular planter that we drilled holes into, and smacked the sides of to make the salt fall out.

She also tapped into an easily accessible focus group: I taste-tested every possible iteration with my staff at the Royal Palms, and they had no idea how to eat matzo, she says. There wasnt a Jew in the bunch! They would just walk around the club with a single piece with nothing on it. I was like, This is not how you eat matzo at all, you guys! But I was able to tell when we had something that was worth it.

Strong branding. Photo: Jed Egan

After two years of selling the matzo in small Brooklyn shops (the bags and boxes range from $1.99 to $8.99 in price), theyre now in a position to go mass. At the Fancy Food Show  the industrys premier food expo  they received orders from 28 states, and realized they needed to scale up production fast. Theyve moved the company four times in its short life span, from a small commissary kitchen in Brooklyn, to an innovation food lab in Pennsylvania, to a bakery in Coney Island, and finally, on January 1, to a large commercial kosher bakery in South Brooklyn. Albert was concerned: I thought, Were going to have all this matzo. Were going to spend all this money. Are people even going to buy this?

Because its such a big baking facility, their minimums are uncomfortably high: They need to make 2,400 cases every time they go into bake. But its looking like the demand is still exceeding the supply: Albert says the Matzo Project is now in 90 stores, and theyre in emergency mode to go back and bake more. Soon, theyll launch an all-natural matzo-ball-soup food kit, too.

Theres an especially high demand right now (and an influx of press) because Passover begins on Monday, April 10. Interestingly, though the matzo is kosher, its not certified kosher for Passover because of a rule that it must be untouched by non-Jewish hands. Albert wants her matzo to have mass appeal  eaten yearlong by Jews and gentiles alike. Its really like a more flavorful water cracker  its super versatile, she says. We want this to be a cultural cracker, and were likening it to the pita chips. When I was a kid, youd only get a pita chip at a Middle Eastern restaurant, and now, you eat it the way youd eat a potato chip. Its totally ubiquitous. The only positive association with matzo, probably ever, has been the childhood Passover game of finding the afikomen, but clearly people are dispelling preconceived notions.

What will certainly help entice matzo skeptics is the cheeky, Instagram-friendly packaging, with a sketch of a grandmother with bubble quotes saying, Would it kill you to try something new? and Eat something. You look skinny. Albert had a strong sense of what she wanted the branding to look like, and ran a contest on 99designs asking for a design with particular parameters (even specifying that she wanted the grandmother to wear die-cut, see-through sunglasses). She received many options, but none was quite right, so she picked her favorite elements from various illustrations, taught herself InDesign, and cobbled the whole thing together.

Our idea is that people will try it for the first time because of the design, or buy it as a joke to show their mom or their sister, and then taste it and say, Oh, thats actually really good.
Photo: Dylan Michael Goldby/Getty Images

The world of $20 cocktails  with custom-carved ice, obscure rye, eye drops of bitters  is one of glamour and generosity. It is also a young industry where, behind the scenes, hard partying and heavy drinking are the norm. And in a culture framed by hedonism, people are often too quick to dismiss or forgive harassment and assault. Rumors bubble up, then disappear, and bad behavior goes unchecked.

In October, a site called the Reality of Sexual Assault in the Cocktail Community launched an effort to change that, exposing in detail the kinds of stories and assertions that owners and other bartenders are often wont to dismiss. The site details attacks that were allegedly perpetrated by one very prominent member of the bartending community. The site didnt name him specifically  in deference to the women who spoke out and made the initial decision to keep him anonymous, I wont either, except to call him Jeff (not his real name)  but it was easy for people familiar with the situation to connect the dots. The stories are appalling. One account reads, in part:

I can no longer excuse you for walking into my place of work during closing hours, approaching me after everyone has retreated upstairs, reaching your hands to my throat and choking me while you explicitly verbalize the sexual behavior you want to inflict on my body. I can no longer excuse that after I managed to get away from you and scolded you saying DO NOT touch me that you followed me down the hallway and a few minutes later, you pinned my 95 lb body against a wall as your [sic] proceeded to choke me again and verbalize the horrible things you wanted to do to me.

Another post details the way Jeff took his right hand and shoved it into my pants in attempts to put his fingers inside me  It was like a movie, I was being violated right there, in a friendly bar, full of people I knew and trusted.

When it launched, 12 women shared their stories. Soon, due to demand, a separate section was created for posts unrelated to Jeff, including one from a bar manager in Seattle who said he endured sexual assaults from two female colleagues in as many months. One, he said, joked about how I passed out in the middle of her raping me. An event planner at Portland Cocktail Week relayed her shock upon meeting a bartender who bragged about coining the term mouth rape, before forcing his tongue down her throat and saying, See?!

In an interview with Grub Street, one of the women who shared her testimony on the Reality of Sexual Assault blog, explained her thoughts on Jeffs ability to continue assaulting colleagues for an extended period of time. He took whatever he could get away with, she says. Sometimes, it was grabbing. Sometimes bullying. Sometimes threatening. And he was still this hero in the industry. She adds, You think, Oh, if he did this to all these women in our community, then why didnt he ever assault anyone outside of it? Maybe he did. But he didnt need to. He had a hall pass in our industry.

In speaking with a dozen alleged sexual-assault victims for this story, both male and female, grim anecdotes were typical. Cooper Cheatham, the owner of Double Barrel Consulting, says he once awoke from a drunken stupor on a lounge chair in New Orleans  when people were in town for the annual Tales of the Cocktail conference, the industrys most prominent national gathering  to find an infamous bartender male friend forcibly fellating him. That same bartender was also accused of fondling Chicago bartender Vlad Novikovs penis in a pool, during the same conference one year earlier. Year after year, the exact same shtick every fucking time: Get drunk, get in the pool, then he tries to do what he wants, says Novikov, who adds that he felt stupid bringing it up because its not like I was penetrated in an alley. But, when I saw it happened to Cooper, too, and others, I realized I was a wingman, an accomplice.

Still, he continued to go back: It was Champagne and truffles and caviar at a French Quarter mansion with a pool  who says no to that? The good time was a perfect cover. Fuck, we were drinking straight rum  expensive rum  out of wine glasses. Everything is given freely, but with an unspoken price, an expectation. Its tit for tat. Its not about how you feel.

Cheatham filed a police report  the investigation is still open  but formal complaints are rare. (When asked about the accusations, a lawyer representing the alleged assaulter of Cheatham and Novikov dismissed the story, writing in an email, no lawyer could possibly keep a straight face and state that his client was the victim of a blowjob.) It can be extremely difficult for victims to speak out. Theres enormous pressure not to ruin the mood, not to ruin the party, Cheatham says. How are you supposed to talk about sexual assault in that world? Its uncomfortable. And discomfort is this toxic opposite to hospitality.

The community is plagued with a lingering boorishness and boys-club mentality thats rooted in the past. Even as more people do speak out, it remains difficult for the idea of real change to gain traction. Don Lee, a widely respected figure in the industry who was consulted on the Reality of Sexual Assault blog before it launched, says the site came on the heels of this big industrywide argument about misogyny  [Employees Only co-owner] Dushan Zaric, who literally teaches mindfulness, [suggested] that anyone who complained about misogyny should be in therapy. It was the least mindful approach  and it had a lot of fans. Those defenders are less vocal now, Lee says, but that doesnt mean peoples attitudes are actually any different. With these new conversations gaining attention, those boys-club defenders are mysteriously, suspiciously silent. I think it comes from fear.

Lee explains theres also a desire to protect colleagues  but that only slows progress. Maybe Ill find out that some of my friends have done awful things. Probably other major careers will get ruined, he says, but Id much rather have that than what we have now  which is day after day of that awful, awkward gray area that everyone else maybe only ever feels at their office holiday party, but we go through every day. Lee adds, We cant take that dangerous norm and make it a safe industry tomorrow. Or even next year. But if we all work at it, we can make it a better industry five years from now.

Theres enormous pressure not to ruin the mood, not to ruin the party.

Lee isnt the only one whos frustrated. We have Jose Andres out there leading the fight on shutting down restaurants in protest for a Day Without Immigrants, says Ivy Mix, a Brooklyn bartender who operates the nationally praised bar Leyenda (and who is not connected to any of the allegations in this story). But where is the cocktail industrys Jose Andres on sexual assault? She points out that the Reality of Sexual Assault website launched five months ago. How many conferences and meetings and days of work have happened since then without any conversations about sexual assault? Why not? Write that down, all caps: WHY NOT?

Initiatives to address assault in the industry do exist, though they are nascent at best. Bartenders Against Sexual Assault is a Facebook group with about 4,000 members. Not OK PDX is based in Portland, Oregon, and offers sexual-assault training to bars. A similar group, 86 Silence, debuted assault training in Seattle earlier this year. A bill has been introduced into Virginias legislature to require sexual-assault education in businesses that sell alcoholic beverages. Regulation is coming, either internally or externally.

Nationally, Bartenders Atlas, an industry collective, has begun an online series detailing sexual assault. This summer, Tales of the Cocktail will offer free panels on sexual assault and harassment. Weve discussed alcoholism, insomnia, depression, burnout  we need to add bystander intervention and prevention of sexual assault, says Tales founder Ann Tuennerman. I want this education to be like the Heimlich maneuver, something people know without even thinking.

Lauren Taylor, who teaches intervention workshops through her program, Safe Bars, in Washington, D.C., estimated she has taught 250 people in the bar industry since May, as well as teaching dozens of trainers in places like Philadelphia and Summit County, Colorado. There was a huge surge after the election, she says. Women felt unsafe and upset. It was a breaking point.

The national political climate has served as a catalyst in other ways, too. During the recent A Day Without a Woman protest, Caitlin Ryan, the head bartender at New Yorks Suffolk Arms, organized an educational fundraiser at the bar for OutSmart NYC, a nonprofit whose mission is to end sexual violence in nightlife. Chauntel Gerdes, a lead social worker with the group, explained that the citys previous efforts to combat nightlife sexual assault never got off the ground because we didnt have the relationships and conversations in the frontline nightlife community. Gerdess disappointment was evident in her tone: All we want are really rad spaces where we can party without worrying.

These are baby steps, and nobody is convinced any kind of great leap forward is in the industrys immediate future. But there is broad consensus that something needs to happen now. Pamela Wiznitzer is the president of the national U.S. Bartenders Guild. She campaigned in part on a platform of sexual-assault awareness, having partnered with various advocacy groups during four years as president of the guilds New York chapter. We know exactly how many botanicals are in gin, and the proper way to make real mezcal, she says, but we dont know what to do about sexual assault? No. We need to fix that. Career craft-bartending is in its infancy. Were still figuring things out. Every day were opening a new Pandoras box. But its better than doing nothing. When locker-room talk has been normalized, were all in danger.
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The Quanzhou Intermediary Court ordered Samsung to pay CNY80 million to Huawei after infringing patents. The sum equals $11.6 million and is a compensation for using a 4G license in over 20 devices, including the Galaxy S7.

The verdict is a result of a lawsuit filed in May by Huawei in two countries - China and the United States. The Korean company responded with filing a lawsuit for infringing IP certification patents.

Huawei sought compensation for over 30 million products sold in 2016 that generated $12.7 billion revenue for the Korean conglomerate. After the courts decision three Samsung units have to pay for the damage, and five other firms have to stop using Huaweis copyrighted products and patents.

Fiscal 2016 was good for Samsungs IT & Mobile Communications division with $2 billion operating profit, so the $11 million penalty is probably not going to be that hard for the Korean company to handle.

Source
As we wait for the Xiaomi Mi 6 to become official at some point this month, someone in possession of a prototype decided to put it through the paces of GFXBench for Android. Thankfully, that has resulted in a pretty complete list of specs of the device becoming public in the benchmark's database. GFXBench refers to it as "Xiaomi Sagit" but the chipset it has clearly reveals that this is indeed the Mi 6 we're talking about.

The handset thus features a 5.1-inch 1080p touchscreen, a 12 MP rear camera with 4K video recording, and an 8 MP selfie shooter that's also capable of snapping 4K videos.

The phone is unsurprisingly powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 chipset, aided by either 4 or 6GB of RAM - depending on which particular model you pick when the Mi 6 goes on sale. Similarly, internal storage is either 64GB or 128GB. The handset runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat underneath the MIUI skin.

The Mi 6 is shaping up to be only the third smartphone to be announced as sporting the Snapdragon 835 chipset. That would be quite a feat for Xiaomi, since it would mean it's managed to one-up the likes of LG and HTC, for example. Still, it remains to be seen when it will actually become available, since the Sony Xperia XZ Premium was the first S835 device to be outed, and yet the Samsung Galaxy S8 will arrive before it.

The Mi 6 is expected to start at CNY 1,999 ($289 or 272, approximately), and go up from there - all the way to CNY 2,699 ($391 or 367) for the version with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Source
People Daily: Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with President Trump at Mar-a-lago from April 6 to 7. Do you have any expectations for the incoming high level visit?

David Taylor: Strong, constructive trade and diplomatic relations are critical to the success of China, the United States and P&G. We share a common aspiration for social mobility and economic prosperity. And we share a common commitment to fostering an environment where free and fair competition thrives, markets grow and innovation flourishes.

Im encouraged the leaders of the worlds two largest economies are creating a relationship based on trust, integrity and passion for winning. The challenges we face are real and the solutions are neither simple nor easy. However, I am confident the mutual desire to best serve the citizens of both countries will steer us towards lasting solutions that benefit China, the USA and the global economy.

People Daily: You have been dealing with China and witnessing the development of US-China relationships for a long time, how would you like to outline some cases or examples which lead to closer cooperation between the US and China?

David Taylor: As a corporate citizen of both countries, it is incumbent upon P&G to help build bridges and contribute to economic growth and job creation in our two countries. In fact, P&Gs entry into China nearly 30 years ago, as the country was beginning to open to the West, reflects our long-standing commitment to serving Chinese consumers.

Indeed our progress, the result of investments totaling $1.8B USD, can be seen across the country, not just in the products in the homes of Chinese consumers, but in the 17 manufacturing plants and distribution centers that supply these products, employing more than 7000 people and supporting hundreds of other Chinese businesses to support the Chinese economy. This investment in international trade supports jobs in the US as well. In fact, 1 in 5 of P&Gs US-based jobs support our international business in areas such as marketing, innovation and supply chain management.

Chinas tremendous success story, of dynamic growth and economic development, is one that I personally witnessed when I first worked in China in the late 1990s and that is immediately visible every time I visit the country. It is testament to both the resilience and bright future that lies ahead with continued investment, innovation and reform.

P&G benefits from a constructive US-China relationship and we need US and Chinese government policies that view this critical relationship in a balanced way. This calls for a thoughtful and measured approach to resolving issues, recognizing the interdependence of the worlds largest economies, and our impact on the global economy. As Ambassador Cui and I discussed, the business community plays an important role as a stabilizer and a propeller in the US-China relationship.

Promoting and advocating for a constructive US-China relationship is important to me in my role at P&G and the US-China Business Council, and a shared interest among many American and Chinese leaders Ive met with including Vice Premier Wang Yang and Chinas Ambassador Cui Tiankai.

People Daily: People are worrying about the trade war between our two countries, how do you interpret the significance of trade to US-China relationship development?

David Taylor : Trade is equally important to both China and the US and has been an important driver of the positive relationship our countries have long enjoyed.

Simply put, a trade war would hurt both Chinese and American consumers and potentially damage the global economy. As with any economic relationship, there are always challenges and opportunities. I believe it is important to address these tensions with calm and reasoned dialogue, avoiding escalation.

China is a fast-paced, dynamic and globally connected marketplace. Chinese consumers are increasingly demanding and discerning  seeking recognized, high quality brands. This is even more evident today than it was when I worked in China nearly 20 years ago.

P&G benefits from US-China trade. China is P&Gs second largest market and P&Gs success in China is critical to P&Gs success globally. We are proud of P&Gs role as one of the largest consumer products companies in China.

However, our role and the role of business is beyond simple economic self interest. P&G has driven consumption and positive competition via innovation and contributed to the development of Chinas consumer goods industry. We share best practice and experiences in manufacturing, R&D, sales, management and talent development, which in turn benefits the growth of local Chinese companies.

As bilateral relations are tested in these times of uncertainty, P&G is stepping up to tell our story of success in China and to encourage constructive, mutually respectful and open dialogue as the means to resolve differing points of view.

People Daily: As a successful entrepreneur, what is your idea on the significance of US-China relations?

David Taylor : Our Company was founded with a handshake between a candle maker and a soap maker who believed that everyday products could and should be of the highest quality, and sold honestly. We still create products with that handshake in mind. This foundation of trust between leaders and nations serves as an enduring model and one Im confident will be embraced by President Xi and President Trump.




Haiti - Politics : First Council of Government





On Wednesday afternoon at the Primature, Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant chaired his first Governing Council.



At this Council, were discussed among others: the government's action plan and the amending budget; The regulatory and legal framework supporting government action; The functioning of the Government (including the "saisine" of the Council of Ministers, the appointment of appointment and dismissal of civil servants, the intergovernmental communication) and follow-up of the instructions and recommendations of the Head of State at the 1st and 2nd Council of Ministers.



A report on the preparation of an emergency program launched by President Moise in response to the problems of the populations of Grand'Anse, 6 months after the passage of Matthew was also presented.



The Prime Minister announced the holding of a governmental retreat to discuss matters of general interest such as the declaration of assets and the laws of the Republic.







HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Roadmap of the Minister of Health





Within the guidelines set by President Moise, translated into roadmaps, handed to each minister https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-20507-icihaiti-politics-handing-of-roadmaps-to-ministers.html , Prime Minister Lafontant asked the Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Marie Greta Roy Clement, to conduct a national health policy aimed at ensuring a high quality of care for the population by helping it to deal with health problems in its promotional, preventive, curative and re-adaptive components. In this perspective, I ask you to take the following actions :



Roadmap of the Minister of Public Health :



"- To update and implement the national health policy and the master plan for health (2012-2022);

- To strengthen the institutional capacities of the central, deconcentrated, departmental and local structures of the Ministry of Public Health and Population;

- Strengthen the legal and regulatory environment in the health sector;

- Improve the operational capacities of the intermediate and peripheral health structures;

- To strengthen the intersectoral coordination of the national health policy;

- To enhance the management function of health structures and programs.

- To develop and make vote by Parliament the law on the ethical code for epidemiological research, biomedical research, health system research, traditional medicine research, and research in human and social sciences.

- Ensure the dynamization of the orders of health professions in accordance with the liberal exercise of the medical and paramedical professions.



You are asked to take action and take measures that should lead to:



- The organization of the Estates General of Health to identify the strategies that will enable our country to have a competitive health system;

- Improving access to health care with the construction or rehabilitation of health facilities;

- The strengthening of the national ambulance center;

- Strengthening the management of emergencies at departmental hospitals;

- The transformation of certain hospitals into university hospitals and particularly outside of Port-au-Prince;

- Strengthening priority health programs targeting the most vulnerable groups, while improving the quality of care for common pathologies and diseases;

- Accelerating the fight for the elimination of cholera;

- The creation of an accreditation and regulatory agency for Haiti's hospitals;

- To consolidate the achievements of the programs for the control and prevention of communicable diseases and the intensification of the fight against emerging and endemic diseases;

- Strengthening prevention, hygiene and sanitation promotion;

- Strengthening of dental medicine;

- Supervision of practitioners of traditional medicine and implementation of training programs on medicinal plants;

- The establishment of a universal health insurance program;

- The establishment of the national Pharmacy and Medicines Policy;

- The reform of hospital management;

- The implementation of the community health program;

- Strengthening priority programs, such as maternal and child health, to reduce maternal and infant mortality;

- The revision of the salary scale for hospital staff.



It is important to better organize psychiatric assistance at the national level and to implement mental health promotion programs and action plans. It is necessary :



- To ensure the integration process of mental health activities in the ten geographical departments;

- Define strategies to combat psychoactive substance abuse and other social ills;

- Strengthen and supervise public and private psychiatric structures and institutions;

- To coordinate mental health programs in collaboration with private centers and traditional medicine actors;

- To ensure the monitoring and evaluation of mental medicine.

- Conduct an effective population policy to promote human development.



Efforts must be made to strike a balance between human resources, economic resources and the environment in order to improve the quality of life for all. In this sense, a birth control program should be implemented to reduce demographic pressure and improve the living conditions of citizens. It is necessary :



1) To implement a population policy based on an integrated and holistic approach that goes beyond the health sector and involves all ministerial departments and local authorities working for human development;

2)- Involve civil society and the voluntary sector in the implementation of population policy;

3) Promote healthy reproductive behavior;

4) Strengthen health education and reproductive health.



I ask you to start preparing the 2017-2018 Budget, which will have to be approved by the Council of Ministers, after arbitration by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, and filed within the required legislative deadlines.



You will also have the task of increasing transparency, the fight against corruption and the good management of public property. It will be up to you to organize, direct and animate the services, teams and agents of the State placed under your responsibility.



Jack Guy Lafontant, Prime Minister."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20569-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-tourism.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20559-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-the-diaspora.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20549-haiti-flash-big-roadmap-for-the-minister-of-agriculture.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20544-haiti-politics-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-trade-and-industry.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20529-haiti-politics-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-finance.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20519-haiti-politics-foreign-affairs-roadmap.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20508-haiti-flash-roadmap-for-the-establishment-of-the-haitian-army.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20446-haiti-politics-major-projects-of-the-ministry-of-tourism.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The alleged suicide of a student in Luzhou, Sichuan province has sparked widespread rumors and protests, with both the public and the media demanding a thorough investigation into the cause of the victims death.

The 14-year-old student, surnamed Zhao, was found dead on the campus of Taifu Middle School on April 1. The boys mother, along with many local residents, has denounced the claims of local police that the boy was not murdered, stressing that his real cause of death was campus violence.

According to various online posts and rumors, Zhao was killed by five of his classmates, which would perhaps explain the severe bruises found on his body. The indignant skepticism of many members of the public has led hundreds of people to protest, vocalizing their discontent with the way local authorities have handled the case.

Denying the rumors circulating online, local police released a statement via Sina Weibo stating that four people have been arrested for spreading fake information about the incident. Police also vowed to clamp down on rumors and activities that disrupt social order, adding that they are continuing to gather information related to Zhaos death, and an autopsy will be carried out as soon as possible.

The tragedy has already gone viral online. The hashtag IncidentAtTaifuMiddleSchool has garnered over 260 million page views as of press time, with many netizens criticizing local authorities and demanding the truth.

The explanation of the local police is self-contradictory. How can you rule out the possibility of murder without conducting an autopsy?  one netizen wrote.

Media outlets have also followed the the incident closely. In a commentary published by the Peoples Daily on April 5, authorities were urged to release more information to stop the circulation of rumors. The article also stated that the government should satisfy public demand for information instead of shutting down access to the truth.




Haiti - Jacmel : Installation of the new Departmental Delegate of the South-East





Wednesday, 5 April, Max Rodolph Saint-Albin, the new Minister of the Interior and local authorities has installed the engineer Pierre-Michel Lafontant as the new Departmental Delegate of the South-East. He replaces Alex Michel Leroy, who served for 12 months under the Provisional Government.



The swearing-in ceremony took place in the morning at the Court of First Instance of Jacmel in the presence of numerous personalities, including members of the Jacmel Municipal Council, staff of the South East Delegation, of the Former Senator Edwin Daniel Zenny, directors from various deconcentrated branches in the region, friends and relatives of Delegate Lafontant.



After the usual thanks, Pierre-Michel Lafontant who had held the post for five years under the presidency of Michel Martelly said he was ready to tackle the big problems the department is facing, citing as an example: electricity and the completion of the construction of the administrative complex in the locality of Monchil, in Jacmel.



In his speech, Minister Saint-Albin expressed his hope that the new Delegate would ensure the implementation of the Government's policy by giving priority to the interest of the population in order to get the Haitian people out of poverty, urging the new Delegate to show "leadership" by giving good results.



In addition, the Minister was open to receive from the delegation of the South-East the complaints that will be formulated by the population for the advancement of the department.



HL/ HaitiLibre / Claudy Belizaire (Correspondant Jacmel)






















Haiti - Agriculture : FAO Veterinary Caravans





Livestock is one of the agricultural sectors that have been most affected by the passage of Hurricane Matthew. In the Grand'Anse and South departments, nearly 50% of the livestock was decimated, which significantly affects the livelihoods of families mainly living in animal production. Some animals that survived Hurricane, including cattle and pigs, have been affected by external and internal parasites and have suffered from vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to malnutrition during the 3 months of drought post Matthew.



This situation led the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, with the financial support of the Belgian Development Cooperation, to implement an assistance project to affected families, with particular emphasis on the livestock and fisheries sector. As part of this project, FAO and the Ministry are carrying out a first 140-day caravan of Mobile Animal Health Clinics (CMSA) to cattle of 2,500 families and provide fishing equipment assistance to 3,000 fishermen in the departments of the Grand'Anse and South.



This first caravan stopped in the commune of Torbeck, in the localities of Govin and Saint Martin. For three days, two FAO veterinary practitioners and 22 community veterinary officers examined 380 animals (315 cattle, 33 sheep, 12 pigs, 26 goats and 1 horse) belonging to 330 households living from livestock and carried out internal and external deworming of animals, administration of multi-vitamins and minerals, and antibiotics to infected animals.



This veterinary assistance has attracted a lot of interest among the breeders of the commune of Torbeck who are the first to benefit from it. Jovil Gilles belongs to the groups of breeders whose cattle have received the necessary care. "[...] This is the first time I have received this assistance to improve the health of my animals and my breeding techniques. Veterinary care is very expensive. Sometimes I spend up to 2,500 gourdes on a cow. What's more, there are no veterinary doctors in the community. That is why I am pleased with the support of the FAO which helps me to relaunch my livestock activities and take care of my livestock."



In conjunction with Mobile Animal Health Clinics, FAO, with financial support from the Haiti Reconstruction Fund (HRF), is setting up community veterinary pharmacies in each of the 11 dairies that it accompanies in different departments of the country. This initiative aims to improve the situation of the livestock sector by facilitating access to medicines and veterinary care for livestock. These pharmacies will be managed (like small businesses) by breeders through the "Gwoupman Sante Bet" (GSB) and the veterinary agents. They aim to improve animal health and at the same time generate additional income for breeders and milk producers' associations.



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Words of DG of the PNH

"It is time for us to awaken our citizens' conscience to understand that the future of this country can only be built by its daughters and sons with a high sense of civic, patriotic and above all spirit of understanding" dixit Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH)



Student in Geology demonstrated

On Tuesday, a demonstration by the students of the National School of Applied Geology (ENGA) was dispersed with tear gas by the police to the annex of the Ministry of Education, Nazon. The protesters demanded new premises and the allocation of an adequate budget for the functioning of ENGA.



Towards the construction of the Legislative Palace ?

Youri Latortue, the President of the Senate and Cholzer Chancy, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, ask the Government to give priority to the construction of the Legislative Palace among the major projects it intends to launch for the current fiscal year. They also want the government to hire another firm on this project, whose cost is estimated at about 30 million US dollars.



Workers' union platform project

Officials from the Ministries of National Education, Justice, the Environment, the National Old Age Insurance Office (ONA) and the Office of Vehicle Insurance Against Third Parties (OAVCT), among others... ae preparing to set up a trade union platform to better defend their interests.



Towards an amendment to the Labor Code

On Tuesday, a meeting was held between the Senatorsof the Commission, working on the amendment of the Labor Code and the heads of the Association des Industries d'Haiti (ADIH) in order to allow factories and plants to work 24/24 (3 vacation of 8 hours) which will create more jobs in Haiti.



Strategic visits to the BLTS

Wednesday, Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), accompanied by the Police Commissioner of the Minustah (UNPol), and two representatives of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Office (INL) of the American Embassy visited the local of the Brigade for the Fight against Trafficking Narcotic drugs (BLTS) in Lavaud (Port-de-Paix) and Turtle Island. These visits were highly strategic in the fight against narcotic trafficking in Haiti.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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The crew of China's 38th ocean scientific expedition returned to Sanya, Hainan Province, south China, Wednesday.

The 59-day trip marks the conclusion of the first stage of a 124-day mission.

"Xiangyanghong 09," the mother ship, left east China's Qingdao on Feb. 6with the country's first deep-sea manned submersible Jiaolong and more than 150 personnel.

The researchers planned to conduct surveys in the northwest Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, Yap Trench and the Mariana Trench in the west Pacific Ocean.

During their first trip in the northwest Indian Ocean, Jiaolong helped scientists discovered 27 areas with hot liquid sulfide, called "black chimneys" by researchers, which can provide clues about the origins of life.

After a quick rotation of crew and material supply, the ship will embark on its second phase on April 9.

The whole voyage will last until June 9.

Named after a mythical dragon, Jiaolong reached its deepest depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012.
Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said on Thursday that the Syrian airstrike on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun struck a rebel depot containing chemical materials, denying that the air force fired toxic gas during the attack.

In a press conference held to comment on the international accusation to Syria of allegedly firing toxic gas on Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib Province on Tuesday, al-Moallem said the news reports are "lies."

He said it's not logical to use chemical weapons at a time when the Syrian government was optimistic that the international community was becoming closer to realizing the size of conspiracy on Syria.

He questioned how come world powers were so quick to hurl accusation at the Syrian government, just an hour after the attack.

The minister repeated his government's denying line that "the Syrian army forces haven't and will not use chemical weapons," and that the forces are no longer in possession of such weapons.

Al-Moallem said al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and like-minded groups have been storing chemical materials they brought into Syria from Iraq.

Meanwhile, the minister said there were probably several reasons behind the accusation.

The first is to reverse the opinion of U.S. President Donald Trump, who said after the attack that his opinion toward the Syrian government has changed, after previous remarks by the U.S. administration that toppling President Bashar al-Assad was no longer a priority.

The second reason, al-Moallem said, is to exert pressure on Russia, which has failed after Moscow said it will continue to aid the Syrian army in the fight against terrorist groups.

The third reason is to exert pressure on Damascus, which he said has also failed as the Syrian government will not change its approach to fighting terrorism and will work on political solution at the same time.

The minister said a change in the stance that Trump talked of could have been achieved by the attack.

"I realize the seriousness of the American remarks and maybe their aim is to practice pressure on the Russian and Chinese sides toward the UN draft resolution" put forward on Wednesday, he said.

The draft resolution, proposed by United States, France and Britain, called on Syria to provide flight plans, flight logs and other information on its military operations on the day of the assault.

Damascus would be asked to provide the names of all commanders of helicopter squadrons to UN investigators and allow them to meet with generals and other high-ranking officials within five days of their request, the draft resolution said.

According to the draft, Syria would also allow UN and Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) teams to visit air bases from which the attacks involving chemical weapons may have been launched.

It also threatened to impose sanctions under chapter seven of the UN charter. Russia rejected the draft resolution.

About the possibility of forming an international probing mission to investigate the attack, the minister said the mission should be organized and not politicized and "then there will be nothing wrong with that."

He added that his government is fully coordinating with the Russian side.

In October 2013, OPCW officials arrived in Syria to monitor the dismantlement of the Syrian chemical weapons arsenal, after Damascus officially joined the organization.

The OPCW later said the Syrian government has made its chemical weapon production facilities inoperable.

The dismantlement came after a U.S.-Russian understanding, the first of its kind between the two powers on the Syrian conflict.

Since then, reports of poisonous gas attacks have kept emerging once in a while.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

France, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, worked actively with its Russian and American partners to end the escalation on the line of contact of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in April 2016 and resume negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website Apr. 6.

France reiterates its conviction that the current status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh is untenable and that there can be no military solution to the conflict, says the statement.

France calls on the parties to abide by the commitments taken at the Vienna summit on May 16, 2016, and the Saint Petersburg summit on June 20, 2016: to respect the ceasefire, establish trust-building measures, and resume negotiations, says the French Foreign Ministrys statement.

As President Francois Hollande noted at recent meetings in Paris with his Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts, France remains fully committed to achieving the conflicts negotiated, lasting solution that promotes stability and prosperity throughout the region, said the Foreign Ministry.

Following the meeting in St. Petersburg, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and Armenias President Serzh Sargsyan confirmed in a joint statement the agreements reached during the Armenian-Azerbaijani summit in Vienna.

These agreements are aimed at stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone and creation of an atmosphere conducive to advancing the peace process.

Therefore, they agreed, in particular, to increase the number of international observers in the conflict zone, the Kremlin website reported after the meeting of the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian presidents in St. Petersburg on June 20, 2016.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Who lives longer: Hawaii life expectancies examined in research study

From UH News, Apr 5, 2017

The life expectancy at birth in Hawaii in 2010 was 82.4 years, 3.7 years higher than the national average for the total U.S. population (78.7 years), according to a study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers Yan Yan Wu, Kathryn Braun and Lynne Wilkens. Hawaii 2010 life expectancy was also higher than for U.S.-dwelling Caucasians (78.9) and African Americans (75.1).

The researchers article, Life Expectancies in Hawaii: A Multi-ethnic Analysis of 2010 Life Tables, was published in the January 2017 issue of the Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health.

Life expectancy at birth in Hawaii has increased consistently over the years. It was 69.5 years in 1950, and it was 82.4 years in 2010. However, longevity disparities seen in past decades continue to persist between the longest-living groupsJapanese and Chineseand the shortest-living groupNative Hawaiianswith a gap of approximately 10 years. Further, females lived 6 years longer than males on average.

Racial/ethnic disparities in longevity can be partially explained by differences in socioeconomic status, health behaviors, health-care access, adverse childhood events and racism. Native Hawaiians continue to have the shortest life expectancy of the ethnic groups examined, requiring expanded efforts to address Native Hawaiian health across the life course. The researchers findings also support more ethnic-specific research to understand the health-care needs and utilization patterns of each group.

Wu is an assistant professor of biostatistics in the Office of Public Health Studies of the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, Braun is the director of the Office of Public Health Studies, and Wilkens is the co-director of the Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

Co-authors also include Alvin Onaka, Brian Horiuchi and Karyn Tottori from the Hawaii Department of Health.

For more information, visit: hawaii-life-expectancies/
FULL HOUSE TO VOTE ON BULLY BILL SB501 HD2

From Hawaii Family Forum, April 8, 2017

The bill (SB 501 HD2) that would force faith-based pregnancy centers (Pearson Foundation, Aloha Pregnancy Care & Counseling Centers, A Place for Women in Waipio, Malama Pregnancy Center (Maui) and the Kona Pregnancy Center) to post a sign on their premises promoting Planned Parenthood resources, has been scheduled for full chamber vote at the House on April 11, 2017.

Need more information about this issue? Visit Hawaii Family Forum online here.

NOTICE OF HOUSE CHAMBER VOTE

DATE: Tuesday, April 11, 2017

TIME: 9:00 AM

PLACE: Chamber Session, State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street

ACTION:

Pray for the members of the House to make the right decision. If you can, come to the capitol on Tuesday to the support the pregnancy centers. Send a message to your legislator. You can use the link below and VoterVOICE will connect you directly with your legislator. The Link will also give you the phone number of your legislator if you click on the "phone" icon. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.

Why is this bill so bad? The bill is simply compelled speech. Should the government be allowed to force a faith-based ministry to post a sign that directs clients to mybenefits.hawaii.gov to access "comprehensive family planning services, including, but not limited to, all FDA-approved methods of contraception and pregnancy-related services for eligible women?"

One does not need to look too far to see that faith-based ministries that counsel women in unplanned pregnancies should not have the government dictate what they should say. Current lawsuits, including California, are underway, while the High Courts in Texas, New York and Baltimore have already ruled against such laws.

Click the link to log in and send your message: LINK

* * * * *

House Judiciary Passes Bully Bill (SB 501 HD2)

From Hawaii Family Forum, April 5, 2017

Today the House Judiciary Committee overwhelmingly passed the "bully bill" (SB 501 HD2). This is the bill that will force pregnancy resource centers like Pearson Foundation, A Place for Women in Waipio, the Aloha Pregnancy Care & Counseling Centers, Malama Pregnancy Center and Kona Pregnancy Center to post a sign that directs clients to "family planning" and "contraceptive services" offered by the State of Hawaii.

The vote in the committee was as follows:

8 Ayes: Representative(s) Nishimoto, San Buenaventura, Belatti, Brower, C. Lee, Morikawa, Nakashima, Thielen;

2 Noes: Representative(s) Oshiro, McDermott;

and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Johanson.

The bill will now move the full House floor for vote. In the next few days, we will be sending a link so that you can send message to your Representative asking them to vote no on the floor.

We would like to acknowledge the overwhelming testimony in opposition that showed up today. Also, Rep. Marcus Oshiro gave a short speech on the reason he had to vote no on the bill. On Friday, we will release those points in our Week in Review.

For now, get ready to make contact with your legislators in the House. Mahalo for your prayers and support.
offs Harbour manufacturing business has been fined $250,000 after a 17-year-old work experience student had to have two finger tips amputated.The student was undertaking work experience at Thermal Electric Elements in Toormina in August 2014.He had been removing metal strips from a brake press when he accidentally activated the machine's knife, resulting in the tips of two of his fingers being crushed and having to be amputated.SafeWork NSW charged Thermal Electric Elements with a breach of section 32/19(1) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW).It was alleged the company failed to provide adequate guarding on the brake press machine.SafeWork NSWs investigation found the business had adjusted a setting on the machines guarding system that would have prevented the machine from operating when objects such as arms and hands were in the vicinity.The investigation also found there was a general lack of instruction, training, information and supervision provided to the work experience student.Thermal Electric Elements Pty Ltd was found guilty in the NSW District Court and fined $250,000.HC contacted SafeWork NSW for comment and received a statement from the executive director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy.He said the fine was appropriate given the permanent injuries suffered by the young and vulnerable worker."Safety guarding is a very simple way to protect workers from being seriously injured or killed, Dunphy said.They stop body parts getting too close to moving machinery or stop the machine entirely if there is a potential emergency.Machinery should only be used according to manufacturers instructions; that includes keeping guards in place.Dunphy added that this incident represents a major failure in work health and safety in relation to machine guarding.This has left a young worker with life-long injuries that may affect his future employment prospects, said Dunphy.Setting the machine so that it operated while body parts were near the knife was an action that created significant health and safety risks to workers.This court decision sends a strong message to the business community of the need to protect young and vulnerable workers so that tragic incidents like this do not occur.
(HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that an Arizona-based brokerage firm, its CEO, and its former underwriters counsel have agreed to settle charges related to municipal bond offerings they were underwriting that turned out to be fraudulent.

The SECs order finds that Lawson Financial Corporation failed in its role as a gatekeeper to conduct reasonable due diligence when underwriting bond offerings to purchase and renovate nursing homes and senior living facilities. The offerings were managed by Atlanta-based businessman Christopher F. Brogdon, who was later charged by the SEC with fraud and faces a court order to repay $85 million to investors. Lawson Financial failed to ensure Brogdon and his related borrowers were in compliance with their continuing disclosure undertakings as required by Rule 15c2-12, which generally prohibits underwriters from purchasing or selling municipal securities unless the issuer or obligated person has committed to providing continuing disclosure information, such as annual financial materials and operating data.

Lawson Financials founder and CEO Robert Lawson and then-underwriters counsel John T. Lynch Jr. are charged with failing to conduct reasonable due diligence, and Lynch also failed to disclose that he was not actually authorized to practice law at the time as represented to investors in the bond offering documents.

Underwriters are critical gatekeepers relied upon by investors to ensure that accurate information is being provided in municipal bond offering documents. Lawson Financial failed to confirm that continuing disclosure obligations were being met by the Brogdon-controlled borrowers, allowing Brogdons nursing home investment scheme to continue, said Andrew M. Calamari, Director of the SECs New York Regional Office.

Without admitting or denying the SECs findings, Lawson and his firm agreed to pay combined disgorgement of nearly $200,000 as well as penalties of nearly $200,000 for the firm and $80,000 for Lawson, who will be barred from the securities industry for three years. Lawson Financial, which would have been eligible for more lenient remedies under the SECs Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation (MCDC) Initiative, paid a penalty that was approximately double what the firm would have paid under the initiative.

Lynch agreed to a bifurcated settlement without admitting or denying the SECs findings. He must pay nearly $45,000 and agreed to the entry of an order permanently suspending him from appearing and practicing before the SEC as an attorney. The order prohibits Lynch from representing clients in SEC matters, including investigations, litigation, or examinations, and from advising clients about SEC filing obligations or content. As part of the settlement, Lynch agreed to a public hearing before an administrative law judge, who will prepare an initial decision stating whether a securities industry bar against Lynch is appropriate and in the public interest, and if so the length of time for such a bar.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

Trend:

The Armenian Armed Forces have opened fire at the Qapanli village of Azerbaijans Tartar district using 60mm mortars Apr. 6, the press service of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.

As a result of the ceasefire violation, private property of the civilians in the village was damaged, the press service said.

The Armenian side was suppressed by return fire by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

Azerbaijans Defense Ministry did not report on any losses.

The Armenian Armed Forces are trying again to escalate the situation on the frontline, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry added.
As governments around the world struggle to deal with the burdens of globalization and shifting social politics, focus has turned to cities as the drivers of innovation and the problem-solvers of the future.

Urban areas have a front-row seat for global issues like climate change and social welfare. Increasingly, it will be these spaces that provide the leadership and the wherewithal to address them.

Cities are capturing the imagination of entrepreneurs, planners, as well as tech and creative industries with speculation about smart hubs punctuated by driverless vehicles and transit, instant connectivity and networked efficiency.

But theres no skipping over the huge challenges our global cities face in the midst of the most disruptive and troubling problems of our time: The devastating effects of climate change to international health and security, and the ways in which systemic structures in planning and land use allow those effects to hurt some people much more than others.

Already, the majority of the worlds population lives in urban areas; by 2050, that number is projected to grow to 70 percent.

Urban centers also account for more than 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and two-thirds of the worlds energy use. As a result, city leaders are organizing across national and international boundaries to circumvent the limits of their national bureaucracies in order to exercise their independence, flexibility and effectiveness in addressing climate change.

Climate leadership, in fact, is the driving factor behind the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, a newly formed umbrella group for thousands of cities in 119 countries, and the work of C40 Cities, a network of the worlds megacities led by Paris Major Anne Hidalgo. C40 Cities new report, Deadline 2020, details how the infrastructure decisions made in the next four years will either put the world on a climate-safe path or spell disaster.

Environmental well-being was also a key component in the recent UN-sponsored Habitat III conference in Quito, Ecuador, with 30,000 participants from 167 countries marking the strongest participation in memory.

Back in the United States, a group of 39 mayors recently warned President Donald Trump that climate change could cost the United States economy $500 billion annually by 2050. They urged him to "lead us in expanding the renewable energy sources we need to achieve energy security, address climate change and spark a new manufacturing, energy and construction boom in America."

Cities are where crises caused by climate change  heat waves, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and massive snowstorms  are most deadly and disruptive. They are also where solutions, such as reducing energy, water and food waste, as well as creating resiliency while saving money, occur most readily.

A growing number of US cities understand how local leadership drives resiliency and prosperity. These localities are taking steps to overcome the legacy of racial discrimination and marginalization that leaves underinvested communities more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They are investing in clean transportation and energy efficiency, clean energy projects, and green infrastructure, including parks and community common space, to help prevent floods and create better health and well-being.

For example, Atlantas public transportation system has contributed to a stark racial divide by limiting access to those living in low-income areas from jobs, housing and schools. The city has contributed to a collaborative approach to community investment with the New Atlanta Way public, private and community partnership to increase opportunity and resources for low-income residents around transit stations while mitigating for displacement as a result of gentrification.

Likewise, in Denver, city officials realized a $7.8 billion transit expansion could have a negative impact on low-income communities and began investing in increasing neighborhood engagement, organizing and leadership to meet community needs.

Los Angeles, which like other US communities is expected to see major infrastructure investments in the future that could cause gentrification and displacement, has contributed to a local coalition working to engage residents directly to help ensure all parts of the city, including poorer neighborhoods, benefit.

The young and old alike want the livability of vibrant communities with walkable streets, easy access to culture and amenities without dependence on cars, and the feeling of community that can come from physical proximity.

There are myths in the United States that Americans just need to pull themselves up by the bootstraps to be successful, but the cities noted above, and others, are working to understand and overcome the systemic problems that hurt low-income communities and people of color, in particular.

Opportunity should not be defined by the neighborhoods in which people live.

The vision for cities, then, should be one of equity-led policies focused on sustainability and resilience to meet the challenges of the future and demonstrate that urban areas can live up to their promise and do better.

Shelley Poticha leads the Natural Resources Defense Council's Urban Solutions team, which advances strategies that create strong, just and resilient communities. Previously, Shelley was a senior political appointee in President Barack Obama's administration, where she led the Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities and launched the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. She also served as president and CEO of Reconnecting America and as executive director of the Congress for the New Urbanism following 10 years as an urban planner.
THE chairman of Henley Rugby Club is resigning after four years.

Mike Trethewey, 72, who was elected almost four years ago, will step down at the clubs annual meeting next month.

He said: I need a break  I have been doing it for four years 24/7. I was retired and could devote that time to it and it needs that time devoted to it.

Mr Trethewey, of Queen Street, Henley, said it had been an honour to be club chairman.

Henley Rugby Club is important to the town, he said. It is all centred on the town and by that I mean the people who watch, most of the people who play and all the people who support us, the businesses, are from Henley.

The thing Im most proud of is stabilising the finances because when I took over the club generally lost money  and some significant amounts of money on a fairly frequent basis  and that is no basis to run a rugby club.

Mr Trethewey said he was also proud of overseeing the refurbishment of the clubhouse at Dry Leas.

The club needs to raise between 30,000 and 40,000 for the second phase in which new changing rooms will be added to the clubhouse.

The annual meeting will take place on May 17 and five days later Mr Trethewey will leave for a two-month holiday in Canada, America and Australia. He will also visit New Zealand, where he will watch the touring British and Irish Lions.

He said: I quite want the break and I dont think its right for the ex-chairman to hang around when the new chairman takes over because I think they should have a fair crack at it.

Im looking forward to it  its like a busmans holiday. Its the best rugby team in world youre going to watch and the second best team so I think you cant beat that.

Chris Nixon, the clubs facilities director, is the only person to be nominated for the role of chairman to date.

Financial director Gary Parke and president Mike Thomas have both offered themselves for re-election.

The clubs auction of promises, which was due to take place on Friday was cancelled due to lack of numbers.

The club apologised to those who had confirmed they were attending. Bidding for the online auction will finish at midnight tonight (Friday). To make a bid, visit https://goo.gl/ioHKw1
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

Trend:

Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Twenty-five years ago our countries established diplomatic relations. Our bilateral ties have an ancient history. Swabian immigrants resettled in the territory of Azerbaijan 200 years ago. Your visit to Germany in June of 2016 unambiguously proved that our relations are lively and multi-faceted, Merkel told Ilham Aliyev in her letter.

Germany welcomes your readiness to maintain close cooperation with our country and your will to join the European community of values. You can be rest assured that Germany will remain your reliable partner in modernizing your country and developing democracy and constitutional state.

I am confident that like the entire region, Azerbaijan will be able to fully develop its potential only after regional conflicts are resolved, she noted. As a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, Germany will contribute to peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and support the efforts of the co-chairs.

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, please accept my wishes for peace and prosperity of Azerbaijan, and for successful continuation and expansion of reliable cooperation between our countries, said Angela Merkel.
Wrangling over the award of a design and build contract has held up development work on DITs sprawling Grangegorman campus

The launch of DIT's new Grangegorman campus will be delayed by two years following a failed legal challenge by an under-bidder to design and build part of the project.

The campus had been due to become home to about 10,000 students this September, coinciding with the arrival of the new Luas Cross City line, which will stop at its gate.

However, a challenge was lodged in relation to a contract, worth up to 200m, to design and build its two main teaching blocks.

The contract for the structures - the Central Quad and the East Quad - was awarded in February 2015 to a company called Eriugena.

Delay

An unsuccessful tenderer, the Dutch-based BAM PPP, challenged the decision and took a case against the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and the Minister for Education.

The NDFA is the statutory body charged with procuring public private partnership (PPP) projects in Ireland on behalf of the public sector.

In the case of Grangegorman, it has been acting on behalf of the Minister for Education.

While the commercial wing of the High Court dismissed the case late last year, work on the Central Quad and East Quad could not go ahead while the action was ongoing.

Now, a two-year delay is certain to mean that the final price tag for the total project will rise above the original estimate of 485.5m.

The NDFA has been working with the successful tenderer with a view to finalising the financial end of the deal and September 2019 has been set as the new target date for the opening.

DIT, which caters for 10pc of all third-level student in Ireland, is currently spread across up to 40 buildings around the city.

The move to Grangegorman, on the northside of Dublin city, was supposed to unify the college's 15 schools and other facilities on a single site for the first time.

The development of the new campus and some other community facilities, has been a phased project, originally due for final completion in the year 2020.

Refurbished

In September 2014, about 1,200 students from art, design, photography and social sciences, along with 200 staff, moved into refurbished buildings on the campus, formerly home to St Brendan's Hospital.

Last month a new DIT innovation hub, Greenway, opened on the 73-acre site, its first new building with five storeys.

But the completion of the Central Quad and East Quad will bring the main body of students to Grangegorman, catering for those currently located in DIT colleges in Cathal Brugha Street, Rathmines and Kevin Street.

That will be followed by the development of teaching space for business students currently in DIT Aungier Street, a library and student accommodation.
A Dublin man who damaged a 10m Claude Monet painting five years ago has admitted to stealing 17 electric toothbrushes worth 200 from a Swords supermarket.

Andrew Shannon (52), who has 36 previous convictions for burglary, theft and criminal damage, blames an addiction to painkillers, Benzodiazepine and "harder substances" following a quadruple heart bypass for his offending, Swords District Court has heard.

The defendant was convicted and fined 200 for the theft of the toothbrushes, which happened on December 8 last year.

He went into Dunnes Stores at the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords, took the toothbrushes from a shelf and concealed them in a shopping bag, before leaving the supermarket without paying for them.

The defendant, of Willan's Way, Ongar, had a second charge over the theft of eight electronic toothbrushes from the same supermarket three days previously dismissed after Judge Dermot Dempsey ruled he was not satisfied Shannon had left the store carrying the toothbrushes.

Difficulties

CCTV footage shown during his trial showed a man leaving the supermarket with his hands down by his side and, despite a security guard stating the suspect was on his mobile phone as he left, this was not seen on the video.

Defence barrister Patrick Jackson said Shannon had major heart surgery in 2014 and heart problems run in his family.

"Two of his brothers passed away from heart difficulties and the defendant will be on medication for the rest of his life," said Mr Jackson, adding the defendant is on disability benefit.

"He has an addiction to pain medication and harder substances but he has produced clean urine analysis."

Mr Jackson added Shannon had already paid 200 in compensation to the supermarket.

Shannon was given a six-year prison sentence in 2014 for the damage he caused to Monet's 1874 painting Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat at the National Gallery of Ireland on Clare Street, Dublin, on June 29, 2012.

Peculiar

His eight-day trial for that offence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in December 2014 heard Shannon had entered the gallery just before 11am and had gone to where the painting was on display.

He left and returned a short time later and appeared to stumble forward, striking the painting with his hand.

Shannon said he had been dizzy and had fallen.

He was treated by a paramedic, who reported his vital signs were normal and he was given glyceryl trinitrate spray and aspirin.

During interview, he told gardai he had a heart condition and that was why he had fallen down.

However, a jury convicted him after just under one-and-a-half hours of deliberation.

The Monet painting is now back on display in the National Gallery following a period of restoration.

Judge Martin Nolan imposed a sentence of six years but suspended the final 15 months on strict conditions, including that Shannon not enter into a public painting gallery or any other institution or building where paintings are publicly displayed.

Judge Nolan said he would not expect Shannon to know the value of the painting, but he must have known the painting was valuable and historic.

He said it was a "peculiar crime" and it was "abnormal" to cause damage in the way he did.
An Xtra-vision manager who tapped into customers' dormant accounts and stole more than 10,000 by giving himself their credit, has avoided jail.

Noel Carroll (27) took the credit by creating a gift card for the amounts, which he could later deposit in a savings account and withdraw as cash.

He also issued himself vouchers which he used to buy items including a television, laptop and computer in different Xtra-vision branches.

Det Gda Finola Heeney told Diarmuid Collins, prosecuting, that Carroll was caught when an auditor for the company noticed that a number of refunds from dormant accounts had been grouped together in batches, which was considered an unusual practice.

Further investigation showed that Carroll processed each of the transactions.

Trust

It was initially thought that he had stolen just under 2,000, but the company later discovered that 10,025 had been taken from various accounts.

Carroll, of Graham Court, Ballynerrin, Wicklow town, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft at various branches of Xtra-vision on dates between December 15, 2013, and June 10, 2015.

The married father-of-two has no previous convictions.

He has since repaid the company in full with the help of a loan from his parents.

Judge Cormac Quinn said Carroll had tapped into these accounts and refunded the cash for his own use.

He said it was a "serious breach of trust" but acknowledged that he had made full admissions and was previously of good character.

He sentenced Carroll to 18 months in prison, which he suspended in full on strict conditions after noting his low risk of re-offending.
Broadcaster Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain will be marching in solidarity with US scientists who are desperately trying to persuade Donald Trump to change his stance on global warming.

The TV presenter and scientist said she had written about the subject and felt very strongly about it.

"The fact is Donald Trump isn't really looking at the evidence that scientists have given to him about climate change," she told the Herald.

"It's quite worrying and I think it's something that we need to be very careful about.

"We have to look at what science is telling us about global warming and about climate change."

Organisers of the international March for Science describe it is an "unprecedented global gathering" of scientists and science enthusiasts joining together to acknowledge the vital role it plays in our lives.

Last week, the American president visited the US Environmental Agency to announce an executive order unravelling Barack Obama's climate change plan. Environmentalists condemned the move.

T-SHIRT

Ms Ni Shuilleabhain, who also lectures at UCD, said she had her sign and T-shirt ready for the march in Dublin on April 22, which will start in Grand Canal Square.

Around 200 people have so far said they will attend the march on the event's Facebook page.

"In a world of alternative facts, we have to really look at opinion versus evidence," she said.

"I think that that's something that's really important. This march will be happening in various countries around the world and I think it'll be a fun one in Dublin."

The former Rose of Tralee was speaking at the launch of a new eco explorer trail at Dublin Zoo in partnership with SSE Airtricity.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

Trend:

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has hailed his countrys relations with Azerbaijan in his letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On behalf of the people of Ukraine and on my own behalf, I extend to you my most sincere congratulations on the remarkable occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Azerbaijan, President Poroshenko said in the letter.

Dating back to the times of the Ukrainian People's Republic and Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, our relations mark successful cooperation based on strong friendship and mutual understanding between our historical states, he said.

It is with great pleasure that I emphasize that over the course of these 25 years of the modern stage of our bilateral ties, the cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Azerbaijan has reached the level of strategic partnership, the president said. Our states are demonstrating eagerness to achieve high dynamics of political dialogue, deepen the bilateral cooperation and add pragmatism to relations in all areas of mutual interest.

Current challenges unite us more tightly with regards to the issues of protection of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two states, Poroshenko said. We in Ukraine feel and highly appreciate the relevant position of Azerbaijan.

For our part, we have always supported and will continue to support the people of Azerbaijan, he said. In particular, we are ready to increase mutual support through speeding up joint efforts on the international arena.

I am confident that your visit to Ukraine will be an important stage in the relations between our states and that Ukraine-Azerbaijan cooperation will continue to strengthen on the basis of mutual confidence, respect and sincerity in the best interests of the peoples of the two countries, he said.

Mr President, please accept my best wishes for your robust health and further success in your high state activity, and for peace, harmony and well-being of the friendly people of Azerbaijan, President Poroshenko said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received a delegation led by Governor of Stavropol Province of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirov.

The sides praised the excellent Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral relations, hailing the importance of Azerbaijan's cooperation with different regions of Russia. Azerbaijan was described as the most important partner of Stavropol Province in terms of trade and economic cooperation.

The head of state hailed the Russian delegations visit to Azerbaijan and their participation in the 16th Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair, AITF 2017.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that Stavropol Province has participated in AITF several times, praising the development of tourism in Stavropol Province over the last period.

Describing tourism as an attractive investment area, Governor Vladimir Vladimirov hailed the launch of the construction of more than five sanatoriums in Stavropol. He praised the fact that one of these projects is carried out by Azerbaijani investors.

Vladimir Vladimirov noted that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev hailed the construction of this sanatorium when he visited Stavropol and gave instructions on entrusting another project in Kislovodsk to Azerbaijani investors.

Praising the excellent implementation of these projects by Azerbaijani investors, President Ilham Aliyev described this as a good example of Azerbaijan-Russia cooperation.

The importance of delivering agricultural products from Stavropol to foreign markets through the newly-built North-South international transport corridor was emphasized at the meeting.

They pointed out great potential for the development of cooperation in a number of areas, including tourism sector and mutual interest between Azerbaijan and Russias Stavropol Province.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

Trend:

Azerbaijan and Estonia intend to increase trade turnover and explore opportunities for expansion of mutual exports.

This was stated at a meeting of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov with Estonian Minister of Public Administration Mihhail Korb in Baku.

During the meeting, the sides noted the existing potential for development of economic cooperation in transportation, IT, agriculture and tourism, said Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry.

The ministers also noted the importance of holding the next meeting of the Azerbaijan-Estonia Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Mihhail Korb is currently on a visit in Azerbaijan.

It is planned to hold a meeting of the intergovernmental commission and a business forum with participation of entrepreneurs of the two countries during his visit.
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As Rector of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) Elmar Gasimov informed, BHOS announced admission to Masters degree programs for 2017/2018 academic year on the following specialities (specializations): Petroleum Engineering (Reservoir Evaluation and Management) and Chemical Engineering (specialization: Oil and Gas Technology). Provisions are made to admit ten and eleven bachelors for the first and second speciality respectively.

These are the first time ever that Masters degree studies to be arranged at the Baku Higher Oil School. Masters degree programs in these specialities and specializations will be conducted at BHOS in English language on the basis of academic programs of the Heriot-Watt University (Great Britain) in the framework of the dual diploma program. Upon the program completion, the graduates will receive diplomas from each higher educational institution.

Admission to these Masters degree programs will be free of charge in accordance with the governmental order.

Duration of the Masters degree programs is a year and a half. After master's thesis defense upon completion of the study, the graduates will be awarded with Masters degree.

BHOS graduates educated in corresponding specialities, holders of a bachelor's degree from other higher educational institutions educated in English and specialists educated abroad are entitled to participate in the admission contest by the State Examination Centre. Studies in these Master degree programs at BHOS are tuition-free.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

Trend:

India has facilitated visa application procedures for Azerbaijan, Indian Embassy in Baku said in a message April 6.

As per new visa rules, Azerbaijani nationals would be able to get online e-Visa for visits to India for recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration medical treatment or casual business. Online application for e-visa could be made at website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration

The fees for e-Visa for Azerbaijani nationals is $50 plus bank transaction charges. The validity of e-Visa will be 60 days from the date of arrival in India. Double entry is permitted on e-Tourist Visa and e-Business Visa. Triple entry will be permitted on e-Medical Visa. E-Visa can be availed for maximum of two times in a calendar year. The applicants are required to apply online at least 4 days in advance of the date of arrival in India.

The e-Visa facility is in addition to the existing Visa services for longer duration or specific purpose being provided by the Indian Embassy. Detailed information about the e-Visa scheme is available on website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Azerbaijan is fully responsible for the quality and origin of the agricultural products exported to Russia, Aydin Aliyev, head of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, told reporters in Baku Apr. 6.

He was commenting on the negotiations on the issues of exporting fruits and vegetables from Azerbaijan to Russia.

Aydin Aliyev noted that the Russian delegation, which has arrived in Azerbaijan for the negotiations, will be able to verify the quality and origin of the products for export.

After the negotiations, the Russian delegation will get acquainted with the farms for manufacture of agricultural products, as well as with our rules for drawing up the documents regarding these products, he said.

Touching upon the delay of Azerbaijani goods at the Russian border, Aydin Aliyev noted that all problems have been resolved.

Several vehicles with agricultural products were detained at the Azerbaijani-Russian border, he said. These vehicles were allowed to enter Russia after the Azerbaijani origin of the products was proved through a lab test.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts Azerbaijans GDP growth at 1.2 percent in 2018, according to an ADB report titled Asian Development Outlook 2017: Transcending the Middle-Income Challenge.

GDP is projected to contract by 1.1 percent in 2017, said ADB, adding that however, it is forecast to turn up by 1.2 percent in 2018 with the onset of production from the Shah Deniz gas field and some recovery anticipated among private firms.

According to the report, gas condensate production within the Shah Deniz Stage 2 will help industry expand by 1 percent in 2018.

Meanwhile, ADB experts forecast Azerbaijans net exports to improve in 2017 and particularly in 2018.

Total exports are projected to grow by 22.6 percent in 2017 with the projected improvement in oil prices and expand by a further 15 percent in 2018 as the Shah Deniz gas field starts producing.

Imports are expected to contract by 6.2 percent in 2017, then expand by 12.5 percent in 2018, says the ADB forecast.

According to ADB, which lists Azerbaijan as a Central Asian country in its report, the growth in Central Asia is projected to accelerate to 3.1 percent in 2017 and 3.5 percent in 2018.

ADB, based in Manila, was established in 1966 and is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration.

Azerbaijan became an ADB member on Dec. 22, 1999.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

Trend:

ICT, construction, tourism, healthcare sectors will be the most interesting and promising areas for expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Portugal, said Charge dAffaires ad interim of Portugal to Azerbaijan Maria Joao Lopes Cardoso.

She made the remarks during her meeting with a delegation led by President of Caspian Energy International Media Group Natalya Aliyeva.

Speaking about bilateral trade between Portugal and Azerbaijan, Maria Joao Lopes Cardoso mentioned that bilateral trade flows amounted to roughly 457 million euros (Portugals export totaled 1.8 million euros and import from Azerbaijan amounted to 455 million euros) in 2016. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan ranked the 20th among Portugals suppliers.

It is worth noting the growing interest of Portuguese companies in exporting to Azerbaijan, she noted adding that the number of Portuguese companies carrying out exports to Azerbaijan increased from 39 in 2011 to 83 in 2015.

Touching upon the issue of energy cooperation, Cardoso noted that Europe, including Portugal, is interested in the diversification of energy suppliers.

In that respect, the Southern Gas Corridor [SGC] is a strategic project for energy security that brings diversification of natural gas sources to Europe, she said.

The charge daffaires went on to say that Portugal is aspiring to develop its gas and energy transit system.

North South interconnector in Western Europe (NSI West Gas) is one of the projects which we are implementing, she noted.

Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula have all the conditions to become a major entry point for natural gas and LNG in Europe, thus increasing both import capacity and supplier diversification, added Cordoso.

In this regard, the Southern Gas Corridor and our initiatives are complementary because what we all want is the energy security for Europe and for the region, she said.

It is exactly what these projects aim at - one from the West and the other one from the East  contributing to diversify sources and improve stability against any kind of energy crisis, added the charge daffaires.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Kazakhstans Tengri Bank signed a trade finance agreement, ADB said in a message April 6.

The agreement was signed by Steven Beck, ADBs head of trade finance, and Mukhtar Bekkali, Tengri Banks CFO, on the sidelines of the International Chamber of Commerce Banking Commission Annual Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The deal will enable ADBs Trade Finance Program (TFP) to provide guarantees to support import and export transactions in Kazakhstan.

This partnership with Tengri Bank will support trade and help create new jobs in Kazakhstan, Beck said.

Since the early 2000s, Kazakhstan has pursued economic diversification to transform from a landlocked to a landlinked economy. In line with this objective, ADB cooperation with Kazakhstan in recent years has focused on transport and trade sectors.

Tengri Bank was established in 1992 under the name Dana Bank. In 2010, the bank entered a strategic partnership with Punjab National Bank (PNB)  one of Indias largest state-owned banks  where PNB became Tengri Banks major shareholder. Currently, PNB holds a 49-percent share of Tengri Bank.

Headquartered in Almaty, Tengri Bank is present in other major cities in Kazakhstan, including Astana, Aktau, Karaganda, Pavlodar, Shymkent and Temirtau. The banks name was changed to Tengri Bank in 2016.

ADBs Trade Finance Program provides guarantees and loans to over 200 partner banks to support trade, enabling more companies throughout Asia to engage in import and export activities. Since 2009, TFP has supported more than 9,200 small and medium-sized businesses across developing Asia  through over 13,000 transactions valued at over $25.6 billion  in sectors ranging from commodities and capital goods, to medical supplies and consumer goods.

In 2016, TFP directed almost $3.1 billion to trade support through 2,079 transactions.

TFP complements its financial support with a regular series of workshops and seminars to increase knowledge and expertise in trade finance products and operations, risk management and fraud prevention.

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR is interested in obtaining licenses for geological exploration in the Russian sector of the Caspian Sea, Farid Jafarov, head of SOCARs Russian unit, told reporters, RNS news agency reported.

On April 4, Russias Government Commission on Legislative Activities approved a draft law on the possibility of granting the right to use subsoil plots in inland sea waters and territorial sea waters of Russia only for geological study.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
HICKORY  The Childrens Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County commemorated Child Abuse Prevention Month for the ninth consecutive year with a pinwheel ceremony Wednesday at Kiwanis Park.

That morning, volunteers from the Target Distribution Center, in Newton, came out to plant 2,000 pinwheels around Zahra Baker All Childrens Playground.

Early in the afternoon, amid rain and thunder, community members and leaders, including District Attorney David Learner and Hickory Police Chief Thurman Whisnant, assembled under the picnic shelter at the park to listen to the speakers.

Mayor Rudy Wright read a proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Rescue Me, an original song composed for the ceremony by Corinth Reformed Church music director Peter Corneliussen, was performed by Hickory Christian Academy student Caroline Collins.

Kim Holden, executive director of the Catawba County Partnership for Children, gave a speech that emphasized the enduring effects of abuse on children.

The result is known now as toxic stress, and it actually can disrupt the brains architecture, Holden said.

Those children who experience that type of chronic stress experience number of adverse mental and physical health effects even later in life, including increases likelihood of becoming smokers or suffering from depression, Holden said.

Holden said combating child abuse is a community effort, and urged parents and community leaders to look into the area's resources.

In an interview following the ceremony, Whisnant also spoke of the importance of the community working together to address the problem of child abuse.

The key is collaboration, everyone working together for every single piece of the criminal justice system, Whisnant said.

You know all of us working together in a collaborative effort to identify and continually improve as a community to hopefully get to a day where child abuse doesnt exist.

At the end of the ceremony, a T-shirt quilt honoring all of the children from North Carolina who died as the result of violence and abuse in 2015 was unveiled.

The T-shirts were decorated for an October 2016 vigil by the Hickory High School Art Club. The quilt was made by Linda Henson.

Those who are aware of or suspect child abuse can report to local law enforcement or the Catawba County Social Services Department at 828-324-9111, according to a CAPC handout.
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The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) has a long and often chequered history in India. It was in 1977 that the government asked the Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL) to develop this machine. Later, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was also involved in this effort. About 750 million rupees worth of machines were manufactured to this design but no serious effort was made to introduce Indian voters to this. An effort was made in Kerala in 1982 in a few polling booths, but this was blocked by legal challenges. Another small effort was made in Sikkim, but that too faded away.

The CAG criticised the Election Commission for this waste of money, but I thought such criticism was not acceptable. We examined the problem and decided to go ahead with EVMs in select constituencies in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. A Union minister advised against the use of EVMs in villages as illiterate people would not be able to use them. People living in cities have such prejudices about rural folk. Nevertheless, we used EVMs in that historic 1997 election in these three states. It was a great success.

Political parties suddenly began to see the miracle of this little machine in a country with poor literacy in large parts. With the EVMs no ballot boxes were to be stolen, no ink poured into the boxes, no spoilt votes, nor were there attempts to change the boxes. Thanks to the EVMs, the results were known by noon on counting day. This was the miracle of this new technology. When ballot papers were used, often the results were contested.

The use of EVMs was rapidly expanded covering the whole state and subsequently polls in many states were held on a single day.

It is natural for parties that have lost the election to cast doubts and challenge the results. Before introducing the EVMs, I held meetings with all the 52 recognised political parties, accepting their suggestions and ideas. Some wanted EVMs in their constituencies. I was happy to oblige. But, when these worthies lost, they complained.

The complaints were on two counts. First was that the technology could be tampered with. The CMDs and engineers of the ECIL and BEL were invited to clear the doubts of the complainants. The second invariably was a legal challenge. The late J Jayalalithaa challenged the ECI at the Madras High Court. After a long and full hearing the challenge was dismissed. For the past two decades the EVMs have been successfully used across India and while many continue to challenge its use, all have lost their arguments against the EVMs. The courts have gone to great lengths to ensure that the Indian voter is not cheated by the EVMs.

The system has settled down and has become the envy of the world. As CEC, I was shown a Canadian machine, but it was not only too expensive but also too complicated to use. The Indian machine is inexpensive, simple to use and robust. It has never failed us and the world knows it, as they watch our elections closely.

India has more than 800 million voters and more than 1.2 million EVMs are used for our elections. The world admires India for this achievement. When United States President Bill Clinton came to Delhi, at a dinner at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, he pointed at me sitting across the table and said that they envied the ECs success.

To all critics of the EVM I would say: Dont knock this perfect little Indian robot. When you win, the machine seems fine. It is attacked when you lose.

In these two decades since it was first used, we have held many elections, and while parties have won and lost, the habit of casting a doubt on the reliability of the EVMs had almost disappeared until the current controversy. In the Uttar Pradesh elections of 2007 and 2012, different parties won handsomely. In Delhi, the ruling party won a massive majority two years ago. No one raised any questions then.

I am surprised at the current broad and vague accusations. I think accusations against this remarkable national improvement in conducting elections should not be casually and lightly made.

The ECI cannot exist without the confidence of its 800 million voters. In August 2009, the EC had carried out a week long examination of all complaints. Today too if any credible doubts are brought to the EC, it will examine them, and furnish answers. This has always being the policy and practice of the EC.

MS Gill is former chief election commissioner

The views expressed are personal
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas four-day visit to India is going to redefine and give a quantum boost not only to India-Bangladesh ties but also lend a new meaning and substance to sub-regional groupings like the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

She does not want the two groupings to remain as mere catchwords, but become engines of sub-regional cooperation for economic development. Realising how critically important good ties between the two neighbours are, Hasina wants to give a major push to the concept of sub-regional groupings so that they act as a catalyst of change for other member countries as well.

Politically the visit is very crucial for Hasina as she is in the second half of her second term in office and has already entered election mode for the next parliamentary polls.

Hasina is visiting New Delhi with a list of takeaways that back home will place her politically and electorally at an advantageous position vis-a-vis the Opposition. Her takeaways will also provide major spin-offs for India also. Ensuring water and energy security for Bangladesh, undoubtedly, will top her agenda.

Of course, an accord on Teesta heads the list, but it is still not certain whether a final blueprint for sharing can be worked out to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees satisfaction. Breaking the deadlock on Teesta will severely test Prime Minister Narendra Modis statesmanship and diplomatic skills in bringing around a recalcitrant Banerjee to agree to an acceptable settlement. For the last decade she has held the two prime ministers hostage by her inflexible stand on Teesta. And if Hasina is able to get Indias nod on the construction and funding of Bangladeshs ambitious $4 billion Ganga barrage project, it will be a notable achievement to her two terms in office and four decade-long political career.

Hasina wants Indias cooperation in reinvigorating the health, navigation and management of 54 common rivers which flow between the two countries. For instance, the Ganga barrage will improve the rivers draft upstream and help materialise Indias ambitious national waterways project which will link Varanasi with Kolkata and Narayanganj in Bangladesh and Guwahati in Assam. She wants to connect Bangladesh with India through its waterways.

Rivers in eastern India and the Northeast and in Bangladesh provide an arterial communication system that was once the mainstay of the economy. Hasina wants to revive that system which is a cheaper and effective communication means. The British understood that waterways provided better connectivity than road and rail. No wonder in pre-Partition India Bengal presidency contributed 30% of crowns revenue in India. Hasina has a vision. Partition divided river system of the region. She now wants to reintegrate the river system for economic revival of the entire region. She wants to rejuvenate the river matrix for which a framework agreement for joint management of river basin is needed. She wants Delhis support for her strategy, said Tariq A Karim, former Bangladesh high commissioner to India and now a distinguished fellow of Vivekananda Foundation.

It is to create jobs for legions of unemployed youth who serve as ready recruits for Islamic militants that she wants energy security for Bangladesh. Energy security holds the key to reaching her political goal and implementing her development strategy  to quicken the pace of economic development. To meet this goal she desperately needs India, Bhutan and Nepals help. All these BBIN members are producers of large quantums of hydropower.

If she can get 20,000MW of the 70,000MW of hydropower that the Northeastern states are set to produce within the next decade she need not go in for capital-intensive coal-fired thermal power plants. Already, Bangladesh has immensely benefited by providing transit facilities for transhipment of oversized equipment for Tripuras Palatana power plant for which it receives 100MW of supply from Tripura. This is soon to be raised to 200MW.

Hasina knows Bangladesh is highly critical for Indias security and its look east policy. By handing over Indian insurgents and denying them the use of Bangladesh as their launching pad for terror operations and also by providing crucial intelligence inputs on Islamic terror groups she has proved herself to be Delhis most trusted ally in its fight against terror. Now it is Indias turn to reciprocate with magnanimity.

It will be short-sighted to expect Hasina sign a defence pact with India on the lines her father had done in 1972. A defence cooperation agreement under which Dhaka can buy armaments, defence equipment is very much on the cards. India will provide training to Bangladeshs defence personnel and also service two submarines that China has recently sold to Dhaka. This is going to cause heartburn for the Chinese who are against India-Bangladesh joint exercises. But Hasina wants to reduce Bangladeshs over-dependence on China in defence matters, especially using Bangladesh as a captive market for dumping its old weapons. This change in policy came about after a recent revelation that President Ziaur Rahman had signed a secret defence pact with China.

Manash Ghosh is a senior journalist. The views expressed are personal
Manoj Bajpayee has mainly worked in films with strong scripts and is known for his nuanced acting. He was recently named the HT Most Stylish Man of Substance, and when asked about the award, he laughs, Suddenly, I felt too intelligent. On a more serious note, he says, The endeavour is to gain knowledge and try to be worthy of the honour. You shouldnt get weighed down by awards. You should try to live up to expectations; [meet] your own [expectations] more than anyone elses.

Ask Manoj if he has ever been enticed by the money being offered for a project even when he was not entirely satisfied with the content, and he says, Money has never been my reason for choosing a film. It is important when I am offered a mainstream film by people who have the budget to pay me. If they dont agree to pay me then I steer clear.

Ive made a few mistakes, but those were not because of greed for money. They were either my own shortcomings, or I thought the film would work out, but somehow the directors or the circumstance didnt seem right.

When asked if the reach or the trappings of commercial films ever lured him, Manoj says, If Ive done two or three really bad films, I didnt do them for money. I had done them for [the sake of] relations. If I have to do a mainstream film and I am convinced with the script, they have to pay me, because they have the budget. But if they have to pay me the same amount that the low-budget films are offering, Id rather do the small films that are great in content.

Lately, there has been talk about nepotism in B-Town. Has Manoj ever come across it? I dont accept any kind of nepotism. I mind my own business. I dont think anyone would dare to do that. Maybe [the look on] my face says he will not take any bull***t. Nepotism exists in every sphere of society, he says.

Manoj Bajpayee was recently seen on screen in the movie, Naam Shabana. Talking about his association with the films writer and producer Neeraj Pandey, he says, I have immense respect for his knowledge, and the way he writes (screenplays). We admire each other. As a director and writer, he manages to find a unique genre which is neither art-house nor commercial. It is somewhere in between, where the content is the king, and the characters are amazingly etched out and based on research. His films have a wide reach because they have drama and pace. These are the things that have always fascinated me, says Manoj.

He further adds, Neeraj is younger to me, but I have learnt a lot of things from him such as how to balance your life. He is very meticulous and professional in his work. He expects the same kind of professionalism from others.

The actor will next be seen in Sarkar 3, and Love Sonia.

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Actor Irrfan Khan has wished speedy recovery to Vinod Khanna, who was hospitalised in Mumbai on Friday night due to severe dehydration.

Irrfan says he was shocked to see the veteran actor looking so frail in the picture, which went viral on social media.

A picture today surfaced online where Khanna was seen in the hospital uniform along with his son and wife. The actor was seen visibly weak in the photo.

Sad to hear that actor, ex Minister and @BJP4India MP #VinodKhanna is suffering bad health due to cancer. Wish him health. #GetWellSoon pic.twitter.com/rNOHEmq8RU  MAHESH BHATT (@MaheshBhatt2016) April 6, 2017

My good wishes and prayers with him. I hope he gets well soon. If needed, Ill donate one of my organs to him. I think he is the most beautiful person in the entire industry, Irrfan told reporters at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Hindi Medium.

I saw his photo today and I was shocked. I pray to God for his good health, he added.

Though Khannas son Rahul had earlier confirmed that he was recovering, the actor is still in the hospital with no news of his discharge yet.

Recalling Khannas work, Irrfan said, I have seen all of his films. I still remember his Khoon Pasina, Mera Gaon Mera Desh. He is one of the most handsome man, extremely beautiful.

Khanna was hospitalised in HN Reliance Foundation and Research Centre in Girgaum.

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Shah Rukh Khan is experimenting with his looks in every film. First he played his younger self in Fan and then went for beard and pathani kurta in Raees. Now, for Imtiaz Alis next, he is sporting a turbaned look. Dont believe us? Take a look at these photos.

#SRK 1st time in Punjabi turban Look ... #ShahRukhKhan & #AnushkaSharma on the Sets of The Ring  Like if you Excited For Movie  A post shared by  SRK's Lover  (@srksneetu) on Apr 5, 2017 at 8:58pm PDT

Anushka Sharma is also wearing a red salwaar-kameez much to the delight of Ali who leaves no chance to showcase the Punjabi culture.

Khan and Sharma shot for the first schedule for the yet-to-be titled film in Budapest before heading to India.

EXCLUSIVE #ShahRukhKhan & #AnushkaSharma on the sets of #TheRing in #Punjab yesterday shooting A post shared by Raihan Sheikh (@sheikh1052) on Apr 5, 2017 at 5:28pm PDT

Earlier, the film was tipped to be called The Ring thanks to one of the cryptic Instagram posts by Shah Rukh Khan. It was later clarified that the project is yet to given a name.

The film is expected to hit theatres in August this year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakh Investment and Development Ministry expects air tickets to decrease in price in the country by the yearend, Kazakhstan Today reported.

Speaking at the plenary session of Kazakh Parliaments Senate, the head of the ministry Zhenis Kassymbek said that over 30 percent of the air ticket price falls on the price of aviation fuel.

He noted that currently Kazakhstan observes fuel deficit and the fuel price is quite high  about 300,000 tenges (312.08 tenges = $1) per ton. It is expected that fuel prices will decrease considerably by the yearend when modernization completes at all three Kazakhstans oil refineries, Kassymbek said, adding that it will lead to decrease in air tickets prices.

The minister also noted that this year Kazakhstan allows carrying up to seven flights to Astana from any foreign city within EXPO international exhibition in Astana, adding that some bids for such flights have been already launched. In particular, Kassymbek reminded that this summer Finnair will launch direct flight from Astana to Helsinki and WizzAir will launch direct flight from Astana to Warsaw.

The minister noted that new foreign airlines will increase competition on Kazakhstans air market and also favor the decrease of air ticket prices.

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Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan has rubbished reports that said his older brother, superstar Salman Khan, was helping him choose films. They are just myths not true at all, says Arbaaz. Salman doesnt even know half the time what Im working on. Sometimes, he only gets to know about a film of mine when the release date is close. We dont sit down and discuss our professional lives with each other.

The 49-year-old Arbaaz had bhai Salman as co-star in several films, including Hello Brother and the two superhit Dabangg movies that Arbaaz also produced. The reports in question claimed that Salman had a say in what choices Arbaaz made both as actor and producer. Not true, emphasises Arbaaz, stating firmly that Salman never interferes in his professional space.

[Salmans] work is easy to follow because he doesnt do so much work, says Arbaaz. [About] my work, he might have an idea that Im busy with something, but he wouldnt know the details. He definitely doesnt interfere in terms of taking charge of my career or what Im doing.

Its different when Salman and Arbaaz work together on a film  not that bhai interferes, but he definitely wants details. Then he wants to know everything, says Arbaaz. However, when Im doing my own film, hes like, You are independent, you make your own decisions. Its pretty much a sail-on-your-own-steam kind of thing, he says.

Rumours of interference by big brother might rankle a little, but Arbaaz prefers to brush them off. Its a small thing. I know its not to be taken seriously. Everyone knows we are thick as thieves. Were very close and we respect each other, says Arbaaz. Of course, Salman has achieved far more, and were really happy with that. As long as we keep doing whatever we like, it doesnt bother us.

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Romanian actor-TV host Iulia Vantur is often spotted in family pictures of her rumoured boyfriend Salman Khan and the most recent was the superstars nephew Ahils first birthday celebration in Maldives. Recently, media hounded her about the appearances and while she kept mum on her relationship, she did heap praises on the Khan family.

Iulia is rumoured to be dating Salman Khan.

A Mid Day report quoted Iulia as saying, The Khan family is so beautiful. I really admire them; they are united and welcoming. Their doors are always open for everyone.

When asked about Salman, she told the tabloid, It should be private. I understand the curiosity and am used to it.

On Ahils first birthday on March 30, the family  including Salman, his younger brothers Arbaaz and Sohail, sister Arpita and brother-in-law Aayush Sharma  gathered for a holiday shindig that was just as Khan-tastic as youd expect. Iulia was also spotted in the pictures that surfaced online.

A post shared by Salman Khan (@devoteeofsalman) on Mar 30, 2017 at 10:55pm PDT

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After decades battling Julius Caesar and his Roman legions, Gallic hero Asterix and his sidekick Obelix finally discover the rest of Italy in their latest adventure, its authors revealed on Wednesday.

Asterix and the Race through Italy, the 37th story in a series that has been a global publishing phenomenon for over half a century, will not hit the shelves until October 19.

But writer Jean-Yves Ferri offered a few hints as to what it is all about in an interview at the Bologna Childrens Book Fair.

It is the year 50 BC and the lands and islands that now make up modern Italy are ostensibly under Caesars control. But just like in neighbouring Gaul, home to the indefatigable duo, resistance to rule from Rome is flourishing in the provinces, much as it still is today in a country where local identities and loyalties remain strong.

With the never ending battle between the Gauls and the Romans, the idea of Asterix coming to Italy was always there, under my nose, Ferri, 57, said. And it was also a way to acknowledge Alberto Uderzos Italian roots, he added in a reference to the now-retired illustrator who created the characters along with late writer Rene Goscinny.

French comics writer, designer and colourist Jean-Yves Ferri poses with the future front page of the 37th album of the Asterix series. (AFP)

Roman-bashing, Boar-chomping

The romp from Venice to Sicily is the third from Ferri and illustrator Didier Conrad after Asterix and the Picts (2013), which was set in Scotland, and Asterix and the Missing Scroll (2015), a satire of modern media centred on Caesar publishing a set of typically pompous war memoirs.

The new album will feature a bigger-than-usual role for the Roman-bashing, boar-chomping Obelix, and a large cast of new characters, Ferri promised. Otherwise, the publishers were giving little away about the storyline in line with their usual drip-drip marketing strategy.

Food is usually a theme in Asterix tales and it will be intriguing to see how it is handled, given that the Italian culinary staples of pizza, pasta and tomatoes did not exist at the time it is set.

That problem was memorably sidestepped in Asterix in Britain, in which the locals would take a break from fighting to drink hot water  before Asterix introduces them to tea rather than share the magic potion that is the secret of the Gauls fighting prowess.

The first Asterix stories were published in the Franco-Belgian comic Pilote in 1959 and Uderzo will celebrate his 90th birthday later this month. He only retired in 2011 having done both the writing and drawing after the death of Goscinny in 1977.

Sons of immigrants

The books have been translated into more than 100 languages and dialects, including ancient Greek and Latin, editions that are highly-prized as teaching tools. More than 370 million copies have been sold and the faithful friends have featured in multiple films.

While Conrad was anointed by Uderzo as his successor on the drawing side, Ferri admits to feeling pressure to live up to Goscinnys standard of wry story telling. I am very conscious of the fact that they are part of our cultural heritage and that we cant let people down, he said. I make a big effort to stick to Goscinnys template, with each page constructed around the gags.

That has become harder in a world where Asterixs idiosyncratically French view of other nationalities has come to be seen in some quarters as verging on xenophobic stereotyping. Ferri dismisses the charge, saying his hero is the incarnation of the universal values of fraternity and resistance to tyranny.

Asterix has always had a relationship with other cultures based on friendship and interest, he says. He goes to help out the Corsicans, the Belgians, the British and the Spanish. As for all the rest, Goscinny and Uderzo were always very clear that politics and ideology were not their cup of tea.

You musnt forget that the former was the son of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and the latter came from a family of Italian immigrants to France, Ferri said.

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A Chinese court has ordered Samsung Electronicss Chinese subsidiaries to pay 80 million yuan ($11.60 million) to Huawei Technologies over patent infringement, said a local government-run media outlet.

Three units of Samsung Electronics, including Samsung China Investment Limited, have been ordered by the Quanzhou Intermediary Court to pay the sum for infringing a patent held by Huawei Device Co. Limited, the handset unit of Chinas Huawei, the Quanzhou Evening News, a government-run newspaper, said on its website on Thursday.

When contacted, Samsung said it will respond after reviewing the courts ruling. Huawei could not immediately be reached for comment.
For all valid reasons Paytm might be scared if Whatsapp starts person-to-person payment  after all thats Vijay Shekhar Sharmas big bet to transform digital payments in the country.

On Tuesday, The Ken reported that Whatsapp would launch UPI, or Unified Payments Interface-based payments in the next six months, according to four sources.

UPI is a software brought out by the government that allows transfer of money from one bank account to another, where the app (linked with UPI) acts as a mobile wallet.

If Whatsapp builds UPI-based payments, users will be able to transfer money through the chat application, taking the weight away from Paytm, which is the countrys largest mobile wallet.

Whatsapp is also looking to hire someone who has deep understanding of UPI, Aadhaar and the BHIM app.

The move was evident. During his India visit in February, Brian Acton, co-founder of Whatsapp said digital payments is an area the company is keen to explore.

For years Whatsapp hasnt made any money, despite being a $19 billion acquisition by Facebook. But over the years it has pushed messaging service offered by telecom providers out, by offering it for free, just at an insignificant data cost. It is also changing the ways calls are made, both voice and video, again at free.

But that is changing. During his visit to India, Brian Acton, co-founder of Whatsapp said that the firm would find ways to make money, but not at the cost of diluting customer experience.

To its advantage, Whatsapp isnt small. It has 200 million users in India. Paytms has less, with 160 million.

Thats also where Paytms worry starts  more people use Whatsapp, and those who dont, know about it. At times people open Whatsapp up to 150 times a day, and they are familiar with the app.

Like video and voice calls, soon people will be able to buy goods from the shop and pay using Whatsapp  where Paytm is the largest player with millions of merchants accepting digital using a Paytm wallet.

If Whatsapp can double up as a wallet, users might not have a reason to install Paytm on the smartphones. The wallet might be one of the many features such as chat, video and voice calls.

Going by what Whatsapp has done in the past, when the payments service is rolled out, 200 million users will straight away get the feature in form of a technology upgrade in matter of hours, making things worse for Paytm.

Meanwhile, Whatsapp is also looking at launching Whatsapp for Business in India for small and medium enterprises. This is for very small businesses, employing less than 10 people which will help them manage businesses in an easier manner, whether it is about managing customer contact lists or multi-agent support, Acton had told this writer in February.

If you are a small shop owner, and there is a bunch of people who buy from you, it will make communication easier, Neeraj Arora, head of business at WhatsApp, explained during the meeting with Acton.

The payments piece fits right at the centre of this strategy. Already Acton is witnessing a surge in Whatsapp usage among small traders. (While) users can stay in touch with families and their loved ones, they order grocery from their local grocer... there are stories of doctors using the product to communicate with patients, Acton had said.

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The Reserve Bank today said there is more scope for the banks to cut lending rates and also asked for a downward revision in the small savings rates administered by the government.

The Monetary Policy Committee took note of the reduction in bank lending rates but saw further scope in a complete reduction, including for small savings and administered rates, Governor Urjit Patel told reporters.

After the last policy review in February, Patel had said there was scope for more rate cuts by banks, pointing out that the weighted average lending rate has come down only by 0.85-90% as against a 1.75% cut in policy rates since January 2015. Since then banks have not lowered their lending rates.

There is still scope for lending rates to come down further because our policy rates came down by 175 basis points and weighted average lending rates have come down only by 85- 90 basis points. I think there is scope for more transmission, Patel had said.

The lack of transmission has been one of the dominant worries expressed by RBI during the past two years when it was in an accommodative stance.

It can be noted that government has been blaming the higher rates being maintained both by RBI level as well as by banks for the slowdown in credit offtake which has been hurt the economy. As of the second week of March hit a record low of around 3.5%.

The small savings rates, which are generally linked to the G-sec yields, were reduced by only 0.20% during the one year to April 2017. These rates generally hamper banks from reducing their deposit rates because small saving products like PPF Act as competition to the fixed deposits with additional benefits like tax-free interest.
The Reserve Bank today said even though there have been a few positives on the bad loans front the current level of dud loan resolution is untenable as there has been a deterioration in the NPA situation, and promised new measures to tackle the pain.

The present level of NPA resolution is untenable, RBI Governor Urjit Patel said while addressing the media at the customary post-policy presser.

Deputy governor SS Mundra, who heads the banking department, chipped in saying we are yet to get the final result of Q4 which has just ended. But based on the figures that were available for the December quarter, the various indicators of the stressed assets have further deteriorated during this period.

He said the positives achieved by the banks include a slowdown in the accretion of fresh NPAs and stable provision coverage ratios.

The former commercial banker cautioned that the current situation will put a pressure on capital for the banks, especially for the state-run ones.

As resolution of the stress comes into the foreground, Mundra said there is a need to understand that there cannot be a one size fits all approach and advocated adoption of various tools.

He reiterated the RBI is also in talks with government on how to improve the existing frameworks, and the discussions are centred around how to act faster on joint lenders forum decisions, enhance the number and role of oversight committees, or whether to look at sector or size-specific problems while tackling resolution.

The RBI has introduced a slew of instruments to tackle the NPA menace, which has crossed 9.5 per cent of the system or Rs 14 trillion as of December 2016, including strategic debt restructuring, 5/25 restructuring, joint lenders forum, prompt corrective action (PCA) which will be out by end April.

Even as speculation rages if the RBI will introduce a new instrument or tweak an existing one, Mundra said there can be a relook at the existing instruments.

The message that we are trying to give is that all these instruments are meant for resolution in a serious sense and not for postponement of the problem. That will be the focus going forward, he said.

In the policy document, the RBI also said a revised prompt corrective action framework will be introduced for banks in mid-April.

The RBI also increased minimum capital requirement for asset reconstruction companies to Rs 100 crore from Rs 2 crore earlier today. RBI also announced that it will be tweaking the capital requirements for partial credit enhancement framework.

It has also decided not to activate the counter cyclical capital buffer at this point of time.
Reliance on Thursday said it was withdrawing the three months complimentary benefits announced under its Jio Summer Surprise after receiving an advisory from the telecom regulator.

Today, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has advised Jio to withdraw the three months complimentary benefits of Jio Summer Surprise, the company statement said.

Jio accepts this decision. Jio is in the process of fully complying with the regulators advice, and will be withdrawing the three months complimentary benefits of Jio Summer Surprise as soon as operationally feasible, over the next few days, it added.

However, the company said that all customers who have subscribed to the offer prior to its discontinuation will remain eligible for the offer.

On March 31, Jio announced its Summer Surprise offer under which all Prime members making their first recharge payment of Rs 303 (or higher) plans got three months complimentary services in addition to the benefits of their purchased plan.

In a statement issued on that day, the company said: Every Jio Prime member, when they make their first paid recharge prior to April 15 using Jios Rs 303 plan (or any higher value plan), will get services for the initial three months on a complimentary basis. The paid tariff plan will be applied only in July, after the expiry of the complimentary service.

Looking at the unprecedented rush of subscription, the company had also extended the deadline to buy Jios Rs 303 (and other) plans till April 15.

Reliance Jio had announced that in just one month, over 72 million Jio customers have signed up for Jio Prime, making it one of the most successful customer privilege programmes anywhere in the world.

With 72 million subscribers enrolling for prime membership till March 31, Reliance Jio will remain disruptive given its aspirations, investment banking firm Jefferies said in its recent report.

Reliance Jio had launched a free voice and data plan in September 2016 and had extended it till March 31, 2017. It currently has over 100 million customers.
Unilever said on Thursday it will exit its spreads business, increase its margin targets and review its dual-headed legal structure, as it aims to prove it can deliver growth following its rejection in February of a takeover proposal by Kraft Heinz.

The pledges are the result of a business review at the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods maker, undertaken following the unsolicited $143 billion bid by its U.S. rival.

Unilever, one of Europes biggest blue-chip stocks, called the episode a trigger moment to assess its business, as the global packaged goods industry faces slowing growth and greater competition.

The maker of Dove soap and Ben & Jerrys ice cream said it was accelerating its cost-savings plan, targeting a 20% underlying operating margin, before restructuring, by 2020.

It said it would combine its refreshment business, which includes ice cream and tea, with the rest of its foods business, in a bid to unlock growth and grow margins faster.

It also said it would target net debt of 2 times EBITDA, and would launch a share buy-back this year of 5 billion euros ($5.3 billion).

It also said it was raising its dividend by 12%.
The 59-year-old brother of Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) municipal election candidate for Gautampuri in northeast Delhi was physically assaulted, shot at and robbed of Rs 20,000 allegedly by three masked men outside his home in Babarpur area on Wednesday night. The candidate told the police that he suspected the involvement of his political rivals and has demanded police protection for his family and himself.

Police said the bullet pierced through Satyaprakash Gargs left thigh and he could be saved due to timely medical attention. He is undergoing treatment at the Guru Teg Bahadur hospital and is out of danger. Garg is the brother of KK Aggarwal, who is contesting MCD elections as a BJP candidate from ward number 43E. He is into packing material business.

On Wednesday around 9.30 pm, Garg was returning home after work on his bicycle when three masked men on a motorcycle stopped him. The three allegedly attacked him with blunt objects. When Garg screamed for help, one of them fired a bullet that pierced through his thigh. Garg fell off the bicycle and the attackers took out Rs 20,000 from his pocket and fled. A passerby called the police and he was rushed to GTB hospital.

AK Singla, deputy commissioner of police (northeast), said, A case under sections 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery) and 397 (Robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) of IPC has been registered at Welcome police station. Investigators are probing the case from personal enmity angle as well.

Following the attack on his brother, the BJP candidate said he now fears for his life and the safety of his family members. Aggarwal alleged that while assaulting Garg the attackers warned him to stay away from politics.

We will teach you how to do politics, these were the words of the attackers, said Aggarwal. If they can attack my brother, why will they spare me? I can be an easy target as I remain out for campaigning in the areas and that too unarmed and without any police security, Aggarwal told HT.

Aggarwal said that he will meet the DCP to seek police protection. He claimed that till the attack on his brother, he was meeting people in his ward on scooter or on foot. But this attack has forced me to stay indoors. I certainly need police protection, he said.

According to Aggarwal, he was at Delhi BJPs headquarters at Pandit Pant Marg for party meeting when his wife called him and informed him about the attack on his brother. The BJP candidate reached GTB hospital and learnt that his brother was returning home when he was shot at.

We have registered a case and are trying to identify the attackers and bring them to book at the earliest, said a senior police officer.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakhstan and Israel signed a Roadmap for Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector for 2017-2018, the Kazakh Agriculture Ministry said in a message April 6.

The document was signed during the visit of a Kazakh delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Askar Myrzakhmetov, to Israel.

In Israel, Myrzakhmetov met with Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Uri Ariel, and discussed cooperation.

The parties also signed a declaration of intent to establish a commercial demonstration farm in Kazakhstan, which will feature various agriculture technologies.

The Kazakh delegation also visited Israel's largest research institute Volcani Center, focusing on new technologies in agriculture, where they discussed possibility of joint research and training of young specialists.

Israel is one of the major exporters of food products and a world leader in agricultural technologies.

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Freelance journalist Aparna Kalra, 45, who is undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private city hospital for severe head injury, is stable, conscious and talking, said doctors on Thursday.

A CT-scan of the brain that was conducted on Thursday afternoon detected haematoma (blood clot) in her brain. However, her vital parameters such as blood pressure, pulse (heart rate), body temperature and breathing rate (respiratory rate) are stable.

She is conscious, and is speaking, said a source in the hospital.

Kalra suffered severe brain injuries after she was attacked by an unidentified person at a public park in northwest Delhis Ashok Vihar on Wednesday. She was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood by passersby, one of whom informed the police. Police say the motive of the attack is still unknown.

Kalra is being treated by a team under the supervision of Dr PK Sachdeva, additional director, department of neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

Kalras sister had brought her to the Fortis Hospitals emergency at 9.20pm on Wednesday. She suffered frontal-lobe fractures in her skull.

Local residents had found her lying unconscious in a pool of blood at an Ashok Vihar park on Wednesday evening, where she had gone for her evening stroll at around 6.15pm.

She was brought in by her sister, who had earlier taken her to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, which referred her to Fortis. She had a lot of fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) collection in her brain cavities, and underwent an emergency surgery to remove it at late night, said a doctor treating her at Fortis.

The condition, called hydrocephalus, can kill if the fluid is not removed.

We had done a repeat CT (computed tomography) scan to determine whether the fluid collection had stopped and to review her internal injuries. There is a blood clot, but we dont plan to operate her. We will most likely be using clot buster medicines, said the doctor.

Kalras condition is being closely monitored, and though it is too early to talk about recovery, doctors are hopeful that she will pull through.

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A car belonging to a former BJP MLA Gugan Singh allegedly ran over two women crossing a road in North Delhis Jahangirpuri area on Wednesday afternoon. The women suffered grievous injuries and are hospitalized at Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital. .

Milind Dumbre, DCP (North-West), claimed that the ex-MLA was not in the white Maruti Ertiga car at the time of the accident. The car was driven by the car owners driver, Sukhbir Singh Yadav. We have arrested him and seized the car, said the DCP.

Police said the two injured women were taken to Sushruta Trauma Centre by the driver immediately after the accident. Police arrested him from the hospital itself and booked him for rash and negligent driving and causing hurt by act endangering life and safety of others.

The injured women are Rajwati, 47, and 35-year-old Sandhya. Residents of Jahangirpuri, the women were crossing Ring Road near Mukarba Chowk around 3 pm on Wednesday when the accident happened.

.@htTweets @htdelhi One of the two women who were run over by ex-MLA Gugan Singh's car in Delhi today. Both women are in serious condition. @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/yB1noUVE9B  Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) April 5, 2017

Police said they need to probe the circumstances in which the accident happened and whether the driver was speeding. The impact of the accident was such that the women were flung a few feet away from the car.

The private car bearing registration number DL7CAA0001 suffered damages to its right headlamp and front portion. The driver has told police he stopped the car immediately after the accident and loaded the women in his car to take them to hospital.

Meanwhile, Gugan Singh, who served as BJP MLA from Bawana constituency from 2013 to 2015 acknowledged that the car belonged to him, but claimed that he had lent to a sitting BJP counsellor recently.

I had lent my car to Begumpur counsellor Jag Roshni. The driver involved in the accident was working for her, he told HT over phone. HT tried to contact Roshni through phone, but received no response.
The three-member Shunglu Committee, set up by Delhis former lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung to look into the decisions taken by the Arvind Kejriwal government, has pointed out gross abuse of power by it in its report.

Jung had set up the committee in August last year under VK Shunglu, former comptroller and auditor general, after the Delhi high court ruled that the LG is Delhis administrator and said decisions taken by the city government without consulting him were illegal.

The committee submitted the report to Jung last year, but it surfaced on Wednesday. While Jung had recommended a few inquiries based on the committee report, he refused to put it in public domain.

The Congress accessed a copy of the report through Right to Information act and said it will make it public on Thursday.

Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain dismissed the report as mudslinging and said no irregularities have been committed by the AAP government. Jain said allegation about the appointment of his daughter as mission director of Delhi State Health Mission was all lies and added that the approval for the appointment is given by the Centre.

We did nothing wrong or illegal but what was within our authority. If the LG had thought, he could have changed it, then he could have changed it. We did what we deemed fit, Jain said.

Here is what the panel said:

1. The report that runs into over 100 pages deals with decisions, including the appointment of certain individuals as advisors to the government, taken by Kejriwal and his cabinet where it had no authority do so and without the LGs concurrence.

2. The committee has flagged decisions, including the allotment of land to the AAP for its party office, the appointment of health minister Jains daughter as mission director of the Delhi State Health Mission and a number of purported AAP functionaries as advisors, in its report.

3. The report observes that the genesis of the conflict lay in an April 2015 order issued by Kejriwal to all the departments. It directed officers to take decisions without consulting the Lt Governor on all subjects that have been transferred to the Delhi Assembly under Article 239AA(3)a of the Indian Constitution.

4. The panel, which examined 404 files of the Kejriwal government, said the decision to allot land to the AAP to build a party office should be considered null and void. It also questioned the allotment of residence to DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal.

5. The report also raised questions on the government posting officers to the anti-corruption branch, its decisions on transfer and appointments of officers, foreign travel undertaken by ministers without the LGs sanction and appointment of lawyers.
The owner of the Mercedes car that had hit a biker in Civil Lines area of north Delhi on Tuesday night, surrendered to the police on Wednesday evening. The Mercedes owner Manish Jain had sped away after the accident but was forced to surrender after CCTV footage of the accident emerged and police started narrowing down on white Mercedes Hatchback owners.

The accident had left 22-year-old biker, Trinesh Kumar Kaim, with severe injuries on the face. Kaim is admitted in Lok Nayak Hospital, but is out of danger, said police.

The Mercedes owner Manish Jain, 55, is a computer books publisher in Daryaganj and lives with his family in Civil Lines. Jain has told us that he was scared of the consequences after hitting the biker while taking a sharp U-turn near Civil Lines metro station. So, he drove away from the accident spot, Jatin Narwal, DCP (North), told HT.

Following the accident on Tuesday, the police had started investigation into who all owned a white Mercedes Hatchback to nail the accused. The car owner got to know about the police probe and realised he would be caught sooner or later, said Narwal.

In addition, the police also landed CCTV footage of the car during their probe, making it difficult for Jain to continue in hiding. On Wednesday evening, Jain visited the police and confessed to being involved in the accident, the DCP said.

His damaged car was thereafter seized. Since the police had already registered a case of rash and negligent driving and causing hurt, Jain was arrested late Wednesday night. He was later released on bail.

The accident happened a year after a 32-year-old business consultant, Sidharth Sharma, was killed by a speeding Mercedes car in Civil Lines.

Kaim, the victim in the latest accident, lives with his parents in Mori Gate area and is pursuing an undergraduate course. He was returning to his home on a Yamaha motorcycle after meeting his friend in Derawal Nagar when the accident happened near Civil Lines metro station around 10.45pm.

The allegedly speeding Mercedes car that was arriving from IP College side took a U-turn at a traffic signal, its left side hitting Kaims motorcycle. Kaim fell off his motorcycle even as the Mercedes sped away towards under Hill Road.

Kaim and his friend who was accompanying him on another motorcycle could not note down the cars registration number, but had informed police immediately about the accident.

The police had begun their probe with only information that the car was a white Mercedes hatchback.
A 41-year-old Swiss national, who had come to visit India, died at a hospital two days after he was run over by a speeding private bus in Delhis Tughlaq Road area. His body was handed over to Embassy of Switzerland on Wednesday. The bus driver is still on the run.

According to the police, Rochat Janathan, was taking a tour of New Delhi area on his bike, that he had rented from Rajasthan, when a private bus allegedly crushed him while trying to overtake. The accident, police said, happened in front of Kothi No. 27 in the area during the daytime on March 30.

Instead of stopping, the driver sped, police said. A few passersby and a security guard from the bungalows in the area rushed to rescue him but were unable to note the registration number of the bus.

A PCR call was made by a passerby and he was admitted in RML hospital. A case of rash and negligent driving causing death has been registered against unknown persons, a senior police officer said.

The police also informed the Swiss embassy about the accident. He sustained severe head injuries and succumbed on April 1 during treatment. He underwent a couple of surgeries but could not survive, a senior police officer said. His body was sent for a postmortem examination following which it was handed over to the authorised persons of the embassy on April 5. His belongings have also been handed over to the embassy. The embassy has received the authority letter of the father of deceased, an investigator said.

The police are now on the lookout for the bus and its driver. No one noted down the number of the bus as there were hardly any people on the stretch when the accident occurred. We have accessed CCTV footage from the bungalows around and the stretch but have not been able to identify the bus yet. Once the private bus is identified, we will trace the driver. Efforts are on, a senior police officer said.

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One of the continuing signs of Indias lack of confidence is that saying the word Kashmir in an international forum results in near hysteria among the Indian chattering classes. The recent comments by the new United States ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, were a case in point. Haley never mentioned the word mediation nor, for that matter, the word Kashmir in her answer to a question. She spoke largely about the US being prepared to be pro-active in preventing any conflict between India and Pakistan. At best, this was a set of ad hoc comments that were open to interpretation. The US has intervened in the past to prevent conflict between the two countries  it played a key role in ending the Kargil conflict and did so in a manner that favoured India. However, this is hardly the same thing as mediation.

The nature of US involvement in the Kashmir dispute has evolved over time. The first and most interventionist phase, lasting until the early 1960s, saw Washington actively use the United Nations or unilateral actions to force India and Pakistan to the table  and then use its diplomatic leverage to find a common language. This legacy still haunts the Indian imagination, even though it came to a close over a half-century ago. For the next quarter of a century the US largely lost interest in Kashmir, preferring to tighten its alliance with Pakistan for other strategic reasons. The flare-up in Indo-Pakistan tensions during the Kashmiri secessionist violence of the late 1980s shifted the US to a crisis management posture. Nuclearisation further enforced the sense that the primary US interest was one of preserving stability. While the possibility of mediating a Kashmir settlement was never given up as a means to achieve that stability, the US granted veto power to each of the protagonists concerned. The recent advent of global Islamic terror and the transformation in Indo-US relations has meant a further strengthening of the view that the US role was crisis-handling, but a genuine solution was a bilateral issue. Haleys comments are fully in line with such a policy.

Ultimately, the simple truth is India is now too large an economic and military power to be told what to do on an issue like Kashmir by even the sole superpower. Even the odd time a US president, notably Barack Obama when he was first elected, floats the idea of playing a mediatory role  it is routinely zapped by New Delhi and disappears from the ether. Kashmir mediation is a dead horse and it is time Indians stopped flogging themselves with the belief it can come back from the grave.
The Yogi Adityanath government has decided to replace the khaki uniform for students in state-run schools with smarter dresses that adhere to Indian culture, education department officials said on Thursday.

The in-principle decision annuls the 2012 move by the Akhilesh Yadav government which had introduced khaki replacing the decades-old navy blue shorts/trousers for boys and skirts/salwar paired with sky blue shirts/tunics for girls.

Officials said the new school colours -- likely to be implemented from the new academic session -- will be finalised very soon after consultations with education minister Anupama Jaiswal.

The move is part of the new BJP governments reforms that aim to clean up the states edcuation sector.

It will impact an estimated 1.85 crore students in over 1 lakh government-run primary and more than 45,000 upper primary schools in 75 districts of the state.

We have floated the idea for change in the uniforms colour in UP government schools as there were many adverse views on the existing khaki colour. As soon as the state government gives us the go ahead the change would be implemented..., Ajay Kumar Singh, the secretary for basic education, told Hindustan Times from Lucknow.

Singh said the idea was put before the chief minister during a presentation in Lucknow on April 3 when Yogi Adityanath took stock of the education department which has been mired in many scandals including rampant mass copying during class 10 and 12 exams.

Officials said Yogi Adityanath had earlier expressed unhappiness over the khaki uniform, saying it resembled that of a home guard jawan than that of a school student.

The decision was also taken so that government school students do not feel inferior to those going to private schools, who have more vibrant colours.

The proposal has found many takers, including teachers and students.

Several teachers said the choice of khaki colour for school uniform was a poor one and the government went ahead with it despite opposition from parents, teachers and even students at the time.

We had opposed the khaki colour uniform in 2012 when it was implemented. We had pointed out that children may also lack confidence owing to it. However, all our reservations were completely ignored, said Devendra Srivastava, district president of the Uttar Pradeshiya Prathmik Shikshak Sangh.

We believe a better choice of colour for the uniform will help boost confidence of students and make them take pride in the school dress that they wear.

The chief minister is said to be keen to roll out the BJPs promise to provide free books, uniform, shoes and school bags to all poor students between July 1 to 10.

I dont want any student from poor family coming to school barefoot. Please ensure dress, books, bags and shoes are provided free of cost to the poor students. I dont want students to suffer just because their parents are poor, Yogi was quoted as saying in the recent meeting.

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After the Supreme Court direction banning liquor sale in hotels/pub/bars within 500 metres of state and national highway, 25 bar and pub owners surrendered their licences in Gurgaon. A few days ago, some pub and bars had shut their outlets in Sector 29 and CyberHub because of falling sales.

The fine dining restaurants that shut shop said people prefer going to pub/bars and breweries these days. Despite having all facilities, they could not survive and had to shut their operations after the December 15 Supreme Court ban.

The footfall has decreased at the restaurant, these days people prefer going to pubs only. The family dining scene is almost over. The industry is suffering the most at the moment and if this continues for another 15 days, many more outlets will be forced to down their shutters, said Amit R Sabharwaal, director of Sublym Kitchen and Bar in Sector 29 that wound up operations recently.

The hotel owners and event organisers are in a fix, staring at massive losses running into crores.

Another restaurant Diwan and Talli Singh in Sector 29, who closed their operation on March 20, said they are shifting to Vasant Vihar in Delhi as most of the crowd visiting the hub prefers brewery.

The closing microbreweries in the city has hit the restaurant business hard. The sales have dipped to a large extent and, after the ban, many are suffering huge losses. Ours was a three-and-half-year-old establishment and we were doing fine, but the recent order created panic and being patient for long in this industry would not help, said Kapil Singh Thapa, vice president, Diwan Restaurant, Sector 29.

On the other hand, the excise department is also suffering huge losses.

We have to comply with the Supreme Court order and will measure the distance along with the committee members, formed by the deputy commissioner, on April 1. If anyone doubts that their establishment is within the 500-metre zone, we will remeasure it and ensure that no injustice is done. Apart from affidavit, the pub owners can also request for measurement, said HC Dahiya, deputy excise and taxation commissioner(West).

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Following assurances from National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) after they threatened to block NH 8 on Wednesday, members of a local party along with Manesar residents called off their six-day-long hunger strike to demand completion of an elevated flyover at IMT Chowk that has been in the making since 2011.

Despite the stir, there was disruption to traffic or any violence over the last six days.

Locals have been demanding the speeding up of the flyover project as the intersection draws heavy traffic driving pollution and often leading to accidents. Spanning 3 km, the flyover will connect IMT Manesar with the National Security Guard (NSG) camp. As the protesters threatened to block NH 8, the district administration, on Tuesday, issued prohibitory orders in the area.

To ensure law and order,over 50 police personnel, equipped with protective gear, were deployed at the spot on Wednesday.

Following a meeting with the NHAI officials, the protestors said the authority had agreed to accelerate the construction of the elevated flyover from Friday and hence, the decided to call of their strike.

Since the highway has been widened, in the absence of an elevated flyover, residents of 15 villages have to cope with heavy traffic movement near their houses every day. Compounding our problems, regular traffic snarls are leading to air pollution and locals are complaining of respiratory diseases. Hence, we are in desperate need of an elevated flyover, Kailash Kumar, a resident of Manesar village, said.

The protest was launched on March 31 by four people hailing from a local political party. Encouraged by the support of local residents, more than 50 protesters on Wednesday assembled in a tent on a vacant plot next to the IMT Chowk.

The four protestors belonged to the Rastriya Morcha Party, an outfit comprising residents hailing from Manesar village. Its president Umed Yadav had been leading the protest, which had largely gone unnoticed.

However, on Tuesday, as word of a protesters deteriorating health spread, some residents of Manesar village and nearby areas also joined the campaign.

Word of the health scare also reached local politicians  Bimla Chaudhary, MLA from Pataudi and Rao Dharmpal, former MLA of Sohna. They promptly reached the spot and gave impetus to the protest.

As the protestors decided to throw a cordon around NH 8, senior police officers from Manesar and Gurgaon reached the spot and pacified them saying the NHAI officials will look into their demand.

Yadav said a delegation of villagers led by Gurgaon MLA Rao Inderjit Singh met Union minister Nitin Gadkari in July last year and handed him a memorandum highlighting their problems. Despite getting an assurance from the minister, Yadav claimed the construction continued to be carried out at a snails pace and hence they were forced to stage a protest.

The villagers had met chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in February. Though he lent support to their cause, there was little or no difference on the ground. We realised that there was little to be gained by constantly approaching bureaucrats and politicians and decided to step up our protest to garner support and force the authorities to act, Yadav said.

While laying the foundation stones for three underpasses on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway in September 2016, Gadkari had assured that the construction of the elevated flyover will be completed soon.

For Subash Kishan, a resident of sector 1, the flyover holds importance as the stretch often turns into a death trap for commuters and a large number of accidents have already been reported in the area.

Heavy vehicles from industrial areas in Sector 3 converge with vehicles heading towards Delhi and Jaipur at the intersection leading to a chaotic traffic situation. It is fraught with risks for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians from Sector 3, especially in the morning hours, as often meet with accidents. There are often head-on collisions as the traffic from Sector 3 tries to merge with the high speed expressway traffic, Kishan said.

A senior NHAI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the construction delay was temporary owing to a hold-up in the allocation of funds. He, however, didnt say when the work was expected to resume.

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Haryana education minister Ram Bilas Sharma has formed an enquiry committee comprising officials of the government and the divisional deputy director of the education department to look into rising complaints of a steep fee hike in schools across the state.

He said that the issue of fee hike by private schools without prior notice would be probed and they would have to roll back the decision soon. He said they will keep track of schools overcharging under such heads as building funds, transport, uniforms and stationary and would provide relief to the parents.

Our priority is to provide quality education to the children across the state and we have directed them to provide 10% seats to poor students under Rule 134 A of the Haryana School Education Act and if any parent is facing problems, he/she should complain to the education officer or divisional commissioner and prompt action would be taken, Sharma said.

The parents alleged that despite several meetings and protests no relief has been provided to them. Under Section 158 A, the fees and Fund Regulatory Committee(FFRC) should keep a strict vigil on schools and should ensure they submit Form 6 before January 6, failing which they cannot increase school fees. But the schools are violating the rules and regulations and still no action is being taken against them.

Read I Gurgaon: Now, parents demand rollback of fee hike by another city school

Parents of students from 40 private schools in the city, including DPSG, Ryan International, Salwan Public School, Blue Bells Model School, GD Goenka, Shiv Nadar and those of Faridabad schools, took part in the Aakrosh car rally that began from mini secretariat to Civil Lines. They handed over a memorandum to divisional commissioner D Suresh at his residence, Bhupinder Singh, a parent, said.

The All India Parents Forum for Education demanded that the government should enact a new law to give statutory status to The Fees and Fund Regulatory committee (FFRC). The body was formed under Section 158 A- of the Haryana School Education Act and comes under the authority of the divisional commissioner in Gurgaon.

We have met the divisional commissioner several times but he has not paid any heed to our complaints. We will move to High Court after Sundays protest at Jantar Mantar and will hand over a memorandum to the Prime Minister, President and the chief minister of Harayana, Ramesh Rana, president of AIPFE, said.

We have been demanding clarity and transparency from schools on fee hike. Each year, they hike fees, but theres been no improvement in facilities in place for the children. Its becoming very difficult for us to provide good education to our children despite many sacrifices, Dr. Akhilesh Patel a parent and member of the forum.

However, considering the current scenario where many parents in the state are up in arms over the fee hike by private schools, the state government will examine reasonable regulations that could be introduced.

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Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Apr. 6

Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, noting that his country is rich in minerals, said it is necessary to develop natural resources and involve them in industrial turnover, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news service reported.

The Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs [of Turkmenistan] should be more actively involved in this work and certain benefits should be provided to enterprises engaged in development of underground resources, the head of state said.

This will eventually allow increasing export volumes, according to Berdimuhamedov.

The Turkmen president is expected to soon meet with the countrys entrepreneurs to mull the challenges they face.
Many parts of the city may face water shortage as a pipeline was damaged at Signature Tower on Thursday, leading to wastage of million gallons of treated water. Engineers of the Haryana urban development authority (Huda) rushed to the site to fix the damaged portion and prevent the water from rushing out in full force.

They also threatened to lodge a police complaint against the employees of Unitech Limited, claiming they arrived at the spot with a plumber to break open the connection point.

It happened three days ago. Gawar Construction workers damaged the water line of Unitech and since then, the water supply to South City had been badly affected. Unitech officials complained to Huda and we directed Gawar Construction to fix the problem, as their men damaged the water supply line. Upset with the shortage in water supply, Unitech employees reached the site and began fixing the problem. However, it led to further damage and water started to leak. Later, we stopped supply from the plant and repaired the (damaged) point. We also warned Unitech and Gawar of police action should they indulge in such activities again, said Virender Singh Malik, sub divisional officer (SDO) Huda, adding that underground utilities could also be checked using the cross pit system.

Areas such as South City, Ardee City, DLF, Sushant Lok and sectors 30, 31, 40, 45 and others may face water crisis for a day or two.

Once we stop supply at the plant to repair damage, it takes 24 to 30 hours to restore normal supply after we resume operations. We are trying to limit the supply shortfall as much as possible, but water supply may be affected to some extent, said Malik, adding that Huda will lodge police complaints (against Unitech and Gawar Construction).

Read I Water crisis follows power cuts in upscale Gurgaon localities

Gawar Construction Limited has been engaged by the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) for widening the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. Earlier, water pipeline of the Huda was damaged twice by the contractor near Sector 17-C.

Ravinder Gawar, managing director of the company refused to comment on the issue.

A Unitech spokesperson said, As per the information we have, the Huda-appointed contractor caused some accidental damage to the waterline and it is being repaired.
Residents of Sector 40 have threatened the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) of holding protests again over the poor condition of internal roads in their sector, which are riddled with potholes.

Sector 40 residents had protested a month ago, following which the MCG had assured them of repairing the damaged roads. However, MCG only repaired a portion of the roads after the protest, residents said.

We are unhappy with the corporation as it assured us of repairing all roads in the sector, but many roads are still riddled with potholes and continue to cause problems. We are unhappy over the MCGs negligent attitude; it is not taking our complaints seriously, said Narender Chhillar, a resident cum social activist.

He said that the residents will hold at least one protest if the MCG does not repair the remaining roads in April.

Earlier, we had to struggle to get the roads repaired by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) before our sector was transferred to the corporation, Chhillar said.

Huda handed over Sector 40 to MCG in February 2016 for civic maintenance.

An anonymous mail sent to HT on the issue read, We are unhappy as a portion (of roads) has been left unattended by the MCG contractor after digging and damaging internal sewers. The dug-up road has turned into a stagnant pool of sewage water and it emanates a foul smell.

Ram Kishan, the president of residents welfare association (RWA) of Sector 40, said that it has been over four days since anybody turned up to repair the road.

Two to three internal roads are in a bad condition and we receive complaints daily from our residents. We have now threatened MCG of protesting if the roads are not repaired at the earliest, Kishan said.

MR Sharma, the superintending engineer of MCG, said, We will fix the problem soon. As we said earlier, the repair work is underway.

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Here is a list of things he ordered:

1.Farm loans worth Rs 36,359 crore waived .

2.Crackdown ordered on illegal slaughter houses and meat shops.

3.Ban on cow smuggling, police officers told to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards those involved in such trade.

4.Ministers told to stop using red beacons atop vehicles.

5.Services of all advisers, vice-chairmen and chairmen appointed by the previous SP government discontinued.

6.Anti-Romeo squads set up in 11 districts of the Lucknow zone to prevent eve-teasing.

7.Ministers told to disclose their incomes and submit the details to the CM secretariat and the BJP office.

8.Ban ordered on paan-masala, gutkha consumption in government offices, hospitals, schools etc.

9.Deadline of June 15 set for making all UP roads pot-holes free.

10.FIR ordered against government school teachers taking private tuitions.
The Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) 3,000-square foot office on the sixth floor of a multi-storied building at Ahmedabads Navrangpura is perhaps far bigger than what the outfit requires these days.

Except when an occasional press meet is held, the office normally bears a deserted look with no more than 10 members loitering around at any given point of time.

A huge poster of Delhi chief minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal with an emblazoned message Bhrastachar-mukt Gujarat humari maang nahi per zidd hai (Graft-free Gujarat is our determination, not just demand) adorns the entrance to greet visitors. But since the setback the AAP faced in the just-concluded five-state elections, including in Punjab and Goa, the number of visitors to the office has dwindled.

Hoping to challenge the ruling BJP in the home turf of its two most towering leaders  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah  in assembly elections scheduled later this year, the AAP suddenly is facing an existential crisis in Gujarat.

If the party office is largely deserted, the morale of party men is predominantly despondent. The first casualty of the recent electoral reverses was a planned show of strength in the capital Gandhinagar on March 26. Kejriwal pulled out at the last moment and the show turned out to be more of a damp squib. Many among those who made up the sparse crowd left with grudges. Let alone snacks, the party could not even pay for bus fares because of a tight budget, an activist said.

The headwinds facing the party have blown away much of the hype over the AAPs electoral prospects in Gujarat. The party is still planning to contest all 182 seats, but doubts over the AAPs realistic chances in the state are growing.

AAP spokesperson Harshil Nayak, however, remains upbeat. Punjab was a setback. AAPs Gujarat members were expecting victory there. We did not wrest power, but we did creditably. We are now focussed on Gujarat, Nayak told HT.

Die-hard AAP volunteers are continuing to go door-to-door across Gujarat with a 13-point questionnaire on what the electorate wants: Lower electricity tariff, free loans for students or higher minimum wages among everything else. The party is seeking to read the voters mind to strike the right chord when the campaign kicks off.

The volunteers are also educating the voters about the partys election symbol: Broom. We need to make jhaadu familiar among people as at the end of the day, votes come through the party symbol, Nayak pointed out.

The party lacks a state-wide structure and does not even have a state president. Instead, it has divided the state into seven zones under zonal in-charges and allotted a team of 10 members for every assembly constituency. They also have an in-charge for every 20 polling booth. The party also has some 200 offices  big and small  across the state.

The hard work on the ground, the AAP believes, will help to tap into the disenchantment with the BJP government in the state and translate into votes. Our numbers are growing, pointed out Nayak. Though no more than 3 years old in Gujarat, the party claims to have 7 lakh members in the state, compared to BJPs 1 crore.

Opponents, however, say AAP is past its sell-by date. After defeats in Punjab and Goa, their poll talk rings hollow in Gujarat , said BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya.

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Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi dismissed on Thursday the version of events of the killing of a Muslim man by cow vigilante groups in Rajasthans Alwar amid growing uproar over the alleged murder.

Jis tarah ki ghatna pesh ki ja rahi hai, us tarah ki ghatna zameen par hua nehi (The version of events presented didnt occur), Naqvi said amid an uproar in the Rajya Sabha over the Alwar incident.

As a united Opposition slammed the government for doing nothing against rogue groups thrashing people on the pretext of cow protection, Naqvi said, This issue is a very sensitive issue. The message should not go from the House that we are supporting cow slaughter. Millions of peoples sentiments are involved in the issue.

Naqvi added that the media report has already been rejected by the state government.

Pehlu Khan, a 55-year-old man, succumbed to his injuries at on Monday night after a large group of cow protection activists attacked him and four others while they were transporting cattle along the Alwar highway.

The incident triggered widespread condemnation with many calling for a government crackdown on such vigilante groups.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, in a series of tweets, slammed the BJP government over the incident. When Govt abdicates responsibility & allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow. Shocking breakdown of law&order in Alwar.

We expect Govt to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal & senseless attack, he said.

All right thinking Indians must condemn this blind brutality, he added.

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Five students, including two girls, drowned in the Bay of Bengal in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday.

A group of 19 students from Kapulapalem village had come to the beach on Thursday afternoon for a picnic.

In all eight students went for a swim at the beach when five of them accidentally got washed away, according to superintendent of police M Ravi Prakash.

The other students immediately alerted the local fishermen, who managed to rescue three students. They were immediately rushed to Kakinada government hospital, where their condition is said to be serious.

Bodies of the other five students washed ashore on Thursday evening. The deceased were identified as Vamsi, Pandu, Pithani Srinu, Seelam Durga and Anitha.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident.

Naudu also directed deputy chief minister N Chinna Rajappa to ensure proper treatment for the rescued students and ex gratia to the families of the deceased.

(With PTI inputs)

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As India prepares to welcome Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull next week, negotiators from both sides are hammering out details for the first shipment of Australian uranium under the bilateral civil nuclear agreement.

A Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), negotiations for which were launched nearly six years ago, will not be signed during Turnbulls visit, with officials saying that both sides continue to have concerns that are yet to be addressed.

The focus of Turnbulls visit during April 9-12 will be driving high-level exchanges and contacts, security and defence relations and boosting cooperation in education and skill development, sources said.

With Australias Civil Nuclear Transfers to India Act becoming effective in December last year, both sides are engaged in commercial negotiations for the sale of uranium to India. We are hopeful there will be a commercial shipment this year, a source said.

Now it is only a question of commercial deals being done and negotiations are ongoing, Jaideep Mazumdar, joint secretary (south) in the external affairs ministry, told a news briefing. There are no procedural constraints, it is only a question of commercial negotiations being concluded on issues such as price, quantity, purity.

Australia will also continue its support for Indias bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and there has been considerable discussion on how to handle New Delhis application at the next plenary of the elite group that controls trade in nuclear technology and know-how, sources said.

Australian high commissioner Harinder Sindu said: CECA will not be signed during the visit. The negotiations are underway and continuing.

Turnbull and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will confirm the importance of the CECA but there are issues on both sides, Mazumdar said.

India has concerns about sanitary and phytosanitary conditions for its fruits and vegetables. Australia wants better access to Indian markets for its food and agricultural products and has concerns about high Indian tariffs for products such as wine.

CECA will happen but it is an incredibly complex process. We achieved a lot in 2015 and are now left with a handful of the most difficult issues, a source said.

For the Australian government, India is among the top five priority relationships and Turnbulls visit will not be about signing MoUs that dont go anywhere, sources said.

Instead, Turnbull will focus on the security relationship with India, which has emerged as a key strategic partner. There will be focus on security in the Indian Ocean, trans-national crime, terrorism, more military-to-military exchanges and exercises such as the AUSINDEX naval wargame, the second edition of which is to be held late this year.

Turnbull will also be accompanied by a delegation that includes the vice-chancellors of almost half of Australias universities, reflecting the focus on education and skill development. There are currently 61,000 Indian students in Australia and the focus will be on building educational partnerships, including joint studies and research.

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In a surprise move, the Bengal government on Thursday evening registered criminal case against BJP state president Dilip Ghosh and others under non-bailable sections of the Arms Act and Indian Penal Code for carrying swords at Ram Navami rallies the day before.

It all happened three hours after chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced at a government programme in Bengals Purulia district that she would take legal action against those who brandished weapons at Ram Navami rallies. I am not going to tolerate any muscle flexing in the name of religion, she said.

The cases against Ghosh were registered suo motu by the state police at Kharagpur Town, where he is the sitting MLA. In a simultaneous move, the Kolkata Police filed separate cases at Posta, Bhawanipore and Entally police stations.
Celebrating the foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, the party leadership signalled its intention to further expand its base.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, Guided by the Mantra of Antyodaya, our efforts to serve India especially the poor and the marginalised continue with great vigour.

Information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu described the BJP as the largest party of the world saying, We have only covered half the distance. In the coming days, it will reach to the other sections of the people.

Before flying off to Jharkhand, the prime minister came to the party headquarters at the capitals Ashoka Road to pay floral tributes to Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

It is a matter of pride that people across India & across all sections of society have placed their trust in BJP. Gratitude to the people.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2017

The BJP is now 37 years old.

The party has become from a nationalist party to a national party and now a common mans party. We are the largest party in the world. We are covering a geographical area of 69% and population of 59%, said Naidu.

Watch: BJP celebrates 37th Foundation Day today

Naidu also claimed that the recent assembly elections were a landmark for the BJP and the party had already made a clear departure from the earlier government.

Under the leadership of Modi and stewardship of Amit Shah, the party has reached greater heights, he said.

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Amid the ongoing hearing by a Bombay High Court bench of a plea against the ban on meat sale during Jain festivals since 2015, another bench recently quashed a 14-year-old bar against mutton vending during Mahavir Jayanti.

Government counsel Hiten Venegaonkar gave this information about Justice A S Oka quashing the 14-year-old governments order banning the mutton sale on Mahavir Jayanti to the bench of Justice Anoop Mohta, which is hearing a plea against the meat sale during the Jains Paryushan period.

Justice Mohtas bench is hearing the Bombay Mutton Dealers Association plea against the ban imposed by the government and the Municipal Corporation on slaughter of animals and sale of meat during Paryushan in Mumbai since 2015.

Venegaonkar told Justice Mohtas bench that Justice Okas bench on March 31 this year had set aside a 2003 circular of the Maharashtra government.

The circular had directed all the municipal corporations and councils to ensure that slaughter houses and meat shops remain closed on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti every year.

The government will now have to go through this order of Justice Okas bench and take further decision, Venegaonkar said.

Venegaonkar also pointed out that apart from the 2003 circular, there are two other circulars imposing similar ban.

The bench headed by Justice Oka, while setting aside the 2003 circular, had ruled that the government failed to point out the statutory provisions which supported such a diktat.

There is no law under which the government could issue such directions to the civic bodies, the judges said in March 31 order.

Justice Mohta, who had asked the government yesterday to come up with a mechanism to fix dates on which there would be no sale of meat owing to religious festivals, adjourned the hearing today for two weeks.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Apr. 6

By Demir Azizov Trend:

Uzbekistan and Russia opened a new page in the history of relations and cooperation, according to the official estimates following Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs visit to Moscow.

President Mirziyoyev visited Moscow at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin April 4.

During the one-on-one meeting, President Mirziyoyev and President Putin discussed the further development of the Uzbekistan-Russia cooperation, strengthening of peace and security, as well as regional and international problems.

The presidents also exchanged views on the current state and prospects of developing cooperation in the political, trade, economic, investment, scientific, technical, cultural, humanitarian spheres.

During the talks in an expanded format with the participation of the Uzbek and Russian business circles, special attention was paid to the further development of cooperation in trade, economy, petrochemical industry, transport communications, agriculture, culture, tourism.

The Uzbek and Russian sides discussed an increase in the trade turnover volume, development of investment cooperation, expansion of ties in the transport and transit spheres.

The further expansion of the countries interrelations in medicine, science, education, culture, sport and tourism was also discussed during the talks.

The presidents signed a Joint Statement on the Principles for the Development of Multilateral Relations following the talks.

The Uzbek and Russian governments and ministries signed more than 50 documents worth $16 billion.

According to some experts, the Uzbekistan-Russia high-level talks demonstrated the commonality of the long-term interests of both countries.

The trade and economic relations play a key role in the Uzbekistan-Russia ties. Russia is one of the leading trade partners of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan exports natural gas, vehicles, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, knitwear, cotton fiber, fruits and vegetables to Russia.

Russia supplies vehicles, chemicals, paper products, food products to Uzbekistan.
The killing of a Haryana Muslim dairy farmer who was attacked along with four others in Alwar on April 1 by an alleged right-wing Hindu group while transporting cattle purchased in Jaipur has put the spotlight on gau rakshaks (cow protection vigilantes).

In Rajasthan, they operate under different names  Gau Raksha Dal, which claims to be a national body with presence in 22 states; the Rashtriya Mahila Gau Raksha Dal that operates in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as well and the Bajrang Dal, the extremist youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Gau Raksha Dal vice president Babulal Jangid says the body has the biggest network of cow protectors, down to the tehsil level. But we never indulge in violence. Our men call police when they receive information about bovines being transported. Our focus is on saving the cattle; for the smugglers, there is police, he says.

Jangid claims the Dal has 15,000 workers but they are not an organised group. Theres no registration, no record on papers, we know each other and operate through contacts, says the 43-year-old.

The Rashtriya Mahila Gau Raksha Dal, a body of 2,200 women vigilante, is headed by Sadhvi Kamal, called Didi by her supporters. The saffron-robed 39-year-old was thrust into the spotlight recently after she forced the Jaipur administration to seal a hotel for allegedly serving beef. The hotel is owned by a Muslim businessman.

Forehead streaked with vermillion, Kamal also claims credit for a road jam in Chhoti Sadri in Pratapgarh district in June 2016 after a mob thrashed three alleged cow transporters and stripped one of them.

And then there is Bajrang Dal and its parent body, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. It is alleged that the people who waylaid two vehicles carrying cows and calves near Behror in Alwar on the Jaipur-Delhi national highway belonged to these saffron outfits.

VHP state president Narpat Singh Shekhawat denies the charge. I am going to sue papers which are calling these lumpen members of our group, he says.

These fringe groups became active after the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over at the Centre. They claim to protect cows from being taken to slaughterhouses. Critics, however, accuse these vigilante groups of targeting people, mostly from the Muslim community.

Its a business, says Noor Mohammad, a social activist who works with Meo-Muslims in Rajasthans Mewat region, a hotbed of cow smuggling and slaughter. The gau rakshaks want money. If you pay them, they let you go. Otherwise they snatch it from you and lodge police complaint against you for cow smuggling, he says.

Rajasthans crime statistics appear to buttress Mohammads claim.

In 2015, police closed 73 cases registered under the Rajasthan Bovine Animal (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 1995, after they were found to be fake. In 2016, 85 such cases were closed and until February this year, five have been dropped.

On an average, more than one case of cow smuggling is registered daily in the state, Rajasthan Police data show.

In 2015, 543 cases were registered. The number dropped to 474 the next year. This year until February, 95 cases have been lodged under the bovine act.

The Alwar Police registered a case of illegal transport of bovine against the five men assaulted on April 1. For export of bovine from Rajasthan for agricultural or dairy farming purposes or for participation in a cattle fair, a special permit needs to be issued by the district collector or an officer authorised by him for the purpose. These men from Haryana didnt have the permit, superintendent of police Rahul Prakash says.

Kavita Srivastava of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) counters the SP. They were illiterate dairy farmers. They didnt know the legalese. Police have no moral authority to book them for smuggling when they had transport permits from a municipal body, she says.

HT, too, wrote on April 6 that the men had permits from civic bodies to transport the animals.

PUCL has demanded Rs 1 crore compensation to the family of Pehlu Khan, who died in a hospital on April 3, and Rs 10 lakh each for the four who suffered injuries. The organisation has also demanded suspension of Behror police station in-charge and transfer of Alwar SP.

Cattle protection campaign is a milch cow for Hindu nationalist groups, adds Mohammad. Cows seized during such actions are often found at houses of members of the management committees of gaushala (cow shelters). They happily milk them instead of keeping them at the shelter. The seized cattle are sometimes handed over to the gau rakshaks for paltry sums, he alleges.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation has booked former chief minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda for alleged re-allotment of a plot to Associated Journals Limited in Panchkula in 2005. The FIR also names chairman and other senior officials of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) .

The senior Congressman has been booked for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and cheating and misuse of official position by public servants.

Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of now defunct daily The National Herald, was allotted the plot initially in 1982. After the expiry of the lease period in 1996, then Haryana Vikas Party government led by Bansi Lal took back its possession. It was re-allotted to AJL after the Congress came to power in the state in 2005

Haryana state vigilance bureau had also registered a case of cheating and corruption against Hooda and four officials in May 2016. The bureau had alleged that the act by the then HUDA chairman and the officials had caused a huge financial loss to the state as the plot should have been sold through open auction instead of being alloted again to AJL.

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Delhi is likely to see the mother of all electoral battles later this month.

At a time when regional parties are mulling over forming a grand alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2019 general elections, the unification strategy doesnt seem to be working very well on the ground. In the upcoming Delhi civic polls, for instance, it has become clear that candidates of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Janata Dal-United (JDU), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) are set to cut into the secular vote bank  hurting the prospects of the Congress more than that of the BJP or the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

However, the Congress camp claims that the multiplicity of parties in the municipal polls is actually a positive development. Parties such as the SP, JDU and RJD will cut into the BJP vote bank among the Purvanchalis (people of Bihar and East-UP origin), a senior party leader said.

Even so, the moot question remains: Is it possible for regional parties  with or without the Congress  to form a grand alliance capable of taking on the Modi wave?

The BJPs resounding victory in the recently held Uttar Pradesh assembly polls doesnt seem to have galvanised opposition parties into unified action. On the contrary, it may just have sent them further down an off-tangential path to self-destruction.

In the SP, daggers are drawn against party chief Akhilesh Yadav, with his uncle Shivpal and sister-in-law Aparna  supported by father Mulayam Singh Yadav  already making their intentions clear. Things dont seem much better in the BSP, with party chief Mayawatis grip over the party leadership slackening considerably. In a gathering planned on April 14, the birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, prominent party leaders such as Kamala Kant Gautam and Gangaram Ambedkar intend to float a new Dalit outfit called Mission Suraksha Parishad to better serve the ideals of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.

The alliance government in Bihar seems to be cracking too, with several prominent RJD leaders  including former Union minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh  lashing out at JDU leader Nitish Kumar for helping the BJP cause in Uttar Pradesh.

However, efforts are also on to unite the various factions of the erstwhile Janata Dal (the JDU, JDS, INLD, SJP and BJP, among others) with breakaway groups of the Congress (the NCP, YSR Congress and Trinamool Congress). The task seems uphill, at least for now.
China on Thursday reiterated its opposition to the ongoing visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, saying it will fuel tensions along the disputed border in the eastern region.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying dismissed a question on China not respecting Indias application to enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), stating the issue has to be decided through multilateral consultations.

Beijing was one of the countries that blocked Indias application to the NSG last year.

Hua said Chinas objections to the Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday have been raised with competent officials in the Indian government, and ambassador VK Gokhale has been called to lodge a protest.

Beijing refers to Arunachal Pradesh as southern Tibet, and calls the Dharamshala-based Dalai Lama a separatist leader who wants to carve Tibet out of the Chinese mainland.

Asked whether Beijing views Indias permission to the 81-year-old Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the one China policy, Hua said: I want to re-emphasise that on issues regarding major concern and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, Chinas position is consistent. By inviting and approving of the Dalai Lamas visit to disputed areas between China and India, India has harmed our interests and the India-China relationship. It has fuelled tensions,

The country is opposed to the spiritual leaders visit to Arunachal Pradesh and attempts by New Delhi to provide him with a platform to conduct anti-China activities, she added. We urge relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining Chinese interests, she said.

Both China and its state media have been lashing out at India for allowing the Dalai Lama to visit the northeastern state, especially Tawang, for about nine days.

Hua said the Dalai Lamas visit has damaged Sino-India ties.

We hope the two sides can continue to follow principle of mutual respect for each others core interests and major concerns and we should do more things that can strengthen mutual political trust and promote the overall interests of China-India relations, she said.

Hua was asked about comments in the Chinese media that India was playing the Dalai Lama and Tibet card as an angry response to China blocking New Delhis NSG bid among other problems. She said: China will not make any assumption on Indias intentions.

On Indias NSG bid, Hua said this issue should be resolved by all members of the group.

We should achieve a solution that applies indiscriminately to all non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty countries through consultations and discussions, she said.
The Muslim man who died in Rajasthans Alwar after being assaulted last weekend by vigilantes for transporting cows had named members of the RSS-linked Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal as the attackers in his statement to the police.

They (the assailants) said they were members of the Bajrang Dal and VHP, Pehlu Khan, a dairy farmer, told the police before he died in a hospital two days after the assault..

The FIR registered in the case and accessed by Hindustan Times on Wednesday names six people and 200 other unidentified Gau Rakshaks for the deadly assault, based on the statement of Khan while he was being treated in Behrors Kailash Hospital.

Khan told the police he had heard the names of Om Yadav, Hukum Chand Yadav, Sudhir Yadav, Jagmal Yadav, Naveen Sharma and Rahul Saini while the attack on him and his fellow passengers unfolded.

The mob had accosted Khan and the others on the Delhi-Jaipur highway while they were transporting cows and calves on the suspicion they were being taken for slaughter.

Khans kin, however, say the cattle had been bought from a market for dairy purposes and they had the necessary permits to transport them.

Three of the accused named by Khan have been arrested, while three others are on the run. Interestingly, among the arrested is Ravindra Yadav, who worked as a paramedic at the same hospital where an injured Khan was admitted.

VHPs state president Narpat Singh Shekhawat has denied that the gau rakshaks behind the attack belonged to his organisation.

The police FIR also recorded the vigilantes as saying they will beat up anyone carrying bovines through Behror.

They took money from our pockets and tore our clothes, Khan told the police.

Khan, his two sons and two others were transporting the cows in two vehicles when they were stopped. The mob beat up all of them but let the driver go after he told the assailants he was a Hindu.

The incident generated heat in both houses of the Parliament.

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The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted nationwide search against government officials facing corruption charges from various investigating bodies.

Part of a nationwide effort to halt money laundering mechanisms, ED officials raided 18 premises in 10 states including West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

According to official sources, a total of 19 names were given to sleuths by the senior most rung of the probe agency earlier this week. These names are apparently part of a long list of government officials who, in the coming days, will face action. These include retired officers of State Trading Corporation, IAS officers and senior officials of various banks.

The list, accessed by Hindustan Times, also included Anand Wachasundar, former principal chief engineer, PWD, Goa, former chairman-managing director of the State Trading Corporation Arvind Pandalai, and Ramendra Kumar, assistant project engineer of Noida authority, accused in the Yadav Singh corruption case.

"In Louis Berger bribery case, Mr Anand Wachasundar was the JICA project director. It is alleged that Mr Anand Wachasundar helped the then CM for concealing the main noting file of awarding of JICA consultancy in Goa and he, on one occasion, delivered inappropriate payment to Churchill Alemao, the then PWD minister in Goa Government, reads the ED document.

Most of the names in the first list are of public servants already facing corruption charges. ED is coming into picture to magnify on financial aspects of the alleged crimes. In coming days however, there will be increased action on new cases as well, an official source told Hindustan Times.

Among those whose premises were raided on Thursday are those who are allegedly part of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam in which government servants and ministers had allegedly misappropriated government funds and till now ED has attached proceeds of crime of over Rs 250 crore. Similarly, raids were conducted against certain officials of the Employees Provident Fund Office (EPFO) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, accused in cases of financial irregularities.

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BJP Bengal units President Dilip Ghosh, known for shooting off his mouth, triggered a fresh controversy by describing the Ram Navmi celebrations in the state on Wednesday as a fight between Ramzada (one born of Lord Ram) and Haramzada (illegitimate- born).

The controversial leaders latest comments came on a day the RSS-led Sangh Parivar backed by its political wing Bharatiya Janata Party organised Ram Navmi celebrations on a grand scale, but faced strident criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for appropriating festivals and trying to divide people.

Ram belongs to the entire world. We believe Ram is there in all the creations. One who is afraid of Ram, Ram does not belong to him.

Here (in Bengal) there is a fight going on between Ramzada and Haramzada. It is a test to decide who is on the side of Ram, and who is not, Ghosh, a veteran Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh hand, said while leading a Ram Navmi rally in his constituency Kharagpur of West Midnapore district.

His comments are a virtual echo of Union minister of state Sadhvi Niranjan Jyotis remarks at a rally ahead of the Delhi assembly polls in late 2014 where she told voters to choose between Ramzadon and Haramzadon.

The ruling Trinamool Congress, which organised Hanuman worship and brought out Ram Navmi processions of its own to counter the BJP during the day, reacted sharply.

This gentleman has lost his mind in the heat of Kharagpur. He doesnt know what he says. He is polluting our culture. Even people chatting in the drawing rooms use better language. He lacks mental balance, said Trinamool Secretary General and state minister Partha Chatterjee.

Communist Party of India-Marxist legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty dismissed the BJP leaders comments as nonsensical and uncultured.

This is also reflective of his unsocial nature, he said.

Ever since taking over as the BJPs state chief in end 2015, Ghosh has time and again being pulled up by political rivals and the civil society for his inflammatory, obscene and misogynist comments.

In the past he has threatened to beat up Trinamool leaders inside their homes, described section of Jadavpur University female students as shameless and threatened to chop off: and thrash with shoes pro-Pakistan sloganeers.

He even went to the extent of warning Trinamool leaders that if they did not stop atrocities against his party, their Lok Sabha MPs will have to go to Delhi, we will see how they return from Delhi.

Less than two months back, he had received all round flak for making a vitriolic personal attack on Nobel laureate and Bharat Ratna awardee Amartya Sen and casting aspersions on his achievements, contribution Aand character.

At a function, Ghosh had said the economist himself did not understand what he has achieved. He also remarked that the present day intellectuals in Bengal can be bought, sold, threatened and they fall at others feet.

However, despite widespread protests, Ghosh refused to withdraw his comments.

But the irrepressible leader did have to apologise last December after he said Chief Minister Banerjee has lost her mind after the demonetisation of high value currency notes and claimed that the central government could have held her by the hair and thrown her out when she led a demonstration on the issue in Delhi.

As a police complaint was lodged against him, and even his partymen disassociated themselves from the remarks, Ghosh issued an apology.
After unsuccessfully trying to book a flight ticket on various airlines for over two weeks, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad finally flew from Pune to New Delhi by a chartered plane on Wednesday.

The aircraft, which was reportedly booked by the party leadership, took off at 3 pm and arrived in the capital two hours later. The MP is here to attend a Parliament session.

Gaikwad was blacklisted by several domestic airlines after he assaulted an Air India flight attendant with a sandal for being made to travel by economy class, instead of business. The incident, which occurred on March 23, caused a furore  with everybody from political parties to Twitter users lambasting him for thrashing the 60-year-old government employee.

The Osmanabad MP refused to apologise. Instead, he boasted of having hit the Air India official  duty manager R Sukumar  with his sandal 25 times.

In the days that followed, he tried to book tickets in various airlines  from Air India to SpiceJet and Indigo  but was rejected on every occasion. Even attempts to secure a ticket by misspelling his name went in vain. The Centre maintained that it was within the airlines rights to reject a customer on grounds of misconduct.

Meanwhile, Gaikwad is supposed to lead the Shiv Senas offensive against Air Indias decision to blacklist him in Parliament. Sena MPs may insist that the speaker allow Gaikwad to relate his side of the story before house members, which may comprise criticism of airline officials as well as the role of the civil aviation ministry.
Three soldiers were missing after multiple avalanches tore through Kashmirs Batalik sector on Thursday as the valley reeled under unprecedented rain and snow that swelled rivers and inundated vast areas over the past three days.

Two civilians are also missing after a vehicle they were travelling in skidded of the road and fell into a stream in Anantnag district. Five other passengers were rescued.

The administration declared floods in Kashmirs summer capital Srinagar where the Jhelums water level rose alarmingly and shut education institutions for three days, officials said.

The met office said the weather was likely to improve from Thursday as panic set in the valley which had seen death and devastation after torrential rain had triggered a deluge in 2014, the worst in many decades.

Kashmir experienced rare snowfall in April with vast areas blanketed in white due to the freak weather phenomemon.

An army spokesperson said the heavy snowfall triggered multiple avalanches, burying one post in the Batalik sector.

While two out of five trapped soldiers rescued were rescue, operations were on to trace the three others.

Specially trained and equipped avalanche rescue teams have been deployed for the operations in the area.

The administration also issued an avalanche warning for next the 24 hours in Kashmir valley and Kargil district.

Kashmir has seen devastating avalanches this year with fourteen soldiers swept away in Gurez, Bandipora and an army major in Ganderbal on January 25. Five more soldiers buried under snow on January 28 were pulled out alive in the Macchil sector of Kupwara. They, however, succumbed to their injuries two days later.

In Srinagar, officials declared flood after the Jhelums water level crossed 18 feet in Ram Munshibagh area in the evening.

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who held a review meeting, asked officials to set up a unified control room to monitor the situation. She also directed chalking out contingency plans for flood-prone areas and make available nearby buildings in case of emergency evacuations.

Kashmir divisional commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan asked deputy commissioners to arrange buses and boats for evacuation of people from flood-prone areas to safer locations.

Police said they shifted several families trapped in waterlogged localities in north Kashmirs Sopore where the rising water level of the Khursi Nallah inundated residential localities. They also shifted some families from Kupwara after rains and snowfall led to water-logging in the district.

A Kashmiri boatman rows his shikara amid dense fog on Dal Lake after fresh snowfall in Srinagar. (Waseem Andrabi/HT Photo)

Sonam Lotus, the director of the meteorological department, however, ruled out floods of the magnitude seen in 2014.

There has been gradual decrease in rain/snow from this (Thursday) afternoon. There will be significant improvement in weather from Friday..., he said asking people to keep cool, be vigilant, stay safe and dont get panicked.

Many residential areas of Srinagar were inundated and several busy roads were waterlogged across the capital, leading to traffic snarls. All exams of the Kashmir University and Islamic University of Science and Technology scheduled for Thursday were postponed.

Incessant rains also forced closure of the arterial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway as the rains triggered landslides and shooting stones at several places along the 300-km road.

The Jhelum river, which had breached its banks in 2014, originates in south Kashmirs Sangam area of Anantnag district. Then its passes through capital Srinagar and Asham in Bandipora before crossing into Pakistan.

Police also established emergency helplines across the valley.

Police have put its men on high alert to meet any possible challenge and eventuality and has established emergency control rooms in all the districts of the valley to provide help to the people in need, a police spokesman said.

According to the met department, Srinagar received 98mm rainfall, Kokernag 106mm in Kokernag and tourist resort Pahalgam 87 mm since Wednesday morning.
After barbaric racial attacks on Africans in Noida comes a goodwill gesture of Indians. A group of Indian passengers on Tuesday raised Rs 5,000 for a Russian family that was robbed of valuables in train in Haryana.

Russia resident Mareshev Alaxander, who was on India tour with his family, had boarded the Dadar Express from Maharashtras Manmad station for Haryanas Ambala. When the family woke up on Wednesday morning at Delhi Sabzi Mandi station, they found their valuables such as laptop, passport, cash and cards missing. The worried family informed the other passengers in train, who helped them lodge a case with the government railway police (GRP) in Sonepat.

The passengers also started collecting money for the needy Russian family and raised Rs 5,000 funds for them for their basic needs.

Alexander said he was touched by the gesture of Indians. They gave us food as well so that we dont remain hungry, he said.

Sonepat GRP police station in-charge Suresh Kumar said they had registered a zero FIR in the case since the robbery happened in Delhi. The Russian family was made to contact with the embassy, and their return ticket to Delhi was booked. Some of the passengers helped them with extra cash, he said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6



By Dalga Khatinoglu  Trend:



Irans oil ministry has rejected "rumors" about lowering crude oil refining to boost oil exports.



"The rumors from a participant during a live IRIB TV2 program, about cutting oil to refineries for boosting crude oil export are totally baseless," Oil Ministry announced on its website.



The statement says that Iranian refineries were supplied with crude oil as much as last year.



Irans current oil production level stands at 3.8 million barrels per day, while according to Irans Oil Ministrys official statistics, it exported about 2.265 mb/d of crude oil during last month of Iranian fiscal year (Feb.21-Mar.20).

Thats while the countys nominal refining capacity is about 1.8 mb/d, but regarding the production and exports volume, only 1.544 mb/d of crude oil remains for domestic use.

However, the head of National Iranian Oil Company Ali Kardor has said in February that Iran had about 75 million barrels (mb) of oil and gas condensate storage on water in Persian Gulf in 2015, but currently the volume has reached 25 mb and it is expected the volume will reach zero by May.
The Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday gave 24 hours to the Haryana government to give an account before it with Rs 15,000 crore balance.

The order was passed by high court bench of justice Rajesh Bindal and justice HS Sidhu on a bunch of petitions alleging delay in compensation by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda), an arm of the Haryana government, running in several hundred crores and in some cases pending for decades.

The high court bench observed that this was the most unfortunate situation where the state had acquired land running into thousands of acres owned by the landowners and had failed to pay the compensation. As the land was acquired by the state and not Huda, the respondents (government) are directed to furnish information about the account head of the state in which the amount of about Rs 15,000 crore is lying or is likely to be received in near future for utilisation or disbursement to the landowners, the HC bench said asking for compliance within 24 hours.

It warned that on account of failure, the court might have to take drastic steps to ensure payment of compensation to the landowners.

During the hearing, the court observed that on March 20, it was apprised by the state counsel that Huda had bank accounts in Punjab National Bank and HDFC Bank, which had already been attached by civil courts as Huda failed to pay compensation. The court was informed that an estimated amount payable by the Huda for compensation was stated around Rs 15,000 crores. The urban development authority on last date of hearing had told court that it was trying to raise loan from the banks to pay compensation and a decision on this is to be taken by March end. However, on Wednesday the government counsel did not have any information and told the court that none from the department had contacted him. The case was passed over. But even then no definite information could be provided to court.

The government counsel maintained that besides the accounts in Punjab National Bank and HDFC Bank, Huda did not have any account in any other bank. On the other hand, the petitioners counsel had told the court that Huda had accounts in ICICI Bank and Union Bank of India as well.

Taking a serious note of handling of the case by Huda, the court asked government counsel Ankur Mittal to provide source of the information of Huda having only two accounts to which he said that one accounts assistant from the HUDA office was there to assist him and no other officer had even talked to him to furnish any information. It was at this the high court bench while posting the matter for Thursday gave government 24 hours to submit details of an account with Rs 15,000 balance.

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The CBI on Thursday said it has registered a case against a State Bank of India (SBI) cashier in Hyderabad on charge of exchanging Rs 1.09 crore in demonetised currency with legal tender.

The central agency booked K Srihari, head cashier in SBIs Nehru Ganj Branch, and others for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating and falsification of accounts under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act.

Srihari entered into a criminal conspiracy with unidentified private persons and fraudulently facilitated and exchanged Rs 1.09 crore in demonetised currency with legal currency, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said.

He said the exchange was effected during November 10-30 last year by using SWAP methodology and violated the Reserve Bank of India guidelines to exchange specified bank notes with legal tender.

The government had declared Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes as illegal tender from November 8 midnight.

The CBI conducted searches at the residence of the accused at Kotnoor in Karnatakas Gulbarga district and seized incriminating documents.
Controversial Shiv Sena lawmaker Ravindra Gaikwad attempted on Thursday to defend himself from criticism for thrashing an Air India employee last month. The Osmanabad MP told Parliament that he was of a polite nature and called for a probe into the incident and apologised. Here are 10 comments of the parliamentarian that sparked a new controversy:

1) Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of train in South Africa, Narendra Modi was denied visa by the US for a long time. Similarly I am not allowed to board aircraft.

2) I am a follower of Balasaheb Thackeray. I have been taught how to fight like Chhatrapati Shivaji.

3) For 45 minutes, one after the other person came and asked me what happened. Finally one Air India staffer came and asked me, who are you? I said, I am an MP. He said, So what? Are you Narendra Modi?

4) I did not fight for seat. I had business class tickets but I was made to sit in the economy class.

5) While coming down, I wanted the complaint register to write a complaint. An officer shouted at me and said, he is the baap of AI. I lost my cool.

6) Humility is my nature. (Shiv Sena chief) Uddhav Thackeray has told me that if my act has maligned the image of the House, I must tender an apology.

7) The entire incident should be probed. Action should be taken against not just the AI staff who misbehaved with me but also the CMD of AI for banning me from flights. Because of him, other airlines are also not allowing me to board..I apologise to Parliament but wont say sorry to the (Air India) officer if I hurt anyone.

8) Some other people had tried to book tickets in my name. I did not do anything. For last few days, no one knew my whereabouts.

9) Aadhaar cards must be made compulsory while booking flights. Terrorists can book tickets using fake names.

10) I have done no wrong. How can the Delhi police book me for attempt to murder? Did I carry any weapons?

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An Indian Imam in Singapore, who was fined nearly $3,000 for making divisive remarks against Christians and Jews during his Friday sermon at a mosque, was on Thursday expelled from the country.

Singapores home ministry had said Imam Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel would be repatriated after he had paid the fine and pleaded guilty at a State Court for offending Christians and Jews during a Friday prayer at a local mosque.

Asked about the 46-year-old Imams repatriation, a police spokesman referred to the MHAs April 3 statement, announcing the repatriation decision.

The Imam was repatriated to India on Thursday, a source said.

The cleric had spent last few days in Singapore apologising to heads of religious groups for his remarks and met Singapore home affairs and law minister K Shanmugam on Wednesday.

A diplomatic source said multi-racial Singapore takes very serious view on matters relating to religion, but the Imam was treated with respect as he was remorseful and admitted the wrongful remarks, said the source.

I thought it would be good to meet and tell the Imam that I appreciated the sincerity with which he had shown his remorse, Shanmugam said as he explained why he accepted the invitation to meet the Imam.

The meeting came two days after the State Courts on Monday fined Nalla for committing an act he knew was prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between religious groups and which was likely to disturb public tranquillity.

Singapore had ordered the expulsion of Nalla after he was handed a fine of 4,000 Singapore dollars (nearly $3,000) by a court in Singapore for making divisive remarks.
The Opposition in both houses of the Parliament on Thursday raised the issue of lynching of a Muslim man in Rajasthans Alwar district by cow vigilantes, with a Congress leader blaming an organised gang and the government promising justice.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, while his party colleague Madhusudan Mistry raised it in the Rajya Sabha.

Home minister Rajnath Singh assured Lok Sabha members that the Centre will ensure justice in the case while MoS for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told the Rajya Sabha that a message should not go out that the house is supporting cow slaughter.

Mistry said the self-styled gau rakshaks were harassing and killing people in the name of cow protection.

The cow vigilante gang acted as if they have some extraconstitutional powers. They checked trucks to see if there were cows or calves -- and if the owner was Hindu, they let them go, he said.

It is being done by an organised gang. Such gangs are present in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat; and now, they are in Uttar Pradesh. It is a complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state, Mistry said as he was supported by other opposition leaders.

Naqvi, however, said the incident did not occur as the Congress MP said.

This is a sensitive issue. A message should not go (out) that this (upper) house is supporting cow slaughter. The incident did not occur as the member is narrating, Naqvi said.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: I havent come across such an insensitive government.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked the government to submit a report to the house, so that the issue could be addressed.

In the Lok Sabha, however, the government did not deny the incident. The Home Minister rather assured of justice.

Kharge, who raised the issue, said: Its not good to take law into (ones own) hands. Its a serious matter. This is the fifth incident in a row. Earlier, such cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana also.

This is not a stray incident... three such incidents have happened in Uttar Pradesh, two in Gujarat and two in Haryana, Kharge said.

The home minister said: The state (Rajasthan) government has taken cognisance of the matter. An FIR has been registered and some arrests made. the Centre will try that justice prevails, Singh said.

Pehlu Khan, a Muslim man in his 50s, was brutally beaten up by cow vigilantes in Rajasthans Alwar district on Saturday while transporting cows. Khan succumbed to his injuries on Monday night in a hospital.
Ten persons of a minority community have been arrested and around 50 others of the same group were booked for allegedly raising anti-India slogans and uprooting an RSS flag post in Gandhinagar, police said on Thursday.

The incident took place on Sunday, they said, adding that one of the arrested persons was a minor and he was released on bail by a local court.

On Sunday evening, members of the minority community allegedly objected to a new RSS shakha set up near their place of worship in Gandhinagar. While the RSS activists alleged that the members raised anti-India slogans, the latter complained that the RSS workers had hurled stones at their religious place, police said.

The two groups had some differences over the piece of land in Gandhinagar, which actually belongs to the civic body. Members of the two communities had a fight on the issue on Sunday, a police officer requesting anonymity said.

Earlier, Muslims had organised taqreers (sermons) on the land located close to their mosque. However, of late, the RSS had started holding shakhas there, which did not go down well with members of the minority community.

The next day (April 3), some persons (RSS men) lodged complaint against over 60 people, including 14 identified members of the minority community, alleging that they raised anti-India slogans and removed the RSS flag. They also alleged that members of the opposite group attacked them, district Superintendent of Police (SP) Saket Pandey said.

Following this, the minority community members were booked under IPC sections 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion of any class), 506 (criminal intimidation), 294 (obscene acts or words in public), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 153 (a) (promoting enmity), the officer said.

Police also booked some Muslims for allegedly damaging their vehicle with stones at the Kotwali station, where the two community members gathered after the fight.

On April 4, two members of minority community also lodged complaints alleging that unidentified right-wing activists had hurled stones at them, following which they sustained head injuries, the SP said.

The RSS activists have also been booked under IPC sections 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 294 (obscene acts or words in public), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention), police said.

However, none of the RSS members have been arrested in this connection so far.

Pandey said the situation was now peaceful in the city and a huge procession taken out on the occasion of Ram Navami passed off peacefully last evening.

He added that the police was acting impartially in the case.
The Madhya Pradesh government will start a one-year diploma course on Purohitgiri (Hindu priesthood). There will, however, be no specifications on caste as both Scheduled Caste and Brahmins can apply for the course.

Brahmins across MP had held protests in May last year against the state governments proposal to train people from scheduled caste community as priests.

The course called Purohityam will be started from July. The candidates will be taught basics of priesthood, rituals, mantras in accordance with the Hindu tradition, said PR Tiwari, director, Maharishi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan, the nodal agency for promoting of yoga and Sanskrit in the state.

Tiwari said the aspirants will also be taught sanskaar literature (grihya sutras), theory of sanskaar, sixteen Hindu sanskaars.

This is for the first time that the state government has initiated such a course. The basic qualification needed is Class 12, he said.

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The Maharashtra government has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking a ban on right wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha, the Legislative Council was informed on Thursday.

The Goa-headquartered outfit has been linked to two high profile murder cases and also terror activities in the coastal state and Maharashtra.

The government has sought a ban on the Sanstha under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Minister of State for Home (Rural) Deepak Kesarkar said.

Kesarkar was replying to supplementaries on a calling attention notice moved by Vidya Chavan (NCP) regarding probe into the murders of noted rationalist Narendra Dabholkar and veteran Communist leader Govind Pansare.

Dabholkar was gunned down in Pune in 2013, while Pansare was shot dead in Kolhapur in 2015. In both the cases, the right wing group has come under the lens and two of its members have been arrested, while some accused are absconding.

Chavan said there has not been much headway in both the cases and some of the key accused are still at large.

We have sent a proposal to the Centre under the 2011 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and asked it to ban Sanatan Sanstha, Kesarkar said.

Replying to further queries, the minister said the government can issue a notice to attach properties of the absconding accused to force them to surrender.

Chavan contended that Sanstha advocate Sanjeev Punalekar has issued veiled threats to witnesses.

The minister assured the House the government will provide protection to all those getting such threats. The government will have to check whether action can be taken against Punalekar.

Kesarkar said steps will be taken to stop use of illegal firearms in the state.
New Delhi: Will he or will he not?

Minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale who will be in the United States next week has sought a meeting with President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican.

Though the White House is yet to confirm the meeting, the Republican Party of India-Athawale (RPI-A) president is hopeful of an audience with Trump, who assumed office on January 20.

Athawale will represent India at the 126th birth anniversary celebrations of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar at the United Nations headquarters.

The 57-year-old minister could be counting on Trumps love for India for the meeting to work out.

During campaigning, Trump had famously professed his love for India and Hindus. At a fundraiser organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition, Trump said as the president, there wont be any relationship more important to the US than its relationship with India.

Donald of the Republican Party has been elected as US President. I will go to the US soon to meet him, Athawale was quoted as saying by media after Trumps shock White House triumph. The way he has become the president, a person belonging to the RPI should also one day become the (Indian) president.

Asked if he would raise the issue of racial attacks against people of Indian origin and tightening of H-1B visa norms, the 57-year-old Dalit leader from Maharashtra said, Let me first get there.

Athawale will attend the UN ceremony on April 13 and is also expected to participate in events organised by the Indian community in New York during his stay.

There is another thing that the Rajya Sabha member has in common with Trump, though the US president is leagues ahead of him.

Athawale, too, is known to make remarks that generate news and mirth, in equal measures.

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Three construction workers including a minor were arrested in Assams Jorhat district for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by displaying beef at a marketplace, police said on Thursday.

The Assam arrests are the latest in a series of cow-related incidents in BJP-ruled states and could fuel allegations of Hindu right-wing groups selectively targeting the minority community.

A local court sent two of the accused  identified as Shah Zaman Haque of Dhubri and Ashur Rahman of Kokrajhar  to 14 days judicial custody. The minor was sent to a juvenile home.

Police said the three were working at the site of an industrial training institute coming up on the outskirts of Jorhat, about 330 km east of capital Guwahati.

They bought beef from somewhere on Tuesday and went to a vegetable market where they talked about their purchase. Some people took it seriously and lodged a complaint following which we picked them up, said Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan, Jorhat superintendent of police.

Bhuyan said the accused also displayed the meat thereby hurting religious sentiments.

Cow slaughter is banned in Assam under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950.

Officials of the district animal husbandry department said the meat seized by police has been sent to a forensic laboratory for examination.

An agency report hinted the accused could be illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

The BJP stormed to power in Assam for the first time last year, promising to stop illegal migration from the neighbouring country, a sensitive issue in the state which saw a six-year-long agitation over it.

However, the Centres move to grant citizenship to Hindu migrants have angered many organisations which are opposed to such religious profiling.

The organisations, led by the All Assam Students Union, is demanding identification and deportation of all migrants who entered Assam illegally after 1971, set as the cut off year in the 1985 Assam Accord.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6



By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:



Ebrahim Raisi, an Iranian conservative cleric, has voiced his intention to run for the upcoming presidential elections to be held May 19.



Ebrahim Raisi has officially announced his candidacy for the 12th round of presidential election and his participation is serious, IRNA news agency quoted Seyyed Solat Mortazavi, Mayor of Mashad City, as saying.



Ebrahim Raisi currently holds the position of the custodian of a wealthy charity and the organization in charge of the countrys holiest shrine based in the city of Mashhad.



Seyyed Solat Mortazavi added that the conservative cleric has accepted the calls for putting up his candidacy for the presidential elections and Ebrahim Raisi will announce his plans soon.



The supporters of the conservative front in the Islamic Republic earlier launched a social media campaign calling on the cleric to participate in the election, in which the incumbent President Hassan Rouhani backed by reformists is seeking reelection.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday said it would not allow the liquor shops to operate in those areas, where the locals are opposing them, even if it results in loss of revenue.

At any cost, we will not allow the liquor outlets (which shifted from highways following a Supreme Court order) to operate in areas where the locals are opposing, even if it results in loss of revenue to the exchequer, UP Excise minister Jai Pratap Singh said.

The move come following the protests from various parts of the state by the locals against shifting of liquor outlets in the residential areas after the Supreme Court banned the sale of liquor within 500-metres of the state and national highways.

Meanwhile, in Pilibhit, UP Irrigation minister Dharampal extended his support to the protests against the operation of liquor vends in populated areas of the villages.

Addressing the meeting, he said, There is no bigger crime than domestic violence being faced by the women.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier made an appeal to the people not to take law into their hands during protest against shifting of liquor vends from the highways to populated areas.

The Chief Minister made the appeal while reviewing the situation with the police, excise and administrative officers after some alleged incidents of outburst of peoples anger during protests against shifting of liquor shops to populated areas following a Supreme Court order banning sale of alcohol near highways, an official spokesman said.

He has appealed to the public to not take law in their own hands and said that the state government respects the public sentiment, he said.

The Yogi Adityanath government also accused the previous governments of not adhering to the Supreme Court order.

The CM alleged the previous governments had not followed the orders of the Supreme Court and the High Court, and shifted liquor shops from highways to populated areas, which resulted in the outburst of peoples anger.

He had also said the government would ensure that liquor shops follow the court orders and directed the officials concerned to ensure that the SC orders are strictly complied with.

The liquor shops should be located away from religious places, educational institutes and populated area as per laid down norms and parameters, the CM had mentioned.

Strict action would be initiated against the outlets, which fails to adhere to the norms, the chief minister said.

Women in Parsiya village in Badaun district today chased away the employees of liquor shops and broke their locks to protest the shifting of the vends in the residential areas.

Director General of UP Police Javeed Ahmed in a statement today said that instructions have been issued to police to ensure that stringent action is initiated against people who vandalise liquor shops, indulge in stone pelting and setting the liquor outlets ablaze.

So far, 94 incidents of liquor shops being vandalised have been reported from the state, and 93 cases have been registered against 676 accused persons. Of this 112 accused persons have been arrested, the statement said.
Opposition parties are unhappy with certain provisions in a proposed legislation that seeks to provide constitutional backing to the National Commission for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (NSEBC), saying it will take away the power of the states.

The bill was discussed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) member Bhartruhari Mahtab called it an attack on the federal character of the Constitution.

He said the proposed legislation would give the Centre the right to declare communities as backward classes after consultation with only a states governor, who is a Union government appointee.

But that consultation is not mandatory and binding, he said.

Mahtab asked the government to send the bill to a standing committee and try to find a consensus, a demand supported by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Fellow Congress leader KC Venugopal said the parties havent been given sufficient time to move the amendments.

But parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar assured the House that the government had introduced the bill on Thursday to start the discussion and the members could move the amendments till 3pm on Friday.

The bill seeks to give constitutional status to the NCBC, which will allow it to hear grievances of people from other backward classes (OBC) in line with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).

A constitutional amendment requires two-thirds approval of both Houses of Parliament and subsequent ratification by 50% of the state assemblies.

Till now, the mandate of the NCBC as a statutory panel was limited to conducting surveys and giving recommendations, which were ordinarily binding on the government unless it saw some tenuous reasons to reject those.

The OBCs have demanded a separate entity for them that will be on a par with panels for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

The government move follows the BJPs victory in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in which the OBCs are said to have played an important role. The move could also address concerns of Jats, who have been demanding OBC status for the community.

But several parties opposed provisions in the proposed legislation.

By centralising the entire process, the Centre will be denying the states the right to identify castes and provide them benefit, Mahtab said.

Besides, funds for OBCs are provided by the state governments. Who has given the BJP the authority to decide the fate of OBCs when the Centre is not giving the money? he asked.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been in power in Karnataka since 2013, but to his dismay, many within the ruling Congress in the state still view him as an outsider.

That many are upset with the chief minister, into his fourth year in office, has been on display in recent times: first former chief minister and ex-foreign minister SM Krishna quit the party, accusing the state leadership of not treating him with respect.

Party veterans like B Janardhan Poojary too have been critical, blaming Siddaramaiah for Krishnas exit. Former Union minister CK Jaffer Sharief has also voiced his displeasure with the incumbent chief minister and gone to the extent of arguing in favour of making RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat the next president of the country.

The rumblings of dissent against the chief minister of a state scheduled to hold assembly elections next year bode ill for the ruling Congress.

Political analysts in the state feel the opposition to Siddaramaiah is primarily on the ground that he is still considered an outsider. Siddaramaiah joined the Congress in 2006 from the Janata Dal (Secular). It was the loss of G Parameshwara, then president of the state unit of the party, in the 2013 elections that paved the way for Siddaramaiah to be made chief minister.

In fact, Poojary has repeatedly called for Parameshwara, a Dalit leader who has always been with the Congress, to be made chief minister if the Congress is to win in the assembly polls next year.

But analysts say the biggest setback for Siddaramaiah has been the defection of V Srinivasa Prasad to the BJP. Prasad switched sides after being dropped from the state cabinet last year.

"The loss of Prasad has dealt a severe blow to Siddaramaiah's credentials as a leader of the AHINDA grouping (a coalition of Dalits, backward classes and minority communities)," said CS Dwarkanath, former chief of the State Backward Classes Commission.

Dwarkanath said Siddaramaiah's stint as chief minister will hurt the Congress. "Upper castes resent Siddaramaiah because of his image as a champion of the lower castes, and most communities within the AHINDA grouping are angry because they feel Siddaramaiah has not delivered on his promises."

He added the general impression is that the chief minister has only helped his community of Kurubas, who are classified under the Other Backward Class category.

Sandeep Shastri, the pro-vice chancellor of Jain University, also agreed that the AHINDA may not come to the rescue of the Congress this time. "The attempt of the government should have been to consolidate its AHINDA core. But that coalition has only been weakened over the past four years," he said.

With days to go for two crucial assembly by-polls  Nanjandud and Gundlupet  all eyes are on Siddaramaiah and whether he can stall the efforts of the BJP to wrest back the state.

Though the going has got tougher for the chief minister, Narendra Pani, a political analyst and faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, said there were no serious challengers to Siddaramaiah from within the party.

"Even if the party does not project Siddaramaiah as its face in the coming elections, on the ground it is fairly clear that people see him as the leader of the Congress," Pani said.

Both Pani and Shastri agreed that projecting any other leader at this point would be a blunder. "It would be a big mistake if the Congress changed its leader now, heading into an election after completing four years in government," Shastri said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters at Mahal on April 14 and meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, probably to discuss the nominee for the presidential elections.

Sangh sources say the interaction would primarily focus on the appointment of new president which the saffron party can get elected without help from any other party. The party is in power in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Assam and is a coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh. Shiv Sena had proposed name of RSS chief for the president elections but Bhagwat said he was not in the race.

Sources also said the RSS may propose the name of Union social justice minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, a prominent face from the schedule castes. Gehlot, 69, is the lone Dalit representative in the BJP parliamentary committee.

Gehlot, a Dalit leader from Madhya Pradesh, was elected thrice to the state assembly. In 2013, he was elected as Rajya Sabha member and also held the post of central observer of BJP in Gujarat. At present, he represents Shajapur LS constituency.

Conferred with the best legislator award by the MP assembly, Gehlot is considered the face of the Dalits within the part and has worked for the exploited classes through the organisation called Balai Samaj. By nominating a Dalit, the BJP may be attempting to nullify the concept that party only pampers the upper caste.
BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday asked party leaders to chart a winning path for the outfit from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, adding that they should prepare the ground for a better show in 2019 and not just be satisfied with the previous (2014) Lok Sabha results.

Addressing the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting on its foundation day, he asked party MPs to work for strengthening the outfit in states where its reach remained limited and exhorted them to take the NaMo track record of governance to the masses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not present at the meet as he had left for Jharkhand to attend an event.

Shah asked the MPs to obey with smile the top brass directives for events slated for the next few days.

The BJP has come out with a series of programmes for its parliamentarians and other leaders during the eight-day long period between April 6, its foundation day, and April 14, the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

The programmes will focus particularly on the states and the Lok Sabha seats, where the party had not performed well in the 2014 elections so as to improve the party prospects in 2019. The BJP has lined up programmes of Union ministers and senior leaders in these places.

Shah told the saffron leaders that they should not sit back with satisfaction after getting 272 seats (majority mark in the Lok Sabha) but aim for more. The BJP had won 282 seats in the 2014 polls.

BJPs allies may be present in several states where the party is not strong but it should not deter its leaders from working to boost its strength, he said.

You have NaMo (Narendra Modi) track record starting from Gujarat before you. Take the NaMo role model of good governance and development to the masses... Modi had said in 2014 that the three factors of casteism, family rule and appeasement fail Indian politics.

People had dealt a blow to these factors by voting for the BJP in 2014. They have done it again in the recent Uttar Pradesh polls. We have vowed to rid polity of these ills, he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar briefed reporters following the meeting and said apart from promoting digitisation and Bhim app, a digital payment interface, the party leaders will also inform the masses about benefits of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during the period.

Shah said BJP was the only party out of over 1,600 registered outfits which has spread on the strength of its ideology and practices internal democracy by holding organisational polls every three year.

Founded in 1980, the BJP is currently at the peak of power with 281 MPs in the Lok Sabha and over 1,398 MLAs in various state assemblies. It is in power in 13 states, he noted, adding that its governments have been re-elected due to their performance.

Its governments are run on three-point agenda of good governance, development and welfare of poor, the BJP chief said.

Shah also mentioned Speaker Sumitra Mahajans praise of the government and other Lok Sabha members for the passage of the budget, adding that for the first time in the countrys history, budget allocations will be spent from the first day of the fiscal.

It usually starts four to five months after the beginning of the new fiscal, the BJP leader added.
Azmat Khan would have never imagined that his plans to start a dairy business at his village Nuh in Haryana would land him in hospital with multiple fractures. And leave a friend dead, lynched by Hindu radicals.

Khan, 22, had gone to a weekly animal market in Jaipur to procure milch cows last week. Among those accompanying him was Pehlu Khan, who died at a hospital in Alwar two days after the group were brutally assaulted by activists suspected to be from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

Speaking to the Hindustan Times at his house, Khan recalled the incident that is likely to remain etched in his memory for his entire life.

Before we could say anything, they started beating us mercilessly. We were pulled out and beaten with sticks, belts and other weapons for a long time. They also tore the transportation permit we got from Jaipur municipal corporation, Azmat said at his village Jaisinghpura in Nuh, that falls in the Muslim-dominated Mewat region which lies across Haryana and Rajasthan.

The attack took place when they were returning from Jaipur after obtaining a permit from the municipal corporation. Transportation of cattle is banned in Rajasthan without official permission.

He said they were chased by bike-borne vigilantes and stopped near the Jaguwas Chowk in Alwar district on the Jaipur-Delhi highway.

I fell unconscious and somebody took me to the hospital. I was in hospital when I heard about the death of Pehlu Khan, said Azmat, expressing anger at no one helping them till the police came.

His brother, Yousuf, said that ever since Azmat returned to his village he has not been able to sit properly due to his injuries.

My brother wanted to get into the dairy business and thats why he went with Pehlu Khan to Jaipur to buy milch cattle. Never did we imagine that he will come back maimed and injured, said Yousuf.

Pehlu Khans two sons -- Irshad and Arif -- who were also assaulted, said the gau rakshaks were not willing to listen to them.

I said we have a valid permit and cows have been bought for dairy business. But, they were not willing to listen to us and pulled us out accusing us of being cow killers, Irshad said after performing last rites of his father in the village, where anger against union minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was palpable.

Speaking in Parliament, Naqvi ruled out lynching of Pehlu Khan and beating of others.

I doubt if Naqvi knows anything about Islam and is being truthful. One person has died, my brother is grievously injured and a minister says in Parliament that the incident didnt happen? We really have no words to say and are shocked, said Yousuf.

Most people in the village share the anger.

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The responsibility to operate Unit 1 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, the countrys largest nuclear power generation unit, has been fully entrusted to India, the Russian firm that collaborated in building the joint-venture plant, said on Thursday.

The Moscow-based ASE Group of Companies, a subsidiary of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation said the entrusting of the responsibility to India follows signing of a joint statement by it and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India on Wednesday, confirming the fulfilment of all warranty terms and obligations of the overseas contractor.

By signing the document, the Russian and the Indian sides confirmed fulfilment of all warranty terms and obligations of the contractor (ASE Group of Companies) for the construction of the Unit 1, ASE Group said in a release here today.

The warranty period run showed reliable and safe operation of the Unit 1. Thus, the Indian side confirms that ASE Group of Companies, which is general contractor, has fulfilled all its tasks in full and accurately, said ASE Vice-President Andrei Lebedev for its South Asia projects.

The onward operations of Unit 1 is totally within the responsibility of the Indian side, he added.

The commercial operation and the warranty period of Unit 1 of KNPP started in December 2014, the release said, adding the second unit of KNPP began its commercial operation on March 31 this year.

Located in Tamil Nadu, KNPP units I and II, both with a capacity of 1000 MW, have been built with Russian collaboration. Units III and IV are under construction.

The first two units are the largest nuclear power generation units in the country.
Seven people allegedly raped a 16-year-old mentally disabled girl in Meghalayas East Jaintia Hills district, the police said on Thursday.

We have arrested the accused persons who were involved in the gang-rape of a mentally challenged girl on April 2. The juveniles (five minor accused) involved have been dealt with as per law, district superintendent of police (SP) S Thamar said.

This was the second incident of gang-rape in the state in which juveniles were involved. The juveniles are between the age group of 12 and 18 years, the SP said.

While the two adults were remanded to judicial custody, the five juveniles were sent to juvenile homes for observation, he added.

The two adults were charged under section 376(g) of IPC and section 6 of the POCSO Act, Thamar said.
A defence framework agreement and US $500-million credit to buy Indian military hardware are likely to be signed during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas four-day visit from Friday, but the protracted Teesta water pact is off the table.

Dhaka and New Delhi dont have any long-term defence cooperation pact, but two memorandums of understanding (MoU) are expected in this sector.

Besides, the two neighbours may sign two dozen agreements on a wide range of subjects, including counter-terrorism cooperation, trade, transport, energy and investment.

But the much-delayed Teesta water-sharing pact will remain on hold as the Centre has failed to get West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on board.

Teesta is a work in progress, said Sripriya Ranghanathan, joint secretary in charge of Bangladesh in the foreign ministry.

Banerjee, though, will attend President Pranab Mukherjees banquet for Hasina.

The Teesta river is crucial for the neighbouring low-lying country, especially during the lean December-March season when the water flow reduces from 5,000 cusecs to less than 1,000.

A water-sharing pact was set to be inked during then Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Bangladesh in September 2011. But it was postponed at the last minute because of Banerjees objections.

The West Bengal chief minister objected to a 50-50 water-sharing ratio for the lean season, which she said would go against her states interests.

Her governments consent is essential as water is a state subject constitutionally, and the Teesta originates in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.

Another top bilateral agenda would be better connectivity between the two countries. The issue will come up during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bangladesh Awami League leader Hasina on Saturday.

An MoU is likely to be signed to run Indian passenger and goods trains through Bangladesh, a move that will benefit the northeastern states.

A bus and train service between Kolkata and Khulna will be launched during Hasinas visit, as also a rail link from Radhikapur in north Bengal.

Energy cooperation has shown a lot of positivity with India already transmitting additional power to its eastern neighbour.

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Shiv Sena lawmaker Ravindra Gaikwad on Thursday expressed regret for his alleged assault of a senior Air India employee, signalling a climbdown by the party hours after it threatened to stall all flights out of Mumbai over the flying ban on the MP.

Gaikwad, an MP from Osmanabad, was banned by six airlines after the incident last month. He also claimed on TV about hitting the Air India employee with his slippers 25 times.

...This incident may kindly not be seen as a reason for likely recurrence of such an event in future also, the MP said in a letter to civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju, barely a few hours after Sena lawmakers created a ruckus in Parliament over the ban.

He also said an ongoing probe will bring out the factual sequence of events to fix responsibility in the incident, which triggered a wave of revulsion and anger against the MP.

He added that the ban was affecting the effective discharge of my duties and responsibilities.

Sources said that Air India may soon allow him to fly even as the police cases against him will not be withdrawn. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also said that the MPs cant fulfill their duties if there is ban on flying.

The letter, according to official sources, followed a meeting in Mahajans chamber in Parliament where Shiv Sena MPs were told that if Gaikwad issued a statement committing that he would not engage in any such incident in future, the government could intervene and have the ban revoked.

Earlier in ther day, Gaikwad told Lok Sabha that he was ready to apologise to Parliament but not the airlines and the employee.

Humility is in my nature, he said, playing the victim and even invoking Mahatma Gandhi to narrate his side of the incident after taking a chartered flight to attend the parliament session for the fisrt time after the incident.

Another Sena leader Sanjay Raut addressed a press conference to announce the partys plan of action as well as defend Gaikwad.

One airline owner has nexus with (underworld don) Dawood Ibrahim. An airline allowed (former MP) Vijay Mallya to flee from the country. In your flights, separatists, terrorists, Pakistani artistes, rapists can fly but not Gaikwad, Raut said.

The party also threatened to pull out of next weeks meeting of the NDA, of which the Sena is a constituent. The Sena is also a ruling ally of the BJP, both at the Centre and Maharashtra.

You can take it as Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays decision. If the issue is not resolved, we will not go to NDA meeting on April 10.

Rauts strong comments followed a day of drama in Parliament as Sena MPs charged at the civil aviation minister in the Lok Sabha, leading to a near-commotion before the House was adjourned.

If you want to defuse the situation, we can do it. If you want to aggravate it, you are free to do that. But aircraft safety will not be compromised, said civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju.

His comments led to such a ruckus that Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House temporarily.

If it (the ban) goes on like this, we will not allow aircrafts to take off from Mumbai, Sena MPs were heard saying amid a ruckus.

Home minister Rajnath Singh said he has requested the civil aviation minister to sit with all stakeholders to reach an amicable solution as soon as possible.

Gaikwad was grounded after a purported video of him thrashing a 60-year-old AI officer went viral and triggered widespread condemnation, even from within the government.

Air India joined five other airlines to ban the lawmaker and demanded a no-fly list for unruly customers. Since then, the MP has tried to book air tickets under several aliases but has been thwarted every time.

(With agency inputs)
Two people were killed and over 30 were injured in a car accident in Russias Ryazan Region, an emergencies source told Sputnik.

The accident occurred on Wednesday night when a passenger bus collided with a truck.

"According to preliminary information, 33 people were affected, two of them died," the source said.
Shiv Sena MPs on Thursday threatened to stop flight operations from Mumbai, rallying behind parliamentarian Ravindra Gaikwad who remains blacklisted by airlines for assaulting a senior Air India official. The MPs also surrounded civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju in the house pressing their demand to revoke the ban.

Earlier, Gaikwad refused to tender an apology to the airlines, further accusing the staffer of misbehaving with him on the flight.

Social media was quick to react to Senas brazen display of hooliganism, slamming the tainted parliamentarian for trying to browbeat flight operators into submission.

Heres how Twitter shot back:

How To Deal With An Assault to an Airline Employee



Airlines: Ban them

Govt: Ban them

Shiv Sena: Stop flights from Mumbai  Sneha (@ClassicallyWild) April 6, 2017

Heard Gaikwad and other Shiv Sena MPs in Parliament today and thanked Britishers for not choosing Bombay as India's capital.  Rofl Gandhi (@RoflGandhi_) April 6, 2017

@NewsX shutdown the pune airport citing the threat from @ShivSena MPs let the public react against the sena MPs and show the public power  Ramesh Babu (@actuallycitizen) April 6, 2017

From the likes of Shiv Sena MP, the term MP needs to be changed to Misbehaving Politician.  VSA (@vsayachit) April 6, 2017

Bata launches its summer range of slippers. Called Gaikwad.  SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) April 6, 2017

@htTweets Let them do it, let's see for how many days they can do it. Let them carry out this threat, it will finish the Sena forever.  habniz (@habniz) April 6, 2017

@htTweets As if joker owns Mumbai.  Bhagwat Yagnik (@BabaYagnik) April 6, 2017

@htTweets These politicians thinks that country is their dad will that they can do anything , I spit on these people , they won't change we have to !  Karunakar Mohan Jha (@karunakar1998) April 6, 2017

@htTweets Baap ka maal hai kya  SAQUIB (@saquib_saq) April 6, 2017

@htTweets yeah we have gai rakshaks but are we really stupid enough to support everything that has gai in it?  lemon (@muteista) April 6, 2017

@TimesNow Sanjay Raut,so u don't know ' Kya hai Air India?' U seem to have returned from some other planet.Have u heard about Ravindra Gaikwad?  Gurinder S.Grewal (@GrewalgsS) April 6, 2017

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Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on Thursday announced the signing of contracts worth almost $2 billion for supply of medium range surface to air missiles (MRSAM) and missile defence systems to the Indian Army.

In a mega-contract worth over $1.6 billion, considered to be the largest defence contract in Israel defence industries history, IAI will provide an advanced MRSAM air and missile defence systems to the Indian Army, IAI said in a statement.

The company will also supply additional Long Range SAM air and missile defence systems for the first built in India aircraft carrier, it said.

IAI President and CEO Joseph Weiss said: Over the past 25 years, IAI has worked with the Indian defence industries and armed forces in many areas as part of our strategic partnership. The current contracts represent an enormous expression of confidence by the Government of India in IAIs capabilities and advanced technologies which are being developed with our local partners as part of the Indian Governments Make in India policy.

This contract award also recognises the professionalism of all of Israels defence industries. We at IAI are proud to be leading this flagship project after a long and joint development process.

The MRSAM was developed jointly for the Indian Army by IAI and Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with RAFAEL and IAI/Elta, which worked with various Indian companies including BEL, L&T, BDL and other private vendors.
India and Bangladesh are unlikely to ink the much-delayed Teesta water-sharing agreement during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas visit here from Friday, but the two close neighbours are set to sign at least 25 pacts covering an array of areas including defence and security.

Deepening cooperation in the defence sector will be the major focus area during Hasinas four-day trip, with India set to announce a line of credit of $500 million for supply of military hardware to Bangladesh.

Both countries are also likely to expand cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, transport and energy.

On the Teesta pact, India is not optimistic about a breakthrough as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has been firm in opposing it.

It is learnt that the central government will not go ahead with the agreement without taking Banerjee on board.

The Teesta deal was set to be inked during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Bangladesh in September 2011, but was postponed at the last minute due to objections by Banerjee.

Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh, especially in the leanest period from December to March, when the water flow often temporarily comes down to less than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs.

The pact is unlikely to be signed during Hasinas visit, people in the know said.
An aggressive Shiv Sena pulled out all stops on Thursday to back under-fire lawmaker Ravindra Gaikwad, who faces a torrent of criticism for allegedly assaulting a senior Air India employee last month.

The party threatened to pull out of an NDA meeting next week and stall all flights out of Mumbai  a Sena stronghold  if a flight ban on Gaikwad imposed by six airlines wasnt immediately revoked.

One airline owner has nexus with Dawood Ibrahim. An airline allowed Vijay Mallya to flee from the country. In your flights, separatists, terrorists, Pakistani artists, rapists can fly but not Gaikwad, said Sena leader Sanjay Raut at a press conference in Delhi.

You can take it as Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays decision. If the issue is not resolved, we will not go to NDA meeting on April 10.

After the Senas aggressive stand, Air India is likely to step up security of its staff at Mumbai and Pune airports, with the partys lawmakers threatening to disrupt operations.

Rauts strong comments followed a day of drama in Parliament as Sena MPs charged at civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju in the Lok Sabha, leading to a near-commotion before the House was adjourned.

One airline owner has nexus with Dawood Ibrahim. An airline allowed Vijay Mallya to flee from the country. In your flights, separatists, Pakistani artists, rapists can fly but not Gaikwad, said Sena leader Sanjay Raut at a press conference in Delhi. --Sanjay Raut

Gaikwad  the MP from Osmanabad  spoke, comparing himself to Mahatma Gandhi and saying that he would apologise to Parliament but not Air India. Humility is my nature the entire incident should be probed.

But hours later, Sena expressed hope that home minister Rajnath Singh would resolve the issue. We have full hope in Rajnath ji. He is an experienced administrator. And he has also promised us that the issue will be resolved, Raut said.

Home minister Rajnath Singh told Lok Sabha he requested the civil aviation minister to sit with all stakeholders to reach an amicable solution as soon as possible. Sena alleged the ban was not lifted under some pressure. We believe this is injustice, Raut alleged.

Gaikwad was grounded after a purported video of him thrashing a 60-year-old AI officer went viral and triggered widespread condemnation, even from within the government. Air India joined five other airlines to ban the lawmaker and demanded a no-fly list for unruly customers. Since then, the MP ahs tried to book air tickets under several aliases but has been thwarted every time.

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Puducherry lieutenant governor Kiran Bedi has lashed out at the Union territorys chief secretary for his irresponsible conduct over replacing a senior officer in the ongoing power tussle with the Congress-led government.

Bedi was upset over Manoj Kumar Paridas action in following assembly speaker V Vaithilingams order that Puducherry municipal commissioner R Chandirasekharan should be removed from the post and kept on the compulsory wait list.

Parida followed the directions of the speaker, who ordered Chandirasekharans removal last Thursday after an MLA moved a privilege motion against him, alleging the official was not responding to various key public issues raised by him.

Bedi, however, cancelled Paridas order following which Chandirashekharan resumed his post.

The irresponsible and immature conduct of the Chief Secretary has brought huge anguish and rift in the governance of Puducherry, she tweeted on Wednesday.

Standing firm, Parida said the LG was ill informed about rules and quoting the rules wrong and which is why even the Union home ministry has not interfered in the matter.

I have the full competency and as well as have full powers to give posting to any official, temporary charge to any official. And, I have been discharging this duty for a long time. Besides, in this matter, the rules are very clear, the speakers orders are final and binding, he told Hindustan Times over the phone from Puducherry on Wednesday.

She is not aware of the rules and is quoting the rules wrongly, he said.

He added that if an official is kept out pending an inquiry there is no big deal and the official can always come back after the inquiry is over. I dont understand why she is getting worked up, he said.

Bedi has been asserting her supremacy in the state and has rubbed the chief minister V Narayanasamy and elected representatives the wrong way. The elected representatives also want the central government to recall her.

The slugfest between Narayanasamy and Bedi, both of whom assumed office in May last year, mirrors the tug-of-war between the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party government and the Delhis former LG Najeeb Jung, and now, Anil Baijal.

Bedi, a former Indian Police Service officer, joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and was the partys candidate for the chief ministers post during the 2015 assembly elections in Delhi.

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Allegations on tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are far from truth and the Opposition is trying to discredit the victory of the BJP in the recent polls, Union minister Ananth Kumar said on Thursday.

Raising the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs during the Zero Hour, CPI-M leader P Karunakaran demanded an in-depth and independent inquiry into the matter.

Mentioning reports about an EVM being tampered with in Madhya Pradesh, he also suggested that there could be an alternative mechanism to the machines.

Responding to the allegations, the Parliamentary Affairs minister said it is totally far from truth and misleading.

Opposition parties have been raising the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs.

If there is anything today, then EVM is the best, Kumar said and took a swipe at the Opposition saying they wanted to discredit the election victories of BJP and raising the bogey.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath endorsed the Hindu Rashtra theory on Thursday, saying theres nothing wrong with such a move if that serves the interests of the people and country.

Right-wing groups led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have been pitching to make India a Hindu nation, a hugely debatable topic in a constitutionally secular country of 1.2 billion people of different faiths.

Hindu Rashtra ki awadharna kahin galat nahi hai  desh ki full bench ki Supreme Court ne iss par apna aadesh jaari kiya hai yeh. Hindutva koi mat, koi majhab ya upasana vidhi nahi hai. Balki its a way of life (There is nothing wrong in the Hindu Rashtra concept. The Supreme Court has defined Hinduism as a way of life.), monk-politician Adityanath said in an interview to Doordarshan.

He said no one should have a problem in accepting a Hindu nation if such a move helped people live a better life and brought joy to them.

The BJP defended Yogis remarks saying that the chief minister had not said anything wrong.

For far too long we have been pseudo-seculars who frowned upon anything that is Hindu. Whats wrong in the CMs statement? He said that he would follow the path of peace and progress. Hinduism has always stood for peace, state BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said.

Adityanath, a five-term parliamentarian and head priest of Gorakhnath mutt in Gorakhpur, was appointed chief minister last month after the BJP won an unprecedented 325 seats with its allies in the February-March assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Main kisi ke mooh par tape nahi laga sakta ... mujhe jo karna hai pradesh ke hit main kaam karna hai (I cant shut people up. I will continue to work for the people.), he said, responding to a query on negative reports in international media about his image of being a champion of Hindutva.

My guide is the Modi government at the Centre. Its my inspiration. I will follow that.

His Hindu Rashtra line underscores the views of the RSS, the BJPs ideological mentor.

The Sangh, however, explains that its Hindu nation theory has more to do with the countrys name Hindustan  a far-reaching social movement, rather than a restricted religious concept.

RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi had remarked that those living in Hindustan are Hindus, after a meeting of the organisations highest decision-making panel in Lucknow in 2014.

His comments are a reflection of a popular RSS belief that it wants reinforced.

Former RSS chief KS Sudarshan had quoted a 1977 article from Saptahik Hindustan to make his point. He drew on an anecdote that the Shahi Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid was asked in Mecca if he was a Hindu because all Hindustanis were called Hindu in Saudi Arabia.

India is a Hindu-majority country but includes 150 million Muslims, and large communities of Christians, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.

The BJPs landslide election victory in Uttar Pradesh, the countrys most populous state that has a sizeable Muslim population, rekindled the debate over the right wings push for a Hindu nation.
Known for bringing ill-luck to its VVIP inmates, the bungalow adjacent to the official residence of Uttar Pradesh chief minister got a new occupant on Wednesday.

UPs minister for minor irrigation and livestock, SPS Baghel, moved in to 6 Kalidas Marg bungalow after a special puja on auspicious Ram Navmi day.

Sandwiched between the official residence of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister and that of the deputy chief minister, the bungalow has a reputation that its occupants either fade into political oblivion or meet with some kind of misfortune including illness or even jail.

Till date no minister in the Yogi Adityanath government had shown interest in moving in this bungalow until Baghel asked the estate department to allot it to him.

All those who went to jail would have gone there anyway. Its not the house but deeds that determine ones fate. In any case, our chief minister is also a revered head priest and I am sure I wont be harmed in his shadow as I am chief ministers immediate neighbour, the Uttar Pradesh minister said while making it clear that he wasnt afraid.

Interestingly, not just politicians, even officers who have stayed here in the past met with ill luck, further strengthening the notion of the bungalow being jinxed.

Previous political occupants of 6 Kalidas Marg were Amar Singh, Waqar Ahmad Shah, Babu Singh Kushwaha with Javed Abidi being its last occupant.

Abidi who was considered close to former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav was sacked as chairman of UP pollution control board within months of moving in. Babu Singh Kushwaha who was an influential minister in the Bahujan Samaj Party regime lost his clout towards the end of BSP government, got named in the multi-crore National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam and was eventually jailed.

Waqar Ahmad Shah, the other minister in the Akhilesh Yadav government took ill soon after moving in. He never returned back to work after slipping into coma.

Bureaucrats Neera Yadav and Pradeep Shukla who lived here had to go to jail. But Baghels friends and well-wishers are confident that the Yogi minister would beat the jinx.

God is with him. No harm would come his way, says Dr Ram Naresh, a close friend of the minister who had come especially from Mathura to meet the minister at his new bungalow.

In Uttarakhand too, the chief ministers New Cantt Road bungalow was considered jinxed with the common belief being that a chief minister who moved in here was unable to complete the full term.

But new Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat chose to defy the jinx by moving in there in March.

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The Shiv Sena threatened on Thursday to stop all flights from Mumbai in protest against the grounding of its controversial lawmaker Ravindra Gaikwad, who drew widespread condemnation over thrashing a senior Air India employee last month.

If it (the ban) goes on like this, we will not allow aircrafts to take off from Mumbai, Sena MPs were heard saying in Lok Sabha amid a ruckus over the issue.

Sparks flew in the House as Sena supported Gaikwad and the government defended the national carrier that joined five other airlines in banning the Osmanabad MP from flying.

If you want to diffuse the situation, we can do it. If you want to aggravate it, you are free to do that. But aircraft safety will not be compromised, said civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju.

His comments led to such a ruckus that Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House temporarily.

Union minister and Sena MP Anant Geete targeted the Modi government for the flying ban imposed on the MP. How can this Narendra Modi government impose travel ban on an MP? This ban should be removed.

Shiv Sena also turned its anger on Air India for banning its MP from flying, into a battle with the BJP. The party demanded the entire incident be probed and action taken against Air India chief and other staff. Gaikwad has tried to fly to Delhi several times under a number of aliases over the past week but has been thwarted every time, forcing the lawmaker to finally take a chartered flight.
A young woman dancer was among two persons injured when some revellers fired at her during a cultural programme in Bihars Rohtas village, 149 km south-west of Patna, on Wednesday night.

The assailants were in an inebriated condition, police said, adding that the incident took place at Ghorwaksh village in Dinara police station area of the district.

Liquor is banned in Bihar since April 5, 2016.

Police said Chandani Kumari from Chhattisgarh was performing during Chaiti, a programme based on semi-classical music and performed in the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra. The event was organised by a villager, Ram Dilip Yadav, to celebrate the birth of his son.

Sources quoting eyewitnesses said Chandani, with an earthen pot on her head, was performing to the famous Bhojpuri song Nathunia pe goli maare (fire at my nose ring), when the revellers actually fired, aiming at the pot. The bullet missed the target and hit Chandani on her neck. Another bullet hit Yadavs co-villager Rajaram Mahto, who was among the audience, on his shoulder.

Both have been admitted to an intensive care unit of a private nursing home at Bikramganj town, 42km north of Rohtas district headquarters Sasaram, Dinara station house officer (SHO) Satish Kumar.

Both the injured are unconscious and battling for life, the SHO said, adding that the police were investigating the case and trying to identify the assailants.

ALSO READ: Dancer shot dead at Bihar doctors pre-marriage ceremony

Earlier, in January this year, a 20-year-old dancer was shot dead during a tilak (pre-marriage) ceremony at Ugar Bigaha village in Sasaram mufassil police station of Rohtas district by some persons who were also under the influence of liquor.

Naina, the victim, was a member of the dance troupe hired by Dr Birendra Singh, a young government medical officer at the Nasariganj primary health centre in the district, to perform at his pre-marriage function.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held talks with Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis at the Pentagon on Wednesday where they expressed hopes to collaborate on counterterror measures, the Defense Department said in a press release, Sputnik reported.

The two leaders discussed a range of Middle East security issues and expressed their desire to cooperate on counter-terrorism and regional challenges. They recognized defense cooperation as the backbone of the US-Egyptian bilateral relationship, the release stated.

Mattis also looked forward to visiting Cairo in the near future, the release added.

On Monday, Sisi met with President Donald Trump at the White House and the leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations.
For the rest of his life, Vijay Kumars wedding anniversary will always remind him of the humiliation he and his family members had to face on his wedding day.

Kumars wedding procession was attacked by Rajputs for allegedly playing music on a loudspeaker in Rajasthans Churu district on Wednesday evening.

The incident took place a day after a Dalit groom was attacked in Haryanas Charkhi Dadri on Tuesday for riding a horse to his wedding.

Ten people, including women were injured in the attack, three of whom were referred to the government hospital from where they were discharged after treatment, police said.

The incident took place in Gundusur village of the district. Kumar belongs to the Bishnoi community.

We were going to the Sati Mata temple at around 5:30 in the evening before leaving for Nagour, and on the way there were some houses belonging to Rajputs. They came out and told us to stop playing the music and hurled abuses at us, said Ram Niwas, uncle of the groom.

The Rajputs then slapped the loudspeaker operator, turned the loudspeaker off and blocked our way to the temple, he said.

Tum bhangi, joota khane wale, kaise baraat nikaal rahe ho DJ ke saath (You people from the scavenger caste, who are fit to be kicked with boots, how dare you take a wedding procession with loudspeakers).

When the procession started to turn back, the Rajputs started harassing women in the procession and attacked the men who tried to save them, with sticks, said Niwas.

He further said that the attackers snatched mobile phones and jewelry from the women.

The groom was safely escorted away by some men in the procession as soon as the disruption began.

They wanted to assault the groom, Niwas said.

Dulhe ko pakdo, zyada dulha ban raha hai (get hold of the groom, he seems to be too audacious) one of the attackers said.

Police have arrested four of the accused  Jagdish Singh, Rajender Singh, Gopal Singh and Banna Singh.

A case has been lodged against the accused under the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste Act, and for outraging womens modesty and assaulting them, said Tejaram, head constable at the Sandwa police station.

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The Bengal government will take legal action if any political party, or religious community, other than the Sikhs organises processions or rallies with weapons, chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday, drawing sharp reaction from the opposition.

While the CPI-M alleged that it was part of her strategy to bargain with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP said she would backtrack when Muslims take out Muharram processions with weapons.

Read: Sangh Parivar organise unprecedented Ram Navami celebration across Bengal

Banerjee made the announcement at a government programme in Purulia district, hours after Left parties and a section of the intelligentsia criticised the BJP, RSS and some Hindu groups for parading school children and teenage boys and girls with swords, axes, knives and machetes on Wednesday.

Only Sikhs have the right to carry kirpans in public and they enjoy legal exemption. If any other group hits the streets with weapons, action will be taken in accordance with law. If one religious group carries weapons today, another will follow suit tomorrow. Are we supposed to witness war on our streets? I am not going to let this happen, said Banerjee.

In some places of Bengal even children and women were seen carrying swords and axes in the processions. (Samir Jana)

It was apparent that the chief minister was referring to imposition of the Indian Arms Act as demanded by a section of lawyers and pro-Trinamool intellectuals.

Mamata Banerjee is scared, and this announcement is the proof. Trishuls and swords are worshipped by Hindus, not used in crime. It is her people who carry bombs and pistols and indulge in violence. They have turned Bengal into an armoury. However, while making the announcement, she possibly forgot that Muslims also carry swords during Muharram. During the coming Muharram she will back out, Rahul Sinha, BJP general secretary told HT.

Read: Rama in Bengal: popular in tales, not so popular as deity, point out experts

Leader of the Left legislative party, Sujan Chakraborty said: Had she been serious about stopping display of arms, the administration would have stopped the organisers well in advance. But it didnt. This is just a part of the tactics to bargain with the Centre for more goodies.

CPI-M state secretary Suryakanta Mishra was more aggressive. The Trinamool leadership offered active support to the Ram Navami rally organisers. In fact, at Kharagpur, state BJP president and local MLA, Dilip Ghosh, were seen celebrating with the local Trinamool councillor. If the BJP was worshipping Rama, the Trinamool was busy playing its disciple by worshipping Hanuman across Bengal, said Mishra.

Although the Bengal chief minister went to Purulia to address an administrative meeting and announce some projects, she turned the focus on Ram Navami and chanted at least five mantras addressed to Hindu gods. Narrating before the audience how she earnestly follows Hindu rituals, the chief minister said, I respect all religions and that is Bengals culture.
Even as Hindu groups observed Ram Navami across Bengal amid fanfare on Wednesday, compelling even Trinamool leaders to offer greetings to the people, top Muslim clerics demanded a ban the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS), expulsion of Muslim intellectual Tarek Fatah from the country for repeatedly insulting the Prophet and clampdown on a prime television channel for airing Fatahs views.

Members of the West Bengal Minority United Council who claimed to have gathered under the guidance of the All India Majlis-e-Shoora, Tipu Sultan Masjid, demanded that chief minister Mamata Banerjee should ban the RSS in Bengal and persuade the BJP Government to expel Tarek Fatah. Is it permissible in the book of law to raise swords and lathis at RSS gatherings and create a sense of insecurity among other communities? said Khalid Ebadullah, president of the council.

Muslim organisations held a press conference in Kolkata on Wednesday/ (HT Photo/Tanmay Chatterjee)

The council aired its demands before the media in the presence of Trinamool MP Idris Ali who attempted to distance himself from the sensitive topics. I did not know what the issue was when I was invited today by the Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Masjid. I request the media not to twist the news. The Muslim community will organise a rally on April 21 to promote communal harmony. The Shahi Imam has also invited the chief minister to the rally, said the Trinamool leader even as he alleged that the RSS was involved in communal activities.

Read: Sangh Parivar organise unprecedented Ram Navami celebration across Bengal

One of the most influential Muslim clerics in the state and Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Masjid, Syed Muhammad Nur-ur Rehman Barkati announced before the media that thousands of Muslims would gather in the heart of Kolkata on April 21 to voice their demands and promote communal harmony. RSS has become a big threat to all Indians, not just Muslims. It should be banned for the same reasons the Taliban was banned by the US government. And, Tarek Fatah deserves no mercy for what he is doing, Barkati later told HT on the sidelines of the news conference.

Hindu organisations took out a processions with swords on the occasion of Ram Navami in Kolkata on Wednesday. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

He even alleged that carrying swords and other weapons in Ram Navami processions violated the law and culture of India. Tipu Sultans sword is still preserved in our mosque. Do we carry it on the streets? Display of weapons scare people. It goes against the law of the land, said Barkati.

Read: Rama in Bengal: popular in tales, not so popular as deity, point out experts

Barkati, who had announced a Fatwa against controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen during the Left Front regime, forcing the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya government to refuse her shelter, said he had earlier announced a similar fatwa against Tarek Fatah. If the government doesnt oust him immediately, protests will be carried out across the country and the government will be responsible for the consequences, he said, quoting a few lines from the Quran.

Please remember that when a famous Muslim painter came under fire and was forced to leave India for insulting Hindu deities we did not interfere or offer support, Barkati told HT without naming Maqbool Fida Husain.

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Women-led protests against liquor shops continued in different districts of the region for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday. In Lisari village in Meerut district, people took to streets and attacked a liquor vend. Women damaged liquor cartons in front of patrolling cops and set fire to the shop. Later, additional force arrived at the place and controlled the situation. A case was registered against 19 named people, including five women, and over 300 unidentified persons in the matter.

In Baraut town of Baghpat district too women staged protest against a liquor vend that was relocated to Chaprauli Road after the Apex Court order on alcohol shops being removed from highways. Angry protesters beat up the salesman and stripped him of his clothes. Cops struggled to protect him from their wrath.

Meanwhile, in Madhavpuram locality of Meerut , women continued with their soft protest of bhajan and keertan (devotional songs) outside the liquor shop where they had earlier installed a deitys picture. A similar protest took place outside a liquor shop on Court Road of Moradabad, where protesters installed a statue of Goddess Durga.

Women also led agitations against liquor vends in Saharanpur,Amroha, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad, Garhmukteshwar and other areas of the region. In Sawalpur Nawada locality of Saharanpur, an alcohol shop was set ablaze, while protests near the RTO office in Amroha led to stone pelting.

Most protesters blamed liquor shops for ruining their families. They said that the men of the households were spending their hard-earned money on alcohol, leading to financial crises in families. Many also demanded a state-wide liquor ban on the lines of what happened in Bihar, saying that it would help protect their childrens future.

People protesting during the drive against liquor shops in Aligarh on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

In Aligarh protesters, mostly women, destroyed wine shops and set some of them ablaze. In some cases, they even assaulted salesmen after chasing them.

Women gheraoed a local wine shop on Kishanpur tri-crossing under Kwarasi police station and ransacked it. They also pelted the salesmen with stones. Due to stone-pelting, there was chaos at the crossing, affecting both pedestrian and vehicular traffic on Ramghat Road. Later cops pacified the protesters.

Inspector Shri Prakash Chandra Yadav told HT , The wine shop owner Zakir Ali has lodged a complaint against some people, including women for damaging and ransacking his shop, apart from looting R1.5 lakh . The inspector said the women had been identified and would be arrested soon. Wine shops on Trunk Gate (Qasimpur) were also not spared.

Wine shop contractor Rakesh Sharma told HT, Some women have been identified . We have submitted a written complaint in Kwarasi police station against them.

Read more: Protests turn devotional with portraits of deities outside UP liquor shops
The world is divided into two foodie camps: one that likes pineapple on a pizza; another that thinks pineapple on a pizza is an offence to the taste buds. And recently, celebrity British chef Gordon Ramsay started a war between the two camps. While appearing on The Nightly Show, he took suggestions from the audience regarding pizza toppings, and one person suggested pineapple.

The moment Ramsay heard pineapple on a pizza, he burst out, You dont put f***ing pineapple on pizza. Within seconds, war broke out on Twitter. Some Twitter users were delighted; others condemned Gordon Ramsay.

Pineapple does not go on top of pizza..... https://t.co/lhD6aliOV8  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) April 4, 2017

Speaking on this hyper-sensitive topic, chef Kunal Kapur says, Personally, Im not a fan of pineapple on a pizza. I dont think its a good combination. But at the same time, I am not hardcore about it. I dont have a problem with people who prefer pineapple on a pizza.

the amount of ppl quoting/responding to this tweet defending pineapple on pizza is disturbing.... i feel unsafe....... pls seek jesus https://t.co/pfK0fN922G  paul rudd (@philsadelphia) March 29, 2017

Foodies have their own unique taste and preferences, but that doesnt mean one should dismiss another persons taste or choices. I dont have a problem with the Hawaiian pizza. I dont appreciate people who make a big deal about it. One should not impose their opinions on others, so I disagree with Ramsay, says chef Nishant Choubey.

Comedian Papa CJ says, I dont think people who like pineapple on a pizza should be discriminated against. I think, they should be restricted to eating at outlets that are within 500 metres of a national highway, so that they can experience what it tastes like to eat pineapple on pizza when they are sober. His wisecrack refers to the recent ban on the sale of liquor near Indian highways.

In February this year, Icelandic President Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson suggested an outright ban on pineapple on a pizza in his country. Banning is a step too far, says chef Vikramjit Roy. But as a chef, I agree with Ramsays opinion that pineapple simply doesnt go on a pizza. The combination just doesnt work. For Italians, pizza is considered sacred; they dont appreciate pineapple on a pizza. It kills the authenticity. Whenever a chef creates something, there is logic and science behind it. But not in this case. Pineapple just destroys the taste.

This cant change a pineapple-on-a-pizza lovers mind. No matter how many experts disagree, if the customers demand Hawaiian pizza, then they have to respect it and they have to cater to it. I like pineapple on a pizza and I dont care what anyone says or thinks about that. Nothing can stop me from having it, declares fashion designer Anupama Dayal.

@GordonRamsay @7Skies I mean. Who cares what you like bro? Pineapple on pizza is the shit! (And tuna too). Case closed.  Myon (@MyonMuzik) April 4, 2017

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Mukti Bhawan

Cast: Adil Hussain, Lalit Behl, Geetanjali Kulkarni

Director: Shubhashish Bhutiani

Rating: 4/5

Kitne din lagenge? a wife asks her husband  whos about to travel to Benares with his aged father  while fervently applying moisturiser. The scene has the banality of a conversation in a middle-class Indian family.

Actually, these are extraordinary circumstances. The father, Daya, a retired school teacher (Lalit Behl) has a death wish. To be more specific, he wants to check in to Mukti Bhawan, a hotel that really exists in Benares, where people check in to die, in the belief that the path out of here leads to salvation.

Cinema must often rely on dramatization to highlight a story. But when your subject is so bizarre, the challenge is to treat it with measure and normalcy. Director Shubhashish Bhutianis powerful feature-film debut, Mukti Bhawan, does not only that, but manages to add a lens of scepticisim and humour to what is otherwise a morbid, depressing story.

Benares is the epicentre of the Hindu religion. It is where you go as a child to shave your head; as an adult to be rid of your sins; and where you hope to die and be cremated. The circle of life plays out here in fast forward, over and over, with dizzying, disturbing universality.

Mukti Bhawan is a heightened culmination of Benares, a last leap of faith for the unquestioning believer. Maas, machhi to nahi khaate? Daru to nahi peete? you get asked at the gate by a man called Mishraji (Anil Rastogi), its veteran manager. It is for the staunchest of Hindus, for those who have rigidly followed the laid-down path.

Bhutiani rarely goes out of his way to criticize this way, choosing to show rather than tell. In Mukti Bhawans rules, he shows the rigidity of the religion itself, one that demands blind belief, and does not encourage debate or deviance.

Yet, in the commercial approach of the place, he also shows the ruthless business of religion. Mishra gives the same spiel of high demand, and a room just having been vacated, to everyone. The banter is deliberately like that at any regular hotel. To flout the two-week stay cut-off, Mishra is also happy to change your name in the hotel register. In effect, we have a death-wish hotel, where the amenities include bhajan sessions, kapaal bharti on the ghat, boating on the river, and materialistic ties such as addiction to TV soaps.

There is a thin, sensitive line between scepticism and ridicule. Especially when it comes to Hinduism. Especially in the times we live in. Bhutiani is acutely aware of this. So, he chooses to tell the story primarily through the eyes of Rajiv (Adil Hussain), Behls middle-aged accountant son. But he also shifts focus and looks at him critically at times. Hes a man torn between tradition and modernity; between a boss on an incessantly vibrating phone and the sense of duty of a good son. He has the objectivity to question Mukti Bhawan and its staff, and to see it as a business model. But he has the same rigidity he hates in his father, in setting up an arranged marriage for his daughter without asking her. Hussain isnt just credible as the everyman, he is brilliant. You see a bit of the everyson in him, and the everyfather. You agree when he is critical; you tear up when he cries.

In the end, rather than being about the heavy religious stuff, it is about universal human drama. As a father and son reconcile, it is near heart-breaking. As an old man and his grandaughter sneak out for bhang, it tells you that the most devout have mischief in them. Bhutiani gives death its due dignity, and yet retains its objectivity and subtlety. It makes you laugh, and cry, and think and question. Its what good cinema and storytelling are meant to do.

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To reduce traffic congestion in Mira-Bhayandar and Thane, the state government has announced that it will establish a water transport system on Thane creek with jetties at eight places.

If all goes according to plan, the waterway will be operational in three years.

The transport system will connect cardinal areas through jetties at Kalyan, Vasai, Mira-Bhayander, Ghodbandar Road, Bhiwandi, Kolshet, Diva and Thane.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) conducted a survey and came up with a positive feasibility report, after which the state government decided that it would start work on the project in the next two months.

Estimated to cost Rs100 crore, the project will be jointly implemented by the MMB, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation. According to MMB officers, the two municipal corporations will fund the project according to the area that falls under their jurisdiction. The TMC will pitch in Rs32 crore, while the two agencies are expected put it almost the same amount.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that he will appoint a dedicated officer to implement the project and ensure that it meets its deadline. The state government will not leave any stone unturned and see to it that the project is completed in the stipulated period. The detailed report will soon be prepared by agencies involved. Not only will it help us reduce congestion in Mira-Bhayandar and Thane, but also on adjacent roads in Mumbai. The pollution levels and cost of travel will drop significantly, he said.

Fadnavis said that the Central government had various waterway projects lined up, including Ro-Ro services at Gorai, Vasai and Bhayander under its Sagarmala project. The Inland Waterway Authority of India has notified 14 waterways with the total length of 145km in Maharshtra, of which seven are on creeks and seven on rivers. The creek waterway will be called National Waterway-53.

The CM said that the governments endevour was to complete all water transport projects in the next three years.

Water transport on the eastern coast of Mumbai will soon be a reality as construction of jetties, bream water work for Mandwa terminal, Ro-Ro services between Mandwa, Nerul and Ferry Wharf has begun. We can operate the services on the eastern coast of the city for almost 10 to 11 months a year. Services on the wastern coast  between Nariman Point and Borivli  do not seem feasible because of the volatile sea that restricts the services to six months, he said.

Fadnavis was replying to a calling attention by Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik and BJP legislator Sanjay Kelkar.

The beautification at Gaimukh has already begun and expected to complete in a few moths. The waterway will connect Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai Virar, Kalyan Dombivli, Bhiwandi, Thane and Navi Mumbai, once extended later. We have been pushing for this for the past seven years, Sarnaik said.

Fadnavis assured the house that he will consider the track Ro-Ro service between Kasheli and Ghodbandar in Thane for the diversion of the heavy traffic such as trucks that head towards Thane and Gujarat.

READ MORE

Will extend Metro network to Mira-Bhayandar and airport: Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis

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Five years after she was denied admission to the MBBS course in a private college despite qualifying for it, a 24-year-old Firdos Vahajuddin Ansari from Raigad district will get Rs20 lakh as compensation. The Bombay high court held the Maharashtra government liable for failing to act against the colleges, which denied her admission and let in under qualified students instead, and ordered it to pay her the amount.

Failure to secure admission despite having the merit has damaged her career and her right to practice as a doctor in future has been taken away, said the division bench of Justice Shantanu Kemkar and Justice Prakash Naik. Such an act must have caused the petitioner and her family great mental agony, stress and torture.

The bench held the state government liable as it had completely ignored the recommendations of the Pravesh Niyantran Samiti, framed in 2012.

The Samiti had pointed out the glaring violations committed by the private colleges, which had denied her admission and admitted lesser meritorious students instead. It asked the colleges to cancel the admissions and also move the apex court to seek an extension for the admission procedure so that deserving candidates get a bite at the cake. The state authorities did nothing even after this.

Ansari had approached the high court in 2013 and pointed out irregularities in the admission process of private unaided medical colleges, seeking a fresh round of admissions so that she could pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. Recently, she had filed a plea for compensation from the state because it had failed to act.

The plea was opposed by the state government, that contending that though Ansari could not get admission to MBBS course, she was pursuing a BDS course. Because this was a medical degree, her plea cannot be allowed. The high court rejected the objection.

The court also rejected the states contention that the irregularities were committed by private unaided medical colleges and therefore the state could not be made liable to compensate the petitioner. The bench discarded this contention saying that the petitioner was a victim of irregularities committed by two specific colleges and in spite of specific recommendations of the Pravesh Niyantran Samiti, the state had failed to act.

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Bombay high court seeks details of utilisation of CMs relief fund for past 8 years

Assault on Maha doctors: Bombay high court asks for CCTV footage to probe attacks
The Bombay high court on Thursday directed the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit detailing the utilisation of the Chief Ministers Relief Fund from the year 2008-09 onwards.

The court also directed the government to submit for its perusal the application submitted by it to the Income Tax Authority under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT), founded by prominent citizens like B G Deshmukh and Julio Ribeiro. The organisation approached the HC in 2009, contending that the funds collected under the Chief Ministers Relief Fund have not been utilised for the requisite purpose.

The organisation said in its petition that the funds were meant to provide help to persons affected by natural calamities like floods and drought, but was being diverted to purposes which are alien to the concept of natural calamities.

On Thursday, when the PIL came up for hearing, the organisations lawyer, advocate Soma Singh, submitted that in August 2009 the government was directed to produce the application submitted to the Income Tax authority for tax exemption under section 80-G of the Income Tax Act, but the application has not yet been submitted to the court.

The court then also directed the government to produce the tax exemption application and postponed the PIL for further hearing after two weeks.

Also read: Maharashtra: CMs relief fund helps Nashik man get a heart transplant
The Sardar Patel Institute of Technology in Andheri, the Vidyalankar Institute of Technology in Wadala, the DJ Sanghvi College in Vile Parle and the Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research are some of the prominent professional colleges in the city who had their fees reduced significantly by the states fee regulating authority (FRA).

This is the first time FRA has reduced the fees charged at most of the colleges running professional courses, including medical, engineering, management, pharmacy, law and architecture courses, instead of hiking them. The move came after the regulator found many colleges indulging in malpractices to swell their expenditure bills and extract more fees from the students.

An analysis of the change in fee structure of 150 professional courses in the city colleges between academic years 2015-16 and 17-18 suggests that most institutes have had their fees reduced significantly. Even those who have been allowed to raise their fees, can increase it only marginally.

The regulator has slashed the fees of engineering courses in the city on all three levels  diploma, degree and masters  with a higher proportion of diploma and masters programmes facing fee cuts compared to degree courses. Other courses such as MBA, BSc nursing, master of computer application (MCA), architecture and pharmacy are also set to be cheaper at many of the colleges. However, FRA is yet to decide the new fee structures at many of the citys institutes.

Among the engineering programmes, the biggest cuts have been witnessed for the master of engineering (ME) course at Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala (59%), Jondhale Polytechnics in Dombivli, Ambernath and Asangaon (39% to 27%), polytechnic and bachelor of engineering (BE) at MGM College in Navi Mumbai (25% and 21%) and ME at Shah and Anchor Kutchhi Engineering College in Chembur (22%).

Among B-schools, MBA programmes at SASMIRAs Institute in Worli (39%), SS Jondhale Institute in Asangaon, Thakur Institute in Kandivli (both 32%) and Atharva Institute Malad (29%) top the list of fee cuts.

Among the medical and dental colleges, BDS post-graduation (PG) prgramme at YMT Dental College (29%) and both BDS and BDS PG programmes at MGM in Navi Mumbai (both 14%) have become cheaper.

Among other courses, Jondhale College of Pharmacy (32%) Jaslok College of Nursing at Pedder Road (31%) and MCA at AC Patil College of Engineering in Navi Mumbai (26%) faced the highest fee reduction.

FRA is responsible for regulating the fees of all the unaided private professional colleges in the state. Every year, the colleges submit proposals for changing their fee structure to the authority, which considers a number of indicators such as nature of the course, number of students, teaching and non-teaching staff, infrastructure and other facilities at the college before fixing the fees.

The colleges are generally allowed a 10% fee hike every year, but the regulator decided to cut it instead after it found many colleges indulging in malpractices to swell their expenditure bills and extract more fees from the students.

Read

In Maharashtra: Professional course fees reduced by 20%

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 6

Trend:

The Pentagon and the White House are in detailed discussions on military options to respond to a poison gas attack in Syria that killed scores of civilians, and which Washington has blamed on the Syrian government, a U.S. official said on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will presumably discuss the options when he meets with President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Mattis is due in Florida later on Thursday as part of a prescheduled trip.

Talks about potential responses are already under way, including between Mattis and White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster, the official added.
A three-month-old was given a new lease of life on Wednesday after his heart stopped beating for 45 minutes.

Doctors from Mumbais Wadia Hospital managed to revive the infant by connecting his heart to an artificial mechanical circulatory support systemthat stabilised the organ. The child is fit now, and can lead a normal life, said doctors.

Aaradhya Wagh, who lives in Dhule, was born with a hole in his heart. Immediately after birth, he had started turning blue. Doctors say such babies, born with limited capacity of the heart to pump fresh blood in the body, are popularly called blue babies, due to low levels of oxygen in the blood.

Aaradhyas heart had a hole and the blood outlet from it was too small. Doctors told us that it made the heart unable to pump enough blood and provide oxygen to his body. The chances of him surviving with this condition in Dhule was slim and so why we came to Mumbai with high hopes, said Ravindra Wagh, father of the child.

A BT shunt surgery  which is an emergency procedure, performed to increase oxygen supply to the body  was performed last week. But 24 hours after the procedure, Aaradhyas blood pressure dropped and his heart stopped functioning. This was when the medical team at Wadia hospital sprung into action.

It took nearly 26 hours for the heart to start beating normally. We tried artificially resuscitating the heart for 45 minutes, but it remained non-functional. Throughout that period, I was slowly massaging it so that it started pumping. It was a great relief for the team once the heart started working, said Dr Biswa Panda, chief paediatric cardiac surgeon at Wadia hospital.

He added that Aaradhyas heart problem had been diagnosed in the womb. There are very few mothers who decide to go ahead and give birth to a child with such a condition. After delivery, the he got critical as his blood had only 50-60% oxygen. A chest infection made the scenario worse, he said.

In the next two days, Aaradhyas body started functioning normally. He could urinate as usual and his heartbeat was normal. He started feeding and was out of the ventilator in a few days. The hospital didnt charge the parents considering that they were underprivileged.

We will always be grateful to the hospital and especially Dr Panda who gave our son a new life. We are very simple people and struggle to make ends meet. Thanks to the support of the medical team at the hospital, which treated our son like their own, said Ravindra.

Minnie Bodhanwala, chief of Wadia hospital, said the institution was glad to have helped Aaradhya. Our modern equipment and a well-qualified team helps provide such facilities for children, she said.
The yellow Lamborghini, which hit headlines last year after the wife of a BJP MLA drove it into an autorickshaw within seconds of taking it out for the first time, is back in focus. Mira-Bhayander MLA Narendra Mehta was spotted with the luxury car at the state legislature on Thursday.

Mehta had gifted the Rs 5.5-crore car to his wife, Suman, on her birthday in August last year. Suman had lost control of the car seconds after she started driving while trying to take a turn and rammed it into a stationary autorickshaw.

WATCH: BJP MLA Narendra Mehta's wife rams newly gifted Lamborghini into an auto rickshaw, in Maharashtra (Aug 27th)https://t.co/k1HAvFJTOe  ANI (@ANI_news) August 30, 2016

On Thursday, Mehta drove the car to Vidhan Bhavan at Nariman Point around 11am and left soon after the media spotted him with the wheels.

Mehta is a businessman-turned-politician, who is also involved in construction, healthcare and education projects on the outskirts of Mumbai. He was elected to the state Assembly for the first time in 2014. Having started his career as a politician in 1997, Mehta was the mayor at Mira-Bhayander and also the district president of the BJP until 2014.

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The traditional bullock-cart races will soon re-start in Maharashtra as the state legislature on Thursday cleared a bill revoking the ban imposed in 2014.

The bill will be sent to the President for a final nod.

Significantly, while the legislators rooted for lifting the ban on bullock-cart racing  which was objected to by animal rights activists on the issue of cruelty to animals  a BJP legislator demanded the death sentence for those involved in slaughtering cows.

Bullock-cart racing has been a popular tradition in some parts of Maharashtra known as Bailgada Sharyat or Shankarpat in various parts of the state. Bullock-cart races are conducted on a particular day during fairs in villages. It has played vital role in preserving native breeds as well as maintaining the purity of their breeds and health, stated the bill.

With this, Maharashtra has become third state to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to legalise bullock-cart racing after ban on Jallikattu, traditional bull fight in Tamil Nadu was revoked. Animal rights activists had opposed bullock-cart racing alleging that the animals were being subjected to torture in the race.

According to the amendments incorporated in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, those found guilty for pain or suffering to the animal will also have to face with fine up to Rs5 lakh or maximum punishment up to three years in jail.

State animal husbandry minister Mahadev Jankar said that they have taken all the precautions so that animals are not be treated cruelly during the race and thus will not violate any directive passed by the Supreme Court.

During the debate on the bill, BJP legislator Mangalprabhat Lodha demanded death sentence for those involved in slaughtering of cows, being considered holy by Hindus.

While supporting the bill, another BJP legislator Ashish Shelar questioned why horse racing in the city was not banned on similar grounds of cruelty against animals.

Also read: Like TN, Maharashtra CM must remove ban on bullock-cart race: Shiv Sena

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The Bombay high court said the Maharashtra government has no statutory powers to direct municipal bodies to close slaughter houses and meat shops on any particular day.

A bench of justices AS Oka and AK Menon last Friday set aside a state government circular issued on March 28, 2003, directing all local bodies in the state to shut all slaughter houses and meat shops in deference to Mahavir Jayanti.

The additional government pleader had failed to point out the statutory provisions under which the circular was issued. After studying the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act and the Town Planning Act, the court concluded that there exists no statutory provisions that enable the Maharashtra government to direct local bodies close meat shops and abattoirs on religious festivals, explained the bench.

The judges observations came to light on Thursday when government counsel Hiten Venegaonkar informed another division bench led by Justice Anoop V Mohta about it.

Venegaonkar submitted that considering Justice Okas order and the fact that the 2003 circular had been set aside, the state could no more issue directions to restrict the sale and/or slaughter of meat in deference to religious festivals and that only local civic bodies have the powers to do so.

Justice Mohta, however, pointed out that there were two more circulars issued by the state, seeking to ban meat. He asked the state whether the annulment of the March 2003 circular meant that there could not be any restrictions on the sale and slaughter of meat and whether local bodies are legally empowered to ensure implementation of such bans.

Justice Mohta was hearing a plea filed in 2015 by the Bombay Mutton Dealers Association which challenged a circular issued at the time by the BMC and the state government. The circular banned slaughter and sale of mutton and chicken in Mumbai for four days in September that year because of the Jain festival of Paryushan.

The HC is likely to take up the matter for further hearing next week.

Read

Bombay high court asks Maharashtra government to decide on dates for meat ban during festivals

Sena wants inquiry against officials over closed meat shops during Paryushan

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For Sarthak Wakchoure and Shruti Dumbre, last Friday was special as they celebrated traditional day in their college at Lonavla. Being final-year students, it was their last traditional day on campus as they were to leave in two months.

But three days later, Sarthak, 22, and Shruti  one year his junior  were found dead on a hill near INS Shivaji in Lonavla. Their hands were tied behind their back before they were bludgeoned to death with a blunt object. They were found naked, police said. The police officers said injury marks were found on the girls body although the preliminary post-mortem report indicated no sexual assault.

Sarthaks parents alleged that their son and friend was killed by hardened criminals. The police, however, said they are working on some leads and hope to crack the case soon. We suspect more than one person was involved in killing Sarthak and Shruti. We have got some leads based on which we are sure to crack the case, said Pune superintendent of police Huvez Haque.

Sarthak, a native of Rahuri in Ahmednagar district, was aspiring to serve the country by joining the Army. Sarthak always wanted to join Indian Army and had recently appeared for an exam. At the core of his heart though, he was an artiste, who made two documentary films, said his friend Shubham Pandit.

Shruti was the most educated person in her family and was to soon be an employee of IT giant, Accenture, in Pune.

She was quite enthusiastic about the job she had secured through the campus interview. It was almost like a dream coming true for her, said her uncle Santosh Naikwadi. Shrutis friend said that she, a student of computer engineering, had made various plans for her first day into the job.

She was to join Accenture IT firm after her exam. She was really happy about being selected for Accenture and had planned so many things, said her friend, who was also to join with her at the same firm.

According to Shrutis friend, Sarthak and she had planned the outing. Shruti, a native of Otur in Pune district, who used to stay at the hostel on campus , had told her friends that she is going out with friend and will return late. We waited till late before finally informing college authorities when Shruti did not return to hostel, said her friend, requesting anonymity.

Friends of Sarthak and Shruti said, they never expected that they will get to hear the news of their friends murder. We never thought life will end so abruptly for Sarthak and Shruti, said Sarthaks class mate. His father said Sarthak was to soon come home after completing his college days. I was hoping that he will soon step into my shoes and help me. Destiny had a different thing for him, said Dilip Wakchoure.

While speaking to Hindustan Times on Tuesday, inspector general Vishwas Nagre Patil had ruled out the possibility of sexual assault or a caste angle behind the murder. We are working on different angles, but the main focus is robbery, said Nagre Patil.

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Maharashtra: Engineering students stripped, bludgeoned to death in Lonavala

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The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration on Thursday tabled its action plan  in which it has proposed a fare hike  to the BEST committee, its policy-making body. The plan irked the BEST Workers Union, which threatened to go on strike if it was implemented. BEST sources said the ruling party, the Shiv Sena, will discuss the proposal once the public and BEST staff have calmed down.

The BEST administration has proposed a minimum fare of Rs12, up from Rs8, for ordinary buses. The fare of AC buses will be hiked from Rs15 to Rs 25.

Going through its worst financial crisis, with outstanding loans worth Rs-1995.55 crore till March 1, and cumulative losses of Rs2142.08 crore, the century-old body came up with the action plan after discussing it with municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta for more than three months.

Some of the plans suggestions will directly affect 30 lakh suburban commuters, while others will increase the troubles of BEST staffers. The body proposed a hike in regular bus pass rates and the rates of concessional bus passes issued to school children, retired staffs and reporters, discontinuing the happy-hour pass scheme.

In another move that will hit commuters, BEST plans to reduce its fleet from 3,798 buses to 3,337. BEST plans to stop plying buses on 150 routes which earn 40% or less than the amount needed to operate the bus.

Jagdish Patil, BEST general manager, said these buses will be diverted to other routes.

Only 3 lakh commuters travel on these routes. Diverting these buses to other routes will allow us to provide better service to the 20 to 21 lakh commuters on other routes, said Patil.

BEST also proposes to freeze the dearness allowance of its staff, and curtail their allowances, perks and welfare schemes. Along with a temporary hiring freeze, the undertaking plans to terminate the services of employees older than 55 who have bad service record.

The BEST Workers Union, led by Shashank Rao, protested against the plan, terming it anti-labour and saying it violated service rules.

Terming the fare hike suicidal, transport experts highlighted the need to restructure BESTs operations. They said the BMC must support the unprofitable transport body.

Considering BESTs competition, it will be suicidal to increase bus fares at this time. BEST will be badly hit, said AV Shenoy, transport expert.

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In Mumbai: BEST mulls hiking fares by 4, reducing services to cut losses

In Mumbai: 40,000 BEST employees got February salary last week

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The mangrove forests around sector 8, Charkop in Kandivli witnessed a fourth fire this month on Wednesday, and the fourteenth since last year.

Residents living close to the wetland filed complaints with the district collector and state mangrove cell on Thursday about a fresh fire that charred the mangroves, and had to be doused by the city fire brigade.

Officials from the Mumbai fire brigade said that when they reached the spot, the fire had spread across 20 feet and mostly garbage was burning. Six fire officers from our Kandivli branch doused the fire within half-an-hour, said a duty officer.

Residents said that there were two reasons why frequency of these fires was increasing. Miscreants are trying to construct illegal shanties by lighting fires to the mangrove patches and removing them. The second cause being hawkers dumping their daily trash over the compound wall into the mangroves, said Mili Shetty, the resident who filed the complaint. The area is identified as a reserved forest and the mangrove cell needs to increase security.

To control the recurring fires, civic body officials said that they will be carrying out a cleanup drive at the Charkop mangroves on April 14 and 15. Frequent fires have become a cause of concern as some people are trying to encroach into the protected mangrove cover, said Sahebrao Gaikwad, ward officer. The cleanup drive will help remove the garbage so that the area does not catch fire easily. Additionally, an awareness drive will be conducted for locals.

He added that more beat marshals will be deputed at the site to increase vigilance.

Mangrove cell officials said that after the cleanup, all encroachments will be removed from the site. We have got clearance from the state to carry out large scale demolition drive to remove illegal shanties so that the mangrove patch is untouched. It is crucial that this patch is completely restored before the monsoon to avoid flooding, said Makarand Ghodke, assistant conservator of forest, Mumbai Mangrove Conservation Unit.

Past cases

April 1, 2017  Fire was lit during the afternoon by miscreants across a 5 metre mangrove patch that was doused by residents using buckets of water before it could further spread

March 26, 2017  A fire was lit by unidentified persons that quickly spread across 50 metres within the mangrove area at sector 8 Charkop, which is fenced by a wall. The fire was doused after an hour.

March 8, 2017 - On March 9, a fire spread across half-a-kilometre stretch of mangroves at the same area and during the first week of February, a fire had destroyed a number of mangrove trees and was doused two hours after complaints were made.

February 8, 2017 - A minor fire reported near the compound wall along the mangrove cover at Sector 8, Charkop that destroyed a number of mangrove trees and was doused two hours after complaints were made. Residents lodged complaints with BMC but no action was taken.

December 4, 2016 - Fire spotted by local residents along one-kilometre patch at sector 8, Charkop. Residents alleged that the land mafia burnt mangrove trees to make way for illegal constructions. Fire was doused after three hours but no action was taken by BMC.

June 3, 2016 - A one-and-half acre mangrove patch was wiped out due to a raging fire during the night. Residents alerted the BMC and the Mumbai fire department. The fire was doused in a few hours.

January 21, 2016  Local activist Reji Abrahami filed a complaint with the civic body alleging that about 350 illegal hutments had cropped up on the wetlands and recurring cases of fires were reported from Charkop (Kandivali west) in connivance with local slumlords. The civic body demolished majority of the hutments after the complaint. However, a day later the shanties resurfaced close to the same location.

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A sessions court has overturned the verdict of a magistrate court by acquitting a man who was booked for creating a fake social media profile and sending obscene messages. The decision was taken after the court noted that instead of carrying out the forensic analysis of the hard disk, its mirror image was analysed and the report of that was produced as evidence while flouting the stipulated conditions prescribed under section 65 (B) of the Evidence Act.

The court noted that the prosecution had relied on printouts of emails and had not supported it with a statement and certificate as prescribed under section 65B (2) and section 65B (4) of the Act.

This negligence from the forensic analyst, police and prosecution ensured that all the key evidences collected from the computer, and correspondences made with internet server companies with respect to IP addresses of the accused, were rendered inadmissible.

Yogesh Prabhu, who was acquitted by the court, was booked in March 2009 for sending obscene emails to a woman. The accused had allegedly made a fake profile on social media with her telephone number which had resulted in the victim get calls from unknown taxi and auto drivers seeking sexual favours.

The woman then registered a complaint with Shivaji Nagar police station and the police officials, with the help of the cyber cell of Mumbai police, tracked down the IP address and arrested Prabhu.

Police seized Prabhus laptop and hard disk and had also recorded his supervisors statement in which he said Prabhu had used the laptop. The data from the computer of the complainant was also collected to prove the receipt of the mails.

Prabhu was charged under sections 67 (publishing of information which is obscene in electronic form) and 67-A (publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act) of the Information Technology (IT) Act along with section 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Prabhu was also charged under section 66 (E) of the Information Technology Act  punishment for violation of privacy in which he was convicted by the magistrates court. But the Sessions court set aside the conviction while observing, The reasoning given by the learned trial court is not proper. The ingredients of section 67 & 67-A and ingredients of section 66-E are totally different. The offence u/s.66-E of the said Act is not a milder form of the offences under sections 67 and 67-A of the said Act. So the accused could not have been convicted and sentenced for the offence under section 66-E without being charged for the same. Besides, the prosecutions case does not say the accused transmitted any image of a private area of the victim. So the ingredients of section 66-E of the said Act are not attracted at all.

Further the sessions court also acquitted Prabhu for the offence under Section 509 of IPC as the police failed to bring the mandatory certificate from the owner of the instrument from where data was collected.

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Mumbai woman gets over 100 lewd calls a day

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The Mulund police have registered a case of defamation against an unknown person after a 23-year-old consultant of a leading textile firm complained that she had been receiving calls from several unknown people asking for her one-night rate.

The police said she had been getting more than 100 calls a day and that the calls continued to come in while she registered her complaint at the police station.

An officer from Mulund police station, who did not wish to be named, said, The woman has been getting such calls since the first week of March. Unknown people call her many times a day and ask for her one-night rate.

After the barrage of calls began, the woman learnt that an unknown person had posted her photo and her number on a Facebook group called Padosan ka adda. The Mulund police are seeking help from the cyber cell to get the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the administrator of the Facebook group.

After we get the IP address and the location of the suspect we will be able to arrest him or her and investigate accordingly, said an officer.

The woman has also told the police that in February she had removed one of her colleagues from an office Whatsapp group and that she suspects that he holds a grudge against her because of this.

The officer said, We requested the woman to change her phone number but as she is a consultant she cannot afford to do so without losing clients.

The police have registered a case under sections 500 (defamation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code, and 66(c) and 67(a) of the Information technology Act.

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17-year-old girl receives lewd calls, texts after her phone no. appears on porn site

While others celebrate womens day, six women politicians in Maharashtra flag issue of safety

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A special court for the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act recently gave the Nehru Nagar police a week to trace a 15-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by her father and an autorickshaw driver. She went missing in October last year. She was supposed to depose before the court on Tuesday.

According to the prosecution, the father first raped the girl when her mother was not at home in October 2013.

Meanwhile, the girl fell in love with a neighbour and decided to elope with him owing to constant harassment from her father. On October 25, 2014, the boy, said the prosecution, backed out and she was left alone.

In the evening, she entered an empty autorickshaw and slept in it. The driver of the auto showed sympathy and took her to his house. The prosecution said he later raped and impregnated her.

Four months after fleeing her house, she contacted her mother and informed her about her ordeal. The girl returned to her house in May 2015, according to the prosecution. The police arrested the driver her father after maternal uncle and the mother registered a complaint with Nehru Nagar police station.

The trial started in July 2016. It is alleged that the mother has not completely corroborated allegations against her husband. Even after the summons, sent in October, the girl was not found.

The prosecution assured the court that they had been trying to trace the girl. Instead, the prosecution brought a doctor for deposition which was rejected by the court. The court, however, asked the police to find the girl first.

On Tuesday, a senior inspector of Nehru Nagar police station appeared before the court and assured the court that they were making all efforts to trace the girl. The court also asked the officer to check if the mother had confined the teenager to protect her husband. The officer said they will try to find the girl in a week.

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Man held in Gujarat for raping 10-year-old Mumbai girl

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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged coalition forces, especially the United States to join hands in taking concrete actions following the deadly chemical attack in Syria, Anadolu reported.

Speaking in a live television interview on Thursday evening, Erdogan said: "If something [concrete] is to be done [over Idlib attack], we, as Turkey, are ready to do our part.

Let's come together with all the coalition forces, particularly the United States... Please, let's see who is a friend, an enemy and a virus in the region, and let's act accordingly."

He called on the U.S. President Donald Trump to stand by his remarks following the attack in Syrias western Idlib province.

On Tuesday, a chemical attack allegedly by the Bashar al-Assad regime in Idlib left more than 100 civilians dead and 500 others -- mostly children -- injured.

The findings of the World Health Organization confirmed the use of chemical weapons in the attack while the Syrian regime denied allegations it targeted the area with chemical weapons.

On Wednesday, Trump told a news conference the chemical attack in Idlib province "crosses many, many lines".

"These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated," the U.S. president said, adding: "My attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much."

The Turkish president also said the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "not understanding who is behind" the chemical attack is "worrying for us."

About anti-Daesh operations through Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters, Erdogan said the next targets were Manbij and Raqqah following the operations in Al-Bab and Dabiq in northern Syria.

"Let's leave Manbij to its own residents," Erdogan said, adding: "Who are its own residents? They are Arabs, there are no Kurds there."

About the approach of U.S. former President Barack Obama towards the PYD/YPG terror organizations and supply of weapons to them, Erdogan said the issue had been discussed with Trump administration.

"We have documents. You gave weapons to PYD/YPG terrorist organizations, which also benefitted Daesh," he said.

"We do not want to fall into the same trap again. If you want to do something like humanitarian aid, let us do it together," he added.

Turkey has repeatedly warned the U.S. against partnering with the PYD/YPG for offensives against Daesh and said that the country would not accept any involvement of the PKK-affiliated terrorist organizations in such operations.

Although the PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by both Turkey and the U.S., the President Barack Obama-led administration considered its Syrian offshoot the PYD -- and its armed wing the YPG  as "reliable partners" in the region in the fight against Daesh.
The alleged mastermind behind the bogus call centre racket in Thane that cheated Americans out of millions of dollars is suspected to be hiding in Europe after being traced in Dubai a couple of months ago, police said on Thursday.

Officials said the process of getting a Red Corner notice against Sagar Thakkar alias Shaggy was underway and is likely to take a couple of months.

RCN is issued by the Interpol to seek location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition or similar lawful action. It is a request from one country to another to arrest and deport the wanted individual.

Thane Police raided at least 9 such bogus call centres founded by Thakkar in October last year and arrested 70 employees and booked 630, who were let off after taking down their names and addresses.

The Thane crime branch filed a 5,000-page chargesheet in the case in December 2016 that named 700 people as accused. The police also filed supplementary chargesheet in February showing the properties that were seized.

As per the charge sheet, employees of these call centres targetted US citizens by masquerading as officials from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and department of treasury and extorted millions of dollars by making fake calls and threatening people with tax fraud or tax evasion.

The probe that followed found that the centres were used as a front to cheat loan defaulters in the US.

Thakkar roped in several of his childhood friends to form a network of trustworthy floor managers, who then ran the multi-million dollar con across cities, officials said.

The business ran like the pyramid marketing schemes in which everyone contributes to the overall success. That is probably why they kept business secrets so well that no one found out about the scheme for so long, officials added.

Thakkar, who has been named in the chargesheet, left the country two weeks before the October 4 raid and changed his location after that. He was in touch with a few of the accused after police raided the call centres in Mira Road in Thane.

Police sources said Thakkar rarely visited the call centres and whenever he came to Mumbai or Thane he would meet the top managers outside the premises.

Police have learnt that Sagars elder sister Reema, 27, helped him manage the call centres finances. Reema maintained the salary register of the call centres and would visit them regularly.

She and Sagar would distribute the employees salaries, sources said.

Reema went underground as soon as the scam was unearthed, officials said.

Police said Thakkar led a flamboyant lifestyle, frequented 5-star hotels and drove expensive cars. They added the 23-year-old gifted a Rs 2.5 crore Audi R8 to his girlfriend on her birthday.

Thakkar bought the luxury car from an Indian test cricketer who sold it to him for Rs 70 lakh. The car was seized by the police.

The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for extortion, cheating, destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy, apart from sections of the Indian Telegraph Act and IT Act.

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The Palghar police have registered a case of rioting and assault on a government servant against about 500 villagers who tried to stop a survey work for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, work for which is supposed to start in 2018. The ruckus is said to have started because the surveying firm allegedly refused to show their ID cards when the villagers and a sarpanch asked for them.

No one has been arrested yet.

On Tuesday, a team of eight engineers from IIC Technologies, Hyderabad, came to Padghe village to conduct a survey for the rail corridor. As the team were preparing to start work, angry villagers from Padghe, Kalale, Varangade, Maan, Dapseepada, Pawarpada, Lombadpada and other villages assembled there and asked the team for their ID cards.

Nikita Lad, the sarpanch of Padghe, said, I asked the engineers what their purpose was and demanded to see their ID cards. They refused, saying that they are answerable to the Railway authorities and no one else. Later, they told us that they were surveying the land for the proposed Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train.

What is worse, some of the engineers said that our land and farms would be taken up for the project,and we will be given land to settle in Nandurbar and Latur, as part of the Project Affected People (PAP) policy. This infuriated us, said Prashant Patil, social activist.

A heated argument ensued between the villagers and the engineers, and the team had to stop the survey. The police intervened and registered a case under sections 353 (assault of government servant on duty), 143,147,148,149 (rioting) and other relevant sections under the Indian Penal Code against unknown persons.

No one has been arrested yet, said inspector Sanjay Hazare from the Palghar police.

We are not against the national project, but the engineers could have behaved properly. After all, we are the ones who stand to be affected in the long run, said Patil.

The other projects, besides the bullet train, that will be carried out in Palghar are the proposed coastal highway, the Mumbai-New Delhi corridor, the mega Mumbai-Vadodara highway and other projects, in Palghar district.

These projects will need the farmers to give up on their lands and we are already worried. Now they say that we will be displaced to Nandurbar or Latur and this is just shocking. With the proposed bullet train, the farmers will be asked to farm 500m away from the site and we will have to travel 10 km to reach the other side of our farms, said Patil.
Residents of Greater Noida will have to wait another year to get supply of Ganga water. The Greater Noida authority on Thursday said that it will start supplying the water to the city by March 2018. It has decided to complete this Rs300-crore Ganga Water Project by the end of 2017. Around 20% of the work on construction of underground water reservoir, water treatment plant and other civil works for the project is completed by now.

At present, residents depend on hard groundwater for drinking, which is often saline.

We will finish the work on water distribution lines in residential and industrial areas very soon. We aim to complete the work on the water reservoir, water treatment plant and the other civil works required by the end of 2017. We will start supplying Ganga water to all households by March 2018, said Deepak Agarwal, chief executive officer (CEO), Greater Noida authority.

The authority had taken a Rs300 crore loan for the project from the National Capital Region planning board (NCRPB), a Central government agency meant to monitor and help infrastructure and housing projects in and around Delhi.

We aim to procure 85 cusecs of drinking water from the Masuri-Dehra Ganga Canal in the first phase. The authority is constructing a water treatment plant at Palla village in Greater Noida, said Rajiv Tyagi, general manager, Greater Noida authority.

We plan to supply 100% of the drinking water supply from the Ganga without extracting any groundwater for mixing, said Tyagi.

The authority plans to supply the water to over three lakh Greater Noida residents in the first phase. Later, it will supply it to 12 lakh people, which is the estimated population of Greater Noida as per the Master Plan 2021.

We had applied for the Rs300-crore loan for our Ganga water project in 2011. The project got delayed because the NCRPB took a long time to approve the loan as there was a land dispute between the government and the farmers for many years. Now, work on the project is in full swing and residents will be supplied good-quality drinking water, said an official of the Greater Noida authority.

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As the feud over pending school fees continues between Delhi Public School (DPS), Gautam Budh Nagar, and the agitating parents, it is the students who suffer.

On Monday, 45 students were rusticated from the school for non-payment of school fees and annual charges. Their parents had refused to pay the fees and have been protesting for the past one year against the 14% fee hike and Rs27,300 levied as annual charge.

The school had kept the results of over 60 children on hold on March 30 for the delay in fee payment. After deliberation, the school finally struck the names of 45 students off its rolls on Monday.

The school alleged that despite several notifications sent to parents over non-payment of fee, the parents chose not to pay heed and they were forced to take that decision. The parents, on the other hand, alleged that despite several notices sent to the school by the state government over illegal increase in fees, the school management did not roll back the hike.

In the middle of all this, the question of the rusticated childrens future remains.

Former DPS students, siblings Deepa and Manish (name changed), have been sitting idle at home for the past one week. After their final exams in March, they usually spend their vacations with their friends, excited about the prospects of being promoted to the next class. However, this year, they have been busy making rounds of different schools for admission.

We had a meeting with the school management after our children were removed from the school rolls. We thought the management would try to negotiate with us to reach the common goal of saving the children from being rusticated. But they made it clear that they are not interested in listening to us and will not readmit the students unless we pay the fees, said Vishal, a parent.

Similarly, the other 43 children have been left without a school and staring at an uncertain future.

We have been raising this issue for the past one year, protesting against the unjust fee hike by DPS management. Earlier, the district and state administration promised us that they will help us in this matter. But now, we are left with no option but to knock on every door possible for help, said Pallavi, another parent.

The parents group had also earlier approached Union women and child welfare minister Maneka Gandhi on March 26, after which she wrote to Union human resource development minister Prakash Javadekar asking him to ensure that the school doesnt get away with unjustified hike in fees.

The district education department too has not been able to help the parents much. Despite issuing orders to the school management in the past over the unjust fee hike, the district education department has now put the onus on the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

On December 26 last year, Mahendra Dev, the joint director of education (Meerut) had written to the DPS management asking for justification for the annual charges and the fee hike.

Now, however, he said, We had a meeting with education department officials over the issue of fee hike by private schools. It was decided by the commissioner that the issue must be resolved by the CBSE as these schools come under its jurisdiction.

Irked by the response of the education department, parents allege that the joint director had kept them in the dark about the issue.

If the joint director now says that the matter is beyond his jurisdiction, why did he issue a letter in the first place? He had raised false hopes with the circular, said Vishal.

However, all may not be lost for the parents as the state government is reportedly planning to introduce an ordinance to regulate the fee structure and workings of private schools. On Wednesday night, chief minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with officials of the education department to find a solution to such problems with private schools.

We are planning to rationalise the school fee structure. The issue of increased fees by private schools was also discussed in the meeting, said Ajay Kumar Singh, secretary, basic education, Uttar Pradesh.

We are hopeful that after CM Yogis meeting, an ordinance will be introduced. But the need of the hour is to save our children, said Anshu, a parent.

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A piece of government paper altered for worse the lives of three children, wife and aged parents of a 35-year-old labourer on Monday. They now live in fear of losing their Murad Nagar house to the Ghaziabad development authority (GDA).

On Monday, Sujit Singh, the only earning member of the family, allegedly committed suicide after falling into depression over repeated notices from the GDA that their small tenement in Jatav Basti was an encroachment on the green belt and had to be demolished.

Officials said the notice was sent in compliance with the orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for removal of encroachments from green belts in Ghaziabad.

Singhs mother said her son was fearful of losing their house after the demolition notice reached him in December.

Officials maintain that the houses there have come up on a green belt adjacent to the erstwhile NH-58.

The family said Sujit Singh was depressed after the authority notice reached him. On Monday, he hung himself from a hook in the house. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

My son was constantly worried about the future? About where we would go if the house was demolished He was the only working member in our family and he earned Rs 5000 to Rs 6000 per month. He was worried about the notices and would often tell me that he built the house after saving a little bit of money. We installed a water tank and concreted the walls a year ago. First, we got a notice to vacate the house and, later, we got a demolition notice, said Raj Bala, Sujits mother.

I was worried he might do something untoward as he was anxious and fearful since the notices started coming. I used to console him every time. He hanged himself to a hook in the afternoon a couple of days ago. We have been living here for decades. I dont know what will happen now and how we will bring up his three children and look after his wife, she said.

Station house officer Haridayal Yadav said the villagers tried to hold a protest after the suicide but they were pacified by officials.

Sujit Singhs brother outside their house in Asalat Nagar in Murad Nagar, Ghaziabad. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

The suicide may be due to some other reasons as well. Since a number of notices were issued in the locality, the locals may be trying to rake up the issue and project it as a fallout of the demolition notices, Yadav said.

The GDA officials said they have served notices to encroachers on green belts in several locations, including Raj Nagar Extension to Murad Nagar, Prahlad Garhi to UP Gate and Crossings Republik to Masuri.

In case we receive replies and it is found that constructions were made previously when the green belts were not declared under the present Master Plan (2021), the notices will be revoked. These constructions were to be removed by March 31 but police and PAC personnel were not available due to election duties and later due to festivals, said Dayanand Prasad, officer on special duty, GDA.

In its survey, the authority officials said they had served notices on permanent constructions in green belts. On the land owned by private parties, notices were served in 680 cases.

The entire exercise came after NGTs directions on a petition filed by Society for Protection of Environment and Biodiversity, which had sought the removal of encroachments and restoration of green belts in Ghaziabad.

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In its drive against foreign nationals staying illegally in Greater Noida, police on Thursday arrested a 26-year-old Nigerian national, Ilegah, for overstaying on an expired visa.

Ilegah will be handed over to the Nigerian high commission on Friday, after which his deportation process will start.

According to police, Ilegah had arrived in India on March 2016 on a three-month medical tourism visa as an attendant for a patient. He had registered himself at a police station in Faridabad upon his arrival. His visa had expired in June 2016, upon which he had successfully applied for an extension. However, his extended visa also expired on December 9, 2016.

We were conducting door-to-door search operations for illegal foreign nationals in Greater Noida when we found Ilegah in Omicron society. Upon seeing his travel documents, we discovered that his visa had expired on December 9 last year and he was staying on an expired visa. We have arrested him, said Mahavir Singh, inspector, Local Intelligence Unit.

Police are finding out the details of the patient with whom Ilegah had arrived in India. However, they added that they did not find any evidence of Ilegah engaging in anti-social activity.

He was staying alone in a rented apartment and upon conducting a search in his room, we did not find anything illegal in his house, apart from his stay on expired visa, said Singh.

According to superintendent of police (rural), Sujata Singh, Thursday was the third day of the search operation conducted by the police.

Till now, we have found one foreign national staying illegally in Greater Noida. A similar search was conducted in November month last year in which two foreign nationals were held. We are trying our best to deport all foreign nationals in Greater Noida found staying illegally, she said.

Earlier, police had discovered a Kenyan national Maria Burendi staying on expired visa. She had lodged an alleged fake complaint with the police regarding a racial attack on her.

The search operation comes in the wake of recent racial attacks by locals against Africans staying in Greater Noida. On March 27, at least six African citizens were injured when a mob attacked them at various public places in Greater Noida. Following the attack, the police had arrested six persons and issued a travel advisory for African people asking them to avoid travelling alone in the area.

The advisory was lifted this week on Monday and security measures were relaxed as the situation returned to normal in the area.

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In the week that The Economist published a widely-read column with the title Is China challenging the United States for global leadership, African diplomats in India issued a joint statement expressing their indignation with Delhi for not sufficiently condemning recent xenophobic and racist attacks on Africans.

The contrast between China looking to extend its influence in the world in the age of Trump and diplomats of a continent collectively censuring an emerging power is a reminder that Indias slide into illiberalism is not only fanning social unrest within the country but its effects are now beginning to wash ashore on Indias prospects abroad and affect its stature in the world.

The Indian government has understandably downplayed the intensity of the envoys views. The ministry of external affairs first termed it unfortunate and minister Sushma Swaraj subsequently called it unfortunate, painful and surprising. The Narendra Modi government may push this off news cycle soon but the implications are far-reaching.

To begin with, India has fallen in the estimate of Africa in ways that was unimaginable a couple of decades ago. To recall, India was a country Africa looked up to during the Cold War for its support to anti-colonial movements, the fight against apartheid; it was a source of bureaucratic and technological expertise which African countries found helpful in their development journey. Indias moral leadership and substantive cooperation helped it to emerge as a leader of G-77 nations and developing countries often looked to Delhi for steer on dealing with global institutions and their agendas.

The mood has now perceptibly changed. In their statement, African nations agreed to take further action including the call for an independent investigation into attacks on their citizens in India by the UN Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies and also to report the matter to the African Union Commission. That the envoys invoked the Human Rights Council, knowing fully well that India dislikes the body owing to its potential for hosting difficult discussions on Kashmir, points to their depth of outrage. Indian officials may contend that India-Africa ties remain robust as ever in 2015, Delhi announced a $10 billion concessional credit to Africa, a $600 million grant plus 50,000 scholarships over five years.

Notwithstanding old linkages, it does not take long for perceptions to change. We have seen how Donald Trump has changed the worlds perceptions of the United States in a couple of months with his isolationist, majoritarian nationalism  America is no longer seen as the open country it used to be because the public sphere has turned toxic and because Trump has actively undermined the liberal tenor of American society. Americas influence may wane over the next four years and other countries will adjust their geopolitics while culture wars in the US take time to resolve themselves.

Police hold a confidence-building meeting with Africans at The Alstonia Apartments in Greater Noida. (Virendra Singh Gosain/HT Photo)

Likewise, Indias ties will Africa are poised for decline. India can no longer gloat that Africans view it more favourably than China owing to the conditionalities the latter imposes with its investments. Hate crimes register with just the same finality in societies as the inequality embedded in the fine print of project contracts. Tunku Varadarajan has written that an immediate consequence of the racist attacks will be a drastic fall in support from African nations for Indias ongoing bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. The effects will be felt elsewhere too. Just as the murder of Srinivas Kuchibotla has seen a decline in the number of Indian students applying for US universities, we can anticipate a dip in the number of African students willing to study in India. Medical tourism may also take a hit. Around 20,000 Nigerians visited India in 2015 for medical reasons. That could change too as China is a key competitor in the sector; it is for instance, planning to set up a special economic zone for medical tourism in Hainan province within five years.

Frankly, the issue of racial attacks on Africans should not be framed in transactional terms; it is not about what it will cost us but about what India wants to be known for. Central to Indias self-definition is the fact that it is the worlds largest democracy. This is not just an empty slogan but about being admired the world over for demonstrating that communities with different histories, languages, beliefs and conceptions of sovereignty can come together as a nation-state. That individuals can be bounded by a constitution that guarantees freedoms and representation and welded together by political rhetoric that socialises citizens into the values and discourses of rights, diversity, pluralism and tolerance. Post-colonial societies with their arbitrary division of boundaries imposed by European rulers were not supposed to get along  they were supposed to breakup; India bucked the trend with its unflinching assent to democratic rhetoric, practices and institutions, however flawed and hypocritical it was in practice, showing that a continent-size diverse nation can get along  and in fact it was democracy that set the stage for its intellectual depth and prosperity. That was the source of Indias brand and the respect it secured abroad.

Regrettably, no longer. India is now known for Talibanising at the rate of knots, for the lynching of people on the mere suspicion of possessing beef, the relentless targeting of Muslims by political leaders and destruction of their livelihoods through government regulation, a social media sphere steeped in hate speech and misogyny, the silencing of free speech in universities through brazen thuggery, the strictures on content of movies and books and the freelance policing of personal relationships by right-wing groups. This is nothing short of a widespread breakdown in the rule of law.

There are three takeaways from the African envoys statement for the Modi government. The BJP must realise that its strategy of polarising communities may be politically beneficial to it but it does not stop where one wishes it to. Nurturing an ecology of hate against Muslims is bound to harden into a social reflex that is intolerant of others. With beliefs in India about dark-skinned people being what they are it is no wonder that a charged social climate leads to frenzied attacks on Africans. As noted, the international consequences of such developments are also real. A country deemed unsafe for women, experiencing social turmoil with a poor reputation for policing will not be the country that foreigners will be rushing in to as tourists, students or entrepreneurs.

There is a way out of this though  and the African envoys have pointed to it in their collective statement. They said that they reviewed previous incidents of violence and note that no known, sufficient and visible deterring measures were taken by the government of India. They express deep concern that reprehensible events were not sufficiently condemned by the Indian authorities. And lastly, they express their expectations for strong condemnation from the highest political level (both nationally and locally) of the Government of India, as well as expediting legal actions against the perpetrators.

What the envoys are essentially saying is that political leaders must set the tone for public conversations and that society takes its cues from what those in authority utter. In this respect, the frequency and intensity of the Modi governments rhetoric against extremism has been nowhere adequate to violence and hate speech that we have seen over the last couple of years. To reiterate, the attacks on Africans are a consequence of the extremism we now see unleashed in India. Stopping the former depends on ending the latter. The BJP is under the impression that it can do cultural reform through vigilante violence while yet upholding the rule of law. It cannot do both and has to choose which option it wants.

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In India where annual agriculture waste is about Rs 96,000 crore, farm loan waiver is just a poll sop with no long term economic gain for farmers in distress. The money waived could be invested for creating infrastructure that makes farmers independent of cartel of traders and help them to reap maximum economic benefit of their produce.

Yogi AdityaNath, Uttar Pradesh chief minister, on Tuesday announced a farm loan waiver of Rs 36,359 crore prompting farmers in other states --- Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan --- to demand a similar relief. Many farmer right advocates also want the outstanding loans to be written off saying unseasonal rainfall and drought has worn the sheen off the Indian farm sector in the last three years.

But, loan waiver has not helped the farmers. It is a relief only for one season with the farmers going back to grind in the next. Giving such sop is also not economically viable as it reduces governments fiscal power to intervene when needed the most.

Studies done by the Kolkata based Indian Statistical Institute and the World Bank have showed that loan waiver is not a solution to Indian agriculture mess.

The institutes 2013 study showed increase in loan repayment default after the Central government announced farm loan waiver of Rs 60,000 crore in 2008, a year before general election. Honest farmers repaying the loan also turned defaulters after the waiver, the study said.

A study --- The Economic Effects Of A Borrower Bailout: Evidence From An Emerging Market --- by Xavier Gine and Martin Kanz of the World Bank said such move can affect agriculture output in medium to long term as banks may get more selective in extending credit.

We find no evidence of greater investment, consumption or positive labour market outcomes in areas where debt relief led to a significant reduction of household debt, the study said.

A 2015 ICRIER paper said the massive write-off of loans in 2008 took its toll on the banks, increasing the non-performing assets of commercial banks threefold between 2009-10 and 2012-13. Arundhati Bhattacharya, State Bank of India chairperson, said last month that the farm loan waiver leads to credit indiscipline for which a privilege motion was moved against her in the Maharashtra assembly.

The real crisis for Indian farmer is that he or she is not in control of the produce, unlike other businesses, and is dependent on cartel of traders to fetch a decent price. The cartel makes money in case of good or bad crop season as their margins remain intact . In fact, in case of a crop failure the trader profit margin rises whereas the farmer is in distress without remunerative price.

The governments --- Centre and states --- have repeatedly failed to break the cartelisation and their effort to create farm infrastructure through cold stores has helped the corporate sector more than the farmers.

Except some farmers in Maharashtra and Punjab, most of the cold stores built with help of the government subsidy are owned by corporates. So, now these corporates are buying produce in farms at cheap rates, keep them in cold stores, repackage them and sell them in malls in cities at thrice the purchase price. Neither the farmer gains nor the consumer.

But, when you buy Washington apple from a mall in Delhi or Mumbai, a huge chunk of the price directly goes to the farmer in northern America, whom the local government has empowered with farm to market technologies. In India, such an effort is limited to parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where the state governments have set up companies having thousands of farmers giving them power to bargain a price for their produce.

In rest of the country, farmers continue to throw away their produce as seen during demonetisation when the traders refuse to sell them with no alternative available for use in the food processing industry. A March 28 reply in Lok Sabha estimated annual farm wastage to be around Rs 96,000 crore. In case of cereals, the loss was 4.5% of the total produce and in case of guava 15.88%. In western countries, the loss is less than two per cent.

Farm expert M S Swaminathan summed up the Indian agriculture crisis nicely when he said that a Punjab farmer, at the heartland of the green revolution, with an average of 3.79 hectares, gets less than the starting salary of a class-four employee.

This distress will hurt farm economy till sops such as farm loan waiver is given and farmers are not empowered to make their produce remunerative. For that to happen, the government needs to be technology enabler instead of waiving loans.

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The Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh shared two hearts, a liver and other organs from two brain-dead donors for recipients in New Delhi through three flights by creating green corridor thrice in a span of five hours. A green corridor is a special travel route without any stoppages.

Thus, 11 lives were impacted in less than 24 hours after families of the two brain-dead persons from Himachal Pradesh agreed to donate their organs. Jagat Singh (45) from Sirmaur district died on Wednesday at PGI where he was brought after grievous injury. Another person, Nancy Sharma, (32) from Paonta Sahib, also died the same day following cardiac arrest. After families of both consented for organ donation, the PGIMER initiated process of retrieval of organs.

As there were no matching recipients for heart and liver here, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) in Delhi was approached. The heart of Jagat Singh was allocated to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and was sent from PGIMER at 6.38 am through a green corridor for the airport from where it was airlifted for its destination in New Delhi.

The liver of Jagat Singh, allocated to GB Pant Hospital in New Delhi, was taken by the team from PGIMER for the airport at 8.30 am. The heart of the second deceased Nancy Sharma was shared with a matching recipient in Fortis, Noida, as per the allocation by NOTTO and was sent at 11.22 am.

Following this, the kidneys retrieved from the two deceased enabled second lease of life to four patients battling for survival here in PGIMER. The corneas of both the deceased will be used for four patients in PGIMER, thereby giving them sight and impacting their lives.
A Maldivian student of Lovely Professional University (LPU) committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at a rented accommodation in Teachers Colony in the town on Thursday.

The deceased, Ahmed Hussain (33), was pursuing masters degree in forensic science at the university. After getting information, police reached the spot and sent the body for post-mortem.

Satnampura station house officer (SHO) Bharat Masih said preliminary investigations revealed that he was under depression for the last few days.

He was having problem sleeping for the last few days. Even his family stayed with him last week after coming to know that he was under depression, the SHO said.

He said he did not go to attend his class on Thursday was alone at his residence when he ended his life.His family has been informed, the police said.

(Note: The police had earlier said that the victim was a Nigerian. However, officials clarified on Friday that he belonged to Maldives.)
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,...
The Congress government in Punjab claims to have scrapped the halqa (constituency) in-charge system adopted by its preceding SAD-BJP regime, but not much seems to have changed. The 77 MLAs and all 30 losing candidates of the ruling party have been asked for their preferred officers for posting as sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) and deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) in their constituencies.

During the 10-year rule of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Akalis had set up parallel power centres in the form of halqa in-charges wherever the party had not won, including segments where the MLA belonged to its ally BJP. Most of these in-charges were losing candidates, while some were potential candidates; and many were known to act as extra-constitutional authorities.

The Congress appears to have adopted the system after voices of discontent rose within the party over appointments and transfers of SSPs having been done without taking any senior leader into confidence, said sources in the state unit. As a pacification measure, Capt Amarinder Singhs government last week asked MLAs and the other leaders to suggest names, it is learnt.

A general secretary of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) was given the job to coordinate the name-collection exercise. We have submitted the list (of preferred officers) through the PPCC. I got to know that some senior MLAs had given a representation to the CM seeking a say in appointment of officials, said a Congress MLA from Ludhiana, seeking anonymity. The delay in appointment of SDMs and DSPs after the new regime took over is also because of this reason, said another leader.

While some names are awaited for other posts, names for DSPs has been received at the police headquarters and the final list is expected anytime. Earlier, SSPs were supposed to choose their team. However, police sources said that senior officers have been directed by the government to cross-check the credibility and service record before final postings.

An MLA from Jalandhar district said the move is aimed at better functioning. What is wrong in this? If there is any confrontation among MLAs and officials, the public will suffer. Moreover, these are just recommendations, and final orders will be issued only after analysing track record of the officers, he argued.

Another Congress legislator, from Gurdaspur district, was more upfront, though he did not want to be named: MLAs wont have beacons. MLAs wont have adequate security. And, if MLAs wont have officials of their choice, why not let the few influential babus (bureaucrats) run the government? The MLAs can quietly take their salaries and enjoy!

Also read | Punjabs new transport policy to curb monopolistic control

NO SUCH MOVE

CMs media adviser Raveen Thukral claimed there was no such move. MLAs and others are free to provide inputs based on their personal knowledge of officers in respective areas. The prerogative to appoint these officers rests with the government and would be based solely on merit and experience, he said.

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Chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh will embark on a three-day visit to Mumbai on April 10 to attract private entrepreneurs to Punjab. Capt will hold one-on-one interactions with captains of industry during his stay there. He will meet bigwigs of about a dozen industrial groups which are keen on exploring investment opportunities in the state. Then, meetings with some other business leaders are also being lined up, said sources.

The CM will be accompanied by finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, power minister Rana Gurjit Singh and top officials of industry, power and some other departments. Our focus will be on sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, food processing, pharma and information technology that can provide job opportunities and improve the revenue stream, they said.

Already, a high-level Japanese delegation, including Japans envoy to India Kenji Hiramatsu and Mitsubishi managing director Kazunori Konishi, and Adani groups president and chairman Pranav V Adani have met Capt and evinced interest in investing in the state in the last one week. While Mitsubishi officials made a presentation to the CM on areas such as power, smart cities and industrial parks, the Adani group, which has grain silos and a solar power plant in Punjab, has shown interest in scaling up operations in city gas distribution, power transmission and water purification.
The Captain Amarinder Singh government has set up a two-member commission of inquiry under former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Mehtab Singh Gill to review the alleged false cases and FIRs registered during the decade-long Akali regime. Former district and sessions judge BS Mehandiratta will be the member.

A notification to this effect was issued on Wednesday by the department of home affairs and justice. The commission has been appointed under The Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952.

As per the terms of reference, the commission will inquire into the cases where persons are said to have been wrongly implicated in allegedly false cases/FIRs in Punjab during the last 10 years and submit its report to government.

The commission will recommend to the government measures to be adopted to ensure that in future such instances do not happen. The commissions tenure will be for an initial period of six months, to be extended by the government if required. The decision to set up the commission was taken at the first cabinet meeting.
The sons of two Supreme Court judges have written to the Punjab government objecting to their names on the lawyers panel finalised by the state for defending its disputes in the Supreme Court and other courts outside Chandigarh.

Raktim Gogoi, son of justice Ranjan Gogoi, and Saket Sikri, son of justice AK Sikri, in separate letters, stated that the Punjab government did not take their consent before including them in the panel.

Also read | CJIs son, Cong leaders among 76 lawyers on Capt govt panel in SC

Another senior SC advocate Rakesh Dwivedi was quoted in reports saying his consent was also not obtained by the state. Senior advocate of Punjab and Haryana high court Deepinder Singh Patwalia has also turned down the government offer of inclusion in the panel.

State advocate general Atul Nanda and additional chief secretary, home affairs and justice, NS Kalsi could not be contacted for comments. Special secretary, home and justice RK Kaushik, who had issued the controversial letter on panel to various departments refused to comment on the issue.

A senior state government official who wished not to be named told Hindustan Times that the names of Raktim Gogoi and Saket Sikri were on the panel of previous SAD-BJP government as well. We have added and removed some names. But majority of the names on the panel are same. As their names were not being included for the first time, the consent was not obtained, the official said.

The government had last week come out with the list of 76 lawyers including Congress leaders Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kapil Sibal, P Chidamabaram, Salman Khurshid, Manish Tewari and Tarunvir Kehar, son of chief justice of India JS Khehar.
The UT administration on Wednesday approved the policy for web-based taxis operating in the city, making provision for cashless treatment the taxi aggregator will provide to a passenger in case of injury and making it mandatory for all cars to install panic buttons that will be linked with police control room.

Nearly 6,000 web-based taxis, mostly attached with Ola and Uber, ply in the city.

The panic button provision has been made keeping in mind the safety of passengers, especially women, and if a driver tries to tamper with it, an alert will be sounded to PCR.

Also read | Punjab govt to tie up with Ola, Uber to provide taxis to jobless youth

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSURANCE FOR CARS

The policy draft, approved by UT administrator VP Singh Badnore on Wednesday, has asked the taxi aggregators to ensure that all cars have commercial vehicle insurance that covers passengers.

The aggregator will arrange for cashless treatment of the occupants, including driver, if the vehicle meets with an accident. KK Jindal, secretary transport, Chandigarh, said, We will make sure the policy that was approved is implemented in letter and spirit.

OTHER POLICY FEATURES Only cabs with compressed natural gas (CNG) engines will be allowed Cabs not older than five years will be allowed The word taxi to be displayed in yellow-colour in all cars Taxis to have GPS and mobile-charger point for passengers Cabs from Punjab and Haryana entering Chandigarh to pay 1,000 quarterly fee to UT administration A taxi aggregator cannot make change in fare without giving a 30-day notice in advance to state transport authority (STA)

RIDER TO GET DRIVER INFO WITH PICTURE

The policy ensures that a clear picture of the driver and a picture or description of the vehicle and other details are sent to the passenger via on-demand technology for verification purpose.

The policy also says that the aggregator should include a feature in the mobile application so that the passengers could share their location with at least two persons they know.

The department will make sure the policy that was approved is implemented in letter and spirit. KK Jindal, UT secretary transport

It also provides for including a mobile application feature enabling the passenger to send an SoS alert to the emergency response centre established by the aggregator.

Also, if the aggregator receives a written complaint with reasonable allegations from a passenger submitted through an email against the driver, the latter should be suspended pending investigation.

RADIO CAB POLICY IN PLACE SINCE 2006

The administration had approved a policy for radio cabs (such as Mega Cab, Fab Cab and RBTS Cab) in 2006. One can book a radio cab by making a simple call while the web-based taxis can be booked by using mobile application only. The fare was fixed at Rs 23 for a kilometre.

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Eyeing a trip to Paris in June? Best book now to get the hottest hotel deal. And if youre looking to travel somewhere in South America, the US or Asia this summer, youre going to want to plan ahead and book three months out.

Thats according to new research from online travel and review site TripAdvisor, which looked at its hotel pricing data to find the least expensive times for reserving hotels this summer in popular destinations around the world.

For the report, analysts defined the best times to book as periods when hotel prices are consistently less than the destination average. If Paris is on your radar this summer, for instance, the numbers show that booking within two months of your trip can shave 23% off your hotel bill versus peak rates.

Other big savings can be found for travellers headed to the Middle East, who can stand to save 19% if they book two months out and travellers planning a trip to South America, where booking within three months can shave 15% off their hotel rates.

If you are headed to Paris this summer, booking within two months of your trip can shave 23% off your hotel bill. (In picture: The Louvre Museum) (Shutterstock)

Bargain hunters know that timing is crucial when it comes to booking the lowest hotel prices, said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications, TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor data shows that travellers can often find the best prices on summer hotels months in advance, with a booking sweet spot typically within 3 months of their trip. By doing their homework...travellers can discover the best deals on their hotels for summer.

Overall, minimum lead times for US, South and Central America and Asia is three months for hotel savings, while Africa and the Caribbean is four months.

Travellers headed to the Middle East and the South Pacific have a bit more leeway, with just two months needed to find a sweet deal.

The minimum lead times for Africa and the Caribbean is four months. (In picture: Impala Antelopes at the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya, Africa.) (Shutterstock)

Here are some of the cities that offer the best savings with a little advance planning:

New York: Book 2 months ahead to save 23%

Chicago: Book within 2 months for 18% savings

Bangkok: Book 3 to 9 months ahead to save 33%

Budapest: Book 3 to 5 months out to save 35%

Dubai: Book within 6 months for 24% savings

Hong Kong: Book within 5 months to save 23%

Istanbul: Book within 5 months for 33% savings

Mumbai: Book within 3 months for 24% savings

Prague: Book 3 to 7 months out for 24% savings

Rome: Book 4 to 8 months to save 21%

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.
Turkey on Thursday said autopsies of three Syrians killed in an attack in rebel-held northwestern Syria confirmed that chemical weapons had been used by president Bashar al-Assads regime, state media reported.

Autopsies were carried out on three of the bodies after they were brought from Idlib. The results of the autopsy confirms that chemical weapons were used, justice minister Bekir Bozdag said, quoted by state-run Anadolu news agency.

This scientific investigation also confirms that Assad used chemical weapons, Bozdag added, without giving further details.

Thirty-two injured Syrians were brought to southern Turkey for medical treatment but three of them died in hospital.

More than 80 people, including at least 30 children and 20 women, were killed in the chemical attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun early Tuesday, and the toll could still rise.

Russias defence ministry on Wednesday said a poisonous gas contamination in the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun was the result of gas leaking from a rebel chemical weapons depot after it was hit by Syrian government air strikes.

However, the United States had blamed the administration of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad for the attack.
The Chinese media is expectedly pulling no punches in criticising the 14th Dalai Lamas ongoing visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

If the nationalistic tabloid Global Times threatened that Beijing could interfere in turbulent Kashmir in retaliation, the usually sober China Daily went a step further and said in an editorial that If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows, a sentence that is open to various and not necessarily pacific interpretations.

New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as Arunachal Pradesh, but the spiritual leader of Tibetan independence was also escorted on his trip by Indias junior minister of home affairs. To Beijing, that is a double affront, said the China Daily editorial.

The China Daily editorial took particular affront to minister Kiren Rijijus statement:

China should not object to the Dalai Lamas visit and interfere in Indias internal affairs.

The editorial then let loose what could be called a personal attack dipped in sarcasm on the Indian minister, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh.

Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijings diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not. Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his countrys former colonial master taking advantage of Chinas internal strife, it said.

It added that Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as a leverage, therefore, is not just unethical. It is outright illicit.

Earlier in the day, the Global Times editorial asked the rhetorical question whether India will be able to withstand a geopolitical onslaught from an economically, militarily and diplomatically stronger China.

With a GDP (gross domestic product) several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with Indias peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that Indias turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi? it said.

China share borders with Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that passes through PoK has emerged as the latest sore spot between the two Asian giants.

Besides the media, officials and experts continued to attack India as well.

A top official said India was losing its dignity.

This is not the first time that the Dalai Lama has visited south Tibet and called the region Indian territory, which means he is committed to separating the nation, Zhu Weiqun, head of the ethnic and religious affairs committee of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, told the Global Times.

India is losing its dignity as a big power by playing around with such a figure.

Inviting the Dalai Lama could be Indias way to voice its disappointment with the recent strategic dialogue with China, Zhao Gancheng, director of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told the nationalistic tabloid.

The two countries held talks in February, exchanging ideas on a number of issues, including Indias application to the nuclear suppliers group that Beijing has continued to block.

Zhu and Zhaos views were backed by the editorial piece.

The Dalais visit to Arunachal Pradesh this time is seen as New Delhi using the monk as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on China, it said.

But this is a clumsy and rude move. The Dalai is a highly politicised symbol in Chinas diplomacy. For any country, its attitude toward the Dalai Lama almost affects the entire relationship with China.

The editorial had a word of advice, too.

The West has fully recognised the nature of the Dalai as a diplomatic card and is extremely prudent in using it. When the Dalai travels to the capital of a Western country, who will meet him, when and where would be carefully weighed.

The editorial cautioned New Delhi it was possibly overestimating its leverage in ties with Beijing.

India had benefited from the good momentum in relationship as much as China and if it ruined the ties and turn two countries into rivals, could New Delhi afford the consequence?

China considers India as a friendly neighbour and partner. China has never provoked bilateral disputes or made any pressing demand on India over the Dalai Lama. New Delhi should respond to Beijings goodwill with goodwill, it said.

Beijing had on Wednesday asked India to stop the Dalai Lamas visit immediately and summoned Indian ambassador VK Gokhale to lodge a protest.

India again said no political colour should be given to the visit but more fireworks are expected from Beijing when the Tibetan leader heads to Tawang, a Buddhist centre in Arunachal.
The death toll from a suspected chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held Syrian town has risen to 86, 30 of them children, a monitoring group said on Thursday.

There were also 20 women among the dead and the death toll could rise further because there are people missing, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The UN Security Council met on Wednesday to debate a Western-drafted resolution condemning the air strike.

But Moscow, which holds a veto, defended its Damascus ally saying that while Syrian aircraft had carried out a strike, the chemicals were part of a terrorist stockpile of toxic substances that had been hit on the ground.

Rebel groups led by former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front vowed revenge for Tuesdays strike in the town of Khan Sheikhun in Idlib province in the northwest.
John Krasinski (L) and Emily Blunt attend Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass event on May 12, 2016 at Roseark in Los Angeles California. (Photo : Getty Images/John Sciulli)

Fans of "Mary Poppins" were in for a delight last month when photos of Emily Blunt as the iconic character made their way online. As previously reported, Blunt is playing Mary Poppins in the highly anticipated musical sequel, and now, more photos from the set are teasing fans of the magic that's to come.



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Photographers snapped Blunt shooting a scene for "Mary Poppins 2" outside the Buckingham Palace, in which she appears to be riding a bicycle. Hitching a ride is "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. According to ScreenRant, Miranda plays the role of Jack, a friend of Blunt's Mary Poppins.



Also featured in the scene are two three children, which are presumed to be Michael Banks' kids. It was previously reported that the now-grown Michael would have three children in the sequel, so the fact that one of the kids are not included in the scene would somehow factor into the plot.



"Mary Poppins 2" is set in Depression-era London 20 years after the events of the 1964 original film. In the sequel, Mary Poppins returns to the lives of the now grown-up Banks children after a tragedy. The grown up Michael and Jane Banks are portrayed by Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer, respectively, The Telegraph reported. As kids, the Banks children were nannied by Mary Poppins, as portrayed by Julie Andrews in the original film.



Also starring in "Mary Poppins 2" are Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Julie Walters and Angela Lansbury in supporting roles. Dick Van Dyke is also involved in the film as Mr. Dawes Jr., the son of Mr. Dawes who Van Dyke played in the original "Mary Poppins" movie. The sequel is directed by Rob Marshall, whose notable works include "Chicago" and "Into the Woods."



The sequel is expected to pretty much hold up the same way as its predecessor especially in terms of the musical number. Mortimer was photographed filming a dance number for "Mary Poppins 2." She was also joined by Whishaw.



Of course, Blunt is also expected to showcase her singing and dancing prowess as Mary Poppins. This wouldn't be her first musical film, as she previously starred in "Into the Woods" with Streep.






Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday he has ordered troops to deploy on unoccupied South China Sea islands and reefs claimed by Manila, in a move that could provoke rival claimants including Beijing.

It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant, he told reporters during a visit to a military camp on the western island of Palawan, near the disputed Spratly group.

China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbors and has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

Duterte has previously sought to improve his nations relations with China by adopting a non-confrontational approach over their competing claims in the strategically vital waters.

But the president appeared to alter his tone with his announcement Thursday, saying it was time to erect structures there and raise the Philippine flag.

I have ordered the armed forces to occupy all.

At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours, he said, adding Manila was claiming nine or 10 Spratly islands, reefs or cays.

Duterte also said he may visit the Philippine-claimed areas on June 12 to mark Philippine Independence Day.

An official at the Chinese embassy in Manila seemed surprised when asked by AFP to comment on Dutertes declaration, but referred questions on the matter to the Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing.

The Philippines under Dutertes predecessor Benigno Aquino had actively challenged Chinas claim to control most of the South China Sea, despite counter-claims by several other nations.

But the controversial Duterte, who took office last year on promises to kill thousands of people in a drug war, reversed that policy as he sought billions of dollars worth of investments and grants from Beijing.

The two neighbours are scheduled to hold talks in China in May to tackle issues related to the sea row.

The Philippine military currently has garrisons on Thitu, the largest of the Filipino-claimed islands.

After China occupied Mischief Reef in the mid-1990s, the Philippines marooned a derelict navy vessel atop nearby Second Thomas Shoal to assert Manilas territorial claim.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have also sparred with Beijing over territory in the disputed waterway.

US President Donald Trumps administration so far has taken a tough stance on Chinas claims in the South China Sea, insisting it will defend international interests there.

Trump is set to sit down with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later in the day to discuss a range of issues which will likely including tensions in the South China Sea.
The European Commission has imposed anti-dumping duties on steel products from China to stop them flooding Europes struggling steel market, a move angering Beijing.

The Commission said Thursday that an investigation has confirmed that Chinese hot-rolled flat steel has been sold in Europe at dumping prices.

Acting on behalf of the 28 EU countries, the European Commission has set final duties of between 18.1 and 35.9 percent for five years for producers including Bengang Steel Plates Co, Handan Iron & Steel Co and Hesteel Co.

This compared with provisional rates imposed from October of 13.2 to 22.6 percent following a complaint lodged by European steel association Eurofer on behalf of EU producers ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp.

Chinas commerce ministry said it was highly concerned by the decision and urged the EU to correct its mistake, adding it would take necessary measures to protect its companies.

The EU has already imposed duties on a wide range of steel grades to counter what EU steel producers say is a flood of steel sold at a loss due to Chinese overcapacity.

China, the worlds top producer and consumer of steel, said early last year it would shut as much as 150 million tonnes of annual production capacity over the next five years, although capacity actually rose in 2016.

G20 governments recognised in September that steel overcapacity was a serious problem. China has said the problem is a global one

The Commission said on Thursday that the measures should shield EU steel makers from the effects of Chinese dumping.

The Commission also said that it had decided not to impose provisional duties on the same product from Brazil, Iran, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine, although the investigation of imports from these countries would continue for another six months.

The decision not to impose provisional measures for imports from Brazil, Iran, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine does not prejudge the final outcome of that investigation, a Commission spokesman said.
Europes aviation regulator voiced concern on Wednesday over the risk of battery fires in the cargo holds of passenger planes after US and British authorities banned certain electronics from passenger cabins despite US assurances that its agency had been thoroughly briefed on the proper handling of electronics.

The European Aviation Safety Agency, which is responsible for safe flying in 32 countries, said personal electronic devices (PED) carried a fire risk due to their lithium batteries and should preferably be carried inside passenger cabins so that any problems could be identified and dealt with.

In regard to the European agencys concerns, the US Transportation Safety Administration said it had coordinated closely with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) on the logistics of the ban and that the agency had provided information to airlines regarding appropriate handling of electronics and lithium batteries.

Read: Ban on laptop, iPad in flight cabin: If you are flying with Emirates or Etihad, should you worry?

The European agency, however, warned in a bulletin: When the carriage of PEDs in the cabin is not allowed, it leads to a significant increase of the number of PEDs in the cargo compartment. Certain precautions should therefore be observed to mitigate the risk of accidental fire in the cargo hold.

Computers in checked baggage must be completely switched off and well protected from accidental activation, it added.

The Cologne, Germany-based agency, issued its guidance two weeks after the United States and Britain banned gadgets larger than a smartphone from passenger cabins on flights from certain countries because of security concerns.

The European safety recommendation is not mandatory, but is likely to rekindle a debate about the new rules, which some airline chiefs have criticised as inconsistent or ineffective.

A group representing 38,000 European pilots said last week it was seriously concerned about the ban, on the grounds that it could create new safety risks.

With current airplane cargo hold fire suppression systems, it might prove to be impossible to extinguish a lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, especially when the batteries are stored together. Therefore, any event of this nature during flight would more than likely be catastrophic, the European Cockpit Association said.

It is not the first time regulators have called for personal devices to be carried in the cabin, but possibly the first time such measures have clashed so directly with security considerations.

In 2015, international regulators urged airlines to transport lithium-powered hoverboards in the cabin following reports of the popular devices catching fire.

Several airlines went even further and banned them altogether, but travel experts say such a draconian ban on computers would carry little support from the industry or its lucrative business travellers.

JUGGLING RISKS

Security experts say the decision to place electronics into checked bags on US-bound flights from eight Middle East or North African countries suggests Washington has intelligence that enough material can now be packed into a laptop, usually disguised as its battery, to cause catastrophic damage.

Placing such objects in checked baggage would expose them to greater screening for explosives and reduce the chances that a hidden bomb could be deliberately placed next to the cabin wall.

France has been studying whether and how to apply similar restrictions on cabin baggage, security sources say.

Last year, a suspected suicide bomber tried to blow up a Somali jetliner as it was taking off from Mogadishu by placing a computer bomb near the window. He was sucked out of the jet without causing it to crash, but the incident focussed attention on the threat of bombs hidden inside ordinary-looking gadgets.

Reuters last month reported that the rules banning many items from passenger cabins on US- and Britain-bound flights would, however, force a rethink on fire safety concerns now that they were being consigned to the hold.

EASAs warning highlights the struggle to juggle rules on safety with increasingly stringent security protections and the wider risk that rules to solve one problem can lead to another.

The FAA says such unintended effects are one of the common themes it has identified in its database on lessons learned from past crashes.

The recent laptop ban on certain routes to the USA has brought into sharp relief exactly this challenge, said UK-based aviation consultant John Strickland.

Simply taking items powered by lithium batteries and stashing them in the hold is not an option unless done with sufficient attention to safety, he added.

Safety regulators have focussed for years on the growing headache caused by temperamental lithium-ion batteries.

In 2015, the FAA told airlines not to let passengers pack extra lithium-ion batteries inside their checked baggage.

Airlines had already been alerted to the risk of carrying large shipments of lithium batteries as cargo after a UPS Boeing 747 cargo jet crashed in 2010, killing both crew.

But current FAA advice suggests it has fewer concerns than its European counterpart about the threat of fires from batteries already installed in individual passengers devices.
While the number of births among Muslims and Christians, the worlds two largest religious groups, are projected to increase over the next decades, an especially dramatic drop is expected for Hindus, according to a new study by Pew Research Center.

Hindus are projected to see 33 million fewer births between 2055 and 2060 compared to the 2010-2015 period, due in large part to declining fertility in India, which is home to 94% of the worlds Hindus.

This will not bring down the number of Hindus worldwide though. The number of Hindus is projected to rise by 27%, from 1.1 billion to 1.4 billion, according to the study, but the increase will trail the pace of overall population growth.

The fertility rate among Hindus (as well as for Jews) was 2.3 children per woman, on an average, which is below the global average of 2.4. The rate is 2.9 for Muslims and 2.6 for Christians.

While the study attributed higher rate of birth among Muslims to, among other reasons, the younger median age of the group  24 to the global 30  Hindus were no older at 27 as their median age.

The studys headline finding, of course, was that though Christians will remain the worlds largest religious group for the next few decades, will lose the battle for births to Muslims, the worlds second largest religious group.

Muslims are projected to be the worlds fastest- growing major religious group in the decades ahead, the study said. Between 2010 and 2015, births among Muslims accounted for 31% of all births, while the group was only 24% of the global population; Christian births were 33%, but their share of the world population was also larger at 31%.

Christians were as of 2015 the worlds largest religious community with a third (31%) of the worlds population of 7.3 billion people, followed by Muslims with 1.8 billion (24% of the global population), unaffiliated (16%), Hindus (15%) and Buddhists (7%).

By 2060, when the global population is expected to be 9.6 billion, Muslims would have grown by 70% over the current size to account for 31% of the global total with 2.1 billion and Christians would have grown by 34% to remain in the lead with 32% of the total, at 3.1 billion.

Much of the worldwide growth of Islam and Christianity, the study projected, would take place in sub-Saharan Africa.

While all major religions are expected to grow in real terms  absolute numbers  Buddhists are expected to decline by 7% from nearly 500 million in 2015 to 462 million in 2060, due to, the study said, low fertility rates and aging populations in countries such as China, Thailand and Japan.

All other religions  including Bahais, Jains, Sikhs, Taoists and many smaller faiths  also are projected to decrease, the Pew report said, slightly in number, from a total of approximately 59.7 million in 2015 to 59.4 million in 2060.
Israel has appointed its first female Muslim diplomat, who will soon represent Tel Aviv in Turkey.

Rasha Atamny, 31, a Palestinian Arab born in Baqa al-Gharbiya town in central Israel, will serve as the embassys first secretary in Ankara, the Times of Israel reported.

She studied psychology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before she was accepted into the three-year foreign ministry cadet course, one of only 21 candidates to make the cut.

In a blog written while she was in university, Atamny said she honed her diplomatic skills in her collegiate Model UN club. A year after joining the club, Atamny was accepted to represent Israel at the UN in New York as a youth ambassador for three months.

She described as a turning point her participation in the Human Rights Assembly Committee during a discussion on the violation of womens rights.

This time I listened to the speeches from Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt condemning Israels systematic violations of womens rights while I, an Arab-Muslim woman of Palestinian origin, represent Israel at the UN General Assembly, she wrote.

Atamny is not Israels first female Arab diplomat, but she is the first to be sent abroad  Christian-Arab Rania Jubran worked for the foreign ministry from 2006 to 2009, but left shortly before she was due to be sent to Cairo.

Israel has several male Muslim and Christian diplomats.

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A New Zealand school finally apologised on Thursday a year after a near-fatal mishap in which the throats of two pupils were sliced open during a production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

The accident occurred last April when two 16-year-old boys were injured while performing in the musical about a murderous barber who slits his victims throats.

During the production, there was a scene in which two characters were being shaved by Sweeney Todd, employment safety watchdog WorkSafe said on Wednesday.

After being shaved, there was a simulation of these characters having their throats cut.

But the blood-curling scene became all-too real when the razor wielded by Sweeney Todd cut the teens throats and they were rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Aucklands exclusive Saint Kentigern College said at the time that a prop -- a genuine straight razor with its edge covered by tape -- malfunctioned during the performance.

WorkSafe found the school was at fault but decided against prosecuting it, describing the circumstances as specific and narrow.

Instead, it ordered the school to apologise and make amends to the affected pupils, including an unspecified payment.

It listed the victims as both injured pupils and the teen playing Sweeney Todd, whose performance as a homicidal maniac went to a new level when he almost killed his two classmates.

The regulator said all three pupils might suffer ongoing psychological and emotional trauma.

St Kentigerns issued a statement on Thursday saying it was sorry for the mishap and the harm to the families involved. It also apologised for initially playing down the seriousness of the incident when it became public.

The injuries were not minor. The injuries were significant and life threatening, it said.

The Stephen Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd is the story of a revenge-crazed London barber whose victims are killed then cooked into meat pies.

Saint Kentigerns did not stage a repeat performance this year.

According to the schools Facebook page, it opted for Les Miserables, which has a significantly lower body count.
Citing no evidence, US president Donald Trump on Wednesday accused his predecessors national security adviser of breaking the law, one month after he accused former president Barack Obama of illegally wiretapping him.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump said Obamas national security adviser, Susan Rice, committed a crime when she asked government analysts to disclose the names of Trump associates documented in intelligence reports. Trump would not say if he reviewed new intelligence to support his claim.

He told the Times he would say more at the right time.

I think its going to be the biggest story, Trump said. Its such an important story for our country and the world. It is one of the big stories of our time.

Rice is the latest target for Trump and his embattled defenders.

She has firmly denied that she did anything inappropriate in requesting the identities of Trump associates. As the national security adviser, Rice would have been authorised to seek identities of people whose names were redacted from intelligence reports.

Officials typically unmask Americans if it is deemed necessary for understanding the information. Some Trump allies have accused Rice of unmasking officials for political reasons.

Absolutely false, Rice said on Tuesday.

Former president Barack Obamas national security adviser Susan Rice (Reuters File Photo)

Trump on Wednesday disagreed.

When the Times asked him if Rice broke the law, he said, Do I think? Yes, I think. The president did not specify what law he thinks Rice may have broken.

Erin Pelton, a spokeswoman for Rice, said, I am not going to dignify the presidents ludicrous charge with a comment.

Trumps unfounded accusation fits a pattern for the president. Last month, he accused Obama of wiretapping his New York skyscraper and later said Obama had spied on his campaign. Neither allegation has been backed up by evidence.

Trumps first national security adviser Michael Flynn is under FBI scrutiny for his ties to Russia. Two congressional committees are also investigating Flynn as part of larger probes into the Kremlins influence on the 2016 election and possible coordination with Trump associates.

Last week Trump said Flynn, who resigned in February, should seek an immunity deal.

On Wednesday, House speaker Paul Ryan said the House intelligence committee investigation looking into Russias role in the 2016 election was back on track after the committees chairman had a secret meeting on White House grounds about intelligence that Trump later said vindicated his Obama wiretapping claims.

A congressional aide said the documents are being made available for all committee members to view at the White House.

Also, Republicans and Democrats have agreed on the witnesses to be called, Ryan said.

Representative Jim Himes, D-Conn, a member of the committee, told CNN that Rice is on the witness list. A congressional aide said there were more than a dozen people on the list.

According to a US official, Rice asked spy agencies to give her the names of Trump associates who surfaced in intelligence reports she was regularly briefed on. Rices official role would have given her the ability to make those requests for national security purposes.

In an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday, Rice acknowledged that she sometimes asked for the names of Americans referenced in reports.

She would not say whether she saw intelligence related to Trump associates or whether she asked for their identities, though she did say that reports related to Russia increased in the final months of the presidential election campaign.

The Trump White House has been particularly incensed that intercepted conversations between Flynn and Russias ambassador to the US surfaced in news reports before the inauguration.

Rice denied that she had leaked details about Flynns call, saying, I leaked nothing to nobody.
Foreign citizens and companies who own property in London and the United Kingdom will be listed in a public register to help investigators track down and recover proceeds of crime, official sources have said.

Since 2004, Britains law enforcement investigations into international corruption have identified more than 180 million worth of property in the UK as the suspected proceeds of corruption, with 75% of those investigated using overseas companies to hide their real owners.

Indians are among the largest overseas buyers of UK property. The public register may reveal the ultimate beneficiary of owners.

This is a tactic that investigators pursuing high level money laundering continue to encounter routinely, officials at the department of business, energy and industrial strategy said.

This is believed to be only the tip of the iceberg of the scale of proceeds of corruption invested in UK property, the global anti-corruption group Transparency International said in a recent report.

The new proposals, announced on Wednesday, are intended to deliver what is called the worlds first public register of the beneficial owners of overseas companies and other legal entities who own UK property.

An official said that the register would also list the beneficial owners of overseas-registered firms involved in central government procurement exercises. While the Government welcomes legitimate foreign investment in the UK, overseas investors in the UK property market have also included criminals laundering the proceeds of crime, he said.

The UK government launched a call for evidence, asking overseas investors, property and transparency experts for their opinions on how this register could be delivered. Owners and controllers of UK companies are already required to be registered with Companies House.

Business minister Margot James said: We are committed to protecting the integrity and reputation of the UK property market and this register would be a valuable measure to increase transparency and investor confidence.

The extension of transparency requirements, which UK owners are already subject to, levels the playing field and means we would know who owns and controls UK property wherever they are from.

Donald Toon, director for economic crime at the National Crime Agency said: Criminals and their money launderers will always seek to hide the true ownership of assets, including property, to frustrate investigations and hold onto the profits of their crimes.

Greater transparency over the true ownership and control of UK property held in the name of overseas companies will make the UK a less attractive place to launder money and will assist investigators track down and recover the proceeds of crime.

Currently 25 million worth of property is frozen worldwide in connection with ongoing National Crime Agencys international corruption investigations.

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The grief-stricken father cradled his 9-month-old twins, Aya and Ahmed, each in the crook of an arm. Stroking their hair, he choked back tears, mumbling, Say goodbye, baby, say goodbye to their lifeless bodies.

Then Abdel Hameed Alyousef took them to a mass grave where 22 members of his family were being buried. Each branch of the clan got its own trench.

More than 80 people, including at least 30 children and 20 women, were killed in the chemical attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun early Tuesday, and the toll could still rise. The Alyousef family, one of the towns main clans, was hardest hit.

Another member of the family, Aya Fadl, recalled running from her house with her 20-month-old son in her arms, thinking she could find safety from the toxic gas in the street. Instead, the 25-year-old English teacher was confronted face to face with the horror of it: A pick-up truck piled with the bodies of the dead, including many of her own relatives and students.

Ammar, Aya, Mohammed, Ahmad, I love you my birds. Really they were like birds. Aunt Sana, Uncle Yasser, Abdul-Kareem, please hear me, Fadl said, choking back tears as she recalled how she said farewell to her relatives in the pile.

I saw them. They were dead. All are dead now.

The tragedy has devastated the small town. It also deepened the frustration felt by many Syrians in opposition-held areas that such scenes of mass death, which have become routine in the countrys 6-year-old civil war, bring no retribution or even determination of responsibility.

The US and other Western countries accused President Bashar Assad of being behind the attack, while Syria and its main backer, Russia, denied it. Despite world condemnation, bringing justice is difficult in the absence of independent investigation of Syrias chemical arsenal, which the government insists it has destroyed.

My heart is broken. Everything was terrible. Everyone was crying and couldnt breathe, Fadl told The Associated Press on Wednesday. We had many circumstances in Syria and we had many difficult situations. This is the most difficult and most harmful situation I ever had.

In 2013, horrific scenes of Syrians flooding hospitals or found dead in their homes after a sarin gas attack that killed hundreds in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Ghouta provoked international condemnation. A Russian-brokered deal followed allowing Assad to declare he has destroyed his chemical stockpile and joined the Chemical Weapons Convention.

But a year later, chlorine gas attacks became recurrent, killing scores of people.

However, Tuesdays massacre was not caused by chlorine, an irritant with limited ability to kill. The high number of casualties, as well as the grave symptoms including convulsions, constricted pupils and vomiting point to a more complex chemical gas.

A Doctors Without Borders medical team that examined a number of victims in a hospital near the border with Turkey said the symptoms are consistent with exposure to a neurotoxic agent at least two different chemical agents. The U.S.s early assessment is that it involved the use of chlorine and sarin, according to two US officials who werent authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.

In Khan Sheikhoun, the tragedy was compounded because so many victims were from a single extended family, the Alyousef clan.

Witnesses say four rockets hit around 6:30 am. Tuesday, smashing a crater in the ground, but causing minimal structural damage. It quickly became clear this was not a conventional attack.

Alaa Alyousef said his family was sleeping and woke to the sound of the impact only a few hundred yards (meters) away. The first thing they saw was smoke. His father went outside then rushed back in. He had seen a woman walking near the strike suddenly collapse. The family frantically closed windows and dampened cloths with water and apple vinegar to put over their faces.

They were lucky, the wind went in the other direction, Alyousef said.

The rockets hit on the edge of North Harah, a district where much of the Alyousef clan lives. Frantically the clans members and their neighbors fled, running from house to house trying to track down relatives.

Fadl remembered her panic when the rockets woke her.

My husband, where are you? Oh, where are you my lovely son? she recalled calling out. They were next to me but I couldnt see them. She said their eyes began hurting. The air became very heavy. There was no bad smell. But the air was so heavy to breathe.

The Alyousefs brought their dead to a family members home that was outside the worst attack area. The courtyard was turned into a makeshift morgue where surviving relatives tried for hours to resuscitate loved ones already dead.

Thats when Fadl finally collapsed, she said, only to wake up in a medical center.

While Fadl recovers along with her son at her parents home in a town north of Khan Sheikoun, her husband is still looking for survivors from his extended family.

Alaa Alyousef said not all homes have been searched for survivors yet.

We are still in shock, a big shock. Our family is devastated, the 27-year-old said. Many are still missing. We are afraid to enter homes sometimes lest we find more people dead.

On Tuesday, he and other family members buried the clans dead in the mass grave.

On the way to the grave, Abdel Hameed Alyousef asked a cousin to video his farewell to his twin son and daughter as he sat in the front seat of a van being loaded with bodies.

When the airstrikes hit, he was with the twins. I carried them outside the house with their mother, the 29-year-old shop owner told the AP. They were conscious at first, but 10 minutes later we could smell the odor.

The twins and his wife, Dalal Ahmed, fell sick.

He brought them to paramedics and, thinking they would be OK, went to look for the rest of his family. He found the bodies of two of his brothers, two nephews and a niece, as well as neighbours and friends. I couldnt save anyone. Theyre all dead now, he said.

It was only later that his relatives could bring themselves to tell him that his children and wife had also died.

Abdel Hameed is in very bad shape, said his cousin, Alaa Alyousef. Hes being treated for exposure to the toxin, but hes especially broken down over his massive loss.
Survivors of a deadly chemical attack earlier in the week in Syria that killed over 80 people, say they were gassed as they slept, a media report said.

They also described that the gas bombs were dropped from planes, directly contradicting the governments version of events.

Abdul Hamid Youssef told the CNN that the attack shook him from a deep sleep. He awoke, finding it difficult to breathe. Leaping from bed, Youssef scrambled to make sure his nine-month-old twins were still alive.

Apparently unharmed, he passed them to his wife and told her to stay in the house. Rushing outside to check on his parents next door, Youssef passed people staggering and falling in the street, the news report said.

Youssef and many members of his extended family live on the northern edge of Khan Sheikhoun, a town in Idlib province, where the attack took place.

On Tuesday, airstrikes battered an area near their local bakery, meters from Youssefs home.

But it wasnt just any attack -- Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has been accused of using chemical weapons in the strikes. It was meant to rattle the rebel-held area. Instead it killed many and injured more than 200.

Youssef arrived in his parents house to find his two brothers dead. Panicked, he rushed back to his home to check on his wife and babies.

There was foam coming out of their mouths, there were convulsions. They had all been on the floor, Youssef told CNN on Wednesday, sobbing.

Syrians bury the bodies of victims in Khan Sheikhun, a nearby rebel-held town in Syrias northwestern Idlib province. (AFP Photo)

My kids, Ahmad and Aya, and my wife... they were all martyred. My entire familys gone.

Global condemnation intensified on Wednesday, the day after the attack, one of the deadliest since the Syrian war began six years ago.

The White House and the UK blamed Syrian president Assads regime for the attack that struck at dawn in Khan Sheikhoun when many were still asleep, CNN report said.

At the UN, Western powers lambasted Russia for standing by the regime.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said victims bore the signs of exposure to nerve agents, and Amnesty International said evidence pointed to an air-launched chemical attack.

International agencies are investigating the origin of the agents used in the strike, CNN said.

We are still receiving information. Full details are still not known, under secretary-general in the UN and high representative for disarmament affairs Kim Won-soo said at the opening of a security council emergency meeting to discuss the incident.
U.S. President Donald Trump (Photo : Getty Images)

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations agency for family planning and maternal health, will take a massive blow on its funding as U.S. cuts $32.5 million from budget, NPR reported on Tuesday, April 4.



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In its memorandum of justification, the U.S. went on to state that although there is no evidence that UNFPA directly engages in coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations in China, UNFPA continues to partner with [Chinas national family planning agency] on family planning, and thus can be found to support, or participate in the management of Chinas coercive policies.



The U.S.s decision to cut funding was already expected but was still met with disappointment by advocates of reproductive health programs, according to the NPR article.



To counter the Trump administrations claims, the UNFPA issued a statement, which reads that all of its work promotes the human rights of individuals and couples to make their own decisions, free of coercion or discrimination.



In addition, the UFPA statement stressed that member states have long considered the agencys work in China for the greater good.



As for the major cut in the agencys funding, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told the media at a press conference that the cut could have devastating effects on the health of vulnerable women and girls and their families around the world.



The U.S.s contribution to the UNFPA funds has been instrumental in the agencys operation. According to agency officials, the UNFPA was able to save 2,340 women from childbirth and pregnancy-related deaths thanks to the U.S.s 2016 contribution.



The NPR also reported that the agency was able to prevent 947,000 unintended pregnancies, prevent 295,000 unsafe abortions, and fund 1,251 surgeries for fistula.



The budget cut would mostly be felt in other countries instead of China, where the UNFPA has actually spent minimally in the past years.


US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have been at odds over a range of issues since the billionaire businessman took office in November.

As the two leaders prepare to meet face-to-face for the first time at Trumps luxury resort in Florida this week, these are the topics likely to top the agenda.

North Korea

Even before North Koreas ballistic missile launch on Wednesday, Pyongyangs nuclear weapons programme was always going to dominate the Trump-Xi summit.

The North is economically reliant on its sole ally Beijing, and Washington has long pushed China to use its leverage to punish the hermit state.

While China has shown growing impatience with its neighbours bad behaviour, Beijing is reluctant to push the country too far for fear that the regime might collapse, unleashing a flood of refugees across the border.

Late last month, in a warm-up to this weeks meeting, Trump Tweet-lashed China for doing little to help rein in Pyongyang and he has since warned the US is prepared to go it alone in bringing the North to heel.

Trade

During the presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly bashed China for its unfair trade policies and accused it of artificially depressing its currency to give its exports an unfair advantage.

Since taking office, he has often returned to the theme, warning that he will slap the worlds second-largest economy with massive tariffs if it does not increase US access to its markets.

In a tweet last week, he highlighted Chinas massive trade imbalance with the US - over $310 billion last year - as a serious problem that could make his upcoming talks with Xi difficult.

But Trump has also hinted at his willingness to use trade issues as a bargaining chip to secure more cooperation from China on North Korea.

China has its own wish list, including fewer restrictions on exports of sensitive US technology.

Taiwan

Trump infuriated China by taking a protocol-breaking phone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and suggesting he might break from the USs long-standing One China Policy, which nominally acknowledges the Asian giants claims over Taiwan without recognising them.

The situation cooled down after a conciliatory phone call in February with Xi, where Trump walked back his comments.

The move seems to have placated Beijing, but it left many in democratically ruled Taiwan wondering if the brash billionaire might use their home as a bargaining chip.

South China Sea

Chinas claims to most of the South China Sea and its controversial moves to build on disputed islands and reefs in the area, including installing military facilities on some, have drawn strong criticism from Washington.

Several of Trumps cabinet, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have warned Beijing against throwing its weight about in the region, insisting the US would intervene if necessary to preserve international rights of navigation.

Human rights

Human rights have been a long-standing point of conflict in Sino-US relations.

When Trump took office, many Chinese dissidents thought he might be willing to take a hardline against Beijing on the issue.

But the president -- who praised Chinas handling of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in a 1990 interview -- has so far demonstrated little interest in the issue.

The White House has said the topic will continue to be brought up in the relationship, but human rights activists are worried the Trump administration has already missed several opportunities to spotlight Beijings abuses.

Without US pressure, they argue, the problems will only worsen.
Nikki Haley, the tough-talking and blunt US Ambassador to the UN, was heckled during an annual summit on women here as she spoke about President Donald Trump and Russia.

Haley was speaking on Wednesday at the Women In The World summit, a premier annual gathering of influential women leaders, politicians and activists organised by media personality Tina Brown in association with the New York Times.

As the Indian-American was answering questions during the session titled Trumps Diplomat: Nikki Haley moderated by MSNBC anchor Greta Van Susteren, Haley was booed and heckled on several occasions. At one point someone in the audience shouted what about refugees while another said when is the next panel.

During the nearly 22 minute session, a woman in the audience shouted when is the next panel, to which the 45-year-old smiled and exclaimed wow as the audience tried to shush the heckler.

She was heckled again when asked how America deals with some of the world leaders who are dictators.

You call them out when they do something wrong and you work with them when you can find ways to work with them.

As some members of the audience shouted at her remarks, Haley said we have to express Americas values. We are always the moral conscience of the world, to which someone from the audience shouted what about the refugees, cutting off Haley. Haley went silent. Van Susteren paused, and then said, Moving on.

At the end of the days programme, Brown commended Haley for attending the event even as she got a boisterous reception and for remaining gracious as she was heckled.

We often complain and sneer and say Republicans never want to come on any kind of forum except Fox News or places where they can be asked questions that are soft, Brown said, adding that Haley did not put on any pre-conditions and sat very graciously while the audience heckled.

She didnt get agitated about it, and shes in the middle of a lot of world crises. So I feel that we should really applaud the fact that she did come.

Van Susteren asked Haley why the world has not heard much from Trump about Russia, a question that drew a thunderous applause from the audience.

Haley said, first of all keep in mind that I work for the Trump administration, a response that generated boos and heckles from the audience and prompted Van Susteren to ask the audience to hold on, hold on. We got to get people fix these problems.

Haley added that she has hit Russia over the head more times than I can count. Its because if they do something wrong we are going to call them out on it. If they want to help us defeat terrorism, fine.

But the things they have done with Crimea and Ukraine, the things they have done with how they have covered up for (Syrian President Bashar) Assad, we are not going to give them a pass on.

Haley said she has had conversations with Trump where he very much sees Russia as a problem and I think if you look at his actions, everybody wants to hear his words but look at his actions. The two things that Russia does not want to see the US do is strengthen the military and expand energy and the President has done both of those. She gave out a smile as her comments again drew prolonged boos from the audience.

On the chemical weapons attack on a Syrian town, Haley said Russia blamed it on a container of chemical weapons that ISIS had.

There is no ounce of proof. They just make things up, she said.

Haley, earlier this year, scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indian-American to be appointed to a cabinet-level post in any US administration.
A group of young transgender Thais sits together in womens clothes behind rows of men, waiting for military officers to call their names and decide whether they must be drafted as soldiers.

I was born male, so I must be here, as duty calls, said Kanphitcha Sungsuk, 21, in a cream-colored dress, holding up a mirror to check her make-up and long black hair.

Thailand is widely seen as a paradise for gay and transgender people, but many complain of being treated as second-class citizens and the obligation to respond to the draft can be a nightmare when they turn 21.

Most are stressed and worried that they will be undressed, stared at, or humiliated in public, said Jetsada Taesombat, executive director of the Thai Transgender Alliance for Human Rights.

Some are so stressed out they want to commit suicide to avoid conscription.

A young man (C) reacts after being exempted from military service during an army draft held at a school in Klong Toey, the dockside slum area in Bangkok, Thailand, April 5. (Reuters Photo)

Every April, Thai men who turn 21 must either volunteer to serve for six months or take their chances in a lottery, where a choice of black ticket lets them go home but a red ticket means they must serve for two years.

A conscripts death following a beating by soldiers this week highlights the brutality of army life that many men want to avoid. Conscription can also mean serving in the south, where Muslim Malay separatists are fighting an insurgency.

Exemptions are made for those who are physically or mentally incapable. They are also made for transgender women, but only if they can prove that they are not faking it.

A doctor takes them to a private room, or behind a wall, to see whether they have breasts or have undergone a sex change.

Those with physical alterations, who show gender identity disorder, are exempt from the draft and need never return, but those who have not undergone such changes must return for up to two more years, unless an army hospital certifies they have the disorder.

Relatives cheer after a potential draftee is exempted from military service during the annual military draft in Bangkok on April 5. (AFP)

Transgender women say the reference to a disorder stigmatises them, although the army has softened its description from the previous permanent mental disorder and says it has improved the way they are treated.

The army is instructed to treat and respect transgender women as women, said Lieutenant Colonel Ongard Jamdee, who is in charge of a recruitment center in Pasi Charoen, Bangkok.

Transgender women figure on television, in beauty pageants and at hair salons and cosmetics counters in Thailand. But they cannot change the gender designation on their identity papers, despite a 2015 law against gender-based discrimination.

Some transgender women told Reuters they had been told to leave womens toilets so as to not frighten women.

Society looks on and thinks we are accepted, but its actually not so, said Khwan Suphalak, 23, adding that hotels had barred her entry over her gender. Were always treated differently.
His expansionist appetite whetted by the 1845 annexation of Texas, U.S. president James K. Polk sought war with Mexico to force more territorial concessions.

Thanks to the recently developed electric telegraph network, word of the United States first victories against Mexico in Texas at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma (May 89, 1846) spread like a grassland wildfire. Public meetings convened in towns large and small to validate the young nations first expansion by military force. The citizens of Stroudsburg, in eastern Pennsylvania, were typical as they passed resolutions hailing Brigadier General Zachary Taylor as a man equal to all emergencies, whose military skill and undaunted couragehave covered him with fresh laurels and adorned the American arms with unfading glory. There was praise too for the U.S. Armys glorious and triumphant defence of American rights. Through its valor and sacrifice, the southern border of the United States now stretched to the Rio Grande.

In the immediate aftermath of the two hard-fought battles, the 61-year-old Taylor, a crusty army regular whose perpetual preparedness inspired the nickname Old Rough and Ready, secured a narrow zone running along both banks of the river and confronted a new challenge: What next? The answer would thrust the young U.S. Army into a battle unlike any it had encountered; in addition to testing the courage, fortitude, and improvisational skills of its warriors, the battle would bring the nation to a dramatic moment of truth for a policy course called manifest destiny. Along the way it would season a cadre of junior officers who, two decades later, would lead another, fratricidal struggle for the countrys future.

The man whose expansionist ambitions and political savvy brought the country to this turning point was its 11th president, James K. Polk, who wholeheartedly sought to fill out the map of the United States with western territories taken by legal claim or negotiation, backed by force if necessary. The economic failure of the Texas Republic and its voluntary annexation to the United States started the war with Mexico over their shared boundary, but Polk aspired to much more. General Taylor and most of the regular U.S. Army entered the new state to enforce American claims to the Rio Grande border by fighting and winning two battles, Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma [See A Band of Demons Fights for Texas, Winter 2010]. Those victories did not bring the Mexicans to the bargaining table for the larger settlement Polk was seeking, so Taylor received orders from army chief Winfeld Scott to press toward the heart of the enemys country to force a deal.

Taylors plan was to capture Monterrey, a large commercial and administrative center (population 12,000 to 15,000). To accomplish this, he decided to move his army and supplies 100 miles west up the Rio Grande to Camargo before marching overland another 100 miles southwest to Monterrey. The available river steamers were few, indifferently maintained, and often infested by shipwormsplus it was the rainy season, so the river was roiling across its flood plain, making any passage a hard slog. Camargos advantage was its location on a direct road to Monterrey, but otherwise it was badly drained and pestilential; diseases killed many more Americans than had fallen in combat. Author Martin Dugard said that regimental bands so often played a death march for funerals that Camargos mockingbirds learned to mimic the refrain. Nevertheless, on August 18, 1846, Taylors men launched their invasion of Mexico from there.

The Mexican force waiting for them was a mix of units that had already fought the Americans, with others from as far away as Mexico City. They were commanded by Major General Pedro de Ampudia, a Cuban-born Spaniard with a reputation for ruthlessness. After fending of initial orders to abandon Monterrey, Ampudia tried to mount a forward defense by opposing Taylors advance at some distance, only to scrap the idea when his subordinates balked at taking their men into an open field fight. He contented himself with dispatching cavalry to harass and delay the U.S. advance, neither of which they accomplished.

Ampudia was more successful in fortifying the town. Monterrey spread for a mile along the north bank of the Santa Catarina River. Its western perimeter was guarded by two fortified steep-sided elevations: Loma de Federacion (Federation Hill) on the south bank, and Loma de Independencia (Independence Hill) on the north side. Covering its eastern flank were the strongpoints Fort Teneria (the Tannery) and El Rincon del Diablo (the Devils Corner). A thousand yards north of the city rose a huge fortification built on the foundations of an unfinished cathedral. Running 200 yards on a side, it had room for 400 soldiers and 30 guns. The defenders knew it as the Citadel, while its attackers called it the Black Fort.

Less visible but no less deadly were the defenses within the city. Its straight streets were easy to barricade and they were lined with mostly one-story whitewashed houses that were stone strong, fat topped, and loopholedmaking each a mini- citadel. Add mutually supporting positions, cannons set to sweep the streets, and Monterrey looks like a picture-perfect setting for an ambush. Ampudia nearly squandered his advantages by ordering the leveling of some outlying works he had thought overly exposed, but he changed his mind as the Americans approached.

Taylor, brevetted major general for his successes thus far, evidently knew his business: A day ahead of his main column marched a road-building detail with escort to smooth the way. He advanced his force in careful stages and made certain to secure his supply line. With wagons hard to find, he relied on pack mules, supervised by soldiers with Mexican handlers known as arrieros. It was a thankless task to keep the obstreperous herd moving on any army timetable, and many a quartermaster was reduced to cursing fits, except a certain Second Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant. I am not aware of ever having used a profane expletive in my life, he wrote, but I would have the charity to excuse those who may have done so, if they were in charge of a train of Mexican pack mules.

During the initial stages of their march from Camargo, the Americans found pleasure at Mexican open-air village dances called fandangos. As they approached their target, the parties stopped, and when they asked about that they were told: Si! Mucho fandango a Monterrey! A lieutenant and future Civil War general named Abner Doubleday translated it: They are getting up a dance for you in Monterrey. A dance of death, perhaps?

General Taylor got his first look at the 250-year-old city at approximately 9 a.m. on September 19. Detachments of U.S. engineers scouted the defenses even as the long army column slowly compressed into an area called Bosque de San Domingo, some three miles northeast of the town. Once assembled, the American army would number 6,220 (roughly half regulars and half volunteers), while Monterreys defenders totaled 7,303.

Taylors engineers recognized that the western hills dominated Monterrey and capturing them would also cut the towns main supply routeto Saltillo about 50 miles west. Having left most of his heavy siege cannons behind to make better time, Taylor had no choice but to attack. His prior two battles had been designed as straight-ahead assaults, but this time he decided to send one of his three divisions circling west to cut the Saltillo Road and overrun the hills. With the rest of the army he would demonstrate against the eastern defenses to exploit any weaknesses. He was evidently reasoning that, because Ampudia had not aggressively contested his advance, the Mexicans would remain passive while his exposed flanking column executed its mission.

For the encirclement part of his operation, which Taylor deemed of essential importance, he chose the division commanded by Brevet Brigadier General William Jenkins Worth. Taylor deplored Worths personal conduct (he had taken leave before the first battles over an issue regarding his rank) but trusted him to prosecute the assignment. Worths command, with some 1,650 regulars plus the 1st Texas Mounted Rifles, began their movement at 2 p.m. on September 20 and covered two-thirds of the way to their objective before bivouacking for the night. A cold rain was falling and the men had to sleep uncovered in marching formation. A lieutenant (and prospective general) with the martial moniker of Napoleon Jackson Tecumseh Dana remembered it as the most cheerless, comfortless, unhappy night I ever spent. Although Ampudias main forces remained hunkered down, his scouts reported the movement and some reinforcements were transferred to the western hills.

When Worths men resumed their advance at sunrise on September 21, they soon found their path blocked by an enemy cavalry force of 1,500 backed by 500 infantry. In Worths unit, the Mexicans faced some stubborn Texans, smartly deployed U.S. infantry, and two batteries of highly mobile light cannons then dubbed flying artillery. Participating in this action were yet two more generals-to-be: Lieutenants James Longstreet and George Gordon Meade. The Mexicans scattered and by 8:15 a.m. Worths men had cut the Saltillo Road. The town is ours, Worth pridefullyand prematurelyreported to Taylor.

Action also got under way at the eastern side of Monterrey as Taylor mounted what he intended to be diversionary moves to prevent Ampudia massing against Worth. But Taylors usually sure handling of troops was sadly absent on this day: Units advanced with ambiguous directions, and reinforcements were dispatched in haphazard fashion, following orders brought by officers such as Lieutenant John Popewho was to be beaten 16 years hence by Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and James Longstreet at Second Bull Run.

The division sent to demonstrate against Fort Teneria launched a head-on assault into the city when the commanding officer, Colonel John Garland, acted according to what he thought Taylor would do rather than what his orders broadly instructed. The soldiers struggled past the direct and flanking fire (the latter from the Citadel) to enter the city itself and a whole new world of hurt: The Americans crammed into the narrow streets where they were shredded by Mexican riflemen lining the roofs and blasted by sandbagged cannons shooting straight down the streets. Even an appearance of some flying artillery commanded by Lieutenant Braxton Bragg (also destined for bigger things) failed when their small rounds literally bounced of the buildings strong walls.

Taylor seemed to forget his planned diversion as he committed more and more troops to a feint that had become a serious fight. A follow-up wave of Tennessee and Mississippi volunteers captured Fort Teneria. But the deadly street fighting was repeated at other points in the city, and by 5 p.m. Taylor ordered everyone back, save the Fort Teneria garrison. The aimless combat of the day had cost him nearly 400 casualties, easily twice what his entire expeditionary force had suffered in its previous combat. Fortunately for the fate of the army and Taylors reputation, Worth accomplished a good deal more during that same day.

Once astride the Saltillo Road, Worth set his mind to executing Taylors instructions to carry the enemys detached works in that quarter. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made to first tackle the 400-foot-high southern elevationFederation Hill. It appeared to be less densely defended than Independence Hill, overlapping it and offering a better choice of firing options when the time came to assault the northern highland. As Lieutenant Meade noted, it was necessary to take [both] these heights before we could advance upon the town.

Worth compiled a storming party of 300 artillerymen serving as infantry (while retaining their distinctive red-striped pants) and 200 Texas Rangers. The soldiers moved out at noon but had trouble finding a ford across the Santa Catarina River, which so delayed them that Worth sent out a second attack group from the 7th U.S. Infantry. Theres planning and theres luck: Worth enjoyed some of the latter as the two groups were able to merge to overcome the Mexican battery posted on Federation Hills western nose. We raised a tremendous shot, recalled Lieutenant Dana, and up the hill we went with a rush, the Texans ahead like devils.

Once atop the hill, the red legs found that the Mexicans had neglected to disable their cannons when they abandoned the fort. The Americans soon had a 9-pounder firing at the hills eastern redoubt, Fort Soldado, and one of their first shots knocked out the enemys gun. Te position was then overrun by a third group dispatched by Worth, placing Federation Hill in American hands. Its capture revealed the critical weakness in Ampudias defensive scheme: His strongpoints were isolated and could not be reinforced when under attack.

In one of the last actions of the day, the Tennessee and Mississippi volunteers holding Fort Teneria on the eastern side of the battlefield were relieved by other units. As they marched back to the main line, they were attacked by Mexican lancers and might have been slaughtered piecemeal had not Colonel Jefferson Davis (yes, that same Jefferson Davis) organized a firing line that drove of the attackers.

It had not been a strong performance for the army commander; indeed, historian John S. D. Eisenhower calls this the worst day of Taylors career. In a letter written at the time, sub ordinate George Meade charitably contrasted the judgment and energy of Worth with the impetuosity and fearless courage of Taylor. It appears that Taylor had no plan to regain the initiative on his side of the battlefield, but of to the west the man he had entrusted with cracking Monterreys defensive shell was about to prove his worth.

Hardly had Worths men secured Federation Hill than their commander began planning to take Independence Hill. Worth put together an assault force of 500 regulars plus Texas Rangers and had them climbing through the thorny undergrowth toward a little Mexican fort at the western end of the 800-foot Independence Hill at 3 oclock in the morning on September 22. Tanks to some timely foul weather, the attackers were able to get within a few feet of the fort before they were spottedtoo late. Before they could be stopped, they were inside the fort routing the defenders.

The Mexicans retained a strong position on the eastern end of Independence Hill in a fortified post known as Bishops Palace. It was fronted by a wide-open killing ground making an infantry charge suicidal. Worth could hit it using cannons he was operating on Federation Hill but he needed more punch, so his artillerymen dismantled a 12-pounder not designed to be easily disassembled, hauled the pieces up steep Independence Hill, and were soon blasting Bishops Palace. The Mexican officer in charge defied standing orders to maintain a defensive posture and sallied out to attack. That open ground in front of the fort worked both ways as the U.S. riflemen and their one cannon tore bloody rents in the enemy columns; the survivors fed with the Americans pursuing so rapidly that they entered the palace concurrent with the Mexican soldiers. The U.S. fag was flying over it by 4 p.m.

On this second day of the battle, on the eastern side of Monterrey, Taylor did little but tidy up his formations. But there was one dramatic move left: During the night of September 22, Ampudia decided to abandon his outer defenses save for the Citadel and concentrate his men in the town center, the Plaza Mayor. He may have been opting for a battle of attrition, counting on his street defenses to bleed the enemy dry, as they had handily done on September 21. His soldiers holding the eastern side, however, thought otherwise. According to one Mexican account, the grumbling and discontent showedopenly, and the military morale suffering by it in a manner beyond description.

One of the first Americans to realize what Ampudia had done was Lieutenant George Meade, sent to investigate a report from an Independence Hill outpost early on September 23 that the city streets appeared deserted. According to Meade, he ascertained the enemy had abandoned all that portion of the town in our direction, and had retired to the vicinity of the central plaza of the town, where they were barricaded, and all the houses occupied by infantry. On the eastern side of town, the Americans holding Fort Teneria first noted that their immediate front had been cleared and notified Taylor, who set up his command post there.

The first Americans to enter the city from the east repeated the errors of those who had attacked the northern sector two days before: Onward we went, men and horses falling at every step, recalled one of them. Cheers, shrieks, groans, and words of command added to the din. There were even a few women among the defenders, who gave them courage and passed them munitions. But this time among the American attackers there were Texans who, reports historian Eisenhower, had been fighting in cities for a decade. Word spread that there was a better way to defeat the enemys defenses: First, capture a house at the end of a block or one with an adjacent empty house. Ten, with riflemen covering them, men with picks and crowbars dig holes in the softer common walls. After the riflemen kill any enemy near the hole, they roll a couple of 6-pound shells with short fuses sputtering into the room to scour remaining defenders. The attackers then rush in, with some mounting the roof to establish a base of fire, while others begin the house-to-house process again. Braggs flying artillerymen quickly learned how to load behind a corner, rush the gun out to fire, and then yank it out of sight to reload. We had to fight them by inches, Lieutenant Dana said.

Helping keep Worths advance on track was Captain John Pemberton, who, 16 years later would surrender Vicksburg. Taylor and Worth had yet to coordinate their efforts, though the army commander had sent his subordinate a 10-inch mortar, which, once posted in a cemetery, began lobbing shells into the Plaza Mayor. This heavy artillery convinced General Ampudia that the battle was lost. He had turned the cathedral in the square into an ammo dump and could imagine the devastation should one of those mortar rounds hit his explosives.

From Taylors perspective, the house-to-house fighting on the eastern side only constituted a reconnaissance, so he saw nothing wrong in terminating the fighting at 2 p.m. preparatory to mounting an all-out attack the next day. Worth halted his advance when he heard the firing die out in the eastthough he kept that mortar active. Neither evidently realized that the battle had been won.

Ampudia sent a message at 3 a.m., September 24, proposing negotiations for capitulation. A back-and-forth exchange ensued, with meetings between the commanders. The terms that were signed early on September 25 surrendered the town, all weapons (personal guns exempted), and public property. In return Ampudias men (permitted to take along a six-gun field battery) were to march out west on the Saltillo Road. A truce was put in place for eight weeksless if their respective governments deemed it.

The closer one was to the fighting, the more sensible Taylors terms seemed. While not a Pyrrhic victory, it came awfully close: Monterrey had been an unexpectedly tough nut to crack. The place is a second West Point in strength, wrote Lieutenant Dana, and the Mexicans have defended it to the last our fighting has been bloody and hard. Taylors losses of 120 killed, 368 wounded, and 43 missing represented 8.5 percent of his force, while Ampudias total casualties of 367 were just 5 percent of his. There were increasing discipline problems with the American volunteer elements, and the dependable regulars were frazzled by constant hard duties.

All the way back in Washington those impressions were reversed: President Polk felt that Taylor had wasted his victory by not paroling Ampudias army but had to mute his criticism in the face of great public accolades over Taylors accomplishment. Still, he was right that the U.S. capture of Monterrey did not end the Mexican-American war. Nor did it provide a gateway to Mexico City, since the American supply system could not stretch the thousand land miles required. The most Polk could do to show his displeasure was to abbreviate the eight-week truce.

Taylor faced an extended period overseeing the American occupation of the region, followed by a final northern battle when the reconstituted Mexican armyled by Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and including the Monterrey garrisonfought and lost at Buena Vista in February 1847. Forcing the Mexican government to the bargaining table and obtaining the territorial concessions that would realize Polks vision of a continental United States required an invasion from the sea and a long march into Mexicos capital. Nevertheless, the Monterrey engagement lingered long in the memories of the men who fought there. One veteran division commander afterward declared, I do not believe that for downright, straightforward, hard fighting, the battle of Monterey has ever been surpassed.

Noah Andre Trudeau is a media producer and writer. He is currently finishing work on a book about Abraham Lincolns visit to the war front in MarchApril 1865 and developing a concert work for narrator, orchestra, and video about Lincolns life.

Originally published in the April 2014 issue of Military History Quarterly. To subscribe, click here.
The legendary, victorious campaigns of the Great Elector, Frederick William I.

Wordsworth famously wrote: The child is father of the man. Things happen to us, in other words, in childhood or even infancy that can affect us for the rest of our lives. The things we do and the choices we make as mature adults are often conditioned responses to events that occurred long ago but continue to stay with us, like a dream or trauma. As a general rule, then, if you want to know someone, find out about his origins.

So it is with the German army. One of the 20th centurys great troublemakers, the engine of two world wars, it continues to fascinate us today. Questions about its doctrine, its armaments, and its battle-fighting methods still excite debate. Its allure doesnt seem to be in danger of ending anytime soon, and quite rightly: If there is one global institution of the 20th century we should understand more deeply, it is the German army.

With that in mind, let us return to an earlier but not necessarily simpler time, the 17th century. Germany did not yet exist as a unified country and neither did the kingdom of Prussia. Rather, we find its ancestor, the apparently insignificant Margraviate of Brandenburg. Compared to the already established great powersFrance to the west, the Habsburg Empire (Austria) to the south, Sweden to the north, and Poland to the eastBrandenburg was small potatoes. But three key events in its military history were about to change that and launch it onto the world stage.

The Elector and the Battle of Warsaw

A time traveler visiting Brandenburg would probably be underwhelmed by its prospects for global power. It was a small realm under a minor rulerFrederick William I of the Hohenzollern dynasty. Its soil was sandy, its inhabitants poor, and it lay out in the sticks, as it were, on the edge of European civilization; indeed, some of it was called the Mark (as in marchlands, or frontier). The territory under Frederick Williams control sprawled haphazardly across northern Europe from the Rhine River to the Neman. Besides his heartland province of Brandenburg, he ruled the tiny district of Cleves to the west and the Duchy of Prussia to the east. It is true that he was an elector, one of the seven princes who cast a vote in choosing the Holy Roman Emperor (even though he himself was a devoted Calvinist), but that meant little in the long decades between elections.

Like most monarchs of his day, Frederick William worked to create a standing army, but he lacked the wealth to create a big one. By 1643 his force numbered barely 5,000 men at a time when the greater powers were already fielding tens of thousands.

The Electors military career began in the so-called First Northern War (16551660). Early in the war King Charles X Gustav of Sweden approached him about a joint invasion of Poland. The Elector would have preferred to remain neutral in a Swedish-Polish War, but he knew he had little choice but to agree. Sweden today is a small nation with a long tradition of neutrality in foreign wars. Sweden then was a great and fearsome military power with a reputation for aggressive generalship and unparalleled ferocity on the battlefield. Charless suggestion to Frederick William in 1656 for joint action was nothing but a thinly disguised demand.

Their allied forces moved on Poland in July, drove into the heart of the country, and in late July fought a vicious three-day battle in front of the capital, Warsaw. The allies came down from the north in three columns, marching along the west bank of the Vistula River, with Swedish cavalry on the right, a combined infantry force in the center, and Frederick Williams cavalry on the left, some 18,000 men in all. The Polish force under King John II Casimir was much larger, consisting of 35,000 light cavalryPolands traditional striking armbut with only a small component of infantry.

Day one of the fight saw the cavalry on both sides making contact and feeling each other out, with more skirmishing and reconnaissance than heavy fighting. As Frederick William and Charles arrived on the field that evening, however, they could already spot trouble. The space between the unfordable Vistula and the primeval Biaoeka forest to the northeast was too narrow to deploy a firing line, the main requirement for battle in the era. Already, the Poles had thrown up heavy earthworks and entrenchments, standing squarely athwart the Swedish-Brandenburger line of advance. While the Poles were a light force and poorly configured for a pitched battle, the bottleneck was a position that even light forces might hold for a long time.

Centuries later, it is still unclear who came up with the solution. After the battle, both Frederick William and Charles claimed credit. Whoever was right, day two saw the allies launch a great flank march to their left, passing around the bottleneck to strike a blow against the weakly defended Polish flank and rear. It was a low-odds venture, to be sure. The enemy was more mobile and had the advantage of numbers, the flanking forces would be passing within two miles of the enemy camp, and much of the march route had to pass through the dense Biaoeka itself. The maneuver also required a complex redeployment for the allies, with the Swedish cavalry on the right of their battle array countermarching onto the left. But it had one advantage: surprise.

That morning Frederick William conducted a personal reconnaissance of the front, something unusual for a crowned head in that day and age. He took note of a hill, which he marked on maps as the Colline. Overlooking the forest, it offered a good view of the allied march route. Before the flanking maneuver could begin, therefore, he ordered a mixed force of infantry and dragoons from his advance guard to storm it. They did so, smartly, and then unlimbered their 4-pounder guns on the height. And just in time: The Poles responded with a series of vigorous counterattacks against the Colline, and the guns offered crucial support to the Brandenburg infantry holding the hill.

With the Colline now firmly in hand, Charles began the flank march. The Swedes drove through the forest, but Polish cavalry dogged them the whole way, and there were some anxious moments en route. Nevertheless, the allied force managed to complete the maneuver and wheel sharply to the right. By 4 p.m. they were facing southwest, toward the Vistula.

By now the Poles recognized the danger they were in. They answered with a hasty redeployment out of the bottleneck, rushing regiments to the south and launching a series of dangerous but uncoordinated blows against the entire face of the allied position. Both Charles and Frederick William faced heavy fighting that evening. The high point of the Polish effort was a bold charge by the Hussars of Prince Aleksandr Poubinski, 800 of the finest horsemen in Europe driving hard against the Swedish leftthe open and unsecured end of the allied line. Slashing through a first then second line of Swedish horse, they might have broken through altogether if it were not for the support of a few companies of Brandenburger infantry who had accompanied the Swedes on their flank march. Still, the fighting here was desperate, and there were reports of Charles actually engaging in hand-to-hand combat to halt the charge.

While day two had been a day of survival for the allies, day three saw them launch their final assault. Tis time the Brandenburgers, not the Swedes, led the way. Once again Frederick William, on an early morning reconnaissance, discovered a long sandy knoll to his front, a terrain feature that the Poles had fortified in the night. On the fly, he came up with a coordinated plan for the assault. One task force of infantry and guns under Field Marshal Otto Christof von Sparr would hit the Poles frontally. Sparr would lead off with an hourlong bombardment, an unusual thing in that era, and then launch a follow-on charge of pikemen to smash through the Polish defenders. Once the Poles had been fixed in the center, Frederick William would personally lead the cavalry on Sparrs right, driving into the rear of the Polish position.

The combined arms assaultfeaturing artillery, infantry, and cavalryworked just as the Elector had drawn it up. Hit in front and rear, the Poles came apart. They had fought bravely for three days against heavier forces, their losses had been grievous, and now they had had enough. Some fed across the main bridge over the Vistula, others simply vanished north and south. It was not a panicky fight so much as an all-points-of-the-compass skedaddle, the traditional prerogative of the light cavalry army.

The next day elector and king entered the Polish capitalnot the last time that a German commander would lead a victory parade through the streets of conquered Warsaw. While the allies losses had been considerable, over 700 men, their victory had been total.

The Elector Comes Into His Own

The Battle of Warsaw took place far from the centers of power in Western Europe, and it is fair to say that it barely registered on the international stage. Not so the Electors next great battle. It would be one of the most famous in German history, celebrated as the birthday of the Prussian army.

The year preceding that battle, 1674, Frederick William was involved in one of the seemingly interminable coalition wars against Louis XIV of France, fighting alongside various other minor German states and Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I. While the allies were carrying out a desultory campaign of maneuver in Alsace, however, the king of Sweden (now Charles XI) saw a golden opportunity. In December 1674 the Swedes invaded Brandenburg with an army of 20,000 men. They plundered and looted the province then went into winter quarters. With most of the army abroad, the defense of Brandenburg was in the hands of John George II, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, but his forces were far too few to resist the Swedish advance.

For the Elector, this was the ultimate nightmare. While he had been dithering far from home as a useless cog in an unwieldy coalition, an enemy force had seized his heartland. After canvassing his allies for help (and receiving nothing more than long looks and expressions of sympathy), he knew he had to go it alone. Once weather permitted, he struck camp and set out to save his homeland, his people, and, not least, his job.

In some ways, his whole life had pointed toward this moment. He was related by marriage to Swedens greatest warrior-king of the day, Gustavus II Adolphus, and after the kings death in battle at Lutzen, 12-year-old Frederick William accompanied the casket as it was loaded onto the ship at the port of Wohlgast on the Black Sea for transport back to Sweden. The Hohenzollerns had converted to Calvinism before Frederick Williams birth, and the young man spent much of his youth in the Calvinist Netherlands, studying at Leyden in 1634. Here he became acquainted with modern systems of government, administration, and taxation, but more important, he became a student of the modern military science of the day, then in its full flowering in the Dutch Republic. In the camp of Frederick Henry of Orange, the young elector-to-be learned about the importance of drill, the correct use of firearms, maneuvering unwieldy linear formations, and techniques of command. He could not have had a better introduction to the military revolution of the 17th century: warfare based on firearms and well-trained, thoroughly drilled professional armies.

He was going to need all this expertise, and more. His operational problem in 1675 was easy to state, less easy to solve. He had to bring an army clear across the forests of central Germany as rapidly as possible and take the Swedes by surprise. The Brandenburgers duly departed Schweinfurt on June 6. While the Elector was in overall command, he handed the details of the march to his head of cavalry, 69-year-old Field Marshal Georg von Derfinger, a hard-drinking, brawling fellow with a fiery temper. Knowing the importance of speed, Derfinger split the already small army into three separate wings: the left under Prince Fredrick II of Hesse-Homburg, the right under General Joachim Ernst von Gortzke, and the center under his own command. The army carried no supplies, buying what it could from the towns en route, with the Elector doling out funds from his personal treasury. It was an expensive proposition, to be sure, but this was a do-or-die venture, and if it failed, an unbalanced budget would be the least of his problems.

With Derfinger cracking the whip and the columns coordinated by riders, runners, and even trumpets, the army rushed north, covering 205 miles in just over two weeksone of the eras great marches. The Brandenburgers arrived in Magdeburg on June 21. So swiftly had they proceeded that the Swedes were still unaware the Elector had even set out.

They found out soon enough, however. On June 25 the Brandenburgers launched an attack on the key Swedish-held fortress of Rathenow, about 50 miles west of Berlin. Secretly contacting a loyal official inside the towna counsellor by the name of Jacob Friedrich von BriestFrederick William ordered him to throw a banquet for the Swedish officers in the garrison. As the night wore on and Briest led the Swedes in toast after toast, Brandenburger troops deployed into their assault positions. As always, Derfinger took the lead. Claiming to be a Swedish officer who had escaped from a Brandenburger patrol, he got the guards to lower the gate then led a charge of his dragoons into the town. There was fighting here and there, but soon the Brandenburgers had secured Rathenow. It was just under 20 days since the army had left Schweinfurt.

The loss of their central fortress threw the Swedes into a panic. Dispersed all over Brandenburg, with a concentrated enemy on their doorstep, they knew they were in trouble. The sensible thing now would have been a general retreat north to the Baltic coast, where they could be supplied by the Swedish navy. But Brandenburger raiding parties under Colonel Joachim Hennigs were already active in the countryside, destroying bridges, blocking roads, and forcing the Swedes to march hither and yon in search of an open route. The local farmers, too, were doing their bit, pitch-forking any Swedish stragglers they could find. As a result, the Swedes were slow in getting into action, and Frederick William ran them down on June 28 at a place called Fehrbellin, about 35 miles northwest of Berlin.

The battle opened with 10,000 Swedes under General Volmar Wrangel facing the Brandenburger advance guard, a mere 1,500 horse under the Prince of Homburg. Homburgs orders were simply to reconnoiter the enemy position, not get embroiled in a fight. But his aggressive nature won out and he decided to strike first. He was vastly outnumbered, but he held the initiative, and his men were spoiling for a fight with the occupiers who had marauded across Brandenburg, stolen their livestock, and abused their families.

The Swedes, by contrast, were in the doldrums. They were in the midst of a helter-skelter retreat. They had a downed bridge behind them on the Rhin Rivercourtesy of Colonel Hennigs and his bandand they faced impassable swamps on both left and right (the Rhin and Havelland bogs). Wearily, they turned to face their attackers.

Homburgs attacks made little impression on the Swedish line, but they did pin the Swedes in place, and at noon Frederick William arrived on the field. While not at all pleased with Homburgs disobedience, he recognized the opportunity that beckoned. His eye for terrain immediately settled on a line of low sandy hills on the right of the Swedish position. Quickly, he had his infantry storm the hills and then had artillery emplaced on the heights. His guns opened fire and began to deal out punishment to the right wing of the Swedish line. Once Frederick William had his entire cavalry in line, some 5,600 riders, he began to press hard on the now weakened Swedish right. His cavalry defeated the Swedish horse there, drove them of, then turned on the vulnerable infantry. One Swedish unit, the Delwig Foot Regiment, bore the brunt of his assault. The Brandenburger cavalry cut it to pieces, but it put up just enough of a fight to allow the left and center to retreat toward Fehrbellin. As night fell, the Swedes finally repaired the bridge and got most of their army away intact. With much of the Brandenburger infantry still hurrying up to the battlefield, there would be no pursuit.

Frankly, pursuit wasnt necessary. The enemy was leaving Brandenburg, and Frederick William had just won his greatest victory. Warsaw had been a coalition victory against a lighter force. At Fehrbellin, Frederick William had gone toe to toe with one of the great military powers of the dayand thrashed it. This shocking victory would enter the lore of the German army. The surprise of the Swedish invasion, the Brandenburgers lightning ride across Germany, the bold action by the Prince of Homburg: Fehrbellin was more than history; it became the stuff of legend. As for Frederick William, he now received a new title. After Fehrbellin, he would be known forever as the Great Elector.

The Great Sleigh Drive

The thing about winning a reputation is that one has to defend it. So it was with Frederick William. He was still the ruler of a small state and liable to get roped into all sorts of coalition wars. It happened again in the winter of 1678, when he became entangled in a lengthy and unsatisfying operation against the Swedes in Pomerania. While most of his army was tied up besieging the Swedish-controlled port of Stralsund, the Swedes once again launched an invasion of one of his home provinces. This time it was remote East Prussia. Once again, the invasion caught Frederick William flatfooted, and he had to lunge across the Baltic coast of West Prussia as rapidly as possible. He probably intended nothing more than a show of force in East Prussia, as seems likely since his original objective was the tiny village of Preussisch-Holland about 35 miles southeast of Danzig. The Swedes knew something about his art of war by now, though, and his arrival led them to begin a retreat from East Prussia altogether.

Many other commanders would have been satisfied. But the more Frederick William looked at the map, the more he saw an opportunity to destroy the Swedes. I intend to cut them off, he wrote at the time. All he needed was a way to accelerate the pace. With speed once again of the essence, the Great Elector commandeered hundreds of sleighs from local towns and villages and struck out across the frozen waters of the Vistula and Curonian Lagoons, driving deep into the flank and rear of the Swedish position. Moving at speed, his sleigh columns were able to make 25 to 30 miles a day, a slashing pace given the miserable winter conditions.

At first the Swedish retreat hugged the coastline, using the few good roads in the area, but the swiftness of Frederick Williams advance forced them into the forested, nearly roadless interior. Here, in the frozen wilderness, the vast majority of them perished. Centuries before anyone had ever heard of blitzkrieg, or lightning war, there was Die Grosse Schlittenfahrt, Frederick Williams Great Sleigh Drive, a campaign of annihilation against the Swedes.

The Great Elector and the German Way of War

Frederick Williams art of war captured the imagination of later German officers. Well into the 20th century, they were still studying his campaigns and drawing out the appropriate lessons. They admired the speed, mobility, and surprise of his operations, seeing them as the essence of bewegungskriegthe war of movement. By contrast, slower moving or protracted operations, cautious maneuvering against enemy depots, and immobile siege warfarethese were things to avoid. Prussia (and Germany) had neither the secure strategic position nor the resources to fight long, drawn-out wars of attrition.

One last trait of the Great Electors art of war would live on in the German army. More than any ruler of his day, the Great Elector tended to delegate responsibility to his subordinates, to give them a general mission but allow them to find a way to carry it out. Tis tradition of flexible command became known as aufragstaktik, mission tactics. Tat style of command had nothing to do with Frederick Williams modesty (he had none) or his unassuming nature (he was anything but). Rather, the duchy that he ruled was among the poorest states in Europe and only by exploiting all the talent available to him could his army hope to triumph.

Flexible command was also based on Prussias distinctive social contract. All the officers in this army were part of the noble class, the Junkers. They swore an oath to serve Frederick William, and in return, he allowed them total control over their lands and serfs. That control extended to the soldiers under their command. They could launch their men on any operation they saw fit. For Frederick William to interfere in the conduct of military operations would have been a grave offense.

On agreeing to enter the Electors service, for example, Derflinger, who had married into the nobility, presented him with a series of conditions, including the incredible demands: No one advances ahead of me into battle and No disgrace upon me if I lose a battle. In no other contemporary army would a field commander dare to talk to his lord this way, but it became standard operating procedure in Prussia, as long as the officer in question kept on winning.

In a similar vein, remember the prince of Homburg at Fehrbellin, initiating a battle the Elector had ordered him to avoid? When Frederick William arrived on the battlefield that hot June day, he was understandably upset at the princes disobedience and soon worked himself into a rage. Later, there were witnesses who swore they heard the Elector actually threatening to put Homburg to death. But it isnt easy to execute people after a victory.

Perhaps the defining moment of Frederick Williams career was the Great Sleigh Drive. For later German officers, the drive became a model of maneuver-oriented war, of improvisation, of bold and aggressive command. Consider this evaluation, written by a young German staff officer almost 250 years later, in 1927. The winter campaign was a complete success, he wrote, pointing to the moral effect of the relentless pursuit, pressure on the retreat routes, and especially the tremendous speed of the Brandenburger advance. The use of sleighs by the Great Elector, the officer wrote, had brought Bewegungskrieg directly to the enemy. Our young man was already pondering this campaign deeply, turning it over carefully in his mind. Just a major at the time, he was a decade away from his rendezvous with destiny. His name was Heinz Guderian, the great German panzer leader of World War II.

High-tempo operations, an emphasis on surprise, a flexible system of command that handed initiative to the officer on the spot, a yearning for annihilation of the enemy rather than his mere defeat, an aversion to fighting alongside alliesthese were the hallmarks of the Great Electors art of war, as they would be the hallmarks of the 20th-century German army. The child, indeed, was father of the man.

Robert M. Citino, a professor at the U.S. Army War College, has written numerous histories, including The German Way of War, Death of the Wehrmacht, and Quest for Decisive Victory.

Originally published in the July 2014 issue of Military History Quarterly. To subscribe, click here.
Viet Cong commandos attack the heart of South Vietnams high command.

At 3 a.m. on Jan. 31, 1968, the second day of the Tet holiday marking the start of a new lunar year in Vietnam, the Year of the Monkey, Nguyen Van Lung and 21 other commandos from the T-700 Special Action Group sprinted up an alleyway in the northern suburbs of Saigon toward Gate 5 of the compound that housed the South Vietnamese Joint General Staff, the equivalent of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Most of the Viet Cong soldiers carried a Chinese-made version of the Soviet AK-47 assault rifle and several hand grenades. Three more had B-40 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and several others, including a 16-year-old girl, carried bags full of extra rocket grenades.

As the column of commandos closed the final 100 meters to the gate, they saw five South Vietnamese guards gesture toward them in alarm and then scramble for cover behind concrete barriers and inside a sandbagged bunker. The lead commandos opened fire with their assault rifles in an effort to suppress the South Vietnamese guards as another Viet Cong soldier ran forward with a B-40 launcher, trying to get close enough to land a square hit on the bunker that was beginning to spit out defensive fire. Hanois long-awaited Kong Kich-Tong Kong Ngia (General Offensive-General Uprising) had begun.

North Vietnamese leaders started preparations for the Tet Offensive after a clique of South Vietnamese generals overthrew President Ngo Dinh Diem in November 1963. Eager to take advantage of the political instability that followed, the senior members of Hanois PolitburoLe Duan, general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party; General Vo Nguyen Giap, minister of defense; Ho Chi Minh, the aged revolutionary leader now living in semiretirement, plus seven othersdecided to push for an all-out offensive against Saigon at the soonest opportunity.

At the time, South Vietnams armed forces were losing ground to the Viet Cong all over the country, despite the presence of nearly 20,000 U.S. advisers, and the junta of generals that ran the country after Diems passing lacked popular support. Le Duan and his comrades planned to send units from the North Vietnamese Army into South Vietnam to help Viet Cong forces prepare for a knockout blow to destroy the South Vietnamese state.

The Viet Cong headquarters designated to oversee the offensive in South Vietnams capital, the Saigon-Gia Dinh Party Committee, was a regional command group that reported to the Central Office for South Vietnam. COSVN was the Communist agency that controlled all political and military affairs in the lower half of South Vietnam and parts of neighboring Cambodia. The Saigon-Gia Dinh Party Committee, staffed by several hundred secret operatives, included a military component known as the C-10 Sapper Battalion (also called the F-100 Group), which carried out surveillance, assassinations and bombings.

Throughout 1964 and into early 1965, these Biet Dong Doi (Special Action Teams) conducted a wave of terrorist attacks in Saigon to undermine public confidence in the government. Most of the targets were South Vietnamese, but on March 30, 1965, Viet Cong commandos detonated a car bomb in front of the U.S. Embassy in downtown Saigon, an act of retaliation for the recently launched Rolling Thunder bombing campaign against North Vietnam.

As the C-10 Sapper Battalion spread fear throughout the capital, COSVN organized six VC infantry battalions to spearhead the offensive against Saigon. One that would later see action at the South Vietnamese JGS compound during Tet, the 2nd Go Mon Battalion, was formed from local guerrillas in October 1964 at Nui Ba Den, Tay Ninh province.

In July 1965, COSVN moved the unit down to the Hoc Mon and Go Vap districts of Gia Dinh province (the territory that surrounded Saigon), where it became the 2nd Go Mon Battalion of the 165A Liberation Regiment165 indicating that the unit had been formed in 1965 for plan A to attack the capital.

Plan A was never put into effect: The massive influx of American combat troops in the summer of 1965 stabilized the South Vietnamese government and put COSVN on the defensive. North Vietnamese leaders returned to a strategy of protracted warfare, ratified with the passage of Resolution Twelve of the Lao Dong Party in December 1965. Two more years would pass before Le Duan and his comrades saw another opportunity to strike at the heart of the South Vietnamese state.

In spring 1967, North Vietnams Politburo began exploring the possibility of implementing the long-awaited general offensive-general uprising. Preparations began in earnest in October 1967. COSVN ordered the C-10 Sapper Battalion (renamed the T-700 Group) to attack 10 targets in and around Saigon: Tan Son Nhut Air Base, the JGS compound, the South Vietnamese navy compound, Independence Palace, the Saigon Broadcasting Station, the Capital Military District headquarters, the National Police headquarters, Chi Hoa Prison and the U.S. Embassy. Ten Viet Cong infantry battalions were to penetrate the city from multiple directions and then link up with the special action teams within a few hours of the first day.

Communist agents in Saigon intended to mobilize several thousand university students, blue-collar workers and anti-government dissidents to stage sit-down strikes and hold demonstrations that would interfere with South Vietnams security forces during the critical opening phase of the battle.

The T-700 commandos began training for their missions in early January 1968, learning city-fighting tactics, small-arms use and demolition techniques, but most had no idea what their targets were going to be. COSVN kept the attacks timetable and the specific objectives a closely held secret until the last moment. The reorganized T-700 Group consisted of 12 J units, each with about a dozen fighters, plus a headquarters section.

The commandos were a mix of experienced urban operatives and newly recruited village guerrillas. Lung, the executive officer of the J6 unit, had served in the C-10 Sapper/T-700 Group since late 1965, as had about half of the 24 people in J6. The remaining half, including Pham Dao, an ammo bearer for a B-40 rocket propelled grenade gunner, were added in October 1967 to bring the unit up to fighting strength. Two of those recruits were females: a 16-year-old ammo carrier and a 20-year-old who served as a scout and messenger. Few of the commandos in the J6 Unit had combat experience. Lung was skilled in surveillance and sabotage, but had little experience fighting as an infantryman.

Lung later revealed that most of his comrades were tired, weak and dispirited by the odds facing them. Some, including Dao, had been reluctant to join the Viet Cong. He agreed to serve only after a U.S. airstrike killed his uncle and cousin. COSVNs reliance on fighters with limited skill and questionable dedication to such a crucial mission underscores the risky and almost desperate nature of Hanois Tet offensive.

Unknown to Lung at the time, the mission of the J6 unit was to attack and seize Gate 5 of the Joint General Staff compound, measuring about a square kilometer in size at the southeastern corner of the massive Tan Son Nhut Air Base, just north of metropolitan Saigon. Urban sprawl had made the area around the JGS compound appear to be a seamless extension of the capital. The interior of the compound resembled a college campus, with two- and three-story tile-roofed buildings laid out in a geometrical pattern among wide boulevards and grassy areas. A 6-foot concrete wall topped by a high fence and razor wire separated the compound from residential areas to the south and east.

COSVNs plan called for the 2nd Go Mon Battalion to attack Gate 4 at the northeastern corner of the compound at the same time that the J6 Unit attacked Gate 5 on its southeastern corner. Within a couple of hours, the J6 Unit would be reinforced by a second Viet Cong infantry unit, the 267th Local Force Battalion, advancing from the west along the lower edge of the air base. COSVN also expected up to 500 students and workers to arrive before daybreak to mount a public demonstration. If all went according to plan, the combination of Viet Cong soldiers and sympathizers would paralyze the JGS headquarters during the opening hours of the Tet Offensive, crippling the South Vietnamese command structure as the Communists swept into more than 100 towns and cities across the country.

On Jan. 27, 1968, three days before the start of the Tet festival, 22 commandos from the J6 unit boarded buses in Cu Chi, northwest of Saigon and traveled on Highway 1 to a pair of safe houses. Dressed like typical urban professionals (Western-style collared shirts and slacks), they made the trip in groups of twos and threes so they would not draw attention to themselves. In those safe houses the next day Lung and his comrades finally learned the details of their mission, set to commence at 3 a.m. on Jan. 31.

Hanois carefully laid plans went awry in the early morning hours of Jan. 30 when Viet Cong and North Vietnamese units in some areas of central and northern South Vietnam began the offensive a day ahead of schedule. The error arose from a misunderstanding about which calendar to use (the North used a lunar calendar, which put the new year one day ahead of the calendar used in the South). The early start of the fighting in those areas placed U.S. and South Vietnamese forces on notice that other parts of the country might soon be attacked as well.

That mix-up had particular repercussions for Lung and his comrades. On the evening of Jan. 30, Gen. Cao Van Vien, the head of the Joint General Staff and chief of staff of the South Vietnamese army, ordered all military and security units in the capital region to go on full alert. He recalled any personnel who were on holiday leave, increased patrol activities and strengthened defensive positions.

At Tan Son Nhut, a battalion of South Vietnamese paratroopers that had been preparing to fly to the northern part of the country unpacked their gear and prepared for battle. The South Vietnamese security battalion and the U.S. Air Forces 377th Security Police Squadron, which defended the perimeter of Tan Son Nhut, put extra men on duty at each gate, tower and guard post. A South Vietnamese platoon of M41 light tanks waited in reserve. South Vietnamese policemen established checkpoints throughout the city, and the U.S. 716th Military Police Battalion, the only American unit in Saigon that possessed some combat capability, increased the number of its roving jeep patrols.

Lung and his comrades had lost a vital measure of surprise when the J6 Unit assembled at the southern end of the alleyway and sprinted toward Gate 5, some 300 meters in the distance. They had to move quickly; streetlights and a combination of high walls and fenced-off courtyards made it nearly impossible for the commandos to find cover in the northern part of the alleyway. As a result, most of them stopped about 100 meters from Gate 5, while several of their bravest fighters dashed forward in an attempt to knock out the bunker holding several guards and a machine gun.

The gambit failed. South Vietnamese bullets killed the Viet Cong B-40 gunner before he could use his weapon as well as a commando firing an AK-47 near the outer fence of Bachelor Officers Quarters 3, a villa on the corner of Vo Thanh Street that housed senior U.S. officers. The J6 commander, unwilling to risk more men, especially the two remaining B-40 gunners, ordered Lung and the others to seek cover among the one- and two-story buildings lining the middle part of the alley. They broke down doors to gain entry and then climbed to vantage points where they could continue to fire upon Gate 5 and anyone who entered the alleyway.

Lung and his comrades expected to renew their assault on Gate 5 once the 267th Battalion arrived from the west as promised. The J6 unit still had 20 able-bodied fighters and most of their ammunition in buildings that offered good cover and concealment. The commandos might also gain assistance from the 2nd Go Mon Battalion, which was supposed to be attacking the JGS compound from the northeast. At that point, the only allied troops defending Gate 5 were a handful of South Vietnamese guards and a few U.S. military policemen who had shown up at about 3:15 a.m.

Around 30 minutes later, a U.S. jeep with three occupants came rolling up the alleyway, followed at a short distance by a 2-ton truck carrying 16 heavily armed American MPs in the back. It was a threat the commandos could not ignore. Letting the jeep pass through the alleyway unmolested, the Viet Cong fighters waited until the truck was about 50 meters from the exit and then sprang their ambush.

A B-40 gunner rose from concealment on the west side of the alley, firing his weapon at the left side of the trucks engine compartment, right above the tire. The high-explosive round ripped through the engine and shredded both front tires, bringing the truck to a shuddering halt a few dozen meters from Vo Thanh Street. Simultaneously, Viet Cong fighters on both sides of the alley, some in a two-story building overlooking the crippled truck, opened fire on the MPs still reeling from the initial blast.

Within a few moments, bullets and grenade fragments killed most of the soldiers in the truck and wounded the others. A few of the wounded men crawled to safety as U.S. troops on Vo Thanh Street poured out covering fire. Devastating though it had been, the ambush did not bode well for the J6 unit. The very success of the attack ensured that the Americans and South Vietnamese would now bring additional reinforcements to the area and make every effort to recover the dead and wounded MPs in the alley.

Lung had reason to be worried. The Viet Cong 267th Battalion he had counted on for his salvation ran into a South Vietnamese unit on the outskirts of Saigon during the night, forcing the VC unit to veer north toward Tan Son Nhut where it joined two more battalions that attacked and penetrated the western side of the air base. The 2nd Go Mon Battalions local Viet Cong guide ran away, but the battalion was able to find the JGS compound by following the railroad tracks that entered Saigon from the northeast and eventually passed by the JGS compound. Arriving at 4 a.m., one hour late, the 2nd Go Mon Battalion eventually knocked out the bunker at Gate 4 and entered the JGS compound about 7 a.m.

However, the battalion possessed fewer than 250 soldiers and none of its heavy weapons, which had been left behind because of their excessive weight. As a consequence, the unit settled for occupying the eastern corner of the JGS compound (some school buildings and warehouses), which it could adequately defend, rather than making a risky push toward General Viens headquarters or Gate 5. By 8:30 a.m., elements of the South Vietnamese 8th Airborne Battalion took up defensive positions around Viens headquarters, and later that day helicopters transported the South Vietnamese 2nd Marine Battalion from the Mekong Delta into the JGS compound. Facing relentless counterattacks from the ground and air, the survivors of the 2nd Go Mon Battalion retreated from the compound the next day, a few dozen managing to evade capture and eventually returning to their base camp.

Lung and his comrades knew none of this, lacking a radio they could use to communicate with the T-700 headquarters or some other Viet Cong command group. The commandos continued to hold their positions until early afternoon, fighting off a combination of U.S. MPs, South Vietnamese police and troops from the U.S. Army Headquarters Command trying to recover the dead and wounded men by the truck. Some of the VC appear to have slipped away at 3:30 p.m. when a South Vietnamese V-100 armored car arrived to assist in the rescue effort. Sniper fire greeted the U.S. soldiers when they entered the alley behind the protective shield of the armored car, but it wasnt enough to prevent the recovery of all the dead and wounded.

The standoff in the alleyway next to Bachelor Officer Quarters 3 might have been resolved sooner were it not for the other problems facing the commanders in Saigon that morning. Shortly after daybreak, the head of II Field Force, Maj. Gen. Frederick C. Weyand, ordered his deputy commander, Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware, to establish a forward command post in Saigon to control all of the U.S. Army combat units that would soon be operating in and around the capital. Ware and a small staff flew by helicopter from Long Binh to the Capital Military District headquarters in central Saigon, establishing Task Force Ware at 10:45 a.m. on Jan. 31.

Wares first priority was to defeat Communist forces attacking Tan Son Nhut, particularly the Viet Cong battalions lodged around Gate 51 on the western perimeter and Gate 10 on the eastern side near the headquarters of Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, which oversaw all U.S. combat forces in the country. Only after those threats had been contained could the general spare some troops from the 1st and 25th Infantry divisions arriving at Tan Son Nhut for other missions. As a result, it was not until 5:30 p.m. that an M48A3 tank and two M113 armored cavalry assault vehicles from Troop A of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, showed up at Gate 5 of the JGS compound to help deal with the J6 unit.

By that time, Lung and most of his comrades had gone into hiding or moved to other parts of the neighborhood. An M113 vehicle backed into the alley and towed out the destroyed truck without receiving fire. The battle now over, U.S. and South Vietnamese military policemen began a thorough search of nearby buildings while collecting the damaged and discarded equipment strewn along the alleyway at the scene of the fight.

Across Saigon, the failure of the Viet Cong general offensive was plain to see on Feb. 1. Lung and 11 other Viet Cong commandos, most of them wounded, surrendered that morning. Ten others escaped. On the other side, 13 U.S. soldiers from the 716th Military Police Battalion and three men from other units perished in the fight for Gate 5, all killed in the initial hours of combat during the truck ambush and rescue efforts. The attack that hit the JGS compound on the morning of Jan. 31, 1968, would be the one and only time that the Communists directly threatened the South Vietnamese high command until NVA tanks and troops poured into Saigon in April 1975.

Erik Villard is digital military historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History in Washington and author of the forthcoming Staying the Course: U.S. Army Combat Operations in the Vietnam War October 1967-September 1968. Villard is also founder and director of the Facebook group VietnamWarHistoryOrg.
Reports recently circulated about Jeremy Renner joining the squad of "Ant-Man and the Wasp" as Hawkeye. (Photo : YouTube/Movieclips)

Reports recently circulated about Jeremy Renner joining the squad of "Ant-Man and the Wasp" as Hawkeye. Unfortunately, director Peyton Reed shot down the rumors and called them "fake news."



There was a lot of buzz surrounding "Ant-Man and the Wasp" recently, especially after it was rumored that Renner would be appearing as Hawkeye in the superhero sequel. The rumor stemmed from a report that Renner could not do "Mission: Impossible 6" due to scheduling conflicts with his Marvel commitments.



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Reed silenced the excitement when he tweeted that the news about Renner being in "Ant-Man 2" is completely false. "The Russians are swarm-tweeting that Hawkeye is in ANT-MAN AND THE WASP. #FakeNews," Reed tweeted, at the same time poking fun at the current political climate.



For some fans, having Hawkeye in "Ant-Man and the Wasp" would've made for some interesting team play between Renner's Hawkeye and Paul Rudd's Ant-Man. The two characters first got together in "Captain America: Civil War," in which they were both on Team Cap.



Ant-Man's talkative behavior was a stark contrast to Hawkeye's usually quiet and serious personality, and it appeared as though the two would never get along. However, they ended up having one of the best dynamics in film, which was seen when Ant-Man hitched a ride on Hawkeye's arrow to get inside Iron Man's suit and mess up its system.



In "Ant-Man and the Wasp," Evangeline Lilly's Hope Van Dyne takes on The Wasp mantle and fights alongside Ant-Man. In a Facebook post, Michael Douglas also confirmed that he will be back as Hank Pym in the sequel.



Meanwhile, Renner is currently filming "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers 4." Both Rudd and Lilly will also appear in "Infinity War," fighting alongside the core Avengers team and other superheroes in Marvel's stable.



"The Wasp won't be in the first part; she'll be in the second part, because they really want to preserve that reveal for Ant-Man and the Wasp so they can give it its due time," Lilly told Blastr at the New York Comic Con.



"Ant-Man and the Wasp" is expected to hit theaters on July 6, 2018.






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Matt Lucas, Peter Capaldi, Jo Whiley, Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin attend the Doctor Who 2016 Christmas special screening at BFI Southbank on December 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Stuart C. Wilson / Stringer)

There are a lot of changes coming to "Doctor Who" in the upcoming season, one of which is that the show will introduce its first ever openly gay companion. Actress Pearl Mackie recently teased that her character, Bill Potts, will reveal her sexuality after meeting Peter Capaldi's Doctor.



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Throughout the show's 52-year history, "Doctor Who" has presented different companions with different personalities, but this is the first time the show will have an openly gay companion. Speaking about the role, Mackie doesn't find the matter such as big deal, considering it's already the 21st century and it's time the media should embrace gay characters.



"That representation is important, especially on a mainstream show," The Sun quoted Mackie as saying. "It's important to say people are gay, people are black - there are also aliens in the world as well so watch out for them.



However, Mackie said that it is also important that her character is not defined by her sexuality. She said that it's "not the main thing that defines her character." Instead, being gay is something that is a part of the character.



Since joining the "Doctor Who" family, Mackie is seeing her popularity growing steadily. After she was confirmed to be the next companion, Mackie revealed that her Twitter follower count rose from 400-something to 16,500 in a matter of two hours.



"It's sort of like being welcomed into a family and all the fans have been really welcoming," the actress said about the warm welcome she received from fans.



Aside from having the show's first gay companion, "Doctor Who" Season 10 is going to be rather special for viewers also because it will be Capaldi's last outing as the Doctor.



The New York Times reported that Capaldi felt it was time "to move on to different things."



"I feel sad, I love 'Doctor Who,' it is a fantastic program to work on," Capaldi said. "But I don't know how long I can give it my best, and if I'm not giving it my best, I don't want to do it."



Capaldi is the show's 12th Doctor and has been on the show since 2013. There's no word yet as to who Capaldi's replacement would be, but among the bookmakers' favorites include "James Bond" star Ben Whishaw and "The IT Crowd" star Richard Ayoade.



"Doctor Who" Season 10 premieres on BBC on April 15.






Sacramento-raised sibling duo Darius and Dom Logan, together known as Blaq Tuxedo, have penned songs for everyone from Ty Dolla $ign to Chris Brown since they moved to Los Angeles in 2009. They are now forging ahead with their own fledgling music career. Today, they premiere their new DJ Carisma-hosted mixtape Tap In on HNHH.

Blaq Tuxedo went home from LA to Sacramento to create the 11-track tape, which is primarily self-produced. The vision behind the mixtape was making fun-loving, 808-driven records for people to party to, they told HNHH over email. This is more of the dirty side where we can be more expressive about who we are. Were talking about exactly where we come from.

Give Tap In a listen and let us know what you think.
Kendall Jenner is reportedly devastated about the controversy surrounding the new Pepsi ad that she starred in, which was pulled yesterday  less than a day after premiering online  due to extensive backlash.

This the first controversial campaign she has been involved with, a source familiar with Kendalls contract with Pepsi told ET. Even though she had nothing to do with the production and the message of the campaign, she will be blamed for this since she is the face.

In the failed commercial, Kendall leaves a photo shoot to join a festive social demonstration. The ad ends with her handing a Pepsi to an unsuspecting police officer, much to the delight of her fellow protestors. Though the scene seems to be set in the U.S., filming actually took place in Bangkok.

Critics felt the ad ignored the threat of violence that looms over real-life protests, which cant be tempered with a simple soda exchange. They also accused Pepsi of fraudulently co-opting active social justice movements for profits sake.

The corporation issued a statement upon withdrawing the commercial, writing, Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly, we missed the mark and apologize. The statement also included an apology to Kendall: We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position.

According to the aforementioned source, Kendall was paid millions by Pepsi, though her contract reportedly stipulates that she cannot comment on the cancelled ad without prior approval from the company. The deal did come with approval rights, says the source, though Kendall apparently relied on Pepsi to do their due diligence and trusted that it would be tasteful.

Kendall Jenner
Director Jim Sheridan has been making films about Irish national concerns for over 30 years, and his latest movie The Secret Scripture is no different. Adapted from Sebastian Barrys novel, the story addresses the divides between Protestants and Catholics, Irish nationalists and RAF pilots  and of course, the abusive relationship between the Church and its followers. Vanessa Redgrave and Rooney Mara both play Rose, a woman who is institutionalised for decades after being accused of murdering her newborn child. It was this character who drew the 68-year-old director to Barrys novel.

The story of the woman being fucking locked up, you know? says Sheridan incredulously. And of someone creating secret scripture, their own story. I kind of have this theory that men used to write a lot because they couldnt have babies, you know? And create their own characters. And heres this woman whose baby is taken from her and she writes this story to bring the character back to life. That seemed to me fundamentally interesting.

When I ask Sheridan if it feels like his films are his babies, he agrees that it does a little bit, and so you can never be negative about them. And then youre finished with it, you never see it again  the child disappearing as an adult!
I always wanted to write a totally fantastical story set in Ireland but I didnt know what it was  its the kind of thing Ive done in movies rather than in fiction, like in The Company Of Wolves, muses Neil Jordan.

The author is seated with Hot Press discussing his career and latest literary effort Carnivalesque. The book tells the story of a young boy, Andy, who on visiting a hall of mirrors in a circus gets trapped within, leaving a reflected imposter to assume his identity. He is later rescued by the carnival folk, who adopt him as one of their own.

These parallel identities echo Kevin and his mysterious double Gerald in Jordans earlier work Mistaken. What brought him back to this?
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In the 1980s, Bruce Molzan and his then-wife turned Ruggles Grill into a Montrose institution popular with foodies on weekends and business people during the week. The chef was hailed for his unique take on American southwestern cuisine.

But over the past decade, as he sought to expand the franchise with restaurants from downtown to the Galleria and even to Austin, Molzan has found himself embroiled in litigation.

He's filed lawsuits accusing former business partners and managers of mismanaging his money and infringing on his trademarks, while being sued himself for allegedly misusing funds, making unauthorized withdrawals and failing to follow through on partnership agreements.

These private disputes turned public earlier this month when part of the Ruggles Grill wait staff walked out on a busy Saturday night over unpaid tips. The incident caught fire on social networks and in the media and sparked former employees and local worker advocates to picket the restaurant.

"It is unusual to find staff doing any kind of walkout," said Chris Tripoli, who has worked as an owner, operator and adviser of restaurants in Houston for 16 years.

While disputes are hardly unusual in the restaurant business, a walkout and legal clashes with so many partners are rare, Tripoli added. "He may be more unlucky than most."

Focus on the food

Molzan said he has always focused on food, while Susan Molzan used to handle much of the business. He said that after their divorce in 2005, he was forced to rely on others in an industry notorious for workers who don't often stick around and investors lured by the glamour of owning a restaurant.

"I'm the scientist of food and ideas, and I spit out all these ideas and I get taken advantage of sometimes," Molzan said. "I worked many years of my life to keep that name in good standing - a lot of hard work and cooking every day."

Susan Molzan, who took ownership of the Ruggles Bakery and Cafe in Rice Village and their catering business as part of the divorce settlement, declined to comment for this story.

In the latest dispute, Bruce Molzan acknowledged he was behind thousands of dollars on tip payments, but he blamed a manager for withholding payments. He said he has since paid the workers and has accused the manager in a lawsuit of stealing cash and deleting computer files. Molzan also sued the waiters for allegedly covering for the manager, James Wray.

Wray acknowledges taking pay logs but says it was only to prove he didn't steal tip money. He was never allowed to pay the waiters without Molzan's approval, he said, adding that he grew tired of asking waiters to hold off on getting checks when they needed the money for rent or light bills.

Another former manager, Mary Salas, who worked at the restaurant for about year in 2010, says she too had to have Molzan's permission to pay waiters, a contention he disputes.

"Bruce wasn't just a chef," she said.

Payroll tax dispute

It's not the first time Molzan has accused others of mishandling his money.

In a 2003 lawsuit that was later dismissed, he accused those working for a company formed to manage his restaurants of failing to make payroll tax payments, destroying computer records and making unauthorized transfers of funds from a former downtown ballpark cafe to other entities. Those issues led the Houston Astros to end an operating agreement with Molzan, according to the lawsuit, though in an interview Molzan blamed a sluggish downtown market.

Molzan says investors approach him to open new ventures but blame him when things don't work out.

"I feel like the Seattle Slew. I get saddled up and ridden like a Seattle Slew," Molzan said, referring to the Triple Crown-winning racehorse. "People jump on your coattails and take advantage."

A different view

Former business partners, however, see it differently.

Houston developer Lucky Chopra said Molzan approached him in 2008 about investing in Ruggles Grille 5115, a restaurant Molzan had owned inside Saks Fifth Avenue for more than 10 years.

"He's a great chef and a great salesman," Chopra said. "But he would have been out of business if we hadn't stepped in."

In 2010, his company bought out Molzan and changed the name to 51Fifteen Restaurant & Lounge as part of a settlement of a lawsuit that alleges Molzan failed to disclose unpaid bills and payroll costs, including payroll taxes, before Chopra invested.

The lawsuit also claims Molzan used the restaurant's funds for personal and other ventures, made an unauthorized withdrawal of $50,000, tried to divert funds to an account he controlled, and refused to report the change in ownership to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, putting the place's liquor license at risk.

"We didn't want to work with him anymore," Chopra said.

Molzan denies the allegations, saying he sold because he didn't want to invest in a proposed remodeling, had opened new accounts based on his lawyer's advice and felt the ownership change was Chopra's responsibility.

After the hurricane

Randy Bower, an investor with Molzan in Ruggles Green, on West Alabama, claims in another lawsuit that Molzan failed to follow through on an agreement to hand over 50 percent ownership in Ruggles Grill in exchange for at least $350,000 in investments Bower made to reopen the restaurant after Hurricane Ike. Molzan eventually sold the building. Bower declined to comment.

Molzan said he made "a business decision" to sell the property to help pay off vendors and opted to lease because he's "not in the real estate business." In court filings, he denies the allegations and claims Bower didn't make proper repairs.

The chef also has sued people he felt infringed on the Ruggles trademark. Earlier this year, he sued his co-owners who operated Ruggles Green, claiming their licensing agreement had expired. The co-owners, who declined comment for this story, countered in court that they had told Molzan they would stop helping fund Ruggles Grill until they were repaid an earlier loan.

Clash over Heights spot

More recently, he filed a trademark-infringement lawsuit against the Ruggles 11th Street Cafe in the Heights, a venture he says he pulled out of because he considered the quality of the food there poor.

However, the owner of the 11th Street Cafe, Archie Patterson, says Molzan approached him about operating the restaurant. Patterson said he invested about $150,000 to rebuild and rebrand it.

After operating the cafe for two months, Molzan had still refused to sign partnership papers, Patterson said, and he asked Molzan to leave. Patterson replaced the menus and other links to Ruggles immediately, and he was waiting for his sign company to develop a new logo and change the outdoor signs. After news of the worker walkout broke, however, he had the sign covered.

"We want nothing to do with Ruggles," he said. "It was just better we parted ways."

purva.patel@chron.comtwitter.com/purvap
Crockett Oaks III, a former FBI agent who led the U.S. security operations of Shell Oil Co., was part of a selection committee that last year recommended the hiring of a 53-year-old man with a military background as a security adviser. But when the company directed the committee to find a younger female candidate, Oaks objected to hiring based on age or gender and was subsequently fired.

Those allegations are contained in a lawsuit filed by Oaks that is testing the limits of employee confidentiality agreements. Shell Oil, the U.S. subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, last week obtained a temporary court order blocking Oaks from revealing potentially damaging information about Shell's personnel practices to support his claim.

As head of security, Oaks was privy to confidential personnel decisions that might show that his firing was retaliatory, according to court documents. Shell alleges that Oaks violated his employment agreement when he shared confidential information with his lawyer and a third-party mediator brought in to settle the dispute.

Shell also claims Oaks breached his duty of loyalty and good faith to Shell by threatening to disclose details of internal investigations at Shell that the company believes are confidential.

Seeking and obtaining a restraining order is unusual in cases involving confidential information, legal specialists said. Typically, both sides agree in advance to file confidential information under seal such as patents, trademarks or even Social Security numbers. The information can be used as evidence in the case, but it's not part of the public record.

The issue of confidentiality comes up most often when employees who feel wronged were former high-level executives privy to corporate secrets that they promised not to reveal, Houston employment lawyer Martin Shellist said. But confidentially agreements also can't block an employee - or ex-employee - from getting legal help.

"It doesn't mean they can't talk to their lawyer about it," Shellist said.

Shell declined comment. Oaks and his attorney, Houston employment lawyer Mark Oberti, also declined to comment.

Oaks, who began working for Shell in 2003, was responsible for investigating security threats to employees, property and the company's reputation, and was required to keep even the existence of investigations a secret.

When a job for a security adviser opened up, the selection committee, which included Oaks, chose the older man as the most qualified, according to court documents. The candidate was already working for a contractor that provided security for Shell and a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. The candidate served in the same reserve unit as Oaks, a lieutenant colonel.

After the committee made its choice, Oaks alleged, his boss in the Netherlands was "frustrated and unhappy" about the recommendation, which was made despite earlier instructions to look for someone who was younger and a woman.

"The profile we discussed was ex-government agency, still early in career and (based on previous conversations) you know I would want you to look particularly at female candidates," according to one email from Oaks' boss in September, which was cited in Oaks' complaint.

The committee's preferred candidate was not hired, but he was told he could reapply when the position was reposted, according to court records.

Oaks objected to the use of age and gender during a subsequent conference with human resource representatives and later with his boss. About three months later, on Dec. 6, Oaks was dismissed for failing to report that he and his preferred candidate were part of the same Army Reserve unit and recuse himself from the hiring process.

In his lawsuit, however, Oaks said the issue of his military relationship was a "bogus cover" to fire him. Oaks said that he did not report to the job candidate in the military and that he repeatedly disclosed their military connection to Shell officials. Oaks also said he had details of other Shell employees who were hired based on their military affiliations, but did not lose their jobs. Oaks decided to sue.

Before filing in federal court in Houston, Oaks and his lawyer notified Shell of the pending complaint, a common legal practice to launch settlement talks. About a month later, Shell filed for a temporary restraining order in state court, alleging that Oaks' plan to reveal sensitive personnel information through his lawsuit was an "effort to coerce the company" into a financial settlement.

State District Court Judge Bill Burke granted the order, which prevents Oaks from disclosing confidential details, including results of Shell's investigations.

The restraining order didn't stop Oaks from filing his lawsuit against Shell last week in federal court in Houston. The lawsuit included five pages of blacked-out allegations that would have exposed the employment history of Shell employees who committed unspecified acts of "wrongdoing," yet were not terminated, according to court documents.

Oaks, who earned more than $325,000 a year as security chief, is seeking back pay, unrealized stock options and lost pension benefits.

A hearing on the restraining order is set for April 21 in state district court. But Burke noted in his order that the federal court should be the one that decides what is permitted in the federal pleadings.

The federal case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge David Hittner, who has scheduled the first conference for June.
Chinese Authorities Are Putting Pressure on Churches (Photo : Getty Images)

A number of Chinese Christians in the city of Wenzhou were hospitalized after a heated protest against local authorities. They resist the installation of anti-terror cameras in churches.



The city of Wenzhou, located in Zhejiang Province, is called Chinas Jerusalem for having the highest concentration of Christians in the mainland. It is a manufacturing hub with an 8 million population.



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A report by the South China Morning Post said that city officials have started executing the controversial order which was approved late last year. As a response, the clergy in Wenzhou, which has an estimated 1 million Christians, conducted a demonstration.



According to an unnamed Christian in Wenzhou, government officials came to the churches and put up cameras by force. Some pastors and worshippers who didnt agree to the move were dragged away, adding that some people needed to be treated in hospital after fighting the officials.



The Christian did not give the paper details on when the conflict had occurred.



In the face of strong opposition, churches were still commanded to install cameras at cameras at gates, raised platforms, offering boxes and other places. Church goers assert that the anti-terror cameras breach their privacy, said China Aid, a religious rights group based in the U.S.



A devotee said that authorities had installed the cameras one by one. His place of worship has no cameras installed yet.



I dont support the governments decision and I hope they will not put monitoring equipment inside our church, said the devotee.



We Christians do good deeds and we dont do anything to endanger the public. I dont understand why the government wants to monitor us. The governments pressure on us will not deter us from our beliefs and will not affect the proliferation of our religion. The tougher the persecution, the more people will be encouraged to follow the religion, the devotee added.



Two years prior the issuance of the controversial decree, Chinese officials have ordered the removal of neon crosses from churches and other buildings in the Zhejiang Province.



The anti-cross campaign had caught the eyes of international media and made it to headlines at the time. The Chinese government received sharp criticisms from religious rights organizations across the globe.



According to China Aid, nearly 360 crosses were taken away and one church was even torn down. Before the campaign, Wenzhous skyline is spotted with crosses from more than 2,000 churches.



The new directive was issued in the midst of Chinas tighter controls over religious activities. The installation of anti-terror cameras in churches is deemed by many as a form of persecution against Chinese Christians.


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Dallas pipeline giant Energy Transfer is taking its Sunoco subsidiary out of the retail game, selling 1,100 gas stations and convenience stores to 7-Eleven for $3.3 billion.

Sunoco LP, which will remain publicly traded under the Energy Transfer umbrella, will reduce its debt load as it pivots to a business focused on fuel supply and distribution. For 7-Eleven, the deal gives the convenience store giant its first entry into Houston in nearly 30 years. While 7-Eleven is based in nearby Alvin, its parent company is Japan's Seven & I Holdings Co.

The sale also includes Sunoco's Stripes and Laredo Taco Co. brands. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

As part of the process, Sunoco is inking a 15-year supply agreement with 7-Eleven to sell at least 2.2 billion gallons of fuel annually.

The deal was encouraged by investors concerned about Sunoco's $4.6 billion debt load. Sunoco LP stock jumped more than 20 percent Thursday after the deal was announced, up $4.83 per unit to $28.69 per unit.

"We heard you," Sunoco Chief Financial Officer Tim Miller said. "The move away from company-operated stores strengthens our financial profile."

Sunoco CEO Bob Owens added, "Our plan is to be the finished product, petroleum product arm of the Energy Transfer family."

Energy Transfer is one of North America's largest oil and gas pipeline giants, but the business was hardly a household name until last year when its controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project became the central cause for environmental and Native American protests. The pipeline was completed just days ago.

Ethan Bellamy, energy analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co., said he sees the sale as part of an effort by Dallas pipeline magnate Kelcy Warren to simplify his Energy Transfer umbrella and to eventually make it a single entity. Similarly, Houston pipeline giant Kinder Morgan consolidated into a single corporation two years ago.

"In five years, we expect all of the Energy Transfer family securities and assets to be housed under one roof, but it will be a long and winding road to simplification of Mr. Warren's empire," Bellamy said.

Warren declined comment on Thursday, deferring to Owens.

Energy Transfer is in the process of merging with its other publicly traded Sunoco business, Sunoco Logistics, in a $20 billion deal to simplify the number of publicly traded brands.

Brandon Blossman, energy analyst for Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. in Houston, said he sees the 7-Eleven deal as a debt reduction move to sell assets that were never part of Energy Transfer's core enterprise - even though $3.3 billion is a lot of money.

"Relative to the scale of Energy Transfer as a family, it's a drop in the bucket," Blossman said.

Energy Transfer's overall enterprise value is close to $80 billion, he noted. Enterprise value is a broad measure of a business' worth that includes its stock market value, debt, minority interests and other components.

Energy Transfer acquired Sunoco in 2012 for $5.3 billion, but maintained them as separate public businesses. Sunoco traces its origins to the 1880s, when it was created as the Sun Oil Co.

Overall, Sunoco has about 340 Texas locations.

In a separate deal expected this summer, Sunoco plans to sell 200 more stores in West Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Sunoco though will keep its Aloha Petroleum business in Hawaii.

All of the Houston-area stores are included in the 7-Eleven sale. The Tokyo-based giant has more than 8,700 stores in the U.S. and Canada. The Sunoco deal gives it more than 9,800 locations.
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A new mixed-use development in Houston's Uptown neighborhood will bring more competition to a retail market stacked with luxury stores.

Stonelake Capital Partners has launched an effort to scout retailers and businesses in need of office space for the next phase of its development on Westheimer at Mid Lane.

The company is planning two four-story buildings each with 105,000 square feet of retail space on the first and second floors and another 105,000 square feet of office space on the top two floors. The commercial space will be built atop two levels of below-ground parking.

The project will compete with more established retail centers nearby: Highland Village, the Galleria and the newer River Oaks District.

"I think it bodes well for expanding the market for luxury retail, but it's going to be competitive," Uptown's BLVD Place developer Ed Wulfe said. "There are not a lot of upscale retailers not in this market already."

Marketing materials from commercial real estate brokerage CBRE show plans for Stonelake's Park Place River Oaks, "a unique mix of luxury brand retailers, home furnishing stores and chef-driven restaurants."

More Information Theory to join River Oaks District Theory, a contemporary apparel store, plans to open a River Oaks District location in May. The 2,000-square-foot store will be at 4444 Westheimer, across from Giuseppe Zanotti. It will sell womenswear, menswear and accessories. "Theory is perfect for stylish women who appreciate well-made, tailored separates," River Oaks District marketing manager Jennifer Rivera said in a statement. The River Oaks District houses more than 60 luxury retailers including Cartier, Dior and Hermes. See More Collapse

Wulfe said the area continues to gain prominence as the city's luxury retail mecca.

"This is a major focal point for high-end luxury retailers for visitors from all over the world, particularly Latin America," he said.

Stonelake recently demolished the 1970s-era office complex at the northeast corner of Westheimer and Mid Lane.

The company assembled the 11.5-acre site in five transactions beginning in 2010 and has since developed two multifamily buildings, The James and The Ivy, for a combined 641 units.

Last year, Stonelake said it planned to create a 5-acre park at the front of the site, but it was scaled back to 2 acres.

"The below-grade parking and substantial park are significant investments that we are confident will greatly enhance the pedestrian experience along Westheimer, providing an approachable and inviting project that all Houstonians will be able to enjoy," Stonelake's William Peeples said Wednesday in a statement.

Beck Architecture is the project designer, and Studio Outside is the landscape architect.

Stonelake said it will break ground in the third quarter of this year, with completion scheduled for early 2019.

Founded in Austin in 2007, Stonelake has raised a series of funds it manages on behalf of college endowments, foundations, family offices and pension funds. Its investments include industrial, retail, multifamily and office properties in the major markets in Texas.
Most of the miles of the U.S.-Mexico border that don't have a wall yet are in Texas, so one might think that President Donald Trump's massive infrastructure program to fill in the gaps would primarily benefit the economy of Texas.

But early signs indicate that it probably won't.

Only 35 of the 226 companies that responded to the Department of Homeland Security's request for proposals to build a "solid concrete border wall" are based in Texas, meaning most of the profits will likely flow out of state. In addition, spending several billion dollars on construction in remote areas doesn't mean that money will have a lasting impact on the local economy, experts say, and could stifle other projects that would have longer-term benefits.

RELATED: Who'd gain from a Trump border wall? Hint: Not Mexico

Tom Fullerton, an economics professor at the University of Texas - El Paso who focuses on the border, estimates that each $1 billion spent on the wall would employ 14,450 people for the duration of the project, which is expected to last five years. Right now, with Texas' unemployment rate at under 5 percent, it's unclear where those workers will come from.

"The timing on this is really bad, because there are already construction worker shortages throughout the U.S.," Fullerton says. "With the oil patch coming back, it's a pretty safe bet that they'll make more on an oil rig than building an ill-advised wall out in the middle of the desert."

The local construction industry also depends heavily on undocumented immigrants, who would likely not be allowed to work on the border wall, given Trump's rhetoric.

That means workers will have to come from further north, and will likely return home when the project is finished. Although many subcontracts would have to be local, on services such as hotels and catering, any spending will be short-lived and won't stimulate further investment in the way that a transportation or urban development project likely would, economists said.

Meanwhile, other local projects could end up not getting done, if a spike in demand for materials and workers raises prices too much.

"It is going to create unnecessary bottlenecks in the labor market," Fullerton says of the border wall, "and it's going to crowd out viable projects that probably have better usages of those goods and materials."

Still, some local firms  10 of them in Houston  raised their hands to get a piece of the action. The request for proposals does include points for subcontracting with veteran, minority and women-owned companies, which creates a business opportunity.

"We want the small guy to be involved in this, because all the big guys want to go out there with their billions of dollars and take over this whole project," says Aubrey Campbell, a Gulf War veteran who works as a private investigator and security consultant in Houston. He partnered with an engineering firm to submit a concept design for the wall, and thinks he could put together a team to handle a big chunk of the project.

Ronald Hale is the director of operations for a company called NZ Control Specialists, which provides entry and exit technology and other services. He also put together a comprehensive proposal, and hopes to be one of the prime contractors assigned a section of the wall. The difficulty will depend on which section.

"The hardest thing for us is going to be the terrain in some of the areas," Hale says. "Some guys are going to get lucky and they're going to get flat miles. They're going to be great. Other guys are going to get those 45-degree grades, trying to get one of those machines out there to dig a trench."

Other companies don't want to go all-in on the project, which still has yet to be fully funded, and will likely face strong opposition in Congress when more money has to be appropriated. Many large companies, such as Bechtel, one of the nation's biggest engineering and construction firms, are already staying away, worried about blowback from other clients considering the contentiousness of the project.

The Department of Homeland Security is expected to narrow down the bids for this solicitation and another aimed at materials other than concrete later this month, and invite firms to build prototypes before they make final awards.

David Hunn contributed to this story.
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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said Wednesday that it has cited prominent Houston chef and restaurateur Bruce Molzan with buying large quantities of protected fish from a network of unlicensed commercial fishermen that may rank as the largest in Texas history.

State officials said a two-year investigation indicates that since as far back as 2013, Molzan "funneled" 14 tons of illegally caught finfish through his current restaurant, the paleo-skewed Ruggles Black that's a darling of professional athletes, and the eco-friendly Ruggles Green fast-casual spots he founded but from which he separated in October.

The separation occurred when North Carolina investment company Hargett Hunter Capital Partners bought a majority interest in the chain.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimates that sales of illegally caught fish - including red snapper, tuna, amberjack, grouper and red drum from a network of about a dozen unlicensed commercial fishermen - may have netted Molzan's restaurants a profit estimated at more than $400,000. Texas game wardens, the U.S. Coast Guard and special agents from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have cooperatedin investigating the alleged scheme.

Molzan could not be reached for comment. But his attorney, Joel Androphy, describes the Class C misdemeanors his client faces as "the equivalent of a traffic ticket."

According to a statement from Androphy, "the actual charges against Bruce Molzan and Ruggles in this investigation are buying from an unlicensed fisherman, not running an organized illegal operation as being falsely reported. We are challenging these allegations in court and expect them to be dismissed."

Hargett Hunter moved to distance the firm from the citations involving against Ruggles Green.

"In no way were any of these practices taking place when Hargett Hunter purchased the company," said spokesperson Jessica Nunez. "And (the practices are) not happening as they own the company today."

Nunez said Ruggles Green abides by sustainable seafood practices, and illegal seafood sales "is not something we'd ever be affiliated with."

So far, game wardens have issued more than 200 Class C misdemeanor citations in the matter, including to Molzan and his current or former businesses. Those citations carry a penalty of up to $500 apiece.

Fish poached from federal waters are a different story. Two recreational fishermen who were busted off Freeport in April last year with 488 red snapper, a highly regulated species, have been charged with the felonies of lying to a federal investigator and falsifying documents. That incident broke open the case, tying the illegal catch to the larger network alleged to have supplied Molzan's restaurants, Texas Parks and Wildlife said in a statement.

There could be more charges to come.

"Multiple agencies are involved in an ongoing investigation," said Capt. Frank Ruiz, of the Texas Parks and Wildlife. "There are tentacles that go in several directions."

The citations stand as further troubles for a chef who has attracted more than his share of them over the four decades in which he has been a player on Houston's restaurant scene. Molzan and his then-wife, Susan Molzan, created one of the hottest restaurants of the 1980s at their original Ruggles Grill on Westheimer near the corner of Montrose.

On weekend nights, everybody from socialites to scenesters to the neighborhood's gay gentry could be found inside the rambling, cottagey Ruggles Grill dining rooms. They table-hopped, gossiped about each other and exclaimed over the nine different vegetables - nobody had ever quite seen the like - arrayed on each carefully arranged plate of Molzan's California-inflected Southwestern cuisine.

Those heady times waned as the century turned and the Molzans divorced in 2005. By 2012, he had faced a rare staff walkout as servers struck over unpaid tips, ending in a picket line.

Numerous lawsuits and countersuits trailed Molzan's involvement in other ventures, too, including disputes over a downtown ballpark cafe, Grille 5115 inside the Galleria's Saks Fifth Avenue and Ruggles 11th Street Cafe in the Heights.

A Ruggles Green investor who helped Molzan rebuild the original Ruggles Grill after Hurricane Ike sued the chef over an ownership agreement; and Molzan wound up suing the co-owners who operated Ruggles Green. Molzan invariably blamed the other side.

"I get saddled up and ridden like a Seattle Slew," he told the Chronicle in 2012, referring to the winner of horse racing's Triple Crown. "People jump on your coattails and take advantage."

The courts will decide the latest allegations against Molzan's business practices, his lawyer said. In the meantime, the Houston restaurant and sport fishing worlds are already picking apart the charges.

Red snapper are among Texas' most iconic sport and eating fish, and they are also among the most highly regulated Gulf species.

The size of the illegal catches the TPWD is citing as part of the alleged poaching scheme seem staggering to recreational fishermen who are limited to two red snapper a day during a nine-day annual season. Commercial finfishing has become so highly regulated in Texas - with the record-keeping and controls enforced at every step along the path of legal fish on their way to market - that illegal commercial fishing has declined over the years.

Fourteen tons of illegal fish looms large from both a law-enforcement and a fisheries standpoint, Parks and Wildlife officials said. Health and safety concerns are at issue, too.

"This is a big deal," said Col. Craig Hunter, TPWD law enforcement director, who noted the case "exemplifies the critically important work our Texas game wardens do to protect the state's natural resources. Not only did these unscrupulous actors violate recreational fishing regulations at an extreme level for personal profit, but they also circumvented restrictions and rules governing the possession, safe handling and sale of commercial aquatic products intended for human consumption."

Bryan Caswell, executive chef and co-owner of Reef restaurant, said he was appalled to hear about the citations for unlawful fishing.

"It's the antithesis of what I've tried to fight for my entire career," said Caswell, whose Midtown restaurant is known for the Gulf seafood emphasis of its menu.

Last year he and his wife, Jennifer Caswell, founded Southern Salt Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Gulf Coast shorelines and wildlife.

"We're both flabbergasted that this may have been going on," said Caswell, an avid recreational Gulf fisherman who said his restaurant business is dependent on a healthy state of the commercial fishery.

Meanwhile Hargett Hunter will forge ahead with plans to expand the Ruggles Green brand with as many as 30 more locations over the next four years, including in Houston. When it comes to seafood, all the i's will be dotted and every last t crossed, Nunez said, and Ruggles Green "will respond to any concerns its customers have about seafood practices and policy."

Greg Morago and Shannon Tompkins contributed to this story.
What does it take to get by in Houston? A new report, released this month by GOBankingRates, calculated the annual income needed to live comfortably in the nation's 50 largest cities. Here in Houston, the figure rings in at $56,223.

For many, that figure is out of reach. In Houston, the median household income is about $10,000 less than this total. This means many households are struggling. Others are just getting by.
With Tax Day right around the corner, federal prosecutors Thursday announced charges against a slew of tax preparers accused of fudging returns and a harsh prison sentence for one repeat offender.

Cedric Keith Oliphant, of Huntsville, was sentenced to 28 months behind bars, just months after completing a 33-month sentence for an earlier tax fraud case.

Between 2006 and 2008, Oliphant filed dozens of false returns, but after his arrest he was released on bond under the condition that he stop filing tax returns for anyone but himself.

BUSTED: Texas lawyer and "case runner" are sentenced in scam

But while awaiting sentencing in the first case, Oliphant continued his tax preparation work, which he tried to hide by creating bank accounts in other people's names.

The week after he was released from federal prison after serving his sentence in the earlier case, Oliphant was taken into custody for the second case. He later pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay more than $725,000 in restitution.

Federal prosecutors also seized $205,000 in cash, three cars and Oliphant's home in Huntsville. His public defender did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

MEDICAL SCAM: Houston clinic manager sentenced in $1 million health care fraud scheme

"False tax returns are an attempt to cheat the system, the U.S. Treasury and ultimately the American people," Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez said in a statement.

"Return preparers have an obligation to seek only the refunds their clients are entitled to and charge a reasonable fee in doing so. Those who abuse their filing privileges will be investigated, caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Among the seven newly announced arrests is Houston tax preparer Yomi Michael John, who did business from 2010 to 2013 as Postal Tax Services.

He's accused of filing materially false returns for unsuspecting clients during those years, generating more than $200,000 in extra refunds. He's due in court on Wednesday.

Also from Houston is Ryan Damont Akers, who was arrested after a 15-count indictment. He's accused of helping prepare false tax returns by misreporting charitable donation amounts and falsely reporting losses and unreimbursed employee expenses.

BROKE: Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman says he can't afford a defense lawyer

In another Bayou City case, Derwin Blackshear and Terranjala "Denise" Wilder Smith were indicted earlier this year for allegedly filing false tax returns through their Houston-area business, Level One Tax Service. The 25 returns listed in the indictment netted more than $250,000 in fraudulent refunds.

From nearby Brazoria County, Crystal T. Kemp was charged with 16 counts for false tax prep after allegedly lying about education credits, earned income credits and child tax credits. She's also charged with filing two years of false returns for herself, claiming her business - CQ Tax Preparation - made less money than it did, prosecutors allege.

Also in the southern district, Dale Bradford Harding and Charles Swanson were hit with 15 and 21 tax fraud charges, respectively.

Each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns can net up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

As the tax deadline looms near - on April 18 this year instead of April 15 - Martinez warned Texans to take caution in picking a tax preparer.

"If a preparer promises financial dividends that are too good to be true," he said, "it may well be and could require a much greater repayment than the excess received."
The teen girl who was struck and killed by a van early Sunday after escaping CPS care has been identified as a child who was listed as missing last year and, according to Houston police, was a repeated runaway.

Daphne Jackson, 15, had been included last August on local and national missing child alerts after disappearing.

Over the weekend, she was hit while walking with another girl who left Child Protective Services custody along a northwest Harris County road.

The incident marked the first time a child has died while staying in a CPS office because of the lack of available foster care placements.

Since Jan. 1, 24 children have died in CPS conservatorship compared to 27 for all of 2016, according to figures provided this week by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

According to state CPS spokesman Patrick Crimmins, almost all children who die in CPS custody succumb to natural deaths, injuries inflicted before the agency removed them or fatal accidents.

Daphne Jackson's death highlights the severe capacity shortage for foster children, particularly older ones with serious medical, emotional, psychological or behavioral challenges. According to Crimmins, 24 children statewide in January spent at least two consecutive nights in CPS offices.

At the time, Daphne and the other teen were considered "children without placement" - which meant that they could not be assigned immediately to a foster home or residential treatment center and ended up supervised overnight by caseworkers. The girls had been staying in the CPS office for "several days," Crimmins said.

Legislators this week blasted Texas CPS officials upon learning about overnight stays in offices because they believed the practice had been stopped months ago. In the draft state budget, the House and Senate have proposed adding more than $400 million to the Department of Family and Protective Services' allocation for the agency to hire more caseworkers and staff as well as increase payments to foster care organizations and families to expand available placements.

A federal judge in Corpus Christi continues to monitor the state CPS system after ordering sweeping reforms in late 2015.

Last year's missing alert said Daphne was last seen on Aug. 19 in Houston. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received the case on Aug. 31 and the child was listed as "recovered" on Oct. 10, organization spokeswoman Rebecca Kovar said Wednesday.

'State of emergency'

According to Houston Police Department spokesman Victor Senties, Daphne had been recorded as a runaway "several times" after the October recovery.

In a March news conference, an organization called Queendom Come Inc. called for Houston's grass-roots community to examine the local issue of missing girls in connection with runaways and sex trafficking. The group launched the campaign with the social media hashtag #protectourdaughters and hosted a town hall this week to organize advocates to work on solutions.

Sadiyah Evangelista, a Houston lawyer and Queendom Come co-founder, learned about Daphne's case on Wednesday.

"It saddens me that she had to die as a broken little girl. We have to sound the alarm. We are in a state of emergency," she said. "Whatever the hurt was, we can't restore her. It's a tragedy."

CPS spokeswoman Tiffani Butler said the girl's runaway history was confidential. No information has been released about the teen's relatives or her state custody history.

She met up with others

Daphne, whose smile beams beneath her cascade of thick braids in the photo used on the missing person alerts, took off again this weekend.

She and another girl left a CPS facility on Northpoint Drive where they were bunking overnight and eventually met up with other teens.

They were walking in an area without sidewalks in the 11200 block of Veterans Memorial Drive - about three miles away from the child welfare office - when the driver of a beige Chevrolet van traveling southbound slammed into the 15-year-old as she edged into the road, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Daphne was flung into a ditch. She received medical care in a nearby parking lot, where she was pronounced dead. The other girl, an older teen whose name has not been released, sustained an arm injury. She was treated at a nearby hospital and returned to CPS care.

The van driver was questioned and released without charges. The case remains under investigation by the sheriff's traffic enforcement division.
Houston's pension reform bill will move to the floor of each legislative chamber after a Texas House committee joined its Senate counterparts in passing the measure 6-1 Wednesday.

With Rep. Roberto Alonzo, D-Dallas, opposed, the pensions committee adopted House Bill 43, which will now head to a scheduling committee.

"I am thankful to the committee members and Chairman Dan Flynn," Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a prepared statement, referencing the Dallas-area Republican who oversees pension discussions. "I am happy to see that our state lawmakers understand how important this is to Houston's future. We are going to keep up the pressure until our plan becomes law."

Houston Republican Sen. Joan Huffman's committee passed the bill last month by a similar margin of 7-1. The main difference between the bills is that Huffman's version seeks a referendum on pension bonds such as the $1 billion in bonds that are a key part of the reform package; the House version does not include that language.

This fight must play out in Austin because benefits for the city's police, fire and municipal retirees are enshrined in state statute and cannot be enacted without action by the Texas Legislature.

The reform discussion has its roots in benefit increases that were passed in 2001. The changes caused costs to spike rather than increase slightly. Despite reforms in 2004 and 2007, the city has failed to keep up with rising costs, leaving the three plans underfunded by about $8 billion today.

Turner's proposal recalculates the city's pension payments, using lower investment return assumptions and aiming to retire the debt in 30 years, both of which would increase the city's annual costs.

To bring that cost back down, the plan would cut workers' benefits and includes a mechanism to cap the city's future costs even if the market tanks. To bring the police and municipal funds to the table, the city also agreed to inject $1 billion in bond proceeds into their plans to make up for past city underfunding.
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AUSTIN - Reacting to a tragic Houston case that touched off a national scandal, the Texas Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved legislation designed to prevent crime victims from being jailed to ensure they testify in court without proper legal protections.

Called "Jenny's Law" in honor of the mentally ill Houston rape victim whose case became a dominant issue in last year's Harris County district attorney's race, Senate Bill 291 was quickly approved without debate and sent to the House for consideration.

Approval is also expected in the House, where the handling of the case has also drawn criticism from lawmakers statewide.

"This addresses a critical problem we discovered in Harris County  but one that can happen any place in Texas," said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston. "This should never happen again."

In December 2015, Harris County prosecutors jailed a 25-year-old rape victim in order to secure her testimony against her attacker. The victim, identified as Jenny publicly by her attorneys and family, agreed to testify in the trial against her assailant, serial rapist Keith Edward Hendricks. However, the victim, who has long suffered from mental illnesses, suffered a psychological breakdown while testifying about her 2013 attack and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Upon her release, she was jailed for 27 days at the request of prosecutors who wanted to ensure she would testify against Hendricks at his trial in January 2016.

In July, Jenny filed a federal lawsuit against prosecutors and Harris County, claiming that her constitutional rights had been violated and that her jailing amounted to being "re-raped." She further claimed that the court order - called an "attachment order" - used to jail her was illegally obtained.

A Houston Chronicle investigation published this week about the case - "Serial Indifference" - revealed that for nearly eight years, Hendricks was accused of raping homeless women in Harris County. Authorities arrested him for those crimes more than once, but flaws and failure in the criminal justice system allowed him to go free, leading to more alleged crimes.

Lawyer required

Whitmire said the bill requires that before anyone can seek a writ of attachment to hold a victim or witness in jail, "that person, an innocent person, has to have a court-appointed lawyer to protect their interests."

It also requires a public court hearing, not a hearing in a judge's chambers, and a re-hearing of the case after 15 days, Whitmire said.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has endorsed the legislation, as have other prosecutors and justice-advocacy groups. She won her election challenge over incumbent Devon Anderson, whose office authorized putting Jenny behind bars.

Ogg said she was gratified to learn of the Senate's quick and unanimous support for the bill and looked forward to a similar reception by the House.

"No victim of crime should ever again be made to suffer the trauma, indignity and indifference that attended Jenny's case," Ogg said. "This new law will ensure it won't happen to anybody else."

April Mitchell, chief executive officer for the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, applauded Texas lawmakers for honoring the rights and dignity of victims.

"Their example of unanimously passing bi-partisan legislation on behalf of vulnerable populations is a victory in the battle advocates fight on a daily basis," Mitchell said. She added that in an effort to provide protection and social justice for sexual assault victims, lawmakers have also created an ongoing conversation that can have lasting effects.

"We fight for a future of social justice that ensures protection from sexual violence and being re-victimized," she said.

'A lasting legacy'

Despite support in both the Senate and House, some prosecutors have raised concerns that the Houston case should have been addressed with a local policy change rather than a new state law.

Whitmire and state Sen. Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican and former Harris County prosecutor and district judge, insist the change in state law involving writs of attachment is something that should be changed now to prevent what happened to Jenny from happening again.

In addition, Whitmire said Jenny's case highlights several issues in Texas' criminal justice system: that jails hold too many mentally challenged people and are sometimes the largest mental health centers in a county; that violence is too pervasive in correctional settings; and that too many people who should be out on bond are held in jails because they can't afford it.

"Jail was not the place for Jenny and it's not the place for a lot of other people, certainly not victims and witnesses who can obviously be victimized again in that setting," Whitmire said.

Passage of the bill will give victims, especially sexual assault victims, peace of mind, knowing the criminal justice system is working on their behalf, said Andy Kahan, a victim advocate for the city of Houston.

"We can't go back and change what happened to Jenny," he said. "But at least she will have a lasting legacy knowing what happened to her will not happen to any other victim in the foreseeable future."
South China Sea Code of Conduct (Photo : Getty Images)

On Tuesday, Philippine Acting Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo said that China and the Southeast Asian countries have made advancements in negotiations on a code of conduct for disputed waters.



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China asserts its territory on nearly all of the sea. Other Asian countries including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, also claim parts of the South China Sea.



Annually, sea-borne products, amounting to about $5 trillion, pass the disputed waters.



"We have made good progress on coming up with a framework for a code of conduct with China," Manalo said.



He added that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China were past the middle of the identification of the contents of the code of conduct.



"From a scale of 1-10, we are at the upper level. Remember, we were starting from zero in January. There have been a number of elements agreed and we would definitely have a framework on which to embark a serious negotiation on a code of conduct," the acting foreign minister said.



In the last two months, Chinese and ASEAN negotiators have come together in Indonesia and Cambodia, trying to furnish a final draft. If successful, the final draft can be approved prior the meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila this coming August.



Manila has also scheduled negotiations with Beijing next month to discuss "issues of concern regarding the South China Sea." The agenda will include the Chinas militarization of several manmade islands in the Spratly Islands, which have resulted in protests from the United States, the Philippines and Vietnam.



China holds two dialogues with claimant states  one it through bilateral talks while the other is with Vietnam.



Beijings South China Sea ambitions are on the agenda of the Xi-Trump meeting. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet on Thursday and Friday at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.



Claimant countries are looking forward to the approval of the code of conduct for disputed waters.


If you live in Edna, it's a safe bet you understand the importance of both the ranching business and the oil and gas industry.

Edna is a small community about a 90-minute drive southwest of Houston whose biggest claim to fame may be its little-known status as the hometown of professional wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin and professional stripper Candy Barr. Outside a town whose patriotic residents adopted the nickname "Flag City USA," a rural landscape dotted with cattle and oil derricks shows how farmers and ranchers have learned to share the flatlands with folks in the energy business.

But nowadays that normally peaceful coexistence is strained by a conflict over clean water, and our state government isn't helping out one bit. Instead, it looks like a trio of powerful politicians collecting campaign cash from oil industry executives is selling the ranchers out.

Johnny Dugger's family has raised cattle around the Lavaca River for 140 years, long before oil was discovered in the area in 1938. A decade ago, Houston-based Hilcorp Energy bought the West Ranch field because it planned to extract oil with a process that injects water and carbon dioxide underground to force crude to the surface. Dugger and other ranchers always figured the project was a good thing for Edna, seeing as how it's created at least 300 jobs.

But they were still a little worried, because a couple of years ago they discovered water pooling around some old, unplugged wells on ranch properties. Tests showed it was saltier than seawater - so salty, it could kill cows and crops. After people complained, Dugger said, the state government plugged about 20 wells.

When Hilcorp announced its plans to shoot millions of gallons of saltwater into the earth, ranchers asked regulators with the Railroad Commission of Texas to require that the company pay for independent monitoring of their groundwater. Although the company says it's conducting its own monitoring program, the ranchers say it needs to be independent and the results should be made public. After all, if you're a rancher and you can't get clean water for your cattle, you're out of business.

That's why the ranchers were startled last February when the Railroad Commission, the agency tasked with overseeing the state's oil and gas industry, rejected their request and sided with the energy company it purports to regulate. But considering the data dug up by the Chronicle's Ryan Handy, who reported on the dispute earlier this week, maybe they shouldn't have been so surprised. Top executives of Hilcorp have donated more than $300,000 to the campaign coffers of railroad commissioners since 2010.

Our state's railroad commissioners have swept up more than $11 million in campaign contributions since 2010, and $6.6 million of that has come from the oil and gas industry. Critics have argued for decades that Texas should limit the amount of money these commissioners can collect from the industry they regulate.

The fact that our railroad commissioners are essentially on the payroll of the oil and gas industry is bad enough, but it's just the most glaring symptom of this powerful agency's inherent conflict of interest problem. The commission serves as both chief regulator and cheerleader for our state's energy industry.

Hilcorp says its project got the green light after days of detailed hearings based solely on its merits, not the money funneled to the three commissioners. Even if that's true, you can't help but see how the ranchers might think otherwise.

A bill proposed by Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, would impose a fundraising window restricting when railroad commissioners could drag the sack for campaign contributions. That would be a step in the right direction, but it wouldn't go far enough. The Texas Legislature should also limit how much campaign money commissioners can collect from the rich folks who run the industry they regulate.

Meanwhile, the Railroad Commission of Texas needs to put down the pompoms and focus all of its attention on regulating our state's most important business.
When Robert Durst was arrested in October 2001 for murdering and dismembering his elderly next door neighbor on Galveston Island, the millionaire real-estate heir and suspect in his wife's disappearance was quickly released on a $300,000 bond.

When Maranda Lynn O'Donnell was arrested in Harris County last year for driving with an invalid license, she was held in jail for two days because she couldn't afford to post a $2,500 bond.

That's how the criminal justice system works in Texas. The dangerous and rich go free. The harmless and poor get stuck behind bars. And Harris County is fighting to defend that system.

While the county waits for Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal to make her decision on an injunction against our bail system, our elected officials should lay down their legal arms and begin a mediation process with O'Donnell and the other plaintiffs in the ongoing class action suit facing Harris County.

The statistics alone paint a picture of a criminal justice system that is anything but just. More than 77 percent of the Harris County jail population hasn't even been convicted of a crime. Four out of five people charged with only a misdemeanor will spend time in jail. A quarter of those folks aren't able to pay a $500 bond. This is indefensible.

In fact, plenty of county officials have lined up to testify against the status quo. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Precinct 1 County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Criminal Court at Law No. 16 Judge Darrell Jordan - all Democrats - are aligned with the plaintiffs in the case. On the other side remains the county judge, three county commissioners and 15 misdemeanor court judges - all Republican.

They claim that the county is well on its way to making necessary reforms and that judicial interference isn't necessary.

Plans to change the bail schedule and provide public defenders at bail hearings are steps in the right direction - but at this point it is too little, too late. Only overall structural reform will upend an unconstitutional system that cares less about a defendant's character than the content of her bank account.

While the dividing line in Harris County may be partisan, a similar legislative fight in Austin has united Republicans and Democrats in support of a bill that would restructure a cash bail system statewide.

Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge Sharon Keller have endorsed Houston Democrat state Sen. John Whitmire's SB 1338, calling it a necessary overhaul of an antiquated system, Chronicle reporter Mike Ward wrote Wednesday.

As Whitmire pointed out at the hearing, our current system not only hurts the poor, but also costs taxpayers "millions of dollars alone in Harris County."

But what's bad for taxpayers is good for bail-bondsmen, who claim they'll go out of business if low-risk offenders can go back to their jobs and families without having to put up cash. Any business model that relies on an unjust system deserves to go bust. After all, they're largely to blame for the slow pace of change in Harris County. Any Republican judge who advocates reform has to worry about a bail-bond-backed primary challenger who will accuse him of being soft on crime.

But we're already soft on crime, just as long as the criminal is rich.

Durst gets out on bond. O'Donnell gets stuck behind bars. This isn't worth defending in Harris County or anywhere in Texas.
Compelling

Regarding "Serial indifference,"(beginning Page A1, Sunday), I have read with great interest reporter Anita Hassan's fine four-part series on serial rapist Keith Edward Hendricks and his unfortunate but courageous victims.

The series shines a bright and necessary spotlight on an issue our society often ignores. Hassan and the Houston Chronicle are to be congratulated for the in-depth research and compelling reporting on this important topic.

Perhaps it will move our system of justice in Harris County closer to a new level of ethics, expediency and compassion. Having witnessed the Harris County judicial system first-hand as a victim of criminal assault and burglary on May 17, 2004, I certainly hope so.

Ann Hamilton, Houston

Unsafe locations

I've been reading the series on the serial rapist, Keith Edward Hendricks. When looking at the map of the locations the women were attacked, you can see that it follows the red MetroRail line from the Medical Center to just north of downtown. All the attack locations are within a few blocks of the train system.

While this observation is not relevant to a particular rape case, it demonstrates how easily the homeless can move around using the MetroRail system. I rarely use the system anymore because every time I ride alone someone begs me for money. My friend's brother, who uses MetroRail every work day, was attacked and cut with a knife by a homeless person while he waited for the train on the platform.

Without secure platforms and no enforcement for ticket purchases, the MetroRail trains are a haven for homeless people. Anybody can loiter on the platform and enter a train without a ticket.

Chris Greene, Houston
Houstonians should welcome the Chinese president's visit to the United States this week just as we should welcome for the first time the National Chinese Language Conference and its 1,300 delegates to Houston, also happening this week, for the largest annual gathering in North America of educators in the field of Chinese language and culture. The meeting between President Xi Jinping of China and President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago Resort in Florida on Thursday and Friday - so early in the new administration - indicates that both recognize the critical need to support and reinvigorate our most important bilateral relationship.

When Jeff Immelt, the CEO of GE, made his informal remarks about the global economy and the G-7 at a small Greater Houston Partnership luncheon, he paused and said, "Let's not kid ourselves, it's really just the G-2 because the only thing that really matters in the global economy is what China and the U.S. are doing."

Meetings between the heads of state of China and the U.S. have always played a critical role in defining and maintaining this important bilateral relationship, no more so than today after a very bumpy start by President Trump. As a candidate for president, Trump pledged to declare the Chinese to be currency manipulators. Trump the candidate also invoked the possibility of a trade war after declaring China to be responsible for the loss of U.S. manufacturing and jobs. Candidate Trump even called global warming a Chinese hoax, and as president-elect, took an unprecedented call from the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This set off alarms in Beijing over whether or not President Trump realized the significance of the "One China" policy, which has been recognized by eight consecutive presidents since the U.S. opening to China by President Richard Nixon.

The city of Houston has played a greater role in U.S.-China policy than one might recognize. The world saw the iconic photo in 1979 when paramount Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping during his historic visit put on a 10-gallon Stetson hat at the Simonton Rodeo east of Houston, evidencing the huge change in U.S.-China relations. Deng Xiaoping opened China's very first Consulate General in the United States in Houston at its present location on Montrose Boulevard. By virtue of the fact that President George H.W. Bush in 1974 served as one of our first envoys to our initial Liaison Office in Beijing, Bush established personal relations with key Chinese figures; those relationships served him well as vice president and president of the United States.

In no small part because President Bush resides in Houston, senior level Chinese diplomats have regularly beat a path here, giving the Asia Society Texas Center, the GHP and the city of Houston the opportunity to host high-level China delegations and even President Jiang Zemin. The GHP in 2000 not only strongly supported Permanent Trade Relations with China, but led the way in lobbying and obtaining critical votes that assured its congressional passage.

Houston as an international port city with a very large Chinese immigrant community continues to disproportionately benefit from the relationship, with China as our second-largest trading partner. Houston's energy, real estate and other sectors benefit from a significant flow of foreign direct investments from China to help fund Bellaire/Beltway 8 Chinatown expansions, high-rise condominium developments inside the Loop, and oil and gas and other Houston business deals.

There are complex issues that we need to address with China, and that's why continuing honest dialogue is critical. While there are real and perceived U.S. concerns, from Taiwan to the South China Sea to trade imbalances and barriers and yes, the inexplicable two-year incarceration of fellow Houstonian Sandy Phan-Gillis, one must balance and put into perspective those concerns with the importance of a stable and prosperous China to the world economy and peace.

On the plus side, there have been huge improvements in the lives of millions of ordinary Chinese citizens, where more people have been brought out of devastating poverty faster than at any time in history. In the post-Deng Xiaoping era, China has learned to play our game. China is communist in name only, as it is more the Wild West when it comes to unfettered capitalism and consumerism. Not only has China become more prosperous, but for the most part, unlike Russia, it has acted responsibly internationally. China is more interested in gaining market share than territorial ambition.

It is precisely because we have issues with China that we should applaud the willingness of President Xi Jinping to make this early journey to the United States to meet with President Trump to discuss critical issues from North Korea to trade - issues that will determine to a great extent how the world progresses for future generations in peace and prosperity.

Houston can continue to do its part in enhancing and improving our bilateral relationship.

Foster is chairman of Foster LLP and U.S. China Partnership and past chairman of Asia Society Texas Center.
Helen Keller once said "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." Some days I believe she was speaking about the Texas Republican Party.

The Legislature is considering a half- dozen bills about the Electoral College. Lawmakers plan to attach some illegality to presidential electors voting their conscience.

These legislators seem to think that elected officials should put party over country. These legislators want Texas members of the Electoral College to vote blindfolded and handcuffed. Their actions are folly.

First, they forget their own stated legal jurisprudence, the Supreme Court case: Ray v. Blair. In 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states were allowed to require a pledge toward a candidate. The ruling held that states could require the pledge, not the elector's vote. What does this mean?

All day long until the November election, states may require a pledge from electors.

Thereafter, the actual vote cannot be forced. This was the decision of both the majority and the minority. The opinion stated "no one faithful to our history can deny that the plan originally contemplated what is implicit in its text - that electors would be free agents, to exercise an independent and nonpartisan judgment as to the men best qualified for the Nation's highest offices."

Independent and nonpartisan judgment is not something many Republicans like.

Our Founders had the wherewithal to consider populist tyrants. They devised a government of checks and balances. A Supreme Court is reined by the Constitution it serves. The president can be reined in by the power of the purse invested in the House of Representatives. Presidential candidates, and their parties, reined in by members of the Electoral College.

The Founding Fathers' intent was clear with the Electoral College.

The Founders put the Electoral College in place to avoid the president we have now. If the Founders wanted an accounting procedure, they could have assigned votes. Instead they assigned persons to cast ballots. The Founders could have required states to assign casks of beer for their allotment of electoral votes. This might have defrayed inaugural celebration expenses. The Founders chose citizens instead. They chose to have citizens cast ballots in a secondary setting for a reason: They expected those persons to exercise individual judgment.

They wanted persons who would keep the new country safe from the fires of populism. They wanted the country safe from demagogues, those not focused on America's best interests, and those who would try to profit off the country. Mr. Trump is guilty of all three, which is why I would not vote for him on Dec. 19.

Mr. Trump's actions since his election have proved my point.

The state Legislature may pass a law binding electors, but it will have no effect. The fines proposed and the criminal penalties will not be an impediment.

In December and now, I believe Mr. Trump to be a threat both to America and to our democratic republic.

The proposed speeding ticket remedies would not have stopped me. Others too voiced similar opinions that they would vote their conscience. We would take the steps we did to do the best we could by conscience and the Constitution.

Further, Ray v. Blair makes it clear these requirements only last until the November election.

Thereafter electors are able to vote as they choose. Electors have never been prosecuted for thinking on their own. The Founders intended for electors to put their country first, not their party.

Why is this even a priority for this Legislature?

Lawmakers are having trouble providing adequate financial support for our public schools and competent protective services for abused children. With these Electoral College proposals, the GOP is showing its true colors.

Rather than leading with strong political philosophy, the party instead tries to bind electors or reaches for voter ID laws.

The GOP majority in the Legislature should put country over party.

Lawmakers should start finding solutions to real problems, rather than inventing phantom boogeymen by coming after the electors.

Helen Keller was right about blindness and vision.

These proposals show too many Republicans with short-sighted vision, hoping to blindfold voters at a time when voters most clearly need to see candidates - and consequences.

Suprun (@thechrissuprun) is the Texas Republican presidential elector who did not vote for Donald Trump this past December. He contributes to @EatPrayVote.
Rallyists in Manila protest over the presence of Chinese research vessels in the Benham Rise. (Photo : Getty Images)

Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo reported that China will respect Philippine sovereignty over the Benham Rise. The statement from Beijing was in response to the notes sent by the Department of Foreign Affairs.



The acting foreign affairs secretary said, "China, first of all, reaffirmed that they recognize the sovereign rights of the Philippines over Benham Rise."



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He added, "That was clearly stated and was also mentioned that they have no dispute with the Philippines over that area because they precisely our sovereign rights as was laid down in the decision of the United Nations Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf."



Although the reef is within the Philippines' territory, international naval ships can innocently pass by or conduct research on the Benham Rise without requesting approval from the government, according to Manalo.



In 2015 and 2016, China has sent requests to the Philippine government for permission to conduct research in the area, but they have been declined.



The refusal of the Philippine government was due to the ongoing territorial dispute and that China refused to engage Philippine representatives to go with the Chinese research team.



Manalo added that China made it clear that they respect the sovereign rights of the Philippines over the resource-rich area.



He said, "I would be very happy with the reply they say that they recognize we have sovereign rights over Benham Rise. It's quite clear that any time that they will seek to go to that area to explore they need our permission."



Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press briefing that China will maintain good communication with the Philippine government, "including joint scientific research, with friendly countries like the Philippines, so as to bring benefits to people."



A proposition from the Philippine senate was laid out for a formation of a Benham Rise Development Authority needed to oversee coordination and communication regarding research on the fuel source on the 14.4-million-hectare underwater plateau.


What if I told you your government was about to triple your monthly electric bill? President Obamas so called Clean Power Plan would have done just that  increasing electric costs and forcing coal plants in Missouri to close.

Missouri residents get 83 percent of their energy from coal-fired power plants. If implemented, this rule would have increased the cost of electricity and made it unaffordable for many residents in the state. Fortunately, President Trump took major steps this week to eliminate the Clean Power Plan and stop the EPAs costly rules for energy production. This will help prevent skyrocketing utility rates, ensure coal plants stay open and keep jobs in Missouri.

The Clean Power Plan is just the latest in a long list of regulations that show how unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats do not understand southeast and south central Missouri. After President Trump was elected, his team asked me to help identify regulations hurting rural America, and I immediately thought about those of you who told me that your utility bills were going to triple in cost after the EPA rolled out this ridiculous rule. Thankfully, this week, President Trump did away with major components of Obamas plan.

Contrary to what liberal environmentalists think, our coal plants are some of the cleanest in the world. So clean in fact, that the Obama Administration had to use fake science about climate change to justify their plan. In 2015, a whistleblower from the governments main source for environmental research revealed that one of their scientists was putting his finger on the scale for climate change, making the numbers look more dramatic than they actually were. This week, I voted on the HONEST Act to stop this from happening. Right now, the EPA does not have to make their research public. AKA  the science behind their rules is a secret and cannot be vetted by researchers who may have different information to offer. The HONEST Act means the EPA will have to share their research with everyone and they will not be able to get away with using fake science from someone who cooked the books in favor of a biased agenda.

I have been fighting against burdensome regulations since my time in the Missouri State House of Representatives. I even filed papers in one court case to block the Obama Administrations executive overreach and implementation of the Clean Power Plan. Most recently, I authored the SCRUB Act. Passed in a 240-185 bipartisan vote by the U.S. House of Representatives last month, the SCRUB Act is designed to identify and eliminate ineffective and intrusive federal regulations. Now, I am asking the U.S. Senate to vote in favor of the SCRUB Act and send it to the White House for President Trumps signature.

Congress and the American people rejected Obamas climate change agenda, so instead, the Obama Administration went around Congress, ignoring the will of the people. Now we are undoing the rules they wrote. From ending the damaging Clean Power Plan, to stopping the EPA from aggressively regulating every pond, raindrop or bucket of water on a farm, I am grateful that we finally have a President who is as focused as I am on getting Washington off the backs and out of the way of Missouri families, farmers and small businesses.

Jason Smith represents Missouris 8th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Contact him at 573-335-0101 or visit https://jasonsmith.house.gov
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After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code.

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Ostensibly, the process is meant to be objective and rational, Gal said.

But the problem is that algorithms are not really objective in the sense that collecting big data actually involves a significant amount of human judgment.

Gal cited an example. Consider a manager who wants to assess the performance of his or her employees over the previous year.

There are a number of ways which the manager can do that, including collecting data on how much revenue they have generated for the company over the last 12 months, how many clients they have interacted with or how many leads they have generated.

So we have three data points to access what we call performance, but why these three? We could have used any other combination of data points, said Gal.
The video and photos sparked controversy in the country, with many describing her behaviour as 'inappropriate' for a university professor. Others defended the professor, saying it is a matter of personal freedom

Egypt's Suez Canal University has decided to investigate English literature professor Mona Prince after personal images of her  including a two-minute video of her dancing on the roof of her home  went viral on social media on Tuesday.

The video and photos sparked controversy in the country, with many describing her behaviour as "inappropriate" for a university professor, Others defended the professor, saying it is a matter of personal freedom.

Professor Prince told Ahram Online on Wednesday that she has not received an official notice from the university regarding an investigation.

However, the university president said in a TV interview that the decision to investigate came after the university received many complaints that Prince violated academic principles when she posted the images, which included photos of her in a revealing swimsuit and drinking alcohol.

Hany Abu Zeid, a Facebook user who grabbed the professor's videos and photos and shared them on his page, said that the professor publically shared the material on her Facebook page.

Prince said "I do not know this man  who claims to be a journalist  either from social media or in person. He was probably pushed by someone else to defame me."

The professor defended her behaviour, saying it is a matter of personal freedom that harms no one, and called on the Egyptian community to consider discussing topics of more importance like health and education, instead of "a common citizen dancing at her home."

She added that she is ready to sue anyone who shared her photos and videos with the aim of to defaming her, since she shared this material on her private Facebook page a long time ago.

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McMillans comments came after Epicentre  a digital firm based in Stockholm  confirmed it has microchipped approximately 150 willing employees since first launching the initiative in 2015.

The biggest benefit, I think, is convenience, co-founder and chief executive Patrick Mesterton told the Associated Press. It basically replaces a lot of things you have, other communication devices, whether it be credit cards or keys.

While the microchips allow employees to unlock a door or buy a smoothie with the wave of their hand, they could also give employers the ability to track a plethora of other data  such as when an employee arrives and how long they stay in the workplace.

McMillan said the development is particularly worrying when considered alongside a recent survey which found that 54 per cent of millennials are currently experiencing tech-related stress.

Its important that ubiquitous technology does not negatively impact on healthy relationships and lifestyles outside of work, she said. To address this requires a concerted response from employers and industry to change the culture  or it will only get worse.
Mexican lawmakers moved one step closer to enacting tough penalties for dogfighting with a vote today in the Senate Justice committee. Activities to be penalized include organizing fights, owning or trading a fighting dog, possessing a property used to hold fights, or attending a fight as a spectator. The full Senate is now expected to vote on the reform.

Anton Aguilar, executive director of Humane Society International/Mexico, issued the following statement:

We applaud Senators in the Justice Committee for passing these much needed reforms to the Federal Criminal Code to penalize dogfighting throughout Mexico. Dogfighting is a criminal act that needs to be punished because of the immense suffering it causes to dogs and the illegal, violent entities that surround these underground activities. With this vote, Senators are sending a clear signal, and echoing what the Mexican public demands, that its time to root out animal cruelty and violence from Mexico. We now urge the full Senate to approve these penalties as soon as possible.

Sign the petition asking Mexican legislators to penalize dogfighting.

HSI joined animal advocates earlier in the day in a press conference to urge Senators in the committee to penalize dogfighting.

Media contact: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, (US) +1 301 721 6440

For US supporter enquiries: call 866-614-4371 or fill out our contact form
When it comes to sharing photos of their kids, celebrity parents have two extremes. They either wholeheartedly embrace it, or avoid the practice altogether.

But Anne Hathaway is one celebrity mom who tried to dabble in between.

Ahead of her sons first birthday last month, the 34-year-old actress shared a photo of her baby boy, Jonathan, on Instagram. The sweet pic showed her son in his PJs watching her deliver a UN speech on the importance of paid parental leave for International Womens Day.

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JRS watching Mommy give her speech at the UN yesterday #forourboys #forourgirls #forthefuture #loveislove #parentsareparents #paidparental #iwd #ppl @unwomen A post shared by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway) on Mar 9, 2017 at 7:43am PST





While the image only showed the back of Jonathans head, Hathaway revealed that she instantly felt regret for publicly sharing the snap.

I had never posted a photo of my son, and I decided to post a shot of the back of his head, and almost as soon as Id done it, I wished that I hadnt, the Colossal star told Jezebel in an interview. I felt like I had broken some kind of a seal in inviting people into my life.

Hathaway then noted that her feelings towards social media have changed since she realized posts can easily be construed any which way.

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Im a big believer that you gotta mess things up sometimes to really see them properly, so if I made a mistake or I messed up, I know how I feel about it much better now, she said. Instagram, when I first started, it was so much fun. And it was a great way to be silly and kind of do things off the cuff. And now, because of the time we live in, I think words and pictures are carrying a much greater weight. Or, much less depending on how you engage with it.

Anne Hathaway poses at the premiere of the movie "Colossal" in California.

Hathaway isnt the only celebrity parent to struggle with whether or not she should share private photos of her kid with the world. Chrissy Teigen experienced something similar after she welcomed her daughter, Luna, with husband John Legend in April 2016.

Before giving birth, Teigen explained to People magazine why she might not immediately share photos of her baby girl. Im not ready for peoples comments, the model said. Thats more of what it is  Its not like I dont want to show her or that Im hiding.

She also added, You dont want to force your kid on anyone either. Its important for me and John to protect some bits of us.

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Last day. My love. A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Mar 22, 2017 at 9:52am PDT





Teigen, who has always been vocal on social media, eventually went on to share countless adorable photos of her daughter.

Its unlikely that Hathaway will have the same change of heart as Teigen. In her interview with Jezebel, she added: Even though I felt as though I had done it in as protective a way as I could, even though it was a moment I was incredibly proud of, I dont know that Ill ever do it again.

Hathways regret over posting a photo of her son is not surprising, as she has always been a private person. But just because she doesnt like sharing photos of her baby boy doesnt mean she wont talk about him.

The 34-year-old recently opened up about how she and husband Adam Shulman threw their son a rainbow-themed party for his first birthday.

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We tried to keep it pretty low key, and we kept the theme just rainbows, which is a fun theme because it's hard to go wrong with it, she said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

But I made the mistake, I went on Pinterest and looked at other people's one-year-old parties, she continued. It's not fair what some people do, you know children have party planners, which is definitely not fair. Think about it. They blow it out.

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Canadas fifth-largest bank is facing calls on social media for a boycott after word spread it is laying off staff in Canada and replacing them with contract workers in India.

But the bank's controversial move may affect only a handful of staffers.

If you have a CIBC account you may want to consider going somewhere else, NDP MP and leadership contender Charlie Angus wrote on Facebook, one of many people calling on consumers to stop doing business with CIBC.

They made $1.4 billion in profit [in the latest quarter] and are outsourcing Canadian jobs to India. Canadians need to start standing up to this corporate attitude.

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The controversy began with a CBC News report stating that CIBC is planning to eliminate as many as 130 jobs in its Toronto offices, and had asked some eliminated workers to train the people who would ultimately train their replacements.

Those replacements will be employees of global consultancy and outsourcing firm Accenture, which has partnered with CIBC, the CBC reported.

However, the layoffs may not be as deep as initially reported. Thus far only 16 employees have been laid off, and a source close to the issue told HuffPost Canada the bank is working actively to "redeploy" the remaining staffers. Some 50 employees have been found new positions at the bank, and there is a "high probability" many others will land in new positions as well, the source said.

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Nevertheless, some on social media have vowed to end their patronage of the bank.

@cibc I guess I will be outsourcing my personal and business accounts to another bank. One that does not outsource to India! #trashymovecibc  Kim Willick (@Kwillick) April 2, 2017

The story has echoes of a 2013 incident in which Royal Bank of Canada laid off 45 employees, and asked them to train their replacements  contract workers brought to Canada for training under foreign worker visas.

That controversy ended with RBC CEO Gord Nixon vowing not to use foreign workers unless they have superior skill sets and capabilities that RBC cannot duplicate in Canada.

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But CIBC CEO Victor Dodig is taking a different approach, defending the company's move and explaining that the decision to outsource the jobs was not about saving money.

Outsourced workers complement the work done in Canada and allow the company to provide services 24 hours a day, he wrote in the memo obtained by CBC.

"I understand that outsourcing isn't a popular decision," Dodig wrote, but "companies that stand still don't stand the test of time."

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Banks With Most Complaints In Canada, 2015 See Gallery
I would like to once again sincerely thank all the people who have written and phoned me in the past few weeks to express their support. Since the announcement regarding my removal from the Aboriginal Peoples Committee yesterday, public and other support has been building and is truly inspiring. As a Senator, it is my duty and privilege to speak on behalf of Canadians. This is a responsibility I take very seriously. Although a deeper sense of pride in my fellow Canadians  including many Aboriginal Canadians who have sent messages of support - is what I have gained most from this experience, it has also been revealing how difficult it is becoming to have a balanced, truthful discussion about all issues affecting Canadians. Political correctness is stifling opinion and thoughtful conversation that we must be allowed to have if we are to truly improve our great country. For me to lose my position on the Aboriginal Peoples Committee for complimenting the work of nurses, teachers, foster families and legions of other decent, caring Canadians  along with highlighting inspiring stories spoken by Aboriginal people themselves - is a serious threat to freedom of speech. Too often, on a broad range of issues, a vocal minority cries foul and offence whenever a point of view is raised that does not align with their own. Meanwhile the silent majority, who are contributing to this country by working, building and selling things, taking care of their parents and children, are left thinking they are alone. To those Canadians I say you are not alone. You are the majority as has been shown to me with all the support I have received. I will continue you represent you and your views on Parliament Hill.
During a visit to Vienna this week, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, sat down to speak with Austrian-born Holocaust survivors who are now British citizens. After they told their stories, the prince shared his own personal anecdote.

According to the Telegraph, the Prince told the group, "My father's mother took in a Jewish family during the war and hid them  she was amazing, my grandmother."

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Charles was referring, of course, to Princess Alice of Battenberg (also known as Princess Andrew of Greece), his father Prince Philip's mother, who lived in Greece during the war and took in Rachel Cohen and two of her children to save them from the Holocaust. As the Jewish News Service reports, Rachel's husband Haimaki had fought with King George I in 1913, and the royal had promised Cohen help in the future if he ever needed it.

"She would have considered it to be a totally human action to fellow human beings in distress." Prince Philip

"She took them in during the Nazi occupation. She never told anybody, she didn't tell her family for many years," Charles continued, while visiting the Jewish Museum in Vienna. "She's buried in Jerusalem. In September last year, I went to the funeral of President (Shimon) Peres and finally got to see her grave."

In fact, it was only after a relative of the family suggested a street in Jerusalem be named in her honour that Princess Alice's selfless act came to light, reports the Independent.

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Though Princess Alice died in 1969 at Buckingham Palace, where she lived for the last part of her life, she'd expressed her wish to be buried at the Convent of Saint Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, which finally happened in 1988, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Prince Philip plants a tree in memory of his mother, Princess Alice, during the ceremony at Yad Vashem, 30 October 1994.

Six years later, Prince Philip attended a ceremony at Yad Vashem in Israel that gave Princess Alice a posthumous "Righteous Among the Nations" award, which honours non-Jews who helped Jewish people during the Holocaust.
In a wide-ranging interview with Fox News, the president spoke about possible intervention in the case of the Egyptian-American prisoner, as well as discussing regional issues and the Trump administration

Fox News' Bret Baier asked the president if her name had come up in discussions with the US administration.

"We always act with respect for the law and the judiciary," the Egyptian president told Baier, speaking in Arabic.

"I would like to reassure those who are interested in this case, and, by the way, the charge against her is using children in demonstrations, that it is now being looked into in the courts, and as soon as there is a verdict, this will be decided."

"As soon as the courts issue a verdict, we will have an opportunity based on my authority as president to act in a suitable way," he said.

An Egyptian court has set 16 April for a verdict in the case of Hegazi and six other defendants, who are charged with human trafficking, kidnapping, and the sexual exploitation and torture of children.

Hegazi, 29, and her husband Mohamed Hassanein, were arrested in May 2014 over accusations that her NGO Belady Initiative  a foundation which aimed at helping street children in Cairo  was involved in child abuse and was operating without a licence.

Local and international rights groups have criticised the case and complain that the length of time of their detention  almost three years -- is illegal.

Asking about concerns of human rights groups about Egypt's record, El-Sisi said he spoke with some Congressmen and discussed the issue with them, among others.

"We respect our citizens, and we care for them and we fear for them, and I would like to say just as much as you like your citizens, we do too," he told Baier, saying he was responsible for protecting 93 million people.

"We have to maintain a balance between our actions to achieve security, stability and to preserve the state, and on the other hand, human rights."

Trump 'understands region's realities'

Donald Trump has a true understanding of the threat of terrorism and realities in the Middle East, El-Sisi told Baier, when asked about changes under the new administration.

Describing him as a "unique personality" El-Sisi said he trusted El-Sisi "wholeheartedly."

El-Sisi met with Trump at the White House this week, in the first formal Washington visit by an Egyptian head of state since Hosni Mubarak met Barack Obama in 2010.

Rhetoric from both sides since Trump's election in November has been warm, in contrast with relations under the administration of Barack Obama, which grew strained after the ouster of Egypt's Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Trump said this week that he was "very much behind" El-Sisi, who he said has a great friend and ally in the United States.

"There is true will, a very strong will, to counter terrorism in the world," El-Sisi told Fox, speaking about the new US administration.

In response to a question about Trump's plan to cut foreign aid to some countries, El-Sisi said that Trump promised to provide Egypt with "very strong support", and he trusts he will keep his promise.

War in Libya, Russia's regional role

Relations with Gulf allies, specifically Saudi Arabia, are "strong," said El-Sisi.

"We are not just friends, we are brothersand the security of the Gulf area and the whole Arab region is a part of Egypt national security," El-Sisi said.

Regarding the role of Iran in the region, the Egyptian president said that Arab nations are capable of achieving their national security and stability in the face of any threats.

Baier asked about the Libyan crisis, and whether UN peacekeepers should be deployed, or if the US should be doing more.

"We have not used all the resources available. We need to support the national armies existent in the countries facing such turmoil. For more than two years I have been asking to lift the embargo on arming that army, or at least certain aspects of it, to provide them with the necessary equipment to perform that task," he said.

"Let's move forward and assist the national army to take this task and assist them in performing that mission.

"If the Libyans need and accept to have these peacekeeping forces, then we will not hesitate at all to accept our brothers in Libya," he said, affirming that Cairo is willing to provide all support for the Libyan people who are "held captive by armed extremist groups".

The Egyptian president also warned of Libya becoming another stronghold for the Islamic State and other extremist groups to launch attacks against Egypt and even Europe.

Asked by Baier if "the vacuum left by the Obama administration enabled Russia to take a greater foothold" in the region, El-Sisi commented: "In fact, many things over the last four years occurred and caused many, many problems."

"Who brought extremist groups and made them available in Syria? Did the Syrian regime bring them there?" El-Sisi asked.

"The entire region is paying the price [for that], not just Syria."



'True change' in Egypt

On Egyptian efforts to combat terrorism in Sinai, the Egyptian president said there had been "great progress" in the past 40 months.

"But I always say that it takes a long time to get rid of terrorism completely. Confronting and countering terrorism among civilians is a very difficult thing."

In his response to a question about the perception of some Americans that he is an autocrat, El-Sisi stressed his office had term limits.

"The person sitting opposite you has approximately a year, a couple of months more, and his term will be over. A dictator stays thirty or forty years, or even ten years, against the will of the people. That is not the case in Egypt. We don't have any more. We have four years. And if the people accept, maybe four more. And there's no third chance."

"There's true change in Egypt. And the Egyptian people will not accept to have a president against their will," said the president.



Asked what keeps him up at night, El-Sisi replied: "The simple Egyptian person."

Speaking about the difficult economic conditions of the country, El-Sisi said that "there are 93 million citizens in Egypt that I want to protect."

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Don't Miss These Hard-to-Forget Restaurants in Calgary

If you are looking for a unique dining experience in YYC, you'll want to check out any of these restaurants with insane levels of character -- and delicious food, I might add!

These establishments each have a more-than-memorable ambiance made possible by the stylish and sometimes historical buildings they reside in. Combined with a unique selection of quality food and drinks that each one offers in its own respect and you also have some of the best restaurants in Calgary!

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Here are Calgaryism's top six selections for restaurants with the most character:

The Nash and Off Cut Bar

Address - 925 11th Street SE, Calgary, AB

Phone Number - 403-984-3365

The Nash and Off Cut Bar restaurant wasn't always a go-to spot in YYC for fine meat cuts such as steak, chicken and lamb. Located in Inglewood's historic National Hotel - built in 1907 to accommodate railway labourers - the three-story brick building was owned by A.E. Cross' Calgary Brewery for a few decades and operated as a sales outlet for the company's beer, which just happened to be made down the street. Eventually, the National Hotel gained somewhat of a shady reputation and closed its doors in 1998. In 2010, it was bought by Ansonia Property Management and has been undergoing renovations on its structure ever since.

A few years has passed since the owners of The Nash and Off Cut Bar signed up for lease in spring of 2014. They have done a wonderful job of maintaining the historical character of the National Hotel while incorporating the latest restaurant equipment into its design during renovations. Inside you'll find an open-concept, large L-shaped white room with a large harvest table on one end and both high and low tables spread throughout the rest of the seating area. The bar section, a.k.a. Off Cut, has the look and feel of an old school bar room with a pewter-topped counter, pressed tin ceiling and wooden floors with a cool mosaic tile feature on one section. This restaurant really does have some character to it and some incredible bites you must experience for yourself.

Charbar

Address - 618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB

Phone Number - 403-452-3115

Next up is Charbar, a local favourite found in the redeveloped community of East Village not only because of its awesome food and riverside address, but also due to the restored Simmons Building - full of character and life - that it resides in. The life we are referring to is the fact that it houses Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roaster alongside Charbar; you literally can grab anything from a quick bagel and coffee to a full steak and cocktail if you`d like, all just a few feet from RiverWalk. The Simmons Building was one of several warehouses built in the pre-First World War era along the Bow River; today, only it and the Eau Claire Lumber Office (1886 Cafe) still stand. Its builder, the Alaska Bedding Company, produced everything from mattresses and pillows to chesterfields and other types of bedding and furniture up until 1966 when it closed its doors for good. Today the Simmons Building is fully owned by the Calgary Municipal Lands Company (CMLC) who is also responsible for the redevelopment of East Village.

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Simmons Building restorations by architect firm McKinley Burkart left many original features inside like the 12-inch fir beams, solid wood floors and red bricks while also adding a slew of designer-savvy / modern ones like a glass elevator and metal stairways leading up to the rooftop patio - one of the best in the city for river views I might add. This project tied for winner of Alberta Construction Top Projects - Commercial - Under $50 million in 2015 too. It's a must visit when it comes to character and food.

Divino

Address - 113 Stephen Avenue SW, Calgary, AB

Phone Number - 403-410-5555

Divino's longevity as a local restaurant that's been around for nearly three decades should tell you something about its top-notch food selection and overall dining experience. This place was a huge hit back in the 1980's and still today offers some of the original menu items you would have seen then - the black pepper linguine being one of them. Since 2003, the restaurant has resided in a long and narrow sandstone building built in 1887 which just happened to be the first home of what would become a local beloved newspaper called the Calgary Herald. The building was constructed out of sandstone due to a mandate that was issued by city council after a devastating fire spread throughout downtown and destroyed most of the wooden buildings in 1886. The mandate required that all public construction projects be made out of a fire-resistant material (such as sandstone) to prevent such occurrences from happening in the future. Since sandstone was easily accessible and mined from the Bow River's embankments, it became the material of choice.

Walking inside Divino you'll find a middle-set open kitchen that divides the interior into smaller and more private dining sections. The kitchen is adept at serving up dishes from a wide range of culinary tastes including those from Italy, France and of course, Canada. For the quality and gourmet nature of dishes like the lobster cannelloni, duck confit melt, pan-roasted halibut to name a few, you really can't go wrong with the prices which tend to stay in the mid to upper twenty's. Divino is by far one Calgary restaurant that will not disappoint when it comes to character in both the ambiance and food served!

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Pigeonhole

Address - 306 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB

Phone Number - 403-452-4694

Justin Leboe's Pigeonhole made a huge entrance onto the new restaurant scene not only in Calgary, but across the country as the food and drink establishment managed to place 1st overall on Air Canada's enRoute magazine's list of Canada's Best New Restaurants in 2015! Funny though, because Leboe's first restaurant called Model Milk - directly beside Pigeonhole - was ranked 2nd by enRoute when it first opened back in 2012, of which he is the co-owner and chef at (as of 2015).

This place isn't in some crazy old historical building like all the other restaurants on this list, however. It gains its character from a marvelously refinished 68-seat interior sporting refurbished green marble tables, pressed-tin ceiling tiles and other characterful additions like smooth leather chairs and banquettes. One unforgettable feature is the recycled crowned sign of Victoria's (the previous tenant), with the word Pigeonhole displayed in pink neon overtop the old black-and-white logo. It just happens that this was the perfect fit as Pigeonhole's logo has a pigeon sporting its very own Victorian crown! Wildly eclectic tapas dishes like the wild sockeye salmon crudo, herbed crumpets and Russian caviar service plus an extensive wine list go hand-in-hand with Pigeonhole's characterful interior, creating an exciting dining experience every time.

Rodney's Oyster House

Address - 355 10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB

Phone Number - 403-460-0026

When it comes to reputation, there are few YYC restaurants that have as much of a story to tell than Rodney's Oyster House. The whole idea of this top-notch seafood resto' stems from 36 years of providing oysters and a plethora of other ocean delights from P.E.I. to the habitants of downtown Toronto. The second Rodney's opened not too long ago in Calgary on the corner of 10th Avenue and 4th Street SW in a historical building that was originally built in 1907 and functioned as a warehouse for an American farming manufacturer. Since then, the building has had two expansions in the 1930's and 50's and multiple owners, but none of them sport the high-ceilinged, double-floored interior like Rodney's.

Inside you'll notice a large skylight and a classic white interior from top to bottom with some cool nautical-themed additions such as netted glass floats overtop the bar and portholes as windows on the front door. The bar is a pretty fancy sight too with an eight-ton obelisk and massive piece of rundle rock from the Exshaw quarry. Apparently the rock - when filled with ice - remains cold for hours, which helps a seafood specialty restaurant like Rodney's keep all them fresh oysters properly chilled. Rodney's has a ton of character and a superb menu to go with; this is truly a haven for seafood lovers and those who love dining out in a memorable setting.

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Teatro Ristorante

Address - 200 8th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB

Phone Number - 403-290-1012

Few restaurants in Calgary have a venue with as much historical charm and character as Teatro Ristorante. Built in 1911, The Dominion Bank Building is a four-story sandstone and marble structure clad with a terra cotta facade, and within, an impressive classical-style interior with high ceilings. The heritage value of this building lies in its Beaux-Arts architecture and location on one of Calgary's oldest downtown streetscapes - Stephen Avenue. To add, its patio section backs out onto one of downtown's most vibrant park areas - Olympic Plaza. Apart from the architecture, the building possesses historical significance as one of the first national banks to expand west and open a location in Alberta during the pre-First World War Era.

Paired with one of Calgary's most historic restaurant locations is some of the best gourmet Mediterranean cuisine found in the city. Strongly rooted in Italian tradition, Teatro's selection of tapas, pastas and meat entrees make it hard to choose exactly what you'll be having for lunch or dinner. It's massive (and award-winning) selection of wines ensures you can select a chardonnay to go with that meaty fish, or perhaps a cabernet sauvignon to go with that pasta dish. Over the past two decades, Teatro's reputation has been shaped by its ultra-gourmet food, historically charming venue and overall high-end dining experience that keeps locals coming back for more, time and time again.

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ookawaphoto via Getty Images chocolate chip cookie isolated on white background

A few nights ago, a swanky hotel in Toronto hosted a Chocolate Chip Cookie Battle. I would be stupid not to go.

My cookie dinner had me craving several glasses of ice cold milk and possibly pickled ginger to cleanse my palette. Milk was plenty at the event. They forgot the ginger. Talk about a poorly planned competition.

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All the cookies sampled varied in their level of decadence. None of them disappointed. Each of the cookie connoisseurs told me that the recipe used to make their classic chocolate chip cookie was one that they had been using for over a decade. At this point, their recipes no longer needed tweaking, because to them they had the technique and ingredients down, therefore creating the perfect recipe.

That's great for them, but I needed to know more. I reached out to five of the Toronto competitors that took part in the cookie battle and asked them all the same two questions:

1) In your opinion what makes the perfect chocolate chip cookie?

2) If you could give home bakers one piece of advice on baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie, what would it be?

Here are their answers:

***

What makes the perfect chocolate chip cookie is even distribution of chocolate chips.

Don't use cheap chocolate; it has more of a waxy taste. Use a high quality chocolate bar and chop it into chunks if you can't find good chocolate chips. We use a mixture of milk and dark chocolate chips made by Callebaut in Belgium.

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***

The two things that make a perfect chocolate chip cookie are lots of quality semi sweet chocolate chips (or chunks if you prefer) and thoroughly creaming your sugars and butter without overworking your flour.

The one tip I would give home bakers is to add your chips when the flour is not quite fully incorporated and blend them in with a spoon.

***

For us, the perfect chocolate chip cookie is all about balance. It has to have crispy edges and a soft, chewy middle. Good chocolate is essential. We make ours with both dark and milk chocolate, with an 80/20 ratio so that each bite is a little bit different.

The perfect chocolate chip cookie should be properly seasoned. Adding enough salt to the dough helps bring together the flavours of butter, sugar and chocolate.

Our advice for home bakers on perfecting their chocolate chip cookie is;

1) Use good chocolate. It really makes all the difference.

2) Always use butter.

3) Age the dough. Letting the dough rest at least overnight helps them develop better flavour. Plus, you'll get much better caramelization when they're baked.

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***

The perfect chocolate chip cookie must be a feast for all your senses. It has to be a perfect balance of taste and texture -- crispy exterior with a smooth buttery interior. It must be visually appealing and have a sweet aroma.

The absolute number one rule is very simple; use the best possible ingredients. There are many versions of a perfect chocolate chip cookie, the secret is to bake often and keep tweaking your recipe until you achieve what you think is your perfect chocolate chip cookie.

***

We think the perfect chocolate chip cookie is slightly underbaked and chewy. We also add a bit of cinnamon to our cookies which gives them warmth and more flavour.

Home bakers should remember to always scrape their mixing bowl when mixing cookie dough and ensure that the dough is fully combined. If not, clumps of butter or sugar could create irregularities when baking.

***

Now that you've gained some solid advice from commercial bakers that don't f*ck around when it comes to their chocolate chip cookies, I thought I'd dole out a few pro cookie tips of my own, as I too happen to be an avid baker and involuntary provider of baked goods (mostly cookies) everywhere I go.

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 As soon as the cookie edges are darker than the rest of the cookie remove them from the oven, they'll continue to cook as they cool.

 There's no danger to over-mixing the butter and sugar. You want to mix the two ingredients passed the point where it looks like wet sand and stop when it looks light and fluffy almost like frosting. Overmixing happens after the flour is incorporated.

 With all drop cookies, I slightly flatten them out with water-moistened-palms. This way the cookie centers aren't overly doughy.

 The best cookies are the ones that combine both granulated white sugar and brown sugar to get that chewy yet crispy balance. I prefer to add more brown sugar than white, even though brown sugar is 95% white sugar with a thin coat of molasses added to the mix.

More tips to come, stay tuned!

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Antigua, GUATEMALA - "This is my house and this is my neighbour's house. This is my door and this is my neighbour's door," chant a cheerful group of indigenous women from the non-profit organization Abriendo Oportunidades ("Opening Opportunities" in Spanish) during a gathering in the colonial city of Antigua on March 28.

By comparing the different parts of their body, namely the mouth, the belly and the genital parts, to a house, these engaged Guatemalan women teach vulnerable Mayan girls across the Central American nation how to avoid sexual violence, adolescent pregnancy, child marriage and, ultimately, stay in school.

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Since 2004, this participatory program trains young people on sexual and reproductive health in a country that has some of the youngest mothers in the world -- 5,100 girls under 15 became pregnant in 2015, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This international body's agency focuses on family planning as well as maternal and child health in over 150 countries.

Guatemala is also one of the most violent places on Earth for girls and women.

"Sexual violence among teens has become a very common and tolerated issue in Guatemala. Since 2012, one in every four children born in Guatemala are children of teenagers and 30 per cent of rapes are perpetrated by the girls' biological father," says Dr. Linda Valencia, Gynaecologist at the Planned Parenthood Federation in Guatemala.

"The Guatemalan state has failed women and especially girls," she adds during a meeting organized by the United Nations Foundation in Guatemala City on March 27.

Foreign aid is vital in this conservative Catholic nation. Yet, the future of many local organizations focused on reproductive health education is in the hands of policy-makers about 2,800 kilometers away, in Washington D.C.

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On April 3, the Trump administration announced it defunded its contribution of US$69 million per year to UNFPA. The state department said UNFPA "supports, or participates in the management of, a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization."

The decision follows President Donald Trump's reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy, also known as the Global Gag Rule, on his fourth day in office. It prohibits international NGOs that receive U.S. funds from providing, referring for, or giving advice on abortion.

UNFPA has worked in Guatemala since 1969 to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health rights and reduce the scourge of maternal mortality and teen pregnancy.

"UNFPA refutes this claim, as all of its work promotes the human rights of individuals and couples to make their own decisions, free of coercion or discrimination," reads the agency's statement.

United Nations Foundation President and CEO Kathy Calvin called "the action to cut vital U.S. support to UNFPA unacceptable and in stark contrast to American values."

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"UNFPA is on the front lines in more than 150 countries, often in places where the U.S. can't be, providing critical services, such as voluntary family planning, midwife training, pre-natal care and safe delivery services, and working to end child marriage and female genital mutilation," she added in a statement.

A dramatic impact

Slashing this funding will significantly affect the world's most vulnerable girls and women because the U.S. is one of the largest contributors to UNFPA. It is also the biggest donor to family planning and women's health programs in the developing world.

UNFPA has worked in Guatemala since 1969 to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health rights and reduce the scourge of maternal mortality and teen pregnancy.

"In Guatemala, NGOs are the only ones implementing projects on reproductive health and doing the state's job. [...] Unfortunately, the Guatemalan government doesn't think about the interest of its people and does not invest enough in health and education," says Elisabe Vasquez, a mentor at Abriendo Oportunidades.

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The program, supported by UNFPA, ended in March 2017 due to a lack of financial fund.

"If this [cutting UNFPA funds] becomes a reality, it will be devastating for Guatemala," says Dr. Helmouth Iderrera, Coordinator of the Guatemalan program on reproductive health at the Health Ministry, in a meeting before the official announcement.

"Most of our actions in this ministry, (...) like distributing contraceptive methods, are linked with cooperation with reproductive health partners. We insist that we do not have the sufficient budget to conduct these actions in our country," he added.

Doing "good to humankind"

The Trump administration's attitude toward reproductive health overseas will have an impact in places as remote as the Escuintla department of Guatemala, between the central highlands and the Pacific coastal plain.

There, Amelia Tutchane, a 51-year-old trained nurse, educates women and teenagers on reproductive health and family planning in her house. Her own daughter became pregnant when she was 16.

Although Amelia has faced men's resistance in her conservative community, countless women have knocked at her door to get three-month and one-month birth control shots as well as condoms for the past 13 years.

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"Getting birth control methods is not a sin. Bringing to life a child who can be hungry and won't get any love is a sin," she says. She explains that she is doing "good to humankind."

Amelia is a promoter at WINGS Guatemala, an NGO providing reproductive health education to rural Guatemalan youth since 2001. They get their birth control methods from UNFPA.

Eleanor Unsworth, the organization's Program Director, says that nearly half of their budget comes from individual donors in the U.S. "The new U.S. administration has impacted our ability to fundraise," she says.

Kamilia Lahrichi was a Press fellow at the United Nations Foundation in Guatemala in March-April 2017.

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This year's World Health Day theme is Depression: Let's talk. As someone who has survived a mental illness, Megan Radford is glad the conversation is beginning -- especially for women in the world's toughest places.

Crying on the floor in my bathroom was not the end I envisioned for my journalism adventures. But two summers ago, that's where I was.

I graduated with a Master of Arts in journalism in the spring of 2011. Six months later, I left Toronto, first moving to Senegal, then to Tunisia. Over the course of a year I had worked for Al Jazeera, the CBC, and a host of other media from the UK to South Africa.

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When I wasn't freelancing, I spent most days writing and editing about culture for an English-language start-up with a team of other young journalists from around the world. I was living my dream.

A dark turn

But that dream had the makings of a nightmare as well. With the rise of terrorism in North Africa, the stakes for those of us reporting the news got higher.

I told stories of rape, assassination, and a second Tunisian revolution. I closed the windows of my apartment in downtown Tunis so tear gas wouldn't seep in, and I went to sleep with the echo of chants for freedom in my head.

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After a year and a half in Tunisia, I moved to Egypt to teach English. The sexual harassment I experienced in Cairo set me on edge, and I began to crumble like a burned out wick.

Then a former coworker of mine, along with his friend, were reported missing in Libya. The Islamic State claimed responsibility and the news threatened to black out my usual optimism. It was time to go home.

Getting help and finding hope

That's how I ended up on the floor of a windowless room, in darkness, on a beautiful summer's day. I was home and safe in Canada, but the trauma of the three years prior had followed me.

On my way home, my colleague's face had flashed in my mind and I began to cry. In my head, a pounding refrain told me, "He's dead. He's dead. Oh my God, he's dead."

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My journalism training had prepared me to recognize the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and I knew I had to get help.

Because of my work medical benefits, I was able to begin the counselling I needed. Biking around my new city, doing art therapy, and spending time with family contributed to my healing.

I move through my days now with an acute understanding that I am one of the lucky ones- both because I was never physically harmed by the trouble I saw, and that I had access to services and support that pulled me out of the darkness.

A devastating illness

That's not the case for most people around the world who must endure unspeakable trauma in silence and isolation. In Kenya, many women live under constant threat of gender-based violence, poverty and disease.

Being exposed to this kind of adversity leaves them at greater risk of developing severe mental health issues. But the stigma associated with being "crazy" prevents many people from seeking treatment. Even if they do, the health systems available to them often aren't equipped to cope with the demand.

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Mental illness takes a significant toll on your ability to function in any job. When you're a single mom and have the added pressure of being the sole breadwinner, depression, anxiety and PTSD can cripple your ability to cope.

Which is why World Vision staff working in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, recognized that something had to be done for the mental health of women in the community. It wasn't enough to educate women, provide primary health and develop their livelihoods: World Vision also had to help women deal with the stress of their everyday lives, and trauma that they suffered.

Community support makes all the difference

World Vision, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the community, undertook a clinical trial of Problem Management Plus (PM+), a mental health tool created by the World Health Organization that assists adults who are exposed to adversity.

PM+ uses five sessions to help women manage problems and build social supports so they can be productive. It may not seem like a lot, but for a woman who has never had this kind of support, the relief they feel at being able to talk to someone is profound.

By training community health workers, PM+ was made accessible to the people right in their homes. It was also discreet, as neighbours didn't know what kind of illness the workers were paying a visit for.

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"There is some heaviness we ladies experience that we can't tell our relatives," one woman said. I can imagine the things she's referring to: poverty, losing children, political tension, sexual assault. But the confidentiality of the community health program allowed her to "feel at ease and share."

Taking away the devils

The study concluded that the 209 women who received PM+ had much higher improvement than the 212 who received the usual care from nurses at local clinics. They missed fewer days of work, and suffered less of the symptoms associated with their mental illness.

One woman told the health workers that before the program, she was planning to kill her son and herself with rat poisoning due to her depression. But after talking with the workers, she learned breathing exercises and other coping mechanisms that, she said, "take away the devils".

In areas like Nairobi, support like this is vital to the survival of communities and families. Of the 2313 women screened for the program, 50% had experienced sexual violence, and 75% had been physically assaulted. A full 36% of the women showed clinical levels of psychological distress and low functioning.

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Helping more people, more ways

World Vision is now working with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to train healthcare staff in PM+. These professionals will pass on their knowledge to others, so the whole healthcare system will be ready to deal with the devastating effects of mental illness.

I can't tell you how much hope this brings me. Coming home from "the field" meant I got a reprieve from violence and harassment. But for women and girls in the developing world, there is no escape.

No escape, except through programs like World Vision's development projects. Holistic health, economic opportunities, and education allow women and girls to take charge of their own future and find a way out of the cycle of gender-based violence. Will you participate in bringing hope to girls and their communities?
PA Wire/PA Images Embargoed to 0001 Monday January 30 File photo dated 12/03/13 of a man smoking a cigarette, as smoking is costing local authorities 760 million a year in social care, a new report warns.

A large majority of people do not smoke, or no longer smoke, and tend to accept certain bits of conventional wisdom without question. Smoking tobacco being harmful to one's health, smokers therefore need to be protected--even those who would choose to, say, patronize their own smoking restaurants and bars. And we can count on government to enforce regulations and bans to this effect.

But what if smokers get something from their "vice," and that this can be explained in economic terms? The answer could be found in the concept of consumer surplus.

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I found in the current issue of Regulationan article by Pierre Lemieux that is particularly useful in understanding and analyzing this issue. Pierre Lemieux is an economist affiliated with the Department of Management Sciences at the University of Quebec in Outaouais, and a Senior Fellow at the Montreal Economic Institute. Regulation is a quarterly magazine published by the Cato Institute in Washington, DC.

Professor Lemieux starts by noting that plain packaging of tobacco products is the new frontier of anti-smoking activism. The Canadian government intends to impose plain packaging of tobacco products as the Australian government and a few others have already done. (Incidentally, my MEI colleague Youri Chassin recently published a research paper on this topic.)

Some years ago, I wrote an article about the tendency of the Nanny State to control us for our own good. "My point," I wrote, "is not to say that public health officials in Canada are communists or fascists. As a matter of fact, one of my closest neighbours works for Health Canada in the anti-tobacco field and she's the nicest person you can imagine. She has all the best intentions in the world."

But good intentions aren't enough. The important question, which Lemieux asks, is: Shouldn't we assume that consumers can weigh for themselves the costs and benefits of more or less risky products, and make their own individual choices? And shouldn't this apply to tobacco too?

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Economic analysis proceeds from the principle that each individual makes his choices given his preferences and the costs--including the risks--of satisfying them. As Lemieux explains, "[E]conomists traditionally have used individual preferences as the ultimate criterion" of what is good. These preferences constitute the foundation of the method of cost-benefit analysis.

Economists call the net benefit that an individual gets from a good he decides to consume or an activity he chooses to pursue his "consumer surplus." Lemieux quotes a well-known economist who was a pioneer of cost-benefit analysis, Ezra J. Mishan, who wrote: "The consumer's surplus is the most crucial concept in the measurement of social benefits in any social cost-benefit calculation."

In 2014, a group of nine self-described "prominent economists" argued that only a small part of smokers' consumer surplus should be regarded as real. Following in their footsteps, the Australian government decided to simply ignore consumer surplus when evaluating the social costs and benefits of plain packaging, which was contrary to their own official guidelines for cost-benefit analysis.

The two arguments typically made for neglecting the consumer surplus in the case of smokers are that they are either addicted to tobacco or uninformed about its consequences. Regarding the first charge, from a simple statistical perspective, there are now more ex-smokers than current smokers. As for the second argument, smokers, far from underestimating the health risks of smoking, overestimate them, according to research by Professor W. "Kip" Viscusi, an expert in the economics of risk.

The public health movement's approach is very different. For many decades, it simply ignored economic analysis. But maybe people who choose to smoke simply judge that for them, the benefits outweigh the costs, and they will continue to enjoy their "vice" for as long as this remains true.

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It's not easy being young these days -- especially where employment is concerned.

A recent report from Statistics Canada found that full-time employment among young people (17 to 24 years of age, excluding full-time students) has declined significantly since the late 1970s. This is not just the result of a bumpy economy. Youth are more likely to be unemployed than the rest of the employable population, regardless of the business cycle.

The 15-year span between 1990 and 2015, saw an average youth unemployment rate of almost 12 per cent -- well above national averages for adults. And youth under-employment is estimated at 27 to 33 per cent.

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The youth of today are often decried as entitled or lazy, but these stereotypes don't reflect the realities of current employment opportunities. Increasingly, the jobs offered to youth are temporary, contract, unstable and part-time -- reflecting a trend present across other OECD countries.

The federal Liberals have committed to doing better, promising "more jobs and better opportunities for young Canadians." That's why Ottawa launched an Expert Panel on Youth Employment, which will soon issue a final report with suggestions for tackling the issue.

So, what can be done to tackle the employment obstacles facing Canada's youth? Plenty.

The good news is that we don't have to look too far to find successful models for youth skills development and employment -- the solution is in our own backyard. Too often, government reports and media accounts wax poetic over our fine universities as a source for solutions to our youth employment challenges. Our equally impressive polytechnics get lost in the discussion.

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Many might be surprised to hear that graduates from Polytechnics Canada member schools (2014-2015) enjoyed an employment rate of 86 per cent within six to nine months of graduation.

How is this possible?

Polytechnics help youth launch their careers by prioritizing work-integrated models of learning.

Polytechnics are distinct from universities because of their close relationships with industry to design program content to meet labour market demands and for their R&D and innovation solutions.

Don't be misled by those who might paint such a discussion as an either-or debate between polytechnics and other post-secondary forms of education. In fact, an increasing number of university students are turning to polytechnics as "finishing schools" to ease transition into the labour force. In the 2014-2015 academic year, 14 per cent of full-time polytechnic students had already completed a university bachelor's degree.

Polytechnics help youth, and others, launch their careers by prioritizing work-integrated models of learning.

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There are four key ingredients we'd like to see in a federal solution to youth employment.

First, the federal government must invest in better labour market information from Statistics Canada. Youth cannot make informed career choices without data on skills in demand, employment outcomes by education type, or the earning power of specific credentials.

Second, new youth employment initiatives should take advantage of the existing resources and capabilities at polytechnic and college employment centres.

Third, apprenticeships need a jump-start with secure funding, public awareness, and programs to connect apprentices with employers. Canada needs a culture shift wherein apprenticeships are valued with the same esteem as other credentials. Those in the skilled trades are truly some of Canada's best and brightest.

The contribution the skilled trades make to our economy and their necessity in growing it, must be acknowledged. The federal government should promote the new Canada Apprentice Loan with as much effort as it promotes the Canada Student Loan Program.

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The recent federal budget signalled important and welcome new funds for the Youth Employment Strategy. Yet it may be past time to overhaul and modernize the design of the strategy. A new Youth Employment Strategy would have a strong component for work-integrated learning, to enable field placements, internships and professional practice for learners from all post-secondary institutions. An improved strategy should include career counselling, interview preparation and the inclusion of part-time and newly graduated students.

If the government wants to tackle the problem of youth unemployment in Canada, looking to how polytechnics offer youth direct pathways to the labour market might be a good place to start.

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Egypt's press syndicate is seeking information on the circumstances and place of detention of journalist Badr Mohamed Badr, who was arrested last month and is currently in police custody, Ibrahim Abu Keila, the head of the syndicate's freedoms committee, told Ahram Online on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Egypt's High State Security Prosecution ordered Badr detained for 15 days pending investigation over accusations of "joining an organisation founded in violation of the constitution and to undermine state institutions."

According to several media reports, Badr has been added to the list of defendants in the Muslim Brotherhood-related case known in media as the "Khairat El-Shater cell case," which has been referred to a military court.

The seven defendants in the case are facing charges including inciting violence and illegal protesting.

The case dates back to February 2017, when authorities arrested Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, the head of the banned Muslim Brotherhood's administrative committee and other members of the organisation during a meeting in Cairo.

Badr's family reported his disappearance on social media on 29 March.

Press syndicate freedoms committee head Abu Keila said "we have contacted authorities and written to the prosecutor-general to inquire about Badr's place of detention and supply him with medication, since he suffers some liver complications."

He also said that he has been contacted by Badr's daughter to communicate with authorities regarding her father's case.

Badr was editor-in-chief of Lewaa El-Islam magazine in 1988, and in 2000 was a managing editor at Afak Arabia newspaper. He later worked as a reporter for the Qatari-based Al-Jazeera news channel.

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Last October, we were treated to the tale of the off-again, on-again Canada-European Union summit featuring CETA, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The agreement was signed in a hasty and somewhat shaky ceremony on October 30, with the Canadian prime minister's plane leaving late on the evening of Oct. 29 and then having to turn back in the middle of the night due to mechanical problems. It was a comedy of errors right from the beginning.

As some readers may recall, the small but mighty region of Wallonia used its constitutional authority to block Belgium from signing the agreement. Wallonia had concerns about the agreement's effects on its ability to legislate, with investor-state dispute settlement clauses allowing corporations to sue states, and the effects CETA would have on public health regulations, food safety and public services.

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Because of this, the initial October 27 signing date had to be pushed back. For several weeks, EU, Belgian and Canadian politicians tried to get Wallonia to agree. Three deadlines and ultimatums passed.

Now, thanks to Paul Magnette, the leader of Wallonia, we know more about what was going on behind closed doors. His new book Quand l'Europe deraille is a tell-all of what went down, and it casts a horrible light on some of our Canadian politicians.

Some of the most interesting tidbits:

Remember Minister Chrystia Freeland crying? We will never know what made her cry. Magnette says they went into a break and let the Canadians' work, glued to their phones, in a room where they were served lunch and the best Walloon eclairs and chocolates. And Freeland just announced it was time to go home. He suspects that the image of a global leader waiting in front of the world's cameras for a region with one-tenth Canada's population didn't look good. Freeland bragged to an American audience that it was a bluff to make the Walloons feel guilty.

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It is the same agreement negotiated under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, with some cosmetic changes. And it has many problems.

Canada and the European Commission effectively tried to bully and pressure Wallonia into accepting CETA. EU politicians threatened Wallonia with economic reprisals, saying they were all alone and that companies were going to review decisions to invest in Wallonia because of its stance on CETA.

Canada, represented by former federal Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, among others, went for the emotional approach -- how Canadians died for them. "They insisted on the intensity of the links between Belgium and Canada, and more particularly between Wallonia and Quebec, on the language and history that unities us; they reminded us that many Canadian citizens are immigrants from Wallonia to North America and that, in the military cemeteries of Wallonia, the tombs of Canadian soldiers fallen to liberate Belgium is a poignant witness of the solidarity between the two peoples."

According to Magnette, Freeland showed up in the city of Namur in a large van with tinted windows and asked menacingly if he wanted to become the leader of the extreme left in Europe. Magnette was surprised that the Canadian government did not follow protocol by negotiating with their hierarchical equal, the Belgian government, but with a region. This was particularly surprising coming from Canada, which has had its own share of constitutional squabbles and which understands federalism.

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The Canadians tried to sway them with a press opportunity with Trudeau. According to Magnette, Freeland said, "I understand that you need a trophy to return to Parliament with. I will therefore make you a proposal. Tomorrow morning, there is a flight from Brussels to Ottawa. I will organize a public interview with prime minister Trudeau. Between now and then, we will negotiate a Canada-Wallonia statement of principles outlining the main points we agree on between us to clarify and improve CETA. You meet prime minister Trudeau, you leave triumphant from the meeting, we organize an international press conference explaining all that you have won and you become one of the heroes of European social democracy."

Magnette responded that he would not accept because he "would appear like a traitor or opportunist who abandoned a political fight that has gone on for two years in exchange for 15 minutes of international media glory."

The Liberal Party of Canada tried to present itself as social democratic. Freeland, along with David Lametti, the former parliamentary secretary on international trade, would claim that they and the Canadian government were "social democrats" with the same values as Magnette. Freeland said that she herself was a social democrat.

This progressive act has been used often in selling CETA to Europeans, but unfortunately putting "progressive" in front of the agreement doesn't make it so. It is the same agreement negotiated under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, with some cosmetic changes. And it has many problems.

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Just months later, the same government that was pretending in Europe to be so progressive was putting its arms around Donald Trump and preparing for a "progressive" NAFTA.

I am convinced that the Walloon drama is not over.

If the Europeans needed to reminded of this, they got an illustration from David Lametti. Lametti shocked the Walloon Parliament by confirming that states can regulate but they would have to pay for those regulations under CETA's investor court system (the mechanism allowing companies to sue states for policies affecting their profits). He did not seem to think this was a problem.

During the on again, off again summit, I was running around Brussels and Strasbourg on behalf of the Council of Canadians, trying to keep abreast of what was happening, talking to civil society groups, trade unions and Walloon and EU politicians. We showed our support to the Walloons.

I am convinced that the Walloon drama is not over. It is just the tip of the iceberg, as 37 European Parliaments go off to ratify the agreement. Magnette has indicated this week that, when it is Wallonia's turn, it will not ratify the agreement in its present form.

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To send a message to Magnette and the people of Wallonia that says the Trudeau government does not speak for you:

Paul Magnette, Ministre-President

Gouvernement wallon

Rue Mazy, 25-27

5100 Namur

BELGIUM

Fax: 011-32-81-331-366 (leave out the dashes when dialing)

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I have been a retail employee, a security guard and now as founder of Prevent CRP (Consumer Racial Profiling), a community-based organization mandated to address consumer racial profiling, I am looking for a light at the end of the aisle. This light is where consumer racial profiling is no longer part of the daily shopping experiences of many racialized and indigenous consumers in Ontario.

To clarify, CRP occurs when a person is targeted as "suspicious," or perceived as "a threat" based on assumptions, and informed by biases held by employees or security. These unconscious or conscious biases usually draw on stereotypes about the targeted person's race, ethnicity, skin colour, place of origin and other factors (including gender, age, and perceived socio-economic status).

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Through my work at Prevent CRP, I have listened to community members share their consumer racial profiling stories. In some cases, the person recalls being followed too closely or being treated rudely by staff or security. In other cases, people share their experiences of being "stopped and searched" by plain clothed loss prevention employees in front of other customers.

Each CRP story ends with the targeted person describing feeling left stripped of their dignity, humiliated, embarrassed, fearful and vulnerable. In one case, a black middle-aged man told me that he feared for his personal safety because he did not know how the store security guard would have described him to the police if they had been called. For him, the security guard's words mattered.

These stories from Ontarians who have experienced consumer racial profiling left me thinking that there has to be a better way for businesses and their employees to address and prevent consumer racial profiling. After all, according to Statistics Canada's 2011 National Household Survey data, Ontario has the largest visible minority and indigenous populations in the country, with over 3.2 million people who identify as visible minorities, and over 301,000 people who identify as indigenous.

So on March 27, 2017, when I read that the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) in consultation with the Retail Council of Canada, Atlantic division had launched "Serving All Customers Better," I was cautiously optimistic that a dim light was shining at the end of the aisle. I reviewed and took this 20-minute online course to gain an understanding of what frontline retail employees would take away about preventing consumer racial profiling. The course touched on the types of customer service that might create barriers to fair and respectful service, and lead to allegations of consumer racial profiling.

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I want to see a "made in Ontario" prevent consumer racial profiling strategy included in the proposed Anti-Racism Act.

Although, finding out about the course hit a positive note, I was even more optimistic when I read Jim Cormier, Retail Council of Canada, Atlantic Director's comment that "the Nova Scotia retail sector was deeply concerned by complaints of consumer racial profiling against retail businesses in the province." His comments marked one of the first times that a Canadian business advocacy group publicly acknowledged the existence of consumer racial profiling in the retail sector. This is significant given the fact that "people who are a member of a visible minority group are three times more likely to followed in a store and four times more likely to be searched" according to Christine Hanson, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission based on the NSHRC's 2013 study.

Although, the NSHRC course is a step in the right direction, as an Ontarian, I want to see a "made in Ontario" prevent consumer racial profiling strategy included in the proposed Anti-Racism Act announced by Minister Michael Coteau on March 29, 2017.

Also, one day in the near future, I want to be able to inform community members who reach out to Prevent CRP that Ontario's over 70,000 licenced security guards and store loss prevention employees have completed a mandatory two-hour session on ways to prevent consumer racial profiling because the province is listening to consumer concerns. Lastly, because it's 2017, each Ontarian, including racialized and indigenous consumers should "know their rights," and be able to have a respectful, consumer racial profiling free shopping experience as protected under section one of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Written by Tomee Elizabeth Sojourner, M.A., LLM Candidate Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. Founder of Prevent CRP and heading to the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School in May to present Shopping at the Intersections: Gender and Consumer Racial Profiling. For more information about Prevent CRP contact preventcrp@gmail.com. Follow Tomee at @TomeeSojourner and @preventcrp

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According to the World Health Organisation 350million people worldwide experience some form of depression. That means you probably know at least one person are with depression. Also, chances are you will be in a relationship, living with, or married to a person with depression at some point in your life. It may sometimes feel as if their bad days outweigh the good. You may even blame yourself, wondering why you aren't good enough to bring them happiness. However, this is not good for anybody. It will not help you support your partner.

It is important to identify the symptoms of depression. If your partner displays five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, it is definitely worth having a calm chat about visiting the doctor. Symptoms of depression fall into two categories: psychological, and physical. The first step in supporting your partner through depression is learning about what they are going through. The most common symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:

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Psychological symptoms:

Difficulty concentrating, poor memory and trouble making decisions

Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

Feeling hopeless and pessimistic

Irritability and restlessness

Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed (including sex)

Feeling low

Thoughts of suicide

Physical symptoms

Lack of energy. Moving and speaking slower than usual

Insomnia or oversleeping

Changes in appetite, lack of appetite or overeating

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems

Feeling overly tired

The majority of the above symptoms will affect their ability to do the things they normally do, so it is important to seek support if you think your partner may have depression. Men and women may display different symptoms of depression. Men, in particular, generally tend to find it harder to speak out and seek help due to the stigma of having a mental health condition. They may be worried about being seen as 'weak'. It is important to remind them that depression is a recognised medical condition as real as the flu or breaking a leg. The sooner we can help them, the easier it will be. It is so important to be aware of this and make sure the men in your life feel comfortable in speaking to you without feeling judged.

You may think there is only one type of depression, however that is not true. Understanding the different types of depression can allow you to recognise the symptoms in a loved one or even yourself.

Types of depression

Mild depression (has some impact on daily life)

Moderate depression (has a significant impact on daily life)

Severe depression (makes it almost impossible to cope on a daily basis)

Postnatal depression (depression developed after having a baby)

Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression, typically linked with Winter)

Bipolar disorder (Similar depression but episodes of high mood called 'mania')

The causes of depression

Those who have depression are likely to blame themselves for it. It is important to remember that it is not your fault or theirs that this happened. The causes of depression are many and can be very different from one person to the next. In some cases it can linked with low self-esteem, chronic pain, having an anxiety disorder, having relatives with depression, some medications, childhood abuse, abuse as an adult, chronic diseases, stresses at work, and life events (losing a loved one), or using drugs or alcohol excessively among many others. Depression can be triggered due to stress at work, in a relationship, with family, money worries, etc. Depression can be severe, but it is important to know that it is a treatable mental health condition, support is available. However, will not always go away by itself, and even if it eventually does it might take a very long time without treatment. It is important to seek professional support as soon as possible.

How can I help?

Encourage them to seek support if they haven't yet done so. Many people with depression do not seek support due to many reasons, such as being in denial, worrying about being judged or simply lacking confidence to ask for help. Do not force anything, as this could make your loved one even more insecure. Think about how you would talk about going to the doctor to check out a really bad cold and use a similar approach. Have a non-judgemental, genuine conversation about why and how you want to help them.

Communication plays a huge part when supporting a loved one through depression. Talk to them about how they are feeling if they wish to discuss anything, but do not force them to talk. Depression is a sensitive subject and lots of people do not feel comfortable opening up straight away.

Encourage your partner to open up. Since communication does play a key part in understanding how your partner is feeling, it is a good idea to encourage them to talk about what is going on. This may take time. Offer words of encouragement such as 'I love you and I am here for you' or 'I know it cannot be easy so I appreciate the effort you are making.'

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Research ways you can help. No amount of research you do will allow you to fully understand how somebody with depression feels, but it will certainly help. Researching depression, reading some personal stories (from partners of individuals with depression), and looking into support services should give you an idea on how you can begin to help the person you love.

Remember, it is nothing personal. Some people with depression prefer to be left alone when they are going through an unusually bad day. This is not because they don't love you or that you do not make them happy; it is just the way in which they prefer to cope. It is their battle and whichever way they feel most comfortable overcoming it, let them do it. That in itself is showing support. Those with depression may also respond in an angry tone, be resentful or feel guilty towards their spouses. Do not let this bring you down, it is the condition that is causing your partner to behave this way. Always bear that in mind.

Be there, but do not isolate yourself. Many people with depressive disorders prefer to have a small circle of friends or isolate themselves from others. Because of this they will not be as social as you may like. It is okay to spend nights in together if that is what you prefer. However, do not become isolated from your friends/family. Ensure you get out and socialise to maintain a healthy mind yourself.

You will NOT 'cure' your partner of their depression. A lot of the time, some partners go into a relationship assuming they can instantly cure their partner of their mental health disorder. Just as you cannot 'cure' someone with diabetes, just by making them happy; it is also not possible to cure your partner of depression by loving them (although it does help, just like it does with diabetes).

Depression is not something that should be considered a burden within a relationship. However understanding mental health conditions is not something that comes naturally to most people so it will require more patience and effort than understanding a broken leg. Life with depression is not easy and recovery can be a long, hard road. Never judge your partner and how they cope with their depression. If you have not been there, you cannot comprehend the intensity of the experience. All you can do is be there. Things will get better.

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Contact numbers:

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year.

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK.

My Black Dog Called Depression Powerful video to explain depression

http://www.bps.org.uk/bpslegacy/dcp For a list of chartered psychologists within your area.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Suicide/Pages/Getting-help.aspx For further links and advice
Imagine a world where fashion is fair. Right now it's not - it's exploitative, environmentally destructive and despite being one of the biggest and most profitable industries in the world, it's also the second most polluting.

SUSS UK want to change this. Founded by myself and designer Abigail Grainger, we're dedicated to educating consumers, just like ourselves, to demand more from the fast fashion retailers - more transparency, more honesty and more conscienceness - and we need your help to do this.

Launching a Kickstarter campaign this month, our goal is to open a state of the art, 3-week long pop-up concept store throughout September, stocking ethical and human friendly brands from across the globe, including womenswear, menswear, kids-wear, homeware, beauty, food and drink - offering an entire lifestyle not just a fad.

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What makes this pop-up different, however, is what it offers beyond the shop floor. A series of talks will run throughout, with industry heavyweights giving insight into their sustainable life, whilst interactive workshops will give consumers a hands-on experience.

To make this dream a reality, we need people to get on board. Read on for more insight into why this needs to happen and how we plan to do it - and if at the end you feel compelled to pledge you'll be helping make the world that little bit better.

What is SUSS UK in a nutshell?

SUSS UK is a start-up that aims to help change attitudes towards consumption by providing insight into the destructive nature of the fast fashion industry, inspiring people to buy better by providing access to sustainable alternatives that remain as stylish their high street counterparts. We love fashion, but we love our planet too.

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How does your professional background link with establishing SUSS?

Both of us have worked in the fashion industry now for a collective 20 or so years, Abi as a designer for the high street and Emma as a journalist, and so we have first hand experience of the inner workings and the very real need for change to prolong the industry that we love.

What inspired you to take action and create your own start-up?

Combining education and access, we're not just a shop trying to sell yet another fashion trend, and instead focus heavily on creating inspiring and insightful talks and workshops with some of the industry's most forward-thinking pioneers, teaching people about the devastating effects of fast fashion that are so often hidden away. Greater knowledge allows for more informed decisions and we truly believe that people are becoming more actively engaged in how they can help make a difference, no matter how small it might be.

"Sustainability is not a trend. It is a necessary step which the fashion industry must take for the future of our planet. All consumers deserve to know exactly what they're buying."

What are the main prospects and values represented by you?

Raising awareness is our main driver - the more people know about the issues caused by excessive consumption, from the start of the supply chain right through to the end with how we choose to wash and dispose of our garments, the more hope we have of making a positive difference.

We value honesty, transparency and the right intentions, values we instill into everything we do.

What are the different industries you aim to connect?

We want to offer a complete sustainable and holistic lifestyle, bringing together fashion, beauty, food and drink and even personal care, showing that with the smallest of changes we can make our every day life that little bit more conscience. But it's not just about what we buy. We are also dedicated to providing people with little tips and tricks that they can adopt on a daily basis to help make a difference.

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Our Sustainable September tips series last year on Instagram saw beautiful illustrations depicting simple steps, such as taking the stairs rather than the lift or only hanging one item of clothing on each hanger so you know exactly what you own. We also celebrate people's efforts with our #isusseditout social media campaign - where we encourage people to take a photo of themselves holding up our hashtag, post it to Instagram and tell us how they're working towards a more sustainable life.

What can we look forward to at the first pop-up event on April 8th? What brands will be represented?

Our first pop-up promises to provide a truly immersive offering that will enable visitors to not only support the super cool and sustainable brands we have on board in our store, but also actively participate in leading discussions about the future of the industry, the issues it causes from crop contamination to water scarcity, and hear from people that have been inspired to change their way of life in a bid to help counteract these effects.

In the store, we will showcase a carefully curated selection of stylish and forward-thinking brands from the likes of Kowtow, Ono Creations, Auria Swimwear and Kind. We want to change the way people view sustainable product by presenting it in a way that is exciting, design-led and on trend, which is why we are collaborating with a top set designer to help create a concept store that is an experience in itself.

What is your personal relationship with fashion?

Our personal connection to fashion goes right back to university days with both of us attending UAL, where we fell in love with the creativity, energy and beauty of the fashion world. Through this relationship it became clear to us that the issue of sustainability was only growing, and reactionary action wasn't coming quickly enough.

If you had to bring out your main concerns about the fast fashion industry, these would be...

We currently live as though the world is ours to own, but we are only tenants and we need to leave this planet how we would like to find it. Our fast fashion culture isn't helping, and the secretive nature of the industry is only making it harder for consumers to realise the impact it has on our environment.

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Although sustainability is trending, why do you think there is still very little awareness about sustainable fashion? How can we make it more visible and appreciated?

It's because sustainability is trending that it's not being taken seriously by the everyday consumer. Trends are fleeting - if people don't connect with them or understand them they're ignored as another one will be along in a moment. This cannot happen with sustainability.

This isn't to say, however, that we should be condemning high street brands, but instead lets draw attention to the practices they already have in place to be more sustainable, and highlight the changes they plan to make for the future. Lets be more transparent about what they do and don't do, let's ask more questions.

At present, the consumer associates the word with design that isn't stylish, that isn't cool, that isn't desirable. This isn't true, but until the brands that combine both style and sustainability get more attention and exposure - outside of the circle they currently live in - this perception won't be easy to shift.

Fashion With a Conscience: Kickstarter Pledge Party:

Saturday, April 8th 2017

7.30pm-22.30pm @Stunt Dolly Salon, 582 Kingsland Road, Dalston Junction, E8 4AH

Free tickets available here

You can support the campaign here.
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Last week, the Government published its White Paper for the Great Repeal Bill - the document which sets out how the Government will ensure a functioning statute book after the UK leaves the EU. The White Paper has already taken up a great deal of column inches. However, its references to human rights have attracted less scrutiny than other areas. Despite the lack of attention, the White Paper is important for human rights legislation in the UK. In particular, It demonstrates the need for the UK to remain a signatory of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) after Brexit.

The White Paper explains that the Government will withdraw from the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights - the document which sets out human rights as they are recognised in EU law - because many of the rights in the Charter are already contained in other international instruments which the UK enforces. Withdrawing from the Charter would therefore not substantially affect the rights enjoyed by Britons because they exist elsewhere.

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This is clearly correct. The Charter of Fundamental Rights - which entered into full legal force with the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009 - did not create any new rights. Instead, the Charter was intended to make rights that already existed under EU law more accessible by drawing them together in a single document.

However, the argument that withdrawing from the Charter would not affect rights is predicated on Britain's continuing membership of the ECHR. As the White Paper says itself, it is "notably the ECHR" where many of these rights already exist. Therefore, it follows, that if the UK withdrew from the ECHR then many of these rights would be lost.

The White Paper states that there are "no plans" to withdraw from the ECHR. However, there have been reports in the media which suggest that the Prime Minister, Theresa May, may include withdrawal in the next Conservative Party manifesto.

The PM is known to be sceptical of the ECHR which delayed the extradition of the hate preacher Abu Hamza during her time as Home Secretary. She called for withdrawal from the ECHR in the run-up to the Brexit referendum, but later stated, during her successful Conservative Party leadership bid, that she would not pursue withdrawal because she believed that Parliament would not support it.

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However, the PM's scepticism is misplaced. The ECHR is originally derived from English common law and conservatives should feel very comfortable with its contents. It was drafted after the Second World War to protect individuals from an overreaching state and undue power. This was both to prevent the atrocities that had just occurred across Europe, but also to limit the rise of socialism in Eastern Europe.

David Maxwell-Fyfe - who later became a Conservative Home Secretary - was instrumental in the drafting of the ECHR. While, in Parliament, Winston Churchill was one of the Convention's keenest advocates. As Jesse Norman and Peter Oborne point out in their book Churchill's Legacy, it was Clement Attlee's Labour Government which was most suspicious of this new Convention.

The conservative ancestry of the ECHR is visible throughout the document. The ECHR protects individuals from an over-powerful state through both qualified and unqualified rights. These include freedom from torture and servitude, as well as the right to a fair trial, to free expression and to privacy. The ECHR, and the Human Rights Act which enshrines it, is routinely used by newspapers during freedom of expression cases.

Of course, there are some uncomfortable examples. Most would have preferred Abu Hamza to have been deported more expediently than was the case. But human rights legislation is always forced to balance competing rights. This can lead to unpopular decisions but such decisions are symptomatic of a healthy and independent judiciary.

This is why, two weeks ago, Bright Blue launched a petition which urges the Prime Minister to commit Britain to remaining a signatory of the ECHR after Brexit. This is one of over 60 policies that Bright Blue will be recommending at the forthcoming launch of the final report from our year-long human rights inquiry. The petition is supported by our Conservatism and human rights commission, which includes three former Cabinet Ministers.

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Poverty in Scotland is at its highest level since devolution.

In Scotland, 420,000 working age people in poverty are in working households - that means a job is no guarantee of staying above the breadline - an increase of 150,000 since the SNP came to power.

'Since devolution' has become a familiar term when examining the record of Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister.

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Under her government, Scotland has had its worst state of the NHS report since devolution, while the global education survey PISA produced the worst education report card since devolution.

Education of course, is supposed to be the SNP government's top priority.

These working poverty figures expose a broken economy. Meanwhile Nicola Sturgeon's focus is to drag Scotland back to the arguments of the past with another divisive independence referendum.

Tory cuts to social security, and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, will make things even harder unless SNP politicians put the interests of the Scottish people before their own political obsessions.

Nicola Sturgeon leads the most powerful Scottish government in history. It has the power to radically alter the Scottish economy to make working poverty a thing of the past.

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Closing the gap between the richest and the rest will be better for our whole economy. More working class people having more money in their pockets will stimulate our economy from the ground up.

That's why under my leadership, Scottish Labour has relentlessly pursued an agenda to use the powers of the Scottish Parliament to invest in our economy, not carry on the cuts.

Using the new social security powers

The powers delivered by the Smith Commission allow the Scottish government to completely reshape the social security system in Scotland. Scottish Labour would use these powers to increase Child Benefit by 240 a year by the end of the decade.

That's a move that would lift tens of thousands of children out of poverty and would mean more money going into the pockets of families across the country as household budgets face a squeeze.

There are over 2billion worth of unclaimed benefits. Nearly a quarter of that is working or child tax credits that could be helping more than 100,000 people in Scotland. Over 250million of that is housing benefit - at a time when housing costs are one of the main drivers of poverty. Just think of the difference that could make to households across the country if these benefits reached those who are entitled to it.

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Labour will work to ensure that the new Scottish social security agency has a legal duty to maximise income. It's why we have opposed cuts to local services where income advice is delivered. This will need more than a half-hearted advertising campaign but a proper commitment to getting people the payments they deserve running through all government policy.

The real route out of poverty, of course, is well paying and secure work.

Making work pay

The real living wage should be the expectation rather than exception in Scotland. But the SNP's record so far is far more spin than substance.

The living wage is guaranteed in Scottish public sector jobs - but not public sector contracts. That means a civil servant in St Andrew's House on an above average salary is guaranteed at least the living wage - but a cleaner hired through a facilities management company to clean the offices is not.

Meanwhile, the SNP are dishing out millions of pounds in taxpayer-funded grants to companies like Amazon - with no conditions about fair pay attached. Labour would do much more to extend the real living wage to where it needs to be - traditionally low paid sectors like hospitality and retail, and we would attach a living wage guarantee to any public contract or taxpayer funded grant.

Tackling the cost of living

There is so much more Holyrood could be doing to tackle the cost of living. Labour would make good on the SNP's promise and scrap the council tax, replacing it with a fairer system where 80% of households would pay less. We'd deliver more flexible childcare, starting with a breakfast club in every school. And we would take back control of public transport, allowing for frozen or even cheaper fares on our railways and buses.

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Investing for the long term

Education is the single most important economic investment a government can make. We need to give our people the skills they need to compete for the jobs of the future. Yet under the SNP, investment in our pupils has fallen by over 1billion.

Working class young people find it harder to go on to university and when they do get there they rack up huge debt.

Those who would use college as a route out of poverty see the ladder drawn up with 150,000 fewer college placers under the SNP. Labour would use the powers over income tax to invest in education. That means more investment in our schools and nurseries, and better bursaries for the poorest students. We would reform our schools as well, starting by scrapping unfair charges for exam appeals that the SNP government introduced and which see private schools more likely to appeal exam marks than state schools. Exam appeals can be the difference between a young person going on to college or university and all the opportunities that brings. It simply isn't fair to have any form of financial barrier to that. Labour would reform the senior phase of high school to establish a Scottish Graduation Certificate. That would allow schools to offer more vocational options in partnership with colleges and employers. We would link secondary with further and higher education by securing agreements with top universities for them to treat the certificate as a formal qualification.

Finally, we want to see coding taught far more widely in Scottish schools, and far earlier. Tomorrow's economy will see coding as a vital component for medium to high skill jobs. It will become as essential as literacy and numeracy moving forward. To start off, Labour would fund primary school teachers to go on a basic coding course to allow schools to introduce this to pupils from Primary 1, and then establish a software development and coding apprenticeship. Not a single thing I have outlined is beyond the reach of the SNP government.

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All of these ideas would, in their own way, make an impact on those working poverty figures, either in the short, medium or long term. Rather than take Scotland forward however, Nicola Sturgeon seems determined to drag us back to the arguments of the past with another divisive independence referendum. Because the only answer the SNP has to the problems our country faces is, and will always be, independence.

Only Labour has the ideas and the political will to unlock the potential of the Scottish Parliament.
It would seem medical cannabis is edging further into the public arena. Just this week ITV announced a new series with the working title 'Gone to Pot', in which some 'well known personalities,' will explore the issues around legalizing cannabis for medicinal use.

And several UK tabloids ran extracts from the book 'The Boy in 7 Million', the true story of a young boy with two rare forms of cancer with and just days to live. He began what seemed to be a miraculous recovery after being given an illegal cannabis tincture by his parents, desperate to ease the unbearable pain he was suffering.

Parents Risk Prosecution to get Cannabis for Son

As cannabis, medical or otherwise, is considered an illegal drug in the UK, they turned to the black market, meeting a dealer at a local service station. Following instructions from the internet, the parents made a cannabis tincture, hoping it would ease their son's pain in the final days of his life.

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Image: Shutterstock

Only he didn't die, and little by little in the weeks after taking the cannabis mixture, he began a slow recovery. "There was a direct correlation between Deryn having the cannabis tincture and his improved blood counts," says mother Callie. "Whenever he didn't have it, they dropped. It was enough hard evidence to suggest that cannabis tincture was playing a vital role in his recovery. I hadn't imagined in my wildest dreams that it could have saved Deryn's life."

Thousands of Patients Illegally use Cannabis for Medical Reasons in UK

This is just one anecdotal account of how a boy may have been helped by cannabis, but in the UK tens of thousands of people regularly use the plant for medical reasons. They're not interested in getting high, but they are interested in getting well, and say they are forced to break the law to do so.

Compounds in the cannabis plant can be used for conditions as varied as rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, crohn's disease, migraines, for the nausea during chemotherapy and parkinson's. Many insist it has a therapeutic effect, but critics and the UK government say there isn't enough hard, scientific evidence.

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By scientific evidence they mean clinical trials. So if cannabis is effective for so many conditions, why are there only a handful for clinical studies to prove it?

Image: Shutterstock

Medical Cannabis - Outdated Classification

Much has to do with the plant's legal classification, both internationally and domestically. The 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs declared cannabis a Schedule 1 substance, meaning it is considered to have no therapeutic benefit and carries a serious risk of abuse. The UK's Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 followed suit, with the upshot being that as well as being illegal to possess or prescribe, any research into the medicinal use of cannabis is an off-putting, bureaucratic nightmare.

This means medical cannabis is effectively stuck in a 'catch 22' situation. Despite a groundswell of preclinical studies and patient testimonies, the conclusive evidence that comes from clinical research will never become a reality while the plant continues to have a Schedule 1 status.

All Party Parliamentary Group Disagrees with Government

But not all members of the current government are against the legalisation of medical cannabis. Only last year an All Party Parliamentary Group on Drug Policy Reform found there to be clear evidence that cannabis has a therapeutic role for certain conditions. Testimonies were taken from 623 patients, representatives of the medical profession, and experts in how medical cannabis has been regulated in other parts of the world.

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Image: Shutterstock

Neurologist Professor Mike Barnes, who was commissioned to review evidence from around the world said, "we analysed over 20,000 scientific and medical reports. The results are clear. Cannabis has a medical benefit for a wide range of conditions. I believe that with greater research, it has the potential to help with an even greater number of conditions. But this research is being stifled by the government's current classification of cannabis as having no medical benefit."

And yet, Theresa May and the Home Office's position remains unwavering.

Of course, any government is right to proceed with caution when it comes to regulating cannabis for medical use. It is not a panacea, and anyone who says so is misinformed. Cannabis can be addictive, but it can also transform the lives of children with epilepsy and offer solutions to chronic pain, without the dangerous side effects associated with opioid medication.

Time to Reschedule Cannabis

But this can only happen if the cannabis plant's therapeutic use is acknowledged, its production regulated and doctors allowed to legally prescribe it. Until then, the estimated 30,000 medical cannabis users in the UK will continue to be forced to break the law in order to access the medicine they say they need.

What Can You Do?

Change is possible and the actions of individuals can make a difference.

So if you feel that it's time for cannabis to be recognised as having therapeutic value, or you personally have been forced to turn to the black market in order to find cannabis for medical use, it's time to make your voice heard. Why not contact your local MP, or sign the End Our Pain petition, which is calling for a change in the law to allow doctors to prescribe cannabis?

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Monkey Business Images via Getty Images

Historically places like Birmingham and Sandwell are seen as Labour Party strongholds so it's no surprise the party are feeling confident about taking the inaugural West Midlands Mayor election.

Out of the 7 main Local Authorities in the region, the Tories only control one while Labour takes four, two Council's having no overall control but with Labour leadership and the party taking 21 of the regions 28 parliamentary constituencies.

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A walk in the park for Sion Simon, right?

Not necessarily, with the resources of the Conservative candidate Andy Street, the press are calling it a two-horse race - and if you consider the reliability of polls recently, you surely wouldn't want to write anybody off.

As part of our ongoing youth-led West Midlands Mayor election campaign called #WMelectst17. Civify Youth Activist Connor Hill moved on to catch up with Labour Party candidate, Sion Simon.

Following on from our interview with Green Party candidate James Burn which you can read here.

'Author's own'

Sion Simon, a Doncaster native who grew up in the West Midlands who said he found his passion for politics in the region was asked questions compiled by young people via the website and Twitter, covering a range of youth issues.

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We get a lot of feedback from young people to raise the subject of youth representation which was relayed in the interview. When asked on the subject Sion Simon stated he'd like to look into having a young person sit on the West Midlands Combined Authority board.

'Author's own'

On quizzed how he would protect youth services, he talked about a pledging a new 1 million pound pot with the Labour West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, which will fund new activities for younger people in the region.

He states teaching politics in schools is not one of his top priorities, but teaching local culture in schools to "put back some of the pride in the West Midlands" is something he would support.

On jobs for young people and youth unemployment - he talked about supporting high-value employers in the region such as Jaguar Land Rover and Severn Trent who are "already generating jobs and we can learn from them" to "replicate that in other sectors in other parts of the region" - going on to say the need to invest in skills to keep up with employer demand.

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"Skills levels in the West Midlands are much lower and have been than most of the rest of England" reflecting on the skills deficit in the area.

In regards to pushing out opportunities to the rest of the region to places such as Dudley, he talks about improving education opportunities, including highlighting Dudley is the biggest town in the country to not have a University and later revealed the plan to open University Centre Dudley (UCD) in the town with Dudley College.

With regards to Brexit, he stated the importance of having a West Midlands voice in the negotiations because "what's best for London with its economy based on financial services, is not necessarily what's best for the West Midlands which is a manufacturing economy."

You listen to the interview here, or you can follow the conversation on Twitter with the #WMelects17 hashtag.
Polyamory is on the rise!

According to OK Cupid 50% of users in 2015 were happy to consider dating someone who was already involved in an open or polyamorous relationship, a rise of 9% since 2010.

But before you all start rushing to the MakeMeScottish contact page, engagement rings in hand, I have some bad news for you. The UK has decided to buck the trend and opt for monogamy by divorcing itself from the EU. (If you consider monogamy to include a historical 4-way between Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England that is.)

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The Scottish people are especially disgruntled by its enforced monogamy. After all, not only did the overwhelming majority of its free-loving population vote to continue a polyamorous relationship with Europe, many Scots voted against an independent Scotland in 2014 solely to safeguard their EU membership. With another independence referendum on the horizon, it looks like Scotland may well end it's 300 year old wedding vows with the UK and get OK Cupid with the 27 other member states in the EU.

With that in mind it is worth contemplating whether having so many lovers leads to over complicated relationships.

Although I consider myself an expert on the matter (you need only look at my abundant Tinder resume to also make that conclusion) I have decided against creating a questionnaire poll of my accumulated dates to address the issue. Let us pretend it was in the name of time efficiency and impartiality, not technical complications involving restraining orders and blocked numbers... mainly my blocked number. You get the idea.

Eve Rickert, a bonafide poly expert and co-author with Franklin Veaux of More Than Two: A practical guide to ethical polyamory, freely admits that 'poly is a lot of work [and] having a lifestyle where you enjoy casual sex and hook-ups is a lot less work.' Indeed, the UK's polyamorous relationship with Europe has certainly not been a 'Netflix and Chill' situation. Keeping the harmony between so many lovers has not always been easy task. However it has been a commitment which has aided positive international relations, enhanced trade deals, allowed freedom of movement, and most importantly, protected peace in Europe.

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If polyamory is indeed off the cards, who will the UK turn to for it's next hook-up?

Will Westminster be swiping right at a Trumped-up USA?
Egypt's foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said on Thursday that Egypt is "deeply concerned" by the state of polarisation within the UN after Tuesday's chemical attack in the Syrian town Khan Sheikhoun.

Abu Zeid said that Egypt, a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, is sorrowful that the suffering of the Syrian people is being "held hostage" by disputes in the UN.

The Security Council held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the attack but differences among superpowers on who to blame for the attack has prevented the council from writing a draft resolution.

Britain, France and the United States, who have accused the Assad regime of responsibility for the massacre, pushed for a resolution demanding a swift investigation into the attack.

However, Russia, which backs the Damascus government, has stood by Assad's claims Syria did not use chemical weapons against anyone.

"This state of polarisation is undermining the UN's capacity to end the suffering of the Syrian people," said a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry, which stressed that Egypt deals with any international decisions on Syria by considering the interests of the Syrian people.

At least 86 civilians, including at least 20 children, and 546 wounded were killed in the chemical attack in the rebel-held Khan Sheikhoun town in Syria's northwestern Idlib province.

Dozens more victims were left gasping for air, convulsing, and foaming at the mouth, according to doctors on the scene.

The council is expected to reach a decision on the resolution on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Egypt condemned what it described as the "indiscriminate bombardment" of Khan Sheikhoun.

The Egyptian foreign ministry said that the "painful and unacceptable" images of the massacre reaffirm the necessity of reaching a political solution to end the crisis in Syria, in line with the international community decisions and the Geneva Conventions.

The Kremlin stressed in a statement on Thursday "the unacceptability of making unfounded accusations against anyone before a thorough and impartial international investigation is carried out."

Moscow, which has troops in Syria in support of Assad's forces, said the deaths were caused when a Syrian air strike hit a "terrorist warehouse" containing "toxic substances."

Syrian foreign minister Walid Muallem said on Thursday that "the Syrian army has not, did not and will not use these kinds of weapons  not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds," according to AFP.

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Kansas mens basketball starts KJ Adams Jr. in win against Omaha

The Jayhawks opened their 2022-23 regular season the right way. Kansas mens basketball is 1-0 after a win at home against Omaha.
The ministers of interior from a number of Arab countries vowed to cooperate more in combating terrorism during the 34th Conference of Arab Interior Ministers held in Tunisia on Wednesday.

The two-day conference, which started on Wednesday, is also set to see a discussion with an Interpol delegation on ways of combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Tunisia's interior minister Al-Hady Al-Magzoub gave the opening speech at the conference on behalf of the country's President Beji Caid Essebsi, stressing that combating terrorism and extremist ideas requires a comprehensive plan that targets all aspects of the phenomenon.

The minister also warned of the dangers of extremist militants returning from conflict zones to their home countries in the Arab region in the coming period.

Egypt's Minister of Interior Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar informed the conference of Cairo's strategy in combating terrorism, calling for a comprehensive plan covering all aspects of countering terrorism and extremism in the region.

Abdel-Ghaffar also called for a unified strategy in dealing with international internet and communication companies to prevent terrorists and militant organisations from using social media platforms as a hub for communication, recruitment and propaganda.

He also affirmed that combating terrorism is a shared Arab and international responsibility, saying that Egypt appreciates the importance of Arab joint efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.

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The United States and Russia traded conflicting assertions Wednesday about who launched a chemical weapons attack in Syria that killed 72 people, as world leaders grasped for a response to the latest atrocity in Syria's intractable civil war.

The Trump administration stood by its charge that Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces were responsible. Not so, said Russia, Assad's most powerful ally. Russia's military insisted that the chemicals were dispersed when Syrian warplanes bombed a facility where rebels were building chemical weapons.

At the United Nations, President Donald Trump's envoy threatened unilateral U.S. action if the world body failed to act.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," declared Ambassador Nikki Haley. She addressed an emergency meeting of the Security Council, which was weighing a resolution condemning chemical weapons use in Syria. Russia, which has veto power, is opposed.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova focused her attention elsewhere: "It's necessary to demand that the rebels offer full access to study the area and collect necessary information."

Leaders and officials in other countries, including Britain and Israel, joined the U.S. in saying Assad's forces were responsible.

A U.S. official said an American review of radar and other assessments showed Syrian aircraft flying in the area at the time of the attack. Russian and coalition aircraft were not there at that time, said the official, who wasn't authorized to discuss intelligence publicly and requested anonymity. Washington hasn't yet concluded what type of chemical was used.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump split the blame between Syria's embattled leader and former President Barack Obama for the country's worst chemical weapons attack in years.

While calling the attack "reprehensible" and intolerable, Trump said Obama "did nothing" after Assad crossed the former U.S. leader's "red line" in 2013.

"These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution," Trump said.

The political tone of Trump's statement took many U.S. officials by surprise. They noted that U.S. presidents have rarely attacked their predecessors so aggressively for events like chemical weapons attacks that Democrats and Republicans both abhor.

Several officials involved in internal administration discussions said Trump's National Security Council had been preparing a different statement, until the president's closest advisers took over the process. The officials weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.

The president's eldest daughter and top adviser, Ivanka Trump, took a more compassionate tone, tweeting Wednesday, "Heartbroken and outraged by the images coming out of Syria following the atrocious chemical attack yesterday."

At least 72 people died in the town of Khan Sheikhoun. The World Health Organization said victims seemed to show symptoms consistent with nerve agent exposure. Videos from the scene showed volunteer medics using firehoses to wash the chemicals from victims' bodies and lifeless children being piled in heaps.

A flurry of activity across the U.S. government signaled fresh urgency on the Syria crisis. Days earlier, White House and others officials suggested removing Assad from power was no longer a priority. They said the focus was defeating the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

Trump was expected to face questions on the attack Wednesday afternoon during a joint news conference with visiting King Abdullah II of Jordan.

And Secretary of State Rex Tillerson planned to discuss the attack and the Syria crisis next week when he makes his first official trip to Moscow, the State Department said.

For Trump's critics, though, it wasn't enough. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., criticized the White House by noting that Trump hadn't mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin or Russia's role in the U.S. response. Tillerson accused both Russia and Iran, Syria's other top ally, of sharing moral responsibility in his own statement Tuesday.

"This was a moment the president could have spoken with moral authority and with the beginning of an outline of a strategy," Casey said. "And we don't see it."

Four years ago, after warning Assad that a chemical attack would cross a red line and trigger U.S. action, Obama failed to follow through. Rather than authorizing military action against Assad in response to a sarin gas attack that killed hundreds outside Damascus, Obama opted instead for a Russia-backed agreement to remove Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles.

That was seen internationally as a major blow to U.S. credibility and, for Obama's critics, a prime example of weak leadership. Syrian chemical weapons attacks continued after the deal.

Yet Trump was in agreement with Obama's ultimate decision. Among his tweets on the matter, he urged Obama in all caps, "DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA  IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN."

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Jay LaTorre, a radio frequency engineer for Verizon, explains the 'alpha coverage,' seen in red, of the North Adams tower. Residents questioned the need for another tower that would not comply with the town's five-mile limit between facilities. PreviousNext

Clarksburg Residents Remain Unconvinced of Cell Tower Need



The planner said they want to have a decision prior to the town election so as not to push the decision onto a new board. CLARKSBURG, Mass.  River Road neighbors hammered representatives of Verizon Wireless on Tuesday over a plan to install a 140-foot monopole at the former North Adams Country Club.

The public hearing at the Senior Center was the culmination of months of debate over the need for the cell tower. The Planning Board closed the hearing after nearly two hours of discussion and continued the deliberations to a later date.

Verizon's representatives came armed with new data, requested documents, 12 conditions they were ready to abide by, and a third-party analysis explaining the need for putting the cell tower within the five-mile limit set by the town's zoning bylaws.

That wasn't enough.

"At no point did anyone from Verizon show any concern for the residents of the town of Clarksburg and the bylaws," said Bryan Tanner, an abutter who has been vocal in his opposition to the tower. "The application by Verizon should be rejected based upon noncompliance ...

"We've been very generous, we've listened to all the Verizon plans ... but they refuse to look at all the alternatives."

Residents have argued that the telecommunications company could expand its service along Route 8 by using other locations; the company says it's also about reducing the load from the northwest-facing tower on Florida Mountain. Putting in other locations like the town landfill or farther up Route 8 into Stamford, Vt., won't suffice.

Jay LaTorre, a radio frequency engineer for Verizon, said the company was working to create a "robust and reliable" wireless infrastructure to meet growing demand.

"With this proposed facility on air, it allows us to go back to the North Adams facility to strengthen its output," he said. "The end result would be the Clarksburg facility would be able to take on more traffic. The reliable coverage is maintained because that footprint is not changing but the footprint of dominance is changing. The end rsult is a better ability for Verizon to provide a lot of service."

In response to questions about other sitings, LaTorre touched on some possibilities. The company's responded to a request for proposals to site an antenna on the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts campus, a well-known dead zone, but that facility would be too far south to reduce the mountain antenna's load.

There's also discussion of the Berkshire Medical Center facility being a possible location, he said, but that, too, would have little affect on the North Adams facility. Should the city issue an RFP for the airport, that might help, but it is not currently in the cards.

"When you have a facility of this size, that covers such a large footprint, it's not just a matter of finding that one site that will meet all of the solutions for coverage and capacity," LaTorrre said. "It's done in the approach of looking at multiple facilities, looking at multiple areas where there is a need."

Planner Carl McKinney repeated LaTorre's assertion that the antennas could manipulated to improve coverage and asked why that couldn't happen now.

LaTorre said installing the Clarksburg tower would allow Verizon "to minimize and shrink the responsibility for service" of the North Adams facility and adjust it to provide better capacity.

McKinney also asked about the use of smaller repeaters on telephone poles that had come up in meetings with Verizon officials. LaTorre said those are better suited for isolated, high-use areas such as strip malls but would not adaptable to the wider landscape in Clarksburg. But McKinney questioned the need for more capacity in an area with a shrinking population.

The town's frustration with the landowner inevitably spilled over into the debate over the tower. The former country club was described as "bombed out" after several years of digging and materials removal. Initial plans to rehabilitate the course were dropped when it became cost-prohibitive and current owner Todd Driscoll has attempted to recoup his investment by leasing part of the land for a solar array and the cell tower.

"We've tried as a community to work with this property owner to make it successful but we've been sold a bill of goods," said McKinney, also the town administrator. "What are the plans for making it less than an eyesore it is? You have these piles of dirt, and gravel and sand ...

"Why should this board trust anything you tell us given you are representing an owner who has not lived up to his obligations?"

Residents also expressed concern over property values, dismissing a report provided by Verizon estimating they would not change much, and demanded to know if a lawsuit, now moved to federal court, with North Adams Tower Co. was behind the plans. The tower company owns the current facility hosting Verizon and other antennas on Florida Mountain; the original two towers collapsed three years ago.

Verizon representatives repeatedly said they still had access to the tower, showing a permit dated Monday for work there, and had no plans to abandon it.

Attorney Ellen Freyman, representing Verizon, said the company had done it's due diligence in investigating the site and responding to the Planning Board's questions.

"This is a significant financial undertaking from the original work to the due diligence to all the permitting to the construction," she said. "It's huge financial obligation on part of Verizon. If it could be fixed by putting an antenna up on Florida Mountain, even two or three or four ... that would be the solution they would seek before going and trying to put up another cell tower."




iciHaiti - Tourism : Follow-up of projects in Les Cayes and in the South





Wednesday, Colombe Emilie Jessy Menos, the new Minister of Tourism https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20569-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-tourism.html had a working meeting with the Mayor of the city of Les Cayes, Gabriel Fortune.



The various tourist projects in the department of the South and more particularly those in progress in Les Cayes f the craft market and the bus station among others, were at the heart of exchanges.



As a follow-up to this working session, Minister Menos and Mayor Fortune are expected at Les Cayes by the end of the week for a visit of the projects.



IH/ iciHaiti


















Two Iraqi army pilots were killed on Thursday when their helicopter was shot down over the city of Mosul by IS group, according to a military statement.

The helicopter was providing air support to Federal Police forces battling Islamic State fighters on the western side of Mosul, the statement said.

It is the first aircraft downed by Islamic State over Mosul since the start of the U.S.-backed offensive on the northern Iraqi city, in October.

Mosul is Islamic State's last major city stronghold in Iraq. The group seized the city nearly three years ago, declaring from one of its old mosques a "caliphate" that also spans parts of Syria.

Islamic State's news agency Amaq said the helicopter crashed in al-Ghabat, east of the Tigris river which runs through Mosul. The Iraqi military statement also located the crash on the eastern side, which was recaptured from the militants in January, after 100 days of fighting.

The group is putting up stiff resistance in the remaining district under their control in northwestern Mosul and the densely populated Old City. The militants are dug in surrounded by civilians, effectively using them as human shields and taking advantage of the narrow streets of the Old City that restrict the movements of the Iraqi forces and limit the use of artillery and air power.

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France says these crimes must not go unpunished; Syria denies using nerve gas against anyone; Russia backs its Damascus ally

After an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Western diplomats are expected to push for a vote as early as Thursday on a resolution demanding an investigation of the suspected attack.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the resolution, presented by Britain, France and the United States, remained a priority.

"These crimes must not go unpunished," Ayrault told CNEWS television.

"It's difficult because up to now every time we have presented a resolution, there has been a veto by Russia and sometimes by China... but we must cooperate because we need to stop this massacre," he added.

Syria's regime and Russia hit back Thursday at accusations that Damascus was behind a deadly chemical weapons attack, as pressure built for international action over what Washington called an "affront to humanity".

France said it was determined to pursue a UN Security Council resolution to investigate dozens of civilian deaths in a northwestern Syria town, which Turkey said it suspected were the result of exposure to nerve agent sarin.

At least 86 people were killed early on Tuesday in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun, and dozens more have received treatment for convulsions, breathing problems and foaming at the mouth.

World powers have pointed the finger at the government of Bashar al-Assad, but Foreign Minister Walid Muallem repeated the government's denial on Thursday.

"The Syrian army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons -- not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds," he said.

Russia also stood by its longtime ally, with President Vladimir Putin warning against a rush to judgement.

In a Kremlin statement, Putin underlined "the unacceptability of making unfounded accusations against anyone before a thorough and impartial international investigation is carried out."

More than 30 people were transferred across the border into Turkey for treatment following the incident, and Ankara said a preliminary probe found "a link between these injuries and the use of chemical weapons."

"According to the results of the initial analysis, the findings suggest the injured were exposed to a chemical substance (sarin)," the Turkish health ministry said in a statement.

Geert Cappelaere, Middle East regional director at UNICEF, the United Nations agency on children's issues, said Thursday that at least 27 children were killed in the suspected attack.

At least 546 people were wounded, he said, adding that "casualty figures are expected to rise".

If confirmed as an attack, it would be among the worst incidents of chemical weapons use in Syria's civil war, which has killed more than 320,000 people since it began in March 2011.

It has also prompted an about-face from US President Donald Trump, who in 2013 urged then-president Barack Obama not to intervene against Assad after a major suspected chemical attack.

Senior US officials had also recently suggested it was no longer a priority that Assad be removed from power.

Trump described the alleged attack as an "affront to humanity" and warned it had changed his view of Assad.

"I will tell you, it's already happened, that my attitude towards Syria and Assad has changed very much," he told reporters at a joint White House news conference with Jordan's King Abdullah.

"It crossed a lot of lines for me," he said, alluding to Obama's failure to enforce his own 2013 "red line" on the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

As she held up pictures of lifeless children at the UN on Wednesday, US ambassador Nikki Haley warned of unilateral action if the UN failed "in its duty to act collectively."

The draft UN resolution backs a probe by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and demands Syria provide information on its operations.

On Thursday, Muallem said such an investigation "must guarantee that it is not politicised, that it has broad geographic representation and that it is launched from Damascus, not Turkey."

British ambassador to the UN Matthew Rycroft told reporters he hoped council members would agree on a draft resolution by Thursday, but vowed to press for a vote regardless.

Failure to agree on a compromise text could prompt Russia to use its veto to block the draft resolution, which Moscow has done seven times to shield Syria.

Syria officially relinquished its chemical arsenal and signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 to avert military action after it was accused of an attack outside Damascus that killed hundreds.

But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use since.

Analysts said it was unclear whether the Trump administration would follow through with its threats of action.

"We're dealing with a real unknown here, in that we have no precedent to use to assess whether the Trump administration's words yesterday were bluster or a representation of genuine threat," said Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute.

"Trump... was exposed to the horrific footage that we all saw and quite clearly that had a transformative effect on him. Now we need to wait to see whether that transforms into real policy shifts or not."

*This story was editd by Ahram Online

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Gaza's Hamas rulers on Thursday hanged three men they convicted of collaborating with Israel, fulfilling vows of revenge for the mysterious killing of one of their commanders last month.

The men, dressed in red prison jumpsuits, were shackled hand and foot and hooded as they were put to death at an exercise ground inside a police facility in Gaza City, an AFP correspondent reported.

Senior Hamas officials and representatives of other Gaza-based groups observed the hangings.

A few journalists also attended, though they were not allowed to take photographs.

The men were aged 55, 42 and 31, the Hamas-run interior ministry said, without naming them.

Human Rights Watch and other rights groups condemned the "barbaric" deaths.

Hamas accuses the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and its Palestinian "collaborators" of killing senior military leader Mazen Faqha near his home in Gaza on March 24.

Hamas's police chief Taysir al-Batsh said the three men were not linked to the killing but were accused of past acts of treason and collaborating.

The deaths, he said, "represent a message to the (Israeli) enemy security sources and to the collaborators."

The men were brought individually to the gallows and hanged at 15-minute intervals.

Each convict climbed a steel ladder accompanied by masked police, where a rope was fitted around their necks before the hangings.

The square was blocked from three sides by a black curtain, with the chief military prosecutor reading out a list of charges before each man was put to death.

Hamas has previously carried out death sentences for "collaborators," including in 2014, when six people were shot dead in public during that year's Israeli deadly offensive on Gaza Strip.

The interior ministry said those executed Thursday had received due process.

"The decision was upheld by each military appeals court and the high military court," said the interior ministry.

Human Rights Watch condemned the executions.

"The death penalty is a barbaric practice," it said.

"The abhorrent executions by Hamas authorities of three men in Gaza deemed to be collaborators project weakness, not strength.

"Hamas authorities will never achieve true security or stability through firing squads or by the gallows, but rather through respect for international norms and the rule of law."

Hamdi Shaqura from the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights also condemned the punishment.

He called the death penalty a "punishment that must be abolished, a punishment that doesn't represent a deterrent to crime."

Israel has been imposing a comprehensive siege on the Gaza - home to around two million Palestinians - since 2006, denying residents of many essential goods and services.

Tel Aviv launched three deadly wars on Gaza in the past eight years, leaving hundreds killed and destroying vast parts of the strip's infrastructure.

Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip since the group wrested power from the rival Fatah movement of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in bloody fighting a decade ago.

Israel has assasinated many Hamas leaders in the past. Tel Aviv has accused Faqha of being behind several deadly bomb attacks against Israelis during the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, of 2000 to 2005.

Hamas says Faqha formed units of the Islamist group's military wing in the occupied West Bank cities of Tubas, where he was born, and Jenin.

The Islamist group has pledged "radical measures" against Palestinians who "collaborated" with Israel.

Hamas has also offered "collaborators" with Israel a chance to turn themselves in and receive clemency.

"The doors of repentance will be open for one week, from Tuesday, April 4 to Tuesday, April 11," the interior ministry said this week.

Hamas also tightly restricted movement out of the enclave following the assassination.

The restrictions had stopped male patients aged between 15 and 45 from using the territory's sole crossing for people to enter Israel to receive medical treatment, said Human Rights Watch.

Security checks and searches also increased, including roadblocks.

On Thursday the interior ministry announced the measures had been eased.

The territory has been under an Israeli blockade for 10 years.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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The UN Security Council on Thursday strongly condemned North Korea's latest ballistic missile test, calling it a "grave violation" of Pyongyang's obligations under UN resolutions.

The council unanimously adopted the statement of condemnation as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Florida for his first meeting with US President Donald Trump.



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Carmudi Philippines has announced the winner of its third scholarship program, created to help diligent but financially needy students in the Philippines. This semester, the winner of the scholarship program hails from the city of Koronadal in South Cotabato. Ms. Lorraine Pajarillo, an Accountancy major from Notre Dame of Marbel University in South Cotabato, has shown diligence and perseverance with regard to her academic endeavors, securing her place as Carmudis scholar this term.

Carmudi Philippines believes that education plays an important role in the development of an individual and society as a whole. As such, the Carmudi PH Scholarship Program was created to encourage and provide support for academically gifted students all over the country. The program is open nationwide to all 3rd and 4th year college students that have good academic standing. If selected, the chosen scholar will receive a financial grant amounting to PhP 30,000. The grant can be used to pay for school tuition and other academic fees.

Ms. Pajarillo is the eldest of three siblings and the daughter of a bank employee and a housewife. With her father being their familys only source of income, she has taken the initiative to buy and sell books in order to help her parents cover some of the expenses at school.

Currently, Ms. Pajarillo is in her 7th semester and is about to graduate as one of the top students in her batch. She has consistently excelled in her studies and has always been at the top of her class. She has also consistently made it as a deans lister and will be a remarkable candidate for Latin honors when she graduates next year.

Aside from having excellent grades, Ms. Pajarillo has also been known for her co-curricular and extracurricular activities. This is evidenced by her participation in a team that competed against larger schools and popular universities in a national scientific investigatory contest. Her teams project about the effects of coconut, bamboo, cogon grass and banana tree on blood clotting won them the award. Aside from that, she has been a member of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and is also one of her schools top competitive debaters that has seen her participate in many debating competitions. Moreover, Ms. Pajarillo has also been active in extracurricular activities such as event planning for her school.

This balanced life inside and outside of school has made Ms. Lorraine Pajarillo the recipient of this semesters Carmudi PH scholarship grant. With her hard work and dedication to her studies as well as her versatility in activities in and out of the classroom, we hope that she will inspire and serve as an example to other students and encourage them to do their best in their studies and the career they choose to pursue.
President Trump at 2017 North America's Building Trades Unions National Legislative Conference

Washington, DC - Remarks by President Trump at 2017 North America's Building Trades Unions National Legislative Conference:

THE PRESIDENT: I know these people well, you wouldnt believe it. I know them too well. (Applause.) I know them too well. They cost me a lot of money. (Laughter.) I spent a lot of money, but I love them, and theyre great, and their people are fantastic. And nobody does it like you people, right? Nobody. We talked about that -- incredible. Incredible people.

So its great to be back with Americas builders. (Applause.) So did you ever think youd see a President who knows how much concrete and rebar you can lay down in a single day? Believe me, I know. I know. (Applause.) Were a nation of builders, and it was about time we had a builder in the White House, right? (Applause.) We have a builder.

I want to thank Sean McGarvey and the entire governing board of presidents for honoring me with this great invitation. And I love that its in Washington, because I dont have to travel very far. Worked out pretty well, I have to tell you. Five minutes.



Sean took part in one of our very first meetings at the White House - he mentioned it -- and I promise you that Americas labor leaders will always find an open door with Donald Trump. Always. (Applause.) Just look at the amazing talent assembled here. We have ironworkers, insulators -- (applause) -- never changes, does it, with the ironworkers? Lets hear it. Laborers. (Applause.) Painters. (Applause.) Fitters. (Applause.) Plumbers. (Applause.) Operators -- theyre operators, all right, Ill tell you that. (Laughter.) Electricians. (Applause.) Not that good. Wheres my Local 3? Wheres Local 3? That wasnt that good, the electricians -- well, they became so rich they dont have to -- (laughter) -- lets do that again. Electricians. (Applause.) Thats better.

Bricklayers. (Applause.) Boilermakers. (Applause.) Elevator constructors. (Applause.) Good job. Sheet-metal workers. (Applause.) Roofers. (Applause.) Plasterers -- plaster, well, yeah, thats -- not using as much plaster as we used to, fellas, right? No matter how you cut it. Sorry about that. Im not sure I can do much -- we brought back the coalminers. Im not so sure about the plasterers. Well do the best we can, okay? Were going to do the best we can. How about the cement masons. (Applause.) And, of course, our wonderful Teamsters. (Applause.) Oh, that wasnt very good, James.

But really, youre the backbone of America. With the talent in this room, we could build any city at any time, and we can build it better than anyone. (Applause.) But were going to do even better than that. Together, we are going to rebuild our nation. (Applause.)

Youre the keepers of the great trades and traditions that built our country from the New York skyline to the Golden Gate Bridge. You represent the workers whose hands, skills, and dreams will build the great landmarks of our future. Every day, your members live out what I call the American Creed. Theyre on the job before dawn and after dusk, and they never quit until that job is done. You know that. True. True. (Applause.)

We saw this grit on display when the construction trades helped rebuild New York City after 9/11. (Applause.) That was a terrible time -- we were all there -- that was a terrible time in this countrys history. Worst attack in the history of our country. Worse than Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor they were attacking military. Here they were attacking civilians. Worst attack. And I saw what happened. Within a very short period of time, we were back rebuilding, and rebuild you did. And I really congratulate -- that took a lot of courage and a lot of strength. Thank you. (Applause.)

The fact is you take pride in every part of your work -- every joist, bolt, and rivet. Youre not only builders, but youre artisans, very talented people. A lot of people dont understand, youre very talented people -- enriching our cities and landscapes with works of great beauty. And just as you take pride in your work, our nation takes great, great pride in you, believe me. And its time that we give you the level playing field you deserve. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you.

Washington and Wall Street have done very, very well for themselves. Now its your turn. And youre going to be also sharing the wealth. (Applause.) And you know, for many years, weve been taken advantage of by other countries. All over the world they took advantage of us. We had leaders that didnt have a clue or worse. Thats not going to happen anymore, folks. Thats not going to happen anymore. And you see whats going on right now. In fact, the trade deficit went way down -- just announced before I got on stage. And I will tell you, were going to have a whole different set of values when it comes to representing our country. That I can tell you right now. (Applause.)

This election was all about returning power to the people. Ive spent my life working side-by-side with American builders, and now you have a builder as your President. (Applause.) One of my first acts as President was to stop one of the great sellouts of the American worker -- I immediately withdrew the United States from the disaster -- this would have been a disaster -- this would have been another NAFTA, which, by the way, is a disaster. I took you out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. (Applause.) Thank you. That one wasnt even close. And you know it and I know it, everybody knows it.

Next, I cleared the way for the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. (Applause.) And its looking like thats going to have about 42,000 jobs involved, those two jobs. That some number of great people. Thats a big, big, beautiful -- lot of people. And Sean actually, and a whole group joined me in the Oval Office when we approved the Keystone permit.

And I joked that day -- I said, can you imagine the head of this big Canadian company, in this case, they build pipelines -- and they failed. Didnt work. They paid millions and millions and hundreds of millions of dollars to consultants and lawyers, and they failed. And it was over. And then one day Trump wins, and a few days later they get a knock on the door -- sir, the Keystone pipeline was just approved.

Can you imagine? I want to see the expression on his face. And hes a nice guy. He actually -- they came to the office. (Applause.) Because I did say you have to use American steel, you have to fabricate it here. Now, they had already bought 60-70 percent of it. So you can't be too wild, right? But I was signing the order, and I said, where did they buy this steel? I didnt like the answer. I said, who fabricated the steel? I didnt like the answer. I said, from now on we're going to put a clause -- got to be made in America. We want American steel, made in America. (Applause.) Right on the box. 100 percent, right? (Applause.)

And youll be hearing more about this in the very near future. But as time goes by, lets say, over the next seven and three-quarters years -- meaning eight years -- (laughter.)

We believe in two simple rules: Buy American, and Hire American. That's what it's going to be. (Applause.) And that's not just a slogan, it's a promise. Believe me, that's a promise. (Applause.)

The era of economic surrender has come to an end. It's come to an end. We have surrendered as a country to outside interests. The era of economic victory for our country has just begun. You will see. No longer will we listen to those failed consultants whove made one wrong prediction after another -- delivering nothing but soaring trade deficits and a big, fat, shrinking workforce.

For decades now, weve watched as our factories have shuttered -- almost 70,000 factories -- our jobs have been stolen, and blue collar wages have declined. Weve seen the economic pain inflicted on our fellow Americans in Pittsburgh and Detroit and Baltimore. We didnt just offshore our jobs, we offshored a big, big part of the American Dream.

We enriched foreign countries at the expense of our own country, the great United States of America. But those days are over. (Applause.) I'm not -- and I don't want to be -- the President of the world. I'm the President of the United States. And from now on, its going to be America First. (Applause.)

Were going to bring back our jobs -- and, yes, were going to bring back the American Dream. As I traveled the nation, I heard the pleas of the forgotten men and women of our country -- the people who work hard and play by the rules, but who dont have a voice. Together, we are their voice, and they will never, ever be forgotten again. That I can tell you. (Applause.)

I don't know if you saw, but if you watch the Democrats now, the anger -- the anger and hatred, and theyre trying to figure out where did all these people came that voted for Donald Trump? Remember they said -- because the Electoral College is a very, very hard, they say, almost impossible for a Republican to win. The odds are stacked. And they would say theres no way to 270 -- you need 270 -- theres no way to 270. I heard that so much for a year -- I kept saying, maybe I shouldnt be running. You know, Sean, I said, maybe I shouldnt run because theres no way. The people are telling me -- the same people that say all of the bad stuff, theyre saying, theres no way to 270. But there was a way to 306.

But wasnt that an exciting one? Places that nobody entered -- Donald Trump has won the state of Michigan. They go, what? Donald Trump has won the state of Wisconsin. They came out of the blue, and we didnt even need them. And we love those two states -- because we won the state of Pennsylvania, and we won Ohio, and Iowa, and North Carolina, and South Carolina, and Florida, and so many others. We ran the coast. And if you don't run it, you can't win. Huge disadvantage, Electoral College. It's very, very tough. They say almost impossible for a Republican to win. But I had the support of, I would say, I would say almost everybody in this room.

We had tremendous -- we had tremendous support. Oh, we did. We had tremendous support. (Applause.) We had tremendous support. And I'll tell you, we really had the support of the workers. We had tremendous support of the workers. But would you like to make a change, folks? Would you like to make a change? Because if anybody wants to make a change, you won't be having so many jobs. That I can tell you. Your jobs will be -- it will be a whole different story. Because in the last decade, you lost over 750,000 -- think of this -- 750,000 construction jobs. Real wages in the construction sector have fallen more than 15 percent since the 1970s. We rank 39th in the world for construction permitting. And approvals for infrastructure projects can take up to 10 years.

Since taking office, Ive signed one action after another to eliminate job-killing regulations that stand in the way. I had a chart -- is that chart around here someplace? Do you have that? I have to show this chart to you because it's amazing, actually.

This is -- if you want to build a highway in the United States, these are some of the permits that you need. It's a process that can take way over 10 years. And it just never happens. Then at the end of the period they vote against it. And we're getting rid of many of these regulations. (Applause.) You have to go through 17 agencies, many permits in each agency.

In February alone, we added almost 60,000 new construction jobs in the country. I ordered expedited environmental reviews for infrastructure, environmental and energy projects all across the country. No longer will you have to wait year after year for approvals that never come.

I also took historic action to lift the restrictions on American energy production and to put our miners, who have been treated horribly, back to work. (Applause.) Theyre great people.

Consumer confidence is at its highest level in more than a decade. Youve seen all of the charts, all of the studies. The National Association of Manufacturers just the other day reported the most optimism in the entire history of its survey -- which is a old survey -- 93 percent of manufacturers are optimistic about the future. It was almost 27 percent lower than that just a few months ago.

The Home Builders Confidence Index is at its highest level in 12 years. And now in breaking news, it was just reported today, the monthly U.S. trade deficit declined by 10 percent -- for a reason. Not by accident, believe me. It was for a reason.

Were also going to protect your jobs by protecting our borders. My administration is -- just a matter of weeks, literally, a short period of time -- has brought record reductions to illegal immigration. Record reductions. (Applause.) Down 61 percent since inauguration. General Kelly is doing a fantastic job. And well crack down on visa abuses that undermine the American worker. And we're doing that right now. (Applause.)

These, and so many other great achievements, have defined our first 10 weeks in office. We've done so much for the worker. Done so much for the military. We've done so much for the police officers, our men in blue and women in blue who are not treated fairly. Were fighting for workers of all backgrounds and from all walks of life.

But to achieve true progress, we must remember our legacy. Were the nation that built the tallest skyscrapers on what was once the Hudson River, and put neon lights of Las Vegas in the middle of the desert. But if government continues to punish Americas builders, then we will not be that nation any longer.

Im calling on all Americans -- Democrat, Republican, independent -- to come together and take part in the great rebuilding of our country. (Applause.)

That is why, in my address to Congress, I called on lawmakers to pass legislation that produces a $1-trillion investment in the infrastructure of our country. And we need it. (Applause.) With your help, we can rebuild our countrys bridges, airports, seaports, and water systems. We will streamline the process to get approvals quickly, so that long-delayed projects can finally move ahead. And with lower taxes on Americas middle class and businesses, we will see a new surge of economic growth and development.

All of you have come to the nations capital to call members of the House and Senate to action. Youve also called your President to action. When you see them, you can tell Congress that Americas building trades and its President are very much united. (Applause.)

Together, we are ready to break new ground. We will build in the spirit of one of the great projects in our nations history -- an enduring symbol of American strength. The Empire State Building was forged in the Great Depression, and provided jobs for more than 3,000 workers. Weve all seen the pictures -- rugged workers perched dozens and dozens of stories up in the air. Workers like these moved almost 60,000 tons of steel, installed 200,000 cubic feet of stone, and laid 10 million bricks to build that American icon. And they did the job in a record time -- 13 months. Hard to believe. Think of that -- the Empire State Building built in 13 months, during the Depression. Nowadays, you couldnt even get a building permit or approval in that amount of time.

When the workers had secured the last piece of steel in that amazing and beautiful structure, they marked the moment -- as we still do today -- with what is called a topping out ceremony: 1.050 feet above the streets of New York City, they hoisted a beautiful and great American flag. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: The ironworkers!

THE PRESIDENT: They did a good job. They did a good -- those ironworkers, you better believe it.

It was an American flag that represented American projects

-- the big, bold, and daring dream of one man, and then one city, and then finally, one people. That banner marked our nations proud climb to the top of the world. Our people endured through the hardships of Depression and the battles of World War II, and they emerged from these trials stronger and more united than ever before. Now, we must again summon that same national greatness to meet the challenges of our time.

Only miles from the halls of Congress and the newsrooms of Washington, you will find once-thriving cities marred by empty lots and once-booming industrial towns that have become rusted and are in total disrepair. Standing before me today, in this very hall, are the men and women who, if given the chance, can transform these communities. You are the citizens who can rebuild our cities, revive our industries, and renew our beloved country. And I know you will stop at nothing to get the job done. (Applause.)

For the rest of their lives, everyone who worked on the Empire State Building knew when they looked up at that great New York skyline that they had lifted the Stars and Stripes atop the tallest flagpole on Earth, and that somewhere high above the city streets, their place in history was carved into beams of steel.

In the future, when we become -- the trials -- and we are -- trials of our times -- we too will emerge stronger and more united than ever before. Its happening, you watch. When we rise above the cynics and critics who live only to defend the status quo, and to defend themselves from failure, then we, too, will construct a lasting monument to national greatness.

In this future, our nations workers and craftsmen will look way out at the vast open landscape, and they will build new bridges and new schools and new landmarks, and they will proudly raise up for all to see our bright and beautiful American flag. And when we see that flag, we will remember that we all share one American home, one American heart, and one American destiny.

May God bless our nations builders. May God bless our nations workers. And may God bless the United States of America. Thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause.)
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The heirs of Nazi-era Jewish art dealers have spent nearly a decade trying to persuade German officials to return a collection of medieval relics valued at more than $250 million.

But they didn't make much headway until they filed a lawsuit in an American court.

The relatives won a round last week when a federal judge ruled that Germany can be sued in the United States over claims the so-called Guelph Treasure was sold under duress in 1935.

It's the first time a court has required Germany to defend itself in the US against charges of looted Nazi art, and experts say it could encourage other descendants of people who suffered during the Holocaust to pursue claims in court.

The case also is among the first affected by a law passed in Congress last year that makes it easier for heirs of victims of Nazi Germany to sue over confiscated art.

It open all kinds of other claims based on forced sales in Nazi Germany to jurisdiction in US courts if the facts support it, said Nicholas O'Donnell, an attorney representing the heirs.

The collection includes gold crosses studded with gems, ornate silverwork and other relics that once belonged to Prussian aristocrats. The heirs of the art dealers  Jed Leiber, Gerald Stiebel, and Alan Philipp  say their relatives were forced to sell the relics in a coerced transaction for a fraction of its market value.

The consortium of dealers from Frankfurt had purchased the collection in 1929 from the Duke of Brunswick. They had managed to sell about half of the pieces to museums and collectors, but the remaining works were sold in 1935 to the state of Prussia, which at the time was governed by Nazi leader Hermann Goering.

Following the sale, Goering presented the works as a gift to Adolf Hitler, according to court documents. The collection has been on display in Berlin since the early 1960s and is considered the largest collection of German church treasure in public hands.

German officials claim the sale was voluntary and say the low price was a product of the Great Depression and the collapse of Germany's market for art. In 2014, a special German commission set up to review disputed restitution cases concluded it was not a forced sale due to persecution and recommended the collection stay at the Berlin museum.

The 17th century painting 'Portrait of a Man', which belonged to German Holocaust victim Dr. August Liebmann Mayer, displayed at a ceremony at the Jewish Heritage Museum in New York (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Two of the dealers fled Germany following the sale of the Guelph Treasure. The other died there, although his children managed to get out.

The heirs decided to sue Germany and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation in US court a year later. Germany tried to dismiss the case under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which exempts foreign states from being sued in the US It makes an exception for property taken in violation of international law.

US. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in the District of Columbia said the heirs could argue that the sale was a part of the genocide of the Jewish people during the Holocaust and, accordingly, violated international law.

The ruling will encourage other families to pursue stolen art cases in American courts, said Jonathan Petropoulos, a history professor at Claremont McKenna College who specialises in Nazi art restitution.

The German system for civil litigation presents so many obstacles to claimants, Petropoulos said. Victims and heirs deserve their day in court in front of an impartial judge.

Germany can appeal the ruling. Attorney Jonathan Freiman said German officials are reviewing their options.

This is a dispute that was already resolved on the merits in Germany, and it doesn't belong in a US court, Freiman said.

The Nazis, the Jewish banker, and the battle for two priceless Picassos Show all 3 1 /3 The Nazis, the Jewish banker, and the battle for two priceless Picassos The Nazis, the Jewish banker, and the battle for two priceless Picassos 47793.bin The Nazis, the Jewish banker, and the battle for two priceless Picassos 47794.bin The Nazis, the Jewish banker, and the battle for two priceless Picassos 47743.bin GETTY IMAGES

Thousands of works of art plundered by the Nazis have been returned to their rightful owners or families over the years from Germany and other countries. The Limbach Commission in Germany was formed in 2003 to consider restitution in contested cases where opposing parties can't reach an agreement. But it has been criticised for moving too slowly.

The German government announced several reforms last year intended to improve the process.

Associated Press
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Theres a lot of love out there for 2015s The Big Short and, as such, a lot of expectation on director Adam McKays next movie.

Today, Variety reports that it will be a biopic on one of Washingtons most polarising figures, Dick Cheney.

Christian Bale is in talks to star as the former vice president, with Amy Adams negotiating playing his wife Lynne Cheney (these castings would be a little unusual though, as Dick and Lynne are 76 and 75 respectively). Steve Carell meanwhile - who worked with McKay and Bale on The Big Short - is believed to be in talks to play Donald Rumsfeld.

The Big Short Exclusive Interview With Steve Carell & Director Adam McKay

McKay will direct his own screenplay for the Paramount movie, which is hoping to start shooting in the spring.

Brad Pitt (with his company Plan B) and Will Ferrell are among the producers.

McKay said recently that he has spent hours researching Cheney and his climb to power, the VP having been key in the USs post-9/11 wars.

Variety reports that McKay has been working hard to get Bale on board to play him.
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Sex scenes are part and parcel of a career for many actors but that does not mean they are always an enjoyable experience.

For Kirsten Dunst, they are an ordeal. The actor has said she feels uncomfortable filming intimate scenes in her latest film The Beguiled.

"I am on the floor and my clothes are being ripped," Dunst told E! News.

The 34-year-old said she did not feel comfortable filming scenes such as these. "I don't like it, I don't like it," she said. "To be honest, I'm like, 'Let's get this over with as fast as possible.'"

The 34-year-old actor, who rose to household name fame for her portrayal of Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man trilogy, praised the films director Sofia Coppola for being sensitive during the shoot.

She explained that while male directors want "to shoot it from every angle Coppola takes a different approach.

"At least Sofia's like, 'We're going to get this done quick, we're just gonna shoot it here, we'll do three takes, be done," she recalled.

The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Show all 10 1 /10 The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Leonardo DiCaprio On climate change: 'Climate change is real, it is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.' Getty The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Chrissy Teigen 'I will never stop talking about how horrible Donald Trump is. Even after he loses, I will set an alert to my phone to remind me to not stop. Getty The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Nicki Minaj On the war on drugs and US prison system: What it has become is not a war on drugs. It has become slavery. Or something crazier. When I see how many people are in jail, I feel like, Wait a minute. Our government is aware of these statistics and thinks its OK The sentences are inhumane. Christopher Polk/Getty Images for A+E Networks The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Emily Ratajkowski 'I am not shamed or apologetic of what my body might represent to you. Its the body I was given. I'm no less worthy of making political points about feminism or fighting for the reclaiming of female sexuality because of it.' Andrew Toth/Getty Images The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Jesse Williams On racial equality: Now what we've been doing is looking at the data and we know that police somehow manage to de-escalate, disarm and not kill white people every day. So what's going to happen is we are going to have equal rights and justice in our own country or we will restructure their function and ours. Getty The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Zendaya On claiming a magazine photoshopped her: Had a new shoot come out today and was shocked when I found my 19 year old hips and torso quite manipulated. These are the things that make women self conscious, that create the unrealistic ideals of beauty that we have. Getty The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Jennifer Lawrence Im over trying to find the "adorable" way to state my opinion and still be likable! F**k that. I don't think I've ever worked for a man in charge who spent time contemplating what angle he should use to have his voice heard. It's just heard.' AFP/Getty Images The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind John Legend On Black Lives Matter: 'We should not have to jump through hoops to prove black people shouldnt be shot by police during routine traffic stops. So many people work so hard to find a reason why executing a human being during a traffic stop is ok. ITS NOT OK.' Getty The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Amandla Stenberg On cultural appropriation: 'What would America be like if we loved black people as much as we loved black culture?' Getty Images The famous men and women who arent afraid to speak their mind Maisie Williams On feminism: I [also] feel like we should stop calling feminists feminists and just start calling people who arent feminist sexist  and then everyone else is just human. You are either a normal person or a sexist. People get a label because theyre bad.' Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Her co-star Colin Farrell who also features in The Beguiled said he had made an effort to be as sensitive as he could be while they filmed the sex scenes.

"It's harder for women," the 40-year-old said. "And women have in the history of cinema...been more exploited of course, through the means of sexuality, by men than men have. So, it's situations like that, any love scenes that I've been a party to over the years, you just [do] whatever your female dance partner needs."

He added: "I really think a woman should be the boss completely in those scenes, whatever she needs to make her comfortable and allow her to have the freedom to do the job she needs to do".

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The Beguiled, which hits the UK cinemas on 23 June, is a 19th-century story of seduction and betrayal set at a women's boarding school in 1864 in Virginia during the Civil War where women have been sheltered from the outside world. It is a remake of the 1971 thriller.

This is by no means the first time Dunst has worked with Oscar-winning director Coppolla, they also worked together on The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette.
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Britney Spears is reportedly the reason for why a forthcoming Israeli election has been delayed.

The pop artist is scheduled to perform at a concert in the country on 3 July, which was the same day as the primary for the Israeli Labour Party.

However the election is now going to take place the following day, on 4 April.

A statement released by the party said: "The election date was delayed by one day due to the fact that there is a major event at Yarkon Park on 3 July, 2017."

Jerusalem Online reports that the change took place due to a "major event" in Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park - which would presumably cause disruptions in the city centre and waylay party members trying to get to polling stations.

Haaretz reports that a senior party source said there would also be issues of security, as many guards would be employed securing the concert.

It was not revealed whether party officials were planning on going to the concert themselves.
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The only person who has not responded to Kendall Jenners Pepsi advert is the reality TV star turned model herself. The ad, which Pepsi has now been forced to pull, has drawn criticism and derision from all corners of the internet.

For those who are on a digital detox or have straight up refused to watch the video, the concept is fairly simple. Jenner, the second youngest of the Kardashian clan, leaves a photo shoot to join a protest where she offers a riot officer a can of Pepsi, prompting the crowd to erupt into raucous applause and the policeman to grin. Borrowing images from the Black Lives Matter movement, the ad has been accused of co-opting, commodifying and trivialising social movements to sell soft drinks.

But while everyone from Martin Luther King Jrs daughter, Bernice King, and Lena Dunham, has cuttingly ripped apart the advertisement, Jenner has remained deafeningly silent. The model has deleted her two Instagram posts about the Pepsi ad but has yet to issue a statement on her various social media channels.

Although Jenner did give her thoughts on the commercial, which Pepsi initially planned to use in a global ad campaign, the day before it was released.

I had never been to Bangkok before, so it was interesting to be in that city, she told Women's Wear Daily. There were a lot of really cool people on set that I got to meet. It was fun, it was entertaining. The whole concept is really something that Im about, so it was just fun to be a part of.

She spoke of the campaigns desire to promote the concept of living for the moment - probably its only feature which has not been eviscerated in think pieces dissecting it scene-by-scene.

Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Show all 20 1 /20 Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner stars in Calvin Klein Jeans ad Alasdair McLellan/Calvin Klein Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Harper's Bazaar Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendal Jenner models at the Chanel autumn/winter 2015 show Getty Images Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner models for Balmain spring/summer 2015 Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Behind the scenes of Kendall Jenner for Estee Lauder Estee Lauder Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner on the runway at Givenchy Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner on her biggest catwalk job yet leading Dolce & Gabbana's finale during Milan Fashion Week EPA Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner walks the runway at Tommy Hilfiger Women's fashion show during New York Fashion Week Getty Images Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Model Kendall Jenner walks the runway at the DKNY show Getty Images Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner walks the runway at the Diane Von Furstenberg fashion show during New York Fashion Week Getty Images Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne for Love Magazine photographed by Slve Sundsb, Styling: Katie Grand Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner on one of the covers of Teen Vogue's September issue Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner on one of the covers of Teen Vogue's September issue Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner Love Magazine LOVE Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner at Chanel's autumn/winter 2014 fashion show Getty Images Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner at Chanel's autumn/winter 2014 fashion show Getty Images Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner poses for Givenchy alongside Isabelle Huppert and other models, photographed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott Givenchy Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Riccardo Tisci with Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber Tisci Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Getty Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making Kendall Jenner's fashion career in the making (L-R) Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner accept the choice reality show award for Keeping Up with the Kardashians Reuters

I think a lot of people are caught up in whatevers happening in someone elses life and theyre not really paying attention to whats happening right in front of them most of the time, she said. Its not hard to put your phone down and consciously try and get yourself to live in the moment. Thats what I try and do.

Jenner, who has been propelled into the public eye from a young age, also referred to a photo she had seen of fellow model Cindy Crawford in a Pepsi advert which appears to have served as her inspiration for the ad.

She [Cindy Crawford] actually just posted the most epic photo the other day on Instagram of her in an all-Pepsi outfit and I texted someone, I need this full outfit. This is amazing. Shes f*****g ridiculously amazing.

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Activists have said the advert, which is set to a tune by Bob Marleys grandson Skip Marley, bares no relation to their lived reality of protesting against police brutality and Black Lives Matter organisers have condemned the commerical.

The scene where Jenner approaches a line of officers is a clear reference to the iconic image of a female protester named Ieshia Evans standing strong while being confronted by heavily armoured riot officers during a Black Lives Matter protest in Baton Rouge after Alton Sterling was fatally shot by police last year.

Succumbing to widespread criticism, Pepsi announced they were pulling the advert on Wednesday.

The video has been removed from YouTube and in a statement, the company said: "Pepsi was trying to project a global a message of unity, peace and understanding.

"Clearly, we missed the mark, and we apologise. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are pulling the content and halting any further rollout. We also apologise for putting Kendall Jenner in this position."

This represents something of a U-turn from their previous statement which defended the ad as depicting various groups of people embracing a spontaneous moment  to live life unbounded, unfiltered and uninhibited.

While Jenner, a daughter of the television personalities Kris and Caitlyn Jenner, and a half-sister to Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, has yet to comment on the furore, a source told People the model is likely to have been absolutely mortified by the reaction. Anything offensive is just not her. She means well, always, they said.

The Independent contacted a representative of Jenner for comment.
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Microsoft has revealed details of its long-rumoured "Project Scorpio".

The mysterious new Xbox looks to be the most powerful games console ever made, according to specs published by the company.

It revealed the specifications of the new project, with more information to be shown off in the coming months. But those specs make it easily the most powerful console on the market, surpassing closest rival the PS4 Pro.

Unlike the recent releases of the Xbox One S and the PS4  both of which brought updated specs and support for 4K video  the new Project Scorpio appears to be an entirely new console. But Microsoft promised that it would still be able to play Xbox One and 360 games.

The reveal included all the headline specifications of the console, compared with the same statistics and information for the existing Xbox One and the PS4 Pro.

But Microsoft made no mention of any games that it is set to release alongside the new console. It is that area that it is likely to be pressured by Sony in, having had to cancel many of its most high-profile exclusive titles, like Fable Legends and Scalebound.

Though Microsoft didn't show off the design of the new console, website Eurogamer  which carried the PR reveal of the new console  was told that all of the new hardware was packed into a "compact design", that still made allowances for "overall efficiency" and minimised power use. That required building the components in new ways and installing a special vapour-based cooling system that keeps it from overheating.

It said the new console would be out in autumn, and did not reveal a price.
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The UKs preeminent business lobby group has warned that the Governments apprenticeship levy, coming into effect on Thursday, might not deliver all the benefits it is intended to for both companies and apprentices.

The Confederation of British Industry said that as the levy comes into force, it is particularly concerned that many firms still do not have the infrastructure and resources to reap the benefits of the scheme.

It particularly flagged a lack of fully-developed success measures and long-term goals focused on apprentice progression and closing skills gaps. It also said that it was worried about the level of commercial acumen available to shape the successful design of a system of apprenticeships.

Recommended What you need to know about the new Apprenticeship Levy

The Government has promised to create 3 million new apprenticeships by 2020. To fund this, employers in England, who have an annual pay bill above 3m will from Thursday have to pay 0.5 per cent of their pay bill in a Government fund that will cover the cost of training apprentices.

But Neil Carberry, the CBIs director for people and skills policy, said that for the levy to be a success, it must deliver long-lasting careers and close skills gaps, not just create more apprenticeships.

Shifting the focus onto quality is essential to delivering much needed stability to Englands skills system, he added.

The CBI said that the progress for approving new apprenticeship standards is still slow and argued that there is a lack of accessible information for employers about the Governments list of approved providers of apprenticeships.

It said that careers guidance in schools relating to available apprenticeship options is ineffective and that over the longer run the Government should consider a more flexible skills levy, which does not only support apprentices but also helps to retrain adults.

But other experts have praised the apprenticeship levy as step in the right direction.

The apprenticeship levy is a huge opportunity for employers to invest in the skills needed to lead and grow a competitive workforce, said Petra Wilton, the director of strategy for the Chartered Management Institute, which specialises in management training.

With economic uncertainty ahead, employers need to invest in management capabilities now more than ever to lead change and engage their employees, she added.

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

Steve Hill, external engagement director at the Open University, said that the levy will help employers to meet the strategic goals of their organisation.

Employers that make the most of this opportunity, by identifying and responding to current and future skills gaps, will be better equipped to deal with changing environments - and will reap real organisational benefits, he said.

Those that just see the levy as a tax will ultimately lose out.

A Department for Education spokesperson on Thursday said that the Governments aim is to build a world-class education and skills system that will give everyone a chance to climb the ladder of opportunity to rewarding careers.

Quality is at the heart of our reforms. That is why we have given employers more freedom than ever before to design training that works for them and ensure it delivers the skills and knowledge that our economy needs, the spokesperson added.

We have been working closely with employer bodies, including the CBI, to help them and their members prepare to make the most of the opportunities available.
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Standard Life, which is merging with Aberdeen Asset Management to create a 650bn giant, is considering making Dublin its new hub inside the EU as it prepares for the UK to lose easy access to the single market, the firms chairman said.

Barring "something miraculous" happening, the Edinburgh-based money manager will no longer be able to service its 500,000 Austrian, German and Irish clients from the UK after Brexit, Gerry Grimstone said in an interview on Tuesday in Delhi. Standard Life is weighing turning its Dublin branch into a subsidiary from which it can "passport" into the rest of the EU, he added.

The firm would then "make the German business a branch of the Irish business," said Mr Grimstone. "All of us are preparing road maps like" that.

Recommended Credit Suisse considers Dublin expansion as Brexit looms

UK-based financial firms are preparing to move operations into new or expanded bases inside in the EU after Prime Minister Theresa May triggered the formal mechanism for quitting the 28-nation bloc. They are planning for a so-called hard Brexit -- the loss of their right to sell services freely around the region from Britain -- and want to have expanded offices up and running elsewhere before the end of the two-year negotiation period.

Dublin is one of the options were considering but no decision has been made, said Standard Life spokesman Steve Hartley.

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

Mr Grimstone, who also serves as deputy chairman of Barclays, said Londons financial sector will suffer from less European business, though that could be partially offset by more business with India and China.

I will confidently say that London is likely to be smaller as a financial centre and thats no secret, Mr Grimstone said.

Bloomberg
Egypt and Kuwait has signed a new multi-billion dollar contract to supply crude oil and petroleum, the state oil company of the Gulf country announced on Wednesday evening.

The contract signed by the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) is to supply Egypt with 1.5 million barrels of petroleum products per year and 2 million barrels of crude oil per month.

According to the three-year contract, the crude oil will be refined in Egyptian refineries.

Egypt will have a grace period of 180 days to pay for the shipments of fuel products and 270 days for crude oil, according to MENA.

A previous three-year contract between the two countries expired in December.



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Australia's national carrier Qantas is hoping to offer non-stop flights from London to Sydney within the next five years, thanks to new aviation technology from Boeing and Airbus.

Qantas said that the super long-haul flights could be made possible thanks to Airbus new A350-900ULR and Boeings 777-8.

These aircraft, we think, are potentially real goers on these routes," Alan Joyce, the chief executive of Qantas, told Reuters.

"You know from what they have done on other aircraft that Sydney-London and Melbourne-London has real possibility," he added.

The company has yet to launch a formal tender process to place an order on the brand new planes, but Mr Joyce said the first flights could being around 2022.

He has called the journey, dubbed the Kangaroo route, the most competitive on the globe and said it would reduce the Sydney-London flight time by three hours.

It would also allow Qantas to charge a premium of about 20 per cent as its product would set it apart from rival airlines operating on the route attracting business and holiday travellers wanting to complete the trip as fast as possible.

"It's something that can be presented as a unique selling point for Qantas," Mr Joyce said.

Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Show all 8 1 /8 Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Winners: Landscape category - Jurassic Coast (Dorset, UK) by Tony Cowburn Tony Cowburn Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Winner: Icon category - Tiger's Nest (Paro Valley, Bhutan) by Kasia Nowak Kasia Nowak Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Winner: People category - Reflections (S-21 Prison, Phnom Penh, Cambodia) by Charlotte Currie Charlotte Currie Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Winner: Wildlife category - Escape! (Tanzania) by Vittorio Ricci Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Runners-up: Icon - Snow Time (Westminster Bridge, London) by Ron Tear Ron Tear Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Runner-up: Wildlife - Momentary (Bucks, UK) by Porsupah Ree Porsupah Ree Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Runner-up: Landscape - Polar Bear Landscape (Wrangel Island, Russia) by Gunther Riehle Travel Photo of the Year: The winning entries Runner-up: People - Let Sleeping Sikhs Lie (Amritsar, India) by Allan Dransfield Allan Dransfield

Qantas will next year introduce direct flights from Perth to London, marking the first time Australians will be able to fly direct to Europe.

Announcing the new service in December last year, Mr Joyce said the 17-hour flights would be the third-longest passenger flights in the world.

However, it is still a much better option compared to the four days and seven stops it took when Qantas created the Kangaroo Route to London in 1947.
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Parents could face a fine or prosecution if they opt to take their child out of school for even half a day without permission, following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court on term-time absences.

A panel of judges ruled unanimously against Jon Platt, a father from the Isle of Wight who took his daughter on holiday to Disney World during school time in April 2015.

His case has divided opinion, prompting calls for stricter policies on school attendance as well as fairer peak-season pricing from holiday companies.

 Father reacts to Supreme Court ruling on term-time holidays

Responding to the ruling on Thursday, school and college leaders welcomed the judges decision, claiming term-time holidays place unfair pressure on teachers who are required to help absent children catch up with important work.

Malcolm Trobe, Interim General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders said: It is vitally important that children attend school as close to 100 per cent of the time as possible.

Research clearly shows that even short breaks can have a detrimental impact on educational attainment. Holidays should be taken in the 13 weeks that are allocated for that purpose each year, not in term time.

We were pleased that the Supreme Court also highlighted the fact that children missing school can be disruptive. Teachers have to help these children catch up and the more pupils who are absent the greater the disruption.

In a judgment clarifying the meaning of regular attendance at school, the panel allowed an appeal by Isle of Wight education chiefs against an earlier ruling that Mr Platt had not acted unlawfully.

They said Parliament's intention was that the word regularly means in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school.

This effectively means mothers and fathers should not take their child out of lessons at any point without the headteacher's approval.

The judges pointed out there are exceptions to that rule, which include religious holidays and sickness.

Speaking after the ruling was given, Mr Platt said he was not at all surprised at the judgment.

He said: I'm pleased that they acknowledged the judgment doesn't go on to say what the school rules should be.

Schools need to think very carefully about what these rules should be.

Some have policies that mean that every day missed is a criminal offence.

His case will now return to the magistrates' court, where Mr Platt said he has no intention of pleading guilty.

Commenting on the ruling, Prime Minister Theresa May said: What the Supreme Court has done is endorse the current position, which is right, which is that we recognise - and they've recognised - the importance of children being in school and getting the most out of their education but also recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where a child needs to be taken out of school during term time and it's right that the individual headteacher has that flexibility to make that decision. I think that is the correct balance.

Almost 20,000 people were taken to court for failing to ensure their child went to school in 2015, data obtained by the Press Association revealed this week.

The number of prosecutions has risen steadily since the Department for Education introduced stricted rules as part of a crackdown on pupils absences in 2013.

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said removing children from school during term-time created chaos in the classroom.

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

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she said: I completely understand the difficulties that working parents face - I did myself as a single mum.

But it's really, really important that we set that principle that actually children should attend school in term-time.

There are exceptional circumstances, there is discretion at the moment.

But if all parents took their children out of school in term-time because it was cheaper to get a holiday that way, then it would be chaos in our schools and it would affect all children.

Green Party officials said they condemned the decision, however, suggesting that fining parents was at best unproductive and at worst a classist act.

Vix Lowthion, teacher and Green Party education spokesperson, said: We all want our children to have excellence attendance  but fines and prosecution are not the best way to ensure this.

The Conservative Government is obsessed with formal, high stakes testing and believes that education can only take place in the classroom there is no flexibility allowed whatsoever.

Calling for the policy to be brought to Parliament for debate, she added: Instead of attacking parents choices, this Government should be enacting legislation against holiday companies who ramp up prices in school holidays well beyond the reach of ordinary families. They should be seriously looking at regional, flexible term times to spread holidays across a wider variety of weeks and welcoming opportunities for our young people to get out of the confines of the classroom and learn from the exciting experiences they have when away from home.

 Supreme Court rules against term-time holiday father

The National Union of Teachers agreed there were better alternatives to fining parents, and said there needed to be better flexibility on the issue.

Kevin Courtney, General Secretary of the union, said he had some sympathy for Mr Platt.

Fining parents is entirely the wrong route to be going down, he said. Many parents will be able to afford the fine and it will not be a deterrent. This is yet another example of top down measures being imposed on schools causing unnecessary tensions between head teachers and families.

Mr Platt, 46, won the landmark case last year after being prosecuted for taking his daughter out of school to go on holiday.

The father of three was fined 60 in April 2015 after her isle of Wight school refused permission for seven days of absence.

After refusing to pay the fine, Mr Platt was charged a further 60 and became quickly embroiled in a row with the council.

The matter was taken to the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court in October that year, where Mr Platt won his case, but the local authority appealed the decision to the High Court.

Lord Justice Lloyd Jones and Mrs Justice Thirlwall dismissed the council's challenge in May 2015, ruling that the magistrates had not erred in law when reaching their initial decision.

The two judges said the magistrates were right to take into account the wider picture of Mr Platt's daughter's regular attendance record when they decided he had no case to answer.

Mr Platts victory was hailed as a triumph of common sense, with many suggesting the case would pave the way for other families choosing to take their children out of school during term times.

The case was taken to the Supreme Court after Isle of Wight council appealed the High Court decision.

When the case was heard at the Supreme Court earlier this year, the Isle of Wight local authority argued that an unauthorised absence for even a single day, or even half a day could be unlawful.

But Mr Platt's representatives argued that it was unacceptable to interpret the rules in a way that would criminalise so many parents.

Ministers argue that allowing parents to take children out of school in term-time is disruptive to their learning and caused problems for teachers and the rest of the class when pupils returned and had to be helped to catch up.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: Our position remains that children should not be taken out of school without good reason.

That is why we have tightened the rules and are supporting schools and local authorities to use their powers to tackle unauthorised absence.
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A baby boy suffering from a rare genetic condition deserves a chance to be taken to the US in a final attempt to save his life, his parents have said.

The parents of Charlie Gard pleaded with a High Court judge to overrule doctors who say it is time to stop providing life support to the eight-month old.

Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London say Charlie, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, should move to an end-of-life care regime.

But his parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard, both in their early thirties, disagree and want to be allowed to take him to a hospital in the US where they hope he can be treated.

My son is the apple of my eye and I would do anything for him and I want to give him a chance, Mr Gard, a postman from Bedfont in west London, told judge Nicholas Francis.

He deserves a chance. It doesnt mean he should have to die because he will not be like another little boy running around.

Mr Justice Francis has been asked to decide what is in Charlies best interests in the High Court battle, which began on Monday and continues on Friday.

Connie Yates and Chris Gard arrive at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (PA) (PA Wire/PA Images)

Charlie, who was born on 4 August 2016, has a form of mitochondrial disease, a condition that causes progressive muscle weakness.

A specialist from the childrens hospital said Charlies condition had deteriorated hugely since he came to the hospital.

The disease has affected his brain to the extent that he is completely ventilator-dependent, said the doctor. This situation is not a tolerable one to leave a child in.

Mr Gard and Ms Yates said Charlie experienced pleasure and was not in pain, and said he should get treatment to see whether his condition can be improved.

They have raised 1.2m through more than 34,000 donations by setting up a crowdfunding campaign to help take their son to the US.

Mr Gard said he believed a treatment trial proposed by US doctors could work, saying: If there is no improvement we will let him go.

Ms Yates also asked for Charlie to be given the chance to try the pioneering treatment. If I thought for a moment that Charlie was in pain or suffering I would not fight for that life to be extended, she said.

Great Ormond Street Hospital's history Show all 10 1 /10 Great Ormond Street Hospital's history Great Ormond Street Hospital's history 'Treating rickets, 1920': This image of two children in protective eyewear in front of an ultraviolet screen was used in the 1930s to encourage donations to the hospital's redevelopment Great Ormond Street Hospital's history The Childrens Hospital School, which had opened with just one teacher, 1951 Great Ormond Street Hospital's history Staff and patients celebrate Christmas on Dresden Ward, which opened in 1893 after a large endowment from a London businessman Great Ormond Street Hospital's history 'Lady Folkestone cot, 1880s' shows a child in a bed with the name of the viscountess who sponsored her cot. The idea of cot sponsorship had begun just over a decade earlier, in 1868 Great Ormond Street Hospital's history Mrs Francis Willey, the hospitals first matron, appointed two months before GOSH opened, 1851 Great Ormond Street Hospital's history The hospitals nurses home, 1914 Great Ormond Street Hospital's history An operating theatre, circa 1930 Great Ormond Street Hospital's history Patients with lung conditions or infectious disease were wheeled on to the balcony for fresh air, 1920s. 'Images such as the balcony scene would have been used to show that the buildings were becoming antiquated and in need of replacement,' says Baldwin. 'The idea was to encourage people to donate towards maintenance, which was a constant concern.' Great Ormond Street Hospital's history The RAF Cranwell cot, funded from 1920 by a base in Lincolnshire Great Ormond Street Hospital's history GOSH acquired its first X-ray machine in 1903

Mr Gard had given evidence with a toy monkey that belongs to Charlie protruding from the top pocket of his jacket.

Mitochondrial depletion syndrome is very rare, Charlie is the 16th reported case with this condition worldwide. We believe that with your help we can save Charlie and others like him, his parents wrote on their crowdfunding page.

[Charlie] was born perfectly healthy but then he started to decline. We took him into hospital at eight weeks old and none of us have been anywhere near home since.

We have been with Charlie day in, day out and watched our poor baby get weaker and weaker, he now needs a ventilator to breathe but we have never lost hope throughout all this time.

 Baby sees his father for the first time with new glasses

The US doctor who would give Charlie experimental treatment has called the case unchartered territory and said the therapy would be treatment but not a cure, reported the BBC.

Charlie may be able to interact, he said. To smile. To look at objects.

Additional reporting from Press Association
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Ketamine can provide relief to patients with severe depression where nothing has helped before, researchers calling for a new approach to the drugs medical use have said.

For six years, scientists from Oxford University have been using ketamine to treat more than 100 people with treatment-resistant depression.

They said patients who received a series of carefully administered intravenous infusions of the drug, followed by oral top-ups, showed sustained improvement in around 40 per cent of cases  a significant result when other antidepressants have failed.

There are lots of people who are currently resistant to antidepressant drugs and psychotherapies, consultant psychiatrist Rupert McShane told The Independent.

Wed like to see some more centres developing expertise [about ketamine] and starting to use it.

One patient who took part in the trials said ketamine had slowed down the constant, overwhelming bombardment of negative intrusive thoughts surging through your brain and given her the opportunity to fight back.

Dr McShane, who led Oxfords ketamine treatment programme, said the only other treatment for severe depresson with a higher success rate that ketamine was electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which was at around 70 per cent.

A lot of people would never want to have ECT, largely because of stigma. Its an underused treatment, without a doubt, he said.

Ketamine, popularly known as the psychedelic club drug Special K, has been around since the early 1960s (Getty)

Ketamine, which was discovered in 1962, is licenced for medical use as an anaesthetic but is also used illegally as a recreational drug.

Trials into its use as a treatment for depression are in early stages, said Dr McShane, who is calling for a new medical registry to track where and how it is prescribed and provide a layer of scrutiny that currently we dont have for any antidepressants.

It is estimated around three per cent of the UK population, or nearly two million people, suffer from depression.

A small proportion of this group  around 158,000 people in total  have very severe depression that is resistant to existing treatments, studies have shown.

Depression isnt a disorder of underactivity of the brain, its a disorder of overactivity, said Dr McShane.

In people who are depressed theres an excessive connectedness between the emotional regulation area and other areas of the brain.

Both ketamine and ECT appear to reduce this hyperconnectivity, he said, as well as increasing levels of a chemical produced in the blood that helps new synapses to form in the brain.

The majority of 101 patients who received the treatment in Oxford, around 70 per cent, saw some improvement in their condition after one 40-minute intravenous infusion of ketamine.

They were then offered two more infusion sessions, followed by oral ketamine given twice weekly and the possibility of further top-up infusions, to allow the scientists to calculate the overall response rate of the drug over time.

When people are having an infusion, during that period they feel very peculiar. That dissociation is sometimes more powerful than people think its going to be, said Dr McShane.

Over the course of the three infusions, sometimes people dont feel anything until the second infusion, sometimes the dose needs to be increased in the third. But sometimes people will start to feel better the following morning after the first.

 Global commission call for legalisation of drugs

Louise, a 36-year-old former nurse who took part in the trial, said: In depression and anorexia you get a constant, overwhelming bombardment of negative intrusive thoughts surging through your brain. You are just instantly paralysed and snowed under: you don't stand a chance.

Ketamine slows this down so you can fight back. Im the most stable I've been in years and have hardly spent any time in hospital compared to before ketamine.

I definitely do not feel at all, in any way hooked on or addicted to the ketamine. I have more trouble with withdrawal and side effects if I miss a couple of doses of my [standard] antidepressant than I do with the ketamine.

And David, a 64-year-old with bipolar disorder, said the treatment had allowed him to live for a few days a week rather than just exist.

Recommended Why ecstacy may soon be used as a PTSD treatment in the US

Dr McShanes colleague Ilina Singh is the lead author on a new paper, published in The Lancet, which outlines the teams recommendations for ethical and effective trials into the treatment, based on their experiences.

Our approach balances the potential harms of ketamine use for treatment-resistant depression, such as its misuse potential, with a focus on reporting structures that promote the broad benefits of clinical innovation and the ethical judgement of the clinician, said Professor Singh.

Dr McShane said patients had been cautious of the treatment because of ketamines reputation as a party drug, but emphasised it was one of the safest anaesthetics there is.

He said he and his team had encountered cases of people buying ketamine illegally to self-treat their condition, but this sometimes escalates out of control, with people experiencing side effects such as bladder problems and anxiety.

One of the 101 patients reported a possible bladder complaint, which improved after they stopped treatment, and there were some reports of poor memory and five people stopped after one infusion because the felt faint.

Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Show all 18 1 /18 Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health Sow Ay illustrations on mental health

Allan Young, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said preliminary data suggested ketamine may be a safe and effective treatment for severe depression and suicidal feelings but advised mental health practitioners to proceed with caution before treating patients with the drug.

Despite clinical trials showing rapid improvement in mood after ketamine infusion, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge about dosage levels, treatment protocols and the effectiveness and safety of long term use, he said.

Before ketamine can be recommended for use in clinical practice, extensive research is required to understand how to optimally use ketamine for treating depression.

Paul Keedwell, Consultant Psychiatrist and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University, expressed his support for the creation of a centralised registry to better understand the use of ketamine as a treatment for depression.

More research is needed and having a registry allows researchers to share new findings, positive or negative. For example, one challenge is to determine how to prolong any positive effects, perhaps through multiple dosing, or by adding other drugs, he said.

Also, to bring its use from lab to clinic, more acceptable and practical modes of administration might be equally effective. Finally, ketamine might be used more routinely in non-treatment-resistant depression, to accelerate improvement in combination with more conventional antidepressants."
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A suburb of Stockholm is being redesigned to make it more feminist.

Housing company Svenska Bostader (SB) is remodelling the area of Husby in the Swedish capital in an attempt to attract more women and make female residents feel safer.

Changes are being made in the district, which is on a Swedish police list of problem areas and was the scene of riots in 2013, after a lengthy public consultation.

We need to get more women into the public spaces, Nurcan Gultekin, SBs social sustainability coordinator in the area, told The Local. It's above all about having an equal public space where everyone, both men and women, feel welcome."

The company has been in discussions with local residents since 2009. Conversations revealed that the area around the local metro station was considered by female residents to be particularly unsafe

We started workshops where female residents were free to speak up and point out the places where they felt unsafe, Mr Gultekin said.

We then started to get a clear image of how the centre is perceived and the factors playing into that. It emerged that women to a large degree were opting to take a detour around the centre. They didn't feel comfortable."

It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm Show all 14 1 /14 It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355354.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355355.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355356.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355357.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355358.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355359.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355360.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355361.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355362.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355363.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355364.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355365.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355366.bin It's cool up north: Modern classics from Copenhagen and Stockholm 355367.bin

The company is rolling out a series of changes, including a redesigned station entrance and improved street lighting to create a better-lit route from the metro station.

A cafe in the areas main square will also be moved in order to encourage people of both genders to use it.

The cafe has become a natural meeting place for some Husby residents, mostly men, Mr Gultekin said. Today, however, women don't have a natural meeting place in the centre. There is an imbalance. Our ambition is to create harmony, where both men and women dwell in and move around the centre."

SB hopes Husby will be the inspiration for gender-conscious urban planning in other areas.
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A prison officer's neck has been slashed by an inmate at HMP Altcourse prison in Liverpool.

The man was attacked with a razor shortly before 4:20pm on Wednesday and was rushed to hospital, Merseyside Police said.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is on-going".

The attack took place in the segregation area of the prison as the inmate was due to be transferred to a Category A prison.

The unnamed prisoner, who had been charged with murder, is believed to have attacked the officer with a razor he hid during his shower and shave while he was being transferred from the prison.

The director for HMP Altcourse, Steve Williams, said: A member of our team at HMP Altcourse was attacked by a prisoner and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

"We are working closely with Merseyside Police and supporting their investigation into this incident and we continue to support the officer and his family.

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

"There is no place in our prison community for violent behaviour and we will always work with the police to push for the strongest possible sanctions in court against prisoners who undermine safety."

The officer has since been discharged from hospital.
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Former US President Barack Obama is to make his first visit to Scotland when he addresses business leaders in the capital next month.

The Democrat, who served eight years in the White House, will also answer questions from the audience at the event, which is be held to raise money for charity.

The dinner in Edinburgh on May 26 is thought to be one of his first major addresses since his term as president came to an end.

It is being organised by The Hunter Foundation, set up by leading businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, with tickets for a table of 10 expected to go on sale for approximately 5,000.

All of the cash raised will be split between children's charities in Scotland and the Obama Foundation, set up by the former president and his wife Michelle.

Sir Tom also plans to set aside some seats at the event for local young people.

He said: From the South Side of Chicago to the White House has been an epic, historic journey and it will be a true honour to hear that story from the man who made that journey.

We are both truly proud and delighted to be hosting the 44th President of the United States in Scotland at this event.

Sir Tom told the Press Association he is really chuffed Mr Obama is coming to Scotland.

The Hunter Foundation has previously arranged for US politicians and actors including Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney to come to Scotland.

We're always looking for really inspiring speakers to come along to Scotland, and really inspire and inform, Sir Tom said.

To be able to get President Obama, we're really chuffed.

Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Show all 11 1 /11 Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Barack Obama's best moments in the White House May 19, 2009 The President was leaving the State Floor after an event and found Sasha in the elevator ready to head upstairs to the private residence. He decided to ride upstairs with her before returning to the Oval Office, Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Oct. 26, 2012 President Barack Obama pretends to be caught in Spider-Man's web as he greets the son of a White House staffer in the Outer Oval Office Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House A National Security staffer, Carlton Philadelphia, brought his family to the Oval Office for a farewell photo with President Obama. Carltons son, Jacob, softly told the President he had just gotten a haircut like President Obama, and asked if he could feel the Presidents head to see if it felt the same as his. Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House March 21, 2010 The President, Vice President and senior staff applaud after watching on television the House vote on H.R. 4872 for health care reform, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Dec. 3, 2009 President Barack Obama fist-bumps custodian Lawrence Lipscomb in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building following the opening session of the White House Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Sept. 22, 2015 "The Obama family and Biden family greet Pope Francis as he arrives in the United States for the first time at Joint Base Andrews," Sept. 22, 2015. Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Feb. 21, 2014 President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden participate in a "Let's Move!" video taping on the Colonnade of the White House, Feb. 21, 2014 Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Feb. 18, 2016 President Barack Obama watches First Lady Michelle Obama dance with 106-Year-Old Virginia McLaurin in the Blue Room of the White House prior to a reception celebrating African American History Month, Feb. 18, 2016 Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Jan. 21, 2013 "The President and First Lady wave to supporters as they ride in the inaugural parade. I had asked the President if I could ride in the presidential limousine and the President joked, 'But Michelle and I were planning to make out," Jan. 21, 2013. Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama share a private moment in a freight elevator at an Inaugural Ball, January 2009 all pics: Pete Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Barack Obama rests his hand on the bible that President Lincoln used for his swear-in, being held by his wife Michelle Obama as he is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America Rex

The entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist also revealed he is planning a special surprise for the 44th US President.

He said: President Obama loves his music, so we're getting some interesting guests.

Press Association
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A bus driver accidentally wedged his vehicle in a central London street while attempting a three-point turn.

The rear of the red double-decker bus mounted the kerb, leaving the vehicle stuck and blocking the road, in an incident a witness described as reminiscent of a scene in spy-comedy Austin Powers.

Several passers-by and many passengers attempted to help free the bus as its engine strained in Cornhill near Bank station.

It is unclear when the route 21 bus was freed after it became stuck shortly before 2pm on 1 April.

Footage of the incident shows a crowd of onlookers sniggering at the mess, which played out like a large scale re-enactment of a famous scene in the nineties American blockbuster where protagonist Powers gets a luggage cart stuck in a corridor.

Witness Adrian Brailsford told the Evening Standard: It was trying to do a three-point turn but the back mounted the kerb. The wheels were spinning round and round.

All the passengers got off and tried to get it moving again, as you can see, trying to push it off the kerb.

120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Show all 9 1 /9 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Doug Levitt has been using Greyhound as his main form of transport since 2004 Patrick Fraser 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Greyhound is a "last resort" form of travel, he says Doug Levitt 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Greyhound customers in Nashville Doug Levitt 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Levitt has racked up 120,000 miles on the road Doug Levitt 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus He's met people from all sections of society Doug Levitt 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Prepare for physical discomfort on long journeys Doug Levitt 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Greyhound travel shows a different side of America Doug Levitt 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Waiting for the bus in Des Moines Doug Levitt 120,000 miles across America by Greyhound bus Levitt says there's a camaraderie amongst Greyhound passengers Patrick Fraser

The 46-year-old from Leyton, east London, added: The passengers didnt seem to mind rolling up their sleeves and lending a helping hand.

People seemed quite amused by it all. Some were stopping and taking photos.

We stopped to watch for about 10 to 15 minutes, but I have no idea what happened after that.

Comparing the incident to the film, Mr Brailsford said: I imagine the bus would be considerably more difficult to manoeuvre, so its a good job Austin Powers wasnt behind the wheel.

Transport for London has since explained the driver attempted a three-point turn because of diversions in the area.

Head of bus Operations at TfL Tony Akers said: This was a case of driver error because of diversions in the area. We apologise to passengers and are looking into how it happened with Go-Ahead London who operate the bus.
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International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox jumped to the rescue of nine-month-old baby having a seizure on a flight, it has been reported.

Dr Fox, who worked as a GP for 10 years before entering politics, was on an official trip to the Philippines when an emergency message was broadcast on board his plane.

A couple from Hong Kong were concerned about their baby, which appeared to be having a fit.

 Liam Fox meets President Duterte

Dr Fox answered the request and came forward, diagnosing the baby with febrile convulsion.

An eyewitness told The Sun: Dr Fox placed the baby in the recovery position and then bathed him to reduce his high temperature.

Febrile convulsions occur in around one in 50 infants and are caused by high temperatures. They do not usually have any long lasting effects.

The baby recovered fully by the time the plane landed and Dr Fox was able to continue his trip, making overtures to controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dr Fox was later criticised for speaking of shared values the UK holds with Mr Duterte, who has led a brutal war on drugs and bragged of personally executing suspected criminals.

More than 7,000 people have been killed in Mr Duterte's campaign, according to police figures, causing widespread condemnation.

He has also urged the public to kill drug addicts, who he said he would be "happy to slaughter" in their millions.

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 Department of International Trade spokesman said closer ties would help Britain to address areas of concern.

He said: "We do not shy away from confronting barriers to trade and investment - including issues of human rights and corruption.

"Greater knowledge and understanding of one another will increase our ability to address those issues that concern us."
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Parents have been told: you must not take your children out of school for holidays during term time.

The Supreme Court has upheld the Governments appeal on a case involving a child who was taken to Florida during the school term, saying: Any educational system expects people to keep the rules.

The event at the heart of the case involves Jon Platt, a 46-year-old company director from the Isle of Wight. He sought permission to take his daughter to Florida during term time. The head teacher refused. Mr Platt took her anyway.

The judgment in Court 1 took only a few minutes. Speaking immediately afterwards, Mr Platt expressed bitter disappointment at the judges interpretation. He told The Independent: What they effectively did was overrule a judgment from 1969 and a 2006 case on which I was entitled to rely.

Until 2013, head teachers in England were able to grant up to two weeks a year for family holidays in special circumstances. But the then-Education Secretary Michael Gove, cracked down on parents taking children out of school during term-time, imposing fixed-penalty fines of 60 for unauthorised absences.

Package holiday prices typically double when schools are out. A week before the late-May half term, the cheapest Thomson holiday from Manchester to Mallorca costs 226 based on a family of four; the cheapest a week later is 461, an increase of 104 per cent.

Rises in air fares tend to be more extreme, with prices multiplying three, four or even five-fold. The evening flight on easyJet from Gatwick to Barcelona on Saturday 20 May for a family of four costs just 132 one way. A week later, the price for the same seats on the same plane rises to 663  over five times higher.

Mr Platt was issued with a fixed penalty but refused to pay it. He was taken to court under the 1996 Education Act, but magistrates dismissed the case. The Isle of Wight Council sought clarification in the High Court, with the support of the Department for Education.

In the High Court, Lord Justice Lloyd Jones upheld the magistrates' view that Mr Platt's daughter's overall attendance record was satisfactory and he had no case to answer.

His judgment implied that parents need only demonstrate regular attendance of at least 90 per cent of school days. With a typical academic year involving 190 school days, the ruling suggests that 19 days of absence is acceptable  corresponding to almost four weeks.

The Government supported the Isle of Wight Councils appeal to the highest court in the land.

The Supreme Court ruled on a narrow point of law: whether a child's overall attendance at school should be taken into account when deciding whether a parent has committed an offence by allowing their child to be off school.

Giving her judgment, Lady Hale, Deputy President of the Supreme Court said: Unauthorised absences have a disruptive effect, not only on the education of the individual child, but also on the work of other pupils, and of their teachers.

If one pupil can be taken out whenever it suits the parent, then so can others. Different pupils may be taken out at different times, multiplying the disruptive effect.

Any educational system expects people to keep the rules. Not do so is unfair to those obedient parents who do keep the rules, whatever the cost or inconvenience to themselves.

The Department for Education said: Every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil's chance of gaining good GCSEs, which has a lasting effect on their life chances.
The BBC Arabic Festival 2017 featured an array of fascinating stories from the region explored via documentaries and fiction

The third BBC Arabic Festival, which took place between 24 and 30 March, was a full week of over twenty films, ranging from short to feature-length documentaries, fiction films and reportages that drew a diversified crowd of all nationalities to the almost-packed BBC Radio Theatre in London.

Following many films there was a wide range of Q&As with the filmmakers as well as eye-opening seminars.

During one of these nights, documentary filmmaker, Adam Curtis, talked about the Western media's manipulation of stories and how over the past 40 years America and Britain have invented fake visions of the Arab world to sell to their own people.

At the heart of the talk was the story of the Libyan former president Muammar El-Gaddafi and his relationship with the Assad dynasty.

The closing ceremony was hosted by standup comedian Hisham Fageeh and featured music concert by El-Doum ethnic band.

The premiere, out of competition: Makkah Under Siege

The festival also included very fresh premieres, most notably the BBC documentary Makkah Under Siege.

The film which took over five years to produce, came fresh from the oven at 6am on Monday 27 March, and it was screened only six hours later, followed by a discussion with the BBC production team.

The film tackles the most important historical incident in the history of Saudi Arabia.

On dawn 20 November 1979, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia woke up to the news that the Grand Mosque in Mecca had been occupied by a large group of gunmen.

Prayers ceased as the men and their leader Juhayma Al-Oteibi, announced the end of the coming of the awaited Mahdi (Redeemer) ushering a new age that would render the kingdom itself obsolete.

Almost forty years later, the story remains a mystery, giving birth to different narratives of speculations and myths about what happened, both in the media and the popular imagination.

The film digs into the historical facts and disputes the myths and legends. It also features some of the men who took an active part in the events, including members of the French commandos whose participation in the liberation of Islams holiest place was kept under a heavy lid.

For the first time witnesses who were in the Grand Mosque, whether trapped or by choice, speak about the events. The documentary uncovers who the rebels were and what really happened in Mecca during those fateful 15 days.

The film also tackles an important turning point in the history of Saudi Arabia, as before the siege there were women TV presenters and Saudi Arabia was headed towards modernisation.

But those men who besieged the Grand Mosque calling for a more conservative form of Islam with no role for women eventually won if not the battle of the mosque then definitely that of ultra-conservatism, and women were banned from TV and film appearances ever since.

Following the screening there were a lot of interesting questions from the sophisticated audience at the theatre in London.

Many asked about the widely believed myths of Iranian involvement in the events, as they coincided with the Iranian revolution, but the filmmakers dismissed the rumours as there is no historical evidence to confirm them.

Also, a member of the audience asked about portraying the rebels and how in the film Juhayma, who claims to be the Mahdi, appears very attractive, with his curly hair and wide black eyes defined with kohl, and the camera close ups on his face may appear to glorify his image.

The filmmakers answered that in all the interviews eye-witnesses say he was a charismatic leader and the film tried to replicate his image as shown in the few actual photos that were found of him.

There were two narratives, the Saudi official narrative that portrays the rebels as devils, and the eyewitness narrative that displays them as charismatic and they did believe that God was on their side and that Al-Oteibi was the Mahdi or redeemer. The film tried to put both narratives to understand what really happened, said Ellie Melki, producer of the documentary.

No easy competition

Many films won prizes deservedly, yet it was no easy competition, as the quality of the most of the films was really high. The stories they portrayed were extraordinary, even if we might question some of their elements.

The movie Ambulance won GBP 10,000-worth of equipment and a yearlong hands-on training from the BBC.

Undeniably, the film has a very powerful narration, achieved by very graphic scenes of war, destruction, dead bodies and broken bones from the latest war on Gaza, images that are too shocking for many viewers.

The voice of the filmmaker Mohamed El-Jebaly and his honest and true commentary is perfect, but the film fails to tell a story, neither of the ambulance team, nor of the many dead bodies we see without a name or a history.

It makes one wonder if the spectators have the right to see those dead bodies and their families' grief without even knowing their names or their stories.

However, it was chosen for the very same reasons.

We dont see these strong images in the Western media. The jury saw something promising in the filmmaker and chose to work on his skills and next year we will see his new production and I am sure it will be promising, said Samir Farah, head of BBC Arabic service, who added that the BBC invests in the future of young filmmakers.

Yet, there were also films that didnt win prizes but deserve recognition as they were highly artistic and included graphics, stop motion, poetry and music that are very technically advanced.

For example, Jareedy, the first Nubian film in the Nubian language, is an extraordinary film with the perfect combination of prose, music and songs, and excellent quality sound and picture.

Jareedy is philosophical and touches on the delicate subject of dreams. The protagonist of the film is a Nubian boy who throughout the film tries and succeeds in conquering his fear of water, he saves every penny of his small school allowance to build a jareedy (a small wooden boat), crosses the Nile and climbs a rock on an island.

The movie tackles the story of the land of gold, Nubia, whose people lost their precious land, houses and dreams when the Aswan High Dam was built on the Nile to prevent floods.

There was a rich discussion with thee writer and producer of this magical-realist film, Mohamed Hisham, like most movies at the festival.

But unfortunately the artists behind some great movies couldnt make it to the festival as they were either in the middle of production of their next movie or they were denied a visa.

Another film worth underscoring is A Man Returned, which follows protagonist Reda who lives in Ain El-Helweh refugee camp in Lebanon.

He dreams of escaping to Europe but his dreams are shattered and he returns from Greece a heroin addict. He decides to marry his sweetheart in the camp, which is torn apart by the Syrian internal strife, and we see him realistically mix his heroin doses in front of his family, and set up a kitschly decorated bedroom inside the camp. The film is as bittersweet as the camp itself.

The Wheels of War is a captivating feature-length documentary about war-torn Beirut. Protagonists Marwan, George, Jamal and Ghassan tell their story of how they decided to flee the civil war that they realised was not worth dying for, and follow their dreams of motorbiking. They establish the first Harley Davidson club in Lebanon.

The film mixes innovative techniques, powerful graphics depicting the civil war, talking-head interviews with protagonists, and beautiful images of biking against the soaring green mountains of Lebanon.

For its turn, the film Yaman takes its title from the protagonist, who is a young inventor. His greatest invention is an incredible machine which can bestow super powers on paper tissues. This innovative stop-motion short film is directed by Amer Al-Barzawi and depicts a shocking contrast between the ugly reality of the little boy, a tissue-seller, and his dreams of sky-rocketing inventions.

And let us close with yet another film that deserves to be highlighted: Here You Are, an experimental video-poem and piece of art where text and trance music takes us on an internal journey and sheds light on the mental health issues of refugees upon their arrival at their destination. The film is directed by Tyma Hezam, a Syrian-Palestinian psychology student in Los Angeles.

This year, the BBC Arabic Film festival managed to showcase some excellent artistic films in both cotent and picture. It seems that out of the sad reality of the situation in Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon, some very creative films are coming to give us hope, after politics have failed us.





For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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A father who refused to pay a 120 fine after taking his daughter to Disney World during term time has lost his legal battle at the Supreme Court.

Jon Platt was prosecuted by the Isle of Wight Council after he refused to pay a penalty for taking his daughter on a seven-day family trip to Florida in April 2015 without the school's permission.

Local magistrates initially found there was no case to answer, and two High Court judges in London later upheld the decision, declaring Mr Platt was not acting unlawfully because his daughter had a good overall attendance record of over 90 per cent.

But judges ruled on Thursday that regular attendance had to be in keeping with rules of the school, after the council urged that it raised important issues over what constitutes regular attendance at school.

They said the magistrates should take into account the wider picture of the child's attendance record outside of the dates she was absent on the holiday.

The ruling rejects Mr Platt's argument that despite missing a week of school for a holiday, his daughter had regularly attended school over the course of the year, with the justices saying said parents would have to comply with the rules set by schools and education authorities.

In her judgment, Lady Hale said that if parents were able to withdraw children whenever they wanted there would be an unacceptably disruptive effect on lessons.

Following the judgment, Mr Platt said the ruling had reversed "decades of judicial precedent" in a move he described as "shocking", adding that it meant a child being a minute late to school "is now a criminal offence".

The Supreme Court has just reversed decades of judicial precedent. They didn't just say that the High Court judge who heard my case... misinterpreted the law, they have concluded that the earlier High Court decision from 2006 and one from 1969 were also wrong in their interpretation of the law," Mr Platt said.

Be in no doubt, despite the judgment, I followed the law precisely laid down and interpreted by High Court judges in two separate cases. They told me that to attend 'regularly' was to attend very frequently.

So I decided not to pay a 60 penalty notice because my daughter had otherwise perfect attendance at school. With this judgment those precedents have been swept away and the consequences can only be described as shocking.

(Regularly) now means to attend on all the days and at all the times that a school requires it. Every unauthorised absence, including being a minute late to school, is now a criminal offence.

Gillian Graveson, partner at Birchall Blackburn Law and head of family law for the firms seven offices said the ruling was significant, commenting: While I am not surprised at todays ruling, as a parent myself I think a common-sense approach should be applied.

"This ruling makes it clear that if a parent refuses to pay a fine for allowing their child to be absent from school without permission even for a single day, they could face a prosecution. This will affect parents across the country, many who have already made holiday bookings.

If a child has a great attendance throughout the year, is missing a couple of days at the end of term really going to have a huge impact on their education?

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA

In response to the ruling, Councillor Richard Watts, Chair of the LGAs Children and Young People Board, said: Todays ruling by the Supreme Court provides further clarity but it is important that the Department for Education works with schools and councils to avoid any further doubt about the law.

"What is needed is certainty for parents, teachers and councils, so that head teachers have the confidence to approve or reject requests for term-time leave in the best interests of pupils.

The guidance provided to schools needs to be urgently updated to reflect the judgement. I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Department to ensure further clarity is provided for all involved.
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Theresa May and Donald Tusk have agreed to try and lower tensions over Gibraltar in Brexit talks following the recent furore over the issue.

The Prime Minister made clear however that there would be no negotiation on the sovereignty of the British territory without the consent of its population.

The two leaders met to discuss pending Brexit negotiations amid concerns that Gibraltar could become a flash-point in an already difficult situation.

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Their meeting at Downing Street comes after former Tory leader Michael Howard suggested the UK would go to war over Gibraltar in the same way it had over the Falklands.

Sources at both No 10 and in Brussels said two hours of talks between Ms May and European Council President Mr Tusk on Thursday were friendly.

On Gibraltar, an EU source added: They agreed to stay in regular contact throughout the Brexit process to keep a constructive approach and seek to lower tensions that may arise, also when talks on some issues like Gibraltar inevitably will become difficult.

A Downing Street official went on: The PM also made clear that on the subject of Gibraltar, the UKs position had not changed, the UK would seek the best possible deal for Gibraltar as the UK exits the EU and there would be no negotiation on the sovereignty of Gibraltar without the consent of its people.

 Donald Tusk outlines EU guidelines for Brexit talks

The issue of Gibraltar arose after Mr Tusks draft negotiating guidelines for the EU effectively said Spain would be given a veto over any deal that would affect the status of Gibraltar, a territory it has desired to take back from the UK for many years.

Tensions became further strained following Lord Howard's unexpected intervention, in which he said: "Thirty-five years ago this week, another woman prime minister sent a taskforce halfway across the world to defend the freedom of another small group of British people against another Spanish-speaking country, and Im absolutely certain that our current Prime Minister will show the same resolve in standing by the people of Gibraltar.

While later ruling out any sort of military action over Gibraltar, Ms May still refused to condemn Lord Howard's comments.

In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier listens at the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, delivers his speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit reacts during a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage wears socks with Union Jack flag at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Nigel Farage, United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) member and MEP, addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcoming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker (L) speaks with European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France Getty Images

At their meeting on Thursday Ms May and Mr Tusk talked further over the draft guidelines set out after the UK triggered Article 50, which will now be cemented into a Brexit negotiating mandate for Michel Barnier at a meeting of the European Council on 29 April.

The Number 10 official added: The PM reiterated the UKs desire to ensure a deep and special partnership with the European Union following its exit, and noted the constructive approach set out by the Council in its draft guidelines published last week.

The European Parliament became the first EU institution to formalise its guidelines for Brexit talks on Wednesday, in which it said guaranteeing the rights EU and British citizens living abroad should be a priority.
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Theresa May will meet European Council president Donald Tusk on Thursday for the first time since she triggered Article 50 and began the formal Brexit process.

The Prime Minister will meet with Mr Tusk at Downing Street for talks, billed as "discussing the way ahead on Brexit".

Mr Tusk last week told the UK that "we already miss you".

He also warned that there was "nothing to win in this process" of Brexit negotiations, describing the process as being "about damage control".

The council president has outlined ten red lines for negotiations. Key points include Brexit talks taking place before trade talks begin, a financial settlement of the UK's liabilities to the EU, and a guarantee for the rights of EU citizens based in the UK.

He also also demanded that the UK do not "side deals" with EU capitals, that it gets no special deals for the city of car makers, and that it would lose access to EU free trade deals.

In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier listens at the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, delivers his speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit reacts during a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage wears socks with Union Jack flag at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Nigel Farage, United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) member and MEP, addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcoming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker (L) speaks with European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France Getty Images

On Wednesday members of the European Parliament voted to back a similar series of red lines laid out by its Brexit lead Guy Verhofstadt.

Those guidelines included a two-year time-limit on any transitional deals.
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The Labour Party has betrayed Britains Jewish community by not expelling Ken Livingstone for his remarks about Hitler and Zionism, the Prime Minister will say today.

In a speech in Nottinghamshire launching the Conservatives local election campaign Theresa May is expected to present the upcoming contests as a choice between the Tories and the chaos and disarray of the rest.

The Prime Minister will attack a Labour party which just this week revealed the depths to which it has now sunk, betraying the Jewish community in our country by letting Ken Livingstone off the hook.

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It could not be clearer that the Labour party is now a long way away from the common, centre ground of British politics today, she will say.

A secretive Labour committee announced this week it would not expel Ken Livingstone from the party for his comments; he has already been suspended for 11 months and will now be suspended for another year.

Critics have characterised Mr Livingstones suggestion that Adolf Hitler provided support to the Zionist movement as antisemitic while the former mayor himself says he was merely stating historical fact.

Mr Livingstone has declined to apologise for his comments, a move which prompted Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to announce a further investigation into his conduct by the partys National Executive Committee.

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

Ms May will also use the speech to hit out at a Labour party totally out of touch with the concerns of the British people, arguing that it ignores the priorities of local communities and instead indulges its own ideological obsessions.

Her speech comes the same day as Labour announces its latest policy: free school meals for all primary school children, funded by VAT on private school fees.

Mr Corbyn said the policy would mean that no child would be go hungry because of their background.
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The Labour candidate in the Manchester Gorton by-election has come under fire after an audio recording of him accusing Israel of genocide emerged.

Afzal Khan spoke at an anti-Iraq War rally in 2002 where he questioned the then-US President George W Bushs motivations for the invasion when at the same time he was allowing the former Israeli leader Ariel Sharon to commit genocide against the Palestinian people.

In the recording, which was obtained by political blog Guido Fawkes, he said: We talk about Saddam being an evil dictator, we all agree about that. But what about the other dozens of dictators who America calls their friends?

"And what about that man of peace Ariel Sharon? Who makes mockery of the word peace. Whos been committing genocide against the Palestinian people.

"What about him? Of course we need to deal with Saddam, but far more pressing issue is the problem of Palestine [which has] been suffering from more than 50 years.

The politician, who has served as a Labour MEP for the North-west of England since 2014, has since apologised for the comments, saying it was 15 years ago and he now strongly supports a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine.

But in 2014 he was condemned by the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CAA) for a tweet in which he linked to a blog post saying the Israeli Government are acting like Nazis in Gaza.

When he was appointed as the official Labour candidate in the by-election to replace Sir Gerald Kaufman - who died in February - the CAA said: If Khan believes that Israeli policy is to act like Nazis then he is an anti-Semite.

If that is so, and he is selected as the Labour Party candidate in Manchester Gorton, the Jewish community could be in for years of torment  the Labour Party would have swapped one anti-Semite for another.

The group highlight the international definition of anti-Semitism, which was recently adopted by the British government, and which says drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis is anti-Semitic.

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

They condemned Labours decision not to investigate the tweet  or a speech given on the parliamentary estate by Sir Gerald in 2015 where he claimed Jewish money was being used to subvert the British government.

But they expressed surprise that it was Mr Khan who was making the comments as he was awarded a CBE in 2008 for his work on interfaith dialogue as the co-founder of The Muslim-Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester.

It comes as Mr Khan condemned Ken Livingstone for repeatedly claiming Hitler was a Zionist after the former London Mayor was suspended from the Labour party for a year this week.

Mr Khan told the Manchester Evening News there was no place for anti-Semitism in the party but stopped sort of saying whether Mr Livingstone should be permanently expelled.

Other Labour figures, such as deputy leader Tom Watson who was out on the campaign trail with him when the audio emerged, have argued the former London mayor should be kicked out of the party.

The controversy is the latest salvo in an ongoing scandal about anti-Semitism within the party.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has come under heavy and sustained criticism for his perceived reluctance to do anything about the growing number of Labour activists associated with him who have been accused of anti-Semitism.

Last year a report on anti-Semitism was branded a whitewash after its author Shami Chakrabarti cleared them of the charge but said they needed to stop using anti-Semitic language such as Zio and to stop referring to Hitler.

Britain's Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirivis later said her credibility "lies in tatters" after she was awarded a peerage by Mr Corbyn a few months later.

Mr Khan told The Independent: I did not then  nor do I now - endorse the content of the article I tweeted. I have a long track record of fighting racism  including anti-Semitism. I was new to Twitter and made a mistake, which I apologised for.

In 2008 I was awarded a CBE in part for my work encouraging greater understanding between Muslims and Jews. As an MEP I have continued this work on the parliamentary intergroup against anti-Semitism. I would urge people to judge me on my track record.
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Cabinet ministers are reportedly urging Theresa May to sack Liz Truss from her role as Lord Chancellor after a series of embarrassing mistakes.

The change could see the Ministry of Justice broken up and the role of Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary split between two different ministers.

Ms Truss currently performs both jobs but her performance has been heavily criticised by senior members of the UK judiciary.

She was condemned for failing to defend high court judges after they were attacked in the right-wing press for ruling that Parliament should be given a say on Brexit. Lord Thomas, the Lord Chief Justice, called Ms Truss' response "constitutionally, absolutely wrong".

The role of Lord Chancellor, which includes responsibility for overseeing the application of law in government and speaking up for the judiciary, was previously held by a judge but Tony Blair turned the position into a political appointment in 2007.

The changes reportedly being considered by Downing Street could see the role of Lord Chancellor given to a Conservative MP with legal training, which Ms Truss does not have.

A more traditional separation [of the department] is needed, one cabinet minister told The Daily Telegraph.

"Whether that's a full break-up of the department or just a hiving off of the Lord Chancellor, this is being considered."

Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Show all 13 1 /13 Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Supreme Court Brexit Challenge People wait to enter the public gallery outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Gina Miller, co-founder of investment fund SCM Private arrives at the Supreme court in London on the first day of a four-day hearing Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A man waves the EU flag in front of the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Satirical artist Kaya Mar poses with two of his paintings in front of the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Pro-Europe protestors dressed as Supreme Court Justices stand outside the Supreme Court ahead of the first day of a hearing into whether Parliament's consent is required before the Brexit process can begin. The eleven Supreme Court Justices will hear the government's appeal, following the High Court's recent decision that only Parliament can trigger Article 50 Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge The eleven Supreme Court Justices will hear the government's appeal, following the High Court's recent decision that only Parliament can trigger Article 50 Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Businesswoman Gina Miller arrives at the Supreme Court ahead of the first day of a hearing into whether Parliament's consent is required before the Brexit process can begin Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Attorney General Jeremy Wright arrives at the Supreme Court in London EPA Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Protesters outside the Supreme Court in London, where the Government is appealing against a ruling that the Prime Minister must seek MPs' approval to trigger the process of taking Britain out of the European Union PA wire Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A protesters wearing a judge's wigs and robes stands outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A protester holds up a placard outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters Supreme Court Brexit Challenge Pro-Europe protestors dressed as Supreme Court Justices stand outside the Supreme Court Getty Supreme Court Brexit Challenge A man waiting to enter the public gallery waves a European Union flag outside the Supreme Court ahead of the challenge against a court ruling that Theresa May's government requires parliamentary approval to start the process of leaving the European Union, in Parliament Square, central London Reuters

Another Government source told the paper: "The majority of backbenchers who are interested in these things - the lawyers and former ministers - and senior lawyers/judges agree the Blair reforms were wrong and the Lord Chancellor should be given to a senior lawyer freed from the tough prisons brief.

The senior judiciary think the current role is an almost impossible one. It's the 10th anniversary of the MoJ and it isn't a well-functioning department."

Ms Truss was contradicted by Britains most senior judge last month after the Justice Secretary announced plans to bring forward new rules allowing pre-recorded cross-examination evidence to be used in cases relating to sexual offences.

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, was forced to issue a clarification after saying Ms Truss announcement was misleading. The rules will relate only to children and other vulnerable witnesses, he said.

A separate pilot for victims in sex offence cases is being carried out but has not yet been extended.

 Liz Truss says revoking of Article 50 wouldn't be a legal issue

Lord Thomas later told the Lords Constitution Committee: "I regret to say that we had to correct a serious misapprehension that had arisen as a result of what the ministry said at the end of last week about the roll-out, and the way we were proceeding with pre-recorded evidence.

"They misunderstood the thing completely. And so yesterday I had to write to all the judges togmail explain that, unfortunately, what the ministry had said was wrong.

A Whitehall source said: "A series of blunders - not all of them entirely the minister's fault - have highlighted the deep routed and at times absurd problems and conflicts within the department."

"The department is not fit for purpose and the recent cock ups go deeper than simply weak ministerial oversight. Splitting it up is something that is certainly being looked at.

However, a Government spokesman denied changes were being planned. No such plan is under consideration. It isnt going to happen, he said.
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Former MP Mark Reckless has quit Ukip to rejoin the Conservatives, the party has announced.

Mr Reckless praised the exemplary leadership of Theresa May since becoming Prime Minister, as he abandoned the party of Nigel Farage and Paul Nuttall.

The move is yet another blow for Ukip, whose only elected MP Douglas Carswell also just quit the party, with senior figures now demanding Mr Reckless resign his seat on the Welsh Assembly.

After announcing his return to the Tories, he said: [Ms May] has been steadfast in her position to deliver on the wishes of the people of Wales and the United Kingdom, building a united country that works for everyone and not just the privileged few.

His switch boosts the number of Assembly Members the Conservatives have in Wales, making them a bigger party than Plaid Cymru and allowing the Tories to take on the mantle of official opposition to Labour.

Mr Recklesss move was warmly welcomed by the leader of the assemblys Conservative group, Andrew Davies, who said the new member had already proved himself hard-working and dedicated.

He added: He will now be able to continue this work as part of a strong and united team which will be the official opposition in the assembly.

Marks decision to join the group is testament to the strength and unity of the Welsh Conservative team in Cardiff Bay which provides the only real opposition to a tired and complacent Labour administration.

 Douglas Carswell quits Ukip: A look back at his time in the party

The re-defection follows last months announcement from Mr Carswell, another defector from the Tories, that he would quit Ukip to sit as an independent in the House of Commons.

Mr Reckless originally joined Ukip in 2014, but after winning a by-election in his Rochester and Strood seat he was voted out of the Commons in the 2015 general election. He was subsequently elected to the assembly on a Ukip ticket in May 2016.

Ukip chairman Paul Oakden said: Having been elected as a Conservative in Rochester and Strood, Mark didnt think it right to sit as an MP for another party without asking the electorate for their endorsement in a by-election. A position that was right as it was honourable.

In the campaign that followed, our membership worked incredibly hard to ensure that Mark retained his seat.

It is now incumbent on Mark Reckless to relinquish a position he has only by virtue of a Ukip mandate. The position should go to the next Ukip candidate on the regional list.

A spokesman for the Ukip group in the assembly said: This defection is a slap in the face for the voters of South East Wales who voted for Ukip in 2016 in the good faith they were electing a Ukip Assembly Member.
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Security concerns have been raised after it emerged that British fighter jets are to be serviced in Turkey.

SNP MP George Kerevan questioned the wisdom of the policy in light of the fraught political situation in the country following last years attempted coup and tensions with Nato allies over the resulting political crackdown.

Major repairs to the engine RAF F-35 jets had previously been carried out in the UK, but the Ministry of Defence says these will now happened at a site in Turkey which has been selected to provide deep maintenance.

The base will repair the engines of all F-35 jets based in Europe while other repairs will be conducted at similar bases in Australia and North America.

The F-35 project, which started in 2006, is primarily funded by the US. It is part of an international programme to bring the jets into operation for a loose collection of nine Nato members and close US allies, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands and Turkey.

Maintenance tasks will be shared between them.

The UK will be responsible for handling repairs to electronics and ejector seats at base in North Wales.

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

The Ministry said the decision to repair F-35s in Turkey was part of facilitating this global support network.

But Mr Kerevan said the UK should consider setting up back-up facilities if the situation in Turkey deteriorates.

"The UK should have options in the event of a diplomatic crisis with Turkey," he told the BBC. "I want to know what alternative arrangements are in place if it became impossible to have the the engines overhauled."

He said he would be writing to the Defence Select Committee to ask them to investigate.

Turkey has been moving closer to its former enemy Russia after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan felt betrayed by his Western allies respond to the coup.

The two countries nearly resorted to armed conflict after the Turkish air force shot down a Russian jet it said had violated its territory in 2015 but came together after the attempted coup last year when the West condemned Mr Erdogans brutal crackdown on dissent.

Mr Erdogan blamed a US-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, for orchestrating the plot and demanded his extradition.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has moved away from the West following the attempted coup (Reuters)

But Washington refused on the grounds no evidence for the claim had been presented against Mr Gulen who has denied any involvement in the plot.

Since the attempted coup, Mr Erdogan has fired hundreds of senior military staff serving Nato in Europe and the US.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "F-35 is an international programme, with maintenance and repair hubs in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific and a global support network that ensures security of supply for all involved.

"The UK, along with the other F-35 partner nations, benefit from this approach and the efficiencies it delivers."
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A deal for joint sovereignty over Gibraltar between Spain and Britain should be revived as Brexit looms, former Europe minister Peter Hain has said.

The 2002 agreement the Labour politician helped negotiate eventually fell down and, in a referendum that year, some 99 per cent of Gibraltarians voted against the idea of shared sovereignty.

Immediately following the UK's vote to leave the EU in June last year Spain's acting foreign minister said he believed Brexit "opens up new possibilities on Gibraltar not seen for a very long time", though the UK Foreign Office said firmly it would not negotiate sovereignty unless Gibraltar agreed.

Writing in The Guardian, Mr Hain said: "The only concession Gibraltarians would have to make is a Spanish flag flying on the rock alongside a British one. Their cherished British citizenship, traditions, customs and way of life would be unchangedexcept for the better because being under siege from Spain would disappear.

"Indeed, our deal gave Gibraltar much greater self-government and democratic autonomy, by abolishing the colonial trappings of its governor general acting on behalf of London. It also removed many obstacles that affected normal daily life, such as border controls, restrictions on telephone access, and the lack of easy diversions to Malaga of incoming plane flights to Gibraltar airport in bad weather.

"The deal meant massive jobs and prosperity benefits too, including turning a new merged harbour with Algeciras into the most important container and harbour port in southern Europe, ideally placed for both the Atlantic and Mediterranean."

Gibraltar was now in a "much worse place than 15 years ago" because of Brexit, Mr Hain added, saying a deal would give its inhabitants "more freedom and security than ever".

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

The Gibraltar question returned to the headlines in dramatic fashion last Sunday when ex-Conservative leader Michael Howard claimed the UK could go to war with Spain, as it had done with Argentina over the Falklands, if it used the Brexit negotiations to seek to assert sovereignty over the UK territory.
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A dog has died after attacking a suicide bomber who tried to blow herself up at a wedding in Nigeria.

Witnesses said the teenage girl attempted to infiltrate a crowd celebrating near the town of Maiduguri, where Isis affiliate Boko Haram has been waging a bloody campaign to establish a caliphate.

Buba Ahmed, from Belbelo village, said the bomber was on the outskirts of the gathering when the dog attacked her on Sunday morning, grappling with her until the explosives detonated and killed them both.

Recommended Terror groups in Nigeria now using babies in suicide bombings

He said guests were grateful to the pet, which they felt had sacrificed itself to save their lives.

Borno state police confirmed the incident, which came hours after three suicide bombers were killed in attacks foiled in nearby towns.

A multinational force has driven Boko Haram jihadis out of most towns and villages in north-eastern Nigeria, but the extremists have resorted to attacking soft targets with suicide bombers.

The rise of Boko Haram Show all 20 1 /20 The rise of Boko Haram The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The leader of the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau delivers a message. Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the mass killings in the north-east Nigerian town of Baga in a video where he warned the massacre was just the tip of the iceberg. As many as 2,000 civilians were killed and 3,700 homes and business were destroyed in the 3 January 2015 attack on the town near Nigeria's border with Cameroon AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People displaced as a result of Boko Haram attacks in the northeast region of Nigeria, are seen near their tents at a faith-based camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in Yola, Adamawa State. Boko Haram says it is building an Islamic state that will revive the glory days of northern Nigeria's medieval Muslim empires, but for those in its territory life is a litany of killings, kidnappings, hunger and economic collapse The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nitsch Eberhard Robert, a German citizen abducted and held hostage by suspected Boko Haram militants, is seen as he arrives at the Yaounde Nsimalen International airport after his release in Yaounde, Cameroon on 21 January 2015 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Officials of the Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) visit victims of a bomb blast in Gombe at the Specialist Hospital in Gombe. According to local reports at least six people were killed and 11 wounded after a bomb blast in a marketplace in Nigeria's northeastern state of Gombe on 16 January 2015. Islamist militant group Boko Haram has been blamed for a string of recent attacks in the North East of Nigeria The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People gather at the site of a bomb explosion in a area know to be targeted by the militant group Boko Haram in Kano on 28 November 2014 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People gather to look at a burnt vehicle following a bomb explosion that rocked the busiest roundabout near the crowded Market in Maiduguri, Borno State on 1 July 2014. A truck exploded in a huge fireball killing at least 15 people in the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri, the city repeatedly hit by Boko Haram Islamists The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram President Goodluck Jonathan visits Nigerian Army soldiers fighting Boko Haram Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Displaced people from Baga listen to Goodluck Jonathan after the Boko Haram killings AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan speaking to troops during a visit to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State; most of the region has been overrun by Boko Haram AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Members of the Nigerian military patrolling in Maiduguri, North East Nigeria, close to the scene of attacks by Boko Haram EPA The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Boko Harams leader, Abubakar Shekau, appears in a video in which he warns Cameroon it faces the same fate as Nigeria AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nana Shettima, the wife of Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima (C) weeps as she speaks with school girls from the government secondary school Chibok that were kidnapped by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, and later escaped in Chibok The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram South Africans protest in solidarity against the abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls in Nigeria by the Muslim extremist group Boko Haram and what protesters said was the failure of the Nigerian government and international community to rescue them, during a march to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Boko Haram militants have seized the town in north-eastern Nigeria that nearly 300 schoolgirls were kidnapped from in April 2014 AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram A soldier stands guard in front of burnt buses after an attack in Abuja. Twin blasts at a bus station packed with morning commuters on the outskirts of Nigeria's capital killed dozens of people, in what appeared to be the latest attack by Boko Haram Islamists, April 2014 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The aftermath of the attack, when Boko Haram fighters in trucks painted in military colours killed 51 people in Konduga in February 2014 AFP/Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau (with papers) in a video grab taken in July 2014 AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Ruins of burnt out houses in the north-eastern settlement of Baga, pictured after Boko Haram attacks in 2013 AP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram A Boko Haram attack in Nigeria, 2013 AFP/Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau, Boko Harams leader AP

Unlike its parent group Isis, it frequently uses women for the attacks, with those who manage to escape the terrorist group claiming they were paid or kidnapped and forced.

An 18-year-old woman who was stopped while wearing an explosive vest in Maiduguri in February said she had been given N200 (50p) for food by militants who instructed her to detonate the explosives anywhere we saw any form of gathering.

They said if we press the button, the bomb would explode and we will automatically go to heaven, said Amina, who had been abducted by Boko Haram two years before.

Nigerian troops and militias have prevented dozens of suicide bombings in recent months through increased security at checkpoints, along with body searches outside targets like marketplaces and mosques, but dozens have been killed.

Additional reporting by AP
New York's Eleven Madison Park nabbed the top prize at the World's 50 Best Restaurants on Wednesday, only the second non-European restaurant to win the gong.

The restaurant overlooking Madison Square Park was praised for its sense of fun in blending a creative tasting menu with gracious hospitality. It rose from third place last year, overtaking Italy's Osteria Francescana and Spain's El Celler de Can Roca.

"We get to help people celebrate some of the most important moments in their lives or give them the grace to forget something for a moment," said co-owner Will Guidara on receiving the top gong with Swiss-born chef Daniel Humm.

The restaurant, where Humm's prized dish is celery root cooked in a pig's bladder, has just extended its lease for another 20 years and will close for three months for an overhaul.

"We're about to embark on a completely new journey," Guidara told reporters, calling the prize a fitting end to the first phase of Eleven Madison's journey.

Since the inception of the award in 2002, California's French Laundry is the only other non-European establishment to claim the top prize. It won in 2003 and 2004.

The top 10 included two Peruvian restaurants, Central, which slipped to no.5 from fourth place last year, and Maido which climbed to no. 8 from 13.

Peru is becoming a dining hot spot as the country has so many terrains at different altitudes for creative chefs to gather ingredients, one of the voters for the award, German food writer Christoph Teuner, told Reuters.

The only Asian restaurant in the top 10 was Bangkok's Gaggan, where owner-chef Gaggan Anand has created a modern take on his native Indian cuisine by deconstructing favorites like samosas and tikka masala.

Spain continued to dominate the line-up with three restaurants in the top 10, including Mugaritz, while France had only one in the top 10 - Mirazur in the south-eastern town of Menton.

Rounding out the top 10 was Vienna's Steirereck, housed in a glass cube, where freshwater mountain fish is cooked at the table in hot beeswax.

The list was created by William Reed Business Media, and the gongs are now as coveted as Michelin stars.

Danish restaurant Noma, in the top 10 for nine successive years and winner of the award four-times, dropped out of the list as chef Rene Redzepi has closed the restaurant while moving it to a new venue in Copenhagen.

There are no criteria for putting a restaurant on the list, which is based on a poll of more than 1,000 chefs, food critics and other industry insiders spread across 26 regions. Each member gets 10 votes and at least four of those votes have to be for restaurants outside their region.

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Campaigners in Canada are trying for the second year in a row to prevent an anti-abortion flag from being flown outside council offices.

City Hall in Prince Albert, in Canada's Saskatchewan province, sparked protests last spring by flying a flag that featured a fully-grown cartoon baby attached to an umbilical cord above the words, "Please let me live".

The city's "courtesy" flagpole is reserved for charitable groups or similar organisations selected by community services workers, not by councillors. But its flag policy states that "requests to fly flags of commercial, political or religious organisations require the approval of the city council".

Prince Albert intends to fly the anti-abortion flag again this May as part of Celebrate Life Week, organised by Prince Albert Right for Life and the Jubilation Program, according to local media. A Change.org petition said: "City hall must not appear to promote the causes of groups working against women and gender diverse people's fundamental human rights."

According to PA Now, campaigner Lana Wilson told councillors this week: "The display of pro-life imagery is intended to support the attempt to re-criminalise abortion in Canada."

Last year's display "was very harmful, angering and intimidating to many people across Prince Albert", she said.

Mayor Greg Dionne said: "I strongly believe in freedom of speech and freedom of rights. If you dont like it, dont look at it. Theres lots of things I see in the world I dont like and I just ignore it."

The flag is not thought to have attracted a significant backlash in the six years prior to 2016's protest.
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A Southern California teenager leapt from a moving car to escape the man who allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped her.

The 13-year-old ran left home last Thursday after a fight with her mother, authorities said. She met her attacker, 50-year-old Timothy Marble, at a gas station early last Friday morning. Mr Marble, a convicted felon with a long history of domestic violence and drug charges, offered to give her a ride.

Mr Marble drove the girl out into the surrounding country, where she says he attempted to initiate sex. When she refused refused, the girl says he tied her to a tree and raped her. He proceeded to drive her around for another 24 hours, further assaulting her, injecting her with methamphetamines, and carving his name into her leg with a razor blade.

After 27 hours of abuse, the girl told authorities she leapt from his moving car on Highway 1 last Saturday. She hid in the bushes as Mr Marble called out to her, threatening to kill her. Finally, Mr Marble called 911 himself, telling authorities his companion had run away.

When authorities arrived responded to Mr Marbles' call, the girl emerged from the bushes and told them what had happened. Police arrested Marble on eight charges including kidnapping, sexually abusing a minor and child abuse. He is being held without bail at the Sonoma County Jail.

The girl was rushed from the scene to the hospital, where she was reunited with her mother, local news station Fox 61 reported.
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In the latest twist in the controversy over President Donald Trumps alleged ties to Russia, the head of the congressional committee investigating the matter has recused himself. Congressman Devin Nunes, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, removed himself temporarily from his committee's investigation following accusations of ethics violations.

Several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics, Mr Nunes said in a statement on Thursday morning. The charges are entirely false and politically motivated, and are being levelled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of US citizens and other abuses of power.

The criticism stemmed from Mr Nunes' decision to bring sensitive intelligence to Mr Trump before consulting with his committee. Two weeks ago, Mr Nunes announced he had discovered evidence of incidental surveillance of the Trump transition team  and possibly Mr Trump himself  leading up to the inauguration.

The information initially seemed to support Mr Trump's unsubstantiated claim that former President Barack Obama had wiretapped his offices. Mr Trump told reporters he felt somewhat vindicated by the discovery.

However, Mr Nunes later clarified that the surveillance appeared to be both legal and normal. Still, he chose to bypass his committee and bring the information directly to the White House. He later apologised for the hasty response.

It was a judgement call on my part, he told reporters on 23 March. Sometimes you make the right decision, sometimes you make wrong decision.

High-ranking Democrats called for Mr Nunes to recuse himself from the Russia probe, saying he had compromised the integrity of the investigation.

What he did was basically to go to the president, who is being investigated by the FBI and others and by the intelligence committee, to give them information, Representative Elijah Cummings, the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, told CNN. Basically what he has done is he has scuttled and put a cloud over his own investigation.

Mr Nunes has previously refused to step down from the House investigation. On Thursday morning, however, the bipartisan House Ethics Committee announced their own investigation of Mr Nunes, based on reports that he may have made unauthorised disclosures of classified information during his press conference.

Mr Nunes called the allegations baseless, but agreed to remove himself temporarily from the House investigation.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he supported Mr Nuness decision and said the Congressman was eager to talk to the ethics panel.

"It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in our election," Mr Ryan said.

Representative Mike Conaway will take over the investigation, assisted by Representatives Trey Gowdy and Tom Rooney. Mr Ryan said he was confident that Conaway will oversee a professional investigation into Russia's actions and follow the facts wherever they lead.

Representative Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said he was unaware of Mr Nunes decision to step down before the public announcement. Still, he commended Mr Nunes for making what he called "a very difficult decision," and said he looked forward to continuing the committee's work with Mr Conaway.

Mr Nunes said on Thursday that he planned to return to the House investigation in the future, though he did not specify when.
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A whole three years ago - a period of time that now feels like a lifetime - Donald Trump pondered a run for the governorship of New York. He apparently thought it might be a springboard to the White House.

Now, it it has been reported that his eldest son, a man whom, with his younger brother, is overusing the presidents business interests, may also fancy taking a run at the job himself.

Having previously told supporters of his father at a fundraising event in Florida that he missed the buzz of frontline politics, Donald Trump Jr apparently revealed to members of a private gun club he would like to follow his father into elected office, and that the New York governorship was attractive to him.

The New York Post said Mr Trumps son told the F6 Labs gun club in Hicksville, New York, he did not believe the senate or house were for him. Rather, it was the governors mansion in Albany, currently occupied by Democrat Andrew Cuomo, that appealed.

 Donald Trump Jr: If women can't handle basic workplace harassment teach kindergarten

Don Jr said he is interested in running for office, such as governor of New York, but the position of mayor of New York would be less interesting to him, a guest at the event told the newspaper.

Mr Trump Jr apparently said: Do I want to be behind the scenes and be a mouthpiece and fight back against crazy liberal media? Maybe. Going back to doing deals is boring after 18 months. The politics bug bit me.

Mr Trump did not indicate when he might run. Mr Cuomo is up for re-election in 2018, although he has also been named as a possible presidential candidate for 2020.
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An undocumented immigrant whose wife voted for Donald Trump has been deported to Mexico amid the President's crackdown on people living in the US illegally.

Roberto Beristain, 44, arrived in the US in 1998 and illegally stayed on, despite a deportation order handed down in 2000. He and his wife Helen went on to have three children, who he supported by running a steak restaurant near their home in Granger, Indiana.

Mr Beristain was making a regular check-in visit with immigration officials, who had allowed him to stay, when they changed their minds last month and detained him.

It came after the President promised to deport millions of people, following his infamous campaign claim that Mexican immigrants were "bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists and some, I assume, are good people".

Now the restaurateur has been sent back to his country of birth, CNN reported. His lawyer, Adam Ansari, said: "He hadn't committed any crimes. He didn't even have a parking ticket. He is probably one of the most lovable guys you will ever meet."

Ms Beristain, who voted for Mr Trump because of his immigration policies, said when her husband was arrested: "We dont want to have cartels here, you dont want to have drugs in your high schools, you dont want killers next to you.

"You want to feel safe when you leave your house. [Mr Trump] did say the good people would not be deported, the good people would be checked."

According to CNN, Mr Beristain was deported despite pending legal action and without his lawyer's knowledge. He reportedly said: "They suddenly told me it was time to go. They told me to get my stuff, they put me in the back of a van and sped toward the border.

"I asked to speak with my attorney, but was told there wasn't time for that."

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed it had deported Mr Beristain on Wednesday, CNN reported. It ended a spell of nearly 20 years living in the US for the businessman.

In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home Show all 13 1 /13 In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The front of the house Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The lobby Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The house exterior Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The patio Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The bedroom Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The living room Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The living area Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The Living Room Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The kitchen Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The living room Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The bathroom Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The living room Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The hall Zillow

Two years after his arrival, during a trip to Niagara Falls in 2000 with his stepson, Phil Kolliopoulos, and his wife, Mr Beristain was arrested when the family inadvertently took a wrong turn and arrived at the Canadian border.

After hiring a lawyer and posting $1,500 (1,200) in bail, Mr Beristain was released on a voluntary self-deportation order, giving him 60 days to leave the country.

Fearing for his pregnant wife, he chose to stay, Mr Kolliopoulos said in an online petition, adding that he went on to obtain a driver's licence, social security card, and work permit.

Mr Kolliopoulos described him as a "supportive and loving husband and father", and "very dedicated" to his restaurant which Mr Kolliopoulos said provided income to 20 families.
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Donald Trump called the Assad regime's chemical attack in Idlib a "consequence of the past administration's weakness", but his Twitter archive shows he previously advocated staying "out of Syria".

Dozens of people, including children, were killed on Tuesday in what was feared to be the worst chemical weapon attack in Syria in four years.

In his response President Trump criticised his predecessor, Barack Obama, for "weakness and irresolution" over whether to intervene militarily in Syria. He said: "President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a 'red line' against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing."

In September 2013, however, Mr Trump said in a series of tweets he wanted the US to focus on domestic issues instead of intervention in the war-torn country.

He said: "If the US attacks Syria and hits the wrong targets, killing civilians, there will be worldwide hell to pay. Stay away and fix broken US.

"What I am saying is stay out of Syria. The only reason President Obama wants to attack Syria is to save face over his very dumb RED LINE statement. Do NOT attack Syria,fix USA."

Hospitals treating victims of a suspected toxic gas were themselves targeted in a series of air strikes on Tuesday following the atrocity in a rebel-held town in Idlib province, where activists claimed up to 100 people died.

United Nations war crimes investigators have launched a probe into both rounds of bombing, saying the use of chemical weapons or deliberate targeting of medical facilities "would amount to war crimes and serious violations of human rights law".

At least 72 people, including 20 children, were reported dead after the initial attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun, which came during a Brussels conference on ending the Syrian conflict.

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

Theresa May said she was appalled by the attack and called for an investigation.

Doctors said victims started to choke, vomit and faint with foam coming out of their mouths, showing symptoms of possible sarin gas exposure.
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A Senator has spoken continuously for over 15 hours in protest to Donald Trumps Supreme Court nominee.

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon took to the Senate floor overnight in opposition to the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

The New York Times called it Congressional masochism, though it was not a formal filibuster. He was not delaying a vote at the time.

Mr Merkley stood the entire time, using visual aids periodically. He spoke of former President Obamas Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, who was denied a hearing by Republicans in the Senate in 2016, citing the election made Mr Obama a lame duck president.

For the first time in U.S. history, a seat has been stolen from one president and delivered to another in a court-packing scheme. If that were to succeed, it would set a precedent that will haunt the court for decades to come, Merkley warned.

He also said Congress should not approve Mr Gorsuch in the middle of investigations into Mr Trump and his teams possible ties to Russia as well as Russias influence on the 2016 election.

Other objections to Mr Gorsuch include his stance against euthanasia for terminally ill people, his strict interpretation of the US Constitution akin to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, and concerns about his view on voting rights laws.

Democrats have announced they have enough support to formally filibuster and Republicans would likely not be able to stop them from doing so.

They could however hold a vote on changing Senate rules to prohibit filibusters against Supreme Court nominees going forward. Former Senator Harry Reid employed a similar technique to stop Republicans from filibustering Mr Obamas lower court appointees.

Republicans have said that regardless, Mr Gorsuch will be confirmed as the next Supreme Court Justice on 7 April.
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There has been a huge drop in the number of people arrested for crossing the Mexico border into the US since Donald Trump took office.

Fewer than 12,500 were caught at the southern border in March, the lowest monthly figure in at least 17 years and the second month in a row border arrests dropped sharply.

The Trump administration has sought to take credit for the decline, with White House issuing a statement to say Mr Trump's "commitment to securing our border and supporting law enforcement is already showing results."

However, those working in shelters and experts on migration said it will take several more months to judge whether any drop-off is long lasting, and that the numbers could surge again as quickly as they have fallen.

 Donald Trump's Mexico wall: At what cost, and how long?

Some think the real "Trump effect" was pushing fearful people to move up their journeys and get to the US before he took office. Border arrests in October, November and December increased by about a third compared to the same period in 2015, before falling this year.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told Congress the decline was "no accident."

Testifying about the figures to the Senate Homeland Security committee, he credited Mr Trump with the fall.

"We've seen an absolutely amazing drop in the number of migrants coming out of Central America that are taking that terribly dangerous route from Central America to the United States," he said.

"March marks the fifth straight month of decline and is estimated to be approximately 71 per cent lower than the December 2016 total  58,478."

He added: "But while this recent decline in illegal migration is good news, we must ensure that the security of our southern border remains a priority to protect the nation from terrorists and other criminals."

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Mr Trump focused on the constant flow of migrants from the start of his campaign, when he denounced border crossers as criminals and rapists, and repeatedly promised to build "big, beautiful wall" and step up deportations.

His administration has started taking bids to build the wall, requesting that it must be able to repel pickaxes and sledgehammers for at least an hour and be easy on the eye for those looking at it from the north side.
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Few things give Washington pundits more pleasure than monitoring the varying fortunes of White House officials - especially when those officials are somewhat controversial.

So there was no some furore when it was revealed Steve Bannon, the far right adviser to Mr Trump, had been removed from his position on the National Security Council. It has now been reported the former Breibart publisher threatened to quit the administration as he fought to retain the role.

The New York Times said Mr Bannons allies denied he threatened to leave, and sought instead to portray the move as a natural evolution as the government settled in.

Susan Rice operationalised the NSC. during the last administration, Mr Bannon said in a statement, mentioning Barack Obamas national security adviser.

I was put on the NSC with General [Michael] Flynn to ensure that it was de-operationalised. General McMaster has returned the NSC to its proper function.

Yet within Washington, the decision to remove Mr Bannon from the NSCs principals committee - a move that was said have been orchestrated by Lt Gen HR McMaster, Mr Trumps national security advisor - was seen as possible indication that the far right former navy officers fortunes may be waning.

 Steve Bannon being talked about will be his kiss of death

For the first weeks of the administration, Mr Bannons hand appeared to be present at every decision of any importance. He encouraged Mr Trump to attack the media, and revelled in personally denouncing reporters as the opposition. He pushed Mr Trump to retain the chaotic management style that had marked the election campaign.

Yet it is possible that Mr Bannons influence may be diminishing, as Mr Trump turns increasingly to those he believes he can trust the most - family members such as Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner.

His eldest daughter has taken a position as federal employee within the White House, as has Mr Kushner, the former real estate magnate who appears to have been given responsibility for everything from relations with China to bringing peace to the Middle East. This week, there was much scorn as Mr Kushner was photographed during a visit to Iraq to meet with US and Iraqi military officials.

The newspaper said Mr Bannons enemies, inside and outside the White House, celebrated what they saw as a defeat for a man who has been seen as the power behind the presidency.

He didnt belong on the principals committee to begin with - doesnt really belong in the White House at all, said Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff of California. I hope that this is a sign that McMaster is taking control of the National Security Council.

Others speculated that Mr Trump may have acted partly out of annoyance over reports that suggested that Mr Bannon, and not he, was the person actually running the country.

Jeanne Zaino, a professor of political science at Iona College, told The Independent, she did consider the move a demotion for Mr Bannon. Yet she said it remained unclear who was behind it.

She said it may transpire that Mr Trumps chief of staff, Reince Priebus, was somehow responsible.

A lot of people thought Priebus was losing out to Bannon. But Priebus is still there, she said. He has kept his head down and he may be responsible of the White House acting a little more efficiently."
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Republicans have taken the historic step of triggering the so-called "nuclear option" to change the rules of the Senate and push through Donald Trump's pick for the Supreme Court, after Democrats blocked the nomination.

After Democrats successfully filibustered Judge Neil Gorsuch, Republicans made the choice to forever alter the way judges are appointed to to the top court in the country.

Under normal circumstances, nominees are required to get at least 60 Senators to support their confirmation - the new procedure allows Mr Gorsuch and future Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed with a simple majority of 51 votes.

Recommended Democrat Senator spoke for 15 hours to block Supreme Court nominee

Confirmation of Mr Gorsuch in a vote sometime on Friday would represent Mr Trump's first major victory since taking office after setbacks on healthcare legislation and his blocked order to prevent people from several Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States.

This will be the first and last partisan filibuster of the Supreme Court, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor, accusing Democrats of trying to inflict political damage on Mr Trump and to keep more conservatives from joining the high court.

In 20 or 30 or 40 years, we will sadly point to today as a turning point in the history of the Senate and the Supreme Court, a day when we irrevocably moved further away from the principles our founders intended for these institutions: principles of bipartisanship, moderation and consensus, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said.

Mr Trump picked Mr Gorsuch after the late Justice Antonin Scalia's seat has been empty for more than a year. Mr Gorsuch's nomination was met with a number of criticisms among Democrats, chief among them was that Republicans did not allow President Obama's nominee for the same slot - Merrick Garland - to even get a hearing last year.

In invoking the option Republicans have made a historic change in the Senate and the way Supreme Court nominees are named by presidents as well as the way they are vetted. Some feel that more ideological candidates will now be able to get Senate support, possibly polarising a court that is meant to be the pinnacle of an independent judiciary.

But, Dr. Barbara Perry, Director of Presidential Studies at the University of Virginias Miller Center and a former Judicial Fellow at the US Supreme Court, told The Independent that she does not feel the rule change "will change perceptions of the jurists" on the Supreme Court.

Ms Perry explained that what has more of a potential impact on the nominee confirmation process was the precedent set by denying Mr Garland a confirmation hearing. "At what point in future presidencies will they be denied their constitutional authority to fill vacant seats on the Court?" she said.

The move is not totally unprecedented however. In 2013, then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid used the "nuclear option" to stop Republicans from using filibusters to block President Obama's lower court and cabinet appointees. It left Democrats with no filibuster options during Mr Trump's cabinet nominations earlier in the year.

Mr Reid left the filibuster rule for the Supreme Court in place.

Senate confirmation of Mr Gorsuch, 49, would restore the nine-seat court's 5-4 conservative majority, and enable Mr Trump to leave an indelible mark on the Supreme Court, as well as fulfill a top campaign promise. Mr Gorsuch could be expected to serve for decades.

A conservative-majority court is more likely to support gun rights, an expansive view of religious liberty, abortion regulations and Republican-backed voting restrictions, while opposing curbs on political spending. The court also is likely to tackle transgender rights and union funding in coming years.

In the end, three Democratic senators up for re-election in 2018 in states won by Trump last year - Indiana's Joe Donnelly, West Virginia's Joe Manchin and North Dakota's Heidi Heitkamp - broke with their party and voted with Republicans to bring about a confirmation vote, though they opposed the rule change.

Senator John Thune said on CNN that though a Supreme Court nominee has never been filibustered before, this "was not unexpected. No one is happy about it...but it is where we are." Mr Thune supports the rule change to confirm Mr Gorsuch.

Every current Justice on the Supreme Court received this "super majority" of votes for confirmation, including those who came up for consideration when opposing parties were in the White House and control of Congress.

Mr Gorsuch, if confirmed, could change that. Republicans hold the majority in Congress by a count of 52 to 46 Democrats and 2 Independents.
The best way to confront Israeli attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause is to restore national unity

The whole region and the international sphere is flooded with suggestions aiming at exerting pressure on the Palestinian side while Netanyahu is attempting, through his usual machinations, to pass Israeli projects to gradually liquidate the Palestinian cause via regional and international channels.

It is a must that the Palestinians or those speaking in their name stay alert to the dangerous propositions that are being propagated by diplomatic circles.

The first of these propositions is the attempt to circumvent the demand of a total halt to settlement activities through talk about a selective and temporary halt, excluding Jerusalem and what they call the settlement masses and "natural growth".

This is a despicable game that Netanyahu played previously and we should not interact with it. It is either a total, comprehensive and absolute halt to settlement construction in all its forms, including Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied lands, or refusing the deception of settlement via crooked ways. It is impermissible to self-deceive oneself in this matter.

The second proposition is attempts to pass through a normalisation process with Arab countries at the expense of the Palestinian cause, without meeting the Palestinian peoples rights and introducing a regional frame for negotiation instead of an international one.

The Arabs' refusal of normalisation has become an urgent duty, especially after it is demanded that the recent Arab Summit adopt ESCWA's report concerning the Israeli apartheid regime and execute its recommendations regarding the imposition of a boycott on the Israeli apartheid regime and standing together to overthrow it.

The third proposition is dealing with the Israeli narrative that claims that the problems essence lies in what it calls Palestinian incitement and terrorism, to cover up the root of the problem lying in the occupation and forced displacement of Palestinians and the apartheid regime that imposed it upon them.

The most astonishing thing is the talk of some international envoys about Palestinian incitement while they deliberately forget the flood of criminal incitement of Israeli politicians, rabbis and military figures.

Israeli incitement is not restricted to talk but is translated to public implementation of field executions  crimes that took the lives of martyrs Mohammed Al-Khattab in Al-Jalazone and Basel Al-Araj in the heart of Ramallah.

As for the right of Palestinians to resist injustice and call for freedom and liberation, it is not incitement but a moral and human duty and he who does not stick to it abandons his national and human honour.

The fourth proposition is succumbing to fierce pressure to prevent the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation from performing their duty in taking care of the families of martyrs, and male and female captives.

He who practices these pressures wants to drive Palestinian officials to not only collectively punish freedom fighters but also stand against their families, which is basically a violation of humanitarian law and international law as well as being contrary to national morality.

The fifth proposition is the acceptance of some improvements and economic aid as an alternative to a political solution to end the occupation. This method was used repeatedly in the past and proved a failure since the root of the Palestinian people's economic suffering lies in the continuance of the occupation and the Israeli apartheid regime and racial discrimination.

The sixth proposition is attempts to restrict the Palestinian Authority's role to security coordination and what they call "Security Partnership" and propagating repression of the Palestinian people's struggle for freedom.

The seventh and most dangerous proposition is passing the idea that has been previously shattered by the Palestinian people, which propagates a solution based on what is called a "transitional state" established on cut off reservations and Bantustans with the purpose of providing an opportunity to annex more than half of the West Bank to Israel and its settlements.

We are not against diplomatic efforts as long as they are committed to national constants, but it is our duty to deepen strategic perception that we aren't in a resolution phase with Israel and its governments, but we are in a fight and struggle for survival phase.

Starting negotiations is worthless before a clear Israeli avowal of readiness to end the occupation entirely and halt totally and comprehensively settlement activities, including inside Jerusalem.

There will be no resolution before we change the balance of power in our favour through our struggle, and the first step towards changing the balance of power is to achieve national unity, overcome divisions, build a unified national leadership, and adopt a joint struggle strategy.

The writer is secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative.

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A bill that would see Texas men fined $100 (82) for masturbating has taken a step closer to becoming law after it received its first reading in the states House of Representatives.

Under section 173.010 of House Bill 4260, the Mans Right to Know Act, Texas men would only be allowed to masturbate under supervision, inside approved health care and medical facilities.

Any unregulated masturbatory emissions outside of a womans vagina, or created outside of a health or medical facility, will be charged a $100 civil penalty for each emission, and will be considered an act against an unborn child, and failing to preserve the sanctity of life.

The bill, created by state representative Jessica Farrar of Houston, would also promote fully abstinent sexual relations and create a Hospital Masturbatory Assistance Registry to provide fully-abstinent encouragement counselling, supervising physicians for masturbatory emissions, and storage for the semen.

Recommended 11 obscene ways politicians are trying to stop women having abortions

Allowing Texas men only occasional masturbatory emissions inside the approved facilities, the bill would insist that the resulting semen be stored for the purposes of conception for a current or future wife.

After receiving its first reading, the bill has now been referred to the Texas House State Affairs Committee. Ms Farrar has proposed that it become law on September 1.

But before the men of Texas panic, (or head obediently to their nearest health facility), they should note that Ms Farrar is not being entirely serious.

The Texas Democrat knows her bill has no hope of becoming law, and has introduced it to satirise how women have been affected by targeted healthcare legislation in her state, particularly relating to abortion.

Hence the references to sanctity of life and anti-masturbation clauses that appear to take Monty Pythons advice that every sperm is sacred to its logical, legal conclusion.

Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights Show all 5 1 /5 Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS Thousands march in Dublin for Irish abortion rights REUTERS

Her bill, Ms Farrar has claimed, mirrors real Texas laws and health care restrictions faced by Texas women every legislative session.

Emphasising the need for full male abstinence, it comes three months after Republican Tony Tinderhold proposed criminalising abortion in Texas, arguing it would make women more personally responsible about their sexual behaviour.

Ms Farrars bill also insists that any doctor providing a vasectomy or prescribing Viagra must first read a Mans Right to Know booklet with the patient.

This, Ms Farrar has said, is a response to current Texas law which obliges doctors to give women considering an abortion a Womens Right to Know booklet. Ms Farrar has criticised this as a guilt mechanism to get the woman to change her mind.

She has also criticised the Texas law requiring a woman to have a trans-vaginal ultrasound before she can have an abortion as an invasive, medically unnecessary procedure [where] one of the state's objectives is to guilt her into changing her mind."

So her bill also insists: An attending physician must administer a medically-unnecessary digital rectal exam and magnetic resonance imagining of the rectum before administering an elective vasectomy or colonoscopy procedure or prescribing Viagra.

When in less satirical mood, Ms Farrar has previously sought to abolish the death penalty in Texas and is currently trying to get a bill passed that would require healthcare facilities to provide information on emergency contraception to sexual assault survivors.

The near-impossibility of her satirical Mans Right to Know bill becoming law is underlined by the fact that for it to pass, the Texas House State Affairs Committee chairman, Republican Byron Cook, would have to hold a public hearing on the measure.

Which is unlikely given that Mr Cook has filed or supported some of the bills criticised by Texas abortion rights activists.

For Ms Farrar, though, that might just sharpen the satire.
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Burma leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said ethnic cleansing was too strong a term to describe what was happening in the country's Muslim-majority Rakhine region, claiming violence there was partly down to Muslims killing Muslims.

The UN has launched an investigation into allegations of Burmese security forces killing, raping and torturing Rohingya Muslims.

A report issued by the body earlier this year, based on interviews with 220 Rohingya among 75,000 who have fled to Bangladesh since October, accused Burmas security forces of having committed mass killings and gang rapes in a campaign that very likely amounted to crimes again humanity and possibly ethnic cleansing.

I don't think there is ethnic cleansing going on, Ms Suu Kyi told the BBC in an interview when asked if she would be remembered as the Nobel Peace Prize winner who ignored ethnic cleansing in her own country.

I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening, said Ms Suu Kyi who is facing international criticism for her government's handling of a crisis in Rakhine. I think there is a lot of hostility thereit is Muslims killing Muslims as well, if they think they are co-operating with the authorities.

Attacks on Burma border guard posts in October last year by a previously unknown insurgent group ignited the biggest crisis of Ms Suu Kyi's year in power, with more than 75,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh in the ensuing army crackdown.

The military denied the UN's claims, saying it was engaged in a legitimate counterinsurgency operation, and a spokesman for Ms Suu Kyi called them exaggerated.

What we are trying to go for is reconciliation not condemnation, Ms Suu Kyi told the BBC.

Rohingya mothers face persecution Show all 10 1 /10 Rohingya mothers face persecution Rohingya mothers face persecution Ramida Begum holds her 10-day-old daughter in their shelter in Kutupalang, an unregistered refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. 'The military caught my husband and burnt our house down a week before I left Myanmar. Since then I don't know whether my husband is dead or alive' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Minara Begum sits inside the shelter, cradling her one-month-old son Ayub. Minara fled to Bangladesh from Nasha Phuru village in Myanmar with her husband and mother-in-law. 'My child doesn't get enough breast milk as I don't eat enough nutritious food. I have to buy milk powder from local market though it's not very good for my son' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Amina, pictured with her 16-day-old daughter Sumaiyin, is in a refugee camp Balukhali that neighbours Ramida and Minara's. 'One and a half months ago the military came to our village and kept firing their guns. I ran away with my neighbours to save our lives. You see us alive here only because the God was so kind. They caught my uncle and my younger brother and we don't know whether they are dead or alive' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Fatema sits beside her one-day-old daughter Aasma in Kutupalang. Fatema fled to Bangladesh from Jambuinna village in Myanmar two months ago after her house was burnt down by the military. She crossed Naf River by boat during the night. 'Our situation is better than many other refugees as my husband Mohammad Alom works here as a day labourer. Many of the new refugees have no work here, so they have to rely on relief' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Jamalida cradles her two-month-old daughter Shahida. Jamalida came to Bangladesh with her husband from Nasha Phuru village in Myanmar Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Rehana Begum lays her one-day-old daughter in front of her inside their tarpaulin shelter. Rehana fled her village of Jambuinna in Myanmar three months ago. 'We were in our home and suddenly the military came to our village and started shooting. When we heard the sound of gun shots we immediately went to our relatives. We walked for four hours without any food and water to reach the border at 1 a.m. We paid 25,000 Myanmar kyat (14) to a broker to cross.' Intercepted by Bangladesh border guards, Rehana's family narrowly escaped being sent home. 'They wanted to send us back, but then we heard gunshots from the Myanmar side and the guards released us, saying, "Stay in Bangladesh and save your lives"' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Noor Begum sits next to her one-day-old daughter Sumaiya as she stares into the camera. Noor came to the camp one-and-a-half months ago from Nagpura village with her husband Jahangir Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Rajuma Begum observes her one-month-old son Raihan. 'I fled to Bangladesh because of fear, because I needed to save my children. I was pregnant and suffering from fever while crossing the border. I also have an 11-month-old boy, so it was very difficult to reach the border from our village Wabek in Myanmar. I had to rest frequently. After six hours of horrible walking we finally reached the border at 2am and crossed after paying a broker' Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution Eighteen-year-old Asmot Ara rests her newly born daughter on her lap. Asmot said she came to the camp one month ago with neighbours from Nagpura village. In Myanmar her father-in-law was killed and their home burnt down by the Myanmar military Reuters Rohingya mothers face persecution As Marijaan holds her 25-day-old daughter Noor Habi, her son peers over her shoulder. Marijaan fled to Bangladesh from Khyeri Prang village in Myanmar one month ago after her house was burnt down by the Myanmar military. 'I reached the border at night and crossed by the boat. I paid the boatman to cross the Naf River' Reuters

When asked whether perceptions of her as an amalgam of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa of Calcutta were incorrect as she was more similar to former British leader Margaret Thatcher, she said:

Well no. I am just a politician. I am not quite like Margaret Thatcher, no. But on the other hand, I am no Mother Teresa either.

Additional reporting by agencies
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When Wang Ge, a business school student, wakes up, she often asks herself, What would Ivanka do?

That would be Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of President Donald Trump, a woman Wang has never met but worships.

In the United States, Ivanka Trump has become a controversial figure, battling persistent questions about business conflicts and criticism for not doing more to moderate her fathers policies toward women.

But in China, she is widely adored. Her lavish lifestyle and business acumen resonate with many young professionals who are hungry for fame and fortune in a society that often equates material wealth with success.

Wang keeps photos of Ivanka Trump on her iPad. She counsels burned-out friends to read Trumps self-help tips (Find strength in others and Be an optimist). And she models her day on Trumps, waking at 6 am to increase productivity and setting aside at least a half-hour to read.

Shes pretty, she has her own career, shes hardworking and she has a beautiful family, said Wang, 26, a student at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing. She inspires me.

While Donald Trump, who meets President Xi Jinping of China in Florida on Thursday, has bluntly assailed China on issues like trade and North Korea, Ivanka Trump has helped soften her fathers volcanic image.

She is called a goddess on social media. A video of her daughter singing in Chinese went viral, attracting tens of millions of viewers. Working mothers have latched onto her brand of have-it-all feminism, even if most lack her financial resources, and entrepreneurs have studied her speeches for clues on making successful pitches.

Xinhua, the official news agency, weighed in last week, describing Ivanka Trump as having an elegant and poised style.

A lot of people think Ivanka is the real president, said Li Moya, 31, who runs an app for renting venue space in Beijing. We think she has the brains, not her father.

Recommended Ivanka Trump woos China with video of her daughter singing in Chinese

Young Chinese women working in sectors like technology and finance have been especially taken by the presidents daughter, whom they see as an elegant symbol of power and ambition. They say they have sought to mimic her tenacity and confidence as they confront chauvinism and stereotypes in the workplace and in family life.

Many are also impressed by her decision to start her own fashion brand rather than simply focus on the family real estate business.

Shes very independent, said Wang Jiabao, 28, a reality television producer in Beijing. She represents what were looking for  to marry into a decent family, to look good, and to also have your own career.

Some also believe Ivanka Trump embodies Confucian values, pointing to her decision to convert to Judaism for her husband and her steadfast defence of her father, both seen as illustrations of a devotion to family.

In Chinas stressed-out urban centres, her tips on leading a balanced life (Dont sleep with your BlackBerry next to your bed, says one) have found a large audience.

On messaging apps, young professionals trade translations of her self-help guides, while working mothers share her advice on carving out time for loved ones.

Chinese companies have also tried to profit from Ivanka Trumps popularity, filing hundreds of trademark applications using her name  Yi Wan Ka in Chinese  on products and services such as shoes, spa treatments, plastic surgery and pottery.

Still, she has her critics. Some are sceptical of her fathers policies and disturbed by her decision to join his administration, in which she serves as assistant to the president. Others believe that as a child of privilege she is a poor role model for everyday Chinese people.

Shes trying too hard and pretending too much, said Shi Yixuan, 22, an administrative staff member at Peking University in Beijing.

Ms Trump will not just be working closely with her father she will also be part of a team in which her husband plays a pivotal role (Getty Images)

But many women see recognisable Chinese attributes.

Underneath her image are very traditional values, said Dai Linjia, a communications consultant. Her family is almost like a dynasty.

While her father has threatened a trade war with China and criticised Chinas efforts to build outposts in the South China Sea, Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, have embarked on a charm offensive with the country.

It helps that her daughter, Arabella, speaks Chinese, which she began learning from her Chinese nanny. Ivanka Trump and Arabella attended a Lunar New Year festival at the Chinese embassy in Washington in February, an event broadcast on Chinas prime-time news.

On Tuesday, two days before her father was to meet Xi, Ivanka Trump posted a photo of her younger son, Theodore, playing with wooden blocks emblazoned with Chinese characters.

Analysts said her popularity could help ease the relationship between China and the United States at a tense time.

Her father is a regular critic of China, so Ivankas moves sort of compensate for that, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing. The Chinese government will see there are both ugly and positive messages coming out of the U.S.

Many younger Chinese will be watching this weeks meeting between Donald Trump and Xi for signs of Ivanka Trump.

In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home Show all 13 1 /13 In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The front of the house Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The lobby Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The house exterior Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The patio Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The bedroom Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The living room Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The living area Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The Living Room Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The kitchen Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The living room Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The bathroom Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The living room Zillow In pictures: Ivanka Trump's Washington DC home The hall Zillow

Wang, the business school student, said she hoped that Ivanka Trump could help improve Chinas standing in the United States.

Shes a very good role model, she said. I think she can help the two countries grow closer.

The New York Times
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The failure of a recent North Korean missile test could have been caused by the US, experts have suggested.

A Scud missile was fired yesterday from the eastern city of Simpo, ahead of a key meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jingping - but crashed into the Sea of Japan after nine minutes.

Soon after, Mr Trump told the Japanese government that all options were on the table in dealing with North Korea.

Tokyo based defence analyst Lance Gatling suggested Wednesdays missile failure could have been the result of US intervention.

 Abe and Trump condemn North Korea's latest missile launch

The US has engaged in a programme to sabotage North Korean rocket tests since 2014, known as the left of launch strategy.

It was introduced by Barack Obama in an attempt to stem North Korean progress in weapons testing. Cyber warfare and subterfuge is used to damage missile components and functionality.

"There are many things that can go wrong with a missile launch, but it would be impossible to tell from outside if something [US controlled] had affected the internal guidance or control systems", Mr Gatling told The Telegraph.

He added: There is a possibility that the North's supply chain for components has been deliberately infected, and they might never know."

"It is quite possible that parts that they are importing are intentionally faulty because, through history, there have been similar attempts to sabotage an enemy's capabilities."

Despite the intense rhetoric with which other countries reacted to Wednesdays test, the US drew attention for its meagre official response.

A statement by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson simply said: North Korea launched yet another intermediate range ballistic missile. The United States has spoken enough about North Korea. We have no further comment.

However, Donald Trump has apparently been more direct behind closed doors. A White House statement on a phone call to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the President "made clear that the United States would continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities".

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

Earlier this week, Mr Trump vowed to solve the problem of North Korea with or without Chinese help. He is due to meet Chinese premier Xi Jingping at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Senior military commanders also backed up the Presidents tough talk.

"Up to this point I think it is fair to say ... that economic and diplomatic efforts have not supported the progress people have been anticipating and looking forward to," US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift said in Tokyo, where he was meeting his Japanese counterparts.

Asked if there could be a military response to North Korea, Mr Swift replied: "That decision would be up to the president. The military was always an option."
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A German shipyard used illegally-sourced teak from Myanmar to construct a superyacht for a Russian billionaire, a public prosecutor has claimed.

Nobiskrug shipyard on the river Eider used wood supplied by a Burmese government-controlled firm which was sanctioned earlier this year for exporting teak from threatened forests, lawyer for the state Axel Bieler said.

Timber experts analysed samples of wood used in the construction of Sailing Yacht A, a 143-metre sail-assisted motor yacht believed to be among the largest in the world, and determined from examining the composition and ring structure that it did not come from a legal plantation.

Instead, it is likely the tropical hardwood came from forests in Myanmar, which are being cut down at an alarming rate despite a national ban on exporting raw teak, Mr Bieler told German news agency DPA.

Since 2010, Myanmar  one of only four countries in the world where teak trees grow naturally  has lost more than 1.3 million acres of forest on average each year, according to a report by the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Mr Bieler said it was unclear whether the illegal origin of the wood, which was sold by Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE) through Spanish supplier Teak Solutions, was known to the shipyard.

Allegations that the teak was logged illegally were first raised by the London-based NGO the Environmental Investigation Agency in October 2016.

After a two-month investigation, the EIA accused Teak Solutions, along with eight other European suppliers, of willful ignorance on the source of their timber.

The organisation said at the time: EIA identified a shipment of 1,278 pieces of teak costing 174,750 euros ($186,000) being used aboard the yacht. This was one of many shipments from Myanmar by Teak Solutions, imported in direct violation of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR).

All nine companies failed to identify or verify the source of the teak, a clear right to harvest or information that might mitigate the risks of harvesting in violation of relevant forestry provisions."

Teak Solutions bought the timber from Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE), a state-run wood trading company that was recently sanctioned by Denmark for supplying teak of dubious-origin.

The remains of a forest where teak trees once grew in Bago, Burma (Getty)

At the time, Teak Solutions CEO Mike Kimble told German newspaper Der Spiegel his Burmese imports were legal and met EU regulations, saying dealing with MTE was the safest way to source the wood.

The shipyard told local newspaper Kieler Nachrichten: We support the investigations of Kiel's public prosecutor and we are cooperating fully with the authorities. We have a great interest in quickly disproving the allegations, especially since the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food halted similar investigations in the same case against us last year.

The criminal investigation led by Mr Bieler is ongoing.

Almost two per cent of the Myanmar's forest cover was lost each year from 2010 to 2015, or eight-and-a-half per cent over the five years.

In March, MTE released a statement saying it would take steps to address illegal logging and its associated trade.

Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht Show all 9 1 /9 Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-1.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-3.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-2.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-5.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-7.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-8.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-9.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-4.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects Is it a bird's nest? Is it a plane? Zaha Hadid designs a superyacht pg-20-yacht-10.jpg Zaha Hadid Architects

The tropical hardwood is prized by boat builders for decking because it is strong, easy to work with, resistant to rot and does not shrink.

Sailing Yacht A, which is estimated to have cost more than 350 million, was built for Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, who owns energy and fertiliser companies.

Mr Melnichenko, who has an estimated net worth of $13.4 billion (10.8 billion), is said to favour naming his vessels 'A' so that they are listed first in shipping registers.Sailing Yacht A, which was has three 300ft masts that are taller than Big Ben's tower, is Mr Melnichenko's second yacht by French designer Philippe Starck  his first is Motor Yacht A.

The German shipbuilder's website described the eight-deck yacht as the most advanced sail-assisted superyacht ever built. The luxury sea-cruiser features a helipad, onboard swimming pool, and underwater observation pod.

A spokesman for the owner of Sailing Yacht A said: "We are extremely disappointed that the high profile of Sailing Yacht A is being used by others to raise an issue which has nothing to do with the yacht or the owner. This issue is for the shipyard and supplier of the teak."
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Security agencies are warning that terrorists may attempt to attack tourists attending Anzac Day commemorations in Turkey.

Hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders are due to attend events marking the anniversary of the First World War campaign later this month.

Dan Tehan, Australias veterans affairs minister, said the government received intelligence that terrorists may seek to target Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Recommended Australian teen jailed for Anzac Day terror plot

He said Turkish authorities were aware and providing a high level of protection, urging visitors to minimise time in Istanbul and Ankara, while avoiding large crowds and tourist sites.

The Australian Government does not provide this advice lightly, Mr Tehan added.

In the current global environment, major events attract threats of varying degrees of credibility. Regrettably Anzac Day is not immune.

 Dawn service at Gallipoli to mark ANZAC centenary

Almost 500 Australians and New Zealanders have registered to travel to Gallipoli to mark Anzac day on 25 April, which commemorates the deaths of thousands of soldiers in the first major military action fought by the two countries corps in 1915.

Mike Phelan, deputy commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, declined to release details of what prompted the warning, saying there was no specific plot linked to the alert.

It is just that terrorists may indeed try to carry out a terrorist attack during the celebrations, he told reporters in Canberra. That is all we have got at this stage.

New Zealands foreign minister, Murray McCully, said he could not be more specific about the nature of the threat or where the information had come from.

We very carefully have to follow the steps and script of the officials who give advice in this area, he added.

The fact that so many New Zealanders go to Gallipoli at this time of year speaks volumes about the significance it holds.

ANZAC Day in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 ANZAC Day in pictures ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day2-ap.jpg AP ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day7-gt.jpg Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day18-gt.jpg Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day1-gt.jpg Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day4-afp.jpg AFP/Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day3-gt.jpg Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day5-afp.jpg AFP/Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day9-gt.jpg Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day8-gt_1.jpg Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day6-afp.jpg AFP/Getty Images ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day17-ap.jpg AP ANZAC Day in pictures Anzac-Day16-gt.jpg Getty Images

Authorities did not name any terrorist groups in relation to the threat but suspicion turned to Isis after two previous Anzac Day plots by the groups supporters were thwarted.

A boy who was 16 at the time pleaded guilty to planning an attack on the occasion in Australia last month, after Sydney police found he tried to obtain a gun and bomb-making instructions in 2016.

Separately, a 15-year-old British boy was sentenced to life in prison for plotting to behead police officers at an Anzac Day parade in Melbourne in 2015.

Turkey has been hit by a wave of terror attacks by Isis and Kurdish militant groups, mainly targeting Istanbul, Ankara, security forces and cities near the Syrian border.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Offices travel advice warns of a high risk of terrorism throughout Turkey, saying that further attacks are likely and could be indiscriminate.

Attacks are most likely to target the Turkish state, civilians and demonstrations, the advice states.

Nevertheless, its likely that some attacks will also target western interests and tourists from western countries, particularly in the major cities."
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When the Prime Minister of New Zealand posted a selfie of himself and his dinner, he was unlikely to have been aware of the uproar he would cause.

Since sharing a series of photos of pizza topped with tinned spaghetti and pineapple, Bill English has faced literal calls for his impeachment. People have also said they will not be voting for him in light of his pizza topping taste.

Mr English, the leader of New Zealand's centre-right political party, posted a photo of the controversial pizza he cooked for his family on Tuesday.

Cooked dinner for the family last night - like if you agree with tinned spaghetti on pizza! the former farmer said.

He was later forced to admit the pizza had turned out to be rather soggy, saying: I drained off some of the liquid but not quite enough since pizza was a bit soggy in the middle. Goes well with pineapple.

The Prime Ministers post quickly opened a culinary can of worms, with critics arguing the bastardised pizza was an insult to Italian cuisine.

One said: I might vote Labour now Bill. This is like sh*ting on Italy.

Cant believe you posted this. Not being a pizza snob or anything but assume that you have sampled real pizza at least once in your life? said another.

Sorry Bill, any man who puts spaghetti on a pizza is not fit to run my country, you cannot count on my vote come election time, added one more.

Dough patrol: Skye Gyngell cooks pizza Show all 3 1 /3 Dough patrol: Skye Gyngell cooks pizza Dough patrol: Skye Gyngell cooks pizza 534647.bin LISA BARBER Dough patrol: Skye Gyngell cooks pizza 534648.bin LISA BARBER Dough patrol: Skye Gyngell cooks pizza 534649.bin LISA BARBER

A Buzzfeed headline read impeach him!.

Some speculated about whether the Prime Minister had been attempting to take attention away from Afghanistan.

If youre trying to deflect attention from Afghanistan or the continued mismanagement of common pool resources youre doing a good job mate because this is a monstrosity. Couldnt even keep the toppings from sliding off the base? said one angered critic.

However, not everyone was outraged and some commended his kitchen endeavours, saying tinned spaghetti and pineapple pizza was a nostalgic favourite of a Southland childhood in NZ.

One woman wrote: Yup this is how we made pizzas growing up! Must be a Southland thing! Still, make them like this for my kids and they love them. Sometimes we use baked beans  oops, maybe Ive just opened another can of worms

Mr English is not the only world leader to upset the world with his divisive choice of pizza toppings. After Icelands President Guni Th. Johannesson caused an internet frenzy for saying he did not like pineapple on pizza, he was later forced to issue a statement clarifying his position on the issue.

I like pineapples, just not on pizza, he wrote on Facebook. I do not have the power to make laws which forbid people to put pineapples on their pizza. I am glad that I do not hold such power.

Presidents should not have unlimited power. I would not want to hold this position if I could pass laws forbidding that which I dont like. I would not want to live in such a country.

For pizzas, I recommend seafood.
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A chain of Dutch bookshops has pulled colouring books featuring Adolf Hitler from its shelves and apologised.

The Kruidvat chain posted a statement on its website saying the colouring books, which went on sale this week, were immediately pulled from shelves after the discovery of an "inappropriate image".

The colour-by-numbers image shows Hitler giving a Nazi salute and wearing a red arm band with a swastika.

The colouring book also features images of Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and Abraham Lincoln (AP)

Without directly referring to Hitler, the company said it is investigating how the image got into the books "despite various checks of the content".

A spokesperson for Belgian publisher Trifora told local media: "My suspicion is that the man who created the colouring book got a book of famous people out of the closet and selected a pair, which unfortunately included Adolf Hitler. Maybe he did not recognise him."

The book, which was produced in India, also featured images of Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and Abraham Lincoln.

"It is a nasty combination of circumstances," the spokesperson added. "We check the book on translations, but do not check all the colouring pictures."

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

Customers returning the book can get their money back. It was not clear how many of the books were sold.

It comes after police in Austria arrested a man on suspicion of glorifying Nazism after allegedly impersonating the Nazi dictator at his birthplace.
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Up to 100 Dutch citizens have reportedly been blocked from leaving Turkey after criticising the countrys President.

Those affected are of Turkish descent and had been publicly critical of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Netherlands public broadcaster NOS reported.

Dual nationals from Germany, Switzerland and other European nations were having trouble returning home, the broadcaster said.

 Pro-Turkish protesters scuffle with police in Netherlands after minister expulsion

Many had been in the country on holiday or to visit relatives, with some accused of supporting the Hizmet movement led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign ministry said it was difficult to confirm how many citizens were affected as it only knew of those who had sought help.

The reasons why [they have had problems leaving Turkey] are varied, but some of them may be linked to the Gulen movement, she told The Independent.

We are prepared to help people who actively seek assistance.

We immediately raised the inconvenience caused to these people with the Turkish authorities.

Inquiries show that other countries citizens are having similar problems in Turkey.

Mr Erdogan accuses the Gulen movement of plotting a failed coup in July and classes members as terrorists, resulting in purges seeing 42,000 people including teachers and journalists detained or dismissed for alleged support.

In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria Show all 9 1 /9 In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria Turkish tanks driving to the Syrian-Turkish border town of Jarabulus yesterday AFP/Getty In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria Turkish-backed gather on the outskirts of Jarabulus, Syria, ahead of an offensive on 24 August 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria Turkish army tanks make their way towards the Syrian border town of Jarabulus, Syria August 24, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria Turkish soldiers return from Syria to Turkey with tanks after a military operation at the Syrian border as part of their offensive against the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Syria, Karkamis district of Gaziantep, Turkey, 25 August 2016 EPA In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria Turkish army tanks and Turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces move toward the Syrian border as pictured from Karkamis, Turkey, AP In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria Turkish tanks on their way to the Turkish-Syria border during an operation against Isis on 24 August 2016 EPA In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria Syrian opposition fighters being transported during preparations to enter Jarabulus in Karkamis, Turkey, on 24 August 2016. EPA In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria An air strike hitting Isis-controlled territory near Jarabulus, near the Turkish border, on 24 August 2016. EPA In pictures: Turkey launches operation in Syria A Turkish army tank and an armoured vehicle stationed near the border with Syria. Turkish media reports say Turkish artillery has launched new strikes at Isis targets across the border AP

European nations and the US have cast doubt on the claims, with a recent report by the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee finding that evidence of the Gulen movements involvement was anecdotal and circumstantial, as was evidence used for its terrorist designation by the Turkish government.

The dispute is one of several issues worsening tensions between Turkey and its EU allies, amid a continuing row over cancelled rallies by Turkish government ministers.

They had been dispatched to drum up support among expats for a yes vote that would give Mr Erdogan dramatically increased powers in a constitutional referendum to be held later this month.

But authorities in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and other countries cancelled planned rallies on safety grounds, sparking accusations of Nazi practices from Ankara.

The row worsened last month as thousands of Turks protested when the Netherlands prevented foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu from flying to Rotterdam and banned ministers from speaking.

A statement from the Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim, threatened that Turkey would retaliate in the harshest ways and respond in kind to this unacceptable behaviour.

Mr Erdogan has threatened to renege on a deal struck with the EU aiming to prevent refugee boat crossings to Greece, while hitting out at human rights concerns levelled at his government.

The Turkish embassy in London referred The Independent to its embassy and consulate in the Netherlands, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Four out of the five main candidates in the French presidential election support a relaxation of the countrys cannabis laws.

Under the current law, first passed in 1970, taking any illegal drug carries the risk of a one-year prison sentence and a fine of up to 3,750 euros.

However cannabis remains one of the most popular illegal drugs in France, with 47 per cent of 17-year-olds saying they have tried it, according to a recent survey by the French Observatory for Drugs and Addiction.

Centrist Emmanuel Macron, currently leading polls for the first round of voting on 23 April, and right-wing candidate Francois Fillon, have both said police should issue warnings and on-the-spot fines for cannabis use.

These measures may be designed to appear strict, but are in fact a relaxation of the current law. Officers have welcomed the proposals, saying they will cut down court time and paperwork for an offence that in many cases police turn a blind eye to.

Left-wing candidates Jean-Luc Melenchon and Benoit Hamon have said the drug should be legalised, while only Marine Le Pen, of the far-right Front National, is against any change to the law.

Its a completely crazy idea. Instead we must use every force available to us to fight against drugs and drug dealers, Ms Le Pens presidential campaign director David Rachline told radio station France 2 in October.

Protesters calling for the legalisation of marijuana take to the streets of Paris in May 2015 (Getty Images)

Until now, only smaller parties, such as the greens or radical left-wing and communist parties, have said the law on marijuana should be changed.

Under Mr Macrons proposals, police could hand out warnings and fines of 100 euros for those caught smoking on the street.

Philippe Capon, from the French police union, told Le Monde the severity of the current law had shown its limits and it is relatively ineffective.

Recommended How Emmanuel Macron eschews convention in both public and private life

We need to make progress and save time and force capacity, while continuing to develop preventative measures.

Mr Hamon has said he wants to legalise cannabis completely, with state-controlled and taxed sales points where adults can buy cannabis.

But this is not the boldest point in his manifesto  he has also said there should be a tax on the wealth created by robots who replace the jobs of humans.

Mr Melenchon has also said cannabis should be legalised so it can be better controlled. Dont call me a hypoocrite. Whats hypocritical is to say its forbidden when we know that everyone smokes, he said in a video posted on his website, reported C News Matin.

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

Recent law changes in a number of US states may have encouraged French politicians to shift their stance on the issue, according to Le Monde.

Canada has also announced plans to legalise possession of the drug.

In the 19th century, Parisian literary circles would gather to smoke hashish and take other drugs, including opium.

The Club des Hashischins, which included famous authors such as Victor Hugo, Charles Baudelaire and Honore de Balzac, would hold monthly meetings at a hotel on the Ile Saint-Louis in central Paris.
While Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi was attending the 2016 United Nations General Assembly in the US, he met with then-presidential nominee Donald Trump.

After this one meeting, both men came out full of mutual praise.

President El-Sisi said he had no doubt Trump would make a strong leader, and Trump called El-Sisi a fantastic guy.

I thought it was very productive We met for a long time, actually. There was a good chemistry there. You know when you have good chemistry with people. Theres a good feeling between us, Trump said at the time.

The official statement that came out of the Trump/Pence campaign was promising, with Trump thanking El-Sisi and the Egyptian people for what they have done in defence of their country and for the betterment of the world over the last few years.

Trump expressed to El-Sisi his strong support for Egypts war on terrorism, and how under a Trump administration, the US would not only be an ally, but a loyal friend that Egypt could count on in the days and years ahead.

More importantly, Trump said that if he were fortunate enough to win the election, he would invite President Sisi on an official visit to the United States and would be honoured to visit Egypt and the Egyptian people, who he has a great fondness for.

Soon afterwards, President El-Sisi was of the first leaders to congratulate president-elect Trump on his victory during a phone call after the US presidential inauguration.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that Trump and El-Sisi discussed "ways to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, fight terrorism and boost Egypt's struggling economy.

Egyptian presidency spokesperson Alaa Youssef said that President Trump appreciated the difficulties faced by Egypt in its war on terror and affirmed his administration's commitment to supporting the country.

And here we are, witnessing the first meeting between the two leaders after Trumps election.

While we know that the chemistry between the two is there, what do Egyptians hope to gain from the visit? A lot, actually.

The first benefit lies in the invite itself.

Less than three months after Trump became president, President El-Sisi will be one of a few prominent leaders officially invited to meet the US president, including British Prime Minister Teresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

By the same token, the visit tells the world at large that it is indeed beneficial to the US to mend the broken ties and establish a better relationship with Egypt, and that Egypt is a partner against terrorism, an ally to be valued, and a pivotal player in the Middle East.

Not only does this give weight to Egypt, but it also remedies former US president Barack Obamas snub to the Egyptian president, which had seriously strained relations between Egypt and the US.

The invite could also assist in eradicating the bitter feelings that lingered after Obama withheld the sale to Egypt of F-16 fighter jets, cancelled joint military exercises, suspended military aid, and remained oblivious to the hardships Egypt was facing.

Under Obama, Egyptians view of the US worsened, as many believed that the US was the cause of much of the havoc in Syria, Iraq and Libya.

The visit, if fruitful, can alleviate mistrust and eradicate scepticism.

During the visit, President El-Sisi should present the US with proof of the Muslim Brotherhoods true stance and show that it is the culprit behind much of the terrorism in Egypt.

He must convince President Trump that the Muslim Brotherhood should be designated a terrorist group by the US. The evidence exists, and presenting it to the American side would not be difficult.

Several motions in the US Congress to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group have been rejected over the years.

The US State Departments memo on the latest motion states that there is not one monolithic Muslim Brotherhood, and that while the MB may be connected to terrorist groups, it has many legitimate apolitical activities.

It is up to President El-Sisi to prove otherwise.

In the 1960s, the West watched as Egypt turned to Russia.

When the US left Egypt to fend for itself against terrorism and economic challenges, Egypt turned to other alliances and partners, such as Russia, China, and the Gulf States, while maintaining an aloof and distant relationship with the US.

El-Sisis visit may affect another change: bring the two countries closer in course, mindset and disposition, as the US retains Egypt as an ally in the region.

While the Arab world is in disarray, this is a valuable opportunity for President El-Sisi to speak on behalf of Arabs and work on resolving the issues that threaten the region.

Without the assistance and determination of the US, it will take longer to resolve the issues in the threatened countries, if at all.

Egypt needs to protect its borders and safeguard Sinai, its territories, and its people in general. The country needs to explain to the world its obligation towards itself and the Arab world, and who else can project this to the Western world but President El-Sisi via President Trump.

The US needs a strong ally in Egypt, and Egypt needs a strong ally in the US. This visit could be the turning point in relations.

Azza Radwan Sedky, PhD, is an academic, a political analyst, and the author of Cairo Rewind: the First Two Years of Egypt's Revolution, 2011-2013.

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Gay men are being tortured and murdered in Chechen prisons, detainees have alleged.

Chechen police had rounded up more than 100 men suspected to be gay and allegedly killed at least three of them, an independent Russian newspaper reported.

Some detainees told Novaya Gazeta they were tortured and electrocuted while they were imprisoned, and others described seeing prisoners beaten to death.

The paper's initial report was denied by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's spokesman, who called it "absolute lies and disinformation" and suggested there are no homosexuals in the Muslim-majority region.

You cannot detain and persecute people who simply do not exist in the republic, he told the Interfax news agency.

If there were such people in Chechnya, the law-enforcement organs wouldnt need to have anything to do with them because their relatives would send them somewhere from which there is no returning.

However, victims told the paper they were beaten with sticks, forced to sit on bottles and had their hands electrocuted.

LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty

One said he had been kept near a building where the authorities were holding suspected militants who had fought in Syria or those suspected of being in touch with jihadi fighters.

Several times a day we were taken out and beaten, he said. Their main aim was to find out your circle of contacts  in their minds if you are a suspect then your circle of contacts are all gay. They kept our phones switched on. Any man who calls or texts is a new target."

The detainee also described being beaten with a plastic pipe: They always hit us below the waist  on the thighs, the buttocks, the loins. They said we were dogs who had no right to life.

Another victim described how one man was arrested for possession of drugs when police found pornography on his phone and used his contacts list to find other homosexuals.

Some men caught were handed back to their families, the paper reported, with the expectation their family would perform an honour killing.

The newspaper also published two photos of detainees after they were released, one showing a man with bruised buttocks and the other a man with bruised thighs.

The arrests allegedly began after gay rights group GayRussia.ru applied for permits for gay pride parades, which were denied.

The group filed the permits anyway, hoping to take the fight to the European Court of Human Rights.

In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram chechnay5.jpg In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram chechnay4.jpg In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram chechnya2.jpg In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram chechnya3.jpg In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram chenya1.jpg In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram instagram4.jpg In pictures: Chechnya's leader Ramzam Kadyrov's Instagram instagram1.jpg

The Kremlin-backed President Kadyrov is widely accused of extensive human rights violations.

He has brought Islam to the fore of Chechnya's daily life, and gay people who reveal their sexuality are often discriminated against and shunned by their families.
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A loud bang heard in a residential building close to the site in St Petersburg where explosives were found earlier in the day was caused by building works.

No one was hurt in the explosion but a vehicle was damaged by falling masonry, news agency RIA reported, citing a source in Russia's emergencies ministry.

Local city administrators told Reuters the bang was caused by renovation works.

Residents were evacuated from a nearby building earlier after police raids searching for accomplices in a terror attack that killed 14 people found an unexploded bomb similar to the one used in the attack.

Recommended Police find explosive device during St Petersburg raids

The discovery raised the possibility a string of bomb attacks was being planned in the city involving a group of plotters.

The device was found inside a flat raided in the early hours in the citys Tovarichesky Prospekt district.

Local media said materials used in the explosive device matched those used by militants in Syria.

Earlier, the Federal Security Service, the main KGB successor agency, said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies its experts defused a self-made explosive device at the apartment.

We were told: the house is mined, get out quickly, one woman, who only gave her name as Tatiana and lives in the building, told Reuters.

 Russia President Vladimir Putin lays flowers at scene of blast in St Petersburg

Another resident, who gave his name only as Anatoly, said he had seen police detain four young men occupying an eighth floor flat next door.

An explosive device found in the flat has been made safe, local administration head Konstantin Serov said.

Several suspects have been arrested; they didn't resist and there's now no threat to local people.

St. Petersburg metro blast Show all 5 1 /5 St. Petersburg metro blast St. Petersburg metro blast An injured person is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following explosions in two train carriages at metro stations in St. Petersburg Reuters St. Petersburg metro blast Emergency services work outside Sennaya Square metro station in St Petersburg Reuters St. Petersburg metro blast An injured person is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following explosions in two train carriages at metro stations in St. Petersburg Reuters St. Petersburg metro blast Emergency services direct pedestrians outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following explosions in two train carriages at metro stations in St. Petersburg Reuters St. Petersburg metro blast Twitter/ varlamov

Russian security agents have arrested three people suspected of links to the suicide bomber who attacked the St Petersburg metro earlier this week.

The Investigative Committee said the suspects are residents of the former Soviet Central Asia region like the bomber, 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a native of Kyrgyzstan.

No one has claimed responsibility for Monday's subway bombing, but Russian trains and planes long have been targeted by bombings by Islamist militants.

An unidentified law enforcement official told the Tass news agency that investigators were checking information that Dzhalilov may have trained with IS in Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said between 5,000 and 7,000 people from Russia and other former Soviet republics were fighting alongside Isis and other militants in Syria.

He has named the Iis threat as one of the reasons behind Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
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An unexploded bomb has been found in St Petersburg during police raids searching for accomplices in a terror attack that killed 14 people.

Russian security services said the explosive device found in a residential building was similar to one discovered on the citys metro days before.

Hidden in a bag and apparently disguised as a fire extinguisher, that bomb had been covered in metal pellets designed to cause maximum destruction at Ploshchad Vosstaniya station.

The latest device was found inside a flat raided in the early hours of Thursday morning in the citys Tovarichesky Prospekt district.

Disposal experts defused it after evacuating people living in flats on two stairwells in the nine-storey block.

Recommended Kyrgyzstan releases name of suspect in St Petersburg metro bombing

We were told: the house is mined, get out quickly, one woman, who only gave her name as Tatiana and lives in the building, told Reuters.

Another resident, who gave his name only as Anatoly, said he had seen police detain four young men occupying an eighth floor flat next door.

An explosive device found in the flat has been made safe, local administration head Konstantin Serov said.

Several suspects have been arrested; they didnt resist and theres now no threat to local people.

 Explosion at St Petersburg metro station

Sources told Interfax news agency that investigators were examining possible links between detained men and the alleged bomber.

The first unexploded bomb was found on Monday near the bottom of metro escalators, with local reports saying it contained 1kg of explosives packed inside a metal cylinder, covered in ball bearings.

Minutes after the discovery, an explosion ripped through a train travelling between Sennaya Ploshchad and Tekhnologichesky Institut station, killing 14 people and injuring 50 more.

The suspected bomber was among those killed, with authorities identifying him as 22-year-old Akbarzhon Jalilov, a Kyrgyz-born Russian citizen.

The attack has put renewed focus on the large number of migrants from mostly Muslim central Asian states who have moved to Russia to work.

St. Petersburg metro blast Show all 5 1 /5 St. Petersburg metro blast St. Petersburg metro blast An injured person is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following explosions in two train carriages at metro stations in St. Petersburg Reuters St. Petersburg metro blast Emergency services work outside Sennaya Square metro station in St Petersburg Reuters St. Petersburg metro blast An injured person is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following explosions in two train carriages at metro stations in St. Petersburg Reuters St. Petersburg metro blast Emergency services direct pedestrians outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following explosions in two train carriages at metro stations in St. Petersburg Reuters St. Petersburg metro blast Twitter/ varlamov

Russias investigative committee, which is charged with the terror investigation, said it was looking into the backgrounds of suspected accomplices.

It said it had identified several people of central Asian origin who had been in touch with Jalilov and uncovered important evidence in searches of their homes.

It was unclear if those detained at the site of Thursdays bomb scare were the suspected accomplices identified by the investigative committee.

Officials previously said six nationals of Central Asian republics had been detained on suspicion of recruiting for Isis and the former al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra.

Isis supporters celebrated Mondays attack but there has been no formal claim of responsibility from the group or any others.

Isis has used propaganda to call on supporters to wage terror attacks in Russia and other countries bombing its territories in Syria and Iraq, where it continues to suffer heavy losses.
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Isis has carried out its largest mass killing this year, executing 33 people, according to a monitoring group.

The terror group carried out mass execution in the al-Mayadin desert, near the strategic city of Deir Ezzor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

It said its activists were "able to monitor the execution and see the bodies".

 Syrian refugee recalls ISIS horrors

The report said 33 people aged 18 to 25 were "slaughtered by sharp tools" near a hole dug by the militants, which was "filled with blood".

The Observatory said it was unknown whether those executed were Syrian government forces, allied militia or rebel fighters.

US President Donald Trump has said the United States and its allies will destroy Isis and "protect civilization."

"We will destroy Isis and we will protect civilization. We have no choice," Mr Trump said at a joint White House news conference with Jordan's King Abdullah.

He said the king has been a leader in the fight to defeat Isis "once and for all".

In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Isis' weapons factories In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A mortar round fin manufactured by Isis in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis rocket components discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, Iraq in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortars discovered near Karamlais, Iraq, in November 2016 CAR In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis rocket launch frame in Qaraqosh, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A memo from Isis' COSQC on quality control at a manufacturing facility in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Electrically-operated initiators manufactured by Isis in forces Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortar tubes at a manufacturing facility in Karamlais, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis mortar production facility discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis weapons manufacturing facilities near Mosul in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Stocks of French-manufactured Sorbitol, Latvian potassium nitrate and Lebanese sugar at an Isis weapons factory in Iraq Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A destroyed Isis weapons facility in Qaraqosh, Iraq, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research

The military campaign against the group has been building slowly. More cities have been recaptured from the militants, and Isis has lost large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria.

However, the two biggest, climactic battles  to retake Mosul in Iraq, and Raqqa in Syria  have not been completed.

Last year Iraqi military forces, supported by the coalition, waged successful battles to oust Isis from a string of cities in the run-up to the Mosul fight.

Those included battles to take back eastern Mosul and the Iraq cities of Fallujah, Ramadi, and a number of smaller towns along the Tigris River. Backed by the coalition, the Iraqis were also able to defeat Isis at Makhmour and Qayyarah, enabling the military to establish bases at both locations and use them as logistical hubs for the battle to retake Mosul.

However, no major cities have been retaken in the last six weeks.

In February, Iraqi forces launched what is expected to be the last major battle against Isis in Iraq  the campaign to retake western Mosul.

Success has been slower in Syria, where the US initially struggled to find a qualified cadre of local fighters to advise and train.

Mr Trump is celebrated significant progress in recent weeks, as the US deployed hundreds more troops into Syria to help prepare local forces to retake Raqqa.
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The suspected chemical weapons attack that killed at least 70 people in Khan Sheikhoun in Syria was carried out by Syrian President Bashar al-Assads government, leaked Israeli intelligence information says.

Dozens of people were rushed to hospital in rebel-held Khan Sheikhoun after an air raid in the early hours of Tuesday morning with symptoms such as convulsions, suffocation, coughing blood and foaming at the mouth, consistent with either sarin gas - a nerve agent - or chlorine, Medecins Sans Frontieres said their staff found.

Local hospitals in Idlib province were so overwhelmed by the flow of casualties around 30 people were also taken over the border to Turkey for treatment, where three died. The Turkish justice minister said on Thursday that post mortems carried out on the victims bodies showed evidence of exposure to chemical weapons.

 Syria: Man loses 25 family members in suspected chemical attack

It is highly probable the attack was carried out by the Syrian regime, Israeli intelligence officials told Haaretz on condition of anonymity on Wednesday, although the Syrian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly denied any involvement. The army has not and will not use chemical weapons against our people or terrorists, it said on Thursday.

The attack was intended to punish Syrian opposition groups, who in the last three weeks have staged several unexpected advances on regime territory, the Israeli sources added, and the use of chemical weapons must have been approved by either Mr Assad or senior officials.

Both moderate rebels and regime forces have continually broken the nominal ceasefire which has been in place across the country since the end of last year, although the tide of the war has turned in the governments favour since the city of Aleppo fell back under regime control in December.

While Mr Assad gave up Syrias chemical weapons stocks to the Organisation for Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) after international outrage over a sarin gas attack in rebel-held Ghouta in 2013 which killed hundreds of civilians, rebel officials have long maintained that the regime did not destroy its entire arsenal.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor based in the UK, believes dozens of gas attacks have been carried out across the country even after Syria signed up to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the international watchdogs intervention.

The Khan Sheikhoun attack has been condemned worldwide as an affront to humanity which proves that war crimes are taking place in Syria, UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres said.

Emergency talks on the situation in Syria at the United Nations are not likely to break the current impasse on a resolution which would impose sanctions on those responsible for the attacks.

Russia, Syrias ally, used its position as a permanent member of the Security Council to veto similar action in February.
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Donald Trump is said to be considering the US military options in Syrias civil war as the international fallout over an alleged chemical gas attack on a rebel town escalates.

Mr Trump had said that the deaths of more than 70 people in Khan Sheikhoun had changed his opinion of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom US intelligence says is responsible for the attack.

The Syrian government, and its Russian allies, have denied that the regime possesses chemical weapons stocks, which were handed over to the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) after a deadly sarin gas incident in rebel-held Ghouta in 2013.

 Syria: Man loses 25 family members in suspected chemical attack

The Presidents comments were made to members of Congress about military action, but CNN reported that Mr Trump was undecided and was being briefed on possible scenarios with Defence Secretary James Mattis. A senior Trump administration official also replied no when asked whether military intervention is off the table.

Mr Trump had hinted that the new attack could affect his policy that the US should focus on defeating Isis in Syria.

The supposed change in rhetoric has alarmed many actors and observers in the Syrian conflict. Just last week, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that Bashar al-Assads rule in Syria was something that may have to be accepted as a political reality.

The new US administration had previously appeared content to let Turkey take the lead in peace negotiations with Russia, Iran and the Syrian government.

Despite a recent warming in relations, Turkey, too, has slammed Russia for backing the Syrian regime as utterly wrong, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labelling Mr Assad a murderer.

The Kremlin came to Damascus defence on Thursday. President Vladimir Putin said it is unacceptable to make groundless accusations that Syria carried out a chemical weapons attack.

Both Damascus and Moscow maintain the casualties in Khan Sheikhoun were not caused by regime chemical weapons but by gases released in an explosion at an extremist ammunition depot nearby, targeted by Syrian war planes.

Even in Russia, there has been a slight distancing from the Syrian government: Mr Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later said that Russian support for the regime - which it has been militarily assisting since 2015 - is not unconditional.

In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Show all 30 1 /30 In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian family arrives at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian woman, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, reacts as she stands with her children in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past resident fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood , after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past residents fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-regime fighter speaks with a child, as residents flee violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood. Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops AFP/Getty Images In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Smoke rises as seen from a governement-held area of Aleppo, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers targeting rebels-held areas in the eastern neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria. According to media reports, the army is now holding on 99 percent of Aleppois eastern neighborhoods EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-government forces patrol Aleppo's eastern al-Salihin neighbourhood after troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers rest following the battle at al-Sheik Saeed neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-government fighter walking past closed shops in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City. Once renowned for its bustling souks, grand citadel and historic gates, Aleppo's Old City has been rendered virtually unrecognisable by some of the worst violence of Syria's war Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The crucial battle for Aleppo entered its 'final phase' after Syrian rebels retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The retreat leaves opposition fighters confined to just a handful of neighbourhoods in southeast Aleppo, the largest of them Sukkari and Mashhad Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilans arrive at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods. Syria's government has retaken at least 85 percent of east Aleppo, which fell to rebels in 2012, since beginning its operation Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilians flee the Sukkari neighbourhood towards safer rebel-held areas in southeastern Aleppo Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The fall of Aleppo would be the worst rebel defeat since Syria's conflict began in 2011, and leave the government in control of the country's five major cities Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee Aliya inside the tent where she lives with her husband and ten children in a camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee women and children outside the entrance to their tents in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee woman outside the entrance to the tent where her family live, in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A vehicle drives past a mosque at night in Idlib, Syria. Picture taken with a long exposure Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The night sky is seen through damaged windows in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan in Idlib province, Syria Reuters

Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said in a statement on Wednesday that preliminary evidence gathered by its medical staff on the ground pointed to the presence of both sarin - a nerve agent - and chlorine at the site.

Post mortems carried out by the Turkish Health Ministry on victims taken over the border for treatment who subsequently died found sarin gas in their systems, officials said.

The US, UK and French representatives to the UN have called for a vote on new resolution which would impose sanctions on those responsible for the attacks.

Russia used its position as a permanent member of the Security Council to veto similar action in February, and is likely to do so again in the new vote.
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The grief-stricken father cradled his nine-month-old twins, Aya and Ahmed, each in the crook of an arm. Stroking their hair, he choked back tears, mumbling, Say goodbye, baby, say goodbye to their lifeless bodies.

Then Abdel Hameed Alyousef took them to a mass grave where 22 members of his family were being buried. Each branch of the clan got its own trench.

More than 80 people, including at least 30 children and 20 women, were killed in the chemical attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday, and the toll could still rise. The Alyousef family, one of the town's main clans, was hardest hit.

Another member of the family, Aya Fadl, recalled running from her house with her 20-month-old son in her arms, thinking she could find safety from the toxic gas in the street.

Instead, the 25-year-old English teacher was confronted face-to-face with the horror of it: a pick-up truck piled with the bodies of the dead, including many of her own relatives and students.

Ammar, Aya, Mohammed, Ahmad, I love you my birds. Really they were like birds. Aunt Sana, Uncle Yasser, Abdul-Kareem, please hear me, Ms Fadl said, choking back tears as she recalled how she said farewell to her relatives in the pile.

I saw them. They were dead. All are dead now.

The tragedy has devastated the small town. It also deepened the frustration felt by many Syrians in opposition-held areas that such scenes of mass death, which have become routine in the country's six-year-long civil war, bring no retribution or even determination of responsibility.

The US and other Western countries accused President Bashar al-Assad of being behind the attack, while Syria and its main backer, Russia, denied it. Despite world condemnation, bringing justice is difficult in the absence of independent investigation of Syria's chemical arsenal, which the government insists it has destroyed.

My heart is broken. Everything was terrible. Everyone was crying and couldn't breathe, Ms Fadl told the Associated Press.

We had many circumstances in Syria and we had many difficult situations. This is the most difficult and most harmful situation I ever had.

In 2013, horrific scenes of Syrians flooding hospitals or found dead in their homes after a sarin gas attack that killed hundreds in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Ghouta provoked international condemnation. A Russian-brokered deal followed allowing Mr Assad to declare he has destroyed his chemical stockpile and joined the Chemical Weapons Convention.

But a year later, chlorine gas attacks became recurrent, killing scores of people.

However, Tuesday's massacre was not caused by chlorine, an irritant with limited ability to kill. The high number of casualties, as well as the grave symptoms including convulsions, constricted pupils and vomiting point to a more complex chemical gas.

Abdul-Hamid Alyousef, 29, cries as he holds his twin babies who were killed during a suspected chemical weapons attack, in Khan Sheikhoun town, in the northern province of Idlib, Syria (AP)

A Doctors Without Borders medical team that examined a number of victims in a hospital near the border with Turkey said the symptoms are consistent with exposure to a neurotoxic agentat least two different chemical agents. The US's early assessment is that it involved the use of chlorine and sarin, according to two US officials who weren't authorised to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity.

In Khan Sheikhoun, the tragedy was compounded because so many victims were from a single extended family, the Alyousef clan.

Witnesses say four rockets hit at about 6.30am on Tuesday, smashing a crater in the ground, but causing minimal structural damage. It quickly became clear this was not a conventional attack.

Alaa Alyousef said his family was sleeping and woke to the sound of the impact only a few hundred yards away. The first thing they saw was smoke. His father went outside then rushed back in. He had seen a woman walking near the strike suddenly collapse. The family frantically closed windows and dampened cloths with water and apple vinegar to put over their faces.

They were lucky, the wind went in the other direction, Mr Alyousef said.

The rockets hit on the edge of North Harah, a district where much of the Alyousef clan lives. Frantically the clan's members and their neighbours fled, running from house to house trying to track down relatives.

Ms Fadl remembered her panic when the rockets woke her.

My husband, where are you? Oh, where are you my lovely son? she recalled calling out. They were next to me but I couldn't see them. She said their eyes began hurting. The air became very heavy. There was no bad smell. But the air was so heavy to breathe.

The Alyousefs brought their dead to a family member's home that was outside the worst attack area. The courtyard was turned into a makeshift morgue where surviving relatives tried for hours to resuscitate loved ones already dead.

That's when Ms Fadl finally collapsed, she said, only to wake up in a medical centre.

While Ms Fadl recovers along with her son at her parents' home in a town north of Khan Sheikoun, her husband is still looking for survivors from his extended family.

Alaa Alyousef said not all homes have been searched for survivors yet.

We are still in shock, a big shock. Our family is devastated, the 27-year-old said. Many are still missing. We are afraid to enter homes sometimes lest we find more people dead.

On Tuesday, he and other family members buried the clan's dead in the mass grave.

On the way to the grave, Abdel Hameed Alyousef asked a cousin to video his farewell to his twin son and daughter as he sat in the front seat of a van being loaded with bodies.

Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters

When the air strikes hit, he was with the twins. I carried them outside the house with their mother, the 29-year-old shop owner said. They were conscious at first, but 10 minutes later we could smell the odour.

The twins and his wife, Dalal Ahmed, fell sick.

He brought them to paramedics and, thinking they would be OK, went to look for the rest of his family. He found the bodies of two of his brothers, two nephews and a niece, as well as neighbours and friends. I couldn't save anyone. They're all dead now, he said.

It was only later that his relatives could bring themselves to tell him that his children and wife had also died.

Abdel Hameed is in very bad shape, said his cousin, Alaa Alyousef. He's being treated for exposure to the toxin, but he's especially broken down over his massive loss.

AP
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Postmortems carried out on the bodies of people who died in a suspected gas attack in Syria show the victims were exposed to chemical weapons, Turkeys justice minister has said.

More than 30 injured people were taken for treatment across the border in Turkey after local hospitals in rebel-held Idlib were overwhelmed in the aftermath of Tuesdays attack. Three subsequently died, Bekir Bozdag said on Thursday, blaming the Syrian government for the incident.

A statement from the Syrian foreign ministry issued on Thursday again denied responsibility, saying that the army has not and will not use chemical weapons against our people or terrorists and a strike had instead targeted an extremist rebel groups weapons depot. Damascus allies in Moscow also said that chemical weapons use is absolutely unacceptable, adding that there was no objective data from which to draw conclusions that the attack had been chemical.

At least 72 people died in the incident in Khan Sheikhoun, during which medical workers on the ground and other witnesses said victims suffered from convulsions, vomiting and suffocation  symptoms of inhaling chemical agents such as chlorine and sarin.

 Donald Trump says 'you'll see' when asked about Syria policy

Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) also said in a statement on Wednesday that evidence pointed to the use of both chlorine and sarin.

Damascus and the Kremlin both said that an explosion at a rebel ammunition depot was to blame for the deaths  an explanation the international community swiftly rejected.

Bashar al-Assads government gave up its chemical weapons stocks to an international watchdog in 2013 after a sarin gas attack in a suburb of Damascus which killed hundreds of civilians, although rebel officials have long accused the regime of keeping some of its arsenal.

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session in New York on Wednesday to discuss imposing sanctions on those found responsible for this weeks attack  a move rejected by Russias deputy ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov.
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Israels former chief rabbi, Yisrael Meir Lau, boldly stated Thursday that what is taking place in neighbouring Syria is a Holocaust. He also criticised Israels long-standing position to not get involved in that countrys civil war and said he dreamed Israel would step up to stop what is happening a few miles from its northern border.

Born in Poland, Lau was the youngest prisoner  eight years old  to be freed from the Nazi extermination camp of Buchenwald some 72 years ago. As a Holocaust survivor, Lau, who now serves as chief rabbi of Tel Aviv, is aware of the sensitivity Israelis feel comparing other genocides to the magnitude of what happened to the Jews in Europe during World War II.

But in an interview with Israels Army Radio on Thursday, two days after reports that a chemical attack in a rebel-held area of northern Syria had killed nearly 100 people, the rabbi said unequivocally that what is happening there today is a Holocaust.

Of course, this is a shoah of the Syrian people and it did not start today. For the past six years since they have been living in a Holocaust, said Lau, using the Hebrew word for Holocaust.

Lau, who has spoken out before about what is taking place in Syria, said he strongly rejects Israels position that it should refrain from taking sides or getting involved in the civil war in any way.

He said he did not care about politics or strategic alliances and declared that he wanted to see Israel, a nation that has suffered more than any other nation, go in and save children and other innocents who are suffering in Syria.

We do not enjoy bloodshed, this is human blood, said the rabbi. Your neighbour does not have to share your nationalism or worldview; he was created in the image of God.

Israel and Syria share a border in Israels north but there are no formal ties between the two countries, which have technically been at war since Israels creation in 1948.

Since the start of the fighting in Syria, Israel has consistently stated that its official policy is not to comment or get involved, except to respond militarily to stray rockets and shots that spill over from the fighting.

In addition, Israel provides medical assistance to Syrian nationals and fighters who arrive at the border fence in need of help. To date, hundreds of Syrian victims of the war have been treated in an Israeli field hospital, as well as in hospitals inside Israel.

In an interview with a Croatian newspaper, published in English Thursday by Syrias official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that a war already existed between Syria and Israel. He said that those opposing him inside his country were fighting for Israel.

Even if they are not a regular Israeli army, they are still fighting for Israel. And Israel shares the objectives with Turkey, the United States, France, Britain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other states. They all share the same objective. It is a war that has taken a new form and uses new instruments. Practically, our victory over the terrorists is a victory over all those states put together, said Assad.

Most of the world believes Assad is behind Tuesdays chemical attack in the rebel-controlled Idlib province. Syria has accused the insurgents of using the toxic weapons.

In Israel, the attack renewed the debate over whether to take a more active role in what is happening in Syria.

Israels hard-line education minister, Naftali Bennett, on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold a special cabinet session to discuss the security implications of Syria possessing chemical weapons and the systematic genocide being carried out in Syria.

Netanyahu also responded to the attack, tweeting: When I saw pictures of babies suffocating from a chemical attack in Syria, I was shocked and outraged. There's no, none, no excuse whatsoever for the deliberate attacks on civilians and on children, especially with cruel and outlawed chemical weapons.

In December, Netanyahu announced Israels willingness to take in wounded women, children and male noncombatants from Syria. He said Israel was exploring ways of doing this.

So far, however, Israel is the only country bordering Syria that has not taken in refugees.

Some Israelis remain less sympathetic to the plight of their Syrian neighbors and have argued against increasing Israels involvement.

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

In an interview with Israeli paper Yedioth Ahronoth on Thursday, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said it was the responsibility of the international community to provide assistance in Syria and not Israel.

Why do we need to take the chestnuts out of the fire? This is the responsibility of the international community, he said.

The Washington Post
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Muslim mothers will have more babies than Christian women by 2035, a new study has found.

Christianity is currently the largest religion in the world, with Christians making up almost one third of Earths 7.3 billion people in 2015. Islam comes in second, with 1.8 billion Muslims globally.

But in less than 20 years time this is expected to change, the Pew Research Centre found, with Muslim births modestly exceeding Christian births to make Islam the worlds fastest-growing major religious group.

People with no religion, meanwhile, face a 'birth dearth', the research found, likely leading to a significant fall in numbers.

There are already clear indicators of rapid growth to come in the world's Muslim population, the nonpartisan fact tank said. In the period between 2010 and 2015, births to Muslims made up an estimated 31 per cent of all babies born around the world  far exceeding the Muslim share of the global population, which stood at 24 per cent in 2015.

The worlds Christian population is also still growing, but far more slowly. In recent years, 33 per cent of the worlds babies were born to Christians, which is slightly greater than the Christian share of the worlds total population  31 per cent in 2015.

The Christian population is growing more slowly because on average it is older than the Muslim population, Pew found. While the relatively young Christian population in regions like sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow in the decades ahead, more Christians are dying of old age than being born in richer regions like Europe.

In Germany alone, researchers found there were an estimated 1.4 million more Christian deaths than births between 2010 and 2015.

Globally, the younger population and high fertility rates of Muslims lead to a projection that between 2030 and 2035, there will be slightly more babies born to Muslims (225 million) than to Christians (224 million), even though the total Christian population will still be larger.

By the 2055 to 2060 period, the birth gap between the two groups is expected to shrink to just 6 million (232 million births among Muslims versus 226 million births among Christians).

Religiously unaffiliated people currently make up 16 per cent of the global population, but only an estimated 10 per of the worlds newborns between 2010 and 2015 were born to religiously unaffiliated mothers.

Atheists, agnostics, and those who subscribe to no particular religion are therefore expected to decline as a share of the worlds population in the coming decades.

By 2055 to 2060, just 9 per cent of all babies will be born to religiously unaffiliated women, while more than seven-in-ten will be born to either Muslims (36 per cent) or Christians (35 per cent).
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Refugees and migrants have been been beaten, stripped, robbed and given electric shocks by authorities in the European countries where they are seeking asylum, according to a new report from Oxfam, which says that they are being forced into the hands of people smugglers as a result.

Some of the worst instances of abuse have taken place in Serbia and Macedonia, the report says.

It adds that a group including children were abandoned in freezing temperatures at the dead of night at the Bulgarian border, after being told they were being taken to a Serbian asylum centre.

Researchers from Oxfam heard from migrants that Croatian police forced them to strip naked and walk back over the border to Serbia while running a gauntlet of officers who beat them with batons. Others had attack dogs set on them.

Hungarian officials were also alleged to have forced migrants to strip and sit in the snow as they poured water over them, while Bulgarian police were accused of searching migrants and taking all their possessions, including their shoes, before sending them back over the border.

The report says that researchers found a disturbing pattern of mistreatment of refugees and migrants on the Western Balkans route by border officials in Serbia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Much of the treatment described in the report is in breach of international law, including mass "push-backs" of groups of migrants without any assessment of their asylum entitlement.

All 140 people interviewed for the report called A Dangerous Game claimed they had suffered mistreatment at the hands of officials as they attempted to access asylum procedures.

Disturbing testimonies include one from an Afghan man, Isaaq, who said: "The Bulgarian police treated us so harshly that we will never forget it as long as we live  not only me but also all my brothers standing here faced cruelty in Bulgaria. They crossed the limit of cruelty.

"They put us in a cage, and didnt give us food for three days. They beat us so badly. They even gave us electric shocks."

Another Afghan man, identified as Aarif, described his experiences as he tried to enter Croatia.

"I was caught on the other side by the police, who put us in a car and turned on the air conditioning. It was very cold. Then they threw away our blankets and jackets, and left us on the Serbian border. They took our mobiles and our money, and beat us so harshly we couldnt get up."

Ruth Tanner, Advocacy Advisor for Oxfam South East Europe, said such stories were encouraging desperate people to turn to people smugglers instead of attempting to use legal channels to claim asylum.

The brutal illegal actions of law enforcement officials create a climate of fear among refugees and other migrants," she said. This pushes many to rely on smugglers to continue their journey to other places in Europe, which is very dangerous as it leaves already vulnerable people exposed to the criminal underbelly of trafficking and violence.

In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Budapest's main international railway station ordered an evacuation as hundreds of migrants tried to board trains to Austria and Germany In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Migrants protest in front of the Keleti Railway Station after police closed the station in Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Migrants wait behind a fence guarded by police as the Keleti train terminal in Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Syrian migrants show their train tickets to Germany and demand being let on the train but Keleti train terminal in Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Migrants protest in front of the Keleti Railway Station after police closed the station in Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Riot police stand on the train track as they monitor migrants and refugees at the Keleti (eastern) railway station in Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Refugee children sleep in the surrounding green area of the Keleti railway station in Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Migrants wave their train tickets and lift up children outside the main Eastern Railway station in Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Migrants protest at the Eastern (Keleti) railway station of Budapest In pictures: Hundreds of migrants stranded in Budapest Hungary Migrants gesture as they stand in the main Eastern Railway station in Budapest

She added: People who are often fleeing unimaginable violence in their home countries are shockingly and unjustly thrown back into a reality of brutality here in Europe. The testimonies we have collected expose the horrendous treatment governments, including by European Union member states, are letting happen in order to stop people entering their territory.

The vast majority of interviewees came from Afghanistan and the rest from Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Egypt and Lebanon.

Of the 140 people spoken to, 75 had been expelled from Hungary and Serbia, with several reporting multiple push-backs from different countries.

The report also supports findings from UN refugee agency UNHCR that migrants and refugees are regularly being informally and arbitrarily expelled from one territory to another across the region.

Oxfam called on the governments of Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Hungary and Bulgaria to immediately cease human rights violations and to take urgent action against the perpetrators of crimes against migrants and refugees.

EU governments should make sure all states along the Balkans route adhere to international laws and standards, and they must themselves respect these legal and moral obligations," it said.
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Im walking between two sandstone cliffs, the cool rock providing respite from the sun as I hike toward Petra. The ancient city may be Jordans most visited site, but there are few people around me this morning. Most visitors enter through the front and face throngs of salespeople pushing donkey rides; Im coming in from the back, via a hiking trail thats Jordans newest attraction.

The Jordan Trail, which launched at the end of March, is a 400-mile trek across the country, running from Umm Qais in northern Jordan all the way to the Red Sea in the south. Tackling the whole thing takes dedication  it takes a biblical 40 days. Luckily, its been designed with amateurs and holidaymakers in mind as well as serious adventurers, and has been broken into eight sections, each across diverse and dramatic landscapes. You can easily strike out for one or two nights, or even do a day trip.

Along the Jordan Trail Show all 15 1 /15 Along the Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The trail is hikable alone Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail Hiking the Jordan Trail gives you views of mountains, desert, and local flora Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Hiking in Wadi Rum you'll pass through red canyons along sandy desert floor Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Little Petra isn't quite as impressive as Petra, but with fewer crowds and a quieter walking path, it's almost more charming Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Emerge from the Jordan Trail to the backside of Petra, where you'll find unrivalled views of the Monastery Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Sandstone mountains rise in the distance while hiking towards Wadi Rum Rebecca Holland Along the Jordan Trail Top of the world on the Jordan Trail Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail There's a huge variation of landscape on the trail Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The trail starts in the lush green north of the country Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail A different side of Jordan Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The thru-hike currently navigating the trail Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The thru-hike crew get busy Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail Petra's famous rock-carved buildings Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail Sandstone cliffs around Petra Jordan Trail Along the Jordan Trail The trail's easy to follow Jordan Trail

The section I've chosen is just over five miles, making it an easy day hike. It runs to Petra from Little Petra - another 2000-year-old, rock-carved Nabataean city thats smaller and less crowded than its bigger sibling. The hike isnt new - it was named one of National Geographic's best hikes in the world in 2011 - but is sure to be the most popular stretch of the trail. Over the course of two hours, we walk through shaded gorges where flowers line the path, and across arid hills with spectacular mountain panoramas. After walking through desert and climbing red sandstone steps - pretty much having the back route to Petra by ourselves - a final turn opens out onto the intricately carved monastery and the rest of the tourists in Petra.

Another stand-out portion of the trail is the 55-mile stretch from Petra to Wadi Rum, across vast expanses of desert with majestic sandstone mountains in the distance. One for those with a little more time, it takes about five days to hike, camping out in the desert, accompanied by some of the world's best stargazing. The area was Lawrence of Arabia's favourite spot because of the uninterrupted views of the night sky; today, youll walk through mountains and wadis, hike down cliffs and through dunes. Bedouin camps offer tea and souvenirs en route.

The Jordan Trail may be new, but its been a long time in the planning. In 1984, British couple and avid climbers Tony and Di Howard watched Lawrence of Arabia and were inspired to visit Jordan. They were some of the first climbers in Wadi Rum outside of the native Bedouins, and helped develop tourism in the area.

On the way to Wadi Rum (Rebecca Holland)

With funding from former Queen Noor in the late 1980s, the couple began exploring beyond Petra, eventually walking through much of the country and coming up with the idea to build sustainable tourism, linking hiking trails from north to south and benefitting rural villages in the process. The Howards proposed the idea for the Jordan Trail in the 1990s, but it wasn't until 2016 that it received funding.

Today, the trail winds through 52 settlements; hikers are encouraged to spend time in local communities, talking and eating with residents. Most camp along the route, but you can also stay in Bedouin tents in some areas, or small hotels in bigger towns like Petra.

The launch of the trail has come at a critical time for Jordan, as tourism has plummeted more than 60 per cent since 2010, largely due to safety concerns sparked by conflict in surrounding countries. But will it pull in the punters? Tony Howard thinks so.

It's very unique and takes you through various ecosystems, from forests in the north with olive groves, to historical sights like Umm Qais and Islamic castles, to massive canyons in the Rift Valley over 1000m deep. It's truly spectacular scenery, he says.

From the canyons, you'll hike into hill villages and wetlands, then across the southern desert into Petra, across sand dunes and through Bedouin villages, eventually ending up at the Red Sea.

It's constantly changing scenery, and then you have the interaction with village people, Howard says. It has all sorts of things going for it.

The Jordan Trail Association, which manages the trail, has celebrated the opening with the first annual thru-hike: a group hike of the whole route, accompanied by the Howards, which started on 31 March and ends 14 May. Not that you have to go the whole hog  hikers can register on the website and join the group at any point, either for a full section or even just a day. And while the thru-hike is guided, the trail has been designed to be hiked alone, or with one of the many tour guides who have set up shop since its creation. The Jordan Trail Association itself offers private guides for all parts of the trail  rates start at around 34 per day.

So far, only two people have completed the entire trail. Mohammad Zayyadeen and Mohammad Homran from Madaba in Jordan hiked it in 2016 and celebrated by leaping into the Red Sea. But theres no need to do it all to get a feel for the country  even for me, on a day trip, it was a chance to see the lesser trafficked parts of south Jordans most famous sights.

Top walks on the Jordan Trail

The trail covers a range of terrains (Jordan Trail)

Umm Qais to Ajloun

This 50-mile stretch at the start of the trail takes you through the greenest part of Jordan, across hills sprinkled with remains of ancient civilisations. Walk through olive groves, prehistoric caves, hot springs, ancient Roman cities, a Byzantine monastery, and rural villages before ending at the medieval Ajloun Castle.

Best for: History lovers, nature lovers

Level: Moderate

Time needed: 4 days

Rasoun to Ajloun Castle

An easy walk through rural villages, this hike is great for those who want a taste of local culture. Aside from passing through forests and ancient ruins, you can stop at one of Al Ayouns homestays for lunch (prearrange through the Jordan Trail Association), or visit a soap maker and calligraphy house. End at the Islamic castle of Ajloun where you can take in views of the town below while sipping coffee or tea at one of several cafes.

Best for: Those interested in local culture, day trippers

Level: Easy

Time needed: 4-5 hours

The landscape in the north is greener (Jordan Trail)

Three Wadis to Karak

Hike 47 miles through three large wadis in the Dead Sea region. Wadi Wala, Wadi Hidan, and finally Wadi Mujib (known as the Grand Canyon of Jordan) are challenging to hike but offer spectacular scenery. Between the deep wadis, walk through red soil plateaus and Bedouin farmland. End at Karak, a huge crusader castle.

Best for: Serious hikers, adventure seekers

Level: Difficult

Time needed: 4 days

Little Petra to Petra

This easy hike follows the walk the Nabataeans would have taken between these two archaeological sites. Youll walk through a valley and over a rock terrace, entering narrow Wadi Siyyagh, where youre surrounded by cliffs. Exit the chasm and hike sandstone steps, emerging to views of the famed Monastery at Petra. If you want to continue on the trail and see more of Petra, purchase a pass ahead of time online, as they can only be bought in person from the front entrance.

Best for: Archaeology lovers, nature lovers

Level: Easy

Time needed: 2-3 hours

Petra to Wadi Rum

This 57-mile stretch takes you from the much-visited Petra to the desert silence of Wadi Rum. Walk through deep wadis and orange, sandy plains, stop for tea in Bedouin villages, and relax at night with uninterrupted views of the stars.

Best for: Ticking off your bucket list, astronomy lovers

Level: Moderate

Time needed: 5 days

Travel Essentials

If you're not an experienced hiker or don't like the thought of camping alone, visit with a guide (book through the Jordan Trail Association) or go for a day hike. Remember that much of the trail runs through the desert, and can get very, very hot. It's best to visit between October and April, and you should always bring more water than you think you'll need.

Getting there

British Airways and Royal Jordanian fly direct for around 500 from the UK to Amman, where you'll have to take a bus or private taxi to your hiking destination. Many other airlines offer one-stop flights at a cheaper price. The Jordan Trail website gives information on how to get to each portion of the trail from Amman.

More Information

jordantrail.org

experiencejordan.com
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The low-cost airline, Norwegian, has stepped up its battle against the existing transatlantic airlines by announcing two new routes from Gatwick to the US.

From 16 September 2017, it will fly to Denver  initially twice a week, but with an added service in winter, when the Colorado airport is popular with skiers.

The following day, the first Gatwick-Seattle service will begin  flying four times a week to the biggest city in Washington State, which is home to Amazon and Microsoft.

British Airways flies to both cities from Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic has just taken over the Heathrow-Seattle route from its partner, Delta.

Norwegian says its current US schedule is operating at over 90 per cent full. Earlier this week, Bjorn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian, hinted he was looking at longer-range links, saying: "The Dreamliner has a low operating cost with enough range. The aircraft is built for 18-hours utilisation."

The airlines chief commercial officer, Thomas Ramdahl, said: We are excited to add Seattle to our growing list of US destinations while breaking the monopoly on UK flights to Denver.

As we expand our high-quality services to the USA, we will continue offering passengers greater choice, convenient schedules and affordable fares.

Gatwick is seeking to expand its long-haul network, particular on business routes.

Guy Stephenson, the airports chief commercial officer, said: Both cities are prominent business centres known for their hi-tech and advanced manufacturing industries. Both are also gateways for trade across the US so this new connectivity comes at an important time for UK businesses, including those that export cargo.

British Airways and its parent company, IAG, has responded increasingly aggressively to Norwegians expansion. BA is competing head-to-head from Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale in Florida and Oakland in California, while a new IAG subsidiary, Level, will take on Norwegians transatlantic links from Barcelona.
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Standing hunched in the frame of the millhouses first floor window, vertigo swirling as the River Avon glints below me in the midsummer sun, I realise my love of wild swimming is now an all-consuming passion.

I was 15 feet up, staring down at one of Englands finest rivers, with a group of fellow swimmers egging me on to jump  and I was actually considering it. I counted to three, closed my eyes, flung myself from the window. The split seconds between jumping and crashing feet-first into the green water felt like an eternity. But as I surfaced I found that familiar feeling  that rush of dopamine, endorphins zipping around my brain. I was exhilarated but calm.

I was nine months into a personal mission which had led me to this exhilarating yet mad experience. The challenge? To try wild swimming in every river, lake, lido, bay and canal visited by the late naturalist and adventurer Roger Deakin in his 1999 cult classic, Waterlog.

Wild swimming essentially means swimming outdoors. You can do it in the sea, in a lake, a river  even a canal if it takes your fancy. But that's not to say you can swim everywhere. Many stretches of water are private; some are dangerous. Gravel pit lakes, for example, can often be hazardous, with sharp drops in depth meaning the temperature falls rapidly. But finding the perfect wild swimming spot is a hugely rewarding experience.

My own love affair with wild swimming started one heady summer, during which I spent my days swimming in the mixed pond at Hampstead Heath. Having first gone to Hampstead as a heads-out breast-stroker who preferred the strictures of the indoor pool, I soon found myself steeped in its waters. And for one very good reason. When I pushed myself off from the concrete jetty, buoyed up by its depths, I felt an almost instant cure for the anxiety that had been nagging at my brain for years.

Joe Minihane decided to follow in Roger Deakin's wild swimming footsteps (Joe Minihane)

Swimming, particularly wild swimming, held a simple appeal. Whenever I got in the water, I felt calmer, more present. This was mindfulness. My only focus was kicking my legs and moving my arms, making sure I survived in that moment.

I began craving different water, different places. And in Deakin I found my guide. Having fallen in love with his anti-authoritarian spirit and bucolic descriptions of the English countryside, Waterlog became my bible  and I followed its path religiously.

Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming Show all 9 1 /9 Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming ecsImgAssetAccessCAHITU5A-1.jpg MARTIN PARR/MAGNUM PHOTOS Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming AssetAccessCAEKSBPQ.jpg FROM THE AUTHOR'S COLLECTION Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming AssetAccessCAQ1GOTL.jpg FROM THE AUTHOR'S COLLECTION Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming AssetAccessCAT9VBF7.jpg MARTIN PARR/MAGNUM PHOTOS Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming AssetAccessCAPTGDQN.jpg FROM THE AUTHOR'S COLLECTION Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming AssetAccessCAKO1ASW.jpg FARLEIGH AND DISTRICT SWIMMING CLUB Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming AssetAccessCAFDFQ89.jpg MARTIN PARR/MAGNUM PHOTOS Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming AssetAccessCA1EZ9VT.jpg SKEGNESS MODEL VILLAGE Splash mob: The British have enjoyed a long love affair with wild-water swimming AssetAccessCA4NFLOT.jpg MARTIN PARR/MAGNUM PHOTOS

My wild-swimming journey took me to some of the most distant, hard-to-reach places in the UK. I snorkelled over kelp forests in the Isles of Scilly, dropped down a series of plunge pools into a dark, narrow gorge in the Yorkshire Dales, watched the waves whip over Loch Tarbert in Jura and finished my journey at Roger Deakins one-time home, swimming in the moat outside the backdoor of his Suffolk farmhouse.

Over a two-and-a-half-year mission, I learned how to take the calm stillness the water afforded me into everyday life. And, having explored some of the UKs most beautiful waterways, I am utterly convinced that this country offers the best bathing in the world.

The UKs best outdoor swims

Hampstead mixed pond, London

A short tube ride from central London, Hampstead mixed pond is an Arcadian dream that feels a million miles from the relentless buzz of the city streets. Open from May until September, its narrow banks draw sunbathers and swimmers alike. Arrive early or on a wet day, though. The only company will be the lifeguards and coots busying themselves in the undergrowth.

Best hotels in London

Bryher, Isles of Scilly

Bryher might only be half a mile wide but this tiny island is home to some of the most stunning bays and beaches in the UK. Great Popplestones Bay, in the west, has beautiful white sands, its sheltered waters are home to swaying seaweed and gin-clear waters. Its worth wearing a wetsuit  compared to Cornwall, the water here is icy, even in high summer.

Best hotels in the Isles of Scilly

Popplestones Bay on Bryher in the Scilly Isles offers sheltered, clear waters (Joe Minihane)

River Bure, Aylsham, Norfolk

Down a single-track road west of the town of Aylsham sits a perfect wild-swimming hole. Water rushes through a mill race into a deep pool, with a fast shelving beach making the perfect entry point. Swim against the current or let it carry you into the shallows. An open-sided barn on the river bank is the ideal spot for getting changed or having a post-dip picnic.

Best hotels in Norfolk

Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham

While there are many art deco gems around the UK that could easily make the cut, its hard to look beyond Cheltenhams spectacular Sandford Parks Lido. Pass through the turnstiles, cross its manicured lawns and dive into a bright blue dream, where kids practice cannonballs and hardcore swimmers tack out lengths at rapid pace.

Best hotels in the Cotswolds

Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham is pick of the pools (Joe Minihane)

Loch Tarbert, Jura, Scotland

Juras waters are warmed by the gulf stream, making them the perfect place for a Scottish summer swim. Loch Tarbert, which almost cuts the island in two, offers plenty of opportunities for long swims, especially at its sheltered eastern end. The views are relentless and made all the better by the native deer watching as you strip down and wade in.

Best hotels in Scotland

Joe Minihanes Floating: A Life Regained (Duckworth Overlook, 15) is out now
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Outside the lie of 350m a week extra for the NHS, immigration emerged as the best card Brexiteers had to play during the EU referendum. And my, how they exploited it.

Armed with incendiary rhetoric, they cynically played on peoples fears, pledging that if we could just get out of the EU, with its addiction to the free movement of people, we could take back control of our borders and everyone would be much happier and richer as a result.

The problem with basing your case on scaremongering, spin and out-and-out nonsense is that eventually it will come back to bite you. Just say the word Iraq to Tony Blair.

Its hard economic reality rather than missing WMDs that is biting Theresas Mays Brexit and the fantasy held by some that it would see Government action to "keep 'em out".

How else to explain the PM's hint on her Middle Eastern jaunt that free movement from the EU could last for at least a while after Britain has sailed off into the North Sea?

She is not pledging to keep it. There will instead be an implementation phase once an exit deal has been struck, to give business and governments a period of time to adjust.

So dont you worry your sweet little heads, Brexit-backers. Britain will still have greater control over its borders. Oh yes it will!

Quite how is yet to be explained. But lets park that for now.

 Theresa May accepts trade deal with EU will not be possible before Britain leaves union

May's comments, clearly designed to downplay Brexiteer expectations of a fortress Britain, shouldnt come as any surprise. Id imagine that anytime the PM or her more sensible ministers speak to anyone in business they hear the same thing: Where do you expect us to get our employees from? We need migrants. Could you just pipe down with all that rhetoric about targets? It's killing us!

The economic problems that will follow any new controls were encapsulated in a report issued last week by KPMG for the British Hospitality Association, which represents Britains fourth biggest industry (tourism, pubs, restaurants, hotels) and a reliable foreign exchange earner to boot.

It warned of a 60,000 annual staff shortage facing the sector, based on the assumption that EU citizens who are already here are allowed to stay but new ones aren't allowed in.

And its not just BHA members that have genuine cause for concern. There are already indications that problems are building up in the NHS, which relies heavily on EU nurses, for example. They've started to show a marked reluctance to come here. Can you blame them?

Well just train our own up! bleat the Brexiteers. The trouble is that that takes time, money the Government wont spend, and people the country doesnt have.

So they will still have to be imported even after any transitional arrangements if Theresa May wants to prevent sucking the economy, and the health service, down a plughole and taking her premiership with it.

The PM regularly played the immigration card while she was Home Secretary, as Tory Home Secretaries, keen to burnish their hardline credentials, are wont to do. Shes in a bigger job now, however, and she knows that while the Conservative Party's poll lead might look all but unassailable as things stand, it wont remain that way if the economy trips up.

Whatever May is, shes not stupid.

 Theresa May arrives in Saudi Arabia without a headscarf

She will also know, if she's honest with herself, that Britain is not full up. As the Thatcherite Institute of Economic affairs made plain in February, EU incomers make up a tiny proportion of the UK population as a whole.

Policy failures, and not immigration, are to blame for the stresses created by a rising population. Waiting too long for an appointment with a GP? Its because we dont have enough of them. Struggling to find a council house? Its because weve persistently failed to build enough of them and keep selling off those that we have.

I could go on.

What hard Brexit, driven by a cadre of fundamentalist MPs and tabloid newspapers, offers is not control of our borders but the illusion of it. A fantasy that is showing the first signs of unravelling.

There will be more like this in the weeks and months ahead. Anyone want to run a book on the next Brexit promise to crash into the white cliffs of Dover?
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It is not a marriage made in heaven. It would be hard to imagine two more different characters than the presidents of the worlds largest and second largest economies, who meet on Thursday and Friday in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

Donald Trump is not a professional politician  indeed, he is not one at all, for he has switched party support several times. He is untried, impulsive, contradicts himself, and has yet to learn how to manipulate the domestic political system to achieve his aims.

Xi Jinping, by contrast, has spent 40 years climbing the political ladder. He is hugely experienced. Every statement is carefully calculated, and the fact that he has beaten his rivals to reach the pinnacle of the Chinese communist party is testimony of his ability to work the system.

The two leaders do, however, have something in common: they are both nationalists. President Trump wants to make America great again. President Xi wants China to re-establish its position as the worlds largest economy, which it was until about 150 years ago.

 Trump declares an end to 'war on coal'

In reality, though, both leaders will easily achieve their aims. The US is indeed great, if you consider not just its military and intellectual dominance of the world, but the way in which its giant high-tech companies have pioneered the communications revolution. China will, under almost any circumstances, become the worlds largest economy within a generation. It depends a bit on how you measure the size of the Chinese and US economies but the tipping point looks somewhere between 10 and 20 years away.

But each needs the other. Both need an open, co-operative world economy, and the overriding question facing the two leaders in Mar-a-Lago is whether they can manage the inevitable tensions between the two nations to achieve that aim.

Those tensions are greater now than at any period since China started to adopt the market system for its economy at the end of the 1970s. Jonathan Fenby,a former journalist on The Independent and former editor of The South China Morning Post now writing for research group TS Lombard, put the dynamics of the summit this way: We see the meeting as one at which Xi will essentially be trying to weigh up the new occupant of the White House, while the American president will want results that enable him to claim that he has wrung concessions out of China that his predecessors failed to obtain.

There is one overriding political issue and one overriding economic one. The political issue is what to do about North Korea. There are others, in particular the Chinese bases in the South China Sea, the status of Taiwan and relations with Japan, but North Korea is in the forefront. Im not sure theres much to be said in advance of the meeting, except to make the obvious point that North Korean military action would at best be profoundly damaging for the East Asian economy, and probably the world economy too.

The economic issue is trade. China last year exported $463bn of goods to the US and imported only $116bn. That gap was why Donald Trump said at a rally last year: We cant allow China to rape our country, and thats what theyre doing.

The trade gap is of a similar order of magnitude to that with Germany, which is why the Donald does not go a bundle on Germany either. But Germany is a more open economy, and thanks to its own self-discipline in holding down costs and its eurozone membership, it has become super competitive. China has, if anything, an overvalued currency and has achieved this trading position party by restricting imports from, among others, the US.

 Xi Jinping leaves Manchester

There is another number that matters: Chinas savings. In 2014 Chinese gross domestic savings were $5,400bn: almost as much as the US and the eurozone combined. That money has to go somewhere, but has been to a large extent contained within China by capital controls. If those controls were loosened that would push the yuan down, which arguably is needed to boost the Chinese economy. But it would make Chinese exports more competitive and damage relations with the US even more. Further, there would a flood of money going into US and European assets, in a sense buying up the world. China could, so to speak, weaponise its savings.

One can too wound up about this. The thing to look for will be a deal, or at least an understanding. Can China voluntarily restrict its exports to the US, in return for maintaining open access to the market?

Dont expect too much from the summit. If it is reasonably amicable that is a plus. If there is any progress on either of the two great issues noted here that will be a double plus. And if there is a breakdown in the talks? Well, they wont allow that, will they, for it they did it would be scary indeed.
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Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet on Thursday and Friday for their first face-to-face session. The Florida meeting has potential to be the most important yet for Trump with any foreign leader given the stakes in play in what is, in many respects, the countrys most important bilateral relationship.

While economic and security fundamentals will largely determine the course of ties in coming years, personal chemistry between the two leaders  or its absence  could also be key. During the Obama presidency, the fact that relations remained generally cordial reflected, in significant part, the personal commitments of Barack Obama and Xi to bilateral stability. Both recognised the super-priority of the relationship, and Washington pursued a strategy that promoted cooperation on softer issues like climate change, while seeking constructive engagement on vexed, harder issues such as South China Sea tensions.

Meanwhile, Xi outlined his desire to fundamentally redevelop a new type of great power relationship with the United States to avoid the conflict-ridden great power patterns of the past. This is an audacious goal, which still lacks any obvious definition, and it is not certain if the pledge remains in place given the frequent bellicosity of Trump to China.

The fact that the mood music has changed so much means the meeting is particularly important for Trump, who has a weight of expectation to meet after so much anti-Beijing rhetoric. Underlying his often hawkish sentiment appears to be a conviction that China represents the primary threat to US interests globally.

 Donald Trump says 'you'll see' when asked about Syria policy

Last week, for instance, the president asserted the Xi meeting will be a difficult one because we can no longer have massive trade deficits and job losses, fuelling concerns about a potential trade war with China. Earlier this year, he called Beijing grand champions of currency manipulation, asserting the country is keeping its exchange rate artificially low in order to secure export advantage.

Only last Friday, Trump signed executive orders aimed at identifying abuses that are driving the US trade deficit  which was around $500 billion in 2016  and clamping down on non-payment of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on imports. Separately, the Office of the United States Trade Representative asserted Chinas industrial policies and financial support for industries such as steel have resulted in global over-production, and an export flood that has distorted markets.

On the face of it, rising tensions between Beijing and Washington appear likely in coming months. Yet it remains genuinely unclear whether Trump will up the ante this week with Xi, or try to put bilateral relations on a more even keel after the early disruptions of his presidency.

One of Trumps first acts after winning Novembers election was a phone call with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, believed to be the first direct contact between a sitting US president-elect or president and his Taiwanese counterpart since the 1970s. This was much to Beijing's chagrin, as was his public questioning of the longstanding US One China Policy. Yet, since then, he seems to have reversed course and accepted much of this decades-long framework of Washington-Beijing relations.

 Trump declares an end to 'war on coal'

Whether a diplomatic or bellicose Trump shows up at the meeting, he needs to be seen to secure concessions during his presidency from China. Trump has asserted that everything is under negotiation, and he may ultimately be looking for a grand bargain with Beijing extending beyond the economics arena  where one of his asks is to see the Chinese currency floated  to security.

A string of security issues are on the agenda, including the South China Sea. This topic came to the fore again when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Beijing should not be allowed access to its new, artificial islands there, a sensitive comment given Chinas animus toward US sea and air manoeuvres near its borders.

However, North Korea is the most pressing security issue. Trump has acknowledged Beijing can play a potentially very constructive role here, but has expressed exasperation that it is not doing more to pressurise the regime in Pyongyang. Reflecting this, Tillerson warned last month that the two decades-long US policy of strategic patience towards North Korea is now over and all options are on the table.

The differences between China and the United States on this potentially first order crisis stem from the fact that, concerned as Beijing is about Pyongyangs behaviour, it does not want to push the regime so hard that it becomes significantly destabilised. This risks North Korea behaving even more unpredictably, even the outside possibility of the regimes implosion, which Beijing does not believe to be in its interests, not least as it could lead to instability on the border the two countries share and potential emergence of a pro-US successor government.

China is also concerned that the United States might even be thinking seriously about a pre-emptive strike on Pyongyangs nuclear capabilities. This is one reason why Foreign Minister Wang Li asserted last month that Chinas priority now is to flash the red light and apply the break to both [the US and North Korean] trains to avoid a collision.

 Xi Jinping has a pint with David Cameron GVs

Beijings concern here is not just irresponsibility from North Korea, but what it asserts is the United States fanning the flames by beginning last months deployment of the controversial Terminal High Altitude Area Defence missile system (THAAD) in South Korea. China vehemently opposes THAAD, which it fears could be used for US espionage on its activities as much as for targeting North Korean missiles.

Taken overall, the Trump-Xi meeting is unlikely to see any decisive breakthroughs, but more likely intensify bilateral dialogue in areas such as trade and North Korea. After all of his anti-China rhetoric, Trump will ultimately need to secure concessions from Beijing and appears to be looking for a grand bargain to help underpin a renewed basis for bilateral relations.

Andrew Hammond is an Associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics
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This past Sunday, with great fanfare, Israeli politicians and military leaders finally announced to the Israeli public  and to the countrys enemies  that they had successfully layered the nations airspace with the most sophisticated anti-missile defence system ever developed.

Long-range Iranian or Syrian missiles, as it is anticipated, would mainly be handled by the US-backed Arrow system at high altitudes; smaller, but nevertheless extremely accurate, missiles from Hezbollah in Lebanon or Syria would be the domain of the US-backed Davids Sling, while drones, artillery and smaller rockets will continue to be dealt with by the (also US-backed) Iron Dome.

In mid-March, the new Arrow-3 missile system had seen its first successful use, knocking out a Syrian missile fired towards Israel in response to yet another Israeli Air Force attack within Syria, allegedly targeting Hezbollah positions.

This unprecedented ratcheting up of military confrontation in the Levant is raising significant concerns that a climactic war at least involving Hezbollah and Israel is increasingly likely, just 11 years after the last inconclusive round of hostilities left both sides licking their wounds and promising a final engagement.

In 13 years of watching these two bitter opponents, I have never seen such a high degree of anxiety among Lebanons political elite that war is coming.

 Donald Trump says 'you'll see' when asked about Syria policy

This incredibly unstable and violent moment in geopolitics is undermining the central element that kept Israel and Hezbollah from overstepping each others red lines: fear, or rather a balance of fear based on the belief that the next conflict will be devastating for all sides.

When the next war hits, Israel will not only be well positioned to defend against Hezbollahs main weapon  rockets launched against military and civilian targets  but it will also employ the unrestrained bombing of all Lebanese infrastructure and supportive civilian populations, ensuring that other Lebanese citizens turn on Hezbollah as a result.

Unfortunately for the balance of terror, Hezbollah and their allies seem to believe, with some cause, that the Israelis are wrong. First, a vicious bombing of all Lebanon will likely produce greater solidarity among Lebanese, rather than lead to any combination of ill-equipped communities to somehow confront Hezbollah.

Second, Hezbollah is not the same as the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which was expelled from Lebanon after the devastating Israeli invasion in the summer of 1982. It is a deeply rooted Lebanese political grouping that has significant support in the country. As the leader of Hezbollah, Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, has long reminded the Israelis, party supporters and especially his base among the Shia people of Lebanon are not going to get on a ship and move to Tunis as PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat once did. Most will stay and fight for their country.

Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Show all 12 1 /12 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The fire in my heart is beyond my ribs. You left me beloved - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Let me get enough of you, as Im still hungry for your smile my son - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict They besiege me in my homeland so I flew to heaven - Rodaina Al Agha, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict And I am still facing the pain all by myself - Lama Shakshak, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My brother, I watched you go while my heart was tearing - Helen Mo'amar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My new doll is lonely in the rubble - Ayah Sha'ath, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict When a soul hugs another soul they never split, even in death - Ismail Matar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Everyone is gone and I stayed alone to make the world witness the injustice done to me - Hamza Shaheen, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The hand that carries the arms carries roses too - Madeeha Al Majayda, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My eyes tell you about a dream that overcame the fence - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict A childhood caught in an unjust siege - Hadeel Quidh, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict All the details are torn after you - Hamza Shaheen, 17

Third, Hezbollah and its key partner Iran seem to believe that Israels nuclear and chemical facilities, and even its new missile system, are vulnerable and could be easily overcome.

Finally, just as Israeli leaders seem overly confident that other Lebanese communities will quickly turn on Hezbollah if hit hard enough, Nasrallah and other key Hezbollah leaders I have met over the years seem equally entranced by the idea that the Israelis have become a soft people protected by a soft army that will not be able to collectively bear the dislocation resulting from Hezbollahs land, sea and air strikes.

The core problem with all of these  mostly inaccurate  assumptions is that they are providing vital lubricant for the main casus belli that has now fully emerged in Southern Syria and the Occupied Golan. Indeed, both Hezbollah and Iran are very likely continuing to pursue the sort of underground military infrastructure in Southern Syria that they successfully pioneered against the Israelis in South Lebanon and more recently in other parts of Lebanon and Syria. For the Israelis, this activity is now being characterised in no uncertain terms as an existential red line.

Not surprisingly, the pace and scope of Israeli strikes has expanded in recent weeks and months. At the same time, the Syrian government, Hezbollah and Iran have now also made it clear that pushing the carte blanche that Israel claims in the skies above Lebanon and Syria will lead to greater counter-force.

As these dynamics gather pace, both Hezbollah and Israel can also claim that they were acting defensively if a major conflict starts in Syria or in Lebanon. On the one hand, Israel will argue that it was forced to pre-empt a growing terror threat on its border, while on the other Hezbollah and its allies will argue that they were illegally attacked and responded proportionately in order to maintain the balance of terror.

 Israeli and American flags set on fire in Tehran

Perhaps even more problematic, Iran and Hezbollah have some reason to fear that the Trump administration, Russia and Syrias al-Assad might find a suitable deal in the coming period that essentially deals out the Shia duo. Any attempt to sideline Iran and Hezbollah in Syria, however, would probably provoke a strong counter-reaction that could lead to a wider war. It would certainly leave both actors looking particularly vulnerable to an attempted knock-out blow by the Israelis.

At the very least, the new Trump administration considers Iran the main strategic enemy in the region. It has already signalled that it will pursue a more aggressive and confrontational policy, in sharp contrast to the previous Obama administration. As such, the White House and the US Congress are starting to take apart the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran while essentially assuring that there will be an unprecedented American support for Israel in the event of any conflict, no matter who is seen as starting it or how such a war is conducted.

On this score alone  the likely removal of American limitations on Israel  the balance of terror has been dramatically weakened.

Can anything be done to prevent the escalation of tensions? Sadly, it does not seem that any of the great powers, and especially the US, might intervene expeditiously and intelligently to address the root causes of conflict in this part of the world, much less the immediate triggers of a new Levantine war. One can only wait and hope that all sides recognise the Middle East simply cannot bear any more destruction and bloodshed.

Nicholas Noe is co-founder of the Beirut-based Mideastwire.com and editor of 'Voice of Hezbollah: The Statements of Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah'
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Silence means approval, the minister said to me. And the Syrian minister meant what he said. Rex Tillerson, Trumps Secretary of State, was silent.

And that was the message. Bashar al-Assad is no longer Americas target. Donald Trump, or whoever runs Trump, has decided that Assad will stay on as President of Syria. Silence is approval. Is this to please Vladimir Putin? Or is this to accept reality: that Bashar al-Assad will remain president of Syria? Either way, it is a fact. Barring ill health or assassination, Assad will continue to hold office. He will continue to be the leader. He will remain.

What does that say to the UN, the EU, the "world community", as we like to call it? Well, not much. Boris Johnson said as much last month, with that shrug of the shoulders that he must have learned from Arthur Balfour.

But there are changes afoot in Syria which citizens of that sad and terrifying, magnificent, powerful country will realise. The first is that, despite the appalling losses (75,000 soldiers, it would seem) Syrias army is winning. It has taken back eastern Aleppo, it has engineered the departure of almost every armed man from Homs, and it has taken back most of Damascus. Barrel bombs will have to wait for war crimes trials.

Did it use gas in Idlib province? Previous claims have proved elusive. Did the infamous gas attack in Damascus come from Bashars arsenal? Or from the rebels arsenal (from Libya, via Turkey, of course)? A gas assault on one village in the north of Syria struck the families of soldiers, but there are no assurances.

 Boris Johnson: Syrian chemical attack evidence points to Assad

There is, however, one directive that went out to the state intelligence services, the mukhabarat, the secret police. You, too, must fight for your country. This stunning order  and it could only be approved by the president  means that the men who safeguard the regime have been sent to the front. This has not been a sudden or immediate instruction. It has happened over a long period, almost since the Syrian War began. But it does mean that the men who have interrogated Syrian citizens must now fight for the lives of those same citizens, that they now have to prove their courage on the battlefield instead of the dungeon.

These are the momentous changes now taking place in Syria. The very embodiment of the regime is now on the front line. It may prove to be a transformative experience for them. I know one mukhabarat officer who has taken to military life; he prefers to be a Syrian soldier than an intelligence man. It was his choice. Perhaps a wise choice.

So, what does this mean for the West, for America, for us? It will almost certainly mean closer relations between Assad and the Americans. For a long time now, Americas intelligence men in Beirut have been trying to understand the future of the Assad government, realising  eventually  that it is likely to survive, and that, if its not exactly what the Syrian minister said, silence gives acceptance. After all, the US now approves of el-Sissis regime in Egypt, Trump likes Sissi and will go on (so it seems) pumping millions of dollars into Sissis regime. And Sissis mukhabarat sent to Syria, earlier this year, a team of its own intelligence officers to talk to their Syrian opposite numbers.

So there is Washingtons path to Assad. Putin and Trump have one policy in common: the destruction of Isis. For years, the State Department and the Pentagon have been claiming that the Syrian army is not fighting Isis, that it only wishes to destroy the foot soldiers of the Free Syrian Army. It did fight  and lose, and then win again  against Isis in Palmyra. In eastern Aleppo province, the army has been fighting  and winning  against Isis. These battles have been fought with Russian air strikes as well as Syrian air strikes.

But they have succeeded in turning Isis around. Right now, the city of Raqqa  Isis' "capital" in Syria  seems likely to fall to Kurdish and US-supported forces, which is not what Assad wants. Syria wants to take back its own city. Putin and Trump might like to have a chat about this.

At present, it seems an unlikely task. Raqqa is a city too far. The larger city of Deir ez-Zour is bigger, more important, more famous. But a Syrian capture of Raqqa would tell us a lot about Americas relations with Russia.
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In 2013, when pictures of entire Syrian families suffocated in their beds by sarin gas outraged the world, former US President Barack Obama warned the attack was a red line.

Almost four years later, Syrias civil war rages on, and an air raid over a town in rebel-held Idlib province - which according to Medecins Sans Frontieres involved both sarin and chlorine - has reportedly killed at least 52 adults and 20 children.

The attack was big enough for the international community to sit up and take notice. Scores die in Syria every day, on all sides and on every front of the war. More than half a million have lost their lives since it began six years ago, most thanks to conventional munitions. Just last month, the US killed around 50 civilians in Aleppo province after it targeted a mosque instead of an al-Qaeda meeting point.

 Donald Trump says 'you'll see' when asked about Syria policy

Despite the horror that was unleashed on Khan Sheikhoun in the early hours of Tuesday morning, its probably true that fewer people die in chemical weapons attacks across Syria than they used to. Thats not because they have ceased following condemnation of the 2013 incident in Ghouta, which killed hundreds, but because White Helmets volunteers and medical workers in opposition areas are now practised at dealing with their effects.

Rescue workers say they are now trained how to treat patients who are dying despite no obvious life threatening physical injuries: Strip the victims clothing, douse them with water, and remove them from the area. Repeat until you cant work anymore because youre blinded by and choking on the gas yourself.

While Damascus has denied any role in Tuesdays events, there is no other fighting force in Syria capable of such an attack.

The West has been quick to point the finger; Donald Trumps UN ambassador Nikki Haley even threatened during an emergency Security Council meeting that the US could take unilateral action against the Syrian government if Russia again vetoes sanctions against its ally. This, after it appeared last week the Trump administration was willing to accept President Bashar al-Assads rule as a political reality.

Trump said today that Tuesdays attack was an affront to humanity which has changed his opinion of Assad, hinting it could affect his policy that the US should focus on defeating Isis in Syria. (As usual, however, he offered nothing in the way of substance on how to end the violence.)

As many have pointed out, the deaths of 12 people in a terrorist sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway two decades ago were considered a global outrage.

But everything is relative, it seems. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports there have been dozens of chemical attacks most likely carried out by the regime even after it supposedly destroyed its chemical weapons stocks and signed up to the international Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013.

Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them Show all 13 1 /13 Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office Syrian children hold Pokemon Go pictures in the hope people will find them and save them RFS Media Office

Syrians who have watched their loved ones choke to death on nerve agents already know the chemical weapons red line is a fiction. As much as the West would like to pretend the Second World war scared us into never allowing them to proliferate, chemical weapons use is a reality of modern warfare - especially in the Middle East.

To the 21st centurys eternal shame, in Syria's war, chemical weapons have been used with impunity. Now the tide of the conflict has turned in Assad's favour thanks to Russian and Iranian intervention on the ground, there is no reason for the Syrian government to make concessions to weakened opposition forces.

If the US is serious about taking action after the atrocity in Khan Sheikhoun it should ensure that Russia, as one of the guarantors of Syrias laughable ceasefire, grounds the regime's planes.

Until Moscow is held accountable for failing to stop the Syrian government violating an agreement it brokered, many more civilians are sure to die foaming at the mouth as poison fills their lungs.

Trumps fledgling White House - riven by internal power struggles - is probably not up to the task. How many more Syrians will have to die before Russia is held accountable for its support of the regime? The answer, sadly, is a lot more of them.
The Spice Girls Waving to their fans on the set of the Spice Girls' video in Rathdrum, Wicklow. Left to right of pic: Mel B (Melanie Brown), Posh Spice, (Victoria Beckham nee Adams), Sporty Spice (Melanie Chisholm), Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) and Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell). Photo by Steve Humphreys.

Its been 20 years since the Spice Girls unleashed girl power on the world with the release of their breakthrough album Spiceworld. But in 1998, it was a small Wicklow town that was overcome with Spice mania as the fab five arrived in town.

In January 1998 they flew into Ireland to film the video for Stop. Filming began on Carnew Street in the inner north suburb of Stoneybatter.

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Locals were reportedly paid 100 for the inconvenience of having their street sealed off, but it didnt seem too many were put out. The Spice Girls chatted to locals between takes and signed autographs for eager fans.

The next day they travelled to Rathdrum in County Wicklow. A handful of local children had been chosen to appear with the five popstars for the video. The girls braved the January temperatures in their signature miniskirts, platform boots and leather jackets.

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The towns square was scattered in hay as Geri Halliwell entered on the back of a piebald pony. The video clip closes with the Spice Girls performing on stage in the local pub.

A month later they kicked off their global Spiceworld tour in Dublin with two shows at the Point. They had spent several weeks in Dublin rehearsing for the forthcoming tour.

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It was their first major international performance and the pressure was on- up to 400 foreign journalists were jetting into town to critique them. Tickets for the Dublin shows reportedly sold out within two hours and were soon selling for five times more than the original ticket price of 25.

The Spice Girls went on to tour throughout Europe, the United Kingdom and North America, although their tour schedule was interrupted by the shock announcement from Geri in May that she was leaving the group.

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The North America leg of the tour was performed without Halliwell. Her decision to leave the group made headlines around the world.

It signalled the beginning of the end for the Spice Girls, who despite this remain the most successful and highest paid all-female group ever.

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See more images like this from the Independent Archives, where all photos can be bought as high quality prints
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern believes a border poll will not help Brexit negotiations

Bertie Ahern has called for direct negotiations between London and Dublin on relations after Brexit.

The former taoiseach said the internationally binding Good Friday Agreement peace deal allows bilateral talks between the countries on issues other than trade.

At present, Ireland will negotiate with Britain only as a member of the EU27 bloc.

Mr Ahern said European Union leaders - including Guy Verhofstadt, Michel Barnier and Jean-Claude Juncker - do not disagree on the right for separate Anglo-Irish talks.

In the Seanad, he said the Good Friday Agreement specifically allows for it.

"It is an international agreement, and we have every right to bilaterally negotiate - not the trade issues, we accept that is the European Union - but on several of the other issues, to be able to negotiate with the British," he said.

"For the life of me, I don't understand why or accept the argument that we are precluded on those issues."

Mr Ahern added: "I know Guy Verhofstadt, I know Michel Barnier, I know Jean-Claude Juncker. I've dealt with these guys for 20 years - they don't have a different view.

"The strength of our argument on non-trade issues is that the Good Friday Agreement allows it and says it."

Mr Ahern, who played a key role in the 1998 peace accord, said there are many concerns "in relation to the island of Ireland and particularly on Northern Ireland" that should be dealt with on a London/Dublin basis.

He also predicted any Brexit deal would take longer than two years to complete - up to 10 years for a trade agreement - and agreed that any necessary EU treaty change would have to be passed by a referendum in Ireland under its constitution.

This could effectively hand Ireland a veto over a British deal with the EU.

Speaking before a special Brexit committee, he predicted free movement would continue across the Irish border, including for EU nationals, after Britain pulls out of the bloc.

But he warned the free movement of goods and services is a "big problem".

Mr Ahern said he agreed with Lord King, former head of the Bank of England, that the tax and trade border could by moved to the Irish Sea.

The forrmer taoiseach also warned now is not the time for a border poll on Irish unity.

A "sectarian headcount" in Northern Ireland is the last thing that is needed amid the fall-out of Brexit, he told senators.

"The last thing I want out of Brexit, the very last thing, is anyone (going) on about border polls," he said.

"The only time we should have a border poll in my view, and I will argue this for the rest of my life, is when we are in a situation where nationalists and republicans and a sizeable amount of unionists and loyalists are in consent.

"To have a sectarian headcount now is the last thing we need."

But Mr Ahern said the provision for Irish reunification, enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, should be stitched into any Brexit deal between the UK and the EU.

Sinn Fein, who made gains in the recent Stormont elections, has insisted there is an urgent need for a reunification referendum after the UK vote to pull out of the EU.

The majority of voters in Northern Ireland backed remaining within the EU - 56% to 44%.

But the Democratic Unionist Party, the region's largest, has accused Sinn Fein of creating further uncertainty and division in calling for a border poll.
The Fennelly Commission said there had not been a widespread abuse of the system over the secret recording of telephone conversations at Garda stations

The Garda is unlawfully in possession of countless recordings of telephone calls spanning decades, some of which contain sensitive details of people's private lives, a State inquiry has found.

The secret taping of non-emergency phone calls at 22 Garda stations country-wide violated the rights of citizens under the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights Act, it further concluded.

The Fennelly Commission, set up to probe the phone recording scandal uncovered three years ago, said the system was operating without the knowledge of the force's top brass.

The debacle stemmed back to a "crucial misunderstanding" of technical jargon by a Chief Superintendent in 1996, who unwittingly gave the go-ahead for non-999 calls to be recorded at the main stations in each Garda division.

Judge Nial Fennelly, who headed the inquiry, said all the evidence pointed to a "great deal of confusion, amounting to ignorance, at the highest level" of the force as to what telephone lines were recorded.

Despite this apparent ignorance, the system was upgraded twice.

"The users of the system were the telecommunications technicians in the divisional stations who, reasonably believing that their superiors would have attended to such matters, were unaware of any unlawfulness," he found.

"They acted, on the whole, responsibly and conscientiously.

"There was no Garda system of snooping, spying or intrusion into private life and certainly not of listening to solicitor/client calls."

But he added that it remains the case that the force "is unlawfully in possession of a very large volume of recorded material".

"Most of it is, no doubt, entirely innocuous," he added.

"However, the Commission is aware that it necessarily includes an unknown and unknowable quantity of sometimes sensitive information about the private lives of individuals, including members of An Garda Siochana."

The inquiry found that the secret recording of telephone calls could not rule out an abuse of the system. But it accepted recordings were generally made because of error and misunderstanding.

In a 742-page report into the affair, he identified three Garda stations at which telephone calls between solicitors and clients either were, or were likely to have been, recorded.

These were Bandon, Waterford and Wexford, in the years between 1995 to 2013.

But it said in each case, the evidence indicates the recordings were carried out inadvertently and not to tape the confidential conversations.

Judge Fennelly was asked to investigate the impact of the taped conversations specifically on the investigation into the murder of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

A legal action by former English journalist Ian Bailey for wrongful arrest in the investigation in west Cork exposed the recording system.

Manchester-born Mr Bailey was twice arrested for questioning in connection with the 1996 murder but never charged. He has always denied involvement.

The inquiry found no evidence that statements in the Du Plantier case had been interfered with.

But it said there were two instances when gardai appeared willing to contemplate allowing or encouraging false allegations to be made or false evidence to be given.

The report said an unnamed detective sergeant considered doctoring a written statement prepared by another officer and removing detail in a second statement.

One involved a statement on an assault being "pre-dated".

Judge Fennelly described it as "improper conduct".

He said: "It is of serious concern that ... evidence is disclosed that members of An Garda Siochana involved in the investigation, including the officer responsible for preparing the report for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, were prepared to contemplate altering, modifying or suppressing evidence that did not assist them in furthering their belief that Mr Bailey murdered Madame Toscan du Plantier."

The government said many findings are of "great concern" including the unlawful nature of the taped phonecalls, the lack of oversight and the content of some of the calls in the Du Plantier murder probe.

In a statement, Garda headquarters said it welcomed the judge's "clarity on the legal status relating to the retention of phone data".

"We will work with the relevant authorities on the recommended legislation on this matter," it added.

"There will now be a detailed examination of the report and where any organisational issues are identified they will be addressed as quickly as possible."

Labour leader Brendan Howlin said the operation of "a legally unsanctioned and unconstitutional recording system" for decades " under the noses of Garda management is quite simply bizarre".

"This whole sorry saga reinforces my conviction that the systems and structures of Garda management are not fit for purpose and can no longer command the confidence of the public or their representatives," he added.
Irish shops have seen a dip in consumer confidence because of the devaluation of sterling, Retail Excellence Ireland said

Nearly 300,000 jobs depend on Ireland's relationship with the UK, retailers have warned.

Irish shops have already seen a dip in consumer confidence and loss of sales because of the devaluation of sterling, Lorraine Higgins from Retail Excellence Ireland added.

Counterparts in Northern Ireland said leaving the single market and customs union following a hard Brexit would be a backwards step.

Ms Higgins said: "Disentangling Ireland from the UK is the most brutal break-up and we need to ensure that we have the best possible plan to safeguard Irish retailers and the 282,000 jobs and 100,000 businesses dependent on the relationship."

Retail Excellence and Retail Northern Ireland jointly presented to the Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement.

Ms Higgins, head of public affairs at Retail Excellence, added: "For many local businesses this is a difficult and uncertain time."

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said retailers needed to focus on international visitors.

"Both our organisations are working in partnership to ensure that policies are put in place to support what is the island's largest industry by employment.

He said governments in Belfast, Dublin and London should begin the process of establishing a new one-hour fast train service between Dublin and Belfast, a "game changer" for the all-Ireland economy.

Mr Roberts added: "The bottom line is that Brexit should not result in any barriers in trade and on free movement across the border.

"It clearly is a major problem not having an Executive in place to argue our case in these vital Brexit negotiations.

"We urge all the political parties to redouble their efforts to secure agreement for a new administration."
Ryanair raised the possibility of some flights being suspended

Ryanair has warned flights between the UK and the European Union may be suspended even if an aviation deal is reached in Brexit negotiations.

The Dublin-based carrier claimed a delay in such an agreement being ratified by EU nations could result in flights being halted for several months.

The single market for aviation, created in the 1990s, means there are no commercial restrictions for airlines flying within the EU.

But a fresh deal must be secured if the UK's airline routes to the EU can continue after Brexit, which is scheduled to take place by March 2019.

Ryanair chief financial officer Neil Sorahan said: "W e're looking at a scenario whereby today you can fly back and forth between the UK and Europe, tomorrow you can't.

"Whether that is for a number of days, a number of weeks, a number of months, nobody knows at this point in time.

"But when you're dealing with a block of 27 countries that have to ratify something that's been agreed at the centre, we all know that politics moves slowly."

An "even worse scenario" would be for no agreement to be reached at all, he told a press conference in central London, before adding that "seems highly unlikely".

Airlines want aviation to be prioritised during the Brexit negotiations as flights are scheduled more than one year in advance.

"T he clock is ticking down all the time," Mr Sorahan warned.

"N obody really knows where this is going.

"We need somebody to take control of the process and say 'this is what's going to happen, this is what we're going to do'.

"We need Prime Minister (Theresa) May to say 'we will absolutely agree to the free movement of people, we will absolutely agree to the rulings of the ECJ (European Court of Justice)'.

"We need that level of certainty so that ourselves and other airlines can make decisions and load flights for summer 2019 this time next year."

As an EU-based company, Ryanair expects it will need to apply for a UK operating licence after Brexit to continue domestic flights in the country, such as Belfast to London Gatwick and Glasgow to London Stansted.

But Mr Sorahan claimed the airline may prefer to cut the services completely.

He said: "It's a very small part of our business. It's less than 2% of our capacity.

"The decision may be made not to go for an AOC (air operator certificate) and just to abandon domestic UK flying.

"It's not something that we particularly want to do but it's something that could happen."

British-based carrier easyJet has said it will announce its application for an EU AOC shortly to allow it to secure flying rights for the 30% of its routes that do not touch the UK.

This will cost the airline an estimated 11.6 million euro ( 10 million).
Ireland has every right to conduct bilateral talks with the United Kingdom on non-trade issues during the Brexit negotiations, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said.

He claimed key EU officials like Commission President Jean Claude Juncker and Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier agree.

Mr Ahern also said the last thing he wanted out of Brexit was a border poll, adding having a sectarian headcount was the last thing to do.

The last thing I want out of Brexit, the last thing, is people on about border polls, Mr Ahern told the Seanad Brexit select committee.

The only time that we should have a border poll in my view, and Ill argue this for the rest of my life, is when were in a situation that the nationalists and republicans, and a respectable, sizeable amount of unionists/loyalists, are in favour, on the basis of consent.

Mr Ahern also said he believed the customs border post Brexit should be in the Irish Sea between Ireland and Britain, not between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The former Taoiseach argued that under the Good Friday Agreement Ireland had the right to hold bilateral talks with the British on non-trade issues.

The reality is it's an international agreement and we have every right, every right, to bilaterally negotiate, not the trade issues, but on the other issues to be able to negotiate with the British. I dont accept the argument that were precluded on those issues, Mr Ahern said.

I know Guy Verhofstadt, I know Michel Barnier, I know Jean Claude Juncker, Ive dealt with these guys for 20 years, they dont have a different view. The strength of our argument on the non trade issues is that the Good Friday Agreement allows it.

Mr Ahern said he believed the British were deluding themselves that theyre going to be able to strike great trade deals with the rest of the world post Brexit.

Meanwhile, Retail Excellence Ireland has told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement that the leaking of huge amounts of shoppers over the border is hurting Ireland and its businesses.

The organisation also called for a "Brexit proof" budget to be implemented from next year as well a reduction in VAT to allow Irish retailers to compete with the UK.

It also recommended a north-south retail forum should be set up by the Government to mitigate the effects of Brexit.
The research agreed that college was not for everyone

A recent survey carried out by the Insurance Institute has found that 62pc of young adults would consider undertaking an apprenticeship.

The research was released alongside the launch of the 2017 insurance practitioner apprenticeship, Irelands only level 8-degree apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship, which will have over 100 places available nationwide, is a three year programme that enables apprentices to work for an insurance employer, earn a salary, while also studying for a BA Hons in insurance practice.

The programme is Government funded, so students only pay 600 in registration fees annually. This makes it very affordable for potential candidates to kick start their career in a global and dynamic industry, where they will benefit from exceptional on the job experience, all whilst advancing their skills and working towards a Degree, Sandra Harvey Graham, Apprenticeship Programme Manager at The Insurance Institute, said.

The research, which surveyed both young adults and parents, found that 77pc of young adults agreed that college was not for everyone.

Interestingly, only 11pc of young adults and one in ten parents believe there are enough apprenticeships offered in areas of interest in Ireland.

Cost

Cost and affordability was found to be the main concern in relation to third level education among young adults, while over half the young people surveyed said that that the prospect of securing a job when they finish is a key concern.

Similarly, almost two-thirds of parents surveyed said they were concerned about their childrens chances of getting a job when they complete third level education. While 57pc of parents surveyed said the cost and affordability of college is a worry for them.
A 44m extension to Europe's biggest zinc mine, at Tara in Co Meath, could be delayed as planners weigh up an oral hearing for a huge dam to store mining waste

An Bord Pleanala had been due to decide by this month on the application by Swedish mining group Boliden for a huge extension to a so-called tailings dam which holds the discarded mining by-products after ore is separated

However, if an oral hearing is granted it will push back a decision date by months, an An Bord Pleanala spokesman predicted.

If an oral heading is not granted by the planning watchdog, it would still likely be May at the earliest before An Bord Pleanala publishes a decision in the case.

In January, Boliden announced that it would invest 44m in the Tara zinc mine - the world's eighth-largest - having found additional reserves that will increase its lifespan by at least six years. The mine employs about 700 people.

The new find - called Tara Deep - will also make Tara one of the world's deepest mines, with fresh ore located up to 1.9km below the surface.

Some experts reckon the mine will still be commercially producing ore in 20 years' time. By that stage, the mine would be 60 years old, having opened in 1977.

Mikael Staffas, the president of Boliden Mines told investors in January that the group is hopeful that more ore reserves will be found at Tara.

He said the company had not yet finished exploring around the new find.

The planning application to extend the capacity of the mine's tailings dam has been approved by Meath County Council but was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by a number of local residents.

The extension to the dam will extend over 58 hectares and provide storage capacity for about 9.6m cubic metres of mine tailings.

Boliden had been hoping to commence work on the project this year and complete it by 2019.

The current dam capacity limits the life of the mine to 2020.

The extension will enable production until 2026. Mr Staffas said that after that, it's not clear how the company could provide additional tailings capacity.
Losses at Irish exploration firm Aminex fell to $2.5m(2.3m) last year as the company reaped its first revenues from production at its Killiwani facility.

The company also said a share placing during 2016 had raised just under $25m. Omani conglomerate Zubair Corporation also became and investor over the course of the year, taking a 29.9pc stake, according to the group's preliminary results for the year.

Aminex CEO Jay Bhattacherjee said:

2016 was a transformative year with Aminex achieving first gas production from its Kiliwani North field.

The Company is now looking forward to developing the resources in the onshore Ruvuma Basin, while gas revenues assist with the early repayment of corporate debt. We appreciate the continued trust that shareholders have put in management."

In a note to shareholders, chairman Brian Hall added:

We have been working in Tanzania for a long time and have never lost our conviction that there is a major hydrocarbons play to be exploited.
Anglo-US Burford Capital - the world's largest litigation finance provider - is gearing up to establish an office in Dublin in anticipation of a major change to Irish law that would enable firms to provide third-party finance to clients to pursue legal cases.

Burford, with a 1.9bn market capitalisation, provides finance for commercial litigation cases.

Commercial finance provision by a third party to a litigant in the hope of sharing any financial reward, called 'champerty', is prohibited in Ireland. However, lawyers expect the Supreme Court to rule that it will be permissible in future.

Last year, High Court Judge Aileen Donnelly refused permission for a UK firm to fund a legal action being taken by a company co-owned by businessman Tony Boyle against billionaire Denis O'Brien, former Fine Gael minister Michael Lowry and the State.

Mr Boyle has claimed that his company, a consortium called Persona Digital Telephony, failed to secure a mobile phone licence in 1996 that was awarded to Mr O'Brien's Esat Digifone consortium because, he claims, Esat won the licence by bribing Mr Lowry. The politician was the Minister for Communications at the time.

The defendants in the case have all strongly denied the allegations made by Mr Boyle.

Mr Boyle told the High Court that he needs 10m to pursue his case and had sought to use third party funding to do so.

Refusing Mr Boyle's efforts to resort to champerty, Judge Donnelly said last year that such recourse remains unlawful in Ireland. However, she also left it open to an appellate court to determine whether the law should move away from such a prohibition.

The Supreme Court permitted an appeal by Mr Boyle's legal team directly to it, rather than to the Court of Appeal, signifying that the issue is one of significant public importance.

"Burford does not comment on its corporate plans and strategies," said a spokesman for the firm. "However, we have heard repeatedly from Irish companies who are constrained by the absence of litigation finance solutions in Ireland and we hope the Supreme Court in the pending Persona case takes the opportunity to join with the rest of the common law world and endorse litigation finance and the much-needed economic flexibility it provides for lawyers and clients alike."
Rory Byrne, CEO of Total Produce, says he was surprised that Fyffes was sold

Rory Byrne was 28 years old when he was despatched to Belize. It was 1989, and for a young Irish executive the tiny central American country might as well have been on the moon.

He had just started working for fruit-distribution firm Fyffes, having been "plucked" from KPMG by Carl McCann, now Total Produce's executive chairman.

The aim of the Belize trip was to assess the banana industry there which, at the time, was "on its knees", according to Byrne, remembering daring-do jaunts to remote airstrips in the rainy season.

"David (McCann, then Fyffes' group managing director) asked me to go out to Belize for a month or two and just see what was happening," says Byrne, who has just been named one of two UCD Business Alumni of the Year for 2017. The other is Aer Lingus chief executive Stephen Kavanagh.

"I ended up working on a finance programme to regenerate the growers and meeting with the Belize prime minister.

"It's a small country, so it sounds grander than it was. But you look back on those kinds of experiences and it's hard to imagine them in many other Irish companies at the time."

Apart from Belize, he worked for Fyffes in Spain, Honduras, Guatemala, Chile, South Africa and the UK.

Having climbed his way up at Fyffes, Byrne (56) was named CEO of Total Produce when the Fyffes business was split. Total Produce was formally spun-out of Fyffes in 2007.

Total Produce's roots now extend across Europe, where it's the biggest fruit and vegetable distributor, to North America where it's been building up its business through acquisitions.

Last year, it spent 60m buying up stakes in other firms and has a presence in 26 countries.

Fyffes (one of the world's biggest banana distributors) and Total Produce have been linked to the McCann family for more than 60 years. Fyffes itself began life more than a century ago and had become a well-known brand in itself.

Fyffes was sold last year for 751m to Japan's Sumitomo group - a deal which followed two years after a failed merger between Fyffes and Chiquita. That romance was crashed when Brazil's Cutrale and Safra muscled in and whisked Chiquita from the dancefloor.

And despite the headlines that the Fyffes sale generated (the McCann family owned just under 12pc of the business, and have a similar shareholding in Total Produce), it's actually Total Produce that is the bigger company.

In 2015 - the last year for which full-year financial results for Fyffes published results before its takeover - it posted sales of more than 1.2bn and generated total adjusted earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (Ebitda) of 45.8m.

Last year, Total Produce had revenues of 3.7bn (doubled since 2007) and an adjusted Ebitda of 73.7m (almost twice the 2007 figure).

When the planned takeover of Fyffes by Sumitomo was announced last December, Total Produce shares shot up more than 8pc to about 1.97. They've pretty much hugged that number since, giving the company a market capitalisation of 631m. Sumitomo paid a 50pc premium to Fyffes' share price the day before the deal was unveiled.

"Something like the Sumitomo acquisition prompts people to examine the underlying financials associated with the Total Produce share price," says Byrne, speaking at the company's Dublin office in the capital's historic Victorian fruit and market heartland.

"People suddenly realised that this share price is significantly undervalued relative to peer groups of similar type industries," he adds.

Some executives try to brush off concern about share price performance but it does matter if you want to do an equity-fuelled takeover - or thwart a takeover. So did the Total Produce share price prior to the Fyffes takeover by the Japanese group frustrate him?

"I suppose it did," he admits. "Obviously, it's important to get the share price right. If we had very significant opportunity, you want to make sure you've got the right rating on your own shares to use paper to finance a deal, for example and the lower your share price, the more vulnerable you are to perhaps even an unwanted takeover bid. So, it's important to focus on it."

Going by the metrics used by Sumitomo to value Fyffes, Total Produce would now be worth in and around 1bn.

"Yeah, you could argue along that basis," Byrne agrees, stressing that no one's been sniffing around the company as far as he is aware.

"Obviously if someone decides to make a takeover bid, there is undoubtedly a takeover premium associated with doing that," he adds.

"If we can continue to make some interesting acquisitions, continue to focus on organic growth, continue to focus on leveraging the strengths of the group and continuing to develop our management team, I think putting all of those together there's no reason why we shouldn't be able to continue to move forward with the share price."

The top team at Total Produce is reasonably tight - four executive directors and four non-executives. Two non-execs, Rose Hynes and Jerome Kennedy, have been on the board since 2007.

Hynes is chairman of the Shannon Group, whose operations include Shannon Airport, and also the chairman of agri group Origin Enterprises, among other roles. Kennedy, a former KPMG managing partner, is also a non-executive director of INM, the publisher of this newspaper, and holds other non-executive directorships with companies including Green REIT.

DAA CEO Kevin Toland was appointed a non-exec at Total Produce in 2015, while Seamus Taffe (also a former KPMG senior partner) joined in 2012.

Total Produce insists in its annual report that Hynes and Kennedy remain independent despite the length of their tenure on the board.

"You'd be hard pushed to say neither of them were very independently minded people," says Byrne.

"I understand what corporate governance rules try to do, but in our business, as a board we feel it's very important that our directors have a very good understanding of the dynamics of our business. I think time and experience is of equal importance as an arbitrary measure a timeframe that determines whether or not somebody is independent," he says.

The legacy of Total Produce is obviously closely linked to Fyffes and the McCann family. Carl and David's father, Neil (who died in 2011), ran the business for years.

"I was lucky enough as well to have known the patriarch, Neil McCann, and he was just a wonderful, inspirational, charismatic guy," says Byrne. "You can see where Carl and David inherited those genes. The whole McCann family, they do a lot of impressive stuff that's under the radar."

Was he surprised that Fyffes was sold, nothwithstanding the fact the McCann family couldn't have blocked it anyway?

"At some level, and it's more on that emotional level, I was surprised that Fyffes would have been sold," says Byrne.

"These things happen. I think from a McCann family point of view, and knowing both Carl and David, they do have a huge affinity and loyalty for the business.

"I'm sure that much like myself, for them there's a huge emotional aspect to selling the business," he adds. "But the McCanns owned about 12pc of Fyffes and it wasn't a determining shareholding, so if someone wanted to come in and make an offer of 50pc over your share price, any public company would find it hard to resist that."
IRISH companies could capture more than 200m of business annually from the EU solar energy market by cashing in on expertise in development of building products, smart grid controls and ICT.

A report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) says the solar market across Europe will be worth 10bn a year by 2030 if the bloc takes ambitious action to tackle climate change.

Speaking at the SEAI Energy Show which opened yesterday, SEAI CEO Jim Gannon told the Irish Independent that opportunities existed to develop autonomous devices, integrated solar panels for rooftops, and panels that could be installed on public transport systems including bus and rail.

Autonomous devices could include stand-alone arrays not connected to a grid in isolated areas such as sub-Saharan Africa which would power refrigeration and mobile devices.

"The opportunities we're trying to identify are in niche areas where Ireland already has good expertise, particularly where industry and research have collaborated in the past," he said.

"There's manufacturing processes in ICT, in building products and building materials and also in grid controls and smart grid, but it needs collaboration.

"We're talking about integrated solar panels in the roof, or that could be part of the facade of the wall.

"We have the Dublin Energy Lab based at the Dublin Institute of Technology looking at this, and also have companies like Kingspan and CRH with global pull and world-leading research. We're at the right end of the scale. We're saying to companies: think big and a little bit further down the road. Let's look at the next step."

There are some 4,000 solar installations across the country, most located on domestic rooftops, with commercial arrays in the North, including one which connects directly to Belfast International Airport. There is another at Rasharkin in Co Antrim which recently become operational, and is providing enough energy for 14,000 homes.

Rollout of commercial arrays in the Republic has been slower, as there is no subsidy for solar as applies for other forms of renewable energy including wind.

Amarenco, headed by former Bord Gais boss John Mullins, says it has planning permission for eight solar farms in the south of the country and is ready to invest 56m if subsidies are put in place.

Mr Gannon said a tariff for developers would be needed to ramp-up investment in the sector, and was likely to be in place next year but it was important to get it right.

"If you look across Europe, there are support regimes in place and coming into place," he said.

"There could be a place for tariffs, to decarbonise the economy and to diversify (the portfolio of renewable energy developments).

"Sometime in early to mid-2018 is reasonable and possibly appropriate. It's important to get it right. if you advance the programme and go very fast, there are harsh lessons to be learned."

A report prepared for the SEAI, 'Ireland's Solar Value Chain Opportunity' notes the cost of solar has reduced by 80pc since 2009 and Solar PV (photovoltaic) is positioned to become one of the most important energy technologies to help reduce fossil fuel-dependent energy generation.

It says that Irish firms are unlikely to break into large-scale manufacturing of panels, which is largely carried out in China and Taiwan, but that research and development of new materials, product design and testing, software and controls, maintenance services and storage technologies present opportunities.

"Know-how from sectors where Irish industry and research is strong can potentially be applied in this wider value chain to allow them to capture a portion of a rapidly-growing global market," it says.

The value of the EU market could reach 10bn by 2030, and up to 340m in Ireland.

"The total potential value that Irish organisations could capture is estimated to be between 42m and 216m per year, depending on deployment and the degree to which Irish organisations can engage."

Mr Gannon was speaking at the SEAI Energy Show in Dublin's RDS, which runs again today. Up to 5,000 visitors are expected to attend.

More than 150 exhibitors are in place, with more than a dozen embassies, 15 trade and professional organisations and a demonstration area where electric vehicles, including a converted DeLorean, are in place.

Last year, exhibitors said sales worth 86m were generated.
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's has warned the toxic residential mortgage books of the Irish banks continue to pose a threat to the economy - despite a recent surge in house prices.

In a report published yesterday, S&P detailed the obstacles still facing lenders as they attempt to reduce the volume of non-performing loans weighing on the balance sheet.

While the agency predicted the banks will accelerate efforts to clean up impaired mortgages on the back of a more restrictive regulatory environment, it argued Ireland's "slow judicial system, which tends to discourage foreclosure" presents an impediment to a speedy resolution.

It also cited the large portion of mortgages still in negative equity, the weaker quality of legacy buy-to-let mortgages, which account for 15pc of all mortgage accounts and "the tendency of Irish banks to find forbearance solutions to restructure accounts" as factors prolonging the problem.

S&P argued toxic loans will "continue to weigh on banks' profits" and concluded the "work out progress will take several years".

Despite rising house prices and the resurgent economy - S&P has pencilled in 7.1pc in cumulative real GDP growth for Ireland in 2017 - the banks' soured debt books "represent a tail risk, especially if economic momentum were to reverse".

In a report earlier this month, the agency described the Irish banks as virtually recovered from the 2008-2011 crisis.

But it claimed the sector remains some distance from the "creditworthiness of most other Western European banking systems".

In this latest paper, entitled "Significant NPA Reduction Will Be A Long Haul For Some Peripheral European Banks", the agency examined the toxic loan problems facing banks in Ireland, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

The agency noted the impaired debts clogging the balance sheets of lenders in these four countries account for half of the entire volume of non-performing assets in Europe.

Ireland was also singled out for the concentration of impaired loans in the residential mortgage sector. S&P pointed out that in the southern European countries the deterioration in home loans was "more contained" despite the unemployment spike in the region after the crisis.

While the agency argued the creation of an EU bad bank could help clear the backlog of toxic debt, it warned this would not be a "rapid process".

It also stressed the development of a "secondary market of distressed assets and legal reform could help banks work-out impaired loans, but the benefits would be visible only in the medium-to-long term".
Rory Byrne, CEO of Total Produce, says he was surprised that Fyffes was sold

Europe's biggest fruit-and -vegetable distributor, Fyffes spin-off Total Produce could be worth around 1bn in a takeover scenario rather than the 623m market capitalisation placed on it by its current share price, CEO Rory Byrne has estimated.

That would make it more valuable than Fyffes itself, which was sold before Christmas to Japan's Sumitomo for 751m, with a huge 50pc premium put on Fyffes' shares at the time.

Based on the metrics used to value Fyffes, Mr Byrne said one "could argue along that basis" for Total Produce's own valuation under such a scenario.

"There's maybe further road to go," he told the Irish Independent in an interview. "As our market cap has crept up we've crept on to the radar of a wider investment group."

Total Produce, which has been building a presence in North America, posted revenue of 3.7bn and total adjusted earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (Ebita) of 45.8m.

"Obviously, if someone decides to make a takeover bid, there is undoubtedly is a takeover premium associated with doing that," he said, but said there was no suitor circling the firm as far as he was aware.

Mr Byrne also said that the company remained on the lookout for acquisitions.

"Up to now we have been the acquirer and we are one of the lead consolidators in our sector in both Europe and North America," he said. "We would be known as such. That opens as a lot of doors, opens up a lot of corporate finance people or people who are thinking of selling - they will come to us in the first instance to see what's possible."

Total Produce, in which the McCann family owns just over 11pc, also retains very low debt levels, despite having spent 60m on acquisitions last year.

"Financial constraints haven't been a restriction on our ability to do deals," he said.

"The advantage is that if we got the opportunity to do something very significant, we don't have to necessarily worry about where we would get the financial capacity to do it. We have significant financial flexibility."

Mr Byrne also said that being one of the largest players in its sector means that Total Produce has a greater chance of remaining independent.

"That is our strength to stay as an independently-quoted company - that we continue on that path of growth and our shareholders are happy with what we do and our share price, dividend and overall return continues to grow. That's the best defence," he said.

"We're not blind to the fact that takeover bids and things like that can come along. We do our homework to make sure we're prepared for those kinds of scenarios."

Total Produce, which has operations in 26 countries, has been expanding its presence in the United States, but Mr Byrne said opportunities to grow within Europe also continue to be present.

"Europe's a big, big market with the total value of the fruit and veg sector being about 60bn. We've got about a 5pc share of the market," he said.

He said that Brexit was unlikely to impact its business.

"In an ideal world you prefer that Brexit didn't happen in the manner that it did happen," he said, noting that the UK accounts for about 15pc of Total Produce's business.

"I don't see any fundamental changes in the pattern of trade or the consumption of fruit in the UK."

Read more: Interview with former Fyffes executive Rory Byrne
A graphic artist's impression of the planned development in the Cork docklands.

Sixty new jobs are being created in the Cork region through six Enterprise Ireland companies.

The companies involved in the job creation are Aventamed, Coolmore Foods, EviView, Intelligent Implants, Rinocloud, and Velona Systems.

The new positions will vary across sectors including software, medical devices and food.

A priority for Enterprise Ireland is to help Irish entrepreneurs and companies to start and grow. We have been working closely with all six companies and seen first-hand how each company is working to build scale and expand their business, Martin Corkery, regional director, South and South East Regions, Enterprise Ireland said.

The job announcement shows that Cork is a thriving base for Irish businesses to flourish he said.

The announcement was welcomed by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell OConnor who said that the job announcement was hugely welcome and of great significance to the local economy.

Cork is a region with valuable resources, infrastructure and community  all the fundamentals required to scale a successful business. I warmly congratulate all six companies and wish them every success for the future, she said.
Long-time editor of 'The Irish Times' Kevin O'Sullivan stepped down yesterday and was replaced by Paul O'Neill, who had been deputy editor.

Mr O'Neill has held numerous posts with the paper since he joined initially in 1989, including as London correspondent, crime and news reporter and finance editor.

After a stint in public relations he rejoined the title and was most recently deputy editor and editorial director.

Insiders say that he is regarded as a straight talker and decisive, but as a central player in the editorial management he is not expected to make any radical shift from the existing strategy at the business, which has been to focus increasingly on building up paid online subscribers to replace declining print sales.

Both Mr O'Neill and Mr O'Sullivan are natives of Co Waterford.

One source described yesterday's announcement - made to staff at 3.30pm - as a "bolt from the blue".

It is not expected to precipitate a wide-scale shake up of the senior editorial team, which was overhauled in 2015.

However, Mr O'Neill is likely to name a new deputy editor, a job that will be hotly contested.

In an unusual move, Mr O'Sullivan will remain with the newspaper in a newly created role as environment, agriculture and science editor.

Mr O'Sullivan succeeded Geraldine Kennedy in 2011 as editor of 'The Irish Times'.

In a statement yesterday he thanked staff at the paper for their work, but also pointed to the challenges of the role.

"My term has coincided with unprecedented turbulence and uncertainty for media businesses," he said.

Along with other media outlets, 'The Irish Times' has struggled to replace revenue lost as a result of declining print sales and the increasing shift of online advertising to technology giants Facebook and Google.

In June last year 'The Irish Times' announced plans to reduce costs by 3.5m over three years, including a target to cut payroll costs in the business by 1.5m.

The paper employs close to 400 staff and is currently completing a voluntary redundancy programme.
Did the government achieve a major milestone in rural broadband rollout this week? Or has it caved to pressure from Eir, putting the wider project at risk?

There are considered views on both sides of the argument.

For those who missed it, the Government agreed a 'contract' with Eir to remove 300,000 rural homes and businesses from the list of 840,000 targeted for the state-subsidised National Broadband Plan. Instead of getting broadband from the State-subsidised process, these 300,000 homes are now to get it on a normal commercial basis. The agreement between the Government and Eir requires Eir to have this completed by the end of next year. If it isn't, the government says that it reserves the right to re-enter the districts concerned into the National Broadband Plan footprint and make Eir pay any costs.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten is presenting this as a milestone reached in its wider rural broadband goal. Some critics, though, are sceptical of Eir's ability to deliver such an ambitious target, citing the company's mixed record to date.

The big unanswered question, though, is what this means for the remaining 540,000 rural homes and business left in the National Broadband Plan map. What is the timetable for that rollout? When will construction on the network begin? Is there a date by which the Government hopes to award a contract for it?

Unfortunately, the Minister now has no answer for these basic questions. The Eir deal may have skewed the whole process.

Mr Naughten's problem is that taking 300,000 homes out of the intervention area footprint leaves bidders for the scheme with the more difficult, harder-to-reach rump of 540,000 homes. That means they're a lot less attractive to bid for, even if there is a subsidy involved. And that means that the Government may face further delays in teeing up the tender contract as the three bidders (Eir, Siro and eNet) reassess how they would go about connecting these premises, the cost and complexity.

Indeed, this is exactly what they are now saying.

"We will now take time to review whether this changed scope impacts the viability of Siro's participation," said a spokesman for Siro, the joint venture between the ESB and Vodafone which is one of two rival short-listed bidders.

Mr Naughten believes that Siro and eNet will stay in the bidding race and he is probably right. But to keep them involved, the Government may now have to increase the effective subsidy on offer for each rural home. This may even result in a larger overall taxpayer bill than serving a greater number of homes, as bidders may have been willing to risk more themselves for access to scale.

It looks increasingly unlikely that a winning bidder will now be announced this year. That would mean construction is delayed until next year and connections put off until late 2018.

So it looks like we're in for another bout of delays and another wave of disillusionment.

It is, of course, possible that the Government didn't have much of a choice but to do its deal with Eir. If the telecoms company really was about to start building its broadband rollout into a third of the Government's stated intervention area, the Government would risk breaking EU state aid rules. That could have halted the entire initiative which, ironically, would not have hurt Eir anywhere near as much as other telecoms firms or the Government's credibility.

To be fair, this deal with Eir may indeed mean that there are 300,000 rural homes which will now get broadband on an accelerated time frame. Indeed, a cynic might pick Eir over the Government's rollout timetable at this point.

One of the criticisms of the contract the Government has signed with Eir is that it has been taken on by an entity with a poor track record of delivery. While there is some justification for that view, the company can be fairly said to have responded to market and industry pressure in rolling out a much larger broadband network now than its fiercest critics would have allowed for, and most evidence points to it being somewhat serious about rolling out fibre, too. It is undoubtedly true that much of its motivation for doing so has been drawn by a combination of initiatives from UPC (now Virgin Media), Siro (Vodafone and the ESB) and Government intervention plans. But it does now have a genuine broadband footprint, even if a large portion still falls short of fibre-era standards. In this context, it may be unduly harsh to charge that the Government has been sold a bag of magic beans.

One can't blame Minister Naughten for spinning the Eir announcement of 300,000 homes as a sort of adjunct to the National Broadband Plan. In a fog of delays and ongoing contract "complications", it's a sizeable chunk of rural Ireland that otherwise might have been mired for years waiting for a tender to be issued.

But it's the remainder of the homes and businesses to be connected - 540,000 of them - that now face an even more uncertain future.
Facebook is to crack down on incidents of 'revenge porn' with new tools aimed at blocking intimate images shared without consent.

The move comes amid a growing concern that some social media users are shaming former partners by posting explicit photos and videos online.

Facebook's new technology will be applied to Instagram and Facebook Messenger as well as the main site. However, it will not apply to WhatsApp, which Facebook also owns.

The new tools will depend on users reporting images. "Specially trained teams", some of which are based in Ireland, will review the images to see if they warrant removal.

"In many cases we will also disable the account for sharing intimate images without permission," Antigone Davis, head of global safety at Facebook, said.

Ms Davis also said that Facebook will offer an appeals process for people who believe their images were taken down in error.

"If someone tries to share the image after it's been reported and removed, we will alert them that it violates our policies and that we have stopped their attempt to share it," she said.

The move comes after several recent cases of revenge porn and sharing intimate images without consent.

Last month, a man from Skerries pleaded guilty in Balbriggan District Court to uploading a 10-minute video of himself and a woman having sex. The 26-year-old man posted the video twice to an online pornography website.

Meanwhile, Hollywood actress Mischa Barton said that she has taken out a restraining order against two ex-boyfriends who she suspects of attempting to sell naked images of her, describing herself as being trapped in a "horrific situation".

Barton, star of the television show 'The OC', accused her former partners Jon Zacharias and Adam Shaw of trying to sell the "revenge porn" footage, with a starting price of $500,000 (468,000).

"I have been put through an incredibly hard and trying time," she said. "My absolute worst fear was realised when I learned that someone I thought I loved and trusted was filming my most intimate and private moments, without my consent, with hidden cameras."

Facebook has now outlined steps that people should take if they believe they are the victim of revenge porn imagery. It advises people to document everything, including the taking of screenshots, even though this might be upsetting. The company also advises printing the images out or saving them to a secure storage drive.

"As we build a global community, this is a moment of truth," Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said. "Our success isn't just based on whether we can capture videos and share them with friends. It's about whether we're building a community that helps keep us safe, that prevents harm, helps during crises, and rebuilds afterwards."
Paddy Armstrong was imprisoned for murder in 1975, but walked free from the Old Bailey in London 15 years later, after his conviction was finally quashed. Photo: David Conachy

Until December 3, 1974, Paddy Armstrong was an anonymous Irishman living in north London. Home was a dingy squat in Kilburn. His afternoons were mostly spent doing small-time shoplifting.

Or it was to the pub or the bookies. Evenings were spent high on drugs, such as acid, speed, hash, or cocaine.

A petty criminal, and a casual-drug-taking-hippy he may have been, but an IRA freedom-fighting-bomber, the 24-year-old from the Falls Road in west Belfast, certainly was not.

Politics and nationalism simply weren't on the agenda of the bohemian subculture that Armstrong mixed with in London at the time.

Still, these facts were of little concern to those in the upper echelons of the British legal system, who needed a fall guy, as a network of IRA bombers were running riot across the British mainland during the most violent years of the Troubles.

On the December evening he was arrested for the Guildford pub bombings - that killed five people and injured scores of others - Armstrong was coming down off a particularly heavy three-day speed-induced-hallucinogenic-sleep-deprived-drug-bender.

He was held under the newly introduced Prevention of Terrorism Act; an emergency law that allowed for the arrest and detention of suspected terrorists - regardless of evidence - for up to one week.

As Armstrong recalls in this extremely moving, honest, and at times, heartbreaking memoir, the British state used this legislation to ruthless levels of excess at the time. And the British police officers that were interrogating him, and his peers, made a mockery of the concept of justice and the rule of law.

Continually beaten by police officers, and threatened with his life, Armstrong, fearing he would lose his mind, or die, signed a document confessing to the bombings.

In October 1975, in the Old Bailey, London, Armstrong was convicted of both the Guildford bombings, and the Woolwich bombings, from November 1974, too.

He was told he would serve 35 years in prison: the longest minimum recommended sentence for any individual in the British state at the time.

And Mr Justice Donaldson, the case's judge, informed Armstrong that it was a pity the death penalty had been abolished, because if it hadn't, he would have no problem in passing down a sentence of hanging.

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Most people will be familiar with this story. Especially after Jim Sheridan's 1993 Hollywood film, In the Name of The Father, which depicted, in dramatic fashion, the tragic tale of The Guildford Four - Gerry Conlon, Paddy Armstrong, Paul Hill, and Carole Richardson.

All were, eventually, after some legal complications, released, when justice finally prevailed, in October 1989.

Based on Conlon's memoir, Proved Innocent, the film also recalled how Conlon's father Giuseppe, died in prison in 1980, while serving his sentence.

And it made reference to the Maguire family - also wrongly accused and sentenced - who were closely related to Conlon, and became known as the Maguire Seven.

However, what's less known about this shocking tale of injustice, is the tragic lost romance between Armstrong and his then girlfriend, Carole Richardson, who was just 17 years old when arrested for her so-called involvement in the bombings.

Armstrong reproduces here several of the original love letters between himself and Richardson, as he poignantly recalls how the woman he believed he would marry and who would become the mother of his children, was taken away from him by the sinister forces of the British state.

Over time, these letters became less frequent, and the couple - being in different prisons, and separated for years at a time - eventually drifted apart.

Richardson would suffer several nervous breakdowns in prison, and died a shell of her former self, at just 55, from cancer in 2013.

Armstrong is now happily married in Dublin with two children.

Armstrong also recollects here how Joe O'Connell, from the infamous Balcombe Street Gang - a violent, ruthless, and highly-trained military unit sent to Britain by the Provisional IRA - publicly admitted in 1975 to carrying out both the Guildford and Woolwich bombings respectively.

However, fearing the initial lie would be exposed, three Appeal Court judges refused to allow a proper retrial before a jury.

Armstrong's emotional and candid memoir is a collaborative effort with Mary-Elaine Tynan, who acts as ghostwriter bringing great energy into a haunting present-tense-stream-of-consciousness-narrative, where the reader, at times, feels as if they are almost sharing a prison cell with the accused. Life After Life, in parts, also has parallels with Kafka's, The Trial which, similarly, displays how the invisible forces of the state, bureaucratic confusion, and the helpless innocent individual, can all become subsumed into a vortex of chaos, leading to torture, and inexplicable horror.

This memoir is a stark reminder too, of how a manipulative state power can take the law into its own hands, to justify deceitful methods of coercion and subtle games of ideological control.
RELATIVES of a young father killed by a friend with more than 70 road traffic convictions are "disgusted" by the 18-month sentence he received for causing death by dangerous driving.

Louise Carroll (29), sister of the late Thomas Carroll (21), said her parents Nicola and Francis, and siblings Shauna and Glen, were in shock when Judge Pauline Codd yesterday handed down the sentence to Mr Carroll's former friend Kevin McCarthy (23).

McCarthy, of Rossfield Park, Tallaght, pleaded guilty on a previous appearance at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of dangerous driving causing death to Mr Carroll on the N81 near Brittas on May 29, 2014.

The court heard that he was driving at almost double the speed limit when he lost control of the car he was driving on a bend.

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The vehicle hit trees and a pole before flipping over and travelling 115 metres on its roof.

Mr Carroll, who was a back seat passenger, was among four young men in the Skoda Octavia. They were aged 19, 20, 21 and 22 and all were rushed to hospital in a fleet of ambulances following the horror crash at 2.40am.

TRAUMA

Despite racking up 73 previous convictions, including careless driving and driving without insurance or an NCT, the judge imposed a sentence of four years, with two-and-a-half years suspended.

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The family walked out of the court en masse to register their displeasure with the sentence imposed by Judge Codd.

"He'll probably serve just a year," Louise told the Herald afterwards.

"He'll get to live like a normal person after, whereas we have to live with this every day.

"She didn't take into account the fact his daughter [Kayla] has no daddy."

Louise added the six-year-old girl is still undergoing counselling to deal with the trauma of losing her beloved father at such a young age.

She said the judge read out all 73 previous convictions to the court.

Yet, despite this, she imposed what the family believes is a ridiculously lenient sentence that appears to side more with the culprit than the victim.

"I don't believe they took his convictions into account," Louise said.

During the hearing, McCarthy made a tearful apology to the Carroll family, stating: "I'm very, very sorry for all that happened."

Judge Codd said McCarthy's previous record indicated "a lack of respect on his part for road traffic law".

However, she said Mr Carroll's death was caused by a negligent act as opposed to an intentional act, and that the court must assess the degree of criminal recklessness involved.

She added that sentencing was not an exercise in vengeance or an act of retaliation.

Noting that McCarthy "had acknowledged fully his responsibility" for the crash, she found his remorse was genuine and that the sense of loss had deeply affected him.

She also took into account his comments that he would "never forgive himself".

"He now has to live with that guilt and he'll carry that burden for the rest of his life," Judge Codd said.

GRIEF

The defendant's sister, Sinead McCarthy, told the court that she didn't intend to take away from the grief of the victim's relatives, whose family home is just doors away from the McCarthys'.

But she told the court that her brother's life had been ripped apart.

Kevin had " absolutely loved" the victim, she told the court.

But, since the accident, he had withdrawn from contact with friends and family and locks himself in his room.

She said he disappeared for days and the family found out recently that he was going to the crash scene to "talk" to the victim.
A judge has ordered the arrest of a youth awaiting sentencing for false imprisonment of staff during a violent two-hour siege at the Oberstown detention centre.

The Dublin Children's Court has heard four of the detention centre's supervising staff were trapped in a room by the then 16-year-old boy who went "a little crazy". One was injured when a television was thrown at her and they feared he would carry out threats to smash their skulls.

The boy (17) has pleaded guilty to four counts of false imprisonment, of two males and two females, at unit 8 in the detention centre, on the night of November 27, 2015. He was due to face sentencing at the Dublin Childrens Court on Thursday but did not turn up resulting in a bench warrant being issued by Judge John OConnor.

The 48-bed Oberstown facility, in Lusk in north Co Dublin, is the State's main detention centre for offenders aged under 17. A probation report on the youth had been sought ahead of the scheduled sentence hearing.

The court heard previously that on the night of the incident the teenager had refused to go to bed for staff. He told them he was having a stand off, a term in the centre for not co-operating, Gda James O'Byrne told the court earlier.

The youth pulled a television set from a wall and broke it while the detention centre workers withdrew into a staff room.

The court heard that he had also taken a broken wall bracket from the back of the television and used it as a weapon to damage the walls, windows and a couch.

Gda O'Byrne said that when the staff members attempted to come out of the room, he told them dont come f***** near me.

The youth threw the television at them which hit a female staff member, who had the best relationship with teen and who had tried to approach him. She suffered a swollen ankle.

They withdrew back into the room and he threatened that if they came near him he would smash their skulls. He shouted at one of the female staff members that he would get her and her family and that he was going to find out where she lived.

He was smashing glass to get into the office and the woman feared he would carry out his threat to smash my skull and she feared for her life, the court was told.

Defence solicitor Aonghus McCarthy has told Judge OConnor that the youth had been angry over an earlier incident in which he had been treated differently to another boy there. He regrets that the situation escalated and he has a good relationship still with the staff member he injured.

When people tried to quell his anger, he armed himself with the wall bracket believing that staff would rush him.

The solicitor said the boy was intent on making a protest but he went over the top which was the way he normally dealt with things when he was at home. At the end of the incident he told the director of the detention centre he felt like he would kill himself.

Mr McCarthy said the boy had gone a little crazy and the scene was different to a person who armed themselves before a dispute or someone who has to go down kicking and screaming.

The solicitor has asked the judge to note the boys mental state at the time and the context of his troubled background. Mr McCarthy said the teenager had not been taught how to react differently.

The youth has 15 prior criminal convictions and has previously served custodial sentences for a range of offences. He has also admitted taking part in a house burglary last month but is not due to be sentenced for that crime until next month.
An Estonian national has been remanded in custody after being charged with conspiracy to murder a man in Northern Ireland.

Imre Arakas (58), who is unemployed with an address in Tallin, Estonia was brought before a special sitting of Dublin District Court this evening charged under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

He is charged with conspiring to murder James Gately, along with others not before the court, between April 4 and April 5 in Northern Ireland.

Mr Arakas was brought to court number three of the Criminal Courts of Justice from Blanchardstown garda station amid a heavy garda escort including members of the Armed Support Unit.

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Giving evidence, Gda Alan Monaghan of the Drugs and Organised Bureau said that he arrested the accused in Blanchardstown Garda Station at 1.31pm this afternoon.

"He was charged by Sgt John Donovan at 2.55pm. He made no reply to the charge and was handed a true copy of the charge sheet," Gda Donovan said.

When Judge Grainne Malone queried if the defendant had been offered the opportunity to speak with a solicitor while in custody, Gda Monaghan said that this had been offered to him numerous times but decided against it.

Mr Arakas, wearing a navy t-shirt, black jeans and a bandage on his left arm, addressed the court numerous times during the sitting.

Asked if he would wish to speak to a solicitor, Mr Arakas said: "Yes, I wish. I'm pretty new here. I don't know where to find (a solicitor)".

The judge remanded him in Cloverhill to appear before the court again next Wednesday.
National Crime Agency image of fishing boat The Bianca, as her skipper Michael McDermott was sentenced after he tried to smuggle more than 80 million of cocaine into the UK (Image: PA)

Michael McDermott, a fishing boat skipper, jailed after he tried to smuggle more than 80 million of cocaine into the UK (Image: NCA/PA Wire)

Michael McDermott (68) from Waterford, was convicted of drug importation offences following a week-long trial at Bristol Crown Court

A fishing boat skipper who tried to smuggle more than 80m (aprox 94m) of cocaine into the UK has been jailed for 16 years.

The haul, weighing 939kg and up to 70pc pure, was the biggest single seizure of cocaine in the country last year.

Michael McDermott (68) from Waterford, was convicted of drug importation offences following a week-long trial at Bristol Crown Court.

His shipmates David Pleasants (57) of Peppercorn Walk, Grimsby, and Gerald Van de Kooij (27) of Amersfoort, Netherlands, previously admitted the offences.

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All three were arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force officers on August 18 last year.

McDermott was jailed for 16 years, Pleasants for 14 years and de Kooij for 12 years, at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.

Speaking after McDermott's trial, Mark Harding, senior investigating officer from the NCA's border investigation team, said: "This was a huge quantity of cocaine, the biggest single seizure made in the UK in 2016.

"Michael McDermott used his specialist skills as a sailor to attempt to evade border controls. We provided solid evidence that led to his conviction and have taken out another means of transport used by organised criminals to bring drugs to Britain.

"His was a crucial link in a chain that leads from cocaine manufacturers in South America to drug dealers in the UK.

"In stopping this consignment, we have prevented further criminality by the gangs who bring violence and exploitation to our streets."

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The Bianca was intercepted as it entered UK territorial waters off the coast of Cornwall and officers boarded, detaining the crew.

They found 38 bales of cocaine, each weighing between 25 and 30kg, hidden under bags of sand and gravel in the boat's fish hold.

The cocaine was between 60 and 70pc pure and, if cut to street purity, would be worth almost 84m (98m) when sold in the UK.

Investigators were able to establish that McDermott had bought the Bianca in Whitstable, Kent, for 17,000 (19k) , paying in cash weeks before his arrest

He told the seller he planned to sail to Spain and use the vessel for diving and chartered angling trips.

The boat was taken to Ramsgate for work to be carried out on it before it set sail.

Navigation records show it sailed through the English Channel and out into the Atlantic before turning around and heading back towards Cornwall.

Investigators believe it was at the turnaround point, south of Ireland, that the Bianca took the cocaine on board from another vessel.
A jury has begun deliberations in the trial of a man accused of kidnapping a family as part of a 660,000 robbery.

Jonathan Gill (35) is accused of a kidnapping a Drogheda postal worker, his partner and their 10-week-old baby daughter before robbing 660,000 from the man's workplace.

It is the State's case that Mr Gill was one of a group of five who were involved in holding the family hostage in their own home before moving them to a shed about a 90-minute drive away.

Mr Gill of Malahide Road, Swords, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to falsely imprisoning Warren Nawn, Jean Marie Nawn and their ten-week-old baby in Drogheda between August 1 and August 2, 2011.

The jury of seven men and five women were sent out to deliberate by Judge Elma Sheahan just before lunchtime today following the month long trial.
A manager at Xtravision who tapped into customer's dormant accounts and stole over 10,000 by giving himself the credit that was owed by them has avoided a jail term.

Noel Carroll (27) took the credit by creating a gift card for that amount that he could later deposit in a savings account and withdraw as cash. He also issued himself vouchers which he used to buy various items including a television, laptop and computer in different Xtravision branches.

Detective Garda Finola Heeney told Diarmuid Collins BL, prosecuting, that Carroll was caught when an auditor for the company noticed that a number of refunds from dormant accounts had been grouped together in batches, which was considered an unusual practice.

Further investigation showed that Carroll processed each of the transactions. It was initially thought that he had stolen just under 2,000 but following a more thorough investigation, the company discovered that 10,025 had been taken from the various accounts.

Carroll of Graham Court, Ballyherrin, Wicklow town, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft at various branches of Xtravision on dates between December 15, 2013 and June 10, 2015.

The married father of two has no previous convictions. He has since repaid the company in full with the help of a loan from his parents.

Judge Cormac Quinn said Carroll had taped into these accounts and refunded the cash for his own use. He said it was aserious breach of trust but acknowledged that he made full admissions and was previously of good character.

He sentenced Carroll to 18 months in prison which he suspended in full on strict conditions after noting that a probation report put him at a low risk of re-offending.

Det Gda Heeney said the credits on the customers' accounts were usually due to people putting down a small deposit of about 5 to reserve a game which they never returned to purchase.

Carroll told gardai in interview that he came across a customer credit report one day in work and a short while later came up with an idea of how he might take the money. He said he knew the accounts were dormant as they had been inactive for a long time.

He said he was tight for money at the time and used it to pay his rent or buy petrol. He admitted that he used the store credit to get things he didn't need.

Det Gda Heeney said Carroll had forfeited his last wage with the company and had been paying back 50 per week before Xtravision went into liquidation. His father then gave him the balance of 8,245 as a loan to fully re-reimburse the company.

Carroll's father told Karl Monahan BL, defending that his son has an awful lot of shame, is withdrawn, quiet and depressed since the crime came to light.

He described his behaviour as totally out of character and said Carroll had previously worked as an assistant manager in his own petrol station without any difficulties.
Donal Squires, Oldcastle, Co Meath who was charged with casual trading at the district court in Dublin. Picture credit; Damien Eagers

SANTA Claus is being taken to court accused of unlicensed casual trading after gardai stopped him in Dublin city centre at Christmas as he was posing for photos with children.

Donal Squires (48) prompted more than a few double-takes when he arrived at the Criminal Courts of Justice dressed in his full Santa costume.

His case was not dealt with due to an administrative error, but his lawyer said he anticipates the prosecution will be brought again at a later date.

Mr Squires, of Church Street, Oldcastle, Co Meath, is facing one count of casual trading without a licence.

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The offence is alleged to have happened at Henry Street last December 18.

SWEETS

It is understood Mr Squires was prosecuted for allegedly giving out free sweets to children, posing for photos and giving out presents for a charge.

"The gardai said there was no licence for what I was doing," Mr Squires said outside court.

"It was on the news that there was a law allowing Santa to enter Irish airspace, but I don't know where that leaves me."

Defence solicitor Michael French said: "The case was not listed due to an administrative error. We envisage that the summons will be re-issued and the case will be re-listed in the coming months.

"My client intends on meeting the allegation head-on."
A notorious hitman who was arrested in Dublin on Tuesday night carrying a list of key Hutch associates, has been charged by gardai.

Suspected hitman Imre Arakas (58) was arrested with two other men on Tuesday night.

Arakas has now been charged under the Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 by gardai and is due to appear before Dublin District Court, Criminal Courts of Justice this afternoon at 4pm.

The two other men arrested in connection with this investigation have been released from garda custody without charge. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Fennelly Commissioner reveals details of phonecalls recorded at Bantry Garda Station over the course of one week in June 1997.

The calls between a Detective Sergeant Alpha and several civilians give a new insight into the investigation into the murder of French filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

At the time the garda investigation was focused on journalist Ian Bailey.

They are as follows:

 18 June 1997  Conversation with an unidentified female civilian.

Detective Sergeant Alpha discussed the progress of the investigation and suggested that Mr Bailey was being shielded by the people he was living with.

 19 June 1997  Conversation with a journalist working for a UK publication.

Speaking off the record, Detective Sergeant Alpha alleged Mr Bailey was attempting to use the media to build an argument that, due to negative publicity, a fair trial would be impossible. He also disclosed that Mr Bailey was not under surveillance and discussed another former suspect in the case.

 23 June 1997  Call with a family member.

Detective Sergeant Alpha briefly discussed the progress of the investigation and referred to Mr Bailey as a cunning bastard.

 24 June 1997  Conversation with an employee of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Detective Sergeant Alpha made allegations concerning Mr Bailey, including saying that he had beaten his partner to a pulp a few times and that An Garda Siochana also believed he had committed similar assaults in England.

 24 June 1997  Call with a local TD in West Cork to discuss a letter of complaint from Mr Bailey and his partner.

Detective Sergeant Alpha informed the TD that Mr Baileys re-arrest was imminent.

 24 June 1997  Two calls with a family member.

Detective Sergeant Alpha discussed the investigation and alleged that Mr Bailey was making all kinds of allegations against An Garda Siochana in relation to it.
Nurses can reduce their hours to half-time for the last five years of service but they will count as full years for pension purposes (Stock picture)

An improved "bring them home" package, worth 3,000, is among the incentives to be launched in a bid to recruit Irish nurses from abroad.

The enticing package comes as a new survey shows overcrowded A&E departments are nurses' least favourite places to work.

Nurses returning home to work in Ireland will get 1,500 upfront and an extra 1,500 after 12 months.

It will kick in as soon as a ballot by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) is expected to support a range of recruitment and retention measures which were recently worked out in talks to avert industrial action.

Health Minister Simon Harris hopes another proposal, to allow nurses over 55 to work part-time in a pre-retirement deal, will also help ease the shortage which is continuing to affect services.

Nurses can reduce their hours to half-time for the last five years of service but they will count as full years for pension purposes.

It comes as a survey by the world's largest job site Indeed revealed almost two-thirds of nursing jobs in A&E departments were still vacant after 60 days. Figures from hospitals across the country yesterday show 491 patients on trolleys, highlighting the conditions which are driving away nurses.

"The HSE is also going to a jobs fair for nurses in London this week," the minister said.

The survey found the specialties where nurses are most difficult to recruit are in dialysis, learning disability and endoscopy.

Brexit

"Analysis also reveals that 26pc of Ireland-based searches for nursing jobs are going abroad. The UK, United States and Australia are the most popular countries in which nurses based in Ireland sought employment," it said.

Although Irish health officials are heading to the UK as part of the drive to bring more nurses home, it appears that, unlike other sectors, Brexit is not deterring nursing jobseekers there.

Indeed found little change in the level of searches by nurses in Europe for jobs in the UK.

"This runs counter to the overall trend identified by Indeed since the Brexit referendum, with European interest in working in the UK plummeting by 18pc since January," it said.

Separate figures from the HSE reveal the extent of the problems retaining nurses.

There were 162 fewer nurses working in health services here in January compared with December, with a fall of 135 in staff nurses.

Meanwhile, the first national survey of patients' experience of hospital - covering areas from the cleanliness to toilets to how long they had to wait on a trolley - is to get under way next month.

Nearly 30,000 patients who have been discharged will receive a letter from HSE chief Tony O'Brien asking them to fill out the questionnaire.

Launching the survey, Mr O'Brien quoted the late American poet Maya Angelou who commented: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

He said he hoped the survey would provide that insight.
Tens of thousands of health insurance customers are facing significant hikes in their annual bills under controversial proposals due to be considered by Health Minister Simon Harris.

A high-powered Dail body is to tell the Government to scrap or phase out the tax relief on health insurance in a move that will send the cost of policies rocketing.

The Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare will argue that the tax relief is effectively a subsidy for private insurance firms and should be scrapped, the Irish Independent can reveal.

It is also set to recommend the elimination of the inpatient charge for public patients as well as the slashing prescription charges for medical card holders from 2.50 to 50 cent.

The threshold for drug reimbursement should be significantly slashed, and charges for emergency departments should be phased out in the coming years, the report says.

But the proposal to scrap the tax relief is highly controversial - and is now the subject of major differences among committee members.

Such a move would add 600 to the annual cost of health insurance for a typical family.

Scrapping the tax relief would hit older people particularly hard, experts said.

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The new committee, which was a central component of the Programme for Government, was tasked with devising a "long-term vision" for healthcare.

But hearings have been fraught with problems with Fine Gael now threatening to vote against the final document. Central to the row is the proposal to abolish the tax relief on health insurance.

The committee's draft report, seen by this newspaper, recommends that public money should only be spent in the public interest for public good. It argues that the tax relief is effectively a subsidy to private companies offering healthcare insurance.

However, the proposal is already causing deep political divisions - with Fine Gael sources claiming that its members could veto the final report.

The 14-person committee, which is chaired by Social Democrats TD Roisin Shortall, is due to produce its final report in a matter of weeks.

Significantly, the Government has already indicated that the committee's recommendations will form the basis for an overhaul of health policy. The committee is proposing healthcare reforms over a 10-year period.

Speaking to the Irish Independent last night, Ms Shortall said that such a proposal, if agreed, would be introduced in the latter part of the term.

Affordable

"Our aim is to develop a single-tier health service and to make healthcare more affordable for everybody," the Dublin West TD said.

Fine Gael sources said the controversial proposal to abolish the level has being pressed for by Ms Shortall, Sinn Fein and other left-wing TDs.

The draft document does include the caveat that removing the subsidy "may cause (further) hardship for those with private insurance" and "may cause stakeholder unrest".

But sources say the majority of the committee is likely to back the plan.

The details of the controversial proposal comes days after the levy on health policies went up by 10pc to 443 per adult.

And already this year there have been double-digit rises in the cost of cover. VHI, Laya and Irish Life have blamed the rising costs of claims for medical procedures, with hospital double charging also blamed by Laya and Irish Life.

Health insurance expert Dermot Goode said any move to remove the tax relief on policies would force thousands of people to abandon their cover.

He said the relief reduced the cost of a typical plan by 600 a year for a family. "This does not make any sense. It would be a disastrous move and would force young people in particular to drop their cover. The system needs a flow of young people."

Mr Goode, of TotalHealthCover.ie, said: "Older people will be particularly hard hit in terms of their ability to hold on to their cover. They need top-level cover."

He said a proposal to remove the tax relief was hard to justify when the public system was over-burdened. "If the public system was functioning properly you could justify this, but it is not."
Col Mary Carrooll who commanded the 54th Infantry Group, is welcomed home by her husband, Vincent when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin.

There were emotional scenes as 130 Irish peacekeepers returned to a hero's welcome after a six-month tour of duty in the Golan Heights.

Anticipation mounted as children, partners, parents, siblings and other loved ones waited excitedly for the 54th Infantry Group to arrive in Dublin Airport.

The group were working under the direct command of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Commander and for 35 personnel it was their first tour of duty overseas.

Someone who was thrilled to be back was Captain Tom Brannigan, who was greeted with open arms by his girlfriend Jennifer Williams and their four-month-old son Terry.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Pte. Peter O'Connor from Roscommon is welcomed home by his daughters, Katie (5) and Eva (4) when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Pte. Stephen Burke from Dublin is welcomed home by his son, Cillian (9 mths), left and nephew, Liam (11 mths) when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Capt. Tom Brannigan from Stillorgan is welcomed home by his partner, Jennifer and 4 month old son, Terry when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Cpl Declan Maher from Castlebar is welcomed home by his son, Ryan (7) and wiufe, Joanne when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Cpl. Oisin Murphy from Armagh is welcomed home by his mother, Theresa when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights.Photo: Collins Dublin. Cpl. Oisin Murphy from Armagh is welcomed home by his mother, Theresa, and father, Billy when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Ruairi and Daniel Cummins wait for their dad, Martin when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Sgt. Austin O'Sullivan from Kilbarrack, Dublin is welcomed home by his wife, Laura and children, Layla (1) and Megan (4) when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Pte. Kenny McCormack from Galway is welcomed home by his son, Lee (7) when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Cpl Declan Maher from Castlebar is welcomed home by his son, Ryan (7) when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. Tpr. Jessica Slevin from Portlaoise is welcomed home by her daughter, Zoe (6) when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Pte. Peter O'Connor from Roscommon is welcomed home by his daughters, Katie (5) and Eva (4) when 130 Irish troops from the 54th Infantry Group, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), returned to Terminal One, Dublin Airport this morning , following a six month deployment to the Golan Heights. Photo: Collins Dublin.

Tom, who is from Stillorgan in Dublin, said: "He was born on November 28 and I got to come home for a few weeks just before Christmas to meet him but I haven't seen him for about three months.

"It's wonderful to get to be here, I've just been seeing the pictures and watching him grow every day so it's great to be back with him and Jennifer."

Jennifer added: "I missed him so much, I'm so happy to have him back, we'll have some celebrations now he's here.

"I was counting down the days for the last few weeks and then it got to counting down the hours."

It was a particularly special return for Lieutenant Colonel Mary Carroll, who has the honour of being the first woman to command an Irish contingent overseas. The Roscommon native spoke candidly about the challenges our brave troops face in the line of duty.

She said: "I'm delighted to be home, there's no place like home, after six months away when you see the families gathered around it means a lot to have brought them all back safe and sound.

"We've had a challenging time in the UNDOF mission, it's a challenging mission and is going through a particular transition at the moment.

"I don't know if being the first female commander was any different to anyone else doing it but I would like to think I've done a really good job."

Lieutenant Colonel Carroll also spoke about the work the Irish Defence Forces are carrying out in the Golan Heights.

She said: "The Irish troops are the force reserve Company in the UNDOF Mission so this is a very fundamental role. We provide the Quick Reaction Force, so we're the 999 call when something goes wrong and then we'll have fifteen minutes to move.

"Having been there for the last six months I can say the Irish troops are performing superbly and I'm really proud of them.

"I'm delighted to have been their Commander."

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It's an exciting time for Lieutenant Donal Desmond, who is back just in time for the birth of his second child next month.

The Cork native spoke about how difficult it was to be apart from his two-year-old son Nathan.

He said: "I'm delighted to be back, it's a long six months, it's fantastic to see the little man and there's been such a massive change in him.

"My wife is due next month so we'll be getting ready to welcome Nathan's little brother or sister.

"It's my second tour but it's my first away from my family and it's a bit different this time."

It was also a family affair for Corporal Martin Cummins (28), who was greeted by his partner Laura Corless and their young sons Ruairi and Daniel.

The boys were proudly wearing t-shirts with their dad's face on them and carrying homemade banners.

The Roscommon native said: "It's absolutely brilliant to come home after a few months away and I was really looking forward to seeing the boys and my girlfriend.

"It was amazing to get that welcome, I had no idea they were coming up, I thought it was just my mother and my sisters so it was a big surprise when I came through and saw them.

"The t-shirts are brilliant, it took me about ten seconds to see what they were.

"I think the only thing these lads want to do is for us to go on a trip to the zoo."

Laura said that after having her hands full since October, she's over the moon to have Martin home.

She told Independent.ie: "We've two boys and they're proper boisterous boys so it's just great to have him back - I might have a week to myself."
A notorious Estonian hitman nicknamed 'The Butcher' had planned to travel to Northern Ireland from Dublin for the Kinahan cartel to murder a Hutch gang target.

Garda investigations have established that the cartel identified an apartment in Northern Ireland where the feared Hutch gang member has been hiding out.

A raid by heavily armed gardai in Blakestown, West Dublin on Tuesday afternoon recovered evidence that the cartel had detailed information about the Hutch mob top man's exact movements in the North.

Suspected hitman Imre Arakas (58) and two Dublin criminals, and a 57-year-old Irish man linked to the cartel remained in garda custody last night after Tuesday's dramatic arrests.

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A 33-year-old man questioned over the seizure of drugs was released on Wednesday night.

"Evidence of a specific plan was found to murder this individual," a senior source said last night. "This murder was due to happen across the border and plans were at a very advanced stage.

"The Hutch gang member has been based in that apartment on and off for a number of months but the cartel seemed to have discovered all his movements.

"Gardai have informed the PSNI about this and there is a belief that other prominent Hutch gang members have stayed at the same apartment in recent times.

"All the indications are that this murder was due to happen in the North this week and guns were due to be dropped at the property in Blakestown in west Dublin, where the arrests happened."

Bugged

Europol agents were liaising with garda detectives last night about Arakas's suspected crimes in continental Europe.

Meanwhile, sources have confirmed that a mobile phone used by 'The Butcher' was bugged by gardai.

Armed detectives pounced on the west Dublin home when the suspect sent texts to a cartel chief based in Spain requesting a gun and silencer - just 48 hours after arriving in Ireland.

It is understood he could have banked up to 100,000 for taking out the Hutch target and was hired after the cartel grew tired of botched murder attempts carried out by lower- level criminals.

The interception marks the 11th time gardai have saved the life of the Hutch criminal, one of the key players in the feud, which kicked off after the cartel murdered his close friend Gary Hutch in Spain in September 2015.

The high-level Hutch target of the Estonian hitman appeared in court in recent weeks in relation to driving offences. Gardai had to place a huge security operation around the Criminal Courts of Justice.

This criminal was previously arrested in the company of Patrick Hutch Jnr, who was later arrested and charged with the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016.

The notorious north inner city criminal is a feared hitman who is suspected of carrying out the murders of Paul Kavanagh in April 2015, as well as Eamon 'The Don' Dunne in 2010, on behalf of the Kinahan cartel.

However, he cut ties with the gang after Gary Hutch's murder and is now their sworn enemy.

In the aftermath of the Regency Hotel killing, he even warned gardai that the gang war between the Christy Kinahan cartel and the Hutch mob would not end until Daniel Kinahan was shot dead.

Tensions remain extremely high in the capital's deadly feud, which has claimed 11 lives.

Murder

In a separate development, Independent.ie revealed last weekend that gardai were warned that a Kinahan cartel hit team was travelling to the north inner city to carry out a murder, sparking a major alert.

The tip-off led gardai to advise unarmed officers not to stop any suspect vehicles without armed back-up.

Unarmed gardai were also told not to attend any firearms incidents without having armed officers with them.

The alert was issued to officers working in the north inner city at 10pm last Thursday.

The warning about the hit team came following investigations from the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The mother of an Irish teen who skated down one of Ireland's steepest hills admits she was "shocked" when she saw the footage of the stunt.

A clip of Michael Murphy (17) fearlessly going down Patrick's Hill in Cork on his skateboarded has gone viral but one person who was particularly nervous watching the video was his mum Ger.

She told Independent.ie: "I didnt know he was going to skate down the hill and when I found out I was shocked because it is very steep.

"But Michael has been skateboarding for years and has almost perfect balance and has rarely been injured over the years touch wood.

"Michael is an outdoors, Bear Grylls type of boy. Never in the house which is a healthy way to live.

She added that Michael also takes part in cliff diving and enjoys the adrenalin rush of it all.

Although she does have some apprehensions about her son's love of extreme sports, she wouldn't hold him back.

Ger said: "As a parent we worry about our kids but Michael has a great group of friends who look after him.

"He travels to the UK and Spain to use their skateboard facilities. He really does love it."

Michael had previously attempted the challenge when the road was closed off for the Red Bull Soapbox race last summer but didn't complete it.

He stopped after going past the second junction but decided to give it another go.

Michael's friends Jason Scott filmed the video and says he never expected it to be so popular.

Jason said: "We didn't expect so many hits on it, it was a big surprise to wake up the next morning to see such hits.

"There has been a mixed reaction but they are mostly positive - apart from a few comments regarding the risks and dangers.

"But at the end of the day it's part of the sport."

Despite his daredevil attitude, Jason says his parents weren't too impressed.

He said: "They were worried about my safety and the danger involved, they gave me an earful when I showed them the video."
TD Danny Healy-Rae, pictured pulling pints in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry, has been criticised for his comments on drink driving. Photo: Don MacMonagle

The parents of a child killed by a drink-driver have hit out at TD Danny Healy-Rae following his controversial claims that "nobody in my neck of the woods has caused a fatality after three glasses of Guinness".

Ciaran Treacy (4) was killed when Finbarr O'Rourke smashed into the car his mother Gillian was driving near Portlaoise, Co Laois, on Holy Thursday in 2014.

Ciaran's mother said: "I am furious - this attitude hurts me even more because it's like it's 'okay' that our son was killed by a drunk.

"It's scientifically proven that one drink impairs driving and he has the cheek to say three glasses is 'no harm'.

"I wonder if he had to visit his child's grave every day, knowing that a drunk had killed him/her, would he change his attitude?"

She said Mr Healy-Rae was making a "mockery" of the work the RSA does day-in-day-out all year round to keep road deaths down.

She added that after hearing the TD's comments, it was "a kick in the teeth" after opening up her private family home to work on the advertisement to help keep Ireland's roads safe.

Ciaran's father Ronan said he wanted the TD to visit their home.

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"I want Danny Healy-Rae to come to sit in my home for 24 hours to see the loss left behind since losing Ciaran.

"I watched my wife struggle to get back to walking properly and I see the loss across my children's faces.

"Danny Healy-Rae is thinking of the next election with this statement and he's incredibly selfish for that.

"It's totally irresponsible for an elected TD to stand up in the Dail and say such a thing."

A new Bill allows for drivers caught with between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to be hit with an automatic disqualification of three months, instead of the current 200 fine and three penalty points.

Figures provided to the Dail Transport Committee revealed that 613 drivers last year were hit with penalty points for this offence, and more than 500 in each of the previous three years.

There is no proposal to reduce the current drink-driving limit of 50mg per 100ml of blood to 20mg for professional and novice drivers.

But Mr Healy-Rae questioned how statistics are compiled for alcohol-related deaths.

He added: "I don't believe that the person drinking one pint or a pint and a glass or three glasses... because in rural Ireland that was their only option for the last number of years... the old man or the single man or a single lady.

"The only outlet they had was to come to the pub and have the three glasses and I can tell you they drove home carefully and they haven't been the cause of the accidents you're talking about. And I can assure you that," he said.

More than 600 motorists could be put off the road every year if new legislation to automatically ban those found to be over the drink-drive limit is enacted. Transport Minister Shane Ross accused publicans of "cynically" lobbying against the proposal, saying it would help save lives in rural Ireland.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and German Chancellor Merkel deliver statements ahead of their meeting to discuss Brexit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pledged to help Ireland safeguard its interests in the upcoming Brexit talks saying she is aware Irish concerns including the "very important issues of war and peace".

Her remarks came ahead of a meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Berlin this evening where she also praised Ireland's growing economy.

Ms Merkel said that the EU will adopt a constructive approach the Brexit negotiations.

She said the remaining 27 member states will safeguard their interests but also want to remain "good partners" with the UK.

The German leader, whose statement was delivered through a translator also said: "we also have to underline that Ireland is very much effected and effected in a particular way by the UK leaving the EU".

She noted the interconnection of the Irish and British economies as well as the peace process in the North.

"We are all familiar with the situation with Ireland and the very, very important issues of war and peace that are important to Ireland.

"We as European partners here in Germany will try to help Ireland to safeguard its interests," she said.

Ms Merkel also spoke of Ireland's experience during the economic crash saying that the country went through "a very difficult time".

But she said: "all of the reforms have been successfully mastered by your country.

"You have enormous growth rates," she added, saying this was "very commendable".

"Step-by-step they are proving to be a boon to the people," Ms Merkel said.

Mr Kenny spoke of the Government's preparations for Brexit since before the referendum.

He said this was done because "it was clear that our country would be more exposed than any other country to the negative effects of Brexit."

He stressed that despite the UK decision to leave the EU "Ireland's place remains firmly at the heart of Europe".

Mr Kenny added: "We will be very much part of the European Union team for the negotiations ahead."

He also spoke of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

He said: "Whatever happens in the Brexit negotiations nothing should undermine the peace and stability that the Chancellor has referred to in Northern Ireland which took so long to achieve and in which the European Union has played such an important part."

Mr Kenny said that recent developments in the North show that stability there "remains fragile".

"It is therefore critical that there is no return to a hard border.

"This is a political problem and we will have to be both creative and imaginative in dealing with it."

He told Ms Merkel that whatever is agreed must be compatible with EU law, but added: "We must not get lost in technical detail at this stage an lose sight of the principle objective of maintaining peace and maintaining stability.

"I know there is a great understanding of this in Germany," he said, thanking Ms Merkel for her own "deep understanding" of the issue.

He said another concern in Ireland is that the economy will be "disproportionately affected" by Brexit.

"Unemployment fell to 6.4 per cent last month down from 8.3 per cent the previous year and we can not and will not allow this to be reversed," Mr Kenny said.

He said he is conscious of the need to protect jobs and noted that he had been meeting businesses and trade representatives as part of his visit to Germany.

"We look forward to working closely together with Germany as we respond to Brexit, migration and other issues in a calm and productive manner," he added.
The chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan appears to have provided conflicting evidence at two separate Oireachtas hearings.

Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming last night called for urgent clarity after Ms O'Sullivan told the Oireachtas Justice Committee that the force had suffered as a result of a lack of staff and resources.

Pressed on why the breath-test scandal was not dealt with sooner, Ms O'Sullivan specifically cited a depleted Garda management as one of the causes.

"I spent nine months in that position as interim acting commissioner. I was appointed in November of that year.

"It took a further 11 months to have two deputy commissioners appointed. And it was only in January of this year that we got the appointment of a full executive," Ms O'Sullivan said.

However, at a meeting of the PAC in July 2014, Mr Fleming put it to Ms O'Sullivan that losing so many gardai must have "impacted policing".

She denied that this was the case.

"No, deputy, I wouldn't say it has impacted on our ability," Ms O'Sullivan said.

Mr Fleming now says clarity must be provided by the chief.

"If (Ms O'Sullivan) has given a different version on staffing and resources at the Justice Committee than she did in July 2014, then she will have to clarify that," the Laois TD told the Irish Independent.

The comments came as the Government prepared to publish the Fennelly Report, which examined the alleged taping of phone calls to garda stations.

Speaking in the Dail, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government still had confidence in Ms O'Sullivan.

He pledged a comprehensive and immediate review of policing.

Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin said the Policing Authority must be given extra powers after revelations surrounding the grossly exaggerated breath test figures.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaks at the launch of RTE's Cruinniu na Casca at Dublin Castle last night. Photo: Tony Gavin

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny will today meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel as part of his campaign to highlight Irish concerns over Brexit.

Their meeting comes just over a week after British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, the mechanism for leaving the EU.

Speaking ahead of his visit to Berlin, Mr Kenny said the upcoming Brexit negotiations "will be so crucial for Ireland".

He added: "Chancellor Merkel is a close friend and partner of Ireland in the EU, and my meeting with her provides an opportunity for us to have a detailed discussion on Brexit following Prime Minister May's letter last Wednesday and the circulation of draft EU negotiating guidelines.

"The Government's engagement on Brexit has been crucial in ensuring that our concerns are properly understood by our partners all across the Union, and I am pleased that these have been reflected in the draft guidelines," he added.

The Taoiseach begins his day in Frankfurt where he will meet Irish State agency-supported businesses based in Germany.

He travels to Berlin this afternoon where his meeting with Ms Merkel will also cover the future of the EU and other international relations issues.

The two leaders will exchange views on the Brexit negotiating process ahead and "how best to work together, as part of the EU team, on a range of issues", a statement from the Taoiseach's Department said.

It said that Mr Kenny will highlight and explain Ireland's particular concerns arising from Brexit at all of his meetings in Germany.

These were listed as concerns about Ireland's trade and economy; Northern Ireland and the Peace Process; the Common Travel Area; border and citizenship issues; and the future direction of the EU.

Mr Kenny will also emphasise Ireland's ongoing commitment to EU membership.
On this weeks show: the future of water  water charges are dead and buried but in the fallout of the report, is new politics over? Labours Alan Kelly joins INM's Kevin Doyle, Niall O'Connor and Philip Ryan decrying 'populist politics' by Fianna Fail and responds to Barry Cowen's charge that he is 'an angry man'.

Click here subscribe to the Floating Voter on iTunes.

Despite the water report being completed and recommending water charges be scrapped, the political fallout is now the main focus as Fine Gael has said it cannot support what it is calling a 'fundamentally dishonest' report.

In a statement last night, Fine Gael said the report, "falls well short of our obligations under the Water Framework Directive and puts Ireland on a collision course with the European Commission."

And Alan Kelly, Labour's former Environment Minister hit out at Barry Cowen's work on the water committee.

"This is about a populist agenda and the race to the bottom and politicians wont legislate for fear of losing out," he told the Floating Voter podcast. "I dont mind being angry because this situation is wrong, illegal and immoral. Its a complete and utter farce.

"Fianna Fail supporters wont even back Barry Cowen for his stance and theyre very nervous about where he has placed Fianna Fail in all of this. Is Barry Cowen a Lone Ranger allowed by Micheal Martin to push the country to a place that is detrimental to the country?

"People want to pay for water, I really do believe that and now theyre going to have to pay more through general taxation charges with the situation were now in."

Kelly also continued his assertion that Coveney was 'stupid' and Cowen 'irresponsible' in all of this.

"Simon Coveney made the biggest and stupidest mistake of his political career by opening the door to the countrys most irresponsible politician who saw an opportunity."

Each week on the Floating Voter, INM's political team discuss the main issues affecting Irish politics, bursting the bubble around Leinster House. New episodes on Independent.ie every Thursday.
After welcoming two healthy baby boys in her forties, Margaret Smart said she felt like the luckiest woman in the world.

The Wexford mum and her husband Robert were thrilled with the arrival of their firstborn Micheal, and when their second little boy Ruairi was born in May 2012, the couple felt like their family was finally complete.

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Whatsapp Baby Ruairi (left) with his older brother Micheal, now eight-years-old

"I came quite late to motherhood. I was 43 when I had my first baby and I was 45 when I was pregnant with Ruairi. We were thrilled when our baby arrived happy and healthy. For a while I felt so lucky. Micheal was so happy to have a little brother as well. From the start, Ruairi was a beautiful baby, he always had such an appetite and was always so happy."

Ahead of her return to work after maternity leave, Margaret placed Ruairi into a local creche where he immediately thrived. However, a few weeks later on November 22, the mum received a call to say Ruairi was feeling unwell. Margaret's older son Micheal had recently been ill with the chicken pox and she believed baby Ruairi might have come down with the virus as well.

"They called to let me know that Ruairi hadn't been fussed about his lunch, which was so unlike him. He was a big bruiser and he loved his dinners so it was unusual.

"We were travelling to the UK the next day to visit my parents, so I decided I'd just bring him to the doctor to make sure everything was okay.

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Whatsapp Baby Ruairi was six-months-old when he died after a battle with pneumococcal meningitis.

"As my son Micheal had the chicken pox two weeks before, my GP thought it would be best to bring Ruairi to A&E in Wexford General. He was placed on IV fluids and anti-viral drugs as was routine, but CT scans and his blood work was all clear. They couldn't find anything wrong."

As the evening progressed, however, six-month-old Ruairi's condition began to decline rapidly, his breathing became laboured and he was intubated. The decision was made that the baby needed specialist care in Temple Street's Intensive Care Unit, and Ruairi was rushed to Dublin in an ambulance in the early hours of the morning with his parents following closely behind.

Hours later, a CT scan revealed swelling on Ruairi's brain, and attempts to alleviate this pressure were unsuccessful. Just 24 hours after dropping a smiling baby to creche, Ruairi's parents were told that their son was "clinically gone" and would never recover.

"It's incredible because one morning you're just doing normal things like getting the kids out the door to creche and the next you're looking at your baby on a life-support machine.

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Whatsapp Margaret Smart her son Micheal after welcoming baby Ruairi in May 2012

"It was bizarre, because you're looking at his little chest moving up and down and in all other ways he looks perfectly healthy but he's gone. You just are thinking, 'This can not be real'."

With their son Micheal, then aged 4, Margaret and Robert said goodbye to their youngest son.

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Whatsapp Baby Ruairi was six-months-old when he died after a battle with pneumococcal meningitis.

"My four-year-old Micheal and Ruairi idolised one another. Telling him was one of the most difficult things I've had to do. He climbed into Ruairi's cot as we did almost every morning and sang some songs and said our goodbyes to Ruairi.

"After we had that time with Ruairi and Micheal, my husband just said, 'We need to let him go now', and we had the machines turned off. It was only the two of us when he came into the world, and when he left us it was the same."

After his death, it was established that Ruairi had died after a battle with pneumococcal meningitis. This is a bacterial form of the condition, in which streptococcus pneumonia bacteria invade the bloodstream and multiply in the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

His parents said they will forever grateful to the staff of Temple Street Hospital, who made it possible to take Ruairi home to Wexford with them in the hours after he died, which Margaret said made a huge difference.

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Whatsapp Margaret Smart with her husband Robert, and children Ruairi and Micheal, before Ruairi's death

"We were so fortunate to have the support of the staff at Temple Street. I wouldn't have been able to leave him. He went to the undertakers for the shortest time, and being away from him that long was so difficult.

"Nothing could have been done differently, I really do believe that. Temple Street were amazing, Wexford General acted quickly as did my own GP and even the creche. Sometimes I think it would be easier if I could blame someone but I can't. It was superior care."

Margaret said her now eight-year-old son Micheal's questions about Ruairi can be difficult to answer, and become more so as he gets older.

"In the early days the questions about Ruairi were very simple, but as he gets older they can be harder.

"The thing about his questions is that he could ask me something in the car on the way to school. Then he'll hop out of the car and not give it a second thought, whereas I'll be thinking about that for the rest of the day."

"We're very fortunate to have been able to avail of the counselling offered by Temple Street, and Micheal has had the chance to meet other children who have lost their brothers and sisters."

After losing her son, Margaret said her relationships with many people have changed, both because some avoided her after Ruairi's death, and also because she avoided some friends because it was too difficult.

"People don't know what to say to you after you've lost a child. They cross the road to avoid you for fear of having to have that conversation. There are people who have not come near me since he died.

"At the same time, I've let friends fall by the waist side as well, some of them who had children the same age as Ruairi and that was just too difficult for me to watch them, because I'd be thinking, 'That should be him, why him?' He was such a happy, healthy baby."

The mum said she has channelled some of her grief into raising vital funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation, which helps to develop information about the illness, and also to support Irish families who have been impacted.

"I fundraise for the Meningitis Research Foundation whenever I can, it's such an important cause, particularly the advice and support services which I have found so helpful after Ruairi's death."

Next September, Ruairi would be joining his classmates as a Junior Infant, and Margaret says she knows it will be a very difficult time for her.

"It never goes away, that's the thing. I'll always be a mother to two boys, but I only have one here.

"It's very difficult. In September he would have been starting school and I know that's going to be so hard to watch all those children go in the school gate and Ruairi... he's not going to be there."

April 24 marks World Meningitis Day. For more information on the Meningitis Research Foundation, or to donate please visit www.meningitis.org
Ryanair has announced a new wave of customer service upgrades, including connecting flights, auto check-in and express booking.

The announcements were made at the launch of Year 4 of its 'Always Getting Better' (AGB) programme of customer service improvements today.

Highlights over the coming year include:

1. Connecting flights

Connecting flights will be available from this month, Ryanair says - initially through Rome Fiumicino airport, with connections at other airports to be rolled out shortly afterwards.

The airline is currently involved in discussions with Aer Lingus and Norwegian  "and other potential partners," as it describes  with a view to launching connections ("a flight feeder service") with third-party airlines in late summer.

"We also plan to sell flights operated by other airlines on Ryanair.com," it adds.

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Whatsapp Kenny Jacobs (centre), Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer, launches Always Getting Better Year 4

2. Auto Check-In

Several improvements have been announced for Phase 2 of the airline's 'My Ryanair' service, including 'Auto Check-in', which will allow customers to check-in simultaneously for both sectors when return seats are booked. In this case, they will receive both boarding cards.

3. Express Booking

Customers will be able to save preferred bundles of bags, extras, seat preferences and so on as a default in their 'My Ryanair' user profile.

The function is firstly available to solo travellers, but will be rolled out to groups and families shortly, allowing a faster booking flow.

Other 'My Ryanair' improvements will include a wider range of transfer and parking services bookable through the app, enhanced search functions, dual profiles for personal and business use, and cashback offers for those who book hotels or car hire.

4. Four new booking categories

From May onwards, Ryanair will offer four booking categories.

These are 'Regular' (offering basic fares), 'Family Plus' (offering family fare bundles and flexibility), 'Plus' (the current 'Leisure Plus', offering increased flexibility) and 'Flexi-Plus' (replacing 'Business Plus' with business-friendly options, including a new, 50pc travel credit for cancellations).

5. Ryanair Rooms & Holidays

Ryanair's accommodation and package holiday services are already up and running, but 2017 will see more partners and choice, the airline says, with Hostelsclub and B&Bs bringing its total of 'Ryanair Rooms' partners to five across Europe.

'Ryanair Holidays' will continue its roll-out to a wider range of countries.

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Whatsapp Ryanair cabin crew model the airline's new uniforms. Photo: Taine King

Since 'Always Getting Better' was introduced in 2014, Ryanair has announced new interiors and uniforms, introduced business, family and package holiday services - as well as allocated seating and second carry-on bags, among other initiatives.

The success of the 'Always Getting Better' programme over the past three years has been reflected in ever increasing load factors and record passenger numbers, which has seen our traffic grow by over 50pc," said Kenny Jacobs, Chief Marketing Officer.

It has also introduced a car hire service, 'Ryanair Rooms', a schools travel product and rebooted its website and app in a bid to become "the Amazon of travel".

There has been no announcement on in-flight Wi-Fi, however.

The airline hopes to grow its annual traffic to 200 million customers by 2024.

NB: This story is being updated live.

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In terms of raw casualty numbers, Tuesday's apparent nerve gas attack near the Syrian city of Khan Sheikhoun - believed to have killed at least 70 - should hardly be significant against the backdrop of a war that has left hundreds of thousands of people dead.

But that was never the point of chemical weapons. Since European powers first used them over a century ago at the height of World War I, they have held a psychological and political shock value in many ways out of proportion to their physical or military effect. Alongside the threat of biological warfare, they hold a very distinct horror.

In the trenches of World War I, doctors noted that the paralysing fear of a gas attack often exceeded that of conventional artillery and bombs, even though the latter killed many more people.

By the end of that conflict, basic gas masks and chemical protection equipment meant many soldiers could survive such an attack relatively unscathed.

The horror of those campaigns, however, was key in driving most states to ban such weapons. In total, 192 nations are now signatories to the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention with more than 90pc of the world's pre-existing chemical weapon stocks believed to have been destroyed by the end of last year.

What the Syrian civil war appears to be re-establishing, however, is that on occasion governments may be able to use them against their own people without suffering much in the way of consequences.

With senior US officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis, suggesting in recent weeks that the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was no longer a priority, the Syrian government appears to be demonstrating that it feels it can act against its domestic enemies with almost total impunity. That sends an alarming signal about the erosion of global rules and norms on weapons of mass destruction, as well as the limits of US power and influence. For those Syrians still fighting the government, it is a savage warning of the cost of further resistance.

It is hardly a new tactic. The British Empire used poison gas against Iraqi villages during the 1920s and 1930s to make a similar point, as did Mussolini's Italy during its invasion of Abyssinia, now Ethiopia. Saddam Hussein used sarin gas against Kurdish civilians around the town of Halabja, killing an estimated several thousand and cementing his own reputation for brutality.

In this case, much is veiled in deliberate ambiguity, most likely to further reduce the prospect of outside response or retaliation. Western governments - as well as independent monitors - say the evidence points to a deliberate strike by the Syrian Air Force. Assad's ally Russia, however, says the chemicals were accidentally released from a rebel weapons facility by a government bombing raid.

That could be just possible, although most of the evidence so far points against it - not least images that suggest the munitions landed on roadways and in open country. Militant groups have periodically attempted to build such weapons, and Isil in particular has deployed poison gas in its fight to retain control of Iraq's second city of Mosul.

Tuesday's attack, however, had stark similarities to the previous government-linked chemical strike on the outskirts of Damascus in 2013, which killed several hundred civilians and briefly looked as though it would draw the US into direct military conflict with Assad.

President Barack Obama and other western leaders had declared the use of chemical weapons would be a "red line" that would prompt outside intervention. The Syrian regime, however, had already begun pushing those lines with much smaller chemical attacks throughout 2013, often killing only a handful of people.

Syria signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 and was supposed to have handed over all its chemical stocks as part of a Russian-brokered deal to avoid US military action after the Damascus attack.

It now seems that was not the case - Tuesday's strike followed another string of much more limited chemical attacks.

Assad and his Russian backers almost certainly believe the Trump administration has no intention of mounting any kind of military response - not least because, like the Obama White House, it has neither the appetite for a long-running intervention nor a strategy for it.

The irony is that just as the Syrian government has been demonstrating how effective chemical munitions can be as a political weapon, across the border in Iraq, Isil has been finding out just how limited their impact can be on the battlefield. Allied forces and human rights observers have reported several relatively primitive gas attacks in September, October and last month, but they reportedly injured relatively small numbers of people.

For all the decades of concern over chemical and biological attack by militants, they have been remarkably rare - and often ineffective.

Experts say that while both al Qaeda and Isil would like to get their hands on chemical and biological weapons, neither has made doing so a priority.

In general, however, what happened in Syria on Tuesday is a reminder that those at greatest risk of chemical weapons attacks are those whose government wishes to make an example of them.

It's a stark reality that neither the US nor any other western country knows what to do about.

Peter Apps is the founder and executive director of the Project for Study of the 21st Century
Executive producer Brad Pitt attends the premiere of Amazon Studios' "The Lost City Of Z" at ArcLight Hollywood on April 5, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Cast member Sienna Miller poses at the premiere of the movie "The Lost City of Z" in Los Angeles, California U.S., April 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Cast member Sienna Miller poses at the premiere of the movie "The Lost City of Z" in Los Angeles, California U.S., April 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Producer Brad Pitt poses at the premiere of the movie "The Lost City of Z" in Los Angeles, California U.S., April 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actors Sienna Miller (L) and Charlie Hunnam attend the after party for the premiere of Amazon Studios' 'The Lost City Of Z' at Le Jardin on April 5, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Director of the movie James Gray (2nd R), producers Brad Pitt (R) and Dale Armin Johnson (L) and cast member Charlie Hunnam pose at the premiere of the movie "The Lost City of Z" in Los Angeles, California U.S., April 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Tom Holland, from left, Charlie Hunnam, Sienna Miller and Robert Pattinson arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Lost City of Z" at the ArcLight Hollywood on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Brad Pitt arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Lost City of Z" at the ArcLight Hollywood on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Executive producer Brad Pitt attends the premiere of Amazon Studios' "The Lost City Of Z" at ArcLight Hollywood on April 5, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Producer Brad Pitt poses at the premiere of the movie "The Lost City of Z" in Los Angeles, California U.S., April 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Brad Pitt made an increasingly rare public appearance at his latest premiere on Wednesday night.

The Oscar-winning actor (53) lost a noticeable amount of weight as he hit the red carpet to promote his latest film Lost City of Z as he continues to battle estranged wife Angelina Jolie in their divorce.

While he has been spotted out and about in Los Angeles since Jolie filed for divorce in September, he has made only a handful of red carpet appearances to promote his last film Allied.

Similarly, Jolie has only recently reemerged from hiding when she visited Cambodia, attended a United Nations meeting in Geneva and most recently, guest lectured at the London School of Economics on Women, Peace and Security, before officially beginning her guest lecture role in October.

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Whatsapp Executive producer Brad Pitt attends the premiere of Amazon Studios' "The Lost City Of Z" at ArcLight Hollywood on April 5, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

It's reported that Pitt is "healthy and much happier" as his split settles down and the pair agreed to settle their divorce privately.

"Things with his family have improved, all is being addressed privately, and its serving everyone in the family well," a source told People.

These days, he is focusing on his budding passion - sculpting.

"People close to him are happy that he has found something new to be passionate about."

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Also spotted at last night's premiere were stars Sienna Miller, Charlie Hunnam and Robert Pattison. Lost City of Z is the movie adaptation of David Grann's 2009 book, which follows British explorer Percy Fawcett (Hunnam) who discovers a previously unknown society in the Amazon in the early 1900s.
The new director of The Gate theatre Selina Cartmell with actor Aidan Turner at the opening night of Noel Coward's Private Lives. Photo: Tony Gavin 5/4/2017

The new director of The Gate theatre Selina Cartmell with actor Aidan Turner at the opening night of Noel Coward's Private Lives. Photo: Tony Gavin 5/4/2017

Aidan Turner has returned to Dublin for a rare night out at home, as Poldark fans are in a spin over the show's earlier return to our screens.

The heart-throb was snapped tonight at The Gate theatre with new director of the theatre Selina Cartmell at the opening night of Noel Coward's Private Lives.

He appeared tonight at the theatre dressed down in jeans and a beanie hat for the show, which is at the beginning of a three month run.

Women around the world have fallen for the Clondalkin native thanks to his shirtless scenes in the drama and his Irish accent off-screen but he is off-the-market.

Fans of the hit show which catapulted him to fame recently learned that it will be back on the BBC in June in a move that means it will no longer clash with ITV hit Victoria.

"The earlier filming schedule on this series means that we can bring the much anticipated third series back sooner for fans to Sunday nights in June," a BBC spokeswoman said.
The students want to transform our country to better reflect our shared values.

A group of students from Harvard University have created a resistance school to counter US President Donald Trumps agenda and policy changes.

Following Trumps inauguration in January, nearly a dozen students from the John F Kennedy School of Government gathered to discuss what the new presidency meant for the future of the country.

The Resistance School website reads: On November 8, we lost more than just the presidency. We lost yet more ground in the decades-long campaign against progressive values.

Resistance School is a free four-week practical

Resistance School is a free four-week practical training program that will sharpen the tools we need to fight back at the federal, state, and local levels. Our goal is to keep the embers of resistance alive through concrete learning, community engagement, and forward-looking action.

Republicans now control the Senate, House, and more state legislatures than they have in almost 200 years. Those losses have emboldened the right to launch an all-out attack against our nations creed  that all are created equal.

Like so many Americans, the election moved us  a group of progressive graduate students at Harvard  to ask ourselves: How can we most effectively fight Trumps agenda?

Their answer was the Resistance School: a free, month-long training programme that will teach others how to counter decisions they feel strongly opposed to at federal, state and local level.

Our goal is to keep the embers of resistance alive through concrete learning, community engagement, and forward-looking action.

The Resistance School consists of four interactive workshops in which people will learn to:

1. Communicate values in political advocacy

2. Mobilise and organise communities

3. Structure and build capacity for action

4. Sustain the resistance long term

The Resistance School likens itself to Dumbledores Army from the Harry Potter books, a secret organisation of students who teach themselves to combat dark magic.

It consists of former staff from the Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton presidential election campaigns, community organisers, human rights advocates and journalists.

Resistance School

Resistance School. 7,255 likes  6,521 talking about this. Resistance School is a free four-week practical training program to sharpen the tools we need to fight back at the federal, state, and local

While the Resistance School is formed by students, its not actually affiliated with the John F Kennedy School of Government or Harvard University.

More than 5,700 people have already signed up for the workshops, which will be hosted on campus and live-streamed on Facebook.
Ziad Ahmed is one impressive 18-year-old.

Most students would be stunned to be accepted into the prestigious Stanford University, but perhaps none more so than Ziad Ahmed.

Why? Because he answered the application question What matters to you, and why? in a pretty bold way: by writing #BlackLivesMatter 100 times. And thats it.

FYI  this was just one part of the application, but it is still admittedly a pretty daring move.

However, its pretty unsurprising that Ahmed was accepted into Stanford when you take into account what the 18-year-old has already achieved.

He has interned for Hillary Clintons presidential campaign and also given a Ted Talk in 2015 called Our age does limit our activism.

Not only this, but Ahmed founded Redefy  a student organisation that addresses stereotypes  in 2013 because he believes fervently in justice for all, alongside running a a youth consulting company called JUV Consulting.

In case Ahmed didnt already have enough going on, he also writes poetry and takes photographs. His website says: Overwhelmingly though, Ziad is just your average teenager grappling with identity, struggling to balance it all, and pursuing his passions. We respect that, although something tells us that Ahmed is far from your average teenager.

As you can see, Ahmed dedicates a lot of his time to activism, so his answer promoting #BlackLivesMatter is hardly out of character  even though he is not black himself.

To me, to be Muslim is to be a BLM ally, and I honestly cant imagine it being any other way for me, Ahmed told Mic. Furthermore, its critical to realise that one-fourth to one-third of the Muslim community in America are black and to separate justice for Muslims from justice for the black community is to erase the realities of the plurality of our community.

This concept of being an ally is something that Ahmed is acutely aware of, showing again what a woke teenager he is.

Ahmed realises that activism needs to be more than just words on a page, and instead converted into action and real change.

This is why Ahmed is using the buzz around the tweet about his application to direct peoples attention to other BLM activists and worthwhile endeavours.

His application and the way that hes followed it up is a powerful statement that people are absolutely loving.

Stanford has declined to comment on Ahmeds viral answer, telling Mic they do not discuss student applications.
The offensive poster specifically targeted Chinese students.

Students from the University of Texas at Austin have expressed outrage after seeing racist posters appearing across the campus.

The poster targets Chinese students, promoting a special class to teach Chinese more about ethics.

It says: Did you know copying someone elses intellectual property is actually stealing their work and its against the law? We know it isnt bad in your culture

Did you know faking yourself and your skills, when you are applying for a job or graduate school, is against the law?

Did you know burping and farting are unethical?  We know they arent bad in your culture, Oopse!

WE WILL TEACH YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

As you can imagine, such blatant racism shocked many students.

After it came to the attention of the faculty, the universitys president, Gregory L Fenves, issued a statement saying: Such posters are completely unacceptable.

Consistent with UT Austins core values, every student, faculty member and staff member who sets foot on our campus has the right to learn, teach and work without fear and without being the object of hate and discrimination.

The university has since worked quickly to get rid of the posters and identify the culprit, which Fenves has said they have successfully done. The person responsible has not been named.

The incident comes after the university implemented a new Hate and Bias Incident Policy at the end of February which establishes that actions conducted with discriminatory and hateful intent on our campus will be punished rapidly and with greater consequences than in the past. It shows that such a policy is needed more than ever.

The UTCSSA (Chinese Students and Scholars Association of The University of Texas at Austin) posted an open letter on its Facebook page saying: We are deeply saddened by this act of discrimination. These posters do not represent Chinese culture or traditions, nor the UT students who so proudly honour their country and heritage. They run counter to our universitys core values.

The UTCSSA also thanked the students who acted when they saw the posters, and the university for its swift response.
Do they conform to damaging gender stereotypes?

If you were under the impression that fairytales were innocent stories for kids, then you should probably think again  at least, according to this new programme in Australia.

The Respectful Relationship programme in Victoria doesnt necessarily want to cut fairytales out of the curriculum, but to encourage children to analyse the stories more closely and consider gender bias within them.

The main issue it holds with fairytales is the outdated gender stereotypes they often conform to. The Herald Sun quoted a programme teaching aid that says the stories further a sense of entitlement in boys and lower self-esteem in girls.

This doesnt spell the end of Hans Christian Anderson in schools; instead, the programme wants teachers to encourage children to act as fairytale detectives to describe and compare the roles commonly given to male and female characters and to identify gendered messages fairytales give readers.

Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews has come under fire for his perceived war on fairytales, but he has dismissed this as false.

The Respectful Relationship program was set up by the government to address gender-based violence.

It says: A good education is about more than simply getting good marks. It is about becoming a member of society and succeeding in life  knowing how to build respectful relationships is key to achieving this.
Indian police are reviewing reports of missing children to try to identify a girl who was found living in a forest with a group of monkeys.

The girl, believed to be between 10 and 12 years old, was unable to speak, was wearing no clothes and was emaciated when she discovered in January and taken to a hospital in Bahraich, a town in Uttar Pradesh in northern India.

She behaved like an animal, running on her arms and legs and eating food off the floor with her mouth, said DK Singh, chief medical superintendent of the government-run hospital.

After treatment, she has begun walking normally and eating with her hands.

"She is still not able to speak, but understands whatever you tell her and even smiles," Mr Singh said.

Some woodcutters spotted the girl roaming with monkeys, police officer Dinesh Tripathi said on Thursday, and they alerted police.

"They said the girl was naked and was very comfortable in the company of monkeys. When they tried to rescue the girl, they were chased away by the monkeys," the officer said.

She was rescued later by a police officer in the Katarniya Ghat forest range.

"When he called the girl, the monkeys attacked him but he was able to rescue the girl. He sped away with her in his police car while the monkeys gave chase," Mr Tripathi said.

He said police are trying to determine how the girl got into the forest and who her parents are.

She will be sent to a home for children until she is identified, Mr Singh said.
Australia and New Zealand have warned that extremists may be planning an attack on the commemoration of the Gallipoli campaign being held in Turkey this month.

Australian Veterans Affairs minister Dan Tehan urged the nearly-500 Australians and New Zealanders registered to travel to Gallipoli to mark Anzac Day on April 25 to exercise a high degree of caution, but offered no specifics about the alleged threat.

Anzac Day is an annual holiday commemorating the April 25 1915 landings in Gallipoli - the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War.

Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Mike Phelan would not reveal what prompted the warning, saying only that the government had received information that extremists may attack the services being held on the Gallipoli peninsula.

Mr Phelan said there was no specific plot linked to the alert.

"It is just that terrorists may indeed try to carry out a terrorist attack during the celebrations," he said in Canberra. "That is all we have got at this stage."

Mr Tehan said Australia and New Zealand were working closely with Turkish authorities on security arrangements, but the commemoration was scheduled to continue as planned.

For the past two years Australian police have said they thwarted planned attacks on Anzac Day celebrations in Australia.

In 2015, police in Melbourne arrested five teenagers on suspicion of plotting an Islamic State terror group-inspired attack intended to coincide with the city's Anzac service.

In 2016, police arrested a 16-year-old and charged him with planning an attack on an Anzac ceremony in Sydney.

New Zealand's foreign minister Murray McCully urged his countrymen in Turkey to be vigilant in public places and monitor the media for updates on potential safety risks.
A zoologist in Cuba has spent the last year raising two baby chimpanzees in her home.

During that time, Ada and Aduma have broken Marta Llanes's television and computer keyboard, chewed her telephone to pieces and ruined much of her furniture.

She has forgiven them every transgression as she said it is hard to stay angry at a baby chimpanzee when it clambers up your leg and into your arms and plants a kiss on your cheek in a plea for forgiveness.

While zoos in other countries may have special facilities for raising baby animals, in Cuba the job falls to Ms Llanes, 62, who has cared for 10 baby chimps in her central Havana apartment since she started working at the city zoo in 1983.

It is hard work that requires watching the animals nearly 17 hours a day until they are returned to the zoo after their first birthday.

"I try to be the mother chimpanzee," she said. "If they say 'hu', I say 'hu'.If they want me to drop to the floor, I drop to the floor. The only thing I can't do is swing. I used to do it, but I can't anymore, but they have to be taught to swing. They have to be taught everything."

She leaves her home a few hours each week when another zoologist delivers milk, fruit and cleaning products, and cares for the animals while she takes a break.

Meanwhile, her apartment looks like any that is home to two infants, albeit infants able to scramble up chairs, tables and virtually any other object with already-strong arms and legs, and feet with opposable "thumbs".

The floor is covered with toys, all sharp objects have been hidden away and the electric sockets covered to prevent a dangerous accidental shock.

Ada, the female, is 13 months old, and the male Anuma is 15 months. Both wear nappies.

The chimpanzee, an endangered species, separated from humans on the evolutionary tree about seven million years ago and shares some 90% of our DNA.

Chimps are known for their intelligence and use of basic tools. They live half a century in the wild and even longer in captivity.

Ms Llanes, who has an adult daughter, said it can be difficult to get female chimps to care for their offspring in captivity, and she has been happy to step in.

She is raising the baby chimps because their mothers at the zoo are too young and did not learn how to feed or care for them properly.

"I have to be at home with them 24 hours a day," said Ms Llanes, who rises at 5am and often watches the chimps until 10pm, with an occasional break during a simultaneous nap.

She lives in a fifth-floor apartment in a building with dozens of residents, virtually all of whom say the baby chimps are good neighbours.

"They don't bother anyone," said Cari Dib, a 65-year-old housewife. "Plus, they're adorable."

AP
The Dalai Lama has consecrated a Buddhist monastery in India amid Chinese warnings that the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to a disputed border region would damage bilateral relations.

Nearly 10,000 people, some of them from neighbouring Bhutan, greeted the Dalai Lama at the Thubchok Gatsel Ling Monastery in Tawang district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Indian official Jemba Tshering said.

The visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China also claims as its territory, has raised tensions between the nuclear-armed Asian neighbours.

China's foreign ministry has said the visit "severely harms China's interests and the China-India relationship", while India has cautioned Beijing to stay out of its internal affairs.

China considers the 81-year-old monk, who fled to India in 1959 amid an uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, a separatist seeking Tibet's independence. The Dalai Lama says he merely advocates substantial autonomy and protection of the region's native Buddhist culture.

He reiterated on Wednesday that he, as well as his people, were not seeking Tibet's independence, but are struggling to secure "meaningful autonomy" for the region from China.

"Firstly, we are not seeking independence. We are very much willing to remain within China," he was reported to have said. "At the same time the Chinese government must give us meaningful self-rule, autonomy and must take full care of the environment."

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying rejected arguments that the trip was solely religious in nature, and said China would lodge a formal protest with New Delhi.

The top elected official of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, accompanied the Dalai Lama as he addressed young monks on Wednesday. Mr Khandu said China had no business telling India what to do and what not to do, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

India considers Tibet an integral part of China while rejecting Beijing's claims over about 35,000 square miles in Arunachal Pradesh. India says China is occupying 15,000 square miles of its territory on the Aksai Chin plateau.

The visit is the Dalai Lama's seventh to Arunachal Pradesh and his first since 2009. China has criticised previous visits, but they did not spark any major rift between the two countries.

AP
A breast surgeon accused of carrying out unnecessary operations has told a court he never called his alleged victim "a lying bitch" while she was giving evidence against him.

Ian Paterson, responding to a prosecutor's claim that he used the derogatory term during GP Dr Rosemary Platt's witness box evidence, said: "No. Why would I use that language about a patient?"

He added: "I said that I thought she wasn't telling the truth."

Paterson said he did not believe any of his 10 alleged victims were "liars", but that their memories had become confused over time.

The surgeon, facing the fourth day of cross-examination in his trial at Nottingham Crown Court, also said professional surgical guidelines were "not rules or laws, written in stone".

He told the Crown's barrister, Julian Christopher QC: "You're looking at a guidelines, I'm treating a patient - that's where we differ."

The surgeon is standing trial after denying 20 counts of wounding with intent against nine women and one man relating to procedures he carried out between 1997 and 2011.

Dr Platt is said to have had three operations including a right breast mastectomy which prosecutors have claimed were needless.

Jurors have previously heard claims that Paterson carried out completely unnecessary operations for "obscure motives" which may have included a desire to "earn extra money".

However, on Thursday he told the court he had offered another alleged victim a free mastectomy.

Paterson said that when patient Frances Perks' insurer only offered to cover surgery on her left breast, "I told her I would do it (the right breast) for no fee".

He added: "The simple reason is the anaesthetist and the reconstructive surgeon refused to do their part for free."

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The 59-year-old was answering questions about a decision to carry out a mastectomy on alleged victim Ms Perks in 2006.

The Crown's barrister asked if he was "familiar" with the 2005 guidelines of the British Association of Surgical Oncology (BASO).

Paterson replied: "In broad, yes, we tend to follow them, but they're not rules or laws, written in stone."

He added that the guidelines were "entirely appropriate" for most patients, but were not a perfect fit for every case.

Paterson added: "We followed BASO guidelines as being the professional body that oversaw the work we did, day in, day out, as strictly as possible, with the caveat that individual patients didn't necessarily fit into the guidelines."

Mr Christopher then asked Paterson if he had engaged in "a fishing expedition" and had sought to "justify" a double mastectomy on Ms Perks, when potentially pre-cancerous disease had only been found in one of her breasts.

Paterson said: "She (Ms Perks) even considered funding the anaesthetist's part of the right side herself, but it transpired that didn't happen - I think it was too expensive for her."

Mr Christoper asked: "Did you tell her she would get breast cancer if she didn't have a double mastectomy?"

Paterson replied: "I'm not sure I was as stark as that, to be that cruel to a patient - but she was aware of her risk."

He added: "There was no pressure and there never had been."

Asked if he carried out "a completely unnecessary, uncalled-for operation" on Dr Platt, Paterson replied: "No, no."

Paterson, of Castle Mill Lane, Ashley, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, was formerly employed by Heart of England NHS Trust and also practised at Spire Healthcare.
A police officer who fatally shot an unarmed man was "sure to the point of certainty" he had a firearm, a public inquiry has heard.

Anthony Grainger, 36, from Bolton, was shot by a Greater Manchester Police firearms officer through the windscreen of a stolen Audi in a car park in Culcheth, Cheshire, on March 3 2012.

Mr Grainger had been under surveillance as part of Operation Shire, set up to target an organised crime gang believed to be conspiring to commit armed robberies.

A public inquiry into his death, held at Liverpool Crown Court, has heard there was no specific intelligence to suggest Mr Grainger and the other two men in the stolen car would have firearms with them at the time of the operation.

The officer who fired the fatal shot, referred to as Q9, gave evidence from behind a screen on Thursday.

He told the inquiry he had provided cover from a police vehicle and had shouted "armed police, show us your hands" at the occupants of the red Audi.

Mr Grainger and David Totton, who was in the passenger seat of the car, both raised their hands above the dashboard, he said, but Mr Grainger then lowered his hand.

He said: "He lowered his right hand in a sudden and deliberate movement down towards his lap."

Jason Beer QC, counsel to the inquiry, asked why Q9 had described Mr Grainger as reaching towards his groin area in a statement, when he was unable to see that.

Q9 said: "Because that was the direction his hand was going."

He said he believed he had no other option but to shoot Mr Grainger.

When asked why he did not wait to see what was in Mr Grainger's hand, he said: "That would have put the oncoming team in extreme danger of being fired upon."

Mr Beer asked Q9 if he was "sure to the point of certainty" Mr Grainger had a firearm.

Q9 said: "Yes, because of his deliberate movement down towards his groin area."
Lasse Hartmann who was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court of 22 counts of fraud. (Image: Police/PA Wire)

The ex-fiancee of a conman who pretended to be a multi-millionaire wine trader, fooling his victims out of more than 100,000 (117,000), has warned others of the dangers of so-called "love fraud".

Lasse Hartmann, a Danish national, used his relationship with lifestyle blogger Adanma Wokoh to get vast sums of money from her and her professional contacts.

His victims, numbering more than 20 people, lost in excess of 104,000 (121,000) during the 17-month period of his scams, police said.

The 43-year-old convinced Ms Wokoh, with whom he had an 18-month relationship, they should rent a flat in the affluent Belgravia area of London, she said.

He bought her an engagement ring he told her had cost 50,000 (58,000) which turned out to be worth just 20 (23).

In his guise as a businessman, using the alias Lars Petraeus, Hartmann promised various investors wine packages that were never delivered, costing one trader almost 20,000 (23,000).

Unbeknown to investors and Ms Wokoh, the professional fraudster was using much of the money to fund his gambling habit, police said.

He was found guilty on Thursday at Snaresbrook Crown Court of 22 counts of fraud.

Ms Wokoh, who described giving evidence at his trial as "probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life", said despite the trauma she does not want to see herself as a victim.

She told the Press Association: "I had a lucky escape. I feel like it could have been so much worse. I don't want to feel like a victim.

"I have come out of this quite strong. My family really rallied around me, and my friends."

The 32-year-old, who runs a blog about living in London, said she believes she lost close to 13,000 (15,000) to her former partner, but because of her Christian faith she has decided to forgive him.

Asked what message she has for Hartmann, she said: "He really needs to look at what he is doing to people and get some kind of help or rehabilitation.

"He did not look like he was showing remorse (in court)."

She added: "People may think they will never be a victim of a con artist but I'm testimony it can happen to anyone.

"I went into the relationship hoping to find my life partner and finding out it was a sham almost broke me. When you hit rock bottom, the only way is up.

"While I'd never wish this on anyone, it's made me stronger in the process.

"My faith, family and friends are helping me recover. As bitter as this was, I want to share my experiences with the world so other people can avoid the grief and pain I had to go through."

Pc Alex Ramsay, head of the Metropolitan Police unit in charge of the case, said of Hartmann: "He exploited everyone around him, not least the woman who thought that she was going to marry him.

"He used her status as a respected food blogger to give him credibility and from there managed to convince a number of businesses to go into partnership with him.

"He never had any intention of delivering his side of the bargain and simply used their money to fund his lavish lifestyle and gambling habit.

"He is now facing the very real prospect of time in prison, which reflects the devastation and misery he has caused to such a large number of victims."

Hartmann, of Cardinals Way, north London, is due to be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 28.
Serbian Prime Minister and presidential candidate Aleksandar Vucic celebrate his win at presidential election in his headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia, April 2, 2017. REUTERS/Antonio Bronic

Serbia's Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has declared victory in the country's presidential election.

Mr Vucic made the comments as a projection by independent pollster Ipsos Strategic Marketing had him receiving more than 55pc of the votes cast - more than enough to claim the presidency outright.

The polling agency's projection showed liberal challenger Sasa Jankovic placing second with 15pc and Luka Maksimovic, a media student who ran as a parody politician, coming in third with 9pc.

The agency had a representative sample of votes from different polling stations and issued its projection with 70pc of the vote sample tallied. Official results are expected on Monday.

Mr Vucic, a former ultranationalist now a declared pro-European Union politician, had been predicted to win the presidency by a high margin against 10 opposition candidates.

He needed to win by more than 50pc of the vote to avoid a run-off election on April 16 that would have put him in a much trickier position against a single opposition candidate.

The prime minister since 2014, Mr Vucic was expected to use a win to appoint a figurehead successor as prime minister and to transform the presidency from a ceremonial office into a more powerful post from which he could rule unchallenged.

The opposition has accused Mr Vucic of muzzling the media and intimidating voters ahead of the election.

Mr Vucic denied the allegations, saying only he can bring stability to a region scarred by the wars of the 1990s, which Mr Vucic supported at the time.

"I really hope that with these elections, Serbia will carry on toward its further stability with full support of its government," Mr Vucic said as he cast his ballot. "I don't know if I'll win, but I truly hope that those who want to destabilise Serbia will not succeed."

Mr Jankovic, an independent candidate with no party affiliation, said he was happy with his campaign, which has galvanised the pro-democratic movement in Serbia that has been upset with the country's persistent corruption and growing autocracy.

"In Serbia, a new, honest political movement has been created, and it's the reason why we should be optimistic," Mr Jankovic said after he voted.

Contrary to his claims that he wants to lead Serbia into the EU, Mr Vucic has been pushing for deeper ties with long-time ally Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin has endorsed him.

Before the vote, Mr Vucic visited Mr Putin, who reportedly promised his signature on the delivery of fighter planes, battle tanks and armoured vehicles to Serbia. The move triggered fears of an arms race in the western Balkans, which Russia considers its sphere of influence.

The biggest surprise of the election was Mr Maksimovic, a media student who ran as a parody politician.

As a satirical candidate decked out in a white suit and oversized jewellery, Mr Maksimovic mocked corruption in Serbian politics by promising to steal if he were elected. His supporters were mostly young voters alienated by Serbia's decades-long crisis and economic decline.

Mr Maksimovic' s widely viewed videos on social media networks portray him doing push-ups, sucking a raw egg and riding a white horse surrounded by mock bodyguards.
Twins Ahmad and Aya pictured (left) and in the arms of their father before they are buried in Idlib. Picture Alaa Al Youssef

A grieving father sobbed as he carried his infant twins, wrapped in matching white shrouds, to their graves.

Ahmad and Aya, nine months old, died on Tuesday morning in a chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib, northern Syria, along with their mother Dalal and 16 other members of their family.

On Wednesday Abdulhamid al-Youssef had to bury them all in an unmarked mass grave.

The 29-year-old shopkeeper told reporters that he had been at work when the air strike hit close to his home just after 6.30am.

Expand Close Aya (left) and Ahmad Yussef at their home in Idlib before they died in a Sarin gas attack Picture: Alaa Al-Yousseff / Facebook

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His wife called to tell him what had happened so he rushed home to be with them.

The children appeared to be fine, but as a precaution he took them all down to the basement of a nearby building in case of another strike.

It was only then, an hour later, that they began displaying symptoms.

The family was all waiting down there and were safe, but then they started choking, Mr Youssefs cousin, Alaa, told the Telegraph. The twins suddenly began shaking and struggling to breathe. Then he watched the chemicals take hold of his wife, then his brother, nieces and nephews.

Everyone died down there in the basement, they didnt have time to get to the hospital, he said. "All Abdulhadim kept saying to me after was 'I couldn't save any of them, brother, I couldn't save them'."

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Mr Youssef hugged his children  who looked peaceful in death  one last time before laying them into the ground. Apart from a bruise on Ahmads cheek there were no obvious signs of injuries.

Chemical attacks leave no marks, said Dr Mamoun Najem, a doctor at al-Rahma hospital in Idlib who treated the victims. Its a silent killer that works its way through the body slowly.

He saw dozens of patients arrive that morning and into the afternoon. He says he has never seen such severe cases of poisoning before.

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Their pupils were as small as pinpricks, their skin was cold. They were unresponsive like zombies, he said.

A nurse at the hospital, who did not wish to give his name, said: The smell reached us here in the centre; it smelled like rotten food. We've received victims of chlorine before - this was completely different.

Victims had vomit from the nose and mouth, a dark yellow colour, sometimes turning to brown. They had paralysis of their respiratory functions - children were dying faster than adults because of this.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday the symptoms victims displayed were consistent with exposure to a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents.

The likelihood of exposure to a chemical attack is amplified by an apparent lack of external injuries reported in cases showing a rapid onset of similar symptoms, including acute respiratory distress as the main cause of death, it said.

Neither side denied there had been a chemical attack, however Russia claimed a Syrian government air strike had hit a rebel chemical weapons warehouse, while the US and UK pointed the finger solely at President Bashar al-Assads regime.

Hasan Haj Ali, a senior rebel commander, called the Russian assertion a lie, saying the rebels did not have the capabilities to produce chemical weapons and there were no military positions in the area bombed, either.

The attack happened around 6.32am local time. A video distributed by opposition activists claiming to be of the moments after the air strike, which hit Corniche Street in a northern neighbourhood of Khan Sheikhoun, showed several large plumes of smoke.

The sound of the explosion was not what we are used to - I thought that this one hadnt exploded, because of the thump sound it made, not an explosion sound, one witness said.

Alaa al-Youssef said he heard planes circling above before they dropped their load 300ft away. The wind had been blowing west and away from Mr Youssefs house, but had it not been he believes he would almost certainly be dead.

He said some time after he then went over to investigate the scene, where he saw a rocket that had failed to explode. I saw black liquid oozing out of the casing, he said. We have been hit by many rockets before but Id never seen anything like this.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Iraqi people with security forces walk near a burnt vehicle at the site of an attack in Tikrit, Iraq. REUTERS/Stringer

At least 31 people were killed, including 14 police officers, and more than 40 wounded in attacks by Isil militants in the northern Iraqi city of Tikrit, security and medical sources said.

The militants wore police uniforms and used a police vehicle to enter the city, 175km north of Baghdad, police colonel Khalid Mahmoud said.

There were around 10 attackers, including two suicide bombers.

Isil's Amaq news agency said seven suicide fighters attacked a police position and the home of the head of the city's counter-terrorism service, who was killed. The assailants blew themselves up when they ran out of ammunition, it said.

Some 31 bodies were taken to hospital, including 14 policemen, said Nawfal Mustafa, a doctor at the city's main hospital.

The death toll rose during the morning as the bodies of civilians killed in their shops were found.

The attacks targeted a police checkpoint and the house of a police colonel, who was killed with four members of his family, officers said.

Two suicide attackers detonated their vests when surrounded by police, and three others were killed in separate clashes.

Five militants are thought to be hiding and Mr Mahmoud said Tikrit authorities had declared a curfew yesterday.

Sporadic gunfire could be heard in the morning.

A US-backed offensive is underway to dislodge Isil from the remaining districts under its control in Mosul, 225km away, the group's last major urban stronghold in Iraq.
Syrians bury the bodies of victims of the suspected gas attack in the city of Idlib. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump last night raised the prospect of military action against the Syrian regime after he said that Bashar al-Assad has "crossed a lot of lines" and the US has a "responsibility" to act.

The US president said Tuesday's chemical weapons attack, which intelligence officials say was undoubtedly launched by regime war planes, was an "affront to humanity".

At least 86 people were killed, 30 of whom were children, in the sarin gas attack in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The US response to the attack is being viewed as Mr Trump's first major foreign policy test.

Speaking at a White House press conference yesterday, the president suggested that the US would now respond to the Assad regime. When asked how he planned to respond, Mr Trump told reporters: "You'll see."

He also said yesterday: "I now have that responsibility and I will carry it very proudly."

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Whatsapp Turkish experts carry a victim of alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syrian city of Idlib. AP Photo

Mr Trump's comments came after Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the UN Security Council's failure to intervene in the Syrian civil war.

"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," she said.

Mr Trump said: "Yesterday's chemical attack, a chemical attack so horrific in Syria against innocent people including women, small children, and even beautiful little babies, their deaths was an affront to humanity. These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated.

"The US stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack."

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In his comments Mr Trump did not once mention Russia, the Assad regime's key ally.

Read more: Suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria that killed dozens condemned by international community

The White House had said only last week that US policy on Syria was no longer focused on ousting Mr Assad. However, Tuesday's attack has dramatically changed Mr Trump's position.

"It had a big impact on me. It was a horrible, horrible thing. I've been watching it and it doesn't get any worse than that," he said. "My attitude to Syria and Assad has changed very much. You are now talking about a whole different level. What happened yesterday is unacceptable to me. You will see. They will have a message, you will see what the message will be."

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One option would be for Mr Trump to order surgical strikes on regime air bases using surface-to-air missiles, defence sources said.

Any direct US military intervention is unlikely to involve what could develop into a protracted conflict. Mr Trump has regularly condemned lengthy and costly US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"I would love to have never been in the Middle East," he said yesterday.

Asked whether Britain might respond by bombing targets in Syria a Downing Street official said: "No one is talking about military action."

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Mr Assad should not be allowed to remain in power after the Syrian conflict is over, and called for criminal prosecutions of those behind the latest gas attack.

Attending a major aid-pledging conference for Syria in Brussels, Mr Johnson said: "Of the 400,000 people who are estimated to have been killed in Syria he [Assad] is responsible for the vast majority of the butcher's bill.

"All the evidence I've seen suggests that this was the Assad regime who did it in the full knowledge that they were using illegal weapons in a barbaric attack on their own people.

"What's needed now is a political process to get rid of that regime and give the people of Syria a chance."

The attack overshadowed the Brussels conference where donors from more than 70 countries made a collective pledge of $6bn (5.26bn)in aid for Syria's war-ravaged people.
A protester in Oregon in the US handed the Mayor a can of Pepsi, prompting a swift reaction from police.

Carlos Enrique was speaking at a meeting of a meeting of Portland City Council when he approached Mayor Ted Wheeler with a can of pepsi.

Two police officers at the meeting sprung to their feet as he approached the top of the room and reached into his pocket.

"Not a good move," Mayor Wheeler said.

"Thank you, don't do that again. Not a smart move. I do appreciate it but... please folks do not do that for your own safety," he said.

Local news outlet Oregon Live reported that meetings of the council were the scene of many acts of protests recently.

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The move came on the same day that Pepsi was forced to apologise for a controversial ad featuring Kendall Jenner.

Viewers complained that the video undermined the Black Lives Matter movement and said they were "disappointed" in the model for getting involved.

In the video, Jenner (21) takes part in a photoshoot when the parade comes past waving banners that read "Join the conversation".

When a marcher nods at her to join in, she rips off her blonde wig and swaps her fancy dress for a T-shirt and jeans as she joins the crowd. She then hands a can of the drink to a police officer who smiles as her new friends laugh along.

"Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologise," Pepsi said.

Viewers bombarded social media saying the campaign downplayed the importance of real social movements against police violence.
Pepsi has announced it is pulling an advert starring Kendall Jenner at a stage equality march and said it had "missed the mark".

Viewers complained that the video undermined the Black Lives Matter movement and said they were "disappointed" in the model for getting involved.

In the video, Jenner (21) takes part in a photoshoot when the parade comes past waving banners that read "Join the conversation".

When a marcher nods at her to join in, she rips off her blonde wig and swaps her fancy dress for a T-shirt and jeans as she joins the crowd. She then hands a can of the drink to a police officer who smiles as her new friends laugh along.

"Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologise," Pepsi said.

Viewers bombarded social media saying the campaign downplayed the importance of real social movements against police violence.
US President Donald Trump removed his chief strategist Steve Bannon from the National Security Council yesterday, reversing his controversial decision early this year to give a political adviser an unprecedented role in security discussions.

Mr Trump's overhaul of the NSC, which was confirmed by a White House official, also saw the elevation of General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Dan Coats, the director of National Intelligence who heads all 17 US intelligence agencies.

The official said the change moves the NSC "back to its core function of what it's supposed to do".

It also appears to mark a victory by national security adviser Herbert McMaster, who had told some national security experts that he felt he was in a battle to the death with Mr Bannon and others on the White House staff.

Mr Trump's White House team has grappled with infighting and palace intrigue.

In recent days, several other senior US foreign policy and national security officials have said that the mechanisms for shaping the Trump administration's response to pressing challenges such as Syria, North Korea and Iran were still not in place.

Critics of Mr Bannon's role on the NSC said it gave too much weight in decision-making to someone who lacked foreign policy expertise.

Before joining the Trump administration, Mr Bannon headed 'Breitbart News', a right-wing website.

The White House official said Mr Bannon was no longer needed on the NSC after the departure of Mr Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

Mr Flynn was forced to resign in February over his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak, prior to Mr Trump taking office on January 20.

The official said Mr Bannon had been placed on the NSC originally as a check on Mr Flynn and had only ever attended one of the NSC's regular meetings.

The White House official dismissed questions about a power struggle between Mr Bannon and Lt Gen McMaster, and said that they shared the same world view.

However, two current national security officials rejected the White House explanation, noting that two months have passed since Mr Flynn's departure.

Lt Gen McMaster, they said, speaking on the condition of anonymity, has also duelled with Mr Bannon and others over direct access to Mr Trump; the future of deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland, a former Fox News commentator; intelligence director Ezra Cohen-Watnick, a Mr Flynn appointee; and other staffing decisions.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, is preparing for his first face-to-face meeting today and tomorrow with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes will be a key component of their talks.
Devin Nunes is temporarily stepping aside from the Russia probe (AP/J Scott Applewhite)

The chairman of the House intelligence committee has said he is temporarily stepping aside from the panel's probe into Russian meddling in last year's US presidential election.

The decision by Devin Nunes, of California, comes amid partisan turmoil on the committee.

Democrats have alleged that Republican Mr Nunes, who was on President Donald Trump's transition team, is too close to the White House and cannot lead an impartial inquiry.

"Several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics," Mr Nunes said in a statement.

"The charges are entirely false and politically motivated, and are being levelled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of US citizens and other abuses of power."

Mr Nunes did not disclose details of the allegations.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he supported Mr Nunes's decision and said the congressman is eager to talk to the ethics panel.

"It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House intelligence committee's investigation into Russian interference in our election," Mr Ryan said.

He said he believes it is in the best interests of the committee and Congress to have GOP representatives Mike Conaway, of Texas, with help from Trey Gowdy, of South Carolina, and Tom Rooney, of Florida, to temporarily take charge of the investigation while the House ethics committee looks into the issue.

"I will continue to fulfil all my other responsibilities as committee chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the ethics committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims," Mr Nunes said.

He said he is confident that Mr Conaway will oversee a professional investigation into Russia's actions and follow the facts wherever they lead.

The move by Mr Nunes could be seen as a win for Democrats whose cries for an independent panel to investigate Russia's possible ties with the Trump campaign have grown.

They have pointed in particular to two trips by Mr Nunes to the White House - one announced, one not - as evidence that his loyalty to Mr Trump outweighs his commitment to leading a bipartisan investigation.

By all accounts, the intelligence committee's growing partisanship has become a distraction from its underlying investigations.

The top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff, of California, said he appreciated Mr Nunes's decision to step aside from the Russia investigation.

"We have a fresh opportunity to move forward in the unified and non-partisan way that an investigation of this seriousness demands," he said.

More than a week after Mr Nunes reviewed classified materials shared by a secret source on White House grounds, Mr Schiff saw the same material, but refused to publicly discuss what he learned.

He said on Thursday he understood the material was now to be shared with other intelligence committee members.

Mr Nunes said on March 22: "I recently confirmed that on numerous occasions the intelligence community incidentally collected information about US citizens involved in the Trump transition."

Two private watchdog groups, Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, had asked the House ethics committee to investigate whether Mr Nunes disclosed classified information he learned from intelligence reports.

The intelligence committees in both the House and Senate, as well as the FBI, have been investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 election and possible ties with the Trump campaign.

Last month Mr Trump accused, without providing evidence, former president Barack Obama of illegally wire-tapping him, and Mr Trump asked the congressional committees to look into this as part of the investigations.

Mr Nunes's secret meeting on White House grounds where he said he learned some Trump associates' names were revealed in classified intelligence reports, was part of his effort to respond to Mr Trump's request.

After Mr Nunes shared what he learned with the president, Mr Trump said he felt partly vindicated for his wire-tapping claims, even though the FBI, Justice Department and former Obama administration officials said they were not true.
Young people hold candles in memory of the victims of the St Petersburg subway bombing (AP Photo/Yevgeny Kurskov)

Russian security agents have arrested three people suspected of links to a suicide bomber accused of attacking the St Petersburg subway earlier this week.

Officials also said they deactivated an explosive device in the apartment where they lived.

The Investigative Committee said the suspects are residents of the former Soviet Central Asia region like the bomber, 22-year-old Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, a native of Kyrgyzstan.

Dzhalilov blew himself up on a busy subway line on Monday, killing himself and 13 others and wounding over 50 people.

The impoverished, predominantly Muslim countries in Central Asia are seen as fertile ground for Islamic extremists, and thousands of their citizens are believed to have joined the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

The committee, the nation's top criminal investigation agency, said investigators also found objects that would help advance the probe during a search of the home on St Petersburg's eastern outskirts.

The Federal Security Service, the main KGB successor agency, said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies that its experts defused a self-made explosive device at the apartment. The news reports said three people were arrested.

A leading St Petersburg news portal, Fontanka.ru, said materials used in the explosive device found on Thursday matched those used by militants in Syria.

An unidentified law enforcement official told the Tass news agency that investigators were checking information that Dzhalilov may have trained with the Islamic State group in Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said between 5,000 and 7,000 people from Russia and other former Soviet republics were fighting alongside the Islamic State group and other militants in Syria.

He has named the IS threat as one of the reasons behind Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Thursday's arrests came a day after law enforcement agencies detained eight Central Asian migrants suspected of acting as recruiters for the Islamic State group and al Qaida's Syria branch.

The investigators found no immediate evidence of their involvement in the subway attack.

No one has claimed responsibility for Monday's subway bombing, but Russian trains and planes have been targeted by bombings by Islamist militants in the past.

One of the victims of Monday's attack, 50-year-old Irina Medyantseva, an artist well-known for the dolls she made, was buried on Thursday in a funeral attended by a few dozen relatives and friends.

"I'm thankful to all those who want to help us," said her husband, Alexander Kaminskiy. "The country and the entire world share our pain."
Isis have killed 33 people in an execution-style attack in eastern Syria, the terror group's largest mass killing so far this year.

Monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights report the mass killing to have taken place in the al-Mayadin desert near the strategic city of Deir Ezzor on Wednesday morning.

It said activists were "able to monitor" the incident.

They called it "the largest execution operation carried out by the Islamic State organization in 2017."

The report, detailed by CNN, said that the victims were aged between 18 and 25 and were "killed by sharp tools".

They were not aware if the victims were Syrian government forces, allied militia or rebel factions.

Isis are reported to have killed at least 22 people in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, also on Wednesday.

It is understood gunmen opened fire on police and civilians before they blew themselves up.

Up to 31 people were injured in the attack.
Kreitzer's Critter Corral Puppy Rescue held their fifth annual The Puppy Rescue 5K fundraising event earlier this month at Frank Liske Park. Runners came out to support the organization and bring their dogs out to join them for the fun run and the 5K.

The fundraiser was held to support Kreitzers Critter Corral Puppy Rescue, created by Bill and Liz Kreitzer. In January 2004, while volunteering for another organization, a litter of Australian Shepard puppies were brought in and needed a place to go.

The person who usually took the puppies had recently had a PARVO outbreak at their location and was unable to take in young unvaccinated puppies.

Bill and Liz Kreitzer took them into their home, bathed them, fed them got them all the medical treatment they needed including shots and found them their very own "Furever Homes.

That was the start of their rescue. Since then they have rescued and found homes for hundreds of abandoned and unwanted puppies and dogs.

Visit http://www.thepuppyrescue.com/ for more information on Kreitzer's Critter Corral Puppy Rescue.
CONCORD- The Performance Learning Center is one step closer to having a new home.

After discussing several other possible locations, the Cabarrus County Board of Education voted to move forward to purchase property adjacent to Harold E. Winkler Middle School and George Liles Parkway to build the new Performance Learning Center (PLC). The PLC is a small, non-traditional high school geared toward students who are not succeeding in a traditional school setting.

The 15.94 acres is owned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which is offering Cabarrus County Schools the chance to purchase it for $175,300.

Several months ago the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners pledged to give CCS $4 million for the design, development and construction for the new PLC project. And during its meeting in March, the commissioners also approved to give the system $219,000 for engineering, architect and administrative legal fees for the new school.

We have decided this is the best location for the PLC, Executive Director of Operations Tim Lowder told the board during its recent work session on April 3. We would like to purchase the land using the funds that were already for the project.

Prior to finding this land, there was some discussion about locating the PLC on the newly-acquired high school site on Weddington Road, or building it on the countys Central Heights Drive property.

But Lowder told the board county commissioners learned their site could not be developed for a school, and the new high school site has a few challenges to include the social aspect of not enough separation for the PLC students from the high school students along with some transportation conflicts.

So Lowder and his team found this property and had it appraised, which set the land value at $11,000 per acre or $175,300.

From a program standpoint and from a logistics standpoint, the NCDOT property is the preferred site, Lowder said.

He also said he had been asked about the impact of traffic, since Harold E. Winkler Middle School and Weddingtin Hills Elementary School are so close. He said fortunately those schools are on different schedules.

All three schools are on different time frames and all three are separated, Lowder said. The PLC is a low quantity of students. About 40 percent are car riders and the rest are bus riders.

Board Member Carolyn Carpenter made a motion to move forward with the process of purchasing the land and Tim Furr seconded it.

Before the approval, Board Member Rob Walter said he was concerned that a member of the public might want to make a comment on this decision, and asked if the board could wait and make a decision at the boards business meeting on Monday, April 10.

I just think the public should get a chance to comment, Walter said.

But most of the board agreed that the quicker the approval the better and the motion passed.

Lowder said the next step is for NCDOT to take the boards interest in purchasing the property to the Transportation Board, followed by the Council of State and then to the governor for final signature.
Abidjan/Kolkata, Apr 6 (IBNS): After having bagged an order for 500 new next-generation low-floor Urban city buses from the Ivory Coast, Tata Motors recently handed over the first lot of 117 buses to SOTRA in CAte daIvoireas economic capital, Abidjan.

The buses are being financed under the EXIM Bank of India for operation by SOTRA  Abidjan Transport Company.

Built on Tata Motors next-generation HCV (Heavy Commercial Vehicle) bus platform, the Tata LPO 1924 RESLF Abidjans next-generation bus has been developed with inputs from SOTRA, with a high degree of customization based on feedback gathered through city trails, over the last couple of months.



Present at the delivery of 117 new buses in Abidjan, was Noel Tata, MD of Tata International & Chairman of TRENT and Mukul Manish, Regional Manager (North & West Africa)

In his message, Rudrarup Maitra, Head International Business  Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors said, Tata Motors is extremely proud to have received this order from SOTRA and has worked very closely with them to give Abidjan, a truly world-class solution, through a tried and tested partnership meant to bring about change in the transport system in Cote DIvoire. With a dedicated team of Tata Motors engineers, having worked with SOTRA on-ground over the last 12 months, we have probably achieved one of the highest levels of customization in public transportation in the region, to deliver more passenger comfort, safety and efficiency to Abidjans bus service.

Rudrarup Maitra further added,What we have achieved with a partner like SOTRA today is a perfect example of a public-private partnership and hope to further partner other state transport units in the region, to better their respective bus services.
Jaipur, Apr 6 (IBNS): The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) offers the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program in India, in cooperation with the IIHMR University, Jaipur.

The Master of Public Health is a two-year full-time program with a total number of 30 seats.

Applications are invited for its 5th batch starting from October 2017. For the past four batches, all of whom have been placed very well, the MPH Program has been receiving admission interests from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Dr. SD, Gupta, Chairman, IIHMR University said, Public Health sector is changed drastically in the last century. Poised to meet the needs of students confronting public health challenges in South Asia, this program also blends the JHSPHs excellence with IIHMR Universitys expertise in Health Management Research. There is a dire necessity to build public health capacities in developing countries, especially in the low and middle income ones in the South. We need to focus on generating unlimited capacities and professional skills in public health education. Hence, it is time to re-examine our curriculums to ensure we are delivering education, research exposure, and learning experiences that are vibrant, viable, relevant and realistic. This is primarily the reason and what we aim to provide with the Johns Hopkins-IIHMR program of Master of Public Health.



With regard to the heavily subsidized nature of the MPH, Dr. Gupta added, What is even more striking is that, the programs fee is one third of what a student would be shelling from his pocket when he opts for any other MPH program in the USA. The course fee for JHSPH/IIHMR MPH program is USD 22000. Students admitted to this program will be provided a travel and stay international scholarship to attend two-week course on Problem Solving in Public Health at an Intensive Institute at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA. The MPH degree program is designed to focus on public health capacity building in developing countries, cultivate students health management skills so that they will be prepared to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public health programs and services. The program will be able to prepare professionals for challenging careers in public health domain in the public as well as the private sector, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), national and multinational organizations.

MPH Alumni are placed with organizations such as National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Smart Analyst, Gurgaon, IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan Medical Service Corporation Limited, Jaipur, Jhpiego, N.Delhi, Northland Government University, Auckland, NZ, Hospital Consultant, USA, Public Health Consultant, USA, Hospital Consultant, Rajasthan, Independent Consultant, Australia, Health Unlocked, London, United Kingdom, World Health Organization Country Office for India, Jhpiego, Nepal, New ERA, Katmandu, Nepal, KMCT Medical College, Calicut.

Interested individuals must fulfill the following criteria, regardless of their nationality, to apply for the program:

1. A Bachelor degree

2. A minimum of 2 years of full-time health- related experience beyond the Bachelors/Masters degree. (Work experience is waived for Ph.D. and M.B.B.S graduates.)

3. Prior college-level mathematics courses; prior college-level biology course plus another health-related course.

4. Demonstrated English proficiency through prior degree, TOEFL or IELTS.

5. Demonstrated quantitative and verbal skills through GRE, MCAT, LSAT, or GMAT. (Applicants with degrees beyond the Bachelors may request a waiver of standardized test scores if they are other sources of quantitative abilities.


New Delhi, Apr 5 (IBNS): In keeping with Indiaas national objective of ensuring a secure and stable regional environment to allow unhindered economic and social development, not just in India, but also in the Indian Ocean Region, Indian Naval Ship Shardul is on a two month long deployment in the South Indian Ocean with an aim to provide surveillance support in the region.

The warship during the initial phase of deployment carried out joint EEZ surveillance of Mauritius from 8  26 Mar 17 in close coordination with National Coast Guard, Mauritius. Post successful completion of joint EEZ Surveillance of Mauritius, the warship entered EEZ of Seychelles on 27 Mar 17 for Phase I of EEZ surveillance, read a government statement.

The warship under the command of Commander Rohit Mishra entered Port Victoria on 28 Mar 17 for OTR.

The coordination meeting with Officials from Seychelles Coast Guard and INS Shardul was conducted at Seychelles Coast Guard Headquarters to discuss the modus operandi, extent of surveillance area and communication plan was framed.

INS Shardul set sail from Port Victoria PM 31 Mar 17 with three Seychelles Coast Guard personnel embarked onboard for Phase II of EEZ surveillance and commenced EEZ surveillance AM 01 Apr 17.

The deployment was aimed to show presence, deter IUU fishing and drug trafficking.

The ship carried out extensive patrol in area (sanitising about 21,000 sq Nm) and interrogated merchant and fishing vessels ensuring safe waters for transit of mercantile traffic and to safeguarding of EEZ of Seychelles.

The warship will enter Port Victoria AM 06 Apr 17 for second OTR and mission debrief.

The debrief of the joint EEZ surveillance of Seychelles would be attended by the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, Senior Officials from SPDF and Seychelles Coast Guard.

The warship will set sail from Port Victoria harbour AM 08 Apr 17 for Phase III of EEZ surveillance of Seychelles prior returning to India mid Apr 17.

Since 2009, Indian Navy has been deploying ships to the region bi-annually to assist in patrolling of the vast EEZ of the country based on request by host nations.

The last such deployment was by the same ship in Dec 16.

These committed and custom made deployments for joint patrol by Indian Navy Ships with the Coast Guard of the host nation underscore the strong relationship and cherished bonds of friendship between the nations of the region.

These patrols aim to curb illegal fishing activity and thwart the spread of smuggling and piracy in the region. Such visits reinforce the cultural and ethnic ties between the two nations and are testimony to the joint commitment towards cooperative maritime security in the region.

INS Shardul is a Landing Ship Tank (Large) of the Indian Navy whose primary role is to transport troops, vehicles, armaments and accomplish all objectives of an amphibious operation which primarily includes landing of combat equipment and personnel to an Amphibious Objective Area.

INS Shardul has the capability to launch and recover Marine Commandos through sea as well as by helicopters.

In addition, the ship can act as a Hospital Ship with facilities provided in containerised form as well as a Fleet Tanker for limited mission/ exercise.

The ship is routinely deployed with the First Training Squadron and is responsible for the ab-initio sea training of Young Officers of Indian Navy.

Image: Wikimedia Commons


Kolkata Metro Rail's official Facebook page

Kolkata, Apr 5 (IBNS): Days after at least 14 people were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack at an subway metro station in Russia's St. Petersburg, a group of specially trained commandos have been deployed to Kolkata Metro stations to strengthen security, officials said.

According to reports, at least 30 commandos of Railway Protection Force (RPF), who got hard anti-terror training in Chattishgarh, have started their duties from Wednesday.

"As we are determined to ensure security in Kolkata Metro, 30 trained commandos have been deployed to metro stations and trains, CPRO of Kolkata Metro Rail, Pratyush Ghosh, told IBNS.

"Besides 800 RPF personnel and 300 cops from the state police force, these 30 commandos will provide security in Kolkata metro from today (Wednesday) onwards," Ghosh further said.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Image: Kolkata Metro Rail's official Facebook page)
New York, Apr 6(Just Earth News): The top United Nations official in Iraq has strongly condemned the multiple suicide attacks that took place yesterday in Tikrit, which resulted in many casualties. New York, Apr 6(Just Earth News): The top United Nations official in Iraq has strongly condemned the multiple suicide attacks that took place yesterday in Tikrit, which resulted in many casualties.

Targeting civilians and inflicting maximum casualties among civilians is the hallmark of the terrorists' despicable tactics," said Kubis , who is the Special Representative of the Secretary-general and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

According to media reports, at least 31 people were killed and dozens were wounded in overnight attacks carried out by Da'esh.

Kubis said that these latest suicide bombings in the Sunni heartland of Tikrit show that despite the terrorist Da'esh (also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL) being relentlessly routed on the battle fronts in the face of the steady advances by the Iraqi Security forces, and despite the wish of civilians that returned to the liberated cities to restart their peaceful life, the terrorists are sparing no effort to indiscriminately target everyone and anyone who is not willing to die for their barbaric inhuman Takfiri ideology.

UN Photo/Loey Felip

Source: www.justearthnews.com
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The Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males (ICSSBM) will host nearly 200 young men between the ages of 1218 during the third annual Young Black Males Matter day at the Indiana Statehouse on April 12 from 9 a.m.2p.m.

Our annual Young Black Males Matter event gives student leaders the opportunity to experience the legislative process in action. By exposing participants to the Indiana Statehouse and introducing them to lawmakers, it is our hope they will leave motivated to become more civically engaged, said ICSSBM Chairman Kenneth Allen.

Executive Director James E. Garrett added: The Commission remains committed to creating programs that will uplift African-American males of all ages throughout Indiana. Our day at the Statehouse provides middle- and high-school students with an interactive experience that will inspire them to become champions for issues that will create change in their local communities.

The agenda for the day will include a tour of the House and Senate galleries, attending a legislative session, a special presentation by the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, a leadership luncheon and workshops about advocacy and the legislative process.

For more information about the ICSSBM or to register for the conference, visit in.gov/icssbm.
During the anniversary ceremony of Robert Kennedys historic local speech, plans were announced to revitalize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in hopes of better sharing the story of what happened in Indianapolis 49 years ago.

On April 4, 1968, a crowd of more than 2,000 people gathered at 17th and Broadway to hear presidential candidate Robert Kennedy give a campaign speech. Kennedy did not show up at the advertised time, and as the crowed waited, word began to spread that something tragic might have happened.

It was rumored that civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. had been shot, and during a time when news traveled more slowly than it does today, many people were unaware of the shooting or unsure about the rumors truth. Kennedy, however, knew that King was dead, and he had been advised by the mayor of Indianapolis to forgo his speech in fear of a race riot. Kennedy ignored the mayors warning, put aside his campaign notes and shared the terrible news with the crowd, while encouraging the group of Black and white faces to stay unified while working toward love and justice.

What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country.  The vast majority of white people and the vast majority of Black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings who abide in our land, said Kennedy during his speech, delivered about two months before his life was taken in the same murderous fashion.

There were riots in 100 cities across America that night, but the Black community in Indianapolis stayed eerily quiet as they grieved with loved ones. In the following years, it became a tradition for Hoosiers to visit the location of Kennedys speech and reflect on his words, while remembering the legacy of Dr. King.

When Kennedy addressed the crowd, the neighborhood surrounding 17th and Broadway was mostly Black. Today, the area is one of the most ethnically and socioeconomically diverse parts of the city.

The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative, a nonprofit organization that aims to use that unique moment in history to address issues of division and injustice in todays society, hosts an annual gathering on April 4 to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Community leaders, artists, musicians and local faith leaders shared their reflections with the crowd at this years event. Kennedys speech was played, and the community gathered to pray and rededicate themselves to the cause of unity and justice. During the ceremony, the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative announced plans to revitalize Martin Luther King Jr. Park into an educational tourist destination that will bring new life into the community.

Over the next 12 months, we will be working to transform the park. We want to create activities and programs that bring people together in these divided times. We want to make the park more of an attraction than it is now, said Amy DiStaulo, executive director of the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative.

The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative plans to transform the park with additional landscaping, lighting and educational benefits, with new structures featuring quotes from King. Members of the community have said they look forward to seeing what the park will become. Sheryl Richardson, senior manager of community relations with Indianapolis Parks and Recreation, says Indy Parks has been planning to improve the park for quite some time.

It was over 10 years ago when we initiated the plan for the park, and then the Kennedy King committee came on board with it. They have actually moved their office into a building (at the park) and they are going to put it out there so we can tell the story as to why the memorial is here, said Richardson. Its important, because the work that both of those gentlemen started is not done. I was the park manager here, and people would call me from all over the United States regarding the memorial, but half of the people who live here are not aware of what happened. Its very important to bring that knowledge to them and to the youth. Somebody has to start doing the actual work that these men started.

For DiStaulo, revitalizing the park is the first step toward the goal of creating a space that allows this diverse community to connect with each other.

Given the anxiety and unrest that is in this country today, 49 years after that night, there are similarities between what was going on in 1968 and what is happening in 2017.

Its an opportunity for us to take the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy and use them to pull the community together.

For more information on the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative, visit kennedykingindy.org.
Professor Iris Rosa is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, artist and community worker. For more than four decades, she has led Indiana Universitys African American Dance Company.

Her Bloomington story, however, began well before that. Rosa, whose family immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico in 1953, settled in the steel mill community of East Chicago, where she spent her formative years. As a teenager, she was approached by Lucy Corona, an Indiana University student who was on a mission to recruit more Latino students to the school. After a conversation between Corona and Rosas parents, she joined the universitys first cohort of Groups, a program started in 1968 to increase enrollment among first-generation college students.

It was on the campus of IU that Rosa found her passion  dance. In 1974, she became the director of the African American Dance Company, an organization that was the vision of Dr. Herman Hudson, then-chairperson of what was known as the Afro American Studies department.

Since that time, Rosa has propelled the company to new heights, expanding its reach beyond Bloomington to places as far as China and Jamaica.

On April 8, Rosa will guide her students onto the stage one last time for their spring concert as she prepares for retirement next month.

When asked about her thoughts heading into the show, Rosa remarked that her main priority is to present a great concert.

Thats first and foremost  I have to think about putting my students in a space thats professional. Even though its my last concert, its not their last concert. I just have to make sure they know they can carry forward the positive experiences, the disciplined experiences, everything theyve learned, that they can carry it on to their next phase as I go to another phase.

Rosa shared that her vision since the companys inception has been to create a space with her students  regardless of their experience level, ethnicity or anything else  that was rich, fulfilling and dynamic. The company has worked to present art that is politically, socially and culturally relevant to each passing era.

This has been one thing that Ive developed over the years, as the discipline has changed and morphed, students have changed and morphed, she said. Because of the name African American Dance Company, (people) already have a preconceived idea of what we do. We are not a hip-hop company; we are not an African dance company. Were not any one type.  We are a company that takes all the different forms of dance that are brought in through students experiences to create relevant pieces of choreography that provoke thought.

Rosa and company have created various collaborative pieces with many IU faculty members and other presentations inspired by the Black diaspora and, more specifically, her travels to Africa, Cuba and other international locales. One performance, she recalled, was inspired by a colleagues studies of the rural South. It incorporated themes of agricultural labor, spirituality and the dances people did at juke joints.

Rosa also made certain that community service was a consistent part of her students experiences. For several years, the company has performed for clients of Stone Belt, the city of Bloomingtons oldest service provider for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. At this performance, as one attendee shared, Rosa encouraged the clients, even those with extremely limited mobility, to join in on the fun.

For her, dance is about the sharing of energy and the opportunity to transform lives and thoughts. Though she will be leaving her current post, Rosa hopes to further her impact in other ways.

Colleagues, friends and former students say her absence will leave a void that wont easily be filled.

Iris and I have been colleagues and friends for 27 years, as long as Ive been at IU, said Valerie Grim, a fellow professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies. She has been important to me and has been a senior mentor and a friend. Shes a good sista and good woman.

Her impact has been phenomenal. She is a very gifted choreographer who is very clear in the ways she wants to use Black dance and the bodies of the students performing those dances to communicate a message about Black people and Black life. I think that no one does it any better. She has taken Black dance and the message of Black culture and expression to the international arena. For that she deserves to be commended.

Charles Sykes, executive director of the African American Arts Institute, met Rosa in the early 80s when he was a graduate student of the university. He remarked that one thing that amazed him most about her commitment to her work was her seemingly unstoppable energy. One instance he recalled was during preparations for a performance at the IU auditorium. A very pregnant Rosa was moving about, checking lighting, sound and costumes. Here we were on the sidelines wondering if wed have to stop and rush her to the hospital, laughed Sykes.

I was amazed that she was able to accomplish the things that she did. She was like a spark plug, he said. And the way she got the students to respond to her  she was tough, but she gained their love and respect. Sometimes you can be tough and they dont like you, but they love her. Shes taught them lessons that have stayed with them.  Its not just about what you do on the stage but how you negotiate life off stage. She has really worked on building in those students the idea of being productive members of society.

One such student, Amelia Smith, said her relationship with Rosa has influenced her in many ways artistically, academically and personally.

I remember when I had known her for a year or so, and it was my first year as her assistant instructor. One night we needed to work on costumes for a show, and I went to her home and she cooked dinner and we worked on costumes. That was impactful to me. A lot of times we talk about professors, mentors and the relationship is really formal, Smith said.

Ive been dancing since I was a toddler, and she was the first instructor I had that made the technique about more than just dance. She really intellectualized dance for me  it revolutionized the way that I think about movement.

Smith, who grew up in what she described as a colorblind white, middleclass home, believes her connection to Rosa helped her to confront issues of race and privilege. Through dance she opened my eyes to my own ignorance in a way that was so real to me, because she was giving us these stories and then she makes you think about what this persons life was really like. It flipped a switch on for me in regards to my privilege and the need for change.

As they head into their last performance together at IU, Smith hasnt paid too much thought to the sentiment of finality. Rather, shes focused on legacy, and she wants to do her part to ensure Rosas is protected and an appropriate replacement is chosen for the position.

What will IU be like next year without her? For a lot of us, there will be a huge gap.

Sykes said the department plans to conduct a thorough search for Rosas replacement, though a formal call has not yet been announced.
The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  John 12:12-13

This years Lenten season is almost over? Lent is when we revisit the time Jesus spent in the wilderness  fasting and praying. Thats why Lent is known as a season of preparation.

Following Lent is Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of another season. This season takes us into what is known as Holy Week, which brings with it a glimmer of hope.

We all need hope, because it is essential to life. And in the Christian faith, hope is not optional; it is essential to our spiritual survival. So as we move into this new season, let us remember to enter with hope in mind.

If we rewind back to Palm Sunday in Jesus days, the huge crowd in Jerusalem was looking for a glimmer of hope. Biblical scholars describe this day as a large celebration. As Jesus made his grand entrance, the crowd had been feasting in a Jewish holiday known as the Passover. And Jesus arrival did not go unnoticed. He captured the crowds attention immediately!

Interestingly enough, Jesus was no stranger to this crowd. As soon as He rode into town on a donkey, the crowd began throwing palm branches and their garments in his pathway to cushion His ride. Some in the crowd saw Jesus as the Son of David, while others saw him as a glimmer of hope.

We are just like that crowd from Jerusalem. We, as people in todays world, are looking for a sense of hope. Some of us are crying out, just like the crowd, Gentle Jesus, parade by here on this Palm Sunday. And, Jesus, do not pass us by; stay and invade the inner-most parts of our souls so that we can find hope.

We really arent any different from the crowd. They wanted a warrior to idolize and place their trust in  and so do we. So we find ourselves putting our hope in our possessions or in people. Usually, things fall apart in our lives when we tend to put our trust in anything but God.

So remember, hope is not just in a distant future. Our hope is always there. And when things are pulling against us, we must hold on to our hope, and dont let go. For through the death and resurrection of He who comes in the name of the Lord, we are privileged to find a glimmer of hope.

Rev. Marion J. Miller is the senior pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, 1201 Thomas V. Bryant Drive, Jeffersonville, IN. She may be contacted at (812) 283-3747 or via email at wesley1201@sbcglobal.net.
Some people, upon reaching the age of 80, would be inclined to look back over their eight decades of life, reminiscing about days gone by.

Indianapolis resident Virginia Kersey celebrated her 80th birthday last month, and she has plenty to look back on: earning a bachelors degree and two masters degrees, a storied career with positions at Indianapolis Public Schools and Indiana University, a long-running column in the Indianapolis Recorders religion section, the founding of a state-funded substance abuse program for minority women, a deep involvement in the church, myriad involvements in the local community  the list goes on and on.

But looking back is not Kerseys style. Instead, she has her sights set on the future.

The Lord let me know in my spirit, Theres still some more I have for you to do, she said. If Im taking my dads pathway, Ive got about 20 more years.

Kersey said, more specifically, shes being driven to work with other seniors, women in particular. Exactly how the mission will manifest remains to be seen, but Kersey said shes letting one phrase shape the way: Where do we go from here?

Kersey said our society has a tendency to overlook the older population, but she envisions harnessing the experience and wisdom of seniors in the community to uplift others.

Youve got a lot of strong women like myself who are educated, retired, strong, theyre not sick. Are you going to let all that experience go to waste? You take that and redirect it for todays needs, she said. This is a population that maybe feels like they dont have anything else to do. Thats where I want to go from here.

This new endeavor is right in line with Kerseys M.O.; she has dedicated her life to reaching and teaching.

My main goal is to see others accomplish. There is a pathway for everyone, she said.

Kerseys Recorder column, titled Church World Today, was just one way she set out to reach and teach. She said she proposed the column after being disappointed with the papers coverage of the broad topic of religion.

I wouldnt just put Church having chicken dinner, I would go broader than that, she said. (My goal) was to express what was going on in the broader system than Indianapolis. I thought that very important, because it was a learning tool for the Black community. We already knew about having church services, but we needed more than that.

Kersey said she got lots of positive feedback from the community about her column, but she explained with humility that she was just doing what needed to be done.

Kersey shared several stories about times when she was taken aback by others feedback.

Upon retirement from her role at IUPUI, the dean slipped a $1,000 check into her hand. She was shocked.

A lot of times, you dont get that; you get a nice letter. I said, Lord, what did I do? Im just being Ginny. Im just being me.

In another instance, a young man impacted by Kerseys work at IPS came back to talk with students. He, too, gave Kersey a monetary thank you, and he told her shed had as much impact on his life as his mother and grandmother.

And at her 80th birthday celebration last month, friends and family were able to show Kersey what shes meant to them.

Sometimes you dont know youve impressed people in certain ways.  I got to really find out how I did impress some people. It was really amazing.

Through all this, Kersey said, shes just been doing what she was raised to do.

Sharing has always been a positive part of my character.  Im just doing what I was raised to do, so how is that different from anyone else? I was raised to give.

Kerseys father was a pastor, and in addition to seeing his example, the family frequently hosted traveling church leaders in their home.

The dinner table was my second classroom. When people came and stayed with us, youd hear a lot about them. We learned to serve because of the people we let in our home, she said.

Even after her father retired, he continued to embrace his leadership role. Kersey said she moved in with her father after her mother died, and he continued to meet with people who came to him for guidance.

Much in the same way, Kersey  who explains with a chuckle that shes retired (and un-retired) three times  is setting out to provide that guidance, likening herself to the counselor Deborah in the Book of Judges.

Kersey has been contacting pastors wives and other women in the community to see who will join her in her latest mission, which she hopes to launch in June.

I want to take these women and fold them into the flow of whats needed now. Get in here, Im gonna shut the door, and you can use what you have, what Gods given you. Theyre gonna feel their self-worth so strong. Their awareness is going to rise.

How many Deborahs do I have?
As children, we all had dreams of making it big in the world. While some of us wished to become astronauts, others envisioned their future selves as doctors. But it is one thing to hope and a different ball game to make a wish take wings.

rida arif/The Citizens Archive of Pakistan

Some kids, however, did dream big (literally, NASA big) and made reality bear fruits of their diligence. Today, we look at seven examples where Indian students stepped beyond their boundaries, both educational and geographical, to step onto the world platform and make India a proud mother.

1. Sai Kiran P who proposed an elevator from the earth to the moon

This 18-year-old Chennai boy has made headlines by grabbing the second position in this year's grade 12 category of the Nasa Ames Space Settlement Contest. He won the prestigious honour for proposing that an elevator be built from the Earth to the Moon to make human settlement a possibility on the satellite.

asianage

Sai Kiran P participated in the annual competition organised by NASA Ames Research Center, San Jose State University, and the National Space Society (NSS). It invited worldwide entries of students up to 12th grade.

A project that took four years to be completed was titled Connecting Moon, Earth and Space and HUMEIU Space Habitats that suggested transportation of humans to the moon so that they can stay there.

2. The student team from College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram that won the annual NASA design competition

Earlier this month, a group of 38 students, along with two of their teachers, won the prestigious Annual NASA Design Competition (ANDC). The fourth and fifth-year students of architecture at College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, bagged the coveted first spot and brought home several trophies.

the hindu

The team's feat came after an 18-year long dry spell when they won the competition that required them to present the working of a city in a unique way, all the while spelling out its cultural essence.

3. Team Screwdrivers that won NASA's global competition

A team of 13 students was awarded the 'Aloha Team Spirit' in NASAs global competition that invited students to construct and design remotely-operated vehicles (ROV) from the ground up.

The team, comprising of engineering students from Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management in Mumbai, went to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston where they competed against teams from China, Russia, Scotland, USA, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Egypt, Denmark, Turkey, and Poland.

newsbharati

Keeping to the theme of the competition - 'From the Gulf of Mexico to Jupiter's moon Europa: ROVs exploring inner and outer space' - the Indian students presented an ROV that could space travel to Europa's deep oceans. The ROV would then recover essential equipment, collect oil samples, carry out coral surveys, among other things.

4. Suvrath Mahadevan who leads a NASA team searching for earth-like planets

Mahadevan is a classic example of taking the baton forward and setting benchmarks for Indian students to follow after him.

Born in Ahmedabad, Mahadevan studied in prestigious institutes such as IIT Mumbai. He went on to pursue his doctoral studies from the US which became a stepping stone for him to bag this prestigious honour by NASA.

AMERICAN BAZAAR ONLINE

Last year, while executing his stint as an assistant professor at Penssylvania State University, Mahadevan was approached by NASA to build an advanced instrument called NEID (NN-EXPLORE Exoplanet Investigations with Doppler spectroscopy).

Mahadevan is currently leading a team of scientists who will search for earth-like planets once the NEID is completed in 2019.

5. A team of students from Amity School, Noida that won NASAs International Space Settlement Design Competition

This was the first time an Indian team of students had won a competition organised by NASA and were given the opportunity to step into the shoes of aerospace engineers.

In 2015, a team of 12 students from Amity School, Noida won the 20th Annual International Space Settlement Design Competition. The team had flown to Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA which saw over 50 participants from across the world.

twitter

The students were given the task of designing a space settlement on Mars which could accommodate more than 10,000 humans. Team Amity was the only Asian group to reach the final round after they designed two main colonies and four outlying camps that could house a population of 24,000 humans. The team worked for 48 hours straight.

Well, the effort paid off and how!

6. Two Indian-origin students, who made it to NASA's final round of space contest

Back in 2015, NASA's National 3-D Space Container Challenge saw two Indian-American students reach the final round. They may not have won the contest but it's worth mentioning their participation because reaching the final round is as good as winning it.

pulse.ng

Rajan Vivek from Arizona and Prasanna Krishnamoorthy from Delaware were tasked with designing models of containers that could aid astronauts in keeping things in order in space.

While Rajans Hydroponic Plant Box container aimed at containing water in a microgravity environment while still seeing plants grow inside, Prasanna's Collapsible Container could expand and compress, fitting perfectly to the shape of its contents.

7. Chaitanya Vashistha who won NASA's International Space Settlement Design Competition in 2014

Chaitanya Vashistha became the proud winner of NASA's 2014-edition of the space settlement design contest that saw close to 600 entries from 18 nations! Vashistha, a pupil of Wadgaonsheri's St. Arnold Central school, had bagged the first prize.

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A huge fan of Stephen Hawking, Vashistha made India proud when he was in 7th grade. After winning the prize, he went on to participate in the Google science fare. There's literally no stopping this boy!

Such wonderful stories. What a time to be alive!
Empathy goes a long way in helping people trapped in situations over which they have no control. There's a moral code many of us echo from time to time but very few go out of their way to really adhere to it.

People are also often driven by a strong sense of justice. By becoming 'rescuers', they become the 'advocates' of those trapped in unfavourable conditions - whether they are held in captivity without their fault or trapped at sea counting their breaths.

Today, we look at seven such rescuers who, with their acts of kindness, became living proof of human compassion.

1. NGO offers to pay Rs 4 lakh fine imposed on sisters locked up in Amritsar jail

A Batala-based NGO, 'Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust', has pledged to pay Rs 4 lakh in fine imposed on two Pakistani sisters imprisoned in an Amritsar jail. Convicted in a drug case in 2006, Fatima Bibi and Mumtaj served 10 years in captivity, however, after failing to pay the fine imposed on them, got their sentence extended by two more years.

Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust

The NGO has offered to help the sisters for the sake of Fatima's daughter who was born in jail. Once freed, the girl will be able to visit her homeland for the first time in her life.

2. Indian businessman pledges 1 million dollars to free prisoners from a UAE jail

Prisoners who are slogging out their sentence in a UAE jail have found their messiah in an Indian-businessman, Firoz Merchant. The Dubai-based entrepreneur has pledged to waive off their debt of 1 million dollars.

Merchant has already paid 40,000 dollars that will help in the release of 132 prisoners from Ajman Central jail.

pugold.com

Most of these prisoners hail from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Syria, Yemen, Oman, and Ghana. The prisoners are holed up in jail either due to non-payment of debts or because they have completed their term but don't have money to return back home.

3. Humanitarians rescue four-day-old baby along with 500 migrants from the Mediterranean Sea

During their rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea, humanitarian ships saved a four-day-old baby who was among 500 migrants stuck at sea.

reuters

The baby was aboard one of the two rubber boats - carrying 200 migrants - that were spotted drifting off 22 nautical miles north of Libya. The flow of migrants from the Middle-East war zone has not dwindled despite the cold weather.

According to International Organisation for Migration, nearly 27,850 migrants have crossed over to Europe by the sea in this year alone.

4. Prime Minister helps in the release of an Indian doctor from captivity in Libya

Dr. Ramamurthy Kosanam, who was captured by the ISIS in Libya, was able to return home safely after his rescue was facilitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Security Agency of India.

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The Andhra Pradesh native said that despite militants trying to force him to conduct surgeries, he never caved in. He also added how the ISIS is working on spreading its ideology in India and other parts of the world.

5. Danish woman rescues an emaciated 'witch-child' in Nigeria

Anja Ringgren Loven beat the likes of Barack Obama to become the world's most inspiring person after she saved Nigeria's 'witch-child'. The boy, who was treated as an outcast by his own community, was adopted by the Danish social worker who nursed him back to health.

ANJA RINGGREN LOVEN/FACEBOOK

This picture of Loven feeding the boy a bottle of water had gained huge attention worldwide and helped Loven achieve recognition for her work.

6. Ansar Burney brings India's daughter, Geeta home after she mistakenly crossed over to Pakistan 12 years ago

Pakistan's former Federal Minister for Human Rights, Ansar Burney played a monumental role in aiding Geeta's return to her motherland after she spent 12 years in Pakistan.

tehelka/ap

The girl was found by the authorities at the Lahore railway station when she was eight-years-old after she had boarded the Samjhauta Express by mistake and entered Pakistan.

7. Sushma Swaraj saves the day after people lose their passports to Chennai floods

It was quite horrifying to see people get displaced by the Chennai floods in 2015. But the messiah of people, our very own Sushma Swaraj had come forward to help the distressed in a way that only she knew best.

ap

Offering aid to those who had lost their passports to the floods, the Foreign Minister had ordered the making of fresh passports free of charge. Requests had poured in almost immediately because Swaraj had never failed to deliver on her promise.

Makes you think that not all hope is lost if people step up to do their bit.
Ever since his show, Hells Kitchen began airing in the US in 2005, Gordon Ramsay has become a celebrity chef with a reputation for spouting equal parts snark and acid. He has since then continued that legacy on Twitter, much to the enjoyment of his fans. And now, one aspiring Twitter user from India knew exactly how to get all attention.

@GordonRamsay please rate my medu vada sambar and nariyal chutney pic.twitter.com/9dAcqI5kwD  Rameez (@Sychlops) April 6, 2017

Twitter user and Mumbai resident @Sychlops posted a photo of his meal  Medu Vada Sambar and Nariyal Chutney, asking Ramsay to roast him. Please rate my food is a standard request presented to the chef on Twitter, where he doles out his sickest burns for laughs. If nothing else, the entire thing is an exercise in creativity, as evidence suggest Ramsay has yet to repeat an insulting caption.

I didn't know you can tweet from prison https://t.co/rxrPPBonff  Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) April 6, 2017

More Twitter users had an opinion about whether Medu vada is better served dipped in the sambhar or separate, rather than whether the joke stepped over any ludicrous no anti-Bharat, go to Pakistan lines.

@GordonRamsay When did u return from prison? and why where u put in a south Indian jail   Amlan Samal (@its_amlan) April 6, 2017

@ashishjena94 @VelvetT3ddy @GordonRamsay Thats because Indian houses are prisons. Our parents are the law and we are prisoners   Athul (@Athul5194) April 6, 2017

Ramsays Indian fans are not very impressed with the Chef's jibe, however we have to agree that nobody can ace Ramsay's insults.
Twitter

On speaking with a leading daily, King Khan spoke about his long journey, "I have never been an insecure person. I have been in this business for long as an actor and personally as well. I feel actors and films are like water, they will find their level. I have never made a film in 25 years, except perhaps one, for any other reason than to just entertain people and make them happy. To me, the bottom line is, there's no point doing a film if people don't like it. I have never had reasons to be insecure. There will be a film which will do badly, but there are so many of them which have done so well, too."

A girl reportedly from his company, Phantom Films, has filed a complaint against the filmmaker accusing him of molesting her during their work trip to Goa a few months ago.

The veteran actress will star in a web series called, 'Love, Life, Screw Ups' which is all about dealing with everyday relationship problems.

After their Europe shoot, Anushka and SRK are now in Punjab, shooting for the next leg and pictures are giving us some major Jab We Met feels.

Recalling his fathers admiration for the President of India, Om Puris son Ishaan has recently penned down a letter to him thanking him for inspiring many people.

I wanted to share with you, that my father had always admired you. He was full of praise and admiration for you, if there was one leader who he looked upto it was you, sir. I grew up listening to him talk about you saying you are one of the most honest, and most capable of leaders.
Bollywood director Vikas Bahl, who rose to fame with Queen, is now facing the wrath from his own production company.

Twitter

A girl reportedly from his company, Phantom Films, has filed a complaint against the filmmaker accusing him of molesting her during their work trip to Goa a few months ago.



But now Vikas has come out and spoken about the issue.

Twitter

According to his official statement to Mumbai Mirror, Vikas said, Nothing has happened. I am running the company. There is no complaint to HR and there is no Vishakha committee. I have heard about this particular lady you are speaking about and the Goa incident. She is not my employee. Yes, I am friends with her, we have worked together and there is a production job we have done togetherbut if she is feeling like this I would like to sit across a table from her and talk to her. I want to ask her if I have crossed a line, whether I have done anything to hurt her and if she feels that way, I would like to apologise for it. I have known her for long. For two-and-half years she has never made me feel as if she is uncomfortable (around me). I have worked very hard to be the person I have become.I do feel a little victimised but I dont know what to do about that.

What followed was set up of a committee as per the Vishakha guidelines which resulted in Bahl being ousted.
Imtiaz Ali's films are cinematic travelogues and the way he wraps around his stories at exotic locations is just a testimony to the fact that his films are visual masterpieces. Be it his debut film Socha Na Tha where a lighthouse in Goa became a turning point in Viren and Aditi's life to how Corsica became the starting point of Ved and Tara's magical story, his films take you on a trip that leave you with some happy memories.

Facebook/Imtiaz Ali

Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma's collaboration is a big deal for all Imtiaz fans and why not? It is SRK's first film with Imtiaz. The team had an extended schedule in various cities of Europe like Amsterdam, Budapest, Lisbon, Prague and others during the month of October.

Facebook/Imtiaz Ali

After their Europe shoot, Anushka and SRK are now in Punjab, shooting for the next leg and pictures are giving us some major Jab We Met feels.

While the name of the film is still undecided, strong grapevine suggests that the film will be called 'Raula'. Here are Anushka and SRK's Raula, straight from Punjab. Have a look!

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Fan Pages/Instagram and Twitter

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Fan Pages/Instagram and Twitter

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Fan Pages/Instagram and Twitter

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Fan Pages/Instagram and Twitter

In case you are longing for more, all we can do is to wait for August because the film is all set to hit the theaters on 11th of August. Excited, are we? Hell, yes!

Instagram/SRK
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veterans, LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi have agreed to face trial for their role in the conspiracy to demolish Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The two leaders agreed to face charges after the CBI told the Supreme Court that conspiracy charges must be initiated against some BJP leaders including LK Advani, Uma Bharti and Murli Manohar Joshi in the demolition case. Read more

1. Mumbai On High Alert After Intelligence Warning Of Possible ISIS Attack

A high alert has been sounded in the state after the police claimed to have received an intelligence input about Islamic State members trying to enter Mumbai via sea.

According to reports intelligence have warned about nine suspects, who hail from Assam likely to target Mumbai. Read more

2. Tibet Wants 'Meaningful Autonomy' Not Independence From China, Says Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama rejected China's claim that India was using him diplomatically to challenge the Communist country, and described himself as a messenger of ancient Indian thought and values.

"I have never been used by India. Wherever I go, I tell people about the Indian philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence), karuna (compassion) and religious harmony," the Tibetan leader told reporters on Wednesday while taking questions on China's angry reaction to his visit to Tawang. Read more

3. This Hybrid Aircraft By A IIT-Delhi Engineer Aims To Make Regional Air Travel Much More Affordable

A mechanical engineer from IIT Delhi is on his way to develop hybrid planes in the US and hopes to sell the same in India for about 1,100-km-long regional flights by early 2020s.

Ashish Kumar, CEO and founder of Kirkland (Washington)-based Zunum Aero, is developing regional hybrid-electric aircraft whose range will go up to 1,600 km by 2030. Read more

4. Allahabad HC Puts Brakes On Yogi's War On Beef, Says People Free To Eat What They Want

At a time when Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is continuing its crackdown on slaughterhouses, the Allahabad High Court has said that no one can impose a complete prohibition on beef as it affects traders and consumers.

Choice of food is part of right to life, the court said on Wednesday. Food that is conducive to health cannot be treated as a wrong choice, and it is the States duty to ensure supply of healthy food items, the court order said. Read more

5. A Real Life Mowgli In UP? 8-YO Girl Found Living With Monkeys, She Doesn't Behave Like Humans

Cops in Uttar Pradesh have found a girl who can neither speak nor behave like normal human beings. The 8-year-old girl was rescued by the police in Bahraich from a troop of monkeys.

The girl was spotted by sub-inspector Suresh Yadav, who was on a routine patrol in Motipur range of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Read more
As Yogi Adityanath took oath as CM of UP, India's 'Anti-Romeo Squad' was formed. Within just 2 days of him in position, our country got a dedicated committee to moral police folks on the streets.

#AntiRomeoSquad Can they be there if someone need them. Do not dare you touch any innocent lovers  mandar (@mnapte) April 6, 2017

The purpose of its formation was to protect women from sexual harassment, guard them in public places, but suddenly it began adopting heavy tactics moral policing, leaving people insecure and fearful.

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In the last two weeks of its existence, the group has managed to shame so many people in public, it is not even funny. It has targetted young men and women in parks, colleges, restaurants, and markets.

Suspected 'Romeos' have had their heads shaved off, were thrashed in public, and were even asked to do sit-ups! Don't you think they have gone a little too far?

Activists around the country are now calling them out, asking for disbanding this group, for obvious reasons. They are questioning the credibility, their authority to harass people and the method to crackdown on sexual abuse.

1. It has become a state-sponsored moral policing machine

UP BS

On the first day of deployment of the squads, boys hovering around schools, colleges, cigarette stalls, pan shops and even pastry shops were picked up for "questioning" and let go after police called their parents to inform them about the "activities" of the boys.

2. The UP policemen even claim that a boy and girl can never be friends.

UP POLICE/ TWITTER

UP police have been going around the state in conducting searches in crowded areas and randomly questioning anyone including couples and people in groups or in some cases even if someone was alone.

"While people's faces don't have 'Romeo' written on them, we have been in the police force for so many years that we can identify them just by the look in their eyes, their face, and the way they stand)." said one officer.

3. Blinded by the policing, they ended up arresting two cousins

PTI

On March 26, two policemen were suspended for allegedly harassing and taking a bribe from a youth and his cousin.

The policemen said they had taken action against two cousins under the anti-Romeo operations and they were kept at a police station for over five hours, Chaudhari said. The police refused to release the cousins even after their relatives approached and clarified that the two are related and not a couple.

4. And even shaved the head of a man who was accused of inter-religious affair

ANI

Just last week, a video of policemen shaving the head of a youth who was in an inter-religious relationship in Shahjahanpur has been widely circulated online. The incident happened under Rajghat after an anti-Romeo squad caught an inter-faith couple.

Basically, these squads have begun to impose their own aggressive and arbitrary code through moral policing. It has already been proven through many cases that without checking, these squads harass people and take undue advantage of their position.
Even as the Supreme Court is hearing a petition chalenging the legality of unilateral triple talaq, a young woman from Bhagalpur has sought the intervention of PM Narendra Modi to save her marriage after her husband last month divorced her over phone from Dadar and Nagar Haveli.

Reuters/Representational Image

The woman, identified as Bibi Rukhshar , has a 3-year-old son, is running from pillar to post to get permission to meet the PM when he visits neighbouring Sahebganj in Jharkhand on Thursday.

She was married in 2010 to Mohd Shah Alam of Bansatti village under the Ishipur police station area in Kahalgaon subdivision of the district, she got a call from husband on March 27 this year.

"All that he told me was 'talaq, talaq, talaq'," she said.

ALSO READ: Five-Judge Bench Will Decide If Triple-Talaq Is Valid Or Not, Hearing To Begin On 11 May

AFP/Representational Image

"At the time of marriage, my father fulfilled all the demands of in-laws. Yet they tortured me for more money and gifts. At times, relatives and village elders, including the local mukhia, had to intervene and counsel my in-laws," Rukhsar told TOI on Wednesday, adding she was at her parents' house when she got her husband's last call on mobile from Dadar and Nagar Haveli where he works as a clerk in a private firm.

ALSO READ: After Talaq On WhatsApp And Phone Call, Hyderabad Now Sees A Divorce By Postcard

Representational Image

The woman has since met quite a few people, including Pirpainti sarpanch Barun Goswami, asking for help in her "fight for my and my child's rights". "I know PM Narendra Modi will take up the cudgels on behalf of women like me. That is why many Muslim women voted for him in the UP election. He will help me when I narrate my story to him on Thursday," said the middle school dropout who has of late gathered details about the triple talaq issue issue from the various NGOs she visited.

Pirpainti sarpanch Barun Goswami said he was with Rukhsar while Pirpainti BDO Rakesh Gupta said on Wednesday the administration would do whatever was possible within our legal framework to help the woman.

ALSO READ: This Woman Writes A Letter To Narendra Modi, Requests Him To Abolish Triple Talaq
The Shiv Sena has threatened to disrupt Air India flights from Maharashtra if the ban on MP Ravindra Gaikwad is not lifted soon.

BCCL/ File

If it (the ban) goes on like this, we will not allow aircrafts to take off from Mumbai, Sena MPs said in the Lok Sabha. Following the threat Air India has asked for increased security at all airports in Maharashtra.

BCCL

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut alleged that its leader was being unfairly targeted. "Rapists, terrorists and even Kashmiri separatists can travel in aeroplanes but not Gaikwad," Sanjay Raut said, adding, "home minister Rajnath Singh has assured us of proper investigation."

Meanwhile, there are reports that the fight ban on the MP could be lifted.

ANI quoting sources reported that Air India will not lift the ban on Gaikwad, for now.

Gaikwad was blacklisted by Air India and private airlines on March 23rd after he slapped an AI staffer following an argument over his seating. The MP who had earlier bragged about slapping the official 25 times now says he never assaulted him.
The Gau Rakshak attack on five men in Rajasthan's Alwar, which resulted in the death of Pehlu Khan did not happen!

At least that is what the Modi government want the people of India to believe. The government is denying an incident that was recorded by a number of people on their mobile cameras, from different angles.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said no incident, as reported in the media, took place in Alwar.

RSTV

"Its an emotional issue for crores of people. There should be no indication that we are backing those who are violent. No such incident, as being reported, has taken place on the ground. The media reports that are being cited, the concerned state government has already condemned.

As expected the minister's reply was immediately condemned by the opposition.

Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said,

"I am so sorry to know that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times knows and the minister doesn't know."

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said,

"Anybody who doesn't listen to and agree with Narendra Modi and RSS has no place in India, that's their vision".

Naqvi's denial comes even as the Rajasthan police have arrested three people in connection with the incident that happened on April 1.

The five men, all who are farmers from Haryana were returning to their village after purchasing milch cattle from Rajasthan.

They were stopped and assaulted by a group of around 15 men. 55-year-old Khan who was seriously injured in the attack died in a hospital on Monday.
The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it would soon formulate a regulatory regime, similar to one existing for all telecom operators, for Over-The-Top (OTT) services like WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype, WeChat and Google Talk.

ap/representational image

The department of telecom's main argument was that OTTs use the network of telecom service providers to reach customers, offer App-based products as well as compete by offering messaging and telephone facilities, yet are not subjected to any regulatory mechanism.

This assertion came in response to WhatsApp's affidavit in the SC taking a stand that the petition filed by Karmanya Singh Sareen questioning its privacy policy was not maintainable as,

"OTT services are governed in some respect by the provisions of Information Technology Act, 2000 and are not subject to the same regulatory mechanism that is enforced on conventional voice and messaging services provided by telecom service providers".

Reuters

With the privacy issue being strongly argued by the petitioner and the Centre converging on it, the bench referred the issue to a five-judge bench, despite opposition from OTT service providers.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and K K Venugopal, who appeared for WhatsApp and other OTT service providers, said there was no issue of privacy involved in the controversy raised by the petitioner as it is a matter of contract between the user and OTT service provider.

reuters/representational image

But, the petitioner's advocate Madhavi Divan said the lack of privacy in private messages over WhatsApp not only violated the right to privacy, which is intrinsically linked to right to life guaranteed under Article 21, but also stifled right of free speech, guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a), in conversations between two private individuals.
Mumbai is boring. Delhi is better in terms of fashion. Kolkata is richer culturally, a friend of mine from an Eastern state of the country recently told me. Every Mumbaikar would be mildly offended at this statement made by anyone. Having lived in Mumbai all my life, I too, have wondered, what it would be like to live in another city and perhaps comment on the shortcomings of the city I would be living in. Yes, it is crowded. Yes, it lacks space. Yes, the streets are unclean. but I will never stop loving Mumbai for simply existing.

It is quite easy for people to make these statements, but what they do not realise that once they have lived in Mumbai, it will always keep a make a space in their hearts  and that space could be a good or a bad one  but it will never cease to exist there.

Non-Mumbaikars might find Mumbai dry, tedious and not as culturally developed as their hometown. However, nobody can deny the fact that the experience - whether good or bad - this city will give you, no other city in the world will!

We took a ride in a helicopter to look at the city from up above. The experience was breathtaking!

Ride Credit: Accretion Aviation

1. SOMEWHERE ABOVE MAHIM CREEK

2. SKY ABOVE, CREEK BELOW

3. MAXIMUM CITY

4. CARTER ROAD FRINGING THE CITY

5. BUILDINGS IN BANDRA SEEM LIKE MINIATURE FROM ABOVE

6. THE LAND'S END: TAJ LANDS END CAN BE SEEN JUST BEFORE THE SEA LINK BEGINS

7. THE MARVEL STRUCTURE OF MUMBAI - BANDRA WORLI SEA LINK

8. TINY BOATS SCATTERED NEAR THE SEA LINK

9. THE SKY HIGH BUILDINGS NEAR WORLI, THE WORLI PROMENADE BORDERING THE LAND

10. THE SEA FACING SIDES OF WORLI

11. THE HOLY SHRINE OF HAJI ALI SITTING ON THE ISLET

12. THE DARGAH OF HAJI ALI UP CLOSE

13. RACING ABOVE THE MAHALAKSHMI RACE COURSE

14. TINY VESSELS DOTTING THE MAHIM BAY

15 NEHRU SCIENCE CENTRE AND PLANETARIUM

AND, HERE'S THE VIDEO:
At a time when Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is continuing its crackdown on slaughterhouses, the Allahabad High Court has said that no one can impose a complete prohibition on beef as it affects traders and consumers.

Choice of food is part of right to life, the court said on Wednesday.

Food that is conducive to health cannot be treated as a wrong choice, and it is the States duty to ensure supply of healthy food items, the court order said.

AP

The Lucknow bench of the HC has also given the government time till April 13 to ensure that its crackdown on unlicensed abattoirs does not deprive people of their livelihood or food.

"To provide an immediate check on unlawful activity should be simultaneous with facilitating the carrying of lawful activity, particularly that relating to food, food habits and vending thereof that is undisputedly connected with the right to life and livelihood," the court said.

PTI

The court order came in a petition filed by a meat seller who complained that the authorities are not renewing his license. The court has also directed the government to solve the issue swiftly and renew the licenses of slaughterhouses.

PTI

The verdict is expected to give a much-needed relief to the traders and people who consume non-veg as the crackdown had literally taken the food off their plates. Thousands are set to lose their jobs and UP, the biggest meat exporter in India is likely to face a revenue loss running into thousands of crores if the crackdown continues.

BCCL

Even amid criticism, the government maintains that they are not against meat consumption and the crackdown is only against those operating illegally, without meeting set standards for slaughter or meat processing.

BCCL

Many slaughterhouse owners and meat traders, however, said they were forced to operate illegally as the local authorities refused to renew their expired licenses.
Amol Yadav, a pilot who assembled a six-seater aircraft on the terrace of his three BHK flat in Charkop, and who was given an opportunity to display his creation at the Make in India Week in Mumbai last year, will be allotted a 157-acre plot in Palghar by the state government to set up his enterprise.

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Yadav plans to manufacture six-seater and 20-seater aircraft in India, under the banner of his Thrust India Company.

Yadav, 41, a deputy chief pilot with Jet Airways, is scheduled to meet with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, along with representatives of companies that specialise in manufacturing aircraft engine and other technology.

"It's a dream come true," Yadav said, "I went to the US for training in 1995 and saw a lot of people, including middleclass families, assembling used planes to create customised flying machines. I was inspired to do the same in India."

Yadav, over a period of six years, put together a plane in his house that he shared with 19 members. He created an aircraft that can soar up to 13,000-ft at 1,500 ft per minute, and cover a distance of 2,000-km at the top speed of 185 nautical miles an hour. The plane is currently parked at the Dhule airport.

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"I'm thankful for the support I have been receiving. The government has big dreams in terms of regional air connectivity and I'm a believer that it cannot be achieved till we start manufacturing planes in India. Once we start building aircraft, there will be a revolution in the Indian aviation industry," he said.

jetphotos

Yadav said one of the challenges is to get funding for his project. He spent "a few crores of rupees" just creating a single six-seater, and a fullfledged factory churning out six-seaters and 20-seaters will require massive funding, he said.

"If I can get seed funding (government support), I'm very confident of setting up the infrastructure by the end of this year," Yadav said.
Two vegetarian students hoping for a sumptuous dinner at German Bakery Wunderbar on Law College Road were left with more than a bad taste in the mouth last week, when they were inadvertently served pork by a waiter instead of the dish they ordered. They have lodged a complaint at the Deccan Gymkhana police station and even moved the consumer forum.

Mohit Gaurav/Facebook

Kaustubh Dighe and Mohit Gaurav (both 22) study law at a city-based college. Kaustubh belongs to Vadodara, Gujarat, while Mohit is from Uttar Pradesh. A peeved Kaustubh told Pune Mirror, As I am a Gujarati Brahmin, I do not eat non-veg food. I never expected this kind of an experience at such a prominent restaurant, that too, during Navaratra, I was served a non-veg dish with pork. In fact, the restaurant served us the bill as well for the dish, which we hadnt even ordered. Both of us are law students, so we wanted to take legal recourse. We contacted student activist Pranay Ajmera and he suggested that we approach the consumer forum and file a complaint. Both filed a complaint with the consumer forum on Monday.

According to the police complaint, They went to the German Bakery Wunderbar on March 30 (Thursday). They ordered veg lasagna and hot chocolate for dinner, but were served a German Potato and Bacon Salad instead, by the restaurants waiter. After having a bite, Dighe realised that the dish was not vegetarian. Soon after, a waiter came to their table again and served their original order. When they asked the waiter about the previous dish, he replied that it was non-veg and that they were served the wrong dish.

Shocked, they dialled 100 and called the police. The police took us to the Deccan police station and we lodged a complaint. The cops also called the restaurant manager and asked him to clarify the matter, Kaustubh said. Friend Mohit added, When we asked the manager, Gaurav Baraskar, about the issue, he misbehaved with us and replied arrogantly. Thats when we called the police. When we asked Baraskar to give us a written apology, all he wrote was that the order was wrongly served.

Facebook

When Mirror contacted Gaurav Baraskar, he said, I was not present in the restaurant at that time. A new waiter had served them a non-veg dish by mistake. The police called me and I gave them my statement. According to the Deccan police, The manager apologised in front of us, but both the complainants said they will file a complaint to the consumer forum as well.

But, the owner of the restaurant, Vijay Shewale, who also happens to be aBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporator, dismissed the charges, saying, This cannot happen in the restaurant. Youths often make such allegations if they dont want to pay the bill. This might also be the Oppositions ploy to malign my image.

The German Bakery Wunderbar had opened in December 2014. The cafe that also has a bar, serves health food and continental snacks.
A dog is being hailed a hero after it saved guests at a wedding party from a suicide bomber in Nigeria.

Picture for representation/Reuters

According to reports, a teenage bomber was on the edge of the gathering, near the northeastern city of Maiduguri, when the dog pounced on her. Buba Ahmed of Belbelo village, near the northeastern city of Maiduguri, says guests are grateful that the dog sacrificed itself to save their lives.

He says the teenage bomber was on the outskirts of a gathering where most villagers were attending a wedding ceremony when the dog pounced on her Sunday morning.

Picture for representation/Reuters

Police spokesman Victor Isuku on Wednesday confirmed to The Associated Press that the dog had intervened to save the wedding party. A multinational force has driven Boko Haram Islamic extremists out of most town and villages in northeastern Nigeria, but the extremists have resorted to attacking soft targets with suicide bombers.

Boko Haram extremists have resorted to attacking soft targets with suicide bombers.

Dozens of people have died recently in such attacks blamed on Boko Haram, but many other bombers have been stopped by soldiers and civilian self-defense militia, states itvnews.

Around 20,000 people have died in Nigeria's seven-year uprising.
What might turn out to be the fastest civilian jet in the world has just received a major injection of funding. If the project pans out, the supersonic jet would be able to shuttle passengers from Los Angeles to Sydney in just 6 hours.

Boom Supersonic

The XB-1, from Boom Supersonic, is being touted to be the near futures fastest and highest-flying jet. The current fastest non-stop flight between LA and Sydney takes 15 hours, something the baby boom (as its also called) cuts in more than half. To give some perspective. A flight between New Delhi and Salallah in Oman takes roughly the same time that the XB-1 will to travel around the world.

Thats possible because the jet is designed to fly at 60,000 feet, travelling faster than the speed of sound. In fact, it will fly at almost Mach 2 (thats almost twice the speed of sound), specifically at 2335 kilometres per hour.

Boom Supersonic recently raised $43 million in Series A funding for its project, including from investors like Virgin Galactic. However, construction of the XB-1 is expected to cost around $329 million, money which the company is expecting to recoup with very expensive tickets. Thats putting it lightly  the tickets will likely be priced at around $6,600 for one of the jets 45 seats, on 500 planned routes worldwide.

Make no mistake however, the XB-1 could be a game changer for businessmen around the world. Sure, the tickets are expensive, but time is money right? So if youre a high-powered executive with a substantial daily earning, the ticket price for a trip across the world that allows a same day return might actually turn out to be economical.

Commercial flights are set to happen soon after 2020. Time to start saving money and get ready to travel the world at a cruising air speed of Mach 2.2!
For decades, astronomers have been baffled by strange radio signals reaching Earth, supposedly from space. With a number of theorised origins, from an alien species to dying stars, scientists are now one step closer to pinpointing their cause.

The CSIRO Compact Array telescope first picked up the FRBs afterglow - CSIRO

Known as Fast Radio Bursts (FRB), these tiny fragments of energy have been picked up intermittently over the past few years, by radio telescopes around the world. According to scientists, these FRBs hold about the same amount of energy as the Sun generates over 10,000 years, and are capable of travelling across vast distances. The problem was, we were never sure of where these signals were coming from, despite intercepting over 20 bursts through the years.

The problem lay in the single-dish radio telescopes that were picking up these signals. Though capable of listening over a wide area, that also included signals originating from Earth.

Most famously, one team of Australian scientists claimed to have recorded an FRB in 1998, only to realise 17 years later that the signal they intercepted was from a lunch room microwave at the observatory.

However, new research from the Swinburne University of Technology now seems to confirm that these FRBs do originate from space. The Molonglo Telescope in Australia, has a huge collection area of 18,000 square metres, which the team discovered in 2013 had the unintended side effect of isolating and ignoring broadcasts originating from Earth. As such, the team has been combing through the telescopes data over the last four years (an average of 1,000 TB produced by the telescope each day) and attempting to correlate it to confirmed FRB intercepts.

The Molonglo Telescope - Swinburne University of Technology

The research seems to be sound, even confirming the latest FRB, which the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) pinned down as originating from a galaxy six billion light years away. The news is huge, considering scientists now know for sure that the radio bursts are not an anomaly, and can be certain theyre not signals from Earth that have been misinterpreted. Now, the team behind the discovery is working to pinpoint where exactly these FRBs came from.

Of course, no one can yet be sure just whats making the signals transmit. Crazy as it may seem, the theory that the signal is being broadcast by an alien race is not entirely impossible, though the amount of energy required to send the signal would be massive. Most researchers instead agree theyre caused by a star in its death throes.

Then again, maybe ET is just trying to phone home?
Germany has threatened to slap social media companies with huge fines if they do not act quickly enough to remove "hate speech" from their websites.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet on Wednesday approved a measure that would fine websites like Facebook and Twitter up to $55 million if they do not do enough to censor comments that violate German speech law.

"Hate crimes that are not effectively combatted and prosecuted pose a great danger to the peaceful cohesion of a free, open and democratic society," said Merkel's government in a statement.

Germany outright bans any speech that overtly promotes racism or insults a certain segment of the population. It also, due to its Nazi past, bans public Holocaust denial.

The draft legislation would require social media companies to remove any illegal speech within 24 hours of it being flagged by users. Other offensive content would need to be removed within seven days of being reported and reviewed.

The German Federation of Journalists blasted the move and said the legislation would make it "difficult to reconcile freedom of the press and opinion."

German Justice Minister Heiko Maas said the companies are responsible for policing and removing hateful content from their sites and that "there is no room for criminal incitement on social media."

"The internet affects the culture of debate and the atmosphere in our society. Verbal radicalization is often a preliminary stage to physical violence," he added.

The massive flow of refugees into Germany over the past two years has fueled a rise in negative online comments, alarming German authorities. In 2015, the social media companies agreed to step up policing of online hate speech, though Maas said they have not done enough.

Mass cited research that claims Twitter removes just one percent of the illegal content flagged by users within 24 hours, while Facebook removes 39 percent. Facebook rejected Mass's data, citing its own data that shows it removes about 65 percent of illegal content within a day.

German lawmaker Renate Kuenast called the fines "an invitation to not just erase real insults, but to wipe out almost everything for the sake of playing it safe."

The bill still needs to be approved by parliament.
T

April 05, 2017 "

Information Clearing House

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The Trump administration has indicated that it will increase its support for Saudi Arabias war against Yemens Houthi rebels. The Saudi-led war, which began two years ago, has achieved little beyond killing thousands, destroying much of Yemens infrastructure, empowering al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and pushing millions to the brink of famine. The war is being waged with few ethical constraints: Saudi Arabia has targeted

was attacked by an Apache helicopter. That attack killed 42 people.

The war has shown Saudi Arabias lavishly funded armed forces to be a paper tiger that is incapable of even defending the countrys southern border with Yemen. Now that the Saudis and their chief ally, the United Arab Emirates, have failed to defeat the Houthis, who are allied with much of the Yemeni Army, they want more support from Washington.

The excuse being given for increased U.S. involvement in an incredibly complex civil war is that the Houthis are controlled and armed by Iran. This is a narrative that has been in play for years despite little proof of consistent Iranian support for the Houthis and no proof that the Houthis follow Iranian orders.

Most recently, U.S. and international media have cited reports prepared by a UK-registered company called Conflict Armament Research (CAR). Their thin reports offer limited evidence of Iranian arms transfers and rely heavily on sources from within the armed forces of the United Arab Emirateshardly a disinterested party. CARs March 2016 report on purported small-arms shipments from Iran to Yemen included a map that showed the weapons shipments transiting southern Yemen. Yet southern Yemen is controlled by anti-Houthi forces and AQAP, not the Houthis.

The latest CAR report, which is also largely based on sources from within those forces opposing the Houthis, claims that Iranian-made drones are being smuggled via Oman to the Houthis and allied forces. The government of Oman has remained neutral throughout the conflict and has consistently backed a negotiated settlement to the war in Yemen. It is unlikely that Oman would allow Iranian-made drones to be shipped intoand then out ofthe country. Like its army, Omans intelligence services are highly capable.

While there is little doubt that Iran hasat timesprovided limited assistance to the Houthis, there remains scant evidence of a concerted effort by Iran to arm and fund the Houthis. It most certainly exercises no control over them. What these reports and most of the international media studiously ignore is the tremendous amount of light and heavy weaponry that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have sent and are continuing to send to Yemen, ostensibly to arm anti-Houthi militias. These weapons include everything from assault riflessome of which now cost less than 30 kilos of rice in Yemens thriving arms marketsto anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), which are being provided to what are in most cases poorly vetted militias.

The lines between anti-Houthi forces and AQAP are far from distinct. In what is a clear parallel with Syria , many of these militias have been infiltrated by al-Qaeda operatives. The largely southern-based militias backed by Saudi Arabia are often poorly trained and poorly paid, if they are paid at all. In contrast, AQAPs operatives are battle hardened, well-equipped, and well-paid. AQAPfar more than the Houthishas benefited from the influx of weapons to Yemen. AQAP is leveraging its access to weaponry along with the superior skills of its fighters to overtly and covertly infiltrate many of the forces that are fighting the Houthis. Over the past two years, they have made themselves indispensable in fiercely contested frontline areas like al-Bayda and Taiz.

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AQAPs fighters will play a role in the coming battle for the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. The port, which is controlled by the Houthis, is the lifeline for northwest Yemen. Yemen imports in excess of 90 percent of its food. Before the war, as much as 70 percent of Yemens imports passed through Hodeidah. Recognizing this, Saudi Arabia bombed the port and destroyed its cranes. Despite the bombing of the port and Saudi Arabias naval blockade, desperately needed humanitarian supplies and food continue to trickle in through the port.

Seizing the port of Hodeidah would allow Saudi Arabia to tighten its grip on the country by starving much of the population into submission. However, Saudi and Emirati forces are incapable of seizing the port on their own. They have tried and failed. They need the help of the U.S., and it looks like they will get it, perhaps in the form of limited numbers of American troops. With U.S. support, Saudi Arabia may well be able to capture Hodeidah. Yet the real question is: what comes next? In those parts of Yemen that Saudi and Emirati forces claim to have liberated, there is no real functioning government. In many areas, AQAP has filled the void.

What is certain is that the battle for Hodeidah will not be the end of the war in Yemen. It will be just the beginning of a new and far more deadly chapter for all involvedmost especially the thousands of Yemeni civilians who are watching their children slowly starve to death . The Houthis and the Yemeni Army units allied with them will fight on. Taking Hodeidah, which is likely to be a costly battle, will be easy compared with the long march up into Yemens rugged mountains and canyons, which favor defensive warfare.

Ironically, the Trump administrations narrow focus on checking Iran may well draw the U.S. further into a war in which the two beneficiaries are Iran and AQAP. Currently, Iran has little influence with the Houthis, who are distinctly Yemeni and deeply rooted in a very Yemeni socio-cultural context. However, that may change if the U.S. deepens its involvement in Yemen. Regardless, Iran can only be delighted by the fact that Saudi Arabia is mired in a conflict that is draining it of funds and has shown the very real limitations of its armed forces. The war in Yemenwhich is unpopular with much of the Saudi population and with some members of the Saudi royal familyalso threatens to sow discord in Saudi Arabia itself. This is truly frightening given the prospect of what kind of regime might replace the House of Saud.

AQAP, which has already been greatly aided by the war in Yemen, will also benefit from increased U.S. involvement. It will profit from the weakening of the HouthisAQAPs most formidable enemyand from the perception, which it will foster, that the U.S. is invading Yemen. The American drone campaign in Yemen already serves this purpose . AQAP acknowledges that the use of drones by the U.S. is its greatest recruitment tool. U.S. troops on the ground in Yemen, if it comes to that, will be an even greater boon to AQAPs recruitment efforts.

By doubling down on the deeply flawed policy put in place by the Obama administration, the Trump administration is serving the interests of AQAP and hardliners in Iran. Rather than aiding Saudi Arabia, the Trump administration should work toward a path that would enable Saudi Arabia to withdraw from Yemen while saving face. This might allow negotiations between Yemens warring parties to begin anew. Such a policy is far more likely to check AQAP and Iranian ambitions than increasing U.S. involvement in yet another costly war.
Media Goes Quiet as Russia Exposes US Lies at Security Council





Russia just called out the West for using the UN to promote regime change  but no one reported it



By Richard Brandt

Twitter was flooded with commentary about Nikki Haley's call to arms against Russia during the Security Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon. But no one bothered to report what Russia had to say.

Russia's deputy United Nations ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said that the West's "obsession with regime change is what hinders this Security Council."

He noted that for Washington and its partners, "everything is guided by regime change" and allegations that Assad used chemical weapons in an attack in Idlib province on Tuesday are based on "falsified reports from the White Helmets", an organization that has been "discredited long ago".

Can someone tell us what were these kids doing inside a secret Qaeda hideout dug deep inside a mountain?! Another cheap WH act! pic.twitter.com/brNKcX9zTm  Fares Shehabi (@ShehabiFares) April 4, 2017

He further added that "taking [the White Helmets] at face value is not professional and not serious."

Another angle of the "fire hose" location: Seems to be a #WhiteHelmets base, with hideouts dug into the rock pic.twitter.com/Vvl5bA12Q6  Ian Grant (@Gjoene) April 4, 2017

Safronkov pointed out that "the White Helmets are getting mixed up in their reports. Their versions keep changing. They speak of bombs from helicopters, then from planes".

Russia's Vladimir Safronkov exposes #WhiteHelmets , blasts imperialists, trashes report at UNSC. #SyriaGasAttack  Zain Mankani (@zainmankani) April 5, 2017

Russia's UN representative observed that in "photos and videos we see the White Helmets acting very unprofessionally. Their behavior is very relaxed in these extreme circumstances. All of this is clearly meant to provoke. All of this has been reflected in the resolution."

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Safronkov then asks the US, UK and France: "Did this event take place? Have you even checked what you wrote?"

Russia's representative finished by slamming the UK for blaming Russia for the deaths of children in Syria . He said that the UK "does nothing" for Syria except "submit drafts meant to provoke" and "pressure investigations" into reporting politically favorable results.

We can't find a single mainstream report that focuses solely on Safronkov's comments.

Apparently the media can't even identify who Safronkov is.

Here's how the geniuses at the Interpreter reported this  but misidentifying the person who was actually speaking. What's the difference? They're all Russians:

So far nothing RU ambassador Pyotr Ilichov is saying is true. This speech is just filled with conspiracy hashtags like Alex Jones's SEO  James Miller (@Millermena) April 5, 2017

There's something very wrong when the media won't even report the other side.
By Peter Hitchens

April 05, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Actually knowing something, remembering history or having experience of the world is becoming a disadvantage. How much easier it would be to join in with the flow of opinion about Syria, to listen happily to, and read contentedly, media reports on the subject.

As it is, I feel something close a physical pain as I do this.

Todays frenzy over alleged use of poison gas in Syria is the 2017 version of Anthony Blairs WMD in Iraq. Why can you not see it? Did you think they would do it in exactly the same way again? You are being assailed through your emotions, to act first and think long after, and far too late.

How *can* trained journalists (and experienced diplomats) be so lacking in the desire or ability to question what they are told? How come that they accept without hesitation reports which have not come from their own staff, but instead come from within terrifying war zones where gangs of fanatical murderers are the only law? One or two at least have the decency to refer to the new reports of gas attacks as suspected or alleged, but most present them as established fact. All the hallmarks means in such cases what? Though millions believe this has been proven, past accusations of gas use by Damascus have never been independently shown to be true.

Well, how can facts *be* independently established about such events? Not easily. Alas, that makes it appalling simple to make propaganda without ever facing serious checks .

The pressures on anyone communicating with western media from such places can only be imagined.

And then there is this simple point. Why would the Syrian government use gas at this stage in a war it has recently begun to win with conventional munitions? You dont have to believe that the Assad state is saintly to ask this question, and I dont believe that. Please see http://dailym.ai/2h1XZAv Carla del Ponte, for the UN, has in the past accused the *rebels* of gas use http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/10039672/UN-accuses-Syrian-rebels-of-chemical-weapons-use.html

Wicked and brutal they may well be, but they would have to be stupid and possibly mad to do such an thing, just as an important conference convenes in Brussels https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/news_corner/news/brussels-conference-supporting-future-syria-and-region-4-5-april-2017_en to discuss the future of Syria.

The military advantages would be tiny . Chemical weapons have not been widely used since the 1914-18 war not because soldiers have been especially tender, but because, though very nasty, they are not an especially effective weapon of war. In the 1939-45 war, many barbarous things were done , especially by largely lawless nations such as Germany and Japan, and indeed by the USSR. But gas was not used on the battlefield.

The political and diplomatic disadvantages would be huge. If Syria could be shown ( as it has not yet been) to have used gas to kill children, it would mean total diplomatic isolation, and renewed calls in Britain and the USA (which only a few days ago abandoned its aim of overthrowing Assad http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/us-assad-syria-ambassador-un-nikki-haley-a7659266.html ) to intervene against Assad.

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Well, here are some thoughts as to why this has happened now. This has come just as Russian policy in the area had begun to look successful. That would never do. Never underestimate the current desire in western foreign policy circles to increase hostility between Russia and the USA. It comes as Britains absurdly close and servile client relationship to the despotic and aggressive (ask a Yemeni) Saudi Regime is underlined by a visit to Riyadh by Theresa May. And it comes as Egypts tyrant General Sisi, who we are not allowed to call a military dictator, though he is, and whose forces gunned down hundreds of demonstrators in Cairo, visits Washington.
The Trump Administration Goes Neocon-crazy

By The Saker

April 05, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " The Saker " - Oh boy, that did not take long. As I wrote in February, the Neocons and the US deep state have completely neutered Trump . Just look at these two headlines from RT (and read the articles):

It crossed a lot of lines: Trump on alleged chemical gas attack in Syria

We are compelled to take own action if UN fails in Syria  US envoy

Frankly, I feel like saying QED  I rest my case and stop writing here. But I wont  this is too serious.

First, lets set the context. The Syrians gave up their chemical weapons three years ago (courtesy of Russia). The Syrians have also pretty much defeated the Anglo-Zionist-Wahabi aggression against their country (courtesy of Russia, again). There is a new (kind of) US Administration in power (some say that this was also courtesy of Russia) which appeared to have given up on overthrowing Assad . And right at this moment in time, in what is supposed to be a *pure coincidence*.

The Syrian forces used chemical weapons In a location filled with children and a lot of folks with cameras

How stupid do they think we are?

But, of course, its not about us. Its about Trump. And he, alas, is proving to be the overcooked noodle he has been since, well, pretty much day 1 and ever since: flaccid, confused and spineless. And yeah, he appears be stupid alright, especially so-called plan to defeat Daesh (more about that below).

And nevermind that Russian experts have been warning for along time that the good terrorists had chemical munitions . Nah! Who cares? besides, these are the same evil Russkies who have now been unmasked courtesy of a CIA report about foreign agents .

We all know that Anglo-Zionists are peace loving, shy and generally kind people. This is why we think of them as the Axis of Kindness. The only way to really force their hand and make them use their best military in the world is to show them dead children. Like in Kuwait, in Bosnia, in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and now Syria. That, and women raped for political reasons (Bosnia, Libya  soon in Syria I suppose). Good thing that the latest atrocity of the Syrian regime came in daylight and involved lots of horribly dying children!

Now the Americans will get to destroy the village to save it .

Except they wont.

There have been plenty of articles speculating about what the Trump plan for defeating ISIS/Daesh will be. I wont even bother listing them here. In plain English his plan is, how should I put it, not very complex:

Increase the number of US troops already present in Syria Offer the Kurds their own autonomous region in exchange for acting like cannon-fodder for Uncle Sam Liberate Raqqa as a tangible sign of success

In truth, there is nothing new here. Its is just a re-heated version of the very same plan Obama had (great minds think alike, and so do the not so great, apparently).

Can you see the problem with this plan?

Let me help here. Problem #1  no UNSC Resolution will back it. Neither will the Syrian government. But who cares, right? We already know that Nikki Haley thinks about that: once again the US will arrogantly violate international law under the pretext of being compelled to take action. Welcome back to Bosnia and Croatia! Its 1994 again! We now live in the era of the RTP  responsibility to protect. International Law, RIP. But that is only a minor problem. The real problem is simple:

Besides the Syrians themselves, the Russians, the Iranians and the Turks are categorically against such a plan. And these four countries just happen to represent the overwhelming military force in Syria, and all of them *already* have boots on the ground (and air defense systems). For Turkey especially, such a plan is a casus belli, they have said so many times. I am no big fan of Turkey or Erdogan (although I do like the Turkish people themselves), but I have to admit that should Trump go ahead with this goofy plan he will live no other choice then to chose between war or civil war. Mostly likely a combo of both.

Then there are the Kurds. Actually, in many ways I feel sorry for them and I admire them. But they have to realize the enormous dangers of accepting the US plan. First, that means that they will be the frontline cannon-fodder against Daesh which happens to be one of the best trained and experienced infantry force in the region. But worse, do the Kurds really commit the same historical mistake as the Albanian of Kosovo who have 100% linked their future with Camp Bondsteel and who will be instantly re-invaded by the Serbia as soon as NATO or the US leave (which they will, sooner or later, inevitably).

There is a reason why the US always supports minorities everywhere: because by accepting and relying on that support these minorities always become completely dependent upon the USA. That, in turn, means that the US can then use these minorities in any way they want or else. And, since sooner or later the Americans leaves, the or else inevitably and always happen.

I submit that it would be the height of folly for the Kurds to commit the same mistake. Yes, sure, they want their autonomy and/or their own country. But they have to realize that the only viable way to achieve either objective is by negotiations with their neighbors, not some ignorant US official who will forget about them as soon as he is done promising them the moon. I would remind the Kurd of a time-honored US tradition here: as soon as things get ugly, the Americans declare victory and leave.

That also means that the Kurds might have to settle for less than what they want. Politics is the art of the possible. But if the choice is some viable limited autonomy vs full independence followed by an inevitable war against Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria then I think that the former is the best possible outcome. But even if we assume that the Kurds decide to try the Kosovar option.

Iran is the number one military power on the ground. And Hezbollah. The Syrians are struggling, I will admit to that. But they are holding and making incremental efforts, some of their best units are actually pretty good. As for the skies over Syria  they are Russian.

So far, the Americans have not re-heated the no fly zone concept, but they might as well, since their entire plan is idiotic to the extreme. Besides, I simply cannot imagine US generals agreeing to deploy their forces in Syria without air cover (in case you did not know, the US solider cannot fight without air cover. He just wont. Its air cover for me or I dont fight). However, air cover for the US forces in Syria imply either a tacit agreement with the Russians and the Syrians, something like what the Israelis apparently have, or an immense risk for the USAF and USN aircraft. So we are back to negotiating with the Russians and via the Russians, with the Syrians.

In fact, I bet you that this is what the Americans are doing right now. Quietly negotiating with the Russians. Problem: the Neocons hate Russia and everything Russian. And they loathe Putin. So how does the State Department or the White House negotiate with the Russians while, at the very same time, Congress, the US media and the CIA are all engaging into a hysterical and paranoid hate-campaign against Russia?

So here is Trumps conundrum: he desperately needs the real enemies of Daesh  Russia, Iran and Syria  to agree to his plan but at the same time, he is too much of a whip to tackle the hate campaign against, well, Russia, Iran and Syria inside the United States.

The Neocons, apparently backed by the CIA and the Pentagon, want to go at it solo: just shoot up all of Syria OK Corral style and they seem to be convinced that they can somehow scare the Russians, the Iranians and the Syrian into submission. If so, then they are both stupid and ignorant. Or, there is even a worse possibility: the Neocons *know* that this plan will end up in disaster, but they want Trump to go to war anyway because that will destroy his presidency. That is almost elegant, in a perverted way.

What is sure is that you will never see a Neocon in frontline combat. Neither they nor their kids will die no matter what they do. Or so they think. This is one of the main reasons why these Neocons are the single biggest danger for the United States and the American people: they despise the real American people and they wont hesitate to sacrifice them, in large numbers if needed (9/11 anybody?).

This is why so many Americans voted for Trump and his promise to drain the swamp.

Alas, the swamp drained Trump and all is back to normal.

So what happens next? My fervent hope: nothing. Absolutely nothing. As long as the Americans are all talk and as long as they dont actually do anything, there could be real progress in Syria (Daesh is already loosing the war!). I hope that the Kurds will, you know, kinda, sort of, give it a try and then stop before things go critical. Should the Kurds really decide to fight for Uncle Sam, I hope that they will keep in mind that the US will dump them as soon as Raqqa is liberated simply because really creating some kind of autonomy for the Kurds against the will of Syria, Iran and, most importantly, Turkey could result in Erdogan really slamming the door on NATO and Turkey leaving the alliance. Should that happen the only option left for Turkey would be some kind of understanding, and maybe even alliance, with Russia and Iran. The various domino effect scenarios are almost infinite and nothing is really impossible.

Right now the Americans are still sort of busy liberating Mosul. I suppose if they stay at it long enough they will eventually succeed, at least for a while. I dont see them really controlling the city for very long. They might build a US consular fortress like in Bagdad or Kabul, but that will not mean that they control the city. If they intend to liberate Raqqa as long as they took to liberate Mosul then this can continue for a long, long while.

There is a scarier possibility: the US begins its operation in Syria, runs into problems, and then begins the endless cycle of escalations and doubling-down. Sooner or later, that means clashing with the Russians and that could turn ugly very fast. A direct clash with Iran with equally unpredictable consequences. If that happens, a lot of Americans will die.

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Assuming that there still is somebody rational and sane left in the Trump administration with enough influence, then all this madness can still be stopped. There is also the very real possibility that the current fight inside the US elites will drain so much energy that nobody will really have to time and energy to engage in very risky foreign military operations. And if all else fails, maybe somebody will suggest to Trump that a unilateral military intervention in Syria is pure folly and will cost him his presidency. Maybe this is an argument which he will understand.

2018 will be a very tough year. I dont think that there is any hope left for a real change in US policies and I am afraid that we are going to have to learn how to live with some kind of Obama 2.0 or some other form of neo-neoconism.

It felt really good to hope for a while. Now we have to accept that our hopes never materialized and resume the struggle.

The Saker

PS: I just learned that, just as I had predicted, Bannon has been removed from the US National Security Council. See for yourself: https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-04-05/bannon-removed-from-national-security-council-role-in-shakeup . Now the coup against Trump is fully completed. And Bloomberg celebrates Intelligence director, Joint Chiefs chairman elevated. Yeah, no kidding! Its over folks, the Neocons have totally crushed Trump. And he did not even given them a halfway decent fight

Commentary Mag is already celebrating: https://www.commentarymagazine.com/politics-ideas/step-toward-rational-national-security-council/ like its Purim all over again.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it has arrested members of a syndicate of fraudsters made up of four Nigerians and one Nigerien that specialises in duping innocent persons of their hard-earned money.

The EFCC in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, on Wednesday, identified the suspects as Salisu Rabiu, otherwise known as Maimagani; Ibrahim Idris, alias Dankano; Magaji Musa (Nigerien), who goes by the nickname Maishayi; Haruna Abdullahi, a.k.a Balogun; and Abubakar Umar, a.k.a Fulani.

The commission stated that the suspects were arrested in a bush along Sabon Gari, Kurmin Kogi, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A search of their hideout, which is suspected to be a kidnappers den, led to the startling discovery of a sum of $570,000 and some charms, the commission said.

According to the EFCC, the suspects met their waterloo when they conspired among themselves to lure an unsuspecting victim into believing that some unclaimed boxes, containing huge amount of dollars, were kept with some herdsmen believed to be accomplices by an unidentified politician.

It stated that doubtful of the story, the would-be victim contacted the commission.

The operatives of the anti-graft agency, upon receipt of the intelligence, swung into action and arrested the gang members in their hideouts.

The commission wishes to use this opportunity to warn members of the public to be wary of any get-rich-quick offer in order not to be a victim of scam.

However, those who had fallen victim to the nefarious activities of this syndicate are enjoined to report to the commissions office located at 4 Wurno Road, Kaduna State, the EFCC said.

Source: (Punch Newspaper )
Two Koreans are suing the Korean and Chinese governments for physical and mental damage they suffered due to increasing instances of toxic haze from China.

Environmentalist Choi Yu of the Korea Green Foundation, and attorney Ahn Kyung-jae filed the lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday seeking W21 million in compensation (US$1=W1,126).

"As a member of the international community, China has the obligation to control pollutants at an acceptable level," the plaintiffs said.
An angry set of youths in Bosso and Paiko federal constituencies of Niger State took to the streets to beat up their Representative, Salihu Adamu, into coma.

According to reports, It was gathered that the federal lawmaker was initially rushed to a private hospital, following the injuries he sustained in the attack.

Adamu was later transferred to another hospital in Kaduna for further treatment.

Our source revealed that the lawmakers vehicle was damaged by the angry youths.

It was learnt that some sympathisers called the police when the youths were attacking the lawmaker.

Policemen who swooped on the area saved the politician from being lynched.

Adamu had driven into one of the villages in his constituency for a political meeting when he was attacked.

It was gathered that the youths accused the politician of not attending political meetings since he was elected about two years ago.

A source told our correspondent that the youths told the lawmaker to leave the venue of the meeting, saying they would attack him if he did not.

One of the youths slapped him while another hit him in the stomach. This made him to fall. It later became a free-for-all as every youth there tried to beat him, a source said.

When contacted, the state Police Command Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident.

It was a politically motivated attack, Elkana said, adding that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The police spokesman also confirmed that the legislator was admitted to a private hospital in Minna before being moved to Kaduna.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
50 Nigerians were deported back into the country on Thursday from eight European countries for committing immigration-related offences.

The Nigerians were deported variously from Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Hungary.

Their deportation is coming barely 48 hours after another set of 40 Nigerians were deported by the Italian government, for similar reasons.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the fresh batch of deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos at about 7.36 a.m.

The deportees, comprising of 48 males and two females, were brought back in a chartered Privileged Time aircraft, with registration number EC-L20.

The spokesman of the Lagos Airport Police Command, DSP Joseph Alabi, confirmed the development to NAN.

Alabi said: This morning, we received 50 Nigerians who were brought back from Europe.

We had three males from Switzerland; from Germany, we had seven males; from Sweden, we had four males, from Luxembourg, we had six males; from Austria, we had 18, comprising of 17 males and one female.

From Belgium, we had only one female; from Spain, we had five males and finally from Hungary, we had six males, which makes it a total of 50, he said.

Alabi said all the deportees were alleged to have committed immigration-related offences in their host countries.

He said the deportees were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Police.

Also on ground to receive them were officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

NAN gathered that the deportees were allowed to depart to their various destinations after the authorities had profiled them.

(NAN)
Residents of Kubwa, a town in Abuja, have expressed their grievances over the payment of N500 charged at a government centre for meningitis vaccine.

Residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that they could not understand the reason for the fee when the Federal Government had announced that the immunisation was free.

NAN reports that the vaccination was being conducted by a woman suspected to be working for an NGO at the Government Secondary School, Kubwa, in Bwari Area Council of the FCT.

Tony Isibon, a resident who was at the venue, told NAN that because of the fear of the meningitis outbreak, his family had no choice than to pay and receive the vaccine.

The vaccination here is N500 per person. I do not know if it is from government or a private organisation, but they collect N500 per person. We just met people paying N500 and we joined.

Since this is the only centre in Kubwa, and the threat of meningitis is real, people are paying the N500.

There is only one official here; she is the person giving the injection and also the person collecting the money, he said.

Sure they receive N500 from each child and adult; each pay N500 to get the vaccine, a woman, Margaret Gonga, also told NAN.

I brought six children and I had to pay N3,000; we do not mind paying the money as long as we get vaccinated, that is what is important to us, another resident, who simply identified herself as Mrs Benson, told NAN.

The meningitis and the heat is so much that we do not have any option other than to pay and be vaccinated, she said.

Another resident, Humphrey Anaeme, said: They say that this is an NGO. If it is true; let them put their banner so that people will know they are registered to carry out this exercise.

Mr. Anaemem said it was unfair of anyone to use a calamity to make money from people when the government had made it free for citizens.

The question that everyone is asking is: what is the name of the organisation? Where is their banner? How can we know they are legitimate when they are charging N500 and government says it is free?

He expressed fear that vaccinators might be taking advantage of the situation to administer fake drugs that could endanger peoples lives.

The woman administering the vaccine, who declined to give her name, told NAN that she was working for the Maladitrace Foundation, an NGO.

Actually this is Maladitrace Foundation, it is an NGO. Since there is an outbreak in the FCT, our NGO saw the need to curtail the outbreak by making these vaccines available at a cheaper rate to the people.

The one the government actually brought has finished; they started two weeks ago and they have ended the exercise, she said.

Reacting to the development, Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, told NAN that the agency was not aware of individuals or organisations collecting money for CSM vaccination in the territory.

Mr. Mohammed said the agency had since exhausted its stock of CSM vaccines made available to it by donor agencies for the exercise.

He did not say if the agency would investigate the report to ascertain the vaccine and its source as well as the rationale behind the charge.

(NAN)
The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere has commended Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, for introducing incentives to improve education in the state.The Secretary General of the group, Sehinde Arogbofa, made the commendation yesterday in a statement in Akure.

According to him, Fayoses feat was evident in the brilliant performance of the students, who are currently representing the country at an international schools debate competition in Singapore.

Arogbofa stressed that the governors incentive made it possible for Ekiti State to be selected by the presidency to represent the country at the debate, which had four secondary school students from the state representing Nigeria.

He listed other feats recorded by the Fayoses administration as producing the best student in the Genius Illumina International Competition, first position in the National Junior Water Price Competition in Sokoto State and in the 2016 edition of Inter-State Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN)s National Quiz Competition.

Others are overall best student in the 2016 STAN, the Junior Engineers Technologists and Scientists (JETS), Inter-State Science Quiz Competition, the ANCOPPS South West Debate Competition and the best in the March 2017 Young Nigerian Scientist Presidential Award held in Abuja.

Meanwhile, former Governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi has sued the state House of Assembly for issuing a warrant of arrest against him.

He urged a Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, in a suit filed by his counsel, Rafiu Balogun, to set aside the warrant of arrest and pay him N500m for the embarrassment caused him by the action.

Fayemi, who is Minister of Solid Minerals, was alleged to have misappropriated N852millio belonging to the states Universal Basic Education (SUBEB).The lawmakers also accused Fayemi of fraud in the award of contracts during his administration from 2010 to 2014.

However, Fayemi held that the assembly did not raise a panel of inquiry to investigate him before finding him guilty, adding that he gave the assembly a comprehensive handover note before his appointment as a minister.

Source: Guardian
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Most Rev. Oliver Doeme, has revealed that no fewer than 500 Catholics were killed by Boko Haram members in Borno State while 25 reverend fathers and 40 reverend sisters were also rendered homeless.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the cleric lamented that 250 Catholic churches were set ablaze by the Boko Haram militants in 2014 alone in the North-East.

Doeme, who described the birth of Boko Haram as an offshoot of corruption in the country, noted that 80,000 Catholics were displaced by the sect members, while 64,000 fled into Cameroon.

Doeme added that over 50 Catholic catechists were displaced in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.

While lauding the current government for its successes in the ongoing war against terrorism, the cleric also hailed the military in its war against the insurgents.

The battle against Boko Haram should not be limited to the physical realm but it needs to be fought in the spiritual realm for it is a demonic attack, he stated.

He called on Christian bodies to be engaged in the rebuilding plan of the North-East.

The cleric added, If the churches have been part of assisting the victims of the insurgency, they should equally be involved in the rebuilding plan.

Source: Dailypost
Forty-four members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), will know their fate on April 25, 2017, after a Magistrate Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State fixed the date for ruling on the three count charges of conspiracy, breach of public peace and unlawful gathering.

The detained IPOB members were arrested while holding a meeting, by men of the Joint Military Task Force Code named Operation Delta Safe, in October 2016 in Yenagoa.

They were handed over to the Police for prosecution.

During yesterdays hearing at Magistrate Court 5, the Counsel to the arrested IPOB members, Barrister Kingsley Nwosu, presented a no-case submission before the court.

He described the arrest and trial of the IPOB members, as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and violate the fundamental rights of people to freedom of association.

Nwosu also stated that the Nigeria Police had failed to produce credible witnesses, to substantiate the three count charges against the IPOB members.

The Presiding Magistrate, Magistrate Umukoro, however, adjourned ruling till April 25, 2017.

Source: Dailypost
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former governor of Niger State, Aliyu Babangida, over N5 billion alleged fraud perpetuated under his administration.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesman for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, told journalists in Abuja: We invited former Governor Aliyu Babangida to our office on Tuesday and he has been in our custody since then.

He was invited following an investigation into a scam involving about N5billion.

The incumbent Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, as well as the members of the Niger State House of Assembly, had called for a probe of Aliyus administration which they described as fraudulent.

Bello said there were several questionable transactions the former administration must account for and such transactions were discovered by the financial management committee set up by his administration.

Bello had lamented that one of such discrepancies was discovered in the state and local government joint account where a massive fraud was allegedly perpetrated.

Source: Dailypost
The immediate past Governor of Niger State,Babangida Aliyu has arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC ) over an alleged scam involving N5bn.

It was learnt that Aliyu, who served between 2007 and 2015, was arrested by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday after he was invited by the commission.

The suspect was, however, detained after interrogation, pending further investigation.

A source at the EFCC said, We invited former Governor Aliyu to our office on Tuesday and he has been in our custody since then.

He was invited following an investigation into a scam involving about N5bn.

When contacted on the telephone, the spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that Aliyu was in the custody of the commission but failed to give more details.

The former governor was invited by the commission and he is still in our custody, Uwujaren said.

It will be recalled that the current Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, as well as the members of the Niger State House of Assembly, had called for a probe of Aliyus administration which they described as fraudulent.

Bello said there were several questionable transactions the former administration must account for.

The discrepancies, according to him, were discovered by the financial management committee set up by his administration, lamenting that one of such discrepancies was discovered in the state and local government joint account where a massive fraud was allegedly perpetrated.

Bello said, We instituted a financial management committee to look at all major financial transactions of the state and local governments from May 2007 to May 2015. The committee has made substantial progress and the findings are quite revealing.

A review of the operations of some of the major bank accounts of the state and the Local Government Joint Accounts Allocation Committee over the last eight years revealed some despicable patterns such as huge cash withdrawals by government officials, private individuals and PDP officials and members.

For example, an examination of only two bank accounts of Government House shows more than N70bn cash withdrawals by a few officials who must explain the purpose for which the withdrawals were made. The operation of the joint account was characterised by diversions and a misapplication of huge funds especially those paid for Ward Development Projects and 10km roads projects.

For instance, out of the total sum of over N11bn paid to the accounts of Ward Development Projects, the relevant officials of the ministry of local government could not account for N2.86bn, while N613m was spent on ghost vehicles and N675.50m was said to be lent to Ministry of Finance where the funds cannot be traced.
The Federal government has expressed the challenges faced with the outbreak of meningitis outbreak across several states in the country

The government listed some of the challenges to include extremely expensive drugs, new strain of bacteria and short shelf life of the drugs usable to treat the strange strain of the microorganism causing the disease.

The Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, who gave the governments stance, said there have been 2,996 cases of the disease in 16 states and 54 local governments across the country.

Mr. Ehanire said 336 people are believed to have died from the disease, and 141 of such have been confirmed by laboratory tests. Majority of the other dead victims are believed to have been buried before the cause of death could be clinically verified.

While addressing journalists after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, in Abuja, Mr. Ehanire said there has been a robust response by his ministry and the governments of the states concerned along with the Nigerian Center for Disease Control, NCDC; Nigeria Primary Health Care Development Agency; World Health Organisation; UNICEF; and other partners since the outbreak.

He said the challenge with the current outbreak was that it is caused by a new strain of bacteria, Type C, different from the well-known Type A strain.

This country before suffers meningitis around this time of year when dry season is turning to raining season; in the area called the meningitis belt that ranges all the way from Senegal down to Ethiopia, Eritrea. And the prevailing germ was the Meningococcus A, he said.

He said mass vaccination over the years against the Type A virus had led to almost total elimination of the disease.

Mr. Ehanire said the Type C has been very rare and immunisation for one type does not work for the other.

Unfortunately, there is no cross immunisation. If you are immune to Type A doesnt make you immune to Type C. And because Type C was very rare, the availability of vaccines has been very meagre relatively, he said.

The minister said so far, the country has mobilised vaccines to come in from all corners; 500,000 units doses of vaccines are being distributed and they have started vaccination campaign already.

He also said Nigeria is getting additional 826,000 units which will be shipped from Europe within the next few days.

Mr. Ehanire said, The most affected states have been Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina and together they have about 85 per cent of the cases.

He said there is reactive vaccination going on already in the affected states.

There are two treatment centres being set up in every local government and lumber puncture kits have been distributed so that doctors can take samples to laboratory for testing.

There are field epidemiologists who are doing findings and contact tracing in other to interrupt the spread of this epidemic, he said

Vaccines are very expensive

The minister said the vaccines are extremely expensive to make and if acquired and stored without using, they may expire.

So, companies make the vaccines on request and on demand and they store just as much as they calculate will be used.

So, the Type C was not very much in demand; but right now, this present epidemic has led to a big demand, he said.

Mr. Ehanire said the 826,000 doses being shipped to Nigeria was given to the country free of charge, while the ministry has placed an order for additional two million doses.

As the situation goes on we will be able to determine if we need to increase the order or if this one will be sufficient.

You dont want to order more than you need because they all have limited life span, but on the other hand you need to have more of these vaccines to be able to take care of the epidemic.

Right now, it seems there is control going on, it is beginning to decrease in Sokoto State and Zamfara is still trying to even out and we hope that with the reactive vaccinations going on we shall be able to bring the epidemic to a gradual halt, he said.

Reacting to the assertion by the Governor of Zamfara State that God decided to punish Nigerians with Type C meningitis because of their sins, Mr. Ehanire said the federal government does not have views of that nature and I am not sure the state government can really continue to make that statement.

When things happen, yes you can begin to look this way and that way for the cause of it; but like I said nature played us an unfortunate stroke but that is not to say we committed sin or anything. It does happen that things occur out of the blues, he said.

Source: ( Premium Times )
All progressives Congress chieftain and former Minister of the F.C.T, Gov. Nasir El Rufai has revealed that age factor has been telling on his leadership as governor.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, has described himself as being too old to be governor.

Speaking in Kaduna on the need to reform the State Civil Service, El-Rufai emphasised on the need for young and experienced Nigerians to govern states in the country.

The governor insisted that giving the younger generation opportunity to lead the country was the right way to go.

Public service is for young people. Im too old to be a governor. I should have been a governor when I was 40-something.

Thats the right age because you are active, you have experience, you can put in long hours. I know how many hours I could put in when I was the minister of FCT, I cant do that now.

We just have to find a way to give way to the younger generation and, in Kaduna, we are working on that.

The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, noted that his government was looking to reform the states civil service to enhance service delivery.

According to the governor, ageing workers would be eased out and replaced with younger, tech-savvy workforce.

If we dont do that, we will not have a modern civil service and ICT-compliant public service, he said.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will build a new visual landmark at the entrance to the capital from Incheon International Airport reminiscent of the famous Hollywood sign.

At present, there are signs that read "Seoul Welcomes You" at three major entryways into the capital. They were put up in 2011 but criticized for lacking both aesthetic appeal and punch.

The new visual structure will consist of the capital letters SEOUL and shamelessly copies the Hollywood sign in the Los Angeles hills set up in 1923 and designated as a cultural landmark in 1973.

The Hollywood sign stands 13.7 m tall and is 106.7 m long. The Seoul letters will stand 15 m tall and stretch for around 100 m. The most likely location is along the riverside expressway in Mapo.

Ahn Kyu-cheol an adviser to the city government in charge of the project, said, "There were suggestions to create a different structure like the 'Haechi' or mythical animal representing Seoul's cultural heritage and tradition, but we decided to go with the English sign due to uncertainties over which symbol people would agree on."

The sign will be completed by October at a cost of W1 billion (US$=W1,126).
The home of the North West Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Inuwa Abdulkadir,was destroyed on Wednesday by the State Government. According to Imuwa, he said he was not surprised by the demolition of his residence in Kaduna allegedly on the orders of Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai.

Mr. Abdulkadir told the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] in a telephone interview that the governor had sometimes back threatened to take such action against him.

The APC chieftain said the governor had made the threat in the presence of six other governors from the North West.

I am not surprised by his action, it is a political vendetta. But I will not make further comment because the case is already in court.

NAN reports that officials of the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority [KASUPDA] backed by the police demolished the four-bedroom duplex on Wednesday.

The officials had claimed there was no official permit for the erection of the building.

NAN reports that Mr. Abdulkadir and Mr. El-Rufai had been having running battle over the internal crisis in the state chapter of the APC.

The North West office of the party had quashed the suspension of Shehu Sani, a senator, and asked officials of the party loyal to Mr. El-Rufai to abide by the directive.

The Special Adviser on media and communication to the governor, Muyiwa Adekeye, declined comment on the matter.

He said that only KASUPDA could respond appropriately on the propriety of its action.

[NAN]
For committing some really grievous crimes in Lagos, two men have been made to serve the ultimate punishment.

The Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on Wednesday sentenced two men  Etenbom Udoh and David Udoh  to death for armed robbery, NAN reports.

Both men, who are not of the same family, were also sentenced to 21 years imprisonment each for kidnapping.

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, who handed down the verdict, also sentenced a 30-year-old woman, Eno Victor, to 21-year imprisonment for kidnapping.

However, Eno, was acquitted of armed robbery charge after Justice Ipaye found no evidence linking her to the crime.

The trio was arraigned on July 31, 2013 on a three-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and armed robbery, which they denied.

While sentencing the convicts, Justice Ipaye said the stiff punishments should send a signal to criminals in Lagos that there would be zero tolerance for such heinous crimes.

The first, second and third defendants were all part of a criminal enterprise, instead of choosing a honest living, they chose a path of extreme violence, leaving a trail of grief and pain in their wake, the judge said.

It also came to the notice of this court during the trial that the defendants were serial offenders specialising in kidnapping.

Eno Victor, Etenbom Udoh and David Udoh are hereby found guilty of kidnapping.

They are sentenced to 21 years in prison for the charge which is contrary to Section 269 (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011.

Etenbom Udoh and David Udoh are found guilty of armed robbery contrary to Section 295 (2) (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011.

You are both to be hung by the neck till you are dead, may the Lord have mercy on your souls.
Being Live-in lovers appears to be sight not to be accepted in Katsina state. Two adult love birds chose to live together but the community believes its a taboo!

Katsina State residents attacked male and female National Youth Service Corpers with machetes.

Ikenna Adol Madu, another corper explained that the cohabitation between the victims angered their neighbours who considered as people offending Allah.

There were deep cuts on the head of the male victim, while the female had her thumb severed from her hand.

This action has generated widespread criticism from NYSC members who condemned the behavior of the residents.

Neither the NYSC state coordinator nor the state government has issued a statement on the matter.
The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF)has donated 1,000 doses of drugs to the Federal Capital Territory Primary Health Care Development Board for the treatment of Cerebrospinal Meningitis currently ravaging certain parts of the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.

He explained that the drugs had been distributed to all general hospitals and teaching hospital in the territory.

According to him, the World Health Organisation also donated three stereotyping machines to carry out screening for CSM in FCT.

He told NAN that those machines were distributed to Maitama General Hospital, Jabi Medical Centre and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

The secretary urged people living in Abuja to desist from self medication and report when they notice any sign of meningitis to the nearest hospitals.

Mohammed said that so far, six persons had died out of 10 suspected cases recorded in Abuja Municipality, Bwari and Kuje area councils.

He said he had exhausted the vaccines given to FCT but awaiting additional stocks from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for the continuation of immunisation against meningitis.

He said his board had carried out immunisation in all the 22 Internally Displaced Persons camps in Abuja because of their vulnerability to the disease.

The secretary enjoined residents of FCT not to panic, saying that the government was committed to tackling the spread of CSM in Abuja.

(NAN)
The Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command, in the Apapa axis of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Daniel Ikoli, has allegedly committed suicude in his residence in the Apapa area.

It was learnt that a service pistol, expended and live ammunition, were recovered at the scene by police detectives who visited the residence.

It was gathered that he lived with his house boy. His wife stays in Abuja, while his children are schooling abroad.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the commander, a member of the presidential committee investigating the $15bn arms deal, left his office on Tuesday around 1pm, on the grounds that he was ill.

Around 5am on Wednesday, the house boy reportedly heard a gunshot from his room. On getting to the spot, he found him dead and raised the alarm.

A source close to Okoli disclosed to our correspondent that he had been managing depression and an ailment for some time, adding that it was not impossible that he committed suicide.

The source, however, did not disclose the nature of the ailment.

He said, He was Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, and was later appointed into the presidential committee that probed the arms deal. He was very lively and intelligent.

But for some time now, he had been battling an illness and had lost weight. He had also become reserved lately, which was unlike him. He usually complained about the high dollar rate and unavailability of foreign exchange because he had children studying abroad.

He left the office on Tuesday afternoon after complaining that he was not feeling fine. I was shocked this morning when I learnt he shot himself.

Another source stated that bullets hit Okoli on the chest and he bled to death, adding that three expended bullets were found in his apartment.

He said, The house boy said he heard a gunshot and was alarmed. He later went into Okolis room and found him in a pool of blood. His wife is in Abuja and his children school abroad. His aides usually leave after taking him home from office.

Three bullets were seen in the room. No one can really tell what happened.

He was a nice and intelligent officer. He was the one who spearheaded the renovations of BEECROFT when he was the commander.

However, an officer, who claimed to have worked with the commander, said he usually expressed worries about the possibility of assassins going after him as a result of his membership of the presidential committee.

A competent source disclosed to PUNCH Metro that 17 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and three expended shells were recovered at the scene.

A CZ 999 Scorpion Pistol, B/no. 17111 was also found. No suicide note was found. His corpse has been deposited in the Nigeria Navy Reference Hospital, the source added.

The spokesperson for the Western Naval Command, Lieutenant Commander Chinwe Umar, said in a statement tagged, Domestic Accident Involving a Naval Officer, that the cause of Ikolis death had yet to be known, adding that the police had commenced investigation into the case.

It said, In the early hours of Wednesday, April 5, 2017, gunshots were heard in the vicinity where Rear Admiral Teikumo Daniel Ikoli resided in Apapa, Lagos. When his room was opened, he was found dead.

Police have been invited and investigation is ongoing. When the situation is clearer, an update will be given.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said investigation had commenced, adding that the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

He said, We are investigating the incident to get a clearer picture. Either murder or suicide, we sympathise with the Nigerian Navy as we carry out investigations into the incident.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu yesterday said that the electoral umpire has not changed its proposed April date for the commencement of its Continuous Voter Registration.

Yakubu said that arrangements were on to ensure the exercise took off smoothly as scheduled.

Yakubu who was addressing newsmen in Abuja, said that the exercise would be held throughout the 774 Local Government Areas of the country.

He said, No date has been fixed yet because we are going to consult again with the Resident Electoral Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries to sort out two things.

The venues and the numbers of machines we are going to use.

We said April and I assure you that it will be done in April at local government level; but no specific date, this will be announced.

And once we start, it is continuous; it would not end at our local governments.

It will continue beyond the general elections.

He further advised Nigerians who are 18 years and above to take advantage of the opportunity and not disenfranchise themselves.

He also advised registered voters, who were yet to collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, to visit the commissions offices where they registered to obtain them.

Source: Dailypost
Ambassador of North Korea to Moscow has sent warning to Donald Trump, he said North Korea is ready to deliver the most ruthless blow if provoked by the United States.

He made this statement

after President Donald Trump pledged to keep building up defences against Pyongyang.

Our army has already said that if there will be even the smallest provocation from the United States during exercises, we are ready to deliver the most ruthless blow, Interfax news agency quoted ambassador Kim Hyong-Jun as saying.

We have the readiness and ability to counter any challenge from the US, he was quoted as saying.

Trump on Wednesday pledged to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that the US would continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities, a day after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

North Koreas foreign ministry on Monday assailed Washington for its tough talk and for an ongoing joint military exercise with South Korea and Japan which Pyongyang sees as a dress rehearsal for invasion.

The reckless actions are driving the tense situation on the Korean peninsula to the brink of a war, a ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by the official KCNA news agency.

The idea that the US could deprive Pyongyang of its nuclear deterrent through sanctions is the wildest dream, it said.

The US military said Tuesday that nuclear-armed North Korea had fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan but that it did not represent a threat to North America.

Pyongyang is on a quest to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead and has so far staged five nuclear tests, two of them last year.

AFP
Three people sustained gunshot injuries while a 52-year-old trader, idetified as Mrs. Kudirat Adebayo was killed.

The protesters had dumped the cpse of the deceased at the Olosan Police Station on Tuesday when the policemen allegedly shot and fired tear gas at the crowd.

Reports had it that in the melee, many residents were injured, while three people sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to different hospitals for treatment.

It wss gathered lthat three policemen alleged to have been involved in the killing of Adebayo had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.

Our correspondent gathered that some policemen attached to the Olosan division had on Tuesday trailed a suspected fraudster to the Tollgate area of Mushin.

The suspect was said to have resisted arrest and mobilised his friends, who attacked the cops. The policemen reportedly called for reinforcement from the division.

The new police team deployed in the scene was said to have opened fire to disperse the attackers.

However, a stray bullet allegedly hit the victim in the head while she prepared to fry yam cake (ojojo) for her customers around 6pm.

The mother of two was said to have slumped and died.

When our correspondent visited the scene on Wednesday, thick bloodstains were observed where Adebayo breathed her last.

Grated yam flour, groundnut oil, and other items of her trade, were still in the place she left them, as a crowd of sympathisers called for justice.

It was learnt that the corpse had been deposited in the Mainland Mortuary, Yaba.

Her sister, Adenike Fatai, identified the policemen involved in the killing as Charles and Prince.

She said, Some policemen on motorcycles trailed a man to Tollgate. They accused him of being a yahoo boy. They wanted to arrest him, but the man put up a fight against them.

They called for reinforcement and that was how their colleagues came in a patrol van and started shooting indiscriminately. They fired more than 20 bullets. My sister, who was about to fry ojojo, was hit by a bullet. She fell and died.

A motorcycle rider went to challenge Prince, telling him a woman had been hit by their bullet. Prince shot him as well in the leg. The policemen were six in number.

Our correspondent, who went round the community, saw expended bullets on the floor.

Fatai claimed that when the police opened fire on the protesters at the police station, many people were injured, including a boy who was beside a filling station.

The police were asking us why we would bring a corpse to the station. They shot and used tear gas on us. The police must bring the killers of my sister to justice, she added.

Our correspondent learnt that the deceased, whose husband died some years ago, was survived by two children.

A worker with the National Railway Corporation, Babajide Idowu, lamented that policemen stationed at the Tollgate area to maintain law and order were fond of extorting motorcyclists.

The woman they killed was like a mother to me. My post is beside where she sold ojojo. I am in shock. It could have been me, he added.

A police source said three cops had already been arrested in connection with the incident.

He said, From investigations, those policemen were on official duty. They saw a suspect carrying a black nylon bag. Immediately the suspect sighted them, he passed the bag to another person, who quickly fled the scene. Nobody knew if it was a gun or a bomb that was in the bag.

The motor bike policemen, who attempted to arrest the suspect, were attacked by a mob with bottles, stones and petrol.

Those policemen then called for reinforcement. The new team tried to disperse the mob by shooting into the air.

By the time they got back to the division, the mob came to attack them again, bringing a woman whom they claimed was shot dead by the police.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said investigations were ongoing, adding that some of the policemen had been arrested

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
President Jacob Zuma sacked Jonas on March 30 together with finance minister Pravin Gordhan.

The two had enjoyed the confidence of investors, and their sacking sent the rand into free fall. The rating agency Standard and Poors downgraded South Africas sovereign credit rating to junk status.

Zumas move sparked calls for him to step down and threatened to split the ANC.

But the party rallied behind the president again on Wednesday, with ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe saying the party accepted that Zuma had fired Gordhan because the relationship between the two had broken down.

NAN
Popular Nigerian Fuji artiste, Adewale Ayuba, is set to present to the University of Lagos with a music museum.

Ayuba, an alumnus of the institution, said that the gesture would enable him to contribute to the growth of the school.

He said this on Monday during a courtesy visit to the management of the institution.

Speaking at the occasion, the chairman, Unilag Alumni, Lagos branch, Dr. Lukumon Adeoti, said there was the need for alumni to develop the university so that it could be ranked with top-notch international universities.

Adeoti, an associate professor with the Department of Geophysics, UNILAG, said the alumni had been engaging members to invest in the academic and infrastructural development of the school.

Commending Ayuba, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Rahmon Bello, noted that in the ranking of higher institutions of learning, the research inputs and makeup of the universitys academia that were trained in different universities in the entire world is often ignored.

Noting that alumni were important catalysts in the development of universities, Bello said the music museum would be utilised for the benefits of lecturers, students and other visiting scholars to the university.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Cuba has agreed to a visit by a United Nations human rights investigator for the first time in decade, inviting an expert on human trafficking this month, a UN statement said on Thursday.

Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, UN special rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, will visit the Caribbean island nation from April 10-14, making stops in Havana, Matanzas and Artemisa.

"Her visit will be the first to the country in 10 years by an independent expert of the U.N. Human Rights Council," the statement said.

Authorities in communist-run Cuba have long resisted what they regard as external interference in their human rights record.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama initiated secret negotiations leading to normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations in 2015 after decades of enmity.
A businesswoman, Mrs. Afolasade Agbolahan, has called on the Lagos State Police Command to investigate and bring the killers of her son, Abdulazeez to book.

She lamented that the police had given up on the case, adding that her sons killers, who were known to the police, were walking free.



Reports gathered that the 25-year-old was celebrating his birthday on February 3, 2017, with some friends at the Kuramo Beach on the Lagos Island area of Lagos State, when a gang of hoodlums stormed the venue.

They were said to have abducted the victim, while everyone fled the scene.

Our correspondent gathered that the friends, who reported the case to the police at the Akodo division, were detained.

About three days after the incident, the mutilated corpse of the victim was said to have been recovered at the beach.

His mother said he was hacked with a cutlass, while all his joints were broken.

She said, My son was a welder with a construction company and he lived in Magbon for over two years. On Friday, February 3, he received a call from some of his colleagues at work to come down to the Kuramo Beach where they planned to mark his birthday. He celebrated his 25th birthday on January 31.

Around evening, while the celebration was on, some cult members attacked the party and abducted my son. I was informed the following day.

We raised a search party for him. His residence was just a stones throw to the beach, so his landlady also involved some fishermen and local divers to join in the search. All our efforts were futile.

On the third day, around 3pm, we saw his corpse at the shore of the river. From the marks on his body, I discovered that they tortured him to death and broke his hands and legs. They cut different parts of his body with a cutlass.

His friends, who had earlier reported the case to the police at the Akodo divison, were arrested. But after police investigation absolved them of complicity, they were released.

She added that the Investigating Police Officer later identified the prime suspects as one Ibela and Kolewu.

The two men were said to be at large and police efforts at apprehending them had been futile.

Abdulazeezs mother explained that she approached the traditional ruler of the community to assist in the arrest of the suspects, but she was told that the men were intractable.

Afolasade urged Nigerians to help in bringing the suspected cult members to book, adding that her son was killed for no just cause.

My son must not die in vain. I plead with the Lagos State Government to go after the perpetrators of the crime, arrest and bring them to justice, she added.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the incident, adding that Abdulazeez was killed during a fight between rival cult groups in the community.

He said the police were making efforts at apprehending the suspects.

We will not rest until we get those suspects. They are presently at large, he said.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
What is revenue management? Simply put, it means thinking about how to maximize your self-storage facilitys rental rates while maintaining high occupancy levels. Follow the advice below to build a solid revenue-management plan to keep your rental rates in line with your specific market.

Street Rates

How do your prices stack up against your competitors? If you dont know, youre leaving money on the table. Finding this out is as simple as using a spreadsheet with your competitors names and phone numbers, and checking their prices at least monthly. Typically, youll want to track competitors within three to five miles of your facility, but youll learn quickly that some are more active in changing their rates than others.

Also, many storage operators post their rates online. If they dont, youll need to mystery-shop them over the phone or have an employee or family member do it for you.

Its important to note that your rates dont need to match your highest-priced competitor. If your facility isnt as accessible or aesthetically attractive, you may need to set your rates just under your competition. However, if you have the latest technology, full amenities and your property is nicer than your competitors, you can charge a few dollars more per month. Determining your rate schedule is both an art and a science, and you need to monitor the marketplace to make informed decisions.

Rent Increases

Are your competitors implementing rent increases to existing tenants? While this information can be difficult to obtain, it can prove extremely valuable when designing your plan. There are several ways to acquire this information. The quickest and easiest method is to mystery shop your competitors and ask, Do you increase your rates? How often and by how much? If that doesnt work, the next step might be to rent a storage unit from your competitor. Go with the smallest unit size they have, and see if they raise your rent within 13 months of renting.

Your Strategy

With all this information on hand, its time to decide how to manage your rates. Do you want to increase them across the entire facility or just a portion of renters every month? What percentage increase do you want to apply? If you have high occupancy, you can consider more aggressive increases. Do you want to set a cap for the maximum amount of rent to charge tenants? Some owners set it at street rates and use rental increases to bring long-term tenants up to meet them. However, its perfectly acceptable to increase existing tenant rates above your street rates.

Remember, youve shopped the competition, which means your rates will adjust frequently. New rental rates should be fluid, rising or falling based on occupancy levels. Youll want to write a plan for managing your rental rates for today and into the future. Most management-software programs include a revenue-management option.

Practical Considerations

How will you know if youre ready to implement your new plan? The first step to increasing rates on current tenants is to make sure your lease allows for it. If not, contact an attorney who can help you craft a new rental agreement. If it does, anticipate your tenants reactions. Some may ask why the rent has increased. You can inform these few customers that theres been an increase in operating costs or improvement made to the property.

Now youve got a plan and a system for managing your revenue. Start tracking the results to review your efforts and increased revenue. You may need to experiment with the format, including your percentage and the time between increases. It will likely take some trial and error until you find the system that works best for you and your market.

Isaac Rothermel is a broker advisor at Investment Real Estate LLC, which has provided brokerage, construction, management and development services to self-storage owners and investors since 1998. For more information, call 717.779.0804; e-mail [email protected]; visit www.irellc.com.
Drivers fined for misuse of their cars

From:Shanghai Daily | 2017-04-06 02:40

A total of 4,960 drivers were found to be using their cars to illegally transport goods along the citys elevated roads in an ongoing crackdown since February, Shanghai traffic police said yesterday.

The drivers were fined 200 yuan (US$30) for the offense. Those found to have changed the shape and technical data of their vehicles after the date of their registration, faced a further 500 yuan fine, with their cars being towed away and required to be restored to their original status.

Police warn that using cars as trucks poses an enormous danger to road safety. Shanghai bans all trucks on elevated roads.

There are usually no parting or binding facilities for goods in cars, so the goods will easily tumble when the driver brakes all of a sudden, affecting the safety of the driver and other traffic participants, said Liu Cheng, an official from the traffic polices squad managing elevated roads.
Real estate firm Hibernia Capital Advisors LLC has opened Garfield Storage, a new self-storage facility in Phoenix. The property will be managed by Cox Armored Mini Storage, a self-storage management firm.

The facility at 1616 E. Portland St. comprises 85,000 rentable square feet rentable of storage space. Property features include keypad access, climate control and a conference room.

The site is in the Garfield Historic District, which covers one square mile of downtown Phoenix. The two neighborhoods, Garfield and North Garfield, were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010, according to the districts website. The community is experiencing a revitalization and cultural expansion thats being led by the Garfield Neighborhood Association; Local First Arizona, a nonprofit that supports local businesses; and Arizona State University (ASU), which has a downtown campus, according to a press release.

We are very bullish on downtown. Having grown up in Phoenix, we hear about downtown revitalization most every real estate cycle; but with ASUs commitment coupled with an emergent and vibrant creative class that vision has become a reality, said Mark McLoone, managing partner of Hibernia.

Garfield Storage hosted an open house on March 4 that included refreshments from Welcome Chicken + Donuts and Songbird Coffee & Teahouse. Attendees included Phoenix Councilwoman Kate Gallego and Sharon Smith, dean of student affairs for the ASU downtown campus.

Based in Phoenix, Hibernia Capital is a private real estate investment company that identifies, acquires and asset-manages real estate.

Founded in 1995, Cox Armored manages 19 facilities in Arizona.

From left: David French, principal of Hibernia; Phoenix Councilwoman

Kate Gallego; and Mark McLoone, Hibernia managing partner
Self-storage operators KEMF Tempe Storage LLC and Tempe Choice Self-Storage have acquired three Tempe, Ariz., facilities from Business Property Trust in separate transactions for a total of $8.6M. Together, the properties comprise 112,907 square feet, according to a press release from Cushman & Wakefield (C&W), the real estate firm that brokered both deals.

Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., KEMF acquired Tempe Bargain Self Storage for $4.5 million. The facility at 1964 E. University Drive comprises 62,982 square feet in 731 units. Built on 3.22 acres, it was 82 percent occupied at the time of purchase, the release stated.

Based in Woodland Hills, Calif., Tempe Choice acquired the AA Bargain I & II Self-Storage portfolio for $4.1 million. The portfolio includes two facilities at 1700 E. Curry Road and 816 N. Scottsdale Road. Together, the properties comprise 49,925 square feet in 380 units. They were built on 4.44 acres. The facilities were 90 percent occupied at the time of purchase.

Paul Boyle and Rick Danis, executive directors with C&W, represented all parties in the transactions.

Located near the heart of the major growth Tempe is experiencing, along the Tempe Town Lake/Rio Salado district, all three properties are well-positioned to benefit from the abundant infill multi-family housing planned and/or underway, Boyle said. Self-Storage facilities continue to remain popular with both investors and developers in the Phoenix market, in particular sites with infill locations.

Founded in 1917, Cushman & Wakefield offers a complete range of services for all property types including consulting and appraisal, corporate services, debt and equity financing, investment banking, leasing, and sales and acquisitions. Its Self Storage Practice Group is dedicated to the self-storage asset class. The group offers consulting, data services, feasibility, investment advisory and valuation in major markets.
Update 4/20/17  The planning board granted conditional master-plan approval last week for the self-storage project proposed by Douglas Avenue Associates and U.S. Development II. The plan is still contingent on the town council approving the amendment to the comprehensive plan and zoning change, as well as the zoning board approving the variance and special-use permit. In addition, the developers must apply for an easement to abut the driveway of the grocery store and add landscaping along the 30-foot buffer between the back of the property and homes on Cushing Street, according to the source.

The planning board will advise the council that the zoning amendment is consistent with the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan. It will also recommend the zoning board approve the special-use permit and variance if the council approves the zoning change.

Tenants would not be allowed to use the self-storage facility after 9 p.m.

Westcott recused himself from the public hearing because the parent company of one of the applicants is a client of his employer, the source reported.

4/6/17  Property owners Douglas Avenue Associates and U.S. Development II LLC, an affiliate of the Carpionato Group LLC, have applied to build a self-storage facility on a 4-acre parcel at 1204 Douglas Ave. in North Providence, R.I. The facility would comprise 40,000 square feet in eight storage structures and an office building, according to the source.

For the project to receive approval, the town council would need to amend the comprehensive plan for the municipality, approve a zoning change to manufacturing limited, and grant a special-use permit within the new zone. Self-storage is not allowed in the commercial village or commercial general zones, town planner David Westcott, told the source.

The property owners have also asked for a rear-setback reduction from 30 to 5 feet, which would place the storage facility close to Shaws Supermarket. A concrete-block building currently on the property would be torn down.

The planning board will hold a public hearing about the project on April 12. The proposal will also be reviewed by the zoning board and town council.

Carpionato Group is an integrated group of commercial real estate professionals offering a variety of services. Its development projects include hospitality, multi-family, office and retail projects, according to its website.
Electric carmaker Tesla cheered investors this week when its market value eclipsed that of traditional auto company Ford Motor Co. But its popularity also ignited a debate over which stocks should be considered ethical.

Teslas market capitalization, or the total value of its outstanding shares, rose to $48.7 billion on Monday, overtaking Fords $45.6 billion after the Dearborn, Michigan-based company disclosed disappointing March sales. The momentous moment prompted a tweet from Elon Musk, Teslas co-founder and CEO, who said there was stormy weather in Shortville, referring to investors betting against the Palo Alto, California-based business.

Tesla, founded in 2003, was created by a group of engineers in Silicon Valley who wanted to prove that electric cars could be better than gasoline-powered cars, according to its website. For so-called ethical investors who have stood by Tesla since its formative years as a clean-energy automaker, the milestone in its market value underscored the fact that an ethical play can also produce good returns. Still, some investment managers question whether Tesla is suitable for ethical portfolios, as its suppliers use cobalt from mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo that are under scrutiny by human rights group Amnesty International.

I sit on the side where I am wondering how ethical it is, Richard Robinson, a money manager at Ashburton Investments, said in an interview. I think there should be more stringent detailing on the supply sourcing.

Tesla didnt respond to emails and phone calls seeking comment.

In January 2016, Amnesty International released a report documenting the hazardous conditions in which workers, including thousands of children, were mining for cobalt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC. Despite the potentially fatal health effects of prolonged exposure to cobalt, adult and child miners work without even the most basic protective equipment, the group said in the report, claiming to issue the first comprehensive account of how cobalt enters the supply chain of many of the worlds leading brands.

In September, Amnesty International provided an update, saying electric carmakers General Motors Co., Renault-Nissan Alliance and Tesla had failed to disclose what measures they were taking to ensure that cobalt mined by children as young as seven in the DRC was not used in their batteries.

Historically, Tesla has used several battery suppliers, including Panasonic Corp. (announced in a press release in 2011) and LG Chem (according to a Washington Post interview). Panasonic and LG Chem didnt respond to requests for comment.

Skagen Funds, a Norwegian fund group with more than 10 billion in assets (about $12.5 billion), doesnt own Tesla shares, but admits to having struggled with concerns about cobalt in other investments.

When it comes to the cobalt issue, we have evaluated back and forth, based on the human rights issue, Trygve Meyer, Skagens environmental, social and governance specialist, said in an interview. It is a very hard one to trace back and be definite on.

Some investors who have benefitted from Teslas strong growth in share price say they hold the company accountable through persistent engagement. Triodos Investment Management believes in the Tesla story, holding stock in its Sustainable Pioneer Fund since 2011.

The company meets our criteria on conflict minerals with regards to tin, gold, tungsten and tantalum, Rosl Veltmeijer, head of research at Triodos, said in an interview. On the topic of cobalt sourcing we are still assessing and engaging with the company. Cobalt is an increasing area of concern due to the report from Amnesty International.

Veltmeijer said that Triodos will not hesitate to drop a stock if a company fails to meet its minimum standards in any area, and that its carefully monitoring Teslas progress with regards to cobalt sourcing.

Major global fund groups, including Allianz Global Investors, Baillie Gifford, T. Rowe Price and Fidelity International, also hold the electric car companys stock. Allianz Global Investors, Baillie Gifford and T Rowe Price didnt immediately provide comment, while Fidelity International declined to comment. Jupiter Investment Management, which is shorting Tesla's shares, declined to comment.

Peter Frankental, economic relations programme director at Amnesty International, is calling on institutional investors to use their leverage to reduce global human rights violations. We would like investors to communicate to companies that they will not invest in companies that have human rights abuses in their supply chain, he said, adding it should be considered a quality control issue.

With respect to electric car makers, Frankental suggested that cobalt sourcing is already a quality control concern from a business perspective. If the cobalt was contaminated in any way and it meant that the batteries were malfunctioning, they would be able to identify the source of the fault, down their supply chain, because they see it as fundamental to their business, he said.

Last month, several global asset managers, including APG Asset Management, Aviva Investors and Nordea Wealth Management, started a new Corporate Human Rights Benchmark, designed to measure public opinion of companies based on their human rights track record.

In a statement, Mark Wilson, chief executive officer of Aviva, said he hoped that the public measure will focus attention in the boardroom and allow investors to ask the right questions.

He added: More transparency and a desire to improve in the rankings will spark a race to the top in corporate human rights.



CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said that Jupiter Investment Management held Tesla's stock. Jupiter is selling the carmaker's shares short.




An investigation by the New York State Comptrollers office has shed more light on Navnoor Kang, the former head of portfolio strategy at the New York State Common Retirement Fund who allegedly manipulated internal processes to conceal a pay-to-play scheme.

Kang, who in December was indicted for accepting bribes in exchange for the pension plans fixed-income trading business, allegedly deleted records documenting the identity of the brokers used in transactions he oversaw, to hide any wrongdoing, according to a review released Wednesday by the comptrollers office. In January, Kang, the pension funds former director of fixed income, reportedly denied in federal court that he accepted any bribes.

Unlike his predecessor, Kang personally made trades without anyones approval, according to the review. The investigation also found that Kang would tell brokers involved in his scheme to send trade confirmations to a subordinate investment officer, who hed then instruct to approve the trades.

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli wrote in the review that Kang used the trading process not only to steer business to his accomplices, but also to create the false impression that most of these transactions were conducted by investment staff and then approved by him.

The review also described several issues during Kangs tenure at the pension fund, including a ski trip he had taken on the dime of a broker, and problems with his management, including a lack of communication, that led to his firing in February 2016.

DiNapoli outlined several actions that the pension plan will take in response to Kangs manipulation of internal controls. The New York State Common Retirement Fund will reinstitute weekly and monthly trade reports that include broker names reviewed by the funds CIO or deputy CIO. The deputy CIO and director of compliance will also regularly review trading reports for spikes or anomalies in trade volume.
Roland Lescure, chief investment officer for Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, is leaving the Montreal-based investor to enter politics.

His departure from the Canadian pension fund takes effect today, according to a statement Thursday from Caisse de depot, which oversees C$271 billion (about $202 billion) in assets. The fund manager has begun an international search for his replacement, with Michael Sabia, president and chief executive officer, taking on his responsibilities in the interim.

On the eve of the French elections, I have decided to enter public and political life because I want to play a quite active role at a crucial time for France and Europe, Lescure said in the statement. Since la Caisse is apolitical and non-partisan, I will have more to say about the political commitment I am making tomorrow.

Lescure joined the pension fund in 2009, when then-Quebec premier Jean Charest asked for an investment strategy that could withstand the market volatility that ensued from the global financial crisis. Sabia put in place an ambitious plan that included firing employees and external asset managers, simplifying an overly complex portfolio and changing the organizations culture and mind-set.

Lescure has helped shape many of Caisse de depots strategies while building "highly talented investment teams," Sabia said in the statement.

Earlier this year, Caisse de depot said it would invest C$3.3 billion in a 42-mile light-rail system in Montreal that it will build, own and operate. The C$5.5 billion project was planned in partnership with the Canadian federal government and Quebec. The fund manager has also simplified its investments, including reducing the number of hedge funds.




Its nothing new to say that technology is drastically changing the landscape for businesses spanning industries and continents.But while insurance, and specifically the broker channel, is often criticised for being too slow to adapt, the signs suggest that the industry might finally be having its moment.I actually think its a little bit of a myth that insurance in general, and our broker channel in particular, are averse to technology, Michael Howe, SVP product management at insurance software provider Applied Systems, tells Insurance Business.Howe says he would have agreed that some of the industry remained tech-phobic two years ago, but changes over the past couple of years suggest thats no longer the case.Applied saw the user-base for its mobile app surge by 162% year-over-year, the company announced last month, suggesting that brokers are not just going digital, but are embracing mobile technology.I think theres a general recognition now that technology is not to be feared. The opposite  its actually the way forward, Howe explains.All the things that [businesses are] trying to do, technology can help them. And it seems obvious to say that, but we actually see people acting on that, he says.While tools such as mobile apps and digital management systems can make a brokers job easier, technology is also revolutionising the way that they can engage with clients  who, in turn, are expecting a higher level of customer service in the digital age.Consumers are becoming more and more accustomed to immediate, 24/7 accessibility, and increasingly expect service providers to offer apps through which they can access their information and take action at any time of the day, Matt Bevan, president of brokerage DG Bevan, says.A great example of how a simple technology is enabling brokers to provide a speedier, more convenient service, is through digital signatures.Many brokers are moving in this direction, especially for personal lines, Bevan says of the technology.This is a solution that provides efficiencies on both the broker and client sides of the transaction. A prospect can find our company from a search on their phone, after a quick call or online chat, we can email them an e-signature document. A few taps on their phone, and they have a policy.Social media  not typically considered an essential function in the insurance industry  is also fast becoming a vital part of a brokerages offering.More and more brokers are feeling the pressure to keep their social media presence up to date, Stanislav Kojokin, partner at brokerage KASE Insurance, says.Just like any service industry, brokers would like to stay connected with their clients and engage them in the activities of the business, he says, adding that there are firms that produce insurance-related content for brokers to make online media easier to manage.As a result, many brokers are making sure to have mobile-friendly websites and active social media accounts, Kojokin adds.But despite undeniable steps forward in the digital space, the outside perception of the industry as a whole may not have caught up just yet.The insurance industry has developed a reputation for lagging behind in regards to embracing new and emerging technology, Daniel Kaufman, senior vice president and managing director Burns & Wilcox, warns.More insurers in both standard and specialty markets are investing in technologies ranging from mobile tools to predictive analytics, Kaufman says, but adds that while investment has been slow, it is positive to see the industry moving forward.The pace at which technology is growing is forcing a new perspective in the industry, according to Kaufman but, with a large portion of its workers greying and looking towards retirement, a lot more needs to be done to attract the next generation of digital natives.It is no big secret that the insurance industry is facing an inevitable talent shortfall, Kaufman says.Young, tech-savvy professionals cannot be expected to follow an insurance career path unless it is recognised that our industry is heavily investing in emerging technology, he cautions.Looking ahead, the consensus is that technology will continue to drive the pace across the globe.Technology and big data present a significant opportunity for all lines in the insurance industry to enhance operational proficiencies, and better understand the risks and needs of clients, Kaufman says.People now get that technology, and enabling their business with technology, is no longer optional, Howe says. They know that they cant bury their heads in the sand and hope it goes away.
Andrew Beer, EGM AGRI Business at IAG , talks about his start in the industry, putting customers ahead of technology and his career highlights.Like a number of people, I fell into the industry. My father ran an accountancy practice and had an agency with Commercial Union and it was through that relationship that I got my first start.Once I was in the industry, it was the variety of work and overall opportunity that the insurance industry affords.When I took a transfer to Darwin and was working in a smaller office of four people, where you get involved in everything.Embracing automation and digitisation and putting customers first ahead of the technology curve. We also need to continue to find ways to offer great customer service and maintain strong technical underwriting skills and capabilities. Its also very important that we continue to invest in and develop our people.The opportunity to work in a number of locations across Australia as well as in Asia, which was an amazing experience. Also, the opportunity to be on the ground post catastrophe events, supporting our customers and realising the strength and resilience of communities during extremely challenging times.Change is a constant and the industry must continue to evolve to meet the needs of customers in an ever changing world. We need to always review our customer delivery and service against the worlds best as our customers will evaluate us against great service providers from across all industries.Travel and sport...Im an avid North Melbourne supporter.Insurance has provided me with a great career with plenty of opportunities, the capacity to perform a number of different roles and functions and all the while work alongside great people.
This year, on Saturday 11 February, the Tropfest film festival celebrated its 25th anniversary at its new home at Sydneys Parramatta Park. Each year, more than 70,000 people attend its main event.Its come a long way in 25 years, John Polson tells Insurance Business.It started as a screening of a short fi lm for 200 people in a cafe  I never thought wed get to five years, let alone 25.But in 2015, the future of Tropfest began to look bleak. Polson, who is based in New York, was contacted by the management company licensed to run the festival. According to Polson, he received an email, which advised him that there were insufficient funds to move forward with the scheduled December 2015 event.That was a major blow. I thought Tropfest was probably done, although I didnt want to admit it to myself or anyone else at the time. But I was forced to announce the postponement I really had no clue how we were going to bounce back from this. The fi nancial hole was overwhelming and there was really no way to fix it.Polson says Tropfest has helped to launch some of the finest film talent in the country.Theres a very long list of filmmakers, actors, writers and producers who have come through over the years, and I think it would be a pretty big vacuum in the Australian film industry to not have an event like this.News of Tropfests postponement spread quickly. Soon, Polson received a phone call from CGU , with an offer to help ensure the festival would go ahead.I thought it was a prank call, to be honest, Polson says.But it wasnt long before Tropfest was able to announce that, as a result of CGUs intervention, the festival would return in early 2016.We had our biggest and best festival to date thanks to CGU, he says.It was then announced last July that CGU had signed a three-year deal with Tropfest. Polson describes Tropfests partnership with the insurer as amazing.Theyve been the best kind of partner in the sense that they offer a lot of support and resources, but they also respect what Tropfest is and has been for 25 years. They let us run our business and are just there to help support the creative community in Australia through Tropfest, he says.That support means the outlook for the festival is now far more optimistic. Longevity, when youre running an organisation like Tropfest is difficult at the best of times. Its a very big, expensive event to produce. Its free for the audience to attend, so theres no obvious ways to make revenue, so corporate goodwill and corporate sponsorship is a major part of our business model, Polson says.Were now a not-for-profit organisation for the first time in our history, and were moving forward in a very different way. To have CGU and others commit for a period of years really gives us breathing room to not just be thinking about surviving, but actually building and growing the event.For the first time in Tropfests history, the 2017 event comprised a five-day program of events. Weve never been able to do that before, and its largely thanks to the support of CGU and giving us enough rigour to be able to build a platform out of this over a period of time which, in turn, helps the people that were trying to help, who are Australian filmmakers.
The privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Bill 2016 has passed into law and will come into effect within the next 12 months.The amendments require organisations governed by the Privacy Act, with an annual turnover of more than $3m, to provide notice to affected individuals and the relevant regulator when particular kinds of security incidents compromise personal information.The requirement to notify certain data breaches will increase the exposure that data breach incidents receive in society, which will in turn increase the likelihood of claims arising, says James Morse, litigation and dispute resolution partner at law firm DLA Piper.While the mandatory data breach notification regime does include a mixed subjective/objective test in terms of whether the relevant disclosure thresholds are met, when coupled with the recent 2014 tightening of the general privacy regime in Australia, it is clear that the regulatory focus has shifted from education on risks to potential liability where information risk is not managed adequately, and cyber claims are, therefore, likely to result.Those cyber claims, Morse says, are likely to be extremely technical and demand a rapid but specialised response.Cyber events also have an inherently global dimension, and the complexity and diversity of breach notification requirements across the world are expected to increase in the coming years, he says. Combined, these impacts represent real risks which businesses are unlikely to be able to adequately address on their own.Cyber insurers, Morse says, are particularly well placed to formulate and mobilise a team of experts to respond to a data breach, across a number of jurisdictions in a very short period of time.That said, even if a business elects not to take out standalone cyber insurance with rapid response cover, it would be well advised to take out a cyber extension on its existing policies  management liability, for example  which is likely to provide valuable, even if comparatively limited, cover in the event of a cyberattack.Peter Jones, information technology and data protection partner at DLA Piper, says the degree of impact for any particular business will depend on the extent and sophistication of its operations, its existing and future supplier environment, and the nature of its contractual obligations.For example, for international entities with offshore operations already subject to other mandatory breach notification regimes, the impact may be minimal, such as tweaking internal compliance functions, Jones explains.Yet for entities with local footprints only and who do not have experience in managing data breaches or associated notifications, the changes may be significant.Perhaps the most immediate impact will be a need for each business to review its privacy regime  including around its supplier environment and contractual obligations  and ensure it has operational and risk management procedures in place to adequately manage a data breach event.Morse says its the general consensus in the United States that mandatory data breach notification legislation was a catalyst for the increased uptake of cyber insurance.Given the Australian laws are stricter than those across the US, one could expect to see a similar increase in the uptake of cyber insurance, at least among those businesses which are not already exposed to other mandatory breach notification regimes, he says.However, and quite interestingly, there was concern among some circles in the US that the influx of mandatory notifications was desensitising society to the seriousness of data breaches, with smaller notifications being lost as background noise in the face of larger breach notifications.Some critics of the regime suggest Australia may experience similar notification fatigue, which could eventually undermine the effectiveness of the entire reporting scheme.Only time will tell whether or not this, in fact, occurs.
City gets a thumbs up from WSIs delegation

From:Shanghai Daily | 2017-04-06 02:40

A delegation from WorldSkills International (WSI) confirmed that Shanghai has the capability and capacity to host the WorldSkills Competition in 2021 after a two-day visit to the city.

The three delegation members, Simon Bartley, president of WSI, David Hoey, its chief executive officer, and Jane Stokie, director of the WorldSkills Competitions, said they were impressed by both the citys vocational education and training system and the facilities in Shanghai.

The people here are tremendous. They are friendly, helpful and obviously proud of where they live and work, said Bartley. What is also good is to see the skills there are here in the city. If Shanghai is representative of the skills among the young people and the workforce in China, it is no surprise to me.

Firstly, China is getting better and better in the WorldSkills Competitions. And secondly, it has stepped out with its ambition to show the skills of China to the world by (offering to host) the WorldSkills Competition in 2021.

Bartley also said that if Shanghai was successful in the bid, the participating countries would definitely have their skills improved. If Shanghai is successful, what will happen is that China will not only want to host a great competition, it will want to do well in it, he said. So I think skills in China will continue accelerating in getting better between now and 2021.

Whats interesting is that in the competition, everybody tries harder and that trying harder starts in preparation for the competition, he added.

Hoey said Shanghai was capable of hosting the event and it was now a matter of the citys government leaders to convince WSI members to support and vote for Shanghai over its rival  Basel in Switzerland  for the right to host the competition.

China was a young member of the WSI, having been accepted in 2010, Hoey said. Its joining was important to the organization as it gave WorldSkills an increased validity as a global organization. We were international because we had probably 60 countries at that time, he said. But we now have Brazil, Russia, India, China and up to 77 countries.

Hoey said that having been involved in WorldSkills, looking at the systems around the world, he could see China was a world-class player in skills, but at the same time, it also suffered the same problem of a lot of other countries, whereby going to university was seen as a better career move than going into schools emphasizing skills and technologies.

Its the skilled workers who create and generate the economic output, he said. The vocational education and training system in China is very good, but what you need is people going through that.

What WorldSkills will generate for China is first of all attracting young people into the schools of skills and technologies, advocating and showcasing skills excellence and inspiring them to consider their career.

At the same time, by providing excellence in training to them, you create economic output, because the quality of these workers will ultimately create the quality of your products and services, he added.

Workers in the future will need different sets of skills on the basis of IT capabilities, Hoey said.

They will have to have more soft skills, not just the ability to do things with their hands, but the ability to think, create and solve problems. I think artificial intelligence is actually something that we shouldnt be scared of, but is going to create a whole new width of business opportunities.
ADVICE  the FOFA (Future of Financial Advice) reform package is now in full operation, and places a heavy onus on those giving advice on fi nancial products and services to act in the best interests of their client. The FOFA best interests duty applies fully to life insurance advice and, to a more limited extent, to advice on general insurance matters.

 the FOFA (Future of Financial Advice) reform package is now in full operation, and places a heavy onus on those giving advice on fi nancial products and services to act in the best interests of their client. The FOFA best interests duty applies fully to life insurance advice and, to a more limited extent, to advice on general insurance matters. COMMISSIONS  legislation to allow ASIC to regulate life insurance commissions has now passed the federal parliament. The government has announced a timetable for the implementation of these laws.

 legislation to allow ASIC to regulate life insurance commissions has now passed the federal parliament. The government has announced a timetable for the implementation of these laws. PROFESSIONALISM  a comprehensive package of legislative reforms  including measures to increase standards of education, ethics and professional conduct  has now been passed by the parliament, and the government has announced a timetable for implementation of the package. This will include university degrees for financial advisers, professional on the job training and mandatory membership of an industry code of practice.

 a comprehensive package of legislative reforms  including measures to increase standards of education, ethics and professional conduct  has now been passed by the parliament, and the government has announced a timetable for implementation of the package. This will include university degrees for financial advisers, professional on the job training and mandatory membership of an industry code of practice. DISPUTE RESOLUTION  a major inquiry is currently under way in relation to the operation of external dispute resolution schemes in the financial services sector, including the Financial Ombudsman Service, Credit and Investments Ombudsman and the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal.

 a major inquiry is currently under way in relation to the operation of external dispute resolution schemes in the financial services sector, including the Financial Ombudsman Service, Credit and Investments Ombudsman and the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal. PRODUCT MANUFACTURER AND DISTRIBUTOR OBLIGATIONS  Treasury has published a major consultation paper that gives effect to the governments announced intention to implement recommendations from the Financial System Inquiry. These recommendations will place important new obligations on product issuers (ie insurance companies) and distributors (ie insurance brokers and agents of insurance companies) that are aimed to ensure financial products and services will provide real benefits to their target markets, and will only be sold to those target markets.

Dallas Booth has been CEO of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) since June 2011, leading its government relations and industry representation work, and overseeing its events, publications and other activities. has been CEO of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) since June 2011, leading its government relations and industry representation work, and overseeing its events, publications and other activities.

Despite massive amounts of recent and current regulatory reform, there are three parliamentary inquiries in the federal parliament at the present time.I recently gave evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services inquiry into the life insurance industry. The inquiry follows many headlines, and two ASIC reports, about poor advice and poor claims handling in life insurance, especially in the bank-owned life insurance companies.I urged the committee to consider the following, before recommending further legislative or regulatory reform:In addition to these major pieces of reform, the Insurance Contracts Act was amended in 2013 to make the duty of utmost good faith an implied term of every insurance contract, and to also deem a breach of the duty to be a breach of the act, giving ASIC power to investigate and prosecute companies where there is evidence of systematic breaches of the duty.It seems to me that the major areas of concern  as outlined in the ASIC reports and in the countless newspaper articles that have been written in this area  have been or are now being dealt with.When the professionalism reforms and the changes to life insurance commissions take effect, the combination of these reforms and the earlier FOFA package will give ASIC very strong powers to investigate and prosecute instances of poor adviser and insurer behaviour. Policyholders have and will continue to have strong consumer protections, including via the Financial Ombudsman Service dispute resolution processes.In all of these matters, it has been very pleasing to be able to report to parliament that there is no evidence of systemic poor advice by insurance brokers. Brokers invariably act for and on behalf of their clients (occasionally they act on behalf of the insurer), and observe high levels of professionalism when doing so.This is confi rmed by the most recent reports from FOS: in the 2015-16 fi nancial year, there were over 6,500 general insurance complaints to FOS, but only 344 complaints against insurance brokers. NIBA is not complacent in this. The NIBA board is committed to maintaining and enhancing standards of professionalism in insurance broking across Australia.We will continue to argue for a solid educational foundation for brokers, continuing professional development, and adherence to a strong and effective code of practice. By doing this, we will maintain and enhance the communitys understanding and acceptance of the role and value of insurance brokers.
Much has been said of the demise of the broker but one expert has said that he does not foresee an exodus of clients to online channels, unless brokers screw it up.Speaking on the final day of the annual Steadfast Convention held in Sydney earlier this week, Ross Cameron, founder of Cameron Research Group, said that customer are not flocking online.Clients are not going to buy it [business insurance] online unless you screw it up, Cameron told the brokers in attendance.They dont necessarily want to buy it online but if you dont give them the right love, if you institutionalise them, if you treat them like just another number then youve got problems.With more than 25 years experience in market research for the insurance industry, Cameron stressed that his latest work has found that those clients that use an insurance broker are very satisfied with the channel.Additionally, Cameron has found that the amount of customers that are moving from the broker channel to direct stands at 10% as clients stick with their adviser.The recent Vero SME Index told a different story for brokers. The survey of 1,500 small business owners found that the proportion of SMEs who secured their insurance online was growing. However, Cameron noted that the business owners he uses for his research rated their brokers highly.Smaller SMEs were more likely to research and purchase insurance online but the larger an SME business got, the more likely they were to use a broker.Cameron noted that brokers can use information like this to target the right customers and help grow their business.Business owners want tailored solutions that fit the needs of their business, a proactive broker who reaches out throughout the year and a broker who truly understands their business, Cameron continued.I think a challenge for the sector is to open your mind to what you should be talking to your customers about, Cameron said.Where does risk start and stop? If you can own that whole risk space, you might not sell a product off the back of that, but all of a sudden you are having a conversation.
A congressman who was heavily supported by the insurance industry has recused himself from the ongoing investigation into Russias attempts to disrupt last years presidential election, the New York Times has reported.Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, announced today that he would recuse himself from the investigation. The announcement came the same day that the House Committee on Ethics revealed that Nunes was under investigation because of reports that he may have disclosed classified information without authorization.Nunes is heavily supported by insurance companies. Between 2015 and 2016, the California Republican received nearly $185,000 from the industry, according to Opensecrets.orgs accounting of political contributions. Thirty-three insurance companies  including giants like Nationwide and Prudential  made contributions to Nunes, ranging in size from $1,000 to $10,000.Nunes has been roundly criticized for his handling of the Russian investigation. Many observers  and Democrats on Nunes own committee  have questioned his impartiality in the wake of revelations that he shared information with President Donald Trump  whose alleged ties to Russian efforts to hack the election are also under investigation.Nunes blamed the accusations of partiality on left-wing activist groups and said the charges were entirely false and politically motivated, but said he was stepping aside because it was in the committees best interests, the Times reported.California Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said Nunes recusal would allow us to have a fresh start moving forward.
A fintech start-up currently operating in the UK and Australia will be expanding to the US and Japan after raising millions of dollars.Trov, a company which aims to bring on-demand services to property-casualty insurance, raised $45 million for the expansion, according to the Wall Street Journal. The company launched last year in the UK and Australia.Trov provides coverage for single items of personal property, according to the Journal. Coverage can be turned on and off straight from a customers smartphone, and premiums are calculated based on the individual items insured  unlike homeowners' or renters' insurance, which provides blanket coverage.From binding a policy to making a claim, the consumer doesnt have to speak to anybody, CEO Scott Walchek told the Journal. Trov unbundled insurance, Walchek said, much like Apples iTunes unbundled individual songs from albums.Trov attorney Tim Moroney hasnt given specifics on how the company will structure its policies in the US, since it is still filing with various state regulators, the Journal reported.Investors in the company include German reinsurance powerhouse Munich Re . With the latest investment, the company has raised more than $85 million in equity.
Major US insurer Allstate has gone to a federal court to take action against appliance maker Electrolux on allegations that it was aware that it put defective dryers in the market.Allstate alleged in its complaint that Electrolux knew that the ball hitch dryers it made between 2002 and 2011 had factory defects and failed to warn regulators of the potential risk its use entailed.Local media outlet NBC Chicago said the manufacturer responded by trying to break up the claims, stating that the only common factor among the payouts was the model of the dryer.The NBC report explained that consumers said that the fire usually starts when lint gets trapped in an inaccessible part of the dryer.Allstate is suing for $3.6 million in damages, which it says is what it paid out to 44 Illinois policyholders who suffered property damage because of the appliances.Authorities have not issued a product recall but the Consumer Product Safety Commission is reviewing the incidents linked to the dryers, the report outlined.Electrolux maintains its dryers are not defective.The appliance manufacturer faced a similar quandary in 2014 and agreed to an $8 million settlement with complainants who filed a class action suit over incidents involving its portfolio of brands, including Frigidaire, Kenmore, Tappan, White Westinghouse, Kelvinator, Gibson and Crosley. Electrolux did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
The good news: this 56-year-old insurance veteran cant envision a future where the broker is replaced by a robot.Ron Berg, executive director of the Agents Council for Technology at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, spoke with Insurance Business about the threats and opportunities facing the insurance industry today and in the future.Berg, a Minnesotan, has a 20-plus year history advising on future technology strategies and has long been involved in various industry associations and workgroups in technology in insurance.I think for today, its really providing the customer experience that consumers everywhere are demanding. Amplifying this, everyone is seeing the ease-of-use interactions created by the insurtechs and other emerging platforms. As a distribution we havent kept pace, and customers see the evidence of this. We have excellent examples provided by these new entrants, and if we are able to learn from the best practices among these, implement  from carrier, vendor, and agency implementations  we can improve the best distribution and support platform in insurance.The changing workforce is having a huge impact. Agents and brokers need to attract and retain younger talent, but we have created the perception of a stale, unappealing industry. This couldnt be less true, however  the quantity and variety of challenging and good-paying jobs is a huge plus for the independent agent distribution. We simply must capitalize on this, using programs like InVEST. Another threat is simply the acceleration of technology trends and not only responding to them, but anticipating direction. Things like drone, telematics, Smart Homes, the Internet of Things, AI/machine learning, the sharing economy  we must be able to rapidly understand and execute on the top priorities. The good news is that were getting much better at this on the whole.I dont believe AI will necessarily harken the end of the independent agents  particularly if we as a distribution learn and implement best practices using AI and machine learning. Machine learning (chatbots, guided interactions) can complement and support strained agency staff  providing online support to incoming consumer requests, and directing responses to the correct agency representative. Agents can choose to implement solutions as deeply as they need, from the chatbots previously mentioned to more in-depth guided conversations. AI will have an impact on our distribution channel, but we can learn from it.A number of emerging technologies and processes are having a massive impact on insurers: the refinement and availability of advanced analytics and business intelligence (BI), artificial intelligence and machine learning, drones, geospatial analytics, telematics and usage-based insurance (UBI), autonomous driver-assisted vehicles reducing risk, and even things like 3D-printing. Many of these are greatly improving underwriting and actuarial processes, minimizing turnaround time, and making carriers more efficient.I believe well get to a place where consumers are not only searching and quoting online, but will be far more willing to purchase online  our distribution channel will need to respond to this, with insurers, technology providers and agents working seamlessly to a much greater degree. The advent of autonomous vehicles will flatten the personal auto line, but with agents then needing to specialize, there will also come with that more complexity for the online consumer. Usable data will be far more prevalent for not just insurers and vendors, but also agents who can then make real-time strategic decisions. Real-time transactions will not just be an ease-of-doing-business differentiator, but critical in almost every aspect for agencies to attract and retain business.
House lawmakers have unanimously approved legislation aimed at ensuring that people struggling with drug addiction get the help they need.

Supporters of the bill say denial of insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment is a major source of failed treatment efforts by people seeking help, and also a cause of the shortage of adequate treatment facilities in Delaware.

The legislation, which cleared the House with no debate Tuesday, is aimed at ensuring that people with private and public insurance coverage get the treatment they need, which often requires repeated attempts to get help.

Insurance companies should do the right thing by their insurees, said chief sponsor Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington. If they struggle, if they stumble, they should have the right to go back.

Among other things, the bill allows the attorney generals office to provide legal assistance to those seeking benefits from Medicaid, traditional health plans, or employer-funded health benefit plans.

It also requires Medicaid and private insurers to notify people of the possibility of legal help in challenging claim denials.

Meanwhile Tuesday, the Senate passed related legislation that requires insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary inpatient treatment of alcohol and drug dependencies. Insurers in most cases would have to wait until after 14 days of treatment before conducting a utilization review of the services being offered.

The bill also prohibits insurers from requiring precertification, prior authorization, pre-admission screening, or referrals for the diagnosis and treatment of drug and alcohol dependencies.

The Senate bill also mandates that a health benefit plan that includes prescription drug coverage must allow immediate access, without prior authorization, to a 5-day supply of medications for drug and alcohol dependencies where an emergency medical condition exists.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Drugs
A judge will consider a high-stakes, multimillion-dollar battle over whether a wealthy New Jersey shore enclave can opt out of a protective sand dune plan in an area devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

Both sides in the lawsuit brought by oceanfront homeowners in Bay Head, Mantoloking and Point Pleasant Beach filed summations Friday in the strenuously fought litigation.

Superior Court Judge Marlene Lynch Ford, who has already upheld the states right to use eminent domain proceedings to seize land for the dune project, will decide whether Bay Head can be exempted from it. She gave no indication as to when she will rule.

The homeowners say a rock wall they built with their own money provides adequate storm protection, but the state says an unbroken, continuous dune line is essential for avoiding a repeat of the catastrophic damage Sandy caused to the area in 2012.

The states effort to condemn property owned by the property owners who pay for their own beach protection is excessive and not reasonably required for the governments dune project, said Anthony DellaPelle, an attorney for the homeowners. The taking is unnecessary, arbitrary and capricious.

The homeowners include Lawrence Bathgate II, who was the national Republican finance chairman under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, and raised money for both of George W. Bushs presidential campaigns and Jeb Bushs 2016 primary campaign.

The property owners also portray the dune plan as an unwarranted government land grab and a waste of scarce taxpayer dollars. But Republican Gov. Chris Christie has branded the homeowners as selfish, interested more in not losing precious oceanfront views than protecting their community.

The governor even urged people to go to Bay Head and knock on the doors of oceanfront homeowners, asking why they oppose the dune project. But residents say that hasnt happened.

The lawsuit is likely to turn on whether the judge believes the rock wall offers enough protection not only to the oceanfront homeowners, but their neighbors further inland as well. The homeowners claim the rock wall largely protected the homes behind it, but some suffered serious or even catastrophic damage.

Some homes behind the rock wall have been elevated since Sandy, and repairs to and extensions of the wall have been made, bringing the privately funded projects cost to about $7 million.

The homeowners fear the federal and state governments wont have the money required to replenish dunes and beaches every four years for the next 50 years, and say the government relied on faulty or manipulated cost-benefit data to justify the project.

The state Department of Environmental Protection says it only allowed the residents to extend the rock wall after Sandy as an emergency measure that would be complemented by the dune project.

In a separate court proceeding, the homeowners are appealing Judge Fords decision that the state has the legal right to seize land for the project using eminent domain, a process in which government can seize private property for a public purpose after paying adequate compensation for it. That case is due to be heard next month.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation New Jersey Homeowners
Markel Canada, the Toronto-based subsidiary of Markel International, has acquired the remaining 50 percent stake in Allsport Insurance Marketing Ltd.

Allsport is an incorporated managing general agent (MGA) specializing in providing insurance to Canadians for sports, leisure and recreation activities. It was founded in 1987 and has been part owned by Markel since 1997.

The move will expand Markels position in the west of Canada and reflect Markels growing focus on all parts of this attractive sector, the company said in a statement.

Gina Bennett, president of Allsport, will become vice president of Markels western region.

Over the past 20 years, Markel Canada, formerly Elliott Special Risks, has been a shareholder of Allsport Insurance, Bennett said. We can now combine our strengths and operate under a single brand for the entire sector, which creates a winning proposition for our brokers and policyholders.

Karen Barkley, president of Markel Canada said: We have been working closely with Allsport for 20 years; we know the business and the people really well and so we are delighted that they are now part of our team. Together our strengths will create more opportunities for growth.

Markel Canada, established in 1966, has offices in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Allsports head office is in Burnaby, British Columbia, which is near Vancouver.

Source: Markel Canada

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Canada
Texas-based full service independent managing general agency and surplus lines broker, MD Jensvold & Co. Inc., has opened a location Shreveport, Louisiana, and added three new members to its team.

John Hellyer joins Jensvold as lead underwriter in the Louisiana office. He brings 25 years of experience from all levels of the industry including MGAs, and national and regional carriers. He was previously responsible for training and managing multiple offices throughout Louisiana while at Deep South. Helleyer will be responsible for oversight and growth originating from Jensvolds Shreveport location.

Tamica King joins the Jensvold binding team as a production underwriter in Louisiana. King has more 10 years of extensive commercial property/casualty underwriting experience.

Tonia Tilmon also joins the Jensvold binding team as a production underwriter in Louisiana. Tilmon has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years with regional commercial MGAs.

MD Jensvold is headquartered in Houston, and has locations in Lubbock and San Antonio, Texas.

Source: MD Jensvold & Co. Inc.

Topics Texas Louisiana Insurance Wholesale Maryland
In December, the State Council approved the 13th Five-Year Plan to structure the rise of Central China, to build the region into an advanced manufacturing center with key areas of new urbanization, modern agriculture, ecological civilization and support to the nations opening-up drive.

According to Wei Houkai, head of the Rural Development Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the central regions serve as hubs among the eastern, western, southern and northern regions, and are a joint point of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The rise of Central China will provide strategic support to the nations economic growth in the long run and the building of a well-off society in an all-round way, he said.

Chen Xueqin, a senior researcher from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said the rise of central regions should focus on industrial transfer and innovative development.

Meanwhile, the central regions should align themselves with the Yangtze River Economic Belt, pilot free trade zones, reform experimental zones and other key national strategies, she said.

Experts believe that urbanization of the central regions should focus on quality, with efforts made to build several city clusters and towns with local features, expanding new space for economic growth.

Statistics show that 50 million people moved into central cities from 2006 to 2015, bringing the urbanization rate from 36.5 percent to 51.2 percent.

The rise of Central China will see a faster growth rate, a growing position in the national development landscape and substantial progress in overall capacity and innovative ability, Wei said.
An Arkansas health panel has recommended limiting coverage of opioid prescriptions in health plans that cover tens of thousands of state employees and teachers.

The recommendations, which are aimed at curbing drug dependence and abuse, were compiled by the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Boards Drug Utilization and Evaluation Committee, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. The suggestions were based on guidelines issued last year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The committee said health insurance plans should cover prescriptions for a maximum dose of 50 morphine milligram equivalents per day for acute and chronic pain. Patients being treated for cancer or a terminal illness wouldnt be affected by the restrictions, which would apply to patients who arent already using opioids.

Dr. Hank Simmons, the committee chairman, said the board may also consider reducing the dosages prescribed for some of those already taking opioids within about six months.

These changes are going to elicit a lot of strong commentary and probably some good and some bad feeling, Simmons said.

The health plans cover about 45,000 school employees and 26,000 state employees. The plans spend about $2.6 million a year on opioid prescriptions, which is only about 2 percent of the health plans total drug spending, according to Geri Bemberg, assistant director of the Arkansas Evidence-Based Prescription Drug Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

A report by the program shows that 153 health-plan members filled at least 12 prescriptions for opioid medications from July through September 2016.

Were not going at this as a cost-saving method, Bemberg said. Its more public health and really trying to get our population healthier and to better treatments for their pain.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Arkansas Drugs
A federal judge in West Virginia has tossed out a lawsuit filed by relatives of 78 miners killed in a 1968 mine explosion in the state.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports U.S. District Judge Irene Keeley in Clarksburg ruled Friday that laws at the time stipulated there was a two-year window to file a lawsuit after the disaster.

The latest lawsuit filed in 2014 was based on a federal mine inspectors memo written two years after the explosion at Consolidation Coal Co.s No. 9 mine in Farmington indicating an alarm had been disabled. The families, who earlier had received $10,000 from the company, said they did not find out about the memo until 2008.

The disaster led to passage of the federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits USA Legislation Virginia Mining
At the end of 2016, Belgium introduced new legislation, giving all companies that are engaged in the cross-border relocation of assets, migration or restructuring the right to elect for the deferred payment of exit taxation (whenever triggered by such transactions). Under Article 5 (the provision on exit taxation) of the ATAD, such deferred payment regimes must be available to the companies of any EU member state.

Under the ATAD, choosing the deferral option implies that the exit tax can be paid in instalments over five years. Although ATAD provides that its exit taxation rules must apply in the member states from January 1 2020, Belgium already offers this deferred payment regime for transactions carried-out from December 8 2016 (the date when the law was published in the Belgian Official Gazette).

The Belgian legislator probably realised that further delay was not an option because the former regime, which provided for a one-off payment of the tax upon exit, was not compliant with the EU freedom of establishment rules, as interpreted by CJEU case law (National Grid Indus and DMC cases).

Transactions qualifying for the deferred payment regime

The option for the deferred payment of the exit tax is available for the following types of transfers and reorganisations:

The transfer (relocation) of assets/business from a Belgian permanent establishment (PE) to the companys head office, or to another PE of the company, in another jurisdiction. To qualify, the head office or the transferee PE must be established/located in another European Economic Area (EEA) member state (not including Liechtenstein). Under Belgian domestic law, the transfer (relocation) of the assets of a Belgian PE, as well as the transfer of the business carried on by the PE, to the foreign head office or to a PE outside Belgium is, in principle, assimilated to a realisation of the assets/business, resulting in (exit) taxation of latent gains or goodwill. Under the new legislation, the company can now opt for deferred payment of the exit tax on such gains/goodwill, provided the intra-company relocation of assets/business is carried out within the EEA. Liechtensteins exclusion is because Belgium has no treaty with Liechtenstein on mutual assistance for the recovery of tax claims;

The transfer by a Belgian company of its place of effective management (real seat) and/or its registered office to another EEA member state (not including Liechtenstein). Under Belgian legislation, a transfer of the real and/or registered seat to another jurisdiction is, in principle, assimilated to a deemed realisation of assets and thus triggers (exit) taxation on latent gains and goodwill. However, roll-over relief is available for intra-EU transfers to the extent that the assets remain effectively connected to a Belgian PE. Under the existing roll-over provision, no relief is available if the corporate seat is transferred to a non-EU EEA member state irrespective of whether or not the assets remain invested in a Belgian PE, which seems an unjustified difference in treatment. The Belgian legislator, however, did not extend the scope of the roll-over relief provisions, but only introduced the option for deferred payment. If exit taxation is triggered as a result of the transaction (either because the assets do not remain connected to a Belgian PE, or because the corporate seat is transferred to a non-EU EEA member state), then an election can be made to defer the payment of the exit tax, provided the assets remain connected either at the migrating companys head office or in a PE in another EEA member state (not including Liechtenstein); and

An outbound cross-border merger or (partial) division resulting in a Belgian companys assets being transferred to an absorbing/receiving company established in another EEA member state (not including Liechtenstein). For cross-border reorganisations, similar rules apply as those for cross-border migrations (see above). If the merger or partial division is not tax-neutral, either because the assets transferred in the transaction do not remain connected to a Belgian PE or because the absorbing/receiving company is established in a non-EU EEA member state, a deferred payment election can be made, subject to the same geographical restriction, i.e. the assets must remain within the EEA, not including Liechtenstein.

No deferred payment regime has been provided for the situation in which a Belgian company transfers (relocates) assets from its head office in Belgium to a PE in another EEA member state. This can be explained by the fact that it is, in principle, accepted (by the tax authorities and ruling commission) that such transfers are not assimilated to a taxable realisation of the assets and, therefore, are not subject to exit taxation.

The Belgian tax authorities seem to take the view that the capital gain to be realised later, on actual disposal of the asset, does not qualify for treaty exemption to the extent that the gain had accrued prior to the intra-company relocation. As a result, Belgium, in principle, retains the right to tax the transferred (relocated) asset and, therefore, arguably, is not required under Article 5(1)(a) of the ATAD to impose exit taxation upon the intra-company relocation.

Modalities of the deferred payment regime

Election for the deferred payment regime implies the right to pay the exit tax resulting from a qualified transaction in five annual instalments.

This option does not, in principle, result in late payment interest being due, provided the annual instalments are paid on time.

In addition, the Belgian tax authorities cannot make this facility subject to a guarantee from the taxpayer, unless they are in a position to demonstrate a real risk that the outstanding balance will not be recovered.

Following the ATAD, the Belgian legislation provides that the outstanding balance becomes immediately recoverable in certain events. Remarkably, this will be the case, according to the legislations wording, in the event that all or part of the assets are disposed of, or transferred outside the EEA. By adding that even disposal/transfer of part of the assets (potentially a minor part) could have this effect, Belgian legislation seems to go further than the ATAD. If interpreted strictly, then arguably, this rule has a disproportionate effect.

Remaining uncertainties and restrictions

Belgium implemented the deferred payment rules under Article 5 of the ATAD on time. While the new rules largely comply with ATAD, they seem disproportionate in providing that the deferred payment facility is discontinued (also) in the event that only part of the assets is subsequently disposed of, or transferred outside the EEA. On a strict interpretation, this disproportionate effect may substantially reduce the effectiveness/success of the deferred payment facility.

Finally, it is important to note that the new provisions only deal with outbound transactions, meaning that the existing rules for inbound relocation of assets, migration and reorganisation remain unchanged. As these provisions generally provide that the assets enter the Belgian tax jurisdiction at their pre-transaction foreign book-value, i.e. without a step-up in the tax base being granted, Belgian legislation is still not ATAD-proof for inbound situations.

By Ivo Vande Velde and Thomas Aertgeerts, Tiberghien Belgium, local partner at WTS Global





Ivo Vande Velde, Tiberghien Belgium, local partner at WTS Global Tel: +3227734000 ivo.vandevelde@tiberghien.com www.tiberghien.com
Un ottobre da sogno per Antonio Conte: lex ct della Nazionale italiana, attualmente alla guida del Chelsea, nelle ultime quattro gare di Premier League ha collezionato solo successi, conditi da 11 reti segnate e addirittura nessuna incassata. Numeri da record che non sono certo passati inosservati alla Federazione inglese, la quale ha conferito al tecnico leccese lambito premio di Manager del mese.

Unavventura oltremanica iniziata in sordina, quella di Conte, pur a fronte di tre vittorie nelle prime tre gare di campionato. A far vacillare, anche se solo per un momento, le certezze del patron del club londinese, Roman Abramovich, i risultati conseguiti tra la 4a e la 6a giornata, coincisi con un pareggio sul campo dello Swansea City e, soprattutto, con le due pesanti sconfitte subite dal Liverpool, sul terreno casalingo di Stamford Bridge, e dallArsenal. In particolare, la debacle interna coi Reds, aveva irritato non poco il numero uno russo, poiche occorsa proprio nel giorno della sua 250esima partita da presidente della societa.

Come detto, solo un momento. Dopo lincontro dellEmirates, il tecnico salentino cambia modulo, adottando un piu equilibrato 3-4-3 e inserendo elementi di corsa come lo spagnolo Pedro. Una svolta totale perche, di li in poi, il Chelsea inanellera solo e soltanto vittorie: 2 gol allHull City e al Southampton in trasferta, 3 ai campioni dInghilterra del Leicester e 4 allo United in casa, con un meraviglioso numero zero nella casella delle reti subite. Un fantastico poker, ottenuto tra l1 e il 29 ottobre. Un cambio di marcia sbalorditivo, confermato dal 5 a 0 rifilato ai toffees dellEverton nel primo match di novembre, e una scalata che, man mano, ha portato i blues al secondo posto in classifica, a soli 2 punti dal Liverpool capolista.

E allora, non poteva mancare il riconoscimento di migliore allenatore del mese, ottenuto surclassando tecnici del calibro di Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) e Mark Hughes (Southampton). Tanta, ovviamente, la soddisfazione: E un grande onore e voglio condividerlo con i giocatori e con la societa  ha dichiarato Conte sul sito ufficiale della Premier League -. E la prima volta che lavoro in un altro Paese, con una cultura diversa, e portare la propria filosofia non e facile, ma ora sono contento di questa scelta.

A completare la festa, la premiazione del fantasista belga, Eden Hazard, come miglior giocatore di ottobre. Due risultati importanti per il club, ottimo incentivo per la rincorsa al trono dei campioni, occupato dal Leicester di Ranieri. Il prossimo appuntamento per l11 di Conte sara al Riverside Stadium, tana del Middlesborough neopromosso. Il tempo di festeggiare e gia finito.
If you're a current or soon-to-be retiree, youre probably looking for creative ways to boost your nest egg and gain future income. Many people choose to invest in rental properties in an up-and-coming area. But this kind of real estate venture comes with property management responsibilities, including constant calls from annoying renters about leaky faucets and squeaky door hinges. This is precisely why some retirees are opting to invest in vacant land instead.

Less kindly known as land speculation, purchasing vacant land for potential future gain is a high-risk investment. The secret is to find inexpensive land in undeveloped areas that may see a building boom in the near future. While choosing the right spot can be tricky, you could sell your land to a commercial real estate company or developer in the future for a major returnprovided you play your cards right.

Thinking about placing your bets on a vacant lot? Here are five U.S. states where you can buy cheap land and where your investment may just pay off in the long run.

Key Takeaways Tennessee, Arkansas, and West Virginia are three of the most inexpensive places to buy land.

Texas is a popular place for retirees but not necessarily the cheapest place to purchase land.

If you plan to purchase land, make sure it's close to water and utilities.

Buying land near popular tourist areas will likely be more costly but you might see a stronger return on your investment.

As an asset, owning land is the most illiquid form of real estate.

1. Tennessee

This landlocked southern state is most famous for its centrally located capital, Nashville. The heart of the country music scene is the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame along with a legendary stretch of honky-tonks and dance halls. Memphis, located in southwest Tennessee, is another hot spot, where tourists flock to see Elvis Presleys Graceland.

The Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, located along the North Carolina border, offer a peaceful area to fish, hike, and take in majestic mountain views. Tennessee also offers another major advantageno state income tax.

Even with a variety of attractions, land in Tennessee is relatively inexpensive. For instance, in Unicoi County, located in the states mountainous northeast, the average sales amount for a 251,911 square foot lot is $59,408. Thats only $0.37 per square foot. As Tennessee continues to grow, you could potentially profit from a land purchase in the Volunteer State.

2. Arkansas

Known as the Natural State, Arkansas borders the Mississippi River and is well known for its abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities from fishing, hunting, and hiking to mountain biking, golfing, and boating. The states diverse geography includes mountains, dense forests, lowlands, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and streams.

Arkansas also has a low cost of living, a growing economy, and a mounting population. Vacant pastureland in the Natural State on average sells for around $0.06 per square foot according to 2021 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

If you are planning to buy land to build your retirement home, make sure to check with the local community government to learn about building regulations for your property.

3. West Virginia

Situated entirely in the Appalachian region, its no wonder West Virginia is known as the Mountain Statethe terrain is almost entirely mountainous. Harpers Ferry, located in the northeast part of the state where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac, is a popular tourist destination. Site of the famous pre-Civil War raid by John Brown, the town is surrounded by a national historic park, with many of the buildings open to the public as living-history museums.

West Virginia's economy has had significant strides and is still growing. The largest industry in the Mountain State is still coal mining, which accounted for most of West Virginias growth. You can still find extremely affordable land in West Virginia. Depending on the location, the cost of an acre of land can be $1,000, and with only 7% of the state's land developed, there is plenty of opportunity for growth and profit.

4. New Mexico

Often called the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico boasts an array of striking landscapes, from the Chihuahuan Desert to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The southwestern states capital, Santa Fe, is a popular tourist destination well known for its upscale spas, magnificent Spanish colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. This thriving city is home to the Georgia OKeeffe Museum and the open-air Santa Fe Opera.

To top it off, New Mexicos population and economy are on the rise. In other words, the Land of Enchantment could also be the land of opportunity for retirees looking to buy valuable vacant land. Land currently available in New Mexico can be bought for an average of $1,500 per acre, and with the state ranking as having the second most available land, there are many opportunities for eager investors.

Land is illiquid and can be very hard to sell. If you are buying land as an asset to sell down the road, it can end up being a risky venture.

5. Texas

The second-largest state in the union, Texas offers outsized fun due to the variety in its terrain from wide-open prairies to golden beaches. It has a rising population, rich cosmopolitan meccas, and cultured college towns. Best of all, Texas has space, a lot of it, with seven district market regions to choose from when buying land, and prices do vary, depending on where you plan to purchase. For example, in the far West Texas region, the land is only approximately $1,300 per acre on average. If you have more money and want to retire close to a city, the Dallas-Fort Worth area costs on average $2,500 per acre, with a median price of $2,411 per acre.



Is Buying Land a Good Investment for Retirement? Buying land and building a new home may be less expensive than buying a house, if you choose the right locale. However, if you are buying land as an asset, remember it can be a risky venture and take years to sell off and make a profit.

Which States Have the Cheapest Land? According to Land Hub, Arkansas, Tennessee, and West Virginia have some of the cheapest land around.

Should I Buy Land When I Retire? If you are planning to live on the land, it may be a good deal, especially in popular retirement states like New Mexico or Texas. For example, it is cheaper to buy land outside of Santa Fe or Fort Worth, than to purchase a new home in either city.

The Bottom Line

Even if you happen to find dirt-cheap land in one of these five states, remember that any land purchase is an exceedingly high-risk investmentespecially for less experienced, short-term investors. Because raw land is the most illiquid type of real estate investment, it can take many years to sell some land parcels.

Before you purchase a plot of land, carefully consider the areas growth expectancy as well as all zoning requirements, topography, and tax obligations associated with owning the land. And make sure it has water and access to utilities if you hope to develop it.
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Press Release

World MPs in drive to end extreme inequalities

Dhaka, 6 April 2017

The Dhaka Declaration highlighted that extreme inequalities come at a high cost to society. Citizenside/See Li/Citizenside

Expressing grave concern with the extreme political, social and economic inequalities prevalent in the world, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has called for immediate action to reverse this trend and leave no one behind.

In a declaration issued at the close of the 136th IPU Assembly (#IPU136) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, IPU Members highlighted that "extreme inequalities" come at a high cost to society, stalling economic growth, undermining the democratic process and social cohesion and increasing the risk of violence and insecurity.

MPs identified parliamentary measures to ensure the economy benefits all, strengthens protection of workers rights including the right to a decent living, and improve international co-operation. The parliamentarians also pledged to work towards the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 10 on redressing inequalities within and among countries.

We cannot continue to view the gap between rich and poor as business as usual. This Assembly is one of many steps that need to be taken to ensure that the well-being and dignity of all is respected, said IPU President Saber Chowdhury.

Over the five-day Assembly, IPU Members adopted a comprehensive resolution on guaranteeing women access to financial mechanisms. The resolution recommended that parliaments develop specific methods to facilitate the financial inclusion of poor women, ensuring they have access to credit, as well as to financial and business training. A separate resolution addressed non-intervention in the internal affairs of States.

The 136th Assembly observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in St. Petersburg. During the Assembly, the IPU President condemned the chemical attack that occurred in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, Syria. IPU Members reminded the warring parties that the use of chemical weapons is banned by international law. The IPU President declared the global parliamentary communitys solidarity with the Russian and Syrian people.

Key to achieving gender equality is the promotion and respect for the rights of girls. The Forum of Women Parliamentarians called for greater empowerment of girls and legal measures to end gender-based violence, including sexual violence that girls face at school, on the way to school and also at home. The women MPs also stressed the urgent need to stop early marriage and female genital mutilation, which are hugely damaging to the education and health of girls.

Maureen Osoru, a 26-year old Ugandan MP, was elected President of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians. Ms Osoru passionately declared her commitment to use her presidency as a way to encourage young people across the globe to become engaged in politics.

The IPU also welcomed two new members, Tuvalu and the Central African Republic. IPU now has 173 Member Parliaments.

Some 1206 people attended the IPU 136th Assembly in Dhaka, jointly organized with the Bangladesh Parliament. Amongst them were 607 MPs from 126 countries, 46 Speakers of Parliament, 36 Deputy Speakers of Parliament and 191 women MPs.

Photos of the event will be made available on Flickr.

For further information, please contact:





The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. It works to safeguard peace and drives positive democratic change through political dialogue and concrete action.
Editor of the Irish Times Kevin OSullivan unexpectedly stepped down yesterday, with deputy editor taking over with immediate effect, writes Padraig Hoare of the Irish Examiner.

Mr OSullivan joined the newspaper in 1997. He will take on a new position with the newspaper as environment, agriculture and science editor.

Mr ONeill joined The Irish Times in 1989 as London correspondent. He worked as a news reporter, crime correspondent, deputy news editor and business desk editor before his appointment as finance editor in 2000. Following a short period in public relations, he returned to the Irish Times as deputy editor and was appointed to the board.

In 2011 he was appointed editorial director. He was responsible for operations across print and digital identification and the installation of a new content management system.

Chairman of the Irish Times Dan Flinter said: In making this appointment, the board was very pleased to have a candidate with an evident strong track record and experience, who has the necessary leadership skills and talent for the role and who has the ability to build on the current momentum of change within the organisation.

Mr OSullivan said he had been honoured to lead the Irish Times for six years. My term has coincided with unprecedented turbulence and uncertainty for media businesses. I would like to pay particular tribute to all on the Irish Times editorial team.

In an unrelentingly challenging period, they ensured a consistent output of public-interest journalism and content that informed and enriched the lives of a growing number of readers, he said.

He said the company was on track to serve almost 60,000 subscribers in digital and print. Mr Flinter said that the former editor had made a major contribution to the development of the Irish Times over the past six years. The company reported an operating loss of 1.1m for 2015 in July last year, with advertising revenue growing 5% in print and digital.

Managing director Liam Kavanagh said at the time that the objective was to continue increasing its digital audience, especially on mobiles.
Update 11.30pm: A seven-month-old puppy was drowned in a bath by a "cruel" intruder during a break-in, UK police have said.

Benji the Cockapoo was found dead at the ransacked address in Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth, by owner Susan Walker on Wednesday.

The mother-of-two said the sight of her lifeless pet will "haunt" her forever and has left her unable to break it to her children.

A computer and other items were stolen from the home in Cobholm Close between 3.50pm and 5.30pm, Norfolk Police said.

Ms Walker returned to find her house had been burgled and her dog missing, prompting her to call her brother, Gareth Deacon-Walker, and partner, Mark Phillips, for help.

They found the bathroom door jammed shut, forcing her brother to kick it down and make the grim find, according to reports.

"Everything we lost is immaterial. The fact we lost the puppy is the most devastating thing," Ms Walker, 33, told the Eastern Daily Press.

Mark Phillips with Benji the Cockapoo.

"I came straight down and told Mark to not go upstairs.

"That sight will haunt for the rest of my life."

She added: "Benji was really playful and part of the family. I have not told the children what has happened. We have told them he has gone missing and police are helping us find him."

Mr Phillips, 40, was said to have been reduced to tears by the sight of Benji's body in the bath.

Earlier: Detectives in the UK are hunting a "particularly cruel" burglar who drowned a seven-month-old puppy in the bath during a break-in.

Norfolk Police have issued an appeal for information about the crime, which happened in Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth, on Wednesday.

The burglar stole a computer and other items from the home in Cobholm Close between 3.50pm and 5.30pm.

Detective Sergeant Richard Wallis said: "This is a particularly cruel crime and I would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the area at around the time of the burglary to come forward."
US Ambassador Nikki Haley warned on Wednesday that US President's Trump administration will take action against chemical attacks in Syria - if the UN Security Council fails to act.

Haley - who said the attack bears "all the hallmarks" of President Bashar Assad's government - urged the council at an emergency meeting to immediately approve a resolution drafted by the US, Britain and France that condemns and threatens consequences for the use of chemical weapons.

Tuesday's attack in rebel-held Idlib province killed dozens of people.

"There are times at the United Nations when we are compelled to take collective action," she said. "When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action."

"For the sake of the victims, I hope the rest of the council is finally willing to do the same," she added.

Haley spoke after Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced Moscow's opposition to the draft resolution.

She called it "categorically unacceptable" because "it runs ahead of the investigation results and names the culprit, Damascus."

"The main task now is to have an objective inquiry into what happened," Russia's deputy UN ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the Security Council. "Up to now all falsified reports about this incident have come from the White Helmets or the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights based in London which have been discredited long ago."

He said that from 11:30am until 12:30pm on April 4, the Syrian government carried out an airstrike on the eastern edge of the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun "on a large warehouse of ammunition and military equipment".

On that compound, he said, there was a facility "to produce ammunition with the use of toxic weapons" which was supposed to be used in Iraq and Aleppo.

"Their use was confirmed last year by Russia and military experts," Safronkov said. "The symptoms of those affected in Khan Sheikhoun were the same as those by people who were affected last year in Aleppo."

Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft also told the council that Tuesday's attack "bears all the hallmarks" of President Bashar Assad's regime.

"We have every indication that this was a sustained attack using aircraft over a number of hours," Rycroft said. "We see all the signs of an attack using a nerve agent capable of killing over a hundred people and harming hundreds more."

The resolution drafted by the US, Britain and France would condemn the use of chemical weapons in Syria, especially on Tuesday, "in the strongest terms" and back an investigation by the international chemical weapons watchdog, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

It stresses that the Syrian government, under previous Security Council resolutions, is obligated to provide OPCW investigators and a UN-OPCW team charged with assessing blame for chemical attacks with information on all flight plans and air operations on April 4 and the names of commanders of any helicopter squadrons.

Syria's deputy UN ambassador Mounzer Mounzer told the council his government categorically rejects "false claims and accusations" that the army used toxic chemicals against Syrian civilians in Khan Sheikhoun, saying they are being used "as human shields by armed terrorist groups".

He said the army does not have any type of chemical weapons and "we have never used them and we will never use them."

The death toll from Tuesday's attack has risen to 86, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

AP
The Irish Examiner understands the person in question is a member of the Air Corps.

A statement from the Defence Forces said that an unclear result does not mean the person necessarily failed the drugs test, but that their sample will be sent for a follow-up examination.
But, to some surprise, the current crisis engulfing the Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan did not feature at the meeting, according to sources present.

At the meeting, a plethora of rural Fine Gael ministers and TDs demanded that Transport Minister Shane Ross be hauled before them to explain his handling of the Bus Eireann strike.

The rural politicians are irate that it took a wildcat strike by bus drivers in Dublin last week to spark movement by Mr Ross, when small towns across the country have been neglected for weeks.

According to sources, among those who raised concerns were minister Sean Kyne and Cork senator Jerry Buttimer.

If this happened in Dublin weeks ago this would have been sorted long before now, Mr Kyne reportedly said.

It was at this point that several TDs called for Mr Ross to come before them to detail his plans to resolve the crisis.

It is understood that Mr Ross will be requested to hold a briefing meeting for Fine Gael members to defend his handling of the crisis, which has seen him subject to widespread criticism.

This is because Mr Ross has repeatedly refused to engage directly with trade unions while the threat of industrial action has been present.

The rural TDs complained about the impact the two-week old strike has had on small towns across the country, adding that constituents are up in arms over the chaos caused by the strikes.

It was agreed that the request will be forwarded to Mr Ross office.

The latest Government plan on broadband, launched on Tuesday by Independent Minister Denis Naughten was also raised by TDs at the meeting.

Under the plan, up to 300,000 homes and business premises are to get access to high-speed broadband within 90 weeks.

Mr Naughten announced details of an agreement between the Government and eir, which will see broadband delivered to 300,575 premises around the country by December 2018.
Stella McGrath, 21, from Innishannon, fell from her horse at Glenbane Point to Point last November.

Stella, who is currently receiving treatment in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, is making steady progress, according to her mother Jackie.

She is expected to attend tomorrow nights West Cork Community Awards Ceremony in Bandon, with her mother and brother Conor.

Another West Cork jockey, Ballineen-born Noel Fehily, who enjoyed unprecedented success at this years Cheltenham festival, is in line to receive the International Award at the Bandon Co-op-sponsored event organised by The Opinion magazine.

Proceeds from the awards ceremony will benefit a trust fund for Stella.

Her mother said Stellas treatment at the National Rehabilitation Hospital is due to end shortly.

She is doing very well. She is five weeks without a wheelchair and has done a little jogging, which is a sign of progress.

Jackie said Stella is finding she has less strength generally on the right side of her body than on the left.

She has also benefited from a series of hypotherapy sessions from a private clinic near Upton, Co Cork.

A specialised form of therapy, it involves sitting on a horse and using the animals movement as a therapy.

We have noticed a huge improvement in her conversational ability, said Jackie.

She described the support received by Stella since the accident as unbelievable.

It has been unwavering. The amount of people who know her all over the country is incredible  they are holding quizzes and fundraisers in places such as Carlow, she added.
An analysis by Global jobs search website, Indeed, also reveals that working in a hospitals emergency department is the least attractive option for nurses with almost two-thirds (63%) of jobs still vacant after 60 days.

It indicates that the health service is finding it difficult to fill other specialist nursing roles, including dialysis nurse, learning disability nurse and endoscopy nurse.

Half of the job postings for a dialysis nurse were open for more than 60% as were 44% for a learning disability nurse and 35% for an endoscopy nurse.

The analysis also shows that more than a quarter (26%) of Ireland-based searches for nursing jobs are going abroad.

The most popular countries for nurses based in Ireland to seek employment are Britain, the United States and Australia.

Of those seeking work abroad, more than three-quarters (76%) want to work as a nurse in Britain and the US.

The fallout from the Brexit referendum has not dampened the enthusiasm of nurses in Ireland wanting to work in Britain.

There is also little change in the number of searches for nursing roles in Britain originating from Europe.

This continuing trend runs counter to the overall swing since Brexit, with Europeans interest in working in Britain plummeting by 18% since January.

Indeeds Europe, the Middle East and Africa economist, Mariano Mamertino, said the analysis showed the extent of the challenged faced by the HSE which is actively recruiting to fill nurse vacancies in Ireland.

What is clear from our analysis is that the current supply of nurses isnt keeping pace with demand, resulting in serious shortages across a range of health specialities, said Mr Mamertino.

Indeed currently employs 530 people in Ireland, which is its headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

It has sites in more than 60 countries.
Ruth Buckley, Gillian Keating, and Caroline O'Driscoll established 'I Wish' - Inspiring Women in STEM - in 2014, which aims to encourage female secondary school students to pursue careers in science technology, engineering and mathematics.

Since the first I Wish event in 2015, more than 7,000 students have taken part in Cork and Dublin, with campus days expanding the reach of the event further over the last few years.
The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed an appeal by Vincent Keaney, from Cobh, who in the 1990s won 1 million in the Lotto.

The appeal arose out of the dismissal in 2008 by the High Court of Mr Keaneys case concerning his efforts to get additional funding after he ran out of money to complete the Titantic Bar and Restaurant.

To do so, Mr Keaney had used his winnings to buy and convert the former Cunard White Star terminal Scotts Building in the port town which once served the trans-Atlantic liner route.

The High Court heard Mr Keaney invested between 430,000 and 475,000, but by early 2000 he was in financial difficulty and had borrowed extensively in an attempt to complete the project. He then sought investment from third parties.

One of them was Cork publican, Mike Nolan, who was introduced to Mr Keaney by accountant James Sullivan who previously had a practice in Cork and was a consultant at that stage.

Arising out of the breakdown of business relationships, Mr Keaney sued Mr Nolan and Mr Sullivan, along with a number of other parties against whom the High Court struck out proceedings several years ago.

Mr Keaneys case proceeded against Mr Nolan for alleged breach of contract and over the 2004 assignment of the Scotts Building to Mr Nolan and his wife, Julia. He also sought damages in relation to an agreement over the acquisition of an adjoining property called the Tragan Building.

He also sued Mr Sullivan claiming he was negligent and in breach of contract by failing to disclose to Mr Keaney a conflict of interest. That was, it was alleged, because Mr Sullivan acted as agent/accountant/business associate of Mr Nolan.

The claims were denied.

In 2008, the High Court said Mr Keaney had failed in all his claims and dismissed the case against Mr and Mrs Nolan and against Mr Sullivan.

Upholding that decision on behalf of a three-judge Supreme Court, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne, said a key question in the case was whether there was an agreement between Mr Keaney and Mr Nolan in March 2000 about investing in the business.

The court heard a company called Titanic Queenstown was set up at that stage to operate the business but by December 2002, Mr Nolan decided he did not want to continue in a loss-making entity and the business ceased.

Ms Justice Dunne said Mr Keaney had challenged head-on findings of fact made by the High Court.

The High Court judge, the late Kevin Feeney, followed precisely the approach to be taken in that he very clearly set out in the course of his judgment the various issues raised on his findings of primary fact, the inferences to be drawn, and the conclusions which followed from those findings.

Mr Keaney had not demonstrated that those findings were not supported by credible evidence, she said.
Julian King said recent atrocities, in St Petersburg and London, were attacks on our shared European values. He said the four people killed and the 50 people injured in the Westminster attack a fortnight ago were from 11 countries.

One of the injured was Irish and another victim probably owes his life to the fast-thinking and responses of an Irishwoman who performed CPR on him until the emergency services arrived on the scene, said Mr King.

The European Commissioner for the Security Union told the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin that the London attack occurred on the first anniversary of the Brussels atrocity.

France, Belgium and Germany have all suffered in a two-year cycle of Islamist terror on European soil, he said. These were attacks on our shared European values by people seeking to destroy our way of life.

He said the threat from terrorism was nothing new and many European countries have had to deal with it in the past. However, he said the jihadi-inspired threat from IS was different because it wanted to eradicate the European way of life.

The risk of a terrorist attack will remain high in the coming months and years, particularly as events in Syria, Iraq and indeed Libya unfold  with the prospect that some foreign terrorist fighters will attempt to return to the EU with the intention of planning and executing potential future attacks, he said.

An estimated 30 Irish citizens have travelled to Syria and Libya to fight over the years, but many are known to have joined non-IS groups and at least five have died.

Khalid Kelly was the most recent reported death, in a thwarted suicide mission in Iraq, last November. He was one of the first Irish people reported as having fought for IS.

However, there have been court cases here involving people linked to IS, including a man purported to be their main recruiter here who was deported last July.

Mr King said: Estimates vary, but around 2,000 European Union citizens who travelled to fight with ISIS remain there.

Keeping tabs on their whereabouts and movements is a key challenge for member states law and order agencies and for the EU as a whole.

And so too is how to respond to the new phenomenon of low-cost terrorism, where, as in London, Nice and Berlin, all you need is a vehicle or a knife to indiscriminately inflict fatal injuries on innocent people and those charged with protecting us.

He said this weeks attack in St Petersburg fitted into a pattern of behaviour encouraged by IS online.

He said countries also needed to be vigilant about efforts to radicalise within our communities and that there was a need to prevent the hatemongers from inciting people to commit violence.

He said the internet was fertile terrain for radicalisation and that social media and internet providers needed to do more to detect and take down hate speech.
According to Fr Brendan Walsh, however, the spirit of solidarity that exists in rural Ireland will help the community in the next few days.

There are two families this morning who are absolutely devastated, Fr Walsh said.

The late Mr OMahony had been a bachelor farmer and was a devoted churchgoer attending Mass regularly, the priest said.

He had been a skillful farmer and a quiet man.

He was a man who was liked by the community and very well-respected by all who knew him, the priest told Radio Kerry.

There was a sense of awful shock and gloom over the area.

The good thing about a rural area like Ballyduff and Causeway is there is a great community spirit, he said, although they had never been through a tragedy of this kind before.

Fr Walsh spoke of the strong faith that was in the two north Kerry parishes and how he had noticed locals dropping into say a prayer at the church in Ballyduff after news of the incident broke on Tuesday.

He also spoke of how the people were bracing themselves for what would emerge in the next few days.

The next few days will be very difficult as more and more details emerge, Fr Walsh said, adding these are very difficult days for the area.
The unions 250 members at the Pfizer plant in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork decided to put a block on all overtime after the company said 35 new employees wouldnt be allowed the same pension plan as their colleagues.

Siptu sector organiser Alan OLeary said that the dispute erupted after the failure of the company to put the new entrants on the defined benefit pension scheme.

However, the company has now relented and agreed to allow the new entrants onto the defined benefit scheme and backdate their entry into it from the day they started work at the plant.

Im delighted that the 35 workers are being treated equally with their colleagues. Im very happy in that respect and as a result the dispute has been resolved with immediate effect, Mr OLeary said.

However, he said he was due to meet the unions committee at the Ringaskiddy plant shortly to consider its collective position on the future of the defined benefit scheme. In a statement, Pfizer said it welcomed Siptus decision to end industrial action and now urged the union to negotiate on proposed pension changes.

Pfizer said it is in the best interest that meaningful negotiations get underway.

The company has proposed the introduction of a defined contribution pension scheme to replace non-contributory defined benefit pension schemes.

Pfizer said that this is for future accrual only and the company will continue to fund the existing defined benefit schemes.

The company claims the cost of funding these non-contributory defined benefit schemes has risen 1,000% since 2009 and these costs are affecting the competitiveness of the Ringaskiddy site.

This change is part of a global initiative as the environment for defined benefit plans has become very challenging due to the increasing and unsustainable cost and volatility associated with these types of pension plans, said the statement.

Pfizer said a generous defined contribution scheme is being proposed to which the company would also contribute and the company is willing to negotiate all aspects of this proposed scheme. The proposed changes would affect 900 of Pfizer employees in in manufacturing, shared services and commercial operations.

Pfizers other employees who have pension benefits in Ireland are in defined contribution schemes and these schemes are not affected.

The company said the proposal doesnt affect deferred members or pensioners.
Figures provided by visafirst.com showed 5,418 visas have been issued to Irish workers so far in 2017, with a further 1,794 applicants having applied and likely to be issued permits if their applications are eligible.

That accounts for the majority of the Irish quota of 7,700 for the Canadian working holiday programme, in which visas are issued without job offers.

Edwina Shanahan, managing director with visafirst.com, said: That leaves only 488 places for this year.

In 2016, over 1,000 places went unused by the end of the year. Given that we are only in April it looks extremely likely that this years programme will fill up, and soon.

The IEC program allows people from many countries up to the age of 35  or to the age of 30 for some countries  to live and work in Canada for a period of 12 or 24 months.

Applicants need a passport from an eligible country and it must be valid for the duration of their stay.

They also need at least C$2,500 (1,750) in savings to support their stay, as well as health insurance and a clean criminal record.

Edwina Shanahan said that the snapping up of visas for the programme showed the growth in popularity of Canada as a destination.

Applicants must first register their interest under the various IEC streams and if accepted for a particular stream, applicants then have 10 days to accept or reject the offer before it expires.

Successful applicants are also required to submit work permit documentation and pay the necessary fees within a 20-day period, with those advising on the process warning that all relevant documents needed to be prepared in advance so as not to miss out on an offer.
The It Stops Now campaign was officially launched yesterday as part of the Europe-wide ESHTE (Ending Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in Third Level Education) initiative, backed by the National Womens Council of Ireland, the Union of Students of Ireland and student unions.

Third-level institutions including Dublin City University, University College Cork, and University College Dublin have also lent official support.
Thursday, April 6th, 2017 (3:21 pm) - Score 2,652

Cable operator Virgin Media has announced that some 42,000 additional homes and businesses across Devon (England) will soon gain access to their ultrafast 300Mbps cable broadband and TV service, which forms part of the 3bn Project Lightning network expansion.

Apparently work on the latest deployment has already begun in Torquay, where almost 24,000 new premises are predicted to be put within reach of the service. The roll-out in Devon is then due to complete by the end of 2019.

Project Lightning aims to cover a total of 17 million premises by 2019 (i.e. 4 million extra premises, including 2 million via FTTP), which should boost their coverage of the United Kingdom to around 60-65%.

Maurice Daw, Regional Director of Virgin Media, said: Were delighted to be expanding our network to thousands more homes and businesses to help to make Devon a world class digital hotspot. Local residents and businesses will soon be getting the high-speed connectivity they deserve. We urge more people to come together and register their interest  your street could be next.

Kevin Foster, MP for Torbay, said: I am delighted that thousands of local homes and businesses will soon be connected to ultrafast broadband. This investment, bringing speeds of up to 300Mbps, is great news for keeping the bay connected and driving forward our economy. It is great that Virgin Media is not just talking about improving our digital infrastructure, but picking up a trowel to do so.

The news follows Virgin Medias recent speed boost of their consumer broadband packages (here) and some controversy over a failure to report the correct level of progress for their national network deployment (here).
Twitter is suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and alleging the government is misusing an investigative tool as part of an internal witch-hunt to uncover who is behind a Twitter account critical of the immigration service.

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday in California, comes on the heels of a report that visitors to the U.S. could soon be routinely asked to hand over email and social media account passwords to the immigration service.

In its lawsuit, Twitter says that U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have demanded it hand over information regarding the @alt_uscis Twitter account.

The account is one of many established after the inauguration of President Donald Trump as dissent accounts of U.S. government agencies. The writers are critical of Trump and new leadership, and most claim to be insiders working in government or former staffers.

On March 14, Twitter received a summons from the customs agency demanding the identity of the person behind the account, the company says.

Twitter refused, contending the law that allows the government to demand the information, 19 U.S. Code  1509, only covers a narrow range of alleged offenses, including import violations.

"CBP's investigation of the @alt_uscis account plainly has nothing whatsoever to do with the importation of merchandise into the United States," it says in the lawsuit.

"Permitting CBP to pierce the pseudonym of the @alt_uscis account would have a grave chilling effect on the speech of that account in particular and on the many other 'alternative agency' accounts that have been created to voice dissent to government policies."

The lawsuit follows discussions between Twitter and a U.S. customs investigator over the appropriateness and lawfulness of the summons. Twitter says it told the investigator it would notify the account holder unless it was served with a court order forbidding it from doing so. The government did not apply for such an order.

Then Twitter told the government that it would challenge the summons unless it was withdrawn. That didn't happen, and Twitter then filed Thursday's lawsuit.

Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal said visitors to the U.S. could soon be asked to hand over email and social media passwords as part of their vetting to get into the country. The so-called "extreme vetting" would give the U.S. government deep access into the personal lives of visitors in a way no other country has ever attempted.

The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency have yet to comment on Thursday's lawsuit.
THE Supreme Court is due to announce its ruling in the Jon Platt term time school holiday case this morning (Thursday).





Judges will rule on whether Jon Platt, who won his case at magistrates court and the high court, was right to argue that it should not be an offence to take a child out of school during term time, if they continued to have more than 90 per cent attendance.





The Isle of Wight Council, supported by the DfE, has argued that the law requires children to be at school everyday, except during exceptional circumstances.





The ruling, which is due to be made at around 10am, will affect parents, schools and local authorities across the country.





You can watch a live stream of the proceedings and follow updates below:








UPDATED 11:47*

JON Platt has lost his Supreme Court Battle against fines for parents who take their children on holiday during term time.

The Isle of Wight dad and his legal team, who had won cases at the magistrates court and High Court, had argued that the law required regular attendance, not attendance every day.

But the Isle of Wight Council, backed by the Department for Education, argued children should attend school each day unless authorised to be absent by the headteacher.

The Supreme Court considered several meanings of the word regular, but has today ruled that in this context it meant in line with the rules, which requires attendance as set out by schools and local authorities.

It rejected an argument that the intention of the term 'regular' was to mean sufficiently frequently, as this would be too unclear for students and parents.

It highlighted that headteachers continued to have the authority to authorise absences.

Sickness, religious observance and in some cases a failure by the school to provide transport, remain statutory circumstances when absence should be authorised.



Mr Platt will now have to face the original prosecution brought against him at magistrates court. Maistrates originally ruled he had no case to answer as his child had above 90 per cent attendance, even after the holiday.



Speaking to the County Press ahead of the ruling, Mr Platt said he had written to Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening after the hearing, to raise his concerns about the impact of a victory for the Isle of Wight Council and the DfE.



Mr Platt, who did not receive a response, said he believed the DfE needed to issue guidance to local authorities quickly to acknowledge that this legislation was originally established to tackle truancy, not to punish families for taking holidays.



"The DfE needs to issue guidance as soon as possible to say prosecutions should not be brought unless attendance falls below 90 per cent, which is the threshold they set for truancy prosecutions," said Mr Platt.



He said he would be encouraging parents across the country to vote for Green Party candidates in May's local elections, as the party had supported the case that parents whose children had good attendance at school should not be fined.



"The government needs to see that there are political consequences for their actions," said Mr Platt, who said the ruling would criminalise parents on an unprecedented scale.



Lady Hale, deputy president of the Supreme Court, said: "The case depends on the meaning of the word regularly. There are at least three possible meanings: evenly spaced, as in 'he attends church regularly every Sunday'; sufficiently often, as in he 'attends church regularly, almost every Sunday or, thirdly, when he attends church when he is required to do so.



"It cannot mean 'evenly spaced' because this would enable attendance every Monday to count as regularly, even though attendance at school every day is required by the school rules.



"Many might think that it means 'sufficiently often' as did the High Court this case an in the earlier case which it followed. But there are many reasons to think this was not what parliament intended."



She said this interpretation did not give the clarity required by law on what would be an offence.

On the issue of criminalising many parents, she said the law made provision for a 'sensible prosecution policy' - including the issuing of fines - to avoid cases coming to court.



National Green Party education representative and Isle of Wight Green Party leader Vix Lowthion said the ruling would result in thousands of parents living under the threat of fine, prosecution and even imprisonment for a single day of unauthorised absence.



She added: "We all want our children to have excellence attendance in our schools, but fines and prosecution is not the best way to go.



&am p;lt;div> "This Conservative Government are obsessed with formal, high stakes testing and believe that education can only take place in the classroom. Now they are set to criminalise parents for not only family holidays but one off absences such as weddings and funerals - there is no flexibility allowed whatsoever.

"We call upon our government to bring this policy to Parliament for debate, as is fair and right within a democracy, because for too long they have refused to have these fines up for debate.

"Instead of attacking parents' choices, this government should be enacting legislation against holiday companies who ramp up prices in school holidays well beyond the reach of ordinary families.

"They should be seriously looking at regional, flexible term times to spread holidays across a wider variety of weeks. And they should be welcoming opportunities for our young people to get out of the confines of the classroom and learn from exciting experiences they get when away from home."



*Former Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr Jonathan Bacon, who led the authority at the start of the case, said: "The case was fundamentally about seeking certainty in an area of law that was uncertain and I am glad that this has now been resolved with a clear ruling on what 'regular attendance' means having now been given.



"In handing down this ruling the Supreme Court has recognised that attendance at school is fundamental to education and also recognised the importance of attendance to a school's ability to teach all the pupils in the classroom as well as to the education of the individual child.

"It would be ridiculous if the contention being advance in some quarters that parents should have the unchecked ability to remove their child from school for up to ten per cent of the school year had been accepted by the Court.



"In my view there are two underlying problems that remain with the current system that need to be dealt with and which were never going to be dealt with by this case, but which the Government needs to address. I have never supported fines as the best means to coerce attendance.

"Their existence seems to be at the core of parents concern about the current system. They may be appropriate in extreme cases but it would surely be better to have good attendance supported and encouraged by a reward based system.



"Secondly, and perhaps more easy to deal with, is the fact that a few years ago head teachers had pretty much any discretion to authorise an absence from school taken away from them. This needs to be reversed. It is plain, and I have always said, that there are situations in which it will be beneficial for a child to be able to take part in events or activities outside school but during term time. Given the ability to exercise appropriate discretion head teachers can recognise this and ensure that absences do not disrupt the education process."

*An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said: "The Supreme Court's judgement provides much needed clarity about what constitutes regular attendance at school, to schools, parents and local education authorities.

"The Isle of Wight Council will ensure it continues to apply its code of conduct in relation to school absence and in accordance with this judgement."




Feds laud $83M to better Pell Bridge The congressional delegation of Rhode Island was in Jamestown to celebrate an $82.5 million grant to upgrade the bridge that connects Conanicut Island to Newport. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, a...

Local author, illustrator collaborate on book A local woman has turned her digital cross-country teatimes with her granddaughter into a childrens book. Tuesday Tea, written by Debby Furness Saletin and illustrated by Maryann England, both of...

Local group asks for rental rules changes A group of residents is expected to present its recommendations on how to improve the ordinance that governs short-term rentals. Member Ron Ratcliffe said the item is scheduled to be...
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Reynolds American Inc. said Wednesday that British American Tobacco Plc has received unconditional antitrust approval from Japanese regulators to secure full ownership of Reynolds.

Reynolds independent board of directors announced Jan. 17 that it had accepted BATs second offer, in which BAT would acquire the 57.8 percent of Reynolds it doesnt already own.

It is the second of two governmental anti-trust approvals required for the $49.4 billion deal.

The Japanese regulatory approval was necessary as it relates to Reynolds $5 billion sale in January 2016 of the international rights to Natural American Spirit super-premium traditional cigarette to Japan Tobacco.

On March 9, the companies said a federal anti-trust waiting period related to the transaction has expired without requests for additional information by the U.S. Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission.

The federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 gives those federal agencies the ability to ask questions related to potential anti-trust concerns.

The companies reiterated they expect the deal to be completed during the third quarter, pending shareholder approvals.

Olivetree Financial analyst Tyler Tebbs has said  pending regulatory approvals  that he expects the companies shareholder votes to take place by Aug. 10, and the deal to close by Aug. 12.

BATs revised offer was valued Jan. 17 at $29.44 in cash and $30.20 in BAT shares, or $59.64 per share overall. The breakdown is $24.4 billion in cash and $25 billion in British Tobacco American depository receipts, known as ADR, that are valued at 0.526 BAT shares for each Reynolds share.

According to Investopedia, an ADR is a stock that trades in the U.S. but represents a specified number of shares in a foreign corporation.

Tebbs said he expects the two underlying regulatory steps with the Securities Exchange Commission and New York Stock Exchange  registering and listing the ADRs  to be very smooth. He projects the SEC will complete its review between mid-May and early June.

By comparison, both Reynolds and Lorillard Inc. received FTC requests for additional information in August 2014  about six weeks after Reynolds announced what became a $29.5 billion offer for its Greensboro rival.

The FTC approved the Reynolds-Lorillard deal on May 26, 2015. A key element of the deal was the companies agreeing to sell four traditional cigarette brands and blu-eCigs for $7.1 billion to Imperial Brands Plc.

That deal closed 17 days later on June 12, 2015.

BAT said Reynolds would become its largest global subsidiary, with Reynolds shareholders owning 19 percent of BAT. There is a $1 billion breakup fee for each company.

Reynolds had 5,550 full-time and 50 part-time workers companywide as of Dec. 31, 2016.

The company has not provided a public local workforce count in several years. Reynolds is estimated to have between 2,000 and 2,200 local employees, the majority of whom work at its Tobaccoville plant.

However, the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce lists Reynolds with 3,000 employees as of July 2016.

BAT said in a Jan. 18 regulatory filing that it has no plans to close or move the head office in Winston-Salem, nor make any significant changes to the current high-quality manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Tennessee, nor to the trade marketing team.

BAT is confident that not only will the great majority of jobs in the Reynolds family of companies be preserved following completion, but in the future, as a stronger, combined organization, we believe there is a possibility of U.S. job growth and expansion.

Nicandro Durante, BATs chief executive, stressed that the company has a strong track record of successfully integrating acquisitions and remains committed to Reynolds Americans U.S. workforce and manufacturing facilities.

BAT has identified three main areas for cost synergies that are expected to produce at least $400 million in annual savings by completion of the third year of the deal.

They are in procurement, product development and head office roles that need to be relooked at, Durante said.

Wells Fargo Securities analyst Bonnie Herzog said she believes there is relatively low risk that shareholders vote down the deal given the $1 billion breakup fee and the benefit both sides would see if any corporate tax reform materializes.

We continue to believe BAT/Reynolds as a combined company will compete more effectively in growing the reduced-risk product industry and maximize profits given Reynolds high-margin, cash-rich U.S. combustible cig business.

BAT plans to establish a Level III ADR with the New York Stock Exchange. A Level III ADR is considered by Investopedia as the most prestigious of the three levels, in part because it can be used to raise capital through a public offering.

Tebbs said the key risk that merger arbitrage investors face is the devil in the details of the expected timing of the shareholder votes relative to the BAT and Reynolds dividends ex-dividend dates of Aug. 18 and Sept. 9, respectively.

The BAT ADR will have an approximate equity value of $28 billion, and should attract increase sell-side coverage and investor relations effort on the U.S. side of the Atlantic, Tebbs said.

Reynolds shareholders will benefit from the issuance and receipt of new ADR shares as part of their merger consideration, as they will be in U.S. shareholders home market and they will trade, clear and settle according to U.S. market conventions.
RALEIGH  One of the nominees hoping the N.C. House will award him another term on the UNC board of governors emphasized his fundraising efforts on behalf of conservative legislative campaigns in an email to top legislators earlier this week.

Henry Hinton, a broadcast executive from Greenville, is one of 14 nominees running for six available House appointments to the board, which oversees the 17-campus UNC system. He is a current member of the board.

In an eight-paragraph email to House leaders on Monday  including Rules Chairman David Lewis of Harnett County, Budget Chairman Nelson Dollar of Wake County and Majority Leader John Bell of Wayne County, all Republicans  Hinton spends the majority of his time discussing comments he had made about the hiring of a new chancellor at East Carolina University. But he spent a few sentences playing up his political activity.

I would challenge you to find anyone who has worked harder than myself to get conservatives elected and keep them there, Hinton wrote in the email obtained by the N.C. Insider news service. In fact I have been leading an effort for a new PAC to raise $250,000 to help with the 2018 elections. We have had two organizational meetings and are planning a kickoff on April 26th with an invitation list of over 200 people.

That paragraph provoked some raised eyebrows among Republicans, although several of the listed recipients said they had not read it yet, including Bell.

Normally, campaign issues are discussed outside of the General Assembly, Bell said late Tuesday, emphasizing that he had not had time to read Hintons note because of work and family commitments. But he said legislators typically try to separate campaign and legislative matters.

In an email Tuesday, Hinton said it is no secret that he is involved in fundraising and politics.

I sent that email to some of the leaders in the house and pointed out that I intended to continue to do that so they will know that I still share their values, Hinton wrote to The Insider. I have been involved with candidates at the local state and federal level for many years supporting the conservative cause. Seats on the board of governors have long been considered plum postings and often go to big campaign donors. That can sometimes draw unfavorable attention to the process.

In 2013, for example, questions about seats going to large political fundraisers roiled the state House under then-Speaker Thom Tillis, who is now a U.S. senator. In one case, when fellow Republicans asked why Tillis was supporting Democrat R. Doyle Parish for the board, Tillis replied: I would estimate he is directly responsible for more than $100,000 in financial support through personal contributions to my campaign committee and other candidates and through the Hospitality Alliance.

Dollar said he hadnt seen the email in question. Lewis declined to comment.

Hes really asserting a pay-to-play privilege here, said Bob Hall, the executive director of Democracy North Carolina.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for central North Carolina, including Forsyth, Guilford and Davidson counties, with sustained winds reaching 23 to 34 mph and gusts reaching 40 mph.

The advisory will be in effect from 8 a.m. to midnight today.

The weather service also issued a high-wind watch today for Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga counties, with strong gusty winds expected in those areas. The watch is in effect from this afternoon through Friday evening. Wind gusts could reach 55 to 60 mph in the mountains higher elevations.

By 6 a.m. today, a fast-moving storm will bring rain and thunderstorms along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the storm will move east, said Robert Stonefield, a weather-service meteorologist in Blacksburg, Va. The rain should arrive by 9 a.m. today in Forsyth and Guilford counties, he said.

Todays forecast calls for a high temperatures of near 60 degrees with a 60 percent chance of rain in Winston-Salem, 59 degrees with a 40 percent chance of rain in Mount Airy and 41 degrees with a 60 percent chance of rain in Boone.

Tonights low temperatures will range around 40 degrees in Forsyth County, around 36 degrees in Surry County and around 34 degrees in Watauga County with a 60 percent chance of rain.
WASHINGTON -- I've finally figured out why the Trump administration is so dysfunctional.

The White House needs a fool.

Not the kind of fool that some believe already occupies the Oval Office. Rather, the medieval-court kind -- clad in motley, with a belled hat and one of those scepters topped with a tiny head (and perhaps tiny hands, for good measure).

You know: a court jester, a harlequin, a Shakespearean-style clown. Someone to cartwheel around the West Wing, wisecracking and gobsmacking, speaking truth to power without fear of getting sacked. This would be a funnyman who could draw attention to funny business, a fool to call out the boss on his foolishness, a know-it-all know-nothing to tell the president what no one else will.

Think King Lear's "all-licensed fool," except in a Cabinet post.

I realize it's a bit gauche to suggest the administration start talent-scouting clowns when 488 of 533 Senate-confirmed jobs still don't even have a nominee. But most of those jobs can be filled by Jared Kushner.

Normally, there's no need for a formal fool position in the White House. That's because most executives are capable of tolerating some degree of dissent, devil's advocacy and gentle ribbing. In fact, some presidents have cultivated these things.

Barack Obama was so keen on making sure his staffers offered honest opinions rather than merely what they thought he wanted to hear that he developed a secret code language with Vice President Joe Biden. When given the signal, Biden would lob provocative ideas in the Situation Room without revealing where Obama stood, as Jonathan Alter has reported. And of course Obama famously picked his rival from a bitter presidential primary for a Cabinet post.

George W. Bush fiercely valued loyalty, but he too knew the value of internal debate. He was able to withstand fierce external criticism relatively graciously, as well; recall that he continued showing up to the White House Correspondents' Association dinner even after being the object of a scorching roast by Stephen Colbert.

How does the current administration feel about dissension, disagreement, a "team of rivals"?

Trump says he doesn't "mind being criticized," and claims to have a "very strong, very thick skin." But let's be real.

He stews for days over silly "Saturday Night Live" jokes. White House aides reportedly scavenge for positive news coverage to show him, to ward off his Twitter tantrums. The one time the White House endorsed a critical take on his policies, it did so by accident -- it apparently hadn't read past my Post colleague Alexandra Petri's sarcastic headline.

This is not merely an issue of being a good sport. His snowflake-like levels of fragility are likely preventing the president from getting good, honest counsel.

Mistaking flattery for loyalty -- King Lear's cardinal sin, you'll recall -- Trump has blackballed new or would-be administration members for having expressed any criticism of him in the past. And this inclination to surround oneself with dipping-duck yes-men (and -women), nodding at every harebrained idea, seems to have infected other departments, too. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has decided not to fill a senior department job that some previous secretaries have used as a "kind of in-house truth-teller," as my Washington Post colleagues Anne Gearan and Carol Morello reported.

In this environment, it's hard to imagine any White House aide willing to be the bearer of bad news, much less the loyal internal opposition. Of course the White House's claque of lackeys has lots of leaks; with no internal channel for honest, well-intentioned criticism to flow, it dribbles outward.

That's one of many reasons it's in the administration's interest to hire someone -- perhaps someone with silly garb and good comedic timing, to soften the blow -- whose sole job it is to toughen Trump up and tell him when he's wrong or misguided.

To be fair, there's no evidence that such untouchable truth-telling clowns ever existed outside of literature. But with its endorsement of "alternative facts," this White House has long shown an eagerness to dabble in political fiction.

"'A source says that Donald Trump is a horrible, horrible human being.' Let 'em say it to my face," a wounded and disbelieving Trump riffed in a February speech, in one of his many imaginative screeds against anonymous leaks.

Hire an unfireable fool, Mr. Trump -- and you might just get the honest, face-to-face feedback you're looking for.
Tourist vehicle owners had accused the state of collecting additional tax, over the all-India permit fee, as a move to subvert the All-India Tourist Permit system introduced to facilitate interstate travel.
The US District Court for the Western District of Washington [official website] has issued a preliminary injunction [text, PDF] to block Seattles first-in-the-nation law that will allow drivers for taxis, Lyft and Uber [official websites] to unionize. The law, passed in 2015, allows drivers who are considered independent contractors to unionize and collectively bargain for benefits such as healthcare. The law was challenged by two separate suits, one brought by a small group of drivers from each company, the other by the US Chamber of Commerce [official website]. The Chamber of Commerce asserts [Seattle Times report] that under federal law, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), contractors are not permitted to unionize. Excluding from unionization under the NLRA are public-sector workers, agriculture workers, domestic workers, supervisors and independent contractors. The first three are permitted to unionize under various state laws. City attorneys argue that independent contractors are more akin to the first three than supervisors and the city has the authority to permit them to unionize. The Chamber contends that while drivers have been permitted to set uniform rates to deter under-charing, they have never been able to collectively bargain. Should the city law be upheld, the business models for Lyft and Uber would likely be disrupted in fundamental and irreparable ways. The presiding judge stressed that the Order should not be read as a harbinger of what the ultimate decision in this case will be when all motions have been fully considered.

With the rapid growth of companies like Lyft and Uber, ride-sharing services have been among the most controversial business models [JURIST backgrounder] in recent history. In March a judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of California [official website] approved a $27 million settlement [JURIST report] in a class action lawsuit between Lyft and its drivers. The suit challenged Lyfts characterization of the drivers as independent contractors. In December the European wing of Uber was indicted [JURIST report] in Denmark on charges of assisting drivers in their violation of taxi laws, although Copenhagen prosecutor Vibeke Thorkil-Jensen stated that this is just a test case seeking judicial assessment of Ubers involvement in the illegal acts of two of its drivers. Last April Uber settled a lawsuit [JURIST report] brought by 385,000 drivers in California and Massachusetts regarding their status as independent contractors. In several states, ride-sharing companies have met significant legal opposition, frequently led by competitors such as the taxi industry. Other unresolved questions [JURIST backgrounder] surrounding this new business model continue to prompt debate among lawmakers.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) [Official website] condemned [press release] on Wednesday a new Ukrainian anti-corruption law [text, in Ukrainian] that requires activists and journalists who report on government corruption to file public declarations of their personal assets. The law was passed by the Ukrainian Parliament on March 23 and signed by President Petro Poroshenko on March 27. An amendment had been introduced to exempt independent groups and journalists, but that amendment was not included in the final law. Failure by activists to declare their personal assets is punishable by up to two years in prison. HRW has stated that the new law will have a chilling effect on activists and journalists. President Poroshenko has stated that he will create a working group to amend the law to to exclude activists, but this is expected to take some time.

Ukraine has undergone significant criticisms of its human rights in recent years. A UN report released [JURIST report] in December of several human rights violations against civilians near the contact line between the Ukrainian government and armed groups. Russia and Ukraine have been in conflict since the annexation of Crimea [JURIST backgrounder] in March 2014. In July Amnesty International and Human Rights released the 56-page report detailing how Ukrainian government officials and Russia-backed separatists in the Ukraine have subjected citizens to [JURIST report] prolonged, arbitrary detention, torture, or other forms of inhumane treatment, including refusing necessary medical attention. In June the UN human rights office reported that the human rights situation in Ukraine remains troublesome [JURIST report] following two years of conflict with Russia.
The New York Court of Appeals [official website] ruled [opinion, PDF] Tuesday that law-enforcement can seize private Facebook [corporate website] account information. The court ruled [NY Post report] that Facebook could not contest the warrants and therefore the court could not decide the matter. The court found that only users themselves have the right to challenge warrants in criminal proceedings. However, while being forced to comply with search warrants seeking access to private accounts, Facebook cannot warn users about the disclosure. The case is a result of the Manhattan DA [official website] seeking search warrants in 2013 for the accounts of people in connection with a disability-benefits fraud case. Due to the gag order, the court has stated the only remedy for Facebook users is to sue for invasion of privacy after the fact. Facebook has kept open the possibility of taking the case to the US Supreme Court arguing that the case addresses unresolved issues about online privacy.

Governments around the world have re-examined their data privacy laws in the wake of a myriad of data leaks, including the Edward Snowden [JURIST backgrounder] leaks. National governments around the world have attempted [JURIST op-ed] to gain control over data transferred within their borders. In March the US House approved [JURIST report] a measure that would update US privacy laws in regards to e-mails and cloud storage. In October 2015 the European Court of Justice ruled [JURIST report] that EU user data transferred to the US was not sufficiently protected. In June 2015 a court in The Hague struck down [JURIST report] a Dutch law that allowed the government to retain telephone and Internet data of Dutch citizens for up to 12 months in an effort to combat terrorism and organized crime.
[JURIST] US President Donald Trump on Tuesday removed [executive order] Chief Political Strategist Steve Bannon [BBC backgrounder] from the National Security Council (NSC). Bannon was a controversial pick for the council, and according to the administration, was only placed on the council to help Trump control then-national security adviser Michael Flynn [official website]. With Flynn resigning [text] in February, the administration says Bannon is no longer need on the NSC. Instead, Bannon will continue to advise Trump, while National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster [BBC backgrounder] will take control of both the NSC and the Homeland Security Council [official website]. Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert [NYT backgrounder] will now be under McMasters command as well.

Trumps presidency has faced a good deal of controversy. Earlier this week, Trump signed a bill [JURIST report] officially repealing internet privacy regulations set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) during the end of former president Barrack Obamas term. A pending FCC rule, Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services, would have required internet providers to seek consumer consent before sharing and selling their private information. The week before, advocacy group Human Rights Watch criticized [JURIST report] Trumps plan to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, saying the move effectively endorses the countrys poor recent human rights record. That same day, a federal judge rejected [JURIST report] Trumps free speech defense in response to his alleged inciting of violence among protesters during his presidential campaign.
The UN Security Council conducted emergency talks on Wednesday regarding an alleged chemical attack in Syria that killed numerous civilians. According to statement [press release] made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday the UN is not currently in a position to independently verify if chemical weapons were used. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) [official website] has started gathering information [press release] to confirm if chemical weapons were used. The Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, which works to investigate human rights abuses in Syria since 2011, has said it supports [press release] OPCWs fact-finding mission. According Gueterres, the use of chemical weapons constitutes a threat to international peace and security and it such weapons were used its a serious violation of international law.

The war in Syria [JURIST backgrounder] continues to have a devastating impact, particularly for the war torn region of Aleppo. In Feburary, according to HRW [advocacy site], the Syrian government conducted [JURIST report] coordinated chemical attacks on rebel controlled portions of Aleppo. The same month, more than 13,000 prisoners were hanged [JURIST report] in extrajudicial executions over a 5-year period at Saydnaya prison. In December the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein [official profile] accused Syrian pro-government forces of going door to door and systematically killing civilians [JURIST report] in at least four Aleppo neighborhoods. The Russian/Syrian coalition committed war crimes in Aleppo during September and October, HRW said [JURIST report] in early December. Earlier that month UN officials urged [JURIST report] the international community to unite with the UN Security Council to protect civilians in the eastern Aleppo region. US Central Command concluded [JURIST report] in November that airstrikes carried out by the US-led coalition near Dayr az Zawr, Syria, in September did not violate international law. Also in November a group of German lawyers announced [JURIST report] the filing of charges against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, alleging that he committed war crimes in Aleppo.
Continuing QUBE/just-autos interviews with tier one component suppliers, we spoke to Martin Bornemann, Director Product Line and Business Development, Infotainment & Driver Interface, Delphi.

Could you tell us about some of the infotainment and driver interface technologies that Delphi highlighted at the most recent CES and your messages?

At CES 2017, we showed an improved multi-layer display to provide the flexibility to optimise a 3D viewing experience on both the centre information display and cluster. This is a process that is a combination of software, optical and imaging technologies. Screens are literally stacked, like a triple decker sandwich. The rear display is used as a light source. The front screens are translucent. The result is higher definition, better resolution, crisper text and graphics and a true 3D effect. For techies, 1440 pixels by 540 pixels on a 12-inch instrument cluster. Future generations of this technology will become even sharper with 1920 by 780 pixels.

There is a new look in customisable car fashion this fall. Flat, boring, bland? Out. Multi-layers? In.

Delphi designers looked to the future and the past for inspiration. The 1957 Cadillac Seville captures a period when designers used physical layers in dashboards to create art. There was a national euphoria in post-war United States. The fuselage and fins of rockets and jets influenced car exteriors while the driver seats and dashboards resembled fighter cockpits. There is a new look in customisable car fashion this fall. Flat, boring, bland? Out. Multi-layers? In.

Delphi also debuted its scalable infotainment Integrated Cockpit Controller (ICC) family that spans the entry to high vehicle segments, and which we believe delivers best-in-class graphics and user experience. The system supports multiple interaction modes while integrating sensor inputs across both the infotainment and functional safety domains. ICC supports up to four high-definition displays providing a highly flexible and scalable solution. ICC also offers significant performance improvements in graphics (10x) and computational power (5x) when compared with systems on the market today. This integrated architecture also delivers estimated system cost savings of up to 12 percent while reducing mass by 33 percent.

This means that automakers who opt for the Delphi ICC will have the flexibility to combine multiple domains, such as infotainment, gesture control, clusters and other software features in an open architecture inside a single controller box. The ICC architecture provides domain isolation for another level of performance stability and functional safety certification.

How will the autonomous car change the look and feel of the cockpit?

The disconnected cluster and infotainment display will be merged and seamlessly integrated into the dashboard.

In the future with the introduction of autonomous cars the location of the displays will no longer be limited to conventional spaces in the dashboard. The traditional disconnected cluster and infotainment display will be merged together to one wider display, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. The form shapes of the display will influence the interior design. The display itself can be configured as a wider information display or as dedicated passenger display. A multi-modal control concept which combines voice, eye glance and gesture recognition technologies allows the driver to control the vehicle functions.

In some quarters of the auto industry, cars are almost seen as mobile app platforms much like a smartphone. What will this mean for how tomorrows infotainment systems will be built?

Supporting Apps on tomorrows infotainment systems is becoming more and more important. Delphi recently demonstrated one of the first Android N platforms powering next-gen automotive infotainment systems, delivering popular Android apps into the vehicle. The platform itself supports typical automotive applications like car media, HVAC control, radio, etc. and the support of Apps for Android Auto. Furthermore, the next generation platform will also support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Could you tell us a little more about Delphis eye glance technology and the possibilities for its further development?

Delphi demonstrated the first eye glance technology during CES 2016, enabling a driver to interact with the centre console display simply by looking at it, for example, to control climate control or change radio stations without touching the system. Infrared cameras integrated into the cockpit track the drivers eye and head movements. This leads also to a way to monitor the driver attention called Driver State Sensor, which can initiate actions if a driver is distracted whether falling asleep or looking at a text on their cell phone. When determining the action, the system takes into account the drivers workload and the environment around them. An alert, such as vibrating the drivers seat or a combination of beeps, lights and gentle smartphone computer voices can be used to redirect the drivers attention.

Presumably using eyes, voice and hand gestures, it is possible to eliminate buttons from an infotainment system. What is your vision of this touch-free user experience?

 Delphi has made it possible to never touch a single infotainment control 

Delphi introduced gesture control at CES 2015. In 2016, [we] demonstrated how using infrared cameras hidden behind the dash, eye movement can indicate what you are looking at and infer what action you want your infotainment system to carry out. When combined with improved gesture control and natural voice recognition, Delphi has made it possible to never touch a single infotainment control and still manage the system, simply by using your eyes, voice and hand gestures.
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Haribo is reportedly set to cut the size of its workforce in France by 15% by the end of next year as part of plans to restructure the business, improve competitiveness and concentrate on the launch of the groups first manufacturing plant in the US.

Jean-Philippe Andre, chairman of Haribos operations in France, told the Le Monde newspaper the company hoped to achieve the reduction through voluntary redundancies and early retirement schemes.

Andre said Haribo was looking to cut 100 jobs out of a total of 750 at two plants in the country  in Uzes and Marseille  although he acknowledged that talks over the issue with unions had not been easy.

However, Andre said the groups proposals were supported in a ballot of workers at the plants that union leaders had tried to block and agreement on the proposals was subsequently signed. There was an employee turnout for the vote of 90% and we got support from 72% of those voting in Uzes and 62% in Marseille, Andre said.

Andre said: If we had not signed the agreement, we would have closed one of the two sites before 2020.
Unilever CEO Paul Polman confirmed today (6 April) the Flora maker is seriously considering a de-merger or spin-off of its spreads division as an alternative to selling the business.

Speaking to investors and analysts after Unilever announced plans to exit the spreads category, Polman said the option to spin-off the business  which also includes brands such as Stork and I Cant Believe Its Not Butter  was on the table if it could not strike an acceptable deal.

Polman said: With the strong brands like Flora and Becel, there is the opportunity to grow that business and extend these brands into other categories. Profitability is strong and cash generation is strong too, so we think a de-merger or spin-off has validity. It might result in that unit having opportunities to acquire other businesses and grow from there.

CFO Graham Pitkethly indicated a spin-off could occur by the end of this year.

Unilever has faced repeated calls in some quarters of the investment community to sell the under-pressure spreads business, which has endured declining sales in a subdued sector.

In late 2014, Unilever announced it would separate the spreads arm from its wider food division and put it in a standalone unit. However, the performance of the unit remained lacklustre and Unilever continued to face pressure to dispose of the business.

Unilever resisted but speculation grew in recent weeks the company could decide to look for a buyer for the unit as part of its operational review. In the wake of Unilevers decision to rebuff Kraft Heinzs interest in buying the whole company, the FMCG giant announced it would study its business to accelerate the value it could give to its shareholders. The results of that review, including the possible sale or spin-off of spreads, were announced today.

Polman insisted Unilevers decision to create a stand-alone arm for spreads had benefited the unit. There is no question that the dedicated focus we have brought to that business has not only improved its profitability but significantly improved its overall competitiveness.

Unilevers operational review has also led the company to decide to combine its foods business with its refreshment division, which houses its ice cream and beverage assets. The new division would be based in the Netherlands.

Asked why Unilever was not considering selling or spinning off its wider food assets, Polman said: We can continue to create enormous value on our total business by having food together with personal care and home care. Our distribution in the emerging markets is a good example of that, as is driving our business to a more global footprint. There are also consumer and procurement synergies.

Polman said whenever the group reviews those synergies we see an enormous opportunity to create value ourselves and a too-high disadvantage of dis-synergies we would create by separating these businesses.

The Dutchman, who has been Unilevers chief executive since 2009, was asked whether he planned to stay with the company to see through the changes planned up to 2020. He said: Thats a board decision, but we certainly want to be part of that change and we think its important to be part of that change as we help the company through the next stages.

Announcing the results of its review of the business earlier today, Unilever said it would look to increase our strategic flexibility for further portfolio optimisation through a review of the dual-headed legal structure, with a view to simplifying it.

The group said it would target an underlying operating margin of 20% through an acceleration of a programme it dubs Connected 4 Growth, which has been aiming to make the company simpler and more agile.

Unilever also announced it would buy back EUR5bn of its shares this year and raise its dividend by 12%. The company said the hike to its dividend reflected increased confidence in the outlook for profit growth and cash generation.
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New York City, NY, 04/06/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a new report giving more insight into what caused the 2015 crash of a sightseeing plane near Ketchikan, Alaska.

According to the story covering the reports release, the plane crashed into a rock face, killing everyone on board, including the pilot and eight passengers, who were tourists from a nearby cruise ship.

Report Says Disengaged Warning System and Pilots Decisions Led to Crash

The story goes on to state that many of the pilots peers and co-workers claim he was highly experienced and had a reputation for safety. The president of the company that owned the plane told the NTSB that the pilot had at various times canceled flights due to bad weather, and had even declined to fly in conditions other pilots didnt hesitate to take on.

However, some of the individuals interviewed claimed the pilot sometimes opted to fly in high winds, and that his planes floats had been known to strike trees during flight  a sign he might have taken unreasonable risks.

On the day of the crash, logbooks show the pilot had already made two flights and was on his third when he chose to take a route that took the plane through a narrows between two mountain peaks.

Reports also state that the plane involved in the crash had a terrain avoidance warning system with an inhibit switch that could be flipped to turn the system off in areas where the terrain made the system send alerts too frequently. Investigators at the crash site found that the switch was off and that the planes warning system had been disabled, meaning the pilot would not have received alerts about flying too close to dangerous terrain.

NYC Airline Accident Lawyer Discusses the Hazards of Flying in Alaska

New York City airline accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter states, Alaska is known for having some of the most hazardous flying conditions in the country. High winds, extreme weather, and mountainous terrain make flying treacherous. Residents of Alaska are also forced to fly more often than people in other states, as the highway system is much less developed due to low population numbers and extreme weather conditions.

The NTSB report also revealed that one of the individuals required to approve all flight plans for the company whose plane was involved in the crash didnt have any actual aviation experience. This is why its critical to thoroughly investigate any aviation sightseeing operation you encounter before boarding a flight. Dont take it for granted that the company will act in your best interests.

If you have been injured in a plane crash, or you have lost a loved one in an aviation accident, act quickly to protect your rights. Contact a New York City airline accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Sources:

Media Contact:

Jonathan C. Reiter Aviation accident lawyer. T: 866-324-9211.

source: http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2017/04/04/airline-accident-lawyer-discusses-ntsb-report-alaska-airplane-crash/

Social Media Tags:Airline Accident Lawyer, Alaska Airplane Crash, Hazards of Flying in Alaska, NTSB Report on Alaska Airplane Crash, NYC Airline Accident Lawyer

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Boca Raton, FL, USA, 04/06/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Drivers are often their own worst enemy. Most accidents are caused by drivers making mistakes. They are distracted, drowsy, drunk, aggressive, inexperienced, driving too fast, ignoring the rules of the road or simply inconsiderate. If we mistake-prone human drivers are taken out of the equation, might computer controlled autonomous vehicles cause fewer accidents, injuries and deaths? The jury is still out on that says Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne.

Uber Technologies Inc., the ride-sharing company, is planning, long term, to replace its human drivers with a fleet of self-driving cars in order to lower its costs and allow it to avoid the hassles that come with working with human drivers. As part of this plan its road testing a number of autonomous vehicles in Arizona, Pennsylvania and California. Earlier this month one of its vehicles was involved in a collision in Tempe and the program was stopped for a short time, according to Bloomberg.

After an investigation it was determined the Uber vehicle, with an engineer behind the wheel to monitor the vehicle, was not at fault and there were no life threatening injuries, according to the Tempe Police Department. Another car failed to yield, causing the collision where the Uber vehicle flipped on its side.

Former GM vice chairman Bob Lutz told CNBC that fully autonomous vehicles might end up having about 10% of the accidents caused by human drivers.

He said, The autonomous car doesnt drink, doesnt do drugs, doesnt text while driving, doesnt get road rageYoung, autonomous cars dont want to race other autonomous cars, and they dont go to sleepThe autonomous car obeys the speed limit at all times, never drifts out of the lane, never tries to pass another car.

Ford, GM, Tesla, Lyft, Google and Uber are planning to have some form of autonomous car ready within the next five years. Goldman Sachs estimates that by 2030 driverless cars could make up as much as 60% of US auto sales, reports Business Insider.

They may be safer than traditional cars with their fallible human drivers for a number of reasons:

The cars have a number of sensors including cameras, radar, lasers and ultrasonic sensors.

GPS and mapping technology help the car determine its position.

A computer controls the car.

One model is about the size of a license plate and it uses the data coming in from the sensors to build a three-dimensional model of the car and its environment.

The testing being done is to create a model of the real world to teach the computer and its software driving situations so it can decide what to do and not do given whats happening around it.

The computer, based on the model, and the data from the sensors, can track several vehicles and objects all around the vehicle simultaneously.

The hope is that the computer will be able to handle far more input than the human brain, more accurately track the things around it and follow the rules of the road, all resulting in safer driving for the passengers and those all around it.

We havent reached this point yet and the roads are filled with mistake prone, sometimes negligent, human drivers. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury caused by the negligence of another driver, contact Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne at (561) 800-4011 or fill out this online contact form. You can discuss your case, how the law may apply and your best legal options to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your injuries.

Media Contact

Joe Osborne

(561) 800-4011

source: http://www.oa-lawfirm.com/autonomous-cars-savior-danger-boca-car-accident-lawyer-joe-osborne/

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Dallas, 04/06/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Like it or not, social media is a part of everyday life. Facebook has more than one billion active users, and Twitter counts 317 million people among its active users. Furthermore, a growing number of people use social media as part of their jobs, and some jobs even require social sharing and interaction in the job description.

Facebook, Twitter, and the various other social apps are a form of communication, but can they truly be used to communicate a threat  or even to carry out actual physical harm?

According to one criminal case, they can.

Man Charged with Sending Seizure-Inducing Tweet

Recently, a 29-year-old Maryland man was arrested for tweeting a flashing image to a Newsweek journalist who suffers from epilepsy, a condition that makes an individual prone to seizures.

The tweet, which the accused apparently sent because he disagreed with the journalists reporting on the current White House administration, contained the message, You deserve a seizure for your post. The report states that its well known that the journalist has epilepsy.

A computer scientists at the University of Michigan called this type of criminal charge a new era. Legal experts likened the tweet to sending a letter bomb through the mail or engineering an allergic reaction in someone with deadly allergies.

Although the criminal charge might be the first of its kind, this is not the first time an individual has used the internet to attempt to carry out a physical attack. In 2008, hackers broke into the servers of the Epilepsy Foundation and posted flashing images on its website. Furthermore, the journalist targeted in the tweet says he has received malicious flashing images before, when someone sent him a video featuring a strobe light.

In 2016, Johnson & Johnson warned consumers that certain insulin pumps were vulnerable to computer hacks, and medical experts worry that other devices, including pacemakers and drug pumps, could be hacked by an individual with malicious intent.

The Rise in Internet Crimes

Internet crimes have surged in recent years. A 2015 CBS report states that cybercrimes topped 1.5 million that year, which translates to 4,000 cyber-attacks each day. Although many of these offenses involve financial crimes or the theft of data, a growing number go beyond stealing money or information. While the law in this area is still evolving, the recent malicious tweet case has likely opened the door to more criminal charges for assault or physical harm carried out over the internet.

Sources:

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer

http://www.brodenmickelsen.com/

Broden & Mickelsen, LLP Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer for Computer Crimes

2600 State St Dallas, Texas 75204

Main Phone: (214) 720-9552

source: http://www.brodenmickelsen.com/blog/dallas-internet-crime-lawyer-explains-can-charged-sending-dangerous-tweet/

Social Media Tags:Charge for Sending a Dangerous Tweet, Dallas Internet Crime Lawyer, Internet Crimes, Sending a Dangerous Tweet

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KEARNEY  Derek Payton told the jury he didnt have any choice except to shoot Jose Klich on June 5 as Klich tried to flee from him.

I was reacting entirely to him, he said.

During his two-hour testimony today (Wednesday) in Buffalo County District Court, Payton defended his actions and his decision to shoot at Klich three times on the Johnson Lawn and Landscape property near Central Avenue and Sixth Street.

Derek Payton is about to take the stand as the last witness in his own defense  Kim Schmidt (@HubChic) April 5, 2017

Payton, 36, a suspended Kearney Police Department officer, is on trial in Buffalo County District Court on a charge of felony second-degree assault of Klich, 36, of Kearney. Payton allegedly shot Klich in the abdomen as he fled.

Two to three weeks before the shooting, Payton saw Klichs vehicle without license plates in front of a Kearney house a known drug dealer frequented. On June 5, when Klich turned in front of Payton at Sixth Street and Central Avenue, the car caught Paytons attention because it had license plates.

Payton checked the validity of those plates on his in-car computer and learned they didnt match the vehicle. Payton said he followed Klich onto the Johnson Landscaping property, pulling up behind the car at an angle, a typical move for officer safety.

Paytons in-car video, shown twice during his testimony, shows his cruiser sliding to a stop in the gravel as Payton gets out with his weapon drawn. At the same time, Klich briefly exited his car holding his hands up, the in-car video showed. Payton yelled three times for Klich to get back in the car, and after the third command, Klich returned to his car.

Its been my training and experience to have someone get back in the car, Payton said.

Derek Payton told the jury he felt he didn't have any other choice than to shoot at Jose Klich. Payton felt he... https://t.co/NRbK1fXYbk  Kim Schmidt (@HubChic) April 5, 2017

Payton walked toward the back of the car and somewhat lowered his gun while keeping his eyes on Klich and his passenger, Amanda Journey, 32, of Kearney, and pushed the button on his body camera with his left hand. Klichs car then began to back toward him, and Payton took a shooting stance, yelling commands for Klich to stop.

Klichs car hit Paytons leg twice, and Payton said he heard Klich yelling something about kids. Payton radioed for backup.

I felt the situation was getting out of control and I needed help, he said.

Klich put his car in drive and spun his tires and became high-centered on a metal tool box near the metal building. To the right of the tool box were two fuel tanks.

Payton continued to command Klich to stop or he would shoot while walking parallel to the passengers side of Klichs car. Spinning his tires, Klich freed his car, which swung toward Payton causing Payton to hop out of the way of the front tire.

He was looking directly at me through the windshield, Payton said.

Payton was between Klichs car and his cruiser and said his gun was hanging over the edge of the car at the time. At least twice Payton told jurors he didnt think Klich had enough room to drive between the fuel tanks and his cruiser without pinning him between.

I saw desperation on his face that he may drive through me and my cruiser, said Payton, who fired two shots into the right windshield toward Klich.

Using members of his defense team, Kearney attorney Charles Brewster had Payton re-enact the moment with two women sitting in chairs next to each other as if they were in the front seat of a car. Payton stood next to them at the same distance he was to Klich when he shot him. Brewster measured the distance at 55 inches, or 4 feet.

Prosecutor Deputy State Attorney General Doug Warner asked Payton if his suspicions were enough to follow Klich to Johnson Landscaping, if use of force was common practice against someone who had there hands up, and if his use of force was excessive. He also asked Payton if a fleeing vehicle gave Payton the right to shoot someone.

Payton said Klichs hands were only up briefly, that he fired at Klich a third time in the back window because he didnt think Klich could get between the fuel barrels and his cruiser, and Klich may have to come back at him.

At the time of the shooting, Payton said he had tunnel vision and didnt hear the rounds being fired.

Its a common uncontrollable psychological reaction for someone placed in a high-stress situation to have some of their fine motor skills deteriorate, said Kyle Harshbarger, a KPD sergeant who trains officers on how to handle stressful situations.

The defense rested its case, and closing arguments were expected to begin mid-morning Thursday.

@HubChic
KEARNEY  Derek Paytons acquittal sends a message to law enforcement officers everywhere that they can do their jobs as they have been trained without being fearful of criminal prosecution, Paytons defense attorney said.

"What we can learn is that the judicial process in this wonderful country works," Charles Brewster of Kearney said.

It took the jury one hour and 45 minutes to find Payton, a suspended Kearney Police Department officer, not guilty of felony second-degree assault of Jose Klich, 36, of Kearney on June 5 in southeast Kearney.

Tears welled in Paytons eyes as the verdict was read. Brewster patted Payton on the back and handed him a tissue to wipe his eyes as each member of the jury raised his or her hand to indicate the verdict was unanimous.

Payton hugs fellow officers, shakes prosecutor's hand after verdict... https://t.co/dQvx5UhO3y  Kim Schmidt (@HubChic) April 6, 2017

After the jury was dismissed, friends, family and a dozen law enforcement officers, including KPD Chief Dan Lynch, lined up to give Payton a congratulatory hug.

"A lot of people were in support of Derek, and that made it a lot easier for us, frankly," Brewster said.

Payton then made his way across the courtroom and shook the hand of prosecutor Doug Warner, who Brewster said he never wanted to underestimate.

"In my experience, you never know. Some of the best cases Ive tried Ive lost and some of the toughest ones Ive tried, Ive won," Brewster added.

Warner, a former Scotts Bluff County attorney and now with the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office, declined to comment.

Payton will now have to "jump through some hoops" with Lynch, Brewster said. Although Brewster didnt know what Payton may specifically have to do to get reinstated with KPD.

"Sometime tomorrow, not today," Lynch said when asked if he would comment about Paytons status with the department.

Since the incident, Payton has been on paid administrative leave.

"Officer Payton is a pro in every sense of the word. I think hell got back to work, and he will be as good of an officer as he ever was and maybe even better," Brewster said.

Payton didnt comment.

"Officer Payton is going home," Brewster said smiling.

Attempts to reach Klichs family shortly after the verdict were unsuccessful.

@HubChic
As an Army Green Beret, I have a special appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. Like my fellow veterans who served in places like Normandy and Guadalcanal, Korea and Vietnam, and Kandahar and Fallujah, I have a commitment to the freedoms the constitution enshrines.

It saddens me to see J.L. Schmidts recent column in the Kearney Hub endorse legislation undermining our First Amendment right to free speech.

LB252, introduced by state Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue, would force organizations to reveal to government officials the names and addresses of people who donate more than $250 to efforts that educate their fellow citizens about a cause or public official.

This legislation would undermine the privacy of individual Americans and have a chilling effect on free speech.

Speech having to do with public policy enables citizens to promote the ideas they believe will strengthen society, secure our safety, and improve lives. People can choose to speak individually, or band together in organizations to make their voices heard.

Critical to the freedom of speech is the right to speak anonymously, a practice that many of our founders  such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton  regularly exercised to let people judge an idea based on its merit, independent of its author. It also guaranteed their safety during dangerous times.

While Americans need no longer fear the redcoats, people frequently face harassment, intimidation, and violence for expressing their views. This has the effect of chilling free speech.

Its why the Supreme Court has previously upheld the right to associate privately with advocacy organizations. In NAACP v. Alabama (1958), for instance, the Supreme Court ruled that the state of Alabama could not force the NAACP to hand over its list of members. Inviolability of privacy in group association may in many circumstances be indispensable to preservation of freedom of association, particularly where a group espouses dissident beliefs, the court declared.

The right to free speech also ensures that people can hold elected officials accountable without fearing retaliation. Its not hard to imagine the government discriminating against individuals who associate with certain groups  whether its the American Civil Liberties Union or my organization, Concerned Veterans for America.

Weve seen it before. The Internal Revenue Service targeted individuals for their religious and political beliefs. When whistleblowers at the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs exercised their right to speak out against the deplorable conditions at VA medical facilities or about VA employee misconduct, they were subjected to threats and retaliation by department administrators.

Nebraskans should urge their lawmakers to reject LB252 and protect all speech, regardless of whether an individual decides to speak on his or her own or to associate with a group. All citizens will benefit by resisting any effort to curtail free speech, to intimidate political opponents, or to silence political discourse. It will ensure that every individual  regardless of their political views  will have the freedom to join groups that advance the causes in which they believe. Then, each citizen can decide which ideas will win his or her vote.

Thats the way a democratic society should work. Anything less jeopardizes the very liberties millions fought tirelessly to defend.

Nate Anderson, an Army veteran, is the deputy executive director of Concerned Veterans for America. He is a National Guardsman and serves with the 20th Special Forces Group.
KEARNEY  Established in 2015, HelpCare Clinic harnesses the energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of 155 medical professionals and other volunteers to care for patients who are low income and uninsured in Buffalo and Kearney counties.

The clinic is a warm, inviting atmosphere, culturally sensitive with language assistance available, wrote Julie Weir of Kearney, one of the many people who nominated HelpCare Clinic for a Freedom Award.

Because HelpCare is a conduit by which so many physicians, nurses and other medical professionals and volunteers are able to give back to the community, it was selected for the 2017 Freedom Award in the Business/Industry category.

At HelpCare, staff and volunteers provide compassionate care for some of the communitys most vulnerable people, including people with mental health needs and diabetes. By partnering with other agencies, HelpCare can assist patients in a variety of ways, including pharmaceuticals, transportation, food and other needs.

Lynn Goodell, who retired from the pharmaceutical indus- try to become a registered nurse, has volunteered at HelpCare since it opened in 2015.

When I retired from Pfizer, I felt I wanted to continue helping people. The HelpCare Clinic is an opportunity to help people who wouldnt be helped otherwise, Goodell said. I get a kick out of working with the other volunteers because some are physicians I used to call on.

Nancy Blume, whose career as an RN has spanned 40 years, said volunteering at HelpCare Clinic is a natural because it allows her to help people.

Nursing is a profession focused around caring, its not a job, Blume said. HelpCare Clinic is a collaborative thing. We have a lot of volunteers because they have a caring spirit and want to give back. We start every night with prayers.

Among patients waiting in the lobby to be seen are Hispanics, some of whom are still learning English. Volunteer translators are available when needed.

I wish I could speak Spanish, Blume said.

Dr. Shannon Hoos-Thompson is HelpCare Clinics medical director. In her role, she oversees how care is delivered. She said working with a limited budget means deciding what type of care is likely to do the most good for individual patients.

A lot of it comes to access. We have to balance the cost vs. the need, Hoos-Thompson said. We focus on what is instead of what if.

Vance Siedenburg and his wife, Barb, spent most of their lives in western Nebraska and northeast Colorado, but when their lives brought them to Kearney, volunteering at HelpCare Clinic seemed like the right opportunity. Theyve been at HelpCare since the beginning in 2015.

Barb encouraged me, Vance said. I thought maybe I could do some good for the time I spend here. You start focusing on the patients and you get a second wind, even though you were exhausted when you left work.

Among the 200 volunteers at HelpCare are members of groups that volunteer from Kearneys First United Methodist Church and eFree Church.

Linda Muhlbach, HelpCares first executive director, worked with a volunteer board for more than a year to organize the clinic, develop its policies, set up operations and secure funds.

Blume said Muhlbach was an inspiring leader. Shes a Christian and glows in what she does.

Today, Cheryl Bressington is HelpCares executive director, and the board members are President Michael Schnieders, Vice President Angela Williams, Treasurer Keith Lindvall, Secretary Roxanne Bascom and Aaron Madsen, Christopher Hazzard, Heather Riggleman, Michaelene Tye, Dr. Jerry Van Winkle, Julie Weir, Dr. John McCammond, Lori Smith, Mark Sutko, Charles Messbarger and Sean Dougherty.

Hoos-Thompson said having 200 medical professionals as volunteers is fantastic.

People have always stepped up. Its an opportunity for them to use their skills. You volunteer because its what needs to be done. You volunteer for what matters to you, for the good it does for others.
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In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) man the rails as the ship arrives at Naval Station Rota, Spain, on March 3, 2017. The United States fired a barrage of cruise missiles into Syria Thursday night in retaliation for this weekAos gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians, the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Donald TrumpAos most dramatic military order since becoming president. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via AP)
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I was sitting on hold in the resident room gearing up to beg the IT person that would soon come on the other line for enough authorization to be able to view the residents patient problem list, and I found myself thinking about what some of the old docs must think of us third-year students now. Talk to some of these older physicians and theyll tell you their stories of being in the trenches as a third year medical student, up all night, putting in orders, first-assisting on surgeries, and catching babies (with a lot of help from nurses who had been through thousands of delivers) when their attendings werent around.

The third year of medical school, after all, is where they take the training wheels off. Where the knowledge from the untold hours weve spent pouring over our textbooks is supposed to meet real patients, where the realization that in a short time, we will be responsible for peoples lives. And this terrifies me. The fact that in just over a year, a nurse is going to barge into the resident room and instead of the look of disappointment that I currently see when he or she sees only a medical student, the nurse is going to expect me to do something.

And as I look around for someone to tell the nurse what to do, the realization that that person is me is one of the few things that motivates me after a 12 hour day to sit down and read more about just what the hell Im supposed to do in that situation. What terrifies me isnt mountains of the material Im supposed to have memorized (somehow just about everyone seems manage to do it), its that my opportunities to put this material into practice  to learn from my mistakes, and figure out if its my knowledge or reasoning that is lacking  have been worrisomely slim.

Since Ive been told over and over, The first thing you do as an intern is see the patient and call your upper level because interns know nothing, I imagine third year medical students know less than nothing, but over this past year this appears to me to be more by design than by accident. My third year has been filled with constant reminders that my job is to observe more than to participate. Some of the following examples will sound silly, but Ive found that when someone asks you to do something simple, and you come up empty, theyre not going to give you the chance to do something complex.

On my medicine rotation, my ID badge didnt open certain wings of the hospital, or the resident room, which wouldnt be a problem except thats where we started post-call rounds and where our residents would go to do their work. On my surgery rotation, despite lots of pleasant conversations with IT, I did not have authorization to print a list of patients, or God forbid, enter any sort of note. Yes, many students get around this by having a resident log in and entering information under the residents name, but this is my point: There has been an infantilization of third-year medical students. We have swung so far from the (admittedly misplaced) self-sufficiency of previous generations of third years that we are reliant on residents for the simplest of things, taking time away from their day, moving us from participants to bystanders.

When I talk to my brother-in-law who graduated medical school in 1990, he was ribbing me with that back in my day sort of tone, that it sure doesnt sound like you spend a lot of time in the hospital. And its true, we dont spend nearly as much time in the hospital as upper-level medical students of years past. Though to be fair, his grades did not consist of every student getting 78/10 on their evals leaving the NBME shelf as the only real thing of consequence.

I am not advocating a return to the Wild West glory days, where fresh-faced, brash third years were (according to some of the older doctors) running the show; Im advocating that medical students be allowed to dress for the job they want (or will be getting after they graduate even if they dont want it), not the job they have. In short, order, prepared or not, we will have an MD after our names and we will get a 3 a.m. phone call. I for one would welcome a medical education system that reflected that reality.

My complaints are easy to dismiss as just more whining of a med student, but they come from a place of frustration with no outlet that I can see for change. The AAMC, NBME, and ACGME seem to me to be black boxes that produce requirements that I am made to follow. If there are any suggestions on getting involved and learning more/changing these policies, Im all for it.

P.S. After submitting a ticket, Epic staff at the hospital called me back the next day to inform me that medical students do not have access privileges to view or edit resident comments. So much for updating the list.

Jonathan Coleman is a medical student.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
A bill aimed at enhancing security at county courts is on its way for approval by the Texas governor.

Senate Bill #42, which was proposed by Laredo Senator Judith Zaffirini, would implement recommendations by the Texas Judicial Council to help improve judicial security.

The plan includes creating the position of director of security and emergency preparedness, to fund security training for judges and court personnel and allowing DPS to provide security for judges who are threatened or attacked.

Local judges applaud the proposal.

Concerns about security were raised after an assassination attempt on a judge in Austin at her home in November 2015. After 27 surgeries and 39 days in the hospital, she returned to the courtroom in February of last year.
Of the 25 funds in the Kiplinger 25, a number have women managers. I interviewed several of them, and in addition to the stellar performance of their funds, these women have a lot in common. They all took the initiative to get a foot in the door, benefited from the encouragement of male mentors, have fulfilling family lives and offer similar investment advice for women.

Lori Keith, who manages Parnassus Mid Cap with Matt Gershuny, received a baptism by fire when she became manager in October 2008 and the market tanked during her first quarter on the job. We were down a lot less than the market because we stuck to our strategy: focusing on high-quality companies with a competitive advantage so they can endure over a full market cycle, says Keith. One favorite now: Fortive, an industrial-products firm spun off from Danaher last year.

One characteristic of Keiths fund is perseverance (We hold companies for at least three years and often much longer), a trait she learned by studying classical piano in her youth. She was attracted to Parnassus because of its emphasis on social responsibility, and she credits an internship at the firm with helping her land a full-time position.

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Asset management is a fantastic field for women, she says, because its challenging, intellectually stimulating and impactful. But it can be tough to break into the business because, unlike consulting firms, it doesnt have large classes of new entrants each year. And for women, says Keith, its important to be at a culturally friendly firm that allows you to have both a familyshes married, with three childrenand a long career. The burden is on those of us in the industry to cultivate a pipeline.

Diana Strandberg is part of the eight-person team that manages Dodge & Cox Stock. With the companys team approach, women make up 33% of members on its investment-policy committeesthe highest percentage in the industry, says CEO Dana Emery. The team approach also provided support for Stock in 2015, when the funds emphasis on energy and financial stocks hurt returns, and paved the way for a big snapback in 2016, when the fund gained 21.3%. The fund is still bullish on financials; its top four holdings are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One and Charles Schwab.

Strandberg and Emery have been at the firm for decadesbetween them they have five adult sonsanother example of choosing a company with a culture that aligns with your values. At Dodge & Cox, says Emery, were looking for people who thrive on debate and are resilientmore of a personality issue than gender.Strandbergs advice for young women: Raise your hand to jump into projects even when you dont feel 100% ready. And stay flexible. Many more doors may be open to you than you imagined.

Jean Hynes manages Vanguard Health Care, which has been caught squarely in the middle of the political debate over health insurance and pharmaceutical pricing. From her perspective of 20 years analyzing the health care market, Hynes thinks some parts of the Affordable Care Act will be repealed but that the entire law wont be dismantledin her words, repeal, replace, repair, rebrand. She is excited about prospects for innovative treatments of complex diseases that affect a small number of patients, and she is optimistic that well be able to figure out ways to pay for them.

Like Keith, Hynes says an internship--in her case, with a brokerage firm--got her interested in the business. She joined Wellington, which manages Vanguard Health Care, in 1991, and 26 years later, she says, I love it as much as I did then. She credits former fund manager Ed Owens, who was gender-blind, with allowing me to learn how to take risks and make mistakes. A mother of four teenage daughters, Hynes says she loves telling young mothers that if you love your job, your children will know that and it will make the juggling act more achievable.

As for investment advice, all four women agree: Think long term. Says Emery, Women tend to want more stability in their investments, but they probably need to own more stocks.
If you are worried that you havent done what you need to in order to plan for your financial future, you arent alone. Fifty-eight percent of Americans say that their financial planning needs improvement, and a whopping 34% havent done anything to plan for their financial future, according to a Northwestern Mutual study (opens in new tab).

The study showed a profound disconnect between what people know they should do when it comes money and what they really are doing. While the majority (67%) of those surveyed consider themselves savers, more than half (54%) have more debt than savings. This is an alarming, yet growing, trend.

Many Americans say they are worried about having enough money to live comfortably, or even support themselves, through retirement. Yet only a small proportion have sought any help in planning for their retirement. Forty-three percent havent spoken to anyone  even close family and friends  about retirement planning.

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There almost seems to be a growing attitude of, If I dont think about it, it wont be a problem. With retirement planning, the opposite is true. That is why more than 21% of Americans are not at all confident they will be able to reach their retirement goals. This is a very real and legitimate fear. While the vast majority of us spend an extensive amount of time planning for our next vacation, we avoid thinking about retirement. However, it is necessary, and with the right adviser it can be fun! Its time to think of retirement as a 30- to 40-year vacation and to start planning for it.

Knowing what your priorities are is vital

There are many people who feel that they have access to too much information because of the Internet. They have access to information, but they dont know whats good and whats not, so they worry they will make the wrong choices. A good way to work through those anxious feelings is to think about and establish your financial priorities. Set goals for yourself when it comes to paying off debts, saving for childrens college, saving for your retirement, preparing for emergencies, paying off your home, etc. Then determine what steps you need to take to reach those goals.

People dont just walk into a home-improvement store and start picking out tools without knowing what kind of project they are working on. They come to the store knowing what they want to build and ask, What tools do I need to get this done? This is where a financial planner can play a large role, by helping you think about and establish your top priorities and then working with you on how to accomplish them.

Its never too late to start

The American lifestyle can be hectic and many feel they have fallen short when it comes to their finances. They havent saved the money they should, and they have more debt than they should. This can trigger a self-defeating attitude of, Im so behind, whats the point of starting now? The problem with this attitude is it couldnt be more wrong.

Yes, it would have been great to plant that tree you were talking about planting 20 years ago, but guess what, that tree will still grow, eventually providing you with lots of shade, if you plant it today! So dont dwell on what you could have or should have done. Take advantage of today and make the future you want a reality, by taking the steps to plan for it now. Getting a plan in place is a big step in the right direction. Following a plan is much better than wandering aimlessly. Especially when it comes to retirement planning.

Dont wait for a windfall to solve your problems

The survey found that an unplanned financial emergency is at the top of Americans financial fears. Yet those who felt their financial planning efforts need improvement said they would be most motivated to change their habits if they had a cash windfall. This is a scary and unfortunate attitude, as most of us arent going to win the lottery or inherit a small fortune, so we cant rely on the lottery mentality as our financial plan.

People are under the impression that they need money and then they will make a plan, when the opposite is true. A good financial plan will lead to wealth building. So it is up to us to take charge of our financial futures and building our wealth, instead of waiting for wealth to find us.

Find a financial adviser who really listens

Of the Americans who have financial plans in place, many of them dont feel the confident that their plan will carry them through retirement. According to the survey, almost 1 in 4 think their financial plans wont hold up to the turbulence of the economy. This just shows how important it is for an adviser to understand their clients and build trust. Clients need to be all in when it comes to their financial plan and understand the importance of sticking to it, because even the best plan is worthless if you dont stick with it.

There are a lot of advisers who can talk the talk by giving you all of the technical aspects of financial planning and investing, but you end up feeling more like you are being talked at, rather than spoken with. The key with something as important as your finances, and in turn your financial future, is finding an adviser who will really take the time to listen to what you want to accomplish.

A financial advisers job isnt just to invest money, it is to understand their client and their entire situation, including their hopes, dreams and goals. Then to take all that into consideration and develop a plan that will not only help their clients to make the future they want happen, but will motivate and educate them so they feel empowered on their path to financial security!
Organic solar cells can be adapted to various applications in terms of shape, color, and transparency for use in sunglasses or facades. (Photo: Janek Benz, KIT)

A smart platform for the energy transition, innovative technologies for electric mobility and photovoltaics as well as a revolutionary process for the production of glass: These are only some of the activities presented by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) at Hannover Messe 2017. From April 24 to 28, KIT will present its projects at two of the leading trade fairs: For the first time, at the Energy trade fair (hall 27, stand H51) and as in the past years at the Research & Technology trade fair (hall 2, stand B16).

The Energiewende is not only a big challenge for our energy system, it also offers enormous opportunities for society, industry, and the environment. The corresponding innovative technologies can only be developed in close cooperation between science and industry, says the President of KIT, Professor Holger Hanselka. This also holds for new technologies for electric mobility, lightweight construction, or materials sciences. For this reason, we further increased our traditionally strong commitment at Hannover Messe. Apart from the stand at the Research & Technology leading trade fair and other theme stands, we will also have a stand at the Energy leading trade fair this year.

On the first day, April 24, from 3.40 p.m., Federal Minister of Research Johanna Wanka will visit the stand of KIT at the Energy leading trade fair in hall 27 (stand H51) to inform herself about KITs energy research activities. Among others, KIT will present the KIT-coordinated ENSURE consortium, one of four Kopernikus projects for the energy transition funded by the Federal Government. ENSURE is aimed at developing and testing efficient, viable grid structures which are characterized by the interaction of both centralized and decentralized energy supply. ENSURE will decisively contribute to the economic success of the energy transition and to technology suppliers, infrastructure operators, and electricity consumers profiting from it, Hanselka says.

Information on the stand and exhibits of KIT at Hannover Messe 2017 can also be found in our digital press kit: www.sek.kit.edu/hannovermesse2017

KIT in Hall 27, Stand H51  Energy

Energy Lab 2.0  Smart Test Platform for the Energy Transition

The Energy Lab 2.0 is the first system of its kind that smartly interconnects electricity producers, storage systems, and consumers. The grid consisting of plants at various locations links electric, thermal, and chemical energy flows as well as latest information and communication technologies and serves as a test grid, in which KIT scientists and their partners study the interaction of centralized and decentralized energy supply. Realization of the energy transition requires adequate and reliable storage technologies, smart grid extension, and maintenance of grid stability. The Energy Lab 2.0 pushes the Energiewende and in particular integration of renewable energy sources. Project partners are the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Forschungszentrum Julich (FZJ), which also are members of the Helmholtz Association.



The Energy Lab 2.0 interconnects electricity producers, storage systems, and consumers. (Photo: KIT)

INERATEC: High-quality Fuel from the Minireactor

Small natural gas resources and gases in thousands of oil fields, whose oil production was stopped, presently remain unused. INERATEC, a spinoff of KIT, has developed a marketable, compact chemical facility that converts methane-containing gases of such wells or gases arising from residues of oil production or biogas production into synthetic liquid fuel. Moreover, the plant can convert regenerative hydrogen and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into fuels. The main element of the new technology is a microstructured chemical reactor developed by researchers of KIT.



The microstructured chemical reactor can convert methane-containing gases into liquid synthetic fuels of highest quality. (Photo: INERATEC/KIT)

Solar Cells: The Flexible Generation

Organic solar foils might revolutionize energy production, because they have a number of advantages over conventional silicon solar cells. They have a small weight, are mechanically flexible, transparent, and can be produced in a large range of colors. This allows for use in new areas of application  examples being solar windows in buildings or sunglasses. Researchers of KIT will present these applications at Hannover Messe. Together with MJR PharmJet GmbH, they have developed a process for coating and printing organic solar cells that is environmentally compatible, while material and energy consumption and costs are reduced. For the production of this new type of organic solar cells, no hazardous solvents are required. Their efficiency corresponds to that of conventional organic solar cells.



Solar glasses with lenses made of semi-transparent organic solar cells. (Photo: Alexander Colsmann, KIT)

2 in 1: The Superconducting Transformer

A single device that is both a transformer and a current limiter: This is achieved by combining a normal conducting primary coil with a superconducting secondary coil. Scientists of KIT will present the prototype of a 2-in-1 transformer. When used at transformer stations, it will also protect the other grid components in case of fault currents.



The 2-in-1 transformer combines a normal conducting primary coil with a superconducting secondary coil (Photo: Sebastian Hellmann, KIT)

Technology Market

RESEARCH TO BUSINESS, the technology market of KIT, will present 30 additional technology offerings at KITs Energy stand. These offerings are innovations made by KIT. Now, cooperation partners are needed for their commercialization.

KIT in Hall 2, B16  Research and Technology

Liquid Glass  A Revolution in Glass Processing

Glass is one of the most important and fascinating materials mankind has ever used. It is highly transparent and highly resistant to heat and acids. It is omnipresent in everyday life. Its outstanding optical, chemical, and thermal properties make glass an attractive material for extremely small components, such as minute optical lenses or complex microsystems, e.g. laboratories on chips for the analysis of smallest liquid volumes. So far, high temperatures and the use of hazardous chemicals were required to produce such microstructures. Scientists of KIT have now developed a simple alternative: Liquid Glass is viscous at room temperature and can be shaped into any form, pre- cured under light, and baked out in the furnace. Hence, structuring glass components is (nearly) as easy as baking cookies. The initial material used for the process is a nanocomposite, a mixture of pulverized glass and plastic, that can be processed like a plastic material.

Video on Liquid Glass: www.sek.kit.edu/liquidglass.php

(Quelle: NeptunLab)



Liquid Glass is viscous at room temperature and can be shaped into any form. (Photo: NeptunLab)





Liquid Glass, the simple replication of glass, is now possible. (Photo: NeptunLab)

e-Lenk: Steering Force in the Drive Train

In conventional vehicles, the combustion engine does not only accelerate the car, but also supplies onboard auxiliary systems with energy, for e.g. assisted steering. In electric vehicles, this energy comes from the battery, while range is reduced. A novel concept for an intelligent assisted steering system with optimal energy efficiency for electric vehicles has now been developed by researchers of KIT and Schaeffler AG. The assisted steering function is integrated into the drive train by using an intelligent control concept for the drive torques of the individual wheels and a suitable chassis geometry. A conventional assisted steering system is no longer required. In this way, weight, energy consumption, and costs are reduced, while the range is increased.



ELF++ demonstrator vehicle for the evaluation of an assisted steering system by wheel-selective drives. (Photo: e-Lenk project team)

Thread Whirling: Increasing Efficiency through Synchronous Turning

Whirling is an attractive method for producing threads of high surface quality for e.g. medical bone screws. By means of this method, precise profiles can be milled. However, productivity is limited by the necessary preceding process of turning the outer contour. Synchronized whirling is a high-performance type of the method for simultaneous turning and whirling of the component. In addition, the new process opens up potential for optimization. Engineers of KIT study the performance of this new method in a research and development project in cooperation with the companies of Index, Paul Horn, and smith&nephew.



The new process allows for simultaneous turning and whirling of components. (Photo: Markus Breig, KIT)

Light and Effective: Power Electronics Components for Electric Mobility

Researchers of KIT will present electric motors and power electronics components for the drive train of electric vehicles. Battery management systems, power electronics modules, inverters, and electric motors developed for electric mobility have a smaller weight, need less installation space, and achieve higher efficiency. They are based on silicon carbide power semiconductors and magnetic materials of customized geometries. By means of new winding and cooling technologies developed after several years of research, electric motors were improved considerably. KIT will present a machine with a permanent power density of more than 8 kW/kg. It is applied in the Formula Student, where it made the KA-RaceIng team reach the first place in the international Formula Student Electric 2016.



Rotors of a high-speed synchronous motor of 30,000 r.p.m. excited by a permanent magnet. (Photo: Simon Mangels, KA-RaceIng)

Unique Luminescent Characteristics: Photonic Markers

At first glance, anti-counterfeiting and error-free high-throughput sorting of plastics do not appear to have much in common. But placing of a unique fluorescent label within the product - whether this is a pair of designer sunglasses or a plastic milk bottle - combined with the ability to detect this unique label again may play an important role in both processes. Nanophotonics experts of KIT, in cooperation with Polysecure GmbH, develop various types of such photonic markers with unique luminescent properties, minimum environmental risk, and excellent stability.



Photonic markers exhibit emissions under infrared light excitation. (Photo: Irina Westermann, KIT)

Technology Market

RESEARCH TO BUSINESS, KITs technology market, presents another 90 technology offerings at this stand of KIT.

KIT at the Baden-Wurttemberg Pavilion, Hall 27, H71:

Selected research institutions in Baden-Wurttemberg  Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Ulm University, the University of Stuttgart, and the Aalen and Esslingen Universities of Applied Sciences  have joined the XiL-BW-e Network of Laboratories for Electric Mobility, the first network of research facilities and laboratories of this kind. Expertise and testing infrastructures for electric mobility are pooled by a holistic approach for scientists to use them at other locations as well. Apart from an interconnection of test rigs, interfaces exist to the battery analysis network. Among others, it is possible to study drive train components in interaction with novel batteries under real conditions. The Network of Laboratories can be extended as needed and is also available for use by industry partners. More information: www.xil-bw-e.de (in German only).

The Baden-Wurttemberg Test Area for Automated Driving is being established in Karlsruhe under participation of KIT for companies and research institutions to test future-oriented technologies and services for networked and autonomous driving in daily road traffic. The test field pools the activities of partners in research and application as well as of automotive and information and communication technologies industries. More information: http://www.kit.edu/kit/english/pi_2016_105_karlsruhe-to-pioneer-autonomous-driving.php

The alliance Karlsruhe Priority Region for Mobility Systems pools the competences of research institutions in Karlsruhe and several industry partners in the area of mobility systems. Among others, OPTICAR will be presented, a test vehicle for fully automated and driver-less driving, where the focus lies on the further development of optical perception of the environment. For this, the vehicle is equipped with twelve stereo cameras all around. They may also be coupled virtually to new stereo cameras. This enables precise all-around perception of objects and movements even at larger distances. More information: www.profilregion-ka.de (in German only).

KIT at Other Stands:

Hall 2, A01  BIOKON joint stand: Lightweight construction and optimization of technical components modeled on nature



Hall 3  daily presentation of various startups of KIT at the Young Tech Enterprises Network Park



Hall 2, C40  TU9/VDI

Industry 4.0  in the Podcast and Magazine of KIT

For the KIT.audio research podcast on Industry 4.0, author Michael Lissek met experts of KIT working in the areas of computer science, production engineering, technology transfer, and technology assessment. They all work on realizing the Industry 4.0 vision and think about [KIT.audio | Der Forschungspodcast des Karlsruher Instituts fur Technologie (Grafik: Ken Pekarsky, KIT)] the impacts on society. Listen to our podcast at www.kit.edu/audio (in German only).

Parallel to the Hannover Messe, the latest issue of KITs research magazine lookKIT will be published. It contains a number of contributions on Industry 4.0: Among the topics covered are a graphics tool to illustrate data flows and to identify, combine, and represent a companys process flows, Industry 4.0 guidelines, as well as the ScaleIT project focusing on hardware and freely configurable software for medium-sized enterprises. Click www.sek.kit.edu/kit_magazin

For information on the stands and exhibits of KIT at 2017 Hannover Messe, click our digital press kit: www.sek.kit.edu/hannovermesse2017

Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
A breathtaking 59.6 carat diamond known as the Pink Star was sold for a record price of $71 million at a Sothebys auction in Hong Kong, following a failed attempt to sell it three years ago.

The oval-shaped diamond was sold just five minutes after intense telephone bidding, according to the auction house.

People in the room responded with applause, as the the bid for $63 million, excluding the buyers premium, won. The bidding started at $56 million.

The new buyer is Hong Kong jewelry retailer Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, according to Sothebys.

The successful sale comes three years after a failed attempt, when the diamond was sold for $83 million at another Sothebys auction in Geneva, but the deal fell through after the buyer defaulted.

The diamonds sale beat the previous record, which was held by Oppenheimer Blue  sold for $50 million last May.

The Pink Star was discovered by De Beers at a mine in Africa in 1999, which was then cut over a period of two years.

Such rare gems as this one are a very good investment, Catherine McLeod-Seltzer, chairman of Bear Creek Mining, told Kitco News, as the diamonds value is protected from any economic instability.

Large high quality gemstones are exceedingly rare, which is why that end of the market has held up very well, while the smaller lower quality stones definitely feel sentiment and economic swings, she said in an email.
Turkeys gold imports increased by 17 times in March compared to a year ago, reaching 28.2 tonnes, amid political uncertainty and rising demand for the yellow metal ahead of the countrys upcoming constitutional referendum on April 16.

In March 2016 gold imports were only at 1.68 tonnes. On a quarterly basis, gold imports were at 56.3 tonnes in Q1 2017. The data was released by Borsa Istanbuls Precious Metals and Diamond Markets.

The surge in imports also comes after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged his citizens to exchange any foreign currency they have saved up for gold.

Those who keep foreign currency under their mattress should come and turn them into lira or gold, Erdogan said in a speech back in December.

Immediately after the speech, gold imports jumped, surging almost eightfold to 36.7 tonnes during the last month of the year.

Some analysts said that the recent recovery in Turkish lira is making gold more affordable. People have started opting for gold rather than foreign currencies, Mehmet Ali Yildirimturk, a gold specialist in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, told Reuters.

Gold prices in Turkey jumped from 132 lira ($36) for one gram of 24 carat gold in January to 153 lira ($41) in February and now gold is selling for 148 lira ($40).

Local media reports point to uncertainty in the air with just over a week left until Turkey holds a referendum on proposed constitutional changes, which if passed, would increase Erdogan's powers.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) managed to push through 18 proposed changes to the constitution, gaining the necessary votes to hold a public referendum.

The significance of the proposed amendments is that it could transform Turkey from its current parliamentary system to an executive presidency. One proposal includes abolishing the post of prime minister and making the president the official head of the executive.

As gold imports drastically rise in Turkey, the countrys central bank is also looking to increase its gold reserves, Reuters reported citing sources.

Lawmakers reportedly want to implement the right of first refusal on domestically produced gold, which would allow Turkey to increase its gold reserves without depleting foreign currency holdings.

The central bank is being given first option, to purchase locally mined gold, according to an official from the domestic gold sector. This means the central bank will become a primary gold buyer in lira.
April 5 (Reuters) - White House economic adviser Gary Cohn said in a private meeting with lawmakers that he supports a policy that could revamp Wall Street's biggest firms by separating their consumer-lending businesses from their investment banks, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.

The National Economic Council director, also a former Goldman Sachs president, said he favors a system of banking where firms like Goldman Sachs focus on trading and underwriting securities, while companies like Citigroup Inc primarily issues loans, Bloomberg said. The White House was not immediately available for comment.

In the meeting which was arranged by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, Cohn had discussions on topics including financial regulations and overhauling the tax code. The meeting included lawmakers from both political parties and their staffs, Bloomberg reported.

On Tuesday, President Trump said his administration is working on changes to the Dodd-Frank banking regulations that will make it easier for banks to loan money. Last month White House spokesman Sean Spicer said during a briefing with reporters that Trump still backs his campaign pledge to restore the Glass-Steagall Act. The law, which separated commercial and investment banking activities, was repealed in 1999 and, if reinstated, would mainly apply to larger banks. (Reporting by Vishal Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair)
Gold is holding up despite bearish news Wednesday in the form of a strong ADP private-sector jobs report and hawkishly construed minutes of the last meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, says FXTM research analyst Lukman Otunuga. Prices are back above $1,250 an ounce as anxiety heightens ahead of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Although the impressive ADP report and hawkish Fed minutes enticed bears to enforce some downside pressures, the mounting uncertainty across the board has ensured the metal remains buoyed, Otunuga says. With the Brexit negotiations, elections in Europe and Trump developments likely to create a risk-off atmosphere, gold remains somewhat supported in the medium term. From a technical standpoint, bulls need to break above the stubborn $1,260 resistance for the bullish trend to continue.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

RBCs Gero: Comex Gold Rises On Short Covering

The most-active Comex gold futures are back above $1,250 an ounce on short covering, says George Gero, managing director with RBC Wealth Management. This is when traders buy to offset bearish, or short, positions. Gero says traders are still worried about U.S. and world politics, euro zone, Brexit, North Korea, wherever investors look. Still looking for constructive outlook as gold may attract more second-quarter asset allocators with close over $1,265. As of 9:09 a.m. EDT, Comex June gold was $5.40 higher at $1,253.90 an ounce after having fallen as far as $1,245.40 on Wednesday.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

BBH: Fed Discussion Of Balance Sheet Suggests Confidence In Normalizing Policy

Federal Open Market Committee policymakers are showing caution on reducing their balance sheet although at the same time their willingness to address the issue suggests increasing confidence about normalizing policy, says Brown Brothers Harriman. The Feds balance sheet expanded dramatically after the 2008 financial crisis when the central bank bought bonds in an effort to push down long-term interest rates. Wednesdays release of FOMC minutes shows that policymakers appear to favor shrinking the balance sheet this year, BBH says. It seems to favor tapering reinvestment rather than stopping abruptly, BBH says. The Fed also seems to favor letting maturing bonds roll off, and they will not sell any outright. It hopes to alert markets well in advance of when it starts reducing the balance sheet, presumably to prevent any panicky market reaction. However, BBH continues, there clearly are issues to discuss at future meetings, such as when to start the balance-sheet reduction and whether to target a specific balance-sheet size. The Fed wants to act very, very cautiously on the balance-sheet issue while at the same time maintaining maximum operational flexibility, BBH says. Yet the discussion of balance-sheet reduction is another sign of growing confidence in the Feds efforts to normalize policy.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

Nichols Looks For Gold To Move Up Into Higher Trading Range

Veteran analyst Jeffrey Nichols looks for gold to move into a higher trading range in the not-too-distant future. For now, prices are range-bound not far below the 200-day moving average, points out the managing director of American Precious Metals Advisors and senior economic consultant for Rosland Capital. We think the news  both economic and political  is likely to favor the long side of the market with gold more likely than not to ratchet up into a somewhat higher trading range in the next week or two, Nichols says. Interestingly, the bulk of trading has lately been amongst a small number of hedge funds and institutional speculators. At the same time, retail interest remains fairly positive with good demand for bullion coins and small bars. Also, it looks like Chinese and Indian buyers are using the recent lackluster market as an opportunity to add to their long-term holdings. In general, we think Western traders and investors are missing the global picture, which remains fairly positive and may be presaging the next major move into higher territory.
(Kitco News) - Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE, TSX: ABX) will sell a 50% stake in its Veladero mine in Argentina to Shandong Gold Mining Co., Ltd. for $960 million, the company announced Thursday.

John L. Thornton, executive chairman of Barrick Gold Corp. (left), and Chen Yumin, chairman of Shandong Gold (right), shake hands at the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the two mining companies. (Photo courtesy of Barrick)

Furthermore, under a strategic cooperation agreement, Barrick and Shandong will work to jointly develop the Pascua-Lama gold and silver deposit on the border of Argentina and Chile. The two will also evaluate additional investment opportunities on the El Indio Gold Belt on the Argentina-Chile border, which hosts a cluster of world-class gold mines and projects, including Veladero, Pascua-Lama and Alturas.

Shandong is an ideal partner to help us unlock the untapped mineral wealth of the El Indio Belt over the long term, while working with us to generate more value from the Veladero mine today, said John L. Thornton, Barrick executive chairman. We look forward to working in partnership with Shandong, sharing mining and development expertise, talent, and capital in ways that will create added value for our respective owners, and our government and community partners in San Juan province.

Chen Yumin, chairman of Shandong, said his company wants to build a long-term relationship with Barrick, the worlds largest gold-mining company.

In this global economy, it is more important than ever to find international partners with a common vision for developing mines and generating prosperity in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, he said. We are excited to enter Argentinas dynamic mining industry in partnership with Barrick at Veladero, while exploring other opportunities in one of the most prospective mineral districts in the world.

Upon completion of the transaction, the Veladero mine will be overseen by a joint-venture board consisting of three nominees appointed by each company. To ensure continuity of operations, both companies intend to maintain the mines current management team. The transaction is expected to close at the end of the second quarter and is subject to regulatory and other approvals, including Shandong shareholder approval.

Barrick said proceeds from the transaction will be used to reduce debt and for investments in its business.

Barrick and Shandong began to develop a partnership a year ago with a meeting between the two companies chairmen, Barrick said. Senior management and cross-functional teams participated in multiple joint site visits to Barrick and Shandong operations in Argentina, Canada and China. The companies have also established a channel to share ideas on using technology and digitization for changes in efficiency, safety and environmental stewardship, Barrick said.

The Veladero mine is located in the San Juan province of Argentina, on the highly prospective El Indo Belt, approximately 10 kilometers away from Barricks Pascua-Lama project. Veladero is located at elevations of between 4,000and 4,850 meters above sea level, approximately 375 kilometers northwest of the city of San Juan.

As of Dec. 31, the mine had proven and probable gold reserves of 6.7 million ounces, and measured and indicated gold resources of 3.3 million ounces, Barrick said. The mine is expected to produce 770,000 to 830,000 ounces of gold in 2017 at a cost of sales of $750 to $800 per ounce, with all-in sustaining costs of $840 to $940 per ounce.
* April-June output seen falling for first time in 5 quarters

* Local demand seen solid, firm demand in auto, construction

* April-June exports likely to fall 0.7 pct Y/Y

(Adds details and quotes)

By Yuka Obayashi

TOKYO, April 6 (Reuters) - Japan's crude steel output for April to June is expected to fall 0.8 percent from a year earlier, as steelmakers trim output to prevent inventories from rising, the government said on Thursday.

That comes despite recent signs of modest economic recovery in Japan, supported by healthy activity in services sector and stronger factory output. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) estimated crude steel output would slip to 25.99 million tonnes during April to June, which would be the first quarterly decline in five.

April to June output is also expected to be 0.4 percent lower than the previous quarter, the ministry said, citing an industry survey.

"Apparently, steelmakers are being careful not to increase inventory level of steel products," a ministry official said.

Japanese steelmakers such as Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp and JFE Steel, a unit of JFE Holdings Inc are aiming to hike prices of their products to reflect rising costs of raw materials.

"We want to raise our products prices by around 5,000 yen ($45) per tonne in the April-September half to reflect higher costs of coking coal, iron ore and other raw materials and to raise profit margin," Yasumitsu Saeki, Executive Vice President of Nippon Steel told reporters at a separate briefing on Thursday.

Domestic demand is expected to stay solid in both construction and manufacturing, the METI said.

Demand for steel products, including those for export, is forecast to climb 0.9 percent to 23.3 million tonnes in the April-June quarter.

Local demand is forecast to climb 1.7 percent while export demand is predicted to slip 0.7 percent. ($1 = 110.8100 yen)

(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Chris Gallagher and Susan Thomas)
(Writes through to change the source of information, adds details, context)

By Polina Devitt

MOSCOW, April 6 (Reuters) - Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is investigating the Moscow office of Alrosa , the world's biggest diamond miner, in relation to non-core asset sales between 2011 and 2013, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The state-controlled Russian firm, which is the world's largest producer of rough diamonds in carat terms, and the FSB both declined to comment, while the source did not provide any further details.

Together with Anglo American's De Beers, Alrosa produces about half the world's rough diamonds.

Alrosa divested several non-core assets between 2011 and 2013, including selling a 51 percent stake in Timir iron ore project to Evraz , a major Russian steelmaker. It also agreed to sell its gas assets to Russian oil giant Rosneft , but the two sides later failed to agree on the price.

The deals were done under former Alrosa Chief Executive Fyodor Andreev, who held the post between 2009-2014 but died in 2015 after a long-term illness.

Alrosa's shares were down 0.8 percent at 91.4 roubles per share by 1414 GMT compared with a 0.1 percent decline of the broader MICEX index .

Its shares touched 90.5 roubles earlier on Thursday when Interfax news agency cited a source as saying law enforcement officials were removing documents from Alrosa's Moscow office following a request from investigators in Russia's far eastern Yakutia region, where its main production assets are based.

Russia's Investigative Committee and its local office in Yakutia were not available for immediate comment.

The federal government and Yakutia, together with its districts, each hold 33 percent of Alrosa's shares.

The Russian government sold a 10.9 percent stake in Alrosa last year, raising $813 million to plug holes in the budget as part of a privatisation programme.

The state plans to cut its stake in Alrosa further to 25 percent plus one share by 2019, but the finance ministry has said no sale is planned in 2017.

(Additional reporting by Svetlana Reiter; Editing by Jack Stubbs and Alexander Smith)
* China buyers cancel two late-April loading cargoes - sources

* A third cargo may also be cancelled soon - source

* Interest for May loading cargoes dwindles - refining source

(Adds analyst, Sinopec comment, teapot reaction)

By Jessica Jaganathan

SINGAPORE/BEIJING, April 6 (Reuters) - Traders in North Asia are rushing to cancel loadings of a range of oil products for sale to China, ahead of a planned Chinese consumption tax that will make the trade uneconomic.

At least two light cycle oil (LCO) cargoes have been cancelled for late April loading from South Korea ahead of the planned tax on the refinery by-product, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. They declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak with the media.

The cargoes were purchased by Chinese companies who have in turn cancelled their requirement, one of the sources said, adding that another Chinese oil trader is trying to cancel a third cargo.

Interest for May-loading LCO cargoes has also disappeared, a Japanese refining source said.

A senior source with a Shandong-based independent refiner said his company has held off booking new cargoes beyond a 40,000-tonne parcel of mixed aromatics for late April arrival.

China plans to impose consumption taxes on oil by-products such as mixed aromatics, light cycle oil and bitumen blend, sources with knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday. The plan will likely squeeze the margins of the independent refiners. The combined imports of these products are estimated at 20 million tonnes a year. The move will close a loophole that allowed Chinese buyers to import light cycle oil, then sell it locally as low-grade diesel, avoiding import taxes that would normally be levied on diesel.

"Demand for these products have in recent years been distorted because of exemptions from consumption tax," said Seng-Yick Tee, an analyst with consultancy SIA Energy.

A consumption tax of 1,400 yuan ($203) per tonne could be levied for LCO, the sources said on Wednesday, with traders expecting the tax in May or June.

The Chinese government has considered the taxes since 2012 but was more determined this time as imports of these products rose and ate into the market share of state-owned companies like Sinopec Corp , said senior Beijing-based traders and oil company officials.

The tax advantages of LCO have led refiners to maximise production over other fuels, the two sources with knowledge of the South Korean cargoes said.

LCO was selling at a premium to Korea gasoil prices of about $6 a barrel on a free-on-board (FOB) Korea basis at its peak earlier this year, which in turn attracted cargoes from as far away as Europe, traders said.

The premium for LCO has since dropped to about $2 to $3 a barrel, but volumes of the fuel into China have soared.

Imports of LCO into China rose to as much as 600,000 tonnes a month by March from 350,000 tonnes a month last year, two traders familiar with the market said.

($1 = 6.8990 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Jessica Jaganathan in SINGAPORE, Chen Aizhu and Meng Meng in BEIJING; Editing by Richard Pullin and Christian Schmollinger)
(Kitco News) - More than 100 years after the original gold rush that put the Yukon on the map, Canadas western territory is gearing up for what some are expecting will be another important era in the regions gold production.

It has been almost a year since Goldcorp stepped into the Yukon, purchasing Kaminak Gold for more than $500 million. Since then two other majors have staked a claim in the territory in December. Agnico Eagle invested more than $14.5 million for a 20% stake in White Gold Corp., which has one of the largest exploration land packages in the Yukon. Finally, last month Newmont Mining announced it would spend $39.5 million to explore and develop Goldstrikes Plateau property.

According to Yukon mining executives, the growing interest from major mining companies has created renewed excitement to develop the regions resource and many of them are capitalizing on this newfound interest.

Paul West-Sells, president of Western Copper and Gold and president of the Yukon Mining Alliance, said the Yukon has always been an exciting place for the mining industry and the investment from three major gold producers has been a major confidence boost for the entire sector.

Its a big deal to have that investment and I think as a result you are going to see all our Yukon projects grow and develop, he said.

Victoria Gold is just one of the companies that has capitalized in growing interest in the region. The company, which many sector professionals expect will have the next major gold mine in the Yukon, was able to secure a $220 million debt facility from BNP Paribas to continue the development of its Eagle Gold project.

I think people are starting to see the value of the Yukon. They are starting to see that it is a great, safe mining jurisdiction, said John McConnell, president and CEO of Victoria Gold.

Commenting on the major gold companies entering the territory, McConnell said anything that happens in the Yukon will be positive for his company and project as well.

Along with the continued development of Eagle Gold, Victoria is embarking on a $6.2 million exploration program of its adjacent Dublin Gulch property.

However, Victoria isnt the only company that is opening up its purse strings again. ATAC Resources is planning to spend $10 million to continue its exploration of its Rackla Gold property, which has Carlin-type gold deposits that could rival the major deposits in Nevadas famous gold fields.

We are seeing more liquidity coming into the market and growing interest in junior miners, so we made a commitment to do our largest exploration program in the last four years, said Graham Downs, president of ATAC Resources.

Downs agreed the fact that three of the largest gold producers in the world establishing a beach-head in the Yukon is a testament to the region.

The Yukon is a great jurisdiction that has historically been underexplored, he said. We have certainly been fielding a lot of inbound calls from investors who are interested in what the company is doing and where it is headed.

West-Sells, said its not only growing interest in major gold companies that is making the region an attractive investment, there is renewed focus on the sector from the territorial government. The government is helping to facilitate important dialogues between first nations and the mining companies and is committed to building the regions infrastructure.

Having strong government support has been critical for the Yukon mining sector and the development of some of these big projects by the majors is going to help push infrastructure growth, he said.

Currently, Western Copper is going through the permitting phase as it continues to develop it Casino project, which has 9 million ounces of inferred gold resources and 5.4 billion pounds of copper.

Looking to the future, West-Sells said he thinks that in less than 10 years Victoria, Kaminak and Western Copper will all be producing and more than 1 million ounces of gold to flow out of the territory.

That will be transformative for the Yukon, he said.
The Herald reports:

Dropping the Overseas Investment Act, giving local government the GST from all new home builds and performance pay for teachers are among the more radical policies advocated by economic think-tank The New Zealand Initiative which launches its election year manifesto today.

Manifesto 2017 is effectively a highlights package of reports and research the NZ Initiative has released in the five years since it was born of a merger between the Business Round Table and NZ Institute.

The aim was to try to focus debate on the issues that matter in the election, said executive director and Manifesto author Oliver Hartwich.

Politicians in the last few elections have had an enormous amount of side-shows to deal with, from Kim Dotcom to teapot tapes. But really, when has the country had a proper discussion about where it wants to be in the future? he said.

The Manifesto was designed to challenge the Government and opposition parties to consider big ideas that would fix some of New Zealands long-term structural problems.
Sim Eun-yong plays the geomungo, a traditional Korean zither, for Jambinai at West Bridge Live Hall for Zandari Festa 2015. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar



By Jon Dunbar

Kim Bomi plays the haegeum, a two-stringed fiddle, during a Jambinai show at West Bridge Live Hall for Zandari Festa 2015.

/ Korea Times photo Jon Dunbar

Jambinai alarmed fans when it seemingly canceled its month-long European tour on the eve of their flight. Guitarist Lee Il-woo posted a picture of a bad wrist injury, saying he couldn't play the guitar and apologizing for canceling the tour. But it turned out to be just an April Fool's Day joke.

The acclaimed Korean band, known for playing post-rock music on traditional Korean instruments, left as scheduled for a grueling tour of 20 dates across 10 European countries. Arriving last Sunday night at Zurich Airport, they'll have a show almost every day until the tour ends April 28. The tour takes them through Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic, Belgium, France, the U.K. and the Netherlands.

Jambinai is getting increasing attention around the world, having already toured Europe five times, as well as SXSW in Austin last year. Their debut album won a Korean Music Award in 2013, and Vice Magazine's music channel Noisey praised their sound as "new music with an old soul." They're signed to the U.K.'s Bella Union, alongside big international acts like Explosions in the Sky and Flaming Lips. Appearing on BBC radio show "Global Beats," they told listeners they made "They Keep Silence," a mostly instrumental song, to express their anger over the 2014 Sewol ferry sinking.

While more generic Korean music acts  both in the K-pop industry and the indie scene  struggle for global attention, Jambinai has found its own winning formula, presenting something equal parts universal and distinctly Korean.

The band members deny their music is traditional and avoid the term fusion, but nobody can deny their music is original, unique and highly authentic.

The Korea Times interviewed Lee, who also plays the piri and taepyeongso for Jambinai, as well as Kim Bomi, a classically trained haegeum player, prior to their tour.

Q. Jambinai makes original music that couldn't be created in any other country. How highly does the band rank originality?

A. Bomi: Actually our music is not traditional. In the traditional Korean music scene, they don't think our music is traditional. But traditional Korean instruments are our major and specialty. So that's why we use that. We always think about how we can express ourselves more comfortably and effectively with our traditional instruments. So originality is a pretty high priority but it's not all of our music. For us, good combinations are more important.

A. Ilwoo: Originality is really important not only for the band but also in everything. The bands or persons who have originality, they have led the music, art and culture scenes. I've been influenced by them and want to be like them.

Luckily, Jambinai has traditional Korean instruments to look original but I'm not sure we would be that original if we only used Western instruments.



Q. Most Korean bands struggle to create an original musical style, or just don't try. It's a criticism I see a lot from foreigners who hear a lot of Korean music.

A. Ilwoo: Most Korean bands follow their influences. I think it's not only a problem of musicians.

In my opinion, the system of education in Korea, it has killed creativity. Teachers have not given kids the chance to ask "why" and they make the students just follow the fixed answers. So many Koreans have lost the ability to create their own style.

It's not necessary to use traditional Korean instruments to be an original band in Korea. More bands need to create their own sound and style.

But it can be agonizing and painful. It's really hard to create a new sound.

Mostly Korean bands do the band to get rid of their stress, and do it in their spare time. Also, Korean listeners and audiences also love Western bands or Korean bands which are really good imitators. They feel really strange when they watch bands that have originality or a new style.



Lee Il-woo plays guitar for Jambinai at West Bridge Live Hall for Zandari Festa 2015. He also plays Korean instruments for the band including the wind instruments piri and taepyeongso. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar



Q. Jambinai has been very vocal about politics with the song "They Keep Silence." How important was it to you that people listening to your music knew about the Sewol ferry tragedy and other current Korean events?

A. Bomi: I want to do whatever I can in my position and playing music is that. At least, I want people who listen to our music to feel anger at the government and remember that accident. It's fortunate that people, including me, have more interest in politics than ever in Park's government.

A. Ilwoo: I've played "They Keep Silence" for two years to tell overseas audiences about the Sewol tragedy. Musicians need to be concerned about the issues of the world and their country, and also need to express it to let the people know through music or art.

Mostly Korean musicians express sadness about Sewol but it just angered me. The president and government did nothing and still they keep the silence. I'm going to play that song with anger still even after they tell the truth about what the president was really doing while the ferry was sinking.

Today, the Sewol ferry has surfaced above the water after President Park was impeached. It took just a few days to raise the ferry from the sea, but before impeachment the government and the president did nothing but give excuses for almost three years!

I really hope the truth will surface soon.

By the way, I've had many interviews about the Sewol and I've played "They Keep Silence" a lot all around the world. But we are not on the blacklist. We are a really, really obscure band... haha...



Q. Ilwoo, you've also played in the hardcore punk bands 49 Morphines and Combative Post. How much or little "punk" is there in Jambinai's DNA?

A. Maybe Jambinai has 30 to 40 percent? I am inspired by punk a lot and I have written the most songs for Jambinai. And we are uncompromising about our music. So musically, attitudinally punk is part of Jambinai.

Q. Is Jambinai part of hallyu, or something different?

A. We are not hallyu. The Korean government supports K-pop or Korean dramas and these are hallyu. The government is investing a lot of money into it so many people overseas will know hallyu.

But we have to promote us by ourselves with our money or less money from the government. So it is much harder. As the investment has improved, the results have improved. So hallyu can make a lot of money, but we can't. However we keep trying to improve our circumstances.

And honestly, we don't care if we are hallyu or not. We don't want to be categorized as K-music, or K-something. European or overseas listeners think Jambinai is just Jambinai, not the K-band Jambinai or K-whatever. They think K-pop and hallyu is "Gangnam Style" and idol music. But that's not us.

Visit facebook.com/jambinaiofficial for tour dates and more info.
By Nam Hyun-woo





Industrial Bank of Korea CEO

Kim Do-jin

The Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) will seek to expand into Southeast Asian markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia, the lender's CEO Kim Do-jin said Thursday.



This is part of its efforts to gain 20 percent of its total profit from overseas and become one of Asia's leading commercial banks in the long term, he added.



"Korea's small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing difficulties in doing business in China amid China's increased labor costs, strengthened regulations and trade retaliation over Korea's decision to deploy a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system," Kim told the press.



"The bank has to turn its eye toward Southeast Asia, a region where a growing number of domestic SMEs are finding it attractive to expand."



It has no business networks in Indonesia, although more than 1,000 Korean companies are operating there.



The Southeast Asian country does not allow a foreign bank to set up branches or to incorporate there. Thus, its only option to advance into the market is by acquiring a local company.



"We cannot disclose any details yet. But we have selected legal and financial advisers to identify potential companies in Indonesia," Kim said.



"I believe we can reveal more details about our mergers and acquisitions (M&A) plan later this year, and expect a deal to take place next year."



Vietnam has already been one of IBK's key Southeast Asian markets. The bank has a branch in Ho Chi Minh City and another one in Hanoi, he noted.



IBK will apply for regulatory approval to incorporate its business there as the Vietnamese regulators restrict foreign lenders from opening more than two branches in the market, Kim said.



He added that there is high growth potential in Cambodia as demand for leases and microloans are increasing in the region.



The bank applied for regulatory approval for its office in Phnom Penh in August last year, and is expecting to get approval soon.



Besides its overseas plan, IBK stressed that it needs to further digitally transform itself as traditional lenders could lose customers to internet-only banks such as K bank and Kakao Bank.



Kim said he is concerned that IBK could lose its edge as the digital newcomers become bigger in the near future.



"To be honest, I am afraid of their rise and momentum," Kim said. "This means that the financial environment is changing, and conventional banks are about to lose many of their clients. To cope with the change, IBK is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for further upgrades in our mobile banking services."



Earlier this week, K bank opened as the country's first online-only bank. Kakao Bank also received a banking license from Korea's financial regulator last Wednesday.



More than 100,000 people opened accounts at K bank just three days after it started its service.
By Yoon Ja-young



While the Donald Trump administration in the United States is threatening to designate countries with huge current account surpluses with the U.S. as currency manipulators, Korea's current account surplus is not related to the foreign exchange rate, according to a report Thursday.



The Institute for International Trade noted in the report that the United States considers current account and trade surpluses as the outcome of unfair trade practices such as currency manipulation.



The U.S. Treasury Department designates a country as a currency manipulator if it meets three criteria: a current account surplus larger than 3 percent of GDP, over a $20 billion annual trade surplus with the U.S., and the purchase of dollars amounting to over 2 percent of GDP. Korea meets the first two as of 2016.



However, the institute noted that current account or trade balances are determined by diverse factors rather than only foreign exchange rates. They include economic and industrial structures as well as economic factors such as the economic cycle, low oil prices and terms of trade.



In the case of Korea, it fell into its current account deficit beginning in the mid 1990s. After the Asian Financial crisis, however, it has been sustaining its current account surplus as exporters have recovered their competitive edge. The current account surplus has jumped notably especially after 2012, taking 7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016.



On top of this, the institute noted that Korea's high savings rate coupled with its low investment rate has led to the current account surplus.



"Korea's savings rate surpasses its domestic investment rate. The surplus there is invested overseas. In the case of the United States, which is more consumption-oriented, the savings rate falls below its domestic investment rate. It makes up for the deficit by borrowing from overseas," the report explains.



Korea's savings rate stood at 35.7 percent last year, which compares with 18.1 percent for the United States. Experts attribute the increasing savings in the private sector to the poor social safety net. "Consumption is also sluggish due to structural reasons such as huge household debt and the aging of the population," it added.



Moreover, Korean businesses are increasingly investing overseas due to the high wage and rigid labor market in the country.



"Due to the overall economic slowdown and increasing uncertainties, overall investment has contracted in the private sector. It led to a widening gap between savings and investment," the report notes.



Experts point out that the United States should focus on the huge services surplus it reaps with Korea. While Korea has the competitive edge in manufacturing, the United States has competitiveness in services such as finance. Korea recorded a $25.8 billion surplus with the United States in trade of goods in 2015, but it sustained a $14.1 billion deficit in trade of services.



As Korea is suffering low growth, imports have been falling steeper than exports, which led to an increase in the surplus despite the contraction in trade. It contrasts with the United States, where economic expansion led to increasing demand for imported goods. The decrease in energy imports due to plunging global oil prices also led to an increasing trade surplus for Korea. Energy takes around 20 percent of Korea's imports.



The institute advised that the government should actively cope with the United States' unilateral move to designate currency manipulators and expansion of protectionism in trade.

"Fundamentally, Korea should bolster its social safety net and reform its rigid economic structure to lower its savings rate while promoting investment," it noted.




The Millennium Seoul Hilton is offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a getaway in the heart of the city. / Courtesy of Millennium Seoul Hilton



By Kim Se-jeong

Hotels in Seoul and the metropolitan area are offering packages for those who would like to enjoy spring's cherry blossom show in the city. Here is a roundup of some of the best packages.

Millennium Seoul Hilton

The Millennium Seoul Hilton is offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a getaway in the heart of the city. The hotel is close to the six-century-old "Hanyang Castle Road," as well as Mount Nam where the roads up the mountain top are flanked with cherry blossom trees and other flowering plants which is worth visiting during one's stay.

The cherry blossom package includes a one-night stay in a Deluxe City View Room, free Wi-Fi, complimentary access to the fitness center and swimming pool, two bottles of water and macaroons with coffee or tea for two people. The package is available during weekends until May 27. The package is only available for local residents. The package costs 230,000 won, excluding tax and service charges.

For guests with children 12 years old or younger, the hotel also offers a package that includes a room stay, complimentary free breakfast for four and a complimentary eco-friendly bag, organic candies and chocolate coconut truffles. The package is available until June 25 and costs 270,000 won. For more information and reservations, call (02) 317-3000.

Grand Hyatt Incheon

The Grand Hyatt Incheon is in the metropolitan area's west coast, close to the Incheon International Airport Expressway, which is famous for the cherry blossom trees. The hotel is also close to Ewangri and Mui Island, which are famous for their beaches.

The package includes a one-night stay, free access to the children's pool and playground, an extended checkout at 4 p.m., and seven days of free parking. The package costs 160,000 won, excluding tax and service charges. For more information and reservations, call (032) 745-1000 or visit incheon.grand.hyatt.kr.

Conrad Seoul

The Conrad Seoul is located right in the middle of Seoul's cherry blossom island, Yeouido where people stroll along cherry blossom trees, take picnics and have their photos taken. Thus, staying in Conrad Seoul can enrich a spring weekend outing. The cherry blossom package includes a one-night stay in a room with a view of Han River, a lunch sandwich meal, including drinks, prepared by the hotel chefs and a portable blanket and free parking service during the stay. The package is available until May 31 and starts at 315,000 won without breakfast and 375,000 won with breakfast for two. For more information and reservations, call (02) 6137-7777 or visit www.conradseoul.com.

JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul

JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul's cherry blossom package includes a one-night stay in a Deluxe room, with views of the historic Seoul landmark Heunginjimun Gate, breakfast for two at Tavolo 24, a complimentary toiletry travel kit with L'Occitane's popular cherry blossom range celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, a bottle of Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rose wine, cherry blossom macarons made by the hotel's Executive Chef Michel Eschmann and a 20-percent discount on treatments at Club 501's Provence Spa by L'Occitane, and access to the indoor swimming pool. The package costs 320,000 won, excluding tax and service charges. For more information and reservations, call (02)2276-3366 or visit www.jwmarriottddm.com.
South Korea and the United States will share the results of President Donald Trump's summit meetings with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping as soon as possible in a phone conversation between the "highest-level" officials, a diplomatic source said Thursday.



Trump will meet with Xi on Thursday and Friday (local time) at the U.S. leader's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida in their first summit. North Korea and growing threats from its nuclear and missile programs are cited as a major agenda item to be discussed.



Following the summit, the U.S. plans to arrange a telephone call between "highest-level" officials of the two countries in order to share the outcome of the meetings and discuss relevant countermeasures, according to the source.



The phone conversation will be held "within the shortest period" of the meetings.



Tensions ran high around the Korean Peninsula amid speculation that the North may carry out an additional nuclear test in time for the summit between the leaders of the two most powerful countries.



The North fired a ballistic missile from its eastern port of Sinpo into the East Sea. Experts see it as an attempt to set the tone for the summit and possibly a prelude to a major provocation down the road.



The North conducted two nuclear tests last year alone. (Yonhap)




Moon Jae-in, center, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, receives a briefing from local officials about their plan to move the ferry Sewol into a dry dock from a semisubmersible ship, at Mokpo New Port, South Jeolla Province, Thursday. Moon also consoled the family members of nine victims whose bodies have yet to be recovered. / Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo

All South Korea can do is just wait and see as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping deal with North Korea issues in their first summit today.

Their talks will influence the country's security interests for years to come, but there is not much Seoul can do.

South Korea has failed to raise its voice ahead of the crucial summit  its corruption-ridden president was removed from office in early March and the acting president is not on a par with foreign leaders.

Trump made the headlines in South Korean newspapers when he told the Financial Times, Monday, that he will deal with North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile threats with or without China's help.

The media quoted him as saying, "That's going to be my responsibility," concerning Pyongyang, and that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "is not doing the right thing" during a joint press conference with Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein at the White House, Wednesday.

The White House response to possible action to be taken on Beijing's retaliation against Seoul over the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in South Korea was also discussed in the South Korean diplomatic circle.












By Jun Ji-hye



South Korea has successfully test-fired a new ballistic missile with a maximum range of 800 kilometers that puts the whole of North Korea within striking distance, military sources said Thursday.



The military intends to complete the development of the new missiles and deploy them by the end of this year in response to the North's nuclear and missile capacities. Once mass-produced and deployed, the nation's new strategic weapons will be used to attack the military leadership and key facilities in Pyongyang in the event of a war, the sources added.



"A test-firing of a Hyunmoo-type ballistic missile with a range of 800 kilometers recently took place at the Anheung test site of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) under the wing of the Ministry of National Defense," a source said, asking not to be named. "The test was assessed as successful."



The ADD's Anheung test site is located near the western coastal city of Taean, South Chungcheong Province.



The source said the ADD deliberately shortened the flight range due to space limits, adding that the latest test was instead focused on verifying the performance of the missile such as its accuracy.



Defense Minister Han Min-koo reportedly observed the test.



The sources added that this was not the first time for the new missile to be tested, indicating that the development is at an advanced stage.



If fired from the southern resort island of Jeju, the missile is theoretically capable of reaching Sinuiju, a North Korean city bordering China. If fired from Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, the missile can reach anywhere in North Korea.



The military has been developing ballistic missiles with extended firing ranges since Seoul and Washington revised the guidelines on such weapons for the South in October 2012. The revision allowed Seoul to extend the maximum range of them to 800 kilometers from the previous limit of 300 kilometers.



South Korea is currently operating Hyunmoo 2A and 2B short-range ballistic missiles with maximum ranges of 300 and 500 kilometers, respectively; and Hyunmoo 3 cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 kilometers.



The comments about the successful test-firing of the new missile came a day after the North launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea.



Ministry of National Defense spokesman Moon Sang-gyun refused to confirm the successful test-firing of the 800 kilometer-range missile, citing military confidentiality. But he did not deny it, either.



"Such a missile is currently under development," Moon said. "The official name of the missile will be given once its development is completed."



Observers expect the new missile to be named the Hyunmoo 2C.




Woo Byung-woo, one of the key aides of former President Park Geun-hye, lowers his head as he enters the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul for questioning, Thursday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Jung Min-ho

Woo Byung-woo, the former civil affairs secretary for ousted President Park Geun-hye, has been grilled over his role in the corruption scandal that removed her from office.

Woo, the last piece of the puzzle the prosecution has been missing in its investigation into the scandal, is accused of aiding and abetting Park's friend Choi Soon-sil in meddling in state affairs by abusing his power.

He appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office for questioning at around 10 a.m., Thursday.

Woo was apparently conscious of the public outcry over his "arrogant" attitude, which has been on everyone's lips after his previous public appearances.

In a somewhat remorseful tone this time, he said, "I feel heartbroken about what has happened to former President Park. I will answer every question faithfully during the interrogation."

This was the third time for Woo to be questioned about the scandal, following appearances in November before the prosecution and again in February before an independent counsel team.

With him as the sole exception, all the other key suspects, including Park, scores of high-ranking government officials and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, have already been arrested.

Woo, who worked at Cheong Wa Dae from May 2014 to October 2016, allegedly abused his power to manipulate government officials and penalize those who were uncooperative with the Park administration.

When the presidential office created a blacklist of artists to selectively support those friendly to the government, Woo allegedly played a key role in pressuring uncooperative officials to toe the line. Prosecutors suspect that he targeted innocent officials for inspection only to "discipline" them.

Taking advantage of Park's trust in him, Woo also allegedly attempted to remove Lee Seok-soo, a former independent presidential investigator, because he was looking into suspicions of his wrongdoings brought up by the media last year. Lee eventually resigned for unclear reasons.

Moreover, Woo is suspected of impeding the investigation into the sinking of the ferry Sewol in 2014 by pressuring prosecutors not to search and seize the computer server in a Coast Guard situation room. Prosecutors suspect that he did so to protect Park, who was missing during the crucial first seven hours of the sinking that resulted in the deaths of 304 passengers.

The result of the questioning of Woo will be critical for the prosecution, which must regain public trust to avoid a major reform that all major presidential hopefuls vow to make.

Following reports that he exchanged dozens of phone calls with Prosecutor General Kim Soo-nam while he was being investigated by Lee, public trust in the prosecution was eroded. Many still remain skeptical that the prosecution will do much to bring the former prosecutor to justice as he reportedly knows many of its "dirty secrets."

The first attempt to arrest him failed when a court rejected the independent counsel team's request for a warrant in February, citing a lack of evidence.

Prosecutors will review whether to seek an arrest warrant after questioning him.

On the same day, prosecutors again questioned Park at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province.

Han Woong-jae, a senior prosecutor who previously interrogated her, arrived at the facility at around 11 a.m. with assistant investigators.

This was the second time for Park to be questioned at the facility, following the first session two days earlier.

Lawyer Yoo Young-ha, who has helped her throughout the investigation, was present during the interrogation.

Park, who is charged with 13 crimes, including bribery, abuse of authority and the passing of confidential state information to an unauthorized person  Choi, has denied all the allegations, claiming that she did not do anything illegal or order her aides to do so to help Choi.

For prosecutors, one of the most important tasks is to prove the bribery charge against Park and Choi, in which they allegedly colluded to take money from major companies in return for business favors.

Prosecutors have already confirmed that the companies gave money to the Mir and K-Sports foundations controlled by Choi, but they still need to prove that Choi and Park made "deals" with the firms and shared the profits in order to indict everyone involved on bribery charges.

As part of their investigation, prosecutors will summon Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, today. The company, which gave 4.5 billion won to the shady foundations, is suspected of receiving favors from the government in the duty free bidding process to recover its lost license.
More tourists are visiting Seoul's Blind Alley cafe, in Yongsan-gu, where wild animals such as raccoons and capybaras greet visitors. / Courtesy of Blind Alley



By Eom Da-sol

In a buzzing scene near Sookmyung Women's University in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, tourists flock to a small cafe. They do not come to study, but to enjoy drinks while watching animals that usually belong in the wild or a zoo.

Blind Alley cafe lures tourists with its unique animal residents, including raccoons and capybaras. About 60 to 80 percent of daily customers are out-of-towners.

The venue has been bustling with foreign customers since a raccoon was introduced 18 months ago. Now, a Welsh corgi, three raccoons and two capybaras greet customers.

"I brought my raccoon to the cafe because I did not want to leave him alone at home," shop owner Han Seong-hee told The Korea Times Thursday. "The customers loved him so much, so I brought other animals to the cafe."

The cafe caught tourists' eyes through foreign community websites and travel books, according to one overseas customer.

The cafe was well known to school students for its desserts and drinks before the raccoon arrived. As it became more popular with tourists, student numbers have fallen.

Han welcomed the increase in foreign customers but said there is a dark side to the customer change.

"Maybe this is time to change our marketing strategy," Han said.

For more information, visit www.cafeblindalley.com.
By Kim Rahn



Moon Jae-in, the presidential candidate of the largest Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is finding his lead in the race shaking on surging support for Ahn Cheol-soo from the third-largest People's Party.



His lead has been narrowing significantly in opinion polls, and in a hypothetical two-way race, Ahn has begun outrunning Moon. As a result of this, the war of words between supporters of the two is escalating.



A poll by Micromill Embrain showed Wednesday that Moon had support of 38.2 percent, followed by Ahn with 33.2 percent, when including candidates Hong Joon-pyo of the Liberty Korea Party (LKP), Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party, Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party and the independent Kim Chong-in.



But in a two-way race, Ahn overtook Moon, with support of 47 percent to 40.8 percent.



According to another poll by Realmeter, Moon gained 41.3 percent and Ahn, 34.5 percent. Realmeter also ran a poll on a hypothetical two-way race in which Moon was the unified candidate of the DPK and the Justice Party, and Ahn was the unified nominee of the People's Party, the Bareun Party and the LKP. In that scenario, 46.3 percent of respondents chose Moon and 42.8 percent, Ahn.



As Ahn is rapidly catching up with Moon, the DPK has intensified its offensive against him. They are attempting to downplay his soaring popularity, saying it is based on a convention bounce as the People's Party's primaries have just finished.



"It is like beer frothing a lot when poured quickly," DPK Rep. Min Byung-doo said in a radio interview. "Ahn's popularity has a lot of bubbles."



Rep. Park Kwang-on also pointed out that the People's Party is a minor party which cannot pass bills on its own.



"What will happen when the candidate of a minor party, which has only 40 seats in the National Assembly, becomes the president?" Park asked. "Also, people will choose a candidate according to his experience in state affairs, not for his image. In that sense, they will elect Moon."



Countering the DPK's attack, Ahn himself targeted Moon who started his political career along with former President Roh Moo-hyun and has been touted as a political heir to the latter.



"An incapable man should not take a high position only because he inherited a legacy," Ahn said at a forum in Seoul, Thursday. "We should build a country on fair chances, where capability beats background."



Other members of the People's Party called on Moon to explain allegations that he unfairly helped his son land a job at a state-run company and peddled influence to conceal a drunk-driving accident involving one of Roh's in-laws while serving as a senior presidential secretary.



With Ahn's growing popularity, the DPK faces another problem  members defecting to the People's Party.



Rep. Lee Un-ju was the first to do so after Ahn's candidacy was confirmed earlier this week.



"I'm leaving the DPK for the People's Party for new politics and a new Korea," Lee said in a press briefing Thursday. "I hope to make a new Korea together with Ahn and other members of the People's Party, who, to change the nation's politics, have chosen a path which has never been taken."



Before Lee, the DPK former interim leader Kim Chong-in left the party March 8 amid a conflict with the mainstream faction tied to Moon. He recently announced a bid to run for the presidency as an independent. Rep. Choi Myung-ghil also left the party to join Kim, March 29.



Speculation is high that more DPK members may leave the party to join either Ahn or Kim, with rumors saying the number could be over 10.




"Kkondae," usually used for elderly people attached to the past and critical of those from younger generations, refers to people who are authoritative, stubborn and lenient on themselves while hard on others. / A scene from "Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time" (2011)



By Ko Dong-hwan

"Kkondae," often used by those in teenage or older, refers to people who are authoritative, stubborn and lenient on themselves while hard on others. It is considered by many to be slang that refers to elderly people clinging to the past and who are critical of those from later eras.

Kkondaes are usually found in the top tiers of hierarchical organizations. Ousted President Park Geun-hye is considered an example because of her sense of self-righteousness. Despite prosecutors' solid questioning over charges including abuse of power, leaking state secrets and coercion, the former leader  now locked in the Seoul Detention Center awaiting indictment  denied all allegations.

When former senior presidential secretary Woo Byung-woo, another major suspect in the presidential corruption scandal, glared at a young female reporter who asked him questions when he was subpoenaed to prosecutors for questioning, the same sense was apparently seen, according to reports.

The term also applies to other people in organizations who have a sense of self-entitlement: those unafraid of wielding authority at the cost of subordinates' rights.

In 2014, Korean Air's then vice president Cho Hyun-ah complained about nuts that a stewardess served to her and ordered the flight return to the terminal. In another incident, a company executive threw boiling ramen at a stewardess because it did not taste good.

But it seems kkondae are becoming younger. A third-grade boy sparked big interest online last year when he jovially said in a news interview: "I become fourth grade in March. You younger kids better watch my words." Netizens later called him a kkondae wannabe.

A Hankuk University of Foreign Studies student earned the same nickname online after he used the school bulletin board to urge his peers to embrace the freshmen orientation culture, something widely criticized for forcing freshmen to put on talent shows in front of senior students.





One of the popular targets of being dubbed kkondae is school teachers, who are often portrayed in movies oppressing students by instilling rules and knowledges. / A scene from "Friend" (2001)



Kkondae's root is unknown. But there is a strong belief that it derived from the French word "comte," meaning a count. During Japan's colonial rule in Korea (1910-1945), some Koreans who acted as a proxy for the Japanese military were awarded higher social status. They were known to have proudly referred to themselves as comte, pronouncing it wrongly as something similar to kkondae.

Others believe the term originates from the English word "condescend."

Wide hatred of kkondae or kkondae culture in Korea is based on the thinking they use their age and titles to prevent businesses from breaking outmoded traditions to grow and be globally competitive. The JoongAng Ilbo said: "Kkondaes are one of the reasons why Korea's gross domestic product per capita cannot ever pass the threshold of $30,000."

The daily paper Hankyoreh said: "Regardless of age and gender, anyone who wants to flaunt his or her title and wishes to be regarded accordingly can easily become kkondae." The report warned: "Take a look around and see how well you can spot kkondaes widely spread among us like landmines and how you treat them with due' manner. Better yet, take a look at yourself and see if you are kkondae around your colleagues."

But some people are not so critical, especially the families and children of kkondae. One blogger introduced his father as a kkondae, followed by an admission that there must be reasons for it.

"My father must have acquired his life-surviving skills through countless trials and errors," the son said. "It is just that such skills do not work out these days. If I resolved to call him kkondae because we cannot understand each other, then it is as disheartening as ignoring his entire past for good and I will never be able to understand him at all. It is hard to change something dyed in the wool. We just need to start giving each other the benefit of the doubt."
By Edward Oh





My father was born in what was back then the northeast port city of Songjin, located in North Korea's North Hamgyong Province. Today, it is known by the less mellifluous tag of Kimchaek, so named during the middle of the Korean War after the eponymous North Korean anti-Japanese partisan, general, and political ally of Kim Il-sung. It would be about a 6.5-hour drive northeast from downtown Pyongyang, were one lucky enough to actually own a car. My grandfather was a Protestant pastor, and his young ministry took him to various cities in the North, including stints in Pyongyang (the capital) where the family eventually settled, the now-resort town of Wonsan (known for its gorgeous beaches and some of the Kim dynasty's swankiest estates), and the aforementioned city of Songjin.

My grandfather's time in the ministry happened to coincide with the latter period of Japan's colonial occupation of Korea, which lasted from about 1910 until the empire's defeat in the Second World War in 1945. Practicing the Christian faith at that time was not exactly a sanctioned activity, though it came to be considered a badge of nationalistic honor and resistance against Japan's imperialist efforts to spread the practice of Shintoism among its captive charges as a means of colonial control and cultural sublimation. Japanese authorities had shuttered all official operations of the religious organizations operating in Korea at that time, but provincial overseers often still allowed people to gather in churches to worship.

Loss

When the Japanese retreated at the end of the war and Stalin installed the apparatus that would eventually make way for the rise of Kim Il-sung, Christians saw the writing on the wall, migrating southward to the U.N.-controlled half of the peninsula below the 38th parallel. While the majority of Christians wisely chose to flee, a minority, which included my grandfather and his family, stayed behind for a variety of reasons. For my grandfather, it was to help mind property in Pyongyang owned by family members already living in Seoul. It was a fateful decision.

It is fascinating to ponder that, until his eventual escape, my father actually lived under the banner of the Soviet-endorsed regime Kim Il-sung was setting up on land he would eventually turn into his personal, twisted fiefdom. He attended school during the nascent days of the North's then proto-propaganda program. Soviet songs and traditional communist doctrine mixed with celebrations of a new iconography centered on the supposed exploits of the young Marshall Kim Il Sung. North Korean propaganda had not yet attained the hagiographic heights of the post-war years.

It is also heartbreaking to consider the cloud of fear that must have enveloped every waking moment of my grandfather's days, knowing, as he must have, the extreme danger he was in as a minister of the Gospel in a country where the regime set out to reset history, itself, and fabricate a new creation myth around Kim Il-sung. That fear, however, would not prevent him from trying to sate his thirst for information during the days just before the outbreak of the Korean War.

In those early years of the Kim dynasty, people of faith were still allowed to congregate publicly in churches to worship, though they were forbidden from meeting privately in homes, due to concern that such gatherings would be incubators of rebellion against the new regime. It was during a break in one of these verboten private prayer sessions that my grandfather gathered with a number of other attendees to surreptitiously listen to a South Korean radio broadcast which was, of course, an outlawed activity. A regime informant reported him, and he was soon arrested and imprisoned, never to be seen alive again.

A peculiar characteristic of many totalitarian regimes is their obsession for the banalities of bureaucratic record keeping, a necessary lever for exercising total control over the minutiae of government affairs and the activities of a captive citizenry. The North Korean regime was no different, maintaining meticulous records of everything. One of those records was a daily public ledger of jailed prisoners housed in their detention centers. Checking that log regularly is how my grandmother kept tabs on her imprisoned husband. My grandfather's name would appear on that log every day  until, one day, it didn't.

My grandmother feared the worst, but also resigned herself to it. Still, she was anguished by the unknown. Begging to know what had happened to my grandfather, she was eventually led by a regime apparatchik to a site where he had been buried in a mass grave with other executed prisoners; however, she wasn't allowed to inspect the grave to identify and claim her husband's remains. In hindsight, expedience would seem to at least partly explain why my grandfather and other prisoners were the victims of such an abrupt and arbitrary massacre by the regime. Mere days later, Kim Il-sung lit the fires of invasion that would engulf the entire peninsula in war.

Deliverance

When the allies made their counter-push north later that year  a campaign which eventually drove Kim Il Sung's Korean People's Army to the banks of the Yalu River  my grandmother took in some allied soldiers who sought overnight shelter before continuing their pursuit northward the next day. Seizing the opportunity afforded by the chaos of the North Korean army's retreat, she went back to that gravesite with my father to look for my grandfather's body. She had to wade through the corpses of about 15 dead prisoners, all with cotton stuffed in their mouths. She had to look past his unrecognizable and decomposed body to positively identify him from his teeth. At that moment, my grandmother knew that there was no future for her or her family in North Korea. They had to escape.

When United Nations troops were forced back down the peninsula by Mao's peasant army, which had entered the war to rescue Kim Il-sung from his ill-conceived reunification gambit and to prevent a U.S.-led encroachment on its border, my family miraculously encountered the same soldiers they had boarded during the allies' earlier march north. My grandmother's kindness then turned into her family's salvation, as she and her brood were offered a ride with the retreating convoys that soon crossed the Tae-dong River on makeshift bridges set down by the U.N. forces.

Once my family reached the Partition Line, they hitched a ride atop trains commandeered to carry U.N. forces southward. Straining to hold on and maintain balance, my father watched in horror as refugees who could not fight off fatigue fell asleep and rolled off the roof of the moving train car and into the darkness on either side. Such wartime accidents usually did not happen to those traveling as families, as all members would look out for one another to make sure everyone was safe and accounted for. My father's family clung tightly to one another, safely escaping all the way down to the southern port city of Busan before eventually being temporarily relocated even farther south to Jeju Island until the war's end.

Renewal

Years later, during the period of post-Armistice rebuilding and industrial development, my father met my mother in Seoul where my mother was attending nursing school and where my father was working nearby. The war and my father's escape from the North paved the fortuitous path on which they would eventually meet, thus making their marriage  and me  very much the unintended by-products of Kim Il Sung's war against the Korean people.

My grandfather's death at the hands of Kim Il Sung's regime set up a trajectory of events that would lead my family to their ultimate deliverance. The arc of fate would eventually carry them to America, among a wave of Korean immigrants that would settle in the US during the 1960s and '70s. They built a new future for themselves in the homeland of those American heroes who, as inscribed at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, "answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."

My father never talked about his refugee past much less the circumstances surrounding my grandfather's demise at the hands of the Kim regime. He is part of what one might refer to as Korea's Greatest Generation whose ranks include not just the brave soldiers of the war, but also the quietly courageous survivors of one of the 20th Century's most horrific and massive man-made catastrophes. Years would pass before I even mustered the courage to ask about the circumstances of my grandfather's death and my father's wartime experiences. He has always found an enduring refuge in his stoicism, while consistently resisting any pull towards self-pity.

Three generations of punishment

As I follow the events today in North Korea, I cannot help but reflect on the fact that Kim Jong-un  this third-generation despot now threatening the security of the region and the peace of the world  is the grandson of the tyrant whose reign of terror directly led to my grandfather's death. The fact that he was not just a collateral casualty of an awful war, but was specifically targeted by the Kim regime, makes his death especially offensive to me. It is the most personal of violations against my family's dignity to know that Kim Jong Un's grandfather was directly responsible for robbing me of a relationship with my own grandfather.

My family's tale is surely the tragic, never-told story of so many other families from that time. What provides me succor, however, is knowing how blessed I am to live as a beneficiary of the human spirit's instinctive yearning for life, hope, and freedom. I believe this fire burns inside the collective heart of the North Korean people today.

Kim Il Sung is notorious for instituting what is known as "three generations of punishment," a system of murder and repression without precedent in the annals of totalitarian evil where the children and grandchildren of an enemy of the regime are also marked for death or banishment to prison camps. While in no way comparable to the hellish deprivations suffered to this day by the Kim regime's direct victims, the impact of the crime the Kim dynasty perpetrated on my family almost exactly 67 years ago has reached through time to touch even me as the third generation progeny of my grandfather's legacy. Yet, in the end, the darkly ironic truth is that it is the three rulers of the Kim dynasty, itself, who have been the Korean people's three generations of punishment.

For the sake of their children and grandchildren's futures, may this third generation of Kim be the last.





The writer is an attorney practicing in Washington, D.C. Write to edwardoh@comcast.net.






There's no question that anti-abortion activist David Daleiden surreptitiously recorded health care and biomedical services employees across the state of California with the intent of discrediting the health care provider, Planned Parenthood  something his heavily edited videos failed to do. There's also no question that it's against state law to record confidential conversations without the consent of all the parties involved.



But that doesn't mean that California Attorney General Xavier Becerra should have charged Daleiden and his co-conspirator, Susan Merritt, with 15 felony counts  one for each of the 14 people recorded, and a 15th for conspiracy. It's disturbingly aggressive for Becerra to apply this criminal statute to people who were trying to influence a contested issue of public policy, regardless of how sound or popular that policy may be. Planned Parenthood and biomedical company StemExpress, which was also featured in the videos, have another remedy for the harm that was done to them: They can sue Daleiden and Merritt for damages. The state doesn't need to threaten the pair with prison time.



The videos  recorded in California and elsewhere  were published online nearly two years ago by Daleiden's organization, the Center for Medical Progress. They caused an uproar, energizing anti-abortion activists and prompting threats against abortion providers. Officials of Planned Parenthood, whose staff members were seen on some of the recordings, denied any wrongdoing and were outraged that the tapes appeared edited to make it sound as if they were selling fetal tissue.



Daleiden describes the effort as journalism, although his methods were decidedly not those employed by respectable reporters. He and Merritt allegedly concocted fake identities and business records to dupe Planned Parenthood officials into taking the pair into their confidence, and misrepresented themselves throughout. Nevertheless, as misguided as they were, their aim was to change people's views on important and controversial issues  abortion and fetal tissue research.



In similar cases, we have denounced moves to criminalize such behavior, especially in the case of animal welfare investigators who have gone undercover at slaughterhouses and other agricultural businesses to secretly record horrific and illegal abuses of animals. That work, too, is aimed at revealing wrongdoing and changing public policy.

That's why the state law forbidding recording of conversations should be applied narrowly, and to clear and egregious violations of privacy where the motive is personal gain.



In this case, we don't believe the videos revealed any wrongdoing on the part of Planned Parenthood. Nothing in the activists' recordings proved that anyone was trafficking in fetal tissue. Nor is there any public policy that needs to be changed. A woman's right to an abortion is well established, even if some like Daleiden continue to wish it away. And important research into the science of numerous illnesses and diseases is done with stem cells obtained from fetal tissue. The public policy in the U.S. on the use of this tissue is sound. Fetal tissue may not be sold or bought.



Still, the online posting of the edited tapes triggered more than a dozen different state investigations  all of which ultimately found Planned Parenthood not guilty of any wrongdoing  and several now concluded congressional investigations into whether fetal tissue was being sold. Even without evidence of wrongdoing, the tapes and the subsequent investigations have had an unfortunate chilling effect on the use of fetal tissue for groundbreaking scientific research.



There are avenues in civil courts for officials of Planned Parenthood and the biomedical service providers to strike back. And, in fact, Planned Parenthood has filed a lawsuit in federal court accusing Daleiden and his organization of fraud, breach of contract, and several other offenses.



But Becerra's attempt to take this to the level of a criminal felony is misplaced here.





This editoria appeared in the Los Angeles Times and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




Environmental activist Choi Yul and six other Koreans have sued the governments of Korea and China, seeking compensation for what they suffered from clouds of fine dust particles, much of which allegedly comes from China. The plaintiffs demanded 3 million won each in compensation.



In their complaint lodged with a Seoul court Wednesday, the plaintiffs criticized China for failing to keep air pollutants under control, although the extent of air pollution caused by fine dust has reached unbearable levels. The petition also accused the Korean government of failing to even grasp why the fine dust plight is worsening here.



The lawsuit may carry only a symbolic meaning, but can be quite significant in that the public could wake up to the importance of air quality.



True, there are growing concerns about air pollution in Korea. The environmental authorities have issued 86 ultrafine dust warnings between January and March this year, up 83 percent from the same period last year. The ultrafine dust particulate, which is classified as a first-degree carcinogen, penetrates into the respiratory system and can trigger a variety of other illnesses.



A report published by the peer-reviewed international journal Nature in March found that more than 30,000 people in Korea and Japan die prematurely every year because of fine dust. Another study also found that Korea's deadly air pollution could cost over 10 trillion won a year.



What's most pitiable is that the government has yet to clarify the exact cause of the fine dust. The environment ministry blamed China for 80 percent of the fine dust that blanketed Seoul and its surrounding metropolitan area from March 17 to 21. But some experts say much of the pollution was "homegrown" through emissions from vehicles and coal-fired power plants.



On Tuesday, the government announced a package of measures aimed at making it easier for authorities to implement emergency measures to curb fine dust levels, including one banning the use of vehicles at 730 public organizations every other day. But the effectiveness of these measures is in doubt, considering that it's unclear yet what causes the country's air pollution. Drawing up fundamental anti-pollution measures is long overdue, and the prerequisite for that is to find out the exact cause of the fine dust.




By Park Moo-jong





Korean words familiar to foreigners could be kimchi and bibimbap, rather like Italian spaghetti and Japanese sushi. "Palli palli" or quickly may be included especially for East Asian people encountering quick-tempered Korean tourists.



In addition, two words about private education are increasingly becoming familiar to foreign parents these days, thanks to Korean mothers' unrivaled craze for education for their kids.



The two are "gwawoe" or out-of-school private tutoring, and "hagwon" or private teaching institutes.



The decades-long private education fever has been propelled by mothers who are desperate to send their kids to prestigious universities, dubbed "SKY" (Seoul, Korea, Yonsei), or at least those located in Seoul.



Here comes the latest joke. What are the three success factors for Korean children today? It is not, ironically, their ability and physical strength. The answer is the economic power of grandpa, mother's information capability and their father's moderate indifference. Of course, it is needless to say the children's (academic) ability and physical strength must be counted first.



It is not an old story anymore that South Korea's private education after school has become a major concern and topic around the world.



One of the most crucial and obligatory pledges of presidential candidates, either from the ruling or opposition parties, for the May 9 by-election, is how to tackle the issue of private education in terms of the ever-snowballing financial burden.



Recent government statistics show last year's spending on private education for students at elementary, middle and high schools hit an all-time high of 18.1 trillion won (($16 billion), compared to 386.7 trillion won ($331 billion) of the national budget.



Per student, the monthly "gwawoe" lessons cost 256,000 won ($225). But this is an average amount. Depending on the parents' income, it differs greatly with the highest expense easily hitting 1 million won ($900) easily.

Thirty-seven years ago back in 1980, the then "heavy-handed" government of general-turned-President Chun Doo-hwan banned private tutoring to "free parents from the financial burden of spending more than 30 percent of their living expenses on after school lessons."



But the next government of Roh Tae-woo, Chun's Korea Military Academy classmate, loosened this in 1989, allowing university students to become "gwawoe" tutors in a policy to "calm the flourishing student movement," possibly to quell their anti-government struggle.



Then, in May 2000, 20 years later, the Constitutional Court that accepted the parliamentary impeachment of President Park Geun-hye last month, overturned the ban, ruling it unconstitutional because it infringed upon the basic rights of the people, including the right to educate their children.



At that time, people, especially in the low income brackets, criticized the court, complaining that the legalization of gwawoe would widen the gap between the haves and have-nots.



They claimed that the lifting of the ban was a license for the rich to hoard money for "qualified" private tutors to teach their children who would then have a better chance and support to enter good universities.



They claimed those who could not afford the exorbitant fees would be denied equal opportunity in education and thus a chance to climb the social ladder.



Still now, the situation is similar. But the ever-increasing cost has been responsible partly for one of the most serious national tasks to be dealt with: The lowest birthrate among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries.



How to solve the deep-rooted problem is rather easy. "It's public education, stupid." The government, schools and parents know the answer.



Public education is on the verge of collapse, with entering a prestigious university being the foremost goal of students and their parents, irrespective of the former's ability and the latter's financial support.



In particular, the chronic feud between the left and right in the education sector is to blame for poor education at public schools.



Teachers have already lost authority to control students during classes. Many of them do not even wake up sleeping students because they "do not make a noise" during classes.



And the reality is that many superintendents of the Office of Education elected by a direct vote of the people appear to be more concerned about their election than how to teach students at school.



The aggressive left-wing "Jeon Gyojo" or the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU), which was judged "illegal" by a court, is still yielding a mighty influence on the administration of public schools.



What is urgent to put the staggering public education on the right path is to encourage school teachers and to provide programs to upgrade their quality, the two key issues for quality teaching at school.



It is nonsense for three-year-old kids to go to English, piano or taekwondo hagwon "to have competitive power" as their mothers "believe."



And the government, which has changed the university entrance examination formula "numerously," so far, should take its hands off its administration. Each university should be given a free hand to recruit students on their own.





Park Moo-jong is the Korea Times advisor. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's first English newspaper founded in 1950 from 2004 to 2014 after working as a reporter of the daily since 1974. He can be reached at moojong@ktimes.com or emjei29@gmail.com




By Lee Min-hyung

SK C&C has signed an IT system management contract worth 40 billion won ($35 million) with Hyundai Department Store, the SK affiliate said Thursday.

Under the five-year deal, SK C&C will establish and maintain IT infrastructure for 11 affiliates of Hyundai's top three department store chains. They are Hyundai Home Shopping, Hyundai Green Food and the conglomerate's furniture arm Hyundai Livart.

The IT system affiliate of SK Group said it will provide on-demand IT services for Hyundai, depending on the business strategies of the retail giant.

Another core service SK C&C will offer integrated management at its data centers. This will include information gathering and management, operating system (OS) updates and software package installation, according to the SK affiliate.

"SK C&C will provide IT infrastructure optimized for each Hyundai Department Store affiliate," said Kim Man-heung, finance and strategy business unit chief at SK C&C. "We are going to seek ways to sign additional information and communication technology partnerships based on our expertise in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI)."

To avoid potential security threats, the company will also install server backup systems and a series of enhanced IT risk management solutions which the firms says came amid growing needs for more secure information protection tools.

SK C&C is providing its IT system services to 30 clients mostly in finance and state-run bodies  including the Korea Development Bank (KDB), Woori Bank and Korea Finance Corporation.

Earlier this year, a consortium  led by SK C&C  was named as the preferred bidder for a 212 billion won IT system project for the KDB, grabbing an upper hand over its rival, LG CNS. At that time, SK C&C said it would innovate the financial IT system industry by integrating its "Aibril" AI service and advanced cloud computing technologies.

Aibril is the Korean version of IBM's Watson cognitive computing platform. SK C&C is going all-out to promote its AI system, as users can create their own services using Aibril, the company said.
Americans take a selfie with an LG Electronics G6 smartphone in New York. / Courtesy of LG Electronics



By Kang Seung-woo

LG Electronics' new flagship smartphone, the G6, will go on sale in the United States and Canada on Friday (local time), the company said Thursday.

LG, which has regrouped after setbacks with its high-end phones, unveiled the much-awaited smartphone in February, receiving plaudits from critics and fans.

It was locally rolled out March 10.

"LG's G6 will be available to buyers from April 7 (local time) through 11 mobile network operators in North America, including the five major U.S. cellular carriers -- Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular," LG said, adding it will go on sale in Canada the same day. Release dates for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia have not been announced.

To boost G6 sales in the U.S., the tech giant's biggest market, LG has run tryout zones at 25,000 shops across the country, receiving preorders from March 17. LG is giving away a Google smart speaker for early bird customers.

After the North American launch, the G6 will hit shelves in Europe, Asia and Central and South America over the next few weeks as nearly 200 carriers and operators worldwide make the G6 available to their customers.

LG said it is fully prepared for the G6's global rollout and has strengthened its supply system to meet any demand surge.

The G6 features a 5.7-inch FullVision display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and minimal bezels. It has drawn rave reviews, winning an unprecedented 36 awards from industry publications at February's Mobile World Congress in Spain.

"The initial reaction and feedback to the G6 has exceeded our expectations by far," Cho Ju-no, president of LG's mobile communications division, said. "We had a lot of ground to make up with the G series and what we learned from consumers in the past year has truly been inspiring and illuminating."

Galaxy S8 preorders kick off

Preorders for Samsung Electronics' latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8, are available from Friday through April 17 across the nation.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S8 last week in New York.

The high-end phone comes in two sizes: the standard S8 with a 5.8-inch display and a larger Galaxy S8 Plus with a 6.2-inch screen. They cost 935,000 won ($824) and 990,000 won, respectively. The two models have 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

Samsung also will release the S8 Plus that features 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It costs 1.15 million won.

Samsung is scheduled to roll out the device on April 21, but preorder customers can activate their new smartphones from April 18.

Last year, the world's largest smartphone maker had to kill off the Galaxy Note 7 two months after its launch, following reports of some devices catching fire while charging.

To recover from the fallout and boost sales, Samsung will provide free goods worth 400,000 won to those who preorder.

The new Samsung phone features a bezel-less, edge-to-edge curved display with a unique 18.5:9 aspect ratio. Its homegrown virtual assistant Bixby also is installed, while the device offers three types of biometric authentication -- fingerprint, iris and facial recognition.
Song Kwang-woo, vice president of Samsung SDS' finance consulting and distributed ledger technology, introduces blockchain security platform Nexledger during a press conference at the company's headquarters in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul, Thursday. / Courtesy of Samsung SDS



By Yoon Sung-won



Samsung SDS launched its enterprise blockchain security platform Nexledger, Thursday.



The system integrated affiliate of Samsung Group also released digital ID and payment services based on its blockchain security technology. The company said it targets not just the finance industry but also the manufacturing, logistics and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors.



"Based on the benefits provided by blockchain technology, all valued assets can be digitized and protected," said Song Kwang-woo, vice president of Samsung SDS' finance consulting and distributed ledger technology, during a press conference at the company's headquarters in southern Seoul, Thursday. "Blockchain technologies are expected to be adopted by public organizations, manufacturing and logistics businesses as well as financial institutions. They can also improve internet of things (IoT) services, intellectual property management, distribution channel control and cooperative work projects."



A blockchain platform, or distributed ledger system, is a security technology that protects financial transactions from cyberattack. Compared to conventional financial transaction storage systems, which centralize the data in a server system, blockchain technology distributes the ledger data to all clients. By doing so, the blockchain system can check each copy to prevent counterfeit data. This technology was first introduced for the virtual currency bitcoin.



"Conventional financial transactions between unreliable parties come with uncertainties," Song said. "Blockchains transparently verify transactions through networks and encode and store them in a widely distributed public digital ledger, which cannot be manipulated arbitrarily. For this reason, it has been highlighted as a key factor of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."



The Nexledger has open source architecture for higher compatibility with Samsung's cloud system as well as ones by third-party providers such as Amazon Web Service and Microsoft. Based on the cloud network, the blockchain platform supports diverse application services such as real-time transaction monitoring, user authentication security, payment settlement, mobile finance concierge, global warranty and trade finance, according to Samsung SDS.



Song claimed clients can save time and money with Nexledger to secure financial transactions.



The company has test-run Nexledger under a joint project with its group affiliate Samsung Card since last October.

It also said Nexledger can be provided either as a service or as an on-premise system to meet the different needs of clients.



"In terms of profit model, we aim at providing it in the form of blockchain as a service," Song said. "But clients from the banking industry in Korea want to build on-premise systems to optimize it for their business environment. We will come up with a proper earnings model that satisfies both ways."



Samsung SDS started researching blockchain security technologies in 2015 by establishing a dedicated unit. It joined global blockchain development consortium Hyperledger last year and has invested in U.K.-based cybersecurity startup Darktrace and Korean blockchain platform operator Blocko.
By Park Jae-hyuk



Hotel Shilla has secured a license to operate a duty free store at Hong Kong International Airport, Samsung Group's hotel giant said Thursday.



It won a bid competing with Hotel Lotte, another Korean hotel chain giant.



Shilla has become the first Korean hotel to operate duty free stores selling cosmetics at Asia's top three airport hubs in Incheon, Singapore and Hong Kong.



According to the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the operator of Shilla Duty Free won a license for a fragrance, cosmetics and fashion accessories zone which will open November, while China Duty Free Group gained one for a liquor and tobacco section.



Their licenses will expire in September 2024.



As well as the two Korean retail giants, global companies such as Switzerland-based Dufry and Hong Kong-based King Power Group had their eyes on the fragrance and cosmetics section.



"Hotel Shilla's achievement means an upheaval in the global duty free market which has long been dominated by operators in developed countries," Mirae Asset Daewoo analyst Hahm Seung-hee said in a report.



"Retailers in developed countries had an absolute advantage in the past when it came to sourcing major luxury cosmetics brands, but these days each firm's competence has become more important than quality of goods, due to developments in Asia's tourism businesses and changes in consumer demand."



Hotel Shilla expects to post more than 1 trillion won ($883 million) in overseas sales next year. The company posted 500 billion won in overseas sales last year  the largest overseas sales among Korean duty free operators.



Lotte, the top local duty free operator, was defeated again after it lost to DFS Group in a bid for a Hong Kong International Airport duty free store in 2011.



Some industry officials suspected Lotte's offering of land for a U.S. anti-missile defense system had negatively influenced the final result. Korea's fifth-largest conglomerate has suffered economic retaliations from the Chinese government over the issue.



A Hotel Lotte official declined to mention the issue, but said the company will continue to expand its presence overseas.



"A Lotte Duty Free store is set to open in Thailand this year," he said. "Because of the Korean government's regulations on operators, we will keep participating in bids for overseas duty free shops."



Shilla is also boosting its efforts to open overseas shops. It said that it will open a duty free store in Tokyo this month, cooperating with Japan's A&S Takashimaya Duty Free Company.



Meanwhile, a bid for new duty free stores at the second passenger terminal in Incheon International Airport appears to be failing to attract operators. According to industry officials, none of the four conglomerates participated in the bid to get a license for a fashion accessories zone there.




T.O.P. of the boy group, Big Bang, has just been confirmed to be the star of an upcoming action thriller movie entitled, "Out of Control". Now, new movie posters and still images have recently been released, which shows how explosive and thrilling this action movie will be.

The movie is also reported to be a Chinese-German production. According to All K-pop, the movie will be directed by Axel Sand together with Richard Lin, and its storyline will revolve around a Chinese movie star, who will be played by Cecilia Chung.

But things start to spice up as she gets to meet T.O.P., who will play as a talented and witty Korean Interpol agent. The upcoming movie will be set in Germany and will be dealt upon by the many conspiracies that revolve around the characters.

According to Koogle, "Out of Control" was originally set for a December 2016 release date. However, up until now, it hasn't yet been released. Unfortunately, there are still no information or any details as to when the movie will premiere in theaters.

But thanks to the recently released posters and still images, this will surely be enough to stir the captivation and keep up with the needed hype until its release. The upcoming movie will also show how far the Chinese retaliation on Hallyu culture will go, as "Out of Control", will be a movie which comprises of German, Chinese and South Korean nationals.

Just recently, China had strictly posted measures against anything that is related to South Korea, such as bans on Korean dramas, K-pop music, and other South Korean businesses. The Chinese government says that it is their way of showing their discontent upon the U.S. and South Korea's THAAD missile defense system partnership.

Whichever the case is, the upcoming action thriller, "Out of Control", seems to defy the heating tension between the two nations.
In 1969, English author Graham Greene wrote the novel, Travels with My Aunt. British playwright and actor Giles Havergal adapted the book and wrote a version for the stage, which opens at the North Coast Repertory Theatre, Wednesday, April 12.

The novel follows the travels of Henry Pulling, a retired bank manager, and his eccentric Aunt Augusta as they find their way across Europe and further afield. He meets his septuagenarian Aunt Augusta for the first time in more than 50 years at his mothers funeral.

Directed by NCRTs Artistic Director David Ellenstein, four actors  James Saba, David McBean, Richard Baird and Benjamin Cole  perform the more than 20 roles with different identities, nationalities, ages and genders.

Saba  an actor, director and executive director of San Diego Junior Theatre  said he was excited Travels with My Aunt is returning to San Diego, as he starred in it at The Old Globe Theatre in 1997.

I auditioned for it in New York, for the role of the fourth guy who doesnt say anything, but didnt get it, Saba said. I knew Craig Noel at The Globe was looking for a project. I was an assistant to him during six shows at The Globe and knew this was right up his alley. I was chosen to play the silent guy, and the one who moves all the furniture and holds up the props. Ever since, I wanted to be in that show again. When I heard David was doing it here, I called and asked to be considered for the Aunt role, and I got it!

Saba continued, Its a very concentrated piece about an hour-and-a-half long, but its a whirlwind. We go to places like Istanbul, Brighton, Paris, two places in South America  and that all takes place in couple of months, and all we have is a few prop pieces. Were named Actor 1, 2, 3 and 4. We all play Henry, the protagonist, a 55-year-old bank manager who has never done anything exciting with his life even 20 miles from where he lives.

Becoming knowledgeable about Greenes work, Saba said the author has his own type of audience. The story is fun for a person who has an imagination, one who appreciates an actors range and versatility, someone who loves to be taken on a journey through a play, and one that might become inspired to take a few more risks in life, Saba said.

There is also a surprise when Henry learns something quite significant about his Aunt throughout this journey, which happens after developing a relationship with her, because he hasnt seen her since he was a baby.

IF YOU GO: Travels with My Aunt is onstage April 15 through May 7 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Tickets from $46. Student rush tickets available 15 minutes before curtain at $15. (858) 481-1055. northcoastrep.org
Leading up to the installation last week of a prominent new sign at La Jolla Cove that provides facts and issues warnings about seals and sea lions, new signs were also posted at South Casa Beach (next to Childrens Pool) to advise visitors about appropriate ways for humans to interact with marine mammals.

The South Casa Beach signage went up  with one set of signs at the top of the stairs that lead to the beach, and another set of the same signs about half way down the stairs  in early March. The Cove sign went up March 24.

A discussion about the signs was held during the public comment period of the La Jolla Parks & Beaches advisory group meeting on March 27.

Diver John Leek brought the signs to the boards attention and opined that they may guilt beach-goers from entering the beach to avoid getting near the seals resting there. There is an area where harbor seals haul out and give birth a few feet away at Childrens Pool, but because seals reportedly prefer space, some have begun also hauling out at South Casa Beach.

Leek said with messages such as, Mother seals may abandon their pups (if you get too close), this implies that any decent person would stay off the beach, so you are threatened and cajoled, he said.

Leek noted the signs are in three languages, and bear the emblem of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but not the City of San Diego.

LJP&B member Jane Reldan explained to him that, There is a federal program by NOAA to discourage people from taking selfies with seals up and down the coast, and this is part of their outreach. The crowding and photos with the animals is not in the publics best interest. I dont understand what the objection is to these signs.

Reldan added, I think the signs were put up by NOAA in response to the number of complaints that have emanated from the activity down there.

NOAA stranding coordinator Justin Viezbicke, who was not at the meeting, later verified to La Jolla Light that NOAA has received videos and other documentation from concerned citizens that people at South Casa Beach are getting too close to the seals there.

Were trying to change that behavior and make it known that is it not OK to touch seals, Viezbicke said. This is the first time weve posted those signs there, and weve found (signage) is one of the effective tools we have to educate people.

He added that the signage there has been posted in different versions. First, they were printed out and laminated; then the City of San Diego worked with NOAA to post the more permanent signs, which currently stand.

Were going to see how effective it is  and then were going to talk to the City about the possibility of more signs to educate people before they get onto the beach. We are also working on getting education tables filled with animals skulls and pelts, so visitors can have that textile experience and educate themselves in a way that is better for the animals.

In other LJP&B news:

Donations policy revised: One of LJP&Bs roles is to raise funds for capital projects, some of which are taken over by the City (such as the Childrens Pool Walk beautification project) or have funds leftover once completed. Following one request for a donation refund, the board decided to revise its donation policy.

Member Mary Ellen Morgan explained, We had a discussion that all donations should be non-refundable. My argument was, if we are going to ask people for money for a specific project, its not ethical of us to move it to another project if for some reason we dont use it, without the consent of the donor.

LJP&B treasurer Sally Miller said, Nearly all the donations we get are for specific projects. We have only received two donations to the general fund.

The new policy was largely agreed upon, save for one section that addresses refunds, which was presented for full review and vote at the March meeting. It reads: Except as hereafter provided, all donations to LJP&B are non-refundable. In cases where an approved project acquires replacement funds or the project is abandoned, and there are unexpended donations of $1000 or more which have been designated by the donor(s) to support that project, the chair of the working group for that project shall contact those donor(s) with a request that the donations will be reallocated to a replacement project or the LJP&B general fund. In the event a donor requests a refund, the chair shall calculate project expenses previously debited from such donation and pro-rate the balance to the donor.

Noting the City Attorney would need to review the policy and approve it, the board voted to add the new verbiage to the boards larger donation policy.

New Coast Boulevard stairs: Maurico Medina, representing City Council member Barbara Bry, reported that the project to reinstate the staircase at 100 Coast Blvd. is about to begin. I spoke with the project manager and the start date for construction is the week of April 17  they dont have a specific start date  and they expect, weather permitting, to be done with construction 6-8 weeks thereafter, he said.

At the end of 2015, a strong storm obliterated the staircase that leads to a beach area known as The Horseshoe near 100 Coast Blvd., and the access was fenced off. After being declared an emergency in July 2016, the City attempted to collaborate with a nearby homeowners association to get the stairs put in place, but discovered a cavity in the seawall at the base of the stairs, which posed a problem.

Rather than wait for the seawall cavity to be repaired, Medina said, The City is building a foundation for the stairs that is not against the sea wall, its detachable, so we can move forward.

 La Jolla Parks and Beaches next meets 4 p.m. Monday, April 24 at La Jolla Rec Center, 615 Prospect St. lajollaparksandbeaches.com
April 6, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States entry into World War I, also called The War to End All Wars.

It didnt.

But what it did do was change American cultural attitudes toward Germany and Germans.

One of the results of that shift is that the Black Point Estate summer home on Geneva Lake is called Black Point, instead of its original name.

Emily Larson and David Desimone of the Black Point Estate Historic Preserve presented an overview of that now largely-forgotten episode in American history. Its local impact, however, was huge.

It affected all German-Americans, including the descendants of Conrad Seipp, a German-American beer brewer who built the Black Point summer home for his family.

Larson and Desimone made their presentation before a full-house on March 29, in the Smith Meeting Room at the Lake Geneva Public Library.

During his brief introduction, Desimone gave some background on the extent of the public fear of anyone of German descent after the U.S. entered the war in 1917.

Desimone asked everyone with German ancestry to stand.

As many as three-fourths of the 60 or so in attendance stood. He then asked who could speak some German. Maybe a third remained standing.

Post office photos

If this were 1917, youd be required to answer some questions after this presentation, Desimone told the German-Americans in attendance. Those who spoke German would have had to meet with a government official and answer some questions and have their photograph taken at the local post office.

As Americas went to war, they viewed foreign Germans as Huns, and many viewed German-Americans as potential saboteurs.

Wisconsins population in 1917 was about 2.3 million, Desimone said. Of that, nearly one-third, 700,000, were of German-Austrian ancestry.

Among them were the Seipp-Schmidt family, which owned Black Point.

The family patriarch, Conrad Seipp, emigrated from Germany to the United States in the 1840s. In 1854, he got into brewing. By the 1870s, Seipp beer was the largest brand in Chicago. He died in 1890, but his family continued in the brewery business.

Seipps summer home on Black Point was completed in 1888. He named it Die Lorelei, after a famous German poem.

One of the casualties in America during World War I was anything that sounded German, said Larson Sauerkraut became liberty cabbage and dachshunds became wiener dogs, she said.

And the Seipp-Schmidt family renamed their summer home from Die Lorelei to Black Point.

Sauerkraut and dachshund have come back into fashion. Black Point remains Black Point.

Before the U.S. entered the war, most Wisconsin residents, German and non-German, were strong neutralists.

Pro-Germanism

But, as the war progressed, newspapers, including the New York Times, were publishing stories equating peace and neutrality with pro-Germanism.

Desimone showed a New York newspaper which printed a sedition map of Wisconsin, with areas heavily populated with German-Americans marked in deep gray.

It should be noted that Walworth County was not regarded as seditious. However, there were reports of at least one arrest for sedition in Lake Geneva, Desimone said.

During the early years of the war, when the United States was genuinely neutral, German identity ran deep in the Seipp family.

Seipps daughter, Emma, married Dr. Otto Schmidt.

Emma and Ottos daughter, Alma Schmidt made a trip to Germany just prior to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.

Larson said information about the trip comes from the Black Point archive, which includes her letters home from Germany.

Almas letters revealed that she was impressed with Germany and the German people. She made no mention of the assassination of Austrian Archduke Ferdinand, which was the trigger for the events that led to the war. However, Alma wrote that she was hearing more and more talk of war as she toured Europe.
Historic ties of north Meck span throughout region Though the north Mecklenburg area didnt see significant population growth until a few decades ago, its rich history dates back to the Revolutionary War. That was the basis of...

An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE  Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at...
Road to Healing Audio Article Ceyapi, this past Saturday we cried as we listened to the stories of many who were hurt in one of...
PRESS RELEASE

StratCom Chief Calls for Aggressive State and Defense Department Engagement with Russia and China

April 5, 2017 (EIRNS)Gen. John Hyten, commander of U.S. Strategic Command and, as such, the chief of all U.S. nuclear forces, during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday described "aggressive" engagement with both Russia and China as necessary to avoid misunderstandings.

"I continue to advocate engagement," Hyten said, in response to a series of questions from Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the ranking Democrat on the committee.

"I know Secretary Mattis has said weve had a long history of engagement and not a long history of success.... Nonetheless, I would like to have an aggressive State Department engagement, aggressive Department of Defense engagements. That includes mil-to-mil engagements with my counterparts in Russia, China. In particular, I think its always better to be able to pick up the phone and talk to somebody before something bad happens to have some kind of relationship and look across the table and make sure they understand Im very serious about this business."

Prior to giving that answer, Reed had asked Hyten about Russias "escalate to de-escalate" nuclear doctrine, and wanted to know how the U.S. was going to communicate to Russia that this was not acceptable to the United States. Regardless, however, the kind of "aggressive engagement" that Hyten is calling for would go both ways, that is, Russian concerns about U.S. military deployments would be transmitted from Moscow to Washington, as well.
PRESS RELEASE

Muslim Brotherhood Exposed at D.C. Press Conference

April 5, 2017 (EIRNS)Dr. Michael Morgan, an Egyptian and the producer of Pulse TV U.S.A, sponsored a forum yesterday at the Washington Press Club, on the subject, "How to Put The Muslim Brotherhood on the List of Terrorist Organizations." Dr. Morgan, a prominent Egyptian, now a U.S. citizen, hosted 14 Egyptian parliamentarians who were traveling with President El Sisi. The list of speakers was: State Senator Richard Black of Virginia; Terry Strada, the National Chair for 9/11 Families & Survivors United for Justice Against Terrorism; and Michael J. Del Russo, Senior fellow of the American Strategy Group.

Senator Black led the panel and delivered an inspiring presentation on his own recollections of the depredations of Egypt by the Muslim Brotherhoods President Muhammed Morsi, to the point that he had declared there was no need for even the Parliament of Egypt, and that he, Morsi, should make and implement the laws. As Senator Black related, 30 million Egyptians took to the streets in what was most likely the largest demonstration in world history, bringing down the Morsi government. He praised the courage of now President El Sisi for having the military move in and take the reigns of government to avoid unbelievable bloodshed in a civil war.

Senator Black expressed how proud he was of the Egyptian people to overthrow such tyranny, saying that Americans should understand that this was most like our own revolution in 1776. At one point he said to the parliamentarians present, that under no circumstances should the Muslim Brotherhood ever be taken off the outlawed party list in Egypt. He warned that once you were rid of cancer you should never, never introduce it back in to your body.

Terry Strada delivered a clear message that one had to cut the funding from all terrorist organizations, and then and only then could one eliminate terrorism. She indicated that many in the 9/11 community are seriously thinking that they had to reach out to the Muslim Community worldwide, who are the major victims of terrorism, and have their countries introduce their own versions of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) that was adopted the U.S. Congress last year. In fact, the idea had already occurred to many of the Egyptian parliamentarians present, who asked repeatedly how they could help get the Muslim Brotherhood declared a terrorist organization in the U.S. and internationally.

Yet the most moving discussion came in the extended Q and A. There was a very serious question which emerged about the nature of Islam. One of the speakers was raising the idea that Islam was intrinsically violent. It was at this point Senator Black related his own views. He said he was in Syria, and at first he prayed for the Alawites (Christians), then the Druze (Christians). Then he met wonderful Syrians who were Shiites who loved their country and government and were suffering immense hardships, and he started praying for them. Then he went to Homs and started talking to Sunnis who loved their country and he started praying for them. He found himself praying for everyone, that God would deliver them from such evil.

At that point, Diane Sare, representing the Lyndon LaRouche Political Action Committee, spoke of the way to actually defeat all the British geopolitical horror. We had to look the the distinct possiblity that President Trump and President Xi will meet on Thursday, and that between the United States, China, and Russia, the whole British Imperial game that has been played against all the people of the world will be ended.
PRESS RELEASE

Rebooting Palestinian-Israeli Peace Talks on El Sisis and Trumps Agenda

April 5, 2017 (EIRNS)The Trump Administration has moved to revive the Arab peace initiative put forward back in 2002 which would lay the basis for restarting talks between the Palestinians and Israelis. Arab media sourcesthe Egyptian Al Ahram, in particularreports that the Trump administration had requested the revival of the initiative, which was re-endorsed by the Arab Summit held last month in Jordan.

The London-based Saudi daily Al Hayat claims that at the meeting held on Monday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the possibility of holding an Israeli-Palestinian peace summit in the United States this summer was discussed. Trumps envoy to the Middle East, Jason Greenblatt, reportedly raised the initiative with Arab officials.

"One of the ideas that was raised in the Egyptian-American meetings in Washington is holding a peace summit hosted by the United States this summer,"

American sources told Al Hayat.

Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf states would be expected by the Trump Administration to convince the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table.

King Abdullah II of Jordan was in Washington at the same time and met with el-Sisi and met with Trump on April 5 with Middle East peace on the agenda.

Egypts Al Ahram reports that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is in process of preparing to travel to Washington to meet Trump administration officials, if not Trump himself.

In a follow-up to Egyptian President el-Sisis one-on-one meeting with Trump, his delegation met with Trumps security team, including National Security Adviser Gen. Herbert Raymond McMaster. El-Sisi told McMaster that he looks forward to a "fresh start" of Egyptian-U.S. ties following "fruitful" talks in Washington with the U.S. President a day earlier. He also said that security cooperation is an "important pillar of relations between the two countries," a statement by el-Sisis office said.

The statement quoted General McMaster as saying that he looks for "intensified coordination with Egypt in combating challenges in the Middle East and means to reach solutions that help restore stability in the region."

On the same day, el-Sisi met with King Abdullah II of Jordan, in which meeting he said Egypt is keen on coordinating and consulting with Jordan periodically on different issues. El-Sisi expressed his intent to follow up on the implementation of decisions related to joint Arab cooperation that were adopted at the recent summit that was held in Jordan.

El-Sisi met Tuesday with a number of congressmen, including Speaker of U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan and Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

During his meetings, el-Sisi underlined the importance of reaching a comprehensive political settlement fair to the Palestinians. He also stressed the importance of the United States role in reviving peace talks between the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Secretary of State To Visit Moscow Shortly

April 5, 2017 (EIRNS)Speaking to journalists in a telephone briefing, a high-ranking State Department official said U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Russia in the coming few weeks. Russian sources report he will be in Moscow on April 11-12.

The U.S. official said:

"In terms of Syria, again, you know, Russia and Iran signed up, and they claim themselves to be the guarantors of a cease-fire arrangement and thats something that clearly, they are not able to deliver on or unwilling to deliver on. And so, thats a very significant problem." "Obviously, thatll be something that well be looking at and discussing and reviewing and the secretary will be in Moscow here in a couple of weeks,"

he said.

On the Astana Syrian cease-fire process that involves Russia, Turkey and Iran as guarantors the official said,
PRESS RELEASE

Syrian Airstrike in Idlib Targeted Chemical Arms Lab, Russian Defense Ministry Confirms

April 5, 2017 (EIRNS)While the world seems to be convinced that the Syrians are responsible for an alleged gas attack on the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhun on Tuesday, a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry said the Syrians attacked an ISIS munitions depot where ISIS was making chemical weapons.

"According to Russian airspace monitoring systems, yesterday between 11:30 and 12:30 local time the Syrian aviation carried out an airstrike on the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhun, targeting a major ammunition storage facility of terrorists and a cluster of military hardware. The territory of this storage facility housed workshops to produce projectiles stuffed with toxic agents,"

Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said as quoted in TASS.

"From this major arsenal, chemical-laden weapons were delivered by militants to Iraq. Their use by terrorists was confirmed on numerous occasions by international organizations and official authorities of the country,"

he said.

"Video footage from social networks shows that those affected in Khan Sheikhun demonstrate the same symptoms of poisoning as the victims of the Aleppo attack had last fall,"

he confirmed.

Konashenkov continued that Russia has handed over all relevant information to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which "still studies them." "We assure that this information is completely unbiased and true," he said.

The Russian Defense Ministry has rejected the information put out by the so-called Syrian Human Rights Observatory claiming Russian aircraft were involved in the attack, calling its report "fake," and saying that none of its planes had carried out airstrikes on Khan Sheikhun and its outskirts.

Syrias Defense Ministry blamed the chemical attack on terrorists and their supporters and rejected any use of toxic agents in Khan Sheikhun.
PRESS RELEASE

West Fails at UNSC to Pass Resolution Blaming Syria for Chemical Attack

April 5, 2017 (EIRNS)The United States, the United Kingdom, and France convened an emergency session of the UN Security Council today, to urge passage of a hastily- and shoddily-written resolution that blames Syria for the chemical weapons attack which occurred April 4 in Khan Sheikhun, in Syrias Idlib region. The resolution did not pass, voted down by Russia, China, and Bolivia.

Despite the fact that there is no conclusive evidence proving the Wests claim that the Syrian Air Force carried out the attack that killed 100 people, as the UNs Acting High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Kim Won-Soo had to admit at todays UNSC session, this didnt prevent the representatives of the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and their allies from insisting that only the Syrian Air Force possesses the capability to launch such an attack. Led by the United Kingdom, they also directly accused Russia and China of complicity, because both have previously vetoed anti-Syria resolutions.

As Russias UN Deputy acting envoy, Vladimir Zafronkov, pointed out in his remarks to the UNSC, the resolution presented by France, the United States, and the United Kingdom was clearly written in great haste, formulated so as to imply that only the Syrian government could have carried out such an attack.

"Have you even checked what you wrote?" he asked the resolutions authors. It is, he said, ideological, biased, and based on contradictory evidence from such discredited sources as the Syria Observatory on Human Rights, based in London, and the White Helmets, recognized as connected to al-Qaeda forces. "To approve it would be wrong."

Expressing "outrage" and "horror" that Syrians are suffering from chemical attacks, the resolution arrogantly issues a series of ultimata to the Syrian governmentnary a mention of terroristsdemanding detailed information on Syrian flight plans and air operations from April 4, meetings with military officers "within no more than five days of the date on which such a meeting is requested," and full access to relevant bases "from which the JIM [Joint Investigative Mechanism] and FFM [Fact-Finding Mission] believe attacks involving chemicals as weapons may have been launched" (emphasis added). The UN Secretary General is ordered to report to the UNSC every 30 days on whether Syria is providing the information demanded.

In contrast, this morning Russias Chief of the Defense Directorate of Media Services Gen. Igor Konashenkov, reported in detail that a Syrian aircraft had carried out an airstrike on the eastern outskirts of Khan Sheikhun,

"targeting a major ammunition storage facility of terrorists and a cluster of military hardware. The territory of the storage facility housed workshops of projectiles stuffed with toxic agents."

As reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Syrias Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told pan-Arab Mayadeen TV that the Assad government had provided documented reports to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the UNSC over the "past few weeks" about the smuggling of toxic materials into northern Syria by the al Qaeda-linked al Nusra Front.
Marseille, France Review - The Best of Marseille in a Day

Though movies like The French Connection and Transporter have their heroes racing through the maze of streets of Marseille, while visiting with a friend during a trip to Nice, we employed a more leisurely pace. Only a two-hour drive from where we were on the French Riviera, Marseille for a day seemed an exciting adventure. Looking on a map we discovered the drive would be a straight shot depending on which direction we chose. Among our options were stopping in St. Tropez for lunch, while still arriving in Marseille before days end. Marseille, originally the countrys main shipping port, turns out to be the second largest city in France. And because most people often choose other vacation spots in France, Marseille is not overrun with tourists and hotel prices are still very reasonable. The amenities it offers, rivals those of other French destinations like Paris and Nice.







To plot out our French Connection, I went onto my TripAdvisor app to search out a hotel for the night. After reading several reviews of what others had experienced at the C2 Hotel, I booked it for a surprisingly low price. In addition to having their own spa and restaurant, it seemed centrally located to the areas shops and restaurants. My first question is always "Do you speak English" and their answer was, Yes, we all speak English.

The highway drive there was fairly easy but upon entering the city it does become a bit tricky, as there are one-way streets and circular roadways, but my iPhones gps brought us right up to the entrance as night was falling. The staff was very friendly and recommended a restaurant a short walk away called Le Bistrot Des Dames, which proved to be absolutely delicious and open late. Set in a town square, Le Bistrot, is surrounded by shops and restaurants, including a Hard Rock Cafe which made me feel right at home.

After eating, everything was pretty much closed, so we walked back to the hotel in order to get rest for the next days big exploration. Arising the next morning, we decided to head back to the square and grab a crepe for breakfast at La Creperie and did some light window-shopping for the soap that Marseille is known for, which contains a high percentage of oils. Lining Marseilles streets are stores with herb infused olive oils, specialty mustards, delicately flavored fois gras and uniquely enhanced chocolates. One shop I fell in love with was called Le Comptoir De Mathilde where you can taste just about everything in the store before buying. The rosemary and olive dijon mustard, was one of the most flavorful delicacies Ive tasted in France.

We discussed what we could actually fit into the day and came to the conclusion that two main attractions were to be the incredible Notre Dame de la Garde, a lookout over the sea atop the highest point in the city and then we would make our way down the hill towards the sea to visit the new museum situated right on the port called Mucem. To avoid getting mixed up with traffic we chose the local bus to take us high up the hill to a spectacular view at the Notre Dame de la Garde, rich with history. As you look down from Notre Dame de la Garde, the breathtaking views of the city and sea looked quite like a maze of salmon pink and yellow buildings surrounding different marinas, sandwiched between the blue of the sky and the azure of the ocean.







From the Notre Dame de la Garde we decided to give the Uber app a try, as we didn't want to spend extra time on a bus with multiple stops in order to maximize our day. In stark architectural contrast to rest of Marseille, the Mucem museum stands like a monolith. Uber was able to drop us practically in front of it. There is a spectacular bridge on its second floor leading back onto land to the older portion of the museum situated on an adjacent hilltop. Like a time traveler this bridge transports you from old part of the city to this ultra-modern building. Within one section of the exhibit there was a multi-screen video portrait of people talking in short segments about their present day lives and views, which came in stark contrast to the adjacent ancient portraiture.



After the Mucem we hopped in a cab to get back to the old Marseille Marina, walking distance to our hotel. A huge ferris wheel towers over the citys main square quite like the one on the Santa Monica Pier. As we ascended, we were treated to a stunning view as the sparkling pink twilight reflecting off of the docked boats. After disembarking the ferris wheel we relaxed at a corner cafe for a Spritz, a popular local drink and enjoyed being mesmerized by the surrounding whiz of people and cars rushing by as the sun sank low in the sky.

Deciding to call it a day we stopped at the Marseille Visitor Center to ask some questions and they were extremely helpful, speaking perfect English, and told us about the magical Calanques, a place we plan to visit next time, which requires some hiking time and another full day. At this point it was time to head back to our car. Hitting up some shops while backtracking to our hotel we stumbled across a vintage clothing store called La Coquette with unusual yet charming French memorabilia and clothing. Though many other adventures remained for us in this magical city, they would have to wait for another day.

All photography by Patricia Meisels
A Little More Human, Fiona Maazels third novel, begins in the great tradition of amnesiac noir: He came to on the back of a horse. But Maazel is not a hard-boiled hack  shes a dazzling prose stylist with a gift for creating characters caught in extraordinary situations that defy credulity. Imagine a situation comedy written by Phillip K. Dick or a telenovela penned by Thomas Pynchon.

Phil Snyder moonlights as a superhero impersonator. His alter ego, Brainstorm, is a gifted telepathic crime solver, and while Phil is anything but heroic, he really can read minds. Sort of. With intense focus and concentration, Phil can conjure in his mind a blackboard upon which is written the subjects concerns. Words. Phrases. Sometimes whole paragraphs telling him what was what. The process was always more beautiful than the result.

Phils talent comes in handy in his side gig as a wannabe hero, but it proves utterly useless when he comes out of that blackout, finding himself on a horse in Staten Island, covered in blood. While Phil scrambles to piece together what happened to him, he is blackmailed with photos that implicate him in an act of sexual deviance that warps his sense of who he is and what he might be capable of.

The stranger within was a literary concept. A Freudian concept  the unconscious. But now it was science. And now it was Phil. This sets the stage for one of the novels main themes: Whats the use of being able to tap into extraordinary knowledge when you dont know yourself?

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And there is a great deal that Phil doesnt know. Phils wife, Lisa, was artificially inseminated with supersperm purchased by Phils father without his sons knowledge. Phil had called what she had done adultery and fraud, though it was neither. He said hed been cuckolded by Science.

Phil works as a nurses assistant at SCET, a biotech research and rehabilitation center that caters to wounded veterans coming back from Iraq and that is not-so-secretly at the front of experimental brain surgery. SCET was founded by Phils parents: Sarah, who died two years ago in a car accident shrouded in mystery, and Doc, who uses his own gifts as a scientist to diagnose his encroaching dementia.

As a hedge against his accelerating deterioration, Doc hires Ada Mller as a personal assistant to help catalog the mementos of his marriage to Sarah that make his house all but uninhabitable. Ada, however, is sleeping with Phils best friend and coworker, Ben Neuhaus, for reasons shed like to keep secret. Her mother, Patty, has undergone a successful heart transplant at SCET, but the medication theyve put her on, ARA-9, was expensive and effective only so long as Patty kept upping the dose.

Ada needs a quick score to pay for her mothers surgery and keep the supply of drugs flowing. Shes set her sights on Ben as an easy mark, but her willingness to go through with the scam is complicated by her growing fondness for both her beau and her employer, who gets more lost in the detritus of the past by the day.

Doc had not seen a countertop in years. He had not seen the floor, either. He couldnt get to the fridge or range, so he ordered in. He couldnt get to the shower, so he sponge-bathed in the bathroom sink. Hed always been a pack rat but had kept it in check so long as Sarah was alive.

The junk-filled house is a metaphor for his disordered mind, but amid the clutter lies a clue to solving the mystery of Phils blackout, Pattys drug dependency and Sarahs final days at SCET. That would be more than enough for most novels, but Maazel adds brain implants, love triangles, secret drug labs and a chase that leads all the way to SCETs sister facility in Denmark.

At times this kitchen sink approach threatens to smother the story, but Maazel propels the narrative forward with her knack for evoking empathy out of the improbable and transforming coincidence into conspiracy.

A Little More Human is a character-driven work of literary fiction that also happens to be a thriller guided by a web of intrigue with an ending that not even a mind reader could see coming.

Ruland is the co-author of My Damage: The Story of a Punk Rock Survivor with Keith Morris and the host of Vermin on the Mount.

A Little More Human

Fiona Maazel

Graywolf Press: 304 pp., $16 paper
In between a Mexican-crafted leather goods shop and an El Pollo Loco in Boyle Heights, works written by the likes of Alice Bag, James Baldwin, Inez Estrada and Allen Ginsberg are shelved in light-wood bookcases.

Other Books carries a selection of new and used books, comics and zines, but theres more to it. The front of the store is a spacious extension of the East Los Angeles bookshop Seite Books owned by Denice Diaz and Adam Bernales, while the back houses a print shop from Tiny Splendor, an art collective and small press. Kaya Press, a small nonprofit publisher focused on Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora, is the third partner and uses the space as a venue for events and collaborating with writers.

The three partners met through literary and zine festivals held throughout Southern California. They connected on being invested in the literary realm and providing literature and art in different ways, says Neelanjana Banerjee, managing editor of Kaya Press.

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Seite Books had been looking for a bigger storefront. Bernales and Diazs goal, from the conception of their first shop, was to provide something that was needed in this working-class neighborhood that was a bookstore black hole.

Ive lived in [East L.A.] for most of my life wanting to have a bookstore in the area, says Diaz. I didnt have access to one and had to go outside the neighborhood.

A customers zine, printed in the back of the bookstore. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Diaz and Bernales opened Seite Books in 2010 when Diazs mother invited them to sell items in her makeup and womens clothing store. The couple used their savings to grow Seite Books from one shelf of used books to multiple bookcases of new and used books arranged in what is now a tight space  and then the rent was raised. They wanted a more financially stable retail space to share with collaborators.

The opportunity to share a space was the right fit for the artists who run the L.A. branch of Tiny Splendor (also based in Berkeley), Cynthia Navarro and Kenneth Srivijittakar. They were looking for a new work space after being asked to move out of their rented studio in downtown L.A. For about a year, Navarro kept their equipment in her home, including a risograph  a cross between silkscreening and a printing machine.

A neon kewpie doll sign hanging in the middle of the shops back wall shines pink light on the back half of Other Books, next to a shelf filled with Tiny Splendors prints and zines. The round baby-faced doll is Tiny Splendors logo and homage to Rose ONeill, the pioneering female illustrator who created the Kewpie characters in the early 1900s. Whether Other Books is open for customers or not, someone is usually working at the Tiny Splendor tables, stocked with a paper guillotine, industrial stapler, glue binder, ink tubes and stacks of paper.

This space is different than a lot of the businesses on this street, says Navarro. I dont know too many spaces for artists and writers of color to come and present their books or have affordable fine art printing.

The previous business denim store signage still hangs outside the bookshop. The front of the store is lined with birch wood bookcases; recently a fold-out table serving as the checkout was replaced by a more solid table of light wood. The bookcases in the middle of the floor are easily moved to make room for events.

All three owners coordinate events. But it was a particular goal of Kaya Press (based at USCs Department of American Studies and Ethnicity) to create a collaborative space for writers through book signings, readings and creative workshops.

Denice Diaz, co-owner of Other Books, at the check-out table. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Other Books had a soft opening late last year but started running regular hours and producing events during the beginning of 2017. One of the bookshops first events was a book release for Lilliam Riveras The Education of Margot Sanchez a young adult novel about a Puerto Rican girl struggling with family, identity and gentrification in the South Bronx.

Inside, the crowd filled every seat and a few stood in the back waiting for Riveras reading and discussion to begin. Addressing the crowd, which included students from Felicitas & Gonzalo Mendez High School, Rivera said it was important for her to have a book launch in this location.

Her publicist Kima Jones explained, We were determined to have [the event] in a space that was Latino-centric  where kids dont have to leave their neighborhood for arts, culture, music and books.

Although Seite Books and the lending library Libros Schmibros have settled into the Eastside community, it was important for Bernales and Diaz to find a space for Other Books in the book-starved neighborhood.

The name of the shop, whether referred to in its English or Spanish iteration (Otros Libros), is meant to express otherness in terms of race, gender, language and sense of place. Its referential, not just to the stores location, but also to the co-owners and the people who can see themselves reflected in the selection of books.

The collaborators for Other Books intend to continue to add to the books for sale while maintaining enough space to produce events, install equipment to hold regular screenings, and print an in-house paper or zine that will partly focus on local businesses.

Bernales noticed his customers tastes vary from purchasing comics and poetry books to art books and novels in a single visit. He plans to organize a local alternative press festival that, like the bookstore itself, is inclusive of art, literary and zine publications.

Its a work in progress, says Banerjee. We are trying to figure out how we can use this space and have it be a resource for the L.A. literary community, the larger creative community and the local community.

Vera Castaneda is a writer who lives in Los Angeles.
It was obvious even during the presidential campaign that Donald Trump didnt know much about water policy and didnt have much inclination to learn.

Now we have some hard evidence that his ignorance wont keep him from stepping into a water policy quagmire. The evidence comes from an Interior Department ruling that appears to be aimed at clearing the way for a controversial, environmentally dangerous and largely pointless private water project out in the Mojave Desert.

As my colleague Bettina Boxall reported Wednesday, that agency on March 29 reversed two earlier rulings that had effectively blocked the 43-mile pipeline that Cadiz Inc. would have to build to carry water from its desert landholdings to Southern California users. The action also shifts all further decisions on the matter from local officials of Interiors Bureau of Land Management, who long have blocked the project, to headquarters in Washington.

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The Trump administration has once again put corporate profits ahead of the publics interest.  Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), reacting to an effort to clear the way for the Cadiz project

Thats a boon for backers of Cadiz, who have been waiting for years for an administration in Washington willing to overlook all the drawbacks to its project. Finally, they may have one.

It isnt entirely clear that the Interior Departments reversal actually will get the Cadiz pipeline built. The companys CEO, Scott Slater, said hes now cautiously optimistic, but more enthusiasm is reflected in the action in the companys cheap, thinly traded stock. In the three trading days after the Interior Department ruling, the shares gained more than 5% to $15.40, reaching a level they havent even smelled since late 2008.

There are still plenty of roadblocks in Cadizs way. The recent Interior ruling rescinds 2014 and 2011 agency memoranda that said Cadiz couldnt use an existing railroad right-of-way for its pipeline without completing a federal environmental impact study. Thats because the railroad crosses federal land. But the new ruling doesnt overturn a 2011 analysis by the agencys solicitors office, which explains why the environmental study would be legally necessary. So that analysis may still stand. Cadiz would dearly love to avoid federal review, possibly because federal hydrological statistics would underscore the ecological risks of the project.

Nor does the ruling quell strong opposition to the project from Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). Feinstein called the Interior Departments action a blatant attempt to muscle the Cadiz water project through, and an effort to circumvent an environmental review that any project of this magnitude on federal land would normally undergo. She stated, The Trump administration has once again put corporate profits ahead of the publics interest.

But there are other reasons why the Cadiz project may never be built. They have more to do with the project itself, especially its shadowy history, which Ive been following for nearly 15 years.

Lets take a look.

The Cadiz project was the brainchild of Keith Brackpool, the companys co-founder and, until 2013, its chief executive. The British-born promoter, who came to the U.S. after pleading guilty in 1983 to criminal charges relating to securities trading in Britain, managed to keep the project alive for years in part through a combination of political influence and PR blather.

Brackpool has received cash and stock-based compensation valued in the neighborhood of $20 million since the turn of the century alone, according to the companys public disclosures. But Cadiz hasnt reported a single profitable year since at least 1994; typically, its revenue is measured in the thousands and its losses in the millions. That was the case in 2016, when it reported revenue of $412,000 and a loss of $26.3 million. Some of these losses are accounting artifacts, related to the management of the debt and convertible securities issues on which the company survives while its lenders keep it on life support in the hope that someday, somehow, the water project will actually happen and theyll be able to cash in.

Doubts about the companys ability to bring that project to fruition helped kill it in 2002, when the giant Metropolitan Water District nixed a would-be partnership with Cadiz. The idea then was to bank the MWDs surplus Colorado River water by pumping it into the aquifer underlying the companys Mojave desert acreage. During droughts, the stored water, along with some indigenous groundwater, would be pumped out for delivery via an aqueduct to a parched Southern California.

As I wrote a few years later, the plan had a sort of shimmering authenticity, like a desert mirage. But it didnt bear close inspection. First, there isnt any surplus water in the Colorado; the MWD gets about as much from the river as it can use.

Second, due to Cadizs parlous financial condition, the MWD realized that it would not only pay half the $150-million cost of the project, but would front much of Cadizs half.

Finally, there was and remains considerable disagreement over how much groundwater really underlies the Cadiz parcel, not to mention how much the company is legally permitted to pump out and how much could be pumped before the aquifer becomes contaminated with carcinogenic minerals.

Cadiz contends that theres more than enough water available in the watershed to accommodate vast withdrawals, but federal agencies disagree.

The National Parks Service, in a comment for the projects state environmental impact report, cited U.S. Geological Survey data indicating that the companys estimates of the available water for pumping were roughly seven times as high as what was reasonable. The companys estimates, the service said, were not reasonable and should not even be considered. It observed, pointedly, that the USGS data were computed by a scientific agency with no financial stake in the proposed project.

What Cadiz has had to offer more than any economic rationale is political pull. Originally, the MWD felt pressured into giving Brackpools project a hearing because he was a big contributor and fundraiser for then-Gov. Gray Davis. The governor was a political adversary of the MWD, which hoped to get on his good side by making nice with Brackpool.

In 2005, Cadiz paid then-Public Utilities Commissioner Susan Kennedy, soon to become Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggers chief of staff, a $120,000 consulting fee. In 2009, while she was working for Schwarzenegger, he endorsed the Cadiz scheme as a path-breaking, new, sustainable groundwater conservation and storage project.

Today, the projects backers tout it as a way bring water to 400,000 people in Southern California, create and support 5,900 jobs and generate billions of dollars of economic activity, as Cadiz board member Winston Hickox said in an op-ed for the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

These figures are as incorporeal as the mists evaporating from the Cadiz acreage in the Mojave. The whole scheme has the smell of water left too long in a stagnant pool. Is there any wonder why the Trump administration would think its a good deal?

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.
As the the threat of a writers strike continues to hang over Hollywood, the Writers Guild of America is intensifying pressure on the major studios by reaching out directly to advertisers, saying that a potential strike could lead to delays in the fall TV season and would likely harm ratings.

In a letter Tuesday to media-buying agencies, the guilds West Coast branch said that if a new contract isnt reached by the May 1 deadline, a walkout by writers would create a domino effect of delays that would be felt through the fall, when many broadcast series debut their new seasons.

Any delay in the start of work has the potential to postpone fall season premieres and reduce the amount of new programming available to advertisers and audiences, wrote David Young, executive director the Writers Guild of America West.

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He noted that ratings dropped during the last writers strike, which began in late 2007 and lasted 100 days, as networks relied on reruns to fill the creative void. If a strike happens this year, we would expect the delay or loss of original primetime programming will similarly affect ratings.

Among the shows that will be hit almost immediately are the late-night talk programs that rely on writers to come up with jokes and witty banter on a nightly basis.

The guilds letter comes as the cable networks are holding their upfronts  an important conclave between the TV industry and Madison Avenue during which ad buyers purchase commercial time ahead of a new season. The upfronts for broadcast networks are scheduled for next month.

Negotiations fell apart in March between writers and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the organization that represents that studios, networks and independent producers. Talks are set to resume Monday, although the two sides are still far apart on issues that include higher minimums for writers and bigger employer contributions to the health plan, which has run deficits in recent years.

Also at stake are residuals for streaming services including Netflix and Amazon. The guild is arguing that streaming residuals arent commensurate with residuals that writers receive from traditional broadcast shows.

Leaders set a strike authorization vote to begin later this month, saying that the studios have refused to budge on many of the negotiating points.

The AMPTP has stated that writers walked away from its latest proposal, an assertion that the guild has denied. The alliance said in a statement that keeping the industry working is in everyones best interests.

david.ng@latimes.com

@DavidNgLAT
A state bill that would let cities dramatically expand rent control has been put on hold for a year by its author amid fierce opposition from landlords.

The proposal from Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) would repeal the landmark Costa-Hawkins Act, a 1995 law that barred rent caps on single-family homes and apartments built after that year.

The act has long drawn the ire of tenant groups, but is considered a cornerstone law by apartment developers and landlords. Lawmakers had made little effort to repeal it before Bloom and two colleagues introduced AB 1506 in February.

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Bloom said he requested that a vote not be taken this year because legislative timelines wont allow time for thoughtful consideration and comment from all groups affected by a significant change to California law.

He also acknowledged that passage this year on the Assembly floor was much less certain than in committee.

Looking at the entirety of the legislative process, the right thing is to step back and do additional work with various constituencies, Bloom said, adding that he was open to listening to good alternative ideas that could amend the legislation.

The bill currently consists of a simple one-line repeal of Costa-Hawkins.

He hopes to have a vote on the bill in 2018, the final year of the legislative term.

Repealing Costa-Hawkins always promised to be hard, and both opponents and supporters saw the bills introduction as the start of a longer fight over rent control in the state capital.

Landlord groups have blasted a Costa-Hawkins repeal, arguing that developers will build fewer homes if they dont have assurance that their projects cant be subject to rent control.

We certainly appreciate the fact to move the bill and make it a two-year bill, said Debra Carlton, spokeswoman for the California Apartment Assn. Rent control builds no new housing and that has to be our focus in the Legislature.

Dean Preston, executive director of the statewide renters group Tenants Together, said Blooms decision to delay a vote on the bill was a wiser path because of the opposition.

We all understood from the start that considerable organizing would need to occur, he said.

Dan Schnur, a professor of political communications at USC, said, Pulling a bill is never a sign of strength, but that its not uncommon for controversial legislation to take several sessions before eventually succeeding.

This issue isnt going away even if its done for the year, he said. The rent control debate is very quickly assuming a central place in the broader discussion of affordable housing.

The fight is already heated at the local level as rents have soared during the economic recovery.

Median apartment rent for a vacant unit in Los Angeles County has risen 23% in the last three years to $2,390 in January, according to real estate firm Zillow. The statewide median was $2,346, up 26% from the beginning of 2014.

In November, voters in two cities in the San Francisco Bay Area, Richmond and Mountain View, passed limits on how much landlords can charge, as well as strong eviction protections that are usually central to rent control laws.

But cities can only go so far due to Costa-Hawkins.

Today, municipalities cannot impose controls on buildings built after Feb. 1, 1995, and must allow landlords to set rents for new tenants. Before the 1995 law, five cities  including Santa Monica and West Hollywood  limited increases even when units became vacant.

About 15 cities in California currently have some form of rent control, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland and Beverly Hills.

Cities with controls at the time of Costa-Hawkins also cant extend their programs, usually meaning that units built after the late 1970s cant be covered.

That includes Los Angeles, which passed its law in 1978. The citys law generally applies to buildings built before October of that year and it allows landlords to charge market rent for a vacant unit, but then limits annual increases for tenants at 3% to 8%.

Larry Gross, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival, a Los Angeles tenant advocacy group, said that despite the delay, the bills introduction in itself has created the possibility of changes once considered far-fetched. Before AB 1506, the only repeal bill submitted was one in 2000 that never came up for a vote, according to Blooms office.

Its the beginning of a groundswell, Gross said.

The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee is expected to hold informational hearings as early as May on rising rents, including the role that Costa-Hawkins has played in the states affordability crisis, according to the office of committee Chair David Chiu (D-San Francisco), coauthor of the repeal bill with Bloom and Rob Bonta (D-Oakland).

Bloom said the potential for a repeal to hamper construction is an important issue that we ought to air and discuss carefully, given that a housing shortage is a major factor in skyrocketing rents.

Still, he said, more must be done to help renters now.

This bill really places a laser focus on what we can do to address the immediate needs of tenants, Bloom said.

andrew.khouri@latimes.com

Follow me @khouriandrew on Twitter

UPDATES:

4:10 p.m.: This article was updated with a comment from Dan Schnur, a professor of political communications at USC.

This article was originally published at 2:45 p.m.
Facebook is launching a resource to help you spot false news and misleading information that spreads on its service.

The resource, similar to previous efforts around privacy and security, is basically a notification that pops up for a few days. Clicking on it takes you to tips and other information on how to spot false news and what to do about it.

The guidelines include looking closely at website addresses to see if they are trying to spoof real news sites, and checking websites about sections for more information. Some sites might look like real news at first glance, but their about sections inform the visitor that they are in fact satire.

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Adam Mosseri, vice president of News Feed at Facebook, said he hopes people will become more discerning consumers of news.

The new feature is part of a broader plan by Facebook to clamp down false news stories, which gained outsizeattention in the months leading up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

False news, of course, was around long before the election. But supermarket tabloids peddling stories about aliens and celebrity miracles are less insidious than, say, Pizzagate, a false Internet rumor that led a gunman to fire an assault weapon inside a Washington pizzeria in December.

Facebook has been working very hard to figure out how to get their arms wrapped around this, said Lucy Dalglish, journalism dean at the University of Maryland. Facebook was always very interested [in] technology but not the social and civic implications of technology. Its like they have become citizens.

She praised the company for seeking help from outside experts, including academics, researchers and nonprofit journalism organizations.

The company, for instance, is working with outside fact-checking and media organizations to identify false news as such. And once they are identified, Facebook is trying to dry up the economic incentives of false news sites by making it difficult for them to buy ads on Facebook.

Not everyone is impressed, though. Michael Connor, executive director of Open MIC, a nonprofit organization that advises investors and companies on media and technology issues, said Facebook hasnt proven it has had any success disrupting the economic incentives for fake news.

Its not a bad step, Connor said of the new notifications, but its at least a year late and its likely that very few people will heed the advice provided. More importantly, it hardly addresses the underlying problem. Until Facebook finds ways to curb the folks who are generating false news and misinformation, steps like this are really only window-dressing.

Of course even with Facebooks new efforts, its impossible to change everyones minds  despite providing objective evidence. And thats usually harder the older a news consumer gets, which is why news literacy courses (knowing whats objective journalism and what isnt) should be taught as early as high school, said Robert Quigley, who teaches a social media journalism course at the University of Texas at Austin.

Facebook is the No. 1 vehicle for problems with news literacy, Quigley said. Theyre trying to solve it. I dont know how many people are going to read these notifications, but its good theyre making an effort. I dont think even Facebook would say this is the answer. Its more of a piece of the puzzle.

Mosseri said most of the false news content on Facebook is from spammers trying to seek a profit and not, for example, political propaganda. This is apparent as the sites often flip-flop around opposing political candidates, for example.

The new feature will be available in 14 countries, including the U.S., Germany, France, Italy, the U.K., the Philippines, Taiwan and Brazil.

Times staff writer David Pierson contributed to this report.
Twitter is the social media outlet President Trump favors to spread his message, but its also home to a host of critical accounts claiming to be written by dissenting federal employees. Purporting to be rogue insiders at agencies including the FBI and the National Parks Service, they have amassed thousands of followers by bashing the new president and his administration.

The accounts havent gone unnoticed by the federal government, which sent Twitter a summons in March asking the social media company to help identify the user or users behind an account claiming to be a rogue member of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Twitter on Thursday fired back by filing a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and the officials who lead it, arguing the agency has no legal authority to compel the San Francisco firm to identify the person or people behind the handle @ALT_uscis.

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In its summons, the government used a tax clause largely pertaining to fees and duties levied on imported merchandise, according to the lawsuit. Its unclear why authorities invoked the clause. The Department of Homeland Security said it could not comment on pending litigation.

The investigation of the @ALT_uscis account plainly has nothing whatsoever to do with the importation of merchandise into the United States, Twitters lawyers wrote.

The company went on to argue any unmasking of the account would have a chilling effect on users critical of the Trump administration, and by extension, free speech.

Twitter declined a request for an interview. The owner of the @ALT_uscis account directed a reporter to attorney Esha Bhandari of the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project.

Bhandari declined to say when she first came into contact with Twitter and the account holder, whom she is representing. She also declined to say whether she has held conversations with U.S. officials. But she applauded Twitter for standing up for its users.

Receipt of a summons like this can have a chilling effect on a wide range of people who speak anonymously or pseudo-anonymously on the Internet, so its important to fight, she said. Were going to fight for this users right to remain anonymous.

Several cases outside the Internet realm have raised similar concerns, where the government arguably hasnt provided enough justification for unmasking a target, Bhandari said. She couldnt recall a battle involving a social media service, but described the case as certainly the first of its kind under the Trump administration.

The rogue accounts typically offer blistering critiques, retweeting articles critical of the president, showing purported signs of chaos in the Trump White House or simply sharing data on climate change. But theres no concrete evidence that the users are who they say they are.

There are instances in which Twitter will share non-public information about its users with law enforcement, the company says in its guidelines. But those requests have to be based on valid legal grounds. The company also says it notifies users when such a request is made.

Though many users post under their real names, anonymity is one of the cornerstones of Twitters appeal  particularly in authoritarian countries where dissent can be violently suppressed. That was evident during the Arab Spring when protesters used Twitter to help organize.

The Department of Homeland Security and its secretary, John F. Kelly, acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan and special agents Stephen P. Caruso and Adam Hoffman were all named in the lawsuit.

Shortly after news broke about the lawsuit, @ALT_uscis tweeted: This is one way to get verified.

Times staff writer Paresh Dave contributed to this report.

david.pierson@latimes.com

Twitter: @dhpierson

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This winters heavy rains were a blessing for California, relieving the prolonged drought, sending waterfalls cascading down mountainsides and giving rise to a spectacular super-bloom.

But for owners and potential buyers of hillside homes? Not so much.

Los Angeles has received more than 18 inches of rain this year, nearly 8 inches more than average. Water seeping into the soil has led to mudslides, landslides and slope instability, threatening many of the picturesque houses that loom over the city.

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Rain is the biggest cause of problems for hillside homes, said Dave Grover of Grover Geology, who has examined at-risk properties since 1972. Wet and dry cycles lead to heaving, shrinking of the soil and related building movement.

The Hollywood Hills saw two landslides in January, including one that rendered Brett and Adria Copelands home uninhabitable.

The couple were renting on Gould Avenue in Laurel Canyon when Adria noticed a crack in the bottom deck. Heeding a gut feeling and the advice of friend in the contracting business, the couple decamped to a nearby hotel.

As they drove home the next morning, the Copelands were shocked by the sight of their balcony dangling off the cliff and the presence of city officials, who gave them 15 minutes to collect anything of value before the home was declared off-limits. Weeks later, the property is still red-tagged, with many of the Copelands belongings still inside.

Of course, homes in the hills will always be coveted, rain or not. But how to spot red flags if youre looking to buy one?

Often, problems mount insidiously, inch by unseen inch. But uneven floors, misaligned doors and wall cracks are strong signals that buyers should take a second look.

Homes that have a steep canyon behind them, or slopes that have been in a fire  thats asking for trouble, Grover said.

Jeff Napier of the Department of Building and Safety said signs of erosion from adjacent slopes, crumbling home foundations and cracks in the walkways can also be good hints.

Older homes are especially prone to issues.

Back in the 50s and 60s, homes didnt have the strict codes we have today, Grover said. You didnt need to have elaborate geologic studies to make sure you were building retaining walls or debris collection devices that would protect the house.

Real estate agent James Colin Campbell of Coldwell Banker always recommends that potential home buyers pay for the services of a geologist for hillside homes before they make an offer. Typical fees for a geologic report range from $1,000 to $1,700 for a 2,000- to 4,500-square-foot home; laboratory testing and engineering analyses would cost thousands more.

It gives you a big hint if something is wrong, Campbell said. A geologist will research the property, check the sites history and do a visual site inspection. A proper inspection protects the buyer.

Buyers can also contact the L.A. Department of Building and Safety to request public records on a homes past problems.

Although Grover relies on careful measurements during his home inspections, there are times when he has relied on a gut feeling. Once, he rejected a home that was seemingly perfect.

It was a beautiful house, and the owners took care of it. You wouldnt have been able to tell anything was wrong, he said. But the upslope behind it looked precarious to me.

The following winter, the hill behind the property slid down, ruining the home. The client wrote me a nice letter in appreciation, he said.

The good news is that most of the time, issues with hillside homes can be addressed.

Usually we find homes need drainage and minor hillside work, Grover said, noting that that kind of minor corrective work costs about $5,000 to $15,000.

If you get into foundation repairs [or] slope stabilization work, though, that can cost many tens of thousands of dollars, but thats not as common, he continued. Most of the time, its small problems that can be solved.

Thats welcome news for die-hard hillside residents such as the Copelands, who are now renting another Laurel Canyon home.

You really just have to experience the community, said Brett, a musician with the rock band Fire. Its all about the view, the trees and the wildlife. Its like a different universe.

hotproperty@latimes.com

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The moment I turned on my phone after landing in San Francisco for the opening of Hamilton, I was greeted with momentous local news: Carey Perloff, the artistic director of the American Conservatory Theater here, had announced that she would be stepping down at the end of next season, bringing to a close a quarter century of sterling leadership of the citys flagship theater.

I was naturally excited about Hamilton: An American Musical at the SHN Orpheum Theatre and was looking forward to reviewing Roe at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. But between us, I was secretly relishing the chance to see Annie Bakers John at the Strand, A.C.T.s second stage, which opened in 2015 and has already become an aspirational venue for theater artists of an unconventional bent.

I consider Baker to be the most psychologically acute, slyly inventive American playwright working today and have been lamenting that L.A. audiences have been deprived of the chance to know her work better. In 2011, South Coast Repertory produced a fine production of Bakers Circle Mirror Transformation (a perfect play for the Geffen Playhouse or the Pasadena Playhouse). But Bakers The Flick, which won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for drama, has yet to be produced in our region.

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I didnt get to New York for the Signature Theatre production of John in 2015 with Georgia Engel (who played Ted Baxters romantic dandelion puff on The Mary Tyler Moore Show). Baker wrote John with Engel in mind, so I was eager to catch her reprising her performance in the new San Francisco production directed by Ken Rus Schmoll.

Seeing John at the Strand brought home all that the Bay Area and indeed the American theater will lose when Perloff steps down: an artistic leader with integrity of vision, discriminating literary taste and the executive muscle to make big projects happen.

The Strand, nestled between Twitters spiffy corporate headquarters and the still struggling Central Market neighborhood, is a kind of miracle. Real estate in San Francisco is impossible. Taking advantage of the opportunity to walk as much as possible on my short trip, I was astounded by both the overflow of homeless people on Market Street and the number of new construction sites for luxury housing. The city that once defined hippie counterculture and gay liberation has become a decadent emblem of American inequality.

Perloff, in a conversation at her office a few blocks from the Geary Theater, A.C.T.s main stage, talked about the timing of her decision. Symbolically, she said, it felt right. This season marks the 50th anniversary of the theater founded by William Ball, and Perloff said she was surprised by how moved she had been by the commemorations, which had brought back many cherished collaborators.

In planning next season, her 25th, she couldnt help taking stock. She said shes ready to make the leap into the artistic unknown, to wake up in the morning and not know where shes going to go. After so many artistic meetings and fundraising benefits, shes eager to finally have a few unplanned days to follow her muse as a playwright and a director.

As for her leadership of A.C.T., she is proudest of having stayed true to the theaters mission: We have kept the ideal alive, and even though its radically changed from Bill Balls day, its the same impulse  that notion of ambitious, muscular, beautiful dramatic literature being produced in concert with the generational collaboration of artists in training, so that you have senior artists training younger artists.

Fundamental to the theaters success, she said, has been a commitment to the audience: Bill Ball felt the audience would rise to the level that you challenged them to rise to, and Ive always believed that too. We have never dumbed down.

So, an anniversary season that includes the world premiere of A Thousand Splendid Suns, an adaption of Khaled Hosseinis novel about the friendship of two Afghan women set against the backdrop of the Talibans rise to power, and Bakers John, while undoubtedly special, is par for the course.

Perloff described A Thousand Splendid Suns, a coproduction with Theatre Calgary, as one of the highlights of her time at A.C.T. We did the first tech the day the first Muslim ban was supposed to go into effect, she recalled. We were sold out from the first preview. I never saw an audience respond like that, the laughter, the tears streaming down faces. Probably, were sobbing for our own country. I get it. But its turned out to be this total phenomenon.

A Thousand Splendid Suns has apparently become a much sought-after work, and Perloff, who directed the show, plans to be involved in its future life. Shepherding a production that embodies the values of A.C.T. will certainly make her transition to freelance director and working playwright less abrupt.

Thats why I wanted to do A Thousand Splendid Suns, because at the center of the story is the incredibly rich friendship between two women.  Carey Perloff, artistic director of American Conservatory Theater

As one of the most prominent female artistic directors in the American theater, Perloff has been an outspoken advocate of womens issues. (Her memoir, Beautiful Chaos: A Life in the Theater, is an eloquent account of her own path in a still male-dominated field.) The dial is moving, she said, but her optimism about how we write about and talk about women has been blunted by recent events.

The election was naturally on her mind, but Perloff has long been troubled by the paucity of female stories onstage. Thats why I wanted to do A Thousand Splendid Suns, because at the center of the story is the incredibly rich friendship between two women, she said. Theyre not the sidekicks or the also-rans. Its not about the man. Its about them. Its really about three generations of women.

She challenged me to think of plays about female friendship, and admitted (after I came up blank) that aside from Celia and Rosalind in As You Like It, she too was hard pressed. Now that is amazing, because my female friends are more important to me than almost anything, and yet its never written about, she said.

John centers on the disintegrating relationship of two self-absorbed millennials, but female friendship plays a pivotal role. Engels Mertis, the proprietor of an affably eerie bed-and-breakfast in Gettysburg, Pa., where the play is set, is staunchly loyal to her blind friend, Genevieve (Ann McDonough). The solidarity between them has a power that affects both Jenny (Stacey Yen) and Elias (Joe Paulik), the visiting couple who dont seem fated to be a couple much longer.

Bakers play immerses us for three hours in these kitschy accommodations, where time seems to obey its own rules and an air of supernatural menace gently hovers. Not much happens. The tense silences of the emotionally combustible visitors are relieved by passing conversation with their odd host and her equally peculiar friend. The plays microscopic scrutiny of these uneventful but mysteriously resonant interactions might seem tedious, but I never once looked at my watch, because the psychology of the characters is so vividly captured and because Baker, who hints at occult realms beyond rational understanding, manages to stay one step ahead of her audience.

Producing John is a risk, but its the kind of risk that brings rich artistic rewards. Perloff, who has, in effect, come out as a dramatist after establishing herself as a director and an institutional leader, plans to devote more time to what she described as her guilty pleasure after relinquishing her administrative responsibilities at A.C.T.

Playwriting has always been central to her vision. She cited her dozen collaborative experiences with playwright Tom Stoppard as an extraordinary privilege. Her commitment to both new works and the classics has carried Balls radical vision to a less radical age.

Perloff said her biggest regret was the failure to sustain A.C.T.s core acting company. (The city got too expensive  artists cant afford to live here anymore.) But the theaters thriving acting conservatory remains, and in an era that has seen nonprofit theaters become clearinghouses for jukebox musicals and other commercial trifles from Broadway, she has shored up A.C.T.s reputation as one of the most principled regional theaters in America.

I have really tried to stick to a purity of vision, which is very hard in this particular climate and will only get harder because the funding will only get harder. Whatever happens with Trump and the NEA, we are in a much more challenging era of arts and culture funding everywhere. Its not that Im not up for fighting that fight. But I thought its a gift to sit in this seat and to get to create this universe, and really now somebody else should have that opportunity and take it forward.

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charles.mcnulty@latimes.com

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Caitlyn Jenner memoirs version of life with Kris Jenner creates a new rift in the family

(Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images)

As Caitlyn Jenners just-published memoir The Secrets of My Life pulls back the curtain on her gender transition and her life among the Kardashians, not everybody is taking it well.

Especially not Kris Jenner.

Details about the Olympian-turned-reality-stars decision to transition in 2015 from Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn Jenner and confirmation that she had her final gender reassignment surgery are all in the book, but some dishy material about the Kardashian matriarch is reverberating with fans and upsetting the reigning first family of reality TV.

The memoir, co-written by Buzz Bissinger, who penned the Vanity Fair article that introduced Caitlyn Jenner to the masses, has some kind words for the momager, including admiration for Kris connections, her business acumen and her ability to perfectly apply lip liner without a mirror.

However, Caitlyn also said in the book that she told Kris about her gender issues before they got married and said Kris knew that for 4 years before they met, Caitlyn had been on hormones. Additionally, Caitlyn wrote that she told Kris about her gender problems before they would make love.

I told her there had been a woman inside me all my life, she wrote.

The couple announced their split in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2014. During their decades-long union, Caitlyn cross-dressed in front of her ex but was asked by Kris to do it only while traveling, so that their children wouldnt get wind of it. It was something Caitlyn grew to resent, she said, and she would steal her wifes gowns and purses to wear while traveling. (Their differing takes on their marital woes have been a topic of discussion for years.)

In a recent episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kris fumed with anger about passages in The Secrets of My Life that claimed she knew Caitlyn was transgender before they wed.

None of it makes sense,Kris said to daughters Khloe and Kim Kardashian. I read it and basically the only nice thing she had to say was that I was great socially at a party one time. ... Everything she says is all made up. Why does everything have to be that Kris is such a bitch?

She added: Ive never been so angry and disappointed in somebody in my whole life.

In response, the Olympic gold medalist said on Good Morning America that the book is extraordinarily honest.

It is my perspective, and obviously when you do a book like that, there are different opinions. I have a lot of friends that know the truth and know what Ive been through and know the whole situation, Caitlyn said.

She told Andy Cohen that in the wake of publishing, Kris said she didnt want to talk to Caitlyn ever again. (Caitlyn also elaborated on her claims that she was a punching bag on the show and a revelation that Kris had been in charge of her finances.)

Honestly, I never had a low point [while doing the show], actually, until the other day when Kris said some of that stuff. It was the first time I was really upset, she said. I had some of the best conversations with my children on that show. ... It forces you to deal with issues. ... It forces you to sit down with your kids and deal with a lot of things.

Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenners second-born child with the late Robert Kardashian, shared her thoughts on the feud on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in an episode that aired Thursday.

My heart breaks for my mom, you know, because I feel like shes been through so much and [Caitlyn is] promoting this book and shes saying all these things, Kardashian said. I just dont think its necessary and I just feel like its unfair. Things arent truthful.

Kardashian said Caitlyn was dishonest with certain things about Kris in the book.

I feel like its taken [Caitlyn] a really long time to be honest with herself, so I dont expect her to be honest about my mom now. But its just so hurtful, she said. I wish her all the success in the world, but not at our expense.

Kardashian said she and husband Kanye West have been avid supporters of Caitlyn Jenners transition and wanted to remain respectful of her, but thought there was no need to bash the family. She said she was hurt by her stepfather, whos dad to her half-sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and hasnt spoken to Caitlyn in a few weeks.

Kendall and Kylie, thats their dad and I think my moms been so respectful for so long and always wanting Caitlyn around and always wanting to have a great relationship with Caitlyn, Kardashian said. But that doesnt appear to be the case for the rest of the Kardashian brood.

Ill always love her. That was my stepdad for so many years. She taught me about character and so much growing up and I just feel like I dont respect the character that shes showing now.

Kim Kardashians younger sister, Khloe Kardashian, is also taking it a little tough, Caitlyn said at a book signing, according to RadarOnline. Everyone on the Jenner side is fine. All this stuff tends to work itself out!

Someone call Ryan Murphy, because this needs to be turned into a Feud series, stat.

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FOR THE RECORD

April 27, 3:31 p.m.: An earlier version of this article said Bruce Jenner and Kris Jenner finalized their divorce in 2013. They divorced in 2014.

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This directorial debut from Christian D. Bruun looks for the narrative thread in a story about denim, but despite the fabrics familiarity, most viewers will leave the documentary bored. Blue Gold: American Jeans is intermittently engaging, but its attempt to weave together the journey of vintage clothing dealer Eric Schrader with the history of the apparel ultimately falls apart.

Narrated by Edward Burns, Blue Gold follows Schrader as he searches for decades-old clothing, scouring barns and vintage shops alike. Between Schraders global missions to buy and sell the best in denim, the documentary explores jeans past, sharing their evolution from being worn by cowboys, farmhands and factory workers to becoming the uniform of bikers, rock stars and models. Bruun recruited giants of the jeans world, from Tommy Hilfiger to Adriano Goldschmied, and uses archival footage to show everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Bruce Lee and Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama wearing the now-stylish pants.

Broken into individual segments, short sections of Blue Gold would likely be more interesting than the film as a whole, which drags particularly in its final third. Overall, the documentary lacks cohesion, as it bounces between Schraders story and the history of jeans themselves. Devotees of fashion may be fascinated, but most other viewers will be happier to simply slip on a pair in ignorance.

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Blue Gold: American Jeans

No rating

Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Playing: Arena Cinelounge Las Palmas

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Soldier of cinema Werner Herzog has been making documentaries for as long as hes made fiction films. But in the last decade, its been the nonfiction forays  among them the strange and tragic Grizzly Man, the wondrous Cave of Forgotten Dreams, and two last year alone  that have put the German iconoclasts curiosities more rivetingly front and center.

Its intriguing, therefore, that his two most recent narrative movies, Queen of the Desert and Salt and Fire, arrive at the same time this week: Does Herzog still have the power to mystify and challenge audiences the way notorious hallmarks Aguirre, Wrath of God and Nosferatu did earlier in his career?

Queen is Herzog in lush and, dare one say, discordantly respectable biopic mode, serving up Nicole Kidman as British archaeologist/writer Gertrude Bell, a turn-of-the-20th-century adventurer heiress whose deep explorations into Arabian lands and warm relationships with tribal leaders gave her influence in establishing the boundaries of modern Iraq and Jordan. Herzog feels an obvious kinship with Bells independent spirit, a figure who broke the confines of her domesticated upbringing so she could touch distant lands and discover herself.

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Its also, less interestingly, a men who wooed me version of a pioneer womans life. Kidmans game, but she and an accent-challenged James Franco (as moon-faced suitor Henry Cadogan) prove mismatched cuddlers. Faring better are Robert Pattinsons snickering T.E. Lawrence  who respected Bells Bedouin diplomacy  and Damian Lewis love-struck army officer. The main flaws in Queen, however, are a lurching narrative coupled with dialogue awkwardness, and a blase approach to Bells motivations. They dissipate Herzogs and cinematographer Peter Zeitlingers stabs at poetically rendering a challenging landscape, not to mention its native inhabitants. Unsurprisingly, hes as fascinated by dromedaries and a squawking vulture as he is the humans.

More Herzogian in its uncomfortable loopiness is Salt and Fire, a tossed-off tale (inspired by a Tom Bissell story) about a dedicated scientist named Laura (Veronica Ferres), sent with two colleagues (one of whom is Gael Garcia Bernal) to Bolivia to examine an ecological catastrophe. The trio is kidnapped at the airport by a masked security team and brought to the villa of an eccentric industrialist (Michael Shannon). Coldly hospitable initially, hes wracked with guilt over his companys connection to the disaster. He also yells uncontrollably, proudly displays his anamorphic art, and decides Laura needs to be stranded in the regions vast, unforgiving salt flats, near an expectantly angry volcano, with meager provisions and two blind boys.

Like something you peer at rather than absorb, Salt and Fire is both awful and a tad fascinating. Taken as an allegory for Herzogs relationship to his obsessions  leaving civilization for the harshly beautiful, dwarfing might of the natural world  its skewed logic has a weird pull. But compared with the gloomy Gustav guiding tours of volcanoes, and the people who love them, in last years Into the Inferno? These days, Herzog the storyteller is more what the doc(umentary) ordered, curating the unreality in the real than the other way around.

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Queen of the Desert

Rated: PG-13, for brief nudity and some thematic elements

Running time: 2 hours, 8 minutes

Playing: AMC Rolling Hills 20; AMC Orange 30

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Salt and Fire

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes

Playing: Arena Cinelounge Sunset, Hollywood

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Imagine a place in America without the bubbling turmoil of our political situation. A cloister where cellphones are useless, social media just a bad memory, and the only concerns about painful service cuts are whether the couple dancing next to you might offer a swig of their boxed wine or if youve got to run back to camp for your own.

The last time I went to Desert Hearts, the dusty, exhausting triathalon of SoCal dance music festivals, it was a little revelation: a 3,000-capacity utopia on a mountaintop Indian reservation where a small crew of deranged techno-hippies tried to make a new reality. In more optimistic times, it felt something like a way forward.

Last weekend, however, it also felt like a last resort.

For club-music fans across Southern California, 2016 was a body blow. Between the election and the Ghost Ship tragedy, it felt like the dream for a better, more inclusive future had been snapped in half. This year brought fans together with some new green shoots of activism. But you cant stay angry all the time. Tension like this cant hold forever.

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This time, Desert Hearts had a twinge of what clubs in 70s New York or 90s Berlin must have felt like: When the world falls apart around you, there is solace  and maybe a bit of radicalism  in putting up your blinders for a few days and giving yourself over to another world.

The festival itself was pretty much the same as it has always been: One stage of relentless deep house and gritty techno, 3,000 fans in silly bangles and flowy tunics and about as little sleep as the human body can allow. The actual lineup wasnt quite an afterthought, but it was definitely more mercenary this year, meant to keep the blood pumping so fans could make their own connections.

The Desert Hearts principals  Mikey Lion, Porky, Marbs, Lee Reynolds  looked like they needed this as much as anybody. Passing jeroboams of champagne, gender-bending in fluorescent wigs, hailing down the hundreds of pals and fellow travelers who made it out to this corner of the world: That was the real show they put on. Even when the sets were a bit fritzy (and many were), it didnt feel like a gig as much as a stand to try to stop the world for a few hours.

Is doing absolutely nothing ever a radical act? Is decadence in a time of scarcity a kind of rebellion? A lot has been made of self care lately, usually bound up with a pitch to buy something. Desert Hearts isnt cheap or easy (tickets and the necessary pack-it-all-in supplies will set you back hundreds of dollars), and the physical toll that that much partying takes can hardly be described as care.

But as much as the fight for civil rights, dignity and hope continues in America, sometimes the mind needs a hard reset. Unplug the darn thing and turn it back on in a few days . The world will be there back down the hill. But for 96 hours last weekend, Desert Hearts felt like a chance to burn it all down and start over.

For breaking music news, follow @augustbrown on Twitter.

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Three people discuss current events on television: The older male host sits across from his two female guests. He is 67; they are decades younger. He wears a suit and tie, they wear tight dresses. His face is lined and pale; theirs are uniformly smooth and accented with colored lip gloss.

A sexual harassment scandal involving the man leads the news cycle on every other media platform, but its just another Tuesday on The OReilly Factor.

The New York Times had days earlier reported that host Bill OReilly and 21st Century Fox had paid out $13 million to five women in exchange for their silence on allegations of sexual harassment. Those claims included lewd comments, unwanted advances and phone calls in which it sounded as if Mr. OReilly was masturbating.

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OReilly insisted that none of the accusations were true, but after the news broke, high profile advertisers began pulling their spots from The OReilly Factor, the National Organization for Women and other groups called for Fox News to fire its top-rated anchor and people began tuning into the show to watch what the famously bellicose host would say.

Instead, they saw what they always see on Fox News: A paunchy, older man in drab office attire sharing the screen with beautiful, younger women in figure-revealing outfits and low necklines.

The OReilly scandal is just the latest development in the queasy revelations of Fox News as a predatory environment; in July, Chief Executive and founder Roger Ailes resigned in a hail of sexual harassment suits and allegations, some of which have been settled, while other, new ones have been filed.

For months after, female employees and former employees came forward to describe a workplace that sounded more like the early grope-happy days of Mad Mens Sterling Cooper than a modern media institution. A place where women were pressured to look a certain way  high heels, lots of makeup, short skirts.

1 / 9 Megyn Kelly was the host of Fox News shows such as The Kelly File (2013-17) and America Live (2010-13). (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 9 Ainsley Earhardt is a co-host on Fox & Friends. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 9 Elisabeth Hasselbeck was a co-host on Fox & Friends from 2013-15. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 9 Gretchen Carlson was a co-host of Fox & Friends prior to anchoring The Real Story With Gretchen Carlson from 2012-16. (Richard Drew / Associated Press) 5 / 9 Former Fox News guest Wendy Walsh. (Anthony McCartney / Associated Press) 6 / 9 Greta Van Susteren was the host of On the Record on Fox News from 2002-16. (Tyrone Turner / For The Times) 7 / 9 Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino is a co-host of Fox News The Five. (Ron Edmonds / Associated Press) 8 / 9 The Five co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle is a regular guest on The OReilly Factor. (Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images for Taoray Wang) 9 / 9 Andrea Tantaros is a former co-host of Fox News The Five (2011-14) and Outnumbered (2014-16). (Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images)

Fox News masquerades as a defender of traditional family values, but behind the scenes, it operates like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency, and misogyny, declared a lawsuit filed by Fox anchor Andrea Tantaros alleging sexual harassment by Ailes and others.

Now, it appears that OReilly has also been very much a part of that behind-the-scenes culture.

But you dont need access to the soundstages and hallways of Fox News to see that culture at work.

The on-air dynamic of an older, not necessarily attractive, male authority figure and his lovely female guest (look, shes beautiful and smart too!) is such a trademark of Fox News that the network probably couldnt be expected to recognize how bad it looked as yet another sexual harassment scandal unfurled.

And it isnt just The OReilly Factor. Compared to CNN and MSNBC, most of Fox News networks female reporters, anchors and hosts are discernibly more dolled up than their competitors.

Though other networks are also fond of the older male/younger female pairing, women on Fox News are invariably more overtly, and uniformly, styled  the smooth sculpted hair, the shiny lips and that airbrushed look of scripted daytime television.

Its an antiquated vision of the working woman: She can bring home the bacon, as long as she never lets him forget hes a man.

But its a high-wire walk not every women is willing to take, especially in those heels. The networks top-rated female anchor, Megyn Kelly, left Fox News for NBC earlier this year after she alleged in her memoir that Ailes made unwanted sexual advances toward her.

Greta Van Susteren also left the network after Ailes departure; her refreshingly unremarkable hairstyle and pantsuits can no longer be used as a shining example of progress at the network.

The culture of Fox News doesnt stop outside the studio doors. President Trump, who appears to gain much of his intel from network programming such as Hannity, asked that his female White House staffers dress like women shortly after he was sworn in.

Vice President Mike Pence has said that he never dines alone with women who are not his wife, nor does he attend functions without his wife if alcohol is being served.

Never mind that the reality of a working American in 2017, or even 1987, ensures that men and women will be alone, near food, at some point during the day. Or maybe not if you work on the Hill. Among Congress 535 voting members, only 26 are Republican women.

The president defended OReilly on Wednesday from the Oval Office, saying he believed that the Fox News host had done nothing wrong and that he should not have settled with his accusers. No one knows better than Trump that, even if youre caught on tape bragging about sexually assaulting women, it can be spun six different ways if Fox News is in your corner.

Which also makes OReilly a perilous foe.

Wendy Walsh, a former Fox News guest who is not one of the five who settled with OReilly, recently held a news conference in which she said, It is terrifying to speak out about a man as powerful and vindictive as Bill OReilly.

According to his new book, Old School, OReilly sees himself as a crusader against all that is PC, a no-nonsense guy who pushes against the liberal agenda of lefty snowflakes. He longs for a simpler time in America (a time too when you could count the number of national female news anchors on two fingers).

Conservative ideals are under attack, he says, and as MacMillan Publishers Web page for Old School notes: This book will explain the looming confrontation so even the ladies on The View can understand it.

But the snowflakes may already be winning. For three weeks in a row, and the first time ever, MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show has outperformed OReilly in the 25- to 54-year-old demographic. And shes done it without a tie, or blindingly bright lip gloss.

lorraine.ali@latimes.com

@lorraineali
Don Rickles loves to reminisce about Frank Sinatra, who was the comedians biggest champion and great friend.

Rickles was a young comic in the late 1950s, building a reputation for himself at Miami Beach nightclub Murray Franklins, when he first encountered the Chairman of the Board.

It was a tiny joint, Rickles recalled of the nightclub. Everybody sat in rocking chairs. People would say, Go see this guy, he says everything.

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PHOTOS: Behind-the-scenes Classic Hollywood

Sinatra, who was appearing down the street at the famous Fontainebleau Hotel, walked in one night while Rickles was on stage. The comedian saw him and said, Make yourself at home, Frank. Hit somebody.

He laughed like crazy, Rickles said. We became great friends. We always had a good time. He loved my attitude and humor. He was amazingly loyal. Thats what I loved about him. He had a tough side, but he would do anything if he was your friend. When he walked into a restaurant, everything would stop. He had such great charisma.

Though his ironic nickname is Mr. Warmth because of his caustic humor, in reality Rickles is a pussycat. Over coffee at a Beverly Hills hotel lounge recently, Rickles couldnt be nicer. Hes 87 now and as sharp as ever. His back isnt in the best of shape, but that doesnt stop him from making 25 to 50 stand-up appearances a year. In fact, hes been a mainstay in Las Vegas since 1959.

My wife, Barbara, is great, he said. She arranges when I do work that I have a day off between performances.

Rickles has been in New York this week doing David Letterman and two stand-up gigs, including one Saturday night in Westbury, N.Y., with Regis Philbin. On Monday, hes receiving the Friars Club Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy at a gala at the Waldorf Astoria. Among those scheduled to honor Rickles are his good friend Bob Newhart, Philbin, Kathy Griffin, John Mayer and Diana Krall.

PHOTOS: Hollywood Backlot moments

Hes no stranger to the famed private club known for its ribald roasts of actors and comedians. Rickles was roasted by the club in 1968, and his picture hangs on the clubs wall of fame. He was also one of the frequent guests on the sanitized Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts that aired on NBC in the 1970s.

But unlike the roasts, the gala is much more circumspect to the honoree.

Bruce Charet, the Scribe of the club, said that Rickles is of the generation that made the Friars famous. He is sort of the last man standing from the Rat Pack-Sinatra generation. Hes truly one of the greats from that generation and has become an iconic figure for two generations that have come after him. He is the coolest 87-year-old man on the planet.

In fact, Rickles has never gone out of style. He earned an Emmy five years ago for John Landis HBO documentary Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project. Hes known to children far and wide as the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story blockbusters. He even worked with director Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro in 1995s Casino.

Rickles has gone high-tech. He has his own app and more than 115,000 followers on Twitter. I write my own tweets, he says.

Rickles didnt set out to become a comedian. After serving in the U.S. Navy in the Philippines in World War II, he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York with fellow students Grace Kelly, Jason Robards and Anne Bancroft.

PHOTOS: Celebrity portraits by The Times

I started to get a bit of television, he said. I was always making the rounds, but I could never get to Broadway.

So he turned to comedy. And in those early years, he appeared in more than a few dives.

I played one place called the High Hat or the Tip Top, and the boss used to sit in the front in his bathrobe and spit on the floor while I was working, he said. That will give you an idea of the places I played. You always had to dress in the kitchen.

He started out doing jokes and impersonations but never really enjoyed the latter because so many other comics were doing it.

All of a sudden -- it wasnt planned -- I would get through doing some impersonations and [Id see] someone sitting in the audience. I would say, Charlie, the tie. Please take the tie off. Youre making a jerk of yourself. I started talking to the audience and then my style developed. I have things I always say and things I never said before in my life.

And hes always written his material.

If something strikes me as funny, Ill put it in my performance. I always have a beginning, a middle and an end, but in between it changes.

Just as he was making his mark as a comic, Rickles did get some decent acting roles -- making his film debut in Robert Wises 1958 World War II submarine drama Run Silent, Run Deep with Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster.

Gable was great, he said. We had a lot of fun. When he came out of his trailer, he would be in a Brooks Brothers suit and a tie. People used to stand in line to see him get in his car! The magic of a star in those days. It was completely different.

susan.king@latimes.com
Hood by Air is putting things on pause.The streetwear brand and collective, which was cofounded by Shayne Oliver and Leilah Weinraub, revealed this afternoon that it would be put on hiatus effective immediately.

Oliver will concentrate on his new role at Helmut Lang, where he will create a special mens and womens collection that will be unveiled in September. The designer canceled his Paris womens fashion show this past February.

Weinraub, who was the companys chief executive officer, will focus on filmmaking and her directorial career with her project Shakedown, which is featured in the Whitney Biennial and debuted in May.

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Oliver, who spent his childhood in Trinidad but moved to Brooklyn during his formative years, started producing Hood by Air T-shirts in 2007. He took a break from the brand in 2008 but reintroduced the line in 20012 as a lifestyle collection. It quickly gained a cult following with celebrities including Kanye West, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, who wore his pieces.

The fashion world followed and was taken with his subversive runway shows and fluid fashion. Oliver was nominated as a finalist in 2014 for the LVMH Young Designers Award and showed his mens collection at Pitti Uomo in 2015. He helped usher in the luxury streetwear category thats still pushing retail today.

Signs that the brand wasnt doing well began to emerge once Oliver cancelled his womens show in Paris this past February. Since launching the brand Oliver has refused outside investments.

I want to emulate businesses of heritage luxury brands like Prada and Louis Vuitton, Oliver previously told WWD. They are fashion concepts that came out of the necessity of products, like Vuitton luggage. I see logo shirts as the necessity that built this brand, and I want to stay true to what were known for.

He might be able to do that at Helmut Lang, a brand Oliver has long admired, where he will have more resources and support.
Twenty-two year-old Tyler Clinton, nephew of Hillary and Bill Clinton, is now a full-fledged male model. The son of President Clintons half-brother, Roger Clinton Jr., has signed with IMG. The news was posted on IMGs Instagram page on Tuesday evening.

The young Clinton has just under 3,500 followers on Instagram as of press time and only 81 posts, though his brand-new contract (and notoriety) likely means that wont stay the same for long. Curiously, Tylers account is listed as a non-profit organization by the social media site.

A deep dive into Tylers Instagram yields no photos of his aunt in action this past election season, but he does have a few photos with Uncle Bill  one of the two of them from February, tagged in Chappaqua, N.Y., is captioned simply boys day.

Other family mentions include a January 2014 photo from the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Ark., as well as a photo of Uncle Bill receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2013.

Tylers father, Roger Clinton Jr., is an actor whose most recent credit was for 2007s Fred Claus, in which he appeared as himself.

According to IMG, Tyler is 5 11 1/2 with blue-green eyes, light brown hair and size 10.5 shoes  necessary details for all casting agents.

IMG is behind some of the most famous models today, including the Hadid sisters and Karlie Kloss. Will Tyler follow suit and blow up?

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Cringe-worthy Pepsi ad uses Kendall Jenner, protests and police to sell soda
If youre planning on dining out for Easter brunch, we have more than a few options. That also means no dishes for you, and more time to run around an Easter egg hunt. The restaurants below are organized by neighborhood.

Downtown

71 Above will serve brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Brunch is $45 per adult and $25 for children ages 12 and younger. Reservations are now available via Opentable.com only. Menu highlights include shakshuka, smoked salmon tartine and a charred octopus hash. 633 W. 5th St., 71st Floor, (213) 712-2683, 71above.com.

Chaya DTLA will serve a brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The buffet is $55 for adults and $20 for children ages 10 and younger. Highlights include oysters, crab, sushi and free-flowing Champagne. 525 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, (213) 236-9577, www.thechaya.com.

Cliftons will have Easter specials at some of its cafeteria stations, including rainbow deviled eggs, carved prime rib and honey-roasted carrots. 648 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 627-1673, www.cliftonsla.com.

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Le Petit Paris will serve a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with pastries, eggs Benedict, quiche, chocolate eggs and a chocolate fondue fountain for dessert. Bottomless mimosas will be available for $15, bottomless Bellinis are $16, bottomless bloody Marys are $18 and bottomless Champagne is $35. The buffet is $59 per adult and $29 per child ages 10 and younger. 418 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, (213) 217-4445, lepetitparisla.com.

Pitchoun! Bakery will serve a spring salad with tuna rillette, a pesto pancake topped with mozzarella and blueberry eclairs. 545 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, (213) 689-3240, www.pitchounbakery.com.

Harbor

Fuego at Hotel Maya in Long Beach will serve a brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brunch is $75 per adult and $27 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger eat for free. Unlimited sparkling wine, mimosas or cider is also included. Highlights include waffle and omelet stations as well as a taco station. 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, (562) 481-3910, hotelmayalongbeach.com.

Michaels on Naples will serve a $50, four-course holiday menu with seafood risotto, lamb belly and panna cotta. Brunch will be available between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 5620 E. 2nd St., Long Beach, (562) 439-7080, www.michaelsonnaples.com.

Hollywood

Paley will serve its regular brunch menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., along with some Easter specials including Peeps-inspired marshmallows and a Cadbury-inspired egg-shaped devils food cake. 6115 Sunset Blvd., Suite 100, Los Angeles, (323) 544-9430, www.paleyhollywood.com.

The Pikey will serve its signature brunch menu along with specials such as a spring lamb hash and a house-smoked ham. Bottomless bloody Marys and mimosas will be available for $15. Brunch will be served between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. The restaurant will also serve a Sunday roast dinner with a maple-glazed Easter ham, available between 3:30 and 8 p.m. 7617 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 850-5400, thepikeyla.com.

Public Kitchen and Bar inside the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel will serve a Champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brunch is $65 for adults ($85 if you include bottomless mimosas) and $25 for children age 12 and younger. Highlights include a carving station with honey baked ham, omelets and roasted cauliflower. The Hollywood Roosevelt, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com/about/food-drink/public-kitchen-bar.

Northeast L.A.

Cafe Birdie in Highland Park will have brunch specials between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., including deviled eggs with Dungeness crab; and green eggs and ham. The restaurant will also be open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. with specials such as lamb kufta. 5631 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, (323) 739-6928, cafebirdiela.com.

South Bay

Love & Salt will serve its regular brunch menu along with specials that include rye toast with griddled mortadella, fontina and eggs and a spelt carrot cake. Brunch will be served between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, (310) 545-5252, www.loveandsaltla.com.

Shade Manhattan Beach will have an omelet, pancake and pasta station, as well as a menu of traditional breakfast items including eggs Benedict. For dessert, there will be a chocolate fountain. 1221 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, (310) 546-4995, mb.shadehotel.com.

Shade Redondo Beach will serve French toast, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and charcuterie at its Sea Level restaurant. There will also be a taco station with carnitas. 655 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, (310) 921-8950, rb.shadehotel.com.

Terranea Resort will serve a brunch buffet priced at $105 per adult and $47 per child. (Children younger than 5 eat for free.) Highlights include an omelet and egg station, a carving station and a dessert station. Tickets for brunch can be purchased online. Reservations for brunch seatings are available at 9:30, 10 and 10:30 a.m., 1:, 1:30 and 2 p.m. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, (310) 494-7891, www.terranea.com.

Glendale

Bourbon Steak Los Angeles at the Americana at Brand in Glendale will have a $65, three-course prix-fixe menu. Highlights include grilled asparagus with Hollandaise, crab cake Louie, French toast with peanut butter and a wood-grilled Prime New York strip steak. 237 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, (818) 839-4130, www.michaelmina.net.

Westside

1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach will serve brunch and dinner, both priced at $95 per person. The prix-fixe menu includes tagliatelle with braised Muscovy duck, Mediterranean striped sea bass, New England lamb chops, and for dessert, a puff pastry almond tartlet. 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 587-1717, www.shuttersonthebeach.com/dining/one-pico.

208 Rodeo will serve brunch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with caramelized banana and Frangelico French toast, ricotta and mixed berry tartines and mojitos. 208 Via Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 275-2428, 208rodeo.com.

AR Cucina in Culver City will serve brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. There will be an a la carte menu with specials including Easter bread filled with colored eggs, polenta cake Benedict and an Italian-style quiche with ricotta and Swiss chard. 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City, (310) 558-8800, www.arcucina.com.

Baltaire in Brentwood will serve brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brunch is $85 per person and includes pastries, eggs Benedict, lobster mac and cheese and a carving station with USDA prime rib. Bloody Mary carts will be making the rounds, and the full brunch cocktail list will be available. 11647 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, (424) 273-1660, baltaire.com.

The Bazaar by chef Jose Andres and Tres at Jose Andres, both at the SLS Beverly Hills hotel, will serve Easter specials. Tres will serve brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Bazaar will have diner from 4 to 8:45 p.m. Brunch at Tres is $75 for adults and $35 for children. Highlights include a slow-roasted lamb shoulder and cheddar grits. The Bazaar will serve a 12-course tasting menu priced at $95 per person. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 246-5551 (Tres) | (310) 246-5555 (the Bazaar), slshotels.com/beverlyhills.

Belcampo Meat Co. will serve an a la carte Easter brunch menu at its Santa Monica location with bacon French toast, breakfast bowls, a mortadella grilled cheese and a breakfast burger. 1026 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, (424) 744-8008, www.belcampo.com/restaurant/santa-monica.

The Belvedere inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel will serve a $135 brunch that includes unlimited Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne. Brunch is $65 for children ages 12 and younger. All dishes will be served family-style and include leek and wild mushroom risotto, goat cheese and walnut fritters and wood-roasted veal. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 788-2306, beverlyhills.peninsula.com.

Bouchon will serve brunch between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. An a la carte menu will be available along with some Easter specials, including chicken and waffles, steak and eggs and croque madame. There will also be a bunny petting zoo in the Champagne room from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 235 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 271-9910, www.thomaskeller.com/bouchonbeverlyhills.

Boxwood at the London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills will serve a $65, three-course menu. Brunch will be served between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Menu highlights include a basil-crusted lamb porterhouse steak, asparagus soup and crab toasts with green papaya. 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 358-7788, www.thelondonwesthollywood.com/dining.

Catch at Hotel Casa Del Mar will serve a $95 prix-fixe brunch of Dungeness crab crostini, lobster cake eggs Benedict and banana cream pie. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, (310) 581-5533, www.hotelcasadelmar.com/dining/catch.

Craft will serve a $60, three-course prix-fixe brunch with sweet and savory pastries, smoked pork belly with pea tendrils, crispy polenta with tomatillo relish and flat iron steak with eggs. Brunch will be served between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 10100 Constellation Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 279-4180, www.craftlosangeles.com.

Charcoal Venice will serve brunch between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Menu highlights include grilled cucumber gazpacho, huevos rancheros and a smoked short rib sandwich. 425 Washington Blvd., Venice, (310) 751-6794, www.charcoalvenice.com.

Chaya Venice will serve a $55, three-course prix-fixe menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Brunch is $20 for children. Menu highlights include a King crab omelet and steak and eggs. 110 Navy St., Venice, (310) 396-1179, www.thechaya.com.

The District by Hannah An will serve a $45 prix-fixe menu with fried lobster and noodles. The menu comes with a complimentary drink, or you can pay $10 for unlimited bloody Marys or mimosas. 8722 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (310) 278-2345, thedistrictbyha.com.

Fundamental L.A. will serve brunch between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The menu includes chilaquiles, steak and eggs and avocado toast. 1303 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 444-7581, fundamental-la.com.

Georgie at the Montage Beverly Hills will serve an $88, four-course menu. Brunch is $38 for children. Highlights include oysters, panzanella and an herb-marinated leg of lamb. 225 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 860-7970, www.georgierestaurant.com.

Herringbone in Santa Monica will serve an a la carte menu with brunch specials, including a rack of lamb, and an arctic char with grilled endive. 1755 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 971-4460, herringboneeats.com/locations/santa-monica.

Ivory on Sunset will serve Easter brunch specials including shrimp and grits, duck Benedict and biscuits and gravy. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 848-6000, ivoryonsunset.com.

Mr. C Beverly Hills will host its annual brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The buffet is $115 per person with an additional $35 for unlimited mimosas. Highlights include two carving stations, omelets and a bellini and bloody Mary bar. The price for children age 12 to 5 is $49 and kids age four and younger eat for free.1224 Beverwil Drive, Los Angeles, (877) 334-5623, mrchotels.com.

Nerano chef Michael Lisi will prepare a menu di Paques to celebrate Easter with a frittata, pappardelle with wild boar ragu and a torta della nonna pie filled with vanilla pastry cream and pine nuts. The menu will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at dinner from 5 p.m. 9960 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 405-0155, neranobh.com.

Ocean Prime Beverly Hills will serve Easter brunch specials including crab and English muffins and braised short rib surf and turf with a lobster claw. 9595 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 859-4818, www.ocean-prime.com/locations/beverly-hills.

Petrossian in West Hollywood will serve dyed eggs royale (scrambled egg served in an eggshell) topped with caviar, in addition to its regular menu. 321 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 271-6300 www.petrossian.com.

Tavern will serve brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. Both will feature items from the restaurants a la carte menu, including lemon ricotta pancakes, shakshouka and steak frites. Chef-owner Suzanne Goin and Caroline Stynes other restaurant, A.O.C., will serve brunch and dinner, while Lucques will serve dinner. 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 806-6464, www.tavernla.com.

Toscana will serve its regular a la carte menu along with Easter specials that include a spinach and ricotta torta and a roasted Colorado rack of lamb. The restaurant will also be open for dinner. The adjacent Bar Toscana will be open as well from 5:30 p.m. 11633 San Vicente Blvd., No. 100, Los Angeles, (310) 820-2448, www.toscanabrentwood.com.

The Tuck Room Tavern will serve brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with the regular menu, chef Sherry Yard will be serving her signature Brunch Boxes, which include an entree and a beverage (this can be anything from house punch to Sangria to a bloody Mary). 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 307-7004, www.thetuckroom.com.

The Wallace in Culver City is extending its brunch hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Specials include a rabbit leg hash and Belgian waffles. 3833 Main St., Culver City, (310) 202-6400, www.thewallacela.com.

San Fernando Valley

The Gallery in Westlake will have a Champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an omelet bar, a prime rib and honey-baked ham carving station and pancakes. Bottomless Champagne is included. Brunch is $45 for adults and $20 for children ages 10 and younger. 30768 Russell Ranch Road, No. C, Westlake Village, (818) 889-1338, www.thegallerywestlake.com.

Laurel Point in Studio City will serve a special brunch menu with lobster toast, crab cake Benedict and a crab-stuffed lobster. 12050 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 796-6336, www.thepointseafood.com.

Province and Mediterraneo Restaurant, both at the Westlake Village Inn, will serve brunch. Province will have a buffet from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The price is $80 per adult and $20 per child ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger eat for free. At Mediterraneo, there will be a $47, two-course menu that includes a glass of Champagne. Guests at both restaurants can participate in an Easter egg hunt, petting zoo and more. 31943 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, (818) 889-1460, www.westlakevillageinn.com | (818) 889-9105, www.med-rest.com.

Santa Monica Mountains

Carbon Beach Club at Malibu Beach Inn will have a $90, three-course menu. Highlights include baked eggplant with brie, churro French toast and ricotta fritters. 22878 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310) 460-7509, www.malibubeachinn.com/dining.

Saddle Peak Lodge will serve a $68, three-course brunch. The price for children ages 12 and younger is $45. Menu highlights include roasted apple salad with chicory, smoked salmon toast and eggs Benedict. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, (818) 388-2222, www.saddlepeaklodge.com.

Jenn.Harris@latimes.com

@Jenn_Harris_

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A funding formula signed into law four years ago has mostly leveled the playing field among the states school districts, a report released Thursday found  but the money is not necessarily going to the neediest students.

The Local Control Funding Formula, championed by California Gov. Jerry Brown, was intended to remedy educational inequities by giving districts extra money based on how many of their students were in high-needs categories: low-income children, foster youth and English learners.



For the record: An earlier version of this story stated that a law firm named Public Counsel had filed complaints against school districts regarding their use of specific funding stream. The complaints were filed by the nonprofit law firm Public Advocates.

It is controversial, but it is right and its fair, Brown said at the time.

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Advocates and parents hailed the formula as progressive and called it a potential model for states across the U.S.

What the report released by Education Trust-West  an Oakland-based nonprofit that advocates for educational equity  found was that districts with the highest concentrations of poor students indeed were now receiving more funding on average than wealthier districts.

However, the neediest schools within those poor districts are not always the ones getting extra resources. In some cases, these gaps have widened, the report found.

In the 2004-2005 school year, the districts with the highest poverty rates received $653 less per student than those with the lowest poverty rates; by 2015-2016, the poorer districts were getting $334 more than their counterparts.

In L.A., thousands of parents fought for the local control formula, said Ryan Smith, executive director for Education Trust-West. Id hate for parents to think they fought for nothing.

Statewide, schools now have smaller class sizes, more counselors and offer more rigorous courses than before the funding formula went into effect.

But in the 2014-2015 school year, 60% of the poorest high schools had counselors, compared with 75% of more affluent campuses. Richer high schools had three times as many librarians as poorer ones. And 70% of the poorest high schools offered physics, compared with 90% of the wealthiest ones.

In doing its analysis, Education Trust-West compared state and local revenues for the quarter of California districts with the highest concentrations of poor students and the quarter of districts with the lowest rates of such students. The researchers also examined staff assignment ratios in individual schools.

But Mike Kirst, president of the California state Board of Education, countered that schools have made progress since 2014-2015, the last year for which staffing information is available.

We hope that EdTrust-West will follow up with a similar report in the future that draws conclusions based on the full LCFF picture, he said in a statement.

California is continuing to work on issues of equity in education, Kirst said, pointing out that the new California School Dashboard  the color-coded online schools report card  allows districts to enhance accountability by including student outcomes in relation to funding.

Thursdays report comes amid allegations that several school districts have misused extra dollars received under the new law.

The watchdog group Public Advocates has filed claims on behalf of parents in seven districts, including L.A. Unified and Long Beach Unified. The group filed the Long Beach complaint this week, alleging the district had misspent as much as $40 million in funding earmarked for targeted populations on district-wide programming this year alone.

Districts are using the extra money to plug budget holes as healthcare and pension costs increase, the Education Trust-West report found.

Resources alone arent enough for us to close the achievement and opportunity gaps, Smith said. If you want to be an equity-based school district, you have to go beyond expenditures. Its hard for us to determine if all districts have actually moved there.

Because of outdated and hard-to-read accounting systems, Smith said, its nearly impossible to know exactly how school districts are spending their extra money.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

Joy.Resmovits@LATimes.com

@Joy_Resmovits

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In the hills of Baja California, Michael Wall and Jim Berrian found a creature thats the stuff of nightmares for most people: a cave spider nearly the size of a tarantula.

For the two San Diego Natural History Museum researchers, it was an exciting windfall  an unknown arachnid as wide across as a softball.

This is the type of spider that a lot of people would shriek and run from, Wall said of its thick, fang-like structures, hairy, inch-long body and legs stretching 4 inches across.

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Berrian, however, described it in more flattering terms. I think its a really pretty spider, he said. The head and legs are kind of a chocolate brown. The abdomen is a dull yellow. And its kind of plain, but very striking.

After confirming the spider as a new species, the researchers named it Califorctenus cacachilensis after the Sierra Cacachilas mountain range where they found it, and published the discovery in the journal Zootaxa last month.

There are 1.1 million species of insects and spiders that have been scientifically described, but an estimated 4 million species are yet to be identified and named, Wall said. So encountering a new type of spider isnt necessarily unusual.

The odds of discovering a new species are pretty high, Wall said. But  generally, [most] new species discovered are itty-bitty things that people dont pay attention to, so given the size of this spider, that was surprising.

Berrian first saw shed exoskeletons of the species in a grotto in the Cacachilas during a 2013 expedition, and was on the lookout for a live specimen. Soon he and Wall found one in a nearby cave, and another in an abandoned mine shaft. Ranchers with broad knowledge of the areas wildlife hadnt seen it before, but the researchers kept searching. They spotted more of them in the concrete pit of an old outhouse and others in secluded crevices.

Once we knew that they were in these dark, reclusive places, we started targeting those and ended up finding more of them, Wall said.

They located about two dozen, Berrian said, and brought back about eight specimens.

Convinced that the spider was unlike others in the area, but unsure what it was, they consulted Mexican entomologist Maria Jimenez to nail down its taxonomy. She concluded that the new species belongs to the family of wandering spiders, which includes the Brazilian wandering spider, known for its potent, sometimes lethal venom.

Cacachilensis looks as if it could wield an impressive bite as well. Theyre pretty meaty, Wall said. They do have clearly visible fangs.

Under rows of black eyes, the spider has hairy pincers that can deliver a venomous sting. Thats how the wandering spiders, named for their habit of roaming for prey, hunt for food and defend themselves.

Its intimidating, and that can be enough for a lot of things to leave you alone, except loony-toon arachnologists, Berrian said.

And, unlike its Brazilian cousin, he discovered that cacachilensis doesnt seem to be lethal.

I was bitten by one of these spiders down in Baja, he said. It was like being poked by a cactus spine and a little mild pain, but it went away in a few hours.

The spiders discovery came during a series of expeditions by researchers at the San Diego Natural History Museum to explore and catalog the flora and fauna of remote regions of Baja. They believe the species is unique  or endemic  to certain areas of the Baja Peninsula. So that makes it an important find in terms of research and conservation of the region.

This spider has a very small range, Berrian said. Along with other endemics  birds and reptiles  altogether, it tells a story of the uniqueness of that area. And we can use that to justify protection.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com

Brennan writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune
The Los Angeles City Council is preparing a new weapon to use against visitors who yell, play recording devices or cause other disruptions at City Hall: trespassing charges.

The council voted unanimously Wednesday to instruct City Atty. Mike Feuer to prepare legal language that would give officers an additional tool to remove members of the public from any municipal building.

Council President Herb Wesson, who authored the proposal, said the specifics have yet to be worked out. But he argued that officers need the ability to arrest, cite or eject individuals who violate decorum rules.

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This basically gives us the ability to maintain order, Wesson said. You could have an individual now running up and down the hallway here hollering, and we could ask them to be quiet. Basically, this would say, Youre trespassing, please stop.

Misdemeanor trespassing carries penalties of up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. In Los Angeles, it can also be treated as an infraction, which would result in a small fine, said Feuer spokesman Frank Mateljan.

One attorney warned the councils proposal could raise serious issues of free speech, freedom of assembly and the right to petition the government, depending on how its worded.

It will depend on how they frame this ... but given the history of the City Council and what theyve done in the past, you have to be suspicious, said civil rights lawyer Stephen Rohde, who has represented City Hall critics who were ejected from public meetings.

The initiative drew sharp criticism from some of the councils more frequent visitors. Former mayoral candidate Eric Preven, who speaks frequently at council meetings, voiced alarm at the idea of pursuing trespassing charges against people visiting a public building.

City Hall is the peoples house. We pay for it, he said. And so it doesnt seem warranted to increase the penalty for breaking the rules when rules at City Hall are already famously politicized.

Several council members already have signs in the lobbies of their offices warning visitors that they will be asked to leave if they engage in intimidation or interfere with workers activities. Those who refuse to leave will be subject to arrest and prosecution under the states trespassing law, the signs say.

Wednesdays vote follows a series of incidents involving audience members at public meetings. Last year, police arrested attorney Wayne Spindler on suspicion of making threats after he submitted a speaker card to Wesson featuring the N-word and a drawing of a lynching.

No charges were filed. But Wesson, who is African American, obtained a restraining order against Spindler and last week, prosecutors filed a criminal charge against Spindler for illegal possession of an assault weapon.

Spindler argued that officials are retaliating against him for filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit alleges city officials violated Spindlers free speech and other constitutional rights as they responded to his comment card.

In another incident last year, officers confiscated a blade from another audience member at a council committee meeting. Although no arrest occurred, the speaker was kicked out of the meeting for dancing in the aisle and waving a stuffed bear.

Wesson spokeswoman Vanessa Rodriguez said the council already has the power to remove unruly audience members from public meetings. Adding trespassing language to its ordinance would allow officers to enforce existing rules of decorum for non-public gathering disturbances, she said.

Wesson portrayed the initiative as a public safety matter. School groups taking field trips to City Hall have reported instances when children were scared by other members of the public, he said.

We have people who come up to them with masks on and spook the children, he added.

david.zahniser@latimes.com

Twitter: @DavidZahniser

Times staff writer Emily Alpert Reyes contributed to this report.
A man was fatally shot Wednesday evening at a northeast Los Angeles park, authorities said.

The gunfire was reported just before 9 p.m. at San Pasqual Park in the Highland Park neighborhood, said Officer Sal Ramirez, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene near San Pascual Avenue and Comet Street, Ramirez said. His identity and age were not released.

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Two suspected gunmen were seen running away from the park.

Its unclear what led to the slaying, which is the third in Highland Park in the last 12 months, according to The Times Homicide Report database.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno
As news broke that the man suspected of killing a Los Angeles County sheriffs sergeant was thought to be hiding in her Lancaster neighborhood, Sara Arrowsmith received a text that still haunts her months later: Hes in the house, Mom.

Minutes earlier, according to prosecutors, Trenton Trevon Lovell had wounded Sgt. Steve Owen, then stood over the officer before pumping four fatal shots into his body. Then for 90 tense minutes, Arrowsmith said, he by turns threatened and sought help from her son and daughter.

Nancy Arrowsmith-Hart and Trevor Hart, now 20 and 18, were among several Los Angeles County residents presented with Courageous Citizen Awards on Wednesday by Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey at a ceremony in Pasadena.

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Their quick thinking saved, not only themselves, but also others, Lacey said.

By the time a wounded Lovell broke into Arrowsmiths house, his shirt was soaked in blood. He told Nancy and Trevor that he had been robbed and needed medical help, authorities said.

The siblings gave Lovell a change of clothes, but he refused to leave and threatened them at knife-point, Arrowsmith told The Times in an interview last year.

Eventually, Nancy faked a panic attack  creating a diversion that allowed Trevor to message his mother.

Deputies were able to pinpoint Lovells location and closed in. When the suspect stepped outside, Trevor locked him out of the house.

Lovell, 27, was arrested and charged with gunning down Owen in October after the sergeant responded to a reported break-in. L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell called it a calculated execution.

A preliminary hearing in the case will be scheduled on Thursday.

Though her children were not hurt, Arrowsmith said, the events of that day have had an effect on the family. Nancy and her parents have entered counseling, and Trevor has begun taking mixed martial arts classes.

The sounds of helicopters, I dont think any of us like them anymore because thats all we heard that day. But theyre OK, she said of her children. Theyre amazing. Theyre strong.

The district attorney on Wednesday also presented awards to Angelica, Sergio and Javier Hernandez of Duarte, who fought off a man who was beating his wife with a belt and ripping at her hair.

The victim in the May 2015 incident refused to testify, but the Hernandez familys statements ultimately led the man to plead no contest to kidnapping and spousal abuse, prosecutors said. He was sentenced to three years in state prison.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
A Riverside County man was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on charges that he coerced six boys between the ages of 12 and 15 to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos.

Francisco Javier Soledad, 24, of Eastvale is facing a 17-count indictment that alleges he produced, distributed, possessed and advertised child pornography, as well as used social media to induce minors to engage in criminal sexual acts, according to a statement by the U.S. attorneys office.

Soledad was arrested in March after federal prosecutors filed a complaint that accused him of producing child pornography involving a 13-year-old boy.

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According to court documents, Soledad last year adopted different online personas across social media to persuade minors in five states to share sexually explicit content of themselves.

The documents allege that Soledad told one victim that he would publicly post the images online after the victim refused to send additional photos and blocked him on one social media website.

Soledad did publish one nude image of a victim on Twitter, court documents allege.

Law enforcement are still working to identify all the children Soledad allegedly exploited after a search found more than 5,000 photos and videos of suspected child pornography on his electronic devices, officials said.

Soledad is scheduled to be arraigned on April 12 and is out on a $170,000 bond.

jeff.landa@latimes.com

Twitter: @JeffLanda
If its not drought thats keeping the flowers down, its the visitors.

After a record series of winter storms buried the Sierra Nevada in snow and filled rivers and lakes to the brim, a super bloom of desert flowers has sprouted in long-parched Southern California and painted the landscape in swaths of bright red, orange, yellow and purple.

The eruption of flora  perhaps the largest in more than a decade  has drawn a steady stream of eager flower-peepers, including naturalists, tourists and hordes of amateur photographers seeking the perfect trophy shot for their social media accounts.

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Unfortunately, this extraordinary bloom has also caused many visitors to stray from established foot paths and sent them tromping through fields of California poppies and other flowers, crushing their delicate petals and stems.

1 / 16 Mike Lightner, 65, of Boulder, Colo., photographs flowers at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 16 Dune Evening Primrose blooms in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 16 Beetles climb in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 16 Sand Verbena blooms in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 16 Desert Lily blooms in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 16 David Jacobson, of Hollywood, kisses Daisy Gonzalez, of La Mirada, next to the the dragon sculpture in Anza Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 16 Ethan Greiner, 3, of Escondido, plays in the sand in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 16 Dune evening primrose blooms at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 16 Desert sunflowers buds at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 16 Desert sunflowers at Anza=Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 16 Mike Lightner, 65, of Boulder, Colo., photographs flowers at Anza=Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 16 Heidi Greiner of Escondido gives her son Evan Greiner a lift at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 16 A close-up of a California Poppy in a field at Walker Canyon Temescal Mountains near Lake Elsinore in Riverside County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 16 A California Poppy field in Walker Canyon Temescal Mountains near Lake Elsinore in Riverside County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 16 The hillsides are filled with California Poppies at Walker Canyon Temescal Mountains near Lake Elsinore in Riverside County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 16 Sok Lan of Long Beach sits in the California Poppy field in Walker Canyon Temescal Mountains, in Riverside County. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Initially, state and local park managers viewed the spike in visitor traffic as a boon. Now, however, some are finding it a nightmare as they struggle to preserve the ephemeral blooms amid growing crowds.

At Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County, park officials were forced to close a section of the mile-long wildflower trail because visitors were marching off the path to snap photos.

We had literally thousands of people a day coming out to visit in a couple weeks. Weve never seen it this busy, said Wendy Picht, a senior environmental specialist with the Metropolitan Water District, which manages Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County. But at the same time, it was a little bit too much.

The trail, opened Feb. 24, drew a trickle of visitors at first. But that rapidly grew as word spread of what this years historic rainfall had wrought. By March 29, operators ordered the trail closed because of wildflower losses.

Maintenance repairs on Diamond Valley Lake's wildflower trail are complete. Trail will be open through the season https://t.co/64sVWuCm7S pic.twitter.com/44oMRHeg7Y  MWD of SoCal (@mwdh2o) April 5, 2017

The trail was reopened Wednesday  a week later. This time, however, signs were posted in four languages warning hikers to stay on the footpath, and volunteers were stationed along the trail to guide people.

The poppy fields draw the most eyes, Picht said. The flowers last the longest and are brighter than other area species, such as baby blue eyes, arroyo lupine, caterpillar phacelia and Canterbury bells.

It happened sort of suddenly, people started disregarding the rules and trail guides, Picht said. You cant really blame them, but at the same time, we couldnt allow that.

Her concerns were echoed in the high desert, where throngs of visitors have trekked to the California Poppy Reserve to get the best photographs, an employee said.

A search on Instagram for #superbloom turns up more than 50,000 results with recent photos coming from local and state-run parks.

Some photos show visitors holding plucked bouquets of wildflowers, while others show them striking poses within the blooms.

Spent 3 hours in the car to take pictures for 30 minutes, one woman wrote on Instagram. The post included an image of her sitting in a bed of poppies.

Bloom where youre planted wrote a man who was photographed lying on his back with crushed petals next to his head.

Lancasters massive field of golden flowers has been popular on social media in recent weeks, and the effects are starting to show.

At least two new paths have emerged at the reserve from peoples continuous steps, and workers have had to add signs telling visitors to stay on the trail and to watch out for wildlife, a park employee said.

Meanwhile, at Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore, visitors have turned dusty highway shoulders into improvised parking lots. The area has few trails but offers plenty of flower-covered hillsides to amble through.

We even had folks parking on the freeway, Lake Elsinore city spokeswoman Nicole Dailey said. The land abuts the 15 Freeway so theyre taking it upon themselves to pull over to the shoulder.

Commuters have reported hour-long traffic jams because of the cars exiting into the canyon, she said.

A wave of visitors to Anza-Borrego State Park in San Diego brought similar issues last month, said Kathy Dice, the parks superintendent.

This was the first super bloom where we experienced the power of social media and the Internet, Dice said. This really drove our numbers beyond anything.

At the peak of the rush, some guests parked their cars on the side of the road or private property and left trash behind, she said.

That was the downside of the flower bloom, she lamented. The vast majority of people were great, but there are people who dont behave properly.

But not every park with a super bloom has shared the fate of those in Southern California.

At the Carrizo Plain National Monument in the Central Valley, a record number of visitors swarmed the park over the last month to see the best bloom in recent memory  but they also managed to behave, said Serena Baker, a spokeswoman for the federal Bureau of Land Management.

The visitor center had more than double its average guests over the weekend, and drivers eager to see the flowers filled the parking lot or stopped on side of the road leading into it, Baker said.

Despite the crowd sizes, people have been courteous and respectful, she said.

People have been really good; were really proud of them, she said.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

UPDATES:

3:10 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from officials at Carrizo Plain National Monument.

This article was originally published at 11:30 a.m.
San Diego Unified School District administrators and teachers will have calendars showing Islamic holidays, students will learn more about the religion in social studies classes and safe places will be created on campuses for Muslim students as part of a multi-tiered approach to combat Islamophobia.

Stan Anjan, the districts executive director of family and community engagement, said elements of the plan approved this week will be laid out before the end of the school year  with a goal of having it in place at the start of the fall semester.

Its more of a comprehensive program, not just a curriculum, he said. Were looking at it from a very integrated and holistic approach.

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The plan also calls for a different approach in disciplining students who bully Muslim students. Rather than detention, the school will use a restorative-justice method involving the student who did the bullying speaking with the other student.

A 2015 report released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations found that 55% of Muslim American students surveyed in California said they had been bullied because of their religion. In July, the San Diego school board directed district staff to work with CAIR in developing a plan to address the issue locally.

The district doesnt have data on how many of its students are Muslim. But a report Anjan presented to the board this week that included a breakdown of bullying incidents in the last six months of 2016 showed that seven were rooted in religion, although it did not specify the faiths of those involved. There were 36 reports for bullying because of race, followed by 21 for sex, 11 for LGBTQ identity and seven for disabilities.

Following a presidential campaign in which Donald Trump called for a ban on Muslim immigrants, Anjan said, hes seen more students wanting to work to create peaceful campuses.

Weve had students say they want to be leaders around equality issues, he said.

Hanif Mohebi, executive director of the San Diego office of CAIR, called the school boards vote this week an important first step.

If we do this right, San Diego Unified School District would be the leading school district in the nation to come up with a robust and beautiful anti-bully and anti-Islamophobic program, he said. Im really happy were going toward the right direction. I am excited but also careful and cautious, because the work ahead is something we will all be responsible for.

Warth writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT
The Pentagon ordered dozens of cruise missiles launched against an airfield in central Syria late Thursday in retaliation for a gruesome poison gas attack this week that U.S. officials said was carried out by President Bashar Assads forces.

President Trump authorized the attack, the most significant military action of his 11-week presidency, after he was briefed by Defense Secretary James N. Mattis in Palm Beach, Fla., where the president is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women and children, Trump said in a televised statement from his Mar-a-Lago retreat. Even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack. No child of God should ever suffer such horror.

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Tonight I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched, he added. It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.

The attack marks the first time the U.S. has deliberately targeted Assads military in Syrias multi-sided civil war, now in its seventh year. Until now, the U.S. has focused only on targeting Islamic State militants.

It marked a violent and abrupt reversal of Trumps previous hands-off stance toward Assad.

In effect, Trump was carrying out the policy that his predecessor, Barack Obama, had nearly executed, but backed away from, in the fall of 2013 after an even more deadly chemical weapons attack on civilians.

At the time, Trump had publicly urged Obama not to strike, saying that to do so without congressional approval would be a mistake.

But people who have spoken to Trump say he was deeply affected by the images of children choking to death as a result of the attack, which Turkish medical authorities, who treated many of the victims, said involved sarin nerve gas.

Trump said in a brief news conference this week that the attack had caused him to change his views about Assad.

That crosses many, many lines, Trump said Wednesday. Beyond a red line  many, many lines.

The strike was carried out by two Navy destroyers patrolling in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, which fired roughly 60 Tomahawk cruise missiles from hundreds of miles offshore, well out of range of Syrian air defenses, officials said.

The Porter, a destroyer that launched Tomahawk missiles during the opening stage of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, is in the region, along with the guided missile destroyer Ross.

The target was a military airfield, Shayrat, northeast of Damascus, that U.S. officials said was used to launch the lethal gas attack in Idlib Province on Tuesday. The field has two runways and a series of hardened shelters.

Targets included aircraft, fuel and weapons depots, and command and control facilities, officials said. Pentagon officials said they were assessing the results of the strikes, which hit the base before dawn Friday in Syria.

The strike was designed to be limited in nature and to damage facilities with minimal casualties, the officials made clear.

Every precaution was taken to execute this strike with minimal risk to personnel at the airfield, Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters. The strike was a proportional response.

The Russian military, which operates from the Shayrat base, was warned ahead of time, Davis said, and the area that the Russians are known to have used was carefully not targeted.

The U.S. has no plans for additional strikes for now, he added.

It will be the regimes choice if there are any more military strikes, Davis said. And it will be based upon their conduct going forward. We do not tolerate the use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians.

A military source in Syria confirmed the missile strike by the U.S., the Syrian Arab News Agency reported. One of our air bases in the central region at dawn today was hit with a missile strike by the United States of America, which led to losses.

It said the attack followed a propaganda campaign launched by a number of countries following the incident in Khan Sheikhoun.

The action drew mixed responses from leaders of both parties in the U.S., who have been deeply divided over Syria policy nearly for the length of the countrys civil war.

Members of Congress who have long argued for more direct U.S. military action against Assad, including Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Marco Rubio of Florida, hailed the attack.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said the strike was appropriate and just.

These tactical strikes make clear that the Assad regime can no longer count on American inaction as it carries out atrocities against the Syrian people, he said.

Hillary Clinton, whom Trump defeated in the presidential election, said in an appearance in New York several hours before the strikes were launched that she had long advocated attacking Syrias airfields.

But other Democrats chided Trump for acting without Congress approval.

So did Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). While we all condemn the atrocities in Syria, the United States was not attacked, he said.

The President needs Congressional authorization for military action as required by the Constitution, and I call on him to come to Congress for a proper debate.

Our prior interventions in this region have done nothing to make us safer, and Syria will be no different, he said.

Pentagon officials updated their Syria plans after an emergency meeting of the National Security Council late Wednesday, one day after U.S radar and surveillance systems detected a fixed-wing Syrian aircraft drop bombs near a hospital in the rebel-held area around Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, officials said.

Soon after the attack, photos and videos emerged on social media that showed lifeless bodies of children, eyes open, sprawled on the ground beside surviving victims with foam bubbling from their mouths as they gasped for air.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff met Thursday afternoon to consider the crisis and top congressional officials were briefed on the plans. The White House national security advisor, H.R. McMaster, was in Palm Beach with Trump.

Whether the strike Thursday will seriously affect Syrias capabilities remains to be seen.

Airstrikes on the runways that Syrian forces use to launch bombing missions would have only temporary, minimal impact, experts said.

Helicopters, which Syrian troops have used to drop improvised barrel bombs on civilian targets, can fly from almost anywhere.

Complicating the calculus, more than 1,000 U.S. troops now are deployed in Syria. Many are helping Syrian rebel militias fight against Islamic State, especially as they close in on the groups stronghold at Raqqah.

The U.S. attack could make the Americans targets for retaliation from Syrian troops.

In any case, a one-off strike would have no real impact, said Frederic C. Hof, a former Obama administration advisor on Syria and director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East at the Atlantic Council in Washington.

Its basically telling Assad Do what you want to civilians, just not with chemicals, he said. Well go back to where we were in 2013.

Any attack needs to be coupled with a diplomatic effort to get Russia to rein in Assads targeting of schools, marketplaces, and apartment blocks, Hof said, adding that otherwise, Assad will return to business as usual.

The options in Syria also have become more complex since 2015 because Russian and Iranian forces have poured in to help Assad. Any broader attack on his forces risks a confrontation with Russia, a nuclear-powered rival that Trump had hoped to recruit for the fight against Islamic State.

There were indications that the administration was losing patience with Russia.

It is very important that [the Russians] consider carefully their continued support for the Assad regime, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters.

Tillerson added there was no doubt in our minds that Assads government was responsible for the poison gas attack. He said there is no role for Assad in Syrias future, reversing the position he had expressed last week.

Tillerson will visit Moscow next week. Although the trip was previously planned, it will focus in part on Russias continued support for Assad, officials said Thursday.

Tillerson called his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Wednesday to hear Russias version of the Syria attack, a senior State Department official said.

Moscow has backed Assads claims that Syrian forces were not responsible, saying the toxic gas was released in an airstrike on a rebel storage facility.

At the United Nations Security Council, a draft resolution by the United States, France and Great Britain that condemns Assad was revised slightly on Russian insistence.

But Russia is likely to veto it, as it vetoed previous measures against Syrias use of chemical weapons.

tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com

For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter

ALSO

Syrias Assad was in a strong position a week ago. A suspected chemical attack changed everything

Syrias government was supposed to have gotten rid of its chemical weapons in 2014. So what happened?

Syrians confirm losses at air base following massive U.S. airstrike

UPDATES:

8:55 p.m.: The story was updated with comments from the Syrian Arab News Agency.

8:25 p.m.: The story was updated with further details from the Pentagon.

7:25 p.m.: The story was updated with comments from President Trump.

The story was originally published at 3:24 p.m.
In the wee hours of March 24, 1989, the channel connecting the Alaskan port of Valdez with Prince William Sound was riddled with icebergs shed from the deteriorating Columbia Glacier, a massive river of ice that had begun breaking apart only a few years earlier.

With an inexperienced third mate guiding the massive, oil-laden tanker, the Exxon Valdez swerved out of its designated shipping lane to avoid the ice. It was a standard maneuver carried out hundreds of times before.

But this time, on this night, before the third mate could correct course, the tanker careened into the rocky outcropping of Bligh Reef where it ultimately released roughly 11 million gallons of crude oil into the waters of Prince William Sound.

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That such a catastrophe might happen was not news to the company.

Beginning in 1975, the U.S. Geological Survey warned Exxon and its co-investors in the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System  including companies now part of BP and ConocoPhillips  that the glacier was becoming unstable.

What was triggering the glacier to drop icebergs at such a ferocious and ultimately disastrous pace was unclear at the time. But some scientists, even then, were beginning to look at climate changes role.

In 1978, a news article in the scientific journal Nature reported that the USGS was concerned that the glacier could, as a result of changing climatic conditions, experience a drastic retreat which might result in  a major hazard to shipping. Similar accounts of the USGS warnings appeared in the Los Angeles Times and Time magazine, among others.

In the decades following the accident, as Exxon publicly questioned the risks climate change posed both to society and its own operations and assets, a growing number of glaciologists identified climate as a factor in one of worlds largest and costliest environmental disasters.

While glaciers grow and retreat over decades and centuries, most of the planets glaciers are now shrinking at unprecedented rates, leading scientists to conclude with confidence that a changing climate is the culprit.

There is no question now that climate change is responsible for both the initial breakup of the glacier, due to decreased precipitation in the region and its continued retreat due to higher global temperatures, said Wendell Tangborn, a retired USGS geologist who studied the Columbia Glacier in the 1980s and 1990s.

In 2015, the Energy and Environment Reporting Project at Columbia Universitys Graduate School of Journalism and the Los Angeles Times documented the complicated relationship Exxon (today known as Exxon Mobil) had with climate change science, risk and disclosure during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. The website InsideClimate News also published an investigation into the companys early climate research.

The Exxon Valdez oil spill was one of the earliest and most devastating examples of the risks posed by a changing climate, many scientists now say  one that ultimately resulted in the polluting of a pristine sound, the destruction of local fisheries, and cost Exxon a total of $3.4 billion through 2008 in cleanup costs and court settlements.

A number of factors, including an inebriated captain who had retired to his stateroom, an overworked crew and lax regulatory oversight, led to the accident. But it was the icebergs from the deteriorating glacier that created the treacherous conditions that forced the ship to veer off course.

This story is the result of dozens of interviews with scientists, government officials and oil industry employees, as well as a review of documents obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Coast Guard, National Archives, National Transportation Safety Board, Vanderbilt University, University of Alaska and the Exxon Mobil Historical Collection at the University of Texas at Austins Briscoe Center for American History.

For the two decades following the Exxon Valdez disaster, the company worked quietly to safeguard its operations and infrastructure against steadily rising sea levels and thawing permafrost. Yet in public, it vociferously fought regulations and policies that would have limited fossil fuel emissions while publicly questioning the science behind climate change.

Investigations into the company have been launched by attorneys general in California, New York, Massachusetts and elsewhere concerning its disclosure of climate risks to shareholders for the last 40 years.

Alan Jeffers, an Exxon Mobil spokesman, challenged The Times and Columbias findings as false and misleading, and said in an email that on the issue of the glacier, there is no causal link between the Valdez oil spill and climate change.

In another email, Jeffers said the accident was one of the most investigated incidents in American maritime history, generating numerous lawsuits, trials, jury verdicts and court decisions. None of the parties in those cases, he said, accused Exxon of failing to disclose the alleged risks associated with the accident that you assert.

As we have stated many times, Exxon Mobil believes the risk of climate change is real and warrants action, Jeffers said.

::

The trail that led to the Exxon Valdez disaster began in 1968, when Humble Oil, one of two companies that would eventually consolidate to form Exxon, discovered a massive reservoir of crude oil in the Alaskan Arctic.

To get some of those 25 billion barrels to customers in California and elsewhere in the western United States, Exxon and its co-investors joined forces to build an 800-mile-long pipeline stretching from the oil field in Prudhoe Bay to the port of Valdez.

The port of Valdez was chosen as the endpoint of the pipeline mainly because it was considered ice-free, meaning it did not freeze during the winter, and was therefore safe for oil tanker traffic, according to an environment impact assessment at the time.

To reach the open waters of Prince William Sound, oil tankers had to traverse a narrow channel called the Valdez Arm and bypass the Columbia Glacier, which in the 1970s was considered stable.

But a year into construction, on Aug. 25,1975, a glaciologist for the U.S. Geological Survey created a stir with an appearance on the NBC nightly newscast.

Valdez was picked as a pipeline terminus because that bay is open year round, said Tom Brokaw, the network anchor introducing the segment. But, he added, that may not always be the case.

The glaciologist, Austin Post, told viewers the glacier was likely to begin a drastic retreat resulting in a massive ice pack moving out into Prince William Sound.

In other words, it was a major threat to the oil tankers navigating the Valdez waters.

Government regulators and the oil industry took note. The U.S. Coast Guard, which was responsible for shipping safety in Prince William Sound, began studying ways to prevent icebergs from entering shipping lanes. In one case, they suggested erecting a system of nylon cables to hold the ice back. But that plan and others were ultimately rejected as too costly or unworkable.

Posts predictions stirred the stockholders and the pipeline company, and the problem came rattling down the whole chain and landed on my desk, Richard Reger, a geologist contracted by Alyeska to look into the situation, recently recalled.

In December of 1975, Post and his boss, Mark Meier, the chief glaciologist at USGS, flew to Anchorage to meet with high-level executives at Alyeska and its member companies.

Abraham Mookhoek, Exxons representative at the meeting, was quite vocal and appeared to be genuinely impressed with the problem, Meier wrote in a memo after the meeting. Mookhoek was a naval architect who had experience in iceberg-choked waters.

But other company officials were less sure.

You know, there is nothing definite, William Fisken, an Alyeska official, said at a public forum the day after meeting with Meier and Post. It is like trying to forecast an earthquake.

Between 1977 and 1980, the USGS spent $1.3 million trying to figure out what would happen to the glacier. A team led by Meier and Post photographed it from the air and used radar to probe the glaciers interior.

What they found was concerning: The glacial edge had become so thin and pocked with horseshoe-shaped recesses that [i]rreversible, drastic retreat of Columbia Glacier is inevitable, Meier wrote in a memo.

The USGS put the glacier on hazard watch.

Three years later, in December 1983, the glacier began its predicted retreat.

In August 1984, Meier met again with representatives from Exxon and other oil companies at a Coast Guard office in Valdez.

He told the oil company representatives that 10 million tons of ice  a weight equivalent to about 27 Empire State Buildings  was falling off Columbia Glacier every day. That figure, he told them, would only increase over time.

::

Meier and Post, like most glaciologists at the time, knew that glaciers were sensitive to changes in climate.

Glaciers advance and retreat in response to subtle, persistent changes in climate, Meier wrote in a USGS paper in 1985. Thus, glaciers are indicators  perhaps the most sensitive in nature  of climatic change.

Mark realized really early on that theres a connection to climate change, as early as the 1980s or earlier, Shad ONeel, a USGS glaciologist who worked closely with Meier and Post, said in a recent interview. (Meier and Post both died in 2012).

Glaciers like Columbia, though, respond to climate change less directly than alpine, or landlocked glaciers. Known as tidewater glaciers, Columbia and its brethren exist in rocky valleys and stretch all the way down to the ocean.

The Columbia Glacier, one of several glaciers in southern Alaska named for East Coast colleges, stretched over a long and deep body of water, its edge resting on a wall of submerged rock that it had created by pushing the earth forward over the centuries as it flowed down Columbia Bay toward Prince William Sound.

That rocky ridge, Meier and Post theorized, worked like a gate keeping the glacier from spilling into the Sound. But if the glacier began to thin or retreat as a result of years of reduced snowfall or warming temperatures, the downward pressure from ice and snow on the surface would ease, making it unstable. The likely result, they said, was that the icebergs edge would slip off the wall into the water, uncorking a deluge of ice and icebergs into the shipping lanes out of Valdez.

Once that happened, the glaciologists predicted, nothing could stop it. The glacier would recede, spewing a relentless torrent of ice and bergs  some as large as 1,500 feet wide and 200 feet tall  into the water.

When Columbia started its drastic retreat, scientists began to look for a trigger.

In 1996, seven years after the Valdez disaster, the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council, an independent citizens group funded by Exxon and the other Alyeska oil companies, set in motion an ice monitoring project that sought, in part, to address the role climate played in the glaciers retreat.

A team led by retired USGS officials, including Post and Tangborn, concluded in a 2000 report that a combination of natural and human-induced climate change  a 25-year decrease in precipitation, warming temperatures and, in particular, an increase in nighttime lows  all likely contributed to the retreat.

They also pointed to other evidence suggesting that climate change caused by human activity played a role, including a decrease in Alaskan permafrost thickness and an unprecedented loss of mass in several other tidewater glaciers.

Tidewater glaciers take centuries of snow and cold to grow, but only a few decades of milder climate to retreat, said USGSs current Columbia expert, ONeel. If climate were stable, then the vast majority of the worlds tidewater glaciers would be advancing.

But its the opposite, ONeel said, noting most tidewater glaciers are in retreat. So climate change has to be a factor.

Jeffers, the Exxon Mobil spokesman, noted that the USGSs website on the glacier still says that climate fluctuations perhaps triggered the glaciers retreat. He also pointed to a paper, published two years before the accident, in which Post and Meier questioned the significance of climate change in the movement of tidewater glaciers, suggesting its influence was dubious at best.

Tad Pfeffer, a noted glaciologist at the University of Colorado, says it would have been normal for scientists back then to be less than definitive about the cause of a tidewater glaciers retreat, given all the complex natural forces at play.

What is clear to Pfeffer and his colleagues, he said in an email, is that, one way or another, ultimately climate change is the cause of Columbias retreat.

::

The ice in the channel connecting Prince William Sound and the port of Valdez was a particular hazard on the night of March 23, 1989.

Earlier that day, two tankers, the Brooklyn and Arco Juneau, had to deviate from their shipping lanes to avoid ice. It was some of the thickest ice I have seen in that area, the chief mate of a passenger ferry later told the National Transportation Safety Board investigators.

At 9 p.m., after sunset, the Exxon Valdez departed from Valdez, her belly full of oil.

Radar spotted ice ahead, and Capt. Joseph Hazelwood ordered the ship to leave its lane to avoid the icebergs. Once were clear of the ice out of Columbia... Hazelwood radioed to the Coast Guard, well give you another shout. Over.

That was a maneuver carried out hundreds of times by other ships in the narrows, without incident.

But instead of waiting on the bridge, Hazelwood left his third mate in charge and retired to his quarters, tipsy from what he would later say were two or three vodkas he had earlier that evening. Hazelwood declined an interview request through his lawyer, Michael Chalos.

The third mate never maneuvered back into the shipping lane, and the tanker slammed into the rocks of Bligh Reef.

The resulting oil spill was an unprecedented disaster  both environmentally and for Exxons bottom line and reputation.

Exxon spent billions of dollars in cleanup and litigation costs. The accident forever linked the companys name to images of the oil-splattered seals, otters, and bald eagles killed by the spill.

Today, the Columbia glacier has receded more than 12 miles from its position in 1980, and has lost about half of its thickness, according to a 2014 NASA report. Scientists estimate it is has contributed to nearly 1% of global sea level rise.

It is no longer a menace to tanker traffic.

environment@latimes.com

Katie Jennings contributed to this report.

The Energy and Environmental Reporting Project at Columbias Graduate School of Journalism is supported by the Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller Fund, Energy Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Rockefeller Family Fund, Lorana Sullivan Foundation and the Tellus Mater Foundation. The funders have no involvement in or influence over the articles produced by project fellows in collaboration with the Los Angeles Times.
Theres no question who murdered 19-year-old Michael Roark and his 17-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany York.

Four renegade soldiers from Ft. Stewart in Georgia  members of an anti-government militia that had grandiose plans of assassinating the president and toppling the government  lured the couple into the woods near the Army base on Sept. 30, 2011, shot York in the head, then forced Roark to his knees and executed him.

Roark, who had just been discharged from the Army, had been in the militia too, and his killers were worried that he or York would tell authorities about the scheme.

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Three of the killers are serving life sentences for murder and conspiracy to commit murder; the fourth testified against the others in exchange for a shorter sentence.

Now the saga appears to be headed for a civil trial in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed in 2014 against the Army. The victims parents allege the Army knew the men posed a danger but did nothing to stop them.

Wesley Thomas, the step father of Tiffany York, is tackled by courtroom security during the hearing of defendant Sgt. Anthony Peden at Long County Superior Court, Thursday Aug. 30, 2012, in Ludowici, Ga. District Attorney Tom Durden announced in court that he will seek the death penalty for Peden, Pvt. Isaac Aguigui, and Pvt. Christopher Salmon. The three Fort Stewart soldiers are accused of malice murder, felony murder and criminal gang activity in the Dec. 4 slayings of former soldier Michael Roark and his girlfriend, 17yearold Tiffany York. The two were found shot to death off a dirt road near the Army post. Prosecutors say the accused men were part of a militia operating within the U.S. Army that was stockpiling weapons and wanted to overthrow the federal government. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton) (Stephen Morton / AP)

At the center of the case is the ringleader, Pvt. Isaac Aguigui, who was under investigation in the death two months earlier of his pregnant wife, an Army sergeant, but still received her military life insurance payment of $500,000.

Government entities are generally immune to civil suits, and the U.S. has been trying to get the case dismissed.

One U.S. District Court judge, who was considering only the Roark portion of the claim, sided with government late last year and ruled that his parents had no legal basis to sue  a decision they are appealing.

But a different judge, Barbara Rothstein, who is considering the York killing, has recently given strong indications that she will allow that side of the case to proceed under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Rothstein still has to rule on a government motion to dismiss the case, but she has instructed the government to provide a list of witnesses it intends to call for trial, which is scheduled for May.

And last month she issued an adverse inference finding suggesting that the government was withholding evidence that could help the plaintiffs case.

The Army, which said it had been investigating Aguigui and his militia at the time of the murders but had no advanced warning, claimed it could not find some of the documents and that others were protected from disclosure.

The judge wrote that the FBI and the Army were aware two months before the killings that Aguigui was buying weapons with the life insurance payment and that he posed a substantial risk of committing a violent act against members of the public.

Aguigui spent as much as $78,000 on weapons and ammunition in preparation for his groups terrorist plot, according to Georgia authorities who prosecuted the criminal case. They said he also bought militia members a car, gifts and a $16,000 night out at a strip club.

Now 25, he is serving two life sentences: One for murdering Roark and York, the other for killing his wife, Sgt. Deirdre Aguigui, and their unborn son.

In one videotaped interview, Aguigui referred to himself as the nicest cold-blooded murderer you will ever meet.

The day his wife died, he texted his girlfriend: Baby, you want to know something sexy? Im not working another day, baby. Well have plenty of money. All I need is your body whenever I want it.

His militia called itself FEAR, which stood for Forever Enduring, Always Ready.

Members told investigators they discussed kidnapping Army officers and blowing up vehicles, poisoning water supplies and apple crops and destroying a hydroelectric dam on the Columbia River near Wenatchee, Wash., where Aguigui grew up.

Georgia prosecutors said militia members were also planning to take over their 4th Brigade barracks as the first step in assuming control of Ft. Stewart, a 280,000-acre base with 21,000 soldiers and 33,000 family members and civilians. Aguigui bribed one of his commanders and roamed the base, according to court filings, telling others of his plans to create an active shooter situation in a base takeover. He said hed already mapped out the sewer system for use in a sniper assault.

FBI Agent Bradford Snider said in court documents that the groups long-term goal was to give the United States back to the people on July 17, 2031  the twentieth anniversary of the murder of Aguiguis wife.

Brian Brook, the New York attorney representing the families of Roark and York, said the Army should have known about the looming danger the militia members posed.

Long before Aguigui and his cohorts lured Roark and York into the Georgia woods, they left a trail of tragedy and misconduct that, through exercise of reasonable care, should have led to intervention by Army commanders and disruption of the FEAR terrorist conspiracy, he said. Had such intervention occurred, Roark and York would not have been killed.

Instead, he said, The Army gave half a million dollars to a sociopath suspected of killing his wife.

Anderson is a special correspondent.

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Under President Obama, the United States was seen as a leader on climate change, forging alliances with China and other big polluters that were pivotal to an agreement reached in Paris two years ago that aims to avert the most dangerous effects of global warming.

The election of President Trump, who has called climate change a hoax and threatened to cancel U.S. participation in the Paris accord, had many wondering whether the deal could survive without the participation of the worlds largest economy and No. 2 emitter of heat-trapping greenhouse gasses.

Last week, Trump signed an executive order that seeks to roll back many of the regulations adopted by his predecessor to fight climate change, signaling that he has no intention of honoring U.S. commitments to reduce emissions from coal, oil and other fossil fuels.

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Trumps main target is Obamas Clean Power Plan, which requires states to sharply curtail carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. His order also takes aim at a requirement that all government agencies factor climate effects into their decision making and calls for the lifting of a moratorium on new coal leases on public lands.

We spoke with Obamas former climate envoy, Jonathan Pershing, to find out what this means for the Paris agreement. He now heads the environment program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in Menlo Park.

Does this spell the end of U.S. participation in the Paris agreement?

I dont think we know yet. I think the answer is probably not. It was interesting that the executive order did not include a mention of Paris.

Its also, I think, very important to note that the process of beginning the examination of the rules, which is what the executive order calls for, is not the equivalent of rescinding the rule. Thats going to require an entire legal exercise, and there are a number of procedures they are going to have to go through.

So for example, one of the things the Clean Air Act is built on is a Supreme Court decision that says that carbon dioxide is a pollutant. And under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency is required to regulate pollutants. So how they do that, and what they do if its not going to be the Clean Power Plan, remains to be seen.

Were already beginning to see states attorneys general beginning to put forward objections to the idea of it being rolled back. There will be litigation like crazy. It will take a long time to move away from this, if they are even successful in doing so.

The second thing is, will we withdraw from Paris? That turns out to be within the control of the administration, but what are the political consequences? Whats the rationale?

What the president said during his campaign was that he didnt believe in climate change and wanted to tear up the agreement. Well, one of the ways to do that is to say the United States will change the target it has set for itself, because the targets were built by each country.

So the administration could change its targets but not withdraw from the deal. Theres certainly talk about that happening.

You had to reassure a number of anxious allies at the climate talks in Morocco last November. Could we see other countries begin to rethink their commitments?

The U.S. is one of only 197 countries that are party to the Paris agreement. Our decision to meet our pledge or to change our goals will not fundamentally alter the actions of other countries which, in Morocco at the meeting after the U.S. election, publicly pledged to stand by their own commitments.

Lets use India as an example. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has this massive, massive problem in terms of access to electricity for his population. Theres at least 300 million people in India who do not have electricity. Thats a clear political problem for him, and he wants to fix it. But he doesnt want the air quality in Delhi to be as bad as it is in Beijing. So for him to build a whole lot of new coal-fired power plants is not going to be attractive. What hes going ahead and doing is making a massive, massive commitment into renewables.

So here hes able to comply both with his primary political objective, which is to provide energy access to his community, and a secondary one, which is being a good player on the climate front. Why would he back off because the U.S. has backed off? Hes not doing it for the U.S.

One of the things that I think is going to be interesting for the United States is that I think were missing the boat.

Theres a massive market waiting in these alternatives. Most of our own domestic utilities, when you ask them what the fuel mix is going to be in 25 or 30 years, they say mostly renewables.

Even if countries were to fulfill the commitments they have made, scientists say it wont be enough to achieve the goal of limiting the average global temperature rise since preindustrial times to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Can others be persuaded to do more if the U.S. isnt leading the way?

The science is quite clear: This iteration of action is insufficient. But I want to add one addendum to that, which is we knew that when we did the agreement. So there is a system to review progress and ratchet up commitments every five years.

We dont have that first five-year period for a little while. So I think people are going to give it at least a wait-and-see attitude, in terms of how far they are willing to go if the U.S. doesnt move further.

If the U.S. does choose to walk back from its pledge, it is highly likely that the rest of the world will hold us to account, and public political pressure will begin to build for a reinvigorated U.S. effort. And there will be political support at home as well; polls indicate that 69% of voters in the U.S. want us to stay in the Paris agreement.

I would also note that the Paris agreement is broader and longer lasting than only a first round of nationally determined contributions for 2025 or 2030, and here the consequences of a U.S. withdrawal from the process are likely to be more significant.

It is not likely that other countries will easily be able to make up for U.S. emissions reductions forgone by inaction, and they may even be reluctant to take the aggressive steps needed if the U.S. merely stands by and does nothing. And that would both harm American lives in very real ways as well as lead to substantial global damages.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

alexandra.zavis@latimes.com | Twitter: @alexzavis

UPDATES:

10:30 a.m.: This article was updated with additional comment on the future of the deal.

This article was originally published on April 5, 2017, at 4:50 p.m.
#taxi Seoul to increase late-night taxi service amid shortage The Seoul city government said Tuesday it will expand the operation of late-night taxis to cope with the growing demand for taxi service during late hours. Currently, an average...

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An incoming high school principal has resigned in Kansas after student reporters investigated and raised questions about her credentials.

The Pittsburg School Board accepted Amy Robertsons resignation on Tuesday. She said she felt the decision was in the best interest of the district ... in light of the issues that arose.

The main concern stemmed from her receiving her masters and doctoral degrees from Corllins University, an unaccredited, online school. Robertson said she received her degrees before the university lost accreditation.

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She was going to be the head of our school, and we wanted [to] be assured that she was qualified and had the proper credentials, Trina Paul, a student editor at Pittsburg High Schools newspaper, the Booster Redux, told the Kansas City Star. We stumbled on some things that most might not consider legitimate credentials.

Supt. Destry Brown praised the student reporters, saying: I appreciate that our kids ask questions and dont just accept something because somebody told them. He told the Pittsburg Morning Sun they did a great job with the research.

Robertson, who currently works with an education consulting firm in Dubai, said in an email to the Kansas City Star there was no issue when she received the degrees from Corllins in 1994 and 2010. She declined to comment on questions posed by the students about her credentials because, she said, their concerns are not based on facts.

Corllins didnt immediately respond to an email message Wednesday from the Associated Press.

An anonymously circulated letter also raised questions about Robertsons qualifications. Brown said questions were also being asked within his office, but that the students public reporting probably speeded that process.

Brown said the district, which doesnt typically ask for official transcripts until after a hiring decision has been made, will likely change its vetting process.

Pittsburg journalism advisor Emily Smith said she was very proud of her students, adding: They were not out to get anyone to resign or to get anyone fired. They worked very hard to uncover the truth.

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For 40 years, the advancement of human rights around the globe has been a pillar of U.S. foreign policy.

Democratic and Republican presidents alike have understood that the United States, as the most powerful democracy in the world, has the political wherewithal as well as the moral duty to call on other governments to respect human rights and condemn them when they fail to do so.

But President Trump, disturbingly and deliberately, has chosen to move away from that stance. This week, Trump hosted at the White House Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi  whose repression and unjust jailing of tens of thousands of political opponents, journalists and others (including some Americans) cost him any chance of an invitation from former President Obama. In advance of Sisis visit, aides to Trump said he would not publicly broach the topic of human rights. That issue would only be dealt with in private, Trump aides said. Whatever that means.

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Its imperative that U.S. leaders take public  not private  stances on human rights around the globe.

The Trump administration also announced that it would sell new American fighters to its Middle East ally Bahrain and lift human rights conditions on that sale that had been imposed by the Obama administration. The monitoring group Human Rights Watch is concerned that such a move could embolden Bahrain, which has imprisoned peaceful protesters, to crack down further.

Trump did condemn one of the most extreme examples of a human rights violation in recent memory, the horrific chemical attack on civilians in Syria  a war crime thought to be the work of Syrian President Bashar Assad. At least, thats where the administration ended up. Days before the attack, White House spokesman Sean Spicer had argued that there was no point in publicly calling for Assad to leave office because there is a political reality we have to accept. On Wednesday, Trump, noting the atrocities committed against children, said his attitude toward Syria and Assad had changed, although he didnt say how that might affect U.S. policy.

There will always be a necessary balancing act for the U.S. between maintaining national security interests and standing up for human rights internationally. Allies must be cultivated; overseas military bases must stay open. But most presidents before Trump have been able to hand out aid and aircraft contracts to other countries while demanding in return some resolution of a human rights situation or some progress toward democracy. In exchange for Myanmar transitioning from a quasi-military government to a fledgling democracy and releasing many (if not all) political prisoners along the way, the Obama administration restored full diplomatic relations and lifted economic sanctions. Challenging as finding that balance may be, President Trump, who prides himself on being a deal maker, should try harder to advance both national security interests and human rights.

Its imperative that U.S. leaders take public  not private  stances on human rights around the globe. Not using the presidential bully pulpit to call foreign governments to account is simply an abdication of moral responsibility  and a waste of our power and ability to coax other countries toward democracy. Just weighing in publicly on human rights abuses sends a signal to all governments and strengthens the hand of activist groups. When the U.S. raises the issue of human rights, people in prisons get treated better, says Sarah Margon, Washington director of Human Rights Watch, because it means that someone powerful is watching.

Its in our best national security interests to have our closest allies be democracies. The more we can do about achieving that, the better. Disengaging on human rights because it might complicate our pursuit of a short-term objective is misguided and shortsighted. The more disengaged the U.S. is, the more it telegraphs to governments already violating human rights that we will tolerate that behavior. That only leaves us less secure in a world of repressive governments violating human rights with impunity.

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The March 31 opinion piece, LGBT conservatives have political clout. Its time they stop using it to enable GOP bigotry, was equal parts histrionic and uninformed. Author Nico Lang breathlessly declared: Advocating for inclusion and compassion from Republican leaders is a noble goal. But it clearly isnt working.

Give me a break.

In his zeal to promote a liberal worldview of LGBTQ rights, Lang overlooks an inconvenient truth that Democrats rarely admit: The victories we have achieved as a community would not have been possible without Republican support.

Liberals such as Lang are fond of talking a big game when it comes to Democratic support for the LGBTQ community, but the last time Democrats held concurrent majorities in the U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives and the presidency, LGBTQ rights advanced very little, and what victories we did achieve happened only because of GOP involvement.

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In 2010, the militarys discriminatory dont ask, dont tell policy was repealed with the votes of 22 Republicans  in a lame duck Democratic Congress compelled to act only because of a lawsuit initiated by Log Cabin Republicans.

If LGBTQ equality is going to become a reality outside the blue Northeast and the West Coast, we need to meet Republicans where they are.

In 2011, Republicans provided the key margin of victory that legalized marriage equality in New York state. That vote was also held in a Republican-controlled Senate. When the same vote came up two years before at a time when Democrats held both chambers of the Legislature and the governorship, it failed.

In 2013, the U.S. Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Longtime GOP allies of equality Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Mark Kirk (Illinois) were joined by seven of their peers, Sens. Orin Hatch (Utah), Jeff Flake (Arizona), Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania), Kelly Ayotte (New Hampshire), Dean Heller (Nevada), Rob Portman (Ohio) and John McCain (Arizona), to stand up against LGBTQ discrimination in the workplace. The bill would never even have come to the floor had it not been for their support.

And in 2015  the same year a Supreme Court justice appointed by President Reagan wrote a decision making marriage equality the law of the land in all 50 states  the conservative state of Utah passed a landmark LGBTQ non-discrimination bill. Lang declares that the legislation was carried over the finish line by liberal LGBTQ activists. It wasnt. Collaboration in good faith among Republicans in the state Assembly and Senate, Utahs Republican governor, Gary Herbert, leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the states dominant faith) and liberal LGBTQ activists are what led to historic protections for LGBTQ Utahans in legislation that could serve as a model for red-state America.

I dont pretend that the GOP is perfect, but the Democratic Party isnt either. Time and again, GOP support has been required to advance LGBTQ equality  and it will be necessary to achieve further progress, whether Lang wants to admit it or not.

Right now Republicans have majority control of 32 state legislatures. In 25 of those states, Republicans control both legislative-chamber majorities and the governorships. Nationally, Republicans control both houses of Congress and the White House. If LGBTQ equality is going to become a reality outside the blue Northeast and the West Coast, we need to meet Republicans where they are and seek to strike balance; otherwise we are doomed as a nation to litigate an endless culture war with no viable means of resolution.

In his piece, Lang offers a dangerous bit of advice: The only way to change the Republican Party is to leave it. Nothing could be further from the truth. Quite the contrary: If you put all your faith into a single political party, your destiny is to be ignored by one and taken for granted by the other  a concept Lang would do well to understand.

Gregory T. Angelo is the president of Log Cabin Republicans, a national organization representing LGBTQ conservatives and straight allies.

This piece is part of Blowback, our online forum for rebuttals to the Los Angeles Times. If you would like to write a full-length response to a recent Times article, editorial or Op-Ed and would like to participate in Blowback, here are our FAQs and submission policy.

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University of California administration is paying excessive salaries and mishandling funds, state audit says

UCLA campus (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The administration of the University of California system pays top workers salaries and benefits significantly higher than that of similar state employees, and failed to disclose to the Board of Regents and the public that it had $175 million in budget reserve funds while it was seeking to raise tuition, a state audit found Tuesday.

The audit triggered a dispute with UC President Janet Napolitano, who said charges of hidden funds were false, while two members of the UC Board of Regents charged recommendations to give the Legislature budget authority over the Office of the President encroached on UCs constitutional powers.

Among the sticking points, the auditors believe the regents should contract with an independent third party that can assist the regents in monitoring a three-year corrective action plan.

The audit of the Office of the President also found that it failed to satisfactorily justify its spending on system-wide initiatives and inappropriately screened surveys submitted by auditors to campus officials.

Our report concludes that the Office of the President has amassed substantial reserve funds, used misleading budgeting practices, provided its employees with generous salaries and atypical benefits, and failed to satisfactorily justify its spending on systemwide initiatives, State Auditor Elaine Howle wrote to Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature.

Furthermore, when we sought independent perspective from campuses about the quality and cost of the services and programs the Office of the President provides to them, the Office of the President intentionally interfered with our audit process, Howle wrote.

The auditor said that because of recent tuition hikes, she recommends the Office of the President should refund available funds in the reserves by returning them to the campuses for the benefit of students.

Ralph Washington Jr. president of the U.C. Students Assn. said if any reserve money is found it should go to help students, possibly by killing the tuition increase or helping students who are starving or homeless, but he is concerned legislators may use the audit to say the U.C. doesnt need so much general fund money.

Students definitely dont want their tuition to go up, he said.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount), who serves on the board of regents, said the audit requires more inquiry.

The audit of the UC Office of the President appears to have uncovered the same kind of budgetary misrepresentations and executive excess that weve seen before with the State Parks Department and the Public Utilities Commission, Rendon said in a statement. There are many questions that need to be answeredand answered honestly.

The audit was requested by legislators concerned about high tuition and complaints of a bloated administration overseeing the UC systems 10 campuses.

The reserve included $32 million in unspent funds it received from an annual charge levied on the campusesfunds that campuses could have spent on students, the audit said.

Auditors said salaries paid to those in the presidents office are much higher than the pay of comparable positions in other state government jobs.

President Napolitano agreed with the vast majority of recommendations for improving budget processes and spending, but denied that $175 million was hidden from the UC Board of Regents.

In a letter to Howle, the president said changes were already underway.

The recommendations to [the UC presidents office] are helpful, Napolitano wrote. We welcome this constructive input, which aligns with our proactive efforts to continually improve UCOPs operations, and UCOP intends to implement the recommendations.

However, Board of Regents Chair Monica Lozano and Regent Charlene Zettel asked Howle to remove recommendations that they feel encroach on the constitutional autonomy of the university system, including proposals to have the Legislature approve the Office of the Presidents budget.

As written, we believe these recommendations threaten the Universitys standing as a constitutionally autonomous entity, and the Board of Regents itself, the regents wrote.

Administrative salaries amounted to $2.5 million more than the maximum annual salary ranges for comparable state employees, auditors found.

For instance, an accounting managers maximum annual salary is $169,000 at UC compared to $156,000 for other state employees.

An information system manager can make $258,000 with UC, but $150,000 with other state agencies.

The audit said: 10 executives in the Office of the President whose compensation we analyzed were paid a total of $3.7 million in fiscal year 2014-15  over $700,000 more than the combined salaries of their highest paid state employee counterparts.

On benefits, the Office of the President provided a regular retirement plan but also offered its executives a retirement savings account into which the office contributes up to 5% of the executives salariesabout $2.5 million over the past five years, the audit found.

The Office of the President also spent more than $2 million for its staffs business meetings and entertainment expenses over the past five yearsa benefit that the State does not offer to its employees except in limited circumstances, the audit said..

The audit also said the Office of the President reimbursed questionable travel expenses, including a ticket for a theater performance and limousine services. One person spent $350 per night on hotel rooms, which is above the allowable standard for other state agencies.

The audit said the Office of the President has not managed its own budget  which amounted to $747 million in fiscal year 201516  in a fiscally prudent or transparent way.

Napolitano said the audit was in error in claiming her office failed to publicly disclose tens of millions in surplus funds.

In fact, UCOPs budget and financial approaches reflect strategic, deliberate and transparent spending and investment in UC and state priorities, said a statement by the Office of the President.

Howle disagreed.

Significant reforms are necessary to strengthen the publics trust in the Office of the President, the audit concluded.

Read the audit here.
Dianne Feinstein, the senior U.S. senator from California, has long had an air of mystery, an essence distilled in a single sentence: Will she or wont she?

Will she oblige the Clinton White House and run for governor? (That was back in 1998, and after months of speculation she didnt.) Will she save Democrats bacon by challenging Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2003 gubernatorial recall election? (She took a pass, again after much guessing.)

The question has gained renewed currency as Feinstein looks to 2018 and the prospect of seeking reelection a fifth time. If she won and stayed in office through 2022, she would become the longest-serving U.S. senator in California history, surpassing the 28 years Hiram Johnson served starting in 1917.

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More to the point, Feinstein would be 91 years old at the end of her term; at age 83, she is already the Senates oldest member. She has until a March 9 filing deadline to make up her mind.

Feinstein gives every indication of running again  shes already raising campaign cash  even after being fitted with a pacemaker in January. Her staff insisted it was a minor procedure, noting she was back at work after a day.

Theres no reason for her not to run, said Jerry Roberts, a veteran political journalist who hasnt discussed the matter directly with the senator. But he knows her far better than most, having written the definitive account of her life, the biography Dianne Feinstein: Never Let Them See You Cry.

Theres the power and prestige, Roberts said, but being in the Senate also fulfills a deeply seated sense of duty and civic obligation, instilled starting in high school at San Franciscos Convent of the Sacred Heart. Shes very much a throwback, Roberts said, to a time when the words public service didnt elicit snickers and eye rolls.

Feinstein all but declared her intentions to run again in a January interview with San Franciscos public radio station, KQED.

As long as I feel I can get things done, and I can, then I think I benefit the people of my state as opposed to someone new coming in, Feinstein told reporter Scott Shafer. That, he said, sounded like a candidate seeking reelection. Well, thats sort of true, she replied.

The question, then, is how vulnerable does Feinstein appear to be in 2018? The answer: Not very.

Flat-on-their-back California Republicans are trying to scare up a viable candidate for governor. Short of cloning, its difficult to see how they produce a plausible candidate for Senate as well.

Among Democrats, there is no shortage of contenders  provided the seat were vacant.

The legion includes freshly reelected Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Secretary of State Alex Padilla, state Senate President Kevin de Leon and the hottest commodity of late, Rep. Adam Schiff of Burbank, who has gained national notice for his aggressive role in the Trump-Russia investigation.

None seem likely, however, to gamble their careers by challenging Feinstein, who starts out in good political shape.

A recent poll conducted for the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley found a solid 59% of Californians surveyed approved of the job she has done. While just about half those interviewed said it would be a bad thing for Feinstein to seek reelection  a number that climbed to 62% when reminded of the senators age  those numbers should be taken in context.

Its one thing to measure attitudes toward a candidate in isolation. Its something else entirely when that candidate is matched against a real, live warts-and-all opponent. In fact, whatever their concerns, 56% of voters said they would be inclined to support Feinsteins reelection, a number that ticked down a bit, to 50%, among those made aware of her age.

If there is a challenge, it would most likely come from the political left and candidates who feel they have little to lose taking on Feinstein.

The fact is the Democratic electorate has become far more leftish and liberalized and radical than certainly it was when Feinstein emerged as a statewide candidate in the early 1990s, said Democratic strategist Garry South. Is she vulnerable? Using the typical calculations, probably not. But did anybody think that Bernie Sanders was going to be a viable candidate against Hillary Clinton starting out?

Feinstein has long been disparaged as too moderate by some fellow Democrats, a perception strangely at odds with her generally liberal leanings. (Here in the parallel universe of San Francisco, where she served 10 years as mayor, Feinstein was considered a conservative bordering on reactionary.)

The view grows largely out of her style  prim, proper  and the lengthy, deliberative process that produces all of that will-or-wont-she speculation.

The vote for Supreme Court nominee Neil M. Gorsuch provides the latest case in point. Feinstein came out against his confirmation, an utterly predictable move, well after most of her fellow Democratic colleagues  including freshman California Sen. Kamala Harris  made their opposition known.

Confronted recently by about two dozen liberal activists outside a fundraiser in Los Angeles Hancock Park, Feinstein told her accusers there were procedures to be followed and order to be respected. It made no sense, she said, for me to make up my mind without first undertaking a thorough examination of Gorsuchs record.

Youre behaving like a reasonable person, a voice wailed from the unhappy crowd.

No doubt Feinstein took that as a compliment.

mark.barabak@latimes.com

@markzbarabak on Twitter

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Alfredo Beltran Leyva, who with his brothers once ran one of Mexicos most powerful drug cartels, appeared in federal court in Washington on Wednesday and asked for a chance to be reunited with his family as an old man.

He got life in prison instead  and was ordered to forfeit nearly more than half a billion dollars.

Youve come to the end of a long road, a road filled with violence, said U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon, who called him a leader of one of the largest drug cartels in the world before issuing the sentence.

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Beltran Leyva was one of the Goliaths of Mexican drug traffickers, known for his savage business tactics, James J. Hunt, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations New York office, said in a statement.

Prosecutors said the Beltran Leyva organization started in Sinaloa in the mid-1990s under the drug cartel run by Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who now sits in prison awaiting trial in New York.

The group moved tons of cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S., warred with rival gangs in Guerrero and Mexico state and bought off politicians, police and the press, according to prosecutors.

Planes carrying more than 650 pounds of cocaine would fly daily to the United States, they said.

Arrested in 2008 in Mexico, Beltran Leyva was extradited to the United States in 2014 and pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy and importing drugs.

When he was arrested, Mexican police said his .38-caliber pistol was decorated with emeralds, an engraving of revolutionary leader Francisco Pancho Villa and a saying: Id rather die on my feet than live on my knees.

At the court hearing Wednesday, Beltran Leyva, 46, known as El Mochomo, admitted he worked in the family cocaine trade but portrayed himself as a mere flunky among the brothers.

I have never sent 1 kilogram of cocaine to the U.S., he said. I ask that you have mercy on me.

Leon said he had no doubt that Beltran Leyva was a leader of the family cartel. He also ruled that Beltran Leyva would forfeit $529 million, which he said was a very conservative estimate of his drug profits.

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

Twitter: @jtanfani
The federal government Thursday asked a court to throw out a lawsuit filed by a major Clinton Foundation donor who says he was damaged by what he said were improper government leaks to the Los Angeles Times.

Gilbert Chagoury, a billionaire Nigerian who gave at least $1 million to the foundation, said his reputation was damaged by disclosure of the governments decision to deny him a visa to travel to the United States.

In court filings, Chagoury maintained that a Times report caused a bank to cancel his account and forced him to take a loss on the sale of his Beverly Hills mansion.

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Chagoury, a philanthropist, Vatican ambassador and one of the richest men in Africa, was denied a visa in 2015 on suspicion that he had provided terrorism support. One FBI document, citing unverified information, claimed that Chagoury, who is of Lebanese descent, had funneled money to Hezbollah, a designated terror organization.

Chagoury adamantly denies providing money to any terror group. He has sued the FBI, State Department and other federal agencies, seeking a court hearing to rebut the claims.

American justice demands due process, yet I still have been given no explanation for having my reputation dragged through the mud and no opportunity to rebut these falsehoods, Chagoury said Thursday in a statement. That is not the America I know and love. I deserve my day in court in order to clear my good name.

But the Department of Justice said that Chagoury does not have standing to ask for a hearing. Otherwise any alleged leak of sensitive or classified information, regardless of its truthfulness or accuracy, could trigger a name-clearing hearing, the government said. Such a result is not mandated by the Constitution.

Chagourys case illustrates the difficulty of contesting decisions to deny visas, particularly on terrorism-related claims. Usually, customs officials do not detail the exact reasons for the denial. Those denied visas can ask for a waiver, but they usually have no right to contest the findings in court.

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

Twitter: @jtanfani
Devin Nunes departure from his role as leader of the House investigation into Russian interference in the presidential election put a blot on the Tulare congressmans record that the preceding drip-drip-drip of controversy had not.

For weeks, Nunes has been beset by criticism, especially after his startling trip to the White House to receive what he described as classified evidence indicating possible surveillance of some members of Donald Trumps transition team. And for weeks, Nunes steadfastly denied hed done anything wrong and pledged to remain at the helm of the House Intelligence Committees investigation.

But Thursday, a new investigation  this time by the House Ethics Committee into whether Nunes had inappropriately released classified information  marked a more serious turn for the Republican congressman.

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Much is unknown about what happens next, but what has happened so far cut into the congressmans desire to be seen as a public servant with unsullied integrity, caught in the whirlwind of partisan warfare.

It is far too soon to know whether his hold on his district has loosened, although Nunes opponents in the Central Valley district were heartened. But for now, the events were a reminder that power can vanish in Washington as swiftly as it accumulates, and that, at minimum, every act in this hyper-partisan environment spurs a furious reaction.

If the current circumstances turn out to endanger to Nunes electability, it will be yet another sign that the Trump method of operating can pose a threat to the presidents allies.

Its part of a larger phenomenon  so many people enter Trumps orbit and they leave damaged, Jack Pitney, professor of politics at Claremont McKenna College, said before Nunes recusal was announced. Very few people have come out of Trumpland in better shape than they went in, and thats definitely the case with Nunes.

Taken in their most benign light, Nunes actions over the last few weeks were part of a Republican effort to provide cover for President Trump after his unsubstantiated assertion that hed been wiretapped by President Obama.

Nunes actively defended Trump, brushing aside Democratic demands that he maintain independence from the administration.

He also said in recent days that he had alerted House Speaker Paul D. Ryan to the sequence of events, meaning that the Republican leader potentially could be drawn into any look at Nunes actions.

That may have turned a controversial chairmanship into something untenable.

In his statement, Nunes called for a swift investigation into the ethics charges. He said he was temporarily turning over the investigation to other Republicans.

But other statements suggested the move was more permanent. Ryan said that while Nunes retained his trust, his chairmanship was now a distraction from the Intelligence Committees work.

Neither he nor Trump suggested a quick return to the committee was in the offing.

The political impact of the ethics investigation depends on its length and outcome. An investigation swiftly resolved in Nunes favor would leave fewer marks, if history is any guide.

A lengthy investigation  or one that tarred Nunes with wrongdoing  would be more problematic for the congressman. But for now, his opponents continue to have a difficult task ahead. That is because his district has remained highly loyal to the congressman; in seven of his eight elections hes earned about 70% of the vote. In 2016, he came in just under that mark, doubling the standing of his Democratic opponent.

Carol Kim, one of a host of Central Valley residents seeking to unseat Nunes, said some of the credit for his departure rested with protesters who have opposed him at his home, his offices and at recent events.

Thursdays news only added to their enthusiasm, she said.

The activity on Twitter and Facebook when I woke up this morning from various resistance groups was that finally something is happening here, she said. A lot of people feel we had an impact in that decision.

But the opponents have not consolidated around a candidate, a process that Fresno County Democratic Party Chairman Michael D. Evans said recently was two to three months away.

With almost two years to go before his next general election, Nunes remains popular, according to local officials. In recent interviews, Tulare residents saw the fracas over his committee decisions as motivated by partisanship and hatred of Trump.

The question is whether they will view the ethics investigation through the same lens, particularly if Nunes comes out on the losing end. At the least, the congressmans image will have been dented.

Asked last week whether the controversy had harmed him, Nunes spoke optimistically about the ties he had to the area in which hed grown up.

I have a long history of speaking very factually, of doing my homework and never have I been accused of being  you know, any type of unfair person, he said.

For more on politics 

cathleen.decker@latimes.com | @cathleendecker

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During one of the first big meetings Sen. Kamala Harris attended back in California following her swearing in, she said something many of the progressive activists who look to her as an icon were taken aback to hear.

As the Democratic party tries to claw its way back to control of Congress, she wanted them to at least consider rallying behind some of its most conservative  and most vulnerable  politicians.

It was a room full of people who did not want to hear that, Harris said Thursday in a meeting with reporters and editors in The Times Washington bureau. They were like, What happened? Why are you saying this?

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Amid all the self-reflection and infighting among Democrats about how they find their way out of the wilderness, Harris is emerging as a more nuanced political character than many on either side of the political line expected.

Californias freshman senator, a civil rights crusader whose India-born mother and Jamaica-raised father met during political protests in the Bay Area, is so associated with the identity politics of the left that her Twitter feed was a punchline in a recent Saturday Night Live skit. But as she finds her way in Washington, Harris is embracing an approach somewhat at odds with that image. That became clear as she talked about the path back for Democrats, why she wont unconditionally slam the door on working with Trump, and what her mother told her about people like Supreme Court nominee Neil M. Gorsuch.

The pressure on Harris to unwaveringly fly the flag of the resistance is intense. She recalled the event in Los Angeles where she encouraged supporters not to turn their backs on Sens. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia  red-state Democrats some liberal activists would like to purge  in their upcoming reelection bids.

We cant afford to be purists, Harris said. You have to ask that question of yourself: Are we going to be purists to this resistance to the point that you let these guys go? Or can you understand that you may not agree with 50% of their policy positions, but I can guarantee you will disagree with 100% of their replacements policy positions. So that is part of the question. What do we have to do in this movement to be pragmatic?

Harris hardly aligns herself with the counter-movement inside Democratic ranks that has pushed to reorient the partys focus more exclusively toward white, working-class voters in places like Scranton, Pa., and Lansing, Mich.

There is this conversation that weve got to go back and get him, she said, referring to the prototypical white, male Trump voter. The inference there is that to do that we need to walk away from that Latina or black mom. That is a mistake.

But she suggested the party has too often seized on wedge, identity politics issues that divide voters. What I do know about those two ladies and that guy is when we wake up at 3 in the morning or something is troubling us, it is never through the lens of, am I Democrat or Republican, or on our identity based on what other people have decided is our identity.

Instead, she said, it is economic issues that weigh on people: their bills, their job troubles, their difficulty getting health insurance.

We, as Democrats and progressives, cannot afford to be guilty of putting people in these narrow boxes based on what we have decided is their identity instead of seeing that they have lived full lives. They are full people, as multifaceted as the other people we know.

She pointed to the incident at a bar outside of Kansas City, Kan., in February in which an attacker shot and killed an Indian immigrant he mistakenly believed to be a Muslim. Patrons in the bar risked their lives trying to protect the victim, she said.

I bet you that patrons in that bar voted for Trump, Harris said. But when presented with that situation, at that moment, without reflection, they did the right thing. We cant afford to put people in boxes.

Harris expected to be taking her post in a very different Washington. Up until late on election night, she said, she had been looking forward to pushing a nationwide expansion of the climate-change initiatives that have taken root in California and taking a leadership role in removing restrictions on immigrants. It was during a private family dinner as votes were being counted across the country that what was confronting her became real. She said she saw her 9-year-old nephew in tears at what was intended to be a celebratory event.

That man cant win, the boy cried. Later, in the reception room where she declared her own victory, she saw similar scenes.

But despite pressure from activists on the left, Harris refuses to rule out working with the White House.

Political capital is something that does not gain interest, she said, when asked how she thought Democrats should respond if the White House offers to collaborate on joint priorities, such as federal money to rebuild outdated roads, bridges and airports. When youve got it, youve got to spend it. If the Trump administration puts in place a real, significant and genuine plan for infrastructure, Ill be down with it.

Some things, though, are nonnegotiable, Harris said. She is not among the Democrats lamenting that too much political firepower might have been used fighting Gorsuch, whose confirmation moved forward Thursday after Republican leaders made the historic move of changing Senate rules to step around a Democratic filibuster.

If you look at the decisions this guy has written? Harris said. And everyone presents him as a nice guy. My mother had many sayings. One of them was, Just because somebody has good manners, doesnt make them a good person.

evan.halper@latimes.com

Follow me: @evanhalper

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A somber, deeply divided Senate tossed aside some of its surviving remnants of bipartisanship Thursday as Democrats filibustered President Trumps Supreme Court nominee and Republicans overcame the tactic by voting to scrap long-standing rules.

The history-making turn of events put Judge Neil M. Gorsuch on track for easy confirmation to the lifetime appointment in a vote slated for Friday, but threatened to deepen dissension and gridlock in the once-lofty chamber.

It marked only the second time in history that a presidents Supreme Court nomination had been blocked by a filibuster.

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Republicans reaction  to break with Senate tradition by allowing a high court filibuster to be broken with a simple majority rather than 60 votes  was considered such an extreme measure it had been dubbed the nuclear option.

President Trump praised the Senates move to advance his nominee.

We have a great person right now in Judge Gorsuch, Trump said Thursday while traveling on Air Force One to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

But earlier in the day, tensions were high and the mood grim as senators quietly took their seats to consider the nomination of the conservative judge from Colorados 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Both sides were mindful that their actions would have long-lasting ramifications for the Senate, diminishing built-in protections for minority viewpoints that have enabled the chamber to provide a check on the executive branch and the often-impetuous House.

The 60-vote bar in the Senate is the guardrail of our democracy, said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) in a floor speech. I am disheartened that we are here.... And I worry a great deal about what that means for the future.

While leaders emphasized that 60 votes are still needed to overcome filibusters of legislation, senators fear that rule may also be in peril amid growing partisanship.

The new 51-vote threshold for Supreme Court nominees will make it easier for Trump, and future presidents, to nominate and confirm more ideologically extreme justices, rather than search for those who might have the bipartisan appeal needed to garner 60 votes.

Republicans defended their decision to abandon the 60-vote threshold, saying they had repeatedly warned Democrats not to mount a partisan campaign against Gorsuch. They also noted that Democrats opened the door themselves in 2013 when they voted to abandon the 60-vote rule for other types of judicial and executive branch nominees.

GOP leaders called Gorsuch a highly qualified jurist who was being opposed because Democrats saw him as too conservative or wanted to confront Trump.

Ive seen the Senate broken before and we always come back, said Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah). Hopefully this wont cause too much consternation, but it really became very partisan  and it really irritated the daylights out of me.

The showdown had been escalating ever since Trump nominated Gorsuch to fill the seat made vacant by the death last year of Justice Antonin Scalia. Many Republicans viewed Gorsuch, 49, as a worthy replacement for the conservative icon.

But while Gorsuch won a few positive endorsements from both sides of the aisle, many Democrats voiced concerns about his past conservative rulings and reluctance to answer questions during his confirmation hearings.

Democrats also fumed that Republicans had refused last year to consider President Obamas choice to replace Scalia, Judge Merrick Garland, leaving the seat vacant for more than year.

Even so, filibusters of Supreme Court nominees are rare. When President Lyndon B. Johnson tried to elevate Justice Abe Fortas to the position of chief justice, senators from both parties filibustered in part over an ethics scandal that eventually led Fortas to resign.

In 2006, Democrats, including then-Sen. Barack Obama, tried to filibuster Samuel A. Alito Jr., but the effort fizzled and Alito was confirmed.

On Thursday, when Republicans first tried to end the Democratic filibuster, the vote was 55 to 45, short of the 60 votes needed. Four red- or swing-state Democrats joined Republicans  Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia.

An hour later, Republicans used their majority to muscle through a rule change on a party-line vote, lowering the threshold to 51. Then they easily broke the filibuster, 55 to 45, this time with just three Democrats  Donnelly, Heitkamp and Manchin.

Brushing aside his own unprecedented blockade of Obamas nominee last year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) blamed Democrats never-ending drive to politicize the courts and the confirmation process.

But as the votes unfolded, senators from both parties expressed regret.

This is a dark day in the Senate, tweeted Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).

As many as 10 senators had been meeting quietly to strike a compromise to avert the filibuster and the rule change. In return for agreeing to allow Gorsuchs nomination to proceed, Democrats wanted assurances that Republicans would not deploy the nuclear option to confirm Trumps next high court nominee, thereby securing some of the Democrats leverage in the next confirmation battle.

But talks ultimately failed.

It grieves me to think that we have so lost the history of trusting each other and knowing each other, that it was unworkable to get a reliable, trustworthy bipartisan deal, even with goodwill, even with hard work, said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) who led efforts to compromise.

Many now worry that it is only a matter of time before the rules are changed again to allow a simple majority to pass legislation, making the Senate, an institution designed as a deliberative body that requires bipartisan cooperation, operate more like the majority-rules House.

If senators are going to address the problems facing the nation and the world, we are going to first have to address the problems facing the United States Senate, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). I hope that all of us will reflect upon this profoundly sad day for this greatest of American institutions to consider where we are right now, and what we can do to begin anew.

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com | @LisaMascaro

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3:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional background and analysis.

9:30 a.m.: This article was updated with the Senate voting to changes its rules.

8:20 a.m.: This article was updated with the Senate vote failing to end the filibuster.

This article was originally published at 4:10 a.m.
President Trump has arrived in Florida for his first face-to-face meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, armed with a full agenda of U.S. concerns but only modest expectations for results.

Trump and Xi are set to huddle for two days on the grounds of the presidents Mar-a-Lago resort to discuss a range of economic issues and, more significantly, worries about North Koreas increased pace of nuclear development and ballistic missile tests.

I think China will be stepping up, Trump told reporters traveling with him Thursday aboard Air Force One.

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But the gathering, which kicked off with a formal dinner, threatened to be overshadowed by the escalating crisis in Syria. Trump was also scheduled to meet with top military advisors on a potential limited military response to the Assad regimes apparent use of chemical weapons against civilians.

Trump formally welcomed Xi on Thursday evening to what his administration has taken to calling the Winter White House, a stucco-and-coral rock neo-Mediterranean villa originally built by Marjorie Merriweather Post. The two leaders were scheduled to dine with about 30 others later.

On Friday the two will have a working lunch and other meetings with their respective delegations. Trump said he expected the meetings to focus most heavily on North Korea, but also trade.

We have been treated unfairly and have made terrible trade deals with China for many, many years, he said.

Summits between U.S. and Chinese leaders are typically tightly choreographed affairs, with the agenda and even public statements scripted long before the first meeting. Years of planning went into what the White House touted as an informal shirt sleeves summit between President Obama and Xi at the Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage in 2013.

But U.S. officials have emphasized that kind of detailed preparation isnt the case for this summit. Their Chinese counterparts have said little about the meeting altogether.

Theres going to be a very robust discussion, was all White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters Thursday.

Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross joined the president and First Lady Melania Trump on the flight to Palm Beach, where they were met by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for the meeting with their Chinese counterparts. National security advisor H.R. McMaster also traveled with the president; First Daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, were also to participate.

Xis delegation could not all be accommodated at Mar-a-Lago. They will instead stay at the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa in nearby Manalapan.

China has long been one of Trumps favorite political punching bags, and was one of his most prominent foils during his presidential campaign. He accused Beijing of raping the U.S. economically, vowing to label them as a currency manipulator and take action to address a yawning trade deficit between the two nations.

While the Obama administration clashed with China on issues like cybersecurity and territorial claims in the South China Sea, Obama and Xi forged a key partnership on climate change that laid the groundwork for the historic Paris climate agreement.

Obama also pursued a major trade pact with Pacific powers, including Japan and Vietnam, both to boost U.S. exports to the rapidly growing region but also to cement Americas influence in the region as a check to China.

Trumps decision to scrap the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership may actually move countries in the region closer to China, which has sought to enact its own regional trade agreement.

Appearing with Obama for the final time, shortly after Trumps election, Xi said the U.S.-China relationship had come to a hinge moment, but that he hoped the bilateral relationship would continue to grow.

Weeks later, before his inauguration, Trump spoke by phone with the leader of Taiwan, breaking with the longstanding U.S. recognition of Chinas One China policy, which does not recognize the island as an independent state.

Weeks later, however, Trump and Xi spoke by phone and the White House put out a statement affirming the policy followed by every president since Richard Nixon.

Briefing reporters ahead of Xis visit, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Affairs Susan Thornton said she believed the flap had been put to rest.

We certainly hope that they [the Chinese] are going to be more helpful on North Korea, Thornton said. We want to see even better cooperation to try to bring about a solution to the North Korea threat, but well certainly be talking to them about what more they can do, and we are looking to them to be doing more in the future.

Diplomats have noted that Tillerson, who greeted Xi upon his arrival in Palm Beach on Thursday, seemed to take on traditional Communist China talking points when he was in Beijing last month, speaking of win-win outcomes and mutual respect.

China has long interpreted that language to indicate no interference on issues such as Tibet and human rights, but Thornton said that interpretation was off base.

I think people have focused a little bit too much on this specific use of this language, she said.



noah.bierman@latimes.com | @noahbierman

Bierman reported from West Palm Beach and Memoli from Washington. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson contributed.

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During the primary campaign, we asked the two dozen candidates running for the 34th Congressional District seat to voice their opinions on six top policy questions. Heres what the top two winners of the primary, Jimmy Gomez and Robert Lee Ahn, wrote. The Democrats will face each other in a June 6 runoff. (Their answers were edited for style and length, but they were not fact-checked.)

Jimmy Gomez, state assemblyman

Would you be willing to negotiate on reforms to the Affordable Care Act, and what would be your No. 1 priority in terms of changing or protecting healthcare law?

While the ACA has dramatically cut the number of uninsured, it still leaves millions without healthcare. We need to fight to save the ACA and then strengthen and broaden it, moving toward a single-payer system like the one I co-authored in California last month. I will not negotiate the demise of the ACA with the Trump administration, but I would certainly be willing to work with responsible Republicans to fix some of the problems, particularly by strengthening the individual purchasers market to bring younger and healthier people into the risk pool. 

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Many of the candidates for this seat have said they support comprehensive immigration reform. If given the opportunity, would you work with President Trump and House Republicans on such a package and if so, name two requirements youd have for that reform.

I would work on such an immigration package, so long as it specifically ended the possibility of using taxpayer funds to build a border wall and it required [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or] DACA, to be permanent. We must continue to honor Americas commitment to keeping families together and not turn our backs on refugees and asylum seekers. 

Do you support the idea of sanctuary cities and what would you do if the Trump administration or congressional Republicans attempt to retaliate by blocking funds for such cities?

I do support sanctuary cities and I would be a firm, non-negotiable no vote on any deliberations that include the possibility of blocking funding for them. We need to mobilize professionals in criminal justice and public health to speak out loudly about why keeping immigrants connected to society makes us all safer and healthier. We must grow the movement to make it impossible for President Trump to deny federal support to sanctuary cities. I will not support a federal budget that cuts funds for sanctuary cities, states or universities. 

District voters have said opposing Trump is one of their top priorities in this race. Which issues would you fight President Trump on and how would you plan to do that if youre fighting the majority party? Please be specific.

First and foremost, I will fight President Trump on any effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. No congressional district has experienced a larger drop in the uninsured rate than CA34. I will build a working coalition of Democrats and independents to explain to voters in so-called red districts the financial impact this repeal would have on them and their families. I believe that once the GOP fears significant electoral losses, talk of repeal will diminish. The minority party can influence legislation by being united, resolute and disciplined  and by focusing on winning elections. 

What do you believe the role of charter schools should be in public education, and what role should the federal government versus the states have in oversight and accountability for school districts?

I recognize that charter schools are now part of our educational system, but they need to be transparent and held accountable for results. That means they must be subject to the same oversight as all other public schools. Oversight is best done at the state and local level. I will vigorously oppose efforts by Trump and [Education Secretary] Betsy DeVos to undermine public education through unregulated charters and vouchers which would fund sectarian and for-profit schools. American democracy rests upon a foundation of universal, equal education. I do not support reforms that create a two-tiered educational system.

This district is one of the poorest in the state and nationwide. Please name at least one tangible policy solution you would try to implement to improve this and describe how you would work to get it passed in Congress.

An infrastructure program would serve this district, and our city, well. We have much to do to upgrade roads and bridges, water, energy transmission, ports and airports. The American Society of Civil Engineers has identified $1.4 trillion in urgent infrastructure needs by 2025. Industry leaders must be mobilized to pressure GOP members of Congress to support these investments. I would also work to unite the California delegation to support a joint program.

Robert Lee Ahn, lawyer and former L.A. city planning commissioner

Robert Lee Ahn addresses an audience on the night of the primary election. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Would you be willing to negotiate on reforms to the Affordable Care Act, and what would be your No. 1 priority in terms of changing or protecting healthcare law?

Republicans have the votes to amend or repeal the ACA, so it is essential that Democrats press negotiations in order to protect critical portions of the existing law: 1) Low-income families and individuals must have access to affordable, quality healthcare. 2) Young adults must remain on a parents plan until age 26. 3) Any reduction to Medicaid replaced with automatic coverage for catastrophic events or diseases and yearly checkups. 4) I support the ability of individuals to purchase insurance across state lines. 5) Publics ability to choose their own doctors. 6) Ensure that those with preexisting conditions remain covered.

Many of the candidates for this seat have said they support comprehensive immigration reform. If given the opportunity, would you work with President Trump and House Republicans on such a package and if so, name two requirements youd have for that reform.

Obviously, the current system is going to be changed under this president. I think its important for Democrats to work with Republicans to ensure balance as the process moves along. For example, Democrats would not vote for any bill that included breaking apart families based on their immigration status.  The public wants reform that make sense for the country while at the same time is humane and protects the lives of law-abiding residents and communities. We need to reach a strong, intelligent and compassionate compromise.

Do you support the idea of sanctuary cities and what would you do if the Trump administration or congressional Republicans attempt to retaliate by blocking funds for such cities?

Continued existence of sanctuary cities is ultimately going to be addressed in the courts. Suits and injunctions have been or will be filed to block Washington action. However, I think the reality is that if the issue reaches the U.S. Supreme Court and the court agrees to hear the matter, the ruling will ultimately be against sanctuary cities. There may be some constitutional constraints on the federal government when it comes to pulling certain funding appropriations from the states, but once again, this puts the court system center stage.

District voters have said opposing Trump is one of their top priorities in this race. Which issues would you fight President Trump on and how would you plan to do that if youre fighting the majority party? Please be specific.

Though Democrats are in the minority party, they can still have a strong voice. We can and should make an intelligent case for why we must oppose many of Trumps proposals. We have ideological differences and we can certainly offer smart, compassionate alternatives. For example, a strong case can be made that reductions to Medicaid must be replaced with automatic coverage for catastrophic events or diseases and yearly wellness checkups.

What do you believe the role of charter schools should be in public education, and what role should the federal government versus the states have in oversight and accountability for school districts?

Charter schools were created as a result of a demand by parents and I am a firm believer in parents having a decision-making role with regard to the education of their children. That being said, in the best interest of children and their parents, I want oversight and parameters within which these schools operate. In answer to your question about accountability, I think the state is better equipped to evaluate and provide oversight of school districts, rather than the federal government.

This district is one of the poorest in the state and nationwide. Please name at least one tangible policy solution you would try to implement to improve this and describe how you would work to get it passed in Congress.

Incentives for small businesses and increased funding for police would greatly benefit the district. One of my priorities is to obtain additional federal funding to address the mental health needs of the homeless. The streets are not safe, the homeless themselves are not safe and the filth and unstable behaviors associated with the mental-, drug-, alcohol-related issues in this population degrades and deteriorates entire neighborhoods. I will bring in mental health experts, local government officials, heads of agencies ill-equipped financially to address the problems, neighborhood residents with personal stories of encounters, relatives of victims on the streets, etc. I believe I can build an enormous case for receiving substantial new funding.

christine.maiduc@latimes.com

Twitter: @cmaiduc

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The race for the 34th Congressional District in the core of Los Angeles was supposed to be a battle for the soul of the Democratic Party. The two dozen hopefuls vying for a spot in the top-two primary were full of self-proclaimed fighters ready to oppose President Trump and establishment Democrats.

Instead, its shaping up to be a contest between the powerful group of Latinos who make up a majority of the districts voters and the small but politically potent Korean American community, as Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez and former city planning Commissioner Robert Lee Ahn grabbed the runoff spots that will determine L.A.s next member of Congress.

This is really ethnic politics 101, said Matt Barreto, a UCLA professor of political science who helps run the polling firm Latino Decisions.

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Ahn, an attorney and a relative unknown in the crowded primary field, surprised many with a victory that vaulted him ahead of multiple Latino candidates in a district where more than half the voters are Latino. If elected in the June 6 runoff, he would be the only Korean American member of Congress and the first in nearly 20 years.

But it wasnt surprising to anyone who studies the intricacies of identity politics in Los Angeles, or to those who had been paying attention to Ahns aggressive focus on Korean American voters.

Ahns campaign staff spent dozens of hours registering voters at malls and outside restaurants in Koreatown, signing up hundreds of new voters. Ahn made his pitch at multiple Korean churches in the district, and a large portion of his donor base was from the Korean American community, which helped him raise more money than Gomez in the latter part of the campaign despite a deluge of cash Gomez received from political committees.

And when Virginia state legislator Mark Keam, also a Korean American, flew to Los Angeles to endorse Ahn, a bank of TV cameras from Korean American news stations was there.

Robert Lee Ahn raised the most money by far in latest campaign finance reports 

Daniel Hong, a 38-year-old who works in the film industry, voted for the first time Tuesday even though hes been a citizen for about 20 years. Hong, who is Korean American, said he read numerous articles about Ahn and received multiple phone calls from his campaign.

That was the first time anybody has ever reached out to me for my vote, said Hong as he stood outside a polling place set up in a Korean Presbyterian church.

Deborah Choi, 62, said she voted for Ahn so he can speak for Korean Americans here. The first wave of Koreans immigrated to the U.S. so many years ago, Choi said, but their representation in the highest elected offices remains low. She hopes her 36-year-old son will one day run for office too.

Though county election officials have yet to process more than 13,000 ballots, the 41-year-old Ahn remains thousands of votes ahead of the third-place candidate, fellow former planning Commissioner Maria Cabildo.

With turnout expected to hover around 15% of registered voters, preliminary returns show Ahns strategy paid off big. The biggest strongholds of votes for Ahn centered on Koreatown, Westlake and Chinatown, while the 42-year-old Gomez was ahead in neighborhoods throughout the northeast part of the district.

In early absentee ballot returns headed into primary election day, Korean Americans made up nearly a quarter of votes even though they comprise just 6% of registered voters.

Few Korean Americans have come this close to winning a seat in Congress since 1998, when Republican Jay Kim of Diamond Bar lost to a primary challenger after three terms in office. (David Min, a UC Irvine professor, announced a challenge to GOP Rep. Mimi Walters of Orange County this week.)

Korean Americans in Southern California have been hungry for political representation for a very long time, said Taeku Lee, a professor of politics and law at UC Berkeley. Lee said the recent campaign that helped propel David Ryu, the first Korean American elected to the L.A. City Council, may have also helped the community learn on-the-ground skills that mobilized voters in the congressional race.

The symbolism of Ahns win was not lost on his supporters Tuesday night.

Its very significant, said Jinha Park, a radiologist who attended Ahns election night party at a Mexican restaurant in Westlake. The Korean American community has always felt voiceless at the federal level.

The question now, as the two Democrats ready for what could be a costly runoff, is whether Ahn, the son of Korean immigrants, can broaden his appeal beyond the Korean American voters who are motivated to send him to Washington.

He faces a fierce challenge: While progressive candidates to his left spoke passionately about fighting for sanctuary cities that protect undocumented immigrants and single-payer healthcare, Ahn emphasized the business sensibility he would bring to the office and argued there was room to negotiate with Republicans on certain issues, an idea that could prove unpopular in a district where just 9% of voters are Republican, and where Bernie Sanders beat Hillary Clinton in last years presidential primary.

Ahn will also have to make a case to Latino voters, who make up more than half of registered voters in the district, why they should choose him over Gomez. The three-term assemblyman is the son of Mexican immigrants, has amassed dozens of establishment endorsements from Democratic elected officials, labor unions and environmental groups, and touted his progressive record in the Legislature.

Among his backers is Xavier Becerra, who rose to become the highest-ranking Latino U.S. congressman and vacated the seat to become Californias attorney general.

Votes that went to the remaining Latino candidates in the primary made up more than 38% of voters at last count, and the district has sent a Latino to Congress for more than half a century.

When [Ahn is] running against a guy named Gomez, as good as his outreach might be in the Latino community, Latinos gut and heart is going to be more with Gomez, said UCLA professor Barreto.

Ahn dismissed the idea. The notion that Latinos will only vote for a Latino  I think were really going to transcend that with our campaign, Ahn said in an interview Wednesday. He appears to be positioning himself as an outsider, which would be similar to the campaign Ryu ran when he made his successful council run in 2015. Ahn called Gomez a professional politician that is powered by special interests.

Gomezs camp shot back, saying voters will see through Ahns formidable fundraising and realize his credentials dont match with the district.

More than anything, hes ideologically out of step with the district, said Parke Skelton, a campaign consultant for Gomez. Skelton said Ahn, who changed his registration from Republican to Democrat in 2012, has taken positions that really put him out of the mainstream Democratic base in this district.

christine.maiduc@latimes.com

For more on California politics, follow @cmaiduc.

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President Trump has many enemies he likes to target on social media: failing newspapers, political adversaries in both parties, foreign nations, former President Obama. But he shares many of the same characteristics, at least on paper, with one nemesis he has repeatedly singled out: former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Wealthy Republicans who were internationally known celebrities long before they ran for office, Trump and Schwarzenegger both were elected to top posts without electoral experience and have checkered histories with women. At one time, they had a warm relationship, and Trump supported Schwarzeneggers gubernatorial efforts.

But now theres a hard freeze on the relationship, with the former California governor offering to replace Trump in the White House so Americans can finally sleep comfortably again, and the president chiding Schwarzenegger for low ratings on Celebrity Apprentice once he took over hosting duties. Trump has also criticized Schwarzeneggers stewardship of California and his support for other presidential candidates in the 2016 election.

 Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses President Donald J. Trumps first 76 days in office and the challenges of governing in a partisan climate.

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Schwarzenegger seemed amused as he compared the back-and-forth to playing ping-pong in a wide-reaching interview with The Times on Wednesday, saying he doesnt care about Trumps jabs as long as the attention helps him highlight causes close to his heart, such as climate change, immigration policy and redistricting reform.

I think it is helping us, putting the spotlight on all of the issues I care about  environmental issues, after-school issues, he said, chuckling. He puts the spotlight on it by just doing something that is a little crazy, and then everyone talks about it, and then I go and say, Whoa. Here is really what should happen.

Schwarzenegger spoke to The Times shortly before a televised town hall meeting on CNN where he discussed his plans to work on redistricting reform across the nation  to prevent elected officials from drawing district lines to suit their politics  an effort similar to one he championed in California. His staff announced he would match every dollar donated to a Common Cause crowdfunding account to pay for lawyers to fight gerrymandering nationwide.

Earlier in the day, Schwarzenegger hosted an event at USC focused on after-school programs, long a favored project for the actor-turned-governor. His support for Proposition 49, which provides $550 million annually in state funding for after-school programs, was crucial to its passage in 2002 and formed the foundation of his gubernatorial run the following year.

Trump has proposed cutting $1.2 billion in federal funding for such programs as part of a 13.5% cut in education spending, a point Schwarzenegger hammered during the event.

President Trump promised us that he wants to Make America Great Again. Thats not how you make America great, by taking $1.2 billion away from the children and robbing them blind, Schwarzenegger told an audience of hundreds and a bank of television cameras. Why would you do that? Why would you balance the budget on the backs of these kids? Kids are the most vulnerable citizens. Kids are our future.

Schwarzenegger initially declined in the interview to weigh in on Trumps first months in office, but vowed to continue to challenge the president when he disagreed with him.

I am sure theres a lot of things he does that are good, but when I feel that were going backwards  I will let my voice be heard, he said, pointing to Trumps move to relax Obama administration environmental policy on the coal industry. I said to myself, maybe next he is going to bring back buggies and horses, or pagers?

For all the superficial similarities between the two men, there are critical differences. By all accounts, Schwarzenegger was a student of policy during Californias brief 2003 recall election, and he actively sought the counsel of experts in various fields. Trump has become known for a more insular approach, once saying during the GOP primary last year that he consulted with himself on foreign policy and other issues because I have a very good brain and Ive said a lot of things.

Schwarzenegger has also been a consistent Republican, while Trump has danced across the political spectrum over the years.

The Austrian-born Schwarzenegger has long told an optimistic story of why he decided to join the Republican Party after he immigrated to the United States. Asked whether he would make the same decision today, he declared on CNN on Wednesday night that he was not a Trump Republican, instead pointing to his admiration for the GOP presidents such as Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Schwarzenegger attributes Trumps antipathy toward him to his support for Ohio Gov. John Kasich in the 2016 GOP primary  even after Kasich dropped out of the race. Schwarzeneggers public disclosure of his vote for Kasich, his longtime ally, in the California primary was a pointed snub of Trump, who was already the presumptive GOP nominee.

Speculation is swirling around whether Kasich will run again, thanks to a book tour stop later this month in New Hampshire, which holds the first presidential primary in the nation. Kasich has said he is not planning on running for president again, but has also refused to rule it out.

Asked whether Kasich should mount a bid for the White House in 2020, Schwarzenegger responded affirmatively, essentially calling for a primary challenge to his fellow Republican in the White House.

He should run in 2020, yes, Schwarzenegger said, pointing to his friends government experience at the federal, state and local levels and lauding the Ohio governor for his compassion. Kasich is an extraordinary guy.

seema.mehta@latimes.com

For the latest on national and California politics, follow @LATSeema on Twitter.

ALSO

Schwarzenegger says hes not running for U.S. Senate

Schwarzenegger blasts Trumps approval numbers: The ratings are in and you got swamped

Trumps approach might seem new, but Arnold Schwarzenegger tried it first. It was a disaster.
Anyone who lives in Southern California knows about SigAlerts. They are announcements made by the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans warning of significant traffic problems.

Laguna Beach has its own version of the alerts, which anyone can sign up for at bit.ly/laguna_alerts.

Over the years, the Laguna alerts have been steady and predictable: powerline down in the canyon; car accident near Emerald Bay; road closed in South Laguna because of a sewage leak. And so on.

All that started changing, however, at 5:08 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29. For some inexplicable reason, residents were alerted to the following:

Outbound Laguna Canyon Rd is very congested, the alert said. Expect delays while driving through downtown. Consider using Coast Hwy to leave the city.

There was no accident. No police activity. No downed powerline to blame.

It was just a normal Thursday. Sure, it was a holiday week, but Christmas was over.

More than an hour later came a follow-up alert saying the traffic remains jammed.

Why was there was so much traffic, you wonder?

It was simply a nice day.

It hit 79 degrees that day  bathing suit weather in December for everyone in Orange County who claims that Laguna Beach is their beach.

So that was the first known mention of this type of traffic alert. Now those alerts are coming more frequently.

On Valentines Day, of course, we had a similar warning.

Then on Saturday, March 11, at 4:50 p.m., we had the following more ominous alert: Traffic is congested outbound Laguna Cyn Rd and Northbound Coast Hwy from Diamond due to a high volume of vehicles.

Put on your Google Maps hat for a second and think about that.

Two of the three exits out of Laguna Beach were gridlocked for no other reason than a high volume of vehicles. And get this, the backup started at Diamond Street. Thats more than a mile south of downtown.

March 11 is not summer, its not Valentines Day, its not Fourth of July, its not Hospitality Night.

It was a normal spring Saturday and not particularly warm. It barely hit 70 degrees.

Everyone on social media was complaining about the traffic that day, mostly because it was mind-boggling. People kept asking why  or in more appropriate vernacular, WTH?

Ill tell you why. In my view, these conditions are early indicators of a new normal in Laguna Beach. The city has finally reached a tipping point in year-round traffic mismanagement.

With no improvements in infrastructure, off-site parking, complete streets and meaningful alternative transportation, theres really little chance to catch up over the next 10 years.

The reality is here and now and unequivocal. And its only going to get worse, much worse. For example, the new high-density residential build-outs in Irvine alone are already killing us.

But heres my real fear: this summers fire.

You know its coming. Who hasnt seen all of those beautiful tall grasses in the greenbelts and not worried about when they turn brown?

If we have two out of our only three exits blocked on a spring night for no reason, what happens in a real disaster?

There are many reasons the city is in this predicament, but how much longer will we say no to solutions?

At some point, we need to admit that we have a major failure of our transportation system  and leadership.

The hard truth is Laguna Beach leaders are in resolute denial about the citys transportation problems. What will it take to finally  finally  make the bold moves needed to start fixing obvious issues.

The existing approach is incremental at best. Increase parking rates here or there; tweak the trolley schedule; eke out a few more parking spots by partnering with businesses.

Those small changes will do nothing to help eliminate the traffic gridlock alerts, which will become weekly annoyances.

Residents should show up at any City Council meeting and make their voices heard. If there isnt a traffic item on every agenda, there should be. Visit the calendar at: lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/citygov/cityclerk/mam.htm.

There is no doubt that Laguna is suffering. Glossy tourist brochures and stacked surveys will tell you that nothing is wrong, but the reality is quite different.

The reality is sent to you every day of the week.

Unsubscribe at your own risk.

DAVID HANSEN is a writer and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at hansen.dave@gmail.com.
The former president of the Orange Coast College Republicans club and more than a dozen others went to a Coast Community College District board meeting Wednesday to demand that their colleges Faculty of the Year award be taken away from a professor seen calling now-President Trumps election victory an act of terrorism in a video recorded during her class last fall.

Joshua Recalde-Martinez was president of the OCC Republicans at the Costa Mesa college when the group posted the video of human-sexuality professor Olga Perez Stable Cox on its Facebook page in December.

On Wednesday, during the boards public comment period, he was backed by people holding signs with messages such as OCC: Support all students and "[Rescind] Olga Coxs Fake Award.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

At least eight people arrived wearing Make America Great Again hats  echoing Trumps campaign slogan  and a few held American flags.

OCC student Caleb ONeil, right, attends the Coast Community College District board meeting. ONeil is the student who made and shared the recording of Cox referring to President Trump as a white supremacist. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

The recording of Cox, made by a student Nov. 15, shows her apparently referring to Trump as a white supremacist and to now-Vice President Mike Pence as one of the most anti-gay humans in this country.

The student, Caleb ONeil, shared the video with the Republicans club because, he said later, he felt as if all the eyes in the room were on me because he was a Trump supporter.

Orange Coast College students or faculty members can nominate an instructor for the Faculty of the Year award.

The nominees are evaluated by a 10-member Professional Development Committee  composed of classified staff members, faculty, students and administrators  along with one member of the Academic Senate, Classified Senate and Associated Students and some past award recipients.

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For the Record: The original version of this story stated incorrectly that only the Professional Development Committee evaluates the nominees and that it includes past recipients of the award.

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Recalde-Martinez said he wants the college to allow all faculty members to vote on the award recipient instead of relying on a decision by the Professional Development Committee.

Rob Schneiderman, Coast Federation of Educators president, speaks in support of Olga Perez Stable Cox during the Coast Community College District board meeting on Wednesday. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

He added that he wants officials to revise school policy to ensure all students, no matter whether they are Republican or Democrat  be protected from being discriminated against from faculty, staff and fellow students.

Last week, in referring to recent campus graffiti targeting him, he said, I want to make sure these issues dont happen again in the future and additional protections are provided.

In a letter to the Coast Community College District, Recalde-Martinez listed changes he believes should be made to sections of the Anti-Discrimination Statement in the districts Student Code of Conduct.

Since the issue was not on the board agenda, it could not address speakers comments, though board President David Grant often interjected to ask attendees to keep their voices down while each person spoke.

Grant said in an interview after the meeting that if students want school policies revised, they should first go through the different governing groups on campus.

Were not shutting anything off ... there are just things that we dont have control over, Grant said. But they have a chance to follow those pathways.

Santa Ana College student Julian de la O, who came to the United States from Mexico City, said at the meeting that it was heartbreaking for him to see OCC students being called terrorists because they voted for someone that didnt agree with the professors views.

College should be a place where everybody is free to express their ideas and attack the ideas, not the people. And what the professor did was attack the people, he said.

Vincent Wetzel, current president of OCC Republicans, said members of the club have received death threats.

Protesters hold up signs during the Coast Community College District board meeting. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

Republicans are the most targeted minority on our campus, and its the duty of this board to defend minority students, Wetzel said.

Four speakers in the extended public comment period defended Cox.

I was a student chosen to be part of the [award] nomination process, said OCC student Jessica Riestra. Throughout the process, Olga received the highest score due to her passion, dedication and love toward her 40-plus years of teaching. This made her the most qualified candidate.

Rob Schneiderman, president of the Coast Federation of Educators, which represents instructors in the college district, said that while the federation is against any form of discrimination, harsh criticism of a politician is not discrimination.

The winner of the Faculty of the Year award typically addresses OCCs graduating class during commencement, but Doug Bennett, executive director of the Orange Coast College Foundation, said last week that Cox would not be a commencement speaker.

OCC spokesman Juan Gutierrez said Coxs replacement at the ceremony is still to be determined.

ONeils video of Cox sparked demonstrations at the campus both for and against the professor.

The college told ONeil in February that he would be suspended for violating rules against in-class recording without permission, but the district board directed Orange Coast to revoke ONeils suspension.

Staff writer Priscella Vega contributed to this report.

alexandra.chan@latimes.com

Twitter: @AlexandraChan10
John Kraus, Sally Twombly and Ed Romeo have a few things in common  they all have jobs they love, they never receive a paycheck and theyre all in their 90s.

Kraus, in fact, has two volunteer jobs at age 99.

He is the treasurer of Friends of Oasis, a nonprofit support group for the Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar. And the 1941 graduate of MIT has been writing for about 20 years for the MIT Technology Review.

I like to be in the middle of things, he said.

Kraus had a long professional career as an industrial engineer with TRW, North American Aviation and McDonnell Douglas. He worked on the design of nuclear power plants and the International Space Station before retiring at age 75.

The New York City native moved to Newport Beach almost 50 years ago.

After I retired, I was looking for things to do. So I joined the Oasis sailing club, where I became commodore and helped build the membership from 10 to 200, Kraus said. For the last 17 years, I have served on the board, in various jobs, for the Friends of Oasis.

As treasurer, Kraus handles accounting responsibilities and is part of the investment committee that helps raise money to support the senior centers activities.

Kraus, who was widowed twice, attributes his longevity to keeping busy and thinking positively.

Dont hold grudges or think negatively, he said. Thats a good way to enjoy life  look for the good things in people, not the bad.

Twombly, a Corona del Mar resident for 57 years, has been a volunteer for 30 years for assorted causes  a museum shop, a food pantry and a womens shelter, among them. Currently she works every Saturday at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Corona del Mar.

Its nice to be doing something worthwhile, said Twombly, 90.

Twombly raised her family in Corona del Mars Harbor View Hills community and helped her husband in their import/export business, doing secretarial work. That is, until tragedy struck in 1972.

My husband and my two sons were killed in a midair collision, Twombly said. I went into a fog  it was a terribly miserable time for me and my two daughters.

It was my mom who encouraged me to keep busy.

Twombly went back to work in the import/export business, this time alongside her late husbands business partner. After two years, they were married.

But after he became ill and died in 1980, she sold the business.

Twombly said the Discovery Shop is a good fit for her since she once worked for Buffums department store and has a flair for fashion and enjoys interacting with people.

When customers ask me what I think, I wont tell them a lie, she said.

According to Discovery Shop assistant manager Arnold Espinosa, Twombly is a dedicated volunteer.

She never misses her Saturdays, and I never have to worry about her getting the job done. I can count on her to listen and follow through, Espinosa said. Shes also a wealth of information  she knows whats going on in the world, and shes sharper than me at 55.

Twombly said she looks forward to seeing her co-workers and customers.

I love the people I work with. Arnold is an angel, although ever since I turned 90, he no longer lets me climb the ladder, she said. They are a great group and wonderful to be with; theres a magnetism and energy between us all.

Ed Romeo, a Newport Beach resident of 48 years who will turn 91 in May, has been involved in the local senior center since 2000, when his wife dragged him to an exercise class.

She talked me into joining, and that drew me into the net of volunteering in rummage sales, Casino Night and finally the board of directors, where I served as president for three years, Romeo said.

The former educator, who retired in 1991 after teaching middle school in Anaheim, began his volunteer path with Volunteer Center Orange County, now called OneOC.

As a teacher, its natural being involved in community activities, and volunteering is giving, Romeo said. And when you give, you get twice as much in return.

Romeo credits the Oasis Senior Center for providing activities that help senior citizens like him stay mentally alert and physically fit.

Keep the mind thinking and feet moving, he said. My wife and I get up at 6:30 a.m. three days a week to go to an 8 a.m. fitness class.

Youd think being retired means wanting to stay in bed as long you can, he added with a laugh.

Susan Hoffman is a contributor to Times Community News.
If you want to set up a medical marijuana enterprise in Costa Mesa, youll need three things: patience, a well-defined plan and enough money to cover the cost of doing business.

Those were takeaways from a meeting the city held Wednesday to discuss the application process and proposed fees for those looking to set up shop in town under Measure X.

That initiative, approved by local voters in November, allows businesses that research, test, process and manufacture some medical marijuana products to open in the area north of South Coast Drive, west of Harbor Boulevard, south of MacArthur Boulevard and east of the Santa Ana River  though not in South Coast Collection.

Cultivation and retail sales of marijuana or marijuana products are still prohibited under the measure.

During Wednesdays meeting at City Hall, Assistant City Manager Rick Francis told the crowd of more than 70 people that operators likely would be subject to around $50,000 to $55,000 in fees to open a medical marijuana business.

The city has determined that amount would be necessary to cover costs related to permitting the businesses and enforcing local regulations, Francis said.

This is going to be done on a cost-recovery basis, he said. The fees represent our best effort to recoup what the citys going to spend in extra time and all the other extra effort that we have to undertake to make this thing happen.

Other costs, such as annual business license fees, would be on top of that.

The city wants really solid operators. ... So this process, its going to be kind of grueling and it will weed out some potential operators.  Rick Francis, Costa Mesa Assistant City Manager

The crowd appeared to have some sticker shock. Some said the citys estimated fees seem high compared with whats charged elsewhere.

Others pointed out that medical marijuana businesses in Costa Mesa also will have to pay a 6% annual gross receipt tax.

City Council members have the final say on how much the fees will be. They are expected to take the issue up at their April 18 meeting.

Though the application process hasnt yet begun, operators will need to obtain several documents to open a medical marijuana business.

Those include a business license, a medical marijuana business permit  which entails background checks of all owners and employees  and a conditional use permit, which requires approval from the Planning Commission.

Getting all that paperwork in order will probably take at least five months, according to Francis.

If the process sounds arduous, thats partly by design. The goal, Francis said, is to get the cream of the crop to open in town.

The city wants really solid operators, he said. We dont want a whole lot of problems with operators who are kind of reckless. So this process, its going to be kind of grueling and it will weed out some potential operators.

No pun intended, he added, drawing laughs from the crowd.

luke.money@latimes.com

Twitter @LukeMMoney
Huntington Beach police are seeking the publics help in finding 13 alleged Los Angeles gang members who police say played a role in a robbery at a 7-Eleven on Pacific Coast Highway in January.

Huntington Beach police received a call shortly after 11 p.m. Jan. 7 about a large group of people who went into a 7-Eleven at 706 Pacific Coast Hwy. and reportedly stole items from the store and assaulted the clerk, authorities said.

The group then got into a party bus and headed north, according to police.

Soon after getting the call, police pulled over a party bus on Pacific Coast Highway near the 7-Eleven. Investigators questioned all 80 people aboard and found seven loaded handguns on the bus, authorities said.

Isiah Bryant, 21, of Los Angeles and Wynzel Worthan, 18, of Compton were arrested on suspicion of robbery. Everyone else on the bus was released.

Worthan has been charged with one count of being an active participant in a gang carrying a loaded firearm in public, one count of conspiring to commit a crime and one count of participating in criminal street gang activity, all felonies. He faces possible sentencing enhancements on allegations of criminal street gang activity, according to Orange County Superior Court records.

Authorities are looking for Worthan, who is listed as a fugitive in court filings.

Bryant, who is facing the same charges, was released on $50,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned April 25, according to court records.

During the investigation, Huntington Beachs Special Investigations Bureau collaborated with the Los Angeles Police Departments South East Division gang detectives to identify 24 suspects, and Huntington Beach detectives obtained 24 arrest warrants.

So far, 11 people have been arrested on suspicion of various offenses, including weapons violations. Thirteen suspects, allegedly members of the Bounty Hunters gang, are still being sought, police said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 960-8811 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS (847-6227).

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
This letter is in response to the article on March 21, Cyclist appears at fault in collision with car, Glendale police say. The article was quick to lay blame on the bicyclist, without providing any information regarding the behavior of the driver. Walk Bike Glendale is concerned that this type of reporting unfairly assumes bicyclists are at fault for collisions involving bicyclists and other users of the road.

Walk Bike Glendale, a local chapter of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, is dedicated to promoting and increasing safe walking and biking in Glendale. We believe a city with opportunities to safely walk and bike is more livable, healthier and less congested.

Join the conversation on Facebook 

As advocates, we are sensitive to how walking and biking is discussed in Glendale. We request that GNP reporters and the Glendale Police Department disclose all relevant information when reporting a serious injury or fatality involving a bicyclist or pedestrian. We believe that making statements before obtaining complete information is a poor practice. We ask that reporters include all pertinent details, including driver speed, driver distraction (e.g., talking by phone or texting), and other relevant events occurring at the site and time of the collision. Until complete information is available, it is premature to report fault. Assigning fault to vulnerable road users with incomplete or inaccurate information discourages people from walking and biking.

Steve Nancarrow

Chair, Walk Bike Glendale

...

Letters came too soon before vote

I am writing to protest your publication of blatant political campaigning in the Mailbag forum just three days before an election. Both Pam Ellis and Sharon Weisman made direct pleas for votes, one for Measure L and the other for candidate Grant Michals. You should be ashamed of your journalistic ethics! Aside from blessing them with over 16 column inches of valuable space, you did not even edit out their last sentences, which made those direct calls for votes.

You should not publish direct campaign messages or calls for a particular vote. I expect you to accept letters that try to persuade, but there needs to be time for rebuttal  especially as the News-Press publishes only twice a week. Our previous News-Press editor, Dan Evans, routinely announced, well ahead of time, that there would be a moratorium on Mailbag letters regarding election issues (usually two weeks ahead of the vote). That gave both sides time to make their points. By not cutting off editorial letters, and printing these two, you failed to set a level playing field. In fact, you created two examples of free campaign advertising  sponsored by the News Press!

Kurt Sawitskas

Glendale



Remembering the Armenian Genocide

Dear World: In the absence of ears and eyes, you would not have heard or seen the cries. The world did not have the ears and eyes since the Armenian Genocide was deliberately forgotten. Do you remember that distant past of ours? We have reminded you; you must not have the memory.

If you cover your ears and eyes, does reality disappear? Have you disappeared? An entire civilization almost disappeared to the act of an inhumane crime of a magic show. Search within the realms of your brain. Do you remember following the bloody trails of innocent Armenians? If you are not deaf, do you hear the laments? If you are not blind, do you see the agony in Mother Armenias heart?

Our historical lands have been denied to us, yet you have allowed the perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide to deny their crimes. We are Armenians and by divine power we have survived; we live before your eyes.

Search for us, Armenians. Close your eyes and listen for our call. Like a blind man, your senses may hear beyond the average humans ear. By denying justice, you deny peace. Refrain yourselves from ignorance. Find our truth.

Your mouths have reworded our truth and brought invisibility to our history. Help grasp the gravity of the perpetrators and the infinite vitality of our pain. Our wounds are open, our justice is scarred. Our history is written in books around the world.

Have we gone extinct? No, details of the horrifying murders are out there. Search for them. Find Armenian history. Lets march together on April 24 and put an end to this blackness and help inform the world.

Rachel Melikian

Glendale
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works officials have been ordered to temporarily suspend all activities pertaining to a multiyear sediment removal project at Devils Gate Dam, after a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled last month to decertify portions of the agencys environmental mitigation plans.

In a March 23 order made in an ongoing lawsuit filed against the county by environmental groups  the Arroyo Seco Foundation and Pasadena Audubon Society  Judge James C. Chalfant decertified segments of the countys final EIR discussing mitigation measures and the cumulative impact of the dig to biological resources in Hahamongna Watershed Park.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

Chalfant issued a tentative ruling in February against the countys claim that biological resource impacts of the project would be reduced to less than significant levels. That ruling stated the impact report failed to include enforceable terms to ensure nitrogen oxide emissions from sediment hauler trucks would be reduced to less than significant levels.

Now, county Public Works officials must revise those aspects of the impact report, recirculate the revised document in a 45-day public comment period and hold a public hearing before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, according to Mitchell Tsai, an attorney representing the plaintiffs.

The final EIR was initially certified by supervisors during a Nov. 12, 2014 meeting.

--

Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, said it executed three Palestinians on Thursday for alleged collaboration with Israel, stoking tensions after the killing of one of its commanders nearly two weeks ago.

A statement from the Hamas Interior Ministry said the three had been convicted of treason and conspiracy with a hostile foreign power. The ministry said authorities hanged the convicts before a gathering of Palestinian dignitaries and Gaza elites.

Human rights groups condemned the executions, with Amnesty International calling them an outrage.

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Hamas didnt release the identities of the executed but gave their ages as 52, 42 and 31. They are convicted of communicating and collaborating with the enemy, the statement said.

Gaza has been on edge since two weeks ago, when Mazen Faqha, a leading officer in its military wing, was shot to death outside his Gaza City home by gunmen who used silencers. It was the first time in years that such a prominent member of the organization had been killed from inside Gaza.

Faqha had been serving consecutive life sentences in Israel for involvement in a suicide attack, but was released as part of a prisoner swap in 2011.

The militant group blamed Israel for the killing, and it threatened to take revenge against Israeli security chiefs. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the killing.

Hamas also embarked on a crackdown inside Gaza, a blockaded coastal enclave of 2 million Palestinians. In an attempt to locate suspects, the organization shut down access to its sole pedestrian crossing with Israel for more than a week and banned Gaza fishermen from taking their boats out to sea. It also instituted a week-long program to encourage Palestinians to confess to collaborating with Israel in return for clemency.

A banner in Gaza City on Wednesday reads: We declare our full support for the security authorities in their measures against collaborators and they betrayed and backstabbed and deserved the punishment. (MOHAMMED ABED / AFP/Getty Images)

The three executed on Thursday were not convicted of involvement in the killing of Faqha, Hamas said.

Hamas and the Gaza public has been shocked by the killing of Faqha, said Mkhaimar Abusada, a political science professor at Al Azhar University in Gaza. The executions send a crystal-clear message that if you collaborate with Israel, this is what you are going to get.

The Gaza-based Palestinian Center for Human Rights condemned the executions, issuing a statement that described them as extrajudicial, despite Hamas reference to a conviction. The statement said that fighting treason and achieving security will not occur by violating the law.

The executions on Thursday were the first carried out by Hamas since May 2016. Since the Islamist militants took over Gaza in 2007, they have executed 25 Palestinians. The organization was also accused of executing Gazans during the 2014 war with Israel.

Amnesty International said the killings by Hamas represent a bitter blow for human rights.

The fact that these three civilian men were condemned to death after being convicted in unfair proceedings in military courts makes their executions all the more outrageous, the organization said in a statement.

Special correspondent Abualouf reported from Gaza City and Mitnick from Tel Aviv

@joshmitnick
The Iraqi government said Islamic State militants have shot down an Iraqi army helicopter over Mosul, killing the two-member crew.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the incident happened during the operation to retake the city from Islamic State militants.

Officials said the chopper came down as a result of ground fire and crashed somewhere in eastern Mosul. Footage from an AP cameraman shows a large ball of fire with a long trail of thick black smoke as the aircraft fell out of the sky Thursday afternoon.

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Iraqi air force and army aircraft conduct regular strike operations over the city to support police and special forces units battling the militants. The operation to retake Mosul from Islamic State started in October.
The new Netflix series Ingobernable  Ungovernable  is set in Mexico.

But when it came time to start filming the Spanish-language drama last summer, the shows star had a problem: She couldnt go there without risking arrest.

Kate del Castillo, one of Mexicos best-known actors, was wanted by authorities for having met with Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, Mexicos best-known drug lord, while he was on the run in 2015.

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The actress, 44, shot to fame after starring in a string of popular soap operas. The drug lord, thought to be in his early 60s, started out as a street vendor and came to lead the worlds most powerful and murderous criminal syndicate.

Their relationship, based on mutual fascination and formed over a series of secret text messages, became Guzmans undoing, eventually landing him in a U.S. prison awaiting trial on charges of drug trafficking and murder.

Less publicized are the problems it has caused for Del Castillo, who was vilified by Mexican officials for befriending Guzman, and who said her career has suffered in the fallout.

Ive also been trying to prove my innocence.  Kate del Castillo

Mexican actress Kate Del Castillo, who stars in a new Netflix series Ingobernable, is photographed in her office at her Los Angeles, Calif. home. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

In the new show, Del Castillo plays Mexican First Lady Emilia Urquiza, who goes on the run when she is falsely accused of killing her husband.

Of course theres an analogy, because I too have been persecuted, Del Castillo said in a recent phone interview from Los Angeles. Ive also been trying to prove my innocence.

The trouble started on a winter night in 2012.

Del Castillo was at home in Los Angeles, where she had moved several years earlier to try to break into Hollywood. Sipping a glass of wine, she sent out a flurry of tweets on love and politics, her usual fare on social media.

Then she turned to the subject of Guzman, who had escaped from prison a decade earlier and was still on the run.

Today I believe more in El Chapo Guzman than I do in the governments that hide truths from me, even if they are painful, she wrote.

She then directed a question to the Sinaloa cartel leader. Mr. Chapo, wouldnt it be cool if you started trafficking with the good? Lets traffic with love, you know how.

Del Castillos provocative tweets lit a firestorm, with some in Mexico accusing her of celebrating the drug lord.

The tweets also attracted the attention of Guzman, who had become a fan of Del Castillo after seeing her play a plucky drug lord in the Mexican soap opera La Reina del Sur.

In 2014, after the cartel leader was recaptured, his lawyers reached out to Del Castillo to offer her the rights to his life story for a film or television project. Del Castillo, who saw strong narrative potential in Guzmans exploits and folk hero status, jumped at the chance.

His lawyers eventually gave the actress a phone so she could communicate with Guzman via text message, where he confessed his admiration of her acting career and called her the best woman in the world.

Guzman escaped again in July 2015 and three months later invited Del Castillo to visit him in a hideout in the mountains of Sinaloa. They shared tequila and spoke about his life late into the night. Actor Sean Penn, whom Del Castillo had invited along, later wrote about the experience in Rolling Stone.

The clandestine meeting helped Mexican authorities trace the drug lords location  and recapture him a few months later.

It also embarrassed President Enrique Pena Nieto, raising the question of how his government had not been able to find Guzman sooner.

Del Castillo was already unpopular with Pena Nietos Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, because she had campaigned for an opposition candidate in the 2000 presidential election. After her meeting with Guzman, she said, she became the target of a witch hunt by the government.

In an interview early last year, then-Mexican Atty. Gen. Arely Gomez said her office was investigating Del Castillo on possible money laundering charges, suggesting the actress may have received money from Guzman for the film project. The government issued an order to find and question Del Castillo, who said the drug boss had paid her nothing.

 Actress Kate del Castillo talks about her life after secretly meeting with notorious drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman in 2015, and her new show, Ingobernable.

As a result of the order, she said, several planned acting projects were shelved and the cost of her cast insurance went up.

People were afraid because they didnt know if I would be able to perform, or if suddenly the FBI or the DEA was going to come and yank me out of production, she said.

For Ingobernable, producers worked around the situation, shooting Del Castillos parts in San Diego and using a double for her street scenes in Mexico.

The show is a none-too-subtle critique of her home country.

The first season unfolds against the backdrop of a bloody drug war, rampant government corruption and forced disappearances  much like the real Mexico. A main plot point is a thinly veiled reference to the disappearance of 43 students in Ayotzinapa in 2014.

Its almost an obligation for us as actors and producers to talk about the issues that bother Mexico, about the corruption, about how we are broken, said Del Castillo. We need to start questioning ourselves as Mexicans and start raising our voices.

Del Castillos character clashes with her husband, the president, over his broken campaign promises.

Producer Epigmenio Ibarra said he never considered another actress for the role, despite Del Castillos travel restrictions.

Any producer or journalist would have pursued this story, he said of her meeting with Guzman. We chose a great woman, a great actress and a great fighter. We are with her.

He said it felt like the role was written for Del Castillo.

Kate is ungovernable, Ibarra said.

While her costars attended a red carpet premiere and news conferences in Mexico City last month, Del Castillo stayed home in Brentwood.

For one event, she was beamed in by satellite and answered question after question from Mexican reporters about her meeting with Guzman.

Its a shame that I cant see the faces of the press and all my colleagues, she said, blinking back tears.

Del Castillo communicated to Guzman through lawyers about their film project while he was imprisoned in Mexico but hasnt spoken to him since his extradition this year to the United States.

She still hopes to make a film about his life, but says she will wait until she can confirm that her legal problems in Mexico are resolved.

In February, the attorney generals office announced that in compliance with a court ruling, it had canceled the order to find and question De Castillo.

But the actress said she believes the government is planning a new case against her and said her lawyers have told her it is not safe for her to go back to Mexico.

She said shell return only when my layers give me a green light, and I can go without any risks.

Cecilia Sanchez in the Times Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

kate.linthicum@latimes.com

Twitter: @katelinthicum

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An 11-year-old boy  one of hundreds who have been shuttled to an immigration detention facility in the middle of the New Mexican desert  was released this week after it was discovered that he is a U.S. citizen, according to the childs attorney.

The boy spent more than a month at the detention center in Artesia, N.M., before an immigration attorney who happened to be visiting the facility discovered his status last week. The child, whose father is a U.S. citizen, had migrated from Central America with his mother before both were detained.

I dont think they asked him the right questions, said the boys attorney, Stephen Manning. He should never have been there.

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Leticia Zamarripa, a spokeswoman with Department of Homeland Security, described the case as a complex matter but said she could not comment on individual immigration cases because of privacy issues.

She did say that if an immigration detainee claims U.S. citizenship, the person could be released from custody while Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials investigate. Ultimately, an immigration judge decides whether a person is eligible to remain in the United States.

The case highlights the difficulties and potential pitfalls federal officials have faced in speeding up the processing of the thousands of single parents with children who have fled Central America and entered the U.S. through its southern border, said Laura Lichter, an immigration attorney.

Lichter is part of a contingent of lawyers that has been given access to the Artesia facility to provide free legal counsel to the detainees.

I think the fact that a U.S. citizen was detained and for this long before anyone actually realized that there was even the possibility that they had detained a U.S. citizen shows you just how little respect and attention is being given to peoples cases, said Lichter, former president of American Immigration Lawyers Assn. What this shows you is that there really is no due process here and that the system is only working in a way to deport people from the country. It is not working to protect peoples claims.

The boys case also reflects what happens when U.S. immigration law collides with the reality of modern, blended families, in which some members may be in the country legally while others are not.

Manning said that according to immigration law, because the boys father is a U.S. citizen, his child is too, even though the boy was born abroad.

Once federal authorities were alerted to the boys status, Manning said, they acted immediately to release him. His mother also was released, though its unclear whether she is eligible for legal relief, Manning said.

Manning was hesitant to release any identifying information on the child  such as the country he had originated from or where he was heading within the U.S. He did say, however, that the boy and his mother were on their way to be reunited with family and that the father lives in the U.S.

In the last nine months, nearly 63,000 single parents with at least one child have been apprehended along the Southwest border, mainly in southern Texas. At the same time, about the same number of unaccompanied children have been apprehended along the border.

Most of the migrants are from Central America  mainly Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Although some have tried to enter the U.S. illegally, many have given themselves up to Border Patrol officers upon entering the United States. A combination of factors including escalating gang violence, crushing poverty and rumors about potential immigration relief  has led a surge of people heading north.

The exodus from Central America has overwhelmed Homeland Security officials, who have vowed to speed up immigration hearings but have also struggled to house immigrant families and unaccompanied children.

Immigrant rights groups and immigration attorneys have countered that quick removals would violate many migrants rights of due process. There have also been reports of abuses and inadequate access to attorneys, healthcare and food at new detention facilities, specifically in Artesia.

cindy.carcamo@latimes.com
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Brazil's securities comission delays the offer for up to 30 days because the airline led by CEO David Neeleman gave investors information that was not included in the prospectus
A motorcyclist suffered internal injuries requiring surgery after a crash that closed Route 248 for more than three hours Wednesday.

Nathaniel Straub, 19, of Walnutport, was hospitalized with serious injuries after the crash at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday in Lower Nazareth Township, according to Colonial Regional Police Chief Roy Seiple.

Seiple said Straub was driving west on Route 248 when he struck an SUV driven by 75-year-old Carol Matheis of Forks Township. Matheis was turning left from Route 248 onto Hollo Road and Straub struck the right rear portion of the SUV, Seiple said.

Straub flew about 10 to 15 feet and the motorcycle continued on its wheels for about 300 to 400 feet, he said.

"No charges have been filed pending result of the investigation," the chief said.

The road was closed until 7 p.m. Wednesday during an accident reconstruction investigation.

Seiple said Hecktown Fire Department and Bethlehem Township EMS assisted police. Lehigh Valley Drone took aerial photos.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Just a year after it first opened, Emeril's Fish House wants to reintroduce itself.

The Creole-style seafood restaurant, one of three Emeril Lagasse outposts at Sands Bethlehem, debuted a new menu and a new look Wednesday, after closing for a hiatus in January.

With the makeover, the 185-seat Fish House is now going for a casual vibe with more affordable offerings than its first iteration. The decor has been totally overhauled, with a New Orleans-style exterior featuring French blues, shutters and lanterns.

Fish House opened in a hurry last spring, replacing Emeril's Italian Table. Not wanting two Italian restaurants on the property, Sands closed Italian Table to make way for Buddy V's Ristorante, the eatery owned by "Cake Boss" star Buddy Valastro, a Sands spokeswoman said. The resort flipped Italian Table into Fish House without remodeling the space, and waited for the new year to close down for the renovation.

The new menu introduces more comfort food, and rejiggers previous dishes into less expensive versions. Where it once offered a $140 Grand Plateau, a seafood sampler serving four to six people, it now has the $90 Grand Tower, serving just as many people.

The original menu's steak & frites cost $38; now, no steak dishes exceeds $28. Small plates, such as grilled octopus and sweet corn hush puppies, run from $8 to $14. Desserts like salted caramel cheese cake and beignets cost $7.

The restaurant will be led by Sands' food director Victor Bock, Chef de Cuisine Xolani Dlamini, and General Manager Gregory Johnson, who have all been with Sands for several years. Emeril's Fish House is open 5 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Lagasse will next be visiting the Bethlehem on June 2 and 3 for the Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival at Sands.

Andrew Doerfler may be reached at adoerfler@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @adoerfler or on Facebook.
Hours after joining fellow Republicans in a unilateral rewriting of U.S. Senate rules, Sen. Pat Toomey is scheduled late Thursday afternoon to take constituents' questions during a telephone town hall.

Toomey, R-Pa., has been an unwavering supporter of Judge Neil Gorsuch, an appeals court judge in Denver, for the U.S. Supreme Court. Getting Gorsuch's nomination by President Donald Trump to a vote in the GOP-controlled Senate was the reason the majority on Thursday voted in invoke the so-called nuclear option.

The Associated Press reports on the parliamentary drama in the Capitol:

Democrats mounted a filibuster in an effort to block Gorsuch by denying him the 60 votes needed to advance to a final vote. Then Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky raised a point of order, suggesting that Supreme Court nominees should not be subjected to a 60-vote threshold but instead a simple majority in the 100-member Senate.

McConnell was overruled, but appealed the ruling. And on that he prevailed on a 52-48 party line vote. The 60-vote filibuster requirement on Supreme Court nominees was effectively gone, and with it the last vestige of bipartisanship on presidential nominees in an increasingly polarized Senate.

A final confirmation vote on Gorsuch is expected Friday and he could then be sworn in in time to take his seat on the court later this month and hear the final cases of the term.

That rule change to a simple majority, rather than 60-vote threshold ahead of a final vote on confirmation, is what is known as the nuclear option.

Gorsuch now counts 55 supporters in the Senate: the 52 Republicans, along with three moderate Democrats from states that Trump won last November -- Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Donnelly of Indiana, according to the AP; a fourth Senate Democrat, Michael Bennet from Gorsuch's home state of Colorado, has said he would not join in the filibuster against Gorsuch but has not said how he will vote on confirmation.

Toomey, in a video posted Wednesday to Facebook, acknowledged "hand-wringing" over whether to change the Senate rules in face of a Democratic filibuster. He said that was the only option, given statements by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., earlier in the day on the Senate floor in which he pleaded with Republicans for a new nominee more palatable to both parties.

"That sounds very, very reasonable," Toomey says in the video. "Here is the problem with Sen. Schumer's suggestion, two problems. The first, is Neil Gorsuch. The fact is President Trump could not have chosen a better nominee, a more qualified individual, one more in the judicial mainstream. He has broad bipartisan support, he was confirmed to the circuit court without a single objecting senator.

"If the Democrats are not wiling to support Neli Gorsuch, there's no Republican that they'll support."

Senate Democrats are preparing to break over 200 years of Senate precedent and launch the first ever partisan filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee. Here is my take on what the Senate should do: Posted by Senator Pat Toomey on Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Toomey's telephone town hall, the 49th of his Senate career, begins at 5 p.m. Thursday. Questions may be posed via phone and through Toomey's Facebook account, and the chat will available to listen to on Facebook, as well. In addition, some constituents across Pennsylvania will receive a call inviting them to participate in the town hall.

During his 48th telephone town hall in February, Toomey talked about taking a "very tough line" on Russia and the then-ongoing effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

"Senator Toomey has found these calls to be a great way to hear from folks when he is in Washington," his office said in a statement.

Where Toomey has backed Gorsuch for the Supreme Court, his Democratic counterpart has been staunchly opposed to his nomination. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., has had a lot to say on Trump's picks, including this sampling from his Twitter account:

To prevent scotus from moving further in the direction of big corporations we must #StopGorsuch. Watch now: https://t.co/sMFm7crMwu  Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) April 6, 2017

Judge Gorsuch has a rigid judicial philosophy which leads him to come down on the side of powerful interests/big corporations #StopGorsuch  Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) April 6, 2017

Current scotus ruled 8-0 against Judge Gorsuch's legal theory concerning children w/ disabilities. He's out of the mainstream. #StopGorsuch  Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) April 6, 2017

Judge Gorsuch is too extreme for scotus but we should also talk about how we got here (I.e 'nuclear option by Senate Rs) #StopGorsuch  Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) April 6, 2017

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate invoked the "nuclear option" Thursday to end a Democratic-led filibuster on the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

A Senate vote is expected on Friday, and with a simple majority of 51 votes needed for confirmation -- not 60 votes to end debate and force a vote -- President Trump's choice is expected to take his place on the high court.

The filibuster rule is designed to make the Senate a more deliberative and less partisan body than the House. The rule gives the minority party some clout on important votes, but it can be suspended by the majority leader -- as the majority Democrats did a few years ago when Republicans refused to budge on a slate of federal judges nominated by President Barack Obama.

Democrats aren't just protesting the choice of Gorsuch; they're reeling from Senate Republicans' refusal to consider Obama's choice to replace the late Antonin Scalia last February.

Has the filibuster outlived its usefulness? Is it a victim of hyperpartisanship in Washington? Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the rules change will extend only to Supreme Court nominees, but other Republicans would like to see the filibuster deep-sixed altogether.

What do you think? Should the filibuster be scrapped permanently? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to join the conversation in the comments section.
Laois students have spoken about their personal experiences of depression and suicide, as they prepare to tackle stress felt among the countys students.

Exam pressure is the leading cause of stress for students, say Laois Comhairle na nOg, who are making it their prime focus for their annual project.

Four students from the group addressed Laois County Council last week to outline the level of stress that students are under.

CBS Student Mark McCormack recommends visiting the online counselling service www.7cups.com

It is a website if youre feeling down. There are psychologists there to listen. When most of us feel stressed, often it is when we are on our own. Personally I have used it in the past. To promote it would be excellent, he said.

Vice Chairman Cian McGearailt also from CBS, spoke about suicide.

Suicide is related to exam stress. I found this in a Junior Cert project I did on mental health for young men. A cousin of mine was a victim, because of the Leaving Cert. To think it has that effect, on young men or girls, is terrible, he said.

Niamh Bakker from Scoil Chriost Ri gave statistics of the stress students feel.

At our Dail na nOg, 200 students voted. 70 percent of students in 3rd, 5th and 6th year are feeling stressed due to exams. We also see it in teachers who are under pressure to get good results. 60 percent of students feel there is too much emphasis on exams, and they want more active learning to be implemented, she said.

She said they agreed that the least effective teaching method is when a teacher mostly talks from a book. We aim to reduce stress levels with our project, she said.

Mark outlined their plans.

We will do a survey, and we will create an app, and hold workshops during the year, on mindfulness and de-stressing and tackling depression. We can also go to local schools to do the workshops, he said.

Laois Comhairle also intend to widen their social media presence in 2017, with a show of hands at the council meeting showing that not one Laois councillors is connected with them online.

The group also aims to produce videos on practical skills. Aoife Hanniffy from Scoil Chriost Ri explained.

At our AGM, the biggest issue reported by students was the lack of practical skills taught in school, like home budgeting, cooking, and coping with stress, she said.

There is a Chomhairle na nOg in every local authority, 34 in Ireland. The Laois group has made submissions on the Public Realm Strategy, and County Development Plan.

Our aim is to be involved with consultations. If there is something you want to raise, ask them as you would ask retirement groups, the co-ordinator Georgina Ireland asked the council.
The three people arrested connection with an armed robbery in Tullamore are to appear in Portlaoise District Court today.

Gardai charged two men and a woman, all aged in their 20s, in connection with the robbery of a shop in Cappincur in which a knife and hammer were used.

They are due to appear before Portlaoise District Court this morning, Thursday, April 6, at 10.30am.

A garda car was rammed following the incident.

At approximately 9.25pm on Tuesday evening, April 4, two males entered a shop in Cappincur armed with a knife and a hammer. They threatened staff and left with a sum of money in a car with a third person.

The car then drove towards Dublin on the motorway as Garda from the Laois Offaly Division gave chase. Three people, two males and one female were later arrested near Clonard, County Meath after ramming a Garda vehicle.

Gardai recovered the property taken and the weapons used.
The African man who last Monday went on a window smashing rampage at his flat in Portlaoise, is today sleeping on the ground outside it.

The man who smashed at least four windows, shouting and dancing on the street, terrorising neighbours and passers-by, had been arrested by Gardai who used pepper spray to control him.

He was brought to Portlaoise hospital with concerns over his mental health, by the Gardai. Statements were made to Gardai on the incident.

However he reappeared on the streets last Tuesday, where he arrived back at the flat with reportedly an axe and a screwdriver, attempting to re-enter his boarded up flat.

After neighbours called the Gardai, the axe was taken from him, but the man is now sleeping rough, having been seen both asleep on a street bench in Market Square, and today, Thursday April 6, lying on the grass outside his old flat, beside Bridge Street Centre.

His neighbours are in continued fear.

Mrs Kathleen Brown is in her late 70's and living alone, and hasn't left her house in days.

"I am absolutely petrified, terrified of him, I can't sleep. This was always a peaceful road, there was never any trouble," she said.

"When I saw him back taking the boards down I nearly died. I think he should be put in somewhere, it's not right to have him around the place, he is a danger to the public. You'd know he had mental issues," she said.

The Leinster Express has asked the Health Service Executive what it intends to do with the individual now that he is homeless, to no reply. Earlier this week a spokesperson said that they do not comment on individual cases.
The number of people of Laois stood at 84,697, an increase of 5.1% over five years to 2016 while the people of the county are younger than average and there are more men than women.

Census 2016 results show that Irelands population stood at 4,761,865 in April 2016, an increase of 173,613 (3.8%)

since April 2011.

Highlights of reports for Laois release today are:

- More males than females in County Laois 42,811 males and 41,886 females.

- The average age of Laoiss population is 35.6 years, compared to 34.3 years in April 2011 - nation average is 37.4.

- 4,110 people were divorced/separated in Laois, a rate of 4.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.7%.

- More than 8,600 in Laois or 10.2% of people were born outside Ireland.

- 32,485 people in Laois stated that they could speak Irish, compared to 31,311 in April 2011. 688 spoke Irish daily outside the education system, while 1,848 spoke Irish weekly outside the education system.

- 780 Irish Travellers resided in County Laois in April 2016, an increase of 16.8% since 2011.

- 18,960 dwellings in Laois had broadband access in April 2016, an increase of 18.5% since April 2011. 3,209

dwellings had non-broadband internet access, a decline of 5.7%, while the number of dwellings with no internet

access fell by 24.0% to 5,977.

A summary of some of the headline results from Census 2016 for Laois, together with comparisons for

Leinster and the State.

For more click here
Laois farmers and local business face a substantial income loss if a scheme under a review of a scheme to help those farming on marginal land.

Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley feared that there should be no negative impact from a review of a scheme that helps those farming marginal land.

The Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme is a vital support for farmers in parts of Laois who are farming more marginal land or in localities where farming is restricted by flooding etc. In fact some new areas of farmlands that have been severely affected by flooding in recent years will need to be included.



"I have had a number of farmers contact me and have met the IFA leadership on this issue. There is a lot of concern that farmers in existing (ANC) designated areas, which is 52% of Laois, could lose out.

The Sinn Fein TD said 1,700 farmers in Laois are benefiting from the scheme and the total benefit to Laois is 3.2 million per annum.

"Along with benefiting farmers working marginal land, this money is going directly into the local economy," he said.

He said funding for this scheme across the State was cut in 2009 from 250 million and currently stands at 205 million. the Laois TD said the commitment in the Programme for Government to increase this must be delivered on.

"I am calling on the Minister for Agriculture to ensure that all of the localities currently designated as ANC to retain this status and for land that has been flooded repeatedly in recent years to be included in the scheme which is due to be submitted to Brussels later this year," he said.

The TD said new assessments of land should not be based on Electoral Divisions as these may not reflect the difficulties faced by farmers in a particular locality. He said they need to be based on town lands, which are much smaller and will give a more accurate assessment of those farmers who have a genuine reason for qualifying.
A Kildare North councillor is calling for people to attend the next Right 2 Water protest against water charges this Saturday in Dublin at 2pm from Heuston Station.

Right 2 Water has called a national demonstration against water charges this Saturday, said Cllr Brendan Young.

People power has almost killed the unfair water charge. Come to the protest and show the government you won't accept a water tax.

According to Cllr Young the Oireachtas Committee will vote on how water should be funded by April 14.

Commenting on the recommendations of the report on water funding, Cllr Young said the Committee has rejected the domestic water charges in favour of funding from within existing general taxationwhich must be clearly identifiable within existing taxation.

This opens the door to an identifiable water tax to replace the charges, he said, but added that the recommendations also include metering of all new-build housing and apartment blocks, to tackle wasteful use, which he described as a Trojan Horse for more domestic charges.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has appointed a former Irish Racing Post editor Jonathan Mullin to the position of Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

This appointment is part of the ongoing development of the senior management team within Horse Racing Ireland and will commence at HQ in Newbridge next May.

HRI Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, stated he will join HRI on May 15 next.

"He will be responsible for the leadership, management and development of the communications function within HRI, comprising corporate affairs, internal and external corporate communications, press office and event management.

Jonathan Mullin added that he is looking forward to the new role.

"I have a great passion for horse racing and thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Irish Racing Post. I cannot wait to start and greatly look forward to the challenges which the position will bring.

Jonathan hails from County Mayo and since graduating from NUI Galway, has enjoyed a very successful career in the journalism and media sector. He joins Horse Racing Ireland from the position as Head of Digital Sport with RTE, having previously served for six years as the founding editor of the Irish Racing Post.
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Census 2016 results show that Irelands population stood at 4,761,865 in April 2016, an increase of 173,613 (3.8%) since April 2011.

The population of County Leitrim stood at 32,044, an increase of 0.8% over the five years.

The total number of non-Irish nationals has fallen slightly to 535,475, or 11.6% of the population, the first decline since the introduction of this question in 2002, while the number of people with dual-Irish nationality has increased by 48,879 to 104,784 people since April 2011.

These are some of the headline figures from the Census 2016 Summary Results Part I, which is published today by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). As well as detailing the overall change in the population since April 2011, Part 1 provides summary results on age profile, marital status, families, nationality, Irish language, foreign languages, religion and housing.

Deirdre Cullen, Senior Statistician, commented Todays publication is the first of a series of 13 reports on Census 2016 that are due to be published this year. As well as the two summary reports, the CSO will publish 11 thematic profile releases, each of which will explore separate topics such as housing, the homeless, religion, disability and carers in greater detail. Together, these will provide a comprehensive demographic and socio-economic profile of Ireland in April 2016.

Highlights of the report

More males than females in County Leitrim: Leitrims population in April 2016 was comprised of 16,064 males and 15,980 females. There were 53,009 more females than males in the State, giving an overall sex ratio of 97.8 males for every 100 females, a slight decline on the 2011 ratio of 98.1.

Ageing population: The average age of Leitrims population in April 2016 was 39.8 years, compared to 38.4 years in April 2011. Nationally, the average age of the population was 37.4, up from 36.1 in April 2011. The number of males aged 65 and over increased by 22% to 296,837, while the number of females aged 65 and over increased by 16.7% to 340,730.

Numbers divorced/separated continues to increase 1,523 people were divorced/separated in Leitrim, a rate of 4.8%, compared to the national rate of 4.7%. The number of divorced people in Ireland has increased to 103,895 (18%) since 2011. The number of separated people increased slightly to 118,178 (from 116,194 in 2011).

Irish language: 12,300 people in Leitrim stated that they could speak Irish, compared to 12,644 in April 2011. Within this figure, 323 spoke Irish daily outside the education system, while 768 spoke Irish weekly outside the education system. Nationally, 1,761,420 people stated that they were able to speak Irish, with 73,803 speaking Irish daily outside the education system and 111,473 doing so weekly.

Irish Travellers: 203 Irish Travellers resided in County Leitrim in April 2016, a decline of 23.1% since 2011. Nationally, the number of people enumerated as Irish Travellers increased by 5.1% to 30,987.

Broadband: 7,192 dwellings in Leitrim had broadband access in April 2016, an increase of 14.2% since April 2011. 1,482 dwellings had non-broadband internet access, an increase of 20.4%, while the number of dwellings with no internet access fell by 22.5% to 3,402. Nationally, 312,982 dwellings (18.4%) had no internet connection, down from more than 1 in 4 (25.8%) in 2011. Broadband use in private households increased to 70.7% (from 63.8% in 2011) and 148,125 more households had a broadband connection.
Carrick-on-Shannon Community School was decked out in a different tricolour of blue, white and red to welcome the French Ambassador to Ireland H.E. Jean-Pierre Thebault on Wednesday, March 29.



The ambassador visited the school to thank the students and staff for their messages of condolences and support following the Paris attacks in November 2015.



French students at the school wrote to the French Embassy in Dublin to express their shock and sympathy after the series of coordinated terrorist attacks killed 130 people across the city.

Another 368 people were injured with almost 100 seriously after three suicide bombers struck outside the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, several mass shootings, including a mass shooting at an Eagles of Death Metal concert in the Bataclan theatre, leading to a stand-off with police. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attacks.

A number of French students from Carrick-on-Shannon Community School who were emotionally affected by the terrorist attacks wrote in French to pledged their support to France and their people after the attacks.



Ambassador Thebault said he was moved by the letter and wanted to personally visit and thank the students for taking the time out to send their condolences.

He told the students we need to build bridges not walls.

He thanked the school for their attitude and for being so welcoming. He said in Europe our strength lies in friendship.

The ambassador was presented with local goods from Carrick-on-Shannon Farmers Market, there was music and song to celebrate the visit.



Principal Adrian Jackson thanked the ambassador for his important visit and wished France well in the future. He said he hopes the links between the two countries continue to grow and foster.

Ambassador Thebault said the French Embassy in Dublin received thousands of letters from across Ireland following the Paris attacks and the ambassador said he wrote back to everyone and is hoping to visit each group and thank them for their support. He said such solidarity is important to him and his fellow French citizens.



Mr Thebault told the paper France was in shock for a long time after the attacks but they are starting to move on. He said that he acknowledges that the boys and girls in Carrick Community School today will be the men and women of the future - who will rule and make decisions.

On the same day the UK triggered Article 50 to start Brexit he told the Observer he believes European countries must become stronger and not allow Brexit to distract the core ideals of the European Union.

On the subject of rising racism, Jean-Pierre Thebault said France is a country of emigrants and immigration. He said we are in a very challenging time.



The ambassador who is originally from Lourdes in France has been stationed in Ireland since 2004 said we must recall the founding values of the society we want , we must express them and defend them.

He noted racism and those who do not stand for the core values of our society cannot be accepted.

He added we cannot concede on our values. Although it he admitted it is not a simple or safe world we now live in we must better prepare for the future.

Over 150 students are learning French at Carrick-on-Shannon Community School and the Ambassador says this strengthens links between the two countries daily.

Leaving Certificate students across Leitrim are sitting their oral examinations in French and Irish last week and this week.
D66, the party that initiated a global wave of legalizing gay marriage, made itself the emblem of a day-long Dutch media craze that even extended to Dutch diplomats in London and at the UN in New York, as the Huffington Post reported.

It all started when two Dutch gay men, walking home hand in hand from their pub over the (in)famous bridge at Arnhem, were accosted by a group of youths (some of them around 14 years old), with one having four front teeth knocked out.

A Dutch journalist and lesbian activist started a Twitter campaign: straight men should walk hand in hand on the street and post a selfie of them on twitter.

The leader of D66 promptly picked up on that. Were in the process of forming a new coalition government, and D66 will be in the tripartite motor block of that coalition. The coalition negotiations are held in a separate part of our monumental Binnenhof parliamentary complex, with a huddle of bored journalists outside, trying to get party leaders to tell about the negotiations. On Monday morning, D66 party leader Alexander Pechtold and Treasury spokesman Wouter Koolmees created quite a stir by arriving at the meeting walking hand in hand. News and photos of that immediately went viral, especially as the progressive GreenLeft delegation (also participating in the talks), and the VVD (NatLib) and CDA (Christian Democrats tolerating Orban among them) party leaders didnt do the same. The CDA leader hadnt even heard of the twitter campaign.

Proud of @APechtold @D66 for leading by example. We want a country where men can safely walk hand in hand #allemannenhandinhand pic.twitter.com/Srx9RGqmio  Lousewies v d Laan (@LousewiesvdLaan) April 3, 2017

Other progressive Dutch politicians, dignitaries, celebrities and sportsmen popped up on twitter walking holding hands, and the Huffington Post shows that Dutch male diplomats in London and at our UN mission in New York did as well. But the photo of Alexander & Wouter became the media emblem of this trending topic. Mr. Pechtold and other D66 MPs appeared on TV News programs and talkshows and on radio, giving us the chance to push some other D66 wishes for the upcoming Dutch government, like legalizing cannabis and a more explicit pro-EU stance by sitting (and probably continuing) VVD prime minister Mark Rutte.

Only Geert Wilders (PVV) showed bad sportsmanship by trying to pour sour grapes over this media success of his most persistent critics and enemies.

The Huffington Post remarked that all this happened around the anniversary of the Dutch gay marriage law (another D66 success in a government coalition) coming into force in 2001, just past midnight, when four gay marriages were solemnized in the council chamber of Amsterdam city hall by the Lord Mayor.

* Dr. Bernard Aris is a historian, a D66 parliamentary researcher and a LibDem supporting member.
The West of England Mayoral election is now only a month away. Here are five reasons to volunteer in the campaign.

1) It is a two-horse race

At the start of the campaign, the bookmakers Ladbrokes made Stephen the favourite to win with the Conservative candidate right on our heels. Notably, Labour and the Greens are completely out of the contest so we need to pick up all the progressive second preferences.

There is a real chance that the Liberal Democrats can win this newly created role. It is going to take a lot of enthusiasm to outcampaign the spending of the Conservatives but let us prove that the experts are worth listening to.



2) Wealth of experience

The West of England has historically been a strong Liberal Democrat area. Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and Northeast Somerset have the teams in place to hit the campaign trail. They are made up of a mixture of veteran councillors, knowledgeable members and grass root activists.

If you are new to the party or new to the area, we will be there to help. There are many action days coming up that we need extra volunteers for. You will be paired up with someone who knows the neighbourhood and we can also show you the ropes.

3) Metro Mayor is an influential role

The metro mayor will be responsible for transport, housing and skills an area that covers three councils, nine parliamentary constituencies and a population of over 1,000,000.

With a budget of 30 million per annum, the prospect of further deals bringing in more money and more devolved powers, this is an important role. If successful, Stephen would become one of most significant politicians in the country.

4) West of England is the ideal place for a weekend retreat

You are spoiled for choice of where you can help the campaign. Enjoy the beautiful countryside, the quaint villages or the hustle and bustle of our cities. Come and see for yourself why Bristol was voted the most liveable city of 2017 or soak up the culture in Bath.

What could be better a way of spending a weekend than exploring this corner of England? There are excellent transport links into Bristol and Bath. If you decide to help we will arrange for you to get to our starting point. Or if you prefer the comfort of your own home, you can still help out by making some phone calls.

5) Stephen Williams is a candidate to be proud of

After leaving office, Stephen Williams continued to be one of the hardest working and vocal Liberal Democrats in the West of England. Since the referendum, he has dedicated his time to making a positive case for Britains continued place in the EU and the Single Market.

The other candidates do not come close to match Stephens experience. Stephen has served as a councillor and as an MP in Bristol since 1993. In the Coalition, he was a minister for communities and local government, and campaigned against homophobic bullying and played a vital role in legalising same sex marriage.

Stephen was the reason behind my decision to vote Liberal Democrat for the first time. After the General Election in 2015, when I became a member, Stephen was one of those who strove to make myself and other new members feel welcome in the Bristol local party. Most importantly, though, it is his selfless characteristic of being a public servant which leads me to believe that he would be an excellent Metro Mayor to serve the region.

Volunteer

Phone: VPB Code for Connect 3E2F12J-6179

Donate

* Ryan Lailvaux is an active member of the Bristol Liberal Democrats
On the train to Spring conference, as I was chatting with a student, I mentioned I was a Lib Dem. He said: Arent they the party that saved the country, and then got destroyed because of it?

My first thought was: Wow! Student opinion has shifted since 2010. But I also noted that he didnt realise how much weve recovered since the last General Election.

Its disappointing, but this feeling that the Lib Dems are still on the ropes is fairly widespread.

Those of us closely following politics know all about where weve succeeded. Spectacular local council by-election wins, a doubling of membership, widespread acclaim among journalists for our press operation,

Weve not just seen many new members, but members who do things. One of our newbies even got herself elected as MP for Richmond Park.

We have a highly effective leader, who is perfect for these times. He knows how to speak in ways which connect with peoples emotions. He understands the importance of a simple message. And he sounds like an ordinary person. Strengths that are probably why the metropolitan elite like to sneer at him, but, secretly, maybe are jealous of.

His other great success really struck me at the Spring conference. How united the party is. We have a range of opinion on policy, as we should have. But, whereas in the past theres been considerable angst between those primarily concerned about social justice and those primarily concerned about a free and vibrant economy, I didnt see it last weekend. And much of that is down to Tim.

Horrifying though Brexit and Trump are, theyve given us a cause, and with it a distinctive political identity.

Our opponents could hardly have made worse mistakes. I dont need to explain the mess theyve been making. Ill list a few words and you can fill in the blanks: Cameron, Corbyn, Nuttall, Labour civil war, hard Brexit.

So why arent we doing better?

Despite some staggering successes in local by-elections and winning a parliamentary by-election, were getting maybe two or three per cent more in the opinion polls than in the 2015 general election. For crying out loud, considering the shower that our opponents are, considering how good Tim has been, why not much, much better?

If you too have been wondering, have a look at this graph. No. Its not a prediction of the next two years.

Its history.

In 1979, the Liberal party received 13.8 per cent of the vote. In the following two years, the Conservatives introduced some incredibly unpopular policies, and civil war broke out in the Labour party. Sound familiar?

Yet the Liberal poll rating hardly moved. And then, suddenly, boy, it moved!

The catalyst on that occasion was the extraordinary drama of the formation of a new political party, the SDP, which formed an alliance with the Liberal party.

But why hadnt there been a shift before?

Most people arent interested in politics; if they listen to any news, it might be the occasional minute of headlines on the radio. Today, they know we were almost wiped out in 2015, but they know almost nothing about our progress in the last year and a half.

It can take years for them to register when things go bad, which may mean that Labours polling still has further to fall. And it can take even longer to notice when things get better  like the success of the #libdemfightback.

So if, like me, youre feeling impatient with the polls  dont be discouraged. Are they taking forever to catch up with reality? Yes.

But, eventually, they will catch up.

* George Kendall is the acting chair of the Social Democrat Group. He writes in a personal capacity.
9 Things You Should Know About Cardiac Arrest

Brush up on your knowledge of cardiac arrest and you may be able to help save someones life.
THE Irish subsidiary of US car rental group Enterprise has bought the car rental business of the Dan Dooley Group for an undisclosed sum.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland bought the 50-year-old business and takes over a fleet of more than 1,400 vehicles and international customers and contracts from the Limerick-based Dan Dooley Group.

The deal will see Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland increase its inbound business from north America.

Other divisions in the Dan Dooley Group, including Ford dealerships in Knocklong and Tipperary, are not affected by the acquisition.

The sale went through on Friday, March 31. I think it is a wonderful move, Pat Dooley, CEO, Dooley Group told the Limerick Leader this week.

What is included is the fleet, the goodwill and the contracts we have already entered into with overseas tour operators - thats where the value is and the book of business thats on the cards for this year already.

When asked if business is busy as ever, Pat replied: It is gigantic - busier than its been before.

I think Ireland is just perceived as a safe destination at the moment compared to other European countries and there are a lot more flights landing here especially from North America and there is more frequency.

The value is good now compared to what it used to be so they are getting a good bang for their buck. Its almost year round now compared to before when it was just summer business, added Mr Dooley.

Enterprise is the worlds largest car rental company, operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in more than 85 countries globally.

The operations director/general manager of Dooley Car Rentals, Gerry McDermott, will continue to lead the Dooley Car Rentals business independently, which has around 50 employees. Pat Dooley meanwhile, will remain in an advisory role.

Dan Dooley originally opened his first garage in Knocklong in July 1961 and since then the Dooley name has been synonymous with the motor trade industry.
GAMBLERS are up against a new 1 billion gambling superpower and are facing increasingly sophisticated and aggressive forms of marketing, with new legislation needed as a matter of urgency to govern the industry.

Fianna Fail deputy Niall Collins is among those to call for a major overhaul of the gambling industry in Ireland, which is largely regulated by legislation dating back to 1931.

Deputy Collins said there is a glaring need for a Gambling Regulator and Gambling Authority to oversee all the strands to the industry.

Not only does the industry have a hugely negative effect on some families, but there is also a big loss to the Exchequer in terms of uncollected taxes. It needs detailed attention to modernise the legislation, which is nearly 100 years outdated in some instances, he said.

The heads or initial outline of the Gambling Control Bill were published in July 2013, but have yet to go through the Dail or Seanad.

The Bill aims to comprehensively address terrestrial and online gambling, which has mushroomed with the development of technology that existing legislation cannot cope with.

Its an area that the Government needs to look at as a matter of urgency. There was a cross-over with the Bill between the Department of Justice and Department of Finance, but if it was under the aegis of one department it would have been a lot simpler, said deputy Collins.

Following the amalgamation of bookmaker Paddy Power with Betfair, the new PLC has created a self-described gambling superpower, posting a net revenue of over 1 billion for the first time in 2015.

The latest financial accounts highlighted a 24% increase in net revenue, a 23% increase in bets taken, and operating profits of 180m.

The merger of Paddy Power Betfair on February 2, 2016, resulted in its best year ever.

The company recorded double digit growth across all online and retail divisions, including eGaming growth of 10%.

It is hard to believe that a billion euro industry has so little governance, said Mr Collins.

The deputy said that the online market has exploded in recent years, with users able to bet on every sport imaginable with the click of a button on their smartphone.

The alcohol industry has seen increased regulation in terms of advertising and similar rules needs to be enforced on the gambling industry, he said.

Gambling addiction is on the rise and has the power to destroy peoples and their families lives if it gets hold of them, said Mr Collins.

- See the weekend editions of the Limerick Leader for a two page news feature on addiction in Limerick
Apr 6, 2017, 9 AM

The 2-piaster high denomination of the set of six stamps issued by the Kingdom of Hejaz in 1917.

In 1925, stamps of Hejaz received an overprint that translates to "The Hejaz Government, October 4, 1924." The overprint was applied in different formats, including in two lines as shown.

This block of four of the Hejaz 2-piaster stamp with a blue inverted two-line overprint (Scott L66B) was essential in deciphering the mystery of how many of this overprinted stamp were created and how the overprinting was done.

The Hejaz 1917 2-piaster stamp with an inverted two-line overprint in blue is listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue as L66B.

Middle East Stamps - By Ghassan Riachi

In philately, it is imperative to know the number of stamps issued to determine rarity and help in pricing. This is true regardless of which area one collects.

The stamps of Saudi Arabia are no different. However, with many of its early overprinted stamps the quantities are unknown because no records were kept.

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Often times, by plating (reconstructing a stamp pane by collecting blocks and individual stamps representing various positions) it is possible to determine the number of examples issued of a particular stamp. This is the case for one of Saudi Arabias stamps.

Today, Hejaz is part of Saudi Arabia. But between 1916 and 1925, it was a sovereign nation. In 1925, Hejaz issued numerous stamps with the same Arabic overprint that translates to The Hejaz Government, October 4, 1924. This date is important; it represents the time when King Ali ibn Hussein ascended to the throne of Hejaz. The 1924 overprint from Hejaz is below.

The overprint was applied to Hejaz stamps in different formats and colors. It was written as a large three-line, a small three-line, and a two-line overprint, in addition to others. In this column, I refer to the two-line format as the Jeddah two-line overprint.

The overprinted Hejaz stamp listed in the 2017 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue as L66B is the subject of this column.

The base stamp is the 2-piaster high denomination (Scott L13) of the Hejaz set of six issued in 1917 (L8-L13). You'll see the 2-piaster stamp below.

The Survey of Egypt in Cairo printed these stamps on unwatermarked paper. They are serrate roulette 13.

All of the denominations, which ranged from 1 para to 2 pi (1 pi is equivalent to 40p), were issued in sheets of 50, formatted 10 rows by five columns.

Scott L66B is Scott L13 with an inverted Jeddah two-line overprint in blue. The overprint is upright when the large line is above the small line, otherwise the overprint is inverted.

Collectors are cautioned about forgeries of this stamp, including what appears to be the normal (upright) overprint, which does not exist.

The Jeddah two-line overprint plate had 50 cliches, 10 rows by five columns. The cliches are numbered as positions 1 through 50.

A cliche is an individual unit consisting of the design of a single stamp. Multiple cliches are combined to make a complete printing plate.

In the grade of very fine, Scott gives a retail value of $1,900 in italics for L66B. Scott values this stamp only in unused condition.

I have seen examples of this stamp in mint never-hinged condition, hinged, and unused with no gum. I have not seen it used on or off paper, even canceled-to-order, or on any kind of cover.

For years, a controversy has surrounded L66B. Specialists, collectors, and stamp dealers in Saudi Arabian philately have debated whether or not one sheet of 50 stamps or two sheets were issued.

Some of them believed that two complete sheets of 50 stamps each had been issued simply because of duplication of overprint positions.

Other specialists, collectors, and dealers have wondered if there is only one sheet of 50 stamps, and, if there is only one sheet, then why cant we find any of the stamps with overprints from positions 26 to 50?

In 1988, this enigma resurfaced when F. C. Benedict wrote about L66B in the Arabian Philatelic Associations publication Random Notes.

Benedict had a theory about the quantity issued, but was unsure if overprint positions 26 to 50 existed. He even asked readers to contact him if they owned this stamp and give him the plate position numbers of the overprints on their examples.

So what is going on? Before I attempt to solve this mystery and give the actual quantity issued of L66B, some background information is needed to understand my findings.

When I first started collecting the stamps of Saudi Arabia, the only major reference available to me was The Postal Issues of Hejaz, Jeddah and Nejd by D. F. Warin, published in 1927.

Scott L66B was not listed in Warins book. However, it was listed in a price list booklet called The Postage Stamps of The Hejaz, Jeddah and Nejd, also by Warin. This booklet did not price L66B, but it did give the quantity issued of this stamp as 50.

When I was collecting in the 1970s, I did not own this booklet or have access to it.

Because L66B was not listed in Warins original 1927 book, and because the few examples I had possessed of what supposedly were L66B had fake overprints, I entertained doubts as to the stamps existence.

Two events in the early 1980s erased those doubts. First, I obtained the 1981 Scott Standard catalog and found that L66B was listed. Second, John Wilson published The Hejaz  a History in Stamps in 1982. In this book, Wilson reiterated the existence of L66B and stated that only 50 copies were known.

As noted earlier, the Jeddah two-line overprint plate includes 50 cliches, each slightly different from one another, which permits plating. Each sheet of the basic stamps had 50 stamps, and each stamp received one single overprint.

Therefore, if one sheet of 50 stamps of L66B is correct, then every L66B stamp must have a different overprint position for a total of 50 overprinted stamps.

Because both Scott and Wilson listed L66B, I started looking for a genuine example of this rarity for myself. Over the years, I was able to secure a few examples. One can be seen below.

In addition, I have always enjoyed studying overprints in auction catalogs, especially if the illustrations were clear enough. I came across a few auction catalogs that both listed and illustrated examples of L66B. This enabled me to study these illustrations and draw some conclusions.

An important auction catalog by Habsburg, Feldman S. A. in November 1987 listed the sale of Dr. A. (Alex) Kaczmarczyks fabulous collection of Saudi Arabia. Two lots of L66B were offered.

The auction catalog descriptions of both lots, 30521 and 30522, are worth repeating:

30521 ** [mint never hinged] 2pi claret with BLUE overprint inverted, nh bottom sheet marginal block of 10, showing plate No. 19 & cylinder no. N-10-A, negligible toning, v.fine & a unique plate block, only one sheets (sic) of 50 printed (SG 15000+)

30522 * [lightly hinged] 2pi claret BLUE overprint inverted (pos. 6), lh marginal single, fine & a rare stamp, only one sheet of 50 printed (SG1500)

According to the auction houses prices realized list, both lots were sold. The block of the 10, the first lot, realized 22,000 Swiss francs, and the second lot, the single with margins, sold for 2,200fr.

The color pictures of these two lots in the auction catalog were clear enough to permit the plating of the overprints on the basic 2pi stamps and provide the establishment of the overprints positions in the plate.

Because Kaczmarczyk was a renowned expert in this field, I accepted this bottom block of 10 to be genuine. The positions of the overprints on the block were 1 through 10.

Also, because Kaczmarczyk had two stamps with overprint position 6, and because I already had a stamp with overprint position 1, I was astounded that there could be such a duplication of overprint positions.

Over the years, I have been puzzled by the fact that I kept coming across examples of L66B that have other duplications of the overprint positions. I also have seen two stamps with overprint position 22. The question that begs to be asked is: Was there in fact more than one sheet of L66B?

What makes this question difficult to address is that all the genuine examples of L66B that I have examined have overprints from the top half of the sheet, positions 1 through 25.

I have seen nine stamps with overprints supposedly from the bottom half of the sheet. The overprint positions are 28, 32, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42, 45, and 50.

Upon inspection, however, I discovered that every single one of them is a laser forgery. It is odd that none of the stamps can be found with a genuine overprint from positions 26 through 50 of the overprint plate.

Could there be two-half sheets of 25 stamps each making a complete sheet of 50?

The matter remained in this state of affairs until by luck a left-margin block of four of L66B surfaced that sheds light on the quantity issued. (It should be noted that this discovery block of four is heavily creased horizontally between the upper and the lower horizontal pairs. The crease is also clearly seen in the margin). The block of four is pictured below.

I studied this block of four several times, and have confirmed the following plate positions. The results were surprising.

The plate positions of the overprints in this block normally should have been 24 and 25 for the stamps in the upper left and upper right, respectively, and 29 and 30 for the lower two stamps.

But while the upper two stamps are 24 and 25, the lower two are 4 and 5.

So what is going on?

The truth began to come out.

There is indeed only one sheet, but it was folded horizontally in the middle, back to back, and in this state was put into the press twice in such a way that the sheet received inverted overprints, once for each half of the sheet in its folded state.

As a result, the top half of the sheet received the overprints from positions 1 through 25, and the bottom half of the sheet received the same overprint positions.

In other words, there are duplicate overprinted positions on the two half sheets, making a total of 50 stamps overprinted. Stamps with overprint plate positions 26 through 50 do not exist.

I believe I have solved this mystery, and I encourage those who are interested to find one of these rare 50 stamps.

Of course, some collectors may still have questions. For example, why at the time of overprinting was this L13 sheet folded, and why didnt the printer unfold the sheet? Also, was the printer aware that the overprint on this sheet was inverted?

To address these questions, we need to look at the history of Hejaz.

The Kingdom of Hejaz, located in the Arabian Peninsula on the Red Sea, contained the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina, in addition to the seaport city of Jeddah. The kingdoms neighbor on the west was the Sultanate of Nejd, with the capital city of Riyadh.

In 1924, war broke out between the two nations. At that time, Sultan Ibn Saud, the great desert warrior, ruled Nejd, and King Ali ibn Hussein ruled Hejaz.

King Ali felt that if the holy city of Mecca was attacked he would not be able to protect it. Thus, on Oct. 13, 1924, the king decided to leave Mecca and move his government to Jeddah.

In addition to gathering other items, the king ordered his officials to gather up as many stamps from Mecca as they could to take with them to Jeddah. This stock of stamps included current and older Hejaz stamps.

In haste, the kings officials gathered up as many of these stamps as they could carry, most likely not taking any care in handling them or packing them neatly and properly.

What exacerbated the condition of some of these stamps is that they were probably placed on the backs of camels and transported from Mecca to Jeddah.

During handling and transporting, some of the stamps became wrinkled, folded, stuck together from moisture, torn, or damaged in one way or another.

In Jeddah, King Ali commanded the overprinting of the stock of stamps.

Overprinting was important for two reasons: to invalidate the stamps that had been left behind in Mecca and had fallen into the hands of the Nejdis; and to raise funds to help the king in his war effort through the sale of the overprinted stamps.

However, the government printing press was in Mecca, and apparently the king did not have skilled people in Jeddah with the right expertise to overprint the stamps. The kings officials had to seek out a local Jeddah print shop to perform the task.

Unfortunately, the job of overprinting the stamps was not profitable enough for the print shop owner who was chosen to carry out the task. As a result, the owner did not want to be bothered with this work and delegated the task of overprinting to his workers.

These workers were not only unskilled in overprinting stamps, many of them were illiterate as well, and they were left unsupervised. The condition of the stamps made matters worse.

The workers tried to separate the stamps that were stuck together by applying moisture. In doing so, some stamps were stained, some endured face and gum damage, and others were destroyed.

The stamps that could not be freed from each other were overprinted the way they were on the front and on the back.

The workers were confused by the task. Some of them couldnt tell the difference from the tops or bottoms of the stamps. So they loaded the stamps into the printing press without any knowledge of the correct way to place the stamps.

In the resulting chaos, stamps received inverted overprints, double overprints (both upright or both inverted), and double overprints with one inverted on the face.

Other stamps were overprinted on the gummed side.

Some stamps received up to five overprints, some of which are partial.

Also, while some stamps in a sheet or partial sheet were overprinted, others in the same sheet or partial sheet were not.

In addition, while an upright overprint was intended, some stamps received vertical overprints reading either up or down. Some stamps received the wrong overprint.

Many overprint varieties were created by these workers.

It is easy to understand that when a philatelic task of this magnitude is given to illiterate workers who are unfamiliar with the methodology of overprinting stamps, there potentially can be a multitude of mistakes and overprint varieties.

These varieties were created because this task was hastily performed without any real quality control in place.

As for the sheet of L66B, it is clear that the workers didnt know or care that the overprint was applied inverted to the basic stamps.

It is also clear that the workers noticed that the sheet was folded in the middle. Rather than bothering to unfold the sheet, they overprinted half of the sheet and then just flipped the folded sheet over and added the overprint to the stamps of the backside. Thus, the L66B sheet was created with only the first 25 cliches being printed on it.

It is amazing how political and social conditions can play a role in creating major philatelic rarities.

Scott L66B is an excellent example of how knowing history is essential to understanding how a stamp came into existence.
How a woman can feel safe and own her city If you are concerned about women's safety, look beyond CCTVs and mobile apps, stand up for campaigns like Blank Noise's ongoing 'I Never Ask For It' /news/talking-point/how-a-woman-can-feel-safe-and-own-her-city-111646837124188.html 111646837124188 story

A white dress with a lace overlay. It was one of my favourites. I wore it when I felt good about myself. I wore it for brunches, to meet friends and occasionally because I wanted to look nice. My beautiful white dress now stained a big fat scarlet lettera memory of how for a brief period of time I was the lightning rod for slut shamers across the country." Aishwaryas account is part of Blank Noises ongoing I Never Ask For It campaign. You can contribute by submitting an audio account of the sexual assault you faced along with the garment you were wearing when it happened.

The idea is to co-create a public installation made up of 10,000 garments and their stories by 2020. The venue should be a place of public significance such as India Gate, founder Jasmeen Patheja believes.

How deep-rooted is victim-blaming? How are spaces of violence connected? What does it mean for you to revisit something youve experienced and end blame? This is about anyone who is made to feel vulnerable and is made to feel shame," says Patheja, who juggles many such complex yet fundamental ideas at Blank Noise, a network that seeks to transform attitudes towards private and public sexual violence.

We are in the process of co-creating a safe place together, a space that is not judging you," adds Patheja, who started Blank Noise in 2003 as her final thesis project at the Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Bengaluru.

If you want to be inspired by the ideas surrounding womens safety and our responses to everyday sexual violence, you need to look beyond the protective surveillance industry of CCTVs and mobile apps that invade your privacy rather than offer you any real assistance and, of course, court-sanctioned anti-Romeo vigilante squads who hunt down couples in public spaces allegedly to keep street harassment in check.

Pathejas response is my favourite but three state initiatives are also worth tracking. The Hyderabad police has been operating gender-sensitized SHE Teams comprising around four personnel (with at least one woman officer) for more than two years now. They roam the city incognito and speedily book perpetuators of street violence once a complaint is registered.

In Pune, the municipal corporation recently converted old public transport buses into public loos. The buses are now equipped with five toilets, a shower area and a machine that dispenses sanitary napkins, The Indian Express reported. Initially, women would hesitate to enter the bus, but once they check the cleanliness and safety, they use the facility and give good feedback about the service," one attendant told the newspaper.

In Mysuru, the police commissioner plans to equip the citys 25,000 autorickshaws with an optically readable QR code by June. Anyone who downloads an app and registers can scan the prominently displayed code when they hail an auto. The app tracks the journey and offers more than one way to trigger an alarm that registers in the police control room if anything goes wrong. The app also offers you the option of recording the fact that the auto driver refused your ride. In an ideal situation, all auto drivers would register and all commuters would have smartphones," says police commissioner A. Subrahmanyeswara Rao, who knows this idea will have to evolve as it gets under way.

Often ideas work best when its a partnership. Safetipin, an app that collects data about our streets in an attempt to make the city safer, has worked with the New Delhi Municipal Council to do a last-mile connectivity audit of the citys Metro stations; the tourism department to evaluate the safety of 10 big city monuments; and with the public works department to identify 7,483 dark spots in the city.

Safetipin does this by collecting data on factors that can improve our streets: the number of working streetlights, the presence of organized vendors, the state of pavements. Public space improvement is a low-hanging fruit, much easier than mindset change," says co-founder Kalpana Viswanath.

One unusual cross-border partnership is between Why Loiter?, a campaign (born from a book by the same name) about the need for women to reclaim public spaces, and Girls At Dhabas, a similar initiative in Pakistan where roadside dhabas (eateries) are a male preserve. Why Loiter? inspired the Pakistani initiative and the two groups have been in touch on social media since 2015. Last year, they partnered for Why Loiters annual year-end campaign encouraging women in India and Pakistan to loiter, then post about it on social media and tag it #WhyLoiter.

We are friends and comrades and support each other in the common goal of: Lets have more women out there loitering in public spaces. One day we hope to actually hang out and loiter together," says Sameera Khan, co-author of the book.

Then there are those citizens who dont wait around for a non-governmental organization or a government agency to help them fix the problem. At their main campus in small-town Rajasthan, engineering college students of BITS Pilani recently united to remove a 40-year-old girls hostel curfew.

Student union members went from door to door polling female students: Should the girls hostel in-time restriction be removed?" Has the in-time restriction hampered your productivity and performance?" Parents were co-opted to support the move by signing a letter to the university.

The important thing about this letter is that it was phrased not to be a No-Objection Letter but as a Letter of Faith reaffirming the parents faith in their daughters decision making and in the institutes decision to remove the curfew. An objection is a negative statement, but faith is a positive one," says student Sibesh Kar in a blog outlining how they did it. The university didnt respond formally, but the curfew was lifted. Sometimes, faith is all you need.

Priya Ramani shares whats making her feel angsty/agreeable.
How status is marked in Silicon Valley If there is one overarching rule, it is that status is communicated more by what you have done than by what you wear /news/talking-point/how-status-is-marked-in-silicon-valley-111646837171348.html 111646837171348 story

I am spending some time in Mountain View, California, which is home to Google, LinkedIn and many other tech companies, although my mission is a somewhat different kind of start-up: a new, and absolutely adorable, granddaughter. Strolling her pram along the quaint streets of this sunny little townan activity guaranteed to promptly put her to sleepit slowly dawns on me that this is a special kind of place, an alternate slice of America if you will, where people are younger, smarter, richer, and interestingly, seem to be living by a different rulebook.

The rules are not immediately apparent to me, except, of course, the very visibly casual dress code, which ranges from a college-campus look (think fresh-faced Mark Zuckerberg in trademark grey T-shirt and hoodie) all the way to a studied slovenliness (I met a young techie, a couple of start-ups sold, who I thought could do with a shower). We will unpack the dress code shortly, but the broader question that intrigues me is: How is status marked in Silicon Valley? What codes do these disproportionately affluent bunch of dreamers and rule-breakers conform to? What do they value? What do they diss? What are their symbols? In short, what makes this tribe tick?

I have to confess I have not visited parts of the valley inhabited by the tech A-listerstowns like Atherton, which topped the Forbes 2015 list of most expensive zip codes in the US with a median home price of $10.6 million (around Rs70 crore)so my observations are about relatively average" folks whose annual income, I estimate, is a few hundred thousand dollars. Keep in mind that even at that income, their wealth may be several million dollars as they may hold substantial stock options.

If there is one overarching rule, it is that status is communicated more by what you have done than by what you wear. Traditional symbols of success dont count. You dont see fancy cars zipping by or logo bags strolled around. The focus seemingly is on the inner meaningful stuff than the outer superficial doodads. Needless to say, if you have managed to change the world through your work, you are next to god, and even if you have pulled off some minor innovation, you are respectfully looked up to. Money matters, it matters a lothow much you raised, how much your company sold at, how much your stock options are worthbut that money has to be a result of some breakthrough idea.

The dress code follows from that mindset. When you are busy changing the world, you dont have time to waste on clothes, hence the laidback uniform of jeans, T-shirts (often with the company logo), casual shirts, sneakers, hoodies. So when Zuckerberg (in picture above) wears only grey hoodiesthe late Steve Jobs wore only black polo necksit is about simplifying clothing to the level where you dont have to spend an extra split second getting ready. The fact that most techies are male may have added to the unkempt look: the got-out-of-bed hair, didnt-shave-today beard, showers-optional attitude. And now this look has been written into code, leading to a delicious ironyyou may be out to change the world, but you are toeing the dress code.

Concern for the inner meaningful stuff" finds expression in many ways. For example, the aspirational car is Tesla thanks to its rechargeable battery. Now, Tesla isnt exactly cheap, but the point is that many of these men can afford a fancier car. Or take vegetablesalmost all the veggies at the nearby supermarket are organic and locally grown; prices are high, but it does brisk business. Small family-owned restaurants with alfresco dining line the streets, and many of them find mention in the Michelin guide. Surprisingly, there is a high presence of Asian cuisines, perhaps representative of the fact that 26% of Mountain Views population is Asian (the comparative figure for the US is 5%). I dont know what percentage Indians are, but I exchanged smiles with a lot of them, thanks to my little bundle in the pram.

So what sort of brands speak to the valley mindset? Philz Coffee is an exampleits fans include, you guessed it, Zuckerberg, who had it served at his surprise wedding. It is not made from the usual espresso shotsinstead, each cup of coffee is individually filtered for you from a range of 20 coffee blends created by founder Phil Jaber. Aromas are called out like they are for wine; for example, Tesora, the blend I tried, is described as caramel, nuts, butter"I found it smooth, rounded and very soul-satisfying. Tesora, incidentally, is the first blend Jaber made, spending seven years perfecting it.

I asked Karan Bedi, chief executive officer of Eros Now (think of it as Indias answer to Netflix), who graduated from Stanford and continues to visit the valley frequently on work, if he can give me an example of another valley-friendly brand. He tells me about Allbirds, a new brand of sneakers made from Merino wool in New Zealand. The shoes apparently keep your feet warm in winter and cool in summer. He finds them extremely comfortable, possibly the most comfortable shoes he has ever worn. They come in five-six colours, dont have a logo, and are sold online for $95 (around Rs6,000). Unlike synthetic sneakers, Allbirds carbon footprint is pretty low, as the wool is biodegradable. I checked it out and it looks like a shoe Apple might have designed, clean, minimalist, beautiful. I want them.

Bedi believes the Silicon Valley ethos is percolating to Indian tech companies. Dress codes are very casual, and for him, personally, comfort and ease trumps everything elsein summer, he wears shorts, T-shirt and flip flops to work. The same what you do" rather than what you wear" mindset reigns here too. What you do" is, of course, code for change the world".

Luxury brands beware.

Radha Chadha is one of Asias leading marketing and consumer insight experts. She is the author of the best-selling book The Cult of the Luxury Brand: Inside Asias Love Affair With Luxury.
A dictionarys slow birth The story of Ramkamal Sen, who soldiered on for 17 years to publish his English-Bengali dictionary containing 60,000 words, illustrates what a daunting and frustrating task dictionary-making is /news/talking-point/a-dictionary-s-slow-birth-111646837134393.html 111646837134393 story

Endpapers doffs its hat to the 104-year-old G. Venkatasubbiah, doyen of Kannada letters and the man behind a 9,000-page Kannada dictionary which took 54 years to write. Is there any literary enterprise as daunting, monumental and frustrating as dictionary-making? One looks at the pioneers of dictionary-making in modern India with awe, but ones attention is arrested by the unlikely figure of Ramkamal Sen, who spent 15 years of his life in the first decades of the 19th century researching a two-volume English-Bengali dictionary containing 60,000 words.

Why unlikely? The coming of print to Bengal saw a large number of dictionaries and lexicons hitting the market, most of them compiled by administrators or missionaries, such as H.P. Foster, John Miller, J. Lavandier, G.C. Haughton and the indefatigable William Carey and Joshua Marshman. Indians such as Tarachand Chakrabarti and Jagannath Mullick also chipped in. But these were mostly modest affairs. While these competed for the orders of East India Company officials, Ramkamals work was in the making. Born in 1791, Ramkamal worked first at the Asiatic Society and then as a compositor at the Hindoostanee Press at a monthly salary of Rs8. From these humble beginnings, he rose to be the dewan of the Bank of Bengal at a salary of Rs200 per month, in 1832.

Ramkamals association with a host of societies, such as the Asiatic Society, the Agri-Horticultural Society and the ultra-conservative Gaudiya Samaj, is well documented. But dictionary-making seems to have been a lifelong preoccupation. From his preface to the dictionary we learn that it was ready to be sent to press as early as 1817, but various circumstances conspired to retard its execution". Put simply, the money raised for the project did not turn out to be enough and printing came to a halt after 116 pages. The press would not carry out further work and Ramkamal had to buy the printed sheets from it.

At this point, the Serampore Press came to his aid, promising to fund and print the remainder of the work. But the paper and type used by the Serampore missionaries bore no resemblance to those used by the Calcutta printers: The proprietors of the Serampore Press offered to prepare a smaller fount, and by redoubled exertion to make up the loss of time, substituting their better manufactured paper for Patna paper, if I would cancel the pages already printed; by this offer of assistance and improvement both in the type and paper, I was induced to accept the proposal."

End of trouble? Not quite. A new edition of Samuel Johnsons English dictionary had reached Indian shores, and Ramkamal was prevailed upon to revise some parts. Then, Felix Carey of the Serampore Mission Press, who was personally supervising the work, died; other mission work took precedence over the stop-start dictionary and it was consigned to the back-burner. After William Ward returned to the mission field from London, work on the dictionary resumed, but then he too died. From the preface of the dictionary: After a great deal of trouble and delay, however, I got 350 pages printed (in nine years) when I found the colour of the paper changed and the words hardly legible, the types used being greatly worn. Mr Marshman moreover would not print any more on that paper and with those types, under the fear of bringing discredit on the press".

Redo from start? Ramkamal was reluctant, and his health was also failing. Nevertheless, he decided to soldier on in public interest and the first volume, containing 542 pages, was completed in 14 months, and the second, comprising 560 pages, in two years; a total of 1,102 pages, containing about 60,000 words, completed in 17 years in 1834. Towards the end of his preface, Ramkamal could not resist a dig at those lexicographers who were working on government-funded projects: The authors of these volumes being thus countenanced by Government to regulate and expedite the progress of their works, they set up or bought printing presses at which they printed their works. Nevertheless even those gentlemenhave not finished their volumes in less than from seven to twenty years."

The first edition of Ramkamals dictionary (his name is spelt as Ram Comul on the title-page) is exceedingly hard to come by, but there is a copy in Londons British Library. The work was priced at a staggering Rs50 a copy, though it would be later lowered to Rs30. A perfect chaos of materials for future lexicographers", was how the Calcutta Christian Observer reviewed it, but history, one suspects, will be kinder.

Endpapers is a monthly column on obscure books and forgotten writers. Abhijit Gupta teaches English at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and is director, Jadavpur University Press.
Simple gas mask

(Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty)

World War One (WWI), known as the chemists war, was the first time that chemical weapons were used for killing thousands of people on the battlefield at a time. By the wars end, world leaders mobilized to contain the horrific and deadly agents of mass destruction.

A very simple "gas mask used during WWI by the allies in the campaign in France, circa 1915.

Sound the alarm

(Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty)

A German signal alarm warned when their gas was being released. This photo was taken circa 1916.

Gas warning

(Image credit: General Photographic Agency/Getty)

A German soldier bangs on a suspended frying pan to warn of a gas attack.

American nurse

(Image credit: Russell/Hulton Archive/Getty)

An American nurse wears her gas mask while working in the trenches near the front.

American soldier

(Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty)

An American soldier stands guard during a German gas attack in France, circa 1918

Postcard from 1917

(Image credit: Stefn Sauer/DPA/Zuma)

Jan. 1, 1917, Unbekannt, Germany. This historic drawing on a postcard from 1917 shows a propaganda portrayal of a ''Gas Alarm'' in the German bunker on a WWI battlefield.

Anti-aircraft gun

(Image credit: General Photographic Agency/Getty)

German artillery soldiers wearing gas masks pose with a quick-firing anti-aircraft gun used mainly against low-flying airplanes.

Blowing in the wind

(Image credit: Henry Guttmann/Getty)

German soldiers take advantage of a suitable wind to release poison gas from cylinders.

French soldiers

(Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty)

August 1915: French soldiers load artillery shells while wearing masks to protect against gas attacks.

French troops

(Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty)

Circa 1915: French troops wear an early form of gas mask in the trenches during the second Battle of Ypres.

Gas shell bursting

(Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty)

Circa 1916: A gas shell bursts at a road block on the Italian front.
Crosses stand at the cemetery where 16,000 French soldiers killed in the World War I Battle of Verdun.

Thursday, April 6, 2017, marks 100 years since the United States entered World War I. World War I does not occupy the same space in America's cultural memory as the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War II or the Vietnam War.

The men and women who fought "the Great War" would likely be shocked at this relegation. For them, "the war to end all wars" was the most consequential war ever fought: a struggle between good and evil.

As an author of two books, "Faith in the Fight" and "G.I. Messiahs," I have spent a good part of the last 15 years thinking about the place of religion in America's experience of the Great War.

From the beginning of American involvement in the war to the construction of cemeteries in Europe for America's war dead, Christian imagery framed and simplified a complex, violent world and encouraged soldiers and their loved ones to think of the war as a sacred endeavor.

America as a Christian nation

Writings by and for American soldiers used religious imagery and language, to contrast "progressive," Christian America and "barbaric," anti-Christian Germany.

The June 14, 1918 issue of Stars and Stripes, a weekly newspaper written by and for American soldiers in France, featured an editorial cartoon that drew this stark division. In it, the crown prince of Germany and the Kaiser stroll casually past Christ as he hangs on the cross.

The prince, dressed in black with a skull and crossbones on his hat, smiles at his father and says,

"Oh, look, Papa! Another of those allies!"

The cartoon affirms that America's cause is Christ's cause at the same time that it argues that Germans are so morally perverse that they would recrucify Jesus if given the chance.

American pilot Kenneth MacLeish was just as blunt in a letter to his parents. (His mother collected his wartime correspondence and published a memorial collection after his death in combat.) He defended his decision to go to war with a very different image of Jesus, but conveyed a similar lesson about the German foe. He wrote,

"Do you think for a minute that if Christ had been alone on the Mount with Mary, and a desperate man had entered with criminal intent, He would have turned away when a crime against Mary was perpetrated? Never! He would have fought with all the God-given strength He had!"

MacLeish left no room for doubt as to which side should be imagined as Mary's rapist, and which should be seen as her Christ-like defender. He was equally clear that waging war was morally acceptable. Writing in the same letter, he stated,

"Religion embraces the sword as well as the dove of peace."

The Christian imagery that filled the pages of Stars and Stripes and the letters and diaries of American soldiers erased Germany's Christian history and made a religiously diverse and conflicted America into a virtuous, Christian nation.

In fact, Germany, like the U.S., had large numbers of Protestants, Catholics and Jews, and had given rise to many religious movements and denominations that were thriving on American soil. Yet in the eyes of many American soldiers, the war confirmed that Germany was profoundly vicious.

In a letter home, Charles Biddle, another American pilot, reacted angrily to an aerial attack on a field hospital. In response, he cited a French postcard that inverted Jesus' words from the Gospel of Luke: "Do not forgive them, for they know what they do!"

Christian imagery for the war dead

World War I came to an end on Nov. 11, 1918. American losses were small by comparison to other combatant nations, but still exceeded 100,000, including 53,000 who were killed in combat. (A large percentage of the other 57,000 died as a result of the global influenza pandemic.) By contrast, France lost 1.2 million soldiers, Great Britain lost 959,000, and Germany lost over two million. As individual American soldiers and the nation thought about how best to memorialize the fallen, they turned again to Christian imagery.

In May of 1919, Stars and Stripes published an image of Joan of Arc and an accompanying poem. Saint Joan hovers over a temporary burial ground, keeping watch over graves marked by crosses. Sergeant Hal Burrows of the Marine Corps signed the drawing. Second Lieutenant John Palmer Cumming wrote the poem.

"The kiss the wind may bear will stir the tranquil leaf. And lay it softly on the mounds we made. And we shall labor in the mart or bind the sheaf. The while her spirit guards their quiet glade."

The poem and the image confirmed that America's war dead would not be alone. They would have a saint to watch over them. In dying for the nation, they had proven themselves worthy of such attention.

When the United States government set to work designing and constructing cemeteries in France, England and Belgium, they created environments that look very much like the "quiet glade" picture above, though on a much grander scale: The largest American cemetery, Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery near the French town of Romagne, contains 14,246 graves.

White marble crosses dominate these cemeteries, creating a much more explicitly Christian space than the veterans' cemeteries located in the United States, where headstones are small, rounded rectangles.

Remembering the diversity

The crosses at Meuse-Argonne and America's other overseas cemeteries do not call American soldiers to fight, as the Stars and Stripes imagery did. They call Americans to remember. But the crosses work in ways similar to the Stars and Stripes images.

As my research has shown, American men and women who died in the course of World War I came from many walks of life. They differed in terms of religious identity, ethnicity, race and class. Some were brave and morally upright. Others, likely, were not.

America's Great War cemeteries make this diversity difficult, if not impossible, to discern. The cemeteries that the United States built overseas after World War II use even more pervasive Christian imagery, leaving no room for non-Christian soldiers among the unknowns.

As the crosses rise ramrod straight from tightly manicured lawns, they project American virtue and America's alignment with Christ. They admit little, if any, moral complexity. The crosses bear the names of the individuals who lie beneath them, but that individuality and the complexities that went along with it are subsumed by a collective identity defined by near uniform Christianity and by nearness to Christ.

The truth is, World War I was not a war of religion. Men from different religious backgrounds fought alongside each other and killed men with whom they may have, in another circumstances, shared a Christian hymn. But in the United States, and in Europe as well, Christianity shaped the experience of the war and memories of it.

As Americans look back across the hundred years since the nation entered the war and try to remember and honor those who fought, they would do well both to note the role of Christian imagery in creating a world of violence and to reach for the diverse voices and experiences that those images all too often obscure.

Jonathan Ebel, Associate Professor of Religion, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
One hundred years ago today (April 6), the United States declared war on Germany and entered into World War I (WWI), the global conflict that initiated the first widespread use of chemical weapons in warfare.

The scope of WWI's chemical weaponry was unlike anything seen on the battlefield before. Over the course of the war  which lasted from July 28, 1914, to Nov. 11, 1918  about 3,000 chemicals were investigated for military use, and 50 toxic agents were deployed on battlefields across Europe, killing an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 people and leaving 1.3 million people injured, reported Chemical & Engineering News (CEN), the magazine of the American Chemical Society.

Though chemical weapons were responsible for only about 1 percent of the Great War's dead, they provided the 20th century with a dangerous new weapon of mass destruction, according to experts. And the terror they inspired ensured that this new chapter in modern warfare would be an ugly one. [Killer Chemistry: The Chemical Weapons of World War I (Photos)]

The earliest physical evidence of chemical warfare is nearly 2,000 years old, preserved in the remains of 19 Roman soldiers who died in the ancient city of Dura-Europos in what is now Syria, researchers reported in a study published in January 2011 in the American Journal of Archaeology. The unlucky Romans met their deaths underground in a tunnel, where they likely suffocated from the toxic smoke and gas that their Persian opponents blew into the enclosed space, the study revealed.

Other historical accounts describe Athenian soldiers poisoning the water supply of a besieged city with toxic plants in 600 B.C., and Peloponnesian warriors subduing their enemies with sulfur clouds in 479 B.C., according to the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF).

Thousands of casualties

But chemical attacks during wartime were usually very localized, with limited range. That changed on April 22, 1915, when the German army released close to 170 metric tons of chlorine gas from nearly 6,000 cylinders buried in defensive trenches in Ypres, Belgium. Chlorine gas is yellow-green and smells like bleach; when it makes contact with moist body tissues, it produces an acid that can cause severe tissue damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Minutes after the gas was released, 1,000 French and Algerian soldiers were dead, and nearly 4,000 more were injured, Gerard J. Fitzgerald, a researcher in the Department of History and Art History at George Mason University in Virginia, wrote in a study published in April 2008 in the American Journal of Public Health.

More chemical attacks followed, launched by the Germans and Allied forces. They used phosgene gas, which causes breathing difficulties and heart failure, and mustard gas, which damages the respiratory tract and causes severe eye irritation and skin blistering, according to the CDC.

A picture staged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to illustrate the effects of phosgene gas. The photo was taken in France, near the frontline trenches, in 1918. (Image credit: Everett Historical/Shutterstock)

Witness accounts of chemical attacks and their aftermath were horrific. A British observer at Ypres described French soldiers stumbling off the battlefield "blinded, coughing, chests heaving, faces an ugly purple color, lips speechless with agony," Fitzgerald reported in his study.

In another distressing report, preserved in the United Kingdom's National Archives, a British soldier in the Royal Army Medical Corps described survivors of a poison gas attack:

"Complexion here was an ashed blueish grey, the expression most anxious and distressed with the eye-balls staring, and the lids half closed. Respiration was extremely laboured and noisy with frequent efforts to expel copious amounts of tenacious yellowish green frothy fluid which threatened to drown them, and through which they inhaled and exhaled air into and out of their lungs with a gurgling noise," Capt. Edward L. Reid recounted in a written report.

Banning chemical agents

The specter of poison gas inspired an international agreement after WWI ended  the 1925 Geneva Protocol  which banned chemical and biological weapons during war.

According to the treaty, "the use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases, and of all analogous liquids, materials or devices, has been justly condemned by the general opinion of the civilized world," and their prohibition "shall be universally accepted as a part of International Law, binding alike the conscience and the practice of nations."

An American soldier demonstrates gas masks for a man and a horse during World War I, around 1917 to 1918. (Image credit: Everett Historical/Shutterstock)

Global leaders continue to condemn the use of chemical weapons. In 1993, the United Nations banned mustard gas and other toxic agents through the Chemical Weapons Convention, prohibiting "the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons," the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), reported.

And in 2013, the OPCW received the Nobel Peace Prize for its work as chemical weapons "watchdogs,"  for mobilizing nations to cease producing and storing lethal chemical weapons, and targeting cached weapons for safe disposal, with the ultimate goal of eliminating them completely.

But poisonous agents still pose a silent and deadly threat. Just this Tuesday (April 4), a chemical bombing in Syria claimed the lives of at least 70 people, many of them children, following an air attack that dropped bombs in Idlib Province, the New York Times reported. While the composition of the lethal gas is still unknown, it is thought to be a type of nerve agent, which disrupts neuron signals and can interfere with involuntary muscle movements, such as respiration.

Original article on Live Science.
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With President Donald Trump's frequent references to building a wall between the United States and Mexico, it might be easy to envision the border as a fixed line, complete with signs and guards.

In reality, the concept of a border is as fluid as, well, the Rio Grande.

That mighty stream has defined the border between Texas and Mexico since the Treaty of Hidalgo in 1848. But the signed paper didn't stop the Rio Grande from changing course so much over the years that some land eventually had to be deeded back to Mexico to restore what the river took, according to the Handbook of Texas Online.

Apart from the river's meanderings, political revolution got under way in 1910 in Mexico, stirring conflict along the border. In 1916, when revolutionary leader Pancho Villa killed 16 Americans in Mexico, clashes broke out between whites and Mexicans in several border towns, including El Paso, the Handbook of Texas Online states.

NOT SO FAST: Texas would be the state hardest hit by trade war with Mexico

The prohibition of alcohol took effect in 1920, followed by the Immigration Acts of 1921 and 1924 limiting legal immigration into the United States. With limits on legal entry, people began trying to get in illegally, leading Congress to establish the U.S. Border Patrol in 1924.

By 1928, the agents got uniforms and in 1934, the first Border Patrol Academy opened in El Paso.

A few years later, Dorothea Lange, gifted photographer famous for her Depression-era pictures, traveled to El Paso to capture images of routine comings and goings across the border.

Thanks to the U.S. Library of Congress, Lange's work is easily accessible to the American public today.

Click through the gallery to see a glimpse of life on the Texas-Mexico border in the early 1900s.
A McAllen family that last week acquired Inter National Bank in the Rio Grande Valley eventually plans to merge the $1.6 billion institution with San Antonios Vantage Bank Texas.

The family of James W. Collins purchased a 100 percent interest in Inter National Bank of McAllen from Grupo Financiero Banorte of Mexico for an undisclosed price. The family already has a controlling interest in Vantage Bancorp Inc., the parent of Vantage Bank, which had almost $500 million in assets at the end of last year.

Our intention now is to really combine, long-term, Vantage with INB at the appropriate time period, Collins said in an interview Thursday.

Asked when that might happen, Collins said, Were hoping sooner rather than later. No paperwork has been filed with bank regulators, he said.

Collins said its advantageous for the banks to combine because of synergies and cost savings.

The combined banks would have about $2.1 billion in assets based on year-end reports. That would rank it as about the 42nd-largest bank in the state. INB currently ranks 47th, according to the Texas Department of Banking.

Eventually (the plan is) to merge the two, Im sure; if Jim says it, its true, Vantage Bank CEO Guy Bodine said. But what were doing today is operating two separate banks. There have been no definitive conversations around anything about the merger.

Bodine noted, however, that the two banks have become affiliates of each other because of the Collins familys controlling interest in both.

The Collins family also owns a less than 5 percent interest in both Southwest Bancshares Inc., the parent company of The Bank of San Antonio, and Texas Hill Country Bancshares Inc, the parent of Texas Hill Country Bank in Bandera. In addition, the family has a minority interest in Commerce Bank Texas in Stockdale. Collins does not serve on the boards of the holding companies or the banks.

INB was formed in 1985 by a group of six organizers that included Collins. The investor group sold a large stake in the bank to Banorte, one of Mexicos largest financial institutions, in 2006. Banorte purchased the interest as way to expand in the U.S., the McAllen Monitor reported in November. In 2009, Banorte acquired the remaining interest it did not already own in INB.

INB CEO and President Samuel Munafo was out of the office and unavailable for comment Thursday.

INB has been named as the victim in a number of federal court cases alleging that corrupt government officials from Mexico lied to bank officers in order to deposit bribes into their accounts.

Luis Carlos Castillo Cervantes, a U.S. citizen living in Mission who owns a paving company in Mexico, used his position as a 7 percent shareholder in INB to help corrupt politicians and businessmen launder money in the U.S., federal prosecutors have alleged. During Castillos January plea hearing in Corpus Christi, an assistant U.S. attorney said the businessman had an office at INB in McAllen.

Castillo was accused of helping former governors and other officials from three Mexican states, as well as a businessman with property in San Antonio, open accounts at INB that were used to funnel tens of millions of dollars in bribe money from Mexico into U.S. banks. Castillo has not yet been sentenced.

I would say Inter National tries to do an excellent job of being in compliance and checking for money laundering, Collins said. He said the bank now employs more than 30 people in compliance.

I think Grupo Banorte exited because of the increased U.S. regulation, Collins added.

The bank will continue to do business with customers on both sides of the border, he said.

Collins, who took over as INBs chairman when the transaction closed, said his family believes it can expand the bank throughout South Texas, and possibly beyond.

INB lost $185 million last year, but that was due to $203 million in goodwill impairment losses in connection with Banortes planned divestiture of INB.

INB has about 400 employees, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.s website. The bank had about $1.3 billion in deposits and more than $1 billion in loans at the end of last year.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD

Staff Writer Jason Buch contributed to this report.

This article has been updated to reflect that the family of James W. Collins has a less than 5 percent interest in both Southwest Bancshares Inc., the parent company of The Bank of San Antonio, and Texas Hill Country Bancshares Inc, the parent of Texas Hill Country Bank in Bandera. In addition, the article was corrected to reflect that Collins does not serve on the boards of the banks or their holding companies.
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Police tracked down and arrested a man who allegedly shot a mother to death as she drove her two sons to school in Richmond, ending the manhunt as questions swirled over whether that citys officers should have done more when they were called to the victims home the night before she died.

Lawyer Dushan McBride, 43, of San Pablo, was taken into custody at a fast food restaurant in Sacramento around 1 p.m. Wednesday, said Richmond police Lt. Felix Tan. Police had obtained a $2 million warrant accusing McBride of murdering 29-year-old Rashanda Franklin on Tuesday morning.

I think we caught him by surprise, Tan said. We are just relieved he is caught.

The lieutenant said officers nabbed McBride with the help of federal marshals and more than 100 tips from the public. McBrides silver 2007 Mercedes S550 sedan  which he allegedly fled in after the shooting  was seized on the scene by police, Tan said.

McBride is suspected of shooting Franklin, his ex-girlfriend, at 29th Street and Rheem Avenue as she sat in her silver Jeep sport utility vehicle with her sons just before 9 a.m., after chasing her down and blocking her path with his Mercedes.

Tan said the two had a history of domestic violence, and relatives of Franklin, who was a beautician and licensed security guard, said McBride had been stalking her.

Officers had gone to Franklins home Monday evening after McBride caused a ruckus by pounding on the door and screaming for his ex-girlfriend, family members and neighbors said. But the officers did not make an arrest.

Yeah, the cops came around here (Monday) but they didnt do nothing, Franklins mother, Barbara Harris, told The Chronicle on Wednesday. She said she was still too shaken to discuss her daughters death further.

Tan said he couldnt comment on whether officers could have or should have done more. State law requires officers to take a number of steps in domestic violence incidents, such as filing detailed reports and offering specialized assistance to victims, but it wasnt clear what was done Monday or in past contacts with Franklin and McBride.

I know weve responded to calls related to both parties, but all of that is part of the ongoing investigation now, Tan said. There was no indication in public records that Franklin had obtained a restraining order against McBride.

The family home sits in a residential enclave of modest bungalows in southeast Richmond, and Franklin had recently moved in with her mother after breaking up with McBride. Neighbors said Monday nights commotion worried them.

A couple of my neighbors had to go and call police, said one, Jeffrey Adam. If Id been home I would have gone over there and told him to stop, but they didnt take him in or anything.

Its a real shame, she was young, he said. Rashanda couldnt even take her kids to school. Maybe if theyd brought him in, none of this would have happened.

Richmond Mayor Tom Butt said Wednesday, Its regrettable someone was not able to intervene sooner. But he added that he had no details about prior police contacts with the couple.

This whole thing is heartbreaking  such a tragedy, Butt said. I wish there were something more we could do about it. It is what it is. Domestic violence incidents are really hard to deal with from a law enforcement perspective. It could have happened anywhere.

Franklin had been driving her sons across town to school when McBride began following her in his car, investigators said. He allegedly jumped ahead and parked in front of her Jeep, forcing her to stop  and then walked up to her car window and argued with her for a few seconds before shooting her to death with a handgun.

Franklins sons are in kindergarten and fourth grade at the small New Direction Christian Academy, which was closed Wednesday due to fear the shooter might come around. After McBrides arrest, Principal Christine Jones said it was a great relief, and that the school would reopen Thursday.

This has been very traumatic, and we are praying for Rashandas family, said Jones. She was a very pleasant young lady, beautiful and a very devoted mom.

She described the boys as very smart, very good students. Franklin also has another son, too young for school.

A small shrine of stuffed animals, candles and pictures of Franklin sat at the corner where she died Wednesday. One note read: Hands of prayer for you in your time of loss.

Filipa A. Ioannou and Kevin Fagan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com, kfagan@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @obioannoukenobi @KevinChron
With a new name, a new place in the calendar and a new commitment to focusing on local talent, the SFFilm festival opened on Wednesday, April 5, with a showing of Landline at the Castro Theatre. I loved the movie, but thats beside the following points:

Bravo for the brevity of the standard introductory remarks and thank-yous that preceded the movie. And for the trailer, a film collage set in San Francisco that focused exactly on storytelling, which is, of course, what movies are all about.

Also, bravo to the Cosmo Alleycats, who played vintage dance music at the opening-night party at the Regency Center. And to the Regency itself, which was designed to house a Masonic lodge, and perhaps due to that proud function, has the snazziest, most elegant porcelain urinals in town. (I have not made a comprehensive survey, but bravo, too, to the gentlemen who said the mens room was something I ought to see. If youre reading this online, take a look. This seemed particularly remarkable after slurping a cocktail.)

And finally, cheers for Elisabeth Holm, who co-wrote the film, much of which is about sexuality from a womans point of view. In response to the festivals chief programmer, Rachel Rosen, who began the Q&A following the showing by asking where the story came from, Holm admitted, My answer changes depending wherever I am in my menstrual cycle.

Nancy Cartwright, one of the writers on the movie In Search of Fellini, was at the 20th Sonoma International Film Festival with Maria Bello, one of the stars of the movie. At the Ledson Hotel next door to the Sebastiani Theater, they were gathered for a reception preceding the showing of the movie, when a bunch of skateboarders who usually hang out in the plaza across the street got in. Cartwright, who has received much praise as (since 1989) the voice of Bart Simpson, performed an instant Bart impression for the skateboard invaders. They left dazzled.

According to Clyde Leland, Mick Mulvaney, director of the office of management and budget, has determined that its useless to spend any more money on climate change because theres no future in it.

Bonnie Weiss modern version of Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?: Once we had Obama/ Life made sense/ Filled with meaning and hope./ Now were stuck with Bannon, Trump and Pence/ Brother can you spare a rope?

I cut off a driverless car, says Dan St. Paul, so he sent me a JPEG of the finger.

At the reception before The Chronicles recent Visionary of the Year dinner, San Diego-raised Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, whose time here seems to be more serene these days than when he assumed the post in 2012, said he has come to like San Francisco very much. Everything, he said, but the traffic and parking.

Does prayer help? He said it might be useful to address prayers to St. Anthony of Padua, the saint of finding things and of safe travel. He spoke of getting a flat tire in a small town in Italy, looking up to find  as by divine providence  a tire repair shop. There are things that happen that are just too coincidental to chalk up to chance, said the archbishop.

I forgot to ask for help regarding potholes, the current scourge of the streets. So the next day, I turned to an online directory of saints for suggestions. There was nothing specific about these gaping fissures in the roadway, but perhaps St. Antipas, patron saint for dentists (hole-fillers) might help. (As to information to file away for future use, I also stumbled across St. Roch, patron saint of surgeons, tile-makers, secondhand dealers and grave diggers.)

P.S. Apologies here to the man of the cloth for putting him in a column that mentions body functions.

Writer-editor Howard Junker is out with From the Morgue: The Story of My Brand as Told by The San Francisco Chronicle. He said this is the last of an 18-volume memoir. The entries include an SF Weekly interview in which Evan Karp (Datebooks own Out Loud columnist) asked him to name one thing he would change in the Bay Area: I would make Oakland a little closer to the City.

Intrigued by the concept of geographical chess? I await your suggestions. (Im wondering whether Daly City residents would mind moving over to make room for Berkeley on this side of the bay.)

Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @leahgarchik

Public Eavesdropping

I dont watch soap operas any more. I just turn on CNN.
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Laredo ISD Superintendent A. Marcus Nelson has been named the lone finalist for superintendent at Waco Independent School District.

The WISD school board announced Nelson as the finalist during a special-called meeting Wednesday night.

"I consider the Waco community one of the premier locations in our state, and I am committed to continuing the transformative work already underway in Waco public schools," Nelson stated in a news release, according to the Waco Tribune-Herald. "My plan is to work together with all staff, students, parents and community members to create graduates that are extraordinarily competitive in a global society."

Nelson was hired as superintendent of LISD in summer 2009. He is the district's longest-serving superintendent since Vidal M. Trevino, who retired in 1995.

Scroll through the slideshow above to see former LISD superintendents and how long they served as head of the district

Waco ISD has about 15,000 students. About 88 percent of them are classified as economically disadvantaged and 19 percent are English language learners. LISD has about 24,000 students. Almost 95 percent are economically disadvantaged and 60 percent are English language learners.

Under state law, WISD must wait 21 days before the lone finalist can be officially hired to replace Bonny Cain, who is retiring at the end of this school year. During that time, WISD trustees will negotiate an employment contract with Nelson.

RELATED: Laredo City Council to discuss street musicians, snack trucks

As LISD superintendent, Nelson earns a base salary of about $218,000. The current WISD superintendent earns about $214,000.

Last month, WISD trustees narrowed the number of applicants in its search for a new superintendent from 59 to six. The six candidates were interviewed by board members.
Troy

The Italian Community Center was recommended Thursday night to the City Council as the top site to consider for a future City Hall location.

The ICC on Fifth Avenue just south of Ferry Street led a list of seven buildings that could be seats of city government.

"We're just exploring possibilities," said Teri Kippen, who chairs the City Council Select Committee on the Location of Troy City Hall.

The committee was created in July to study places where a city-owned City Hall could be established instead of renting the fifth floor in the Hedley Building at 433 River St. for $360,000 a year.

"From the outset of our review, it became clear that the current situation regarding City Hall is not ideal or practical for long-term sustainability," the 12-member committee said in its report.

The other sites are Troy Boys & Girls Club, Verizon Building, St. Augustine School, a building at 2001 Fifth Ave., the Atrium and the former First Niagara offices at State and Second streets. City officials will review the report.
Lobos, the K-9 unit responsible for numerous drug busts in Central Texas, thwarted yet another alleged attempt at smuggling drugs across the state on Monday.

The driver, 41-year-old Linda Montiel, and her passenger, 24-year-old Pablo Ruiz, both of Laredo, were arrested on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.
First, let us sincerely thank the makers of Smurfs: The Lost Village for what they didnt do.

They didnt allow any Smurfs to break wind or talk about poop. They didnt substitute the verb smurf for a profanity, and resisted what must have been impossible pressures to include product placement. (No cell phone towers in Smurf Village  yet.)

And this Smurfs, which uses for source material the most college-term-paper-ready antifeminist cartoon of its era, finally attempts to address its lack of female empowerment. Only-girl-in-the-village Smurfette is still a skirt-twirling sex object, but theres an Imperator Furiosa turn for her in the plot as well.

Sadly, almost all of this goodwill is wasted on a film that simply isnt very well-written, imaginative or memorable. The Smurfs 2 from 2013 was one of the worst movies Ive seen. It was a punishment endured; something to bring up in all future arguments for a pay raise. Ill probably forget 95 percent of Smurfs: The Lost Village by next Tuesday.

Smurfs: The Lost Village has no connection to The Smurfs (2011) or The Smurfs 2 (2013), both live action/animation hybrids that starred Neil Patrick Harris and took place in New York  through a portal between Smurf Village and the real world.

The new film has been produced like the 1980s cartoon, existing entirely in the realm of Smurf Village, bad wizard Gargamels castle and a few other brightly colored detours.

At the center is Smurfette (Demi Lovato), who was created by Gargamel to infiltrate and betray the Smurfs, and is suffering the identity crisis of the very privileged. (Hashtag #FirstSmurfProblems.) Shes also a pawn in the latest Gargamel attempt to trap the little blue cartoons, but she gets some unexpected help from a neighboring tribe  including a wise old female Smurf voiced by Julia Roberts.

The makers of The Lost Village recruited two female screenwriters, and their influence is felt. (Smurfette can be anything she wants to be, is one mantra.) They push the scenario created by Smurf-creating Belgian artist Peyo as far away from its sexist themes as possible, making the female characters the most capable in the film.

But good intentions are the best thing this reboot has going for it. The production design, pacing and attempts at humor all have the feel of a middling half-hour animated TV production, with by-the-numbers action sequences and underwhelming visuals. It doesnt help that Trolls by DreamWorks Animation came out less than six months ago  a vastly superior and more creative film with similar characters and themes.

Smurfs: The Lost Village has the look of a film that was rushed and made on a tight budget. At best, its an adequate cinematic babysitter. That said, few parents will have any residual anger for spending the money.

Thats the difference between Smurfs 2 and Smurfs: The Lost Village. With the former film, you desire some man-made or divine disaster that prevents the filmmakers from another sequel. With the latter film, you might root for another chance to get it right.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub

Smurfs: The Lost Village

Animated comedy. Starring the voices of Rainn Wilson, Mandy Patinkin, Demi Lovato and Julia Roberts. Directed by Kelly Asbury. (PG. 91 minutes.)

To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NO8wk4n1Cs
'The Algeciras Conference [in Spain], the most important European diplomatic gathering since the Congress of Berlin twenty-eight years before, formally opened at the Algeciras Town Hall on January 16, 1906. New red carpets had been laid in the corridors and on the stairways, and the long table at which the Municipal Council usually met was covered with fresh green baize. The diplomats representing the thirteen powers attending were senior ambassadors.'





'M. Revoil, the French delegate, a small man with a waxed moustache, smiled at everyone except the Germans, whom he was determined to foil. The British delegate, Sir Arthur Nicolson, bent with arthritis, seemed even smaller than M. Revoil, until he began to speak. Then, this shy, frail man, who had spent seven years as Minister to Morocco and was now British Ambassador to Spain, spoke with impressive authority.'





'When the conference opened, Count Tattenbach [a German delegate] went on the offensive. He declared that France could be permitted some authority to restore order in those parts of Morocco near the Algerian frontier, but that France's wish for a mandate to establish order throughout the country was inadmissible. He described German policy as an attempt to secure full guarantees for the open door, and tried to persuade Nicolson that Britain should be supportive. If Britain arranged for France and M. Revoil to make concessions, Tattenbach continued, the threat to peace would quickly disappear and the conference promptly and successfully end. Nicolson replied that his country had special treaty obligations to France and that it was not for me to urge concessions on my French colleague. After this meeting Nicolson wrote to his wife, I felt really insulted and really furious  so that I could eat nothing afterwards  He [Tattenbach] is a horrid fellow, blustering, rude, and mendacious. The worst type of German I have ever met 

The Germans would not yield; neither would the French  We are close to a rupture, Nicolson wrote to his wife. The Germans have behaved in a most disgraceful way. Their mendacity has been beyond words. I would not have thought Radowitz [a German delegate and ambassador in Madrid] capable of such unblushing lying and double dealing 
After almost two years of retirement following seven years as principal of H.P. Webb Elementary School, Dr. Steve Mills is back on the Olton ISD payroll. This time, he is interim superintendent.

Mills was named to the post Friday, March 31, following the departure of Bub McIver who has been superintendent since 2009. McIver announced his resignation Friday in a statement made public following a 20-minute school board closed session. Once back in public session, trustees voted unanimous to accept a voluntary separation agreement between OISD and McIver. Details were not immediately made public.

In recent months, relations between McIver and the board have been strained. In January, trustees indicated a lack of confidence in McIver by delaying his routine annual evaluation. In response, McIver expressed a desire to seek alternate employment.

Mills appointment, which was effective Monday, came after a second executive session Friday. Mills will be paid $6,000 per month and work half-time on an at-will basis. According to the Olton Enterprise, Mills became his tenure as interim superintendent by meeting with the administrative staff Monday morning, followed by a meeting with faculty Monday afternoon.

He is expected to serve on an open ended while the search for a new superintendent is under way.

Mills earned his bachelors degree in 1977 and masters degree in 1979 from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. He earned a doctorate in 2004 from Texas Tech.

A career educator, Mills was junior high social studies teacher in Iraan-Sheffield ISD for 11 years, then spend the next eight years at Brackett ISD  four as elementary school principal and four as superintendent. Mills then moved to Denver City ISD where he was superintendent for eight years, following by Sheldon ISD where he was superintendent three years.

Taking teacher retirement at that point, Mills served as an Education professor for two years at Howard Payne University. He returned to public education as interim principal at Seagraves Elementary School. Following another brief retirement, he was selected to serve at Webb Elementary, initially as interim principal and later as school principal.

OISD School Board President Jeff Cox offered a statement after McIvers separation agreement was approved.

An agreement has been reached which allows Mr. McIver the ability to pursue other interests and permits the board to pursue hiring another superintendent, the statement reads. The board and Mr. McIver have entered into the agreement, believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interest of the district.

On behalf of the entire district, the Board of Trustees expresses their sincere appreciation to Mr. McIver for his efforts while serving as superintendent of this great district and its wonderful students, parents and administrators, and for the many achievements and accomplishments of the entire district during Mr. McIvers tenure as superintendent.

It also noted McIvers appreciation to the staff and community for their support of the district during his tenure.

The statement concludes with a note that the board will soon begin its search for a new superintendent. It did not outline a timetable.
A federal judge has denied the state of Texas attempt to quash a lawsuit that challenges the way the state elects judges to the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals.

Seven Hispanic voters (six from Nueces County and one from El Paso) and a civic organization, La Union Del Pueblo Entero Inc., allege in the suit that Latino candidates almost always lose statewide elections for judges to the two highest courts in Texas.

In an opinion issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Nelva Ramos ruled that all the plaintiffs have standing to bring the suit under the Voting Rights Act.

The judge rejected the states argument that the plaintiffs had failed to state a cause of action under Section 2 of the law, noting that the U.S. Supreme Court has already held that Section 2 applies to judicial elections.

The ruling clears the way for a trial, according to a news release from two law firms and an organization representing the plaintiffs.

This case makes clear that voting discrimination remains rampant across the state of Texas, said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, which is helping represent the plaintiffs. The courts at issue render decisions that affect all Texans, but the current method of election prevents minority voters from electing candidates of their choice to these important tribunals.

For decades, Latino Texans have been forced to sit on the sidelines of democracy while white Texans elect their preferred judges, said plaintiffs attorney Jose Garza of San Antonio. It is time for these two courts to move into the 21st century and fully reflect the diversity of our state.

Latinos make up 26.5 percent of the states voting-age population while Anglos comprise 56.4 percent. Since 1945, only two of the 48 judges to serve on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and only five of the 77 justices on the Texas Supreme Court, were Latino, the release said.

The plaintiffs argue that, if the election process were changed from statewide to voting by districts, two districts could be created with a majority of voting-age Latino voters, increasing the likelihood that Latino voters could overcome the bloc voting of Anglo voters and have the chance to elect candidates of their choice to the courts.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland
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A man is wanted in West Texas for allegedly using a small child to conceal more than $100 of stolen merchandise he took from a liquor store in late March, according to employees of the store.

FILO Liquors in Abilene is searching for a man who entered its store around 3:30 p.m. on March 28, stuffed merchandise into his coat pocket and carried a toddler on his hip, hiding the stolen goods, they said on Facebook.
Harry Cabluck/STF

AUSTIN -- Members of the Texas House officially registered their disgust with a school choice program that would funnel state funds to private schools Thursday by voting to ban the practice in the state's next two-year budget.

Lawmakers in the midst of what promises to be an hours-long slog debating the state's spending plan for the next biennium voted 103-44 in favor of an amendment expressly stating state money "may not be used to pay for or support a school voucher, education savings account, or tax credit scholarship program or a similar program through which a child may use state money for nonpublic education."
Who is the title character in AMCs action-packed drama The Son? There isnt just one, but in the beginning, there is Eli McCullough (Jacob Lofland), a teenager who witnesses most of his family being slain by marauding Indians in 1849. Later, there is a much older Eli McCullough (Pierce Brosnan), a hard-bitten, tyrannical patriarch of a wealthy family of cattle ranchers in South Texas in 1915.

How the young man, who grows to manhood with the Indians, becomes the powerful, ambitious and sometimes merciless First Son of Texas is the arc of the AMC drama based on the best-seller by Philipp Meyer, who co-created the series, premiering Saturday, April 8.

The Son is a family saga, essentially tracing the history of South Texas through the generations of the McCullough family, and begins only four years after Texas became a state.

Young Eli is taken as a slave by the Comanche, but earns the protective respect of the tribal war chief, Toshaway (Zahn McClarnon). Over time, he adapts to life among the Indians, so much so that he begins to question his own identity.

Toggling between young Elis and old Elis stories isnt just a way for Meyer and his co-creators, Lee Shipman and Brian McGreevy, to tell the story of one man or even one family. Rather, its a way to tell the story of Texas and much of the young nation as well.

Elis younger son, Pete (Henry Garrett), has a more pragmatic and humanistic view of the changing social climate of Texas in the early 20th century than his father and elder brother, Phineas (David Wilson Barnes), who are determined to dominate the region. To so, they intend to keep Mexicans on their side of the Rio Grande and get investors to fund oil drilling on their land.

The different viewpoints within the McCullough family are mirrored by those within the family of Pedro Garcia (Carlos Bardem), including his three children, one of whom, Maria (Paola Nunez), was once romantically involved with the now married Pete.

Pedro Garcia believes that accommodation with the gringos is a way of survival, while younger members of the family are still fighting to push McCullough and his ilk out of what was once Mexico.

The plot is familiar, and somewhat predictable because of that. Many elements, especially in the old Eli segments, evoke a more nuanced Dallas or Dynasty, with more interesting characters. Where those ancient melodramas were mostly one-dimensional and about power, sex and wealth, The Son makes points about xenophobia, racism and general fear and distrust of the other, which have been primary ingredients in our national melting pot since colonial days.

Brosnan is commanding as old Eli, but it takes a while for him to fully inhabit the character. Part of that has to do with the series big question: What happened to Eli to so permanently embitter him between the time of his captivity and the present day in 1915? At the same time, Brosnans accent meanders all over the place, from his native Ireland to South Texas.

Young Eli is more interesting, because we have more unanswered questions about him, and because Lofland delivers such a solid performance. In fact, the series best acting is to be found among some of the younger cast members, especially Sydney Lucas as Elis granddaughter Jeannie. Garrett, Nunez, McClarnon and James Parks as a villainous instigator of strife within the McCullough family are also among the cast standouts.

The scripts structure is artificial, but it mostly succeeds in its purpose, which is to disguise the obviousness of the plot. The characters are nicely constructed, though, and the dialogue both rich and believable.

Westerns used to ride herd over television programming back in the day, but their fundamental moral structure doesnt work quite as well on a contemporary audience. Westworld succeeds because its science fiction. Deadwood worked because character depth and complexity obviated the traditional and tired Western plot structure. Hell on Wheels was a modest success for five seasons, but it really didnt break the mold. Longmire works because its really a contemporary crime drama.

The Son isnt going to revive the good ol days when Westerns dominated television, but its watchable and often well written and acted.

David Wiegand is an assistant managing editor and the TV critic of The San Francisco Chronicle and co-host of The Do List every Friday morning at 6:22 and 8:22 on KQED-FM, 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento. Follow him on Facebook. Email: dwiegand@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @WaitWhat_TV

The Son: two-hour, two-episode premiere 9 p.m. Saturday, April 8, AMC
1 Venezuela protests: Tens of thousands of demonstrators shut down much of Venezuelas capital on Thursday, blocking the citys main artery to protest what they call an attempted coup by the socialist administration. Many carried signs reading No to Dictatorship as they crowded the principal highway that cuts from Caracas wealthy eastern section to downtown. Later in the day, protesters clashed with police who turned the crowd away with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons. This latest political crisis was triggered last week when the Supreme Court issued a ruling that nullified Congress. President Nicolas Maduro instructed the court to roll back that ruling a few days later, but opposition leaders said the attempt to invalidate a branch of power revealed the administrations true dictatorial nature.

2 Gaza executions: The Islamic militant Hamas group ruling the Gaza Strip on Thursday executed three Palestinians it had accused of collaborating with Israel, a development that was likely spurred by the killing of a senior Hamas commander last month. Hamas said the men were hanged at a police compound as dozens of Hamas leaders and officials watched. The three were sentenced months ago for relaying information on attack tunnels and other military details to Israel and were not directly connected to the killing of the senior commander but his death prompted their execution.
Supporters behind what has readily become one of the leading events in promoting awareness surrouding suicide prevention will rise early in Longford on May 6 to participate in the Darkness Into Light Walk.

Pieta Houses flagship fundraising and awareness walk/run  will take place in 150 locations across Ireland, north and south and all over the world this year.

1,300 people participated in the 2016 Longford DIL Walk and one of the organisers, Lorraine Nash is hoping there will be a similar turnout atnext month's event.

Now in its ninth year, Darkness Into Light (DIL)  again supported by Electric Ireland  will start in the early hours of Saturday, May 6. The event begins in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while the dawn is breaking.

People can now register for this years events at www.darknessintolight.ie.

Since it began in one venue - the Phoenix Park in Dublin in 2009  DIL has grown into a global movement against suicide.

Funds raised help to keep Pieta House counselling services free to those in suicidal crisis, people who engage in self-harm and those bereaved by suicide.

Pieta House CEO, Brian Higgins is encouraging more and more people to participate in DIL to help achieve the charitys vision of a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance.

I want to ask everybody to wake up and join us in support of families and friends affected by suicide and self-harm, he said.

All of our services are free, but the demand for them is ever-increasing. We all need to wake up to the stigmas that lead people to self-harm and into suicidal crisis and to the doors of Pieta House.
Press Releases

By Phil Andrews Published: April 06 2017

Andrews, President, LIAACC: Women play a vital role in all aspects of society.

Queens, NY - April 6, 2017 - The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. ( LIAACC ) is New York States largest African American Chamber of Commerce. On March 28, 2017, LIAACC honored three extraordinary Women Who Shine at Pa Nash restaurant in Queens, NY. These women are a shining example of professionalism, integrity, and devotion in their respective fields. The ladies of LIAAC celebrated National Womens history month.



Ladies of LIAACC celebrated National Womens Month Women. Photo Credit: Roc Runna Press

In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.President Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Womens History Week.



Ladies of LIAACC celebrated National Womens Month Women. Photo Credit: Roc Runna Press

The Ladies of LIAACC awards committee were thrilled at the privilege of presenting these Ladies with the 2017 Women Who Shine award.

Barbara Armand, President & CEO of Armand Corporation  Outstanding Leadership In Business Award

Shelley Brazley, Interim Executive Director Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs  Outstanding Leadership In Government Service Awa rd

Charna Rainey, Regional Marketing Manager Fidelis Care New York  Outstanding Leadership In Health Award

Women play a vital role in all aspects of our society, including but not limited to their influence in governmental agencies, healthcare industry, civic leadership and the list goes on and on  said Phil Andrews, President,  said Phil Andrews, President, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Facts about the chamber: LIAACC has also been featured on WABC Here and Now

LIAACC has been featured in many prominent publications such as: Long Island Business, LongIsland.com, LongIslandExchange.com, News, New York Trend Newspaper, Community Journal Newspaper, Queens, Courier, Black Star News, BKReader, South Bay Newspapers etc.

LIAACC is a member of the US Black Chamber

LIAACC is a membership based organization and Women Small Business Owners and Professionals play a vital role in our success at the chamber.
Tech & Science, Local News, Crime, Business & Finance

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 06 2017

TRUSTe's Failures Left Visitors To Popular Children's Websites Vulnerable To Illegal Tracking Technology.

Albany, NY - April 6, 2017 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a settlement with True Ultimate Standards Everywhere, Inc. (TRUSTe), in connection with the company's failure to adequately prevent illegal tracking technology from surfacing on some of the nation's most popular children's websites. TRUSTe's failure to adequately assess its customers websites, which included Roblox.com and Hasbro.com, left underage visitors to those websites vulnerable to illegal tracking prohibited under the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

As part of the settlement, TRUSTe will pay a penalty of $100,000 and adopt new measures to strengthen its privacy assessments. Today's settlement is the first time any state or federal law enforcement agency has taken action against the operator of a privacy certification program for childrens websites.

Companies entrusted with protecting childrens privacy online have a responsibility that my office takes seriously  now, more than ever before, said Attorney General Schneiderman. TRUSTe failed to meet its obligations to keep children safe from the prying eyes of online trackers and its customers within the parameters of the law. My office is committed to protecting children online and will continue to hold accountable those who violate this or any other online privacy statute.

The settlement announced today concerns TRUSTes Childrens Privacy Program, a safe harbor program, designed to assess website operators compliance with COPPA. COPPA encourages operators of childrens websites to participate in such programs by providing a safe harbor from enforcement actions to operators that comply with safe harbor program rules.

As the operator of a COPPA safe harbor program, TRUSTe is required to conduct a comprehensive review of website operators policies, practices, and representations at least once per year to assess operators compliance with COPPA. The Attorney Generals office found, however, that TRUSTes annual reviews failed to adhere to the companys own policies in the following critical respects:

Although TRUSTe conducted electronic scans of customers websites for third-party tracking technology prohibited by COPPA, in many cases TRUSTe omitted most or all of its customers childrens webpages from its scans. TRUSTe therefore could not determine whether unexpected third party tracking technologies were present on these customers childrens websites.

In many cases, TRUSTe failed to provide its customers with relevant results from its electronic scans, including some of the third party tracking technologies that TRUSTe had detected. This deprived TRUSTes customers of an opportunity to analyze the results to identify tracking technologies that violate COPPA.

TRUSTe accepted customers representations that third party tracking technologies found on their childrens websites did not violate COPPA instead of independently determining whether the tracking technologies violated COPPA.

These failures allowed COPPA violations to continue on childrens websites. The settlement requires that TRUSTe implement a more rigorous privacy assessment process for its COPPA safe harbor program, including:

TRUSTe must conduct electronic scans of a substantial portion of each of its customers childrens websites for tracking technologies prohibited by COPPA. Only dedicated employees with expertise and experience operating TRUSTes scanning software may conduct the scans. After scans have completed, employees must verify that each scan was conducted properly.

TRUSTe must disclose to its customers every third party tracking technology identified through TRUSTes scans.

TRUSTe must require that its customers provide information about the third parties operating on the customers childrens websites, including the types of information each third party collects and how that information is used.

TRUSTe must review the information that customers provide to determine whether each of the identified third party tracking technologies violates COPPA.

TRUSTe must maintain a database of third party tracking technologies to assist in its determination of whether identified third party tracking technologies violate COPPA.

The Office of the Attorney General thanks the Federal Trade Commission for its assistance in this case.

This is the second announcement made in connection with Operation Child Tracker, the Attorney Generals ongoing investigation into the illegal tracking of childrens online activity by marketers, advertising companies, and others. In September 2016, the Attorney General announced that his office had entered into settlements with four companies that had violated COPPA by allowing illegal third-party tracking technologies on some of the nations most popular kids websites, including websites for Barbie, Nick Jr., My Little Pony, American Girl, Hot Wheels, and dozens of others. Those companies agreed to pay penalties totaling $835,000 and to adopt comprehensive reforms to protect children from improper tracking and the collection of childrens personal information in the future.

This case was handled by Bureau of Internet and Technology Assistant Attorney General Jordan Adler and Deputy Bureau Chief Clark Russell under the supervision of Bureau Chief Kathleen McGee. The Bureau of Internet and Technology is overseen by Executive Deputy Attorney General for Economic Justice Manisha M. Sheth.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Arts & Culture

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 06 2017

The event honored forty-three outstanding Nassau County women for their professional achievements and community service.

Mineola, NY - April 6, 2017 - Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos hosted Women Breaking Ground, a Womens History Month event yesterday evening. The event honored forty-three outstanding women from throughout Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos hosted Women Breaking Ground, a Womens History Month event yesterday evening. The event honored forty-three outstanding women from throughout Nassau County for their professional achievements and service to the community. The evening was enhanced by live music, an art exhibition, and food and beverages graciously sponsored by Pollo Campero, Stew Leonards and Stop-N-Shop.

The impressive gathering of accomplished artists, businesswomen, religious and community leaders, educators, environmentalists, philanthropists ,and health care professionals hail from communities throughout the County.

This years gathering of honorees represent some of the most accomplished women from virtually every facet of professional and communal life, noted Comptroller George Maragos. What makes each honoree so unique is how they employ their specific talents for the betterment of community. I am honored to recognize their amazing contributions.
American Elyse Ribbons claims that she is practically half Chinese because of her close connection with the country. Provided To China Daily

Elyse Ribbons might be a US citizen, but she claims that she is practically half-Chinese.

The 36-year-old is proficient in the Chinese language, highly knowledgeable about Traditional Chinese Medicine theories and the holder of a degree in Peking Opera, She likes to joke about how she has invested half her life in China.

Speaking at a creative hub that used to be the site of World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, Ribbons likened her connection with China to a "Tar Heel", the nickname for her home state of North Carolina and a term that was used during the US Civil War to describe stubborn soldiers who refused to retreat on the battlefield.

"I feel like I am like that with China. Even though I wanted to leave this country on many occasions, my feet felt as if they were stuck to the ground by tar ... I've spent my entire adult life in China," she says.

Ribbons has spent most of her life in Beijing where she has hosted her own TV and radio shows and founded a theater company called Cheeky Monkey Theater. She had also written I Heart Beijing, one of the original performances by the theater. She currently resides in Shanghai where she is pursuing various business interests.

Her foray into China started 15 years ago when she studied Arabic at the University of North Carolina. It was a time when she idolized Madeleine Albright and harbored ambitions to become the US secretary of state as she wanted to help bridge the gap between the US and the rest of the world.

When her exchange program to Egypt was canceled because the university considered it too dangerous, Ribbons heeded the advice of a friend to join the program to China where she could learn about medical anthropology. She landed in Beijing in January 2001 and soon spent her mornings in language classes and the afternoons exploring the Chinese capital.

"We would travel all over Beijing to do anthropological research and talk to people. That's when I fell in love with the city and its culture," she says.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 06 2017

All welcome to attend a local RECRUITNY open house weekend April 29 & 30.

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.

New York, NY - April 6, 2017 - More than 300 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 know I am not 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.

About FASNY
Officials Report Lindenhurst Man Under Arrest for String of Armed Robberies Throughout Nassau County

Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 06 2017

Ryan Farrish, 31, stands accused of robbing Metro PCS Wireless stores at gunpoint, cops say.

NCPD reports the arrest of Ryan Farrish of Lindenhurst, 31, for multiple Robberies that occurred within Nassau County.

Lindenhurst, NY - April 6, 2017 - The Major Case Bureau reports the arrest of a he Major Case Bureau reports the arrest of a Lindenhurst man for multiple Robberies that occurred within Nassau County from September 22, 2016 through September 30, 2016.

According to detectives, an investigation in three (3) robberies led to the arrest of Ryan Farrish, 31. The defendant displayed a firearm and demanded cash at each location. The proceeds were an undisclosed amount of US currency.

The three robberies Farrish stands accused of are:

Thursday, September 22, 2016  Metro PCS Wireless 652 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead

Friday, September 30, 2016  Metro PCS Wireless 652 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead.

Friday, September 30, 2016  Metro PCS 200 West Merrick Road, Valley Stream

Defendant Ryan Farrish is charged with three (3) counts of Robbery 1st degree, three (3) counts of Robbery 3rd degree and three (3) counts of Petit Larceny. He was arraigned on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at First District Court, Hempstead.
Local News, Business & Finance, National & World News, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 06 2017

As Washington, D.C. Begins Federal Tax Reform Push, Latest Pronouncements to Include Repeal or Cap Itemized Deductions for Mortgage Interest, State and Local Taxes Raise Major Concerns.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today joined with county legislators and local business leaders to call on the Federal Administration to withdraw proposals that would eliminate itemized deductions on federal tax returns.

Suffolk County, NY - April 6, 2017 - Executive Steve Bellone today joined with county legislators and local business leaders to call on the Federal Administration to withdraw proposals that would eliminate itemized deductions on federal tax returns. As the Administration undertakes an effort to overhaul the federal tax code, the County Executive denounced recent reports that would consider repealing or capping tax deductions as part of any final package. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today joined with county legislators and local business leaders to call on the Federal Administration to withdraw proposals that would eliminate itemized deductions on federal tax returns. As the Administration undertakes an effort to overhaul the federal tax code, the County Executive denounced recent reports that would consider repealing or capping tax deductions as part of any final package.

Any attempt by Washington to eviscerate these critical financial incentives under the guise of tax reform is a nonstarter and should be dead on arrival, said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. Instead of making it more costly to own a home on Long Island, the federal government should do more to lower taxes for hardworking homeowners and not the other way around.

The reason why this is so disastrous for Long Island is that it inequitably penalizes us for being a high-cost, high-tax region, said Matt Cohen, Long Island Association Vice President of Government Affairs & Communications. While we all support reducing the federal deficit, we all support federal tax reform and trying to make the system more equitable. This would actually make it less equitable for Long Island, and thus, we cannot have federal tax reform on the backs of Long Islanders.

For Suffolk County residents who already pay a steep price in property taxes, this federal proposal will have a cascading, negative impact on our residents and our economy, said Suffolk County Legislator William Doc Spencer. I stand in solidarity with the Long Island Association, our County Executive Steve Bellone, the Huntington Chamber , and all of our Suffolk County residents and businesses to call upon our federal representatives to oppose this proposal that would repeal the mortgage tax interest deduction.

Its important that area residents have a full understanding as to the debate thats about to go on down in Washington when it comes to significant tax reform, said Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern. Whether you are a local business owner or a middle class Suffolk County resident looking forward to a reduction in your taxes as it was promised along the campaign trail, its important for all of us to understand what the impact to each of us will actually be if you have a proposal such as this one that would be implemented.

Undoubtedly the proposed changes to the tax code will affect everyone in Suffolk County and throughout New York State. If the purposed changes are passed and become law, the financial impact will be very significant, said Robert Ansell, Huntington Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member. As everyone is aware two thirds of the countys gross domestic product is consumer spending the elimination of the mortgage interest state income and real property tax deductions not only puts a significant damper on incentivizing home ownership, but also means that families will have less disposable income to spend on their communities and on their local businesses. In turn that will have a negative impact on local economies.

The County Executive was joined by representatives of the Long Island Association, Huntington Chamber of Commerce, Long Island Housing Partnership, and homeowners to raises concerns about the total cost and overall economic impact.

According to a recent Long Island Association report , the elimination of income tax deductions for mortgage interest, including state and local taxes, would cost Long Island homeowners additional hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars added to their annual tax bill. The report estimated that the Long Island economy alone would lose over $732 million annually through the repeal of the mortgage interest deduction. For Suffolk County, this would amount to over $341 million each year.

While every homeowner would be affected by the repeal of the mortgage interest deduction, those earning between $75,000 - $100,000 in adjusted gross income would see a tax increase of over $860 per year. Those earning between $100,000-$200,000 would see an even higher increase to over $1,260 and those who earn more than $200,000 would see a tax increase of over $3,500.

According to an analysis conducted by the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development, assuming that each tax return represents two individuals, the following would be impacted by the repeal:

All Deductions  more than 357,770 tax returns and more than 715,000 Suffolk County residents would be impacted.

Mortgage Interest Deductions  more than 248,000 tax returns and approximately 497,000 residents would be impacted.

Property Tax Deductions  more than 310,000 tax returns and approximately 620,000 residents would be impacted.

State Income Tax Deductions more than 294,000 tax returns and approximately 595,000 would be impacted.

In addition, a number of itemized deductions could also be jeopardized if the Administration opts to eliminate the state income tax and real estate tax deductions. The proposed changes to the code additionally threaten the regions housing market, which has shown signs of recovery, but has not yet regained all of what it lost as a result of the mortgage crisis.
The great Gold Rush Music Festival returns to the township of Waihi, with the first nuggets of gold dropping for the highly anticipated return of the 2023 festival.
WeChat Pay, China's biggest mobile payment platform in terms of number of transactions, is expanding into the United Kingdom next month, where it will offer a new payment option to British retailers looking to attract Chinese shoppers.

WeChat Pay advertisements hang from the ceiling at a supermarket in East China's Hangzhou city. LONG WEI/CHINA DAILY

WeChat Pay became available in Italy in 2015, allowing Italian merchants to take mobile phone payments from Chinese users. The system allows Chinese customers to make payments by scanning a barcode provided by the merchant. After WeChat Pay's expansion into the UK, it will be rolled out to France and Germany.

"In overseas markets, like Europe, we will keep focusing on the development of services to best serve EU companies interested in leveraging digital channels to foster business opportunities with Chinese customers," said Andrea Ghizzoni, European director of Tencent, the company that owns WeChat.

In the UK, WeChat Pay has linked up with the British payment company Tramonex, which will help WeChat Pay integrate its payments infrastructure with British retailers.

"We know we can bring real value to the WeChat Pay solution and the entire team is very excited about this opportunity," said Amine Berraoui, CEO of Tramonex. "This arrangement goes a long way in developing Tramonex's footprint and awareness within Asia and completely opens up the East-to-West corridor, fulfilling the goal of facilitating 'global flows'."

WeChat Pay, which has 800 million users in China, is a unit of the Chinese internet giant Tencent. WeChat is China's largest social media network in terms of daily users, and its influence means that WeChat Pay can be used for daily activities, such as buying breakfast, booking hotels and paying for flights.

WeChat Pay's European expansion follows that of Alipay, another Chinese mobile payment company, which is an affiliate of the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. With two years of operating history in the UK, Alipay is already linked up with powerful European banks, including BNP Paribas, Barclays and UniCredit, enabling 930,000 merchants to join its payment network.

In the UK, Alipay is accepted at many luxury stores and brand retailers, including Harrods in London. Alipay has 450 million active users in China.

Ghizzoni said WeChat Pay is already available at more than 50 locations in Italy, including large fashion and luxury brand outlets, retail companies and the hospitality industry.

"Revenues are already in the range of millions, and we expect them to grow significantly this year," he said.

Ghizzoni added that WeChat Pay is also working with clients to find ways to promote their products to Chinese consumers, leveraging on WeChat's advertising capabilities and Tencent's cloud solutions.

"All these tools can prove extremely successful to help Western brands reach and serve Chinese consumers in a consistent and effective manner," he said.
All you wanted to know about the Aam Aadmi Party

What is the Aam Aadmi Party?

Some key members of the Aam Aadmi Party:

Garnering support through all means

The tricky question of donations

AAP and the Delhi Legislative Assembly Elections

Will AAP win in Delhi?

Last Updated on : March 27, 2014

"Our aim in entering politics is not to come to power; we have entered politics to change the current corrupt and self-serving system of politics forever" - Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) website.AAP's intentions are clear - it wants to capitalise on the resilience of some of the honest Indians, who wish to make a contribution to Indian politics and the country. It does not claim that all its functionaries will be hundred percent honest, but that they will definitely attempt to cleanse the country and make its systems transparent and free of corruption. This is also, however, a route very different from that of Anna Hazare who spearheaded the anti-corruption campaign and Janlokpal Bill movement through a series of fasts.With this backdrop, and with such promises, Arvind Kejriwal and a handful of his associates gave out the trumpet call on October 2, 2012 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, to form a party that could stand on its own to take on the other political parties, which had come together to down the Janlokpal Bill movement. The Aam Aadmi Party finally came into existence in November, 2012.Stating clearly its intention and armed with the slogan "Ab, 'AAP' ki shakti se chalega desh", the Aam Aadmi Party soon went about the process of enrolling members, volunteers, and donors to its cause at its office in Kaushambi, Ghaziabad. It adopted the jhaadu or broom as its election symbol - a clear indicator, which the common man could identify the AAP with, for sweeping away the filth of corruption.Members are enrolled by filling up the membership form given on the AAP's website (http://www.aamaadmiparty.org/join-us), or, you can register as a volunteer on http://support.aamaadmiparty.org/user?destination=profile-volunteer while donations can be made vide http://support.aamaadmiparty.org/ or calling the party on 9717460029. Volunteers are also asked to take the party oath of fighting against corruption.The AAP's constitution claims that it is different in several aspects - for instance, "Every member of the Aam Aadmi party will have to follow a strict internal code of conduct or internal Lokpal. This independent body will be headed by 3 jurists and other eminent personalities with impeccable public records and will investigate charges of corruption, crime, substance abuse and moral turpitude against all office bearing members of the party. Any citizen can present proof of wrongdoing against a party member. If internal Lokpal finds the party member guilty, he or she will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action as decided by the internal Lokpal". Or for instance, that no member of the party or MLA or MP would use the beacon on their vehicles, use an official bungalow, or seek special privileges.Some key members include the prolific and most known founder member,- an average, bespectacled Indian with a soft demeanor. Arvind Kejriwal, born in Siwani, Haryana on August 16, 1968, began his career with Tata Steel after graduating in mechanical engineering from IIT, Kharagpur, in 1989 and quickly shifted gears to become part of the Indian Revenue Services in New Delhi's income tax department. He however gave up this job to take up social causes such as fighting corruption, establishing a strong central RTI (Right to Information) system, a clean public distribution system (PDS), etc., full time. He then started his NGO, Parivartan at Kaushambi for this purpose. He was also awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay award for Emerging Leadership in 2006 for his initiatives and has received recognition through other awards.Many of the members of the national executive are leaders in their own right. Many of them had participated in fasts along with Anna Hazare and vouch their support for AAP. These key members are- a reputed TV journalist, who also undertook the fasts along with- a lawyer who has often filed PILs taking up causes of human rights, environment issues, government servants' accountability, etc.has been a student leader with All India Students Association and then was associated with the Indian Students Union as its President (also fasted) during the Janlokpal Bill movement; whilehas actively pursued social welfare programs related to students' rights, destitute and slum peoples' rights, etc., a professional engineer, who began to teach economically backward children and joined the movement;, a well-known poet popular amongst the youth;, who started the RTI act and Swaraj movement in Haryana, and has organized blood and organ donation camps;, an active social and spiritual worker, being an RTI activist, he gave support to the movement; and,, a well-known psephologist, political analyst, and social scientist, he has been associated with the Right to Education law.Other members include, Delhi University professor associated with the 'Lok Rajniti Manch', who has been working on the "Panchayati Raj" system for long now;, an active member in Karur district of Tamil Nadu where she successfully galvanized people from Tamil Nadu against the sand mafia. She also floated a women's political party under the name 'Women's Front' (Tamil Nadu). This party fought Parliament, state legislature and Panchayat elections successfully;, professor of sociology in the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University, has taught in several global universities all over the world besides universities like JNU and BHU and has worked with the students' movement on various socio-political, and democratic issues;- he was an information commissioner in Arunachal Pradesh, counted amongst the most strict and adept information officers in the country. He had passed strict orders against the officers not providing information and his contributions in the field of social work have strengthened political awareness in the North East states;, a social activist who began her career as a TV journalist and has played an active role in the Janlokpal movement;- a well-known farmer leader in Western Uttar Pradesh, Dhahiya has fought a long battle, both on the level of land and law, to get competitive prices for sugarcane farmers;(Sanjuji), a highly qualified financial administrator from Rajasthan, is a supporter of both financial and moral honesty;, an active social worker, he has contributed largely in formulating many useful laws like the Right to Information for Maharashtra, a law relating to the transfer of Government employees, and a law relating to the Nagar Raj Bill. Right from the very beginning, he has contributed a lot in strengthening the Janlokpal bill movement in Maharashtra;, a ceramic engineer by profession, worked with TATA at Rourkela and has taught at prestigious institutions like I.I.T and B.H.U. Known as a social and political thinker, Prof. Sinha has edited "Varta" a current affairs magazine and is the founder member of an organisation, Samta;, who joined many political parties where he realized that these parties had no agenda for the welfare of the country and saw no future in politics. Now having seen a resurgence in the sentiment of welfare with the AAP, which is promising to change the political system of the country, he has decided to rejoin politics;is a social worker, who has constantly fought for the rights of the exploited by filing PILs for issues related to public welfare. He has successfully battled for getting free education for the children of economically backward sections and getting medical treatment in government and private hospitals;was elected MP, twice from Uttar Pradesh and has now again joined politics giving support to the AAP;was the President of 'Chatrabharati' for Maharashtra, has headed many agitations and now works alongside AAP towards changing the politics of the country;Soon after the formation, AAP went about garnering support nationwide through all means. It also began to register its presence on social media such as Facebook, where it already has 401,513 likes and more and Twitter, where it has gathered almost 160,000 followers. Arvind Kejriwal has also had chats on Google Hangouts to address queries not only from the common man here, but also Indians residing abroad.AAP has managed to receive support nationwide - from not just far-flung villages and rural areas, but affluent towns and cities too in India. While its image has attracted traction from the commoners and BPL masses, some of the cities from where it has followers, range from Bangalore to Bijwasan, cities in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, Gurgaon, etc.Kejriwal and AAP's campaign against corruption has brought in a lot of donors and funding alike for the party. The donations range from cash, kind, and assets such as free accommodation, rental cars, laptops and computers, etc., for the contesting candidates and volunteers. The party now has a healthy bank balance, received through monetary contributions from more than 40,000 donors.The AAP website reflects the following information quite transparently - it has received till date a total of Rs. 17.13 crore from Indian donors abroad and within the country; of this, it has received around Rs. 12.13 crore from donors within the country, while Rs. 1.80 crore has come from Indians in the US, Rs. 1.07 crore from Indians in Hong Kong, Rs. 49.75 lakh from donors in the UAE, Rs. 35.43 lakh from the United Kingdom, and Rs. 34.91 lakh from Singapore. These figures are being constantly updated.However, all this has also invited the ire of some public elements and individuals - for example, a petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court to probe into the sources of donations received by the Aam Aadmi Party since its inception. The AAP has termed the petition as 'frivolous', but is open to the probe; the Delhi High Court has in fact, asked the government to review the party accounts 'afresh' and inform the status by December 10, in case there is any violation of FCRA (Foreign Currency Regulation Act).The first crucial milestone to be achieved for the AAP is a good performance at the Delhi State Elections, which are round the corner. These are being held in Delhi on December 4, 2013. The Aam Aadmi Party has currently announced the fielding of 65 candidates, all whom it claims to have clean records and with no criminal background (they are under its constant scrutiny, however); and, it has committed to declare the names of 70 candidates in all for the Delhi Legislative Assembly. These include names such as Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency, Shazia Ilmi from R. K. Puram, Rajesh Rishi from Janakpuri, Ravi Suryan from Dwarka, and Baljeet Singh Maan from Narela.The AAP has also put up a candidates list and invited feedback from the general public on these candidates at the following:: delhi.aamaadmiparty.org: Election Cell, Aam Aadmi Party, A-119, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, UP: 201010You could also call their helpline at 09718500606.You can find the details about candidates' profile here http://www.elections.in/delhi/assembly-constituencies/aam-aadmi-party.htmlYogendra Yadav, an AAP party executive, said at a recent press conference that the Aam Aadmi Party will be putting up its National Convener, Arvind Kejriwal as the chief ministerial candidate in the forthcoming Delhi Elections. He also stated that Delhi now has a candidate it can trust. Arvind Kejriwal also commented on the passing of the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill on December 29 in a special assembly at Ram Lila Maidan in New Delhi, after his party comes to power on December 15, 2013.In what is being described as a brilliant masterstroke, the party has declared almost 70 manifestos, customized for each of the constituencies in Delhi. It claims that these are focused on local issues and chartered as per the demands and needs of the local people.Overall, the Aam Aadmi Party seems to have caught the fancy of the common man in India, who is looking forward to a change from the Congress and BJP. Both these rival parties are facing maladies ranging from infighting to the anti-incumbency factor in Delhi, particularly in the case of Sheila Dikshit, the three-time and current chief minister of Delhi. The recent ABP Nielsen survey indicated that about 26% of the votes in the assembly elections would go to AAP with 18 of the 70 seats; while his own party survey estimates that they would sweep the elections with more than 32% votes, with "Arvind Kejriwal at 36 percent continuing to be way ahead of Sheila Dikshit at 30 percent, and Vijay Goel at 23 percent in popular preference for the next Chief Minister". It remains to be seen if the BJP's declaration of Dr Harshvardhan as their chief ministerial candidate makes a difference to this scenario.The AAP, meanwhile is not having a smooth journey, faced with teething problems such as internal tensions, removing candidates proven to have criminal backgrounds, etc. But this is to be anticipated of course, before it further streamlines its processes and possibly emerges a long-term winner.


There are plenty of reasons to cheer the US economy's prospects, but unemployment isn't one of them. Photo by Thomas Starke/Bongards/Getty Images.

October's jobs report was another dandy, as payroll gains topped 200,000 again and the unemployment rate ticked down from 5.9% to 5.8%, its post-war (1948) average. We're inclined to spare you the bells and whistles and say, "here's more confirmation the economy grew recently." Headlines, however, claim sunnier labor markets mean the economy is improving and has momentum-reasons to be bullish. Public Service Announcement: Unemployment, a late-lagging indicator, is pretty much never a reason to be bullish or bearish. Assuming it is can lead investors to a dangerous place.

Interested in market analysis for your portfolio? Our latest report looks at key stock market drivers including market, political, and economic factors. Click Here for More!

Since the dawn of economic record keeping, employment has consistently followed growth. Job growth doesn't create economic growth, despite the long-running belief jobs growth drives consumer spending growth drives jobs growth in a virtuous cycle. As we showed a while back, that isn't true. Yet pundits regularly say otherwise. After October's report, one said the data "reinforce what we thought we knew, and can give a bit of solace to anyone who interpreted a burst of financial market volatility last month as a sign that the economy was headed for the rocks." Another said, "'The US is on a roll, the momentum is pretty strong.'" And speaking of momentum, "When read carefully, today's report provides more evidence that the labor market is improving quite rapidly, and that the recovery has gained momentum over the past year."

It does no such thing, as shown in Exhibit 1. Unemployment usually begins falling after an expansion starts and far after a bull market begins. It also tends to peak well after the economy and markets. Pretend you run a small business. Do you hire someone if you just think you might get more business? Probably not! Employees are a commitment and a fixed cost! You don't hire until business is growing and you need more people to help you keep up. You hire because you grew. Similarly, you probably don't start cutting headcount until falling sales makes it impossible for you to keep everyone on hand.

Exhibit 1: Employment-A Late-Lagging Indicator

Source: FactSet, as of 11/7/2014. Expansion start dates are defined by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). Bull market start dates are based on S&P 500 Index price level returns. Unemployment is based on the official unemployment rate.

Labor market movement is a delayed reaction to what the economy did months ago. October's jobs report tells you nothing about where the economy grows from here. It simply tells you how hiring managers reacted to growth several months back. It is a very, very late confirmation of what markets already know.

This is the problem with basing investing decisions and market expectations on the unemployment rate or job losses/gains. Markets are forward-looking-they are already well aware of the economic trends this job report confirmed. Basing decisions on such ancient history will not give you an edge. It could also lead to suboptimal timing decisions. As Exhibits 2-6 show, waiting for consistent job losses to confirm a downturn-and consistent job gains to confirm an upturn-can cause you to sell low and buy high. Employment as measured by total nonfarm payrolls (more useful for our purposes than the unemployment rate, which is typically skewed by labor force participation) typically peaks after the market's top and bottoms after the market's low.[i]

Now, you might think "this isn't me!" But let's consider the hypothetical mindset of a smart person caught in what we call the unemployment sentiment trap. Pretend it's early 1973, and stocks are taking it on the chin. Our hypothetical investor is trying to decide what to do, and they look at the unemployment report and see-golly gee whiz-the unemployment rate is falling! All the way from 5.6% in October 1972 to 4.9% in March! Things are surely improving, our friend thinks, so he hangs on. By August, stocks are down 13.3%,[ii] but the unemployment rate is down to 4.8%. Stocks must be wrong, our friend thinks! Unemployment is still fine! The economy is fine! They might not really start feeling the heat until spring 1974, after unemployment climbed back over 5%.[iii] Even though getting out then would mean locking in losses six months before the bottom of a 21-month bear market.[iv] And then, when to get back in? Knowing the mentality at hand, probably not until labor markets improved significantly, showing things were really cooking. But that wouldn't have happened until 1976, 20 months and 60.9% into a new bull market.[v]

We'll concede the above might be a bit extreme-it's just an illustration for dramatic effect. But the trap is real. Whether looking at the unemployment rate or total payrolls, investors who are bullish for the wrong reasons often end up sliding down the proverbial "slope of hope"-constantly saying "it isn't so bad! Things will get better! It's just a flesh wound!" as bear markets slip on down. This is the opposite of the proverbial wall of worry, when investors don't think reality is as good as it really is. It is also the inverse of what we see during corrections, when sentiment gets hammered as stocks fall fast. Bear markets usually start slowly, with long rolling tops that lull folks into complacency. Slow market declines plus improving unemployment is a prime recipe for complacency-unless you start disciplining yourself now.

None of this means you should be bearish today. The economy is growing! But our bullishness comes from leading indicators that suggest expectations for sluggish global growth remain overwrought (among other factors). Not because economic growth several months ago made unemployment look pretty in October.

Exhibit 2: S&P 500 Price Level Index and Total Nonfarm Payrolls (1950s)

Source: FactSet, as of 11/10/2014. Daily S&P 500 Index price level returns and total nonfarm payrolls, 8/31/1955 - 10/30/1958.

Exhibit 3: S&P 500 Price Level Index and Total Nonfarm Payrolls (1970s)

Source: FactSet, as of 11/10/2014. Daily S&P 500 Index price level returns and total nonfarm payrolls, 1/31/1972 - 10/31/1975.

Exhibit 4: S&P 500 Price Level Index and Total Nonfarm Payrolls (Late 1970s - Early 1980s)

Source: FactSet, as of 11/10/2014. Daily S&P 500 Index price level returns and total nonfarm payrolls, 11/30/1979 - 8/31/1983.

Exhibit 5: S&P 500 Price Level Index and Total Nonfarm Payrolls (Late 1990s - Early 2000s)

Source: FactSet, as of 11/10/2014. Daily S&P 500 Index price level returns and total nonfarm payrolls, 3/24/1999 - 10/9/2003.

Exhibit 6: S&P 500 Price Level Index and Total Nonfarm Payrolls (Current Market Cycle)

Source: FactSet, as of 11/10/2014. Daily S&P 500 Index price level returns and total nonfarm payrolls, 10/9/2006 - 3/9/2010.

Stock Market Outlook

Like what you read? Interested in market analysis for your portfolio? Why not download our in-depth analysis of current investing conditions and our forecast for the period ahead. Our latest report looks at key stock market drivers including market, political, and economic factors. Click Here for More!
STUARTA man who led Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith on a high-speed chase on March 29, 2016, recently was convicted and sentenced in Patrick County Circuit Court. Ararat resident Sammy Wayne Smith was convicted of eluding law enforcement, as well as two charges of child endangerment. The defendants longtime girlfriend and twin 13-year-old sons were in the car he was driving.

Smith was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison on the three charges, with eight months of that active and 14 years and four months suspended on conditions including supervised probation.

Smith also pleaded guilty to reckless driving, a misdemeanor, and was fined $300. He also pleaded guilty to drive while suspended-second offense, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 12 months in jail, all suspended.

According to testimony from previous court hearings and a news release from the Patrick County Sheriffs Office, on March 29, 2016, at about 2:10 p.m., Dan Smith observed a white Toyota Celica traveling on Ararat Highway in excess of the speed limit. Upon activating his radar (which was checked before and after and found to be accurate), Dan Smith found the suspect driving the car at more than 81 mph.

The sheriff activated his blue lights and siren to pull Smith over, but the suspect took off down the road. That started a chase on public highways which reached and exceeded speeds of 90 mph in 55 mph zones. At times, the sheriff said Sammy Smith would cross into the oncoming traffic lane while maneuvering through curves.

After several minutes, the vehicle came to a stop. The sheriff said Sammy Smith wouldnt get out of his vehicle after being asked, so the window of the drivers door was shattered and Sammy was removed from the car.

During a court hearing in January, Sammy Smith gave a different version of what happened.

He admitted to driving 85 to 90 mph down the road, claiming he was testing out the Toyota Celica. However, Smith claimed he wasnt eluding the sheriff. In his testimony, Smith said that

it was only when he was about to turn into his driveway that one of his sons told him the sheriffs car was behind him. Sammy Smith indicated that he didnt know it until then.

Sammy Smith said he put up both his hands as the sheriff approached Sammy Smiths stopped vehicle. Sammy Smith said the sheriff broke a car window at that point.

I was not eluding him, Sammy Smith said. He also said, I had no reason to run.

However, Sammy Smith admitted that he told a probation officer that he had gotten scared and didnt have a drivers license.

PATRICK COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

Some other cases from Patrick County Circuit Court follow:

Robert Burke Stedman Jr. of Stuart, who pleaded guilty to manufacturing marijuana from an Aug. 21, 2014 incident, was sentenced to five years in prison all suspended on conditions including a $5,000 fine and three years of unsupervised probation.

Sidney Jason Roberts of Stuart pleaded guilty to an amended charge of possession of a gun by a nonviolent felon in an April 13, 2016 incident. A judge ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for June 26.

Clifford Kenner Harris Nieto of Roxboro, North Carolina  who pleaded guilty to grand larceny, forging a public record and uttering a forged record  was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison, with three years and five months of that active and 16 years and seven months suspended on conditions including supervised probation and payment of $7,500 restitution and a $1,000 fine. The offenses allegedly happened on June 19, 2016.

Terence Dwayne Lewis of Angleton, Texas, pleaded guilty to four charges of sale of schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance, stemming from incidents June 19, 20, 23 and 30, 2014. A judge ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for May 31.

Casey Lynn Rogers of Stuart, who pleaded guilty to eluding police, from an incident Oct. 9, 2015, was sentenced to five years in prison, with four years and five months suspended on conditions including five years of supervised probation.

Larry William Thorton Jr. of Dry Fork was found not guilty of a charge of unauthorized use, from a June 2, 2015 incident.

Andrew Wayne Smith of Stuart, who pleaded guilty to grand larceny, from a Jan. 6, 2014 incident, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with nine years and six months suspended on conditions including five years of supervised probation and payment of $2,892.18 restitution and a $500 fine.

Smith, whose address also is listed as Ararat, also pleaded guilty to violating a protective order (on Aug. 24, 2016) and was sentenced to five years in prison, with four years and nine months suspended on conditions including supervised probation.

Jovan Lamar Manns of Martinsville pleaded guilty to felon possess or transport firearm, from an incident Aug. 25, 2016, and was sentenced to five years in prison, with three years suspended on conditions including four years of supervised probation and a $500 fine. The prosecution dismissed three charges against Manns: kidnapping and two counts of discharging a firearm within or at an occupied building (all on Aug. 25, 2016).
COLLINSVILLE  A Martinsville man faces multiple charges, including abduction by force, in connection with an incident Saturday.

In Henry County General District Court on Wednesday, Jessie Lee Robert Rumley, 42, of Martinsville, qualified for a court-appointed attorney to represent him on charges including abduction by force or intimidation, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a gun more than 10 years after being convicted of a nonviolent felony, and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a felon. Lawyer Matthew Clark was appointed to represent Rumley.

The criminal complaint states that Deputy K.M. Ross of the Henry County Sheriffs Office, along with other deputies, were called out to a location on A.L. Philpott Highway in Ridgeway Saturday, in response to someone pulling out a gun at the location.

Ross arrived on scene and spoke with the alleged victim, who stated she was at Family Dollar when Rumley pulled into the parking area, almost running over her. She then claimed that Rumley got out of his vehicle with his pistol drawn and chased her around it, before putting the gun to her head. She claimed he pushed her to the ground, limiting her movement; and began yelling at her.

Two other people told police they witnessed Rumley get out of his vehicle with a gun drawn and chase the victim. They also stated that he pointed the gun to her head and pushed her down, before eventually driving off. Deputies found Rumley at the victims residence in Bassett, sitting inside his vehicle. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident. The police report states that deputies found a gun inside the vehicle, which was loaded with ammunition. Its unclear at this time how, if at all, the victim and Rumley know each other.

Sgt. T.D. Hambrick interviewed Rumley at the Henry County Sheriffs Office. According to the police report, during that interview, Rumley allegedly admitted to possessing a firearm and ammunition, pulling out the gun and pointing it at the alleged victim, before chasing her around the vehicle and confronting her.

HENRY COUNTY GENERAL DISTRICT COURT

Also in Henry County General District Court on Wednesday, Johnathan David Stallard, 26, of Martinsville, qualified for a court-appointed attorney, and Matthew Clark was appointed to represent him. Stallard is charged with offenses including feloniously eluding police.

A criminal complaint by Investigator M.D. Wagoner of the Henry County Sheriffs Office alleged the following:

On March 19, Wagoner was traveling on Pine Street in Fieldale when he observed a green Mazda 626 with damage to the front end of the vehicle traveling toward him on Pine Street. Wagoner had left a call in Franklin County where a car that matched the description had been reported stolen.

The Mazda 626 tuned into the driveway of 256 Pine Street.Wagoner activated his blue lights to stop the vehicle, and the Mazda allegedly continued through the backyard of 256 Pine Streetand then into the backyard of 240 Pine Street. The Mazda then allegedly started to circle the house at 240 Pine Street, Wagoner activated his siren, and the Mazda allegedly continued back to Pine Street and did not stop.

The Mazda allegedly continued three-tenths of a mile on Pine Street at approximately 35 to 40 mph. When it came to the intersection of Pine and Chestnut streets, the Mazda allegedly slowed and a female with long brown hair jumped out of the passenger side of the car and took off running. The Mazda allegedly accelerated to approximately 60 to 70 mph on Chestnut Street.

Wagoner continued to follow the Mazda for approximately a half-mile on Chestnut Street. The driver of the Mazda allegedly continued to speed up and drive erratically. The vehicle allegedly was driving in the center of the road during the time it was traveling 60 to 70 mph.

The driver of the Mazda allegedly continued to speed up and drive erratically. Wagoner advised dispatch that the pursuit was too risky and that Wagoner had to terminate the pursuit. Wagoner slowed his vehicle speed to 35 mph and continued down Chestnut Street. He had lost sight of the Mazda. When Wagoner got to the intersection of Dillons Fork and Carver roads, he saw grass in the middle of Carver Road that appeared to have come from a car running off the road. Wagoner continued to travel down Carver Road toward 58 and he located the Mazda 626 approximately 150 yards off the roadway in the 3000 block of Carver Road.

When Wagoner arrived, the driver of the Mazda had fled on foot. Wagoner checked the Mazda and verified that it was the car stolen from Franklin County. The owner gave Wagoner permission to search the vehicle. Wagoner located a brown coat in the back seat of the vehicle. Inside the pocket of the brown coat was a wallet that contained an identification card and Social Security card belonging to Johnathan Stallard. The registration card to the stolen Mazda 626 was located inside the coat pocket.

On March 21, Investigator P.C. Stone interviewed a person who said she was the passenger who exited the Mazda when it slowed down. She allegedly provided information about the case.
MARTINSVILLE  At some point in the future, the New College Institute (NCI) is going to have to change its name.

Eleven years after it was established to help Southern Virginia residents earn bachelors and masters degrees, the New College isnt new anymore, state Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, said during the NCI boards meeting this week. Stanley is the boards chairman.

Having an appropriate name will be important in efforts to market the state-funded institute in uptown Martinsville to prospective students, according to officials.

But as NCI continues to evolve, now is not the time to consider a name change, according to another board member, Del. Danny Marshall, R-Danville.

Rebranding is about No. 10 on my list of things for NCI to do right now, Marshall said.

Asked tongue-in-cheek by Stanley to elaborate, Marshall said he does not have a formal list.

But if he did, the first thing on it would be to get the public to know what were doing here, he said, so NCI can attract more students and generate more support in the community.

A lot has happened at NCI in the past year, Marshall said. Yet during the institutes open house for its Center for Advanced Manufacturing, held immediately before the board meeting, a lot of people told him, I didnt know this was here in Martinsville, he said, referring to high-tech manufacturing equipment in the center.

Marketing and Communications Director Autumn Morris detailed ways in which NCI plans to market itself. They include communicating with the media more often about happenings at the institute and emphasizing former students testimonials about how the school has helped them to be successful.

The testimonial campaign will be called Why NCI? she said.

NCI already has testimonials on the homepage of its website, www.newcollegeinstitute.org. Morris said she hopes to be able to add more.

As part of its growth and development framework, the institute plans to begin marketing itself across Virginia and into North Carolina.

It might increase its use of billboards to market itself locally. Morris said advertising professionals have told her that billboards are especially effective in smaller communities like Martinsville.

However, the Internet will be crucial to NCIs future marketing efforts, she indicated.

Morris mentioned that a video posted on YouTube entitled You Can Do It! NCI Can Help! has been viewed more than 42,000 times.

In terms of helping to attract students, if theyre (the views) coming from (people in) California, thats one thing. If theyre coming from Ridgeway, thats something else, Marshall said.

He asked if NCI can track where people viewing its online videos are.

To some degree, it can. Based on what she has seen, Morris said most people viewing the videos seem to be within about 30 miles of Martinsville.

NCI also aims to maintain an active presence on social media, she said.

Its a free, no cost way to reach people, she added.

Morris recalled that shortly after a photo and information about a program recently was posted on Twitter, NCI received a call from someone inquiring about the program.

Overall, NCI must take advantage of every opportunity possible to tell its story in ways that will raise its profile among higher education institutions, according to Stanley.

Weve got to go tell it on the mountain, he said, raising his left arm above his head for emphasis.
TODAYS WORD is loquacious (loh-kwey-shuh s). Example: Without fail, the person in front of me in line at the bank is always a loquacious individual.

WEDNESDAYS WORD was ubiquitous. It means existing or being everywhere. Example: As I glanced around the restaurant, I noticed that every diner was staring at his or her ubiquitous cell phone.

Easter Bunny returns

In spite of his busy schedule this time of year, the Easter Bunny will be appearing live and in person at the Ridgeway Branch Library on Saturday, April 8th. Join Magna Vistas National Honor Society, the Town of Ridgeway and the Ridgeway Library for a Spring Eggstravaganza on the library grounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will be egg hunts at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and a hot dog lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., plus crafts, storytimes, and the chance to take photos with one Mr. E. Bunny.

TODAY IS: National Teflon Day

National Teflon Day honors Dr. Roy Plunketts accidental invention of Teflon on April 6, 1938. While working in the Chemours Jackson New Jersey lab that day, Plunkett and his assistant accidentally discovered polytetrafluoroethylene. Chemours trademarked the chemical as Teflon in 1945, and Plunkett was added to the Inventors Hall of Fame in 1985. While Teflon was trademarked in 1945, it didnt make its way to the kitchen until 1961, when Marion Trozzolo marketed a Teflon-coated frying pan known as The Happy Pan.

Blue Ridge meeting

The Friends of the Blue Ridge Regional Library will hold their monthly meeting Monday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the Martinsville Branch Library. All are welcome to join and attend.

Community meal

Love and Hope Ministries at 1844 Virginia Avenue in Martinsville will hold a free community meal on Sunday, April 9 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

TRIVIA QUESTION: In 2000, Stockwell Day, the leader of a Canadian political splinter party called the Canadian Alliance, proposed a system where any petition that garnered the signatures of at least 3 percent of Canadians would trigger an automatic, binding referendum. However, Stockwell Day quickly dropped the idea. Why?

WEDNESDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: In 1939, Gustav Brunn fled Nazi Germany and arrived in the U.S., taking a job at spice manufacturer McCormick and Company. A week later, he was fired  according to Brunn, it was because the company discovered he was Jewish. But later that year, Brunn founded his own company, and his famous product can still be found in supermarkets today. What product did Brunn invent? The answer: Old Bay Seasoning. Named after the Old Bay Line, a passenger ship that used to pass through the Chesapeake Bay from Norfolk to Baltimore, Old Bay has a strong presence in the Chesapeake region.
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Ken Livingstones suspension from standing for office or representing the Labour Party for a further year for bringing the party into disrepute has provoked a cacophony of protests from the partys right wing, all demanding his immediate expulsion.

A series of shadow cabinet members, including Tom Watson, the deputy leader, have joined the witchhunt against Livingstone, along with Sadiq Khan and Labour right-wingers. Britains Chief Rabbi has also added his condemnation.

Buckling under the pressure, Jeremy Corbyn himself has even suggested that the former London mayor's refusal to apologise "could open him to further disciplinary action".

The purpose of this storm - as with many of the other allegations against the Labour Left about inappropriate conduct and language over the past year - has nothing to do with anti-Semitism and everything to do with undermining Corbyns leadership and the Labour Party in the run up to the May elections. Labours right wing hope that a poor showing in May will force Corbyn out and put the Blairites back in the saddle.

It is not Livingstone who is bringing the party into disrepute, but the constant sabotage and backstabbing of these Tory infiltrators, who use the party for their own careers. They must be shown the door.
Authorities said Thursday they arrested and charged a Marion man for cutting a womans neck and assaulting two deputies during a dispute.

Lt. Burlin Ballew of the McDowell County Sheriffs Office charged David Martin Willis, 48, of 88 Riverview Acres in Marion, with two counts of assault on a government official or employee and one count each of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and resisting arrest.

At 9:47 p.m. on Monday, April 3, Ballew and Deputy Patrick Guion responded to a domestic dispute at 6885 Buck Creek Road in Marion. When they arrived, the victim, 40-year-old Brandy Tollie, of Buck Creek Road, told deputies that she and Willis had gotten into a dispute and Willis cut her neck with a knife.

Willis was on the scene, and, when Ballew and Guion tried to take him into custody, he assaulted them by kicking, punching and biting them, sheriffs officials said.

The suspect refused to drop the weapon and, during the tussle with deputies, also sustained knife wounds.

Tollie and Willis were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Willis received a $35,000 bond.
A Florida family who recently moved to Nebo from St. Petersburg brought with them a genius idea for folks of any age to be involved in.

Its a much different world here and thats kind of why we moved here, said new resident Anita Woodson. Its a lot slower pace, a closer-knit community, the schools are better and its beautiful. People have been very friendly.

As a way to invest in their new community, they started the initiative, simply called McDowell Rocks, where she and her family paint rocks and hide them in random spots all around McDowell County. The goal is for people to find those rocks, take it with them to enjoy, re-hide it, or paint their own and hide them.

We want people to paint their own rocks, hide them around town so we can all find them. Its especially fun to do and we just want to put smiles on peoples faces, Woodson told The McDowell News by phone.

She started a Facebook page where many people have already posted pictures of themselves finding rocks all over McDowell County. One poster found three at J.Bs Galaxy, another found one at Nebo Family Medicine and one person found one on the Greenway. Woodson said theres no specific place where they will hide them.

We just want to get people out and about and hope it makes them happy, she said.

This weekend, she said, her and her family plan to hide at least 50 to 60 rocks around Marion, Nebo and possibly Old Fort.

This is something to get the whole family involved and hide them all over town for everybody, said Woodson.

Recently, Woodson visited Laura Mykels classroom at Head Start where the young students got to paint their own rocks, hide them and then try to find them. Mykel is also Woodsons mother-in-law.

The children had so much fun. They found handfuls of rocks and then picked out the one they liked best. One little girl was so excited because she found one with a rainbow on it and told me that was the one she was hunting for, Mykel said by email to The McDowell News.

She said its a great idea for the community, and one she will continue to participate in with her family.

I love seeing on the Facebook page where people have found their rock. Last weekend my husband, daughter and granddaughter went to the park in town, walked the Greenway and the trail at Lake James State Park to hide rocks, said Mykel. It got us out and was a fun family activity and I hope others get involved as well. The smiles on the faces in the pictures we took as well as the ones on Facebook are so rewarding. If it brightens someone's day, it is well worth the time we spend.

South McDowell Quarry even donated about 40 rocks to the project.

To check out some of the rocks and to learn more, visit McDowell Rocks on Facebook.
You can buy Ace Seeds Malawi at a low price from this recommended site.

Malawi is a cannabis seed strain that is 100% pure Sativa, originating from Malawi in Central Africa. This strain is extremely powerful, giving one an intense and psychedelic high for some good number of hours.

Bred by Ace Seeds, Malawi seed strain flowers after a period of 11 to 14 weeks, producing largely sized plants with medium nodal spacing. This I highly recommend to sativa lovers, for it doesnt get any better than this!

Malawi strains taste and smell are of quite oily tones of wood and lemon intense which are extremely penetrating. Users are highly advised not to mix this strain with alcohol.

Medical conditions

Malawi is used to treat medical conditions like Depression, Epilepsy, Arthritis, and Bipolar.

Specifications:

Gender: Feminized

Photoperiod: Normal

GeneticsP4 landrace from Malawi x Old killer Malawi x 3rd generation New Malawi Killer

Cultivation: Indoor & Outdoor

Characteristics: Sativa of medium node length and strong branching.

Flowering Time: 70  91 Days

Outdoor Harvest Month: October

Outdoor Harvest Week: 3rd-4th week

THC%: 25.00%

THC: High

Type: 100% Sativa

Type: Non Percentage100% Sativa

What are your thoughts about Malawi Ace Seeds?
Overactive bladder is a common condition marked by symptoms relating to the frequency and urgency of urination. Share on Pinterest Ivan Karasev/EyeEm/Getty Images In the United States today, overactive bladder (OAB) may impact as many as 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men. The chances of developing OAB increase with age but the condition is not a byproduct of aging. Most OAB cases begin with minor symptoms that progress over the long-term.

What is OAB? OAB describes a group of urinary symptoms rather than a specific disease. It is a common condition worldwide. It is also called unstable or irritable bladder, and those with OAB often have a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate even if the bladder is not full. Typically, the bladder gets a signal from the brain to empty when half full, or holding around 2 cups of urine. The sphincter muscle then relaxes and the detrusor muscle contracts to push out urine. When some sort of a disruption occurs anywhere in this process, OAB symptoms and incontinence can occur. Based on the two largest OAB surveys conducted to date, the EPIC study and the National Overactive Bladder Evaluation study , the rate of OAB among those over 18 varies from 11 to 16 percent. A cross-sectional study of American men and women found 8 percent of men reported experiencing OAB symptoms often and 17 percent sometimes. In the same study, 20 percent of women reported experiencing OAB symptoms often and 30 percent sometimes. Different ethnic groups may experience differing prevalence rates for OAB. Some studies have shown an increased rate of OAB in African American men and women as well as Hispanic males.

Symptoms of OAB The physical symptoms of OAB vary but typically involve a loss of urinary control and the feeling of needing to urinate more often. Around half of those with OAB also experience urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), or urine leakage. Men and women experience differences between symptoms based on anatomical differences. The EPIC study found that women with OAB might experience symptoms related to the storage of urine more frequently than men. The study also found that men with OAB tend to experience more issues with the release of urine than women. The most common symptoms of OAB include: urinary urgency, or being unable to control urination

urinating more than 8 times a day

uncontrollable urge to urinate spontaneously, especially when hearing running water

the need to wake during the night to urinate

leakage of urine due to a failure to make it to the washroom

bed-wetting

strain or discomfort during urination An increase in urination frequency and loss of bladder control are only symptoms of aging to an extent. Anyone at any age can develop OAB. A doctor should also be seen if symptoms become worrisome, or a burden to everyday life. The symptoms of OAB can be disabling. One study found that the rate at which work productivity was impaired in people with OAB compared to those without, was roughly four times higher for men and three times higher for women. These rates are comparable with the rates of other long-term conditions like asthma. Many with OAB dont seek help from their doctor because they dont know how to talk about their symptoms, or arent aware of treatment options. Many people with OAB also avoid treatment out of embarrassment. The National Association for Continence estimate that only 45 percent of those with OAB seek treatment. The American Urology Association offer a printable quiz that can make starting the conversation about OAB symptoms easier. There are also tools available to track symptoms. There are free apps that can be used to monitor fluid intake, urination, and leakage. A bladder diary can also help track the movement of liquids through the body. Many with OAB will also experience emotional and mental symptoms as the result of the conditions physical symptoms. Further complications of OAB include: social or workplace anxiety loss of sleep or sleep quality due to needing to urinate at night depression often related to lack of sleep decreased sense of intimacy strained relationships with partners lower self-confidence reduced physical activity

OAB vs. stress urinary incontinence Stress urinary incontinence is not the same as OAB. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when urine leakage accompanies activities like laughing, light coughing, or sneezing. Lifting and straining can also trigger urine leakage in those with SUI. Even standing up, bending over, or walking can be enough to cause urine leakage with moderate to severe cases of SUI. Unlike OAB, people with SUI typically do not experience problems with the urgency or frequency of urination. People also only pass a small amount of urine during incidents. Roughly one in three women in the U.S. have SUI. White and Hispanic women are more likely to develop SUI than African American women. Several other factors can also contribute to the development of SUI, such as: childbirth

nerve damage

smoking

obesity

chronic coughing Most cases of SUI are linked to a weakening of the neck of the bladder. Vaginal childbirth, obesity, aging, and menopause are also major causes of SUI. Performing pelvic floor muscle activities, losing weight, or stopping habits like smoking that lead to coughing, can often lessen or improve SUI symptoms. Minimally invasive surgery options exist to treat the condition as well. As in OAB, people with SUI often experience emotional and mental symptoms alongside the physical symptoms of the condition. Depression, social anxiety, and decreased sense of intimacy are common. The symptoms of OAB are also sometimes confused with those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate that is common among men over 50. Most people with BPH wake several times through the night to urinate and have a slower, weaker stream of urine. If burning, intense pain, or blood accompanies urination, a person should see a doctor immediately. A doctor should also be consulted if urine flow stops completely. The American Urological Associated have a BPH symptom score index that can be filled out before a person visits their doctor.
Few of us enjoy waking up early in the morning, but some people struggle more than most. According to a new study, if you fall asleep late and are finding it extremely hard to wake up early in the morning, you may have a genetic mutation that alters your circadian rhythm. Share on Pinterest New research suggests that those of us who have trouble falling asleep early may have a genetic mutation that delays sleep onset. Some of us hit the snooze button far too many times before fully waking up. People who struggle to wake up early in the morning but have no problem staying up late are popularly referred to as night owls. Night owl behavior is often diagnosed as delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) by sleep clinicians. DSPD is estimated to affect 15 percent of the population of the United States. People with DSPD have a delayed circadian rhythm. The 24-hour circadian clock aligns the internal physiology of organisms with the environment, but people with DSPD experience a delayed onset of sleep. DSPD is the most common form of circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are associated with depression, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and diabetes. New research, published in the journal Cell, identifies a genetic mutation that may be responsible for altering the human circadian clock in night owl types. The researchers  led by Michael Young, who is Richard and Jeanne Fisher Professor and head of the Laboratory of Genetics at The Rockefeller University in New York  think that a mutation in the CRY1 gene may cause sleep onset delay.

How a genetic mutation can influence our internal clock Our circadian rhythm has a clear genetic basis that, as the authors of the new paper explain, has remained the same over the course of evolutionary history. The clock is basically the same from flies to humans, says lead author Young. At the beginning of the circadian cycle, the cells build up proteins called activators. Over the 24-hour cycle, these activators produce their own inhibitors that make the activators gradually diminish. When all the activators have been silenced, they no longer produce inhibitors. When all of the inhibitors have degraded, the activators regain their maximum potency, thus starting the cycle all over again. Young and colleagues identified the CRY1 protein as one of the inhibitors, which works to repress the activator proteins Clock and Bmal1 (called ARNTL in humans). The researchers found a single-point mutation in the CRY1 gene, which means that only one letter in the genetic coding is amiss. However, this is enough for a large part of the protein expressed by the gene to be missing. This change makes the inhibitor hyperactive, causing it to repress the activators for too long and extend the circadian cycle by at least half an hour.
New research finds that using a drug to soften tumors before chemotherapy doubles survival and reduces cancer spread in mouse models of pancreatic cancer  a disease with a low survival rate and few treatments for inoperable tumors.

Share on Pinterest Pancreatic cancer is often only diagnosed once it is advanced, leaving patients with inoperable tumors and few treatment options.

The study  led by a team from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, Australia  is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Dr. Marina Pajic and Dr. Paul Timpson, both of Garvans Kinghorn Cancer Centre, co-led the research. Dr. Timpson says that the vision of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network  to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020  inspired pancreatic cancer researchers from around the world to come together and work on the study.

Pancreatic cancer starts in the cells of the pancreas  a narrow, six-inch-long fish-shaped organ that sits behind the stomach.

The pancreas contains two main types of cell: exocrine cells that make enzymes for digestion, and endocrine cells that make hormones such as insulin and glucagon for controlling blood sugar. The vast majority of pancreatic cancers start in exocrine cells.

Unfortunately, as the early symptoms are vague and difficult to pin down, pancreatic cancer is often only diagnosed once it is advanced, leaving patients with inoperable tumors and few treatment options.

The dismal survival rate of just 7 percent has not altered much in 40 years, note the study authors.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered a new mechanism through which our genes express the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin. The discovery shows that even at the cellular level, stress and the ability to mount a stress response are essential to our survival.

Our ability to breathe oxygen is critical to our survival. This process is mediated by the hemoglobin in our blood, which carries oxygen. Since air contains less oxygen on high mountains, the body is under pressure to make hemoglobin rapidly a stressful time. But what role does cellular stress play in the production of hemoglobin?

In a paper in the high-impact journal Cell Research, researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem report the discovery of an entirely new mechanism through which globin genes are expressed. Discovery of this hitherto unknown property of the hemoglobin genes shows that stress is absolutely needed to allow for the production of hemoglobin.

To produce a globin protein molecule, the DNA of the globin gene is first transcribed into a long RNA molecule from which internal segments must be excised, or spliced out, to generate the RNA template for protein synthesis in the red cell.

Now, a team of molecular biologists led by Prof. Raymond Kaempfer in the Hebrew University's Faculty of Medicine reports that for each of the adult and fetal globin genes, the splicing of its RNA is strictly controlled by an intracellular stress signal.

The signal, which has been known for a long time, involves an enzyme present in every cell of the body, called PKR, which remains silent unless it is activated by a specific RNA structure thought to occur only in RNA made by viruses.

What Kaempfer and collaborators have discovered is that the long RNAs transcribed from the globin genes each contain a short intrinsic RNA element that is capable of strongly activating PKR. Unless the PKR enzyme is activated in this manner, the long RNA cannot be spliced to form the mature RNA template for globin protein synthesis.

"Surprisingly, we have revealed an entirely new mechanism through which hemoglobin gene expression is regulated by stress. An intracellular signal, essential for coping with stress, is absolutely necessary to allow for hemoglobin production. That stress signal is activated by the hemoglobin gene itself. Although we have long known that this signal strongly inhibits protein synthesis in general, during hemoglobin gene expression it first plays its indispensable, positive role before being turned off promptly to allow for massive hemoglobin formation needed for breathing," said Prof. Raymond Kaempfer, the Dr. Philip M. Marcus Professor of Molecular Biology and Cancer Research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Once activated, PKR will place a phosphate (a process known as phosphorylation) onto a key initiation factor needed for the synthesis of all proteins, called eIF2-alpha. That in turn leads to inactivation of eIF2-alpha, resulting in a block in protein synthesis. This process is essential for coping with stress.

Most unexpectedly, they discovered that once activated, PKR must phosphorylate eIF2-alpha, and that phosphorylated eIF2-alpha is essential to form the machinery needed to splice globin RNA. In the splicing process, removal of an internal RNA segment causes the mature RNA product to refold such that it no longer will activate PKR, now allowing for unimpeded synthesis on this RNA of the essential globin protein chains at maximal rates, allowing for effective oxygen breathing. In other words, the ability to activate PKR remains transient, serving solely to enable splicing.

Thus, the team has demonstrated a novel, positive role for PKR activation and eIF2-alpha phosphorylation in human globin RNA splicing, in contrast to the long-standing negative role of this intracellular stress response in protein synthesis.

The realization that stress is not only important but also essential may have important implications for how we understand hemoglobin expression. "What this boils down to is that even at the cellular level, stress and the ability to mount a stress response are essential to our survival. We have long known this in relation to other biological processes, and now we see that it is at play even for the tiny molecules that carry oxygen in our blood," said Prof. Kaempfer.
Scientists in Salford, UK, have identified a gene which is 'revving the engine of cancer' against the world's most common breast cancer drug.

For reasons unknown, 50% of patients with breast cancer treated with the estrogen receptor-blocking drug tamoxifen eventually become resistant to the treatment.

In a paper published in the journal Oncotarget, biochemists tested a hypothesis that the mechanism of tamoxifen resistance is related to energy-generating mitochondria in cancer cells.

In doing so, they identified the protein NQ01 as the 'trigger' which determines whether cells would survive tamoxifen or not.

Michael P Lisanti, Professor of Translational Medicine in the Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Salford said: "In simple terms, the process of poisoning the cell (with tamoxifen) actually has the opposite effect, stimulating the cancer cells to respond by revving their engines in order to survive."

Lisanti and collaborators Dr Federica Sotgia and Dr Marco Fiorillo tested their idea that cancer cells were fighting against tamoxifen by using their mitochondria - the 'powerhouse of the cell' - that produces all their energy.

In the laboratory they directly compared sensitive cells with tamoxifen-resistant cancer cells, and demonstrated that higher mitochondrial power is what distinguishes a drug-sensitive cell from a resistant cell.

Then they used a combination of protein profiling, genetics and metabolism to identify which genes were necessary to confer tamoxifen-resistance. They observed that by adding just a single gene, NQ01, the cells would survive.

Finally, they used a chemical inhibitor of NQ01 (dicoumarol), which is a relative of warfarin, to successfully sensitise tamoxifen-resistant cells.

Professor Lisanti concludes: "This is the first evidence that tamoxifen resistance is related to a specific metabolic behaviour, ie. increased mitochondrial power, which is important because this is not related to tamoxifen's effect on the estrogen receptor.

"It also confirms that tamoxifen resistance is not a mechanism related to estrogen."

Dr Marco Fiorillo suggests: "Now that we have identified the target, this will allow us and others to design new drugs to overcome tamoxifen resistance. There are already existing experimental drugs for targeting NQO1 and GCLC, for other reasons, so making inhibitors to target these enzymes is a practical reality."

Article: Mitochondrial "power" drives tamoxifen resistance: NQO1 and GCLC are new therapeutic targets in breast cancer, Marco Fiorillo, Federica Sotgia, Diego Sisci, Anna Rita Cappello and Michael P. Lisanti, Oncotarget, doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.15852, published 2 March 2017.
Scientists at VIB-UGent have managed to unravel the functioning of what is thought to be the 'master protein' that drives a range of widespread allergic diseases, such as asthma and eczema. On a molecular level, the team described how a protein called TSLP assembles with its molecular partners at the surface of cells. This is the cornerstone of TSLP's bioactivity. These insights, published in the leading scientific journal Nature Communications, also enabled the team to develop a new molecule that can block TSLP's activity. Due to the molecule's promise in terms of the development of new therapies for widespread allergic conditions, the researchers are currently planning follow-up studies and seeking industrial partnerships.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from common allergies - ranging from light asthmatic symptoms to severe atopic dermatitis, a frequent form of eczema. Such diseases cause a heavy burden in the quality of life of people suffering from them, and at the same impose a gigantic socioeconomic and healthcare footprint. The exact causes of such diseases are not known yet, although the answer probably lies in a combination of genetic, molecular, and environmental factors. While some treatments may reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, a comprehensive cure has yet to be found.

Fundamental science paves the way to new therapeutics against allergic diseases

To tackle the complex issue of studying diseases at the molecular level, professor Savvas Savvides of the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research coordinated a multidisciplinary team spearheaded by Dr. Kenneth Verstraete, that united expertise from three VIB-UGent research centers, Ghent University, the University of Antwerp, The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, and the University of Toulouse in France. The team focused on understanding the molecular and structural mechanism of how TSLP interacts with its two molecular receptors at the cell surface. A key undertaking has been the elucidation of the three dimensional structure of the molecular assembly mediated by TSLP. In parallel, the team developed and characterized a novel protein-based inhibitor of TSLP that can efficiently capture TSLP to prevent its association with its natural receptors on the cell surface. In this way, the bioactivity of TSLP can be blocked. The study has been supported by funding from national and international sources, as well as research infrastructure at the European level.

Prof. Savvas Savvides (VIB-UGent): "For the first time, we have obtained detailed snapshots of TSLP's function. More specifically we unraveled how it mediates the protein assembly at the cell surface responsible for several atopic diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis. TSLP has been the focus of many prominent academic laboratories worldwide, as well as major pharmaceutical companies. This knowledge offers them a new tool for therapeutic intervention. Our study proves that basic research at the molecular level is the pillar for developing new therapeutic strategies.."

Prof. Rudi Beyaert (VIB-UGent): "The detailed structural and biochemical insights are a key source of information for understanding and optimizing the potency of our inhibitory molecule against TSLP. We are very excited about the implications and promise of this work."

Future developments

Prof. Savvides' team is currently working closely with the partner team led by Rudi Beyaert and with VIB's Technology Transfer department towards follow-up studies, with a twofold goal: to optimize the TSLP inhibitor on one hand, and to test the molecule in appropriate animal models for a range of allergic conditions on the other.

Prof. Savvas Savvides (VIB-UGent): "We strongly believe in our discovery's potential in the development of new therapies against allergic diseases. At the same time, we hope that the insights and tools we have generated in this study will catalyze further developments in the field. The TSLP story is far from done, as recent reports have added intriguing new twists to TSLP's function. We will take advantage of our pole position in the field to continue to contribute to our understanding of this fascinating protein. Nonetheless, our priority now is to identify possible industrial partnerships to actually develop a novel therapeutic tool."
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, which are white blood cells produced in bone marrow that churn out antibodies to help fight infection. When plasma cells become cancerous, they produce abnormal proteins, and the cells can build up in bone marrow, ultimately seeping into the bloodstream.

The disease is typically diagnosed through a bone marrow biopsy, in which a needle is inserted near a patient's hip bone to suck out a sample of bone marrow - a painful process for many patients. Clinicians can then isolate and analyze the plasma cells in the bone marrow sample to determine if they are cancerous.

There is currently no way to easily detect plasma cells that have escaped into the bloodstream. Circulating plasma cells are not normally found in healthy people, and the ability to detect these cells in blood could enable doctors to diagnose and track the progression of multiple myeloma.

Now engineers at MIT have devised a microfluidic technique to capture and count circulating plasma cells from small samples of blood. The technique, which relies on conventional blood draws, may provide patients with a less painful test for multiple myeloma.

"Procedures of the traditional tissue biopsy are painful, associated with complications such as potential infections, and often available only in central hospitals which require patients to travel long distances," says former MIT postdoc Mohammad Qasaimeh. "Capturing plasma cells from blood samples can serve as a liquid biopsy, which can be performed in clinics as often as required, and serve as a diagnostic and prognostic test during and after chemotherapy treatment. Moreover, captured cells can be used for drug testing and thus serve as a tool for personalized medicine."

Qasaimeh and his colleagues have published their results in the journal Scientific Reports. His co-authors include Rohit Karnik, an associate professor in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering; Yichao Wu and Suman Bose, both former students; Jeffrey Karp, an associate professor in the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology; and Rao Prabhala, an instructor in medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School.

A herringbone trap

The group's technique builds on a microfluidic design that was previously developed by George Whitesides, a professor of chemistry at Harvard University. Whitesides and his colleagues fabricated a small microchip, the channel of which they etched with repeating, V-shaped grooves, similar to a herringbone pattern. The grooves cause any fluid flowing through the microchip to swirl about in eddies, rather passing straight through. The cells within the fluid therefore have a higher chance of making contact with the floor of the device, as first shown by Memhmet Toner at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Researchers including Karnik have since reproduced this microfluidic design, coating the microchip's floor with certain molecules to attract cells of interest.

In its latest work, Karnik's team used the microfluidic herringbone design to capture circulating plasma cells. They coated the channels of a microchip, about the size of a glass slide, with CD138, an antibody that is also expressed on the membranes of plasma cells. The team then flowed small, 1-milliliter samples of blood through the device. The herringbone grooves circulated the blood in the microfluidic channels, where the antibodies, acting as tiny Velcro pads, grabbed onto any passing plasma cells while letting the rest of the blood flow out of the device.

Once the cells were isolated in the microchip, the researchers could count the cells, as well determine the kinds of antibodies that each cell secretes.

"With the ease of a blood draw"

The researchers tested the device using blood samples from healthy donors as well as patients with the disease. After counting the number of cells captured in each sample, they observed very low numbers of circulating plasma cells in healthy samples - about two to five cells per milliliter of blood - versus substantially higher counts in patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, of about 45 to 184 cells per milliliter.

The team also analyzed the captured plasma cells to determine the type of antibodies they produced. Plasma cells can generate one of two kinds of antibodies, known as kappa- and lambda-type. In addition to conducting bone marrow biopsies, clinicians can analyze blood samples for the ratio of these two antibodies, which can be an indicator of how the disease is progressing.

Karnik and his colleagues determined the ratio of plasma cells producing kappa- and lambda-type antibodies, and compared them to conventional blood tests for the same antibodies, for both healthy subjects and patients with multiple myeloma. Encouragingly, they found both sets of results matched, validating the microfluidic device's accuracy.

Surprisingly, the team noted that patients who were in remission exhibited higher counts of circulating plasma cells than healthy donors. These same patients had shown normal ratios of antibodies in conventional blood tests. Karnik says that the group's new device may reveal more subtle information about a patient's state, even in remission.

"When patients go into remission, their antibody levels can look normal," Karnik says. "But we detect a level of circulating plasma cells that is above the baseline. It's hard to tell whether these cells are cancerous, but at least this technique is giving us more information. With the ease of a blood draw, this may enable us to track cancer in a much better way."

Karnik adds that in the future, researchers may use the group's design to perform genetic tests on the captured cells, or to look for mutations in the cells that may further characterize the disease.

"We can capture and stain these cells in the device, which opens the possibility of studying whether there are new mutations in the cells," Karnik says. "With cancers like multiple myeloma, even for patients in remission, cancer can recur. Detecting the level or mutation of plasma cells in blood might provide an early detection method for these patients."

This research was supported, in part, by the National Institutes of Health and the Al Jalila Foundation.
Lead released when people fire weapons at shooting ranges creates such a health risk that lead bullets should be phased out, according to new research.

Every time someone fires their weapon, lead fragments and fumes are discharged at high pressure. Shooters then breathe in the metal, while other particles stick to their hands and are swallowed through smoking and eating.

Women of child-bearing age are at particular risk, as the lead is stored in their bones where it substitutes for calcium. When a woman becomes pregnant, the foetus takes in lead along with the calcium it needs from its mother's bones, which can cause serious neurodevelopmental damage. Female shooters can also pass on lead exposure through breast milk.

Dr Mark Laidlaw, a researcher in the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe) at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, said the dangers of long-term exposure to lead were well known, but the risks for people using shooting ranges had not previously been fully explored.

"While there is no safe level of lead exposure, US health bodies regard 5 micrograms per decilitre of blood as the level that's cause for concern.

"What this research found is that people using shooting ranges can record blood-lead levels as high as 40 micrograms, with women and children at particular risk.

"The kind of blood-lead levels found among shooters can lead to essential tremor, hypertension, cardiovascular-related mortality, electrocardiography abnormalities, decreased kidney function, psychiatric effects, decreased hearing, decreased cognitive function, decreased fertility, incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, adverse sperm parameters, increased spontaneous abortion, and reduced foetal growth in children."

In the US, about one million law enforcement officers train at indoor firing ranges, 20 million citizens practice target shooting, and 16,000-18,000 indoor firing ranges exist.

The United States Geological Survey calculated that in 2012 about 60,100 metric tonnes of lead were used in ammunition and bullets in the US.

Co-researcher Professor Gabriel Filippelli from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis said: "I am particularly concerned about children, who can be exposed by using the firing ranges themselves or through the fine lead-laden dust that mom or dad come home with adhering to their clothes and skin."

Laidlaw said lead-free bullets and primers (involved in combusting the cartridge) already existed.

"In the short term, we need better ventilation systems in indoor ranges and the development of airflow systems at outdoor ranges, protective clothing that is changed after shooting and a ban on smoking and eating at firing ranges.

"But the real solution is a transition to copper bullets and lead-free primers.

"That may seem like a big ask, but Australia phased out lead in petrol between 2000 and 2002 even though it was a challenge to the automotive and fuel industries."

The research also involved academics at Tulane University in New Orleans and Macquarie University in Sydney. The results have been published in the journal Environmental Health.
HARRISBURG, Pa.

April 6, 2017

Harrisburg

Pennsylvania

Jaan Sidorov

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's

s

Pennsylvania

$15 million

Harrisburg

Charles Cutler

Pennsylvania's

Chuck Moran

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Care Centered Collaborative, a new-based health care company founded by thousands ofphysicians statewide, is now open for business and says it has the tools to help independent physicians enhance the patient experience through higher quality care, cost savings, and greater customer satisfaction."We are in a new health care world that is evolving every day," says, MD, president and chief executive officer of the Care Centered Collaborative. "As healthcare delivery becomes more focused on value, both physicians and their patients are keenly interested in having access to care options that reduce the burden of chronic disease and improves well-being."Formed by the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED), the leading advocate forpatients and their physicians, the Care Centered Collaborative supports the provision of value-based care byphysicians. One new service will enable care excellence in the federal government's Quality Payment Program (QPP). Established by the landmark Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 ("MACRA"), QPP is designed to promote high quality healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries.In addition to fostering excellence in QPP, Care Centered Collaborative will partner with physicians to gain greater efficiencies to build superior access to care and services forpatients including accurate insurance claims handling, care management services, and health informatics technology. Joint programs designed to improve patient care with other health care organizations are also planned."Today's health care is about providing high quality care at the lowest costpossible while increasing patient satisfaction," Dr. Sidorov says. "That's what we all want and that's why we've built a-specific company with local expert staff who know the Keystone State's health care environment inside out. Through the Care Centered Collaborative, we've made a very a strong commitment to advancing access to high quality care for our friends and neighbors the citizens of the Commonwealth."Dr. Sidorov says this company will improve care because they fully understand how ever-changing regulations are forcing independent medical practices to transform, while still preserving physician-led team based care and the doctor-patient relationship. Care coordination becomes the linchpin of this health care environment."The culture of health care is transforming," he says. "Physicians were once service providers and now they need to be clinical managers, handling the most complicated cases but also supervising day-to-day care and management by other clinicians."According to Dr. Sidorov, funding by PAMED for up tofor the Care Centered Collaborative was preceded by months of advance work and preparation. This set the foundation before the PAMED House of Delegates, representing 18,000 members of the organization, unanimously voted to move forward with the new company. The Care Centered Collaborative will be headquartered at 777 East Park Drive in, and currently is growing to include 10 full-time employees."There is growing evidence that physician-led care through a team of health care professions is excellent care, and this can create value to patients, payers, and health care professionals," says, MD, president of PAMED. "As we look into the future and what it holds, we believe the Care Centered Collaborative will be an asset tophysicians and their patients. We're very excited to see this new company up and running."This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-health-care-company-begins-work-to-enhance-value-based-health-care-in-pennsylvania-300435088.html



SOURCE Pennsylvania Medical Society




This divine rooftop cafe, located in Lado Sarai, facing the majestic Qutub Minar, the Chez Jerome Q Cafe opens to patrons every evening, at 5 pm for a soiree thats filled with skylight and serenity. Named after Chef Jerome, receiver of the honorary title of Disciples DEscoffier International award, the restaurant is Delhis first openly and exclusively queer cafe that welcomes every member of the LGBTQ community with open arms. And its a riot!

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With 35 years of experience in the renowned kitchens of France and around the world, Chef Jerome ran the French restaurant, Rara Avis, for three years. At the cafe, he curates the most delectable menu with mocktails that are worth their own special place.

 Kiwi Banana Mint Smoothie at Chez Jerome - Q Cafe

Given the current environment in the country, it has become more legitimate that the LGBTQ community be better represented, politically, as well as culturally. Thats where the cafe steps in as a safe haven for gay, bi and trans individuals, friends and/or couples who can come here during any time and enjoy themselves being just who they are, no questions asked and no judgments passed.

Its a giant leap for a culturally egalitarian society and since Delhi is the capital of the country, its about time there was some sort of representation along these lines.
When she was 16, Ayesha Aziz was already ahead of all her peers. In 2011, she had already received her students license from the Bombay Flying Club, becoming the youngest student pilot in the country.

Now, at 21, the Mumbai resident will be flying high again as she just received her commercial pilot license. And shes now aiming to become the first Indian woman to fly a MIG-29 fighter jet at Russias Sokul airbase.

Her fascination with planes and flying began at an early age, as she used to fly with her parents to her mothers native town in Kashmir a lot. "I got fascinated by pilots. As I grew up, my fascination only increased and I finally landed up at Bombay Flying Club," says Aziz.

When the news of her becoming the youngest pilot came out, a lot of people were happy for her and celebrated her success, but she also received some snide comments, especially from conservatives in Kashmir. Some people decided to be disapproving of her achievements by comments like, "A Muslim girl without hijab, not a perfect profession for a Kashmiri girl".

 Facebook/Ayesha Aziz

Not letting any gender discrimination faze her, she said, "If the Prophet's wife Hazrat Ayesha could ride a camel in a battle, why can't I fly an aircraft? We have to change our attitude and do justice to girls."

"Women must be allowed to come out of their comfort zone and take up more challenging careers than just becoming teachers, doctors or stay as housewives even if they are educated," she added.

 Facebook/Ayesha Aziz

Aziz even had the incredible opportunity to visit NASA in 2012 where she met famed astronauts Sunita Williams and Jon A McBride. "They are my inspirations," says Aziz.

Well, all the best to her for all her adventurous endeavours!
If you've been submitting fake rent receipts to save your income tax, there's some bad news for you. The income tax department will be weighing down heavily on those trying to save tax by hook or crook.

Turns out it's pretty common in India to submit fake rent receipts to save maximum tax. People will also be required to submit more documents as proof of their rented accommodation. The ET reported that the tax assessment officer could also ask for documents like the letter to your housing society, electricity and water bills as proof of your rent receipt. Of course, it wont be a hassle for those who are submitting genuine rent receipts.

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Dilip Lakhani, senior tax officer at Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, said, The ITAT (Income Tax Appellate Tribunal) ruling has now laid down the criteria for the assessing officer to consider the claim of a salaried employee and if necessary question its justification. This will put the onus on the salaried class to follow the rules in availing the tax rebate.

H/t  The Economic Times
These days, a cracked phone screen is one our biggest problem. But, fear not as there might be a perfect solution soon. Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have invented a material for phone screens that will miraculously heal itself.

The material can apparently stretch up to 50 times its original size, meaning that any scratch would only be temporary. And if that wasnt enough, this new polymer would stitch back a completely cracked screen within 24 hours, making it as good as new.

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"A self-healing material, when carved in two parts, can go back together like nothing has happened, just like human skin," said Chao Wang, the researcher behind the creation.

But this isnt the first material with such self-healing property. Some LG Phones, like the G Flex, are already fitted with a similar material on their back covers. But Wangs invention would be the first regenerating material that will be able to conduct electricity, which means that it could be used for phone screens.

"Previous self-healing polymers haven't worked well in high humidity," said Wang. "It can change the mechanical properties."

 Wang Labs

Along with phone screens, this could also be used in batteries. Wang is currently focused on developing a self-healing lithium ion battery, which would help the phones fix themselves when dropped.

Wang also predicts that this material, which is made from a stretchable polymer and ionic salt, would be used for phone screens and batteries by 2020. Till then, the researchers are planning on just focusing on improving this material and its performance under harsh conditions. "We are currently tweaking the covalent bonds within the polymer itself to get these materials ready for real-world applications," he said.

Check out the video below for a lowdown on exactly what the material does:

Soon we wont have a mini heart attack whenever we drop our phones!
The Galaxy S8 and S8 + have some incredible specs which might make them the most powerful smartphones launched till date. They is equipped with Samsungs Exynos 8895 processor, which is also the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip and is complimented with 4GB of RAM. We can assume that it will make the Galaxy S8 the most powerful phone on the planet.

 YouTube

Having said that, Samsung has reportedly built an even more powerful version of the Galaxy S8, and there is a high chance that you wont be able to get your hands on it.

A listing on Samsungs Korean website was discovered by Android Headlines which shows a special version of the S8 and S8 + that will sport 6GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. This is basically to please all those spec junkies looking for a higher configuration on the Galaxy S8.

The report also details that the high-powered Galaxy S8 will also come with a free Samsung DeX desktop dock in a promotional offer. It also suggests that the 6GB variant will be released in China as well.

 YouTube

The reason why the powerful variant will launch in China is because there are already heaps of devices which have 6GB of RAM and higher internal storage such as the OnePlus 3T, Xiaomi Mi Mix and other Chinese smartphones. This is just an attempt to have a device in the country with similar specs and satisfy those specs junkies that might criticise the device for being underpowered.

It is unclear whether this version will ever make its way to India, as users here can also be considered specs junkies. Either way, Samsung should make this variant available in India considering India is the second largest market for smartphones in the world.
Even if you have zero idea about technology and dont give a damn about it, there is one guy who every f**king person on this earth wants to know about. He is one person who has created an exclusive place for himself in the tech world and even if we get several lives, it will be hard to reach there. He is none other than Elon Musk, the South-Africa born Canadian-American business magnate who has introduced the world to some of the most kickass concepts and companies. He is the brain behind companies like SpaceX, Tesla and PayPal. In fact, Hyperloop One, a company that proposed the route which can cover the distance between Chennai and Bengaluru in 30 minutes, is also his creation. It wont be wrong to say that Elon Musk is one of the greatest and most successful modern innovators to have walked on this earth so far (the next big thing could be you), and his ideology echoes the same. So we bring to you 20 eccentric and brilliant quotes from Elon Musk that proves he is one man the world should take inspiration from.
During his two-day visit to Sweden, Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Katrougalos discussed Greece's positions on the future of Europe, the reversal of austerity policies, and the return of collective bargaining in our country with his Swedish counterparts and the leadership of the Swedish labour unions.

These positions, which have already been submitted to the European Commission ahead of the text of concerns being prepared by the latter, were presented in detail to the Swedish government, which is hosting a special Summit Meeting on Social Europe this coming November.

In his meetings with Ann Linde, the European Affairs and Trade Minister, Yiva Johansson, Minister for Labour, and Hans Dahigren, State Minister to the Prime Minister, Mr. Katrougalos presented a set of proposals aimed at balancing the economic and social dimensions of the European Union and democratising economic governance.

These proposals include, among other things, the establishment of a new European Pillar of Social Rights, with the technical support of the WTO; inclusion of social goals and indices in the European Semester; the creation of a Eurogroup on the level of Labour and Social Affairs Ministers; setting of a European minimum wage; establishment of a European social security programme against unemployment; the reshaping of the European Support Mechanism into a European Monetary Fund, under the control of the European Parliament; and, in general, more direct involvement of the latter and national parliaments in economic governance.

Mr. Katrougalos also discussed Greece's positions at the meetings he had with the vice president of the Confederation of Labour Unions, Therese Kuvellin, and the president of the Swedish Federation of Employees, Eva Nurdmark. Mr. Katrougalos also presented Greece's positions on the future of Europe at the Europahuset, at the invitation of the European Commission in Stockholm.

Finally, Mr. Katrougalos met with Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia.
HURON COUNTY  With two recent influenza-related deaths reported in Michigan, local health officials are still urging the public to get vaccinated as the flu season is still showing widespread activity.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching and excessive discharge. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently reported the first two pediatric influenza deaths in the state for the 2016-17 flu season.

Nationally there have been 61 pediatric deaths reported since September 2016, but none in Huron County, according to Jessica Vigenski, emergency preparedness coordinator with the Huron County Health Department.

Some of the best ways to prevent the illness, Vigenski said, are covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough and washing your hands regularly.

"The No. 1 way of preventing it is getting your influenza vaccine," Vigenski told the Tribune. "I think the biggest misconception is everyone thinks influenza is stomach flu, nausea and diarrhea, which it's the complete opposite. ... If you come in contact with somebody's secretion, that's when you can expose yourself to it."

Once a person receives the vaccination, it takes two weeks for it to become effective. All ages are open to catching influenza even though the flu season is coming to its unwritten end of the year.

"A typical flu season is September to April," she said. "This year has been a really high activity season so typically, it's (flu season) the end of March beginning of April. However, we're still seeing several cases reported of influenza."

Adults may visit the Huron County Health Department between 8 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for the flu vaccine. However, children must have an appointment.

For further details, contact the Huron County Health Department at 989-269-9721, ext. 133.

"I think we need to continue to encourage folks to come in and get the vaccination," Vigenski said.
 The Port Austin American Legion #499 is hosting an all-you-can-eat shrimp and fish fry from 4 to 7:30 p.m. April 7. Tickets are $10, and the event will be at 8875 N. Hellems Road.

 The Winsor Fire Department in Pigeon is hosting a fish fry dinner from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on April 14. Ticket are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages five to 10, and kids four and under are free.
Recently, several news stories covered a "coming-soon" media release for renewable energy.

They looked at DTE's MIGreenPower program, "a simple and affordable program that allows DTE Energy electric customers to increase the amount of their electricity usage that is sourced from renewable energy."

The MIGreenPower website lists three benefits of the program. It is local, funding renewable energy projects in Michigan.

It is also flexible, allowing customers to choose their level of participation.

Finally, the website says, it is affordable; participating in the program adds to monthly utility bills only according to how much a customer participates.

So, what's not to like about a simple, affordable program that helps build local green energy?

Unfortunately, media releases may not provide people with all the information they need to make an informed decision.

First, the program will, in fact, fund construction and maintenance of new wind and solar installations in Michigan.

But searching the MIGreenPower website's Frequently Asked Questions page confirms that Michigan residents already pay for renewable energy as part of their monthly bill.

Renewable energy makes up more than 10 percent of DTE's total energy portfolio, as required by Michigan's renewable portfolio standard.

DTE's GreenCurrents program indicates that sliver of Michigan's energy  84 percent  is from biomass or "cow power" and landfill gas, while 16 percent comes from wind.

Second, if built, MIGreenPower wind farms will simply be funded and built out of the goodness and generosity of Michiganders' hearts.

The program will not count toward the new state requirement to supply 15 percent of electricity sales with renewable energy by 2021.

Third, DTE is already very well funded, so one wonders why the company needs to go, cap in hand, to Michiganders asking for more dollars.

On Jan. 31, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved DTE's request for a permanent rate increase of $184.3 million as well as a 10.1 percent return on equity for investors.

That increase came only 13 months after another rate increase of $238.2 million and a 10.3 percent return on equity.

Those increases appear to be paying off nicely for the utility.

Its financial reports show net incomes of $868 million in 2016, $727 million in 2015, and $905 million in 2014.

Fourth, if Michiganders want to invest in even more renewable energy, they can do so at cheaper prices.

They can buy RECs (renewable energy credits/certificates) on the open market for less than what DTE is charging.

An REC is a tradable energy certificate representing one megawatt-hour (1,000 kilowatt-hours) of electricity generated from a renewable energy source.

The MIGreenPower "Environmental Impact Calculator" explains that the average home uses 650 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month.

At that level, a subscriber could offset 100 percent of her monthly electric use with renewable energy for $20.15 per month.

That comes out to $31 per megawatt hour or REC-equivalent, or 3.1 cents per kilowatt hour.

A report from the Michigan Public Service Commission explains that, in 2015, Michigan generated or acquired just over 10 million renewable energy credits at an incremental cost of just over $74 million.

Roughly then, each credit in Michigan costs $7.38, less than one-quarter the MIGreenPower price.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a voluntarily sought retail credit can be had for approximately 1.3 cents to 1.4 cents per kWh  less than half DTE's price.

It can also be purchased directly, easily and online from a variety of organizations. One company is willing to sell credits at 1.5 cents per kWh  and even give you credits worth 50 percent of your energy use free of charge.

Other organizations sell them at $8 to $25 per megawatt hour (MWh), or 0.8 to 2.5 cents per kWh.

So, we already pay for renewable energy and the MIGreenPower project will do nothing to help the state reach its mandated levels of renewable energy.

Yet DTE is using dollars from our rapidly rising electricity bills to plan and market another overly expensive and apparently unnecessary green energy program.

With many other  and more affordable  options available, DTE's MIGreenPower program appears to be little more than a green public relations plan to sell overpriced and unreliable renewable energy to Michiganders.

Jason Hayes is the director of environmental policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland.
The Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday advanced President Donald Trump's pick to be the next secretary of the Air Force.

The panel, headed by Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona, voted 22-5 to confirm Heather Wilson, a former congresswoman and Air Force Academy graduate, to the position. Her nomination next heads to the full Senate for a vote.

If confirmed by the upper chamber, Wilson will be the first service secretary to serve in the Trump administration. Both Army secretary nominee Vincent Viola and Navy secretary nominee Philip Bilden in February withdrew from their prospective posts, citing business and financial concerns.

Wilson served as a Republican from New Mexico in the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2009. She graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1982, part of the third class to include women. She's currently the president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a public institution of higher learning in Rapid City.

Last week during her confirmation hearing before senators, Wilson said America may take for granted what the Air Force has done during its history of air dominance, but "intrepid airmen" will continue to prepare for whatever challenges the future holds, from boosting readiness and modernization to helping address a chronic pilot shortage.

Members said they were encouraged by her persistence to help represent issues currently plaguing the service, such as the pilot shortage and falling readiness levels.

But Democratic Sens. Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut made a point to register their disapproval of Wilson's work for Sandia Corp., a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp. that runs Sandia National Laboratories, for a period after she served in Congress.

Between 2009 and 2013, Wilson made almost half a million dollars working for Sandia. The senators suggested she received a payout to lobby for the subsidiary. It's illegal for members to work in a lobbying capacity for one year after serving in Congress.

Wilson claimed she did substantial, evidence-based work.

The Justice and Energy Departments concluded in separate audits on Sandia and its contractual partnerships that the company "had improperly billed the federal government for its lobbying effort."

Lockheed in 2015 paid $4.7 million to the government to settle the issue.

During the confirmation hearing, McCain asked if dealing with Lockheed would pose a conflict of interest for Wilson. She replied it would not.

Meanwhile, the White House is expected to announce new Army and Navy secretary nominees soon, perhaps as early as next week, The Hill reported.

The Trump administration is considering former Army flight surgeon and Tennessee state Sen. Mark Green for Army secretary, Military Times reported. Richard V. Spencer, a former Marine aviator and investment banker, is likely to be named the Navy's top civilian nominee, Bloomberg first reported last month.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
A CH-53E Super Stallion experienced a 'hard landing' Wednesday during a training flight at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, but the five Marines aboard were unhurt, Marine Corps officials said today.

The Sikorsky-made heavy-lift helicopter was conducting a training mission in support of Yuma's Weapons and Tactics Instructor school when the mishap took place, 1st Lt. Gabriel Adibe told Military.com. Adibe said he could not provide any details about the state of the aircraft or the nature of the incident as it remained under investigation.

The mishap was first reported Thursday by Marine Corps Times.

All five of the Marines aboard the aircraft were assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Adibe said. They safely left the aircraft on their own after it went down and did not require hospitalization, he added. The incident took place around 1 p.m. local time.

The mishap comes just days after the Pentagon approved the Navy's request to begin production on the CH-53K King Stallion, the Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky replacement for the aging Super Stallion. There are currently 146 Super Stallions in the Marine Corps aviation inventory with an average age of nearly 28 years, according to the 2017 Marine Corps Aviation Plan released late last month.

The commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, said that Super Stallions were the hardest worn of any Marine Corps aviation platform, telling a congressional panel last year that the service "probably kept [CH-53s] in theater a little bit too long" following 15 years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, deferring needed maintenance. But the CH-53E is now in an intensive recapitalization program that will continue until the introduction of the King Stallion near the end of this decade.

It's not yet clear if the incident was a result of equipment failure, human error, or some other cause. It's the first hard landing or crash for a Super Stallion since January 2016, when two of the aircraft collided over water during night training off the coast of Hawaii.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect current programs and tax laws.

Did you know there are several ways to save on your taxes if you have qualified education expenses?

Depending on your income and your filing status you may be able to deduct thousands of dollars of education expenses from your income tax.

The American Opportunity Credit provides up to a $2,500 credit per student for qualified tuition and fees paid during the first two years of higher education. The student must seek a degree and meet other requirements. The Lifetime Learning Credit is available for 20 percent of the first $10,000 of tuition expenses (up to a maximum of $2,000) per tax return for courses students take to acquire or improve job skills. Unlike the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit is available for an unlimited number of years, and students do not have to seek a degree to qualify for it. The Tuition and Fees Deduction is another way to defray educational costs. It allows you to deduct qualified college tuition and related expenses of up to $4,000. This deduction is an adjustment to income, which means the deduction will reduce the amount of your income subject to tax. The Tuition and Fees Deduction may be beneficial to you if you do not qualify for the American opportunity or lifetime learning credits.

NOTE: You can only claim one credit at a time.

Get the Latest Financial Tips

Whether you're trying to balance your budget, build up your credit, select a good life insurance program or are gearing up for a home purchase, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com and get the latest military benefit updates and tips delivered straight to your inbox.
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The deadline to vote for Bay City's best sub in our search for Michigan's Best is noon Friday, April 7.

(Emily Rose Bennett/MLive.com)

BAY CITY, MI -- We have a close race in Bay City as we search for Michigan's Best Sub Sandwich.

The battle is between The Wanigan Deli & Eatery and Intermission, who are only separated by 60 votes in our local poll.

If you have a favorite, keep voting. The deadline is noon Friday, April 7, 2017.

As of 1:00 p.m. Thursday, the Top 3 looks like this:

1. The Wanigan Deli & Eatery, Bay City (51.55%)

2. Intermission Deli, Bay City (38.92%)

3. Roma's, Bay City (5.80%)

Once the polls close, Amy Sherman and I will visit the poll winner and few others as time and travel allows.

If your favorite is not winning or in the Top 5, vote now!

You can also email me a passionate plea: gonzo@mlive.com

Look for our list of finalists next week.

Amy and I will visit about 35-45 finalists all over the state in the next few weeks and come up with a Top 10 list.

Remember, we're looking for overall taste, fresh ingredients, great buns and that something special that makes them the "best of the best."

You can vote in the Bay City poll, as well as other polls, too.

You can vote once every three hours. Make your vote count.

Vote below:
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In Jackson it looks like it's Hillsdale vs. Hillsdale in the search for Michigan's Best Sub Sandwich. Deadline to vote is noon Friday, April 7.

(John Gonzalez/MLive)

JACKSON, MI -- This one is really interesting.

It's Hilldale vs. Hillsdale in the Jackson area poll for Michigan's Best Sub Sandwich.

Right now Hillsdale Filling Station and Handmade in Hillsdale are only separated by 5 votes.

It will be fun to watch how this one ends up. The voting deadline is noon Friday, April 7, 2017. So, keep voting.

As of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, the Top 5 looks like this:

1. Hillsdale Filling Station, Hillsdale (31.87%)

2. Handmade, Hillsdale (31.60%)

3. Shorty's Kibby Cobb Deli, Jackson (11.73%)

4. The Pickle Barrel Deli, Jackson (7.50%)

5. Cavoni's Pizza & Grinders, Hillsdale (7.12%)

Once the polls close, Amy Sherman and I will visit the poll winner and few others as time and travel allows.

If your favorite is not winning or in the Top 5, vote now!

You can also email me a passionate plea: gonzo@mlive.com

Look for our list of finalists next week.

Amy and I will visit about 35-45 finalists all over the state in the next few weeks and come up with a Top 10 list.

Remember, we're looking for overall taste, fresh ingredients, great buns and that something special that makes them the "best of the best."

You can vote in the Jackson area poll, as well as other polls, too.

You can vote once every three hours. Make your vote count.

Vote below:
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The top two picks for Muskegon's best sub sandwich are obvious picks. Who else is doing well? The deadline to vote is noon Friday, April 7.

(John Gonzalez/MLive)

MUSKEGON, MI -- Two restaurants are clearly in the lead, and even the third place winner seems set.

Who will emerge as the Muskegon poll winner in our search for Michigan's Best Sub Sandwich?

Right now Fatty Lumpkins and Hab's Good Eats 'n Treats are the top 2 picks in Muskegon. Behind both of them is Great Lakes Grinders in Muskegon.

You still have time to make a difference.

The voting deadline is noon Friday, April 7, 2017. So, keep voting.

As of 2:00 p.m. Thursday, the Top 4 looks like this:

1. Fatty Lumpkins, Muskegon (39.86%)

2. Hab's Good Eats 'n Treats, Muskegon (19.41%)

3. Great Lakes Grinders, Muskegon (7.82%)

4. Wayne's Deli, Muskegon (4.81%)

Once the polls close, Amy Sherman and I will visit the poll winner and few others as time and travel allows.

If your favorite is not winning or in the Top 4, vote now!

You can also email me a passionate plea: gonzo@mlive.com

Look for our list of finalists next week.

Amy and I will visit about 35-45 finalists all over the state in the next few weeks and come up with a Top 10 list.

Remember, we're looking for overall taste, fresh ingredients, great buns and that something special that makes them the "best of the best."

You can vote in the Muskegon area poll, as well as other polls, too.

You can vote once every three hours. Make your vote count.

Vote below:
Photo Gallery: Ann Arbor area schools Orchestra Night at Hill Auditorium.zip

Jonathan Muir-cotton plays the cello during Ann Arbor Skyline's performance at Orchestra Night at Hill Auditorium Thursday, February 26, 2015. Nicole Hester | The Ann Arbor News

ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor Public Schools joins 13 other Michigan school districts in earning a spot on the NAMM Foundation's "Best Communities for Music Education" list.

The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation recognized 527 of the nation's 13,515 school districts this year as Best Communities for Music Education and 92 individual schools as SupportMusic Merit Award winners. This is the 18th year for the awards.

AAPS, Berkley School District, Bloomfield Hills Schools, Fraser Public Schools, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grosse Pointe Public School System, Jenison Public Schools, Les Cheneaux Community Schools, Livonia Public Schools, Meridian Public Schools, Mona Shores Public Schools, Rochester Community Schools, Spring Lake Public Schools and Troy School District were named Best Communities for Music Education.

Waterford Kettering High School received a SupportMusic Merit Award, which recognizes exemplary music education programs in individual schools.

The Best Communities for Music Education are designated based on schools' responses to a survey that asks about participation in music, scheduling, faculty qualifications, opportunity, support from administrators, standards-based learning and curriculum, community partnerships, technology and funding. Researchers at the The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas led the selection.

"The links between student success and music education have now been demonstrated by brain researchers in multiple studies," said Mary Luehrsen of The NAMM Foundation, in a press release. "The schools and districts our foundation recognizes are building on that connection between music and academics. These schools and districts are models for other educators who see music as a key ingredient in a well-rounded curriculum that makes music available to all children, regardless of zip code."
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A report argues there are too many crimes on the books in Michigan, leading some to commit crimes without knowing. In one example, a man was prosecuted for dumping tires illegally, even though he thought he'd disposed of them properly.

(Mark Bugnaski | MLive.com)

LANSING, MI -- In 2003 Kenneth Schumacher sent 500 tires off for disposal. What he didn't know was that the facility he sent them to wasn't properly licensed to take the tires, a detail that made his action illegal. He ended up being prosecuted for it.

It's an example the Mackinac Center for Public Policy points to when it talks about "overcriminalization," the growing web of offenses people can be charged with in Michigan. It's to the point, says Kahryn Riley, criminal justice policy director at the Mackinac Center, that sometimes people don't realize they're committing crimes.

"It's our assessment that people probably commit crimes every day without being aware that they're doing so. And I mean that's a problem for obvious reasons," Riley said.

The Mackinac Center partnered with the Manhattan Institute, a free-market research group based in New York, to release an initial report on overcriminalization in Michigan in 2014. In the six years prior to 2014, Michigan created an average of 45 new crimes per year. A follow-up report found Michigan had created 30 new crimes in 2015 and another 30 in 2016.

And the legislature's considering a few more in 2017, including a new crime for poop-flinging prisoners and separate statutes for those who commit courtroom attacks.

The problem is that there are so many crimes on the books, both federally and at the state level, said report co-author Rafael Mangual of the Manhattan Institute, there's no way a single person could know every one of them.

"That's frankly where we're at today in America. Between federal crimes and state crimes it's ... impossible for every single person to know what they can go to jail for," Mangual said.

And for many crimes, people don't have to know they're breaking the law to be guilty. Schumacher argued in court that he didn't knowingly violate the statute. It didn't matter.

The 2014 report found that 26 percent of felonies and 59 percent of misdemeanors did not require the state to prove a defendant had criminal intent in committing the crime.

Michigan moved to change that in 2015, passing a default statute requiring a person to act with intent, knowledge or recklessness to have committed a crime unless there's specifically a different standard set in law.

The state also made an effort to repeal some particularly outdated laws, which the report applauded.

"Michigan has actually done a good amount, particularly compared to some of the other states that we've studied, to actually move forward to address this problem," Mangual said.

But Mangual said the state could take steps to further reduce its criminal offenses. He pointed to Minnesota, which held an "unsession" to specifically focus on repealing old laws.

Both Mangual and Riley acknowledged the law does have to be flexible and sometimes expand criminal statute. But Riley said it was important any new laws are created thoughtfully and with careful consideration of how they fit in with what's already on the books.
Democratic senators from 15 U.S. coastal states are urging President Donald Trump not to stop funding the National Sea Grant program.

In a March 31 letter to the White House, 23 senators ask Trump to reconsider eliminating funding for the network of 33 university-based programs that conduct research on beach safety, harbor management, fisheries, aquaculture and coastal economic development using state and tribal matching funds.

Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan joined the letter.

The Sea Grant program costs $73 million this year. Trump eliminated funding in his 2018 skinny budget send to Congress as part of steep cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The 2018 cuts are part Trump's attempt to hike defense spending by $54 billion.

Trump also asked Congress to cut 2017 Sea Grant funding by $30 million to help find money to make a down payment on a U.S.-Mexico border wall. The letter notes such a cut could lead to a mid-year program shutdown.

The proposed cuts are part of negotiations with Congress over a large spending bill. The federal government is operating on a continuing resolution until April 28.

The $67.3 million spent on Sea Grant in 2015 yielded $575 million in economic return, according to the program's 2016 report to Congress.

"This economic impact includes creating and sustaining nearly 3,000 local businesses and more than 20,000 jobs," the senators wrote.

Michigan Sea Grant is a joint program at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan that received $1.8 million from NOAA in 2016. To receive the funding, the state must provide a two-to-one match of funds or in-kind resources like facilities or equipment.

Among other projects, the program helps maintain a database of current-related Great Lakes drownings and has funded $66 million in research, outreach and education projects since 1969. To help stop drownings, Michigan Sea Grant helped develop the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium and has distributed safety equipment, helped improve safety signage, and helped develop warning systems in coastal communities.

Michigan Sea Grant director Jim Diana says cutting the program would makes beaches less safe and would remove support for coastal town harbor planning and training for fishermen and aquaculture operations.

Michigan Sea Grant has helped, or is currently aiding coastal towns like Au Gres, New Baltimore, Ontonagon, Pentwater, Rogers City and St. Ignace develop harbor visioning projects that create a sustainable plan for future redevelopment.

The plans help communities solicit money for improvements and are required by the state to obtain dredging funds.

The program is holding Lake Huron fishery workshops in Port Huron, Bay City, Oscoda and Cedarville this month in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Michigan Sea Grant is also currently developing a Lake Michigan restoration plan for cisco, or lake herring; a once abundant preyfish that is now found mostly in Lake Huron and Lake Superior

Ohio Sea Grant is helping develop an early warning system for harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie like the one that shut down Toledo's water supply in 2014.

A joint Illinois-Indiana and Wisconsin Sea Grant research project on the impacts of invasive quagga mussel in deep parts of Lake Michigan on plankton abundance is helping answer questions about the changing food web in the lake.

The list of letter signatories:

Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire

Christopher Murphy, D-Connecticut

Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut

Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island

Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island

Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland

Benjamin Cardin, D-Maryland

Jeffrey Merkley, D-Oregon

Ron Wyden, D-Oregon

Maria Cantwell, D-Washington

Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin

Amy Klobuchar, DFL-Minnesota

Al Franken, D-Minnesota

Thomas Carper, D-Delaware

Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts

Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts

Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan

Gary Peters, D-Michigan

Bernie Sanders, I-Maine

Angus King, I-Maine

Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio

Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii

Dianee Feinstein, D-California
CHEBOYGAN COUNTY, MI - An army of volunteers is needed to watch over and protect Michigan's annual sturgeon run.

The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow in Cheboygan County is partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Law Enforcement and Fisheries Divisions to help protect lake sturgeon from illegal harvest during the annual spawning run.

Every spring, mature lake sturgeon, a fish species that is threatened in Michigan and rare throughout the United States, become vulnerable to poaching as they briefly leave Black Lake for spawning sites upstream in the Black River.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to stand guard along the Black River during the spawning season, from mid-April through early June, to report any suspicious activity and deter the unlawful take of this iconic fish.

"For over 17 years, the annual Sturgeon Guarding Program has proven that people serving as sturgeon guards watching over the river have virtually eliminated poaching, while helping to ensure the protection and reproductive success of the species," said Ann Feldhauser, a DNR retiree and the guarding program's volunteer coordinator.

"It's a unique and rewarding experience to witness these majestic fish, which can live up to 100 years and weigh over 200 pounds, swimming up the Black River and to be a key player in safeguarding one of Michigan's most valuable natural resources."

Sturgeon guards are assigned in shifts to sites along the river. The volunteers stand watch and report any suspicious activity to DNR officials. Opportunities are available throughout the six-week spawning season.

Volunteers can also play a key role by recording the number and activity of fish they see. Individuals or groups interested in volunteering should contact Mark and Ann Feldhauser at 906-201-2484, or 906-346-9511.

Volunteers can also register online at www.sturgeonfortomorrow.org/guarding-program.php.
CAMBRIDGE TWP., MI - Outdoor enthusiasts and those taken ill by spring fever will be happy to hear that Cambridge Junction Historic State Park will open for the 2017 season on Friday, April 14.

Beginning then, the park's trails and grills will be available for visitor use from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The sights, sounds and smells of spring will emanate from every corner of the park, site historian Laurie Perkins said.

"As you walk the trails or cook a meal, you are engaging in the same activities that have brought people to this spot throughout Michigan history," she said.

The park, located at the corner of U.S. 12 and M-50, south of Brooklyn, is home to the Walker Tavern Historic Site, which houses historic buildings and museum exhibits that tell the story of settlement, transportation and tourism.

The opening of the historic buildings for the 2017 season coincide with the first Walker Tavern Historic Site Farmers Market, which is slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28.

More information can be found at michigan.gov/walkertavern.

A Recreation Passport, issued through the DNR, is required to enter the park.
The Jackson Police Department reports the following log of activities for Wednesday, April 5, with officers responding to 67 calls for service, made 27 traffic stops and 5 arrests.

Officers responded to Taylor Street and Blackstone Street for a welfare check on a subject slumped over the wheel of a parked vehicle. The 28-year-old male woke up without Narcan, but drug paraphernalia was located on his seat. Once he was medically cleared, he was lodged for violation of his conditional bond.

Officer Noppe arrested a 52-year-old female for an outstanding warrant.

Officer Kruso arrested a 28-year-old male for an outstanding warrant.

Officer Renteria arrested a 19-year-old male for an outstanding assault warrant.

Officer Noppe met with Lenawee County and transported a 23-year-old female for an outstanding probation warrant.

Officer Grove arrested a 49-year-old male for an outstanding warrant out of Blackman.

Officer Pardee responded to the 1200 block of Ellery Avenue for an overdose; the 21-year-old male received medical attention.
Hillsdale murder 4-2-17.jpg

Two Amish children out on an afternoon horseback ride in Camden Township Sunday, April 2, discovered a dead body along their route.

(WLNS)

CAMDEN TWP., MI - The man found shot to death in the woods in Hillsdale County over the weekend was murdered, police say.

Using fingerprints and DNA, the Michigan State Police identified the man as Jeremy Alan Barron, 37, of Hillsdale, according to a release from the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office, aided by state police, still are investigating the death and no arrests have been made at this time, Hillsdale County Sheriff Timothy Parker said.

Barron's body was found Sunday, April 2, in a wooded area off Dimmers Road near Gilmore Road by two Amish children out on an afternoon horseback ride, police said.

Medical examiners at the Lucas County Coroner's Office in Toledo determined Barron died of multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office at 517-437-7317.
possible scam car

Authorities said the man they are seeking is driving this white, four-door passenger car.

(Courtesy Allegan County Sheriff's Office)

Police are seeking this man for questioning.

ALLEGAN, MI -- Two people have been arrested in what authorities are calling a scam that involved selling trees they did not own.

The Allegan County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man and a woman after receiving tips from the public. Their names are being withheld pending arraignment.

The Allegan County Sheriff's Office and Allegan police followed up on tips they received after sending out a press release Thursday that included surveillance photos and a video of one of the alleged suspects. Police say they also have recovered a portion of the money that was transferred from the victim, a logging company, to the suspect.

Police have said the suspect sold the logging company rights to property he didn't own. The scam was discovered when the company began to cut down the trees.

The company had felled several trees, 16-18 inches in diameter, on April 4 when they were confronted by the real estate agent representing the legitimate owner of the land, rural property for sale on the border between Cheshire and Trowbridge townships, Undersheriff Mike Larsen said.

On March 28, a man identifying himself as a Michigan military veteran from Vicksburg provided paperwork to the logging company that suggested he owned the property he wished to have logged.

"The man showed a fraudulent bill of sale, which they took as legitimate paperwork," Larsen said, "and they paid up front, thousands of dollars."

The company had done business with the same logging company early in March near Three Rivers, with no apparent problem. Investigators are currently looking into the legitimacy of that transaction, Larsen said.

The man told the company he had acquired the Allegan County property and that he received preferential treatment on properties and loans because of his status as a veteran, Larsen said. He said he was "flipping the property after logging" to enhance his income, authorities said.

It wasn't until workers were confronted by the real estate company representing the true property owner that the company realized it had probably been scammed -- perhaps twice-- and reported the incident.

The Allegan County investigators have not been able to find a person with the name the man gave the logging company, and it appears the Three Rivers business in early March might well have been a scam, too, Larsen said.

This subject may have committed other scams recently in Southwest Michigan, as well, authorities said.
possible scam car

Authorities said the man they are seeking is driving this white, four-door passenger car.

(Courtesy Allegan County Sheriff's Office)

Police are seeking this man for questioning.

ALLEGAN, MI -- The Allegan County Sheriff's Office Investigate Services Division is asking the public's help in identifying a man accused of selling a logging company rights to property he didn't own, a scam discovered when the company began to cut down the trees.

The company had felled several trees, 16-18 inches in diameter, on April 4 when they were confronted by the real estate agent representing the legitimate owner of the land, rural property for sale on the border between Cheshire and Trowbridge townships, Undersheriff Mike Larsen said.

On March 28, a man identifying himself as a Michigan military veteran from Vicksburg provided paperwork to the logging company that suggested he owned the property he wished to have logged.

"The man showed a fraudulent bill of sale, which they took as legitimate paperwork," Larsen said, "and they paid up front, thousands of dollars."

The company had done business with the same logging company early in March near Three Rivers, with no apparent problem. Investigators are currently looking into the legitimacy of that transaction, Larsen said.

The man told the company he had acquired the Allegan County property and that he received preferential treatment on properties and loans because of his status as a veteran, Larsen said. He said he was "flipping the property after logging" to enhance his income, authorities said.

It wasn't until workers were confronted by the real estate company representing the true property owner that the company realized it had probably been scammed -- perhaps twice-- and reported the incident.

The Allegan County investigators have not been able to find a person with the name the man gave the logging company, and it appears the Three Rivers business in early March might well have been a scam, too, Larsen said.

This subject may have committed other scams recently in Southwest Michigan, as well, authorities said.

"Our detectives are reaching out to other jurisdictions to try to connect the dots," Larsen said.

Sheriff's Office Detectives ask that people look at the attached photo and video. The subject sought for questioning is the shorter of the two individuals in the video with the gray shirt and crew cut. The vehicle is a white four-door passenger car.

"Our detectives are reaching out to other jurisdictions to try to connect the dots," Larsen said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Allegan County Sheriff's Office Investigative Services Division at 269-673-0500.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- The operator of pedal party bicycles in Kalamazoo said he and his business partner will have to reconsider their presence in Kalamazoo after city commissioners decided their participants can't drink alcoholic beverages while riding.

Tristan Steven, co-owner of P3 Tours, said he felt a decision from the Kalamazoo City Commission to deny allowing riders of quadricycles to possess and consume alcohol was "close minded."

"We had a lot of support from business owners and from the city itself so we were a little surprised in the decision, obviously disappointed," Steven said.

Commissioners said at their Monday meeting they were voting against the amendments because they didn't see a necessity in allowing alcohol on the pedal party bikes.

Commissioners voted in December 2015 to allow quadricycles to operate in Kalamazoo, but decided then not to allow alcohol on them. The proposal before them Monday would have changed that ordinance. The state of Michigan made it legal last year to operate party bikes and left each city to set ordinances to allow or forbid the drinking of alcoholic beverages on such vehicles.

Commissioner Erin Knott said she couldn't justify allowing alcohol on quadricycles but not allowing someone to drink alcohol while walking down the street. Vice Mayor Don Cooney proposed the commission watch what happens in other Michigan cities that allow alcohol possession and consumption before they take steps to allow it here.

Steven argued later this week that quadricycles are more like party buses than walking down the street and drinking an alcoholic beverage. He said the drivers of the bikes who steer and brake the vehicle must not drink alcohol.

The proposal had the backing of at least 10 downtown restaurants and bars who said they didn't feel the quadricycle business threatened their businesses, Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. President Andrew Haan told commissioners Monday.

Steven said P3 Tours, which is one of several quadricycle companies in Michigan and also operates in Detroit and Ann Arbor, hasn't had any incidents on its commercial quadricycles.

"You have to understand people pay good money to have these experiences," Steven said. "A private tour runs $300 to $400."

Steven said the party bicycles are marketed to adults 21 years old and older for tours of the city of Kalamazoo, brewery tours, to celebrate birthdays or other milestones, and as team building events.

We're not promoting people to come and get drunk and wasted on these," Steven said. "It's come have an adult beverage and do a brewery tour."

Steven said he and his business partner Shannon Rogers will have to decide soon whether they will keep a bicycle in what they consider their hometown. He said success of the pedal party bicycles hinges on being able to drink an alcoholic beverage while riding.

"We operate in several other cities so we can pull the bike we have there and send it to another city," Steven said. "Unfortunately that might be what we end up deciding. It doesn't seem beneficial. I doubt that you're going to find any owner that's going to operate in a city that doesn't allow alcohol consumption on a pedal pub."

P3 Tours launched a bicycle in Kalamazoo in September 2016. P3 was conducting 10-15 tours a week from September to November before putting the bike up for the winter. Steven said the amount of tours was "really really good for an introduction."

Steven said his business has bookings for about 200 tours through September 2017, which would be refunded if P3 decides to leave Kalamazoo.
DOWAGIAC, MI-- A 55-year-old Dowagiac man was arrested when officers making a parole check discovered he had crack cocaine paraphernalia Wednesday, authorities said.

On April 5 the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team detectives performed a parole check with officers from the Michigan Department of Corrections in the 400 block of Chestnut Street, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

Upon searching the residence, detectives located paraphernalia for the use of crack cocaine and the man was arrested for possession.

The suspect's name is being with held pending arraignment on the charges, authorities said.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time.
LAWRENCE, MI - Consumers Energy Company's plan for early termination of its power purchase agreement with Entergy Nuclear Palisades plant will be the topic of back-to-back public meetings hosted by the Michigan Public Service Commission here next month.

Securitization is the process by which a utility, following the issuance of a financing order by the Michigan Public Service Commission, replaces relatively high-cost debt and equity with lower-cost debt in the form of securitization bonds.

Consumers has indicated that it intends to recover through rates a securitization of the $172 million buyout fee due to Entergy.

It filed its application for a financing order on Feb. 10.

At the upcoming meetings, the Public Service Commission will inform the public about its role, the timeline and the administrative process to be followed in closure of the plant; public comment period on Case No. U-18250 will also take place.

The two meetings, which will cover the same material, will be held May 8 at the Van Buren Conference Center, 490 S. Paw Paw St. from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All three MPSC commissioners will participate and an administrative law judge will preside at the public meeting.

A transcript of the public meeting will be filed in the docket for Case No. U-18250.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- A woman driving too fast for Thursday morning's wet conditions was killed when she tried to pass a truck on eastbound M-43, authorities said.

Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Pali Matyas said a woman was declared dead at the scene of the crash on M-43/West Main Street and 6th Street before 8 a.m. April 6.

Matyas said the woman's car, "going too fast for conditions," passed a truck, lost control, went sideways and was hit by the truck.

The driver of the truck was not injured, Matyas said.

The woman's name and age and other details have not been released, pending notification of the woman's next of kin, he said.

The right lane of eastbound M-43 remains blocked at 8:44 a.m., according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.Eastbound M-43 crash snarls traffic in Kalamazoo County
Even as the Japanese investor Softbank of Snapdeal is yet to conclude its potential stake sale to its rival Flipkart, the employees at the Gurgaon-based e-commerce firm continue to be worried.

A merger with bigger rival Flipkart is expected to consolidate operations and existing positions could be phased out over time as part of the deal.

"Many of our colleagues lost their jobs during the retrenchment exercise. We were given to understand that it was over. However with these reports of sale talks, we aren't sure about the future of our jobs," said one of the employees.

Moneycontrol had earlier reported that Snapdeal has let go off over half of its 4,300 staff strength as it talked about targeting profitability. The consolidation will also impact the top management as both companies will look to merge administrative positions, as in the case of the previous merger with Jabong which saw exits at the top.

In order to soothe anxious employees, the founders of the company had conducted multiple townhalls, last month.

Also Read: Snapdeal founders soothe anxious employees with townhalls

The deal which is being steered by the investors of the company has also been witnessing boardroom battles. It started off with differences between Softbank and early investors Nexus Venture Partners and Kalaari Capital. Later, it turned out that Softbank had agreed to buy the stakes of the two funds.

However, negotiations are still on. For the deal to finally go through, consent of at least two major shareholders of Jasper Infotech, the parent firm of Snapdeal, is required, according to a report in The Economic Times.

Citing the shareholder agreements, the report said that three stakeholders out of the four major stakeholders that include Softbank, Kalaari, Nexus and promoters Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, need to give consent for the company's merger with Flipkart.
Pakistan: History of assassinations | Imran Khan: Victim of an endless cycle of violence| World News
India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan speaks on phone during an interview with Reuters in New Delhi, India, May 5, 2016. To match Interview INDIA-ENERGY/ REUTERS/Adnan Abidi - RTX2D2M7

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The roadmap on consolidation of various Indian oil and gas public sector undertakings should become clear in the current financial year, according to Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.

"The government has given a roadmap. Companies are talking to each other. We expect roadmap on PSU oil and gas consolidation to be clear in FY18," Pradhan said at Network18's Global Natural Resources Conclave.

The government is keen to create large integrated oil and gas companies in the country in order to have the wherewithal of taking very large projects both in India and abroad. The government has the model of oil and gas giants like Saudi Aramco and Russia's Rosneft to base its ambition on.

Three months back, speculation was rife that the government planned to merge Oil and Natural Gas Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corp to create an integrated oil and gas explorer and refiner.

Pradhan said the government was not looking to create only one behemoth but rather have more than one integrated entity.
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Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil producer, is interested in picking a stake in India's biggest oil refinery being planned to be set up in Maharashtra at a cost of Rs 1.8 lakh crore.

State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) together plan to set up a 60-million tonnes a year oil refinery on west coast to meet the rising fuel needs of the country.

"Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc) are talking to us for investments in the Indian oil sector," Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the Global Natural Resources Conclave here.

Later talking to reporters, he said Aramco is interested in picking a stake in the west coast refinery while Adnoc is keen on petrochemical projects.

"Aramco is talking of stake in the refinery," he said. He, however, did not go into how much stake the Saudi national oil company will pick. "Let's see," is all he said.

IOC holds a 50 per cent stake in the project while BPCL and HPCL have 25 per cent each.

The 60-mt a year refinery will be set up in two phases, along with a mega petrochemical complex. The phase-1 capacity will be 40 mt together with an aromatic complex, naphtha cracker unit and a polymer complex. This will cost Rs 1.2-1.5 lakh crore and will come up in 5-6 years from the date of land acquisition. The mega complex will require 12,000-15,000 acres and land on the Maharashtra coast has been identified, he said. The second phase, involving a 20 mt refinery, will cost Rs 50,000-60,000 crore. IOC has been looking at the west coast for a refinery as the company found it tough to cater to requirements in West and South with its refineries mostly in the North. HPCL and BPCL too have been looking at a bigger refinery because of constraints they face at their Mumbai units.

The mega west coast refinery will produce petrol, diesel, LPG, ATF (aviation turbine fuel) and feedstock for petrochemical plants in plastic, chemical and textile industries in Maharashtra. A top official at one of the state refiners said the project will be funded with 60 per cent debt and 40 per cent equity. The three refiners will chip in Rs 72,000 crore in equity.

Fifteen mt a year is the biggest refinery any public sector unit has set up at one stage. IOC recently started its 15 mt unit at Paradip in Odisha. Reliance Industries holds the distinction of building the biggest refinery in India till now. It built its first refinery at Jamnagar in Gujarat with a capacity of 27 mt, which was subsequently expanded to 33 mt.

It built another unit adjacent to it for exports, with a capacity of 29 mt. The refinery being planned by the state-owned firms will be bigger than that. The phase-1 itself will be bigger than any one single unit.

India has a refining capacity of 232.06 mt, which exceeded the demand of 183.5 mt in 2015-16.

According to the International Energy Agency (EA), this demand is expected to reach 458 mt by 2040.
Dalai Lama

China today accused India of "fuelling tensions" and damaging its interests by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh while the state media here called for answering "blows with blows" if New Delhi chooses to "play dirty".

"I can confirm (that) China has lodged protest in Beijing and Delhi," yesterday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here.

The protest was lodged in Beijing with Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale. In Delhi, the protest was lodged with the competent officials of the External Affairs Ministry, Hua said.

Asked whether Beijing views India's permission to the 81-year-old Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the 'One China' policy, Hua said, "I want to re-emphasise that on issues concerning China's major concern and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, China's position is consistent."

"By inviting and approving (the) Dalai Lama to (visit) disputed areas between China and India, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship and it has fuelled tensions," she said

"We oppose the visit to relevant areas and oppose attempts by relevant countries to arrange a platform for (the) Dalai (Lama) to conduct anti-China activities. We urge the relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining Chinese interests," she said.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

The official media here slammed the development, saying that China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to "play dirty" by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Two English newspapers -- China Daily and Global Times -- launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh -- which China claims as part of Southern Tibet -- is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the NSG and the UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, the state-run China Daily said in an editorial.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino- India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.

Asked about assertions in the Chinese media that India's move was aimed at pressuring Beijing over the issues relating to China blocking India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid, Hua said, "China will not make any assumptions on India's intentions."

She said the Dalai Lama's visit has caused damage to India-China relations.

"We hope the two sides can continue to follow principle of mutual respect for each other's core interests and major concerns and we should do more things that can strengthen mutual political trust and promote the overall interests of China-India relations," she said.

On India's NSG bid, Hua said this issue should be resolved by all the 48 members of the group.

"We should achieve a solution that applies indiscriminately to all non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty countries through consultation and discussion," she said.

The China Daily, in its editorial, stated that, "New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said.

"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in the editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," the editorial said.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.
New Delhi: Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj launching the PMO India Multi-Lingual website, in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI Photo (PTI5_29_2016_000047B)

Expressing confidence that India would become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said the country expected that the new members would have the same rights, including the veto power, as the existing permanent members.

During the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, Swaraj said India has all the credentials to become a permanent member of the Security Council and four permanent members, US, UK, France and Russia have extended support. The fifth member, China, has also "not publicly opposed it", the External Affairs minister said.

"I am confident that if not this time, then next time, India would become a permanent member of the Security Council," she said.

To a question whether India would also get the 'veto' power, Swaraj said the country wants the same esponsibilities, prerogatives as well as obligations as the current permanent members.

"We don't want any discrimination between old and new members. We don't want two classes - that there is a first class and a second class of permanent members. This should make it clear that India wants the same responsibilities, prerogatives and obligations as the current permanent members," she said.

She said India has been making diplomatic efforts to ensure not only expansion but also reform in the Security Council. She said India wanted expansion of its permanent as well as non-permanent membership of the council.

In her reply tabled in the House, Swaraj said on the issue of extending veto powers to new permanent members in their submission during the inter-governmental negotiation process of the 69th General Assembly, USA and UK opposed extension of veto to new members.

France supported the extension while Russia and China did not make any submission on the issue, she said. She said discussions were currently on in the UN General Assembly through inter-governmental negotiation and India and other pro-reform groupings have been calling commencement of text based negotiations.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today attacked the Prime Minister and the RSS for the Alwar attack, saying there is no place in the country for those disagreeing with them and that tragedies of huge proportion occur when government "abdicates responsibility".

Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, the Congress Vice President charged that the Prime Minister is propagating a vision where only one idea will prevail.

"This is a new vision for India that Narendra Modiji is propagating. It is a vision where only one idea will prevail and any other idea, anybody who does not listen to or agree with Narendra Modi or RSS has no place in India. That's the vision," Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.

He was asked to comment on the Alwar violence where a man was killed after an attack by cow vigilantes. "That is what they are doing. This is going to have very severe consequences for the country. It is their way of thinking that anybody who does not believe in their way of thinking has no place in the country."

Earlier in a series of tweets, the Congress Vice President had hit out at the Rajasthan government for the "brutal and senseless attack" in Alwar.

"When Government abdicates responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion follow. Shocking breakdown of law and order in Alwar," he said in a tweet. He said all right thinking Indians must condemn this "blind brutality" and hoped the state government will take strict action against those responsible for the "senseless attack".

Gandhi said, "We expect Government to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal and senseless attack."

A 55-year-old man died at a hospital in Alwar district after allegedly being beaten by a group of cow vigilantes, with the police arresting three persons in connection with the case.

The deceased, Pehlu Khan, and four others, including his two sons, were beaten brutally by some locals at Behror who suspected they were smuggling cows.
Emotions are running high in Indian tech circles after the Donald Trump administration amended the H1-B visa guidelines, making it difficult for foreign computer graduates to work in the US.

The US quietly reworked its H1B visa policy over the weekend, and this is likely to impact entry-level IT workers the hardest. About 40 percent of the IT workers who apply for tech jobs fall under the entry-level category.

Many who had entered the US on an H1B visa through IT consultancies and offshoring firms are finding that visa renewals are taking longer. Fresh H1B applications are pending with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services since months, leading to anxiety among candidates and their families.

Online forums including social media have become an outlet for anxious and anonymous H1B aspirants to vent amid uncertainty over the future of their careers.

Some workers whose visa renewals have been recently denied by employers are asking their companies to fire them so that they can stay in the US for a grace period of 60 days and find another possible sponsor.

I am employed on an H1B by an Indian IT services company and currently here in the USA," says a perplexed H1B aspirant on a social forum. "Unfortunately, my project is getting cancelled due to budget issues. A grace period is only applicable only if the employer terminates me.

Employers are now expected to make hurried designation changes or promote their existing H1B holders to justify to government agencies that they are not replacing local citizens with cheap foreign labour.

Fearing visa cancellation or being denied re-entry, many Indian techies in the US are unable to return home to address to urgent family needs.

Employees on H1B who are ill or are on maternity leave are also a worried lot.

I am on H1B and live in California. Due to maternity health issues I was hospitalised in October 2016 and the California government helped me with state disability insurance, said an H1B worker on social media. She is worried about her visa not being renewed since she has been off the payrolls for a few months.

For those whose H1B renewal requests have been denied, there is also concern about their spouses who are in the country on an H4 dependent visa.

Some are opting to become students again just to stay in the US. This comes even as reports emerge that the Department of Homeland Security is actively reconsidering the guidelines to allow people on an H4 visa to work in the US as they compete with US workers for jobs.

A court case has also been filed against the Department of Homeland Security by various associations on allowing H4 holders to work in the US.

Even as the anxiety among H1B aspirants persists, many voices from inside the US have come out in support of the move by Trump administration, citing it as a way to protect American IT jobs.

The upshot is that (now) a computer programming position is not automatically a specialty occupation, Ron Hira, an associate professor at Washington DCs Howard University, told Bloomberg.

Silicon Valley companies have not yet issued a statement regarding the new amendments.

However, companies such as Google have advised their foreign workers in the US in last few months to check their visa status before leaving the country as they might not be allowed entry on return.

Indian IT Industry leaders have advised their offshoring project managers to recruit local talent from American colleges rather than opting for foreign workers on H1B to support local operations in the US.

About 120,000 H1B holders are estimated to be present in the US and with their H4 companions, the total active workforce is expected to be higher.
Farmers plant saplings in their paddy field on the outskirts of Jammu July 6, 2009. India will boost spending on irrigation and roll out more jobs and loans for farmers to spur the rural economy and lift farm sector growth to 4 percent, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday. REUTERS/Mukesh Gupta (INDIAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR POLITICS BUSINESS AGRICULTURE) - RTR25D8S

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Bankers' worst fears about the impact of the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to grant farm loan waivers are already coming true, as a few farmers in other states have already halted paying installments on existing farm loans.

On Tuesday, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath fulfilled the Bharatiya Janata Party's election promise by waiving farm loans totalling Rs 36,359 crore. The decision is expected to benefit at least 2.15 crore small and marginal farmers in the state.

On the face of it, the decision may not directly impact the banks balance sheets as the state government will compensate the banks on the defaulted payments.

However, public sector banks are not too happy given that it has already started impacting the credit discipline of borrowers.

A senior executive of a large public sector bank said, Since the time it has been talked about in the poll campaigns and other states also demanding it, a lot of our loans arent being serviced in states including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Though bankers stand to gain on the non-repayments, it badly impacts our recovery from the borrowers.

Another bank official pointed out, Farmers in other states are already asking if they need not repay the loans. This will add NPAs (non-performing assets) in the books of the other state loans where we will not be compensated."

The official said it caused a dilemma over whether to continue lending in the knowledge that the loan would not be repaid.

"For UP, we need to see the fine print of the waiver scheme to see how it will work out and how much do we stand to gain, the banker added.

Anticipating such a fallout, bankers had strongly opposed such a sop, stating that a waiver is not the right method to support farmers as it affects the loan repayment behaviour of most borrowers.

According to State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya, Credit discipline breaks when you waive off farm loans. Money will come in today because the government will pay, but when we will give loans in future, farmers will wait for next elections. Support to the farmers is necessary but not at the cost of credit discipline.

Incidentally, in February, SBI came out with a scheme to allow one-time settlement for its tractor and farm equipment loans that make up about Rs 6,000 crore of doubtful and losses on its books, willing to take 40 percent cut on their loans.

Even before the UP decision was finalised, there was pressure building on other state governments to follow suit.

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, head of the BJP-led government, said they would study the UP farm loan waiver model as its ally Shiv Sena and the Opposition are demanding a similar scheme.

On Tuesday, the Madras High Court also directed the state government to expand its farm loan waiver scheme to include farmers who own more than five acres.

The UP waiver amount works out to 3.9 percent of the banking systems exposure to agriculture and allied activities, and 0.5 percent of gross bank credit.

As per data, the total outstanding credit by all commercial banks in 2016 towards the agriculture sector is Rs 86,240 crore in Uttar Pradesh. According to Reserve Bank of India data (2012), 31 percent of the direct agriculture finance went to marginal and small farmers (landholdings up to 2.5 acres).

Previously, former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan had also pointed out that the repeated loan waivers by various state governments distort credit pricing, thereby also disrupting the credit market.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday raided at least 18 senior bureaucrats involved in various scams across in nine states including Delhi, Bihar and Karnataka.

CNN-News18s Ashish Mehrishi reported that the searches happened under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The raids involved high-level bureaucrats accused of being part of high-level cases like the State Trading Corporation scam and Louis Berger bribery case.

In the State Trading Corporation (STC) scam, large irregularities in exports under a scheme by the STC, Mumbai caused financial losses of hundred crores. High-level officials involved in the scam are been searched.

In the Louis Berger bribery case in Goa, the principal chief engineer is been searched. The engineer is accused of making inappropriate payments to Churchill Alemao.

Also, officials involved in SBI post demonetisation case, who helped people, convert black money into white is also under the EDs radar.

According to sources in the ED, this is just the first round and many more such raids are expected in future.
In a reflection of how seriously the government views the travails of the telecom industry and the risk its Rs 4.4 lakh crore debt poses to the banking system, it has asked its top bureaucrat to look into the problems faced by the sector.

Cabinet secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha has in turn asked state-run investment bank SBI Caps to assess and apprise him of the financial health of the telecom companies. The bank made a presentation to him last week. The idea of asking SBI Caps was to get a third party view of the matter, given that the Department of Telecom had already raised concerns on the sectors condition.

According to sources close to the matter, the presentation highlighted some of the key issues facing the industry and the risk to its lenders. When contacted by Moneycontrol, Varsha Purandare, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of SBI Capital Markets declined to comment on the matter.

According to the sources, the presentation highlighted the sectors debt and the fact that it had deferred spectrum liabilities of a further Rs 3.74 lakh crore. The big three players (Airtel, Idea and Vodafone) account for Rs 2 lakh crore of the bank debt.

However, the danger signals are coming from the smaller marginal players, who are unable to sustain revenues in the face of competitive intensity. In FY16, the industrys revenues grew by 6.5 percent even as its subscriber base grew by 79 million. But this year, the industrys revenues are slated to contract owing to competition and demonetisation.

Smaller players are even finding it hard to make payments to vendors and tower infrastructure companies.

Some of the weaker operators made several appeals to the finance ministry last week and sought stressed sector status for the industry, as the telecom industrys debt is higher than that of the steel and power sectors. Stressed sector status would allow it to get its debt repayment spread out over a longer period of time.

However, sources said, the government was unlikely to go this far, given that the bigger players are profitable at this point.

Cellular Operators Association of India chief, Rajan Mathews, had asked the government to stop charging licence and spectrum usage charges as it is already taking money up front through spectrum auction charges.

Over the last two years, the industrys debt has nearly doubled, thanks to two big spectrum auctions. Industry representations have conveyed to the government that spectrum cost is highest in India and despite that, they are still having to pay a percentage of revenues and spectrum usage charge to the government.

It was conveyed that the industry needs to pay Rs 28,000 crore a year to the Department of Telecommunications as deferred spectrum payments and another Rs 45,000 crore is needed to service debt.

The industrys operating income has to be higher than this figure of Rs 73,000 crore to keep its head above water. Given the recent fall in revenues, the industry believes that there will be a gap and that their cashflows may not be sufficient to meet liabilities.

There are also fears that the distress in the sector may reach the bigger players at some point.
A day after Uttar Pradesh Government announced loan waiver for farmers in the state, some peasants in Mathura district termed it as a mere "eye wash" with some saying the decision left them high and dry.

The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in UP yesterday announced a loan waiver of Rs 36,359 crore for over one lakh small and marginal farmers in the state.

"It may be a bonanza for the state goverment but for the farmers it is nothing but a lolly-pop," said Kedar Singh, a farmer from village Borpa.

Devi Singh, a marginal farmer and sarpanch of Damodarpura village under Mathura Tehsil, said he was expecting that all their loans would be waived by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Rajan Singh of Gosana village falling under Goverdhan Tehsil said the farmers have been "cheated" since pre-election meetings.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while declaring waiving loan of farmers, had not classified the beneficiaries," he said, terming the UP government's move as an "eye wash".

Shyam Singh of Raal and Rohtan Singh of Maghera villages of Mathura district said they were disappointed as the "bench mark" set for waiving the loan is fiscal 2016-17 only.

Farmer Deen Dayal Gautam termed the Rs one lakh relief to farmer as "a drop in the ocean", saying that during last three years the farmers in general have been badly hit by the wrath of nature.

However, Kushal Pratap Singh, a farmer from village Javara Tahsil Mant, welcomed the gesture of the state goverment.

"It is a good step since now I would become debt-free. Normally the loan limit for small farmers set by the bank does not exceed Rs one lakh," Kushal said.

Lokendra, from village Naujhil Tahsil Mant, who has not taken any loan, said it may be a boon for farmers who had taken crop loan only last year, and asked why the relief has not been given to farmers who had taken loan earlier but now are in debt.
One of the biggest reforms in the history of Indian Railways was on Wednesday quietly cleared by the Cabinet to create an independent railway regulator called Rail Development Authority (RDA), with an initial corpus of Rs 50 crore.

The need for a regulatory authority has been long felt and was first proposed by the Rakesh Mohan Committee in 2001. But the credit for implementing it has to be given to the Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu who was willing to release the Railways from political shackles.

Prabhu had earlier let go of the privilege of announcing a railway budget in Parliament by asking the finance minister to merge it with the regular budget, and now he has taken the politics out of deciding rail fares.

The reason for the pathetic state of the Railways is that it does not have the money to spend on safety and upgradation. This is because fares for the passenger segment have been increased just twice in the past decade-and-a-half. Passenger traffic accounts for nearly 30 percent of the revenue but absorbs a large portion of the expenses.

In order to cross-subsidise passenger fares, the Railways ended up charging extra for commercial freight. This resulted in freight traffic moving away from Railways to roadways. The only way the catch-22 situation could be avoided was to increase passenger fares. This was a tricky subject and one that is considered a political hot potato. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee made her party colleague Dinesh Trivedi resign from the post of Railway Minister when he increased passenger fares.

However, the present government decided to use the route which it had implemented in the oil sector. Earlier, the government used to set prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG and aviation fuel. But within months of taking office, the Narendra Modi government freed control on these prices and allowed market forces to decide the price. All increases and decreases in prices from thereon in were decided by oil refiners and the matter was out of the political purview.

In a similar move, the Railways have passed on the decision-making on fares to the RDA. Apart from fixing tariff, RDA will also be responsible for protecting consumer interests, enhancing non-fare revenue, promoting private sector participation, suggesting measures for absorption of new technologies and developing human resource. The RDA will be an independent body with a separate budget.

The Railways under Prabhu has created new records. In FY17 it has touched a record revenue at Rs 1.68 lakh crore, with passenger revenue contributing Rs 48,000 crore and freight at Rs 1.09 lakh crore. Railways hauled a record 1.107 billion tonnes of goods despite losing 20 million tonnes in coal due to low demand.

What is creditable is that the above revenue has been achieved with an operating ratio of 95 percent as compared to 94 percent last year. Though this numbers look bad, it needs to be pointed out that the above numbers have been achieved absorbing higher employee costs on account of implementation of the seventh Pay Commission. Retirement benefits comprise nearly one-third of total expense for Railways.

The only way to reduce the impact of high employee cost was to increase revenue and this could only be done in the freight segment. Recognising this, Prabhu reduced tariff rates for commercial freight and realigned commodity rates. This resulted in a sharp jump in commercial freight in the last quarter. This year, freight numbers are expected to be much better.

While the banking system is flush with funds, the Railways has been crying out for more. As compared to an average historic expenditure of Rs 30,000 crore, Prabhu has been spending Rs 1 lakh crore and the only thing preventing him from spending more is a lack of funds and not ideas.

By giving Railways the freedom to fix fares, it will now be able to garner more money to spend on much-needed safety measures and capital expenditure. Prabhu has presented an Rs 8.56 lakh crore five-year capital expenditure plan to the government. By freeing the political control on fares, the government has given him a new canvas on which to paint.

This should be positive for companies catering to Railways like Texmaco Rail, BEML, Titagarh Wagons, Simplex Casting, Kernex Micro and Stone India in the medium to long term.
Vishrov Mukerjee and Rohit Venkat

In August 2014, the Supreme Court cancelled 204 coal mining leases in a scathing indictment of the allocation process followed by successive governments since 1993.

Overnight, corporations in industries as diverse as power, cement and steel found themselves saddled with production units stranded without one essential element: coal. As in the case of the 2G scam, the broadsword of the Supreme Court had come crashing down, leaving questions and uncertainties in its wake.

It is commendable that the Union Government was quick to react and within two months, the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2014 (now Act) was promulgated, ushering in a new framework for auction of coal mines. However, several questions still remained unanswered.

One such issue related to compensation for prior allottees-entities, which having participated in the bidding process, were unable to secure mines once allocated to them.

Several prior allottees challenged the constitutional validity of the Coal Ordinance as well as valuation and compensation amount determined by the Nominated Authority. It was averred that the Nominated Authority failed to take into consideration cost of leasehold rights and mining infrastructure, including intangible assets integral to mining processes like environment clearances and geological reports.

However, two aspects were most glaring - limiting compensation for land to the price mentioned in the sale deeds without taking into account fair market value, and limiting compensation based on audited accounts for FY 2013-2014, five months prior to the actual cancellation and takeover of mining assets.

A recent judgment of the Delhi High Court appears to have put to rest (at least for now) some of these issues. In a batch of matters involving industries as diverse as power, steel and cement, a Division Bench of Delhi High Court has held that compensation has to be just, fair and reasonable and not result in unjust enrichment of successful bidders. Accordingly, the High Court has directed that the fair market value of land be taken into consideration.

Similarly, for mining infrastructure, the court has held that the Coal Act provides an inclusive definition of mining infrastructure and prior allottees are permitted to claim all such elements before the Tribunal set up under the Act.

The High Court has also directed that valuation of mining infrastructure has to be done as on the date of issuance of the vesting order, i.e. on the date that the coal mine and all underlying assets were actually transferred to the successful bidders.

The judgment is important as it mandates a fair and just approach to determining compensation. While the Coal Act appears to be well-intentioned, the haste to start with a clean slate led to some glaring omissions in the legal framework which appear to be getting addressed by the Courts.

The war it seems is far from over. When the prior allottees had challenged the valuation process, the government had taken rearguard action by amending the auction terms to make the successful bidder liable for any increase in compensation on account of court orders.

While it is expected that the battle will now move to the Tribunal (and perhaps the Supreme Court), the principle of just fair and reasonable compensation ought to be respected by the government while considering the prior allottees claims. It should initiate a fair and transparent process where revised compensation orders are passed after hearing the prior allottees and successful bidders.

This judgment, if implemented effectively, may significantly shore up stressed balance sheets of not only affected entities but also banks and financial institutions which had financed these undertakings. Owing to reduced compensation and virtual shutdown on account of lack of coal, the affected entities ability to service their debt was compromised. Hopefully, they (and the banks) will finally see the colour of money almost three years after the Supreme Court judgment.

Vishrov Mukerjee is Partner, J Sagar Associates and Rohit Venkat is an Associate at J Sagar Associates.
European Council President Donald Tusk (R) and Greek Prime Minister AlexisTsipras exit the Maximos Mansion after a meeting in Athens, Greece, April 5, 2017. REUTERS/Michalis Karagiannis - RTX346JM

Greece and its international lenders remained at odds in talks to release fresh bailout loans to Athens as Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said a deal was needed this week and accused creditors of 'playing games' and causing delays.

Talks between Greece, the European Union and International Monetary Fund have stuttered for months due to differences over Greece's fiscal progress, labour and energy market reforms, rekindling worries of a new crisis in Europe.

Euro zone finance ministers will discuss the state of Greek negotiations on Friday at an informal meeting in Malta, but officials said a full deal there was unlikely.

Tsipras said he would ask for an EU leaders summit if there was no deal this week and accused some creditors of being obstinate.

"The Greek economy is ready to leave the crisis behind it. But despite the impressive fiscal results, some of our creditors appear unrepentant," Tsipras told a news conference after meeting EU Council President Donald Tusk in Athens.

"This isn't child's play. This is the future of a people we are talking about."

Greece is on its third bailout from euro zone governments but to get money it has to pass regular reviews of reforms it agreed to in return for the financing.

"What we are trying to achieve is to get close enough to a deal so that lenders' teams of experts may go back to Athens and finalise the numbers," one official said.

SCEPTICAL

If experts return to Athens, they would still work several more days there to come up with what is called a staff level agreement - a report on Greek reforms that would allow ministers to acknowledge their completion and disburse loans.

The latest problem concerns reforms that Greece has to implement to reach and keep a 3.5 percent of GDP budget surplus before debt servicing costs over several years starting in 2018.

Institutions representing euro zone governments believe Greece will keep the 3.5 percent surplus also in 2019, but the International Monetary Fund, which euro zone governments want to join the bailout for credibility reasons, is sceptical.

The biggest debate is caused by the pension reform, which would marginally raise payouts for some on the lowest pensions, but slash the highest pensions by 40 percent, with an overall average reduction in payouts of some 15 percent.

Tsipras said Greece had achieved a primary budget surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP in 2016, outperforming its 0.5 percent target, so the debate was unnecessary.

Responding to criticism, Tusk said the European Union stood by Greece's side and was facilitating negotiations.

"The sacrifices of the Greek citizens have been immense. One thing must be clear - no one intends to punish Greece, our goal is only to help Greece," he said. "I have no doubt that there is no alternative to a positive breakthrough on Friday."

A spokeswoman for Germany's Finance Ministry said the government was watching the "intensive" discussions between Greece and its lenders. "Delays are not good for economic recovery so we are waiting to see what comes out of these talks," she said.
By CNBCTV18.COM

The minutes of the Fed's latest policy meeting Wednesday showed the central bank aims to reduce the $4.5 trillion in bonds on its balance sheet at some point this year.

Plans by the US Federal Reserve to pare back its balance sheet should not be seen as a surprise with a reshuffle at the central bank likely in 2018, Goldman Sachs' chief economist has told CNBC Thursday.

"I think it makes some sense. Personally I don't think it's really urgent for them to start reducing the balance sheet, but assuming that you want to do this at some point in the next year or two, I think it does make some sense to get started before the leadership transition at the Fed," Jan Hatzius said.

The minutes of the Fed's latest policy meeting Wednesday showed the central bank aims to reduce the $4.5 trillion in bonds on its balance sheet at some point this year.

"There will likely be a new Fed chair after early 2018, when Janet Yellen's term comes to an end and having already established a bit of a baseline path for how the balance sheet is going to be adjusted probably makes sense at that point to reduce the uncertainty that you otherwise get in that period," he added.

Reducing the balance sheet would have an impact on the markets given its sheer size. According to Janet Yellen, such a move would work as a rate hike.
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Hindustan Petroleum Corp and the Rajasthan government have settled differences over the financial aspects of the company's proposed Rs 40,000-crore refinery in the state's Barmer district.

"We have finalised financial assessment of HPCL's Rajasthan refinery project and expect to work on it soon," Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said today on the sidelines of Network18's two-day Global Natural Resources Conclave.

The Vasundhara Raje government, which came to power in 2014, sat down to redraw the terms of the agreement that the oil marketing company had signed with the previous Ashok Gehlot regime for the 9 mtpa refinery.

The Raje government alleged the terms of the agreement placed unnecessary burden on it.

According to the original agreement, the state had to pay an interest-free loan of Rs 3,736 crore every year for 15 years, which would have added a financial burden of Rs 56,000 crore on the state government.

The state government wanted HPCL to settle for an internal rate of return of 12-13 percent as against the 15 percent that the Gehlot government had assured it.

A March 30 Press Trust of India news report had quoted Raje as saying that as per the revised terms, the interest free loan will reduce to Rs 1,123 crore per annum and the financial burden to Rs 16,845 crore.
Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yogi Adityanath takes the oath as the new Chief Minister of Indias most populous state of Uttar Pradesh during a swearing-in ceremony in Lucknow, India, March 19, 2017. REUTERS/Pawan Kumar - RTX31PLH

Apart from protecting the cows of Uttar Pradesh, the state's new Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also concerned about the states gaon, gareeb, kisan aur naujawan (villages, poverty, farmers and youth)". In his first TV interview - aired on state-run DD News - since taking charge, Adityanath emphasised on Prime Minister Narendra Modis development plan, efforts by the state government to curb farmer suicides, education and employment.

Over the past fortnight, Adityanath has reiterated that his government will introduce reforms and change the face of Uttar Pradesh. He waived off loans up to Rs 1 lakh for farmers and has now directed doctors to be polite to patients.

Since his appointment as Chief Minister, the buzz has been over whether he will turn the state saffron. In the interview, Adityanath not only clarified his stance but also talked about his future plans.

Here are the key highlights:

Farm Loan Waiver

While campaigning in Ghaziabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to take the loan burden off Uttar Pradesh's farmers and the state fulfilled the promise earlier this week.

It was a challenge to strike a balance between providing relief to farmers and the state's expenditure, said Adityanath. The chief minister and his government now plan to increase the income of farmers by 2019-2022.

Educational Reforms

The Uttar Pradesh government is pushing for an educational setup that will prepare students to compete on the global level.

Adityanath suggested that students should be taught one international language after Class 10. When students go abroad for research they spend around three months to learn the language of that country. If they are already fluent in that language, they will save three months, he said.

He added that out of 365 days, schools only work for 120 days. He aims to nearly double the number to 220 days. He also suggested that schools to take up CBSE pattern to be internationally compliant.

Sweet Relief

Sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh can heave a sigh of relief as the Adityanath government is keen on expediting the payment of dues to these farmers. Those who have sent sugar to sugar mills this year will get their money in 14 days and those who deposited the sweetener in 2014-15 and 2015-2016 will get their dues in next two months. In case of non-payment of dues, action will be taken against the mill owner.

Jobs and Entrepreneurial Environment

Adityanath is also determined on "ghar wapsi" of youth who moved to other states for a better future. He has urged Indian businessmen and the state to come up with a plan in 15 days to provide an environment to entrepreneurs that will give them more opportunities to invest. He aims to provide jobs to 90 percent youngsters.

No Child Should Go Hungry

If someone dies of hunger then the district officer will be held responsible. In case of a childs death, the chief medical officer (CMO) will be held responsible, said Adityanath.

Ban on slaughter houses

Clarifying allegations of targeting the Muslim community as part of his crackdown on slaughter houses, Adityanath said that the National Green Tribunal (NCT) had in 2015 asked the then state government to act against illegal slaughter houses to curb pollution caused by them.

He added that the ban is not new and the present government is only following the law and order and taking stringent actions against those who go astray.
Goa CM Manohar Parrikar

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Tata Motors, Bharat Forge, Mahindra & Mahindra, Larsen and Toubro and Reliance Defence are some of the companies that are eagerly waiting an announcement from the government on the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) project which has once again been delayed.

According to sources, the government had committed to awarding the Rs 60,000 crore project to two companies before March 31, 2017 even as there were expectations of an announcement as early as December 2016 itself.

However, with changes in the Ministry of Defence with the untimely exit of Manohar Parrikar, delays have once again marred the project.

An FICV is a tracked, armoured vehicle that protects soldiers from small arms fire and artillery shrapnel while moving around the battlefield. With fully amphibious capabilities, the FICV can have automatic grenade launchers, medium machine gun and smoke grenade launchers.

State-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) will automatically make it to the final list of probables. The project will be divided 60:40 between the top two companies after initialising changes as required by the army, with the government company getting the bigger pie.

Since the defence portfolio now rests with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, all niggling issues, especially those related to finance, will be ironed out soon before finally awarding the contract to players, believe market watchers. Sources add that the FICV programme has been given priority over other projects, which might speed up the entire process. However, the government has not mentioned any deadline.

The FICV programme, comprising supply of 2,600 units to the Indian Army, was approved in 2009. Its expression of interest (EoI) was first issued in 2010 only to be cancelled in 2012. The EoI was reissued to 10 Indian companies.

Two companies are to be shortlisted, who will build a prototype of the FICV costing about Rs 3,000-4,000 crore. About 80 per cent of the cost of building these prototypes will funded by the government. These will be then tested and evaluated by the Army.

A year ago, Tata Motors joined hands with Pune-headquartered forging company Bharat Forge and US-based General Dynamics Land Systems. In this consortium, Tata Motors will play on its strengths related to design, development and integration of mobility platforms, while Bharat Forge will bring on board its competence with fighting platforms and manufacturing strengths.

General Dynamics proven expertise, as SOSI (a system of systems integrator) in various integrational programs, will bring in the required competency enabling Tata Motors, the lead integrator, to offer a truly indigenous solution for this program.
Israel will offer five-year multiple entry visa for Indian businessmen to increase the bilateral trade ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the Jewish state later this year.

Visa issuance to Indians wishing to come to Israel has been an issue of discussion between the two sides for many years.

Several Indian businessmen who have visited Israel in the past as part of business delegations have raised concerns regarding Israel's visa policy and Indian officials have pursued the same with relevant Israeli ministries.

Official sources said the decision comes amid "growing partnership between the two countries" as they celebrate "25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations."

The Director General of Israel's Tourism Ministry recently said the country was looking to ease visa norms for Indians planning to come to Israel and would be even open to issuing paper visas to those who have concerns regarding future travel to the Arab world.

"The visa process is now better and hopefully would be even easier. A tourist from India looking to get visa stamped on paper can get it that way and there will really be no problem with that," Amir Halevi, Director General of Tourism ministry, told PTI.

The Tourism Ministry has also submitted a request to ease visa restrictions on Indian tour groups wishing to visit the country given its importance as an emerging market for incoming tourism to Israel.

"It is hoped that this request will be granted in the near future, reducing the wait time for a group visa to five working days," a spokesperson at the tourism ministry said.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has registered a remarkable increase touching a figure of around USD 4.5 billion, starting from a humble figure of USD 200 million at the time of establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

However, the growth has seen stagnation in the recent past with some connecting it to visa regulations being a factor.

The bilateral trade figures do not include defence deals.

Prime Minister Modi's much-anticipated visit to Israel is expected to take place in July.
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The Reserve Bank of Indias permission for banks to invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) has opened up a lucrative avenue for investors in high-rent yielding commercial office spaces that offer between 8 percent yield against residential properties that conventionally give a rental yield of around 1.5 percent, depending on location and the project, say real estate experts and investment advisors.

Currently, banks are allowed to invest in equity-linked mutual funds, venture capital funds (VCFs) and equities to the extent of 20 percent of their net owned funds or NOF. In its monetary policy on Thursday, RBI proposed to allow banks to invest in REITs and InvITs within this umbrella limit. Detailed guidelines will be issued by end of May this year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a statement on development and regulatory policies.

REIT is an investment vehicle that invests in rent-yielding completed real estate properties. Currently, developers incur huge capital expenditure especially in Commercial Real Estate (CRE), on land, construction, interior fit-outs, etc. which remains locked, even after the asset is complete, until the asset generates returns to break-even. Through REIT, developers can exit from the completed asset, and focus alone on development activity. For investors, the REIT can provide a new investment option with ongoing returns, elevated transparency and governance standards.

REITs in commercial assets are attractive as their rental yield is as much as 8 percent compared to residential assets where the yield is only about 1.5 percent. Going forward, commercial real estate is also expected to have better upside in terms of capital appreciation compared to residential real estate, say experts.

REIT as an investment vehicle has a huge opportunity in India. Presently, India has a rent-yielding office inventory to the tune of 537 million sq ft valued in excess of USD 70 billion. Apart from this, there are other properties like warehousing, retail malls, shopping centers, school buildings, etc. which are potential REITable assets, says a report titled REIT-ABLE Space in India by Knight Frank, KPMG, Hariani & Co. and NAREDCO.

Following the RBI announcement that banks can invest in REITs, shares of real estate companies were trading higher by up to 6%. DLF, Unitech, Godrej Properties, Oberoi Realty, Housing Development & Infrastructure (HDIL), Sobha and Indiabulls Real Estate from the realty index were up 1% to 6% on the BSE in intra-day trade.

To propel the REIT environment in the country, banks have also joined the ranks with equity backed mutual funds, venture capital funds and insurance. Commercial real estate space will be a much more attractive investment option once REITs become a reality in the next 12-18 months, says Samantak Das, Chief Economist and National Director - Research, Knight Frank India.

If there is some activity in the real estate market today, its mostly due to end-users or actual homebuyers wanting to buy property or in some cases it is driven by senior management of some IT or e-commerce firms utilising part of their Esops to either buy properties for end use or closing their loan liability, say experts.

Overall, the real estate market today is being driven by investors seeking regular rental income from office and retail commercial properties, including warehousing. For both these asset classes end users are putting money in ready and close to completion properties or ready assets in both residential and commercial. Nobody is willing to take completion risks, says Anckur Srivasttava of GenReal Advisers.

Asset allocation should be based on the goals, tenure, risk profile of the person, liquidity needs etc, advise experts. Investors should not get into the stock market just to take advantage of the rally.

The income generating potential post-tax and expenses is about 2 percent for residential assets and 4-5 percent for commercial assets. There could also be risks associated with real estate assets especially if bought under construction. Even after one puts the property on rent, there is always the hassle of getting rents on time, maintaining the property, interfacing with brokers, vacancy periods, repairs after a client vacates etc. making property investments an onerous experience, says advises Suresh Sadagopan, founder, Ladder Ladder7 Financial Advisories.

I would simply suggest people to stay invested in financial assets for most part as they are liquid, offer good returns and are easy to manage, advises Sadagopan.

Investors should also only consider quality buildings in central business districts or secondary business districts and not in peripheral areas as the vacancy risks are higher compared to CBDs and SBDs where the annual yield is around 7-9%, says Rajeev Bairathi, executive director and head - Capital Markets, Knight Frank India.

Kaushik Mukherjee, Partner, BMR Legal, says that if an individual is looking at a short to medium-term horizon of three to five years, investing in stocks or affordable housing makes sense as these are easy to dispose and are of a small ticket size. But if one has an investment horizon of five to seven years, then one can look at large-sized residential real estate options.

RBI's decision to allow banks to invest in REITs within the overall umbrella of 20% of their net owned funds is a huge positive. This step now has the potential to usher-in large number of REITs listing in India by offering a safe asset class to invest in and also provide competition to foreign institutions, said Rajeev Talwar, Chief Executive Officer, DLF Ltd.

For banks it offers an additional important asset class for investing. For commercial real estate companies, once REITs pick up, it will bring liquidity and free up capital that will help lower overall costs. We now look forward to detailed norms and guidelines for banks' investment in REITs by May end, said Talwar, who is also the Chairman of National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO).

CBRE South Asia Pvt Ltd, a real estate consulting firm, today announced the findings of its latest India Office MarketView Report  Q1, 2017. According to the report, the Delhi NCR market led office space leasing activity in the quarter, with close to 1.5 mn sq ft absorption recorded. Leasing activity in the city was led by IT/ITeS corporates with a share of over 35%, followed by BFSI and research, consulting and analytics firms.

With limited supply addition witnessed during the quarter, rentals also saw a marginal rise, mainly across SEZ developments. With vacancy levels falling across key micro-markets, rentals did witness a marginal increase ranging from 2-5% across all SEZ developments in the city.
A Chinese court has ordered Samsung Electronics's Chinese subsidiaries to pay 80 million yuan ($11.60 million) to Huawei Technologies over patent infringement, said a local government-run media outlet.

Three units of Samsung Electronics, including Samsung China Investment Limited, have been ordered by the Quanzhou Intermediary Court to pay the sum for infringing a patent held by Huawei Device Co.

Limited, the handset unit of China's Huawei, the Quanzhou Evening News, a government-run newspaper, said on its website on Thursday.

When contacted, Samsung said it will respond after reviewing the court's ruling. Huawei could not immediately be reached for comment.
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Shares of real estate companies witnessed a surge as investors cheered the central banks decision on REITs.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday allowed banks to invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) as well as infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs).

A REIT is a special form of corporation that invests primarily in real estate. REITs do not pay federal income taxes as long as they pay out 90% of their earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends.

As a result, DLF, Prestige Estates, Unitech, and Godrej Properties, among others surged between 1 and 6 percent intraday. A few of them even clocked their 52-week highs.

At 14:45 hrs, real estate major DLF was quoting at Rs 156.65, up Rs 6.95, or 4.64 percent on the BSE.

Meanwhile, Prestige Estates Projects was quoting at Rs 230.25, up 3 percent.

Sobha, on the other hand, was quoting at Rs 406.35, up Rs 6.50, or 1.63 percent. It touched a 52-week high of Rs 417.00. Meanwhile, Unitech was quoting at Rs 6.06, up Rs 0.21, or 3.59 percent.

Godrej Properties too clocked 52-week high of Rs 452.2, up 2.14 percent.
Losing His 'Cool', Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad Attacks AI Staffer With Slipper , Leaving from the Parliament on 23march 2017. Express photo by Renuka Puri.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday questioned the aukat (stature) of the Air India chief while defending party colleague Ravindra Gaikwad who has been grounded by major airlines for assaulting an Air India employee last month.

If the matter is not resolved by April 10, we will not attend NDA meeting, he said, adding that the reply of Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju in Parliament was not sufficient.

He also questioned the attempt to murder charge against Gaikwad, asking, How can hitting someone with slippers be attempt to murder?

Security at the airports in Pune and Mumbai has been increased following Shiv Senas threat to disrupt operations in Maharashtra.

Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises Anant Geete entered into altercation with civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju after the latter in a statement defended the ban saying that security comes first as far as airline travel is concerned.

The two nearly came to blows before Smriti Irani and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh intervened and caught hold of Geete, the lone Shiv Sena minister in the Union cabinet, before he reached Raju.

SS Ahluwalia, the MoS for Parliamentary Affairs, had to push Shiv Sena MPs aside to rescue Raju. Opposition MPs stood up to bring the incident to the Speaker's attention, leading to an adjournment.
Losing His 'Cool', Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad Attacks AI Staffer With Slipper , Leaving from the Parliament on 23march 2017. Express photo by Renuka Puri.

Weeks after thrashing an Air India employee for allegedly not placing him in business class of a flight, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad expressed regret for the incident.

In a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Gaikwad sought the ministers intervention to allow him to fly. "I write to convey my regrets for the unfortunate incident that took place on 23rd March 2017...," he wrote.

"As the restriction on flying is affecting the effective discharge of my duties and responsibilities, I request you to lift this restriction and let the investigation eventually determine the circumstances which led to the incident," he further added.

Heres Gaikwads letter to the Civil Aviation Minister

Gaikwads U-turn comes hours after he claimed innocence in Parliament. "I am not guilty, I have not done anything wrong," Gaikwad, an MP from Osamanabad in Maharashtra, told the Lok Sabha.

He claimed that he did not thrash anyone and did not create any ruckus inside the aircraft, but had merely given his seat in the business class to a senior citizen. He alleged Air India management changed the story.

Gaikwad also said he did not attempt to travel after the ban was imposed and denied that fact that seven tickets were issued in his name. Asking that the ban be removed, he gave a conditional apology to the Parliament. However, he said he will not apologise to Air India.

The Sena MPs had warned of grounding Air India operations at the two key airports of Maharashtra after the party failed to get an assurance from Raju.
Losing His 'Cool', Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad Attacks AI Staffer With Slipper , Leaving from the Parliament on 23march 2017. Express photo by Renuka Puri.

Union heavy industries minister Anant Geete got into an altercation with Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju in Parliament on Wednesday, after the latter defended the ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad for assaulting an Air India Staffer.

Geete, a Shiv Sena MP, charged towards his fellow minister in the Lok Sabha before cabinet colleagues Rajnath Singh and Smiti Irani held him back before he could do any harm.

We will not allow flights to operate from Mumbai, Geete told News-18.

Earlier, speaking publicly for the first time after he was banned by major airlines for allegedly assaulting an Air India staffer, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad claimed his innocence and said he was a victim of a media trial.

"I am not guilty, I have not done anything wrong," Gaikwad, an MP from Osamanabad in Maharashtra, told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

He claimed that he did not thrash anyone and did not create any ruckus inside the aircraft, but had merely given his seat in the business class to a senior citizen. He alleged Air India management changed the story.

Geete, the only Shiv Sena minister who is part of the Narendra Modi Cabinet, later threatened to stop all flights operating from Mumbai.

After the incident last month, Gaikwad told TV reporters that he had hit the Air India staffer with a slipper 25 times.

"I am accused of pushing Air India staff out of the plane. How can they charge me under attempt to murder when I haven't done anything like that. I demand strong action be taken against Air India," he said.

He also said he did not attempt to travel after the ban was imposed and denied that fact that seven tickets were issued in his name.

Asking that the ban be removed, he gave a conditional apology to the Parliament. However, he said he will not apologise to Air India.

"In the FIR, I have been charged with attempt to murder, I don't know why did the Delhi Police do this. I request the Home Minister to look into this matter. Travelling on airlines is my constitutional right, how can airlines deny me that right," said Gaikwad.

In reply to his claims, Ashok Gajapati Raju, Civil Aviation Minister, said safety in the flight was compromised.

"Aircraft are machine on which people fly and safety is paramount which can never be compromised," said the Aviation Minister.

Geete questioned how Air India can ban an MP without even an investigation.

Gajapati Raju will be meeting all the stakeholders to reach an amicable solution to the issue at the earliest, said Home Minister Rajnath Singh
The only one that couldn't make it had a pretty good reason not to be there...

2 hours ago
Several years of swimming against the tide of cheap oil have left alternative energy ETFs unloved, but the savvy investor may see this as the ideal time to buy. Passive options in the space remain limited. As we speak, there are currently only two alternative energy ETFs for sale in Europe.

The historically low-oil price over recent years has contributed to uninspiring returns for alternative energy funds. However, for investors considering an investment now, the future appears much brighter. Many believe that the reliance on carbon-based energy sources is unsustainable and that we are approaching a political tipping point, when we have no choice but to fully embrace alternative energy sources.

The speed at which this takes place is heavily dependent upon political will, and by extension regulation. When the pendulum does swing towards green energy, both available funds should be well positioned to benefit.

As with other forms of socially responsible investment, the thesis grounding an investment in a green portfolio is jointly financial and social.

What is Alternative Energy?

Before we discuss the only passive options we should define what we mean when we talk about alternative energy. Although there is no standard definition, the term generally encompasses renewable energy such as wind, solar, biofuels, hydro, wave and tidal, geothermal and associated businesses.

For example, both funds below hold the Danish Vestas Wind Systems and Spanish Gamesa Corporacion Tecnologica stocks, which are two of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world. They also include First Solar, the US-based producer of solar panels.

While both funds profess to provide access to global alternative energy equities, there are significant differences between them. Over time, these differences will result in different risk/return profiles.

The oldest and largest alternative energy ETF in Europe, as measured by assets, is the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (INRG). This fund provides exposure to 30 of the largest global stocks involved in clean energy production and clean energy equipment and technology.

Trailing in size is the Lyxor New Energy ETF (NRJ). The fund tracks an even narrower benchmark, comprising only 20 of the largest global alternative energy stocks. Interestingly, the requirements for entry are broader, not just renewable energy such as solar, wind and biomass, but also firms involved in improving energy efficiency, which includes those producing energy meters, superconductors, micro turbines and fuel cells.

Despite fishing in the same pond, and seemingly targeting similar investment territory, each funds holdings are remarkably different. At the time of writing, the funds share only three holdings.

Watch Out for Single Stock Risk

Both funds are extremely narrow and therefore particularly susceptible to single-stock risk. The Lyxor fund has the fewest holdings and has no cap on single stock weights and is therefore particularly prone. Currently, its largest holdings are Vestas Wind Systems and American renewable energy utility NextEra Energy at 10% of weight each. The iShares fund combats this risk by limiting single stock exposure to 5%, which in practicality achieves a similar effect to an equally weighted fund.

Due to their concentration, sector ETFs often have significant biases in geography. At the time of writing, the Lyxor fund has 45% exposure to the US, whereas the iShares funds largest country exposure is to China at 30%.

The Lyxor fund does include constraints with companies from one of the Distributed Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy sub-sectors not permitted to take up more than half fund weight. The iShares fund has no such constraints.

Due to their concentrated holdings, these funds would be best used as satellites to a core portfolio.

A third alternative energy ETF run by PowerShares has already been condemned and is due to shutter next month due to lack of interest. While both the iShares and Lyxor funds have been open for almost 10 years they have also struggled to attract assets.

Their age is also apparent in their construction and fees. Should alternative energy investing swing back into fashion, we can expect the launch of more sophisticated passive products which address some of the shortcomings highlighted above, offer even more targeted exposure and charge lower fees.
The Illinois state housing development agency has announced a new assistance program for seniors with reverse mortgages.



According to Illinois-based news outlet The Telegraph, the Illinois Housing Development Authoritys (IHDA) Reverse Mortgage Assistance Program will assist older homeowners with a reverse mortgage in paying back their taxes to avoid foreclosure.



Qualified borrowers can get up to $35,000 in federal assistance to pay overdue taxes and future property taxes, according to The Telegraph.



There is a real need for this kind of assistance in Illinois, said Audra Hamernik, IHDA executive director. Many of these seniors are on fixed incomes and took out a reverse mortgage to help with healthcare or everyday living costs.

They dont have the resources to weather an unexpected home repair, medical event or loss of household income. This program offers the help they need to get back on track with their payments before they lose their home.



Qualified borrowers must have an FHA reverse mortgage on an Illinois property and must have experienced a qualifying hardship. The property must be their primary residence and their household income must be 120% lower than the median income of their county.
Texas women traveled farther to get abortions and ended up having fewer abortions after Texas legislators passed a law known as House Bill 2 in 2013, according to a recent study.

The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, also found that the number of unintentional pregnancies and second-trimester abortions in Texas rose after the bill was passed. Researchers estimate that more than 100,000 Texas women may have tried to end pregnancies without medical help.

Former Gov. Rick Perry signed House Bill 2 on July 18, 2013. In the years since, the number of Texas clinics providing abortions has dropped sharply -- to 17 last year from 41 in 2012. Meanwhile, from 2012 to 2014, the number of abortions performed in Texas fell nearly 20 percent overall; in some counties, the drop was as much as 50 percent.

The average distance a Texas woman had to travel for an abortion increased from 17 miles before House Bill 2s passage to 70 miles after.

A clinical perspective The article is a clinical analysis with an emphasis on data. A clinical perspective regarding abortion and a woman's inconvenience creates a victimization scenario. This thinking negates to acknowledge the fact that there is a human being, a pre-born child, in the middle of the equation. In an analytical discussion of abortion, there is no acknowledgement of a child being at the center of the issues, thus dehumanizing the child. The mom becomes the victim and the child the perpetrator, when in fact, the child is the true victim of two adults who decide not to take responsibility for their actions. The truth is, when a woman gets pregnant, she, her whole predisposed biological system, becomes a mother to a child whether she intellectually wants to admit it or not. -- Judy Rouse, executive director, The Life Center in Midland See More Collapse

House Bill 2 required doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and to certify their clinics as ambulatory surgical centers. It prohibited abortions in the 20th week of pregnancy instead of the 24th week.

Reproductive rights advocates sued the state to block the admitting privileges requirement. The provision was blocked by a federal judge in Austin a day before it was to go into effect in October 2013. But three days after that, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the state to enforce the requirement.

Researchers at the Texas Policy Evaluation Project at the University of Texas studied the impact of House Bill 2 on abortions. They found that when the distance to an abortion clinic in Texas increased 100 miles, the number of abortions performed decreased 50 percent.

Dr. Daniel Grossman, an obstetrician and gynecologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco who led the investigation, said the biggest impact of the bill was the closure of clinics because doctors were required to have admitting privileges.

While it may seem obvious that a law making it more difficult for women to get abortions might lead to a drop in the procedures use, Grossmans study is the first to show the correlation between distance to a clinic and abortion rates. Grossman, who has been studying access to abortions for years, was shocked by the size of the drop in abortions in Texas.

In 56 Texas counties, the distance to the closest abortion provider increased by 100 miles or more after the bill became law. Less than a year after the bill passed, only six of the states 254 counties still had an abortion provider.

Even in counties with an abortion clinic, there was a nearly 16 percent decline in abortions. Grossman said this was because remaining abortion providers -- those who didnt have to shut their clinics because of House Bill 2 -- were overwhelmed with requests and in some cases stopped booking appointments altogether.

Longer wait times

Fewer abortion clinics means longer wait times. In Dallas, the average wait for an abortion was less than five days until one clinic closed in June 2015, according to a study by the Texas Policy Evaluation Project. Two abortion clinics remained open in Dallas, but the average wait increased to 20 days. Grossmans team cited overwhelming demand as a likely reason one Dallas facility wasnt able to schedule some patients for abortions.

Waits also became longer in other parts of the state in 2015. In Austin, women waited an average of 10 days for an abortion with one facility unable to schedule women without a delay of 23 days. In Fort Worth, waits also stretched to 23 days at one clinic after another facility closed.

In addition to crunching numbers, Grossman and his team traveled to abortion clinics and interviewed the women they met.

They would tell me that it took them a long time to find an open clinic, to arrange time off work, arrange child care, he said. And sometimes all of this would take so long that they were delayed into the second trimester.

Jump in second-trimester abortions

Data from the Department of State Health Services showed that the number of second-trimester abortions rose 27 percent after HB 2 was passed. In 2013, before the bill became law, 4,814 second-trimester abortions were performed. In 2014, the total reached 6,117.

Thats really concerning from a public health perspective, said Grossman, who was quick to point out that second-trimester abortions are safe. Its a very safe procedure, but it is associated with higher complication rates.

More than 90 percent of abortions in the U.S. occur in the first trimester. For women needing to end a pregnancy in the second trimester, Grossman said, it can be more expensive and more difficult to find a provider.

Much of the data analyzed by Grossman and his team was collected by the Department of State Health Services. That included information on Texas women who traveled to have abortions in other states, but not women who may have traveled overseas. Grossman said he has heard anecdotally of women traveling to Mexico for the procedure but believes that number to be small.

It is hard to say for sure, he said. That kind of information is not captured anywhere, but I dont think those are large numbers.

Self-induced abortions

What troubles Grossman and other public health experts is that, faced with restrictive abortion laws, women sometimes try to end pregnancies themselves. To find out how many women self-induce an abortion, the researchers interviewed a representative sample of nearly 800 women.

First, they asked each woman if she had ever tried to abort a pregnancy herself without medical help; about 1.7 percent responded yes. The team then asked each if her best friend had ever tried to induce an abortion or if she suspected her best friend had tried to do so. About 4.1 percent said yes.

The researchers applied those figures to the states nearly 6 million 18- to 49-year-olds and calculated that 100,000 to 240,000 Texas women in that age range had tried to end a pregnancy without medical help. Self-induced abortions can lead to infection, bleeding and death.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services said the agency does not collect data on self-induced abortions and is unable to validate Grossmans estimate.

Most of the women Grossman interviewed said they or a friend had used the medicine Misoprostol to end a pregnancy. Others mentioned hormonal pills, herbs, illicit drugs, alcohol and getting hit or punched in the stomach.

In June 2016, the Supreme Court overturned House Bill 2. Since then, at least 10 abortion bills have been filed in Texas, including one that would make abortion a felony. Grossman, who earlier in his career studied abortion care in lower-income nations, said he is refocusing his work on Texas. But he is applying what he learned in other parts of the world where a lack of access to abortion contributes to maternal mortality.

Texas already has the highest rate of maternal death in the U.S. Grossman fears that will worsen.

Restricting access to abortion doesnt make it go away, he said. It just makes it more dangerous.

---

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency
While LinkedIn may not be the first place that comes to mind when you are promoting an event, it is an excellent platform to 
Musician Aaron Carter's twin sister, Angel Carter ConradShe has broken her silence about the death of her brother, with whom she had a turbulent relationship in the last years of his life. The former child singer was found dead at his home
We are collating signatures to petition ...
To mark Canada's 150th birthday, the country's park service is offering free admission to more than 200 top national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas throughout 2017. So, if you want to discover Canada's unique natural treasures, plan a high-octane adventure or partake in celebratory festivities at a bargain-friendly price, now is the time to head north. Here are cost-effective ways to explore the country's diverse national parks, landmarks and attractions this year.

[See: 10 Bargain-Friendly Family Vacations in Canada to Book Now.]

Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 1

Nova Scotia, Canada

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will feature a traveling exhibition as a legacy project of the nation's 150th anniversary filled with a variety of workshops and performances that pay homage to Canada's rich heritage. Canada Day at Pier 21, which will take place on July 1, will offer free musical shows and activities to commemorate the immigrants who defined the country. Best of all, the museum offers low admission prices starting at $12.61 Canadian dollars for adult visitors, and children ages 5 and under are granted free entry.

Partake in Rendez-Vous 2017

Quebec City

For a memorable experience commemorating the country's history, consider taking in the Rendez-Vous 2017 from July 18 to 23, the naval celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. During the spectacle, you can observe more than 40 tall ships from around the world setting sail for Quebec City, the main rallying point in a transatlantic race covering 7,000 nautical miles to honor the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. The ships will navigate to host ports in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, giving you the opportunity to take in the striking ships in their full glory, and take part in variety of free kid-friendly activities.

[See: The 8 Top National Parks to Visit This Spring.]

Explore the New Wing for the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Montreal

Story continues

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts recently opened a new wing, adding 600 pieces of international art, including the works received as gifts from Michal and Renata Hornstein, two patrons of the arts. To commemorate the lives of holocaust survivors, the MMFA named the fifth building on its museum campus the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace. The social mission of the new pavilion is to send a strong message of peace, consistent with the image of the city itself, which has given refuge to so many people from around the world, says Nathalie Bondil, director and chief curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Best of all, you can take advantage of wallet-friendly admission prices. Entry to major exhibitions start at $15 Canadian dollars for visitors ages 13 to 30; admission for visitors 12 and under is free.

Attend Montreal Avudo

Montreal

In honor of Montreal's 375th anniversary, visitors can attend Montreal Avudo, an exclusive performance created for the occasion. The work will be produced and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca. Some 100 performances of the production will be offered for free to more than 180,000 spectators throughout the summer in the Old Port of Montreal, from May 17 through Sept. 2. Located along the water, Montreal Avudo will honor the St. Lawrence River with innovative installations relaying the tales of those who depended on the river and connected Montreal to other destinations across the globe.

Check Out La Machine

Ottawa, Ontario

La Machine, a lively theatrical spectacle with larger-than-life machines, will make its North American debut in late July in Ottawa as part of the yearlong celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. Giant, eye-popping mechanical creatures will roam Ottawa's streets, bringing science fiction to life. What's more, a giant dragon breathing fire will interact with crowds and stroll the streets of Canada's capital from July 26 to 30.

[See: 15 Must-Visit National Park Attractions.]

Participate in Canada Place Events

Vancouver, British Columbia

Welcoming nearly 1 million people each year, Canada Place hosts the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa. Even better, 2017 marks both the 30th anniversary of the event and Canada's 150th birthday. Many of the much-loved elements of past Canada Day at Canada Place events will take place for an extended three-day celebration from July 1 to 3, including the Canadian Forces Zone, the citizenship ceremony, the youth zone, the food trucks and the fireworks show, with added enhancements for 2017.





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Mr. Adu Johnson, a farmer, says, "At my age, walking long distances to farm is no more an exercise but a difficult undertaking. Thanks to the kindheartedness of ABCF's officials, my farm seems only an inch away. We need people like you [to] make this world a place worth living for those of us in such poor conditions."Click here for high-resolution version

SEKYERE AFRAM PLAINS DISTRICT, GHANA--(Marketwired - April 06, 2017) - With a bicycle distribution event, held here, at its fourth location in Ghana, at the Drobonso SDA Basic School, in the Ashanti Region, the African Bicycle Contribution Foundation (ABCF), a U.S.-based, 501(c)3 corporation, today announced that it has now provided nearly 100, free, ecologically-friendly bamboo bikes to Ghanaian, transport-dependent students, parents, small farmers and healthcare workers.

In previous bike distribution events, ABCF has provided the iconic Eco-Ride bamboo bicycles, made by Founder and CEO Bernice Dapaah's Ghana Bamboo Bicycle Initiative (GBBI), to similar recipient groups in Accra, Kumasi and Koforidua, Ghana.

As has been the case in ABCF's previous bike distributions, the event at the Drobonso SDA Basic School was hosted on behalf of the foundation, by its Ghana-based partners, Bright Generation Community Foundation (BGCF) and GBBI.

ABCF plans to distribute 2500 free bicycles in primarily rural areas in Ghana, over a five-year period.

Speaking at the event, on behalf of ABCF's chairman, A. Bruce Crawley and its executive director, Patricia Marshall Harris, to students, faculty, parents and a wide array of Sekyere Afram Plains District leaders, including District Director of Education Mrs. Amina Achiaa, event chairman Nana Dankwa Dwubisiaw II, and Head Teacher Richard Awuah, BGCF's Development Consultant Solomon Owusu-Amankwaah, said: "The ABCF program aligns with Ghana's National Development Agenda, in areas of poverty alleviation and access to education, and is expected to contribute, among other things, to improved school attendance for young, rural students, and greater operating efficiency for rural farmers."

He also mentioned that the U.S.-based Foundation plans to build upon its initial bicycle distribution efforts to provide technology-facilitated, inter-continental seminars and classroom discussions between students and entrepreneurs in Ghana and the U.S., and to assist GBBI in expanding its capacity to export its world-class bicycles to the U.S., and to other countries across the globe.

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To date, the ABCF program has been well received by public officials in Ghana, and previous bicycle recipients have expressed their appreciation for the numerous ways in which having their own bicycles has positively impacted their daily lives.

Who Is ABCF?

The African Bicycle Contribution Foundation (ABCF) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to generate funding to underwrite the distribution of bicycles to needy students, families and transport-dependent small business owners on the African continent. The Corporation has made a commitment to finance the free distribution of 2,500 bicycles, in Ghana, over its first five years of operation.

ABCF works in partnership, in Ghana, with the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative, Bright Generation Community Foundation, The Respect Alliance, and the U.S.-Ghana Chamber of Commerce. Included among the foundation's corporate and charitable nonprofit sponsors are Independence Blue Cross and the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

For further information about ABCF, please contact the ABCF office: info@africanbike.org.

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This story was originally posted on: 7:46 p.m., Wednesday, April 05, 2017.

Plans to cut over $1 million from the Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit moved forward Wednesday in the Florida House and Senate.

Florida House, Senate budgets cut $1.3 million from State Attorney Aramis Ayala's office

Reassigns money to prosecutors who get her death penalty cases

Orlando legal experts divided on death penalty decision

PREVIOUS STORY: State Attorney Ayala: Budget cut plans threaten public safety

The House and Senate budget committees approved spending plans that stripped State Attorney Aramis Ayala's office of $1.3 million because she will not pursue the death penalty in murder cases.

The money would be transferred to other state attorneys who are reassigned to Ayala's murder cases.

Ayala came under fire when she announced she would not seek the death penalty against Markeith Loyd, who is accused of killing an Orlando police officer and his pregnant ex-girlfriend.

Gov. Scott removed her from the Loyd case and 21 other death penalty cases, and says he is considering suspending her from office.

While death penalty cases are high-profile, Ayala has said it accounts for less than .01 percent of the cases handled within the department. She said the proposed cuts would threaten public safety and hinder the officer's ability to prosecute other crimes.

Sen. Randolph Bracy, an Orlando Democrat, wanted to restore funding for Ayala's office, but he withdrew his proposal amid Republican opposition.

Orlando legal experts debate death penalty controversy

Happening Now: Big Name attorneys Mark O'Mara and Jeff Ashton debate over Ayala's choice not to pursue #DeathPenalty Details on @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/e4BVNsjsTS  Bailey Myers (@BaileyMyers_) April 5, 2017

On Wednesday, Orlando area big name attorneys debated whether Ayala had the right not to seek the death penalty, and whether Gov. Scott had the authority to remove her because of that decision.

"Mrs. Ayala has the authority to decide she will or will not prosecute," Retired Judge O.H. Eaton said Wednesday.



However, Judge Eaton's debate opponent, former Orange-Osceola State Attorney Jeff Ashton had different views.

"The governor had every right to do what he did," Ashton said.

Ashton lost to Ayala in the August 2016 primary for state attorney election. Ayala faced only a write-in.

While the debate got heated, one thing was clear -- this debate over Ayala and Governor Scott will have a major impact on how cases are handled in the future.

"If you don't allow prosecutors to make these decisions without interference, then you don't have a system that is responsible to the people that elect these people," Judge Eaton explained.

While neither side agreed on who acted in their legal right, they all agreed if Ayala challenges the governor's orders, this debate will only continue.

"Ayala is free to challenge the power of the court if she so chooses. I think it's absolutely beyond question that she will lose," Ashton said.

Ayala has said she does plan on challenging the order. If that happens, the case could end up going to the state supreme court.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
The community continues to mourn a day after a child was struck and killed riding his bike home from Odyssey Charter School on Wednesday afternoon.

Odyssey Charter School has grief counselors for students, teachers

Community creates makeshift memorial for 10-year-old boy who died

Charges are pending for driver who struck student

RELATED story: 4th-grader riding bike home from school struck, killed in Palm Bay

The school says grief counselors are on hand Thursday and students and teachers will be able to talk with them.

In the meantime, a makeshift memorial is growing for the 10-year-old boy.

Rainsoaked memorial grows for 10 yr old #PalmBay child hit and killed while riding home from school. New details at noon @MyNews13 #Brevard pic.twitter.com/1mh5HKCQgl  Greg Pallone (@gpallone13) April 6, 2017

People have stopped by where the boy was hit riding his bike home on Eldron Boulevard and the entrance to the Bayside Lakes Shopping Center.

They have left flowers, stuffed animals and balloons.

The Palm Bay Police Department stated that the fourth grader was leaving school on his bike during early dismissal Wednesday.

He was wearing a helmet, riding along the sidewalk and stopped at the crosswalk.

A truck was at the exit, waiting to turn onto the main road and as the boy rode in front of the truck, the driver turned right, striking him and dragging the child some 100 feet.

One parent who left an Easter basket in memory of the child told News 13 that she has a daughter who rides her bike to the Odyssey Charter School every day.

"She just wanted to know what happened. I explained to her she needs to be cautious at every point during the day," said Billie Austin.

Austin is concerned there is not a school zone in front of the charter school, especially in such a high traffic area.

Charges are still pending in the accident.
A group of college students is working to develop a robot that could revolutionize the medical industry.

UCF grad students developing medical robot

AVRA Medical Robotics invested $200,000 in UCF-led project

OUR NEW APP: Watch News 13 on the go or wherever you are with the new Spectrum TV app

"I think over time, the doctors will find devices like this will be indispensable," said Zhihua Qu, a professor who is leading the group of graduate students at the University of Central Florida. "Now, we turn them loose to develop the software in the next stage of the hardware."

The robot is intended to assist doctors in performing precise medical procedures. Doctors will input start and endpoint markers on the human body, and the robot will follow instructions.

"Now, more and more, we want robots to be able to do different tasks that are not necessarily precisely predefined," said Qu, who is the UCF department chair for electrical engineering. "In this particular case, it's a medical doctor who is not engineering trained and nonetheless able to use the robot for medical procedures."

AVRA Medical Robotics invested $200,000 in the UCF-led project, with plans for follow-up funding. The university said AVRA will pay UCF 1 percent in royalty fees for annual sales exceeding $20 million resulting from the intellectual property.

The partnership with AVRA has been seven years in the making, only now coming to fruition due to the hours of dedication from college students.

Sweat equity

In an inconspicuous room tucked away in one of the campus' engineering buildings, two graduate students toil over equations on a large whiteboard. They then sit at side-by-side computers and run over simulations.

"We're trying to get the error to as low as possible  to zero," Deepalakshmi Babuvenkateswaran said.

Babuvenkateswaran, a 27-year-old graduate student in her second semester, is studying computer engineering and specializing in robotics.

"I want to be a robotics engineer. I wanted to put something I know into an application," she said. "When you start with something, it gets to you. It keeps getting interesting."

Niladri Basu Bal echoes Babuvenkateswaran's reasoning.

"I always wanted to study robotics, build robots," said Basu Bal, 25. When you start with it, you have a concept in your mind, but you don't know if you'll get there or not."

For 20 hours each week for the last few months, the students have worked to develop an algorithm and to design the end effector, a device that will attach to the end of the robot's arm.

"This is one of the biggest projects Ive worked until now in my whole studying career," Basu Bal said.

Years ago, AVRA and UCF began working on autonomous robotics systems, designing an intelligent robot that could work with a human operator. In April 2016, they established a formal project, aiming to build and design a robotic device able to carry out cosmetic surgery.

Now, students envision the robot assisting in an even greater capacity: They envision dropping down pods with the robot inside into crisis zones  perhaps after a hurricane  to assist in emergency care.

"You can literally deploy this robot any place, in any part of the planet, and a doctor can remote perform the surgery sitting at his office," Basu Bal said.

It will be another two years until that happens. As the grad students work to finish the robots brain, they're grappling with the magnitude of the project.



"This is a big deal, this is a pretty big deal," Babuvenkateswaran said.

"We have outstanding students, and I think they are the future workforce," Qu said. "And while they're studying, they can already make a contribution."



(Julie Gargotta, staff)
Located just blocks from a fire station, emergency sirens can usually be heard several times daily as fire trucks and ambulances travel up and down Quincy Street, a major state highway.

On Thursday morning, the emergency vehicles were all stopping at PHS in response to a two-car crash at 13th and Smyth, on the southwest corner of the campus.

A helicopter from AeroCare transported one of four teenaged teens to Covenant Hospital Plainview while the others were taken by ambulance. Another teen, a PHS senior, was lifted into a body bag and carried from the scene in a gray hearse by a pair of solemn funeral directors. Another teen, obviously intoxicated, was escorted from the scene of the horrendous crash by two police officers. After the student attempted and failed several tasks testing his sobority, the boy was handcuffed and placed in the back of an awaiting patrol car to be whisked away to jail.

The wreck, with a minivan with three bloody passengers on its side and a crumpled compact car with a non-responsive girl in the front seat, served as an exclamation point for members of the PHS junior and senior classes lining the curb on the results of alcohol abuse.

Since 2004, Shattered Dreams has been staged every other year to show PHS juniors and seniors the deadly consequences of distracted and impaired driving. To reinforce the fact that someone dies from drunken driving every 53 minutes, the Grim Reaper prowled the halls of PHS Thursday, pulling students seemingly at random from class. They wont reappear on campus until a school assembly Friday.

Sometimes we become desensitized about the dangers of drinking and driving. But when you see your friends gone and your parents hurting, it hits home, explains program co-organizer Joani Chapman Its a very intense time for these students, but if we can save just one life with this program its well worth it.

This year, 25 students have varied roles in Shattered Dreams  17 as either the Walking Dead or cast in roles at the wreck. The others are on the film crew, recording and producing a video of the event.

Participants include senior Jacob Salinas, the drunken driver; senior Julianna Perez, who was dead at the scene; senior Angel Banda, victim; senior Jade Nails, victim; senior Kaizha Roberts, victim; senior Jonathan Soder, victim; and the Walking Dead senior Kennedy Beck, senior Carson Burnett, senior Fatima Diaz, senior Breana Figeroa, senior Alondra Fraire, senior Sasha Gonzales, senior Tedde Hernandez, junior Tabbatha Riojas, senior Breanna Roden, senior Jordan Valedez and junior Thalia Vaquera.

The film crew includes Fabian Ceballos, Jessica Britton, Gabriel Rodriguez, Travis Rushing, Trevor Reid, Javier Vaquera, Jordan Vela and David Arellano.

Its made as realistic as possible, right down to the victims being made up to show real injuries including broken bones sticking out, ambulances, police cars and the AeroCare helicopter, explains Fire Marshal Philip Mize, co-organizer. And to help drive it home, every 15 minutes during the rest of the school day the Grim Reaper pulls a student out of class and they arent seen again until an assembly the next day. Instead, the teacher reads their obituary to the class after they leave.

Those fatally injured, whether at the scene or from injuries at the hospital, lie motionless while they are identified by grieving parents at either the hospital or the morgue. Once the scenarios are complete, the dead and injured had their phones taken away and are not allowed to contact family and friends until Friday. Instead, they were sequestered overnight at First United Methodist Church.

On Friday, the dead students will be reintroduced to classmates during an assembly. The PHS audiovisual club will show their video from Thursday, showing the drinking party, crash, anguish at the hospital and arrest and sentencing of the student charged with drinking and driving.

During the assembly, students who died during the event will share letters from their parents.

While heart wrenching, the program has been effective in driving home the realities of impaired driving. Participants are eligible for scholarships  one to the graduating senior this year, and another to a current junior next year. In 2015, the went to Christopher Vega. Caitlyn Isaguirre received it in 2016.

Donations to Shattered Dreams should be made to PHS and are tax deductible. Contributions should be made payable and sent to Plainview Shattered Dreams, 1501 Quincy, Plainview, TX 79072.
WASHINGTON -- Gale Stallworth Stone, the acting inspector general of Social Security, is urging citizens to remain vigilant of a nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. Since alerting the public in early March about suspicious calls from people posing as Office of the Inspector General investigators, the Social Security Administration and the OIG have received additional reports and information about the phone scheme from citizens across the country.

According to reports, the calls include a recorded message from an officer with the Inspector General of Social Security. The recording states the persons Social Security account, Social Security number, and/or benefits are suspended, and the person should call a non-SSA number to resolve the issue. For instance, a common recording from Nancy Jones requests citizens call 806-680-2373. Upon calling the number, an unknown person alerts unsuspecting citizens about a warrant for their arrest. The unknown person urges citizens to purchase iTunes cards, other gift cards, or prepaid banking cards, for hundreds of dollars, and to provide the card information to the unknown person, to resolve the warrant.
FILE PHOTO: Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, designed specifically for the Airbus A350 family of aircraft, are seen on the assembly line at the Rolls Royce factory in Derby, November 30, 2016. REUTERS/Paul Ellis/Pool/File Photo

By Jamie Freed

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Both Airbus (AIR.PA) and Boeing (BA.N) now offer aircraft that appear capable of flying non-stop commercial flights from Sydney to London - the "Holy Grail" for Australian carrier Qantas Airways Ltd (QAN.AX).

As long as oil prices don't go much higher than around $70 per barrel, the 20-hour flight can be financially viable, and could be on schedules within five years, aviation experts say.

Airbus has increased the range of its A350-900ULR to 9,700 nautical miles (17,960 kms) from the 8,700 nautical miles announced when it sold the plane to Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI) in 2015 for delivery next year, a spokesman told Reuters. Including headwinds, the Sydney-London flight is equivalent to 9,600 nautical miles.

"These aircraft, we think, are potentially real goers on these routes," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce told Reuters of the A350-900ULR and the bigger but less advanced Boeing 777-8. "You know from what they have done on other aircraft that Sydney-London and Melbourne-London has real possibility."

For Qantas, a non-stop Sydney-London route that cuts three hours off the flight time would allow it to charge a premium and differentiate its product from the around two dozen other airlines plying the so-called Kangaroo route with stop-offs in Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong.

The route accounts for only 13 percent of Qantas' international capacity, but carries the prestige QF1 flight number and is important to its global brand.

Qantas could charge around a 20 percent price premium for a non-stop Sydney-London flight as it would attract business and premium leisure travelers wanting to complete the trip as fast as possible, said Rico Merkert, a professor specializing in transport at the University of Sydney's business school.

"It's something that can be presented as a unique selling point for Qantas," he said.

FUELLING DOUBTS

Qantas begins non-stop flights from Perth to London next year, using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. For this scheduled flight, the Dreamliner will have fewer seats than usual, will use the most advanced flight path modeling methods, and will reduce the weight in areas seemingly as minor as the dishes and forks.

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The Perth flight will take 17 hours - a far cry from the four days and seven stops it took when Qantas created the Kangaroo Route to London in 1947.

Qantas can offset the higher cost of carrying more fuel to complete the flight by saving on stopover costs, such as airport charges, ground handling, taxes, crew hotel rooms and lounge usage.

"In terms of economics, much depends on fuel prices," said Teal Group aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia. "If they stay at $50 a barrel or less, it should be possible to keep costs reasonable. But as fuel goes up, the disadvantages of flying a very heavy plane begin to make ultra-long haul problematic."

He said the flight should remain economic at prices below around $70 a barrel, though Leeham Co analyst Bjorn Fehrm said the actual level could be far higher as one-stop rivals would also be squeezed by higher oil prices.

Singapore Airlines ended its New York and Los Angeles flights using the four-engined A340-500 in 2013 when oil prices topped $107 a barrel. The carrier is now waiting for delivery of the far more fuel-efficient twin-engined A350-900ULR next year.

HEADWINDS

Qantas is pushing the planemakers hard on a stretch goal of completing the Sydney-London flight with 300 seats to give it the highest possible revenue and fleet flexibility.

However, Fehrm said the aircraft would likely fall short of that goal if Qantas wanted to avoid a fuel stop on the westbound leg when headwinds are strongest. If such stopovers became frequent enough, Qantas would lose its ability to charge a premium on the route.

Two aviation industry sources said the Airbus A350-900ULR would fit more than 250 passengers on the Sydney-London route, up from the 170 mainly business-class seats on Singapore Airlines' configuration for flights to New York and Los Angeles.

Boeing's 777-8, due to enter service early in the next decade, could carry around 280 passengers on the westbound leg of the Sydney-London flight, the sources said. The sources declined to be named because the configuration details are not finalised. Airbus and Boeing declined to comment specifically on the seat count.

"We think our airplane has the legs and the capability," said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing Senior Vice President Sales Asia-Pacific and India. "If the 787-9 can do Perth-London, we think that when the 777-8 comes out in the 2021 timeframe we will have a lot more improvement in technology."

Airbus, Boeing and engine manufacturers are constantly investing to reduce fuel usage, extending a plane's range and its ability to perform in hot conditions like the Middle East.

That means the planemakers don't have to invest specifically for any Qantas order, the size of which is still unclear.

Pushing the seat count towards 300 would also give Qantas the flexibility to use these aircraft on other long routes, such as a mooted Sydney-New York flight, as it looks to replace six ageing 747-400ER planes and eventually its fleet of 12 A380s.

BEST PRICING

Qantas' Joyce has raised publicly the possibility of ordering the 777-8 for ultra-long haul flights for the last two years, but the A350-900ULR has entered the equation more recently.

"It has added competition, and we would be crazy if we didn't do a competition at the right time," Joyce said. "That gets you the best pricing and ... the most capable aircraft."

Qantas has yet to launch a formal tender process for the prestige order, as it waits for Boeing to finalize the specifications on the 777-8. But the first Sydney-London flights are possible around 2022, Joyce said.

"The Kangaroo route is probably the most competitive on the globe," Joyce said. "(Flying non-stop) takes us off this superhighway of very competitive conditions of capacity which is priced, in many cases, under costs."

(To view a graphic on 'The Kangaroo route' click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/QANTAS-ORDERS/010040G811D/QANTAS-ORDERS.jpg)

(Reporting by Jamie Freed; Editing by Ian Geoghegan)
BERLIN  Acura of Berlin is preparing to move to a new location on the Berlin Turnpike with a neighboring retail building.



Its gone up pretty quick, said Tony Braglia, general manager of Acura of Berlin. Were looking to finish the project up in May.



The Executive Auto Group dealership, owned by John Orsini, was first approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission in January 2016. Work began late last summer on the 8-acre parcel just north of CVS and across the street from a shopping plaza.



Braglia said the transition from the current location on Webster Square Road to the new site will start next month. A grand opening celebration is expected as early as June, depending on weather conditions.



Once completed, the 29,000-square-foot building will be the largest Acura dealership in the state.



Im thrilled, said Chris Edge, Berlins economic development director.The location can help us further develop in the area.



The dealership will feature expanded auto service and a bigger showroom. Braglia said up to 12 employees will be added.



New features include a system that will a photo of a vehicle and its license plate as it enters the service bay.



Its meant to streamline the service, Braglia said.



The retail building next door is expected to have more than one tenant. Edge thinks a sandwich shop or some other kind of eatery would be a good fit.



Entry to the dealership and retail building will be off Berlin Turnpike, as well as Episcopal Road.






HARTFORD  A proposal to expand the states hate crime law and enhance penalties for some offenses easily cleared the Judiciary Committee on Monday with near unanimous support.



It was the decision of two committee members not to vote  the final tally was 38-1  that drew attention after the meeting.



In particular, the state Democratic party attacked Sen. Len Suzio, R-Meriden, via Twitter on Wednesday, claiming he stands with extremists.



Suzio said he does oppose the idea of a hate crime law because such crimes are already punishable by other statutes, but he decided to abstain because he knew a no vote would become political fodder.



I dont in any way want this to be misconstrued as condoning destructive acts, he said Wednesday.



Rep. Robert Sampson, R-Wolcott, also abstained, but didnt receive the same social media attack that the state Democratic party aimed at Suzio. Sampson said he abstained because he didnt have time to review revisions to the bill prior to the vote.



I think I passed on it because I received it moments before we voted on the thing and I wasnt prepared to vote on it, said Sampson, who also represents a part of Southington.



The state Democratic party instead focused its attention on Suzio, who won a tight and hotly-contested race against former Sen. Dante Bartolomeo, a Meriden Democrat, taking back a seat that she won from him in 2012. It was the third straight close election involving the two candidates.



Suzio said his objection to the hate crime bill, and the existing law, is the notion that some offenses should receive additional penalties based on motivation. He said all crimes, regardless of motivation, should be treated as serious offenses.



A crime is a crime, whatever is in your mind, he said.



The proposed bill would include crimes based on gender as a hate crime  currently only those motivated by gender identity and sexual orientation are covered  and would make the commission of any hate crime a felony.



Some offenses, such as threats against houses of worship or other religious facilities, would be raised to higher felony classes.



Suzio said the motivation for such crimes is irrelevant in a lot of ways because they can be damaging regardless of the reason. He also expressed concern with asking prosecutors to try and get into peoples minds.



Leigh Appleby, a spokesman for the state Democratic party, called the decision to abstain a dereliction of duty.



He said hate crimes are clearly a problem in Connecticut and nationwide, pointing to threats aimed at Jewish community centers and racist graffiti on residents homes in recent months. He also mentioned the 2015 incident in which a South Meriden resident fired a rifle into an unoccupied mosque.



He also said that if Suzio wants to raise his concerns, he should vote against it.



Committee Co-chairman Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, didnt share Applebys criticism, though, saying he didnt know the circumstances of those votes.



Tong said he was pleased by the broad support, saying the bill appears to have significant momentum as it now awaits a chamber vote. He said the legislation is needed because it recognizes that hate crimes are unacceptable in this state, that theres been an unfortunate uptick, at least in our consciousness, if not statistically. So weve got to act.



The sole no vote against the bill was cast by Rep. Doug Dubitsky, R-Chaplin.



msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino






WASHINGTON (AP)  The Republican chairman is stepping aside from leading a congressional investigation of Russian interference in last years U.S. presidential election, citing ethics complaints that he mishandled classified information.



The decision by Rep. Devin Nunes of California comes amid partisan turmoil on the House intelligence committee. Democrats have alleged that Nunes, who was on President Donald Trumps transition team, is too close to the White House and cannot lead an impartial inquiry. In an extraordinary step, the usually-quiet House ethics committee said that it is investigating whether Nunes improperly disclosed classified information. President Donald Trump said Nunes is a very honorable guy.



Nunes blamed left-wing activist groups for filing accusations against him with the Office of Congressional Ethics.



The charges are entirely false and politically motivated and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power, Nunes said in a statement.



Nunes move could be seen as a win for Democrats whose cries for an independent panel to investigate Russias possible ties with the Trump campaign have grown. They have pointed in particular to two Nunes trips to the White House  one announced, one not  as evidence that his loyalty to Trump outweighs his commitment to leading a bipartisan investigation.



By all accounts, the intelligence committees growing partisanship has become a distraction from its underlying investigations.



The top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff of California, said he appreciated Nunes decision to step aside from the Russia investigation.



There was a cloud hanging over us after the White House incident, Schiff told The Associated Press on Thursday.



As the majority party in the House, Republicans will keep the committee chairmanship. GOP Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, with help from Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and Rep. Tom Rooney of Florida, will temporarily take charge of the investigation, said Speaker Paul Ryan.



Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday that he doesnt know Conaway, but he heard he was well-respected. High quality, Trump said.



Schiff said Conaway does not have the same history with the White House that Nunes does.



Two watchdog groups, Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, had asked the House ethics committee to investigate whether Nunes disclosed classified information he learned from intelligence reports.



In a statement, CREW spokesman Jordan Libowitz said the group believes that Nunes potential violation of House ethics rules is so grave that it needs to be investigated right away.



Nunes last month disclosed that Trump associates communications had been swept up by U.S. spy agencies and, he suggested, mishandled by Obama administration officials.



The announcement was striking, as it is unusual for a member of the committee to publicly discuss the existence of what would be classified intelligence reports.



Nunes later acknowledged that the material had been shared by a secret source on the White House grounds, raising fresh questions about his coordination with the White House. Trump seized on the information as evidence backing up his unfounded claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped the phones at his New York skyscraper.



Schiff later saw the same material, but refused to publicly discuss what he learned. He said Thursday he understood the material was now to be shared with other intelligence committee members.



Republican Speaker Ryan said he supported Nunes decision to step aside.



It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House intelligence committees investigation into Russian interference in our election, Ryan said.



A Republican aide said Nunes met with Ryan on Wednesday night to discuss stepping aside from the Russia probe. Thats when Ryan learned of the House ethics probe, according to the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.



Nunes said in his statement, I will continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as committee chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the ethics committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims.



The ethics committee investigation of Nunes actions will be led by Republican Chairwoman Susan Brooks of Indiana and Democrat Ted Deutch of Florida.



Conaways ascendance immediately drew attention to his statement earlier this year expressing skepticism about the subject of the investigation.



In January, Conaway compared Russias interference in the 2016 election to the Democrats employing Mexican entertainers to help turn out the Latino vote.



Those are foreign actors, foreign people, influencing the vote in Nevada, Conaway told the Dallas Morning News. You dont hear the Democrats screaming and saying one word about that.



During the committees first hearing on the Russia probe last month, his questions were focused on how intelligence agencies prove who is behind a hack and what a foreign leaders intent is.



All 17 intelligence agencies have agreed that Russia was behind the hack of Democratic email systems and tried to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump.







Associated Presss Chad Day and Matthew Daly contributed to this report.






The logo of Airbus is pictured at the entrance of the Airbus facility in Bouguenais, near Nantes, France March 20, 2017. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

By Tim Hepher

PARIS (Reuters) - Airbus (AIR.PA) took 20 new jet orders in March to end the first quarter well behind rival Boeing (BA.N) as delays in deliveries of the A320neo shifted the spotlight back to an earlier model.

The France-based company ended the quarter with 26 orders, but the net total for the year shrank to six after allowing for cancellations and conversions between different models.

Boeing earlier posted 226 jetliner orders for the same quarter, boosted by orders for 21 airframes for its P-8 military surveillance jet project and 15 U.S. air refuelling tankers.

After cancellations, Boeing posted 198 net orders including those military derivatives, but most of the remaining orders were from airlines that have to be identified.

Airbus took 18 orders for its popular A320 single-aisle jet, despite it nearing the end of its production as Airbus switches to the upgraded A320neo, whose deliveries have been delayed by problems at one engine supplier, Pratt & Whitney (UTX.N).

The order tally for A320neo aircraft fell by 8 units in March: hardly enough to dent a backlog of over 3,500 orders but enough to highlight the unexpected extra availability of current-generation A320s as Airbus keeps assembly lines flowing.

Chinese lessor CALC and U.S. budget carrier Spirit Airlines are among customers seizing the chance to pick up extra A320s powered by an earlier generation of engines at what some industry sources describe as "opportunistic" prices.

Airbus delivered 12 A320neos in March to bring the 2017 total to 26, but deliveries remain behind schedule due mainly to problems with engines from Pratt, one of two suppliers.

Airbus aims to deliver about 200 A320neos this year.

In two other widely watched projects it delivered 13 A350s and 3 A380s in the first quarter. In total, it delivered 136 jets in the quarter compared with Boeing's total of 169.

However, analysts said Boeing's deliveries were lower than expected and Wells Fargo Securities cut its earnings forecast for the quarter, while maintaining its forecast for the year.

Story continues

Boeing shares rose 0.4 percent, about in line with the U.S. market, while Airbus shares rose more than 1 percent.

Boeing overtook its European rival as the world's largest jetliner producer in 2012 and analysts say it is expected to retain the title through the rest of the decade, while the prize for most orders is hotly contested each year.

Last quarter's wide order gap with Boeing came as Airbus faces a UK probe into suspected corruption in its use of third-party agents to win contracts in at least five countries, which widened this month as France started its own investigation.

Airbus said in its annual report released ahead of an April 12 shareholder meeting it was reviewing processes for using such agents, most of which have seen their relationships with Airbus canceled as the company carries out a compliance drive.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, editing by David Evans)
AUSTIN -- Those who harass children online and through social media could face penalties under a bill considered by the State Affairs Committee on Thursday. San Antonio Sen. Jose Menendez told committee members that such harassment is rampant and is a major contributor to the rise in teen suicide. "This has become an epidemic with a staggering amount of children committing suicide," he said. "As a matter of fact, teen suicide is the number one reason that teens are dying. It's surpassing automobile accidents." His bill, SB 179, would give parents, schools and courts tools to go after people who try to incite young Texans to hurt themselves via the Internet.

Menendez told the story of several Texas families whose children were harassed into committing suicide on social media. One was Brandy Vela, an 18-year-old high school senior from Texas City. She shot herself last December in front of her parents after a months-long campaign of harassment from anonymous on-line bullies. Menendez told the committee the bullies continued to harass the family about the death of their daughter. "The sad part is her killers will pay a small fine and walk free," Menendez read from a letter by Brandy's father Raul Vela. "While I'm having to pay $75,000 worth of medical bills and funeral services, in addition to grieving the death of our loved one."

The bill would create causes of action at the school level, for civil courts and criminal penalties for the most heinous harassers. At schools, the bill would require districts to form policies to combat cyberbullying and to prevent suicide. It gives school administrators more latitude to punish on-line bullies and requires they report incidents of cyberbullying to local police. Parents would also have to be notified immediately by the school if their child was the victim of on-line bullying. The bill would also require schools to set up a system by which students can anonymously report incidences of cyberbullying.

On the civil side, the bill would direct the state Supreme Court to develop rules for subpoenaing relevant social media information in cases of cyberbullying, in order to unmask anonymous harassers. It would also allow a person to be sued for up to $25,000 in damages if they, or their child, engage in the cyberbullying of a minor. A parent could also seek a temporary restraining order against their child's bully. The bill would create a new offense in the penal code, up to a class A misdemeanor, for those whose harassment of a minor leads to that minor attempting or committing suicide. "It's important that there should be some consequences to people who coerce our children to hurt themselves," said Menendez. "I don't see it much different than if there were a child on a ledge out there and someone would be out there saying 'Jump! Jump!'"

The bill remains pending before the committee.

The Senate will reconvene Monday, April 10 at 2 p.m.
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With blessings from six different religious leaders and a nod to the ancient tree spirits, the last steel beam was lifted Thursday to the top of the Salesforce Tower, the tallest building in San Francisco.

It was a day of speeches and pride for the 1,070-foot tower, which rises on Mission Street between Fremont and First streets, and looms over the citys skyline. It can be seen from all parts of the Bay Area.

This tower is more than an office building, said Fred Clarke, one of the principal architects on the project. It is fundamentally an act of optimism, comparable to a pyramid or an obelisk, marking a new place on Earth reaching for the heavens.

The last piece of steel  a 14-foot-long beam, painted white and covered with the signatures of workers, was lifted to the top of the building, 61 stories above the street about midday. Topping off the building is one of the oldest traditions in construction, and the beam had a 6-foot-tall cedar tree attached to it.

It was a nod to an ancient rite. In the days when all buildings were wooden, crews crowed the highest point with a green tree to appease the spirits of wood and the forest.

It brings luck, said Reint Smit, the towers chief engineer.

The tree may bring luck, but the tower is the result of skill  of the thousands of workers who built it; of Boston Properties, which owns it; and mostly of Salesforce, which will be the prime tenant.

Many of the speakers at the topping-off ceremony hailed the building as the tallest west of Chicago. Reports that a Los Angeles building is 30 feet taller were not mentioned.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who was the driving force behind the tower, said he remembered back when he was a little boy, watching the Bank of America building and the Transamerica Pyramid being built.

I remember my grandfather telling me this was the new face of San Francisco going up, he said.

Now his companys office building towers over the older skyscrapers. For years, the Transamerica, at 853 feet, was the citys tallest. The Salesforce Tower is 217 feet higher.

Salesforce was born and raised in San Francisco just 15 years ago, said Elizabeth Pinkham, Salesforces executive vice president for real estate. She was showing off the view from the 60th floor to reporters and guests. Never in a million years would you think Salesforce would be here atop the tallest San Francisco tower.

Salesforce will be the main tenant with offices on floors three to 30 and on the 60th and 61st floors. Benioff said the very top floor, which will be named the Ohana Floor, after the Hawaiian word for family, will be open to nonprofit and community groups for events. And we wont charge them, either, he said.

Making the top of the tower available, Benioff said, is part of giving back to the community.

It was a cloudy day with a touch of rain, but the city, the bay and the bridges looked like scale models from the top of the tower.

This is an amazing building, Smit, the engineer, said. On a clear day, you can see the Farallon Islands from up here. He smiled. And with a bit of imagination, you can see Hawaii, he said.

That may not be true, but you can see the citys high-tech future. This is the centerpiece of the city, Mayor Ed Lee said at the opening ceremony.

Tall as it is, the original plan was for a tower that would have been 100 feet higher. That was too tall for Benioff.

We scaled it down a bit, he said. Thats the backstory.

Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carlnoltesf
The San Francisco police officers union is calling for an investigation into Chief William Scotts decision to appoint only men to his command staff in his most recent round of promotions, signaling one of the first challenges from the rank-and-file to the new outside-hire chief.

In a letter obtained by The Chronicle, union attorney Gregg McLean Adam said that the San Francisco Police Officers Association has been inundated with complaints from both its male and female members regarding the failure of the Police Department to promote any female officers to the command staff in recent weeks.

Scott, who was sworn into office in January after a 27-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department, promoted six senior male officers to command staff positions in February. Before that, Scott created the position of assistant chief and appointed Interim Chief Toney Chaplin and former Deputy Chief Hector Sainez into those leadership roles.

To add insult to injury, one female member of the command staff, who is also the (most) senior ranking member of the command staff and a LGBT member, was reassigned to the airport bureau  which denies her the opportunity to use her skill set within the boundaries of the City and County of San Francisco, the letter states.

This is in reference to Deputy Chief Denise Schmitt, who was reassigned after former Commander Robert Moser took over her role as deputy chief of the administration bureau.

While union President Martin Halloran said there have been several meetings in which more than 30 female officers of all ranks expressed concerns, others questioned the unions motives in calling for an investigation only a few months into the new chiefs tenure.

The union has a prickly history when it comes to outside-hire chiefs. And just hours after Scotts hiring was announced, Halloran sent an email to union members stating that Mayor Ed Lee turned his back on the rank and file police officers in picking an outside candidate for chief.

I think theyve gotten on a bandwagon that happens to be convenient for them so they can derail the chief and create an atmosphere of mistrust, said Sgt. Yulanda Williams, president of Officers for Justice, an organization representing nonwhite officers. Hes still viewed as an outsider.

The March 22 letter was sent to the citys Department of Human Resources, Civil Service Commission and Department on the Status of Women, and the union has not yet received a response, Halloran said.

Susan Gard, chief of policy at the Department of Human Resources, said her agency had not received any direct complaints of discrimination from a Police Department employee, but received Adams letter and was definitely reviewing his concerns.

The desire to get more women, and more women of color, into the police ranks is one we share, she said. The real key is recruitment. We only have so many females in the labor market in San Francisco who are available and interested in being police officers, so recruitment has to go beyond the immediate Bay Area.

The union was not the first to question the all-male appointments. Police Commissioner Petra DeJesus asked the chief about the decision in a meeting last month, pointing out that his appointments meant that only two members of the 15-member command staff were women.

Scott responded that he counts three civilian directors as part of his command staff, and two of those directors are women. Including the civilian directors and captains, Scott said, his command staff is 81 percent male and 19 percent female, which reflects the general makeup of the department. The Police Department is about 85 percent male and 15 percent female, he said.

Scott did not immediately return requests for comment Wednesday. But Adam argued in the letter that civilian directors are not considered command staffers by the rank-and-file.

Adam said union members were also concerned that female officers received fewer opportunities to join specialized units. He said the overall lack of transparency around the promotion process makes it difficult for officers to gauge if there is an anti-female bias.

Williams, a union adversary, said she would love to see more women and minorities in leadership positions. But she questioned the timing of the unions allegations.

Its interesting that they never questioned (former Chief) Greg Suhr, who did the exact same thing with his command staff, she said.

Suhr had 26 officers on his command staff during his five-year tenure as chief  six were women.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @VivianHo
FirstCapital Bank of Texas Chairman Ken Burgess is fighting for community banks. For the third time in four weeks, the incoming chairman of the American Bankers Association was in Washington, D.C., to talk with federal officials about the plight of community banks.

Were losing almost a community bank per day, and we have done that since Dodd-Frank passed in 2010, he told the Reporter-Telegram on Thursday, one day after he and other bankers from around the country met with Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and members of the Treasury Department.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was passed in 2010 in response to the Great Recession, but its across-the-board rules and regulations have been hard on community banks and even has FCB concerned as it gets close to various thresholds laid out in federal lending guidelines.

Burgess talked with the federal government about the difficulties community banks are having when lending to small businesses. There are a number of lines of businesses that if a bank is involved in it increase the amount of capital they have to hold to be in that area of business. Many of those regulations directly impact our ability to lend to small businesses. Since the presidents primary focus is creating jobs, the last thing you want to do is hurt small businesses.

One area is in commercial real estate lending. If you think about a small business that needs a building to operate out of, banks finance those businesses so they can have a place to operate, he said. When you put regulations in place that makes it harder and harder to make those types of loans, that impacts small business.

Interim construction guidelines  which cover homes, office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, apartment complexes and more  dictate that banks cannot exceed 100 percent of capital. When you go in and say all of your interim construction should not surpass 100 percent of capital, youre ignoring that natural diversification thats already there, Burgess said.

For FCB, Were right at 100 percent on that particular guideline. Theres a bit of leniency to go past that, but if you go too far past that, theres increased scrutiny and potentially increased capital that we have to hold within the bank because of that. We pay attention to that.

Another inhibitor is a 300 percent threshold for all commercial real estate, which includes interim construction. Right now, we are somewhere between 250 percent to 260 percent, so we have to be judicious of the loans we make. FCB is forced to focus on existing customers first because its so close to the threshold. It might not be able to consider new customers who seek loans. This makes it difficult for his bank to facilitate growth in Midland, which has seen an economic uptick in recent months.

Facilitating local economic growth is the mission of community banks such as FCB, Burgess said. He added that community banks have better knowledge about commercial real estate in their region than the federal government. He made the point clear to Mnuchin and company, he said. Setting artificial guidelines and ignoring the fact that community banks know their communities, know their customers and know where the risks lie better than a regulator in Washington, D.C., setting a one-size-fits-all policy limit on banks.

We need to let the local communities decide where credit should be allocated so we can grow those communities. The result of that is good for our country because growth in our individual communities is going to make our economy better, he said.

If given the choice, Burgess said he first would restructure regulations on home lending because people seeking small home loans often get less consideration. From the banks standpoint, its better to do the big loan because, in a lot of cases, we lose money on the smaller loans. We need to fix that so banks are as willing to make small home loans as they are big home loans.

He explained that appraisals, inspections, surveys, legal fees and other regulatory requirements cost the bank the same for loans big and small. The ones who are being hurt the worst are the people who are trying to buy the less-expensive houses. When you make it so costly and so hard to make a loan, it gets costly for those small loans because it costs as much for a $50,000 home loan as it does for a $500,000 home loan.

Burgess sympathizes with people and businesses seeking small loans. Before he was exposed to the banking business, he worked on a farm. His father started a bank when he was in eighth grade, and he got his first taste of the business when he got the chance to work at the bank when he was a sophomore. When I had an opportunity to work for the bank in high school, I had more fun working there than out driving a tractor or walking out into the field with a hoe in my hand, he said.

For Burgess, the pursuit of banking wasnt about becoming wealthy. Hes community-minded, and the industry is his way to make positive impacts.

Im not in banking for the money. If I wanted to be in a job where I wanted to make a lot of money, I probably would have been a doctor or an engineer, he said. The thing I enjoy most about banking is I get to help people, I get to help small business owners. I get to see the success from the help Im able to give them. Thats what makes my job enjoyable.

Changing federal regulations so small banks can continue serving their communities is why he has spent so much time in the nations capital, having previously met with President Donald Trump and speaking before the House Financial Services Subcommittee.

The more we can make things better for our small businesses and our communities, the more everyone will benefit because more jobs are created when our businesses are successful and more individual consumers around the country will benefit, Burgess said.

Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes.










Gail Hathaway, who was fired as CEO and executive director of Workforce Solutions Alamo in November, is now suing the organization for up to $1 million for breach of contract, slander and emotional distress.

Hathaway lays most of the blame for her firing on former WSA spokeswoman Eva Esquivel, accusing her of harassment. The lawsuit filed this week in Bexar County district court says Esquivel made anonymous hot line calls complaining about Hathaway to the state agency that oversees Workforce Solutions Alamo and spread rumors about the ousted executive that Esquivel knew werent true.

Esquivel falsely accused Hathaway last year of awarding a janitorial contract to Hathaways neighbor and of having an illicit sexual relationship with another unnamed employee, the lawsuit states.

These false allegations were made intentionally, knowingly and with ill will, actual malice and reckless disregard for their truth of falsity, according to the lawsuit. The allegations damaged Hathaways reputation and exposed her to public hatred, contempt, ridicule and financial injury, she said in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit says Esquivel was terminated at the agency after she physically assaulted a co-worker. Esquivel declined to immediately comment on the lawsuit, saying she needed to speak with her lawyer first.

Hathaway, who was fired by the WSA board Nov. 7, said the organization could have avoided litigation had the board given her 14 days written notice or provided written reasons for her firing. Hathaway said in the lawsuit that neither of those things happened.

Hathaway is seeking roughly $200,000 in actual damages, as well as attorneys fees and punitive damages for the shame and humiliation, emotional distress, mental anguish, and other psychological damages which Plaintiff has suffered in the past and which she will, in reasonable probability, suffer in the future, the lawsuit states.

Hathaway was terminated following a scathing report from a state agency that criticized the organizations contracting practices and cited a culture of fear, suspicion and retaliation among staff, which she disputes.

Then-Chairman Rudy Garza said during the Nov. 7 board meeting that TWC had found discrepancies in procurement procedures and allegations of a hostile workplace environment.

Hathaway defended her performance at the agency before the board voted to fire her. She was hired in 2014 with a two-year contract and two one-year optional extensions.

If its your desire to have someone different, then so be it, Hathaway said at the meeting. Im tired of working my tail off and then made out to be the bad guy and scapegoat. The changes at WSA were needed and are already making a difference. I hope you think long and hard about what you really want to do. Starting over every time is not always the best answer.

After firing Hathaway, the board hired former WSA Executive Director Alan Miller, who had retired, to operate the agency as interim CEO and executive director until a permanent replacement is named. The board is scheduled to announce a finalist for the position during its April 21 meeting.

Calls seeking comment from Miller and WSA lawyer Frank Burney were not immediately returned Thursday.

The San Antonio agency serves 12 counties, including Bexar. The board and staff govern a network of service providers and contractors that match people with jobs.

The agency also provides child care, career counseling, job-search workshops, training, job fairs and labor market information services.

dhendricks@express-news.net
A problem with the role-playing portion of a San Francisco Police Department promotional exam means 408 officers vying to become sergeants must retake the tactical test, officials said.

A letter to candidates for promotion from Micki Callahan, the citys human resources director, said her department learned during the scoring process that there were inconsistencies in how the actors in the role-playing exercise provided information to candidates.

The inconsistencies, Callahan wrote, unfairly impacted the testing environment for a certain number of candidates and may have affected their performance. The fairest response, she said, was to administer the test again.

The 408 candidates went through the exam in February. No date has been set for the do-over.

Martin Halloran, president of the police officers union, said that the Civil Service Commission, the agency that oversees the citys merit-based system, had hired a new contractor to give the test and that role players in the exercise were either not qualified, not prepared, or both.

Police Department officials declined to comment on the promotional exams, but Susan Gard, chief of policy at the Department of Human Resources, said that while the Civil Service Commission makes the rules, its up to Human Resources to administer and rate the exams.

Gard attributed the inconsistencies in the test to human error. She said that the department did hire a new contractor but that the problems involved actors hired for the tactical exercise who were not affiliated with the contractor.

We hired actors for the tactical portion and they were trained for 12 hours and given a test to make sure they would stick to the script and stay consistent, she said. During the course of the exam, some of them did not stick to the script. Some officers were provided different information than other officers were provided.

It was just human error on the part of the role players, Gard said. I think some of them hadnt been in a situation like that before with someone taking a test.

The sergeants exam is notoriously demanding. Gard said she did not know how long it would take to readminister the tactical portion.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
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Mary Mikel Stump, director of exhibitions at the Southwest School of Art, is leaving that position to follow her husband to Tacoma, Washington. Her last day is April 7.

Stump was hired in July 2015 to replace Kathy Armstrong, who left to become executive director of Luminaria. Before coming to the Southwest School of Art, Stump was director of the Texas State University galleries for almost 20 years.

Stump said she applied for the job after receiving an email from Paula Owen, president of the institution.

I forward it to a few people and then all of a sudden I thought, Wait a minute! she said. The program is very similar to what I did at Texas State, so I thought it would be an easy and natural transition from one thing to another, but the opportunity to really connect to a large art community where there were other performing and visual art institutions really excited me.

When Stump took the job, she inherited a slate of exhibitions. The first show she programmed entirely for the Southwest School of Art, was Austin-based artist Seth Orion Schwaigers Complex 2. For the exhibit, which was on view Sept. 1 through Oct. 30, 2016, the artist divided the Russell Hill Rogers Gallery I into a series of smaller galleries, each containing separate but related visual experiences.

I think (it was) probably the most ambitious curatorial project that Ive done in my career, Stump said. It was really important for me to altar the space in a way that would get the attention of people who had been coming to the gallery for years and years and years, so it would kind of throw them off and disorient them a little bit. When I saw the first iteration of that project in Austin, I knew it was perfect because he would have to physically intervene and architecturally alter the space in order to do what he wanted to do.

A search for a new director of exhibitions is currently under way. Owen expects to fill the position sometime in the summer.

During Stumps tenure, she has been very instrumental in what I call the expanded perception of the Southwest School of Art into the state, Owen said. Shes made connections with artists and galleries and collectors in Houston and Dallas and Austin, and thats so important for us now as we start to expand our boundaries in terms of students and our college program.

Stump will leave programming in place through the end of August 2018, including shows by Mexico City-based artist Victor Perez-Rul; San Antonio-based artists Esteban Delgado, Jack McGilvray, Kristy Perez and Buster Graybill; and Los Angeles-based artist Chris Engman.

Stump also coordinated an exhibition for the citys Tricentennial. Scheduled to open in February, it is described as an encyclopedic showcase of the citys history as told and re-written by more than 300 artists. The six-part show will be hosted by six venues  the Southwest School of Art, Artpace, Blue Star Contemporary, the Carver Community Cultural Center, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and the Instituto Cultural de Mexico.

Thats a major feat to work in partnership with that many organizations, Owen said. Its such a wonderful concept to orchestrate this kind of celebratory exhibition that involves so many different artists.

In Tacoma, Stump will be director of audience engagement at the Washington State Historical Society, which owns and operates the Washington State History Museum. Her husband, Marty Stump, a landscape architect, moved there in October after landing a dream job working for the city in his hometown.

Though Stump is sad to be leaving San Antonio, the sixth generation Texan expects to be back often.

I have lots of family and friends (here), she said. So people will probably see me and say, I thought you left.

lsilva@express-news.net
First, let us sincerely thank the makers of Smurfs: The Lost Village for what they didnt do.

They didnt allow any Smurfs to break wind or talk about poop. They didnt substitute the verb smurf for a profanity, and resisted what must have been impossible pressures to include product placement. (No cell phone towers in Smurf Village  yet.)

And this Smurfs, which uses for source material the most college term paper-ready anti-feminist cartoon of its era, finally attempts to address its lack of female empowerment. Only-girl-in-the-village Smurfette is still a skirt-twirling sex object, but theres an Imperator Furiosa turn for her in the plot as well.

Sadly, almost all of this goodwill is wasted on a film that simply isnt very well-written, imaginative or memorable. The Smurfs 2 from 2013 was one of the worst movies Ive seen. It was a punishment endured; something to bring up in all future arguments for a pay raise. Ill probably forget 95 percent of Smurfs: The Lost Village by next Tuesday.

Smurfs: The Lost Village has no connection to The Smurfs (2011) or The Smurfs 2 (2013), both live action/animation hybrids that starred Neil Patrick Harris and took place in New York  through a portal between Smurf Village and the real world.

The new film has been produced like the 1980s cartoon, existing entirely in the realm of Smurf Village, bad wizard Gargamels castle and a few other brightly colored detours.

More Information Smurfs: The Lost Village * Quick take: Going from bad to innocuous See More Collapse

At the center is Smurfette, created by Gargamel to infiltrate and betray the Smurfs, who is suffering the identity crisis of the very privileged. (Hashtag #FirstSmurfProblems.) Shes also a pawn in the latest Gargamel attempt to trap the little blue cartoons but gets some unexpected help from a neighboring tribe, including a wise old female Smurf voiced by Julia Roberts.

The makers of The Lost Village recruited two female screenwriters, and their influence is felt. (Smurfette can be anything she wants to be, is one mantra.) They push the scenario created by Smurf-creating Belgian artist Peyo as far away from its sexist themes as possible, making the female characters the most capable in the film.

But good intentions are the best thing this reboot has going for it. The production design, pacing and attempts at humor all have the feel of a middling half-hour animated TV production, with by-the-numbers action sequences and underwhelming visuals. It doesnt help that Trolls by DreamWorks Animation  a vastly superior and more creative film with similar characters and themes  came out less than six months ago

Smurfs: The Lost Village has the look of a film that was rushed and made on a tight budget. At best, its an adequate baby sitter. That said, few parents will have any residual anger for spending the money.

Thats the difference between Smurfs 2 and Smurfs: The Lost Village. With the former film, you desire for some man-made or divine disaster that prevents the filmmakers from another sequel. With the latter film, you might root for another chance to get it right. 

Running time: 91 minutes

MPAA rating: PG (mild rude humor)
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A pistol containing material from one of the United States' most iconic monuments is turning heads not only for its beautiful design but also for its famous creator.

Reality TV star and Texas resident Jesse James is the man behind the rare "Lady Liberty" Full Damascus Cisco 1911, a pistol containing handrail tubes from the Statue of Liberty, forged into Damascus steel.

The former "Monster Garage" and "Celebrity Apprentice" star received the steel from an anonymous person involved in the New York monument's restoration, he told MySA.com.

"As soon as my hands touched (the steel), I knew what I was going to do with it," he said.

PHOTOS: 52,000-sq-ft, high-tech gun range opens in Central Texas

Only three "Lady Liberty" pistols exist, and only one is still available for sale. It costs $85,000.

The yearlong project is just one example of James' foray into gun-making, which he does from a workshop in Austin. His business, Jesse James Firearms Unlimited, launched in 2012.

Each firearm is custom-made, sporting intricate engravings and eye-catching designs. Prices for rifles start at about $3,500, and pistols start at about $4,400, James said. Prices increase quickly depending on custom features.

RELATED: The best-rated gun ranges in the state of Texas

Fans hoping to see James' works in-person are out of luck. Jesse James Firearms operates online, and James' workshop is private. He plans to keep it that way.

"It's 1993 all over again, when I first started my (motorcycle) shop," James told MySA, adding that he enjoys having the time and freedom to indulge his passion for creating new things.

"People keep (guns) forever, no matter how low on cash they are," he said. "It's way more personal, connected through their veins.

"That's something I've really responded to."

RELATED: You can ride a real tank and fire rounds on this ranch in South Texas

James' next history-inspired project involves two relics from World War II: a piece of wood and a damaged grease gun.

The grease gun was "dropped by a fallen soldier on D-day. In the exact spot we entered World War 2," according to an Instagram post detailing the project. The wood is from the U.S.S. Missouri, the ship on which the Japanese surrendered in 1945, marking the end of the war.

James plans to forge two Damascus 1911's out of the war relics.

See the firearms created by Jesse James Firearms Unlimited in the gallery above.

erobinson@mysa.com

Twitter: @eeelizzzabeth
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When Charlie Rice arrived at his Cleveland Hometown Sears store Thursday morning, he was surprised to find around 150 rubber ducks lined up on the sidewalk outside the store's front door. Along with the ducks is a sign that reads, "Cleveland has its ducks in a row."

"I have no idea who put them there but I agree that Cleveland has its ducks in a row," Rice said with a laugh. "I think the message is positive but I am not sure what it signifies outside my store."
Lone Star College Center for Local and Oral History partnered with the Humble Museum to establish its first-ever speaker series.

The series invites historians, public officials, artists, museum curators, genealogists and others to speak on historical issues.

Chris Davis, associate professor at Lone Star College-Kingwood, founded the Lone Star College Center for Local and Oral History.

"The Center for Local & Oral History partnered with the Humble Museum to launch a speaker series at the museum, which endeavors to create a public forum for local history and civic education," Davis said.

The inaugural series runs from 7 to 8 p.m. and includes the following speakers:

APRIL 20

"The Town at Dunman's Prairie: A New Look at Humble's Origins and Early Years," presented by Robert Meaux

MAY 18

"Bordersville: Exploring Local History on the 'Other Side of the Tracks,'" presented by Emily Humble, with A.W. Jones

JUNE 22

"Elvis in East Texas: The Origins of the King," presented by Professor Steve Davis (LSC-Kingwood)

Davis founded the center and has worked to incorporate the center into LSC-Kingwood's U.S. History courses.

"I started the Center for Local & Oral History after being awarded a Lone Star College Chancellor's Faculty Technology Innovation Grant in spring 2016 (around $12,000)," said Davis.

While there is no physical "center," Davis said his office will do for now as the college administration looks for a more permanent space.

"I'd like the center to host a small library, student workspace, and a filming/audio-recording interview area," Davis said.

Davis said his students document a range of stories from people who lived through the Great Depression and World War II to a father recalling his experience escaping a POW camp in Cambodia and many more historical stories.

"Many of these interviews were conducted and recorded in Spanish, and then transcribed and translated into English," Davis said.

Davis said StoryCorps is similar to what he plans to do with the stories his students gathered.

"I plan to work with our digital and visual arts department to create documentary films, animated films, and graphic novels based on the oral-history interviews collected by LSC students," Davis said.

A YouTube channel and website will soon be added to LSC website along with a webpage dedicated to the LSC Center for Local and Oral History.
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Three graduate students are huddled around a pink, foam body draped in a blue sheet, in one of the mock operating rooms in the health sciences building at the Lone Star College System's Tomball campus.

Two students probe through small incisions in the foam stomach using utensils handed to them from a classmate. Cameras situated in the lights above supervise their work, projecting views from inside and outside of the artificial stomach onto large television screens.

The facilities at LSC-Tomball resemble a hospital or a pharmacy.

They might even be better.

But the school's ambitions wouldn't be as great, or even possible, without the Tomball Regional Health Foundation, Tomball's guardian angel of sorts; helping fund projects, programs, and initiatives throughout the area in an effort to better meet the community's health care needs.

"There's no other facility like this in the region," interim dean of health sciences, Tom Lescarbeau said, adding that officials from other colleges have visited and come away impressed by their offerings.

In 2011, the Tomball Hospital Authority sold all the assets of Tomball Regional Medical Center to Community Health Systems Inc. The funds from that sale were used to create the foundation.

Since that time, the foundation has given to numerous causes and organizations throughout the area.

They've given more than $50,000 to the Klein, Magnolia, and Tomball school districts. The foundation also sought to close regional gaps in health care by giving close to $2 million to create TOMAGWA's dental program, $45,000 to the Tomball Pregnancy Center, and more to those like Meals on Wheels and an EMS transportation program.

As of February, they've donated more than $11 million.

Since 2013, $889,420 of that sum has been given to LSC-Tomball.

That funded what the school's Pharmacy Technology Program Director, Diana Broome, called a dream vision. Broome said the foundation asked her to create this vision for the school's pharmaceutical program facilities. "They said pretend the sky is the limit," Broome said, adding that she thought it to be an exaggeration at the time.

She visited other college and pharmacy school programs, gleaning notes on what she liked most about each respective one.

Broome returned with the idea of a state-of-the-art program that could accomplish she and the foundation's longer term goals - to make a difference in regional pharmaceutical care.

"This is what we should have," she told them, "because no one else would."

The pharmacy program received more than $250,000.

In person, the school's facilities look spotless.

The program trains students for the different aspects of the field in addition to using faux prescriptions with matching patient leaflets and simulating difficult transactions with customers and insurance companies. One of the classrooms, a mock pharmacy complete with a waiting area and stocked shelves, also has a drive-thru so students can practice working with medicines and customers alike.

"We aren't a test-preparation program," Broome said, "We want them to be knowledgeable and proficient."

Thanks to the technology afforded to them, students can experiment with different compounds. One of the more popular class activities is making chap stick, lotions, and throat lozenges.

"Without the assistance from the foundation, we don't even have this vision," she said.

Back in the operating room, the surgical technology students discuss how their facilities help them better learn.

Luma Jn is the person who hands a surgeon the appropriate utensils during a patient's surgery.

His job is harder than it looks.

Jn is flanked by two table tops each full of silver tools. Many resemble scissors at the top but diverge into various shapes (and corresponding names like Alice and Babcock) at the bottom.

Jn must be quick and it's even more important that he's correct. A procedure's flow depends on each member being familiar with their respective duties so they can operate on the same page.

"It's speed to competency. We want to frontload the experience it would take time to practice," Lescarbeau said.

In a less equipped program, Jn might have fewer and older utensils to work with. It's easier to learn when the tools you use in class are the exact same as those in a professional operating room.

"The hardest thing to learn is setting up," Jn said of his immediate work space, which is specifically arranged for respective operations.

It's how you teach medical students that makes the difference, according to Ana Azevedo, who stands across from Jn.

"It's important just having the equipment to see it," she said. "It helps you know what to expect, helps you be more prepared, and less incidents are likely to occur [during actual operations]."

Azevedo said that this, in turn, allows students like she and her classmates to be better prepared to serve the area upon graduation.

For the foundation and the college, "patient-first is the priority," Broome said. "This is just an extension of the foundation's mission."

LSC-Tomball students are able to learn on state of the art technology due in great part to the contributions of the Tomball Hospital Foundation
FAIRFIELD  A California mans strange note alarmed employes at a local bank Wednesday morning, but he was apparently just looking for free coffee and candy.

Shortly after 10 a.m., an employee at the Darien Rowayton Bank, 3695 Post Road, called police after a man, later identified as Chad Busto, had come into the bank and was acting strangely. The man was scruffy, wearing an orange hat and baggy pants, and carrying a backpack that had a yellow pole sticking out of it, according to the police report.
By Sijia Jiang HONG KONG (Reuters) - A Chinese court has ordered Samsung Electronics's <005930.KS> mainland subsidiaries to pay 80 million yuan ($11.60 million) to Huawei Technologies [HWT.UL] for patent infringement, the China firm's first victory against Samsung on its legal challenges over intellectual property. Three units of Samsung have been ordered by the Quanzhou Intermediary Court to pay the sum for infringing a patent held by Huawei Device Co Limited, the handset unit of Huawei, the Quanzhou Evening News, a government-run newspaper, said on its website on Thursday. The verdict is the first on several lawsuits of Huawei against the South Korean technology giant. Huawei filed lawsuits against Samsung in May in courts in China and the United States - the first by it against Samsung - claiming infringements of smartphone patents. Samsung subsequently countersued Huawei in China for IP infringement. A spokesman for Huawei said it welcomed the court's decision. Samsung said it will decide on the response to the court's decision after reviewing the ruling. Huawei sued in Quanzhou court Samsung China Investment Co Limited, as well as a unit in Huizhou, a unit in Tianjin and two Chinese electronics companies for making and selling more than 20 kinds of Samsung smartphone and tablet products that it said infringed the patent. It sought compensation for the more than 30 million products that sold for $12.7 billion, including the Galaxy S7, according to the media report. The court ordered the five firms to stop infringing Huawei's copyrights and ordered the three Samsung units to pay the damage. (Reporting by Sijia Jiang; Additional reporting by Se Young Lee in SEOUL; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Multiple children were hospitalized after a Beaumont Independent School District bus carrying 44 elementary students was involved in a crash Wednesday afternoon on U.S. 69 in Lumberton.

The Lumberton Police Department said in a Facebook post that three vehicles were involved in the "major accident."
When Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, the message he will likely bring is: don't blame China for your problems.



China's Foreign Ministry has been telegraphing what Xi and his delegation plan to emphasize  that China has contributed greatly to the U.S. economy. Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang recently listed statistics to support China's argument, and those figures have been widely circulated in the Chinese state press.

From Beijing's perspective, China's trade surplus "does not necessarily mean China benefits while the United States loses," according to government news agency Xinhua Thursday. "About 40 percent of the trade surplus is actually generated by U.S. companies in China," it argues.

Other statistics oft-repeated by China: bilateral trade and investment created 2.6 million American jobs in 2015 and each American family saves $850 every year thanks to cheap Chinese goods.

The state media has been ratcheting up China's position in the run-up to the Trump-Xi talks. The Global Times, a Communist Party paper, ran an editorial Tuesday with the headline: "U.S. job losses are not China's fault." Xinhua ran a commentary Wednesday entitled: "It's unfair to blame China for U.S. job losses."



By reiterating this view, the Chinese are hoping to deflect what they expect to be heavy criticism from Trump over the trade deficit and job losses in manufacturing. However, the motivation behind the message is also a window into what Beijing is most worried about  that the talks could lead to finger-pointing and potentially herald a period of uncertainty in the Sino-U.S. relationship.



With a likely Chinese leadership reshuffle at a Communist Party Congress in the fall, Xi needs to project strength to his people this year. From Beijing's point of view, managing the optics of the Trump-Xi meeting will be critical.

The worst case scenario for the Chinese government would be any development that appears to diminish Xi. The Chinese are warily watching for signs of open hostility, awkward moments, or disrespectful tweets during the proceedings.

Story continues

In fact, the best outcome for Beijing would be if Xi and his delegation escape without any public conflict and instead depart with a path for constructive dialogue and assurances that the China-U.S. relationship will remain on a stable course.

 CNBC's Daisy Cherry contributed to this report.

WATCH: Why Trump's foreign policy is on a collision course in the South China Sea





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AUSTIN  The Texas House took a strong stand against school vouchers Thursday, voting 103-44 for a budget amendment that would prohibit using state funds for school choice programs.

The House stands in support of our neighborhood schools, said Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Corpus Christi, who offered the amendment to the Houses proposed budget for the next two-year budget period. We do not support the siphoning of public funds to be used for any sort of voucher scheme.

The vote highlighted another sharp division between the House and the Senate in a session that has been full of them, from the budget to proposed bathroom restrictions affecting transgender people.

Senators have approved a school choice program that would set up education savings accounts to allow families below a certain income level to pay for private school tuition. The Senate plan also would create a program in which businesses would get tax credits for scholarship donations.

But there is a resistance to the idea that ranges from public school educators to rural lawmakers, whose constituents have far fewer private school options than those in urban areas.

Even in the Senate, where Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides and has made the issue a priority, the proposal was scaled back before it was approved  for example, by excluding counties under 285,000 population unless voters petition to take part.

In the House, Public Education Committee Chairman Dan Huberty, R-Houston, already has said the issue is a dead one. Todays vote emphasized that point.

While all 44 lawmakers who voted against banning vouchers were Republican, the vote was a bipartisan one for the prohibition, which read, Money appropriated to the Comptroller of Public Accounts by this Act may not be used to pay for or support a school voucher, education savings account, or tax credit scholarship program or a similar program through which a child may use state money for nonpublic education.

Herreros amendment was among more than 400 drafted to the $218.2 billion budget, with their focus ranging from policy matters to spending priorities, although a number were pulled down without a vote as the debate wore on.

Gov. Greg Abbott was among the losers during the debate. A number of his priorities already were getting short shrift in the budget as it hit the floor, and amendments whittled away further in order to direct money elsewhere.

The deal-closing Enterprise Fund in the governors office, which only would have kept an estimated unspent balance of $43 million in the budget as it hit the floor, would be drained under an amendment successfully offered by Rep. Sergio Munoz, Jr., D-Palmview. The money instead would be divided between the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services and restoring cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates for therapists serving children with disabilities.

In addition, $10 million allocated to film incentives  far less than sought by Abbotts office  would be re-allocated to a womens health program under an amendment by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano.

Its still early in the process. As we get closer to a final budget, we believe the Legislature will ultimately fund critical economic development programs that create jobs and keep Texas in the vanguard of attracting new businesses in the future, said Abbott spokesman John Wittman.

In other areas, an amendment proposed by Rep.Ina Minjarez, D-San Antonio, would shift $21.5 million from Attorney General Ken Paxtons legal services division and put it into improving foster care services. It was adopted.

Another, by Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, would have taken money from the Texas Commission on the Arts and put it into general revenue. Tinderholt said he supports the arts, but services such as protecting abused and neglected children are more important.

Tinderholts amendment failed, with Rep. Diana Arevalo, D-San Antonio, speaking against it.

As a music educator myself I am deeply offended by this amendment, she said.

The budget is this years only must-pass bill, one that will fund critical state services over the next two years at a time of tight state revenues.

The House debate is expected to last into the night. When its done, budget work will shift to a team of legislative negotiators who will try to resolve differences between the House plan and a measure earlier passed by the Senate.

The two chambers plans spend similar amounts of money -- $217.7 billion in state and federal funds on the Senate side to the $218.2 billion on the House side. In state revenue, the money over which lawmakers have direct control, the proposal would spend $106.8 billion over the next two years. The Senate proposal would spend $106.3 billion in general revenue. Both would be below the amount needed to keep up with population growth and inflation.

But there are key differences in the money they allocate to big programs like higher education and smaller but high-profile projects such as an ambitious effort to restore the Alamo and re-develop the land surrounding it.

There also is a bitter divide in how they plan to pay for their proposals at a time when money is tight due to the uncertain oil and gas industry and previous legislative decisions to cut taxes and dedicate significant funds to addressing the snarled transportation system.

With less state revenue available for general spending, the House would pay for its budget in part by dipping into the rainy day fund. Its spending plan would take $2.5 billion from that savings account, which is expected to reach $12 billion by the end of the next two-year budget cycle.

Senate leaders have no appetite for using the rainy day fund that way, saying a savings account shouldnt be spent for ongoing expenses.

Instead, the Senate would help for its budget by slightly delaying the transfer of some of the money thats promised for transportation. The maneuver would push that expense into the next fiscal cycle, freeing up $2.5 billion for general spending in the 2018-19 budget period. At the same time, however, the Senate budget would count the $2.5 billion as an expenditure for transportation.

House leaders say that Senate maneuver reeks of the accounting tricks used in the Enron scandal. One called it unconstitutional. Senate leaders robustly defend it as proper.

There are other differences, notably in education.

In higher education, the House would trim back spending on so-called special items, which are programs paid for outside of formulas, but it would leave the funding structure basically intact. The Senate would revamp the structure, shifting special-item funding into formulas and giving d universities a cut of 6 to 10 percent.

Public education could rely more heavily on local school property taxes under both proposals, because of the way school funding formulas work. Schools are funded by a combination of state aid and local school property taxes, along with some federal money. The states share of paying for education goes down when local school property tax values go up.

The House plan however, offers a potential alternative. It would add another $1.5 billion in state revenue to public education contingent on passage of a school finance reform bill. An accompanying provision would slightly push back one payment to the Foundation School Program to the next fiscal cycle, yielding $1.9 billion that would more than cover that cost.

While there are numerous stark differences, there also are similarities between the House budget and the one approved by the Senate. Both budget proposals would put more money into border security and the states troubled system of caring for abused and neglected children, and both would allocate more money for the Alamo, known as the cradle of Texas liberty.

The House budget proposal would provide $75 million in state funds for the Alamo project, the amount sought by Land Commissioner George P. Bush. The Senate plan would provide $46.2 million.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
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SAN ANTONIO  Police believe a "lover's quarrel" might've led to a shooting and car chase on the North Side on Thursday.

Officer's first responded around 10:30 a.m. to the shooting on a Loop 410 access road near San Pedro Avenue, where they found a silver BMW crashed into a green Honda sedan.

The BMW had been abandoned, but the vehicle's owner was located at a nearby Taco Cabana.

RELATED: San Antonio jury rules in citys favor in controversial Marquise Jones case

The driver told police that he and another passenger had been driving by the Allstars Gentlemens Club near Wurzbach Road and Interstate 10, when a woman waved them down.

"This guy can't believe his luck," said Sgt. Ramiro Juarez. "He's like 'Man, a good lookin' girl just flagged me down."

Juarez said the driver let the woman into the back of his car and they left the club, but as they were getting onto the access road of I-10, he noticed a gray Honda backing up toward him.

The driver of the gray Honda pulled up next to him and flashed a gun. The BMW driver sped off, hearing gunshots ring out behind him, the sergeant said.

RELATED: SAPD: Suspect killed pregnant teen stepdaughter less than 2 weeks away from due date of their child

The suspect chased him for several miles, until the BMW driver eventually crashed near Park North mall, where police found the vehicle.

Witnesses said they saw the BMW driver and another passenger take off running, and the woman get into the gray Honda, which fled the scene.

Juarez said the incident might've been caused by a dispute between the suspect and the woman that escalated when she got in a stranger's car.

RELATED: SAFD: Suspect set fire to East Side AME Church to 'get rid of his sins'

"Witnesses heard lots of yelling," Juarez said. "It could be a 'lover's quarrel' situation."

Police are currently investigating the shooting.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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SAN ANTONIO  A woman whose body was burned beyond recognition in a homicide case has been positively identified by the medical examiners office after months of tests and investigations, officials said Thursday.

Stephanie L. Garcia, 34, was positively identified via dental records and DNA testing as the woman who was found dead on Jan. 22 in a burning garage on Jan. 22 in the 300 block of West Harding Boulevard, the San Antonio Police Department said Thursday.

RELATED: Police: Man killed prostitute, let acquaintance have sex with her body, set her on fire

An arson-sniffing dog was brought to the scene and detected an accelerant used in the creation of the fire, according to previous reports.

Her body was so badly burned that the only identifying information police had was a part of her back that was not burned. That portion of her back had a tattoo and a photo of it was shared with the media, according to previous reports.

Garcias cause and manner of death are still pending with the medical examiners office.

RELATED: SAPD release disturbing photo of woman's charred tattoo, looking for leads in burned body case

Javier Hernandez, 29, was arrested Feb. 26 on a charge of first-degree murder in connection to Garcias death.

He allegedly confessed to an unnamed witness that he killed a prostitute by strangling her and burning her body next to his home. Prior to burning her body, an acquaintance of the suspect allegedly had sex with the dead womans body, according to a previous mySA.com report.

The witness told police Hernandez appeared excited and full of adrenaline after allegedly committing the crime, the arrest affidavit said.

RELATED: San Antonio jury rules in citys favor in controversial Marquise Jones case

If convicted, Hernandez faces five to 99 years or life in prison.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
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The teenage stepdaughter of the man accused of killing her and her unborn child was less than two weeks away from giving birth to their second child together, according to recently released police documents.

Armando Garcia-Ramires, a 36-year-old unauthorized immigrant from Mexico, currently faces two charges of capital murder in the death of his stepdaughter, 15-year-old Jennifer Delgado, whom he impregnated with a second child about a month after ICE agents released him from custody for the second time.

RELATED: After second release from ICE, suspect allegedly impregnated, later shot teen to death

According to a police report from the day of the alleged shooting, Delgado had been living with Garcia-Ramires since he and her biological mother, who has yet to be identified, separated. The two have been officially divorced around one year.

But Delgado had recently moved back in with her mother at an apartment in the 1100 block of Babcock Road. Shortly after moving in, she revealed that Garcia-Ramires was the father of her unborn child, who was due in two weeks, and her 1-year-old boy.

The victim's mother apparently did not immediately go to police with the news.

On March 6, Garcia-Ramires called his ex-wife and told her to meet him at a bank so that he could give her some money that they had been arguing over.

The victim's mother went to the bank, but Garcia-Ramires never arrived. Instead, he called her and told her he was at a creek near her apartment and threatened to kill himself. The victim's mother went to the creek and found him. He allegedly made a comment that "he could not live without her" and then shot himself.

RELATED: Report: 4 dead following shootout between law enforcement, Gulf Cartel near Texas border

Police made the scene, where they found Garcia-Ramires pointing his .22 caliber pistol in the air while pulling the trigger. He then collapsed and was taken to University Hospital with a gunshot wound to his chin.

Officers decided to check in on Delgado after they were informed about Garcia-Ramires' relation to her. When they arrived to her mother's apartment, they found muddy boot prints outside the front door. Inside, Delgado's body was found, her 1-year-old child sitting right next to her bloody head.

Garcia-Ramires allegedly shot her at least four times in the head and once in her chest before turning the gun on himself.

First responders arrived and discovered Delgado's unborn child still had a pulse. Her body was rushed to University for an emergency C-section, but the effort was a failure and the child died.

Police matched the muddy boot prints to Garcia-Ramires, and he was charged with two counts of capital murder.

RELATED: SAFD: Suspect set fire to East Side AME Church to 'get rid of his sins'

According to the police report, the victim's mother has assumed responsibility of the 1-year-old child.

Since the alleged double murder, a state representative, Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio), has called on the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate the shooting.

"This is a formal complaint that I would like Commissioner (Hank) Whitman to investigate," Minjarez said in a news release. "This should not be occurring in our community, and I encourage DFPS to look into ways that this appalling situation could have been avoided."

Others have expressed outrage that Garcia-Ramires was allowed to stay in the U.S. following two arrests by ICE agents; first in February 2011 through San Antonio's criminal alien program and again in April 2016 after he allegedly attempted to smuggle five other illegal immigrants into the U.S., according to a report from The Washington Times.

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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It seems the happiest little turtle has been hanging out in North Texas.

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials posted a photo of a turtle found at Lake Lewisville during an event that seeks to find all the species living in a specific area.

"This razor-backed musk turtle is just one of the awesome critters found at the LLELA Lewisville Lake BioBlitz this weekend," Texas Parks and Wildlife officials said on Facebook.

LLELA is the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, nestled underneath the Lewisville Dam, according to its Facebook page. LLELA works to "preserve and restore" natural habitats and biodiversity, according to its Facebook page.

RELATED: 'It's like Yellowstone in Texas': State park welcomes new bison calves

The BioBlitz event, held April 1, was "an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area," the LLEAL website states. Scientists, naturalists and volunteers recorded everything from plants to fungi to mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

See photos of the wildlife that spotted during the LLEAL BioBlitz in the gallery above.

The photo of the enthusiastic turtle has been shared more than 300 times on Facebook since it was posted Monday, and comments have flooded in.

"...and jazz hands! Super cute little guy," one commenter said.

Another joked the turtle resembled them when they see a piece of cake.

In addition to the turtle, LLELA found 296 other species during the event.

RELATED: 'Monster' alligator snapping turtle at Texas lake takes social media by storm

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
A recurring appeal to have the Bexar Archives returned to San Antonio is certainly based on logic and fairness.

In 1718, the Presidio de Bejar was established here, and the need for administration and legalese began. There was a need to house civil records of actions between the mother country and the many Spanish settlers north of the Rio Grande who had received land grants.

In 1731, the Villa de San Fernando, with its very own Cabildo (civil council) was created. That multiplied the need for legal paperwork and record keeping to comply with Spanish coordination, as well as to record community activities such as land grants, registrations (births, deaths, marriages), judicial accounts and mercantile affairs.

Moreover, in 1767, the Crown established a governorship here to oversee territories thousands of miles north and west of the township, and the governors office created more documentation.

The township body was administered by mayors and councilmen who were Canary Islands settlers and their descendants  until 1836.

This era saw many evolutionary occurrences. In the late 1700s, area Tejano rancheros fostered the American cause during the Revolution by driving thousands of heads of cattle to Louisiana to help subsist Spanish Gov. Bernardo de Galvezs troops, who were deployed there by Spain to safeguard the mouth of the Mississippi from British access.

During the first quarter of the 19th century, hundreds of Bejareno Tejanos participated in area skirmishes and battles that contributed to the birth of Mexico; and in the 1820s, similar combat operations began the Tejas and Coahuila revolution for independence from Mexico.

All these resultant official records comprise the Bexar Archives, named such because during much of the 18th and 19th centuries this area was popularly referred to as Bejar (after the presidio), San Antonio de Bejar or simply San Antonio.

The Republic of Texas initiated its governmental legacy in 1836.

Logically, San Antonio  San Fernando  remains the inhering owner of its colonial records, i.e., the Bexar Archives now being held at the University of Texas at Austin. And it should be their custodian. In modern times, the city has selected Bexar County to occupy that role insofar as the archives that are now here are concerned. That assignment has merit, and it would be also logical to maintain it.

Aside from the former Federal Reserve building as a possible repository, San Antonio is rich in educators  active and retired  who teach Spanish at high levels and who would likely volunteer to translate the colonial documents, which are written in somewhat archaic legalese and are difficult to interpret. This would provide a dramatic acceleration in the translation process.

Finally, if tradition calls for a civic organization to serve as an informal grandparentlike guardian, the Canary Islands Descendants Association of San Antonio would be an optimal choice.

The prerequisites are all there to accomplish the monumental return that our county judges have been wanting for years: intrinsic ownership, an appropriate home, and a pool of dedicated caretakers and translators. Hopefully, reason will reign.

Rudy F. Casanova, a San Antonio native, is a retired Army officer, civil servant and high school educator. The St. Marys alumnus was president of the Canary Islands Descendants Association for three years and is author of San Antonio, City for a King.
With each passing day our new president is discovering that every big problem he faces is like Obamacare  if there were a good, easy solution it would have been found already, and even the less good solutions are more than his own party is ready to pay for or the country is ready to tolerate.

But Tuesday, tragically, Trump got this lesson in foreign policy via a truly vile poison-gas attack on Syrian civilians, many of them children, reportedly perpetrated by the pro-Russian, pro-Iranian, murderous regime of Bashar Assad.

President Donald Trump came to office with the naive view that he could make fighting the Islamic State the centerpiece of his Middle East policy  and just drop more bombs and send more special forces than President Barack Obama did to prove his toughness.

It was naive because ISIS does not exist in a vacuum  nor is it the only bad actor in the region. ISIS was produced as a Sunni Muslim reaction to massive overreach by Iran in Iraq, where Iranian-backed Shiite militias and the Iraqi government forces of Nouri al-Maliki tried to crush all vestiges of Sunni power in that country and make it a vassal of Iran.

The Iranian/Shiite onslaught against Iraqi Sunnis ran parallel with Assads Shiite-Alawite regime in Syria, turning what started out as a multisectarian democracy movement in Syria into a sectarian war between Sunnis and Shiites.

The opposition almost toppled him, but with the aid of Russia, Iran and Irans Hezbollah militia, Assad was able to pummel the Syrian Sunnis into submission as well.

ISIS was the deformed creature created by a pincers movement  Russia, Iran, Assad and Hezbollah in Syria on one flank and Iran and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq on the other. When Trump said he wanted to partner with Russia to crush ISIS, it was music to the ears of Assad, Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. Like everyone else, they figured they could manipulate Trumps ignorance to their advantage.

So, last week, someone named Rex Tillerson (who, I am told, is the U.S. secretary of state) declared that the longer-term status of President Assad will be decided by the Syrian people  as if the Syrian people will be having an Iowa-like primary on that subject soon.

Is there any wonder that Assad felt no compunction about perpetrating what the New York Times described as one of the deadliest chemical weapons attacks in years in Syria, killing dozens of people in Idlib province, the last major holdout for Syrian rebels.

Mind you, Donald Trump did not cause this Syria problem, and he is right to complain that it was left in his lap by the Obama team, which had its own futile strategy for dealing with Syria. But if youre looking for a culprit for why America has refused to intervene in Syria, you have to look both to your left and to your right.

The American public simply does not want to spend the blood and treasure to produce what would probably be a less awful but still not good outcome in Syria, explained the foreign policy expert Michael Mandelbaum, author of Mission Failure: America and the World in the Post-Cold War Era. And that is a byproduct of the failed George W. Bush interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Alas, though, I now think doing nothing is a mistake. Just letting Assad keep trying to restore control over all of Syria will mean endless massacres.

The least bad solution is a partition of Syria and the creation of a primarily Sunni protected area  protected by an international force, including, if necessary, some U.S. troops.

It wont be pretty or easy. But in the Cold War we put 400,000 troops in Europe to keep the sectarian peace there and to keep Europe on a democracy track. Having NATO and the Arab League establish a safe zone in Syria for the same purpose is worth a try. And then if Putin and Iran want to keep the butcher Assad in Damascus, they can have him.

Its either that, President Trump, or get ready for a lot more days like Tuesday. As I said, every problem is like Obamacare  never as easy as you thought to fix. The least bad alternatives can be forged only by a compromise in the middle, and, like your hotels, theyll all soon have your name on them.

Thomas Friedman writes a column for the New York Times.
Texas is caught in the NAFTA negotiation crossfire.

Negotiations are nowhere in sight and politically fraught, and the longer this goes on, the worse it is for Texas.

Free trade is good for Texas. The Lone Star State exported more than $232 billion in goods in 2016, per the International Trade Administration. A big chunk of that, $93 billion in goods, went to Mexico.

For perspective, Canada was a distant second at $19.9 billion in goods. Hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs in the state are tied to trade.

So, yes, Texas has a lot to gain or lose with any potential changes to NAFTA. Will those changes come? Its an open question. Despite President Donald J. Trumps fierce campaign rhetoric, a draft letter recently circulated in Congress was relatively benign. It proposed allowing possible tariffs should imports flood the domestic market, adjusting how much of a product is made in a NAFTA country and expanding the market for U.S.-made goods in government procurement for Mexico and Canada.

Experts reacted to the letter with optimism, although there are some key negotiating points that will prove difficult.

But prolonged uncertainty is also harmful to Texas interests, as businesses on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border either hold back on investments or look to other markets and suppliers in the face of the unknown. It might also be a drag on the currencies of Canada and Mexico.

In March, Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross made it clear there is no immediate timetable to begin negotiations. He said it might be later this year, but only after a required 90-day consultation with Congress, which has not yet begun.

While this just might be an operational delay for the Trump administration, which is juggling other priorities, the delay fails to take into account the political dynamics of Mexico, where it will become increasingly harder to agree to any deal.

Mexicos 2018 presidential campaign looms over the negotiation timetable, and with each passing day Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, who is deeply unpopular, becomes more and more of a lame duck. He is losing, almost daily, what little leverage he might have to make a deal.

At the same time, the Trump administration is deeply unpopular in Mexico, creating strong national pressure to resist. Although it is early, it is telling that the front-runner in Mexicos 2018 presidential election is Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a liberal populist who has described Mexicos relationship to the U.S. as one of subordination, according to the New York Times. He has pledged to focus on domestic issues.

Already industry groups and businesses are scrambling. As Foreign Policy recently reported, Mexican buyers are looking at alternatives to their U.S. suppliers in case Mexico revives tariffs.

Were talking with people weve been working with for decades. For the first time, they are questioning their overdependence on the U.S., Tom Sleight, CEO of the U.S. Grains Council, told Foreign Policy.

Thats an extraordinary statement.

There are parts of NAFTA that could use some updating to the benefit of all three partner nations. Its in need of new language on e-commerce, for example. Arbitration rules should be revisited. The agreement should be reviewed annually. Some small tariffs could reduce our trade imbalance with Mexico. One of NAFTAs biggest failures is that it has not meaningfully improved living standards in Mexico, so addressing that dynamic could help curb illegal immigration should that increase.

But by and large, economists have described the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship as productive and beneficial, one that has even prevented the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to China. There really is no reason to turn a good trade relationship into an uncertain and adversarial one. Relatively minor adjustments to NAFTA are welcome, and needed, but delays and drama will ultimately hurt Texas.
The San Antonio Board of Realtors voted at a special meeting Wednesday to strip Michele Bunting Ross of her title as chairwoman, accusing her of tardiness, lapse attendance and poor treatment of staff, according to Ross and two other attendees.

Ross claims she is being punished for trying to make changes that were unpopular with the board.

Angela Shields, SABORs president and CEO, declined to disclose the groups grievances because the meeting was private.

It was unreal. It was like any little thing was listed so they would have a long list, said one SABOR member who attended the meeting but asked not to be identified for fear of retribution. They were really very minor things.

Members of SABORs board of directors started a petition in February to unseat Ross and Chairwoman-Elect Yvette Allen, Shields said. About 650 members of the organization showed up at the special meeting where they voted to remove Ross but keep Allen.

Ross, who took over as chairwoman Jan. 1, said she tried creating a task force to evaluate whether the board should begin performance reviews for the CEO. She also proposed to make budget documents more widely available and to share data with the Houston Association of Realtors, among other things. Shields said SABOR members can view financial documents upon request by coming into its offices.

I wanted us to have a lot more transparency, but we just were not ready to do that, Ross said.

Ross said she wasnt given the boards list of complaints until Wednesdays meeting, where she was allowed 10 minutes to defend herself. She said she has attended 79 SABOR events over the last year. She also has served on the Shavano Park City Council for six years and as the citys mayor pro tem for three years, she said.

We have asked for weeks and weeks and weeks for specifics, Ross said. Its an interesting process, and not a very fair one.

Allen declined to say what the charges against her were, but she said they werent disclosed to her until the meeting Wednesday.

Ross and the other SABOR members said the board targeted Allen after she was noncommittal about opposing Ross. When Allen was asked if that was true, she said, I dont know. The fact of the matter is, I wanted to stay neutral for the membership.

SABORs board of directors will meet next week to decide how to fill the chairwoman position, Shields said. Allen said she was willing to become chairwoman or stay chairwoman-elect.

We feel like the membership had the opportunity to make the decision, Shields said. We look forward to the future and serving the members and working with Yvette and having a great year to come.

rwebner@express-news.net
COLLECTIVE MADNESS



Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."
LONDON, April 6 (Reuters) - Yields on the Czech Republic's crown-denominated sovereign debt rose across the curve on Thursday while the country's euro bond yields broadly fell after the central bank removed its cap on the crown against the euro.

Yields on the local two-year issue were up 15 basis points at minus 0.132 percent after earlier touching minus 0.088 percent - their highest since July 2016.

Yields on the country's euro-denominated international issues mostly fell. The 2018 issue yielded minus 0.292 percent, down 6 bps on the day, according to data from Trade web. (Reporting by Karin Strohecker, editing by Nigel Stephenson)
WILTON  After an influx of proposals and months of deliberation, the Energy Commission has recommended that the town hire Middletown-based Greenskies Renewable Energies to install solar panels at Middlebrook and Miller-Driscoll schools.

The commission selected Greenskies out of nine different vendors that had put forth proposals for the two projects. Commissioners decided that not only did Greenskies offer the best rates at .019 kWh, but also an extensive, experienced staff headquartered nearby in Connecticut.

They provide operations and maintenance, as well as the installation. They also had the most significant level of resources that they were going to put on-site, so there was an awful lot of reasons that we thought that they were pretty significant, Thompson-Van said.

The commission also strongly considered nearby company Kingspan Energy, a large solar energy firm based out of Stamford. Greenskies held a slight edge on their competition, Thompson-Van said, since companies like Kingspan largely subcontracts their solar work out to other firms, whereas Greenskies would maintain responsibility for all aspects of the project.

One of the most compelling aspects of this proposal is that it was a fully integrated offering, said Mark Robbins of MHR Development, a clean energy consultant firm that the town hired to oversee the project. Other than electrical and structural, it was all being installed in-house and they are effectively their own financial arm.

Greenskies is no stranger to school campus work. In the past three years, the company has installed similar solar arrays at schools throughout the state, including both public high schools in Fairfield, two schools in Clinton, and one in Southington. The company also had a hand in constructing a 5-megawatt solar energy installation on a 43-acre tract of land in East Lyme, one of the states largest solar installations to date.

The companys reputation is such that Solar Power World, a magazine and website that reports on the emerging solar industry, named Greenskies one of the top 10 solar power developers in the U.S. in 2015.

We wanted somebody that had the footprint here in the state of Connecticut that would be here to love us as we went forward, commission co-chair Debra Thompson-Van said.

Based on Greenskies proposal, Thompson-Van estimates that the town can save up to as much as 80 percent when compared to what the town paid between their TransCanada energy agreement and a shipping fee charged by Eversource.

Based on these rates, Thompson-Van estimates that the town can save an additional $600,000 or $700,000 on top of earlier projections, which showed savings of around $1.1 million over the panels lifetimes. In the first year alone, Thompson-Van calculates that the town could save up to $44,000, excluding taxes and demand charges.

With energy agreement rates significantly lower than the .078 kWh accounted for in original estimates over the summer, the Energy Commission felt vindicated in recommending the PPA to the selectmen over the outright purchase agreement.

If we did this ourselves, we would have to hire all these people with the skills we dont have, we would have to hire people to do remote monitoring, which the industry has figured out how to do well, said Thompson-Van.

Following the successful acquisition of ZRECS for the two schools last year, the commission plans to pursue a similar credit to install solar panels at Wilton High School as well.

The commission estimates that, if the town were to install solar at Wilton High, the town could save an additional $1.1 million in savings, on top of the projected savings of $1.7 million between Middlebrook and Miller-Driscoll.

In a time where everything is costing more, heres an opportunity to take 25 percent of the energy thats used by those schools, do it in a renewable fashion thats clean energy and save a ton of money, Thompson-Van said.

The town will hold a public hearing on the solar projects at Miller-Driscoll and Middlebrook schools on April 17, in the hopes of having the planning process of the project wrapped up by the end of May so that the panel installation can commence once schools close on June 18 and end before they start back up at the end of August.

After the April 17 hearing, the selectmen will deliberate on whether or not to hire Greenskies.

First Selectman Lynne Vanderslice said she hopes residents will attend the public hearing, because their input is key to the process.

This is a complex process, so its really important that residents come out and voice their opinions on these projects, she said.

ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1046; Twitter: @Tomlinson_PE
JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon encouraged MBA students at a recent town hall to learn from watching other people rather than relying solely on mentors to advance their careers.

Im for it, Dimon told Yahoo Finances editor-in-chief, Andy Serwer, referring to mentoring.

But very often the people who want to be your mentor arent going to give you the right advice, Dimon added at the Tuesday town hall. And I never had someone who advised me in my career, ever, like almost not once. When I grew up, it was much more of a sink-or-swim type of thing. 

Dimon, who graduated from Harvard Business School in 1982, famously turned down a number of lucrative jobs for a lower-paying post as the legendary Sandy Weills assistant at American Express (AXP). While Weill ended up firing him in 1998, Dimon indicated in a speech last year that the two had since come to terms. Still, Dimon didnt mention Weills name when the topic of mentorship came up during his conversation with Yahoo Finance.

Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, discusses his Annual Letter to Shareholders on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi/AP Images for JPMorgan Chase)

The importance of watching other people

Dimon did sing the praises of Robert Lipp, whom he worked with at Travelers Group. He studied Lipps behavior and learned from it, Dimon said. He was the iron fist in the velvet glove. He treated people respectfully. And he knew the facts, the numbers, Dimon said. He ran meetings incredibly well.

When speaking to MBA students, he advised them to also seek out role models to observe.

So I would go way beyond a mentor. Id look at what you can learn from watching other people, Dimon said. And read a lot. Theres nothing like reading and talking to other people, where you can learn their techniques.

Dimon has thrived in his career, despite claiming never to have gotten career advice. He has attained a net worth of $1.1 billion, an unusual feat for a bank CEO in an industry where its the hedge-fund tycoons who more often become billionaires. In 2015, Bloomberg noted that Dimon was one of two notable bank CEOs to achieve billionaire status. The other exception? Sandy Weill, whom Bloomberg referred to as Dimons former mentor.

Story continues

Read more on Jamie Dimon and JPMorgan:

Jamie Dimon: Trump was right about China and the Chinese know it

Subprime auto loans are too small to be a big problem, says Dimon

Jamie Dimon: Why I took a lower paying job after business school

Jamie Dimon supports an earned income tax credit for low-skilled, low-paid workers
COVID-19 has claimed yet another Zimbabwean based in the United Kingdom as the human cost of the pandemic within the countrys diaspora community in that country persists.

Popular broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, who is also based in the UK, announced the death of Irvin Fantie Moyo in Chelmsford through coronavirus.

He described the late Moyo as one of the nicest Zimbabweans based in the UK.

Moyos death follows those of many other UK based Zimbabweans, the majority being professionals employed in the British health sector and have been part of the frontline staff battling the world pandemic.

While there has been no deliberate tracing of Zimbabweans dying of coronavirus in the UK by authorities, the Zimbabwean embassy to the rich European country announced over a week ago that at least 29 citizens had succumbed to Covid-19.

UK remains one of the world countries worst affected by the pandemic.

 NewZimbabwe

Breaking News via Email
Yves here. I know a universal basic income is a popular idea among readers, and I have to tell you, you are being set up.

Like it or not, even though we live in a fiat currency system, most people believe that their Federal taxes are necessary to fund Federal spending. We also live in a capitalist system, where most people have to work to earn income as a condition of their survival.

The big conservative argument for a universal basic income, and many neoliberals buy into it, is because it would be cheaper administratively and fairer than our patchwork of social safety nets. One of the benefits, for instance, is the benefits could be designed to taper off for those who had earned income, while many programs have sharp cutoffs that create disincentives against earning more than a certain level of income. Tech squillionaires are pushing the idea for their own selfish reasons: they think it will make more people willing to take the risk of starting a company (when 90% fail in three years in decent economic times) or donating their labor to one of their incubators.

Now why is this so bad? Consider that hatred of taxes and spending has been so successfully inculcated that theres now widespread resentment of paying public teachers adequately (and lets put aside the fact that the bigger problem with public schools is adminisphere bloat), when the experience of other countries suggests that higher levels of teacher pay are correlated with better academic performance. Degrading the status of teachers isnt good for societal outcomes, yet most of the American public seems to have bought into that paradigm.

How does this relate to the universal basic income scheme? One of the reasons that social safety nets are still standing to a degree is that they have business support. Food stamps are good for Big Ag. Medicaid provides more income to the medical industrial complex. And they separately are targeted to recognized human needs. Even people who believe that the poor are really malingers are more willing to give their precious tax dollars to targeted spending than giving them a check that they stereotype will be used for drugs or gambling.

As we have discussed at greater length in the past, there was a large-scale universal basis income system in England, Speenhamland, which lasted for more than two generations. It was patchy since the level of benefits varied by locality, but the intent was to provide a bare-bones living. Even though it was initially popular, the result was first, that it did wind up serving as a subsidy to businesses, and second, it created an unskilled underclass. As Karl Polanyi wrote:

On the face of it the right to live should have stopped wage labor altogether. Standard wages should have gradually dropped to zero, thus putting the entire wage bill wholly on the parish, a procedure that would have made the absurdity of the arrangement manifest. But.[t]he majority of the countryfolkpreferred any kind of existence to the status of a pauper.

And the backlash was brutal. The 1834 Poor Law reform abolished the Speenhamland system. As Wikipedia explains: The workhouses were to be made little more than prisons and families were normally separated upon entry. Outdoor relief, which then meant aid to the poor without requiring that they enter an institution, was discouraged in the Poor Law Reform and then abolished in the 1840s. Polanyi again:

Never perhaps in all modern history has a more ruthless act of social reform been perpetrated; it crushed multitudes of lives while merely pretending to provide a criterion of genuine destitution in the workhouse test. Psychological torture was cooly advocated and smoothly put into place by mild philanthropist as a means of oiling the labor mill.

By Charlie Young has been active in numerous climate change campaigns and after working at the New Economics Foundation shifted his focus to working on and writing about new economics and systems theory. Originally posted at Evonomics

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is either absolutely bonkers pie-in-the-sky thinking or an ingenious idea whose time has come  depending on whom you ask. A litany of recent articles argue for and against the idea of giving every resident of a society or economy a guaranteed income stream, usually sufficient to live above the poverty line, regularly and into perpetuity. Those arguing for say that it offers a potential new awakening of cultural expression, as well as dismantling the disincentives to work associated with means-tested benefits, while supporting us through an age of automation, and also creating space for reimagining ownership of the commons. Those against say that theres no such thing as free money, that people would simply stop working, that layabouts get enough as it is, and that it could lead to either the dismantling of capitalism or of the welfare state. Both sides of the argument  each including those from the political left and right  accuse the other of not understanding economics. But the fact that people are arguing over whether or not UBI as a whole is a good idea means theres something very wrong with the narrative. The debate we have today is rooted in a false dichotomy. It should be very difficult to be for or against something as broad and diverse as the ideas parceled up in UBI.

UBI is in fact not a single proposal. Its a field of proposals thats perhaps better thought of as a philosophical intervention, a new conception of macro-economic and political structure. Its unusual to argue wholeheartedly against representative government, taxation or universal suffrage, while it is common to disagree on which party should govern, whether taxes should be raised or cut, and particular elements of voting procedure. In the same way, we shouldnt argue all-out for or against UBI but instead inspect the make-up of each approach to it  thats where we can find not only meaningful debate, but also possibilities for working out what we might actually want.

UBI has appeared to make some strange bedfellows; its supporters include anarchists, libertarians, liberal lefties and Republicans (including Richard Nixon). But on closer inspection it is clear that different groups are proposing fundamentally different things. UK think-tank Compass, for example, suggestsreplacing key elements of the current means-tested benefits system with a basic payment to all citizens, padded by slightly raising the top rate of tax. Economist Charles Murray, on the other hand, advocates paying all US citizens over the age of 21 a sum of $10,000 per year to serve as, in his words, a replacement for the welfare state. Then there is Dr Thomas Pogge, who suggests a global resources dividend (GRD) whereby current and historical injustices against the global poor are counteracted through the modest taxation of global natural resources  including fossil fuels, land used for farming, mining and destroyed habitats  and redistributing the levy amongst those involuntarily excluded from their use. All of these proposals (and dozens more) fall under the umbrella of UBI.

The most important distinguishing feature between the different iterations of UBI is where the funding comes from. Wrapped up in this are ancillary questions: what would a UBI replace, compensate for, or complement in the rest of the economy? What would the knock-on effects be for social welfare and the governments responsibility to its citizens? Who gets the money is another question worth looking at (just how universal is the income?), as is its amount and regularity. With these distinctions in mind and after reviewing relevant literature, I suggest an initial distilling of UBI into the following three categories:

A. Recalibrating existing tax and benefit systems

B. Replacing the Welfare State, aka Voucherisation

C. Communalising common assets

Recalibrating Existing Tax and Benefit Systems

According to advocates of [A], for UBI to be politically feasible it must be achieved using the existing infrastructure of taxation and spending. UBI is an immense ideological intervention  or so the argument goes  and as such should be funded without radical changes or additions to taxation but instead through restructuring the existing inefficient and unfair benefit systems.

Advocates tend to offer here what is referred to as a no-frills UBI: subsistence or sub-subsistence levels of income to be supplemented by earnings from employment and/or disability, housing or child benefits.

Proposals found in [A] often set out to combat inequality and poverty, including through the dismantling of poverty traps such as the sudden removal of benefits as low-earners incomes rise (which can in some cases mean marginal deductions for the poor of 80%). They also often look to alleviate the pains of unemployment resulting from automation, which is projected to affect the poor most dramatically , as well as helping the projected expansion of the caring economy (especially important in ageing nations).

The savings from restructuring existing benefits are likely to be very large. Malcolm Torry of the Citizens Income Trust claims the administrative savings from dismantling the means-tested benefit system are in the range of 8-10bn. Put simply, its very expensive to decipher who is and isnt deserving of government support, especially when recipients must prove their worthiness. Restructuring benefits to look more like a UBI could not only save money, proponents claim, but also be fairer.

Examples of these kinds of UBI proposals include the work of the RSA, a proposal in the recent manifesto of the UK Green Party, and the work of Philippe van Parijs of Oxford University, co-founder of the Basic Income European Network.

What they all have in common is a shared belief that a politically feasible UBI must be small-scale, sometimes include transitional proposals, and be based on funding from existing tax structures.

Replacing the Welfare State aka Voucherisation

Economists and political theorists on the right, especially those identifying as libertarian, see UBI as a vehicle through which to reduce government intervention in public and private life at large. From this perspective, a guaranteed UBI would legitimize the dismantling of other forms of welfare provision, as it levels the economic and social playing field. Similar to [A], proponents of [B] argue that means-tested welfare is seen as unnecessarily costly, ineffectual, and fundamentally unjust in that it is an economically and socially distorting form of state charity.

Prof. Matt Zwolinski of the Cato Institute enumerates four libertarian arguments for a UBI. He places them under the banners of: i) reduced bureaucracy, ii) reduced cost, iii) reduced rent-seeking (i.e. under a universal program there is less space for political exploitation or benefit fraud), and iv) a reduction in the states invasive/paternalistic tendencies, as there is no longer a need to categorise beneficiaries as the deserving poor.

Examples include a proposal from one of the founding fathers of neoliberalism, Milton Friedman, a litany of publications from conservative think tanksincluding the Cato Institute, and the proposal of Charles Murrays mentioned above.

One clear difference between the literature making up [A] and [B] is that the former focuses on macro-level indicators of say, inequality, and potential effects of redistribution on such indicators, while the latter focuses instead on changes in individual behaviour resulting from a UBI. The proposals that make up the [B] category put faith in individuals to, given more adequate means, make the world around them in a more effective way than the state can do on their behalf. The poor, in this view, are likely to make intelligent choices about how to spend cash grants, an argument backed up by empirical economic evidence from Uganda to Mexico. Thus, the two kinds of proposals differ in intention, assumed problem, and predicted outcome.

Communalising Common Assets

The communalising of common assets can be global natural resources, the carrying capacity of the biosphere, atmospheric carbon, fisheries and forests, unearned income, or even the productive capacity of automation and technological change. The fundamental assumption here is that such assets  be they physical, biological or cultural  should be respected as the common property of all, rather than be the source of exploitative disparities from unequal access and power. This set of proposals is more systemically transformative than [A] or [B] as it is predicated on the realisation of new economic institutions and drivers. This category is also more diverse in scope than either [A] or [B], differing not only in terms of funding source but also in geographical distribution  some propose a global UBI.

Peter Barnes and James Boyce outline this range of proposals as charges placed on the access and use of communally inherited assets and the redistribution of the resulting revenue[3]. Charges could be placed, for example, on polluting the scarce resource that is the carrying capacity of our atmosphere, or on trades of stocks, bonds and derivatives (the latter of which could raise $300bn per year). Barnes and Boyce claim that charges on a portfolio of universal assets could grant US citizens a UBI of $200 a month.

Iterations of wealth tax that could fund UBI include those suggested by Thomas Piketty like progressive capital taxation, and the Georgist land value tax (LVT) as proposed in the UK context by Martin Farley. Farley suggests land ownership be taxed and the raised revenue, coupled with that raised by what he calls Commons Licenses (a version of Barnes and Boyles common asset proposals), could fund a 4,500 annual UBI.

Economist Yannis Varoufakis and futurist Kartik Gada, on the other hand, have each suggested that the labour savings from automation could (and should) pay for UBI. Varoufakis proposal is one-part wealth tax and one-part ownership restructuring: a small tax is levied on shares from every initial public offering put into a Commons Capital Depository that in effect grants citizens property rights over new technologies that yield financial returns. The Commons Capital Depository would then pay out a UBI to all citizens. Varoufakis sees this as potentially alleviating irreconcilable political blocs, while [] reinvigorating the notion of shared prosperity, largely due to reframing understandings of when wealth is a result of hard work vs. context and luck especially in the face of technological unemployment.

Similar ideas have been touted by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and tech-firms. Y Combinator has even launched its own UBI pilot programme (though this is arguably closer in essence to [A] than [C]).



While some proposals focus on addressing inequality and poverty traps [A], others focus on increasing individual freedoms and reducing government interference [B], and still others attempt to introduce new feedback loops into the economy and restructure the polity of ownership [C]. It is important to note that these are not necessarily mutually exclusive, given that the ideological foundations and value frames associated with each often overlap. However, the ontological differences are worth bearing in mind when speaking of UBI more generally.

Its time we treat UBI as the messy fabric that it is. Only by teasing apart the strands of the various arguments can we have a coherent discussion about whether and how best to implement its specific iterations. Its especially important that we know what were looking at, especially given the recent upsurge in interest. Even if you consider yourself pro Universal Basic Income, a UBI by any other name may not smell as sweet.
How to tell April the Giraffe is in labor: Watch her tail Syracuse.com. Bob: Stating the obvious. But this gives you an excuse to track down the webcam if you are curious.

Jupiter spectacle for earthlings on April 8 The Nation (furzy)

First world survey finds 9,600 tree species risk extinction PhysOrg (Katharine)

Potentially explosive methane gas mobile in groundwater, poses safety risk: study PhysOrg (Katharine)

New form of Android malware is the most sophisticated and dangerous ever discovered ThaiTech (furzy)

Facebook to use photo-matching to block repeat revenge porn Reuters (furzy). Why did this take so long?

China?

Brexit. I should be posting on Brexit, but the news basically is that May is already retreating from positions she insisted were crucial, like negotiating a trade deal in parallel with the exit (shes conceded there will need to be a transition period) and needing to continue to submit to European rules and the jurisdiction of the ECJ.

Theresa May softens stance on Brexit roadblocks Financial Times. Notice the clumsy attempt at a finesse: Youve used the phrase transitional phase; I have used the phrase implementation period.

Berlin embraces its own hard Brexit Politico.

Country Report Germany 2017 Including an In-Depth Review on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances European Commission (guurst). I must confess I only skimmed this report. It calls GDP growth of under 2% robust. Help me.

As goes France, so goes the EU Politico

Fixing the Euros Original Sins: The Monetary  Fiscal Architecture and Monetary Policy Conduct Thomas Palley

The privatization of Sweden ExpertGrupp. Micael: Some facts about the Sweden Sanders is talking about. Highly privatized.

Syraqistan

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Trump Transition

As The Susan Rice Scandal Explodes, The Russia Election Hacking Story Gets Murkier Investors Business Daily (Dan K)

Beware of the return of the Clinton dynasty Edward Luce, Financial Times. A wild indicator of sorts. Luce was Larry Summers speechwriter and regularly carried Dem party water. This looks to be a sign that a lot of insiders are Not Happy about the Clintons plans to hang on to power.

U.S. court rules 1964 civil rights law protects LGBT workers from bias Reuters (EM)

AN ENEMY OF THE WALL STREET FORECLOSURE MACHINE IS RUNNING TO UNSEAT A GOP LAWMAKER IN CALIFORNIA David Dayen, Intercept

Greens, GOP team up to sue Democrats Metro. Jeff E: Green and GOP candidates join to file federal lawsuit to void election in Phillys 197th district. Honkala had many hundreds of volunteers but only ended up with 282 votes versus the Democrats 1,970. The GOP candidate got 198.

Fed Officials Expect to Whittle Down Portfolio Later This Year: Minutes Wall Street Journal

Tanker Traffic Points At Much Tighter Oil Markets OilPrice

It Looks Like JPMorgan Is Building a Robo Adviser Bloomberg (resilc)

YOULL NEED THIS MUCH MONEY TO LIVE COMFORTABLY IN THE 50 BIGGEST CITIES IN AMERICA GoBanking

Policies believed to stabilize the financial system may actually do the opposite, study finds PhysOrg (Chuck L, Katharine). This sort of thing is maddening. Dont these clowns bother looks at prior work? Richard Bookstaber wrote an entire book, Demon of Our Own Design, on the issue of tight coupling where processes run in a sequence too fast to be interrupted. Many other people, ranging from Andrew Haldane to Simon Johnson to your humble blogger have written about this issue at length. In a tightly coupled system, you must reduce the tight coupling first in order to reduce risk. Any other approach will increase risk.

Guillotine Watch

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. From Robert H, a Chinese crested dog:

And a bonus video. YY: Shoebills seem to be the most recent favorite animal on the web In this video, the head looks dinosaur-like. There are two other videos, here and here, where the birds looks cuter.

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
By Dean Kuipers. Published jointly by Grist and Capital & Main, an award-winning publication that reports from California on economic, political, and social issues

Last fall, as presidential candidate Donald Trump promised America more oil and coal production, a small refinery town in Northern California stood up against its biggest employer and taxpayer. Valero, the Texas-based petroleum giant, had sought routine approval for a huge crude-by-rail project. The city council of Benicia, however, decisively rejected Valeros proposal.

The project proposed to take crude oil from what is described in an environmental impact report as sites in North America  a possible euphemism for Bakken crude  and roll it in rail cars to Benicia. But the project proved so unpopular among the citys nearly 27,000 residents that three of the five city council members who had started out backing the project joined in a unanimous vote against it. An energized group of local administrators and activists had managed to derail a project that national policy makers couldnt touch.

We had a small, but extremely well-informed group of people who have been working on these issues for a long time, said Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, and I give all the credit to that group. Patterson is a longtime environmentalist who has been mayor since 2007 and was reelected in November.

But Benicia wasnt the only place this happened last November. Across California, new organizing efforts zeroed in on small-town elections as a strategy to thwart big fossil-fuel infrastructure projects. Oxnard officials, for example, are battling California Energy Commission plans to site a huge gas-fired power plant on a local beach, and opponents to the plan were overwhelmingly favored in the fall elections. In the Kern County town of Arvin, which 10 years ago won the dubious distinction of having the smoggiest air of any U.S. city, a 23-year-old city councilman was elected mayor on a promise to regulate the oil industry and protect the citys water and air  a huge task in Californias biggest oil-producing county.

And on March 14, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors shut down a Phillips 66 crude-by-rail plan to bring oil into its Nipomo Mesa refinery. The 3-to-1 vote (with one recusal) against the proposal represented a huge change in a county that for years had supported refinery projects.

[This] is a pretty new effort to work with leaders and community organizations to engage in local elections that are critical for climate and environmental justice issues, said Whit Jones, the East Coastbased campaign director for Lead Locally, a new project of the Advocacy Fund and which provided electoral support in Benicia, Oxnard, and Arvin. We partnered with community organizations in California last year to make sure that voters demands to stop oil train terminals, or to stop fracking, were heard at the ballot box. Another new group, Leadership for a Clean Economy, also worked in these communities, in partnership with many local environmental justice organizations.

Is the hyper-local now the new way to win national battles? Fossil-fuel industries are taking note of their losses. The Western States Petroleum Association, a powerful oil industry trade group, commented in a statement to Capital & Main that such local campaigns are adding a level of regulation that is costly to the industry and that Californias climate change goals can be achieved without them. At times, local regulations unnecessarily layer upon existing state regulations that dont take into consideration the increasingly important role of cost containment in energy and environmental policy, wrote WSPA president Catherine Reheis-Boyd.

Valero did not respond to repeated requests for comment but has announced it would not fight the city council decision in court. The oil train did have a smattering of supporters, including the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, but even the attorney contracted by the city to advise on the project, Brad Hogin of Woodruff, Spradlin, and Smart, was surprised that a federal law governing the rail line did not override local concerns about dangerous oil shipments. So it was kind of a unique legal issue, Hogin said.

The Phillips 66 project in San Luis Obispo also started out with some local support and then was shut down for reasons similar to those in Benicia.

In all these fights, it was totally grassroots people coming together to work with people who are advocates for various aspects of the environment, said Andres Soto of Benicians for a Safe and Healthy Community, who worked to defeat the Benicia oil train.

National environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club helped out in Benicia, but local election pressure was more important. There was that kind of formal organizing by environmental groups, but it was spontaneous local organizing that really made the political difference, said Soto. That kind of local pressure can sway even people whove been paid by the refineries.

* * *

When Mayor Patterson first got wind of Valeros crude-by-rail plan, she thought it was a fait accompli. Railways, after all, are federally regulated, and not even the state can touch them. Three city council members were pro-Valero and there wasnt much appetite in city hall to stop this project. The company employs 480 people on its 800-acre facility on the Carquinez Strait, and supplies 25 percent of the citys tax revenue. It donates heavily to local charities  giving, for instance, approximately $723,000 to the Bay Area United Way in 2015, plus another $345,000 to 20 other local groups in 2014. That money makes a lot of good things happen in Benicia.

However, the mayors small but extremely well-informed group started looking into the issues of carrying oil by train, and the more they found, the more alarmed she became about the major air-quality issues that increased rail traffic would bring. And, in the wake of the 2013 Lac-Megantic disaster, in which a runaway train of 74 tanker cars carrying volatile Bakken crude derailed and exploded in the middle of that Quebec town, killing 47 people, activists started looking at potential blast zones where the Valero deliveries would pass through downtown Sacramento and Davis, cutting through the Davis campus of the University of California, winding along the scenic Feather River and crossing the Sacramento River, a major source of drinking water for Southern California. Benicia certainly didnt have emergency response capabilities or the funds to deal with a disaster if, as Patterson put it, anything went boom.

By the time the plan came up for a public hearing in February 2016, at least 12 other trains carrying crude had gone boom across the U.S. and Canada. Benicia Planning Commissioner Steve Young, frustrated by a rule that prevented the commission from asking questions about the Valero plan, took over that meeting and for hours publicly grilled Valeros consultants about their Environmental Impact Report  revealing problems that prompted the commission to do an about-face and deny Valero its needed city permits.

In June, while Valero looked to the federal Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act (ICCTA) to preempt or overrule the commission, another oil train derailed and burned near Mosier, Oregon, on the Columbia River just upstream from Portland. The accident closed Interstate 84 and schools were evacuated. Public opinion in Benicia went off the charts in opposition to the project. Lead Locally and Leadership for a Clean Economy would help turn that rage into votes.

Finally, in the middle of a city council meeting on Sept. 20, the federal Surface Transportation Board sent an informal opinion suggesting that Valeros project was not a rail project, per se, but a local oil company project. Thus, it was subject to city planning regulation, and the council voted unanimously to kill it. Steve Young was later elected to the council.

Once that Surface Transportation Board letter came in, the three pro-Valero people had nowhere to hide, said Soto. They saw that, overwhelmingly, the public was against this project.

* * *

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration now headed by Scott Pruitt, a climate change denier, environmentalists may attempt more victories at the local level.

Theyre simpler, in a way, Jones said of local policy campaigns. The people in the community understand the issues because these things are proposed in their backyards. This isnt some obscure, abstract conversation about the nations energy policy or climate change; this is about whether or not a polluting facility will be sited in their town.

When the California Energy Commission decided in 2014 to site a new gas-fired power plant in Oxnard, it made a certain sense: The city already has three such plants on its beach, but two of those are going off-line in 2020, and the fast-start flexible gas plant proposed by power company NRG was smaller and more efficient.

Residents, however, saw their seaside paradise choked with power plants, landfills, and a toxic waste Superfund site. The town, which is 75 percent Latino and 85 percent people of color, also has to deal with pesticide issues from its heavily industrialized agricultural fields. The city birthed a new vision of itself with a deindustrialized beach and restored coastal wetlands, giving people something to believe in.

[Oxnard has] often been seen as the regions sacrifice zone for the most polluting industry that none of the surrounding communities want to deal with, said Lucas Zucker, political director for CAUSE (Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy), which is fighting the power plant. This power plant figured very heavily in local elections.

The Oxnard City Council is now unanimously opposed to the plant, and so is the areas county supervisor, its state assembly member, state senator, and congresswoman. There are years of momentum behind these changes: The city banded together to oppose a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal off the coast in 20062007, with over 3,000 people packing a State Lands Commission meeting and pressuring officials to kill the project. Now theyve turned their ire on the power plants. Oxnard Mayor Tim Flynn led the city council to pass a temporary ban on coastal power plants last July based on concerns over a sea-level rise that could reach the plants, and was resoundingly reelected in November. Opponents of the plant have won or retained seats despite being outspent three to one in many cases by industry-backed candidates.

In January 2017, protesters mobbed an Oxnard meeting of the California Energy Commission, which is preparing to release a final decision on the plant this summer, and effectively shut the meeting down.

There are people who are opposed to the plant, but there is also a lot of support for it, said NRG spokesperson David Knox, who was at this meeting, noting that proponents like the idea of a cleaner plant and energy reliability as the two old plants are retired, plus the jobs and tax revenue. NRG has estimated that replacing the plant would create 401 construction jobs and 50 demolition jobs, and generate over $16 million in increased local spending and $5.4 million in sales taxes.

Many locals, however, dont think its worth it. Resistance to the Oxnard plant may have actually inspired a competing company, Calpine, to propose a gas-fired plant in nearby Santa Paula, which would supply the same area. A completely separate fight erupted there, however, slowly building local pushback, and now the Santa Paula City Council has come out against that project.

Still, Zucker notes the resistance in Oxnard and Santa Paula wasnt well-coordinated. Even with the participation of Lead Locally and Leadership for a Clean Economy, small-town resisters are still somewhat isolated from national dialogues and from one another. When asked if his group coordinated with Benicia or other towns fighting power plants, he said, Not as much as we should [have]. Theres not been a lot of communication.

* * *

In the Central Valley town of Arvin, Jose Gurrolas fight is quieter and more focused on the future. He first won city council office as a 19-year-old, inspired to do something about an oil infrastructure leak that had contaminated an Arvin neighborhood and required its evacuation for about eight months. He proposed a fracking ban in the city, but the sitting mayor voted against him. So he ran against that mayor, promising to regulate oil and gas, and, with some organizing help, won last November.

As mayor, Gurrola has pulled back from the fracking ban to do something more ambitious: revamping the citys oil and gas code, which, he points out, hasnt been updated since the moon landing in 1969. Kern County may be Californias biggest oil producing county, but today there are only four or five active wells in Arvin, and Gurrola wants to make sure they are safe, and to discourage more production and incentivize clean energy projects.

I dont want to necessarily call it a fracking ban at this point, because there are ways that we can write the ordinance and really make it tough for fracking to occur within the city of Arvin, said Gurrola. Were looking really closely at what the city of Carson did. They have, to my knowledge, the strictest oil and gas code in the state, and one of the strictest in the entire country.

Carsons code does not ban fracking (the city has a separate ban for that) but places very detailed restrictions on oil production. It is a road map for Gurrola and his staff and attorneys, as theres no one-stop shop for anti-fracking legislation. Despite support from a local environmental justice organization called the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment, and Gurrolas connections with 350.org and Food and Water Watch, he is still left with a Herculean task to draw up an appropriate new code and implement the right legislation.

Environmentalists have barely begun their work. Whit Jones says that Lead Locally is also looking to expand nationally during elections in 2017 and 2018. There are similar local fights where communities are trying to stop proposed fossil-fuel infrastructure, and theyre pretty similar to what we saw in California  oil train terminals, proposed oil and gas pipelines, along with power plants.

Benicias Elizabeth Patterson noted that finding friends is the only way to survive. Thats really important, to know that youre not by yourself, the mayor said. Because in a local community theres a lot of criticism: that youre taking jobs away, they are going to stop contributing to our community. Theres some pretty heavy stuff that is said, and its hard to look people in the eye and say, This is the right thing to do.
* Overdue bills reach 2.6 bln euros in crisis

* Additional 500 mln euros in energy stolen

* Households, small businesses owe more than half

* Over 40 pct of Greeks in arrears on utility bills

* GRAPHIC - Greek energy crisis http://tmsnrt.rs/2o2KRRD

By Karolina Tagaris and Angeliki Koutantou

ATHENS, April 6 (Reuters) - Kostas Argyros's unpaid electricity bills are piling up, among a mountain of debt owed to Greece's biggest power utility.

His family owe 850 euros to the Public Power Corporation (PPC), a tiny fraction of the state-controlled firm's 2.6 billion euros ($2.8 billion) in unpaid bills.

Argyros picks up only occasional work as an odd-job man. "When you only work once a week, what will you pay first?" said the 35-year-old, who lives in a tiny apartment in an Athens suburb with his unemployed wife and four small children.

The Argyros family are emblematic of deepening poverty in Greece following seven years of austerity demanded by the country's international creditors. They burn wood to heat their home in winter, food is cooked on a small gas stove, and hot water is scarce.

The only evening light is the blue glare of a TV screen, for fear of racking up more debt. Five-watt lightbulbs provide a dim glow and Argyros worries about the effect on their eyesight.

More than 40 percent of Greeks are behind on their utility bills, higher than anywhere else in Europe.

People in poor neighbourhoods are also increasingly turning to energy fraud, meaning that the problem for PPC is much higher than the mountain of unpaid bills suggests.

Power theft is costing PPC around 500-600 million euros a year in lost income, an industry official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to divulge the numbers.

PPC declined to comment on the figure. Public disclosures by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator HEDNO, which checks meters, show that verified cases of theft climbed to 10,600 last year, up from 8,880 in 2013 and 4,470 in 2012.

Story continues

Authorities believe theft is far higher than the cases verified by HEDNO, another official said, declining to be named.

Households in the country are equipped with analogue meters, which are easy to hack. One of the most common tricks is using magnets, which slow down the rotating coils to show less consumption than the real amount, a HEDNO official said.

Some websites even offer consumers tips and tricks on power fraud.

BURDEN OF ARREARS

For households who have had their electricity cut off, a group of activists calling themselves the "I Won't Pay" movement have taken it upon themselves to reconnect the supply. The group says it has done hundreds this year.

PPC, which has a 90 percent share of the retail market and 60 percent of the wholesale market, is supposed to reduce this dominance to less than 50 percent by 2020 under Greece's third, 86 billion euro bailout deal.

The lenders also want PPC to sell some of its assets, but the company is toiling under the debt of unpaid bills, a problem opposition lawmakers say will force a fire-sale.

In little over a year from June 2015, overdue bills to the 51-percent state-owned firm grew by nearly a billion euros to 2.6 billion, Chief Executive Manolis Panagiotakis told lawmakers in March.

Analysts estimate PPC's cash reserves have shrunk to about 300 million euros, forcing it to secure a 200 million euro bank loan to repay a bond due in May.

The tangle has left it with little leeway for new investments or to fund a switch to cleaner forms of energy from coal to improve environmental standards.

"It is often said that PPC is undergoing the most critical phase of its history," Panagiotakis told lawmakers. "I will not argue with that." He declined a Reuters request for an interview.

The burden of arrears for PPC is now "so big that some worry it will not be able to lift it for much longer", said energy expert Constantinos Filis.

The apartment building where the Argyros family live is a testament to that. Many tenants struggle even to pay the 25 euro annual fee to light communal areas such as staircases.

GROUND ZERO

PPC has tried to recoup unpaid bills with phased repayment schemes.  total of 625,000 customers owing a total of 1.3 billion euros had signed up to the scheme by January.

The Argyros family have also entered the scheme with the help of Theofilos, a local charity, which also contributes towards their monthly bills.

Meanwhile, PPC's provisions for bad debt remain high. The schemes drove the figure down to 453 million euros in the nine months to September last year from 690 million a year earlier. Analysts expect PPC to swing back to a profit of between 63-109 million euros in 2016, with provisions of below 600 million euros.

Filis, the energy expert, said the more things stayed the same, the closer PPC was to "ground zero" and he drew comparisons with the Greek state's brushes with near bankruptcy during the debt crisis.

"It's reasonable to say that PPC is too big to allow it to collapse, particularly regarding energy security," he said. "On the other hand, a few years ago some argued that no country could fail either."

(editing by David Stamp)
'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.
Census 2016 results show that Irelands population stood at 4,761,865 in April 2016, an increase of 173,613 (3.8%) since April 2011.

The population of County Tipperary stood at 159,553 in April 2016, an increase of 0.5% over the five years.

More females than males

Tipperarys population in April 2016 was comprised of 79,668 males and 79,885 females.

There were 53,009 more females than males in the State in April 2016, giving an overall sex ratio of 97.8 males for every 100 females, a slight decline on the 2011 ratio of 98.1.

Ageing population

The average age of Tipperarys population in April 2016 was 38.6 years, compared to 37.4 years in April 2011.

Nationally, the average age of the population was 37.4, up from 36.1 in April 2011. The number of males aged 65 and over increased by 22% to 296,837, while the number of females aged 65 and over increased by 16.7% to 340,730.

Numbers divorced/separated continues to increase

8,013 people were divorced/separated in Tipperary, a rate of 5.0%, compared to the national rate of 4.7%.

The number of divorced people in Ireland has increased to 103,895 (18%) since 2011.The number of separated people increased slightly to 118,178 (from 116,194 in 2011).

Irish language

65,391 people in Tipperary stated that they could speak Irish, compared to 67,338 in April 2011. Within this figure, 1,450 spoke Irish daily outside the education system, while 3,723 spoke Irish weekly outside the education system.

Nationally, 1,761,420 people stated that they were able to speak Irish, with 73,803 speaking Irish daily outside the education system and 111,473 doing so weekly.

Irish Travellers

1,228 Irish Travellers resided in County Tipperary in April 2016, an increase of 6.8% since 2011.

Nationally, the number of people enumerated as Irish Travellers increased by 5.1% to 30,987.

Broadband

35,813 dwellings in Tipperary had broadband access in April 2016, an increase of 16.7% since April 2011. 6,881 dwellings had non-broadband internet access, an increase of 2.2%, while the number of dwellings with no internet access fell by 23.4% to 14,912.

Nationally, 312,982 dwellings (18.4%) had no internet connection, down from more than 1 in 4 (25.8%) in 2011.

Broadband use in private households increased to 70.7% (from 63.8% in 2011) and 148,125 more households had a broadband connection.
(Natural News) Researchers at the Queen Mary University of London found that vitamin D supplementation keep respiratory diseases such as cough and colds at bay. Data show that vitamin D supplementation resulted in a 12 percent reduction in the proportion of patients suffering at least one acute respiratory tract infection. Researchers also noted that vitamin D supplementation helped keep respiratory infections in check, especially among vitamin deficient individuals. To asses this the scientists examined more than 11,000 patients who participated in 25 clinical trials across 14 countries, including the U.K., India, Afghanistan, and Japan as well Belgium, Italy, Australia, Canada and the U.S.

The bottom line is that the protective effects of vitamin D supplementation are strongest in those who have the lowest vitamin D levels and when supplementation is given daily or weekly rather than in more widely spaced doses. Vitamin D fortification of foods provides a steady, low-level intake of vitamin D that has virtually eliminated profound vitamin D deficiency in several countries. By demonstrating this new benefit of vitamin D, our study strengthens the case for introducing food fortification to improve vitamin D levels in countries such as the UK where profound vitamin D deficiency is common, said lead researcher Professor Adrian Martineau.

The findings were published in the The British Medical Journal.

Vitamin D shows efficacy against flu

Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces the risk of flu among children, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers at the Jikei University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan examined up to 354 children who were given either vitamin D supplements or a placebo. Children in the treatment arm were given up to 1,200 international units of vitamin D over a period of three months.

Study data showed that children taking the vitamin supplements fell ill just as often as those who took a placebo during the first month of treatment. However, children in the supplement group showed a significant improvement in their overall health during the second month when their vitamin D levels had increased.

Researchers examined the vitamins efficacy in flu protection against two anti-viral drugs zanamivir and oseltamivir. Study data showed that vitamin D supplementation helped reduce the risk of flu infection in children by up to 50 percent, compared with a measly eight percent reduction in children taking zanamivir and oseltamivir.

The scientists concluded that while generally effective, antiviral treatments will fail consistently when assessed against vitamin D. The findings explain why flu seasons peak during winter between December and March, when people have significantly low levels of the sunshine vitamin, researchers noted.

Quick facts on acute respiratory infection

According to the World Lung Foundation, acute respiratory infections are associated with 4.25 million deaths around the world each year. Acute respiratory infections are also the third most common cause of death globally, and the leading cause of death in low- and middle-income countries. ARIs are also tied to at least six percent of the worlds disability and death rates.

Data show that three to five million people around the world contract severe flu infections every year. As many as 500,000 people die of severe flu infections annually, researchers say. Acute respiratory infections are also more prevalent among highly susceptible populations such as patients with HIV.

Acute respiratory infections are the leading cause of disease and death in children around the world. According to the World Lung Foundation, 20 to 40 percent of all juvenile hospitalizations can be associated with acute respiratory infections.

Sources:

Sci-News.com

Independent.co.uk

WorldHealth.net

WorldLungFoundation.org
(Natural News) Truth be told, the socialist utopia of Venezuela really couldnt be any further from paradise. The authoritative regime in charge has been openly hostile towards the private sector for decades, leading to economic dislocation, empty shelves at the grocery stores and nationwide poverty. It has gotten so bad that many Venezuelans are resorting to digging through piles of trash in order to find something to eat. Crime rates in Venezuela are also through the roof, forcing people to live in fear alongside violent gangs that roam the streets. Given all of these problems, it would appear that it couldnt get any worse for the socialist country. Sadly, though, when big government is in control, things can always get worse.

Recently, hundreds of Venezuelans found themselves stranded in their cars in the middle of the streets as the countrys gas stations ran out of their supply of gasoline. This was certainly a shock to many, as Venezuela, an OPEC nation, was believed to have the worlds largest oil reserves. (RELATED: Thousands of people are currently trapped in Venezuela due to a passport shortage).

Of Venezuelas twenty-three states, eight of them have reported significant shortages in their supplies of gasoline  Miranda, Aragua, Lara, Barinas, Anzoategui, Nueva Esparta, Bolivar, and Monagas. Hundreds of cars in these states ran out of gas as they were waiting in seemingly endless lines to refill, significantly affecting the smooth flow of traffic.

Naturally, many residents expressed anger and frustration over the gasoline shortage. I have been to four or five gas stations and it has been impossible to fill my car, Jose Torres of Caracas explained to reporters. Student Freddy Bautista added, Yesterday, I went to three filling stations and I couldnt fill my tank. Ive been waiting 30 minutes here, and it seems like Ill be able to fill up today.

Even though Venezuelas oil reserves consist of some 298 billion barrels, the thickness of the oil requires it to be extensively refined before being sold to consumers. The Venezuelan government is reliant upon foreign nations to do this refining.

The newspaper El Carabobeno reported that the governments excuse for the lack of gasoline was weather delays, which prevented oil shipments coming in from abroad from being quickly and efficiently distributed. However, the paper disputed that claim: Within PDVSA there was knowledge that they could only bring to market 40,000 barrels of oil to meet a demand of 260,000 barrels weekly. PDVSA stands for Petroleos de Venezuela, the Venezuelan state oil corporation.

Last month, Venezuela increased its exports of oil up to 88,000 barrels per day to countries like Cuba and Nicaragua, according to PDVSA documents obtained by Reuters. At the same time that Venezuela was increasing the amount of oil it was exporting, PDVSA ran out of money to pay for the refined oil that the country imports from abroad.

PDVSA did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on the matter.

It is absolutely astonishing how many people in our own country support entrusting the federal government with more power and ultimately the establishment of a socialist state. All one has to do to know that socialism fails is look to Venezuela, a country that cant even make food and gasoline available to its people. Yet the most common arguments we hear from radical leftists like Bernie Sanders is that socialism leads to more fairness and more equality. They tell us that the redistribution of wealth is good for the economy because it gives everyone a fair shake. The obvious question, then, is that if socialism really is this paradise that liberals say it is, why is the socialist country of Venezuela currently teetering on the brink of collapse?

Sources

Breitbart.com

Yahoo.com
(Natural News) Is Big Pharma engaged in creating vaccines that are racially targeted? A new study may hold the key to answering this question, as it reveals that influenza vaccines appear to produce a heightened inflammatory immune response in certain ethnic groups.

According to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, Wistar University, and Duke University Medical Center, African-American people seem to have a more pronounced inflammatory immune response to flu shots than white people, on average. And to some, this variant efficacy is a sign that vaccines may be developed that display different results when administered to people of different races.

The surprising new findings are published in the journal Oncotarget, and suggest that uniform protection from flu shots is a complete misnomer. The color of ones skin may be a significant determining factor in whether or not a flu vaccine will be effective or dangerous.

Dr. Raj Kurupati and his colleagues uncovered a heightened immune response in African-American folks who are vaccinated for influenza compared to Caucasian folks, though this heightened response among blacks seems to wane with age. By the time people reach the age of about 65, however, there is virtually no difference in their respective immune responses to flu shots.

Why this is the case could be a factor of circulating B-cells in younger blacks, which may indicate higher basal immune surveillance. In a nutshell, African-Americans, on average, express a more pronounced immune response to flu shots, compared to Caucasians of similar age and health profiles. But too much of an inflammatory response can also lead to adverse events, including seizures and brain damage.

News outlet accuses science of being racist for not taking into account all ethnic groups

All of this would simply be data to most people. But to some, its an indicator of what SciNews calls racial indifference in scientific studies. In the view of this news outlet, the vast majority of genome-wide association studies looking for genes or polymorphisms related to a particular disease focus on people of European descent, leaving out those of African descent.

Science is racist, in other words, and more needs to be done to fix it. Some believe that blacks are underrepresented in the scientific literature, and are thus not being taken into account when medicines are developed.

Natural News would take the position that vaccines are equally risky to all races. This is especially true for flu vaccines which, more often than not, contain dangerous additives like aluminum and mercury. Nobody of any race should be getting an annual flu shot based on whats been published about their lack of efficacy and propensity towards causing harmful side effects.

And yet some in the scientific community are splitting hairs over too much, or not enough, representation in the scientific literature of this race or that race. Perhaps the world would be much better off if we all agreed that, race aside, injecting the body with toxic heavy metals and other chemicals alongside live viruses and aborted human fetal tissue isnt in anyones best interest.

Sources:

Sci-News.com

Cell.com
The Greatest Story Ever Told ... So Far Lawrence M. Krauss Simon & Schuster: 2017. 978-1476777610 978-1471158377 | ISBN: 978-1-476-77761-0

Forget the Odyssey, the Aeneid and the Bible  the story of modern fundamental physics, Lawrence Krauss argues, is greater than all of these. What could live up to such a billing?

The tale has been told before, in outline and detail. Krauss's retelling is fast (four centuries in 300 pages) and aimed at nonscientists. Its best parts are its explanations of difficult concepts. Its worst are where Krauss, a theoretical physicist, apparently feels competitive with the Bible and the humanities.

Credit: Illustrations by Matt Saunders With considerable chutzpah, Krauss breaks his book into 'Genesis', 'Exodus' and 'Revelation'. 'Genesis' opens with Isaac Newton, who used geometry and calculus to understand nature. By the end of the nineteenth century, the tribe of scientists  now including Thomas Young, Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell  had gained key tools with the discovery of light interference, fields and electromagnetic waves.

Krauss's accounts of early scientific struggles are certainly easy to follow. The Church was the National Science Foundation of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries, he remarks. Of Faraday's discovery that magnets produce electricity, he writes: Voila, Niagara Falls, hydroelectricity, and the modern world! Twentieth-century developments are more difficult, but Krauss provides catchy anecdotes. He explains relativity by referring to a time when he was struck by his child's projectile vomit in the car, and the different trajectories the vomit took as perceived by himself and someone outside the vehicle.

'Genesis' ends in the mid-1930s, with the discovery of the neutrino and short-range weak force. It is silly for Krauss to analogize this period to the part of the Bible in which the Jews are enslaved in Egypt, but that's the flavour of this book. Many physicists see the 1950s to 1970s as a golden age, with soaring budgets and huge machines unearthing hordes of particles. Their prestige was at a peak. New heroes, including Murray Gell-Mann and Yoichiro Nambu, led further discoveries: YangMills theory, parity violation, BoseEinstein condensates, quarks and the Higgs particle.

'Revelation' comes with the development in the 1970s of the standard model of particle physics, which describes all known particles and three of the four known forces. Krauss dubs it perhaps the greatest theoretical edifice yet created by human minds. He calls what came next the attaining of the Promised Land (mixing the biblical structure). Krauss also likens the discovery of the model to the allegory of the cave in Plato's Republic, in which humans are captivated by shadows and illusions, but philosophers can become aware of the 'forms' underlying existence. For Krauss, it is scientists who go outside our cave of shadows to glimpse the otherwise hidden reality beneath the surface.

Krauss clearly covets the cachet of the humanities. He likens Albert Einstein's creativity to Vincent van Gogh's, and compares particle accelerators to Gothic cathedrals. He says his story contains every bit as much drama, human tragedy, and exaltation as the Aeneid, and is motivated, like that work, to parse humanity's origins and nature. These are sloppy analogies. Although we've achieved 'Revelation', for instance, Krauss says that what we now know may be almost ephemeral because future experimental results may change everything. The reader may be reminded less of the Aeneid than of the myth of Sisyphus, whose story never ends.

In Krauss's oversimplified take, there are two answers to the question, 'why are we here?'. The biblical one is to say that humans have a special status and that the Universe was made just for us. The other is to realize that the laws of nature are independent of us and that we are the result of an accident in the history of the universe. He opts for the latter.

And in his invocations of the cave analogy, he omits two key features. One is that, for Plato, the forms outside the cave are unchanging, like laws of logic that cannot be disproved and are at work in all human activity, including science. Science is therefore an inner-cave activity, and those who claim it uncovers ultimate reality are priest-like pretenders. Second, the Republic is not about matter, but about justice and the Good. The central cave image helps to show what motivates the person who sees the forms to return to the cave and try to reorganize communal life, despite its difficulties. Krauss's protagonists seek only the structure of matter, and their moral message to the cave-dwellers is: We're accidents!
The thing about porcupines is that they may be small, but they can hurt their predator really bad.

A shocking clip showing just that went viral on the Internet recently. The clip showed a snake writhing in pain after reportedly attempting to chow down a porcupine.

IFL Science cited that the video was taken in Brazil. The video only lasted for more than a minute and it was not shown whether the snake survived the spiky incident. According to Daily Mail, the snake appears to be a boa constrictor.



Boa constrictors, as mentioned by the National Geographic, can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) long and weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). They usually prey on small mammals such as birds and bats but will eat almost anything they can catch, including monkeys and wild pigs. They kill their preys by grabbing them first with their teeth and then coiling around them until their preys can no longer defend themselves. Once dead, the preys are swallowed whole.



Meanwhile, porcupines are a type of rodent known for its quills that act as their weapon against predators. San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants said scientists group them into either Old World or New World porcupines.

Old World porcupines have quills that can grow up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) long. When threatened, the quills stiffen, making them appear scarier than they already are. Meanwhile, the New World porcupines are smaller than the first one, but its quills have small barbs that remain in the flesh of a predator that tries to attack it.



Notes from North America Porcupine said the notorious predator of porcupines are Fishers, which can flip them off its back and bite their underside that is not protected by quills.



In 2015, a python choked to death after eating a porcupine. The python's digestive tract was pierced from the inside.



Johan Marais, a snake expert, told Earth Touch News Network that the python must have tried to vomit the porcupine after realizing something is wrong.

"...when disturbed after a large meal, the natural reaction for a snake is to regurgitate its meal so that it is mobile again and can escape. But regurgitating a porcupine is not that easy, and I am sure that is where things went wrong."
While China's taste for elephant ivories have died down, it seems like their fondness has shifted to Donkey skin this time.

According to the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals (NSPCA), South African donkeys are being slaughtered to extinction for the gelatin found in their skin and their meat.

While the donkey-hide gelatin has no commercial value in Africa, it is a popular ingredient used to create Chinese medicine to treat anemia and menopause-linked ailments. The gelatin, called Ejiao in Chinese, reportedly stops bleeding and strengthens the blood.

"[Ejiao] is quite a popular ingredient in China that people may self-prescribe," Chinese medicine expert Mazin Al-Khafaji told The Independent. "It's a hard gel, made from donkey hide, which is then dissolved in hot water or alcohol. It's also used topically in a cream, for leg ulcers for instance."

CNN noted that because donkey skin is highly sought-after in China, the donkey population went down from 11 million to six million in the past 20 years. Approximately 80,000 animals had been sold in the first nine months of 2016. While the demand had delivered a valuable stream of foreign currency, it has placed small-scale farmers in a difficult situation.

China File said that because the price of donkeys increased, rural communities who depend on the animals for livelihood are suffering.

Speaking with Science Times, a donkey owner in Mogosani village named Ikgopeleng Tsietsoane shared that currently, the price of a donkey is 2,000 rand. It used to be only 400 rands ($30 or 29 euros).

At present, a number of African countries, including Niger and Burkina Faso, have banned China from buying their donkeys to save the docile beast's population and the livelihood of locals. However, smuggling still persists in areas where it is considered illegal to do so.

An investigation conducted by the NSPCA's Farm Animal Protection Unit last year found a donkey killing site in the Northern Cape. Aside from the fact that most of the donkeys were stolen, they were treated poorly and killed inhumanely, most of the time using hammers to beat them and knives to slit their throats.

Inspector Mpho Mokoena of the NSPCA's Farm Animal Protection Unit, as quoted by SA people said, "Tragically this is not an isolated issue and the NSPCA continues to pursue leads to uncover and handle further instances when donkeys are being stolen and abused in terms of transportation, general neglect and the unacceptable manner of slaughter for the trade in donkey hide for Chinese traditional medicine. We remain gravely concerned as the practice is widespread and growing."

Meanwhile, countries such as Botswana and Kenya had made exporting donkey skins legal. Africa News said South Africa's North West province, which has the largest donkey population in South Africa, is proposing an agreement to do the same.

The African Wild Ass (Equus africanus) are classified as critically endangered.
The tiny remote Yttygran Island in Siberia could easily be a forgotten corner at the northern tip of the country, but tourists have discovered one of the compelling -- yet eerie -- reasons to make the trip: the ancient graveyard of whales known as Whale Bone Alley.

According to a report from Atlas Obscura, hundreds of whale bones are found in the island. Most of them are jaw bones, ribs and vertebrae.

The bones, rising five meters high and weighing 300 kilograms each, jut out from the ground in two lines along the shore creating an "alley" that inspired the site's name. Between the alley, there are skulls and square pits that are believed to hold tons of meat years ago.

A report from Siberian Times and photographer Evgeniy Basov explained the history of the increasingly popular tourist site that was discovered by Soviet archaeologists in 1976. Archaeologists believe that Whale Bone Alley was constructed by Eskimos as a shrine and a central meeting site.

During a mini ice age of severe winters, Asians and American Eskimos suffered from a food shortage. Armed conflicts among the different tribes occurred until finally, the Asian Eskimos developed a military and political union that considered Yttygran their neutral religious and ideological base.

Some think male representatives from the tribes would meet here annually for sacrificial offerings and to share their community's issues. The site could have been chosen because the men can easily kill and butcher a whale here. The square pits in the ground could have been used to store the whale meat for the gatherings.

Locals from the island aren't so convinced about the sacredness of Whale Bone Alley. Some of the people in Yttgran Island explained that it's simply a collective site for butchering and storing whale meat.

However the mysterious Whale Bone Alley served the tribes in the island and beyond, it's still a compelling place to visit 600 years later. More and more tourists all over the world are mesmerized by the massive whale graveyard, flocking to Yttygran to walk amidst the bones in the now-famous alley.
Guy who's been to 135 countries shares 9 where you can live for $1000 a month

Bruce Northam is what you might call well-traveled. The author has spent decades navigating the globe, a journey he details in "The Directions to Happiness: A 135-Country Quest for Life Lessons."

Along the way, he's gotten a good idea of where your money stretches the farthest.

On Thrillist, Northam shares nine of his favorite countries where $1,000 a month will cover housing, food and adventures. If you're thinking about living abroad, "don't let cost stand in your way," he says. "If you're earning even a few American dollars a month, you can stretch a trip to any of these spots indefinitely."

Read on to see Northam's favorites, what you'll save on in each country and the cost of a local draft, which "works as a pretty reliable stand-in for almost any cost-of-living survey you care to enlist," says the travel writer.

We also included the cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in each country, according to database Numbeo. The range represents the average cost to rent outside of the city center and in the city center.

Armenia

"Sandwiched between Iran, Turkey, and Georgia, many of the tiny Christian country's 4,000 epic religious structures are on prime real estate  analogous to where America created its ultimate national parks and resorts," writes Northam.

Armenia's best deal: "A world-class opera runs $6."

Cost of a local draft: $1.50

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $140 to $230 per month

Bolivia

"Bolivia remains an even greater bargain than backpacker sanctuaries like Cambodia," says Northam. "La Paz (elevation 12,000ft), the world's highest capital city, is where frugal long-term travelers crisscrossing South America hang their hats and regroup."

Bolivia's best deal: "A bed in a bare-bones hostel will run $5 per night."

Cost of a local draft: $0.75

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $210 to $290 per month

Fiji

"If you really plan on living here for a while you'll have to truly go local  earthen floors and all  to live cheaply," says Northam.

Story continues

Fiji's best deal: "A bowl of kava is by donation, your call."

Cost of a local draft: $1.25

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $210 to $780 per month

Grenada

"You'll find plenty of splendid beaches and nice places to crash on this West Indies paradise," says Northam. But, "keep in mind that this is the Caribbean and to navigate affordably you'll have to go more native than you might prefer."

Grenada's best deal: "Exotic spices. Fresh and way cheaper than Trader Joe's."

Cost of a local draft: $1

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $310 to $400 per month

Laos

"Americans abroad are sometimes met by a level of wariness, but expect Laotians to welcome you warmly," says Northam. "Take a rat-race sabbatical to this Buddhist country, and you'll chill out and probably learn to cook vegetables better than anyone you know."

Laos' best deal: "A handmade bamboo river raft, just $15."

Cost of a local draft: $1.25

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $170 to $300 per month

Montenegro

"Free of the Communist hangover that hung in the former Yugoslavian states post-1991, Montenegro is rocking it," writes Northam. "The capital, Podgorica, has its share of uniform, sober buildings echoing the dismal Soviet concrete era, but the mannerly hard-working locals make it shine."

Montenegro's best deal: "A two-hour bus ride crossing remarkable mountain range separating Adriatic coast with inland capital runs just $7."

Cost of a local draft: $1.75

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $200 to $290 per month

Nepal

"Nestled between powerhouses China and India, this hypnotizing nation allows you to travel back in time, which also applies to its cost of living," says Northam.

Nepal's best deal: "Nifty local handicrafts cost bupkis."

Cost of a local draft: $1.15

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $60 to $110 per month

Nicaragua

"Even the poorest country in Central America  you'll be humbled by how far $500 a month goes here  is a swell place to assess your coordinates of wonder," says Northam. "In the late '90s this place was slowly limping out of a war. Now it rivals Costa Rica, the darling of Central American tourism, as the place to be."

Nicaragua's best deal: "Surf lessons can be had for less than $10 an hour."

Cost of a local draft: $1.65

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $170 to $320 per month

Zimbabwe

"Africa's adrenaline capital, the Victoria Falls region, is once again open for business," writes Northam. "Rafting on Class V rapids, giving a full-grown lion a massage and beholding the epic Victoria Falls is only a taste."

Zimbabwe's best deal: "Getting healthy [food] here is easy and cheap."

Cost of a local draft: $2

Cost to rent a one-bedroom: $280 to $350 per month

Don't miss: 7 travel hacks from a CEO who flies more in a month than you will in a year





More From CNBC


Scientists discovered that a common antibiotic might be a potent cure for treating and preventing post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

Researchers from the University College London and the University of Zurich conducted the new study, calling it a new strategy to curb the effect of PTSD. They found out that a common antibiotic called doxycycline could help disrupt negative associations in the brain. The study was published in the Molecular Psychiatry.

Symptoms of PTSD usually surface after a person was exposed to traumatic events. A series of psychological symptoms help doctors identify the condition as PTSD. Currently, there are a lot of medications and techniques available to combat PTSD. The study presented another way to help victims of PTSD.

"We have demonstrated a proof-of-principle for an entirely new treatment strategy for PTSD," lead author of the study Professor Dominik Bach said in a statement. "The theory is based on the recent discovery that our brains need proteins outside nerve cells, called matrix enzymes, to form memories

The researchers tested a placebo-controlled trial with the help of 76 participants. The respondents were exposed to electric shock while receiving doxycycline and placebo. They were conditioned to associate a color with the shock. A week after continued testing, they were tested to identify the colors without the electric shock but with a loud sound.

Based on the trial, the participants' fear response measured up to 60 percent lower in participants exposed to doxycycline compared to those taking placebos.

"When we talk about reducing fear memory, we are not talking about deleting the memory of what actually happened," Dominik Bach, from UCL Welcome Center for Neuroimaging, Max Planck UCL Center for Computational Psychiatry and Aging Research and the University of Zurich Division of Clinical Psychiatry Research, said in a press release.

The study found out that the human brain is capable of forgetting to "instinctively" be scared. One example is that the participants may not forget to associate the color red with the electric shock, but they can forget being scared when the same color was shown. The psychology is analyzing the over-prediction of a threat compared to the natural ability to predict threat that is causing PTSD.
Federal authorities on Wednesday raided a Los Angeles-area business suspected of cheating the U.S. government visa program to obtain green cards for wealthy Chinese investors.

Investigators searched the office of the California Investment Immigration Fund in San Gabriel as part of the fraud investigation.

Under a U.S. government program, foreign investors who commit at least half a million dollars to job-creating projects in designated areas can apply to obtain green cards.

The California fund sought green cards for more than 100 Chinese investors for construction projects that were never built, according to federal court filings.

"As a result of the fraudulent scheme, many foreign nationals were able to improperly obtain U.S. green cards through the EB-5 visa program, even though those foreigners did not in fact truly invest in U.S. businesses, nor were new American jobs created," FBI Special Agent Gary Chen wrote in the papers.

Chen also wrote that some of the $50 million raised through the scheme was refunded to investors while their immigration applications were pending or used to buy personal homes for Victoria Chan, an attorney, and her father Tat Chan, who ran the fund.

In some instances, the fund fronted the money for people who were not legitimate investors, he wrote.

In addition, at least three investors who obtained green cards through the program were fugitives wanted by the Chinese government, Chen wrote.

A message left at the fund's office seeking comment was not immediately returned. Multiple email messages were sent to addresses for Victoria Chan.

The company claims on its website to focus on developing hotels, retail, mixed-use residential and senior living facilities.

No charges were filed Wednesday and no arrests were expected, said Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokeswoman.

The investigation dates back at least four years, when Homeland Security investigators looked into one of the listed project sites. The site appeared the same a few months ago and no construction permits had been pulled, Chen wrote.

The probe in California comes as U.S. lawmakers weigh proposed changes to the visa program that has grown popular among wealthy foreigners seeking to move to the U.S. but faces widespread criticism amid allegations of fraud and misuse.

The EB-5 program, which began more than two decades ago, lets foreigners pool their investments through so-called regional centers aimed at boosting economic growth in exchange for green cards.

As of last year, more than 800 centers had been approved to participate in the program, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Critics say many of the investments purportedly aimed at assisting poor areas of the U.S. have instead wound up going to projects in more affluent neighborhoods.

In addition, programs in Vermont, South Dakota and elsewhere have been wracked by fraud scandals. Earlier this year, a man who once ran South Dakota's program was sentenced to probation and a fine after striking a deal with federal prosecutors.
The California Department of Justice says it returned 500 firearms to a man who had them seized after authorities realized he was barred from possessing weapons for mental illness reasons.

The Fresno Bee reports Tuesday that after a lengthy court battle, the firearms that were taken in 2015 were returned to 59-year-old Albert Sheakalee of Clovis. Lawyer Mark Coleman says although no charges were ever filed against Sheakalee, his firearms were not returned until he took the matter to court.

Coleman says DOJ agents told him they had 180 days after the charges were resolved to ask for the weapons. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach the agents, Coleman says he was told weapons would not be returned.

A Fresno court judge ordered the guns to be turned over to a local firearms dealer on behalf of the family in December.
What to Know New Jersey Teen, Ziad Ahmed, wrote "#blacklivesmatter" 100 times on his Stanford application.

Stanford University accepted the high school senior student.

The teen activist has also been accepted into Princeton University and Yale University.

New Jersey teen Ziad Ahmed wrote "#blacklivesmatter" 100 times on his application to Stanford University and to his surprise, Stanford accepted.

Ahmed, a senior at Princeton Day School in Princeton, New Jersey, tweeted a screenshot of the essay and acceptance letter Saturday afternoon with the caption "I submitted this answer in my @Stanford application, & yesterday, I was admitted... #BlackLivesMatter"

Since Saturday, the tweet has garnered over 3,000 retweets and 7,000 likes.

The essay question that prompted the response asked, "What matters to you, and why?"

After gaining attention for his acceptance to Stanford, Ahmed tweeted "it's important to note that this response was one answer on one application. Not my college essay or etc. There's a lot more to it."

"Also, I want to clarify that I know this one answer on one application does not qualify as 'activism,'" he said. "This is a statement, not work."

Stanford University confirmed Ziad's acceptance to NBC News but declined to further discuss the student's application.

Ahmed told Mic.com, "It's critical to realize that one-fourth to one-third of the Muslim community in America are black ... and to separate justice for Muslims from justices for the black community is to erase the realities of the plurality of our community."

Ahmed is also the founder of Redefy, an organization centered around defying stereotypes, and JUV Consulting, centered on youth counseling.

The teen activist has also been accepted into Princeton University and Yale University.
- By Alberto Abaterusso





The major downside to operating mines in a medium to low developed country is represented by continuous interruptions in production caused by social and economic problems. Miners engaged in metallic production and projects carried out in these countries often face problems with local populations, including illegal mining activities (e.g., AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi mine), strikes (e.g., Kinross Gold Corp.'s unionized employees strike in Mauritania) and lack of political stability, among others.





This is a problem because with an industry where there is not much room to expand due to depleting mineral deposits and increasing operating costs, operating in African countries, which are still very rich in resources, is becoming the only possibility for growth and guarantee for future production.

The Kusasalethu mine in South Africa is an example of a territory that is very rich in mineral resources, but mining activities for global gold producers are hit by frequent social issues.

Located 46.6 miles from Johannesburg, Harmony Gold Mining's (HMY) Kusasalethu mine had its operations interrupted when its employees joined an industrial action that was led by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union in response to disciplinary action against 40 employees who staged a sit-in in January. The strike began on March 21 but was deemed unprotected by the South African Labour Court on March 31.

The workers ended the strike Thursday after reaching an agreement with Harmony.

The strike cost the miner 12 days of production, which equates to 33.1 pounds of gold per day and $7.2 million in revenue. This figure accounts for around 5% of the company's total revenue generated from the mine.

"We are relieved that Kusasalethu is back to normal," CEO Peter Steenkamp said. "Unprotected industrial action affects the mine's viability, its employees and their families. It is prudent that the Kusasalethu team now continues to produce safe, profitable ounces in line with its plan."

Story continues

At Kusasalethu, Harmony Gold runs a plant where it treats the ore mined at Ventersdorp Contact Reef, the miner's main ore body in West Witwatersrand Basin, and at the Carbon Leader.

Using conventional mining methods operated at a depth of 11,115.49 feet, the company produced approximately 124,198 ounces of gold and sold approximately 122,880 ounces of gold in fiscal year 2016 at the mine.

The company added that "security measures at the mine have been increased to address complaints of intimidation and potential violence."

Harmony Gold is currently trading around $2.69 per share with a price-sales ratio of 0.75 and a price-book ratio of 0.50. The EV/EBITDA ratio is 3.80.

Disclosure: I have no position in Harmony Gold.

Start a free 7-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






Syrian refugees in the United States say they are horrified by the grim images showing the aftermath of a suspected chemical weapons attack in their home country that killed more than 80 people, including at least 27 children.

Its extreme, Samer Dukhar tells NBC Boston.

Dukhar left Syria just after the civil war broke out in 2011. He now lives in Manchester, New Hampshire, and said he learned of Tuesday's dawn attack on Facebook after relatives and friends began posting photos and videos from the scene.

The images are from the Idlib province, the region Dukhar called home for more than 25 years, now devastated by chemical warfare.

You see, they are killed without a single drop of blood, they look like they are sleeping, but they are not  they are gone, Dukhar said, while watching a video posted on social media by a friend in Syria.

Activists in Turkey have reported the death toll at about 100, with more than 400 injured, NBC News reported.

Its really chaos now, people are scared, they dont know whats coming next, Dukhar said.

Bashar al-Assad has denied responsibility, but Dukhar says theres no question in his mind that the countrys president is the mastermind behind the attacks.

He needs to be held accountable, Dukhar said.

Six years ago, Dukhar stood with hundreds in his hometown to protest the Assad regime in what he thought would be a revolution. But the government responded by killing civilians, and the uprising against President Assad gradually turned into a full-scale civil war.

Almost every single family has lost somebody, Dukhar said.

Since migrating from Syria, Dukhar has earned a masters degree in the U.S. and created a Facebook page to help connect other refugees in New Hampshire.

He hopes someday itll be safe enough to return to his birth country and rebuild.

I feel its a responsibility, Dukhar said. When justice finds its way to Syria, peace will absolutely happen.
An Illinois man sentenced to 10 years in prison for bilking a female acquaintance has started two political action committees from behind bars.



Angelo Pesce lists his mailing address as the Taylorville Correctional Center in central Illinois, the Chicago Tribune reports.



Papers filed last week with the Federal Election Commission identify the 51-year-old Pesce as the treasurer and agent of one PAC with a vulgarity in title and another that references pedophilia.



As a convicted felon and inmate Pesce can't vote. However, there is no law barring him from starting a PAC.



Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Nicole Wilson says the department is aware of Pesce's actions. She said Pesce is responsible for complying with the law governing PACs.



Pesce pleaded guilty to theft by deception in 2006. He went on the lam afterward and was arrested in Detroit in 2014.
Officials say a Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville student from Chicago was killed in a St. Louis-area shooting.

The St. Louis County Police Department says three people were in a vehicle early Tuesday when it crashed. Authorities say 18-year-old Khiry Taggart and a 19-year-old woman were shot prior to the crash. Taggart was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was in stable condition at a hospital. The third passenger wasn't injured.

SIUE vice chancellor for student affairs Jeffrey Waple said in an email to the campus that Taggart was a student at the university. Waple wrote that "we mourn the loss of this young man." SIUE was offering counseling services to students.

The Belleville News Democrat reports that the SIUE directory lists Taggart as a freshman.

Police are investigating.
The United States launched dozens of cruise missiles Thursday night at a Syrian airfield in response to what it believes was Syria's use of banned chemical weapons that killed at least 100 people, U.S. military officials told NBC News.

Two U.S. warships in the Mediterranean Sea fired 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles intended for a single target: Shayrat Airfield in Homs province in western Syria, the Defense Department said. That's the airfield from which the United States believes the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fired the banned weapons.

The Syrian military said the strike killed at least seven people and wounded nine others, according to The Associated Press. Russia's foreign minister said no Russian servicemen were hurt.

It was the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Trump's most dramatic military order since becoming president just over two months ago. The strikes also risk thrusting the U.S. deeper into an intractable conflict that his predecessor spent years trying to avoid.

Announcing the assault from his Florida resort, Trump said there was no doubt Syrian President Bashar Assad was responsible for the chemical attack, which he said employed banned gases and killed dozens.

"Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women and children," Trump declared, deeming the strike in the "vital national security interest" of the United States.

He called on "civilized nations" to join U.S. in "seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria." Some U.S. allies backed the move, while Russia called it "thoughtless" and promised to help fortify Syria's air defenses.

Talal Barazi, the governor of Homs province, had earlier said a fire raged in the air base in Homs for over an hour following the barrage.

U.S. officials told NBC News that people were not targeted and that aircraft and infrastructure at the site were hit, including the runway and fuel pumps.

"We are assessing the results of the strike. Initial indications are that this strike has severely damaged or destroyed Syrian aircraft and support infrastructure and equipment at Shayrat Airfield, reducing the Syrian Government's ability to deliver chemical weapons," the Pentagon statement said.

Ahrar Al Sham, the largest Syrian rebel group, released a statement backing the U.S. airstrikes.

"The armed opposition welcomes any US intervention through surgical strikes that would deter the Assad regime capabilities to kill civilians and shorten the suffering of our people," the statement said.

The Pentagon said the U.S. took careful precautions to avoid casualties, including the time of day they chose for the strike. Several members of Congress were also briefed on the administration's decision to strike the base, though some lawmakers were concerned by what they viewed as an "act of war" that "raised more questions that answers."

Trump suggested that Assad may have to leave power, and his comments were strongly underscored by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who told reporters "there's no role for him to govern the Syrian people."

Tillerson said late Thursday that Russia has "failed to deliver" on preventing chemical weapons attacks in Syria, adding that Russia has either been "complicit or simply incompetent."

Support for the strikes from the U.S. poured in early Friday, including statements from Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Australia.

Numan Kurtulmus, deputy prime minister of Turkey, welcomed the strike as an "important and meaningful" development but stressed that a continued tough stance is needed. He added that Assad's regime "must immediately be stopped."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on Twitter that Trump "sent a strong and clear message today," hoping it will resonate "not only in Damascus but in Tehran, Pyongyang & elsewhere."

Russia and Iran condemned the U.S. missile strike on Syria. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladmir Putin sees the strike as an "aggression against a sovereign state in violation of international law."

"Washington's move impairs the Russian-US relations, which are in a deplorable state," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry later announced it was suspending a deal with the U.S. on protecting Syria's airspace.

Iran called it a "dangerous" and "destructive" act, one that "violates the principles of international law." Officials there also warned it would "strengthen terrorists" and further add to "the complexity of the situation in Syria and the region."

The Trump administration has been put to the test this week amid an international outcry over the newly horrifying violence in Syria. Over the past seven years, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the nation's civil war, triggering the worst refugee crisis since World War II.

The strike came as Trump was hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping in meetings focused in part on another pressing U.S. security dilemma: North Korea's nuclear program. Trump's actions in Syria could signal to China that the new president isn't afraid of unilateral military steps, even if key nations like China are standing in the way.

Trump has advocated greater counterterrorism cooperation with Russia, Assad's most powerful military backer. Just last week, the Trump administration signaled the U.S. was no longer interested in trying to push Assad from power.

U.S. military officials sought to portray the strikes as an appropriate, measured response. But the assault still risks plunging America into the middle of Syria's conflict, complicating the safety of the hundreds of U.S. forces fighting a separate campaign against ISIS in the north of the country. If Assad's military persists in further gas attacks, the Trump administration has indicated it would pursue increased retaliation.

Russia and Iran, Assad's allies, pose other problems. Russian military personnel and aircraft are embedded with Syria's, and Iranian troops and paramilitary forces are also on the ground helping Assad fight the array of opposition groups hoping to topple him.

U.S. military officials said they informed their Russian counterparts of the impending attack. The goal was to avoid any accident involving Russian forces.

Nevertheless, Russia's Deputy U.N. ambassador Vladimir Safronkov warned that any negative consequences from the strikes would be on the "shoulders of those who initiated such a doubtful and tragic enterprise."

The U.S. also notified its partner countries in the region prior to launching the strikes.

Trump's decision to attack Syria came three-and-a-half years after President Barack Obama threatened Assad with military action after an earlier chemical weapons attack killed hundreds outside of Damascus. Obama had declared the use of such weapons a "red line." At the time, several American ships in the Mediterranean were poised to launch missiles, only for Obama to abruptly pull back after key U.S. ally Britain and the U.S. Congress balked at his plan.

He opted instead for a Russian-backed plan that was supposed to remove and eliminate Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles.

Thursday night's strikes were launched from the USS Ross and USS Porter and landed in the early morning Friday in Syria.

The world learned of the chemical attack earlier in the week in footage that showed people dying in the streets and bodies of children stacked in piles. The international outcry fueled an emotional response from Trump, who appeared to abandon his much-touted "America First" vision for a stance of humanitarian intervention, akin to that of previous American leaders. "I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity," he said Thursday.

Trump seemed to rapidly reconsider his feelings about Assad, saying: "He's there and I guess he's running things, so something should happen."

The show of force in Syria raises legal questions. It's unclear what authority Trump is relying on to attack another government. When Obama intervened in Libya in 2011, he used a U.N. Security Council mandate and NATO's overall leadership of the mission to argue that he had legal authority  arguments that many Republicans opposed. Trump can't rely on either justification here.

Unclear also is whether Trump is adopting any broader effort to combat Assad. Under Obama, the United States largely pulled back from its support for so-called "moderate" rebels when Russia's military intervention in September 2015 led them to suffer a series of battlefield defeats. Instead, Obama sought to work with Russia on a negotiated transition.
Dozens of Hamden residents spoke out to town officials on Wednesday in an attempt to prevent a large-scale housing development from being built on property along Rocky Top Road.

The developer, Mountain View Estates, LLC, has proposed constructing nearly 300 new luxury apartments on the hilly terrain in between Sherman Avenue and Shepard Avenue.

At a public meeting of the Hamden Inland Wetlands Commission, a large group of residents let it be known that they are adamantly opposed to the project. Since the project was announced a few months ago, neighbors around Rocky Top Road said it has become their mission to stop it; or at least slow the process down.

Obviously, wed like to see it stopped. I just dont think this is the right place," said resident Brent Borgnine. Youre just destroying it over there," he said."

Residents said they worry about the massive excavation of trap rock, the hundreds of additional vehicles on the narrow and winding road, and the impact on the environment.

The town's Inland Wetlands Commission must approve the plans proposed by Mountain View Estates, LLC, before the project is able to move forward for approval by the Planning & Zoning board.

The developer of this project has unlimited funds and we have to fight in our numbers," said Debra Finn, who is opposed to the project.

One of the developers of the project, Gary Richetelli, told NBC Connecticut that crews working in the Rocky Top Road area would attempt to keep noise at a minimum as well as try to preserve the 'woodsy natural character' of the land. Richetelli also said that hundreds of thousands of dollars would be spent to make sure there is no adverse impact to neighborhoods.

On Wednesday, the Inland Wetlands Commission decided it would need more information from the developer about the plan before voting. The next chance the board may take up the vote would be at the next public meeting, which is scheduled for May 3 at 7 p.m. at Hamden Town Hall.
Parents are asking a lot of questions after reading a report showing pictures of disturbed asbestos inside West Haven High School.

Back in November, the Connecticut Department of Public Health requested Dunn Environmental Inspections (DEI) investigate the installation of cameras at the school.

DEI reported, "the project was not reviewed by an Asbestos Project Designer or an Asbestos Management Planner as required by Connecticut and EPA regulations. Additionally, asbestos materials were disturbed by untrained and unlicensed persons during this camera installation project without containment or engineering controls to prevent fiber release."

The report also contains pictures showing where work was done near asbestos and some show asbestos debris, including on top of a trophy display.

"They could have at least put a phone call out and said that this happened," said Kim Poirier, a mother of a high school student.

Kim and Tom Poirier's daughter attends West Haven High School and said they only found out about this through Facebook the day before.

In an email, the superintendent says the installation was done over the summer when no students were in the building and that a random inspection by the state health department had been done in November. The superintendent also wrote that he contacted the agency and they replied that, "at no time was anyone in that building put at risk, and the school is safe and clear."

"I was surprised that they would do work in a school with asbestos and then not handle it properly," said parent Bridgette Hoskie.

Hoskie's daughter is considering attending West Haven High School next school year, but with renovations expected to take place at the school, she's now wondering if that's the right decision.

"Are they then going to handle the asbestos properly next time? And that really, really concerns me," said Hoskie.

Parents also question the timing of the camera installation when renovations to the school are expected in the near future. The superintendent says they received assurances the cameras could be dismantled and reused.

Both the mayor and superintendent stress that the school is safe and there is no risk to students. The mayor says he believes the DEI report is flawed.

NBC Connecticut reached out to the health department tonight and have not yet heard back.
A man who used to live in Connecticut is accused of defrauding several lenders of more than $3 million to fund his pita manufacturing business.

Mohsen Youssef, 26, formerly of Vernon, was arrested in Canada on March 1 and now faces a 14-count indictment, which he pled not guilty to on Thursday, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

The indictment claims that Youssef defrauded various banks, a corporate leasing and vendor finance company and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development in an alleged scheme to secure funds for his business, Amoun Pita and Distribution LLC, and other companies he controls.

Youssef's business plan said his company was a bakery that manufactured pocket pita bread from a South Windsor facility, the state prosecutor's office said.

Youssef provided lenders with false information when obtaining loans, lines of credit, lease financing and state grants to buy machinery for his pita-making business. The lenders, collectively, lost more than $3 million as a part of Youssef's alleged scheme, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Court documents state that Youssef applied to the state for a $300,000 job-creation loan and a $100,000 matching grant and sent false information to state officials about the financial health of the company when the businesses bank account's balance was only $33.62.

Youssef, who has dual citizenship in the United States and Egypt, moved to Canada in 2014. He is currently being detained.

Youssef was charged with two counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of bank fraud and one count of mail fraud.
As lawmakers continue to work toward a solution to the ongoing Dallas Police and Fire Pension System funding crisis, former high-ranking Dallas police officers are weighing in.

A letter signed by two former Dallas police chiefs and nearly three dozen former assistant and deputy chiefs implores lawmakers to quit talking and find a solution.

"Too much of the recent debate has focused on assigning blame  of pointing fingers. This letter seeks to focus more on consequences of ill-conceived proposed solutions. Consequences include an inevitable rise in serious crime as Dallas loses officers and is unable to replace them. It has already begun," the letter said.

Dozens of former high-ranking Dallas Police Department officials have issued a warning that if the pension crisis isn't solved there will be an "inevitable rise in serious crime."

"The letter is right on point. This is the biggest crisis in a generation," said Dallas City Councilman Scott Griggs, who also sits on the pension's board. "The pension crisis has turned into a public safety crisis that we need to address right now."

According to the department's most recent crime report, aggravated assaults, robberies and burglaries are up in Dallas. Response times are also slower than in 2016.

Michael Mata, of the Dallas Police Association, said the numbers will only get worse if the pension crisis continues.

"They're telling the citizens if this is not fixed this department will go from one of the finest departments in the country to one of the worst departments in the country," Mata said. "If it continues, the city will not be able to survive the crime rate that's going to come, simply because there's no cops out there to answer the bell."

This week, hearings were held on a bill in the Texas House that calls for a shared sacrifice approach to save the fund. Under the plan the city would pay more into the pension system while officers would see their pension benefits cut.

On Monday, Mayor Mike Rawlings said he could not support the plan, saying taxpayers should not have to bear the brunt of saving the system. Griggs said the plan is not viable, either. He has suggested using a portion of Dallas Area Rapid Transit funding to help the fund survive.

"Taxpayers need to have a right to decide. Do they want to build another light-rail station in Denton with city of Dallas money, or do they want to have police officers and firefighters in Dallas answering 911 calls?" Griggs said.
A law enforcement commander has told thousands of mourners that a Houston-area deputy constable who was shot to death this week "was always the smartest guy in the room."

Montgomery County sheriff's Lt. Tim Cannon said Thursday during a funeral service in Houston that Clint Greenwood was a consummate professional, meticulous with details and the first to lend colleagues a hand.

The 57-year-old Greenwood, a Harris County assistant chief deputy constable, was killed Monday by a gunman who stepped out from behind a dumpster as Greenwood arrived for work at a county courthouse east of Houston. The gunman is still on the run.

Baytown police have released surveillance video showing a possible suspect near the scene and the man's car driving away after the shooting.

Investigation and Manhunt

A large-scale manhunt was launched moments after the shooting, including the lockdown of a nearby high school.

No arrests have been made, as of Thursday morning.

A $65,000 reward was offered for information that will help authorities arrest and charge someone in the case.
On average, 185 children in Texas will be victims of abuse today.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Dallas Childrens Advocacy Center is working to spread awareness across the region in an effort to keep children and teenagers safe.

Were the largest nonprofit in the country working with the most severely abused children in Dallas County, President and CEO Lynn Davis explained.

Davis said DCAC works extremely close with 27 law enforcement agencies in Dallas County.

In our building, we have the Dallas Police Departments Child Abuse Unit, we have the District Attorneys office and we have seven units of Child Protective Services right in our building, he said.

DCAC works with about 5,000 cases of criminal child abuse every year with nearly 85 percent of those cases being sexual abuse.

Our average age of client is a 9-year-old little girl who has been sexually abused by someone she knows and trusts, Davis said.

Friday, the Dallas skyline will be blue in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Child Abuse hotline at 800-252-5400.

Read more: ONLINE
The culture of misogyny in the U.S. Marine Corps that spawned the type of behavior exposed in the Marines United Facebook page traces back to boot camp, where women learn to put up with sexual harassment from their supposed brothers in arms, a former Marine veteran said Wednesday.

Were taught to go with the flow and accept the culture as is, or else we face repercussions, Erika Butner testified at a Democratic Womens Working Group hearing, according to the Marine Times.

Butner and Lance Cpl. Marisa Woytek, both of whom had their images posted without consent to the closed Facebook page, appeared at the hearing to explain how female Marines have been targeted, exploited and endangered by the scandal.

The secret Facebook group had a following of over 30,000 male service members. Users shared nude images of active duty female Marines, veterans and other women, some of which were taken without the victim's knowledge and shared without their consent. It is not known how many service members were involved or are under investigation.

The photos, Butner said, prompted obscene and lurid descriptions of all the unspeakable things theyd do to me."

The 23-year-old, who served in the Marine Corps for four years until June 2016, said she learned from her recruit training drill instructor that male Marines would consider her one of three stereotypes: "A b----, a w---- or a lesbian, she told lawmakers Wednesday, the Times reported.

Im not blaming the drill instructors, Butner said. They were preparing us to have thick skin because it is so ingrained in this culture that they dont know how to change it, so they go with the grain.

Asked about Butners testimony, a Marine Corps spokesman said that any such conduct by drill instructors would not be tolerated.

Bottom line: Any Marine that would express the type of attitude expressed in that statement is dead wrong, Maj. Clark Carpenter said.

The scandal prompted an investigation into hundreds of Marines and the U.S. Marine Corps' top general vowed to prosecute those found responsible for posting photos of naked female service members on social media and other image-sharing boards.

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"We all have to commit to getting rid of this perversion of our culture," Gen. Robert Neller said at hearing before a House Armed Services personnel subcommittee in March. "We will take action to remove this stain on our Marine Corps."

In the wake of the scandal, the Marine Corps issued a detailed social media policy that lays out the professional and legal ramifications for service members culpable of online misconduct. The new policy makes it clear how existing rules and the Uniform Code of Military Justice can be used to prosecute offensive, indecent or disrespectful online activities.

But some lawmakers say tackling the issue as a social media problem isn't enough because the problem is "cultural rot" that has spread and thrived within the military.

"This is about service members deliberately trying to degrade, humiliate, and threaten fellow service members. They encouraged stalking, distributed stolen intimate photos, and have reduced their comrades to a collection of parts," Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., told the military officers during the subcommittee hearing.

Speier has criticized the Armed Services Committee for not holding a full committee hearing on the issue and on Tuesday, her office said the Marine Corps leadership backed out of attending Wednesdays hearing.

A representative for the Marine Corp was scheduled to attend Wednesday's hearing on the scandal, according to Speier. Speier tweeted, Last week, when I called the #Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Neller, I was assured a rep would be here to stand with these brave survivors.

Last week, when I called the #Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Neller, I was assured a rep would be here to stand with these brave survivors.  Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) April 5, 2017

On Tuesday, Speiers office received a letter from Nellers assistant offering to meet members of the Womens Caucus individually.

A spokesman for the general denied allegations that Neller or the assistant commandant withdrew from the hearing. I believe it is true that Rep. Speier invited the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, but I do not believe he ever agreed to attend this working groups session, Lt. Col. Eric Dent said.

Rep. Lois Frankel (D. Fla.), the chair of the DWWG, said in a press release announcing the hearing that while the issue of nonconsensual pornography has been most recently highlighted by the Marines United case, it has long existed in all branches of the U.S. armed forces, including in the Marine Corps in 2013.

"Misogyny and objectification of women in the Marine Corps have gone unchecked for far too long," Butner said Wednesday. "The Marine Corps must decide whether to stand up for the women who have given their lives for our Nation, or cast them aside in spite of it.

The women's attorney, Gloria Allred, also testified at the hearing. They were joined by Miranda Peterson, Executive Director of Protect Our Defenders, Elizabeth L. Hillman, President of Mills College, and James LaPorta, a former Marine and journalist with the Daily Beast.
In the early morning hours of June 15, 2016, Michael Papadelis was asleep under a bridge at the corner of 19th and C Street in San Diego, California.

He remembers a "pair of eyes" looking down on him, he said. And then it happened.

"I was being hit, and all I can remember is I look up and I saw a pair of eyes," said Papadelis. "And I saw something silver coming down on me, so I kind of sat up and put my arms up to try to protect myself."

He remembers screaming for help as blood poured from his head.

"Somebody help me, help me, somebody help me. And eventually I heard somebody say 'what happened to you,'" said Papdelis.

Papadelis, 56, was allegedly attacked by the man now suspected of at least 12 assaults on homeless and elderly people.

Jon David Guerrero, 40, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to felony charges that include murder, arson and assault. He ultimately could face the death penalty.

Papadelis survived the brutal attack, but is now blind in his right eye. Doctors had to rebuild his crushed eye orbit. He now has a plate around his eye orbit, and now has trouble seeing out of his left eye.

He considers himself lucky to be alive, based on the severity of attacks on Guerreros other alleged victims.

I could have been struck in the head, too, with a spike. Im lucky," said Papadelis. "He attacked me with a hammer, a mallet, whatever, and then he moved on. So Im lucky to be alive."

Papadelis also said a week before the attack, he remembers a man with a bicycle standing over him as he slept in the same spot under the bridge. He believes it was the same man who would return a week later.

"And I woke up and there was a man with a bicycle standing over me. As soon as I woke up and looked at him, he walked off," Papadelis said.

His perspective on the attack might surprise many people.

Papadelis said he harbors no anger toward his attacker, and besides his physical injuries, he has no lingering psychological issues.

"Ive heard that people that go through violent assaults like I did suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, but Ive had no bad dreams, no depression, no suicidal thoughts, or anything like that. Im healed pretty good," said Papadelis.

Papadelis was in court for Guerreros arraignment and plans to attend as many future court dates as possible. Guerreros preliminary hearing is scheduled on July 11. Papadelis is expected to testify and says he wants to see justice.

"He obviously cant be on the streets because hes a danger to other people. So the best thing is hell be off the streets," said Papdelis.

Guerreros crimes make him eligible for the death penalty, which Papadelis said he favors, should the District Attorney decide to pursue it.

"He was vicious. He smashed them. He put a spike through their head and chest. He set them on fire. For the viciousness of the crimes against those people that were sleeping, I believe, if its out there, I agree with the death penalty," Papadelis said.
President Donald Trump said the Obama administration had a great opportunity to solve the crisis in Syria when Obama set a red line for military intervention. But when Obama didnt launch such intervention, I think that set us back a long ways, Trump said. However, Trump ignores his repeated calls at the time to not attack Syria.

Trump is free to criticize President Barack Obamas handling of Syria and the red-line episode. As we said in 2013, Obama blurred the facts on the issue in trying to downplay his remarks. But Trumps comment also blurs the history of his own statements on the issue.

The White House released a brief statement by Trump on April 4, the day a chemical bombing in a rebel-held area of northern Syria killed dozens of people. Humanitarian groups said the death toll was as high as 100, the New York Times reported. Trump blamed the Syrian government for the attack, but also the Obama administrations foreign policy.

Trump, April 4 statement: These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administrations weakness and irresolution. President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a red line against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing.

In an April 5 press conference with Jordans King Abdullah, Trump again criticized Obama, saying: I think the Obama administration had a great opportunity to solve this crisis a long time ago when he said the red line in the sand. And when he didnt cross that line after making the threat, I think that set us back a long ways, not only in Syria but in many other parts of the world because it was a blank threat.

Trump said the recent chemical attack had a big impact on me and that his attitude toward Syria and Assad has changed very much, but he stopped short of saying he had changed his mind about military intervention in Syria. Im not saying Im doing anything one way or the other, he said.

At the time of the red-line episode, Trump didnt describe it as a great opportunity to solve this crisis. He instead advocated not intervening in Syria.

Lets look back at Obamas 2012 statement, subsequent actions and Trumps public statements at the time.

In an Aug. 20, 2012, press conference, Obama was asked whether he envision[ed] using U.S. military in Syria if simply for nothing else, the safekeeping of the chemical weapons. Obama said, I have, at this point, not ordered military engagement in the situation. But the point that you made about chemical and biological weapons is critical.  We have been very clear to the [Bashar] Assad regime, but also to other players on the ground, that a red line for us is we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons moving around or being utilized.  We have communicated in no uncertain terms with every player in the region that thats a red line for us and that there would be enormous consequences if we start seeing movement on the chemical weapons front or the use of chemical weapons.

Months later, some Republicans pressed Obama to enforce that red line in some way  though not with a commitment of troops  when the U.S. believed Assad had used chemical weapons.

And in August 2013, a chemical weapons attack in the Damascus suburbs killed more than 1,400 people, an act the U.S. determined with high confidence was conducted by the Assad government. Days later, on Sept. 4, 2013, as the president was seeking support for military action, Obama claimed that his red-line statement wasnt his red line, but instead one set by the international community and Congress, which had passed legislation in 2003 forbidding Syria from using chemical weapons.

Trumps stance at the time? He was firmly in the stay out of Syria camp. As the New York Times noted, he tweeted more than a dozen times about Syria in 2013, urging Obama not to take action. Through Trumps prolific use of Twitter, he advised Obama to forget Syria, to NOT attack Syria and to stay out of Syria. And he urged Obama to not attack regardless of what Trump called Obamas very dumb RED LINE statement. Some examples:

On Aug. 29, 2013, Trumps tweet on the topic said that Obama needs Congressional approval for action in Syria, which is exactly what Obama sought two days later.

On Aug. 31, 2013, Obama, who had been considering ordering a military strike unilaterally, decided to seek Congress approval. But there was plenty of division on such an authorization among lawmakers, and public opinion polls showed low support for military action. By mid-September, Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had reached a diplomatic solution: an agreement between the United States and Russia to have Syria turn over its chemical weapons to international inspectors  a problematic agreement as it turns out.

In a Sept. 13, 2013, interview on CNN, Trump criticized Obama for indecision: Well, it all began when we he used the term red line, hes going to draw a line in the sand essentially and dont cross, Trump said. That they crossed but he didnt do anything and then it became very late, and he decides to go back to Congress, and Congress is having fits over it, and it looks like he wasnt going to even come close to getting to vote and he started looking very, very ineffective.

Its the most incredible thing Ive ever witnessed as opposed to just either doing it or nothing, Trump said, adding that he didnt think military intervention should be done.

Trump maintained his position of no intervention during the presidential campaign, even disagreeing with Mike Pence, his running mate, on the topic during the second presidential debate.

Moderator Martha Raddatz, Oct. 9, 2016, presidential debate: Mr. Trump, let me repeat the question. If you were president  what would you do about Syria and the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo? And I want to remind you what your running mate said. He said provocations by Russia need to be met with American strength and that if Russia continues to be involved in air strikes along with the Syrian government forces of Assad, the United States of America should be prepared to use military force to strike the military targets of the Assad regime. Trump: OK. He and I havent spoken, and I disagree. I disagree.  I think you have to knock out ISIS. Right now, Syria is fighting ISIS.

Politicians are certainly free to change their minds, and Trump indicated in his April 5 press conference that his attitude toward Assad had changed. And, as we said, Trump is free to criticize the Obama administrations actions. But the presidents claim that Obama missed a great opportunity to solve this crisis when Obama set a red line glosses over Trumps past statements against intervention.
As her father calls on American manufacturers to make products on U.S. soil, Ivanka Trump continues to sell Chinese-made dresses on her clothing line, NBC News reported.

Since Election Day, the apparel brand run by President Donald Trump's daughter has imported 56 shipments of Ivanka Trump products from China and Singapore, part of a total of 215 shipments from Asia since Jan. 1, 2016, according to documents reviewed by NBC News.

During the campaign, Trump stressed China was taking jobs from U.S. workers, saying "We can't continue to allow China to rape our country" at a stop in Indiana.

A brand spokesperson told NBC News that Ivanka Trump has wanted her products made in the United States but economies of scale and infrastructure make it impossible.
A man behind a grass roots proposal to deny undocumented students the right to a free public education filed a petition in San Bernardino County, hoping to get it approved.



American Children First founder Joseph Turner says he filed a petition with the San Bernardino County Registrar of voters. He said he chose Yucaipa because he says most of the people who live there are Donald Trump supporters. He believes they would also support his measure.



"We spend billions of dollars a year roughly $15 billion educating the children of illegal aliens in our schools in California and that's money that's being stolen from American children that should be getting the best education possible," he said.



He's proposing a ballot measure that would ban undocumented students from the Yucaipa Calimesa Joint Unified School District and force undocumented parents of students who are United States citizens to pay tuition.



Turner, who grew up in San Bernardino County, says he is starting a grass roots campaign to overturn Plyler vs. Doe, a 35-year-old U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which allows access to a free education for undocumented children.



He's hoping others across the nation follow his lead. But a UC Riverside political science professor said that its highly unlikely the proposed measure would spark a national movement that would lead to the overturning of the case.



Sandy Cox, a Yucaipa resident, said she didn't know how she would vote.



"I think it's sad that it's come to this," Cox said.



Ryandra Koshrio, a Beaumont resident, said he thinks that it isn't fair.



"All kids deserve an education, Koshrio said.



The school superintendent released a statement saying that the district was not involved in the crafting of this proposal and that the district will continue to comply with the Supreme Court ruling, which "does not allow the district to ask about the immigration status of parents and requires our district to educate all children."
Following Mondays announcement of nearly 400 Payless ShoeSource closures across the country, South Florida shoppers found out Wednesday they will have eight less locations open in the near future.

The company announced the closure of 17 locations across the state of Florida  with eight of them being in Miami-Dade and Broward counties:

33497 South Dixie Highway, Florida City

Manor Plaza, Fort Lauderdale

Royal Eagle Plaza, Pompano Beach

Sawgrass Mills Mall, Sunrise

Tamiami Trails Shops, Miami

Shoppes of Liberty City, Miami

Harbor Shops, Fort Lauderdale

Pembroke Commons Shopping Center, Pembroke Pines

The company provided a list on their website for shoppers to find the nearest store. The closures come as the company becomes the latest to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Payless will still operate nearly 4,000 stores in 30 countries.
Yurayma Jorge saved for months so her family could spend the Christmas holiday with relatives in Cuba.

"I expected to have my dream vacation," Jorge said.

The Jorge family used travel agency, Caribe Express, to plan the trip.

Among the plans they made was renting a car to use to see the island and to help take her ill mother-in-law to doctor appointments.

They signed a contract and paid $1,452 in advance to rent it.

The family planned to pick up the car from the rental car agency, Havanatur, after landing at the airport in Havana. But when they got to Havana, their kids were sick.

"We decided to go to the hospital instead of going to pick up the car," Jorge said.

Their contract with Caribe Express required them to pick up a voucher at the airport. They did pick up the voucher and expected the car to be waiting for them the next morning.

But it wasnt. It had been rented to someone else.

They spent the week trying to get a car or a refund. Neither happened.

When they returned to the US, Jorge called Caribe Express and filed a complaint with Floridas Division of Consumer Services. But she still wasnt able to get any money back.

A Caribe Express spokesperson says the family made a critical mistake.

"Its a 24-hour rental facility. The moment they dont pick up their car by midnight, they rent the car to the next person waiting on line," said Linda Dieguez with Caribe Express.

The state closed the complaint after Caribe Express provided a signed document which states the family was supposed to pick up the car when they picked up the voucher.

If you do not pick up your car you lose your reservation you lose the funds, Dieguez explained.

Caribe Express says they had to pay the agency for the vehicle in advance so they dont have the money to return.

Yurayma still feels she deserves some money back. Either way, shes hoping others will learn from what happened to her so they can avoid stress on their getaway to Cuba.

A spokesperson with Havanatur in Cuba told us its important to communicate with your travel agency and report in advance any delays in picking up your vehicle on the reservation date. They also said they would look into this case to see if there is anything they can do about a refund.

But the Jorge family is still waiting.
Wildlife officials say they've issued warnings to three Florida Gulf Coast University students who brought a dead alligator to a dorm room and posted pictures of it on social media.

The News-Press reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sent an officer to FGCU after getting a call from school police about the alligator.

FWC spokesman Brian Norris says the students claimed to have found the reptile dead on the side of the road. Wildlife officers took possession of the carcass and confirmed it had been road kill.

FWC gave the three students warnings for possession of an alligator without proper permits.
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was in South Florida on Thursday to tour schools at all different levels.

DeVos started her day at CARE Elementary School, a faith based school in Overtown, and later visited FIU in the morning  her first visit to a public university since being confirmed to her cabinet post. There, she met with Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and university president Mark Rosenberg.

DeVos said the focus of President Trump's administration is to empower states and local municipalities when it comes to education. And she said FIU has great partnerships with the community.

"The partnership formed with Miami-Dade Schools and the mutually symbiotic relationship, there is one that has to be encouraged and fostered," DeVos said. "We don't want the federal government to come and put a damper on any of that."

DeVos spent the afternoon at SLAM Charter School, founded by Miami native and pop superstar Pitbull.

On Friday, DeVos is scheduled to visit Royal Palm Elementary School before concluding her trip at Miami-Dade College.

DeVos has been an outspoken supporter of charter schools and school choice  a position that has caused disagreements from public school officials who opposed her nomination by President Trump.
A 51-year-old Georgia woman is recovering after authorities say a shark bit her on the thigh as she swam off of Florida's Atlantic coast.

Melanie Lawson tells WESH-TV she had told her children not to go deeper than three feet as they swam off New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday. She says she felt something hit her, knocking her over in the water, and then felt the pain.

I was kind of shocked because it was in such a shallow area. Scared me to death," Lawson told the station.

Lawson, who lives in Marietta north of Atlanta, was taken to a hospital for treatment. She says she'll go back in the ocean again, but added it will probably be a long time.

Lawson says she and her family are heading home Thursday.

Volusia County beach safety spokeswoman Tammy Marris says it's the second shark bite reported this year.
Following a competition that attracted 2,600 entries, U.S.-based Hyperloop One has selected 11 teams to compete, along with 24 previously selected groups, for three partner positions in the engineering and business development of transportation hyperloop projects.

The technology, according to Hyperloop One, involves loading passengers and cargo into a pod and accelerating the pod gradually via electric propulsion through a low-pressure tube. The pod quickly lifts above the track using magnetic levitation and glides at airline speeds for long distances due to ultra-low aerodynamic drag.

Hyperloop transportation is another idea from Tesla founder Elon Musk, who has his own startup, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, also working on a hyperloop system. The idea also has attracted the attention of President Donald Trump. In a meeting with executives last month, the president specifically asked for more information about the Hyperloop. Musk is a member of the president's business advisory group.

ALSO READ: Merrill Lynch Has Top 10 Stock Ideas for Q2

In addition to the 11 projects selected for further scrutiny, Hyperloop One also announced the completion of its 1,640-foot full-scale testing facility in the desert near Las Vegas. The facility will be used to test and evaluate levitation, propulsion, vehicle control and vacuum pressurization technologies before a commercial project is launched.

The 11 route proposals being considered for further development are shown in the following table from Hyperloop.

Hyperloop One's executive chairman, Shervin Pishevar, said:

The U.S. has always been a global innovation vanguard  driving advancements in computing, communication and media to rail, automobiles and aeronautics. Now, with Hyperloop One, we are on the brink of the first great breakthrough in transportation technology of the 21st century, eliminating the barriers of time and distance and unlocking vast economic opportunities.

ALSO READ: Merrill Lynch Makes Huge Tech Stock Addition to US 1 Portfolio

Story continues

Although Hyperloop One did not announce a timetable for selecting the winners, the company did say that it expects to have 500 engineers, fabricators, scientists and other employees on board by the end of the year.

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One Fort Lauderdale student raised the equivalent of 72,000 pesos to help better the education of kids she doesnt even know, thousands of miles away.

Nikki Taggart, 17, traveled to the remote village of Florencia, Colombia, to fulfill her goal: equipping needy kids of the "Institucion Edcuactiva Los Andres" with a computer lab.

"I feel like kids in Florencia have nothing there  their education system is so poor that computers are really going to have a big impact on their learning system," said Taggart.

Florencia is an impoverished place situated in a region that had been under siege by farc rebels for decades. Due to the threat of terrorism and kidnappings, businesses, tourists and even most Colombians have stayed away.

In between homework and track meets, the Calvary Christian student raised $25,000 in donations  the equivalent of 73,000 in Colombian pesos  from family and friends.

"It made me so happy to see that. So many friends and family were willing to give me money out of their pocket to help a school they dont know in another country," said Taggart.

Her gift of computers, chairs and other school supplies will aid students whose homes have no running water, dirt floors, no air-conditioning, and barely a roof to block out the 100-plus degree temperatures.

The Fort Lauderdale teen received a big reception on the day she arrived at the school to open the computer center. The school showered her with performances by children and a number of awards. The teachers said she changed and improved the lives of the children.

The school had gone from three tablets shared by 600 kids to 30 new desktop computers, thanks to the teen.

"I wanted to enhance the learning of this school so that the children could experience, so they could understand the outside world, so they could understand things better," Taggart said.

The teen says her inspiration for this mission is her mom  and its making her proud.

"I was raised in poverty and to see my daughter going to a town like that," Taggarts mom said. "I know what it is like to live there. I know what it is to go to bed hungry, to go to school and not having books or pencils."

No one is more touched by Taggarts generosity than the children she helped.

"Thank you to Nikki for the computers and thank you to everyone else who helped," said one thankful 8-year-old. "No one has ever done anything like this for us."

And as if that weren't enough, Taggart also decided to help out some of the students with achieving their soccer dreams.

While Taggart was there, she was told a team didn't have proper shoes, uniforms or enough soccer balls to join a local league. So she brought them uniforms, cleats, balls and other equipment, and now they've been admitted to the league.

"I also saw that a lot of their playgrounds are rundown. I really want to make this really cool playground for them," Taggart said. "I want a playground - maybe in the main city - that all of the kids can enjoy, with their families."
What to Know Monday's derailment at NY Penn largely crippled the Manhattan hub, and service changes will continue Wednesday

Amtrak, LIRR and NJ Transit are all operating on modified schedules; there's no estimated timetable for full service restoration

A full restoration is still days away, sources said

Lingering service changes stemming from Monday's NJ Transit derailment at New York's Penn Station are posing more headaches yet again for commuters Thursday.

With Amtrak eyeing full restoration of rail service in and out of Penn for Friday, here's what you need to know for Thursday. (for real-time updates, click here):

The MTA and NJ Transit are both demanding Amtrak fix the situation at Penn Station and inspect all of its tracks. Ray Villeda reports.

NJ TRANSIT





New Jersey Transit Executive Director Steve Santoro said eight tracks in the station are still out of commission. Officials are eyeing a Friday return to full service. Service on the busy Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) is running on a holiday schedule again Thursday; this means trains will not operate to or from the Jersey Avenue and Avenue stations. Additional train service inbound and outbound to Penn Station is being added. Click here for the full list of additional service.

Midtown Direct trains will continue to operate in and out of Hoboken Terminal, where customers can access PATH and NJ Transit bus service and New York Waterway ferry.

Raritan Valley Line service will operate on a regular weekday schedule and originate/terminate at Newark Penn Station.

Main/Bergen, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis Lines will operate on regular weekday schedules.

Atlantic City Rail line rail service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

Customers are encouraged to check njtransit.com for complete details.

Cross-honoring remains in effect with NJ Transit bus, private carrier bus, NY Waterway ferry, and PATH at Newark, Hoboken and 33rd Street. PATH will also have increased service.

Hoboken services will also be impacted due to the additional trains in the terminal.

NJ Transit and private bus carriers are increasing bus service as much as possible on routes along the affected rail lines. Academy will enhance its PNC park-and-ride service to accommodate North Jersey Coast Line customers. Suburban Transit will also add service to accommodate Northeast Corridor customers.

Commuters are still going to experience frustration on the rails following Mondays derailment, sources say. Tracie Strahan reports.

LIRR





LIRR has canceled 16 trains from Penn Station between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and diverted eight others to originate elsewhere. Full details here.

In "incremental improvements" from Wednesday, there will be no suspension of westbound service into Penn Station, LIRR says.

suspension of westbound service into Penn Station, LIRR says. New York City Transit will cross-honor LIRR tickets at Jamaica, Atlantic Terminal and Hunterspoint Avenue.

LIRR will operate primarily out of Tracks 17 through 21 at Penn Station; in some cases, trains may depart from 10, 11 or 12, which are accessible from the exit corridor closer to Eighth Avenue, or via NJ Transit's concourse.

The LIRR will operate on near normal schedules out of Atlantic Terminal, Brooklyn, and Hunterspoint Avenue, Queens.

Subways are cross-honoring LIRR tickets at Penn Station on the 1/2/3 and A/C/E lines.

Chris Ciminos weather forecast for Thursday, April 6.

PATH





Cross-honoring remains in effect for NJ Transit and Amtrak tickets at Newark, Hoboken and 33rd Street.

PATH will continue to run additional trains through the evening commute Thursday.

PATH ridership has surged by more than 60,000 riders a day on average since Monday -- a nearly 20 percent increase -- but despite the higher ridership levels, PATH has been running normally, it says. Passengers should expect higher volume on trains and should allow extra travel time.

AMTRAK





A top Amtrak official said a switch machine was badly damaged in Monday's derailment. Echoing Santoro's earlier comments. Amtrak is eyeing a full return to rail service Friday.

Amtrak will operate a modified schedule on the Northeast Corridor Thursday. Customers on trains arriving/departing New York Penn Station may experience delays up to 50 minutes during rush hours and up to 25 minutes during non-rush hours.

Due to reduced track capacity, the Northeast Regional service will operate a modified schedule with reduced frequencies between Washington, D.C. and New York. To accommodate passengers during the modified schedule, Amtrak is providing some additional stops in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey on Wednesday.

The Empire Service and Keystone Service will also run on a modified schedule with some reduced frequencies.

All long distance trains that normally travel to and from the Northeast Corridor will maintain normally scheduled service.

[NATL] Extreme Weather Photos: Record Heat Threatens Europe

MTA

Extensive delays are expected on the R train service between Whitehall Street and Atlantic Av-Barclays Center in both directions due to switch problems. Allow for additional travel time.

M train service may have residual delays following suspended service between Metropolitan Avenue and Myrtle Avenue due to switch issues. Shuttle buses were being provided.

J train service is delayed going both directions.

4 and 5 train uptown service is running local between Grand Central-42nd Street to 125 Street.

METRO-NORTH





Metro-North Railroad is advising customers on its West-of-Hudson lines to travel to New York City via Hoboken and PATH trains as opposed to changing trains at Secaucus.





With extra NJ TRANSIT trains scheduled from Hoboken Terminal, Hoboken customers should expect congestion-related delays and plan extra time for travel.

Top Tri-State News Photos

FERRY





NY Waterway ferries are accepting NJ Transit tickets on all routes Thursday. NY Waterway will also operate a special ferry route for NJ Transit ticket holders only from the Hoboken NJ Transit Terminal Slip 5 to Midtown West 39th Street. Those ferries will depart every half-hour from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with return trips from West 39th Street every 30 minutes from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free NY Waterway buses meet arriving ferries at West 39th Street and carry passengers on several crosstown routes. A free bus location app is available on nywaterway.com.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More
What to Know Gov. Chris Christie is halting payments to Amtrak following a second derailment at Penn Station that is causing headaches for commuters

The FDA approved more drugs, and two to three months faster on average, than European regulators did in recent years, new research shows

"Friends" alum David Schwimmer and wife Zoe Buckman are separating after six years of marriage, the actor confirmed

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Christie Threatens to Sue Amtrak, Demands Inspection



New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is halting payments to Amtrak following a second derailment at Penn Station that is causing headaches for commuters in the nation's busiest rail hub. In a letter to Amtrak's chairman published Thursday in the New York Times, Christie said he directed New Jersey Transit to withhold funds until an independent inspection verifies Amtrak's Northeast Corridor is in a state of good repair. The governor also says he's asked the attorney general to consider filing a lawsuit to recover money that NJ Transit pays to use the rail line. Amtrak said it hopes to have full rail service restored at Penn Station by Friday, four days after a second derailment in two weeks caused headaches for commuters at the nation's busiest rail hub. Amtrak made its announcement Wednesday after the heads of the two major commuter rail lines that use Penn Station leveled strong criticisms and called for swifter action. Rail service has been cut back since Monday morning's derailment took out eight of 21 tracks maintained by Amtrak. The Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit were still operating on abbreviated schedules on Thursday. Bearing the brunt of criticism from angry riders, their directors took aim at Amtrak, which owns and operates the tracks, signals and switches in the station complex.

Trump Condemns Syria Attack But Won't Telegraph US Response

His expression grave and his words emphatic, President Trump declared the deadly chemical attack in Syria had crossed "many, many lines" and abruptly changed his views of Syrian President Bashar Assad. But he refused to say what the U.S. might do in response. Trump issued no ultimatums in comments that were being scoured by world leaders for signs of how the new president would react to a global crisis. In a rare reversal of roles, Trump was more reserved than many of his top advisers  including his U.N. envoy, who revived the hard-hitting rhetoric of Trump's political campaign and strongly hinted some U.S. action was coming. He blamed the attack squarely on Assad's forces, though the embattled Syrian leader and his Russian backers denied it. He suggested that the assault that killed 72 people had diminished his former reluctance to plunge the U.S. further into the complex and dangerous turmoil in the Middle East.

Dems Elevate Attacks as Supreme Court Showdown Nears

Senate Democrats elevated their attacks against President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, portraying him as an ally of the powerful and an enemy of the weak as an explosive showdown loomed on the Senate floor. Republicans defended Judge Neil Gorsuch, accusing Democrats of trying to block him out of frustration over Trump's election victory. Democrats begged to differ, returning again and again to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's decision last year to deny consideration to then-President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, who was ignored for nearly a year by Senate Republicans after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Instead McConnell kept Scalia's seat open, a calculation that is now paying off hugely for Republicans and Trump, who will be able to claim the biggest victory of his presidency to date if Gorsuch is confirmed as expected. First, though, looms showdown votes, when 44 Democrats and independents intend to try to block Gorsuch by denying Republicans the 60 votes needed to proceed to final passage.

FDA Approves More Drugs, and Faster, Than Europe, Study Shows

Contrary to some political claims, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved more drugs, and two to three months faster on average, than European regulators did in recent years, new research shows. The new research compared how new drugs fared before the FDA and the European Medicines Agency between 2011 and 2015. The FDA approved more drugs than the Europeans  170 versus 144  with a median review time of 306 days versus 383 days in Europe. Reviews were speedier at the FDA for drugs for cancer and blood diseases, but not other maladies, compared to the Europeans. The FDA also moved quicker on so-called orphan drugs, for relatively rare conditions.

3-D Printing Gives Blueprint For Tumor Surgery, Advocates Say

A strategy that has been used primarily for heart surgeries at Omaha, Nebraska's Children's Hospital and Medical Center is now being used by some pediatric surgeons faced with operating on tumors. Since November, the hospital has asked its 3D Printing department to develop actual-sized 3D models of tumors and the organs and blood vessels around them. It helps children better understand where the cancer is in their body - and assists surgeons in the operating room. "The possibilities are endless," said the 3D printing coordinator at Children's. The 2-dimensional CT scan does little to interest a 4-year-old, but the 3D model of their insides is a different story.

Baldwin Says He Was Unaware Reed Underage During Filming

Alec Baldwin reveals in his new memoir, "Nevertheless," he was enraged in 2006 after discovering Nikki Reed, his co-star and love interest in the film "Minis First Time," was underage at the time of filming, reports The Wrap. The actor wrote it never occurred to him to ask Reeds age. At the time of filming Baldwin was 47. Conflicting reports put Reed's age at the time of filming as either 16 or 17. In the film Baldwin plays stepfather to a rebellious Reed, who begins working with an escort agency where Baldwin is also a client. While the two engage in a torrid love affair, no explicit sex scenes were filmed between the two actors. In the film Baldwin plays stepfather to a rebellious Reed, who begins working with an escort agency where Baldwin is also a client. While the two engage in a torrid love affair, no explicit sex scenes were filmed between the two actors.

David Schwimmer, Wife Separating, He Confirms

David Schwimmer and wife Zoe Buckman are separating after six years of marriage. The "Friends" alum confirmed the news to Us Weekly. "It is with great love, respect and friendship that we have decided to take some time apart while we determine the future of our relationship," the pair told the weekly in a statement. Schwimmer, 50, and Buckman, 31, have been together for more than 10 years. They first met on the set of Run in 2007, which filmed in London. A few years later, Buckman moved to Los Angeles to be with her future husband. The couple shares one daughter together, a five-year-old girl named Cleo Buckman Schwimmer.
A man accused of setting off bombs in New Jersey and New York seven months ago, injuring dozens of people, asked a judge on Wednesday to move his trial to Vermont to avoid the possibility potential jurors have been influenced by prejudicial publicity about the case.

Lawyers for Ahmad Khan Rahimi, an Afghanistan-born U.S. citizen, said in court papers he would get a fairer trial in Burlington, Vermont. They said an expert analysis shows that media coverage of his case in Manhattan newspapers was twice as heavy as occurred in Washington, D.C., and five times as much as in Burlington publications.

Rahimi, who lived with his family in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is charged with detonating a pipe bomb along a charity race in Seaside Park, New Jersey, and planting two pressure cooker bombs in Manhattan on Sept. 17.

One device did not explode. The other one detonated in the Chelsea neighborhood, injuring 30 people.

Rahimi, who has pleaded not guilty, is detained without bail.

Defense lawyers say their analysis shows that about 90 percent of respondents to their survey were aware of Rahimi's case and that those who answered questions had a "comparatively strong presumption of guilt."

They said a high number of the respondents said they were in the Chelsea neighborhood at the time of the attacks or knew someone who was.

The lawyers wrote that prejudicial information that reached some respondents included reports of a confession, a near singular focus on Rahimi, inflammatory information and demonization of Rahimi as a terrorist.

They also cited numerous statements by the government and tweets by former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara about Rahimi and other aspects of his prosecution.

Rahimi was hospitalized for weeks for treatment of wounds suffered in a police shootout during his Sept. 19 capture outside a bar in Linden, New Jersey. In New Jersey, he is charged with attempted murder for the gunbattle with five officers.

His Manhattan federal trial is scheduled for October.

Lawyers in terrorism cases over the past few decades in Manhattan have frequently asked judges for a change of venue. None has been granted. Typically, the judges assume the potential jury pool has heard of the event and questions possible jurors individually to ensure they can still be fair.
President Trump's confession that he used to ride between the subway cars as a kid in Queens prompted the NYPD transit chief to issue a curt, if obvious, reminder: "Please don't ride between the subway cars."

NYPD Transit Chief Joseph Fox tweeted that in response to the New York Times article revealing Trump's admission of hanging out between cars on moving trains. It is illegal to do so.

"I know the subway system very well," he told The New York Times Wednesday, after admitting it has been "a long time" since he took the subway. "I used to take it to Kew-Forest School, in Forest Hills, when I lived in Queens. And I'd take the subway to school. Seems a long time ago. I'd take it from Jamaica, 179th Street. Jamaica, right? To Forest Hills. I understand the subway very well. I used to ride between the cars."

He said his parents "weren't thrilled when they heard that."

Please don't ride between the subway cars. https://t.co/AVC4V1Nq2e  NYPD Transit (@NYPDTransit) April 6, 2017

Trump was reflecting on his experience with transit in New York City as he mulls how to introduce his $1 trillion infrastructure bill in Washington.

Trump also veered to talk about the battered metal median guards on the Van Wyck Expressway near his childhood home in Queens: "It's the worst garbage. And I also think it's dangerous because it's a spear. And if you hit those things, they come flying apart. And if you're driving, you've got yourself a problem."

Trump told the Times hadn't personally driven in a while.

And he called the city's airports "a horror show," adding "I've traveled the world, I know the world."

[NATL-NY]See Inside Trump's Childhood Home in Queens

But the president isn't saying whether he plans to include to major New York City transportation projects that his budget for next year would defund, according to the Times. He may wield the infrastructure bill as a negotiation tactic to again try to repeal the Affordable Care Act or a tax code overhaul.

"Infrastructure is so popular that I might want to use it for another bill," said Trump. "Infrastructure is so popular with the Democrats and pretty popular with the Republicans. A lot of Republicans want infrastructure, too."

The Second Avenue subway expansion and a new train tunnel under the Hudson River were supposed to be getting federal funding under the Obama administration. The necessity for the tunnel -- part of the long-discussed Gateway Project -- has been spotlighted amid the ongoing commuter nightmare stemming from the New Jersey Transit train derailment at Penn Station Monday.
What to Know The April 3 derailment was the second at New York's Penn Station in 11 days; the first involved an Amtrak Acela

The derailments wrought days of havoc for NJT, Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road and PATH riders; Amtrak blamed "track problems" for both

The two derailments renewed calls for expediting an ambitious, $20 billion-project, known as Gateway, to add a new tunnel and expand Penn

The top executive at Amtrak says full service will resume at Penn Station in time for Friday's morning rush, four days into the commute nightmare after Monday's derailment.

Normal service for Amtrak, New Jersey Transit and Long Island Rail Road are set to resume for the rush hour starting at 5:30 a.m. NJ Transit Executive Director Steven Santoro says Amtrak has committed to reopening the closed section of track near Penn Station by 4 a.m.

As NJ Transit customers return to regular weekday schedules, cross-honoring will remain in effect with PATH, NY Waterway ferry and NJ Transit bus and light rail Friday, Santoro said. The special NY Waterway ferry from Hoboken Terminal will not be operating, however.

At a news briefing Thursday, Amtrak President & CEO Wick Moorman said he wanted to apologize "personally" to the tens of thousands plunged into the depths of despair by service changes from the second derailment at the Manhattan hub in 11 days.

Amtrak has been under fire for days now, both from beleaguered commuters and from the heads of various agencies affected by the derailments. Though the latest derailment involved a New Jersey Transit train, Amtrak owns and maintains the tracks at Penn Station, essentially leasing them to both NJ Transit and the MTA's Long Island Rail Road.

Moorman said Thursday that a track split after the train went over a weakened wooden railroad tie. The problem had been flagged by inspectors, but it was determined that it wasn't in danger of imminent failure and repairs had not yet been made, he said. (It wasn't clear when the issue was first identified.)

Amtrak has since re-inspected all of Penn Station and no similar track conditions exist.

Multiple transit sources Thursday afternoon expressed doubts about Moorman's timeline and said the full morning rush may be in jeopardy unless Amtrak turns the tracks over to the commuter railroads quickly, since those commuter trains need to be repositioned. But Amtrak spokesman Mike Tolbert insisted everything still looks good for full service Friday morning.

"We can accommodate all equipment moves overnight as required to set up for tomorrow," he told News 4.

The derailment March 24, when an Amtrak Acela slipped the tracks and bumped an NJ Transit train heading in the opposite direction, also at the height of the morning rush, was caused by a mismatch between rails, Moorman said. No serious injuries were reported in either case.

As commuters' collective frustration has boiled over, the patience of top executives at NJ Transit and the MTA has worn thin. Late Wednesday, Gov. Chris Christie sent a letter to Amtrak's board chairman saying NJ Transit would withhold payments to Amtrak until an independent inspection verifies its Northeast Corridor is in "a state-of-good repair." He also threatened to sue to recoup past payments.



Moorman said Christie's threat won't help matters, but acknowledged the governor's frustration.



On Wednesday, the MTA demanded a sit-down with executives of Amtrak, calling the derailment "the latest in a series of unacceptable infrastructure failures" and blasting Amtrak over the "pace of repairs."



Monday's minor derailment so badly damaged a switch machine at the Manhattan hub that eight of the 21 train tracks at the station were out of commission for days, forcing NJ Transit to run high-trafficked lines out of Hoboken, hobbling Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road service and causing extensive congestion on PATH trains as rush-hour riders sought alternatives.



Moorman said Thursday he would begin personally reviewing infrastructure at all Amtrak stations as the company seeks to prevent future derailments. He said additional policies and procedures would be implemented as well.

He noted that Amtrak has worked with the commuter rails for more than 40 years: "It is a proven partnership and we are dedicated to providing the levels of service necessary so that people can rely on rail travel," said Moorman.

The two derailments renewed calls for accelerating progress on an ambitious, $20 billion-plus project, known as Gateway, to add a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and expand Penn Station. The current tunnel is more than 100 years old and operates at capacity during peak commuting hours.

John Porcari, a former deputy U.S. secretary of transportation who is the interim head of the development corporation overseeing Gateway, said a new tunnel wouldn't have prevented the two recent derailments. It would, he said, lessen the aftershock to commuters because the eight tracks knocked out of service April 3 would have been able to connect to the new tunnel.
A woman somehow got her head wedged in the subway doors at the last stop in the Bronx earlier this week -- and once the video was posted on Instagram, it went viral as outraged New Yorkers blasted people who didn't stop to help.



The woman was on a northbound 4 train as it entered the Woodlawn station shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, officials said. She apparently realized too late that the train had completely emptied out and tried to rush off as the doors were closing, but ended up getting her head caught.

In the short clip posted to Instagram, the woman's head and black-and-white bag are seen wedged between the doors as straphangers casually stroll by. A train operator can be heard yelling for assistance in the background.

"If you thought you were having a bad day just be glad this isn't you," the caption reads. "But I'm just trying to figure out why everybody walking past like nothing is happening."

An MTA worker eventually opened the door with the key and offered her medical assistance, which she declined, authorities said.

Since the doors were open, the train was never in danger of moving, the transit agency said.

"While this is an unfortunate incident, the passenger was able to get out safely with assistance from our train operator," MTA Spokeswoman Beth DiFalco said in a statement. "Because the doors were ajar, the train was never in danger of moving."

The clip has been viewed on the social media site nearly 1.4 million times in the last few days.

Top Tri-State News Photos
A fighter jet crashed Wednesday morning in a wooded area near Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, after he had mechanical trouble and steered the aircraft away from a neighborhood, officials say.

A witness said the pilot's first concern was residents' safety.

"I asked him if he was OK and he didn't even respond to that. He asked if everyone in the neighborhood was OK," Patrick Dodson said.

The D.C. Air National Guard F-16C fighter jet crashed about 9:15 a.m. in Clinton, Maryland, about 6 miles southwest of the base that is home to Air Force One, base officials said. Homes are about 200 yards from the crash site.

The pilot, who was on a routine training mission, was able to eject from the jet assigned to the 113th Wing. He parachuted to the ground and was picked up by a military helicopter. Video captured by a witness shows the pilot drift toward the ground.

Witness video captures the moment a pilot ejects from a crashing F-16 Wednesday in Clinton, Maryland. The pilot floats to the ground by parachute. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

The pilot was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries. No one else was reported to have been hurt, according to the chief of the Prince George's County fire department, Ben Barksdale.

"For the pilot to be able to eject and not be injured and the plane to go down in a wooded area without affecting the homes, [we are] absolutely very fortunate that we didn't have any lives lost today."

Military officials have the area, which is about 15 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., locked down as they work to learn more about what went wrong.

Residents said they saw the plane flying low, the pilot eject via parachute and then heard at least one huge boom. Then, they saw a plume of black smoke and smelled a fire.

Dodson, who lives nearby, said he was on his porch talking on his cellphone when he heard a loud noise and then saw the plane nosedive toward the ground.

"I screamed into the house, 'Get out of the house!' I thought the plane was coming here. Luckily, it landed in the woods," he said.

Then, Dodson said he ran into the woods to help. He said he saw the pilot standing. That's when the pilot asked if everyone else was OK.

"He said he tried to direct the plane away from the neighborhood," Dodson said.

A Prince George's County man was on his porch talking on his cellphone when he says he heard the military jet crash nearby. News4's Meagan Fitzgerald reports.

Then, the pilot was taken away in a helicopter.

Clinton Grove Elementary School was on lockdown, and residents who were directed away from their homes were sent there. Residents were allowed to return home once officials secured the perimeter of the crash scene.

The fire department is asking anyone who sees debris that could be a part of the plane to not touch it or move it. Debris has been found miles away in National Harbor, officials said. To report debris, officials asked residents to call 301-981-2002.

What Witnesses Saw and Heard

People in the area said the impact was terrifying.

"I heard a really loud boom, wasn't sure what that was; it sounded like maybe construction work. And then I heard a second boom, but it was so loud," one resident said. "My house shook, like an earthquake. But it almost sounded like a bomb."

Resident Nick Bobotis said he was inside his home when he felt a boom.

"I thought maybe a tree fell. So I went outside and started looking around, and then I started to smell this funny smell of something burning. It smelled like when you light a match, that first sulfur smell, and I'm like, 'That's strange.' And then I started seeing all kinds of emergency vehicles."

Kent Roberson was driving through a residential area nearby when the plane crashed.

"...I just heard a loud boom, I guess... like how a large tree falls and shakes the ground," he said. "That's what it felt like and what I heard."

Roberson said he saw flames and smoke rising from the ground.

An Air Force veteran who had to evacuate from her home said the crash scared her.

"I was in the Air Force for like 26 years, so I'm used to seeing things like that, but not that close," she said.

News4s Chris Lawrence got to fly with the Air Force Thunderbirds. He offers insight into what its like to ride in one of the fastest jets in the world.

What Went Wrong?

As the pilot trained, he realized something was wrong with his jet, military officials said at a news conference.

"The pilot experienced a mechanical issue and immediately took actions," said Brig. Gen. George Degnon, acting adjutant general of the D.C. Air National Guard. "Once he realized he would not be able to safely land the aircraft, he made a decision to maneuver to a wooded area to avoid the risk to local community and ensure public safety."

The pilot, who officials did not name, dumped the fuel he was carrying, looked for somewhere to crash and ejected.

"We're talking seconds, not minutes," his commanding officer, Lt. Col. Michael Croker said about the pilot's decision-making process.

The Air Force told Congress the pilot is a 31-year-old lieutenant and that an engine malfunction caused the crash, sources told News4's Scott MacFarlane.

The jet was carrying training inert training bullets that were no threat to the public, officials said.

No prior mechanical issues with the jet, which is worth about $20 million, had been reported, officials said.

"It's quite a blessing that everything turned out like it did and nothing worse occurred," Croker said.

The pilot had been released from a hospital by mid-afternoon Wednesday.

"Word is he's in good spirits," his commanding officer said.

The investigation continues.

Local Impact

The plane crashed between the Woodelves Way and Maui Street cul-de-sacs in Clinton, Maryland. The pilot landed about a mile away, on Steed Road.

The crash sparked fires in the woods, which firefighters extinguished using water and foam.

Some roads in the area are closed.

Homes near the scene of the F-16 jet crash were evacuated as a precaution because of the possibility that the crash released hazardous materials, Mark Brady, the spokesman for the Prince George's County Fire Department, said. Authorities were knocking on doors and alerting residents.

Homes near the scene of the crash were evacuated as a precaution because of the possibility that the crash released hazardous materials, Brady said. Authorities knocked on doors and alerting residents. Residents were allowed back into their homes about 11 a.m.

Hyde Field/Washington Executive Airpark, located nearby, is closed until further notice during the investigation.

More on the F-16 and Its Unit

The 113th Wing guards Washington's airspace. They are one of the busiest wings in the country, with as many as 3,000 flights per year.

NBC Pentagon Correspondent Hans Nichols gives an update on the F-16 fighter jet crash in Clinton Maryland.

The single-engine F-16 that crashed was designed to fly fast and be agile but not to glide, aerospace expert Todd Harrison of the Center for Strategic & International Studies said on News4.

"If you have a problem at a low altitude, you're in trouble," he said. "There's very little time to recover, especially if it's something catastrophic."

The jets date back to the 1980s. In some cases, they are older than the pilots operating them. National Guard officials testified before a Senate committee in 2010 about their concerns with the fleet.

In 2011, the Guard suggested that much of the F-16 fleet could reach the end of its service life expectancy by 2018.

Prior Military Jet Crashes in the Area

An Air National Guard pilot crashed an F-16 from the 113th Wing near Chincoteague, Virginia, in 2013. The jet and another jet from the same unit clipped wings. One pilot was injured after being rescued at sea.

An F-18 Navy jet on a training mission crashed into an apartment complex in Virginia Beach in 2012, injuring seven people and destroying 27 apartments. The Navy said a rare dual-engine malfunction caused the crash.
A Southern California woman said her relaxing weekend in the mountains turned into a nightmare when an Airbnb host abruptly canceled a cabin reservation because of her race.

Law student Dyne Suh was looking forward to spending Presidents Day weekend with her fiance, friends and dogs at what she thought was the perfect winter cabin in Running Springs.

"We were looking forward to it, especially with law school and working and being really busy," Suh told NBC4 Los Angeles on Wednesday. "It was a welcome break."

While Suh was headed up to the cabin in stormy weather, she sent a text message to the host to confirm the reservation for four people. According to Suh, that's when the host denied agreeing to guests at her cabin.

"I wouldn't rent it to u (sic) if u (sic) were the last person on earth," the host told Suh in a text exchange that was shown to NBC4. "One word says it all. Asian."

Suh said her heart dropped.

"I will report to Airbnb that you are racist," Suh texted back to the host.

To which the host replied, "Go ahead...It's why we have Trump...I will not allow this country to be told what to do by foreigners." The host then canceled the reservation, Suh said.

Suh, who studies race relations and currently resides in Riverside, said she's been living in the United States since she was 3 years old.

"This is home to me," Suh said. "No matter how long I've lived here, for me to be treated this way just because of my race?"

In a statement to NBC4 Wednesday, Airbnb called the host's behavior "abhorrent and unacceptable."

"We have worked to provide the guest with our full support and in line with our non-discrimination policy, this host has been permanently removed from the Airbnb platform," said Christopher Nulty, spokesman for the short-term rental site. Airbnb also stated the company works to identify and prevent discrimination on its platform.

NBC4 reached out to the host, who said she had "no comment."
Police have identified the suspects and revealed a motive in a caught on camera attack of a 14-year-old boy at the King of Prussia Mall Friday.

The victim, who did not want to be identified, told NBC10 he was celebrating his birthday Friday night with his girlfriend and his friend. They were walking through the mall around 8 p.m. when a group of about seven teens began following them and making threats.

It was pretty scary, the teen said. I wasnt expecting anything to happen. They were threatening that they were going to punch me and stuff.

The group then began to attack the teen, punching him as he fell to the ground. Store employees broke up the fight and the group fled the mall before security arrived. The incident was captured on cellphone video.

He cant fight anyway, the person recording the video says moments before the attack. He cant. Its like a known f*****g fact.

The victim told NBC10 he didnt know anyone in the group and believed it was a random attack. On Wednesday Upper Merion Township Police Chief Thomas Nolan told NBC10 however that based on their investigation, they believe the teen was targeted because he had broken up a previous fight the suspects were involved in.

"Preliminarily, we have learned that this was not a random attack, but rather in retaliation of the victims efforts to break up a previous fight involving these same suspects that occurred a few weeks prior," Nolan said.

Chief Nolan told NBC10 all of the suspects in the attack have been identified. Police believe they are students at Radnor Middle School. Police are conducting more interviews and reviewing all video to determine the appropriate charges against them. They are not releasing the names of the suspects because they are juveniles. Nolan also said the teens will be banned from the King of Prussia Mall.

Police have identified the teens involved in a fight inside of the King of Prussia Mall. They also say they have a motive for the attack. NBC10s Keith Jones has the details.

Esther Purnell, the principal of Radnor Middle School, released a statement Wednesday on the attack.

"We were disheartened to learn from the police that students from our school may have been involved," Purnell wrote. "We are cooperating fully with the police in their investigation."

"We take great pride in our students and our school. While the actions of our alleged students as they pertain to this incident occurred outside the school day and do not represent all of us as a Radnor community, we would be remiss in not expressing our sincere disappointment and dismay. We do not tolerate this type of behavior."

Chief Nolan also addressed concerns that the King of Prussia Mall had become unsafe in recent years, telling NBC10 those claims are not supported by crime statistics.

"During the years, 2013 through 2016 we have averaged 4.7 assaults per year," Nolan wrote. "Only one of those assaults rose to the grading of an aggravated assault. With nearly 20 million people visiting the mall each year, averaging less than 5 assaults per year is an extremely low percentage. During that same time period we averaged only 3 robberies at the mall per year."

The Upper Merion Township Police Department, Mall Management and Mall Security met Wednesday to discuss plans to increase security at the KOP Mall in the near future, according to Nolan. Nolan also encouraged shoppers to report any suspicious activities and listed the following contacts:

King of Prussia Mall Security: 610-265-7695

Upper Merion Township Police Department: 610-265-3232

A 14-year-old boy says he was randomly attacked by a group of teens at the King of Prussia Mall Friday. NBC10s Keith Jones spoke with the teen boy as police investigate the caught on cam incident.
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The rector of a church-owned retirement home for Roman Catholic priests has been charged with embezzling $535,000 to pay for casino visits, high-end dinners and Philadelphia Pops concerts.

Federal prosecutors have charged Msgr. William A. Dombrow with skimming money for nearly nine years from an account meant to support Villa St. Joseph.

The Philadelphia archdiocese runs the facility to house aging priests and those accused of sexual abuse. Much of the stolen money came from insurance payments for priests who died and from parishioners who left the facility money.

Msgr. William Dombrow, the rector of a church-owned retirement home for Roman Catholic priests, was charged with embezzling $535,000 to pay for casino visits, high-end dinners and Philadelphia Pops concerts.

Authorities say the 77-year-old Dombrow had sole access to the account.

Dombrow has been charged by way of a criminal information, which often means a defendant is cooperating. His attorney hasn't returned a phone message left Wednesday seeking comment.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority hopes some Phillies free swag will get more people to transition to its SEPTA Key system while rewarding those already using the Key.

SEPTA planned a SEPTA Key Card event Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Broad Street Lines Walnut-Locust Station but commuters (especially anyone headed down to Citizens Bank Park this weekend) can earn perks beyond just that time.

"If fans add a minimum of $10 to their Travel Wallet, on Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Friday, between noon and 3 p.m. (game time) at Walnut-Locust or Dilworth, they will receive a Phillies Rally Towel or a Phillies Fat Head Decal from a SEPTA Ambassador," SEPTA said in a news release. "When fans arrive at AT&T Station on Friday, lookout for the SEPTA Team because when you show your SEPTA Key, youll receive a brand new GO SEPTA-GO PHILS T-SHIRTS! (All perks  while supplies last)"

The SEPTA key replaces the archaic tokens used for generations on subway, trolley and bus lines in Philadelphia and the suburbs.

Phillies Serve Up Shareable, Vegetarian u0026 'Primo' Treats at Citizens Bank Park This Season

"The SEPTA Key Travel Wallet is just like using a token without all the heavy metal in your pocket or purse, allowing you to pay as you go, while receiving a discount for each ride," SEPTA said. "The SEPTA Key is reloadable and reusable  making it your go-to all season long  while enjoying the same perks as your weekly/monthly passholders."

No lets see which SEPTA train wins the race the ballpark on the big screen during the Phillies home opener against the Washington Nationals.

Photos: Your 2017 Philadelphia Phillies
The lifeguard headquarters in Mission Bay is "substandard" and poses safety risks, according to a report presented to the city council Wednesday afternoon.

Outside consultant Citygate Associates conducted a widespread study to see how the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department could improve operations.

San Diego Lifeguards make more rescues every year than any other lifeguard station across the country. However, their dispatch system is outdated, according to the report.

"Right now lifeguard dispatching is done with basically a pen and paper on an old dispatch sheet," San Diego Chief Lifeguard Rick Wurtz said.

Some recommendations include upgrading to a CAD (computer automated dispatch system) which will allow lifeguards to communicate more efficiently with other departments. The CAD would also electronically track data and statistics.

An upgrade to the Lifeguard Headquarters in Mission Bay is also recommended. The building is nearly 60 years old. Plus, its small and has no protection, according to the report.

"Normally dispatch centers have a little bit more infrastructure that allows for better protection," Wurtz said.
After a Maryland man sent a check to a relative in Georgia, someone else cashed it in New York, and it took months to get the money reimbursed.

I was notified by my nephew that his grandson had been in a boating accident and lost a leg, Jim Powers said.

So he dropped a $500 check in the mail to help with medical expenses, but his nephew in Georgia never received it, Powers said.

So I looked at my bank account online and saw that the check had been cashed, he said.

A few years ago, a pickpocket racked up thousands of dollars on his credit cards in a matter of hours.

Within a few days those charges were taken off my accounts, he said.

So he expected the same response this time.

I was quite upset and thought the bank could do something quickly, he said.

He said he filed a claim with his bank, United, and was told it would take 90 days to investigate and process his refund.

After three months, he started checking in with United Bank regularly, sometimes daily.

After about six months, he contacted NBC4 Responds.

And approximately a week or 10 days later, I was notified that the money had been deposited into my bank account, he said.

The unendorsed check had been deposited at a JPMorgan Chase ATM in Brooklyn.

The account it was deposited into was suspended immediately, the bank said.

United Bank said a number of things can hold up reimbursement but declined to comment on Powers case.

Even though we're writing fewer checks, thieves still look out for them, the American Bankers Association said. They recommend sending money to friends and family electronically and using online banking to pay bills.

Banks said they dont require endorsing as much anymore.

Powers sent another check to his nephew last week and it arrived safely.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 82 people from 26 nations in an operation focused on Virginia and D.C., the agency said in a release.

The arrests happened from March 26 to 30, in Virginia, including two in D.C. and one in Maryland.

Sixty-eight of the people arrested had previous criminal convictions for crimes like armed robbery, larceny and drug addiction, the agency said in a release.

Included in the arrests were a 50-year-old second lieutenant in command of the Somalian National Security Service, known for its human rights abuse, and a 47-year-old Ethiopian national convicted of felony cocaine distribution, the release said.

Eight of those arrested had no known criminal records, other than overstaying visas or ignoring final orders to leave the country. According to ICE, two people arrested had ties to the MS-13 gang, which has been linked to several murders in the D.C. area -- including the killing of a 15-year-old girl.

ICE said the dozens of people arrested came to the U.S. from a variety of countries, including Algeria, Bolivia, China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Iran, Jamaica, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Somalia, South Korea, Sudan, Trinidad, Vietnam and Sierra Leone.

In February, ICE agents arrested at least two men after they left a hypothermia shelter at Rising Hope Mission Church in Alexandria. The incident raised concerns about ICE operations in Virginia, prompting questions from Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Sen. Tim Kaine.

On Wednesday, Kaine introduced a senate bill that would prevent ICE officers from arresting people at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals and churches without prior approval and urgent circumstances.

This bill helps ensure that our enforcement agencies follow humane policies that balance legitimate enforcement operations without alienating vulnerable communities by driving them deeper into the shadows, Kaine said in a release.
A Maryland high school's security team leader has been charged with sexual abuse after police say he had "inappropriate contact" with a 17-year-old student.

Mark Yantsos, 57, was arrested Thursday after the Montgomery County Police Department's special victims unit learned he had an "ongoing sexual relationship" with a female student at Richard Montgomery High School, where he worked, police said.

Montgomery County schools superintendent Jack R. Smith called the allegations disturbing.

"Any adult who abuses their position and takes advantage of our students has no place in our schools or community," he said in a statement.

Police say the student told police that Yantsos befriended her last year and bought her gifts, including a cellphone that he used to text with her during and after school hours.

The victim told police that on March 3 at about 10 p.m. Yantos picked her up from home, took her to a hotel in Rockville and had inappropriate contact with her.

The police department says they have text messages Yantsos recently sent her.

Police say they learned of the alleged abuse Monday and arrested Yantsos at his Rockville home Thursday.

Yantsos was charged with sexual abuse of a minor and a sex offense. Information on his lawyer was not available immediately.

In a letter to parents, school officials said Yantsos was placed on administrative leave.

School officials say they learned that Yantos, a former New York Police Department officer, was accused of using a gun to menace a woman in 1994.

A New York Times story on the incident says Officer Mark Yantos was charged with menacing after he was accused of drawing his gun on a dancer in a topless bar where he was drinking heavily.

All full-time Montgomery County Board of Education employees are required to be trained in recognizing and reporting child abuse.

Police asked that parents of students at the high school talk with their children about their interactions with Yantsos and contact police at 240-773-5400 if they believe their child was victimized.
Follow the money  and the giant chickens.

The Women's March had the "pussyhat," and when protesters take to the streets in next week's Tax March they will have their own symbol: oversized inflatable chickens that look like President Donald Trump.

On April 15, protesters in more than 100 U.S. cities are expected to take to the streets in an effort to pressure Trump to release his tax returns. The chickens are expected join the marchers in at least a dozen cities.

The broad message of the protest is clear: Trump should release his tax returns  and he's a chicken for not doing so.

"You got the serious logical issue of the tax returns, then you got brilliant mockery of him," said Taran Brar, 31, an organizer of the Chicago march, which will feature a 33-foot inflatable Trump chicken.

Danelle Morton, a veteran journalist and first-time organizer, is responsible for the chickens. As she wrote in Slate, Morton tracked down the Chinese manufacturer of the Trump chickens, which were originally made to resemble roosters for a Lunar New Year celebration.

Tropical Storm Cindy has formed over the Gulf of Mexico, approaching Louisiana and Texas, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Tuesday.

She launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for San Francisco's chicken, which was quickly met. Organizers in other cities followed suit. And now the chickens will join marchers in more conservative towns like Houston and deep blue Chicago and New York.

The chickens range in size from 6 to 33 feet, organizers say. They have a mop of golden hair that resembles Trump's. The bird's hands are arranged in a pointing gesture like the one the future president made his signature when telling contestants "you're fired" on "Celebrity Apprentice."

But the chickens are only a slice of the Tax March's origin story.

Morton and Brar are among a group of grassroots organizers  many of whom have no prior experience in the field  who have embraced their role in the Trump resistance, guiding the march through its conception on social media to the final days of planning the nationwide action.

Frank Lesser, 37, an Emmy-award winning comedic writer formerly of "The Colbert Report," is credited with sparking the initial buzz around the protest.

A day after the Women's March on Washington, Lesser was procrastinating while working on a screenplay in a New York coffee shop, he said. He clicked on a story about the White House refusing to release Trump's tax returns.

"We litigated this all through the election. People didn't care," White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said about the tax returns that Sunday.

Lesser then wrote a tweet  now pinned to the top of his feed  that would go viral. "Trump claims no one cares about his taxes. The next mass protest should be on Tax Day to prove him wrong," he wrote.

Trump claims no one cares about his taxes. The next mass protest should be on Tax Day to prove him wrong.  Frank Lesser (@sadmonsters) January 22, 2017

"I figured that would get 30 or 40 retweets maybe," Lesser told NBC.

Instead, it's been retweeted more than 21,000 times, including by activist Michael Moore, writer Dan Savage and comedians Patton Oswalt and Billy Eichner.

Lesser's initial reaction to the attention was "holy s---! I guess this is actually happening," he said. "The whole time, I'm like, 'I'm not going to get back to my screenplay.'"

So he signed on to the organizing effort, but joked that he originally wanted to play a "secret, shadowy" advisory role: "I wanted to be the march's Rasputin. Or to reference someone who equally looks like he's been poisoned and then drowned: Steve Bannon."

As the organizing effort took off, Lesser dived in. He attended weekly meetings to help plan. He's communicated with media outlets, worked to enlist speakers and has helped publicize the march on social media.

He also worked to secure the New York march's chickens, one of which now sits in a cardboard box near the front door of his East Village apartment.

Ben Feuerherd

But Lesser and his tweet are far from the only factors responsible for the nationwide march.

Around the same time Lesser sent his tweet, Facebook event pages for tax marches across the country began to pop up.

In New York, two friends from college with no organizing experience created a Facebook event for the protest. Wes Shockley, 33, who works in media analytics, said he had not seen Lesser's tweet, but serendipitously put up the page after attending the women's march in New York with his friend Liz Tursi.

Experienced organizers from the Working Families Party, which plans pro-progressive taxation demonstrations every tax day, spotted Shockley's event and joined in the planning.

In San Francisco, Anne Pruett, a 25-year-old who works as a lab tech and studied biology in college, created the page for her city's march.

Pruett, who has no previous organizing experience, was recovering from ankle surgery at the time of the women's marches. She had seen some of the buzz about the tax marches and decided to create the group while recovering on disability.

"I just really had a lot of free time and a laptop, and there's a lot you can do with those two things," Pruett said.

In Chicago, Brar, a documentary filmmaker by trade, said he was inspired by Lesser's tweet to make the event page for the march there.

"That night it had 11 people signed up and by the end of the week it was thousands," Brar said. "It had gone viral."

La victima aparentemente no llevaba puesto un casco.

And as April 15 approaches, the group of unlikely organizers are united under one tent. Aside from their local efforts, they exchange ideas nationally over the messaging app Slack and through an email list.

They've faced setbacks that seem to come with the grassroots territory. The march is now backed by at least 25 political organizing groups and various labor unions. Each have their own message and own views about the focus of the march.

There's even been debate about the chickens. Some of the organizers want to stress the serious issue that Trump has not released his taxes, others want to stress inequality in the American tax system, rather than the comical chickens.

Less than two weeks away, the months of herding cats appears to have paid off for the newly minted organizers. San Francisco now has four chickens that will join the marchers. A number of U.S. representatives are expected to speak at the march in Washington, D.C. And Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Cay Johnston will appear in a video interview to publicize the marches.

[NATL] Donald Trump Through the Years

Johnston published two pages of Trump's 2005 tax return in March, showing the president paid $38 million in taxes and had an income of more than $150 million that year.

Johnston's report was one of the few glimpses the public got of Trump's tax returns. In October, The New York Times published a story based on a leaked portion of Trump's 1995 state tax returns. They showed a loss of $916 million that year, in a move that could have allowed him to avoid paying taxes for 18 years, according to the Times.

Trump has downplayed releasing his tax returns, but polls show the marchers have public support. A recent Pew survey found 60 percent of Americans believe Trump has a responsibility to release his tax returns.

For the organizers, though, there are still uncertainties.

Shockley said that the New York organizers plan to hold a news conference Sunday to announce the march to local press. Possibly with a Trump chicken.
The logo of state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the country's biggest defence contractor, is seen at their offices next to Ben Gurion International airport, near Or Yehuda, Israel February 27, 2017. Picture taken February 27, 2017. REUTERS/Baz Ratner/Files

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has struck a deal worth almost $2 billion to supply India's army and navy with missile defence systems, the company said on Thursday, describing it as Israel's largest ever defence deal.

IAI said in a statement it would supply an advanced air defence system, including medium-range surface-to-air missiles, launchers and communications and control technology, to the Indian army for around $1.6 billion.

An additional naval defence system, including long-range surface-to-air missiles, would be deployed on India's first aircraft carrier, which is still being built, the statement said. The value of that deal was not disclosed, but IAI said the total package was worth nearly $2 billion.

Israel is one of the top three arms suppliers to India, which shares borders with nuclear-armed China and Pakistan. Between 2008-2015, India was the world's second largest developing-world arms purchaser, according to the U.S. Congress.

Until recently, India kept its defence ties with Israel under wraps, largely out of fear of upsetting Arab countries and its own large Muslim population.

But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose nationalist party sees Israel as an ally against Islamist militancy, has openly cultivated warmer ties, and is due to visit Israel later this year.

(Reporting by Jeffrey Heller and Maayan Lubell; Editing by Jon Boyle)
A Massachusetts police officer has been arrested on charges related to a child pornography investigation by Rhode Island State Police and federal authorities.

The officer, identified as 54-year-old Richard Woodhead of South Attleboro, is a member of the Attleboro Police Department.

Woodhead was arrested by Homeland Security agents working with the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force after a court authorized his home to be searched, according to the office of acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Dambruch of Rhode Island.

Woodhead faces federal charges in Rhode Island for allegedly possessing child pornography, receiving child pornography and enticing a minor to engage in sex activity.

The ICAC Task Force is continuing to investigate. Woodhead is due in court for a bail review on April 12.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a Portland immigrant at the Cumberland County Superior Courthouse Thursday morning, in what is believed to be the first action of its kind in Maine.

Attorney Tina Nadeau told necn her client, Abdi Ali, an asylum seeker from Somalia, was arrested in the hallway of the courthouse shortly after his court appearance for an OUI charge.

Nadeau said she was having a private meeting with her client in an office in the courthouse, when a "burly man" who did not immediately identify himself walked into the room. When she asked why he was there, the man allegedly told her he was there for Ali, and was an ICE agent.

Nadeau said she asked the man to leave, and Ali became scared. After the two of them left the office, Nadeau said her client was thrown against the wall by three ICE agents and handcuffed.

According to court liaison Mary Ann Lynch, this may be the first time ICE agents have made an arrest inside a Maine courthouse. Lynch said the judicial branch does not have a policy about these kinds of arrests, but added that Maine State Police and local police have made arrests inside courthouses before.

Nadeau agreed that this is the first time she has heard of an ICE arrest inside a Maine courthouse.

"Were all in shock right now," she said.

Ali is being held at the Cumberland County Jail. A spokesperson for ICE was not available for comment Thursday afternoon.
Last November, Maine voters ordered a raise in the minimum wage  but some servers want to send it back.

Waiters, waitresses, managers, and restaurant owners showed up in large numbers to the Maine State House Wednesday, testifying in a public hearing about a change to the states minimum wage.

Senator Roger Katz (R-Augusta) is introducing legislation to modify part of the law that applies to wait staff.

The 2016 voter approved referendum raised Maines minimum wage from $7.50 an hour to $12 by the year 2020.

A part of that referendum eliminated whats called the tip credit that servers receive: a $3.75 an hour base wage, to supplement tips. The new law gradually increases that base wage until it reaches $12 in the year 2024.

While it would seem this law helps servers take home more money, some insist it wont.

We want to see the tip credit reinstated, said Valerie King, a serve at Finns Irish Pub in Ellsworth. This is going to hurt us.

King said if employers need to pay wait staff more, they will be forced to raise prices for food.

Prices will go to a point that my customers who are on fixed incomes cant come in and eat, she said. King also worries if customers think their servers have received a big pay increase, they will tip less  ending in a net decrease in pay for servers.

But other workers in the restaurant industry disagree.

Most people Ive talked to have not seen a change in their tips, said Heather McIntosh, a waitress at Boones in Portland. Tipping is part of our culture. Its what you do for great service.

McIntosh testified against Sen. Katzs bill, in part because she believes it goes against the will of the voters.

Sen. Katz said he doesnt think voters realized the tip credit controversy would be one consequence.

People in Maine clearly wanted the minimum wage to go up, but this idea that it would fundamentally change the nature of the restaurant business was in nobodys mind, said Sen. Katz.

Weve got to listen to the thousands of people saying we know you intended to help us, but youre hurting us, and please change this law, he said.

Some restaurant owners let wait staff skip their shifts to attend the public hearing Wednesday, while Moodys Diner in Waldoboro completely closed to have staff testify.

One restaurant owner told the Labor committee that she has already given her staff a raise, without having to charge more for food. Kathryn Harnish, owner of the Vault Restaurant in Houlton, believes tips are as generous as ever.

We believe its our moral obligation to our employees to provide that [increased wage], she said. Its the right thing to do, and its good for business.

The Legislatures Labor committee is expected to schedule a work session on the bill, and decide if they should send the proposal to lawmakers.
For the first time since Monday's house explosion in Salem, New Hampshire, one of the first responding officers is speaking out in an exclusive interview with NBC Boston.

We all just want to protect people, help people, be their rock, said Salem Officer Brian Lawrence on Wednesday.

As a police officer, Lawrence admits his instinct is to run toward danger, but on Monday night, he was overcome with the sense that something wasnt right.

I think we both had a bad feeling in our stomachs about the situation, he recalled.

He and a fellow officer had just walked up to 20 Irving St., responding to a typical call for a neighbor dispute, when they heard a hissing noise and smelled propane.

We kind of looked at each other and said, hey, did you smell that, and we agreed to back out at that point, Lawrence recalled.

They kept their eyes on the house, but started moving away. Within seconds, the house exploded.

Best way I can describe it is kind of like a movie, he said. You could feel the pressure in your chest.

The investigation paints a chilling picture for police. Authorities say the homeowner, 55-year-old Charles Hill, had covered his property in booby traps and barricades as if he was preparing for a confrontation.

Its definitely eye opening, Lawrence said.

Police say Hill was found dead in the basement of an apparent suicide. Near his body, investigators recovered three guns, two knives, and more than a hundred rounds of ammunition. In the house, Hill had more than 1,700 rounds of ammunition and commercial-grade fireworks. Authorities say theres a chance he may have been planning an attack on police.

You definitely think of those things, but if you think too much, it will tear you up inside, Lawrence said.

And while Lawrence says hes thankful to be alive to tell his story, he does it with a heavy heart. He wishes someone couldve helped Hill before it came to this.

State investigators are still trying to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
State parks officials in New Hampshire are presenting plans for a new, universally accessible trail near the plaza dedicated to a famous fallen icon, the Old Man of the Mountain.

The Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza in Franconia Notch was dedicated in 2011, eight years after the 40-foot-tall granite formation resembling a man's face fell 1,200 feet to the ground. The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation wants to build a trail between the viewing place and the Profile Lake boat launch along the Franconia Notch Parkway, with a boardwalk in areas where there is not enough space between the road and the lake.

The project would be funded by the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund. The parks division is presenting its plans Thursday at the Franconia Notch State Park headquarters.
A Rhode Island man was arrested Wednesday for the road rage-related death of a box truck driver in Johnston, RI on March 30, according to state police.

Mitchell Savard, 41, of Woonsocket was charged with driving to endanger resulting in death, among other charges.

The incident, which occurred on I-495 north, began when Savard allegedly cut off a tow truck and proceeded to tap his brakes repeatedly before stopping in the center lane of the highway, blocking the tow truck's path.

Police said the tow truck was forced to stop short to avoid hitting Savard's car, and this is when the box truck - driving behind the tow truck - crashed into the back of the stopped vehicle.

Erik Salazar, 23, of Brooklyn, New York was driving the box truck. Police said he was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital.

The box truck's passenger, Andy Salgado, also 23 and from Brooklyn, sustained major injuries and is reportedly still in critical condition at the same hospital.

The driver of the tow truck, 28-year-old Trevor Armstrong of Bristol, Connecticut suffered minor injuries.

Savard was uninjured, according to police.

He was arraigned at Rhode Island's 3rd District Court Wednesday morning.
Three people were killed after a car crashed into a telephone pole in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, early Thursday morning.

The crash happened on Wolcott Street and caused the car to split in half.

According to affiliate WJAR, there were five people in the car at the time of the crash.

There's no word on the extent of the other two surviving victim's injuries.

National Grid was on scene working to repair the pole.

One business in the area lost power as a result of the crash.
Calling all crafters: a Vermont non-profit is looking for your help.

COTS, the Committee on Temporary Shelter, provides services to people experiencing homelessness or folks at risk of becoming homeless.

The group wants at least 3,500 origami butterflies to display in time for its upcoming charity walk. COTS is asking school groups and other community members for paper-folding help to meet that goal.

COTS would like to have at least 100 paper butterflies donated for each of the 35 years the organization has supported the greater Burlington area.

It plans to use that origami to decorate its new building on North Avenue, as well as other sites, for the COTS Walk on May 7.

Becky Holt of COTS said she hopes the displays send an upbeat message.

Our theme is inspire hope, empower transformation, because its possible, and we see it every day, Holt said. So Im hoping when people see the butterflies, theyre reminded that hope is never lost and theres always a chance for a new start and a new beginning.

The charity said it would really like to exceed its origami goal by thousands, if possible.

COTS is providing directions on its blog on how to fold the butterflies, including a video tutorial. Click here for that information.
Visitors to Wymondham Abbeys Christmas fair will be able to treat their children to a magic show and fun baking workshop while they browse more than 60 stalls.

Visitors to Wymondham Abbeys Christmas fair will be able to treat their children to a magic show and fun baking workshop while they browse more than 60 stalls.

Salvation Armys new Christmas Appeal in Norfolk The Salvation Army has launched their new Christmas appeal across Norfolk which, this year, has evolved from the much-loved Toys and Tins appeal. Read more

Are we storing up treasures on earth? Rising prices affect us all, and Anna Heydon urges us to spare a thought for those who will be struggling with the cost of living this winter. Read more

Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more

Covid leaf memorial at Norwich church St Peter Mancroft Church Norwich Presents The Leaves of the Trees an installation by sculptor Peter Walker which provides a memorial for those who died of Covid-19 Read more

Community Chaplaincy Norfolk begins a new chapter Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) celebrated the beginning of a new chapter this week, as the new chair of trustees Chris Tomlinson led his first annual meeting. Read more

Lowestoft Christians launch on-line bible helps app The Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth branch of Good News for Everyone (GNFE), formerly the Gideons, have introduced a new mobile phone app called On-line Bible Helps. Read more

Addicts' rehabilitation centre plan for Drayton Hall Christian addiction charity Teen Challenge London is planning to turn Drayton Hall near Norwich into its headquarters and a rehabilitation centre for men, after it was gifted the freehold of the hall by its owner, the Lind Trust. Read more

The power of positive protest Philip Young encourages us to take a stand for what we believe, and has just written to Therese Coffey regarding climate change and the forthcoming COP 27. He explains why we should be prepared to protest. Read more

Norwich church celebrates with cribs and trees Rosebery Road Methodist Church in Norwich will be holding its annual Cribs and Trees Festival in December. Read more

Transforming Norwich lunch offers ministry tips Ex-Brighton vicar, Rev Phil Moon, will offer tips on how to keep going in ministry to the Transforming Norwich leaders lunch on Wednesday November 16. Read more

Quiet Waters in Bungay offers healing retreat Quiet Waters Christian Retreat in Bungay is holding a gentle day retreat exploring healing in the Kingdom of God. Read more

Norfolk ministry coaching duo are guest speakers Former church leaders and now freelance ministry coaches, Jonathan and Paige Squirrell, are the guest speakers at the next dinner of Norwich FGB on Monday, November 21. Read more

Bringing light to Halloween Anna Price encourages Christians to engage positively with Halloween rather than hide away, on what many see as the darkest night of the year. Read more

First service takes place at Norwich church site SOUL Church hosted around 400 people for a special service on the site of their new building on Heartsease Lane. Read more

Dereham draws up list of warm places for winter As rising energy prices make it harder to heat homes, churches in Dereham are leading the way in creating warm spaces where people can go. Read more

South Norfolk church scoops national award A medieval Anglican church in a tiny hamlet in South Norfolk has won a national award and a 10,000 boost. Read more

Dereham churches help people to help themselves A group of churches in Dereham have launched an ambitious project which aims to meet needs in the town, including the provision of food and skills training. Read more
The attorney general of Massachusetts has taken the abstraction of online privacy and brought it into crystal clear focus by barring a Boston advertising agency from targeting anti-abortion ads at the cellphones of women the moment they arrive at reproductive health facilities.

From a story in the Boston Globe:

You Have Choices, one message said. Others offered Pregnancy Help, and assured recipients, Youre Not Alone, according to Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who on Tuesday announced a legal action that alleged the ads illegally used consumer health data. A settlement reached with Healeys office preemptively bars the company that devised the marketing campaign, Boston-based Copley Advertising, from sending such messages. It says the company cannot use location data about people who are near a Massachusetts health care facility to send them advertisements based on a medical condition.

Its not clear how Copley is able obtain the information necessary to deliver ads with such pinpoint accuracy  known as geofencing  but few would argue that it doesnt break the creepiness meter. Location-based apps are a leading suspect of being the source. Nonetheless, Healeys action has sparked a debate about whether banning such advertising violates the First Amendment rights of would-be advertisers, in this case opponents of a womens right to choose an abortion. I am neither a lawyer nor convinced.

It also highlights the damage done recently by Republicans in Congress and President Trump in rolling back Obama-era protections fashioned by the FCC that would have, once implemented, at least prevented ISPs from being the purveyors of the personal information necessary to conduct this type of invasive advertising.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai contends that he opposed those protections last year  and supported their repeal recently -- because they represented the government picking winners and losers in that they applied to carriers and ISPs, and not the likes of Facebook and Amazon. Pai says the FCC will work with the FTC to ensure that consumers online privacy is protected though a consistent and comprehensive framework.

The fact that the Massachusetts case involves reproductive rights -- among the most controversial issues of our day -- may tend to obscure the magnitude of the privacy invasion here.

Everyone should be able to imagine a situation where they would feel violated by such targeting. I have a medical procedure scheduled for next Wednesday at a Boston hospital. I dont care what kind of related goods or services youre selling, youre not welcome to pitch them to me while Im there.

That shouldnt be the least bit controversial.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Seeking the Centre's intervention on the Supreme Court order banning liquor sale along highways, hoteliers today expressed hope that a solution will be reached in larger interest of the industry.

"The government has formed a committee and assured us it will try and find a way out. We are hopeful of a positive outcome," Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor (South Asia) K B Kachru told PTI here on the sidelines of Hotel Investment Conference  South Asia (HISCA).

Kachru said that the decision to ban liquor sale along the highways has impacted 30-40 per cent of the properties under the hospitality industry. "About 30-40 per cent of the industry has already been affected by this decision.

As a hospitality group, 30 per cent of our properties have been impacted." This is not only about affecting revenues but jobs as well, he noted. The Supreme Court has ordered closure of the liquor vends within 500 metres along the national and state highways from April 1.

The SC, in its order on Friday, made it clear the ruling would also cover bars, pubs and restaurants as drink-driving leads to fatal road accidents. ITC Hotels and WelcomHotels chief executive Dipak Haksar said that while the industry has been adversely hit, it was too early to estimate the quantum of the impact.

"Various industry associations have met with state governments, the ministry concerned and the Centre to find a solution to this issue. We believe that some positive solution will come out," Haskar added. Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India chairman Arun Nanda, however, said that the main issue is to stop drink driving and not harm the industry.

"The focus should be on how to stop drunk driving rather than killing the hospitality industry. This will not only result in job losses, but also cause heavy revenue losses to the state governments," Nanda said.

Noting that it was too early to panic, Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris Managing Director and CEO Rakesh Sarna said, "We will get over this and moreover, it is too early to panic. I am sure things will come around soon."

Oberoi Group Managing Director and CEO Vikram Oberoi said, "There will be some intended and unintended consequences of this decision." "We don't want people to drink and drive and kill people, which is an intended consequence of this decision. However, over one million people losing jobs, which is a huge number, is unintended consequence. We also have to address this problem," Oberoi said.

MUMBAI: Seeking the Centre's intervention on the Supreme Court order banning liquor sale along highways, hoteliers today expressed hope that a solution will be reached in larger interest of the industry. "The government has formed a committee and assured us it will try and find a way out. We are hopeful of a positive outcome," Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor (South Asia) K B Kachru told PTI here on the sidelines of Hotel Investment Conference  South Asia (HISCA). Kachru said that the decision to ban liquor sale along the highways has impacted 30-40 per cent of the properties under the hospitality industry. "About 30-40 per cent of the industry has already been affected by this decision. As a hospitality group, 30 per cent of our properties have been impacted." This is not only about affecting revenues but jobs as well, he noted. The Supreme Court has ordered closure of the liquor vends within 500 metres along the national and state highways from April 1. The SC, in its order on Friday, made it clear the ruling would also cover bars, pubs and restaurants as drink-driving leads to fatal road accidents. ITC Hotels and WelcomHotels chief executive Dipak Haksar said that while the industry has been adversely hit, it was too early to estimate the quantum of the impact. "Various industry associations have met with state governments, the ministry concerned and the Centre to find a solution to this issue. We believe that some positive solution will come out," Haskar added. Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India chairman Arun Nanda, however, said that the main issue is to stop drink driving and not harm the industry. "The focus should be on how to stop drunk driving rather than killing the hospitality industry. This will not only result in job losses, but also cause heavy revenue losses to the state governments," Nanda said. Noting that it was too early to panic, Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris Managing Director and CEO Rakesh Sarna said, "We will get over this and moreover, it is too early to panic. I am sure things will come around soon." Oberoi Group Managing Director and CEO Vikram Oberoi said, "There will be some intended and unintended consequences of this decision." "We don't want people to drink and drive and kill people, which is an intended consequence of this decision. However, over one million people losing jobs, which is a huge number, is unintended consequence. We also have to address this problem," Oberoi said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Piyush Goyal, Union minister of state for coal (independent charge), said on Wednesday that the government was in the process of opening up the coal sector to competition soon. Private miners would be coming into the sector to bring in competition, he added. The minister said the country has achieved an important milestone of having adequate quantity of coal and the next step is to achieve quality and preventing grade slippages.

From April 1, fresh grades of coal have been issued for each mine and coal dispatch centre. With this step, the grade slippage in coal supplied to consumers will become minimum, said Susheel Kumar, secretary, coal.

As a result, the ministry expects the grade slippage in coal supplied to consumers to be minimum. In case the grade slippage exceeds the determined cap, senior officials will be held responsible for it, Kumar added.

Goyal said there has been a reduction of eight per cent in the per unit coal consumption for power generation, which is a significant achievement in the countrys history.

On Wednesday, Goyal presided over the inaugural session of the day-long workshop on Quality of Coal. We are working towards bring linearity in pricing of coal between lower and higher grades, said Goyal.

Goyal added that the Tamil Nadu government has agreed to set up the Cheyyur ultra mega power project based on domestic coal instead of imported coal.

The move will help in achieving self-reliance on domestic coal based thermal power in India and would generate confidence in our own capacities.

He added that the ministry would soon develop a whistleblower mechanism to address the complaints of the coal grade slippages and to rein in corruption in the coal and power sectors.

NEW DELHI: Piyush Goyal, Union minister of state for coal (independent charge), said on Wednesday that the government was in the process of opening up the coal sector to competition soon. Private miners would be coming into the sector to bring in competition, he added. The minister said the country has achieved an important milestone of having adequate quantity of coal and the next step is to achieve quality and preventing grade slippages. From April 1, fresh grades of coal have been issued for each mine and coal dispatch centre. With this step, the grade slippage in coal supplied to consumers will become minimum, said Susheel Kumar, secretary, coal. As a result, the ministry expects the grade slippage in coal supplied to consumers to be minimum. In case the grade slippage exceeds the determined cap, senior officials will be held responsible for it, Kumar added. Goyal said there has been a reduction of eight per cent in the per unit coal consumption for power generation, which is a significant achievement in the countrys history. On Wednesday, Goyal presided over the inaugural session of the day-long workshop on Quality of Coal. We are working towards bring linearity in pricing of coal between lower and higher grades, said Goyal. Goyal added that the Tamil Nadu government has agreed to set up the Cheyyur ultra mega power project based on domestic coal instead of imported coal. The move will help in achieving self-reliance on domestic coal based thermal power in India and would generate confidence in our own capacities. He added that the ministry would soon develop a whistleblower mechanism to address the complaints of the coal grade slippages and to rein in corruption in the coal and power sectors.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI:Indias second largest home-grown e-commerce player, Snapdeal, might be finally headed for sale. According to informed sources Express spoke to, the major differences among the three largest stakeholders of the firm  SoftBank Group Corp., Kalaari Capital and Nexus Venture Partners  over the valuation at which funds should be raised were worked out during a meeting on Tuesday.

SoftBank, Kalaari and Nexus Venture own 33 per cent, 10 per cent and eight per cent, respectively, of Snapdeal.The issues have been worked out during the meeting, said a person with knowledge of the talks, pointing out that while further meetings on the sale itself are set to continue, the major issues have been sorted out.Earlier this week, Snapdeals route to raise more funds through a controlling stake sale was mooted by SoftBank. However, the proposal fell through because Kalaari and Nexus disagreed with SoftBank on the valuation.

During Tuesdays meeting, said another source, SoftBank had shown interest in acquiring a part of the stake owned by the other two venture capital firms.

Both Kalaari and Nexus are reported to be demanding $100 million for their stakes in the firm  the former has put in around $27.5 million and the latter more than $40 million in Snapdeal.

Meanwhile, founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, who hold 6.5 per cent together, are demanding an equivalent sum for their stakes, too. According to the source, SoftBank is negotiating on the price.

The rapprochement between the major stakeholders once again opens up Snapdeals route to more funds.

CHENNAI:Indias second largest home-grown e-commerce player, Snapdeal, might be finally headed for sale. According to informed sources Express spoke to, the major differences among the three largest stakeholders of the firm  SoftBank Group Corp., Kalaari Capital and Nexus Venture Partners  over the valuation at which funds should be raised were worked out during a meeting on Tuesday. SoftBank, Kalaari and Nexus Venture own 33 per cent, 10 per cent and eight per cent, respectively, of Snapdeal.The issues have been worked out during the meeting, said a person with knowledge of the talks, pointing out that while further meetings on the sale itself are set to continue, the major issues have been sorted out.Earlier this week, Snapdeals route to raise more funds through a controlling stake sale was mooted by SoftBank. However, the proposal fell through because Kalaari and Nexus disagreed with SoftBank on the valuation. During Tuesdays meeting, said another source, SoftBank had shown interest in acquiring a part of the stake owned by the other two venture capital firms. Both Kalaari and Nexus are reported to be demanding $100 million for their stakes in the firm  the former has put in around $27.5 million and the latter more than $40 million in Snapdeal. Meanwhile, founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, who hold 6.5 per cent together, are demanding an equivalent sum for their stakes, too. According to the source, SoftBank is negotiating on the price. The rapprochement between the major stakeholders once again opens up Snapdeals route to more funds.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: The joint action plan of the Reserve Bank of India and the finance ministry to tackle bad loans will have sector-specific and size-specific mechanisms, RBI Deputy Governor S S Mundra said.

Revealing little about the proposed tool, Mundra said there were no clear acknowledgement and recognition of the asset quality situation and no-one-size-fits-all solution. Already, an alphabet soup of NPA resolution mechanisms like CDR, SDR, joint-lenders forum etc, exist, but little has been achieved, while stressed assets have been piling up.

We will not move back to the days of forbearance. Further creeping forebearance in the treatment of bank losses is untenable and costly for the rest of the economy, said Urjit Patel, governor, RBI addressing the media here on Thursday.

According to Mundra, the positives achieved by the banks include a slowdown in the accretion of fresh NPAs and stable provision coverage ratios. Even as speculation about an impending new instrument is growing, Mundra said there can be a relook at the existing instruments.

The message that we are trying to give is that all these instruments are meant for resolution in a serious sense and not for postponement of the problem. That will be the focus going forward, he said.

MUMBAI: The joint action plan of the Reserve Bank of India and the finance ministry to tackle bad loans will have sector-specific and size-specific mechanisms, RBI Deputy Governor S S Mundra said. Revealing little about the proposed tool, Mundra said there were no clear acknowledgement and recognition of the asset quality situation and no-one-size-fits-all solution. Already, an alphabet soup of NPA resolution mechanisms like CDR, SDR, joint-lenders forum etc, exist, but little has been achieved, while stressed assets have been piling up. We will not move back to the days of forbearance. Further creeping forebearance in the treatment of bank losses is untenable and costly for the rest of the economy, said Urjit Patel, governor, RBI addressing the media here on Thursday. According to Mundra, the positives achieved by the banks include a slowdown in the accretion of fresh NPAs and stable provision coverage ratios. Even as speculation about an impending new instrument is growing, Mundra said there can be a relook at the existing instruments. The message that we are trying to give is that all these instruments are meant for resolution in a serious sense and not for postponement of the problem. That will be the focus going forward, he said.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: For the first match of this season's Indian Premier League (IPL) which will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal--as many as 1,800 police personnel would be deployed--by the state police. The extensive security measures will continue for all the eight matches to be played at the stadium.

Briefing about the security arrangements at the Uppal stadium on Monday, Rachakonda police commissioner M M Bhagwat said the bandobust will be put in place to deter untoward incidents.

The commissioner said 250 personnel from security wing, 270 traffic personnel, 700 police to maintain law and order, six platoons of armed forces, special teams from Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations (OCTOPUS), special branch and central crime stations will be put in force. Two fire tenders with firefighting staff will also be deployed at the stadium, he said.

As many as 88 CCTV cameras are installed in-and-around the stadium that will facilitate round-the-clock monitoring. Special parties, bomb disposal teams and anti-sabotage will also be deployed at the venue. From now, roof-top police surveillance is put along the routes leading to the stadium to ensure security, said commissioner Bhagwat.

A special party and a team of city security wing would escort the vehicles of the players and road clearance teams will also be deployed, he added.

During the match, the viewers are advised not to carry laptops, cameras, matchbox, binoculars, batteries, any kind of bags, banners, cigarettes, lighters, coins, helmets, water bottles, any kind of electronic items and metal objects including, pens.

Though mobile phones are allowed, police would not be allowing battery banks inside, said the officer.

HYDERABAD: For the first match of this season's Indian Premier League (IPL) which will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal--as many as 1,800 police personnel would be deployed--by the state police. The extensive security measures will continue for all the eight matches to be played at the stadium. Briefing about the security arrangements at the Uppal stadium on Monday, Rachakonda police commissioner M M Bhagwat said the bandobust will be put in place to deter untoward incidents. The commissioner said 250 personnel from security wing, 270 traffic personnel, 700 police to maintain law and order, six platoons of armed forces, special teams from Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations (OCTOPUS), special branch and central crime stations will be put in force. Two fire tenders with firefighting staff will also be deployed at the stadium, he said. As many as 88 CCTV cameras are installed in-and-around the stadium that will facilitate round-the-clock monitoring. Special parties, bomb disposal teams and anti-sabotage will also be deployed at the venue. From now, roof-top police surveillance is put along the routes leading to the stadium to ensure security, said commissioner Bhagwat. A special party and a team of city security wing would escort the vehicles of the players and road clearance teams will also be deployed, he added. During the match, the viewers are advised not to carry laptops, cameras, matchbox, binoculars, batteries, any kind of bags, banners, cigarettes, lighters, coins, helmets, water bottles, any kind of electronic items and metal objects including, pens. Though mobile phones are allowed, police would not be allowing battery banks inside, said the officer.
Princy Alexander By

Express News Service

Actor Karthis association with director Mani Ratnam spawns over a decade, when the young actor became an assistant director to the veteran in Ayitha Ezhuthu.

Now, in Kochi for the promotion of Mani Ratnams latest, Kaatru Viliyidai, which will hit theatres on Friday, Karthi is playing the hero. He is a fighter pilot who romances a young doctor Leela (Aditi Rao Hydari) posted in a war zone.

Many of the scenes were shot in Ladakh in minus eight degrees Centigrade, but both the actors are very enthused about the experience.

So far, this has been one of my most challenging characters. Playing a hero in any of Mani Ratnams movies is a challenge, but playing a lead in his love stories is the most difficult.

They are all classic characters and I was not sure if I could carry it off, he said.



Actor Aditi Rao remembers she was in tears when she saw the number of dialogues and scenes she had in the film. There was a language barrier.

I wanted to give my best, but I didnt know how it was possible. But when I approached Mani sir, he told me that to project me at my best was his responsibility.

Suddenly, I felt this huge burden removed from my shoulders and the set became like a playground, she said.

Aditi has only praise for the veteran director. I remember waiting in anticipation for a Mani Ratnam love story. Now being part of it is such a blessing, she said. I think this movie will reinstill in anyone the belief in true love.

Actor Karthis association with director Mani Ratnam spawns over a decade, when the young actor became an assistant director to the veteran in Ayitha Ezhuthu. Now, in Kochi for the promotion of Mani Ratnams latest, Kaatru Viliyidai, which will hit theatres on Friday, Karthi is playing the hero. He is a fighter pilot who romances a young doctor Leela (Aditi Rao Hydari) posted in a war zone. Many of the scenes were shot in Ladakh in minus eight degrees Centigrade, but both the actors are very enthused about the experience. So far, this has been one of my most challenging characters. Playing a hero in any of Mani Ratnams movies is a challenge, but playing a lead in his love stories is the most difficult. They are all classic characters and I was not sure if I could carry it off, he said. Actor Aditi Rao remembers she was in tears when she saw the number of dialogues and scenes she had in the film. There was a language barrier. I wanted to give my best, but I didnt know how it was possible. But when I approached Mani sir, he told me that to project me at my best was his responsibility. Suddenly, I felt this huge burden removed from my shoulders and the set became like a playground, she said. Aditi has only praise for the veteran director. I remember waiting in anticipation for a Mani Ratnam love story. Now being part of it is such a blessing, she said. I think this movie will reinstill in anyone the belief in true love.
Hemanth Kumar C R By

Express News Service

Nearly two years after she shot to fame with the song Manohari from Prabhas starrer Baahubali, Madhu Sneha is back in Tollywood. The actress will soon be seen shaking a leg with Varun Tej in Sreenu Vaitlas Mister.

Ask her why it took her so long to come back to Telugu films, Madhu says, Baahubali was the first film that I was part of and it was almost like a miracle. Even today, people recognise me as the Manohari girl; however, post Baahubali, although I did get few offers, I wasnt sure about taking up those projects. About a month-and-a-half ago, Sreenu Vaitla took me onboard for a special song in Mister.Hes a big director and Ive seen some of his films.

The song, she says, is going to be a big surprise and she is all praise for her co-star Varun Tej. He was chivalrous and friendly while shooting the song. I had a similar experience while working with Prabhas as well in Baahubali. For that matter, most Telugu actors are quite handsome and Ive taken an instant liking to Hyderabad. It feels like home and everyone is so professional, the actress reveals. Apparently, Sreenu Vaitla had been enquiring about her for almost a year now and this time, he insisted that Madhu should be part of the song.

The choreography in the song is beautiful. I had to express a lot through my body movements, she says, adding, Im not a trained dancer. I learnt all I know about dancing by watching Sridevis movies. Shes my dance guru (laughs).

Although she started off her career in Telugu with couple of special songs, Madhu states that her heart lies in acting. Thats what I trained for and Im really eager to take up acting roles in Telugu and Tamil. Recently, when I was in Hyderabad for an awards ceremony, I was touched by the films fraternitys generosity and I had a lot of people telling me that I should act in films and not restrict myself to songs. I cant wait to see what else is in store for me in future, Madhu signs off.

Nearly two years after she shot to fame with the song Manohari from Prabhas starrer Baahubali, Madhu Sneha is back in Tollywood. The actress will soon be seen shaking a leg with Varun Tej in Sreenu Vaitlas Mister. Ask her why it took her so long to come back to Telugu films, Madhu says, Baahubali was the first film that I was part of and it was almost like a miracle. Even today, people recognise me as the Manohari girl; however, post Baahubali, although I did get few offers, I wasnt sure about taking up those projects. About a month-and-a-half ago, Sreenu Vaitla took me onboard for a special song in Mister.Hes a big director and Ive seen some of his films. The song, she says, is going to be a big surprise and she is all praise for her co-star Varun Tej. He was chivalrous and friendly while shooting the song. I had a similar experience while working with Prabhas as well in Baahubali. For that matter, most Telugu actors are quite handsome and Ive taken an instant liking to Hyderabad. It feels like home and everyone is so professional, the actress reveals. Apparently, Sreenu Vaitla had been enquiring about her for almost a year now and this time, he insisted that Madhu should be part of the song. The choreography in the song is beautiful. I had to express a lot through my body movements, she says, adding, Im not a trained dancer. I learnt all I know about dancing by watching Sridevis movies. Shes my dance guru (laughs). Although she started off her career in Telugu with couple of special songs, Madhu states that her heart lies in acting. Thats what I trained for and Im really eager to take up acting roles in Telugu and Tamil. Recently, when I was in Hyderabad for an awards ceremony, I was touched by the films fraternitys generosity and I had a lot of people telling me that I should act in films and not restrict myself to songs. I cant wait to see what else is in store for me in future, Madhu signs off.
Santwana Bhattacharya By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Will the Congress and the CPM realign once again to ensure that at least one of the five Rajya Sabha seats from Bengal falling vacant two months down the line do not fall in the Trinamool Congress kitty? If thats the case, neither side is revealing too much yet.

But a meeting between the Congress vice president, Rahul Gandhi, and the CPM general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, in this backdrop, does gain significance. More so as Yechury is one of the five outgoing MPs representing Bengal in the Upper House whose term ends in July.

Yechury himself denied that the Rajya Sabha seat was one of the talking points when he met Rahul for an hour or so over tea and sandwiches at the latters parliamentary party office on Wednesday. Instead, the CPM leader insisted the discussion was on a range of issues  from EVM tampering, GST to farm loan waiver  the ways and means of raising it successfully in Parliament and outside.

However, since the Rajya Sabha or the governments repeated moves to bypass the Upper House by expanding the scope of the money bill has been a point of contention between the Opposition and the treasury, it seems unlikely that the two leaders did not discuss the contours of the Upper House in the days to come.

Yechury and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh recently pushed through amendments on the Finance Bill, in the Rajya Sabha. Though it did not cause the government much sweat to get the amendments defeated in the Lok Sabha the very next day, it certainly was an embarrassment of sorts for the treasury.

In this context, Yechurys voice and presence as a weighty and articulate counterpoint to the government and the Leader of the Upper House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is indeed a point of political consideration, a Congress source said.

Neither the Congress nor the CPM can win a Rajya Sabha seat from Bengal without the support of the other. While the votes required to win a seat is 49, the Congress officially has 42 MLAs. However, two of them, including former Bengal unit chief Manas Bhuniya, has switched over to the TMC.

As the numbers stand, the TMC can easily pick up four seats. The fifth seat can be wrested by either the Congress or the CPM, only if they come together.

Apart from Yechury, senior Congress leader Pradip Bhattacharya and TMC MPs Derek OBrien, Sukhendu Shekar Roy and D Bandyopadhya will be retiring. While Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is likely to drop Bandyopadhya, Rahul, it seems, is not entirely averse to backing Yechury if hes the candidate. Hes looking at an alliance for 2019, a senior Congress leader claimed.

Theres a catch though. The CPM usually never gives any of its Rajya Sabha members more than two terms and Yechury will be completing his second term when he retires in July.

NEW DELHI: Will the Congress and the CPM realign once again to ensure that at least one of the five Rajya Sabha seats from Bengal falling vacant two months down the line do not fall in the Trinamool Congress kitty? If thats the case, neither side is revealing too much yet. But a meeting between the Congress vice president, Rahul Gandhi, and the CPM general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, in this backdrop, does gain significance. More so as Yechury is one of the five outgoing MPs representing Bengal in the Upper House whose term ends in July. Yechury himself denied that the Rajya Sabha seat was one of the talking points when he met Rahul for an hour or so over tea and sandwiches at the latters parliamentary party office on Wednesday. Instead, the CPM leader insisted the discussion was on a range of issues  from EVM tampering, GST to farm loan waiver  the ways and means of raising it successfully in Parliament and outside. However, since the Rajya Sabha or the governments repeated moves to bypass the Upper House by expanding the scope of the money bill has been a point of contention between the Opposition and the treasury, it seems unlikely that the two leaders did not discuss the contours of the Upper House in the days to come. Yechury and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh recently pushed through amendments on the Finance Bill, in the Rajya Sabha. Though it did not cause the government much sweat to get the amendments defeated in the Lok Sabha the very next day, it certainly was an embarrassment of sorts for the treasury. In this context, Yechurys voice and presence as a weighty and articulate counterpoint to the government and the Leader of the Upper House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is indeed a point of political consideration, a Congress source said. Neither the Congress nor the CPM can win a Rajya Sabha seat from Bengal without the support of the other. While the votes required to win a seat is 49, the Congress officially has 42 MLAs. However, two of them, including former Bengal unit chief Manas Bhuniya, has switched over to the TMC. As the numbers stand, the TMC can easily pick up four seats. The fifth seat can be wrested by either the Congress or the CPM, only if they come together. Apart from Yechury, senior Congress leader Pradip Bhattacharya and TMC MPs Derek OBrien, Sukhendu Shekar Roy and D Bandyopadhya will be retiring. While Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is likely to drop Bandyopadhya, Rahul, it seems, is not entirely averse to backing Yechury if hes the candidate. Hes looking at an alliance for 2019, a senior Congress leader claimed. Theres a catch though. The CPM usually never gives any of its Rajya Sabha members more than two terms and Yechury will be completing his second term when he retires in July.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on CBI's plea for revival of conspiracy charges against Advani and other leaders in Babri Masjid demolition case.

A bench of Justices P C Ghose and R F Nariman heard the arguments by both sides at length before reserving the order.

During the hearing, the bench indicated that it is open to the idea of putting L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and others on trial.

The bench also expressed concern over the delay in completing the trial and observed that the case had been pending for 17 years due to technical defects and "we want to do justice by using our powers in the Constitution".

The court also said that the trial could be held on a day-to-day basis at Lucknow so that the case be wrapped up within two years.

The bench also observed that it can use its powers under the constitution under Article 142 that gives the court a free hand to pass any direction.

Senior advocate K K Venugopal appearing on behalf of Advani opposed the court's hint that it might invoke its powers under Article 142 said, By using that, more than a million people lost their jobs (giving reference to the ban on selling and serving liquor near highways across the country). There was no case against Advani. Is it a case that I conspired with one lakh Karsevaks?"

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, arguing for petitioner Haji Mehboob, said the trial need not start anew.

A joint trial would require only the granting of the right to an accused to recall and cross-examine witnesses. It does not require fresh charge sheet and framing of charges all over again, Sibal argued.

The court was hearing the plea filed by CBI who had challenged the Allahabad High Court order in May 2010 confirming the lower court's decision to drop conspiracy charges against the BJP veterans and discharge them from the case.

Last month while hearing the case, the bench had observed, We will not accept the discharge of Advani and others on technical grounds. We will allow you (CBI) to file a supplementary charge-sheet against 13 persons by including the conspiracy charges. We will ask the trial court to conduct a joint trial.

Altogether, 13 persons including Advani, Joshi and Bharti were discharged of conspiracy charge in the case, the trial of which is being held at a special court in Raebareli. The second case pertains against unknown 'karsevaks' who were in and around the disputed structure and the trial was being held at a court in Lucknow.

The appeals were filed by Ahmad and CBI against dropping of conspiracy charges against Advani, Joshi and 19 others for demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on CBI's plea for revival of conspiracy charges against Advani and other leaders in Babri Masjid demolition case. A bench of Justices P C Ghose and R F Nariman heard the arguments by both sides at length before reserving the order. During the hearing, the bench indicated that it is open to the idea of putting L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and others on trial. The bench also expressed concern over the delay in completing the trial and observed that the case had been pending for 17 years due to technical defects and "we want to do justice by using our powers in the Constitution". The court also said that the trial could be held on a day-to-day basis at Lucknow so that the case be wrapped up within two years. The bench also observed that it can use its powers under the constitution under Article 142 that gives the court a free hand to pass any direction. Senior advocate K K Venugopal appearing on behalf of Advani opposed the court's hint that it might invoke its powers under Article 142 said, By using that, more than a million people lost their jobs (giving reference to the ban on selling and serving liquor near highways across the country). There was no case against Advani. Is it a case that I conspired with one lakh Karsevaks?" Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, arguing for petitioner Haji Mehboob, said the trial need not start anew. A joint trial would require only the granting of the right to an accused to recall and cross-examine witnesses. It does not require fresh charge sheet and framing of charges all over again, Sibal argued. The court was hearing the plea filed by CBI who had challenged the Allahabad High Court order in May 2010 confirming the lower court's decision to drop conspiracy charges against the BJP veterans and discharge them from the case. Last month while hearing the case, the bench had observed, We will not accept the discharge of Advani and others on technical grounds. We will allow you (CBI) to file a supplementary charge-sheet against 13 persons by including the conspiracy charges. We will ask the trial court to conduct a joint trial. Altogether, 13 persons including Advani, Joshi and Bharti were discharged of conspiracy charge in the case, the trial of which is being held at a special court in Raebareli. The second case pertains against unknown 'karsevaks' who were in and around the disputed structure and the trial was being held at a court in Lucknow. The appeals were filed by Ahmad and CBI against dropping of conspiracy charges against Advani, Joshi and 19 others for demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Doubts from the Mamta Banerjee-led West Bengal government means that the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement will not be inked during the state visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that begins on Friday. However, among the takeaways from the visit would be inking of bilateral civil nuclear energy agreement.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) cleared the air on Thursday saying that India has a federal structure and full and unstinted support of the state government involved is required before the agreement is finalised.

It remains work in progress. There is still some degree of doubts expressed by the state government of what will be the implication of such an accord on water sharing. And till that is resolved it remains a challenge that we continue to pursue. We have still not reached closure on, MEA Joint Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan said in a briefing ahead of the visit.

Prime Minister Hasina is arriving on her official visit to India after Narendra Modi-led government came to power in 2014. Her government has played a pivotal role in cementing ties between the two countries and recognising her close connection to India, she will be staying in Rashtrapati Bhawan during her visit from April 7-10. A road, leading to Parliament was also renamed in Delhi as Sheikh Mujibur Rehman Road after the Bangladesh Prime Ministers father.

The two countries will also be entering a civil nuclear deal that would eventually pave way for trilateral cooperation with Russia to build a nuclear power plant in Rooppur in Bangladesh. This is an agreement that India has signed in the neighbourhood after Sri Lanka.

We would be entering into Intergovernmental agreement of civil nuclear energy. It covers all aspects of generation of civil nuclear energy. Nuclear plants security and safety are also covered under this. It also has an aspect of capacity building. What we have to offer is the capacity we have build up over a period of time, Srinivas added.

The other major aspect of the over 20 agreements that the two countries intend to sign during the course of the visit has been to restore rail and road connectivity to pre-1965 level. During the visit a Kolkata-Khulna-Dhaka bus service, bridging of missing Radhikapur-Birol link and a trial run of Kolkata-Khulna train service will also be started.

Bangladesh is important for both Act East and Neighbourhood First Policy of India. China has been making great inroads in defence cooperation with Bangladesh as it supplied submarines to Bangladesh Navy. However, Indias efforts to get a defence pact with Bangladesh met with reservations from the Bangladesh establishment and now the two countries will be inking two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on defence.

We do intend to sign two MoUs with Bangladesh during upcoming visit. One is framework MoU provides defence engagement for next five years, subject to renewal. This agreement provides a framework engagement that we continue to have with Bangladesh as we go forward on defence supply and so on. The second MoU is making it possible for Bangladesh to source some of its defence equipment from India, Rangnathan added.

NEW DELHI: Doubts from the Mamta Banerjee-led West Bengal government means that the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement will not be inked during the state visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that begins on Friday. However, among the takeaways from the visit would be inking of bilateral civil nuclear energy agreement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) cleared the air on Thursday saying that India has a federal structure and full and unstinted support of the state government involved is required before the agreement is finalised. It remains work in progress. There is still some degree of doubts expressed by the state government of what will be the implication of such an accord on water sharing. And till that is resolved it remains a challenge that we continue to pursue. We have still not reached closure on, MEA Joint Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan said in a briefing ahead of the visit. Prime Minister Hasina is arriving on her official visit to India after Narendra Modi-led government came to power in 2014. Her government has played a pivotal role in cementing ties between the two countries and recognising her close connection to India, she will be staying in Rashtrapati Bhawan during her visit from April 7-10. A road, leading to Parliament was also renamed in Delhi as Sheikh Mujibur Rehman Road after the Bangladesh Prime Ministers father. The two countries will also be entering a civil nuclear deal that would eventually pave way for trilateral cooperation with Russia to build a nuclear power plant in Rooppur in Bangladesh. This is an agreement that India has signed in the neighbourhood after Sri Lanka. We would be entering into Intergovernmental agreement of civil nuclear energy. It covers all aspects of generation of civil nuclear energy. Nuclear plants security and safety are also covered under this. It also has an aspect of capacity building. What we have to offer is the capacity we have build up over a period of time, Srinivas added. The other major aspect of the over 20 agreements that the two countries intend to sign during the course of the visit has been to restore rail and road connectivity to pre-1965 level. During the visit a Kolkata-Khulna-Dhaka bus service, bridging of missing Radhikapur-Birol link and a trial run of Kolkata-Khulna train service will also be started. Bangladesh is important for both Act East and Neighbourhood First Policy of India. China has been making great inroads in defence cooperation with Bangladesh as it supplied submarines to Bangladesh Navy. However, Indias efforts to get a defence pact with Bangladesh met with reservations from the Bangladesh establishment and now the two countries will be inking two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on defence. We do intend to sign two MoUs with Bangladesh during upcoming visit. One is framework MoU provides defence engagement for next five years, subject to renewal. This agreement provides a framework engagement that we continue to have with Bangladesh as we go forward on defence supply and so on. The second MoU is making it possible for Bangladesh to source some of its defence equipment from India, Rangnathan added.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Amid the ongoing hearing by a Bombay High Court bench of a plea against the ban on meat sale during Jain festivals since 2015, another bench recently quashed a 14-year-old bar against mutton vending during Mahavir Jayanti.

Government counsel Hiten Venegaonkar gave this information about Justice A S Oka quashing the 14-year-old government's order banning the mutton sale on Mahavir Jayanti to the bench of Justice Anoop Mohta, which is hearing a plea against the meat sale during the Jains' 'Paryushan' period.

Justice Mohta's bench is hearing the Bombay Mutton Dealers Association plea against the ban imposed by the government and the Municipal Corporation on the slaughter of animals and sale of meat during 'Paryushan' in Mumbai since 2015.

Venegaonkar told Justice Mohta's bench that Justice Oka's bench on March 31 this year had set aside a 2003 circular of the Maharashtra government. The circular had directed all the municipal corporations and councils to ensure that slaughter houses and meat shops remain closed on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti every year.

The government will now have to go through this order of Justice Oka's bench and take further decision, Venegaonkar said. Venegaonkar also pointed out that apart from the 2003 circular, there are two other circulars imposing similar ban.

The bench headed by Justice Oka, while setting aside the 2003 circular, had ruled that the government failed to point out the statutory provisions which supported such a diktat. There is no law under which the government could issue such directions to the civic bodies, the judges said in March 31 order.

Justice Mohta, who had asked the government yesterday to come up with a mechanism to fix dates on which there would be no sale of meat owing to religious festivals, adjourned the hearing today for two weeks.

MUMBAI: Amid the ongoing hearing by a Bombay High Court bench of a plea against the ban on meat sale during Jain festivals since 2015, another bench recently quashed a 14-year-old bar against mutton vending during Mahavir Jayanti. Government counsel Hiten Venegaonkar gave this information about Justice A S Oka quashing the 14-year-old government's order banning the mutton sale on Mahavir Jayanti to the bench of Justice Anoop Mohta, which is hearing a plea against the meat sale during the Jains' 'Paryushan' period. Justice Mohta's bench is hearing the Bombay Mutton Dealers Association plea against the ban imposed by the government and the Municipal Corporation on the slaughter of animals and sale of meat during 'Paryushan' in Mumbai since 2015. Venegaonkar told Justice Mohta's bench that Justice Oka's bench on March 31 this year had set aside a 2003 circular of the Maharashtra government. The circular had directed all the municipal corporations and councils to ensure that slaughter houses and meat shops remain closed on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti every year. The government will now have to go through this order of Justice Oka's bench and take further decision, Venegaonkar said. Venegaonkar also pointed out that apart from the 2003 circular, there are two other circulars imposing similar ban. The bench headed by Justice Oka, while setting aside the 2003 circular, had ruled that the government failed to point out the statutory provisions which supported such a diktat. There is no law under which the government could issue such directions to the civic bodies, the judges said in March 31 order. Justice Mohta, who had asked the government yesterday to come up with a mechanism to fix dates on which there would be no sale of meat owing to religious festivals, adjourned the hearing today for two weeks.
By PTI

BHOPAL: Two vehicles were burnt and four others damaged in Bareli town of Raisen district after locals and employees of a liquor contractor clashed over shifting of the shop to a residential area.

"The Excise Department officials were trying to shift the liquor shop from the highway to Krishna Colony in the town yesterday in accordance with the Supreme Court directives," said police.

The Supreme Court has recently banned the sale of liquor within 500 metres of national and state highways.

The residents of Krishna Colony, where the shop was being moved from the nearby highway, opposed this shifting.

Police said the confrontation started after locals opposed the opening of a liquor shop in the residential area.

"The local residents alleged that the employees of the contractor threatened and attacked them. In the melee, some people burnt two vehicles and damaged four others (cars and jeeps)," a police official of Bareli Police Station told PTI.

The situation was later brought under control, said police.

Bareli is about 115-km from state capital Bhopal.

"The burnt and damaged vehicles belong to the liquor contractor and excise department. We have registered a case against the people on the complaint of excise officer Vivek Saxena. The residents have also lodged a complaint against excise department employees and contractor," the police official added.

Police said about a 12 to 13 people also suffered minor injuries in this incident.

Earlier on April 3, BJP MLA from Indore-I, Sudarshan Gupta demanded a total liquor ban in Madhya Pradesh and had extended support to the agitation against the opening of liquor shops in residential areas.

Reports from Indore said yesterday women from Patthar Mundla area of the city recited bhajans in front of liquor shop demanding its closure while protests were also organised in Pardeshipura area.

BHOPAL: Two vehicles were burnt and four others damaged in Bareli town of Raisen district after locals and employees of a liquor contractor clashed over shifting of the shop to a residential area. "The Excise Department officials were trying to shift the liquor shop from the highway to Krishna Colony in the town yesterday in accordance with the Supreme Court directives," said police. The Supreme Court has recently banned the sale of liquor within 500 metres of national and state highways. The residents of Krishna Colony, where the shop was being moved from the nearby highway, opposed this shifting. Police said the confrontation started after locals opposed the opening of a liquor shop in the residential area. "The local residents alleged that the employees of the contractor threatened and attacked them. In the melee, some people burnt two vehicles and damaged four others (cars and jeeps)," a police official of Bareli Police Station told PTI. The situation was later brought under control, said police. Bareli is about 115-km from state capital Bhopal. "The burnt and damaged vehicles belong to the liquor contractor and excise department. We have registered a case against the people on the complaint of excise officer Vivek Saxena. The residents have also lodged a complaint against excise department employees and contractor," the police official added. Police said about a 12 to 13 people also suffered minor injuries in this incident. Earlier on April 3, BJP MLA from Indore-I, Sudarshan Gupta demanded a total liquor ban in Madhya Pradesh and had extended support to the agitation against the opening of liquor shops in residential areas. Reports from Indore said yesterday women from Patthar Mundla area of the city recited bhajans in front of liquor shop demanding its closure while protests were also organised in Pardeshipura area.
By PTI

PANAJI: Former Goa Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane, who defied the party whip to vote against the trust motion of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar last month, today joined the BJP.

The development is viewed as a major embarrassment for the Congress, as Vishwajit is the son of the party veteran and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane. In a sharp criticism of Rane junior, the Congress today dubbed him a "power hungry politician" and asked the BJP to "be careful" about him.

Though BJP's Goa Legislature Party had recently resolved to induct Vishwajit in the Cabinet, Parrikar today remained non-committal about the future assignment for the Rane junior. Interestingly, Vishwajit's entry into the BJP will pit him against his father, in the family pocket-borough of Sattari.

The tehsil, located in North Goa district, has two Assembly constituencies: Valpoi (which Vishwajit represented) and Poriem, represented by Pratapsinh Rane. "I have come here bringing an assurance that the BJP will grow in Sattari tehsil," Vishwajit said.

Vishwajit, who was elected from Valpoi constituency, had resigned from the Congress and also quit as MLA after absenting himself from the House when Parrikar sought the crucial trust vote, in protest against the Congress' "failure" to form a government despite winning maximum 17 seats in the 40-member House.

Parrikar had eventually won the trust vote with the support of three members each of the Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and three Independents, besides 12 MLAs of the BJP, against 16 MLAs from Congress, as Rane had remained absent during the voting.

Vishwajit (46) joined the saffron party in the presence of Parrikar and the Goa unit BJP president Vinay Tendulkar, at a function held at the BJP headquarters in Panaji. Hundreds of his supporters travelled from Valpoi to witness the cross over.

Welcoming him into the saffron fold, Parrikar said, "The constant infightings and restlessness in the Congress party resulted in Rane quitting it. There are several other Congressmen who are willing to join the BJP due to infighting."

The CM, however, remained non-committal on future assignment for Rane, especially his induction as a minister. Notably, the BJP's Goa Legislature Party had recently resolved to induct him in the Cabinet. Vishwajit had served as Health minister in the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government between 2007-2012.

"I will be working to strengthen the party. I have not come here (in BJP) on a transit. I am going to stay here and work for the party," Rane junior said, adding that he "had taken the blessings of his father." Meanwhile, the block Congress committee members from Valpoi in North Goa have resigned in support of Vishwajit, while accusing the Congress of betrayal by failing to form the government.

All Valpoi block Congress committee members, led by Laxmi Halwalkar, tendered their resignation from the primary membership of the party late last night. "We, the Valpoi block Congress committee members are hereby submitting our resignation from the primary membership of the Congress with immediate effect as we have no faith in the leadership at the state and national level," reads the resignation letter, signed by all block members.

Launching a stinging attack on Vishwajit, the Leader of Opposition in the Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar said, "I would advise the BJP to be careful about Vishwajit Rane. With his today's move, it is clearly indicated that he is power hungry politician. "Vishwajit never wanted to sit in the opposition for more than one term and always aspired to be on the ruling side."

Kavlekar said Vishwajit's cross-over to the BJP is an "insult" to the voters in his Valpoi constituency who elected him in recent polls over a BJP candidate. "Vishwajit has not only damaged the image of his own but also that of his father, Pratapsinh who is a veteran Congressman," he said.

When reporters asked if his father Pratapsinh too will join the BJP, Vishwajit evaded a direct reply, saying, "You can ask him." "I told him that I would be joining the BJP with my supporters, and he was OK with it," he said. "I wanted to join hands with the BJP before the Assembly elections by forming a regional outfit, Sattari Yuva Morcha. That could not materialise," Vishwajit said.

Pratapsinh remained unavailable for comments.

PANAJI: Former Goa Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane, who defied the party whip to vote against the trust motion of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar last month, today joined the BJP. The development is viewed as a major embarrassment for the Congress, as Vishwajit is the son of the party veteran and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane. In a sharp criticism of Rane junior, the Congress today dubbed him a "power hungry politician" and asked the BJP to "be careful" about him. Though BJP's Goa Legislature Party had recently resolved to induct Vishwajit in the Cabinet, Parrikar today remained non-committal about the future assignment for the Rane junior. Interestingly, Vishwajit's entry into the BJP will pit him against his father, in the family pocket-borough of Sattari. The tehsil, located in North Goa district, has two Assembly constituencies: Valpoi (which Vishwajit represented) and Poriem, represented by Pratapsinh Rane. "I have come here bringing an assurance that the BJP will grow in Sattari tehsil," Vishwajit said. Vishwajit, who was elected from Valpoi constituency, had resigned from the Congress and also quit as MLA after absenting himself from the House when Parrikar sought the crucial trust vote, in protest against the Congress' "failure" to form a government despite winning maximum 17 seats in the 40-member House. Parrikar had eventually won the trust vote with the support of three members each of the Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and three Independents, besides 12 MLAs of the BJP, against 16 MLAs from Congress, as Rane had remained absent during the voting. Vishwajit (46) joined the saffron party in the presence of Parrikar and the Goa unit BJP president Vinay Tendulkar, at a function held at the BJP headquarters in Panaji. Hundreds of his supporters travelled from Valpoi to witness the cross over. Welcoming him into the saffron fold, Parrikar said, "The constant infightings and restlessness in the Congress party resulted in Rane quitting it. There are several other Congressmen who are willing to join the BJP due to infighting." The CM, however, remained non-committal on future assignment for Rane, especially his induction as a minister. Notably, the BJP's Goa Legislature Party had recently resolved to induct him in the Cabinet. Vishwajit had served as Health minister in the Digambar Kamat-led Congress government between 2007-2012. "I will be working to strengthen the party. I have not come here (in BJP) on a transit. I am going to stay here and work for the party," Rane junior said, adding that he "had taken the blessings of his father." Meanwhile, the block Congress committee members from Valpoi in North Goa have resigned in support of Vishwajit, while accusing the Congress of betrayal by failing to form the government. All Valpoi block Congress committee members, led by Laxmi Halwalkar, tendered their resignation from the primary membership of the party late last night. "We, the Valpoi block Congress committee members are hereby submitting our resignation from the primary membership of the Congress with immediate effect as we have no faith in the leadership at the state and national level," reads the resignation letter, signed by all block members. Launching a stinging attack on Vishwajit, the Leader of Opposition in the Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar said, "I would advise the BJP to be careful about Vishwajit Rane. With his today's move, it is clearly indicated that he is power hungry politician. "Vishwajit never wanted to sit in the opposition for more than one term and always aspired to be on the ruling side." Kavlekar said Vishwajit's cross-over to the BJP is an "insult" to the voters in his Valpoi constituency who elected him in recent polls over a BJP candidate. "Vishwajit has not only damaged the image of his own but also that of his father, Pratapsinh who is a veteran Congressman," he said. When reporters asked if his father Pratapsinh too will join the BJP, Vishwajit evaded a direct reply, saying, "You can ask him." "I told him that I would be joining the BJP with my supporters, and he was OK with it," he said. "I wanted to join hands with the BJP before the Assembly elections by forming a regional outfit, Sattari Yuva Morcha. That could not materialise," Vishwajit said. Pratapsinh remained unavailable for comments.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday ordered a CBI probe into the September 10, 2015, midnight beating of four Army officers allegedly by police personnel in Vijay Nagar area of Indore.

The incident had reportedly led to vandalisation of the Vijay Nagar police station in Indore by over 100 Army jawans on September 10-11 intervening night, injuring at least five police personnel, including a woman constable.

A division bench of the HC in Indore comprising Justices PK Jaiswal and Virender Singh ordered a CBI probe into the alleged beating of the army officers followed by the lodging of an FIR against those responsible for the incident, petitioners counsel Manish Yadav told The New Indian Express.

The HC bench passed the order on a public interest litigation filed in the matter by Indore-based lawyer and social activist Pramod Kumar Dwivedi over the public safety scene in Indore in the wake of the twin incidents on September 10-11 night.

The HC had reserved the verdict on the PIL on March 23 after hearing arguments of all parties in the matter. The court pronounced the judgment on Thursday, directing MP director general of police (DGP) and State government to refer all documents and case diaries in the matter to the CBI. All documents referred by the defence ministry to the court are also to be transferred to the CBI which should hold investigations and file FIR, said Yadav.

At around midnight on September 10, 2015, a team from Vijay Nagar police station had allegedly assaulted four army officers, including one lieutenant Ritwik Singh following a war of words over drinking alcohol in public space near BCM Heights building in the upscale Vijay Nagar area of Indore.

Three of the four army officers had sustained multiple fractures in the alleged assault by cops, including then Vijay Nagar police station in-charge Chhatrapal Singh Solanki and city SP (Vijay Nagar) Vipul Srivastava, the petitioners counsel said on Thursday.

Angered over the alleged beating of the four army officers, over 100 army jawans from Mhow (Indore) in plain clothes stormed into the Vijay Nagar police station and vandalised the entire police station on September 10-11 intervening night. The irate army men destroyed property, including computers, vehicles and even CCTV digital video recorder (DVR) to remove any evidence of the violence.

While three FIRs were lodged by the police against the army personnel for vandalising the police station, no FIR was lodged against the cops who had allegedly assaulted the army officers over consuming alcohol in public space, which sparked the violence at the police station later, said Yadav.

In the PIL the petitioner had sought a CBI probe into the alleged beating of the army officers by the police personnel.



BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday ordered a CBI probe into the September 10, 2015, midnight beating of four Army officers allegedly by police personnel in Vijay Nagar area of Indore. The incident had reportedly led to vandalisation of the Vijay Nagar police station in Indore by over 100 Army jawans on September 10-11 intervening night, injuring at least five police personnel, including a woman constable. A division bench of the HC in Indore comprising Justices PK Jaiswal and Virender Singh ordered a CBI probe into the alleged beating of the army officers followed by the lodging of an FIR against those responsible for the incident, petitioners counsel Manish Yadav told The New Indian Express. The HC bench passed the order on a public interest litigation filed in the matter by Indore-based lawyer and social activist Pramod Kumar Dwivedi over the public safety scene in Indore in the wake of the twin incidents on September 10-11 night. The HC had reserved the verdict on the PIL on March 23 after hearing arguments of all parties in the matter. The court pronounced the judgment on Thursday, directing MP director general of police (DGP) and State government to refer all documents and case diaries in the matter to the CBI. All documents referred by the defence ministry to the court are also to be transferred to the CBI which should hold investigations and file FIR, said Yadav. At around midnight on September 10, 2015, a team from Vijay Nagar police station had allegedly assaulted four army officers, including one lieutenant Ritwik Singh following a war of words over drinking alcohol in public space near BCM Heights building in the upscale Vijay Nagar area of Indore. Three of the four army officers had sustained multiple fractures in the alleged assault by cops, including then Vijay Nagar police station in-charge Chhatrapal Singh Solanki and city SP (Vijay Nagar) Vipul Srivastava, the petitioners counsel said on Thursday. Angered over the alleged beating of the four army officers, over 100 army jawans from Mhow (Indore) in plain clothes stormed into the Vijay Nagar police station and vandalised the entire police station on September 10-11 intervening night. The irate army men destroyed property, including computers, vehicles and even CCTV digital video recorder (DVR) to remove any evidence of the violence. While three FIRs were lodged by the police against the army personnel for vandalising the police station, no FIR was lodged against the cops who had allegedly assaulted the army officers over consuming alcohol in public space, which sparked the violence at the police station later, said Yadav. In the PIL the petitioner had sought a CBI probe into the alleged beating of the army officers by the police personnel.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: Dismissing reports on demonetisation of Rs 2,000 notes, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said it was not possible for forgers to copy all security features of the new currency notes in Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denominations.

"Fake currency notes are of low quality. They use low-quality paper and ink and can be easily identified," the Minister of State for Home Affairs told the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour.

"It is not possible for them (forgers) to copy all the security features introduced in the new notes," he added.

Asked whether the government was going to demonetise the Rs 2,000 notes, Rijiju quipped: "Don't go by rumours."

Rijiju told the upper house that after the November 8 demonetisation, various Indian security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency, seized fake currency notes with a face value of Rs 6.23 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8 last year, and said it was aimed at checking fake currency.

As per the government data, maximum fake currency has been seized in Gujarat, that is, 22,479 fake notes in Rs 2,000 denomination of the face value of nearly Rs 4.5 crore.

Besides, West Bengal and Assam recorded bulk of fake notes seizure.

In response to Congress member Anand Sharma's query on whether seven of the 11 security features on the new notes were compromised, Rijiju said multiple security features are introduced in notes to ensure not all of them can be copied.

"The initial fake currency notes were of very low quality and could be easily identified. The later ones used better paper and ink. But even these do not match the original notes and can be identified," he said.

The Minister said the government is running a training/awareness campaign in association with the Reserve Bank of India to sensitise people on fake currency and how to identify it.

However, he did not answer as to how agencies in a neighbouring country, which are pumping fake currency into India, got similar paper and dies for the notes.

"All these cases are under investigation, including for sources of FICN (fake Indian currency notes)," Rijiju said.

NEW DELHI: Dismissing reports on demonetisation of Rs 2,000 notes, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said it was not possible for forgers to copy all security features of the new currency notes in Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denominations. "Fake currency notes are of low quality. They use low-quality paper and ink and can be easily identified," the Minister of State for Home Affairs told the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour. "It is not possible for them (forgers) to copy all the security features introduced in the new notes," he added. Asked whether the government was going to demonetise the Rs 2,000 notes, Rijiju quipped: "Don't go by rumours." Rijiju told the upper house that after the November 8 demonetisation, various Indian security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency, seized fake currency notes with a face value of Rs 6.23 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8 last year, and said it was aimed at checking fake currency. As per the government data, maximum fake currency has been seized in Gujarat, that is, 22,479 fake notes in Rs 2,000 denomination of the face value of nearly Rs 4.5 crore. Besides, West Bengal and Assam recorded bulk of fake notes seizure. In response to Congress member Anand Sharma's query on whether seven of the 11 security features on the new notes were compromised, Rijiju said multiple security features are introduced in notes to ensure not all of them can be copied. "The initial fake currency notes were of very low quality and could be easily identified. The later ones used better paper and ink. But even these do not match the original notes and can be identified," he said. The Minister said the government is running a training/awareness campaign in association with the Reserve Bank of India to sensitise people on fake currency and how to identify it. However, he did not answer as to how agencies in a neighbouring country, which are pumping fake currency into India, got similar paper and dies for the notes. "All these cases are under investigation, including for sources of FICN (fake Indian currency notes)," Rijiju said.
By PTI

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh Government-run Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan will launch a diploma course in "Hindu Purohityam" or priestly duties for all irrespective of caste or religion, its director said today.

"From July this year, we are launching the one-year 'Diploma in Purohityam' for teaching priesthood. This course would be open for all irrespective of caste, gender or religion. The basic qualification needed is class X," Director of Bhopal-based Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan P R Tiwari told PTI. a

The move is, however, opposed by a Brahmin outfit who had staged a protest in May last year when the government had proposed to make priests from Scheduled Caste community. Tiwari said that students enrolled for this course would be taught about Hindu 'Karmakand' (rituals) performed at various occasions like marriages, house warming etc.

"We will teach these rituals in a logical way along with perfect pronunciation of matras in accordance with Hindu traditions. The priests would have all the explanation related to these rituals, which is basically a science," Tiwari added. He said two other diplomas are also being launched along with the 'Diploma in Purohityam' course.

"We are also coming up with diplomas in Vastu and Jyotish Shastra (astrology) along with Purohityam diploma," he said. Sansthan is the nodal agency for promoting of yoga and Sanskrit in Madhya Pradesh. Opposing the move, Pragatisheel Brahmin Manch General Secretary Chandrashekhar Tiwari said that the state government was working against the interests of Brahmins.

"We had staged protest on May 12 last year when the state government had proposed to make purohits (Hindu priests) from scheduled caste community. Brahmins are already marginalised due to the reservation. Now, the government wants to snatch traditional livelihood of Brahmins," Chandrashekhar said.

He said the Manch is planning to hold a major protest against this move. "We will show our power through the ballot in the year 2018 (when the state goes to polls)," Chandrashekhar added.

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh Government-run Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan will launch a diploma course in "Hindu Purohityam" or priestly duties for all irrespective of caste or religion, its director said today. "From July this year, we are launching the one-year 'Diploma in Purohityam' for teaching priesthood. This course would be open for all irrespective of caste, gender or religion. The basic qualification needed is class X," Director of Bhopal-based Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan P R Tiwari told PTI. a The move is, however, opposed by a Brahmin outfit who had staged a protest in May last year when the government had proposed to make priests from Scheduled Caste community. Tiwari said that students enrolled for this course would be taught about Hindu 'Karmakand' (rituals) performed at various occasions like marriages, house warming etc. "We will teach these rituals in a logical way along with perfect pronunciation of matras in accordance with Hindu traditions. The priests would have all the explanation related to these rituals, which is basically a science," Tiwari added. He said two other diplomas are also being launched along with the 'Diploma in Purohityam' course. "We are also coming up with diplomas in Vastu and Jyotish Shastra (astrology) along with Purohityam diploma," he said. Sansthan is the nodal agency for promoting of yoga and Sanskrit in Madhya Pradesh. Opposing the move, Pragatisheel Brahmin Manch General Secretary Chandrashekhar Tiwari said that the state government was working against the interests of Brahmins. "We had staged protest on May 12 last year when the state government had proposed to make purohits (Hindu priests) from scheduled caste community. Brahmins are already marginalised due to the reservation. Now, the government wants to snatch traditional livelihood of Brahmins," Chandrashekhar said. He said the Manch is planning to hold a major protest against this move. "We will show our power through the ballot in the year 2018 (when the state goes to polls)," Chandrashekhar added.
By Express News Service

LUCKNOW: In a strong blow to saffron-clad Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths overdrive against the meat industry, the Allahabad High Court has said that choice of food is part of right to life. The court has given the Uttar Pradesh government time till April 13 to ensure that its crackdown on unlicensed abattoirs does not deprive people of their livelihood or food.

Food that is conducive to health cannot be treated as a wrong choice, and it is the States duty to ensure supply of healthy food items, the court order said. The State Government is expected to convene the meeting not later than 10 days from today and place any such deliberations that may be the result and outcome of such deliberations by the next date fixed.

Immediately after being chosen by the BJP to lead biggest meat-producing State, Yogi Adityanath went on an overdrive against unlicensed slaughterhouses. Though the meat traders in the State responded by going on an indefinite strike, they called it off after the government promised to open the Maulviganj slaughterhouse in Lucknow. However, current shortage has pushed consumers and sellers to trade underground.

For instance, an FIR was registered against three meat-sellers in Meerut, based on a sting operation by a local TV channel, for allegedly claiming they could supply beef. The new government, instead of focussing on reformation is further pushing consumers to the black market, say activists. This, they say, could result in circulation of unsafe and unhygienic meat products.

Going by the Allahabad High Courts observations, several Indian states deny their citizens the right to food, livelihood, and thereby their fundamental right to life. The saga of Qureshi community in Maharashtra is a classic case in point. Six months after the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance came to power, a draconian ban on beef was imposed in the State in 2015. While slaughter of cows has been illegal since 1976, the new law extended the ban to bulls and calves. A huge chunk of the community, primarily butchers, now struggle to make ends meet.

LUCKNOW: In a strong blow to saffron-clad Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths overdrive against the meat industry, the Allahabad High Court has said that choice of food is part of right to life. The court has given the Uttar Pradesh government time till April 13 to ensure that its crackdown on unlicensed abattoirs does not deprive people of their livelihood or food. Food that is conducive to health cannot be treated as a wrong choice, and it is the States duty to ensure supply of healthy food items, the court order said. The State Government is expected to convene the meeting not later than 10 days from today and place any such deliberations that may be the result and outcome of such deliberations by the next date fixed. Immediately after being chosen by the BJP to lead biggest meat-producing State, Yogi Adityanath went on an overdrive against unlicensed slaughterhouses. Though the meat traders in the State responded by going on an indefinite strike, they called it off after the government promised to open the Maulviganj slaughterhouse in Lucknow. However, current shortage has pushed consumers and sellers to trade underground. For instance, an FIR was registered against three meat-sellers in Meerut, based on a sting operation by a local TV channel, for allegedly claiming they could supply beef. The new government, instead of focussing on reformation is further pushing consumers to the black market, say activists. This, they say, could result in circulation of unsafe and unhygienic meat products. Going by the Allahabad High Courts observations, several Indian states deny their citizens the right to food, livelihood, and thereby their fundamental right to life. The saga of Qureshi community in Maharashtra is a classic case in point. Six months after the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance came to power, a draconian ban on beef was imposed in the State in 2015. While slaughter of cows has been illegal since 1976, the new law extended the ban to bulls and calves. A huge chunk of the community, primarily butchers, now struggle to make ends meet.
By ANI

MUMBAI: As per the Maharashtra High Court undertaking, the State Government has tightened the security across government hospitals post the doctors' strike.



The Bombay High Court on March 23 ordered protesting doctors in the state to call off their strike and resume duties and give the government some time to provide them proper security.



This came Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to the doctors to call off their strike as well and assured them that the government would ensure their security in hospitals.



The HC also ordered the government to provide adequate security at government hospitals for the doctors, so that they could go to work without fear. The High Court further said that it would hear the matter again after 15 days.



The High Court Chief Justice further asked the government that no punitive action was to be taken against the protesting doctors once they resume their duty.



Nearly 4,000 resident doctors were protesting, demanding enhanced security in the wake of a string of attacks on doctors by patients' relatives at government hospitals across the state.



The protests had hampered the services of Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) in various hospitals.



The Maharashtra government had earlier promised to deploy 500 security personnel from Maharashtra State Security Corporation in the hospitals by April 1.

MUMBAI: As per the Maharashtra High Court undertaking, the State Government has tightened the security across government hospitals post the doctors' strike. The Bombay High Court on March 23 ordered protesting doctors in the state to call off their strike and resume duties and give the government some time to provide them proper security. This came Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to the doctors to call off their strike as well and assured them that the government would ensure their security in hospitals. The HC also ordered the government to provide adequate security at government hospitals for the doctors, so that they could go to work without fear. The High Court further said that it would hear the matter again after 15 days. The High Court Chief Justice further asked the government that no punitive action was to be taken against the protesting doctors once they resume their duty. Nearly 4,000 resident doctors were protesting, demanding enhanced security in the wake of a string of attacks on doctors by patients' relatives at government hospitals across the state. The protests had hampered the services of Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) in various hospitals. The Maharashtra government had earlier promised to deploy 500 security personnel from Maharashtra State Security Corporation in the hospitals by April 1.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli came alive in the jungles of Katraniyaghat in Bahraich district, 200 km from Lucknow, when local policemen rescued an eight-year-old girl from a troop of monkeys recently.

The cops had to face resistance from the simians before they could rescue the girl.

Mowgli, the man-cub protagonist of Kipling's The Jungle Book was reared by wolves pack in 'Seeonee hills', now in MP.

The eight-year-old girl found living with a troop of monkeys in the Kataraniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in hospital after being rescued by police in Bahraich on Thursday.(Photo | PTI)

The girl was spotted when a police party of Motinagar range in Bahariach headed by sub-inspector Suresh Yadav was on routine night patrol in the woods of Katarniyaghat.

We spotted her playing among apes. As we tried to go near the girl, the monkeys surrounded her and some of them pounced on us, says sub-inspector Yadav. Even the girl also resisted the cops and screeched at them.

The girl, without clothes, was significantly comfortable among the apes. She, however, was finally taken out by the police party and immediately admitted to the district hospital.

There is no lead about the family or parents of the girl who can neither talk nor can comprehend any language.

She behaves like an ape and screams loudly if doctors try to reach out to her, says Dr DK Singh, chief medical superintendent, Bahraich District Hospital adding that her behaviour is making her treatment difficult.

However, he says that the girl, who has been in the hospital for over two months now, is showing definite improvement in her medical condition.

The girls presence in the district hospital has evoked curiosity among the locals.

As she sees anyone looking at her even from a distance, she starts growling, says Shiraz, who is one among those visiting the strange patient in the district hospital regularly.

When she was brought to the hospital, she had wounds all over her body. Her nails and hair were unkempt like monkeys, says superintendent of police (City) Dinesh Tripathi.

From her behaviour, it appears that she had been with the monkeys since birth. I visit her personally time-to-time, Tripathi adds.

Sharing other details, Dr Singh says that the girl even walks, eats and sits like monkeys.

Sometimes she walks on feet and suddenly comes down on all four, says the doctor. Even while eating, the girl spreads the eatables on bed and doesnt use hands to put them in her mouth. She uses her mouth to pick the eatables, says a nurse of Bahraich district hospital.

The treatment is proving to be a difficult task for the doctors as she does not understand anything and makes noises and faces like monkeys, and attacks the doctors when they approach her, says a junior doctor.

According to the hospital staff attending to her, the girl gets scared on seeing human beings and gets violent very often on seeing people looking at her.

LUCKNOW: Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli came alive in the jungles of Katraniyaghat in Bahraich district, 200 km from Lucknow, when local policemen rescued an eight-year-old girl from a troop of monkeys recently. The cops had to face resistance from the simians before they could rescue the girl. Mowgli, the man-cub protagonist of Kipling's The Jungle Book was reared by wolves pack in 'Seeonee hills', now in MP. The eight-year-old girl found living with a troop of monkeys in the Kataraniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in hospital after being rescued by police in Bahraich on Thursday.(Photo | PTI)The girl was spotted when a police party of Motinagar range in Bahariach headed by sub-inspector Suresh Yadav was on routine night patrol in the woods of Katarniyaghat. We spotted her playing among apes. As we tried to go near the girl, the monkeys surrounded her and some of them pounced on us, says sub-inspector Yadav. Even the girl also resisted the cops and screeched at them. The girl, without clothes, was significantly comfortable among the apes. She, however, was finally taken out by the police party and immediately admitted to the district hospital. There is no lead about the family or parents of the girl who can neither talk nor can comprehend any language. She behaves like an ape and screams loudly if doctors try to reach out to her, says Dr DK Singh, chief medical superintendent, Bahraich District Hospital adding that her behaviour is making her treatment difficult. However, he says that the girl, who has been in the hospital for over two months now, is showing definite improvement in her medical condition. The girls presence in the district hospital has evoked curiosity among the locals. As she sees anyone looking at her even from a distance, she starts growling, says Shiraz, who is one among those visiting the strange patient in the district hospital regularly. When she was brought to the hospital, she had wounds all over her body. Her nails and hair were unkempt like monkeys, says superintendent of police (City) Dinesh Tripathi. From her behaviour, it appears that she had been with the monkeys since birth. I visit her personally time-to-time, Tripathi adds. Sharing other details, Dr Singh says that the girl even walks, eats and sits like monkeys. Sometimes she walks on feet and suddenly comes down on all four, says the doctor. Even while eating, the girl spreads the eatables on bed and doesnt use hands to put them in her mouth. She uses her mouth to pick the eatables, says a nurse of Bahraich district hospital. The treatment is proving to be a difficult task for the doctors as she does not understand anything and makes noises and faces like monkeys, and attacks the doctors when they approach her, says a junior doctor. According to the hospital staff attending to her, the girl gets scared on seeing human beings and gets violent very often on seeing people looking at her.
Tom Arms By

Mays attempt to link trade and security sets a dangerous precedent for the world. Will she now offer N-protection to Saudi Arabia?

British Prime Minister Theresa May has linked Britains nuclear deterrent to Brexit negotiations. And in doing so she has pointed the way for India and other nuclear weapons states to use their irradiated umbrellas to secure their own lucrative trade deals.

Until now it has been accepted that nuclear weapons are the ultimate deterrent, and are to be used only in that capacity. Linking them to trade, as May has done, has added a new and dangerous level to the nuclear playing field.

The link came in the British prime ministers letter to the European Commission triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and the start of Brexit negotiations. In just one letter, she explicitly linked economic concessions with security issues nine times.

Alright, the n-word has yet to be dropped on a public stage, but it is being talked about behind closed Whitehall doors. The whispers have been loud enough for me to hear them and to contact the UKs Department for Brexit negotiations. I pointedly asked them, Is the government considering offering a nuclear deterrentprobably incollaboration with the Frenchto EU countries in return for trade concessions? The reply was neither a confirmation nor a denial but an email pointing me to the links in Mays Brexit letter and a speech in which the British PM said, The third  reason I believe we can come to the right agreement is that cooperation between Britain and the EU is needed not just when it comes to trade but when it comes to our security too.

Britain and France are Europes only two nuclear powers. ... Britains armed forces are a crucial part of Europes collective defence.

 After Brexit, Britain wants to be a good friend and neighbour in every way, and that includes defending the safety and security of all of our citizens.

Quick phone calls to embassies and European ministries of foreign affairs elicited a wall of no comments, until I came to the Poles where a spokesperson said, Yes thats right.

But if the negotiating ploy is successful in Europe, what is to stop the British from offering the same protection to other regions of the world? Does Britain strike a deal with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states to protect them from Iran? The British have just reopened a permanent naval base in Bahrain. How about East Africa? The Americans lease Diego Garcia but the British still own it. London has great relations with Singapore, an excellent base for an Asian presence.

And what about other nuclear weapon states? What is to stop India, Pakistan, France, Russia, China, and the US from using their nukes to extract trade concessions. It will cost more but the trade deals, or should I say protection moneyshould more than cover the costs, with a profitadding a new and dangerous element to the problem of nuclear non-proliferation.

A stronger nuclear Britain willing to flex its muscles fits in nicely with the Trump view of the world. During his campaign, The Donald shocked analysts by floating the cost-cutting proposal that America supply nukes to Japan and Saudi Arabia. And although the US is making more positive noises about the NATO, the initial talk of obsolescence has left Europeans deeply worried.

Beefing up the British nuclear deterrent and tying it closer to Europe would save America money. However, it would also put several more links in the defensive chain that ties the US to the protection of Europe.

Trump may favour such a change, but it is not in the interests of either side of the Atlantic. Two World Wars have proven that. In both, the US adopted a hands-off role at the start. However, the fact is their interests were so intertwined with the European democracies that Washington was eventually forced to intervene to protect its national interests.

It is the growing American isolationism that makes it possible for May to test thendangerous nuclear waters. The EU is worried about losing its American nuclear umbrella. The UK is worried about losing their European market. Britain has nuclear weapons. The EU has markets. There is a clear fit.

Dr Ian Lesser, vice president at the German Marshall Fund, said it is not incredible that Britain is considering using its nuclear deterrent as part of the Brexit negotiations. He added, But it would certainly be controversial.

Trumps foreign policy has prompted widespread calls for greater European defence cooperation, includingat the suggestion of the Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynskia German-funded European nuclear deterrent. This was firmly and immediately rejected by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Strategists in Europe and America have historically opposed the dominance of a single West or Central European country. The UK outside of the EU would also be politically removed and there would be a continuing link with the US as the Trident missiles used to deliver British warheads are American-made.

Then there is France. Ever since David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy signed the 2010 Lancaster House Treaty on Anglo-French nuclear cooperation, the two countries have been moving the strategic policies ever closer. The British nuclear arsenal is a minimum deterrent. There are currently only 215 warheads and they are all attached to four submarines equipped with American Trident missiles.

The French Force de Frappe consists of 300 warheads. An Anglo-French nuclear deterrent would be only 515 nuclear warheads. But at the moment, Britain and France look a lot more reliable than Donald Trump and, from the British point of view, a formal British commitment is the only weapon that May has in her negotiating armoury.

Tom Arms is the author of Encyclopedia of the Cold War and editor of Lookaheadnews.com

Email: tom.arms@lookaheadnews.com

Mays attempt to link trade and security sets a dangerous precedent for the world. Will she now offer N-protection to Saudi Arabia? British Prime Minister Theresa May has linked Britains nuclear deterrent to Brexit negotiations. And in doing so she has pointed the way for India and other nuclear weapons states to use their irradiated umbrellas to secure their own lucrative trade deals. Until now it has been accepted that nuclear weapons are the ultimate deterrent, and are to be used only in that capacity. Linking them to trade, as May has done, has added a new and dangerous level to the nuclear playing field. The link came in the British prime ministers letter to the European Commission triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and the start of Brexit negotiations. In just one letter, she explicitly linked economic concessions with security issues nine times. Alright, the n-word has yet to be dropped on a public stage, but it is being talked about behind closed Whitehall doors. The whispers have been loud enough for me to hear them and to contact the UKs Department for Brexit negotiations. I pointedly asked them, Is the government considering offering a nuclear deterrentprobably incollaboration with the Frenchto EU countries in return for trade concessions? The reply was neither a confirmation nor a denial but an email pointing me to the links in Mays Brexit letter and a speech in which the British PM said, The third  reason I believe we can come to the right agreement is that cooperation between Britain and the EU is needed not just when it comes to trade but when it comes to our security too. Britain and France are Europes only two nuclear powers. ... Britains armed forces are a crucial part of Europes collective defence.  After Brexit, Britain wants to be a good friend and neighbour in every way, and that includes defending the safety and security of all of our citizens. Quick phone calls to embassies and European ministries of foreign affairs elicited a wall of no comments, until I came to the Poles where a spokesperson said, Yes thats right. But if the negotiating ploy is successful in Europe, what is to stop the British from offering the same protection to other regions of the world? Does Britain strike a deal with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states to protect them from Iran? The British have just reopened a permanent naval base in Bahrain. How about East Africa? The Americans lease Diego Garcia but the British still own it. London has great relations with Singapore, an excellent base for an Asian presence. And what about other nuclear weapon states? What is to stop India, Pakistan, France, Russia, China, and the US from using their nukes to extract trade concessions. It will cost more but the trade deals, or should I say protection moneyshould more than cover the costs, with a profitadding a new and dangerous element to the problem of nuclear non-proliferation. A stronger nuclear Britain willing to flex its muscles fits in nicely with the Trump view of the world. During his campaign, The Donald shocked analysts by floating the cost-cutting proposal that America supply nukes to Japan and Saudi Arabia. And although the US is making more positive noises about the NATO, the initial talk of obsolescence has left Europeans deeply worried. Beefing up the British nuclear deterrent and tying it closer to Europe would save America money. However, it would also put several more links in the defensive chain that ties the US to the protection of Europe. Trump may favour such a change, but it is not in the interests of either side of the Atlantic. Two World Wars have proven that. In both, the US adopted a hands-off role at the start. However, the fact is their interests were so intertwined with the European democracies that Washington was eventually forced to intervene to protect its national interests. It is the growing American isolationism that makes it possible for May to test thendangerous nuclear waters. The EU is worried about losing its American nuclear umbrella. The UK is worried about losing their European market. Britain has nuclear weapons. The EU has markets. There is a clear fit. Dr Ian Lesser, vice president at the German Marshall Fund, said it is not incredible that Britain is considering using its nuclear deterrent as part of the Brexit negotiations. He added, But it would certainly be controversial. Trumps foreign policy has prompted widespread calls for greater European defence cooperation, includingat the suggestion of the Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynskia German-funded European nuclear deterrent. This was firmly and immediately rejected by Chancellor Angela Merkel. Strategists in Europe and America have historically opposed the dominance of a single West or Central European country. The UK outside of the EU would also be politically removed and there would be a continuing link with the US as the Trident missiles used to deliver British warheads are American-made. Then there is France. Ever since David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy signed the 2010 Lancaster House Treaty on Anglo-French nuclear cooperation, the two countries have been moving the strategic policies ever closer. The British nuclear arsenal is a minimum deterrent. There are currently only 215 warheads and they are all attached to four submarines equipped with American Trident missiles. The French Force de Frappe consists of 300 warheads. An Anglo-French nuclear deterrent would be only 515 nuclear warheads. But at the moment, Britain and France look a lot more reliable than Donald Trump and, from the British point of view, a formal British commitment is the only weapon that May has in her negotiating armoury. Tom Arms is the author of Encyclopedia of the Cold War and editor of Lookaheadnews.com Email: tom.arms@lookaheadnews.com
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: With the Hyderabad High Court acquitting P Satyam Babu in the Ayesha Meera murder case, the natural question that begs an answer is, if not him, whodunnit? In its verdict, the court questioned why the probe on the role of some suspects was not taken to its logical conclusion.

The investigating agency initially suspected the cook, Siva Anjaneyulu, hostel warden Koneru Padma, her husband Inampudi Shivaramakrishna, and eight others. Their blood samples were also taken for DNA profiling - in fact, in all, samples of 55 persons were sent for DNA examination and polygraph and narco analysis tests were conducted on 39 persons during the course of the investigation.

One among the suspects was Guruvind Singh alias Laddu, a man with allegedly perverted sexual tendencies. The court held that the police, who arrested him, could not justify his subsequent release though they were certain he was involved and there was prima facie evidence against him. Similarly, the court found fault with the investigating officials for not subjecting hostellers, hostel warden and her husband to narco test in spite of an order granted by the trial court which was confirmed by the high court.

The only excuse offered by the police for their failure in this regard was that when they were about to make arrangements to send them for narco test, the investigation officer was transferred. His successor assumed charge on Aug 13, 2008. The court also observed that the investigation, which was proceeding in one direction till the apprehension of Satyam Babu, took an abrupt U-turn from then on.

Ayeshas mother, Shamshad Begum, alleged in her deposition that the investigation was not carried out properly. According to her, the cook, Siva Anjaneyulu, used to come to hostel at 4 a.m. and that one key was with him and one was with the warden.

The National Womens Commission visited the scene of offence and advised the police to refer the inmates of the hostel for narco analysis test.

The test was supposed to be conducted on hostelmates of the deceased including roommates Kavita, Sowmya and Preeti, the hostel warden and her husband and Siva Anjaneyulu, besides Laddu. Close on the heels of the green signal given by the high court for conducting the narco test on these suspects, the appellant, Satyam Babu, was brought into the picture on Aug 9, 2008.

The court also took cognizance of Ayeshas mothers statement on a party that allegedly took place at the hostel on December 26, 2007, hours before the girls murder.

According to Ayeshas mother, she received a phone call from Vijayawada informing her that the investigation of her daughters case was deliberately diverted and that on December 26, a party was organised on the ground floor of the hostel. The wardens husband, K Satish, K Suresh, Ganesh, Chinta Pavan Kumar and Rajesh (relatives/friends) were present and two of them went to the second floor to meet their girlfriends in the same block in which Ayesha was staying and on seeing them, the girl warned them that she will reveal the facts to her parents and vacate the hostel.

The court further took note of the recommendations on investigation given by the National Womens Commission, State Human Rights Commission and the Minorities Commission, who visited the crime scene. The court wondered why their recommendations were not given due consideration and said for reasons best known to the prosecution, their reports were not made part of the records.

The court also considered the deposition of Ayeshas mother that after she had met the then Vice-President, chairperson of the National Womens Commission and DGP SSP Yadav, she received a threatening call. The anonymous caller threatened to kill her second daughter too just like they disposed of Ayesha. The court wondered why no cross-examination was preferred when Ayeshas mother sought reinvestigation.

The court said the attempt of the police to project different persons as culprits indicated not only their vacillating attitude and their failure in conducting proper investigation but also their anxiety to draw a curtain on the case projecting somebody or the other as culprit.

VIJAYAWADA: With the Hyderabad High Court acquitting P Satyam Babu in the Ayesha Meera murder case, the natural question that begs an answer is, if not him, whodunnit? In its verdict, the court questioned why the probe on the role of some suspects was not taken to its logical conclusion. The investigating agency initially suspected the cook, Siva Anjaneyulu, hostel warden Koneru Padma, her husband Inampudi Shivaramakrishna, and eight others. Their blood samples were also taken for DNA profiling - in fact, in all, samples of 55 persons were sent for DNA examination and polygraph and narco analysis tests were conducted on 39 persons during the course of the investigation. One among the suspects was Guruvind Singh alias Laddu, a man with allegedly perverted sexual tendencies. The court held that the police, who arrested him, could not justify his subsequent release though they were certain he was involved and there was prima facie evidence against him. Similarly, the court found fault with the investigating officials for not subjecting hostellers, hostel warden and her husband to narco test in spite of an order granted by the trial court which was confirmed by the high court. The only excuse offered by the police for their failure in this regard was that when they were about to make arrangements to send them for narco test, the investigation officer was transferred. His successor assumed charge on Aug 13, 2008. The court also observed that the investigation, which was proceeding in one direction till the apprehension of Satyam Babu, took an abrupt U-turn from then on. Ayeshas mother, Shamshad Begum, alleged in her deposition that the investigation was not carried out properly. According to her, the cook, Siva Anjaneyulu, used to come to hostel at 4 a.m. and that one key was with him and one was with the warden. The National Womens Commission visited the scene of offence and advised the police to refer the inmates of the hostel for narco analysis test. The test was supposed to be conducted on hostelmates of the deceased including roommates Kavita, Sowmya and Preeti, the hostel warden and her husband and Siva Anjaneyulu, besides Laddu. Close on the heels of the green signal given by the high court for conducting the narco test on these suspects, the appellant, Satyam Babu, was brought into the picture on Aug 9, 2008. The court also took cognizance of Ayeshas mothers statement on a party that allegedly took place at the hostel on December 26, 2007, hours before the girls murder. According to Ayeshas mother, she received a phone call from Vijayawada informing her that the investigation of her daughters case was deliberately diverted and that on December 26, a party was organised on the ground floor of the hostel. The wardens husband, K Satish, K Suresh, Ganesh, Chinta Pavan Kumar and Rajesh (relatives/friends) were present and two of them went to the second floor to meet their girlfriends in the same block in which Ayesha was staying and on seeing them, the girl warned them that she will reveal the facts to her parents and vacate the hostel. The court further took note of the recommendations on investigation given by the National Womens Commission, State Human Rights Commission and the Minorities Commission, who visited the crime scene. The court wondered why their recommendations were not given due consideration and said for reasons best known to the prosecution, their reports were not made part of the records. The court also considered the deposition of Ayeshas mother that after she had met the then Vice-President, chairperson of the National Womens Commission and DGP SSP Yadav, she received a threatening call. The anonymous caller threatened to kill her second daughter too just like they disposed of Ayesha. The court wondered why no cross-examination was preferred when Ayeshas mother sought reinvestigation. The court said the attempt of the police to project different persons as culprits indicated not only their vacillating attitude and their failure in conducting proper investigation but also their anxiety to draw a curtain on the case projecting somebody or the other as culprit.
NextEra Energy NEE and Westar Energy WR jointly celebrated the commissioning of the Kingman and Ninnescah Wind Energy Centers in Kansas. The Kingman and Ninnescah Wind Energy Centers have utilized in excess of 240 General Electric Company GE wind turbines with a capacity of generating approximately 400 megawatts (MW) of power for more than 100,000 homes.

The green energy generated from these projects will serve customers of Westar Energy and its wholesale partner Midwest Energy.

More About the Project

Almost $650 million have been invested in developing these two renewable projects. The Kingman and Pratt Counties are fortunate to have some of the best wind in the nation, and this new project will exploit this wind advantage to the fullest.

Over the projected 30-year operational life, these wind projects will provide more than $40 million in guaranteed payments to the county governments and nearly $100 million in payments to local landowners.

The Growing Wind Power of Kansas

Recently, Enel Green Power North America Inc (EGPNA) announced that it has commissioned all turbines at the 400 MW Cimarron Bend wind farm in Kansas. This Clark County wind energy farm is expected to produce about 1.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year and cut down about 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.

The wind power generation of the state increased about 18% last year, making it the fifth-highest state in the country.

Other Green Projects from NextEra

NextEra Energy, along with its affiliates, has been focusing on renewable sources for power generation. Its affiliate, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), recently choose two of the nation's premier providers of renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services  Blattner Energy and Black & Veatch  to construct its latest solar projects. (Read more: NextEra Unit Picks 2 EPC Providers to Build Solar Projects)

Story continues

Overall Wind Industry

Wind sector benefited significantly from the production tax credit (PTC) extension. The PTC pays 2.3 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated and technically expired in 2014. However, to promote generation of more electricity, the PTC has been extended through 2020, but the tax benefit will gradually be decreased before being completely phased out.

Thanks to the expansion of tax credit, we expect more wind projects like these to be commissioned across the U.S. As per a recent release from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. wind energy capacity at the end of 2016 was 81 gigawatts (GW). Given the systematic additions, EIA expects the total wind capacity to touch 95 GW by the end of 2018.

Price Movement

Shares of NextEra Energy returned 10.4% in the last three months, outperforming the Zacks categorized Utility  Electric Power industrys gain of 7.3%.

The improvement in the economic condition in its service territories as well as additions to renewable generation assets has positively impacted the performance of the company.

Zacks Rank

NextEra Energy carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the same space is RWE AG RWEOY, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

RWE AGs 2017 Zacks Consensus Estimate moved up by approximately 20% to $1.62 per share in the last 60 days.

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C Shivakumar By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The first unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) is now completely under the management of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), with the commercial operation and the warranty period of Russian State Energy Atomic Corporation (ROSATOM) coming to an end.

According to an official of ASE Group of companies, a subsidiary of ROSATOM, which built in the plant in collaboration with Indian government, the representatives of ASE Group of Companies and NPCIL signed a joint statement on final takeover of the unit 1 of the power plant on Wednesday.

The commercial operation and the warranty period of Unit 1 of the power plant had begun in December 2014.

Andrei Lebedev, vice president of ASE for projects in South Asia said, The warranty period run showed reliable and safe operation of Unit 1. Thus, Indian side confirms that ASE Group of Companies, which is general contractor, has fulfilled all its tasks in full and accurately.

From now on operation of Unit 1 is totally within the responsibility of the Indian side", he added.

This comes in the wake of ASE Engineering Company and NPCIL signing the Act of Preliminary Acceptance of Unit 2 of the KKNPP, which allows the unit to begin its one-year period of warranty operation from March 30.

As of now, the Unit 2 of the KNPP in India is under the warranty of its general designer and the suppliers of equipment from Russia, which are represented by ASE Engineering Company. This means that, in case of any malfunctions or technical failures related to the obligations of ASE at the Unit 2 of KKNPP, the inconsistencies in the operation of the equipment will be taken care of by the Russian side, said Lebedev

This period of responsibility will last until March 30, 2018, after which the statement on the final acceptance of Unit 2 by the operating entity in India will be signed, he added.

CHENNAI: The first unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) is now completely under the management of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), with the commercial operation and the warranty period of Russian State Energy Atomic Corporation (ROSATOM) coming to an end. According to an official of ASE Group of companies, a subsidiary of ROSATOM, which built in the plant in collaboration with Indian government, the representatives of ASE Group of Companies and NPCIL signed a joint statement on final takeover of the unit 1 of the power plant on Wednesday. The commercial operation and the warranty period of Unit 1 of the power plant had begun in December 2014. Andrei Lebedev, vice president of ASE for projects in South Asia said, The warranty period run showed reliable and safe operation of Unit 1. Thus, Indian side confirms that ASE Group of Companies, which is general contractor, has fulfilled all its tasks in full and accurately. From now on operation of Unit 1 is totally within the responsibility of the Indian side", he added. This comes in the wake of ASE Engineering Company and NPCIL signing the Act of Preliminary Acceptance of Unit 2 of the KKNPP, which allows the unit to begin its one-year period of warranty operation from March 30. As of now, the Unit 2 of the KNPP in India is under the warranty of its general designer and the suppliers of equipment from Russia, which are represented by ASE Engineering Company. This means that, in case of any malfunctions or technical failures related to the obligations of ASE at the Unit 2 of KKNPP, the inconsistencies in the operation of the equipment will be taken care of by the Russian side, said Lebedev This period of responsibility will last until March 30, 2018, after which the statement on the final acceptance of Unit 2 by the operating entity in India will be signed, he added.
By PTI

NEW YORK: An 18-year-old Bangladeshi-American Muslim student has won a place at the prestigious Stanford University after writing '#BlackLivesMatter' a 100 times in the essay section of his application.

Ziad Ahmed said he was "stunned" when his innovative approach to the application process, which he described as "unapologetic activism", paid off.

On his Stanford University application, Ahmed was posed the question, "What matters to you, and why?"

The activist from Princeton, New Jersey, decided to use the opportunity to write "#BlackLivesMatter" a 100 times.

To his surprise, the answer caught the attention of the California school's admissions office and Ahmed received his acceptance letter on Friday.

He proudly tweeted his answer and his acceptance letter to the prestigious American university, which boasts 20 applications per place.

"I was actually stunned when I opened the update and saw that I was admitted," Ahmed told Mic.

"I didn't think I would get admitted to Stanford at all, but it's quite refreshing to see that they view my unapologetic activism as an asset rather than a liability," he said.

Ahmed said as an ally of the black community, he felt it was his duty to make a statement and speak up against the injustices he witnesses.

"As an ally of the black community though, it is my duty to speak up in regards to the injustice, and while this was not a form of 'activism' as it was simply an answer in a college application. I wanted to make a statement," he said.

The Bangladeshi-American teen has already been making impressive waves in his activism work.

At just 18-years-old, Ahmed has already been invited to the White House Iftar dinner and recognised as a Muslim- American change-maker under the Obama administration.

In 2016, he interned and worked for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

In addition to Stanford, Ahmed said he has already been offered addmission by Yale University and Princeton. He has until May 1 to decide which school to attend.

Ahmed said he purposefully did not further explain the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag.

"The insistence on an explanation is inherently dehumanising," Ahmed said.

NEW YORK: An 18-year-old Bangladeshi-American Muslim student has won a place at the prestigious Stanford University after writing '#BlackLivesMatter' a 100 times in the essay section of his application. Ziad Ahmed said he was "stunned" when his innovative approach to the application process, which he described as "unapologetic activism", paid off. On his Stanford University application, Ahmed was posed the question, "What matters to you, and why?" The activist from Princeton, New Jersey, decided to use the opportunity to write "#BlackLivesMatter" a 100 times. I submitted this answer in my @Stanford application, & yesterday, I was admitted...#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/R5YxM77bWL  Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) April 1, 2017 To his surprise, the answer caught the attention of the California school's admissions office and Ahmed received his acceptance letter on Friday. He proudly tweeted his answer and his acceptance letter to the prestigious American university, which boasts 20 applications per place. "I was actually stunned when I opened the update and saw that I was admitted," Ahmed told Mic. "I didn't think I would get admitted to Stanford at all, but it's quite refreshing to see that they view my unapologetic activism as an asset rather than a liability," he said. Ahmed said as an ally of the black community, he felt it was his duty to make a statement and speak up against the injustices he witnesses. "As an ally of the black community though, it is my duty to speak up in regards to the injustice, and while this was not a form of 'activism' as it was simply an answer in a college application. I wanted to make a statement," he said. The Bangladeshi-American teen has already been making impressive waves in his activism work. At just 18-years-old, Ahmed has already been invited to the White House Iftar dinner and recognised as a Muslim- American change-maker under the Obama administration. In 2016, he interned and worked for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. In addition to Stanford, Ahmed said he has already been offered addmission by Yale University and Princeton. He has until May 1 to decide which school to attend. Ahmed said he purposefully did not further explain the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag. "The insistence on an explanation is inherently dehumanising," Ahmed said.
By AFP

LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU president Donald Tusk on Thursday held their first face-to-face talks since she triggered the process for leaving the bloc as Brexit negotiations loom.

The visit follows an outcry in Britain over Tusk last week outlining draft negotiating guidelines which say that Spain should have a veto on any trade deal agreed with Britain being extended to Gibraltar.

And it comes a day after the European Parliament approved a series of Brexit demands, including calling for "substantial progress" to be made on an exit deal before talks on future trade relations can begin.

"I'll be talking with president Tusk about how we can ensure, within the timescale we have got, that we can deliver a deal," May said ahead of the meeting.

A European Union source told AFP that the meeting was "not part of the negotiations" but would be "a first opportunity for Tusk to explain his draft Brexit guidelines to be adopted on April 29".

EU leaders are holding a special summit in Brussels on that date to decide a negotiation strategy.

The actual talks on Britain leaving the EU are not expected to start until May at the earliest.

Britain last week formally notified the EU of its intention to quit the bloc -- the first member state ever to do so -- following a shock referendum vote on June 23 last year in favour of leaving.

May 'backtracking'

When announcing Britain's intention to leave the EU, May called for the divorce and future trade deal talks to proceed in tandem, but she was rebuffed by Tusk who said that there should first be progress on the exit agreement before trade negotiations can begin.

Asked about this divergence of views on the timing of the negotiations during her trip to Jordan and Saudi Arabia this week, May hinted at a compromise.

"Let's look at the whole question of where we end up. At the end of this negotiation, will we have looked at both withdrawal and the future relationship? That's what's important," she said.

May also suggested she could envisage free movement of EU nationals into Britain continuing during a transition period even after the country's expected departure from the bloc in March 2019.

Asked about this possibility, she told Sky News television: "Once we've got the deal, once we've agreed what the new relationship will be for the future, it will be necessary for there to be a period of time when businesses and governments are adjusting systems and so forth," she said.

That led to criticism from the pro-Brexit Leave.eu campaign group, which accused May of "backtracking".

It published a mocked-up image of May alongside a crowd of migrants reading: "We're going to take back control of our borders... Eventually".

Cutting down on the hundreds of thousands of EU citizens who move to Britain every year was one of the main arguments in the referendum campaign.

LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU president Donald Tusk on Thursday held their first face-to-face talks since she triggered the process for leaving the bloc as Brexit negotiations loom. The visit follows an outcry in Britain over Tusk last week outlining draft negotiating guidelines which say that Spain should have a veto on any trade deal agreed with Britain being extended to Gibraltar. And it comes a day after the European Parliament approved a series of Brexit demands, including calling for "substantial progress" to be made on an exit deal before talks on future trade relations can begin. "I'll be talking with president Tusk about how we can ensure, within the timescale we have got, that we can deliver a deal," May said ahead of the meeting. A European Union source told AFP that the meeting was "not part of the negotiations" but would be "a first opportunity for Tusk to explain his draft Brexit guidelines to be adopted on April 29". EU leaders are holding a special summit in Brussels on that date to decide a negotiation strategy. The actual talks on Britain leaving the EU are not expected to start until May at the earliest. Britain last week formally notified the EU of its intention to quit the bloc -- the first member state ever to do so -- following a shock referendum vote on June 23 last year in favour of leaving. May 'backtracking' When announcing Britain's intention to leave the EU, May called for the divorce and future trade deal talks to proceed in tandem, but she was rebuffed by Tusk who said that there should first be progress on the exit agreement before trade negotiations can begin. Asked about this divergence of views on the timing of the negotiations during her trip to Jordan and Saudi Arabia this week, May hinted at a compromise. "Let's look at the whole question of where we end up. At the end of this negotiation, will we have looked at both withdrawal and the future relationship? That's what's important," she said. May also suggested she could envisage free movement of EU nationals into Britain continuing during a transition period even after the country's expected departure from the bloc in March 2019. Asked about this possibility, she told Sky News television: "Once we've got the deal, once we've agreed what the new relationship will be for the future, it will be necessary for there to be a period of time when businesses and governments are adjusting systems and so forth," she said. That led to criticism from the pro-Brexit Leave.eu campaign group, which accused May of "backtracking". It published a mocked-up image of May alongside a crowd of migrants reading: "We're going to take back control of our borders... Eventually". Cutting down on the hundreds of thousands of EU citizens who move to Britain every year was one of the main arguments in the referendum campaign.
By AFP

BRUSSELS: EU President Donald Tusk will meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in London later Thursday, his office announced, as the two sides prepare for tough Brexit talks.

The visit was listed on an updated weekly schedule for Tusk and gave no reason for it nor details of what he would discuss with May.

An EU source told AFP separately that the visit forms part of the regular contacts Tusk and May agreed last week should take place during the negotiation process.

"May and Tusk agreed during their phone call on 28 March to establish a regular contact at the highest political level to create a channel for facilitating the Brexit process outside the day-to-day talks," the source said.

"The meeting is not part of the negotiations".

The announcement comes after the European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted tough "red lines" for the Brexit negotiations, saying the divorce terms must be agreed first before any talk of a new trade deal.

The parliament largely followed Tusk's own draft guidelines issued last week after May formally triggered the historic Brexit process.

The EU source said the meeting with May in London, expected around 1200 GMT, "will be a first opportunity for Tusk to explain his draft Brexit guidelines to be adopted on 29 April (by the remaining member states) as well as to discuss the next steps."

May has pressed hard for the divorce and trade deal talks to proceed in tandem but Brussels has repeatedly rebuffed her demands.

The 27 European Union states are due to sign off on Tusk's guidelines at a summit on April 29, paving the way for formal negotiations to begin at the and of May.

The EU wants a draft deal by October 2018 so that national leaders will have time to approve it before ratification by the European Parliament, most likely in early 2019.

BRUSSELS: EU President Donald Tusk will meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in London later Thursday, his office announced, as the two sides prepare for tough Brexit talks. The visit was listed on an updated weekly schedule for Tusk and gave no reason for it nor details of what he would discuss with May. An EU source told AFP separately that the visit forms part of the regular contacts Tusk and May agreed last week should take place during the negotiation process. "May and Tusk agreed during their phone call on 28 March to establish a regular contact at the highest political level to create a channel for facilitating the Brexit process outside the day-to-day talks," the source said. "The meeting is not part of the negotiations". The announcement comes after the European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted tough "red lines" for the Brexit negotiations, saying the divorce terms must be agreed first before any talk of a new trade deal. The parliament largely followed Tusk's own draft guidelines issued last week after May formally triggered the historic Brexit process. The EU source said the meeting with May in London, expected around 1200 GMT, "will be a first opportunity for Tusk to explain his draft Brexit guidelines to be adopted on 29 April (by the remaining member states) as well as to discuss the next steps." May has pressed hard for the divorce and trade deal talks to proceed in tandem but Brussels has repeatedly rebuffed her demands. The 27 European Union states are due to sign off on Tusk's guidelines at a summit on April 29, paving the way for formal negotiations to begin at the and of May. The EU wants a draft deal by October 2018 so that national leaders will have time to approve it before ratification by the European Parliament, most likely in early 2019.
By AFP

GAZA: Fuad Skik has been waiting in vain since December for permission from Israel to leave the Gaza Strip for cancer treatments, illustrating a problem that has concerned global health officials.

"At the end of 2016, I asked for an Israeli exit permit and I registered my wife to accompany me, but I still have not received a response," the 53-year-old said, adding that his cancer had since spread.

Palestinian officials say the problem for those in situations similar to Skik's has recently become worse due to an increase in the number of those needing treatment and the slow process of getting permits.

For many, this means delays and for some a refusal means they can't even go.

Israeli authorities say more permits are being granted than in the past and note that careful consideration must be given to each due to security risks.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and Israel tightly controls who and what enters and exits the enclave of some two million people.

It has maintained a blockade on the strip run by Islamist movement Hamas for 10 years.

In recent days, the problem has been further complicated by Hamas also restricting exits for Gazans as it investigates the assassination of one of its officials, a killing it blames on Israel.

The World Health Organization and others have pointed to the effect the Israeli blockade has had on medical crossings, a crucial issue for impoverished Gaza, which lacks proper medical equipment in many cases.

Many patients seek treatment in Israel, and some in the occupied West Bank, the other Palestinian territory separated geographically from Gaza.

Slowed by security

Permission from Israeli authorities is required to cross, and the WHO has in particular highlighted the case of a 17-year-old who died in January while waiting.

According to the WHO, more than 53 percent of nearly 3,000 patients who requested an exit permit in January were refused or did not receive a response.

The number was more than 61 percent for those meant to accompany them.

The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees such permits says more have been granted than in the past.

According to its numbers, 22,380 patients and those accompanying them were provided permits in 2013, while 30,768 were granted in 2016.

The defence ministry unit, known as COGAT, also alleged there has been "an increase in attempts by Hamas to take advantage of Israeli assistance for terrorist aims," requiring careful scrutiny of applications.

It is a difficult explanation to accept for those legitimately sick and required to wait.

The Gaza Strip does not have the capacity for radiation therapy and lacks chemotherapy drugs.

For those reasons, some six out of 10 cancer patients in Gaza require treatment not available in the enclave, said Mahmoud Daher of the WHO.

Further complicating the problem, cancer rates are seen as rising in the Gaza Strip.

"Every year there are between 1,600 and 1,800 (cases detected), or 20 percent more than in past years," said Khaled Thabet, head of the oncology department at the Rantissi hospital, which treats patients from the northern Gaza Strip.

Teen dies waiting

In 2006, 8,000 Gazans required medical treatment outside the strip, while the number rose to 22,000 in 2016, he said, adding that only 60 percent were able to obtain a permit.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) says that it requested 1,040 refused applications in 2016 be re-examined, leading to 418 approvals.

But in the case of 17-year-old Ahmed Shbair, it was already too late.

He died in January after failing to receive permission to exit for treatment for a congenital heart condition, said Mohammed Bseiso, a lawyer with the PCHR.

His family made four requests for permits beginning in November, with he and his mother were interrogated by Israeli authorities, according to the WHO.

Two of the requests were refused, while a third had not been given a response. He applied for a fourth time just before dying, the WHO said.

Some are seeking to provide medical services that Gazans would otherwise seek elsewhere.

Tharwat al-Helou recently opened the first private clinic in the Gaza Strip, with a plan of eventually having 90 beds.

Such clinics could alleviate shortages in the strip, which has slightly more than one bed per 1,000 residents, said Abdellatif al-Hajj, who oversees hospitals for the Gazan authorities.

As an example, the number is five to six times higher in Israel.

But clinics will also face the difficulty of receiving Israeli permission to import equipment due to the country's concerns over "terrorist" activities.

GAZA: Fuad Skik has been waiting in vain since December for permission from Israel to leave the Gaza Strip for cancer treatments, illustrating a problem that has concerned global health officials. "At the end of 2016, I asked for an Israeli exit permit and I registered my wife to accompany me, but I still have not received a response," the 53-year-old said, adding that his cancer had since spread. Palestinian officials say the problem for those in situations similar to Skik's has recently become worse due to an increase in the number of those needing treatment and the slow process of getting permits. For many, this means delays and for some a refusal means they can't even go. Israeli authorities say more permits are being granted than in the past and note that careful consideration must be given to each due to security risks. Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and Israel tightly controls who and what enters and exits the enclave of some two million people. It has maintained a blockade on the strip run by Islamist movement Hamas for 10 years. In recent days, the problem has been further complicated by Hamas also restricting exits for Gazans as it investigates the assassination of one of its officials, a killing it blames on Israel. The World Health Organization and others have pointed to the effect the Israeli blockade has had on medical crossings, a crucial issue for impoverished Gaza, which lacks proper medical equipment in many cases. Many patients seek treatment in Israel, and some in the occupied West Bank, the other Palestinian territory separated geographically from Gaza. Slowed by security Permission from Israeli authorities is required to cross, and the WHO has in particular highlighted the case of a 17-year-old who died in January while waiting. According to the WHO, more than 53 percent of nearly 3,000 patients who requested an exit permit in January were refused or did not receive a response. The number was more than 61 percent for those meant to accompany them. The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees such permits says more have been granted than in the past. According to its numbers, 22,380 patients and those accompanying them were provided permits in 2013, while 30,768 were granted in 2016. The defence ministry unit, known as COGAT, also alleged there has been "an increase in attempts by Hamas to take advantage of Israeli assistance for terrorist aims," requiring careful scrutiny of applications. It is a difficult explanation to accept for those legitimately sick and required to wait. The Gaza Strip does not have the capacity for radiation therapy and lacks chemotherapy drugs. For those reasons, some six out of 10 cancer patients in Gaza require treatment not available in the enclave, said Mahmoud Daher of the WHO. Further complicating the problem, cancer rates are seen as rising in the Gaza Strip. "Every year there are between 1,600 and 1,800 (cases detected), or 20 percent more than in past years," said Khaled Thabet, head of the oncology department at the Rantissi hospital, which treats patients from the northern Gaza Strip. Teen dies waiting In 2006, 8,000 Gazans required medical treatment outside the strip, while the number rose to 22,000 in 2016, he said, adding that only 60 percent were able to obtain a permit. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) says that it requested 1,040 refused applications in 2016 be re-examined, leading to 418 approvals. But in the case of 17-year-old Ahmed Shbair, it was already too late. He died in January after failing to receive permission to exit for treatment for a congenital heart condition, said Mohammed Bseiso, a lawyer with the PCHR. His family made four requests for permits beginning in November, with he and his mother were interrogated by Israeli authorities, according to the WHO. Two of the requests were refused, while a third had not been given a response. He applied for a fourth time just before dying, the WHO said. Some are seeking to provide medical services that Gazans would otherwise seek elsewhere. Tharwat al-Helou recently opened the first private clinic in the Gaza Strip, with a plan of eventually having 90 beds. Such clinics could alleviate shortages in the strip, which has slightly more than one bed per 1,000 residents, said Abdellatif al-Hajj, who oversees hospitals for the Gazan authorities. As an example, the number is five to six times higher in Israel. But clinics will also face the difficulty of receiving Israeli permission to import equipment due to the country's concerns over "terrorist" activities.
By AFP

MADRID: Gibraltar on Wednesday accused Spain of causing long traffic jams with tightened border controls, saying it was "clearly a response" to rising political tensions over the British territory.

As Gibraltar emerges as a sore point in Britain's exit negotiations with the European Union, Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia complained of traffic tie-ups on Wednesday on the border of the rocky British outcrop at Spain's southern tip.

"The latest action of Spain is obviously and clearly a response to the latest political climate," Garcia told broadcaster GBC.

"It is what they've always done but certainly it is totally and absolutely unacceptable."

He added: "We have been told that the police officers deployed at the border, the Policia Nacional, are not the ones that are here normally. They don't quite understand how they need to conduct the checks at the border."

Police in the territory known as The Rock, which is home to 32,000 people, tweeted: "All those driving toward Spain should expect long delays."

Gibraltar's government earlier posted on Twitter that vehicles faced two-hour lines to cross into Spain.

Neither Spain's interior ministry nor the national police responded to AFP's requests to confirm that border measures had been tightened.

Some 10,000 people cross from Spain to Gibraltar to work every day, with the outcrop dependent on the small land border for trade and tourism.

"Spain has used traffic jams as a political weapon against Gibraltar since the day the border opened," Garcia charged.

He noted that there were similar scenes at the frontier in 2013 when, in the midst of a diplomatic row, Madrid doubled its border controls until the European Commission stepped in to calm the situation.

Tensions soared last week when the European Union said Spain should have a veto on extending any trade deal to Gibraltar after Britain leaves the bloc.

London and Madrid have had a long and bitter dispute over Gibraltar, which has been a British territory for more than 300 years.

Fearing that Madrid is seeking to take advantage of Brexit to impose its control over the enclave, Gibraltar reacted angrily to the EU move and London firmly expressed its support for the territory.

A Spanish warship also sailed into disputed waters off Gibraltar on Tuesday, raising tensions further, although such incidents are not uncommon.

The European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted tough "red lines" for negotiations over a Brexit deal, on which EU lawmakers will have the final say in two years' time, but omitted any mention of the flashpoint issue of Gibraltar.

MADRID: Gibraltar on Wednesday accused Spain of causing long traffic jams with tightened border controls, saying it was "clearly a response" to rising political tensions over the British territory. As Gibraltar emerges as a sore point in Britain's exit negotiations with the European Union, Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia complained of traffic tie-ups on Wednesday on the border of the rocky British outcrop at Spain's southern tip. "The latest action of Spain is obviously and clearly a response to the latest political climate," Garcia told broadcaster GBC. "It is what they've always done but certainly it is totally and absolutely unacceptable." He added: "We have been told that the police officers deployed at the border, the Policia Nacional, are not the ones that are here normally. They don't quite understand how they need to conduct the checks at the border." Police in the territory known as The Rock, which is home to 32,000 people, tweeted: "All those driving toward Spain should expect long delays." Gibraltar's government earlier posted on Twitter that vehicles faced two-hour lines to cross into Spain. Neither Spain's interior ministry nor the national police responded to AFP's requests to confirm that border measures had been tightened. Some 10,000 people cross from Spain to Gibraltar to work every day, with the outcrop dependent on the small land border for trade and tourism. "Spain has used traffic jams as a political weapon against Gibraltar since the day the border opened," Garcia charged. He noted that there were similar scenes at the frontier in 2013 when, in the midst of a diplomatic row, Madrid doubled its border controls until the European Commission stepped in to calm the situation. Tensions soared last week when the European Union said Spain should have a veto on extending any trade deal to Gibraltar after Britain leaves the bloc. London and Madrid have had a long and bitter dispute over Gibraltar, which has been a British territory for more than 300 years. Fearing that Madrid is seeking to take advantage of Brexit to impose its control over the enclave, Gibraltar reacted angrily to the EU move and London firmly expressed its support for the territory. A Spanish warship also sailed into disputed waters off Gibraltar on Tuesday, raising tensions further, although such incidents are not uncommon. The European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted tough "red lines" for negotiations over a Brexit deal, on which EU lawmakers will have the final say in two years' time, but omitted any mention of the flashpoint issue of Gibraltar.
By AFP

MOSCOW: The Islamic State jihadist group today claimed the killing of two traffic police in southern Russia this week, as security agencies said they had shot dead four suspects. The Amaq propaganda agency linked to IS reported the killing of "two Russian policemen" in the southern city of Astrakhan, citing a "security source".

It also claimed an attack that wounded three National Guard officers on Thursday in an incident Russian authorities said saw one assailant suspected of involvement in the death of the traffic policemen shot dead.

The interior ministry said the suspect was killed after opening fire when the car he was travelling in was stopped by law enforcement officers.

Three more suspects were later "liquidated" during a security operation in the city, the ministry said. Local authorities had previously called the killing of the two traffic policemen a "brazen attack" by "radical Islamists". The IS claim comes with Russia on high alert following a bombing on the Saint Petersburg metro on Monday that killed 13 people.

There is no apparent link between the two attacks. Russia's Investigative Committee has said it is looking for any possible connections between the alleged Saint Petersburg metro bomber and IS, but so far no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Jihadists from IS -- including foreign fighters from the ex-Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus region -- have repeatedly threatened an attack on Russian soil to avenge Moscow's military backing of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Astrakhan lies several hundred kilometres (miles) northeast of the volatile North Caucasus, where Moscow is fighting a lingering Islamist insurgency. While attacks against police regularly occur in Russia's Caucasus, they are much rarer in other regions.

MOSCOW: The Islamic State jihadist group today claimed the killing of two traffic police in southern Russia this week, as security agencies said they had shot dead four suspects. The Amaq propaganda agency linked to IS reported the killing of "two Russian policemen" in the southern city of Astrakhan, citing a "security source". It also claimed an attack that wounded three National Guard officers on Thursday in an incident Russian authorities said saw one assailant suspected of involvement in the death of the traffic policemen shot dead. The interior ministry said the suspect was killed after opening fire when the car he was travelling in was stopped by law enforcement officers. Three more suspects were later "liquidated" during a security operation in the city, the ministry said. Local authorities had previously called the killing of the two traffic policemen a "brazen attack" by "radical Islamists". The IS claim comes with Russia on high alert following a bombing on the Saint Petersburg metro on Monday that killed 13 people. There is no apparent link between the two attacks. Russia's Investigative Committee has said it is looking for any possible connections between the alleged Saint Petersburg metro bomber and IS, but so far no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Jihadists from IS -- including foreign fighters from the ex-Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus region -- have repeatedly threatened an attack on Russian soil to avenge Moscow's military backing of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Astrakhan lies several hundred kilometres (miles) northeast of the volatile North Caucasus, where Moscow is fighting a lingering Islamist insurgency. While attacks against police regularly occur in Russia's Caucasus, they are much rarer in other regions.
By AFP

MOSCOW: Korea is ready to deliver the "most ruthless blow" if provoked by the United States, its ambassador to Moscow said today after President Donald Trump pledged to keep building up defences against Pyongyang.

"Our army has already said that if there will be even the smallest provocation from the United States during exercises, we are ready to deliver the most ruthless blow," Interfax news agency quoted ambassador Kim Hyong-Jun as saying.

"We have the readiness and ability to counter any challenge from the US," he was quoted as saying. Trump yesterday pledged to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that the US would "continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities," a day after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

North Korea's foreign ministry on Monday assailed Washington for its tough talk and for an ongoing joint military exercise with South Korea and Japan which Pyongyang sees as a dress rehearsal for invasion. The "reckless actions" are driving the tense situation on the Korean peninsula "to the brink of a war", a ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by the official KCNA news agency.

The idea that the US could deprive Pyongyang of its "nuclear deterrent" through sanctions is "the wildest dream", it said. The US military said Tuesday that nuclear-armed North Korea had fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan but that it did not represent a threat to North America.

Pyongyang is on a quest to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead and has so far staged five nuclear tests, two of them last year.

MOSCOW: Korea is ready to deliver the "most ruthless blow" if provoked by the United States, its ambassador to Moscow said today after President Donald Trump pledged to keep building up defences against Pyongyang. "Our army has already said that if there will be even the smallest provocation from the United States during exercises, we are ready to deliver the most ruthless blow," Interfax news agency quoted ambassador Kim Hyong-Jun as saying. "We have the readiness and ability to counter any challenge from the US," he was quoted as saying. Trump yesterday pledged to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that the US would "continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities," a day after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan (East Sea). North Korea's foreign ministry on Monday assailed Washington for its tough talk and for an ongoing joint military exercise with South Korea and Japan which Pyongyang sees as a dress rehearsal for invasion. The "reckless actions" are driving the tense situation on the Korean peninsula "to the brink of a war", a ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by the official KCNA news agency. The idea that the US could deprive Pyongyang of its "nuclear deterrent" through sanctions is "the wildest dream", it said. The US military said Tuesday that nuclear-armed North Korea had fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan but that it did not represent a threat to North America. Pyongyang is on a quest to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead and has so far staged five nuclear tests, two of them last year.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today expressed regret at India's snub to the US offer to help resolve the Kashmir issue between the two neighbours, saying New Delhi as usual "reacted negatively" to the proposal.

Pakistan always welcomed offers of mediation, which has been made by various countries, to resolve the Kashmir issue, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafess Zakaria told reporters. "India, as usual, reacted negatively to the US offer.

India wants to speak of terrorism. We also insist on speaking of terrorism, which forms one of the elements of the comprehensive dialogue process," he said.

The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, had said on Monday that the US would try and "find its place" in efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Zakaria said the resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people and UN resolutions is the only way for durable peace in the region.

Accusing India of "trying to hide the atrocities in Kashmir", the spokesperson said that the protests during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kashmir visit recently are reflective of the "strong prevailing sentiment of the Kashmiri people".

Zakaria said that alleged Indian ceasefire violations are attempts to divert the attention of the international community from the deteriorating situation in Kashmir.

"Our forces act responsibly and with restraint returning fire only when fired upon. We regularly report the incidents to the UNMOGIP, who in turn submit their report to the UN Secretary General. International Community is realising the threat to the regional peace posed by the Indian belligerent posture," he said.

He also accused India of involvement in terrorism, saying that it has "irrefutable" evidence of it. "Kulbhushan Yadav and many other examples are irrefutable proof of Indian involvement in Pakistan," he said.

Commenting on a New York Times report about India may be reinterpreting its nuclear weapons doctrine of 'No-First-Use', he said Pakistan has long maintained that the ambiguous no-first-use declaration is not verifiable and hence nothing more than an empty political statement.

"It cannot substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures. In taking appropriate security measures, Pakistan has to consider capabilities and not intentions which can change anytime.

"It goes without saying that the talk about pre-emption in a nuclearized South Asia is highly irresponsible and dangerous and will not help the cause of promoting strategic restraint and stability in the region," he said.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today expressed regret at India's snub to the US offer to help resolve the Kashmir issue between the two neighbours, saying New Delhi as usual "reacted negatively" to the proposal. Pakistan always welcomed offers of mediation, which has been made by various countries, to resolve the Kashmir issue, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafess Zakaria told reporters. "India, as usual, reacted negatively to the US offer. India wants to speak of terrorism. We also insist on speaking of terrorism, which forms one of the elements of the comprehensive dialogue process," he said. The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, had said on Monday that the US would try and "find its place" in efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Zakaria said the resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people and UN resolutions is the only way for durable peace in the region. Accusing India of "trying to hide the atrocities in Kashmir", the spokesperson said that the protests during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kashmir visit recently are reflective of the "strong prevailing sentiment of the Kashmiri people". Zakaria said that alleged Indian ceasefire violations are attempts to divert the attention of the international community from the deteriorating situation in Kashmir. "Our forces act responsibly and with restraint returning fire only when fired upon. We regularly report the incidents to the UNMOGIP, who in turn submit their report to the UN Secretary General. International Community is realising the threat to the regional peace posed by the Indian belligerent posture," he said. He also accused India of involvement in terrorism, saying that it has "irrefutable" evidence of it. "Kulbhushan Yadav and many other examples are irrefutable proof of Indian involvement in Pakistan," he said. Commenting on a New York Times report about India may be reinterpreting its nuclear weapons doctrine of 'No-First-Use', he said Pakistan has long maintained that the ambiguous no-first-use declaration is not verifiable and hence nothing more than an empty political statement. "It cannot substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures. In taking appropriate security measures, Pakistan has to consider capabilities and not intentions which can change anytime. "It goes without saying that the talk about pre-emption in a nuclearized South Asia is highly irresponsible and dangerous and will not help the cause of promoting strategic restraint and stability in the region," he said.
By AFP

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he has ordered troops to deploy on unoccupied South China Sea islands, boosting the military presence on remote reefs claimed by Manila in a move that could provoke rival claimants including Beijing.

"It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant," he told reporters during a televised visit to a military camp on the western island of Palawan, near the disputed Spratly group.

China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbours and has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

Duterte has previously sought to improve his nation's relations with Beijing by adopting a non-confrontational approach over their competing claims in the strategically vital waters.

But the president appeared to alter his tone with his announcement Thursday, saying it was time to "erect structures there and raise the Philippine flag".

"I have ordered the armed forces to occupy all," Duterte said.

"At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours," he said, adding Manila was claiming "nine or 10" Spratly islands, reefs and cays.

The defence department later said that nine outcrops "are already in our possession" and occupied by marines, including Thitu island where the Philippine military maintains an airstrip.

Its statement suggested that Duterte's plan was to beef up contingents on the reefs.

"The president wants facilities built such as barracks for the men, water (desalination) and sewage disposal systems, power generators, light houses, and shelters for fishermen," the defence department said.

Race for possession

After China occupied Mischief Reef in the mid-1990s, the Philippines marooned a decrepit navy vessel atop nearby Second Thomas Shoal to assert Manila's territorial claim and has kept the rusting boat manned ever since.

Duterte also said he could visit Thitu island on June 12 to mark Philippine Independence Day and raise the nation's flag there.

An official at the Chinese embassy in Manila seemed surprised when asked by AFP to comment on Duterte's declaration, but referred questions on the matter to the Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing.

The Philippines under Duterte's predecessor Benigno Aquino actively challenged China's claim to control most of the South China Sea including taking the claim to a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in its favour last year.

But the controversial Duterte, who took office last year on a promises to kill thousands of people in a drug war, reversed that policy as he sought billions of dollars worth of investments and grants from Beijing.

China now controls several reefs in the South China Sea including Scarborough Shoal -- which Beijing seized from the Manila in 2012 -- and is just 230 kilometres (143 miles) from the main Philippine island of Luzon.

The two neighbours are scheduled to hold talks in China in May to tackle issues related to the sea row.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have also sparred with Beijing over territory in the disputed waterway.

US President Donald Trump's administration has so far taken a tough stance on China's claims in the South China Sea, insisting it will defend international interests there.

Trump is set to sit down with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later in the day to discuss a range of issues which will likely include tensions in the South China Sea.

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he has ordered troops to deploy on unoccupied South China Sea islands, boosting the military presence on remote reefs claimed by Manila in a move that could provoke rival claimants including Beijing. "It looks like everybody is making a grab for the islands there, so we better live on those that are still vacant," he told reporters during a televised visit to a military camp on the western island of Palawan, near the disputed Spratly group. China asserts sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbours and has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes. Duterte has previously sought to improve his nation's relations with Beijing by adopting a non-confrontational approach over their competing claims in the strategically vital waters. But the president appeared to alter his tone with his announcement Thursday, saying it was time to "erect structures there and raise the Philippine flag". "I have ordered the armed forces to occupy all," Duterte said. "At least, let us get what is ours now and make a strong point there that it is ours," he said, adding Manila was claiming "nine or 10" Spratly islands, reefs and cays. The defence department later said that nine outcrops "are already in our possession" and occupied by marines, including Thitu island where the Philippine military maintains an airstrip. Its statement suggested that Duterte's plan was to beef up contingents on the reefs. "The president wants facilities built such as barracks for the men, water (desalination) and sewage disposal systems, power generators, light houses, and shelters for fishermen," the defence department said. Race for possession After China occupied Mischief Reef in the mid-1990s, the Philippines marooned a decrepit navy vessel atop nearby Second Thomas Shoal to assert Manila's territorial claim and has kept the rusting boat manned ever since. Duterte also said he could visit Thitu island on June 12 to mark Philippine Independence Day and raise the nation's flag there. An official at the Chinese embassy in Manila seemed surprised when asked by AFP to comment on Duterte's declaration, but referred questions on the matter to the Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing. The Philippines under Duterte's predecessor Benigno Aquino actively challenged China's claim to control most of the South China Sea including taking the claim to a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in its favour last year. But the controversial Duterte, who took office last year on a promises to kill thousands of people in a drug war, reversed that policy as he sought billions of dollars worth of investments and grants from Beijing. China now controls several reefs in the South China Sea including Scarborough Shoal -- which Beijing seized from the Manila in 2012 -- and is just 230 kilometres (143 miles) from the main Philippine island of Luzon. The two neighbours are scheduled to hold talks in China in May to tackle issues related to the sea row. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have also sparred with Beijing over territory in the disputed waterway. US President Donald Trump's administration has so far taken a tough stance on China's claims in the South China Sea, insisting it will defend international interests there. Trump is set to sit down with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later in the day to discuss a range of issues which will likely include tensions in the South China Sea.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US Republican party today took a "nuclear option" of changing longstanding Senate rules to confirm President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee after Democrats blocked his nomination.

Trump's pick Judge Neil Gorsuch had failed to get 60 votes required to get a simple majority confirmation vote in the 100-seat Senate. Forty-four Democratic Senators said they oppose the nomination of Gorsuch. The Democratic blocking tactic, known as a filibuster, has never until now been successfully employed to block a Supreme Court nominee in the American history.

The opposition Democratic party is making every effort to block the nomination as that the Republicans had successfully blocked the Supreme Court pick of former US President Barack Obama last year. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell deployed the so-called "nuclear-option" to overcome the filibuster move of the Democrats.

This means that the Republican party would require 51 votes to get the confirmation of Gorsuch. "It would be a radical move, something completely unprecedented in the history of our Senate, and out of all proportion to the eminently qualified judge who is actually before us," he said. "It really is up to them and to how we should proceed. But one way or the other, we will confirm Judge Gorsuch," said Senator John Cornyn, another top Senate Republican.

However, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer warned that the Senate was about to go over the cliff. "The 60-vote threshold on controversial matters is a hallmark of the Senate. The Majority Leader has said so himself. It fosters compromise, it fosters bipartisanship, it makes the Senate more deliberative  '60-votes' ought to be the epigraph of the Senate. Losing that standard on the Supreme Court, a hugely controversial matter, erodes the very nature of this body," he said on the Senate floor.

"The 60-vote bar in the Senate is the guardrail of our democracy. When our body politic is veering too far to the right or to the left, the answer is not to dismantle the guard rails and go over the cliff, but to turn the wheel back toward the middle," Schumer said.

Schumer argued the 60-vote threshold operates as a guardrail against judicial extremism. When 60 votes  typically a bipartisan super-majority  are required for confirmation, nominees tend to be in the judicial mainstream.

The only nominee for the Court to be confirmed with less than 60 votes was Justice Thomas, who is widely recognised to be the most ideological extreme Supreme Court justice, he said. Senator Johnny Isakson, said that Gorsuch is an exceptional nominee with the right judicial temperament and a strong reliance on the text of Constitution and laws.

"I am extremely disappointed by the blind obstruction carried out by Senate Democrats today. The Senate and our country are headed in a dangerous direction if this type of partisan behaviour continues," he said.

WASHINGTON: US Republican party today took a "nuclear option" of changing longstanding Senate rules to confirm President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee after Democrats blocked his nomination. Trump's pick Judge Neil Gorsuch had failed to get 60 votes required to get a simple majority confirmation vote in the 100-seat Senate. Forty-four Democratic Senators said they oppose the nomination of Gorsuch. The Democratic blocking tactic, known as a filibuster, has never until now been successfully employed to block a Supreme Court nominee in the American history. The opposition Democratic party is making every effort to block the nomination as that the Republicans had successfully blocked the Supreme Court pick of former US President Barack Obama last year. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell deployed the so-called "nuclear-option" to overcome the filibuster move of the Democrats. This means that the Republican party would require 51 votes to get the confirmation of Gorsuch. "It would be a radical move, something completely unprecedented in the history of our Senate, and out of all proportion to the eminently qualified judge who is actually before us," he said. "It really is up to them and to how we should proceed. But one way or the other, we will confirm Judge Gorsuch," said Senator John Cornyn, another top Senate Republican. However, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer warned that the Senate was about to go over the cliff. "The 60-vote threshold on controversial matters is a hallmark of the Senate. The Majority Leader has said so himself. It fosters compromise, it fosters bipartisanship, it makes the Senate more deliberative  '60-votes' ought to be the epigraph of the Senate. Losing that standard on the Supreme Court, a hugely controversial matter, erodes the very nature of this body," he said on the Senate floor. "The 60-vote bar in the Senate is the guardrail of our democracy. When our body politic is veering too far to the right or to the left, the answer is not to dismantle the guard rails and go over the cliff, but to turn the wheel back toward the middle," Schumer said. Schumer argued the 60-vote threshold operates as a guardrail against judicial extremism. When 60 votes  typically a bipartisan super-majority  are required for confirmation, nominees tend to be in the judicial mainstream. The only nominee for the Court to be confirmed with less than 60 votes was Justice Thomas, who is widely recognised to be the most ideological extreme Supreme Court justice, he said. Senator Johnny Isakson, said that Gorsuch is an exceptional nominee with the right judicial temperament and a strong reliance on the text of Constitution and laws. "I am extremely disappointed by the blind obstruction carried out by Senate Democrats today. The Senate and our country are headed in a dangerous direction if this type of partisan behaviour continues," he said.
By AFP

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump should not point to his White House predecessor about a recent deadly chemical weapons attack on Syrian civilians but directly blame that nation's regime instead, Republican and Democratic senators urged Wednesday.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Senate Democrat Ben Cardin were introducing a resolution assailing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his forces for apparently using chemical weapons in an attack that left 86 civilians dead, including 30 children.

They also demanded a sharper position against Assad by the Trump administration, whose senior officials recently suggested it was no longer a priority that Assad be removed from power.

"This needs to become a priority," Rubio said at a press conference with Cardin, both of whom branded Assad a war criminal.

"I don't think it's a secret that I disagreed with many of the decisions made by the Obama administration on foreign policy, but that presidency's over. We have a new presidency," Rubio said.

"Bottom line is, the people who killed these children are Bashar al-Assad with the assistance of Vladimir Putin's military forces," Rubio added, referring to the presidents of Syria and Russia, respectively.

The Assad regime stands accused of conducting the latest chemical weapons assault, believed to be the worst since 2013 in the war-ravaged nation.

On Tuesday, Trump blamed Obama for failing to enforce his "red line" after Assad used chemical weapons four years ago.

"President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a 'red line' against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing," he said.

Trump offered stronger criticism of Assad Wednesday, labeling the latest attack an "affront to humanity."

Still, lawmakers were eager to see the new administration formulate a firm position on Syria.

"We need to know President Trump's policies for countering these atrocities and the challenges we have," Cardin said.

Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for the formulation of clear US policy that Assad has "no legitimacy as the leader of Syria and no future as the leader of Syria."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson raised eyebrows last week when he said Assad's fate was up to the Syrian people, and that the primary US goal was defeating the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Rubio said he does "not believe it is coincidental" that the attack followed such comments.

But he placed the blame squarely on Assad's forces.

"Any effort to take even an iota of blame away from the people truly responsible does not further the cause that we seek to make and bring light to today," he said.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump should not point to his White House predecessor about a recent deadly chemical weapons attack on Syrian civilians but directly blame that nation's regime instead, Republican and Democratic senators urged Wednesday. Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Senate Democrat Ben Cardin were introducing a resolution assailing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his forces for apparently using chemical weapons in an attack that left 86 civilians dead, including 30 children. They also demanded a sharper position against Assad by the Trump administration, whose senior officials recently suggested it was no longer a priority that Assad be removed from power. "This needs to become a priority," Rubio said at a press conference with Cardin, both of whom branded Assad a war criminal. "I don't think it's a secret that I disagreed with many of the decisions made by the Obama administration on foreign policy, but that presidency's over. We have a new presidency," Rubio said. "Bottom line is, the people who killed these children are Bashar al-Assad with the assistance of Vladimir Putin's military forces," Rubio added, referring to the presidents of Syria and Russia, respectively. The Assad regime stands accused of conducting the latest chemical weapons assault, believed to be the worst since 2013 in the war-ravaged nation. On Tuesday, Trump blamed Obama for failing to enforce his "red line" after Assad used chemical weapons four years ago. "President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a 'red line' against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing," he said. Trump offered stronger criticism of Assad Wednesday, labeling the latest attack an "affront to humanity." Still, lawmakers were eager to see the new administration formulate a firm position on Syria. "We need to know President Trump's policies for countering these atrocities and the challenges we have," Cardin said. Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for the formulation of clear US policy that Assad has "no legitimacy as the leader of Syria and no future as the leader of Syria." Secretary of State Rex Tillerson raised eyebrows last week when he said Assad's fate was up to the Syrian people, and that the primary US goal was defeating the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. Rubio said he does "not believe it is coincidental" that the attack followed such comments. But he placed the blame squarely on Assad's forces. "Any effort to take even an iota of blame away from the people truly responsible does not further the cause that we seek to make and bring light to today," he said.
By AFP

THE HAGUE: A British woman has been arrested and assets worth millions of euros have been recovered in a tax evasion probe in Britain and The Netherlands, apparently involving Swiss bank accounts, Dutch officials said Wednesday.

The arrest came after at least four European countries and Australia said last week that they had launched a sweeping investigation reportedly targeting the Swiss financial giant Credit Suisse.

"A British woman, 46, was arrested after a joint investigation with the British Revenue and Customs Service into her and her 51-year-old Dutch husband. Assets of more than six million euros ($6.3 million) have been confiscated," the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) said.

"The couple allegedly used their marketing business in Manchester to commit tax fraud and launder money via offshore accounts in The Netherlands, Germany and Austria," the FIOD said.

During raids Tuesday, agents seized two villas in The Netherlands, luxury British and German cars and a speedboat. They also raided the couple's business and homes in Austria, Britain and The Netherlands.

Tax authorities became suspicious of the couple after they withdrew more than 300,000 euros in cash from Dutch banks using credit cards linked to foreign bank accounts, the FIOD said.

"The woman allegedly laundered the money from criminal proceeds in The Netherlands, where the two suspects own two homes and where they regularly stay," the FIOD said.

The woman was arrested at another home in Britain.

It was not immediately clear if Tuesday's arrests were linked to the international investigations launched last week.

The FIOD drew no links between the arrest and the Swiss tax fraud probe, except to say that it had recently received information about more than 3,800 Dutch citizens who have a bank account "at a Swiss bank".

None of the authorities have confirmed that Credit Suisse was targeted last week. The bank said only that local authorities came to its offices in Amsterdam, London and Paris on Thursday "concerning client tax matters".

"We are cooperating with the authorities," Credit Suisse said a statement.

In double-page ads in European newspapers this week, the bank, Switzerland's second-largest, insisted that it has "zero tolerance" for tax evasion.

Its head of international wealth management, Iqbal Khan, told the Bloomberg news agency at the weekend that he understood the probe was focused strictly on the bank's clients.

THE HAGUE: A British woman has been arrested and assets worth millions of euros have been recovered in a tax evasion probe in Britain and The Netherlands, apparently involving Swiss bank accounts, Dutch officials said Wednesday. The arrest came after at least four European countries and Australia said last week that they had launched a sweeping investigation reportedly targeting the Swiss financial giant Credit Suisse. "A British woman, 46, was arrested after a joint investigation with the British Revenue and Customs Service into her and her 51-year-old Dutch husband. Assets of more than six million euros ($6.3 million) have been confiscated," the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) said. "The couple allegedly used their marketing business in Manchester to commit tax fraud and launder money via offshore accounts in The Netherlands, Germany and Austria," the FIOD said. During raids Tuesday, agents seized two villas in The Netherlands, luxury British and German cars and a speedboat. They also raided the couple's business and homes in Austria, Britain and The Netherlands. Tax authorities became suspicious of the couple after they withdrew more than 300,000 euros in cash from Dutch banks using credit cards linked to foreign bank accounts, the FIOD said. "The woman allegedly laundered the money from criminal proceeds in The Netherlands, where the two suspects own two homes and where they regularly stay," the FIOD said. The woman was arrested at another home in Britain. It was not immediately clear if Tuesday's arrests were linked to the international investigations launched last week. The FIOD drew no links between the arrest and the Swiss tax fraud probe, except to say that it had recently received information about more than 3,800 Dutch citizens who have a bank account "at a Swiss bank". None of the authorities have confirmed that Credit Suisse was targeted last week. The bank said only that local authorities came to its offices in Amsterdam, London and Paris on Thursday "concerning client tax matters". "We are cooperating with the authorities," Credit Suisse said a statement. In double-page ads in European newspapers this week, the bank, Switzerland's second-largest, insisted that it has "zero tolerance" for tax evasion. Its head of international wealth management, Iqbal Khan, told the Bloomberg news agency at the weekend that he understood the probe was focused strictly on the bank's clients.
By PTI

NEW YORK: Nikki Haley, the tough-talking and blunt US Ambassador to the UN, was heckled during an annual summit on women here as she spoke about President Donald Trump and Russia.

Haley was speaking yesterday at the 'Women In The World' summit, a premier annual gathering of influential women leaders, politicians and activists organised by media personality Tina Brown in association with the New York Times.

As she was answering questions during the session titled 'Trump's Diplomat: Nikki Haley' moderated by MSNBC anchor Greta Van Susteren, Haley was booed and heckled on several occasions. At one point someone in the audience shouted "what about refugees" while another said "when is the next panel."

During the nearly 22 minute session, a woman in the audience shouted "when is the next panel," to which the 45-year-old smiled and exclaimed "wow" as the audience tried to shush the heckler.

She was heckled again when asked how America deals with some of the world leaders who are dictators.

"You call them out when they do something wrong and you work with them when you can find ways to work with them."

As some members of the audience shouted at her remarks, Haley said "we have to express America's values. We are always the moral conscience of the world," to which someone from the audience shouted "what about the refugees", cutting off Haley. Haley went silent. Van Susteren paused, and then said, "Moving on."

At the end of the day's programme, Brown commended Haley for attending the event even as she got a "boisterous reception" and for remaining gracious as she was heckled.

"We often complain and sneer and say Republicans never want to come on any kind of forum except Fox News or places where they can be asked questions that are soft," Brown said, adding that Haley did not put on any pre-conditions and sat very "graciously" while the audience heckled. "

She didn't get agitated about it, and she's in the middle of a lot of world crises. So I feel that we should really applaud the fact that she did come."

Van Susteren asked Haley why the world has not heard much from Trump about Russia, a question that drew a thunderous applause from the audience.

Haley said, "first of all keep in mind that I work for the Trump administration," a response that generated boos and heckles from the audience and prompted Van Susteren to ask the audience to "hold on, hold on. We got to get people fix these problems."

Haley added that she has "hit Russia over the head more times than I can count. It's because if they do something wrong we are going to call them out on it. If they want to help us defeat terrorism, fine."

"But the things they have done with Crimea and Ukraine, the things they have done with how they have covered up for (Syrian President Bashar) Assad, we are not going to give them a pass on."

Haley said she has had conversations with Trump "where he very much sees Russia as a problem and I think if you look at his actions, everybody wants to hear his words but look at his actions. The two things that Russia does not want to see the US do is strengthen the military and expand energy and the President has done both of those." She gave out a smile as her comments again drew prolonged boos from the audience.

On the chemical weapons attack on a Syrian town, Haley said Russia blamed it on a container of chemical weapons that ISIS had.

"There is no ounce of proof. They just make things up," she said.

Haley, earlier this year, scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indian-American to be appointed to a cabinet-level post in any US administration.

NEW YORK: Nikki Haley, the tough-talking and blunt US Ambassador to the UN, was heckled during an annual summit on women here as she spoke about President Donald Trump and Russia. Haley was speaking yesterday at the 'Women In The World' summit, a premier annual gathering of influential women leaders, politicians and activists organised by media personality Tina Brown in association with the New York Times. As she was answering questions during the session titled 'Trump's Diplomat: Nikki Haley' moderated by MSNBC anchor Greta Van Susteren, Haley was booed and heckled on several occasions. At one point someone in the audience shouted "what about refugees" while another said "when is the next panel." During the nearly 22 minute session, a woman in the audience shouted "when is the next panel," to which the 45-year-old smiled and exclaimed "wow" as the audience tried to shush the heckler. She was heckled again when asked how America deals with some of the world leaders who are dictators. "You call them out when they do something wrong and you work with them when you can find ways to work with them." As some members of the audience shouted at her remarks, Haley said "we have to express America's values. We are always the moral conscience of the world," to which someone from the audience shouted "what about the refugees", cutting off Haley. Haley went silent. Van Susteren paused, and then said, "Moving on." At the end of the day's programme, Brown commended Haley for attending the event even as she got a "boisterous reception" and for remaining gracious as she was heckled. "We often complain and sneer and say Republicans never want to come on any kind of forum except Fox News or places where they can be asked questions that are soft," Brown said, adding that Haley did not put on any pre-conditions and sat very "graciously" while the audience heckled. " She didn't get agitated about it, and she's in the middle of a lot of world crises. So I feel that we should really applaud the fact that she did come." Van Susteren asked Haley why the world has not heard much from Trump about Russia, a question that drew a thunderous applause from the audience. Haley said, "first of all keep in mind that I work for the Trump administration," a response that generated boos and heckles from the audience and prompted Van Susteren to ask the audience to "hold on, hold on. We got to get people fix these problems." Haley added that she has "hit Russia over the head more times than I can count. It's because if they do something wrong we are going to call them out on it. If they want to help us defeat terrorism, fine." "But the things they have done with Crimea and Ukraine, the things they have done with how they have covered up for (Syrian President Bashar) Assad, we are not going to give them a pass on." Haley said she has had conversations with Trump "where he very much sees Russia as a problem and I think if you look at his actions, everybody wants to hear his words but look at his actions. The two things that Russia does not want to see the US do is strengthen the military and expand energy and the President has done both of those." She gave out a smile as her comments again drew prolonged boos from the audience. On the chemical weapons attack on a Syrian town, Haley said Russia blamed it on a container of chemical weapons that ISIS had. "There is no ounce of proof. They just make things up," she said. Haley, earlier this year, scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indian-American to be appointed to a cabinet-level post in any US administration.
By AFP

WASHINGTON: The United States Thursday threatened Syria with military action as President Donald Trump warned "something should happen" following a suspected chemical attack that left at least 86 dead and provoked global outrage.

An American decision to strike the regime in Damascus could hinge on the outcome of a Security Council vote, at around 2300 GMT, on a Western resolution on the attack that could face a Russian veto.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson vowed an "appropriate response" to the attack in Khan Sheikhun in rebel-held Idlib province, whose victims included 27 children.

Trump has signaled a startling about-turn towards President Bashar al-Assad, who many in the international community hold responsible for Tuesday's horrific events.

"What Assad did is terrible. What happened in Syria is truly one of the egregious crimes," the US leader said Thursday. "I guess he's running things, so I guess something should happen."

Trump's comments came as Tillerson -- who like him was in Florida to welcome China's Xi Jinping -- called explicitly for "a political process that would lead to Assad leaving" and said his future role in the country was "uncertain."

It remained unclear whether Assad's main ally Russia would resort to its veto power to block the draft resolution presented to the UN, which was slightly revised following negotiations over the past two days.

Britain, France and the United States are backing the draft which demands a full investigation of the incident, which Turkey believes exposed victims to the nerve agent sarin.

The US Ambassador Nikki Haley has warned that Washington could take unilateral action if the world body fails to respond to the serious allegations of chemical weapons use.

A US official said the Pentagon is presenting the White House with a range of possible military options, including cruise missile or air strikes on Assad's air fields in a bid to ground his air force -- but that no decisions had been taken.

Any such military action brings enormous risks, as strikes could be subject to skirting Russian air defenses. Moscow also has advisors on the ground in Syria.

- Syrian denial -

Trump on Wednesday decried the suspected attack as an "affront to humanity," seemingly horrified by photographs showing dead children and victims suffering convulsions, breathing problems and foaming at the mouth.

Results from post-mortems performed on victims point to possible exposure to sarin, according to Turkish health officials.

"It crossed a lot of lines for me," Trump said, alluding to Barack Obama's failure to enforce his own "red line" on the use of chemical weapons in Syria four years ago.

In 2013, Trump had urged then-president Obama not to intervene against Assad.

After six years of grueling civil war, the sudden specter of US military action against Assad and calls for his removal mark a dramatic shift in policy.

Just last week, UN envoy Haley condemned Assad's history of abuses but said Washington should work with powers like Turkey and Russia to seek a political settlement, rather than focusing on the Syrian leader.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on Thursday repeated the regime's denial it conducted a chemical strike.

"The Syrian army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons -- not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds," he said.

Russia also stood by its longtime ally, with President Vladimir Putin warning against a rush to judgment.

Putin underlined "the unacceptability of making unfounded accusations against anyone before a thorough and impartial international investigation is carried out."

- 'Terrible responsibility' -

The UN children's agency UNICEF says at least 546 people were wounded in the suspected chemical attack.

More than 30 people were transferred across the border into Turkey for treatment, and Ankara said a preliminary probe found a link between these injuries and sarin.

If confirmed to be a chemical attack, this would be among the worst such incidents in Syria's civil war, which has killed more than 320,000 people since it began in March 2011.

The draft UN resolution backs a probe by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and demands Syria provide information on its operations.

The OPCW said Thursday it has opened an "ongoing investigation" and has "initiated contact with the Syrian authorities."

Russia has previously used its veto seven times to shield Syria at the UN.

France warned Moscow it would face a "terrible responsibility in front of history" if it did so once more.

Syria officially relinquished its chemical arsenal and signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 to avert military action after it was accused of an attack outside Damascus that killed hundreds.

But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use since.

WASHINGTON: The United States Thursday threatened Syria with military action as President Donald Trump warned "something should happen" following a suspected chemical attack that left at least 86 dead and provoked global outrage. An American decision to strike the regime in Damascus could hinge on the outcome of a Security Council vote, at around 2300 GMT, on a Western resolution on the attack that could face a Russian veto. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson vowed an "appropriate response" to the attack in Khan Sheikhun in rebel-held Idlib province, whose victims included 27 children. Trump has signaled a startling about-turn towards President Bashar al-Assad, who many in the international community hold responsible for Tuesday's horrific events. "What Assad did is terrible. What happened in Syria is truly one of the egregious crimes," the US leader said Thursday. "I guess he's running things, so I guess something should happen." Trump's comments came as Tillerson -- who like him was in Florida to welcome China's Xi Jinping -- called explicitly for "a political process that would lead to Assad leaving" and said his future role in the country was "uncertain." It remained unclear whether Assad's main ally Russia would resort to its veto power to block the draft resolution presented to the UN, which was slightly revised following negotiations over the past two days. Britain, France and the United States are backing the draft which demands a full investigation of the incident, which Turkey believes exposed victims to the nerve agent sarin. The US Ambassador Nikki Haley has warned that Washington could take unilateral action if the world body fails to respond to the serious allegations of chemical weapons use. A US official said the Pentagon is presenting the White House with a range of possible military options, including cruise missile or air strikes on Assad's air fields in a bid to ground his air force -- but that no decisions had been taken. Any such military action brings enormous risks, as strikes could be subject to skirting Russian air defenses. Moscow also has advisors on the ground in Syria. - Syrian denial - Trump on Wednesday decried the suspected attack as an "affront to humanity," seemingly horrified by photographs showing dead children and victims suffering convulsions, breathing problems and foaming at the mouth. Results from post-mortems performed on victims point to possible exposure to sarin, according to Turkish health officials. "It crossed a lot of lines for me," Trump said, alluding to Barack Obama's failure to enforce his own "red line" on the use of chemical weapons in Syria four years ago. In 2013, Trump had urged then-president Obama not to intervene against Assad. After six years of grueling civil war, the sudden specter of US military action against Assad and calls for his removal mark a dramatic shift in policy. Just last week, UN envoy Haley condemned Assad's history of abuses but said Washington should work with powers like Turkey and Russia to seek a political settlement, rather than focusing on the Syrian leader. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on Thursday repeated the regime's denial it conducted a chemical strike. "The Syrian army has not, did not and will not use this kind of weapons -- not just against our own people, but even against the terrorists that attack our civilians with their mortar rounds," he said. Russia also stood by its longtime ally, with President Vladimir Putin warning against a rush to judgment. Putin underlined "the unacceptability of making unfounded accusations against anyone before a thorough and impartial international investigation is carried out." - 'Terrible responsibility' - The UN children's agency UNICEF says at least 546 people were wounded in the suspected chemical attack. More than 30 people were transferred across the border into Turkey for treatment, and Ankara said a preliminary probe found a link between these injuries and sarin. If confirmed to be a chemical attack, this would be among the worst such incidents in Syria's civil war, which has killed more than 320,000 people since it began in March 2011. The draft UN resolution backs a probe by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and demands Syria provide information on its operations. The OPCW said Thursday it has opened an "ongoing investigation" and has "initiated contact with the Syrian authorities." Russia has previously used its veto seven times to shield Syria at the UN. France warned Moscow it would face a "terrible responsibility in front of history" if it did so once more. Syria officially relinquished its chemical arsenal and signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 to avert military action after it was accused of an attack outside Damascus that killed hundreds. But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use since.
By AFP

MOSCOW: Eight people suspected of involvement in the Saint Petersburg metro bombing were detained today, Russia's Investigative Committee said.

"Six people were detained in Saint Petersburg and two in Moscow who are involved in the act of terror" following an investigation and search operation conducted by the FSB security service and interior ministry, the committee said in a statement.

Investigators said they discovered, in one of the suspects' residences, an explosive device "identical" to the one found at a Saint Petersburg metro station that was discovered shortly before another device exploded in a tunnel killing 13 people.

They also recovered firearms and ammunition from the suspects' residences, the committee said.

The committee said a court will soon rule on detention measures for the eight suspects, who seem to bear Central Asian names.

Investigators said earlier Thursday that they had raided the flat of "several citizens of Central Asian republics, who had been in contact" with the suspected bomber, 22-year-old Akbarjon Djalilov.

They confiscated other objects "relevant to the investigation" at his acquaintances' flat but did not disclose their nature. Investigators said Djalilov -- believed to be a Russian citizen born in the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan -- had set off a bomb in a train carriage travelling between two busy Saint Petersburg metro stations on Monday afternoon.

His remains were found at the site of the blast and traces of his DNA were also discovered on a bag containing the bomb at another metro station that was successfully defused, investigators said. No one has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

The head of Russia's Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin has ordered officials to look into any potential "links" between the alleged attacker and the Islamic State group. Jihadists from IS -- which includes foreign fighters from ex-Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus region -- have repeatedly threatened an attack on Russian soil in revenge for Moscow's military backing of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

MOSCOW: Eight people suspected of involvement in the Saint Petersburg metro bombing were detained today, Russia's Investigative Committee said. "Six people were detained in Saint Petersburg and two in Moscow who are involved in the act of terror" following an investigation and search operation conducted by the FSB security service and interior ministry, the committee said in a statement. Investigators said they discovered, in one of the suspects' residences, an explosive device "identical" to the one found at a Saint Petersburg metro station that was discovered shortly before another device exploded in a tunnel killing 13 people. They also recovered firearms and ammunition from the suspects' residences, the committee said. The committee said a court will soon rule on detention measures for the eight suspects, who seem to bear Central Asian names. Investigators said earlier Thursday that they had raided the flat of "several citizens of Central Asian republics, who had been in contact" with the suspected bomber, 22-year-old Akbarjon Djalilov. They confiscated other objects "relevant to the investigation" at his acquaintances' flat but did not disclose their nature. Investigators said Djalilov -- believed to be a Russian citizen born in the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan -- had set off a bomb in a train carriage travelling between two busy Saint Petersburg metro stations on Monday afternoon. His remains were found at the site of the blast and traces of his DNA were also discovered on a bag containing the bomb at another metro station that was successfully defused, investigators said. No one has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The head of Russia's Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin has ordered officials to look into any potential "links" between the alleged attacker and the Islamic State group. Jihadists from IS -- which includes foreign fighters from ex-Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus region -- have repeatedly threatened an attack on Russian soil in revenge for Moscow's military backing of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Add on some colorful Justice League superhero socks to up your style quotient

New Delhi , April 04 : This season, amp up your style quotient with colorful superhero socks.





(Posted on 04 April 2017, 1667905852 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/fashion-news.php  (Posted on 04 April 2017, 1667905852 173O212O198O32)

Premium socks brand, Balenzia has joined hands with Turner international pvt. Ltd. Cartoon Network Enterprises to introduce the Justice League collection, to serve the increasing demand for branded merchandise from superhero enthusiasts.Known for offering stylish designs and uncommonly cool products, the Justice League franchise is another bold move by Balenzia to help gentlemen stand-out in the crowd.The choice of colorful variants for men, women and kids are inspired by the Justice League graphic novel bandwagon including Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and Green, Lantern and flash.In this regard, Rahul Gupta, Director, Balenzia, said, "We are excited to launch the Justice League collection of socks to appeal to the superhero fans in India. In recent years, we have observed an increasing boldness in the choice of socks among men. With our association with DC Comics we aim to share Superhero merchandise for men, women and children across age groups."Anand Singh, Senior Director - South Asia at Turner International - ?Turner International, added, "Cartoon Network Enterprises is the Master Licensee for the Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) portfolio for South Asia. We are happy to collaborate with Balenzia and hope this partnership will expand the WBCP brands of Justice League into new and exciting categories and draw consumer excitement.
Karnataka: Water crisis after heat wave grips Gulbarga

Gulbarga (Karnataka), April. 5 : The ongoing heat wave conditions across the southern states have led to severe water crisis in Gulbarga city in Karnataka.





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In the absence of any relief from either rain or winds, the temperature is soaring in the city, reaching beyond forty-two degree Celsius besides acute water shortage in the area.Speaking to ANI here, one of the residents of Garib Nawaz Colony said, "I appeal the government to please help us. Every two days only one time water tanker comes to the area. The people and children stand in the queue for the whole day but are not able to get sufficient water."Another local raised questions on the politicians who make vastly unrealistic promises during the time of election but forgets to deliver at the time of need."Please help us as the bore wells have dried up in the area and the tankers which are coming are not sufficient for the people," the local told ANI.Earlier, Law Minister TB Jayachandra said that the government plans to use modern exploitation technologies to identity underground water reserves.According to the reports, the government will drill to the depths of 2000 ft to find water.The minister also said that the state government will distribute the drought relief fund sanctioned by the central government to the farmers.
SP leader Shivpal Yadav to meet CM Adityanath today

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) , Apr.5 : Samajwadi Party (SP) senior leader Shivpal Singh Yadav will meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today the latter's official residence 5 Kalidas Marg in Lucknow.





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There are speculations regarding the meeting as the agenda is not revealed yet.The UP Government on Tuesday waived off Rs. 30, 729 crore worth loan amount of the small and marginal farmers of the state.Along with this, the government has also decided to forego Non-Performing Assets (NPA) worth Rs. 5,630 crore of eight lakh farmers.The decision of waiving off loans will be benefitting 2 crore 15 lakh farmers of the state.Recently, CM Adityanath visited to a cow shelter in Lucknow run by ex-CM Akhilesh Yadav's step-brother Prateek Yadav and his wife Aparna Yadav who contested in the UP assembly elections as SP candidate from Lucknow seat and lost to the BJP's Rita Bahuguna Joshi. The Chief Minister walked around the shelter and fed cows, with both Prateek and Aparna by his side.The visit also sparked new speculation about whether Aparna Yadav is growing closer to the Bharatiya Janata Party.The first Cabinet meeting of UP CM Yogi Adityanath-led government was held here yesterday.The Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister took up several key issues including a loan waiver for farmers.During the recent assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised to waive off agricultural loans of farmers in the first Cabinet meeting after coming to power.Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared at an election rally that he would ensure the BJP Government in its first Cabinet meeting takes decision to waive off the farmers' loan.
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Famer loan waiver: Shiv Sena urges other CMs to emulate Yogi Adityanath

New Delhi , Apr. 5 : The Shiv Sena on Wednesday welcomed the Yogi Adityanath-led government's decision to waive off agrarian loans worth Rs 36,359 crore of nearly 87 lakh small and marginal farmers in Uttar Pradesh.





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Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI said the admirable step taken by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister should be emulated by others too.Congratulating Chief Minister Adityanath for taking the decision in his very first cabinet meeting, Raut said, "We have welcomed the decision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji. On the first day of the Cabinet meeting the courage he took to waive off the farmer's loan, I think others too should follow Adityanath's footsteps.""Especially in states like Punjab and Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu the farmer loan should be waived off. The maximum number of farmer suicides takes place in Maharashtra, with indebtedness being one of the main reasons," he added.The Uttar Pradesh Government yesterday waived off Rs. 30, 729 crore worth loan amount of the small and marginal farmers of the state.The decision will be benefitting 2 crore 15 lakh farmers of the state.Along with this, the government has also decided to forego Non-Performing Assets (NPA) worth Rs. 5,630 crore of eight lakh farmers."Uttar Pradesh has 2, 30,00,000 farmers. We have waived off Rs. 30, 729 crore loan amount of the farmers," Cabinet Minister Siddharth Nath Singh told the media here.Cabinet Minister Shrikant Sharma said that the government has decided to keep a target of 80 lakh tonnes of wheat purchase."All the district Magistrates (DMs) have been instructed to purchase more where there is more produce," Sharma said.Also, 7,000 purchase centres would be opened in the state.Singh also intimated that the government would introduce 'farmer bond' for the welfare of the farming community.
Chetan Cheeta's willpower helped him fight back: AIIMS

New Delhi , Apr 5 : The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Wednesday declared CRPF commandant Chetan Cheeta fit and said that he will be discharged today.





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AIIMS officials told media here that Cheeta, who took at least nine bullets and sustained multiple injuries, has recovered due to his strong will power."Happy to announce that Chetan Cheeta is now fit to go back today. Cheeta requires rehabilitation. His strong will power helped him fight back and recover," said a AIIMS official.The CRPF commanding officer was in coma for two months after being hit by at least nine bullets during a gun battle with terrorists in Kashmir' Bandipora on February 14.The 45-year-old had suffered bilateral upper limbs fractures, bullet injuries in his head and lost his right eye during the bloody encounter that claimed lives of three Indian soldiers.Cheeta, a Commanding Officer of the 45th battalion on March 16, Cheeta was shifted to normal ward from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was also taken off the ventilator.Cheeta was first taken to military hospital in Srinagar where medications were given to prevent bleeding. However, given the extent of the injuries and his comatose state, it was decided to airlift him to the AIIMS trauma centre.
Kiran Bedi, Narayanasamy lock horns over senior official's transfer

Puducherry , Apr 5 : A tussle of power is underway in Puducherry between Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi and the Congress Government headed by V. Narayanasamy over the transfer of a senior civil service official.





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"Pondicherry being a union territory, the service matters are squarely within the domain of the Lieutenant Governor as administrator. I do transfers and postings all the time. But this is a unique thing. I was away for a short tour to Delhi when the Chief Secretary issued a transfer order of Municipal Commissioner Mr Chandresekharan," Bedi told ANI."When I found that he issued the order, I approached the Union Home Secretary Mr Rajiv Mehrishi and brought this order to his notice. Mr. Mehrishi immediately called the Chief Secretary and said why you have issued a transfer order without the file being produced before the Lieutenant Governor. I don't know what he said. The point is he committed a violation," she added.Bedi further stated that she declared the order invalid after discussion with the Union Home Secretary."Whether the Chief Secretary is under pressure from the political masters, the question is whatever the pressure...file ought to have gone through me and particularly when I was available in next one-and-a-half day. So, I have asked for a departmental action to be taken against the Chief Secretary of Puducherry because he has committed a serious grave violation of rules and caused so much of disruption," she said.The Lieutenant Governor alleged that the Chief Secretary has played a very destructive and negative role, which is contrary to the professional norms.A delegation of Congress leaders will be meeting President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to apprise them of the political situation arising out of rejection of transfer of a senior civil service official by Bedi.
Cabinet approves collaboration agreement to support Belmont Forum Secretariat

New Delhi , Apr. 5 : The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of the Collaborative Agreement with French National Research Agency (ANR), France for supporting the Belmont Forum Secretariat from January, 2015 to December, 2017 at a total estimated expenditure of Euro 40,000.





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The Cabinet also approved continued financial support to Belmont Forum Secretariat beyond 2017.The Belmont Forum, created in 2009, is a high level group of the world's major and emerging funders of global environmental change research and international science councils.It provides an opportunity to identify study and deliver international environmental research priorities, for the society, in an accelerated way through transAnational research collaboration between natural and social scientists and alignment of international resourcesIndia is a member of Belmont Forum, besides Australia, Brazil, Canada, European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Netherland, South Africa, UK and USA etc. Ministry of Earth Science (MoES), represents India in the Belmont Forum since 2012.In order to coordinate the activities of the Belmont, a Secretariat is hosted by one of the Belmont forum member on rotational basis. ANR, France is hosting the Secretariat from January, 2015 to December, 2017. Expenditure for hosting the Secretariat will be borne by Belmont Forum member countries in kind or cash contribution.The agreement will help to maintain a certain degree of continuity in the operations of the Forum and also help in smooth coordination of the activities of Belmont Forum. As India is already participating in 4 Collaborative Research Actions (CRAs) and Secretariat will be coordinating the activities of Belmont Forum, Indian scientific community will ultimately benefit from this agreement.Since the inception of Belmont Forum in 2009, its operations were being handled by a part-time secretariat associated with the respective Chairs of the Belmont Forum. As the Co-chairs are rotational, the Secretariat also rotates and some time co-chairs are from different Continents with different time zone. In order to maintain a certain degree of continuity in the operations of the Forum, establishment of a Full-time Secretariat was agreed upon by Belmont Forum members, on rotational basis. ANR, France has agreed to host the Secretariat from January, 2015 to December, 2017.
Britney Spears coming back to Disney in big way!

New Delhi , Apr. 6 : She starred as a mouseketeer on 'The Mickey Mouse Club' 23 years ago and now she's all set to step back into the Disney spotlight.





(Posted on 06 April 2017, 1667905860 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/hollywood-news.php  (Posted on 06 April 2017, 1667905860 173O212O198O32)

The upcoming 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards will honour the 'Don't Go Knockin' On My Door' pop icon with the very first-ever Icon Award, set for April 29.Radio Disney made the announcement today on Twitter, sayin: "#RDMA Buzz: @britneyspears will be presented with the first-ever Icon Award at this year's RDMA!"The show, which will air on the Disney Channel on April 30, will include performances from a ton of up-and-coming pop princesses, including Sabrina Carpenter, Noah Cyrus, Bridgit Mendler and Julia Michaels.
Pak calls for politically negotiated settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan

Islamabad [Pakistan], Apr. 6 : Asserting that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict, Adviser to the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has called for a politically negotiated settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan.





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"There was no military solution to the Afghan conflict and there was need of focused efforts for a politically negotiated settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan," Aziz said while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday."Pakistan remained committed to continued efforts for facilitating an Afghan-owned Afghan-led peace process," he added.He said that Pakistan is pursuing a policy of strengthening relations with Afghanistan.Aziz said Pakistan was working on modernization of the visa system and facilities at border crossing points with a view to further enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.According to a statement issued by the Pakistan's Foreign Office, Adviser Aziz informed the Standing Committee that the government was also focusing on efforts to increase facilities for Afghan students in Pakistan's educational institutions to further deepen the cultural and educational linkages between the two sides."In this regard, the government has announced another 3000 scholarships for Afghan students in the field of higher education after utilization of the existing 3000 scholarships," he said.Aziz urged the Afghan government to convene the next meeting of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority at the earliest for revising and strengthening APTTA.Underlining the importance of close engagement between the two sides on connectivity projects in infrastructure and energy, Aziz said that $500 million economic assistance from Pakistan could be utilized for initiating these connectivity projects.Describing terrorism as a common threat, Sartaj Aziz said that the bilateral mechanism recently agreed between the two countries provided an opportunity for engagement to address the issues of counter-terrorism and border management.Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been in hot waters with both countries accusing each other of not doing enough to tackle terrorists on their soils.
Japan seeks to improve environment and water supply in S.E. Asia

Hanoi [Vietnam] / Phnom Penh [Cambodia], Apr.6 : The Cherry Blossom tree in Japanese culture has great significance, and corporates are taking it forward to protect the environment.





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The AEON Environmental Foundation held a cherry tree planting ceremony at Hoa Binh Park in Hanoi, Vietnam.AEON has carried out tree planting projects in several countries, mainly in Asia.In Vietnam, 75,000 trees were planted at Lang Co Beach in Hue Province, and 15,000 trees in Ba Vi National Park near Hanoi.Yasutsugu Iwamura, General Director, Aeon Mall Vietnam Co., Ltd., said, "As a modern retailer, we don't only contribute to the modernization of this country or help people continue to store goods, but we are also contributing to the environment by working with people based in the local area. Our company always acts with balance, such as planting trees with local Vietnamese people."Over those six years, a total of 3,200 volunteers from both Japan and Vietnam participated in the tree-planting activities.Now, tree planting participants include many high school students from Vietnam and Japan who are participating in the Aeon one percent Club High School exchange program "Teenage Ambassador."The Aeon Group companies contribute one percent of their pre-tax profits to Aeon's One Percent Club to hold projects for "sound development of the next generation," "promotion of friendship with foreign countries," and "sustainable development of regional communities."Yohsei Honda, Secretary General, AEON One Percent Club Foundation, "This is a gathering among high school students, which is very enjoyable. The popular part is experiencing the culture and moving their bodies around. Everyone was fully engaged. We believe it will become a long-lasting memory."A new scenic spot for cherry blossoms, symbols of friendship between the two countries will carry over a world filled with life and nature to the children of the future.Jun Kanayama, Teenage Ambassador, "We must appreciate being in Japan and we feel encouraged to work harder at our studies and activities."Truong Phuong Thao, Teenage Ambassador, "I think this program is a wonderful thing, it's very interesting, it's very exciting, I hope to once again participate this kind of program if I possibly can."In South East Asia, along with the development of the country and industrialization, many schools offer lectures on pumps. However, there is a shortage in text material.As the biggest pump manufacturer in Japan and part of the contribution to foreign societies, Ebara has held free technical pump seminars centered in South East Asia.Also, the company donated cutting models and water supply units as part of the materials that help students learn about building, structures, operation control of pumps that are indispensable from lecture and research.Doung Ratha of the Department of Rural Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia said, "It is easy for students when they see the actual structure, actual point, and actual place where it is better than to hear my lecture. It is better for them to do the actual work than just learning the theory in the classroom. It's important to study the pump, because pumps can help farmers pump water to their farms in the irrigation sector. In the city, we use pumps to boost water up to high buildings. Students study in this department, this faculty. After studying, they practice to have a concept for water pumping, and they can find a job outside easily because many companies and industries are working in this sector."Chin Chandy, Year 4, Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, "In the book, we need to think. We can't practice the real work. I think it's easier to understand (here)."Chum Kim Leang, Year 4, Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, "I want to be an irrigation and water supply innovating engineer."Expectations are high from the youth on the development of the country based on the advancement of advanced technology.
China goes the extra mile against India and The Dalai Lama

Hong Kong [China], Apr.6 : That China would be extremely upset over India allowing Tibetan Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, to visit the North East Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, was a given. China has, after all, been claiming most of the state as its own territory, identified as South Tibet.





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Even though no Chinese live in Arunachal Pradesh, and India is unlikely to cede any ground on the disputed border between the two Asian giants, the claims persist. The most eye-catching is the Chinese stand over Tawang, a monastery town which was also the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. Beijing insists that India must, at the very least, give up Tawang as a step to move towards resolving the border issue.It was, therefore, not unexpected that Chinese officials, and the officially-driven media, would raise a chorus of disbelief over India's 'moves' - notwithstanding that as a spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, is free to visit any part of India. And not just him, even the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, recognized by the Dalai Lama and China, visited Tawang in November 2016.The strangest part is how China has felt it fit to use its technological resources to try and scuttle the Dalai Lama's visit. Knowledgeable European experts who have seen satellite imagery in areas of Tibet close to the border with India, reveal that at least two batteries of rockets have been noticed deployed in recent days. Interestingly, though, these are not military rockets that some Indian strategic affairs experts keep talking about.On the contrary, those are rockets used for cloud seeding! The Chinese have, over the years, perfected the technique of creating artificial rain, and used this to good effect to ensure that there was no weather-related disturbance during the August 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. The technology has often been used ahead of, and during, high-profile multinational gatherings, to give the impression of much better weather conditions than actually exist.Called 'artificial rain' in layman's terms, the technology enables China to fire rockets loaded with chemicals into clouds, resulting in rain over an identified area. Images of the region have also shown at least a dozen empty shell cases near the rocket batteries. What experts have surmised is that, knowing that the only easy way to Tawang is by helicopter from the plains of the Assam province of India, China used cloud seeding to bring unseasonal heavy downpours in and around Tawang, on the eve of the Dalai Lama's visit. As a result, the Dalai Lama's plans were disrupted and the only alternative was for the 82-year old monk to come uphill in stages, on ill-maintained roads, in treacherous weather.Beijing had gambled that this would be unviable for the Dalai Lama. But, yet again, he showed why he has consistently outwitted five generations of Chinese leaders. Despite objections from his entourage and India's paranoid security officials, the determined old 'demon' (a Chinese epithet for the Dalai Lama), insisted that come what may, he would go up to Tawang.So the machinations of China in using all means at its disposal did not bring in the desired results. A less determined adversary than the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, would have given up. But this monk, when asked if the road journey had been difficult, just raised his arms, flexed his muscles, and said, "Very strong, 82-year old", and laughed his full-throated, infectious laugh. However, someone in Beijing's leadership compound might not be feeling as upbeat.
David Schwimmer, wife Zoe Buckman part ways after 6 years of marriage

Washington D.C. [USA], April 06 : David Schwimmer is 'on a break' in his real life!





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According to E! Online, David and his wife Zoe Buckman confirmed the news of their separation after six years of marriage."It is with great love, respect and friendship that we have decided to take some time apart while we determine the future of our relationship. Our priority is, of course, our daughter's happiness and well being during this challenging time, and so we ask for your support and respect for our privacy as we continue to raise her together and navigate this new chapter for our family," the pair told E! Online.The couple shares one daughter together, a five-year-old girl named Cleo Buckman Schwimmer.Schwimmer, 50, and Buckman, 31, have been together for more than ten years.They first met on the sets of 'Run' in 2007, which filmed in London. A few years after that, Zoe moved to Los Angeles to live in with the 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S.' star.Although the couple has always kept their relationship private, Schwimmer did talk about his daughter while appearing on 'Late Night Show'.He said, "Listen, I don't know how the other parents are out there, but my thought when I pour myself a glass of wine that my wife and I have over dinner and my daughter says, 'Can I try that?' I thought, 'Well, if you start saying no then they're just going to want it more.' So, I thought 'Yeah, all right. Go ahead, sweetie. Have a sip.' And luckily she was like, 'Blah! No!"So, David Schwimmer is actually having a real-life 'Ross' moment in his life.
India likely to offer USD 500 million Line of Credit to Bangladesh for defence exports

New Delhi , Apr. 6 : India is likely to offer USD 500 million Line of Credit to Bangladesh for defence exports from the country during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit beginning Friday.





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Bangladesh Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali had earlier on Tuesday said that 33 MoUs are likely to be signed during Prime Minister Hasina's official visit to New Delhi.Addressing the media here ahead of the visit, Mahmood said that it will be aimed at expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment, connectivity and sub-regional assistance.Construction of Padma and Ganges barrages, distribution of common river water, border management and fighting cross-border drugs and human trafficking are also among the issues likely to be discussed.The Bangladesh Prime Minister will also honour 1,661 Indian soldiers, who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War, he said.When asked about the defence agreements and possibility of a breakthrough on the Teesta water sharing agreement, Ali said that he would not go into specifics, but added that everything would be done in a transparent manner.
India, Bangladesh likely to launch new bus service from Kolkata to Khulna during Hasina's visit

Dhaka [Bangladesh], Apr. 6 : India and Bangladesh are expected to launch a new bus service from Kolkata to Khulna during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit to India beginning Friday.





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It is learnt that a train service from Kolkata to Khulna is also likely to be launched.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to be present during the launch of the bus and train service.The Bangladesh Government had earlier on Monday approved the draft of a proposal to establish a new passenger bus service between Dhaka in Bangladesh and Kolkata in India via Khulna.The draft of the proposal was approved in a weekly Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Hasina."Under the agreement, a new route to Kolkata from Dhaka via Mawa, Gopalganj, Khulna, Jessore, Benapole will be opened," Dhaka Tribune quoted Cabinet Secretary Shafiul Alam as saying.Bangladesh Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali had earlier on Tuesday said that 33 MoUs are likely to be signed during Prime Minister Hasina's official visit to New Delhi.Addressing the media here ahead of the visit, Mahmood said that it will be aimed at expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment, connectivity and sub-regional assistance.Construction of Padma and Ganges barrages, distribution of common river water, border management and fighting cross-border drugs and human trafficking are also among the issues likely to be discussed.The Bangladesh Prime Minister will also honour 1,661 Indian soldiers, who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War, he said.When asked about the defence agreements and possibility of a breakthrough on the Teesta water sharing agreement, Ali said that he would not go into specifics, but added that everything would be done in a transparent manner.
India to sign civil nuclear energy agreement with Bangladesh

New Delhi , Apr. 6 : India will sign an inter-governmental agreement on civil nuclear energy with Bangladesh during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit to India beginning Friday.





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"We will be entering into an inter-governmental agreement on civil nuclear energy with Bangladesh," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Joint Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan.She said India is expecting to sign over 20 agreements with Bangladesh during this visit."We are expecting to sign agreements in defence, cyber security, trade and investment, science and technology, information and communications technology, shipping, bus services etc.," she said.Ranganathan further said the two countries will also be launching bus service connecting two cities of India and Bangladesh and a train service between West Bengal and Bangladesh.The Bangladesh Government had on Monday approved the draft of a proposal to establish a new passenger bus service between Dhaka in Bangladesh and Kolkata in India via Khulna.The draft of the proposal was approved in a weekly Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Hasina."Under the agreement, a new route to Kolkata from Dhaka via Mawa, Gopalganj, Khulna, Jessore, Benapole will be opened," Dhaka Tribune quoted Cabinet Secretary Shafiul Alam as saying.Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali had on Tuesday said that 33 MoUs are likely to be signed during Prime Minister Hasina's official visit to New Delhi.Addressing the media in Dhaka ahead of the visit, Mahmood said the visit will be aimed at expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment, connectivity and sub-regional assistance.Construction of Padma and Ganges barrages, distribution of common river water, border management and fighting cross-border drugs and human trafficking are among the other issues likely to be discussed between both sides.The Bangladesh Prime Minister will also honour 1,661 Indian soldiers, who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War, he said.All agreements will be made public, Ali said at a media briefing in Dhaka.He added the deals to be signed are tied to the establishment of border posts, information exchange, nuclear power, science, technology, electricity, energy and defence.When asked about the defence agreements and possibility of a breakthrough on the Teesta water sharing agreement, Ali said that he would not go into specifics, adding everything would be done in a transparent manner.
TRAI urges Government to implement BharatNet in PPP Mode

New Delhi , Apr. 6 : To make broadband a core utility to citizens, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) advised the Government of India to implement BharatNet in the PPP mode to connect 2, 50, 000 gram panchayats across the country.





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This was stated here on Thursday by R S Sharma, Chairman, TRAI, while speaking on 'India's Regulatory Priorities for 2017' on the second day of India Internet Conference(IIC) 2017.The theme of the conference was 'Digital India 4 Sustainable Development' and was organised by FICCI in association with the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Government of India.It was also suggested that the digitised TV framework, which has come up in the country in a big way, should be upgraded to provide broadband to 100 million homes.The TRAI has also recommended tweaking the licensing framework to enable Wi-Fi hotspots as almost 800,000 such Wi-Fi hotspots were needed to connect India digitally.Speaking about the overarching principles, Sharma said that the TRAI was regulating the sector to ensure consumer protection, quality of service, transparency, growth of the sector and a field for stakeholders. He added that the TRAI was regulating the sector to ensure its healthy growth. He also mentioned that the TRAI was working towards enhancing ease of doing business and was seeking recommendations from the stakeholders to identify the tricky areas."The regulations have lost their relevance over time and therefore the TRAI had formed a committee comprising the stakeholders to remove obsolete regulations. The TRAI is working towards identifying the important issues while dealing with urgent matters to bring out appropriate consultation papers," added Sharma.He further said broadband proliferation in the country is a priority and added to digitally connect the country. The focus is on creating infrastructure, governance and services on demand, thus enabling digital empowerment of citizens.
J-K: RR Battalion rescue residents stranded in waterlogged areas

Srinagar (J-K), Apr. 6 : Braving the inclement weather, a (Rashtriya Rifles) Battalion today launched a rescue operation to evacuate locals stranded in the waterlogged areas of Parray Mohalla of Jammu and Kashmir's Panzipora which is prone to flooding.





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On receiving the distress calls from the residents, a quick reaction came from the Army and they immediately reached the Panzipora area and rescued at least 10 children stranded in the flooded houses.The village 'Nal'a flowing to its brim breached the bund and created potential danger of inundation of low lying areas. The patrols immediately diverted and assessed the danger.Showing presence of mind, the commanders gathered villagers and arranged the stones and stopped further breach.Simultaneously, vehicle load full of filled sandbags was rushed. With the help of locals, the breach was plugged in by the multiple layers of sandbags.The locals expressed their overwhelming gratitude for such prompt assistance from the army.Keeping in view the heavy rains received in the area for the past few days, a close watch was being kept over the localities prone to flooding.The areas are further being kept under watch. Patrols are being sent on boats to reach to waterlogged areas. Company commanders are maintaining a consistent touch with the locals so as to respond promptly to any eventuality.
IT raids being carried out over possession of black money

New Delhi , Apr. 6 : The Income Tax Department (ITD) retaliated against black money holders after closing of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY).





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Since the closing of the PMGKY on March 31, the IT raided around 50 locations across the country.In Ahmedabad, a group engaged in the Infrastructure Business is being searched by the ITD. More than 30 premises are being searched across the country, including in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.The ITD is investigating into entries obtained by the company from Mumbai and Kolkata-based operators for meaningless sub-contract charges and various other expenses, aggregating to more than 100 codes.Based on credible information of the large scale tax evasion, investigation is also being conducted at 19 places in Pune of large groups engaged in the processing and trading of agricultural commodities.
Kabul to push Russia to bring Taliban to peace talks

Ankara [Turkey], Apr. 6 : Afghanistan will push regional neighbours as well as Russia to press the Taliban for peace talks as Moscow gets ready to host a conference on Afghanistan in mid-April, said Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai.





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In an interview with Anadolu news agency, Karzai said he would go to Moscow with an open heart and mind."We would also like to make sure that we explain to them that any kind of peace process has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned and, if any peace process is pushed without the Afghan leadership, it will fail," he said.This comes amid concerns over Russia's alleged support for the Taliban.Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Zamir Kabulov said earlier this week that Taliban's demand for foreign forces' withdrawal was "legitimate".Russia's purported support for the Taliban is seen as a counter-weight to an emerging Daesh in Afghanistan, which Moscow believes could spill over into Central Asia and subsequently Russia itself."The philosophy of supporting one non-state actor [the Taliban] against the other [Daesh] is wrong. We will not accept it," said Karzai, who is set to lead the Kabul government's delegation to the conference in Moscow on April 14.Pakistan, India, China, Iran and a number of Central Asian states have also been invited.Karzai, who previously headed the Center for Conflict and Peace Studies in Afghanistan, said regional countries should join forces in forming a strategy to thwart the threat of militancy.He said the government was determined to reach a peace deal with local insurgent groups such as the Taliban, the Haqqani network and Hezb-e-Islami.However, he said the government had "no intentions" of striking deals with "terrorist groups that have global agenda such as al-Qaeda and Daesh".He said the government was putting the idea of peace to the Taliban. "We have made a major concession -- that we would negotiate without any preconditions," he added.Karzai said there was a clear realisation that the conflict in Afghanistan cannot be won through military means."We need to engage . we need to engage in political discourse, [to find a] political settlement with groups that are Afghan".Karzai said the Kabul Government was not in favor of breaking the Taliban into factions and then striking individual peace deals with a multitude of splinter groups."There are certain groups [within the Taliban] who believe peace is the best way forward, but there are individuals who say 'let us continue with the military side'."We hope those people who feel peaceful engagement and discussion will prevail . [will] come to sit at the table with us," he added.He said Moscow and Kabul shared a unique history and Afghanistan had constantly told Russia that relationship should be for one purpose - to bring the Taliban to the negotiation table."They [Russians] have established a relationship with the Taliban because they feel there are other threats that the Taliban can deal with."The best way to deal with these threats is to have a relationship with the legitimate government of Afghanistan", he stressed.
Pathankot-Chamba NH blocked following cloudburst

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Apr. 6 : The Pathankot-Chamba national highway was closed today following a cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh.





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There are no reports of any loss of life so far. Meanwhile, the rescue operation is on.Incessant rains have also caused massive rockslides and blocked the National Highway-5 near the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Shimla. The restoration work is underway.The Himachal Pradesh Meteorology Department (IMD) has issued heavy rain, thunderstorm and hailstorm warning for the next 24 hours in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur.Thundersquall with hailstorm at likely to occur at isolated places like Nagaland-Manipur-Mizoram-Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and north coastal Andhra Pradesh.Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir including Srinagar and Jammu cities, witnessed heavy rains, while some parts in the upper reaches experienced fresh snowfall since yesterday, resulting in considerable drop in the temperature.The weather in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to improve on April 9.
Longtime tattoo artist opening new shop in the heart of Middletown

Jennifer Beirola has a long history in tattooing and will soon have a place to call her own locally.
Matthews China Investor (MCHFX) a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) seeks long-term capital appreciation. The fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in China.

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The Matthews China Investor fund, managed by Matthews Asia, carries an expense ratio of 1.21%. Moreover, MCHFX requires a minimal initial investment of $2,500.

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Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
President Trump is furious about the US trade deficit with China, which totaled $310 billion in 2016. He wants that to be far smaller, as anybody who listened to his China-bashing during last years presidential campaign surely knows.

The trade deficit, however, isnt the real problem, and the cheap Chinese imports flowing into the United States from China for the last several decades have actually helped many American families get by. A far bigger problem is the web of rules and restrictions China places on US and other foreign companies that want to do business there, as well as outright violations of many free-trade standards. I dont mind us having a trade deficit with China if theyre not cheating, says economist Derek Scissors of the American Enterprise Institute. The problem is the part that shouldnt be there because the Chinese cheat.

Trump has an opportunity to reset the US trade relationship with China as he embarks on a much-hyped summit meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping this week. Up till now, Trump has mostly railed about low-cost Chinese manufacturing that undercuts US producers and kills American jobs. But theres nothing illegal or objectionable about one country making stuff more cheaply than anotheras long as it plays by the rules, more or less. That has happened for centuries and helped poor countries catch up with rich ones, while also forcing rich nations to innovate and find new ways to get ahead.

[Related: Trump has a weak hand in his summit with President Xi]

Stealing American trade secrets

There are big problems, however, with many of the non-tariff barriers China uses to protect home-grown firms from foreign competition. Since China belongs to the World Trade Organization, there are limits on the tariffs it can impose to raise the cost of imports and protect domestic producers. So China resorts to a wide range of other measures that have bedeviled the biggest American companies since China began to liberalize its economy in the 1980s under Deng Xiaoping.

Story continues

Dozens of big US companies, including US Steel (X), DuPont (DD), General Motors (GM) and Cargill, have claimed that Chinese operatives have stolen their trade secrets, with the Justice Department prosecuting a number of Chinese nationals operating in the US for such theft. Chinese counterfeits of everything ranging from Levis jeans to Microsoft (MSFT) operating systems represent another huge theft of intellectual property. A 2013 report estimated that foreign countries steal $300 billion worth of American intellectual property each year, with China accounting for 50% to 80% of that total. The former director of the National Security Agency called such theft the greatest transfer of wealth in history.

Companies seeking to operate in China face additional problems. Last year, for instance, Apple (AAPL) lost a lawsuit against a small Chinese manufacturer that had been using the iPhone brand on mobile accessories such as cellphone cases, even though it has no official connection with Apple. In a Beijing court, Apple insisted the small firm was trying to profit from what may be Apples most famous product. But the judge ruled that Apple hadnt demonstrated that the iPhone brand was sufficiently well-known when the Chinese firm started using the name in 2007which happened to be the same year Apple introduced the iPhone.

In the 10 months since that ruling, Apple has announced more than $1.5 billion in new investment in China, which some analysts view as a kind of pay-to-play arrangement, given that Chinese courts declined to enforce the kind of trademark laws that are routine in most developed countries. Lo and behold, Apple just won a separate lawsuit against a Chinese cellphone maker that claimed Apple copied some of its design features for the iPhone 6. While no tit-for-tat can be proven, such seemingly capricious legal outcomes fuel suspicions that the Chinese government uses the courts as a punitive trade tool, when convenient.

The US government has been pressuring China for years on a long list of trade grievances, so to some extent, Trump can simply pick up on work done by the Obama administration if he wants to pressure Xi on opening up the Chinese economy more. The Obama administrations 2016 report on foreign trade barriers included 15 pages of small-type print detailing the many ways China manipulates its economy to give home-grown firms an advantage, while keeping US firms out or throwing up so many roadblocks that they can barely operate.

Hampering foreign firms that operate in China

Among the tactics: giving regulatory preference to US firms that share their technology with Chinese counterparts; establishing China-only technical standards foreign firms must comply with, even when there are longstanding international standards; imposing onerous licensing requirements on certain products and services, citing national security as reason for restricting the activities of foreign firms, and issuing arbitrary regulations that seem to target foreign operations more than domestic ones.

These practices are in addition to the subsidized overproduction of commodities such as steel and aluminum, which western nations have long accused China of dumping onto global markets at artificially low prices, to seize market share and drive foreign competitors out of business. The Obama administration filed 16 formal complaints with the WTO against China for violating WTO rules, and so far has won all 6 cases for which the WTO has issued a ruling. The catch, however, is that it can be hard to enforce WTO outcomes, and the penalties may not be severe enough to deter China from further violations.

Chinese officials, for their part, argue that many nations have broken a few rules on their way to economic maturity, including the United States back in the 1800s. And some trade experts defend China, to a certain extent, by pointing out that it has only been practicing modern capitalism for a couple of decades and has come a long way in that time.

Yet China increasingly insists that its time to join the great powers has arrived, which Trump, if clever, could turn back on President Xi by insisting his nation behave like an upholder of the rules instead of a flouter of them. The conversation between the two leaders may not get that far, since its their first meeting. But there will be more meetings, and it could be an opportune time for Trump to ask China to changeif he knows what to ask for.

Read more:

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
Columnist

Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
As we grow old, our nights are frequently plagued by bouts of wakefulness, bathroom trips and other nuisances as we lose our ability to generate the deep, restorative slumber we enjoyed in youth.

But does that mean older people just need less sleep?

Not according to UC Berkeley researchers, who argue in an article published April 5 in the journal Neuron that the unmet sleep needs of the elderly elevate their risk of memory loss and a wide range of mental and physical disorders.

"Nearly every disease killing us in later life has a causal link to lack of sleep," said the article's senior author, Matthew Walker, a UC Berkeley professor of psychology and neuroscience. "We've done a good job of extending life span, but a poor job of extending our health span. We now see sleep, and improving sleep, as a new pathway for helping remedy that."

Unlike more cosmetic markers of aging, such as wrinkles and gray hair, sleep deterioration has been linked to such conditions as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and stroke, he said.

Though older people are less likely than younger cohorts to notice and/or report mental fogginess and other symptoms of sleep deprivation, numerous brain studies reveal how poor sleep leaves them cognitively worse off.

Moreover, the shift from deep, consolidated sleep in youth to fitful, dissatisfying sleep can start as early as one's 30s, paving the way for sleep-related cognitive and physical ailments in middle age.

And, while the pharmaceutical industry is raking in billions by catering to insomniacs, Walker warns that the pills designed to help us doze off are a poor substitute for the natural sleep cycles that the brain needs in order to function well.

"Don't be fooled into thinking sedation is real sleep. It's not," he said.

For their review of sleep research, Walker and fellow researchers Bryce Mander and Joseph Winer cite studies, including some of their own, that show the aging brain has trouble generating the kind of slow brain waves that promote deep curative sleep, as well as the neurochemicals that help us switch stably from sleep to wakefulness.

"The parts of the brain deteriorating earliest are the same regions that give us deep sleep," said article lead author Mander, a postdoctoral researcher in Walker's Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory at UC Berkeley.

Aging typically brings on a decline in deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) or "slow wave sleep," and the characteristic brain waves associated with it, including both slow waves and faster bursts of brain waves known as "sleep spindles."

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Youthful, healthy slow waves and spindles help transfer memories and information from the hippocampus, which provides the brain's short-term storage, to the prefrontal cortex, which consolidates the information, acting as the brain's long-term storage.

"Sadly, both these types of sleep brain waves diminish markedly as we grow old, and we are now discovering that this sleep decline is related to memory decline in later life," said Winer, a doctoral student in Walker's lab.

Another deficiency in later life is the inability to regulate neurochemicals that stabilize our sleep and help us transition from sleep to waking states. These neurochemicals include galanin, which promotes sleep, and orexin, which promotes wakefulness. A disruption to the sleep-wake rhythm commonly leaves older adults fatigued during the day but frustratingly restless at night, Mander said.

Of course, not everyone is vulnerable to sleep changes in later life: "Just as some people age more successfully than others, some people sleep better than others as they get older, and that's another line of research we'll be exploring," Mander said.

Meanwhile, non-pharmaceutical interventions are being explored to boost the quality of sleep, such as electrical stimulation to amplify brain waves during sleep and acoustic tones that act like a metronome to slow brain rhythms.

However, promoting alternatives to prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids is sure to be challenging.

"The American College of Physicians has acknowledged that sleeping pills should not be the first-line kneejerk response to sleep problems," Walker said. "Sleeping pills sedate the brain, rather than help it sleep naturally. We must find better treatments for restoring healthy sleep in older adults, and that is now one of our dedicated research missions."

Also important to consider in changing the culture of sleep is the question of quantity versus quality.

"Previously, the conversation has focused on how many hours you need to sleep," Mander said. "However, you can sleep for a sufficient number of hours, but not obtain the right quality of sleep. We also need to appreciate the importance of sleep quality.

"Indeed, we need both quantity and quality," Walker said.

Source: http://news.berkeley.edu/2017/04/05/deep-sleep-aging/
One of the main health concerns of living and working in space is the long-term exposure to high levels of radiation. NASA scientists have developed a new device to monitor radiation exposure to neutrons and are testing it on the International Space Station.

Launched on the fifth Orbital ATK resupply mission to the station, the Fast Neutron Spectrometer is designed to detect and measure the energy of neutrons, which are known to be specifically harmful to humans. Understanding neutron radiation will help keep crews safe when NASA sends humans to Mars.

"There are multiple types of radiation in space," said Mark Christl, team lead for the study at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. "While there are already advanced instruments to detect gamma rays produced by supernovas or black holes, X-rays and other charged particles, we needed a way to detect and measure neutron radiation to quantify the impact on human biology. Neutron detection techniques have not seen the same leap in technology advancement."

Neutron radiation is created when the high-energy particles from our sun and outside our solar system interact with other particles or matter, such as a spacecraft or a planetary surface. But these neutrons are only viable for approximately 13 minutes before they decay into charged particles.

"If they're more than 13 minutes away from you, it's not really a problem," Christl said. "If you're in a capsule or on a planet's surface with little or no magnetic field or atmosphere, you can potentially be covered in a neutron field."

The Fast Neutron Spectrometer is mainly a passive tool, waiting for neutrons to strike it. It is comprised of an aluminum housing with a plastic scintillator that slows down the neutron when it hits the device, and glass scintillator fibers that absorb the neutrons and re-emit the energy in the form of light. This advanced version provides two distinct signals for measurement - the first to measure its energy and the second to confirm a neutron was detected rather than another kind of particle. The standard, all-plastic devices can't clearly determine the differences between these signals.

"Detectors for other radiation types are already used in many industries," said Christl. "They're used in particle accelerators for scientific research, the oil industry or medical field to measure radiation exposure. Scientists have been working on remarkable advancements in these detectors, but neutron radiation detectors have not received that kind of attention. At NASA, we saw this as an opportunity to address a problem our astronauts will have as they go on longer journeys in our solar system."

NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough installed the device on the space station on Dec. 2, 2016. Since then, it has been moved to different locations around the interior of the station and it currently resides in the Node 1 module. The Fast Neutron Spectrometer will monitor for neutrons for six months, sending data for any neutron strikes to a laptop computer on the station. That data will be downloaded daily for processing and analysis by the team at Marshall.

The device was tested and calibrated at particle accelerators and by using other radioactive sources on Earth. If the technique is verified, Christl hopes it can be used on future missions to determine when - and how much - the neutrons are contributing to the radiation absorbed by a crew of space travelers. Even though the space station's radiation environment is not considered "deep space," the spectrometer is a new capability ready for validation in a space environment.

The project is a collaborative effort within the agency. A team at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, is looking into the actions crew members may take if they receive warning of an oncoming wave of radiation from a solar eruption, running simulations and coming up with ways to rearrange the contents of a spacecraft to increase the shielding. Another team at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston is advancing the detection of charged particles.

"There is a serious need to monitor the radiation dose the crew receives," Christl said. "We use different techniques for charged particles and neutrons and we'll need to know the dose from both to know how much radiation the astronauts are receiving. These radiation detectors may force missions to change in mid-stream, but it will help keep our astronauts safe."
The Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center has launched an initiative to study the relationship between the brain and metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.

The Obesity Research Initiative will be supported by an $8.25 million gift from the Russell Berrie Foundation. Rudolph Leibel, MD, co-director of the Berrie Center and Christopher J. Murphy Memorial Professor of Diabetes Research, and Charles Zuker, PhD, professor of neuroscience and of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, will lead the initiative.

The Russell Berrie Foundation's gift to advance the Obesity Research Initiative is the latest in a longstanding tradition of commitments from the Foundation to Columbia University and the Berrie Center, dating back to their initial establishment of the Berrie Center at Columbia in 1998. The Berrie Foundation has invested more than $70 million in the Berrie Center's clinical and research programs, which are co-directed by Robin Goland, MD, J. Merrill Eastman Professor of Clinical Diabetes, and Dr. Leibel.

"Russell Berrie saw both the potential and the need for a world-class diabetes center in New York City," says Lee Goldman, MD, Harold and Margaret Hatch Professor, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine, and Chief Executive of Columbia University Medical Center. "This new research initiative, with the wonderful support of Angelica Berrie and the Foundation's leaders, is a multidisciplinary undertaking that will probe the intersection of several quickly evolving fields. We expect it to achieve new scientific insights that will benefit patients, and serve as both an apt tribute to Russ' vision and a complement to the Berrie Center's formidable legacy."

Obesity is a major public health issue, contributing worldwide to the rapidly increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The Berrie Center's Obesity Research Initiative will approach the science of body weight regulation by studying integrated elements of mind, brain, physiology, and metabolism. The initiative will promote collaborative research in regulatory, cognitive, and emotional aspects of food intake to understand how the brain controls and responds to body weight.

"Columbia University Medical Center is pre-eminent in basic and clinical aspects of neuroscience, genetics, and metabolism," says Dr. Leibel. "This initiative is designed to extend obesity-related research in these areas, and to promote collaborative efforts among faculty in these and related disciplines. We also hope to draw new faculty into research related to neurobehavioral aspects of the regulation of metabolism."

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The initiative will draw on a range of core scientific resources across Columbia University, including the Berrie Center, the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, the New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center, the Diabetes Research Center, the Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, and the Columbia Precision Medicine Initiative. Projects will be selected with the help of an independent panel of scientists, and will be led by Columbia scientists, in some instances in collaboration with researchers from other institutions.

"Obesity has been traditionally viewed and approached as a metabolic disorder," says Dr. Zuker. "This initiative brings together transformative technological advances in brain sciences, genetics, and biology, the commitment of the Berrie Foundation to combat obesity and diabetes, and the outstanding scientific and intellectual environment at Columbia to study obesity with a fresh new perspective, linking brain circuits and internal state with imbalances in physiology and metabolism."

The initiative will support basic and translational research led by Columbia faculty and their students and fellows. The Berrie Center's clinical program, which has a long history of translating basic scientific discoveries into new and effective treatments for patients under the direction of Dr. Goland, can provide a venue for any clinical trials that may result from initiative-sponsored research.

"Over the past 18 years, the Berrie Foundation has sought to create--through the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center--an intellectual and physical environment in which the close apposition of clinical and research activities would accelerate the development of therapies to mitigate the causes and consequences of diabetes," says Dr. Leibel. "This obesity initiative is yet another realization of the foundation's commitment to this goal."
A new study by Queen's University researcher Susan Brogly (Surgery) has revealed that 25 per cent of women suffering from a prenatal opioid dependence were not being treated for their addiction. Using data from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), the study also shows rising numbers of affected mother-infant pairs and associated health care costs.

"The information on health care costs are new for Canada, which goes along with the 16 fold increase in the number of mother-infant pairs affected by opioid dependence over the past decade," says Dr. Brogly. "That is a striking finding but not new data. A larger concern is the 25 per cent of affected women that did not have an opioid agonist prescription recorded in the Ontario Drug Benefit program database."

Opioid agonist treatment with methadone or buprenorphine is used to prevent maternal illicit opioid use and withdrawal and to improve prenatal care and pregnancy outcomes. Methadone is predominately used in pregnant women in Ontario, largely because the form of buprenorphine used in pregnancy is not available in Canada and has to be imported from the United States under a special Health Canada program. The long delay in getting buprenorphine can result in ongoing drug use, relapse or other complications in the pregnancy.

Many practitioners use methadone (which requires a special license in Ontario) and which may cause more severe withdrawal in the neonate. Buprenorphine, in the form used in pregnancy, can be prescribed by family physicians, obstetricians and other physicians without a special license.

"This is an important finding because it could indicate barriers and stigma towards specific groups of women accessing care in our socialized healthcare system," says Dr. Brogly. "More effective programming to prevent opioid dependence and prescription drug misuse is clearly needed and buprenorphine needs to be more readily available for pregnant women." In the study, Dr. Brogly revealed the number of infants born to opioid-dependent women in Ontario rose from 46 in 2002 to almost 800 in 2014. In addition rates of preterm birth, birth defects, still birth and infant mortality were higher than those reported for the Ontario newborn population. All of these complications translate into significant increased costs to the system.

"The next steps are to confirm whether there are barriers to care, to try to tease out which exposures and what period of exposure in gestation causes poor birth outcomes in this population, to identify longer term outcomes of the mothers and infants, and to prevent substance in young women," says Dr. Brogly. "These data can be used to argue for more treatment options, including buprenorphine, and drug treatment programs tailored to women and their children. Support should also be given to the mothers and their children beyond the immediate post-partum period to facilitate the growth of healthy families and children."
ABHI, the UK's leading medical technology (MedTech) industry association, yesterday launched a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring the sector continues to prosper once Britain leaves the European Union (EU).

Entitled Healthy outside the EU: Strategy for a thriving MedTech Industry, the document outlines how the UK can forge successful international relationships, increase efficiency of healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Senior leaders from the industry, healthcare professionals and officials, gathered at ABHIs London offices to mark the publication of the report. Along with recommendations in its formal response to the Building our Industrial Strategy green paper, ABHI will be advocating that Healthy Outside the EU informs government policy.

ABHIs Chief Executive, Peter Ellingworth said:
On April 3, 2017 the European Commission published two guides on the implementation of Patient Blood Management (PBM); one addressed to national authorities and the other to hospitals. The International Foundation for Patient Blood Management (IFPBM) defines this new standard of care as "an evidence-based bundle of care to optimise medical and surgical patient outcomes by clinically managing and preserving a patient's blood."

On release of their guides the European Commission commented that "the publication is timely as, just last month, the journal Transfusion published impressive results (view journal here) from a comprehensive 5-year PBM programme in Western Australia, the world's largest programme to date on PBM. It included 605,046 patients admitted to Western Australia's four major adult tertiary-care hospitals, with results showing a 28% reduction in hospital mortality, a 15% reduction in average hospital length of stay, a 21% decrease in hospital-acquired infections (transfused patients are more susceptible to infection) and a 31% decrease in the incidence of heart attack or stroke. The use of blood products was reduced by 41% during the study period, achieving not only these significant patient outcome benefits but also representing a very substantial cost saving to the health service".

Professor James Isbister, Sydney University Medical School and Senior Advisor to IFPBM, stated "The European Commission guides on Patient Blood Management will help greatly in improving the standard of patient-focused care across Europe. IFPBM is very pleased to see Patient Blood Management implemented in hospitals and medical centers of excellence across Europe and continue to expand into other counties, greatly improving patient care and substantially lowering health care costs."

The guides are expected to greatly enhance the efforts of health authorities and professionals across the European Union to achieve similar results for patients and hospitals as they have in Western Australia.
State and territorial health officials are redoubling prevention efforts to address the serious public health threats associated with Zika virus and to protect the health of mothers and babies. Yesterday, CDC published an analysis of nearly 1,300 pregnant women with evidence of Zika infection, per data reported by 44 states to the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry in 2016. About 1 in 10 pregnant women with confirmed Zika had a fetus or baby with birth defects.

In light of these findings, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) calls for continued resources to support an aggressive, long-term governmental public health response to Zika, including laboratory, epidemiological, and surveillance capacity, vector control, and public awareness and education campaigns.

With most of the women in the study acquiring Zika infection during travel to an area where Zika was present, all jurisdictions within the United States must remain on alert and prepared due to travel-related cases and sexual transmission. Also, with warmer weather and mosquito season approaching, CDC's new Vital Signs report highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and sustained measures to prevent and manage cases of Zika, diagnose patients, increase lab capacity and vector control, and coordinate Zika-related birth defects surveillance activities, especially in parts of the United States where local transmission through the bite from the specific mosquito capable of carrying the Zika virus is possible.

"Public health has a long history of combatting and eradicating mosquito-borne diseases, but ensuring robust epidemiological and laboratory infrastructure across the governmental public health system is critical to stay ahead of the spread of Zika virus," says Brenda Fitzgerald, ASTHO president-elect and commissioner and state health officer of the Georgia Department of Public Health. "In Georgia, for example, we have limited geographic mosquito surveillance and vector control capabilities. That causes particular concern about the 63 counties at higher risk of Zika transmission due to their dense populations, high rates of poverty, and large numbers of females of reproductive age."

State, territorial, and local health departments play an active role in determining the risk of ongoing local transmission through enhanced surveillance and vector control activities. Health departments, together with healthcare professionals, laboratory experts, and disease control specialists, are working nonstop to protect Americans from Zika and other emerging health threats.

Strong collaboration among state and local partners is critical to protecting pregnant women against Zika and connecting affected families with medical, social, and community resources. ASTHO urges sustained investments in public health funding to give state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments the resources needed to pursue a broad range of strategies to prevent Zika virus.

Source: http://www.astho.org/Press-Room/Health-Officials-Intensify-Zika-Prevention-Efforts/4-5-17/
The International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT), the global society of clinicians, researchers, regulatory specialists, technologists and industry partners in the cell therapy sector, today announces that Dr. Adrian Gee, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, US, and Director of the Clinical Applications Laboratory at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, is to be awarded the 2017 ISCT Career Achievement Award in Cellular Therapy. Dr. Gee will receive the award at the ISCT 2017 Annual Meeting in London, May 3-6, as part of the Societys 25th anniversary celebrations.

The 2017 annual award was drawn from a shortlist of eight nominees proposed from the 1,300 international members of ISCT based in over 50 countries. The final decision was made by the ISCT Awards Committee, comprising eight international senior figures across the cell therapy sector.

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The work and achievements of Dr Gee are ingrained in the fabric of the entire cell therapy industry. This includes founding the society that became ISCT. He authored what is considered today a definitive guide to the field  Cell Therapy: cGMP Facilities and Manufacture. His opinion is still sought by everyone in the sector, up to and including regulators such as the FDA, said Catherine Bollard, President, ISCT. The award selection panel recognized that Dr. Gee has had a tireless career of achievement in every aspect of the cell therapy sector, building and running one of the worlds largest academic cGMP facilities that has produced viral vectors and engineered cells for thousands of patients all over the world. At the same time he has published high impact papers on almost every aspect of cellular therapy. It has also been noted by the Awards Committee that he voluntarily mentored members of the cell therapy industry throughout his career. His contribution to the cell therapy industry has been vital, and ISCT, at its own landmark 25th anniversary, is thrilled to recognise his achievements as an educator, scientist and researcher with this award.

Dr. Gee was one of three founding members of ISCT, originally named the International Society of Hematotherapy and Graft Engineering (ISHAGE) in 1991. He was instrumental in growing the Society in its first eight years.

Dr. Gee has authored or co-authored 157 articles in refereed journals and 43 books, in addition to contributing to 100 other papers. He has selflessly served on over 35 boards and committees for charities, publications, academic institutions, advisory groups and research organizations since 1984. Ten international societies owe a debt to Dr. Gee as he has either founded the organization or been invited to sit on their Board of Directors. He has received 13 international awards in nearly 45 years, served as a consultant for 15 organizations, advised numerous industry organizations, and presented at leading industry and academic conferences for over 30 years.
A mother lovingly cradles her sick baby in her arms. As the infant coughs and gasps for air, his anguished mother looks up and warns that the safest place for your baby is not always in your arms.

The 30-second commercial by a pharmaceutical company encourages parents to get vaccinated against pertussis  a highly contagious respiratory disease also known as whooping cough. The disease affects people of all ages but can be especially serious, even fatal, for infants.

In 2015, more than 20,000 cases of whooping cough were identified in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are 16 million pertussis cases worldwide.

Pertussis is the only vaccine-preventable infection that still is endemic in the U.S. and worldwide, said Delfina C. Dominguez, Ph.D., a UTEP professor of clinical laboratory sciences, who has studied pertussis for 10 years. The disease is very severe in newborns and infants, who may die from the infection.

Since 2014, Dominguez and XiuJun (James) Li, Ph.D., assistant professor in UTEPs Department of Chemistry, have collaborated to develop a quicker and less invasive method to detect pertussis in medically underserved and low-resource settings. Recently, they completed testing the biochip on 100 clinical samples with excellent results.

Whooping cough can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms resemble those of a cold or allergies. After two weeks, symptoms worsen, resulting in a hacking cough that sounds like a whoop when a person gasps for air.

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms may worsen and the infection can quickly spread to others through coughing and sneezing.

Current diagnosis methods are time consuming and require expensive equipment that may not be available in areas with limited access to medical supplies, equipment and medications.

This led Li to develop a paper-based three-dimensional microfluidic point-of-care (POC) device that integrates isothermal DNA amplification, a highly sensitive technique, to diagnose whooping cough.

Similar to a pregnancy test, the handheld device will use a sample from a nasal swab and change color to indicate the presence of the bacteria. Results will be available in less than an hour.

A major benefit of this low-cost POC biochip is that it can be used in low-resourced settings such as primary care offices and in resource-limited countries to diagnose pertussis, Li said.

Also known as lab-on-a-chip, microfluidic systems have made point-of-care testing more affordable and accessible, especially in developing nations.

Li expects the patent-pending technology to be available in schools, clinics and other limited-resource environments sometime in the near future.

Using the innovative microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technique does away with the need for expensive specialized equipment that can cost up to $50,000, Li said. We estimate the cost of this device to be a few dollars.

Li has designed and evaluated the effectiveness of the biochip using 100 clinical samples that Dominguez obtained from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. So far, the results have been favorable.

We found that the chip has high sensitivity and specificity and is comparable to real-time PCR  the technology used to diagnose infectious diseases in hospitals, said Dominguez, who also is the co-investigator on a two-year grant that Li was awarded in 2015 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop the technology.

The researchers also have been assisted by undergraduate and graduate students in Lis laboratory, including Maowei Dou, Ph.D., who tested the device to see if it could successfully diagnose the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

The performance and testing results are very exciting, demonstrating great potential for disease diagnosis in low-resource settings, said Dou, who worked on the project when he was a doctoral chemistry student at UTEP. He graduated in December 2016.

Dous research also was the basis for his dissertation titled, Paper/polymer hybrid microfluidic biochips for infectious disease diagnosis.

As we know, infectious diseases are the leading cause of death in developing countries and often happen in high-poverty locations where the financial and medical resources are usually very limited, said Dou, a postdoctoral researcher at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. I think it is very meaningful to carry out such research projects by developing low-cost point-of-care devices for low-resource settings.

Li plans to continue testing the device using additional clinical pertussis samples. He also is developing microfluidic biochips for other infectious disease diagnosis such as meningitis.
In the past six years, the National Research Programme "Opportunities and Risks of Nanomaterials" (NRP 64) intensively studied the development, use, behaviour and degradation of engineered nanomaterials, including their impact on humans and on the environment.

Twenty-three research projects on biomedicine, the environment, energy, construction materials and food demonstrated the enormous potential of engineered nanoparticles for numerous applications in industry and medicine. Thanks to these projects we now know a great deal more about the risks associated with nanomaterials and are therefore able to more accurately determine where and how they can be safely used.

"One of the specified criteria in the programme was that every project had to examine both the opportunities and the risks, and in some cases this was a major challenge for the researchers," explains Peter Gehr, President of the NRP 64 Steering Committee.

One development that is nearing industrial application concerns a building material strengthened with nanocellulose that can be used to produce a strong but lightweight insulation material. Successful research was also carried out in the area of energy, where the aim was to find a way to make lithium-ion batteries safer and more efficient.

Promising outlook for nanomedicine

A great deal of potential is predicted for the field of nanomedicine. Nine of the 23 projects in NRP 64 focused on biomedical applications of nanoparticles. These include their use for drug delivery, for example in the fight against viruses, or as immune modulators in a vaccine against asthma. Another promising application concerns the use of nanomagnets for filtering out harmful metallic substances from the blood. One of the projects demonstrated that certain nanoparticles can penetrate the placenta barrier, which points to potential new therapy options. The potential of cartilage and bone substitute materials based on nanocellulose or nanofibres was also studied.

The examination of potential health risks was the focus of NRP 64. A number of projects examined what happens when nanoparticles are inhaled, while two focused on ingestion. One of these investigated whether the human gut is able to absorb iron more efficiently if it is administered in the form of iron nanoparticles in a food additive, while the other studied silicon nanoparticles as they occur in powdered condiments. It was ascertained that further studies will be required in order to determine the doses that can be used without risking an inflammatory reaction in the gut.

What happens to engineered nanomaterials in the environment?

The aim of the seven projects focusing on environmental impact was to gain a better understanding of the toxicity of nanomaterials and their degradability, stability and accumulation in the environment and in biological systems. Here, the research teams monitored how engineered nanoparticles disseminate along their lifecycle, and where they end up or how they can be discarded.

One of the projects established that 95 per cent of silver nanoparticles that are washed out of textiles are collected in sewage treatment plants, while the remaining particles end up in sewage sludge, which in Switzerland is incinerated. In another project a measurement device was developed to determine how aquatic microorganisms react when they come into contact with nanoparticles.

Applying results and making them available to industry

"The findings of the NRP 64 projects form the basis for a safe application of nanomaterials," says Christoph Studer from the Federal Office of Public Health. "It has become apparent that regulatory instruments such as testing guidelines will have to be adapted at both national and international level." Studer has been closely monitoring the research programme in his capacity as the Swiss government's representative in NRP 64. In this context, the precautionary matrix developed by the government is an important instrument by means of which companies can systematically assess the risks associated with the use of nanomaterials in their production processes.

The importance of standardised characterisation and evaluation of engineered nanomaterials was highlighted by the close cooperation among researchers in the programme. "The research network that was built up in the framework of NRP 64 is functioning smoothly and needs to be further nurtured," says Professor Bernd Nowack from Empa, who headed one of the 23 projects.

The results of NRP 64 show that new key technologies such as the use of nanomaterials need to be closely monitored through basic research due to the lack of data on its long-term effects. As Peter Gehr points out, "We now know a lot more about the risks of nanomaterials and how to keep them under control. However, we need to conduct additional research to learn what happens when humans and the environment are exposed to engineered nanoparticles over longer periods, or what happens a long time after a one-off exposure."
More women with breast cancer are electing to have both breasts removed, even when cancer affects only one breast. The procedure, called contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), is a more complex surgery that has not been shown to improve survival.

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center examines the complex interaction between patients' desires for the most extensive treatment and surgeons' responsibility to minimize harm.

The population-based survey, published in JAMA Surgery, found that few patients sought a second opinion or went to a different hospital when their surgeon recommended against CPM. Further, patients were overwhelmingly satisfied with their treatment, even when their surgeon dismissed CPM with little discussion.

"We hypothesized that patients whose first surgeons recommended against CPM might report less satisfaction, and might be more likely to seek second opinions and pursue surgery by a second surgeon," says the study's lead author Steven J. Katz, M.D., M.P.H., professor of medicine and of health management and policy at the University of Michigan. "But in this study, an initial recommendation against CPM had little impact on overall satisfaction with treatment or on decisions to pursue or act on a second opinion."

The study is the first to explore what transpires after a newly diagnosed unilateral breast cancer patient first meets with a surgeon to discuss her options. The survey asked 1,140 patients who considered CPM about the extent to which CPM was discussed during their first consult and recorded patient satisfaction with their surgery decisions, whether or not they received a second surgical opinion and whether a second surgeon operated.

Key findings

In this large, diverse sample of women newly diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer, about half considered CPM. A quarter of those patients reported that their surgeon recommended against CPM; another 30 percent reported no substantial discussion about CPM.

In general, dissatisfaction with the surgical decision was uncommon - just 7.6 percent of respondents. Dissatisfaction was very low - only 4 percent -- among patients whose surgeons discussed CPM but did not recommend against it. While still relatively low, the level of dissatisfaction was significantly higher, 15 percent, in instances when the surgeon recommended against CPM with no substantive discussion of the option.

A second opinion was sought by one in five respondents, and one in 10 patients went on to have surgery performed by a second surgeon. Women whose first surgeon recommended against CPM were not more likely to seek a second opinion or to receive surgery by a second surgeon.

This is the latest in a series of studies by the Michigan Medicine-based Cancer Surveillance and Outcomes Research Team, examining both breast cancer patient and provider perspectives on treatment decision-making in general and issues of potential overtreatment in particular. It is the first to capture information about the newly diagnosed patient's first surgical consult.

"The increased attention to and preference for CPM among patients for whom it is not a clinical imperative is a relatively recent phenomenon," says Katz. "It's one of many considerations on the minds of patients we know are understandably anxious and who may feel they need to make treatment decisions quickly after diagnosis."

Katz notes that doctors are looking for guidance on how to address patients' concerns and respect their wishes without exposing them to more extensive treatment than medically called for or losing them to another surgeon.

"About 95 percent of breast cancer patients are treated by the first surgeon they see," says Katz. "It's so important in those initial consultations that the patient and the surgeon feel free to discuss all of the options and work together to determine the best path forward."

While more research is needed to develop and test tools to help facilitate these crucial conversations, in the meantime Katz believes this research should provide some reassurance to surgeons. "It demonstrates that recommending against CPM won't necessarily result in patients second-guessing the treatment choices they make in partnership with their primary surgeon," he says, "or looking elsewhere for advice or care."

Source: http://labblog.uofmhealth.org/rounds/when-doctor-recommends-against-surgery-a-breast-cancer-patient-wants
New Delhi: Without naming China, Piyush Goyal, minister of state for coal, power, mines and renewable energy, said a "neighbouring country" was exporting subsidized Aluminium to India.



"A neighboring country puts export duty on primary aluminium products. There are many countries which export their excess production to India at very low prices," Goyal said at the Global Natural Resources Conclave. "Very often they subsidise and give export subsidy where value added products come to india."



Goyal said that India produces Alumina in fair measure and could use this raw material for the aluminium needs for the country. But the country exports the raw materi rather than process it here and create value added jobs, which could create wealth and jobs in India.



"We continue to depend on large amount of imports, both of alumina and aluminium products. Instead of adding value, the country is still dependent on imports," Goyal told the gathering comprising of business leaders from extractive industries, political leaders and CEOs.



The effect of this is that jobs are lost at every step of the value chain. Goyal said that it is important to support manufacturing domestically and become self reliant in the production of aluminium.
Patna: The Bihar Chief Secretary on Thursday ordered a probe into alleged soil scam involving Lalu Prasad and his son Tej Pratap Yadav, Who is also the state environment and forest minister.



According to reports, soil from a land owned by Lalu's family was sold to the Forest Department of the Bihar government, that too circumventing the tender process.



Lalus family holds a big piece of land on the outskirt of Patna where a mall is being constructed by a private builder who also happens to be a RJD MLA.



Tej Pratap and his younger brother Tejaswi Yadav, who is also the deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, are directors of company which holds the land.



As the work began on the plot to build the mall, a lot of soil was dug out of the plot which was deemed surplus. This was allegedly sold to Patna Zoo where some construction work was under way for Rs 90 lakh, that too without tender.



Patna Zoo falls under the Bihar Forest Department.



The state opposition has already latched onto this issue. Sushil Modi, state BJP leader, said, How can soil of ones private land be sold to a department where a family member is a minister? A Rs 90 lakh deal was made, that too without floating any tender.
Mathura: A day after Uttar Pradesh Government announced loan waiver for farmers in the state, some peasants in Mathura district termed it as a mere "eye wash" with some saying the decision left them high and dry.



The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in UP on Tuesday announced a loan waiver of Rs 36,359 crore for over one lakh small and marginal farmers in the state.



"It may be a bonanza for the state government but for the farmers, it is nothing but a Lolipop," said Kedar Singh, a farmer from village Borpa.



Devi Singh, a marginal farmer and sarpanch of Damodarpura village under Mathura Tehsil, said he was expecting that all their loans would be waived by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.



Rajan Singh of Gosana village falling under Goverdhan Tehsil said the farmers have been "cheated" since pre-election meetings.



"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while declaring waiving loan of farmers, had not classified the beneficiaries," he said, terming the UP government's move as an "eye wash".



Shyam Singh of Raal and Rohtan Singh of Maghera villages of Mathura district said they were disappointed as the "bench mark" set for waiving the loan is fiscal 2016-17 only.



Farmer Deen Dayal Gautam termed the Rs one lakh relief to the farmer as "a drop in the ocean", saying that during last three years the farmers, in general, have been badly hit by the wrath of nature.



However, Kushal Pratap Singh, a farmer from village Javara Tahsil Mant, welcomed the gesture of the state government.



"It is a good step since now I would become debt-free. Normally the loan limit for small farmers set by the bank does not exceed Rs one lakh," Kushal said.



Lokendra, from village Naujhil Tahsil Mant, who has not taken any loan, said it may be a boon for farmers who had taken crop loan only last year, and asked why the relief has not been given to farmers who had taken loan earlier but now are in debt.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad will attend the Lok Sabha on Thursday, his first appearance in the House since being banned by major airlines for assaulting a senior Air India official last month.Reacting to reports that he chartered a flight to fly from Maharashtra to the national capital on Wednesday, Gaikwad said: I am a poor man and I can't afford to charter a flight.The parliamentarian is expected to address the media after attending the House.Gaikwad had last week attempted to book air tickets using different honorifics and spellings of his name, but his efforts were in vain. Ravindra Gaikwad, Professor Ravindra Gaikwad and Professor V Ravindra Gaikwad were a few names he used.However, another BJP MP Sunil Gaikwad, who unfortunately shares the same last name as the Sena MP, was repeatedly stopped at security check points before boarding a flight.Last month, 57-year old Gaikwad, a Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, had abused and assaulted a 60-year-old duty manager of Air India with slippers just because he had to travel economy class on an all-economy flight though he had an open business class ticket.Air India has refused to fly the MP, following which other private airlines too refused to fly him. An FIR was also registered against him.
"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in an editorial.

China can interfere in turbulent Kashmir if it wants to, the official Chinese media seemed to suggest so in an editorial.With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi? an editorial in the state-run Global Times said.New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained. India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence? it said.Apart from Global Times, China Daily, too, launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh  which China claims as part of Southern Tibet  is "an inseparable part of India".Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and UN ban on Jaish-e- Mohammed chief Masood Azhar."New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs," the state-run China Daily said in its editorial."To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said."Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," it said.The aggressive editorials came after China on Wednesday lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale here over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the area. The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state."The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.Stating that India is dissatisfied with China over the NSG and Azhar issues, it said some Indians also called for boycott of Chinese goods."The Dalai's visit to Arunachal Pradesh this time is seen as New Delhi using the monk as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on China," it said.(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: A 19-year-old LLB student was injured after allegedly being hit by a speeding Mercedes in north Delhi's Civil Lines area, police said on Wednesday.



The accident happened at night when Trinesh Kumar, a resident of Mori Gate, was riding his motorcycle near Civil Lines metro station.



Kumar and his friend Yashasvi, who had come to meet him, were on two bikes when the car took a sharp U-turn towards the metro station and hit his bike.



Following the impact, he fell down and the car fled from the spot.



Yashasvi then rushed the victim to a hospital where his condition is said to be critical, police said.







Police is scanning the CCTV footage from the area to identify the accused.



Last year, a teen driver, while driving his father's Mercedes had killed a man in the Civil Lines area.
Sempra Energy SRE recently issued its long-term financial outlook at its analyst conference in San Diego, CA. The utility reaffirmed its 2017 earnings per share (EPS) guidance at $4.85$5.25 apart from offering a detailed outline of its strategic initiatives.

For 2018, Sempra Energy expects to generate EPS in the range of $5.30 to $5.80. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.64 for 2017 earnings is above the mid-point of the company provided range.

Long-Term Projections

Over the next five years, Sempra Energys projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for EPS is in the range of 1011%. Notably this assumes total capital investment of $14.2 billion, placeholder spending of $1.5 billion and 100 megawatt (MW) of renewable projects that are in-service in 2017. This placeholder expense aims at reducing the companys adjusted funds from operations (FFO)-to-Debt to 20% by 2021.

The company also plans an off-balance sheet capital investment worth $1.8 billion, in addition to the $14.2 billion initiative. Adjusted operating cash flow is estimated in the range of $18.9$19.3 billion, along with $4.6$5.3 billion of free cash flow.

In the same time period, the companys shareholders can expect annual dividend per share (DPS) growth of 89%. In fact, management believes this growth rate will surpass that of Sempra Energys S&P 500 utilities peers, currently pegged at 56%. Moreover, the company projects additional debt capability of $2.5$4.5 billion.

Also, its U.S. portfolio mix is expected to grow in the next five years with the LNG export expansion projects  Cameron Trains 1-3 likely to come online by that time. Also, Sempra Energy expects to witness rate base growth of 6-7% at CAGR.

With respect to California utilities, the companys 5-year plan includes capital expenditure worth $12.3 billion, in line with its earlier projection. Its safe and reliable energy will cater to more than 25 million customers. In South America, the company has potential growth opportunities in Peru and Chile.

Story continues

On the flip side, California utilities assume per year attrition of 3.5% post 2018, while its Mexican business unit  IEnova will include only online-projects through 2019. Commodity and foreign exchange rates are also expected to affect long-term EPS growth.

Our View

Sempra Energy enjoys a noticeable share of the utility sector  thanks to stable earnings from utility subsidiaries. The aforementioned investment plans will surely encourage investors to consider this stock. However, failure to successfully execute every plan might hurt the companys growth trajectory.

Earlier, Sempra Energy announced plans to drop any kind of cash repatriation from earnings in Mexico or Peru and hinted at reinvesting more overseas. Although the company has not disclosed anything in terms of foreign investment in the recent analyst conference, identifying Mexico and Peru as areas of opportunities surely reflects managements objective to expand in the regions.

However, significant overseas presence brings with it the risk of fluctuating foreign currency and the company itself has also identified it as a major impediment for its growth.

Meanwhile, Sempra Energys shares gained 5.9% in the last one year, underperforming the Zacks categorized Utility-Gas Distribution industrys gain of 17.8%. This might have been triggered by challenges that the nuclear industry has been facing of late, given the availability of low-priced natural gas and the government-subsidized wind sector. Also, the company faces tough competition from utility peers like ONE Gas, Inc. OGS, Delta Natural Gas Company, Inc. DGAS and WGL Holdings Inc. WGL.

Zacks Rank

Sempra Energy currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can seethe complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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New Delhi: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina would have liked to go into elections in 2018 with the Teesta water treaty in hand but the Mamata Banerjee hurdle still remains.



So, even though Hasina is heading to India for bilateral talks tomorrow, any possibility of the water sharing agreement being sealed has been ruled out. Joint Secretary (BM) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sripriya Ranganathan on Thursday said, "it ( Teesta water treaty) remains work in progress." She added that the state government still had "some degree of doubt."



West Bengal's objection to the treaty arises from its concern that giving 33,000 cusecs of water annually to Bangladesh will mean its own northern districts will suffer. It believes that Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and North and South Dinajpur will be at loss if the treaty is signed on the present terms. It has also said that the talks before 2010 had agreed upon 25,000 cusecs annually. It is for this reason that Banerjee had refused to endorse the treaty when the then PM Manmohan Singh visited Dhaka in 2011.



Interestingly, Mamata Banerjee will be present at the lunch hosted by PM Modi in honour of Sheikh Hasina on the 8th of April. However, she has already voiced her concern last month about the treaty being signed in May without the state's consent. The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Gopal Baglay had assured that the government will take all on board before going ahead.



Both sides are expected to sign over 20 agreements/MoUs including a crucial comprehensive defence cooperation agreement. Security cooperation in view of the growing threat of radicalisation will also be covered. The two sides will also be looking at bus services between cities in India and Bangladesh. But despite all this, the water- sharing treaty once again not being accomplished will leave both sides disappointed as it is equally important for India to counter China's influence in the Bay of Bengal region.


Hyderabad: The city police have registered a case of cheating and harassment against a non-resident Indian who allegedly divorced his wife through a newspaper advertisement.



Mohd Mustaquddin, the accused, married the complainant, a 25-year-old woman, in January 2015 and took her to Saudi Arabia where he worked, the police said.



Last month the couple, with their 10-month-old baby, returned to Hyderabad, and Mustaquddin then went back to Saudi Arabia. His wife lodged a complaint with Moghalpura police in Hyderabad alleging that Mustaquddin had divorced her through an advertisement published in a local Urdu newspaper. Before that he had been harassing her for dowry of Rs 20 lakh, said Assistant Commissioner of Police S Gangadhar.



According to the complainant, after Mustaquddin returned to Saudi Arabia, her in-laws barred her from entering their house. Two days ago she saw an advertisement in an Urdu newspaper, placed by her husbands lawyer, which stated that Mustaquddin had given her talaq.



She tried to contact Mustaquddin several times over phone but he did not take her calls, so she lodged the complaint, the police officer said. Police registered a case under IPC sections 498 (A) (husband or relative of husband subjecting woman to cruelty), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) against Mustaquddin. We are conducting probe and also verifying if a divorce announced through a newspaper is valid under the Sharia (Muslim law), the ACP said.



Last month, a 38-year-old man was arrested in Hyderabad for cheating his wife by giving her talaq through a post card within eight days of marriage.



Another local man, based in the US, allegedly gave talaq to his wife through WhatsApp. The case came to light in February when she approached the police alleging that her in-laws tried to murder her.
They were Jairam Ramesh and Bevel Tankha. But why? To quote Ramesh: "It was Dr Manmohan Singh who advised me not to move it. I am just trying to highlight the difference between the former Prime Minister who is a statesman and the present Prime Minister who is a politician."

Manmohan singh said "It's a great move though there may be teething problems."

One of the first persons the finance minister walked up to thank after passage of GST was Dr Manmohan Singh and there is strong reason for this.The two Congress leaders who were supposed to move amendments did not do so.Sources say that Manmohan Singh was very upset with the way Moily spoke on the GST in Rajya Sabha.According to sources, Manmohan told his party to back it fully in Rajya Sabha so as not to send a wrong message. Which is why it was finally passed.This is not the first time Manmohan has acted as a conciliator. When the Parliamentary panel called RBI governor over demonetisation issue it was Manmohan Singh who advised his party colleagues not to question him as it would hurt the dignity of the institution of the Governor.
New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who is accused of beating up an Air India employee, on Thursday attended the Lok Sabha proceedings for the first time after the incident last month.



During the Zero Hour, Gaikwad presented his side of the story in front of the House and accused the Air India employee of misbehaving with him.



"I am a victim of injustice. What is my mistake? The employee was shouting at me. When I told that I am an MP, the Air India employee said 'so what you are not Narendra Modi'. They misbehaved with me. I can show you clippings as proof," he said.



Gaikwad dismissed the claims made by Air India that he created ruckus inside the aircraft.



Gaikwad, who had confessed to hitting an Air India duty manager for not being given a business class seat, said in the House that on the day of the incident (March 23) he was made to travel in economy class despite having a business class ticket.



He said after the Pune-Delhi flight landed in the national capital, he asked for the complaint register. "Then an officer came, then two or three more officers came... When I said that I was a politician, one of them said 'But you are not Narendra Modi. Are you?'" said the Shiv Sena MP, giving his version of the incident.



He further asked for justification on the FIR that was filed against him in an attempt to murder and seeks Home Minister Rajnath Singh's intervention into the matter.



"I have been charged under IPC 308, which is for 'attempt to murder'. Was I holding any weapon? Is this justice. I don't know why did Delhi police do this. I request the Home Minister Rajnath Singh to look into this matter," he said.



Reacting to the news that Gaikwad had last week attempted to book air tickets using different honorifics and spellings of his name, he said: "It was totally false that 7 tickets were issued in my name...I did not try to travel at all."



As soon as the House met for the day, Shiv Sena leader Anandrao Adsul said the party has been cooperating on the issue since the controversy broke out. "He is present and will make a statement. Either you allow him (to speak) now or later today, he should be allowed (to speak)," he said.



Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said he can speak during Zero Hour but not during Question Hour.



Before Adsul spoke, Sena members raised slogans against Air India when Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju rose to reply a question in regional airports. "Goonda raj band karo...nyay karo, nyay karo (Stop bullying, do justice)" was among some of the slogans they raised.



Union minister Ananth Geete, who is also a Sena leader, urged the Speaker to allow Adsul to speak briefly.



Gaikwad, the Osmanabad MP, had last month abused and assaulted a 60-year-old duty manager of the national carrier with slippers for not being able to fly business class despite having boarded an all-economy Pune-New Delhi flight.



(With PTI inputs)
Jaipur: Conservation of cows in Rajasthan will entail a cost for those making rent agreements, mortgage papers and lease agreement as they will now pay a surcharge of 10 percent on stamp duty for cow protection.



The surcharge has been imposed on all non-judicial instruments for the conservation and propagation of cows in BJP-ruled Rajasthan.



Following Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje announcement in Budget 2017-18, the state's Finance Department has imposed surcharge on all such instruments that are non-judicial in nature, an order of which was released on March 31.



"In exercise of the powers conferred of the Rajasthan Stamp Act, 1998 and in supersession of this departments notification, state government hereby order surcharge at the rate of 10 percent on stamp duty payable on all instruments for the purposes of conservation and propagation of cow and its progeny," states the order.



In her budget speech last year, Raje had proposed surcharge for development of basic infrastructure facilities and protection and propagation of cows.



However, judicial stamps, revenue ticket and insurance ticket have been excluded from this order.


The FIR against Pehlu Khan and his family members has been filed under the Rajasthan Bovine Animals (Prohibition of Slaughter & Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 1995. The law makes it mandatory to obtain a transit permit to transport bovine animals, including cows, out of Rajasthan, which according to the police the deceased and his family members didn't have.

When News18 asked him if this incident shows lack of fear for the law, he gave a bizarre explanation. "The fact that culprits have fled from their homes shows that there is law and order in place."

Three people have been arrested by police in Alwar for allegedly beating Pehlu Khan to death. Speaking to News18, a source in Alwar police claimed all three have confessed to the crime and said they were angered on seeing the cows being mistreated.The trio  Vipin Yadav (19), Ravendra (32) and Kaluram (44)  are residents of Behror where the incident happened. News18 has learnt that in the preliminary interrogation, they denied being associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) or the Bajrang Dal.Police sources told News18 that five people were identified from the video that was circulated on social media. Of them, three were seen beating Pehlu Khan and others, while the other two were seen standing nearby. They were picked up at around 9:45pm on Wednesday from their homes in Alwar's Behror.Speaking to News18, Alwar's Superintendent of Police, Rahul Prakash, said the police have registered three FIRs  one against suspects who attacked Pehlu Khan, and one each against Khan and his family members.In the FIR filed in the lynching incident, six people have been named. These names were given by Pehlu Khan in a statement to the police shortly before he succumbed to injuries at Alwar's Kailash Hospital on Monday.Alwar's top cop Rahul Prakash though denied any police laxity.Speaking to News18, he defended the police and said, "I appreciate the Behror police because they immediately reached the location and saved the family members from the mob and provided medical help. Police registered the case same day."Pehlu Khan, said to be in his fifties, was beaten up along with other members of his family by a group of alleged cow vigilantes on National Highway 8 in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Saturday. Pehlu Khan was being treated in Alwar's Kailash hospital where he succumbed to injuries on Monday evening.
New Delhi: In his first speech in Parliament after the historic May 2014 verdict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: I am hoisted by senior leaders of my party on their shoulders. Whatever we have achieved today is because of sacrifices made by past generations.



In the same speech Modi had said, I dont know what pessimism is I am an optimist by nature. Its in my DNA.



The DNA of post-2014 BJP is marked by this confidence. It's a confidence past generations of the party couldnt even dream of. And as the party commemorates its 37th anniversary with fanfare, it seems to have come of age.



After winning four of the five states that went to polls recently, BJP now governs, either with an ally or by itself, 17 states and Union Territories -- well over half of India. Being in the Centre and in comfortable majority in most states, the party holds remarkable influence over policy and finances.



This influence is only likely to increase in the near future as BJP prepares to wrest states such as Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh from the Opposition.



The post-2014 BJP is very different from the one that had just two seats in Lok Sabha in 1984. According to Shanta Kumar, a founding member of the party, a former central minister and former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, the present leadership of the party has an almost compulsive determination to win.



Kumar adds that the new generation of BJP leaders have brought with them an attitude that he and his colleagues had never imagined in their time. We were always in the mindset of an opposition. We could never think of coming to power on our own. This is perhaps why there is a huge difference between the way Atal Behari Vajpayee spoke and the commanding manner in which Modi speaks. Atalji had to balance the whims of his coalition partners. Woh sochte, ki koi naraaz na ho jaye Modiji doesnt have that baggage, he said.



Atal Behari Vajpayees mantra was satya (truth) not satta (power). Unhone satya ke liye satta ko chod diya (He sacrificed power for truth). The importance given by the current BJP leadership to power is perhaps the thing that differentiates it from the old BJP.



In many ways leaders like Bhupendra Yadav, partys national general secretary, represent the change. A young MP from Rajasthan, who rose through the ranks of the RSS-linked students body ABVP, Yadav was given charge of Rajasthan and Jharkhand, both of which he delivered for the party. At 47, Yadav is already a member of several select committees of the Parliament.



Compared to the earlier BJP, a huge social and geographic expansion has happened. We are governing a huge chunk of Indian population with a diverse social background, which in itself is a huge challenge It's possibly the only challenge going forward. I know we are going through a purple patch right now, but it has been possible because of the strong foundations that our elders laid, says Yadav.



But the heights, which the new generation of BJP leaders have taken the party to, also worries party elders like Shanta Kumar.



At the position we are in, right now, we are unassailable. There is no party to match us anywhere. And this is the worrying bit. For a strong democracy, we need a strong opposition. Otherwise there is nothing to counterbalance the ruling forces, says Shanta Kumar.



Political observer and professor of political science in Lucknow University, Nadeem Hasnain, shares these concerns. Because there is no strong opposition to the BJP right now, there is a danger that democracy will be turned into majoritarianism. In a space where only one party is growing, the space for dissent reduces, he says.



Talking about the changes in BJP over the years, Hasnain says, The younger lot of leaders is ambitious and full of aspirations. Which is why they are always in election mode. They want to win everywhere. But speaking of the party, the big change I see is RSS coming out of the closet. I think earlier BJP at least tried to keep a preteens that it was not consulting RSS on every issue.



Hasnain also points out that some senior leaders in the BJP of yesteryears such as Yashwant Sinha or Jaswant Singh had no RSS background. Today, most of the chief ministers and general secretaries are being appointed by the RSS. And these ministers, unlike previous years, flaunt their RSS connections. This, I think, is a big change.



BJP has had a blow-hot, blow-cold relationship with the RSS, but an engaging relationship nevertheless, since it came to power in 2014. But undoubtedly several senior RSS members were loaned to the party to manage its elections and internal affairs. The partys national general secretary Muralidhar Rao is one such example.



The leadership you see in various states and party offices in BJP today is not an overnight development. We groomed these leaders over several years and introduced through them a demonstrative model of governance. Of course the Congress infamy, especially at the end of its second innings, helped us. But it was because of our acceptability in marginalised communities that we have been able to achieve all this. We broke the old myth that without active Muslim support nobody can win elections in India, Rao says.



And the BJP juggernaut will not stop at this. We have been gaining strength where we never had a presence and states like Odisha and West Bengal are now on our radars. The fact that BJP is not being identified as a North Indian party or a South Indian party is our biggest strength.
A total of 1,796 nominations have been rejected due to errors of different kind, said an Election Commission official.



"The updates on scrutiny were being received from returning officers offices till late evening. It will take time to provide information regarding individual wards," said the Election Commission official.



Nearly 40 per cent of the total 4,605 nominations filed for April 23 elections to the 272 wards of the three municipal corporations have been rejected during scrutiny, Delhi State Election Commission said.Maximum 758 nominations out of total 1,833 filed for 104 wards in South Delhi Municipal Corporation, were rejected in scrutiny.The nomination papers of the four BJP candidates in MCD polls were also cancelled, sources claimed.The Election Commission, however, could not verify the information regarding cancellation of nomination papers of the four BJP candidates.BJP sources also claimed that nomination papers of the official candidates of party were also cancelled in Khayala and Wazirpur wards.However, the "back up" party candidates were there to contest the polls.
Aircraft are machines on which people fly and safety is paramount which can never be compromised, the aviation minister said, explaining the grounding of Gaikwad.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday witnessed an altercation between two ministers over the airline travel ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad.Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises Anant Geete entered into altercation with civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju after the latter in a statement defended the ban saying that security comes first as far as airline travel is concerned.The two nearly came to blows before Smriti Irani and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh intervened and caught hold of Geete, the lone Shiv Sena minister in the Union cabinet, before he reached Raju.SS Ahluwalia, the MoS for Parliamentary Affairs, had to push Shiv Sena MPs aside to rescue Raju. Opposition MPs stood up to bring the incident to the Speaker's attention, leading to an adjournment.Geete questioned how Air India could ban an MP without even an investigation.Earlier, Gaikwad, an MP from Osamanabad in Maharashtra, told the Lok Sabha that he had done no wrong. "I am not guilty, I have not done anything wrong.He claimed that he did not thrash anyone and did not create any ruckus inside the aircraft.After the incident last month, Gaikwad had told reporters that he had hit the Air India staffer with a slipper 25 times.I am accused of pushing Air India staff out of the plane. How can they charge me under attempt to murder when I havent done anything like that? I demand strong action be taken against Air India," he said.Asking that the ban be removed, he gave a conditional apology to the Parliament. However, he said he will not apologise to Air India. I apologise for my behavior, but I am not apologetic to the airline official who abused and manhandled me, and spoke in a derogatory manner about parliamentarians and the prime minister."It was only after he insulted the PM and the Parliament that I got upset and hit him. Only that clip was shown to the public," he added.Agitated Shiv Sena MPs also tried to gherao the aviation minister. Following the incident, the Speaker held a meeting with the two ministers along with Singh and MoS Home Ahir Hansraj Gangaram to resolve the spat.Speaking to CNN-News18, Geete said: We will not allow flights to operate from Mumbai.Reacting to the incident, Rajnath Singh said: I have spoken to Geete and the aviation minister. The latter will meet all stakeholders and work out a solution soon.
"I write to convey my regrets for the unfortunate incident that took place on 23rd March in Air India flight...the on-going investigation will bring out the factual sequence of events to fix the responsibility for this incident," said the MP in a letter to the Aviation minister.

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who has been 'grounded' by Air India for allegedly hitting its staffer with slippers, wrote a letter to Civil Aviation Minister conveying his 'regret for the unfortunate incident'."The restriction on flying is affecting the effective discharge of my duties and responsibilities. I would request you to lift this restriction," wrote the Sena MP.The letter, according to official sources, followed a meeting in Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan's chamber in Parliament where Shiv Sena MPs were told that if Gaikwad issued a statement committing that he would not engage in any such incident in future, the government could intervene and have the ban revoked.Air India sources, meanwhile, said the ban is still in force.Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut questioned the aukat (stature) of the Air India chief while defending party colleague Ravindra Gaikwad.Who is the Air India chairman before us? He is just a government servant. He should stay in his limits, Raut said at a press conference hours after the Lok Sabha witnessed unruly scenes over the issue. Is the passenger a terrorist? There are many MPs against whom cases have been filed.The Shiv Sena also threatened to boycott the NDA meeting if the matter was not resolved by April 10.
FILE PHOTO: File photo of a Chinese 100 yuan banknote being placed under a $100 banknote in this photo illustration taken in Beijing FILE PHOTO: A Chinese 100 yuan banknote is placed under a $100 banknote (top) in this photo illustration taken in Beijing in this November 7, 2010 file photo. REUTERS/Petar Kujundzic/File Photo

By David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump looks unlikely to formally declare China a currency manipulator next week just days after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, foreign exchange policy experts say, leaving a vocal Trump campaign pledge unmet, at least for now.

The U.S. Treasury would have to radically change its definitions of currency manipulation in order to squeeze China into that label for its next report due April 14, said these experts, several of whom contributed to past Treasury analysis of foreign exchange practices.

But over time, the Trump administration may consider changes to the Obama administration's currency definitions as the Treasury gains staff.

"It would be hard to come up with a credible standard that would catch China in the net," said David Dollar, a former U.S. Treasury economic liaison to China who is now a senior fellow at the Washington-based Brookings Institution.

Trump pledged to label China a currency manipulator on the first day of his administration, but so far has refrained.

A trade and customs enforcement law enacted last year set out three criteria for identifying manipulation among major trading partners: a "material" global current account surplus, a "significant" bilateral trade surplus with the United States, and persistent one-way intervention in foreign exchange markets.

The Treasury is required to demand special talks with any country meeting all three thresholds aimed at correcting an undervalued currency, with penalties such as exclusion from U.S. government procurement contracts available after a year.

Under the current Obama-defined thresholds, China only meets one of these criteria, based on its $347 billion (278.22 billion) goods trade surplus with the United States. Its central bank has for the past two years spent over $1 trillion to prop up the yuan's value - not to push it down. China's current account surplus, an indicator of its global trade balance, was 1.8 percent of GDP in 2016, well below the threshold for action.

Story continues

The U.S. Treasury says it is "premature" to comment on the outcome of its currency review and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has said it will adhere to past practice in its assessment, suggesting that radical changes will not be made in this publication.

"The conclusion among people like me from that seems to be that they're moving away from naming China," said Matthew Goodman, former Treasury official who wrote currency reports during the Clinton administration and is now at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

But with the Trump administration pushing a trade agenda aimed at reducing U.S. trade deficits, particularly those with China, experts said that they expect the Trump administration to consider changes aimed at deterring future manipulations.

Treasury will be in a much better position to make such changes for its October currency report, said Derek Scissors, a resident scholar and China trade expert at the American Enterprise Institute.

"I would be very surprised if a year from now the Obama criteria were still in place," Scissors said.

The most logical option would be to lengthen the time period for reviewing currency market interventions from 12 months to several years, capturing more past interventions by China, according to the policy experts.

One senior South Korean official told Reuters that doing this would likely lead to manipulator designations for South Korea, Taiwan and possibly other countries.

Treasury also could reduce the current account surplus threshold below 3 percent of GDP to try to capture more potential offenders, but that would be at odds with longstanding views of the International Monetary Fund and G20 finance officials that 3 pct of GDP is about where surpluses start to become a concern.

(Reporting by David Lawder; additional reporting by Christine Kim in Seoul; Editing by David Chance and Grant McCool)
Who is the Air India chairman before us? He is just a government servant. He should stay in his limits, Raut said at a press conference hours after the Lok Sabha witnessed unruly scenes over the issue. Is the passenger a terrorist? There are many MPs against whom cases have been filed.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday questioned the aukat (stature) of the Air India chief while defending party colleague Ravindra Gaikwad who has been grounded by major airlines for assaulting an Air India employee last month.If the matter is not resolved by April 10, we will not attend NDA meeting, he said, adding that the reply of Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju in Parliament was not sufficient.ALSO READ | Here's How Minister Raju Was 'Saved' From Sena MPs in Lok Sabha He also questioned the attempt to murder charge against Gaikwad, asking, How can hitting someone with slippers be attempt to murder?Security at the airports in Pune and Mumbai has been increased following Shiv Senas threat to disrupt operations in Maharashtra.Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises Anant Geete entered into altercation with civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju after the latter in a statement defended the ban saying that security comes first as far as airline travel is concerned.The two nearly came to blows before Smriti Irani and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh intervened and caught hold of Geete, the lone Shiv Sena minister in the Union cabinet, before he reached Raju.SS Ahluwalia, the MoS for Parliamentary Affairs, had to push Shiv Sena MPs aside to rescue Raju. Opposition MPs stood up to bring the incident to the Speaker's attention, leading to an adjournment.
New Delhi: After surprising most of his detractors with a popular but economically balanced farm loan waiver, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is now making all the right noises with regard to educational reforms.



In an interview to news portal Khabare, Adityanath stressed on the need for teaching English in schools from elementary level and said the state board has been asked to review the curriculum.



We have decided to introduce English in government schools from nursery. Why should they be made to wait till Class VI to learn the language. From Class III, they should be taught Sanskrit and from Class X they should have the option of learning a foreign language of their choice. If someone wants to go to Germany or Japan for higher studies he or she has to take a three-month course in that language. This will not be needed, Adityanath told the news portal.



The CM said his government will focus on enrolling all 11 lakh children who are not in schools at present. He said he wanted UP education board to have modern curriculum and text books on the lines of NCERT.



For higher education, he stressed on common curriculum and coordination between all 16 universities in the state.



On his governments priorities, Yogi said he had told his colleagues to tackle the challenges of corruption, lawlessness, casteism and appeasement.



Taking about the impact of farm loan waiver on state finances, the CM said he tried to strike a balance between the need to help the farmers and good fiscal health.



The expenditure on this count comes to Rs 36,000 crore. Along with the NPAs of Rs 4000 crore, it would be Rs 40,000 crore. We plan to generate this money by cutting wasteful expenditure of Rs 8000 to 10,000 crore and by raising more resources. We will return the money to banks in four to five instalments.



When asked about controversial crackdown on slaughterhouses and setting up of anti-Romeo squads, Yogi said both the drives were promised in the BJP manifesto. There is no discrimination or harassment. We are implementing what was already the law. So, no one who is following the law should worry. About complaints of harassment, I have already asked people to ensure that consenting youth should not be troubled, he said.



Adityanath also hinted at a drive against alcohol shops in residential areas and didnt even rule out cancellation of licences.




Reliance Jio has announced that it has decided to withdraw its Jio Summer Surprise offer in accordance with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) advice.



"TRAI has advised Jio to withdraw the 3 months complimentary benefits of Jio Summer Surprise," Jio said in a statement.



"Jio accepts this decision. Jio is in the process of fully complying with the regulator's advice, and will be withdrawing the three months complimentary benefits of Jio Summer Surprise as soon as operationally feasible, over the next few days," the statement added.



However, Jio customers who have subscribed to the offer prior to its discontinuation will remain eligible for the complimentary benefits.



Under the Jio Summer Surprise offer, announced on March 31, Jio Prime members who enrolled before April 15 and recharged for plans of Rs 303 and more were entitled to get three months of complimentary services in addition to the benefits of their purchased plan.



(Disclosure: News18.com is part of Network18 Media & Investment Limited which is owned by Reliance Industries Limited that also owns Reliance Jio)
Dhaka: More than 100,000 clerics and preachers rallied in the Bangladeshi capital against Islamist extremism Thursday after a resurgence of attacks by militant groups in the Muslim-majority nation.



Organisers said the rally was staged to protest a violent "power grab" in the name of Islam in Muslim majority Bangladesh, where a rise in Islamist extremism has sparked international concern.



The rally followed suicide attacks on Bangladeshi security forces that sparked a series of raids in which nearly two dozen suspected extremists were killed.



Police said Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed more than 100,000 clerics in a park in central Dhaka where two top Saudi Arabian clerics delivered sermons against extremism.



"There is no place for terror and extremism in Islam," Shaikh Mohammed bin Naser Al Khujaim, a senior cleric from Mecca, told the rally.



"Muslims across the world must stand firm against this terror and extremism."



Dhaka police shut down major roads leading to the park and asked people to avoid busy shopping malls as they stepped up security for the rally.



Analysts say Islamist militants pose a growing danger in conservative Bangladesh, where a long-running political crisis has radicalised opponents of the government.



Hasina's government has blamed the Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned Islamist group, for a wave of deadly attacks against religious minorities and foreigners.



Many, including last year's attack on an upmarket cafe in Dhaka in which 22 people including 18 foreign hostages were killed, have also been claimed by the Islamic State group.



The relative lull which followed that attack was broken recently by twin blasts in the northeastern city of Sylhet where army commandos had stormed a suspected militant hideout.



The explosions fatally injured the intelligence chief of the Rapid Action Battalion -- the elite force at the forefront of the fight against Islamist militancy -- dealing a major blow to the security forces.
Washington: Hindus will witness a "dramatic" drop-off in births between 2055 and 2060 due to declining fertility in India, which is home to 94 percent of the community's global population, according to a new Pew research.



The Pew Research Centre study also said that the number of babies born to Muslim women is expected to overtake those born to Christians world-wide within two decades, making Islam the world's largest religion by 2075.



Beyond 2015, Christian and Muslim mothers are expected to give birth to increasing numbers of babies through 2060. But Muslim births are projected to rise at a faster rate so much so that by 2035 the number of babies born to Muslim mothers will narrowly surpass the number born to Christian mothers.



Between 2055 and 2060, the birth gap between the two groups is expected to approach 6 million (232 million births among Muslims vs. 226 million births among Christians).



By contrast, the total number of births is projected to decline steadily between 2015 and 2060 for all other major religious groups, said the study, which was released on Wednesday.



"The drop-off in births will be especially dramatic for Hindus who are expected to see 33 million fewer births between 2055 and 2060 than between 2010 and 2015 due in large part to declining fertility in India, which is home to 94 per cent of the global Hindu population as of 2015," according to the study titled 'The Changing Global Religious Landscape'.



Between 2010 and 2015, an estimated 68 million babies were born to unaffiliated mothers, compared with 109 million to Hindu mothers.



Islam is already the world's fastest-growing religion, according to the study, with the Muslim population increasing by more than 150 million people between 2010 and 2015.



Between 2015 and 2060, the global Muslim population is expected to grow by 70 per cent, while Christianity is projected to grow by 34 per cent  at which point, the two religions will have similar numbers, the report said.



That baby boom will largely be driven by regional trends in age and fertility, according to Alan Cooperman, director of religion research at Pew.



"It's really a geographic story," he was quoted as saying by the New York Times.



From 2010 to 2015, Christian women gave birth to 223 million babies, about 10 million more than were born to Muslim women.



But the Pew report predict a reversal of that pattern by 2060, when Muslim mothers are projected to give birth to 232 million babies, about six million more than their Christian counterparts.



Some 62 per cent of Muslims live in the Asia-Pacific region with large populations in Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Turkey, Pew researchers said.



The report's findings are drawn from the same projections behind a 2015 Pew report that found that the world's Muslim population will match its Christian population by 2070 and surpass it in the decades that follow.



Both rely on data collected over several years from more than 2,500 global censuses. The projections take into account trends in mortality, fertility, age, migration and religious switching.
Washington: The US intelligence agencies don't know the true number of foreign jihadists still fighting in Iraq and Syria, or the extent of the threat they pose to their home countries, a senior US military officer has said.



Some 40,000 foreign jihadists have joined the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria from at least 120 countries in Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia, General Michael Nagata said on Wednesday at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank.



"We know we have killed several thousands of foreign fighters in Iraq and Syria," said Nagata, director of the National Counter terrorism Center's Directorate for Strategic Operational Planning.



"But we are unable to give you a precise number. It's a substantial number."



"We really don't know" how many remain despite the massive resources trying to determine the number, he added.



Estimating the security threat they pose their home countries on their return is also problematic, he said.



"ISIS and the foreign terrorist fighter problem is not a monolith," he said, using an alternate acronym for the IS group. "It's an incredibly diverse set of actors with an incredibly diverse set of motivations."



However, the security threat -- particularly from the children of jihadists who have followed their parents to Iraq and Syria and could potentially perpetrate attacks in their home countries -- should not be overestimated, Nagata said.



The IS group has released videos apparently showing children executing prisoners in order to "create a propaganda-driven impression that all the children of ISIS fighters will take up the black flag, that they are ready now to commit acts of violence even if they are only 11 or 12," Nagata said.



Although "there may be some truth" in that perception, he said, "it is probably not as strong or widespread as what the Islamic State group wants us to believe."



The IS group has lost much of the territory it once held during a more than two-and-a-half-year military campaign by a US-led international coalition.



Coalition-backed Iraqi forces are currently battling to recapture the northern city of Mosul from the jihadists.



US-backed fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces are also mounting an offensive to retake the Syrian city of Raqa, the IS group's last major stronghold in that country.
The ad shows Kendall Jenner, a member of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians reality TV family, stepping away from a modeling shoot to join a crowd of smiling, young protesters.

It initially described the spot as featuring "multiple lives, stories and emotional connections that show passion, joy, unbound and uninhibited moments. No matter the occasion, big or small, these are the moments that make us feel alive."

Critics say the image of Jenner handing the officer a Pepsi evoked a photo of Black Lives Matter protester Ieshia Evans approaching an officer at a demonstration in Baton Rouge last year.

"If only Daddy would have known about the power of #Pepsi," the tweet said.

Pepsi has pulled an ad after it was widely mocked and criticised for appearing to trivialise protests for social justice causes."Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding," the company said. "Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologise."It said it was "removing the content and halting any further rollout."The protesters cheer after Jenner hands a can of Pepsi to a police officer, who takes a sip.PepsiCo Inc had previously said the ad was created by its in-house team and that it would "be seen globally across TV and digital" platforms.That description was also derided on social media.The Purchase, New York, company had stood by the ad late Tuesday. But on Wednesday, it was apologising to Jenner for putting her "in this position."Others criticised the protesters' signs for being comically innocuous, with messages like "Join the Conversation" and heart and peace signs. The website Gothamist expressed a common sentiment online in calling the ad "gloriously tone-deaf."Among those mocking the ad was Bernice King, who tweeted a photo of her father, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., being confronted by a police officer at a protest march.It isn't the first time PepsiCo has backpedaled and apologised for an ad. In 2013, it pulled a Mountain Dew ad that was criticised for portraying racial stereotypes and appearing to make light of violence toward women.It pulled that ad from online channels, and said it was never intended to run on TV.
Almost 75,000 Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh where they have related grisly accounts of army abuse.

"I don't think there is ethnic cleansing going on," Suu Kyi said in a rare interview televised on Wednesday.

"It is not just a matter of ethnic cleansing. It is a matter of people on different sides of a divide, and this divide we are trying to close up. As best as possible and not to widen it further," she said.

Rohingya who fled the crackdown told UN workers of horrendous abuses, including soldiers allegedly executing babies in front of their mothers, summary murders of Rohingya men and widespread gang rape of women.

Aung San Suu Kyi has denied security forces have carried out ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, speaking to the BBC after the UN rights council agreed to investigate allegations of rape, murder and torture against the army.Rights groups say hundreds of the stateless group were killed in a months-long army crackdown following deadly attacks on Myanmar border police posts.Myanmar's de facto leader Suu Kyi, a Nobel Laureate whose international star as a rights defender is waning over the treatment of the Rohingya, has not spoken out in defence of the persecuted minority.She has also not condemned the crackdown, which UN investigators who spoke to escapees said likely amounted to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.Instead she has called for space to handle the incendiary issue in a country where the more than one million Rohingya are widely vilified as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh."I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening."Most Rohingya are denied citizenship. Tens of thousands have languished in displacement camps since 2012 when religious violence between Muslims and Buddhists tore through Rakhine State, which borders Bangladesh.The latest violence unfurled in October last year when scores of armed militants claiming to represent Rohingya rights ambushed police border posts, prompting the army to lockdown a remote wedge of land during extensive air and ground "clearance" operations.Last month the UN rights council agreed to send a fact-finding mission to examine allegations of torture, murder and rape allegedly committed by troops.Suu Kyi told the BBC there was "a lot of hostility" in Rakhine, which borders Bangladesh."It is Muslims killing Muslims, as well, if they think they are collaborating with authorities.Myanmar has launched its own domestic probe into possible crimes in Rakhine and appointed former UN chief Kofi Annan to head a commission tasked with healing long-simmering divisions between Buddhists and Muslims.Suu Kyi said the army was "not free to rape, pillage and torture"."They are free to go in and fight. And of course, that is in the constitution... Military matters are to be left to the army," she said, adding that she aimed to amend the constitution which allows the military total control of defence.In the interview Suu Kyi tired to reassure those who fled that "if they come back they will be safe".Her National League for Democracy (NLD) faced the ballot box on Saturday in by-elections across the country, winning a string of seats but losing out in ethnic minority areas including Rakhine.The NLD came to power in a historic 2015 election which ended half a century of brutal military rule, but there has been disillusionment with the administration as it struggles to push through reforms and ease unrest.
Washington: The United States and Russia were on a collision course over Syria on Wednesday after a horrific chemical attack so shocked President Donald Trump that Washington threatened unilateral US action.



At least 86 people were killed early on Tuesday in rebel-held Khan Sheikhun in northern Syria and dozens more were being treated after they were found convulsing and foaming at the mouth.



After previous major chemical attacks in Syria in 2013, Trump strongly urged then-president Barack Obama not to order military intervention against Bashar al-Assad's regime.



And he came to office promising both to improve ties with Assad's ally President Vladimir Putin of Russia and to focus US efforts in Syria solely on the defeat of the Islamic State group.



But on Wednesday -- as footage emerged of Syrian children choking to death in agony -- he declared that his view of the conflict had been changed by an attack that "cannot be tolerated."



"It crossed a lot of lines for me," Trump told reporters at a joint White House news conference with Jordan's King Abdullah, alluding to Obama's failure to enforce his own 2013 "red line."



"When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, little babies... that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line, many, many lines," he warned.



"I will tell you, it's already happened, that my attitude towards Syria and Assad has changed very much... You're now talking about a whole different level."



Trump did not go into detail about what any US response to the atrocity would be -- and he has previously opposed deeper US military involvement in Syria's civil war.



Rethink support



The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, warned of unilateral action and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Russia to rethink its support for Assad.



"There is no doubt in our mind that the Syrian regime under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad is responsible for this horrific attack," Tillerson told reporters.



"And we think it is time for the Russians to really think carefully about their continuing support for the Assad regime."



Tillerson is due in Moscow next week for talks that will now be clouded by the Khan Sheikhun controversy.



At the United Nations, Haley was equally forthright.



"When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," she said.



The warning came during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by France and Britain after the attack.



Haley, lashing out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria, showed photographs of lifeless children choked in the attack.



"How many more children have to die before Russia cares?" she demanded. "If Russia has the influence in Syria that it claims to have, we need to see them use it."



'Categorically unacceptable'



Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack.



Russia -- along with Iran -- is Syria's main diplomatic and military partner. And Moscow, true to form, said the draft text was "categorically unacceptable."



Failure to agree on a compromise text could prompt Russia to use its veto to block the draft resolution. Moscow has used its veto seven times to shield Syria from UN action.



The Western-backed draft text backs a probe by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and demands Syria provide information on its operations.



Russia's deputy ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the UN council that the proposed resolution was hastily prepared and unnecessary, but voiced support for an inquiry.



"The main task now is to have an objective inquiry into what happened," he said.



Russia turned up at negotiations with a rival draft resolution that made no reference to specific demands that Damascus cooperate with an inquiry, diplomats said.



Negotiations were continuing on the draft text and diplomats said there would not be a vote before Thursday at the earliest.



"We are talking about war crimes here, war crimes on a large scale, war crimes with chemical weapons," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre.



The British ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, told reporters he hoped council members would agree on a draft resolution by Thursday, but vowed to press for a vote regardless.



Moscow, which launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of Assad's forces, defended the government against accusations of responsibility for the attack.



It claimed the deaths were caused when a Syrian strike hit a "terrorist warehouse" for bombs containing "toxic substances" and pledged to maintain its military support for Assad.



Western experts have dismissed this claim as implausible, given the scale and nature of the casualties.



And a senior State Department official said: "Anyone with common sense and the ability to look at pictures knows that what the Russians are saying about the depot is not true."



'A gas so lethal'



Doctors said victims showed symptoms consistent with the use of a nerve agent such as sarin -- suspected to have been used by government forces in deadly attacks outside Damascus in 2013.



US officials have not said what kind of agent they think was used, but Trump said it was "a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was."



If confirmed, the attack would be among the worst incidents of chemical weapons use in Syria's civil war, which has killed over 320,000 people since it began in March 2011.



Syria officially relinquished its chemical arsenal and signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 to avert military action after it was accused of an attack outside Damascus that killed hundreds.



But there have been repeated allegations of chemical weapons use since.






London: Tougher and more expensive visa rules announced by the UK Home Office last year are set to take effect from Thursday, affecting Indians and other nationals from outside the European Union (EU).



The Tier 2 category of visas, a route used by many Indians and other nationals from outside the EU, will undergo major set of changes under the new rules.



Companies in the UK hiring workers from outside the EU, such as Indians, will have to shell out an additional 1,000-pound annual "Immigration Skills Charge", announced in March last year.



"Set at 1,000 pounds per employee per year, and a reduced rate of 364 pounds for small or charitable organisations, it (Immigration Skills Charge) is designed to cut down on the number of businesses taking on migrant workers and incentivise training British staff to fill those jobs," the UK Home Office said, in reference to the new levy.



An exemption to the charge will mean that it will not apply to PhD-level jobs and international students switching from student visas to working visas  "a key protection to help retain the talented workers and students who are vital in helping the British economy grow", the Home Office added.



The latest charge is among a wider changes made to the Tier 2 visa regime in an effort to cut immigration numbers from countries outside the EU and tighten visa regulations.



Most recently, the UK government had announced that professionals such as teachers, nurses and social workers from countries like India who apply for a Tier 2 visa to live and work in the UK will need to provide a certificate from their home country authorities with their applications disclosing whether they have any criminal convictions.



Under plans becoming effective from this week, skilled migrants applying within the Tier 2 category for these specific professions will now be required to provide a criminal record check certificate from any countries they have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.



An applicant's partner, or a partner wishing to join an existing skilled migrant worker in the same sectors, will also be asked to produce a certificate.



The requirement could be waived where it is deemed not "reasonably practicable" to obtain a certificate, such as if a country or authority does not produce such documents.



Some of the other changes include those applying for a Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa being required to pay a health surcharge of 200 pounds per person per year. Any dependents of the main applicant will also have to pay around the same amount as the main applicant.



The minimum salary level that UK-based sponsors can offer a Tier 2 (General) worker has been increased from 25,000 pounds to 30,000 pounds for experienced workers.



Some jobs in the health and education sectors are exempted from this higher threshold until July 2019.



The Tier 2 (ICT) Short Term Staff category has been closed, which implies that all workers applying under this route, except graduate trainees, must qualify under a single salary threshold of 41,500 pounds.



The latest rules are part of a number of tougher measures being introduced after a review by the UKs independent Migration Advisory Committee recommended changes to the visa system last year.



It has already been announced that the minimum salary threshold before a Tier 2visais granted to skilled workers from outside the EU will rise from 20,800 pounds a year to 30,000 pounds for most jobs.



Also, chemistry teachers are being removed from a list of UK "shortage occupations" but those who teach combined science, computer science and Mandarin are being added to the list.



Jobs on the shortage occupations list imply relatively easier visa norms for applicants from outside the EU.
Red blood cells can be donated through a regular whole blood donation or a Power Red donation, the release states. A Power Red donation is a concentrated dose of red blood cells given in a single donation. The concentrated dose of red blood cells is created by separating the red blood cells from other blood components such as plasma and platelets, which are then returned to the donor, according to the release.
Update: A defendant in the homicide case of Raymond Wood, 17, of Lynchburg, appeared before Bedford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court by video Thursday afternoon, where he was appointed a public defender by the court.

Jose Coreas-Ventura, 21, is charged with second-degree murder in the slaying along with two other defendants, Victor Arnoldo Rodas, 19; and Lisandro Posada-Vazquez, 24. According to Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown, all three are members of the MS-13 gang. All three are undocumented immigrants from El Salvador and were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 28 after initially being detained by the Bedford County Sheriffs Office, according to Carissa Cutrell, an ICE public affairs officer.

Bedford County Commonwealths Attorney Wes Nance confirmed Thursday that Coreas-Ventura was arraigned at about 2:30 p.m., was appointed a public defender and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 16 at 1 p.m. in Juvenile and Domestic Court.

The court declared Coreas-Ventura indigent Thursday, but an advisement order filed in court states he was employed at the time of the arrest. The amount of money he made was unclear, according to the document. Coreas-Ventura has no real estate in the U.S. but may have an interest in real estate in El Salvador, according to the advisement order.

The order states he has no other assets.

Coreas-Ventura also has been charged with first-degree murder in Montgomery County, Maryland, in connection with the June 2016 slaying of 18-year-old Cristian Antonio Villagran-Morales that occurred in the city of Gaithersburg.

Nance said despite the Maryland charges, he believes Bedford County will proceed with its charges against him, and potentially any sentence imposed would be served before Maryland would seek to extradite him.

This is still very much a situation that continues to develop but the consensus is that Bedford County will forge ahead with its charges against this individual and his co-defendants, Nance said in an email.

Coreas-Ventura remains in jail in Amherst.

Staff writer Christopher Cole contributed to this report.
At 85 years old, Mary Cundiff was not about to start peeling paint or helping clear debris at the Campbell County Training School.

So instead, between tales about aging and creaking joints, Cundiff circled the site, shaking hands and making sure each person knew she didnt think she was better than them just because she wasnt physically helping.

Cundiff, a former student, had come to a recent work day at the Rustburg site to show support for the renovation of her old school, one of the few remaining Rosenwald schools across the country that still stands.

I cannot get over these schools, Cundiff said, gesturing to the damaged wooden structures and peeling paint. Its just different.

The Campbell County Training School, across from Rustburg High School on Village Highway, was one of 16 Rosenwald schools built in Campbell County, said Kelvin Moore, architect at Lynchburg-based Moore Architecture, which is assisting with renovations.

Volunteers and former students like Cundiff are working to convert the neglected Rustburg buildings into a community and educational center, business incubator space and museum.

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Booker T. Washington and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald built state-of-the-art schools for black children across the South during the early 20th century.

By 1928, one-third of the Souths rural black schoolchildren and teachers were served by Rosenwald Schools, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Today in Campbell County, few remain.

Several burned down in the 1950s or were demolished to make way for new developments. Others were converted into homes.

The all-black Rosenwald schools came about because of a need for higher education in black communities, Moore said.

Cundiff said until the Rosenwald schools were built, seventh grade was the highest level of education a black student could complete in the county.

Rosenwald schools gave black students the chance to complete eighth through 11th grades.

In 1922, Rosenwald funds were used to build the school in Rustburg. According to former student Millicent Nash, president of the Campbell County NAACPs Rosenwald Committee, the school later was renamed the Campbell County Training School.

Four of the schools original five buildings still stand.

Rosenwald schools became obsolete when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled educational segregation unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. Many Rosenwald schools closed during the next two decades as public schools were required to integrate black and white students.

After black students were integrated in Campbell County, the Campbell County Training School was used as a vocational technical center for high school students, Nash said.

It was owned by Campbell County Public Schools until the county took ownership.

In 2002, the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed Rosenwald schools on the 11 most endangered historic places list, inspiring Campbell County residents who wanted to preserve what was left of the local school to gather.

Today only 10 percent to 12 percent of the 5,357 Rosenwald schools built across the country between 1912 and 1932 remain.

In 2015, the Campbell County NAACP formed a Rosenwald Committee, a group specifically created to save the Campbell County Training School. That committee then formed the Campbell County Training School Complex Inc., a nonprofit started with the sole purpose of saving The School on the Hill, as the Campbell County Training School is often is called by locals.

In early 2016, the NAACPs Rosenwald Committee requested the Campbell County Board of Supervisors turn the 8.95-acre property over to the nonprofit at no cost.

The request was approved unanimously in the spring of 2016.

Standing at the site one March weekend, Cundiff said she remembers every single one of her teachers and the punishments they doled out when she didnt complete her homework.

Those teachers at that time, they knew what they had gone through, and they were interested in black children learning, she said.  I am truly blessed to have attended Campbell County Training School  we knew there was segregation, but at that time, it was just the way of life.

The stairs that still stand, and one day will lead into a future community center, are the same ones Cundiff walked up during her graduation ceremony in 1950.

The significance of the site is just what former student Delores Nash Hicks is hoping to preserve.

The renovation of this complex of Rosenwald schools is very important to me because I think it will emphasize the importance African-Americans educational backgrounds helped them acquire, she said.

Hicks began her time at the Campbell County Training School in 1956, where she attended fourth through seventh grades in the building set to become a business incubator space.

Hicks said she remembered a classmate that had to get the cows before she came to school.

She recalled her teachers, their husbands, her parents involvement in the PTA and the festivals hosted at the school.

Personally, I have a lot of great memories here, she said.

The current plan to restore all four buildings is expected to span at least five years and cost about $3.25 million, Moore said.

The nonprofit has received $5,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and $2,000 from the Fray Family Trust, a grant from a private family, Nash said.

The Campbell County Training School Complex committee also is seeking a historical designation from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, she said.

Fundraisers will continue to be held as the project moves forward, Nash said.

If we are going to make them useful, we want to make sure everything we do is done right, Nash said.

The first building to be renovated, which used to be an auditorium, will become a community center and will take at least a year, Moore said.

Reggie Herndon, 61, the president of the Campbell County branch of the NAACP, said he thinks the educational opportunities the school provided students allowed them to become successful people in life in all vocations.

This school was pivotal in giving people opportunities that they otherwise would not have had, he said. Thats why its so important for us to maintain this history and restore this history.

Alissa Smith can be reached at asmith@newsadvance.com or (434) 385-0155.

Ashlie Walter can be reached at awalter@newsadvance.com or (434) 385-5532.
This aint no disco, as the Talking Heads song goes, but I sometimes take requests  especially when they come from my wife.

You ought to write about this, said the Missus, steaming over a debate that was heating up her social networks: Is it proper for a married man to eat a meal in the company of a woman who is not his wife?

Yes, as you may have heard by now, a Washington Post profile on Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, turned up a 15-year-old interview in which then-congressman Pence of Indiana made a startling revelation: He never eats alone with a woman other than his wife or attends events without her that feature alcohol.

For my wife, Pences policy triggered memories of a state government official for whom she worked as a speechwriter. Whenever they were chauffeured from one event to another, he insisted that she ride in the back seat while he rode up front with the driver.

People talk, he would say. Nothing personal, he said, but he didnt want any passers-by to see him cruising around town with a woman who was not his wife.

This double standard, which he did not practice with his male staffers, infuriated my wife, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. It surprised me, too, but having grown up as her boss had, in a small town where gossip was the leading form of local communication, I understood where he was coming from.

People do talk, I would agree, but how much should we care? Efforts to avoid the possibility of gossip should not require the certainty of unfairness.

Pences dining policy didnt raise many eyebrows back in 2002. It was typical Mike, say those who knew him. The proudly evangelical Pence often calls himself a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order. But now that hes the VP to President Donald Trump, the man who launched a million pussy-hat marchers, Pences dining partner policy has ignited a new culture war along predictable battle lines.

Internet chatter stirred vigorous and furious debate about how gender works in the halls of political power. Conservatives saw a prudent policy by a heartwarmingly happy pair of parents. Feminists fumed at the implicit sexism of Pences blanket discrimination against all women, however benevolent it may be. Late night comedians mocked the vice presidents supposed unwillingness to trust his own urges when alone with women.

Yet, at least two women who formerly worked for Pence defended him in commentaries. My work product determined my success  not private dinners with the congressman, wrote one of them, Mary Vought, now president of Vought Strategies LLC, in a Washington Post op-ed. Looking back on her time as press secretary to the House Republican Conference under then-Chairman Pence, she said, I dont consider it to be a period of missed opportunities.

But this controversy is bigger than Pence. It raises long-simmering questions about the many ways that cultural norms, traditions and attitudes can subtly work to elbow women out of the normal everyday circles of access and communications that can crack glass ceilings.

Pences policy appears to be grounded in what is often called in evangelical circles the Billy Graham Rule. The famous evangelist came up with the ban on alone time with women among other behavioral guidelines in a 1948 meeting with his ministry team. They wanted to reassure the faithful and the public that they would behave better on the preaching circuit than the Elmer Gantry stereotypes left behind by some other traveling evangelists.

But in todays world, rules intended to protect women from exploitation sometimes can make them vulnerable to discrimination. I am certain, by the way, that this discrimination can work in reverse. But even as women have moved upward in massive numbers in recent decades, they remain too few to benefit much from discriminating against men, even if they wanted to.

Quite the opposite, many have been all the more sensitized as they move up the ranks to how pervasive sexist structures can be  even on Capitol Hill. An anonymous 2015 National Journal survey of female staffers in Congress, also reported in The Atlantic, found that exclusion from one-on-one time with their male bosses was a huge impediment to moving up.

Ironically, treating any employee differently on account of gender may be illegal under civil rights laws that Congress has passed. But with so many women equaling and often out-achieving men in colleges and the workplace, smart managers should not need legal action to tell them a simple, durable truth: No-girls-allowed policies and habits are bad for business.

Page is a Chicago Tribune columnist. Email him at cpage@chicagotribune.com.
The Spanish director Nacho Vigalondo makes funny, fantastical, Frankenstein-like films that playfully combine small-scale with big-concept.

His 2011 film "Extraterrestrial" is a romantic comedy centered on a handful of characters amid a massive unseen alien invasion. His "Timecrimes" was about a marriage filtered through a time-traveling murder mystery.

"Colossal," his second English-language feature and biggest production yet, fuses a traditional rom-com plot  big-city girl returns to her hometown  with a far more monstrous genre: the kaiju film. It's a tantalizing prospect. Who among us hasn't wondered what if Sally had met Godzilla instead of Harry? Would "Sex and the City" not have been improved had Mothra been on the loose?

In truth, "Colossal" is a more sly manipulation and inversion of genre. Gloria (Anne Hathaway) is an unemployed New York writer who spends her nights drinking before making apologetic early morning returns to her boyfriend's (Dan Stevens) luxury apartment. The more-together Tim, in the film's opening scene, has had enough. "I can't deal with you in that state," he says. He packs her bags.

Gloria retreats to her small-town home, crashing at her family's now empty house, and the movie starts taking the shape you'd expect it to. Gloria runs into an old friend, Oscar (Jason Sudeikis), who cheerfully hires her as a waitress at his bar. Gloria, again, doesn't make it to bed until the sun is up, spending nights drinking with Oscar and his pals (Tim Blake Nelson, Austin Stowell).

The mess Gloria  alcoholic and inconsiderate  makes turns out to harm not just those around her, but thousands of fleeing Koreans. She wakes to see news reports of a monster attack in Seoul. Later, she realizes with horror that the monster has her mannerisms (a particular way of scratching its head) and there's a strange coincidence between its regular appearances (always at 8:05 a.m.) and whenever Gloria steps onto a nearby playground.

To say more would risk spoiling the primary pleasure of "Colossal": watching Vigalondo juggle his outlandish premise with twists both realistic and implausible. There's a thrill to riding along with a movie that plays it straight-faced before so readily jumping into the absurd.

But it's a cheap thrill. "Colossal" sags under its high concept; its metaphors, not monsters, run amok. The movie's kaiju side is merely a fun-house mirror held up to its characters' emotional troubles, an eccentric mask for a fairly unimaginative story about a young woman trying to get her life under control.

The one-trick act of "Colossal" becomes tiresome even as its leads  particularly an excellent Hathaway  work to find some depth in the story. Most interesting is the turn that comes for Sudeikis' Oscar, whose old flame for Gloria is more sinister than you'd expect. This is the movie's more clever twist, but it feels less organic than it ought to  just a convenient way to lead up to the required monster melee climax.

Yet Vigalondo remains a tantalizing filmmaker who may well find a story to match his mash-ups. There's something in the way his characters' lives are refracted and manipulated through screens that resonates. (His last film, "Open Windows," was about a blogger lured into spying on his favorite actress through his laptop.) He revels in eradicating the chasm between us and what we watch.
RICHMOND  Virginias coalfields region is getting a new economic development entity despite protestations from several localities and organizations within the coalfields and an attempted funding shift by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

In a 70-30 vote, the House of Delegates voted Wednesday in favor of compelling the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority to pay $500,000 a year for three years to create a new economic development entity with a focus on international marketing  overturning McAuliffes recommendation that those funds remain with VCEDA.

Del. Will Morefield, R-Tazewell, was the lone lawmaker from the coalfields region to vote against funding the new economic development entity.

Essentially, one coalfields economic development entity now will pay to create a second economic development entity to market the coalfields region.

The $500,000 VCEDA will pay out each year for three years to the Lenowisco Planning District Commission for the marketing initiative will be matched with state tobacco commission funds.

In his budget recommendation last week, McAuliffe called the creation of a new economic development entity duplicative of GO Virginia (short for Virginia Initiative for Growth and Opportunity in Each Region).

But GO Virginia is not designed for marketing, Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, said Thursday. He filed the initial budget request for the new marketing initiative.

The nine GO Virginia regional councils and one statewide council were created to promote infrastructure, research and workforce training investments across Virginia.

Weve got to do a better job of diversifying the economy in Southwest Virginia, Kilgore said. This is a way to do it.

Del. Ken Plum, D-Fairfax, said regions across the state should be able to make their own economic development decisions, which is the whole idea behind GO Virginia. The General Assembly is superimposing its will on the coalfields region, when several localities and organizations within the area dont support the funding shift, he said.

Boards of supervisors from Buchanan, Russell and Tazewell counties opposed redirecting VCEDA funds because they feared the money would be spent on administrative costs instead of much-needed economic development projects. VCEDA representatives repeatedly came out against directing their funds to a new economic development entity.

I think its contrary to what were trying to do in terms of economic development for the regions, Plum said.
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IDB launches Country Plan 2016-2020

Country representative for the organisatin, Tom?s Bermudez, said he wanted the IDB to be seen as more than just a bank, since its role of providing technical expertise was just as important.

This as the multi national is about to publicly release its Country Strategy for 2016-2020.

Bermudez said in retrospect, the flood alleviation initiative may have been a bit too ambitious given the Ministry of Works flood units ability to implement it.

Another programme, this ti me one focused on health, has been scaled down to focus only on combatting the high incidence of Non-Communicable Disease in TT.

Bermudez said the IDB and government had come to terms with the very present reality of lower global commodity prices.

The eff ort to rationalise this countrys loan portfolio and related projects is therefore reflected in the current country plan.

Estimated loan approval over the 2016-2020 period is projected to amount to US$200 million, while US$360 million in disbursements is expected from the active loan portfolio. The country can expect to see a decrease in its debt to the IDB, from 2.6 percent of GDP to 2.5 percent.

The plans three main areas of focus are also dedicated to areas that will improve this countrys ability to earn revenue, cut expenditure and enhance human capital. These are strengthening public sector institutions and governance of the country, promoting private sector development and fostering human development.

On strengthening public sector institutions and governance of the country, Bermudez told Business Day, Here, where we would like to work with government is in trying to mobilise existing and new sources of funding to improve tax legislation and reform expenditure policies. We are also trying to make expenditure more efficient, particularly in social programmes, as well as expenditure for transfers to state enterprises, which is a big drain in the budget right now. A recently signed agreement for a US$40 million loan to improve the public financial management system is part of this effort.

Regarding the second area, promoting private sector development, Bermudez said, TT has one of the most vibrant private sectors in the region, drawing reference to companies like Massy and Bermudez.

current recession.

get people to work get a construction permit, the recession could be over by the ti me developers are ready to work. This is the kind of thing you could fi x, and put a lot of people to work. Things like construction permits, he said, It shouldnt take years to do that. Property registration shouldnt work the way it is working. Customs.

Those are things that are not too difficult to fi x, if there is will to fi x them. It is not expensive to do it, particularly property rights and construction permits. The issue of political will came up several times during the interview. Bermudez commended Planning and Development Minister, Camille Robinson Regis, who he said had to make difficult decisions in their programme of cutbacks for projects.

He also praised Finance Minister Colm Imbert for taking courageous, important, political decisions to reduce expenditure in the face of the countrys significant loss of revenue.

But as the IDBs country rep, he worried that expenditure could go back up to pre-recession levels if the country was not careful.

Now that you have made the big reductions, how do you sustain these going forward? I think the country is at a level right now where they can target a fiscal consolidation for the medium term now, he said.

More important than this, said Bermudez, were considerations of where expenditures should be increased if this was needed.

Weighing in, the IDB rep told Business Day that he believed increases should be on capital expenditure and investments, rather than transfers.

In the country plans third pillar, human development, the IDB wants to align this countrys performance in certain social sector metrics with its position as a relatively high income earn. Bermudez said the country was putti ng in sub-par performance on its infant and maternal mortality as well student educational performance when PISA scores were considered.

He told Business Day that the gap between formal education and the employment skills that the private sector needs has also engaged the attention of the IDB.

We are graduating a lot of people, but not necessarily with the right skills. Bridging that gap is an important task. Increasing access to quality, affordable housing, water and sanitation services is also on the agenda. Bermudez said this may ultimately mean working along with the state agencies responsible for providing these services to improve delivery.

WASA, in particular, he told Business Day, was not sustainable in the long run.

We would like to able to work with WASA in things like metering, addressing the issue of non-revenue water and trying to improve the corporate governance of WASA and its labour issues. He said government transfers to WASA currently equal one percent of the countrys GDP.

The IDB country strategy for 2016-2020 should be publicly available within the next few weeks.
Plans to relaunch PRATT amid changing industry landcsape

PRATTs Interim Steering Committee, led by the associations former president and Managing Director of Reputation Management Caribbean, Lisa- Ann Joseph, is inviting interested persons to attend their latest meeting at Queens Hall, St Anns at 5 oclock this afternoon (April 6).

Our aim is to revive PRATT so that PR practitioners can network, get advice, get training, even eventually become certified by PRATT; that last is a medium to long-term goal. Having benefited from PRATT when I was a young practitioner, I know how important a role the association can play for PR professionals in TT today.

Joseph, who first entered the PR field in the early 1990s, told Business Day that PR is about much more than organising an event or putting out a statement.

Public Relations deals with the interaction between human beings - relating, communicating. In the past, our work was about ensuring that the organisation is communicating with its stakeholders. Now, it is about two-way communication and listening to your customer/stakeholders because no brand, no company worth its salt, can communicate one-way, especially not in this day of social media.

If you dont listen to your customers or your stakeholders, then why are you in existence? So a true PR practitioner has to understand that their role and function is to ensure that the organisation communicates but also for the organisation to listen to its stakeholders, to ensure that there is proper two-way communication.

Asked how she became involved in relaunching PRATT, Joseph recalled being in a Chicago hotel late one night in June 2016 when a male colleague posted on Facebook about a PRATT event from several years ago.

He shared it as a joke, saying Oh my God, where is PRATT? Look at memories. Then we got a plethora of posts from people, saying Yes, PRATT has to come back. It just needs to be done. We need this, all these things are happening. But nobody was stepping up to throw their hat in the ring, so I said, you know what? Im going to bring it back together because somebody has to do it instead of just talking about it, and I convened a meeting for two weeks from that date with all of those who had commented.

Around that same time, Joseph was getting requests from a lot of young PR practitioners who wanted guidance from a seasoned professional. She said this, combined with the Facebook post, was what motivated her to become Chairman of the Interim Steering Committee, whose objective is to successfully relaunch PRATT.

In the nine months since, the committee has held meetings on a regular basis and conducted brainstorming sessions where they reviewed PRATTs constitution and membership criteria, given the many changes that have taken place since the association was first formed.

We made amendments to both, which will have to be ratified by the first executive. There was some jargon in the constitution that needed to be updated but a lot of the work dealt with the types of members because the PR practitioner then and now is very different.

Joseph explained that the profession of PR has expanded so much that in some areas its not even called Public Relations. Its called reputation management, branding, public affairs, corporate communications, corporate social responsibility, events management, et cetera. Thats the kind of work we had to do in terms of who can become a member of PRATT because how it was described then and how it is now, is quite different. So we did a lot of work on that to ensure the constitution and membership criteria encompass the type of practitioner operating in the landscape today.

Looking ahead to the nomination of candidates for PRATTs upcoming election, Joseph made it clear that she has no intentions of running for a post on the new executive.
Ross Advertising pays it forward with U.1.1.2 project

Business Day sat down with Ross Advertisings CEO and Creative Director, Ernie Ross, to find out more about the project which is meant to help struggling local businesses and entrepreneurs find the path to success.

Rather than boast about our huge win, we decided to give back via our U.1.1.2 campaign. So it is our awards, your reward. We launched it last September - If you were a struggling or emerging brand, you were invited to submit an application. The response was so overwhelming that we extended the deadline for submissions, thats why we are only now making our final selections.

A diverse group of businesses applied for help, ranging from those in the clothing sector, to food and beverage, technology, to one providing support services for the elderly.

How does U.1.1.2 work?

Ross explained that because 16 of the 112 awards were for ads done for the local market, they decided to work with 16 local companies.

We also won three best of show in the local awards, so we chose to provide weekly three-hour strategic sessions for the winners. Then, because we won a total of 112 awards, we spread out the sessions over 112 days. Our awards, your reward. So 16 local companies will get three-hour strategic sessions each week for 112 days, to develop their brand and/or turn their struggling businesses around.

Ross expects to announce the 16 winners next Monday (April 10) but knowing that more than 100 applications were submitted, he is trying to get financial institutions to come on board and tutor the other applicants.

So theyd all come in, we would present the whole concept to all who applied. Only 16 are going to get the free media and production costs et cetera but the rest would get the benefit of how to turn their business around, with the financial institution telling them about how to restructure their finances, their business. So they would get the financial benefit as well because what Ross Advertising does is branding.

Ross credited his teams success at the Addy Awards and in general to the agencys special branding theory known as Intangience.

Weve actually registered it as a branding theory. Intangience is based upon an unusual way that global brands are all doing successfully. We found incredibly compelling evidence of one thing they all had in common, they were all using this particular science, so we blended that and came up with our own theory.

Thats what were going to be sharing with these 16 companies - how do you make the difference in your brand, how do you develop something that has lasting, meaningful, human connection? Not just advertising your brand, how do you create an emotional connection with your brand? Its not just about building a business, its about building a relationship. That is what is going to make a significant difference and that is what Intangience is about. We call it the science of human connection, Ross shared.

Referring to the current economic climate and the fact that scores of workers having been sent home, particularly in the energy sector, Ross told Business Day the idea of paying it forward, of helping others be successful, could only be to the greater benefit of Trinidad and Tobago.

Im putting this out to the corporate community, including financial institutions, and to the advertising agencies. If each of us took a few companies or persons who are looking for branding/business advice and provided them with incredible gifts of wisdom and profound insights that can help turn these companies around, we can help save a lot of jobs.

We can also help a lot of people get started on entrepreneurial ventures, showing them how to build a brand, how to create an emotional connection between their brand and their customer, how to run a business. Imagine if we all gave an hour of our time? It would be amazing. Perhaps help persons whove been let go to open their own business. If we can make this thing national, it will be huge, Ross said with a smile.
Economist: More Forex to manufacturers good move but other reforms needed

Speaking with Business Day, Economist and UWI lecturer, Dr Roger Hosein said such a shift, once implemented had the potential for several positive spin offs, through improving the manufacturing sectors capacity utilization.

Capacity utilization is a measure of the extent to which the productive capacity of a business is being used.

According to Hosein, the sectors ability to be productive declined from 70.2 per cent in 2010 to 68.5 per cent in 2016. He also said employment in the manufacturing sector decreased from 53,100 in 2009 to 51,200 in 2016, while real value added by the manufacturing sector declined from TT$7770 million in 2009 to TT$7162 million in 2016, at constant prices.

An injection of foreign exchange can reverse this trend, said the economist.

Making foreign exchange available to the manufacturing sector is one avenue through which the state can help improve capacity utilization levels. A vibrant manufacturing sector, can in turn fetch valuable foreign exchange, especially now, with the economys maturing oil and gas fields, said Hosein. It also has the ability to generate backward and forward linkages as well as externality spillovers that can help improve the economys growth rate. Another benefit arising out of giving manufacturers more foreign exchange was a higher number of available jobs created by companies increased productive capacity.

With an increasing number of unemployed in the country, a strong, robust manufacturing sector could create a significant amount of jobs, he said.

However, the economist said there were other factors government needed to consider beyond forex which affected manufacturers performance. One of those was high levels of crime and violence.

Some manufacturing firms may have chosen not to run night or may not be able to produce as much output as they would like because they fear the negative attention that increased output or increased profits can bring to their employees, or to the entrepreneur himself, said Hosein. Government must also cut the amount of red tape required for business to operate.

These obstacles compromise the manufacturing sectors ability to do business. On the Ease of Doing Business index, TTs rank actually worsened from 68

An issuer comment from the Moodys Investor Service has at least one former minister of energy concerned about another potential ratings downgrade for TT. Kevin Ramnarine has said the wording of the document suggested the rating agency believes that more needs to be done to re-structure expenditure as it relates to transfer and subsidies. According to the issuer comment from Moodys, the latest drawdown on the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund highlights negative fiscal trends. The comment continues, The drawdown is credit negative because it reflects a deteriorating fiscal position driven by large fiscal deficits amid lower energy-related government revenues. By reducing the size of its HSF, the sovereign is also eroding an important fiscal buffer. Moodys said while the TT government was able to make significant cuts, too much expenditure was still centred around wages, subsidies and transfers at around 68 per cent of total spending. Ramnarine said government must examine the subventions it is giving to loss making State Enterprises and continue to cut waste.

If we are downgraded, it means borrowing internationally becomes more expensive. That isnt good news for a highly leveraged company like Petrotrin which would be seeking to re-finance its 2009 vintage US$ 850 million bond, said the former energy minister.

Moodys would have also noted that revenue streams remain constrained and have been offest by one time interventions such as dividends from the NGC and sale of assets such as the TTNGL IPO, said Ramnarine, This strategy can of course only go on for so long. At the end of the day, Moodys or will assess our ability to service our international debt on a short and medium term basis. The ratings agency also said that its estimate of the ratio of debt to GDP is different.

According to the issuer comment, Moodys places the fiscal deficit at 5.5% of GDP for fiscal 2017 (which ends 30 September), compared with the governments official estimate of 3.9% of GDP, because we expect the sale of assets to be delayed. Moodys current credit rating for TT is Baa3 negative.

in 2011 to 96 in 2016, he said.

Hosein warned that this could result in manufacturers moving to jurisdictions where it was easier to conduct business, a situation that could further drain the countrys valuable forex.

He also again advised government to review its make work programmes as they may be locking away workers from manufacturers. The State is actually depriving manufacturing and similar sectors of a valuable chunk of the labour force and, although well intentioned at the time of creation, make work has backfired over time, compromising the growth of the manufacturing sector, the economist said.
A trade mission to Guyana

Following two successful trade missions to Cuba and Panama in 2015 and 2016 respectively, the TT Chamber conducted a survey to identify the markets of greatest interest to its membership. For both product and service providers, Guyana emerged on the top.

It is a market that is familiar to most of us, as several local companies have had longstanding commercial relationships with Guyanese enterprises. However, there are still some businesses that have not yet taken advantage of the vast array of opportunities that lie within the Guyanese market.

Guyana is now attracting not just regional, but international attention as an investment destination. The country boasts mineral wealth in the form of gold, bauxite, sandstone and diamonds, vast agricultural lands for crops and livestock and healthy rainforests with diverse types of timber. In 2017, we expect that due to the emerging petroleum sector and the developing agricultural sector, there would be considerable demand for support services such as construction, telecommunications, transportation and safety. Demand for renewable energy services also appears to be increasing with obvious business potential for TT companies.Always a good sign, Guyanas tourism market has been recording double digit increases in visitor arrivals over the past ten years. Naturally, there is also need for goods and services to support growth in this sector as well.

Through the Free Movement of Skilled Nationals within the CARICOM Single Market, there exists several opportunities for TT businesses. With Trinidad and Tobago as a Member of CARICOM, TT products are afforded duty-free, quota-free access into Guyana, along with the other benefits of being part of the CSME.

In recent times, oil discoveries have caused investors to flock to Guyana. The prospects for value-added production are significant and have many spin-off effects for the wider economy.

The TT Chambers upcoming trade mission is targeted to all potential and existing exporters, importers, entrepreneurs, service providers, SMEs and investors.

Apart from a pre-mission orientation, the delegates will engage in business-to-business meetings, a one-day conference at the Georgetown Pegasus Hotel and a business networking reception. Special arrangements can also be made if you cannot participate for the full two days. In the last three years, several developments have ushered Guyana into a new era of progress in commerce.

These opportunities are particularly important for Small and Medium Enterprises desiring to explore export options for the first time. There are very few barriers to trade and due to its language, proximity and culture, the destination is attractive to local companies.

In essence, the Guyanese market provides an ideal opportunity for a wide variety of businesses, emerging entrepreneurs and investors. The T&T Chamber seeks to ensure that our local enterprises are best positioned to take advantage of the prospects.

Call us at 637 6966 to find out more about our Trade Mission to Guyana.
Business leaders need sound ethical training

Ethical challenges are still common in that society and many others, the differences across countries being degree and blatantness.

They present themselves at all levels, from the boardroom, and as the incident with Ese showed, to the cop on the street. When I was leaving high school decades ago, a fair few colleagues were beating a path to jobs as customs officers, instead of university. As getrich- quick careers went, it had no equal. Im sure you can figure out for yourself why.

In interactions that raise ethical questions, the focus is often on the initiator of the act, but it takes two to play. People in business facing these choices, need to have the necessary skills training  being carefully walked through scenarios that enable them to make sound ethical choices. We at ACCA say not, unequivocally. And were refining the way we offer ethics training to ACCA students.

More on that in a moment.

One of the toughest things to overcome is the normalisation of corruption. In many parts of the world, these acts are seen as simply a part of getting business done. So business people have decisions to make. Do you want your $1m consignment of goods cleared tomorrow or six weeks down the line? What are you prepared to do (nudge, wink), to speed up the issuing of licences you need to operate effectively in that market? According to the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, approximately $1.25 trillion dollars are paid in bribes each year. And they are not exclusive to poor, developing countries, as many believe. Rich, industrialised countries are well represented here.

For recoded levels of corruption, the Caribbean is a mixed bag. Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has its critics. One of the things they take aim at is the measure itself  with perception being at odds with rigorous, scientific analysis.

However, as a comparative listing, it is very illustrative. It shows an erosion in the regional position. In 2014, Barbados was the highest ranked Caribbean country at 17th. By 2016 it had slipped to 31st out of 176, second among Caribbean nations after the Bahamas in 24th.

Haiti is ranked as the most corrupt Caribbean country, joint 159th with Republic of Congo.

Notable are Jamaica at 83rd, TT at 101st, and Guyana 108th. Compared to its Caribbean basin neighbours, Venezuela is worse off, 11th from bottom at 166. Denmark is first, Somalia worst.

ACCA recognises the scale of the ethical challenge, and from October monthend will offer its ethics exam in a different way.

The Ethics and Professional Skills Module replaces the existing Ethics Module. It is now in seven parts, including the assessment, to be completed online. As someone who has delivered scenario training (in journalism and media), I can see that students will be tested by what can appear to be truly grey areas. Our aim is clear, though. While we want you to have your eyes wide open to the threats, we also want you to leave the assessment session with a very clear idea of the yeas and nays of doing business ethically, and performing your tasks to the highest ethical standards. Youll hear more on this in the news in the coming days and weeks.

For context, close to 15,000 students (ACCA & Foundation) across the Caribbean are undergoing training in professional accountancy, delivered by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). The Ethics and professional Skills Module is one of three components that make up the ACCA qualification, the others being exams and experience. All of this goes to the heart of good, sound corporate governance.

Accountants offer clear, credible and consistent financial information that can help investors, governments and regulators to make sound strategic decisions. This means operating to consistent standards  not just of financial reporting, but in areas that include corporate governance.

This strong grounding in ethical standards of an ACCA-qualified accountant is an asset to companies in situations in which the temptation could lead to short term advantage, but do irreparable damage in the longer term. For professionals such as accountants, lawyers and doctors, ethics is an important part of professional training and practice.

Thats why its necessary for all of us to look at how we deliver ethical training, and refine it if we can.
The cost of bullying

It finds that whether you were a victim of bullying, the bully, or both, your life outcomes are likely worse.

An interesting link was made in an article titled, The financial cost of bullying, violence and vandalism written in February 2011. The author suggests that during times of economic hardships, school bullying and violence can increase or grow more intense as economic and family stresses worsen. The article also suggests that cuts in budget allocations leave schools with less money to address issues.

Additionally, teachers may be ill-equipped, have increasing responsibilities and less time to handle problematic situations.

As school bullying and violence increase so do suspensions, expulsions, and alternative education placements as schools are compelled by policies and safety concerns to take disciplinary action. Also, when students feel emotionally or physically unsafe, attendance and overall school performance can fall.

Studies have shown bullies, on the other hand, are at increased risk for committing later offences.

According to Utterly Global, an organisation dedicated to anti bullying, children who were bullies are more likely to have a criminal conviction and more likely to have a serious criminal record in adulthood. Even bullies who grow up to enter the workforce instead of the judicial system cause problems for others. Matt DeLisi, sociologist and head of the Iowa State University criminal justice program, states that as bullies age, they are more likely to engage in antisocial behavior. According to DeLisi, adults who were bullies as children are more likely to lie, more likely to fight and more likely to engage in harassment than adults who were not bullies.

Other academic researchers state that, while the influence of parenting on child outcomes has received plenty of attention, many fail to appreciate that by the age of 18 children have spent far more time with peers and siblings than with their parents. Time spent with peers, if characterized by aggression and systemic abuse of power, is likely to have adverse outcomes in adult life.

Another report entitled Bullying Prevention is Crime Prevention written in 2003 is more relevant than ever, especially to Trinidad and Tobago where we are experiencing high levels of crime with many the perpetrators being young persons. The evidence shows that preventing children from becoming bullies and intervening to get bullies back on track, not only protects children from the pain that bullying inflicts immediately, but can protect all of us from crime later and so reduce the cost to the society Policy interventions to prevent bullying are needed and should extend beyond schools to include stakeholders from across the community to recognize signs of bullying and take appropriate action. Investment in educational services for bullied children and bullies who are unable to go to school should be increased so they can get the help needed.

Medical practitioners should be trained to recognize signs of problematic children and routinely ask about mental health problems, non-specific health problems (eg headaches, stomach ache, nightmares) or indications of selfharm.

There is a need for a national campaign to raise awareness among parents or guardians of sibling and peer bullying, including signs of a child being bullied, how to talk to your child, and constructive ways of supporting your child and communicating with their school. The teachers and other staff members of schools also need to be appropriately trained. Innovative online resources should be developed, such as bullying scenarios to help teachers, parents and children.

Bullying involvement should be assessed and monitored by health professionals and school personnel, and effective interventions that reduce victimization should be made available. S uch interventions are likely to reduce human suffering and long term health and all other financial costs, and benefit society.
TCL workers demand back pay

Led by Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) TCL branch president Ahmad Mohammed, workers began assembling at the entrance of the companys Claxton Bay compound from as early as 6am. To the strains of union staples such as We shall overcome and When workers hold the reins of power, workers waved blue and red OWTU flags and placards. Several of the placards read, We want our shares money now; TCL/OWTU settle negotiations now and The rabbit want to eat my carrots-pension, medical entitlements. Mohammed told reporters workers had endured tremendous suffering to ensure the sustainability and survival of the company. He said workers are being paid at 2011 rates. So monies we would have already worked for are still owed to us and we are owed back pay. Now that our company is taken over by CEMEX, we see no sense of urgency in repaying this debt owed to workers, he said.

Mohammed added that workers remain committed to working with the company to ensure its profitability.

He said union officials were scheduled to meet with company representatives at the Trinidad Hilton at 1.30 pm today to discuss the non-payment of the shares as well as the company offering a Voluntary Separation of Employment Programme (VSE P) without consulting the union.

We are still engaged in talks with the management of the company with respect to VSE P packages that have been proposed for workers. Details of these have not been advanced to the union but the company has gone ahead and put forward those offers directly to workers. This is a breach of industrial relations practice because they are attempting to negotiate directly with workers and not their recognised majority union. Mohammed said over 400 permanent and 200 casual workers at TCL, Trinidad Packaging Limited and Trinidad Ponsa Manufacturing Limited are affected by the non-payment of the back pay.

Asked whether the companys operations were affected, Mohammed said, No, operations will be continuing as normal for now. And as if to underline his statement, workers dispersed shortly after the news conference to pick up the 7am to 3pm work shift.

Asked how long the protest action may take place, Mohammed said this would depend on the outcome of todays meeting.

Up to press time, TCL had not responded to the unions allegations.
Latin America, Caribbean remain untouched

This action comes after months of speculation that the retailer was on less than steady financial ground.

CEO W. Paul Jones said in a statement the decision was difficult but necessary, driven by the continued challenges of the retail environment which will only intensify. However, there are plans to invest heavily in areas where the stores are still experiencing growth such as Latin America.

According to a report on Forbes.

com, the retailer was pursuing bankruptcy in order to reinvest money in areas where it believed there were still opportunities to expand. In an attempt to find out the status of local stores, Newsday was directed to Meghan Spreer, the shoe stores Strategic Communications Adviser in Topeka, Kansas.

Spreer said the company did not expect to close any of its stores in Latin America, including Trinidad and Tobago. According to Spreer, international expansion remained a priority to Payless and the company planned to open 22 new locations throughout the region though she was not able to say in which territories.

The Forbes.com report said Payless has entered into an agreement to reduce its debt by almost 50 percent and as well as negotiated up to US$385 million of debtor-in-possession financing from existing lenders to help keep the business running and successfully emerge from bankruptcy.

The companys bankruptcy documents listed its current liabilities as ranging from US$1 billion to US$10 billion, while its assets ranged from US$500 million to US$1 billion.

The company has suffered the fate of many US retailers who are finding it difficult to compete as brick and mortar stores against online shopping.

Payless is also expected to renegotiate terms with several of the leaseholders of their 4,400 stores around the world.
Brazilian meat ban remains in place

The Agriculture Ministry yesterday said the temporary restriction remains in place pending the outcome of ongoing talks with the Brazilian government about its food-safety standards. The ministry will make a decision to lift the ban once it is fully satisfied that the affected products  corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets  pose no risk to local consumers. It added that since the story broke two weeks ago, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat has sought assurances from the Brazilian authorities via Dr Amery Browne, this countrys ambassador in Brazil, about the safety of corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets made in that country. Ambassador Browne has held meetings and exchanged correspondence with officials of Brazils Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Farming to fully understand the actions being taken by the South American country to restore confidence in its meat-producing sector. Additionally, following discussions with our own Ministry of Health, the Chemistry, Food and Drug Division undertook pathogen testing of Brazil- made corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets to rule out contamination and ensure these products meet health standards.The full results of these tests will be revealed once pathogen testing is complete, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries stopped issuing import permits for meat products from Brazil and advised the Chemistry, Food and Drug Division of the Ministry of Health to immediately recall from supermarkets and other retail outlets corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets originating from Brazil.

That action followed an investigation by Brazilian authorities that uncovered major meat-processing plants in the country sold rotten beef and poultry for years, while bribing health officials to issue fraudulent inspection reports. Rambharat and officials from the Ministries of Health and Trade subsequently met president of the Supermarket Association Dr Yunus Ibrahim and other Association members, and local importers of corned beef and chicken products from Brazil. The meeting was called to give importers and distributors the opportunity to discuss the recall and have concerns elating to its implementation addressed.
Fire officials found Robert Wylie banging on the door of the fire department, holding his 13-year-old son's unconscious body. But the doses of Narcan they administered couldn't save the teen. Nathan Wylie died of a suspected heroin overdose on Saturday, four days after he was taken to a Dayton, Ohio, hospital, reports the Dayton Daily News. Officials say Nathan had access to drugs because his father is an addict. Wylie had already been arrested for child endangerment after another minor who lived at Wylie's home sent a relative a photo of white powder, a razor blade, and a crack pipe in the home in Feb. 2016, police say. He was later arrested for drug possession after he was found with heroin and crack cocaine during a traffic stop in December, with Nathan in the backseat, police say, per CBS News.

It isn't clear why Nathan remained at the residence. A rep for Montgomery County Children Services tells the Daily News only that there was "a case open with this family" and that Nathan's sibling was removed from the home following Nathan's death. After Nathan was taken to the hospitala witness told officials Wylie "was on drugs and the boy got into his stuff," per WXIXWylie was again arrested on suspicion of child endangerment. The 40-year-old was released in that case on Thursday. However, he remains in Montgomery County Jail in relation to the December case. Wylie's live-in girlfriend, Tina Daviswho was previously charged in the February casefaces new charges of drunk driving and drug possession after an arrest on Sunday. (Kids found their parents dead of an overdose.)
An Indian man recently hiked for seven hours over treacherous terrain to hand deliver a can of diesel fueljust enough for soldiers on the disputed India-China border to run a generator for 10 hours. This was not an unusual occurrence. The Wall Street Journal takes a fascinating look at India's race to tame the eastern Himalayas and build a 34-mile road to a border town 8,000 feet above sea level. Taksing is located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, most of which is also claimed by China as South Tibet. There's no electricity in Taksing and no road to it. Supplies for Indian troops stationed there have to be delivered by helicopter, but weather makes those deliveries unreliable; hence the hand-delivered diesel.

India is rushingone official says they "have shifted gear"to bring infrastructure to Taksing and the rest of Arunachal Pradesh in order to move troops, supplies, and weapons in the case of war with China, which is way ahead of India in terms of border infrastructure. Despite doubling its budget last year, the project isn't easy. Bulldozers have to be broken down into nine pieces, with the pieces flown 200 miles by helicopter one at a time. Monsoons in the area last half the year, the mountain faces are unstable, and locals have attacked laborers brought in to work on the project. And that's not even mentioning the Chinese soldiers who entered the disputed area last month. "You never know what will kill you," says one 20-year-old worker. Read the full piece here. (Read more India-China relations stories.)
Authorities say a father is charged with killing the driver of a car that hit and injured his 4-year-old son in Cincinnati, the AP reports. Twenty-four-year-old Jamall Killings turned himself in Tuesday. A judge set bond Wednesday at $2.1 million on murder and felonious assault charges. Killings' son was struck March 24. His injuries weren't life-threatening. Police are seeking a second suspect in the death of the driver, Jamie Urton. He was shot repeatedly when he got out of his car and apparently became involved in a confrontation. In the resulting 911 calls, a man identifying himself as Killings is heard giving contradictory information, including saying he killed the driver and then saying someone else shot him. (Read more murder stories.)
Environmental groups first asked the Environmental Protection Agency to ban chlorpyrifos back in 2000. Fifteen years later, the EPA agreed to move forward with a ban on the pesticide, which has been linked repeatedly to problems including autism, attention deficit disorders, and developmental delays in children. But the ban hadn't yet taken effect when President Trump was sworn into office, and late last month, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt announced that the agency had reversed its decision. The pesticide, patented by Dow Chemical, which has close ties to Trump, would not be banned after all because "thousands of American farms ... rely on" it. Now, three environmental groups are suing, asking a federal appeals court to order the EPA to ban the pesticide, the Intercept reports. "Its outrageous that the new EPA administrator would reject the scientific findings of its own agency," says an activist and attorney.

The EPA, which spent years reviewing studies on chlorpyrifos before agreeing to the ban, had issued its own assessment of how the chemical affects health; in that report, the agency concluded that some young children are exposed to levels more than 14,000% higher than the limit set by the agency. The EPA concluded there were risks of exposure via drinking water, residue on food, and drift to schools and homes, the Guardian reports. Yet in its reversal, the EPA said more study is needed. Dow, naturally, opposed the ban and had hired a lobbyist to fight it; the Intercept notes that Dow also contributed $1 million to Trump's inaugural committee, and the company's CEO heads Trump's manufacturing council. Four Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have also asked the committee chair to investigate the EPA's reversal and whether intervention from Dow played a role. (Read more pesticide stories.)
Don't have a plan after high school? Don't expect a diploma, says Rahm Emanuel. Under a new proposal from the Chicago mayor, high school students of Chicago Public Schools will need to prove they have a plan for their immediate future before they can graduate, reports the Chicago Tribune. To fulfill the graduation requirement, students of the Class of 2020 and beyond will need to show they have a job offer, or are entering university, community college, a trade program, the military, or another educational program. The goal is to prepare students for a challenging job market, Emanuel tells CBS Chicago. "A [high school] diploma alone isn't enough anymore," says CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson. Emanuel notes all high school graduates in Chicago are automatically accepted at city colleges, so no student will be left without an option.

But critics say the rule could force undecided students to rush into a decision, or harm students living in poverty, per Quartz. Some say it may also require more high school counselors and additional funding for local community colleges, which are struggling financially. Others question if it's even legal for CPS to weigh in on students' choices. "I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never heard of anything like that," says an education policy expert. "The question I would have for Mayor Emanuel is: 'Where did this come from? What informed your thinking to lead you to believe that this was a good plan of action for CPS?'" Jackson, however, says the Illinois State Board of Education only requires that schools meet the state's minimum graduation requirements, and that schools can individually adopt other requirements that don't need approval from the board. (Read more Chicago stories.)
President Trump's vision of a "big, beautiful wall" along the entire length of America's border with Mexico probably won't become reality, Homeland Security chief John Kelly admitted during a Senate hearing Wednesday. Kelly told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that he couldn't give them an estimate of how much the wall would cost, and it was unlikely that a physical barrier would be built "from sea to shining sea," NBC News reports. "I don't know what it will be made of, I don't know how high it will be, I don't know if it's going to have solar panels on its side and what the one side is going to look like and how's it's going to be painted," Kelly said.

Kelly said he was committed, however, "to putting it where the men and women say we should put it." In response to a question from Sen. John McCain, Kelly said the "wall" Trump has been talking about could include electronic detection systems combined with patrols and fences in a system much like the existing one, the Los Angeles Times reports. Tuesday was the deadline for companies to propose border wall designs, the AP reports, and while the government won't identify bidders until contracts are awarded, those that publicly released proposals include Gleason Partners, which wants to include solar panels, and Clayton Industries, which proposes storing nuclear waste along the wall. (The White House has requested $1 billion for the first 62 miles of wall.)
On Easter Sunday 2015, an Arizona woman disappeared as she walked a famed pilgrimage route in Spain; two years later, her killer has been found guilty. Miguel Angel Munoz was on Wednesday convicted in the murder of Denise Pikka Thiem. The 41-year-old had quit her job working in PetSmart's corporate headquarters in Phoenix to traverse the St. James Way, also known as the Camino de Santiago; she set off on what was to be a 90-day solo voyage from Pamplona in March, the Arizona Republic reported at the time. Prosecutors alleged Munoz had put up a marker designed to confuse pilgrims and reroute them toward his small farm in Asturias near the trail, which the AP reports leads to a cathedral believed to house the remains of St. James the Apostle.

The New York Times reports that while Munoz was also found guilty of robbing Thiem of $1,100, he provided no information as to motive. Munoz's defense tried to make the case he was suffering from severe psychiatric issues at the time, reports Reuters. He had been arrested five months after Thiem vanished on April 5, and her body was found partly buried on his property. Reuters cites a summary of the jury's decision that finds Munoz "ambushed" Thiem, giving her no opportunity to defend herself. Per the coroner's report, cause of death was serious brain injuries caused by repeated beatings. A judge will issue a sentence in the coming days; prosecutors want 27 years for the murder. (Read about another tragic hiking tale, this time out of North Carolina.)
Sean Spicer has already become the whipping boy for Saturday Night Live, but now another late-night show is taking a crack at him. Wednesday's Daily Show analyzed clips of the famously combative press secretary interacting with reporters and wondered: "Does @SeanSpicer treat the press like a bunch of kindergarteners?" The show presented its own answer via a video merging a real clip of Spicer at a press conference with one showing a classroom of a dozen inquisitive 5-year-olds, all ready to pounce on the White House spokesman with their queries.

As the kids give Spicer the third degree on everything from feeding the classroom fish to Russia and "the pee-pee tapes," Spicer (who, remember, is actually reacting to adult reporters) turns on his teacher voice, responding with disciplinary statements such as "one at a time," "can you stop interrupting other people," and "we're going to raise our hands like big boys and girls." There's even a riff on Spicer's back-and-forth with reporter April Ryan in which he told her to stop shaking her head. (Read more The Daily Show stories.)
A man has proved just how ridiculous it is to think that a can of soda can defuse a tense situation, as Pepsi's ridiculed ad would suggest. At a city council meeting in Portland, Ore., on Wednesday, a man identifying himself as Carlos Enrique addressed Mayor Ted Wheeler, who is also the city's police commissioner and has instituted new safety measures in response to angry protesters appearing at recent meetings, per KGW. Enrique told Wheeler he was amazed he could "endure people coming and berating you every week," per the Portland Mercury. "What I realized is that the language of resistance has not been properly translated to you. So this is for you," Enrique said, before walking up to Wheeler with a hand in his jacket.

Rather than crack a smile like the officer in Pepsi's yanked ad, Wheeler appeared alarmed as Enrique reached inside and pulled out a can of Pepsi. After setting the Pepsi in front of Wheeler, Enrique pulled out a second soda for himself, though he didn't have time to take a sip before security officers approached him. "Whoa whoa whoa, not a good move," Wheeler said. Once it was clear that no one's safety was at risk, Wheeler did have a good laugh at the joke. But he also warned others in attendance not to approach the dais "for your own safety," the Mercury reports. "If this were the Boston City Council that would have ended differently," he added. "Turns out Pepsi isn't a panacea for everything," quips CNN. (Read more Pepsi stories.)
Devin Nunes is removing himself from the House's investigation into possible ties between Russia and President Trump's team, reports Politico. The California Republican chairs the House Intelligence Committee looking into the Russian tampering in the presidential election, but Nunes has been accused of being too close to the White House to lead an impartial investigation. He had previously rejected Democrats' demands that he recuse himself. In a statement, Nunes said he felt it would be in the "best interests" of the committee if he turned over the investigation to Rep. Michael Conaway of Texas, with assistance from Reps. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and Tom Rooney of Florida, per the Hill.

Nunes said he made his decision after "several leftwing activist groups" filed complaints against him with the Office of Congressional Ethics. "The charges are entirely false and politically motivated, and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power." Democrats were incensed last month when Nunes briefed Trump on new intelligence he had receivedit actually came from the White Housebefore briefing the panel. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Nunes still has his trust, but he said the ethics complaints "would be a distraction" for the committee. (Read more Devin Nunes stories.)
It appears a $35 million bail won't be enough to keep a murder suspect behind bars in California. Tiffany Li, a 31-year-old woman accused of killing her ex-boyfriend and the father of her two children last year, is expected to post one of the largest bails in US history Thursday, using $62 million in property and $4 million in cash, reports CBS San Francisco. In California, the value of property used as collateral must be twice the bail amount. Li, who has been in jail for about a year, comes from a wealthy family, says a San Mateo County district attorney. Her lawyer adds that the property was "put up by 15 to 20 extended family, friends, business associates," and others who believe Li is innocent.

Prosecutors, however, say a custody battle over the couple's young daughters led Li to conspire with her boyfriend and friend to kill Keith Green last year. Authorities say Green was reported missing on April 29, 2016, a day after he met with Li to discuss the custody dispute in Millbrae, Calif., per the San Jose Mercury News. He was found dead of a gunshot wound two weeks later about 80 miles from Millbrae. Given prosecutors' fears that Li could "flee back to her native China," per the AP, she would be kept under house arrest and subject to electronic monitoring if the bail amount is approved by a judge. A jury trial in the case is set for September. (A judge set this man's bail at $4 billion to make a point.)
A list of "extremist" materials banned by the Russian justice ministry recently got its 4,071st entry: a Photoshopped image of Vladimir Putin wearing makeup, the Guardian reports. According to CNN, a simple retweet of the image could net the sharer 15 days in prison or a $53 fine. But there's a bit of a hitch. The "Putin gay clown meme" has been getting increasingly popular in recent years, and it's unclear exactly which image is now banned by the Russian government. The government describes the banned image as showing Putin "with eyes and lips made up" to depict "the supposed nonstandard sexual orientation of the president," the Washington Post reports.

Since Russia passed a law banning public discussion of gay rights or relationships, there hasn't been a shortage of such images online. Even Russian news organizations can't seem to agree on exactly which image of Putin as a "potentially gay clown" is officially banned. Despite taking the time to ban the image, the Kremlin's press secretary says these kinds of things don't hurt Putin's feelings as they would a normal person, adding that the Russian president is "quite resilient to these vulgarities." (Read more Vladimir Putin stories.)
The Los Angeles Times has been hitting hard at President Trump with a multi-part editorial series taking on his dishonesty, his "dangerously authoritarian vision," and his "war on journalism." Thursday introduced the series' scathing fifth installation, this time on Trump's role as the nation's "conspiracy theorist in chief" and his reliance on "misinformation of the creepiest kind." That "intel," says the Times, consists of often unproven, racist bits and pieces he reportedly picks up from websites mired in conspiracy theories, supermarket tabloids, and TV talk shows, a habit the paper calls both "pathetic" and "alarming," with examples (he once tweeted that the Chinese created the "concept of global warming").

If the president is so willing to spew "wild, paranoid, unsubstantiated accusations," then "why should the nation believe what he says about a North Korean missile test, Russian troop movements in Europe or a natural disaster in the United States?" the editors wonder. The Times also looks wistfully back to when most hoped Trump would dump his "red-meat scare stories" once he moved into the Oval Officea hope that's quickly fading. "He is allowing the credibility of his unimaginably powerful office to be exploited and wasted on crackpot ideas," the editors write. Part Five in its entirety is here; the sixth installment will be published Friday. (Read more opinion stories.)
An eye-popping 6,755 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2016, according to statistics released Thursday by the United States Postal Service. That's an increase of more than 200 since 2015. The numbers were released along with advice for pet ownerskeep dogs shut in a different room before opening the door for a delivery person, don't take mail directly from a delivery person while dogs are watchingahead of National Dog Bite Prevention Week. These were the top 10 cities for dog attacks on postal employees last year:

Los Angeles: 80 Houston: 62 Cleveland: 60 San Diego: 57 Louisville: 51 Detroit: 48 Denver: 47 Chicago: 46 Indianapolis: 44 Minneapolis: 43

See the rest of the list here . (Read more dogs stories.)
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After having served 15 years on the Corecivic Inc (NYSE: CXW) Board of Trustees, Thurgood Marshall Jr., the son of late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, seems to have lost confidence in the private prison company.

On Thursday, Marshall sold 2,750 CoreCivic shares at a value of $32.50 each. Despite the sale, he retains 33,443 shares as well as his seat on the company board  a role abounding with personal conflicts.

The Democratic Private-Prison Champion

Prior to his involvement with the prison, Marshall served as cabinet secretary to former President Bill Clinton and director of legislative affairs and deputy counsel to former Vice President Al Gore.

His allegiance to the Democratic party is now tempered by his support of the private prison sector.

Recently, Democratic leaders have pushed for the federal government to reduce reliance on private correctional facilities and, consequently, diminish funding. Marshalls support of CoreCivic aligns with Republican priorities to preserve private prison contracts.

The African-American Private-Prison Champion

Additional conflicts arise from the Marshall family history of advancing African American rights. Thurgood Marshall Sr., an instrumental figure in the desegregation of schools, had been an outspoken member of the NAACP and founded and directed the associations Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

Recently, civil rights activists in the vein of Marshall Sr. have challenged the American justice system for its treatment and disproportionate incarceration of black citizens. Private prisons are under direct fire, as the business model prefers young inmates without health liabilities. According to a 2014 study, this favors drug arrests, which skew African American more so than other crimes.

CoreCivic  which profits from criminalized drug and immigration activity  has lobbied for policies that would fill its beds, rendering Marshall Jr.s company leadership and recent ,000 donation to the CoreCivic PAC neutralizing forces against his fathers historic efforts.

Story continues

The company has even acknowledged Marshall Jr.s value in influencing policy.

"Thurgood's legal expertise and his thorough understanding of federal government procedure will give clarity to many of our strategic initiatives to enhance the federal, state and local government's utilization of public/private partnership in corrections," CCA Board Chairman William Andrews said at the time of Marshall Jr.s board appointment.

Related Links:

While Trump Policies Improve Sentiment On CoreCivic, Several Headwinds Remain

Expect Further Upside In CoreCivic, GEO Group

Prison Stocks Spike After DoJ Reverses Obamas Decision On Private Prisons

________

Image Credit: "Panelists from the JFK 50th Justice for All Leading with Diversity in a Global Economy discussion with moderator Tom Brokaw. From left to right, Caroline Kennedy, Ken Feinberg, Ken Frazier, Ron Williams, Jill Abramson, Jay Zimmerman, Hilda Solis, Tom Brokaw, and Thurgood Marshall, Jr. Photograph taken January 18, 2012 at Alice Tully Hall."

By US Department of Labor - http://www.flickr.com/photos/usdol/6751355155/in/photostream, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

See more from Benzinga

 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
SINGAPORE, April 6 (Reuters) - Trade is "slightly more of a concern" than security in Singapore's relationship with the new U.S. administration, the defence minister said on Thursday after a meeting with his U.S. counterpart in Washington.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said earlier this year that U.S. President Donald Trump's pull-out from the Trans Pacific Partnership, a long-negotiated 12-country trade agreement, hurt confidence in American policies.

The tiny, trade-reliant city-state views U.S. involvement in the region as key for its security and growth. Singapore has enhanced long-standing security ties with Washington in recent years and hosts revolving deployments of vessels and military planes.

"For security, I am thankful to say it is less of a concern," Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said, according to a transcript of his interview with Channel News Asia. "He (U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis) affirmed the continuing importance that the U.S. gives to the Asia Pacific region... We both reaffirmed the desire to strengthen military relations.

"For trade, it is slightly more of a concern, because we were not sure who could be in charge. Whether it was Secretary Ross, Mr Navarro, Mr Cohn," Ng said, referring to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Trump's trade adviser, Peter Navarro, and chief economic adviser Gary Cohn.

Ng said he received reassurances that the United States still believed in free trade but that Washington wanted to re-jig trade agreements in a way that would redress the "sense that America has lost out".

"From Singapores perspective, it would be healthy for the U.S. and China to agree to avoid trade wars," Ng said. "We benefit whenever global trade goes up.

"And, simplistically, if there are protectionist measures from any one country, retaliation, the effect as weve known from past experience is that global trade just goes down."

Trump holds his first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, facing pressure to deliver trade concessions for some of his most fervent supporters. (Reporting by Marius Zaharia; Editing by Nick Macfie)
New Delhi:

During scrutiny, nearly 40 percent of the total 4,605 nominations filed for April 23 elections to the 272 wards of the three municipal corporations have been rejected, Delhi State Election Commission said.

A total of 1,796 nominations have been rejected due to errors of a different kind, said an Election Commission official.

Maximum 758 nominations out of total 1,833 filed for 104wards in South Delhi Municipal Corporation, were rejected in scrutiny.

Also Read: MCD polls: Over 4,200 nominations filed on last day amid heavy rush

The nomination papers of the four BJP candidates in MCDpolls were also cancelled, sources claimed.

The Election Commission, however, could not verify the information regarding the cancellation of nomination papers of the four BJP candidates.

Also Read: MCD polls: AAP promises to regularise all contractual staff

"The updates on scrutiny were being received from returning officers offices till late evening. It will take time to provide information regarding individual wards," said the Election Commission official.

BJP sources also claimed that nomination papers of the official candidates of party were also cancelled in Khayala and Wazirpur wards. However, the "back up" party candidates were there to contest the polls.
New Delhi:

Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna who was hospitalized after he complained of "severe dehydration" is reportedly suffering from Bladder Cancer.

Meanwhile, a picture of Vinod Khanna with his family in the hospital has gone viral and has become talk on the social media. In the picture, the actor's looks very pale and a major change has been noticed.

But in the main time, the family has not yet confirmed the news about him suffering from cancer and Doctors have also not responded on thi.

While the family of the actor is yet to confirm the news, a picture went viral on Thursday, showing a pale-looking Vinod with his family.

Also Read: Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna hospitalised in Mumbai due to severe dehydration

Veteran actor Vinod Khanna was hospitalized in HN Reliance Foundation and Research Centre in Girgaum. Earlier, Khanna's son, Rahul said the doctors are looking to discharge him soon.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 4 winner Pratham attempts suicide on Facebook live video; survives after consuming pills

"Dad was hospitalized on Friday for severe dehydration. The situation was quickly brought under control, he's doing much better and the doctors are looking to discharge him soon," Rahul told PTI.

Also Read: Sunil Grover- Kapil sharma controversy: Know what is Kiku Sharda missing the most

"Our family is most grateful for the extraordinary care he's been receiving at the hospital and we are touched by all the good wishes pouring in," he adds. Hospital sources also confirmed that the actor is recovering well and is much better.

We wish Vinod Khanna gets well soon.

(Important: This is a viral picture of Vinod Khanna and the source is not confirmed)

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Los Angeles:

Actor Pierce Brosnan has refuted rumours that hes in negotiations to play Cable in the upcoming "Deadpool 2".



The former James Bond actor cleared up the air during a visit to "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", saying, "Not true. Nothings come my way yet", reported Ace Showbiz.



When asked about the picture that showed him sitting with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, he says, "We were sitting, waiting for a plane, the three of us, and the guy said, Quick, lets get a photograph, and I jump in the middle and Mr. Reynolds said, Lets do Three Wise Monkeys. We put it out there and it went viral. I dont lie. They know where to find me, its just fabricated."



The second "Deadpool" film is scheduled for 2018. Zazie Beetz is tapped as Domino. "Man of Steel" actor Michael Shannon and "Stranger Things" star David Harbour are in contention to play the main baddie.

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Jorhat:

Two persons of Bangladeshi-origin were arrested while a minor was apprehended after they were found carrying beef in Assam's Jorhat town. The trio were booked under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950 after locals lodged an FIR against them, the police said on Thursday.



The daily wage labourers had on April 4 bought half kg beef from somewhere and showed it to a shopkeeper at Kenduguri area near Jorhat town. The said they would cook it for dinner, a police official said.



When it came to the notice of the people, they objected to it due to the presence of a temple in the area and subsequently informed the police, Kenduguri police station officer in-charge Prasanta Bhuyan said. Cattle slaughter is banned under Section 5 of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950, he said.

Read | Video | Rajasthan man dies after alleged cow vigilantes brutally beat him up in Rajasthan's Alwar; attack caught on camera



An FIR was registered at Bhugdoi police outpost under Kenduguri police station and a case registered under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 1950, Bhuyan said.



The trio were produced before the court of the chief judicial magistrate on Wednesday night which remanded two of them to police custody while the minor was sent to the Juvenile Lichubari Observation Home.

Read | Thane: Two held from power loom town of Bhiwandi for transporting beef illegally in Mumbai

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New Delhi :

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday said in Supreme Court that all 14 people, including senior BJP leaders Advani, MM Joshi and Uma Bharti, should be tried in Lucknow court.

The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court had acquitted the leaders of the charges under criminal conspiracy in the Babri demolition case.

Highlights of what the CBI told the apex court during hearing in the Babri Demolition case -



"14 persons, including BJP leaders, acquitted of the charges under criminal conspiracy, should be tried in Lucknow Court."



"In Rai Bareilly Court, 57 witnesses had already been examined & 100 or more are likely to be examined."



"There are two FIRs registered against all the accused in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case."



"Criminal conspiracy charges were dropped against 21 accused, including several BJP leaders on technical grounds."

"Lucknow bench of the Allahabad HC had upheld lower court order."

The argument in the case is underway in the apex court.

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Bomdila:

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said China has no business telling India what to do with regard to the Dalai Lamas movement in the country.

China has no business telling us what to do and what not to do (regarding the Dalai Lamas movement). It is not our next-door neighbour. India shares boundary with Tibet, not with China, he told reporters.

In reality, the McMahon Line demarcates the boundary between India and Tibet, he said.

Khandu, who accompanied the Dalai Lama during an eight-hour-long drive from Guwahati to Bomdila on Wednesday, said it was a brave decision on the part of the Tibetan spiritual leader to undertake the arduous trip.

Also Read: Dalai Lama in Arunachal | Chinese media toughens stand, ask China to answer 'blows with blows' if India plays dirty

He wanted to reach Tawang anyhow and the weather could not deter him. Let us hope that his followers here get satisfaction from his discourses, he said.

The Nobel laureate, he said, was the countrys most respected guest since 1959 and Arunachal Pradesh deserves his visit more than any other place.

This is the Dalai Lamas sixth visit to Arunachal Pradesh as a state guest since 1983 and he has been to Tawang every time except in December 1996.

His last visit in 2009 was planned exactly 50 years after he had crossed through Arunachal Pradesh, then North East Frontier Agency, after escaping from Lhasa.

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New Delhi :

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday blamed the Rajasthan government over the death of a man after a "brutal and senseless attack" by cow vigilantes in Alwar, terming it a "shocking breakdown of law and order".

The Congress vice president alleged that if a person differs from the vision of Narendra Modi and RSS, he has no place in India.

"When government abdicates its responsibility and allows lynch mobs to rule, tragedies of immense proportion happen.Shocking breakdown of law&order in Alwar," he said in a tweet.

Anybody who doesn't listen to & agree with Narendra Modi and RSS has no place in India, that's their vision: Rahul Gandhi on Alwar incident pic.twitter.com/QpjYBeaM7p  ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017

He also hoped the government would take stern action against those responsible. "We expect Government to take strict action against those responsible for this brutal and senseless attack...All right thinking Indians must condemn this blind brutality," he said on Twitter.

55-year-old Pehlu Khan died at a hospital in Alwar district on Monday after allegedly being beaten by a group of cow vigilantes. The incident took place on Saturday when 16 people were allegedly transporting bovine animals from Jaipur to Haryana. The police yesterday arrested three persons in connection with the case.

Also Read: Police arrest 3 in case of killing of man by cow vigilantes in Alwar

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New Delhi:

Following the Shiv Sena demand to address the Ravindra Gaikwad issue, the government on Thursday said discussions will be held with the stakeholders to find an amicable solution at the earliest. Air India had banned Shiv Sena MP from taking flight.

The assurance from Home Minister Rajnath Singh came after the Lok Sabha witnessed chaos with Shiv Sena members, including Union Minister Anant Geete, shouting at Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and surrounding him.

Ravindra Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena MP, was barred by Air India and other domestic airlines from flying after he assaulted a staffer of the national carrier last month.

The issue snowballed into a political hot potato with Shiv Sena, also a BJP ally at the Centre, demanding that the flying ban on Gaikwad should be revoked.

As soon as the House met at 1315 hours after three adjournments over the issue, Rajnath Singh said the incident related to Air India was unfortunate and it would have been better if it had not happened.

Also read: Video | Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad refuses to apologise Air India staffer, demands to lift fly ban on him

He said Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju will hold discussions with the stakeholders to arrive at an amicable solution at the earliest.

Opposition members raised the issue about the chaotic scenes involving the two Cabinet Ministers.

Singh also said that the two ministers have held discussions.

Both Raju and Geete were present in the House when Singh made the statement.

During the Zero Hour, there were unruly scenes with Shiv Sena members protesting against the ban and even thumping the desk of Raju in anger.

Also read: Ruckus in Lok Sabha after Shiv Sena raises MP Ravindra Gaikwads fly ban issue

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Washington:

The declining fertility in India will lead to a dramatic drop-off in births in Hindu families between 2055 and 2060, a new Pew research has said. India is home to 94 per cent of the communitys global population.



The Pew Research Centre study also said that the number of babies born to Muslim women is expected to overtake those born to Christians world-wide within two decades, making Islam the worlds largest religion by 2075.



Beyond 2015, Christian and Muslim mothers are expected to give birth to increasing numbers of babies through 2060.But Muslim births are projected to rise at a faster rate so much so that by 2035 the number of babies born to Muslim mothers will narrowly surpass the number born to Christian mothers. Between 2055 and 2060, the birth gap between the two groups is expected to approach 6 million (232 million births among Muslims vs. 226 million births among Christians).



By contrast, the total number of births is projected to decline steadily between 2015 and 2060 for all other major religious groups, said the study, which was released yesterday.

ALSO READ | China ahead of India in internet access, says Pew Research report

The drop-off in births will be especially dramatic for Hindus who are expected to see 33 million fewer births between 2055 and 2060 than between 2010 and 2015 due in large part to declining fertility in India, which is home to 94 per cent of the global Hindu population as of 2015, according to the study titled The Changing Global Religious Landscape.



Between 2010 and 2015, an estimated 68 million babies were born to unaffiliated mothers, compared with 109 million to Hindu mothers.



Islam is already the worlds fastest-growing religion, according to the study, with the Muslim population increasing by more than 150 million people between 2010 and 2015.



Between 2015 and 2060, the global Muslim population is expected to grow by 70 per cent, while Christianity is projected to grow by 34 per centat which point, the two religions will have similar numbers, the report said.

ALSO READ | India top source and destination for world's migrants, biggest recipient of remittances: PEW report



That baby boom will largely be driven by regional trends in age and fertility, according to Alan Cooperman, director of religion research at Pew.



Its really a geographic story, he was quoted as saying by the New York Times.



From 2010 to 2015, Christian women gave birth to 223 million babies, about 10 million more than were born to Muslim women.



But the Pew report predict a reversal of that pattern by 2060, when Muslim mothers are projected to give birth to 232 million babies, about six million more than their Christian counterparts.

ALSO READ | Hindus and Jews gain ground in new US Congress: Pew analysis



Some 62 per cent of Muslims live in the Asia-Pacific region with large populations in Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Turkey, Pew researchers said.The reports findings are drawn from the same projections behind a 2015 Pew report that found that the worlds Muslim population will match its Christian population by 2070 and surpass it in the decades that follow.

ALSO READ | India largest source of international migrants, 15.6 million Indians live abroad, says Pew research center



Both rely on data collected over several years from more than 2,500 global censuses. The projections take into account trends in mortality, fertility, age, migration and religious switching.

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New Delhi:

India and Bangladesh are unlikely to ink the much-delayed Teesta water-sharing agreement during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas visit from Friday, but the two close neighbours are set to sign at least 25 pacts covering an array of areas including defence and security.

Deepening cooperation in the defence sector will be the major focus area during Hasinas four-day trip, with India set to announce a line of credit of USD 500 million for supply of military hardware to Bangladesh.

Both countries are also likely to expand cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, transport and energy.

ALSO READ| Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit India from April 7-10

On the Teesta pact, India is not optimistic about a breakthrough as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been firm in opposing it. It is learnt that the central government will not go ahead with the agreement without taking Banerjee on board.

The Teesta deal was set to be inked during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Bangladesh in September 2011, but was postponed at the last minute due to objections by Banerjee.

Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh, especially in the leanest period from December to March, when the water flow often temporarily comes down to less than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs. The pact is unlikely to be signed during Hasinas visit, people in the know said.

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Chennai:

The Russian firm that built the joint venture plant told on Thursday that it had been given the responsibility to operate Unit 1 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Indias largest nuclear power generation unit has been entrusted fully to it.

The Moscow-based ASE Group of Companies, a subsidiary of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation said the entrusting of the responsibility to India follows signing of a joint statement by it and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India yesterday, confirming the fulfillment of all warranty terms and obligations of the overseas contractor.

By signing the document, the Russian and the Indian sides confirmed fulfillment of all warranty terms and obligations of the contractor (ASE Group of Companies) for the construction of the Unit 1, ASE Group said in a release in Chennai on Thursday.

The warranty period run showed reliable and safe operation of the Unit 1. Thus, the Indian side confirms that ASE Group of Companies, which is general contractor, has fulfilled all its tasks in full and accurately, said ASE Vice-President Andrei Lebedev for its South Asia projects.

The onward operations of Unit 1 is totally within the responsibility of the Indian side, he added.

The commercial operation and the warranty period of Unit 1 of KNPP started in December 2014, the release said adding the second unit of KNPP began its commercial operation on March 31, 2017.

KNPP units I and II, both with a capacity of 1000 MW, have been built with Russian collaboration. Units III and IV are under construction.

The first two units are the largest nuclear power generation units in the country.

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New Delhi:

The Hindu festival Kamada Ekadashi is being celebrated across India on Thursday and will be celebrated through Friday morning. Auspicious fast, observed, chiefly by devotees in South India, marks the first Ekadashi of the new Hindu calendar year.



Here is all you need to know about the festival, fasting methods and shubh muhurat



What is Kamada Ekadashi?



Kamada Ekadashi is the second Ekadashi that falls during the Shukla Paksha of the first month of the Hindu Calendar.



Ekadashi refers to the eleventh day of Shukla and Krishna Paksha of every Hindu month according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. On these pious days the devotees worship Lord Vishnu, and they possess a strong faith that by praying and fasting on these two auspicious days, Lord would be pleased and all the sins of their lives will be pardoned, thereby providing them with a peaceful life full of happiness.



Shubh Muhurat of Kamada Ekadashi 2017



Ekadashi Tithi Begins = 09:15 on 6 April 2017

Ekadashi Tithi Ends = 08:54 on 7 April 2017

On 8th, Parana Time = 06:07 to 08:37

On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment = 09:00



Puja Vidhi of Kamada Ekadashi 2017



On the eve of Kamada Ekadashi, devotees eat Saatvik food, meaning food that is simple and completely vegetarian. People of Hindu religion chant, recite and sing songs throughout the night, praising the Lord. They believe that Lord would respond to their prayers and bring peace and harmony in their lives by removing all the sins.



Fasting on Kamada Ekadashi



The devotees keep fast for the entire day and are forbidden to take rice. They sing prayers and do Japa and devote the entire day in the name of Lord Vishnu. The Hindu society especially the Vaishavas celebrates this festival. Two ekadashis occur in one month considering the position of the moon.



This is considered to be an auspicious time and if one wishes to commence some new event, then this is the perfect day. According to the Hindu calendar, it is a lucky time to start with. Though it is celebrated by Hindus across the country, it is mainly celebrated in South India in cities like Bangalore.



Special yajnas, speeches and discourses are held at every Vishnu temple across the nation. Observing the Ekadashi fast is set above all religious considerations.



Legend & Significance Ekadashi



According to various Puranas, fasting is considered mandatory during both types of Ekadashi. It is believed that on this day Lord Vishnu had opened the doors of Vaikunthan and two demons entered through it. Those demons requested for a boon that the gate of Vaikunth should also be opened for all those who will chant his prayers on this pious day. It is said that those who will worship ekadashi would liberate themselves from the cycle of life and death. And their present lives will overtake all the good deeds over all their bad ones.

Read | Vaikunta Ekadashi: Paramapada Vasal timings, Muhurat and procedure

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New Delhi:

Speaking on the incident of lynching of a Muslim man by cow vigilantes in Alwar, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused Hindutva organisations like RSS and VHP of creating an atmosphere of discord.

With such incidents, particularly BJPs other organisations like RSS, Bajrang Dal and VHP are trying to create an atmosphere of discord in the country. People are disturbed due to this, Kharge said.

55-year-old Pehlu Khan died at a hospital in Alwar district on Monday after allegedly being beaten by a group of cow vigilantes.

The incident took place on Saturday when 16 people were allegedly transporting bovine animals from Jaipur to Haryana.

Kharge said the Congress party will take this message of alleged misdeeds by Hindutva organisations to the common people.

Kharge, who is leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, also lashed out at BJP members in the House and said the law was being broken.

He also named some Hindutva organisations linked to the BJP, in remarks which were expunged by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also attacked the Rajasthan government over the issue and dubbed the incident as shocking breakdown of law and order.

Also read: Budget session | Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial remark against BJP in Lok Sabha expunged

Also read: Demonetisation: Congress wants debate under Rule 56 which entails voting, says Mallikarjun Kharge



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New Delhi:

In order to appreciate the efforts of soldiers during the daring surgical strike across the Line of Control last year, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday awarded Shaurya Chakras to the participating officers.

He also awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously to Lt Col Niranjan Ek, who died while recovering IED from the bodies of Pathankot terrorists in January 2016.

As per the citation against Shaurya Chakra awardees, Major Rajat Chandra killed two terrorists during the surgical strike, while Captain Ashutosh Kumar eliminated four terrorists. Both belong to 4 Para Special Forces, which took part in the surgical strike in September last year.

Major Deepak Upadhyay and Paratrooper Abdul Qayum, both of 9 Para Special Forces, were also awarded with Shaurya Chakras for their role in the surgical strike.

Nineteen soldiers of the 4 and 9 Para, the special forces units, who undertook the daring cross-border surgical strike across LoC, were awarded with gallantry medals on January 25, including a Kirti Chakra, while their commanding officers have been given Yudh Sewa Medal.

Also read: Surgical strikes decision taken soon after Uri attack, says Rajnath Singh

Shaurya Chakra was also posthumously awarded to Sanjewan Singh, head constable with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Naib Subedhar Kankara V Subba Reddy, Naik Pandurang Gawande, and Kirti Chakra to Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar of the Gorkha Rifles. All laid their lives fighting terrorists.

Family members of Singh, Reddy, Gawande and Magar received the honour by the President.

Lt Gen PM Hariz, one of the two senior most officers superseded by Chief of Army Staff Gen Bin Rawat, was awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal. Hariz is the Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Command.

Shaurya Chakras were also awarded to Atu Zumvu, Sub-Divisional Police Officer with the Nagaland Police, who shot down three National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) outfit members, responsible for killing 81 people.

Captain Elisen Y Jami of the 12th Batallion Parachute Regiment, Kukudapu Srinivasulu, police constable with Telangana Police was also awarded with Shaurya Chakra.

Lt Col D Vinay Reddy of the Madras Regiment and Havildar Hanuman Ram Saran of the Rajputana Rifles were awarded with Shaurya Chakra.

Also read: Surgical strikes marked India's offensive stride vis-a-vis Pakistan: Retd Army official

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New Delhi :

Defending their MP Ravindra Gaikwad in Parliament over Air India row, Senior Shiv Sena leaders on Thursday threatened that they would not keep mum on Gaikwads fly ban issue, alleging that the government did not pay heed in the matter. A privilege motion had already been moved in Parliament.

The party MPs raised the issue in Lok Sabha, which resulted in an uproar.

While talking to media, Shiv Sena MP Anand Rao Adsul said that they would not remain silent on the issue. He blamed that the government turned a blind eye in the matter despite his party is part of the government. Ravindra Gaikwad also arrived in Parliament on Thursday. He forced to take a chartered plane to reach to the national capital.

Sarkar dhyaan nahi deti, sarkar mein hote hue chup baithenge kya?: Shiv Sena MP Anandrao Adsul on adjournment motion in LS on Gaikwad issue pic.twitter.com/ckdG9Vne85  ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017

On the other hand, Senior Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut rejected claims that his MP has assaulted the Air India staffer. He questioned, saying that who says that Gaikwad has assaulted anyone. He said the party never runs away.

Shiv Sainik kabhi bhaagta nahi. Kisnay kaha assault kiya hai?: Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena on Ravindra Gaikwad pic.twitter.com/73XiVemuZY  ANI (@ANI_news) April 6, 2017

On Wednesday, Shiv Sena's Lok Sabha MPs had warned of protests in Parliament if the issue of its MP Ravindra Gaikwad. Gaikwad has been banned from flying by several airlines after he allegedly hit an Air India staffer, remains unresolved.

All major domestic airlines have imposed a flying ban on him for assaulting an Air India duty manager.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha Secretariat had sought details from the Civil Aviation Ministry of the incident involving Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad and the subsequent ban against him by Air India for assaulting its staffer.

Also Read: Shiv Sena MP Gaikwad takes chartered flight to Delhi

The report had been sought after the privilege motion moved by the Shiv Sena as its MP was banned by all major domestic airlines from flying, after he had assaulted anAir-India employee.

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New Delhi:

One of Indias top general surgeons MC Misra joined as an honourary senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. Misra is the former Director of AIIMS.



According to a statement issued by the private hospital, he will be with the Department of General and Laparoscopic Surgery.



Misra served as director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for over three years. He had retired from AIIMS on January 31.At AIIMS, he also served as the chief of AIIMS Trauma Center from June 2008.



"In his tenure as director, Dr Misra created a dynamic policy environment, with adequate resource availability," Deputy director (administration), AIIMS, V Srinivas had said at the time of Misras retirement.

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New Delhi:

A Non-Resident Indian gave divorce to his wife through advertisement in the local newspaper in Hyderabad. Police have registered a case of fraud and harassment against the accused.

The accused Mohammad Mushtaquudin married a 25-year-old in July 2015 and took her to Saudi Arabia.

The couple came to India last month along with their 10-month-old child. However, Mustaquddin left for Saudi Arabia. His wife registered the complaint that he gave her divorce by giving advertisement in a local news paper.

"She tried to contact Mustaquddin several times over the phone but he did not take her calls. So she lodged the complaint," the police officer said.

"We are conducting probe and also verifying if a divorce announced through a newspaper is valid under the Sharia (Muslim law)," the ACP added.

It was also reported that Mushtaq has demanded Rs 20 lakh from his wife and used to harras her for that. When Mushtaquddin returned to Saudi Arabia, the victim's in laws didn't allow her to live with them.

Also Read: Supreme Court to hear various petitions on legitimacy of Triple Talaq today

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donald trump

President Donald Trump has made it very clear that when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, one topic will tower above the rest: North Korea's nuclear posturing.

But Trump, whose administration has gone further than any before it in stressing the potential for a military strike on North Korea, may be running out of time to determine North Korea's fate on his own terms.

As North Korea continues to test nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, the US nears a "point of no return," Omar Lamrani, a senior military analyst at Stratfor, a geopolitical analysis firm, told Business Insider.

Essentially, once North Korea's military perfects an intercontinental ballistic missile that can strike the US mainland, the US would no longer be able to launch a preemptive military attack without fear of casualties at home, and it may then consider recognizing North Korea's Kim Jong Un for the first time as a legitimate world leader.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

But perfecting an ICBM could take years, and South Korean politics could freeze Trump out of the conversation long before then.

"If the Trump administration is hell-bent on significantly stepping up pressure on China and North Korea, it's going to have a serious problem," Joel Wit, a former State Department diplomat who cofounded 38North, a website that brings together experts on North Korea, told Business Insider.

That problem's name is Moon Jae-in, a liberal South Korean human-rights lawyer who is favored to win the country's May 9 presidential election.

"He is going to pursue a very different approach from President Park," Wit said, referring to Park Guen-hye, South Korea's conservative former president who was recently impeached and arrested after a bizarre influence-peddling scheme came to light.

Wit said the normally ironclad alliance between the US and South Korea could be rocked by a reversal by Moon on policy toward North Korea. Moon is expected to pursue some kind of diplomacy with North Korea, a strategy that has been attempted previously in the past-quarter century to no success.

Story continues

Pukguksong-2 north korea missile

This couldn't contrast any more with public stances from officials in the Trump administration that the "clock has now run out" on Pyongyang and "the United States has spoken enough about North Korea."

Wit said the clash in objectives for North Korea would create "problems that the Chinese can take advantage of," further relegating the US to the sidelines without the North making a single concession.

So if Trump can't convince Xi he's on the brink of war with North Korea and muscle out some concessions, he's looking at about a one-month window in which he could act unilaterally, before possible responses go from bad to worse.

NOW WATCH: Here's the surprising reason highways have those concrete walls alongside them





More From Business Insider
London:

Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday Aung San Suu Kyi has denied the ethnic cleansing of Myanmar's Muslim minority. He speaks to BBC after the UN rights council agreed to investigate allegations against the army.

"I don't think there is ethnic cleansing going on. I think ethnic cleansing is too strong an expression to use for what is happening," Suu Kyi said in the interview televised on Wednesday.

Her one-year-old government has faced international condemnation for the treatment of the country's Rohingya Muslims, who are regarded as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, prompting the UN rights council to agree last month to launch an investigation into violations against the minority.

The Geneva-based body's fact-finding mission will examine allegations of torture, murder and rape allegedly committed by troops.

Suu Kyi told the BBC there was "a lot of hostility" in the western state of Rakhine, where more than one million Rohingya live.

"It is Muslims killing Muslims, as well, if they think they are collaborating with authorities.

"It is not just a matter of ethnic cleansing. It is a matter of people on different sides of a divide, and this divide we are trying to close up. As best as possible and not to widen it further," she said.

Myanmar has launched its own domestic probe into possible crimes in Rahkine and appointed former UN chief Kofi Annan to head a commission tasked with healing long-simmering divisions between Buddhists and Muslims.

Suu Kyi said the army was "not free to rape, pillage and torture".

"They are free to go in and fight. And of course, that is in the constitution... Military matters are to be left to the army," she said, adding that she aimed to amend the constitution.

Almost 75,000 people from the persecuted minority have escaped to Bangladesh after the military launched operations in the north of Rakhine state to find Rohingya militants who raided police border posts in October.

Rohingya who have fled have told the UN rights office that soldiers executed babies in front of their mothers, as part of campaign to terrorise the Muslim minority.

"If they come back they will be safe," said Suu Kyi, adding that those who fled were welcome to return.

Her National League for Democracy (NLD) faced the ballot box on Saturday in by-elections across the country, winning a string of seats but losing out in ethnic minority areas including Rakhine.

The NLD came to power in a historic 2015 election which ended half a century of brutal military rule, but there has been disillusionment with the administration as it struggles to push through reforms and ease unrest.

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Beijing:

China should not hesitate to answer blows with blows if India chooses to play dirty by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, the Chinese official media said on Thursday.



Two English newspapersChina Daily and Global Times have launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh -- which China claims as part of Southern Tibetis an inseparable part of India.



Taking exception to Rijijus remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic tool against China for its vice like veto against Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.



New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as Arunachal Pradesh, but the spiritual leader of Tibetan independence was also escorted on the trip by Indias junior minister of home affairs, the state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

Read | China has no business telling India regarding Dalai Lamas movement: Pema Khandu



To Beijing, that is a double affront, it said.



Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijings diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not, it said in an editorial.



Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his countrys former colonial master taking advantage of Chinas internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives, it said.



Neither the McMahon Line, by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day Arunachal Pradesh has Beijings endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit, it said.

Read | Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit: India, China at loggerheads; Tibetan spiritual leader says Delhi never used him



Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.



If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows, the paper said.



The aggressive editorials came after China yesterday lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale here over the Tibetan spiritual leaders visit to the area.



The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.



The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by Indias Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldnt intervene in their internal affairs, it said.

Read | China rejects Dalai Lamas remarks of rise in military action coerced him to escape



New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained, it said.



India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?, the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.



With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with Indias peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that Indias turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi? it said.



China considers India as a friendly neighbour and partner. China has never provoked bilateral disputes or made any pressing demand on India over the Dalai Lama. New Delhi should respond to Beijings goodwill with goodwill, it said.



The Dalai question became one of the problems that upset the Sino-India relationship, it said.



When India emphasises the relationship with China, it would place a tight control on the Dalai. When it has a grudge against China, it may prompt the Dalai to play certain tricks as a signal sent to China, it said.



Stating that India is dissatisfied with China over the NSG and Azhar issues, it said some Indians also called for boycott of Chinese goods.The Dalais visit to Arunachal Pradesh this time is seen as New Delhi using the monk as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on China, it said.

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New Delhi:

A nine-story residential building in St Petersburg,Russia was evacuated after suspicious object was found in the apartment on Friday. The explosive device was disarmed in St. Petersburg apartment building, city authorities told Russian media.

An explosive device has been located and disarmed, Konstantin Serov, head of the administration of the district where the device was located, told TASS.

All residents of the building were brought to safety and sheltered in a nearby kindergarten, TASS added.

Local residents told a local news portal that people from Central Asia were renting the apartment where the police made their search.

According to the news portal, at least three men were seen being escorted by police in handcuffs. According to reports, the owners of the apartment were absent when the searches were conducted. The men who were found there will be investigated by police, he added.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said, according to Russian news agencies, that the object found on Friday in an apartment building on Saint Petersburg's eastern outskirts could contain explosives. Residents have been evacuated and explosives experts have started working on the site.

More news to follow on this incident...

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New York:

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley was interrupted during an annual summit on women here when she spoke about President Donald Trump and Russia.

Haley was speaking on Wednesday at the Women In The World summit, a premier annual gathering of influential women leaders, politicians and activists organised by media personality Tina Brown in association with the New York Times.

As the Indian-American was answering questions during the session titled Trumps Diplomat: Nikki Haley moderated by MSNBC anchor Greta Van Susteren, Haley was booed and heckled on several occasions. At one point someone in the audience shouted what about refugees while another said when is the next panel.

During the nearly 22 minute session, a woman in the audience shouted when is the next panel, to which the 45-year-old smiled and exclaimed wow as the audience tried to shush the heckler.

She was heckled again when asked how America deals with some of the world leaders who are dictators.

You call them out when they do something wrong and you work with them when you can find ways to work with them.

As some members of the audience shouted at her remarks, Haley said we have to express Americas values. We are always the moral conscience of the world, to which someone from the audience shouted what about the refugees, cutting off Haley. Haley went silent. Van Susteren paused, and then said, Moving on.

At the end of the days programme, Brown commended Haley for attending the event even as she got a boisterous reception and for remaining gracious as she was heckled.

We often complain and sneer and say Republicans never want to come on any kind of forum except Fox News or places where they can be asked questions that are soft, Brown said, adding that Haley did not put on any pre-conditions and sat very graciously while the audience heckled.

She didnt get agitated about it, and shes in the middle of a lot of world crises. So I feel that we should really applaud the fact that she did come.

Van Susteren asked Haley why the world has not heard much from Trump about Russia, a question that drew a thunderous applause from the audience.

Haley said, first of all keep in mind that I work for the Trump administration, a response that generated boos and heckles from the audience and prompted Van Susteren to ask the audience to hold on, hold on. We got to get people fix these problems.

Haley added that she has hit Russia over the head more times than I can count. Its because if they do something wrong we are going to call them out on it. If they want to help us defeat terrorism, fine.

But the things they have done with Crimea and Ukraine, the things they have done with how they have covered up for (Syrian President Bashar) Assad, we are not going to give them a pass on.

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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters on Air Force One while in flight from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Palm Beach International Airport, Fla., Thursday, April 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)





PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- President Donald Trump hinted at possible military action against Syria Thursday as his administration considered how to retaliate against President Bashar Assad after this week's chemical weapons attack that killed more than 80 people.

Trump suggested strongly that Assad may have to leave power, and his comments were underscored by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who told reporters "there's no role for (Assad) to govern the Syrian people."

The administration has been put to the test this week amid an international outcry over newly horrifying violence in Syria. Over the past seven years, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the nation's civil war, triggering the worst refugee crisis since World War II.

Trump's tone has grown more grave with the passing days. On Wednesday, he said this week's attack crossed "a lot of lines"  not just the "red line" of chemical weapons use that President Barack Obama once set as an ultimatum for the Assad government.

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Trump has shown a particularly emotional response to photos and video of dead children, and he said Thursday, "I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity." Asked if Assad should remain in power, he said that "he's there and I guess he's running things so something should happen."

Trump commented aboard Air Force One en route to meet China's President Xi Jinping at a Florida summit.

Tillerson, who spoke almost simultaneously after greeting Xi in Florida, said there was "no doubt in our minds" that Assad's government was behind the attacks and the U.S. was evaluating an appropriate response.

"The process by which Assad would leave is something that will require an international community effort," Tillerson said, adding that there needs to be a balance between defeating the Islamic State group and stabilizing Syria to prevent the civil war from escalating further.

Story continues

Tillerson also issued a warning to Russia that its support of the Assad government is something that it should "consider carefully."

Late Wednesday, Trump advisers had huddled at the White House to discuss a range of options for responding to the chemical attack, including military action and economic sanctions, according to a senior administration official. The United Nations is also considering a resolution condemning the attack.

The official said the options were being readied for Trump as quickly as possible. But it was unclear how fast the president planned to decide and implement a response, according to the official, who insisted on anonymity in order to discuss the sensitive planning.

Tillerson has been in contact with his Russian counterparts, the official said, but Trump has not spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump told reporters traveling with him to Florida Thursday that he may speak with Putin.

In Washington, two senior Republican senators called for Trump to strike at Syria's air force as part of a swift and forceful response to the attack, which killed more than two-dozen children.

Sens. John McCain of Arizona, who spoke to Trump on Wednesday, and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said in a statement that Assad "must pay a punitive cost for this horrific attack."

"This is a test of the new administration, but also for our entire country," said Graham and McCain, who have been among Trump's harshest congressional critics. "Assad is trying to see what he can get away with."

Graham later told reporters he doesn't believe Trump needs Congress to authorize the use of military force in Syria. He added that the Senate has become so dysfunctional it may be difficult to get Republicans and Democrats to agree on a resolution approving the use of force.

"Hit this guy," Graham said of Assad. "You've got my full permission." He said he has not talked to Trump about military options.

But Sen. Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, took a more measured approach, saying he first wanted to hear from the White House what military options it may be considering.

Asked if he supported grounding Syria's air force, Corker told reporters he'd "like to see what the administration proposes."

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., said he was glad that Trump was meeting with national security advisers to consider options to hold Assad accountable. He encouraged Trump to consult with Congress, too.

"The use of chemical weapons is abhorrent, and Assad's brazen gassing of men, women and children cannot be tolerated," Royce said.

___

AP Writer Richard Lardner contributed from Washington.
FILE PHOTO: The company logo for Unilever is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., February 17, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

By Martinne Geller

LONDON (Reuters) - Unilever (ULVR.L) (UNc.AS) promised shareholders a multi-billion euro rewards package on Thursday after February's $143 billion takeover offer from Kraft Heinz (KHC.O) jolted it into a corporate makeover aimed at proving it can go it alone.

The maker of Dove soap and Knorr soup said it would speed up cost savings, sell its shrinking margarines business and decide whether to scrap its dual Anglo-Dutch listing, which Unilever said would make it easier to do big acquisitions.

Shareholders, some of whom where unhappy that Unilever so swiftly spurned the approach by U.S. rival Kraft, will also get a 5 billion euros ($5.3 billion) share buyback, the first since 2008, funded in part by a targeted rise in debt levels, and a 12 percent dividend increase this year.

Unilever, one of Europe's biggest blue-chip stocks, called the Kraft episode a "trigger moment" to deeply review its business, as global packaged goods makers face slowing growth and more competition from start-ups exploiting evolving tastes for natural and healthy products.

"There is no doubt that however ... opportunistic it (the Kraft approach) was, it did raise expectations," Chief Executive Paul Polman said. "We are absolutely determined to use it as an opportunity to place Unilever on an even stronger footing."

Unilever's London-listed shares, which have held onto the gains made by the Kraft bid as shareholders bet it would spur improved performance, closed up 1 percent at 39.78 pounds, while the FTSE 100 (.FTSE) was down 0.3 percent.

"They're not stretching here, and nor should they. They're in a very strong position and this is hopefully a sign they're going to be a bit leaner and more shareholder-focused," said GAM fund manager Ali Miremadi, who manages two worldwide equity funds that are 2.5 percent invested in Unilever.

Unilever should be able to deliver the premium Kraft was offering or more over the next four or five years, he added.

Story continues

AIMING HIGHER

Unilever set a 20 percent underlying operating margin target for 2020, up from 16.4 percent in 2016, fueled by increased cost savings, which Goldman Sachs analysts said suggested 90 basis points of expansion per year, up from a prior goal of 40 to 80 points. But unlike the previous target, the new one excludes restructuring charges, which are seen totaling 3.5 billion euros over the period.

Unilever is now aiming for 6 billion euros of savings by 2019, up from 4 billion euros and said it would double savings within brand and marketing to 2 billion euros.

Goldman, which has a "sell" rating on the shares, worries that reduced marketing spend will hurt sales, but Chief Financial Officer Graeme Pitkethly said Unilever could cut the number of advertisements it makes by a third and the number of agencies it works with by half with little effect.

Much of the improvement would come from combining food, which includes Knorr and Hellmann's mayonnaise, with the ice cream and tea businesses, following the sale or spin-off of the spreads unit, where sales have fallen for years.

Unilever already has interest from private equity firms, who sources estimate may pay some 6 billion euros, but if a sale does not generate enough value it will pursue a spin-off and aims to complete the process by year-end.

MORE DEBT, MORE DEALS

In another strategic shift, Unilever said it will take on debt equal to 2 times core earnings, whereas its leverage ratio has been below one time for more than half of the past 20 years, Jefferies analysts have said.

"Unilever was vulnerable to a takeover exactly because its been so free of debt," said Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at ETX Capital in London.

Unilever said the leverage will help it grow.

"We think there will be a lot more action in the M&A pipeline ... and as ever we look forward to participating very actively," Pitkethly told Reuters.

While Polman signaled a potential interest in buying French's mustard and Frank's RedHot sauce, which are being sold by Reckitt Benckiser (RB.L) and which sources say could fetch a price around $3 billion, Unilever has generally been selling food brands and buying higher-growth home and personal care.

Analysts have long speculated whether Unilever may divest its food business, which makes up some 40 percent of revenue, and do a blockbuster personal care deal.

"Colgate (Palmolive) (CL.N) is the stand out option on this front," Exane BNP analyst Jeff Stent said, adding that Unilever's comments on Thursday may signal more openness. Colgate has a market valuation of $65 billion and analysts expect a deal would need to be in the area of $90 billion.

Unilever executives said it still made sense to keep its food business, excluding spreads, although they left the door open for big-ticket deals, by touting how much easier they would be if it ditched the dual listings and headquarters in London and Rotterdam, as a single listing would make it easier to spin off businesses and use equity in a share deal.

"With the fast changes we see in the market we will see opportunities come and go quicker than they probably did in the past, and we need to be prepared," Polman said.

Unilever will decide by the end of the year whether to combine its dual listing and headquarters, adding that Brexit would not influence its choice.

(Editing by Greg Mahlich/David Holmes/Alexander Smith)
Diversified energy company Unit Corporation UNT has signed a deal with an undisclosed seller to acquire assets in Western Oklahoma for $57 million in cash and land. Apart from the cash component, Unit Corporation will be transferring 180 acres in McClain County to the seller for the acquisition of the assets. The company will raise the purchase amount through equity offering. The effective date of the acquisition was Jan 1.

Per the terms of the deal, Unit Corporation will acquire 8,300 net acres in the Grady and Caddo Counties, in Hoxbar, OK. The acquisition will also add 47 proved developed producing wells with an estimated average daily production of 1,367 barrels of oil equivalent to the companys portfolio. The estimated proved reserves of the properties amount to 3.2 million barrels of oil equivalent. The acquisition will add 65 gross potential horizontal drilling locations.

The transaction is in line with the companys strategy to expand in one of its core areas. The move increases the companys Hoxbar holdings by 42% to a total of 28,000 net acres and is likely to result in value addition for the stakeholders.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Headquartered in Tulsa, Unit Corporation is engaged through its subsidiaries in oil and natural gas exploration, production, contract drilling and natural gas gathering and processing. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

The company outperformed the Zacks categorized Oil and Gas Field Services industry over the prior three months. During the said time frame, while shares of Unit Corporation rallied 29%, the broader industry declined 3%.

Better-ranked players in the broader industry include Antero Resources Corporation AR, Pioneer Natural Resources Company PXD and Penn Virginia Corporation PVAC. All the three companies sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Antero Resources reported positive earnings surprise in each of the preceding four quarters, the average being 239.10%.

Story continues

Pioneer Natural Resources is expected to deliver year-over-year growth of 1118.6% in its earnings in 2017.

Penn Virginia Corporation posted positive average earnings surprise of 36.7% in the trailing four quarters.

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BETHEL  Within the next two years, residents may vote on an updated charter that could change the way failed budgets are adjusted, ensure that board members dont have conflicts of interest and change the requirement that legal notices be published in newspapers.

The Board of Selectmen voted this week to a establish a seven-member Charter Revision Commission that will explore those issues and more.

The latest charter was adopted in 2013. The town is only required to establish a commission once every five years, but, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker said at a meeting Tuesday, the town didnt want to wait.

Were a little bit ahead of schedule on this, but some of these issues are important, he said.

Among them is a budget rule that goes against the protocol the rest of the state follows.

As in some other towns, Bethel votes on the school and town budget in separate ballot questions. If the school budget, for example, does not pass, the Board of Finance must rework it.

But in Bethel, unlike in other municipalities, the board can only change the budget that did not pass, rather than adjusting both budgets. This leads to draconian cuts, Knickerbocker said.

He hopes this would change in a charter revision.

It gives the Board of Finance the ability to balance both sides of that budget and not inflict too much harm on one, Knickerbocker said.

The commission would also examine rules that dictate who can serve on certain boards and committees. The current charter restricts town employees from serving on the Board of Finance, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Inland Wetland Commission.

The commission would determine whether board officials and senior command officers of the volunteer fire companies should be considered town employees. It could also add the Board of Assessment Appeals to the list of restricted commissions and prevent Board of Finance members from serving on other boards.

We want to make sure people dont have conflicts of interest, Knickerbocker said.

The commission also may change the requirement to hold a referendum for expenditures costing more than $1 million. That $1 million limit has not been changed in years, Knickerbocker said. The town could save money if it did not have to incur the cost of a referendum for items that could be approved in other ways, he said.

The commission could also consider allowing the town to publish legal notices in a publication, not just a newspaper, which could save money. The idea was introduced at a town meeting earlier this week, when a resident requested the town reduce the budget for legal notices.

Residents shot down the motion after officials explained the charter requires notices be published in a newspaper.

Seeking commission members

The town aims to interview and select the commission members by June. This is the first time the town has interviewed candidates. In the past, Republicans and Democrats have recommended members for the Board of Selectmen to appoint. But Knickerbocker said the selectmen wanted to ensure the commission is objective.

We really need to have people who serve on this who are not influenced by the politics of the day, he said. We really need people who can look at the long term of this document and say, How do we want to make sure government functions effectively in the upcoming decades?

The commission will meet with departments, boards and other stakeholders, as well as holding public hearings before and after developing recommendations.

There are multiple opportunities for the public to see whats going on and to have their voices heard, Knickerbocker said.

Eventually, the Board of Selectmen could approve the recommendations and residents would vote in a referendum.

The process could take 18 months to two years.

Its not going to be a rapid process at all, Knickerbocker said. It's a deliberate and carefully orchestrated process to make sure they consider things thoroughly.
NEW FAIRFIELD The Finance Board cant quite decide whether to cut town and school services or taxpayers should pick up the slack next year if state aid to municipalities is slashed as drastically as the governor has proposed.

With a deadline fast approaching for a final decision on the town budget, the board discussed six ways to account for Gov. Dannel P. Malloys proposed 2017-18 budget, which could mean a net loss of $4.3 million in state aid. The state budget wont be finalized until June, weeks after the town is required to finalize its budget.

Each of the six scenarios assumes a different mix of state cuts, local cuts and/or local tax increases, including school budget increases ranging from zero to 2.54 percent and tax increases ranging from less than 1 percent to as much as 12 percent.

The board tentatively decided not to increase taxes by more than 4 percent. Assuming the state Legislature approves Malloys proposed cuts to local aid, but rejects a controversial proposal to make towns pay one-third of teacher pension costs, a 4 percent increase would allow the town and schools to spend the same amount next year as this year, board members said.

Members of the school and finance boards discussed in separate meetings whether taxpayers would rather see taxes go up to improve school and town services or a flat budget that avoids any increase.

We know Connecticut is in a lot of trouble budgetwise, but New Fairfield is doing pretty good, said school board member Dominic Cipollone. We need to let the community decide if we can withstand this kind of hit.

The school board decided to stand behind its proposed 2.54 percent increase, but provided a list of $1.53 million in possible reductions at the request of the Finance Board.

Finance Board Chairman Wes Marsh said achieving the 4 percent scenario relies on using some medical reserve money, lowering the towns insurance claims and gambling on which proposed state cuts will pass.

He and other finance members said they dont particularly like the idea of holding town and school budgets at a zero-percent increase, but they wanted to put a stake in the ground.

For me as a taxpayer, there would be nothing for me to vote for, said board member Cheryl Reedy. Id rather pay 5 percent and have my schools continue to make some progress and have a few more roads done .  We need to let people have more of a say to have something in their budget more than nothing.

Board member John Hodge said as much as taxpayers might want to improve town services, they would not be able to afford a tax increase. If a budget with a tax increase fails, he said, it could be difficult to make the changes needed to make it acceptable to voters.

Several residents criticized the Finance Boards decision not to let voters decide whether they could pay more than 4 percent.

I just have to say how disappointed I am, John McCartney said. You did not give the people a chance.

The final budget markup is scheduled for April 19, with a town meeting to be held by the first Wednesday of May.

Marsh said he hopes savings in debt service or insurance claims will let the board give some money back to the school and town budgets.

But a 4 percent tax increase might be a hard sell for taxpayers, he added, as the town has only had about one percent increases the last few years.

Were really going to have to get the story out there for why were asking for more than we normally ask for, Marsh said.

aquinn@newstimes.com; @QuinnNewsTimes
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HARTFORD  In an attempt to salvage their attempt to jointly build a third casino to compete with a planned billion-dollar gambling palace in Springfield, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations on Thursday offered to sweeten the pot, with more revenue for Connecticut if the deal goes through.

But after meeting tribal leaders and representatives, Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz said that hes still not sure whether lawmakers will agree to creating a satellite casino, opening up the deal with the tribes, which last year provided $267-million in slot machine revenue to state.

Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, told Capitol reporters that he thought the joint casino proposed for East Windsor, was only a 50-50 bet. He wasnt sure whether pending legislation that could formalize the East Windsor location would be approved before the adjournment of the legislative session on June 7.

The tribes offered to guarantee the continued flow of slot-machine revenue from the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, as well as 25-percent of all money gambled in East Windsor, if they win the designation.

Legislation that could open up the entire process to public bidding, including a possible location in Bridgeport, is even less likely. Any change in the deal with the tribes, would have to be approved by the governor and the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

I think it would be very difficult to move forward with respect to designating the tribal nations as operators unless that issue got dealt with, Malloy told reporters Thursday afternoon. He stressed that Attorney General George Jepsen has warned that the exclusive deal with the tribes - called a compact - could be put in constitutional jeopardy if the tribes are granted the third casino. There are currently lawsuits pending on the issue and more would likely be filed if the Mohegans and Mashantucket Pequots go forward with theirs.

I dont intend to put that in jeopardy, Malloy said.

Uri Clinton, senior vice president for MGM Resorts International, which wants the bidding opened up statewide, said that the BIA could turn down a request. If the state follows the path the tribes are laying out it could well end up in the state, and its cities and towns, losing more than $200 million a year in revenue, Clinton said in a statement. And for a state facing the budget deficits Connecticut is facing, that would seem like a highly risky move legislators would want to avoid.

kdixon@ctpost.com; Twitter: @KenDixonCT
(Refiles to correct spelling of Bank of America Merrill Lynch strategist's first name to Shusuke, paragraph 10)

* US commander says steps to rein N.Korea haven't met expectations

* Nth Korea launches missile before China, U.S. leaders meet

* Officials from US, Japan and S.Korea discuss latest test launch

* US, Sth Korea to proceed with controversial anti-missile system

* Japan describes launch as "dangerous provocation"

By Tim Kelly and Ju-min Park

TOKYO/SEOUL, April 6 (Reuters) - Diplomatic and economic measures taken to rein in North Korea's missile programme have not had the desired effect, a senior U.S. military commander said on Thursday after the North's latest test triggered a flurry of calls among world leaders.

U.S President Donald Trump led calls with leaders and senior officials from Japan and South Korea on Thursday to discuss the latest provocation from Pyongyang, hours before Trump begins a much-anticipated summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

"Up to this point I think it is fair to say ... that economic and diplomatic efforts have not supported the progress people have been anticipating and looking forward to," U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift said in Tokyo, where he was meeting Japanese Self Defence Force commanders and foreign ministry officials.

North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes will be high on the agenda when Trump and Xi meet at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida later on Thursday, with anger in Beijing simmering over the deployment of an advanced U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea.

Analysts have said Wednesday's launch of a ballistic missile from North Korea's east coast probably took place with the Trump-Xi summit in mind as the reclusive state presses ahead in defiance of United Nations resolutions and sanctions.

In a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, Trump again said that all options were on the table when it came to North Korea's continued missile tests.

Story continues

Swift said a military response remained among those options.

"That decision would be up to the president," he told reporters. "The military was always an option."

Tensions on the Korean peninsula and the Trump-Xi summit began to worry markets on Thursday, with the dollar and Wall Street shares slipping.

"The market is only starting to factor in recent developments regarding North Korea, and it now wants to figure out the geopolitical implications of the U.S.-China summit," said Shusuke Yamada, a senior strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Tokyo.

"DANGEROUS PROVOCATION"

Abe said the two leaders had agreed that North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch was "a dangerous provocation and a serious threat".

He told reporters at his Tokyo residence he was watching to see how China would respond to Pyongyang after Xi meets Trump.

The White House said in a statement after the Abe call Trump "made clear that the United States would continue to strengthen its ability to deter and defend itself and its allies with the full range of its military capabilities".

Trump has repeatedly said he wants China to do more to exert its economic influence over its unpredictable ally in Pyongyang to restrain its nuclear and missile programmes, but China denies it has any overriding influence on North Korea.

On Sunday, Trump held out the possibility of using trade as a lever to secure Chinese cooperation, while suggesting Washington might deal with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes on its own if need be.

Any launch of objects using ballistic missile technology is a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The North has defied the ban, saying it infringes on its sovereign rights to self-defence and the pursuit of space exploration.

In another call on Thursday, Trump's national security adviser H.R. McMaster told his South Korean counterpart that Washington remained committed to the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea.

South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of the THAAD system is to defend against missile launches from North Korea but China says the system's powerful radar could penetrate into its territory.

The United States began deploying the first elements of the THAAD system in South Korea last month, despite angry opposition from China.

South Korean officials said McMaster discussed the North's latest missile launch and the Trump-Xi summit in a call with his counterpart in Seoul, Kim Kwan-jin.

"Both sides agreed to pursue ... plans in order to substantially strengthen the international community's sanctions and pressure on North Korea," South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.

" ... both agreed to push forward the deployment of THAAD by U.S. forces in Korea," it said.

U.S. officials said the missile launched on Wednesday appeared to be a liquid-fuelled, extended-range Scud missile that only travelled a fraction of its range before spinning out of control.

They said it flew about 60 km (40 miles) from its launch site near Sinpo, a port city on the North's east coast where a submarine base is located.

As well as a growing list of ballistic missile launches, North Korea has also conducted two nuclear weapons tests since January 2016. (For a graphic on North Korea's missile launches, see: http://tmsnrt.rs/2m9l4oj)

(Additional reporting by William Mallard, Kiyoshi Takenaka and Shinichi Saoshiro in TOKYO Eric Beech in WASHINGTON; Editing by Paul Tait)
-Manny Corsino joins firm's Miami office to support growth, collaboration

and development with Latin American team -



TORONTO, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Retained executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. (TSX: CWL) today announced that Manny Corsino has joined the firm as a partner in the firm's Miami office.

Mr. Corsino will focus on global companies with interests in Latin America, and will work in concert with the firm's Latin American team to provide seamless solutions to clients with operations in the United States and Latin America.

With more than 15 years of experience in executive recruitment, Mr. Corsino has general regional expertise in Latin America, and has developed strong relationships with a diverse group of clients across several major industries. He has conducted numerous searches for CEOs, presidents, general managers, and sales directors in Latin America, and also participated in cross-border searches for global clients.

"This is a great step forward for Caldwell Partners," said John Wallace, chief executive officer. "We have fantastic reach into Latin America through our partners and offices in Bogota, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Lima, Mexico City, Santiago and Sao Paulo. With Manny now on our team to strengthen our Miami presence and support collaboration and development with our Latin American team, our ability to serve global corporations with interests in Latin America is matchless."

"Manny's industry experience, analytical approach, and thorough understanding of the Latin American marketplace enable him to discern nuances affecting a client's specific situation and recruit culturally compatible, results-oriented leadership," said Nestor D'Angelo, managing partner, Caldwell Partners, Latin America. "His ability to leverage his cultural knowledge with his business acumen to create value and better serve clients is an important skill to have when working with large multi-national organizations to align their human capital capabilities with their strategic objectives."

Prior to joining Caldwell Partners, Manny led the Latin American search practice at Allen Austin. He previously served as the managing director of the Miami and Mexico City offices of DHR International.

Manny was born in the US and raised in Argentina, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in human resources from La Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires. He is fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese, and has the ability to be effective in multiple cultures and business environments.

About Caldwell Partners

Caldwell Partners is a leading international provider of executive search and has been for more than 45 years. As one of the world's most trusted advisors in executive search, the firm has a sterling reputation built on successful searches for boards, chief and senior executives, and selected functional experts. With offices and partners across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, the firm takes pride in delivering an unmatched level of service and expertise to its clients.

The Caldwell Partners' Common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CWL). Please visit our website at www.caldwellpartners.com for further information.

SOURCE The Caldwell Partners International Inc.

For further information: Caroline Lomot, Caldwell Partners, [email protected], +1 516 830 3535
Sakto Corporation Oversees Design and Construction of Hill 70 Memorial in France

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ -- This year marks the centenary of the Battle of Hill 70, often referred to as Canada's "Forgotten Battle." Sakto Corporation, an Ottawa-based real estate holding and investment firm, is overseeing the construction of a monument in memory of the Canadian soldiers who fought and lost their lives for victory at Hill 70 in France in August 1917. The monument is set to be unveiled on April 9 with dignitaries from Canada and France.

"When paying tribute to the Vimy Memorial several years ago with the Honorary Colonel Mark Hutchings, we discovered that there was no memorial to commemorate the Battle of Hill 70," noted Sakto Corporation President Sean Murray. "This had to change. We approached the Right Honorable David L. Johnston, Governor General of Canada, to be the patron of a new foundation called Project Hill 70. And with his support, we were humbled by how quickly the project turned into a grassroots effort by Canadians to pay tribute to those who fought and lost their lives in this victorious and important battle. Dozens donated countless hours of work and millions of dollars were raised without public funds."

"We are proud of the design of the memorial which consists of several different design elements all culminating at the center with an awe-inspiring obelisk. The memorial beckons visitors up a curving pathway infused with 1,877 Canadian maple leaves each representing a fallen soldier. The path then leads to the General Sir Arthur Currie Amphitheatre."

Hill 70 was a strategically important victory where over 1,500 Canadians gave their lives, however, it has been overshadowed by Vimy. The Project Hill 70 has also started an education campaign where they developed a beautifully-illustrated book and education package and sent it to 2,500 schools across Canada.

Learn more about the Battle of Hill 70 and the monument.

Sakto Corporation

Sakto Corporation is a privately owned and operated real estate holding and investment firm founded and located in Ottawa, Canada. Throughout its three decades of operation, Sakto Corporation has remained true to its core standard of excellence and integrity. Company President Sean Murray has enhanced Sakto Corporation's portfolio and reputation, including the construction of phase one of Preston Square in 1989. Located in the heart of Ottawa's Little Italy, this project was awarded 2010's BOMA's Building of the Year for Preston Square. Today, the company owns and manages multiple property holdings and is renowned as one of the nation's capitals foremost property facilitators. Jamilah Taib Murray is the Chairman. Visit Sakto Corporation's Facebook page.

SOURCE Sakto Corporation

For further information: Brian Murray, Director of Leasing and Business Development, Sakto Corporation, [email protected], (613) 230-3434 ext. 237, http://www.sakto.com, http://www.sakto.com

Related Links

http://www.sakto.com


Founder Karim Hakimi honoured for his contributions to Canada

TORONTO, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Over 300 guests attended the recent Hakim Optical Gala in Toronto to commemorate the company's Golden Jubilee. The event highlighted the success of the company in Canada, paid tribute to the dedication of all current and past employees and honoured Hakim Optical founder, Karim Hakimi and his passion to his craft.

"I am very proud of my people and those that have stood by me for 30 to 40 years. Today we have 700 trained lensmakers, and have trained over 2,500 people [over the years] -some of them became our competitors while many have stayed with me," Mr. Hakimi said.

Among the dignitaries at the gala included Mr. Hakimi's longtime friend, former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion, Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca, Toronto City Councillor Shelley Carroll, as well as representatives from the Barbados and Hungarian consulates in Toronto.

"Anywhere you go in Canada you can find a Hakim Optical," says McCallion. "Canada has benefitted from [Mr. Hakimi's] immigration to this country and for the structure [he] built, the economic base [he] built, Canada has been enriched [by his] presence," she added.

Mr. Hakimi also received personalized messages and congratulatory letters from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Toronto Mayor John Tory, and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti all who were unable to attend but wanted to recognize his incredible contribution to Canada. Mr. Hakimi was also given official letters recognizing this milestone from the various government bodies who attended.

The gala started off with a cocktail reception and progressed to a seated dinner affair. The night included several speeches from employees, government officials and family members including Mr. Hakimi's daughter and granddaughter. Guests were treated to a heartfelt video which showcased the company's history, work culture, major achievements, and highlighted Mr. Hakimi's latest venture  a resort in Belize.

As the leading Canadian independent optical retailer, Hakim Optical is a privately held operation run solely by Mr. Hakimi. He has devoted the last 50 years to creating one of Canada's best known corporate brands with a simple goal of improving the vision and the ability of people to see better.

For more information, visit www.hakimoptical.ca

About Hakim Optical

Established in 1967, Hakim Optical is one of Canada's largest independent optical retail with over 600 employees across the country today. 50 years on, Hakim Optical now serves the people of Canada with 161 outlets (including 140 one hour factory outlets) across Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

SOURCE Hakim Optical

For further information: Media contact: Sarah Zajac, PUNCH Canada, E: [email protected], T: 647-837-1268
VANCOUVER, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Mawson Resources Limited ("Mawson") or (the "Company") (TSX:MAW) (Frankfurt:MXR) (PINKSHEETS: MWSNF) announces drill results from thirteen diamond drill holes from the 2017 winter program at the Company's 100% owned Rajapalot Project in Northern Finland. With these results, the mineralized zone has been significantly extended, with gold mineralization discovered on the western, southern and eastern margins of the previous mineralization footprint. Four drill rigs continue to drill 24/7.

Key Points:

PAL0048, drilled 1.75 km southeast of Palokas intersected: 6.0 metres @ 2.0 g/t gold from 53 metres and 13.7 metres @ 2.0 g/t gold from 82 metres; Mineralized zone without a lower cut off comprises 42.7 metres @ 1.0 g/t gold from 53.0 metres in magnetite, pyrrhotite, biotite and chlorite altered rocks; PAL0048 is the most easterly hole drilled at Rajapalot to date and mineralization remains open;

PAL0043, drilled 1.5 km southwest of Palokas and 1.1 km west of PAL0048 intersected: 12.0 metres @ 1.2 g/t gold from 10.6 metres; This hole targeted a VTEM anomaly and is the westernmost hole reported from Rajapalot to date, which opens a new area of exploration potential to the west;

PAL0040, drilled 450 metres southeast of PAL0043 and 75 metres south west of PAL0037 (56 metres @ 0.53 g/t gold from 33 metres Mawson Press Release March 06, 2017 ) intersected: 5.0 metres @ 1.2 g/t gold from 37.3 metres; This is the southernmost drill hole at Rajapalot, opening a new area of exploration potential to the south;

) intersected: Forty-two holes (PAL0027-PAL0069) have been completed to date, totalling 8,721 metres of diamond drill core. With this release, assay results from a total of 19 holes have been reported, while results are pending for an additional 23 completed holes. A further 10 diamond drill holes are planned to be drilled before the completion of the winter program.

Mr. Hudson, Chairman and CEO, states, "The bold exploration approach taken by Mawson during the 2017 winter program is now paying dividends. By stepping out to previously known the limits of the mineralized system at Rajapalot, the gold mineralized footprint has been significantly expanded and demonstrated to be open on the western, southern and eastern margins. In combination with the significant hydrothermal alteration observed in all holes, it is clear a large mineralized system exists at Rajapalot. With less than 50% of assays received from holes drilled to date, and four rigs still drilling 24/7, we look forward to further news flow."

A plan view of the drill results is provided in Figure 1. Tables 1, 2 and 3 include all relevant collar and assay information. The true thickness of the mineralized interval is interpreted to be approximately 90% of the sampled thickness.

These drill results support the discovery of a new style of gold-bearing system at South Rajapalot, as described in Mawson Press Release March 06, 2017. Mineralization is characterized by an extensive area of potassic-iron-sulphide alteration located up to 1,800m south of the Palokas prospect. Drilling has defined a zone that now extends for 1,200m along strike and 400m in width that remains open.

Gold-anomalous alteration has been drilled to date over a 1,200 m x 400 m area in South Rajapalot. It consists of sulphide, magnetite, biotite and chlorite hydrothermal mineral assemblages hosted in predominately grey albitites. Textures range from veined albitic granofels through fractured and brecciated to locally schistose. Veining and fracture fill minerals include magnetite, pyrrhotite and magnetite-pyrrhotite (+/- quartz). Local retrograde chlorite after biotite and vein-controlled chlorite+/- tourmaline and magnetite are also present. Preliminary hand-held XRF analysis confirms the presence of associated scheelite and molybdenite, the former visible under UV light as tiny veinlets and disseminations. The iron-rich nature of the mineralized rocks is a common theme in either the oxide or sulphide form, with a variably sulphidic and chloritic overprint. The alteration is clearly post-metamorphic, reduced, and most likely driven by granitoid intrusions. Chlorite is regarded as the lowest temperature silicate mineral with gold, structurally controlled in apparent association with quartz veins. Altered rocks enclosing the mineralized package contain locally abundant talc and tourmaline.

Technical and Environmental Background

Two diamond drill rigs (K1 & K2) from the Arctic Drilling Company OY (ADC) with water recirculation and drill cuttings collection systems were used for the drill program. Core diameter is NQ2 (50.6 mm) diameter core. Core recoveries were excellent and average close to 100% in fresh rock. After photographing and logging in Mawson's Rovaniemi facilities, core intervals averaging 1 metre for mineralized samples and 2 m for barren samples were cut in half at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) core facilities in Rovaniemi, Finland. The remaining half core is retained for verification and reference purposes. Analytical samples were transported by Mawson personnel or commercial transport from site to the CRS Minlab Oy facility in Kempele, Finland. Samples were prepared at Kempele and analyzed for gold at Raahe using the PAL1000 technique which involves grinding the sample in steel pots with abrasive media in the presence of cyanide, followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. The QA/QC program of Mawson consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, duplicate samples by quartering the core, and blanks the within interpreted mineralized rock. In addition, CRS inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process.

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.

Table 1: Collar Information from 2017 Winter drilling at the Palokas Prospect

HoleID East North Azimuth Dip RL Depth Comment (m) PAL0027 3408668 7373860 116 60 175 301.6 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0028 3408723 7373889 116 60 175 92.3 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0029 3408629 7373987 116 60 175 209.3 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0030 3408608 7373943 116 60 174 194.8 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0031 3408701 7373954 116 60 174 131 Mar 06, 2017 PAL0032 3408800 7374095 116 60 175 174.2 Mar 06, 2017 PAL0033 3408125 7373140 150 60 173 215.8 Mar 06, 2017 PAL0034 3408167 7373072 150 60 176 143.55 Reported here PAL0035 3408095 7372898 135 60 176 191.8 Reported here PAL0036 3408122 7372856 135 60 175 115.05 Reported here PAL0037 3408008 7372395 116 60 177 244.3 Mar 06, 2017 PAL0038 3407903 7372442 116 60 177 300.5 Reported here PAL0039 3408010 7372472 116 50 177 248.8 Reported here PAL0040 3407938 7372359 116 50 177 200.1 Reported here PAL0041 3407936 7372539 116 50 174 341.35 Reported here PAL0042 3407841 7372408 116 50 173 257.15 Results Awaited PAL0043 3407843 7372798 116 60 176 339 Reported here PAL0044 3407645 7372424 90 50 173 250.6 Results Awaited PAL0045 3407533 7372698 116 50 173 352.1 Reported here PAL0046 3408153 7372322 135 60 179 108.05 Reported here PAL0047 3410582 7373349 150 50 161 100.3 Results Awaited PAL0048 3408815 7372268 90 50 173 188.2 Reported here PAL0049 3408269 7372635 180 60 177 254.9 Results Awaited PAL0050 3410618 7373308 150 50 161 103.5 Results Awaited PAL0051 3408810 7372200 90 50 173 153.85 Results Awaited PAL0052 3410568 7373393 150 50 161 100.2 Results Awaited PAL0053 3408283 7372532 180 60 177 260.8 Results Awaited PAL0054 3410651 7373254 150 50 163 154.5 Results Awaited PAL0055 3408380 7372320 150 50 176 190.7 Results Awaited PAL0056 3408708 7372201 90 50 174 268.15 Results Awaited PAL0057 3410688 7373202 150 50 166 147 Results Awaited PAL0058 3408712 7372254 90 50 174 258.25 Results Awaited PAL0059 3408092 7372458 150 60 178 157 Results Awaited PAL0060 3410986 7371862 70 50 138 153 Results Awaited PAL0061 3409765 7372753 150 60 161 259.7 Results Awaited PAL0062 3408753 7372465 155 60 177 237 Results Awaited PAL0063 3407948 7372718 116 60 174 173.9 Results Awaited PAL0064 3411066 7371882 70 50 139 120 Results Awaited PAL0065 3410951 7371899 70 50 138 97.5 Results Awaited PAL0066 3408970 7372540 160 60 174 252.2 Results Awaited PAL0067 3410020 7373122 135 60 162 203 Results Awaited PAL0068 3409009 7372420 160 60 172 255.7 Results Awaited PAL0069 3408447 7373350 116 60 172 220 Results Awaited

Table 2: Better intersections from the 2017 Winter Drill Program reported. 0.5g/t Au over 1m lower cut (unless stated), no upper cut-off

*0.5g/t Au over 2m lower cut

Hole ID Depth

From (m) Depth To

(m) Width (m) Au g/t Date Reported PAL0027 27.46 31.01 3.6 2.5 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0027 34.41 41.21 6.8 14.7 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0027 44.20 47.20 3.0 3.2 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0028 21.70 22.70 1.0 0.8 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0028 37.60 39.25 1.7 3.9 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0029 95.65 96.65 1.0 0.7 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0030 110.20 120.20 10.0 11.6 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0030 135.70 138.60 2.9 1.0 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0030 143.85 146.85 3.0 5.3 Feb 21, 2017 PAL0031 85.4 86.4 1.0 1.5 Mar 06, 2017 PAL0032





No significant results Mar 06, 2017 PAL0033 152.5 154.7 2.2 7.7 Mar 06, 2017 PAL0034





No significant results Reported here PAL0035





No significant results Reported here PAL0036





No significant results Reported here PAL0037 33 35 2.0 3.6 Mar 06, 2017 PAL0038





No significant results Reported here PAL0039 112.8 113.1 0.4 2.9 Reported here PAL0040 37.3 42.3 5.0 1.2 Reported here PAL0041 179 180 1.0 1.3 Reported here PAL0041 242.6 243.6 1.0 1.2 Reported here PAL0043* 10.6 22.6 12.0 1.2 Reported here PAL0045





No significant results Reported here PAL0046





No significant results Reported here PAL0048 53 59 6.0 2.0 Reported here PAL0048 82 95.7 13.7 2.0 Reported here No lower cut: 42.7m @ 1.0g/t from 53.0m

Table 3: Individual assay data from drill holes PAL0040, PAL0043 and PAL0048

Hole ID Depth

From (m) Depth

To (m) Width

(m) Au g/t PAL0040 37.3 38.3 1.0 1.7 PAL0040 38.3 39.3 1.0 1.6 PAL0040 39.3 40.3 1.0 1.8 PAL0040 40.3 41.3 1.0 <0.05 PAL0040 41.31 42.3 1.0 1.1 PAL0043 10.6 11.6 1.0 2.59 PAL0043 11.6 12.6 1.0 3.79 PAL0043 12.6 13.6 1.0 1.31 PAL0043 13.6 14.6 1.0 0.5 PAL0043 14.6 15.6 1.0 0.06 PAL0043 15.6 16.6 1.0 0.06 PAL0043 16.6 17.6 1.0 1.19 PAL0043 17.6 18.6 1.0 0.38 PAL0043 18.6 19.6 1.0 0.08 PAL0043 19.6 20.6 1.0 0.21 PAL0043 20.6 21.6 1.0 3.11 PAL0043 21.6 22.6 1.0 0.81 PAL0048 53 54 1.0 0.50 PAL0048 54 55.1 1.1 3.93 PAL0048 55.1 56 0.9 1.76 PAL0048 56 57 1.0 2.69 PAL0048 57 58 1.0 1.09 PAL0048 58 59 1.0 1.51 PAL0048 59 60 1.0 0.09 PAL0048 60 61 1.0 0.09 PAL0048 61 62 1.0 0.21 PAL0048 62 63 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 63 64 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 64 65 1.0 0.17 PAL0048 65 66 1.0 0.12 PAL0048 66 68 2.0 0.35 PAL0048 68 70 2.0 0.06 PAL0048 70 71 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 71 72 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 72 73 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 73 74 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 74 75 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 75 76 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 76 77 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 77 78 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 78 79 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 79 80 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 80 81 1.0 0.05 PAL0048 81 82 1.0 <0.05 PAL0048 82 84 2.0 0.49 PAL0048 84 86 2.0 0.61 PAL0048 86 86.8 0.8 1.59 PAL0048 86.8 87.82 1.0 1.66 PAL0048 87.8 88.5 0.7 3.74 PAL0048 88.5 89.2 0.7 0.61 PAL0048 89.2 90.2 1.0 6.34 PAL0048 90.2 91.2 1.0 3.88 PAL0048 91.2 92.3 1.1 0.05 PAL0048 92.3 93.3 1.0 5.59 PAL0048 93.3 94.3 1.0 0.84 PAL0048 94.3 95 0.7 1.72 PAL0048 95 95.7 0.7 2.79

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


Net earnings attributable to shareholders increased by 10.5% compared to the first quarter of 2016, at $12 million , on sales of $195.9 million , up 3.7%.

increased by 10.5% compared to the first quarter of 2016, at , on of , up 3.7%. Excellent financial position - almost debt-free - cash of $36.4 million - working capital of $286.1 million (a ratio of 4.7:1).

MONTREAL, April 6, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - "Richelieu (TSX: RCH) posted a good financial performance in the first three months ended on February 28, 2017, which we consider to be satisfactory for a first quarter, historically the weakest of the fiscal year. This is the result of our continued market development and innovation strategies, sales synergies created through our acquisitions, and ongoing improvement in operational efficiency. Net earnings attributable to shareholders are up 10.5%, and sales 3.7%. At comparable exchange rates to the first quarter of 2016, the increase in sales would have been 5.7%. In Canada, sales grew by 4.5%, reflecting the 2.8% increase in the manufacturers market and 11% in the retailers and renovation superstores market. In the U.S., sales went up 7.7% (US$), while the manufacturers market showed a 7.9% increase, supplemented by the 3.6% increase in the retailers and renovation superstores market. We pursue our acquisition strategy and we are confident that we will be able to seize other opportunities in the coming months", said Richard Lord, President and CEO of Richelieu.

NEXT DIVIDEND PAYMENT

On April 6, 2017, the board of directors approved payment of a quarterly dividend of 5.67 per share. This dividend is payable on May 4, 2017 to shareholders of record as at April 20, 2017.

ANALYSIS OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2017, COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2016

For the quarter ended February 28, 2017, consolidated sales reached $195.9 million, compared with $188.9 million for the corresponding quarter of 2016, an increase of 3.7%, of which 2.3% from internal growth and 1.4% from acquisitions. At comparable exchange rates to the first quarter of 2016, the consolidated sales growth would have been 5.7% for the quarter ended February 28, 2017.

Sales to manufacturers amounted to $164.9 million, compared with $160.6 million for the first quarter of 2016. All market segments contributed to the increase of 2.7%, of which 1.1% from internal growth and 1.6% from acquisitions. At comparable exchange rates to the first quarter of 2016, sales growth would have been 4.9% for the quarter ended February 28, 2017. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores stood at $31 million, up by 9.5% over the first quarter of 2016.

In Canada, Richelieu recorded sales of $125.6 million, an increase of 4.5% over the first quarter of 2016, entirely from internal growth. Sales to manufacturers amounted to $98.4 million, compared with $95.7 million for the corresponding quarter of 2016, an internal growth of 2.8%. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores grew to $27.2 million, up by $2.7 million or 11.0% over the corresponding quarter of 2016. This growth results from market development efforts, the addition of new customers and, to a lesser extent, from the increase in some selling prices.

In the United States, sales totalled US$53.2 million, compared with US$49.4 million for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of US$3.8 million or 7.7%, of which 3.7% from internal growth and 4% from acquisitions. Sales to manufacturers amounted to US$50.3 million compared with US$46.6 million over the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 7.9%, of which 3.7% from internal growth and 4.2% from acquisitions. Sales to hardware retailers and renovation superstores were up by 3.6% from the corresponding quarter of 2016. Considering exchange rates, total U.S. sales expressed in Canadian dollars stood at $70.3 million, compared with $68.7 million for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 2.3%. They accounted for 35.9% of consolidated sales for the first quarter of 2017, whereas they had represented 36.4% of the period's consolidated sales for the first quarter of 2016.

Earnings before income taxes, interest and amortization (EBITDA) reached $18.3 million, up by $1.6 million or 9.8% over the first quarter of 2016. The gross margin and the EBITDA margin improved in the first quarter of 2017. It should be noted that they declined in the first quarter of 2016 as a result of the rapid appreciation of the US and euro currencies which had an upward effect on the supply costs of certain products. The EBITDA margin stood at 9.4%, compared with 8.8% for the first quarter of 2016.

First-quarter net earnings grew by 10.3%. Considering non-controlling interests, net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation amounted to $12.0 million, up by 10.5% over the first quarter of 2016. Net earnings per share rose to $0.21 basic and $0.20 diluted, compared with $0.19 basic and $0.18 diluted for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 10.5% and 11.1%.

Comprehensive income amounted to $10.7 million, considering a negative adjustment of $1.2 million on translation of the financial statements of the subsidiary in the United States, compared with $11.9 million for the first quarter of 2016, considering a positive adjustment of $1.1 million on translation of the financial statements of the subsidiary in the United States.

FINANCIAL POSITION

First-quarter cash flows from operating activities (before net change in working capital balances) amounted to $14.9 million or $0.25 diluted per share, compared with $13.4 million or $0.23 diluted per share for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 11.7% stemming primarily from the net earnings growth. Net change in non-cash working capital balances used cash flows of $12.4 million, reflecting the change in inventories ($5.2 million), whereas the change in accounts receivable, accounts payable and other items used cash flows of $7.2 million. Consequently, operating activities provided cash flows of $2.5 million, compared with cash flows used of $6.3 million for the first quarter of 2016.

First-quarter financing activities used cash flows of $4.9 million, compared with $17.3 million for the first quarter of 2016. This change mainly results from the significant shares repurchase of $14.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared with $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2017.

First-quarter investing activities represented a cash outflow of $4.2 million, mainly for equipment to improve operational efficiency.

Sources of financing

As at February 28, 2017, cash and cash equivalents amounted to $36.4 million, compared with $43.0 million as at November 30, 2016. This change mainly results from financing and investing activities made during in the first quarter of 2017. The Corporation posted a working capital of $286.1 million for a current ratio of 4.7:1, compared with $280.7 million (4.4:1 ratio) as at November 30, 2016.

Richelieu believes it has the capital resources to fulfill its ongoing commitments and obligations and to assume the funding requirements needed for its growth and the financing and investing activities between now and the end of 2017. The Corporation benefits from an authorized line of credit of $50 million as well as a line of credit of US$6 million renewable annually and bearing interest respectively at prime and base rates. In addition, Richelieu considers it could obtain access to other outside financing if necessary.

Summary financial position (in thousands of $, except exchange rate) As at February 28 November 30

2017 2016 Current assets 362,796 362,803 Non-current assets 124,592 123,243 Total 487,388 486,046 Current liabilities 76,667 82,056 Non-current liabilities 5,444 5,679 Equity attributable to shareholders of the Corporation 401,450 394,268 Non-controlling interests 3,827 4,043 Total 487,388 486,046 Exchange rate on translation of a

subsidiary in the United States 1.328 1.343

Assets

Total assets amounted to $487.4 million as at February 28, 2017, compared with $486.0 million as at November 30, 2016. Current assets remained mostly unchanged when compared with November 30, 2016.

Cash position



(in thousands of $)



As at February 28 November 30

2017 2016 Current portion of long-term debt 3,497 4,336 Long term-debt 308 528 Total debt 3,805 4,864 Cash and cash equivalents 36,415 42,969

The Corporation continues to benefit from a healthy and solid financial position. As at February 28, 2017 total debt was $3.8 million, of which $0.3 million in long-term debt and $3.5 million in short-term debt representing balances payable on acquisitions and financing contract for equipment.

Equity attributable to shareholders of the Corporation totalled $401.5 million as at February 28, 2017, compared with $394.3 million as at November 30, 2016, an increase of $7.2 million stemming primarily from a growth of $7.5 million in retained earnings which amounted to $344.3 million, and of $0.9 million in share capital and contributed surplus, whereas accumulated other comprehensive income was down by $1.2 million. As at February 28, 2017, the book value per share was $6.93, up by 1.8% over November 30, 2016.

Dividends

On April 6, 2017, the Board of Directors approved the payment of a quarterly dividend of 5.67 per share to shareholders of record as at April 20, 2017 payable on May 4, 2017. The declared dividend is designated as an eligible dividend within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

PROFILE AS AT FEBRUARY 28, 2017

Richelieu is a leading North American distributor, importer and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products. Its products are targeted to an extensive customer base of kitchen and bathroom cabinet, storage and closet, home furnishing and office furniture manufacturers, residential and commercial woodworkers, and hardware retailers including renovation superstores. Richelieu offers customers a broad mix of high-end products sourced from manufacturers worldwide. Its product selection consists of over 110,000 different items targeted to a base of more than 80,000 customers who are served by 69 centres in North America  36 distribution centres in Canada, 31 in the United States and two manufacturing plants in Canada, specifically Cedan Industries Inc. which specializes in the manufacturing of a wide variety of veneer sheets and edgebanding products and Menuiserie des Pins Ltee which manufactures components for the window and door industry and a broad selection of decorative mouldings.

Notes to readers  Richelieu uses earnings before interest, income taxes and amortization ("EBITDA") because this measure enables management to assess the Corporation's operational performance. This measure is a financial indicator of a corporation's ability to service its debt. However, EBITDA should not be considered by an investor as an alternative to operating income, net earnings, cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. Because EBITDA is not a standardized measurement as prescribed by IFRS, it may not be comparable to the EBITDA of other companies. Richelieu also uses cash flows from operating activities, which are based on net earnings plus amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, deferred tax expense (or recovery) and share-based compensation expense. These additional measures do not account for net change in non-cash working capital items to exclude seasonality effects and are used by management in its assessments of cash flows from long-term operations. Therefore, cash flows from operating activities may not be comparable to those of other companies. Certain statements set forth in this report (generally identified by terms such as "may", "could", "might", "intend", "expect", "believe", "estimate" or comparable variants) constitute forward-looking statements which, by their very nature, remain subject to other risks and uncertainties as set forth in the Corporation's annual and quarterly reports. Although management considers these assumptions and expectations reasonable based on the information available at the time they are provided, such assumptions and expectations could prove inaccurate and actual results could differ materially. Richelieu is under no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein to account for future events or circumstances, except as required by applicable legislation.

April 6, 2017 CONFERENCE CALL AT 2:30 P.M. (EASTERN TIME)

Financial analysts and investors interested in participating in the conference call on Richelieu's results to be held at 2:30 p.m. on April 6, 2017, may dial 1-866-865-3087 a few minutes before the start of the call. For those unable to participate, a taped rebroadcast will be available as of 5:15 p.m. on October 6, 2016 until midnight on October 13, 2016, by dialing 1-855-859-2056, access code: 91802615. Members of the media are invited to listen in.

Photos are available at www.richelieu.com

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

[In thousands of dollars]



[Unaudited]











As at

February 28,

2017 As at

November 30,

2016

$ $ ASSETS



Current assets



Cash and cash equivalents 36,415 42,969 Accounts receivable 110,224 109,867 Income taxes receivable 526  Inventories 212,403 207,803 Prepaid expenses 3,228 2,164

362,796 362,803 Non-current assets



Property, plant and equipment 35,526 33,258 Intangible assets 21,941 22,881 Goodwill 62,111 62,256 Deferred taxes 5,014 4,848

487,388 486,046 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY



Current liabilities



Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 73,170 75,764 Income taxes payable  1,956 Current portion of long-term debt 3,497 4,336

76,667 82,056 Non-current liabilities



Long-term debt 308 528 Deferred taxes 3,239 3,239 Other liabilities 1,897 1,912

82,111 87,735 Equity



Share capital 36,698 36,050 Contributed surplus 1,683 1,417 Retained earnings 344,325 336,835 Accumulated other comprehensive income 18,744 19,966 Equity attributable to shareholders of the Corporation 401,450 394,268 Non-controlling interests 3,827 4,043

405,277 398,311

487,388 486,046

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS





[In thousands of dollars, except earnings per share]

[Unaudited]







For the three-month periods ended

February 28 and 29,

2017 2016

$ $ Sales 195,909 188,909 Operating expenses excluding amortization 177,568 172,199 Earnings before amortization, financial costs and income taxes 18,341 16,710 Amortization of property, plant and equipment 1,816 1,580 Amortization of intangible assets 821 727 Financial costs, net (84) (24)

2,553 2,283 Earnings before income taxes 15,788 14,427 Income taxes 3,831 3,584 Net earnings 11,957 10,843 Net earnings attributable to:



Shareholders of the Corporation 11,998 10,861 Non-controlling interests (41) (18)

11,957 10,843 Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders of the Corporation



Basic 0.21 0.19 Diluted 0.20 0.18

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



[In thousands of dollars]

[Unaudited]







For the three-month periods ended

February 28 and 29,

2017 2016

$ $ Net earnings 11,957 10,843





Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to net earnings



Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (1,222) 1,093 Comprehensive income 10,735 11,936 Comprehensive income attributable to:



Shareholders of the Corporation 10,776 11,954 Non-controlling interests (41) (18)

10,735 11,936

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS





[In thousands of dollars]

[Unaudited]







For the three-month periods ended

February 28 and 29,

2017 2016

$ $ OPERATING ACTIVITIES



Net earnings 11,957 10,843 Items not affecting cash



Amortization of property, plant and equipment 1,816 1,580

Amortization of intangible assets 821 727

Deferred taxes (197) (69)

Share-based compensation expense 533 291



14,930 13,372 Net change in non-cash working capital balances (12,393) (19,713)

2,537 (6,341) FINANCING ACTIVITIES



Repayment of long-term debt (685) (221) Dividends paid to Shareholders of the Parent Corporation (3,286) (3,118) Other dividends paid (190) (67) Common shares issued 531 143 Common shares repurchased for cancellation (1,251) (14,056)

(4,881) (17,319)





INVESTING ACTIVITIES



Business acquisitions  (4,262) Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (4,176) (3,292)

(4,176) (7,554) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (34) (74)



Net change in cash and cash equivalents (6,554) (31,288) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 42,969 29,454 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 36,415 (1,834)

SOURCE Richelieu Hardware Ltd.

For further information: Richard Lord, President and Chief Executive Officer; Antoine Auclair, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (514) 336-4144; www.richelieu.com
FEC Approves $1.3bn Foreign Loans for Development Bank

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved credit facilities totalling $1.3bn for the newly-established Development Bank of Nigeria.The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of a meeting of the council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.Adeosun was joined at the briefing by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma; Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.Adeosun explained that with the FEC approval, the Federal Government would now seek the National Assemblys nod before the loans could be accessed.The breakdown of the credit facilities, according to the minister, shows that the World Bank will give $500m repayable over 21 years; the African Development Bank will provide $450m; the German government-owned KfW Development Bank based in Frankfurt will give $200m; and the French Development Agency will give $130m.The Finance minister stated, To access this money, we are ready to disburse but there are two requirements that we need to make, and one of them is the legal opinion of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the other is the National Assemblys approval.Before it goes to the National Assembly, it needs to be approved by FEC and the FEC simply approved today (Wednesday) that these loan requests should go to the National Assembly for approval so that we can access this money and the Development Bank of Nigeria can take off fully as it is expected to transform financing of our MSME sector.The council enthusiastically approved these facilities, which have long tenor, meaning that the DBN will be able to lend to our MSMEs over much longer periods and at much lower rates. So the impact on the MSMEs will be quite considerable.




, a member of the House of Representatives representing Bosso, Paiko Federal Constituency in the Niger East senatorial zone of Niger State was on Monday beaten to a pulp by angry youths in his constituency.Adamu was attacked when he went to one of the villages in his constituency to attend a political meeting.His vehicle was also vandalised by the youths who were angry that he had not visited them since his election in 2015.PUNCH reports that the youths had advised him not to leave the area but he refused.One of the youths first slapped him and another hit him in the stomach making him to fall to the ground. It then became a free for all as every youth there tried to take their pound of flesh from the politician, and eyewitness said.Adamu was rescued by officers of the Niger State Police Command who were invited by some people at the scene of the assault.Niger Police PRO,who confirmed the incident, said It was a politically motivated attack, adding that three persons have been arrested.

NASS
On Tuesday, April 4, 2017, Spain's highest court seized a huge real estate portfolio belonging to Rifaat Al Assad, the uncle of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. Spanish authorities said they are investigating the elder Assad for money laundering, thus seized 503 properties belonging to him and his relatives worth 691 million ($740 million). Rifaat Al Assad, 79, was vice president of Syria in the 1980s when his brother and Bashar's father Hafez ruled the country.He was exiled in 1984 for attempting to seize power while Hafez recovered from heart problems. He has mostly lived in exile in Europe since then.The investigation in Spain includes 16 individuals associated with Assad, including two wives, six of his children and one Spanish citizen who allegedly administered Assad's assets in the country. Officials in Spain say Assad may have taken as much as $300 million from Syrian state coffers for personal gain.Rifaat Al Assad has also lived in France, where authorities investigated him in 2013 for embezzlement of Syrian funds and seized 90 million ($95 million) of real estate belonging to his family.
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has again warned Nigerians against investing their money in online and block-chain curren...

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has again warned Nigerians against investing their money in online and block-chain currencies schemes.Its Managing Director, Umaru Ibrahim, gave the warning at a special day of the corporation at the ongoing 2007 Enugu International Trade Fair on Thursday.The NDIC, and other agencies like the Central Bank and the anti-graft EFCC have repeatedly warned Nigerians against such schemes.Mr. Umaru, who was represented by Nicolas Ibrahim, the NDIC Controller at Enugu Zonal Office, said that the warning became necessary to save investments and money of Nigerians.I wish to draw attention to emergence of the various Ponzi schemes, popularly called Mavrodi Mundial Movement (MMM) and other forms of digital and block-chain currencies.These ponzi schemes also came in form of virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, Ripples, Monero, Litecoin, Dogecoin and Onecoin for medium of exchange and web based transactions which are neither authorised by the CBN nor insured by the NDIC, he said.Mr. Umaru also warned members of the public against activities of some co-operative societies that had gone beyond their primary mandate of accepting contributions from their members.I wish to emphasise that cooperative societies are established to mobilise savings from their members only.I therefore call on non-members not to patronise them as they are neither licensed as deposit taking financial institutions nor insured by the NDIC, he said.The President of ECCIMA, Ugochukwu Chime, described the role of NDIC as significant in the protection of depositors fund with banks and other financial institutions.Mr. Chime said that NDIC remained a great back-up for Nigerian banking public who had lost their deposits whenever crisis occurred in the financial system.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme of the ongoing trade fair is Promoting Nigerias Industrial Sector and SMEs for Inclusive and Robust Economy.
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Most Rev. Oliver Dashe, has stated that some influential and selfish Nigerians are funding th...

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Most Rev. Oliver Dashe, has stated that some influential and selfish Nigerians are funding the Boko Haram sect.He added that Boko Haram is an offshoot of corruption.Dashe said this in a chat with journalists in Maiduguri yesterday.The cleric lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the successes recorded so far in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram in the North East.Dashe also lauded the military for restoring peace to the region.He, however, urged security agents to intensify efforts to rid pockets of activities of the insurgents as indicated by cases of suicide bombings.He said that the Christian community in the state suffered heavy loses due to the crisis and called for help from government.Dashe called for the involvement of Christian bodies in the rebuilding plan of the North East.The plan for the rebuilding the North-East should involve the church; if the church has been part of assisting the victims of insurgency, it should equally be involved in the rebuilding plan.The Federal Government should get the church involved in the efforts at reconstruction, he said.
A corps member, Amara Nwoke has donated four sets of desktop computers to Kuramo Junior Secondary School, Victoria Island, Lagos.





A corps member, Amara Nwoke has donated four sets of desktop computers to Kuramo Junior Secondary School, Victoria Island, Lagos.The gesture, she said, was to revamp the Information Technology facility of the school.The school, It was learnt, has been holding Computer Science classes for two years without practical sessions due to the faulty condition of their systems.A quiz competition to test their knowledge and identify areas of strength, was also organised among the JSS3 pupils and the winner, Emeka Ike went home with N10,000.Nwoke said the project was to ensure the pupils were at par with global counterparts in the digital knowledge and Information Technology, adding that early grooming would enable them learn necessary skills.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and recovered $570,000 from some suspected fraudsters in Kaduna state.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and recovered $570,000 from some suspected fraudsters in Kaduna state.Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the commission, said the suspects were nabbed in a bush along Sabon Gari, Kurmin Kogi, Ikara local government area of Kaduna.He gave the names of the suspects as: Ibrahim Idris, alias Dankano; Magaji Musa (Nigerien) who goes by the nickname Maishayi; Salisu Rabiu, otherwise known as Maimagani; Haruna Abdullahi,a.k.a Balogun and Abubakar Umar ,a.k.a Fulani.Uwujaren said the suspects met their waterloo when they conspired to lure an unsuspecting victim into believing that some unclaimed boxes containing huge amount of dollars were kept with some herdsmen believed to be accomplices by an unidentified politician.He said the person, who was in doubt hinted the commission, and operatives of the anti-graft agency swung into action.The commission wishes to use this opportunity to warn members of the public to be wary of any get-rich-quick offer in order not to be a victim of scam. However, those who had fallen victim to the nefarious activities of this syndicate are enjoined to report to the commissions office located at No.4 Wurno Road Kaduna state.A search of their hide out which is suspected to be a kidnappers den led to the startling discovery of a sum of $570,000 and some charms, the commission said.
The North West Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Inuwa Abdulkadir, on Wednesday said he was not surprised by the demol...

The North West Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Inuwa Abdulkadir, on Wednesday said he was not surprised by the demolition of his residence in Kaduna allegedly on the orders of Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai.Mr. Abdulkadir told the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] in a telephone interview that the governor had sometimes back threatened to take such action against him.The APC chieftain said the governor had made the threat in the presence of six other governors from the North West.I am not surprised by his action, it is a political vendetta. But I will not make further comment because the case is already in court.NAN reports that officials of the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority [KASUPDA] backed by the police demolished the four-bedroom duplex on Wednesday.The officials had claimed there was no official permit for the erection of the building.NAN reports that Mr. Abdulkadir and Mr. El-Rufai had been having running battle over the internal crisis in the state chapter of the APC.The North West office of the party had quashed the suspension of Shehu Sani, a senator, and asked officials of the party loyal to Mr. El-Rufai to abide by the directive.The Special Adviser on media and communication to the governor, Muyiwa Adekeye, declined comment on the matter.He said that only KASUPDA could respond appropriately on the propriety of its action.
A statement by the presidency on Wednesday indicated that the federal government has filed an appeal against the Wednesday ruling by an ...

A statement by the presidency on Wednesday indicated that the federal government has filed an appeal against the Wednesday ruling by an Abuja High Court which discharged a Federal High Court judge and two others of fraud allegations.In the statement, presidential sources were quoted as saying that the judgement by Justice Jude Okeke amounts to a strange outcome, given the facts presented before the court.In efforts to save the war against corruption following a streak of losses in the courts, the Federal Government yesterday (Thursday) filed an appeal against the decision of Justice Jude Okeke to uphold the no case submission in the corruption case against Justice Adeniyi Ademola, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola and Mr. Joe Agi, SAN.The Government through the Ministry of Justice has also filed a fresh case in the Code of Conduct Tribunal against Justice Ademola and wife for living above their means and failure to declare their assets, the sources were quoted as saying.The sources were further quoted as saying that the decision of the court to discharge Mr. Ademola and the other defendants was grossly inaccurate.Of interest is the decision of the learned trial judge that the offence of giving and receiving gratification was not made out by the Prosecution against the Defendants in the face of the evidence held in court, a source was quoted as saying.In freeing Mr. Ademola and the other two accused on Wednesday, Justice Jude Okeke said the case was built on high level suspicion and speculation fuelled by the very important fight against corruption.Mr. Okeke said the allegation of collecting gratification, as made by the prosecution should have indicated clearly that the alleged gratification was corruptly collected and that the reasons for such corrupt transfers were related to the alleged offence.Efforts to confirm the appeal against the ruling, from Attorney General Abubakar Malami, were unsuccessful. His spokesperson, Salihu Isah, could not be reached on his phone.The spokesperson of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Ibrahim Alhassan, could also not be reached to confirm if indeed fresh charges have been filed against Mr. Ademola at the tribunal. Mr. Alhassan did not pick or return calls made to his mobile number.
The federal government, via its agencies, has lost four legal battles in the past four days.

The federal government, via its agencies, has lost four legal battles in the past four days.While the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lost two, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) lost one each.The last of the cases is that of Patience Jonathan, former first lady. A federal high court sitting in Lagos unfroze her $5 million account in Skye Bank.Adedayo Adedipe, her counsel, had urged the court to unfreeze the account on the grounds that Jonathan was not a party in the suit leading to the order made by the court.EFCC, which initiated the suit leading to the order, did not file any response to the application filed to discharge the order, and Mojisola Olatoregun, the presiding judge, upheld the submission of Adedipe and discharged the order freezing the account.In a landmark case, the EFCC prayed a federal high court in Lagos to order the temporary forfeiture of N75 million in the account of Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).The anti-graft agency said this should be on the ground that the amount deposited in the said account on December 15, 2016, is suspected to be proceeds of crime.Abdulaziz Anka, the judge, ordered that Ozekhomes account with the sum of N75 million be forfeited for 120 days.Ozekhome, who is one of the lawyers of Ayo Fayose, Ekiti state governor, had described the ruling as insidious, odious and invidious and from the pit of hell.He said the EFCC had developed a complex for him after he defeated the agency five times.On Monday  less than 120 days after the court order  Anka said the EFCCs position does not hold water, and the forfeiture he initially ordered cannot be sustained.The restriction on Ozekhomes account was therefore lifted.In October 2016, Adeniyi Ademola, was arrested alongside a number of other judges for corruption and possession of firearms. Ademola said he was arrested because he granted Sambo Dasuki bail and freed Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.The federal government charged Ademola to court, saying he received $520,000 as gratification from some law firms between 2013 and 2016.The government claimed it had 14 witnesses against the judge.But in an interesting turn of events, Jude Okeke, the judge presiding over the case, declared Ademola not guilty on an 18-count charge of corruption and illegal possession of firearm brought against him.Okeke in his ruling on the no-case submission of the defendants, held that the prosecution did not adduce enough evidence to warrant the defendants to enter defence.He said the prosecution did not establish a prima facie case against the defendants, and held that no iota of evidence to prove that the defendants were guilty of the charges levelled against them.Godsday Orubebe, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, had been charged to court by ICPC, in 2016 for N1.97 billion fraud, bothering on the diversion of funds meant for the compensation of owners of property on the Eket Urban section of the East-West road in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.Abubakar Malami, the attorney general of the federation, in a letter to the chairman of ICPC, said the case of misappropriation does not exist, and further prosecution cannot be justified.Orubebe was therefore discharged and acquitted on Tuesday, as the ICPC withdrew the case against him.
Embattled House of Reps member, Honorable Abdulmumini Jibril Kofa has been disowned by his constituents for calling for the resignation of...

Embattled House of Reps member, Honorable Abdulmumini Jibril Kofa has been disowned by his constituents for calling for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari.Thousands of his constituents at Kiru/Bebeji stormed the state secretariat of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Hotoro, and vowed to recall him from the house.Speaking on behalf of the constituents, Alhaji Muntari Isiyaku, an APC chieftain said:"It is a gross unethical misconduct for a prominent member of the APC like him to make such a declaration on the President. If not for anything, at least they belonged to the same party. If we allow Kofa to go scot free, that would set a bad precedent and spell doom for APC's in the future," he said.He reiterated that the people of Kiru/ Bebeji constituency were fully behind President Buhari and would remain with him.Jibrin's former Campaign Director, Alhaji Musa Salihu Bebeji, said he has totally lost it by his recent comment. "We will ensure his recall from the National Assembly," he said."As far as I know, Kofa cannot boast or claim to have executed constituency project that were worth N12m. for the past six years he has execute a single project in his constituency. Recalling him is the way out. we see no reason why he should be addressed as our representative." he said.Also, Chairman, All Progressives Congress(APC) Kano state chapter, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas said Jibrin's action would be fully investigated."We will act as requested by thousands of the constituents. You have voted him into power, he betrayed you and you disowned him. The leadership of the party will ensure that every action of misconduct must be thoroughly probed," he assured.
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  April 06, 2017  Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE: LPX  Free Report ), Boise Cascade Company (NYSE: BCC  Free Report ), KB Home (NYSE: KBH  Free Report ), PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM  Free Report ) and M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MDC  Free Report ).

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free .

Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog:

5 Stocks to Buy as Construction Spending Hits 11-Year High

U.S. developers ramped up construction outlays in February to the highest level in 11 years, primarily buoyed by robust gains from home building investments. Homebuilding picked up as a healthy job market and uptick in finances gave buyers the wherewithal to make purchases. Builders also took advantage of the warm weather conditions to construct more houses. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported the second-warmest February in almost 123 years.

Residential starts also climbed to a four-month high in February, led by the strongest pace of single-family homebuilding in nearly a decade. Home sales too increased sharply in February, a sign that growing demand and increased construction activity could result in a strong spring selling season. Needless to say, higher home prices and mortgage rates are having little impact on the housing market for now. This calls for investing in solid housing stocks that can make the most of this bullish trend.

Construction Outlays Hit Highest Level Since 2006

As per the Commerce Department, construction spending rose at a seasonally adjusted 0.8% to $1,192.8 billion in February, the highest since Apr 2006. Even though it lagged expectations of a 1% gain, the start to the year turned out to be stronger than expected. Januarys drop of 1% was narrowed to a 0.4% decline.

Story continues

Furthermore, compared to 12 months ago, the February figure improved 3%. While taking the first two months of this year into consideration, construction spending was 3% more than the same period last year. In fact, this followed a nearly 10% rise in spending on new home building as well as renovation in the final three months of 2016, the highest in a year.

Private sector construction outlays also rose at a seasonally adjusted rate of 0.8% to $917.3 billion in February, the highest since May 2006, after remaining flat in January. Outlays on residential construction soared at a seasonally adjusted 1.8% to $484.7 billion, the uppermost point since Jul 2007. Investment in homebuilding has moved north for five consecutive months.

Public construction spending rebounded after three straight months of declines. At a seasonally adjusted rate, public construction spending was $275.5 billion, 0.6% above the January estimate. Outlays on state and local government projects went up 0.9%, driven by roads, schools and recreational buildings. This was the first increase in the metric in three months.

Housing Starts Rise, Single-Family Permits Highest Since 2007

Construction on new houses advanced 3% to a 1.29 million annualized rate in February over January, according to the Commerce Department. Estimates for housing starts were raised from 1.21 million to 1.4 million. Year over year, housing starts climbed 6% in February.

Construction of one-family houses went up 6.5% to a pace of 872,000, the fastest since Oct 2007. In fact, applications to build one-family homes climbed to an 832,000 annualized rate in February, the strongest since Sep 2007.

Home Sales Boom

Not just the supply side, the demand side is also showing signs of strength. The Commerce Department reported that new single-family home sales jumped 6.1% in February to a 592,000 annualized pace, the highest seasonally adjusted annual rate since Jul 2016 (read more: 4 Stocks to Buy as New Home Sales Hit 7-Month High ).

Sales of existing homes decreased 3.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million in February, but, increased 5.4% from the year-ago figure, as per the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Contracts to buy previously owned U.S. homes jumped in February to the highest level in nearly a year and second-highest level in over a decade. The Pending Home Sales Index, an indicator based on contract signings, jumped 5.5% to 112.3 in February from 106.4 in January, as per NAR.

5 Best Housing Stocks to Buy Now

Despite the higher mortgage rates, there are a lot of factors working in favor of the housing industry. Confidence among U.S. homebuilders was the strongest last month since the mid-2000s. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo said that builder sentiment rose to 71 in March from an unrevised 65 in February. Banking on such positive trends, parking money in some fundamentally sound housing stocks wont be a bad proposition.

We have, thus, selected five housing stocks that flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and a VGM score of A or B. Here V stands for Value, G for Growth and M for Momentum and the score is a weighted combination of these three metrics. Such a score allows you to eliminate the negative aspects of stocks and select winners.

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX  Free Report ) manufactures and sells building products, primarily for use in new home construction. The company has a Zacks Rank #1 and a VGM score of B. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings rose 12.6% over the last 60 days.

Louisiana-Pacific is likely to yield a return of 70.4% this year, more than the Building Products - Wood industrys projected gain of 17.5%. The company outperformed the broader industry on a year-to-date basis (+33.5% vs +10.6%). (Read More: Louisiana-Pacific Hits a 52-Week High on Solid Homebuilding ).

Boise Cascade Company (NYSE:BCC  Free Report ) manufactures wood products and distributes building materials. The company has a Zacks Rank #1 and a VGM score of A. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased 2.9% in the last 90 days.

Boise Cascade is likely to yield a return of 35.7% this year, higher than the Building Products - Wood industrys estimated gain of 17.5%. The company outperformed the broader industry on a year-to-date basis (+28.2% vs +10.6%).

KB Home (NYSE:KBH  Free Report ) operates as a homebuilding company in the U.S. The company has a Zacks Rank #2 and a VGM score of A. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings improved 3.2% over the last 60 days.

KB Home is likely to yield a return of 42.4% this year, more than the Building Products - Home Builders industrys estimated gain of 12.9%. The company outperformed the broader industry on a year-to-date basis (+23.3% vs +18.9%). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM  Free Report ) engages primarily in the homebuilding business in the U.S. The company is involved in the acquisition and development of land primarily for residential purposes. PulteGroup has a Zacks Rank #2 and a VGM score of B. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings advanced 0.9% over the last 60 days.

The company is likely to yield a return of 31.5% this year, more than the Building Products - Home Builders industrys projected gain of 12.9%. The company outperformed the broader industry on a year-to-date basis (+27.1% vs +18.9%).

M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MDC  Free Report ) engages in homebuilding and financial service businesses in the U.S. The company has a Zacks Rank #2 and a VGM score of A. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increased 1.6% over the last 60 days.

M.D.C. Holdings is likely to yield a return of 26.8% this year, better than the Building Products - Home Builders industrys estimated gain of 12.9%. This company, engaged in the purchase of finished lots or development of lots for the construction and sale of primarily single-family detached homes, has yielded a solid year-to-date return of 15.9%.

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Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, on Wednesday, paid a condolence visit to the family of his longtime friend and politica...

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, on Wednesday, paid a condolence visit to the family of his longtime friend and political ally, late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.Ibori was still serving his jail term in the United Kingdom for fraud when Alamieyeseigha, the pioneer civilian governor of Bayelsa, died on October 10, 2015, of high blood pressure related ailment at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State.The ex-Delta governor was accompanied on the visit by political leaders and stakeholders from Delta State, including the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Monday Igbuya.Ibori described Alamieyeseigha as a patriotic leader who was very courageous and outspoken and stood on the side of his people at all times.He said he was devastated when news of his death got to him in the United Kingdom as they both shared a common ideology and relationship which was very deep.He added that Alamieyeseigha, until his demise, fought against oppression and evil which ultimately led to his untimely death.While sympathizing with the family of the departed Alamieyeseigha, fondly called the Governor-General of the Ijaw nation during his heyday, Ibori urged them to take solace in the fact that he (Alams) was a good man who will forever be remembered by his legacies and also the reality that what he believed in will not die.Ibori, who equally took the time to visit the graveside of the departed Alamieyeseigha assured the family that he would always remember and stand by them as their father and son would have done same for his family.Ibori had earlier visited Governor Seriake Dickson at the Government House in Yenagoa where he also expressed his sympathy to the government and people of the state over the death of their first civilian governor.According to him, the visit was to appreciate Dickson for immortalising the foremost Ijaw hero by renaming the Government House banquet hall after him and for pushing forward his noble ideas of governance and strong agitation for rights of people of Ijaw and Niger Delta.Ibori said, I take solace in the fact that having met you, I am encouraged that indeed the flag only flew half mast for a couple of days and after that, the flag is flying again.Thank you for playing your bit to immortalise him. He may have left us but his spirit is still with us.In his remarks, Dickson said the visit was solemn but historic and thanked Ibori for his thoughtfulness to visit the family which emphasised the brotherliness that existed between him and the late former governor.Dickson, who called on people of the Niger Delta to stop betraying their leaders, noted that both Alamieyeseigha and Ibori were victims of the Niger Delta struggle, which was as a result of their campaign for resource control and fiscal federalism.The governor said, We have done enough when it comes to betraying, sabotaging and pulling down one another especially our leaders.Nobody in this nation will build and sustain leaders for us, we have to build our leaders, support and encourage them.So I think the time has come for us in the Niger Delta to turn a new leaf and learn from others.
Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has responded to the summons issued to him by Justice J.D. Peters of the National Industrial Court, ...

Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has responded to the summons issued to him by Justice J.D. Peters of the National Industrial Court, saying the judge lacks jurisdictional competence to summon him to explain his comment.Falana, in a motion on notice filed to challenge the summon, said the procedure adopted by the judge in inviting him was illegal.He is praying for an order setting aside the order of the court directing him to appear before Justice Peters to justify the statement credited to him in a newspaper publication where he was alleged to have said that courts in Nigeria are supermarkets where justice is sold.Falana said the procedure adopted by the judge to initiate contempt ex facie curiae (contempt outside court) against him was alien to the Constitution, the NIC Act and its Rules of Procedure.He said,Before condemning the applicant for contempt of court ex facie curiae, he was never charged by Honourable Justice J.D. Peters for the offence.The applicant has not been served with the charge of contempt of court ex facie curiae to warrant his appearance before Honourable Justice J.D. Peters.Honourable Justice J.D. Peters is the accuser, the prosecutor, the witness, the judge in the charge of contempt ex facie curiae purportedly committed by the applicant.The order made by Honourable Justice J.D. Peters was actuated by bias and malice towards the applicant.He contended that Justice Peters cannot use his judicial powers to gag or intimidate him.
Embattled Nigerian lawmaker, Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin Kofa representing Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency, has reacted to his constituent pr...

Embattled Nigerian lawmaker, Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin Kofa representing Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency, has reacted to his constituent protest calling for recall from the House of Representatives.Recall that on Wednesday, thousands of constituent members stormed the state secretariat of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Hotoro and vowed to recall the lawmaker from the house.They said he has committed a political suicide and that the appropriate punishment was to disown and recall him from the NASS.But on Thursday, Mr, Jibrin via his twitter handle described them as jokers.He said: "Ignore this joke! It is a false report. Some few individuals locked themselves in a room to read out this scam to the press yesterday". while replying Kayode Ogundamisi, a journalist who tweeted about the plan recall process.Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin Kofa representing Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency, may be in fresh trouble for asking President Muhammadu Buhari to resign on health grounds.
Salihu Adamu, the Niger State lawmaker representing Bosso and Paiko federal constituencies at the House of Representatives, has been beate...

Salihu Adamu, the Niger State lawmaker representing Bosso and Paiko federal constituencies at the House of Representatives, has been beaten black and blue by aggrieved youths in his constituency.He was at first rushed to a private hospital, following the injuries he sustained in the attack but was later transferred to another hospital in Kaduna state.He had driven into one of the villages in his constituency for a political meeting when he was the incident happened. According to reports, the youths accused him of not attending political meetings since he was elected about two years ago.They told him to leave the premises of the meeting and vowed to beat him up if he didn't, someone knowledgeable about the matter said.One of the youths slapped him while another hit him in the stomach. This made him to fall. It later became a free-for-all as every youth there tried to beat him, a source said.The state Police Command Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, said the attack was staged.It was a politically motivated attack, Elkana said, adding that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Minister of Women Affairs, Senator Aisha Alhassan has warned against the alleged neglect of members of the All Progressive Congress (AP...

Minister of Women Affairs, Senator Aisha Alhassan has warned against the alleged neglect of members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who contributed to the success of the party in the 2015 poll in Taraba State.She stated that unless the party members are compensated by the federal government, their support may not be guaranteed in the next election.The Minister who spoke when she led a delegation of APC members in Taraba state complaining of being marginalized in the scheme of things by the APC led federal government, said apart from constitutionally mandated appointment, no APC member in the state has been given appointment by the government since coming into power in 2015.She stressed that even in the execution of federal projects in the state, the leadership of the APC in Taraba state are not being carried along, pointing out that the state chapter of the party has practically been abandoned.She said : I have come as a party member and a leader, together with my brothers from Taraba state to voice out our problems. The APC people in Taraba state are very worried. The government in the state is controlled by the PDP and we expect that as our parents and as a government, you should have helped us especially since you knew that we were muscled out, even though we did our best.No opposition party in the state has performed as good as we did since 1999. Unfortunately, apart from my appointment which is statutory and constitutional and that of the ambassador, we still dont have any meaningful appointment from this government.Many of those who participated in APC campaign in Taraba state are still there without appointment. That is why I took the pains to introduce some of the people that accompanied me here so that you will know the caliber of people that we have in the state APC. We have capable hands in Taraba APC. So, please remind the people that make these appointments.We have to take care of our people. Otherwise, we will not know our faith when the next election comes. Even in the federal government projects, they do not involve us. it was only yesterday that I met the state party leader and was told that there is a federal government project going on and they are not involved. It is not that they dont have qualified persons to handle those projects.Even the struggle to live right, according to the dictates of religion is because of the expectation of Heaven which is the reward. Taraba state APC should be remembered. This is our plea. If projects are sent to the state which is controlled by the PDP, our people should not be left hanging.They are saying that this is a federal government thing which we worked for, but are not gaining anything from it, she said.
Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says mischief makers are trying to use his name to stir opposition in...

Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says mischief makers are trying to use his name to stir opposition in the senate.In a statement issued on his behalf by Tunde Rahman, his media aide, Tinubu denied reports of him instigating the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the senate.Rahman said Tinubu would never engage in mudslinging, rumour mongering or personal attacks.He said the APC national leader had special affection for the senate, and that he would not do anything to undermine the institution.We are usually not in the position of agreement with PDP members. But on this rare occasion, we have no contention with them. Asiwaju Tinubu is a former senator. He has a special affection for the senate as an institution, he saidIt is not within him to belittle the institution or members of that institution who happen to be in the opposing political party.Moreover, his brand of politics does not lend itself to engaging in wanton character and personal attacks. There is significant policy difference between our progressive school of thought and the often reactionary ideas of the PDP.There are more than enough serious issues over which to grapple the PDP. Asiwaju Tinubus politics are driven by his policy views. He will gladly wrestle against the PDP on substantive political differences. But engage in personal attacks, rumor-mongering and mudslinging, never. We leave that for others. The gutter is no place to build a better nation. We seek higher ground.So that there is no confusion on the core issue here, we categorically deny any hand in any negative personal reports on any senator.Some malefactors want to use the name of Asiwaju Tinubu to stir opposition in the senate to the confirmation of Magu as EFCC chairman. By trying to paint Magu as Tinubus partner in mudslinging, the false story seeks to induce senators to oppose Magu as a way of thwarting Asiwaju Tinubu.Rahman also said that someone with narrow personal interest was behind the report.The authors of this screed thus revealed their moral barrenness. The fight against corruption is a cardinal battle this nation must win or forever forego its greater destiny, he added.Despite the importance of this matter, someone is trying to exalt his narrow personal interests above the long-term interests of the nation. Someone so brazen and self-absorbed is a dangerous instrumentality when placed in a position of power.
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that the discovery of Crude oil in large quantity in Bida Basin, Northern Niger st...

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that the discovery of Crude oil in large quantity in Bida Basin, Northern Niger state was quoted out of context.Dr Mazadu D Bako, the Group General Manager, Frontier Exploration Services (GGM, FES). NNPC said the discovery of crude oil in any location is not an hidden thing and community and people will celebrate.He stated this in an interview with Dailytust newspaper on the drilling of oil in North sequence to President Muhammadu Buhari marching order,Recall that researchers from the IBB University, Lapai recently announced that they had discovered large quantity of crude deposit at the Bida Basin.The Head of Research and Development, Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda (IBB) University, Lapai in Niger State, Prof. Nuhu Obaje, said the findings have been made known to both the Federal Government as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).But when asked what NNPC doing about this: Dr Bako said the school university, research team have not found any oil.He said: I will not sit down here and tell you I have discovered any oil.I am not doing it in theory. We are practical people.When we met them (the researchers), the professor (said he) was quoted out of context.They have not found any oil, neither have they designed any new drilling method because if they have found oil and have a new drilling method then they dont need NNPC. When you find oil it is not hidden, there is celebration, the community will celebrate
Captain of Barcelona FC, Andres Iniesta has described Lionel Messi as a unique star who still pulls surprises for the team with his brilliance on the pitch.Messi scored a brace after Luis Suarezs opener as Barca recorded a 3-0 win over Sevilla in La Liga on Wednesday.With 27 goals, Messi tops the La Liga goal-scoring charts, while he has struck 43 times in all competitions this season.Iniesta lauded the Argentina international during the post-match press briefing and said what the star attacker produced still came as a shock.He said: He (Messi) is a unique player.There isnt and there will never be another like him. The most spectacular thing is that the years pass and he doesnt stop surprising.The club are lucky he can be here.Despite their 3  0 stomping of Sevilla, Barca remains two points adrift of league-leading rivals Real Madrid.
A new report from a Russian online cyber security firm, Kaspersky, has observed that North Korean hackers are allegedly attacking banks ...

A new report from a Russian online cyber security firm, Kaspersky, has observed that North Korean hackers are allegedly attacking banks in 18 countries, including Nigeria.The organisation noted in its report that this could be regarded as the biggest bank heists in world history.Banks and security researchers have previously identified four similar cyber-heists attempted on financial institutions in Bangladesh, Ecuador, the Philippines and Vietnam.But researchers at Kaspersky now say the same hacking operation  known as Lazarus  also attacked financial institutions in Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Poland, Taiwan, Thailand, and Uruguay.This report is coming after more than a year-long investigation into the activity of Lazarus, the hacking group allegedly responsible for the theft of $81 million in US currency from the Central Bank of Bangladesh last year.The suggestion that North Korea could have been behind the attack, or at least involved, has added to concerns that the Hermit Kingdom is becoming bolder in its cyber attacks against global financial institutions.According to CNN, North Koreas mysterious Lazarus hacking operation has been blamed for several large international cyber attacks in recent years. The hackers can be traced back to North Korea, according to Kaspersky researchers.To hide their location, hackers typically launch cyber attacks from computer servers far from home.To hide their location, hackers typically launch cyber attacks from computer servers far from home.According to Kaspersky, the Lazarus hackers carefully routed their signal through France, South Korea and Taiwan to set up that attack server. But there was apparently one mistake spotted by Kaspersky: A connection that briefly came from North Korea.North Korea is a very important part of this equation, said Vitaly Kamluk, who leads Kasperskys Asia-Pacific research team.The North Korean government has reportedly denied allegations of the hack.Kaspersky Lab itself has said that despite the evidence of the North Korean IP address, that is not enough proof to provide definitive attribution given that the connection session could have been a false flag operation.
A leader of the Pan  Yoruba socio-political Organisation, Afenifere, Senator Femi Okurounmu, has accused former President, Olusegun Obasa...

A leader of the Pan  Yoruba socio-political Organisation, Afenifere, Senator Femi Okurounmu, has accused former President, Olusegun Obasanjo of being responsible for 80 per cent of the problems confronting Nigeria.Okurounmu noted that Obasanjo compounded the problem of the country by trying to bribe the National Assembly into accepting his third term bid.On how the current senate seems to be living affluently, the Afenifere Chieftain told New Telegraph that Obasanjo enriched the senate for his own political gain.According to Okurounmu, Again that was part of the problems Obasanjo created for the country. When we were in office during Obasanjos first term, he put up his best hands. It was then that we had the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) bill, and that was when we started fighting corruption.Even in the Senate, we fought corruption by removing the Senate president, Chuba Okadigbo for anticipatory approval of money under N500 million. We removed him from office because we believed Obasanjo really wanted to fight corruption.As soon as we left, and he got his second term, he began to prepare the ground for his third term and he began to spoil the legislators. That was when the legislator started having what we called fantastic quarterly allowances.Obasanjo knew that he needed them, so, he couldnt fight them. People are afraid to tell him the truth. I read in the papers that since he left PDP, the party has been going down. That is typical Obasanjo, he will make you feel everything is good because of him, and everything is bad is because of others.If you look at the situation of things in this country today, Obasanjo is responsible for 80 percent of our problems.
A former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday blamed retired military officers for the current problems in the country.

A former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday blamed retired military officers for the current problems in the country.Oshiomhole stated this during the first late Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbebmudia Memorial lecture titled: Nation Building and Development in Nigeria, organised by the University of Abuja on Thursday.He said the elites who supervised the restructuring of Nigeria from three regions to 37 states are responsible for the problems in the country.He said the military men having ruled and superintended over Nigeria for more than three decades, now in civilian uniforms are going about criticizing governments.He said, Once our elites are out of government, they bring down the bridges of government. Our old elites have no right having messed up yesterday.The task of nation building must not be compromised by our elites who have benefited from Nigeria through education and more.These old men have no right, having messed up your yesterday and responsible for the confusion of today, they have no right to divert your attention to a feasible Nigeria for posterity.He said Nigerians are united by poverty.The poverty in Igbo is the same poverty in the north, the poverty in the east is the same poverty in the west. But when it comes to sharing money there is no Igbo, Yoruba or Hausas among them, they are united in looting, the former governor said.Oshiomhole, who also flayed calls for Nigerias restructuring said we only need to restructure and redistribute wealth in our country.
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday renewed his administrations commitment to delivering on the electoral promises of the All Progress...

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday renewed his administrations commitment to delivering on the electoral promises of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the launch of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).He said the rolling plan (2017  2020), which was unveiled at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, will not only take Nigeria out of recession but place the economy on the path of growth.According to him, his administration has recorded some gains in the fight against corruption and national security.The President said: As we all know, this administration inherited numerous challenges. Our political campaign was based on the recognition of the difficult situation Nigeria was in and the need to bring positive and enduring change. And we remain committed to our electoral promise to change our way of doing things and to change Nigeria for good.We are committed to delivering on the three key areas that we promised  that is improving security, tackling corruption and revitalising the economy. Security in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria is significantly better today than when we came in.With regards to our fight against corruption, as you all know, our law enforcement agencies are prosecuting very many cases of corruption. Our successes in these two areas are clear for all to see.Buhari assured all that his administration was handling the economic challenges with the same commitment demonstrated in the fight against corruption, against terrorism and militancy.The ERGP, he said, brings together, in a single document, all sectoral plans for agriculture and food security, energy and transport infrastructure, industrialisation and social investments.It builds on the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) and sets out an ambitious roadmap to return the economy to growth; and to achieve a seven per cent growth rate by 2020.Our aim, simply put, is to optimise local content and empower local businesses. We seek not just to take the Nigerian economy out of recession but to place it on a path of sustained, inclusive and diversified growth.We are determined to change Nigeria from an import-dependent country to a producing nation. We must become: A nation where we grow what we eat and consume what we produce. We must strive to have a strong Naira and productive economy.The Plan I am launching today therefore sets out what we, as Government, are committed to do, to create the enabling environment for business to thrive.According to him, state governments have critical roles to play to ensure the success of the plan, which he described as a national programme.He urged states to draw inspiration and strategic direction from the ERGP to articulate their economic programmes, particularly in the development of the real sector.The President urged Nigerians to support the administration to attain its objectives, pointing out that the ERGP contents were no longer alien to a cross-section of Nigerians because it was developed in consultation with stakeholders, including the National Assembly, state governments, the business community, labour unions, academia, civil society groups and development partners.I am pleased to present this ERGP for use by the Nigerian people, our friends and partners and to guide our development efforts over the next four years, Buhari stated.The Minister of Budget & National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, said that the Plan has 60 interventions and initiatives to be implemented in the next four years.Udoma, however, said that the government would be focusing on five of the interventions.His words: Right from when he (Buhari) was campaigning, he has shown single-minded commitment to change Nigeria in a fundamental way.He promised three things  first, to restore security, particularly in the Northeast; second, to fight corruption, and third, to repair the broken economy. And the cabinet was sworn in in November, 2015, he gave us our marching orders.This ERGP is therefore a fulfillment of his promise to re-invigorate the economy. Whilst the ERGP is being formally launched today, its implementation is not starting today.This is because the plan puts together in one place, for easy access, all the sectoral plans that the government has been working on, from inception, including the Strategic Implementation Plan for the 2016 budget proposals which were submitted to the a National Assembly in December last year.The broad objectives of the ERGP are to restore growth, invest in our people and build a globally competitive economy. As our President has repeatedly said, our hope is to build a self-reliant economy; a country in which we can grow what we eat, use what we make and produce what we consume.A country which embraces the world of technology; ideas and investment from everywhere but domesticates these ideas for the use of the people; a country which produces high quality goods, not just for our own consumption but enough to export to our neighbours, and, indeed, the world.Our aim is to create a culture where Nigeria continuously seeks ways to add value to the resources we have been blessed with. In short, our aim is to change Nigeria, and change for good.To achieve this, the plan articulates up to 60 interventions and initiatives, that must be executed and/or completed within the next four years to tackle, and to remove, impediments to growth; to make markets function better; and to leverage the power of the private sector.He, however, said that it will be archived without compromising the core values of the nation, such as discipline, integrity, social justice, self-reliance and patriotism.And, of course, all the initiatives in the plan will be implemented in such a manner as to continue to strengthen and promote national cohesion and social inclusion.The minister listed five areas of priority as: stabilising the macroeconomic environment; achievement of agriculture and food security; expansion of energy infrastructure and driving industrialisation principally through local and small business enterprises.Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, said that the plan is not only important to the Federal Government, but also to the state governments because of its inclusive growth.He assured that governors would take ownership of the plan at the state level.Senate President Bukola Saraki said: We must make it work, it has to work.House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, pledged the support of the lower chamber to the implementation of the plan.Dogara said: I have no doubt that if successfully implemented, it will usher in the turnaround we all desire.
The continued trial of trustees and two engineers of the Synagogue Church for all Nations, Scoan  Messrs Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fa...

The continued trial of trustees and two engineers of the Synagogue Church for all Nations, Scoan  Messrs Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun, and their companies, Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Limited, before Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo, on 111 count charge for their involvement in the collapsed six-storey building is seen by analysts as a satire with a political undertone.The charges by the Lagos State Government bordering on criminal negligence, manslaughter and failure to obtain building permit, makes a good script for a hilarious political satire.It would be recalled that the collapse on September 12, 2014 opened a tag-team wrestling bout between the state government and the judiciary on one side, and scientists, technocrats in the building industry and the police on the other side.The satire continued last Thursday at the Ikeja high court where the prosecution fielded structural engineer, Mr. Omoluwa Fadayomi whose submission was a replay of the Lagos State Material Testing Agencys earlier report which claimed that the guest house collapsed due to defects in its foundation.Fadayomi added that the collapse was caused by structural defects as a result of inadequate use of the required materials.Observers faulted this claim as Scoan, a church not funded from tithes and offerings, in he beginning and which solid auditorium, ranks with ancient monasteries in structure and solid foundation, is unlikely to engage unprofessional builders or permit the purchase of cheap building materials for the six storey guest house under investigation.For those in the know, the building of Prophet T.B. Joshuas personal residence at Egbe in 1994 involved top construction professionals. Built beside a swampy terrain, no cost was spared; the foundation and casting was so solid it was thought the project was for something other than his residence.Also, those who watched the rise of the synagogue building will recall the quality of workmen and materials that went into it. How then would such organisation employ cheap materials for a structure designed to accommodate local and international guests?the now international prophet extraordinaire ChroniclesIn the beginning of the trial, one Mr. Folayan, a geo-tech engineer in practice for over four decades, who appeared for the defence, had told Magistrate Oyetade that the soil under the foundation of the collapsed building did not fail. He gave this insight after examining the collapse site:After the collapse, all foundation pads of the building were intact; the steel and concrete pillars protruding from the ground showed no trace of stress or cracks.Even an unlearned person can deduce from the CCTV footage that the collapse was not consistent with other known buildings that have collapsed as a result of structural failure, so even a layman cannot be talking of structural or soil failure here, the expert had told the judge.It would be recalled also, that the Coroner appointed by the government had ignored the CCTV footage which showed the six-storey building falling down in less than four seconds  a manner consistent with controlled or externally induced demolition, according to experts.Sabotage by external forces  Nigeria PoliceAlso, the interim report and investigation submitted to the court by the Nigerian Police Force pointed to sabotage by external forces.The Coroner also listened to an explosives expert and researcher, Mr. Biedomo Iguniwei, who testified that the collapse was caused by an infrasonic weapon fired at the Church by the aircraft that hovered over the building.To buttress this insight, a specialist in blast and explosive said, When a building collapses, especially a high-rise one that holds a large amount of dead-weight besides the live-weights, and after its collapse the foundation columns remain intact, its steel and concrete pillars protruding from the ground are not stressed  that effect can only be the result of high energy infrasound absorbed over a programmed period of time.Unraveling the reaction when a connection is made between an infrasonic source and a chosen target, Hassan employed a scientific word Resonance which he says, occurs when a connection is made between a source and a target which are vibrating at the same frequency.Now, let me tell you the worrisome part of this science: Resonance can be induced by generating electromagnetic radiation with a unit called infrasonic pulse generator, which can establish a link with a selected target, for instance again, like that of SCOAN building that collapsed.Once this connection occurs, and the power level of the generator is increased (just like you would adjust the power output of your normal generating set while it is working), it will automatically transfer the energy to the building. If the intensity level is high enough, the building can suffer a crumbling collapse.When an aircraft was reported to have hovered over that environment a while before the building collapsed, scientists know what has taken place; it is not supposed to be knowledge for governors or judges; but if judges cannot accept analysis of professionals in that terrain, the consequence in the short or long run may turn out to be like holding a tiger by the tail.Now, suppose that knowledge of infrasonic weapons gets into wrong hands and the government or security men dont know it: it means they can choose selected targets and strike at will. And because people would be looking at structural or soil failures for the cause of the disaster that will follow, the terrorists are shielded and free to continue wrecking havoc unknown and unrecognised. I pray that wont happen in my time.So with all the submissions for and counter submissions against thus far, whose report do we believe? Should stakeholders expect true justice from the state government that ignores scientific and professional proofs?We have heard the line, My hands are tied in the judiciary, but whatsoever becomes of this case, stakeholders are in consensus that government will go, and government will come, but SCOAN will remain an unfolding mystery.Mark my words
Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday walked out of the partys stakeholders meeting or...

Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday walked out of the partys stakeholders meeting organised by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Sheriff, who got to the venue of the meeting a few minutes after Jonathan had delivered his remarks, walked out with members of his National Working Committee at about 4.15 p.m.Some of the executive members with him were the Deputy National Chairman, Dr Cairo Ojougboh and the Publicity Secretary, Mr Mikko Bernard. Sheriff, addressing newsmen before leaving, expressed displeasure for not being allowed to make the opening remarks. We are here for PDP stakeholders meeting and the PDP has only one national chairman, which is Ali Modu Sheriff. There is no PDP meeting that will take place under whatever arrangement that will not open the session as national chairman;.Today, Im the most senior member of this party.He also said that he would not be party to anything outside the reconciliation report submitted to him by Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa. I think Gov Dickson made a proposal for reconciliation that we have accepted. Some people want to deviate from this programme, to bring agenda which was not part of it. As national chairman of the party, what I told you in my office when Dickson brought the report is the only thing that we have agreed to at this moment. I will not be party to anybody using me to do another programme.Im not going to be part of it, Sheriff said. Asked about the way forward for the party, Sheriff said: As the National Chairman of PDP, I will move on with the programmes initiated by Gov. Dickson. We are continuing with that; anything outside that, Im not a party to it.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the meeting however continued after his walk-out. Jonathan, speaking on the outcome of the meeting, regretted what happened during the meeting.According to him, the issues will be addressed once the committee comes out with its own recommendations. A member of the party, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that Sheriff was not allowed to address the meeting because he insisted that the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, should not be allowed to address the meeting.NAN also reports that both Sheriff and Makarfi were scheduled, in the agenda of the meeting, to deliver goodwill messages. PDP members present included Chief Tom Ikimi, Prince Uche Secondus, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Chief Olisa Metuh, Ahaji Saminu Turaki, Sen. David Jang and Sen. Adolphus Wabara. Also present were some PDP governors, former ministers, and the BoT members, among others. (NAN)
The Police in Kano have arrested a middle-aged man, Muntari Umar, for allegedly prodding his friend into killing his mum.

The Police in Kano have arrested a middle-aged man, Muntari Umar, for allegedly prodding his friend into killing his mum.A statement signed by Kano police spokesman, DSP Magaji Majiya, on Thursday said that Umars friend, Saleh Abdullahi, who allegedly killed the 70-year-old woman, was also arrested.Majiya said that the two suspects were arrested for allegedly conspiring to kill the old woman. According to him, Abdullahi allegedly killed 70-year-old Hajiya Zinab-Abu on the prodding of Umar, her biological son.Based on investigation, Umar was found to have conspired with his friend to stab his elderly mother to death after having a heated disagreement with her, the police said. According to him, Umar, of Fegin Liman in Kano, was said to have been irked by his mothers refusal to grant him permission to lease his farm. Majiya said the two suspects would be arranged in court for prosecution once ongoing investigation was completed.
Senator Dino Melaye (APC), Kogi West Senatorial district has described the Federal Road Safety Commissions speed limit implementation as ...

Senator Dino Melaye (APC), Kogi West Senatorial district has described the Federal Road Safety Commissions speed limit implementation as draconian, urging the Senate to stop the exercise.In a motion he raised at Thursdays plenary through order 43 of the Senate rules, Melaye posited that the proposal by the FRSC to sell speed limit device to car owners would cause further hardship.Mr. Senate President, distinguished colleagues, this is not the time to bring further hardship to car owners in Nigeria by the Federal Road Safety Commission.He explained that in other parts of the world, speed limits are built on highways and once drivers beat the device, they would be arrested.He was emphatic that if the FRSC was allowed, Nigerians would be facing serious problems.In response, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki referred the motion to the Senate Committee on Federal Character and international governmental affairs for further probe.
The Federal Government has adduced reasons why it has not been able to disburse funds it has so far recovered from treasury looters.

The Federal Government has adduced reasons why it has not been able to disburse funds it has so far recovered from treasury looters.FG, in a statement that was issued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, blamed delay in the disbursement of the recovered loots on inability of the National Assembly to pass the Proceed of Crime Act (POCA) bill that has been pending before it.According to the statement which was signed by Special Adviser to the AGF on Media and Publicity, Mr. Salihu Isah, Malami, SAN, gave the explanation when he appeared on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) live discussion program, Good Morning Nigeria in Abuja.Isah disclosed that the AGF had in line with the topic of discussion, handling recovered loots emphasized that the Proceed of Crime Act bill, among other things, intends to establish an Agency that would manage loots recovered from unscrupulous individuals and companies.He quoted the AGF as saying that, If Proceed of Crimes Act had been promulgated, we would have had in place an Agency that would formulate policy on the management of recovered loots.According to him, that the Act which would mid-wife the recovered asset management Agency would lead to the constitution of a board to be headed by chairman with 20 years of cognate experience, with its representatives drawn from: the Nigeria Police (NPF), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDC), Federal Ministry of Finance, other relevant agencies and Civil society groups.Malami further emphasized that the Agency has the capacity to generate income for government from local and international sources.The AGF equally hinted that there is a robust collaboration between the States and Federal Government in the fight against corruption. He explained that this disposition was consolidated by the fiat the Federal Government granted to States Attorneys-General to prosecute federal offences with corruption connotations in the various states.Also in his contribution, the Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa who also featured in the program, said that the fight against corruption, which must be comprehensive, requires legal framework that would provide basic answers to key questions and define the way to go.He was emphatic about who keeps what and where it is being kept, stressing that loot kept in an unidentified custody is loot upon loot.The legislator noted that Proceed of Crime Act is being delayed because other similar bills sponsored by members and interest parties need to be sieved, compared and contrast with the executive bill so as to have enduring legislation on the matter.One other discussant, Prof. Abdullahi Shehu from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) identified that one of the major principles of asset recovery was to take away negative role model out of the society, adding that lack of coordination in the system is making it difficult to have at a glance the amount so far recovered from looters.The academician equally explained that for host countries to repatriate looted funds, necessary procedure must be followed which includes proper prosecutorial measures and clear cut punishment where necessary, the statement added.
The Nigerian mission in South Africa said it had registered displeasure and protested to the countrys Foreign Affairs Ministry over att...

The Nigerian mission in South Africa said it had registered displeasure and protested to the countrys Foreign Affairs Ministry over attacks on her citizens in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.The Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Martins Cobham, told newsmen, on telephone from Pretoria, that a Nigerian was killed and four others hospitalised during a mob attack on foreigners on Thursday. I can confirm that a Nigerian, Razak Ajao, an auto mechanic was killed and four others injured during a mob attack against foreigners in Polokwane, Limpopo Province of South Africa today (Thursday).  The Nigerian mission has formally registered a protest to the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this sad incident.  The ministry said they would get back to the mission and that is the situation we are now. The mission has also reported the attacks to the South African police. Meanwhile, the mission is meeting with officials of Nigeria Union on the incident to decide on the next line of action.  We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed, he said. Cobham said two of the injured Nigerians had been treated and discharged while others were still receiving treatment in the hospital. Mr Ralph Nwachukwu, a Nigerian in South Africa, had told newsmen on phone that one Yoruba and one Igbo were killed during the attack which took place in Polokwane on Thursday.Nwachukwu, who could not give the names of the victims, said the attack started when Nigerians living in that area were holding a meeting.They held a meeting on Tuesday and today (Thursday) was supposed to be a follow up. It was at the peak of the meeting that the South African Taxi Drivers swooped on them. They accused Nigerians of peddling drugs and began to attack them with dangerous weapons that led to the death of two while many others were seriously injured, he said.Nwachukwu said Nigerians, in a bid to register their complaint, went to police station but the commander at the station drove them out instead of listening to them. He alleged that the commander threatened to shoot them if they did not leave the station.
Since 2 decades, Telekom Albania is the operator that offers to its clients the best technology. Its products and services have been an essential factor in bringing Albanians to the same steps with the other European countries in the field of technology and not only. After the inclusion at the big family of Magenta, Telekom Albania has consolidated even more its position as the provider of services with the best network tested in Albania by an international company P3 Communications, as well as bringing the best customer experience.

NOA.al: With the technological development providing 4G and even 4G+ the clients are more willing to utilise the facilities asking even for more new services. Whats the impact that technology brings to citizens and their daily life?

The development of technology is making possible that more and more services are made online, such as online purchases, bills payment, management of accounts, travel bookings, etc. For providing all these services, the network is substantial; our 4G+ network makes possible that these services are functioning perfectly, growing the potential of offering even more services, shortening the time of execution.

The navigation in the most trustful network in Europe and gives the possibility to the public to be part of a world that is going towards digitisation. Also, the extraordinary speed of data transfer puts our clients in a society that becomes more and more connected.

NOA.al: Whats the percentage of the territory covered with 4G and 4G+?

A great work has been done during the last years for the extension of the network, in all the areas of Albania and today Telekom Albania covers 78% of the population with 4G service, or with LTE, as an alternative name. I can affirm that due to our technical and human capacities, our network is very powerful even in geographically difficult areas. However, our work on achieving higher standards never stops.

NOA.al: Can you list some services that can be accessed from customers thanks to the evolution of the technology that you mentioned above?

Telekom Albania offers personalised products for the clients, adapting to the nature of each business, such as Office 365 service in partnership with Microsoft. Also Dantem, a program dedicated specifically to the dentists needs, helping them to better plan their schedules and data.

NOA.al: An innovative service, which was applied recently in Tirana is the electronic parking via SMS. How does this service work?

You only have to send your licence plate number via an SMS to 50500 and the payment is done. The fee is ALL100 per hour. This is confirmed by an SMS that comes to your number along with the number of the e-ticket. Five minutes before the deadline another SMS reminds you that time is running out. Telekom Albania offers comprehensive programs for communication, at the same time solutions that ease peoples everyday life.

This is just one of a series of services of this nature, which we are implementing in the service of the citizens. Something really notable is the technical expertise with diverse technology solutions that are used in European countries given to us by Deutsche Telekom Group.

NOA.al: Some companies are your subscribers, as well. What do you offer to them with the new technology?

Telekom Albania offers for several years already an all inclusive portfolio of offers tailored specifically to the needs of professionals, small and medium companies and large corporations while not excluding a very important field which is the public sector. The portfolio includes all communication needs of a business starting from basic services to personalised ones, such as specialized sales agent, dedicated Internet service or customised technological infrastructure.

Telekom Albania as part of Deutsche Telekom Group has signed a partnership agreement with Microsoft, cloud services like Office 365, Storage, E-mail etc. We turn all these collaborations into concrete opportunities for companies, which are our subscribers. Telekom SIM card also provides free health service, in partnership with the best private hospitals in the country. Simply by registering to ONE LIFE program every subscriber benefit medical visits and free checkups. Through this service, Telekom Albania gives a new perspective to its commitment to improve peoples quality of life through technology. The company offers not only products and services that enable communication among people and facilitate their daily lives, but also gives them the opportunity to care for their health.

NOA.al: E-consulate is another service. How does it work and what is the impact on immigrants and their families?

E-Consulate application contains lots of information that helps every Albanian citizen residing abroad, but not only. E-consulate contains official information about the documentation needed for travel or legal acts for citizens living abroad, contacts of the Albanian diplomatic offices in the world, receiving consular services in emergency cases and distribution of warning notices. This application is updated constantly, following new developments of politics.

E- Consulate has an official information for orientation about visas (for countries that require a visa), contacting the missions, getting consular services in emergencies and distribution of warning notices.

NOA.al: Telekom Albania is part of Deutsche Telekom Group, the largest telecommunications group in Europe, which has recently reached the highest value brand in its history, with 300% growth. In this way, Deutsche Telekom retains the top spot as the brand with the telecommunications value in Europe. How does this affect Telekom Albania and its subscribers?

Telekom brand implies technological advantage, unmatched subscriber experience and most trusted network in Europe. In this context, our philosophy, our corporate responsibility and any action of ours is designed to bring value to our customers and society. Our subscribers are connected at any time and in any place, it expresses our slogan Moments that connect us.

Telekom Albania identifies innovative products at an early stage and develops in cooperation with partners. This ability forms the basis of trust  an essential component of long-term relationships.

NOA.al: It has been a tradition in the past that AMC further Telekom, being the first to bring latest generation of mobile devices in Albania. Will this tradition continue?

The tradition will not only continue, but also other technological innovations will follow it.

Telekom Albania has agreements with major global devices Apple, Samsung, HTC, LG, Huawei etc., to enable us to always offer newest models.

NOA.al: You are offering mobile TV service. How does this service work and what innovation does it bring?

Mobile TV is an app for iOS and Android operating systems, which can be used very easily on any device that the customer has in possession. The subscriber has to access to the internet, no matter the geographical location of the user. Often we call it: portable TV, wherever you are. With the mobile TV application, a sport match, a movie or a documentary is easily accessible.
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In this Jan. 17, 2017, file photo, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant discusses his legislative priorities during his State of the State address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Welcome to nonleaguedaily.coms news provision, your go-to source for all non league updates, rumours, interviews, and much more besides.

Founded by a team with a genuine passion for the world of non league football, nonleaguedaily.com understands exactly what supporters of the so-called lower leagues are looking for. You want the high-quality reporting, in-depth analysis, and match reporting that matches that is more commonly found in the journalism for the top flights, but with the focus firmly fixed on the national leagues.

We understand that your passion, interest, and dedication is constant, and we believe you need a news service that matches that commitment with its own dedication and thoroughness  so thats what you can expect from our site.

The latest non league news, as and when it happens

Conventionally, non league news has always travelled fairly slowly, especially when compared to the instantaneous, constant breaking news cycles found in the upper leagues. Tales are told on terraces, rumours passed between pub patrons and circled between supporters at the latest game, often forced to remain somewhat local initially before word eventually spreads to other locales.

For us, this slow spread may be fairly organic in nature, but it simply isnt compatible with the modern football environment. Its also not conducive to the current fast-paced, always-available media landscape, nor the way that people tend to consume news nowadays. Thats why we have put together a non league news source that fans can turn to for the latest updates, as and when they happen, and as and when you want to read them. Non-league news now is the only acceptable speed at Betting.co.uk.

We update our non-league football news coverage constantly, bringing you all the latest developments and seeking to spread the word as quickly and accurately as possible. So if youre wondering whats happening both with your local team and with the lower leagues as a whole, you can visit us for non league news now, and be confident the stories you find are completely up to date.

News reported by passionate fans

Our efforts to bring you the very best non league football news are undeniably a professional concern, and one that we take seriously. We are  if youll excuse the uncharacteristic tooting of our own horns  good at what we do, and we know that the efforts we make in this regard are one of the reasons our site has enjoyed such success thus far.

However, everyone who writes for us also shares our readers enthusiasm for non league football. Were not just churning out content in the hopes of cashing in on a professional dream; were here because we want to be, and will always be dedicated and committed to non league football as an entity and thriving in the experience of being able to talk about our favourite subject whenever we can. We create non-league news now that is written by genuine fans and enthusiasts, for fans. We know what you want to know and what matters most to an ardent non league supporter, and we always ensure that focusing on these elements is our guiding principle as we seek to solidify our status as an online non league paper fans can always rely on.

When compiling non league news, we think with the mind of a fan first and foremost. We cover the angles and stories that we find compelling and that we know our fellow non league enthusiasts also care about. News doesnt have to be dry and formulaic, in our opinion. When its written by people who are genuinely as fascinated by the stories they are reporting on as their readership will be, we believe news can be interesting, compelling, and even have a sense of personality and humour.

News content written with passion and expertise

We believe that thanks to our dedication, insightfulness, and commitment to our subject matter of non league today, we are offering the best of both worlds to those searching for an online non league paper. We give you the professional approach we feel is appropriate for news about one of the most intriguing aspects of UK football; an aspect that we genuinely feel does not receive the interest and plaudits that it should be generating. Nevertheless, we dont let that professionalism take over everything we do: we remain committed fans, nurturing our own personal interest in non league football and ensuring every word we compose is infused with a sense of passion and dedication that enhances the posts we create.

Its therefore obvious that our non-league content today isnt ever going to be dry, basic, or put together by a tired staff writer who has never heard of any team below the Championship before they rush off to the pub for the evening. Our writers are genuine experts: were covering non league football because we want to, because we believe in it, and because its where our strengths lie. The result is informed content that capitalises on our deep knowledge of the history, as well as the present-day realities, of non league football in the UK.

Beyond news: the nonleaguedaily.com interview series

One of our goals with nonleaguedaily.com is to not just dryly report the news from an outsiders perspective, effectively regurgitating press releases that are devoid of genuinely illuminating information. We also go right to the source of the stories: the managers and club insiders who have direct experience, and often influence, on the sport and how it is managed.

We regularly conduct interviews as part of our news provision, asking the questions that are on everyones lips and providing the best possible view into the non league world. We have reporters pitchside at matches, microphone to hand and plentiful questions ready to be asked. The end result for you, the reader, is the kind of information and close-up looks into the non league world that just cant be found anywhere else.

As our commitment to providing interesting interviews amply demonstrates, we want to be involved in breaking the stories that everyone then talks about, rather than following along and focusing solely on what everyone already knows. If youre looking for leading content that you cant find anywhere else, and that goes right to the centre of the non league world, then you can turn to nonleaguedaily.com for all the benefits of a conventional non league paper, but in electronic, easily-accessed form.

A host of other content to enjoy alongside the non league today

Our focus on providing non league news will always be maintained: we consider this aspect the most important of what we do, and it will always be the recipient of our time, dedication, and interest. Well be here, a consistent and trustworthy news portal, for as long as non league football news exists.

With that said, when you have read up on the latest goings-on, were here with further content for you to enjoy. Naturally, given our partnership with leading brand Betting.co.uk, we provide guidelines for those interested in the world of sports betting. Well help you find the best UK bookmaker with our plentiful coverage of existing brands; ideal if youre looking to put your newfound knowledge, courtesy of us, about non league to use and place a few bets.

Furthermore, we also provide highlights of all the latest UK betting offers, so you can ensure youre achieving the best value with all the latest betting deals whenever youre betting on the latest non league matches. Youll find all of this coverage is as consistent and reliable as our non league news provision,

Non league features and deep dives

Returning to the world of non league football, we also provide a range of feature content that goes deeper and further into the non league world than ever before. Less instantaneously topical but still hugely relevant to the modern game, our features are the dream deep dives that we feel non league fans deserve. Were always striving to do better, offer more, and ensure that non league fans can enjoy the same wealth of content as followers of the top tiers, so you can expect top-flight content with the same commitment and dedication as found throughout the upper echelons of the sport.

So whether youre looking to find the most recent non league football news, seeking a new bookmaker for your non league bets, or hoping to delve deep into a niche non league-related topic, nonleaguedaily.com is always going to be worth a visit.

Return to nonleaguedaily.com for all your non league news needs

Weve told you what you can expect from nonleaguedaily.coms news; now we need to put our confidence where our promises are, make sure we deliver on those promises, and establish trust as an online non league paper you can trust. We look forward to welcoming you back to our news section and showcasing the best we have to offer, from exciting new non league interviews to cutting-edge news to transfer speculation. If you want to truly have your finger on the non league pulse, then nonleaguedaily.com is always going to be here for you.
Kileigh Cerny is taking her bilingualism to the next level  to benefit her in her future career.

Cerny is a Council Bluffs native and a senior at St. Albert High School. In addition to being a cheerleader, a member of the student council and National Honor Society, Cerny is an advanced Spanish student and a member of the schools Spanish Club.

In the fall, Cerny will double major in Spanish and something in the business field at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. She said she already has half the credits necessary for a Spanish major, so it makes sense to complete it.

Having dreamt of becoming a lawyer since middle school, Cerny is aiming to go to law school upon graduation. She said having the Spanish background will be beneficial since bilingual lawyers usually get paid more and can acquire extra clients who cant speak English.

To become globally recognized as certified Spanish speakers, Cerny and a handful of other advanced Spanish students will travel to Chicago next month to take the Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language proficiency exam, a test meant for people who do not speak Spanish as their mother tongue.

Cerny said she has enjoyed her time at St. Albert, where she has attended since kindergarten.

I loved it here, she said. Its like a community and were all really close.

While she will be leaving the comfort of the community she knows so well, Cerny said she excited for the new things in the next chapter of her life.
OMAHA  A game with a gun appears to have led to the death of a 20-year-old Council Bluffs man, according to the Douglas County attorney.

Eighteen-year-old Montana Garbez has been charged with manslaughter and use of a firearm to commit a felony in the Sunday shooting of 20-year-old Scott Evans.

Serenity Gaytan, 19, of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area has been charged with being an accessory to a felony. Prosecutors said she lied to homicide detectives, saying she wasnt in the room when the shooting occurred. Other witnesses, however, said she was present.

Garbez and Gaytan appeared in court Wednesday. Garbez was ordered held on $250,000 bail, meaning he would have to post $25,000 to be released. Gaytans bail was set at $15,000, meaning she would have to post $1,500.

Evans was found dead about 6 a.m. Sunday after police were called to a home at 27th Street and Camden Avenue in Omaha.

It appears there was a party, and these two men were involved in some sort of gun play, using a gun in a kind of game similar to Russian roulette, said Douglas County (Nebraska) Attorney Don Kleine. In the course of that, unfortunately the young man was shot in the head and died. It appears to be unintentional.

In court Wednesday, prosecutors said Garbez pointed a gun at Evans head and fired a shot.

Evans mother, Carol Cornell of Council Bluffs, said her son went to Omaha after receiving a call from Gaytan, who turned 19 on Sunday. His mother has only heard pieces about what happened.

I want to know what silly, stupid thing drove them to do whatever they did over there, Cornell said Tuesday. My son didnt have weapons. He was a good kid who loved people.

Fracisca Gaytan, Serenitys mother, said by telephone that she wouldnt comment on the incident while its under investigation. She also said the investigation will exonerate her daughter of any wrongdoing. Attempts to reach members of Garbezs family were unsuccessful.

Evans graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 2015 and was preparing to take welding classes at Iowa Western Community College, his mother said. He also was overcoming some physical and mental issues, she said.

We found out Scott had spina bifida when he was 15, she said. He was this big guy, but he had the back of a 90-year-old man.

The back problems were improving after many, many surgeries, Cornell said. Evans, who had been depressed by his condition, was starting to feel good about himself again, his mother said.

When he figured out that welding was something he would be able to do, he was very excited, Cornell said. Things were turning around for him. He just went out and got glasses on his own  I couldnt keep them on him when he was young  because he was having trouble reading and he wanted to be ready for school.

The glasses gave Evans a Drew Carey look, his mom said, referring to the comedian and game show host. That was appropriate, she said, because the young man enjoyed making people laugh.

He was a big-hearted guy who loved joking around, she said. He also loved mushroom hunting and fishing. He just told me the other day, Mom, I can smell those mushrooms coming up. 

Cornell said her son longed for a girlfriend. She thinks he probably jumped at the chance to go to a party with some girls Saturday night.

That was something that he talked about, she said through tears. He really, really wanted a girlfriend. He wanted to find love.

In addition to his mother, Evans is survived by his father, Roger Evans Sr. of Council Bluffs; sister Samantha Evans of Council Bluffs; and stepbrother Roger Evans Jr. of Omaha.

Donations to help with Evans funeral expenses are being accepted at www.gofundme.com/funeral-expenses-scottevans.
Sen. Chuck Grassley called Democratic opposition to a vote on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch the first partisan filibuster in history on a high court selection.

On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee, which the Republican Grassley chairs, voted 11-9 along party lines to bring the nomination to the full Senate floor.

A fair and thorough hearing, Grassley said in his weekly press call.

The nomination stands before the full Senate, with Democrats poised to filibuster the nomination. To break the filibuster and bring the nomination to an up-down vote, 60 senators would have to vote for cloture, the procedural step designed to end debate on a nomination and bring it to a final vote.

At least 41 Democrats have vowed to vote against cloture.

They wanted independence, they wanted mainstream, they wanted exemplary credentials, Grassley said of the Democrats criteria for a justice. They got all that.

With this, its clear the Democrats would filibuster any nominee by President Donald Trump, the Iowa senator continued.

During the overnight hours Tuesday into Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon highlighted his partys opposition to Gorsuch.

This is an extreme nominee from the far right who doesnt believe in the fundamental vision of We the People and makes decision after decision through tortured, twisted, contrived arguments defined for the powerful over the people, and that is unacceptable, Merkley said.

The cloture motion started the clock toward a showdown today, when Democrats are expected to try to block Gorsuch, at which point Republicans would respond by enacting a rules change, reducing the threshold to break a filibuster to 51 votes, known on Capitol Hill as the nuclear option because of the potential repercussions for the Senate and the court.

Grassley said he supports that move.

This guy is so highly qualified, we want to keep it on the substance of the candidate, not on the process to approve him. This is the first time in the history of our country (this has happened). The Constitutions been effective, Grassley said. Its not unusual what the Republicans are doing to get this guy on the bench.

Grassley predicted that, based on the current timeline for Senate action, the body would confirm Gorsuch by 9 p.m. Friday night, with around 56 to 57 senators voting for the nominee. The Colorado judge would replace Antonin Scalia, who died in February 2013.

Grassley, as Judiciary Committee chair, was at the forefront in an unprecedented move as Republicans blocked Senate debate on the nomination of Merrick Garland, who was selected by then-President Barack Obama.

At the time Grassley and others said the Senate should wait until after a new president is sworn in to consider a nominee, and the Supreme Court has been shorthanded for more than a full year since.

During his press call, Grassley again pointed to comments by then-Sen. Joe Biden late in the term of President George H.W. Bush and Sen. Chuck Schumer late in the in second term of President George W. Bush about waiting on Supreme Court nominees until after an election. In neither case was there a vacancy on the court.

When Scalia died, we did the same thing they said theyd do, Grassley said. What we did was within reason based on (what was) said by Schumer and Biden.

Grassley noted that the Democrats partisan filibuster was unprecedented, mentioning that a bipartisan filibuster effort thwarted Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas attempt to be elevated to chief justice. That nomination was blocked in 1968.

A filibuster is an unlimited debate that delays a vote, and technically not what stopped Garland. But in effect, Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said Sunday, Garland became the granddaddy of filibusters.

Asked if Judiciary Committee would withhold debate on a nominee should a seat open up in 2020 during the next presidential election season, Grassley said, I think we would have to wait.

Could there be an opening earlier than that?

Before the years out I think well have another Supreme Court nominee, Grassley said.

Asked for further clarification, the senator said, Theres a rumor around town that theres going to be one leaving.

Thats all I can tell you, he said.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 84 years old, while Justice Anthony Kennedy is 80. Justice Stephen Breyer is 78. None of the other five judges are older than 67. Scalia was 79 when he died, while the last two justices to retire were John Paul Stevens and David Souter, who left the court at the ages of 90 and 69, respectively.

 The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Ceremonies were held at the Veterans Plaza in Bayliss Park in downtown Council Bluffs this morning to remember Americas entry into World War 1 exactly a century ago to the day.

Members of the local Daughters of the American Revolution and from Dodge House participated Thursday morning, the 100th anniversary of the United States entry into World War I. They were joined by retired veteran Harvey Kahl of Malvern, who laid a wreath by the names of local soldiers who died in that war.

A short prayer was then said for the veterans.

Jan Ehrens, DAR chaplin, said its always important to honor those who died serving their country.

They gave the ultimate sacrifice, Ehrens said.

Remembering their legacy is especially important for todays children, she said.

They need to know what was done for them to enjoy the freedom they have, Ehrens said.
Russell W.J. Slate learned a lot about World War I as a child sitting on the lap of his great-grandfather, who served in that war.

He would describe everything to me, Slate said. That was like my best moment as a child, not about war itself, but he had my undivided attention.

Rosalie Shepherd recalled how fortunate her father, Carl Henry Rogers, had been while serving over there with Iowas 168th Infantry.

About 90 percent of his division were amputees, she said. He had no amputations, though he did suffer hearing loss from all the cannons.

Those who fought in the Great War are long gone, but their stories are kept vivid today by their descendants, of which there are many in this area.

As he was sitting at a table at the Council Bluffs American Legion headquarters recently, Slate was full of pride for his great-grandfather, Joseph Matusevich, who came to this country from Russia. Matusevich was a White Russian, as opposed to a Red Russian, who supported the growing Bolshevik movement.

Matusevich came to the U.S. in 1916 and worked for the U.S. War Department and was later shipped off to Europe.

He got hit by mustard gas, the worst feeling ever, Slate said. He couldnt smoke anymore.

Matusevich regretted taking a persons life over politics, Slate added.

World War I was politics, he said.

Unknown to many perhaps, but after the war U.S. President Woodrow Wilson actually sent troops to overthrow the new communist government in Russia.

My great-grandfather was one of them, Slate said.

Shepherd recalled the hardships her father endured and came home to recount.

In the heat of battle, the action doesnt stop to allow the injured to reach hospitals.

If there were any injuries, they would just cut the limb off right there, said Shepherd.

The food wasnt inviting, either.

They ate bread with lard on it, Shepherd said.

Marty Shudak, director of assessment and data management at the Council Bluffs Community School District, had a grandfather who served in the war. Frank Shudak Sr. was a Polish immigrant, though he was actually born in Petrograd, Russia, and was a cossack, his grandson said.

He came to America as a teenager after escaping from jail for smuggling ostrich feathers across the Austrian border. His parish priest told him to go to America to avoid a great war that was going to be coming through Europe.

A birth certificate indicated his grandfathers last name was spelled Siudak in Poland, but was changed to Shudak when he arrived at Ellis Island.

He could barely speak English, Marty Shudak said.

Frank Shudak Sr. fought in France in several major battles, including at Marne, the Black Forest and the Argon Forest.

I think at the Battle of Marne, he saved a guy who was a coder of sorts and valuable if captured by the enemy, Marty Shudak said. He told my grandmother how he saw so many men killed and could hear bullets whizzing by him and could never understand why he was not hit.

She said she was praying for him every day and knew that was why. I remember her telling me this story when I was young and how so many men who survived came back maimed, and she wanted a full husband. She said that was the power of prayer.

Because of the brutality of war, its understandable that there were World War I soldiers who found it tough to later relive their days of battle with loved ones.

A case in point was Clarance Howard Hickey, better known to friends as Clarance Howard, and an uncle of Council Bluffs resident Leota McManus.

He never talked about it, she said.

McManus said it was only after Howard died in 1963 that his ordeal in battle become known through his wife.

Born in Illinois, Howard grew up in Council Bluffs and enlisted for service on June 26, 1918. After a short training period at Camp Dodge near Des Moines, Howard was sent to the heart of battle in the trenches in France.

He was shot and gassed, McManus said. It was two days before help arrived. The trenches were never nice places. They were cold and wet and muddy. It was awful to lay there.

After the war, Howard worked for the Council Bluffs Public Works Department for nearly two decades, McManus said.

For more than 30 years, Howard was also president of the local Last Mans Club, a group of area World War 1 veterans. The last man to survive was to drink a bottle of wine. Howard never drank it.

Michael Wilson of Urbandale, whose mother lives in Council Bluffs, had a great-uncle, Herb Thordsen, who served in the American Expeditionary Forces in the Great War.

According to Wilson, Thordsen enlisted on June 5, 1917, and, after training in Des Moines and in New York State, was shipped off to war on the Carpathia, the ship that rescued survivors of the Titanic disaster.

In his datebook, Thordsen wrote: Aug. 26 and 27, moved into trenches at night; Oct. 3, left woods in graveyard past Hindenburg; Oct. 8, chased out of valley; Nov. 11, peace.

That was the word everyone was glad to hear.
Council Bluffs and Omaha will hold the fifth annual Pinwheels for Prevention Saturday as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Participants can place pinwheels at 10:45 a.m. at both ends of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. At 11 a.m., Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert will issue a joint proclamation at the center of the bridge designating April Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Council Bluffs-Omaha Metro.

The mayors will offer remarks in support of positive parenting practices and child abuse prevention, said Jean Armstrong, coordinator of the Shaken Baby Task Force, which sponsors the event in collaboration with the Omaha Metropolitan Child Advocacy Coalition and Prevent Child Abuse Pottawattamie County.

Every child should be happy and live in a safe home, she said.

Attendees are encouraged to wear royal blue to raise awareness of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Pottawattamie County had 386 confirmed or founded reports of child abuse or mistreatment in 2016, according to an Iowa Department of Human Services report. That rose sharply from 2015, when it had a total of 287. The 2015 number was less than the confirmed and founded total in 2011, which was 325.

Mills County had 40 confirmed or founded cases in 2016, up from 31 in 2015 and 29 in 2011. Harrison County had 36 cases in 2016, down from 41 in 2015 and 2011.

Statewide, there were 8,890 confirmed or founded reports in 2016, up from 8,295 in 2015 but down substantially from 2011, when the state total was 9,712,

All children deserve a great childhood, because children are our future, Armstrong said. Hopefully, this will bring more awareness, and people will get help if they need it.

Reporting child abuse is everyones responsibility, Armstrong said.

If you believe a child is in imminent danger, call 911 to help that child, she said.

If you suspect abuse may be taking place in a certain home or relationship but not at that moment, call the child abuse hotline at 1-800-362-2178 and describe the situation and location. You may remain anonymous.

Parents and caregivers who find themselves at the end of their ropes can call the Shaken Baby Task Forces 24-hour crying baby helpline at 866-243-2229. For more information, visit safebaby.org.
A community known for its antiques is getting a new look for showcasing them.

The Streetscape Enhancement Project is upgrading the main business district in Walnut at a cost of more than $1 million.

Its going to be refreshed, said Mayor Gene Larsen. It will all look revitalized.

Work is moving along on the first of the two-phase project with the goal of combining beauty and safer walking, according to Larsen.

This first phase involves all new exterior work on 15 downtown store fronts, such as new entry doors, paint and windows where needed.

Were fixing whatever has to be fixed, Larsen said.

Most of the work should be done before the communitys annual Walnut Antique Show during the Fathers Day weekend in June.

After that, the second phase will start. According to City Clerk Terri Abel, this will involve replacing the sidewalks along the store fronts, along with new curbs and gutters. Handicapped accessibility will be improved where needed.

Bricks will be straightened out on the main brick street and bricks will be added to the base of the light poles to complement the street, Abel said. Also planned is a mid-block pedestrian crossing that will jut out onto the street allowing room for benches or a town clock, though that hasnt yet been determined. Work should be completed in the fall.

The $1.09 million project is funded in part by a $400,000 Iowa West Foundation CITIES grant and a $300,000 revitalization grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Business owners are contributing funds as well, while the City of Walnut is putting up $340,000 in local option sales tax dollars.

Four bids for the projects second phase were submitted to the City Clerks Office on Tuesday afternoon.

Were pleased with that number, Abel said. All were within the estimated budget for this project. Thats not always the case, so were pleased.

The Walnut City Council will vote on what it considers the best bid on Thursday afternoon.

This is biggest thing (being) done, in Walnut in years Larsen said of the project.
The Council Bluffs Public Library is a great resource for all things history.

A trove of free information, the current building, 400 Willow Ave., opened in 1998, but the area actually saw its first library in 1866.

While most people might think of a library as a place for books, most, including the Council Bluffs Public Library, host educational events and presentations, too.

The library offers programming to both educate and entertain, said Marlys Lien, adult programming librarian. I try to find a variety of topics to catch the interest of our community, and history is a big part of that community.

With the 100th anniversary of World War I this year, the library offered three events on the topic to area residents interested in learning more about when the U.S. entered into the war in 1917.

On Jan. 7, the library unveiled a collection of World War I propaganda posters as part of the centennial. Leo Landis from the State Historical Society of Iowa presented on the posters.

Leo said theres two posters in the collection that are unique to Iowa, Lien said.

The original propaganda posters will be on display through April 30.

On Feb. 5, the library hosted another program called, Camp Dodge: Home Away from Home, which featured speaker Michael Vogt with the organization Humanities Iowa.

He helped us realize what life was like for a soldier and what they had to do to get the soldiers ready to go oversees and train them, Lien said. A lot of them didnt know how to shoot a gun and deal with the realities of war.

Attendees learned that Camp Dodge saw 37,111 soldiers and had a total of 150 buildings that each housed 200 soldiers, Lien said. Period photographs from the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum collection were also shown.

On Feb. 21, the library hosted a third event called World War I in Council Bluffs.

Drawing more than 60 people, five presenters spoke about the war, including: Dick Warner, member of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Board; Patricia LaBounty, museum and collections manager at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum; Kori Nelson and Danette Hein-Snider of the Historic General Dodge House; Lien with the library and Mary Lou McGinn of Preserve Council Bluffs.

Guests who attended the event saw vintage photos of Council Bluffs, World War I memorabilia and the propaganda posters displayed on the librarys second floor.

They also heard music from the World War I era.

While Lien doesnt have any more upcoming World War I anniversary events set in stone, she said she does have a wish list of things that she hopes to put together.

The library currently hosts six different book discussion groups, and she said she plans on asking them to incorporate a book set in the World War I era.

A program established in 2003 by the Iowa Center for the Book called All Iowa Reads challenges Iowa residents every year to each read the same book. This years book is Bottomland by Michelle Hoover and is set in the World War I time era.

On July 11, the Council Bluffs Public Library will host a book discussion for area residents interested in talking about the book.

People can come in for no charge and they dont have to buy it because they can just borrow it, Lien said.

While the library currently has a limited number of copies, they expect to have more available in June.

Those interested in learning more about other upcoming events or World War I opportunities can visit the librarys website at councilbluffslibrary.org.

The programs have been a great opportunity to educate and remember what our community was like in World War I and what our country and the world was like in World War I, Lien said.
One hundred years ago today the United States entered World War I, also known as The Great War.

On April 6, 1916 the U.S. declared war on Germany, entering the war to end war, as H.G. Wells had dubbed it. The phrase caught on and was used as the battle waged from 1914 to 1918.

But the war to end war did anything but.

Much of 20th and 21st century American history can be looked at through the prism of military engagement, and it started with President Woodrow Wilsons (correct) decision to take enter a European war after decades of isolationism.

Weve had a military presence in Afghanistan since late 2001. Weve been in Iraq since 2003, with todays fight one against the Islamic State, which has factions in Iraq, Syria and Libya. The threat of Islamic State and other terrorists is troubling.

North Korea is a country with a nuclear arsenal run by a lunatic. Not ideal.

As President Donald Trump and the countrys leaders in Washington D.C. make decisions on how to keep the country safe, we urge caution when it comes to the escalation of overseas conflicts.

The president has called for billions in increased military spending, at the cost of a number of domestic programs in an ill-advised budget. Military spending is necessary, but a common sense approach to military spending is needed.

The head of U.S. Strategic Command, Gen. John Hyten, recently asked Congress to pay for the modernization of the nations nuclear forces. In a perfect world, no one would have a nuclear arsenal. Heck, the phrase nuclear arsenal wouldnt exist.

But we dont live in a perfect world.

Deterrence is going to be expensive, Hyten said in Washington, according to the Omaha World-Herald. But war is always more expensive than deterrence.

Thoughts to heed as talk of escalation in the Middle East and elsewhere abounds.

Remembering Unit K

As we remember the U.S. entry into World War I, its a time to remember Council Bluffs impact on the fight.

Amid the mustard gas and mortar rounds of 1918 France, a group that was primarily local doctors and nurses became the first mobile hospital unit on the front lines. Long before the days of M*A*S*H, many of the pioneers behind bringing the hospital to the wounded  and not vice versa, as was standard procedure in that era  hailed from Council Bluffs.

They saved tremendous numbers of lives by being up close to the front, said James L. Knott, a retired doctor and Unit K historian.

Officially titled Mobile Hospital No. 1, Unit K was nicknamed the Council Bluffs unit during the war. Seven of the 12 doctors and 16 of the 21 nurses (15 from the Jennie Edmundson School of Nursing and one from Mercy School of Nursing) hailed from Council Bluffs. Fifty enlisted men also served as their orderlies.

These men and women risked their lives for others. As the anniversary is celebrated locally and nationally, wed do well to remember the sacrifices of those that served with Unit K.
CURTIS  Andrea Burkhardt has lived her life amid seeds, soil and plants.

And, no, she is not a farmer or a rancher.

From her home in the far northeastern part of the state to her college campus in southwestern Nebraska, Burkhardt has had one goal  to establish a career in floral design.

The native of Winnetoon is completing her third year at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, where she studies horticulture and business management systems.

She will graduate in May with an associate of science degree in each major.

Then, I will be leaving for Portland, Oregon, in June to attend the Floral Design Institute, where I will be taking part in basic and advanced floral design programs, says Burkhardt, an NCTA honors student.

Sparked by interest in a floriculture contest while in Verdigre High School FFA, she decided to pursue college and a floriculture profession.

Working at a greenhouse in my hometown also continued to spark my interest in plants and their care, Burkhardt said. She discovered NCTAs horticulture program through her high school guidance counselor.

At NCTA, Burkhardt has invested much of her college career tending to the behind-the-scenes work of the 104-year old campus.

Andrea has been an incredibly valuable asset to the NCTA campus, said Tee Bush, associate professor of horticulture. She is not only a great role model in the classroom, but she has also taken on a great deal of responsibility in Horticulture Club as a president for the past two years.

She also took over landscaping duties for campus last summer and made major improvements to the aesthetics of campus. The entire campus community will greatly miss her presence when she graduates in May.

On campus, Burkhardt was involved in the scholastic honorary Phi Theta Kappa, Collegiate Farm Bureau and Business Club. She also was on the deans list with a 4.0 GPA four out of six semesters, and on deans honor roll once.

During the National Collegiate Landscape Competition in March in Provo, Utah, Burkhardt showcased her skills in hands-on competitions of landscape plant installation, annual and perennial identification, business management and flower and foliage design.

She received the Glowacki Family Scholarship from the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation. NALP annually sponsors the national collegiate contest.

There, she was joined by Tee Bush, her mentor in campus work and studies as well as leadership development.

Burkhardt travels to Kansas early next month as the first NCTA representative to assist in horticulture competitions for a national competition hosted by the North American Colleges and Teachers in Agriculture.

The NACTA contest draws individual and collegiate teams from throughout the U.S.

Last October, she was selected for her leadership role in NALPs Student Ambassador Program and attended a conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

In January, Burkhardt attended the Great Plains Conference of the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association where she is a student member and was awarded the NNLA Scholarship for 2017.

Upon graduation in May, Burkhardt will concentrate on basic and advance floral design programs at the Floral Design Institute in Oregon. Her goal is to one day own and operate her own floral shop.
One hundred years ago on Sunday, President Woodrow Wilson stood before Congress and made his case for war against Germany.

The United States declared war four days later: April 6, 1917.

Among the 4 million American men and women who enlisted or were drafted into the military before the war ended was Walter H. Hilgeman, a farmer in southern Illinois and grandson of German immigrants.

Seventeen months after Wilsons call to make the world safe for democracy, the 23-year-old Hilgeman would be a newly married draftee bound for Army training in Georgia before shipping out for France in the last days of fighting.

A lot of his friends had to go to the service, but he was on the farm with his father and he hoped that he would not have to go  his mother had died, Ruth Schmidt of Omaha said of her father. But when he found out he had to go, my mother and father married. The next day they were shocking wheat in the fields.

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About a decade ago, Schmidt said, during some cleaning, I came across a box that was not opened for a long time.

The box contained letters her parents wrote to each other before and during her fathers military service. That day, she read the letters for the first time.

Schmidt discovered a collection that revealed the love and compassion her parents had for each other, the tedium of Army life in postwar Europe and a deep desire to return to the normalcy of life on a 160-acre Illinois farm.

Schmidt said her father, who died nearly five decades ago, rarely talked of his experiences in what at the time was known as the Great War. Her parents letters and postcards, souvenir photographs and other memorabilia have been collected in scrapbooks and provide a glimpse into one mans transition from farmer to soldier and back to farmer.

The collection includes Hilgemans draft notification, instructions for service members on what to do and not to do aboard their transport ship (among them: No spitting on any deck, and no visiting between enlisted men of the Army and Navy), a mess ticket with 12 days of shipboard breakfasts and dinners punched, a preprinted postcard announcing his safe arrival overseas, a postwar magazine of the 318th Engineers and a copy of a general order from Gen. John J. Pershing congratulating soon-to-be discharged soldiers of the American Expeditionary Force for their service.

Before 1917 the United States generally avoided European politics, and it had never fought a major war outside North America. Many Americans believed their country had no reason to join a European conflict that started in 1914. Wilson had just won re-election with the slogan He kept us out of war.

In the early months of 1917, while militaristic Germanys policies  such as unrestricted submarine warfare  became more provocative, Americans remained deeply divided on the war. Western and southern states accused East Coast businesses of promoting Americas involvement, according to historians at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.

Irish-Americans opposed alliance with Britain, Irelands oppressor. Many German-Americans saw the war simply as one to save the British Empire.

Still, sympathy for the Allies as democratic nations remained strong.

The United States was on the verge of war but almost totally unprepared. The Army had only 133,000 men, almost no heavy artillery pieces, only 600 field artillery pieces, fewer than 500 machine guns, a small air service, no tanks and only a few camps for training.

Congress gave Wilson a standing ovation after his address seeking a declaration of war. The German government, he said, was a natural foe of liberty, and the world must be made safe for democracy.

Americans responded with an outpouring of enthusiastic support for the national mobilization effort. They rationed food, bought war bonds, worked longer hours and enlisted in the armed services.

Instituting the draft was a controversial decision; many Americans believed it was un-American or Prussian. Congress passed the Selective Service Act in May 1917, and Wilson signed it.

The draft board in Massac County, Illinois, notified Hilgeman on Aug. 28, 1918, that he had passed his physical and was found to be qualified for military service. He and at least a dozen other local men departed for military training a week later.

In one of her first letters, Lillie Hilgeman wrote to her husband of three months: Honey, just be happy as the day is long, for I know we shall some day be happy together again.

Days after arriving at the camp, Hilgeman told his wife that two men fainted when inoculated in both arms. That was all the excitement yesterday, he wrote.

Hilgeman quickly came down with flu  a global pandemic that killed 50 million to 100 million people  while in training as an infantry engineer at Camp Forrest near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. The camp was in quarantine by the end of September. Five thousand troops were hospitalized within weeks.

In an Oct. 8, 1918, letter, Hilgeman wrote: We are out in the woods in tents. ... I am so weak, I cant walk. ... I just cant walk ... they call it Spanish flu. ... I have no appetite.

By early November, Hilgeman and 5,000 other replacement troops were at sea to Europe.

Church bells were ringing, cannons firing and ships whistling when Hilgeman and the 318th Engineers arrived in France aboard the USS George Washington.

It was Armistice Day  Nov. 11, 1918  the end of the Great War. Hilgeman, a private who had been in the Army only two months, wanted nothing more than to turn around and go home, but he would serve in France and Germany with U.S. occupation forces for nearly seven months.

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The troops landed at Brest, France. Hilgemans first letter to his wife on arriving announced, WAR is over, but it wasnt for Hilgeman and thousands of others. Excerpts from his letters:

 Dec. 28  Left Angers Saturday night. ... Traveled in a box car. ... Changed three times. ... Got in Saint-Dizier Christmas morning.

 Jan. 17, 1919  I went on the rifle range yesterday. ... I shot my rifle 45 times. We shot 2, 3, 5 and 6 hundred yards and today I was room orderly. Had to clean up the house while the rest went out to drill ... so you see I was housewife.

 Jan. 19  Churches are closed on account of flu. ... I wish you could bake me some pie and cake. I havent saw one for a long time. I dont know what they look like anymore.

 Feb. 1  It is so cold and ice there that the horses cant stand up. ... I went over some mountains to bring back 63 head of mules. ... we have electric lights now. ... Havent been paid for 2 months.

 Feb. 28  Will be here for another 6 months. There are to keep 7 divisions here. ... we have 18 fellows in guard house for running off leaving the company. ... Two got away and not found.

 April 9  The company went to pass a review for General Pershing today ... 50 miles from here. There are 2 of us left to feed the horses. They took most of the horses with them.

 April 28  Saw an old woman out in the field plowing with an ox ... very few horses here ... no pay here. ... Officers get money from German Bank. ... Our government dont pay.

Hilgemans company moved into Germany in April and he worked with Germans on repairing roads.

In a June 11 telegram Hilgeman announced that he was in an American Red Cross hospital at Newport News, Virginia, with tonsillitis. He became ill June 1 and was put on a ship home June 3.

 June 19 from Camp Hill, Virginia  I dont know when I can leave. Many are gone. I can have ice cream every day. I am waiting my DISCHARGE!!!

The letters typically end with, Love, Walter or similar sentiment. The final letter ends: Your own true husband forever, Walter Hilgeman.

Schmidt said she believes her father finally arrived at his fathers farm near Metropolis, Illinois, on July 3. Lillie prepared her husbands favorite food for his first meal home: apple dumplings.

Schmidt, born the next year and the first of five daughters, said her father never returned to Europe.

I dont think he ever wanted to go back because he had seen so much suffering there, she said. He just didnt want to talk about it. He was thankful to be in the States.

The federal government eventually paid Hilgeman the wages he didnt receive for his European tour. He received $742 in 1925.

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WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATIONS

The National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri, will host a centennial commemoration of the U.S. entry into World War I on April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Titled In Sacrifice for Liberty and Peace, the event will feature flyovers, aerobatic demonstration team of the French air force, honor bands and a color guard, Army and Air Force legacy units that served during WWI, video presentations, a film of historic images put to music and a presentation by Kevin Costner.

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BOOK SALUTES NEBRASKA HISTORY

The World-Heralds David Hendee brings the states history to life in the book Nebraska: 150 Years Told Through 93 Counties. The counties have served as the building blocks for Nebraska, and Hendee weaves their stories into a tapestry of Nebraskas people, places and events. Order the 196-page hardcover book online at OWHstore.com or by phone at 402-444-1014. It also is available in The World-Heralds lobby and at local bookstores. The cost is $29.95.
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It was 100 years ago today that the U.S. Congress declared war on Germany, in what had been thought of as the war to end all wars.

Hindsight proves how foolish that thought was; the United States has been at war more than at peace in the century since then.

It is worth considering how long it took Congress to approve a decision to join the war that had been raging in Europe and in the Atlantic Ocean before the United States became involved.

Germany had been sinking U.S. ships, costing American lives, and it still took Congress five days of deliberation before declaring war.

It was on April 2, 1917, that President Woodrow Wilson, who was elected after promising to preserve the peace, addressed a joint session of Congress and asked for the power to wage war.

U.S. Rep. Jeannette Rankin of Montana, the first woman elected to Congress, in 1916, wept when the vote was taken, The Lake County Times reported. She voted against the war.

If you missed the World War I stories last Sunday and Monday, you can find them, and more, at our new World War I page on the NWI History site. We'll add more at the World War I centennial progresses.

If you've got World War I stories to tell, especially about Northwest Indiana's involvement, I'd love to hear from you. Drop me a line at doug.ross@nwi.com.
Joyce Russell Porter County Reporter Joyce has been a reporter for nearly 40 years, including 23 years with The Times. She's a native of Merrillville, but has lived in Portage for 39 years. She covers municipal and school government in Porter County. Follow Joyce Russell Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

I recently completed a story for The Times on the 100th anniversary of the United States entering WWI.

I love doing history articles for the paper because I learn so much.

As part of my research, I read the list of the casualties from the Region. There were over 200. The Gold Star Honor Roll, published in 1921 by the Indiana Historical Commission, was an invaluable source. It not only lists the casualties by county, but also tells what it knows about them, their birth and death dates; the date they entered the service; what they did for a living and how they died.

Two things struck me as I read about the men who died in The Great War.

The first was that nearly half of those who died, died from either pneumonia or influenza. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 caused deaths around the world. Some of the men died from the illness overseas, while others died here on U.S. bases.

The second thing that struck me was how many of the men, especially from Lake County, were immigrants. Many of those who joined the service had only lived here a decade or less, coming to the United States for a better life, working in industrial plants in Northwest Indiana.

Some joined the regular U.S. Army, some joined American regiments made up of others from their homeland, and some went back to their home countries, in particular England, and joined the fight.

That reminded me of my great-grandfather Albert Henry Buckingham. I've written about Albert before, and I'm still trying not to judge him. His wife, my maternal great-grandmother, died when my grandmother was but a year old. At some point Albert abandoned my grandmother, either to an orphanage or to her mother's family, and was out of her life. Albert went on to remarry and have three more children  half-siblings my grandmother never knew.

As I dug into Albert's past, I learned he, too, enlisted in the Army in WWI. It wasn't for the United States, however.

According to records, Albert was born in Winslow, England in 1872. He immigrated to the U.S. about 1888 and landed in Chicago. He became a naturalized citizen in 1914, just as the war was breaking out in Europe.

I found a record that Albert enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Forces in October 1917. Why Canada? I don't know, other than it was as close to Great Britain as a guy living in Chicago could get. He possibly was too old to serve for the United States. The age limit for the draft was 41. He would have been 45 years old at the time he enlisted.

And, in true Albert style, he listed himself as single on the enlistment document. I know that he remarried in 1901, and he and his new wife, Sarah, had three children.

The paperwork from the Canadian National Archives was fascinating, providing both enlistment and discharge papers along with medical information. Albert apparently received a shrapnel wound at some point. It also gave me information making him a little more personal, like he had a tattoo and a mole on his neck.

Albert appeared to have served until he was discharged on Dec. 23, 1918, after the war had ended, having reached the rank of corporal. He returned to Chicago after the war, where I next find him in the 1930 federal census, married and working as a watchman for a theater. Albert died in 1934.

Have you accessed military records to learn about your ancestor? Drop me a line at joyce.russell@nwi.com to let me know about your favorite record.
There'll be a celebration of the Region's best brews this weekend.

Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa presents Blue Chip Brewfest on Saturday at the casino in Michigan City.

More than 80 local, regional and national breweries will be featured.

"I love this event," said Jack Elia, director of operations-hospitality for Blue Chip Casino. "For me, it's the most fun event we do on the property."

Elia said Brewfest is expected to draw more than 2,000 people. A variety of styles and flavors of craft beers will be highlighted at the seventh annual event.

"I think the craze is just not dying out," Elia said, about consumer interest in brews.

Blue Chip's first Brewfest drew 600 people and ever since since there are more tickets purchased for the festival.

During a recent preview of the fest at Blue Chip's It's Vegas Baby restaurant, brewmasters and representatives from various breweries were on hand to discuss their brews and their participation in this year's fest.

Blue Chip's executive chef Larry Donahue created assorted dishes to pair with the brews as well.

Renee Rodinel, marketing consultant for Saint John Malt Brothers in St. John, said the craft brewing industry continues to grow in Northwest Indiana.

"There's still a lot of potential left," she said.

Rodinel and J.D. Prince, also of Saint John Malt Brothers, said they're happy to participate in the event.

Elia said interest in brews and brew making is very hot in the area, with so many breweries continuing to be established..

"Brewers are coming up with so many different brews and flavor profiles. People are just getting more interested, " he said. "It's great for the industry and great for the consumer."

Elia said brewers are very committed to their craft these days.

According to Elia, beer menus at the casino restaurants are also becoming more popular. Beer is even overcoming wine sales, he said.

Among breweries at the preview were Shoreline Brewery, Greenbush Brewery, One Trick Pony, Crown Brewery, Zorn Brew Works, Saugatuck Brewing Company, New Oberpfalz Brewing and Burn "Em Brewing.

One of the highlights at this year's fest will be a luncheon with Laura bell from Bell's Brewery. Blue Chip's Donahue has also come up with various dishes for Bell's luncheon. The dishes will be paired with featured brews.

Elia said a silent auction will be held at the fest. Proceeds from the auction will benefit United Way of LaPorte. The Allen Wronko Band will entertain guests.
MICHIGAN CITY  Extra police patrols in March focused on dangerous driving and resulted in seven arrests, Det. Sgt. Ken Havlin of the Michigan City Police Department said Thursday.

Officers stopped 164 vehicles, Havlin said in a news release.

One arrest was made for a check deception warrant, a felony. Two arrests were made for failing to appear in court, misdemeanor criminal trespassing and never receiving a license. Two arrests were for driving while suspended, and two arrests for never receiving a license, Havlin said.

Officers wrote 72 citations, including 46 seat belt violations and 14 speeding violations. Officers also wrote 104 warning citations, including 89 warnings for speeding, Havlin said.

In April, Michigan City police officers will add extra patrols to enforce speed limits along U.S. 20 in Michigan City. Officers will also enforce other aggressive traffic violations throughout the city, including seat belt, texting, speeding, following too closely, automatic signal and stop sign violations, Havlin said.
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INDIANAPOLIS  The Indiana House voted 77-19 Thursday to transfer financial and academic control of the Gary Community School Corp. from the elected trustees to a state-appointed emergency manager.

State Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, explained that the extraordinary remedy in Senate Bill 567, which also applies to Muncie Community Schools, is needed to address Gary's multimillion dollar annual operating deficit and more than $100 million debt burden.

"Gary has the highest per-student dollars in the state of Indiana: $7,866," Brown said. "So the continued financial problems are not a revenue issue ... rather it's an issue of failing to align facilities and staff costs to the observed 50-year trend."

State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, strongly disagreed with that assessment.

He claimed recent policies enacted by the General Assembly, including property tax caps, expanded charter school options and changes in the school funding formula, have taken from Gary schools the resources needed to provide a comprehensive education.

Smith argued to no avail that Gary schools need more money  not a state takeover.

"You ask for bread and you're given a scorpion," Smith said. "I don't believe, from the bottom of my heart, that the desire is really to help us, but more to control us."

Under the plan, the emergency manager would be empowered to act unilaterally to reduce district expenses and alter its academic program with an overriding goal of achieving a balanced budget and paying off debt.

A chief financial officer and a chief academic officer selected by the emergency manager, along with the district's superintendent, would help decide what cuts to make.

In addition, a four-person fiscal management board, consisting of one member each appointed by the school board, mayor, state superintendent of public instruction and state board of education, also could weigh in on the manager's decisions in a strictly advisory capacity.

The measure specifies that only the state's Distressed Unit Appeals Board would have the authority to override a decision made by the emergency manager.

The legislation is likely to go next week to a conference committee for lawmakers to decide whether to limit the state takeover to financial matters, as the Senate preferred, or to also include academics, as the House-approved measure does.

"I personally don't believe the academic part of the bill should be included," said state Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Merrillville, a sponsor. "I think how we had it originally, in terms of the finance aspect, is most needed."

Any compromise proposal must be re-approved by both chambers before the end of the month to advance to the governor for his signature or veto.
CROWN POINT  A Lake County Councilman opposed to the South Shore expansion said this isn't the time to stand in front of that express train.

Councilman Jamal Washington, D-Merrillville, has temporarily abandoned plans to sponsor a resolution letting the county and 14 municipalities reduce or abandon their financial pledges to build nine miles of track linking Munster and Dyer to the commuter passenger line.

Washington still opposes the project because there is no benefit to his district, he says, but he prefers waiting over acting against it now.

Lake County and 14 participating cities and towns have signed an agreement to contribute $4 million annually to the state and local share of the $615 million in railroad construction cost, and $290 million in debt service for the next 30 years.

Merrillville voted last month to reduce its pledge, arguing the agreement isn't binding because Cedar Lake, East Chicago, Griffith, Hammond and St. John have yet to join the pact.

Gary and Lake Station were talking last week about following suit, and Washington is urging county government to redirect its $2.5 million annual South Shore share to more urgent county highway needs.

But Senate Bill 128 is giving Washington pause.

State Rep. Ed Soliday recently amended that legislation to force local officials to honor their pledges or have the state treasurer garnish the money from their future tax revenues. It passed the Indiana House earlier this week and is scheduled for a Senate vote later this month.

The County Council held its workshop meeting Thursday morning, but Washington's resolution was missing from the agenda.

Washington explained, "Fighting Senate Bill 128 could open up other doors. Look at what happened to Gary, they were for (reducing their South Shore pledge) and now the state won't forgive their (school) loans."

Councilman David Hamm, D-Hammond, said Washington also lacked a majority on the council to adopt his resolution.

Councilman Eldon Strong, R-Crown Point, said Thursday he will ask the council Tuesday at its April meeting to fund a study of the cost of keeping the satellite county courthouses in downtown Gary, Hammond and East Chicago open.

The three county government buildings house Lake Superior Courtrooms that conduct minor criminal, juvenile and family law and other cases. The county clerk, treasurer and sheriff also operate offices within the satellite courthouses.

Strong has called in the past to close the buildings and consolidate all county offices in Crown Point. Other county officials say that would cause a burden to north county residents who have no transportation to Crown Point.

Strong's resolution would determine the cost of maintaining and staffing them and measuring how many north county residents use these locations.
INDIANAPOLIS  It is almost certain that the state will spend $6 million a year through 2037 to fund the double-tracking of the South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City.

On Thursday, the Republican-controlled Senate voted 39-9 for House Bill 1001, the two-year state budget, which includes a South Shore double-tracking appropriation identical to the provision approved February 27 by the Republican-controlled House.

The overwhelming legislative support for reducing travel times on the commuter rail line connecting the Region to high-paying Chicago jobs, which also is backed by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, all but ensures the money will remain in the budget as the final details are hammered out by a House-Senate conference committee over the next two weeks.

The other major Northwest Indiana project in the House budget  $35 million for a Bioscience Innovation Building at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond  was omitted from the Senate's spending plan, though supporters are hoping to still get it in the final, compromise version of the budget legislation.

"It's not over yet," said state Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville.

Altogether, the Senate voted to spend $15.8 billion in the 2018 budget year that begins July 1, 2017, and $16.4 billion in 2019.

"It is a balanced budget, it's balanced each year, and we do keep a good, decent reserve, which is necessary when difficult times show up," said state Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The budget increases funding for elementary and high school education by $358 million over the two-year period, a 2.4 percent boost compared to current levels and $85 million more than the House spending plan.

Most of that money would go toward providing schools a higher basic per-student grant, with the current $5,088 foundation level growing to $5,211 in 2018 and $5,274 in 2019.

Special consideration was provided to the School City of East Chicago which has lost hundreds of students in the past few months as their families relocated elsewhere due to the city's lead contamination crisis.

Rather than cut the district's funding based on its reduced number of pupils, the budget maintains East Chicago's 2015-16 student count through the 2017-18 school year.

The Senate budget also increases spending for the Department of Child Services by $100 million, adds $6 million to state pre-kindergarten funding, allocates $5 million for Holcomb's efforts to combat drug abuse, boosts pay for state police officers and dedicates $1 million to problem-solving courts for Hoosier veterans.

Senators declined to include in their budget the $1 per pack cigarette tax hike that was approved by the House as part of its road funding package.
INDIANAPOLIS  A first-of-its-kind plan for coordinated transit-oriented development near stations along the current South Shore Rail Line and proposed West Lake Corridor extension won unanimous approval Thursday by the Indiana Senate.

House Bill 1144, co-sponsored by every senator in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties whose districts include the commuter rail line, was praised as a "game-changer" that will abound with benefits for Northwest Indiana and the state as a whole.

"It's a very huge economic development project. It's certain to bring thousands of jobs to the Region," said state Sen. David Niezgodski, D-South Bend.

The legislation authorizes the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority to use increment financing to develop areas near rail stations to maximize the economic benefits of double-tracking the existing line between Gary and Michigan City and extending service from Hammond to Dyer.

The House-approved plan was revised by the Senate to limit the maximum initial size of a transit development district to a half-mile, instead of one mile, and to permit LaPorte and St. Joseph counties to participate in TDD opportunities without joining Lake and Porter counties as full members of the RDA.

State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, said the proposal also was adjusted to more fully account for local government interests, and to ensure local schools receive all the money they'd otherwise be entitled to.

"The districts will have local control, local planning will be involved and the locals will have a say in how these TDDs are put together," Niemeyer said.

State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, said she is confident that improving the century-old South Shore Line, as well as the associated transit-oriented development, will "better the lives of the hardworking people of Northwest Indiana."

It also is an outstanding opportunity for greater regional cooperation in the four-county area, said state Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores.

The RDA's planning consultant, Indianapolis-based Policy Analytics Inc., estimates the local tax revenue growth available for development spending in just Lake and Porter counties will total $456.2 million over a 20-year period.

That's likely to unlock up to $3 billion in ancillary development throughout Northwest Indiana, according to the RDA.

State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, the House sponsor, said he now will take the legislation to a House-Senate conference committee to make a few finals tweaks to the proposal.

The compromise measure must then be re-approved by both chambers to go to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb for his signature or veto.
EAST CHICAGO  Mayor Anthony Copeland said it is too soon to say what the future land use will be for the site containing the soon-to-be demolished West Calumet Housing Complex, but he wants the land to be returned to residential use standards.

Copeland addressed the lead crisis in East Chicago as well as various other issues, including the Cline Avenue Bridge project, during his State of the City address Wednesday.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has called on Copeland to disclose the anticipated future land use.

"We need to know what the use of the property will be put to, and design the remedy on that, whether it's commercial or residential. There's a big difference if the entire site is going to be paved in concrete, be a playground, (or residential)," Robert Kaplan, acting regional administrator for EPA Region 5 told The Times at the end of last month.

At Wednesday's meeting, Copeland also was asked what he saw that neighborhood being 5 to 10 years down the road. He replied the city would not settle for anything short of the EPA returning the land to residential status. He said cleaning the land to that standard would allow the city to develop the area into anything it wished.

"There is no reason why we can't get this right where the city of East Chicago would be able to develop the land into commercial, residential, anything we desire," he told the audience.

When questioned later about whether he had a set plan for the area, Copeland said "no, because there are too many variables."

He then mentioned the demolition of the complex, which he said will cost $7 million to $8 million, and said the city is hoping the state and federal government will work with them to accomplish that goal.

He was more definite when it came to the future of the Cline Avenue Bridge.

"Cline Avenue will began to take flight with the finishing of its maintenance building in May of 2017 and the first road panel installation starting in June of 2017," Copeland told the audience.

Later, Copeland noted there are many people who do not believe the project will happen, but he thinks that will change as work begins.

"Come June or July, when people start to see the sections go up, then that will help them with their disbelief," he said.
EAST CHICAGO  The lead- and arsenic contaminated West Calumet Housing Complex  eyed for demolition  could one day be redeveloped for housing once again, but James Cunningham, U.S Department of Housing and Urban Developments deputy regional administrator in Chicago, on Wednesday said the federal housing authority has yet to make that determination.

If we learned one thing from all of this, its to be very careful where we build housing. We wont build anything in East Chicago thats environmentally unsafe, Cunningham said. And if were not going to build on this site, we need to work together to find the most appropriate reuse of West Calumet.

Cunningham said Wednesday that East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland recently sent a letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson requesting approval to build housing on the site and for EPA to clean the property to a high enough standard for residential use.

The complex, built in the early 1970s on the footprint of a former lead smelter, is in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys USS Lead Superfund site.

His comments came during a NAACP-sponsored panel discussion Wednesday at First Baptist Church in East Chicago, just east of the public housing complex.

Ongoing EPA cleanup efforts are underway in two nearby contaminated neighborhoods in the Superfund site, where hundreds of families have not been ordered to leave.

Wednesday's event was designed to give Superfund residents opportunity to air lingering concerns about the ongoing lead crisis in East Chicago. Much of the discussion centered on the future of West Calumet, though some families told stories of decades-long health ailments possibly associated with the city's industry and pollution.

Residents expressed frustration about potentially rebuilding housing at West Calumet, with Copeland having sounded the alarm last summer about the discovery of dangerously high lead levels. Since that time, nearly 300 families have left the complex with the use of HUD vouchers, but dozens remain on site, unable to find permanent, safe housing.

The East Chicago Housing Authority wants to see families moved out by Friday to temporary housing units in East Chicago and as far as Chicago's South Side, but some households have requested grievance hearings to delay the move.

How is that you can put all those people out of their homes and say that you can clean it to a certain extent to rebuild for more people to come? Why cant the same people stay where they are? Carla Dunlap, a Superfund site resident, asked.

City officials were not present Wednesday night, but Copeland has repeatedly said the relocation was in families best interest due to public health and safety concerns. As is the case with most EPA Superfund sites, families would have been allowed to stay under a cleanup plan approved by the agency in 2012, EPA officials have said.

Families who attended Wednesdays panel demanded those displaced should be first in line to relocate back to West Calumet, if the citys Housing Authority chooses to rebuild affordable housing there.

Other residents, including Maritza Lopez, a longtime homeowner in the 4900 block of Euclid Avenue, laid out decades-long health problems to the panel. Lopez told stories of how she lost her mother, father and siblings at young ages to disease and various health conditions. Lopez herself said she questions if the lead and arsenic pollution is behind her own health ailments.

At a related event earlier in the day, Dr. Pamela Pugh, environmental, health and education chair for NAACP in Flint, Michigan, and chief public health adviser for the city of Flint, said a registry is being created to track the long-term health of those impacted by the use of the city of Flint's contaminated drinking water.

She said she would like to see a similar tracking system for families in East Chicago.

NAACP Indiana President Barbara Boling Williams told families the NAACP stands behind them and will offer additional support moving forward.

Thats why were here, to listen and then send that message and lend our voice to yours. Because we know there are strength in numbers, she said.
WASHINGTON  Citing ethics complaints, the chairman of the House intelligence committee announced Thursday he is temporarily surrendering his leadership post in the panel's probe into Russian meddling in last year's presidential election.

The decision by Republican Rep. Devin Nunes of California comes amid partisan turmoil on the committee. Democrats have alleged that Nunes, who was on President Donald Trump's transition team, is too close to the White House and cannot lead an impartial inquiry, and the House ethics committee is investigating whether he improperly disclosed classified information.

"Several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics," Nunes said in a statement. "The charges are entirely false and politically motivated and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power."

Nunes' move could be seen as a win for Democrats whose cries for an independent panel to investigate Russia's possible ties with the Trump campaign have grown. They have pointed in particular to two Nunes trips to the White House  one announced, one not  as evidence that his loyalty to Trump outweighs his commitment to leading a bipartisan investigation.

By all accounts, the intelligence committee's growing partisanship has become a distraction from its underlying investigations.

The top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff of California, said he appreciated Nunes' decision to step aside from the Russia investigation.

"We have a fresh opportunity to move forward in the unified and nonpartisan way that an investigation of this seriousness demands," he said.

As the majority party in the House, Republican will keep the committee chairmanship. GOP Reps. Mike Conaway of Texas, with help from Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and Rep. Tom Rooney of Florida, will temporarily take charge of the investigation, said Speaker Paul Ryan.

More than a week after Nunes reviewed classified materials shared by a secret source on White House grounds, Schiff saw the same material, but refused to publicly discuss what he learned. He said Thursday he understood the material was now to be shared with other intelligence committee members.

Nunes said on March 22, "I recently confirmed that on numerous occasions the intelligence community incidentally collected information about U.S. citizens involved in the Trump transition."

Two watchdog groups, Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, had asked the House ethics committee to investigate whether Nunes disclosed classified information he learned from intelligence reports.

The intelligence committees in both the House and Senate, as well as the FBI, have been investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 election and possible ties with the Trump campaign.

Last month Trump accused, without providing evidence, former President Barack Obama of illegally wiretapping him, and Trump asked the congressional committees to look into this as part of the investigations. Nunes' secret meeting on White House grounds where he said he learned some Trump associates' names were revealed in classified intelligence reports, was part of his effort to respond to Trump's request.

After Nunes shared what he learned with the president, Trump said he felt partly vindicated for his wiretapping claims, even though the FBI, Justice Department and former Obama administration officials said they were not true.

Republican Speaker Ryan said he supported Nunes' decision to step aside.

"It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in our election," Ryan said.

Nunes said in his statement, "I will continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as committee chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims."

The ethics committee investigation of Nunes' actions will be led by Republican Chairwoman Susan Brooks of Indiana and Democrat Ted Deutch of Florida.

___

Associated Press writers Chad Day and Matthew Daly contributed to this report.
Contracts exist for the very important reasons of legal and financial stability in business dealings.

Try to break a legally binding contract, and one can expect the other side of the pact to compel compliance with the full letter of the law.

It's why people and organizations should never lightly enter into a contract  and why we support state efforts to compel Northwest Indiana communities to fulfill their commitments to commuter rail extension funding.

A joint conference committee of the Indiana House and Senate must speedily work out differences between two versions of the same bill that would accomplish this necessary task.

Ultimately, the bill would intercept local revenue Region communities already pledged to the commuter rail extension, even if town or city councils vote to reduce what they've already committed.

Reneging on legally binding contracts is precisely what the Merrillville Town Council recently voted to do and what the Gary City Council is considering.

Both communities previously pledged a set percentage of their local income tax funds, dedicated for economic development, to extending the South Shore Line from Hammond to Dyer.

The project is an important attempt to bolster Region public transportation and drive improved economic fortunes through related development, population growth and enhanced quality of life.

Leveraging matching state and federal funds for this important project depends on Region communities honoring their funding obligations  already forged through interlocal agreements.

Matching funds only flow to communities willing to pledge investments in themselves.

"If we can willy-nilly break our commitments when we sign contracts, then we can just forget about bonding (for the commuter rail extension)," Indiana House Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, said recently. "You might find somebody to buy them, but if they do, you're going to pay junk bond rates."

We agree with the remarks of Soliday, who sponsored the House measure to hold Northwest Indiana communities to their pledged South Shore obligations.

More importantly, it's imperative for the state to quash attempts by local government to break legally binding contracts.

What message does it send to any vendors or other entities considering business in Northwest Indiana if the precedent of ditching contract obligations is allowed to stand?

Our Region would be closed for business if such a practice were allowed to fester and spread. Government entities attempting to renege on contracts are no different than citizen scofflaws attempting to avoid tax obligations.

The joint House-Senate conference committee should work out any remaining differences on the revenue-intercept bill and get it back to both chambers for final approval and then a gubernatorial signature.

It's an important course correction for any community presuming to turn its back on contractual obligations.
You must give Rich James credit for one thing. He's consistent  always wrong.

I am a retired Indiana teacher. For years I was forced to pay a "representation fee," not only to the local union but also to the Indiana State Teachers Association and the National Education Association. This fee was only a few dollars less than the regular dues. How did they "represent" me? By giving large sums of money to politicians I despised. But that is fine with James as long as the politicians are Democrats.

The NEA is not interested in education. It is interested in power.

If unions are really looking out for their members, it should not be necessary to force the workers to join. They will do so in their own interest.

No one, including teachers and James, should be forced to pay tribute to hold a job.

Someone should tell James that the age of lords, masters and serfs is over.

Joy B. Etcheson, South Haven
CHICAGO  A 19-year-old man charged with murder in the likely gang-related killings of four men on Chicago's South Side had lost his father in another shooting a day earlier in the same neighborhood, police said Wednesday.

Maurice Harris faces four counts of first-degree murder in the March 30 slayings in the South Shore neighborhood, Chicago police said. Harris was arrested Tuesday, police said. It wasn't immediately clear whether he has a lawyer who can comment on his behalf.

Two of his alleged victims were found shot to death inside the restaurant, a third was found outside and a fourth was found a block away. They included two brothers whose mother worked at the restaurant.

The deaths were part of gun violence in South Shore that left seven people dead in a 12-hour period. Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said last week that the shootings were mostly due to gang conflict.

Commander Brendan Deenihan said Harris is the son of Jerry Jacobs, 37, who was shot March 29 about a mile away from the restaurant. Deenihan said less than "24 hours later, his own son goes and kills four people."

Following the deaths, Johnson promised a heavy and aggressive police presence in South Shore, saying coordinated police operations would target the people who are driving the violence.

The Cook County medical examiner's office identified the victims as brothers Raheem and Dillon Jackson, ages 19 and 20 respectively, and 28-year-old Emmanuel Stokes. The fourth was identified as Edwin Davis, 32.

According to police, Stokes and Davis were found dead inside the Nadia Fish and Chicken restaurant, Dillon Jackson was found outside and Raheem Jackson was found slumped against a tree a block away.

Jacksons' grandmother, Georgia Jackson, has said the two had gone to the restaurant to get food and to see their mother, who had worked there for several years. She said their mother called to tell her about the shooting.
WARSAW, Ind.  A northern Indiana sheriff accused of giving special privileges to a jail inmate in exchange for $40,000 has agreed to plead guilty to an intimidation charge in a deal with prosecutors.

Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine reached the plea deal on Wednesday, which was when his trial on bribery and other counts was to begin. In exchange for pleading guilty to the felony charge, prosecutors agreed to drop nine other charges.

The judge scheduled a May 23 sentencing hearing, during which he'll decide whether to accept Rovenstine's guilty plea. If the plea is accepted, the Republican sheriff could get six months to 2-1/2 years in prison, but the judge also could reduce it to a misdemeanor conviction. Rovenstine also would automatically lose his job under state law.

Rovenstine was indicted last year on charges alleging that he accepted $40,000 to allow special privileges for a jail inmate and a visitor, including permitting unrecorded phone calls that prosecutors said were meant to hinder punishment of the inmate. He also was accused of intimidating a Warsaw police detective who became suspicious of Rovenstine's activities.

Prosecutors told reporters after Wednesday's court session that they couldn't discuss their reasons for dropping the other charges, including bribery, assisting a criminal and official misconduct.

"I think reason has won out in this case," said Matt Sarber, one of the special prosecutors from Marshall County handing the case. "The state is satisfied with the resolution."

Defense attorney Jennifer Lukemeyer said accepting the plea deal was "absolutely" a difficult decision, but declined further comment.

Rovenstine was elected sheriff in 2014 after previously holding the position from 1998 through 2006.

The indictment against Rovenstine alleged he took the bribes from a man jailed on charges of cocaine dealing and criminal gang activity. The indictment said the sheriff allowed unrecorded and unsupervised visits and phone calls between the inmate and a man, both of whom have been charged with intimidating multiple people, including threats to beat or kill the victims and their families.
NEW YORK - The accused Chelsea bomber is trying to get his trial moved out of the city.

Lawyers for Ahmad Khan Rahimi say he would get a fairer trial in Burlington, Vermont.

They say expert analysis shows media coverage of his case is far heavier in Manhattan.

Police say Rahimi planted two pressure cooker bombs in Manhattan back in September.

Thirty people were injured when one of them went off on 23rd Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.

He was captured and injured two days later in a police shootout in Linden, New Jersey.

His Manhattan federal trial is scheduled for October.
NEW YORK - Amtrak says full service for all trains traveling through Penn Station will return Friday.

The agency says crews have been working around the clock since Monday's derailment of a New Jersey Transit train.

Amtrak, LIRR and New Jersey Transit operated on modified schedules as crews made repairs all week.

The MTA canceled 16 rush hour trains out of Penn Station Thursday, and several NJ Transit trains stopped at Hoboken.

The agency says the derailment occured Monday, when the NJ Transit train went over a weakened wooden crosstie under an Amtrak-owned track, causing it to split.

On Wednesday, the MTA, NJ Transit and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie slammed Amtrak, saying the agency was not working quickly enough.

The railway says it also feels like it dropped the ball.

"It's our job to make sure that all of the passengers, both on Amtrak and on our commuter partners, can travel safely and reliably. We know we let them down, quite frankly," said Charles Moorman, CEO of Amtrak.

Amtrak says problems with its tracks were the cause of both this week's derailment and last month's derailment of an Acela Express train.
NEW YORK - The future of the Second Avenue subway could be in jeopardy under President Donald Trump's new $1 trillion infrastructure plan.

In an interview with the New York Times, President Trump said he wasn't sure if it includes money for an expansion, or the proposed train tunnel under the Hudson River.

It will cost $14 billion to extend the Second Avenue line.

The MTA has set aside one billion dollars to bring it into East Harlem.

Meanwhile, lawmakers insist federal funding is necessary to build the Hudson Rail Tunnel between the city and New Jersey.

It would help clear up congestion along the Eastern Corridor.

Trump tells the paper he will look at both projects and submit them to a not-yet-formed commission.

He is also considering attaching the infrastructure plan to a revived version of his failed healthcare overhaul, in order to win bipartisan support.
Mayor Bill de Blasio is getting a challenge from the left; police reform activist Bob Gangi is jumping into the mayor's race. But his entry may do little to shake up the sleepy race, in which de Blasio has the upper hand. NY1 political report Grace Rauh has the story.

Democrat and police reformer Bob Gangi is entering the mayor's race with an agenda that directly questions Mayor de Blasio's progressive bona-fides.



At the top of his list? A call to end broken-windows policing, in which police officers crack down on low-level offenses, like turnstile jumping.

"These practices are blatantly racist, deeply inhumane, and they should stop," Gangi said.

Gangi says he will fight for smaller class sizes in schools and free tuition for CUNY students from low- and middle-income families.

"De Blasio has failed to follow through on his progressive agenda," Gangi said.

But it is not just the mayor's lefty credentials that Gangi is attacking.

"I was born and raised here. I've always lived here," Gangi said. "I eat pizza with my hands. I root for home teams."

De Blasio grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is a Red Sox fan.

But while Gangi's policy plans may be more fleshed-out than other mayoral hopefuls, he is a long-shot candidate at best.

"We're going to take a page out of Beyonce's book, and we're going take a lemon and make it lemonade," Gangi said.

His kick-off outside police headquarters had a homespun quality. "I only want softball questions," he said. "Indicate if it's a softball."

At one point, a song playing on his own phone interrupted his event. "Sorry. That's music. Just kill it," he said to one of his staff members.

A spokesman for the mayor's campaign said: "Mayor de Blasio expanded pre-k for every 4-year-old and raised wages for tens of thousands of workers. Crime is at record lows, jobs are at a record high, and New York City is building affordable housing at a record pace. That is the Mayor's record, and one that New Yorkers are rallying around."

The mayoral field may be getting more crowded, but so far no one has emerged as a serious threat to de Blasio.
NZEI backs calls for Govt action to include every child

6 April 2017





NZEI Te Riu Roa is backing calls for Government action on inclusive education as evidence mounts that it is denying disabled and higher needs children the vital support they need to learn.





The Education For All (EFA) petition is being handed to MPs today.





The petition calls on the Government to meet its obligations to uphold the human rights of disabled children and others to have their specific learning needs met so they can access a full education.





Every Kiwi child has the right to a great public education but the Government has effectively rationed the support available to kids, meaning some are being denied that basic right, said Mark Potter, NZEI Executive member and Wellington primary school principal.





"This year the Government froze the operations grant, out of which schools pay teachers aides and other support staff, which has led schools to drop support staff hours or hike parent donations to cope.





"Meanwhile, Education Ministry staffing caps for specialist services like speech, language and behavioural therapy are seeing kids waiting months for the help they need.





"Its totally unacceptable that in a country like New Zealand some children are being effectively denied the help they need to learn.





Just last week Northland Principal Pat Newman warned that schools would soon be forced to suspend children with behavioural problems caused by foetal alcohol syndrome and other disorders because, without extra support, many were a danger to themselves and others.





"If the Government knows that children are missing out on an education because it is starving schools of resources, then it has an obligation to act," Mr Potter said.
LOS ANGELES  Federal authorities on Wednesday raided a Los Angeles-area business suspected of cheating the U.S. government visa program to obtain green cards for wealthy Chinese investors.

Investigators searched the office of the California Investment Immigration Fund in San Gabriel as part of the fraud investigation.

Under a U.S. government program, foreign investors who commit at least half a million dollars to job-creating projects in designated areas can apply to obtain green cards.

The California fund sought green cards for more than 100 Chinese investors for construction projects that were never built, according to federal court filings.

As a result of the fraudulent scheme, many foreign nationals were able to improperly obtain U.S. green cards through the EB-5 visa program, even though those foreigners did not in fact truly invest in U.S. businesses, nor were new American jobs created, FBI Special Agent Gary Chen wrote in the papers.

Chen also wrote that some of the $50 million raised through the scheme was refunded to investors while their immigration applications were pending or used to buy personal homes for Victoria Chan, an attorney, and her father Tat Chan, who ran the fund.

In some instances, the fund fronted the money for people who were not legitimate investors, he wrote.

In addition, at least three investors who obtained green cards through the program were fugitives wanted by the Chinese government, Chen wrote.

A message left at the funds office seeking comment was not immediately returned. Multiple email messages were sent to addresses for Victoria Chan.

The company claims on its website to focus on developing hotels, retail, mixed-use residential and senior living facilities.

No charges were filed Wednesday and no arrests were expected, said Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokeswoman.

The investigation dates back at least four years, when Homeland Security investigators looked into one of the listed project sites. The site appeared the same a few months ago and no construction permits had been pulled, Chen wrote.

The probe in California comes as U.S. lawmakers weigh proposed changes to the visa program that has grown popular among wealthy foreigners seeking to move to the U.S. but faces widespread criticism amid allegations of fraud and misuse.

The EB-5 program, which began more than two decades ago, lets foreigners pool their investments through so-called regional centers aimed at boosting economic growth in exchange for green cards.

As of last year, more than 800 centers had been approved to participate in the program, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Critics say many of the investments purportedly aimed at assisting poor areas of the U.S. have instead wound up going to projects in more affluent neighborhoods.

In addition, programs in Vermont, South Dakota and elsewhere have been wracked by fraud scandals. Earlier this year, a man who once ran South Dakotas program was sentenced to probation and a fine after striking a deal with federal prosecutors.
Orange Coast College does not discriminate based on ethnicity, sexual orientation and a slew of other factors. Some students want this added to the list: political affiliation and ideological beliefs.

The schools College Republicans asked the Coast Community College District on Wednesday, April 5, to amend its discrimination statement to add the additional protection in the wake of a controversy involving the club and an instructor who was secretly videotaped while making anti-Donald Trump comments.

The request comes at a time when controversies over free-speech issues on college campuses have become more frequent, with students blocking speakers they dont like and administrators in some universities confining open speech to small areas.

This is not a left or right issue. This is a common sense solution to a problem which springs from extremist partisan feelings from either side of the political spectrum against the other, Joshua Recalde-Martinez, an OCC College Republicans leader, told trustees.

Rob Schneiderman, president of the faculty union, said the districts community colleges already provide students with the ability to report faculty, staff and other students for violating policies. To add political affiliations as a protected class of citizens seems like a big government, nanny state solution that will invite lawsuits and regulation, he said.

Harsh criticism of a politician  is not discrimination, Schneiderman said. Surely, this current generation can listen to political statements they disagree with and not claim discrimination.

During a meeting that threatened to get rowdy at times with cries from the audience, mostly in support of the College Republicans, the conservative students asked trustees for several things, including a system that makes it easier to report misconduct and record perceived misconduct.

The request that drew the most comments from the audience of more than 100 students, community members and faculty, however, revolved around OCCs recent selection of instructor Olga Perez Stable Cox as faculty member of the year. The College Republicans asked the trustees to denounce her selection and call for a new campuswide election to select someone for the honor.

Students, instructors and other community members argued for and against Cox, a human sexuality instructor who was secretly recorded last December calling Trumps election an act of terrorism.

A 10-member committee selected her for the honor only a month after the college lifted its two-month suspension of the student who made the video clips that went viral online.

Faculty member of the year? You gotta be kidding me, said resident Vaughn Becht.

Costa Mesa resident Glenn Woody said a teacher of the year would be one who promotes spirited and calm debate and promotes both sides  all without letting anyone in the room know what their personal views are on the issue.

Cox has accepted the honor of faculty Colleague of the Year and this is a settled matter, Lee Gordon, president of the OCC Academic Senate, told the board.

After the video clips of Cox last December, the community college was embroiled in the controversy for months, garnering national attention, particularly from conservative pundits. At one point, Cox and her partner temporarily left their home because of threats.

The controversy continued last month when Recalde-Martinez, until recently the president of the College Republicans, was the target of graffiti across campus, calling him and the club fascists.

As for their latest requests, the College Republicans have the backing of Orange Countys GOP.

As a former California College Republican State Chair, I know personally what its like to defend free speech on campus and protect the rights of conservative students, Orange County Republican Party Chairman Fred Whitaker said in a statement this week.

Trustees took no action following the speakers comments Wednesday night. Board President David Grant said after the meeting that the College Republicans ought to have first sought changes through the college instead of coming directly to the trustees.

Theres a process to do things, Grant said in a brief interview.
SANTA ANA A Fullerton police officer accused of filing a false report that contradicted body camera footage pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.

Miguel Siliceo, 51, of Anaheim was charged with one felony count of false report by a peace officer after prosecutors said he logged a report stating a man was resisting arrest when body camera footage from other officers at the scene showed otherwise.

If convicted, he faces up to three years in jail.

Siliceos attorney, Michael Schwartz, on Wednesday said the evidence is based solely on the video footage, which doesnt show the entire incident.

The video is a small piece of the whole picture, he said.

Prosecutors said Siliceo was on patrol with his partner in downtown Fullerton in 2015, when he arrested a man for resisting arrest.

Prosecutors said they relied on Siliceos report when they charged the man with one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, but a later review of body camera footage did not corroborate Siliceos arrest report.

Prosecutors dropped charges against the man and filed criminal charges against Siliceo.

Siliceo, who joined the Fullerton Police Department in 2006, was placed on paid administrative leave in October, pending the investigation, officials said.

The department is doing an internal affairs review and has declined to comment further on the case.

Schwartz said Siliceo previously served as an officer with the Tustin Police Department.
A plan to use open space at the site of a 75-foot wide former Navy railroad spur into a parking storage area for a local car dealer has residents from the northern edge of Huntington Beach in an uproar.

A standing-room-only crowd of about 60 residents crowded into a room at City Hall for a Zoning Administrator Meeting to air their grievance. The residents spent nearly 90 minutes detailing their complaints that would take a weed-strewn, gravelly stretch of open land between Rancho Road and Springdale Street, and turn it into a off-site parking/storage area for up to 900 cars for local dealerships.

Because of the volume of response, Zoning Administrator Ricky Ramos said a decision would be continued until Wednesday, April 18, to give the applicant and staff more time to review complaints and concerns, and possibly revise the proposal.

Despite its unkempt state, resident Dan Jamieson said in an area with little open space, this precious little rail spur that all of us enjoy, gives us respite from city life.

Kellee Fritzal, deputy director for economic development, served as the applicant for the car dealers that would use the site. Fritzal said the city was working on a long-term plan to build a parking structure for local car dealers, but that could take 3-5 years to complete.

According to Fritzal, the city accepted the land with the intention of making it part of a regional trail system, but lacks the money to pay for that right now.

She added that city would be paid $500,000 for the use of the land over five years and that money would be dedicated to the trail project. Additionally, a 14-foot wide strip of land would be left open for bikers, walkers and runners to pass through. The storage area would be fenced off with a green-screen.

We think this is a win-win, she said.

The rail spur cuts between a residential tract to the north, with 59 homes that have their fence-line against the open space, and industrial parks to the south.

Residents brought up a litany of concerns, including noise, dust, traffic, crime, safety, home devaluation and  what several felt  were violations of zoning restrictions and California Environmental Quality Act guidelines.

Several residents said they feel like orphans that the city doesnt embrace, and wondered why their area was selected over open space much closer to the dealers.

They used words and terms like insanity, blackmail, and insult to injury to describe their treatment.

Several residents with real estate and appraisal backgrounds said not only would a storage area depress home values, but could affect homebuyers ability to get insurance or home loans.

Jamieson said he has already gathered more than 100 signatures from residents against the proposal, and after the meeting resident Brian Waldbaum told Fritzal he and residents would fight the project at every step.

Jamieson held little hope for an easy solution.

Money talks in this town and I know the city has a long and undistinguished career in favoring developmental interests.
In a semi-packed City Council chambers Wednesday, April 5, Costa Mesa officials outlined the citys implementation process and oversight of a voter-approved medical marijuana measure to residents and potential business applicants.

Nearly 70 people were given an overview of the six-step application process, proposed fees and permits needed to operate medical marijuana businesses allowed under Measure X.

The city-sponsored measure was approved in November by 54.6 percent of Costa Mesa voters and allows the businesses to operate in an industrial zone north of the I-405 and west of Harbor Boulevard.

Under the measures terms, medical marijuana businesses may conduct research, manufacturing, testing, transportation and wholesale distribution of medical marijuana products. Dispensaries and retail sales are not allowed.

Prospective business will pay an annual tax of up to 6 percent, which is expected to generate $48,000 to $912,000 in revenue.

Most people at the meeting were concerned about fees and the lengthy approval process, which could take several months due to long wait times to obtain permits and for state and federal background check results to come back.

We didnt really have an anecdote frame of reference that we could say Hey look at what this city is doing over here, Assistant City Manager Rick Francis said. We basically had to create this from scratch.

Total fees will range $50,000 to $55,000 for each business, Francis said, adding that the expenditures are meant to help the city recover its costs.

No amounts were given, but the city staffers are expected to recommend several fees to the City Council at its April 18 meeting.

Historically, Costa Mesas fees are exorbitantly low, Francis said.

After applications are submitted to the city, background checks will be conducted on the principals of prospective businesses, followed by a request for a conditional use permit, which can take up to 12 weeks to obtain.

The process could take longer depending on the complexity of the backgrounds checks and if improvements need to be made on the business property.

The Planning Commission will review each CUP, which is awarded on a discretionary basis, before making a decision. Denials can be appealed to the City Council, which has the final say on who gets approved.

The city does not have a threshold for the maximum number of operators allowed, Francis said.

Once established, the businesses will have to renew its business permit every two years and obtain a new business license annually.

In addition, the city will conduct code enforcement checks and a third party, Diamond Bar-based HdL Companies, will oversee annual financial audits.

As part of the oversight, we will conduct quarterly compliance checks to make sure of the regulatory stuff; to make sure theft and diversion of the product or anything illegal isnt going on, said David McPherson, the cannabis compliance director for HdL Companies.

Medical marijuana business employees will also be required to wear city-issued ID badges at all times.

Francis said hes spoken to about a dozen medical marijuana businesses interested in doing business in the city.

Santa Ana marijuana dispensary owner Robert Taft, who abandoned his own marijuana measure in favor of the citys, said the application process is beneficial to the business owners.

Here theyre having us do background checks right up front, so you know right now who passes and who didnt, he said.

He said he plans to apply by May.

The city anticipates rolling out the application process 45 days after the council approves a set of fees.
The Monday after the Memorial Day weekend in 2010 started out as a typical day at Fountain Valley High.

Marci McLean-Crawford, in her first year as nurse at the school, was keeping busy as the lunch hour was ending.

Suddenly, several students came in, saying their friend wasnt feeling well.

McLean-Crawford stuck her head out the door and saw freshman Michael Luong, moaning and vomiting.

I took his vitals and made the assessment this wasnt a typical sick kid, she recalled.

Luong was in the operating room 30 minutes after McLean-Crawford first encountered him, and doctors have told her that the quick actions of all likely saved the boys life.

Because of that, McLean-Crawford is a finalist for Americas Greatest Nurse, a contest sponsored by Pfizer.

Luong, who is now at Orange Coast College, said he nominated her after learning about the contest.

I was on winter break, Luong says. I asked myself, Why not? She did a lot for me.

McLean-Crawford still recalls her actions the day Leong got sick. She said she and her assistant quickly called 911 and his parents.

He became less and less responsive, she said, and when paramedics arrived his heart rate bottomed out.

Luong doesnt remember anything from that day. But he was in a coma for nine days after emergency surgery. He had suffered a bleeding of an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, a congenital disorder of blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord. The attack is similar to a stroke.

McLean-Crawford said she remembers only occasional interactions with Luong after his injury. Luong has different memories.

I talked to her a lot, he said. She helped me in finding extra time for my SAT, since I still have trouble with certain words.

That Luong thought of her was touching to McLean-Crawford, who still works at Fountain Valley High.

Just to be nominated was, Wow. Thank you, she said. Just to be a finalist is overwhelming.

Anyone interested can vote once a day through April 16 for a finalist at americasgreatestschoolnurse.com.

Winners will be offered a free family trip  McLean-Crawford said she would likely take hers to Disney World or Washington, D.C.

More important to her, she said, is that her story serves as an object lesson to the importance of having school nurses at all schools.

Huntington Beach Union High School is one of very few that has a nurse full-time in every school, she said.

And in this case, it may just have saved a life.
Dane Gudauskas has no problem admitting his nerves were high as he tucked into what he calls one of the best waves of his life  a 20-footer the size of a building, a curtain of blue folding over him as he raced through the barrel.

I was scared. I was definitely scared, said the San Clemente surfer of the wave he caught last May in Fiji at Cloudbreak, which gets renamed Thundercloud when the surf turns massive.

That wave caught the eye of experts who voted the wave one of the best barrels of the year, and earned Gudauskas a nomination for the coveted Tube Ride of the Year at the World Surf League Big Wave Awards. The April 29 event in Huntington Beach showcases the heaviest, scariest, most death-defying rides around the world.

Gudauskas is one of two Orange County surfers selected for their big-wave prowess, along with fellow San Clemente surfer and big-wave veteran Greg Long, who made the short list of surfers from around the world who can tackle monster waves and live to tell about it.

Its all about doing it for the love, said Gudauskas, 31. To be nominated is a nice little cherry on top.

The invite-only event at the Pasea Hotel in Huntington Beach hands out awards in seven categories, including Ride of the Year, Biggest Wave, Best Female Performance  and the list no one wants to be on but generates the most excitement  the Biggest Wipeout. In total, about $350,000 in prize money is given to winning surfers.

The wave Gudauskas caught wasnt easily earned, with strong winds that made finding just the right spot to paddle into a challenge.

I knew I had to come in really hard on the paddle, he said. I had to trust my experience, commit hard and get under the hood and make the drop. It was beautiful, it was so vibrant and blue. It was really a thrilling ride.

If Gudauskas wins, he gets to go home with a $10,000 check. Its his first time on the list of nominees, who will be coming into Orange County from around the world for the event.

Ive gone to support friends  Ive always been a cheerleader, he said.

And if Gudauskas is selected from this list of five surfers up for the same award, Pat Stacy, the photographer who captured the moment, could nab $5,000 of his own.

Stacy started taking images of the three Gudauskas brothers  Dane, Pat and Tanner  when they were all teens, before they turned pro. Pat and Tanner are still active in the contest circuit, while Dane focused on his career as a freesurfer who travels the world scouting out big waves.

When Stacy lost his job at a surfwear company about a year ago and was struggling, Dane Gudauskas invited him on the trip to Fiji to shoot.

That photo is super special to me, because Dane is one of the people who have kept me and my family above water, said Stacy, who just had his second child. Its turned a scary situation into a best-case scenario.

While the prize money is a nice perk, being able to capture the image of his friend is an even greater gift, he said.

Money and awards are cool, but to have that with Dane, to win that together would be really special, said Stacy, of San Juan Capistrano.

Long, a veteran big-wave surfer, joins Gudauskas on the nominees list this year. Long is no stranger to the awards, having twice won the Ride of the Year honor. Last year, he earned the title of Big Wave World Champion.

This year, he is nominated for the Overall Performance Award, which comes with a $20,000 prize.

Photographs and videos of all the nominated rides can be viewed at worldsurfleague.com/bigwave.

Contact the writer: lconnelly@scng.com
LAKE FOREST  A man in his 50s was airlifted out of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park after he suffered a health problem while hiking on the Billy Goat Trail shortly before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, authorities said.

The man, who has an undisclosed medical condition, was unable to hike out of the park in Lake Forest, so firefighters brought in a paramedic on an Orange County Fire Authority helicopter, fire Capt. Larry Kurtz said.

He had to be extracted by helicopter because the trail was too narrow for ground units to transport him to an ambulance, he said.

The man was flown to the helipad at the Oakley corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, where he was transferred to an ambulance and taken to the hospital.

He is expected to fully recover, Kurtz said.
BEIRUT  Chemical weapons have killed hundreds of people since the start of Syrias civil war, with the U.N. blaming three attacks on the Syrian government and a fourth on the Islamic State group.

Syrian rebels and opposition activists say pro-government forces have used chemical weapons and bombs containing chlorine on numerous occasions. They say a chemical weapons attack on a town in northern Syria on Tuesday killed dozens of people. The Syrian government has denied ever using such weapons.

Here is a timeline of events related to chemical weapons use in Syria.

Aug. 20, 2012: U.S. President Barack Obama says the use of chemical weapons would be a red line that would change his calculus on intervening in the civil war and have enormous consequences.

March 19, 2013: The Syrian government and opposition trade accusations over a gas attack that killed some 26 people, including more than a dozen government soldiers, in the town of Khan al-Assal in northern Syria. A U.N. investigation later finds that sarin nerve gas was used, but does not identify a culprit.

Aug. 21, 2013: Hundreds of people suffocate to death in rebel-held suburbs of the Syrian capital, with many suffering from convulsions, pinpoint pupils, and foaming at the mouth. U.N. investigators visit the sites and determine that ground-to-ground missiles loaded with sarin were fired on civilian areas while residents slept. The U.S. and others blame the Syrian government, the only party to the conflict known to have sarin gas.

Aug. 31, 2013: Obama says he will go to Congress for authorization to carry out punitive strikes against the Syrian government, but appears to lack the necessary support in the legislature.

Sept. 27, 2013: The U.N. Security Council orders Syria to account for and destroy its chemical weapons stockpile, following a surprise agreement between Washington and Moscow, averting U.S. strikes. The Security Council threatens to authorize the use of force in the event of non-compliance.

Oct. 14, 2013: Syria becomes a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, prohibiting it from producing, stockpiling, or using chemical weapons.

June 23, 2014: The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says it has removed the last of the Syrian governments chemical weapons. Syrian opposition officials maintain that the governments stocks were not fully accounted for, and that it retained supplies.

Aug. 7, 2015: The U.N. Security Council authorizes the OPCW and U.N. investigators to probe reports of chemical weapons use in Syria, as reports circulate of repeated chlorine gas attacks by government forces against civilians in opposition-held areas. Chlorine gas, though not as toxic as nerve agents, can be classified as a chemical weapon depending on its use.

Aug. 24, 2016: The joint OPCW-U.N. panel determines the Syrian government twice used helicopters to deploy chlorine gas against its opponents, in civilian areas in the northern Idlib province. A later report holds the government responsible for a third attack. The attacks occurred in 2014 and 2015. The panel also finds that the Islamic State group used mustard gas.

Feb. 28, 2017: Russia, a stalwart ally of the Syrian government, and China veto a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing sanctions against the Syrian government for chemical weapons use.

April 4, 2017: At least 58 people are killed in what doctors say could be a nerve gas attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in the rebel-held Idlib province. Victims show signs of suffocation, convulsions, foaming at the mouth, and pupil constriction. Witnesses say the attack was carried out by either Russian or Syrian Sukhoi jets. Moscow and Damascus deny responsibility.
LAKE FOREST More than a month after some residents asked if Mayor Scott Voigts had a conflict of interest in working for Irvine Mayor Don Wagner, an attorney hired by the city said that Voigts had no conflict.

Morgan Foley, with La Mesa-based McDougal Love Boehmer Foley Lyon & Canlas, told the City Council and staff members Tuesday night that the law firm had found no evidence of any legal conflicts of interest for Voigts through his work with the city of Irvine.

Foley said the firm researched different avenues, but concluded Voigts may continue to serve in public office while working simultaneously as the executive assistant to the Irvine mayor.

Theres nothing that leads us to believe there is a reason for the mayor to be disqualified and step down from his position as mayor or council member, including the analysis of the Lake Forest leadership principles that were provided to us, Foley said.

Voights said at the meeting that his loyalty is, and always will be to Lake Forest.

I take pride in our city and were extremely blessed, Voigts said. I take my role as an elected official and as the mayor very seriously.

The city paid the firm $3,600 to investigate the matter because Wagner was recently hired at Best, Best & Krieger, the same firm that employs Lake Forest City Attorney Matthew Richardson, according to the staff report.

Voigts is not the first Lake Forest elected official to hold another position with a governing agency while in serving the city. Former mayor Mark Tettemer worked for Irvine Ranch Water District, a direct supplier of water to the city, and another former mayor, Helen Wilson, worked as an administrative assistant in the city managers office in Aliso Viejo, according to city staff.

Not long before Foley spoke about Voigts, two residents, speaking during public comments, questioned whether Councilman Jim Gardner had a conflict of interest because he had previously served on the Lake 1 Homeowners Association Board of Directors and his wife, Anne Breuer, is a current board member.

Cynthia Cantrelle asked Gardner if Breuer had any involvement in the HOAs lawsuit against the city over a dispute about the lake within the association.

Because of the lawsuit and the associations agreement with the city to maintain the water quality at the pond in Village Pond Park, Gardner has recused himself from all discussions regarding the water quality as part of the parks renovation, city staff said.

I think its hard to believe that you and your wife never talk to each other about the HOA lawsuit with the city, Cantrell said.

She also accused Breuer of being a proxy for Gardner so he could stay involved with the HOA.

Gardner denied that claim and said he was open to a city investigation on the matter.

Councilman Andrew Hamilton said an investigation seemed fair because there was an investigation into Voigts.

City staff will bring back a report to the City Council, but no timeline was discussed.

Gardner said after he was first elected, he thought he should resign because of his position with the HOA, but was told by the city attorney that he saw no conflict. He characterized the comments about his wife as insulting.

She has an exceptional record and she was elected on her own merits, Gardner said. The city is happy to investigate me if you want to, but it seems like a silly waste of time.

ANIMAL CENTER UPDATES

Dylan Wright, the new director of Orange County Community Resources, gave the City Council an update on the progress of the new Orange County Animal Care facility in Tustin and took questions from residents and council members.

Wright said the building of the new facility is on track to be completed in December, and fully functioning in January.

At the end of the discussion, City Council members asked city staff to provide monthly updated statistics for incoming and outgoing animals at the shelter and euthanasia statistics.

The reports should also include monthly licensing statistics, they said.

The council asked city staff to also include the number of animals carrying over from month to month and to add animal charge-days statistics, in which the shelter bills the city for the number of days Lake Forest animals remain in the shelter.
Police in Roy, Utah, this week released body camera footage that shows the Feb. 21 shooting death of 38-year-old Nicolas Sanchez, a former Placentia resident and convict whod been living in Utah.

A Texaco gas station convenience store clerk called officers to the shop around 10 p.m. because they believed Sanchez was behaving suspiciously, according to the Roy City Police Department.

In the roughly six-minute video, one officer can be heard asking Sanchez to come over here and talk to me. Sanchez refuses.

Again, the officer asks Sanchez to come close so they can talk, Or do you just want to be arrested right now? Its your choice, he says.

A second officer instructs Sanchez to take his hands out of his pockets.

Sanchez can be seen briefly lifting his sweatshirt to reveal his waistline and can be heard saying, I dont got nothin.

The second officer quickly reaches for his gun, points at Sanchezs baggy right pant leg pocket and says, Youve got a gun on you.

Both officers instruct Sanchez, again, to keep his hands out of his pockets as they begin to approach. Sanchez runs.

During a brief foot chase, an officer can be seen trying to tackle and restrain Sanchez. A loud pop is heard as Sanchez and the officer grapple.

Then, more than a dozen shots are fired in rapid succession. Sanchez stops struggling and both officers can be heard instructing him to not move.

In a statement released by the Roy City Police Department on Feb. 23, the agency said, During the struggle, the suspect presented a firearm and in self-defense, the officers opened fire at the suspect.

The suspect, the statement continues, has an extensive criminal background in California and Utah and was recently terminated from federal probation.

In the video, one of the officers can be heard telling others that Sanchezs gun is on the ground near his feet.

Roy City Attorney Heather White told the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper that the officer who tackled Sanchez knocked Sanchezs gun loose, then shot him with it.

The second officer opened fire because he worried Sanchez might have a second weapon, White said.

I shot him with his own gun, an officer can be heard saying to another.

We believe that the officers acted appropriately, White told the Tribune. They did what they were trained and expected to do under the circumstances.

An obituary for Sanchez says he lived in Placentia from 1978 to 2008. He relocated to Layton, Utah, and began working for Specialized Rail Service, Inc., a shipping company.

Sanchez leaves behind two teenage daughters, Mariah Sanchez and Mahalah Hernandez, both 15 and living in California, according to the obituary. Sanchezs family in Orange County could not be reached for comment.

The officers names have not been released. Both are on paid administrative leave. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
ORANGE  Watsons Soda Fountain & Cafe in Old Towne Orange was the backdrop Wednesday, April 5, for filming that will support an international charity campaign.

Hidden cameras filmed surprised  and delighted  diners all day to promote Red Nose Day, a fundraising campaign that assists children in poverty around the world.

Red Nose Day was launched in the United Kingdom by writer-director Richard Curtis through the charity Comic Relief in 1988 and launched in the United States in 2015.

To raise awareness for Red Nose Day USA  May 25 this year  the national campaign contacted Watsons to set up Wednesdays hidden camera event.

Throughout the day, customers walking into Watsons were greeted by waiters sporting round, red noses. After guests were seated, Watsons staff would offer them their own red noses, encouraging them to put them on and shout noses on! Those magic words were the signal for the entire restaurant to come alive, with everyone else donning their noses and getting up to dance and holler loud enough to be heard around the corner.

Watsons Manager Samuel Nations said participating in fun events like Tuesdays gives people a chance to feel more connected with their community while also spreading awareness of an effort that can impact people around the world.

You can feel it  through your veins, through your heart and just in general  that there are bunch of people who are here for the cause, Nations said. Its amazing. It makes you feel like you can make a difference just by agreeing to have them film the skit here.

Kirsten Hoj and her mother, Kim Hoj, were visiting from Ojai to tour Chapman University when they chanced upon Watsons just in time for lunch.

The pair were startled by the party that broke out the instant they tried on their noses.

There was just this big, festive, energetic moment, Kirsten Hoj said. Everyone erupted in applause, this dancer did a lift  it was all really cool.

Kim Hoj is a teacher at Nordhoff High School in Ojai and said her experience at Watsons encouraged her to consider getting her own students involved in the campaign.

I think anything that the arts can do to bring attention to social issues and social justice topics, Im all for it, Hoj said.

Footage from Tuesdays special event will be shared on social media later this month, announcing the kick-off of this years campaign. Once the video is live, Walgreens stores around the nation will start selling red noses  purchases support the fundraiser and donations will also be accepted through rednoseday.org.

Proceeds from Red Nose Day support groups such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Childrens Health Fund, Feeding America, Covenant House and other projects around the world.

Walking away from the restaurant, red nose in hand, Orange resident Erin Davis said seeing the room explode with energy as soon as she put on her nose was a fun surprise  and it encouraged her to support a cause she might otherwise not have known much about, she said.

Its fun to see such an important cause being celebrated in your own back yard, Davis said. Seeing a global charity and such a global event brought home is pretty cool.
Naturalist Joel Robinson is one of the Silverado Canyon residents who opposed the demolition of Silverado Creek dams along Maple Springs Road. Four of the five dams were demolished. Robinson talked about the dam sites as he stood on Maple Springs Road on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Naturalist Joel Robinson opposed the demolition of Silverado Creek dams along Maple Springs Road. He visited the dam sites in Silverado Canyon on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

I was in shock, said naturalist Joel Robinson, recalling his reaction to the dams being destroyed. Robinson talked about the dam sites as he stood on Maple Springs Road in Silverado Canyon on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer,Orange County Register/SCNG)

Naturalist Joel Robinson is one of the Silverado Canyon residents who opposed the demolition of Silverado Creek dams along Maple Springs Road. Four of the five dams were demolished. Robinson stands in a pool of water beneath dam number five. in Silverado Canyon, CA on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer,Orange County Register/SCNG)

Residents of Silverado Canyon opposed the demolition of Silverado Creek dams along Maple Springs Road. Some of the residents held a meeting at the Modjeska Fire Station on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Residents of Silverado Canyon opposed the demolition of Silverado Creek dams along Maple Springs Road. Four of the five dams were demolished. Residents were able to stop the destruction of dam number five. Some of the residents held a meeting at the Modjeska Fire Station in Silverado Canyon, CA on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer,Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Forest Service recently demolished four of five dams along Silverado Creek in an effort, in part, to restore steelhead trout like this one from nearby San Mateo Creek. In 1999 the California Fish and Game Department was surveying San Mateo Creek for the trout. (File, Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Relations between the United States Forest Service and canyon residents generally are good, sometimes strained  but never awful.

Until now.

Ordering military-grade explosives to destroy old creek dams and ruin popular swimming holes loved by generations of locals as well as visitors will do that.

Forest Service officials failing to show up as advertised at community meetings doesnt help.

Earlier this week, 40 residents gathered in the volunteer fire station at Modjeska Canyon to try and understand why forest officials  and I am not making this up  called in the Marine Corps a few weeks ago to blow up a series of small dams.

But as locals shared tacos and chips before the meeting, a rumor circulated that District Ranger Darrell Vance canceled saying that a Forest Service biologist was unavailable. The rumor turned out to be true.

Theres a very, very, very low trust level, Linda May, Inter-Canyon League president, told the crowd about relations with the Forest Service after the no-show.

May wasnt complaining, nor was she casting aspersions. The president for the nonprofit community organization simply speaks plainly.

Of demonstrators who promised to block Marines from marching along Silverado Creek and then backed off when tensions escalated the morning of March 31, May called the protest a noble effort.

Contacted Wednesday evening, Vance said he talked to May on the telephone for an hour before the meeting. He added he sent an email the day before the meeting stating that staff was stretched thin because of fire season training and experts who needed to attend the meeting might not make it.

As residents sat in the cavernous fire station on folding metal chairs in the cool of the evening, May said that Vance did go on record saying he would save two of the dams.

Due to a reported miscommunication between the Forest Service and the Marine Corps, a total of four dams were destroyed. In a complicated series of events, originally five were slated to be blown up, then it was reportedly scaled back to two.

When the main dam was blown up, May said, it was a shock.

May also questioned Forest Service statements that residents several years ago were notified of plans to ultimately destroy five dams. Does anybody remember that? I never got any notification.

One resident recalled reading something in a newspaper. Other residents shook their heads.

Vance on Wednesday said the process of removing the dams began four years ago and that residents, the Inter-Canyon League and others were notified.

Its our mission to create the ecological restoration, Vance said. This has taken years of work by several different people. Theres a mandate for us to complete the process.

Reasons for blowing up the dams  a program also conducted in Holy Jim Canyon along Trabuco Creek  also remain under debate.

The Forest Service says the goal is to restore the creeks to their natural state, to nurture flora and fauna and to return steelhead trout to the area.

Naturalist and activist Joel Robinson called the plan for trout to make their way up Silverado Canyon just weird. He pointed out two of the many obstacles include the giant Villa Park and Irvine Lake dams.

Susan Hardy, a dental hygienist who attended the meeting, said her friends in high school used to cool off in the natural pools and mourned the loss of what for decades has been an enduring reminder of halcyon days for outside visitors as well.

The swimming holes are very near and dear to a lot of us.

Others in the tight-knit canyon community echoed Hardy, sharing old and new memories of lazy days hanging out at the deep, often turquoise canyon pools carved by water cascading from the small U-shaped dams.

Hours before Tuesdays meeting, I explored the exploded dams that are believed to date back to the 1930s and were rebuilt in 1972. Robinson, who lives in Ladd Canyon, part of the Silverado Creek watershed, agreed to join me.

A barefoot runner who favors a shaggy beard, Huck Finn straw hat, T-shirt and shorts, Robinson reminds me of a new-age John Muir. He studied at Saddleback, has worked for or with nearly every wilderness organization in Orange County and conducts his own tours into the backcountry.

We made our way through green bushes to one of the untouched remaining dams. Water gently cascaded down into a swimming hole about 25-by-25 feet. Robinson strolled into the water, the suns rays sending gold ripples across the surface.

Cleaned up since the last time I was in this spot, the moment felt cleansing with birds and bullfrogs creating a gentle symphony.

We visited three of the destroyed dams. Violence cried out.

I was in shock, Robinson recalled of when the dams were ripped apart. It didnt seem real.

But as we walked along, reality set in.

Trees were snapped like broken bones. Bark hung on once mighty Alders. Tree trunks were scarred with burnt-orange splotches. Embankments covered in green only a few weeks ago were nothing but bare earth.

Below a towering maple, mortar turned to dust floated atop gray pools where sluggish water was slowed by broken branches. Newly blasted rocks lay scattered, loose and sharp from the force of C4-grade explosives.

My daughter grew up here, Robinson explained, swimming these holes with her friends. He pointed to a layer of gray sludge.

The naturalist worried about compound residues in the water from the blasting. This water is our drinking water. It goes to Irvine Lake.

Vance explained the use of explosives was less intrusive than bringing in heavy machinery. He added the Marines accomplished the job at low cost and the demolition also allowed for a training exercise.

Over nearly three decades exploring our backcountry, Ive witnessed the awesome force of swollen streams uproot forests, move boulders the size of homes. Ive watched giant earthmovers carve toll roads in the wilderness. Ive seen hundreds of acres of hills tiered for development.

I get all that.

But putting my mind around calling in the Marines to blow stuff up in the Cleveland National Forest is more difficult.

Robinson says he fears the Forest Service has lost touch with the community.

Late Tuesday night, he wrote an email to dozens of residents reporting it appears the Forest Service will meet soon.

Lets hope so.

Janet Wilson, Inter-Canyon League vice president, said of the dams destroyed, The community was very upset. But she also offered an olive branch.

Traditionally, the community and the Forest Service are very good neighbors. We want to get back to this.

Vance, too, offered peace and said he is looking forward to a meeting soon. Id like to reschedule.
The California Supreme Court should grant review and conclude that Proposition 66, which seeks to speed up executions, is unconstitutional.

The initiative, which was narrowly approved by state voters in November 2016, requires that all appeals and legal challenges of a death sentence in California state courts be completed within five years. But this is unrealistic given the lack of qualified attorneys to provide representation in death cases, and it violates separation of powers by impermissibly intruding on the judicial function to ensure fairness of all proceedings.

This is why a group of constitutional law scholars, including me, joined together last week to ask the California Supreme Court to strike down Prop. 66.

Prop. 66 does not remove the major causes for the long delays in death penalty cases in California.

There is a shortage of lawyers qualified to handle these matters, so capital defendants often wait years for appointment of counsel.

Also, the unusual procedure for handling death penalty cases  they go right from the trial court to the California Supreme Court without review in the Court of Appeal  contributes greatly to the delay. The California Supreme Court has a limited docket and does not have the benefit of an intermediate appellate courts review. If Prop. 66 goes into effect, it is estimated that the California Supreme Court will need to spend about 90 percent of its time on death penalty cases, leaving little ability to handle other matters.

Separation of powers is enshrined in Californias Constitution, which says the doctrine is violated when the actions of one branch defeat or materially impair the inherent functions of another. By attempting to expedite the death penalty appeals process no matter the constitutional or human costs, Prop. 66 is a direct affront to the basic constitutional principle of separation of powers.

First, Prop. 66 imposes unreasonable mandatory time limits on the judiciary. Although the five-year limit might at first glance seem reasonable, Californias courts are already struggling to keep up with current caseloads  and death penalty cases are some of the most complex cases they hear. The courts are proceeding with these cases as expeditiously as possible under the circumstances, and imposing mandatory deadlines on the courts will not address the shortage of lawyers to argue them or judges to hear them. The delays that Prop. 66 seeks to address are not there because of inattention or improper actions by the parties in the criminal justice system.

Second, in addition to imposing these mandatory time limits on review in California state courts, Prop. 66 micromanages how courts may adjudicate capital cases. For example, the ballot measure imposes an unprecedented duty  in a capital case to expedite review of the case, which dramatically curbs the ability of a court to grant extensions of time to file appellate briefs. It does so by eliminating the usual standard that allows extensions for good cause and instead requires compelling or extraordinary reasons to justify any delay.

Under Prop. 66, if a court is not complying with the deadlines, either party or any victim of the offense may seek relief by petition for writ of mandate, which the court would be compelled to act on within 60 days of filing. Exceptions are allowed only in very narrow circumstances.

Third, Prop. 66 requires courts to find appellate lawyers to represent a death-sentenced defendant if there is a delay in the appointment of counsel, even if such lawyers would not have been deemed sufficiently experienced to handle these appeals in the past. Prop. 66 expands the pool of attorneys to handle these cases by including those without any capital, or even defense, experience, which may result in completely unqualified attorneys handling cases. This necessarily will lead to further delays when errors are made and discovered; or worse, will deprive capital defendants of their constitutional rights to effective representation.

Prop. 66 is constitutionally infirm for another reason: The California Constitution authorizes all state courts to hear habeas corpus petitions, the time-honored way in which a person can argue that he or she has been wrongly convicted or sentenced. The ballot measure greatly limits the ability of state courts to hear these habeas corpus petitions, which deprives capital defendants of their right to access the courts.

Although the legislature or the people may put reasonable restrictions upon the functioning of the courts, such restrictions must be invalidated for violating separation of powers principles when they defeat or materially impair the exercise of those functions.

The California Supreme Court should use this opportunity to invalidate Prop. 66 before its implementation erodes Californias commitment to judicial independence and risks the execution of individuals who are innocent.

Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law.
Eight Orange County Payless ShoeSource stores have been marked for closure by the bankrupt retailer, which has said it will shutter at least 400 stores across the U.S.

Payless ShoeSource, which features budget shoes, will close more than 50 stores in California, more than half of which are in Southern California.

The stores closing in Orange County are:

 Brea: Union Plaza

 Garden Grove Pavillion

 Huntington Beach:Wal MartCenter

 Santa Ana: Bristol Place

 Orange: Target Center

 Santa Ana: Bristol Marketplace

 Fullerton: Target Fullerton Shopping Center

 San Clemente: Plaza Pacifica

This is a difficult, but necessary decision, driven by the continued challenges of the retail environment, which will only intensify, Payless CEO Paul Jones said in a statement.

The company said in a statement it intended to use the Chapter 11 process to implement a comprehensive path forward to meaningfully enhance our growth profile and profitability, positioning us to continue to thrive as a sustainable business in the face of the retail industrys radical, unprecedented transformation.

The Topeka, Kansas-based retailer employs almost 22,000 people, according to its website, and has more than 4,000 stores in 30 countries, according to Bloomberg.

Many U.S. retailers have struggled to navigate changing consumer habits, including a shift to online shopping and fewer visits to the mall. In the past year, clothing chains American Apparel and Limited Stores have begun shutting down retail operations, while dressmaker BCBG Max Azria and discount chain Gordmans Stores filed for bankruptcy with plans to auction their assets. Even a behemoth like Sears Holdings Corp. has warned investors that its prospects to continue as a going concern are dimming.

Irvine-based Wet Seal filed for bankruptcy protection in February, its second time in a handful of years.

The teen retailer, founded by Lorne Huycke in Newport Beach in 1962, had 171 stores, all of which are closing. Its intellectual property has been bought for $3 million by Boston-based investment firm Gordon Brothers Brands, pending court approval.

Anaheim-based Pacific Sunwear of Californias reorganization plan was approved in September. PacSun gave its stock to affiliates of private equity firm Golden Gate Capital, its senior lender.

Huntington Beach-based Quiksilver filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2015. In October of that year, the company received court approval for a $175 million financing package with Oaktree Capital Management, which now holds a controlling interest in the company.

Aeropostale Inc. filed for bankruptcy in May. A group of buyers led by mall operators Simon Property Group Inc. and General Growth Properties Inc. announced in 2016 they would keep at least 229 of Aeropostales locations open. There were approximately 800 Aeropostale stores before it filed for bankruptcy protection.

Earlier this year The Limited filed for bankruptcy after closing down its 250 stores and shuttering its website. The company entered into an asset purchase agreement with an affiliate of private equity company Sycamore Partners. Sycamore will acquire the companys assets and intellectual property.

American Apparel has started mass layoffs as it shutters stores. The brand filed for bankruptcy twice in just over a year. Canadian clothing manufacturer Gildan Activewear is buying the company for $88 million.

Payless said in its bankruptcy filing that it had $1 billion to $10 billion in liabilities.

Other Southern California store closures are:

 Azusa: Citrus Crossing

 Bell Gardens: Sherwood Shopping Plaza

 Corona: Corona Hills Marketplace

 El Monte: 11934 Garvey Ave

 Hemet: Page Plaza

 Long Beach: 455 W Willow St

 Los Angeles: Clinging Vine Shopping Center

 Los Angeles: 2602 N Broadway

 Palmdale: The Place On 47th Street

 Palmdale: Palmdale Promenade

 Riverside: 10181 Magnolia Ave

 Rosemead: Rosemead Plaza

 San Bernardino: 1077 W Highland Ave

 Torrance: Del Amo Fashion Center

 Upland: 1570 W Foothill Blvd

 Valencia: Westfield Valencia

 Wilmington: El Super Center

 Woodland Hills: 20829 Ventura Blvd

Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans
SANTA ANA The ninth annual Victims Rights Rally, in honor of crime victims and their loved ones, will be held this evening by the Orange County District Attorneys Office.

Held at the Orange Countys Hall of Administration, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana, the 6 p.m. rally is expected to draw more than 200 people, including crime victims and family members.

This years keynote speakers:

Tina Mora is the sister of Cathy Torrez, who was killed on Feb. 19, 1994, stabbed more than 70 times by sometimes-boyfriend Samuel Lopez and left in the trunk of her abandoned car in Placentia.

He was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison in 2015, while his cousin, Xavier Lopez, pleaded guilty this year to involuntary manslaughter and being an accessory after the fact and was sentenced to four years in jail.

Kelli Peters was in the middle of ca case that drew national attention. The then-PTA mom was framed by Irvine attorney couple Jill and Kent Easter, who planted drugs in her car after a schoolyard dispute.

The Easters were both sentenced to jail and community service, while a civil jury later awarded Peters $5.7 million in damages.
After receiving several complaints from loyal customers, the owner of an upscale Italian restaurant in Mooresville, North Carolina, has taken the controversial decision to ban children under the age of five. And, despite facing some backlash on social media, he claims that business has grown significantly.

Carusos describes itself as a traditional, classy, intimate restaurant but young children crying, screaming or playing on iPads at full volume and disturbing the other diners apparently didnt fit in too well in that picture. So the owner, Pasquale Caruso, adopted a no child under fivepolicy in January 2017, to ensure that his upscale eatery lives up to its reputation.

I had several customers complain, get up and leave because children were bothering them, and the parents were doing nothing, Caruso told the Mooresville Gazette. It started to feel like it wasnt Carusos anymore, that it was a local pizzeria instead.

Photo: Carusos

Caruso added that he didnt like taking this kind of decision, but in the end, he had to do what was best for his business. I try to please everyone, and create a nice atmosphere, keeping the restaurant elegant. I want it to be a place where couples and friends can have a nice evening out, he said. I was starting to lose money and customers, because I had very young children coming in, throwing food, running around and screaming.

Yoshi Nunez, the restaurants manager, told the Washington Post that the final straw was a little girl using an iPad with the volume on high. Despite repeated requests from the staff, her parents refused to turn down the device, so they had to ask them to leave. They were upset, but they didnt seem to care about what the other guests thought. We tried to be nice about the situation, but were here to take care of customers and we cant tell a parent how to control their kids, he said.

Photo: video screengrab

So in January, Carusos made the decision to ban children under the age of five. Since then, people have been voicing their opinions on the restaurants unofficial Facebook page, with many labeling the policy as a form of discrimination.

How you are legally allowed to discriminate amazes me! one person wrote. Next you will be kicking out all the elderly because they take to long to eat. Slippery slope!

Now that you have banned small children, who is next: blacks, Jews, native people? Shame on you! another Facebook user commented.

Photo: video screengrab

But for every critical comment, there are several that congratulate Carusos for taking such a brave, albeit controversial decision. Thank you for taking a stand, several people wrote on its Facebook page.

Im the parent of 5 dont bring little ones to a nice restaurant and expect them to quietly sit still for an hour. They CANT DO IT, one person posted.

When my husband and I go out to dine, we also do not want to hear children crying or misbehaving, another said, adding that the limit should be upped to 10-year-old children.

Photo: Carusos

Pasquale Caruso claims that the online support for his controversial policy is reflected in the success of his business. The number of reservations has risen significantly since worse got out about the restaurants no-child rule, and the number of patrons has gone from 50 a day, to around 80.

People dont want to come in and spend money on a nice meal and an evening out, when theres constantly food on the floor, loud electronic devices keeping kids entertained, and small children screaming. It was just the right decision for my business, Caruso concluded.

According to Eater, Carusos isnt the first restaurant to adopt a no-child policy. Restaurants in Texas, Pennsylvania, California and countries like Italy, Australia or Korea have also banned young children or implemented measures for their control.


Media Maneuvers: LinkedIn Hires First Head of Original Programming Fri., Sep. 23, 2022 LinkedIn signs up Courtney Coupe, who was most recently SVP of content strategy and operations at CNN Digital, as its first head of original programming... Apple Music has signed on as the sponsor for the Super Bowl halftime show, taking over from Pepsi, which backed the event for the past 10 years... Parade magazine, the Sunday newspaper supplement that was launched in 1941, will cease print publication after its November 6 issue.


APCO Reps Leader of Democratic Opposition in Belarus Wed., Sep. 28, 2022 APCO Worldwide is providing media relations services for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the democratic opposition to Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko. She stepped in for her husband and ran for president in 2020 but lost in the rigged election.
6/4/2017 - New Zealand should extend access to income support and introduce a longer minimum notice period for all workers to help disadvantaged laid-off workers find a new job and maintain their job quality and living standards, according to a new OECD report.

Back to Work: New Zealand says that 1.1% of people of working age in the country have been made redundant in the last 5 years and still not found a new job. This share is lower than in the 1990s but higher than ten years ago. Most redundant workers find employment again although one in six is unable to find work.

Many of those who are re-employed tend to earn less, work shorter hours and have fewer benefits than in their prior jobs. The long-term impact on wages is also stronger than in other OECD countries: even three years after redundancy, personal income is about 20% lower for workers in a new job compared to their peers who stayed in work.

Low-skilled workers are particularly at risk, finds the report. People with lower secondary education are twice as likely to be made redundant as people with a bachelor degree or more, and the shares among those with no qualification are three times higher.

With around 84% of workers finding a new job within two years of being made redundant, New Zealand performs better than many other OECD countries, as a result of its flexible labour market which allows firms to adjust their workforce in line with production demand.

To help vulnerable workers find good jobs quickly, the OECD recommends New Zealand:

Strengthen employer responsibilities for laid-off workers through a minimum statutory notice period, with an online notification system and sanctions for non-compliance.

Reach out more effectively to disadvantaged redundant workers by contacting them early on; by expanding employment services for better-skilled workers; and by providing incentives for public employment services to assist people who are not eligible for income support.

Strengthen training guidance and counselling for redundant workers and for adult workers more generally, and the recognition of skills acquired on the job.

Consider introducing an active redundancy insurance scheme which would replace voluntary redundancy payments and: i) combine financial support with pro-active support to facilitate job-to-job transitions; ii) cover all workers irrespective of their individual working arrangements; and iii) be financed through a payroll-based levy.

The full report is available at http://www.oecd.org/publications/back-to-work-new-zealand-9789264264434-en.htm.

For further information, journalists should contact Christopher Prinz (tel. + 33 1 45 24 94 83), leader of the OECD review on displaced workers, or Mark Keese (tel. +33 1 45 24 87 94), head of OECDs Employment Policy Division.
Agricultural News

Rural and Agricultural Groups Oppose Big Airlines' Push to Privatize Nation's Air Traffic Control System

Today, the Agriculture Retailers Association, Alliance for Aviation Across America, Crop Life America, League of Rural Voters , National Agricultural Aviation Association, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Farmers Union, National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, National Women in Agriculture Association, and USA Rice Federation released a letter urging Congress to oppose privatization of our nation's air traffic control system. The proposal to privatize air traffic control is being pushed predominantly by the big, commercial airlines, and would take air traffic control away from Congressional oversight and put it under the purview of a private board of mostly commercial interests. The board would direct everything from taxes and fees, to airport investments and access.







The letter comes as the US Senate Commerce Committee is holding a hearing today entitled, FAA Reauthorization: Perspectives on Rural Air Service and the General Aviation Community.







According to the letter:







"Rural communities, agriculture and small businesses stand to lose the most under a privatized system, where there would be no Congressional oversight to ensure that all stakeholders and communities have access to air transportation- Under a privatized system, a private board dominated by the largest commercial operators would undoubtedly direct resources and investments to the largest hub airports and urban areas where these investments would be most likely to benefit their bottom line."







This group rural and agricultural organizations joins a growing number of voices raising concerns about the proposal to privatize the air traffic control system, including local elected officials, consumer advocates, free market groups, major Committees in Congress, chambers of commerce, small businesses, and the American voters.







The full text of the letter is below -







Dear Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member DeFazio, Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:







As you debate reauthorization of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the coming months, I write to ask for your support of a long-term FAA authorization that maintains Congressional oversight of the nation's air traffic control system. We are specifically concerned that a recent proposal in Congress to remove oversight of the nation's air traffic control system, and put this vital infrastructure under the control of a private entity dominated by the commercial airlines, threatens the vital infrastructure that we count on every day.







Rural communities, agriculture and small businesses stand to lose the most under a privatized system, where there would be no Congressional oversight to ensure that all stakeholders and communities have access to air transportation. For example, there are over 5,000 airports across the United States, over 3,300 of which are public-use airports. Yet, there is only commercial service at 509 airports, and airline capacity is dwindling - by about 20 percent in recent years in particular. That means that for the majority of our communities around the country, small airports and general aviation are a literal lifeline to local communities, industries and businesses.







These airport and businesses support local economies and agriculture, connect businesses with far-off plants and customers, and facilitate access to many services, including medical care, disaster relief, organ and blood transport, law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and fire-fighting. They help our businesses stay connected, repair power lines, help farms to survey and protect their crops and allow companies to reach plants in remote areas of the country, among many other uses. In fact, each year, the agricultural aviation industry treats 71 million acres of cropland, out of the 408 million acres of cropland in the United States.







Yet, under a privatized system, a private board dominated by the largest commercial operators would undoubtedly direct resources and investments to the largest hub airports and urban areas where these investments would be most likely to benefit their bottom line. They could also shape and influence the system in many other ways to their benefit, including by leveraging many new fees and taxes, reducing access to airports for lower cost competitors and impeding access to particular airports. It is also unclear how important programs such as the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) would fare, which provide long-term funding in the form of federal grants to both large and small airports around the country, which are a lifeline to local communities and economies.







Agriculture, small businesses and rural communities are the backbone of our nation, and we need to protect our public infrastructure which ensures access to air transportation for communities of all sizes. Please say no to a privatized air traffic control system.







Sincerely,







Agriculture Retailers Association

Alliance for Aviation Across America

Crop Life America

League of Rural Voters

National Agricultural Aviation Association

National Council of Agricultural Employers

National Farmers Union

National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry

National Women in Agriculture Association

USA Rice Federation









Source - Alliance for Aviation Across America













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OSU Partners with Two-Year Colleges to Offer Agricultural Leadership Degree Completion Program

Sometimes life gets in the way of finishing through on certain goals and aspirations. This is true, too, for academic achievements.







A bachelor's degree completion program in Agricultural Leadership offered through Oklahoma State University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is hoping to help remedy this and address some of the more pressing upcoming issues for the workforce in our state. The Agricultural Leadership Degree Completion Program is a partnership between OSU and three Oklahoma two-year colleges; Connors State College, Warner; Murray State College, Tishomingo; and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Miami.







"By 2020, 59 percent of jobs in Oklahoma will require a career certificate or college degree, however, only 30 percent of Oklahoma adults have an associate degree or higher," said Penny Weeks, project director and professor in OSU's Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership. "The resulting skills gap of 29 percent, as reported by Complete College America, requires college and universities to address the problem of degree completion."







While the need to fill the skills gap is addressed through this program, there also is a certain level of importance put on developing the agricultural workforce.







"The Oklahoma Department of Commerce reports that one of the top five priority Oklahoma industry ecosystems is agriculture and biosciences," Weeks said. "Not only is degree completion in the state of Oklahoma of increasing importance, degree completion in the food and agricultural sciences is of vital importance."







The project is designed to improve four-year degree completion rates for place-bound students wanting a B.S. in agricultural leadership from OSU. There will be a mix of online, satellite, short and blended courses, offered to students enrolled in the program.







"Place-bound could be any number of things. 'I have a fulltime job and I don't want to lose it, but I want to finish my degree. I'm married with kids and can't move to Stillwater,'" said Bill Weeks, primary advisor for the students in the program and professor in AECL. "We think we will have some part-time students, some full-time students, others who are taking courses concurrently, so we're trying to accommodate a variety of situations."







Students must complete 60 hours of coursework through their two-year school, be on track to earn their associates degree and complete 60 hours of coursework through OSU.







"The Agricultural Leadership program already offers many of its required courses in an online or short course format and is positioned to move to a program serving students throughout the region in collaboration with two-year colleges," said Cynda Clary, CASNR associate dean. "This new and innovative degree completion program will provide a valuable service in the food and agricultural sciences to citizens across the state of Oklahoma and beyond."







A $270,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Higher Education Challenge Grant funds the program, which embodies the land-grant mission of improving the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research and Extension. The grant was awarded in 2016 and will continue through 2019.







Students interested in enrolling in the Agricultural Leadership Degree Completion Program can contact Bill Weeks by phone at 405-744-5129 or by email at bill.weeks@okstate.edu.







The Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. Our award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors and 59 study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at casnr.okstate.edu.







Source - Oklahoma State University











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Agricultural News

US Beef Industry Sticking Its Foot in the Door of Asian Markets as Australia Regroups from Droughts







As it works to recover from devastating droughts a few years back, major US competitor in the Asia-Pacific Rim, Australia, is currently in a position that could present American producers the opportunity to capture more of the Aussie's global market share.





USMEF economist Erin Borror told Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays that, "As we look forward, we know Australia is in rebuilding mode now, so their production will drop again this year probably by 4 or 5 percent. But, next year, they'll start to slowly increase."





Attempting to get our foot in the door to Asian markets, specifically Korea and Japan, Borror is working with those countries to explain the situation and help them understand that Australia will not fully recover to the levels of production during those drought years when there was no feed and cattle were being shipped out by the droves. This leaves the US looking more attractive as a trade partner.





However, Australia's tariff advantage over the US complicates matters, but the Borror says the US has been able to supply certain products that our competitors down under can't.





"On the whole, we're going to continue in this very positive position," Borror said. "What's really exciting is that we're also shipping more chuck, shoulder and round items. We just had the data for January/February come in and the tonnage on those end cuts have doubled."





Listen to Borror discuss opportunities for the US to increase its market share of Asian markets with Hays, on today's Beef Buzz.





The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

























Listen to Borror discuss opportunities for the US to increase its market share of Asian markets below

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After First Two Months of 2017- Value and Volume of US Beef and Pork Are Double Digits Ahead of 2016

February results for U.S. pork and beef exports were well above year-ago levels, with pork exports posting the strongest February volume on record, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by USMEF.



Beef exports totaled 90,417 mt in February, up 9 percent year-over-year, with value up 16 percent to $508.5 million. Through February, beef exports were up 13 percent in volume (186,905 mt) and 17 percent in value ($1.02 billion).



February exports accounted for 12.6 percent of total beef production and 10.1 percent for muscle cuts only, which was steady with last year. January-February ratios were also fairly steady at 12.4 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively. Export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $276.96 in February, up 13 percent from a year ago, while the January-February average was up 10 percent to $266.34 per head.



Pork exports reached 197,025 metric tons (mt) in February, up 15 percent year-over-year, with value up 17 percent to $486.7 million. For the first two months of 2017, exports totaled 399,692 mt, up 18 percent, with value increasing 22 percent to $995.3 million.



February exports accounted for 27.6 percent of total pork production and 22.9 percent for muscle cuts only, up from 23.8 percent and 20 percent, respectively, last year. January-February ratios were also significantly higher at 26.8 percent and 22.2 percent, compared to 23 percent and 19.3 percent in the first two months of 2016. Export value per hog slaughtered averaged $51.94 in February, up 18 percent year-over-year, while the January-February average was up 20 percent to $51.05.



"With trade deficits being a hot topic of conversation, especially with countries such as Mexico, China and Japan, it's important to highlight the sectors in which U.S. products are competitive throughout the world and exports are thriving," said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. "The red meat sector is certainly in that category, as exports have helped fuel growth in the U.S. industry and, in turn, larger U.S. production has opened further export opportunities and generated positive returns for the entire supply chain."



Chilled beef to Japan, Korea and Taiwan continues to drive export growth



Japan continued to solidify its position as the leading volume and value market for U.S. beef, with February exports climbing 48 percent from a year ago in volume (23,789 mt) and 55 percent in value ($134.3 million). Through February, exports to Japan were up 41 percent in volume (46,276 mt) and 44 percent in value ($259.6 million). This included a 60 percent increase in chilled beef volume to 19,404 mt. Japanese import data showed that U.S. beef overtook Australian beef in the first two months of the year, with U.S. market share climbing to 45.6 percent while Australia's dropped to 44 percent.



Strong momentum continued for U.S. beef in Korea, where February exports increased 11 percent to 13,093 mt valued at $86 million (up 26 percent). This pushed the two-month totals up 23 percent in volume (28,287 mt) and 31 percent in value ($177.6 million). Chilled exports through February were up 95 percent to 5,384 mt.



In Taiwan, February exports jumped 33 percent from a year ago to 2,886 mt, while value increased 26 percent to $25.3 million. Through February, exports were up 28 percent in volume (6,477 mt) and 25 percent in value ($55.1 million). U.S. beef holds 70 percent of the chilled beef market in Taiwan, the highest of any Asian market. Through February, chilled exports to Taiwan increased 12 percent to 2,479 mt.



Other highlights for U.S. beef included:

Exports within North America are off to a solid start in 2017, with January-February exports to Mexico increasing 14 percent from a year ago in volume (36,235 mt) and 3 percent in value ($147.4 million). Exports to Canada are showing signs of a rebound, with volume up 11 percent to 19,446 mt and value up 18 percent to $123.5 million.



Beef exports to two key South American markets increased significantly in value through February, with exports to Chile up 22 percent year-over-year to $8.9 million and exports to Peru up 68 percent to $4.3 million. The increase in Chile was achieved despite a 16 percent decline in volume (1,417 mt) while volume to Peru was up 16 percent to 1,130 mt.



A rebound in the Philippines and continued growth in Vietnam pushed January-February beef exports to the ASEAN region up 33 percent in volume (4,774 mt) and 19 percent in value ($27.3 million). Exports to Indonesia, which set a value record of $39.4 million last year, are off to a slow start in 2017 with value through February down 48 percent to $3.5 million.



Strong growth to most Asian markets helped offset a slowdown to Hong Kong, where January-February volume was down 21 percent to 16,131 mt, valued at $104.7 million (down 12 percent).



Pork exports strong to Western Hemisphere and North Asian markets



Mexico was once again the pacesetter for February pork exports, with volume up 22 percent to 64,990 mt and value increasing 28 percent to $116 million. This pushed the two-month totals for Mexico to 137,396 mt (up 27 percent) valued at $244.7 million (up 39 percent). Mexico's strong demand is reflected not only in increased buying from the U.S., but also in relatively high domestic hog prices, as per capita consumption of pork continues to grow. Strong demand from Mexico helped move prices for U.S. heavy bone-in hams higher in 2017 - up an average of 4 percent year-over-year.



For Japan, the leading value market for U.S. pork, February exports increased 14 percent to 32,178 mt, valued at $130.4 million (up 18 percent). For January-February, exports to Japan were up 10 percent in volume (63,755 mt) and 14 percent in value ($256.1 million). Chilled pork exports to Japan increased 7 percent through February to 34,682 metric tons.



Other highlights for U.S. pork included:



China/Hong Kong continued to take large volumes of U.S. pork variety meats in February, offsetting the slowdown in pork muscle cuts, putting the combined February total at 42,881 mt (up 5 percent year-over-year), valued at $83.2 million (up 12 percent). Two-month totals were up 10 percent in volume (80,893 mt) and 15 percent in value ($159.3 million). China's hog prices dropped below year-ago levels in February and have continued to drift lower, but China/Hong Kong's total January-February imports were still up 35 percent from last year's record pace at 532,600 mt.



Pork exports to South Korea, which were slow in the first half of 2016 before gaining momentum later in the year, totaled 14,649 mt (up 26 percent) in February, valued at $38.2 million (up 29 percent). Through February, volume increased 29 percent to 30,722 mt while value improved 39 percent to $83.3 million. Korea's hog prices have increased an average of 8 percent this year even as production has been growing, which is indicative of strong demand.



Led by a year-over-year doubling of exports to Colombia and Chile and solid growth in Honduras, exports to Central and South America were up 45 percent in volume (27,022 mt) through February while value increased 42 percent to $61.8 million.



January-February exports to the Dominican Republic were also well above last year's pace at 5,279 mt (up 28 percent) valued at $11.8 million (up 34 percent).



Lamb Exports Still Slumping Due to Weak Variety Meat Demand



Exports of U.S. lamb continued the recent trend in which muscle cut exports were solidly above year-ago levels, but total exports fell due to lower shipments of variety meat. February muscle cut exports were 123 mt (up 15 percent) valued at just under $900,000 (up 38 percent), pushing the two-month totals up 30 percent in volume (317 mt) and 33 percent in value ($1.9 million).



Lower variety meat totals pulled total February lamb and lamb variety meat exports down 41 percent in volume (487 mt) while value held relatively steady at $1.3 million. January-February exports were also down 41 percent in volume (1,060 mt) and fell 4 percent in value ($2.7 million). Early 2017 highlights for U.S. lamb include solid year-over-year growth in muscle cut exports to Mexico and the Caribbean.



Complete export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb are available from the USMEF by clicking or tapping here.











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LINCOLN  State Sen. Ernie Chambers plans to seek dismissal today of a challengers claim that he does not live in his north Omaha legislative district.

The veteran lawmaker laid out his plans in a legal brief filed with the special legislative committee that was created to decide the residency issue.

The seven-member committee will hear testimony today on the challenge raised by John Sciara, who lost to Chambers in the November election.

Sciara also filed a brief with the committee, in which he said Chambers had taken up residence in the Bellevue home of his legislative aide, Cynthia Grandberry.

The brief did not offer further evidence for the assertion but said Chambers had moved some time before November 2015.

The Nebraska Constitution requires that senators live for at least a year in their district to be eligible to serve in the Legislature.

Chambers, who owns a home at 1825 Binney St., has disputed Sciaras claim. His brief lists several exhibits he intends to present to prove the Binney Street house is his legal residence.

Among them are documents showing his purchase of the house, repair and maintenance done on the house, a daily subscription to The Omaha World-Herald, a listing in the telephone book, his vehicle registration and his voter registration at that address.

But Chambers said, in the brief, that he anticipates filing a motion for dismissal after Sciara wraps up his case.

The motion would be based on the total lack of evidence supporting the allegations, the brief said.

Hearing procedures set out by the special committee allow for such a motion. The committee would decide on the motion before proceeding.

Under the committees hearing procedures, Sciara has the burden to prove his claims by the greater weight of the evidence. That means the evidence must show the claims are more likely true than false.

In his brief, Sciara cited two instances in which Chambers had directed mail to the 3116 N. 24th St. address of the barbershop where he formerly worked.

He said the Douglas County assessor lists the barbershop address as the preferred mailing address for mail concerning the Binney Street house. He also said Chambers used the 24th Street address for mail from the Secretary of States office.

At the hearing, both Sciara and Chambers will have a chance to question witnesses and present exhibits.

The committee, chaired by Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse, has hired former Nebraska Supreme Court Judge William Connolly to provide legal counsel in the matter.

Chambers was seated conditionally at the beginning of the session, pending the outcome of the challenge.
LINCOLN  In the summer of 1997, Frank LaMere drove through the dusty village of Whiteclay and counted 32 people along the highway who appeared intoxicated.

By evening on that same day, the number had increased to 47, with some of the street people passed out or arguing with each other.

It was that year that LaMere, a Native American activist from South Sioux City, first asked the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to shut down the four beer-only liquor stores that cater to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, just across the South Dakota border.

Nebraska, he said, should not prey on the misfortune of the reservation, where alcohol is officially banned but alcoholism and other related problems, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, are at epidemic levels.

What I saw Aug. 2 in Whiteclay would not be acceptable in Lincoln or Omaha, LaMere said in 1997.

Today, the state liquor commission will hold a historic hearing that might finally fulfill LaMeres wishes.

The commission will take testimony on whether theres adequate law enforcement to allow liquor sales in Whiteclay  an unincorporated village of a dozen residents with no local government or police force.

On the eve of the hearing, a judge denied a request by the liquor stores to block todays proceedings before the liquor commission.

The liquor stores had argued the commission exceeded its authority in forcing the outlets to go through a lengthy administrative process to renew their licenses. Such renewals should be virtually automatic under state law, said the stores attorney, Andrew Snyder of Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

But Lancaster County District Judge Robert Otte, in a 14-page ruling Wednesday afternoon, said he had no jurisdiction to rule on the objections of the liquor store owners until after they appear before the liquor commission.

This marks the first time the four stores have been required to go through the lengthy long form renewal process to retain their liquor licenses.

At todays hearing, representatives of the stores are expected to testify that nothing has changed in Whiteclay, and that patrols offered by the Sheridan County Sheriffs Office and Nebraska State Patrol are adequate.

Activists like LaMere and an expert on law enforcement also are scheduled to speak, countering those arguments with statistics about slow response times and unsolved murders in Whiteclay.

By the end of the day, the three-member liquor commission is expected to vote to renew or deny the four liquor licenses.

The owners of the liquor stores and others in Whiteclay say that closing down the beer outlets wont stop alcoholism on the reservation but will just force people to drive farther, heightening safety risks from drunken driving.

LaMere disagrees, pointing to the innocent children  estimated as high as one in four children on the reservation  who suffer the lifetime effects of fetal alcohol syndrome.

That is the ugly truth that we as Nebraskans have run away from, LaMere said Wednesday. How we handle Whiteclay right now speaks to who we are as Nebraskans.
LINCOLN  A decision will wait for another day on whether alcohol sales will continue in the notorious village of Whiteclay, Nebraska.

After taking 10 hours of testimony Thursday, a state liquor board decided to postpone until May 2, if not earlier, a vote on whether the four beer-only liquor stores in Whiteclay should keep their liquor licenses.

During the public hearing, the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission heard plenty of disagreement  sometimes heated  about whether adequate law enforcement existed in the unincorporated village where stores sell the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of beer a year.

The county sheriff whose deputies patrol Whiteclay produced a log book that showed his agency spent between 51 and 67 hours per month in the village during November, December and January.

Meanwhile, the Nebraska State Patrol produced figures showing that its troopers and investigators logged about 20 hours a month in the remote outpost from 2002 to 2015. The agencys patrol hours more than doubled in 2016, to about 45 hours a month, thanks to a highway safety grant that boosted trooper overtime hours for six weeks last summer.

I think we have adequate law enforcement, said Sheridan County Board member James Krotz. Could it be better? No doubt.

That comment contradicted a statement to a state legislative committee in October by a fellow board member in Sheridan County, which is in northwest Nebraskas ranching area. Jack Anderson said then that his county lacked adequate resources to patrol Whiteclay, a community of nine people that does not have its own police force or local government and has the nickname Skid Row of the Plains.

Andersons comment helped prompt the liquor commission to take the unprecedented step in November of ordering the four Whiteclay beer stores to essentially reapply for their liquor licenses.

It also prompted Sheridan County Sheriff Terry Robbins to begin specifically logging how many hours he and his deputies spend in the village.

Fireworks erupted and words were exchanged when the sheriff began discussing his findings.

Prominent Omaha trial attorney Dave Domina, who represents advocates seeking an end to Whiteclay liquor sales, argued that the log book appeared to be a last-minute effort to justify the current state of law enforcement.

The log book, Domina charged, lacked detail and was inconsistent with county dispatch records that showed that response times to 911 calls in Whiteclay were slow, with deputies taking 45 minutes or more to arrive in some cases.

Its pretty clear he was trying to make something up, Domina said after the hearing.

When asked about the log, the sheriff said it was his attempt to show definitively how much time he and his deputies spend patrolling in Whiteclay, which is different from the time it takes to respond to 911 calls.

Andrew Snyder of Scottsbluff, the attorney for the four beer stores, accused Domina of badgering Sheriff Robbins as he testified and of launching into a speech instead of engaging in questioning of the witness.

The hearing officer of the meeting, Hobert Rupe, the liquor boards executive director, had to interrupt the two attorneys more than once. Gentlemen, gentlemen, he said.

Thursdays hearing was limited to the question of the adequacy of law enforcement in Whiteclay, which sells almost all of its beer to residents of the 40,000-population Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, just across the border in South Dakota.

Adequate law enforcement is a condition before a liquor license is allowed in a community or neighborhood.

Alcohol sales and possession are banned on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and the Whiteclay sales have been blamed for the high rates of alcoholism and fetal alcohol syndrome there. The attorney general of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Tatewin Means (the daughter of the late American Indian Movement leader Russell Means), testified that almost all of the cases she prosecutes involve alcohol.

But owners of the four beer stores all said Thursday that they meet every qualification to keep their liquor licenses. They said they have seen no changes in law enforcement during the past decades in Whiteclay, with the exception of the grant-fueled increase last summer.

The owners said the order to force them to undergo a long form process to renew their liquor licenses  rather than the automatic renewal of past years  caught them by surprise.

They insisted that they dont sell beer to the 15 to 50 vagrants who openly drink on the streets of Whiteclay, and that they have few problems with fights or loitering on their property.

We send them on their way, said Jason Schwarting, owner of the Arrowhead Inn beer store. We get cussed out a lot of times for it.

But leaders of Lakota Hope Ministry, which ministers to the street people of Whiteclay, painted a different picture of the community.

Bruce BonFleur, who has worked 13 years in Whiteclay, said that the stench of urine and feces left by the street people once forced him out of his office and that drunken and passed out people are commonplace on the street. His wife, Marsha, said she has spoken to women who have been raped and sodomized by men on the street.

No one questions the fact that there needs to be additional law enforcement, including the beer store owners, Bruce BonFleur said.

Krotz, the Sheridan County Board member, testified that the board more than doubled the budget for the county sheriff this year, to more than $700,000, so he could hire an additional deputy and buy additional equipment.

But Krotz rejected a suggestion by Domina that the huge increase was an admission that a significant increase in law enforcement was needed.

We perceive a need for more (law enforcement), Krotz replied.
Air India to step up staff security at Mumbai, Pune airports

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, April 6: Air India is likely to step up security of its staff at Mumbai and Pune airports after Shiv Sena lawmakers allegedly threatened to stall the airline's operations at these two aerodromes.

"We are enhancing security of our staff deployed at Mumbai and Pune Airport in the wake of threat to ground flight operations at these aerodromes," an Air India source said.

The security of Air India's employee is paramount and it can't take any chance over this, the source said.

The move also comes as some of the Air India employees' unions at Mumbai and Pune airports are affiliated to Shiv Sena's trade union Bharatiya Kamgar Sangh.

The Sena MPs had warned of grounding Air India operations at the two key airports of Maharashtra after the party failed to get an assurance from Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathu Raju in Parliament over lifting of the flying ban imposed on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who has been accused of beating up the airline official with sandals last month.

Gaikwad earlier today attended the Lok Sabha proceedings for the first time after the incident.

PTI
Praful Patel clears air over Ceejay House: "Not in-charge of the property at this stage"

Airlines have 'right to reject' passengers: Former aviation minister

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Apr 6: Former civil aviation minister Praful Patel on Thursday said airlines have a 'right to reject' passengers, as he wondered over the delay in action on an FIR against Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad for assaulting an Air India official.

"There may not be a law for fly ban but you see when we go to a hotel, there is board 'admission right reserved'... So the same way airline is no different from a hotel or a restaurant," he said outside the Parliament.

Noting that 'these are scheduled airlines', the NCP leader said they do have 'more official rights to reject' the passengers.

Raising questions over delay in action on the FIR filed agaist Gaikwad, he said, "Nobody seems to know why this delay. It doesn't take so many days to act on an FIR."

On the chaos over the issue in Lok Sabha on Thursday with Shiv Sena MPs surrounding Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Patel said, "The Speaker of the House has the entire authority to take action against errant MPs...what note has been taken?"

On the Shiv Sena's alleged threat of stalling Air India's operations from Mumbai and Pune airports, Patel said it was a wish 'too tall' as the central and state governments have enough resources to deal with such threats.

"Most importantly, they (state and central governments) should ensure that not a single passenger is inconvenienced and there lies the test," he said.

PTI
Hindu Sena demands changing name of Tipu Express, wants it to be named after Ananth Kumar

Who fills the void in Bangalore South? BJP says Tejaswini Ananth Kumar is best choice

Ananth Kumar dubs EVM tampering allegations as 'far from truth'

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Apr 6: Allegations on tampering of Electronic Voting Machines are 'far from truth' and the opposition is trying to discredit the victory of the BJP in the recent polls, Union Minister Ananth Kumar said on Thursday.

Raising the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs during the Zero Hour, CPI-M leader P Karunakaran demanded an in-depth and independent inquiry into the matter.

Mentioning reports about an EVM being tampered with in Madhya Pradesh, he also suggested that there could be an alternative mechanism to the machines.

Responding to the allegations, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, "It is totally far from truth and misleading. Opposition parties have been raising the issue of alleged tampering of EVMs. If there is anything today, then EVM is the best," Kumar said and took a swipe at the Opposition saying they wanted to discredit the election victories of BJP and raising the "bogey".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday questioned the Election Commission's insistence on the use of EVMs when the whole country wanted paper ballots to be used in elections.

His reaction came after reports that Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh also raised concern about manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines.

Kejriwal has been insisting that the commission come clear on the EVM tampering issue and on Monday had demanded that the upcoming civic polls in Delhi be postponed, if need be, to use paper ballots.

The Election Commission has, however, termed Kejriwal's allegations of tampering of EVMs as 'baseless'.

PTI
Arunachal border is with Tibet, not China

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

China has been constantly cribbing about the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. What China needs to know is that it cannot speak about a border dispute in Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu had the perfect answer to China which has relentlessly raised objections to the visit by the spiritual leader.

"Let me get this straight," Khandu said. "China has no business telling us what to do and what not to do. It is not our next-door neighbour. Arunachal Pradesh shares a border with Tibet, and not China," he said.

He went on to add that the McMahon Line demarcates the boundary between India and Tibet and not China. Khandu added that China has no right to object because it is not even a next-door neighbour.

China has been claiming 90,000 square kilometres of Arunachal Pradesh, which has been denied by India. China has been warning India since long about this issue. However, in the past month, China has upped the ante and has said that it will not tolerate Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal. China even said that the visit had caused severe damage to the ties between the two countries.

OneIndia News
Babri: CBI wants conspiracy charges against Advani revived

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday told the Supreme Court that conspiracy charges against L K Advani and others must be revived in the Babri Masjid demolition case. The CBI made the submission in the SC which is hearing a plea against an order which had discharged Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti.

Charges had been dropped against 21 persons on technical grounds. The CBI said that the court at Lucknow must try these accused persons. There are two sets of cases one of which is against Advani and others who were on the dais at the Ram Katha Kunj in Ayodhya on December 6 1992. The Supreme Court reserved its order on the plea on Thursday. Meanwhile, Veteran BJP leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi agreed to face conspiracy charges in the case.

OneIndia News
No one has approached us so far: Naveen Patnaik on backing NDA presidential nominee

Congress, BJD reject Shahs claim that BJP will form next government in Odisha

BJD MP: Illegal Rohingya immigrants trained as terrorists

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, April 6: Biju Janata Dal MP Bhartruhari Mahtab on Thursday said the government should identify and dispose of Rohingya Muslims who have illegally migrated to India and are being trained as terrorists.

Mahtab raised the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero hour.

"Dark clouds have appeared in Jammu and Kashmir... Dark clouds of terrorism... There is emergence of a new insurgent group called Harakah al Yakin consisting of Rohingya Muslims and its presence is in Bangladesh, Myanmar and India," Mahtab said, raising the issue.

"This was reported by a Brussels-based international crisis group. Since then, 40,000 Rohingya Muslims have entered our country as refugees illegally through Bangladesh, the Bay of Bengal and the Myanmar border," he added.

"Myanmar is not recognising them. Indian government is also not recognising them as refugees. Should we treat them as stateless persons?"

Mahtab said, "Jammu and Kashmir is a very sensitive place for this country. These people are now being trained as terrorist. Intelligence report says the Islamic State terror group has already been in touch with them."

He also referred to a terror attack in Bihar's Buddhist shrine Bodh Gaya in 2013.

"This reminds me of an attack that happened in Bodh Gaya where Indian Mujahideen was involved," he said.

"As Myanmar is a Buddhist state, they are persecuting Rohingya Muslims. They are flying off to Thailand and other places. It is high time Home Ministry recognises them and... removes them," he said.

The BJD MP also asked what has the External Affairs Ministry done in this regard.

"The whole nation would want to know what the ministry has done in contacting the Myanmar government," he said.

"The Home Ministry should identify them and dispose them of as per the law because we do not have a refugee policy," Mahtab said.

He also said that it was alarming that many Rohingya Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir have got Aadhaar cards.

"The government should react immediately. We should not wait for cloudburst," he said.

Rohingya Muslims are a group of Muslims from Myanmar living in Rakhine state since the 15th century. According to some scholars, they are indigenous to Rakhine while other historians claim that the group represents a mixture of pre-colonial and colonial immigrants.

Following reports of atrocities against the Rohingyas in Myanmar since October 2016, the UN in February questioned the credibility of a government-led investigation into allegations of abuses against them.

In March, the UN Human Rights Council decided to send a fact-finding mission to clarify allegations of abuse by security forces against the Rohingyas.

The Myanmar government, however, rejected the UN Mission to investigate the alleged persecution.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday said ethnic cleansing was too strong a term to describe what was happening in the Muslim-majority Rakhine, according to a BBC report.

Reports said, the India government was working on identifying Rohingya Muslims who have entered the country over the past five to seven years and were staying illegally in various pockets, including in Jammu and Kashmir, for likely arrest and deportation under the Foreigners Act.

A terror attack in and around the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya on July 7, 2013, was targeted at international Buddhist tourists to avenge the killings of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, according to the revelations by an arrested SIMI and Indian Mujahideen suspect, reports have said.

IANS
Chetan Cheetah is a fighter

Cheetah was admitted to hospital on February 14 after being airlifted from Srinagar. He was admitted in an extremely critical condition. Doctors attending to him said that he displayed resolve, and this helped him fight the battle.

Image courtesy: Twitter

It was a miracle says doctors

It was a miracle, doctors at AIIMS said. He was in coma for 16 days and spent a month in ICU, Professor Subodh Kumar of the trauma surgery department said.

Cheetah, who was heading the 45th battalion in Kashmir sustained bullet injuries in his brain, right eye, abdomen and arms.

Image courtesy: PTI

The Army wife

His wife Uma Singh stood by him like a rock. She said she knew her husband would fight it out and win this battle too. "I know him from his school days. He is a man of commitment and is a fighter," she said. Uma recollected that fateful day when she joined her husband in the air ambulance in Srinagar. His eyes were closed and he was unconscious. "But the moment I saw that he was breathing, I knew he will make it," she said.

Image courtesy: PTI

I believed he would fight back

"The doctors would tell me he is in acoma. Whenever I would hold his hands he would respond by moving his fingers. That made me believe that he would fight and come back to me," she said.

Image courtesy: PTI

He will don the uniform again

"The fight for me is not over as yet," Uma says. "There is a lot of work remaining to be done. For me, the final reward would be when he will don his uniform again and resume work," Uma says.

Image courtesy: Twitter
How Sasikala runs Tamil Nadu from jail

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

AIADMK interim general secretary Sasikala Natarajan who was once upon a time the chief minister-in-waiting is currently in jail after being convicted of corruption in the famous disproportionate assets case. The jail authorities say that most of her demands such as an attached bathroom, a cot and home-cooked food had been denied.

However, for the politician that she claims she is, the most important demand of hers was to meet with party workers. Despite the rules stating that she is allowed only two visitors per month, the norms appear to have been flouted. There have been 19 visitors in 31 days, Right To Information activist, Narasimha Murthy claims.

While her husband, Natarajan meets her often, convict number 9234 has been visited by scores of others, including advocates. The most frequent visitors have been MP Thambiduari, party's deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran and MLAs, Valaramathy, Gokula Indira, C R Saraswathi and several representatives from Mannargudi in Tamil Nadu.

Jail authorities, while responding to Murthy's RTI query had said that the convict prisoners are eligible for interviews once a week. Director General of Prisons H N Satyanarayana Rao said that the visitor rules are not ironclad, and jailor can use his discretion.

OneIndia News
IS operative arrested in Rajasthan

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The National Investigation Agency arrested one Amzad Khan alias Ayan in connection with an Islamic State related case. He was deported from Saudi Arabia on. He has been remanded in custody and is being questioned further.

The anti-terrorist squad of Rajasthan had arrested an IS operative last year after it was found that he was involved in collecting funds for the outfit. Several IS operatives from Rajasthan have been on the radar for the past year as the outfit has been planning on setting up shop in that state.

Ayan hails from Churu in Rajasthan. He is 37 years of age and was under the radar for allegedly collecting funds for the outfit. He was operating out of Saudi Arabia and was in touch with other operatives, sources said.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, April 6, 2017, 19:07 [IST]
Karnataka bypolls: The shame of untouchability in the 21st century

India

oi-Anusha

Government after governments have spoken about inclusiveness, education highlights the evils of untouchability and social reformers have exhausted their life fighting for social equality but talk to Dalits of Nanjangud and you will know how far we are from achieving social equality and plucking out untouchability from the society. The practice is a crying shame on the 21st century modern, technologically advanced India.

OneIndia visited Badanavalu village in Nanjangud that was witness to caste riots in 1993. The riot was the darkest incident in Karnataka's Dalit history. Today, a lot has changed in Badanavalu. The Dalit and Lingayats are the two major castes in the village, the same in most surrounding villages. After the 1993 incident, Dalits are not stopped from entering the temple in this village but the situation is not the same in neighbouring villages. A few kilometres from Badanavalu is Ummathur where Dalits are not allowed inside temples even to this day.

"The situation in our village is much better but in other villages, the Dalits themselves do not want to fight for their rights. Even to this day, they are made to stand outside the temple and pray. Entry is barred for them," said a young voter in Badanavalu.

"There are some villages nearby where even as Dalits are allowed entry into the temple, there are separate lines for them to eat. They can't sit along with people of upper castes during festivals and temple feasts. There are two rows and Dalits are made to sit on one row. Is that not untouchability?" asked another voter, he is a masters degree holder.

Villagers allege that Dalits who work as farmhands are served water in separate plastic glasses while workers from all other communities are given metal glasses. They study together -- the younger bunch is educated -- but the differences refuse to die down. We spoke to a village elder who witnessed the 1993 riots and he said that the situation was calm in Badanavalu village but political parties and media unnecessarily highlighted the Badanavalu incident time and again causing unrest.

"The riot and consecutive conviction of people responsible will have no effect on the poll. We live in harmony in the village today and request political parties and the media to not highlight a case that is done and dusted. It will only divide the people further. Things have changed here and we are happy," said M Mahadevappa who was 35 when the incident took place.

What was interesting, however, was a villager highlighting that no atrocity cases have been registered in Nanjangud in the last seven years. If Dalits are still discriminated against but no case of atrocity has been filed in the last seven years, does that mean that the Dalits there have made peace with their situation and refuse to fight? Or are the upper castes so influential that voices of protests are drowned? It is a shame that a constituency that is represented by an MP as well as MLA who are Dalits still witnesses untouchability.

OneIndia News
Karnataka bypolls: Why the Muslims are voting for the BJP

India

oi-Anusha

The Nanjangud and Gundlupet bypolls in Karnataka is one of the most fiercely fought after 2006 Chamundeshwari bypoll but what makes it far more interesting is the unusual division of votes. While parties generally take to wooing people of select caste, the same is turning out to be a challenge this time around. For example, according to the Congress' own estimate, at least 20 percent of Muslim voters in Nanjangud will vote for the BJP, in fact for Srinivas Prasad. Generally considered a solid vote bank of the Congress, the Muslim community in Nanjangud is divided with close to 20 per cent of them pledging loyalty to Srinivas Prasad.

The situation is no different for the BJP. The lingayat votes considered a solid vote back of the BJP is also divided in both constituencies. More so in Nanjangud where BJP has fielded Srinivas Prasad, a Dalit, as its candidate. While Yeddyurappa has become the face of the campaign and Srinivas Prasad is hardly seen in the constituency, the lingayats are not a convinced lot. While some firmly stand by Yeddyurappa, many who have been staunch BJP supporters earlier have decided to vote for the Congress simply because Srinivas Prasad was instrumental in getting lingayats convicted in the Badanaval Dalit atrocity case. There too, the traditional BJP votes are getting divided.

While the Dalit votes in both constituencies are divided for obvious reasons, it is the other backward classes votes that have become a headache for the Congress. Left wing Dalits like the Nayakas, who have a prominent presence in both constituencies are solidly rallying behind the BJP while right wing Dalits are extending support to the Congress. Dalits in Nanjangud are unhappy with Srinivas Prasad joining the BJP while Lingayats in Gundlupet are unhappy about the Congress' decision to field Geetha Mahadevprasad.

For the BJP, Sriramulu is emerging as a game changer for the ST votes in both constituencies while Shobha Karandlaje, V Somanna and Parimala Nagappa are working wonders with women voters in Gundlupet. According to an assessment by the Congress leaders working in both constituencies, all ST votes will go to the BJP. The JD(S) votes that will flow to the Congress may come as respite to the party. With such varied division of votes, the Karnataka bypolls this time around is a fight to the finish.

OneIndia News
Message to gau rakshaks: My name is Pehlu Khan and I am not a butcher

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, April 6: Death of Pehlu Khan, the 55-year-old dairy farmer from Jaisinghpur village in Nuh tehsil of Mewat, Haryana, brings back the memory of 2015 Dadri (in Uttar Pradesh) mob lynching where Mohammad Akhlaq was killed for allegedly storing 'beef' in his refrigerator.

The dairy farmer and others, including his two sons, were attacked by a group of gau rakshaks (cow vigilantes) in Behror area of Alwar, Rajasthan on April 1 on suspicion of smuggling cows for slaughter.

While others survived, Pehlu succumbed to his injuries after the brutal attack. The accused attacked the victims on suspicion of cow smuggling which is illegal in Rajasthan.

According to a report published by Indian Express, Khan's sons claimed that they were attacked in spite of showing the 'legal' receipt -- having the stamp of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (serial number 89942 dated April 1, 2017) -- of purchase of a milch cow to the cow vigilantes.

Actually, Pehlu, his two sons and others went to Rajasthan from Haryana to buy a milch buffalo, but the deceased ended up buying a cow, as the cow seller extracted 12 litres of milk in front of Pehlu and offered him a good deal.

"That was the worst decision ever. It took my father's life," Pehlu's son Irshad told Indian Express. Pehlu's other son, Aarif, also accompanied him in his 'last journey' to Rajasthan.

"My father was in a pickup truck with a Rajasthan number plate, along with Azmat, who is also from our village. There were two cows and two calves in the truck. Irshad, I and another villager were in the other pickup truck which had three cows and three calves," Aarif added.

Pehlu, his two sons and other two men were dragged out from their vehicles and were mercilessly beaten by the cow vigilantes. The worst part is that the Rajasthan police have registered a first information report against them for illegally transporting cattle for slaughter after a complaint was filed against them.

The death of Pehlu has come at a time when a cry for ban against 'meat' and 'cow slaughter' has raised its 'deadly fangs' with a renewed vigour across the country. Critics of meat ban and cow slaughter say that a 'particular community' has become the target of vigilante groups mostly supported by Hindu organisations.

Like in the Bollywood movie, My Name is Khan, where the protagonist (played by actor Shah Rukh Khan) Rizwan Khan repeatedly mouths the dialogue --'My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist'-- to stress the fact that all Muslims are not terrorists, similarly, currently in India perhaps all Khans and other Muslims have to carry a placard saying--'My name is Khan (or Ali) and I am not a cow smuggler or a butcher'.

OneIndia News
Delhi returns to old liquor policy from tomorrow: All you need to know

MP: Shifting of liquor shop triggers clash in Bareilly

India

oi-PTI

Bhopal, April 6: Two vehicles were burnt and four others damaged in Bareilly town of Raisen district after locals and employees of a liquor contractor clashed over shifting of the shop to a residential area.

"The excise department officials were trying to shift the liquor shop from highway to Krishna Colony in the town on Wednesday in accordance with the Supreme Court directives," said police.

The SC has recently banned sale of liquor within 500 metres of national and state highways. The residents of Krishna Colony, where the shop was being moved from the nearby highway, opposed this shifting.

The police said confrontation started after locals opposed the opening of a liquor shop in the residential area. "The local residents alleged that the employees of the contractor threatened and attacked them. In the melee, some people burnt two vehicles and damaged cars and jeeps," a police official of Bareilly police station told PTI. The situation was later brought under control.

Bareilly is about 115 kilometres from state capital Bhopal."The burnt and damaged vehicles belong to the liquor contractor and excise department. We have registered a case against the people on the complaint of excise officer Vivek Saxena. The residents have also lodged a complaint against excise department employees and contractor," the police official added.

The police said about a 12 to 13 people also suffered minor injuries in this incident. On April 3, BJP MLA from Indore-I, Sudarshan Gupta had demanded a total liquor ban in Madhya Pradesh and had extended support to the agitation against opening of liquor shops in residential areas. Reports from Indore said women from Patthar Mundla area of the city recited bhajans in front of liquor shop demanding its closure while protests were also organised in Pardeshipura area.

PTI

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Story first published: Thursday, April 6, 2017, 18:18 [IST]
Soaked in devotion

Muslim women offer prayers to Lord Ram on the occasion of Ram Navami in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday.

Picture credit: PTI

Let us pray together

Hindu and Muslim women pray and greet each other on the occasion of Ram Navami in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday.

Picture credit: PTI

Offerings to the river

Women devotees immerse 'sacred saakh' (paddy straw) in Tawi river on the occasion of Ram Navami in Jammu on Wednesday.

Picture credit: PTI

Bless us Lord

Kashmiri Pandits praying at Ram temple Barbarshah in Srinagar on the occasion of Ram Navami on Wednesday.

Picture credit: PTI

The big aarti

Devotees perform 'aarti' (prayers) during Ram Navami festival at a temple in Ahmedabad, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday.

Picture credit: PTI

The Patna revelry

Devotees take part in Ram Navami festival celebrations organised by ISKCON in Patna on Wednesday.

Picture credit: PTI

A devotional march

Women devotees carrying 'sacred saakh', depicting Goddess Durga, for immersion in the Tawi river on the occasion of Ram Navami, in Jammu on Wednesday.

Picture credit: PTI
Don't eat cow meat, it hurts sentiments and causes diabetes: Ajmer dargah chief

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

"My brother has no authority to remove me," said the spiritual head of the Ajmer dargah, Syed Zainul Abedin. He was reacting after reports of him being sacked by his brother following remarks on beef. Abedin had said that all Muslims should give up beef to respect Hindu sentiments.

On Wednesday, Abedin's brother Sayed Alludin Alimi said that he had sacked his brother as diwan of the shrine. "It is a manufactured plot against me," Abedin said while quoting a Supreme Court judgment. He said that in 1987 the SC had said Alimi had no authority to remove him. The court had said there was no law under which he could be removed.

Abedin said that he had always been the target of extremists due to his outspoken nature. "The news of me being sacked is distorted and some news channels are telecasting fake news. Small minded extremists cannot digest my statements," he said.

Once again, speaking about eating beef, he said by not eating cow meat, we are not depriving ourselves of anything. "In fact it causes diabetes. I appeal for a complete ban on cow meat," he said.

OneIndia News
Judicial Watch Obtains 695 Pages of Obama IRS Scandal Documents  Records Not Produced in Initial Congressional Investigationfirst Batch of Records from 7,000-Page Cache Uncovered Last Month(Washington, DC)  Judicial Watch today released 695 pages of new documents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that contain admissions by IRS officials that the agency used inappropriate political labels to screen the tax-exempt applications of conservative organizations. Other records reveal that the IRS was going to require 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations to restrict their alleged political activities in exchange for expedited consideration of their tax-exempt applications.The documents were produced after a revelation by the IRS that it had located an additional 6,924 documents of potentially responsive records relating to a 2015 Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit about the Obama IRS targeting scandal. The FOIA lawsuit seeks records about the IRS selection of individuals and organizations for audits based upon applications requesting nonprofit tax status filed by Tea Party and other 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organizations (Judicial Watch v. Internal Revenue Service (No. 1:15-cv-00220)).Of the 695 pages of documents released by the IRS, 422 (61%) were withheld in their entirety. These newly identified records are not records that were contained in the Congressional Database, which the IRS created in 2013 to house records responsive to congressional inquiries into the IRS scandal.Included among the newly released a material is a June 20, 2013, memo from Karen Schiller, then-Acting Director, EO Rulings and Agreement, suspending use of the controversial Be on the Lookout (BOLO) and Touch and Go (TAG) lists:EO Rulings and Agreements is undertaking a comprehensive review of screening and identification of critical issues. We intend to develop proper procedures and uses for these types of documents. Until a more formal process for identification, approval and distribution of this type of data is established, Rulings and Agreements will not use this technique to elevate issues.In an August 9, 2013, memo, Schiller admitted the IRS used political labels in targeting the groups for special scrutiny and possible audit and that, going forward, the agency would screen organizations based only on their activities, not words or labels of any kind:As Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel has said, the IRS has taken decisive action to eliminate the use of inappropriate political labels in the screening of 501(c)(4) applications. IRS policy is now clear that screening is based on activity, not words in a name. The new steps and current policies were outlined in the June 24 report, which noted: In the absence of BOLO lists, the Determinations Unit will continue to screen for information affecting the determination of applications for tax exempt status, including activity tied to political campaign intervention, but it [will] be done without regard to specific labels of any kind. The 30-day report also reflects the June 20, 2013 memorandum, which was issued to officially suspend the use of the BOLO list in the screening process.The documents also include a Dear [Applicant] letter which offers an expedited process for 501(c)(4)s in exchange for restriction on their activities:This optional expedited process is currently available only to applicants for 501(c)(4) status with applications pending for more than 120 days as of May 28, 2013, that indicate the organization may be involved in political campaign intervention.In this optional process, an organization will represent that it satisfies, and will continue to satisfy, set percentages with respect to the level of its social welfare activities and political campaign intervention activities (as defined in the specific instructions on pages 5-7). These percentage representations are not an interpretation of law but are a safe harbor for those organizations that choose to participate in the optional process.On September 30, 2013, Acting Director, Exempt Organizations, Kenneth C. Corbin, sent a memo to IRS staff providing detailed guidance on classifying applications when merit approval is not an option, emphasizing that the determination is to be based on facts and circumstances, not words and labels:Classifier reviews the application and determines if it should be routed to a specialty group. This determination is based upon facts and circumstances of the stated activities within Part II of the application rather than names or labels. This is consistent with Karen Schillers August 9, 2013 memorandum The Schiller and Corbin memos came on the heels of the May 14, 2013, Inspector General report revealing that the IRS had singled out groups using conservative-sounding terms such as patriot and Tea Party when applying for tax-exempt status. The IG probe determined that Early in Calendar Year 2010, the IRS began using inappropriate criteria to identify organizations applying for tax-exempt status (e.g., lists of past and future donors) and delayed processing of targeted groups applications in advance of the 2012 presidential election.Of the 422 withheld pages, 98% (all but nine) cited the FOIA deliberative process provision under FOIA Exemption 5.No wonder the Obama IRS has been hiding these records. The new smoking-gun documents contain admissions by the Obama IRS that it inappropriately targeted conservative groups, said Judicial Watch President, Tom Fitton. But the records also show that the abuse continued  as the Obama IRS tried to force conservative applicants to give up their First Amendment rights in order to finally get their applications granted.Previously, Judicial Watch released IRS documents containing email correspondence dated April 2, 2013, from former IRS Director of Exempt Organizations, Lois Lerner, to internal IRS investigators revealing the inappropriate BOLO criteria used to select conservative organizations for screening and scrutiny:The screening [Cincinnati field office] group manager asked his employees how they were applying the BOLOs short-hand reference to tea party. His employees responded that they were including organizations meeting any of the following criteria as falling within the BOLOs reference to tea party organizations: 1. Tea Party, Patriots or 9/12 Project is referenced in the case file. 2. Issues include government spending, government debt and taxes. 3. Educate the public through advocacy/legislative activities to make America a better place to live. 4. Statements in the case file that are critical of the how the country is being run assad gassed his people eh?lolobama and hillary and all the minions are scared stupidscared stupidNo takers eh?Hillarious more it is
Nothing wrong with the idea of Hindu Rashtra: Yogi Adityanath

India

oi-Anusha

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sparked off a controversy after he said that there was nothing wrong with the idea of 'Hindu Rashtra'. Adityanath claimed that he was working for the development of Uttar Pradesh and everyone in the state but he did not think that there was anything wrong with the idea of 'Hindu Rashtra'. His comments backing Hindu Rashtra were made in an interview to Doordarshan.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister is said to have cited the Supreme Court's order stating that Hinduism was a way of life. "It helps our people bring in peace. If Hindu Rashtra improves our life, there is no problem in accepting it," Adityanath was quoted as saying.

His statement sparked off a debate on the sensitive topic with the many accusing him of imposing his ideology while being the in the office of chief minister. "Adityanath may say anything on Hindu Rashtra but India has rejected it. It is his personal view," said Shahid Siddiqui.

OneIndia News
On camera: Varanasi folks in panic as 'ghost in white' goes for a walk on rooftops

Varanasi to light up for Deep Deepavali, a festival of lights that is not Diwali

PM inaugurates infra projects in Jharkhand, talks about age of honesty

India

oi-Lisa

Sahebganj, April 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday among several other projects laid the foundation stone for a four-lane bridge on river Ganga in Sahebganj which will connect Bihar and Jharkhand.

The PM addressed huge gathering by greeting them in the local language, greeting everyone with 'Johar'. He added that this is biggest bridge that would not just connect Jharkhand with Bihar but to the rest of the country.

He added that the age of honesty has started in India under the BJP rule as he talked about his fight against corruption and black money. He said, "The poor of India want to lead a life of dignity and they want opportunities to prove themselves. I have faith in their skills. Those who have looted the poor will have to return to the poor what they have looted. I need your blessings for this."

'Imandari Ka Yug' has started in India. A good life can be led even without looting the poor: PM @narendramodi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 6, 2017

Those who have looted the poor will have to return to the poor what they have looted. I need your blessings for this: PM @narendramodi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 6, 2017

The poor of India want to lead a life of dignity and they want opportunities to prove themselves. I have faith in their skills: PM pic.twitter.com/VTzlAlmqK3  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 6, 2017

He informed people that it was for the first time that so many development projects have been inaugurated on a single day. He said the projects will benefit Santhal region of Jharkhand the most. He added that the proposed waterway will play an important role in the transport of goods on river Ganga.

He further said, "We will be able to help common people of the region with a fast-paced development." As he laid the foundation stone for a Multi-modal terminal on Ganga River he said this project will connect Jharkhand with the rest of the world. He added that the government has built railways and airways but the only problems was waterways.

He said this project will change that and it will create business and employment opportunities in the state and benefit rural areas the most. The proposed terminal is part of the development of the National Waterway-1 from Varanasi to Haldia. Once ready it will have annual cargo handling capacity of 2.24 million tonnes.

.@narendramodi The state of the art terminal at Sahibganj will have a cargo handling capacity of 2.24 Million Tons Per Annum.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 5, 2017

He also inaugurated the Govindpur- Jamtara- Dumka- Sahebganj Highway and said that this project will open several doors of progress for the people of Jharkhand. He also said that, "As far as infrastructure is concerned, we are ensuring that the infrastructure is also environment friendly."

During his Jharkhand visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Govindpur- Jamtara- Dumka- Sahebganj Highway.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 5, 2017

The PM also laid the foundation stone for setting up a solar power facility on the Sahebganj district court premises and district hospital. The PM ended his speech by appealing people to contribute towards the making of 'New India' by 2022.

PM @narendramodi will dedicate to the nation Solar Power Facility at the Sahebganj District Court premises and Sahebganj District Hospital.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 5, 2017

I congratulate the Jharkhand Government for harnessing solar energy: PM @narendramodi #ProgressiveJharkhand pic.twitter.com/BcmNmPL8Ga  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 6, 2017

OneIndia News
Tamil Nadu polls: What if People's Welfare Front wins less seats than number of parties it has?

R K Nagar bypoll: G K Vasan extends support to O Panneerselvam

India

oi-Anusha

The O Panneerselvam camp of the AIADMK is gaining more strength as the R K Nagar bypoll is drawing closer. Tamil Manila Congress leader G K Vasan announced his decision to support Panneerselvam in the poll. The leader will also be seen campaigning alongside E Madhusudhanan starting Saturday.

Vasan's move comes after O Panneerselvam, C Ponnaiyan, K P Munusamy, S Semmalai and K Pandiarajan visited Vasan's Alwarpet residence and held talks with the former Union minister. Vasan later visited Panneerselvam's residence to make his support official.

"People of Tamil Nadu look at Panneerselvam as a good man. He is simple and reflects the sentiments of the people. In brief, people support him and so do I," said G K Vasan speaking to the media on Thursday. Vasan claimed that his party workers would begin campaigning for Panneerselvam camp's candidate starting Thursday.

OneIndia News
Explained: Why did the ECI freeze the symbol of the Shiv Sena

Not just future of Sena but democracy at stake, says Uddhav

Shiv Sena MPs gherao civil aviation minister over flying ban

India

oi-Madhuri

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad who was banned by several airines for assaulting an Air India staffer, claimed his innocence in the Lok Sabha and said that he was a victim of a media trial.

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan till 12.45 p.m. over the Sena protest. The Lok Sabha witnessed an altercation between two ministers over the airline travel ban on Gaikwad. The scenes turned ugly in the Lok Sabha as Shiv Sena MPs tried to gherao with civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju.

The two nearly came to blows before Smriti Irani and Rajnath Singh intervened and caught hold of Geethe before he reached Raju. They later took Raju and Union Minister Ananth Geethe with them to the Speaker's chamber.

Sources said that Speaker Mahajan discussed the issue with the leaders. Sena MPs were agitated over a statement of the Civil Aviation Minister, who reiterated that the ban was not aimed at a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights.

This led to a protest by Sena members, and the House was adjourned.

Gaikwad, the Osmanabad MP, had last month abused and assaulted a 60-year-old duty manager of the national carrier with slippers for not being able to fly business class despite having boarded an all-economy Pune-New Delhi flight.

OneIndia News (with IANS inputs)
AI staffer pushed me around: Ravindra Gaikwad tells Lok Sabha

India

oi-Madhuri

New Delhi: Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Ravindra Gaikwad on Thursday while speaking in Lok Sabha said that he is not guilty and done nothing wrong. Recounting what went down two weeks ago, during his row with the Air India staffer, Gaikwad said,"What is my crime that I am being subjected to a media trial by fire?" He said that he did not thrash any Air India staffer and in fact, the staff had pushed him instead.

"I apologise to Parliament but not to Air India," Gaikwad said in the Lok Sabha, where his party demanded the ban be cancelled.

The Shiv Sena MP also refuted reports that seven tickets were issued in his name saying that he did not try to travel at all. He also demanded strong action to be taken against Air India.

The controversial lawmaker clarified in the Lok Sabha that the Delhi police had registered an FIR against him with charges of attempt to murder. He also requested the Home Minister Rajnath Singh to look into this matter.

The Shiv Sena in Lok Sabha has moved an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha overthe issue. Sena MPs raised slogan against Air India in Lok Sabha. Sena MP Anandrao Adsul accused the BJP-led government of taking no action on the issue.

Earlier on Thursday, Gaikwad who has been banned from flying by several airlines reached Parliament. Gaikwad also met Sena leader Sanjay Raut in latter's residence in Delhi in the morning.

According to reports, Gaikwad flew to New Delhi on a chartered flight from Pune on Wednesday to attend Parliament, but the Sena MP have refuted such reports. He has said that he cannot afford a chartered flight and came to Delhi on a train.

OneIndia News
Gaikwad issue: Shiv Sena threatens to boycott NDA meeting

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, April 6: The Shiv Sena on Thursday threatened to boycott the proposed NDA meeting next week if the airlines' ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad is not lifted.

Addressing a press conference in the Parliament premises, Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the government had assured that an amicable solution to the controversy would be found at the earliest.

"We respect Union Home Minster Rajnath Singh and hope he will find the solution. The ball is now in the government's court. It is their responsibility to solve it," he said.

[Air India to step up staff security at Mumbai, Pune airports]

"If the flying ban on Gaikwad is not lifted, we will boycott the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) meeting to be held on April 10. I am saying this after discussing it with party chief Uddhav Thackeray," Raut said.

The Lok Sabha member from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, Gaikwad abused and assaulted 60-year-old duty manager R. Sukumar of Air India late last month.

He said that he beat up the official "25 times with a footwear" because he had to travel economy class though he had an open business class ticket. The flight was an all-economy one and had no business class section.

The MP was later banned by Air India from flying aboard its aircraft, following which other private airlines also refused to fly him.

IANS
Bharat Jodo Yatra will proceed to Srinagar, come what may, says Rahul Gandhi as march enters Maharashtra

More grief for Congress after 26 dump party for BJP in Himachal

'Will resign as MLA if proven wrong': Defiant Jarkiholi defends 'Hindu' remark even as Cong slams him

Vishwajit Rane's supporters quit Valpoi Cong committee

India

pti-PTI

Panaji, April 6: The block Congress committee members from Valpoi in North Goa have resigned in support of former party MLA Vishwajit Rane, who is slated to join the ruling BJP on Thursday.

Rane, who was elected from Valpoi constituency in the recently held state polls, had resigned from the Congress last month and quit his Assembly membership after absenting himself from the House when Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had sought the trust vote.

In his support, all Valpoi block Congress committee members, led by Laxmi Halwalkar, tendered their resignation from the primary membership of the party late Wednesday night.

"We, the Valpoi block Congress committee members are hereby submitting our resignation from the primary membership of the Congress with immediate effect as we have no faith in the leadership at the state and national level," reads the resignation letter, signed by all block members.

The members said that Congress, which emerged as the largest party in the recent Goa Assembly elections, failed to form the government and betrayed the real party workers.

"We are with our leader Vishwajit Rane, who has taken the right step to join BJP. We are fully convinced that his step is for the development of our constituency. We can't sit in the opposition for next five years," Halwalkar told PTI.

"We have full faith in him. We have seen his leadership qualities and the development work he has done in Sattari taluka," she said.

BJP's state unit president Vinay Tendulkar yesterday said that Rane would be joining the party today.

Rane had quit the Congress last month after being upset that the party failed to form the government in Goa despite it emerging as the single largest party winning 17 seats in the 40-member Assembly.

He is the son of Congress veteran and former Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane, who was also elected to the Assembly from Poriem seat in North Goa during the recent state polls.

In the trust vote held in the House last month, Parrikar proved his majority with 12 legislators from BJP, three from Goa Forward Party, three from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, three Independents and one from NCP voting in favour of the trust motion.

The opposition benches included 16 MLAs from Congress, as Rane had remained absent during the voting.

After failing to defeat the trust motion, the Goa Congress said it would seek disqualification of Rane from contesting elections for defying its whip to vote against the motion.

PTI
What is the controversy surrounding Jinnah House?

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Jinnah House, once owned by Pakistan's founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is in the news once again after a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA demanded its demolition.

The 2.5 acres mansion in Mumbai's upscale Malabar Hills area is said to worth $ 400 million. There has been a long-standing proposal to convert it into a South Asian Centre for Arts and Culture.

The sprawling mansion, formally known as 'South Court', has long been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. It is being maintained by the Union Government since 1983. It was also the venue for the historic talks on Partition and creation of Pakistan in September 1944 and later in August 1946.

BJP's Mangal Prabhat Lodha has also urged the government to declare the Jinnah House an "enemy property".

Parliament recently passed the Enemy Property Bill, 2016 which says successors of those who migrated to Pakistan during Partition will have no claim over the properties left behind in India.

Jinnah's mansion in Malabar Hills After Jinnah returned to Mumbai from England to take charge of the Muslim League, he built himself a palatial mansion South Court (Jinnah House) in Mumbai, which became his residence during the politically momentous decade preceding the creation of Pakistan. Image courtesy - Youtube screengrab Govt spends millions for its upkeep The house, designed by Claude Batley, a British architect, was built in 1936 and is located at 2, Bhausaheb Hirey Marg, Malabar Hill. In 1948, it was leased to the British Deputy High Commission which occupied it till 1982. Image courtesy - Youtube screengrab Pak wants mansion to be made consulate Successive Pakistani governments have often expressed deep interest in acquiring the property free of charge for sentimental reasons. Image courtesy - Facebook/Raj Anand Sharma Mohammed Ali Jinnah Jinnah, a lawyer and politician, was the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the creation of Pakistan on 14 August 1947. He was Pakistan's first governor-general until his death. He is revered in the neighbouring country as Qayid-i-Azam and Baba-i-Qaum. He passed away on September 11, 1948, at the age of 71.

Jinnah's daughter, Dina Wadia, has earlier demanded that the mansion be handed over to her.

Born as Dina Jinnah, Dina Wadia's relationship with her father became strained when she expressed her desire to marry a Parsi-born Indian, Neville Wadia. Jinnah, a Muslim, tried to dissuade her, but failed. It is said that when Dina married Neville, Jinnah said to her that she was not his daughter any more.

OneIndia News
World Health Day: PM Modis mantra to beat depression

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Are you feeling low and depressed? Please, don't. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of India's busiest men, recently decided to talk about depression. Usually we see politicians talk about politics, but the Prime Minister decided to dwell on depression during his last Mann ki Baat programme.

Mann ki Baat is a monthly talk show of PM Modi on radio. The programme is a mega-hit among the listeners, thus the Prime Minister talking about depression in detail will definitely help to break the silence surrounding the issue.

Moreover, this year, the theme of the World Health Day campaign is depression. The World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 by the World Health Organisation. "We (in India) are afraid to talk about it (depression) openly," the PM said. "The focus of World Health Day this year is depression," he added.

According to the WHO, a total of 4.5 per cent people in India suffer from depression.

"The total number of people living with depression in the world is 322 million. Nearly half of these people live in the South-East Asia Region and Western Pacific Region, reflecting the relatively large populations of those two areas which include India and China," says the WHO report, 'Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders --Global Health Estimates'.

The PM insisted that those who are depressed must share how they feel with their loved ones. "Suppression of depression is not good. Expression is always good. If depressed, share your feelings with others, it will make you feel better," PM Modi said.

"In today's India, so many young people move out of home to study and live in hostels and they don't have their loved ones to fall back on. In that sense, we are lucky to have had joint families, where if someone was feeling out of sorts it would always be noticed," he added.

PM Modi asked everyone to help each other in fighting depression."Depression can be overcome. We all can play a role in helping those suffering from depression overcome it. It's always good to share your feelings with others, if feeling depressed," he said.

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Senators to Trump: Form task force for checking hate crimes

International

pti-PTI

Washington, April 5: A bipartisan group of over a dozen influential American Senators have asked US President Donald Trump to establish a presidential task force to fight hate violence amid increasing instances of hate crimes in the country.

"We urge you to create a Presidential Task Force on hate violence and we hope we can work with you to stop the rise in hate across the country," the Senators wrote in a letter dated April 3. Led by Senator Maria Cantwell, the letter said a new presidential task force to prevent and combat hate violence will make addressing this issue a national priority.

Among another signatory to the letter were Senators Edward Markey, Kristen Gillibrand, Mazie Hirono, Chris Van Hollen, Amy Klobucher, Chris Murphy, Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, Robert Casey, Richard Durbin, Richard Blumenthal and Tammy Duckworth.

In the letter, the Senators said the task force would convene the brightest minds to develop solutions and enable stakeholders to share and disseminate best practices more widely.

"Across the US, we have seen hate violence and threats against religious and racial minorities become more and more commonplace. Just last month, a Sikh American man was shot and wounded in Kent, Washington. These crimes and threats of violence fly in the face of our core values of tolerance, respect, and freedom of religion," Cantwell said.

Cantwell said she and her colleagues are urging Trump to create a new presidential task force on preventing and combating hate violence to begin an important national dialogue on how best to counter hate. "Together, we can put a stop to the rise in hate across our country," she said. On March 3, a 39-year-old Sikh man was shot near Seattle after the gunman allegedly told him to go back to your own country.

On February 22, Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla was shot and killed in Olathe, Kansas after the attacker yelled, get out of my country. The first three months of 2017 have witnessed steady reports of harassment, threats, and violence against religious minorities in the United States and their places of worship, the Senator noted.

"We applaud Senator Cantwell and her colleagues for recommending concrete action to prevent hate violence," said Rajdeep Singh Jolly, Interim Managing Director of Programs at the Sikh Coalition. Since September 11, 2001, the Sikh Coalition estimates that a Sikh American is hundreds of times more likely to be the victim of a hate crime than an average American, often because Sikhs wear turbans and maintain unshorn beards.

"Hate impacts us all," said Seattle-area Sikh community leader, Jasmit Singh. "We must do more to combat it in local communities across the United States and that starts with our federal officials making prevention of hate violence a top priority," he said.

PTI
CDNBear said: Just out of curisity What are your feelings on a publicly funded systems like Canada's?



Do you think it would be better than the ACA? Click to expand...

Dude, a rusty tin can full of dogsh*t would be better than the ACA.Listen, there are 34 countries in the OECD. 33 of them have health-care programs that provide full coverage and comparable outcomes with U.S. medicine, at an average per-capita cost of half of what the U.S. pays.In other words, taking ANY of them, translating them into American (from Japanese or German or Canadian or them other weird languages), and passing them into law would be a vast improvement.But I think, in the U.S. (not necessarily in any other country) the best solution is to let the states handle health care. That would allow experimentation: mandatory insurance schemes, single-payer, tax-based schemes, various other options. (Worth noting that Wisconsin evaluated its population and medical resources and concluded the best option for Wisconsin was to simply give the uninsured insurance at state expense). Before Obamacare, three states had statewide healthcare: Massachusetts, Utah, and Hawaii. The models were very different. But we'll never know which one was best, because the ACA effectively nullified them all.Personally, I favor either the current U.S. model (in which I get free care from my choice of the Indian Health Service or the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and screw you, Charlie!) or the Japanese model which has mandatory insurance, requires health insurance companies to be non-profit, and every 2 years negotiates among the government, the medical community, and the insurance community for a standard list of fees. This system has resulted in 95+% of all Japanese hospitals being privately owned and 90+% of Japanese doctors being privately employed. Per capita cost is about 55% of U.S. cost, despite the geriatric nature of the Japanese population.
South Korea successfully test-fires 800 km-range ballistic missile

International

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Seoul, April 6: South Korea has successfully test-fired a home-developed ballistic missile with a range long enough to hit any part of North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday.

It comes a day after the North fired its own ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan -- which analysts dubbed a warning ahead of a China-US summit, at which Pyongyang's accelerating atomic weapons programme is set to top the agenda.

South Korea is protected under an American security umbrella and is home to thousands of US troops. But in 2012 it reached an agreement with the United States to almost triple the range of its ballistic missile systems to guard against the North's nuclear threats, and has since been developing missiles with longer ranges.

Citing a high-ranking government official, Yonhap said the South's missile with a range of 800 kilometres could serve as a strong deterrent to Pyongyang.

"The test-firing was successful", the official was quoted as saying. A defence ministry spokesman declined to comment. The South plans to deploy the new missile this year following further tests to determine its reliability, Yonhap said.

The new missile could cover all of North Korea even when fired from a southern region of the country, it said. In June last year, the South successfully test-fired two home-developed missiles capable of carrying a one-tonne payload up to 500 kilometres.

Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme is likely to dominate when US President Donald Trump meets China's leader Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida Thursday, their first face to face meeting.

AFP
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Its not every day that you get to see a Picasso in Fremont.

But starting Friday, area residents will be able to see an etching by a man considered to be one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

The etching is part of the Sheldon Statewide 2016-2017 exhibit called, Shape Up! Visualizing the Geometric World. The exhibit will be on display from Friday through April 29 in the Tracy Gallery of the Fremont Area Art Association building at 92 W. Sixth St.

An opening reception is planned for this exhibit and two others from 5-7 p.m. Friday in the art association building. The public is invited and admission is free.

The other two exhibits on view are Bridges: Sharing Our Past To Enrich the Future in the Hinds Gallery and the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs Selection Show in the loft.

This marks the 30th year for the annual exhibit and educational outreach from the Sheldon Art Museum on the University of Nebraska campus.

Artwork featured in the Sheldon exhibit, which is traveling the state, is from the museums permanent collection, said Barbara Gehringer, FAAA executive director.

Since it started in 1987, the exhibition has reached over 300,000 people across the state and is bringing artwork to communities that wouldnt otherwise have access to it, Gehringer said.

Sixteen pieces of art are part of the Shape Up! exhibit, which includes works made in the last 150 years.

Gehringer noted that math and art have long been partnered to produce some of the most important discoveries, technological advancements and artwork ever created.

So often in school, students are in separate spaces to learn about math and art, but the two disciplines have always been interconnected, Gehringer said.

Works by internationally known artist such as Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder and Margaret Bourke-White are featured in this exhibit.

The Picasso etching, Femme Assise (Dora Maar), was made in 1943. Maar, whose real name was Dora Markovic, was a Yugoslavian photographer.

Calders color lithograph, Four Pyramids, is part of the show as well. Calder is credited with inventing the mobile.

The exhibit also includes a 1936 gelatin silver print photograph titled Steel Lines, Fort Peck, Montana, from Margaret Bourke-White.

She was one of the best photographers of all time, Gehringer said. Photography was in its infancy when she started and her work was light years ahead of the medium.

Barb Tellatin, exhibits committee member, noted something else.

She (Bourke-White) broke gender barriers for photography, Tellatin said.

A lithograph by artist and photographer Chuck Close, known for his photorealism, is part of the display. The lithograph titled, Phil, was created in 1976.

Gehringer and Tellatin encourage area residents to attend the opening reception on Friday. The public also may view the displays during regular gallery hours from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
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eCogra Awards bet365 ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Security Certification

Published April 6, 2017 by Ivan P

bet365 acquires prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification by eCogra, recognizing company's full commitment to information safety.

bet365, one of the biggest gambling operators in the UK and the world, has been awarded a prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification by eCogra, an independent auditing agency with a very strong reputation in the industry.

Recognizing bet365's Commitment to Security

According to Shaun McCallaghan, COO of eCogra, auditing bet365's entire global operation, which was required prior to issuing the certification, was no small task. It took an entire team of experts who worked across multiple locations to gather all the necessary information.

Results of all the rigorous tests and inquiries were satisfactory, proving that the company was truly committed to information security, which allowed them to join the small group of other gaming operators who were able to obtain the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Certification.

eCogra is authorized to issue these prestigious certifications because the organization received the authorization from the UK Accreditation Service after they had successfully proven their competence in performing impartial third-party audits.

Rising Demand for Increased Safety

In the press release accompanying this important announcement for bet365, McCallaghan explained that there is growing demand for these certifications in a number of regulated markets such as Spain, Denmark, Portugal, and the Czech Republic. Having this certification expedites the authorization process for online gambling businesses looking to obtain local licenses in these jurisdictions, which makes them very popular.

CEO of eCogra Andrew Beveridge extended his congratulations to bet365 and expanded on his COO's explanation, adding that the organization is fully committed to providing the full range of testing services required to obtain this prestigious ISO certification.

Being the only currently accredited organization to issue ISO/IEC 27001:2013, eCogra will have their hands full in the upcoming period. For this reason, they will be expanding their team of auditors and implementers, looking to meet the growing demand for their certification services.

As for bet365, this is another significant step for the gambling giant which is bound to open even more new opportunities for growth and expansion.
Castor Oil Derivatives Market Forecast and Segments, 2015-2025

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Castor oil is one of the most multipurpose plant oils, obtained by pressing the seed of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis).It is well known source of a monounsaturated, ricinoleic and 18-carbon fatty acid. Owing to its unique chemical structure and rich properties, castor oil and its derivatives find uses in many industries such as cosmetics, food, lubricants, paints, agriculture, electronics & telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, perfumeries, plastics and rubber, inks & adhesives and textile chemicals. After plant oils, castor oil is considered to be the most required oil. However, growing concerns pertaining to biofuels specially biodiesel and biopolymer across the globe is pushingcastor oil to play a much larger role in the world economy.Castor Oil Derivatives: Drivers & RestraintsGrowth of major end-use industries (includes lubricants, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) and increasing demand for sustainable products & biodegradable, on account of reducing dependence on petrochemicals is anticipated to fuel the demand for castor oil derivatives market. Also regulatory support and rising prices of alternative renewable chemicals is expected to drive the global castor oil derivatives market. However, factors influencing its manufacturing cost includes raw material availability, weather uncertainties, shortage of working capital, techniques & methods used for extraction and availability of substitute oil are resulting in restraints for the castor oil derivative market.Request Report Sample@Castor Oil Derivatives: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, the global castor oil derivatives market is segmented into Undecylenic Acid, Sebacic Acid (largest consumed castor oil derivatives), Castor Wax or Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO), Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO) and others. On the basis of application, global castor oil derivatives market is segmented into Lubricants, Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals (largest application segment), Biodiesel, Plastics & Resins and Others.Castor Oil Derivatives: Region-wise OutlookThe global castor oil derivatives market is expected to register a double digit CAGR for the forecast period, 2015?2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to continue its dominance on the global castor oil derivatives market. India accounts for largest production of castor oil derivatives worldwide, followed by China and Brazil. Higher demand from the US, Europe and China has resulted in the higher prices for castor as well as increase in demand for castor oil derivatives. The major castor producing countries are India, China, Brazil, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Philippines, Russia and Thailand.Request For TOC@Castor Oil Derivatives: Key PlayersSome of players in global castor oil derivatives market are Thai Castor Oil Industries Co. Ltd., Jayant Agro Organics, Hokoku Corporation, ITOH Oil Chemicals Co. Ltd., Gokul Overseas, Bom Brazil, Liaoyang Huaxing Chemical Co., Ltd., Kanak Castor Products Pvt. Ltd., and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Latin America Mining Equipments Market Growth, Trends and Value Chain 2014-2020 by FMI

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The mining industry is expected to witness growth with a single digit CAGR over the next six years on account of the further expanding demand for metal and mineral commodities. Latin America accounted for about 8% of the global mining equipment demand in 2013 and its contribution towards global mining equipment sales was registered at 15% for the same year. The region serves as the prime destination for mining exploration and investment at a global level.The key reason which has accelerated the growth of the Latin American mining equipment market is the enhanced demand for the consumption of natural resources. Presently, the region produces about 45% of the global copper, 21% of the global zinc, 50% of the global silver and 26% of the global molybdenumproduction. In addition, foreign investment, especially from China, US, Canada and Australia, plays a significant role in the growth of the Latin American mining equipment market. Further, other operations such as the Panama Stock Operation (PSO), CSR activities, and introduction of next generation mining equipment such as Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) also serve as driving factors for the growth of the mining equipment market in Latin America. Among these, CSR activities primarily focus on rehabilitation and support programmes, promotion of healthy lifestyle and awareness programmes for the adoption of green technology. However, in the past few years, the mining industry and hence the mining equipment industry has been facing an economic crisis on account of the requirement for budget allocation in the maintenance of the mining industry and equipment, etc. Illegal mining operations at some locations and the risk associated with the mining industry serve as further constraints for the Latin American mining equipment industry.Surging demand and abundant availability of natural resources(including the worlds top three metal and mineral reserves of copper, zinc and silver rapid technological advancement, modernization of mining plants, stable legislations with a motivating legal environment, and the efficient budget allocation with aftermarket revenue generation will serve as opportunities for the development of the Latin America mining equipment market.Request For Report Sample@Market segmentation of Latin American mining equipment can be done on the basis of equipment, application and countries. On the basis of equipment, the Latin American mining equipment market includes mineral processing equipment, surface mining equipment, underground mining equipment, mining drills and breakers, crushing and screening equipment, etc. On the basis of applications, the Latin American mining equipment market segmentation includes metal ore mining, coal mining and mineral mining. Chile, being the largest producer of copper, serves as a lucrative market for copper-based mining equipment. Colombia is an active exporter,and is the first Latin American coal-producing country alongwith the production of metals such as gold, silver and platinum and hence is the opportunistic market for the associated mining equipment market. On the basis of countries, the Latin American mining equipment market includes Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Venezuela. Chile is known for the adoption and introduction of advanced technologies such as autonomous haulage system. Peru is the reserve of key minerals and has been witnessing a surging demand for copper and hence the expansion of the associated mining equipment market. Brazil has an integrated approach for the production and sale of mining equipment. Panama has an active stock operation (PSO) for the support of the mining industry. In line with the positive future of the Latin American mining equipment industry, Peru and Chile are expected to receive double digit foreign investment in $ Bn in the next six years.Some of the prominent players of the global mining equipment market include Sandvik AB, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Komatsu Limited, Atlas Copco Ab Joy Global Inc. Breaker Technology, Astec Industries, Bucyrus International, Caterpillar Incorporated, China Coal Energy Company Limited, Tecpalsa, Tecmap, Tiesa and Igaretta. Among these, Komatsu Limited in the whole of Latin America, Tecpalsa in Colombia, Tecmap and Tiesa in Panama and Igaretta in Argentina are active players in the Latin American mining equipment market.Request For TOC@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:
Esters Market is Expected to be Valued at US$ 1,191.0 Mn by 2026

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Introduction:Esters can be defined as the reaction products of acids and alcohols. Esters are small but an important part of the synthetic lubricants family and are found to be very useful for various applications in severe environment conditions. Esters are being used exclusively in jet engines lubrication mainly due to their unique combination of clean high temperature operation with low temperature flow ability. Key macroeconomic indicators directly influencing the global consumption of esters are growth of the synthetic lubricants market, industrial lubricants market and food grade lubricants market.Market Value and ForecastThe global esters market is anticipated to expand at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. Esters are being increasingly used in industrial applications where the number of products, applications and operating conditions are immense. The high performance properties and custom design versatility of esters is ideally suitable for certain niches in the industrial applications such as high temperature industrial oven chain lubricants and reciprocating air compressors. Rising demand for fatty acid esters and increasing adoption of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EAL) for Vessel General Permit (VGP) are some of the factors driving growth of the global esters market currently. Maintenance of ester lubricants requires expensive tools and equipment and involves high maintenance costs. Another potential disadvantage of esters is their ability to react with water or hydrolyse under certain conditions. However, in cases where the application leads to hydrolysis of ester, its structure can be changed to improve its hydrolysis stability.Request Report Sample@The global esters market is expected to be valued at US$ 635.7 Mn by 2016 end in terms of value. Various types of ester based fluids, such as phosphate esters and silicate esters, are widely used as lubricants, hydraulic fluids and/or as lubricant additives. Phosphate esters are used in fire-resistant lubricants for heavy-duty industrial gas turbines and auxiliary equipment and in hydraulic fluids in foundries, steel mills and other applications where the fluid could leak onto hot surfaces. High viscosity synthetic esters are used as base stocks in high temperature lubricants. These lubricants can be effectively used for continuous operation at 260C and undergo very little oxidative degradation and evaporation as compared to other base stocks. These benefits make synthetic esters the most preferred lubricants for high temperature grease applications. There is an increasing demand for environmentally adapted lubricants that are based on saturated and unsaturated ester oils for industrial and food grade applications.Segmentation by Product TypeOn the basis of product type, the esters market has been segmented into monoesters, diesters, complex esters and methyl esters. The complex esters segment estimated to account for a major revenue share of the global esters market by 2016 end and is expected to continue to dominate the market till 2026. Complex esters are being widely used as refrigeration lubricants because of their miscibility with Hydro Fluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. These are also used in environmentally sensitive products such as hydraulic fluids and other lubricants where biodegradable materials are required.Segmentation by ApplicationOn the basis of application, the global esters market has been segmented into automotive lubricants, industrial lubricants, aviation lubricants, marine lubricants and food grade lubricants. The aviation lubricants application segment is estimated to account for a major revenue share of the global esters market by 2016 end, followed by the automotive and industrial lubricants segment. Synthetic lubricants such as dibasic acid esters and dioctyl sebacate are being used successfully as lubricants for gas turbines for temperatures up to 300F. Esters of pentaerythritol and alkanoic acids are also used as lubricants for aircraft gas turbines.Key Regions:The global esters market has been segmented into seven major regions including North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. Of all the regions, the APEJ region is expected to dominate the market with 26.8% revenue share by the end of 2016. The APEJ and North America esters markets are collectively estimated to account for 49.6% revenue share of the total esters market by 2026.Send An Enquiry@Key Players:Key players in the global esters market include BASF SE, Exxon Mobil Corporation, NYCO SA, Hatco, Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P, PMC Biogenix, Inc., Cargill, Inc. and Croda International, Plc.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:
Power Electronics Market To Reach $46.32 Billion With 10.75% CAGR Forecast to 2022

Power Electronics Market

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The Global Power Electronics market is accounted for $20.46 billion in 2014 with CAGR of 10.75% is likely to reach $46.32 billion by 2022. The market is expected to make the market over next decade due to expected growth in power demand for consumer applications. The demand for renewable energy, smart grids and demand for multi-portable devices are the major factors driving the growth of the market. Economic uncertainty and Regulatory barriers are the major factors hampering the expansion of the market. The opportunity for escalation in the market lies in Power, Energy and Automotive Sector.Get Sample Report @Global Power Electronics market is categorised by Technology, by Device, by Sector and by Geography. Based on Technology, market is segmented into GaN and SiC. Based on Device, market is segregated into Power Ic, Power Module and Power Discrete. Based on Sector, the market is classified into Residential, Commercial and Transportation. Market by geography, is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Major market for Power Electronics lies in Asia Pacific.The Key players in the market includeHitachi Co., Ltd, Toshiba Corp., Infineon Technologies AG, Fairchild Semiconductor, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Solicore, Inc, Alstom, ABB Ltd, Gan Systems, Inc.What 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 8 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 advancementsLeave a Query @Table of Contents1 Executive Summary2 Preface2.1 Abstract2.2 Research Scope2.3 Research Methodology2.4 Research Sources3 Market Trend Analysis3.1 Introduction3.2 Drivers3.3 Restraints3.4 Opportunities3.5 Threats4 Porters Five Force Analysis4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers4.2 Bargaining power of buyers4.3 Threat of substitutes4.4 Threat of new entrants4.5 Competitive rivalry5 Global Power Electronics Market, By Technology5.1 GaN5.2 SiC6 Global Power Electronics Market, By Devices6.1 Power Ic6.2 Power Module6.3 Power Discrete7 Global Power Electronics Market, By Sector7.1 Residential7.2 Commercial7.3 Transportation7.4 Power Sector8 Global Power Electronics Market, By Geography8.1 North America8.1.1 US8.1.2 Canada8.2 Europe8.2.1 Germany8.2.2 France8.2.3 Italy8.2.4 UK8.2.5 Spain8.3 Asia Pacific8.3.1 Japan8.3.2 China8.3.3 India8.3.4 Australia8.3.5 Newzealand8.3.6 Rest of Asia8.4 Rest of the World8.4.1 Latin America8.4.2 Middle East8.4.3 Africa8.4.4 Others9 Key Developments9.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures9.2 Acquisitions & Mergers9.3 New Product Launch9.4 Expansions9.5 Other Key Strategies10 Company Profiling10.1 Hitachi Co., Ltd10.2 Toshiba Corp.10.3 Infineon Technologies AG10.4 Fairchild Semiconductor10.5 Rockwell Automation, Inc.10.6 Solicore, Inc10.7 Alstom10.8 ABB Ltd10.9 Gan Systems, IncBuy Now@CONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune, India
Guitar 2017 Global Key Players - Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, ESP, CORT, Martin, Jackson, Yamaha Market Analysis and Forecast to 2022

Guitar

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GuitarReport Details:Global Guitar market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingFenderGibsonIbanezESPCORTMartinJacksonYamahaEpiphoneKapokJishengKanonClick here for sample report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Guitar in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAcoustic GuitarElectric GuitarClassic GuitarOtherOn 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 Guitar for each application, includingProfessionalAmateurSome Major Points from Table of content:Global Guitar Market Research Report 20171 Guitar Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Guitar1.2 Guitar Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Guitar Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Guitar Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Acoustic Guitar1.2.4 Electric Guitar1.2.5 Classic Guitar1.2.6 Other1.3 Global Guitar Segment by Application1.3.1 Guitar Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Professional1.3.3 Amateur1.4 Global Guitar Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Guitar 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 Guitar (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Guitar Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Guitar Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)For Detailed Reading Please visit @7 Global Guitar Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Fender7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Fender Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Gibson7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Gibson Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Ibanez7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Ibanez Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 ESP7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 ESP Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 CORT7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 CORT Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Martin7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Martin Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Jackson7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Jackson Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Yamaha7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Yamaha Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Epiphone7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Epiphone Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Kapok7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Guitar Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Kapok Guitar Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview..ContinuedBuy now @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About UsWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPh: +91 841 198 5042info@wiseguyreports.com
Dental X-ray System 2017 Global Market Key Players  Sirona, Danaher, Planmeca Group, VATECH, YOSHIDA  Analysis and Forecast to 2022

Dental X-ray System Market

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Dental X-ray System Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Dental X-ray System Market -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 Dental X-ray System in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaRequest for Sample report @Global Dental X-ray System market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingSironaDanaherPlanmeca GroupVATECHFONAYOSHIDAAir TECHNIQUESMORITAsoredexASAHIVillaProgenyFujian MeishengRunyesQingdao Zhonglian HainuoQingdao YakangOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoOrdinary X-ray MachinePanoramic X-ray MachineCBCTOn 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 Dental X-ray System for each application, includingHospitalsDental ClinicIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.To get complete report visit@Key Points in Table of Content:Global Dental X-ray System Market Research Report 20171 Dental X-ray System Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Dental X-ray System1.2 Dental X-ray System Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Dental X-ray System Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Dental X-ray System Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Ordinary X-ray Machine1.2.4 Panoramic X-ray Machine1.2.5 CBCT1.2.4 Type II1.2.4 Type II1.3 Global Dental X-ray System Segment by Application1.3.1 Dental X-ray System Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospitals1.3.3 Dental Clinic1.4 Global Dental X-ray System Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Dental X-ray System 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 Dental X-ray System (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Dental X-ray System Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)7 Global Dental X-ray System Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Sirona7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Sirona Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Danaher7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Danaher Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Planmeca Group7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Planmeca Group Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 VATECH7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 VATECH Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 FONA7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 FONA Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 YOSHIDA7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 YOSHIDA Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Air TECHNIQUES7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Air TECHNIQUES Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 MORITA7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 MORITA Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 soredex7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 soredex Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 ASAHI7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Dental X-ray System Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 ASAHI Dental X-ray System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Villa7.12 Progeny7.13 Fujian Meisheng7.14 Runyes7.15 Qingdao Zhonglian Hainuo7.16 Qingdao YakangContinued...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
Baby Disposable Diaper Market 2017: Major Manufacturers, Size, Growth Factors and Analysis To 2022

Baby Disposable Diaper market

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Baby Disposable DiaperWiseGuyReports Publish a Latest Market Research Report On  Global Baby Disposable Diaper Market Report 2017  Industry Research, Manufacturers, Sales, Consumption, Segmentation, Price, Revenue, Share and Forecasts to 2022.Description:The Global Baby Disposable Diaper Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021 is a valuable source of insightful data for business strategists. It provides the Baby Disposable Diaper industry overview with growth analysis and historical & futuristic cost, revenue, demand and supply data (as applicable). The research analysts provide an elaborate description of the value chain and its distributor analysis. This Baby Disposable Diaper Market study provides comprehensive data which enhances the understanding, scope and application of this report.This report provides comprehensive analysis ofKey market segments and sub-segmentsEvolving market trends and dynamicsChanging supply and demand scenariosQuantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market forecastingTracking current trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive insightsOpportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughsBrowse Detailed TOC, Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies Mentioned in Baby Disposable Diaper Market Research Report@Global Baby Disposable Diaper Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaThe Major players reported in the market include:Domtar Corporation (USA)First Quality Enterprises, Inc. (USA)Kao Corporation (Japan)Kao Corporation (Japan)Ontex International N.V. (Belgium)The Procter & Gamble Company (USA)Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (publ) (Sweden)The Procter & Gamble Company (USA)Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (publ) (Sweden)...Global Baby Disposable Diaper Market: Product Segment AnalysisType IType IIType IIIGlobal Baby Disposable Diaper Market: Application Segment AnalysisApplication IApplication IIApplication IIIReasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsSample Report Request of Baby Disposable Diaper Market Research Report@Table of ContentsGlobal Baby Disposable Diaper Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021Chapter 1 Baby Disposable Diaper Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Baby Disposable Diaper1.2 Baby Disposable Diaper Market Segmentation by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Baby Disposable Diaper by Type in 20151.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.2.3 Type III1.3 Baby Disposable Diaper Market Segmentation by Application1.3.1 Baby Disposable Diaper Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Application I1.3.3 Application II1.3.4 Application III1.4 Baby Disposable Diaper Market Segmentation by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Baby Disposable Diaper (2012-2021)Chapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Baby Disposable Diaper Industry2.1 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis2.1.1 Global Macroeconomic Analysis2.1.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trend2.2 Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis by RegionsChapter 8 Global Baby Disposable Diaper Manufacturers Analysis8.1 Domtar Corporation (USA)8.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.1.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.1.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.1.4 Business Overview8.2 First Quality Enterprises, Inc. (USA)8.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.2.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.2.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.2.4 Business Overview8.3 Kao Corporation (Japan)8.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.3.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.3.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.3.4 Business Overview8.4 Kao Corporation (Japan)8.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.4.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.4.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.4.4 Business Overview8.5 Ontex International N.V. (Belgium)8.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.5.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.5.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.5.4 Business Overview8.6 The Procter & Gamble Company (USA)8.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.6.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.6.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.6.4 Business Overview8.7 Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (publ) (Sweden)8.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.7.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.7.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.7.4 Business Overview8.8 The Procter & Gamble Company (USA)8.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.8.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.8.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.8.4 Business Overview8.9 Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (publ) (Sweden)8.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors8.9.2 Product Type, Application and Specification8.9.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)8.9.4 Business OverviewChapter 9 Baby Disposable Diaper Manufacturing Cost Analysis9.1 Baby Disposable Diaper Key Raw Materials Analysis9.1.1 Key Raw Materials9.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials9.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials9.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials9.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure9.2.1 Raw Materials9.2.2 Labor Cost9.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses9.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Baby Disposable Diaper..CONTINUEDCheck Discount on Report Baby Disposable Diaper Market @Report on Baby Disposable Diaper Market Download in PDF Format @CONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations and Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune, India
Attention Day Traders - DayTradetoWin.com Invites You to Join The All-Inclusive Eight Week Long Live Mentorship Program

Day Trade To Win Software and Courses

http://daytradetowin.com

Day Trade to Win is an industry leader bringing day trading educational classes for all levels and skills. The April 11th class will focus on the expected crash in the futures and financial market. The program brings new and intermediate traders to focus on manipulation about to take hold. The next eight-week Futures Day Trading Course begins Tuesday, April 11th at 6:00 PM EDT. The start of 2017 has been fantastic for investors, and now it's time for the public to join the success.The first week brings the " At the Open" Strategy perfect for the beginner trader to learn the basics of an opening range breakout method with a unique twist on trade management and theory. As the program continues, intermediate traders learn advanced trading techniques and methods focused on manipulation which occurs day in and day out. The industry is saturated with unreliable software and courses that require optimization and usually fail once the market conditions change. Founder John Paul teaches traders throughout the trading world by using an online training room accessible from any computer or phone. Access is easy and convenient for most people. Even if you can't attend the live classes due to work or other commitments, Day Trade To Win has you covered. John Paul records each session and makes available the recording for on-demand playback. When joining John Paul live, all questions are answered directly to enhance interaction. The live environment enriches the experience. Expect to learn real methods, and multiple E-mini price action strategies that are rule-based, and clearly explained to be effective in any market environment.If you are ready to learn what it takes to become a day trader, be sure to register now as space is limited due to the small class size. Last year every event held by daytradetowin was sold out. The traders who take advantage of working with John Paul and daytradetowin move one step closer to independences as a day trader. The new date of April 11 has been highly anticipated as the elections are now over and the real fun market fun begins.All-inclusive means no upcharge or additional fees in the future. All indicators and courses are included, and support is free. The special price and exclusivity are trademarks of daytradetowin supporting the average Joe and Jane trader. Live instruction for anyone new or old is paramount to ensure success. The Group Mentorship class includes the ATO, Atlas Line, Trade Scalper, Roadmap, X-5, Blueprint and so much more. Training is designed to turn traders who have problems with consistent results to talented market movers. John Paul conducts each class twice a week Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM EDT.John Paul believes traders should use the relationship between price and time, dubbed "price action," to assess risk and determine points of entry and exit. He says the best time to trade in the morning, but there are plenty of opportunities in the afternoon and evening. Daytradetowinreview.com discusses DayTradeToWin and John Paul. Daytradetowin.net offers the latest news and activities traders need to learn. Typically among other educators is the reliance upon conventional indicators that have never worked, and will never work. Indicators are add-ons used to help interpret the chart and plug into a charting platform. Indicators can mislead the true market conditions, and provide wrong information. Relying on indicators alone is unwise, as John Paul warns. They, "often have to be optimized." In contrast, price action is consistently optimizing itself in real-time.A five-minute chart (5-min) is the most popular chart in the Mentorship class. On a 5-min chart, a new bar (or candle) appears every five minutes. Shorter periods of time are used for scalping strategies. Scalping is the practice of getting in and out of the market quickly, multiple times per day. Scalping is one of the many methods taught in the Mentorship course. Various types of markets exist. The E-mini S&P 500 futures market is the focal point of the training. Other markets can be too volatile, too often.The goal of this training program is to teach traders how to find consistent price patterns that may lead to success. On the Day Trade to Win website, testimonials and a three-year summary of Atlas Line signals are provided.A Mentorship student said his experience can be described as, "A worthwhile investment. I believe that there are two ways to become a profitable trader: learning by trial and error, which will undeniably cost thousands in mistakes, or pay someone to teach you." Classes usually sell out, and registration reserves your seat for the April 11th mentorship class.To enroll in this new Mentorship class or find out more, visitDay Trade To Win offers new and advanced traders the opportunity to learn unique trading methods using the Atlas Line propriety software and price action courses designed for success. 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Flow Cytometry Market To Witness Growth Based On Rising Implementation Of Microfluidic Miniature Flow Cytometry In Point-Of-Care Diagnostics Till 2025: Grand View Research, Inc.

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The global flow cytometry market is expected to reach USD 8.0 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The increasing incidence of infectious diseases and cancer is expected to upsurge the demand for flow cytometers for use in disease diagnosis over the coming years. In addition, higher number of physicians is inclined toward the usage of autologous and allogenic stem cell therapy, due to adverse effects caused by chemotherapy & radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer, thereby affecting the growth of this market.Moreover, rising demand for point-of-care testing in chronic diseases management is expected to fuel the demand for cytometry techniques. Rising implementation of microfluidic miniature flow cytometry in point-of-care diagnostics is the factor augmenting the future growth. Increasing R&D initiatives by various key players for the development of multicolor assays and advanced reagents for analysis are anticipated to boost the usage rate. Advancement in technology for the purpose of enhanced accuracy, portability, and cost-effectiveness is expected to serve this market with lucrative growth opportunities.Small-size high-throughput cytometers are expected to gain popularity over the coming years due to associated benefits such as ease in use and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, improvement in fluorescent dyes & introduction of bench top cytometers are the other growth propellers. For instance, multicolor flow cytometry coupled with multiple lasers is the fastest growing application segment, which finds extensive applications in the field of R&D innovations in new drug development and is adopted by many contract research organizations.Browse full research report on Global Flow Cytometry Market: (Further Key Findings From the Study Suggest: Bead-based flow cytometry is anticipated to witness lucrative growth rate over the forecast period owing to increasing advancement in molecular engineering & monoclonal antibody production Reagents & consumables are expected to be the fastest growing segment as of 2016 due to extensive utilization in molecular diagnostics Clinical diagnosis market is driven by factors such as increasing demand for cost-effective disease diagnosis and associated benefits of these assays in disease detection The largest market share of commercial organizations can be attributed to the rising large-scale production of proteins, cell line development, and other biologicals coupled with the growing demand for cell sorting and analysis techniques Asia Pacific regional market is presumed to witness the fastest growth owing to increasing supportive government initiatives for flourishing biotech industry coupled with growing awareness about the applications of flow cytometers Multinational players collaborating with local diagnostic companies and healthcare institutions in developing countries such as India & Brazil, target the disease population and are expected to increase market penetrationGrand View Research has segmented the flow cytometry market on the basis of technology, product & services, application, end-use, and region:Global Flow Cytometry Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Cell-based Bead-basedGlobal Flow Cytometry Product & Services Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Instruments Reagent & consumables Software Accessories servicesGlobal Flow Cytometry Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Researcho Pharmaceuticalo Drug discoveryo Stem cellso In vitro toxicityo Apoptosiso Cell sortingo Cell cycle analysiso Immunologyo Cell viability Industrial Clinicalo Cancero Organ transplantationo Immunodeficiencyo HematologyGlobal Flow Cytometry End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Commercial organizations Hospitals Academic institutes Clinical testing labsFlow Cytometry Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) North Americao U.S.o Canada Europeo UKo Germany Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao India Latin Americao Mexicoo Brazil MEAo South AfricaFor more information:About Grand View ResearchGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com
Bulk Tote Dumpers Market Volume Analysis, size, share and Key Trends 2017-2027

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Facilities with sanitary operations for processing and packaging capabilities understand their role in producing a product that meets the safety and hygiene standards. Hence, management responsible for operations and production are focusing on the bulk material introduction stage to implement product safety measures. Bulk tote dumpers through their design and technology ensure high-capacity, performance-proven duty and optimal compliance contribution (OCC) to the bulk material introduction stage. The functionalities offered by bulk tote dumpers include prevention of product contamination, alignment of equipment design with the requirements of sanitary facility, improvement of labor efficiency, reduction in cleaning time, enabling inspection compliance and protection of personnel.Bulk Tote Dumpers are designed and manufactured specifically for processing applications handling high bulk density materials. Automatic bulk tote dumper features specifically milled 304 2b steel sheet that has a low coefficient of friction comparative to typical flat sheet, for better material release during feeding.Request Report Sample@Bulk Tote Dumpers Market: DynamicsThe global bulk tote dumpers market is expected to witness growth primarily due to contributions from the food processing and pharmaceutical industry. The bulk tote dumpers are designed specifically for food processing and pharmaceutical processing applications, wherein compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USDA or international standards is required. The bulk tote dumpers help in preventing cross contamination of the products and delivers a cleaner fresher product to consumers, which is further fuelling the bulk tote dumpers market across the globe. Food processing dumpers transfer large collections of product from containers to conveyors, sorting smaller containers, and processing machines such as mixers, hoppers, grinders, waste bins, and much more.[IS1] Food bulk tote dumpers, used in several types of food processing and packaging facilities for fruits & vegetables, snack foods, and other applications.Nowadays, manufacturers are under continuous pressure from the customer end to reduce costs of the product, while improving overall product offering. Thus, bulk tote dumpers manufacturers have to show flexibility in performance to succeed in an ever competitive market, where new companies from emerging markets are capturing margins from large companies.Bulk Tote Dumpers Market: SegmentationOn the basis of machinery type, the global bulk tote dumpers market is segmented into,Manual Bulk Tote DumpersSemi-Automatic Bulk Tote DumpersAutomatic Bulk Tote DumpersOn the basis of end use, the global bulk tote dumpers market is segmented into,Food & BeveragePharmaceuticalsChemicalsOils & LubricantsAgriculture & HorticultureOthersRequest For TOC@Bulk Tote Dumpers Market: Region wise OutlookBy geography, the global bulk tote dumpers market is divided into five major regions namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. Europe is expected to dominate the overall bulk tote market over the forecast period. Latin America is anticipated to be the fastest growing market in the global bulk tote dumper market whereas Asia Pacific regions will see growth being fuelled by demand from the food & beverage industries.Bulk Tote Dumpers Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players of the global bulk tote dumpers market are Automated Conveyor Company, Inc., CDS-LIPE, National Bulk Equipment Inc., TOTE Systems[IS2] , Weening Brothers Mfg Inc., California Food Machinery, LAYTON SYSTEMS, Regal Equipment, Inc., RYCO Equipment Inc., Cryogenic Systems Equipment, SMB Machinery, LLC.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:
Smooth Hinge Caps And Closure Market Volume Analysis, size, share and Key Trends 2017-2027

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Over the past few years, packaging industry is experiencing a robust growth, mainly driven by the changing packaging solutions along with the increasingly changing the customer needs. Packaging is not only restricting to protect the products during transportation but also it is used to enhance the brand visibility that in turn increases the brand value of the product. Caps & closure is considered to be one of the important packaging solution among the personal care & cosmetic and beverage manufacturing companies. One of the most widely used caps & closure serving the purpose for most of the brand owners is smooth hinge caps & closure. Smooth hinge caps & closure is gaining momentum as a packaging solutions owing to it innovative and aesthetic look. Finally smooth hinge caps & closure offers anti counterfeit property which is expected to enforce the brand owners to use smooth hinge caps & closure as a packaging solutions.Smooth Hinge Caps & Closure: Market DynamicsSmooth hinge caps & closure market growth is attributed by impressive growth in consumer products market across different geographies. Cosmetic & personal care industry which reported over 10% annual growth in developed nations of Asia Pacific regions, anticipated to be the key contributor to smooth hinge caps & closure demand. On the other hand, luxury packaging acted as a substantial factor to the accelerated demand for smooth hinge caps & closure across the globe. Due to the mounting growth of organized retail sector, smooth hinge caps & closure plays a pivotal role because consumers makes the decision making process not only by the quality of the products but also packaging of the product is considered. Now a days, consumers are also interested pay higher amount of money to obtain the cosmetic & personal care products having attractive and aesthetic look. Thus, a larger chunk of pharmaceutical manufacturers are expected to adopt smooth hinge caps & closure to minimize the chances of counterfeiting. Apart from cosmetic & personal care industry and pharmaceutical industry, smooth hinge caps & closure are widely used as packaging solutions for the various food products like condiments that is expected to create a positive impact in the global smooth hinge caps & closure market.Request Report Sample@Smooth Hinge caps & closure: Market SegmentationThe global smooth hinge caps & closure market is segmented on the basis of material type, end user and seal typeBased on the material type the global smooth hinge caps & closure market is segmented into:Polyethylene (PE)Polypropylene (PP)OthersBased on the end user the global smooth hinge caps & closure market is segmented into:BeveragesNonalcoholicAlcoholicCondimentCosmetic & personal careShampooBody lotionShower gelOthersHome carePharmaceuticalBased on the seal type the global smooth hinge caps & closure market is segmented into:Liner lessPacking linerSmooth Hinge caps & closure Market: Regional outlookIn terms of geography, the global smooth hinge caps & closure market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The global smooth hinge caps & closure market is expected to witness an impressive CAGR over the forecast period of 2016- 2024. Among all the regions, Asia Pacific region is expected to account maximum market share in the global smooth hinge caps & closure market during the forecast period. Growth in Asia Pacific is contributed by the mounting growth of cosmetic & personal care sectors during the forecast period. Within the Asia pacific region, India and China are expected to be the attractive destinations for the smooth hinge caps & closure manufacturer. Furthermore, North America, particularly US will continue to post an impressive growth, largely contributed by the growing organized retail sectors coupled with the introduction of new products. However, Middle East & Africa region which is poised to reflect least growth across all geographies.Request For TOC@Smooth Hinge caps & closure Market: Key playersSome of the key players in the global smooth hinge caps & closure market are Nippon Closures Co Ltd., Interpac International Corporation, B&C PLASTICS LTD., RPC Group Plc, Closure Systems International, Inc., Bericap GmbH and Co KG, Global Closure Systems, AptarGroup, Inc. etc.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Injection Molding Machine Market Forecast to 2022 with Key Companies Profile, Supply, Demand, Cost Structure, and SWOT Analysis

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ReportsWeb.com added Global Injection Molding Machine Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, Application Report 2012-2022 to its vast collection of research Database. The report is spread across 119 pages and supported by 12 company leaders.The Global Injection Molding Machine Market Research Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Injection Molding Machine Market. This report studies Injection Molding Machine in Global market, especially in North America,Europe,Asia-Pacific,Middle East & Africa and Latin America, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covering top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering Haitian International Holdings Limited,Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.,The Japan Steel Works Ltd.,Chen Hsong Holdings Limited,Milacron Holdings Corp.,Engel Austria GmbH,Arburg GmbH & Co. Kg,Nissei Plastic, Industrial Co. Ltd,Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd,Dongshin Hydraulic Co. Ltd,Kraussmaffei Group GmbHand Negri Bossi S.P.A..Request a Sample copy of this research @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Injection Molding Machine in these regions, from 2017 to 2022 (forecast), like North America,Europe,Asia-Pacific,Middle East & Africa and Latin America. Firstly, Injection Molding Machine Market By type, the market can be split into Plastic, Rubber, Metal, Ceramic and Others. Injection Molding Machine Market By Application, the market can be split into Automotive, Consumer Goods, Packaging, Healthcare, Electrical & Electronics and Others.View more details about this report @Few points from Table of Contents7 Injection Molding Machine Market, By Product Type7.1 Introduction7.2 Revenue Pocket Matrix, By Product Type7.3 Plastic7.3.1 Thermoplastics7.3.2 Thermosets7.4 Rubber7.5 Metal7.5.1 Powder7.5.2 Liquid7.6 Ceramic7.7 Others(Others Include Micro Injection Molding and Silicone Rubber Injection Molding Etc.)8 Injection Molding Machine Market, By Machine Type8.1 Introduction8.2 Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine8.3 All-Electric Injection Molding Machines8.4 Hybrid Injection Molding Machines9 Injection Molding Machine Market, By End-Use Industry9.1 Introduction9.2 Revenue Pocket Matrix, By End Use Industry9.3 Automotive9.4 Consumer Goods9.5 Packaging9.6 Healthcare9.7 Electrical & Electronics9.8 Others(Others Include Building & Construction and Furniture Etc.)10 Injection Molding Machine Market, By Region10.1 Introduction10.2 Asia-Pacific10.2.1 Asia-Pacific Injection Molding Machine Market, By Product Type10.2.2 Asia-Pacific Market, By Machine Type10.2.3 Asia-Pacific Market Analysis, By End-Use Industry10.2.4 Asia-Pacific Market Analysis, By Country10.2.4.1 China10.2.4.2 Japan10.2.4.3 IndiaBuy a copy of complete 119 pages report @Contact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail:sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Coronary Guidewires Market Volume Analysis, size, share and Key Trends 2017-2027

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Guidewires is a thin flexible wire that act a guide for the subsequent placement of a catheter, endotracheal tube or central venous line. These guidewires have the properties of steerability, traceability, flexibility and opacity. Steerability is the ability of the wire tip to navigate vessels whereas opacity is the level of visibility under imaging technologies. Guidewires are made up of stainless steel and nitinol. Coronary guidewire is a guidewire used during coronary interventions. These guidewires passes beyond the coronary stenosis, providing a platform for the subsequent placement of the balloon catheter. Thus coronary guidewires are used for accessing the lesions and for crossing the lesion atraumatically. Coronary guidewires are selected based on the vessel anatomy, surgeons experience, catheter used and lesion morphology. These guidewires are selected depending upon the site and the nature of the lesion i.e. frontline cases, tortuous cases, subtotal occlusion cases, multiple lesion cases, extra support cases etc. Coronary guidewires are also categorized based on the coating of the guidewire such as hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Whereas these guidewires are also classified depending upon their tip flexibility such as floppy, intermediate and stiff.The coronary guidewires market has evolved gradually and comprises of different varieties of guidewire used during coronary intervention procedures. The market is anticipated to grow with fastest CAGR due to increase in the prevalence of coronary artery disease.Request Report Sample@Coronary Guidewires Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe primary factor for the growth of global coronary guidewires market is the increasing number of hospital admissions attributed to rising incidence of atherosclerosis patients, and rising prevalence of CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) worldwide. Secondly growing healthcare expenditure levels and the introduction of advanced technologiesin balloon catheter drives the market growth for coronary guidewires over the forecast period. Also increase in the number of new product launches also the drives the revenue growth of coronary guidewires market. However high cost of angioplasty procedures along with availability of anti-atherosclerotic drugs is expected to hamper the revenue of coronary guidewires market over the forecast period.Coronary Guidewires Market: SegmentationThis market is segmented on the basis of tip flexibility, coating, material and end userSegmentation based on tip flexibilityFloppyIntermediateStiffSegmentation based on coatingHydrophobicHydrophilicSegmentation based on materialStainless steelNitinolHybridSegmentation based on end userHospitalsASCsCardiac Catheterization LaboratoriesCoronary guidewires market is mainly dominated by trends such as availability of floppy and middle weight guidewires for left main PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention). Also availability of advanced treatment option such as drug eluting balloons, also drives the demand for coronary guidewires over the forecast period. However presence of different types of guide wires provides good number of options to the surgeons for selecting a guide wire for PCI procedures which in turn drives the market for coronary guidewires over the forecast period.Coronary Guidewires Market: OverviewDepending on geographic region, the coronary guidewires market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.Request For TOC@Globally, coronary guidewires market is expected to witness healthy growth in the near future due to increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease and the rise in per capita expenditure on healthcare in the developing nations. North America is expected to hold major share of global coronary guidewires market followed by Western Europe owing to technological advancement, increasing number of players in coronary guidewires market and increasing awareness regarding angioplasty procedures. Also it has been analyzed that coronary guidewires have been widely adopted in clinical practice and is associated with improved clinical outcomes in Western Europe. Asia-Pacific market is expected to register fastest growth owing to the rise in geriatric population and increasing obesity, which ultimately gives rise to the number of patients suffering for coronary artery diseases over the forecast period.Coronary Guidewires Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in coronary guidewires market includes Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott Laboratories, Cordis, Ovalum Ltd., JOTEC GmbH, QXMedical, LLC etc. these players are entering into mergers & acquisitions, strategic collaborations, and product portfolio expansions, distribution agreements which are their key sustainability strategies. Secondly many local players have started entering in this lucrative market.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:
Babassu Oil Market size in terms of volume and value 2017-2027

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Babassu oil is extracted from babassu palm which is primarily found in Amazon region of South America. It is light yellow in color when liquid and creamy white when it is in solid form. It is commercially manufactured by crushing hard shell of babassu palm nut and extracting oil from the kernel. The health dominating properties has led this product to hold a promising future. It contains vitamin E which protects against toxins such as eye disorders, neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes and others. It also contains phyto sterols or plant sterols which enables to lower the cholesterol absorption in the body.Babassu Oil Market SegmentationBabassu oil is segmented on the basis of type which includes organic & conventional. Conventional babassu oil is expected to account for major value share during the forecast period. Organic babassu oil is expected to represent favorable growth in the near future. Babassu oil is very much suitable in terms of getting rid of from various hair and skin care problems. Thus increasing application of organic babassu oil in the manufacturing of organic cosmetics products is expected to drive the segment growth in the near future.Request For Report Sample@Babassu oil is further segmented on the basis of form which includes solid and liquid. Liquid form of babassu oil is expected to account for relatively higher value share during the forecast period. Wide availability of liquid form of babssu oil with various application such as in cooking or using as a cosmetic product is expected to drive the segment growth during the forecast period.Babassu oil is further segmented on the basis of distribution channel which includes beauty salon, pharmacy/drugstores, specialty outlet and through online retailing. Among all these segment pharmacy/drugstore is expected to represent major value share during the forecast period. Consumers perceives babassu oil as a hair and skin treatment product which is expected to support the segment growth during the forecast period. Online retailing expected to account for favorable growth during the forecast period. Increasing penetration of internet coupled with rising consumer inclination towards convenient shopping is expected to drive the segment growth in the near future.Babassu Oil Market Regional AnalysisBabassu oil market is segmented on the basis of region which includes North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East & Africa and Japan. Geographically North America is expected to represent the favorable market for babassu oil in terms of value share. In the region the U.S. is expected to represent major value share during the forecast period. Among consumer in U.S. it is becoming a favorable ingredient for its ability to smooth and soften skin and hair which is expected to drive the market growth in the country. Latin America is expected to represent substantial growth in terms of value over the forecast period. Easy availability of raw material at low cost is expected to drive the market growth across the region.Increasing demand for organic cosmetics products containing babassu oil is expected to support the market during the forecast period. Moreover consumers are looking forward to replace coconut oil with babassu oil due to its favorable properties for both skin and hair, which is further expected to fuel the market growth in the near future. However, there are some restraining factors which are effecting the global babasu oil market. Such as commercially babbassu oil is not manufactured across the globe except in Brazil. Due this it incurs high cost and sold at high price in globally.Visit For TOC@Key PlayersSome of the key players operating in babassu oil market includes Mielle Organics, ANITA GRANT, Dr. Adorable Inc. LABORATOIRE CENTIFLOR (Huiles & Sens) , and Sheabutter Cottage among others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.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:
Chocolate Syrup Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain 2017-2027

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Chocolate has been traditionally used as a flavoring ingredient in various food products such as cakes, ice-creams, milk shakes and others. Chocolate syrup also known as chocolate flavored condiments, is a concentrated solution of chocolate primarily used as a topping or dessert sauce in various desserts. Cocoa powdered, sweetener such as sugar, corn syrup and others are some of the key ingredients for chocolate syrup. Increased usage of chocolate syrup as a flavor enhancer in coffee, tea, milkshakes, cakes and others is expected to support the market growth over the forecast period.Chocolate Syrup Market SegmentationChocolate syrup is segmented on the basis of type which includes organic and conventional. Among both of these segments conventional chocolate syrup has been estimated to account for major share in terms of value and expected to be remain dominant over the forecast period. Organic chocolate syrup is expected to create relatively higher CAGR over the forecast period. Due to increasing awareness among the consumers towards healthy lifestyle they are continuously switching towards organic products which is expected to fuel the segment growth over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@Chocolate Syrup market is further segmented on the basis of distribution channel which includes hypermarket/supermarket, convenience stores, specialty outlet, grocery stores and online retailing. Among all these segments hypermarket/supermarket is expected to account for major market share during the forecast period. Increasing penetration of retail industry especially in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, Middle East and others is expected to support the hypermarket/supermarket segment growth in chocolate syrup market during the forecast period. Online retailing segment in chocolate syrup market is expected represent favorable growth in the near future. Increasing internet penetration level and rising consumer influence towards online shopping is expected to support the segment growth over the forecast period.Regional OutlookGeographically in chocolate syrup market Western Europe is expected to account for the major market share followed by North America during the forecast period. Western Europe is one of the largest consumers for chocolate, which is expected to support of the market growth in the region. However these region is expected to account for moderate growth due to mature market. Among North American region U.S. is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Moreover Asia pacific is expected to show the favorable growth during the forecast period followed by Latin America. In Asia pacific region China and India is expected to account for the substantial growth due to increased demand for chocolate based or chocolate flavored products. Moreover in Latin America Brazil is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Mexico.Chocolate Syrup Market Drivers & RestraintsIncreased used of chocolate syrup as a toppings or flavor enhancer in desserts such as ice-cream, pan cakes, coffee, pastries and others is expected to support the market growth over the forecast period. Coffee shops or cafes are of the largest consumer for chocolate syrup, thus increasing penetration of coffee shops in developing countries such as India, China, Brazil and others is further expected to fuel the market growth in the near future. However, increased lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes and others in developed economies are leading to various health problems which may include respiratory disorders, heart ailments, anxiety and others. All these factors has led consumers to get inclined towards healthier food options and products containing low calorie or sugar level. Thus, this may restrain the market growth in the near future.Visit For TOC@Chocolate Syrup Market: Key PlayersSome of the major key players operating in chocolate syrup market includes Santa Cruz Natural Incorporated, AH!LASKA, THE HERSHEY COMPANY, The J. M. Smucker Company, Bosco Products, Inc, Walden Farms, and Nestle S.A.among others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.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:
Tunable Diode Laser Analyser Market : Key Growth Factors and Industry Analysis 2015-2025

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A tunable diode laser analyser is a sophisticated device used to identify the concentration of sample gas with high selectivity of gas components. A tunale diode laser analyser identifies the chemical composition of compounds and measure the concentration of the element without any contact. This measuring device identifies the proportion of methane, water vapour, carbon dioxide and many other gaseous mixture by irradiating the sample with light from a tunable diode laser.Tunable diode laser analyser measures corrosive and highly hazardous gases. The tunable diode laser analyser uses accurate and highly responsive measuring signals for process control systems and hence helps in improving yields, safety and energy efficiency in various industrial processes.Tunable Diode Laser Analyser Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe key market driver for tunable diode laser analyser is the growth in the industries such as oil & gas, cement, metal and power which demands for analysers, emission monitoring and incineration. Tunable diode laser analyser has high component selectivity, easy maintenance, low installation cost and fast response which makes it a preferred device in broad range of industrial processes. Tunable diode laser analyser is one of the critical factor which provides crucial information about the chemical composition in the process industries. Tunable diode laser analyser has large opportunity in process industry as its applications are not restricted to monitoring only. It also contribute towards the preservation of environment and reduction of running cost. However the key challenge faced by tunable diode laser analyser is the rising infrastructure cost which may inhibit the market growth.Request Report Sample@Tunable Diode Laser Analyser Market: SegmentationOn the basis of end user industry, the global tunable diode laser analyser market is segmented into,chemical/petrochemicalPower/ utilityWater and Wastewater TreatmentFood and BeveragesFertilizerPharmaceuticalsPulp & PaperMiningCementGlassOn the basis of application, the global tunable diode laser analyser market is segmented intoGasesSyngasCoke-oven GasRefinery Fuel GasNatural gasGreen House GasFlare GasTail GasFertilizer Off GasDeNOxIncinerationEmission MonitoringBoilersCarbon Black ProducersBFOBOFSRUFTC/GTC for AluminiumNuclearFertilizer UreaElectric Arc FurnaceOthersTunable Diode Laser Analyser Market: Region-wise OutlookCurrently APAC has the largest market share for tunable diode laser analyser, followed by North America. It is expected that Europe will have the fastest growth rate as compared with other regions. As the demand of chemical industries is increasing, North America is also expected to have a significant market share in global tunable diode laser analyser market during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Tunable Diode Laser Analyser Market: Key PlayersSome of the market participants in the global tunable diode laser analyser market are Yokogawa, Servomex, Siemens AG, Honeywell, Sick AG, Emerson Process Management, ABB ltd, Neo Monitors, Mettler Toledo, Ametek Process Instruments.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:
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein Market Volume Analysis, Segments, Value Share and Key Trends 2017-2027

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Proteins are the molecular compound made up of chains of amino acids. Hydrolyzed proteins are the breakdown of protein bind into free amino acid. Hydrolyzed oat protein is a naturally derived soluble form of protein. Hydrolyzed oat protein is a water soluble natural humectant primarily used in cosmetics products. It also act acts as a natural co-emulsifier and enables in reducing the greasiness of oil/water emulsions. In cosmetics products it acts as a conditioning, softening and moisturizing agent. Rising awareness and increasing demand for cosmetics products containing plant based natural ingredient is expected to support the market growth over the forecast period.Market SegmentationHydrolyzed oat protein market is segmented on the basis of application which includes cosmetics, toiletries and detergents. Among all these segments cosmetics segment is expected to account for relatively higher value share in terms of value. Wide application of hydrolyzed oat protein in cosmetics products such as skin care or hair care products is expected to support the segmented growth over the forecast period. Cosmetics segment is further sub-segmented as skin care products and hair care products. Among both of these sub-segment skin care sub-segment is expected to have a major market share during the forecast period. Increasing usage of hydrolyzed oat protein in skin care moisturizing cream and sun care products is expected to fuel the growth of skin care sub-segment growth during the forecast period. Moreover, rising demand for ant-wrinkle cream and anti-aging cream with natural food ingredient across the globe is further expected to support the skin care segment growth over the forecast period. In addition, hair care sub-segment is expected to show a favorable growth in the near future. Hydrolyzed oat protein is gaining importance in terms of usage in hair treatment products and conditioning shampoo which is expected to support hair care sub-segment growth in the near future. Toiletries segment is expected to account for favorable growth in hydrolyzed oat protein market during the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@Regional Analysis -:Geographically in hydrolyzed oat protein market Europe is expected to account for the major market share followed by North America during the forecast period. However these region is expected to account for moderate growth due to mature market. Among North American region U.S. is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Moreover Asia pacific is expected to show the favorable growth during the forecast period followed by Latin America. In Asia pacific region China and India is expected to account for the substantial growth due to increased demand for cosmetics products containing natural ingredient. Moreover in Latin America Brazil is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Mexico.Consumers across the globe are perceiving food derived or plant based ingredients in personal care products as a healthy and value added products. They giving high preference to the products which contains a composition of natural ingredient which is expected to support the market growth over the forecast period. Traditionally oats have been viewed as healthy food, however their popularity has expanded in recent years they are also increasingly recognized as an ingredient with very low allergenic potential, but very high, proven, therapeutic value which is expected to fuel its market growth during the forecast period. Oats are increasingly used for maintaining skin such as it enables to soothe and heal the skin, reducing inflammation and redness. In addition, hydrolyzed oat protein is increasingly used for manufacturing ant-aging and anti-wrinkle cream which is further expected to fuel the market growth over the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Key Players -:Some of the major key players operating in flavonoid market includes Croda International Plc, Lotioncrafter LLC, Provital Group, BioOrganic Concepts, Induchem companies, Lonza Group, and Sinerga S.p.A. among others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.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:
Oat Drinks Market Globally Expected to Drive Growth through 2027

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Oat drinks are defined as a food products that are formulated through processing oat with milk or other liquid ingredient. It is marketed as a supplementary food and positioned as a healthy, fast and convenient option for breakfast. Consumers are giving preferences to health drink products as well as the value added products which is expected to fuel the growth of oat drink market over the forecast period. In addition, growing number of single individuals along with rising number of working women across the globe is leading to changing lifestyle, improving living standards and increasing urbanization are some of the factors which are expected to drive the market of oat drinks over the forecast period.Oat Drinks Market Segmentation:Oat drinks market is segmented on the basis of type which includes organic and conventional. Among both of these segments conventional oat drinks has been estimated to account for major share in terms of value and expected to be remain dominant over the forecast period. Organic oat drinks is expected to create relatively higher CAGR over the forecast period. Due to increasing awareness among the consumers towards healthy lifestyle they are continuously switching towards organic products which is expected to fuel the segment growth over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@Oat drinks market is further segmented on the basis of distribution channel which includes hypermarket/supermarket, convenience stores, specialty outlet, grocery stores and online retailing. Among all these segments hypermarket/supermarket is expected to account for major market share during the forecast period. Increasing penetration of retail industry especially in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, Middle East and others is expected to support the hypermarket/supermarket segment growth in oat drinks market during the forecast period. Online retailing segment in oat drinks market is expected represent favorable growth in the near future. Increasing internet penetration level and rising consumer influence towards online shopping is expected to support the segment growth over the forecast period.Oat Drinks Market: Regional OutlookOat drinks market is segmented on the basis of region which includes North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East & Africa and Japan. Geographically, Western Europe is expected to represent the major market in terms of value for oat drinks, owing to increasing consumer shifting preference towards health drink products. Among the countries, U.K. is expected to remain major markets in terms of consumptions for oat drinks followed by Germany. North America is expected to represent the favorable market for oat drinks in terms of consumption. In the region the U.S. is expected to represent major value share during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to represent a rapid growth in oat drinks market. Continuous product launch and targeted towards specific segment is expected to support the market growth in the country. For instance in 2015, PepsiCo, Inc. in collaboration with JD.com Inc launched its first oat based dairy drink in China. This launched was done in order to attract the consumers that are looking for high fiber food products in their daily intake. Moreover, among ASEAN countries Singapore is expected to represent potential market both in terms of value and volume consumption.Oat Drinks Market DriversConsumers across the globe are increasingly shifting their preference from towards healthy drink alternatives. They perceive oats as a good and healthy food products which is expected to drive the market growth in the near future. In addition rising awareness towards the product availability coupled with continuous launch of new products with different flavor is further expected to fuel the market growth during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Oat Drinks Market: Key PlayersSome of the major key players operating in oat drink market includes Drinks Brokers Ltd, Alpro, Oatly AB, PepsiCo, Inc., Rude Health and Pureharvest among others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Visit For TOC@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:
Ginger Ale Market 10-Year Market Forecast and Trends Analysis Research Report

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Ginger ale is a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage made by using sugar, carbonated water, and ginger root or other artificial flavorings such as lemon or lime. Homemade ginger ale is soothing for digestive disturbances and contains probiotics and enzymes. It is a bubbly and refreshing drink and available in wide variety of flavors. Ginger ale is considered as a good flavor carrier due to its light taste. Ginger ale is generally used in cases of dry and sore throat, constipation, nausea, and vomiting etc. Thus considered as a healthy drink and market demand is growing rapidly. At times people also use ginger ale with beer flavor as a substitute for alcoholic beverages. Dry ginger ale is used as a mixer with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and also enjoyed as a soft drink. Sometimes, ginger ale is also mixed with mint flavor in order to get the extra taste of drink as a whole.Market Segmentation:The Ginger Ale market is segmented on the basis of product type, distribution channel, and by regions. On the basis of product type, Ginger ale market can be segmented into golden ginger ale and dry ginger ale. Golden ginger ale is dark in color and stronger and bolder flavor compared to dry ginger ale and market demand for golden ginger ale is higher.Based upon distribution channel, ginger ale market is segmented into supermarkets/ hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialist stores, and others. Others include independent retailers and mass merchandisers. Supermarket/hypermarket market segment is anticipated to hold relatively high revenue share in the ginger ale market as the availability of large shelf space and also the availability of different brands in supermarkets, as consumers can compare the products and choose the better option for consumption.Request For Report Sample@Ginger Ale Market Regional Outlook:On the basis of geography, the ginger ale market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and the Middle East and Africa. In regional markets, North America is the largest producer and consumer of ginger ale. In North America, U.S. is the leading consumer of ginger ale in terms of volume and expected to experience stable growth over the forecast period. Ginger ale has low yeast and flavored with high-fructose corn syrup. In order to get citrus flavor, Lemon and lime juices are also often used while making the ginger ale. Ginger ale is expected to gain significant market demand in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Europe markets over the forecast period.Market Drivers and Trends:Consumers are increasingly shifting from high-calorie beverages to the drinks that are usually less sweet and lighter in both taste and appearance. It has led the beverage companies to introduce new types of drinks and fuelling the ginger ale market worldwide. Furthermore, the wide-ranging variety of flavors of ginger ale also encouraging younger drinkers. Ginger ale is a common home remedy for heartburn and indigestion and to soothe sore throats. Furthermore, factors such as rising disposable income and introduction of new flavors into the market are other factors driving the ginger ale market growth globally.However, rising concerns regarding added sugars and artificial ingredients is a major restraint in the market for ginger ale. In addition, sodas and soft drinks lead to calcium depletion in the body, this is also another major restraint in the global ginger ale market.Visit For TOC@Ginger Ale Market Key Players:The market for ginger ale is highly fragmented with a large number of regional and international players. Some of the major brands offered by major players in ginger ale market include Canada Dry, Bruce Cost Fresh, Vernors and Hansen Natural. Dr. Pepper Snapple Group is one of the leading producers in global Ginger Ale market. Some of the other key players in Ginger Ale market include Zevia, Blenheim Bottling Company, Inc, Starbucks Corporation, Honest Tea, A-Treat Bottling Company, Seagram, Buffalo Rock, Bulls head, Cadbury Schweppes P.L.C., etc.,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:
A People-Centric High-Rise Future

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High-rise experts and delegates ranging from architects, designers, urban planners, structural engineers, suppliers and developers gathered at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre last week to spotlight new trends in high-rise construction and design at the premiere event of the Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017.The Summit commenced with an address from Platinum Sponsor Schindler noting the remarkable and profitable nature of the Australian tall building market which is already home to 325 towers that are 100 metres or taller with almost the same number proposed or under construction.The Summit proved a platform for conceptualising new ways of designing and building high-rise towers. For Dr Philip Oldfield, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of the Built Environment, University of New South Wales, Sydney, creating vertical communities and incorporating generous public amenities at the ground floor level are two essential aspects of tall building design that could be enhanced in future skyscraper typologies.An inspiring event with an international assembly of experts at the cutting-edge of projects, the Summit brought together speakers offering new insight into the industry, as high-rises change dramatically. One such example is Zaha Hadid Architects Michele Pasca di Magliano, Project Director of 600 Collins Street. Maglianos work looks at bringing in new design ideas that could revolutionise the market. Innovative design principles such as internal atriums and internal communication between floors as well as new structural systems such as exoskeletons and external facade systems are at the forefront of the firms latest designs.Ground-breaking elevator innovations such as Thyssenkrupps MULTI, ushers in a new age of vertical transportation for high-rises, with horizontal movement offering greater architectural flexibility. High-rise vertical transport will incorporate smart technology to predict and analyse traffic flow. Representatives from ThyssenKrupp revealed that this technology could be made available in the Australian market within a few months.According to Claude Godfrey, Partner and Design Director of the Hong Kong branch of Henning Larsen Architects, the Australian skyscraper industry is still in its infancy. However, Australia has a unique personality and a great potential for more particularity in building and design. While learning from major cities with high density urban grids, Australia should aim to construct skyscrapers based around its own identity rather than reproduce typical faceless glass facades, says Godfrey. Skyscrapers in Australia should strive to forge their own relationship with the city and its people. A consensus was reached that what takes place between the skyscrapers on the ground floor is almost more important that the buildings themselves. Multiple speakers emphasised this human scale and demonstrated a dedication to the wellbeing of citizens in designing and constructing skyscrapers.Director of Supertall Buildings at Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architects from Chicago, Peter Weismantle, spoke of the multiple systems which interact with each other in order to produce functional tall buildings. Smart skyscrapers encompass smart infrastructure, both the fabric and physicality of a building, including practical elements such as elevators, exterior walls and fire safety. Weismantle also highlighted the importance of the ground plane and the challenge of designing high-rise buildings that are able to facilitate human connections rather than alienate and dehumanise.Social interaction and features of the urban habitat emerged as the strongest upcoming trends in polling conducted among Summit delegates. Alistair Guthrie, Director of Arup, pointed to new trends to watch in high-rise construction, namely skyscrapers with more social spaces, the advent of the green, vegetated skyscraper and timber construction.The Summit was an invaluable knowledge sharing event and platform for collaborative opportunities between industry professionals working towards the better design of tall towers across the board in the Australian context. The event brought into sharp focus that creating inhabitable, liveable and humanised high-rises which interact with the local environment will be a leading focus for future projects.For more information please visit:Media Contact:Goldie Yang | Marketing CoordinatorExpotrade GlobalTel: 03 9545 0360marketing@expotrade.net.auAbout ExpotradeExpotrade is a global conference and event organizer with its head office based in Melbourne, Australia. Expotrade has delivered some of the largest, most successful B2B industry conferences and events in the areas of infrastructure, major projects, sustainability, technology & architecture. For almost 10 years, our unique blend of knowledge, experience and flexibility has accomplished an array of consistently top quality events. Today, Expotrade events enjoy such a distinctive edge, they are amongst the best patronised in the calendar.For more information, visitSuite 1, Level 1, 2 Brandon Park DriveWheelers Hill VIC 3150 Australia
Semiconductors for Wireless Communications Market Expected to Expand at a Steady CAGR through 2027

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With high performance smartphones and new operating systems, wireless semiconductors has undergone major changes, over the past few years. Furthermore, technological advancement and changing lifestyles has encouraged consumers to use internet anywhere and anytime through mobile phones, resulting into higher usage of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Semiconductors for wireless communications enable seamless communication with other wireless enabled devices. Wireless local area network (WLAN) adapters or WLAN cards utilize these chipsets for the high-speed transfer of data. Semiconductors for wireless communications include products such as cellular baseband processors, mobile Wi-Fi chips, Bluetooth transceivers, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and near-field communication chips and others. Moreover, semiconductor vendors are currently advancing their offerings by integrating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the same silicon making them cheaper.Semiconductors for Wireless Communications Market: Drivers and RestraintsRapid advancements in wireless communication networks are thereby increasing the demand for semiconductors for wireless communications. In addition to this some of the prominent drivers for semiconductors for wireless communications market are factors such as increasing trends of IoT, benefits provided over cost and rigid nature of traditional semiconductors, and growing adoption of portable consumer electronic devices among others. On the other hand, factors such as high initial investments and technical complexities in embedded chipsets development may act as a major restraint for the semiconductors for wireless communications market.Request For Report Sample@Mobile Semiconductors for Wireless Communications Market: SegmentationSemiconductors for wireless communications market can be segmented on the basis of products, application, and regions. On the basis of product the semiconductors for wireless communications market can be segmented into cellular baseband processors, mobile Wi-Fi chips, Bluetooth transceivers, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and near-field communication chips and others. On the basis of application, the semiconductors for wireless communications market can be segmented as consumer electronics and automotive. Regionally, semiconductors for wireless communications market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa.Mobile Semiconductors for Wireless Communications Market: Regional OutlookSemiconductors for wireless communications market is dominated by the North America, and Western Europe region. North America dominance is attributed to the wide presence of key semiconductors for wireless communications providers, as well as U.S. is considered as the high adopter of connected technology. On the other hand, Asia Pacific Excl. Japan, and Japan is expected to grow at a significantly as compared to the other region in the semiconductors for wireless communications market and will see a good growth rate in the future. Asia Pacific Excl. Japan is expected to witness a significant adoption of new wireless communication standards. Eastern Europe, Latin America and MEA is expected to see a moderate growth rate in the semiconductors for wireless communications market.Mobile Semiconductors for Wireless Communications Market: Competition LandscapeVisit For TOC@Among the prominent players involved in semiconductors for wireless communications market are focusing on organic as well as inorganic strategies to strengthen their position in the semiconductors for wireless communications market. Prominent players include Texas Instruments Inc.,Qualcomm Inc.,Broadcom Corp., Altair Semiconductor Inc. and NXP Semiconductors N.V., among otherABOUT 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:
Smart Meter Market : Quantitative Market Analysis, Current and Future Trends, 2015 - 2025

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On a global scale, many countries are facing challenges to meet the growing demand for energy. Thus utilities are looking for innovative and efficient ways to manage generation, transmission and worldwide distribution of energy. Global smart meter market consists of digital electronic devices for measuring and two-way information sharing to manage and control power consumption by customers. Customers also have the advantage of tracking their energy consumption and billing through internet. Global smart meter market demand is more in residential areas as compared to commercial areas and electric smart meter is prominently used among the types of smart meters. Environmental concerns for reducing carbon and energy wastage and for regulating supply of energy, are major factors driving global smart meter market. Global smart meter market is anticipated to grow with a single digit compound annual growth rate during the forecast period.Smart Meter Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe major driving factor for the growth of global smart meter market is government support and incentives, as utilities are initially reluctant to make huge investment in new technology without their support. Technological advancements such as smart grid development, infrastructure development, growing population and rise in economic developments are some of the other factors boosting the growth of global smart meter market. The successful deployment of global smart meter market is dependent on logistics which influences the delivery, installation and performance of smart meter. The health effects concerning wireless signals in smart meter, security concerns, regulatory constraints and stiff competition are some of the challenges faced by global smart meter market.Request Report Sample@Smart Meter Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, global smart meter market can be segmented into following segments:Smart electric meterSmart gas meterSmart water meterOn the basis of application, global smart meter market can be segmented into:Residential applicationCommercial applicationOn the basis of technology, global smart meter market can be segmented into:Radio Frequency (RF)Power Line Carrier (PLC)Smart Meter Market: Region-wise OutlookGlobal smart meter market is expected to exhibit healthy growth in Asia-Pacific and Western Europe regions which is either due to increasing installation of new smart meters as well as upgradation of the existing smart meters. China is expected to display substantial progress of global smart meter market, as incorporated in its five-year nationwide plan to upgrade its grid infrastructure. In Japan, large scale installation by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) started on 2014 which is expected to last during the forecast period leading to increase in demand for global smart meter market. In North, America, the growth of global smart meter market is expected to slower down as infrastructure for energy is well developed and funding for the new projects has become limited. In Latin America, global smart meter is set to exhibit steady growth of global smart meter market, as compared to Middle East and Africa.Visit For TOC@Smart Meter Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global smart meter market are: Aclara Technologies LLC., Echelon Corporation, Elster Group GmbH, General Electric, Holley Metering Limited, Iskraemeco d.d., Itron, Kamstrup A/S, Landis+Gyr and Sensus.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:
Fumed Silica In Paints And Coatings Market: Recent Industry Trends and Projected Industry Growth, 2016 - 2026

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Fumed Silica is a specialty type of silica which consist of microscopic droplets of amorphous silica. Due to its unique particle characteristics and large surface area Fumed Silica is used in variety of applications such as paints, adhesives, coatings ,plastics, sealants, inks, toner, cosmetics, food additives, and deformers and others. Due to its wide scope of properties paints and coating industry is one of the major consumers of fumed silica. In paints and Coating Fumed Silica is used to control rheological characteristics, as anti-settling agent, as thixotroping agent and to prevent from rust and corrosion. Fumed silica is estimated to be the second largest product type of silica in terms value type. The global fumed silica market in 2010 was estimated to be of EUR 800 million in which the fumed silica used for paints and coating is one of the major contributor in terms of value. It is forecasted that the Fumed silica marketFumed Silica Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe major factor driving the global fumed silica market is the exponential growth in application sectors such as paints and coating industry .The global paints and coating market is estimated to grow at CAGR of 5.5% in forecasted period of 2014 to 2020.It is also estimated that the Global paints and Coating industry will be of U.S. $176.5 BN.. The rise in demand of decorative articles, furniture and automotive are also expected to fuel the demand of application sector of fumed silica resulting in positive growth for fumed silica market.Request Report Sample@On the other hand one of the major paints and coating industry market Europe was going through economic crisis which is expected to slow down the consumption of paints and coatings in the region. This might be a restraining factor in the Fumed Silica market because of dependency on the application sector. The growing popularity towards ecofriendly paints and stringent government regulation on paint composition might result restrain in the demand of fumed silica application sector such as paints and coatings.Fumed Silica Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type, the global specialty silica market is segmented intoHydrophilic fumed silicaHydrophobic fumed silicaVisit For TOC@Fumed Silica Market: Key PlayerSome of the market participants in the specialty silica market are Evonik Industries AG, Akzo Nobel N.V., SOLVAY, Cabot Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG, Tokuyama Corporation DuPont, Bayer AG, PPG Industries Inc., Ceradyne Incorporated, DA NanoMaterials., Fuji Silysia Chemical Limited, Xinjiang TBEA Silicon Industry Co Ltd, Jilin Shuangji Chemical New Material Co Ltd, Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Industry Group Co Ltd .,Shandong Ruiyang Silicon Industry Technology Co Ltd, and othersFumed Silica Market: Region Wise OutlookGlobal fumed silica market in paints and coating is driven by factors such as urbanization, industrial growth and strong economic growth in developing economies. The Europe is estimated to be the largest producer of Fumed silica. The Asia pacific is projected to be second largest market for fumed silica, especially Countries like China and India. North America is also one of the major contributing market for the global fumed silica market.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Invisible Orthodontics Market to grow at a CAGR of 12.68% during Forecast period 2016-2020

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Albany, NY, April 06, 2017: Orthodontics is a vital component of restorative or cosmetic dentistry. It deals with the treatment of malocclusions (improper alignment and bites) caused due to tooth irregularity, inappropriate jaw alignment, and gaps in teeth. Orthodontics can be classified into the following: clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces.The global invisible orthodontics market to grow at a CAGR of 12.68% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global invisible orthodontics market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from sales of invisible orthodontics.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Invisible Orthodontics Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- 3M- Align Technology- ClearCorrect- DENTSPLY Sirona- OrmcoOther prominent vendors- American Orthodontics- BioMers- ClearPath Orthodontics- DB Orthodontics- G&H Orthodontics- Great Lakes Orthodontics- Henry Schein Dental- Orthocaps- Rocky Mountain Orthodontics- RXaligners- Sensu- TP OrthodonticsMarket driver- Increased demand for oral care- For a full, detailed list, view our reportEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Browse more details about this report at: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:
Water Soluble Fertilizer Market : Latest Innovations, Drivers and Industry Key Events 2016 - 2026

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Fertilizers are the substances added to increase the yield by supplying crops with the nutrients the soil lacks. Water soluble fertilizers are the type of fertilizers that are dissolved in water and applied to plants at the base or foliage throughout the growing season. The addition of fertilizer often leads to double or triple the yield. Ever growing demand for agricultural products is the major reason for growth in demand of water soluble fertilizers. Global demand for fertilizer nutrients is estimated to grow at 1.8 percent per annum from 2015 to 2019.The main advantage of water soluble fertilizer over other type of fertilizers is the more rapid impact, ease of use and easier coverage. Hence, water soluble fertilizer are witnessing rapid growth in demand. Water soluble fertilizers can also be applied more frequently than granular fertilizers, therefore can be used according to the need and availability. The growing awareness over organic farming may affect the use of water soluble fertilizer in future.Request Report Sample@Water Soluble Fertilizer market: Drivers and RestraintsThe ever increasing population is the main reason of increasing demand for food. The amount of yield produced hence has to be adequate to meet the demands. The positive outlook towards using technology and new products to maximize the yield is another factor responsible for driving the demand of water soluble fertilizers. The fertilizers world consumption in 2014/15 is growing by more than 3% year-on-year. The water soluble fertilizer industry was valued around U.S. $ 11 Bn and expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 5%.On the other hand the harmful environmental effects of use of fertilizers such as imbalance in ecology, high traces of fertilizers in food and water resources may restrain the consumption of water soluble fertilizers. Furthermore, stringent government laws and awareness towards organic farming may slow down the consumption and demand of water soluble fertilizer in coming years.Water Soluble Fertilizer Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type, the global water soluble fertilizer market is segmented into:Nitrogen(N)Potassium(K)Phosphate(PO43-)Secondary NutrientsMicro-nutrientsOn the basis of types of application, the global water soluble fertilizer market is segmented into:FoliarFertigationWater Soluble Fertilizer Market: Region Wise OutlookEurope is estimated to be the largest market for global water soluble fertilizer with more than 1/3rd of the total consumption. In terms of growth rate, Asia pacific is the fastest growing market for the global water soluble fertilizer. Economic developments in African countries are estimated to benefit the water soluble fertilizer market during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Water Soluble Fertilizer Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global water soluble fertilizer market are Agrium Inc., Israel Chemical Ltd., The Mosaic Company, Haifa Chemicals Ltd., Yara International ASA, Zuari Industries Ltd., Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative, Coromandel International Ltd., Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers among many others.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Photo Printing and Merchandise Market to reach US$ 21.7 Bn by 2026 End

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According to Future Market Insights,Advent of digital imaging technology can be identified as the point from where roll films were ordained to go out of business.The declining demand for cameras with film rolls is directly associated with growing adoption of digital cameras. Consumers grew more inclined towards digital cameras, thereby making photo printing and merchandise obsolete.Furthermore, time consumed by dye sublimation photo printers added to this shift towards instantaneously-rendered digital images. Poor image quality and expensive costs of conventional inkjet printers further deterred consumers from photo printing & merchandise.Future Market Insights recent report predicts a very unavailing future for the global photo printing & merchandise market. Above factors have been compiled in the report to define the dynamics of global market for photo printing & merchandise. Based on these, the US$ 16.8 Bn market for photo printing & merchandise will see a decelerated revenue growth at 2.6% CAGR, bringing in just over US$ 21.7 Bn by the end of 2026. Future Market Insights projects that in the ten-year forecast period, photo printing & merchandise worth a little less than US$ 5 Bn will be sold across the globe. The report also highlights trends which will, in one way or another, boost the sluggish adoption of photo printing among digital age consumers.Request For Sample@Firstly, manufacturers of photo printing merchandise are expected to maintain more focus on introducing kiosks for increasing marketing exposure. Companies like Fujifilm Group have already deployed their SmartPix photo kiosks across various commercial settings such as supermarkets, malls and camera shops, and have also augmented them with enhanced connectivity features. Instating NFC capabilities in photo printing kiosks can be also observed as another promising opportunity for manufacturers to generate interest among customers towards conventional photo printing.Although, almost half of global photo printing & merchandise revenues are likely to be coming from online sales. While instant kiosks account for less than 10% of the market value, online distribution of photo printing & merchandise will bringing more than US$ 12.2 Bn revenues through 2026. Meanwhile, distribution of photo printing & merchandise through retail channels will be scaling down rigorously, exhibiting a negative 1.6% CAGR during the forecast period.The report has analysed that in 2016, an estimated one-third of global photo printing & merchandise revenues emanated from sales of film printing. This indicates that a majority of consumers are preferring digital printing merchandise. Also, over the forecast period, the report projects an impressive growth in demand for mobile application-based photo printing. Desktop applications are expected to lose out to mobile applications as this mode of printing is projected to register a comparatively faster revenue growth at 4.9% CAGR.Send An Enquiry@The report also predicts fastest revenue growth in the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan region  3.9% CAGR. North America is also expected to dominate with nearly one-fourth stake in global revenues, although the region is likely to lose out its presence beyond 2020. Leading manufacturers of photo printing & merchandise, profiled in the report, include Sanpfish, Eastman Kodak Company, Cimpress NV, Bay Photo Inc., Digitalab, AdoramaPix LCC, Shutterfly, Inc., and Mpix.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022

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This report studies the global Ultra Wideband (UWB) market, analyzes and researches the Ultra Wideband (UWB) development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeDecawave Ltd.TDC Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Texas Instruments IncorporatedStarix Technology, IncAKELAGeneral Atomics CorpJohanson TechnologyPulse Link, IncTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Ultra Wideband (UWB) can be split intoImpulse RadioMulti-band UWBMarket segment by Application, Ultra Wideband (UWB) can be split intoBankingFinancial Services and Insurance (BFSI)Public SectorHealthcareITTelecommunicationOthersBrowse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Ultra Wideband (UWB)1.1 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Overview1.1.1 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Ultra Wideband (UWB) 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 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market by Type1.3.1 Impulse Radio1.3.2 Multi-band UWB1.4 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Banking1.4.2 Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)1.4.3 Public Sector1.4.4 Healthcare1.4.5 IT1.4.6 Telecommunication1.4.7 Others2 Global Ultra Wideband (UWB) Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)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 FutureRead More @3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Decawave Ltd.3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 TDC Acquisition Holdings, Inc.3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Texas Instruments Incorporated3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Starix Technology, Inc3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 AKELA3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Ultra Wideband (UWB) Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments4 Global Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Ultra Wideband (UWB) in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Ultra Wideband (UWB)5 United States Ultra Wideband (UWB) Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Ultra Wideband (UWB) Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Ultra Wideband (UWB) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)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
Automotive Refinish Coatings Market : Key Players, Growth, Analysis, 2015 - 2025

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Automotivevehicles require timely maintenance and repairing to enhance the appearance and durability of vehicle by protecting them from external factors such as extreme temperature and UV radiation. For the need of refinishing the automotive refinishing coatings are frequently used in automotive aftermarket by end-users like automotive body shops and automotive repair centers. For durability, speed and perfect matching color the service providers use advance technology such as spray gun to apply primer and color coats of paints. Refinishing coatings are also applied to components and body of vehicle to protect from deterioration caused by foreign particles such as stone and other debris.An increasing demand for refinishing of vehicles across the globe, has led to significant improvements in automotive refinish coatings market such asdevelopment of advance coating material which are eco-friendly and low-solvent content. These products also provide good blend of ease of use, speed, durability and color match.Some of the underlying growth factors in global automotive refinish coatings market is consistent increase in number of vehicles in operation worldwide. Increase in miles driven, road accidents, and demand for recreational vehicles are the major drivers responsible for the growth of global automotive refinish coatings market. However, volatility of raw material prices and enhanced road safety parameters are some of the major challenges inglobal automotive refinish coatings market.Request For Report Sample@The global automotive refinish coatings market is geographically segmented into seven key regions which are, North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East & Africa. Asia-pacific is leading automotive refinish coatings market in terms of revenue due to rising vehicles in operation and increasing sales of pre-owned cars. However the growth in North America, Eastern Europe and Western Europe is expected to remain stagnant for the forecast period. Growth in automotive refinish coatings market is relatively high in BRIC nations when compared with matured economies due to developing automotive aftermarket in these countries. This rapid growth in automotive refinish coatings market is fuelled by multiplemacro-economic factors such as rising number of cab-services, increasing car customization and rising capacity of collision repair& vehicle body shops. In addition, it is expected that in the next 30 years the total number of passenger cars in developing countries would reach around 3.5 to 4 billion.On the basis of product type the global automotive refinish coatings market is further segmented into two sub-segments which are Solvent-borne Coatings and water-borne Coatings. The solvent-borne coatings dominates the global automotive refinish coatings market, whilst for the forecast period the growth rate of water-borne coating type is estimated to be high. In Europe and North America automotive refinish coatings market adoption of water-borne coating material segment is increasing rapidly due to government regulationsto reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) level, which is generally high in solvent-borne coatings.Request For TOC@Some of the examples of market participants in global automotive refinish coatings market are DuPont Performance Coating, BASF SE, Kansai Paint Co. Ltd, Akzo Nobel N.V, KCC Corp, Noroo Paint Coatings Co. Ltd., PPG Industries Inc., and Matrix System Automotive Finishes.In future, global automotive refinish market is expected to grow significantly in terms of volume and value. This growth will give rise to new product development with enhanced properties like quick drying, cost-efficient and high performance coatings.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:
Flue Gas Desulphurization Market : In-Depth Market Research Report 2015  2025

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Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions are caused by combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. Waste materials including tires, municipal solid wastes, industrial process waste, etc. are the other major contributors of sulphur dioxide emissions. All the prominent industrialized nations around the globe have formulated regulations concerning mitigation of carbon and sulphur dioxide emissions. Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) is a technology which removes sulphur dioxide (SO2) from the flue gas emitted from fossil-fuel power plants prior to its release into the atmosphere.Flue gas desulphurization market report assesses the market opportunity for flue gas desulphurization devices, equipment, or machinery. FGD technology is based on the chemical reaction between the warm exhaust gases and limestone which reduces up to 92% of sulphur dioxide from the flue gas. FGD technology is mainly used in coal-fired power stations to remove sulphur dioxide in the flue gases. FGD technology is also referred as sulphur dioxide scrubbing process.Request For Report Sample@Flue Gas Desulphurization Market SegmentsFlue gas desulphurization market can be segmented by method, by type and by application. On the basis of methods of treatment, the flue gas desulphurization market can be segmented into scrubber, SNOX and wet sulphuric acid process. Scrubber method can be further bifurcated into dry and semi-dry process. Based on the solid or flue gases generated by the industry processes, FGD technology can be classified by type as once through and regenerable. Once through system disposes the waste sorbent and regenerable system recycles the sorbent. Regenerable systems are costlier than the once through systems. Both the systems can be further categorized as wet, dry and semi-dry. Cost of maintenance and operation is higher in dry FGD as compared to wet FGD. However, dry FGDs are available at cheaper rate than wet FGDs. FGD technology segmentation by application are cement manufacturing plants, chemical industries, iron and steel industries, power generation and others. Major benefits of FGD Technology are SO2 removal efficiencies from 50-90%, reusable reactive products and inexpensive reagents.Flue Gas Desulphurization Market: Key DriversThe key market drivers of FGD technology is the government regulations in emission control, increase in electricity demand, growth in reagent and equipment replacement market and increase in the number of coal-fired power plants, particularly in APAC countries due to increase in energy demand. Installation coal-fired power plants is a major trend in China and is anticipated to have an increasing demand in India also, in the coming years due to increase in industrialization. Existing and old systems in industrial processes are the key drivers of reagent and equipment replacement market.Request For TOC@Regional Outlook on Flue Gas Desulphurization MarketAPAC is expected to exhibit a steady growth during the forecast period. Due to the regulatory programs such as Clean Air Interstate rule (CAIR), various state programs such as North Carolina Clean Smokestacks Act will have a positive impact on the demand for FDG installations in electricity utility boilers. Europe and other developing nations are into a decision of reducing nuclear power due to its negative impact on environment which will in turn increase the construction of coal-fired power plants increasing the demand of FDGs. The key market players in FGD market are Alstom S.A., Ducon Technology Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Marsulex Environmental Technologies, Siemens Energy, Babcock and Wilcox.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:
Digital Mobile X-ray Devices Market to Grow at 7.1% CAGR through 2026

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Future Market Insights, in its latest research, delivers key insights on the factors impacting the global digital mobile X-ray device market. According to the report, demand for digital mobile X-ray devices will continue to be fuelled by applications in orthopaedic- and chest-imaging. These two end-use applications accounted for 60% revenue share of the market in 2016.Key Driving FactorsIncreasing emphasis on diagnostic imaging services by various government bodies.Increasing geriatric population  according to WHO, global geriatric population will reach 2 billion by 2050Rising incidences of orthopaedic diseases and bone injuries  WHO estimates global prevalence of arthritis to between 0.3% and 1%Contractual agreements and acquisitions by manufacturersIncreasing adoption of 3D medical imaging equipment, especially in the field of orthopaedicsIncrease in the number of free standing imaging centersKey RestraintsHigh cost of clinical trials and stringent regulations have remained longstanding challenges for manufacturersRequest For Sample@Lack of inadequate imaging infrastructure in developing countries. High cost associated with initial set up and installation has been identified as a major restraintIncreasing pressure on the healthcare budget in the U.S. and rising awareness among patients about the potential health impact of radiationBy product type, mobile devices will continue to outsell handheld devices. In 2016, of the US$ 7.67 Bn worth of digital X-ray devices sold, 91.5% were mobile devices. However, owing to their small base size, demand for handheld digital mobile X-ray devices will grow at a higher CAGR than mobile devices.Hospitals and radiology centers will continue to be the leading end-users of digital mobile X-ray devices globally. These two end-users collectively accounted for nearly 70% revenue share of the market in 2016. According to Future Market Insights research, these two end-use sectors will continue to account for the bulk of demand for digital mobile X-ray markets during the forecast period.Region-wise Analysis and ForecastNorth America is the largest market for digital mobile X-rays globally. Demand for digital mobile X-ray devices in the region is fuelled by strong sales in the U.S.North Americas revenue share of the global market was nearly 32% in 2016. Owing to increasing demand in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, and Japan, North America will witness a slight dip in revenue share over the forecast period.APEJ is projected to be the fastest growing market for digital mobile X-ray devices globally. The market in the region is expected to grow on account of high volume demand from China and India.The Eastern Europe digital mobile X-ray market will witness slowest growth among all regions.Send An Enquiry@Competitive Landscape AnalysisLeading companies in the global digital mobile X-ray devices market are General Electric Healthcare Limited, Siemens AG, Esaote SpA, Hitachi Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V, Planmed OY, EOS Imaging, and Toshiba Medical Corporation. These leading companies are eyeing the lucrative APEJ market to capitalise on the growing opportunities.Future Market Insights maintains a positive outlook on the global digital mobile X-ray market, projecting it to grow at 7.1% CAGR through 2026.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:
Social Business Intelligence Market will Increase at a CAGR of 6% during 2016-2026

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Enterprises across multiple industrial verticals are compelled to employ programs that deliver custom analytical reports on their businesses and help them improve their entrepreneurial efficiency through intelligent solutions. Growing adoption of cloud technologies among all sorts of businesses has propelled the demand for such programs, which can be collectively identified as social business intelligence. Future Market Insights, thus, predicts that the impact of cloud technology will remain greatly profitable for adoption of social business intelligence programs.Future Market Insights recently published report on global social business intelligence market reveals that in 2016, more than US$ 5.8 Bn worth of social business intelligence programs were deployed through cloud-based models. Although, the report further elucidates that social business intelligence programs are directed to improve business efficiency of enterprise, internally. Ergo, in 2017 and beyond a majority of social business intelligence programs will be deployed through on-premise models.Cloud technologies, nevertheless, will gain prominence in the global market for social business intelligence. The market, which is presently valued at US$ 15.8 Bn, is anticipated to expand steadily at 6% CAGR and bring in more than US$ 28 Bn by the end of 2026. Tools and platforms developed for collaborative or social business intelligence will continue to be devised from advanced technologies. Growing usages of social media, rising implementation of big data analytics, and higher preference to software-as-a-service business model are some of the key drivers for growth of the global social business intelligence market.Request For Sample@Apropos the report, North America is expected to dominate the global social business intelligence market by closing in on 40% revenue share towards the end of the forecast period. The region will also showcase fastest revenue growth at 7.7% CAGR, and is likely to surpass US$ 11 Bn by 2026-end. Demand for social business intelligence program will also gain traction in Western Europe, while Middle East & Africa will render slowest revenue growth at 3.6% CAGR.The report identifies four most-lucrative industrial verticals for adoption of social business intelligence programs as healthcare, travel & tourism, governance & administration, and the banking, finance, securities & investment (BFSI) sector. Collectively, more than half of global social business intelligence market revenues will be emanating from these verticals throughout the forecast period. The report also reveals large enterprises will be attributing to the largest chunk of global revenues through 2026. Small and medium-sized enterprises will also witness an uptick in their presence in global social business intelligence market.IBM Corporation, SAP SE, Tableau Software, Inc., Qlik Technologies, Inc., SAS Institutes, Inc., MicroStrategy, Inc., Logi Analytics, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, TIBCO Software, Inc., and Alteryx, Inc., are leading providers of social business intelligence programs profiled in the report.Send An Enquiry@ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT: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:
Future of the Sri Lankan Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2022 | MRH

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently published a latest market study to its online portal, which is titled as Future of the Sri Lankan Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2022 This study offers professional analysis of the current state of Sri Lankan Defense Industry.Request Free Sample Report@The Future of the Sri Lankan Defense Industry Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2022, published by Strategic Defense Intelligence, provides readers with detailed analysis of both historic and forecast defense industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges faced by industry participants, analysis of industry leading companies, and key news.This report offers detailed analysis of the Sri Lankan defense industry with market size forecasts covering the next five years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for the industry, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following The Sri Lankan defense industry market size and drivers: detailed analysis of the Sri Lankan defense industry during 2018-2022, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators for the industry. It also provides a snapshot of the countrys expenditure and modernization patterns Budget allocation and key challenges: insights into procurement schedules formulated within the country and a breakdown of the defense budget. It also details the key challenges faced by defense market participants within the country Porters Five Force analysis of the Sri Lankan defense industry: analysis of the market characteristics by determining the bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitution, intensity of rivalry, and barriers to entry Import and Export Dynamics: analysis of prevalent trends in the countrys imports and exports over the last five years Market opportunities: details of the top five defense investment opportunities over the next 10 years Competitive landscape and strategic insights: analysis of the competitive landscape of the Sri Lankan defense industry. It provides an overview of key players, together with insights such as key alliances, strategic initiatives, and a brief financial analysisScope The Sri Lankan defense budget is valued at US$2 billion in 2017, and registered a CAGR of 4.11% during the historic period. The post-war rehabilitation, threat of the re-emergence of LTTE affiliates, and a tense relationship with India drove the Sri Lankan defense expenditure during the historic period. With this trend expected to continue over the forecast period. The capital expenditure allocation, which stood at an average of 13% during the historic period, is expected to decrease to an average of 6.6% during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the procurement of advanced defense equipment and focus on increasing the indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. Key opportunities for equipment suppliers are expected in sectors such as patrol vessels and naval infrastructure, combat aircraft, and transport helicopters. Consequently, revenue expenditure is expected to increase from an average of 87% during the historic period to an average of 93.4% over the forecast period, which will be directed towards additional recruitment, training, and development programs for military personnel. The MoD is expected to invest in Infrastructure development, Facilities management and MRO for patrol vessels and corvettes.Browse Full Report with TOC@Reasons to buy This report will give the user confidence to make the correct business decisions based on a detailed analysis of the Sri Lankan defense industry market trends for the coming five years The market opportunity section will inform the user about the various military requirements that are expected to generate revenues during the forecast period. The description includes technical specifications, recent orders, and the expected investment pattern by the country during the forecast period Detailed profiles of the top domestic and foreign defense manufacturers with information about their products, alliances, recent contract wins, and financial analysis wherever available. This will provide the user with a total competitive landscape of the sector A deep qualitative analysis of the Sri Lankan defense industry covering sections including demand drivers, Porters Five Forces Analysis, Key Trends and Growth Stimulators, and latest industry contracts.About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of Market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Follow Us on:LinkedIn:Facebook:Twitter:
Czech Republic Construction Industry Key Trends and Opportunities Market Report 2021

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently announced the addition of a fresh report, titled Construction in the Czech Republic, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021 to its report offerings. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in the Czech Republic. It provides Historical (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) valuations of the construction industry in the Czech Republic using construction output and value-add methods.Request Free Sample Report:Synopsis:Owing to the effects of economic recession, construction activity in the Czech Republic was weak during the review period (20122016). This led to the implementation of various government austerity measures which reduced the pace of investment in construction projects. The industrys output value in real terms recorded a review-period compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.51%.Over the forecast period (20172021), the industry is expected to recover. A gradual improvement in regional economic conditions, coupled with a revival in both investor and consumer confidence, will support industry growth.The European Union (EU)s move to provide funding to support the implementation of transport infrastructure projects is expected to add momentum to the industrys expansion.In real terms, the industrys output value is expected to post a forecast-period CAGR of 0.12%. The implementation of flagship programs such as the 20142020 Operational Program for Transport, Social Housing Concept of Czech Republic 20152025, and the Operational Program for Research, Development and Education, will fuel industry growth.Summary:Timetrics 'Construction in the Czech Republic, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021' report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Czech construction industry including:The Czech construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activityAnalysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in the Czech RepublicCritical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the Czech construction industryProfiles of the leading operators in the Czech construction industryData highlights of the largest construction projects in the Czech RepublicScope:This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in the Czech Republic. It provides:Historical (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) valuations of the construction industry in the Czech Republic using construction output and value-add methodsSegmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by project typeBreakdown 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 pricingDetailed profiles of the leading construction companies in the Czech RepublicReasons To Buy:Identify and evaluate market opportunities using Timetric's standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies.Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts.Understand the latest industry and market trends.Formulate and validate strategy using Timetric's critical and actionable insight.Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures.Evaluate competitive risk and success factors.Key Highlights:The Czech Republic has had access to significant financial assistance from the EU, in the form of EU Structural Funds, since 2004. Under the Cohesion Policy 20142020, the EU announced plans to allocate over CZK529.3 billion (US$25.5 billion) until 2020 with a particular focus on effective energy management, education, employment, social cohesion and innovation.The governments focus on developing road infrastructure will support growth in the infrastructure construction market. Under the 2017 Federal Budget, the government announced plans to allocate CZK78.3 billion (US$3.2 billion) for the Transport Infrastructure Fund. The investment will be used for the repair and maintenance of class I, class II and class III roads.In October 2015, the government granted approval for the Social Housing Concept of Czech Republic 20152025 which was proposed by the Labor and Social Affairs Ministry. Under the program, the government aims to tackle issues associated with social housing and implement effective measures in order to provide housing accessibility to all sections of the population by 2025.According to the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO), the total number of building permits issued rose by 3.6%, from 80,478 in 2015 to 83,340 in 2016. This was preceded by annual contractions of 13.2% and 6.5% in 2013 and 2014 respectively, and an annual increase of 1.4% in 2015.Permits issued for residential buildings rose by 7.3%, from 28,886 in 2015 to 31,002 in 2016. On the other hand, permits for non-residential buildings grew by 8.6%, from 16,789 in 2015 to 18,229 in 2016. An increase in the number of building permits issued is expected to support new construction activity in the country.Table of Contents:1 Executive Summary2 Industry Outlook2.1 Commercial Construction2.2 Industrial Construction2.3 Infrastructure Construction2.4 Energy and Utilities Construction2.5 Institutional Construction2.6 Residential Construction3 Key Issues and Developments4 Market Data Analysis4.1 Construction Output and Value Add4.1.1 Construction output by project type4.1.2 Construction output by cost type5 Company Profile: Metrostav as5.1 Metrostav as Company Overview5.2 Metrostav as Business Description5.3 Metrostav as Main Services6 Company Profile: PSJ, as6.1 PSJ, as Company Overview6.2 PSJ, as Main Services7 Company Profile: BAK stavebni spolecnost, as7.1 BAK stavebni spolecnost, as Company Overview7.2 BAK stavebni spolecnost, as Main ServicesRead Full Report with TOC:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Follow Us on:Twitter:LinkedIn:Facebook:
Neilsoft Enters Document Mgmt. & Collaboration Space

Partners with CONTACT Software from GermanyPune (India)  March 29, 2017Neilsoft, today announced its entry into the engineering document management and collaboration solutions space by signing a strategic partnership with Germany-based CONTACT Software. Through this partnership, Neilsoft aims to better address its customer needs for Document Management & Collaboration in the Manufacturing, Process and Public Infrastructure segments.With this offering CIM DATABASE PLM, Neilsofts customers can avail of improved process collaboration, higher efficiency, better regulatory compliances & quality management and tighter integration of diverse workforces across regions. The solution will also enable customers to have a common standard throughout the Product & Project Lifecycle from Planning through Execution.Unlike traditional PLM solutions available from CAD software vendors the CIM DATABASE PLM solution is a modular system (based on Elements) and hence more cost-effective to implement in a phased manner. This enables customers to start small (25-50 users) and scale gradually, continuously and step-by-step resulting in a faster ROI and convincing advantages. It is also a multi - CAD solution suitable for organizations that use two or more CAD systems in their organization.Speaking on the announcement occasion, Mr. Karl Heinz Zachries, CEO & Founder of CONTACT Software said Based on a broad market evaluation we identified Neilsoft as a leading Engineering Solutions provider in India  an interesting and growing region of the world. Together with Neilsoft well provide an excellent software solution for customers to develop and build innovative products & services. Our solution will strengthen the Make in India mission and will focus on SME customers also besides large customers. With CIM DATABASE PLM global collaboration and integration also becomes much better.Mr.Michael Murgai, Member of the CONTACT Board added Todays world is in a digital transition and CONTACT solutions enables this digital transition by supporting a most efficient management of customers intellectual property across the extended enterprise. Our enterprise-wide platform is also used for FDA compliance management and IoT developments.Mr. Ketan Bakshi, M.D. of Neilsoft said on the occasion . . . Our choice of the CONTACT Solution was based on following criteria : (a) The Solution must be scalable and suitable for small & medium sized companies also (b) It must assist our customers to speed up their product & project development for the entire lifecycle and to connect the dots within the company & with their supply chain for improved collaboration in the ecosystem (c) It must provide the framework for a flexible and highly customizable solution to meet specific needs and (d) It must be a platform for Indian companies to better integrate with their Europe, Japanese and USA principals or subsidiaries. He added, the platforms ability to support the complex security requirements necessary to control intellectual property and provide data integrity was a big plus in choosing this solution.Neilsoft is an engineering-focused solutions, services and consulting company servicing customers globally to improve their efficiency, standardization and technology adoption. The company has customers in the Manufacturing, Process and AEC/Infrastructure segments. Powered by a 1000+ persons workforce and a 25 years track-record, it has proved to be a stable and reliable supplier for many domestic and global companies.CONTACT Software is a leading vendor of standard software for the innovation process. Its mission is to provide best-in-class solutions for collaborative product development in manufacturing companies and development organizations. CONTACT has one overriding goal: To boost the innovation-driven productivity of its customers. Its products help organize projects, execute processes reliably and efficiently, and collaborate in teams and networks across the globe by means of virtual product models.For More Details: pdm-plm@neilsoftsolutions.comNeilsoft is a specialist engineering services & solutions company servicing clients across a range of engineering segments helping improve their engineering efficiency, support their global footprint and improve their competitiveness. Leveraging technology, domain knowledge, & our robust work planning methodology to ensure an effective global delivery model for engineering services projects, we have emerged as a partner-of-choice for leading international companies. Our engineering teams seamlessly integrate into our client's in-house engineering / product development team & environment and act as a virtual extension of their engineering enterprise. The company is headquartered in Pune (India), which is considered the Engineering valley of India and services clients across USA, Europe, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and India through its local offices.Neilsoft LimitedPride Parmar Galaxy, 8th Floor10/10 + A, Sadhu Vaswani ChowkPune 411001
Live Cell Imaging Market is Expected to Cross US$ 8.5 Billion by 2023

Live Cell Imaging Market

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New York, April 06: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Live Cell Imaging (LCI) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023Global live cell imaging market was accounted USD 4 billion in 2014. The revenue of this market is anticipated to increase at CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period.Browse Full Report:Live cell imaging associates with research of live cells through microscope. It helps in better understanding of characteristics and behavior of cells. Researchers and scientists use live cell imaging for studying the biological functions.North America is leading market for live cell imaging industry by revenue which accounted largest share worldwide. Asia Pacific will grow with highest growth rate owing to increase in demand for live cell imaging in healthcare industry and oil and gas industry.Rising need of live cell imaging going to increasing index of cancer victims is triggering the growth of the market. Its use in drug discovery is growth factor. High cost of imaging equipment is restraining factor for this market. It requires a skilled professional with immense knowledge for imaging and studying the live cells which is restraining factor.The global live cell imaging market by product equipment, consumables and software. According to its technology the market is further segmented in to fluorescence recovery after photo bleaching (FRAP), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), high-content analysis (HCA), ratio metric imaging, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TRIF), multi photon excitation microscopy (MPE) and other technologies. The application segment of live cell imaging market consists of cell biology, stem cells, developmental biology and drug discovery. The market segments in terms of geographical regions include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World(ROW).Download Free Sample Report:This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for live cell imaging and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2023.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for live cell imaging market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of coatings with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include: Carl Zeiss AG Leica Microsystems Nikon Corporation Molecular Devices LCC Perkin Elmer Inc. GE Healthcare Becton Dickinson and Company Olympus Corporation Sigma Aldrich Corporation Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.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 Live Cell Imaging Market has been segmented as below:by Product Equipmento Microscopeso Conventional Microscopeso Confocal Microscopeso Advanced Fluorescence Microscopeso Standalone Systemso Cell Analyzerso Image-capturing Devices Consumableso Assay Kitso Reagentso Mediao Others Softwareby Technology Fluorescence Recovery After Photo bleaching (FRAP) Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) High-content Analysis (HCA) Ratio metric Imaging Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TRIF) Multiphoton Excitation Microscopy (MPE) Other Technologiesby Application Cell Biology Stem Cells Developmental Biology Drug Discoveryby Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World (RoW)Reasons to buy this Report:1) Obtains the most up to date information available on all active and planned live cell imaging industry globally.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of live cell imaging industry and unit capacity data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Life Insurance In Egypt Market Trends, Industry Overview, Size, Devlopment Analysis

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Latest Market research report on: Life Insurance In Egypt Industry : Market Size, Share, Research, Reviews, Analysis, Strategies, Demand, Growth, Segmentation, Parameters, ForecastsTimetrics 'Life Insurance in Egypt Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Egyptian life insurance segment, and a comparison of the Egyptian insurance industry with its regional counterparts.Download Sample copy of this Report at :It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Egyptian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Timetrics 'Life Insurance in Egypt Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Egyptian life insurance segment, including:An overview of the Egyptian life insurance segmentThe Egyptian life insurance segments growth prospects by categoryA comprehensive overview of the Egyptian economy and demographicsA comparison of the Egyptian life insurance segment with its regional counterpartsThe various distribution channels in the Egyptian life insurance segmentDetails of the competitive landscape in the life insurance segment in EgyptDetails of regulatory policy applicable to the Egyptian insurance industryScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the life insurance segment in Egypt:It provides historical values for the Egyptian life insurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Egyptian life insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.It provides a comparison of the Egyptian life insurance segment with its regional counterpartsIt analyzes the various distribution channels for life insurance products in Egypt.It profiles the top life insurance companies in Egypt and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Reasons To BuyMake strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Egyptian life insurance segment, and each category within it.Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Egyptian life insurance segment.Assess the competitive dynamics in the life insurance segment.Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Egyptian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key HighlightsIn February 2017, the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority (EFSA) announced plans to increase the minimum capital requirements for insurers from EGP60.0 million (US$7.8 million) to EGP200.0 million (US$26.0 million). A final decision is expected over the forecast period.According to the EFSA, nine takaful insurance companies operate in the insurance industry as of September 2016.In August 2016, the EFSA, in association with the Insurance Federation of Egypt (IFE), introduced rules for the issuance and distribution of insurance policies electronically.In February 2014, the EFSA issued new guidelines that permit insurance companies to launch professionally managed investment funds.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Gourmet Salt Market 2021 Comprehensive Research Report

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According to the report Gourmet Salt Market published by Market Data Forecast, the global market is projected to reach USD 1407.64 million by 2021, at a CAGR of 6.55% from 2016 to 2021.For full report refer toGourmet salts are unrefined and high-quality salts used in exotic cuisines to enhance taste, flavor, texture and appeal of food. They are also used for preserving canned food products in order to store food item for longer duration. Gourmet salts due to their high preservative characteristics are finding their application in meat & seafood processing industry.Free sample for the report is available atThe market for Gourmet salts is mainly driven by the rising living standards of consumers, increasing awareness regarding benefits of gourmet salts in the traditional food, and also, increasing commercialization and demand in food and beverages industry, with increasing popularity of cookery shows. There is a great penetration of major companies into the untapped markets as they witness great potential for profits.Global market for Gourmet Salt is segmented based on Type and Application into further sub-segments as follows:By typeFleur de SelSel GrisHimalayan SaltFlake SaltSpecialty SaltBy applicationBakery & ConfectioneryMeat & Poultry ProductsSeafood ProductsSauces & SavoryBy Geography:North AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificLatin AmericaMiddle-East and AfricaMorton Salt, Inc., Saltworks, Inc., Murray River Gourmet Salt, Infosa, Cargill, Inc., Alaska Pure, Cheetham Salt Ltd., Pyramid Salt Pty. Ltd., Maldon Crystal Salt Co. and Amagansett Sea Salt Co., are the major players of Global Gourmet salt market.About Market Data ForecastMarket Data Forecast is a firm working in the areas of market research and business intelligence. We have rich experience in research across major industry segments like Healthcare, Agriculture, Food & Beverages etc. and we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our research services contribute to key business areas like business process improvement, key decision making and developing appropriate corporate strategy. We are truly committed to our clients and other stakeholders for providing customized research services of the highest quality all the while being an organization thats trusted for its integrity, respected for its accountability, and admired for its excellence, by both clients and competitors alike.Contact:Abhishek ShuklaTeam Lead (International Business Development)Market Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@marketdataforecast.com
Non-Life Insurance In Egypt Industry Analysis, Overview, Outlook, Market Size, Share, Growth Rate and Forecasts

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Latest Market research report on: Non-Life Insurance In Egypt Industry | Market Size, Share, Research, Reviews, Analysis, Strategies, Demand, Growth, Segmentation, Parameters, ForecastsTimetrics 'Non-Life Insurance in Egypt Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Egyptian non-life insurance segment, and a comparison of the Egyptian insurance industry with its regional counterparts.Download Sample copy of this Report at :It provides values for key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Egyptian economy and demographics, explains the various types of natural and man-made hazards and their impact on the Egyptian insurance industry, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Timetrics 'Non-Life Insurance in Egypt Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Egyptian non-life insurance segment, including:The Egyptian non-life segments detailed outlook by product categoryA comprehensive overview of the Egyptian economy and demographicsA comparison of the Egyptian non-life insurance segment with its regional counterpartsThe various distribution channels in the Egyptian non-life insurance segmentDetailed analysis of natural and man-made hazards and their impact on the Egyptian insurance industryDetails of the competitive landscape in the non-life insurance segment in EgyptDetails of regulatory policy applicable to the Egyptian insurance industryScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the non-life insurance segment in Egypt:It provides historical values for the Egyptian non-life insurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Egyptian non-life insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.It provides a comparison of the Egyptian non-life insurance segment with its regional counterpartsIt analyzes the various distribution channels for non-life insurance products in Egypt.It analyzes various natural and man-made hazards and their impact on the Egyptian insurance industryIt profiles the top non-life insurance companies in Egypt, and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Reasons To BuyMake strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Egyptian non-life insurance segment, and each category within it.Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Egyptian non-life insurance segment.Assess the competitive dynamics in the non-life insurance segment.Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Egyptian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key HighlightsIn December 2016, the EFSA approved the online distribution of microinsurance products.In November 2016, the EFSA issued microinsurance regulations to introduce marine hull and machinery (except fishing boats), aviation, property insurance and transit insurance to the low-income population.In October 2016, Allianz Egypt launched the Motor Express product for car owners. It covers repairs, fire and theft, and accidents in Egypts four major cities. Allianz plans to expand the service to other cities over the forecast period.The EFSA allows 100.0% FDI in the insurance industry, with the exception of property insurance.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Consumer Payments Country Snapshot: Singapore 2016 Industry Statistics, Key Vendors

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Singapore has a very well-developed payments system, with strong penetration of all forms of payment cards and healthy growth over the past few years. However, due to the mature nature of the market issuance is set to plateau going forward. Providers will need to shift their focus to encouraging increased use of payment cards, which will be crucial in driving consumers away from cash, which remains popular in the country.This report examines the consumer payments market in Singapore, considering payment cards, online payments, P2P payments, and newer payment technologies such as mobile wallets and contactless. This report also examines the main regulatory players in the Singaporean market.- Analyzes consumer attitudes to financial services by lifestage.- Analyzes the major payment card types in terms of both card holding and usage.- Identifies the major competitors in card issuing and how their position in the market has changed over the last five years.- Considers consumer attitudes towards P2P tools, mobile payment tools, and contactless cards, and how companies in China are deploying these tools to meet customer needs.- Explores the online payment market in Singapore by merchant type and payment tool, as well as providing a five-year forecast for the development of the market.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Scope- Payment card penetration has grown at a healthy pace, especially for credit cards. With 92% of consumers owning a current account and 72% a credit card the market has matured, and we expect to see very slow growth in both the debit and credit card spaces going forward.- High internet and smartphone penetration among Singaporean consumers has positioned the market for strong growth in online commerce.- Acceptance of contactless cards is high in Singapore, due in part to government initiatives, but while consumers appreciate the benefits of the technology there is little genuine enthusiasm.Reasons to buy- Understand the key facts and figures in the consumer payments market in Singapore.- Learn what trends drive consumer behavior at the macro level and plan your strategy accordingly.- Find out what products the major competitors are launching in the market.- Discover consumer sentiments towards various payment tools in the Singapore market and use this knowledge to inform product design.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Polyolefin Market Research, market Share, Competitor Strategy, Industry Trends, Forecast to 2022

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1695

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Market HighlightsThe Global Polyolefin Market is expected to cross USD 300 Billion mark at the end of the forecasted period and is expected to show a staggering growth at CAGR of approximately 7% from 2016 to 2022. The Global Polyolefin Market is driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging and ease of availability of raw materials in emerging nations. The increasing awareness among the consumers on recyclable products, increasing greenhouse emissions and eco-friendly packaging in the day to day consumer goods has led to the growth of the market globally.Today the consumption has gone for finished plastics in all applications such as packaging, industrial and automotive. The production of polyolefin was valued above 135 million tons in 2015 and is expected to trend similarly and cross 180 million toes by the end of 2022.Request a Sample Copy @North America and Europe are the well-established markets for such polymers due to government supportive policies and increased awareness among the consumers about reducing greenhouse emissions. The regions are expected to show steady growth in global polyolefin market by 2022.Key PlayersThe key players of Global Polyolefin Market report include- BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Co. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Sinopec Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. ExxonMobil Corporation, China National Petroleum Corporation SABIC, Braskem S.A. Total S.A. Ineos Group AG Arkema S.A.This report includes a study of marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolio of leading companiesTaste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Polyolefin Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022APAC will be the fastest growing marketAPAC is expected to dominate the market for global Polyolefin. More than 46% share in the market comes from APAC region. The region has seen rapid industrialization with increasing number of manufacturing plants being set up by global players. This is backed by high disposable income of the average consumer which induces the demand for these polymers. The demand is expected to grow in coming years resulting in an expanding share of APAC in global polyolefin market by 2022.Target Audience Manufactures Raw material Suppliers Aftermarket suppliers Research Institute / Education Institute Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2027 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?Table of Content1 Executive Summary2 Scope of the Report2.1 Market Definition2.2 Scope of The Study2.3 Markets Structure3 Market Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Secondary Research3.3 Primary Research3.4 Forecast Model4 Market Landscape4.1 Five Forces Analysis4.2 Value Chain of Global Polyolefin Market5 Industry Overview of Global PolyolefinContinuedList of TablesTable 1 World Population By Major Regions (2015 To 2030) (Million)Table 2 Global Polyolefin Market: By Region, 2014-2022 (Usd Million)Table 3 Global Polyolefin Market: By Region, 2014-2022 (Kt)Table 4 North America Global Polyolefin Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (Usd Million)Table 5 Europe Global Polyolefin Market: By Country, 2014-2022 (Usd Million)Continued..List of FiguresFigure 1 Global Polyolefin Market SegmentationFigure 2 Forecast MethodologyFigure 3 Five Forces Analysis Of Global Polyolefin MarketFigure 4 Value Chain Of Global Polyolefin MarketFigure 5 Share Of Global Polyolefin Market In 2014, By Country (In %)Continued.Browse full report with detail TOC @Related ReportGlobal Graphite Market, by form (Natural graphite and Synthetic graphite), by Application (Electrode, Refractory, Lubricant, Foundry, Battery, Others)- Global Forecast 2027.Know more about this report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Newborn Screening Market Analysis By Key Growth Factors And Opportunities Forecast To 2023

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Newborn screening is a practice of screening infants soon after birth for certain harmful and potentially fatal diseases that are not apparent at birth. Majority of newborn screening tests are performed by evaluating metabolites and enzyme activity in blood samples that are collected on specified filter paper. Metabolic and other inherited disorders can hamper an infant's normal mental and physical development in a number of ways. By carrying out a blood test, doctors can inform whether newborns have certain conditions that could lead to disease or impairment in future to their health. Infants who are screened positive undergo additional testing to confirm if they are truly affected with a disease. Follow-up testing is then carried out by geneticists and pediatrician .Obtain Report Details @In Many regions healthcare professionals have started to screen infants for hearing loss and congenital heart defects . Screening programs are mainly run by national or state governing bodies with the goal to screen all infants born in the jurisdiction. The number of diseases to be screened is decided by each jurisdiction, and can differ greatly. Newborn screening was initiated in the U.S. as a public health program. The first disorder targeted for newborn screening was phenylketonuria (PKU) that is now implemented in rest of the world.Newborn screening market can be classified on the basis of: Disorderso Metabolico Genetico Developmental Test typeo Blood testo Hearing test By Technologyo Tandem mass spectrometryo Enzymes and immunoassayso Mass spectrometryo DNA-based assayso Hearing screen technologyo Pulse oximetryNewborn Screening is an effective public health movement that targets to identify a number of congenital disorders in newborn children. Many of the disorders if not treated early could result in high mortality and morbidity rates. Newborn screening helps in detection of serious and life threatening diseases such as sickle cell disease, biotinidase deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hypothyroidism, galactosemia, cystic fibrosis etc. National Institute Of Health had launched a genomic sequencing and newborn screening disorders research program in 2013 to explore the implications, limitations and challenges associated genomic sequencing in newborn babies.Geographically, the newborn screening market is segmented into four major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). In terms of geography, North America accounts for the highest market, followed by Europe due to highly developed healthcare industry, high disposable income and increased government support. However, Asia Pacific market is also witnessing a very positive growth due to high rate of development in healthcare industry, investment by major players and increasing government initiative for the control of newborn diseases and developing medical tourism industry.Fill The Form To Gain Deeper Insights On This Market @Some of the key players operating in newborn screening market are Bio-Rad Laboratories, BioTek Instruments, Inc., GE Life Sciences, Masimo Corporation, Natus Medical Inc., PerkinElmer Inc. and ZenTech S.A.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Real and Compound Chocolate Market Trends, Preferred Choices, Outstanding Growth, Sales & Affordable Pricing

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Market HighlightsChanging preferences of the direct consumption choice by the consumer, especially dark chocolate which is considered to be healthy, has application in various confectionaries and dairy products is driving real chocolate sales. Globally, there has been increase in preferences for the fat-free and healthy food products by the consumers. Major real chocolate companies are tapping into people's growing health and wellness concerns by improving the nutritional profile of its chocolates portfolio. global real and compound chocolate market has been estimated to grow CAGR over 7% post 2022Major companies have also invested in vending machines, so as to create awareness, advertise new products, and also to get feedback from the consumers. Among major applications of compound chocolate, choco-dipped strawberries has gained higher demand which has increased the potential growth of compound chocolate.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players Hershey's (U.S.) Ferrero (Italy) Nestle (Switzerland), Domingo Ghirardelli (U.S.) Lindt & Sprungli (Switzerland) Scharffen Berger (U.S.) Lotte (Japan) Meiji Seika Kaisha Ltd. (Japan) Fuji Oil Co., Ltd (Japan) Barry Callebaut (Switzerland)Overall, increasing industrial demand from confectionery, chocolate processing bakery foods, and beverages will have a positive impact on the global real and compound chocolate market. Hence, the global real and compound chocolate market has been estimated to grow over 7% post 2022.Market Research Analysis: Rapid innovation in the compound chocolate products inclusion of various flavors, application-specific products like choco-chips, chocolate syrup are driving the compound chocolate market Real Chocolate is generally considered as premium chocolate, has led to innovation in various formats like low sugar, fortified chocolate, and etc. has also supported the real chocolate market to a greater extentTaste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Real and Compound Chocolate Market Research Report- Forecast to 2022Intended Audience Chocolate manufacturers Dairy beverages manufacturers Bakery product manufacturers Confectionary product manufacturers Retailers, wholesalers E-commerce companies Traders, Importers and exportersBrowse full report @The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Table of Content1 Executive Summary2 Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the study2.2.1 Research Objectives2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Markets Structure3 Research methodology3.1 Research process3.2 Secondary research3.3 Primary research3.4 Forecast model3.5 Market Size estimation4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges5 Market Trends6 Market Factor AnalysisContinue..List of TablesTable 1 Pestle Analysis-U.STable 2 Pestle Analysis- IndiaTable 3 Pestle Analysis- ChinaTable 4 Pestle Analysis- JapanTable 5 Pestle Analysis- GermanyTable 6 Key Suppliers Of Raw Materials For Functional Beverages ProductionContinueList of FiguresFigure 1 Research MethodologyFigure 2 Primary Data Analysis ApproachFigure 3 Secondary Data Analysis ApproachFigure 4 Trend In Functional Beverages Imports 2011-15Figure 5 Growth Rate In Functional Beverages Imports 2011-15Figure 6 Functional Beverages Imports Market Share By Top 5 Importers (2011 Vs 2015)ContinueRelated ReportGlobal Savory Ingredients Market Information- by Product Type (Ribonucleotides, Monosodium Glutamate, Yeast Extracts, Hydrolyzed Animal Protein), by Ingredient Type, by Wellness Perspective, by Application and by Region - Forecast to 2022. Know more about this report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Cambodian Insurance Industry's growth prospects by segment and category

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Latest Market research report on: Cambodian Insurance Industry : Market Size, Share, Research, Reviews, Analysis, Strategies, Demand, Growth, Segmentation, Parameters, ForecastsTimetrics 'The Insurance Industry in Cambodia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed analysis of the Cambodian insurance industry.Download Sample copy of this Report at :It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review (20112015) and forecast (20152020) periods.The report also gives a comprehensive overview of the Cambodian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country. It also includes analysis of the impact of natural hazards on the insurance industry.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Timetrics 'The Insurance Industry in Cambodia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Cambodian insurance industry, including:An overview of the Cambodian insurance industryThe Cambodian insurance industry's growth prospects by segment and categoryA comprehensive overview of the Cambodian economy and demographicsThe detailed competitive landscape in the Cambodian insurance industryDetails of regulatory policy applicable to the Cambodian insurance industryAn analysis of natural hazards in the Cambodian insurance industryScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the insurance industry in Cambodia:It provides historical values for the Cambodian insurance industry for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key segments in the Cambodian insurance industry, with market forecasts to 2020.It covers an exhaustive list of parameters, including written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions.It profiles the top insurance companies in Cambodia, and highlights recent developments.It covers the economy and demographic structure of Cambodia.It analyzes the impact of natural hazards in the Cambodian insurance industry.Reasons To BuyMake strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Cambodian insurance industry and each segment and category within it.Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Cambodian insurance industry.Assess the competitive dynamics in the Cambodian insurance industry.Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key segments.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Cambodian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key HighlightsIn February 2017, Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) started talks with industry experts on the development and promotion of agriculture insurance schemes in the country.In March 2016, the Cambodian insurance regulator (Ministry of Economy and Finance MEF) announced plans to develop and revise regulations related to life insurance business in the country.The MEF permits 100% foreign direct investment in the insurance industry and, as a result, both domestic and foreign insurance companies are present in the country.The top four general insurers together accounted for 84.2% of the countrys gross written premium.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact UsState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
UK Mortgage Market 2016: Industry Analysis, Financial Dependance, Growth, Forecasts And Future Opportunities

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2016 has been a good year for the market, with gross lending expected to be 12% higher than in 2015. However, market conditions over the next few years are predicted to dampen prospects for future growth. On the supply side, legislative changes in the buy-to-let sector, namely higher rates of stamp duty and more stringent underwriting requirements, will act as a drag on future growth in what has been the standout sector in the years since the financial crisis. On the demand side, economic uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote will reduce the willingness of consumers to take on more debt.Key Findings- Buy-to-let lending, the outstanding success story of recent years, will suffer a reversal of fortune due to adverse changes in stamp duty, tax relief, and underwriting criteria. Following a rush by investors to beat the April 2016 increases in stamp duty, new lending in the latter part of the year has been lower than in 2015, and the market will flatline in subsequent years.- Lending on shared ownership properties will see huge percentage increases over the forecast period, largely off the back of the governments new Affordable Homes Programme. During 201621, an estimated 135,000 shared ownership homes will be built under this scheme, thus fueling a boom in associated mortgage lending.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :- Equity release continues to enjoy much success, with lending showing significant year-on-year growth. Prospects for further growth are healthy, with several years worth of property price rises leaving borrowers with plenty of capital value to unlock, while the cost of equity release products is falling.SynopsisThis report offers five-year gross lending forecasts for residential and niche mortgages, along with a detailed examination of the various demand- and supply-side factors that will determine the market outlook.It offers insight into:- The key macroeconomic, regulatory, and other factors that will drive the demand for and supply of mortgages over the next five years.- The outlook for niche sectors, including buy-to-let, equity release, shared ownership, shared equity, and self-build.ReasonsToBuy- Develop more targeted strategies through the analysis of key mortgage market developments.- Inform your future plans with our five-year forecast of gross advances for niche product lines.- Analyze trends with details of historic gross advances across a range of specialist mortgage sectors and product types.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Cambodia Insurance Industry Market Trends and Research Report 2020

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently announced the addition of a fresh report, titled The Insurance Industry in Cambodia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020 to its report offerings. The report gives a comprehensive overview of the Cambodian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country. It also includes analysis of the impact of natural hazards on the insurance industry.Request Free Sample Report:Synopsis:Timetrics 'The Insurance Industry in Cambodia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed analysis of the Cambodian insurance industry.It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review (20112015) and forecast (20152020) periods.The report also gives a comprehensive overview of the Cambodian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country. It also includes analysis of the impact of natural hazards on the insurance industry.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Summary:Timetrics 'The Insurance Industry in Cambodia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Cambodian insurance industry, including:An overview of the Cambodian insurance industryThe Cambodian insurance industry's growth prospects by segment and categoryA comprehensive overview of the Cambodian economy and demographicsThe detailed competitive landscape in the Cambodian insurance industryDetails of regulatory policy applicable to the Cambodian insurance industryAn analysis of natural hazards in the Cambodian insurance industryScope:This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the insurance industry in Cambodia:It provides historical values for the Cambodian insurance industry for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key segments in the Cambodian insurance industry, with market forecasts to 2020.It covers an exhaustive list of parameters, including written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions.It profiles the top insurance companies in Cambodia, and highlights recent developments.It covers the economy and demographic structure of Cambodia.It analyzes the impact of natural hazards in the Cambodian insurance industry.Reasons To Buy:Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Cambodian insurance industry and each segment and category within it.Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Cambodian insurance industry.Assess the competitive dynamics in the Cambodian insurance industry.Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key segments.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Cambodian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key Highlights:In February 2017, Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) started talks with industry experts on the development and promotion of agriculture insurance schemes in the country.In March 2016, the Cambodian insurance regulator (Ministry of Economy and Finance MEF) announced plans to develop and revise regulations related to life insurance business in the country.The MEF permits 100% foreign direct investment in the insurance industry and, as a result, both domestic and foreign insurance companies are present in the country.The top four general insurers together accounted for 84.2% of the countrys gross written premium.Table of Contents:1 Key Facts and Highlights2 Executive Summary3 Economy and Demographics4 Industry Outlook4.1 Industry Indicators4.1.1 Gross written premium4.1.2 Assets and investments5 Non-Life Insurance Outlook5.1 Property Insurance5.1.1 Gross written premium5.1.2 Penetration5.1.3 Profitability5.2 Motor Insurance5.2.1 Gross written premium5.2.2 Penetration5.2.3 ProfitabilityRead Full Report with TOC:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Follow Us on:Twitter:LinkedIn:Facebook:
La Pampa Shop Launches the Most Exclusive Women Leather Backpacks and Bags

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La Pampa shop is a popular online store for women because it offers lots of varieties in women leather handbags. This store is specially designed for women to find the unique leather bags with beautiful designs and attractive colors. Recently, La Pampa launched the exclusive collection of women leather backpacks and bags that have their own elegance and attractiveness. So, women have the excellent option to choose unique leather bags from La Pampa because there are various styles, designs, and types available to select favorite one. In addition, La Pampa also offers different special accessories, designer jewelry, and stylish scarves.When it comes to stylish, chic accessories and bags, leather is the best and a high level of the glam quotient. There is no doubt; anything made of leather is fashionable and long-lasting. This is the reason; La Pampa focuses on women's leather bags due to its flexible and affordable features. Women can make their own style statement with leather handbags because it changes to look and style. These leather bags can be used for both official and normal purpose in office, party, shopping and in all other places. Women also can buy leather bags from La Pampa to gift because it offers a range of handbags in different color and style. So they have choice to choose the best handbags.In addition, Women leather backpacks also come with the latest varieties and designs from the La Pampa shop. It is a new collection of the company with exclusive range at affordable price. There are many unique colors available in this women leather backpacks that attracts women. Most of the women use it for casual activities because of its flexible, spacious, comfortable and fashionable features. These La Pampa bags come in strong shoulder straps and easy to hold changeable straps that women can carry in their shoulder without any problem. It is the best handbags to accommodate lots of things.Moreover, this online store provides a feminine touch in all the cases and handbags that make them ideal and chic for working women. All working women need to carry some essential things to the office on a daily basis so they can buy trendy, stylish and comfortable handbags from La Pampa Shop. They can carry some essential things at one place and easily go around from one place to another. Furthermore, there are many customers of La Pampa that purchase different type of bags from online La Pampa shop. Some of the Lap Pampa customers have given good reviews and also suggested La Pampa shop and women leather bag to their friends.La Pampa shop is the store in the Galilee for womens leather bags, jewelry and some other accessories. All products of the store are carefully selected by La Pampa professional staff. La Pampa is 100% secure and trustworthy website that accepts online payments. It offers full assurance on products purchased and provides quality products that every customer wants.Sales TeamCompany Name- La Pampa ShopAddress: Mitzpe Hila, DN AcreEmail ID - info@lapampa.co.ilWebsite-
Global Cloud-based Content Management Services Market for the Higher Education Sector 2016-2020 - Current Trends, Growth and Opportunities

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Albany, NY, April 06, 2017: Cloud computing is being increasingly adopted by educational institutions as it offers flexible and scalable services at nominal costs, such as consumption-based payment models. These exempt educational institutions from investments in outdated hardware and applications and enable them to adapt the latest technologies. In addition, apart from providing numerous client platforms, for both inside and outside educational institutional work, it streamlines processes by standardizing software, offering a shared pool of software applications and services, and providing centralized licensing and updates to the schools. As a result, the lead time involved to develop and implement multifaceted solutions, even without in-house expertise, is significantly less, which improves the learning process cycle.The global cloud-based content management systems (CMS) market for higher education to grow at a CAGR of 30.03% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global cloud-based content management systems (CMS) market for higher education for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sale of education content management software solutions that use cloud platforms to higher educational institutions.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- APAC- Europe- North America- ROWGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Cloud-Based Content Management Systems (CMS) Market for Higher Education 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Campus Suite- Ingeniux- OmniUpdate- Percussion SoftwareOther prominent vendors- Hannon Hill- Jadu- Krawler Information Systems- Schoology- White Whale Web Services- XylemeMarket driver- Reduction in ownership costs- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Intense competition from open-source providers- For a full, detailed list, view our reportEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Browse more details about this report at: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 Superalloy Market 2017 - Haynes, ATI, Carpenter, Aperam, Eramet Group

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The report, titled Superalloy is an in-depth analysis of the Superalloy market across the world. A brief historic overview of the Superalloy market has been mentioned in the report, followed by the present scenario of the market. The report analyses the size of the market and forecasts the valuation and the growth rate of the market in the span of next couple of years. Key drivers and restraints of the overall market has been pointed out. The report cites the various opportunities to favor the growth of the Superalloy market during the forecast period. It also indicates the key market trends shaping up the market.The Superalloy market has certain distinct aspects. The report throws light on each of these aspects and studies the various segments of the market in detail. The growth of each of the market segments during the forecast horizon has been analyzed in the report. The present state of the Chinese economy has lowered the demand from every market. The report discusses the impact of the various initiatives taken by the government in China to revive the economy and how this would impact the demand from Superalloy market in the nation. The report also takes note of the various micro- and macro-economic factors governing the overall market in rest of the world.Discussing about the key players operating in the Superalloy market, the report provides crucial information about them. The Superalloy market has become very competitive worldwide. The report profiles the key players and analyzes their growth in the next couple of years. The report serves as a useful tool for enterprises looking out to invest in projects in the Superalloy market.Download Free Sample Report @Various analytical tools are applied in the analysis on the Superalloy market to achieve an accurate understanding of the market players into the potential development of this market. These tools include feasibility analysis, investment return analyses, as well as SWOT analysis of the major market players.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Chlamydia Infection Diagnostic and Therapeutic Market Growth and Regional Forecast Upto 2023

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Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it comprises of largest proportion of all STDs reported in the United States since 1994. In 2012, a total of 1.4 million cases of Chlamydia infection were reported to CDC in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Overall the case rate among males in 2012 rose by 3.2% during 2011-2012 which is approximately half the case rate reported in females. Chlamydia infection among women is generally asymptomatic. However the disease if left untreated can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Similar to other STDs, chlamydia infection might facilitate the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Moreover, pregnant women infected with chlamydia can pass the infection to their infants during delivery, potentially resulting in neonatal ophthalmia and pneumonia. In Europe there are more than 250,000 new cases are reported each year and women below 24 years in Europe have highest number of infection. In 2012, National Health Service, U.K., 206,912 people were tested positive for Chlamydia in England of which 64% were below 25 years of age.Get the Sample Report at:Among women, symptoms of chlamydia include abnormal vaginal discharge, painful periods and abdominal pain with fever. Additionally itching and burning around vagina and mild pain during urination. Whereas among men symptom such as cloudy discharge, painful urination, burning around genital area and swelling of testicles are commonly found. Commonly used drugs for treating chlamydia include Amoxil, Doryx, Doxycycline, Erythrocin, Floxin, Gantrisin, Trimox, Zithromax and others. Some of the emerging diagnostic techniques in global Chlamydia Infection Diagnostic and Therapeutic market comprise molecular diagnostic, immunoassays, monoclonal antibodies, flow cytometry and gel moicrodroplet based testing. Major drivers for the growth of the market include increasing collaboration agreement with distributors, manufacturers and universities pertaining to manufacturing and research activities have escalated the market in past few years. Pipelined drugs in the market include CEL-1000, Cyanovirin-N, GEN-001, acALY18 and others.Geographically the market for chlamydia is predominated by developed regions such as the United States and Europe. Major contributors to the growth of these markets include intense research funding and government interventions for developing cheap and affordable medications for sexually transmitted diseases under Affordable CARE Act. Availability of advanced diagnostic centers, clinics and hospitals has also contributed towards the growth and development of market in past one decade. Asia Pacific and Rest of the World market is potentially a lucrative market and has fastest growth rate as compared to other regions pertaining to increasing sexually transmitted diseases incidences and lack of appropriate diagnostic and care centers for sexually transmitted infection/ diseases especially in the under developed parts of Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World is restraining the growth of the market. Approximately 43 million new cases of chlamydia are reported in Southeast Asian region. Whereas according to the 1999 World Health Organization report prevalence rate of chlamydia in Western Pacific region ranges from 5.7% in Thailand up to 17% in India. The aforementioned data clearly depicts the latent growth potential for drug and diagnostic companies manufacturing chlamydia related products.Browse Report Details at:Some of the key players operating in global chlamydia infection diagnostic and therapeutic market include: Abbott Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, bioMerieux, DiaSorin SpA, NANOGEN Biopharmaceutical, Siemens AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Novartis Diagnostics, Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. and others.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Stand Up Pouches Market - Growth Forecast Analysis by Manufacturers, Regions, Types and Applications to 2024

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A pouch is a container used for carrying goods or products. A stand up pouch is one that has an ability to stand on its own. The base on which it stands is called a bottom guzzet (in a stand up pouch). Stand up pouches are the most popular and widely used form of flexible packaging. Stand up pouches come with market friendly features, such as zipper reclosure, tear notches, hang-hole features, and attractive billboards for label and graphics. They are mostly used in the food and beverages industry. However, these pouches are still gaining importance in other end use packaging applications, such as dry food packaging, baby food, pet food, and natural products.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Major growth drivers for the stand up pouches market include: reduced cost of shipping and storage of products, aesthetically pleasant appearance resulting into better branding, and wide acceptability among consumers due to their lightweight and easy to handle features. In addition, these pouches are more cost effective as compared to glass or pet bottles, offer flexibility to print as per custom design, and ensure a better shelf visibility, thereby driving their market growth further. Surge in the number of end user industries of stand-up pouches has also been responsible for their increasing demand across the globe. However, high investment required for the purchase of stand-up pouches packaging line is considered to be a major threat for its market growth.Stand up pouches can be classified on the basis of material used, which include plastic, aluminum foil, kraft paper foil, or a combination of these. Secondly, the stand up pouches market is also segmented on the basis of shape into: round bottom, K seal, and corner sealed. Other pouch styles include: 3 side seal pouches, box pouches, and tap and gland fitment. Meanwhile, pouch closure options include spouts and fitments, press to close zippers, sliders, hooded sliders, etc. Manufacturers also offer additional options based on the product requirement. Additional pouch features include rounded corners, mitred corners, tear notches, clear windows, shiny or matter finishes, venting, handle holes, mechanical perforating, and laser perforating.Obtain Report Details @Regionally, Asia Pacific is estimated to account for more than 50% share of the overall stand-up pouches market, owing to the increasing number of middle class customers in the region, which are more attracted toward the stand up pouch packaging type, especially in India and tier 3 cities of China. However, this can only be attributed to the high population in these countries, as per capita consumption of stand up pouches has been witnessed to be much higher in North America and Europe as compared to Asia Pacific. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to be followed by Europe and North America markets, respectively. The MENA and Latin America, together, are anticipated to account for less than 15% share of the global stand up pouches market over the forecast period.Major players in the stand up pouches market include: Amcor Ltd.(Australia), The DOW Chemical Company (U.S), Mondi Group (Austria), Berry Plastic Corporation (U.S), Smurfit Kappa Group (Dublin), Bemis Company Inc. (U.S), Essentra PLC (U.K), Bischof+Klein (Germany), Coating Excellence International (U.S), Hood Packaging (U.S), Printpack (U.S.), ProAmpac (Canada), Sealed Air (U.S.), Sonoco (U.S), and Winpak Ltd (Canada). Currently, the market is highly unorganized due to the presence of various small and medium level manufacturers.Product innovations and expansion are the key strategies adopted by major players in the global stand up pouches market. Recently, two major players, Prolamina (U.S) and Ampac (U.S) merged their packaging business and formed a new company called ProAmpac Intermediate Corp. ProAmpac includes four divisions, namely Prolamina, Ampac, Tulsack, and Business Deposits Plus. In addition to the new name, Prolaminas Terrebonne, Quebec (Canada) site will shift to the Ampac division, as its product offerings match with the adhesive laminated roll stock and pouching offered by Ampac.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:
Smart Medical Devices Market: Convenience of Tracking Health Issues through Smart Medical Devices Bodes Well for Global Market

Smart Medical Devices Market

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Smart medical devices have gained traction in the recent past due to the multitude of benefits they provide to the patient and the caregiver. These devices have radically changed the way a disease is managed, by storing copious amounts of data in a logical format to draw insightful inferences. From understanding patterns of diseases or health issues, smart medical devices have largely helped users to keep an efficient tract of their health and fitness regime. Owing to these reasons, the global smart medical devices market is expected to soar at a CAGR of 7.8% to reach US$66.1 bn by 2024 as compared to US$33.7 bn in 2015.Smart medical devices are being used as important tools by physicians to detect various disease by monitoring vital signs. Chronic disease such as hypertension and diabetes have thus received a fresh perspective from both the medical industry as well as the patients. From a broader perspective, these devices have drastically reduced the workload for healthcare providers by closely monitoring patient health and taking quick action in case of any major change in the readings. The report predicts that the demand for smart medical devices will be attributable to the growing pool of geriatrics, who are prone to a wide range of illnesses. Furthermore, the rapid technological advancements in the fitness devices have also lured in a large base of consumers who are interested in monitoring their heart rate, calorie intake, and the number of calories burned. The user-friendliness of these devices is also expected to fuel the uptake of smart medical devices in the coming few years.Read Full Report:The various products available in the smart medical devices market are On the basis of product, the global market is segmented into therapeutic devices, diagnostic and monitoring devices, and injury prevention and rehabilitation devices. Of these, the diagnostic and monitoring devices segment is expected to dominate the global market. Growing awareness toward fitness is expected to drive the uptake of these devices. The quick and easy accessibility to fitness prompts, near-accurate monitoring of health condition such as diabetes and blood pressure, and wide availability of devices in varying price range is expected to work in favor of this segment.Download exclusive Sample of this report:In terms of geography, the global smart medical devices market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America is expected to exhibit excellent growth rate in the coming years. The adoption of technology in the region and its acceptability amongst the overall population is estimated to benefit the regional market. The ongoing upgradation of medical and healthcare services in the region have also played a crucial role in swift sales of smart medical devices all across North America.Some of the leading players operating in the global smart medical devices are Abbott Laboratories, Apple Inc., Dexcom, Inc., Fitbit, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic plc, NeuroMetrix, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, and Sonova. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. These players are expected to retain the lead in the coming years due to their penetration in emerging economies and product innovation. The growing investments in the development of sophisticated products are also anticipated to drive the soaring revenues of these players in the coming few years.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Biodegradable Stents Market is expanding at a CAGR of 30.1% from 2016 to 2024

Biodegradable Stents Market

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The biodegradable stents are used for treating cardiovascular conditions pertaining to the coronary artery. These stents are also known as bioabsorbable or bioresorbable vascular scaffolds and are surgically placed in the coronary artery for eluting the drug that is administered for vascular restoration and the polymer coating. The biggest advantage of these stents is that they get entirely absorbed in the vessels over a period of time, reducing the risk of complications or infections. This advantage is the primary reason for the growth of the global biodegradable stents market. According to the research report, the global biodegradable stents market was valued at US$18 mn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$1.7 bn by 2024, as the market progresses at a CAGR of 30.1% between 2016 and 2024.Read Full Report:As compared to predecessors of biodegradable stents, the newer technology has significantly reduced the risk of thrombosis, in in-stent restenosis, dual anti-platelet therapy, and second surgery for removal of the stent. These factors have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the global market in a positive direction over the past few years. The efficiency of biodegradable stents has won the market numerous consumers in the recent past. Thus, several patients and cardiologists have shown a keen interest in the uptake of biodegradable stents in the treatment of coronary and peripheral artery diseases.The two type of stents available in the global market are the coronary artery stents and peripheral artery stents. Of these, the coronary artery stents held a dominant share in the global market in 2015. The segment is expected to continue its dominance in the coming years due to the exponentially rising number of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. The high prevalence of coronary artery diseases across the globe around the world, rising preference of cardiologists towards percutaneous coronary intervention procedures, and increasing uptake of use of stents are expected to make a significant contribution to the soaring revenue of this segment in the forecast period.Download exclusive Sample of this report:In terms of geography, the global biodegradable market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. Europe held a lions share in the global biodegradable stents market in 2015. Asia Pacific closely followed as the developing nations of the region are showing keen interest in uptake of newer technologies. These regions are expected to show continued progress in the overall market due to high adoption rate of biodegradable stents due to quick approvals from regulatory bodies. Furthermore, high incidence of diabetes and hypertension across Asia Pacific are also expected to spike the demand for biodegradable stents as patients suffering from these conditions are highly susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. The report indicates that North America biodegradable stents market will also show considerable progress with recent approvals from the U.S. FDA.The key players operating in the global biodegradable stents market are Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific, Inc., Kyoto Medical Planning, Biotronik, Elixir Medical Corporation, Sahajanand Medical Technologies, and Terumo Europe NV. The competitive landscape in the global biodegradable stents market is likely to remain consolidated all throughout 2016 and 2024 as major players will hold a dominant share.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Vial Adaptors for Reconstitution Drug Market: North America to Remain the Leading Regional Market during Forecast Period

Vial Adaptors for Reconstitution Drug Market

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The global market for vial adaptors for reconstitution drugs has been experiencing a steady demand as these vial adaptors have come to be the safest solutions for quick transfer for drugs between vials. The demand for these vial adaptors is also expected to shoot up as they are exceptionally cost-effective and come with a reduced the risk of needlestick injuries. The growing prevalence of infectious diseases, widening pool of geriatrics, and increasing safety concerns have all triggered a demand for vial adaptors for reconstitution drugs. According to the research report, the global vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market was valued at US$780 mn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$1.3 bn by the end of 2024. Between the forecast years of 2016 and 2024, the global market is expected to progress at a CAGR of 7.5%.Read Full Report:On the basis of therapeutic area, the vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market has been segmented into autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, metabolic conditions, reproductive health and others. Currently, the infectious diseases segment holds a major share in the global vial adaptors for reconstitution drug therapeutic area segment. However, the autoimmune diseases segment is expected to show robust growth rate in the coming years. As of 2015, it was the second largest segment in the overall market in terms of revenue. The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) states that more than 50 million individuals are affected by autoimmune disorders in the U.S. every year. This is expected to drive the autoimmune diseases segment in the coming years.Download exclusive Sample of this report:In terms of geography, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Out of these regional markets, North America remained dominant in the global vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market in 2015. Europe followed this lead closely. The high incidence of autoimmune diseases, rising technological advancements, and growing demand for needle-free products likely to support the growth of the vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market in North America. On the other hand, the demand in Europe will be fueled by increasing advancements in healthcare technology amidst rising safety concerns.Analysts estimate that Asia Pacific is also likely to be a lucrative market for the vial adaptors for reconstitution drugs during the forecast period. The growing adoption of technology, high prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, and increasing adoption of technology are all expected to make a significant contribution to the soaring vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market in Asia Pacific. This regional market will also be propelled by the swelling pool of geriatrics, who are prone to various medical conditions and a vast pool of unmet medical needs. The strengthening economies of Asia Pacific and improving access to healthcare in the region are also likely to augment the demand for vial adaptors for reconstitution drugs.The key players operating in the global vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market are Baxter International Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Cardinal Health, Inc., Sensile Medical AG, Unilife Corporation and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. The market is largely consolidated as major players hold a dominating share.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Nanocapsules Market Outlook And Research Survey To 2024

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Nanopharmacology is a new branch of pharmacology which deals with the application of nanotechnology in the field of nanomedicine. This is a potential step towards curing and prevention of disease by using molecular knowledge about human body and molecular tools. Nanopharmacology studies the interaction between nanoscale drugs and proteins such as DNA, RNA and cells & tissues. It also studies the interaction between physiological systems and traditional drugs at nanoscale level.Get the Sample Report at:Nanoparticles are solid colloidal particles that include both nanospheres and nanocapsules. Nanocapsule is any nanoparticles that consist of a shell and a space in which desired substances may be placed. It is made up of a nontoxic polymer. They are also known to be drug delivery agents in the size range of 10-1000 nm. These capsules are made up of molecules called as phospholipids such as liposomes. Now-a-days many other materials such as variety of polymers have been used to make nanocapsules by self assembly process. Polymeric capsules are studied extensively as particulate carriers in the medical and pharmaceutical fields as they act as good drug delivery systems as a result of their sustained and control release property and subcellular size.The ultrafine size of nanocapsules itself is one of the useful function as the finer drug are suitable to be absorbed easily through biological systems. The special features and functions of nanoparticles include slow release: the capsules releases drugs molecules slower over a long period of time, quick release: the capsule shell breaks and comes in contact with a surface, specific release: the shell is designed to break open when a molecule receptor binds to a specific chemical and moisture release: the shell breaks down and releases drug in the presence of water among other features. The state of the art nanocapsulation medications include drugs deliver to specific locations within the body, cuts down on the amount of drug per dose and reduces the risk of side effects. The only limitation is that it is designed to target pre-determined areas.Cancer, neutraceuticals, ethyl alcohol absorption, food usage and self healing materials are the major applications of nanocapsules. Water soluble polymer shells are manufactured to deliver a protein known as apoptin into cancer cells. Neutraceuticals are substances which are placed into food to enhance nutrition. The smaller the nanocarrier, the better the delivery particles and solubility of neutraceuticals. Nanocapsulation in foods includes the changing of texture, coloring, flavoring and stability in shelf life. Nanocapsules are known to reduce damage that is caused by high loads for components in microelectronics, polymeric coatings and adhesives.Growing pharmaceutical industry along with the rising demand for nanocapsules are expected to be the major factor driving the global nanocapsules industry. The growing demand from the end user industry is also expected to boost demand for nanocapsules in the near future.Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest consumer of nanocapsules due to growing pharmaceutical industries in the region. North America and Europe are also expected to boost demand for nanocapsules owing to the growing demand from the end-user industries for various applications.Browse Report Details at:Some of the major players profiled for global nanocapsules market include: Capsulation, Sanzyme Ltd, PlasmaChem GmbH, NoCamels, Indian Instruments Manufacturing Company, Encap, Sintef, and Carlina Technologies among others.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Packaging Tape Printing Market - Share, Growth by Top Company, Geographical Region, Application, Driver, Trends & Forecast to 2024

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Printing on packaging tapes is used to advertise or promote companys name on the packaging tape. These type of tapes highlight companys logo and name and enables ease of identification and stock handling. These also makes the merchandise or product aesthetically appealing and, thus, results into easy and instant recognition of the packaged product. These tapes possess high marketing potential, ensure product distinction, enable easy product differentiation, and make the packaged product easily recognizable. Water based ink used in the packaging of products accounts for the highest revenue share of the packaging tape printing market currently.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Packaging Tape Printing Market: SegmentationThe packaging tape printing market is segmented on the basis of product type, material, mechanism, printing ink, end-use industry, and geography. On the basis of product type, the global packaging tape printing market is segmented into hot melt carton sealing type, acrylic carton sealing type, and natural rubber carton sealing type. Considering material, the global packaging tape printing market is segmented into polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and others (polyethylene, polyamide, and others). On account of mechanism, the global packaging tape printing market is segmented into flexography, digital printing, screen printing, gravure, lithography, and others (letterpress, offset). On the basis of printing ink, the global packaging tape printing market is segmented into water-based ink, UV-curable ink, and solvent-based ink. On the basis of end-use industry, the global packaging tape printing market is segmented into food and beverages, consumer durables, transportation and logistics, and others (construction, healthcare, cosmetics, toiletries, and others). On the basis of geography, the global packaging tape printing market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, and Japan.Packaging Tape Printing Market: Drivers and RestraintsRise in adoption of printing technology on packaging tapes by brand owners is a major factor driving growth of the global packaging tape printing market currently. Moreover, growing demand for innovative printing styles to print packaging tapes and rising demand for aesthetic apparel are key factors fuelling growth of the global packaging tape printing market currently. Besides, growth in the packaging printing industry, rising demand for product differentiation, and technological advancements are also some of the major factors driving the market growth further. Rising printing costs, easy contamination, and evaporation of ink are among the major restraining factors for growth of the global packaging tape printing market.Browse Market Research Report @Packaging Tape Printing Market: Region-Wise OutlookThe Asia-Pacific market is expected to witness the highest growth in the global packaging tape printing market in the coming years. In the Asia-Pacific region, China and India are expected to witness the highest market growth. The Middle East and Africa market is expected to witness the second highest growth in the global packaging tape printing market, with Turkey being the major growth contributor to the market in the region.Packaging Tape Printing Market: Key PlayersGlobally, the major players involved in the manufacture of printed packaging tape are Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, SIAT S.p.A, and Quad/Graphics, Xerox Corporation, among othersAbout 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:
Dermatoscope Market Research Report by Key Players Analysis (FotoFinder Systems GmbH, Dino-Lite)

Dermatoscope Market

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Dermatoscopy is a process through which the examination of skin lesions can be determined using an instrument, i.e., dermatoscope. The instrument is used by dermatologists to distinguish benign tumors and malignant (cancerous) lesions, especially in the diagnosis of melanoma. Modern dermatoscope uses the liquid medium and polarized light in order to cancel out the skin surface reflection. The images or videos are digitally processed using a digital epiluminescence dermatoscope. 3Gen introduced the first polarized dermatoscope known as DermLite, which allows visualization of skin structures using an immersion fluid. The convenient method of detection and different optimization of images as compared to glass dermatoscope added an advantage over vascular pattern diagnosis. However, new developments in dermatoscope allow image at the cellular and vascular level, paving way for earlier diagnosis and treatment of cancer disease.High prevalence of skin cancer disease, rise in patient awareness about skin cancer, growth in research and development initiatives, reduction of the frequency of unnecessary surgical procedures, and high cost of treatment and diagnostic imaging procedures through MRI and X-ray devices are important driving factors of the dermatoscope market. According to the American Academy of Dermatology 2017, the World Health Organization has estimated that more than 65,000 people worldwide are likely to die of melanoma. In 2017, 9,730 deaths due to melanoma are estimated in the U.S. According to the WHO, 2015, the number of new cases of cancer is expected to rise by about 70% over the next two decades. Growth in technologies such as USB imaging and video technology of imaging melanoma is likely to fuel the growth of the global dermatoscope market. However, introduction of biological agents for melanoma detection and new technologies such as SPECT and PET are expected to hamper the market growth.Read Full Report:The global dermatoscope market has been segmented based on product, technology, modality, application, and geography. In terms of product, the dermatoscope market is classified into contact dermatoscope, hybrid dermatoscope, and non-contact dermatoscope. Polarized dermatoscope (non-contact dermatoscope) is a rapid growing product segment owing to increase in prevalence of skin cancer diseases globally. In terms of technology, the market is classified into LED, xenon, halogen, and ultraviolet. In terms of modality, the market of dermatoscope is classified into hand-handled, trolley mounted, and headband. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation 2017, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer are projected to be reported in the U.S. each year, out of which are likely to be 168,000 squamous cell carcinomas, 245,000 basal cell carcinomas, and 6,200 melanomas; these are linked to indoor tanning. In terms of application, the market is classified into skin tumors, scabies, warts, fungal infections, and others. Based on geography, the market is distributed over North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Geographically, North America dominates the global dermatoscope market due to increase in number of melanoma cases among men owing to tanning and ultraviolet rays. Early-phase diagnosis and treatment of the disease is driving the medical biotechnology market, which in turn is expected to drive the North America dermatoscope market. Europe is the second leading market for dermatoscope as there are favorable government policies regarding health care infrastructure and awareness among population against skin cancer. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a higher rate due to rise in population, changing lifestyle, increase in awareness about skin cancer, and growth in per capita expenditure. In addition, economic growth and rise in medical tourism along with research and cancer laboratories are supporting the health care infrastructure improvement in developing countries such as India, Brazil, and China. Thus, all the above mentioned factors collectively support the growth of the dermatoscope market in Asia Pacific and Latin America.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The major players operating in the global dermatoscope market include FotoFinder Systems GmbH, Optilia Instruments AB, Dino-Lite, 3Gen, Rudolf Riester GmbH, NIDEK CO., LTD., ILLUCO Corporation Ltd., KIRCHNER & WILHELM GmbH + Co. KG, and Canfield Scientific, Inc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Fetal Doppler Monitoring System Market Research Report by Geographical Analysis and Forecast to 2024

Fetal Doppler Monitoring System Market

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Fetal doppler monitor, commonly known as baby heartbeat monitor, is a handheld ultrasound transducer used to detect the fetal heartbeat for prenatal care. Fetal doppler monitor provides information about the fetus, which is similar to that of fetal stethoscope, and it acts as an indicator of stress. The stress usually occurs during birth and labor period, which can be detected using the ultrasound probe and electrocardiography. Over the counter sale and use of Doppler ultrasound heartbeat monitors are used for listening to the heartbeat of a fetus. These are legally marketed as prescription devices and should be used under supervision of health care professionals. Doptone is a type of handheld portable ultrasound tool used for fetal monitoring. The tool is beneficial due to its waterproof technology. However, fetal monitoring increases the risk of C-section due to high rate of technological uses, which can develop many complications for the fetus and the mother during pregnancy.Increase in number of childbirth, awareness program for preventing the complications in childbirth, and demand for at-home fetal heart monitors are important driving factors of the global fetal doppler monitoring system market. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared the usage of Doppler ultrasound heartbeat monitors and fetal ultrasound imaging should be by trained health care professionals, and they are not intended for over the counter sale or use. Cost of treatment or ultrasonography and sensitivity of child toward ultrasound devices are expected to hamper the fetal doppler monitoring system market growth.Read Full Report:The global market has been segmented based on monitoring process type, end-user, and geography. In terms of monitoring process type, the fetal doppler monitoring system market is classified into electronic fetal monitoring, external fetal monitoring, and internal fetal monitoring. In terms of end-user, the market for fetal doppler monitoring system is classified into diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, and research & development. In terms of geography, the market is distributed over North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Geographically, North America dominates the global market due to increase in advent of technology of ultrasound monitoring devices and growth in child development plan. Early-phase diagnosis and treatment of disease during pregnancy is driving the medical biotechnology market which in turn is expected to drive the fetal doppler monitoring system market in North America. Europe is the second leading market for fetal doppler monitoring system as there are favorable government policies regarding health care infrastructure and awareness of population development. The Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at a higher rate due to rise in population, changing lifestyle, rise in awareness between patients, and increase in per capita expenditure. In addition, economic growth is supporting the health care infrastructure improvement in developing countries such as India and China.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The major players operating in the global fetal doppler monitoring system market include Medline Industries, Inc., Bionet Co., Ltd, Huntleigh Healthcare Limited, Promed Group Co., Ltd., ELCAT, Hadeco, Inc., Shenzhen Biocare Bio-Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., Advanced Instrumentations, and SonoScape Medical Corp.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Long Term Care Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

Long Term Care Market

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Long term care (LTC) service contains a variety of services provided by nursing homes, day care centres, home health agencies and from family or friends. Long term care service comprises a broad range of personal care, healthcare and supportive care services. It is required for geriatrics people and adult who are unable to take self care due to injury, cognitive or mental disability and chronic illness. Long term care service provides support to people in regain quality of life and in improving an optimal level of physical functioning of life.The global market for long term care can be segmented as follows:- Based on Services provided- Social work services- Mental health or counseling services- Therapeutic services- Skilled nursing or nursing services- Pharmacy or pharmacist services- Hospice servicesRead Full Report:In the United States social work services are provided by nursing homes and home health agencies. In addition, Medicare certification is required for providing social work services in the United States. Whereas, mental health and counseling services are provided by nursing homes and residential care communities while very few adult care centers are offered this kind of services. Likewise, therapeutics services are offered by mostly all home health agencies and nursing homes in the U.S. Majority of the adult day service centers in the U.S. are offered only therapeutic services. Pharmacy and pharmacist services are offered by nursing home and residential care communities in the U.S. while fewer adult care centers provided this kind of service. Moreover, hospice services are offered mostly by residential care communities while a small percentage (5.6%, CDC 2013) of home health agencies offered hospice services.The global market for long term care is witnessing a significant growth due to rapid increase of geriatric population worldwide. Moreover, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases also supported the market growth of global long term care. As an instance, people with 85 years of age or above are expected to reach 17.9 million by 2050 in the U.S. stated by U.S. Census Bureau in the year 2012. Moreover, extensive government support is the major factor for the market growth of long term cares in developed nations such the U.S. and U.K. For instance, Medicare and Medicaid is a national social insurance programme governed by the U.S. federal government which pays the major portion of long term care cost of an individual (CDC report 2013). Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also published that the long term care service cost of the U.S. in the year 2013 was around USD 210.9 billion.Download exclusive Sample of this report:15 million people in the U.S. used long term care service in 2000 and it is expected to increase and reach 27 million by 2050 stated by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. This is due to growth in older adult population, because long term care services increases with increase in age. Two third of the individual who has crossed 65 years of age need long term care for the rest of life in the U.S. stated by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in 2013.North America and Europe are observed to be the largest long term care market due to growing geriatric population and extensive government support for long term care. Moreover, Asia - Pacific is considered as an emerging market due to strong economic growth forecasted in some Asian countries such as India, China, Japan and Malaysia.Some of the major market players contributing in the global market share of long term care includes AARP Long Term Care, American General Life (AIG), Lincoln Financial Group, New York Life Insurance Company, State Farm Insurance, Thrivent For Lutherans and others.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. This report provides comprehensive analysis of- Market growth drivers- Factors limiting market growth- Current market trends- Market structure- Market projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Chemical Logistics Market to grow at a CAGR of 11.97% during Forecast period 2016-2020

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Albany, NY, April 06, 2017: Logistics deals with the procurement, planning, and implementation of activities in the forward and reverse logistics chain of an organization. The chemical industry uses logistics for the management of the way resources are acquired, stored, and moved to different end-users. The use of logistics allows the chemical industry access to a continuous supply of organic and inorganic chemicals from suppliers and distributors in various locations. Sometimes, a company might choose to outsource its logistics operations, if it is cost effective to do so.The global chemical logistics market to grow at a CAGR of 11.97% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global chemical logistics market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated by various vendors providing contract logistics services.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- APAC- Europe- MEA- North AmericaGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, GLOBAL CHEMICAL LOGISTICS MARKET 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Agility- BDP International- C.H. Robinson- DB Schenker- DHLOther prominent vendors:- Ahlers- A.N. Deringer- Alfred Talke Logistic Services- APL Logistics- BALTRANSA- BERTSCHI- Bowker- Chemlogix- CT Logistics- Damco- DACHSER- Interbulk- Jacobson Companies- Lesaint Logistics- Logi Trans- Menlo Worldwide Logistics- Montreal Chemical Logistics- Palmer Logistics- TRANSPLACEEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Browse more details about this report at: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:
2017-2022 Global Trunking System Market Size Share Trend Forecast Report

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Summary:Orbis Researchs Latest Report : Global Trunking System Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 .IntroductionGlobal Trunking System here refers to LED Trunking Systems. Trunking System is an energy?efficient, low maintenance alternative to traditional linear fluorescent in a variety of industrial, commercial and light assembly applications. It is the optimal solution for conventional lighting systems and also excellent for new installations due to its low installation cost ? everything in one box and installation is tool?less. It saves both time and costs when updating lighting systems. LED trunking system distributes the elegant and uniform light according to different applications like supermarket, retail places, warehouses, offices, lecture halls, play courts, gymnasium, workshops,car parks etc.Make an enquire before buying this report @Scope of the Global Trunking System Market ReportThis report focuses on the Trunking System 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.This report covers Analysis of Global Trunking System Market Segment by ManufacturersPhilips Lighting HoldingGE lightingHavells Sylvania (Shanghai Feilo Acoustics)Siteco Beleuchtungstechnik GmbH (OSRAM)Zumtobel GroupTRILUX Group Management GmbHAura Light InternationalLuxon LEDThorlux Lighting (F.W. Thorpe Plc Group)Request a Sample of this Report @Global Trunking System Market Segment by 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)Global Trunking System Market Segment by TypesNarrow DistributionWide DistributionOtherGlobal Trunking System Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCommercialIndustrialWarehouseOtherSome of the Points cover in Global Trunking System Market Research Report is:Chapter 1: Describe Trunking System Industry Introduction, Product Scope, Market Overview, Market Opportunities, Market Risk, Market Driving ForceChapter 2: To analyze the top manufacturers of Trunking System Industry in 2016 and 2017 Sales Revenue and priceChapter 3: Competitive analysis among the top manufacturers in 2016 and 2017 Sales Revenue and market shareChapter 4: Global Trunking System Market by regions from 2012 to 2017 Sales Revenue and market shareChapter 5, 6, 7 and 8: Global Trunking System Market by key countries in these regions Sales Revenue and market shareChapter 9 and 10: Global Trunking System Market by type and application from 2012 to 2017 Sales Revenue and market share Growth rateChapter 11: Trunking System Industry Market forecast from 2017 to 2022 Regions Type and application with sales and revenueChapter 12 and 13: Trunking System Industry Sales channel Distributors Traders and dealers Appendix Data sourceFor more press releases visit @Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:
E-Paper Display Market To Witness An Outstanding Growth By 2022

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Research Trades has announced a new Electronics market report Global E-Paper Display Market By Manufacturers, Countries, Type And Application, Forecast To 2022E-paper display also known as electronic paper or electronic ink display. They are display devices that mimic the appearance of ordinary ink on paper. Unlike conventional backlit flat panel displays that emit light, electronic paper displays reflect light like paper. This may make them more comfortable to read, and provide a wider viewing angle than most light-emitting displays. An ideal e-paper display can be read in direct sunlight without the image appearing to fade.Get Sample Copy of this report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the E-paper Display 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 coversE InkOED TechnologiesQualcommLiquavistaPlastic LogicPervasive DisplaysLG DisplayGamma DynamicsITRIPurchase a Copy of this report @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, coversElectrophoretic Display (EPD)Electrowetting Display (EWD)Electrofluidic Display (EFD)Interferometric Modulator Display (IMOD)Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoE-ReaderElectronic Shelf LabelOtherThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global E-paper Display market.Chapter 1, to describe E-paper Display Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of E-paper Display, with sales, revenue, and price of E-paper Display, 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 E-paper Display, 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, E-paper Display market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe E-paper Display sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceView Complete Report @About UsResearch Trades has team of experts who works on providing exhaustive analysis pertaining to market research on a global basis. This comprehensive analysis is obtained by a thorough research and study of the ongoing trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the clients specific requirement. Our database consists of a large collection of high-quality reports obtained using a customer-centric approach, thus providing valuable research insights. The research encompasses information gathered and examined by subject-matter experts, laying down growth opportunities and developmental strategies for enterprises. These reports not only furnish latest market trends across various domains and industry verticals across all geographical regions, but also provide competitive intelligence, future estimations, and industry advancements. Qualitative as well as quantitative data presented in the reports spans sectors such as food & beverages, chemicals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, electronics, and so on.Contact Us:Flat No.10, Wing C, S. No. 245/4/2+245/5/1, Baner, Pune-411045Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +91 7507349866SkypeID: researchtradesconWeb:
Vietnam: Mobile Data Growth To Be Fueled By 4G Network Rollout And Expansion By Operators

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In 2016, Vietnam will generate total telecom service revenue of $6.9bn (or 3.4% of its nominal GDP), a decrease of 0.7% over 2015. However, in local currency, it is expected to grow by 1.6% during the same period, owing to growth primarily in fixed broadband and mobile data revenue. Mobile data services will be the key revenue-contributing segment, accounting for 36.8% of total service revenue in 2016, due to increasing popularity of OTT services and rising smartphone adoption coupled with availability of attractive data plans. Operators will focus on 4G network expansion and fiber deployments to improve broadband infrastructure in the country.Key Findings- The overall telecom service revenue in Vietnam is estimated to generate $6.9bn in 2016 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during 2016-2021.- The mobile segment will account for 78.5% of total telecom revenue in 2016.- The Vietnam telecom market will be dominated by Viettel Vietnam and Mobifone. Viettel Vietnam will remain the largest player in the telecom market through 2021, owing to investments in 4G service rollout and expansion coupled with fixed infrastructure improvement.Get Sample Copy of This Report :Synopsis"Vietnam: Mobile Data Growth to be Fueled by 4G Network Rollout and Expansion by Operators," a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Vietnam today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband and mobile sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Vietnam compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Vietnam.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice and data from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Vietnam's telecommunication market.ReasonsToBuy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Vietnam's telecommunication market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Vietnam's mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Vietnam's telecommunication market.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Vietnam.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Ghana: The Launch Of 4G And Expansion Of Fiber Network Will Support Telecom Growth.

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The telecom services revenue in Ghana is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2016-2021, primarily driven by growth in mobile data revenue. Mobile voice will be the largest revenue-contributing segment until 2019. Mobile data will be the fastest-growing segment in the telecom market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.3% during 2016-2021, primarily driven by operators' investments in 3G and 4G network coverage and attractive data bundles offered by telcos. Going forward, operators look to invest in 3G/4G network upgradation, extend coverage and fiber-optic network deployments to improve and extend broadband connectivity in the country, which will provide significant opportunities for vendors and investors.Key FindingsThe overall telecom service revenue in Ghana will grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2016-2021, mainly driven by growth in the mobile data segment.Mobile revenue will account for 97.0% of the total telecom revenue in 2021; mobile data will be the fastest growing segment and will grow at a CAGR of 16.3% over the forecast period 2016-2021.2G will be the most adopted mobile technology through 2021. However, its share in overall mobile subscriber base will decline over the forecast period 2016-2021, owing to rising adoption of 3G and 4G services over the coming years.Get Sample Copy Of This Report :The top two operators, MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana, will account for 76.7% share of overall service revenue in 2016, owing to strong 3G and 4G network coverage. We expect competition to intensify further as operators focus on competitive pricing plans and service innovation to further increase their market share.Operators will continue to focus on investments in 3G network expansion and launch of 4G services, fiber deployments to increase connectivity and cater to the rising data demand.Synopsis"Ghana: Launch of 4G and Expansion of Fiber Network to Support Telecom Growth" is a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Ghana today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, and mobile, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Ghana compared with other countries in the region.Economic, demographic and political context in Ghana.The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data markets.Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2016 to 2021.The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Ghana telecommunications markets.ReasonsToBuyThis Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Ghanas telecommunications markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Ghanas mobile communications, fixed telephony, broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Ghanas telecommunications markets.The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Ghana.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Data Center Commercial Strategies: Drivers and Challenges - A Growing Opportunity for Telcos

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"The Report Data centers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Growing Opportunity for Telcos provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"SummaryData Centers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Growing Opportunity for Telcos' an Insider report by Pyramid Research offers a thorough study of the data center market in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report analyses the data center market and the role of market participants such as MNOs, dedicated data center providers and governmentsView report @Key Findings- Telcos are increasingly investing in launching and expanding their data centers as part of a strategic effort to offer IT services.- Increasing fixed broadband coverage and submarine cables providing improved wholesale and international connectivity are two key drivers of data center services in sub-Saharan Africa.- The region is characterised by unreliable power supply, making it a key inhibitor of data center services.- Technical features are the key method providers use to differentiate their data center services. These include access to submarine cables, being carrier neutral and access to reliable power supplies.Get Sample Copy Of this Report @SynopsisThe report consists of the following sections:- Introduction: Data center Market Context- This section briefly describes the main types of data center services offered in the region as well as an overview of key players in the market.- Data Center Commercial Strategies: Drivers and Challenges - This section includes an in-depth examination of the key data center commercial strategies as well as the factors driving and inhibiting adoption of data center services.- Market detail: Case studies - Three case studies are presented, analysing the data center services provided by MTN Ghana, Tigo Tanzania and Teraco South Africa.- Key findings and recommendations - Consists of a summary of key findings and a set of recommendations for providers of data center services.ReasonsToBuy- This Telecom Insider helps executives build proactive, profitable strategies by offering comprehensive, relevant analysis of the data center market in sub-Saharan Africa based on insights directly from local market players.- The report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality that allows it to be turned into presentable material immediately.- The broad but detailed perspective will help operators, dedicated data center providers and other telecom industry players to succeed in the data center market.- The competitive landscape and the major players are given extra attention, enabling local players or prospective market entrants to gain the insight they need.- The report brings several case studies that showcase the business model that operators are implementing regarding data center services.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Data Center Market ContextData Center Commercial Strategies: Drivers and ChallengesMarket Detail: Case StudiesMTN GhanaTigo TanzaniaTeraco Data EnvironmentsKey Findings and RecommendationsList of TablesExhibit 1: Data Center Tier ClassificationExhibit 2: Data Center Services DefinitionsExhibit 3: Enterprise Services Framework And The Role Of The TelcoExhibit 4: Data Center Service Provider TypesExhibit 5: Select Data Center Investments And Expansions In Sub-saharan AfricaExhibit 6: Enterprise Broadband LinesExhibit 7: Indicative Colocation Monthly Rental Prices Per Rack, Us$Exhibit 8: Sample product features of data center providersExhibit 9: Pricing Models For Data Center ServicesExhibit 10: Distribution Framework: Typical Distribution Channels Witnessed In Sub-saharan Markets With Specific CharacteristicsExhibit 11: Maturity of data center marketsExhibit 12: MTN Ghana Enterprise Service PortfolioExhibit 13: MTNS Data Center Service OfferingsExhibit 14: Tigos enterprise service portfolioExhibit 15: Tigos Data Center Service OfferingsExhibit 16: Teracos Key Client SegmentsExhibit 17: Teracos Data Center Service OfferingsAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Egypt, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020- MRH

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Timetrics 'Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Egypt Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Egyptian life insurance segment, and a comparison of the Egyptian insurance industry with its regional counterparts.Request a Free Sample Report:It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Egyptian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.SummaryTimetrics 'Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Egypt Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segment, including:An overview of the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segmentThe Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segments growth prospects by categoryA comprehensive overview of the Egyptian economy and demographicsA comparison of the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segment with its regional counterpartsThe various distribution channels in the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segmentDetails of the competitive landscape in the personal accident and health insurance segment in EgyptDetails of regulatory policy applicable to the Egyptian insurance industryScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the personal accident and health insurance segment in Egypt:It provides historical values for the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.It provides a comparison of the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segment with its regional counterpartsIt provides an overview of the various distribution channels for personal accident and health insurance products in Egypt.It profiles the top personal accident and health insurance companies in Egypt, and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Reasons To BuyMake strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segment, and each category within it.Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segment.Assess the competitive dynamics in the personal accident and health insurance segment.Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories.Gain insights into key regulations governing the Egyptian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key HighlightsIn February 2017, the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority (EFSA) announced plans to increase the minimum capital requirement for insurers from EGP60.0 million (US$7.8 million) to EGP200.0 million (US$26.0 million). A final decision is expected over the forecast period (20152020).In December 2016, Axa in collaboration with Uber Egypt launched a safety program that provides cover with riders for death, permanent disability, and medical expenses resulting from accidents.Browse Full Report with TOC:In September 2016, the Egyptian government announced plans to introduce new comprehensive health insurance laws.The Egyptian personal accident and health insurance segment is highly consolidated, with the top five leading companies accounting for 77.7% of the total gross written premium in 2015.About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Follow Us on:Twitter:LinkedIn:Facebook :
Impact of Economic Development Focus On NBPs: Targets, Technology, Funding & Role of Governments and Private Sector

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"The Report National Broadband Plans in AME: Governments Leverage the Private Sector to Achieve Ambitious Targets provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"The insider report 'National Broadband Plans in AME: Governments Leverage the Private Sector to Achieve Ambitious Targets' offers an overview of efforts taken by the government in the AME region to develop the broadband infrastructure. It delivers comprehensive proprietary data and insights from our research into NBPs adopted by AME countries. This presentation-quality report provides an analysis of governments initiatives and operators' involvement in broadband infrastructure development.View Report @Key Findings- The region features significant differences in broadband penetration levels among countries in Africa and the Middle East owing to differences in the income levels and the maturity of telecom sector.- African countries are mainly targeting to improve broadband penetration nationally. Middle Eastern countries have included targets to reduce the digital divide in the country by improving broadband connectivity in rural areas.- Numerous countries with low broadband penetration are targeting to provide broadband coverage with relatively lower speed in the short term, however, long-term targets include provision of broadband services with faster speed.- Funding of the NBPs poses the challenge in many AME countries. In addition to providing direct funds from budgets and universal service funds, governments have been encouraging private investments by regulatory reforms that reduce barriers to entry and encourage infrastructure sharing.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @SynopsisNational Broadband Plans in AME: Governments Leverage the Private-Sector to Achieve Ambitious Targets, a new Telecom Insider Report by Pyramid Research, provides an overview of the national broadband plans (NBP) adopted by the governments in Africa and the Middle East (AME) region.It provides in-depth analysis of the following:- Regional market context analyzing the impact of economic development on broadband penetration in several AME countries .- Analysis of priorities set under NBPs such as targets, technology, funding and role of governments as well as private operators.- Case studies on three countries NBP with focus on analysis of targets, goals, government initiatives, operators involvement and progress over the period.- Key findings, detailing the analysis of NBPs on several parameters such as targets, funding strategies, preferred technologies and strategies adopted by government to achieve the targets.ReasonsToBuy- This Insider Report provides a five-year forecast of fixed broadband and mobile data developed using Pyramid Researchs rigorous bottom-up modeling methodologies, to enable executives to effectively position their companies for growth opportunities and emerging trends in demand for their products.- Three case studies illustrate the findings of the report, providing insight into particular situations in the AME market; this will help the reader understand both the challenges confronted in the real world and the strategies employed to overcome those challenges.- Gain understanding of governments goals and initiatives to make informed decisions pertaining to investments in network and technologies and optimize return on investment.- Develop an understating of national broadband plans through the analysis of targets, technologies, governmental support, operators' roles and funding strategies.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Rising Demand For High-Speed Mobile Data and Increased Availability of LTE-enabled Smartphones will boost LTE Subscriptions in Panama

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"The Report Panama: 4G Network Expansion and Governments National Broadband Plan to Drive Data Revenue Growth provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"In 2016, Panama was the third largest telecom services market in Central America, behind Guatemala and Costa Rica, with estimated revenue of $1.3bn or 2.4% of GDP. This represents a 2.4% increase relative to 2015, mainly driven by fixed broadband, pay-TV and mobile data segments.Key FindingsThe fixed/mobile revenue split will continue to be inclined toward the mobile segment throughout the forecast period. Nevertheless, fixed services revenue share will increase, driven by governments national Internet network initiative for expanding Internet penetration in the country and attractive double and triple play services from operators such as Cable &Wireless Panama (CWP) and Cable Onda.The top two operators, CWP which provides fixed, mobile and pay-TV services and Digicel Panama, which provide mobile services, accounted for 57.7% of overall service revenue in 2016. CWP will continue to lead the Panamanian telecom market, throughout the forecast period, supported by strong investments in 4G network expansion and network modernization of its fixed infrastructure.LTE network expansion along with the rising demand for high-speed mobile data and increased availability of LTE-enabled smartphones will boost LTE subscriptions in Panama over the forecast period.View Report @SynopsisPanama: 4G Network Expansion and Governments National Broadband Plan to Drive Data Revenue Growth a new Country Intelligence Report, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Panama today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile and pay-TV sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Panama compared with other countries in the region.Economic, demographic and political context in Panama.The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony (including VoIP), broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV markets.Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed/pay-TV and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2016 to 2021.The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Panamas telecommunications and pay-TV markets.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Reasons To BuyThis Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Panamas telecommunications and pay-TV markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.Accompanying Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Panamas mobile communications, fixed telephony/VoIP, broadband and pay-TV markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Panamas telecommunications and pay-TV markets.The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Panama.Table of ContentsExecutive summaryMarket and competitor overviewRegional contextEconomic, demographic and political contextRegulatory environmentDemand profileService evolutionCompetitive landscapeMajor market playersSegment analysisMobile servicesFixed servicesPay-TVIdentifying opportunitiesOverall market opportunitiesPanama telecom market size and growth prospects in a regional context, 2016ECountry indicatorsRegulatory structure and policyMajor telecommunications policy issuesPanama communications market revenue , 2014-2021, US$Segment revenue CAGRs, 2016-2021, US$Segment revenues 2014-2021Service revenue mix: voice, data & video, 2016, 2021Service revenue mix: fixed & mobile, 2016, 2021Service revenue by operator, 2016Key telecom market playersMajor telecommunications market playersMobile subscriptions and penetration, 2014-2021Key mobile market indicators, 2016Mobile data revenue mix, 2016, 2021Total mobile ARPS; data percentage of total mobile ARPS, 20142021Mobile market shares by subscriptions, 2014-2021Mobile subscriptions by technology family, 2014-2021Fixed-line penetration of population, 2014-2021Key fixed market indicators, 2016Fixed voice revenue, 2014-2021Internet revenue, 2014-2021Fixed market shares by service, 2016Access lines by technology, 2016 and 2021Pay-TV subscriptions by technology, 2014-2021Opportunities in the Panama telecommunications marketAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Ryanair launched a new Glasgow Prestwick route to Rzeszow as part of its winter 2017 schedule, with a twice weekly service starting in October, which will help deliver over 675,000 customers p.a. at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

Ryanairs Glasgow Prestwick winter 2017 schedule will deliver:

1 new route to Rzeszow (2 x weekly)

10 routes in total (including Alicante, Lanzarote & Tenerife)

Over 675,000 customers p.a. (+4%)

This new Glasgow Prestwick route comes in the wake of the Scottish Finance Committee backing the Scottish Governments commitment to halve APD in Scotland. Ryanair again called on the Scottish Government to go even further and follow the Irish example by scrapping APD entirely to allow Scottish traffic, tourism and jobs to continue to grow and ensure Scottish airports can compete and attract more business.

Ryanairs Robin Kiely said, We are pleased to add a new Rzeszow route to our Glasgow Prestwick winter 2017 schedule, which will operate twice weekly from October. Our Glasgow Prestwick winter 2017 schedule also includes popular winter sun routes to Alicante, Lanzarote and Tenerife, with 10 routes in total, which will deliver over 675,000 customers p.a. at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

We welcome the Scottish Parliament Finance Committees support for the Governments plan to halve APD, and we call on the Government to fully abolish APD, which would enable Ryanair to base more aircraft in Scotland, add even more routes and create thousands of jobs.

Fares on our new Rzeszow route are on sale now from just 29.99 for travel in October and November, which are available on the Ryanair.com website until Thursday (6 Apr). Since these amazing low prices will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com and book a low fare break from Glasgow Prestwick.

Ron Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said, Were delighted to be bringing back direct connections from Glasgow Prestwick Airport to Poland for winter 2017/18. We have a significant amount of experience in serving the passengers who would use this route to visit friends and family, for business travel or who are looking for a city break with a difference.

This will be the only route available in Scotland over the winter months to South East Poland. Our excellent transport connections including direct motorway access, low cost car parking and rail access straight to the terminal building make our airport, and this route, an affordable, convenient and enjoyable way to experience Eastern Europe.
Global Cervical Traction Device Market Research Report 2016

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Global Cervical Traction Device Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.This market intelligence report examines extensively the trends in the global Cervical Traction Device market. It highlights the latest market state, the progress pattern in the previous years, and the prospects present for market participants in the near future. The research methods and tools employed in the achievement of this research publication are both secondary and primary. The market intelligence study also provides facts about the investments initiated by several organizations, institutions, government, and non-government authorities and regulatory bodies.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The publication further presents a valuation of the facets that are likely to prevent or encourage the expansion of the global Cervical Traction Device market. The global Cervical Traction Device market has been examined scrupulously based on aspects such as application, technology, product, end user, and geographical segment. An examination has been carried out in the research report of the chief regional segments and their respective place and share in the Cervical Traction Device market. The estimated revenue and volume valuation of the global market for Cervical Traction Device has also been stated in the study.An estimate of the market attractiveness and the level of competition that new entrants along with their new products are likely to offer to the experienced products and players has also been delivered in the market research publication. The market report also discusses the new expansions, the innovations, branding techniques, marketing approaches, and products of the chief players operational in the global Cervical Traction Device market. The vendor landscape has been broadly scrutinized employing the Porters five forces and value chain analysis to deliver a strong conception of the market. The challenges and opportunities in the near future for the key participants have also been stressed upon in the research publication.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Cervical Traction Device Market Research Report 20161 Cervical Traction Device Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cervical Traction Device1.2 Cervical Traction Device Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Cervical Traction Device by Type in 20151.2.2 Portable Type1.2.3 Mechanical Type1.2.4 Inflatable Type1.3 Cervical Traction Device Segment by Application1.3.1 Cervical Traction Device Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Hospital1.3.3 Home Use1.4 Cervical Traction Device 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 Cervical Traction Device (2011-2021)2 Global Cervical Traction Device Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Cervical Traction Device Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Cervical Traction Device Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Cervical Traction Device Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Cervical Traction Device Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Cervical Traction Device Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Cervical Traction Device Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Cervical Traction Device Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)3.1 Global Cervical Traction Device Production by Region (2011-2016)3.2 Global Cervical Traction Device Production Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.3 Global Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.4 Global Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.5 North America Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.6 Europe Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.7 China Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.8 Japan Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.9 Southeast Asia Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.10 India Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)4 Global Cervical Traction Device Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Cervical Traction Device Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Cervical Traction Device Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Cervical Traction Device Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.4 China Cervical Traction Device Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.5 Japan Cervical Traction Device Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.6 Southeast Asia Cervical Traction Device Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.7 India Cervical Traction Device Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Cervical Traction Device Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Cervical Traction Device Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Cervical Traction Device Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.3 Global Cervical Traction Device Price by Type (2011-2016)5.4 Global Cervical Traction Device Production Growth by Type (2011-2016)Figure Picture of Cervical Traction DeviceFigure Global Production Market Share of Cervical Traction Device by Type in 2015Figure Product Picture of Portable TypeTable Major Manufacturers of Portable TypeFigure Product Picture of Mechanical TypeTable Major Manufacturers of Mechanical TypeFigure Product Picture of Inflatable TypeTable Major Manufacturers of Inflatable TypeTable Cervical Traction Device Consumption Market Share by Application in 2015Figure Hospital ExamplesFigure Home Use ExamplesFigure North America Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2011-2021)Figure Europe Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2011-2021)Figure China Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2011-2021)Figure Japan Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2011-2021)Figure Southeast Asia Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2011-2021)Figure India Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2011-2021)Figure Global Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Million UDS) and Growth Rate (2011-2021)Table Global Cervical Traction Device Capacity of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)Table Global Cervical Traction Device Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)Figure Global Cervical Traction Device Capacity of Key Manufacturers in 2015Figure Global Cervical Traction Device Capacity of Key Manufacturers in 2016Table Global Cervical Traction Device Production of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)Table Global Cervical Traction Device Production Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)Figure 2015 Cervical Traction Device Production Share by ManufacturersFigure 2016 Cervical Traction Device Production Share by ManufacturersTable Global Cervical Traction Device Revenue (Million USD) by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)Table Global Cervical Traction Device Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)For Market Research Latest Reports Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Wireless Charging Market Size, Technology advancement, Innovation Forecast 2016-2020

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Technavios market research analyst predicts the global wireless charging market to grow at an impressive CAGR of more than 33% by 2020. The augmented adoption of wireless computing devices like tablets and smartphones will necessitate the need for wireless charging devices as they help in charging devices wherever and whenever required; thus, eliminating the need for charging cables.The integration of wireless charging for smartphones in automobiles will drive market growth during the forecast period. With the integration of wireless charging pads in automobiles, the consumer no longer needs to keep a charger in the car or worry about plugging their device into the vehicle. Since this technology is estimated to become prevalent across all vehicle segments during the forecast period, their augmented incorporation in all variants of automobiles will lead to market growth.Application-based segmentation of the wireless charging marketConsumer electronicsElectric vehiclesGet Sample Copy of This Report :In this market study, Technavio analysts have estimated the consumer electronics segment to be the largest market segment during the estimated period. Much of this segments growth can be attributed to the proliferation of devices like smartphones, tablets, portable PCs, and wearable electronics, which require frequent charging for optimal performance.Geographical segmentation of the wireless charging marketAmericasAPACEMEATechnavios market research analysts have estimated the Americas to account for more than 36% of the total market share by 2020. The growing awareness of wireless power technology among consumers and the increase in adoption of wireless charging for industrial applications are the two critical factors that propel market growth in this region during the estimated period.Competitive landscape and key vendorsThis market is highly competitive and is characterized by the presence of large players and start-ups like Ubeam. Since the global wireless charging market is still in its development stage, the vendors in this market try to gain prominence by offering high-quality, affordable products to consumers. To survive and succeed in this market, the vendors have to distinguish their products and service offerings through a clear and unique value proposition.Browse More Telecommunications Market Research Reports:The key vendors in this market are -DuracellFultonQualcommWiTricityOther prominent vendors in the market include Anker, Energizer Holding, LS Cable & System, Oregon Scientific, Pure Energy Solutions, Texas Instruments, Wisepower, and Leggett and Platt.Key questions answered in the report includeWhat will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020?What are the key factors driving the global wireless charging market?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the wireless charging 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 vendors in the global wireless charging market?Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the wireless charging market?MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Overview of the Telecommunications Market in South Africa : 4G Expansion and Fiber Deployment Creates Opportunities for Multiplay Offerings

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"The Report South Africa: 4G Expansion and Fiber Deployment Creates Opportunities for Multiplay Offerings provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"SummarySouth Africa will remain one of the largest telecom service revenue markets in the AME region in 2016, generating estimated revenue of $9.2bn. Going forward, we expect the telecom services revenue in South Africa to decline at a CAGR of -2.4% in USD during 2016-2021, due to local currency depreciation. However, in local currency, the revenue is expected to expand by 3.3%, due to increasing uptake of mobile and fixed data services. Operators are investing in upgrading their network infrastructure, including the expansion of 4G services and rollout of fiber networks across the country.View Report @Key Findings- The overall telecom service revenue in South Africa is estimated to generate $9.2bn in 2016 and is estimated to decline at a CAGR of -2.4% during 2016-2021.- Mobile revenue will account for 75.6% of the total telecom revenue in 2021.- The South Africa telecom market will be dominated by Vodacom and MTN South Africa. Operators will continue to invest in fixed and mobile networks focusing on network expansion to roll out next-generation technologies to stay competitive.Synopsis"South Africa: 4G Expansion and Fiber Deployment Creates Opportunities for Multiplay Offerings," a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in South Africa today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband and mobile sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in South Africa compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in South Africa.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice and data from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in South Africa's telecommunication market.ReasonsToBuy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of South Africa's telecommunications market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying Pyramid Researchs Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in South Africa's mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in South Africa's telecommunications market.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in South Africa.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Unified Communication As A Service Market to grow at a CAGR of 25.32% over 2017-2021

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UCaaS is a cloud-based deployment model of unified communications (UC) technology such as enterprise audio and video conferencing, hosted VoIP, and cloud private branch exchange (PBX). UCaaS is implemented in enterprises to communicate and collaborate globally in a cloud-based ICT ecosystem.Technavios analysts forecast the global unified communication as a service market to grow at a CAGR of 25.32% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global unified communication as a service market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAGet Sample Copy Of This Report :Technavio's report, Global Unified Communication as a Service Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors8x8AT&TGoogleMicrosoftVerizon Enterprise SolutionsOther prominent vendorsAvayaBTCisco SystemsFuzeWest Unified Communications ServicesMitelPanTerra NetworksPolycomRingCentralShoreTelStar2StarTata CommunicationsTelefnicaTelstraVonageMarket driverIncreased requirement to comply with regulatory and compliance norms.For a full, detailed list, view our reportBrowse More Telecommunications Market Research Reports:Market challengeSystem integration and interoperability issues.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendGrowing momentum of cloud brokerage services.For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?You can request one free hour of our analysts time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Telco digital transformation: Digital Services Growth Drivers and Tends

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"The Report Telco digital transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Telco Digital Transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies, a thematic research report, examines effective strategies for telcos to capitalize on the explosive growth in the consumption of digital services. The report identifies key lessons in digital prowess from major brands including Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon that have led the value shift from technology provision to enablement, and provides and in-depth analysis of telco strategies to transform their internal operations, coming up with new technology use cases and exploring new service and revenue models.View Report @Key FindingsThe worlds leaders in market capitalization show us how disruptive digital strategies can produce remarkable growth opportunities for the business. Apple and Google taught us how to pioneer revolutionary business models. Amazon showed us how to masterfully virtualize a brick-and-mortar industry, and Facebook transformed the definition of content services, putting the user as the central author.Telecom service providers know first-hand the impact of the digital revolt, as SMS and traditional voice services become increasingly replaced by IP-based voice and messaging apps such as Skype and WhatsApp. Telcos have been catalysts of the transformation of mobile devices from communications tools to life management hubs. Yet, to thrive in the digital economy requires far more than technology or product prowess-- it calls for entirely novel service models.To secure a profitable slice of the new digital domain, telecom service providers need to transform how they deliver services, content and apps. Telco digital transformation begins with a digital corporate culture to drive the discovery of new innovation engines, disruptive business models and digitally-smart customer relationship platforms. Telecom companies that can turn the challenge of digital transformation into profitable opportunities will prevail.Get Sample Copy Of this Report @SynopsisThe Telco digital transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies report analyzes the growth drivers of digital services, strategies of leading digital companies, as well as case studies on the digital transformation of four major telecom services providers. Data and insights are derived through a mix of desk-based secondary research and qualitative primary research.The report is structured as follows:Section 1: Market context  digital services growth drivers and trends. This section provides a high-level overview of the growth drivers of digital services and the impact of the rise of digital brands on the traditional telecom service provider model.Section 2: Lessons in digital prowess  GAFA strategies. Here we examine the market approach and strategies of four leading digital companies  Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple  with a special focus on their key business values and success factors.Section 3: Case studies  Telco approaches to digital transformation. We continue with a review of the strategies and programs that leading telecom companies AT&T, China Telecom, Orange and Verizon are putting in place to create profitable growth amidst the business disruption brought about by successful digital service providers.Section 4: Key findings and recommendations. We conclude the report with a set of key findings on the core values and success factors of digital leaders, and strategy recommendations for telecom services providers.Reasons To BuyTelco digital transformation: Lessons from the worlds most powerful digital companies examines best practices of four of the worlds leading companies to help telecom executives develop effective growth strategies, make informed strategic business decisions and optimize return on investment.The report provides valuable insights about effective corporate values, innovation programs, organizational strategies and revenue models that can help service providers transform their operational models and profit from the digital opportunity.The reports case studies provide real examples of market approaches and strategies being employed by leading telcos to build revenue opportunities in the digital age, related to their internal organizations, their ecosystem development and revenue creation.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Smart Factory Market worth 205.42 Billion USD by 2022

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According to the new market research report "Smart Factory Market by Technology (DCS, PLC, MES, ERP, SDADA, PAM, HMI, PLM), Component (Sensors, Industrial Robots, Machine Vision Systems, Industrial 3D Printing), End-User Industry, and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", the smart factory market is projected to be valued at USD 205.42 Billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 9.3%, between 2017 and 2022. The factors driving the growth of the market include an increase in adoption of industrial robots, the evolution of Internet of Things (IoT), growth in demand for smart automation solutions, and increase in emphasis on regulatory compliances.Browse 65 market data tables and 75 figures spread through 207 pages and in-depth TOC on "Smart Factory Market - Global Forecast to 2022"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports.Smart factory market for MES technology expected to grow at the highest rate between 2017 and 2022Download PDF Brochure @There is a growing need to centralize the business data in enterprises and track multiplant operations with the help of real-time data analysis; this is one of the features of MES driving the growth of this market. This demand is expected to grow, even among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), due to the availability of cost-effective MES solutions for various process and discrete industry verticals.The market for industrial robots projected to account for maximum share of the global smart factory market during the forecast periodAn industrial robot is a disruptive technology which is expected to bring a revolution in the manufacturing processes. Implementing industrial robotics in the smart manufacturing processes can improve productivity, reduce the chances of human errors, and increase the production volume. With the advancements in the automotive manufacturing techniques, manufacturers focus more on enhancing their productivity by employing modern methodologies.Discrete industry to grow at the highest rate between 2017 and 2022The discrete industry is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth in the discrete industry is driven by a high need for the monitoring and controlling solutions in various discrete industries such as automotive, medical devices, and aerospace and defense.North America projected to hold the second-largest share of the smart factory market, during the forecast periodThe North American region is a key market as it is home to some of the largest multinational corporations operating in this market, including a majority of the leading players. The increased R&D in the field of IoT for new and improved technologies is the crucial factor driving the market in North America. In addition, the rise in demand for advanced manufacturing solutions is expected to drive the growth of the smart factory market in North America. However, APAC is projected to be the largest smart factory market during the forecast period, owing to increase in investments in the development of manufacturing sectors and favorable government regulations.The major players involved in the smart factory market are ABB Ltd.(Switzerland), Atos SE (France), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), FANUC Corporation (Japan), General Electric Co. (U.S.), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), Schneider Electric SE (France), Siemens AG (Germany), and Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan).About MarketsandMarketsMarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.MarketsandMarketss flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.MarketsandMarkets701 Pike StreetSuite 2175, Seattle,WA 98101, United StatesUSA : 1-888-600-6441sales@marketsandmarkets.com
Global Drug Delivery Technologies - Innovation Driven By Rapidly Expanding Injectables Market And Increasing Usage Of Complex Biologics During The Forecast Period

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GBI Researchs latest report, ""Global Drug Delivery Technologies Innovation Driven by Rapidly Expanding Injectables Market and Increasing Usage of Complex Biologics during the Forecast Period"" discusses the drug delivery technologies and trends in the market and the evolving business strategies being adopted and leveraged by companies globally. The ultimate goal of drug delivery research is to develop formulations and devices that can be used in clinical applications to treat various diseases. Delivering a drug with the desired release kinetics requires an understanding of the underlying physicochemical properties of the drug, which determine the type of delivery material and drug release mechanism. Numerous parameters need to be considered, and their inter-dependence has to be taken into account to develop successful drug delivery systems for the intended applications. It is important to understand the complexity associated with the development of a drug delivery system that can ultimately be used in human patients. The report covers the currently available drug delivery technologies and recent advances in the field, with granular analyses of the different types of delivery systems, their advantages, disadvantages and opportunities for future development. The report provides global market forecasts by revenue for the market until 2020. Additionally, forecasts by revenue for key geographical markets and supporting analyses of the main factors driving or restraining growth are included. The market for drug delivery technology is poised for strong growth in the coming years. Key factors promoting growth include the rapidly expanding injectables market, the growing incidence of chronic diseases and the expected significant increase in the use of complex biologic drugs that necessitate novel delivery systems. Drug delivery companies have had to adapt to challenging times in the same way as pharmaceutical companies have had to over the past decade. These companies have achieved this by adopting new business strategies that allow them to take better control of their commercial and financial future. The report analyzes how business models in this dynamic industry have evolved over the last couple of decades and how new companies with improved product portfolios and propositions are emerging.Get Sample Copy Of This Report :ScopeWhat are the drug delivery technologies used in the market and how have they evolved in recent years?What will be the market value, by revenue, of the market over the coming years?Drivers and restraints in the drug delivery industry:What are the most important factors promoting growth in the market at a global level?What are the most important factors restraining growth in the market?What is the impact of novel delivery systems on the management of a products lifecycle?Will emerging markets contribute significantly to the growth of the global market?How will regulatoryand reimbursement-related challenges hinder the market?Technologies based on drug vehicle/carriers:What are the various advantages, limitations and applications of the currently available drug carriers?Technologies based on route of administration:How can lifecycle management strategies reposition existing drugs by changing their route of administration?What are the advantages, limitations and applications of the different drug delivery technologies, based on their route of administration?What are the prospects for revenue growth for the latest technologies, including metered-dose inhalers and hydrogels?Technologies for injectables:Which technologies in the injectables market have contributed to overall growth?What is the market forecast for needle-free injectors in the coming years?What is driving the need for novel delivery systems for injectable drugs?Reasons to buyGain insightful analyses and understanding of market dynamics. The report comprehensively describes and assesses the most important factors driving and restraining the drug delivery technology market.Evaluate a granular assessment of the pipelines for the various drug delivery technology segments and the prospects and revenue forecasts for the upcoming delivery technologies until 2020.Evaluate the strategies and business models used by companies to achieve their full commercial potential.Gain insight on upcoming trends and factors influencing the global market for drug delivery technology.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Onshore Gas Pipeline Market 2017 - ArcelorMittal SA, ChelPipe, EEW-Bergrohr GmbH, EUROPIPE GmbH, EVRAZ North America, Jindal SAW Ltd., PAO TMK, TMK IPSCO

Onshore Gas Pipeline Market

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A market study based on the "Onshore Gas Pipeline Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Onshore Gas Pipeline Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Onshore Gas Pipeline industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Onshore Gas Pipeline market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This ReportArcelorMittal SA (Luxembourg)Borusan Mannesmann Boru Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (Turkey)ChelPipe (Russia)EEW-Bergrohr GmbHEUROPIPE GmbH (Germany)EVRAZ North America (USA)Jindal SAW Ltd. (India)Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (Japan)National Pipe Company Ltd. (Saudi Arabia)PAO Severstal (Russia)PAO TMK (Russia)TMK IPSCO (USA)PSL Limited (India)Sutor (China)Tata Steel Europe Ltd (The UK)Techint Group SpA (Italy)Tenaris S.A. (Luxembourg)United Metallurgical Company OMK (Russia)United States Steel Corporation (US)Welspun Corp Ltd. (India)The report studies the industry for Onshore Gas Pipeline across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Onshore Gas Pipeline market & dynamics of demand and supply of Onshore Gas Pipeline into consideration. The 'Onshore Gas Pipeline' research study covers each and every aspect of the Onshore Gas Pipeline market globally, which starts from the definition of the Onshore Gas Pipeline industry and develops towards Onshore Gas Pipeline market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Onshore Gas Pipeline market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Onshore Gas Pipeline market. The geographical segmentation of the Onshore Gas Pipeline industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Onshore Gas Pipeline is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Onshore Gas Pipeline market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Onshore Gas Pipeline market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Onshore Gas Pipeline market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Onshore Gas Pipeline production volume, data regarding demand and Onshore Gas Pipeline 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 Onshore Gas Pipeline across the globe.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
MediPoint: Spinal Fusion Market Research, New Study, Global Analysis And Market Forecasts

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Spinal fusion surgery is a well-established procedure that has been performed since the early 1900s. The procedure has benefited immensely from its long history of use, investments in advancing technologies, and its clinical success in a growing variety of spinal conditions. These traits have led spinal fusion surgery to become one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the US, which is undoubtedly, the largest geographic market for this procedure. Given the global phenomenon of an aging society and the associated increasing incidences of degenerative spinal conditions, the spinal fusion market is expected to remain strong over the forecast period.However, there are still several barriers that are dampening the interventions potential adoption levels. Most notably, in the US, public payers are beginning to implement strict measures on reimbursement documentation in an effort to eliminate medically unnecessary procedures. For example, Medicare will now require spine surgeons to document conservative efforts to alleviate the patients symptoms prior to undergoing surgery. Another market barrier is the emergence of a new class of medical device technologies that seek to capitalize on one of the persistent weaknesses of spinal fusions. Non-fusion technologies are designed to retain motion at the operated level and reduce stresses experienced by adjacent segments. This is meant to eliminate the progression of symptomatic adjacent segment disease, which still troubles spinal fusions effectiveness to this day.Get Sample Copy Of This Report :The spinal fusion market encompasses a variety of implantable medical technologies, where multiple devices can be utilized in a single procedure. For this research report, the three leading device categories are covered: spinal plating systems, interbody cages, and pedicle screw systems. Additionally, the specific anatomical regions being operated on are covered, including the cervical and thoracolumbar regions. Furthermore, this report analyzes the adoption of these implantables in one level, two level, and three level surgeries, creating the most comprehensive and accurate market valuations and coverage. The report analyzes how these surgical trends vary globally in the 10 major markets (10MM) (US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, Brazil, China, and India).HighlightsKey Questions Answered- The reimbursement landscape for spinal fusion procedures in the US is dramatically changing by requiring spine surgeons to provide proof of medical necessity. (Q).How will this payer pressure affect the increasing number of spinal fusion procedures in the US?- One of the drivers for the spinal fusion market is the vast number of indications in which the surgery can be used. (Q).Which indications for spinal fusion have seen the highest adoption rates in the past five years? (Q).Which indications will have high adoption rates in the next five years?- Non-fusion medical devices were developed to eliminate the progression of symptomatic adjacent segment disease, a major problem still associated with spinal fusion surgeries. (Q).Which non-fusion technologies pose the largest threat to spinal fusion procedures?- The research and development (R&D) efforts amongst orthopedic medical device manufacturers are intense. (Q).What are the trends in the pipeline products for spinal fusion procedures that will have the most impact on the competitive landscape? (Q).Which companies are expected to become key players?- Similar to other medical device markets, emerging economies will be a source of immense growth for the spinal fusion market. However, certain established economies will have large Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGRs) as well. (Q).Which emerging economies will experience the largest CAGRs over the forecast period? (Q).Which established economies will experience the largest CAGRs over the forecast period?Reasons to buy- What Do Physicians Think? quotes provide a unique insight into how healthcare professionals are reacting to events within the industry, and what their responses could mean for industry strategists. This information is essential for all strategic decision-makers in every organization, allowing them to act on high-quality information.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Optical Low-pass Filters Market 2017 - NDK, KDS, Sunex, VIKO, EPSON TOYOCOM, Tanaka Optical, ZHEJIANG CRYSTAL-OPTECH, Lida Optical and Electronic

Optical Low-pass Filters Market

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A market study based on the "Optical Low-pass Filters Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Optical Low-pass Filters Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Optical Low-pass Filters industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Optical Low-pass Filters market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This ReportNDKKDSEPSON TOYOCOMZHEJIANG CRYSTAL-OPTECHTanaka OpticalSunexVIKOLida Optical and ElectronicChina MDK Holding GroupThe report studies the industry for Optical Low-pass Filters across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Optical Low-pass Filters market & dynamics of demand and supply of Optical Low-pass Filters into consideration. The 'Optical Low-pass Filters' research study covers each and every aspect of the Optical Low-pass Filters market globally, which starts from the definition of the Optical Low-pass Filters industry and develops towards Optical Low-pass Filters market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Optical Low-pass Filters market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Optical Low-pass Filters market. The geographical segmentation of the Optical Low-pass Filters industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Optical Low-pass Filters is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Optical Low-pass Filters market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Optical Low-pass Filters market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Optical Low-pass Filters market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Optical Low-pass Filters production volume, data regarding demand and Optical Low-pass Filters 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 Optical Low-pass Filters across the globe.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
In order to meet the growing demand for travel to and from Bali, Emirates will introduce a second daily service to the island of Bali in Indonesia, on 2 July 2017. Operated by Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a two-class configuration with 42 seats in Business Class and 386 seats in Economy Class, the service will connect seamlessly with a number of destinations across Europe, including Amsterdam, Moscow, Paris and London.

It will also enable passengers to connect domestically to the nearby cities of Surabaya, Makassar and Lombok.

The outbound flight EK360 will depart from Dubai at 0125hrs and arrive in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 1430hrs. The return flight, EK361, will depart at 1630hrs and arrive in Dubai International Airport at 2130hrs. Both inbound and outbound services also accommodate connections to and from Dili in East Timor.

Bali welcomed nearly five million foreign tourist arrivals in 2016, a million more than in 2015. There were notable increases in tourism numbers from the United Kingdom (+32.1% year-on-year), France (+25.7% y.o.y.), Germany (+27.9% y.o.y.) and Russia (+29.2% y.o.y.) in 2016, according to Bali Government Tourism Office statistics.

Emirates commenced services to Indonesia in 1992 with three flights per week via Singapore and Colombo, and since March 2013, the airline has been operating three non-stop flights daily from Jakarta to Dubai with a Boeing 777 aircraft. Emirates has also been operating daily flights connecting Bali and Dubai since June 2015. Click here to see hotels in Bali.
Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate Market 2017 - Sk, Eastman, Toray, Celanese, Chem Trend, Dupont Engineering Polymers

Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate Market

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A market study based on the "Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This ReportEastmanDupont Engineering PolymersSkThe Kaiteki CompanyCelaneseTorayChem TrendFeixiang Group Of CompaniesShanghai Pride-Best Enegy ThchnologyCnpc Liaoyang Petrochemical CompanySinopec Tianjin CompanyThe report studies the industry for Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market & dynamics of demand and supply of Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate into consideration. The 'Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate' research study covers each and every aspect of the Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market globally, which starts from the definition of the Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate industry and develops towards Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market. The geographical segmentation of the Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate production volume, data regarding demand and Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate 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 Poly 1,4-cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate across the globe.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Global Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation Market 2017 - Knauf Insulation, Owens Corning, Manson Insulation

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The recent report on Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market offers insightful information about the present scenario of the market across the globe. The report, titled Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation points out the key factors affecting the growth of the market. Latest market trends as well as the future growth opportunities have been mentioned in the report. The report takes into account the various micro and macro-economic factors governing the overall growth of the Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market and assesses the valuation and size of the market in the coming years.Download Sample Report @The report talks about the distinct traits of the Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market and provides in-depth study of the various segments of the market. The report especially focusses on the development of the Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market in China owing to the increased demand from the region which has attracted the attention of the key manufacturers. Various regulations directly or indirectly affecting the Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market in the region have been discussed in the report. The report takes note of the present state of the global economy, which after witnessing double-digit growth for three decades, is slowing down. Governments efforts to push the economy is expected to positively affect the various sectors and increase demand from the market.The report discusses the competitive vendor landscape of the Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market in the globe. Some of the key players in the market have been profiled in the report and crucial information about them such as their business overview, revenue segmentation and product segmentation have been mentioned in the report. The report takes note of the market share held by the key players and estimates their future growth through SWOT analysis. It serves as a useful guide for the new entrants in the Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market.Access Full Report With TOC @Several analytical tools such as market attractiveness analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis are employed to study the global Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market, whereas SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis are utilized to evaluate the major players in the Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market in this report.This report not only provides a complete picture of the overall condition of the Fiberglass Rigid Board Insulation market, but also assists the players in this market to create profitable market strategies in order to gain a competitive edge.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:
DDoS-GUARD will support the Eurasian Network Operators Group

ddos, enog

ENOG13 will bring together more than 200 representatives of telecommunication services providers and related businesses to discuss topical issues in the market.This year DDoS-GUARD is a Bronze sponsor of one of the main events for the telecommunication service providers - the conference of the Eurasian Network Operators Group (ENOG), which is held by RIPE NCC. This year it takes place in St. Petersburg on 23 and 24 of May 2017.ENOG has been held in various cities of Russia since 2011, each year is visited by more than 200 attendees from Russia, Europe and Asia. The main goal of the event is to provide participants with an opportunity to share ideas and discuss the most relevant issues for the regional Internet community. For two days held, there were a lot of speeches and presentations on various topics, including cybersecurity.The DDoS-GUARD representatives already participated in ENOG giving a presentation on "Protection of business against modern DDoS threats: comparison of IaaS and hardware solutions", and praised the way the event was held and the opportunities offered by being a part of it. This year, we will be happy to meet again our colleagues and partners to discuss the possibility of cooperation in terms of ensuring cyber security.DDoS-GUARD is one of the leading companies on the European market of protection against DDoS attacks by price/quality ratio.60598, Ziegelhuttenweg, 43, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, media@ddos-guard.net
QualiTest Partners with PractiTest to Deploy Better-Managed Comprehensive Solutions

[Tel Aviv, April, 2017] QualiTest Group, the world's second largest pure play QA and independent software testing company, today announced the expansion of its testing capabilities through a strategic partnership with PractiTest, an Israeli-based leading provider of test management services. PractiTests end-to-end test management platform delivers full visibility of testing projects and will be integrated into QualiTests existing offerings to support its testing teams across all industries it has a presence in.Partnering with PractiTest showcases our commitment to providing the most comprehensive software testing service available, said QualiTest VP of Global Alliances and UK Business Manager, Aviram Shotten. This partnership is an important step in improving our own operations and constantly innovating in our effort to stay ahead of the curve by enabling QualiTest customers to organize, manage, and scale testing projects.The test management services provided by PractiTest will enable QualiTest to provide its consistent trademark quality even as its customers products become increasingly complex. PractiTests services will allow QualiTest to deliver expanded and better-managed Agile Testing, Regression Testing, MicroServices, and DevOps offerings, to its testing services both during and after product deployment."Qualitest for us was an easy choice given the name that precedes them around the world. When looking for partners we search not only for market leaders but also for companies that, just like PractiTest, are both innovators and thought leaders in their field, said Noa Segol, PractiTest Marketing Director. QualiTest's broad presence worldwide was also deciding factor as we want to know that we have a strong partner in any country and culture where PractiTest may be used."About PractiTestPractiTest is a test management solution, that enables teams to manage their testing projects end-to-end. PractiTest ensures immediate visibility of every aspect of product testing, while communicating a clear view of project status to relevant stakeholders.The system is flexible and fully customizable, which is ideal when managing teams with increasing testing complexity. Various integrations with leading bug tracking systems and automation tools are available built-in and via REST API. Making PractiTest the most powerful test management tool for your growing team.About QualiTest GroupQualiTest is the worlds second largest pure play software testing and quality assurance specialist. QualiTest designs and delivers solutions that leverage deep industry-specific understanding with cutting-edge, testing technology. QualiTest offers a wide range of personalized testing solutions with years of expertise in the technology, telecom, healthcare, finance, defense, media, utilities and retail industries. With offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel and India, the company serves over 500 customers and employs thousands of experienced professionals worldwide. QualiTest is backed by majority equity holder, Marlin Equity Partners since 2016.PractiTest LTD.5 oppenhaimer street,Science Park,RehovotIsrael
Global Smart Cash Registers Market Research Report 2017 Industry Developments, Well-Structured Applications & Services - Royal Sovereign, Cassida, Cummins Allison

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Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Smart Cash Registers in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Smart Cash Registers market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingGiesecke & DevrientGlory Global SolutionsRoyal SovereignBillconCassidaCummins AllisonLiaoning Julong Financial EquipmentKonyee GroupLaurel Bank MachinesSemaconOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSingle ScreenDouble ScreenOn 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 Smart Cash Registers for each application, includingRestaurantBeverages StoreOthersIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Aluminium Kitchenware Market 2017 - Le Creuset, Fissler, LaCornue, Zwilling, WMF, Serafinozani

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Global Aluminium Kitchenware Market 2017, presents a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Aluminium Kitchenware market globally, providing basic overview of Aluminium Kitchenware market including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure, Aluminium Kitchenware Market report provides development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. Aluminium Kitchenware market size, share and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.The report Global Aluminium Kitchenware Industry presents an executive-level overview of the Global Aluminium Kitchenware market. The Global Aluminium Kitchenware market is expected to demonstrate a positive growth trend in the coming years. The market forces that will shape the growth of this market have been scrutinized in detail in this report.Download Sample Report @Comprehensive data related to the market trends has been included in this report. The market drivers that will fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period are mentioned in this report. Furthermore, the regulatory environment in the Global Aluminium Kitchenware market and its impact on the Global Aluminium Kitchenware industry performance has been assessed in this report. The restraining factors that will result in decline in popularity of certain product segments have also been covered in this report. The potential opportunities and their impact on the Global Aluminium Kitchenware market is also evaluated in the report.The key players are expected to tap onto these market opportunities to penetrate the market. Furthermore, the untapped opportunities in emerging economies will provide a considerable impetus to the small, medium, and large companies operating in the Global Aluminium Kitchenware market. These opportunities in turn are projected to have positive impact on the Global Aluminium Kitchenware market. Players in the market are focusing on innovation, which has resulted in a lot of mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. The prominent market players are also focusing to offer a broader range of products. Competitors often are competing on the basis of the cost of the products in the Global Aluminium Kitchenware market.Access Full Report With TOC @Around the world, industries are focusing on incorporating green practices in their manufacturing processes. Moreover, products that are manufactured using these green practices or include more eco-friendly ingredients are popular among consumers. This consumer preference will help companies operating in the Global Aluminium Kitchenware market to include greener products and services to their offering.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:
Contact Lenses Worldwide Market 2021 by Region, Type, Application and Forecast

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Publisher's Contact Lenses market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.The market is expected to expand at 4.3% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2021.Global Contact Lenses Market: Product Segment AnalysisDaily Wear Soft ContactRigid Contact LensesGlobal Contact Lenses Market: Application Segment AnalysisCorrective LensesTherapeutic LensesProsthetic Contact LensesCosmetic Lenses and Lifestyle-Oriented LensesFor More Information About This Report:Global Contact Lenses Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaThe Players mentioned in our reportJohnson &Johnson Vision CareNovartisBausch + LombSt.Shine OpticalMeniconHydronWeiconBesconNEO VisionCooperVisionRequest Sample Copy At:Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Contact Lenses IndustryChapter 2 World Market Competition LandscapeChapter 3 World Contact Lenses Market shareChapter 4 Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 5 Company ProfilesChapter 6 Globalization & TradeChapter 7 Distributors and CustomersChapter 8 Import, Export, Consumption and Consumption Value by Major CountriesChapter 9 World Contact Lenses Market Forecast through 2021Chapter 10 Key success factors and Market OverviewInquire For This Report At:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Cynarin Market 2016 Industry, Analysis, Research, Share, Growth, Sales, Trends, Supply, Forecast to 2021

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The Global Cynarin Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Cynarin industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Cynarin market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Cynarin 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.Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Cynarin1.1 Definition and Specifications of Cynarin1.1.1 Definition of Cynarin1.1.2 Specifications of Cynarin1.2 Classification of Cynarin1.3 Applications of Cynarin1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Cynarin1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Cynarin1.5.1 Industry Overview of Cynarin1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of CynarinQYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Biochips Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Biochips Market, (Type: DNA Chips, Protein Chips, Microfluidic Devices; Application: Drug Discovery & Development, Genomics, Proteomics and In Vitro Diagnostics) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.This market research study analyzes the biochips market on global basis and provides estimates in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2014 to 2023. It describes the market dynamics affecting the industry and analyzes their impact through the forecast period. Moreover, it highlights the significant opportunities for market growth in the next eight years.Biochips are a collection of microarrays which are arranged on a solid substrate that enables numerous biochemical reactions such as decoding of genes in a few seconds. In addition, biochips are designed to function in biological environments and are capable of detecting and measuring a large number of biomarkers and perform complex biochemical reactions simultaneously in a very short span of time. There have been considerable advancements in the biotechnology industry on account of the increasing application of biochips. In addition, biochips are largely used for research in drug discovery and development, genomics, proteomics, and molecular diagnostics. Biochips help in analyzing organic molecules related to living organisms. Therefore, they help in detecting gene sequences, environmental pollutants, airborne toxins, and other biochemical constituents.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Increasing application of biochips in the medical sector for cancer treatment, drug research, and diagnostics is one of the major factors driving the growth of the global biochips market. In addition, factors such as availability of molecular information, automation of biochemical processes through the use of biochips and application of biochips for gene and protein identification are set to drive the global biochips market.The use of biochips has brought about a transition in the field of drug discovery and research. Biochips have the ability to detect cancer before its symptoms develop in human bodies. In addition, it can easily detect virulent diseases such as smallpox, anthrax, and plague in a very short span of time. Moreover, biochips are increasingly finding application in veterinary diagnostics. Biochips comprise grids that may be dots or small wells. Each grid contains nucleic acid or antibodies and proteins which bind to a DNA sequence or a target antigen. The abundance of proteomics and genetics data coupled with the need for identifying gene sequences and proteins in human beings is driving the biochips market. Conventional gene and protein sequencing methods cannot provide qualitative output and are ineffective whereas biochips are extremely effective and produce accurate gene sequencing results in a very short span of time.Significant growth in the healthcare sector, rising demands for diagnostics and increasing medical expenditure coupled with economic reforms in major developing countries has been able to bolster the growth of this market. Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW) are key markets for the future and are expected to provide huge opportunities to the global biochips manufacturers.The market is segmented on the basis of geography into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). These segments have been estimated in terms of revenue (USD million). In addition, the report has been segmented based on types, which includes DNA chips, protein chips and microfluidic devices. In addition, the report is also segmented by application that includes drug discovery & development, genomics, proteomics and in vitro diagnostics.For better understanding of the biochips market, the study comprises market attractiveness analysis, where the types of biochips are benchmarked based on their market scope, growth rate and market attractiveness.The report also provides company market share analysis of the various industry participants. Key players have been profiled and their company overview, financial overview, business strategies and recent developments have been covered in the report. Major market participants profiled in this report include Affymetrix Inc., Illumina Inc., GE Healthcare Ltd., Agilent Technologies Inc., Fluidigm Corporation and Cepheid Inc. among others.The biochips market has been segmented as:Global Biochips Market: By Type- DNA Chips- Protein Chips- Microfluidic DevicesGlobal Biochips Market: By Application- Drug Discovery & Development- Genomics- Proteomics- In Vitro DiagnosticsGlobal Biochips Market: By Geography- North America- U.S.- Canada- Mexico- Europe- U.K.- Italy- France- Germany- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- India- Japan- Rest of Asia Pacific- Rest of the World (RoW)- Latin America- U.A.E.- South Africa- OthersThe report provides a cross-sectional analysis of by type and of by application segment with respect to the above mentioned regionsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
United States Bottled Industry 2017 Market Insights into its Annual Growth, Consumption, Production, Sales, Trends, Key Suppliers : Coca-Cola, Mountain Valley Spring, Nestle Waters

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This report studies sales (consumption) of Bottled Water in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringAjegroup SACG RoxaneCoca-Cola CompanyGroupe DanoneFonti Di Vinadio S.P.A.HassiaWaters InternationalHangzhou WahahaGrupo Vichy CatalanIcelandic Water Holdings ehf.Mountain Valley SpringNestle WatersPepsiCoSuntory Beverage & FoodTibet 5100 Water Resources HoldingsUnicer - Bebidas SAMarket Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoStill waterCarbonated waterOthersSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Bottled Water in each application, can be divided intoCommercialHomeholdOtherRequest a Free Sample Copy of this Report @QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
UNWTO welcomes the agreement reached by the Sustainable Tourism Observatory of Guanajuato (Mexico) and Paraguay to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer. Guanajuato is one of the 16 Observations in the UNWTO Network.

We praise the agreement signed by the State Secretariat of Tourism of Guanajuato (SECTUR) and the National Tourism Secretariat of Paraguay (SENATUR) as an important step to increase the development of sustainable tourism observatories said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

The State Secretary of Tourism of Guanajuato, Fernando Oliver Rocha said through this alliance, we aim at fostering public policies with regard to sustainable tourism practices.

The Executive Secretary of Paraguay, Marcela Bacigalupo, recognized the relevance of the work of the UNWTO Observatories and underlined the importance of engaging private sector in sustainable tourism initiatives. UNWTO has referred to Guanajuato as one of the best Observatories in Latin America, so we are very glad to have undersigned this agreement, she mentioned.

The Tourism Observatory of Guanajuato, the first in Latin American, became a member of the UNWTO International Network of Tourism Observatories in 2014. The first meeting held between SECTUR and SENATUR happened at the UNWTO International Meeting of Spanish Tourism Observatories, held in 2016.

The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) is a network of tourism observatories monitoring the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism at the destination level, committed to regular monitoring of tourism in order to better understand destination-wide resource use and foster the responsible management of tourism. There are 16 observatories currently in operation worldwide.
Global Healthcare IT Outsourcing Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Healthcare IT Outsourcing Market (By Application - Care Management, Administration, and IT Infrastructure Management; By End-use - Healthcare payers and Healthcare Providers) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.This report provides an analysis of the global healthcare IT outsourcing market for the period 2013  2023, wherein the period from 2015 to 2023 comprises the forecast period and 2014 is the base year. Data for 2013 is provided as historical information. The report covers all the major trends and technologies playing a major role in the growth of the healthcare IT outsourcing market over the forecast period. It also highlights various drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to influence the market growth during the said period. The study provides a holistic perspective of the growth of the healthcare IT outsourcing market throughout the forecast period in terms of revenue estimates (in US$ Bn), across different geographies, which include Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), North America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The report provides a cross-sectional analysis of the global healthcare IT outsourcing market in terms of market estimates and forecasts for all the segments across different geographic regions.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @As a result of the increasing IT outsourcing in healthcare industry, the quality of individual care has increased with greater access to latest means of healthcare IT administration technologies. With the ever-growing patient base across the globe and also due to limited human resources for personalized patient care and rising operational costs, IT outsourcing plays an important role in improving the productivity and quality offered by healthcare providers/payers. With the implementation of customized and advanced outsourced IT platforms, healthcare organizations can focus on their core responsibilities without dedicating their resources to manage IT infrastructure. IT outsourcing also encourages a data driven approach with advanced patient data management and analytics. Large amount of data generated in the healthcare industry is well managed by outsourced IT service providers. The growing demand for affordable care and rising government compliance are supporting factors for the growth of the healthcare IT outsourcing market, globally. As a result of enhanced competition among technology vendors, the standards for healthcare administration are increasing. With growing technology partnerships, the healthcare industry as a whole offers ample opportunities for implementation of high-end IT infrastructure, advanced care, and cost effective administration, which would collectively result in a better healthcare ecosystem worldwide.On the basis of applications, the healthcare IT outsourcing market is categorized into care management, administration, and IT infrastructure management. Healthcare IT outsourcing market by end-use is categorized into healthcare providers and healthcare payers. The report also includes competitive profiling of major players associated with the healthcare IT outsourcing market. Important business strategies adopted by them, their market positioning, and recent developments have also been identified in the research report. The companies profiled in the report include Accenture Plc., IBM Corporation, Cognizant Technology Solutions, L&T Infotech, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Limited., Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., McKesson Corporation, HCL Technologies Ltd., and Wipro Limited. Healthcare IT outsourcing vendors are focusing on increasing their market presence through strategic partnerships and development of low-cost advanced solutions. Analytics and cloud are key focus areas of outsourcing service vendors currently.The global healthcare IT outsourcing market is segmented as below:Healthcare IT Outsourcing MarketBy Application- Care Management- Administration- IT Infrastructure ServicesBy End-use- Healthcare Providers- Healthcare PayersBy Geography- North America- Europe- Asia Pacific- Latin America- Middle East and AfricaMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Wine Market To Reach A Global Consumption Of More Than 30 Billion Liters During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Wine Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Wine is an alcoholic drink produced by the fermentation of grapes or other fruits. It has various health benefits, if consumed in adequate amounts. Wine is the third-largest segment of the global alcoholic drinks market. The wine market has become mature in Europe, especially in Germany, France, and Italy. However, APAC has the most potential for the manufacturers and is growing at a rapid rate.Technavios analysts forecast the global wine market to reach a global consumption of more than 30 billion liters during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global wine market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the the revenue generated from the sales of wine products to individual consumers.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Wine Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAccolade WinesConstellation BrandsE. & J. Gallo WineryThe WineTorresTreasury Wine EstatesVina Concha y ToroOther prominent vendorsDistellGlobal Drinks FinlandInternational Beverage HoldingsJohn DistilleriesSoyuz-VictanSPIMarket driverMergers and acquisitions in the marketFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeEffects of natural disasters and adverse weather conditionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreasing demand for wine in US and ChinaFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Womens Health Diagnostic Testing Market Latest Innovations, Drivers and Industry Key Events 2017 - 2027

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Womens Health diagnostic testing comprises of various testing and diagnostic procedures for ruling out fatal diseases such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, HPV, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. Whereas some of the diagnostic procedures are used in prenatal screening and for evaluating pregnancy and fertility. These diagnostic tests also helps in diagnosing STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and infections. Womens health diagnostic testing procedures are available in hospitals, clinics mainly obstetrics and gynaecology clinics, pathology laboratories and radiology centres. Also increasing number of companies are providing point of care testing devices and testing kits for home usage.Womens Health diagnostic testing Market: Drivers and RestraintsWomens health diagnostic testing market is growing, this is attributed to increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. Also the market is expected to expand with the fastest CAGR due to increasing number of prenatal screening tests and anti-natal ultrasound along with increasing product launch for point of care testing devices. Increasing sales test kits for home usage is also expected to drive the revenue growth of womens health diagnostic testing market over the forecast period. In addition to this, growing healthcare expenditure, and rising awareness and apprehension regarding various types of malignant tumors, infectious diseases, STDs also aids the growth of womens health diagnostic testing market as increasing number of patients are opting for the diagnostic tests to rule the underlying cause of their symptoms. Also, availability of newer and advanced diagnostic systems along with increasing strategic partnerships among the diagnostic device manufacturing companies also drives the womens health diagnostic testing market, giving enormous opportunities to the companies within this market. However cost of diagnostic testing procedures might hamper the revenue growth of womens health diagnostic testing market over the forecast periodRequest Report Sample@The Womens Health diagnostic testing market is segment based on the application type and end userWomens Health diagnostic testingMarket: OverviewWomens health diagnostic testing market is expected to grow at a significant rate, over the forecast period. The market is anticipated to perform well over the forecast period due to increasing number of patients suffering from osteoporosis. Also increasing prevalence of breast cancer and rising awareness about advanced breast cancer diagnostic techniques leads to more women opting for diagnostic procedures. Womens health diagnostic testing market is expanding globally due to increasing distribution partnerships among diagnostic testing device manufactures. The womens health diagnostic testing market is expected to grow with a fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to increasing number of people opting for endovenous laser ablation procedure for cosmetic purpose. Increasing competition among major companies in the market to develop advanced systems which provides increased precision and accuracy during treatment drives the Womens Health diagnostic testing market towards the growth curve.Womens Health diagnostic testing Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, the womens health diagnostic testing market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America is the largest regional market owing to high patient awareness levels regarding various diagnostic testing procedures for women, increasing healthcare expenditure, reimbursement options and relatively larger number of R&D exercises pertaining new product launch and marketing etc. these factors contribute for significant revenue generation for diagnostic testing devices from the region.Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR because of increasing prevalence of breast cancer in women. Also increase in geriatric population leads to more number of cases with osteoporosis is expected to boost the revenue growth of womens health diagnostic testing market throughout the forecast period.Request For TOC@Womens Health diagnostic testing Market: Key PlayersSome players of womens health diagnostic testing market includes GE Healthcare, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Koninklijke Philips N.V., PerkinElmer Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Inc., Hologic, Inc., Siemens Healthcare GmbH, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG whereas some regional players also have a significant presence in Womens Health diagnostic testing market.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
The Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market: 2016 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts

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Latest research report on "The Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market: 2016 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts"Due to the bandwidth limitations of their traditional voice-centric LMR (Land Mobile Radio) networks, public safety agencies are keen to leverage commercial cellular network technology to support their growing broadband application needs. Considering its thriving ecosystem, spectrum flexibility and performance metrics, LTE has emerged as the leading candidate for public safety mobile broadband networks. In addition, with the recent approval of the MCPTT (Mission Critical Push to Talk) voice standard as part of 3GPP Release 13, LTE has also become an attractive substitute for providing LMR-like voice services.The Qatar Ministry of Interior made headlines when it deployed a private 800 MHz LTE network in 2012. Since then, numerous public safety LTE networks have sprung up across the globe, including the UAE, China, Laos, Turkey and Kenya. Several early adopter LTE deployments are also operational in the United States, as part of the planned FirstNet nationwide public safety broadband network. While most initial public safety LTE investments are limited to small-scale networks, nationwide rollouts in the United States and South Korea are expected to trigger significant large-scale investments throughout the globe.The European market is largely dominated by MVNO arrangements, such as the UK Home Offices ESN (Emergency Services Network) program that will use EEs commercial LTE network to deliver prioritized mission critical voice and data services for the UKs public safety agencies. As part of the program, EE is enhancing its existing network with additional sites, satellite backhaul and a dedicated mobile core for first responders, among other investments.Get Sample Copy Of This Report :Driven by the thriving ecosystem, SNS Research estimates that annual investments on public safety LTE infrastructure will reach $600 Million by the end of 2016. The market, which includes base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport networking gear, is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% over the next four years. By 2020, these infrastructure investments will be complemented by over 4.4 Million LTE device shipments, including smartphones, rugged handheld terminals and vehicular routers.The Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market: 2016  2030  Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts report presents an in-depth assessment of the global public safety LTE market, besides touching upon the wider LMR and mobile broadband industries. In addition to covering the business case, challenges, technology, spectrum allocation, industry roadmap, value chain, deployment case studies, vendor products, strategies, standardization initiatives and applications ecosystem for public safety LTE, the report also presents comprehensive forecasts for mobile broadband, LMR and public safety LTE subscriptions from 2016 till 2030. Also covered are public safety LTE service revenues, over both private and commercial networks. In addition, the report presents revenue forecasts for public safety LTE infrastructure, devices, integration services and management solutions.The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report, as well as a list and associated details of over 90 global public safety LTE network commitments (as of Q22016).Browse More Telecommunications Market Research Reports:Key Findings:The report has the following key findings:SNS Research estimates that annual investments on public safety LTE infrastructure will reach $600 Million by the end of 2016. The market, which includes base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport networking gear, is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% over the next four years.By 2020, these infrastructure investments will be complemented by over 4.4 Million LTE device shipments, including smartphones, rugged handheld terminals and vehicular routers.Following the Qatar Ministry of Interiors private 800 MHz LTE network deployment in 2012, multiple private LTE rollouts are underway by security forces throughout the oil rich GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, including the Abu Dhabi and Dubai police forces.Driven by nationwide public safety LTE network rollouts in the United States and South Korea, the North America and Asia Pacific regions will account for nearly 70% of all public safety LTE investments over the next four years.Almost all major LMR industry players are leveraging partnerships with established LTE infrastructure OEMs such as Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei and Samsung, to offer end-to-end LTE solutions.Consolidation efforts are continuing to take place throughout the industry, particularly among the largest LTE infrastructure OEMs and public safety system integrators.Topics Covered:The report covers the following topics:Business case for public safety LTE and mobile broadband services, including key benefits and challengesTechnology, economics, trends, commercial commitments and deployment case studiesList of public safety LTE engagements worldwidePublic safety LTE infrastructure, devices and applicationsIndustry roadmap, value chain and standardization initiativesSpectrum allocation, deployment models and funding strategiesProfiles and strategies of over 260 ecosystem players including public safety system integrators and LTE infrastructure/device OEMsTCO analysis of private and commercial public safety LTE deploymentsMilitary and tactical LTE deploymentsPublic safety LTE base station (eNB) form factor analysisExclusive interview transcripts from 5 key ecosystem players: Ericsson, Airbus Defence and Space, Sepura, Aricent and Parallel WirelessStrategic recommendations for vendors, system integrators, public safety agencies and mobile operatorsMarket analysis and forecasts from 2016 till 2030Forecast Segmentation:Market forecasts are provided for each of the following submarkets and their subcategories:Public Safety LTE InfrastructureSubmarketsRAN (Radio Access Network)EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and PolicyMobile Backhaul and TransportRAN Base Station (eNB) Mobility CategoriesFixed Base StationsTransportable Base StationsRAN Base Station (eNB) Cell Size CategoriesMacrocellsSmall CellsTransportable RAN Base Station (eNB) Form Factor CategoriesNIB (Network-in-a-Box)VNS (Vehicle Network System)SOW (System-on-Wheels)Airborne PlatformPublic Safety LTE Management & Integration SolutionsSubmarketsNetwork Integration & TestingDevice Management & User ServicesManaged Services, Operations & MaintenanceCybersecurityPublic Safety LTE DevicesSubmarketsPrivate LTECommercial LTEForm Factor CategoriesSmartphones & Handportable TerminalsVehicle Mount Routers & TerminalsTablets & Notebook PCsUSB Dongles & OthersPublic Safety LTE Subscriptions & Service RevenueSubmarketsPrivate LTECommercial LTEPublic Safety User Subscriptions over Private Mobile BroadbandSubmarketsPrivate LTEPrivate WiMAXPublic Safety User Subscriptions over Commercial Mobile BroadbandSubmarkets3GWiMAXLTE5G & BeyondLMR SubscriptionsSubmarketsAnalogDMRdPMR, NXDN & PDTP25TETRATetrapolOthersLMR Data SubscriptionsSubmarketsP25 - Phase 1P25 - Phase 2TETRATEDSTetrapolOthersPublic Safety LTE ApplicationsSubmarketsVideo ApplicationszGIS, AVLS and MappingMobile VPN Access & SecurityCAD (Computer Aided Dispatching)Remote Database AccessTelemetry and Remote DiagnosticsBulk Multimedia/Data TransfersPTT & Voice over LTESituational Awareness ApplicationsRegional SegmentationAsia PacificEastern EuropeLatin & Central AmericaMiddle East & AfricaNorth AmericaWestern EuropeKey Questions Answered:The report provides answers to the following key questions:How big is the public safety LTE opportunity?What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?How is the ecosystem evolving by segment and region?What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?Which regions and submarkets will see the highest percentage of growth?How does standardization impact the adoption of LTE for public safety applications?When will MCPTT and proximity services see large scale proliferation?What is the status of private LTE rollouts and public safety MVNO offerings across the globe?What opportunities exist for commercial mobile operators and MVNOs in the public safety LTE market?Is there a market for 400 MHz LTE networks?What are the prospects of tactical, vehicle-mounted and airborne LTE eNB platforms?How can public safety agencies leverage unused spectrum resources to fund private LTE networks?What strategies should system integrators and vendors adopt to remain competitive?List of Companies Mentioned:The following companies and organizations have been reviewed, discussed or mentioned in the report:3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project)AaeonAbu Dhabi PoliceAccelleranAceAxisACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority)AculabAdaxADCOM911 (Adams County Communication Center)ADRF (Advanced RF Technologies)AdvantechAdvantech WirelessAeroflexAffarii TechnologiesAffirmed NetworksAgile NetworksAirbus Defence and SpaceAirbus GroupAir-LynxAirspan NetworksAirvanaAirwave SolutionsAjman PoliceAlcatel-LucentAltiostar NetworksAmdocsAniteAnritsu CorporationAPCO International (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials)AppleARASKOMArcadyanArgelaAricentARItelArqivaArtemis NetworksAselsanASOCSASTRI (Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute)ASTRIDASTRO SolutionsAsus (ASUSTeK Computer)AT&TAthena Wireless CommunicationsAthonetATIS (Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions)Atlas TelecomAvanti Communications GroupAvayaAVIAviat NetworksAvtecAxell WirelessAxis CommunicationsAxis TeknologiesAxxcelera Broadband WirelessBAE SystemsBandRichBarrett CommunicationsBASE (Belgium)Baylin TechnologiesBayRICS (Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority)BayWEB (Bay Area Wireless Enhanced Broadband system)BFDXBilbao MetroBird TechnologiesBittium CorporationBlack Box CorporationBlackhawk ImagingBlacknedBluebirdBoise Police DepartmentBosch Security SystemsBrazilian ArmyBridgewaterBroadcomBrocade Communications SystemsBT GroupBTI WirelessC4iCalAmp CorporationCalgary Police ServiceCamden County Public SafetyCanadian Advanced Technology AllianceCasio Computer CompanyCatalyst CommunicationsCaterpillarCaviumCCI (Communication Components Inc.)CCI (Competitive Companies, Inc.)CCI (Crown Castle International)CCSA (China Communications Standards Association)CCTI (Catalyst Communications Technologies, Inc.)CellvineCeragonChina MobileCiena CorporationCisco SystemsCITIG (Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group)City of CharlotteCity of Fort WorthCity of IrvingCity of New OrleansCity of OaklandCity of Pembroke PineCobhamCobham WirelessCodan Radio CommunicationsColorado Parks and WildlifeComba Telecom Systems HoldingsCommAgilityCommandWear SystemsCommScopeComtech Telecommunications CorporationCONET TechnologiesConnectemContelaCore Network DynamicsCoriantCorningCovia LabsCPqD (Center for Research and Development in Telecommunications, Brazil)CradlepointCSI (Cellular Specialties, Inc.)Dali WirelessDAMM Cellular SystemsDAP TechnologiesDAPage NotificationsDataNet SoftwareDatang GroupDatang MobileDellDeltaNodeDish NetworkDNK (Norwegian Directorate for Emergency Communication)Dongwon T&IDragonWaveDSC (Digital Special Communication)Dubai PoliceDurabook (Twinhead International Corporation)Dutch PoliceEA Networks (Electricity Ashburton)EADSEastcomEchoStar CorporationEden Rock CommunicationsEEEENA (European Emergency Number Association)EF JohnsonElbit SystemsElta SystemsEMC CorporationEricssonEricsson LGETELMEtherstackEthertronicsETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, South Korea)ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute)EventideEXACOMExalt CommunicationsExelisEXFOExteNet SystemsFalu MunicipalityFederated WirelessFirstNet (First Responder Network Authority)FoxcomFraunhofer FokusFrench Armed ForcesFrench MOI (Ministry of Interior)FrequentisFujitsuGaltronicsGemtek Technology CompanyGENBANDGeneral Dynamics CorporationGeneral Dynamics Mission SystemsGenesis GroupGerman Armed Forces (Bundeswehr)Getac Technology CorporationGoodman NetworksGoodmill SystemsGoogleGovernor's OIT (Office of Information Technology), State of ColoradoGrant County Sheriffs OfficeGrenTech (China GrenTech Corporation)GWT (Global Wireless Technologies)Harris CorporationHarris CountyHFRS (Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service)HitachiHome Office, UKHoneywellHong Kong Police ForceHP (Hewlett-Packard Company)HQT RadioHTCHuaweiHughes CommunicationsHughes Network SystemsHytera Communications CompanyIAI (Israel Aerospace Industries)iBwave SolutionsiCOMIDF (Israel Defense Forces)ImtradexInmarsatInnerWirelessIntel CorporationIntel SecurityInterDigitalIntersecIntrepid Networksip.accessIPWirelessITELAZPIITU (International Telecommunication Union)JDI (JING DENG INDUSTRIAL)JMA WirelessJordanian Armed ForcesJRC (Japan Radio Company)Juni GlobalJuniper NetworksJVCKENWOOD CorporationKapsch CarrierComKathrein-Werke KGKBRKelrad SoftwareKenyan Police ServiceKeysight TechnologiesKirisun CommunicationsKisan TelecomKMWKodiak NetworksKPNKT CorporationKudelski GroupKyocera CommunicationsL-3 Communication Systems-WestL-3 Communications HoldingsLaos PoliceLA-RICS (Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System)Las Vegas Metropolitan Police DepartmentLemko CorporationLenovoLeonardo-FinmeccanicaLG CNSLG ElectronicsLG GroupLGS InnovationsLigado NetworksLijiang PoliceLiveViewGPSLockheed Martin CorporationLogic InstrumentMavenir SystemsMcWaneMegaFonMentura GroupMER-CellO Wireless SolutionsMetroPCSMiami Dade Police DepartmentMiami-Dade CountyMicrolabMilestone SystemsMIMOonMinistry of Industry and Information Technology, ChinaMitel Networks CorporationMitsubishi Electric CorporationMobileDemandMobilicomMobistarMODUCOM (MODULAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS)Moscow PoliceMoseley AssociatesMotorola MobilityMotorola SolutionsMPS (Ministry of Public Security, China)MPSS (Ministry of Public Safety and Security, South Korea)MSB (Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency)MTI MobileMutualinkNational Rail, UKNATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)NCRIC (Northern California Regional Information Center)NEC CorporationNedaaNeptune MobileNet4MobilityNetasNetMotion WirelessNevada Department of TransportationNew Jersey ROIC (Regional Operations Intelligence Center)New Jersey State PoliceNew Jersey TransitNew Mexico DoIT (Department of Information Technology)New Postcom Equipment CompanyNew Zealand PoliceNewCore WirelessNexiusNextG NetworksNextNavNI (National Instruments) CorporationNokia CorporationNokia NetworksNorthrop Grumman CorporationnTerop CorporationNTT DoCoMoNuRAN WirelessNutaqO3b NetworksOceus NetworksOctasicOMA (Open Mobile Alliance)Oman Royal OfficeOntario Ministry of TransportationONTHEGODEVICESOpenSignalOptiwayPanasonic CorporationPanda Electronics (Nanjing Panda Electronics Company)Panorama AntennasParallel WirelessPennsylvania State PolicePeproPhiladelphia Police DepartmentPhonakPiciorgros (Funk-Electronic Piciorgros),Pikewerks CorporationPolaris NetworksPolice Federation of AustraliaPortalifyPotevio (China Potevio Company)PowerTrunkProductivity Commission, AustraliaProximusPryme Radio ProductsPSCR (Public Safety Communications Research)Public WirelessPureWave NetworksPuxing RadioPyramid CommunicationsQatar Armed ForcesQatar MOI (Ministry of Interior)Qigihar Municipal Public Security BureauQiqihar PoliceQualcommQuanta ComputerQucellQuortusRACOMRadio IPRadisys CorporationRADWINRAVEN Electronics CorporationRaytheon CompanyRCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)Reality MobileRedline CommunicationsRELM WirelessRF WindowRFS (Radio Frequency Systems)Rio de Janeiro Fire DepartmentRivada NetworksRohde & SchwarzRohillRoper IndustriesRosenbergerSafaricomSAIC (Science Applications International Corporation)Samji Electronics CompanySamsung ElectronicsSamsung GroupSANG (Saudi Arabian National Guard)Sao Paulo Military PoliceSapura Secured TechnologiesSaudi MOI (Ministry of Interior)Savox CommunicationsSelex ESSepuraSerComm CorporationSESSETARSevis SystemsSFRShanghai Police DepartmentSiemensSiemens Convergence CreatorsSierra WirelessSignalionSikluSimocoSiRRANSK TelecomSK TelesysSLA CorporationSLC (Secure Land Communications)Smith Micro SoftwareSOLiD (SOLiD Technologies)Sonic CommunicationsSonim TechnologiesSony CorporationSpace DataSpectra GroupSpiderCloud WirelessSpirent CommunicationsStar SolutionsState of LouisianaState of MinnesotaState of MississippiState of New JerseyState of New MexicoState of OklahomaState of TexasState Security Networks Group, FinlandStop NoiseSumitomo Electric IndustriesSunnada (Fujian Sunnada Communication Company)Surrey PoliceSwedish National PoliceSymantecTait CommunicationsTaquaTCCA (TETRA and Critical Communications Association)TCL CommunicationTCS (TeleCommunication Systems)TDIA (TD-Industry Alliance)TE ConnectivityTechosonic IndustriesTecoreTEKTELIC CommunicationsTelefonicaTelevateTELEXTelrad NetworksTelstraTeltronicTelumTESSCOTETRAtabThalesTI (Texas Instruments)TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association)TITAN Communication SystemsT-MobileToshiba CorporationTropicoTurk TelekomTurkish National Police ForceTwisted Pair SolutionsU.S. ArmyU.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection)U.S. CellularU.S. Coast GuardU.S. Department of CommerceU.S. Department of DefenseU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityU.S. Department of StateU.S. FCC (Federal Communications Commission)U.S. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)U.S. NavyU.S. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)U.S. NPSTC (National Public Safety Telecommunications Council)U.S. NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration)UAE MOI (Ministry of Interior)UbidyneUIC (International Union of Railways)UNIMO TechnologyUniversity of OttawaUppsala Ambulance ServicesUS Digital DesignsUSPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)Utility AssociatesVerizon CommunicationsViaSatViavi SolutionsVidyoVientiane Municipal GovernmentVIRVEVision TechnologiesVMwareVodafoneVodafone New ZealandWest CorporationWestell TechnologiesWestern Australia PoliceWildoxWinmateWinMate CommunicationWireless Telecom Group CompanyWNC (Wistron NeWeb Corporation)Wytec InternationalxG TechnologyXplore Technologies CorporationZ-Com (ZDC Wireless)ZetronZhengzhou MetroZhengzhou Municipal Public Security BureauZhengzhou PoliceZinwaveZTEMarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data 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Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Telecom Power Systems Market To Grow At A CAGR Of 7.4% During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Telecom Power Systems Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Power systems are used in all telecommunication installations for controlling, monitoring, and measuring the flow of power across telecom networks. These systems are made up of a combination of smaller systems such as converters, distributors, controllers, and backup systems that bear different technical specifications. The primary application of telecom power systems is in wireless and fixed-line environments. They are used in several other related applications including network equipment, xDSL terminals, mobile broadband, cellular sites, and transmission applications.Technavios analysts forecast the global telecom power systems market to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global telecom power systems market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of telecom power system products, and telecom power system software and service functions.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Telecom Power Systems Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsDelta ElectronicsEatonEmerson Network PowerGE Industrial SolutionsHuawei TechnologiesOther prominent vendorsACMEAEG Power SolutionsAlstomAltaAPCBel FuseBenning Power SolutionsC&D TechnologiesCummins PowerDyna Hitech Power SystemsPioneer MagneticsSAFTSchneider ElectricShindengenVMC SystemsZTEMarket driverIncreased deployment of small cell power systems for LTEFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeHigh OPEX associated with fossil fuel power systemsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendRapid growth of urban population with increased telecom subscriber baseFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Diamond Mining Industry Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Diamond Mining to 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Timetric's 'Global Diamond Mining to 2020' report comprehensively covers global reserves of diamonds and reserves by country, historical and forecast data on global rough diamond production, and production by country and trade. The report also includes demand drivers affecting the global diamond mining industry, profiles of major diamond mining companies, and information on the major active, exploration and development projects by region.Executive summaryTimetric estimates global rough diamond production at 131.5 million carats (Mct) in 2014, marginally up from 130.5Mct in 2013. The market for rough diamond production centers around the top eight producing countries - Russia, Botswana, the DRC, Australia, Canada, Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa which collectively account for 97% of global production. The Argyle, Orapa, Jwaneng, Diavik, Catoca and Nyurbinskaya are some of the major diamond producing mines while Alrosa, De Beers SA, Rio Tinto Plc, Dominion Diamond Corporation and Petra Diamonds are the worlds largest diamond mining companies, collectively accounting for 70% of global production.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ScopeThe report contains an overview of the global diamond mining industry together with the key demand drivers affecting the industry. It also provides information about reserves, historic and forecast production, reserves and production by country, major exporting and importing countries, competitive landscape and major active, exploration and development projects.Reasons to buyGain an understanding of the global diamond mining industry, the relevant demand drivers , reserves, historic and forecast production, major exporting and importing countries, active, exploration and development projects and the competitive landscape.Key highlights- Diamond mainly occurs in kimberlite, lamproite and alluvial deposits. The worlds largest kimberlite reserves are found in Botswanas Orapa region and in South Africa, while alluvial deposits are found mainly on the Atlantic coasts of South Africa and Namibia.- The Australian Argyle mine in Kimberley region hosts lamproite deposits. Global diamond reserves were 730 million carats (Mct) as of January 2015, with Australia, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) collectively accounting for 72% of the total.- Globally, the accessibility of diamond deposits and the depth of occurrence are increasing challenges to the expansion of global diamond mining operations, with projects becoming more capital intensive, necessitating substantial investments, especially in technology.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Automotive Ceramics Market Analysis and Outlook (2017-2022)

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Automotive Ceramics Market - Sizing, Growth, Application (Ceramic Sensors, Ceramic Engine Accessories, Ceramic Coatings): Analysis and Outlook (2017-2022) - By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, ROW); By Country (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, China, Japan, India)" to its huge collection of research reports.Increasing government regulations regarding emission of greenhouse gases and various other hazardous pollutants along with the growing focus on electric, hybrid vehicles has led to the growth of automotive ceramics market.Market for Advanced ceramic in automotive industry is growing steadily on account of stringent government regulations regarding emission control as well as fuel economy standards. Respiratory and lung diseases such as Asthma, Leukemic, and Pulmonary Cancer etc. are gaining prominence among both adult and aged population. Air pollution caused due to transportation sector has been a major contributor.Among the segments, the market is expected to be driven by ceramic engine accessories on account of increasing government regulations concerning vehicle emission. Ceramic sensors are also anticipated to witness ample growth, owing to the technological advancements leading to higher adoption rates.While developed regions will continue to dominate the market in terms of revenue, emerging nations are expected to respond to the market optimistically due to increasing number of vehicle production in the region coupled with increasing government norms concerning air pollution.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Automotive Ceramic Market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 8.52% during 2017 2022F, on account of rising environmental awareness among the population.North America region remains the major market among all the regions. In the forecast period, APAC region will witness strong growth driven by the countries such as Japan, India and China.According to Azoth Analytics research report, Global Automotive Ceramics Market Sizing, Growth, Application (Ceramic Sensors, Engine Accessories, Ceramic Coatings): Analysis and Outlook (2017-2022), Global Automotive Ceramics market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of over ~8.52% during 2017 - 2022. On the basis of market segment, Global Automotive Ceramics Market has been segmented By Applications (Ceramic Sensors, Ceramic Engine Accessories, Ceramic Coatings and Others); By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, and ROW) and By Country (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, China, Japan, India)Scope of the ReportGlobal Market (Actual Period: 2012-2016, Forecast Period: 2017-2022)Automotive Ceramics MarketCeramic SensorsCeramic Engine AccessoriesCeramic CoatingsRegional Markets N. America, Europe, APAC, RoW (Actual Period: 2012-2016, Forecast Period: 2017-2022)Automotive Ceramics MarketCeramic SensorsCeramic Engine AccessoriesCeramic CoatingsCountry Analysis - U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, China, Japan, India (Actual Period: 2012-2016, Forecast Period: 2017-2022)Automotive Ceramics MarketCeramic SensorsCeramic Engine AccessoriesCeramic CoatingsOther Report Highlights:Market Dynamics Trends, Drivers, ChallengesPolicy and RegulationCompany Analysis - Morgan Advanced Materials, Kyocera, CeramTec, IBIDEN CO., Ltd., Corning Inc., CoorsTek Solutions, Ceradyne Inc., Saint Gobain Ceramic Materials, McDanel Advanced Ceramic Technologies, Dyson Technical Ceramic Ltd., Elan TechnologyCustomization of the ReportThe report could be customized according to the clients specific research requirements. No additional cost will be required to pay for limited additional research.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Electric Shavers Market Research Report 2017 Industry Trends, Worldwide Demands, Growth, Usage, Pricing, Sales, Application : Philips, Gillette, Eltron, Braun GmbH

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Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Electric Shavers in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Electric Shavers market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingProcter & Gamble CompanyConair CorporationPhilipsSpectrum Brands Holdings, IncPanasonic CorporationHelen of Troy LimitedGilletteBraun GmbHRemington Products CompanyWahl Clipper CorporationEltron CompanyWahl Clipper CorporationIzumi Products CompanyFlycoPOVOSSIDOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoReciprocating Type Electric ShaversRotary Type Electric ShaversOn 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 Electric Shavers for each application, includingExclusive ShopSupermarketOnline SalesRequest a Free Sample Copy of this Report @QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Motion Control Market expected to raise US $22 billion with a CAGR of 6% during 2017  2022.

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Market HighlightsGlobal Motion Control Market is expected to grow at CAGR of ~6% during the forecast year and expected to reach at market size of US ~$22 billion by the end of forecast period.A motion control system has an important role associated with automated equipment. High flexibility and productivity of the plant can be achieved through a combination of automation and motion control products such as drives and actuators.Global Motion Control Market is primarily driven by the increased automation that happening in industries such as food and beverage, electrical, electronics, and semiconductor. The research report indicates that there will be a continuous infusion of capital for automation during the forecast period in numerous industries worldwide.A similar vouch for the Factual Market study Reports published by the expert of Market Research Future, with their unique quality of simplifying the Market Reports, MRFR presents yet another deep diving study Report - Global Motion Control Market.Major Key Players Rockwell Automation, Inc., (U.S.) Parker Hannifin Corporation (U.S.) Motion Control Corporation (U.S.) Trio Motion (U.S.) Emerson Electric (U.S.) AMETEK, Inc. (U.S.) Aerotech Inc. (U.S.) Siemens AG (Germany) STMicroelectronics N.V. (Switzerland) Schneider Electric (France) ABB Group (Switzerland)Request a Copy of Sample Report @Market ScenarioMotion control is an industrial process which is also defined as servo control or robotics, used in the movement of specific load from one place to another in the controlled fashion. This process is equipped with various hardware equipment, motors, sensors, drives, control units and software are to name a few. Growing industrialization and high adoption of automation in the industrial process is driving the market of motion control whereas the high deployment cost and lack of availability of professionals are some of the major restraints of Motion Control Market.Global Motion Control Market report takes you through the full Market Analysis, Opportunities, Price, Growth, Trends and Featuring the market Predictions right up to the years 2021 and helps you to find out: How the market revenue is progressing globally. What are the key driving or affecting factors for the market growth? How the market revenue is progressing in various segments & geographies. Who are the emerging Players, current players & the Key Players (Leaders) of the market? Get yourself acquainted with their trends. What are the current main market trends responsible for shaping up the Market AcquisitionsTaste the market data and market information presented through more than 60 market data tables and figures spread over 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Global Motion Control Market Research Report- Forecast 2022Access Report Details @Global Motion Control Market is segmented in to five dynamics for better understanding. Segmentation on the basis of technology: Includes components, application and industry. Segmentation by Technology: Comprises - Pneumatic, Hydraulic, and Electromechanical Actuation. Segmentation by Components: the market has been derived as- Controller, Drives, Motors, and Software among others. Segmentation by Application of motion control includes- Inspection, Material handling, Packaging among others whereas Segmentation by industry includes- Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Oil & Gas, and Robotics among others.Regional AnalysisAsia-Pacific is dominating the market of Motion Control due to the strong presence of manufacturing companies in China, Japan and South Korea. Growing economy of Asian countries are also playing major role in the development of motion control market. Europe stands as second biggest followed by North America. North America motion control market is majorly driven by the factors such as high consumption of electronic equipment and rich presence of healthcare industry.Make an Enquiry @Brief TOC1 Market Introduction1.3.1 Global Motion Control Market: By Technology1.3.2 Global Motion Control Market: By Components1.3.3 Global Motion Control Market: By Application1.3.4 Global Motion Control Market: By Industry2 Research Methodology2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size Estimation2.4.3 Market Crackdown & Data Triangulation4 Global Motion Control Market, Competitive Landscape4.1 Key Strategies And Developments4.1.1 Acquisitions4.1.4 Business Expansion4.2 Porters Five Forces Analysis4.2.1 Threat Of New Entrants4.2.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers4.2.3 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers4.2.4 Threat Of SubstitutesContinuedBrowse Related ReportGlobal Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) Market, by Type (Outsourcing, In-house), by End-User (Automotive, Textile, Aerospace, Oil & gas, Petroleum, Food & beverage) - Forecast 2022About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Psyllium Seed Market Recent Industry Trends and Projected Industry Growth, 2017 - 2027

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Psyllium is a form of fiber and comes under Plantaginaceae plant family. Psyllium is available in various forms such as psyllium seeds, psyllium husk, psyllium husk powder, psyllium industrial powder etc. Psyllium seeds can be consumed directly or in powdered form for medical purposes as it has various health benefits. Psyllium seed is a source of fiber, protein, and triglycerides. Psyllium seed also contains ascorbic acid, aucubin, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, sodium, chromium, cobalt, fiber, linoleic acid, magnesium etc. Psyllium seed can be marketed as whole seed or the husk or husk powder according to convenience of consumers. Psyllium seed is an intestinal cleanser and stool softener for both animals as well as humans therefore it is used as traditional medicinal herb in Asian countries.Market Segmentation:Psyllium seed market is segmented on the basis of application as therapeutics application, industrial application, animal feed etc. In therapeutics, Psyllium seed is used for constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol, heart disease, blood pressure, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. In industry, Psyllium seed is used to prevent soil erosion, prevent landscaping, preventing crumbling of solid ingredients as a result of moisture retention. In animal feed, psyllium seed husk is used to move sand from animals digestive system without any harmful effect.Request Report Sample@Psyllium seed market is segmented on the basis of industrial applications as food industry, pharmaceutical industry, and cosmetic industry. In food industry, psyllium seed can be powdered and used in health drinks, ice creams, breads, biscuits and other bakery products. Psyllium seed is also used in cereal breakfasts by many athletes. In pharmaceutical industry psyllium is used as thickening agent for capsule formation. In cosmetics industry, psyllium seeds can be used in forms like paste or power in anti-aging herbal products for skin care.Psyllium seed market is further segmented on the basis of regions as North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa.Market Regional Outlook:On the basis of regions, the Psyllium seed market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Psyllium seed is originated from Iran and increased its travel from Asia to Europe. Production of psyllium seeds mainly comes from Arab world, Afghanistan, Egypt, North India, Sindh, Baluchistan etc. for medicinal purposes. Europe is emerging in psyllium seed market for consumption as well as production. Currently, India is the largest producer of psyllium seeds.Market Drivers and Trends:Psyllium seed have number of health benefits such as constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol, heart disease, blood pressure, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease which is increasing demand for psyllium seeds in global market. Other applications of psyllium seed in various industries such as food industry, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry is increasing which drives the market for psyllium seeds globally. Psyllium seed is used as an animal feed which is helping animals without any side effects, therefore the demand for psyllium seed as animal feed is gaining interest in global market which states that the psyllium seed market is expected to in forecast period.Request For TOC@Psyllium seed Market Key Players:Some of the key players in the psyllium seed market include Keyur Industries, Atlas Industries, JYOT Overseas Pvt. Ltd., Abhyuday Indutries, Satnam Psyllium Industries, Rajganga Agro Product Pvt.Ltd., Shree Mahalaxmi psyllium Pvt. Ltd., Ispasen Remedies, Jyotindra International, Shubh Psyllium Industries are among these.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Ukrainian citizens will be exempted from EU short-stay visa requirements, after European Parliament endorsed today an informal deal with the Council. Under the new law, Ukrainians who hold a biometric passport will be able to enter the EU without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism, to visit relatives or friends, or for business purposes, but not to work.

The exemption applies to all EU countries, except Ireland and the UK, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Ukraine has achieved all the benchmarks, so the visa requirement should be lifted, noted rapporteur for the proposal Mariya Gabriel (EPP, BG), adding that the visa waiver will be another very strong message that Ukraine is a key partner for the European Union in the Eastern Partnership.

The legislation, approved by 521 votes to 75 with 36 abstentions, still needs to be formally adopted by the Council of Ministers. It is likely to enter into force in June, 20 days after it is published in the EU Official Journal.

Before exempting Ukrainians from visa requirements, the EU strengthened the visa waiver suspension mechanism, to allow visas to be reintroduced more easily in exceptional cases.
Global Smartwatches Market 2016 Industry Analysis, Research, Trends, Growth, Sales, Pricing, Services, Forecast to 2021

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The Global Smartwatches Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Smartwatches industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Smartwatches market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Smartwatches 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.Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Smartwatches1.1 Definition and Specifications of Smartwatches1.1.1 Definition of Smartwatches1.1.2 Specifications of Smartwatches1.2 Classification of Smartwatches1.3 Applications of SmartwatchesQYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Food Service Equipment Market 2017 - Haier, Electrolux, Hoshizaki, Illinois Tool Works

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The Food Service Equipment market research report distils the most essential aspects of the market and presents them in the form of a comprehensive and cohesive document. The findings of this report have been obtained via a balanced mix of both primary and secondary research. Interviews of C-level executives in the Food Service Equipment market form a chunk of the qualitative analysis contained in this report.To begin with, the report defines the Food Service Equipment market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets, and competitive scenario. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.With a view to deepen the scope of the analysis, the report also tracks milestone developments and regulations that have shaped the Food Service Equipment market thus far. To help readers effectively plan their future strategies, the report provides a set of expert recommendations. The analysts working on the report have successfully identified expected policy changes, industry news and developments, and trends and opportunities  this information can be harnessed by companies to strengthen their market presence.Other important aspects that have been meticulously studied in the Food Service Equipment market report are: Demand and supply dynamics, import and export scenario, industry processes and cost structures, and major R&D initiatives.Download Free Sample Report @Based on all of this information, the report provides recommendations and strategies to the following market participants: New players, investors, marketing departments, regulatory authorities and suppliers/manufacturers. The Food Service Equipment market research study has been composed using key inputs from industry experts. Furthermore, the extensive primary and secondary research data with which the report has been composed helps deliver the key statistical forecasts, in terms of both revenue and volume. In addition to this, the trends and revenue analysis of the global Food Service Equipment market has been mentioned in this report. This will give a clear perspective to the readers how the Food Service Equipment market will fare worldwide.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:
Boost in Technology Driving the Cultured Sugar/Vinegar Market 2026

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Cultured sugar/ Vinegar is a food additives used in variety of food products, from meat, poultry products to salad dressing, and it is used to extend shelf life. Vinegar is often used as a natural preservative in poultry items and processed meat. Processing of different types of meats for feeding the global population has paced up speedily because of the rapid increase in globalization.Demand for high protein food and trend for ready to eat meat products are driving the global cultured sugar/vinegar market.in developing countries rise in the income of middle class consumers is growing the demand for convenience foods and ultimately driving the cultured sugar/vinegar market. To increase the consumer appeal many food producers are preferring the use of cultured sugar/ vinegar for obtaining food safety and prolonged shelf life. This application of cultured sugar/vinegar is good for consumers and extended shelf life in such products will optimize the supply chain efficiency and costs too. Increase in beverage industry across the globe is also anticipated to drive the cultured sugar/vinegar market as it prevents microbial spoilage in beverages.Rising popularity of bakery products due to changing food consumption trends will benefit the cultured sugar/vinegar market as cultured sugar is used for a function of mold inhabitation in baked goods. Also growth in market for culinary such as dressing and dips, sauces, salad and sandwich spreads etc. is likely to drive the cultured sugar/ vinegar market in near future. Cultured sugar/vinegar is used as agent which helps in suppressing bacteria and pathogens in food. However lack of awareness about the processing technology and modern methods in developing countries are the main hindrances in the growth of global cultured sugar/ vinegar market. in addition to this economic crises faced by many countries of the world and health risk associated with the processed foodstuffs are the factors which act a restraints for cultured sugar/vinegar market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Based on the end use industry type the global cultured sugar/vinegar market is segmented into: Meat and poultry products Baked goods Beverage OthersIn terms of geography, the global cultured sugar/vinegar market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The global cultured sugar/vinegar market is expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. North America is anticipated to be the dominant market for global cultured sugar/vinegar market followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. The market in Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at highest CAGR over the forecast period.Some of the key players in the global cultured sugar/vinegar market are Corbion, PROTERIA etc.Request to view table of content @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections done using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, type, machine size and end use.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global N-Hexane Market is Expected to Exceed US$ 1856.7 Million by 2024

N-Hexane Market

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The global n-Hexane Market is anticipated to witness a Y-o-Y growth of more than 3% in 2016. Increasing population coupled along with shooting refined oil demand is expected to propel the demand for n-Hexane. As a special-purpose solvent, n-Hexane has applications across a diverse set of industries which is expected to boost demand of n-hexane.Sample of this report is available upon request @Global n-Hexane market dynamicsDemand for n-Hexane, especially in developing region such Asia Pacific, is expected to boost the demand of the global n-Hexane market over the forecast period. Excellent properties of n-Hexane to remove odor and unwanted taste are expected to propel the demand of n-Hexane from the edible oil industry. n-Hexane has the ability to remove unwanted taste and odor and this is the precise reason that the demand for n-Hexane has increased in edible oil industry. However, the consumers from developed regions are shifting from refined oil to cold-pressed oil owing to its superior health benefits. Cold pressing is a natural way to produce oil which does not contain solvent residues, no preservatives with natural antioxidants. In addition, Isohexane, a hexane isomer is used as a substitute of n-Hexane in few oilseed extraction applications. Due to toxic nature of n-Hexane, it has been substituted by n-heptane in some pharmaceutical applications. This may retard the growth of the n-Hexane market.Global n-Hexane market forecastBased on application, oil extraction will continue to lead the market share, representing nearly 57% of total revenues in 2016. High demand for n-Hexane in oil extraction owing to its effectiveness and high yield is expected to propel the global n-Hexane Market. Polymerization is expected to reach more than 200KT in 2016. Oil Extraction, Pharmaceutical, and Polymerization will remain top 3 end-users in global n-Hexane Market.Grade wise, oil extraction followed by industrial will dominate the Global n-Hexane Market in 2016 and is anticipated to reach more than US$ 600 Mn in 2016. Demand for industrial grade n-Hexane is expected to reach closed to 560 KT in 2016.Request to view Table of Content @On the basis of the region, APAC has the largest market in n-Hexane market across the world. China recorded a dominant market share of more than 40% in 2015. Asia-Pacific is estimated to lead the market in 2016, followed by Europe and North America. Moderate growth is expected from the mature markets such as North America and Europe. Europe will witness sluggish growth owing to the gradual economic recovery. In addition, important players in the market have been shifting their production bases to Asia Pacific region in order to capitalize on scale economies. Rising environmental concerns in developed regions over the use of n-Hexane and its adverse impact on health and environment may inhibit the growth of the n-Hexane market. APAC is expected to drive the global n-Hexane market and is expected to register closed to 5% of volume CAGR over the forecast period 2016-2024.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @Global n-Hexane market: Key playersKey participant of global n-Hexane market are Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd., Sak Chaisidhi Company Limited, Liangxin petrochemical company, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Chevron Philips Chemicals LLC, Indian Oil Corp. Ltd., , Royal Dutch Shell plc., Rompetrol Rafinare S.A, DHC Solvent Chemie GmbH, Dongying Liaoning Yufeng Chemical Co., Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corp. 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 Holographic Films Market is Accounting for US$ 11,775 Million by 2024

Holographic Films Market

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For every consumer goods product that has ever hit the shelves of retail outlets, a percentage of its production cost gets spent on branding the product by sticking a holographic film on its packaging label. Accordingly, billions of consumers goods sold daily from all parts of the world necessitate the expansion of global production capacity for holographic films. In 2015, global sales of holographic films exceeded US$ 5 billion, attesting the universal demand for iconic branding techniques. According to a recent research conducted by Persistence Market Research, the global holographic films market revenues are estimated to reach US$ 11,775 million in value by 2024.Sample of this report is available upon request @Persistence Market Researchs report titled Global Market Study on Holographic Films: Pharmaceuticals End Use Industry Segment Estimated to Increase 2.2X in Terms of Value over the Forecast Period , projects the US$ 5,767.3 million global holographic films market will expand at an impressive CAGR of 9.3% during the period of forecast  2016-2024. Besides the branding demands, the active use of Fresnel lens technology in designing flexible packaging surfaces has become a proponent for consumption of holographic films, the combination of which is likely to create 3D effect for customers viewing the products stacked on store shelves. While secured packaging and anti-counterfeit measures promote the use of holographic films, volatile costs of film materials are likely to hamper the growth of the global holographic films market.Key Research Findings Demand for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film materials to remain high through 2024, accounting for almost half of the global market revenues Branding measures undertaken by pharmaceutical and drug manufacturers, and companies in the FMCG sector will render them largest end-user industries for holographic films The need for customer-centric designs and patterns on films will gain traction during the projected period, effectuating a higher market presence for customized offerings of holographic films Through 2024, the value share ratio of lamination and printing as two main end uses in the global holographic films market is anticipated to be an estimated 60% to 40% respectivelyAPAC Holographic Films Market to Expand at Highest CAGRBy the end of forecast period, the holographic films sales from Asia Pacific (APAC) region will rake in revenues worth over US$ 4.3 billion. The APAC holographic films market is anticipated to be fastest growing region in the global market, registering an estimated CAGR of 10.8%. In 2016, the region accounted for one-third share of the global market value, followed by North America  which secured over 25% share of the global holographic films market size. Europes holographic films market is likely to join North America and APAC as regions lucrative for expansion of holographic films businesses. Meanwhile, the holographic films market size is to expand at a modest rate in regions such as Latin America and the Middle East & Africa (MEA).Request to view Table of Content @Metallized Films & Anti-counterfeit Applications Procure High SalesSales of holographic films in the world have been largely concentrated towards two aspects  the type of film material preferred and its application. Product manufacturers and packaging industry players prefer using metallized holographic films over transparent films. Similarly, the use of such films finds greater application in anti-counterfeit measures of packaging companies. Surging instances of product duplicity have integrated holographic films into packaging operations that label symbols for identifying authentic products. Independently, metallized holographic films and anti-counterfeit applications are expected to account for over 70% of global market revenues throughout the forecast period.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @Global Holographic Films Market: Key PlayersWhile local manufacturers of holographic films are expected to collectively account for over half of the global market, companies such as Uflex Limited and Polinas Plastik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. will jointly hold company share of 14.2%. Leading holographic films manufacturers namely Toray Industries Inc., SRF Limited, and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, are expected to exclusively focus on business expansion in regions such as North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Strategic acquisitions is pegged to be a top priority for Jindal Poly Films Ltd., API Group Plc., and Avery Dennison Corporation, while Cosmo Films Limited and K Laser Technology Inc. are expected to increase their global presence through product launch.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.305 Broadway 7th Floor, New York City, NY 10007, United States,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:
Polyester straps Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2027

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Polyester straps are packaging solutions used for wrapping products such as iron and steel bars, rilling sheets or coils, wooden crates, pipes, cables, etc. The manufacturers of these products look for wrapping solutions that can be safe for both the products being wrapped and the user during wrapping and unwrapping. Earlier steel straps were used to wrap these products but the steel tended to corrode resulting in reacting with the materials and thus compromising the quality of the products. The steel also damaged the cargo by its sharp edges during transportation and shipping. This resulted in the manufacturing of alternative wrapping product made of safer materials without compromising the strength of the steel. Polyester straps are made of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate.The straps made from these materials intended to meet the demand of the consumer. These straps are light in weight compared to the steel straps thus adding ease during transportation. The straps made from polyesters are impervious to rust and therefore can be used multiple times. These added features of polyester straps seem to drive the global market of polyester straps between 2017 and 2027.Obtain Report Details @Polyester straps market  DynamicsThe demand for iron rods, metal sheets, timbers, film rolls, textiles, cables, etc. are met by transporting the products across distances over the globe. The products therefore need to be stacked orderly and safely in order to minimize the damage during the transportation. Polyester straps offers safe wrapping of these products compared to steel straps thereby creating opportunities for the global polyester straps market. Some of the factors that tend to drive the global market of polyester straps include relatively less cost compared to steel straps, light in weight, heat sealable by manual or automatic strapping tools, elongates to withstand shock, impervious to rust, safe to use, etc. Owing to these properties of the polyester, the manufacturers of the straps are keenly involved in producing polyester straps from polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. Attributed by these properties the demand for polyester straps is anticipated to grow over the forecast period. However, the penetration of the polyester market is challenged by the existing strategy of wrapping the products with the remnant.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Polyester straps market  SegmentationThe Polyester straps market is segmented as follows:On the basis of material type, Polyester straps market is segmented into:Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)Polypropylene (PP)On the basis of application, Polyester straps market is segmented intoBuilding Material & WoodRoofing tilesPlaster BoardsTimberPlywoodOthersPelletizationCartonsBottlesOthersIndustriesIron & SteelGlass & CeramicsPaperTextileLeatherOthersPolyester straps market  Region wise outlookThe global polyester straps market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.Asia Pacific has emerged as a leading producer of iron and steel and allied products over the past few decades. Polyester strap which is an efficient wrapping solution for this product is therefore anticipated to witness a hike in terms of demand in this region leading to the growth of the market for polyester bags throughout the forecast period. Europe is one of the leading manufacturer of glass and ceramics products and therefore is expected to follow Asia Pacific in terms of demand for the polyester straps which is required to wrap the products during shipping and transportation over the forecast period. North America is expected to witness relatively slower growth in terms of demand for polyester straps owing to its prevailing established economy. However, Latin America and Middle East & Africa is anticipated to witness a sluggish growth in the market of polyester straps due to its stagnant economy.Polyester straps market  Key PlayersThe key players in the polyester straps market include Signor Polymers Pvt. Ltd, North Shore Strapping Inc., S & K Packaging Industries, Ruparel Polystrap Pvt. Ltd., Auto Strap India, Consent, LLC., Plastic Extruders Ltd., Linder GmbH, Narrowtex Pty(Ltd).The report offers an accurate evaluation of the market through detailed qualitative insights and verifiable projections about market size. The projections presented in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
N Methyl 2 Pyrrolidone Market Expected to Hit US$ 985 Million by 2020

N Methyl 2 Pyrrolidone Market

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The global N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) market is expected to observe modest growth over a five-year forecast period, 2015-2020. Expanding at a 5.4% of CAGR during the assessed period, the global NMP market will possibly attain the revenues of US$ 985.3 Mn by 2020 end.N Methyl 2 Pyrrolidone Market:Sample of this report is available upon request @The market for NMP in developing Asian countries will be primarily driven by increasing urbanization and industrialization, coupled with rampantly evolving infrastructure development realm. Attributed to its chemical properties, such as higher flame point and lower volatility, N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone finds various applications several end-use industries. This will remain a key factor driving the demand on a global level. Industrial applications in a sweeping range of verticals, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, petrochemical, agrochemical, paints and coatings, and industrial cleaning will also continue to drive the market for N-Methylpyrrolidone over the next few years.The flourishing consumer electronics sector is likely to generate substantial demand for NMP. With soaring demand for electronics production, the consumption of N-Methylpyrrolidone will also witness a significant hike. Moreover, increasing demand for agrochemicals is expected to elevate the revenue sales in the next few years. Another industrial sector estimated to support the growth of the global N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone market is pharmaceuticals. Growing market in Asia Pacific are expected to play a vital role in boosting the demand throughout the forecast period, eventually fostering the market for NMP globally.Stringent regulations regarding usage of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone may remain a long-term restraint to market growth. Moreover, the market has been experiencing a rapid setback in certain verticals, such as paints and coatings, and industrial cleaning. This can also be a major limiting factor impacting the market growth by 2020 end.By application, the electronics application segment is expected to remain dominant over other segments, including agrochemicals, petrochemical processing, industrial cleaners, pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings, and others. Electronics application segment will possibly capture around 23% share of the entire market revenues in 2020, witnessing an optimistic CAGR of 6.7% during 2015-2020. Pharmaceuticals will continue to be the second largest application segment that was evaluated at US$ 122.7 Mn in 2015. This segment is anticipated to demonstrate a moderate CAGR of 6.3% by 2020 end, accounting for nearly 15% market value share.Request to view Table of Content @According to Persistence Market Researchs regional analysis, Asia Pacific is foreseen to remain the global leader with over 36% share of the market revenues in 2016. This growth is predominantly attributed to lower production costs in Asian countries. The second largest regional market, North America, will contribute around 30% share to the market in 2016.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @A few key market players include LyondellBasell Industries N.V., BASF SE, Ashland Inc., Abtonsmart Chemical (Group) Co. Ltd., and Shandong Qingyun Changxin Chemical Science-Tech Co., Ltd. A few other notable companies competing in the N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone marketplace are Zhejiang Realsun Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Puyang Guangming Chemicals Co., Ltd., and Balaji Amines Limited.Long-term Outlook: The global N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone market is likely to reach a value of US$ 985.3 Mn by the end of the forecast period, 2015-2020.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 Industrial Explosives Market is Expected to Reach US$ 14.6 Billion by 2024

Industrial Explosives Market

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Rising urbanization has catapulted the use of coal-fired power generation. Quarrying activities from all corners of the world are also resuming at a steady pace. Technological advancements are facilitating the resurgence of global mining industry. Factors such as these and many more are instrumenting the growth in global demand for industrial explosives. A recent report published by Persistence Market Research estimates that in 2016, more than US$ 9 billion worth of industrial explosives were sold in the world. In the course of next eight years, the global market for industrial explosives is anticipated to grow steadily at 5.6% CAGR and reach US$ 14.58 billion value.Industrial Explosives Market:Sample of this report is available upon request @In the report, titled Industrial Explosives Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024, Persistence Market Research predicts that more than 23 million metric tons of industrial explosives will be used up globally by the end of 2024. Key findings on the global industrial explosives market indicate that environment protection agencies and bodies will strongly coerce the production of industrial explosives. Manufacturers of industrial explosives will be compelled to bring forth advancements in their offerings, particularly towards reducing volumes of explosives used in large-scale explosions and lowering the environmental impact that follows.Surging Preference to Blasting AgentsWith respect to the type of industrial explosives, the report clearly indicates an outright preference to blasting agents. Industrial verticals, where use of explosives is an integral part of production activities, are favoring the use of blasting agents. As opposed to high explosives, more than 22 million metric tons of blasting agents are forecasted to be sold by 2024. In due course of the projected period, global demand for high explosives will see a negligible dip. Nearly 95% of global industrial explosive revenues will be accounted by sales of blasting agents across various industrial sectors.Construction  Largest End-User of Industrial ExplosivesThe global building & construction industry needs blasting agents and explosives for creating subterranean pits, upon which edifices are erected. While mining remains to be one of the recognizable end-use of industrial explosives, revenues contributed by construction industries will be soaring at the highest CAGR of 6%. The report estimates that in 2016, more than US$ 1 billion of industrial explosives were consumed by construction activities. In terms of volume, metal mining and non-metal mining will collectively consume over 17 million metric tons of industrial explosive by the end of 2024. Stringent restriction for environmental laws, however, will inhibit the use of industrial explosives by quarrying industries.Higher Sales of Industrial Explosives in Asia-PacificIn 2017 and beyond, revenues emanating from sales of industrial explosives across Asia-Pacific countries will be accounting for more than 40% of global revenues. Australian companies  Orica Limited and Dyno Nobel Pty Limited (Incitec Pivot Limited)  are two of the largest producers of industrial explosives in the world. By accounting for nearly 40% share of global revenues, these two companies continue to funnel billions into Asia-Pacifics industrial explosives market. Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Company Limited, Ideal Industrial Explosives Ltd., and NOF Corporation are other key industrial explosive manufacturers based in this region.Request to view Table of Content @North Americas industrial explosives is likely to lose traction over the course of forecast period, and will be valued at US$ 3 billion by 2024-end. US-based Autsin Power Holdings Company continues to contribute to global market revenues by offering accessories for carrying out industrial explosions in quarrying and mining.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @Meanwhile, Latin Americas industrial explosives market will soar at the highest value CAGR of 6.5%. Chile-based Enaex SA is recognized as a prominent producer of industrial explosives, initiation systems, and blowing agents. Based in Peru, Exsa SA has gained global recognition for providing bulk emulsions, dynamites and cartridge emulsions to industries. Other key players in the global industrial explosives market include, Irish Industrial Explosives Limited, Eurenco, and MAXAMCORP HOLDINGS SL.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:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapeutics in Asia-Pacific Markets Research Report 2023

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapeutics in Asia-Pacific Markets to 2023 - Launch of Premium Targeted Therapies and Increasing Prevalence to Drive the Market" to its huge collection of research reports.Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. There were more than 1.8 million newly diagnosed lung cancer cases in 2012, accounting for 13% of the total number of cancer cases. This figure has been gradually rising with increased smoking and the growing elderly population. Lung cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 1.69 million deaths in 2015. Over half of the incident cases of NSCLC are diagnosed in patients over the age of 65 a high-risk age range for lung cancer. As the aged population is projected to grow, the prevalence of lung cancer is anticipated to increase, acting as a driver for revenue growth.The poor prognosis, particularly for patients with advanced disease, has created a pressing need for improved therapeutic options. The NSCLC market is therefore shifting from a focus on generic chemotherapy regimens to a complex treatment landscape based on different NSCLC subtypes, and the presence of various molecular aberrations.In the current market, patients with non-squamous histology can be treated with more efficacious therapies such as Alimta, while patients harboring activating mutations in EGFR or ALK can be prescribed targeted therapies such as Tarceva, Iressa, Gilotrif, Conmana, Xalkori, Alecensa and Zykadia.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Opdivo and Keytruda are mAbs, immune checkpoint inhibitors targeted towards programmed cell death (PD) 1, and are recent market entrants. The former gained approval for treating advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC in Japan in 2015 and in Australia and South Korea in 2016, and the latter gained approval in Japan in 2016 for the firstand second-line treatment of patients with PD-L1-positive unresectable advanced/recurrent NSCLC. Tagrisso and Olita EGFR inhibitors that targeted towards EGFR T790M are also recent market entrants, with the former gaining approval in Japan, Australia and South Korea, and the latter approved in South Korea in 2016 for advanced or metastatic patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC.There are currently limited options for patients with squamous cell histology or other detectable molecular characteristics besides EFGR and ALK mutations. A therapy that targets mutant KRAS abemaciclib is being developed in the pipeline.ScopeThe NSCLC Asia-Pacific market will be valued at $6.2 billion in 2023, growing from $3 billion in 2016 at a CAGR of 10.8%.- How will immunotherapies such as atezolizumab contribute to growth?- What effect will patent expirations of currently branded therapies have on market value?- The NSCLC pipeline is large and diverse, with an increased presence of mAbs and targeted therapies.- What are the common targets and mechanisms of action of pipeline therapies?- Will the pipeline address unmet needs such as limited treatment options for squamous cell patients?- What implications will the increased focus on targeted therapies have on the future of NSCLC treatment?- Numerous late-stage pipeline therapies with a strong clinical record have the potential to enter the market over the forecast period.- How have the late-stage therapies performed in clinical trials?- How would the approval of abemaciclib to treat KRAS mutant patients affect the competitive landscape, with no targeted therapy currently available to address this patient subset?- The market forecasts indicate that Japan will contribute the most to the Asia-Pacific market value due to the emergence of novel therapies.- How will the annual cost of therapy and market size vary between the five Asia-Pacific markets?- How could changes in risk factors such as population age, smoking habits and pollution influence the market?- Licensing deals are the most common form of strategic alliance in NSCLC, with total deal values ranging from under $10m to over $1 billion.- How do deal frequency and value compare between target families and molecule types?- What were the terms and conditions of key licensing deals?Reasons to buyThis report will allow you to -- Understand the current clinical and commercial landscape by considering disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and the treatment options available at each stage of diagnosis, including a clinical comparison of marketed therapies.- Visualize the composition of the NSCLC market in terms of dominant therapies for each patient subset along with their clinical and commercial standing. Unmet needs are highlighted to allow a competitive understanding of gaps in the current market.- Analyze the NSCLC pipeline and stratify pipeline therapies by stage of development, molecule type and molecular target.- Understand the potential of late-stage therapies with extensive profiles of products that could enter the market over the forecast period, highlighting clinical performance, potential commercial positioning, and how they will compete with other therapies.- Predict NSCLC market growth in the five Asia-Pacific markets, with epidemiological and annual cost of therapy forecasts across India, China, Australia, South Korea and Japan, as well as the individual contributions of promising late-stage molecules to market growth.- Identify commercial opportunities in the NSCLC deals landscape by analyzing trends in licensing and co-development deals.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 @
Worldwide Surgical Robots for the Spine Market Shares, Strategy and Forecasts 2016 to 2022

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Surgical Robots for the Spine: Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2016 to 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.Worldwide spinal surgical robot markets are poised to achieve significant growth with the adaptation of robotic technology to the second most widely performed surgical procedure, spinal surgery. Aging of the population and hospital cost reductions through decreased length of stay are key market driving forces. Spinal surgical robots increase spine surgery repeatability and accuracy.Back conditions can result in instability and compression of the spinal nerves, causing back pain and/or radiating pain in the legs. Robotic procedures offer significant cost savings in terms of pre- and post-operation care costs and length of stay at hospitals. Technological advances and breakthroughs leverage new materials and new sensor configurations. Sophisticated software is further evolving product implementation.In the United States, there are 1.34 million spinal operations performed annually, worldwide there are 4.83 million annually. Patients have problems with degenerative conditions and injury. 11 million people in the U.S. and 78 million people worldwide suffer from chronic back pain in 2015, indicating the potential for more surgery if the accuracy and pain relief can be alleviated with better surgery from robots.Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is responsible for up to 30 to 35 percent of lower back pain. Surgery is performed to relieve the pain when other means do not work. Robots improve the accuracy of procedures and reduce the complication rates in spinal surgeries. The Mazor robots are flexible. Mazor Renaissance disposable kits are designed to easily adapt the RBT Device to a multitude of surgical applications and for the different mounting platforms utilized by the surgeon. Renaissance spine accessories are offered. Mazor Renaissance accessories include trays of reusable surgical tools.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Pre-operative planning of the procedure is used for intra-operative control of the system. The surgery is performed according to the pre-operative plan. Renaissance provides increased safety and precision in corrective surgery. It allows surgeons to plan ahead before entering the operating room. Mazor Robotics advanced 3D planning software is used before surgery to create the procedure with modification and customization for each patients condition. During the operation, the physician does the actual work; Renaissance guides the surgeons tools according to the predetermined blueprint to place the implants safely and with the highest level of accuracy in the exact planned locations.Robot-guidance increases the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures. It allows these procedures to be performed with less intra-operative radiation exposure to patients and health care providers. Robot-guided spine surgery allows surgeons to perform less invasive surgical procedures with smaller incisions, less bleeding, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.Minimally invasive surgeries to increase repeatability and accuracy through the use of robots. Surgical robots improve the accuracy of procedures and thus reduce the complication rates in surgeries. Robotic procedures offer significant cost savings in terms of pre- and post-operation care costs and length of stay at hospitals. Technological advances and breakthroughs leverage new materials and new sensor configurations. Sophisticated software is further evolving product implementation.- Clinically efficient solutions- Clinically less complex surgery- Shorter length of stay- Minimally invasive surgery- Financially lower cost- Operationally more simpleOld people have trouble making their joints last as long as they do. The patient stability and the relief from pain provided by the robot surgery is compelling. The major suppliers are looking at providing spinal robots that are based on the Mazor state of the art devices.Spinal surgery has evolved dramatically over the years as advances in technology have made it possible to improve surgical techniques. Mazor is the market leader by far in the spinal surgical robot market, the only company with measurable market share. Spinal surgery involves the modification of the affected area of the back bones and nerves. The implantation of one or more screws or components is a very delicate surgery. The robot can achieve better precision than can a skilled surgeon. The robot is more consistent.Reconstructive spinal surgery depends on precision instruments. Robots are expected to grow significantly in surgery.Once, the penetration of spinal robots achieves the level of 35% of penetration in a country, all spinal surgeons will demand that hospitals offer spinal surgical robot capability because the outcomes are more predictable and better. The surgeons can give better pain relief to their patients, so naturally, given a choice of hospitals, they will pick the one that has the robot that gives superior outcomes.Spinal surgical markets have been impacted by the reduction in insurance payments. Payment reductions have forced hospitals to act as businesses. The cost of delivering care has become as much a factor as providing quality care when making decisions about patient improvement in condition. Cost-cutting has been made in the supply chain. Suppliers are examined closely for quality and cost.The number of suppliers is sure to increase. As Mazor grows its penetration of the market, the larger market participants in spinal surgery equipment will surely follow. Mazor is positioned to continue to dominate the market. As the first providers it builds a strong base of surgeons who are trained in using the equipment these surgeons will continue to purchase updated robots as they are offered to the market.The new are pressured to improve prices and efficiencies. Hospitals, physicians, and care providers have been financially incentivized to create accountable care organizations (ACOs). Coordinated patient care plans and value-based purchasing were rewarded. The med device buyer shifted from physicians to the ACOs and smart buying groups.Use of the robotic spinal surgery represents a key milestone in reconstructive surgery. Robots provide an opportunity to transform orthopedics. New materials and new designs are bringing that transformation forward. By furthering the growth of innovation with spinal surgery robots, patients can get better treatment. By enhancing the surgeon and patient experience is is likely that the entire market will grow rapidly.The worldwide market for spinal surgical robots is $26 million anticipated to reach $2.77 billon by 2022. The complete report provides a comprehensive analysis including procedure numbers, units sold, market value, forecasts, as well as a detailed competitive market shares and analysis of major players success, challenges, and strategies in each segment and sub-segment. The reports cover markets for surgery medical specialties and sub-specialties.Companies ProfiledMarket Leaders- Accel Spine- Alliance Spine- Alphatec Spine- Apollo Spine- Ascendx Spine- Back 2 Basics SpineMarket Participants- Accel Spine- Alliance Spine- Alphatec Spine- Apollo Spine- Ascendx Spine- Back 2 Basics Spine- Boston Scientific- Brainlab AG- Captiva Spine- Centinel Spine- Elekta- Globus Medical- K2M- Life Spine- Mazor Robotics- Medacta- Medtronic- MicroPort Scientific Corporation- NLT Spine- NuVasive- Precision Spine- Shenzhen Advanced Institute Spinal Surgical Robot- Si-Bone- SIGNUS Medical- Spinal Elements- Spineart- SpineGuard- Spine Frontier- Spineology- Spine Smith Partners- Spine Surgical Innovations- Spine View- Spine Wave- St. Jude Medical- Stryker / Mako- Wright / Tornier- X-spine- Zyga Technology- Zimmer BiometMake 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 @















Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (SPAF) Treatment Market to Witness Exponential Growth by 2025

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) now a days has become a common and serious condition affecting almost 1-2% of the total population of age group 65 years and above. Increase in the aging population leads to increase in the prevalence further leads to increase rick of premature death. Among the different types of strokes atrial fibrillation has got the higher chances of strokes i.e. around 5 times more. The only way to inhibit stroke is managing atrial fibrillation. There are many deaths registered due to lack of proper treatment and inadequate dosage or use of oral anticoagulants (OACs). Thus, there is an urgent need for proper diagnose and better medication and adherence to oral anticoagulation drugs.A major problem of AF is the existence of stroke. Due to asymmetrical heartbeats, the blood sometimes is not pump out of the heart correctly and there might be a clot formation in any of the heart chambers. A small piece of this blood clot may break down and move to vessels leading to the upper and lower body. Thus this clot blocks the blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Eighty percent of strokes are majorly an ischemic stroke and it can be primary reduced the rick to around 50 percent by taking blood thinner.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be diagnosed generally by execution of electrocardiogram (EKG), there is a test that also registers the heart's electrical activity. Atrial fibrillation sometimes may not be continual, so a typical EKG may be preferred and it is difficult to detect abnormalities in an official meetings. For this there is a portable electrocardiogram, known as Holter monitor, which can be used at home throughout day and night. There is a provenience of viewing the data on monitors that can be used for longer than 24 hours, if required.As discussed earlier, there should be a proper treatment for prevention and cure of stroke by taking the preliminary drugs like oral anticoagulants (OACs). These are the drugs which are sometimes called as blood thinners. The mechanism of action of anticoagulants are interruption of blood clotting process, which is also termed as coagulation cascade.Noval Oral Anticoagulants for Atrial fibrillation (AF) are of two types, they are oral direct thrombin inhibitors and oral direct factor Xa inhibitors. The drugs which help in blocking the formation of clot as a single step are Vit K dependent coagulation factor like factors II, VII, IX and X.Vitamin K antagonist (VKAs) mechanism is promoted by interrupting the production of clotting proteins in the blood. This is the drugs which is been in use since many years and is very effective. Warfarin also known as Coumadin which is the Vit K antagonist.Thrombin is used since many years as that of Warfarin and it is the major and special enzyme used or involved in the formation of clot. As said earlier by preventing the thrombin, the process of clot formation hinders, thus it take time to form a clot.Factor Xa is also one of the enzyme which is used in the process of clot formation. This has a similar mechanism of action as that of Thrombin.There are some patients who go for Electrical cardioversion where an electric shock is given from a device called cardioverter and the shock is delivered by the paddles attached to the chest to set the heart rhythm. This scenario is majorly suited when the atrial fibrillation interrupts with the blood flow carrying insufficient oxygen to the vital organs of the body. There is also a process known as Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) which adjourns cardioversion to blood thinner. This delays the process to clot for two to three weeks. There is also a process called radiofrequency ablation which cures the Atrial Fibrillation to certain limit because this is still in evolving process and have many serious complication.Request to View Tables of Content @Some of the major market players in Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (SPAF) Treatment Market globally include Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Daiichi-Sankyo, Gilead.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:
Boost in Technology Driving the Honey Powder Market 2026

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Honey powder which can be used as a sweetener, is just a powder form of liquid honey. The powder is easier to maintain and can preserve well than a liquid honey. The powder form of honey is preferred to be used while making cakes, pastries and other sweet edible items. It is always a better option than a sticky liquid honey and sugar free powders particularly, which credibility is still questionable. An interesting thing about honey powder is, it has long preserving life, if it stored properly. The global honey powder market is projected to show sustained growth during the 10-year period owing to several factors and trends likely to positively impact the performance of the global honey powder market.Honey powder can be used in bath and beauty products like facial masks, scrub, soap, lotions etc. It can be sprinkled over cereal or fruit and cakes. Its antiseptic properties heals the small injuries. The most beneficial factor of honey is, it has medicinal quality. As honey powder is better in dissolving in almost any food items so it can also be used in medicines, especially cough syrups. The honey powder has low calories, therefore, it can be added in a cup of tea or a coffee or even in a green tea rather than sugar powders which are less trustworthy. It is completely organic and natural, hence better than artificial sweeteners. Honey powder is slightly cheaper than its liquid form, which can be easily available in a bag in almost all grocery shops.The organic lifestyle is a fast growing trend. The consumers prefer easy, healthy and environment friendly organic food and natural beauty products. United States, Germany, France, Canada and United Kingdom are some of the countries which have largest market for organic foods. Even the various e-commerce companies are preferring to sell variety of gourmet products and honey powder is one of them. Consumers love for bakery products like cake, muffins, cookies and bread is increasing the demand of honey powder in global market. Not only this, its natural quality of smoothening the skin is also attracting the beauty product manufacturers to make more beauty products using honey powder. Although honey powder is fairly new to the American food market, it has been used in Korean kitchens since long time. It is used as sugar substitute in Korea. These are the main trends likely to be observed in the global honey powder market.Request to view table of content @Chanel, PIAS, Anna Sui, Benefit Cosmetics, Laura Mercier, Guerlain, Max Factor, Shu Uemura, ABLE C & C are the major manufacturers of honey powder.A sample of this report is available upon request @According to various research, honey powder could potentially be used as dough improver. A new research made in China also indicated that it might be acted as sugar replacer in bread. The increasing usage of natural medicines like Ayurveda will also give a boom to honey powder market. The figure of diabetic patients is also increasing, and in such scenario patients are refraining away from using artificial sugar powders and sweeteners which will ultimately increase the demand of honey powder.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:
Boost in Technology Driving the Food Colorants Market 2024

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Food colorants are coloring additives also known as dye or pigments which are added to food or beverages to impart color and give an attractive appearance to the food and beverages. Food colorants are added in the food and beverages to maintain and improve safety, freshness, nutritional value, taste, texture and appearance of foods and beverages. Natural colorants segment is expected to hold a significant market share in terms of value owing to easily availability of fruits and vegetables. The global food colorants market is anticipated to witness significant CAGR during the forecast period.Easily availability of raw materials such as fruits and vegetables and edible plants, coupled with rising consumer demand for natural colorants, which is driving the growth of global food colorants market. Furthermore, increasing applications of food colorants in food and beverage industry is expected to boost the consumption of food colorants. In addition, increasing consumer demand for processed foods leads to increase consumption of food colorants.However, stringent and expensive certifications and regulations regarding use of food colorants, and side effects associated with synthetic colors on health are expected to limit the growth of global food colorants market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Based on the geographies, the global food colorants market is segmented into five key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America is anticipated to dominate among all the regions owing to increasing demand for food colorants in US and Canada. Europe is expected to hold the market share of global food colorants market at a second position in terms of value. This is attributed to increasing consumer awareness for natural products coupled with regulatory support for coloring food stuff in European countries. Owing to the increase in consumption of processed and ready to eat foods in India and China, the Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to contribute significantly to the global food colorants market. The Latin America and MEA regions are expected to contribute collectively in the global food colorants market.This is due to the increasing disposable incomes coupled with changing lifestyles in Brazil, GCC countries and South Africa which is fuelling the consumption of processed foods, resulting in an increase in demand for food colorants.Request to view table of content @Some of the major players identified in the global food colorants market include Cargill Incorporated BASF SE Koninklijke DSM N.V. FMC Corporation DDW The Colour House Hansen Holding A/S GNT Group Naturex Lycored San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc. Sensient Colors LLC Sethness Caramel Color WILD Flavors and Specialty Ingredients RIKEN VITAMIN Co., Ltd.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Demand of Construction in the Czech Republic Industry : Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis and Research 2017

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ALBANY, NY, April 6, 2017 : Owing to the effects of economic recession, construction activity in the Czech Republic was weak during the review period (20122016). This led to the implementation of various government austerity measures which reduced the pace of investment in construction projects. The industrys output value in real terms recorded a review-period compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.51%.Over the forecast period (20172021), the industry is expected to recover. A gradual improvement in regional economic conditions, coupled with a revival in both investor and consumer confidence, will support industry growth.The European Union (EU)s move to provide funding to support the implementation of transport infrastructure projects is expected to add momentum to the industrys expansion.In real terms, the industrys output value is expected to post a forecast-period CAGR of 0.12%. The implementation of flagship programs such as the 20142020 Operational Program for Transport, Social Housing Concept of Czech Republic 20152025, and the Operational Program for Research, Development and Education, will fuel industry growth.SummaryTimetrics 'Construction in the Czech Republic, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021' report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Czech construction industry including:The Czech construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activityAnalysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in the Czech RepublicCritical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the Czech construction industryProfiles of the leading operators in the Czech construction industryData highlights of the largest construction projects in the Czech RepublicGet PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @ScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in the Czech Republic. It provides:Historical (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) valuations of the construction industry in the Czech Republic using construction output and value-add methodsSegmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by project typeBreakdown 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 pricingDetailed profiles of the leading construction companies in the Czech RepublicTable of Contents1 Executive Summary2 Industry Outlook2.1 Commercial Construction2.2 Industrial Construction2.3 Infrastructure Construction2.4 Energy and Utilities Construction2.5 Institutional Construction2.6 Residential Construction3 Key Issues and Developments4 Market Data Analysis4.1 Construction Output and Value Add4.1.1 Construction output by project type4.1.2 Construction output by cost type4.1.3 Construction output by activity type4.1.4 Construction value add by project type4.2 Commercial Construction4.2.1 Commercial construction output by project type4.2.2 Commercial construction output by cost type4.2.3 Commercial construction output by activity type4.2.4 Commercial construction value add by project type4.3 Industrial Construction4.3.1 Industrial construction output by project type4.3.2 Industrial construction output by cost type4.3.3 Industrial construction output by activity type4.3.4 Industrial construction value add by project typeMake an Enquiry of this report @4.4 Infrastructure Construction4.4.1 Infrastructure construction output by project type4.4.2 Infrastructure construction output by cost type4.4.3 Infrastructure construction output by activity type4.4.4 Infrastructure construction value add by project type4.5 Energy and Utilities Construction4.5.1 Energy and utilities construction output by project type4.5.2 Energy and utilities construction output by cost type4.5.3 Energy and utilities construction output by activity type4.5.4 Energy and utilities construction value add by project typeResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States
GIS Market 2017 Trends, Growth and Forecast to 2021

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GIS (geographic information system) is a set of tools used to interpret business and geospatial data. It integrates hardware, software, data, and services for processing business and geographically referenced data. GIS digitizes the received geospatial data and processes them to provide the desired output. Sectors such as national government, transportation, natural resources, military/law enforcement, utilities, communication, and telecom are the major end-users of GIS. Its other uses include disaster management, finding location details, viewing digital maps, marketing, and designing facilities. End-users across industries rely on GIS to enhance their productivity, decision-making ability, and safety and security standards. GIS is a major revenue contributor to the global geospatial industry.Publisher's analysts forecast the global GIS market to grow at a CAGR of 10.53% during the period 2017-2021.For more information about this report:Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global GIS market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the actual values for 2016, whereas the values are estimated for 2017-2021.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:-Americas-APAC-EMEAPublisher's report, Global GIS Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors-Autodesk-ESRI-Hexagon-MDA-Pitney Bowes-SuperMapRequest Sample Copy atOther prominent vendors-AutoNavi-Caliper-China Information Technology-Google Maps-HERE-Mapbox-Navinfo-Rolta IndiaMarket driver-Increased adoption of GIS in healthcare and insurance sector.-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge-Communication gap between developers and end-users.-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend-High use of GIS solution for soil and water management.-For a full, detailed list, view our reportInquire for Report atTable of Contents:PART 01: Executive summaryPART 02: Scope of the reportPART 03: Market research methodologyPART 04: IntroductionPART 05: Market landscapePART 06: Product segmentationPART 07: End-user segmentationPART 08: Geographical segmentationPART 09: Market driversPART 10: Impact of driversPART 11: Market challengesPART 12: Impact of drivers and challengesPART 13: Market trendsPART 14: Five forces analysisPART 15: Vendor landscapePART 16: AppendixPurchase this Premium Research Report at:Contact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Micro Bioreactors Market to See Incredible Growth During 2016 - 2026

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Conventional technology used in microbial cell cultivation have trailed behind array-based automated tools for genetic manipulation and discovery of biological systems. Due to this there is a need for systems that enable optimization, rapid testing, and bioprocess developments in low volume, parallel investigations with setup and in short duration that remain nearly independent of the number of bioreactors. Micro bioreactors is a step toward high-throughput bioprocess development, wherein fabrication, designing, fabrication and characterization of polymer based micro bioreactors are integrated with automated sensors and actuators. Plugin-and-flow microfluidic connectors along with fabricated polymer micro-optical lenses are combined in the micro bioreactors for fast set up and ease in use. Also there are various applications of micro bioreactors in possibility of culturing microbial cells for batch, continuous and fed-batch operations. Over the coming years the global micro bioreactors market is expected to witness substantial revenue growth owing to increasing applications and adoption of this technique for production of various by products.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Increase in the R&D expenditure in industrial and life sciences sector is expected to bolster the demand for micro bioreactors technique, especially in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industry sector. Technical advancements and collaborations among companies and academic institutions for bioprocess development and in vitro toxicity testing and better portfolio management by life sciences companies for extended use and further development of micro bioreactors is expected to boost revenue growth of the micro bioreactors market over the forecast period. Furthermore micro bioreactors offers flexibility and controller of bench-scale reactors resulting in faster and precise results as compared to large-scale fermentations. Also there are additional advantages provided by manufacturers such as small footprint, potential for automation and the availability of online cultivation data is expected to boost the demand for micro bioreactors over the forecast period. However, even though the micro bioreactors industry is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period regulatory concerns may hinder the growth of the market. Moreover lack of knowledge and expertise among emerging countries may reduce the pace of revenue growth over the forecast period.Increasing applications in pharmaceutical, food and other industry and adoption of this technique for production of several products is expected to boost the micro bioreactors market over the forecast period. Moreover with for development of this novel technology by various life sciences companies is expected to drive the micro bioreactors market during the forecast period.Geographically the micro bioreactors market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and MEA region.North America is expected to account for the largest market share in the micro bioreactors market, trailed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. North America is expected to register significant growth rate over the forecast period due to the factors such as more number of established pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and other industries have presences in this region, availability and acceptance of research grants and government funding, increasing adoption of micro bioreactors for bioprocess development and high throughput cytoxicity assays. Asia Pacific is also expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to global players to entering into APAC market for geographic expansion and market penetration. Moreover academia and research programs consolidation for increasing applications of micro bioreactors in biochemical and biomedical engineering is expected to drive growth of micro bioreactors market over the forecast period. Latin America and MEA regions are expected to boost the demand for micro bioreactors techniques owing benefits offered by micro bioreactors in future bioprocess development and in vitro toxicity testing and recommendations for extended use and further development of micro bioreactors in these regions.Request to View Tables of Content @Some players in the global micro bioreactors market are Sartorius, Stedim, Pall Corporation, M2p-labs, Eppendorf, Merck Millipore, Applikon Biotechnology, Chemtrix, CerCell, RUAG Space Nyon, PreSens Precision Sensing, Mani Dharma Biotech Pvt.Ltd and othersAbout 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:
Oral Syringes Market - Future Industry Trends, Analysis, Share | Forecast 2027

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Oral syringes are used to deliver medication orally directly in the mouth of the patient. They are designed in such a way that it reduces the risk of medication dosing thus curbing chances of administrative error. Oral syringes can meet patient needs of all the age groups, and this syringes can be used several times by an individual patient within a time frame of seven days. Parent market for oral syringes is the medical syringes with a needle and some possible related markets for oral syringes are injection pens, specialty needles, and insulin pumps. Over the years, the market has evolved from using dosing cups, droppers and the use of teaspoon while consuming liquid medication to the use of oral syringes to increase chances of giving correct doses.Read more:Global Oral Syringes Market: Drivers and RestrainsIt is expected that expansion of a global pharmaceuticals industry is projected to grow at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period. As there is a growing prevalence of acute diseases caused due to improper amount of consumption of doses thus the need for accurate consumption of medication has increased leading to the growth of oral syringes market across the world. Oral syringes are easy to use and can also be pre-sterilized so that it can be re-used and also helps in reducing the drug losses. These all factors together drive the global oral syringe market. On the other hand, most of the user friendly, streamlined designs of oral syringes can do a little as this syringes are a costly option as compared to dose cups and droppers. Also, most of the users feel uncomfortable while consuming medication orally through syringes. Thus this are some of the restraining factors that can hamper the growth of global oral syringes market.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Global Oral Syringes Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the global oral syringes market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, increasing purchasing power and availability of new technologies in North America and Europe is expected to have a higher share over the forecast period thus leading to a surge in demand of global oral syringes market. In Asia Pacific, due to increased healthcare awareness and growth in healthcare facilities in some emerging economies like China and India where high availability of skilled manpower in the oral Pharmaceutical industry, it is expected that oral syringes market will show a healthy growth rate in Asia Pacific region. Thus, globally over the forecast period of 2017-27 with a steady CAGR, a healthy growth is expected in global oral syringes market.Global Oral Syringes Market: Key PlayersSome predominant players identified across the global oral Syringes market are asBraun Melsungen AG.Becton, Dickinson and Company.NIPRO Corporation (Japan).Medtronic (Ireland).Gerresheimer AG (Germany).Amcor Limited.CODAN Medizinische Gerate GmbH & Co KG (Germany).Smiths Medical (U.S.).Terumo Corporation (Japan).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:
Hydraulic Excavator Market 2017 Trend, Analysis and Forecast to 2021

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Hydraulic excavators are heavy construction equipment that have a boom, dipper, and a bucket attached to a rotating platform, which sits on top of an undercarriage either with tracks or wheels. The excavation process is performed with the help of hydraulic pumps and cylinders. Excavators are used in many construction and mining sites. They are also being increasingly adopted in industries like railways for maintenance services.Publisher's analysts forecast the global hydraulic excavator market to grow at a CAGR of 1.43% during the period 2017-2021.For more information about this report:Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global hydraulic excavator market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from new hydraulic excavator sales worldwide during 2016.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:-Americas-APAC-EMEAPublisher's report, Global Hydraulic Excavator Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors-Caterpillar-Hitachi Construction Machinery-Komatsu-Volvo Construction Equipment-Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG)Request Sample Copy atOther prominent vendors-Terex Construction-Liebherr-John Deere-SANY-Doosan Infracore-Zoomlion-JCB-Kobelco Construction Machinery-Metso-CNH Industrial-Hyundai Heavy Industries-Wirtgen Group-Atlas-LiuGong-Wacker Neuson-Manitou-Kubota-Sumitomo Heavy Industries-Palfinger-Sandvik Construction-Lonking-Fayat Group-Shantui-Hiab-Ammann-Astec Industries-Kato Works-Takeuchi-XGMA-Furukawa-Skyjack-BEML-IHI-Gradall-Yanmar-Rhino-New Holland-Mustang-LBX-Uralvagonzavod-ST KineticsMarket driver-Changing demographics to boost infrastructure spending.-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge-Growing competition for global leadership in construction equipment.-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend-Emergence of intelligent automation.-For a full, detailed list, view our reportInquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Superconductors Global Market by Application & Data Validation, Analysis and Forecast 2022

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According to Publisher, the Global Superconductor market is accounted for $0.82 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $2.71 billion by 2022 growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6%. Growing demand from medical industry for MRI, booming market for electric motors are the major factors propelling the market growth. In addition, increasing research & development activities, innovative technological developments are the other factors bolstering the market growth during the forecast period. On the other hand, fluctuating raw material prices is hindering the market growth.The widespread research involved in the development of high temperature superconductors (HTS) will also boost up the demand for superconductors in the power industry. The magnetic resonance imaging sector holds the leading share by consumer applications, and the electronic devices sector is anticipated to experience the fastest growth due to the rising applications of superconductors in this segment. Asia-Pacific is the primary regional market for this industry and is predictable to dominate in the future with the expected positive economic outlook in upcoming markets such as India, China, and Japan.For more information atSome of the key players in global superconductor market include American Superconductor, Evico GmbH, Hitachi, Ltd., Hyper Tech Research, Inc., Metal Oxide Technologies, Inc., Siemens AG, Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., Superconductor Technologies, Inc., Toshiba Corporation, Bruker Corporation, Ceraco Ceramic Coating Gmbh, Deutsche Nanoschicht Gmbh, Fujikura Ltd., and Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd.Products Covered:- High temperature superconducting materials- Low temperature superconducting materialsApplications Covered:- Electronics- Medical- Research & Development- Other ApplicationsRequest Sample Copy:Regions 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 Egypt9 Company Profiling9.1 American Superconductor9.2 Evico GmbH9.3 Hitachi, Ltd.9.4 Hyper Tech Research, Inc.9.5 Metal Oxide Technologies, Inc.9.6 Siemens AG9.7 Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.9.8 Superconductor Technologies, Inc.9.9 Toshiba Corporation9.10 Bruker Corporation9.11 Ceraco Ceramic Coating Gmbh9.12 Deutsche Nanoschicht Gmbh9.13 Fujikura Ltd.9.14 Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd.Make an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Wifi Hotspot Global Market by Software & Data Validation, Analysis and Forecast 2022

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According to Publisher, the Global WiFi Hotspot market is accounted for $1.5 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $4.9 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 18.4% from 2015 to 2022. The factors that are favoring the market growth include investment in smart city projects, remote mobile workers, adoption of Wi-Fi hotspots by the retail, hospitality & education sectors and deployment in transportation hubs. However, lack of security during the usage of Wi-Fi and bandwidth requirement is restraining the market growth. Wi-Fi provides an opportunity for fixed-line operators to collaborate with the mobile broadband field.For more information atSome of the key players in global Wifi Hotspot market are Nokia Networks, Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson, Aruba Networks, iPass, Inc., Ruckus Wireless, Aptilo Networks, Netgear, Boingo Wireless, Inc, CableWiFi, Cox Communications, Deutsche Telekom, Facebook, FCC (Federal Communications Commission), Globalstar, Google, Korea Telecom, Meraki, Qualcomm, Scratch Wireless, Verizon and Vodafone.Services Covered:- Consulting Services- Installation and Integration Services- Managed Services- Professional ServicesSoftwares Covered:- Wi-Fi security software- Wi-Fi hotspot billing software- Cloud based hotspot management- Centralized hotspot managementComponents Covered:- Mobile hotspot devices- Wireless hotspot controllers- Wireless hotspot gatewaysRequest Sample Copy:Regions 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 Egypt13 Company Profiling13.1 Nokia Networks13.2 Alcatel-Lucent13.3 Cisco Systems Inc.13.4 Ericsson13.5 Aruba Networks13.6 iPass, Inc.13.7 Ruckus Wireless13.8 Aptilo Networks13.9 Netgear13.10 Boingo Wireless, Inc13.11 CableWiFi13.12 Cox Communications13.13 Deutsche Telekom13.14 Facebook13.15 FCC (Federal Communications Commission)13.16 Globalstar13.17 Google13.18 Korea Telecom13.19 Meraki13.20 Qualcomm13.21 Scratch Wireless13.22 Verizon13.23 VodafoneMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Eye Wash Station Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

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Global Eye Wash Station Market 2017 report spread across 122 pages gives Market Segment Analysis by Key Manufacturers, Countries, Types and Applications. Eye Wash Station is a unit that attaches to a water supply and provides a gentle stream of water; used for emergency irrigation to remove contaminants from the ocular area.Complete report is available atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Eye Wash Station 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 covers: HUGHES, Haws, Guardian Equipment, Speakman, Bradley, Honeywell International, Encon Safety Products, CARLOS, Sellstrom, STG, XULONG, Shanghai Bohua, Wenzhou Growth, Shanghai Taixiong, Shanghai Daao, Shanghai YikeMarket 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)Market Segment by Type, covers: Combination Eye Wash Station, Bench Mounted Eye Wash Station, Vertical Eye Wash Station, Portable Eye Wash Station, Wall-Mounted Eye Wash Station, OthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Chemical Industry, Electronic Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Oil & Gas Industry, School Institutions, OthersRequest for discount atThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Eye Wash Station market.Chapter 1 to describe Eye Wash Station Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2 to analyze the top manufacturers of Eye Wash Station, with sales, revenue, and price of Eye Wash Station, 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 Eye Wash Station, 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;Order copy of report atChapter 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 Eye Wash Station market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15 to describe Eye Wash Station sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Ritesh Tiwari,+ 1 888 391 5441sales@reportsandreports.com
Tonsil and Adenoid Removal Products Market Forecast to 2022

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The objective of this report is to describe the market trends and revenue forecasts for tonsil and adenoid removal products market for the next five years. The report focuses on defining and describing the key influencing factors for the growth of the market. It also offers an in-depth analysis of the market size (revenue), market share, major market segments, different geographic regions, key market players, and premium industry trends.The report tracks the major market events including product launches, technological developments, mergers & acquisitions, and the innovative business strategies opted by key market players. Along with strategically analyzing the key micro markets, the report also focuses on industry-specific drivers, restraints, opportunities and challenges in the tonsil and adenoid removal products market. The scope of this report covers tonsil and adenoid removal products market by its major segments, which include the products, technologies and the major geographic regions.Download Free Sample:KEY PREMIUM INDUSTRY INSIGHTS1. The main factor responsible for the growth of the tonsil and adenoid removal products market is the increasing incidences of infections in tonsils and adenoid, owing to viruses and bacteria.2. Growing adoption of the minimally invasive treatments and favorable reimbursement facilities in developing countries are driving the market.3. However, the factors such as bleeding after surgery, sleepiness, and chances of nerve injury are restraining the growth of the tonsil and adenoid market.Browse Full Report:KEY MARKET PLAYERSKey players in the tonsil and adenoid removal products market include:1. Johnson & Johnson2. B. Braun Melsungen AG3.MEDTRONIC4. CONMED5. Stryker6. Zimmer Inc.7. Smith & Nephew.8. Olympus CorporationABOUT US:Scalar Market Research Inc. aspires to assist organizations from around the world to achieve their business goal with premium market research reports and consulting services. Our real-time industry tracking with the help of advanced analytics offers a crystal clear view of all the activities in niche markets. Our team, with thorough global understanding, works relentlessly to gather the necessary market insights, including customer analysis, competitions and global forecast.CONTACT:Moses Nakka8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave.,Suite 1300Chicago, IL 60631Tel.: +1-800-213-5170 (U.S./Canada Toll-free)Email: sales@scalarmarketresearch.com
Crate Handling Machines Market - Latest trends in Packaging; Review 2017

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Crate handling machines are used as a system to drop and pick up boxes and trays across several industry verticals including food and beverages, textile, agri-processing as well as logistics and supply chain. Crate handling machines is automatic controlled machine which need minimal manual intervention for moving crates.Plant operators across the globe realized the benefits of using crate handling machines, as these are suitable for large and heavy product movement, increase in productivity, and reduction in manual work and facilitates easy handling of crates. Industry stakeholders urge to leverage the expanding opportunity propelled them to move to automated machines, along with F&B sectors growth catalyzed the global crate handling machines market. Depending on the speed requirement, crate handling machines either comes as a pneumatic or servo driven mechanisms. Though, in markets which are largely characterized by high degree of automation, the servo driven model is largely preferred over the previous.Obtain Report Details @Crate Handling Machines Market : Market DynamicsCrate handling machines market growth is largely attributed by growth in F&B, which is poised to grow at a CAGR of over 5% over next three years. The industry is likely to create an estimated 1.2X more opportunity than all other end use industries. Apart from food and beverages, crate handling machines are also preferred in fast moving consumer good manufacturing plants, where unit products within the plant are transported using crates. Pharmaceutical is one of such end use industry where the usage of crate handling machines has increase reasonably over the past few years. Furthermore, the need of pharmaceutical companies to operate on maximum efficiency pushed them to integrate crate handling machines with regular operations, thus creating for crate handling machine manufacturers to design products dedicated to pharmaceutical companies or redesign products strategy to meet pharma producers demand.A dynamic boost experience in global crate handling machines market is due to the stringent labor laws, that indirectly created demand from brownfield projects. Crate handling machines minimizes the role of labor in product management, which is a profitable investment for end use industries. Despite all the favorable market dynamics, the product still faced substantial challenge in penetrating the high potential market. The global crate handling machine market is characterized by fragmented competition, where rarely any multinational company have been able to mark significant market presence, which prevents large scale technology up gradation in the products.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Crate Handling machines: Market SegmentationCrate handling machines market is segmented based on product type, technology as well as end use/application, along with regional focus for each of these segments. In terms of product type, crate handling machines market is segmented into crate stacking system, crate de-stacking systems and crate managing systems. All three equipment form an automated crate handling machines, that are predominantly used in end use industries such as food and beverage, FMCG, textile and pharmaceuticals and several others. Transportation and Logistics, auto-ancillary, fisheries, horticulture, produce processing are other end use industries which have generated significant interest in crate handling machines market over the past few years and positive growth sentiments in these industries, the growth in global crate handling machine market is evident.Crate handling Machines: Key StakeholdersFew of the key players operating in this space include NDA Group, Glenside Engineering Limited, Dyno NZ, Fibre King Pty Ltd, intralox, Crating Technologies, Packing Service, Inc. (PSI), REB Storage Systems International, R+L Carriers and Timber Creek Resource, Rentacrate, PHS Teacrate and Crate Hire UK.Crate handling Machines: Regional OutlookIn terms of geography, global crate handling machines market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. Since, the growth of crate handling machines market is largely dependent on food and beverage industry, it is more likely that the product will witness meteoric growth in the Asia Pacific market. High potential markets such as India and China continue to lead the growth momentum over 8% over the forecast period, and will also attract multinational players, which so far have been pretty dormant in these regional markets. In developed markets, the global crate handling machine market is slightly matured than Asian market. In these markets close to 30% share is accounted by established players, which in recent times witnessed competition from crate handling machine suppliers from India as well China. The market growth in these markets is anticipated to remain slightly sluggish.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Military Satellite Market - Global Industry Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Military satellites are artificial satellites used for defense applications. The growing concern for security has resulted into the need for constant surveillance and monitoring. The global market for military satellite is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.Know More Information, Download Brochure@There are several factors associated with the growing demand for military satellites. These satellites can help in constant surveillance. Furthermore, the growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles has resulted into the need for constant guidance and navigation in order to avoid mid air collision. The military satellites are an effective medium for guiding the UAVs. Moreover, these satellites are able to cover a larger area and can even provide communication to remote locations. Furthermore, the military satellites have highly flexible networking and can be used from moving platforms such as aircrafts, vehicles and ships. In addition, the growing concern for terrorism globally has driven the need for tactical communication systems to be deployed by most of the military forces across the world. The tactical communication systems help in providing secured communication platform between the military troops. Military satellites are an integral part of any tactical communication systems. Thus, the growing demand for these communication systems is further driving the demand for military satellites largely.However, there are certain restraints which are hindering the growth of the market. There is time gap while communicating through satellites which can be very risky during combats. Furthermore the satellite needs to stay in its own orbit in order to function properly. In addition, a satellite cannot be repaired once it is launched. Another major factor is the high cost of military satellites which might not be feasible for underdeveloped nations. The above mentioned issues are some of the key reasons pulling down the growth of the market. Nevertheless the ongoing research and development in defense sector is expected to lower the prices of the satellites in the near future. In addition, the repair of satellites is expected to be possible in future with the help of manned space ships.The global military satellites market can be segmented into types and geography. By types, the military satellites can be categorized into ISR, communication and navigation satellites. The demand for communication and navigation satellites is expected to remain high during the forecast period. The deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles in defense is expected to drive the need for collision avoidance systems and tactical communication systems. This in return is expected to drive the demand for communication and navigation satellites during the forecast period. However, the demand for ISR satellites is expected to grow robustly during the forecast period. The growth of these satellites is attributed to the use of these satellites for surveillance especially by countries such the U.S. and the U.K. to control terrorist activities.By geography, the market can be bifurcated into five strategic regions which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America among others. North America is expected to have the largest market for military satellites. The presence of developed countries such as the U.S. and Canada is primarily driving the demand for military satellites in this region. Moreover, these countries focus on maintaining their defense abilities. Europe is expected to grow significantly owning to the presence of countries such as Germany, France and the U.K. which focus on investing heavily towards keeping their defense sector updated with the latest weapons and equipments. However, Asia Pacific has been identified to be the most attractive region during the forecast period. The emerging economies such as China and India are investing heavily in order to upgrade their defense sectors.Browse Report@The major players in the military satellites market include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Israel Aerospace Industries and Thales among other players. The other emerging players are Lockheed Martin Corporation, GE Aviation, ViaSat and SpaceX among others.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Basil Oil Market  Factors Driving Growth Post 2017

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Basil oil is obtained from the herb known as Ocimum basilicum. Basil oil is known to be originated from Asia -Pacific Islands but is currently grown all over the world. Basil oil is considered to have several beneficial medicinal properties and is traditionally used to treat common ailments cough, allergies, nervous disorders and headaches. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, basil oil is also used to cure cuts and wounds.Obtain Report Details @Furthermore, basil oil has a naturally sweet taste and is widely used as a flavor enhancer in food industries. Basil oil is known to have anti-microbial properties and also finds major applications in applications in cosmetics. It is used in skin treatments for cure of acne and other skin infections. It is also used in various hair care products either directly or in the form of blended oil with other medicinal ingredients.Market Segmentation:The segmentation of basil oil market is done on the basis of type, application, and region.On the basis of type, the market is segmented into holy basil, tropical (exotic) basil and Sweet Linalool Basil. Holy basil is native to India and is commonly referred to as Tulsi and is considered a holy plant with a wide variety of medicinal values. Sweet linalool basil is a relatively non-toxic variant of basil oil and is used extensively in the personal care products. Tropical basil oil is characterized by a strong, camphor like aroma and is used as a rejuvenant and to treat respiratory conditions.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Based on the applications, basil oil market can be segmented into food & beverage, cosmetics and personal care products, home care products, therapeutic massage oil, pharmaceutical and other Industrial Applications. Basil oil is used in pharmaceuticals because of its properties which include its use in treatment of arthritis, nervous disorders, use as an anti-depressant, against allergies etc. due to all these medicinal properties, the pharmaceutical segment of basil oil products is expected to grow at a strong rate.Market Regional Outlook:Geographically, the global basil oil market can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa.Asia Pacific is found to be contributing major revenue of basil oil market both in consumption as well as in production. Due to the advantages and wide applications, the demand of basil oil is found to be increasing in North America which will help in increasing the basil oil products demand in the global market.Market Drivers and Trends:Basil oil is used as a massage oil and is known to reduce inflammation and for the treatment of muscle and joint pains. Basil oil is also used in aromatherapy as it helps in reducing stress. Due to the increasingly hectic lifestyle of people and associated health concerns, there is always an increased demand of stress reducing solutions. This plays a major role in strengthening the basil oil product market globally.Basil oil is used in cosmetic products because of its property to promote hair growth and keeping the skin healthy. Women all over the globe have increased the use of cosmetic products which are natural, herbal and do not cause any harmful side effects. Basil oil in its pure form is free of any harmful chemicals which increase their popularity amongst women and also increases the basil oil product demand. Basil oil products are also used in treatment of respiratory disorders. They are widely used in cough syrups in soothing sore throats. The wide applications of basil oil in pharmaceuticals are one of the major key drivers of basil oil market.Basil oil Market Key Players:Some of the key players in basil oil market are Daulos Organic Products, Organic harvest, La Tourangell, HEALTHAID LIMITED, aKARZ, etc. The increasing popularity of herbal and natural products amongst people has made the market demand of existing players prominent and new players are expected to enter the global basil oil market in near future.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:
Scanning Vibrometers Market to be at Forefront by 2025

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Scanning is a technique of taking the accurate information directly without collecting extra information, whereas, vibrometer is an instrument practiced for the measurement of the movement, velocity or acceleration of any vibrating body. Scanning Vibrometer is a tool that provides measurement and analysis of structural vibrations, for this, the entire surface is rapidly scanned and mechanically searched with the help of measurement grids, zero mass loading and no time-consuming transducer mounting, wiring and signal conditioning. The Scanning vibrometer is designed for resolving noise and vibration issues in the automotive, data storage, microsystems, R&D markets, aerospace, and commercial manufacturing. Scanning vibrometers market is very dynamic and is dominated by North America and Western Europe companies. The competition is very crucial, more stress is given towards the new and advanced technology, and vendors are offers customize products as per the end-users requirement.A sample of this report is available upon request @Scanning Vibrometers Market Dynamics and RestraintsMajorly, due to the growth in automotive, telecom or datacom sector is directly driving the market of scanning vibrometers market globally. The key factor that lifts the scanning vibrometers market growth of scanning vibrometers worldwide is its advantages such as high-speed measurement, working ability from a significant distance, non-contact scanning and measurement, high accuracy and resolution as well as compact in size over other vibrometers. Any industry who needs a mechanic set up to measure the vibration in any process to yield high-end quality will demand scanning vibrometer. Many industries such as aviation and automobile need to measure vibration, this is non-contact measurement, where visualization and analysis of structural vibrations than determining the operational deflection shapes are essential, scanning vibrometer ease the work as using this, scanning occur with the help of the laser. This type of scanning vibrometer is known as Scanner Laser Doppler Vibrometer. This kind of scanner vibrometer scan entire surfaces automatically by using flexible measurement grids. As scanning vibrometer provide scanning and measurement of critical machinery parts with ease and accuracy; its demand in electronic devices and machinery parts of automotive, aerospace, medical, material research & testing, the structural dynamic of the helicopter are propelling the scanning vibrometers market globally.Scanning Vibrometers Market: Regional OutlookRegarding geography, the scanning vibrometers market has been categorized into seven key regions including North and Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. The scanning vibrometers market is globally expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Despite the soft economy, consumers of North and Latin America are buying cars and electronic gadgets, this raises demand for scanning vibrometers in countries such as Canada and the US, Mexico making North and Latin America leading region in scanning vibrometers market. The presence of key players in automotive, electronics, research and engineering technology domain makes Eastern and Western Europe second leading region in global scanning vibrometers market. Countries such as China, India are the principal countries in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan region in development; government, companies, and banks are also coming up with many schemes and offers to support and boost automotive, aerospace, electronics industry, this makes Asia Pacific Excluding Japan third leading region for the scanning vibrometers market. Japan, the Middle East, and Africa are predicted to acquire the scanning vibrometers market in the near future.Request to view Table of content @Scanning Vibrometers Market: Key playersSome of the key players of global scanning vibrometers market include Polytec GmbH, Bruel & Kjaer, OptoMET GmbH, HGL Dynamics, Econ Technologies, Klippel GmbH, Cts Laser Scanner Company, Optical Measurement System (OMS) Corporation Dewetron Corporation, GRAPHTEC Corporation, Hysen Corporation, and Meggitt Invenco 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.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
Boost in Technology Driving the Seaweed Market 2024

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Seaweed is species of macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae, which are found in oceans and seas across the globe. The hydrocolloids such as alginate, agar, and carrageenan, gelatinous substances are extracted from seaweed. Seaweed is beneficial to health to fight against illness and diseases. Seaweed is used in food, medicines, cosmetics and organic fertilizers and feed additives. The red seaweed is a source for carrageenan hydrocolloid, which is highly used in food industry owing to its improved gelling and thickening property. The red seaweed segment is anticipated to dominate among the product type segment, due to the increasing demand for agar and carrageenan from the food industry. The brown seaweeds is expected to follow red seaweeds owing to the growing use of brown seaweed in animal feed additives and fertilizers. On the basis of form type, the liquid form seaweed is expected to account for larger market share in terms of value and volume, this is owing to rising demand from agriculture and pharmaceutical industries across the globe. On the other hand, the human food segment is expected to hold significant market share among the application segment, this is due to increase in seaweed consumption in human food coupled with increasing demand for seaweed derived snacks. The global seaweed market is anticipated to witness significant CAGR during the forecast period.Increasing consumption of seaweed as a food extract, medical use, and for bio-refining is expected to drive the demand for seaweed. Furthermore, growing consumer awareness regarding nutritional benefits of seaweed, rising demand for alginate in food, pharmaceutical industries is expected to boost the growth of global seaweed market. In addition, increasing demand for seaweed derived snacks is anticipated to fuel the demand for seaweed.However, lack of awareness of harvesting various species of seaweed among the manufactures is expected to hinder the growth of global seaweed market.Key trends are observed in the production of seaweeds are, the manufacturers are implementing growth strategies such as merger and acquisition, partnership, and agreement.The global seaweed market is segmented on the basis of product type, form type, and application.On the basis of product type, the global seaweed market is segmented into: Red Seaweed Brown Seaweed Green SeaweedOn the basis of form type, the global seaweed market is segmented into: Liquid Powdered FlakesOn the basis of application, the global seaweed market is segmented into: Food and Beverages Agriculture Animal Feed Additives Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Other (Aquaculture, Biomass for Fuel, and Wastewater Treatment)A sample of this report is available upon request @Based on the geographies, the global seaweed market is segmented into five key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Owing to the increase in harvesting and consumption of seaweed in China, Japan and Indonesia, the Asia Pacific seaweed market is anticipated to hold major revenue market share. North America and Europe is anticipated to collectively, contribute in the global seaweed market, this is due to increasing seaweed harvesting coupled with consumption in US, Germany, UK and France. Also, rising demand for seaweed in food industries coupled with increasing investments in R&D activities by key manufacturers in US, and increasing popularity for seaweed baths coupled with increasing use of seaweed in German beer (contains agars, carrageenans and alginates) in Germany and UK are making these regions as favorable regions. Owing to growing consumer awareness regarding medical and other benefits of seaweeds in Brazil, GCC countries and South Africa, the Latin America and MEA are expected to witness modest growth rate.Request to view table of content @Some of the major players identified in the global seaweed market include Cargill, Incorporated DuPon Acadian Seaplants Limited (ASL) Biostadt India Limited Brandt Consolidated, Inc. COMPO Expert GmbH Gelymar Lonza Group Ltd. Marinalg International Ocean Harvest Technology Ocean Rainforest Sp/F Qingdao Bright Moon Group Co., Ltd. Groupe Roullier Seasol TBK Manufacturing Corporation W Hydorcolloids Inc. CP Kelco High Hope Foods (Nanjing) Co., Ltd.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Market Segmented by Materials, Types and Applications

Global Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Market Research Report

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Summary: The Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Market Report is a valuable source of knowledge for understanding world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast.The Global Market for Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Report 2017 provides critical data of Production, Supply, Sales, Demand, Market Status and Industry Development Trend of Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure. This Report is a Result of best research material, competitive landscape analysis that will help Decision makers to excel based on futuristic chart.Segmented by Materials, Types and Applications with focus on Regional Market Analysis is the Highlight of this Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Market Study. Starting with a Complete Industry Review, this Report covers: Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Chain Structure & Market Comparison Analysis Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Import and Export Analysis Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Application Share and Status Analysis Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Demand AnalysisBrowse Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Market Report at:In next section, the Report is segmented by Geographical Areas such as Asia, North America and Europe. For these regions, the Report covers Development History & Trends with Competitive Landscape Analysis for the Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Industry.For same Regions, the Report also offers Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Industry Development Trends which includes Markets Capacity Production Overview, Production Market Share Analysis, Demand Overview, Supply Demand and Shortage, Import/Export Consumption, Cost Price, Production, Value & Gross Margin Analysis.One of the major mainstays of the Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Market Report is the coverage of the Competitors of this Industry. Region-wise Company Profiles are also evaluated for: Company Profile Product Picture and Specification Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Products Application Analysis Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Company Contact InformationRequest Sample of Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Industry Report at:The Next Chapter of this Granular Analysis deals with Marketing Channels and Investment Feasibility Analysis. Economic Environmental Analysis is also taken into Account in Chapter 16 of the Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Market Report for Countries such as China, European Countries, United States, Japan and other Global Regions.Major Emphasis on Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure 2012-2017 Industry Productions, Supply, Sales, Demand, Market Status and Forecasts is given and presented to understand past status of Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Market. The Report Concludes with 2017-2021 Forecasts of Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Import and Export Consumptions, Capacity and Production Overview for Each Region with Insights provided by Key Players of the Market.Buy Report at:As always has been the aim at Orbis Research with every report put up, the information on offer is complete and true knowledge seekers will benefit from it. Irrespective of the interest, academic or commercial, the Photo Printing Kiosk Sales Industry report curated and compiled by domain experts will definitely shed light on key information which the clients require.Major Points from TOC:Part I Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Industry OverviewPart II Asia Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure IndustryPart III North American Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure IndustryPart IV Europe Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Industry AnalysisPart V Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Marketing Channels and Investment FeasibilityPart VI Global Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Industry ConclusionsCheck for Discount offered on this Report at:About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Information:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas  75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019Email: sales@orbisresearch.comFor More Press Releases, visit:
Nanosilver Global Market for Electrical & Electronics, Healthcare, Food & Beverages, Textile, Water Treatment and Other End-users From 2017 - 2023

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ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "Nanosilver Global Market for Electrical & Electronics, Healthcare, Food & Beverages, Textile, Water Treatment and Other End-users From 2017 - 2023".This report analyzes and forecasts the market for nanosilver at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on volume (tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2015 to 2023. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global nanosilver market. It also covers the impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for nanosilver during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the nanosilver market at the global and regional level.The report includes detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global nanosilver market. Porters Five Forces Model for the nanosilver 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 market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.The study provides a decisive view of the global nanosilver market by segmenting it in terms of end-user. These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for nanosilver in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The report also covers demand for nanosilver in end-user segments in all the regions.The study includes profiles of major companies operating in the global nanosilver market. Key players in the nanosilver market include NovaCentrix, NSM (Nano Silver Manufacturing SDN BHD), Advanced Nano Products Co., Ltd., Creative Technology Solutions Co., Ltd., Ames Goldsmith Corp., Applied Nanotech, Inc., SILVIX Co., Ltd., NanoMasTech. and ras materials GmbH. Market players are profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies and recent developments.The report provides the estimated market size of nanosilver for 2015 and forecast for the next eight years. The global market size of nanosilver has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Market volume has been defined in tons, while market revenue is in US$ Mn. Market numbers have been estimated based on end-users of nanosilver. Market size and forecast for each major end-user have been provided in terms of global and regional markets.In 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 represents 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.Make an Enquiry of this report @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.Primary research involves e-mail interactions, telephonic interviews, and face-to-face interviews for each market, category, segment, and sub-segment across geographies. We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. Primary interviews provide first-hand information on market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, outlook, etc. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.The report segments the global nanosilver market as follows:Nanosilver Market - End-user AnalysisElectrical & electronicsHealthcareFood & beveragesTextileWater treatmentOthers (Including personal care, detergents, etc.)Nanosilver Market - Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeFranceGermanyItalySpainU.K.Rest of EuropeAsia PacificTo 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 @
Nutraceuticals And Processing Technologies Market Expecting Steady Growth amidst Rising Demand

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The global market for nutraceuticals and processing technologies is the focus of analysis of a recent market research report by Transparency Market Research. The report, titled Nutraceuticals And Processing Technologies Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013  2019, gives a thorough outline of the market and a forward looking perspective about the markets growth prospects through 2019.Obtain Report Details @Nutraceuticals are the products that enhance the nutritional value of foods or other products they are added to; they help prevent and treat a number of diseases. The use of nutraceuticals is also associated with benefits such as delayed ageing, improved life expectancy, and the prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases.The global nutraceuticals and processing technologies market has been driven by a host of factors, including the rising global population of diabetic and obese people, and rising consumer awareness regarding personal healthcare and fitness. The changing lifestyles of the worlds rapidly expanding urban population, which has inadvertently triggered an epidemic of choric and lifestyle diseases, has also emerged as a major driving force for the global nutraceuticals and processing technologies market. The increased affordability of nutraceutical products and excellent marketing are also favoring the healthy growth of the global nutraceuticals and processing technologies market.The market is, however, restrained to a certain extent owing to the high prices of nutraceutical products, a factor that limits their widespread use across certain developing and under-developed parts of the globe. The doubts concerning the absorption rate of nutrients from nutraceutical products is also a major concern that limits the receptiveness of these products amongst skeptical consumers.Though the nutraceuticals market contributes to only about 10% to the overall food industry worldwide, the market has excellent growth opportunities that can be harnessed by adhering to proper business partnership modules. A detailed understanding of the regulatory framework ruling the global nutraceuticals and processing techniques market is also required for formulating effective business strategies and gaining a competitive edge. The report, with its all-inclusive data, covering the key market segments and their developmental prospects across prominent regional markets, makes for an excellent guide for decision makers.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @The report also gives detailed insights into the competitive landscape of the global nutraceuticals and processing technologies market. The report features detailed business profiles and other important details pertaining to some of the major vendors operating in the market. Some the most influential vendors in the market profiled in the report are Johnson and Johnson Group, BASF Group, Cadbury, Bayer Healthcare, Herbal Life International of America, Clif Bar & Company, Jordan Cereals, and Cargill.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 Motorcycle Accessories Market to be at Forefront by 2026

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Improved economic outlook across the globe resulted into substantial increase in purchasing power of consumers over the past few years. Consequently, several industry verticals reported an increase in overall demand for respective products, and automotive industry is no different. However, different trends in sales reported across sub-segments within the automotive sector, but motorcycle sales has always remained impressive, particularly in high potential markets. Growth in global motorcycle market ascertained the growth of allied industries such as motorcycle component and accessories. Motorcycle accessories, apart from increasing aesthetic appeal, also ensure better performance, safety and security. Global motorcycle accessories market is projected to register a CAGR higher than 5% by 2020 and decline a bit on long term projections till 2026. A variation in CAGR is evident across geographies and clusters, subjected to penetration of products launched by established motorcycle accessories suppliers and cyclicity of product launched by local and regional player in respective geography.Request for Sample Report @Motorcycle Accessories Market: Drivers and RestraintsPerpetual growth in motor cycle sales coupled with new variants of motor cycle introduced by manufacturers catalyzed the growth of motorcycle accessories market, which grew at a CAGR of over 4% in past five years. Expansion of European and American motorcycle manufacturers in emerging markets also contributed to the demand for motorcycle accessories. Technology advancement led to wider adoption of accessories across target customer base.Increasing consumers demand for motorcycle is one of the factor fuelling the demand for motorcycle accessories. Furthermore, development of cost effective combustible engines along with increasing popularity of motorcycles among youths is expected to boost overall sales of motorcycle accessories worldwide. Worldwide sales of motorcycle in the developed as well as developing countries is projected to augment the demand for motorcycle accessories over the forecast period. With more manufactures focusing on technology and product development, the demand for motorcycle accessories is expected to showcase a promising future throughout the forecast period. Consumers preference for aftermarket can hinder the sales for OEM (Original Equipment Market), as is one of the big challenge for the growth of the motorcycle accessories market.Motorcycle Accessories Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, the global motorcycle accessories market is segmented into,Protective GearFrames and FittingsLightingHeadlightsFlashersBags & LuggageBatteriesOthersOn the basis of motorcycle type, the global motorcycle accessories market is segmented into,StandardCruiserSport bikesTouringDual-purposeScooters, mopedsOn the basis of distributional channel, the global motorcycle accessories market is segmented into,Multi brand RetailOrganized Retail OutletIndependent OutletsSingle Brand Retaile-RetailOn the basis of market type, the global motorcycle accessories market is segmented into,Original Equipment Market (OEM)AftermarketOn the basis of geography, the global motorcycle accessories market is segmented into,North AmericaLatin AmericaWest EuropeEastern EuropeMiddle East & AfricaAsia Pacific excluding JapanJapanMotorcycle Accessories Market: Region-wise outlookBy region wise, the global motorcycle accessories market has been divided in to seven key regions including North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East & Africa and Japan. The global motorcycle accessories market is expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Asia pacific is expected to dominate motorcycle accessories market throughout the forecast period. Significant presence of accessories along with substantial rise in overall consumer spending is expected to drive the demand for motorcycle accessories market in the region. Next, North America and Europe are expected to create substantial demand for motorcycle accessories market. In Latin America and Middle East & Africa is expected to grow at a subdued rate owing to low consumer spending.Request for Table of content @Motorcycle Accessories Market: Key PlayersSome of the Key players operating into the global motorcycle accessories market are Akropovic, Bajaj Auto Limited, Suzuki, Honda Motor Company Limited, KTM Company, Loncin Motorcycle, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A, Hero Motocorp Limited, Chongqing Lifan Industry (Group) Company Limited.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.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
Nuclear Waste Management Market Global Industry Analysis Forecast 2016 - 2024

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This research study analyzes the nuclear waste management market in terms of revenue (US$ Mn). The nuclear waste management market has been segmented on the basis of waste type, nuclear reactor type, and geography. The regional segments have been further divided into 12 sub-segments that comprise nine countries which are major players in the global nuclear waste management market. For the research, 2015 has been taken as the base year while all forecasts have been given for the 20162024 period. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the regional as well as country-specific level for the 20142024 period. The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in nuclear waste management services.Obtain Report Details @ :The report also includes the key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the global nuclear waste management market. These market dynamics were analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the global nuclear waste management market with the help of Porters Five Forces model. This analysis helps in understanding the five major forces that affect the market structure and profitability of the global nuclear waste management market. The forces analyzed are the bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of competition.The report provides detailed insights into the nuclear waste management business globally. There are currently numerous drivers for the nuclear waste management market. One of the most prominent drivers is the stringent norms and regulations to reduce harmful emissions globally, mandating higher investments in nuclear power projects. Apart from this, nuclear waste management market would benefit from several planned nuclear decommissioning projects. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the nuclear waste management market on the basis of geography. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market in different regions.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @ :Growth in the market for nuclear waste management can be attributed to high focus on increasing energy requirements and achieving power supply targets. The market has received further impetus from rising environmental concerns to reduce harmful emissions. Regulations related to usage of efficient fuels and environmental concerns are building the next wave of nuclear waste management services. These regulations would have a significant impact on the nuclear waste management market. Currently, the growth potential for nuclear waste management market is in Europe, followed by Asia Pacific. Both Europe and Asia Pacific have more number of nuclear reactors and thereby, generate significant quantities of nuclear wastes. This would drive the market for nuclear waste management in the next few yearsThe nuclear waste management market has been segmented in terms of waste type, nuclear reactor type and geography. By waste type, the nuclear waste management market has been segmented into low level waste, intermediate level waste, and high level waste. By nuclear reactor type, the market has been segmented into boiling water reactors, gas cooled reactors, pressurized water reactors, pressurized heavy water reactors, and others. The nuclear waste management market was analyzed across four geographies: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Europe, held the largest market share (41.3%), followed by Asia Pacific (30.1%) in 2015. Rising awareness about the need for nuclear power and huge investments in nuclear power projects are the primary drivers for the nuclear waste management market in Europe. The market in Rest of the World experienced sluggish growth in 2015.Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the nuclear waste management market. Key market participants in the nuclear waste management market include Areva SA, Augean Plc, Bechtel Corporation, BHI Energy, Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc., Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co., Stericycle, Inc., US Ecology, Inc., Veolia Environmental Services, and Waste Control Specialists, LLC.Nuclear Waste Management Market: By Waste TypeLow Level WasteIntermediate Level WasteHigh Level WasteNuclear Waste Management Market: By Nuclear ReactorBoiling Water ReactorsGas Cooled ReactorsPressurized Water ReactorsPressurized Heavy Water ReactorsOthersAbout 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 requirement90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Motorcycle Engine Management System Market to Record Sturdy Growth by 2026

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Now a days Engine Management System (EMS) is common for low end vehicles and motorcycles. The engine management system is responsible for maintaining ignition timing and amount of fuel injected in the combustion cylinder. The engine management system helps to maximize the power output of engine, lower the exhaust, and lower the fuel consumption thus helping the vehicle to meet the required emission norms worldwide with improved energy performance. The engine management system is basically an Electronic control unit with sensors, sensors are used to send the information about intake air temperature, coolant temperature, throttle position, engine speed to electronic control unit. Electronic control unit takes the action and modifies the air fuel ratio and control the engine speed.Request for Sample Report and Table of content @Global Motorcycle Engine Management System Market Dynamics:Global motorcycle engine management system market is directly influenced by global motorcycle production & sales and emission regulations in different part of the world. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for motorcycles, there is a huge demand for motorcycles in India, and this factor makes this region the most lucrative market for engine management systems suppliers. The consumer demand for the more fuel efficient motorcycles in Asia-Pacific region is also a major driver for the global motorcycle engine management system market. Aftermarket installation of engine management system may contribute positively in the global motorcycle engine management system market. North America and Europe is the small market as compared with Asia-Pacific, but the demand for advance and efficient motorcycles is increasing, thus there is an opportunity for the engine management system suppliers in these regions.The increase in the demand for environment friendly electric bikes and scooters is posing a threat for motorcycle engine management system market.Global Motorcycle Engine Management System Market Segmentation:Global motorcycle engine management system market is segmented on the basis of types of motorcycle where it is used, such as sport bikes, cruiser bikes, touring bikes, sport-touring bikes, dual-sport bikes, and scooter and mopeds. Further, the market is segmented on the basis of components such as; ECU, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, speed sensors, position sensors, and others. Global motorcycle engine management system market is also segmented on the basis of capacity of the engines such as, less than 250 cc, 251 to 500 cc, 501 to 1000 cc, and larger than 1000 cc.Global Motorcycle Engine Management System Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Global Motorcycle Engine Management System market can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. European and North American motorcycle market mainly consist of sport bikes, touring (adventure) bikes which are all high performing bike with advance engine technology. Asian motorcycle market mainly consist of two-wheelers with engine capacity less than 250 cc. Asia-Pacific is largest market for motorcycles, more than 70% of the global motorcycle market.Global Motorcycle Engine Management System Market Key Players:The major global player identified across the value chain are Robert Bosch GmbH, Denso Corporation, Delphi Automotive LLP, Infineon Technologies AG, Omnitek Engineering Corp., and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation among others. Companies are focusing on integration of smartphone through mobile application with engine management system which will help the companies to track the real time performance of a vehicle.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.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
Fire Protection Systems Market Growth 2015 - 2023

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This research study analyzes the market for fire protection systems in terms of revenue (US$ Mn). The fire protection systems market has been segmented on the basis of oil & gas operational sectors and regions. In terms of region, the market has been further divided into five segments. For the research, 2014 has been taken as the base year, while all forecasts have been given for the period from 2015 to 2023. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the regional level from 2014 to 2023. The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the fire protection systems business. The report also includes the key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the Global Fire Protection Systems (for Oil and Gas) market. These market dynamics were analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the Global Fire Protection Systems (for Oil and Gas) market with the help of Porters Five Forces model. This analysis helps in understanding the five major forces that affect the market structure and market profitability. The forces analyzed are bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of competition.Browse Market Research Report @ :The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the fire protection systems business globally. There are currently numerous drivers of the market. One of the most prominent drivers is the stringent safety regulations by government institutions for the installation of fire protection systems. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the fire protection systems market on the basis of regions. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market in different regions.The fire protection systems market was segmented on the basis of oil & gas operational sectors (upstream, midstream, and downstream). These operational sectors are further divided into onshore and offshore applications for fire protection systems. The onshore upstream operational sector comprises onshore drilling rigs, whereas offshore upstream operational sector includes offshore platforms, drill ships, and offshore oil rigs. The onshore midstream operational sector includes accommodation areas and pipelines, while offshore midstream operational sector includes FPSO, LNG carriers, and offshore support and supply vessels. The downstream operational sector has been sub-segmented into four applications: production vessels, production platforms, refineries, and petrochemicals. The fire protection systems market was analyzed across five geographies: North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and South and Central America. Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the fire protection systems market.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @ :Key players in the fire protection systems market include 3M, Blaze Manufacturing Solutions Ltd., Consilium AB Publ., Danfoss Semco A/S, Deluge Offshore & Marine Pte Ltd., Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Emerson Electric Co. (Net Safety Monitoring Inc., Spectrex Inc.), Fike Corporation, Fire Protection Engineering A/S, Gielle Srl, Honeywell International, Inc., Johnson Controls plc, KEVTA Fire Systems, Inc., Knowsley SK Limited, Minimax GmbH & Co. KG, MSA Safety Incorporated, Orcus Fire & Risk, Inc., Semco Maritime A/S, Siemens AG, SK Fire Safety Group B.V., Trelleborg AB, Tyco International Ltd. (Oldham SAS, Water Mist Engineering AS), Ultra Fog AB, Unisafe Fire Protection Specialists LLC, United Technologies Corporation (Autronica Fire & Security A/S, Detector Electronics Corporation (Det-Tronics), Marioff Corporation Oy), and Wilhelmsen Ships Service. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments.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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Beauty Device Market to Account US$ 54,186.9 Million in 2020

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Global beauty devices market was valued at USD 19,389.1 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.7% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 54,186.9 million in 2020.A sample of this report is available upon request @Globally, the beauty devices market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing disposable income, which is enabling people to spend more on personal care. In addition, rise in aging the population and increasing prevalence of skin diseases and harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation are also driving the growth of the market. However, there are various risks and complications associated with beauty devices which may lead to bruising, swelling, and redness. In addition, extended availability of easy-to-use beauty products inhibits the growth of the market. The global beauty devices market is anticipated to grow from an estimated USD 19,389.1 million in 2014 to USD 54,186.9 million in 2020 at a CAGR of 18.7% during the forecast period.In North America, increasing aging population and availability of advanced devices are driving the use of beauty devices in the market. In addition, in the U.S., there are around 750,000 beauty salons and spas. These beauty salon and spas have propelled the demand for beauty devices and personal care products in order to offer better services to their customers.In Europe, the beauty devices market is driven by rising aging population. In addition, in Spain the market is evolving due to rising awareness about potential healing applications of beauty devices in the treatment of skin and hair problems.However, in Asia the growth for beauty devices is much higher than developed countries due to increasing disposable income, availability of multinational brands and the introduction of less expensive beauty devices.Request to view Table of content @LOreal Group, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Home Skinovations, Ltd., PhotoMedex, Inc., TRIA Beauty, Inc., Syneron Medical, Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Panasonic Corporation, Carol Cole Company and Procter & Gamble are some of the major players of beauty 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.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
Wealth in Singapore: Sizing the Market Opportunity

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MarketResearchReports.Biz presents this most up-to-date research on "Wealth in Singapore: Sizing the Market Opportunity"DescriptionSingapore is one of the worlds pre-eminent offshore investment centers, with 81% of the wealth invested in funds sourced from non-residents. However, the onshore market is a major source of assets under management (AUM) in its own right, with 1.0 million affluent individuals despite the city states small population. As a regional trading hub Singapores growth rates are closely tied to the health of regional powerhouses such as China, India, and Indonesia; however, even with growth slowing in some of these economies, Singapores wealth market will continue to post rates that are the envy of the developed world.Key FindingsHNW individuals totaled 29,600 in 2015, a tiny proportion of the overall population and well below the levels seen in the US or Switzerland.HNW liquid assets are expected to grow by roughly 7.5% a year between 2015 and 2019.Bonds will be the fastest-growing asset class, but more due to greater availability than client demand.While Singapore attracts significant offshore investment, residents are also keen to invest abroad  34% of AUM is invested offshoreSynopsisVerdict Financials Wealth in Singapore: Sizing the Market Opportunity analyzes the Singaporean wealth and retail savings and investments markets, with a focus on the HNW segment. The report is based on our proprietary datasets.Specifically the report:Sizes the affluent market (both by the number of individuals and the value of their liquid assets) using our proprietary datasets.Analyzes which asset classes are favored by Singaporean retail investors and how their preferences impact the growth of the total savings and investments market.Examines HNW clients attitudes towards non-liquid investments, such as hedge funds, property and commodities.Identifies key drivers and booking centers for offshore investments by Singaporean HNW clients.Reasons To BuyBenchmark your share of the Singaporean wealth market against the current market size.Forecast your future growth prospects using our projections for the market to 2019.Identify your most promising client segment by analyzing penetration of affluent individuals in Singapore.Evaluate your HNW proposition by understanding the investment mix of the local onshore investment market.Review your offshore strategy by learning HNW motivations for offshore investments and their preferred booking centers.Download Sample Copy of This Report at:Table of ContentsEXECUTIVE SUMMARYSingapore's small domestic wealth market is as attractive as its large offshore sectorKey findingsCritical success factorsSIZING AND FORECASTING THE SINGAPOREAN WEALTH MARKETWhile primarily a major offshore center, Singapore also has a substantial onshore elementOffshore investors do not book in Singapore to keep their funds in depositsIn contrast, managed funds are dominated by offshore AUMFavorable domestic conditions will drive further expansion in onshore wealthA sizable proportion of Singapore's population will move into the affluent market in the coming yearsThe bulk of Singapore's onshore wealth is concentrated in the hands of the affluentHNW portfolios above $10m in AUM will experience the highest growthBrowse Latest Industry Press Release at:About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports.MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients.We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated researchreports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and typesof companies spanning across various industries.ContactState Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.bizFollow us on LinkedIn:
Motion Controllers Market Trends and Forecast by 2023

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Motion Controllers control the velocity and position of machines. These controllers can be implemented with the help of both analog and digital computers.A motion controller comprises of load, prime mover, sensors and controlling machine for proper functioning of prime mover and load. Moreover, it is used to accomplish speed accuracy, increased position, fast reaction time, smooth movements, cost reduction, integrated automation, improved efficiency and consistency, elimination of hazards and better diagnosis and troubleshooting among others.These devices incorporate high force magnet materials, precise dimensional tolerance and innovative design machines. Motion controllers are widely used in printing, packaging, textile, assembly industries, semiconductor production and many other automation systems.Browse Market Research Report:The key driving factors for motion controllers market are increasing venture by manufacturing companies and rising concern for industrial safety. Moreover, immense developments of automation market along with rapid globalization have collectively increased the demand for huge production capacity within limited time frame.Thus there has been a surge in implementation of automation systems in industries worldwide. Different geographical drivers are also accountable for the growth of this market.In addition, demand from developing countries, such as India, China and Brazil are expected to create opportunities for motion controllers market in the future.However, high manufacturing cost and lack of skilled workers are hindering the growth of the market. This challenge has to be addressed by manufacturers in order to ensure efficient applications of motion controllers.Global motion controllers market can be broadly classified on the basis of technology, application and geography. By technology, the market for motion controllers has been broadly segmented into computerized numerical control and general motion control. Usage of these controllers is much simpler in general motion control machines compared to computerized numerical control machines.The market can be subdivided by application into automotive, machinery manufacturing, logistics, aerospace and defense, electronics and semiconductor, food and beverage, medical, paper and printing, oil and gas and energy.Machinery manufacturing, logistics and electronics and semiconductor are the major sectors which are expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period from 2015 to 2021.The major reason is attributed to potential demand for process automation and industrial safety in these sectors. By geography, the global market for motion controllers has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World.Fill the form to Gain Deeper Insights on this Market:In the present scenario, the market for motion controllers is dominated by Asia Pacific in terms of revenue, followed by North America and Europe. The major factor responsible for potential development of this market in Asia Pacific is huge adoption of these devices coupled with rapid technological advancement.However, North America and Europe is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the future, primarily due to huge investment by manufacturing industries along with increase in industrialization.Some of the major players in this market are Schneider Electric (France), Siemens AG (Germany), Parker Hannifin Corp. (U.S.), Yaskawa Electric Corp. (Japan), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Moog Inc. (U.S.), Bosh Rexroth AG (Germany), Altra Industrial Motion Corporation (U.S.), Dover Motion Systems (U.S.) and Rockwell Automation (U.S.).About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email:sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Polyvinyl Chloride Market Industry Analysis and Trends - Global Forecast to 2027

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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 Polyvinyl Chloride Market.To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth.To Analyse the Global Polyvinyl Chloride 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).Get Sample Copy @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 raw materials, types and application.To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market.To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Polyvinyl Chloride Market.Market Synopsis of Polyvinyl Chloride Market:Over the past few years, there has been an increasing demand for Polyvinyl Chloride in various applications which mainly includes pipes, electric cables, construction, clothing and furniture, plasticizers and several others. It has been projected that the factors which has created the huge demand for polyvinyl chloride market are growing construction industries in Asia-Pacific and North America. Increasing usage of polyvinyl in healthcare industries as well as in the production of films and sheets. Geographically, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest market due to the growing construction industries in China, India and Indonesia. Owing to these factors, there will be an immense growth opportunity for the manufacturing companies to capture the market.Browse Report @Segmentation:As per MRFR analysis, the global polyvinyl chloride market is segmented into raw materials, applications and types. The raw material is segmented into polyvinyl chloride are ethylene and chlorine. The applications is segmented into Pipes, Electric cables, Construction, Clothing and furniture, Plasticisers and others. Whereas, by types the market is segmented into type I and type II.Regional Analysis of Polyvinyl Chloride Market:The global polyvinyl chloride market is poised to grow rapidly from 2015 to 2027, with a good CAGR during the forecasted period.Key Players:The leading market players in the global polyvinyl chloride market mainly include Arkema, INEOS Group, LG Chem, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical, BASF, Sinopec Group, Oxy, Vinnolit Gmbh, KEM one and others.The market report for Polyvinyl Chloride of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.comAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research FutureAmanora Town Centre, Office No. 528,, Amanora Chambers, Hadapsar, Pune, Maharashtra 411028
Tele-intensive Care Services Market Research Report 2026

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As per an article in the Permanente Journal  a journal of medical science, social science in medicine, and medical humanities, the cost of treating critically ill patients crosses US$67 bn per year in the U.S. alone. The mortality rate is around 10% and even reaches up to 28% in ICU settings. In order to limit ICU deaths, healthcare professionals and hospital managers are actively exploring tele-intensive care services. This keen interest by healthcare professionals in tele-intensive care services is owing to the number of benefits these services can offer to providers and receivers of critical care. Tele-intensive care units have helped patients in keeping medication errors in check and have decreased the length of stay (LOS) in ICUs. This is driving the global tele-intensive care services market.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:The report on global tele-intensive care services market is enriched with fruitful information, statistics, and data, which holds the potential to benefit readers. It provides a basic overview of the tele-intensive care services market including definition, classifications, applications, and industry chain structure.For the purpose of giving a clearer picture to the readers, the growth and decline of each of the segments have been given in the report along with the underlying reason behind the state of the segment. The leading segment and sub-segment and also the fastest growing segment are given.Overview of the Tele-intensive Care Services MarketThe demand for tele-intensive care services is driven by the rapid adoption of telemedicine among people across the globe. The rising number of patients requiring intensive care is burdening hospitals and as such, the adoption of tele-intensive care services is an ideal solution. Moreover, there is an increased interest and confidence among healthcare professionals in remote patient monitoring. This is fueling the growth of the market globally. Additionally, the cost and time savings associated with the ability to make quick decisions by the adoption of these services will further boost their demand.The centralization of the massive amount of patient data will aid the interest of healthcare professionals in tele-intensive care services. The decreased hospital stay and the reduced risk of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are some of the other factors encouraging the adoption of tele-intensive care services. The adoption of tele-intensive care services helps medical practitioners to monitor any important signs in patients and also receive alerts in case of deviations in the set health parameters of a patient. Moreover, the implementation of tele-intensive care services prevents hospital-setting related issues from occurring.According to TMR, tele-intensive care services will be centered on IoT and various smart medical devices in the future. An increasing number of hospitals are realizing that the adoption of these services can be very profitable after the initial cost of investment has been recovered. This is further expected to encourage other hospitals to adopt these services, thus driving the global tele-intensive care services market.The global tele-intensive care services market is segmented on the basis of type, component, and geography. By product, the market is segmented into hardware and software. Hardware components are further categorized into therapeutic devices, communication lines, computer systems, physiological monitors, display panels, and video feeds. By type, the market is segmented into intensivist, open, co-managed, open with consultants. By geography, the market can be segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe report studies key players operating in the global tele-intensive care services market. These include: Advanced ICU care, inTouch health, UPMC Italy, INTELEICU, iMDsoft, INOVA, and Philips. The business and financial overview, recent products and developments, and the strategies implemented by each of the companies are given in the report.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisHighlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout 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:
Banking as a Marketplace: Opportunities and Threats

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Banking as a Marketplace: Opportunities and Threats to its growing collection of premium market research reports."Banking as a Marketplace: Opportunities and Threats" report explores the opportunities and advantages offered by the marketplace banking model for both new entrants and incumbents. This report is based on interviews with industry figures and secondary research.EU-wide and UK-specific regulations will force banks to open up access to their customer data by January 2018. Open banking will lead to the creation of new business models, including banking as a marketplace. Here, a bank integrates third-party services into its own platform, effectively turning itself into a portal, or marketplace, where consumers can access products from across the market in one place.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Marketplace banking will lead to higher revenues. Not only will banks gain from charging access fees to partners, they will also be able to share the revenues from the sale of partner products. They can also access data generated by their partners to identify new opportunities for targeted cross-selling.- Established banks can use a marketplace strategy to harness the expertize of fintech specialists and improve the weakest offerings in their product ranges in a cost-effective manner.- Marketplace practitioners need to guard against the risks associated with sharing customer data with third parties. They also need to minimize loss of control over product development by collaborating with partners to co-create products, rather than passively integrating off-the-peg products.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Learn about the competitive and strategic advantages marketplace banking can offer providers- Understand what potential risks and drawbacks are associated with this model- Discover how banks in the UK and Europe are already implementing marketplace strategies and what they are aiming to achieve.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
Asia-Pacific Colonoscopes Market Outlook to 2023

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/asia-pacific-colonoscopes-market-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Asia-Pacific Colonoscopes Market Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "Asia-Pacific Colonoscopes Market Outlook to 2023", provides key market data on the Asia-Pacific Colonoscopes market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, volume (in units) and and average prices (USD) within market segments - Flexible Non-Video (Fibre) Colonoscopes and Flexible Video Colonoscopes.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market segments, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular market and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Market size and company share data for Colonoscopes market segments - Flexible Non-Video (Fibre) Colonoscopes and Flexible Video Colonoscopes.- Annualized market revenues (USD million) and volume (units) data for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.- 2016 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market segments.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Asia-Pacific Colonoscopes market.- Key players covered include Olympus Corporation, PENTAX Medical Company, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation and Others.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.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
Brazil Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market Outlook to 2023

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Brazil Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "Brazil Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market Outlook to 2023", provides key market data on the Brazil Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, volume (in units) and and average prices (USD) within market segments - Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices, Non Invasive Body Contouring Devices and Laser Resurfacing Devices.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market segments, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular market and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Market size and company share data for Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices market segments- Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices, Non Invasive Body Contouring Devices and Laser Resurfacing Devices.- Annualized market revenues (USD million) and volume (units) data for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.- 2016 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market segments.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Brazil Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices market.- Key players covered include Cynosure, Inc., Syneron Medical Ltd, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc and Others.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.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
Cigarettes in Israel, 2016

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/cigarettes-in-israel-2016

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Cigarettes in Israel, 2016 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Cigarettes in Israel, 2016, is an analytical report by Canadean which provides extensive and highly detailed current and future market trends in the Israeli market.Despite high living standards and expanding population, Israel has a lower market volume in Cigarettes in 2015 compared to the 1990 level, and it will continue to decline by 2025 according to Canadean's forecast. Filter cigarettes dominate sales and account for the vast majority of the Israeli market.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Reflecting the decline in Dubek's share, production has been falling and was estimated with a significant reduction in 2014. - this doesnt read clearly - best to provide 2015 data points please- As with many markets in the Middle East, there is a noticeable shift towards American blends, which are now estimated to account for over 90% of sales.- The incidence of smoking in 2013 was 19.9% in 2014 with recent falls in consumption appearing to show the success of such strategies. - this doesnt read clearly - i would choose to focus on latest data points available which we dont have for smoking incidenceTo view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Get a detailed understanding of consumption to align your sales and marketing efforts with the latest trends in the market.- Identify the areas of growth and opportunities, which will aid effective marketing planning.- As consumers product demands evolve, the dynamics between different countries also change- favoring some countries and leaving others increasingly out of line with demand patterns. As a result, understanding the specific market dynamics of the Angolan market is crucial to ensuring maximum future sales. - this is Israel, also international exports/imports is minimal in this market- The differing growth rates in regional product sales drive fundamental shifts in the market. This report provides detailed, authoritative data on these changes -prime intelligence for marketers.- Understand the market dynamics and essential data to benchmark your position and to identify where to compete in the future.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
Cigars and Cigarillos in Sweden, 2017

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/cigars-and-cigarillos-in-sweden-2017

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Cigars and Cigarillos in Sweden, 2017 to its growing collection of premium market research reports."Cigars and Cigarillos in Sweden, 2017" is an analytical report by Canadean that provides extensive and highly detailed current and future market trends in the Swedish market. The report offers Market size and structure of the overall and per capita consumption based upon a unique combination of industry research, fieldwork, market sizing analysis, and our in-house expertise.The Swedish cigar and cigarillo market has been in broad decline since the early 1990s, with per capita consumption very low at 4.32 pieces per person in 2016. The market is affected by a wider move away from smoking, as well as the impact of tax and duty increases.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- The leader of the Swedish cigar and cigarillo market is the Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG).- The Swedish market for cigars and cigarillos is in a long-term decline, affected by a wider move away from smoking, as well as the impact of tax and duty increases.- Per capita consumption is forecast to fall 16.4% to 3.68 pieces in 2025.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Get a detailed understanding of consumption to align your sales and marketing efforts with the latest trends in the market.- Identify the areas of growth and opportunities, which will aid effective marketing planning.- The differing growth rates in regional product sales drive fundamental shifts in the market.- This report provides detailed, authoritative data on these changes - prime intelligence for marketers.- Understand the market dynamics and essential data to benchmark your position and to identify where to compete in the future.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
Genomics Market: Technological Advancements, Evolving Industry Trends and Insights 2016 - 2024

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http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/genomics-market.html

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Global Genomics Market: OverviewGenomics, the science of studying genomes and their interaction with a variety of stimuli, has been the focus of extensive research and development activities in the few years. The field has witnessed a significant rise in technologies that promise a better understanding of genomes and their interaction with the environment and tools that use research results to understand the role played by genomes in the growth and survival of all organisms.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:This report on the global genomics market presents a thorough overview of the present state of the market and its segments, with projections estimating the future dynamics of markets growth trajectory. Predictions about the market are formed based on a detailed analysis of factors such as drivers, restraints, popular trends of past and present times, regulatory scenario, recent developments in terms of technology and products, level of competition in the market.The market has been examined on regional and global levels and vast qualitative and quantitative details pertaining to key aspects of the market have been included in the study. The report also presents a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape of the market, wherein details for aspects such as profiles of key vendors, recent developments, financial data (wherever available), growth strategies, and association with activities such as mergers and acquisitions are covered.Global Genomics Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe global genomics market is chiefly driven by the intensifying level of competition in the global pharmaceutical industry and the increased use of genomics in research and development of new drug classes. An increased demand for genetically modified animals and plants and the constantly reducing prices of genetic procedures are also leading to significant developments in the global genomics market through a rising scope for research and innovation.The use of genomics concepts in the field of synthetic biology, to study gene sequences of plants and living organisms, is expected to leverage the progress made in the field of synthetic cells and DNAs in the near future. Such rise in applications is also expected to lead to vast traction to the global genomics market in the future.Global Genomics Market: Geographical DynamicsThe report presents an overview of the market for genomics across regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa. Developed regions such as North America and Europe presently lead the global genomics market owing to the availability of abundant funds and the presence of a large number of companies undertaking research in the field of molecular biology. In Europe, vast initiatives undertaken by the European Union to encourage research in the field of genomics has spurred the rate of growth of the market.In the next few years, the market is expected to witness the most significant development across Asia Pacific owing to strengthening economies of developing countries such as India and China and the increased focus of the respective governments on encouraging research in the field of genomics. Furthermore, the fact that China hosts the worlds largest genomic research institute, the Beijing Genomics Institute, is also helping the Asia Pacific genomics market to sustain its growth rate.Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe global genomics market features a vast number of companies from the healthcare industry and several educational institutions, which are enriching the field through their research activities and innovative technologies that could present a more efficient analysis of genomes. Some of the key companies operating in the market are Bayer AG, Affymetrix Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., Genomatix Software Inc., Navigenics, Inc., Roche Diagnostics, Myriad Genetics, Inc., QIAGEN, Inc., Illumina, Inc., and GE Healthcare.Browse Global Strategic Business 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:
Human Biobanking Ownership Market By Technological Development, Applications and Forecast 2024

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http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/human-biobanking-ownership-market.html

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Biobanks are kind of repositories which store the biological samples for research and educational purpose. The samples are collected form general public based on various factors such as ethnicity, age, gender, lifestyle and geography. Biobanks collect the samples in various forms such as tissues, saliva, blood, etc. A purified genomic database is maintained in these biobanks, this data is significant in research and study purpose for understanding the environmental impacts and mutations, and diseases and disorders derived from them. The samples are stored in groups of specific traits to ease their application in research purposes. The samples are collected from donors after their consensus and most of the biobanks follow the practice of donors ownership and his consensus on use of his/her sample for any further research purpose by private entity or public organization. Biobanks play a vital role in research and development is healthcare industry.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:The genetic and other biological data repository maintained by biobanks help researchers to understand the human trait associated diseases and disorders, and also the impact of environment and genetic variations on cell lines and human health. These biobanks provide extensive data based on these factors and on the basis of other demographical traits, which is expected to grow the human biobanking ownership market. The biobanks offer database of cross border population which makes its users time saving and effective resource, which is expected to increase uptake for biobanking services across the globe. However, high cost associated with human biobanks, as the genome sequencing is costly and tedious process, the human biobanking ownership market is expected to restrain the growth across the globe. Also stringent laws and regulations in biobanking and concern over the security and privacy of human biobanks across globe is another factor expected to bolster the growth for human biobanking ownership market. In the near future, the global human biobanking ownership market is expected to be governed by laws to protect the privacy of gene donors and establish their rights. For example, in Estonia, the Human Genes Research Act passed in 1999 provides donors full authority over who can access their data and establishes anonymity in clinical research. Such laws will help in the growth of the global human biobanking ownership market.Based on the operator of the biobank, the human biobanks can be segmented in to academic & research Institutes, pharmaceutical and biotech industry, hospitals, and stand-alone biobanks. These biobanks serve various purposes such as diagnostics, forensic, organ transplantation, research, and others. By the ownership type the biobanks can be privately funded and operated, publically funded and operated, and public-private partnership funded and operated. Some of the Government agencies promote biobanks, so as to create database of population to support in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure.Geographically, global human biobanking ownership market is segmented in four major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Asia Pacific has been driving the global market growth owing to the rapid growth of the private biobanks and clinical research organizations in the region. Demand witnessed in North America and Europe is also significantly aiding the growth of the market. In Europe, countries such as Estonia are focusing on collecting the DNA of every citizen in order to enrich their national biobank. In Estonia, the national biobank program started in 2000 by collecting DNA samples from a quarter of the countrys population. While these DNA samples are mostly used for clinical research, the government is planning to use this data to build a robust health care infrastructure by offering personalized care. The Government of Estonia has already started developing a system to make this genetic data available to citizens and doctors.The major players operating in the market include ProMedDx, Affymetrix Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Acorda Therapeutics, Alpha Cord Inc., Autogen Inc., Biobank Ireland Trust, BioCision, Biokryo GmbH, BioLife Solutions Inc., Biomatrica Inc., BioStorage Technologies Inc., Cells4Life Ltd., Cesca Therapeutics Inc., China Cord Blood Corporation, Core Dynamics Inc., Cryo Bio System, and Sanford Health among others.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout 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:
Smokeless Tobacco in Poland, 2017

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/smokeless-tobacco-in-poland-2017

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Smokeless Tobacco in Poland, 2017 to its growing collection of premium market research reports."Smokeless Tobacco in Poland, 2017" is an analytical report by GlobalData that provides extensive and highly detailed current and future market trends in the Polish tobacco market. It covers market size and structure along with per capita and overall consumption. Additionally, it focuses on brand data, retail pricing, prospects, and forecasts for sales and consumption until 2025.In contrast to some other East European countries, the Polish market for smokeless tobacco has recently been quite buoyant, albeit still quite small and consisting entirely of nasal snuff.Total sales of smokeless tobacco are estimated to have risen in 2015 although this accounts only a marginal share of total tobacco volumes.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- Volumes dropped back marginally in 2012 but have since strengthened with sales up to a new high, in 2015.- Import volumes were up in 2014 to their highest since 2010. No change in import volumes were recorded for 2015.- As of July 1, 2016, smokeless tobacco products within Poland are subject to a specific excise duty of PL141.29 per kg.- Use of smokeless tobacco products remains relatively low and is confined to snuff, which is reported to be mainly used in the Kashubia and Kociewie regions of northern Poland and in Silesia in the south of the country.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Get a detailed understanding of consumption to align your sales and marketing efforts with the latest trends in the market.- Identify the areas of growth and opportunities, which will aid effective marketing planning.- The differing growth rates in regional product sales drive fundamental shifts in the market.- This report provides detailed, authoritative data on these changes - prime intelligence for marketers.- Understand the market dynamics and essential data to benchmark your position and to identify where to compete in the future.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
Slovakia: Higher ARPS Following Migration to FTTx and 4G Services to Boost Revenue Growth in Telecom Market

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/slovakia-higher-arps-following-migration-to-fttx-and-4g-services-to-boost-revenue-growth-in-telecom-market

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Slovakia: Higher ARPS Following Migration to FTTx and 4G Services to Boost Revenue Growth in Telecom Market to its growing collection of premium market research reports."Slovakia: Higher ARPS Following Migration to FTTx and 4G Services to Boost Revenue Growth in Telecom Market", a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Slovakia today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband and mobile sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.In 2016, Slovakia generated total telecom service revenue of $1.6bn (1.5bn) (or 1.8% of its nominal GDP), an increase of 1.6% over 2015, driven by growth in fixed Internet and mobile data revenue. Mobile data will primarily be the major growth driver through 2021 and is expected grow at a CAGR of 8.0% over 2016-2021, aided by operators investments in 4G network expansion as well as rising adoption of mobile broadband and M2M services. Operators should focus on fixed-mobile convergence and triple-play and quad-play offerings in order to strengthen their market position. Moreover, investments in 4G and fiber network expansion, rollout of advanced technologies along with the governments initiative to extend broadband coverage will provide significant opportunities for vendors and investors.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- The overall telecom service revenue in Slovakia is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% (1.5% in  terms) during 2016-2021.- Mobile revenue will account for 72.7% of the overall telecom service revenue in 2021, driven by increasing 4G services adoption.- In 2017, data will emerge as the largest segment, with its share increasing to 59.3% by 2021, driven by expansion of LTE and LTE-A technologies coupled with attractive data bundled services offered by operators- The Slovakian telecom market will be dominated by Slovak Telekom, Orange Slovakia and O2 Slovakia, which offer fixed and mobile services. In order to stay competitive and strengthen their market position, operators will continue to focus on 4G coverage expansions, bundled offers, triple- or quad-play offers and M2M services to stay competitive.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Slovakia's telecommunication market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Slovakia's mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Slovakia's telecommunication market.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Slovakia.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
Wealth in Singapore: Sizing the Market Opportunity 2017

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Wealth in Singapore: Sizing the Market Opportunity 2017 to its growing collection of premium market research reports."Wealth in Singapore: Sizing the Market Opportunity 2017" analyzes the Singaporean wealth and retail savings and investments markets, with a focus on the HNW segment. The report is based on our proprietary datasets.Singapore is Asias pre-eminent offshore investment center, with 80% of the wealth invested in funds sourced from non-residents in 2015. However, the onshore market is a major source of assets under management (AUM) in its own right, with 1.2 million affluent individuals in 2016 despite the city states small population. An onshore operation is clearly worth the effort for any wealth manager targeting mass affluent investors.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scope of the Research Report- HNW individuals totaled 29,660 in 2016 - little changed from 2015, a tiny proportion of the overall population, and well below the levels seen in other wealth hubs such as the US and Switzerland.- HNW liquid assets growth will slow to 7.0% a year between 2015 and 2020.- Bonds will be the fastest-growing asset class, but more due to greater availability than client demand.- While Singapore attracts significant offshore investment, HNW residents are also keen to invest abroad, with almost half of AUM invested offshore.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Benchmark your share of the Singaporean wealth market against the current market size.- Forecast your future growth prospects using our projections for the market to 2020.- Identify your most promising client segment by analyzing penetration of affluent individuals in Singapore.- Evaluate your HNW proposition by understanding how the Singaporean tax system impacts HNW clients.- Review your offshore strategy by identifying HNW motivations for offshore investments and their preferred booking centers.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
Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market By Geographical Analysis and Forecast 2023

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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.Download The Full Brouchre of Report: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.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.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.Browse Global Strategic Business Report: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.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:
Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices Market: Global Markets & Advanced Technologies

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Global Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices Market: SnapshotThe demand for blood pressure monitoring devices has taken off with the emergence of home care. Blood pressure monitoring can usually be carried out in a competent manner by the patient or their relatives, removing the need for hospitalization and constant monitoring. This has led to a growing demand for blood pressure monitoring devices for use in cases where the patient has a low risk of complications and is thus not hospitalized.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:The global blood pressure monitoring devices market was valued at more than US$2 bn in 2014. Exhibiting a robust 7.30% CAGR from 2015 to 2023, the market is expected to almost double in valuation, with a valuation of US$3.8 bn expected by 2023.One of the key drivers for the global blood pressure monitoring devices are the consistent product advancement efforts made by key companies in the market. The strong R&D avenues of the blood pressure monitoring devices industry have resulted in widespread adoption of the devices due to increased patient confidence. The growing geriatric population across the world has also boosted the demand for home care involving blood pressure monitoring devices, since the elderly are more likely to suffer from long-term cardiovascular conditions requiring constant monitoring.Rising Demand from APAC Threatens Dominance of North America Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices MarketNorth America is the leading contributor to the global blood pressure monitoring devices market, with the regions share calculated at close to 33% in 2014. While North America is likely to retain its dominant position in the global scenario in the coming years, the emergence of Asia Pacific as a lucrative investment destination is likely to lead to many Western medical devices manufacturers making significant inroads into the APAC market in the coming years. Asia Pacific is thus expected to become a close contender to the North America market for blood pressure monitoring devices in the coming years, with the two expected to hold near-equal market shares by 2023.Rising Utilization of Blood Pressure Monitoring Kiosks Favors Global MarketBy end use, the home care segment accounted for the leading share in the global blood pressure monitoring devices market in 2014. The US$911.8-mn valuation of the home-based blood pressure monitoring devices market in 2014 was twice that of the other key contributor to the market  hospitals. While home care is likely to exhibit a strong CAGR in the 2015-2023 forecast period and remain the leading contributor to the blood pressure monitoring devices market, the growing popularity of blood pressure monitoring kiosks in developed nations presents significant promise for the global blood pressure monitoring devices market.Blood pressure monitoring kiosks have become common in developed countries, notwithstanding the concerns raised about the use of a standard-sized cuff, which can alter the blood pressure readings for patients whose arms dont fit the cuff. The demand for blood pressure monitoring devices in kiosks is expected to exhibit a formidable growth rate in the coming years, and is likely to benefit from the steady expansion of blood pressure monitoring kiosk infrastructure in developed countries. The kiosks segment of the blood pressure monitoring devices market is expected to exhibit a robust 10.30% CAGR from 2015 to 2023.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:In terms of competitive dynamics, the global blood pressure monitoring devices market is reasonably consolidated, with the top five companies likely to account for more than 50% of the market through the forecast period. Omron Healthcare, Welch Allyn, and Panasonic Corporation are among the key players in the global blood pressure monitoring devices market.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:
Medical Sensors Market: Technologies, Markets and Players

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Need for Patient Monitoring Creates Demand for Medical SensorsThe unequivocal rise in the number of chronic conditions has created a huge demand for a novel method of diagnosing, treating, and managing them. The ongoing technological revolution that is merging the demands of the healthcare industry and patients needs is relentless trying to solve this issue with the introduction of medical sensors. As these medical devices help in monitoring health conditions by converting physical components into electrical signals they are being popularly used by patients and physicians alike. Transparency Market Research states that the opportunity of the global medical sensors market was US$1,452.8 mn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$2,476.8 mn in 2024, as the market expands at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2015 to 2024.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:The growing pool of geriatrics will be the underlying reason for the astounding success of the medical sensors. Their increasing adoption will be attributable to the saddening rise in cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases across the globe. The incorporation of medical sensors in several conventional medical devices helps in alerting patients of potential problems, thereby bringing in an accuracy disease management to a reliable extent. Additionally, a score of laboratories are deploying medical sensors for automating processes and establishing efficiency in the final output. Yet another incentive for laboratories to use medical sensors is that they eliminate the cost of centrifugation, loading of the analyzers, and sorting amongst others.Need for Compatible Devices Fuels Biosensors Product SegmentAmongst the various types of products developed with medical sensors, the biosensors are expected to surpass all shares. During the forecast period, the biosensors product segment will progress at a steady CAGR of 7.5%. World Health Organization states that the number of diabetics will reach 366 million by the end of 2030. This alarming statistic will be attributable to the increasing number of diabetics who require frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels. This product segment will also be fueled by a large number of end users seeking wireless, portable, and smartphone compatible devices.Asia Pacific to Take Over as Leading RegionAs of 2014, North America accounted for a share of 35.6% in the global market due to higher consumer awareness and a huge support systems for health monitoring initiatives. The preference for minimally-invasive surgeries has also been at driving the demand for medical sensors in North America. However, analysts predict that Asia Pacific will report the highest growth rate in the forecast period as the region leads the world with a high number of diabetics and patients suffering from respiratory disorders. Furthermore, the strengthening economies of India, China, Malaysia, and Australia will also fuel the demand for medical sensors are they look at upgrading their medical facilities and infrastructure.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:The chief operating players in the global medical sensors market are Danaher Corporation, Honeywell International, NXP Semiconductors, and Measurement Specialties. Strategic mergers and acquisitions to create strong product portfolios is the ongoing trend amongst these companies. However, increasing and channelizing research and development strategies towards achieving results will also help companies achieve an impressive share in the global market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.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:
Ammonium Sulphate Market 2017 - By Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2027

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Market OverviewAmmonium sulphate is one of the inorganic chemical compounds having chemical formula of (NH4)2SO4. Ammonium Sulphate comprises of 24% sulphur as sulphate ions and 21% nitrogen in the form of ammonium ions. Ammonium sulphate is majorly used as a fertilizer and as horticulture and agricultural spray adjuvant for water dissolvable pesticides. It can also be utilized in the preparation of other ammonium salts. The other names of ammonium sulphate are diammonium sulfate, sulfuric acid diammonium salt, mascagnite, actamaster and dolamin.The global ammonium sulphate market is expected to reach at US billion by 2027 and the global market demand in 2016 is million tons and is estimated to reach million tons by 2027 at a CAGR of over the forecast year.Market SegmentationFor the purpose of the study of global ammonium sulphate market, the market has segmented into the production process and by applications. The Production Process in segmented into caprolactam, coke oven gas, gypsum and neutralization The Application Type is segmented into agriculture uses (fertilizers) and non-agricultural uses (chemicals, wood pulp, textile and pharmaceutical)Request a Sample Report @Market Growth Influencer:The global ammonium sulphate market is mainly relied on the several aspects for instance, the stringent environmental policies and regulations and fertilizer industry. That is why the huge portion of ammonium sulphate is produced involuntarily as by product or co-product. Ammonium sulphate is one of the major fertilizers used across the global and the demand for the particular fertilizer is rising rapidly as there is very limited arable land available across the globe. Ammonium sulphate is majorly used in the applications such as agriculture and non-agriculture. Rapid increasing in population has resulted in increasing demand for ammonium sulphate as it is a major fertilizer used in the agricultural and non agricultural purpose. The ammonium sulphate market has an abundant opportunity as the current trends are shifting towards expanding crop yield by expanding nutrient and supplement contents for instance sulfur and nitrogen in soil is expected to have positive effect on the overall market growth. Lack of government initiatives in undeveloped economies and stringent rules and regulation especially in the developed regions such as the US, UK, France and Germany are the major challenges for the global ammonium sulphate market growth.Browse Report Details @Key PlayersThe key players present in the Ammonium Sulphate Market includes Koninklijke Dsm N.V. (Fibrant) JSC Kuibyshevazot Ube Industries, Ltd. Toray Industries Inc. China Petrochemical Development Corporation China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp.) JSC Grodno Azot Grupa Azoty Domo Chemicals BASF SERequest Table of Contents for this Report @Regional AnalysisNorth America and Europe is considered as matured economy and having an established agricultural sector therefore the ammonium sulphate market has a strong hold in these particular regions. Asia-Pacific is one of the leading markets for global ammonium sulphate market with an estimated market share of in 2015. Availability of huge agricultural land in China and India are the major leading growing factor for global ammonium sulphate market. As these both regions covered huge percentage of population and a major portion of population is involved in agriculture too. Thus, the demand for ammonium sulphate as a fertilizer is very much increased with a span of years. This region is expected to witness a market growth over the forecasted period of 2016-2027.The reports also covers brief analysis of Geographical Region includes:Americas North America US Canada Latin America Argentina Brazil Mexico Rest of LATAMEurope Western Europe Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Poland RussiaAsia  Pacific Asia China India Japan South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Countries Australia New ZealandThe Middle East & Africa Middle East Saudi Qatar UAE Rest of Middle East Africa South Africa Rest of AfricaAbout 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
Parenteral Nutrition 2024 Market Research Report

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The progress of the global parenteral nutrition market is based on the high prevalence of chronic conditions across the globe. The rise in cancer, AIDS, diabetes, Crohns disease, gastro-intestinal disorders, and short bowel syndrome cases has also led a growth in the consumption of parenteral nutrition in the recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) affirmed this fact with statistics indicating that there will be a 70% rise in the number of new cancer cases between 2025 and 2035. The Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America also provided grim figures indicating that there will be 70,000 new cases of Crohns disease each year. Thus, the rising health complications will propel the demand for parenteral nutrition across health facilities.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:These supportive factors are expected to create an opportunity for this market, which will be worth US$6.9 bn by 2023 as compared to US$4.1 bn in 2014. Between the years 2015 and 2023, this market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.7%.North America Accounted for Over 40% of the Parenteral Nutrition Market in 2014North America was the leading geographical segment in the global parenteral nutrition market as of 2014, accounting for nearly 40.1% share. The high rate of approvals from the U.S. FDA and supportive insurance policies that cover expenditure on parenteral nutrition are expected to keep this region in the leading position during the forecast period. The North America parenteral nutrition market that comprises the U.S. and Canada will also be driven by rising number diabetes and cancer cases. Furthermore, companies are also trying to expand their operations in Canada to gain a stronger foothold by meeting the unmet needs of the patients.Meanwhile, the parenteral nutrition market in Asia Pacific is expected to surge at the highest pace of 7.3% CAGR between 2015 and 2023. The emerging economies and developing pharmaceutical markets of countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand amongst others are expected to encourage the growth of this market within Asia Pacific. The rising cases of preterm birth, which leads to malnutrition is the prime reason for rising consumption of parenteral nutrition in Asia Pacific.Single Dose Amino Acid Solutions Nutrients is Most Attractive Product SegmentOut of all the products available in the global parenteral nutrition market, the single dose amino acid solutions nutrient segment captured a significant share of 34.14% in 2014. Research indicates that this segment will be the leading nutrient segment as several leading players are introducing unique amino acid-based PN products. The abundant availability of these products is expected to be the main reason for their soaring success in the forecast period. Reports also suggest that the parenteral lipid emulsion nutrient segment will grow at the highest CAGR of 6.2% amongst all other nutrient segments between 2015 and 2023.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:The leading players shaping the vendor landscape of the global parenteral nutrition market are Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Allergan plc (Actavis plc), Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Grifols S.A., Baxter International, Inc., Claris Lifesciences Limited, and B. Braun Melsungen AG, Pfizer, Inc. (Hospira, Inc.) amongst others. Companies are trying to seek approvals for their new parenteral nutrition formulations from concerned authorities such as the U.S. FDA to launch new products in the market. This effort is focused at both grabbing new market shares and providing for the deficit of parental nutrition in developing regions.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:
Inhalation and Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market Report 2015 - 2023

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Inhalation and Nasal Spray Generic Drugs Market: SnapshotThe growing number of generic drugs in the market today is primarily attributed to the patent expirations in various medical fields, including inhalers and nasal sprays. The absence of the need for research and development or major marketing strategies allows the average price of generic drugs to have been US$35.22 in 2008, as opposed to the US$137.9 average for branded drugs, according to the NACDS.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:The sales of generic inhalers and nasal sprays is expected to increase even further after the release of studies that point to an increase in the number of patients suffering from restrictive and even life-threatening respiratory diseases, such as COPD and asthma. The incredibly high healthcare costs, especially in developed economies, is therefore driving this growing patient pool towards generic drugs.Quality control could pose an issue in the overall growth of generic inhalers and nasal spray sales, an issue that governments are trying to control through increasing the stringency of related regulatory frameworks and quality assurance measures.After reviewing the above facts along with many others in detail, it is deduced that the global market for inhalation and nasal spray generic drugs market is expected to be valued nearly US$24.5 bn by the end of 2016. In 2023, this market is expected to reach US$35.4 bn in revenue. It is therefore expected to display a CAGR of 5.5% from 2015 to 2023.Asia Pacific Population Holds High Promise of Growth for Generic Inhalers and Nasal Spray ManufacturersThe two largest regional consumers of generic inhalers and nasal sprays in 2014 were North America and Europe. By the end of 2016, their market revenues are expected to reach close to US$8.8 bn and US$5 bn respectively. In comparison, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to be valued at US$4.3 bn by the end of 2016. Although it is currently the third-largest regional consumer of generic inhalers and nasal sprays, it is the fastest-growing one.North America and Europe are dominating the production and consumption of generic inhalation and nasal spray drugs due to the high level of patient safety and care protocols maintained here through the imposition of very strict government regulations. On the other hand, Asia Pacific holds a rapidly evolving healthcare industry, coupled with the highest population density in the world. These factors, along with the increasing patient pool for COPD and asthma, is expected to make players focus more on Asia Pacific.A majority of generic inhalation and nasal spray drugs consumption will go to China and Japan, Australia and India are showing high promise due to their governments showing the intent of reducing overall healthcare costs.Combination Inhalers and Nasal Sprays Will Continue to Dominate Sales and Revenue till 2023The major drug classes of generic inhalation and nasal spray drugs include corticosteroids, bronchodilators, antihistamines, combinations, and decongestant sprays. Of these, the top CAGR of 5.9% between 2015 and 2023 will be held by combination sprays. These sprays remain one of the most preferred medical solutions to asthma and COPD in most countries. Studies have also proved the higher effectiveness of combination sprays and inhalers for the treatment of severe respiratory diseases.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:The key manufacturers of inhalation and nasal spray generic drugs include Mylan N.V., Allergan plc, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and Cipla Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.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 Research Report 2024

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Corporate Wellness Market: SnapshotThe corporate wellness market in Asia Pacific is predominantly driven by the increasing prevalence of obesity, the growing number of smokers, and the rising awareness levels among employers about corporate wellness. The number of key players entering the market is increasing consistently owing to the high demand for corporate wellness services in multinational companies and mid-sized firms. The market in the region was valued at US$3.4 bn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$7.4 bn by the end of 2024. If these values hold true, the corporate wellness market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to register a strong CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:Immense Scope for Growth offered by Smoking Cessation ProgramsVarious services are available under corporate wellness programs, such as health risk assessment (HRA), fitness, smoking cessation, health screening, weight management, nutrition, and others, including stress management, diabetes management, and vaccination.The fitness segment took the lead in the corporate wellness market in Asia Pacific in 2015 owing to the rising incidence of chronic diseases, increasing medical cost related to obesity, and the growing awareness about health and fitness among the population of various countries.On the other hand, the smoking cessation segment is projected to expand at an impressive CAGR during the forecast period. An estimated 5.8 trillion cigarettes were consumed globally in 2014 and the consumption is still on the rise. China ranks first in the top ten countries in terms of cigarette consumption. This list also includes other countries in Asia Pacific such as Indonesia, Japan, India, and South Korea.Strong Government Support Contributing to Japans Corporate Wellness MarketChina led the corporate wellness market in Asia Pacific in 2015 and the market in the country is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2016 to 2024 owing to the increased development and high adoption of wellness programs. Changing lifestyles, an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, rapid economic development, and large-scale urbanization are some of the other factors responsible for the growth of the corporate wellness market in China. A large number of public and private players have been providing corporate wellness services in China.Japan is also a prominent market for corporate wellness in Asia Pacific and is likely to remain a key contributor to the APAC market primarily due to the amendments in Japans Industrial Safety and Health Act in December 2015. According to the law, health checkups are mandatory for workers and employees. This is likely to drive the corporate wellness market in Japan during the forecast period. Moreover, sufficient government support to address the issue of employee health in a clear and effective manner has created a demand for corporate wellness programs in the country.Another lucrative market for corporate wellness in Asia Pacific is India. The rising number of corporate enterprises in the country is significant to the growth of the corporate wellness market. The willingness among corporate organizations to conduct wellness programs, the growing awareness among individuals about health and well-being, and the increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart attacks are expected to accelerate the growth of the corporate wellness market in India.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Key players operating in the corporate wellness market in Asia Pacific include Central Corporate Wellness, ComPsych Corporation, Optum, Inc., JLT Australia (Recovre Group), Truworth Wellness, SOL Wellness, Sodexo, ConneXions Asia, and Bupa Wellness Pty Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.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:
Nuclear Medicine Market: Global Markets & Advanced Technologies

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Global Nuclear Medicine Market: OverviewNuclear medicine relates to the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Growing prevalence of various diseases, which is resulting in thriving healthcare industry, the demand for accurate and efficient medicine scans is escalating. Nuclear medicine uses a radionuclide for the process of radioactive decay, with radioactive isotopes and radiological imaging devices as key components. Consequently, the global nuclear medicine market is expected to expand at a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2015 to 2024.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:This report on global nuclear medicine market is a thorough overview of all the factors that are anticipated to impact the growth rate over the course of next few years. Besides the comprehensive regional and product analysis as well as estimating the market size, this report also features an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape, including the growth strategies adopted by the top companies in the industry. Moreover, the section on company profiles includes the basic views on the prominent players in the nuclear medicine market and their product portfolios. The aim of the report is to provide research data such as current market size, valuation of the segments, and trends that will help the existing and new player to make more informed choices.The global nuclear medicine market can be segmented on the basis of product, into nuclear medicine equipment, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and radiopharmaceuticals, on the basis of application into oncology, cardiology, and neurology, and on the basis of end user into diagnostic centers, hospitals, and research centers. Geographically, the report studies the lucrativeness of the regions of North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World.Global Nuclear Medicine Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe rising demand for SPECT and PET imaging, growing incidences of cancer and CVDs, and increasing demand for radiopharmaceuticals are some of the key factors driving the global nuclear medicine market. On the other hand, factors such as high cost, shortage of nuclear medicine, and regulatory hurdles are expected to hinder the growth rate during the forecast period. The report also notes some of the trends of the market, including partnerships for development of nuclear medicine, production based on cyclotron, and growing funding for research and development. All these factors have been thoroughly analyzed in the report and their impact has been estimated.Currently, the product segment of radiopharmaceuticals accounts for most of the demand and is expected to remain dominant over the period of next few years, which can be attributed to growing use of radioactive pharmaceutical drugs as nuclear imaging agents. The increasing use of various medical radioisotopes such as copper-64, iodine-124, and FDG in molecular studies is expected to boost the growth rate in the near future.Global Nuclear Medicine Market: Regional OutlookCurrently, North America is the most lucrative region of for the players due to robust healthcare infrastructure and high adoptability of new technology. Europe serves the second most demand as a regional market for nuclear medicine, however, Asia Pacific is expected to extend the demand at the most prominent rate during the forecast period. This rising demand is primarily from the emerging economies of India, China, Australia, and Japan, wherein increased investment on healthcare has escalated in the recent times. Moreover, due to the presence of vast population, neurological and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer cases are growing, which will further increment the demand in Asia Pacific nuclear medicine market.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Companies mentioned in the research reportSome of the prominent companies currently operational in global nuclear medicine market are Cardinal Health Inc., Bayer AG, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., Mallinckrodt plc, GE Healthcare, Bracco Imaging S.p.A, Nordion, Inc., Eczacibasi-Monrol Nuclear Products, Advanced Accelerator Applications S.A., and IBA Molecular Imaging.Major regions analyzed under this research report are:EuropeNorth AmericaAsia PacificRest of the WorldThis report gives you access to decisive data such as:Market growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for the coming yearsKey highlights of this reportOverview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growthUp-to-date analyses of market trends and technological improvementsPin-point analyses of market competition dynamics to offer you a competitive edgeAn analysis of strategies of major competitorsAn array of graphics and SWOT analysis of major industry segmentsDetailed analyses of industry trendsA well-defined technological growth map with an impact-analysisOffers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and key product segmentsAbout 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:
Pyrimethamine Treatment Market: Emerging Market Trends, Size, Share and Growth Analysis

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Pyrimethamine is a medication used for protozoan infections. It is commonly used as an antimalarial drug (for both treatment and prevention of malaria), and to treat Toxoplasma gondii infections, particularly when combined with the sulfonamide antibiotic sulfadiazine when treating HIV-positive individuals. Pyrimethamine is typically given with a sulfonamide and folinic acid due to its resistance against many Plasmodium species. Pyrimethamine has also been found to limit the expression of the superoxide dismutase 1 gene, a protein involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Pyrimethamine is considered in the list of one of the most important medications by World Health Organizations list of essential medicines. Pyrimethamines ability to cure protozoan infection and toxoplasma infections, rising number of HIV positive patients worldwide and immunosuppressed individual at a risk of infections are the factors driving the pyrimethamine treatment market during the forecast period. Moreover, mergers and acquisitions by the manufacturing companies would also the boost the demand and supply for the pyrimethamine medication in the pyrimethamine treatment market. However, the certain side effects that may occur with pyrimethamine medication include allergic reactions, blood disorders, tongue changes, blood in the urine, heart rhythm disorders, anorexia, and vomiting (see Important Safety Information below) which act as a restraining factor for the growth of this market. Additionally, factors such as pricing issues in some countries and resistance developing against the drugs may hamper the growth of the pyrimethamine treatment market during the focus period of 2013 to 2023.Download The Full Brouchre of Report:The global pyrimethamine market has been segmented into brands and geography. On the basis of brand, the pyrimethamine treatment market has been segmented into two drugs that are presently marketed such as Daraprim and Fansidar. The Daraprim sub-segment held the largest share for the pyrimethamine treatment market. However, the Fansidar sub-segment is growing at a high rate due to affordable cost and availability.Geographically, North America dominates the global pyrimethamine treatment market followed by Europe. The market domination was majorly due to the pricing structure of the pyrimethamine drug in the U.S. The High prevalence of toxoplasma in the region also acts as the driving factor for the growth of the pyrimethamine treatment in the North America. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), toxoplasmosis is one of the five neglected parasitic infections in the U.S. It is the second leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the country and more than 60 million people in the U.S. carry the toxoplasma parasite, and more than one million people in the U.S. are infected annually with the toxoplasma parasite, which is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Asia-Pacific is also increasing constantly in the pyrimethamine drugs market mainly due to the high prevalence of protozoan disease such as malaria in India, China and other developing nations. Moreover, government initiatives and regulatory norms in these countries would fuel the market for pyrimethamine treatment market in the region during the forecast period. Latin America is also a growing market for pyrimethamine treatment due to developing healthcare expenditure and high prevalence rate of malaria and toxoplasma in the region.Some of the major players in pyrimethamine treatment market include Turing Pharmaceuticals, Impax Laboratories, Inc., Pfizer, Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc, and others.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeMiddle East and AfricaLatin AmericaThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsIt provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Bills release multiple artist renderings of new stadium The morning of Oct. 27 was a day Buffalo Bills fans have been patiently waiting for  a reveal of what the new stadium will potentially look like. The team...

County officials, law firm representatives host public hearing on new stadium SEQR Erie County officials, representatives from Phillips Lytle LLP, power players for a new stadium and interested Buffalo Bills fans packed into one of the community rooms of the Brush Mountain...
By George Plaven, East Oregonian

A row of empty 12-ounce cans rattled down the mobile conveyor one Thursday in March inside Ordnance Brewing, where they were washed, date-stamped and filled with a hoppy West Coast IPA.

Craig Coleman, one of the managing partners for the Boardman craft brewery, stood by as thousands of cans were sealed and snapped into orange plastic six-pack holders. For the first time, Ordnance has started canning some of its signature beers, which Coleman said will open new markets to the young business.

"We're doing what we can to get our beer in front of people," Coleman said. "It's a real crowded and loud marketplace out there."

In addition to EOD double IPA, Ordnance will be canning its Bloops blueberry wheat, made with locally grown blueberries. By the end of this day, Coleman expected to finish canning 14 pallets, each containing about 9,000 individual cans.

Six-packs should start hitting shelves across Oregon and Washington in early April.

"It's a package that works," Coleman said. "Not everybody does bottles."

Aluminum cans have some distinct advantages over glass bottles, Coleman said. First, cans do not allow light to penetrate into the beer, as overexposure to light can break down the alpha acids in hops and leave the beer tasting skunky.

Cans are also easier to take on the go, which is especially useful for beer drinkers who enjoy an active lifestyle.

"There are a lot of places you can't take a bottle," Coleman said.

For the job, Ordnance hired Craft Canning and Bottling, a company based in Portland but serving beer and cider makers across the Northwest. Matt Stump, who heads up the canning side of the operation, said they set up a mobile assembly line.

The machine, called an MC-250, runs empty cans single file along a continuous automatic conveyor where they are filled and sealed. Stump said they serve between 80 and 100 clients, and he is noticing more craft brewers and beer drinkers alike coming around to cans.

"Now that we're getting past people thinking that when it comes out of a can it is going to taste like metal, we're really seeing the benefits," Stump said.

Ordnance, which opened its brewery and tap house at the Port of Morrow in 2015, already expanded production last year, going from seven barrels to a 50-barrel system. The company also signed on with the Odom Corporation last summer to extend its distribution into eastern Washington, Seattle, northern Idaho and Alaska.

Coleman, a local farmer who opened Neighbor Dudes tap house in Hermiston with friends and family before they decided to try brewing, said he is impressed at how quickly Ordnance has caught on in the craft beer community.

"We've been very well supported," he said. "We make beer for everybody."

Canning isn't the only thing new at Ordnance. The owners are also spinning off a sister distillery -- Ordnance Distilling -- which will make vodka, gin and whiskey using all ingredients from their own farms.

That means locally grown corn, potatoes and rye for their varieties of vodka, gin and whiskey.

"Farm to bottle is a good story," Coleman said. "Everybody wants to know where their food comes from. That's something we can do at a volume that other people can't."

Coleman said the distillery received its final license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission earlier this year. Labels still need to be approved by the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, but Coleman said that should be done soon.

Distilling equipment is housed in the same building as the brewery, but kept separate by a chain link fence. Coleman said the vodka and gin are getting close to bottling, while the whiskey will take some time to age properly.

"It's kind of an adventure," he said. "If consumers accept us, it's game on. And they will accept us."
Lisa See.Tea Girl.jpg

Best-selling author Lisa See reads from her new novel, "The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane," on April 12 at Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing.

(The Associated Press)

By Helen Simonson | Special To The Washington Post

"No coincidence, no story."

Li-yan's mother repeats this simple aphorism as she interprets her children's dreams over a breakfast of thin broth in their bamboo house on a remote Chinese mountain. But this opening line of Lisa See's new novel, "The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane" (Scribner, 371 pages, $27), is also a provocative challenge to the reader. See wagers she will carry our attention through every coincidence and twist of fate on a fantastic tea-infused trail, from the villages of Chinese hill tribes to the drug-infested Golden Triangle and the glamour and wealth of Los Angeles.

The story begins small, plunging us into the immersive detail of a single grueling day picking tea with the young girl, Li-yan, her mother, A-ma, and the rest of their ethnic minority Akha family. After work they must trek two hours to the tea collection center only to be told that they are too late to sell their leaves for the official quota. "The sound that comes from A-ma is not so much a groan as a whimper. All that work at half price."

What makes life bearable for the Akha is their belief system, which infuses every aspect of their daily lives. The full sweep of their practices is flawlessly embedded in See's prose. When a bite of a stolen pancake leads to an entire village's humiliation, the purification ceremony that follows feels completely natural.

Li-yan has been taught blind obedience to tradition, but her faith is soon tested. A-ma is a midwife, and as Li-yan assists at a birth, she must watch her mother enforce the Akha's harshest rules when a serious taboo is broken. Her outrage at this incident leads Li-yan to question tradition, and the story is propelled forward when she falls pregnant out of wedlock, breaking another taboo.

This novel is largely Li-yan's story, but as she leaves her village to embark on a quest through many hardships, we also get to see, through a selection of official documents, doctor's notes, family emails and childhood writings, the life of Haley, a Chinese orphan adopted by a well-off California family. Tea will become the theme that holds these two stories in orbit around each other as Li-yan finds her vocation as a tea dealer while Haley grows up obsessed with one gift from her unknown birth family: an old cake of dried tea with an unusual label.

The hardships that confront Li-yan in her life are as compelling as the fog-shrouded secret groves where she and her mother cultivate a special healing tea. I could have hung out here in remote China forever, but See has wider ground to cover, including Chinese adoption, the international fine tea market and modern Chinese migration to the United States.

It is harder to write with empathy about rich people, and as the story takes its biggest leap - from rural China to wealthy Los Angeles - I did chortle at the line "Three days later I'm in Beverly Hills having dinner in a restaurant called Spago." But it is a testament to See's ability as a writer and to her impeccable research that she commands our attention again immediately. "I'm still struggling with how to use a knife and fork," says Li-yan, who eschews eating in fancy restaurants for shopping in Chinese markets and cooking for her husband like a proper Chinese wife.

As Li-yan struggles to fit in with the newly arrived Han majority Chinese millionaires in Pasadena, her story circles closer to Haley's. Li-yan hangs Han New Year decorations and accepts an American name. Meanwhile, Haley, now in high school, must deal with being Chinese among white friends and yet "not Chinese enough" for the Han Chinese. She struggles with the pressures of being both an abandoned orphan and an adopted child treated as precious by her white parents. "Lucky but angry" is the phrase her therapist uses, and through transcripts of a group-therapy session with several adoptees, See provides a blistering peek into their complicated emotions.

Just as properly aged tea from ancient trees has both flavor and a "returning taste," so this story balances moving on with returning home. Both Li-yan and Haley must ultimately reconcile where they come from with who they are now, and they must compromise with the flaws of family and tradition if they wish to reclaim their roots. A lush tale infused with clear-eyed compassion, this novel will inspire reflection, discussion and an overwhelming desire to drink rare Chinese tea.

***

Lisa See

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12

Where: Powell's at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton

Admission: Free
Laini Taylor.Strange the Dreamer.jpg

Portland author Laini Taylor discusses her new young adult fantasy novel on April 6 at Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing.

(Author photo: Ali Smith; book cover, Little, Brown for Young Readers)

Once there were gods living above the city of Weep; the people knew the gods were there because of the shadows they cast, and the fears that fell on the people along with those shadows. But the gods were not invulnerable, and they could not withstand the man whom the people would call the Godslayer. He obliterated the gods, down to the merest and most helpless of their children.

But the shadows remained, keeping Weep in darkness and isolation.

Then Lazlo Strange, whose head had been full of dreams about the lost city his entire life, arrived. And he carried with him, though even he did not know it, a way out of the shadows.

Portland author Laini Taylor's new young adult novel, "Strange the Dreamer" (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 544 pages, $18.99), set in the aftermath of a momentous battle between the humans of Weep and the gods who abused them for generations, is at its core a story of hope, Taylor said in an interview Monday.

"Hope is the major theme of my book: that there is a way through these dark times" and that "one or two people can actually make a difference and change the world," she said.

"Strange the Dreamer" centers on Lazlo, orphaned at birth and raised in a monastery where he has heard tales of a wondrous lost city. At his first opportunity to escape the monastery, he flees to a library, where he can continue steeping himself in stories about Weep. Then the Godslayer arrives, gathering help for his people, and Lazlo talks his way into the entourage. He is thinking only of finally seeing what he has so long imagined, but he finds something much darker - and someone he never expected to meet.

Taylor weaves prose as smooth and gleaming as a bolt of satin, and she's a master at world-building as well. Here, for example, is a scene in which Lazlo finds a significant receipt that's been buried in the library:

"Among the goods listed - spice and silk and the like - was an entry for svytagor blood candy. Up until now, Lazlo had only ever seen it referred to in tales. It was considered folklore - that the river monsters even existed, let alone that their pink blood was harvested as an elixir of immortality. But here it was, bought and paid for by the royal house of Zosma. There might as well have been an entry for dragon scales. 'Blood candy,' he said, pointing. "Don't you see? It was real.' "

Taylor will discuss "Strange the Dreamer" with Sara Gundell of the Novel Novice blog starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton. She talked with The Oregonian/OregonLive about the book recently; here are eight takeaways from that conversation.
Taser

Taser International has renamed itself Axon Enterprise to reflect a shift into making body cameras for police officers. The company still plans to sell Tasers, though, as it is "one of our flagship products."

(Roslan Rahman/Getty Images)

Taser International, the company behind ubiquitous shock devices carried by law enforcement officers nationwide, announced Wednesday that it was changing its name as part of a shift toward focusing on body cameras worn by police.

To underscore that change, Taser said it was taking on a new corporate name -- Axon Enterprise -- drawn from the Axon cameras the company produces, rather than the controversial electric devices, which can deliver a painful shock to a small area or temporarily incapacitate someone.

As part of Wednesday's announcement, the company said it planned to try to equip every police officer in the United States with a body camera.

"We believe these cameras are more than just tools to protect communities and the officers who serve them," Rick Smith, the company's chief executive and founder, said in a statement. "They also hold the potential to change police work as we know it, by seamlessly collecting an impartial record and reducing the need for endless paperwork."

In a trial offer, Taser says it would give every sworn officer a free camera along with online data storage, training and support for a year. After that trial period, the police departments would either send back the cameras or buy them.

The company still plans to sell Tasers, though, which Smith called "one of our flagship products." According to the company, these devices are used by more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies in more than 100 countries -- the vast majority of them departments in the United States -- and have saved more than 180,000 people from death or serious injury.

The devices have also long been controversial. Smith, the company's chief executive, told the Huffington Post that the Taser name "can be a little polarizing."

In a 2015 investigation, The Washington Post found that about one person per week died that year in incidents where Tasers were used. While a link between the Tasers and those deaths was not clear, Tasers were mentioned in at least a dozen cases as one factor on the autopsy reports or cause-of-death.

Tasers work in two ways. In "probe mode," barbs are shot into a person's body, delivering a current that locks up the muscles and can incapacitate someone. They can also be used in "drive stun" mode, which involves pressing the device against a person and does not incapacitate them but causes pain that is intended to force compliance.

Research has shown that when used correctly, these devices are generally safe, but police experts and company product warnings have warned about the increasing risk of death or injury if used excessively or in a way that breaks from the company's guidelines or police department policy.

Tasers have been the source of most of the company's revenue, according to financial filings. The company reported net sales of $268 million last year, up substantially from $197 million in revenue in 2015.

Most of this came from Taser devices and cartridges, which accounted for $202 million in sales last year, compared to the $65 million from Axon-related cameras and Evidence.com, which allows for storage of footage and other data. The Axon-related sales saw a much bigger jump, nearly doubling from a year earlier, while Taser sales went up by about a quarter.

The company has made no secret of its ambitions beyond the Taser devices, with a spokesman telling The Post in 2015 that wearable technology represented the company's future.

"Our core goal is to have every officer in the world carry a TASER, deploy an Axon camera and be connected to the Axon network," the company said in its annual report last year.

In recent years, amid a national focus on policing and protests erupting across the country over officers use deadly force, more and more departments have begun turning to body cameras. According to one estimate, up to half of the country's 18,000 police departments have officers who wear cameras.

Police officers and the public agree on body cameras, with big majorities telling the Pew Research Center last year that they favor the use of such devices. Activists have pushed for more cameras, arguing that they could increase transparency, though some departments have blocked the release of footage. Experts have expressed concerns about privacy -- noting that the cameras may record people not involved in police encounters -- as well as the costs involved in both the devices and storing the data that is produced.

Video footage has been a key factor in several of the deadly shootings that turned into national flash-points, and more and more shootings are being recorded. Some footage that winds up widely spread across social media and cable news has been recorded by police dashboard cameras and bystander cellphones, but an increasing number of shootings recently have been captured by body-worn cameras.

So far this year, police officers have shot and killed 271 people, according to The Washington Post's database tracking such incidents. Body cameras were worn in about 27 of these incidents, or about one in 10 shootings, the database shows. In 2016, body cameras captured 138 of 963 shootings, according to The Post's database, nearly double a year earlier, when 74 of 991 shootings were recorded that way.

Body cameras, like some other recordings, may not necessarily provide full clarity of an incident. In some cases this may be due to things occurring before the recordings begin and out of sight of the officers, while in others it can stem from user error.

One of the country's highest profile shootings last year - the death of Keith Scott in Charlotte, North Carolina, which sparked intense, sometimes violent demonstrations -- was recorded by a body camera. However, this produced incomplete footage because an officer at the scene failed to activate it until after the shooting, so it did not capture audio. Prosecutors said in November they would not charge the officer in that case.

--The Washington Post
Be Inspired. The Globe Gazette is proud to bring North Iowa the Up in Smoke BBQ Bash each July. Since 2004, the Globe Gazette has done more than fun and food  it has helped raise funds for the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, North Iowa Youth Center and many more nonprofits. Thanks to the BBQ Bash competitors, thousands of meals have been served at the community Kitchen. For more inspirational stories, visit us @globegazette.com Be Informed. Be Involved. Be Inspired. www.globegazette.com
Three days after Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced it would stop selling individual health plans on or off Iowas Affordable Care Act exchange in 2018, health insurer Aetna has reached the same conclusion, citing financial risk and an uncertain outlook.

Thursdays development leaves the vast majority of the 50,000 Iowans purchasing subsidy-eligible insurance on the exchange with only one option  Minnesota-based Medica.

Aetna did notify the office this morning and advised us they wont offer coverage for 2018, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. Were deeply troubled by the angst and concern the Affordable Care Act is causing in Iowa. This is a problem created by the Affordable Care Act and needs to be fixed by Congress.

The problem Wellmark, Aetna and other insurers are facing is that not enough young and healthy people are choosing to enroll in plans to help spread out costs. Instead, older, sicker individuals with multiple chronic illnesses  who need insurance and coverage  are purchasing the health plans, putting a high concentration of expenses in the individual market.

Wellmark said on Monday that it lost $90 million through the individual market in Iowa.

An Aetna spokesman said the company still is evaluating its presence in remaining states, which includes Delaware, Nebraska and Virginia. The insurer announced in August it would pull out of most states.

The Iowa Insurance Division said Aetna reported 32,822 Iowans on the marketplace and 3,383 Iowans off the marketplace will be affected.

Medica, the only remaining insurer selling ACA exchange plans statewide, said earlier this week it has not made a decision regarding its 2018 strategy  a comment it reiterated after Thursdays announcement.

We are currently evaluating the situation and our options, said Greg Bury, a Medica spokesman.

The company currently has 14,000 Iowa members. Medica has until mid-June to decide if it will sell plans in 2018.

One other insurer, Gundersen Health Plan, sells individual policies but only in five Iowa counties.

President Donald Trump and Republicans have promised to repeal and replace the 2010 Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare, but have been stalled by disagreement over the changes they will make.

Insurers have said uncertainty over which rules will be in place in 2018 and the billions of dollars in government subsidies that make the plans more affordable to millions of people make it difficult to commit to offering such insurance.

Many have asked the government to extend the subsidies for 2018.

Health insurers are preparing 2018 premium rate proposals to submit to federal and state insurance regulators over the next few months.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates the Obamacare individual market, was not immediately available for comment, Reuters said.
Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

Mostly sunny. High 74F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 51F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Sen. Jim Stamas joined child protection leaders recently whens Gov. Rick Snyder signed Stamas legislation designed to help childrens advocacy centers protect Michigan children.

This new law is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the best possible outcomes for victims of child abuse, said Stamas, R-Midland. Childrens advocacy centers are safe and friendly facilities where law enforcement officials, child protection workers, medical professionals and victim advocates work together on child abuse cases. These centers give us the best chance to help children heal from abuse and hold their offenders accountable.

This will enable childrens advocacy centers to access abuse and neglect information that can be critical in supporting young victims.

Senate Bill 1021, now Public Act 491 of 2016, allows a confidential record about child abuse and neglect filed with the Department of Health and Human Services to be disclosed to a childrens advocacy center in the course of providing services to a victim of child abuse or child neglect or to the childs family.

Among the childrens advocacy center board members attending the ceremony were Northern Michigan Mobile Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Bethany Law; Michelle Waskevich, executive director of the Safe and Sound Child Advocacy Center in Midland; and Kaity Doyle and Lindsay Colon with the Northern Michigan Childrens Assessment Center.

Tom Knapp of Wyoming also attended the bill signing. Knapp is executive director of the Michigan Chapter of the National Childrens Alliance, where Law serves as legislative chair.
DES MOINES  An atheist urged members of the Iowa House to invoke the holy trinity of science made up of reason, observation and experience as they went about their work Wednesday.

The trinity, Justin Scott of Waterloo said in offering the opening prayer, would allow lawmakers to address issues before them without allowing confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance or intellectual dishonesty blindly guide positions and votes.

Scott, believed to be the first atheist to offer the morning invocation in the House, said his trinity wasnt rooted in dogma or doctrine and doesnt care what our feelings are or what our deeply held beliefs are.

Scott, the guest of Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, D-Waterloo, said he put a lot of thought into preparing for the invocation but it didnt hit him until about 4 a.m. that the message should be about the process because at the end of the day, we are all humans and when we face challenges, all we can count on is our self, the abilities weve been born with, the talents weve developed.

Science, he said, is all about thinking about something, analyzing it, processing it and being open to the fact that what you thought about Subject A may not be what the evidence actually tells you.

Thats something lawmakers deal with every day as they come to the Capitol with preconceived notions  not even on a religious level, he said.

Scott, a professional photographer and social media consultant, said he was representing not only atheists but freethinkers, skeptics and humanists. He hopes his appearance before lawmakers helps normalize what atheism is, what atheism isnt.

Theres a negative connotation to the word atheist, he said, as well as an image of the angry atheist.

But by coming in here and being really calm, really happy, cheerful, smiling as we walk around shaking hands, there wasnt any pushback, said Scott, who was accompanied by his wife, Brandi, and their three children. It was just a respectful conversation about religious freedom. Am I as an atheist allowed the same religious freedom as everyone else in the state?

Scotts appearance did not attract the attention or reaction as the invocation offered in 2015 by Cedar Rapids Cabot witch Deborah Maynard. Several people came to the Capitol to protest her prayer. A lawmaker turned his back during the invocation and many legislators stayed away.

About half of the representatives were in the chamber for the invocation Wednesday, far fewer than usual, but it was not clear that was in response to Scott or that they had debated until 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Scott closed his invocation in a prayerful style.

Let this trinity guide you and protect you, he said. May this trinity inspire you and be honest to you  lift up the truth upon you and give you peace.
NORMAL  Eastland Mall in Bloomington may be losing major retailers, but will survive in the long run, said the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

I think because it is in Bloomington-Normal, it will ultimately be OK because there are a lot of advantages here and a lot of people to support it, said Rob Karr, who was keynote speaker at Thursdays B-N By the Numbers program at Illinois State Universitys Bone Student Center. There is Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan, State Farm and some big companies headquartered here. It may take some hits, but in the end, I believe it will bounce back.

Eastland anchor Macy's closed last month and JCPenney has announced its plan to close its store at the mall, where several smaller retailers already have closed. Gordman's, at Shoppes of College Hills in Normal, also will close.

Karr told a crowd of about 250 business leaders that retailers, particularly those in Illinois, are going through a tough time.

I have had a lot of sleepless nights, he said. Much of the blame is often being laid at the feet of online sales. But currently, of all total retail sales, only 8 percent is e-commerce. You would think that, by listening to media reports, it would be more like 80 percent. But its only 8 percent and the rest is from traditional brick and mortar stores.

Karr said the e-commerce trade is growing and it is more than just websites and laptops that are driving those sales.

Its the smartphones, he said. Believe it or not, the iPhone turns 10 on June 29. It feels like it has been around forever. Think about the amazing changes. Now, you can purchase anything you want  music, clothes, and even cars - and you dont have to get them locally.

Malls will be able to compete in the future, he said, but they are going to be different than what you might see today. There will be fewer large anchor stores and more major retailers will switch to pop-up stores that carry a smaller variety of items, but will have access to a larger number of products that can be delivered to the customer within a matter of days.

Indoor malls are not dead, but they are going to have to change if they expect to survive, he said. They are not going to be as they once were. They are going to have to be repurposed. They are going to have to be far more engaging and interactive, just as brick and mortars are going to have to be. The consumer doesnt want just selection and customized offerings. They want to be entertained and the malls are going to have to understand that. Some malls are experimenting with bowling alleys and some are beginning to attract grocery stores. Five years ago, that would have been unthinkable. Medical offices, schools, government offices or even residential living, or some combination thereof is the direction we are headed.

Kyle Ham, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, which sponsored the event, also has concerns about the retail industry.
While waiting for Scarlett Johansson to star in a Black Widow movie, were having to make do with far-out action films like Lucy, and her latest project, Ghost in the Shell, a live-action remake of the 1995 Japanese anime film, as a cyborg with a soul.

This falls squarely into Johanssons sexy artificial intelligence period, which also includes Her and Under the Skin. Based on the manga by Shirow Masamune, the remake is directed by Rupert Sanders, adapted by Jamie Moss and William Wheeler, and suspiciously devoid of Japanese voices at the helm.

In a future where technology enhances the human experience, the Major is the ultimate achievement, a human brain in a fully cybernetic body, fighting crime for the department of defense in a skin suit, which enables digital camouflage.

This might be Johanssons most muted performance as a robot yet. When shes not swan-diving from precipices, shes stiff-legged, stooped, arms akimbo, not at all inhabiting the lithe panther power of the animated Major.

Thank goodness for her co-stars. Danish actor Pilou Asbaek surprises in how well he fits as her partner, Batou, a gruff but tender thug. Its also an enormous treat to see the legendary Japanese actor and filmmaker Beat Takeshi Kitano as the commander of Section 9, the special operations team on which the Major and Batou both serve.

Theyre tracking down a mysterious killer murdering scientists from Hanka Robotics, the leader in humanity-enhancing tech. The violent engagements are dull, relying on gratuitous hails of bullets and firepower that seem useless.

There are a few inspired bits of exciting spectacle and unique aesthetics, but it all descends into mopey memorializing and sluggish, ridiculous violence.

Before release, many accused the Ghost in the Shell filmmakers of whitewashing  casting white actors in a traditionally Japanese story. Unfortunately, its actually worse than mere whitewashing. Even though the Major is a cyborg with a synthetic shell, the way she is presented does matter. Images always matter.

The Major is the first of her kind, a blend of human and A.I. thats better than human, better than A.I. With a perfect body and face, her beauty is mentioned repeatedly.

When the other near-perfect cyborg (Michael Carmen Pitt) reveals himself, and also happens to be another puffy-lipped, pale-skinned blonde (despite Johanssons dye job), it becomes unsettlingly clear.

If the robotics corporation is creating these physically perfect shells for Japanese souls and they both happen to be white, the film is asserting that physical perfection is white. This is a giant, glaring, embarrassing, inexcusable problem.

A halfhearted attempt at a multicultural world is gestured at, with the Section 9 crew, but its not enough to offset this flaw, especially against a background of predominantly Asian actors in an Asian city.

Its so frustrating because there are interesting themes floating around Ghost in the Shell, about humanity, freedom from corporate exploitation, and what defines us  our memories or our actions?

But it all gets bogged down in aesthetics that are stimulating only for the sake of stimulation, seemingly without a flicker of thought behind them. Shell indeed, but theres no ghost at home.
NORMAL  Chemberly Cummings and Arlene Hosea didn't set out to make history.

"It was always kind of a no-brainer for me to eventually run for office, Cummings said Wednesday. "It was never about me being the first anything."

But, by all accounts, they will be the first black members of the Normal City Council and Normal Township's board of trustees, respectively.

"It truly hit me last night. ... I thought, 'Oh my, there is history being made here in Normal,'" said Hosea. "Young people in this community will be able to look around and see people who look like them have a seat at the table.

Cummings, a 34-year-old State Farm business architect, will replace Cheryl Gaines on the council after finishing third for three seats in Tuesday's election. Hosea, a Normal Planning Commission member and retired Illinois State University Dining Services director, finished third for four seats on township board.

Both women thanked the community, their supporters and previous black leaders for making their wins possible.

"It speaks to the type of community so many of us want: a community that values diversity and is truly inclusive and welcoming," Hosea said. Bloomington is my hometown and that of my late father, and the pride and the sense of, 'Wow, we have really evolved as a community,' is tremendous."

She dedicated the victory to her 90-year-old mother, who moved to Bloomington at 12 years old and still lives in town.

"She grew up part of her childhood in the Mississippi Delta... and I know the environment that she grew up in, and the messages that society told her," Hosea said. "This win is for her and all the women who came before me, and for the black struggle."

She added that residents of all colors should visit the McLean County Museum of History to learn about the history of black residents in Bloomington-Normal.

"I stand upon many shoulders in this moment: local shoulders of Mr. Henry Gay and Mr. Merlin Kennedy. I got to meet the late (U.S.) Rep. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. She was an inspiration, Cummings said. I wish my grandfather was here to celebrate this moment. ... It is bittersweet in that sense."

Both women said they cherished the opportunity to visit Tuesday night with Meta Mickens-Baker, the first black member of McLean County Unit 5's school board.

I grabbed their hands and raised their hands with mine," Hosea said, "and I thought, 'This is Normal.'"

Normal Mayor Chris Koos, who has served as mayor or a council member since 2001, said, "Its past time that this happened."

"Im not saying that makes us a racist community or there werent good candidates in the past, (but) the council makeup reflects the community more than it has in the past," he said. "(Cummings) stepped up and did a good campaign. ... I think shell do a great job."

Cummings said her goal as a council member is now to "be a voice for voices who havent been heard and need a louder soundboard. That includes black residents but also elderly and poor residents, she added.

I owe it not only to those people but all constituents to do my best, serve humbly and give it my all, she said.

Yesterday we made great history, but its one chapter in the history others made before," Hosea said. "There will be other chapters to follow."
The Normal Town Council on Monday will consider an ordinance for the 2022 property tax levy estimated to be $13,381,652, which is the same as last year's levy.
In a December survey by State Farm, more than 80 percent of teens admitted to using their phones while driving.

Add to that number a 20-year-old man from Leakey, Texas, who admitted to texting before he crashed his pickup into the front of a church bus last week, killing 13 people.

At least two people had called police to report the truck was swerving over the road for a while, but the fatal accident occurred before police could pull over the driver. The victims, who ranged in age from 61 to 87, were returning from a church retreat.

The driver acknowledged he was texting, but Texas has no statewide ban on texting while driving. The Associated Press said 46 other states (including Illinois) ban sending or reading email, using apps or engaging in other internet use while driving.

In Illinois, it's also illegal to use a handheld phone: you must use a hands-free device, and avoid using devices in construction or school zones.

The lack of a law should not excuse stupidity. We don't have laws about holding your hand over an open flame, yet we know we'll get burned if we do.

A State Farm survey issued this week showed "a significant relationship" between cellphone use and crashes using self-reported data, the insurer said. The survey said more than half of people who own smartphones use them while driving to talk, text, access the internet, read email, access social networks, take pictures or record video.

And we're surprised by cellphone-related car accidents?

As technology has advanced, motorists have many more distractions that pull their attention away from the road, and from other drivers: radios, movies, GPS, phones, texts, smoking, personal grooming, pets, beverages, food  they all pose a distraction to someone piloting a vehicle that weighs at minimum 2,000 pounds.

Distracted driving is not limited to texts, games, videos and various dinging noises. People who are under the influence of prescription and recreational drugs and people who have been drinking alcohol remain threats.

But the use of handheld devices, like phones or tablets, are most common among the younger set  they are less experienced behind the wheel, tend to think they are invincible, don't believe their driver's ed teachers about the dangers, are afraid they'll "miss something" if they don't check their phones every two minutes.

In a December story by reporter Julia Evelsizer, Chuck Fisher, owner and instructor of Fisher Driving School, said cellphones arent the only thing that can lead to distracted driving.

Changing the radio or turning to talk to a passenger can be just as distracting and cause you to take your eyes off the road. I tell students to make all adjustments  like seats, mirrors, radio and temperature  before driving, he said.

The Texas tragedy is a grim reminder of the consequences of distracted driving. Remember that the next time you get behind the wheel.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. We must speak up about the harmful effects of alcohol on our country, with an urgent plea for our state.

Illinois is considering a bill (HB 494) to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to possess and consume beer and wine in a restaurant if they are with their parents, grandparents, stepparents or legal guardians. This is wrong on many levels and sends the wrong message to children and adults. Many teens have different last names than a parent or stepparent. How will restaurant owners and servers know, for certain, the actual relationship?

Underage drinking is dangerous for the drinker and society. Each year, approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

The brain is developing and growing until young people are in their mid-20s. Exposing the brain to alcohol during this period often leads to subtle learning impairments as well as to further escalation of drinking.

The minimum drinking age of 21 was established to protect the health and safety of young people and to safeguard the public. Research shows minimum legal drinking age laws have had positive effects primarily in decreasing traffic crashes and fatalities, suicide, and decreased consumption of alcohol by those under the age of 21.

HB 494 could be called for a vote at any time. The Womans Christian Temperance Union urges you to call your state legislators and ask him/her to vote "no".

Loreta Jent, Bloomington

The writer is vice president, Illinois WCTU.
MASON CITY | A man jailed for suspicion of killing two Mason City residents has been charged with punching another prisoner.

Peter Veal, 30, of Lake Mills, was charged Wednesday with assault causing bodily injury or illness, a misdemeanor.

It's the second time in two months that he's been accused of attacking an inmate at the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

Veal allegedly punched a prisoner in the face Wednesday night while they were sitting at a table in a common area of the male maximum-security unit at the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

Cerro Gordo County Chief Deputy Dave Hepperly said victim's wound required stitches.

He said Veal will likely face additional sanctions for violating jail policies.

In March, Veal was accused of fighting another inmate in the common area.

Double homicide suspect accused of fighting in Mason City jail MASON CITY | A man accused of killing two Mason City residents last year was one of two inma

He was charged in that case with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Veal's been at the jail since his arrest Nov. 17 for two counts of first-degree murder.

Authorities say he killed Mindy Kavars and Caleb Christensen early that morning.

Their bodies were found in Christensen's home on North Hampshire Avenue.

However, the case against Veal was put on hold last month when a judge determined he was not mentally competent to stand trial.

Although he still faces murder charges, Veal will be treated at a licensed forensic hospital until the court determines he is able to participate in his own defense.

He's being held at the Cerro Gordo County Jail while waiting for a transfer to the psychiatric facility.
Halima Aden, intimidatingly perfect and clearly lovely human being, has spoken to Glamour about her rise to stardom and the pressures models face in the industry.

Aden, who shot to fame as the first beauty pagent contestant to wear a hijab, has just covered the March Issue of CR Fashion Book, walked for Kanye West in Yeezy Season 5 and spent her fashion month alongside supermodels like the Hadid sisters  who she describes as her "catwalk fairy god sisters."

"They were so nice and even more beautiful in person," Aden told the magazine. "...You'd think someone as big as Gigi wouldn't have time to tell me how it all works but she was giving me advice and telling me things I wouldn't even think to ask about because I was so star struck  I was literally fangirling."

She also revealed that prior to her catwalk debut at Yeezy, she was concerned that messing up would not just hinder her future as a model, but disappoint all the Muslim girls who looked up to her.

"I know all the biggest supermodels have had their moments [falling over] but I wasn't about to have all the angry Somali sisters like 'girl, you were supposed to represent us and then you face plant, break a neck, break a nose and ruin your career in the first month'," she said.



Despite her worries and "very little knowledge" of the fashion industry, by the looks of it Halima Aden isn't disappearing anytime soon.

[h/t Glamour]

Image via Instagram
More details surfaced about the sexual assault on a Chicago teen streamed on Facebook Live after one of the suspects' mother turned her son in to the police. One of the details police uncovered included the fact that the attackers threatened the girl with a dog attack if she tried to escape.

The 15-year-old suspect, whom the mother brought to police, was the second teen arrested that was involved in the case. Authorities arrested a 14-year-old over the weekend. Police said they both faced felony counts of criminal sexual assault, dissemination of child pornography and manufacturing of child pornography.

Six people took part in the assault of the girl, 15. Forty people watched the Facebook Live video but no one contacted the police, Fox News reported.

The incident took place on March 19 and the mother of the victim said her daughter received threats and some kids in their area laughed about the incident. The girl has yet to return back home or in school for fear of getting taunted and ridiculed.

For the additional details on the case, Cook County prosecutors claimed at least four of the attackers beckoned the victim into a basement. They then slapped her numerous times and told the victim a dog will attack her if she resisted or tried to leave. The 14-year-old arrested over the weekend reportedly told the victim she could have sex with them "the easy way or the hard way," Chicago Tribune shared.

A Chicago police spokesman appealed to the parents and families of the other suspects to do the right thing and turn over their children. The people who watched the Facebook Live stream and did not report to the authorities could also face charges.

The two teens arrested remained at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. Authorities did not announce trial dates yet.

What do you think about the case? Are the charges justifiable? Let us know in the comments below.
An Idaho-hailing mom faced five years of probation after admitting to starve her then eight-month-old daughter. Authorities said that if the infant had not been taken from her mother's custody, the baby could have died in a matter of days because of severe malnutrition.

Tiffany Knapp, 21, also faced 180 days of discretionary jail time for not providing adequate nutrition for her daughter. According to Idaho East News, Knapp was feeding her daughter Kool Aid and watered-down whole milk for months. Third District Judge Davis F. VanderVelde ordered Knapp to pay for the court costs as well.

Initially, VanderVelde ordered 10 years jail time for Knapp but defense attorney, Randy Grove, managed to appeal for a lighter sentence because Knapp was said to improve as a mother. Knapp reportedly took parenting classes for improvement after she pleaded guilty in March 2016.

The fact that Knapp also has the custody of her other child also helped Grove's case in lowering court's sentence, as it was an indication that she is a capable parent. The mom's gesture of pleading guilty was reported to have helped as well, as she recognized her own fault in taking care of her child.

On March 8, 2016, KTVB News reported that Knapp was arrested for felony injury to a child. According to court documents, the infant was stated to be "severely malnourished and underweight" when Child Protective Services took care of Knapp's child. The infant was then weighing only 11 pounds, severely lower than that of her healthy contemporaries, who weighed around 17 to 22 lbs.

Further, it was reported that the child was prematurely born and was brought to the hospital for immediate care at four months age. Pediatric doctor at the local hospital provided a specialized infant formula to help Knapp's daughter in gaining weight.

After being discharged from the hospital, however, Knapp admitted to skipping the pedia's prescription. After the authorities have taken care of the infant, luckily, the girl has gained weight as needed.
United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered to pull out US funds for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This expected move came after his commitment to halt the nation's ties to pro-abortion efforts, which is said to affect women and children from at least 155 countries.

Reports said the United States is a generous donor to UNFPA and is in fact the fourth-largest contributor in 2015, Time noted. Under the liberal then-president Barack Obama, the organization received $979 million in aid of UNFPA's family planning-oriented advocacies.

Trump's administration withdrew the donations because UNFPA allegedly support China's forced abortion practices. However, the organization denied their participation in the country's population-controlling policy.

The #MarchForLife is so important. To all of you marching --- you have my full support!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 27, 2017

"This determination was made based on the fact that China's family planning policies still involve the use of coercive abortion and involuntary sterilization, and UNFPA partners on family planning activities with the Chinese government agency responsible for these coercive policies," the state department said in a statement to which UNFPA responded to as "erroneous."

In defense, the organization cleared the allegation and stated that their programs recognize everyone's rights and support couples' free will and decision. UNFPA added that their advocacies are "free of coercion or discrimination."

With the United States' fund pull-out, what does it exactly mean for the 155 affected countries? As per BBC, UNFPA's programs may be in peril for inadequate financial sustenance.

The organization's advocacies also focus on educating and giving access to women and young children on sexual and reproductive rights, maternal health and control unwanted pregnancies. UNFPA has been aiding the "most fragile" Asian nations like Syria, Iran, Iraq and African countries like Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.

The move of Trump's administration was not a new thing for UNFPA. During the governance of past Republican presidents like Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George H. Bush, funding for the population organization was also reduced as it is often a favorite target of the conservative party.

This year, $29 million is reported to be withdrawn by the Trump administration. Are you for or against President Donald Trump's move? Let us know your thoughts below!
Testing a man's sperm health and its count can now be done at the comfort of one's home, thanks to modern technology. Personal sperm test kits are on the rise and they can be found over the counter, along the shelves of pregnancy kit and prophylactics.

These sperm-observing kits are mostly FDA-approved and come for variety of functions. One brand of which is YO, a kit available in stores and can be operated using an app, Tech Crunch reported.

YO is able to observe the motility of sperms which is vital for fertilization. Almost half of males with reproductive problems have sperms that are not moving the right way, and this is where YO becomes extremely useful. Instead of lining up to the doctor--an often awkward move for men at times--they can just observe the sperm privately at home.

By just taking a picture of the sperm placed in a sterile slide, men can easily check their sperms using the app if they swim to the right direction. YO sperm test kits can be on the lower end of the price spectrum as it costs under $50 but there are kits that can cost higher.

Trak, a sperm test kit available online for purchase, costs an expensive $200 for counting a male's sperm. It is, however, unable to observe reproductive cells' movement. As useful as they seem for some, other people think that sperm test kits are still less reliable compared to an actual doctor's prognosis.

Registered nurse, Mari Dominguez, told ABC Fox News that while these are great products of technology, it cannot ever replace medical professionals.

"If you're relying on this to say yes, I'm not going to get someone pregnant or you're trying to get pregnant and you're getting misinformation like oh I have low sperm," Dominguez told the publication. "To me, it just doesn't have enough clinical accuracy to get somebody useful information."

Infertility problems are a perrenial problem for a fifth of the American adult males. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sperm analysis consist of concetration, motility and morphology tests.
A teenager from New Jersey admitted he plotted to kill Pope Francis during the pontiff's visit to Philadelphia in September 2015. Santos Colon Jr., 17, who is from Lindenwold, New Jersey, entered a plea of guilty when he faced the Camden federal court Monday.

Colon admitted it took him two months to plan Pope Francis' assassination. He hired a sniper to carry out the job and expected the sniper to purchase the weapons and explosives.

The plan was to set off bombs and gun down the pope as he said public mass. Only, there was one problem  the sniper Colon hired was an undercover FBI agent who foiled his plans. Authorities arrested the 17-year-old just 12 days after Pope Francis' arrival, as per Catholic Online.

"Colon engaged in target reconnaissance with an FBI confidential source and instructed the source to purchase materials to make explosive devices," prosecutors revealed, as per Reuters. Various reports stated Colon plotted the assassination as a gesture of his support for the ISIS but prosecutors said they cannot confirm this as his motivation. The Islamic State wasn't mentioned in the court records on his guilty plea.

Prosecutors tried Colon in court as an adult even as he committed the crime as a minor. He could likely face a 15-year prison time and a $250,000 fine. The court has yet to set a date for the sentencing.

Before his arrest, FBI agents issued a bulletin on August 2015 stating the ISIS connection. "The minor was inspired by [ISIS] and sought to conduct a detailed homeland attack which included multiple attackers, firearms, and multiple explosives, targeting a foreign dignitary at a high-profile event," the FBI, along with Homeland Security cited, as per ABC News. Sources stated, however, Colon might have mental health issues as well.

Pope Francis visited Philadelphia and Washington D.C. for the World Meeting of Families. Kenneth Gavin of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia issued a statement following Colon's arraignment thanking authorities for ensuring Pope Francis' safety in the U.S. that September.
Lawmakers slammed the wrongful birth law in Texas, stating that it can potentially cause doctors to lie. The law reportedly allowed mothers that are pregnant with a child diagnosed with birth defects to abolish their pregnancy.

A mother, who was placed in the center of the wrongful birth issue, voiced out her claims by stating that the lawmakers who opposed the law didn't even both check on the family's condition. Dortha Biggs opened up about the struggle she and her 48-year-old daughter went through. Briggs' daughter, Leslie was affected when Dortha was struck with rubella when she was two-and-a-half weeks pregnant.

Since Leslie's birth, the only thing that her mother hoped for was to speak, which is close to impossible as she is confined to a wheelchair without the capability to perform even the basic motor and verbal skills. Dortha once spoke about her difficulty, stating that if she had known that her daughter would suffer, she would have terminated the pregnancy.

She then sued her doctor explaining that he misdiagnosed her condition. They eventually reached a $120,000 settlement, according to CNN.

With the heightened argument, lawmakers are still highly against the wrongful birth lawsuit. They even point out that there is no such thing as wrongful birth in the first place.

"The presence of a disability in a child should not be grounds for a lawsuit," Sen. Brandon Creighton told his colleagues. "It sends the message that there are births that are wrongful. There are no wrongful births."

An additional report stated that a bill that is bound to eliminate the wrongful birth law is creating a negative impact on people with disability, as per Bustle. The bill to abolish wrongful birth reiterated the view that families cannot sue their doctors for withholding information regarding their child's condition while inside the womb.

"A cause of action may not arise, and damages may not be awarded, on behalf of any person, based on the claim that but for the act or omission of another, a person would not have been permitted to have been born alive but would have been aborted," part of the bill read.
Recent reports said that the Trump administration is bound to withhold $32.5 million funding for United Nations Population Fund. Based on the claims, UNFPA supported a Chinese government's family program requiring its people to perform abortions and sterilizations.

Reports emerged that the Trump administration will cut most of its funding for family planning and maternal health. The decision emerged after UNFPA reportedly supported a Chinese government and their laws on abortion and sterilization. Though the Trump administration already stood their ground in regards to the issue, the United Nations mentioned that this allegation regarding UNFPA's support for the Chinese government is not true.

It was already expected that the Trump administration will decrease their funding but several agencies expressed their dismay. The supporters of the reproductive health program pointed out that their objections would start from the recent administration's memorandum of Justification, according to NPR.

"There is no evidence that UNFPA directly engages in coercive abortions or involuntary sterilizations in China but asserted that that the agency continues to partner with China's national family planning agency on family planning," the memorandum read. "And thus can be found to support, or participate in the management of China's coercive policies."

United Nations' spokesman, Stephane Dujarric has already predicated the funding loss could potentially have a negative impact on women and young girls around the world. He also added that the decrease in funding could place most women in a devastating condition.

The supporters of the reproductive health program felt disappointed with the changes and the de-funding as it has a chain reaction that can affect several generations. Another angle that prompted the defunding was the Trump administration's re-imposition though an executive action pushing for the ban of international family groups to perform an abortion.

The recent administration received backlash in January 2017 after Donald Trump signed the anti-abortion executive order, according to Huffington Post. The administration remained under fire after different reports emerged that he would be cutting educational funds as well.
A supposedly new principal at a Kansas high school resigned from her post after a group of journalist students questioned her qualifications. The students questioned the incoming principal regarding her educational background.

Reports identified the high school as Pittsburg High School and according to the Pittsburg School Board, the person they wanted to take on the post, Amy Robertson, decided to resign because she believed it was in the best interest of the district. The main concern of the student journalists came from the information that she received her master's and doctoral degrees from an unaccredited online school called Corllins University, The Los Angeles Times shared.

Despite the issue that Corllins University was not an accredited school, Robertson claimed she completed her master's and doctoral degrees before the university got stripped off of its accreditation. The students, however, countered they could not find any record that Corllins University did have an accreditation in the past.

The student journalists, members of the school publication the Booster Redux, also claimed Robertson told them she lived in Dubai for more than two decades and worked as a chief executive for Atticus I S Consultants, a supposedly education consulting firm. She then came across the position in the high school and got hired subsequently. The students noted they had a conference call with Robertson and when questioned about the facts stated on her credentials, she gave conflicting statements such as dates, Washington Post reported.

To become a principal in any of the schools in the United States, one should have teaching experience and a Master's Degree in education. They also must have administrative credentials to qualify for the post. Lastly, they have to pass administration level tests to complete the requirements needed.

Robertson said in a statement her degrees underwent authentication by the United States government. She also said the questions of the student journalists were not based on facts. Although Robertson claimed the journalist students did not have facts, she was not able to produce her transcript from University of Tulsa as per her claim where she completed her undergraduate degree.
OSAGE | An Osage man authorities say attacked a teen girl has been arrested.

Matthew Ray Entriken, 36, was charged with assault causing bodily injury or mental illness.

Entriken allegedly hit a 16-year-old in the head with his fist on March 28 at his residence in Osage, according to court documents.

Investigators say they saw a bump and bruise on the side of the girl's face.

They went to the home to check the girl's welfare at the urging of local school officials, according to court documents.

Police initially arrested Entriken on a felony charge of child endangerment.

A judge later changed the charge to misdemeanor assault at the prosecution's request.

Entriken's next court hearing is set for April 18 in District Court in Osage.

 Molly Montag
Many lawmakers pushed for legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in different states but that is not the case in other areas in the United States. Utah students pushed for new bills to legalize medical marijuana while lawmakers in Connecticut did not approve of the recreational marijuana possession in adults in the state.

The lawmakers in Utah considered the two medical marijuana-related bills during the 2017 legislative session. This was not enough, however, so the students and other groups in Utah pushed for a ballot initiative in order to let the people decide on medical marijuana.

The first bill called S.B. 211 and sponsored by state senator Evan Vickers, a University Utah graduate and a pharmacist, focused on the regulation and sale of medical cannabis in the area. The second bill, H.B. 130, sponsored by Rep. Brad Daw, suggested research on cannabinoids should be grin lit. S.B. 211 did not pass the Senate while H.B. 130 passed both the Congress and the Senate.

Utah Residents for Medical Cannabis, which is a group led by U student Gabby Saunders, contended the medical cannabis-related legislatures are taking too long to be passed. They planned to have a march on the Utah State Capitol late this month and voice out their views regarding the future of medical cannabis. Saunders noted they do not support recreational marijuana and in the planned march, they will not use any clothing or signs with the marijuana leaf sign.

As for the ballot initiative, the group Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education said they plan to have the voting this 2018. Saunders said they will most probably support the second group regarding the ballot initiative, The Daily Utah Chronicle reported.

In Connecticut, they pushed for the legalization of recreational marijuana but they will not be the ninth state to legalize such. According to reports, the bill did not have enough votes. The bill wanted to legalize recreational marijuana to users over the age of 21, Patch shared.

The news came after 63 percent of Connecticut voters expressed their support for making recreational cannabis legal. Lawmakers believed passing the bill will result to increase in crimes, homelessness and panhandling.
Patently Apple posted a legal report last June titled "Uniloc Files a Four Count Lawsuit against Apple over Messages App." Today we've discovered that Uniloc USA and Luxembourg have launched a new three count patent infringement lawsuit against Apple. In Uniloc's first count they claim that Apple's iOS 7 feature known as 'Frequent locations' infringes their patent 9,414,199. Considering that the lawsuit includes multiple graphics, our report provides you with a full Scribd version of the lawsuit below for you to review.

1. Patently Apple - Uniloc USA and Luxembourg v Apple Patent Infringement by Jack Purcher on Scribd

The patent infringement case presented in today's report was filed in the Texas Eastern District Court. The Presiding Judge in this case is noted as being Judge Rodney Gilstrap.

Notice: Patently Apple presents only a brief summary of certain legal cases/ lawsuits which are part of the public record for journalistic news purposes. Readers are cautioned that Patently Apple does not offer an opinion on the merit of the case and strictly presents the allegations made in said legal cases / lawsuits. A lawyer should be consulted for any further details or analysis. About Making Comments on this Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
Patna: Known for his controversial comments that often lands him in trouble, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Central Minister Giriraj Singh once again shot himself in his foot when he said that all Indian Muslims were 'converted' Muslims who generations ago used to be Hindus.

Speaking at a Ramnavami function in Ara on Wednesday, Singh said that all Muslims in India used to be Hindus but were forced to embrace Islam by foreign invaders starting in the early parts of the 16th century.

"Indian Muslims ancestors are my ancestors as they also come from the long line of Hindus before they were converted,' the BJP leader declared.

Talking about Ram Temple, Singh said that India was the nation of Hindus so it was only natural for the Hindus to build a temple in honor of Lord Rama.

"If we won't build a Rama temple in India then where should we build it, in Pakistan or Bangladesh?" he asked adding even former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when once asked in Indonesia what was his relationship with Lord Rama, the PM had replied by saying that Lord Rama was one of his ancestors.
Patna: Patna police on Thursday suspended ten cops including a 'daroga' for bringing Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) leader and Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav to court in handcuff on April 1 in what is said to be in violation of the protocol in dealing with MPs.

Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj ordered the sacking of the 11 cops including nine constables, one 'daroga', and one Assistant Sub-inspector for 'treating the MP like a common criminal' while being produced before a court.

"The incident was investigated by the police department and only after finding charges against the cops to be true, they were ordered dismissed from the force," Maharaj said.

However, it is believed that the action against the 11 policemen came only after Pappu Yadav's wife, also an MP, raised the issue in the Parliament demanding the release of her husband and action against the erring cops who handcuffed the JAP leader.

As reported, Yadav was arrested from his home in Mandiri area in Patna on March 27 just hours after he had held a protest rally in Gardanibagh. However, he was not arrested for his March 27 activities but because of his actions going back to January this year when he was charged with violating the city ordinance for organizing a political rally in a prohibited zone near Kargil Chowk.

Meanwhile, a Session Court in Patna presided over by R N Tripathi refused his petition for a bail in the same case. He, however, was granted bail in three other cases involving similar protest rallies and disrupting railway traffic at Patna Junction.

Yadav, who continues to remain at Patna's Beur Jail, said that he is in touch with his lawyer who will soon approach Patna High Court to obtain a bail.
In a post-election era of increased prejudice, bigotry and hate crimes, it is more important now than ever that Americans learn to stop discriminating against others based on gender identification, race, sexuality and disease.

A bill passed by Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco and other state lawmakers proposed that knowingly exposing someone to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through unprotected sex without telling them about the disease should be considered a misdemeanor, rather than a felony.

The measure would also apply to those who donate blood or semen without alerting the respective bank that they have been diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or have tested positive for HIV.

Naturally, the bill was met with opposition from Republicans, who claim that the act of knowingly exposing someone to HIV through unprotected sex justifies a felony; HIV treatment is lifelong, so the mark on a criminal record must be lifelong too. However, this is more than just a Democrats vs. Republicans issue  its about fixing outdated laws to make them applicable to todays society and recognizing the various medical advances that have been made since the law was initially implemented.

Criminal transmission of HIV, as the act is formally called, is tried on the same level as manslaughter, kidnapping, robbery and various drug crimes. One Iowa case saw Nick Rhoades, an HIV-positive male, indicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison (the statutory maximum sentence under Iowa law) even though he claimed he wore a condom and there was no proof of intent to transmit the disease at the time of his sexual encounter.

Any criminal record  especially one with a felony (non-violent or not) makes life significantly more difficult. It makes it near impossible to get any corporate job and if convicted, felons lose their rights to vote, possess firearms and receive public funding for higher education. Additionally, under California law, anyone charged with any type of sex offense will have to register as a sex offender for life; failure to do so is considered a violation of parole and is grounds for an arrest warrant.

The fact that criminal transmission of HIV is still seen as equally felonious as first-degree murder is absurd. While this was once perhaps a rational thought in the 1980s when there was no cure and being diagnosed with AIDS was equivalent to receiving a death sentence, today that is no longer the case.

According to an article by the Los Angeles Times, only 1,561 out of 126,241 people with diagnosed HIV infection died in 2014. The increased availability of medication that suppresses the AIDS-causing virus and the increased survival rate in those that are diagnosed as HIV positive disproves the belief that there is absolutely no remission from the disease.

This bill is simply another step towards ending the 1980s stigma surrounding homosexuals, caused by the fear and ignorance of individuals during that time period. Labeling those diagnosed with HIV as dangerous felons is something that would be expected when AIDS was considered the gay plague, when increased homophobia was justified and encouraged. Ostracizing those who are HIV-positive forces them into a state of fear. They are more reluctant to seek treatment for their illness and have a lower chance of survival because of it.

The first step to ending AIDS is to decriminalize and destigmatize it and this bill is only the beginning.
Corona Pastor Lonny Remmers was sentenced to a year and a day in federal custody Tuesday, April 4, in connection with an Ohio wire-fraud case.

In Toledo, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Helmick also sentenced Remmers, 59, to three years supervised probation and ordered him to pay $95,000 restitution. Remmers was sentenced on a felony charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; two felony counts of wire fraud were dismissed. Two other counts of wire fraud were dismissed when Remmers pleaded guilty in August.

Twenty-four Remmers supporters submitted letters to the court, vouching for his character.

Remmers, Robert Milam and Mark O. Wittenmyer were accused of soliciting $2 million from an Ohio developer as seed money for an investment fund but instead using the money for their own purposes. Milam was sentenced to 14 months in prison in January. Wittenmyer is scheduled to be sentenced April 18.

Remmers is head of the Heart of Worship Community Church, which has about two dozen members, many of them recovering drug addicts or others who sought refuge with Remmers from their troubled lives.

Remmers was convicted in 2014 of inflicting corporal injury on a child and assault with a deadly non-firearm weapon after using pliers to pinch the nipple of a 13-year-old boy whose mother had brought the teen to Remmers to be disciplined for sexually assaulting his sister, court records show.
MASON CITY | The City Council turned down two requests for employee pay raises Tuesday night, both by 3-3 votes.

City Administrator Brent Trout recommended a pay raise for City Engineer Mark Rahm for what Trout felt has been exceptional work on many projects.

Rahm earns $99,174 which Trout said is about mid-range for city engineers, according to a survey conducted by Human Resources Director Perry Buffington. Trout recommended Rahm's pay be upped to $104,041.

The other request came from Finance Director Kevin Jacobson for Krystal Garl, a payroll/accounting clerk in his department, who has taken on added responsibilities with implementation of an electronic timekeeping system.

She is earning $20.28 an hour. Jacobson recommended her pay be increased to $21.04 an hour.

Council members Travis Hickey, Janet Solberg and Brett Schoneman voted against the raises, all essentially for the same reasons.

Hickey said it was nothing personal, that in the case of the payroll clerk, he didn't even know who she was.

Garl's name was not mentioned during the meeting nor was she identified in written information provided to the council in their packets.

But he said the city just completed its budget for the coming fiscal year and said the pay raises should have been proposed during the budget discussions.

He also said selecting individuals for pay raises could lead to morale problems with other employees.

Solberg pointed out employees will be getting pay raises effective July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

Schoneman also said the timing was bad. "The way you don't go over budget is to make hard choices," he said.

Trout said the council had previously turned down the opportunity to have a salary study done for all city positions. "So I decided to look at them individually," he said.

Lee voted in favor but said, "When it's done this way, you put a lot of people in a bind."

Council members Bill Schickel and Paul Adams voted for the raises along with Lee.
In Idyllwild, finding homes for lost or abandoned dogs and cats is a community effort.

Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild was founded in 1994 to address the unique challenge of pets lost or abandoned in a particularly rugged and isolated region.

According to Director Janice Murasko, animals are often dumped in the community, perhaps because people think they will have a better life.

People who come up and dump their pets dont realize the dangers, said Murasko. Dogs and cats found wandering the mountain face almost certain death through predation or the harsh winter weather.

When a lost pet is found, the mountain community of approximately 3,500 residents works closely together to help get the animal back home.

First, Animal Rescue Friends posts notices around town and on Facebook. Idyllwild is a pet-centric community and often someone can identify the pet and its owners, Murasko said.

In 2016, the organization assisted with getting nearly 60 lost pets home.

If the pets owners are not found, Animal Rescue Friends holds on to it for five days. Then the pet is given a veterinary well-check, shots, and is spayed or neutered, if necessary.

While the organization manages a cattery of 10 to 12 cats, it is not a shelter. For dogs that need to be adopted, it relies on foster homes.

Then comes the work of finding the pet a new home.

On the weekends, Animal Rescue Friends sets up adoption sites at local businesses and has volunteers walk adoptable dogs through town wearing bright yellow Adopt me leashes.

This is a very successful way to get dogs out into the public, said Murasko. We have some outstanding fosters and they get the dogs adopted so quickly, but we can always use more fosters.

In 2016, the organization adopted out 31 dogs and 38 cats. Dogs from Animal Rescue Friends have found homes throughout Southern California, from San Diego to Beverly Hills.

A few weeks ago, a woman from Los Angeles met a sweet, little 6-pound dog that was available for adoption and she fell in love, said Murasko. Then she told me that her husband had died two years ago to the day and she had been feeling down. She thought it felt like a sign.

In addition to assisting homeless dogs, Animal Rescue Friends has a fund to help low-income residents who cant afford veterinary care. Although, there is no veterinarian in the city, the organization works with a veterinarian who once a month runs a wellness clinic in the city.

Our vet does annual exams, shots, heartworm testing, said Murasko. We set appointments 10 minutes apart starting at 10 a.m. and some nights we go until 6 or 7 p.m.

Recently, Animal Rescue Friends received a grant from the Idyllwild Youth Grantmakers Fund through The Community Foundation to help low-income residents care for their pets.

However, finding additional funding can be challenging in such a small community.

To help raise funds, Animal Rescue Friends on June 3 will host its annual Paws for Rhythm and Brews event.

The beer festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at the Idyllwild Nature Center and offers craft beer tasting, food vendors and blues music. All proceeds go to Animal Rescue Friends and guests are encouraged to bring their well-behaved dogs.

The event is in its third year and has drawn an increasing number of visitors to Idyllwild.

Information: arfidyllwild.weebly.com or 951-659-1122

The Community Foundations mission is to strengthen Inland Southern California via philanthropy.
An anti-illegal immigration activist is pushing to get a law passed that would prohibit undocumented immigrants from attending public schools in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District.

Joseph Turner, a 39-year-old L.A.-area resident who formerly resided in San Bernardino and Redlands, hopes his proposed ballot measure, if passed, will inspire similar laws nationwide and spur efforts to challenge a 35-year-old U.S. Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the denial of free public education to students based on their immigration status.

Im trying to basically elevate the discussion into the national consciousness, Turner, who prefers being called a nationalist rather than a conservative, said in a telephone interview Tuesday.

RELATED: Rialto councilman apologizes for aborted sanctuary city exploratory meeting

Turner, a father of two who recently founded the nonprofit American Children First, is also proposing that students who are legal citizens but whose parents are undocumented immigrants pay tuition for their children to attend school. Tuition would be calculated by dividing the school districts budget by the number of enrolled students in the district.

Approximately 10 percent of students enrolled in the school district are English language learners, according to the California Department of Education, which does not provide statistics on undocumented students.

Turner filed his petition on April 3 with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters, which will provide a ballot title and summary of the measure.

I feel very confident this will qualify for the ballot, said Turner.

He said he singled out Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified because it is in a conservative region with a high number of Donald Trump supporters and a low signature requirement to get his measure on the ballot  roughly 3,200 signatures in a region of about 32,000 registered voters encompassing Yucaipa and Calimesa.

RELATED

San Jacinto schools now a safe haven

Riverside Unified campuses now safe learning zones for immigrants

Immigrants reassured by Jurupa schools, campuses are safe learning zones

According to the San Bernardino County Elections Office, nearly 60 percent of Yucaipas more than 22,000 registered voters who cast ballots during last Novembers Presidential election voted for Trump.

Jack Pitney, professor of governmental studies at Claremont McKenna College, said in a telephone interview Tuesday he could not see Turners vision come to fruition.

I dont think its going to happen. Here in California, there doesnt seem to be a whole lot of sentiment for excluding undocumented immigrants from public services, Pitney said.

He said it has been more than 22 years since California voters approved Proposition 187, which would have prohibited undocumented immigrants from receiving public benefits had the measure not been challenged in court and blocked by a permanent injunction at the federal level.

And it has been 35 years since Plyler vs. Doe, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that allowed all students regardless of their immigration status to receive a free public education.

RELATED: Sanctuary in the age of Trump: Coming to a church near you

Californias a different state, not to mention that its highly unlikely that the courts would want to revisit Plyler vs. Doe, Pitney said. This kind of strategy might have gotten more traction 20 or 30 years ago, but in the California of 2017, it has limited appeal.

Vacationing in Las Vegas for Spring Break, school district Superintendent Cali Binks said she was surprised by the news during a telephone interview Tuesday.

It was a surprise to our district, a surprise to me. I dont know anybody who has had any contact with (Turner) from our district, Binks said. The district has not participated in any of his activities. We have not been involved at all with him at this point.

She said the school district will continue complying with state and federal laws in its day-to-day business.

In a statement Tuesday, Sharon Bannister, clerk of Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unifieds Board of Education, said, Our mission is to provide an education for all members of our community from preschool programs, our elementary, middle and high school programs to our growing adult school program. Yucaipa Calimesa JUSD welcomes everyone to be a lifelong learner.

Sylvia Torres-Guillen, statewide director of education equity for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said federal courts have consistently struck down state and local policies barring undocumented children from attending public schools.

This certainly does not seem like it would be constitutional, she said,

Hopefully, the effect this will have is it will empower others in standing up against this kind of bias and discrimination and hatred, and certainly I would hope that school districts recognize their affirmative obligation to protect students and make sure theyre in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning.

In his petition, Turner said California spends billions of dollars educating illegal aliens and the children of illegal aliens, among other things. Furthermore, Californias schools are lagging the nation in terms of per pupil spending and student performance, according to the petition.

My philosophy is you cant make America first if you make American children second, said Turner, who ran for the San Bernardino school board in 2006 and for San Bernardino City Clerk in 2007. He also served as former county Supervisor Neil Derrys communications director and special projects coordinator.

He has a name for people who believe all children have a fundamental right to a free public education: fake Americans.

They are people who will say they want whats best for their children, but think all children should get an education, said Turner. My question to them is, Why would you allow illegal aliens to steal the resources from their (childrens) own education? You cant basically say your children are the most important people in the world, then sit by and allow illegal immigrants to steal those resources from your children.
Authorities have released the names of law enforcement officers who fired their weapons in four recent incidents in Riverside, Hemet, Cabazon and Woodcrest.

The names, which are considered public information unless releasing them would post a specific danger to the officers, were provided in response to requests by The Press-Enterprise.

In the Hemet officer-involved shooting, police also provided the name of the suspect whom an officer shot at but did not injure. The name of the suspect who died in the Riverside incident was released after two days. However, in the two cases involving the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, officials have declined repeated requests over the past month to release the identities of two suspects who were killed.

On Thursday, March 30, Hemet police Officer Andrew Reynoso shot at but missed 28-year-old Lackxay Daravong while trying to arrest him, police said.

Daravong ran from a car that police had approached on Florida Avenue shortly after midnight, police said. Police have not yet disclosed what prompted Reynoso to fire, though Lt. Eddie Pust said previously said the suspect did appear to have been armed.

Daravong was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor resisting arrest but was not booked into jail pending further charges upon completion of this investigation, Pust said.

On March 8, Riverside County sheriffs Deputy Joshua Greco shot a man who officials say was armed with a knife and throwing rocks at him in the 15800 block of Wood Road in the unincorporated Woodcrest area just outside Riverside.

After Greco was struck with a rock, the suspect advanced toward him and refused commands to drop the knife, sheriffs officials have said. Thats when Greco shot him. The man was taken to a hospital where he later died.

On March 4, Riverside County sheriffs Deputy George Scott shot a suspect he had been chasing through a dark field near the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon after the man pointed a metal object simulating a weapon at Scott, authorities said.

Scott had responded to a report of a suspicious person near a business and encountered a man who fled. Sheriffs officials have declined to say specifically what kind of metal object the suspect was holding.

On Feb. 20, Riverside police Officers Chris Carmona and Ramon Espinoza shot at a man they said had fired at them three times during an encounter in the citys Arlington neighborhood.

The man, Marcelino Garcia, was hit at least once. He hid in a nearby house on Sage Avenue, beginning a standoff that ended when the house caught fire. After the fire was put out, Garcia was found dead next to a gun and with a gunshot wound that police believe was self-inflicted. Neither Garcias cause of death nor the cause of the fire has been officially determined.

Garcias family disputes the police account, saying he called them before he died and denied shooting at police. Police did not find any shell casings from his gun along the route they had chased him.

Staff writer Brian Rokos contributed to this report.
Battery-operated candles shined against a dark night sky as the names of Riverside County residents killed in violent crimes were read Wednesday night, April 5, at Temecula City Hall.

The vigil was one of three held by the Riverside County District Attorneys Office as part of National Crime Victims Rights Week. This years theme was Strength, Resilience and Justice, and throughout the event, messages of coming together as a community to help others were widespread.

District Attorney Michael Hestrin encouraged the audience to go beyond just listening to and empathizing with crime victims.

We must be determined to be a people of action, Hestrin said. A people determined to do whatever is necessary to right injustice wherever we find it. The truth is we must re-dedicate ourselves every year and continuously to protecting our community and everyone in it.

Diane Bainbridge, a board member for an organization that helps domestic violence victims, shared the story of her daughters murder.

Like many of you, I went into shock, Bainbridge said, her voice cracking with emotion. I thought it had to be a big mistake and if I could just get over to that apartment, if I could just get there, Id see her there. After all, it was Mothers Day and we were going to celebrate together.

On May 9, 1993, Bainbridges daughter Allison Jacobs and sheriffs Deputy Kent Hintergardt were both killed by Jacobs estranged boyfriend at a Temecula apartment complex.

Mark John Kamaka first strangled Jacobs. Hintergardt, sent to the scene, was shot and killed after asking Kamaka for his ID. Kamaka then drove to an area of Canyon Lake and killed himself.

Bainbridge said that in the years following her daughters death she has found ways to help others. She said she led three grief groups for parents who have lost children and is on the board of Safe Alternatives For Everyone, an organization that aims to help children and families who are at risk for violence and abuse.

Yes, Im a victim, she said. All of you here that have suffered through the death of a loved one by violence, are victims. But that word, that term victim, doesnt have to define us forever.

Bainbridge said theres a message she hopes people will take from her speech.

When you go through such a devastating event in life, you really help yourself by helping others, she said.

The first of the vigils was Tuesday in Palm Desert. Diana Reed, mother of 10-year-old kidnap and murder victim Anthony Martinez, was the keynote speaker.

The last of the three vigils was Tuesday night in Riverside. Patty Cardenas, a supervising victim advocate for the DAs Office, was scheduled talk about the healing process since the death of her brother Alex, who was killed in a gang-related shooting in Orange County in 1992.

Afterward, 98 names added to the Victims Memorial Wall in a courtyard at the DAs Office were set to be unveiled.

District attorneys spokesman John Hall said the additions bring the total number of names to 2,325. He noted that the names added to the wall can be from any year, not just the past year.

98 more victims memorialized

The Victims Memorial Wall, erected in 2009, contains the names of people who have lost their lives to crime in Riverside County, dating as far back as records could be found. New names are added to the polished granite wall each year during National Crime Victims Rights Week. Here are a few of the 98 people being added to the wall this year.

Barry Swanson, who was installing a security system for a Corona family when he was killed in a baseball bat attack in September 2015. Two members of the family also died.

Dr. Greg E. Barron, killed Feb. 21, 2016, when another car hit him head-on on the Ortega Highway outside Lake Elsinore.

Lexie Plascencia, a 6-year-old who died in a March 17, 2016, car crash in Jurupa Valley.

Nicholas Males, who was stabbed early June 19, 2016 in the parking lot outside a Hemet bar.

Rachel Volpe and Cameron Craven, two of the victims of a triple homicide in Lake Elsinore on Aug. 2, 2016.

Luis Quintanar, an 18-year-old who was shot and killed Aug. 28, 2016, as friends say he was trying to defuse a confrontation outside a Riverside church.

Palm Springs Police Department officers Lesley Zerebny and Jose Gilberto Vega, who were killed in the line of duty on Oct. 8, 2016.

John Cool, a homeless man who was killed when a vehicle struck him as he sat under a tree in Riverside on Feb. 24. Police believe the driver of the vehicle struck Cool intentionally.
Beneficiaries of the ICT Business Incubation project launched in June 2016 by MTN Ghana Foundation in partnership with Ghana Multimedia Incubation Center (GMIC), continue to make very positive strides.



The project which is aimed at supporting incubates to develop products and services for commercialization focused on improving livelihoods while encouraging young people with good business ideas to start their own businesses.



Six months after inception, the project is living up to its expectation.



Read full statement:





PRESS RELEASE



Eight Start-Ups Flourish Under Mtn-Ict Business Incubation Project



Beneficiaries of the ICT Business Incubation project launched in June 2016 by MTN Ghana Foundation in partnership with Ghana Multimedia Incubation Center (GMIC), continue to make very positive strides.



The project, which is aimed at supporting incubates to develop products and services for commercialization, is focused on commercialization of new technologies, creation of jobs and wealth, improving livelihoods and strengthening local and national economies while encouraging young people with good business ideas to start their own businesses.



Six months after inception, the project is living up to its expectation. Eight start-ups that were selected for initial incubation are demonstrating tremendous progress.



One of the start-ups, Adroit 360, a software development and website designer, has developed a secured messaging app for businesses called Mecrypt, which is set to transform business messaging in Ghana.



Other incubates include Andcorp Ghana, which has developed an interactive e-learning application with unique social features and educational and corporate training content; CliQafrica, which has signed major digital communication contracts with select banks and airline companies; and Irys K.O, which has introduced an innovative mobile and computer application with a business outlook to develop and induce innovative ways of cargo consolidation in the global freight industry.



MINT, another incubate, makes use of recycled materials to build robots, has partnered with schools to introduce robotics curriculum and established robotics and STEM labs.



Finally, Bisa Health is a mobile app which has increased access to mobile health care by allowing smartphone users to interact with about 30 volunteer medical practitioners on a mobile platform.



Commenting on MTNs partnership with GMIC, Mrs Cynthia Lumor, Corporate Services Executive of MTN Ghana, said she was happy MTNs efforts to build a new crop of entrepreneurs and equip them with specialized skills is yielding positive results.



Our overriding objective for this partnership is to provide young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources to build successful and financially viable businesses.



The project is to also help digitize the Ghanaian economy, while helping alleviate the rate of unemployment in the country, she said.



The MTN ICT business incubation projects is providing employment for the youth.



Apart from the incubates who are directly involved in the project and have secured for themselves viable means of employment, National Service Personnel are also benefiting from the project.



In 2017, the project aims to build an efficient, effective, consistent and productive business incubator process to support many more businesses.



The Ghana Multimedia Incubation Center (GMIC) is a project under the National Information Technology Agency (NITA).



GMIC provides Business Incubation/ICT Entrepreneurship Development and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Services in Ghana.



MTN Ghana in January 2014 signed an agreement with the Ministry of Communications to support an ICT Business Incubation Project initially aimed at supporting 10 start ups companies.



This project support falls under the economic empowerment portfolio of the MTN Ghana Foundation.



Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, MTN has invested more than GH 32.2 million in over 140 major projects which are directly impacting lives of millions of Ghanaians.



Media Contact

Cynthia Lumor

Corporate Services Executive

Tel: 024 4300 000

Email: [email protected]

Accra





About The MTN Foundation:



The MTN Ghana Foundation was established in November 2007 as the vehicle to select and implement MTNs Corporate Social Investments. MTN Ghana Foundation has three areas of focus -Health, Education and Economic Empowerment.



From inception to December 2016, the Foundation had undertaken 140 major projects across the country.



Notable health projects include: construction of a Neonatal Care Center for Tamale Teaching Hospital, refurbishment of the 2nd floor maternity block of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, construction of a maternity block for Ejisu Government Hospital, and construction of an Emergency Center for Atua Government Hospital.



Education projects undertaken include: construction of a boys dormitory for Akropong School for the Blind, construction of a six-unit classroom block for Kodjonya Millennium School, establishment of 10 MTN ICT Learning Centers in each of Ghanas 10 regions and the institution of an Innovation Hub at KNUST to promote Telecoms Engineering and Research. Key projects undertaken in Economic Empowerment include: the construction of shea butter processing centers, provision of seed capital and skill training for Women of Tizaa Dini Association of Yendi and the Sung Suma Women Association of Wa.



For more information visit http://www.mtn.com.gh/about-mtn/community/mtn-ghana-foundation.

















Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Some nationals of the United States of America are also engaged in illicit mining, also termed galamsey, in the country, hence the menace should not be blamed only on Chinese nationals, David Agbey, a security analyst has said.



According to him, there are others also from Israel, Turkey, Nigeria involved in the activity, however, discussions on foreigners involved in illicit mining in Ghana have been limited to Chinese.



He said all these nationals must be dealt with by the authorities for engaging in illegality.



Speaking in an interview on Class FM on Tuesday April 4, he said: Go to the grounds and find out whether BNI officials are not involved in this galamsey business. You should go to the ground in the Western Region, all the districts where they are mining gold, whether BNI officials are not buying big equipment and whether they are not directly involved in this galamsey business.



Within the security arena many of them are involved in this galamsey business, so the attempt should not be like it is a Chinese man or Chinese businessman who just jumped into a plane, came into this country and identified a certain land and forest somewhere.



Ghanaians are the direct culprits  we are directly involved, the security agencies are directly involved in this galamsey business  and so we shouldnt close our eyes and be targeting only the Chinese. There are other indigenes: people from United States, people from Israel, people from Turkey, people from Nigeria, and people from neighbouring countries are all directly involved in this galamsey business.







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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Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
The Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, on Wednesday gave the assurance that the Government would collaborate with the relevant stakeholders in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



He said Ghana had proved to be a critical player throughout the negotiations of the SDGs adding that since their adoption she had remained committed to their implementation and monitoring.



Mr Ofori-Atta said this in a speech read on his behalf at Ghana's Data Roadmap Forum in Accra.



The forum aims at identifying data gaps and aligning national priorities towards achieving the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.



The Minister said: Ghana has remained committed to the goals, therefore, an SDGs Implementation Coordinating Committee has been established with representation from the Ghana Statistical Service, civil society organisations, the private sector and academia in realising the targets.



He said the Committee had been working to align the SDGs to national and regional economic priorities and galvanise support towards achieving the goals.



The Minister said the goals were underpinned by the commitment to peace and justice in all countries.



He said key among the goals were ending poverty and hunger, gender equality, recognising the equality of all people, clean water and energy and commitment to responsible consumption.



He said Ghana, through the Statistical Service, had been actively looking for new ideas and innovations externally to meet the data challenges of the goals.



He said the country had joined a global network for harnessing resources for meeting the SDGs and expressed optimism that the global partners would work towards meeting the target by 2030.



Dr Claire Melamed, the Executive Director of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, said data was key infrastructure for social programmes, therefore, for any society to progress there was the need to know more about the world around it and get new data sources.



She said the forum would enable data actors across the globe to share their experiences and opportunities in realising their goals.



Dr Melamed noted that Ghana had been a leader in the SDGs and, thus, had shown commitment and energy in realising them.



The two-day event brought together delegations from Kenya, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Denmark and the United States of America.



There were other delegations from some state institutions that were directly involved in data gathering and some civil society organisations across the country.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has claimed that some persons within the former administration are plotting to have him assassinated.



The Legislator speaking on Adom TV Thursday, 30th March, 2017 said that the former government officials have taken steps to ensure that he and other persons in the NPP including the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Wontumi and acting National Chairman of the party, Freddie Blay.



The unnamed former officials who believe he and the other two contributed significantly to the NDCs massive defeat in the 2016 polls worked to ensure the release of some prisoners to execute this mission.



I know about all the plots to have me, (Freddie) Blay and Wontumi killedI know of all the boys dispatched for that purpose, he claimed.



According to Ken Agyapong, the same group of NDC officials also dispatched six persons to his house with the sole mission of assassinating.



Three of the six, Ken Agyapong claimed were killed by personnel of the Ghana Police Service while the other three have been charged and arraigned before court.



Call the former IGP, Alhassan (Mohammed) and ask him, six persons were dispatched with the sole aim of killing me, they (Police) shot and killed three, three of them are still in court as I speak, he claimed.

Source: adomonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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MASON CITY | Nine Mason City High School seniors spent most of their Wednesday morning before a Cerro Gordo County District Court judge  but for a good reason.

As a culmination of a nine-week Criminology II project, students played the role of a prosecutor or defense attorney, presenting closing arguments for a criminal case they selected and researched, with the help of mentors like judges and DCI employees.

District Court Judge Colleen Weiland gave positive feedback, as well as suggestions for improvements as she listened to the students' presentations.

"Ooh, you guys are picking good ones," she said, as Shayla Bielefeld prepared to present her argument for the unsolved JonBenet Ramsey case, which involved a 6-year-old girl killed in her family's home in Colorado in 1996.

Her classmates  whose cases included Natalee Holloway, Robert Dreesman, Lee Paul and John Wayne Gacy  listened from the jury box.

Weiland told Beilefeld she did a good job of pointing out facts supporting her case.

"It was very nerve-racking but in the end, it was fun," Beilefeld said after her presentation.

Jared Gilmore and Jordan Yezek argued a longer sentence for Dustin Honken's 1996 federal methamphetamine case.

"He's the most notorious meth dealer in North Iowa," Gilmore said. "Twenty-seven years isn't long enough for a man who knowingly ruined people's lives."

While Weiland said sentences can't be re-done, she noted the pair balanced emotion with the facts they presented.

Isaiah Lucas argued from a defense standpoint for Noah Crooks, who was 13 when he shot and killed his mother in their Mitchell County home in 2012.

Lucas asked for Crooks  who was sentenced to up to 50 years in prison in 2016  to be transferred to a mental health facility "where he will get help."

"If there are so many people who need help in prison, shouldn't there be somewhere they go for help?" he questioned.

Weiland, who said Lucas' presentation was well-done, said mental health is a "huge problem we are not adequately discussing."

Weiland later said  following Darci Wagner's argument on Gacy  the state's current mental health infrastructure "doesn't even come close to meeting the need."

As a district court judge, Weiland says she hears a variety of cases  criminal, family and juvenile  except for appeals. She mainly deals with family and criminal law in her district, which includes North Iowa and several neighboring counties.

"I hope to see you in the future, but only for good stuff," Weiland told the students, who smiled and laughed at the comment.

The Criminology II course is co-taught by Deadra Stanton and Dan Ramaeker, who worked for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for 22 years.
Audio Attachment: Listen to Samuel Ofosu Ampofo

Director of Elections of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu Ampofo has pointed out that though all 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) took the oath of an MP as well as that of the Oath of Allegiance the same day, - January 6, the day the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic was constituted - there is still a hierarchical leadership in the august House.



He was commenting on the behaviour of the Tamale North MP in the Legislative House which has led to a serious debate on social media over whether there are "seniors" in Parliament.



There was a near-brawl in Parliament on Thursday, March 30, after the Joe Ghartey Committee delivered their report on the bribery scandal.



Hon. Suhuyini was captured on video exchanging words with the Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, whom the NDC MP claimed hurled insults on him during a debate on the floor of the House.



He alleged that the Education Minister described him as "mad" and further used "unprintable words" on him.



Hon. Suhuyini believed some Members of Parliament on the majority side think they're seniors and is quoted to have said he together with the MPs were all sworn into office the same day, so no one should claim seniority over him.



Speaking on Onua FM, he stressed that "no one is in that house on the basis of mercy.



"Everyone conducted a campaign, got elected by the electorate to represent a constituency so it is not for another person who feels big in his shoes to determine who his colleague in that house is...I am tempted to believe that the fact that some of us are in that house are eating some people up. Well, I cant help them. I am sorry. I was voted by the good people of the Tamale North and I am grateful for that and they have to learn to accept that fact.



Mr. Ofosu Ampofo, speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo', stressed that there are indeed seniors in Parliament, as clearly depicted in their seating arrangement.



He explained that in Parliament, long serving MPs are always seated in front with the 'babies' or first-timers like Suhuyini arranged at the back to prove that the House respects ranks.



Though he was silent on whether or not Suhuyini's behaviour is becoming worrying, Mr. Ofosu Ampofo however issued a word of caution to the Tamale North MP to be civil in his conduct in the House.



In principle, yes, when theres a Parliament and theyre all sworn-in; theyre all treated equally. But in practice, when you come to Parliament, theres a front bench and a back bench. Why do we have front bench? The fact that all of you have been sworn in by January, 2017; youre all MPs but there are different sizes of the Chiefs crown, he said.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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NSW Police have arrested A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack on allegations of possessing child abuse material.

Police reportedly arrested McCormack early this morning, leading to investigators attending the shows Willoughby offices to conduct a search.

Staff at the show were asked to leave the offices while police attended the scene, but have since been allowed back to work.

McCormack has yet to be formally charged, however police have indicated that charges may be laid later today.

It is understood that McCormack was arrested and taken to Redfern police station for questioning prior to officers executing a search raid on the ACA offices.

Network bosses confirmed that a police investigation relating to an ACA staff member were taking place, but quickly stressed that they were not related to the show or the network itself. A memo to staff issued this afternoon reads as follows:

I can confirm that officers from the New South Wales police have been at TCN this morning investigating matters relating to a staff member at A Current Affair. Its a personal matter that does not relate to the program or [the network]. We are co-operating with the police. However, we are not in a position to comment any further as this is an ongoing investigation.

McCormacks prior reporting work on the program has involved the pursuit of child abusers, including a 2014 report filed from the courtroom as former Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes was found guilty of committing sexual offences against children; a crime he was later sentenced to 10 years in prison for.

A short time ago NSW Police issued the following statement:

A man has been charged with sending child pornography material after being arrested by detectives from the Sex Crimes Squad. Detectives commenced an investigation after becoming aware of a matter via the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET), a joint-agency approach to tackling crimes against children.

Police will allege in court the man was engaged in sexually explicit conversations about children with an adult male and discussed child pornography. About 7.30am today (Thursday 6 April 2017), the 42-year-old man was arrested by strike force detectives during a vehicle stop on Driver Avenue, Moore Park. Shortly after, detectives executed a search warrant at a home unit in Alexandria, and an office at Willoughby, where they seized computers, a mobile phone, and electronic storage devices. The man was taken to Redfern Police Station and charged with using a carriage service for child pornography material. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 1 May 2017.

Investigations are continuing.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
The Australian government has issued updated travel advice for anyone planning on making the trip to Gallipoli for this years Anzac Day commemorations, after receiving information suggesting that the event may be a target for terrorist attacks.

While the overall level of advice for visiting Turkey and the Gallipoli peninsula hasnt changed from exercise a high degree of caution, a new warning has been added to address the likelihood of terrorism. The new advice reads in part:

There is information which suggests terrorists make seek to target Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Turkish authorities are aware of this information and traditionally provide a high level of protective security around Anzac Day commemorations on the peninsula. The level of our advice for the Gallipoli region remains unchanged. We continue to advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Ankara and Istanbul because of the high threat of terrorist attack.

Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan spoke to the media today about the update.

Unfortunately, in the current global environment, major events attract threats of varying degrees. Regrettably, Anzac Day is not immune.

Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Mike Phelan said that the AFP had been working with Turkish authorities, but would not go into detail about the information theyd received.

We do understand that the information suggests that terrorists may attack the peninsula. It is nothing more specific than that.

Last year a Sydney teen was arrested for planning a terrorist attack on the citys Anzac Day commemorations.

The Anzac Day events at Gallipoli are still scheduled to go ahead as planned.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Image: Anadolu Agency / Getty.
Steve Bannon, the slowly expanding sack of rotting potatoes that somehow came to control Breitbart News and then Trumps White House, has been removed from his controversial position on the presidents National Security Council. The White House is already trying to spin it as a completely normal change that no one should really think about very much.

Rewind for a moment. Bannons appointment to the National Security Council was always a little bit cooked. Though he was the Presidents top advisor  and considered the mastermind behind Trumps more nationalist, anti-globalisation policies  most were a little uneasy with him being on the NSC. Its a statutory body which advises the president on intelligence, military, and counterterrorism matters, and its usually populated with military top brass.

So the addition of Bannon, whose only qualification in this regard is a stint in the navy forty years ago and who looks like a corpse someone dredged up from the bottom of a river, invited some scratching of heads.

The reasoning given for Bannons departure from the council by the White House is perhaps a bit weird. This is from Bloomberg:

A White House official said that Bannon was placed on the committee in part to monitor Trumps first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and never attended a meeting. Hes no longer needed with McMaster in charge of the council, the official said.

Michael Flynn stepped down from his job as national security adviser after it came to light that he had lied about the level of contact hed had with Russian embassy figures before the election. This government stance is backed up by Washington Post reporter Robert Costas takes on Twitter:

Bannon hasnt been taking part in NSC meetings. Saw his role early on as keeping an eye on Flynn, making sure Obama-era NSC was reshaped  Robert Costa (@costareports) April 5, 2017

Bannon was there to de-operationalize the NSC, one official said, and he feels that job has been accomplished  Robert Costa (@costareports) April 5, 2017

Of course, theres no explanation as to what de-operationalising the NSC actually means, what steps he had taken to achieve this demonstrably made-up task, and how he achieved this despite the fact he did not attend a single meeting.

But wait! Despite all this mumbo jumbo about de-operationalising, Fox News had another scoop which sounds way more in line with how Trump approaches matters of government:

The other, other shoe drops.

@johnrobertsFox: The president wasnt particularly happy at the way Bannon had been grabbing the limelight pic.twitter.com/P3PIXNwL0n  Tom Namako (@TomNamako) April 5, 2017

Trump wasnt happy about Bannon getting all the attention, Fox alleges. That sounds more in line with the inclinations of the very optics-obsessed commander-in-chief.

Well, for whatever reason it went down, Bannon is no longer officially on the National Security Advisor. Hes still Trumps chief strategist, though. And  I stress this  he still looks like an alcoholic sea captain who has been stranded on an Arctic ice floe for three weeks. That to me is most important.

Source: Boston Globe.

Photo: Getty Images.
One of the largest national student surveys into the mental health of Australian university and TAFE students have revealed that a worryingly high percentage of them report poor mental health.

The survey, conducted by Headspace and the National Union of Students, asked more than 2,600 students (aged 1725) about their mental health.

Close to 70 percent of respondents rated their mental health as poor or fair (the bottom two of five options on the survey), two thirds reported high or very high psychological distress in the past 12 months, and 36 percent had thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Only 1.6 percent of students reported no symptoms of mental health problems impacting their studies.

Other mental health issues reported by students include feeling stressed (83 percent), lack of energy of motivation (82 percent), feeling anxious (79 percent), low mood (76 percent), feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness (59 percent), trouble sleeping (56 percent) and panic (53 percent).

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan described the results as alarming  but sadly, not surprising, given the uniquely vulnerable position many young students find themselves in.

Like all big life transitions, after finishing Year 12 young people can be more vulnerable, they are an at-risk group with no clear check-in point for mental health difficulties, he said. They might have moved out of home for the first time, they might have greater responsibilities financially and domestically. Some young people might engage in risky behaviours such as drug use. They may have less parental contact leaving them vulnerable and changes in their mental health going unnoticed. They are a group that can fall through the cracks.



Melbourne university student + Headspace advocate Amelia Walters, 18, said part of this poor mental health could be down to our lack of conversations about how hard the transition from high school teenager to fledgling adult can be.

There is this idea that everyone else is managing and is succeeding, but its not the case, and many people still dont talk about the pressure because there is stigma in admitting that youre struggling, she said.

Headspace has a bunch of tips on how to manage your mental health while studying here, or if youre struggling and/or want someone to talk to, you can call them on 1800 650 890. If youre in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Photo: This Is Fine.
Air travel was once revered as a luxury few could afford. Heck, any kind of commercial travel used to reserved for the high class. Yever seen Titanic?!

thassa big hat

Luckily nowadays, jumping on a plane and heading to some far away paradise is common practice. But that doesnt mean youre not entitled to make it le fancie. While you mightnt have the moola to throw down $33,000 on a Louis Vuitton trunk, there are plenty of little luxuries you can splurge on to make your travel kit look the goods. Here are our faves.

THE DAILY EDITED

A post shared by TDE (@thedailyedited) on Apr 18, 2016 at 3:10pm PDT

Id hazard a guess youve seen pieces by The Daily Edited pop up in your Instagram feed before. TDE was founded in 2011 by Aussie bloggers Alyce Tran and Tania Liu, and since then its gone on to become one of the most popular accessory brands this countrys ever produced. Everything, from their website, to their Insta feed, to the beautifully-crafted, blush boxes the pieces come in, is pretty much perfect.

Its ideal for a gift. Or for yourself. Or both.

MON PURSE





A post shared by Mon Purse (@mon_purse) on Jul 24, 2016 at 4:32pm PDT

Mon Purse is another stellar Aussie brand that has gone global thanks to their cleverly marketed monogrammed goods. The idea for Mon Purse supposedly struck founder Lana Hopkins when she was in a Build-A-Bear workshop in Bondi Junction back in 2014, and her pieces have been a stalwart in the blogger scene ever since.

The best bit? Not only can you get your initials on a bag; you can design the entire bag, too. Revolutionary.

GOYARD

A post shared by CRISTI PARE (@cristipare) on Sep 10, 2015 at 3:22am PDT

An OG brand in the monogram game, Goyard is a French trunk and leather goods maker. Its the oldest leather crafting business on the planet; a whole year older than Louis Vuitton.

If youve never heard of it before, dont berate yourself as a surefire member of the great unwashed. They dont advertise their goods, you cant purchase online and their pieces are only available in three stores in the whole of the US. Exclusive? Yes. Expensive? Well, yes.

While this prestige doesnt come cheap, its not absurdly priced. An artisanal crafted, classic tote will set you back around $1520AUD. All monograms are hand-painted.

SMYTHSON

A post shared by Smythson (@smythson) on Oct 28, 2016 at 9:39am PDT

Since 1887, Smythson has crafted luxury stationery, leather goods and diaries for a stable of well-heeled clients (the Queen included).

Aside from gilt initialing, they also offer bespoke printing and their most exclusive stationery range includes pieces with 24-carat gilded edges. Gold stationery. I G2G expire now.

GRAPHIC IMAGE

A post shared by Graphic Image Inc (@graphicimageny) on Oct 11, 2016 at 9:53am PDT

Graphic Image is a family owned, New York-based business specialising in a range of personalised leather goods. French goatskin leather luggage tags, slick travel diaries and my personal fave, a baby pink fullgrain leather pocket journal, are just some of their classy offerings. All customisable, monogrammable and/or Instagrammable. Double Bay gift shop Papier DAmour stock a great selection if you want to see some in the flesh.

Wish you had the spare cash to have all your luggage/life monogrammed? If you win our lil comp right here, you could. Youve got the chance to pocket $20k, so whatre you waiting for? Get entering:

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $20K! ENTER HERE NOW!

Photo: Mon Purse / Instagram.
Redner's

Founder of Redner's Warehouse Markets Earl W. Redner died on April 5. The chain operates more than 53 stores.

(Photo provided.)

Earl W. Redner, the founder of Redner's Warehouse Markets and a leader and innovator in the supermarket industry, died April 5 of natural causes, according to the Reading Eagle. He was 91.

In 1970, Redner, who is known as "The Chief," founded the chain bearing his family's name. Today, Redner's has more than 53 stores in eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.

His company was one of the first in the state with an employee stock option. Redner was also known for "changing the grocery marketplace by successfully transitioning a traditional grocery operation to that of a warehouse market sales and purchasing format," according to his obituary.

Redner began his career in the food industry as a furnace stoker and potato bagger with the Grand Union Tea Company where he worked for almost 30 years.

He held various positions with the company, including assistant store manager, district sales manager, division grocery sales manager and superintendent of stores in Washington, D.C.

He and his late wife, Mary, founded the first Redner's in Leesport in 1970.

Redner had served as chairman of PFMA, and on the board of the National Grocers Association. In 1998, he and Mary, were honored with the Heart of the Industry Award by the Grocery Manufacturer's of Central Pa.

In 2011, he was recognized as Person of the Year by Association of Manufacturer Representatives and the Mid-Atlantic Foods Trades Organization.

He was a member of the Shillington Rotary Club and active member of the Church of the Brethren of Wyomissing where he served as a deacon.

He was also a private pilot and would pick up and deliver produce for the Redner's chain.
MASON CITY | A Mason City man was ordered to serve up to 10 years in prison after having his probation revoked this week on a 2014 methamphetamine delivery conviction.

Mark M. Hoffman, 56, also received a sentence of up to five years in prison for violating the conditions of the Iowa Sex Offender Registry, and another five-year sentence after having his probation revoked on a 2014 conviction of failing to meet registry requirements.

All the sentences are to be served concurrently.

Mason City man awaiting sentencing for sex offender violation indicted on federal meth charge MASON CITY | A Mason City man has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession 

Hoffman has been on the sex offender registry since a 1995 conviction of aiding and abetting third-degree sexual abuse.

Hoffman and another man, Kenneth R. Sharp, were accused of kidnapping a woman from outside a Mason City bar and sexually assaulting her.

They were both charged with first-degree kidnapping. Hoffman pleaded guilty to the lesser charge and a jury convicted Sharp, who is now serving a life sentence.

Hoffman was indicted in January in federal court for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. His arraignment date has not been set.

 Mary Pieper
APTOPIX Mexico US Border Daily Life

A youth looks at a new, taller fence being built along U.S.-Mexico border, replacing the shorter, gray metal fence in front of it, in the Anapra neighborhood of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, across the border from Sunland Park, New Mexico.

(Rodrigo Abd / AP)

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's central campaign promise -- a "big beautiful wall" along the border with Mexico -- will not actually stretch across the entire border, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told a Senate committee Wednesday.



"It's unlikely that we will build a wall or physical barrier from sea to shining sea," Kelly testified to the Senate Homeland Security Committee.



"But it is very likely -- I'm committed to putting it where the men and women say we should put it," he said, referring to immigration and border enforcement agents.





Kelly's statement was the administration's clearest official acknowledgement that there will be no wall along the entire border, something he and other officials have suggested somewhat less directly in other forums.



Throughout the campaign, Trump had insisted that the border wall would be a physical structure, paid for by Mexico. His administration plans to request money for the wall from Congress. Trump still says he will find a way to force Mexico to reimburse the U.S. for the cost, something the Mexican government calls a non-starter.



Kelly said many aspects of the wall remain uncertain, including the cost and the structure.



"There's no way I can give the committee an estimate of how much this will cost," he said.



"I mean, I don't know what it will be made of, I don't know how high it will be, I don't know if it's going to have solar panels on each side and what the one side's going to look like and how it's going to be painted, have no idea."

-- By Noah Bierman, Tribune Washington Bureau
One hundred years ago, on Friday, April 6, 1917, the United States officially entered World War I after the Senate voted 82-6 to declare war against Germany and the House agreed by a vote of 373-50.

The front page of The Evening News that day - "War Declared 1.13 P.M.; 91 German Ships Seized."

"War was declared by the United States on Germany at 1.13 this afternoon when the President signed the war resolution.

Vice President Marshall, as president of the senate, affixed his signature to the document at 12.12.

President Wilson, after declaring this country at war issued a call for volunteers for the navy.

Immediately after war was declared, the whole government machinery, which had been primed and oiled, was set in motion and the United States was launched in a war to avenge the murder of its citizens on the seas."

Other headlines included:

"GERARD IS SURE KAISER HAS LONG PLANNED ATTACK"

"HOUSE APPROVES WAR, 373 TO 50; DRAMATIC SCENE"

Another story said the United States government had seized 91 German ships laying in its ports.

"The vessels represent a total tonnage of 594,696 and are lying in nearly every important part of the country."

On Page Two a story credited to the assistant secretary of agriculture asked, "Can we enlist a million American women to do men's work this summer on the farm?

I ask this question because it is possible that this summer the United States may be in a great need of farm laborers as of soldiers and munitions makers."

In a story headlined "War Timer in Pa. Legislature," the author said, "A large number of this Commonwealth's present lawmakers served as youths in the Spanish War. All of them declared their readiness to re-enlist and do what is to be done to defend the country, or chastise its enemies.

The oldest member of the house is a soldier, a captain, who built the breastwork for the Union army at the Battle of Gettysburg and who still cherishes as one of his dearest possessions two and one half ounces of lead that the surgeons picked from his body. That was between the years of '61 and '65. His name is John J. Haight and he is from Forest county. He is seventy-nine years old and a wealthy oil producer. He could hardly go to the front again, but he says, and no one doubts it that his heart is right."

The next day, on April 7, 1917, the entire front page of The Evening News was an Uncle Sam poster declaring, "You! Enlist Today! Your Country Needs You!"

The same day, a story asked, "Will This City Do Its Share?"

"Twelve soldiers a day for a month can Harrisburg give them?

Every time the minute hand passes twice around the clock for thirty days one man must step into the ranks of the United States army if this city is to do its share in the event of the passage by congress of the 500,000 volunteer army bill. Will they do it?"

"Machine Gun Unit Being Organized in Highspire"

A machine gun company is to be organized in the borough of Highspire. The plans are now being carried out by the promoters, for the approval of the federal government. The movement for the organization of this unit began a week ago. Edward D. Ruth, son of Postmaster E.D. Ruth, got out a petition which he is now circulating. In two days he has obtained the signatures of 25 young men, all from Highspire borough. An officer of the government recruiting service is expected to visit Highspire early next week, when steps will be taken to muster in the new organization as soon as it can be done."
Loidy Irrizarry Marte.png

Loidy Irrizarry Marte

A domestic violence victim who stabbed her physically abusive boyfriend to death shouldn't have been convicted of voluntary manslaughter, a state Superior Court panel has concluded.

That decision, issued this week, will free Loidy Irrizarri Marte, 26, from the 5- to 10-year state prison term she is serving for the 2014 slaying of 22-year-old Luionel Perez, who had put her in the hospital a few months earlier.

The Superior Court ruling, outlined in an opinion by President Judge Emeritus John Bender, overturns the voluntary manslaughter conviction Philadelphia Judge Genece E. Brinkley imposed after Marte's June 2015 nonjury trial.

Marti's trip to court began early on March 30, 2014 when a Philly cop responding to a call about a woman screaming found Marte covered in blood beside Perez's body, which was lying between two cars along the 6100 block of Hasbrook Avenue.

Police later followed a trail of blood from the street into the living room of Marte's nearby home, Bender noted. A steak knife was found lying behind the front door. The city's chief medical examiner, Sam Gulino, concluded that Perez died from a single stab wound to the upper chest.

A relative of Perez said that after the slaying Marte texted her that the killing was an accident and that she had stabbed Perez because he was hitting her. A witness to the killing said she saw Marte stab Perez after Perez slammed her into a stove and tried to strangle her.

During her trial, Marte testified that she grabbed the knife because she believed Perez was going to kill her. Three month earlier, she needed surgery after he beat her with a stick, records show.

Perez told her he was going to kill her during the fatal March 2014 encounter, Marte testified. She said he grabbed her by the hair, threw her to the kitchen floor, kicked her in the stomach and slammed her into the stove. She said she tried to run away and stabbed Perez when he reached for her neck.

In convicting Marte of manslaughter, Brinkley rejected her account of the incident, noting that her kitchen showed no signs of a struggle after the slaying. The county judge also cited an earlier incident when Marte swung a knife at Perez and missed.

Bender, however, agreed with Marte's claim that she killed Perez during a "justifiable act of self defense."

"It was objectively reasonable for (Marte) to believe, at that moment, that she was in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury," the state judge wrote.

Marte only appealed her manslaughter conviction. The Superior Court ruling doesn't void her conviction by Brinkley on a charge of possessing an instrument of crime. She was sentenced to 10 years of probation on that count.
The Lancaster County restaurant where two children who drank apple juice were reportedly sickened March 3 has been cleared of building code violations and is preparing to reopen, said a township official.

Star Buffet & Grill, 2232 Lincoln Highway East, passed a township codes inspection Thursday morning, said Ralph Hutchinson, East Lampeter Township manager.

"Everything passed. They have been issued a certificate of occupancy today. All the violations have been corrected," Hutchinson said.

Nearly two dozen property maintenance code violations were issued March 7 against the owners of the property, closing the restaurant. The owners, William and Patti Zimmerman of Nottingham, were cited for 23 violations included electrical, plumbing and mechanical violations.

Hutchinson said his best guess on when the restaurant might reopen is Saturday. "I don't think they will open today. They have to order food," he said.

A message on the restaurant's phone says it is closed but will be opening soon.

While Star Buffet had been found out of compliance in a March 6 inspection by the state Department of Agriculture, no imminent threat to public health was found to close the restaurant.

Star Buffet will be reinspected, said Shannon Powers, agriculture department spokeswoman. The date of the inspection will not be announced, she added.

East Lampeter Township police are continuing their investigation into reports that four people were sickened after drinking apple juice.

Lt. James Shank said "The case is still open," and said he had no new information to report.

On March 10, police said testing by the state Department of Agriculture found no evidence that the apple juice alone caused the injuries to the children. The public was not believed to be in danger, and the case appeared to be an isolated incident, police said.

"These results will require further, more definitive, testing," police said.

The state Department of Agriculture is not involved in the further testing, Powers said.

Police said they were called to Star Buffet at 7:14 p.m. March 3, and found a 4-year-old girl and 10-year-old boy were experiencing burns to their mouths and throats and were vomiting. A 6-year-old boy was also experiencing stomach discomfort.

The reactions came after drinking from styrofoam cups that were said to have contained apple juice. An adult male in the group also experienced burns in his mouth after tasting the liquid.

The 10-year-old was released from the hospital March 16, and the 4-year-old the same weekend.
A 22-year-old naked man accused of punching and biting his father was tased by police, and later spit in the face of an EMT, police say.

Jordan S Richardson of New Holland was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, simple assault and criminal mischief in the 3:49 a.m. incident in the 300 block of East Jackson Street.

He was also charged with aggravated assault by Ephrata police after being accused of spitting saliva mixed with blood into the face of an EMT.

Two New Holland police officers were taken to Ephrata Community Hospital for evaluation of injuries they sustained in the incident.

Police said they were called to the home for a report of an "out-of-control male destroying items inside the residence."

They found Richardson, who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, outside, naked and arguing with his father. He resisted arrested and at one point climbed on top of a vehicle on East Jackson Street while yelling obscenities, police say.

In addition to attacking his father, he punched an officer several times in the head, police say. Police from other jurisdictions were called in to assist.

After being charged Richardson was placed in Lancaster County prison in lieu of $500,000 bail.
A Bethlehem man accused of firing shots into a Lancaster County woman's car due to "a relationship issue" had an attempted homicide record in Puerto Rico, police say.

Neftali Rodriguez-Torres, 35, of the 900 block of Argus Street, Bethlehem, was accused of firing shots into a woman's Saturn in the 1800 block of Quarry Drive in West Hempfield Township around 1:39 a.m. Tuesday, police said.

Shortly after this incident, Rodriguez-Torres was accused of firing shots in Manheim Township at 1:57 a.m. A description of the vehicle led police to arrest Rodriguez-Torres a short time later.

As Manheim Township police interviewed him, Rodriguez-Torres admitted he was the shooter in the West Hempfield Township incident.

Police said Rodriguez-Torres does not have a license to carry a firearm, and in 2002 was found guilty of attempted homicide and robbery in Puerto Rico.

He was charged by Manheim Township police and placed in Lancaster County prison in lieu of $150,000 bail.

West Hempfield Township police charged him with person not to possess firearm, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. The damage to the Saturn was estimated at $2,000, police said.
MILFORD - Like most major crime scenes, forensics investigators were called in.

This time, though, the crime scene was an all-too familiar place.

A state police barracks.

And the victim. He was one of their own.

When crime-scene photos of the body of state police Cpl. Bryon Dickson - head back, arms outstretched, shirt open, revealing bandages on his gunshot wound - were shown at trial Tuesday, a quiet gasp erupted from some in the audience.

And one person, likely a family member, whispered through sniffles, "I love you so much."

Crime-scene investigator Trooper Sean Doran described the photos, displayed on large-screen monitors in the courtroom. They were intended to show jurors the fatal gunshot wound -- the one that penetrated Dickson's bullet-proof vest.

And as the investigator spoke in a dry, reserved voice, Dickson's image lingering above him, another pained whisper rose about the fallen trooper.

"Such a good boy."

The second day of trial was held today for Eric M. Frein, 33, who is accused of shooting and killing Dickson and seriously injuring Trooper Alex Douglass in an ambush outside of the Blooming Grove barracks on Sept. 12, 2014.

Read more about the Eric Frein case.

Many of the troopers who were at the barracks that night - with the exception of Douglass - testified earlier today.

And this afternoon, much of the testimony focused on the investigation of the crime scene.

Forensics unit Troopers Doran and James Hitchcock were both called to the barracks hours after the shooting. They had to be escorted there by a heavily armed SWAT team, Doran said, because they did not know whether or not the shooter was still out there, lurking in the woods.

The photos and evidence they recovered that day, and the following night, were presented to the jury. This included:

Images of Dickson's body and the bullet wound.

Douglass' uniform shirt with blood stains at the bottom.

Douglass' holster, which appeared to be damaged in the shooting.

The spider-webbing of glass where a bullet struck the counter window inside the lobby.

A bullet fragment stuck in a newspaper behind the spider-webbed glass.

Damage to a wooden door inside.

Shattered glass to the front door.

Blood pooled by the lobby vending machine.

Outside of the barracks, investigators found another bullet, more blood, and items dropped by the troopers.

And about 90 feet away from the barracks, diagonally across the road in the woods, investigators found four spent .308 shell casings.

According to testimony and nighttime photos shown to the jury, the vantage point from this spot would have given a shooter a near-perfect view to the well-lit police barracks.

Frein's trial started on Tuesday with prosecutors laying out what they intend to prove over the next five to eight weeks.

Frein's defense team gave some brief opening remarks, too, indicating Frein will not testify.

And police communications operator Nicole Palmer told jurors what she witnessed the night of the shooting.
By Anna Drallios

I was born and raised in a Greek-minority village in the mountainous region of Albania, under Enver Hoxha's communist, and repressive regime that denied the population's human rights.

We couldn't speak freely, couldn't practice our religion, couldn't travel and live where we chose, couldn't practice our religion, and all modes of communication with the outside world were forbidden.

I was eight years old when, in the early sixties, my parents, grandmother, siblings, and I, abandoned our home and risked being shot by border guards, and blown up by landmines, as we escaped through the rugged mountains to a refugee camp in Greece.

Several years later my parents sought a better life for their family in an alien, and frightening world across the Atlantic.

Within a few days of arrival to the U.S., my father found a job, working 80 hours a week, as a dishwasher at a restaurant in Boston. And my mother found a job as a seamstress in a sweatshop.

It wasn't easy for my family to adjust to American culture.

But my parents persevered and with the little English they spoke, opened a bank account, saved their money, paid their taxes, bought a house, a car, and educated their children.

Years later, their children and grandchildren are now scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and teachers.

Like my immigrant family of decades ago, the current immigrants and refugees are not criminals, or terrorists, but courageous individuals who risk their lives escaping persecution, violence, and economic depravation to seek a better future for themselves and their children.

They represent what's best of our communities, the hard work ethic, the hope, and the striving to succeed at terrible odds.

President Donald Trump campaigned and won the presidency on a platform of xenophobia, and hate-mongering, accusing undocumented immigrants of being "bad hombres," and refugees of being terrorists.

His two executive orders banning immigrants and refugees from six majority-Muslim countries were blocked by the courts.

But he now threatens to withhold law enforcement funding from states, cities and localities that do not report to federal authorities the undocumented immigrants in their custody.

State legislators across the country, riding on Trump's coattails are also introducing inhumane, and unconstitutional laws.

The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed legislation, yet to be acted upon by the House, targeting the many counties and cities in Pennsylvania that have policies limiting local law enforcement collaboration with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Jurisdictions are placed in the untenable position of either abiding by the constitution and releasing individuals who have posted bail, or doing ICE's bidding and being held liable if they have detained the wrong person.

Our democracy frays and we all suffer when our immigrant communities' constitutional rights are violated as they're being indiscriminately rounded up and deported by ICE, leaving behind their devastated families.

We must protest and fight Trump's anti-immigrant and refugee agenda and we must warn our federal and state legislators they will suffer the consequences at the voting booth, if they sponsor anti-immigrant bills that penalize jurisdictions for serving their communities.

I have lived in a country that controlled its people through fear and intimidation, agents bursting through doors in the middle of the night, tearing parents away from their children, disappearing them into prisons, work camps, or internal exile. Is this what the United States is becoming?

Instead of implementing inhumane and unconstitutional laws, the United States government should enact comprehensive immigration reform that allows the undocumented a path to citizenship.

Anna Drallios writes from Carlisle.
MASON CITY | A Mason City woman has been ordered to serve up to 10 years in prison after having her probation revoked in felony drug and theft cases.

Sherry M. Brennan, 34, received a 10-year suspended prison sentence in 2013 on a methamphetamine delivery conviction.

Brennan delivered meth to a confidential informant on Oct. 11, 2012, according to Cerro Gordo County District Court records.

The original sentence was imposed when Brennan's probation was revoked this week, to be served concurrently with sentence of up to five years for violating the terms of her probation on convictions of meth possession (third or subsequent offense) and second-degree theft.

Brennan had crystal meth in her possession on June 17, 2013, in the 10 block of North Madison Avenue in Mason City, according to court records.

She also entered Walmart in Mason City twice between May 7 and June 5 of that year and stole $1,835 in merchandise, court records state.

 Mary Pieper
Ombudsperson Jay Chalke arrives to speak to media as he releases his report into the terminations of Ministry of Health employees in 2012 during a press conference in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday, April 6, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
In this photo taken on, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, the Capitol in seen from the Supreme Court Building in Washington. A Democratic senator held the Senate floor through the night and was still going Wednesday in an attention-grabbing talk-a-thon highlighting his party's opposition to President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
BELMOND | Jean G. Jenison, 75, of Belmond, died Tuesday, April 5, 2017, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017, at the Belmond United Church of Christ Congregational, in Belmond, with the Rev. Jim Gochenouer officiating.

Visitation will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Friday, April 21, prior to the service at the church.

Ewing Funeral Home, Belmond.
KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP)  The death of a Ketchikan doctor remains under investigation after police learned that the friend who reported the doctor missing was accused of stealing money and valuable items from his home, authorities said.

Eric Garcia was reported missing March 27 by his 31-year-old friend, Jordan Joplin of Maple Valley, Washington.

He called police to say Garcia had not been seen for 10 days, the Ketchikan Daily News reported.

Police say they later heard from Garcias family members that a coin collection, watches and alcohol were missing from his home.

The collections...
Alaskas US Representative Don Young, his wife, Anne, and staff Chad Padget will visit Petersburg on Monday, April 10, 2017. A community meeting will be held in the Assembly Chambers of the Municipal Building from 2:00-3:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

In addition, Representative Young will hold a Business Round Table discussion at the Petersburg Elks Lodge for interested local business owners sponsored by John and Pam Jensen.

...
Election explainer: How Michigan's university boards are determined

Michigan's process for determining the members of university governing boards is unique. The state is just one of four that uses a statewide vote.
FOREST CITY | Lynn Edward Moklestad, 68, of rural Forest City, died Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Cataldo Schott Funeral Chapel, Forest City, and will also continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.

Burial of cremains will be held in Oakland Cemetery in Forest City at a later date.

Arrangements are with Cataldo Schott Funeral Home in Forest City.
"War on coal," president Trump declares but utilities aren't listening





WASHINGTON/LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 04 06 2017

When President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week to sweep away Obama-era climate change regulations, he said it would end America's "war on coal", usher in a new era of energy production and put miners back to work.

But the biggest consumers of U.S. coal - power generating companies - remain unconvinced.

Reuters surveyed 32 utilities with operations in the 26 states that sued former President Barack Obama's administration to block its Clean Power Plan, the main target of Trump's executive order. The bulk of them have no plans to alter their multi-billion dollar, years-long shift away from coal, suggesting demand for the fuel will keep falling despite Trump's efforts.

The utilities gave many reasons, mainly economic: Natural gas - coal's top competitor - is cheap and abundant; solar and wind power costs are falling; state environmental laws remain in place; and Trump's regulatory rollback may not survive legal challenges.

Meanwhile, big investors aligned with the global push to fight climate change  such as the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund  have been pressuring U.S. utilities in which they own stakes to cut coal use.

"I'm not going to build new coal plants in today's environment," said Ben Fowke, CEO of Xcel Energy, which operates in eight states and uses coal for about 36 percent of its electricity production. "And if I'm not going to build new ones, eventually there won't be any."

Of the 32 utilities contacted by Reuters, 20 said Trump's order would have no impact on their investment plans; five said they were reviewing the implications of the order; six gave no response. Just one said it would prolong the life of some of its older coal-fired power units.

North Dakota's Basin Electric Power Cooperative was the sole utility to identify an immediate positive impact of Trump's order on the outlook for coal.

"We're in the situation where the executive order takes a lot of pressure off the decisions we had to make in the near term, such as whether to retrofit and retire older coal plants," said Dale Niezwaag, a spokesman for Basin Electric. "But Trump can be a one-termer, so the reprieve out there is short."

Trump's executive order triggered a review aimed at killing the Clean Power Plan. The Obama-era law would have required states, by 2030, to collectively cut carbon emissions from existing power plants by 30 percent from 2005 levels. It was designed as a primary strategy in U.S. efforts to fight global climate change.

The U.S. coal industry, without increases in domestic demand, would need to rely on export markets for growth. Shipments of U.S. metallurgical coal, used in the production of steel, have recently shown up in China following a two-year hiatus - in part to offset banned shipments from North Korea and temporary delays from cyclone-hit Australian producers.

RETIRING AND RETROFITTING

Coal had been the primary fuel source for U.S. power plants for the last century, but its use has fallen more than a third since 2008 after advancements in drilling technology unlocked new reserves of natural gas.

Hundreds of aging coal-fired power plants have been retired or retrofitted. Huge coal mining companies like Peabody Energy Corp and Arch Coal fell into bankruptcy, and production last year hit its lowest point since 1978.

The slide appears likely to continue: U.S. power companies now expect to retire or convert more than 8,000 megawatts of coal-fired plants in 2017 after shutting almost 13,000 MW last year, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration and Thomson Reuters data.

Luke Popovich, a spokesman for the National Mining Association, acknowledged Trump's efforts would not return the coal industry to its "glory days," but offered some hope.

"There may not be immediate plans for utilities to bring on more coal, but the future is always uncertain in this market," he said.

Many of the companies in the Reuters survey said they had been focused on reducing carbon emissions for a decade or more and were hesitant to change direction based on shifting political winds in Washington D.C.

"Utility planning typically takes place over much longer periods than presidential terms of office," Berkshire Hathaway Inc-owned Pacificorp spokesman Tom Gauntt said.

Several utilities also cited falling costs for wind and solar power, which are now often as cheap as coal or natural gas, thanks in part to government subsidies for renewable energy.

In the meantime, activist investors have increased pressure on U.S. utilities to shun coal.

In the last year, Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has excluded more than a dozen U.S. power companies - including Xcel, American Electric Power Co Inc and NRG Energy Inc - from its investments because of their reliance on coal-fired power.

Another eight companies, including Southern Co and NorthWestern Corp, are "under observation" by the fund.

Wyoming-based coal miner Cloud Peak Energy said it doesn't blame utilities for being lukewarm to Trump's order.

"For eight years, if you were a utility running coal, you got the hell kicked out of you," said Richard Reavey, a spokesman for the company. "Are you going to turn around tomorrow and say, 'Let's buy lots of coal plants'? Pretty unlikely."






KEPCO cautious as Britain hunts partner for crucial nuclear project





SEOUL

Petroleumworld 04 06 2017

As Britain steps up the hunt for a new partner for a stalled nuclear power project, South Korea's KEPCO remains the most likely suitor, but two people with direct knowledge of the matter said the giant utility won't be rushed to the altar.

With British business minister Greg Clark in Seoul for talks, the status of KEPCO - Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO) - as likely buyer has been enhanced this week by troubled Japanese conglomerate Toshiba Corp having to take on full ownership of the NuGen project after France's Engie backed.

One of few utilities to retain global nuclear ambitions, KEPCO said last month that it was in talks over a potential stake purchase in NuGen, a three-reactor, up-to-3,800 megawatt project in northwest England that London needs on stream in 2025 to meet projected power demand, but has suffered significant setbacks since it was set up in 2010.

But while both Britain and cash-strapped Toshiba seek to accelerate progress towards a deal, state-owned KEPCO will not be able to move faster, the people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday. They declined to be identified because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.

"Both Britain and Toshiba, they seem to be in a greater hurry than we thought and pushing KEPCO. In fact, it requires considerable time to review a project, so it is not a matter that can be done hastily," one of the people said.

British minister Clark is due to brief Korean press later on Wednesday on progress in contacts.

Toshiba's U.S. nuclear construction arm Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy last week, and the company is selling a majority stake in its prized memory chips business to raise cash.

One key issue for KEPCO will be the technology used for the Moorside project - Toshiba's AP1000 reactor, as planned, or its own APR1400. While Toshiba previously received the green light from Britain for the Westinghouse design, KEPCO could make approval for its own technology that a condition.

"KEPCO is working and studying hard which type of nuclear reactors would suit better for them, given the current market situation," the second person with knowledge of the matter said.

Using KEPCO's own reactors could "give a better reason to join the project", the person said.






Petrobras pipeline unit acquire by China's CIC and Canada's Brookfield





BEIJING

Petroleumworld 04 06 2017

China's sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corp said it has joined hands with Canada's Brookfield Asset Management Inc in acquiring 90 percent of a natural gas pipeline unit from Brazil's state oil firm Petrobras.

* The investor group includes other institutional investor, and the pipeline unit is called Nova Transportadora do Sudeste S.A., CIC stated on its website on Wednesday

* Reuters reported last September that Petrobras agreed to sell 90 percent of its natural gas pipeline unit to a group of investors for $5.2 billion






Chevron priority is Permian shale as mega-project era fades





HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 04 06 2017

Nearly a century after Chevron Corp amassed the No. 2 stake in America's largest oilfield, Chief Executive John Watson is hitting the accelerator on developing the company's vast Permian Basin holdings.

In an interview, Watson made clear his desire to put the West Texas to New Mexico expanse in the ranks of Chevron's biggest ventures. That is a stark change from just five years ago, when Chevron executives rarely mentioned the shale basin.

But with low oil prices, the company is now spending more than it makes to cover its prized dividend and find new reserves. Now, those 2 million Permian acres have emerged as to way to help fund both goals.

"Some of the best things we have in our portfolio are the shales," Watson said during an interview on the 48th floor of the company's Houston office tower. "My employees in the Permian know I'm featuring it as something very important."

Gone, for the next few years at least, are plans for any new multi-billion-dollar mega-projects, he said. To survive and grow, San Ramon, California-based Chevron is turning to acreage it has always controlled and that largely is free of royalties to landowners.

"We're just in a period now where markets are weak and everyone is focused on controlling costs," Watson said.

Within a decade, Watson expects Chevron's production in the Permian to grow eightfold to more than 700,000 barrels of oil per day. By the end of next year, nine drilling rigs will join the 11 that Chevron already has poking holes into Permian land.

It is all part of Watson's plan to methodically pump Chevron's more than 9 billion barrels of Permian oil, most of it owned outright by the company. That gives Chevron a cost advantage over rival Permian producers as the region in the past year has become the epicenter for the U.S. shale resurgence.

Chevron's Permian portfolio, which was acquired in stages by predecessor companies, is worth at least $43 billion, Chevron believes, greater than the market value of Pioneer Natural Resources Co, Concho Resources and other Texas producers.

Watson bristles at critics who say the company is moving too slowly in the Permian. "We're growing our portfolio in the Permian as fast as anyone," said Watson, an economist by training who has worked at Chevron his entire career.

"We're focused on growing value and growing the dividend over time."

Chevron is valued more highly by investors than rival Exxon Mobil Corp partly because of that dividend, which has risen annually for the past 29 years. Watson has called protecting the $1.08 quarterly payout his top priority.

"We like inexpensive, recurring revenue streams" such as the Permian, said Oliver Pursche of wealth manager Bruderman Brothers LLC, which holds shares in the company.

Chevron, which does not hedge oil production, is boosting spending in the Permian by 67 percent this year to $2.5 billion, an implicit bet that oil prices will rise and lift the company to a profitable year after an annual loss in 2016.

That makes the Permian the second-largest area for spending this year for Chevron after the Tengiz project in Kazakhstan, which is not expect to come online until next decade.

CARBON TAX WOULD ADD COST

Watson said he is not worried about demand for oil hitting a ceiling for at least the next 20 years, despite the rising popularity of electric cars. Rising petroleum needs for air travel and petrochemical production should buffer any drop in demand from the automobile sector, he said.

"There is no sign of peak demand right now," Watson said.

Like Exxon, BP and other oil peers, Chevron supports the Paris climate accord, a 2015 agreement between nearly 200 nations that aims to limit the rise in global temperatures to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

"We have said that Paris is a first step, but we need to understand what that translates to in terms of policy," Watson said.

Watson, however, has spoken out against a tax on carbon, something that Exxon supports.

President Donald Trump had considered a carbon tax as part of his proposed budget, but the White House on Tuesday said it was not under consideration. It could still be resurrected by Congress, where it has some support.

"A carbon tax will have the effect of adding cost on the people who can least afford it," Watson said. "If you increase energy costs you are going to make it more difficult here for industrial activity."

Watson said he is not opposed to renewable energy, just government financial support for it through subsidies and other means. He said he would be open to buying a Tesla or another electric vehicle.

"I have no particular aversion" to electric cars, he said. "I'll buy a car that meets all my needs, particularly around size and other characteristics."




Ecopetrol restarts Cano-Limon oil pipeline after attacks





BOGOTA

Petroleumworld 04 06 2017

Colombian state oil company Ecopetrol has restarted the country's second-largest oil pipeline, the Cano-Limon Covenas, after a series of bomb attacks halted movement of crude for seven weeks.

The pipeline began pumping again during the night, army sources said on Wednesday. Pumping had stopped on Feb. 15 in one of the longest halts since the pipeline came online in 1986.

Ecopetrol said in March that rebel attacks on the pipeline had cost Colombia 893,000 barrels of oil production this year, more than a day's worth of total national output.

Military sources attributed the estimated 30 attacks so far in 2017 to the leftist National Liberation Army, or ELN, rebels.

The reopening of the pipeline should soon permit production to resume at the Cano Limon and Caricare fields in northern Colombia. U.S.-based Occidental Petroleum Corp, which operates the fields, suspended output there in early March because of the attacks.

The ELN has about 2,000 combatants and opposes the presence of multinational companies in the mining and oil sector, saying they seize natural resources without leaving benefits to the country's population or economy.

According to Ecopetrol, attacks against the Cano-Limon pipeline have left 751 victims over the last 17 years, 167 of whom were killed. Since it opened, the pipeline has been out of service about 10.4 years, or 30 percent of its life. Some 66 million gallons of crude have been spilled since 2000.

The 485-mile (780 km) pipeline transports crude from the fields in Arauca province, near the border with Venezuela, to a port in the Caribbean Sea for export. The fields produce about 52,000 barrels per day, and the pipeline can carry up to 210,000 bpd.

Attacks on oil infrastructure by the ELN, which the United States and European Union consider a terrorist group, have been frequent during the group's five-decade war with the government. The attacks, which numbered 43 last year, cause oil spills and environmental damage.

President Juan Manuel Santos and the ELN began formal peace negotiations in Ecuador in February, but the group has stepped up its attacks since.

The ELN said in a video statement last week that it would continue attacks until companies listen to the rebels' environmental and social proposals.






It's been a tough week for Coatesville-based trucking company owner Samuel D. Carbo Jr., whose self-named firm and 30 drivers haul mail for the U.S. Postal Service, and other cargoes.

On Tuesday, "that was one of my trucks" whose trailer slipped sideways on I-95, blocking afternoon traffic at the Cottman Ave. exit, Carbo told me.

"I was watching it all on the news," he said ruefully, adding that investigators are trying to piece together what went wrong.



And then on Thursday, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office listed Carbo among 28 Pennsylvanians charged with insurance offenses. Carbo faces "1,190 counts of failure of employer to carry workman's compensation insurance" for employees, according to the state.

Carbo told me his firm has grown rapidly since picking up Postal Service work in the past couple of years. But he said postal payments he was owed were delayed last year, falling four months behind at one point and making it tough, Carbo says, for the business to make ends meet.

"What do I do?" he asked me. "I ran the trucks. I got insurance again. I haven't missed a payment" this year. But his insurers still want last year's payments to bring the policy up to date.



Carbo says he's talked to a "pay as you go" insurer and hopes to maintain current coverage, remaining safely in business. And he's calling lawyers to deal with the state case. He told me he's had a total of two workers' comp claims in the 32 years he's been in business, with medical expenses totaling under $10,000.

In the I-95 wreck, Carbo says the driver suffered a "bruised leg" and has been given a couple of days off.

Other area cases cited by Shapiro are all against individuals accused of false claims. The courts consider everyone innocent unless proven guilty.

According to Shapiro's office:

 A Cochranville, Chester County woman is charged with insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, perjury and false swearing. According to state investigators, she injured her hand "when a sign fell on her in a store." She sued the store's insurer, claiming she was unable to work because of the hand injury. But investigators found she was still "working as a caretaker and nursing assistant."

 A Phoenixvile, Chester County woman is charged with insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility and providing false information to law enforcement authorities. She reported items "stolen from her vehicle when it was repossessed" and "submitted a fraudulent invoice to her insurance company to support her false claim," according to investigators.

 A West Philadelphia man is charged with felony insurance fraud, misdemeanor insurance fraud, theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility, and forgery. After a May 2016 auto accident, he allegedly "provided a fraudulent proof-of-insurance card," then later "obtained an insurance policy for his vehicle through Safe Auto Insurance" and made "a false claim to the insurance company in which he said the accident occurred after the inception of the policy."

 A Bristol, Bucks County man is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility, unlawful use of a computer, and providing false information to law enforcement. Investigators say he "reported to police and his homeowner's insurance company that his house had been burglarized" and a $20,000 diamond ring and other items stolen. But the ring had actually been "seized by local police," which the insurance company didn't realize when it paid the claim. The state calls that fraud.

 A Yardley, Bucks County woman is charged with a felony count of insurance fraud, a misdemeanor count of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, and criminal use of a communication facility. The woman's Philadelphia office burned in a fire. She didn't have fire insurance. After the fire started, she "allegedly contacted an insurance agency and obtained the proper policy to cover the fire damage," then later "made numerous false statements in an attempt to receive $150,000 in coverage."

 A Philadelphia woman is charged with insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility, and criminal conspiracy. Investigators say she "falsely reported to her insurance company that her vehicle was parked and that she was in the vehicle with another person when it was struck in a hit and run. She later made a claim for benefits under her policy, and falsely reported she was injured as a result of the accident."

 A Bristol, Bucks County man faces charges of felony insurance fraud, misdemeanor insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigators say he filed an insurance claim for an accident that actually happened before he bought insurance.

 A Philadelphia woman is charged with insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigators reported she was uninsured when her car ran into another. She bought a policy "through Progressive Insurance after the accident, and later falsely stated that the accident occurred before her purchase of the policy."

 A Philadelphia man faces charges of insurance fraud, criminal use of a communication facility, and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. He is accused of filing a claim with Geico Insurance Co. in Feb. 2016 claiming he and a passenger were injured in a car accident. But investigators say they found "Goodson and the passenger were not in the vehicle when the accident occurred. Rather, one of Goodson's friends was driving the vehicle."

 A Bensalem, Bucks County woman faces charges of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility, and unlawful use of a computer for having "falsely claimed" insured damages to a car she owned after adding it to her Progressive Insurance policy, according to investigators.

 A Bensalem, Bucks County man faces charges of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigators say the man "provided false and misleading information in a claim" for damage to his car that actually took place before he took out a comprehensive coverage policy.

 A West Chester man is charged with insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigators say he had an accident when his auto insurance was lapsed. He reinsured the car and wrongly told the insurer the accident had occurred on his new policy.
The announcement that McCook's JCPenney store will close next month has put new emphasis on the loss of shopping opportunities and the need to support local businesses. Yes, it is important to do what we can to keep our friends and neighbors in business, but it's good for the economy in general, not just the local business climate.

Our total U.S. economy depends, in large part, on small mom-and-pop ventures.

The U.S. Small Business Administration defines a small business as an enterprise having fewer than 500 employees. There are almost 28 million small businesses in the U.S. and more than 22 million self-employed workers with no additional payroll or employees  mom-and-pop businesses with annual receipts of $1,000 or more and subject to federal income taxes. More than half of the working population, 120 million of us, work in small businesses, which have generated more than 65 percent of the new jobs since 1995.

It's not an easy task to start a small business; some 543,000 owners try every month but more than that shut down. Seventy percent of new firms with employees survive at least two years, half at least five, a third at least 10 years and a quarter stay in business 15 years of more. More than half of all small businesses, 19.4 million of those are sole proprietorships, 1.6 million are partnerships and 1.4 million are corporations.

The latest figures show the fastest type of freelance business is auto repair shops, beauty salons and dry cleaners.

"Nonemployer" business people aren't getting rich; the average revenue is $44,000 but many Southwest Nebraska residents would be happy to establish that sort of enterprise.

So while we mourn the loss of a landmark downtown retailer, and work to maintain and cultivate local business activity, let's make sure we at least do as little as possible to hinder local entrepreneurs and all we can to encourage them.

This editorial appeared in the March 30 edition of the McCook (Nebraska) Daily Gazette.
If the Iowa House of Representatives has its way, the public would be denied pertinent information  audio, video and transcripts of 911 calls  involving injured victims of crimes or accidents.

Instead, they would be considered confidential medical records and exempt from the state open records law. In addition, any calls involving juveniles younger than 18 automatically would be confidential.

House File 571 was recently approved in the House and by a Senate committee.

Rep. Dean Fisher, R-Montour, said it's a response to an Associated Press and USA Today Network story concerning suppressed reports regarding a series of tragic gun accidents in Tama County that killed two teenage girls and critically wounded another and her mother within a year beginning in late 2014.

The AP/USA Today coverage was part of a nationwide investigation of 1,000 accidental shootings involving minors during a 2 -year period, which included an average of more than one fatality per day. The Tama County incidents were not publicly revealed until the AP made an open records request.

In one of the accidents, a family was preparing for a deer hunt prior to Christmas when their teenage son stumbled and his muzzle loader discharged, fatally hitting his 12-year-old sister.

In the other fatality, a 13-year-old girl died after her father took a rifle from a locked safe, it fell and discharged, shooting her in the head.

In the third instance, days prior to Thanksgiving 2015, a mother was doing dishes when she heard a gunshot, felt a sting in her leg and then saw her 14-year-old daughter bleeding profusely. The accident occurred when a .40-caliber handgun discharged when her older brother tried to remove a bullet from its chamber.

The bullet narrowly missing the girl's spine but left six holes in her stomach and intestines. Emergency responders saved her life, rushing her to a hospital 20 miles away for immediate surgery. She spent 10 days in intensive care.

Charges were not filed in any of the cases.

Tama County E911 Director and Emergency Management coordinator Mindy Benson, who had to release the calls to AP, told Fisher a statewide restriction was needed against making such information public.

"These grieving families simply wanted their privacy," Fisher said. Yet two of the families spoke to The Associated Press hoping to improve gun safety awareness.

In another 911 case, Fayette County recently released calls from last summer in the death of 4-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself. The calls revealed the ambulance was delayed in arriving because the closure of a key road added five miles to the trip.

Randy Evans, director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, called the cases "spot-on" for making such information available in the public interest. While legislators are concerned about medical privacy, he maintained they're ignoring the "unintended consequences" of suppressing the 911 recordings, hampering "the public's efforts to hold government officials or private citizens accountable for their actions."

Fisher, though, maintained privacy should outweigh the public's right to know, that 911 calls warrant the same confidentiality as patients' medical records.

"If I'm laying on the floor with a heart attack and my wife calls 911," Fisher said, "does the public need to know that? No."

However, that example belies the intent of this bill as it relates to injured victims of crimes or accidents.

Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Waterloo, a Cedar Falls firefighter, was one of two senators to vote against the bill in a committee hearing. He believes it will have a chilling effect regarding police accountability to the public. "We should be opening up our decision-making process," he said.

Evans agreed. "Sealing off those records will make it ever more difficult to hold public officials accountable."

That includes incidents involving police body cameras, which shed light on the use of force. Yet the Iowa Department of Public Safety and Burlington Police Department have refused to release body camera video and other investigative records in a 2015 officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of a 34-year-old Burlington mother.

The Iowa Public Information Board, which enforces public records and meetings laws, has sought the release. A hearing is expected within a month.

We believe the public has a right to know about the actions of taxpayer-funded agencies, whether laudatory, as with the life-saving actions in one Tama County shooting, or open to review as in the case of the Elgin detour or Burlington shooting.

When doors are closed to such information, public accountability ultimately becomes the victim.

This editorial appeared in the April 3 edition of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, another Lee Enterprises publication.
Chang'e-5 marks the third and final stage of the original China Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) approved in the early 2000s, which set out to first orbit and map the Moon (Chang'e-1 and 2), then land and rove on the lunar surface (Chang'e-3 and Yutu), and finally collect samples and bring them to Earth for analysis.

Following earlier successes and technological breakthroughs, Chang'e-5 is now scheduled to launch in late November from Wenchang on a new Long March 5 heavy-lift rocket.

The last lunar sample return was the Soviet Union's Luna 24 in 1976, so China is clearly still catching up. But rather than merely copying Cold War-era missions, as has often been suggested, this will also provide lessons and experience for more ambitious missions in the future.

The Luna 24 ascent stage returned directly to Earth, but China has decided that the Chang'e-5 mission will rely on a lunar orbit rendezvous similar to that used for the Apollo landings. The 8.2 metric ton Chang'e-5 spacecraft thus consists of a service module, lander, ascent unit, and a return vehicle.

After collecting samples, the ascent module will lift off and dock with the service module in orbit around the Moon, nearly 400,000 kilometers away from Earth. The samples will be transferred to the reentry capsule, which itself will separate from the service module a few thousand kilometers from Earth before reentry and landing.

The lunar orbit rendezvous approach is a very interesting choice we'll look at later, but note for now that this will be the first robotic rendezvous and docking around a planetary body other than the Earth.

Landing sites and science goals

Six Apollo and three Soviet robotic Luna missions brought lunar rocks and regolith back to Earth, but the Moon is a large and diverse body and there is much to be learned. According to a paper recently presented at the 48th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, a number of target sites near Mons Rumker in the northern Oceanus Procellarum are being considered.

Spectral analysis of craters using imaging data from the Chandrayaan-1 Moon Mineralogy Mapper suggests that material at one candidate area is just 1.33 billion years old, meaning Chang'e-5 could be returning by far the youngest lunar basaltic samples yet (Apollo basalt samples were 3 to 4 billion years old).

Planetary Scientist Phil Stooke, using information from another paper to be presented at the European Geoscience meeting in April, mapped out the region containing seven candidate sites identified by scientists with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Within this, the 'preferred landing area' box marks the candidate site discussed above.
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A selfless Plymouth worker rushed to the aid of an elderly man who crashed outside a busy supermarket in Honicknowle.

Jeremy Griffiths, who was working outside Tesco, ran to help the 90-year-old man after his car ploughed through a hedge and ended up on a grass verge.

Speaking to The Herald, Jeremy said: "I heard an almighty bang and saw the car had crashed through the hedge."

"I stopped what I was doing and ran over to help him."

"He tried to get out of the car but we didn't want to move him as he may have been injured.

"I didn't have a phone but there were some dog walkers on the footpath who called the emergency services for us."

Jeremy, a site foreman, said the man was in a lot of shock so he stayed with him and comforted him before the ambulance arrived.

He said: "While we were waiting, I asked if there was anyone that I could call for him, but he told me that he lived by himself.

"He was worried about his shopping in the back. We helped him as much as we could before I had to get back to work."

The pensioner was leaving the Tesco car park in Transit Way when he crashed his red Ford Mondeo.

"We think he pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while coming up to the junction," says Jeremy.

A police spokesman told The Herald: "A 90-year-old man was taken to Derriford hospital this afternoon with minor injuries including discomfort in his lower back."

"Both the police, fire service and ambulance were in attendance."

A recovery vehicle arrived to winch the car from its resting place.
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Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) hit Republicans between the eyes with the truth during an interview with NBCs Chuck Todd. Merkley said that the Gorsuch nomination should not be considered because Trump and his team are under investigation for potentially committing treason by colluding with Russia during the election.

Video:

Sen. Merkley said, Listen, Im more concerned about the Supreme Court because if the theft of the Supreme Court seat succeeds for the first time in U.S. history, that means that all the rules are off. Its pure partisanship from here forward. It fractures the integrity of the court. Every 5-4 decision that the stolen seat participates in will have a cloud over it. And theres other reasons that we shouldnt be considering this nomination at this moment. The presidents team is under investigation for potentially having conspired with the Russians to undermine the elections. That is potentially treasonous conduct. We need to clear that cloud before this debate continues.

Senate Democrats are fighting with everything that they have. Sen. Merkley brought up a great and obvious point. According to Republican logic, as stated by Mitch McConnell, presidents shouldnt get to fill a vacant Supreme Court seat during a presidential election year, so why should a president get to fill a Supreme Court seat when he is under federal investigation for potentially committing treason? What is the difference? There is no Senate rule stating that a presidents nominee doesnt get a vote in a presidential election year, so why cant there be a standard that no president who is under active federal investigation can have a Supreme Court nominee confirmed?

Confirming the nominee of a potentially treasonous administration is more dangerous to the country than a presidential election year. Democrats are right to stand their ground on Gorsuch.

Mitch McConnell is one who broke the Senate when he refused to allow a vote on Obama nominee Merrick Garland. He is also the reason why Republicans will pay a heavy future price once Democrats win back Congress.

Most Senate Democrats truly believe that the Supreme Court seat was stolen, and they are going to make Republicans do something that they will definitely regret if they insist on confirming Neil Gorsuch.

Republicans may get their Supreme Court confirmation, but it is Democrats who will be the big winners if McConnell is foolish enough to go nuclear option and destroy the Senate.
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Democratic congresswoman Maxine Waters was in rare form on Wednesday night, obliterating Donald Trumps complete incompetence on foreign policy and saying she wishes somebody who knows a thing or two about foreign policy could get him to shut up.

Waters said, I get nervous whenever I hear the president talk about foreign affairs.

Join the club, congresswoman.

Video:

When asked about the foreign policy challenges facing the world and the new presidents response to those challenges, Waters said:

I get nervous anytime I hear the president talk about foreign affairs. I get nervous when he denies to shake the hand of one of our strongest allies. I get nervous when he tries to bluff the president of China. I get nervous when he basically does not know what hes talking about. This is a president who didnt go to the briefings. He didnt have time to listen to the experts talk about what is happening in the world and on foreign affairs, so I dont want him really speaking for the United States. You heard something today about him taking a different attitude on Assad and Syria. Well, what is that? Is that American policy? Did he make it up on the spot? Does he know what hes talking about? No, he doesnt. So I think its a mistake for us to believe that somehow hes going to ever be able to engage in diplomacy, that hes going to be able to work out ways that we can stay out of war. And so I have no trust and no confidence in him, and I really wish that there was some way we could rein him in. I wish that our foreign affairs experts could somehow get his ear and at least tell him to shut up, to just stop it.

Waters isnt being too hard on Trump  she is spot on, and the American people share the same concerns about Trumps complete lack of knowledge and competence in the area of foreign policy.

Specifically, on the latest foreign policy crisis facing the world when it comes to Syria, the presidents poor grasp of foreign affairs was on full display on Wednesday.

As Jason Easley of PoliticusUSA wrote today of Trumps disastrous news conference , Trump rambled and tried to change the subject, but he couldnt hide his gross ignorance.

Over and over again, the president has proudly displayed his ignorance on matters of international importance. As more and more pressing foreign policy issues begin to hit his desk, like the increasing threat of North Korea and the recent chemical attack in Syria, this will put the country and the entire world at risk.

Maxine Waters isnt the only American nervous tonight. The entire country is.
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Rachel Maddow slammed Donald Trumps weak and confused response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria on Wednesday, saying that not even the presidents own Pentagon knows what the administrations policy is.

What are you doing? Maddow asked of Trump, who appears to have no clue how to move forward with a response to Syrias recent chemical attack, which has killed up to 100 innocent civilians.

Video:

Maddow tore into Trump:

Pentagon officials  have no idea what theyre supposed to be doing toward Syria now at the Pentagon. After the president criticized the apparent chemical weapons attack today, nobodys whos actually in the business of putting the presidents money where his mouth knows what he actually wants to them to do  The Pentagon does not know. They have no idea what he wants. Theyre going to reporters to try to get answers that way  What are you doing? What do you mean? What are you signaling not just to our enemies and the people who would challenge us around the world? What are you signaling to our government and military? The people who work for you literally have no idea what you mean or what they should be doing.

The presidents approach to foreign policy doesnt just project weakness and confuse our allies, it also emboldens our enemies to push the limits and test American leadership at a time when the commander-in-chief is clearly unstable and unfit to hold the office.

Its likely why North Korea is now flexing its muscle and launching missile tests. It could also be why, as some reports indicate, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad waged a chemical attack on his own people  just to see how far he could go with Trump in the White House.

Without a coherent foreign policy or stable commander-in-chief, members of Trumps own administration dont have a clue what the president will do next. For the safety and security of the American people and the rest of the world, this is a nightmare.

For our enemies, its a dream come true.
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After a horrific and deadly chemical attack in Syria killed as many as 100 innocent civilians, many of them children, Russia has come forward to deny what just about everybody in the world is willing to acknowledge  that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was behind for the attack on his own people.

While the official position of the United States and much of the world is that Assad was responsible and must go, Trump remained silent at Wednesdays news conference on Russias open denial of Assads role in the attack.

U.S. officials rejected Russias assertion that Syrian rebels were to blame for the attack, Reuters noted on Wednesday, adding, however, that Trump did not mention Russia in his comments.

Thats right. Trump didnt make a single peep about Russia, a key player when it comes to Syria, in todays rambling news conference. Instead, the childish president bragged about his still-secret plan to resolve the crisis in Syria and threw a tantrum about Barack Obama and the supposed mess that Trump inherited.

As innocent people in Syria were left dead or fighting for their lives after Assads chemical attack, Trump complained about having to carry out his responsibilities and refused to call out Russia for their denials.

It doesnt matter how many members of the administration, from Nikki Haley to Rex Tillerson, call out Russia for their defense of Bashar al-Assad. Its all meaningless if the man at the top  Donald Trump  refuses to do so because of a bizarre affection he has for Vladimir Putin and Russia.

Its almost as if Moscow can do wrong in the eyes of Trump because Russian interference is largely the reason why Trump is in the White House to begin with.

If the United States wants to make a positive impact on the crisis in Syria and issue a strong and rational response, the commander-in-chief must call out Russia for constantly standing up for a man who continues unleashing barbaric and despicable chemical attacks on his own people.
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Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) stepped down as chairman of the House Intelligence Committees Russia investigation and blamed the activists on the left for his recusal.

Here is the statement from Nunes:

Nunes is being investigated for potentially leaking classified information.

CNNs Manu Raju reported that Nunes didnt bother to inform the rest of the members of the House Intelligence Committee that he was stepping down from the Russia investigation.

The fact that Bunes has been replaced by two fellow members of the committee, including Benghazi Trey Gowdy is not a great sign for the hope of a non-partisan investigation, but the departure of Nunes will allow the investigation to resume.

Nunes is still the Intel Committee Chair so it is still possible that he could influence the investigation. Nunes will still have access to intelligence as a member of the Gang of Eight, so this victory isnt as much of a win as some might think. The real victory would be getting Devin Nunes off of the Intelligence Committee.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan is standing by Nunes, which means that there are new faces in front of the Houses Trump cover-up operation, but the goal is the same.

Heres Ryans statement:

The left did not cause Nunes to get classified information from the White House, carry out a charade where he briefed the president on White House information, and then hold two press conferences to help Trump. Those were all Nuness actions. Rep. Nunes is blaming the left because he got caught. Devin Nunes still has taken no responsibility for what he has done, and he clearly doesnt believe that he did anything wrong.

There is one man who is responsible for the mess that the House Intelligence Committee chairman finds himself in, and thats Devin Nunes.

The fact that he would blame the left is proof that the House is incapable of doing a non-partisan investigation. The only way that the American people will get the truth is through an independent process.
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Utah Republicans are trying to convince 83-year-old Sen. Orrin Hatch to retire so that they can run Trump critic Mitt Romney for Senate.

The Atlantic reported, Republican leaders and high-powered donors in Utah are waging a quiet but concerted campaign to convince 83-year-old incumbent Senator Orrin Hatch not to seek reelection next yearand now, they may have found a successor. Mitt Romney, the one-time presidential nominee and leading Trump critic, is exploring a run for Hatchs Senate seat. According to six sources familiar with the situation, Romney has spent recent weeks actively discussing a potential 2018 Senate bid with a range of high-level Republicans in both Utah and Washington, and has privately signaled a growing interest in the idea. Romney, though, has made clear he would not pursue the seat without Hatchs blessing.

Romney never wanted to leave national politics after the 2012 election, and it would be downright funny to see him replace Orrin Hatch in the Senate. Romney has made his distaste for Trump very clear, which would make him the perfect senator for Utah, which as a state has collectively made its feelings well known about Trump.

If Romney were to become a senator, he would be one of the more moderate Republicans in the caucus. He would also be a frequent target for the wrath of Trump. Romney wants to be on the national stage and giving him a platform in the Senate to troll Trump is his gosh and golly fashion would be some sweet comic relief.

I have my doubts whether Utah Republicans can convince Hatch to retire, but if they do, Romney in the Senate would be another pain in the neck for Donald Trump.
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Senate Democrats made history by successfully filibustering Trump Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.

Before the vote, Democratic Senate Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, Weve reached a point where the level of distrust is so high on this issue that we cant even sit down and talk.

Schumer said that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to believe that Democrats would ever vote for a Republican nominee. Schumer said that the Republican Leader was intent from day one on changing the rules if he didnt get his way. Schumer said, When the dust settles make no mistake about, it will be Republicans who changed the Senate rules.

Sen. Schumer warned that going nuclear would destroy compromise and bipartisanship.

The 41st no vote against cloture was cast by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Republicans will blame Democrats for the change in the Senate rules, but the reality is that it is the Republican majority that always had the ability to change the Senate rules. Senate Republicans made the decision to take this course of action. Republicans sacrificed the Senate to get a Supreme Court nominee confirmed.

After Sen. McConnell did not allow a vote on Obama Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, the wheels were set into motion for the change. Democrats were under intense pressure to filibuster Gorsuch, but Senate Democrats were ready for a fight as soon as Trump won the election.

Republicans may get their nominee, but by changing the rules, they will lose the war by taking such a reckless and short-sighted course of action.
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House Intelligence Committee ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) had some bad news for Donald Trump. Devin Nunes failed to derail the Russia investigation.

In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, House Intelligence Committee ranking member, Rep. Adam Schiff said, Today, Chairman Nunes announced that he will be stepping aside from the Russia investigation and passing the reins to Representative Mike Conaway. I know this was not an easy decision for the Chairman, with whom I have worked well for many years. He did so in the best interests of the committee and I respect that decision. I look forward to my continued work with the Chairman on the whole host of other important issues that our committee oversees every day, in our effort to make sure that the country is protected and our civil liberties are maintained. With respect to Representative Conaway, I look forward to joining with him and putting our investigation fully back on track. The important work of investigating the Russian involvement in our election never subsided, but we have a fresh opportunity to move forward in the unified and nonpartisan way that an investigation of this seriousness demands.

Schiff expanded on his comments during a brief media availability:

Rep. Schiff said, It is important to note that the investigation never went into hiatus. We continue to develop out witness list, to work out some of the logistics in terms of how we bring people before the committee what the process will be. We continue to go through the documents, as I understand it, now the materials that the chairman viewed at the White House that I subsequently viewed are now being made available to the full committee. I think that is a positive step as well.

The point of Devin Nunes running to the White House to try to drum up an investigation into whether Trump was spied on by Obama was to distract the committee from their task of investigating potential Trump campaign collusion with Russia. According to Schiff, the White House failed at this task.

Trump has not only lost his mole leading the committee, but he failed to distract from the point of the investigation.

It is all bad news for Trump, as the incompetent president cant even make his powers of distraction effective from the Oval Office.
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A special election in Kansas to fill the House seat vacated by now Trump CIA Director Mike Pompeo has turned into a dramatic race as Republicans are pouring millions of dollars into a race that nobody thought would be in play. Things are so bad under Trump that Republicans are spending millions of dollars to keep a House seat in dark red Kansas.

Politico reported:

The late independent expenditure seeks to boost Republican state Treasurer Ron Estes, who is running to replace CIA Director Mike Pompeo in Kansas 4th District. The district has not been on the radar of most national groups and activists, which have focused on the upcoming special election in Georgia as a more competitive opportunity. But Kansas Republicans are fretting that Estes margin is closer than expected in his race against Democrat James Thompson, an attorney.

Kansas should not be in play, but Kansas is in play, said one Kansas Republican consultant.

James Thompson campaign video:

What Republicans are worried about is a depressed electorate that has grown complacent. The tell that Republicans are nervous can be found in the ad that they are pushing, which plays up the threat of Democratic candidate James Thompson being a remorseless baby killing extremist.

Nothing gets the base out in red states like fear. When Republicans are scared that their voters wont show up at the polls, their go-to move is always to try to scare the holy hell out of their base. Everyone has heard about the special election in Georgia for former Rep. Tom Prices House seat, because Democrats believe that they have a real chance to win there. No one was paying attention to the election in Kansas, so the Republican alarm bells are striking.

If Democrats pulled out a win in a district that Trump dominated in 2016, it would send shock waves through Congress ahead of the 2018 midterms.

It may just be that Republicans are jumpy, but if they are right and the Kansas House seat is in play, a Democratic win would be nothing less than a stunning rebuke of Trump.

Republicans are nervous, and that is an excellent omen for Democrats heading into 2018.
BOCA RATON, Fla., April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last month, ADT LLC, a leading provider of security and automation solutions for homes and businesses, surpassed the 2 million customer milestone for its groundbreaking Pulse interactive security platform. Introduced in 2010, ADT Pulse was the first mass market security and home automation platform available to consumers, delivering a seamless ecosystem to create a smarter, safer home.

ADT Pulse allows customers to arm and disarm their security system, and access home automation features, such as lighting and temperature control, from anywhere through a tablet or smartphone. With 2 million customers and counting, ADT Pulse would have the second most residential subscribers in North America if it were a stand-alone security companymore than competitors Vivint, Xfinity Home, and AT&T Digital Life, and only second to ADT itself.

By offering the ability to secure real-time video, remotely arm and disarm your system or door lock, and control temperature and lighting, ADT Pulse set the industry standard by combining the best of security and home automation, said Jamie Haenggi, Chief Marketing Officer, ADT. "This innovation can only be realized by our nearly 20,000 employees who work tirelessly to provide same-day service and monitor our customers homes and businesses 24/7.

Since its introduction, ADT Pulse continued to innovate, developing new partnerships to meet the needs of the evolving smart home industry. From the Nest Learning Thermostat to the Ring Video Doorbell, each collaboration was designed to simplify the ADT Pulse customer experience with the growing list of popular Internet of Things devices.

In January 2017, customers logged into their ADT Pulse app nearly 57 million times, adjusting their thermostat in 67 million instances, and capturing over 436 million video clips.

This spring, ADT will introduce Pulse 8.0, providing customers with a revamped design and more intuitive experience to manage their security and lifestyle needs based on preference. In addition, users will soon find tips and troubleshooting options right on the home screen.

To learn more about ADT Pulse, visit www.adt.com/pulse

About ADT

ADT is a leading provider of security and automation solutions for homes and businesses in the United States and Canada. ADT's broad and pioneering set of products and services, including ADT Pulse interactive home and business solutions, and health services, meet a range of customer needs for todays active and increasingly mobile lifestyles. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.
Angela Merkel warns Hungary's Orban in clash over CEU

German Chancellor Angela Merkels government warned Hungary against obstructing democracy with a law that threatens to shutter Central European University, founded by George Soros, renewing tension between the two European Union allies, Bloomberg reported.

The extraordinary legislation raises the impression" that the operation of foreign universities in Hungary will be made difficult, or in individual cases impossible," Merkels deputy spokeswoman, Ulrike Demmer, said on Wednesday.She singled out Central European University (CEU), the Budapest-based institution Hungarian-born financier George Soros founded in 1991 to train post-communist democratic leaders in eastern Europe.

Freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights are not up for debate in Europe

, Demmer told reporters in Berlin.

Germany will observe very closely the effects of this law on higher education in Hungary," she added.

Merkel and Orban, while members of the same political family, the European Peoples Party (EPP), have previously clashed over refugee policy and may be headed for another dispute as a range of European politicians criticize the education measure, Bloomberg noted They clashed at an EPP conference last week in Malta, where Orban blasted migration into Europe as a Trojan horse of terrorism", referring to refugees as ants". Merkel defended her open-border refugee policy, which also faces criticism at home as she seeks re-election to a fourth term in September.Orban is assailing the foundations of democracy in Hungary," Bloomberg cited Gianni Pittella, head of the Socialist group in the European Parliament, as telling reporters in Strasbourg, France. Ska Keller, German co-leader of the Greens in the 28-nation parliament, said Orban needs to be stopped."The Hungarian government denies that the new legislation is specifically targeting CEU, stressing that it is ready to discuss the case with the United States. However, the legislation sets an impossible condition to foreign-linked universities. It stipulates that if a university is based in a federal state (the State of New York in CEUs case) which has jurisdiction on higher education matters, it still needs to have an accord with the federal government (an approval by Donald Trump in this case) in order to be able to issue degrees accredited in the U.S., which practically means that Hungary dictates CEU to have Trump sign their operating permit, although he has no jurisdiction in this matter.George Soross lies can even mislead the German government," Hungarys state-owned newswire quoted government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs as saying.The cabinet claims everyone was misled over CEU, including Nobel Laureates, top academics of the world, European and U.S. politicians, and thousands of students, professors and civilians rallying in Budapest against the punitive law.The European Commission is scrutinising the amendment of Hungarys law on higher education passed on Tuesday, with as many as four directorates being homed in on the matter, local news portal 444.hu reported on Wednesday.On Tuesday, CEU sent a memorandum to President of Hungary Janos Ader outlining the unconstitutional nature of the amendments to Hungarys Higher Education Law passed yesterday in Parliament.The law has been protested by Nobel Laureates academics from Europe and the United States and several organisations. The newest addition to the long list of those that do not want academic freedom to be curbed in Hungary are the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, former New York Governor George Pataki, university provosts,the European University Association and the President of Harvard University.
The massive amount is unusual for a local school board race  and thousands more than any of the other 31 candidates have managed to raise. Read moreA CCSD board candidate has raised almost $100K in campaign funds
Andrew Ross Scott was booked into the Charleston County jail the evening of Nov. 6 on the charge of second-degree domestic violence. The 37-year-old man, who has been employed with the Mount Pleasant Police Department since 2009, has been placed on administrative leave, according to Inspector Don Calabrese. Read moreMount Pleasant police officer placed on leave after domestic violence arrest
NEW YORK, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Launchpad announces the Colombo Stock Exchange has been designated as a Qualified Foreign Exchange by OTC Markets Group Inc., effective Friday, the 24th of March. As a result, effective immediately, companies listed on the Colombo Exchange may apply to qualify for trading on the OTCQX, OTCQB and Pink markets in the U.S.



A complete list of OTC Markets Qualified Foreign Exchanges can be found here: https://www.otcmarkets.com/services/companies/otcqx-international/qualified-exchange-list.

We are excited to recognize the Colombo Stock Exchange as a Qualified Foreign Exchange, which will allow Sri Lanka listed companies to qualify for trading on our premium OTCQX and OTCQB markets. We look forward to welcoming more Sri Lankan companies to the U.S. markets, said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group (OTCQX:OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market, and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS, the company connects a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. OTC Markets Group enables investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empowers companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

The Colombo Stock Exchange is the only equities exchange market in Sri Lanka with almost 300 listed companies. The CSE is regulated by the SEC of Sri Lanka.



Please visit: http://www.cse.lk

William Rosenstadt, managing partner of Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP (www.ortolirosenstadt.com), and Kosala Heengama and Gregory Scott Newsome, owners of Yenom Pvt Ltd of Sri Lanka, worked closely with the exchange during this process.

Mr. Rosenstadt stated, It is an honor to have been instrumental in the qualification process of the CSE. As a leading sponsor of companies on the U.S. OTC markets, we are now able to introduce CSE-listed companies to the worlds largest capital market and help them greatly expand their presence in the U.S. If embraced, this opportunity should change the landscape for CSE-listed issuers.

Kosala Heengama, director of Yenom, stated, "We are excited to begin working side-by-side to help Sri Lankan publicly-traded companies trade on the OTC markets. The OTC markets will provide our local companies the needed global presence with enhanced efficiency and access to the biggest capital market in the world."

http://www.yenomasia.com

About Consulting for Strategic Growth Partners 1 Ltd

CONSULTING FOR STRATEGIC GROWTH 1 Ltd (CFSG) is a leader in and spokesperson for the small undiscovered public company. The formation of capital for early-growth stage companies, domestic and international, is one of our core businesses. We operate thru our wholly owned subsidiary Launch Pad IR www.launchpadir.net

With decades of hands-on corporate development experience and broad personal outreach in the private and public investment communities, we place our clients in front of the right decision-makers, market makers and financial gatekeepers  the ones who know your industry, care about your business, and can address your financial needs. Visit our site for recent case studies.




South Carolina voters head to the polls Nov. 8, casting ballots in midterm elections that will not only determine the state's next governor but will also act as the first major referendum on the Biden era. Read moreYour voter guide to top races, key issues in South Carolina's 2022 midterm elections
PITTSBURGH  An outfit that fits just right has the potential to empower. But the process of finding one  which often involves sorting through a dizzying sea of sizes that varies from brand to brand  can be overwhelming, particularly for someone recovering from an eating disorder.

That's where Garment Project comes in. Erin Drischler and her fiance, Jordan Tomb, recently started the nonprofit that works with treatment facilities to provide outgoing patients with new sizeless clothing. That way, women in recovery can focus on successfully transitioning back to their daily routines and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, without focusing on what size they're wearing.

"Coming home to my closet after multiple different treatment stays, and my clothes were too big or too small -- I used them as a tool to measure my weight or size," says Drischler, who struggled with anorexia nervosa for 14 years. "My clothing didn't necessarily keep me sick, but it was a constant reminder of the person I was with my eating disorder. Clothing also was a way I could transform myself to be the person I wanted to be."

An estimated 20 million women in the United States have an eating disorder, Garment Project states on its website . Three in 100 American women have bulimia (extreme overeating then purging), while one in every 200 has anorexia (characterized by extremely low body weight), which has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Treatment can cost up to $30,000 per month, making it challenging to afford new clothes after recovery.

With fiscal sponsorship from New Sun Rising (a local organization that supports solutions to social issues), the couple launched the project last month, timed with National Eating Disorders Awareness week, and were humbled by the positive responses they received.

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One of the first retailers to reach out to them was Cranberry teen clothing chain rue21, which donated boxes of clothing to the cause. Before pieces are packed and shipped to treatment centers for distribution, all tags with sizing information will be removed. Those in recovery will get access to an individualized website where they can browse and select the clothes they like.

In addition to options for teenagers, Garment Project is seeking professional apparel and casual wear for adult women. While no clothing has been distributed yet, details are being worked out for a partnership with a national treatment center that would expand the group's reach beyond the region.

About two years ago, Drischler and Tomb started to get serious about turning their ideas for the endeavor into a reality  a leap they felt their professional backgrounds equipped them to take. Until the end of last year, Drischler worked full time at Nordstrom managing a few departments. She since has scaled back her hours to focus on Garment Project. Tomb works for the marketing agency Deeplocal in the Strip District and uses his experience as a documentarian to chronicle their nonprofit's journey.

Although Garment Project still is in its infancy, the path to this point has been a very personal one for its founders. Drischler and Tomb met about five years ago while attending Point Park University and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, respectively. When Drischler went to California for a treatment program, Tomb came along, too.

"Meeting Erin and becoming close with her was my introduction to this issue," he says. "I went out to California and participated in some sessions with her and her team out there and tried to get more comfortable in this conversation."

Drischler is now two years into her recovery and is doing "phenomenally better," her fiance says.

"I spent a lot of time really learning how to feel confident in speaking and taking up space and knowing that my voice mattered and I had something to offer," she adds.

Sometimes, that meant tuning out the images on television, social media and in magazines that depict a narrow view of beauty and a woman's body. She's encouraged, though, by the "small steps toward improvement" that have cropped up in fashion campaigns and on the catwalk.

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Lane Bryant, ModCloth and Aerie by American Eagle are some of the labels that have been at the forefront of incorporating women of more body types (and, in some cases, not retouching photos) in their ads. Meanwhile, New York Fashion Week in February featured 26 plus-size models (up from 16 last September), according to the Fashion Spot's latest Runway Diversity Report. (It was the city's best season on record for including models of a range of sizes, although plus-size women still only made up fewer than 1 percent of all models cast.)

The couple hope Garment Project can spark more conversations about healthy relationships between fashion and body image  and maybe someday extend its services to include sizeless clothing for men in recovery, too.

"We're really hoping people will be able to look past numbers and realize what else they have to offer versus the size they're buying," Drischler says.
A couple of weeks ago, Bleu Duck (14 4th St. SW, Rochester) welcomed Jordan Bell to their staff. The new Chef de Cuisine, he is an integral leader in the kitchen of one of Roche sters newest eateries. I caught up with him last week to ask him a few questions.

What led you to Bleu Duck?

I helped build and open and run Forager Brewery. I was there for about a year, then went back to Nosh (in Lake City) for about a year. Then we found out my wife Hannah was pregnant again, and we realized I didnt want to have a 45 minute commute one waythis opportunity came up literally days after we found out Hannah was pregnant.

How would you describe your cooking style?

My cooking style is technically based. I have a firm grasp on cooking techniques and the handling of food. I dont know that I have a style. I like to change because I dont think eating the same type of food or style of food every single day is exciting for anybody.

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Do you have signature things you keep going back to?

I love eggs. I think one of the most perfect sauces is in certain situations a sunny side up egg where the yolk is really runny and the yolk becomes the sauce. I try to never pigeonhole myself. I think what I do the best is being adaptable with food, using what I have around me to make something good.

What do you think sets Bleu Duck apart from other restaurants?

The smaller, ever-changing menu. The fact that we source as much locally as possible. I think our focus on the individual ingredients on a dish, our thoughtfulness when it comes to plate composition and menu composition is something you dont see too much in Rochester.

How often do you put out a new menu?

Were going to hopefully get to a weekly menu, but right now its about every other day.

Is that more difficult or is it more exciting?

Both. I like being challenged, I appreciate that, thats how I get better, thats how we get better as a team.

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Favorite music to cook to.

I like chill music, whether its an ambient type sound or instrumental.

Do you cook at home quite a bit?

After a shift, I dont really cook. I usually go home, have a beer and hang out with my wife. But cooking never feels like work, it never feels hard, I never dread cooking here or at home.

Is there a culinary trend youre enjoying right now?

No. I think trends are just trends, they come and they goI think certain things get labeled as trends that shouldnt be. Like farm to table, thats been the big thing. But thats been done since the dawn of humans. Thats where food comes from, food comes from a farmMaybe one trend I think is coming back is in-house preservation. So curing meats, making your own pickles. Thats something Im very passionate about, all kinds of preserving techniques. I dont want to call it a trend, but its surfacing and people are getting into it and I think thats cool.

Characterize Rochester eaters.

Conservative, set in their way, and what I mean by that is maybe not appreciative of quick change or something thats new or radical. But at the same time, I think people are looking for that.

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Does that affect the people that come in here?

I think people kind of know that thats what were about here. Granted Im in the back, but I think people kind of know what Bleu Duck is about, and people come here because of that.

Best piece of advice youve received.

One of the more important things Ive learned on my career journey is how to be a good leader and manage people appropriately and making a group of people look to you without saying Im in charge, Im the leader. I dont think a leader should ever have to say that theyre the leader. The president should never have to say Im the presidentAnd Im lucky to have Chef (Erik Kleven), hes about as cool as they come when it comes to hairy situations, I really appreciate that.
A man involved in at least 10 court cases in 2016 has been sent to prison for five years.

Malik Amin Johnson, 37, of Rochester, pleaded guilty last month to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and fourth-degree assault of a correctional employee, both felonies.

He was sentenced Monday to concurrent prison terms of 60 months and 17 months, respectively.

In the Oct. 18 assault, Johnson attacked a detention deputy in the Adult Detention Center, court documents say, "unloading on him and hitting him "like crazy," the victim said.

The deputy was assigned to supervise Johnson "one on one," required because of his bad behavior in the facility, the complaint says. The victim said he thought he'd developed a rapport with Johnson, but when the officer opened Johnson's cell door so he could take a shower that day, the alleged attack began.

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Security video footage shows Johnson leave the cell, approach the victim punch him in the head, the report says, going on to hit him at least 30 times. The officer was able to radio for help, bringing other detention deputies to the area.

Johnson told the investigator that the officer started the altercation by putting his jail keys in Johnson's face, claiming the deputy hit him in the temple.

A witness in the area confirmed the officer's story, telling the detective he was "being respectful" when Johnson approached him and "started beating on him," the documents say.

The officer sustained significant bruising to his body, but no broken bones.

The sexual assault occurred Sept. 10.

Johnson also faced charges of felony theft for an April 8 incident; misdemeanor trespassing for incidents on April 20 and 22; misdemeanor theft of property on May 4, May 16 and Sept. 5; felony threat of violence and two misdemeanor counts of fifth-degree assault for an incident on June 25.

Those charges were all dismissed at Monday's sentencing.
CALEDONIA  A man accused of assaulting several members of his family  including dumping a bowl of cereal on a child's head  faces multiple felony charges in Houston County.

Jacob Michael Loveless, 34, of Houston, faces one count each of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and threats of violence, both felonies; four counts of felony domestic assault; and one count each of fifth-degree controlled substance crime and interfering with an emergency telephone call, both gross misdemeanors.

His next court date is April 27.

The investigation began about 11:30 p.m. March 4 with a report of a domestic assault in progress in Houston. A neighbor who called law enforcement told responding officers he'd heard banging and screaming going on inside the residence.

The home was "in total disarray," the complaint says, with multiple items tipped over and tobacco all over the floor. A man inside the home said Loveless and a woman had an argument that became physical; according to the complaint, the man said Loveless "lost his mind," grabbed a long knife from the kitchen and said he was going to kill everyone in the house.

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The man tried to call 911 from his cell phone, but Loveless allegedly took it from him and broke it; a broken phone was later found on the kitchen table.

Loveless went upstairs "to kill (the man's) grandson with the knife," court documents say, prompting the man to run up the stairs and "tackle" Loveless, who punched the man in the head multiple times.

The woman who'd been arguing with Loveless pulled him off the man  who ran across the street to get help from a neighbor, then ran back to the home, where the woman and Loveless were now fighting at the top of the stairs, the documents continue.

Though Loveless had thrown the knife aside, the reports say, the man said Loveless was "out of control." Two other women in the home corroborated the man's story; officers noted red marks on the man's head.

The woman who'd been fighting with Loveless said the argument began over where her child would be sleeping. She claimed Loveless "flipped over a table and began to lose control," the complaint says, and at one point poured a bowl of breakfast cereal over her child's head.

The officer noted a young child in a bedroom near the stairs, "screaming, crying and covering her ears."

Loveless was arrested and taken to the Houston County Jail, where staff reportedly found a small amount of cocaine in his wallet.

A review of Loveless's criminal history reveals multiple domestic violence-related convictions, including fourth-degree assault in 2008, third-degree assault and terroristic threats in 2014 and domestic assault in 2016.
AUSTIN  Riverland Community College will receive a snowplow this week, thanks to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT will donate the truck to the college's driving school on Thursday with a "ceremonial passing of the keys" to mark the transfer of the vehicle.

The snowplow will add depth to a strong Riverland Truck Driving program and will allow the college to continue its hands-on approach to education and classroom training for careers in the transportation industry, according to the department of transportation.

Equipment, like the snowplow, gives students in the program exposure to equipment used in the field and allows them a greater range of experiences, prior to seeking employment.

MnDOT will also help the Riverland students learn about careers at MnDOT.

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The "passing of the keys" will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Riverland Community College Truck Driving School, 1900 8th Ave. NW in Austin.
Lithuanian English

AB "Rokiskio suris", Pramones str.3, Rokiskis, Lithuania, 2017-04-06 16:16 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Draft resolutions prepared by the 6 April 2017 meeting of the Board of Directors of Rokiskio suris, AB:

1. Auditors findings regarding the consolidated financial reports and annual report.

Debriefed.

2. The Audit Committee report.

Draft resolution:

To endorse the report of the Audit Committee (attached).

3. The Companys consolidated annual report for the year 2016.

Debriefed with the Companys consolidated annual report for the year 2016 which is prepared by the Company, assessed by the Auditor and approved by the Board of Directors (attached).

4. Approval of the consolidated and companys financial accounting for the year 2016.

Draft resolution:

To approve the audited consolidated and companys financial statements for the year 2016 (attached).

5. Allocation of the profit (loss) of the Company of 2016.

Draft resolution:

To approve the following profit (loss) distribution of the year 2016:

Title kEUR 1. Non-distributable profit (loss) at beginning of year 52,078 2. Approved by shareholders dividends related to the year 2015 (2,342) 3. Transfers from other reserves 2,297 4. Non-distributable profit (loss) at beginning of year after dividend payout and transfer to reserves 52,033 5. Net profit (loss) of the Company of fiscal year 12,551 6. Distributable profit (loss) of the Company 64,584 7. Profit share for mandatory reserve - 8. Profit share for other reserves - 9. Profit share for dividend payout * (3,228) 10. Profit share for annual payments (tantiemes) to the Board of Directors, employee bonuses and other as accounted by Profit (loss) statement 1,076 11. Non-distributable profit (loss) at end of year transferred to the next fiscal year 61,356

*it will be allocated 0.10 eur per ordinary registered share. In total to the dividends payout EUR 3,228,117.30.

6. Election of the Companys Audit Committee.

Draft resolution:

For the subsequent 4 year term of office at the Audit Committee the following persons shall be elected: Kestutis Kirejevas, Director Baltijos Enzimai, UAB (independent member), Kestutis Gataveckas, Director Perlo paslaugos, UAB (independent member) and Rasa Zukauskaite (Finance department employee of Rokiskio suris, AB).

Remuneration for the independent members of the Audit Committee shall be identified by the Board of Directors. The Companys manager is authorized to sign an agreement with the independent members of the Audit Committee.

7. Election of the Companys auditor and establishment of payment conditions.

Draft resolution:

An Audit firm to perform the audit of a set of financial statements for the year 2017, will be submitted at the general meeting of shareholders. (Pursuing the amendment of the Law on Audit of the Republic of Lithuania effective as from March 1, 2017).
ALTURA  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking for your help in how it administers the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area.

The 27,000-acre management area  the eighth largest in Minnesota  that borders Whitewater State Park is due to have its management plan updated. After all, it's been 40 years.

"Our knowledge about wildlife habitat management has changed," said Don Nelson, manager of the Whitewater WMA. He said an increase in invasive species, big-storm events and just how the area is used by the public makes updating the plan important. "The emphasis is on managing wildlife habitat and providing for public use."

Nelson said he hopes people take some time  especially as they are celebrating Earth Day this month  to fill out the DNR questionnaire on the Whitewater WMA website and let the DNR know what concerns the public has about the region. The deadline for doing so is May 4.

"We want to make sure our plans for managing this resource are up-to-date and consistent with current conditions and sound science," Nelson said.

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Many of the changes that have come during the past 40 years directly impact the ecosystem, he said. Invasive species such as the emerald ash borer beetle or oriental bittersweet directly impact native plants. Storms cause flooding and erosion on the steep hillsides that populate the region. And more people using the area impact roads and add to pollution.

"The ways people use the (WMA) have changed," Nelson said. "It used to be just trout fishing and deer hunting. Those are still important uses." But people use the area for hiking, birdwatching, berry and mushroom picking, as well.

"We also have a greater recognition of our rare plant communities," he said. That includes species such as Leedy's roseroot, which is on the federally threatened list, and rough-seeded fameflower, which is a rare plant in the prairie and savanna communities. "These were briefly mentioned in the last management plan, but not emphasized and not fully appreciated."
Ahmed Mohamed was 6 years old when he and his family arrived in Rochester as part of the first wave of Somali immigrants in 1996. His knowledge of English at the time consisted of three words.

By the time he had reached medical school, Mohamed had become the pride of many in Rochester's Somali-American community. They began to call him doctor, despite his protestations at the time that he had yet to earn his degree.

Today, Mohamed isa doctor, a resident physician in Mayo Clinic's Department of Internal Medicine, one of a tiny handful of Somali-American doctors at the clinic. And to those who have witnessed his progress, it hasn't come as a great surprise.

Despite a starting point well back of his native-born peers, Mohamed doesn't convey a sense that he faced more challenges and struggles than any other person.

Yes, there was a language barrier at first, but by fourth grade, Mohamed had mastered English well enough to graduate from the district's English for Speakers of Other Languages program. Yes, belonging to a minority immigrant community in majority-white Rochester did lead to an occasional fight but only when it became necessary.

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"Going back to first grade, I was very good studen,t and I never disrupted class," Mohamed said. "I rarely said anything. I was quiet in class up until I got into med school."

Yet his mild and his soft-spoken manner belie a relentless drive and sharp mind, teachers and mentors say.

"He was just a wonderful student," said retired Mayo High School history teacher Larry Fowler, who taught Mohamed in 10th grade. "He was just a really bright kid."

Mohamed credits his success to his parents, who instilled within him high expectations. Both preached education's power to achieve one's dreams. His dad, Abdullahi Hassan, was an agronomist in Mogadishu who spoke five languages before civil war forced the family to flee.

As a boy, he and his brothers were expected to have their homework finished before they could go out and play. Sometimes his mom, Khadija Naji, would insist on him reading a book before he could join his friends.

"I think they kept a pretty good leash on us," Mohamed said. "We never really wandered outside of within eyesight of the house."

Mohamed said the idea of becoming a doctor first began to impress itself on him in his teens. His first extended exposure to doctors came when he would accompany his grandmother on her doctor's visits. Blessed with a sharp memory, he was able to recall and relay everything the doctor said about his grandmother's care to his mom.

It was seeing the care that doctors provided and the clear benefits his grandmother received that created the impetus to become a doctor. That coupled with a discovery that he was fascinated with science  and "learning about living things and how they work"  drove him.

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Mohamed said he was neither daunted nor particularly preoccupied with the fact that African-Americans are woefully under-represented in the medical field. While more black men have graduated college over the past few decades, the number of black men applying to medical school dropped from 1978 to 2014.

"I just wanted to pursue becoming a doctor on my own," he said. "I made a detailed plan for what i wanted to accomplish each year of college."

'100 percent committed'

While a student at the University of Minnesota, Mohamed was introduced to Eddie Mairura, a Kenyan-born man who is now an orthopedic surgeon in Dallas. At the time that he started mentoring Mohamed, Mairura was a medical student at the U when Mohamed was working on his undergraduate degree.

Mairura's own experiences in medical school underscored the demographic challenges facing blacks. In his own medical class of 220 people at the U, there were only four black people. Mairura hoped to be a guide, opening the door wider for minority students.

"I think medicine is really about giving back. When people achieve success, they don't celebrate by themselves, they got there by standing on the shoulders of other people," Mairura said.

Mairura found Mohamed to be a person with no shortage of determination and motivation  "100 percent committed" to becoming a doctor. Mairura set him up on job shadowing opportunities and recommended certain courses that he take. Mohamed picked his brain whenever he could.

"He was very very focused," Mairura said. "I've mentored a lot of people, but I think he's the only one that makes me look good. I laid out a road map for him and then stepped out of the way or (risked getting) run over."

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Graduating from medical school at Michigan State University was an occasion for celebration. But it was also a bittersweet moment for Mohamed. His dad was hospitalized at Mayo Clinic suffering complications from leukemia.

Father's encouragement

Though weak and struggling to speak, his dad gave Mohamed a thumbs up when Mohamed told him about his job interview opportunities, including an offer at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, which was his top choice.

One of Mohamed's mentors who was also visiting the hospital at the time told Mohamed's dad, "you did it," acknowledging his influence as a role model in Mohamed's life. But his dad quietly raised his hand and pointed to Mohamed as if to say, "he deserves the credit." Mohamed's dad died a week later.

As a first-year resident, Mohamed divides his time between seeing patients as a primary care physician at the Baldwin Building and rotating through sub-specialties, such as cardiology and neurology.

Mohamed, 27, is cognizant of his responsibilities as a role model for his community. With his country still trying to rise from the ashes of a civil war and public perceptions often defined by media portrayals of Somali terrorists, he hopes to offer a counterbalance to those views.

In the same way that mentors have offered shoulders for him to stand on, so he hopes to do the same for others.

At Somali public gatherings, parents will approach Mohamed seeking advice for their college-bound children. They'll ask for his phone number, so he can talk to their kids.

"It does motivate me, because I want to see younger kids in the community achieve success, whether it's in medicine or something else," Mohamed said. "And the advice that I give younger kids in the community is, do something you enjoy doing."
Half a billion dollars should help.

Allison O'Toole, chief executive officer of MNsure, the Minnesota marketplace of individual, family and small-group insurance, said the just-passed reinsurance law that sets up fund to help insurance companies manage risk in Minnesota should help keep providers in the state and even lure back some, such as Blue Cross-Blue Shield, that left the individual marketplace in Minnesota.

"The Legislature gave (insurance companies) $542 million over two years to help them manage their risk," she said. It is meant to cover high-cost claims.

Part of the problem is that the individual marketplace in Minnesota is small compared to other states, and many enrollees are actually covered by Minnesota Care, she said, meaning the pool covered statewide by private plans through MNsure is relatively small.

In fact, about 121,000 Minnesotans are covered by private plans through MNsure, according to the agency's website. The fund would pay between 50 percent and 80 percent of claims between $50,000 and $250,000 in the individual marketplace.

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While Gov. Mark Dayton did not sign the reinsurance bill but simply let it pass into law, O'Toole said she hoped by bringing more insurance companies into the market, prices would go down and choices would go up.

Southeast Minnesota is taking advantage of MNsure. Seventy-eight percent of MNsure's private plan enrollees in the 1st Congressional District receive tax credits. But not every county in the state has a good MNsure experience. For example, five counties in north-central Minnesota have only one provider, Medica, which stayed in those counties because of a deal with the state Department of Commerce.

"I think the efforts to stabilize the market could impact that," O'Toole said. "Consumers want choices and need it."

Even with rising premiums and the high deductibles, MNsure beat its goals for enrollment for 2017 and has balanced its budget. And, absent any major changes on the federal level, will be around for 2018 and beyond.

O'Toole said there are again bills in the Minnesota House and Senate wanting to transfer to Healthcare.gov, the federal portal, but Gov. Dayton has "made it clear that he doesn't have interest in doing that right now."

"There's a lot of confusion in Washington," she said. "But we have Minnesota Care, which has been around 25 years. The federal program doesn't have a way to handle that platform. And if we switched, there'd be thousands of Minnesotans not knowing they are eligible."

In addition to trying to bring back more insurance carriers to the marketplace, O'Toole said MNsure is looking to outsource its beleaguered web portal to try to make signing up simpler.

"We haven't tested the market in a while," she said. "We owe it to the taxpayers to do that."

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With 96 percent of Minnesotans now covered with health insurance either through the state or employer health care, O'Toole said repealing the Affordable Care Act  Obamacare  would cause ripples throughout the state.

"It could have a huge impact on the state budget," she said.

Furthermore, with MNsure working with so many assistance organizations and navigators to get people signed up, a new health-care paradigm would re-write the rules and undo much of the work MNsure has done to get to the level of coverage the state currently enjoys.

A big part of that was the premium relief bill passed in January that cut premiums by 25 percent. The $326 million bill, though, is probably a one-time thing.

"I don't know if our state could do that a second year," she said.

O'Toole said she hopes more people who have been positively impacted by the ACA come forward to tell their stories. Which all ties back to the reinsurance bill to help keep more insurance companies in the market to, hopefully, keep prices down.

"We shouldn't go backwards," she said. "When (reinsurance) went into effect, that was a move forward."
Orin Doty was a stubborn man with a passion for peace.

Doty, of Rochester, died March 27 at the age of 89, bringing a close to a life that was devoted to resistance to war, including serving two spells in prison as a conscientious objector during the Korean War.

"He was very active in the anti-war movement of the '60s, so growing up we went to a lot of the protests with him," said one of his daughters, Lisa Osman, of Rochester. At that time, Doty was protesting U.S. involvement in Vietnam, but clearly pacifism for him was no passing fad.

In fact, in 1966 he refused to pay his 1965 federal taxes as a protest against the use of U.S. military forces in Vietnam and the Dominican Republic. Earlier, in 1959, Doty refused to file a federal income tax return because, as he said, "war-making has come to be the major activity of the federal government."

Asked if he feared going to prison as a result, Doty told the Minneapolis Morning Tribune, "My fear of the unknown is gone."

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After all, his decision to resist the draft during the Korean War had landed him, and his three brothers, in jail twice. "He went to prison once for not registering, and then they signed him up and when he got out of prison, they arrested him for not reporting for his induction," said Doug Osman, Doty's son-in-law.

The Doty boys were following in the footsteps of their father, who had been a conscientious objector during World War I.

Orin Doty was born in Oelwein, Iowa, and was reared in northeastern Iowa until the family moved to Minnesota. He graduated from high school in Virginia, Minn., in 1945. Doty, his first wife and two daughters eventually settled in south Minneapolis. He married his second wife, June, in 1991 in Elk River. He moved to Rochester in the early 2000s.

Doty had a long association with peace activists. "He joined the Twin Cities Friends Meeting, the Quakers, for many years in the '50s, '60s and '70s," said Lisa Osman.

Quakers are well known for their pacifism. Eventually, though, Doty became skeptical of organized religion, as he sometimes expressed in letters to the editor of the Post-Bulletin.

Indeed, Doty was one of the "regulars" who wrote letters to the editor on nearly a monthly basis. His letters arrived neatly typed (on a typewriter, not a computer), written in often poetic language, and boldly signed.

His final letter to the Post-Bulletin, dated Aug. 1, 2016, commented on the recent political party conventions. It was vintage Doty: "We can each contribute according to our ability to a more civil and humane world," he wrote.

Or, as the bumper sticker on Doty's scooter chair proclaimed, "Believe in Good."
Republican candidate Jim Hagedorn has seen a surge in campaign donations after nearly defeating 1st District DFL Rep. Tim Walz last fall.

Hagedorn's campaign is reporting that the Blue Earth Republican raised more than $220,000 in the first three months of this year. To put that number in context, Hagedorn raised a grand total of $358,000 for his last congressional bid and loaned his campaign $11,000, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission . Walz's campaign outspent Hagedorn more than 4-to-1.

Hagedorn credits last year's close election to the boost in campaign donations. Hagedorn came within less than one percentage point of defeating the five-term congressman. Meanwhile, Republican Donald Trump won the southern Minnesota district by 15 percentage points.

"People recognize that if we had just a little bit more firepower there at the end, we would have beaten him," Hagedorn said.

Walz announced last week he would run for Minnesota governor in 2018. Since then, several Republicans have said they are considering running open 1st District seat. Possible candidates include Olmsted County Republican Chairman Aaron Miller, Rochester Sen. Carla Nelson, Rochester Rep. Nels Pierson and Winona Sen. Jeremy Miller. DFL party leaders have said at least two DFL candidates are seriously considering a bid and others may jump in.

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Hagedorn is making his fourth bid for the 1st District seat. He ran in 2010 and dropped out after failing to get the Republican endorsement. In 2014, he defeated Miller in the GOP primary and went on to lose in the general election.

Unlike last year, the 1st District race is expected to attract millions in spending by outside groups and national political parties. Several race rating sites consider the seat a political "toss up."

Does Hagedorn think his first quarter fundraising numbers might deter other Republicans from jumping into the 2018 race?

"That wouldn't be for me to say," Hagedorn said.

He added that all he can control is his campaign and "we're going to continue to run a retail campaign, get across the district, shake hands with people, go to parades, go the fairs, do all that."
ST. PAUL  The fate of millions of dollars worth of southeast Minnesota construction projects remains uncertain as Republican House leaders are making it clear they are in no rush to pass a public works bill.

"We're just much more deliberative in the House," said House Capital Investment Committee Chairman Dean Urdahl.

He said not to expect the House to release a bonding bill proposal until the fate of the budget bills is known. Historically, that has taken until the final days of session. And while Urdahl said he would prefer not to wait until the end of session to put forward a bonding plan, it might happen.

"The bonding bill sometimes gets caught up in other business," Urdahl said.

That has some worried 2017 could be a repeat of last year's failed attempt to pass a bonding bill. Negotiations over the bill went down to the final hours of session. The $1 billion package ultimately failed to make it to the governor's desk because of a dispute over light-rail funding.

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"We don't want a repeat of that. We can't afford to not move forward with these projects," said Lt. Gov. Tina Smith.

In January, DFL Gov. Mark Dayton unveiled his $1.5 billion public works package . Meanwhile, a $1 billion package similar to last year's bonding bill has advanced in the Minnesota Senate. It is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.

Several local projects are funded in both of those plans. They include $17 million for Winona State University's Education Village, $15 million for the Prairie Island Indian Community rail grade separation, $2.3 million to expand Rochester International Airport's U.S. Customs facility and $1.5 million to expand the Dyslexia Institute in Minnesota in Rochester.

Senate Capital Investment Committee Chairman Dave Senjem said he wants to see a bonding bill pass this year, but there's only so much he can do. Bonding bills are required to start in the House. He said the Senate put their proposal out early in hopes of encouraging the House to get moving on their plan.

"I'm optimistic. There's no logical reason I can think of other than pure politics that (a bonding bill) shouldn't pass. And if pure politics intervenes in the bonding bill this year, shame on us," Senjem said.

The Rochester Republican said the Senate's bonding bill is nearly identical to last year's bonding proposal. The hope is that by keeping it virtually the same, it will win the necessary Democratic support. All bonding bills require a three-fifths majority to pass. That means one major Rochester project is not part of the proposal  $14.5 million to renovate Rochester Community and Technical College.

Rep. Nels Pierson, R-Rochester, is sponsoring a bill to fund the RCTC project, which would involve demolishing Plaza and Memorial Halls and renovating classroom space. He said he wants to see a bonding bill passed this session and would like RCTC to be a part of it, but he is wary about making too many changes to last year's proposal.

"I'm still supportive of (the RCTC project), and I'd like it to jump forward, but I don't want to see too much tweaking to the detriment of the existing projects that we mostly agreed to last session," Pierson said.

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The RCTC project is funded in the governor's proposal.

Urdahl said the House plan will be similar to last year's failed $1 billion bonding bill with some changes. He said he has already created a spreadsheet with projects that would likely be included in the bill and the measure could be put together quickly.

Another tricky issue is earmarks. Dayton has said he does not support earmarking money for specific transportation projects in the bonding bill saying it is bad policy. Supporters say those earmarks ensure projects that have neglected for far too long get funded. The Senate bonding proposal includes $197 million for the Corridors of Commerce program and specifies some of those dollars must go toward expanding U.S. Highway 14 between Owatonna and Dodge Center.

St. Paul DFL Rep. Alice Hausman  the lead Democrat on the House Capital Investment Committee  said the danger of waiting until the last minute is mistakes are made and lawmakers run out of time. She worries the bonding debate will once again come down to the last day "because everyone is going to push it to the extremes. They think they get more leverage."

Smith said it is time for the Republican House to put their plan forward so negotiations can begin. She added these projects "should not be used as a bargaining chip as legislators try to move this session forward."

Projects funded in governor and Senate's bonding proposals

 $17 million for Winona State University's Education Village

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 $15 million for rail grade separation on Sturgeon Lake Road in Prairie Island Indian Community

 $4.5 million for Red Wing River Town Renaissance

 $2.3 million for Rochester International Airport to expand U.S. Customs facility

 $1.6 million to renovate National Guard Readiness Center in Rochester

 $1.5 million to expand the Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota in Rochester

Projects funded only in governor's plan

 14.5 million for Rochester Community and Technical College renovation

Projects funded only in Senate plan

 $197 million set aside for several highway projects. Bill requires some of that money be used to expand U.S. Highway 14 between Owatonna and Dodge Center

$3.6 million to repair the Lanesboro Dam

 $1.7 million for Cedar River flood mitigation

 $500,000 to fund study of Oronoco's wastewater infrastructure needs
Asked yesterday by AP reporter Julie Pace about Syrian President Assads sarin gas attacks on the town of Khan Sheikhoun on Tuesday, President Trump responded: It crossed a lot of lines for me. When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, babies, little babies, with a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was, that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line. Many, many lines.

Trumps language harked back to President Obamas bloviation on Syria, but he wasnt done. He went on specifically to cite Obamas empty threat regarding Assads use of chemical weapons. I think the Obama administration had a great opportunity to solve this crisis a long time ago when he said the red line in the sand, Trump said. And when he didnt cross that line after making the threat, I think that set us back a long ways, not only in Syria, but in many other parts of the world, because it was a blank threat. I think it was something that was not one of our better days as a country.

President Trumps statement is striking. It looks to be the predicate of some form of military reprisal by the United States.

Students of ancient history may be puzzled. They may recall that Assad was supposed to have given up those chemical weapons pursuant to the agreement reached in September 2013. They may further recall that Assad was to have given up those chemical weapons to our Russian enemies. Through the fog of time they may also recall that the Russians were to have done so at the behest of President Obama. How can this be?

The first New York Times report on the attack looks at the relevant history through a glass darkly:

Under threat of United States retaliation, Mr. Assad agreed to a Russian-American deal to eliminate his countrys chemical weapons program, which until that time it had denied having, and to join an international treaty banning chemical weapons. But the operation took far longer than expected and raised questions about whether all the materials were accounted for. The head of the international monitoring body, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, complained in an internal report about misleading statements from Damascus and expressed concern about possible undeclared chemical weapons. Since then, the organization, working with the United Nations, has found that the Syrian government used chlorine gas as a weapon three times in 2014 and 2015, violating the treaty.

Protecting the sensitivities of its readers, the Times omits to mention that it was President Obama who put us into bed with the Russians in this futile venture so as to preserve his outreach to our Iranian enemies.

There seems to be a pattern here. Michael Doran explained it all in the 2015 Mosaic essay Obamas secret Iran strategy.
NEW YORK, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- British Airways has launched its investment plans for customers, focusing on excellence in the premium cabins and more choice and quality for all. The investments include:



$500m in Club World (long-haul business class)

New lounges

Latest generation Wi-Fi fitted on long-haul and short-haul fleets over the next two years

Self-service check-in and biometric boarding gates to speed up the airport journey

First Wing direct security and lounge access at Heathrow

Introducing Club Europe on UK domestic services

Watch Alex Cruz, British Airways' chairman and CEO reveal the airline's plans during a charter flight from Gatwick to Heathrow on April 5. https://youtu.be/2HmvoStyZY8

Alex Cruz, British Airways chairman and CEO, said: We will invest and innovate where our customers value it most, and differentiate ourselves with a unique onboard experience and service. Were investing in Club World, focusing now on improved catering and sleep, and in the future on a new seat.

Were investing in the best Wi-Fi in the sky, new lounges, direct access to security and our lounges for our First customers via our new First Wing at Heathrow. Were also aligning our business cabin and service across all our flights by introducing Club Europe on domestic flights.

The airline will be investing $500m in Club World (long-haul business class) which will enhance the experience of dining at 38,000 feet and deliver an excellent nights sleep when flying with British Airways. From June, new catering will be introduced to the Heathrow business lounges to improve food quality and extend the breakfast service to 11am. In the air from July, fresh new linen, bigger pillows designed for sleep comfort, a soft mattress topper and duvet, to give customers all they need for a great nights sleep will be supplied.

From September, a new restaurant-style premium dining service will begin in Club World, with display trolleys allowing customers to select dishes from a choice of freshly prepared starters and desserts served on beautiful new table settings. A revamped service approach will be delivered to customers with a new culinary boutique experience.

These changes will launch on flights between New York JFK and London Heathrow, before being rolled out across the rest of the long-haul network during 2018.

The airline is also developing options for a new seat in Club World with direct aisle access in 2019. Details will be released in due course.

Business and First customers will notice changes in lounges too, starting with a new complex at Gatwick Airport's South Terminal. With sweeping views of the runway, the new lounges have 40 per cent more floor space than the airline's former lounge in North Terminal.

An investment of $110m (88m) is planned on lounge facilities in the U.S. New Yorks JFK Terminal 7 will receive over $65m (52m) worth of investment over the next two years: a refurbishment of the First and Club World lounges as well as improvements to the customer experience at check in, security and the boarding gates. Bostons new lounge has just opened, coinciding with the A380 starting on the Boston-Heathrow route. The facility is 30 per cent larger than the previous lounge, has direct gate access and stunning views over the Boston skyline.

Next year Aberdeen and Romes lounges will be revamped, and Geneva will be expanded. Further investment is planned in San Francisco, Johannesburg, Manchester and Chicago. Heathrows Terminal 5 lounges will be revamped over the next few years, starting this month with the flagship Concorde Room for First customers, which will have new furniture and a refreshed look and feel.

From April, customers in all cabins will start to enjoy the latest generation of Wi-Fi as its rolled out across British Airways long-haul network. Short-haul Wi-Fi will commence later in the year when British Airways becomes the first airline to offer connectivity using Europes first ever 4G high-speed inflight network with the aim of having 90 per cent of its total fleet connected by 2019.

Customers will be able to use their own devices to browse the internet, access email and check social media. In addition, they will have the ability to stream video content from popular sites such as Netflix and YouTube.

There will be a choice of two options: Simply Connect or Connect Plus. Customers can choose whether they connect for one hour, four hours or the full flight. Simply Connect supports basic web browsing, email and instant messaging with prices starting from $6.00 while Connect Plus provides a faster connection speed supporting video streaming services from $10.00.

Technology is also helping customers to simplify and speed up their journeys through the airport, with the opening of the airlines first three automated self-boarding gates for UK domestic flights at Heathrow Terminal 5. The automated gates use facial recognition technology to allow customers to simply scan their boarding pass, before walking straight onto the aircraft. British Airways colleagues will still be on hand to help customers who need a little extra assistance.

Additionally, customers are now able to self-service bag drop at Heathrow and Gatwick, enabling them to label and drop off their bags before proceeding through security.

If other fast track news, today British Airways launched its exclusive new First Wing check-in area for First customers at Heathrow Terminal 5. It includes a dedicated two-lane security channel and direct access to the Galleries First Lounge and Concorde Room for the first time. The First Wing gives First and Gold Executive Club members greater privacy and exclusivity with a dedicated combined check-in and Fast Track space.

In Club Europe news, the short-haul business cabin is being introduced on UK domestic flights this week. There will be new crockery, cabin crew pouring wine and champagne for customers and improved menus on board, which focus more closely on the length and time of day of the flight.

Alex Cruz adds: Its simple really  we need to deliver what our customers value most, where they value it most. We need to focus on enhancing premium products - offering contemporary service, improved catering and lounges and a consistent experience. In economy, where we know that price is the driver, we need to focus our efforts on delivering more seats at the lowest fares and giving customers choices.

We have an exciting time ahead. Alongside these initiatives, were also making changes behind the scenes to increase operational efficiency and reliability through new technologies including automatic boarding gates and a re-designed baggage arrivals process. And were making a commitment to achieve the highest standards of cleanliness and equipment reliability in all our cabins. Our customers will really notice a step-change in their travel experience with us.



For further information, please contact the BA press office at Americas.Communications@ba.com
Two propositions: First, despite what you year from the left, Democrats are the true party of hate. Second, one way of confirming this is to take in the fact that the voice of reason on this point is . . . Bernie Sanders!

These are the takeaways from todays column in the New York Times by their moderately liberal and fully sentimental columnist Nick Kristof, who recommends that liberals be nice to Trump voters. How nice of him to say so. No condescension here.

But some nice reporting:

Nothing Ive written since the election has engendered more anger from people who usually agree with me than my periodic assertions that Trump voters are human, too. . . I absolutely despise these people, one woman tweeted at me after I interviewed Trump voters. Truly the worst of humanity. To hell with every one of them. Im just going to say it, tweeted Bridgette. I hate these people. They are stupid and selfish. Screw them. Lose your jobs, sit home and die. Another: ALL Trump voters are racist and deplorable. . .

Then comes the unlikely voice of reason:

Some people think that the people who voted for Trump are racists and sexists and homophobes and just deplorable folks, Senator Bernie Sanders, who has emerged as a surprising defender of Trump voters, said the other day. I dont agree.

Bernie is going soft!

As so often is the case with Times columns, the real fun begins in the comments section:

TWICE in sixteen years has a remote sector of backward thinking in all regions of the US, not just the rural areas, taken action by voting for an unproven, semi-educated candidate. [Me: I assume this first reference is to the semi-educated George W. Bush, Yale 68, Harvard MBA, 73. On the other hand, maybe this commenter is on to something about ivy league education today.] I am a pinpoint of blue in a nightscape of red. I can conclude that they voted for him only for financial gain. These are the people I hold in contempt; they are selfish and greedy. When you say that there may be racists and misogynists among Trump voters but they all arent white supremacists you are missing an important problem. Being a racist isnt either/or and racism comes in many guises. . . They are not educable. The more facts, the more data, the more history one points out to them, the more they repeat their alternate facts, their lies. They have little contact with reality. Please explain to me, Nick, how one has a dialogue with someone who fervently believes that 2 + 3 = 23. I just want to live in a civil democracy which these voters have endangered thru their ignorance. Be nice to Trump voters? No. The willful ignorance that got 45 in office is not forgiveable. I am a liberal and I find Kristofs columns sophomoric, pious and unreadable. Easily the most infuriatingly dumb article you have penned Sir. Just like the Klan and Aryan Nations filth, Republicans must be socially ostracized from coast to coast. Sorry, Nick. Ive never met more ignorant and bigoted idiots than these people. Why be nice to them? . . . No, Nick. You are way off base here. We are at war. A war against ignorance and bigotry. Let me ask you Nick: At what point do you become too embarrassed to even admit youre an American? The only way this unqualified clown could be voted into office over my vote for Hillary is that a bunch of despicable, bigoted imbeciles voted for him and overrode my vote. Am I bitter over it? Yes.

Yeessss, embrace the Dark Side of the Force, liberals. Heed the emperors advice:

P.S. Best comment (from a Times reader in Texas, naturally):

A lot of people who voted for Trump didnt like him. I am one of them. We considered the alternative, the Clintons, and disliked them more. But it is now clear who the bigots are in this country. When you start referring to yourselves as The Resistance, the implication is clear. You view the other side as Nazis. Its the same with calling those who reject the faith-based belief in catastrophic anthropogenic global warming deniers. Democrats are verging on psychosis because they have been roundly rejected across the nation to an unprecedented degree. They need to get over themselves and start acting like loyal citizens again and respect the process. Power is not an entitlement. You have to earn it.

Bonus runner-up best comment:

The longer [liberals] remain un-self-aware about their hate, divisiveness, and incoherent politics, the better off America is. Every time their lunacy is displayed on national television for all to see, the more likely it is we get a permanent conservative majority in Congress.

Im quickly running out of popcorn.
We continue to publish the materials of the Spas TV program My Path To God where Priest George Maximov interviews people who converted to Orthodoxy after searching for the truth for a long time. Today the guest of Father Georges program is Priest Sergius Labunsky. His adolescent interest in Medieval Europe initially led him to a Catholic church and even to a Catholic monastery, but eventually he found the path to the true Orthodox faith. In this interview, Father Sergius tells us about his journey to Orthodoxy and the things he could not find in Catholicism. We will also discuss the realities of modern Catholicism and the importance of Christian traditions that were practically abandoned by Catholics.



Priest George Maximov: Hello. You are watching My Path To God. Today our guest is Father Sergius Labunsky from the Moscow Region. Father Sergius, please tell us how your journey to faith began?

Priest Sergius Labunsky: Thank you, Father. After all my years as a member of the Church, I can look back and say that my path was thorny and winding. However, during this journey I got help from my kind ancestor Hieromartyr Theodor (Kryukov). He was my great-grandfather and Im sure that he prayed for me and got me out of many life problems.

I was born in a regular family of Soviet intellectuals. They were never interested in the Church and didnt know anything about it. In general, they had a good regard for religion, but it was somewhere beyond the interests of my family.

Father George: Did you know then that your ancestor was a priest?

Father Sergius: Of course, when I grew up, they told me that we had a priest among our ancestors, but that was it. After I became a priest, I started looking for information and found many facts about my ancestor. The Smolensk Diocese is currently preparing his canonization. However, when I was a child, I didnt know anything about him and basically I grew up knowing absolutely nothing about religion. My mother believed that you have to try many things in life and then make up your own mind. That was why they neither kept me away from the Church, nor nudged me toward it. It was probably the right thing for me, because knowing my rebellious nature, Im sure that if they forced me to go to church, pray and fast, most likely I would not have become religious later. I was attracted by the mysteriousness of the Church and the fact that everything there seemed so strange to me. It was a totally different world with different people Even the lighting there was different from the lighting in the street or in our apartment. Of course, I really liked it all.

However, I had absolutely no interest in religion until I turned fourteen, although my grandmother regularly tried to take me to church. Well, by regularly I mean once a year in the best-case scenario. I even remember that she took me to the Church of All Saints in the Sokol District [of Moscow]. When I, a small boy, entered the church, its ambiance really amazed me. I really liked the dimly lit room with images of saints and many people standing quietly before a very dignified priest. However, these occasions were like rare ethereal episodes in my mundane routine. Little by little, they were filling my heart, but there were no results yet.

Father George: You said that this continued until you were fourteen. What happened when you reached fourteen?

Father Sergius: People of our age probably remember that in the 1990s they showed Highlander: The Series on TV. This may sound strange, but this show formed my two main interests in life. Firstly, mysticism and, secondly, history, as this show always had some episodes about the distant past. The second important aspect of my development as a Christian was the fact that I started truanting school. To be honest, I didnt like school and couldnt establish a good rapport with my peers, so I simply started truanting. At first, I would ride buses because it was warm there, and I could sit quietly without being bothered. Then winter came and conductors started checking passengers tickets. Obviously, I was riding without tickets, so I thought, Where can I sit in a warm dry place without being bothered by anybody? And I had an idea: I should go to the library! So the last three years of school I was truanting in the library. Curiously, during those three years no librarian ever asked me what I was doing there, even though I was there during school time.

Priest Sergius Labunsky

Father George: Of course. Who would think that a truant would skip school to go to a library! (laughs).

Father Sergius: Indeed, nobody would think that. In the library, I started reading fiction, but before too long I got bored by it. I wanted something more realistic, some food for thought. Since I was already seriously interested in mysticism and history, this was what I was reading during these three years. That library had a very informal environment, so you could come, take any book and sit there reading it for as long as you wanted. I found a seat near the religious books section and started reading the books one after another. Naturally, they had books on everything, including Buddhism, Islam, Libertinism and, of course, Christianity. As a person who is passionate about his interests, I was really captivated by the books I was reading. That is, when I was reading about Buddhism, I would be thinking, This is great! I am probably a Buddhist. Everything written here sounds right. Then I would read a book about Islam and think, No, everything is in the hands of Allah, of course. After reading a book on Libertinism, I would think, Oh, who cares about all those religions

What helped me change this anything goes attitude was my love for the history of Europe that is inseparable from Christianity.

Eventually, what helped me change this anything goes attitude was my love for history. I specifically loved the history of Medieval Europe that was inseparable from Christianity and Catholicism. This helped me make up my mind, prioritize my interests and unequivocally choose Christianity. However, I chose the Catholic version of Christianity, because I loved the history of Europe, rather than Russia or Greece. I had a fairly complicated spiritual situation, because I understood what I liked and where I wanted to be, but at the same time I knew that I was baptized into Orthodoxy when I was a child, so I considered myself Orthodox, even though I didnt know anything about Orthodoxy or understand it. I felt awkward that being Orthodox, I wanted to be Catholic.

I was sitting on the fence for about six months and then I made up my mind and went to a Catholic church. At first, I went to the Church of St. Louis in Moscow, then to the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. I got my first pleasant surprise there. As you know, organ music concerts are regularly held in that cathedral. It was a winter evening and it was already dark when I walked into the empty cathedral. I really liked those gothic vaults disappearing into the darkness and the sounds of organ (the organist was probably rehearsing for tomorrows concert). I sat on the bench and thought, Thats it, I will never leave. I belong here. After that, I found the strength to make the decisive step toward Catholicism. I became Catholic.

It is quite a long story, for becoming Catholic here in Russia is not so easy. Later, I got interested in Catholicism not only as a certain philosophy of life, but I wanted to get a profound understanding of it and enter this mystical and amazing world. I wanted to become a Catholic priest.

Father George: Didnt the matter of celibacy bother you?

My obedience in the Dominican Monastery consisted of lying on a cot in an orchard and eating apricots.

Father Sergius: Not at all. Somehow, I accepted it for myself quite easily. I had a goal and was moving toward it. Since I always liked military monastic orders and the idea of being kind but strong, I found the Dominican Order, the only order existing at that time in Moscow, and started talking with the Dominicans, although I didnt quite like them. I was yearning for something real, rather than a substitute. After talking to Father Alexander Khmelnitsky of the Dominican Order, I decided that I wanted to go to a Dominican monastery. He gave me a letter of reference and I went to Fastov, a city 60 km southwest of Kiev, where for a while I lived in the Dominican Monastery as a postulant or as we call it a novitiate. To be honest, this was the most pleasant obedience I ever had for I didnt have to do anything. I simply lay on a cot in an orchard and ate apricots. That was it.

Father George: Did you experience that profound understanding of the Catholic world that you yearned for?

Father Sergius: Yes, because I got a closer look at the routine life of clergy and learned about the Catholic tradition. Although it was a modern Catholic tradition. We should clearly understand the difference between the Catholic tradition before the Second Vatican Council and the neo-tradition that was formed after this council, for this important historic milestone drastically changed Catholicism. My interest in Catholicism began to fade away after I went with a group of Catholics on a pilgrimage to the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Father George: In Poland?

After the mass, they would move the benches out of the way, turn some light music on and start dancing.

Father Sergius: Yes. Pilgrimage to the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa in the Jasna Gora monastery is an ancient Polish tradition. Thousands of people from various cities of Poland walk to the monastery to venerate this icon. It took my group two weeks to get there. When my friends invited me to go there, they said, You must go there. You wont be the same person when you return. Indeed, they were right: I wasnt the same when I got back. Unfortunately, I changed in a way that they didnt expect. During my pilgrimage, I could see the real Catholicism in a traditionally Catholic country where it was not strongly influenced by Orthodoxy as in Russia or Ukraine. To my great regret, I had to admit that it was very cheesy. Every day we had recreation time. After we walked for a day, we would come to some populated area and the locals would take us to their places to spend the night. Those who couldnt find a place to stay would spend the night in a tent somewhere in the field. After finding accommodations for the evening, we would gather in the church for a mass and after the mass there would be recreation time. Do you know what it meant? People would move the benches out of the way, forming a dance floor, put some pop music on and then the priests and pilgrims would start dancing

Pilgrims arriving for the Feast of the Assumption. Photo: Wikipedia

Father George: Right there in the church?

Father Sergius: Yes, right there in the church. I was shocked. When this happened in neo-constructivist churches, I tolerated it, but when they had the nerve to do the same in a twelfth century church with the Roman foundation and the Gothic roof, a building with such an ancient history this really made me squirm and I ran away from the church vowing never to return. My friend ran after me and managed to calm me down somehow, but it was the beginning of an end of my Catholicism. From that moment on, rather than looking at Catholicism through rose-colored glasses or through the prism of my love for the Middle Ages, I started to see what Catholicism actually was. The Catholic Church today is a church of triumphant renovationism, where many traditions have been abandoned and forgotten. Many things that were considered valuable for twenty centuries were declared simply unnecessary in in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. In particular, one of the monstrous spiritual disasters of Catholicism was the Second Vatican Council that radically reformed all Catholicism in a Protestant way.

It was quite normal for Catholic pilgrims to put their backpacks on the altar in the church.

Unfortunately, this, first of all, affected the piety of the believers. For example, it was quite normal for the Catholic pilgrims to leave their backpacks on the altar. I cant imagine that happening in Orthodoxy. Our attitude toward the altar is so reverential, that even the priest wouldnt dare to put his glasses or a prayer book on it. It is only for the things that should be there.

Naturally, I was very upset by this disregard for their own traditions and their antipathy toward the ancient things that I truly loved in Catholicism.

Father George: It is strange to hear this about Poland, because Poland has an established reputation of a country that tries to preserve the traditions of Catholicism and keep them more or less alive compared to such Catholic countries as, for example, Austria.

Father Sergius: Indeed, this made my concern even greater, for if things like that were happening in Poland, what would be happening in France, Austria and other countries?! I started to understand that the only path for me was back to Orthodoxy, because the continuity of traditions was so important for me. Correct understanding of Christianity is impossible without the living tradition. Our experience of having the Church for 2,000 years is the greatest treasure that we have. It pains me a lot when such traditions are rejected, denied or even downright discarded. That was how I unequivocally made up my mind to return to Orthodoxy.

I should say that at that time a lot of my actions were based on my emotions and I wasnt too much concerned with dogmatic theology, simply because I didnt understand it well enough to take into account the issues of Filoque or papal primacy. My actions were mainly based on my personal feelings, my impressions of Catholicism and the fact that I couldnt find the things I initially yearned for. Later, after I left the Dominican Monastery, I fell into some kind of spiritual vacuum, because I had already left Catholicism, but had not yet reached Orthodoxy.

Father George: What was in your way?

Father Sergius: The fact that I never knew or understood Orthodoxy. During that period, I got great help from some very nice people who were interested in the Roman Rites of Orthodoxy. This a very specific subject and few sources cover it, but there are Roman Rites in Orthodoxy. Moreover, they were initiated by our Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Father George: When it accepted the French parishes in 1936. Eventually, the western rites became more popular in the United States of America. There were some attempts to introduce them in Europe, including those supported by St. John (Maximovich), but they werent very successful. However, these rites were accepted in the US and they are still practiced in various jurisdictions.

Father Sergius: Yes, thats true. I know that there are many parishes like that in U.S. and Australia. Curiously, they use an altered Anglican mass

Father George:  The Book of Common Prayer.

Father Sergius: Exactly. It was edited by His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon and that is why it is called St. Tikhons Liturgy. Some parishes use traditional pre-reform Roman Rites, the so-called Tridentine Mass. Anyway, I met these nice people who were very interested in it and, in essence, they helped me to convert to Orthodoxy. The initial goal of the person who was into all this was to convert people from Catholicism to Orthodoxy. He gave Catholics the opportunity to get to know Orthodoxy through the media that were close and understandable to them. After talking to this man, I indeed got a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy. He told me, You should definitely attend the services at Sretensky Monastery, so I went to the all-night vigil. It was long and confusing, but nevertheless interesting. Step by step, I got used to the Eastern Rites. It led me to genuine Orthodoxy, Eastern Orthodoxy. Feeling the true spiritual hunger and the need to be a part of a real Orthodox community, I went to the closest church. It was St. Nikolas church in Klenniki on Maroseyka street. That was where I entered Church life and started my normal spiritual life. I remember confessing to a priest there, who put aside all his affairs and listened to me for two and a half hours. He gave me absolution and basically welcomed me to Orthodoxy through my repentance, and only after that did he go on with his business.

This made me feel warm at heart and I was happily going to that parish from that time on. That was where I started to enter Church life and learn more about Orthodoxy. I no longer wanted something unique, something extraordinary. My wish to shock the public was gone with my teenage years. Now I wanted something real, something that I could use as a reliable foundation for my future.

After going to that parish for a while, I decided that I wanted to become an Orthodox priest. When I came with this to my spiritual father, he wasnt very enthusiastic about it, but I thought, Well, he didnt forbid it, so everything is good. I prepared all the required documents for admittance to seminary, except for the written blessing of my spiritual father. However, when I approached him and asked for it, he said, I wont give it to you. Why? I asked. He said, No, no, no. You know the parish only from the outside, as a parishioner, but you have to learn it from the inside. Why dont you work as a watchman here at the church, and then well see.

At that time, I was working as a web-designer and 3D-visualizer. I was very busy and had a pretty good salary. This sharp turn when I quit a decent job and started working as a watchman in the church was a shock to my non-religious family. After a year had passed, our priest Alexander Kulikov, at a meeting of the clergy of our church, made the decision to approve my application to seminary. I was sent to St. Nicholas Seminary in Pererva.

Father George: Father, I want to ask you a question that Im sure some of our viewers, especially Catholics, would like to ask. They would say, So this man saw the seamy side of Catholic life, got disillusioned and converted to Orthodoxy. Are all Orthodox people saints? Arent there Orthodox people who sin? Of course, there are. So why doesnt it make you quit Orthodoxy, if similar things made you quit Catholicism? Lets clarify that. The problem wasnt just with your fellow pilgrims behavior, was it? I think that there were some systemic issues. Am I right?

Nowadays, certain steps toward traditions in Catholicism are made purely out of modernistic reasons, for the sake of absolute acceptance of everything.

Father Sergius: Yes, of course. Initially, it was my love for traditions that led me to Catholicism. However, I found that the traditions werent observed and that there was no respect for ancient Catholic traditions. This made me cringe and eventually drove me away from Catholicism. Later, during the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI, there were some indications of returning to roots and traditions. During the papacy of Pope John Paul II, when I was a Catholic, some attempts were also made to reestablish traditions. However, I understood that even those steps toward traditions were made purely out of modernistic reasons, for the sake of absolute acceptance of everything. In a way, they just wanted to say, We have these old-timer dinosaurs, so let them be. In the meantime we will keep on drumming tam-tams during the mass I saw with my own eyes that during a mass of some African community, the people were standing in a circle around the altar and drumming on tam-tams while the priest was performing the rites. This absolute acceptance of everything made me cringe even more than the things I saw in Poland.

I didnt see the true return to traditions in the modern Catholicism. Whatever steps made in that direction are made purely because of modernistic views. However, I found traditions in Orthodoxy where they are still steadfastly maintained.

Im not talking about some negative personal traits of certain people, neither in Catholicism (they also have many very peculiar people) nor in Orthodoxy. The issue is more global. In essence, it is the issue of the Church of Christ. The things that were considered normal for twenty centuries suddenly became abnormal in modern Catholicism. They hope that if they destroy or redo all these things, it will attract more people

Father George: Based on your story one might think that the matter of dogmatic theology didnt interest you at all. However, you mentioned that it was only in a certain period. Did you study the differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy later?

Developments that took place after the schism in the second millennium are more important for Catholics than their ancient legacy.

Father Sergius: Yes, of course, but we were talking about a persons journey to Christ and Orthodoxy. When you talk about it, you shouldnt expect that a person would have all the knowledge and understanding from the very beginning. I admit that the very beginning of my journey was emotional and I made many decisions based on my emotions rather than reasoning. Of course, knowledge came later and now I can analyze my former spiritual quests. At that time, I couldnt formulate them for myself, and that was why the dogmatic theology was not the most important issue for me. I knew about it, of course; I knew about the Filoque and other nuances of Catholicism. However, it was a kind of sideline for me and I didnt delve into it too deeply. After converting to Orthodoxy, I started studying my beloved tradition much more intensely and immersed myself in it with great pleasure. Now the dogmatic issues became more important, and since I already had more knowledge and experience, I figured things out for myself and clearly understood the correctness of Orthodoxy. It has always been based on the decisions of the seven Ecumenical Councils and on the teachings of the apostles, apostolic fathers and other holy fathers who lived in the first millennium. Unfortunately, modern Catholics do not have that. That is, they do have it, but the developments that took place after the schism in the second millennium are much more important for them.

Father George: I understand that very well, because when I was in Italy, I went to the Apostle Peters Cathedral in Rome. They have relics of great saints there, including John Chrysostom, Leo the Great, and Gregory the Dialogist; but there were no people near them. However, there was a long line of pilgrims near the body of Francis of Assisi. For me, this was a clear indication that even the great legacy from ancient Christian times that Catholics actually have is not important for them.

Thank you, Father, for your story. I hope to God that all those standing on the crossroads today wishing to find the true Christian tradition would find it with Gods help as you did.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, on Thursday asked the Federal Government and the National Assembly to launch an independent probe to determine the current status of all dividends and loan repayments by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC between 2000 and 2014.

The Executive Secretary of the transparency and accountability agency, Waziri Adio, said in Abuja that government must also investigate where the funds were, or what projects they were utilized on.

This is the second call by NEITI on government for a probe of some public finances in the last 48 hours since the publication of the latest edition of NEITIs Policy Brief, which examined unremitted funds, economic recovery and oil sector reforms.

In its previous statement on Tuesday, NEITI also asked the federal government to recover a total of $21.8 billion (about N7.6 trillion) and N316.074 billion from the NNPC, being alleged unremitted revenues realised from the divestment of some federation asset by some multi-national joint venture oil and gas companies to its upstream subsidiary, the National Petroleum Development Company, NPDC.

The amount also included NPDCs legacy liabilities and payments for domestic crude allocation to NNPC.

Mr. Adio noted that although the federal governments 49 per cent equity in the NLNG was held through the NNPC, dividends were paid annually, but were not being remitted to the federation account as and when due.

NEITIs audits have revealed that until 2015, NNPC failed to remit the interests and dividends from NLNG to the Federation Account, the NEITI scribe said.

Total outstanding dividends and loan repayments by NLNG to NNPC not remitted to the Federation Account between 2000 and 2014 stands at over $15.8billion.

Details of the outstanding unremitted funds included $211.34 million in 2000; $322.08 million in 2001; $226.6 million in 2002; $436.3 million in 2003; $280.1 million in 2004; $2073 million in 2005; $333 million in 2006 and $843 million in 2007.

Similarly, about $2.6 billion was paid in 2008; $879.84 million in 2009; $1.43 billion in 2010; $2.54 billion in 2011; $2.8 billion in 2012; $1.3 billion in 2013 and $1.42 billion in 2014.

Mr. Adio said NEITIs independent auditors had traced these payments to NNPC accounts without a corresponding evidence NNPC remitted same to the Federation Account as required by sections 80(1) & 162 (1) of the Nigerian constitution.

On domestic crude allocation and management, the NEITI Executive Secretary raised concerns about earnings from daily allocations of 445,000 barrels of crude oil for domestic refining, which the NNPC did not properly account for.

Despite the refineries operating at below full capacity for a long time, and currently processing less than 100,000 barrels per day, NEITI said between January 2015 and September 2016, NNPC lifted a total of 245.4 million barrels of crude oil for domestic refining.

The transparency agency said of this volume, only 24.7 million barrels were delivered to the refineries, representing a paltry 10.06 per cent of the total crude oil lifted for domestic refining for that period.

The remainder of the allocation, it pointed out, was exported through a variety of channels.

They included 64.8 million barrels, or 26.4 per cent exported directly; 97.6 million barrels, or 39.77 per cent sold under the Offshore Processing Agreements, OPA, and 58.29 million barrels, or 23.75 per cent sold under the Direct Sales- Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme.

NEITI said concerns highlighted through its various audits and other interest groups about the inefficiency of the various crude oil supply arrangements, especially the OPA, led to the discontinuation of the OPA in April 2016.

NEITI audits have shown that earnings from transactions arising from domestic crude allocations have not been fully remitted to the countrys treasury, NEITI said. Between January 2012 and July 2013, total revenue for domestic crude sales was $28,215,731,691, but NNPC only remitted $14,542,654,329.

Mr. Adio wants the federal government to recover the balance of over $14.5 million so far disclosed in NEITI reports, and urgently consider reviewing these arrangements to avoid huge revenue losses and leakages.

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The Federal Government on Thursday Promised to give tax holidays to miners of seven minerals in the country.

Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, made the promise at a stakeholders meeting of the Association of Miners Processors of Barite, AMAPOB, and Tse Torkula Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Mr. Fayemi said that out the 40 solid minerals in the country, the federal government was concentrating on seven minerals for full exploration.

As a country, we have the best tax holidays worldwide, all miners have three years tax holidays from the government.

Again, out of the 40 minerals in the country, we have selected seven strategic ones for concentration. The minerals are limestone, barytes, iron, bitumen lead and zinc.

We also have duty free on all mining equipment, he said at the event also attended by the Minister for State Mines and Steel Development, Abubarkar Bwari.

Mr. Fayemi advised miners to adequately compensate host communities for peace and healthy working condition.

We are seriously discouraging a situation where miners fail to compensate host communities either by cash or through inequities that are resulting to unhealthy situations. We need a healthy environment to work.

He said that the government needed to massively inject funds and create good market environment for full mining activities to take place in the country.

He said that there were serious mining activities ongoing in the country other than cement, but were not heard about until this national tour of mining sites by government.

The minister said that Benue, Nasarawa and Cross Rivers states had large quantities of barytes to satisfy the needs of the oil and gas companies.

He said that the government was likely to commenced substitution or ban importation of barytes for oil companies to patronise barytes produced locally.

Mike Mku, the Vice President of AMAPOB, appealed to the federal government to ban importation of barytes into country.

Mr. Mku said that the local processors of barytes had enough to sustain the oil and gas companies.

He said his members lacked equipment, infrastructure and market to sell their products since the oil companies were currently importing barytes.

He appealed to government to leverage on local content by partnering with them for effective output in the mining sector.

Gregory Tarkubu, spokesperson for the host community, promised their cooperation and support to the mining project in the community.

The minister visited Dajo Pottery, REMICO Processing Plant and Ploygaurd Investment while in the state.

(NAN)

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says there is no option except victory in the countrys civil war in an interview published on Thursday, saying the government could not reach results with opposition groups that attended recent peace talks.

The interview with Croatian newspaper, Vecernji List, appeared to have been conducted before U.S. President Donald Trump accused Mr. Assad of crossing many, many lines with a poison gas attack on Tuesday.

Mr. Assad was not asked about the chemical attack in the northwestern Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun, a text of the interview published by the Syrian state news agency SANA showed.

The government has strongly denied any role.

More than six years into the Syrian conflict, Mr. Assad appears militarily unassailable in the areas of western Syria where he has shored up his rule with decisive help from the Russian military and Iranian-backed militias from across the region.

The interview published on Thursday underlined Mr. Assads confidence as he reiterated his goal of dealing a total defeat to the insurgency.

He also reiterated his rejection of federalism sought by Kurdish groups in northern Syria.

As I said a while ago, we have a great hope which is becoming greater; and this hope is built on confidence, for without confidence there wouldnt be any hope.

In any case, we do not have any other option except victory.

If we do not win this war, it means that Syria will be deleted from the map. We have no choice in facing this war, and thats why we are confident, we are persistent and we are determined, he said.

No fewer than 70 people, including at least 20 children, were killed in the chemical attack on Tuesday.

The Russian allies say the deaths were caused by a leak from an arms depot where rebels were making chemical weapons, after it was hit in a Syrian air strike.

Rebels deny this.

Rebels have in recent weeks launched two of their boldest offensives in many months, attacking in Damascus and north of the government-held city of Hama. The army says both assaults have been repelled.

Assad, citing recent rebel offensives in Damascus and near the northern city of Hama, said the opposition which exists is a jihadi opposition in the perverted sense of jihad.

That is why we cannot, practically, reach any actual result with this part of the opposition (in talks).

The evidence is that during the Astana negotiations they started their attack on the cities of Damascus and Hama and other parts of Syria, repeating the cycle of terrorism and the killing of innocents.

The Russian-backed Astana talks were launched with support from Turkey, a major backer of the opposition to Assad.

They sponsored a ceasefire between the government and rebels which has been widely violated since it was declared in December.

A new round of indirect peace talks concluded in Geneva in late March without any major breakthrough towards ending the conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and created millions of refugees.

The Syrian government views all the groups fighting it as terrorists with agendas determined by foreign governments including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United States.

(Reuters/NAN)

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The Syrian Government on Thursday set conditions for any international inquiry into a suspected chemical attack that killed scores of people.

The Foreign Minister, Walid al-Moualem, said Syrias past experience with international inquiries had not been encouraging.

The government would only decide on the idea once its concerns were addressed, he said.

Mr. Moualem also reiterated the governments strong denial that it was behind the attack on Tuesday in Khan Sheikhoun in the north-western province of Idlib, an area mostly controlled by rebel groups at the border with Turkey.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said President Bashar al-Assads government had gone beyond a red line and said his attitude toward Syria and Assad had changed.

But he gave no indication of how he would respond.

Mr. Moualem did not directly respond to questions about Mr. Trumps comments.

But he said he recognized the gravity of recent U.S. statements, and said U.S. comments may have been a means of exercising diplomatic pressure at the United Nations.

Mr. Moualem, speaking at a news conference in Damascus, said the Syrian governments Russian allies had put forward ideas for the formation of a non-politicised commission of inquiry.

It must not be politicised, it must leave from Damascus and not Turkey, we have numerous questions about this subject.

When we are certain these questions are addressed with convincing answers, we will give you our response, he said.

Western states have accused the Syrian government of carrying out the chemical attack on Tuesday that killed at least 70 people including at least 20 children.

Russia had said the deaths were caused by a gas leak from a depot where rebel groups were storing chemical weapons, after a Syrian air strike.

Mr. Moualem said a Syrian air strike had hit a store where the Nusra Front was storing chemical weapons.

The Nusra Front is a jihadist group that now operates as part of an alliance called Tahrir al-Sham.

He said the Nusra Front and Islamic State had both been storing chemical weapons in urban areas of Syria.

Rebels had, however, denied that there were any military positions in the area targeted in Tuesdays air strike.

Mr. Moualem also said the first Syrian air strike carried out in the area took place at 11:30 a.m. (0830 GMT), some five hours after an air raid observer in Khan Sheikhoun reported that a lone Syrian jet had dropped at least four bombs there.

According to the observer, the bombs include one that released a cloud of white smoke.

I confirm to you once again that the Syrian Arab Army has not and will not use this type of weapon against our people and our children, and not even against the terrorists who kill our people, Mr. Moualem said.

He also said that he saw a basis for an eventual understanding with Kurdish groups that had established control over wide areas of northern Syria, where they were fighting Islamic State with U.S. support.

He said the Kurds wanted to remain part of Syria.

I am confident we will reach an understanding with them after accomplishing the struggle against terrorism, he said.

The head of the main Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG had in March indicated it was ready to reach an accommodation with the Syrian government once Kurdish rights were secured.

The dominant Syrian Kurdish parties said they want to maintain a form of local autonomy in an eventual settlement to the Syrian war.

(Reuters/NAN)

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The management of the University of Ilorin has described the demand for the resignation of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Abdulganiy Ambali, by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, as unwarranted and mischievous.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday afternoon, Kunle Akogun, the universitys spokesperson, said it was preposterous to ask Mr. Ambali, whom he described as an excellent captain, to quit.

Earlier, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ibadan Zone, had called on Mr. Ambali to honourably resign his appointment to allow for an independent investigation of fraud allegations against him.

The union had equally called on the Ministry of Education, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to act quickly to avoid insinuation of complicity.

A statement by the union chairman, Ade Adejumo and Secretary, Deji Omole, had said that the call became imperative following allegations of fraud published by The Nation newspaper.

The union said it had earlier submitted a petition against the present and past Vice Chancellors of the university.

At this point, the union has no option but to call on the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof.

AbdulGaniyu Ambali, to honourably resign his appointment in view of the weight of these allegations, to allow for an independent investigation, the union said.

This is the civilised practice. In the alternative, the union calls on the Ministry of Education and crime authorities to act quickly to avoid any insinuation of complicity, it added.

ASUU was reacting to a three-part series in The Nation newspaper titled Exposed: How corruption, favouritism thrives in UNILORIN, in which the it was alleged that Messrs. Oloyede and Ambali were involved in corrupt practices.

But Mr. Akogun, in his reaction, said the union was only bent on destroying the peace and progress of Unilorin simply because all attempts to hijack the progressive ASUU at Unilorin had been rebuffed

by the University lecturers.

Dispassionate watchers of events at the University of Ilorin, especially since the University began to gain national prominence and acclaim as a socially responsible, generally peaceful, academically

excellent and qualitatively most sought-after citadel of learning in the country, are familiar with the antics of a few dissidents who are bent on taking us back to Egypt, he said.

Indeed, these enemies of progress cannot reconcile themselves with why a University would consistently receive national and international accolades!

Within the last one year, the activities of these disgruntled elements are targeted at disrupting our well-known uninterrupted academic calendar.

Commenting further, Mr. Akogun alleged that ASUUs unconscionable attempt to destroy the good image, which the University has toiled so hard to build over the years, will continue to fail and their ploy to divert managements attention from its set goal of building a world class citadel of learning will not work!

The call on the Vice-Chancellor to resign based on some spurious allegations, is therefore unwarranted as it is mischievous, he told PREMIUM TIMES.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Abdulkarim Oloyede, a lecturer in the school, and son of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Is-haq Oloyede, had earlier threatened to sue The Nation newspaper over the publication of a libelous story about him.

Mr. Oloyede, in a letter to the editor of The Nation, said the story, cast aspersion on his person.

Mr. (Abdulkarim) Oloyede, who was reacting to the same story referenced by ASUU, demanded an apology from the newspaper.

I hereby demand a retraction of the said malicious publication within seven (7) days of this letter and same should be given the kind of visibility as your write up under reference. I also demand form you a letter of apology to me and publish same in your newspaper, he had said.

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The 14 students who were detained last week for protesting against the authorities of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, have been freed.

The students, who were remanded at the Kirikiri prison on Saturday on the order of a court, arrived the mobile court in Oshodi on Thursday morning.

The students arrived in a police convoy, Thursday, chanting solidarity songs.

The 14 students were taken into custody at Kikiri Prison on Saturday, on the orders of the Special Offences Mobile Court, Oshodi, where they were arraigned by the police for riotous invasion of Lagos-based Television Continental, TVC.

The management of the station has since denied the allegations, saying the students were peaceful in their conduct.

They had earlier been arrested on the university campus while protesting the suspension of a visually-impaired student and demanding the reinstatement of all suspended student activists.

The UNILAG authorities had earlier denounced the students saying some of them had been rusticated from the school while others were not students of the institution.

Several groups including the National Association of Nigerian Students and Education Rights Campaign had condemned the detention of the students.

The counsel to the students, Inibihehe Effiong, said the release was subject to Section 211 of the Nigerian constitutiton.

The trumped up charges have been struck out and we salute the Lagos State Government for this, he said.

Aina Tomi, one of the 14 students, disclosed that the students would institute a legal suit against the Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni.

We will institute legal action against the commissioner in the next couple of days, he said.

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A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday issued an order unfreezing the Skye Bank account of a former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had in November 2016 filed an application before the court, seeking an order freezing the account.

The commission had contended that the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The account is said to harbour the sum of $5.8 million.

On Thursday at the resumed hearing of the case, the court issued an order unfreezing the account following an application filed and argued before the court by her lawyer, Ifedayo Adedipe, who led a team of lawyers.

Mr. Adedipe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, had urged the court to unfreeze Mrs. Jonathans account on the grounds that she was not a party in the suit leading to the freezing order.

Citing judicial authorities, Mr. Adedipe contended that the suit was an abuse of court process as the court had no jurisdiction to make an order against one who is not a party in a suit filed before the court.

In her ruling, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun upheld the submissions of Mr. Adedipe and consequently, discharged the order freezing the account.

Also affected by the said order are five companies and one Esther Oba said to be having a total sum of N7.4 billion in six different banks.

In a supporting affidavit sworn to by Abdulahi Tukur, an investigating officer of EFCC, he had averred that there was an urgent need for the court to direct a forfeiture of the sum.

He also averred that it was to prevent a dissipation of the funds sought to be forfeited.

Other companies affected by the order are Finchley Top Homes Ltd, Aribawa Aruera, Magel resort Ltd, AM -PM Global Network Ltd, Pansy Oil and Gas Ltd, and Pagmat oil and Gas Ltd.

Finchely Top Homes Ltd was said to have a current account credit balance of about N226 million and a fixed deposit with a balance of N1 billion.

While issuing the interim order, the court had ordered the EFCC to file an undertaking as to damages if the order is found not to have been made.

(NAN)

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday affirmed the bail granted the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, in the charge of unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering brought against him by the Federal Government.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed affirmed the bail shortly after taking Mr. Dasukis plea in the amended seven-count charge.

The judge said that since the prosecution counsel, Oladipo Opeseyi, did not object to the bail of the ex-NSA, the court has to affirm same. He ordered the defendant to continue to enjoy the bail condition granted him in 2015 when he was first arraigned.

Despite being granted bail by various courts, Mr. Dasuki, a retired colonel, remains in the custody of the State Security Service.

Mr. Dasuki had in 2015 been admitted to bail by Justice Adeniyi Ademola, but the bail order was not obeyed by the federal government. Other bails granted by Justice Peter Affen and Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Court were also ignored.

The ECOWAS Court also ordered the immediate release of Mr. Dasuki, who is accused of mismanaging billions of dollars meant for purchase of arms, describing his detention as illegal and unlawful.

All the court orders have, however, been ignored.

In the amended charge for which the court say on Thursday, Mr. Dasuki was accused of being in possession of prohibited firearms without the requisite licences in July 2015 contrary to Section 28 of the Firearm Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

He was specifically alleged to have been in possession of Trevor Rifles at his residence in Abuja.

Besides the firearms, Mr. Dasuki was also accused of money-laundering and was specifically said to have been in possession of $40,000, N5million and 20,000 allegedly in his house in July 2015 and said to be proceeds of unlawful act contrary to Section 15 (3) of the money laundering prohibition act 2011.

The amended charge also indicated that $150,000 and N37 million being part of proceeds of unlawful act was also found in the Sokoto residence of former NSA on July 16, 2015.

When the charges were read, Mr. Dasuki denied all of them.

The prosecution counsel thereafter informed the court of his readiness for trial and that he had a motion pending before the court for secret trial. He sought protection for witnesses billed to testify against the NSA.

Mr. Opeseyi informed the court that since the amended charge bear the same counts with the previous charge, the court should exercise its order on the bail earlier granted the defendant by allowing him to continue to enjoy the bail.

The counsel to Mr. Dasuki, Ahmed Raji, agreed that the previous bail granted his client be allowed to continue since there was no objection from the prosecution. Mr. Raji, however, said that he opposed the motion filed since June 3, 2016 seeking protection for prosecution witnesses on the ground that the motion was predicated on the old charge.

Mr. Raji informed the court that the prosecution had in January 23, 2017 filed an application on the same issue and wondered why the prosecution chose to move backward to the motion of 2016 instead of going ahead with that of 2017.

He urged the court to allow him time to look for the counter-affidavit filed by his client against the 2016 motion so as to enable him respond appropriately as required by law.

Mr. Raji told the court that the issue of trial should not be decided by the court until the issue of secret trial being sought by the prosecution in the matter is resolved.

Justice Mohammed, while affirming the bail granted Mr. Dasuki in 2015, adjourned the matter till May 11, 2017 for the motion for secret trial to be determined.

It would be recalled that Justice Adeniyi Ademola had in 2015 dismissed the application for the secret trial of the former NSA on the ground that the prosecution had already filed the names and addresses of all the witnesses and made same available to the general public.

Justice Ademola had then ruled that since the identities of the witnesses had already been made available to the public, there was no need for the prosecution to seek to engage in the secret trial of the defendant.

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TROY, Mich., April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dart Appraisal, a leading nationwide, independent appraisal management company (AMC), today announced it will offer a new valuation product to its lender clients through a collaboration with HouseCanary, the leading real estate data analytics company based in San Francisco. The Value Report provides an on-demand valuation, risk assessment and market data for a single property or entire portfolios.

The collaboration is a strategic move at a time when mortgage lenders are demanding more accurate, streamlined valuation products. To maintain its leadership position, Dart Appraisal is innovating on residential valuations and appraisals, teaming up with HouseCanary, a Silicon Valley company pioneering the use of big data analytics to accurately value Americas more than 100 million residential properties.

At Dart Appraisal, we're always striving to offer the most unique and efficient products that meet our partners' needs, said Michael Dresden, president of Dart Appraisal. The Value Report is a modern option for lenders who want to value their portfolio, or who need a quick valuation on a property that provides more detail than a standard Automated Valuation Model.

The Value Report delivers comprehensive property details, including its sales history and a suitability score, ranking the subject property against its 10 closest, algorithmically selected comparables. Lenders will also receive an understanding of the local market, as well as a three-year value forecast for both the subject property and the market environment.

HouseCanary measures price movements on every residential block in the country, allowing for precise home valuations, said Jeremy Sicklick, HouseCanary CEO. Our algorithms combine 40 years of history, 1 billion residential transactions and hundreds of proprietary calculations influencing home values, providing lenders a modern way to accelerate loan origination and underwriting. Were excited to work with Dart Appraisal to meet the new demand.

Dart Appraisal.com is an independently-owned, nationwide Appraisal Management Company (AMC) founded in 1993. For more than two decades, the company has built a reputation of superior customer service combined with innovative technology to deliver accurate and timely residential appraisals. Thousands of orders are tracked in real time using a proprietary order management platform designed and maintained by Dart Appraisal. With a singular focus on appraisal management, Dart Appraisal has developed a direct relationship with both appraisers and clients. The company manages a nationwide appraiser panel that requires appraisers to meet stringent quality standards to ensure local competence and reliable appraisals. www.dartappraisal.com.

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The students who were detained last week for protesting against the authorities of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, have threatened to institute a legal action against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni.

The students, who arrived the mobile court in Oshodi on Thursday morning, were freed after the case against them was struck out by the court.

They, thereafter, marched along the Oshodi expressway in the company of their colleagues, chanting solidarity songs.

The 14 students had earlier been taken into custody on Saturday, on the orders of the Special Offences Mobile Court, Oshodi, where they were arraigned by the police for riotous invasion of Lagos-based Television Continental, TVC.

One of them, a visually impaired student, Lawrence Success, was released on Sunday after he was allegedly tortured in prison. He, however, joined his colleagues in court on Thursday morning.

At Panti Police Station on Saturday, 2 policemen beat me, slapped me and I was not allowed to move. I was detained in the cell on Saturday till Sunday, Mr. Success told PREMIUM TIMES.

When they could not handle me, they brought inmates from the cell to deal with me. Those inmates dragged me inside.

It was on Sunday evening that I was released on the order of the Deputy Commissioner of Police Lagos state. I was granted bail on that Sunday and I left around 6:00 p.m.

The students were arrested on the UNILAG campus while protesting the suspension of Mr. Success and demanding the reinstatement of all suspended student activists.

The police initially accused them of invading a television station, TVC, a charge the station refuted saying the students protest was peaceful and orderly.

The UNILAG authorities later denounced the students saying some of them had been rusticated from the school while others were not students of the institution.

Several groups including the National Association of Nigerian Students and Education Rights Campaign had condemned the detention of the students.

Recounting their ordeals, the other students said they had been made to go through needless torture and threatened to sue the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni.

One of the students, Aina Tomi, while speaking with PREMIUM TIMES at the court premises, said, We will institute legal action against the commissioner in the next couple of days.

Another student alleged that they were fed with half-cooked beans and other poorly prepared food.

The leader of the students, Femi Adeyeye, who had earlier been rusticated for four semesters by the university, vowed to ensure that the legal suit is instituted against the Lagos State Police chief.

If anybody is not doing that, I in particular will file a legal action against the Lagos State Commisioner of Police, he told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview.

When contacted Thursday afternoon, Inibehe Effiong, counsel to the students, said the students will most likely seek legal redress.

All legal options are on the table, he said. We will consider suing both the Nigerian Police Force and the University of Lagos.

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The Adamawa State Governor, Jibrilla Bindow, has complained against the way federal appointments and projects concerning his state were being handled, warning he and his officials may be forced to dump the All Progressives Congress if the complaints were not addressed.

The Chief of Staff to the governor, Abdulrahman Jimeta, made the complaint on Thursday, in the presence of the governor without any rebuke, while addressing a team from the APC National Secretariat which was in the state to conduct the north-east mini convention of the party.

The team headed by a senator, Abdulkadir Jajere, was in Yola to brief the governor on arrangements for filling vacant party positions in the zone created by appointments in Adamawa.

We here are loyal, but tell the leadership of the party that there is limit to loyalty and that party business is optional. In fact, even religion, you have the right to change it because of pressure.

So, tell them we are loyal, but there is limit to that, especially if they are not recognising us, since we are the army of the party that is supposed to enjoy the fruits of the party; or out of frustration we join the opposition enemy party, Mr. Jimeta said as the governor looked on.

Mr. Jimeta said various appointments were made without consulting the state government, adding that many of the appointees were not known to the government.

Unfortunately, there is no difference between an opposition state and APC-led state like Adamawa because even appointments at the federal, we are not consulted.

Some of them, we dont know them neither were we consulted before their appointments as indigenes of Adamawa State, he said.

The governors top aide said even some of the federal projects that the state was supposed to enjoy were being hijacked by some people in Abuja.

Even our own rights that we are supposed to get through some agencies like UBEC (Universal Basic Education Commission) and MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) were hijacked and (when) we contacted them, we were told that somebody somewhere has collected the money and is doing the contract somewhere.

Addressing the delegation, however, Governor Bindow spoke in a more conciliatory tone, as he pledged to co-operate with the team in the discharge of its assignment.

He commended the leadership style of the APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, and pledged his governments loyalty to the party.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Jajere, said he was keen to interface with the party structure in the state.

Mr. Bindow has a knack for delegating to his Chief of Staff the responsibility for making volatile political statements on his behalf.

Last year, the top aide had declared at a public gathering attended by the governor that the state government would support former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, for president in 2019.

Mr. Abubakar, who is from Adamawa State, challenged President Muhammadu Buhari for the APC presidential ticket prior to 2015 election. Although still a member of the APC, Mr. Abubakar is expected to run for the 2019 presidential election, even if he has to leave the party. The former vice president was one of those who bankrolled Mr. Bindows election as Adamawa governor.

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The Nigerian government, Wednesday, said it would not scrap the Youth With Innovation Entrepreneurship, YouWIN! Connect, programme.

The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who stated this in a Facebook LIVE interactive session, noted that the scheme would be reviewed in line with the economic agenda of President Muhammadu Buharis administration.

There have been reports of fraud in the management of the schemes, with top government functionaries alleged to have facilitated slots to their cronies.

The Federal Government launched an investigation into the allegation, leading to speculations of possible outright scrap of the programme by the government.

But speaking during the Facebook LIVE session on Wednesday, Ms. Adeosun said the scheme was being reviewed, adding that the exercise would enable the government to incorporate the initiative into

university curricula across Nigeria.

The Buhari administration has no plans to scrap it (YouWIN!Connect), she said.

The Federal Government has reviewed the scheme and repositioned it as the YouWiN!Connect, which focuses on continuous enterprise education and skills building.

As part of the restructuring, the YouWiN!Connect now publishes weekly editorials in four national newspapers. The principles of the YouWiN! Connect will be incorporated into university curricula across Nigeria.

Commenting further, Ms. Adeosun stated that the finance ministry had been supporting small businesses, creating jobs, improving transparency, cutting the cost of governance, and boosting government revenues.

The minister said the current administration was putting in place measures to ensure that the economy would be diversified in a manner that any fluctuation in oil prices would not have significant impact

on government revenue.

The good news is that we are working through the issues one by one, and trying to ensure that as we rebuild the economy, we get away from the boom and bust cycle of the past; we want to build an economy where, whether oil price is high or low, theres sustainable growth for Nigeria and for Nigerians, she said.

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The Senate on Thursday asked the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun to release outstanding N15 billion in the 2016 budgetary allocation to the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The Upper Chamber also mandated its Committee on Niger Delta to investigate the circumstances leading to funding constraints of the programme, with a view to avoiding reoccurrence.

The committee was given two weeks to submit its report.

This followed a motion by Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP-Delta North) which was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers through a voice vote.

The senate further mandated the committee to investigate how the names of certain persons believed not to be indigenes of Abia and Akwa Ibom surfaced as beneficiaries of the amnesty programme.

Presenting the motion, Mr. Nwaoboshi expressed concern on the challenges facing the programme due to paucity of funds.

He said that the challenges resulted from delayed and staggered release of funds from the 2016 Appropriation Act to the programme.

According to him, the situation is already threatening the well-conceived programme of the federal government.

He added that the Amnesty Office was finding it difficult to meet its obligations to its workers and the beneficiaries of the programme.

According to him, N20 billion was appropriated in the 2016 appropriation act for the programme while the Senate further appropriated N35 billion to the programme in the supplementary budget.

He, however, lamented that only N40 billion of the total N55 billion appropriated to the programme was released.

Mr. Nwaoboshi, noted that the situation was becoming serious and capable of truncating the lofty programme as tension and threats of violence were already palpable in the Niger Delta.

He further noted that the programme was conceived to stem the tide of disaffection, agitation and militancy in the Niger Delta.

The lawmaker expressed worries that funds appropriated for the programme had depreciated steadily, leading to adverse impact on its operation.

He said that 30,000 beneficiaries of the N65,000 monthly allowance under the programme were being owed five months in arrears.

On the education programme (onshore), the debt to universities in the country is N1.9 million in addition to backlog of unpaid in-training allowance amounting to N830,500.

The educational programme (offshore) is suffering the same fate as unpaid in-training allowances for the 750 students between 2016 and 2017 amount to $4.2 million, equivalent of N1.3 billion.

This is in addition to unpaid tuition fee for 350 students amounting to $17.5 million which is an equivalent of N513 million.

In 2016, the Vocational Training Unit projected to train 1,770 could not work due to lack of funds, and worst still, many people are pressurizing to be included in the programme.

Also, 70 per cent of the 637 students in various institutions in 27 countries who are expected to graduate at the end of the 2016/2017 academic year may not be able to do so, he said.

Mr. Nwaoboshi said that about 100 graduates under the programme were currently stranded in the U.S., Malaysia, UK and South Africa.

The lawmaker said they were awaiting their October 2016 to January 2017 allowances to enable them to settle their bills and return to the country.

Supporting the motion, Baba Garbai (APC-Borno) urged the Federal Government to release the needed funds to settle the arrears being owed the beneficiaries to avoid chaos.

He stressed that the country could not afford to allow the beneficiaries resort to violence because of the consequences.

He further said that, they are being owed about five months, so we need to do something by directing the ministry of finance to release these funds.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said it was important for the Ministry of Finance to release the funds.

He said funds were appropriated with supplementary budget to meet the needs of the programme.

He stressed, as we get to the end of the budget year, the ministry should look into the matter and ensure release of funds as soon as soon possible.

(NAN)

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The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC has denied a report that it handed over property seized from a former governor of Bayelsa state, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, to a senior lawyer, Femi Falana.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, the anti-graft agency also denied a claim in the said report that Ola Olukoyede, the Chief of Staff to its Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, was seconded from Mr. Falanas chambers.

Read Full Statement Below:

Our attention has been drawn to a malicious and misleading report trending on the social media platforms that Ola Olukoyede, Chief of Staff, CoS, to Ibrahim Magu, the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC was a staff seconded to the Commission from the Chambers of Femi Falana, SAN.

The report further alleged that Falana, SAN is a beneficiary of some of the properties recovered by the Commission from the late Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, former Governor of Bayelsa State, hence the secondment of Olukoyede to the EFCC. The allegations are not only unfounded but evil, as all the properties recovered from the former governor have been returned to the state Bayelsa State government.

For the record, Olukoyede was not seconded to the EFCC by Falana and he has never worked in Femi Falanas Chambers. He was head hunted based on his pedigree. Even if he had worked for Falana it may not have mattered as working for Falana is not a criminal offence in the nations statute.

It is also important to state that Falana, SAN is not a counsel to the EFCC and has never interfered in the operations of the agency.

The author of the mischievous and misleading information went ahead to give the telephone number of the CoS and asked members of the public to call and enquire if he was indeed a former staff of Femi Falanas Chambers. He has therefore been bombarded with unsolicited calls by members of the public.

Whoever is behind this criminal act should desist forthwith as any attempt to further malign the reputation of Olukoyede and the EFCC would not go unchallenged.

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Nigerias Minister for Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, on Thursday complained that both the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress had abandoned members of the party in Taraba State, the ministers home state.

Mrs. Alhassan, who contested the 2015 governorship election in the north-eastern state on the platform of APC, lamented the alleged abandonment when she led party leaders from the state to the APC national headquarters in Abuja.

She lost the governorship poll to Darius of Ishiaku of the Peoples Democratic Party but was later appointed minister by Mr. Buhari.

She said apart from her ministerial appointment and an ambassadorial appointment, the present administration has not given any meaningful appointment to the APC members from Taraba.

APC members from Taraba State are very worried because firstly, if the government back home was that of the APC, I may not have been here in this capacity as a minister.

I have come as a party member and a leader, together with my brothers from Taraba State to air our problems.

The government in the state is controlled by the PDP and we expected that, you our parents and this government, especially since you know that we were muscled out, we should have been helped because we did our best.

No opposition party performed as good as we did since 1999. But unfortunately, apart from my appointment which is statutory and constitutional, then that of the ambassadorial, we still do not have any meaningful appointment.

If nothing is done to address the plight of our people, we will not know our fate when the next election comes.

She continued: Even in the federal government projects, they do not involve us. It was only yesterday that I met the state party leader and was told that there is a federal government project going on and he complained that they are not involved. It is not that they dont have qualified persons.

Even the struggle to live right, according to the dictates of religion is because of the expectation of Heaven, which is the reward. Taraba State APC should be remembered. This is our plea. If projects are sent to the state which is controlled by the PDP, our people will be left hanging.

They are seeing that this is a federal government thing and we worked for it but they are not gaining anything.

Responding, the partys deputy national chairman (North), Lawal Shuaibu, said that all complaints made by the minister would be addressed while appropriate responses would be given after due consultations.

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Students of the University of Lagos remanded at the Kirikiri prison on Saturday have arrived the mobile court in Oshodi.

The students arrived in a police convoy, Thursday, chanting solidarity songs.

The 14 students were taken into custody at Kikiri Prison on Saturday, on the orders of the Special Offenses Mobile Court, Oshodi, where they were arraigned by the police for riotous invasion of Lagos-based Television Continental, TVC.

The management of the station has since denied the allegations, saying the students were peaceful in the conducts.

They had earlier been arrested on the university campus while protesting the suspension of a visually-impaired student and demanding the reinstatement of all suspended student activists.

Meanwhile, a group, the Education Rights Campaign, ERC, has condemned the arrest and remand of the 14 students of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, by policemen on Friday.

A statement signed by the groups national coordinator, Hassan Soweto, and the secretary, Omole Ibukun, said that the ERC was demanding the immediate release of the students.

The group also demanded that all charges leveled against them be dropped.

We also call on members of the staff unions like ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT in the education sector, to prevail on UNILAG management to immediately reinstate all the activists under victimization and recognize the rights of students to organize a Students Union, the statement added.

The background to this illegal arrest and detention is the repression of students activists at UNILAG for leading students protests in April 2016 against poor welfare conditions, bed-bug infested mattresses and high cost of food and basic needs on campus. 11 students activists were rusticated last year over the protest.

We wish to make clear that UNILAG management is complicit in this illegal arrest and detention because this is not the first time the management had employed the services of the police to disperse peaceful protests and repress those campaigning against victimization of students activists.

Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the counsels to the students proved abortive as they declined to speak to journalists.

The court sitting is billed to begin at 9:am, PREMIUM TIMES gathered.

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A former Lagos State governor, Ahmed Tinubu, has denied a news report that he is plotting to destroy the Senate.

Mr. Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday said a report by ThisDay newspaper, accusing him of conspiring with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to attack the Senate, was an outright falsehood and a bald assault against truth.

It is the second time in five weeks that Mr. Tinubu would reject a report by the newspaper.

In March, the former governor debunked a report by the newspaper that he was planning to run for president, describing it as a manufactured tale masquerading as professional journalism.

The latest story, titled: PDP Caucus Accuses Tinubu, EFCC of Conspiracy to Destroy Senate said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus of the Senate at its meeting last week accused Mr. Tinubu of working with the EFCC to destroy the Senate by attacking the integrity of its members.

The story, which THISDAY said came from an unnamed source at the meeting, alleged that Mr. Tinubu was acting in concert with the anti-graft agency to destroy key elements in the National Assembly in order to clear the way for his 2019 presidential ambition.

Constant bashing and campaign of calumny launched against the Senate by a prominent national daily and a frontline television station, believed to be owned by the former governor, is an example of the on-going underground war being waged against the Senate as an institution, the source allegedly told the newspaper.

But in a statement, signed by his spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, Mr. Tinubu said those behind the report were practitioners of political libel, and slammed the newspaper for publishing what it described as a rotten lie.

The story is such an outright fabrication that it claims the PDP Senators held a special meeting to discuss Asiwaju Tinubu. However, PDP Senators claim no such meeting was ever held and that they hold no special animus toward Asiwaju Tinubu, the statement read.

It added that as a former senator himself, Mr. Tinubu would not never work to tarnish the reputation of the senate.

We are usually not in the position of agreement with PDP members. But on this rare occasion, we have no contention with them. Asiwaju Tinubu is a former Senator. He has a special affection for the Senate as an institution. It is not within him to belittle the institution or members of that institution who happen to be in the opposing political party.

The statement said character and personal attacks are not in consonance with Mr. Tinubus political ideology.

The gutter is no place to build a better nation. We seek higher ground, the statement said.

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A statement by the presidency on Wednesday indicated that the federal government has filed an appeal against the Wednesday ruling by an Abuja High Court which discharged a Federal High Court judge and two others of fraud allegations.

In the statement, presidential sources were quoted as saying that the judgement by Justice Jude Okeke amounts to a strange outcome, given the facts presented before the court.

In efforts to save the war against corruption following a streak of losses in the courts, the Federal Government yesterday (Thursday) filed an appeal against the decision of Justice Jude Okeke to uphold the no case submission in the corruption case against Justice Adeniyi Ademola, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola and Mr. Joe Agi, SAN.

The Government through the Ministry of Justice has also filed a fresh case in the Code of Conduct Tribunal against Justice Ademola and wife for living above their means and failure to declare their assets, the sources were quoted as saying.

The sources were further quoted as saying that the decision of the court to discharge Mr. Ademola and the other defendants was grossly inaccurate.

Of interest is the decision of the learned trial judge that the offence of giving and receiving gratification was not made out by the Prosecution against the Defendants in the face of the evidence held in court, a source was quoted as saying.

In freeing Mr. Ademola and the other two accused on Wednesday, Justice Jude Okeke said the case was built on high level suspicion and speculation fuelled by the very important fight against corruption.

Mr. Okeke said the allegation of collecting gratification, as made by the prosecution should have indicated clearly that the alleged gratification was corruptly collected and that the reasons for such corrupt transfers were related to the alleged offence.

Efforts to confirm the appeal against the ruling, from Attorney General Abubakar Malami, were unsuccessful. His spokesperson, Salihu Isah, could not be reached on his phone.

The spokesperson of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Ibrahim Alhassan, could also not be reached to confirm if indeed fresh charges have been filed against Mr. Ademola at the tribunal. Mr. Alhassan did not pick or return calls made to his mobile number.

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Moves by the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to suspend a federal lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin, for urging President Muhammadu Buhari to resign, suffered a setback on Wednesday as youth frustrated the plan.

Hundreds of Mr. Jibrins supporters thronged the state secretariat of the party to protest against his planned suspension.

Mr. Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives, had few days ago, in a series of tweets, called on President Buhari to resign on health grounds and due to his inability to discharge his duties as president.

Barely a week after the lawmakers comments, the Kano state chapter of the All Progressives Congress decided to take disciplinary action against the lawmaker.

Earlier on Wednesday, a group of youth vowed to recall Mr. Jibrin for asking the president to step down.

But sources at the APC secretariat said the partys plan to sanction Mr. Jibrin faced stiff resistance by some youth from Kiru and Bebeji local governments where he represents.

A reporter who visited the said secretariat said the the youth kept chanting Sai Maliya, Mr Jibrins campaign slogan and sang solidarity songs in unison.

One of the protesters who identified himself as Sani Kaura expressed his disappointment over the decision of the party to sanction Mr. Jibrin over a mere advice.

He said the alleged comment he made against Buhari was an advice, which he is entitled to offer as a citizen.

Another protester, Tasiu Taro, from Bebeji, said he was totally not in support of any disciplinary action against Mr. Jibrin.

This man has improved our lives. He is executing projects, giving scholarships, offering empowerment grants in our constituency despite his suspension by the House, he said.

He has brought numerous developmental projects in our constituency. So we must stand by him he added.

The protester said they still support Mr. Buhari, but said they support Mr. Jibrin more because he is closer them.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Bashir Karaye, the Kano State APC spokesman, he said the meeting was not really aimed at suspending Mr. Jibrin.

He however said Mr. Jibrin got information that party executives of Kiru and Bebeji were going to the state secretariat to submit a report on the lawmaker, so he hurriedly rented 250 buses to convey the youth to disrupt the plan.

He said the meeting went on as planned without any hindrance.

Nobody stopped us, we went ahead with the meeting as scheduled. Mr. Karaye said.

He added that after reviewing the reports submitted to the Working Committee, the party would decide on the next line of action.

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NEW YORK, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the American Depositary Receipts of JBS S.A. (OTCQX:JBSAY) from June 2, 2015 through March 17, 2017, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for JBS investors under the federal securities laws.

To join the JBS class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-1091.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. or Kevin Chan, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or kchan@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.



NO CLASS HAS YET BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE ABOVE ACTION. UNTIL A CLASS IS CERTIFIED, YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL UNLESS YOU RETAIN ONE. YOU MAY ALSO REMAIN AN ABSENT CLASS MEMBER AND DO NOTHING AT THIS POINT. YOU MAY RETAIN COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOICE.



According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) JBS executives bribed regulators and politicians to subvert food inspections of its plants and overlook unsanitary practices such as processing rotten meat and running plants with traces of salmonella; and (2) as a result, defendants statements about JBSs business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable bases at all relevant times.



On March 17, 2017, news outlets reported that Brazilian federal police raided the offices of JBS and dozens of other meatpackers following a two-year investigation into alleged bribery of regulators to subvert inspections of their plants and overlook unsanitary practices. Police arrested two JBS employees, as well as 20 public officials. JBS stated in a securities filing that three of its plants and one of its employees were targeted in the probe. On this news, shares of JBS fell $0.71 per share or over 9.2% to close at $6.96 per share on March 17, 2017, damaging investors.



A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 22, 2017. If you wish to join the litigation, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-1091.html or to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Phillip Kim or Kevin Chan of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at pkim@rosenlegal.com or kchan@rosenlegal.com.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm.

Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, on Thursday showered praises on the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, saying the policies and programmes of his government were in line with the partys blueprint.

Mr. Odigie-Oyegun spoke during the closing ceremony of a two-day Kaduna Investment and Economic Summit held in Kaduna.

Earlier at the event, the state government had unveiled a 32-year development masterplan and launched an Android application that will enable citizens monitor public projects in the state.

Mr. Odigie-Oyegun commended the state government for organising the summit, saying the gains would soon be felt all over Nigeria.

The APC National Chairman said he was happy with Mr. El-Rufais efforts in the areas of education, health and the economy.

I am convinced that by the time you finish your tenure as the governor, we will have a new Kaduna State.

El-Rufai is a pride to APC. I am happy that he is sharing the knowledge and ideas to other governors of the APC to use. Your plan for Kaduna State in various areas is the best demonstration of what the APC stands for: to facilitate economic growth, create employment and tackle insecurity in the country.

What you are doing is to show and make sure that Kaduna is well placed as investment destination of choice. We are happy with the development because anything that happens here will have effect all over the country.

Investment will not go anywhere without peace and I believe you are working in that direction. Because, I know Kaduna is making great efforts to make Kaduna State an investment haven, Mr. Oyegun said.

Launching the application for monitoring of public works, the state commissioner for budget and planning, Mohammed Sani, said the state government introduced it for the people of the state to track progress of state projects.

The application is easy to use. It will tell every user what project is going on in the state and the contractor handling the work.

It will also guide the user to know what is happening around his location and in terms of government work and project at exactly two kilometres from where he resides.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the event, Governor El-Rufai said the state was ranked by African Finance Corporation (AFC) as the fastest growing state in Nigeria.

Our Kaduna Infrastructure Master Plan is Kaduna 2018 to 2050; the plan looks at the needs of Kaduna State, including population projections till 2050.

As you know that by the year 2050, Nigeria will have a population of 450 million, and will be the third largest nation in the world in terms of population, after India and China.

And about six per cent of that population will be living in Kaduna State. This master plan takes into account all these factors. We hope to unveil it today.

Our budget for 2017 was approved by the state house of assembly on the 22nd of December 2016. We are the only state that started the year with our budget and I thank the speaker and the members of the house of assembly for the hard work they are doing, the governor stated.

During his keynote speech on Wednesday, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, applauded Mr. El-Rufai for setting a good example for other Nigerian states.

He called on other northern states to copy what the governor is doing.

He also blasted conservative northern leaders who discourage attitudes and activities that, he said, would have developed the region.

Giving examples of the destruction of romance and love books by a former Kano governor and the response of the Zamfara State Governor to the current meningitis outbreak in the state, the emir said what exists in Northern Nigeria is a complete failure of social policy.

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The Enugu State government is set to launch an endowment fund aimed at helping registered neighbourhood associations in the state to procure equipment that would further enhance security of lives and property.

Speaking to journalists on the outcome of the states Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Enugu, the commissioner for information, Godwin Udeuhele, disclosed that the council has approved that the security equipment already procured be distributed to all the recognized Neighbourhood Associations in the state at a date to be announced later.

This is sequel to the councils earlier approval of N100 million for the purchase and distribution of items like utility vans and motorcycles to Neighbourhood Watch Associations across the state.

Another significant outcome of the councils meeting is its approval that the old Enugu State Government Lodge be converted to South East Governors Forum secretariat. The Chairman of the Forum, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, had told journalists after the groups meeting held last Sunday at the Government House, Enugu, that a functional secretariat provided by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi now exists in the state.

Mr. Udeuhele pointed out that the council has also approved the purchase of response vehicles, utility vans and ambulance for the State Emergency Management Agency to reposition the outfit and enable it to sufficiently respond to exigencies.

The commissioner further announced the planned upgrade of structures at a complex once occupied by the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS), which is the proposed site of the Post Primary School Management Boards new secretariat.

To achieve the envisaged facelift and make it a lot more habitable, the council approved the release of N43,917,795 and N12,6000.000, respectively, for the repair of dilapidated buildings and structures, including the resurfacing and asphalting of the areas 200-meter road with double drainage system.

He also explained that sequel to the states ministry of agricultures free distribution of 20,000 bags of agricultural lime to small farmers, the council approved the participation of Enugu State in the fertilizer intervention programme in line with the stipulated conditions and directed the commissioner for agriculture to take the necessary steps in that regard.

The council, according to Mr. Udeuhele, also directed the commissioner for agriculture to communicate with the Country Director of the World Bank Office, in Abuja, towards Enugu States utilisation of the outstanding sum of $10,532.79 being the undisbursed facility with Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP). He said the sum is due to expire on June 30, this year, and could be used for the execution of some priority projects in the state whose final approval would be granted by the council.

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A former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, on Thursday advised the Federal Government against the use of force in quelling the Biafra agitation in the South East.

The former governor also called for the release of all Biafra activists currently in various jails, many of them being tried for different crimes. One of such activists is Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who is being tried for treason and has been in detention for over a year.

Mr. Obi gave the advice in Owerri after a closed-door meeting with Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha.

According to him, the use of force or the continued incarceration of Biafra activists is not a solution to the growing agitations.

The federal government should, rather than apply force, engage the players in dialogue as a means of finding a lasting solution to the problem, especially the issue of Biafra.

I have warned against the use of force against Biafra agitators, the Federal Government should be open to continued dialogue, which is what we are supporting.

That is why I am here today to thank Gov. Rochas Okorocha for his efforts in managing the Biafra challenge in recent time.

Our people wont support the use of force against those agitating for Biafra; it is a very delicate matter that must be treated with caution.

As a matter of fact, the federal government should release all Biafra activists that are currently in detention to begin the process of meaningful dialogue, Obi said.

Although details of the meeting were not made known to journalists, Mr. Obi said that the visit was a private one.

I am a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and I am not dumping the party for any other party, I am not joining the APC, I am here on a private visit and that is all, nothing more, Mr. Obi said.

(NAN)

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The All Progressives Congress, APC, has lauded the initiative of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to construct a 50-kilometre road to link coastal communities in the state with Lagos State.

According to a statement signed by Abayomi Adesanya, the state APC Publicity Secretary, on Thursday in Lagos, the party described the project as laudable and remarkable.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr. Akeredolu had on April 5 signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to construct the road.

The road is expected to connect Araromi Seaside in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State with Akodo in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The road is expected to be completed within two and half years.

Mr. Adesanya said, This is laudable and remarkable, because in less than 100 days of the APC-led administration in the state, the governor has attracted such a monumental project to the state.

The first and only MoU ever signed by NDDC with any state government within its mandate area (the Niger-Delta region).

The people of Ilaje and the Niger-Delta areas of the state have rolled out drums to thank Akeredolu and NDDC for this laudable stride.

He said that when completed the road would help to decongest the Benin-Ore-Lagos Expressway.

Once this project is completed, the people can now travel to Lagos by road in less than an hour, as against the usual four to five hours being spent through other roads to Lagos, he said.

Mr. Adesanya assured the people of the state that more of such laudable projects would be executed by the Akeredolu-led government in the state.

(NAN)

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Ford Motor Co. will take up temporary residence in an additional city as part of the 10-year plan to transform its Dearborn campus.

On Wednesday, Ford Land announced an agreement with Masco Corp. to lease its current headquarters in Taylor after Masco moves its main base of operations to Livonia.

Ford will use the buildings as transitional office space for nearly 1,000 employees as the automaker continues the transformation of its more than 60-year-old Dearborn facilities, which will locate 30,000 employees from 70 buildings today into primarily two locations  a product campus and a world headquarters campus.

As our campus transformation continues, we need transitional work space in close proximity to our campus, said Dave Dubensky, chairman and CEO of Ford Land. Mascos headquarters building offers the needed space and amenities for our employees, and its in close proximity to our Dearborn campus.

The four-story, 416,000-square-foot building has ample office and open collaboration workspace, an indoor courtyard, full-service cafe and 24-hour fitness center. Ford employee shuttle service will expand to include the new location less than five miles from the Dearborn campus.

Last year, Masco announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Taylor to Livonia. The company plans to complete the move by June with Ford moving in shortly afterward.

On behalf of Masco, which has been a resident of Taylor for nearly 50 years, I am pleased that we are leaving our building in the good hands of a company that has shown strong commitment to the Detroit metropolitan area, Masco president and CEO Keith Allman said.

Ford also has leased an adjacent 140,000-square-foot former Kmart store owned by Masco. The space will be used for additional capacity throughout Fords Dearborn campus transformation.

If youre going to lose a corporate partner like Masco, you always want to replace them with Ford Motor Co., Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars said.

The announcement that Masco Corp., the citys biggest taxpayer, was leaving for a smaller building in Livonia was crushing news to the city, according to Sollars.

When Masco called 2 1/2 years ago and said they were leaving we were heartbroken, he said.

But the financial blow was eased when Ford to signed a lease agreement for the former Masco headquarters.

The building that used to house Kmart and at one time a Farmer Jack store has been empty since last fall.

That store had some deep roots in the community, Sollars said.

He said he didnt expect any issues with the rezoning, but it ultimately was a decision for the Taylor City Council.

At its height, Masco had 600 employees in the building. Ford is expected to move up to 1,000 people into the facility.

The property, 21001 Van Born, is near I-94 on the north end and Van Born Road on the south. Both parcels of land are owned by the Masco Corp. The headquarters building is nearly 450,000 square feet and sits on 18.75 acres. The former Super Kmart sits on 12.67 acres and is about 150,000 square feet.

I think the building is structurally sound, Sollars said.

The deal is the result of both Masco and the city working together to ensure that the building didnt go dark when the company moved out.

Sollars said Masco was considering four options: selling the building, leasing the building, donating it to a college or other educational endeavor or razing it to create green space.

Theyve been a great corporate partner, he said. We truly are sorry to see them go.

Companies such as Amazon and Google initially were looked at simply because they could bring the people necessary to fill the large building with them.

Its a win, win, win, Sollars said of the deal. Masco gets to leave on their own terms, Taylor gets a new partner like Ford, and Ford is close to their world headquarters in Dearborn.

He also said Dearborn Heights likely will benefit from the deal as the property sits near the city limits.

I talked to the mayor (Dan Paletko) in Dearborn Heights and hes very excited, Sollars said.

Redevelopment is expected near the site as businesses likely will flock to be near the buildings where so many new jobs are moving into the area.

Sollars said he already is allotting some money into the budget for updates and renovations in the area due to the influx of people the deal will bring.

Details of the lease and potential sales agreement were not made public.

First organized in 1929 as Masco Screw Products Company by Alex Manoogian, Masco went public on the Detroit Stock Exchange in 1936  the middle of the Great Depression. An automotive machined parts provider, Mascos first contract (1930) was with the Hudson Motor Company (valued at $7,000). In 1935, the companys sales reached the $100,000 mark and the following year, Masco became a publicly traded company on the Detroit Stock Exchange. By 1942, Mascos sales exceeded $1 million.

Masco Screw Products grew into the Masco Corporation, a large holding company for numerous acquisitions. Small, family-run businesses were bought out by Masco Corporation. Between 1997 and 2002, Richard Manoogian, who succeeded his father as chief executive, acquired 42 companies valued at a total of $10 billion.

Masco Screw Products Company officially changed its name to Masco Corporation in 1961 and moved to its corporate headquarters in Taylor in 1967.
Editor's note: This is the first story in a new series on domestic violence. The second installment will publish Friday morning online, looking at how New Jersey's legal system handles domestic violence.

Martina Singleton slid to the floor, thinking about her baby in the crib.

All she could think was: Im going to die. Im going to die here in front of my child.

Her ex-husband had cracked a pool stick over her head, and when she tried to stand, he punched her in the face.

Singleton fought to get back on her feet, seeing the look in his eyes: You aren't dead yet?

She eased up the wall to where the phone was, but he pulled it from the wall and smashed her in the head with it, sending her back to the floor, praying now.

"Oh God, please. Let me live."

Singleton got up again. Once he left, she grabbed her daughter and ran out of the house and down the street, zigzagging like she "was drunk," to her sisters' house.

When they opened the door and saw her, they screamed.

Friends remember Jacqueline Hoyle, Atlantic City's 11th shooting death this year Jacqueline Hoyle should have been celebrating her 25th birthday Friday.

Domestic violence is prevalent in every part of the world, with one in four women experiencing severe physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner in her lifetime, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. One in seven men have experienced the same.

It transcends race, age, gender, economics and education levels, and can manifest in any number of criminal acts, from trespassing, stalking and burglary to homicide.

Anyone can become a victim of domestic violence, said Claudia Ratzlaff, CEO of the Womens Center in Atlantic County.

All citizens need to weigh in, she said. They need to be educated on how they can impact violence because we all know a victim and we all know a perpetrator.

In New Jersey, domestic violence-related restraining orders are on the rise. A 2015 report from the state courts showed 32,691 domestic violence complaints filed in Family Court for the entire state  a 950-case increase from the previous year.

Among Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties, more than 5,000 new domestic violence complaints were filed in Family Court for the year.

Last year, there were about 52 domestic violence-related deaths in the state. In 2013, the state ranked 21st in the number of intimate-partner homicides, according to the New Jersey Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board.

Despite these alarming statistics, domestic violence cases are extremely difficult to prosecute: Nearly eight out of 10 municipal domestic violence complaints end up not being prosecuted, often because victims don't want to follow through with their complaints.

In Atlantic County municipal court, 1,586 complaints were disposed, but of those, 1,461 were dismissed in 2015.

In response, the state Supreme Court formed a task force to look at domestic violence. The report, published last year, says the state needs to revamp domestic violence laws, courts need to change policies, police officers and lawyers need to be better trained, and more resources are needed to fight domestic violence.

Meanwhile, the violence keeps happening, including the recent slayings of Tara O'Shea-Watson, of Cumberland County, and Jacqueline Hoyle and Bessy Blanco, both of Atlantic City. All were allegedly murdered by former partners.

* * *

Singleton is 61 now. She keeps her black hair cropped and rounded off to her chin. For the past 20 years, she has worked at the Coalition Against Rape and Abuse in Cape May County, where she is the sexual assault program coordinator and counselor and works with women who are survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

That is my purpose in life. Thats why I survived. I survived to help others, she said. I survived it, but you might not.

To this day, she is not sure how she made it to her sisters' home, other than through "the grace of God."

She had run away from a sheltered upbringing by her grandmother at 16 and straight into the arms of the man who would end up abusing her.

When she first met him, though, she thought she had found her "knight in shining armor."

At 20, she got married. The marriage fell apart quickly. It started with name-calling, putting her down, having affairs  even getting another woman pregnant  to pushing, shoving and cursing.

Singleton said she didn't know much about the world and was raised Christian, where marriages were "until death do you part." But the abuse continued until the day she feared she might die in front of her child.

Even after the attack, Singleton went back to her husband, because she believed a child needed a father. But she also had another fear  that if she left, he would take their daughter.

It wasn't until her daughter was 2 years old that she secretly moved some of her belongings out of the home they shared, and left.

On average, it takes a woman seven times to leave a domestically violent relationship, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Fear, embarrassment, financial dependence or religion can factor into why a woman may stay.

Leaving isn't always easy and a restraining order isnt always a one-way ticket to freedom.

A restraining order is only as good as you feel your significant other is law-abiding, if you feel law enforcement impacts him or he has something to lose, Ratzlaff said.

For women who have children with their abusers, it can be hard to fully liberate themselves legally, she said.

Jeremiah Monell rejects plea bargain offering 30 years in prison BRIDGETON  Jeremiah Monell rejected a plea bargain Thursday that called for a 30-year state

* * *

Marie's battle with her ex-husband has moved from their home to the courts, but if you ask her, she doesn't feel any safer, even with the thick stack of legal papers that tells a story of custody disputes, restraining order violations and other accusations.

She called The Press of Atlantic City in January. While she said she fears her ex will retaliate against her, she still wished to talk about her experience with abuse. The Press is not identifying her because of her concerns for her safety.

Domestic violence response training for volunteers in Cumberland VINELAND  New Jersey State Police and the Center for Family Services are looking for volunt

Marie said she felt pressured by family to marry her ex-husband because they were having a child and he was wealthy.

Before long, her ex-husband told her to leave her job, get rid of her car and put her cellphone bill in his name  making her financially dependent on him, she said.

Her ex-husband had affairs, which she said they tried to work through with therapy, but he eventually became emotionally abusive. Later, she said, he choked her in front of their children, but she was afraid to call police.

A 2008 study found choking is one of the strongest predictors of homicide in domestic violence, with 43 percent of women murdered by a partner who choked them previously.

The final attack, which did not involve choking, led Marie to calling the police. Her attacker was removed from the home, but Marie said her divorce proceedings were marred by lawyers telling her to drop her temporary restraining orders to move into civil proceedings.

With children in the mix and no money or job to continue to pay her lawyers, her ex-husband received partial custody. Marie has a final restraining order now, but she said her ex-husband finds other ways to harass her. She said she feels like a prisoner in her own home.

Thats my constant life, watching over my shoulder, she said. I want the full custody of my children. This joint legal stuff is killing me. I cant put them in counseling. I cant do anything.

Marie said she feels police and judges have not taken her seriously, and said at one point she was accused of abusing her restraining order by reporting him all the time.

Some domestic violence cases, such as Marie's, boil down to only two witnesses: the abused and abuser.

If the system is overused, Ratzlaff said, its because "of how its set up as a referee.

Marie is navigating the system as well as family courts alone, and said she's in desperate need of legal representation. She wonders if by the time she gets help, it will be too late.

Is something going to happen to me? One of my kids?" Marie asked. "And everyone is just going to say, 'Sorry'?"
Chicago, Illinois, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The John Marshall Law School will honor four of its supporters with its distinguished Spirit Award on April 7. It is among the highest honor that the law school bestows upon loyal, respected members of its community.

The Spirit Award honors individuals who best exemplify the qualities essential to being ambassadors for John Marshalls rich tradition of diversity, innovation and opportunity. John Marshalls Board of Trustees established the award in 2008.

Todays honorees join an impressive list of men and women who have shaped the law school we know today, said Paula Hudson Holderman, President of the John Marshall Board of Trustees. They are extraordinary ambassadors for John Marshall and are selfless in their dedication, leadership and commitment to our law school. This institution changes lives and makes the impossible possible for so many. Today, we thank some of the people whose work has transformed countless lives.

All of this years recipients are current or former members of John Marshalls Board of Trustees or John Marshalls Alumni Association, further exemplifying their commitment to the law schools continued success.

This years Spirit Award recipients are:

Leonard F. Amari (68), Managing Partner, Amari & Locallo; Past President of John Marshalls Board of Trustees

(68), Managing Partner, Amari & Locallo; Past President of John Marshalls Board of Trustees Joseph Michael Gagliardo (77), Managing Partner, Laner Muchin Dombrow Becker Levin & Tominberg Ltd; John Marshall Board of Trustees member

(77), Managing Partner, Laner Muchin Dombrow Becker Levin & Tominberg Ltd; John Marshall Board of Trustees member Karie Jane Valentino (96), Partner, Lewis Brisbois; Past President of John Marshalls Alumni Association

(96), Partner, Lewis Brisbois; Past President of John Marshalls Alumni Association Nicholas C. Zagotta (94), Partner, Roberts, McGivney & Zagotta LLC; John Marshall Board of Trustees member

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/624acb90-3680-425a-85b0-d102fe78d08b
Don't worry, this review is spoiler free

Troubled by a murder he believes has been covered up by the local townsfolk, John B. McLemore reaches out to journalist Brian Reed for help.

Thats the premise of the latest, binge-worthy podcast from Serial and This American Life creators, S-Town. Someone does end up dead, but its not quite the true crime-mystery fans who tuned in to hear about the murder of Hae Min Lee may be expecting.

Still, the podcast takes its fair share of unexpected turns and has shot to the top of iTunes podcast charts.

McLemore doesnt make any illusions to how he feels about his rural, Alabama hometown of Woodstock; he hates it and even uses a series of expletives to describe his town which end up become the abbreviation for the podcasts title.

As the heart of the story  amidst a cast of Woodstock's finest bikers, misfits, and a possible murderer  Reed becomes an unlikely protagonist alongside McLemore.

Listeners will relate to Reed's earnest storytelling skills much like "Serial" host Sarah Koenig, but after several years of working on "S-Town," and being entrenched in Woodstock, Reed's empathy is what truly shines.

McLemore, an antique clock dealer, is wickedly intelligent but his obsessively nihilistic ramblings over the worlds decay and what he describes as the town's proleptic decay and decrepitude, take center focus.

His doomsday fretting and agitation is smoothed down by a southern drawl that adds sing-song cadence and humor that makes him engrossing.

Hes more than a bit odd living with his 13 dogs, an ailing mother, and a hedge maze he crafted himself with 64 possible solutions that leaves Reed in awe. His brilliance only dimmed by his regret of not leaving Woodstock sooner.

McLemore, despite his oddities, becomes quickly likable and even Reed describes him as the towns lovable Boo Radley character.

While episode one may lull listeners into a false sense of security, launching as if it's business as usual, the second episode shatters the plot entirely. Reed weaves through his own maze - following a trail of stories that involve buried gold, feuds, and complex lives.

Although it's journalism, "S-Town's" unfolding narrative has a literary quality and its moments of feeling fictional not much unlike Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood." As soon as a reader can drift away into McLemore's metaphors, a racist diatribe or the crushing reality of poverty in a small town brings listeners back to the present day.

Episode by episode, Reed chips away at the story's characters revealing their complexities which shapes up to be equal parts humanizing and tragic.

But what "S-Town" does best  aside from tell a great story  is show that there's a way to dig deep into people in the same way journalists dig into crime pieces. In some ways, "S-Town" is breaking into a genre that perhaps has yet to be defined.

Don't stick with "S-Town" for a satisfying ending, but stay for a dressed-down look of how simple it is for the complicated to look ordinary on the surface.
SOMERS POINT  A new president has brought renewed hope in a small city to bring home its local hero, Richard Somers, whose remains have been buried in Libya for more than 200 years.

Were just hoping that now that theres a new administration in, that we can get with them and theyre more favorable to us than the last administration was, Mayor Jack Glasser said.

Somers, a fourth-generation descendant of the John Somers who founded Somers Point, was commanding a fire boat called the Intrepid during the First Barbary War when it exploded in Tripoli Harbor in 1804. He was buried with his 12-member crew in a mass grave near the shore.

Since that time, his family and members of the community have sought to have Somers remains exhumed and brought back to his hometown.

Michael Caputo, an international publicist and former adviser to President Donald Trump, believes the White House will help push the effort.

Ive discussed this with the White House, said Caputo, organizer of the Intrepid Project. And considering the presidents devotion to veterans, especially combat veterans, I think the idea will get a fair hearing.

Caputo, who now lives in New York, has been strongly advocating for Somers return since the mid-2000s, when he moved to Somers Point for work and witnessed residents dedication.

More than one time over a cold beer, locals would tell me one great wish they shared was the return of Richard Somers, Caputo said.

On the state level, legislators from both parties have passed resolutions asking the federal government to take up the effort again.

The latest, offered by state Sen. Jim Whelan, a Democrat, was approved in March.

We all know the line. This is the shores of Tripoli. This is what thats from, Whelan said, referring to the Marines Hymn.

He said the hope is that after the death of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in October 2011, a new regime would look upon the effort favorably.

But proponents of the repatriation effort harbor some animosity toward then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who they say was never supportive of their effort, as well as Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain from Arizona.

As the repatriation was coming to a vote in 2011 as part of the Defense Re-authorization Act in Congress, McCain offered a watered-down version of the language, instead requesting a review by the Department of Defense on the feasibility of such an undertaking. The study determined repatriation was not feasible.

Meanwhile, advocates were working on having the remains returned as family heirlooms, said Greg Sykora, who chaired the Somers Point Committee to Return Richard Somers. He said turmoil in the north African country jeopardized the effort.

The Benghazi story is a Somers Point story, Sykora said. We lost a very good friend that day.

He said the city was working with U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and had spoken with him just two days before the deadly attack in Benghazi, where Stevens was killed in 2012.

Since then, the city has created a small park on Shore Road with a monument in Somers honor.

The families want them home, Glasser said. We cannot let them stay there anymore.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
EGG HARBOR CITY  A local family says at least 19 police officers with weapons drawn broke into their house by mistake last week during a weapons and narcotics raid.

I was so scared. I was asking them, Whats going on? said Carla Weldon, 29, of Cincinnati Avenue. They were telling me to be quiet and keep my hands up. Because I know we didnt do anything wrong, I couldnt understand why they were coming in.

The morning of March 30 three suspects were arrested at a different address on Cincinnati Avenue on firearms charges.

None of them apologized. None of them told us it was a mistake, Weldon said. He (one of the officers) said, Oh, the door was open, so we came in.

The incident happened the same day the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office arrested 16 people during an interstate weapons and drugs raid, which started at 4 a.m.

Jay McKeen, a spokesman for Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, said the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office investigates every citizen complaint.

We do not, as a matter of the attorney general and agency policy, publicly discuss details of any individual matter, McKeen said.

Carla Weldon said she was walking out of her bedroom on the second floor of her home in her nightclothes when she heard an officer yelling, Police, police, put your hands up.

Weldon said five officers were on the first floor with four of her children. Another six officers were running up the stairs toward her and Troy Sessoms, 32, who was behind her.

At least two of them had their guns out and were coming toward her and Sessoms, Weldon said.

City police Lt. Dylan Hutton, the officer in charge of the Police Department, told The Press of Atlantic City that Weldon did come into his station March 31 and provide information about what happened. The information will be forwarded to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, police said.

Weldon gave the following account of what happened.

Six children were in the house when police broke in, Weldons two children and four coustins, whose ages ranged from seven to 15.

Three of the children were sitting on the couch on the first floor waiting for their school bus to pick them up. At least 10 police officers came through the front door at 6:24 a.m., Weldon said.

The officers were dressed in all black wearing puffy vests. On the back of the vests was the word POLICE in silver lettering, Weldon said.

One of the cousins, 12, was coming down the stairs, Weldon said.

Weldon's daughter, Cayla, 2 was headed back to bed on the second floor while her son Curian, 1 was asleep on the second floor, Weldon said. All her children saw guns except Curian, who slept through the whole incident.

The police asked her why a backroom door was locked on her second-floor, Weldon said.

Weldon told police it was not. Weldon said an officer cursed at her and told her to stop lying.

The police broke down the door, said Weldon, who discovered afterward it was locked by accident.

Weldon said she saw guns in the faces of her children when she made it down the stairs with her hands up.

Troy Sessoms came down behind her.

Cayla was in the arms of one of the police officers, Weldon said.

A female police officer told Weldon not to worry, but to continue to keep her hands up while she was on the first floor of her rented house.

They got all eight of us down into the living room (minus Curian) and started mentioning a name that none of us heard, said Weldon, who added her children also had their hands up. I guess it came to them that they were in the wrong house.

The children were on the couch crying and hysterical, Sessoms said.

After the situation was defused, one of the officers offered to walk Weldons children to their bus stop, Weldon said.

I told them, No, the bus comes right to my door, Weldon said.

At this point, Weldon said her children were already shaken up.

Weldon said she didnt want her children near the officers.

The bus pulled up at 6:42 a.m. as the officers walked out and visited the Weldons next door neighbor, she said.

The March 30 raids included detectives from the Prosecutors Office, the Pleasantville Police Department, the FBI, the State Police and the Galloway Township Police Department, McKeen said.

They were assisted by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Atlantic County Sheriffs Office and Egg Harbor City, Mullica Township, Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township police departments, McKeen said.
The Ocean County Prosecutors office cleared the three Toms Rivers police officers who shot and wounded a man who pulled a gun on them last summer.

The state Attorney Generals office agreed with the finding, according to a news release from the prosecutors office. The prosecutors office did not identify any of the officers involved.

On July 7 an officer in a marked car stopped a man, identified as Timothy Sauers, who was parked illegally near Haines Road and Cedar Drive. The officer asked Sauers for his identification and once he provided it, let Sauers return to his Jeep Cherokee and sit in the drivers seat. At some point two other officers arrived at the traffic stop. Police ran Sauers information and discovered he had an outstanding arrest warrant from South Toms Rivers. When the officers approached Sauers Jeep, he got out of the car and pointed a handgun at the first officer.

The officer yelled gun, fell to the ground and fired at Sauers, according to the release. The other officers fired at Sauer and moved behind one of the police cars.

Sauers was shot multiple times and escaped by jumping in to the Toms River. He was later found and has since recovered from the wounds.

When police interviewed him, Sauers said he was trying to goad police in to killing him. Police later found text messages to an ex-girlfriend the confirmed Sauers story. He was charged with unlawful possession of handgun, aggravated assault on a police officer and possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose. He is still in Ocean County jail.
Vets deserve quality care

On March 29, we took time to remember Vietnam veterans. As a member of Congress, Rep. Frank LoBiondo has advocated for all veterans. I ask him to insure that quality medical care continues to be available and affordable to Vietnam veterans.

With the knowledge that these brave men and woman were placed in harms way to protect freedom and our way of life, it is most imperative, right now, to convince those in Congress that quality health options are a necessity at any cost.

The devastating effects of Agent Orange continue to erode the health of soldiers and those who call Southeast Asia their home.

Ken Morgenweck

Estelle Manor

Glad health reform failed

So glad the health care plan that President Trump had in mind did not go through. Would have affected more than those who voted for him. Great for the American people in general. Such a great day for the American people regardless of Democrat or Republican.

Guess what, Trump is still all talk. Now lets see if he fires anyone or puts the blame on someone other than his soldiers.

Anne Prettyman

Somers Point

LoBiondo kept his word

I was a protester in front of Rep. Frank LoBiondos office and I doubted whether he would put the good of his district in front of his loyalty to President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan. I was invited into a one-on-one meeting, where he told me that he would not vote for a new health care bill unless it was clearly better than the old bill.

Unlike many politicians, he kept his word. He studied the bill and concluded that the Trump/Ryan health care proposal was not a sufficient improvement on the current Affordable Care Act.

He listened to the people he represents and took his title of representative seriously. In a democracy, that is all voters can ask.

Mike Makara

Mays Landing

Expand health coverage

The congressional Republican health care plan would be a disaster for working families. Their plan would take health care away from 24 million people across the country and impose painful taxes on working people.

Budget experts predict that out-of-pocket expenses would skyrocket because companies would shift prices to their employees. That means thousands of dollars less in the pockets of working people.

The proposed cuts to Medicaid would wreck the state budget and hurt people in the community who already are struggling to make ends meet.

Their plan would weaken Medicare. It takes three years off the life of the Medicare hospital fund in order to give a huge tax break just to people earning more than $200,000 a year.

Their plan would do nothing to deal with skyrocketing prices for medical care and prescription drugs. The people cutting Americas health care under the banner of reform have never had to worry about care for themselves or their families. CEOs, billionaires and right-wing politicians get the best care because cost isnt a factor for them. The rest of us dont have that luxury.

Congress should focus on expanding coverage for more working people, not putting high-quality care out of reach.

Leslie Cohen

Egg Harbor City

Pay inequality analogy

Equal Pay Day is the symbolic day when womens average year-to-date earnings, added to last years, catch up to mens earnings in 2015. This means women on average would have to work extra, the equivalent of working from Jan. 1 to April 4, just to take home what a man did in 2015.

Audrey Owen

Linwood
OMAHA, Neb., April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods Helping Hungry Homes initiative, a program focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure, joined forces with Hy-Vee to donate more than 25,000 pounds of protein to Food Bank for the Heartland. The donation, equivalent to more than 100,000 servings, will help fight hunger across Nebraska and western Iowa where one in eight people are food insecure.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72bf7ef0-9fb9-436a-b564-ce8b14fffb26

Food Bank for the Heartland is focused on providing for and serving high-quality food to the thousands of hungry people in our community, said Susan Ogborn, president and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland. We are grateful to Smithfield and Hy-Vee for this large donation, which will provide nutritious protein to our hungry neighbors over the coming weeks.

Smithfield and Hy-Vee representatives presented the donation to Food Bank for the Heartland at the event this morning. Members from all three organizations discussed food insecurity in the local community and the significance of this donation in helping the nearly 220,000 individuals who face hunger each day in Nebraska and western Iowa.

At Hy-Vee, we value our role to support our neighbors in need, especially those individuals who do not know where their next meal will come from, said Mitch Streit, store director for Hy-Vee. Today, we are proud to work with Smithfield, a company that shares our passion in the fight against hunger, and provide more than 100,000 meals to those that seek support from Food Bank for the Heartland. With this donation, we kick off our Million Meal Challenge, a new initiative to provide one million meals through food and cash donations to local giving organizations to aid those in our community who are food insecure.

Smithfields donation to Food Bank for the Heartland was a part of the Helping Hungry Homes 2017 nationwide donation tour. Throughout the annual tour, Smithfield will provide large-scale protein donations to more than 50 food banks across the country. This donation adds to the more than 65 million servings of protein donated since 2011.

At Smithfield, we are passionate about supporting our communities in need, said Dennis Pittman, senior director of hunger relief for Smithfield Foods. By providing this donation to Food Bank for the Heartland with help from Hy-Vee, thousands of our hungry neighbors will be able to provide their families with a protein-rich meal.

Following todays event, Helping Hungry Homes will visit Seattle, Washington. For more information about Helping Hungry Homes and a list of upcoming donation events, visit helpinghungryhomes.com.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook's, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curly's, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.

About Food Bank for the Heartland (a member of Feeding America):

Food Bank for the Heartland is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Omaha, Nebraska that acts as a central clearinghouse distributing food to more than 530 network partners across 77 counties in Nebraska and 16 counties in western Iowa. Food Bank for the Heartland has distributed approximately 16 million meals in 2016 helping thousands of children, families, seniors, veterans, disabled individuals and others in need. For more information, visit www.FoodBankHeartland.org.

About Hy-Vee, Inc.

Hy-Vee Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 240 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $9.8 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of Americas Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The companys 84,000 employees provide A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.
TORONTO, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Economic Club of Canada is hosting a discussion on the changes to be expected over the next four years in the United States and what this means for Canada.

WHO: Moderator Diane Francis: Editor-at-Large, National Post Panelists The Hon. John Baird: Former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs The Hon. Jean Charest: Former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, Former Premier of Quebec Mr. David Wilkins  Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada WHAT: Panelists will focus on changes in Washington over the next four years and the potential impact on Canada when it comes to trade, energy, and our economy. WHEN: Friday, April 7th, 2017 11:15am Registration begins 12:00pm Opening remarks begin 12:10pm Discussion begins 1:30pm Event concludes WHERE: Fairmont Royal York  Imperial Room 100 Front Street West, Toronto



The Economic Club of Canada:

Each year, more than 100 key policy makers and business leaders seek out the Economic Club of Canadas platform to deliver major keynote addresses. Audience members are drawn from the most senior levels of Canadian business, health care and government. Membership is open to all who share a passion for discourse around the most important issues of today.
Wichita, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PHOTOGRAPHY FOR DOWNLOAD



http://www.gretemangroup.com/press/smartparts

WICHITA, Kan.  Wichita-based marketing agency, Greteman Group, has launched SmartParts, a website theme that streamlines the web-development process. Its backend code serves to save both time and money. The agency estimates in many cases it will save clients 20-30 percent on backend development. SmartParts combines best practices in prototype, responsive development and content management systems (CMS) for sound web solutions.

SmartParts grew out of clients communicated needs for the best possible creative and functionality at the best possible price, says Sonia Greteman, agency creative director and president. We listened.

Clients increasingly must do more with less as their teams get streamlined and marketing departments are tasked with ever-greater responsibilities. Their websites have become critical, dynamic tools for guiding prospective clients through every stage of the buying cycle: awareness, consideration, preference, purchase and repurchase. Having a website thats always up to date becomes crucial. A CMS site that can be easily updated with events, special offers, blog posts, newsletters and more becomes paramount.

The agency started with a foundation of web knowledge that dates back to its first website 24 years ago. It began research and development for SmartParts three years ago. SmartParts consists of custom-programmed, fluid templates that improve upon the conventional WordPress content management system (CMS). The agency built the theme to be lean and intuitive, which minimizes the need for plugins that can be vulnerable to security breaches and random updates that play havoc with your site. They can also slow down a website, which is both bad for SEO and the user experience.

SmartParts is used throughout our website process, creating efficiency without sacrificing responsive design and avoiding me-too websites that look like everyone elses. (Example: drag-and-drop builders such as SquareSpace.) Beginning with the prototype, SmartParts enables the agency to collaborate with clients and navigate the site as if it were fully designed. They can offer input early on rather than waiting until the site is almost ready to launch before having a chance to give feedback and Clients are able to see the site come to life, grow and take shape.

A key benefit of SmartParts is enjoyed post website launch. Unlike proprietary CMS systems out there, SmartParts gives clients the control to manage their websites internally. Plus, they need not have knowledge of programming. SmartParts was built with the end-user in mind for quick site loads and mobile optimization.

Being the Change

In the early 90s, we designed one of the regions first agency websites. It only had a few pages. There was little text. The navigation was so subtle finding your way around became a game. It had no SEO because Google didn't exist. Nor did Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube. You accessed the site through painfully-slow, dial-up modems. We persevered and evolved, says Greteman.

Today, every project we touch is digital or has a digital component. We havent just changed with the times. Weve been the change. Responsive design, search-engine optimization, data-driven marketing, email campaigns and social-media management. We dive into analytics to see how well everythings performing  and adjust as needed. SmartParts is a part of our digital progression. One our clients will love.

From Development to Implementation

Greteman Group created its first SmartParts site for Slawson Companies NewMarket Square commercial development. It launched in March. Collaborative meetings with the Greteman Group and Slawson teams determined everything from site architecture to information hierarchy. The main client request was for a store directory that was easier to update and would grow with NewMarket as the center continues to add stores.

Using SmartParts allowed us to develop the site more efficiently, so we could design and build a custom solution for NewMarkets directory map, says Jordan Walker, Greteman Group digital director. Our solution delivers a color-coded, interactive directory that is unlike most major retail centers. Slawsons team says its so easy to use. As new properties open, changes can now be made in minutes rather than hours.

Like many websites, ours was born out of necessity and then evolved over time, says Jerry Jones, Slawson Companies vice president of commercial development. Our old site became cumbersome, not user friendly and a challenge for us to update. The new site elevates the user experience exponentially  both externally and internally.

The Case for SmartParts

So, why not just use off-the-shelf WordPress themes? Well, if youre a young person setting up an online portfolio, need a site for a short-lived special event, have little or no budget, or generic suits you fine, you probably should.

If, however, youre a mid-to-large business reliant on a professional, functioning, put-your-best-foot-forward site, dont do it. Off-the-shelf can be problematic if trying to integrate with other services, such as donor databases or customer portals. It can be difficult and time intensive to customize and have overly complex administration screens, because theyre trying to cover every scenario possible. Thats what happens with themes built for anyone and everyone to use. You often end up with lots of unnecessary code and unneeded features that bulk up and slow down the site. Sluggish site speeds result from a host of files automatically loaded onto every page  rather than customizing and only loading the ones in use. Off-the-shelf solutions force you to sift through lots of sections to locate the things you actually want to change.

We think through how our clients will be updating content and whenever possible, we keep the code hidden so they dont have to worry about learning a new language or breaking something as they complete updates, Walker says.

Bottom line, if youre looking to stand apart from your competitors, a website can be instrumental in building credibility and customer loyalty. It is incredibly hard to do that with an off-the-shelf solution that is built for everyone. SmartParts helps us deliver outstanding return on our clients website investment.

ABOUT GRETEMAN GROUP

Greteman Group has developed an international reputation as an aviation-specialty marketing agency based in Wichita, Kan.  the Air Capital. Leading aircraft manufacturers, flight support, aftermarket services, fractional ownership, insurance, in-flight Wi-Fi, regional airlines and airport analytics entrust their brands to Greteman Group. These include Flight Safety International, SmartSky Networks, Executive AirShare, Wichita Eisenhower National Airport, USAIG, Piedmont Airlines, iinside and AeroMod. It also supports causes and clients such as the Kansas State Fair, The Saint Francis Foundation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Global Polymer, PDS Med and Verus Bank. Greteman Group has won Telly, Internet Advertising Competition, Metro and Business Marketing Association Pro-Comm awards. It has been recognized in such publications as Adweek, Advertising Age, Aldus, Communication Arts, Designing Identity, Identity, Graphic Design USA, Graphis, Hotels, HOW, Novum, Print, Step-By-Step, and by such organizations as the Mead Top 60, Kansas City Art Directors, Strathmore, International Festivals, Graphex Art Directors, and The National Library Council, American Advertising Federation, American Institute of Graphic Artists, Public Relations Society of America, and American Marketing Association. The firm is a founding member of the Wichita Aero Club. Greteman Group is a longstanding member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and is a certified women-owned business enterprise (WBE). gretemangroup.com
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

With the launch of the EPFL Extension School, the Swiss Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne (EPFL) is making it easier for people with or without previous university credentials to acquire high-level, accredited digital skills. In a first for a top 10 European university, these online-only programs will lead to a recognized qualification and ECTS credits.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/486897/EPFL_Extension_School_Logo.jpg )



Web development, mobile development and data science will be at the core of the vocational education programs the EPFL Extension School will launch in the fall of 2017. The programs, each consisting of multiple online courses in English, will not require participants to have any particular academic background or degree. Yet they will be demanding enough to ensure that learners become highly specialized in cutting-edge fields sought out by industry.

"The programs are designed to give participants high-level technological skills so that they can succeed both professionally and personally in the digital age," says Prof. Marcel Salathe, the academic director of the EPFL Extension School.

Thanks to the support of industry partners like Google, Microsoft and Swisscom, participants in EPFL Extension School programs will gain real-world experience using the latest digital tools and technologies.

For Working Professionals

With these accredited continuing education programs, the EPFL aims to offer individuals the opportunity to acquire and certify their digital skills. The programs can be completed in as little as three months on a full-time basis; however, learners are able to work at their own pace, allowing them to combine study with work and other personal commitments. Those who successfully complete programs can receive an official certificate from the EPFL along with ECTS credits.

The programs will be priced at 250 Swiss francs per month (approximately $250 USD), making them accessible to a wide public and allowing the EPFL Extension School to provide individualized, one-on-one support to learners.

Excellence in Online Education

EPFL is the European leader in online learning thanks to its innovative teaching methods and its experience in creating more than 50 MOOCs since 2012, which have attracted over 1.6 million learners. The EPFL's courses on the Scala programming language are among the most popular and successful MOOCs ever developed.

For more on the EPFL Extension School, please visit https://exts.epfl.ch.

For additional information or interview requests, please contact Laura Downhower, Executive Director, EPFL Extension School, +41-21-693-50-41, info.exts@epfl.ch?subject=EPFL Extension School

SOURCE EPFL Extension School
MIDDLETOWN, R.I., April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Towerstream Corporation (OTCQB:TWER), a leading Fixed-Wireless Fiber Alternative Provider, announced today the launch of its 3-Point Guarantee, a unique value promise to customers. The Company is offering Delivery of Service, Stability of Service, and Pricing of Service guarantees to customers in the twelve US markets it currently serves.



Under the Delivery of Service Guarantee, Towerstream will capitalize on the speed-to-market advantages fixed wireless offers as compared to fiber. The Company promises to deliver service in twenty days or less to customers located in the hundreds-of-thousands of qualified buildings within Towerstreams network footprint.

Towerstream features one of the most reliable networks in the industry as evidenced recently by the performance of the Companys network during the February 2017 winter storms that hit the Northeast. While blizzard conditions pummeled the region, the Towerstream network was totally unaffected by the severe snow and high winds. The Company reported no outages and customers experienced no interruption of service, nor degradation of data transmissions.

Under the Stability of Service Guarantee, Towerstream will exploit the reliability of its network as described above. Any customer experiencing an interruption of service for twenty-four consecutive hours will, per the guidelines in Towerstream's industry-leading Service Level Agreement, receive a credit equal to one month of service.

Under the Pricing of Service Guarantee, Towerstream will capitalize upon its competitive advantage within its growing network of lit buildings. Per this guarantee, Towerstream promises to beat any competitors price for like services in any of the Companys lit buildings allowing customers to experience a carrier-class internet connection for the lowest rates in the industry.

The launch of our 3-Point Guarantee represents our continued commitment to providing the highest level of service to our customers and partners, said Ernest Ortega, CEO of Towerstream. Our focus on speed-to-market, reliability, and price represents the next phase in positioning Towerstream as one of the premier internet service providers in the country.

For more information about Towerstreams 3-Point Guarantee visit:

www.towerstream.com/guarantee

About Towerstream Corporation

Towerstream Corporation (OTCQB:TWER) (www.towerstream.com) is a leading Fixed-Wireless Fiber Alternative Provider delivering high-speed Internet access to businesses. The Company offers broadband services in twelve urban markets including New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay area, Miami, Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Las Vegas-Reno, and the greater Providence area.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws, including, without limitation, anything relating or referring to future financial results and plans for future business development activities, and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified based on current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Consequently, future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
- Sales of MISOKA, Japanese Premium Brand Toothbrush Series, Reach 3.8 Million-Unit Mark -

MINOH, Japan, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yumeshokunin Co., Ltd. has announced its participation in the upcoming Milano Design Week, which takes place in the Italian city on April 4-9, 2017. The theme of the exhibition this year is "aqua spit." Using over 600 pieces of toothbrush, the installation art is gracing a show window on Brera Street.

MISOKA is a Japanese premium-brand toothbrush and its bristles are specially coated with nano-sized minerals developed by the company. Made in craftsman quality, it was selected for "The Wonder 500" in 2015 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as one of Japan's proud local products.

(Photo1: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M101582/201704040628/_prw_PI1fl_J1i698Y8.jpg)

(Photo2: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M101582/201704040628/_prw_PI2fl_sIV6nZKl.jpg)

Location: Via Brera 2a, 20121 Milano, Italy

Date: April 4 - 9, 2017 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

*There will be a party for the press and people concerned on April 6 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the same location.

Product features

- Made in luxuriously high quality by the cooperation of several Japanese manufacturers.

- With a single glass of water, it cleans the teeth and makes the surface smooth. Namely, the MISOKA toothbrush lets you check the presence of residual polish by yourself.

- Examined by the School of Dentistry, Osaka University, and significant decrease observed in plaque deposition, which is the source of caries and which causes a periodontal disease.

MISOKA-ISM, our flagship model, has received five of world-class design awards such as Good Design Awards 2015 and is highly appreciated as the world's most beautiful toothbrush. It's available at a concept shop of Ritz Paris, one of the most luxury hotels in the French city, and Collette and L'eclaireur in Paris as well.

MISOKA website: http://www.yumeshokunin.jp/

Related Links

http://www.yumeshokunin.jp/



SOURCE Yumeshokunin Co., Ltd.
IRVING, TEXAS, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 7-Eleven, Inc., the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry, is pleased to announce it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Sunoco LP. As part of the agreement, 7-Eleven will acquire approximately 1,108 convenience stores located in 18 states.

"This acquisition supports our growth strategy in key geographic areas including Florida, mid-Atlantic states, Northeast states, and Central Texas," said Joe DePinto, President and Chief Executive Officer of 7-Eleven Inc. "It also provides 7-Eleven entry into Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States, and a strong presence in Corpus Christi and across South Texas.

7-Eleven, Inc. has 8,707 stores in the United States and Canada. This acquisition will be one of the largest in 7-Eleven, Inc.'s history, and it will bring 7-Eleven, Inc.'s total number of stores to 9,815 in the U.S. and Canada.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of this year.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.: 7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 62,000 stores in 17 countries, including 10,900 in North America. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards customer loyalty platform on the 7-Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ from expectations and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as prediction of future events. 7-Eleven does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.7-eleven.com


WOOD DALE, Ill., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AAR (NYSE: AIR) today appointed Dylan Wolin, Vice President, Strategy and Acquisitions.

Wolin brings nearly 20 years of experience to AAR, having most recently spent 9 years at Boeing, where he was Director, Corporate Development and responsible for leadership of Boeing's merger and acquisition activities, joint ventures and the company's broader strategic development initiatives. Prior to Boeing, Wolin was Vice President, Investment Banking at Deutche Bank, where he covered the aerospace and defense sector focused on M&A advisory, equity capital issuance and bank and bond financing transactions.

"As we look to strategically grow AAR's portfolio, Dylan's extensive background in mergers and acquisitions in aerospace and defense bolsters our in-house capacity to analyze opportunities," said David P. Storch, Chairman, President and CEO, AAR. "I am pleased to welcome Dylan to AAR's Corporate team."

Wolin holds a Masters of Business Administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Tufts University in Medford, MA.

About AAR

AAR is a global aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 4,500 people in over 20 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial aviation and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR's Aviation Services include inventory management; parts supply; OEM parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and component repair. AAR's Expeditionary Services include airlift operations; mobility systems; and command and control centers in support of military and humanitarian missions. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.

This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled "Risk Factors", included in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company's control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE AAR

Related Links

http://www.aarcorp.com


(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse 121 market data Tables and 63 Figures spread through 169 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Active Protection System Market"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/active-protection-system-market-5804076.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

This growth can be attributed to the increasing incidences of armed conflict, war, and terrorism, which are driving the demand for active protection systems globally.

The land-based segment is expected to lead the active protection system market during the forecast period

Based on platform, the active protection system market was dominated by the land-based segment in 2016, and this dominance is expected to continue till 2022. Developing countries, such as China and India, among others, are building large forces of IFVs and armored vehicles. These countries are investing more in automated technologies and focusing on manufacturing a wide range of offensive fighting vehicles. For instance, India recently signed a contract with Russia for 464 T-90 main battle tanks to help the country significantly enhance its offensive capabilities vis-a-vis China and Pakistan.

Download PDF Brochure @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=5804076

The defense end user segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The active protection system market has been analyzed and segmented on the basis of end user into defense and homeland security. The market was dominated by the defense segment in 2016. This segment's market is also projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, primarily driven by the upgrade and modernization programs, procurement of new military equipment, and an increase in defense budgets of emerging nations.

The U.S. and India are expected to be lucrative markets for active protection system

The U.S. and India are expected to lead the active protection system market in the coming years. The U.S. is estimated to dominate the active protection system market during the forecast period. This rapid growth can be attributed to the increasing research and development activities undertaken in the country for the development of advanced technology-based designs of combat systems. The Indian active protection system market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2016 to 2022. The demand for active protection systems in India is increasing due to the modernization of existing fleets, as well as delivery of these systems for land and naval platforms.

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Major players in the active protection system market include Rheinmetall AG (Germany), Saab AB (Sweden), Raytheon Company (U.S.), Israel Military Industries (Israel), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel), among others.

Browse Related Reports

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http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/armored-vehicle-market-6322755.html

Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market, by Technology (High Energy Laser, High-Power Microwave, Particle Beam), HEL System (Solid State Laser, Chemical Laser, Free Electron Laser, Fiber Laser), Product, End User, Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/directed-energy-weapon-market-19132295.html

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POWELL, Tenn., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Distressed FX is an iOS photo editing app that adds texture and atmosphere to pictures, giving them a dream-like quality. Popular on Instagram, with over 90,000 tagged photos, users have found it simple to turn any photo into a work of art.

Collage of screenshots and example art

With well over a million users, it has reached #1 in the App Store charts in 24 countries, and the #1 Photo and Video app in in 43 countries.



Cheryl, who lives in the countryside in Tennessee along with her many pets (including peacocks and chickens!), is a texture artist who has made a living selling her painterly textures to fellow digital artists. This exploded once she decided to create an app, enabling many more people to create art using only their mobile phone.



A casual online conversation with a friend resulted in a simple-to-use app that people of all ages and genders love to use. Developer Steve Liddell, who lives in the UK, said, "I wanted to keep the app true to Cheryl's artistic vision. It really is her work shining through rather than the technology  and that's what makes it unique in the App Store."



Neither Cheryl nor Steve expected Distressed FX to be as popular as it is and have a good working relationship despite never meeting, only corresponding online.



In the words of Cheryl:

"My business was born out of slight desperation. I moved from the West Coast to the hills of Tennessee. Making such a move was a huge risk for me personally. I had previous graphic design experience and the move into textures was quite simple and felt natural, and going on to create a business selling those textures simply followed."



"Cubicle jobs meant a certain little death for me. I have a hard time with monotony and being strapped down to a desk. Through fine art and, eventually, the app, I was able to have a purpose with a sense of freedom."



"The creation of the Distressed FX app turned out to be the universe handing me a chance to maintain my autonomy, while having a sense of purpose and making a living."



"There is freedom and creativity in the app. You can be sitting in a boring doctor's office and, within seconds, make art: creating painterly images from ordinary photos. I like the idea of leaving our creative footprints in the world, and with the app, it's possible for those of us who don't consider ourselves to be creative, to feel and be creative."



The website distressedfx.com has many more examples of photos produced by users, including a gallery at www.distressedfx.com/usergallery which is regularly updated, and features images that use the hashtag #distressedfx on Instagram.



Distressed FX is available on the Apple iOS App Store here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/distressed-fx/id585702631?ls=1&mt=8

NOTES FOR JOURNALISTS



Press pack of images available here:

Images of Cheryl: https://www.dropbox.com/s/suv6u7lg4madlnc/AboutCheryl.zip?dl=0

Screenshots and sample images:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3kw125rizmpmzw3/Screenshots%26Artwork.zip?dl=0

Demo video without sound: https://www.dropbox.com/s/utvwywndzhbv3oq/DistressedFx_demo.mp4?dl=0

* Free copies of the app are available upon request for review purposes.

PRESS CONTACT DETAILS

Cheryl Tarrant:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 865 978 0557

Skype: justajem



Steve Liddell: [email protected]

Related Files

AboutCheryl.zip

screenshots&artsmall.zip

Related Images

image1.jpg

image2.jpg

image3.png

image4.jpg

Related Links

App Store Link

Website

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjv03lSLy18

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com.

SOURCE Cheryl Tarrant

Related Links

http://www.distressedfx.com


DUBLIN, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN), a leading global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Daphne Karydas will join the Company as Senior Vice President of Global Investor Relations and Strategy, effective April 17, 2017. In this role, Ms. Karydas will lead the Company's engagement with the investment community, and will work with the Company's Executive Leadership Team to develop and execute the Company's long-term business strategy. Ms. Karydas will report to Tessa Hilado, Chief Financial Officer of Allergan.

"I am delighted to name Daphne to this new role and excited to work with her to continue to enhance our relationships with the investment community, while simultaneously focusing on our long-term growth strategy," said Hilado. "Daphne's outstanding reputation and strong relationships across the financial community coupled with her deep healthcare and industry knowledge provides an excellent fit for this newly created role. She will be a vital leader for our organization as Allergan continues to deliver short- and long-term growth for our shareholders."

"Daphne brings to our team a tremendous mix of financial, healthcare and biopharma industry leadership. She also brings an outstanding perspective on industry and macroeconomic trends that provide the fire power necessary to identify and set strategic objectives that enhance our Growth Pharma leadership position," said Brent Saunders, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allergan. "I am excited to work with Daphne as we continue building the most dynamic Company in the biopharmaceutical industry."

Ms. Karydas has more than 16 years of industry experience as a leading institutional investor and financial analyst in the biopharmaceutical sector, most recently at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Previously, she was a healthcare Equity Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager at The Boston Company Asset Management, a Bank of New York Mellon company. Before joining The Boston Company, Ms. Karydas was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs where she worked in the Investment Banking Division as well as Goldman Sachs Asset Management focused on healthcare companies. Earlier in her career, she was a Project Chemical Engineer at Merck & Co. in the Vaccines division where she focused on process development for novel vaccines.

Ms. Karydas holds a B.A. and M.S. in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

About Allergan plc

Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a bold, global pharmaceutical company. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceuticals, devices, surgical and biologic products for patients around the world.

Allergan markets a portfolio of leading brands and best-in-class products for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics and dermatology, gastroenterology, women's health, urology and anti-infective therapeutic categories.

Allergan is an industry leader in Open Science, the Company's R&D model, which defines our approach to identifying and developing game-changing ideas and innovation for better patient care. This approach has led to Allergan building one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry with 70+ mid-to-late stage pipeline programs in development.

Our Company's success is powered by our more than 16,000 global colleagues' commitment to being Bold for Life. Together, we build bridges, power ideas, act fast and drive results for our customers and patients around the world by always doing what is right.

With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives every day.

For more information, visit Allergan's website at www.Allergan.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Allergan's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from Allergan's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Allergan's business. These factors include, among others, the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA approvals or actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and continued demand for Allergan's products; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Allergan's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Allergan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CONTACTS:

Allergan:

Investors:

Karina Calzadilla

(862) 261-7328

Media:

Mark Marmur

(862) 261-7558

SOURCE Allergan plc

Related Links

http://www.allergan.com


VALENCIA, Calif., April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:WAIR), the worlds leading provider of comprehensive supply chain management services to the global aerospace industry, today announced the extension of an agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leading global security company providing systems, products and solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide.



This new, multi-year agreement extends Wescos current contract to provide integrated supply chain services for C-class aerospace hardware in support of the F-35 program for Northrop Grummans Aerospace Systems division.

Under separate agreements with Northrop Grumman, Wesco also provides just-in-time hardware services for the Autonomous Systems and other programs, and supports all Aerospace Systems locations with hardware and electronic products. In addition, Wesco provides comprehensive chemical management services to Northrop Grummans Mission Systems division.

Dave Castagnola, Wesco Aircrafts president and chief executive officer, said, This extended agreement builds on our long-standing relationship with Northrop Grumman and reaffirms the value Wesco brings to its customers. We believe that our ability to deliver a broad portfolio of products and services to top-tier aerospace and defense companies, like Northrop Grumman, positions us well within our markets.

About Wesco Aircraft

Wesco Aircraft is the worlds leading distributor and provider of comprehensive supply chain management services to the global aerospace industry, based on annual sales. The companys services range from traditional distribution to the management of supplier relationships, quality assurance, kitting, just-in-time delivery and point-of-use inventory management. The company believes it offers one of the worlds broadest portfolios of aerospace products, including C-class hardware, chemical and electrical and comprised of more than 565,000 active SKUs.

To learn more about Wesco Aircraft, visit our website at www.wescoair.com. Follow Wesco Aircraft on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/wesco-aircraft-corp.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which relate to future, not past, events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements, which address the company's expected business and financial performance and financial condition, among other matters, contain words such as: believe, provide, will or similar words, phrases or expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the companys control. Therefore, the reader should not place undue reliance on such statements.

Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about expected business outcomes and growth. Although the company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic and industry conditions; conditions in the credit markets; changes in military spending; risks unique to suppliers of equipment and services to the U.S. government; risks associated with the companys long-term, fixed-price agreements that have no guarantee of future sales volumes; risks associated with the loss of significant customers, a material reduction in purchase orders by significant customers or the delay, scaling back or elimination of significant programs on which the company relies; the companys ability to effectively compete in its industry; the companys ability to effectively manage its inventory; the companys suppliers ability to provide it with the products the company sells in a timely manner, in adequate quantities and/or at a reasonable cost; the companys ability to maintain effective information technology systems; risks associated with the companys international operations, including exposure to foreign currency movements; environmental risks; risks related to the handling, transportation and storage of chemical products; risks related to the aerospace industry and the regulation thereof; and other risks and uncertainties.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The reader should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the companys business, including those described in Wesco Aircrafts Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These or other uncertainties may cause the companys actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) announced today that the Company will release its first quarter 2017 financial and operating results on Thursday, May 4, 2017, after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call on Friday, May 5, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review first quarter results, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer period.

Live conference call

Toll free number: (877) 705-6003 (for domestic callers) Direct dial number: (201) 493-6725 (for international callers) Passcode: Not required Simultaneous audio webcast link: www.americanhomes4rent.com, under "For Investors"



Conference call replay

Toll free number: (844) 512-2921 (for domestic callers) Direct dial number: (412) 317-6671 (for international callers) Passcode: 13658809# Webcast link: www.americanhomes4rent.com, under "For Investors" Date accessible through: May 19, 2017

About American Homes 4 Rent

American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) is a leader in the single-family home rental industry and "American Homes 4 Rent" is fast becoming a nationally recognized brand for rental homes, known for high quality, good value and tenant satisfaction. We are an internally managed Maryland real estate investment trust, or REIT, focused on acquiring, renovating, leasing, and operating attractive, single-family homes as rental properties. As of December 31, 2016, we owned 48,422 single-family properties in selected submarkets in 22 states.

Additional information about American Homes 4 Rent is available on our website at www.americanhomes4rent.com.

Contact:

American Homes 4 Rent

Investor Relations

Phone: (855) 794-2447

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE American Homes 4 Rent

Related Links

https://www.americanhomes4rent.com


Nick Paldrmic appointed as President of BMO Wealth Management's ultra-high-net-worth business, CTC l myCFO

BMO Wealth Management builds on its commitment to the ultra-high-net-worth business, fusing a strong leadership team

CHICAGO, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - BMO Wealth Management (U.S) today announced the appointment of Nick Paldrmic as President of BMO Wealth Management's CTC l myCFO, the wealth advisory firm that serves ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, families and family offices in the U.S. Nick Paldrmic is supported by a strong team of professionals with deep expertise serving UHNW clients.

CTC l myCFO has received both domestic and international industry awards including: Best Investment Advice by Family Wealth Report (2015 and 2016), Best Private Client Investment Platform Performance Award (2016) by United Kingdom's Private Asset Managers (PAM) and Barron's Top 25 Wealth Management Firms (2014, 2015 and 2016).

After serving as interim UHNW leader for the past six months, Paldrmic will continue to play a critical role within BMO Wealth Management's senior leadership team overseeing the business strategy and growth for the national UHNW practice. He will help ensure the business' sales strategy, practice management and customer experience efforts are unified to deliver an integrated offering across its national footprint.

Paldrmic previously held the roles of Regional President of Chicago and Senior Managing Director for BMO Private Bank, a part of BMO Wealth Management. He joined the organization in 2010 and is a Chartered Financial Analyst charter-holder and Certified Financial Planner professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Paldrmic earned an MBA from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University with majors in Management and Strategy, Management and Organizations and Marketing, and a BS in Management and Finance from Purdue University in Hammond, Indiana.

"CTC | myCFO is a critical part of our business and will continue to play an important role in our future growth in the U.S. and globally," said Darrel Hackett, President, BMO Wealth Management U.S. "Nick brings a relentless passion for understanding the uniqueness of each of our clients and ensuring that we authentically provide expert advice that is customized to their situation."

Paldrmic is joined on the leadership team by Michael D. Finan, who is appointed Managing Director of Investment Advisory Services. Finan joined the organization in 1998 and brings over 23 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is responsible for overseeing the delivery of integrated investment advice and client service and a series of multi-manager funds' portfolios, which are available to private placement variable life and variable annuity insurance policy holders. Finan is a Chartered Financial Analyst charter-holder and member of the CFA Society of Portland.

Garb Mechigian, Managing Director at CTC | myCFO with a tenure of over 23 years added, "Our CTC | myCFO business has an exceptional bench of professionals ready to provide the necessary guidance for our ultra-high-net-worth clients, strongly supported by the resources and infrastructure of the BMO Wealth Management business as a whole."

Steve Matteucci will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of CTC | myCFO.

For more information about CTC | myCFO, please visit: https://www.ctcmycfo.com/home

About BMO Wealth Management U.S.

BMO Wealth Management U.S. is made up of three businesses catering to the needs of clients of varying degrees of wealth. BMO Private Bank serves high-net worth individuals and families; CTC | myCFO works with ultra-high net worth individuals and families; and BMO Harris Financial Advisors serves the needs of mass affluent individuals and families.

CTC | myCFO is a brand delivering family office services and investment advisory services through CTC myCFO, LLC, an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a Commodity Trading Advisor registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), and a member of the National Futures Association ("NFA"); trust, deposit and loan products and services through BMO Harris Bank N.A., a national bank with trust powers; and trust services through BMO Delaware Trust Company, a Delaware limited purpose trust company. BMO Delaware Trust Company offers trust services only, does not offer depository, financing or other banking products, and is not FDIC insured. Not all products and services are available in every state and/or location. Family Office Services are not fiduciary services and are not subject to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 or the rules promulgated thereunder. Investment products and services: ARE NOT A DEPOSIT  NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY  NOT GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK  MAY LOSE VALUE.

Media Contact:

Emily Penate, Chicago, [email protected], (312) 461-7956

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank
-Manny Corsino joins firm's Miami office to support growth, collaboration

and development with Latin American team -



TORONTO, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Retained executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. (TSX: CWL) today announced that Manny Corsino has joined the firm as a partner in the firm's Miami office.

Mr. Corsino will focus on global companies with interests in Latin America, and will work in concert with the firm's Latin American team to provide seamless solutions to clients with operations in the United States and Latin America.

With more than 15 years of experience in executive recruitment, Mr. Corsino has general regional expertise in Latin America, and has developed strong relationships with a diverse group of clients across several major industries. He has conducted numerous searches for CEOs, presidents, general managers, and sales directors in Latin America, and also participated in cross-border searches for global clients.

"This is a great step forward for Caldwell Partners," said John Wallace, chief executive officer. "We have fantastic reach into Latin America through our partners and offices in Bogota, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Lima, Mexico City, Santiago and Sao Paulo. With Manny now on our team to strengthen our Miami presence and support collaboration and development with our Latin American team, our ability to serve global corporations with interests in Latin America is matchless."

"Manny's industry experience, analytical approach, and thorough understanding of the Latin American marketplace enable him to discern nuances affecting a client's specific situation and recruit culturally compatible, results-oriented leadership," said Nestor D'Angelo, managing partner, Caldwell Partners, Latin America. "His ability to leverage his cultural knowledge with his business acumen to create value and better serve clients is an important skill to have when working with large multi-national organizations to align their human capital capabilities with their strategic objectives."

Prior to joining Caldwell Partners, Manny led the Latin American search practice at Allen Austin. He previously served as the managing director of the Miami and Mexico City offices of DHR International.

Manny was born in the US and raised in Argentina, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in human resources from La Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires. He is fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese, and has the ability to be effective in multiple cultures and business environments.

About Caldwell Partners

Caldwell Partners is a leading international provider of executive search and has been for more than 45 years. As one of the world's most trusted advisors in executive search, the firm has a sterling reputation built on successful searches for boards, chief and senior executives, and selected functional experts. With offices and partners across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, the firm takes pride in delivering an unmatched level of service and expertise to its clients.

The Caldwell Partners' Common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CWL). Please visit our website at www.caldwellpartners.com for further information.

SOURCE The Caldwell Partners International Inc.
CHENGDU, China, March 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 21st, the "Development of Demonstration Area for National Famous Brands Establishment & Regional Brand Evaluation Press Conference 2016" is held in Beijing. Among 160 competing parks and zones, "Chengdu Tianfu Software Park" secure 9th place on Top 100 Most Valuable Chinese Regional Brands, with its brand valued at up to RMB 41,562 Million.

"As an exemplary achievement during innovation-driven development in Chengdu, Tianfu Software Park is on a mission to boost the development of software and information technology industry in the High-tech Zone," He Lei, General Manager of Tianfu Software Park, said at the press conference. Its growing brand value embodies the acceleration of regional economy and the leading roles of brands in the High-tech Zone.

At the press conference, China Quality Certification Centre announced the evaluation results of 160 regional brands. "Chengdu Tianfu Software Park" came in 9th with a brand value of RMB 41,562 million with its unique advantageous industries, innovations and services in addition to prominent leading role, growth potential and vigilance against risks. Five lists such as Top 30 most promising regional brands, Top 10 most valuable service brands and Top 30 most valuable regional brand manufacturers were also revealed the same day. "Chengdu Tianfu Software Park" hits 2nd place on the Top 10 most valuable service brands.

China Quality Certification Centre has been entrusted with the evaluation of Chinese regional brands by the Department of Quality Administration, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China for two years in a row. The evaluation is geared to all society, featuring voluntary participation and free evaluation. The capitalization method of excess return on portfolio is adopted in the evaluation to measure a regional brand is measured in terms of growth potential and future vigilance against risks in addition to its economic index of excess return. At last, the authoritative industrial data and public opinions are introduced to draw the conclusion. At present, it is the most authoritative and influential ranking list of regional brand value.

It is also learned that the average value of 160 regional brands evaluated in 2016, arrives at RMB 9,634 million. As a first-time participant, Chengdu Tianfu Software Park emerged from 160 regional brands from across China to claim 9th place and 2nd place of Top 100 most valuable regional brands and Top 10 most valuable service brands, respectively.

As the state-level science and technology enterprise incubator, state-level makerspace and the demonstration base of national innovative talent training, Chengdu Tianfu Software Park is situated in the south of the High-tech Zone and the core area of Sichuan Pilot Free Trade Zone. The park and its periphery of an area of 10 square kilometers are planned as the international demonstration base of innovation and entrepreneurship.

With more than 10 years of development, Tianfu Software Park bears witness to a strong industrial cluster taking shape in the fields of software, information technology and services, attracting over 1,000 internationally renowned enterprises such as IBM, SAP, EMC, Phillip, MSK, Siemens, Ericsson, Alibaba, Tencent and Manulife Financial. Dozens of these industrial conglomerates are enterprises of Fortune 500, top 10 global software companies, top 100 Chinese software companies and state-planned key software enterprises, in addition to numerous CMMI-certified companies. At present, Tianfu Software Park has become an important carrier to develop the new generation of information technology industry in Chengdu and a core concentration zone for development and innovation of the high-end software and emerging information service industry in Chengdu.

"As a significant base for building international innovation and entrepreneurship center in the High-tech Zone, Tianfu Software Park continues to beef up the brand building and brand-oriented economic development so as to project its brand-based strengths to a broader area and boost the regional economy," He Lei said.

As the first western Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone approved by the State Council, Chengdu High-tech Zone is one of the six pilot parks and areas designated by MOST to build the "world's first-class high-tech zone". Since its approval as one of the first "Demonstration Areas for National Famous Brands Establishment" in September 2013, Chengdu High-tech Zone has deeply integrated quality improvement, standard-related innovation and brand building with industrial development and scientific and technological innovation. In addition, it has continuously deepened the development of National High-tech Industry Standardization Demonstration Zone, Demonstration Area for National Famous Brands Establishment, National Quality and Safety Demonstration Area of Export Electronic Products and National Intellectual Property Demonstration Area with elevating innovation capacities and regional brand value, maintaining its total quality at 1st place in Sichuan for three consecutive years.

In 2016, Chengdu High-tech Zone centers on the development of national independent innovation demonstration zone and aims at building an international innovation and entrepreneurship center. It has gained an industrial value added of RMB 143.65 billion, with GDP per kilometer reaching RMB 1.1 billion, up 8.5%, accounting for 4.4% of Sichuan's economy. With its economic quality and efficiency future upgrading, the total output value of full aperture industry nudges RMB 388.02 billion, climbing to 3rd place in the comprehensive ranking of state-level high-tech zones. Moreover, it is pioneering the advances of industrial development, scientific and technological innovation, government affairs services, brand building and so on.

SOURCE Chengdu Tianfu Software Park
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) will report its first quarter 2017 earnings before the market opens on Thursday, May 4, 2017, followed by a conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET. Stephen P. Joyce, chief executive officer, and Dominic Dragisich, chief financial officer, will discuss the company's performance.

To participate in the conference call, please dial (855) 638-5678 (domestic) or (920) 663-6286 (international). A live webcast will be available at www.choicehotels.com and can be accessed via the Investor Information link.

The call will be recorded and available for replay beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 4, 2017, by calling (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international). The access code is 3091150. In addition, the call will be archived and available on choicehotels.com via the Investor Information Link.

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest lodging companies. With more than 6,500 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of December 31, 2016, 775 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria hotels & suites, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, Quality, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Vacation Rentals by Choice Hotels brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests' needs. With more than 30 million members and counting, our Choice Privileges rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from instant, every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join. All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information.

 2017 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.choicehotels.com


WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb has expanded its global clinical trial liability insurance coverage for institutional research organizations such as hospitals and medical centers, universities and colleges, research institutes, patient/disease advocacy organizations and physician practices, which represent a growing sector of organizations facing risks associated with managing clinical trials. Historically, Chubb has provided clinical trial coverage for institutional research organizations through its Healthcare Industry Practice. As these nontraditional research organizations have expanded, comprehensive standalone clinical trial insurance for their domestic and foreign clinical trials can be secured through Chubb's dedicated Life Sciences Industry Practice, which provides specialized insurance and risk management solutions including products liability coverage exclusively to this industry.

"Traditional life sciences organizations such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device firms are not the only organizations exposed to clinical trial risks. Institutional research organizations are exposed to many of the same risks, including significant product liability claims, as well as problems related to inadequate insurance coverage, all of which can lead to trial delays and costly setbacks," said Stephen Harris, Senior Vice President, Chubb Life Sciences. "At Chubb, we recognize the world of clinical trials is evolving. To continue meeting our customers' needs, we have expanded the availability of our clinical trial products and services to help non-commercial enterprises manage the complex risks that come with trial activities."

Chubb Clinical Trial products and services include:

Coverage limits up to $20M

Worldwide coverage, with locally admitted policies where required

Industry-leading global certificate of insurance issuance capability, minimizing the potential for costly delays

Specialized clinical trial knowledge, underwriting expertise and risk engineering capabilities

Claims coordination through Chubb's worldwide network

For more than 25 years, Chubb has been a leader in offering state-of-the-art property and casualty insurance protection to life sciences companies, and agents and brokers can access the Life Sciences Industry Practice throughout Chubb's 48 North American branches. Visit chubb.com to learn more.

About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at chubb.com.

Chubb Insurance Company of Canada has offices in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver and provides its products and services through licensed insurance brokers across Canada. For additional information, visit: chubb.com/ca.

SOURCE Chubb

Related Links

http://chubb.com


LONDON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

HT2 Labs is the latest company to receive investment from the City & Guilds Group's 2.5 million New Venture Fund, which was set up to support technology-driven companies with the potential to make a significant impact in global skills and workforce development.

HT2 Labs is the research and development company for workplace digital learning. Working alongside businesses and educational institutions such as Xerox, InterContinental Hotels Group and City & Guilds, HT2 Labs' research has led to the development of new products that help make learning more personal, more social and more measurable.

HT2 Labs' products include Learning Locker, the Open Source Learning Record Store, and Curatr, the Social Learning Platform. Driven by big data and large-scale text analytics, these systems combine to create powerful online learning environments that allow organisations to measure the extent of behavioural change seen during learning programmes.

Since raising an initial seed funding round in 2013, HT2 Labs has grown significantly, doubling revenues year-on-year. The New Venture Fund has now taken the lead on HT2 Labs' Series A round, with a commitment to further growth funding in the near future, for a minority equity stake. HT2 Labs will use the funding to bring intelligent informal learning to mainstream corporate use through a new product, Red Panda, and to expand operations in the UK and USA.

The City & Guilds Group has previously worked with HT2 Labs to build the City & Guilds TechBac online platform which combines technical qualifications with a workplace skills programme for 14-19 year olds.

Commenting on the investment, John Yates, New Ventures Director, City & Guilds Group said: 'City & Guilds Group colleagues have been working with Ben and HT2 Labs for some time. We know that the team are highly motivated and share our commitment to supporting learning - we share a common real-life research agenda to create solutions that businesses need to improve the performance of their staff and teams. We're particularly excited to support the development of a powerful, insightful learning analytic engine, and the delivery of informal, social learning to corporate markets. HT2 is nimble; as a company it listens closely to its customers, and responds quickly and intelligently. We're delighted to be able to formalise our collaboration.'

Ben Betts, CEO of HT2 Labs said: 'This is a tremendously exciting time to be working at HT2 Labs. The success and growth of our products has attracted a great deal of investor attention, but it has been with John Yates and his team at the New Venture Fund that we've seen the greatest synergies. Whilst this investment is primarily focused towards accelerating our already rapid growth, we stand to inherit a range of wonderful secondary benefits from working with the City & Guilds Group as it seeks to tackle the skills gap with smart data and technology. We will expand our UK headquarters in Oxford, from 15 to more than 30 people over the next 18 months, whilst also doubling down on our new US office in Boston, which has been a great success for us since opening in January.'

As part of the investment, the City & Guilds Group's Chief Technology Officer, Sven Laux will be joining HT2 Labs Board of Directors. 'We have worked with Sven for a number of years,' commented Ben Betts, 'first benefitting from his advice and guidance as we released our Learning Record Store, Learning Locker, as Open Source Software. To bring Sven on to our Board of Directors not only formalises this arrangement but paves the way for deeper integration between our two companies, especially when it comes to Learning Analytics and Big Data.'

Sven Laux added: 'I am delighted to join the HT2 Labs Board and am looking forward to working with such a dynamic and innovative company. I am particularly excited about exploring the possibilities of the use of data analytics in learning, and advancing the already very well established learning platforms at HT2 Labs.'

Press Resources

Founder's Biography and Picture [link]

HT2 Labs logos [link]

HT2 Labs product screenshots [link]

About HT2 Labs

HT2 Labs is the R&D company for workplace digital learning. Founded by father and son team Alan and Ben Betts , HT2 Labs invests its time and resources developing technologies that help businesses design, develop and deliver better learning experiences for people who want to change their lives through learning. Our products include: Curatr, an award-winning social learning platform that gives HR teams the tools to design, deliver and facilitate Social Learning programmes, making the best of the content and systems they already own. Recognised as the leader in Social Learning Innovation by the 2016 Learning & Performance Institute Awards. Learning Locker, the world's most installed Learning Record Store (LRS); an Open Source database and analytics tool designed specifically for the education and learning sector. Learning Locker is the massive database behind the UK's National Learning Record Warehouse for Universities and Colleges. Businesses use Learning Locker to store, sort and share their learning data on a massive scale. Red Panda is our latest innovation for intelligent, informal learning. Red Panda helps learners to set and meet their learning goals, recommending content and automatically presenting back progress as they learn.

, HT2 Labs invests its time and resources developing technologies that help businesses design, develop and deliver better learning experiences for people who want to change their lives through learning. Our products include: Find out more at ht2labs.com.

About the City & Guilds Group

The City & Guilds Group's purpose is to help people, organisations and economies develop their skills for growth.

Backed by a Royal Charter , the City & Guilds Group has more than 135 years' experience in making sure that people are prepared to contribute to successful businesses and thriving economies.

, the City & Guilds Group has more than 135 years' experience in making sure that people are prepared to contribute to successful businesses and thriving economies. The City & Guilds Group partners with more than 200 companies to develop the skilled workforces that they need, and invests in learning technologies to help people learn whenever and wherever they can.

The City & Guilds Group is made up of City & Guilds, ILM, Kineo, The Oxford Group, Digitalme and e3Learning: City & Guilds develops programmes of vocational learning, learning technology, certification and assessment, to support colleges, training providers and governments. ILM helps individuals, education providers and businesses improve the standards of leadership and management through qualifications and accredited training. ILM awards qualifications to over 95,000 managers across the world every year. Kineo is a global workplace learning company. It offers a fresh approach to elearning management systems and managed learning services. The Oxford Group provides bespoke management training, leadership development and executive coaching to the world's leading companies. Digitalme designs credentials, using open badges, to recognise individuals' skills and talent. It works with employers, training providers and over 2,000 schools across the UK. e3Learning specialises in online workforce management and elearning.

Combined, the City & Guilds Group operates in over 100 countries, through 10,000 training centres, delivering qualifications in 26 different industries.

For more information about the City & Guilds Group visit: http://www.cityandguildsgroup.com

About the New Venture Fund

The 2.5m New Venture Fund provides funding for post-revenue businesses and entrepreneurs in the education and training sector in return for equity stake in the companies.

Recipients also benefit from City & Guilds Group expertise and resources, helping to develop their ideas and propel the growth of their businesses.

Find more information about HT2 Labs, please contact:



Andie Coupland

Marketing Manager, HT2 Labs

T: +44(0)1865-873-862

E: [email protected]



For further information about City & Guilds Group, please contact:

Emily Kerr

PR Executive, City & Guilds Group

T: +44(0)207-294-8076

E: [email protected]



SOURCE HT2 Labs
MONTREAL, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) today recognized 32 of its customers for their sustainability practices that are aligned with the objectives of the CN EcoConnexions program.

The CN EcoConnexions Partnership Program selects companies that pledge to work to reduce their carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency  a central focus of CN's sustainability objectives.

The 32 partners under CN's recognition program are: Alcoa Corporation, Atlantic Container Line, Bunge North America, Bonduelle Canada, Canfor, Cenovus Energy Inc., CMA CGM (America) LLC, COSCO Shipping Lines (North America), Domtar Corporation, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Fairmount Santrol, Ford Motor Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Kruger Products LP, Labatt Breweries of Canada, Loblaws Inc., Maersk Line, MOL, Mondelez International, NYK Line, OOCL, PepsiCo Canada, Resolute Forest Products, Teck, Tembec, Tenaris, UPS, Verso Corporation, Walmart Canada, West Fraser, Weyerhaeuser, and Yang Ming.

"CN is proud to partner with these companies and congratulates each of them on their sustainability efforts," said JJ Ruest, CN executive vice-president and chief marketing officer. "CN in partnership with Tree Canada will plant 100,000 trees in the spring in recognition of its customers' commitment to sustainable business practices."

CN is a true backbone of the economy transporting more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network of approximately 20,000 route-miles spanning Canada and mid-America. CN  Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries  serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information about CN, visit the Company's website at www.cn.ca.

SOURCE CN

Related Links

http://www.cn.ca


"We are delighted to be part of this monumental makeover of one of the country's best shopping and lifestyle centers," said Jack Boys, CEO of Cole Haan. "Los Angeles is our second largest market in the United States and our customers have missed us during the remodel of the center. Our new store concept is a faithful departure from our original store at Century City--both familiar and new. It's going to be a game-changer for the Cole Haan brand in Hollywoodland."

Artisanal Store Features:

Artist Josh Cochran (http://joshcochran.com/) illustrated a custom, hand-drawn mural on the ceiling inspired by the spirit of innovation, which greets customers as they walk throughout the space

(http://joshcochran.com/) illustrated a custom, hand-drawn mural on the ceiling inspired by the spirit of innovation, which greets customers as they walk throughout the space Each room features signature lighting, millwork and fixtures which showcase the elegant finishing touches of black, white, grey, hints of navy, antique brass and hot-rolled steel

A neutral color palette blends traditional and modern design aesthetic with a large scale marble mosaic pattern in the front foyer and herringbone wood floors and paneling throughout

Natural light filters throughout the store, creating an inviting shopping experience

To coincide with the reopening on Saturday, April 8th, Cole Haan will provide custom Sweet E's cookies to shoppers and a complimentary Cole Haan wallet for the first 40 customers to spend $200 or more.

Located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067. Hours of operation are from Monday - Saturday 10:00 am  9:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm  7:00 pm; phone number: 323.617.3868. Visit ColeHaan.com to learn more.

About Cole Haan

Cole Haan LLC, with its Global Headquarters in Greenland, New Hampshire and Creative Center in New York City, is an iconic American lifestyle accessories brand and retailer of premium men's, women's and children's footwear, handbags, leather accessories, outerwear and eyewear. Cole Haan stands for its commitment to craftsmanship, timeless style and design innovation. For more information, visit ColeHaan.com and follow @ColeHaan.

CONTACT: Kimry Blackwelder, [email protected], 212-763-3060

SOURCE Cole Haan

Related Links

http://www.colehaan.com


Web Site: www.CuMtn.com

TSX: CMMC

VANCOUVER, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX: CMMC) (the "Company" or "Copper Mountain") will hold a conference call on Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 at 7:30 am (Pacific Standard Time) for management to discuss the Q1 2017 Financial and Operating Results. Results will be released before the market opens on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.

Conference call and webcast details are as follows:

The conference call and audio webcast will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 7:30 am (Pacific Standard Time) and will be followed by a question-and-answer period with investors.



Live Dial-in information

Toronto and international: 647-427-7450

North America (toll-free): 1-888-231-8191

To participate in the webcast live via your computer go to: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1396431&s=1&k=67F97D9094AA01C7BA6587307E6DA50A



Replay call information

Toronto and international: 416-849-0833 Passcode: 95448533

North America (toll-free): 1-855-859-2056 Passcode: 95448533



The conference call replay will be available from 10:30 am (PST) on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, until 11:59 pm PST on Tuesday, May 9th, 2017.

Participant audio webcast will also be available on the company's website at http://www.cumtn.com

About Copper Mountain Mining Corporation:

Copper Mountain's flagship asset is the Copper Mountain mine located in southern British Columbia near the town of Princeton. The Company has a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation who owns 25% of the mine. The Copper Mountain mine has a large resource of copper that remains open laterally and at depth. This significant exploration potential will be explored over the next few years in order to fully appreciate the property's full development potential. Additional information is available on the Company's web page at www.CuMtn.com.

On behalf of the Board of

COPPER MOUNTAIN MINING CORPORATION

"Rod Shier"

Rodney A. Shier, CA.

Chief Financial Officer



Note: This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents, filed by the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Copper Mountain Mining Corporation

Related Links

http://www.CuMtn.com


FORT COLLINS, Colo., April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MariJ Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,(MariJ) and Canna-Cures Research & Development Center (Canna-Cures) wholly owned subsidiary of Acacia Diversified Holdings, Inc. (Acacia or the Company) (OTCQB:ACCA), an emerging cannabis company focused on the development of new and proprietary medicinal products for patients, USDA certified organic mobile processing and handling solutions for its customers, and technology solutions for the expanding physician market, is pleased to announce it has successfully completed phase one of its USDA certified organic processing for Blue Circle Development and organic farm near Ft. Collins, Colorado. MariJ Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is manufacturing what is believed to be the first USDA certified organic hemp oil made in America, said Richard K. Pertile, the companys President and Chief Executive Officer. We are very excited for our client and their customers who can now purchase USDA certified organic hemp CBD oils, completely solvent free.

The Company was a sponsor at the recent NOCO Hemp Conference, one of the largest gatherings of hemp companies in the world. Now in its fourth year, the expo featured more than 130 exhibitors and more than 60 industry speakers. The expo held an industry-only day on March 31 and opened to the public at the Ranch in Loveland the follow day. Among the many things discussed were new extraction contracts, private labeling, and product development for future customers. The Company premiered its newest product line, Dahlias Botanicals. We are very excited to say that at NOCO, and amongst our peers, WESTWORD, chose our Dahlias Botanicals product line as #2 in the ten hemp businesses they couldnt wait to write home about. We are very happy with that and we will continue to strive to bring top quality products into the market, said Richard K. Pertile, the companys President and Chief Executive Officer.

2. Dahlia's Botanicals

Why not tell your mom about a company run by another mom? Dahlia's Botanicals was founded by Moriah Barnhart, whose daughter Dahlia was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of two. Like many hemp and CBD companies, Dahlia's Botanicals sells endocannabinoid nutraceuticals, but a portion of the proceeds go toward CannaMoms, an organization Barnhart founded that supports other moms advocating for the right to use cannabis to care for their critically ill children. Moriah Barnhart, CEO of CannaMoms, is debuting her new product line Dahlia Botanicals endocannabinoid nutraceuticals and speaking to a large crowd, as a guest speaker at the event.

MariJ is the exclusive organic extraction company and Canna-Cures is the exclusive manufacturer for the Dahlias Botanicals line.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company or its management, identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and probably will, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. Information on the Acacia or MariJ Pharmaceuticals websites does not constitute a part of this release.
NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 3, 2017, Credit Suisse declared a Coupon Amount for the Credit Suisse S&P MLP Index ETN (the "ETN").

ETN Ticker ETN Name Ex-Date Record Date Coupon Payment

Date Coupon

Amount Coupon

Frequency Current

Yield*+ MLPO Credit Suisse S&P

MLP Index ETN 4/11/17 4/13/17 4/21/17 $0.2469 Quarterly 5.78%

* The "Current Yield" equals the current quarterly Coupon Amount, annualized and divided by the Closing Indicative Value of the ETN on March 31, 2017.

+ The Current Yield is not indicative of future quarterly Coupon Amounts, if any, on the ETNs. The quarterly Coupon Amount (if any) is variable and dependent on the most recent distributions of the MLPs included in the index, and such amount does not represent a fixed periodic interest payment. There can be no assurance that the MLPs included in the index will make any distributions in any future period.

Credit Suisse ETNs

Telephone +1 800 320 1225, [email protected]suisse.com

The ETNs may not be suitable for all investors and should be purchased only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of investing in the ETNs. The ETNs are subject to the credit risk of Credit Suisse. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount of your investment at maturity or upon repurchase or sale. Investors will not have any partnership interests or other rights in the MLPs included in the index. Coupon Amounts on the ETNs will vary and could be zero. An investment in the ETNs involves significant risks. For further information regarding risks, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the applicable pricing supplement.

Credit Suisse AG

Credit Suisse AG is one of the world's leading financial services providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as 'Credit Suisse'). As an integrated bank, Credit Suisse offers clients its combined expertise in the areas of private banking, investment banking and asset management. Credit Suisse provides advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as to retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is headquartered in Zurich and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. The group employs approximately 47,170 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse's parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

Credit Suisse has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this press release relates. Before you invest, you should read the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Prospectus Supplement dated May 4, 2015, and the Prospectus dated May 4, 2015 that Credit Suisse has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Credit Suisse and this offering. You may obtain these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or clicking the hyperlinks below:

Pricing Supplement dated June 2, 2016:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1053092/000089109216015288/e70028_424b2.htm

Alternatively, Credit Suisse, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC or any agent or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the applicable pricing supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus if you so request by calling 1-800-320-1225.

This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change.

Copyright  2017, CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Credit Suisse AG

Related Links

http://www.credit-suisse.com


Tom Manning: Lead Director, Dun & Bradstreet, Former Senior Partner, Bain & Company, Current Board Director, Advisor and Lecturer, University of Chicago Law School

Gerry Corcoran: Chairman and CEO, R.J. O'Brien & Associates, LLC, and Chairman, Futures Industry Association

The company is dedicated to leading the cannabis industry's national agenda with solid business strategies and professionalism. By bringing in three executives with experience at the highest levels of business management, the company will further legitimize the category. Co-Founder and CEO, Charles Bachtell says, "We're building out an exciting company within a landscape that is changing rapidly every day. As a CEO, having a strong, seasoned board is exactly the kind of support I'm looking for."

Mr. Manning, Mr. Corcoran and Dr. Walter bring an impressive portfolio of expertise from the world's best companies. They all have proven records of driving and advising companies to reach the top of their industries. "Cresco Labs is strengthened by these new members. We will draw on their expertise to establish operations in the northeast and southwest United States and to execute our international strategic plan," said Brian McCormack, Co-Founder and Board of Directors Vice-Chairman.

Biographies and details regarding the vast background of Mr. Manning, Mr. Corcoran and Dr. Walter can be found in the addendum.

Although Cresco Labs is moving aggressively towards expansion, they continually work to support their home community in Illinois with outreach and educational efforts and to provide relief to Illinois patients.

Cresco Labs is based in Illinois and operates as part of the state's Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. For more information on the company or the state program, please visit www.crescolabs.com.

SOURCE Cresco Labs

Related Links

http://www.crescolabs.com


TEL AVIV, Israel and NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Today, dapulse, a people-centric SaaS tool that improves team management, communication, and productivity, announced it raised $25 million in its Series B round, bringing its total funding to $34.1 million. New York-based private equity and venture capital firm Insight Venture Partners led the round with participation from existing Series A investors Genesis and Entree Capital. The company will use the funding to scale its rapid growth, expand its product offering, and ultimately, impact thousands of new businesses.

Meet dapulse in 60 seconds How teams use dapulse

"As we surpass 10,000 paying companies within three years of launching, partnering with Insight is an exciting next step," said Roy Mann, co-founder and CEO at dapulse. "The positive response to our product from our customers has been overwhelming. With this new strategic partnership, we are further enabled to create the best product we can to ensure we are helping our customers improve how they work together as they conquer their goals."

Launched in 2014 and headquartered in Israel, dapulse provides a fundamentally different way for teams to work together. The product structure is simple and flexible enough to meet the needs of just two people working together, as well as vastly complex workplace operations of thousands, spanning different departments and time zones. The product can be customized to any team's work process and has widespread appeal across many business verticals. Active customers include Adidas, AT&T, Discovery Channel, Samsung, Uber, WeWork, and Wix among over 10,000 others.

The new funding will further dapulse's ambitious growth strategy, which will scale international operations, develop further product integrations, and continue acceleration of vertical-specific customization.

"dapulse is designed to be the first thing our users check upon arriving in the office and the last before they leave, a seamlessly integrated part of their work day," says Eran Zinman, co-founder and CTO of dapulse. "50 percent of our employees work in R&D and 100 percent of our team is focused on providing an outstanding product experience. From our marketing efforts to our customer success team, we always want our users to know we care. Insight immediately recognized this as the essence of our product and we are delighted to have them as our partners as we explore what's next. The best is yet to come!"

"dapulse is emerging as a clear leader in the SaaS project management industry as they bridge the gap between people and technology and are a transformational tool with mass market appeal," said Jeff Horing, Managing Director at Insight Venture Partners. "We are pleased to partner with this exciting business and their leadership team to further accelerate international growth and strengthen product reach."

Read more about dapulse's growth in the company's funding announcement blog post at:

https://blog.dapulse.com/3-things-were-going-to-do-with-the-25-million-we-raised-for-series-b/

About dapulse:

dapulse is a team management tool designed to improve work processes and create an environment of transparency in business. As a web-based SaaS company, dapulse facilitates a more efficient and intuitive way to manage teams and entire operations.

Headquartered in Israel, the tool is fully customizable to suit any business vertical and currently has over 10,000 paying teams around the world from over 125 countries.

Stay in touch at: http://www.dapulse.com, on Twitter: @dapulselabs, or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dapulselabs/

About Insight Venture Partners:

Insight Venture Partners is a leading global venture capital and private equity firm investing in high-growth software and internet-enabled companies that are driving transformative change in their industries.

Founded in 1995, Insight has raised more than $13 billion and invested in more than 250 companies worldwide. Our mission is to find, fund and work successfully with visionary executives providing them with practical, hands-on growth expertise to foster long-term success.

For more information on Insight and all of its investments, visit http://www.Insightpartners.com or follow us on Twitter: @Insightpartners.

PRESS KIT HERE:

www.dapulse.com/press_kit

MEDIA CONTACT:

LEAH WALTERS

+972-52-613-8488

[email protected]

SOURCE dapulse

Related Links

http://www.dapulse.com


SAN DIEGO, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DB Networks, a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence (AI) based database, today announced an integration partnership with Exabeam, a provider of security intelligence and management solutions. The combined solution aims to dramatically reduce the response time of incident investigations that require deep visibility into the database infrastructure.

Photo of DB Networks DBN-6300 Artificial Intelligence based Database Security Appliance

"We've been excited to witness Exabeam mature their UBA technologies into the SIEM category," said Brett Helm, Chairman and CEO of DB Networks. "Exabeam is a new generation of SIEM that together with DB Networks' database UBA and machine learning will enable customers to holistically address threats, including threats in the database infrastructure."

DB Network non-intrusively and without agents collects database UBA through deep protocol analysis. Statistical analysis and machine learning are used to identify anomalies that were previously opaque to the security operations center (SOC). Together with Exabeam's Security Intelligence Platform, Security Analysts now have full-spectrum visibility across their entire IT environment, including into the database infrastructure, and will be notified immediately when users and database applications are beginning misbehave.

"Today's attacks are complex, often spanning multiple dimensions of an IT environment through lateral movement," remarked Nir Polak, CEO of Exabeam networks. "Through the DB Networks and Exabeam partnership, joint customers are able to reap the benefits of market leading behavioral analytics able to identify these attacks no matter where they unfold."

About Exabeam

Exabeam provides security intelligence and management solutions to help organizations of any size protect their most valuable information. The Exabeam Security Intelligence Platform uniquely combines unlimited data collection at a predictable price, machine learning for advanced analytics, and automated incident response into an integrated set of products. The result is the first modern security intelligence solution that delivers where legacy SIEM vendors have failed. Built by seasoned security and enterprise IT veterans from Imperva, ArcSight, and Sumo Logic, Exabeam is headquartered in San Mateo, California.

About DB Networks

DB Networks pioneered Artificial Intelligence based database security. Its customers include the world's largest financial institutions, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and governments. DB Networks agentless technology non-intrusively assesses database infrastructures through deep protocol extraction, machine learning, and behavioral analysis. Customers gain insights by discovering all active databases, identifying tables being accessed, and the specific applications accessing the databases. In addition, analyzing application database access that deviates from the model of normal application behavior immediately identifies compromised credentials and database attacks. DB Networks is a privately held company headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information, call (800) 598-0450 or visit the company's website www.dbnetworks.com.

DB Networks is a registered trademark of DB Networks in the United States and other countries. All other company and product names are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

MEDIA CONTACT

Rita Rheinecker

(800) 598-0450

[email protected]

SOURCE DB Networks

Related Links

http://www.dbnetworks.com


ARLINGTON, Va., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Next week, two DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation's employee-owners, Kevin Ward and Peter David, are set to give oral presentations on their papers at the 2017 SPIE Defense + Security Conference in Anaheim, CA. The conference, held April 9-13th at the Anaheim Convention Center, focuses on sensors, imaging, and optical technologies for security, law enforcement, avionics/aerospace, defense, and military applications.

Human-Machine Interaction to Disambiguate Entities in Unstructured Text and Structured Datasets, written by Kevin Ward, presents an Entity Disambiguation tool, DRADIS, which bridges the gap between human-centric and machine-centric methods to help cut down the time-consuming process of creating network graphs for intelligence analysts. The problem faced by many analysts is that the automated methods for relationship extraction and entity disambiguation typically only produce questionable results with no way for users to vet results, correct mistakes, or influence the algorithm's future results. Kevin will be presenting DRADIS's multi-source dataset extraction solution which gives analysts the ability to validate and correct models; producing a trustworthy system enabling them to better focus their time on producing high quality intelligence products.

A paper by Peter David and Timothy Hawes, Quantity and Unit Extraction for Scientific and Technical Intelligence Analysis, examines automating the process of finding and extracting relevant quantities from a wide range of Scientific and Technical (S&T) documents. Quantitative analysis of large S&T data sets is difficult because information about quantities and their units is contained in unstructured text with ad hoc conventions used to convey their meaning. Even simple tasks like searching for documents discussing radio frequencies in a band of interest is a labor intensive, error-prone process. Peter will be presenting how Natural Language Processing algorithms can address the challenges facing development of a document processing capability that extracts quantities and units from S&T data.

About DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation

DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation is an employee-owned systems engineering company headquartered in Arlington, VA. Founded two decades ago, DECISIVE ANALYTICS' core ideology is to bring together highly motivated individuals to form an organization that provides superior, innovative technical contributions to all endeavors in which it participates. We deliver industry-leading products and services to commercial businesses, the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and a wide range of other government agencies. For more information, please visit www.dac.us.

SOURCE DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation

Related Links

http://www.dac.us


SANDPOINT, Idaho, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kochava (www.kochava.com) announces the Fraud Consolea suite of fraud prevention tools plus a powerful and real-time dynamic Global Fraud Blacklist. It is the most comprehensive fraud detection and abatement suite in the industry, eliminating the most frequent forms of mobile ad fraud.

Fraud has infiltrated the digital landscape as an enormous and elusive crime, siphoning billions of ad spend from marketers. The latest estimates indicate that fraud costs digital marketers $16.4 billion a year, according to audit verification company Adloox. The World Federation of Advertisers recently labeled digital ad fraud a form of organized crime, as reported by Business Insider.

Kochava has long been at the forefront of fighting fraud, monitoring data abnormalities on behalf of customers. The Fraud Console gives customers access to 11 reports plus the real-time Global Fraud Blacklist. Customers can fight fraud using actionable data from the reports and also exclude hundreds of thousands of known fraudulent devices, IP addresses and networks/sites through the Blacklist.

"The world's largest brands trust Kochava for a reason. We always act on the customer's behalf, and protecting their marketing efforts from wasted ad spend is one of our core competencies," said Charles Manning, CEO of Kochava.

"The fraud prevention suite from Kochava has been an integral part of how we optimize campaigns on our client's behalf. Based on fraud indicators, we can quickly shift budget away from known fraudulent publishers to ensure our clients' dollars are being utilized to drive valid users via legitimate traffic sources," said Nate Gasser, VP Emerging Media and Technology at Camelot Communications.

Summary Reports Highlight Fraud by App

The Kochava fraud algorithms cover fraudulent tactics including:

High Click Volume: High click volumes for IP addresses and devices obscure campaign outcomes. These two reports highlight entities with abnormally high click-to-install ratios. High CTIs are indicators of click injections, likely through bots or hijacked devices.

Mean-time-to-install (MTTI) Outliers: MTTI is the average time between the click and install and varies by app and network. When MTTI varies greatlyeither too short or longthis indicates that something is askew. Kochava also reports on time-to-install (TTI) outliers on installs that occur in fewer than 30 seconds after the click.

Geographic click/install delta: Kochava pinpoints significant differences between the location of the click and the install.

Platform mismatches: Ads that are repeatedly served to the wrong platform may be evidence of a bot farm or poorly targeted traffic.

Multi-hash attribution matches: If networks and publishers hash device IDs multiple times, it is an indicator for fraud.

Ad stacking clicks: Multiple ads are layered on top of each other but only a single ad placement is visible. If a user clicks on the visible ad, a click is registered for all the ads in the stack.

Anonymous Installs: Transactions should be transparent; a site taking measures to hide its identity is blacklisted.

Install/purchase receipt verification: Kochava verifies installs and purchases completed from the App Store and blacklists sites with too many unverified installs.

Activate the Global Fraud Blacklist

The Kochava Global Fraud Blacklist is a dynamic list of device IDs, IP addresses and network/site IDs curated from the Kochava customer base. These are entities that have been flagged as repeat offenders of fraudulent activity.

Marketers can choose to implement this Blacklist at the account, app or tracker level. They can select which entity to exclude, or enable all three entities for exclusion from traffic. In addition, marketers can add device IDs, IP addresses and networks/sites to their own account Blacklist directly from their account's Fraud Console.

"The Kochava fraud reports have been invaluable in assessing partners and have even provided the solid evidence necessary to secure significant refunds for bad traffic. Now, with Traffic Verification and the Global Fraud Blacklist, we have two great front-end tools to help avoid the issue altogether," said Kevin Grimes, Ad Operations Manager, DoubleDown Interactive.

The Fraud Console: the solution for digital ad fraud in mobile

In the cat-and-mouse game of digital ad fraud, Kochava remains one step ahead with the Fraud Console, giving customers actionable data to refute unverified and potentially fraudulent traffic from their campaigns. The fraud reports and configurable Blacklist prevent wasteful ad spending and false outcomes. Using the Fraud Console means enabling fraud prevention at scale.

"Essentially, we're providing verification that an ad was displayed as it was intended," Manning said. "There's an enormous amount of time and energy that our customersboth marketers and networksinvest in creating or distributing a brand's product. Digital ad fraud is a parasite that wipes that investment away, and the Fraud Console is the firewall to prevent infiltration."

About Kochava

Kochava (www.kochava.com) offers a unique, holistic and unbiased analytics platform to plan, target, measure and optimize media spend. The Kochava Unified Audience Platform for mobile and connected devices combines potent features and global coverage with thousands of network and publisher integrations, allowing marketers to target audiences and measure campaign performance with precision. Real-time customizable visualizations give users fluid access to a full spectrum of data points, providing robust segmentation capabilities and real-time actionability. Yielding the most powerful tools in the ecosystem, Kochava is chosen by brands across industry verticals to measure the largest and most sophisticated ad campaigns.

Follow Kochava on social media:

Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn

Media Contact:

Jeremy Grimm, Director of Communications and PR

+1-208-946-9944

[email protected]

SOURCE Kochava

Related Links

http://www.kochava.com


Prior to joining DEI, Harper served as president and CFO of Twin-Star International, a leader in the multi-functional home furnishings market, focusing on AV stands with electric fireplaces, wine coolers and speakers. With more than 20 years senior financial management experience, Harper has played many leading roles, including positions as CFO at Scottsdale Insurance, Suntron and Iomega. He also spent 15 years at General Electric in various financial positions. Originally from Northern California, Harper holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University.

"Sound United had a fantastic year in 2016 and our recent acquisition of the D+M Group has positioned us for success on a global scale. Pete joining the Sound United team couldn't be better timed and we're very pleased to welcome him," said Kevin Duffy, CEO and president of Sound United. "Pete's leadership experience in a variety of industries will prove to be an invaluable asset as Sound United continues to expand its influence in the consumer-audio market around the world."

"To join a group like Sound United during such an important period of its evolution is very exciting for me both professionally and personally. The audio industry is undergoing an epoch of change and expansion, and I'm honored to be working with such a seasoned team as we continue to carve out Sound United's footprint as a global leader in the space," said Pete Harper, CFO of Sound United.

For more information on Sound United or its brands, please visit www.soundunited.com.

About Sound United

Sound United is a division of DEI Holdings with an award-winning portfolio of audio brands that deliver industry-leading home theater and personal audio listening experiences for a wide-range of consumers. Each brand provides an expansive array of audio products that includes high-end and custom installation audio, to mid-tier markets that cover loudspeakers, sound bars, AV receivers, wireless multi-room music systems, Bluetooth speakers, amplifiers, turntables and headphones.

Dedicated to artfully reproducing audio for listeners and enthusiasts around the world, Sound United is comprised of Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Polk BOOM, HEOS by Denon, and Boston Acoustics. And each brand offers a unique approach to bringing home theater and music to life. Whether it's through the legendary heritage of Denon, the classic sound of Polk Audio, the premium performance of Definitive Technology, the highly-sought-after amplification of Marantz, the action-inspired form factors of Polk BOOM, the wireless home audio solutions of HEOS, or the accessible performance of Boston Acoustics, Sound United is your sound  so listen.

To learn more about Sound United and its brands, visit www.soundunited.com.

About DEI Holdings

DEI Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the consumer electronics industry. Its Sound United Division is North America's largest designer and marketer of premium audio solutions (sold under the Polk Audio and Definitive Technology brand names). Its Directed Division is the largest North American maker of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems (sold under Viper, Clifford, Python, AutoStart and other brand names). In 2011, DEI Holdings, Inc. was acquired by Charlesbank Capital Partners.

SOURCE Sound United

Related Links

http://www.soundunited.com


"People in Peru and Colombia are facing severe risks in the wake of devastating storms, and Direct Relief is extending support to our capable partner organizations providing frontline care in a still unfolding, complex emergency," said Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe.

Water sources often become compromised after serious flooding, which can lead to a host of health issues. Cholera and other diseases related to poor sanitation pose additional threats to public health. Neglected tropical diseases including trachoma, soil-transmitted pathogens, and various bacterial and parasitic infections also present risks to people in the area.

Bolstered by strong support from corporate partners that include AbbVie, Allergan, Actavis, Baxter, BD, Boehringer Ingelheim, Teva, Pfizer, and Unilever, Direct Relief is sending antibiotics, antivirals, rehydration supplies and hygiene kits. FedEx has provided emergency airlift support.

In Peru, Direct Relief is assisting four partner organizations providing emergency services and conducting medical missions in close coordination with the Peruvian Ministry of Health. Patrulla Area Colombiana (PAC, a Colombian NGO of pilots and medics), Asociacion Paz Peru, Socios en Salud (Partners in Health), and Asociacion Vida Peru have received and distributed $3.9 million of essential medications and supplies totaling 17.5 tons to eight hard-hit regions: Lima, Huarmey, Piura, Pedregal Alto, Simbila, Tumbes, Casma, and Arequipa. Direct Relief also is funding the deployment of 20 medical personnel to Piura to provide medical care and deliver seven tons of medicine and medical supplies.

In Colombia, Direct Relief this week sent an initial air shipment of medical aid to La Orden de Malta Colombiana for emergency health services in Mocoa. Based on additional requests from the Colombian Navy and PAC, Direct Relief is preparing an 18-ton airlift of medical aid for delivery in the coming days.

About Direct Relief

Established in 1948 with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, Direct Relief delivers lifesaving medical resources throughout the world  without regard to politics, religion, ethnic identities, or ability to pay. With operations spanning more than 80 countries and 50 U.S. states, Direct Relief is the only charitable nonprofit to obtain Verified Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD) accreditation by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Among other distinctions, Direct Relief earns a perfect score of 100 from independent evaluator Charity Navigator, has received the CECP Directors' Award, the Drucker Prize for Nonprofit Innovation, the President's Award from Esri for excellence in GIS mapping, and been named among the world's most innovative nonprofits by Fast Company. For more information, please visit https://www.directrelief.org/.

SOURCE Direct Relief

Related Links

http://www.directrelief.org


The "Scot Story" program highlights today's Scotland  the innovators, visionaries and champions of the many industries that make up the country's rich culture and are celebrated around the world. Additionally, the " Scot Story" program will showcase the links in industry, education and culture that Scotland shares with North America.

Scottish experts from various industries will be introduced on Scotland.org/scotstory throughout the campaign, launching today, April 6. These experts will share their versions of modern Scotland and help create #MyScotStory journeys for three U.S. social influencers: Jo Stougaard (@MyLastBite), food and travel writer and influencer; fashion vlogger Lindsey Hughes (@lindseyhughes; @livinlikelindsey); and lifestyle vlogger Mark E. Miller (@markemiller, @marke_miller), to help them explore their heritage and experience the warm welcome, innovative industries and spirit of today's Scotland. Each has different connections and desires for their journey:

Jo Stougaard's family has deep connections to their Scottish roots. Her great-grandmother hails from Clan Maxwell and Jo is excited to explore her ancestral region of Dumfries and Galloway , including Caerlaverock Castle, one of the family seats of the Maxwells'. She will also take inspiration from Scotland's natural larders and tour with top chefs, including Scott Davies of the Three Chimneys and Brian Grigor of Number One  just two of the 13 restaurants in Scotland holding Michelin stars.

family has deep connections to their Scottish roots. Her great-grandmother hails from Clan Maxwell and Jo is excited to explore her ancestral region of , including Caerlaverock Castle, one of the family seats of the Maxwells'. She will also take inspiration from natural larders and tour with top chefs, including of the Three Chimneys and of Number One  just two of the 13 restaurants in holding Michelin stars. Lindsey Hughes has yet to discover her family's Scottish heritage, but is interested in learning more about Scotland's style history  and the fashion brands that have received international fame. She will work with ScotlandsPeople, part of the National Records of Scotland , to trace her family tree. She will also partake in some of the country's top music festivals, headlined by Radiohead, Kasabian, Biffy Clyro, George Ezra and Stormzy.

has yet to discover her family's Scottish heritage, but is interested in learning more about style history  and the fashion brands that have received international fame. She will work with ScotlandsPeople, part of the National Records of , to trace her family tree. She will also partake in some of the country's top music festivals, headlined by Radiohead, Kasabian, Biffy Clyro, and Stormzy. Mark E. Miller's connection to Scotland traces to his college roommate, who was from Scotland and instilled in him an affection for and interest in the country. An avid rock climber and outdoorsman, Mark is excited to explore his "adopted" heritage and experience all the outdoor adventures the rugged landscapes have to offer. He will also be sharing insights with "unicorn" company Skyscanner's social media gurus.

"Even though I've visited Scotland before, said Jo Stougaard (@MyLastBite), "experiencing it through the eyes of some of the country's top chefs and visiting their restaurants and cities  as well as those related to my ancestors - changes my perspective completely and makes everything new and vibrant. I'm really excited to experience my 'Scot Story!'"

As part of "Scot Story," international Scots are invited to visit www.Scotland.org/scotstory and explore their roots and understand the roles their relatives played in making Scotland the diverse and dynamic country it is today.

Additional information, trip itineraries and images will be available at Scotland.org/scotstory and @AboutScotland, #myscotstory. "Scot Story" is a collaboration between the Scottish Government, VisitScotland and ScotlandsPeople.

SOURCE Scotland.org

Related Links

http://www.Scotland.org/scotstory


Kansas City, MO, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the deadline approaching to be considered in a 2018 Accountable Care Organization (ACO), Caravan Health, the market leader in ACOs and value-based payments, will present a one-hour webcast exploring the financial impact of community hospitals participating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).

Impact of Successful ACO Participation on Community Hospital Financial Performance, will feature Lynn Barr, CEO & Founder of Caravan Health, along with a panel of hospital CEOs, as they discuss the substantial revenue increase of community hospitals who participated in the 2016 MSSP. Barr will outline how providers overcame challenges to transform their health care delivery system, resulting in lowered costs and improved primary care.

Our data shows that population health is a great business model for community hospitals, says Ms. Barr. Our most successful ACO was comprised of seven community hospitals who increased their revenue stream by $30 million this past year and reduced costs by 8.4% for Medicare. Many providers are hesitant the MSSP model wont work in their system, however Caravan Healths proven results show hospitals can achieve the financial performance needed to stay independent and sustainable, while protecting community physicians from negative adjustments under MACRA.

Caravan Health, who currently supports 160 community hospitals and 250 practices in 23 Medicare Shared Savings Program ACOs, offers guidance and technical assistance for community hospitals and clinicians who want to transition to value-based reimbursements. Ms. Barr encourages all interested ACO participants to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent through the Caravan Health website at www.caravanhealth.com/apply/ as soon as possible. The deadlines for 2018 participation are rapidly approaching.

The webinar will take place Monday, April 24 at 9 a.m. PT/11 a.m. CT/12 p.m. ET. Participants may register at www.caravanhealth.com/upcoming-events/.

About Caravan Health

Caravan Health helps providers implement population health programs with affordable, end-to-end solutions that achieve outstanding results. More information regarding Caravan Health can be found on our website at www.caravanhealth.com , or email info@caravanhealth.com .

###

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a4d83d16-1639-420d-a99c-60b116db7717
FLINT, Mich., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. (NYSE: DPLO), the nation's largest independent specialty pharmacy, has appointed Former United States Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Dr. Benjamin, the 18th U.S. Surgeon General, will stand for election to the Diplomat board at its 2017 annual meeting. She will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of her predecessor on Dec. 31, 2016. With her appointment, the board will consist of seven directors, five of whom are independent.

Since 2013, Dr. Benjamin has served as the NOLA.com/Times Picayune Endowed Chair in Public Health Sciences at Xavier University of Louisiana. As America's Doctor from July 2009 to 2013, Dr. Benjamin provided the public with the best scientific information available on how to improve individual health and the health of the nation. While surgeon general she oversaw the operational command of 6,500 uniformed public health officers serving around the world to promote and protect the health of the American people. She also served as chair of the National Prevention Council, comprised of 17 cabinet-level federal agencies, and released the first ever National Prevention Strategy. Since founding BayouClinic in 1990, Dr. Benjamin has been recognized by a broad spectrum of organizations and publications on her way to becoming a leader in the worldwide advancement of preventive health care. She is also a member of the Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan boards of directors.

She was the first physician younger than 40 and the first African-American woman elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in 1995. Dr. Benjamin served as the associate dean for Rural Health at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States from 2002 to 2003. In 2002, she became the first African-American female president of a state medical society in the United States when she assumed leadership of the Medical Association State of Alabama.

"Dr. Regina Benjamin is a pioneer in the medical field, and we are excited to welcome her to Diplomat's board of directors," said Phil Hagerman, Diplomat CEO and chairman. "We believe her commitment to making a difference to one patient at a time embodies Diplomat's patient-first approach. Further, her focus on overall wellness initiatives and population health supports Diplomat's broader health care mission as we continue to grow."

Ben Wolin, Diplomat's lead director, added, "By adding Dr. Benjamin, an outstanding health care leader, to our board, we have continued to strengthen the breadth, qualifications, and skills of our directors. I know Dr. Benjamin will make an important and positive impact on our company."

"I admire Diplomat's focus on bringing personalized medication therapies to people with specialized needs through a high-touch service model, and I'm honored to be joining its board," Dr. Benjamin said. "I have devoted my career to ensuring Americans receive the best possible health care, regardless of their financial situation, and find this mission echoed in the very fabric of Diplomat's business culture and leadership. I look forward to building on this foundation with my fellow board members to make a difference in one person at a time."

Dr. Benjamin graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. She received a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. She attended Morehouse School of Medicine and completed her family medicine residency at the Medical Center of Central Georgia.

Dr. Benjamin is a member of the Institute of Medicine. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She was chosen as a Kellogg National Fellow and a Rockefeller Next Generation Leader. In 1998, Dr. Benjamin was the United States recipient of the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights. She received the 2000 National Caring Award and was recognized with the Papal honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice from Pope Benedict XVI. She was honored with a MacArthur Genius Award Fellowship in 2008, and in 2011, Dr. Benjamin received the Chairman's Award during the worldwide broadcast of the 42nd NAACP Image Awards. In 2013, Reader's Digest, ranked her amongst the "100 Most Trusted People in America."

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events or our future financial or operating performance. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's good-faith belief and reasonable judgment based on current information. These statements are qualified by important risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those forecasted or indicated by such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, you should review Diplomat's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including "Risk Factors" in Diplomat's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016 and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as may be required by any applicable laws, Diplomat assumes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date hereof or the earlier date specified herein, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

About Diplomat

Diplomat (NYSE: DPLO) serves patients and physicians in all 50 states. Headquartered in Flint, Michigan, the company focuses on medication management programs for people with complex chronic diseases. Diplomat opened its doors in 1975 as a neighborhood pharmacy with one essential tenet: "Take good care of patients and the rest falls into place." Today, that tradition continuesalways focused on improving patient care and clinical adherence. For more information, visit diplomat.is.

INVESTOR CONTACT

Bob East, Westwicke Partners

443.213.0500 | [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT

Jenny Cretu, Diplomat

810.768.9863 | [email protected]

SOURCE Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.diplomat.is


Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (LNGL) has made progress in the last six months towards Final Investment Decision (FID). Signing binding tolling agreements is key and encouragingly, the company is in discussion with potential partners for over three times the 8mtpa capacity. Importantly, the project retains its (non-binding) offtake agreement with Meridian and a heads of agreement with Vessel Gasification Solutions (VGS). Technically, the project is in good shape, with certainty over costs (until June 2017) and non-FTA approval received, while discussions with Stonepeak over extension of equity funding are advancing and debt funding capacity should be available. We have tweaked our DCF-based valuation for actual cash levels and FX rates, resulting in a broadly unchanged value of US$3.84/ADR (or A$1.26/share).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130417/608168 )



Our valuation is broadly unchanged at US$3.84/ADR (or A$1.26/share), after accounting for actual cash levels in December 2016 (of A$59.9m/US$45.7m). The company should be well funded to pursue its aggressive marketing strategy to get to FID, given that cash burn has been reduced. We note that our valuation has material room to grow as and when the Magnolia project receives binding offtake agreements and reaches FID (we currently risk the project at 60%), while we attribute limited value to Bear Head's contribution currently, despite its larger potential size and advanced permitting.

Click here to view the full report.

All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website

http://www.edisoninvestmentresearch.com

About Edison: Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting.

Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities.

Contact details: Learn more at http://www.edisongroup.com and connect with Edison on:

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/edison-investment-research

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Edison_Inv_Res

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/edisonitv

Google+ https://plus.google.com/105425025202328783163/posts

For more information please contact:

Will Forbes, Edison Investment Research, +44(0)20-3077-5749, [email protected]

SOURCE Edison Investment Research
NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While President Trump and the Republicans in Congress try to figure out another way to thrash Medicaid, a coalition of community groups, labor organizations and community members held a "Town Hall" detailing how this affects Americans, what we can expect, and how to fight against it.

The Coalition to Protect Medicaid, a coalition of 22 community-based organizations coordinated by the Commission on the Public's Health System, outlined winners and losers in the Republicans' plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act. It's clear: the losers would be Americans from coast to coast.

One third of New Yorkers  6.5 million of our people  get their health care through Medicaid  for their doctor or hospital, home care, nursing home care, and more.

Medicaid funds community hospitals, health centers, and other providers that take care of all of us. Millions are in danger of losing their health insurance and access to health care if the proposed legislative Medicaid changes are enacted.

The Congressional proposal, which did not get a vote, would have been extremely harmful to low-income residents, safety-net health care providers, and the economy overall as residents lose their health care coverage and their livelihoods.

Community residents, community-based organizations, labor, and state and city elected officials came together with a common purpose  the need to protect Medicaid, and plan to defeat the Republican proposals for eliminating 'Obamacare', throwing us onto the "mercy" of the insurance industry.

"Medicaid is truly a lifeline for millions of New Yorkers who otherwise cannot afford basic health care," said Public Advocate Letitia James. "There is no question that this federal administration's threats to Medicaid would have devastating implications not just to our most vulnerable populations, but also to our safety-net health care providers. We must continue to fight any attempt to repeal Medicaid or any plan that puts our communities and our City at danger."

"As patient advocates, we stand with many others for the protection of Medicaid funding in New York," said Jill Furillo, RN, Executive Director, New York State Nurses Association. "Millions of patients and families rely upon these funds as their lifeline to essential care. Nurses are staunchly opposed to cuts that have been proposed in recent weeks on the federal level. We believe these efforts undercut the public's health in the most fundamental ways-- maternal care, child care, the elderly, disabled and more."

"It is frankly appalling that the current administration and Congress have embarked on a crusade to significantly roll back Medicaid jeopardizing the healthcare of our most vulnerable communities," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "I commend the efforts of the Coalition to Protect Medicaid for putting together this important forum and, as the Ranking Member of the Senate Health Committee, I vow to continue fighting against any federal Medicaid cuts, while fighting to implement a single payer health delivery system in New York State to ensure health care for all our residents."

"Republicans in Washington failed in their first attempt to gut Medicaid, but they'll be back for another round," said Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. "Medicaid provides health care for one third of New Yorkers, including frail and elderly patients in nursing homes and home care, and funding for essential safety-net healthcare providers. Targeting these individuals and providers is mean- spirited and fiscally irresponsible, and New York must do everything we can as a State to resist Federal attacks on the program."

"In order to give even more tax breaks to the super-wealthy; in order to allow insurance companies to rake-in even more profits, Trump and the Republicans are prepared to jeopardize the health and wellness of people of low and moderate income, communities of color, immigrants and other communities with already limited access to excellent quality health care," said Anthony Feliciano, Director of the Commission on the Public's Health System.

Latisha Gibbs, a community health educator and mother of six children who are covered by Medicaid, also shared her worries about the Medicaid changes and how she will be able to find care in the Bronx where she lives.

"There are already long waits for appointments in basic health care services. How can you make this worse?" said Latisha Gibbs.

"Many people with chronic conditions, especially people living with HIV/AIDS, rely on Medicaid for healthcare," said Charles King, President and CEO, Housing Works. "Governor Cuomo is committed to ending AIDS as an epidemic in New York by the year 2020, but any cut or fundamental change to Medicaid would severely harm that effort. In fact, all of the progress we've made in the last 35 years would be at serious risk."

"At Planned Parenthood of New York City, we see firsthand how important it is that all people are able to access the health care they need," said Joan Malin, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of New York City. "Medicaid is a crucial part of that. More than half of our patients rely on Medicaid for access to health care. The attempts by the current administration to repeal the Affordable Care Act and slash Medicaid would disproportionately hurt low-income women and people of colorpeople who already face other barriers to accessing care. We will not stop fighting for our communities, and will speak out against any attempt to cut people off from health care, no matter what."

"Current efforts to destroy the Medicaid program and undermine the health care safety net are a direct threat to immigrant New Yorkers," said New York Immigration Coalition Executive Director Steven Choi. "As the anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies of the Trump Administration sow fear and anxiety, we especially need to support the systems and providers that serve the most vulnerable New Yorkers. This is our New York."

"Medicaid serves as a lifeline for many New Yorkers  including our clients  to necessary medical care," said Rebecca Novick, Director of the Health Law Unit at The Legal Aid Society. "The proposals currently being floated from the White House and Congress would prove disastrous for low-income individuals, the disabled, elderly, working families and communities of color. We stand shoulder-to- shoulder with our clients and others around the city united against these regressive cuts."

"Of particular importance to us are the so-called 'optional' Medicaid services  prescription drugs, dental services, durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, home care, and rehabilitation services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. New York State would look to cut these services if federal funding for Medicaid is reduced," said Liliete Lopez of Center for Independence of the Disabled New York.

"Medicaid is one of the most important programs for the health of New York's seniors and families. We must ensure that it remains a well-funded and effective program for our most vulnerable populations as well as for the community at large," said Maria Alvarez, Executive Director, NY StateWide Senior Action Council.

The "Town Hall" was sponsored by the Coalition to Protect Medicaid, with co-sponsors including:

Academy of Medical and Public Health Services

African Services Committee

Arab American Family Support Center

Assembly Member Dick Gottfried

Brooklyn Perinatal Network, Inc.

Brooklyn -wide Interagency Council of the Aging

-wide Interagency Council of the Aging Caribbean Women's Health Association

Center for Independence of the Disabled NY

Commission on the Public's Health System

Council Member Corey Johnson

El Centro del Inmigrante

Fort Greene SNAP

Harlem Independent Living Center

Harvest Home Farmers Market

Health People

Housing Works

Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York

The Legal Aid Society

New York Immigration Coalition

New York State Nurses Association

Nurses Association NY Legal Assistance Group

NY StateWide Senior Action Council

Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership CARES

Planned Parenthood NYC

Public Advocate Letitia James

State Senator Gustavo Rivera

State Senator Liz Krueger

South Asian Council for Social Services

SOURCE The Coalition to Protect Medicaid
SINGAPORE, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

eNett international, a leading provider of B2B payment solutions, has added local funding and settlement in Mexican Pesos to its currency suite - one of the broadest in the industry. This means international travel agencies can generate Virtual Account Numbers (VANs) in Pesos and settle locally, saving up to 3% on each transaction compared with traditional payment methods[1].

The Mexican tourist industry is growing twice as fast as the industry average[2], with 2016 seeing a record-breaking 35 million international visitors to Mexico[3]. In line with increasing demand for payments into Mexico, new and existing customers can now pay into an MXN account and make fast, safe and easy payments to Mexican suppliers. Local agents will also be able to lower the cost of international transactions by using VANs to pay any global supplier who accepts MasterCard online.

eNett Managing Director and CEO, Anthony Hynes, said, "Mexico is a fast growing and important market for travel companies across the globe. We support our customers with their international expansion by lowering transaction costs, and local funding and settlement is a huge part of this. It means travel companies can avoid the extra fees and charges that come with traditional payment methods such as bank transfers. Added to the lower fraud risks of using VANs, and greater efficiency through automation, it's little wonder that support for VANs has doubled in the past three years[4]."

An eNett VAN is a unique 16-digit MasterCard number travel agents can use to pay suppliers securely. Providing the only low-cost virtual card solution specifically tailored to the travel industry, VANs solve the challenges of industry pain-points - especially international payments. eNett VANs can be generated in 32 currencies and support transactions in over 100 currencies via a wide range of FX options designed to reduce costs. Offering solutions including local funding and settlement, through to real-time conversion[5] that allows agents to lock-in rates at the time of booking, eNett puts control of the transaction back into the agent's hands. And by eliminating the need to set-up expensive banking arrangements in each jurisdiction, eNett enables agencies to expand their reach without increasing their cost base.

About eNett International

eNett creates awesome payment solutions that benefit our customers, their customers and us.

We're B2B payments game changers. Our products are innovative. Our service is fast. Our customers' transactions are safe. And we're easy to deal with.

We listen to our customers and fix things that should work better. Our lower cost payment solutions provide a better experience and help them grow.

eNett's secure Virtual Account Numbers (VANs) allow travel agencies to generate a unique MasterCard number and pay suppliers from within their booking flow. Our exclusive, long-term partnership with MasterCard provides access to the world's fastest payments processing network and 39.5 million payment locations worldwide wherever MasterCard is accepted online.

We're majority owned by Travelport, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and our VANs are seamlessly integrated into its Travel Commerce Platform.

Further strengthened by our global banking services partner and shareholder Optal, eNett's fast, easy and safe payments solutions are relieving the pain of payments for the global travel industry.

---------------------------

1. eNett analysis of bank fees and charges

2. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 2017.

3. Mexico Tourism Board, Feb 2017 [ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mexico-welcomed-record-breaking-35-million-international-tourists-in-2016-300415091.html ]

4. Phocuswright payments unsettled report Europe 2017

5. Available in select currencies only

SOURCE eNett International
"Our new ice cream board reflects our dual commitment to customers and consumers," said Evergreen Packaging Managing Director of Global Board Sales Chris Johns. "For our customers, this is a product that runs dependably and seamlessly like other forms of polyethylene coated stock and provides an excellent print surface. Consumers can feel good about purchasing products in packaging using this board, because it is fully renewable."

Evergreen Packaging is focused on developing innovative fiber-based products to meet the business goals of customers and sustainability preferences of consumers, and Sentinel Renewable Ice Cream Board is the latest solution for retail food packaging audiences.

"We are very excited to be utilizing the renewable Sentinel product from Evergreen Packaging and look forward to the expansion of our sustainability offerings to our customers," said John Nycklemoe, chief sales officer for Burd and Fletcher. "We believe that the introduction of our Envy Ice Cream container will not only assist with the growing sustainability movement in the frozen dairy market, but also contribute to solidifying consumers brand loyalty by providing more eco-friendly options at shelf."

Evergreen Packaging is also committed to providing products that utilize renewable resources. The company converts trees, a renewable material, into paper and paperboard. Because of its commitment to responsible forestry, Evergreen Packaging sources all its wood fiber responsibly by maintaining three forestry certifications and conducting annual third-party audits. The new ice cream board uses sugarcane-based polyethylene supplied by Braskem. Combining renewable paperboard with a renewable sugarcane-based polyethylene coating offers customers a unique, innovative, fully renewable board option for ice cream packaging.

The Sentinel paper and paperboard line for food products includes SentinelTM Food Service Board and Cupstock, SentinelTM Food Grade Packaging Board, and SentinelTM Flexible Packaging Paper. SentinelTM paper and paperboard products are designed to be used in a wide range of food service and food packaging applications with varying shelf life needs. These products can be converted into a variety of formats including cups, trays, plates, ovenable board, cartons, flexible packaging and box liners, as well as a wide range of other formats.

About Evergreen Packaging

Evergreen Packaging is a global leader in creating fiber-based packaging solutions customized to deliver product freshness and brand distinction. Evergreen Packaging makes and supplies paper and paperboard products globally with manufacturing facilities in the US, Asia, Central America and the Middle East/North Africa. Evergreen Packaging is the number one supplier of liquid packaging board in the world. All of the fiber used in Evergreen Packaging products comes from forests in the US where responsible forestry practices are used and where overall growth exceeds harvest.

About Burd and Fletcher

Founded in 1886, Burd & Fletcher enjoys its 5th generation of continuous family management providing paper based packaging solutions. While steeped in a rich history of consistent management and quality driven focus, Burd & Fletcher maintains a progressive motivation employing the latest manufacturing technologies while developing innovative products which make its customers successful in the marketplace. In developing key, strategic partnerships with organizations like Evergreen Packaging, Burd & Fletcher remains a critical asset in providing exciting, innovative and necessary products to the consumer foods industries.

About Braskem

Braskem is one of the world's leading plastics and chemical companies with 41 industrial plants in Brazil, the United States, Germany and Mexico. Braskem is the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas and the leading producer of biopolymers in the world, creating more environmental-friendly, intelligent and sustainable solutions through chemicals and plastics. Known for innovative solutions such as I'm green Polyethylene made from renewable sugarcane and UTEC, the company's own trademarked Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for high performance applications, Braskem's products and technologies enable the automotive, packaging, healthcare, and construction industries to produce goods that enhance quality of life for people around the world. Braskem America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit www.braskem.com.

SOURCE Evergreen Packaging
PHILADELPHIA, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Angeion Group today announced the addition of Christian J. Clapp, Esq. to its executive leadership team as Vice President of Class Action & Mass Tort Services. With her extensive background in large-scale litigation matters, Ms. Clapp will play a valuable role in consulting with current and prospective Angeion clients to develop and implement pre-settlement and settlement administration solutions. She will work closely with Angeion Group Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Chimicles and Executive Vice President, Notice & Strategy, Steven Weisbrot, Esq.

"Christian's broad range of expertise in complex litigation will enable her to relate first-hand to our clients' administrative and litigation needs, while advancing Angeion's commitment to innovation, accountability, and high-quality service," said Chimicles. "Her background and experience make her an ideal fit for Angeion and we are very pleased to have her join our team."

As a former Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, Ms. Clapp litigated highly publicized consumer protection and antitrust cases. She also worked as an associate attorney in private practice where she focused exclusively on large-scale complex class action litigation in the areas of securities, antitrust, and consumer fraud.

While attending law school, Ms. Clapp externed for the Honorable Judge Paul Magnuson, United States District Court, District of Minnesota, and also worked at the U.S. Department of Justice in the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section. Prior to that, she worked on Capitol Hill for former United States Senator Byron Dorgan, which helped fuel her desire to be an advocate for people via principled approaches.

Ms. Clapp holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota and a JD from the University of Minnesota Law School.

ABOUT ANGEION GROUP

Angeion Group is an industry-leading provider of class action claims administration, legal noticing services including mass mailings of data breach notification letters, bankruptcy administration, mass tort administration, electronic discovery, document review and court reporting. Headquartered in Philadelphia in a state-of-the-art 14,000 square foot processing center, Angeion is operationally-equipped to meet the needs of the largest and most complex cases. Angeion increases efficiency, provides accountability and give counsel and the court peace of mind. Additional information on the company can be found at www.angeiongroup.com.

Media Contact:

Angeion Group

Douglas S. Clauson

Director, Communications

(215) 563-4116

SOURCE Angeion Group

Related Links

http://www.angeiongroup.com


DALLAS, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young is pleased to announce that Chad Holmes, Principal & Chief Technology, Innovation and Strategy Officer for the firm's cybersecurity practice is an honoree of the Dallas Business Journal's 2017 40 Under 40 Awards. This award recognizes Holmes' strong leadership and accomplishments in the cybersecurity field and local Dallas community.

Holmes leads the Ernst & Young LLP cybersecurity practice in cyber innovation, threat intelligence, strategy and alliances. He is responsible for all of the unique cybersecurity offerings developed to address some of the most challenging problems faced by the firm's Fortune 500 clients.

Holmes also developed a new practice-wide operating model and go-to-market strategy for EY cybersecurity, which helped boost the practice's ranking  from 99th place to fourth  in Cybersecurity Ventures' annual report of the world's hottest cybersecurity companies.

"Chad is a skillful, intelligent and innovative leader who constantly thinks about his client's needs and how the industry is changing," said Bob Sydow, EY Americas Cybersecurity Leader. "He is the embodiment of what the 40 Under 40 Awards stand for. His positive energy, strategic vision and commitment to service have made a huge impact on our workplace and the surrounding community."

Outside the office, Holmes started his own nonprofit, the Holmes Research Foundation, which works to leverage technology innovation to help solve childhood medical issues like autism. He is also an adjunct professor on cyber threat intelligence at SMU Cox School of Business, serves as an executive chairman for Cyber Future Foundation and mentors children as a Cub Scout den leader in the Dallas area.

"I'm humbled to be part of this year's 40 Under 40 class and to be recognized alongside so many accomplished professionals," Holmes said. "I am grateful to have the opportunityat the office or in the communityto work with exceptional people and collectively build a better world."

Dallas Business Journal annually honors 40 emerging leaders under the age of 40. Recipients are chosen by an independent panel of business leaders for their professional and community contributions.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US.

SOURCE EY

Related Links

http://www.ey.com


NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Forefront Communications Group, a boutique marketing and PR firm focused on the capital markets and fintech, today announced the addition of Michael Kingsley as a Senior Vice President. Michael joins Forefront with over 20 years' experience in global public relations, journalism and media production.

Michael's public relations background includes time on both the client and agency sides. On the client side, Michael served as Head of Media Relations for Convergex, a global brokerage and trading services firm. His agency experience includes tenures at both Intermarket Communications and Emanate PR, where he developed and implemented media relations strategies for clients across the capital markets spectrum, including Societe Generale, RBC Wealth Management, Eagle Asset Management, Bank of America, Harris Williams & Co., Broadhaven Capital Partners, OptionMetrics and Street Contxt. Michael has focused his public relations career on helping financial services companies tell their stories in compelling ways to attract media attention and new business opportunities for the featured executives and their firms. A former producer at Bloomberg Television and Fox News Channel, Michael broadens Forefront's expertise in broadcast media, and is a seasoned media trainer with C-suite experience.

Commenting on the appointment, Forefront Communications Managing Partner Mark Dowd said: "We're extremely excited to bring Michael aboard at such an exciting time for our firm. Our business has grown considerably over the past year, and he will enable us to expand our offering to existing clients and help address the new business opportunities we're seeing. Michael brings a roster of media connections that is strong because of the valued relationships he has created. Journalists respect his deep industry knowledge and know he is bringing them newsworthy stories when he contacts them."

"Having worked closely with Michael at Convergex, I know firsthand what an asset he will be to Forefront and our clients," said Eric Soderberg, Forefront Communications Managing Partner. "Michael's ability to not only develop and hone a story, but also understand the markets well enough to put it into context will play an essential role in helping our clients get their messages out through the press."

About Forefront Communications

Forefront Communications Group Inc. is a boutique marketing and PR firm focused on the capital markets and fintech. Forefront applies deep industry knowledge, hands-on experience, industry connections and a client-first approach to ensure that its clients get greater results and value than from any other agency. For more information, visit us at www.forefrontcomms.com or contact us directly at [email protected].

SOURCE Forefront Communications Group Inc.

Related Links

http://forefrontcomms.com


VANCOUVER, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Fineqia International Inc. (the "Company" or "Fineqia") (CSE: FNQ) (OTCPink: FNQQF) (Frankfurt: FNQA) today welcomes the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SBT Venture Capital, Andrew Martin, to its board of advisors.

Andrew has been in the 'deal business' for over 30 years. He was a project finance and leverage buyout banker with Chemical Bank, subsequently transitioning to the bank's captive private equity business where he successfully led co-investments in over 20 transactions as well as profitable exits from portfolio companies.

Andrew has since managed a HINWI pledge fund, successfully negotiated and documented a $300m TMT fund with a large pension fund and supra national institution and advised companies on acquisitions/disposals, and raising equity and debt finance. More recently he has advised early stage companies in a range of sectors and was a CFO of Sberbank's Fintech early stage fund - SBT Venture Capital until 2015.

"We are very excited that Andrew is joining our board of advisors," said Fineqia's Chairman Martin Graham. "His wealth of experience in advising companies on raising equity and debt finance will prove invaluable in making our platform a success."

Fineqia's board of advisors and its members are not officers or directors of the company.

About Fineqia International Inc.

Fineqia's business model is to provide an online platform and associated services for the placement of debt and equity securities, initially in the UK. The platform will transparently highlight the risks and objectively outline opportunities involved. For more information, visit www.fineqia.com.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATORY SERVICE PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to complete the Change of Business, failure to obtain sufficient financing, and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Fineqia International Inc.

Related Links

www.fineqia.com


PLANO, Texas, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GENBAND, a leading provider of real-time communications solutions, today announced that it is a Silver-Level sponsor at the 13th Women in the Channel (WiC) Networking Event during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. WiCConnect will be held from 5-8 p.m. on April 10th, in Tradewinds D, E and F at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center in Las Vegas.

WiC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of female channel leaders in technology. Its signature events are a mix of peer networking, motivational remarks, professional development and progress report on WiC's many initiatives.

WiCConnect Vegas 2017's keynote panel, "The United State of Women," spotlights a movement all women can get behind: gender equality. Together, we can raise the value of women in the workplace and leadership. We can empower women with the tools we need to create a culture of equality wherever we work in the tech industry.

Don't miss an all-star panel of women in tech leaders who will offer inspiration and advice for how to cultivate change from the top down and the bottom up inside every tech organization. They include:

WiC Board Member Amy Bailey, vice president of marketing for Telarus

Lisa Miller , senior vice president of sales channels for Level 3 Communications

, senior vice president of sales channels for Level 3 Communications Davida Johnson , managing director, practices and community partnerships, Office of Information Technology at UCLA

, managing director, practices and community partnerships, Office of Information Technology at Dee Dee Lear , technology industry veteran, channel distribution executive and women's advocate.

"Women in the Channel's networking event has become a must-attend for women interested in advancing their telecom and IT careers and businesses, and it would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of sponsors like GENBAND," said WiC President Hilary Gadda, director of the Telepartner program at TelePacific Communications. "Our grassroots organization relies on the support of companies that see the value in our educational, mentoring and community outreach programs aimed at empowering women in the channel."

"I'm delighted that we are once again able to support Women in the Channel's critical mission," said Bita Milanian, GENBAND Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. "I know from my own experience how valuable this community can be, and look forward to an informative and thought-provoking event in Las Vegas next week."

The Women in the Channel Networking Event is open to all women attending the Channel Partner's Evolution Expo & Conference. It is FREE to all WiC members and $20 for non-members.

To register for the event, please click here.

To become a WiC member, please click here.

Companies interested in sponsoring the event can find more information on the WiC website by clicking here.

About Women in the Channel (WiC)

Established in 2010, Women in the Channel is a grassroots organization made up of women who are in leadership, ownership and revenue-generating roles in the alternate sales channel sector of the telecommunications industry. Month after month, these women are responsible for generating sales for their companies and creating wealth for their families. WiC members are wives and mothers and sisters, and a high percentage of us are the main breadwinners in our families. WiC brings together this group because in an industry that is growing, expanding and changing the number of women at such levels is not matching that growth. To learn more and to become a member, please visit www.womeninthechannel.org

About GENBAND

GENBAND is a global leader in real-time communications software solutions for service providers, enterprises, independent software vendors, systems integrators and developers in over 80 countries. Kandy, its award-winning, disruptive real-time communications software development platform, is built from the company's global telecommunications network and security technologies. The platform enables these companies to easily embed a full suite of voice, video, chat, screen-sharing and collaboration capabilities into their existing business, web and mobile applications. The company's Network Modernization, Unified Communications, Mobility and Embedded Communications solutions enable its customers to quickly capitalize on growing market segments and introduce differentiating products, applications and services. GENBAND's market-leading solutions, which are deployable in the network, on premise or through the cloud, help its customers connect people to each other and address the growing demands of today's consumers and businesses for real-time communications wherever they happen to be. GENBAND's award-winning Marketing Advantage Program offers partners free resources, training and campaigns to fuel their success in implementing GENBAND powered services. To learn more visit genband.com.

GENBAND, the GENBAND logo and icon are trademarks of GENBAND.

SOURCE GENBAND

Related Links

http://www.genband.com


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VR Resources Ltd. (TSX.V:VRR) (FSE:5VR) the ("Company"), provides the following update to corporate financial matters:

change of auditors from MNP LLP (the Former Auditors) to Davidson & Company (the Successor Auditors), effective April 6, 2017;

change of fiscal year end from December 31st to March 31st.

The change of auditor and year end will facilitate efficiencies in administration, accounting and production of the annual audited financial statements going forward.

At the request of the Company, the Former Auditors resigned as auditors for the Company effective April 6, 2017, and the board of directors of the Company appointed the Successor Auditor as the Companys auditor effective April 6, 2017, until the close of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.

There were no reservations in the Former Auditors' reports for the two most recently-completed fiscal years or for any period subsequent to the more recently completed period for which an audit report was issued and preceding the date of the Former Auditors resignation. There are no reportable events between the Company and the Former Auditors. The board of directors has also resolved to change the Company's fiscal year end from December 31st to March 31st effective immediately.

The Notice of Change of Auditors, together with the letter from the Former Auditors and the letter from the Successor Auditors have been reviewed by the Companys audit committee and board of directors and will be filed on SEDAR accordingly.

For details regarding the length and ending dates of the financial periods, including the comparative periods, of the interim and annual financial statements to be filed for the Company's transition year and its new financial year, reference is made to the Notice of Change of Fiscal Year End filed by the Company on SEDAR pursuant to National Instrument 51-102.

About VR Resources

VR Resources Ltd. (VR) is a new listing in the junior exploration space (TSX.V:VRR). Its niche is early-stage exploration and discovery, and its focus is copper in the western United States. VR is the continuance of 4 years of active exploration in Nevada by a Vancouver-based private exploration company, and is well financed for a two year exploration strategy already in-place, including first-pass drilling of its core asset and QT for the listing process; a property with two years and some $600,000 in exploration under its belt. VR owns its exploration assets outright, and will evaluate new opportunities on an ongoing basis, whether by staking or acquisition. The diverse experience and proven track record of its Board is the foundation of VR.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Michael Gunning

________________________

Michael Gunning, PhD, PGeo

President & CEO

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

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. 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. Forward looking statements in this release include but are not limited to references to a two-year exploration strategy; first-pass drilling of its core asset and the acquisition of new assets. Although the Company believes that the use of such statements is reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Companys public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials.

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
Highly regarded industry leader becomes Principal, will help expand firm's capital markets and debt platform in Florida

MIAMI, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Pike Rowley, Avison Young Principal and Managing Director of the company's Florida region, announced today that highly regarded capital markets specialist George Vail has joined the firm in Miami.

Effective immediately, Vail becomes a Principal of Avison Young and will help expand the firm's capital markets and debt platform throughout Florida. He will also further the growth of the company's regional joint-venture and structured finance platforms. He was most recently Managing Director of Ackman-Ziff in Miami.

"We are very fortunate to have George join us here in Florida to lead the growth of our debt-and-equity finance business line for the entire state," comments Rowley. "George is a highly regarded commercial real estate industry leader. He comes to us with great credentials and a long, distinguished track record of delivering thoughtful and creative investment banking strategies and solutions to private and institutional property investors. His extensive experience in financing large investment transactions and selling a vast array of asset types will be highly beneficial as we expand our capital markets and debt, joint-venture and structured finance platforms in Florida."

Rowley continues: "George's management and recruiting experience, comprehensive real estate market knowledge, and collaborative approach to every transaction make him an ideal fit for Avison Young's Principal-led culture. Furthermore, his presence will enable us to recruit top real estate professionals who seek to specialize in capital markets and other investment property transactions. We all look forward to working with him."

Vail brings more than 20 years of commercial real estate investment sales, financing and management experience to Avison Young. During his career, he has co-ordinated more than $4 billion in commercial real estate transactions, which have included investment sales as well as debt, equity, senior and mezzanine financing. The deals have also included performing and non-performing loans, apartment communities, office buildings, retail centers, hotels, industrial complexes and development land sites.

Prior to joining Ackman-Ziff in 2012, Vail spent six years as a Managing Director at Holliday Fenoglio Fowler in Miami, where he focused on the sale of apartment communities, land, non-performing notes and bulk condominium assets, as well as the solicitation and execution of other investment sales, throughout Florida. Before moving to Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, he was an associate vice-president from 2004 to 2006 at DTZ Rockwood, a real estate investment banking firm in Miami where he was responsible for the execution of more than $2 billion in investment sales transactions, including apartment, retail and office properties. Prior to joining DTZ Rockwood, Vail was a member of Cushman and Wakefield's capital markets group in Miami, participating in the execution of more than $800 million worth of retail investment sales transactions.

"We are very excited to have George join our team to handle our clients' financing and equity needs," states Michael Fay, Co-Managing Director of Avison Young's Miami office. "George's extensive experience, knowledge and creativity in these fields will be of tremendous value not only to our team here at Avison Young, but also to all of our clients and business partners."

Vail holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, markets and management from Duke University.

"I am thrilled to be joining Avison Young and leveraging its expansive domestic and international full-service platform, which will enable me to provide even more opportunities and real estate services to my clients," says Vail. "I was drawn to Avison Young's collaborative and sharing culture, which puts clients' interests first, and look forward to helping grow the firm's debt-and-equity platform in Florida. I am also excited to be reuniting with former colleagues, including Michael Fay, whom I've known for many years, and collaborating with my new colleagues in Florida and across the U.S., as well as in Canada, Mexico and Europe."

Avison Young is the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Avison Young is a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals. Founded in 1978, the company comprises 2,400 real estate professionals in 79 offices, providing value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, retail, industrial, multi-family and hospitality properties.

For further information/comment/photos:

Sherry Quan , Principal, Global Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young: 604.647.5098; mobile: 604.726.0959





, Principal, Global Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young: mobile: Pike Rowley , Principal and Managing Director, Florida , Avison Young: 954.938.1807





, Principal and Managing Director, , Avison Young: Michael Fay , Principal and Managing Director, Miami , Avison Young: 305.447.7842





, Principal and Managing Director, , Avison Young: George Vail , Principal, Avison Young: 305.447.7869





, Principal, Avison Young: Donna Abood , Principal and Managing Director, Miami , Avison Young: 305.447.7857





, Principal and Managing Director, , Avison Young: Earl Webb , President, U.S. Operations, Avison Young: 312.957.7610





, President, U.S. Operations, Avison Young: Mark Rose , Chair and CEO, Avison Young: 416.673.4028

www.avisonyoung.com

Avison Young was a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies program in 2011 and requalified in 2017 to maintain its status as a Best Managed Gold Standard company

Follow Avison Young on Twitter:

For industry news, press releases and market reports: www.twitter.com/avisonyoung

For Avison Young listings and deals: www.twitter.com/AYListingsDeals

Follow Avison Young Bloggers: http://blog.avisonyoung.com

Follow Avison Young on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/avison-young-commercial-real-estate

Follow Avison Young on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/AvisonYoungRE

Follow Avison Young on Instagram: www.instagram.com/avison_young_global

Editors/Reporters

 Please click on link to view and download photo of George Vail:

http://www.avisonyoung.com/sites/default/files/content-files/Media_Room/Temp/GeorgeVail.jpg

SOURCE Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (BC)

Related Links

www.avisonyoung.com


"Launching in Hoboken, Jersey City and Weehawken, all of which have long been known for their push towards becoming tech-enabled, smart cities, was a natural next step for us as we strive to empower people everywhere to live car free through technology," said Jessica Scorpio, Getaround Founder and Chief Marketing Officer. "In becoming a part of the Northern New Jersey transportation network, not only are we able to provide locals with cars when they need them, but we also provide Manhattanites looking to get out of the city with more options to do so."

Getaround is the only company to make car-sharing safe, keyless and seamless through the Getaround mobile app and Getaround Connect. This award-winning, proprietary technology, combines GPS, Bluetooth LE and keyless remote technology allowing renters to unlock the car from their mobile phones and eliminating the need for owners to provide keys to the renter in-person.

"With more than half of Hoboken residents commuting to work by public transportation, many only use their cars on weekends while others want to live car-free and avoid the cost and hassle of car ownership," said Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. "Peer-to-peer car-sharing, like Getaround, is an innovative mobility option that meets the needs of both groups and can help to take cars off the road and reduce pollution and traffic."

Dozens of cars in Hoboken, Jersey City and Weehawken are already listed on Getaround and can be discovered and booked through the website and mobile app today. Car owners have the potential to earn hundreds of dollars per month funding their car payment, groceries or next vacation. Getaround handles background and license checks and provides insurance to ensure both owner and renter have peace of mind.

"The biggest benefit of Getaround is that I can earn money without having to disrupt my schedule to deliver or pick-up my keys and car," said Phil Mazo, Getaround user and Hoboken resident. "The innovative use of technology not only allows renters to unlock my car through the mobile app, but has saved me time and energy."

Since launching Getaround in 2011, car owners across the country have made significant money by sharing their cars on the platform. Read more stories about those owners on the Getaround blog.

For those who don't own cars and want to rent one by the hour, they can open the mobile app or head to www.getaround.com to find and book a car nearby.

In addition to creating economic opportunity for car owners in Northern New Jersey, Getaround will be creating local jobs as the company looks to open a New Jersey office and hire around 10 people within the next several months. Getaround is currently seeking a City Manager, Operations Manager, and Community Manager.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Getaround is available to owners and renters in San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, Washington D.C., and now the Tri-State New Jersey and New York areas. With its mission to maximize the cars that already exist and ultimately take cars off the road, the company plans to continue expansion to several new markets in 2017. The Tri-State area is the first new market to be launched this year.

To learn more, list your car, or rent a car nearby, head to www.getaround.com, or download the iPhone or Android mobile app.

About Getaround

Getaround empowers people to safely share cars by the hour and day. Combining Getaround Connect, our patented connected car technology, with auto insurance, Getaround creates a seamless and fun sharing experience. Getaround members can conveniently rent nearby cars and save money on auto payments, insurance and maintenance. Owners share cars ranging from a smartcar to a Tesla earning thousands in extra income each year to offset the high cost of car ownership, while making a positive impact on the environment. For more information visit Getaround.com, download our iPhone or Android app, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE Getaround

Related Links

http://www.getaround.com


DUBLIN, April 06, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --



Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Automotive Air Filters market - By Type, Filter Media, Vehicle Type, Market, Regions - Market Size, Demand Forecasts, Industry Trends and Updates (2015-2022)" report to their offering.

The automotive air filter market was 4.17 billion USD in 2015 and is estimated to reach USD 7.2 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 8.1% for the forecasted period.

Asia Pacific was the dominant region in 2015 accounting for 48% of the revenue share. Cabin air filter market was the leading product segment and accounted for more than 50% of the total revenue share in 2014.

US automotive air filter industry is anticipated to grow by 8% till 2022. Asia Pacific (particularly Indonesia, India and China) is expected to continue as the dominant region in this industry.

The major drivers of this industry are the increase in demand for automobiles (cars and two wheelers) particularly in BRICS countries and the increase in health concerns combined with growing pollution which has increased the demand for air filters. The introduction of electric vehicles which do not need air filters are a major threat to this industry. The prices of raw materials like paper, fiberglass, fabrics also affects the profitability.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Research Methodology

2. Market Overview

3. Market Dynamics

4. Global Automotive Air Filters market Segmentation, Forecasts and Trends - by Revenue

5. By Type



Intake

Cabin

6. By Filter Media



Intake-Cellulose

Intake-Synthetic

Cabin-Particle

Cabin-Activated Carbon

7. By Vehicle Type



Passenger Car

LCV

HCV

Off-Highway

by Market

OE

Aftermarket

8. By Region

9. Vendor Market Share Analysis

10. Company Profiles



Donaldson Company Inc.

Cummins Inc.

Parker Hannifin Corp.

Clarcor Inc.

Sogefi S.p.A

Mann+Hummel Gmbh

K&N Engineering Inc.

Robert Bosch GmbH

Purofil Auto ( India ) Pvt Ltd

) Pvt Ltd Toyota Boshoku Corporation

Valeo SA

Metsurama Filtration

Ahlstrom Corporation

Viking Filters

Mahle Gmbh

Roki Co., Ltd.

Neenah Paper Inc.

Denso Corporation

Dongguan Lvmeng Industrial Co Ltd

Fram/UCI

ACDelco Inc.

Donaldson Company Inc.

ALCO filters

Freudenberg & Co. Kg.

Hengst SE & Co. KG

Lydall Inc.

Hollingsworth & Vose Co. Inc.



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/cjcpck/global_automotive

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


JOHANNESBURG, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Gold Fields Limited (Gold Fields) (JSE, NYSE: GFI) advises that it filed its Form 20-F Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2016 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday. The document can be accessed on the Gold Fields website at www.goldfields.com.

Gold Fields shareholders (including holders of Gold Fields American Depositary Receipts) may also receive hard copies of the Form 20-F Annual Report upon request. For a copy of the report, please contact Francie Whitley: +27 11 562 9712 or [email protected].

Notes to editors

About Gold Fields

Gold Fields Limited is a globally diversified producer of gold with eight operating mines in Australia, Ghana, Peru and South Africa with attributable annual gold-equivalent production of approximately 2.2 million ounces. It has attributable gold Mineral Reserves of around 48 million ounces and gold Mineral Resources of around 101 million ounces. Attributable copper Mineral Reserves total 454 million pounds and Mineral Resources 5,813 million pounds. Gold Fields has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Limited, with secondary listings on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Swiss Exchange (SWX).

Sponsor: J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Enquiries



Investors

Avishkar Nagaser

Tel: +27-11-562-9775

Mobile: +27-82-312-8692

Email: [email protected]



Thomas Mengel

Tel: +27-11-562-9849

Mobile: +27-72-493-5170

Email: [email protected]



Media

Sven Lunsche

Tel: +27-11-562-9763

Mobile: +27-83-260-9279

Email: [email protected]



SOURCE Gold Fields Limited, South Africa
MIAMI, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and Miami International Airport celebrated Global Meetings Industry Day by welcoming WOW air's inaugural flight from Reykjavik, Iceland marking the twenty-third European city with direct, non-stop service from Miami. The inaugural flight included a business and press delegation which will embark on several meetings with the Miami business community. GMCVB Executive VP Rolando Aedo, WOW Air Founder and CEO Skuli Mogensen, and the Chief of Staff at Miami International Airport, Joe Napoli, pose at a press conference at the Grand Beach Hotel Miami Beach. WOW air, the first low-cost transatlantic airline, will fly from Miami to Reykjavik three days a week with connecting flights to major European cities including London, Berlin, Copenhagen and Paris. International business and meetings industry eyes are all on Miami this year as the 2018 opening of the Miami Beach Convention Center approaches. The $600-million investment for the Miami Beach Convention Center is part of Miami and the Beaches meetings and conventions renaissance as the destination embarks on a series of new infrastructure enhancements. The Miami Beach Convention Center is the anchor to Greater Miami's meetings and conventions industry, which generates an economic impact of nearly $2 billion to the destination. To learn more about the future Miami Beach Convention Center and Miami Meetings visit: www.MiamiMeetings.com.

Greater Miami and The Beaches Marks Global Meetings Industry Day

SOURCE Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Related Links

http://www.miamimeetings.com


BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bradley Schram, shareholder and president of Hertz Schram PC, a Bloomfield Hills-based law firm, announced the firm obtained a landmark settlement of more than $39 million on behalf of disabled retirees of the Carpenters Pension Trust Fund  Detroit and Vicinity Pension Plan (Plan). The settlement recovers more than $15 million in back benefits and more than $24 million (in today's dollars) in future benefits.

"We are pleased to have represented participants of the Plan who suffered financial hardship due to the cut in their benefits," said Schram. "Our pension lawyers are vigilant in their efforts to secure better remedies for pension plan participants who have suffered a monetary loss because of a violation of the pension laws."

The Plan, a multiemployer pension plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), dramatically reduced the class members' Disability Retirement Benefits (DRB) by an average of more than 61 percent and threatened total elimination of their DRB.

The 324 plaintiffs, most of whom reside in the Detroit area, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, averring that an August 2013 plan amendment that reduced their DRB was unlawful under both the Plan's terms and the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

"This was an egregious breach of stewardship by the trustees of the Plan," said Eva Cantarella, the lead plaintiffs' attorney from Hertz Schram. "This ruling is significant not only because it restores benefits to these disabled retirees, but also in its potential impact to protect the benefits of disabled retirees nationwide."

After a Fairness Hearing in which Class members and Hertz Schram attorneys Cantarella and Robert Geller testified, Honorable Judge Laurie Michelson granted approval of the settlement. Distributions to Class members commenced March 23.

Hertz Schram PC has represented pension plan participants in 14 class actions nationwide, establishing itself as one of the leading pension law firms in the United States. In the past 15 years, Hertz Schram's pension lawyers -- Cantarella, Geller and Schram -- have recovered more than $120 million in pension benefits for more than 20,000 pension plan participants and their beneficiaries. For more information visit www.hertzschram.com.

SOURCE Hertz Schram

Related Links

http://www.hertzschram.com


THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) will hold a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2017 financial results on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. ET. First quarter 2017 results will be released to the public at approximately 6:00 a.m. ET that day via PR Newswire.

Call-in numbers for the conference call: U.S. participants (888) 679 - 8033 International participants (617) 213 - 4846 Passcode 549 608 51#

In order to facilitate the registration process, you may use the following link to pre-register for the conference call. Callers who pre-register will be given a unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. You may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time. To pre-register, please go to: https://www.theconferencingservice.com/prereg/key.process?key=PYK3Y9X8X.

Investor Relations Update

Ivan Marcuse joins Huntsman Corporation as Vice President, Investor Relations. As previously announced Kurt Ogden was named Venator Materials Corporation's Senior Vice President and CFO. Most recently Ivan Marcuse was a senior equity analyst for KeyBanc Capital Markets covering the specialty chemical sector.

Webcast Information

The conference call will be available via webcast and can be accessed from the company's website at ir.huntsman.com.

Replay Information

The conference call will be available for replay beginning April 26, 2017 and ending May 3, 2017.

Call-in numbers for the replay: U.S. participants (888) 286 - 8010 International participants (617) 801 - 6888 Replay code 29385180

About Huntsman:

Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals with 2016 revenues of approximately $10 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 100 manufacturing and R&D facilities in approximately 30 countries and employ approximately 15,000 associates within our 5 distinct business divisions including the Pigments and Additives division that we intend to spin-off as Venator Materials Corporation. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.

Social Media:

Twitter: twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman

Forward-Looking Statements:

Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting, the spin-off of Venator Materials Corporation, the ability to implement cost reductions and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

SOURCE Huntsman Corporation

Related Links

http://www.huntsman.com


Of more than 2,600 participants in the Hyperloop One Global Challenge, 11 teams presented routes, linking 35 cities and covering more than 2,800 miles. They join 24 other teams from around the globe, each vying to be among 12 finalists. Three eventual winners will work closely with Hyperloop One engineering and business development teams to explore project development and financing.

"Hyperloop One is the only company in the world building an operational commercial Hyperloop system," said Rob Lloyd, chief executive officer of Hyperloop One. "This disruptive technology  conceived, developed and built in the U.S.  will move passengers and cargo faster, cleaner and more efficiently. It will transform transportation as we know it and create a more connected world."

Lloyd said that by year's end the company will have a team of 500 engineers, fabricators, scientists and other employees dedicated to bringing the technology to life. Hyperloop One, he said, will enable broad benefits across communities and markets, support sustainable manufacturing and supply chains, ease strain on existing infrastructure and improve the way millions live and work.

With Hyperloop One, passengers and cargo are loaded into a pod, and accelerate gradually via electric propulsion through a low-pressure tube. The pod quickly lifts above the track using magnetic levitation and glides at airline speeds for long distances due to ultra-low aerodynamic drag. This week, the company finalized the tube installation on its 1640-foot-long DevLoop, located in the desert outside of Las Vegas; the facility serves as an outdoor lab for its proprietary levitation, propulsion, vacuum and control technologies.

"The U.S. has always been a global innovation vanguard  driving advancements in computing, communication and media to rail, automobiles and aeronautics," said Shervin Pishevar, executive chairman of Hyperloop One. "Now, with Hyperloop One, we are on the brink of the first great breakthrough in transportation technology of the 21st century, eliminating the barriers of time and distance and unlocking vast economic opportunities."

"Hyperloop One is the American Dream, and it's fast becoming an American reality," Pishevar said.

The Hyperloop One Global Challenge

The Hyperloop One Global Challenge kicked off in May 2016 as an open call to individuals, universities, companies and governments to develop comprehensive proposals for deploying Hyperloop One's transport technology in their region. Five of the proposals  including those from Texas, Florida, Colorado, Nevada and Missouri  involve officials from their state Departments of Transportation.

Proposed routes that would greatly reduce passenger and cargo transport times across some of the country's most heavily trafficked regions including Los Angeles-San Diego, Miami-Orlando and Seattle-Portland. The longest distance proposal, Cheyenne-Houston, would run 1,152 miles across four states, reducing to 1 hour and 45 minutes a journey that currently takes 17 hours by car or truck.

Hyperloop One's panel of experts in transportation, technology, economics and innovation are considering the following route proposals:

ROUTE NAME PROPOSING TEAM ROUTE LENGTH Boston-Somerset-Providence Hyperloop Massachusetts 64 mi Cheyenne-Houston Rocky Mountain Hyperloop Consortium 1152 mi Chicago-Columbus-Pittsburgh Hyperloop Midwest 488 mi Colorado Front Range/ Mtn. Network Rocky Mountain Hyperloop 360 mi Colorado Front Range Colorado Hyperloop 242 mi Kansas City-St. Louis Hyperloop Missouri 240 mi Los Angeles-San Diego Hyperloop West 121 mi Miami-Orlando Hyperloop Florida 257 mi Reno-Las Vegas Hyperloop Nevada 454 mi Seattle-Portland PNW Hyperloop 173 mi Texas Triangle Hyperloop Texas 640 mi

The global challenge expert panel comprises: Peter Diamandis, Founder and Executive Chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation; Bassam Mansour, International Railway Industry Advisor and Director of Rail Systems at HSS Engineers; Clive Burrows, Group Engineering Director for FirstGroup; Ulla Tapaninen, Senior Specialist in Economic Development for the City of Helsinki and adjunct professor at University of Turku.

Vision for America Conference

In addition to new details on the U.S. routes, the D.C. event featured a roundtable of speakers discussing the future of transportation that included former Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx; KPMG Head of Infrastructure Andy Garbutt; MIT Professor Alan Berger; Vice President of Corporate Communications and Government Affairs of Amtrak, Caroline Decker; and former BNSF Railway Vice President of Network Strategy Dean Wise. Keynote remarks were delivered by Tyler Duvall, partner at McKinsey & Co. and former Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy at the US Dept. of Transportation.

"The U.S. is challenged to meet the growing demands on our transportation infrastructure, with congestion costing the economy more than $160 billion per year due to wasted time and fuel," said Tyler Duvall, a partner at McKinsey & Company. "However, new technologies are poised to drive efficiency, increase capacity, and help spur social and economic growth. To seize this opportunity, the approach to infrastructure planning must keep pace by integrating new technologies and taking long-term views of what mobility will look like in the future."

For more information on Hyperloop One, please visit www.hyperloop-one.com.

About Hyperloop One

Hyperloop One is reinventing transportation by developing the world's first Hyperloop, an integrated structure to move passengers and cargo between two points immediately, safely, efficiently and sustainably. Our team has the world's leading experts in engineering, technology and transport project delivery, working in tandem with global partners and investors to make Hyperloop a reality, now. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company is led by CEO Rob Lloyd and co-founded by Executive Chairman Shervin Pishevar and President of Engineering Josh Giegel. For more information, please visit www.hyperloop-one.com.

SOURCE Hyperloop One

Related Links

http://www.hyperloop-one.com


APARTADO, Colombia, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- QED Connect announces it has received final approval from the governacion of Cundinamarca to begin its first pilot project. Kate Bahnsen, CEO, states, "We are thrilled to commence our pilot project in this region. This is total validation of our project and gives the company its first official step to having the backing of the Colombian government. The government is so anxious for this conversion to work and we have established ourselves within the government and in this region." For more information go to the company website or email at [email protected]

About Inca Worldwide

Inca Snacks Worldwide is a public listed company on the OTC under the symbol QEDN.

Our project offers an alternative to Farmers in Colombia to grow crops like Inca Seeds (Sacha Inchi) instead of Coca Plants. Our Inca Seeds (Roasted Sacha Inchi) a complete protein with all 9-essential amino-acids rich in Omega 3, 6 & 9 and an antioxidant. A real Super-food. Sold to private brands and our own brand Inca Snacks.

www.incaworldwide.com

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

Our public communications and SEC filings may contain "forward-looking statements"  that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "see," "will," "would," or "target."

Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about our announced plan to reduce the size of our financial services businesses, including expected cash and non-cash charges associated with this plan and earnings per share of QED retained businesses (Verticals); expected income; earnings per share; revenues; organic growth; growth and productivity associated with our Digital business; margins; cost structure; restructuring charges; acquisition-related synergies; cash flows; returns on capital and investment; capital expenditures, capital allocation or capital structure; and dividends.

CONTACT:

Kate Bahnsen

1-813-295-0137

[email protected]

SOURCE Inca Worldwide

Related Links

http://www.incaworldwide.com


LONDON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Barriers are collapsing," says Nimrod Altman, CEO of Natali Healthcare Group, who is to give a speech at the Healthcare Business International on April 4th, 2017, at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London. Faced with a fast-growing, ageing population worldwide, many healthcare providers are moving their companies overseas. However, only a few western groups have successfully built themselves up in the Chinese market. Natali is one of them.

Nimrod Altman, CEO of Natali Healthcare Group delivered a speech at HBI 2017 in London

As Israel's largest private healthcare provider, Natali became a subsidiary of China's Sanpower group in 2014. They have effectively implemented their eHealth/TeleHealth technologies in the Chinese market within just three years. Since expanding its services to China, Natali has amassed 120,000 Israeli subscribers and over four million in China.

Advanced eHealth technologies

Natali has been promoting its large variety of innovative devices and products in China, namely eHealth/Telehealth technologies such as Predictive eMonitoring and eHealth apps, keeping a significant number of Chinese patients from unnecessary hospitalisation.

The newly launched SmartCare solution in China has adopted smart censors technology to record normal daily life behaviour of the elderly. Whenever there is an abnormal signal, Natali's Call Centre, where doctors and physicians are ready to support, will be notified and get medical insights right at hand.

Altman believes eHealth/Telehealth technologies are breaking the limits of distance and infrastructure for doctors and patients, largely by relieving the imbalanced allocation of healthcare resources in China. This saves patients' time and money by allowing them do health checks and receive treatments whenever they want.

Great potential in China's market

However, China's market is a big one with complications. There is a massive ageing population facing compromised healthcare service that have depended much on the public healthcare sector, particularly public hospitals. Alongside this, there is the struggling survival of Chinese traditional medicine, lack of workforce in public hospitals and an overall increase of life expectancy, according to the research done by Natali and Sanpower.

The Chinese government is also looking into innovative plans for the private healthcare provision. In March 2016, Chinese Vice Premier Madame Liu Yandong and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu witnessed Natali's undertaking of China's first B2C telemedicine project. Large private healthcare service companies like Natali can provide sustained systematic community healthcare as well as private home care, alleviating pressure on the public sector by giving complementary support.

Altman believes that the eHealth concept is set to grow exponentially in China's private healthcare industry.

The popularisation of Internet technologies is equipping China's market with great potential, which will allow Natali to develop. The internet technologies market in China is not only about over 700 million smartphone users, but also the increasing amount of internet users who are witnessing the Internet-plus age.

Business model with Sanpower

"But there is a better combination of leading technologies and business models to think about. We need to make adjustments because of the differences between the two markets, " added by Altman "That is why working with Sanpower's local strategists is a crucial factor for Natali to succeed in China. "

Sanpower is not only helping to break culture and language barriers, but also providing business insights into governmental cooperation, insurance companies, market position, product promotion, and payment means. An intelligence team comprised of professionals from Natali and local experts from Sanpower have been constantly giving design support regarding the popularisation of Natali's day-to-day digital healthcare to every elderly people's home.

Natali has become the first foreign investment by Sanpower but it is just one of the family members of Sanpower's full range of health services and private hospitals, including An Kang Tong, A.H. Nursing, More Health and Yi Le Ju. Service companies and private hospitals work together to provide customised health support to each family, and work on the cutting-edge health technologies.

Fitting into the whole healthcare picture of Sanpower, currently the first stage of Natali lies in premium elderly care and chronicle disease management. Natali is able to provide holistic healthcare services including Emergency Medical Services and a division of healthcare services for schoolchildren.

"Without Sanpower's necessary political, economic and logistic on-ground support, it is almost impossible for Natali to bring advanced medical concepts and existing successful solutions to Chinese elderly patients," says Altman.

SOURCE Natali Heathcare Group
ATLANTA, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Government, public safety, transportation, utilities and enterprises rely on communications technology to keep the public safe, everything powered, communities moving, employees working and our lives and businesses working properly. Last week at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) over 7,000 communications technology professionals gathered in Las Vegas to learn, network and see new, innovative technologies from more than 400 exhibitors, 100 of which were new to the event.

Stephanie McCall, Show Director, IWCE said, "Over the past 40 years IWCE has evolved from a dealer- only show to a communications technology event. The response we received from attendees and exhibitors last week shows that IWCE is as relevant as ever. We continue to be committed to delivering outstanding education and a platform for technologies innovators to showcase their technology. This is a very exciting time for our industry. We are thrilled to play a role providing a forum for critical communications technology professionals."

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) partner announcement was the buzz among event attendees. FirstNet was featured throughout the expo hall and conference program. In addition, TJ Kennedy, president of FirstNet delivered a keynote address discussing the latest updates to the nationwide public safety broadband network. To view the video, click here. The week's biggest announcement was made Thursday morning in Washington, D.C., by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, who announced that FirstNet would sign a 25-year contract to AT&T to build and maintain the nationwide public-safety broadband network. To read more about the latest news on FirstNet, visit http://www.urgentcomm.com. Leaders from FirstNet then held a Town Hall at IWCE on Thursday afternoon to discuss the announcement further. Click here to view the video.

IWCE 2017 was co-located with IWCE's Network Infrastructure Forum, which brought together the industry's wired and wireless players to examine communications technology infrastructure, and ETA International's Education Forum, which offered nine training courses in popular technology areas along with certification.

The Exhibit Hall showcased the latest products and services in hardware, networks, applications, interoperability and integration that drive communications systems. In addition, an Apps Center and IWCE's Wearable Pavilion within the Exhibit Hall showcased the hottest technology innovations in these areas.

The Conference Program offered five days of unparalleled professional development opportunities on topics such as drones, IoT, 5G, smart cities, NG911, network densification, broadband applications, smart cities, cybersecurity and network jamming detection. Dr. Preston Marshall, Technical Program Manager, Spectrum Access Technology, Google, delivered the Opening Keynote Address and Donny Jackson of IWCE's Urgent Communications was joined by industry thought leaders from Motorola, pdvwireless, Verizon and Citrix to discuss "Everything is Changing  The Next Generation of Connectivity."

IWCE also celebrated the retirement and 60-year public service career of Chief Harlin McEwen with a Lifetime Achievement Award. McEwen is currently the Chairman of the FirstNet's Public Safety Advisory Committee and has had a remarkable story of public safety service, as both a law enforcement officer and administrator. He has been an advocate for public safety telecommunications issues and the "unquestionable lobbying leader for public safety to Congress and the FCC."

Other special features included:

For the third year in a row, IWCE's free Town Hall Meetings showcased the latest initiatives from government and association partners. Participating organizations included DHS's Science and Technology Directorate, DHS's Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) and the National Governors Association (NGA), NG911 NOW Coalition, NPSTC and FirstNet.

The Job Training and Education Center assisted industry professionals interested in new employment. IWCE's partners discussed job training, continuing education and career planning.

AT&T hosted the "Broadband Applications for Critical Communication Environments" partner event to showcase how AT&T and other companies are collaborating to offer essential applications to meet critical operational and emergency use case requirements.

The Wireless Innovation Forum hosted a full-day workshop on the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), which can create massive increases in spectrum sharing opportunities, among other assets.

The first annual IWCE Young Professionals Award winners were also celebrated at the event. These individuals showcase the next-generation of leaders in the communications technology industry who are shaping the future of the industry.

In collaboration with ETA International, Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE) and Radio Club of America (RCA), IWCE brought students and veterans to the event to offer them access to industry education, a robust expo hall hosting new and innovative technologies and thought leaders in the communications technology marketplace they will gain the contacts and skills they need to advance their careers.

IWCE was the place to be as numerous partner organizations held meetings during the event, including DMR Association, NXDN, NPSTC, the Wireless Innovation Forum, Government Wireless Technology Communications Association, TETRA Today, Department of Homeland Security, and Radio Club of America.

IWCE 2018 will take place March 5-9, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. To learn more, visit www.iwceexpo.com

For additional information on IWCE and to sign up for email updates, visit iwceexpo.com. Stay connected with @iwceexpo on Twitter and Facebook and be sure to follow our LinkedIn company page.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS EXPO (IWCE)

Since 1977, the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) has been the premier annual event for communications technology professionals. IWCE features over 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and trends in the industry. Over 7,000 individuals attend from a diverse group of industry professionals including government/military, public safety, utility, transportation and business enterprise. IWCE 2017 will be held March 5-9, 2018 in Orlando. For more information, visit www.iwceexpo.com.

About Informa

IWCE is part of Informa, the international business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events group. Informa serves commercial, professional and academic communities, helping them connect and learn, and creating and providing access to content and intelligence that helps people and businesses work smarter and make better decisions faster.

Informa has over 7,500 colleagues in more than 20 countries and a presence in all major geographies. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.

MEDIA CONTACT

Nadira Ramatally

Director of Marketing

IWCE

(770) 618-0121

[email protected]

SOURCE International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE)

Related Links

http://www.iwceexpo.com


At Ketel One Vodka, we're proud of doing things the way that we want to do them. That's why we're going to celebrate King's Day - the biggest party in our Dutch calendar and one of Europe's biggest celebrations - by taking over an iconic offshore platform with breath-taking views and transforming it into an extraordinary and unexpected residence during the festivities.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487247/Ketel_One_Kings_Day.jpg )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487248/Ketel_One_Bedroom.jpg )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/487249/Ketel_One_Huis.jpg )



This April, for two nights only, four lucky competition winners will enjoy the ultimate Dutch day in Ketel One style. Flown to Amsterdam for this unique experience, they will be personally welcomed into the iconic Ketel One Distillery by the family behind our obsessive dedication to perfection. Here the guests will be led in a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery, learn all about what makes Ketel One Vodka so special, and have a go at a cocktail making in our very own windmill.

Next they'll be transported to the Ketel One House - that's 'Huis' to the Dutch - an offshore platform (now REM Eiland Restaurant) which has been fully kitted out with lots of quirk and charm. There are no standard rooms here - guests will sleep 22 metres up, with floor to ceiling windows enhancing the breath-taking 360 views over Amsterdam. From the perfectly perpendicular pillow chocolates, to the ever-so-square ice cubes selected for our signature Dutch Mules, no detail has been overlooked in this unique experience.

With a personal drinks butler catering to every taste, guests will be able to enjoy spectacular Dutch dining and delicious Ketel One cocktails' with the best views in town - all rounded off with celebrating King's Day like royalty on a dedicated canal boat - does this sound like the ultimate trip yet?

Bob Nolet, 11th generation distiller of the Nolet Distillery, whose father Carolus Nolet Sr., created Ketel One Vodka, said: "We are extremely excited to share our Ketel One 'King's Day' experience with these winners, welcoming them not just into our pop up Huis and our distillery but into our family too. We want to make the winners feel relaxed and 'at home', joining us to celebrate the excitement and fun of King's Day - while also surprising them with little, unexpected details of perfection."

"We have a unique way of doing things - it's important to us that we do things right and in our own particular way: calling it the 'extra mile' is an understatement, so we call it 'The Ketel One Way.' We're obsessive perfectionists and we're proud of it."

"It's this passion and dedication that has driven us for 325 years. Today, it ensures we create what we believe to be the world's finest quality vodka (the bartender's favourite1 ) and it extends right down to the Ketel One chocolate you'll find on your pillow and the tomato carefully selected for a Bloody Mary."

Entering couldn't be easier, simply follow @KetelOne on Instagram and tell us why you and three friends deserve to stay at the Ketel One Huis. The competition is now open and closes 16th April 2017, with winners being announced two days later.

With Ketel One arranging this trip of a lifetime (from 26th - 28th April), winners are guaranteed an experience like no other. Everything will run the Ketel One Way - unapologetically Dutch, full of charm and built around quality and heritage. See you there!

Please Drink Responsibly, visit DRINKiQ.com

1Drinks International Bars Report 2017

SOURCE Ketel One Vodka
"Our guests love flavor, and they deserve a good deal," says Alice Crowder, Vice President of Marketing at Krystal. "By offering our Slushies and Frost for just 99 cents, everyone can come in to enjoy a frosty treat that's perfect with a snack or meal."

This ice cold offer is only available at participating locations and while supplies last. Guests can pick from two delicious Kool-Aid Slushies  Green Apple and Grape  or the Caramel Mocha Frost, which is a perfect combination of rich creamy flavor and caffeine.

"Items that can be consumed on the go are increasingly important to our guests. They're busy, and looking for a quick pick-me-up. At $0.99, we know we're providing our guests with a few moments of indulgence in their days that everyone can afford," added Crowder.

For more information on Krystal, visit www.Krystal.com. While online, sign up for the Krystal Club to stay in the know on other deals and news.

About The Krystal Company

Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932, The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South. Its hamburgers are still served fresh and hot off the grill on the iconic square bun at more than 350 restaurants in 11 states. Krystal's Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 6,000 employees. For more information, visit http://www.Krystal.com or http://www.facebook.com/Krystal or follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @Krystal.

About The Kraft Heinz Company

The Kraft Heinz Company is the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands. A globally trusted producer of delicious foods, The Kraft Heinz Company provides high quality, great taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether at home, in restaurants or on the go. The Company's iconic brands include Kraft, Heinz, ABC, Capri Sun, Classico, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Ore-Ida, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Plasmon, Quero, Weight Watchers Smart Ones and Velveeta. The Kraft Heinz Company is dedicated to the sustainable health of our people, our planet and our Company. For more information, visit www.kraftheinzcompany.com.

Contact: Peyton Sadler

305.631.2286

[email protected]

SOURCE The Krystal Company

Related Links

http://www.krystal.com


AcademicWorks is the market-leading provider of SaaS scholarship management solutions to higher education and K-12 institutions and foundations. The Company's cloud-based solutions simplify the scholarship application process for students and eliminate inefficiencies for all stakeholders, including universities, students and donors. AcademicWorks' customers benefit from significant increases in the number of scholarship applicants and fund utilization, while enhancing donor engagement. The Company was founded in late 2010 and is based in Austin, Texas.

Blackbaud, known for its best-of-breed products for the philanthropic space, currently has a strong presence in the higher education, K-12 and grant-making space, where it offers solutions for fundraising and advancement programs, donor and alumni relationship management, digital marketing, advocacy, accounting, payments, analytics and grant management. Bringing AcademicWorks' capabilities to its solution portfolio will allow it to extend its offerings and drive connection between the advancement and scholarship offices.

Joe Price, Co-Founder and President of AcademicWorks, added, "We were extremely impressed with Lincoln's execution of this process. The entire team supported us every step of the way, allowing us to focus on running our company."

Brandon Phipps, Co-Founder and CEO of AcademicWorks, added, "We could not be more thrilled to join the Blackbaud team as we pursue a number of interesting growth opportunities for the business. Blackbaud's platform and culture perfectly align with our goals of making education more accessible and affordable."

Jeff Carpenter, Co-Founder and Chairman of AcademicWorks, commented, "Lincoln's in-depth knowledge of the education technology and services industry, combined with a highly dedicated team of senior bankers, proved instrumental in creating the ideal outcome for AcademicWorks."

Lincoln International acted as the exclusive financial advisor to AcademicWorks, working closely with the management team and shareholders throughout the sale process. This included providing M&A and industry expertise, as well as managing the preparatory, marketing, negotiation and due diligence phases of the transaction.

About AcademicWorks

AcademicWorks provides the only comprehensive scholarship management solution focused on improving access to education through innovative technology. AcademicWorks combines a unique blend of market experience, product innovation, outstanding customer service and cloud-based software delivery to offer its customers benefits that are unmatched in the industry. As a result, more than 500 institutions and foundations have revolutionized their scholarship management process with AcademicWorks. For more information, visit www.academicworks.com.

About Blackbaud

Blackbaud is the world's leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good communitynonprofits, foundations, corporations, education institutions and individual change agentsBlackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through software, services, expertise and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and relationship management, digital marketing, advocacy, accounting, payments, analytics, school management, grant management, corporate social responsibility, and volunteerism. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

For more information on Lincoln's Global Business Services Group Leadership Team, please visit http://www.lincolninternational.com/industries/business-services/.

For more information on Lincoln's Global Technology & Media Group Leadership Team, please visit http://www.lincolninternational.com/industries/technology/.

For more information on Lincoln's Global Private Company Group Leadership team, please visit http://www.lincolninternational.com/clients/private-companies/.

About Lincoln International

Lincoln International specializes in merger and acquisition advisory services, debt advisory services, private capital raising and restructuring advice on mid-market transactions. Lincoln International also provides fairness opinions, valuations and joint venture and partnering advisory services on a wide range of transaction sizes. With eighteen offices in the Americas, Asia and Europe, Lincoln International has strong local knowledge and contacts in key global economies. The firm provides clients with senior-level attention, in-depth industry expertise and integrated resources. By being focused and independent, Lincoln International serves its clients without conflicts of interest.

More information about Lincoln International can be obtained at www.lincolninternational.com

Media Contact: Heidi Becker

[email protected]

(312) 506-2739

SOURCE Lincoln International LLC

Related Links

http://www.lincolninternational.com


MILAN, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Renowned Italian conductor Beatrice Venezi was named the new brand ambassador for luxury kitchenmaker Valcucine at an event Wednesday during the Milan Design Week.

Maestro Venezi stars in a new advertising campaign for Valcucine entitled "Master of Class, Master of Glass", which celebrates 30 years of glass in the kitchen as well as Valcucine's commitment to technology, master craftsmanship and eco-sustainability. In 1987, Valcucine first introduced the use of glass in kitchens, recognising its functionality and aesthetics.

"I'm proud to be associated with one of the finest kitchenmakers in the world, a company synonymous with innovation, which has revolutionised kitchen space," Maestro Venezi said.

Founded in 1980, Valcucine originates from the old tradition of craftsmanship in the so-called "Kitchen Valley" in north-eastern Italy, focussing on innovative and timeless kitchens that are made to last. The company has earned a reputation for its dedication to improving ergonomics and the use of space.

In 2015, Valcucine was acquired by ItalianCreationGroup, the fast-growing Italian luxury firm, which has become the go-to group for high-end Italian design, specifically targeting those consumers who appreciate the distinctive personality and artisanal know-how associated with the "Made in Italy" style.

Following the acquisition of prestigious brands such as furniture design firms Driade and FontanaArte, the upscale boutique bathroom company Toscoquattro as well as Valcucine, ItalianCreationGroup is considered a new force in Italian luxury.

Stefano Core, the Co-Founder and CEO of ItalianCreationGroup noted how Maestro Venezi and Valcucine are both synonymous with strong dedication. "Beatrice and Valcucine's first glass kitchen are nearly the same age and have gone through similar paths: the study, research, experimentation, challenges and innovation," Core said. "This explains the campaign of 'Master of Class, Master of Glass.'"

Maestro Venezi, only 27-years-old, is the chief conductor of the Orchestra Scarlatti Young in Napoli and was recently named among the "100 Women of 2016" by the influential Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

At the event in Milan, Tony Chambers, the Editor-in-Chief of Wallpaper* magazine who is celebrated in the design community, introduced Maestro Venezi to the 500 guests from around the world.

Maestro Venezi conducted the Mitja String Quartet playing sessions from Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, which were inspired by the beauty of nature. It is the official motif of the short movie "Master of Class, Master of Glass", launched online Wednesday on http://www.italiancreationgroup.com.

Exhibited in the showroom was the glass kitchen prototype Artematica In-Vitrum, which defies the laws of statics, supporting over 200 kg of stone.

SOURCE ItalianCreationGroup
LONDON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: Overview



MRAM or Magneto-resistive random-access memory technology has been under development since the 1990s. MRAM is a non-volatile random access memory technology that utilizes magnetic charges for storing data instead of electric charges as in the case of DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory) technologies. Unlike DRAM and SRAM technologies, that requires constant flow of electricity to maintain data integrity, MRAM retains data even if power is turned off and requires very less amount of electricity in order to store data bits in it.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4547534/



MRAM, by combining the inherent advantages of both DRAM in terms of density and SRAM in term of read and write speed has the potential of becoming a universal memory in the coming years. The global MRAM market is predicted to have tremendous growth opportunity in the coming years as a nonvolatile solid state memory in order to replace other electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and flash memory where high write endurance is required.



Surge in the demand of flexible and wearable electronics market is the primary factor predicted to boost the demand of MRAM during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. Currently rapid technological advancements is taking place in the field to flexible and wearable consumer electronics. Flexible magnetic memories forms an integral part of the flexile and wearable consumer electronic devices for storing and processing data.



Moreover, the major challenge of fabricating high performing memory chips on soft flexible substrates without reducing the performance is also eliminated by technologically advanced MRAM technology. MRAM outperforms the traditional NAND memory used in wearable and flexible electronics in terms of data retention capacity after power cut off, low power consumption along with increased processing speed. In addition, MRAM has the capability of operating in extreme temperature condition and can resist very high radiation. Thus, MRAM is also predicted to witness huge demand from various aerospace and military applications in the coming years.



Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: Segmentation



For the purpose of providing detailed study of the market, the global MRAM market has been segmented on the basis of product type, application and geography. MRAM is available in two different product types including toggle MRAM and second generation MRAM (STT-MRAM). In order to track the market accurately, the third generation MRAM that is predicted to get commercialized by the beginning of 2019, has also been considered within the scope of research. MRAM also finds its application across different product segments such as consumer electronics, robotics, automotive, enterprise storage, aerospace and defense and others. The others segment includes application of MRAM in sensing devices, medical devices and smart meters.



Geographically, the market has been segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle-East and Africa (MEA). In terms of revenue and growth, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to drive the market of MRAM in the coming years due to rapid growth in computationally intensive applications and rising demand for highly scalable memory solutions. Global MRAM market report provides an in-depth study of the current market trend and future forecast during the period from 2016 to 2024 in terms of revenue (USD Million).



Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: Competitive Landscape



This report also provides an exhaustive study of the global MRAM market including the key strategies adopted by leading players, market attractiveness analysis by product type, value chain analysis, industry evolution and comparative advantage of MRAM over other memory solutions.



Moreover, the penetration rate of MRAM across various industry verticals during the period from 2014 to 2018 is also highlighted in this report. In addition, detailed analysis of the drivers, restraints and opportunities that are predicted to affect the market in the coming years is provided in this report. Some of the major players operating in the global MRAM market includes Everspin Technologies Inc. (U.S), Avalanche Technologies (U.S) and Spin Transfer Technologies (U.S) among others.



Global MRAM market is segmented into:-



By Product Type

Toggle MRAM

Second Generation MRAM (STT-MRAM)



By Application

Consumer Electronics

Robotics

Automotive

Enterprise storage

Aerospace and Defense

Others



By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle-East and Africa (MEA)

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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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AVON, Ohio, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Maroon Group, a leading specialty chemicals distributor, announced today that it has named Terry Hill to its board of directors. Mr. Hill is an executive with over 30 years of experience in chemical distribution and sales. Maroon Group is owned by CI Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, and Maroon Group management.

Previously, Mr. Hill spent thirty years at Univar, a leading global distributor of industrial and specialty chemicals, before founding a consulting firm focused on the chemical industry in 2015. At Univar, Mr. Hill held leadership roles as the President of the US business, Chief Commercial Officer and managed Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and ChemPoint as well as Executive Vice President of Industry Relations. Under Mr. Hill's leadership, Univar developed industry verticals as well as critical distribution hubs across the country, streamlined operations and enabled more efficient movement of products across the company while enhancing customer service.

Mr. Hill will join seasoned executives, David Mahon and Ted Nark, on Maroon Group's board of directors. David Mahon previously served as the Head of Strategic Planning and Business Development at Univar. Ted Nark is an experienced executive with a highly successful track record of building distribution and service companies as CEO, Chairman, and board member, including extensive experience in the development and execution of both organic and acquisition growth strategies.

Mark Reichard, President & Chief Executive Officer of Maroon Group said, "We are pleased to welcome Terry Hill to our board of directors. Terry's extensive experience in chemical distribution both at Univar and through his involvement with the National Association of Chemical Distributors makes him an excellent addition to the board. We have known Terry for some time and look forward to receiving his guidance and perspective in this role."

"I am excited to join Maroon Group's board of directors," said Mr. Hill. "The company's management team has built an impressive business and I look forward to helping them continue to execute their vision for the future."

"CI Capital encourages its management teams to continually add expertise to its board of directors, and the addition of Terry to Maroon Group's board of directors is an example of this," said Joost Thesseling, Managing Director at CI Capital Partners. "We believe that Terry will complement the existing executives on the board, David Mahon and Ted Nark, and the board of directors will continue to provide Maroon Group's management team with valuable advice and support."

About Maroon Group

Maroon Group (www.maroongroupllc.com) is one of the fastest growing specialty chemical distributors in North America. Based in Avon, Ohio, Maroon Group has thrived on creating success for customers by forming partnerships with world-class manufacturers and supplying consistent products on time. Customers have come to rely on Maroon's technical sales team, exceptional customer service, and global sourcing capabilities. Maroon Group's portfolio of companies include Lincoln Fine Ingredients, Maroon, Cadence Chemical, U.S. Chemicals, CNX Distribution, D.B. Becker, Addipel, and Polyram USA. The company will continue to explore opportunities to form partnerships with proven entrepreneurs that have built sustainable, best-in-class distributors of specialty chemicals and ingredients.

About CI Capital Partners

CI Capital Partners LLC, a leading North American private equity investment firm with approximately $2.4 billion in assets under management, has been investing in middle-market companies since 1993. Since inception, CI Capital and its portfolio companies have made over 220 acquisitions representing approximately $8 billion in enterprise value. CI Capital's existing portfolio consists of companies that collectively generate annual revenue of approximately $3 billion and annual EBITDA of over $350 million and employ over 12,000 people.

Contact:

Daniel Yunger

KEKST

212.521.4800

SOURCE CI Capital Partners
WASHINGTON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell deserves praise for working to end the unprecedented partisan filibuster against the Gorsuch nomination," says Washington, D.C. attorney and law professor Victor Williams.

Williams is a widely-respected expert in the fields of federal appointments and the judiciary. Williams published a commentary in The Hill on April 6, 2017 which argued that the Constitution's Framers would approve of the Senate ending the Democrats' partisan filibuster against Neil Gorsuch.

After the Senate voted to the check the Democrats' obstruction, Prof. Williams states:

"Leader Mitch McConnell, Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, and the GOP Senate majority were right to end the unprecedented Gorsuch filibuster."

"It was a fitting tribute to the late Antonin Scalia whose seat the Gorsuch will now fill. Both the text and original history of the U.S. Constitution prove that the Framers expected the Senate to use a simple-majority vote for all confirmations."

Victor Williams, who is chair of the America First Lawyers Association, had been an early primary supporter of Donald Trump and had founded "Lawyers and Law Professors for Trump" during the 2016 election.

In the Hill column, Williams quotes Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Antonin Scalia in support of his thesis that a simple-majority confirmation vote was the original intent of the Constitution's Framers.

Williams explains that the 1787 Constitutional Convention delegates in Philadelphia explicitly rejected general super-majority vote requirements.

Indeed, the U.S. Constitution only lists five explicit exceptions to the constitutional rule that the Senate was to hold only simple-majority votes: Those exceptions are for 1. expelling members, 2. ratifying treaties, 3. overriding presidential vetoes, 4. convicting on impeachments, and 5. proposing constitutional amendments.

_______

From The Hill column:

Justice Antonin Scalia's famed Freytag v. Commissioner concurrence reads as prescient in the battle to fill his seat:

"A power of appointment lodged in a President surrounded by such structural fortifications could be expected to be exercised independently, and not pursuant to the manipulations of Congress."

A Scalia-approved analysis of constitutional text and original history proves that the Constitution's Framers intended only simple-majority confirmation votes.

A rich legal and policy literature has developed to expose the Senate filibuster's tainted history and the unconstitutional operation of the cloture rule.

Consider Professor Edward Corwin's decades-old condemnation of the Senate filibuster which "extorts special favors for its authors." Professor Corwin lamented the "indefensible concessions which a small block of so-called 'Silver Senators' have been able to wrest."

Professor Corwin expressed concern that the obstruction of a Senate minority would come to harm the Senate's "intended purpose in the constitutional system." Edward S. Corwin, The President: Office and Powers 348 (1948).

_____

Ahead of Friday's actual confirmation vote, Williams again endorses Judge Gorsuch's nomination for a seat on the Supreme Court

"Neil Gorsuch's sterling academic, juridical, and personal qualifications make him the perfect choice to be President Donald Trump's first appointment to the high court."

In the past nine weeks, Williams, and his pro-Trump lawyers group, have been advocating for the speedy confirmation of all President Trump nominees against Democratic obstruction.

Williams has emphasized the stellar qualifications of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

Williams has also been supporting President Trump by filing amicus curiae briefs in the national litigation challenging Trump's travel freeze. Williams argues that the challenges present a "nonjusticiable political question" that interferes with Trump's foreign policy and war strategy.

Williams predicts: "Trump will ultimately win at the (now full) Supreme Court."

Victor Williams is a Washington, D.C. attorney and law professor. He leads America First Lawyers Association  www.americafirstlawyers.com

Contact:

Victor Williams

301-951-9045

[email protected]

SOURCE Prof. Victor Williams
NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "We are the top branded source on the Internet for 'the best mesothelioma compensation for a US Navy Veteran' who has this rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. US Navy destroyers have some of the highest numbers of Veterans who now have mesothelioma out of any other type of US Navy ships. This is interesting because these are not the biggest ships in the fleet, but manage to have some of the highest ratio of Veterans with mesothelioma.

US Navy Veterans

"We are urging a US Navy Veteran to call us anytime at 800-714-0303 if they have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. We will make certain they are talking directly to some of the nation's most skilled mesothelioma attorneys that are experienced mesothelioma compensation legal experts and extremely well informed about US Navy Destroyers, the types of engine rooms/propulsion systems they have, and anywhere else on the ship where asbestos could have been present.

"We want a US Navy Veteran with mesothelioma to receive the very best possible financial compensation. No other group makes this offer, so don't settle for less." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Types of US Navy Destroyers Where A US Navy Veteran with Mesothelioma Could Have Been Exposed to Asbestos:

Total Number of US Navy Destroyers ships built between 1949 and 1982 was 90. Average crew size was roughly 300.

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "Before you hire a lawyer or law firm to assist with a mesothelioma compensation claim for a diagnosed US Navy Veteran whose exposure occurred on a US Navy Destroyer, or while the Veteran's ship was undergoing a retrofit or an overhaul at a US Navy Shipyard in Norfolk, New York, Boston, Bremerton, San Diego, Honolulu, or Philadelphia please call us at 800-714-0303 to ensure you are talking to some of the nation's most skilled and experienced full-time mesothelioma attorneys. Please don't allow yourself to get shortchanged when it comes to mesothelioma compensation." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

For interesting information about US Navy Destroyers please take a look at the following website: http://www.destroyers.org/communication%20center/tin_can_trivia.htm.

The average age for a diagnosed victim of mesothelioma in the United States is about 70 years old. Because of their age frequently people with mesothelioma are initially misdiagnosed with pneumonia. This year between 2500, and 3000 US citizens will be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is attributable to exposure to asbestos.

The states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon.

However, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives a US Navy Veteran who was exposed to asbestos on their ship or at a shipyard and now has mesothelioma could live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska.

High risk work groups for exposure to asbestos include US Navy Veterans, power plant workers, shipyard workers, oil refinery workers, steel mill workers, manufacturing/factory workers, pulp or paper mill workers, plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, machinists, miners, construction workers, insulators, rail road worker, roofers, or firemen. As a rule, these types of workers were exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's. US Navy Veterans make up about one third of US Citizens who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "When it comes to obtaining the best mesothelioma settlement, the quality of the attorney matters, as we would like to explain anytime at 800-714-0303." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mesothelioma.html

Contact:

Michael Thomas

800-714-0303

[email protected]

SOURCE Mesothelioma Victims Center

Related Links

http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com


COSTA MESA, Calif., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft ranks highest in overall satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study,SM doing so for the first time since the study's inception. With an overall satisfaction score among tablet owners of 855 (on a 1,000-point scale), Microsoft's achievement is largely due to its top rankings in the features and styling & design factors.

"The Microsoft Surface platform has expanded what tablets can do, and it sets the bar for customer satisfaction," said Jeff Conklin, vice president of service industries at J.D. Power. "These tablet devices are just as capable as many laptops, yet they can still function as standard tablets. This versatility is central to their appeal and success."

In features, Microsoft is the highest performer in three areas: variety of pre-loaded applications; internet connectivity; and availability of manufacturer-supported accessories. Microsoft Surface users have the highest incidences of accessory use, which underscores the device's versatility. These accessories include a stylus (48% vs. 27% industry average); physical keyboard (51% vs. 14%); and mouse (27% vs. 6%), all of which have higher satisfaction. Microsoft also achieves the highest ratings in these features attributes: variety of input/output connectivity and amount of internal storage available.

Additionally, Microsoft has the highest performance in three styling & design attributes: size of tablet; quality of materials used; and attractiveness of tablet design. Microsoft continues to achieve the highest rating in the remaining styling & design attribute of location of non-display buttons/controls.

Customers using Microsoft tablets are more likely to be early adopters of technology. More than half (51%) of Microsoft customers say they "somewhat agree" or "strongly agree" that they are among the first of their friends and colleagues to try new technology products. This is relevant because early adopters tend to have higher overall satisfaction (879 among those who "somewhat agree" or "strongly agree" with this statement vs. 816 among those who do not).

Microsoft also has a higher proportion of younger customers than their competitors. Microsoft customers are notably more likely to consider productivity features as important. For example, when customers are asked the importance of their tablet to perform certain jobs well, Microsoft owners have the highest incidence of saying "very important" for jobs related to productivity. These include browsing the internet (90% vs. 75% industry average); emailing (76% vs. 61%); word processing (63% vs. 30%); and mobile payments/banking (53% vs. 40%).

Following are some of the key findings of the 2017 Study:

Satisfaction is rising: Overall customer satisfaction with tablet devices is 841, an increase of 21 index points from the 2016 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction StudyVolume 2, released six months ago.

Overall customer satisfaction with tablet devices is 841, an increase of 21 index points from the 2016 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction StudyVolume 2, released six months ago. Driving the selection process: Lower price and past experience are the most commonly cited reasons for tablet selection among customers (22% each). Reputation is next at 19%.

Lower price and past experience are the most commonly cited reasons for tablet selection among customers (22% each). Reputation is next at 19%. Size matters : The average screen diagonal among Microsoft customers is highest, at 11.8 inches. Satisfaction is 869 among customers whose screen diagonal is 10 inches or more vs. 850 among those whose screen diagonal is 8-10 inches and 824 among those whose screen diagonal is less than 8 inches.

: The average screen diagonal among Microsoft customers is highest, at 11.8 inches. Satisfaction is 869 among customers whose screen diagonal is 10 inches or more vs. 850 among those whose screen diagonal is 8-10 inches and 824 among those whose screen diagonal is less than 8 inches. Data plans increase satisfaction: Nearly one-third (32%) of customers have a data plan with their tablet. Overall satisfaction among customers with a data plan is 863 vs. 834 among those without such a plan.

The U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study, now in its sixth year, measures customer satisfaction with tablets across five factors (in order of importance): performance (28%); ease of operation (22%); features (22%); styling and design (17%); and cost (11%). The 2017 study is based on experiences evaluated by 2,238 tablet owners who have owned their current device for less than one year. The study was fielded between October and December 2016.

See the online press release at http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2017038.

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power is headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., and has offices serving North/South America, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Study Rankings U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study



Overall U.S. Tablet Index Rankings JDPower.com Power Circle RatingsTM (Based on a 1,000-point scale) For Consumers



Microsoft 855 5 Apple 849 4 Samsung 847 4 Study Average 841 3 LG 836 3 Amazon 834 3 Acer 814 2 Asus 812 2

Power Circle Ratings Legend

5  Among the best

4  Better than most

3  About average

2  The rest

Award-Eligible Tablet Brands Included in the Study Brand Name Executive Name Company Location Acer Jason Chen Taipei City, Taiwan Amazon Jeffrey Bezos Seattle, Wash. Apple Timothy Cook Cupertino, Calif. Asus Steve Chang Fremont, Calif. LG Juno Cho Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Microsoft Satya Nadella Redmond, Wash. Samsung Gregory Lee Ridgefield Park, N.J.

Media Relations Contact

Geno Effler; Costa Mesa, Calif.; 714-621-6224; [email protected]

About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules www.jdpower.com/about-us/press-release-info

SOURCE J.D. Power

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ProCon.org, America's leading source for pro and con research on controversial issues, is proud to announce the addition of three new Board members: Mike Gatto, Eric Gutshall, and Jeff Harris.

Mike Gatto

Mr. Gatto served four-terms in the California State Assembly (District 43) from 2010-2016, where he was also Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore and the author of several landmark pieces of legislation. He was Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, the Consumer Protection & Privacy Committee, and the Utilities & Commerce Committee.

Eric Gutshall

Mr. Gutshall is Founding Partner and Managing Principal at Haven Realty Capital, an El Segundo-based real estate investment company focused on rental housing, and Haven Homes, a Single Family Rental operator with portfolios in Southern California, Nevada, and Illinois.

Jeff Harris

Mr. Harris is the former CEO of the Junior Statesmen of America, a student debate society formed in 1934 that is considered the largest and oldest student organization in the United States. He worked at JSA for 25 years, and is one of the country's most recognized and respected civic educators.

"Americans are fed up with the problems of biased news and partisan bickering. It is time for change. We are thrilled to have prominent new board members to help spread the word about ProCon.org, where we are committed to nonpartisan research and balanced information on today's toughest issues," said Kamy Akhavan, CEO of ProCon.org.

For more about ProCon.org, please visit www.procon.org.

About ProCon.org

ProCon.org (www.procon.org) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2004, whose mission is to encourage critical thinking, respectful debate, and informed citizenship. ProCon.org has more than 27 million annual readers. Information is presented on 55 different ProCon.org issue websites in subjects ranging from alternative energy, minimum wage, and gun control to medical marijuana, the death penalty, and immigration.

ProCon.org is free of charge, requires no registration, and has been used by educators in more than 9,000 schools in all 50 states and more than 90 countries.

ProCon.org is widely used and cited by mainstream media, including: The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Huffington Post, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, BBC, Slate, Daily Beast, Forbes, The Atlantic, and USA Today.

For information about ProCon.org, please contact:

Kamy Akhavan, CEO

[email protected]

310-587-1407

For information about ProCon.org, visit www.procon.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/procon.org

Twitter: www.twitter.com/procon_org

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/proconorg

YouTube: www.youtube.com/proconorg

Tumblr: proconorg.tumblr.com

SOURCE ProCon.org

Related Links

http://www.procon.org


WASHINGTON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- National Postal Museum Opens Exhibition Commemorating the Centennial of First World War

Explores Firsthand Accounts of Love, Longing and Loss

"My Fellow Soldiers: Letters from World War I," opened today, April 6, at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. The exhibition, commemorating the centennial of the First World War, explores America's role in the war through the unique lens of personal correspondence written by Americans at the front and their loved ones at home. It is open through Nov. 29, 2018.

Created by the National Postal Museum in collaboration with the Center for American War Letters at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., "My Fellow Soldiers: Letters from World War I" features objects from the museum's collection and material on loan from several institutions and private collections, including original correspondence from the Center for American War Letters. Several artifacts will be on public view for the very first time.

Letters humanize the enormity of war and the sacrifices it demands of military personnel, their family members and communities. As the primary method of communication 100 years ago, letters sustained profound personal connections throughout the international conflict. Four million Americans served during this unprecedented conflict that brought the United States onto the world stage; raised complex questions about gender, race and ethnic relations; ushered in the modern era; and continues to shape the world.

"This incomparable selection of wartime correspondence illuminates the thoughts and emotions of the authors as they grapple with the effects of World War I," said Lynn Heidelbaugh, the exhibition's curator. "The experience of sending and receiving letters resonates with us on an emotional level, and reading these firsthand accounts helps make the history relatable today."

Included in the exhibition are letters by Gen. John Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces and someone who understood the power of the medium. In his famously public letter at the end of the war, he thanked every member of the American Expeditionary Forces for their bravery and service. That letter begins, "My fellow soldiers," and expressed his appreciation of the service members under his command. He wrote, "As an individual, your part in the world war has been an important one in the sum total of our achievements."

The exhibition encourages visitors to explore the firsthand accounts of love, longing and loss and to reflect on the power of communication. A special website augments the exhibition as well, providing additional access to the rich content presented.

This exhibition is made possible, in part, through the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

About the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum

The National Postal Museum is devoted to presenting the colorful and engaging history of the nation's mail service and showcasing one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of stamps and philatelic material in the world. It is located at 2 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., Washington, D.C., across from Union Station. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). For more information about the Smithsonian, call (202) 633-1000 or visit the museum website at www.postalmuseum.si.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: MARTY EMERY (202) 633-5518 | [email protected]

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SOURCE Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Related Links

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu


WASHINGTON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the presidents of the United States and China hold face-to-face meetings Thursday, much attention will be focused on points of contention between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. At the National Press Club and its Journalism Institute however, we are more concerned with what the two leaders have in common.

China is one of the world's most notorious violators of the basic human right to freedom of speech. According to Freedom House, its record of harassing journalists, dissidents and users of the internet has gotten worse as Xi has erected what Reporters Without Borders describes as a "great electronic wall" to keep out inconvenient truths. At various times, western news organizations, including the New York Times and Bloomberg, have had their websites blocked or reporters expelled. Among the 38 journalists imprisoned by China, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, are 2010 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo and Huang Qi, a Reporters Without Borders 2016 honoree.

"Under normal circumstances, the National Press Club and its Journalism Institute would call upon President Trump to press his counterpart to release these political prisoners and to encourage China to join the civilized world in accepting the dissent that comes with a healthy civic society, and nothing more," said National Press Club President Jeff Ballou. "We still call for that today but we are all too aware that, during the first three months of his presidency, President Trump has acted less like a leader of the free world and more like one who does not respect the role of a free, fair and independent press that is explicitly rooted in the U.S. Constitution."

The First Amendment protects those living in the United States from the kind of abuses so widespread in China. But the words and actions of the U.S. president and others in his administration suggest that they have little respect for the freedoms it enshrines. In the last six weeks we have seen public bullying of reporters; attempts to reward compliant news outlets and punish those that are critical, threats to change libel laws in an effort to intimidate reporters, and denial of access to news sources whose salaries are paid by U.S. taxpayers.

"That is why we at the National Press Club and its Journalism Institute are encouraging our members  both working reporters and communicators  to remain vigilant and vocal about abuses of the public's right to know," said Press Freedom Fellow Kathy Kiely. "And it is why we will be working, on our own and with other journalism organizations, to highlight the importance of the First Amendment and to call out efforts to undermine it."

On April 19, the Journalism Institute and the National Press Foundation will host a morning symposium for beat reporters and newsroom leaders to talk about the challenges they are facing and to brainstorm about ways to meet them.

"Meanwhile, we'd like to issue a friendly challenge to Presidents Trump and Xi: Let's see which one can best the other in encouraging more freedom of speech in his country and showing more tolerance for dissent," said Ballou. "We'd be happy to invite the winner to accept his award  a coveted coffee mug and chance to address the public  at the National Press Club."

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. Through the non-profit Journalism Institute and its Press Freedom Committee, the club works to promote freedom of expression and transparency at home and abroad. The National Press Club Journalism Institute also provides training to keep news professionals abreast with innovations in the field and mentors the next generation of news providers.

Contact: Kathy Kiely, NPC Journalism Institute Press Freedom Fellow (202) 256-4748 or [email protected]

SOURCE National Press Club
LONDON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Payza, a leading global online payment platform, announced that, as of today, the Mexican Peso is an available currency within the Payza platform. Payza members in Mexico can now perform their Payza transactions using their local currency to make online purchases in pesos, and send pesos to other Payza members instantly. Pesos can also be converted within a Payza account to other foreign currencies supported by Payza, such as US dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros and British pounds, in order to complete international purchases or obtain a Payza Card.

Payza also announced the introduction of "Add funds by OXXO" for Mexican Payza account holders. Members can add funds to their Payza accounts by creating an OXXO voucher and paying it at any one of the 15,000+ convenience stores located across Mexico. The Mexican pesos they transfer to Payza will be stored in their Payza e-wallets for use in online transactions.

"Although Mexico's e-commerce market is growing at a rate of over 21%, nearly double the global average, today's reality is that e-commerce penetration in the country is still very low," explained Firoz Patel, Global Executive VP for Payza. "Because Mexican credit cards cannot be used for purchases outside of the country, access to global e-commerce has been difficult, to say the least. Now that Mexicans have the option to fund their online Payza accounts via OXXO, they have a local route to access the global economy  a complete digital payments experience in their local currency."

Mexico's retail industry is currently driven by local payment options, and since most local Mexican debit cards cannot be used for online transactions, credit cards remain the most common online payment method. Payza's integration with OXXO is a viable alternative that will help meet the daily e-commerce needs of shoppers in Mexico who can benefit from a low-cost deposit option.

This highly secure method of payment transaction services between Payza members and OXXO customers will facilitate a single and comprehensive solution for Mexican online shoppers. The new feature follows other targeted local currency initiatives Payza has launched internationally, such as in India, Canada and Brazil.

For more information about Payza's "Add funds by OXXO", visit: https://blog.payza.com/payza-updates/announcements/services-mexico-introducing-add-funds-oxxo-mexican-peso-support/

About Payza

Payza is an award-winning payments technology company. The highly secure platform provides businesses and consumers around the world with practical solutions for processing online payments. Payza supports 26 currencies and serves over 13 million members in more than 190 countries.

Payza serves traditional and emerging markets, providing a wide range of built-in tools including: Online payment processing, online global money transfers, fraud screening, subscription billing, transaction dispute resolution, cryptocurrency exchange services, and global payouts.

More information is available about Payza on its website (http://www.payza.com), Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and the company's blog.

Media Contact:

Pola Hallquist

Apothecary Communications for Payza

[email protected]

1-866-213-9210 x801

SOURCE Payza

Related Links

https://www.payza.com


ANNVILLE, Pa., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' six state veterans homes this month are recognizing and thanking their 2,491 outstanding volunteers for contributing more than 94,000 hours of service to residents in 2016.



"Volunteers are an intimate part of the care provided to the residents in the state veterans' homes, and I salute them all for their selfless commitment," said Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general. "The residents in our homes proudly served and protected this nation, and it is wonderful to see how eagerly our volunteers serve these veterans. Everyone  residents and staff alike  look forward to the joy that the volunteers bring every day when they walk through the doors."

In 1974, President Richard Nixon, through executive order, established the National Volunteer Week to celebrate and recognize the efforts of all individuals who volunteer. Since then, every year, each president has issued a proclamation for National Volunteer Week. This year it is the week of April 23-29. Thankfully, the number of individuals who volunteer throughout the United States has increased in recent years. National Volunteer Week has expanded into an entire month. Each of the six state veteran's homes will hold events and activities for their volunteers in and around April to thank their volunteers. This year's events include:

The Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center (GMVC) located in Scranton will be the first to honor its volunteers, holding a special brunch on Tuesday, April 11 . Throughout 2016, 163 people volunteered more than 17,000 hours. Cathleen Goff will be recognized for providing more than 20,000 volunteer hours over 12 years at GMVC, and Joanie Millan will also be recognized for reaching over 16,000 hours of volunteer service to GMVC.

The GMVC would also like to thank anyone who made a donation to the center by inviting them to a special Donor Appreciation Reception at the center at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12.

The Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home (HVH) in Hollidaysburg will honor its volunteers at a luncheon on Tuesday, April 18 . Hollidaysburg had the largest number of volunteers in 2016 with 690 people putting in at least one hour of service to the home for a total of 11,014 hours.

(HVH) in will honor its volunteers at a luncheon on . had the largest number of volunteers in 2016 with 690 people putting in at least one hour of service to the home for a total of 11,014 hours. One of the volunteers at the Southwestern Veterans' Center (SWVC) in Pittsburgh who will be recognized during National Volunteer Month is Wanda Spring , better known as the "Ice Cream Lady." Wanda has come to SWVC every Thursday for the past 16 years to scoop ice cream and then deliver it to residents. She has volunteered for a total of 22 years starting at the Federal VA and then transferring her service to SWVC when her late husband became a resident there in 2001. She will be stepping down this year as she turns 98 this month, thus ending her weekly 50-mile round-trip trek to the home. DMVA thanks her for her years of service and will miss seeing her every Thursday. SWVC will hold a Volunteer Dinner on Thursday, April 27 honoring Wanda along with the other 600 volunteers who provided nearly 20,000 volunteer service hours to the center in 2016.

(SWVC) in who will be recognized during National Volunteer Month is , better known as the "Ice Cream Lady." Wanda has come to SWVC every Thursday for the past 16 years to scoop ice cream and then deliver it to residents. She has volunteered for a total of 22 years starting at the Federal VA and then transferring her service to SWVC when her late husband became a resident there in 2001. She will be stepping down this year as she turns 98 this month, thus ending her weekly 50-mile round-trip trek to the home. DMVA thanks her for her years of service and will miss seeing her every Thursday. SWVC will hold a Volunteer Dinner on honoring Wanda along with the other 600 volunteers who provided nearly 20,000 volunteer service hours to the center in 2016. The Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home (PSSH) in Erie will host a volunteer recognition luncheon on Saturday, April 29 , to honor the home's 325 people who volunteered more than 10,000 collective hours. Many local veteran organizations that support the home through their various community outreach programs will be in attendance.

(PSSH) in will host a volunteer recognition luncheon on , to honor the home's 325 people who volunteered more than 10,000 collective hours. Many local veteran organizations that support the home through their various community outreach programs will be in attendance. The Delaware Valley Veterans' Home (DVVH) in Philadelphia will hold its volunteer recognition event at a formal dinner on Wednesday, May 3 . Andrew Ruscavage , DMVA's director of state veterans' homes, will be the keynote speaker.

The DVVH will honor their volunteers this year with a special award -- the President's Volunteer Service Award Medal. This honor is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is administered by Points of Light, the largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, and was very influential in establishing April as volunteer month. These medals recognize citizens who achieve a number of volunteer hours during a 12-month period or over a lifetime. The DVVH will be awarding 56 volunteers with this medal. Three people will receive the Gold Medal for volunteering more than 500 hours this past year, 15 will receive the Silver Medal for volunteering between 250-499 hours, and 37 will receive the Bronze Medal for volunteering between 100 and 249 hours to the home in 2016. In addition, volunteer Jack O'Donnell will receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Medal for volunteering more than 10,000 hours to the DVVH. The DVVH recorded the most volunteer hours of the six homes at 19,937 hours thanks to 284 volunteers in 2016.

The Southeastern Veterans' Center (SEVC) in Spring City will hold a picnic for its volunteers this summer. The center had 428 registered volunteers recording a total of 15,899 hours in 2016.

"We are very thankful for the individuals, schools, companies, and everyone that volunteers at Pennsylvania's veterans' homes. The compassion and care that they bring make a huge difference in the lives of the residents," said Ruscavage. "Whether it's assisting with activities, helping with field trips, pushing wheelchairs, aiding residents at mealtime, or just sitting and talking, our volunteers provide an enormous amount of help. I can't thank them enough for their time and dedication to serving Pennsylvania's veterans."





For more information about the state veterans' homes and volunteer opportunities visit www.paveterans.pa.gov or follow DMVA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/padmva or Twitter at www.twitter.com/padmva.



Media contact: Joan Nissley  717.861.8720

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Related Links

http://www.dmva.state.pa.us


PHOENIX, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yesterday, The Wall Street Journal cited a Peruvian Navy report on the deaths of two American travelers who were killed on International Expeditions' "custom built" Amazon Star (formerly called La Estrella Amazonica) in April 2016. Drs. Larry and Christy Hammerwhose daughters are members of the International Cruise Victims Association (ICV)were killed because no fire alarms sounded and the boat's crew failed to rescue the Hammers from an electrical fire in their cabin.

The report reveals multiple layers of failure that killed the Hammers. Among other issues, the Peruvian Navy found that no fire alarms sounded, boat-supplied equipment started the fire, the crew's response was "deficient" and "ineffective," the crew lacked training and certifications required by Peruvian law, and the bedding was flammable.

Last April, the Hammers left their home state of Nebraska and embarked on a week-long Amazon River cruise aboard the Amazon Stara 15-cabin eco-tour boat "custom-designed" by International Expeditions, an Alabama-based company and subsidiary of TUI Group. On the first night of the cruise, the Hammers were trapped inside their burning cabin for more than twenty minutes before the crew extracted Larry Hammer from the room. He had already died. The crew wasted another six minutes before pulling out Christy Hammer who clung to a heartbeat but died hours later.

Prior to the Hammers' deaths, International Expeditions claimed that it followed and even exceeded various safety regulations, and that it designed, built, and owned the Amazon Star. Now it denies these claims.

As The Wall Street Journal reports, lawyers for International Expeditions have told the family that the company is protected by the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), a U.S. federal law that limits liability for deaths at sea in certain circumstances. The family's lawyer, Brett Rivkind, responds: "We are confident that DOHSA does not apply given the egregious facts and circumstances of this case. International Expeditions will be held fully accountable for the wrongful deaths of the Hammers. Any claim by International Expeditions that DOHSA applies is simply an attempt to dodge responsibility for this avoidable tragedy. The mere assertion that DOHSA is relevant highlights the need to abolish this outdated and useless law that cruise companies try to use to avoid accountability for wrongful deaths of Americans killed in international waters."

The International Cruise Victims Association supports victims, promotes legislative reform, and advocates for the safety of the 25 million passengers who cruise in international waters every year.

"We hope that shining light on our devastating story will help bring about changes needed to prevent companies like International Expeditions from making false claims, acting with impunity, and trying to hide behind DOHSA to deflect responsibility," said the Hammers' daughters. "We will do everything we can to prevent more families from suffering completely avoidable tragedies similar to the one our family has endured."

For more information on the Hammers' story, please contact [email protected]

For more information on ICV, please visit internationalcruisevictims.org, or contact Ken Carver at (602) 989-6752 or Jaime Barnett at (818) 355-6462.

About the International Cruise Victims Association

The International Cruise Victims Association (ICV) represents victims of crime on cruise ships, their families and friends, and individuals concerned about the problems of victimization and disappearances on cruise ships. With several hundred members, the organization advocates for legislative reform to protect passengers from crimes and increase the rights of victims of crimes that do occur on cruise ships, and provides support to victims of crimes occurring on cruise ships. The goal of the organization is to contribute to growing a cruise industry where passengers and crew members are safe and secure from victimization while on board a cruise ship.

SOURCE International Cruise Victims Association

Related Links

http://www.internationalcruisevictims.org/


PharmaMar (MCE: PHM), a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative marine-derived anticancer drugs, today announced that it will host a Research and Development Event in New York on Monday, April 24th, 2017, from 10:30 am -1:30 pm ET. The event will be hosted by members of PharmaMar's senior management team and will feature presentations from expert speakers. Management and speakers will discuss scientific pipeline including; Phase 3 pivotal study with lurbinectedin (PM1183), current and prospective clinical trials, small-cell lung cancer and hereditary breast cancers, and an overview of Company strategy. Expert guest speakers to include:

Melinda Telli , MD, Stanford University , Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA

, MD, , Stanford School of Medicine, Martin Forster , MBBS MRCP PhD, UCL Cancer Institute, University College Hospital, London, UK

, MBBS MRCP PhD, UCL Cancer Institute, University College Hospital, Sue Friedman , DVM, Executive Director of Facing Our Risks of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150203/727958-b )



The presentation will be webcast simultaneously on the calendar section of the Company's Events Calendar page of the website at http://www.pharmamar.com

A webcast replay will be available on the PharmaMar website for 30 days following the call by visiting the Events Calendar page of the company's website at http://www.pharmamar.com.

About PharmaMar

Headquartered in Madrid, PharmaMar is a world-leading biopharmaceutical company in the discovery and development of innovative marine-derived anticancer drugs. The company has an important pipeline of drug candidates and a robust R&D oncology program. PharmaMar develops and commercializes YONDELIS in Europe and has three other clinical-stage programs under development for several types of solid and hematological cancers, PM1183, plitidepsin, and PM184. PharmaMar is a global biopharmaceutical company with subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Belgium and the United States. PharmaMar fully owns other companies: GENOMICA, Spain's leading molecular diagnostics company; Sylentis, dedicated to researching therapeutic applications of gene silencing (RNAi); and two other chemical enterprises, Zelnova Zeltia and Xylazel. To learn more about PharmaMar, please visit us at http://www.pharmamar.com

MEDIA CONTACTS : Media Relations Manager (Paula Fernandez +34-638-79-62-15  [email protected] ) and Investor Relations (+34-914444500)

SOURCE PharmaMar
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Registration is now open for the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's 2017 Multifamily Affordable Housing Conference planned for June 28-30 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College. This annual conference offers two-and-a-half days of educational sessions and multiple plenary speakers aimed at advancing the professional development of people working in the state's affordable housing field.

This year's conference has an expanded focus, including speakers and educational sessions on topics relevant to a wider variety of professionals working in affordable housing. Several plenary speakers are planned, including keynotes by David DeNotaris, executive director of the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; Joel Francis, national director for the Verbal Judo Institute; and Scott Lesnick of Success Business Solutions and author of "Kidjacked  A Father's Story."

"Attendees to this conference are looking for sessions on a variety of housing topics," said Brian A. Hudson Sr., PHFA's executive director and CEO. "That is what makes this conference so worthwhile for participants, but the planning is critical to get the right mix of session subjects. This year's conference has a terrific variety of educational content I know attendees will appreciate."

The conference, returning to the popular destination of State College, will include 44 educational sessions and three plenary keynotes, plus a special welcome by Hudson. Examples of educational sessions that demonstrate the event's broader focus include: "File Management and Documentation for Tax Credit Projects," "Fair Housing Fundamentals," "Bridges out of Poverty," and "Mental Health in Our Communities."

The conference is tailored to provide professional development for such people as multifamily property developers and managers, staff from public housing and redevelopment authorities, supportive service providers, housing services coordinators and activity directors, state and local government representatives, and people who work for social service agencies, including area agencies on aging, community action agencies and centers for independent living.

In addition to educational sessions, there will be a presentation of best practice awards to people doing outstanding work in the areas of property management and housing services. Plus, a vendor exhibit hall will promote products and services of value to housing professionals.

For more information about the conference's educational sessions and costs, and to register, please see the conference brochure at www.phfa.org/mahc; look under the header for the "2017 Conference." Information also is available by contacting PHFA's Multifamily Division at 717-780-4353 or [email protected]. Early bird registration must be postmarked by April 28 for the preferred conference rate of $285. Registration forms can be postmarked as late as May 26 to attend the conference, but the registration fee after April 28 will be $315.

About PHFA

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $13.1 billion of funding for nearly 167,400 single-family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 132,531 rental units, and saved the homes of more than 48,800 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

Contact:

Scott Elliott

717-649-6522 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Related Links

http://www.PHFA.org


BOCA RATON, Fla., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Tower International ("PTI") via its subsidiary Phoenix Tower International ES S.A. de C.V. announces that it has closed its transaction with Digicel S.A. de C.V. ("Digicel") to acquire the ownership or management rights relating to 202 wireless communication tower sites from Digicel. Terms of the transaction remain confidential between the parties.

"PTI is excited to partner with Digicel, our existing customer in Panama and now in El Salvador through this latest transaction. El Salvador, with its active four carrier market, represents a logical expansion of PTI's operations across Central America. Furthermore, as we are already a leading infrastructure provider for the major carriers operating in El Salvador in other markets we do business in, this transaction will allow us to continue to support their needs in a new market, furthering our relationships. Lastly, through this transaction we have worked closely with the principals at Digicel and look forward to a long term relationship where we can continue to help them grow their great business," stated Dagan Kasavana, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Tower International.

Commenting on the transaction, Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves, said; "We look forward to partnering with PTI in El Salvador. This transaction allows us to monetize non-core assets and reinvest in our business to drive our competitive edge as we build our business for the future."

Scotiabank arranged financing for the transaction and acted as Phoenix's sole financial advisor for the acquisition. Choate Hall & Stewart LLP and Nassar Abogados acted as legal advisors to PTI. Orrick acted as legal advisor to Digicel.

About Phoenix Tower International

Phoenix Tower International ("PTI") owns and operates over 1,400 towers and other wireless infrastructure and related sites throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States. PTI was founded in 2013 with a mission to be a premier site provider to wireless operators across the Americas high-growth markets. Phoenix Tower International currently owns and operates wireless infrastructure in Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru and the United States including Puerto Rico. PTI's investors include funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities as well as various members of the management team, and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information, please visit www.phoenixintnl.com.

SOURCE Phoenix Tower International

Related Links

http://www.phoenixintnl.com


NEW YORK, April 6, 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

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04814613/Polymer-Nanocomposites-Market.html

Report Details

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.

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- 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

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

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- Research and development (R&D) strategy

- Supply and demand dynamics

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- 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

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- Nanocyl

- Nanocor

- Powdermet

- RTP Company

- Showa Denko Carbon

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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.

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Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04814613/Polymer-Nanocomposites-Market.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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BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA) will report results for the first quarter of 2017 after the close of normal New York Stock Exchange trading on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

ProAssurance will conduct a conference call at 10:00 am et on Friday, May 5, 2017 to discuss the results, and other items of interest to investors participating in the call. US-based investors are invited to participate by phone by dialing (888) 349-0134 (toll free), Canadian investors may dial (888) 349-0134 (toll free), and international investors may dial (412) 317-5145. The conference call will also be webcast through the Investor Relations section of ProAssurance.com.

A telephone replay of the call will be available through August 5, 2017 at (877) 344-7529 (toll free), Canadian investors may dial (855) 669-9658 (toll free), and international investors may dial (412) 317-0088; all using access code 10104997. A replay will be available on the internet through May 31, 2017 at ProAssurance.com. ProAssurance will make a podcast of the call available on its website and on iTunes.

About ProAssurance

ProAssurance Corporation is an industry-leading specialty insurer with extensive expertise in healthcare professional liability, products liability for medical technology and life sciences, legal professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance. The company is recognized as one of the top performing insurance companies in America by virtue of our inclusion in the Ward's 50 for the past ten years. ProAssurance Group is rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best; ProAssurance and its operating subsidiaries are rated "A" (Strong) by Fitch Ratings.

For the latest on ProAssurance and its industry leading suite of products and services, cutting edge risk management and practice enhancement programs follow @ProAssurance on Twitter or LinkedIn. ProAssurance's YouTube channel regularly presents thought provoking, insightful videos that communicate effective practice management, patient safety and risk management strategies.

SOURCE ProAssurance Corporation

Related Links

http://www.proassurance.com


CHENGDU, China, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Qoros Automobile Co., Ltd. ("Qoros"), which is 50%-owned by Quantum (2007) LLC ("Quantum"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kenon Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: KEN; TASE: KEN) ("Kenon"), announces that Qoros, together with Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. ("Chery") and Yibin Municipal Government ("Yibin" ), has signed a three-party agreement on strategic cooperation in Chengdu today. In addition, Chery, Yibin (through its investment platform company), Quantum, and Qoros have signed an investment agreement that provides for joining Yibin as a strategic partner with Qoros and for a collaboration on conventional and new energy vehicle projects in Yibin, Sichuan Province, subject to certain conditions.

According to the agreements, Yibin, through its investment platform company, will establish with Qoros an NEV manufacturing basein Yibin.

Participants in today's signing ceremony included the party secretaries of Sichuan province and Yibin's city governments, as well as senior representatives of Quantum, Chery and Qoros.

Further agreements are necessary to establish the investment framework for new facilities and the implementation of the strategic cooperation and investment described above. Such further agreements, once executed, are expected to involve significant investments by Yibin in Qoros, which would dilute Quantum's and Chery's interests in Qoros.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements with respect to the strategic partnership announced by Qoros and plan for Qoros and Yibin to cooperate on establishment of an NEV manufacturing base and the expected investments in Qoros by Yibin. These statements are based on Kenon's management's current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Kenon's control, which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include the risk that further agreements are not executed in furtherance of this strategic cooperation, and if such agreements are executed, the ultimate terms of such agreements and the risk that such NEV manufacturing base is not completed on time or at all or is not successful; as well as the risk of dilution of Quantum's interest in Qoros and other risks and factors, including those risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in Kenon's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC and other filings. Except as required by law, Kenon undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact Info:

Kenon Holdings Ltd.

Barak Cohen

VP Business Development and IR

[email protected]

Tel: +65-6351-1780

Jonathan Fisch

Director, Investor Relations

[email protected]

Tel: +1-917-891-9855

External Investor Relations

Ehud Helft / Kenny Green

GK Investor Relations

[email protected]

Tel: +1-646-201-9246

SOURCE Kenon Holdings Ltd.
BEIJING, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) ("Renren" or the "Company"), which operates a social networking service and internet finance business in China, today announced that it sold preferred shares of Social Finance, Inc. ("SoFi") to certain investors on April 4, 2017, in connection with SoFi's most recent round of equity financing. The Company received net proceeds of $91.9 million for these shares. After this transaction, the Company still has 85.9% of its previous holdings in SoFi.

About Renren Inc.

Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) operates a social networking service (SNS) and internet finance business in China. Our SNS enables users to connect and communicate with each other, share photos and access mobile live streaming. Our internet finance business includes primarily auto financing. Renren.com and our renren mobile application had approximately 238 million activated users as of September 30, 2016. Renren's American depositary shares, each of which represents fifteen Class A ordinary shares, trade on NYSE under the symbol "RENN".

About Social Finance, Inc.

SoFi is a new kind of finance company taking a radical approach to lending, wealth management, and insurance. From unprecedented products and tools to faster service and open conversations, SoFi is all about helping its members get ahead and find success. Whether they're looking to buy a home, save money on student loans, ascend in their careers, or invest in the future, the SoFi community works to empower its members to accomplish the goals they set and achieve financial greatness as a result.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Renren may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Renren's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Renren does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Liu

Investor Relations Department

Renren Inc.

Tel: (86 10) 8448 1818 ext. 1300

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Renren Inc.
WOODBRIDGE, N.J., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. is pleased to announce that The Honorable Frank M. Ciuffani has rejoined the firm as Of Counsel in its Woodbridge office. In his new role at Wilentz, Judge Ciuffani will lead the Firm's ADR practice, focusing on mediating and arbitrating complex commercial, business, employment, probate and family matters.

Brian J. Molloy, President and Managing Director of Wilentz said, "We are thrilled to welcome Frank back to Wilentz after 14 years of service on the bench. Frank is a distinguished judge and an accomplished lawyer. His judgment and expertise will be of great value to all involved parties."

Prior to rejoining the firm, Judge Ciuffani served as the Presiding Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court, General Equity Division, and Probate Judge of Middlesex County from 2008 to 2017. He served as New Jersey Superior Court Judge, Civil and Family Divisions of Middlesex County from 2003 to 2008. During his tenure on the bench, he presided over numerous decisions of import that included the Archdiocese of Newark entering the tombstone business and health insurer Horizon's tiered approach method to product billing. In 2008, Judge Ciuffani launched a pilot program for home-mortgage foreclosures that became the model for the statewide foreclosure mediation program. Judge Ciuffani was also a former Assistant Prosecutor in Middlesex County.

Prior to his government service, Judge Ciuffani practiced at Wilentz for 29 years, where he focused on commercial and employment litigation.

About Wilentz

Established in 1919, the full-service law firm of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. has four offices throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The breadth of our practice and regional concentration combines to deliver proactive results-driven solutions to the dynamic and complex legal issues our clients face. For more information about Wilentz, visit http://www.wilentz.com or call 1-855-WILENTZ.

Contact:

Lisa McDonald

732-855-6183

[email protected]

SOURCE Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.

Related Links

http://www.wilentz.com


DETROIT, April 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rev. Josephine Furlow is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Professional Member in the Field of Ministry. Furlow is currently ministering at the Unity of Redford church.

The religious institution and its staff offers a variety of religious services, as well as counseling services, and is located in Livonia, Michigan. She has been serving at religious institutions for many years, as it is her passion. She performed various roles at the West Side Unity Church, such as being an usher and serving as an assistant minister, from 1972 to 1978.

Although she is now in ministry full time, Furlow was an educator for many years. She retired from the Detroit Board of Education after 32 years of being an educator and a counselor at Central High School, Frederick Douglass High School, and Jackson Jr. High School.

Her work as an educator and a minister has gained her national recognition from various publications and societies. She was the recipient of the Educator's Achievement Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service from the Booker T. Washington Business Association, the Detroit Police Department Citizen Academy Award, and received proclamation from the Wayne County Clerk. Additionally, she received the Ruth M. Mosely Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Urban Ministry from the Unity Urban Ministerial School, where she graduated from while going to school for ministry. She still currently serves on the board of Urban Ministerial.

To further her professional development, Furlow maintains memberships with the National Association of Professional Women, the National Sororities of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Phi Delta Kappa, as well as the Red Hat Society. She also serves as an inspector for the City of Detroit Election Commission.

Furlow graduated from Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, with a Bachelor's of Science in Home Economics. Some years later, she earned a Master of Education degree, with a focus in guidance and counseling, from Wayne State University, located in Detroit, Michigan. Furthermore, she attended school for ministry at the Unity Urban Ministerial School, also in Detroit, and the Unity School of Christianity in Missouri, where she became an ordained minister.

When she's not ministering, Furlow enjoys reading, shopping, and helping others in her spare time. She would like to dedicate this recognition in memory of her loving parents William and Precious Abshire, and her sister Dorothy Tolliver.

For more information about Rev. Josephine Furlow or her services, please visit: www.truthunity.net

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who

Related Links

http://www.continentalwhoswho.com


NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The DAS Group of Companies (DAS), part of Omnicom Group Inc., today announced that Russ Reid and Grizzard, two leading agencies dedicated exclusively to serving the nonprofit sector, are merging, creating an industry leader with unparalleled strategic and executional capabilities in the field.

The merger will combine the complementary resources of two agencies that invented many of the techniques and practices used in modern fundraising. The size and scale of a combined agency will give it the opportunity to shape the future of the field and allow it to forge partnerships with corporate brands as well as media and technology companies, create new ways of giving, and, ultimately, help nonprofit organizations do more good in the world.

The new entity will be led by Alan Hall, CEO of Russ Reid. Chip Grizzard, CEO of Grizzard, will become Chairman of the new unit. With headquarters in Pasadena, CA, the agency will have offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Toronto. The name of the combined agency will be announced at a later date.

"Combining Russ Reid and Grizzard will enhance our ability to serve today's nonprofits, which are seeking solutions that go beyond fundraising. Nonprofits today are facing greater competition for share-of-giving than ever before and, as a result, they are looking for partners who can help them be successful amidst a rapidly changing environment," said Dale Adams, Chairman and CEO of DAS. "By combining these two agencies, we'll be able to leverage their joint strengths to help nonprofits achieve their goals."

"For nearly a century, Russ Reid and Grizzard have been helping nonprofits connect with their supporters in meaningful and tangible ways," said Alan Hall. "But we know that the world is changing, and changing fast. And in order for our efforts to continue being effective, we are adapting our approach to how we work with nonprofits. As an agency, we are gaining a deeper understanding of motivations, behaviors, data, and trends so that we can identify opportunities and create the right fundraising strategies for our clients."

"Russ Reid and Grizzard have come together because of a shared calling to partner with nonprofits to change the world," said Chip Grizzard. "The new agency is committed to finding innovative ways of acquiring donors at scale outside of traditional channels so that our clients can make an even greater impact through the work they are doing. Part of how we will do that is by better understanding the reasons why people are motivated to engage with an organization  whether it's around advocacy, evangelism, or financial support  so that we can create communications that best resonates with our clients' supporters."

The new agency's expanded scale and scope will create efficiencies and provide resources to invest in new talent and strategic capabilities. In addition to traditional fundraising, the agency will offer expanded services in brand strategy, data science, consulting services, and disruptive digital and social tools. The agency will also continue to expand the range of clients it works with, including corporate clients seeking to partner with nonprofits.

"As we solidify the structure of our new agency, our chief priority is to serve clients by building the right talent pool to ensure our continued and future success. That means bringing together people with different backgrounds, with different areas of expertise, and with different perspective. And I am committed to building an agency where new thinking and big ideas thrive because nonprofit organizations doing good in the world deserve that," said Mr. Hall.

About The DAS Group of Companies

The DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (www.omnicomgroup.com), is a global group of marketing services companies. DAS includes over 200 companies in the following marketing disciplines: specialty, PR, healthcare, CRM, events, promotional marketing, branding and research. Operating through a combination of networks and regional organizations, DAS serves international, regional, national and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

About Russ Reid and Grizzard

Russ Reid and Grizzard exist to help nonprofit organizations solve the world's most pressing problems. For nearly a century, the agencies have been providing data-driven solutions that create real and powerful connections between nonprofit organizations and people to fuel growth and impact. With offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Toronto, Russ Reid and Grizzard help clients through direct response fundraising, brand strategy and advertising, analytics, consulting services, and digital and social campaigns. Consistent growth has been driven by long-tenured relationships and results for The Salvation Army, Operation Smile, American Red Cross, World Vision, Mercy Ships, more than 70 humane societies and over 250 rescue missions and food banks.

Russ Reid and Grizzard are part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).

SOURCE DAS Group of Companies

Related Links

http://www.omnicomgroup.com


SAN FRANCISCO, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Photographer Hemali Zaveri has launched a very special project that touches on one of the biggest debates in America today - immigration. She has used her photography skills to capture the portraits of immigrants in the Bay Area and provides the images in the e-book, "I Am an Immigrant." The e-book is available for download with iBooks on a Mac or iOS device.

Hemali Zaveri

"My goal is always to empower others through my art. Right now, I am also working as a philanthropist and a photo therapist through Heaven's Door Cancer Foundation, for women who face cancer " says Zaveri. The "I Am an Immigrant" e-book was based on art and a journalistic approach on my subjects to give a face to the people behind the stories capturing the nation's attention. We are all one race, the human race, and it was important for me to capture this through my work."

Zaveri was born in Mumbai, India, and her photography focuses on portraits, dance, still life and capturing beautiful images that speak and resonate with her audience. Zaveri is donating 50 percent of the net sales of her new e-book to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who often represent immigrants and others in legal violations of their civil rights. To purchase the book visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/i-am-an-immigrant/id1221015484?ls=1&mt=11

For more information, visit HemaliPhoto.com.

About Hemali Zaveri

Hemali Zaveri is a dance and action photographer in San Francisco, California. It is her passion to photograph people and pours her heart into her work. For more information and to see her photography visit, HemaliPhoto.com.

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SOURCE Hemali Zaveri

Related Links

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SAVANNAH, Ga., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is pleased to announce the 12th annual SCADstyle event, the university's signature week celebrating the luminaries of design and their work. Honorary chair Imran Amed, founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion, and guests including esteemed fashion designers Norma Kamali and Billy Reid will gather for a week of lectures and intimate conversations, April 6-13.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) hosts influential international thought leaders like Fern Mallis and Calvin Klein during SCADstyle, the university's signature week celebrating luminaries of design and their work.

"Without a doubt, SCAD is the preeminent source of knowledge in design education, where every day our students benefit from the wisdom and insights of the best faculty in higher education," said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. "And now, during SCADstyle 2017, we are proud to welcome a host of leading design minds to share their brilliance with our students  including the most influential business thinker in all of global fashion, Imran Amed. SCADstyle 2017 will be a week to remember."

SCADstyle brings together influential international thought leaders and practitioners from across design industries  fashion, architecture, interior design and graphic design among others  to discuss contemporary ideas and business principles that are defining success for these fields. SCADstyle will hold concurrent marquee programming across SCAD's global locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, and Hong Kong.

Previous SCADstyle guests include Calvin Klein, Alexander Wang, Fern Mallis, Lauren Bush Lauren and Charlotte Moss. This year's programming will feature Sagmeister & Walsh Art Director and Partner Jessica Walsh, CNN Style Host Derek Blasberg, Wall Street Journal Magazine Editor-In-Chief Kristina O'Neill, interior designer Ryan Korban, Shinola and Fossil Founder Tom Kartsotis, L'Oreal President Carol Hamilton and fashion illustrator Dallas Shaw.

As the preeminent authority in art and design with locations on three continents, SCAD has long been a destination for industry leaders to connect with emerging talent. The university cultivates and celebrates careers in art and design by prioritizing professionalism in the context of creative practice. SCADstyle provides a platform for students to interact directly with professionals in fields closely related to SCAD's carefully curated degree programs.

SCADstyle is free and open to the public. Follow @SCADdotedu and use #SCADstyle to join the conversations via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Below is a preliminary schedule of events for SCADstyle 2017.

SCADstyle Events: Savannah

Thursday, April 6:

Lecture: Jessica Walsh of Sagmeister & Walsh; 6 p.m., Arnold Hall

Monday, April 10:

Lecture: Tom Kartsotis of Shinola and Fossil; 6 p.m., Arnold Hall

Tuesday, April 11:

Conversation: Carol Hamilton of L'Oreal with Teen Vogue's Jessica Matlin; 2:30 p.m., SCAD Museum of Art (SCAD MOA)

Conversation: Business of Fashion Founder Imran Amed; 6 p.m., Arnold Hall

Wednesday, April 12:

Conversation: Designer Billy Reid; 6 p.m., SCAD MOA

Thursday, April 13:

Conversation: Womenswear designer Norma Kamali; 6 p.m., SCAD MOA

SCADstyle Events: Atlanta

Monday, April 10:

Lecture: Journalist and Fashionista.com Founding Editor Faran Krentcil; 2:30 p.m., Ivy Hall

Conversation: CNN Style Host Derek Blasberg with Wall Street Journal Magazine Editor-In-Chief Kristina O'Neill; 5:30 p.m., SCADshow

Wednesday, April 12:

Conversation: Interior designer Ryan Korban with Business of Fashion New York Editor Lauren Sherman; 2:30 p.m., SCADshow

Thursday, April 13:

Presentation: Illustrator and author Dallas Shaw; 2:30 p.m., SCADshow.

Book signing by Dallas Shaw of The Way She Wears It: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Revealing Your Personal Style to immediately follow.

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain exhibition opening; 6 p.m., SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film

SCADstyle Events: Hong Kong

Wednesday, April 12:

Lecture: Christina Ventura; 6 p.m., Courtroom

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited university offering more than 100 academic degree programs in 43 majors across its locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Hong Kong; Lacoste, France; and online via SCAD eLearning. SCAD enrolls more than 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 100 countries. The innovative SCAD curriculum is enhanced by advanced professional-level technology, equipment and learning resources, as well as opportunities for internships, professional certifications and collaborative projects with corporate partners.

In 2015, the prestigious Red Dot Design Rankings placed SCAD in the top four universities in the Americas and Europe. Career preparation is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni placement rate. In a study of Spring 2015 SCAD graduates, 98 percent were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 10 months of graduation. For more information, visit the official SCAD blog.

SOURCE Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
ANDOVER, Mass., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, today unveiled an advanced microgrid at its Boston One Campus (BOC), the company's North American headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts. The microgrid was built by Schneider Electric and REC Solar, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Renewables and national provider of commercial solar and energy solutions. The microgrid was funded through the innovative Microgrid as a Service (MaaS) business model, which adds resiliency and sustainability with no upfront costs. Duke Energy is the project's investor/owner.

Demand for energy is growing under the increased pressure of urbanization, digitization and industrialization. At the same time, energy users are placing a premium on resiliency from power disruptions while demanding more renewable energy. America's aging infrastructure is challenged to meet the country's demands.

Advanced distributed energy resource management and microgrids allow users to take control of their energy future. As power generation models change, smaller scale solar and energy storage installations are turning consumers into prosumers, producing energy closer to where it is used. The integration of an advanced microgrid at BOC helps Schneider Electric achieve new levels of demand side efficiency while also offering power resiliency in the event of a loss of power from the local utility.

"With the growth in the availability of affordable renewable energy and other distributed energy resources, energy consumers are more empowered than ever to use microgrids to generate and manage their consumption through active involvement in the market," said Mark Feasel, Vice President, Utility Segment, Smart Grid & Microgrid, Schneider Electric. "Schneider Electric used this model at BOC to build an advanced microgrid that reduces costs, incorporates more sustainable energy and takes control of its energy future. It will also be a living laboratory at our North American R&D hub, driving global innovation in energy storage and distributed energy resource management solutions."

By funding the project through Schneider Electric's innovative MaaS business model, the company was able to complete construction without any upfront capital expenditure costs. The microgrid will be used to research and develop new microgrid technologies, solutions and applications in a real-world environment.

"Massachusetts is a national leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency in part because of the innovation of our clean energy industry," said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. "Emerging technologies like microgrids and energy storage hold the potential to revolutionize our electric grid and provide benefits for all of the Commonwealth's ratepayers."

The advanced microgrid includes 1,379 solar modules, as well as photovoltaic inverters that convert 448 kilowatts (kW) of direct current from solar to alternating current that powers the system. Additionally, the advanced microgrid uses a natural gas generator as an anchor resource, allowing the entire solar array to operate during grid outagesmaintaining critical operations and offering employees a safe, shelter in place option. The system is expected to generate more than 520,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. This equates to saving the equivalent greenhouse gas emissions from more than 2,400 passenger vehicles in a single year.

The company today also introduced Schneider Electric Energy Control Center, which connects the facility's distributed energy resources (DER) to the BOC microgrid and provides advanced control. The BOC microgrid also features the company's newly released EcoStruxure Microgrid Advisor, which leverages connected hardware, software and cloud-based analytics to help the campus procure, manage and consume energy more efficiently. The combination of advanced controls and demand side software allows the microgrid to leverage weather forecast data and other operational site data to optimize BOC's energy performance across onsite solar, energy storage, electric vehicle charging, building HVAC and natural gas generation assets.

"As we continue to build a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for the Commonwealth, innovative companies like Schneider Electric are key to our shared success," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. "The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to supporting the emerging technologies being produced by Massachusetts' world-class businesses, talented workforce and universities."

The advanced microgrid is supported by the Schneider Electric Services Team, managing and maintaining the controls, software and associated switchgear for the life of the system.

BOC serves as the company's North American headquarters and is one of five global research and development centers worldwide. Made up of more than 240,000 square feet across two buildings, the campus is home to about 750 employees across all of Schneider Electric's business units. Opened in 2014, BOC serves to advance the company's mission to drive innovation, collaboration and efficiency across the company.

For more information about Schneider Electric's advanced microgrid solutions, please visit www.schneider-electric.us/microgrid.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of $26 billion US dollars (25 billion euros) in FY2016, our 160,000+ employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.

www.schneider-electric.us

About Duke Energy Renewables

Duke Energy Renewables is a leader in developing innovative wind and solar energy generation projects for customers throughout the United States. The company's growing portfolio of commercial renewable assets includes 20 wind projects and 55 solar facilities in operation in more than a dozen states, totaling about 2,900 megawatts in electric-generating capacity. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

About REC Solar

REC Solar is a nationwide leader providing complete commercial, public sector and utility-scale solar solutions. Incorporating experience from more than 580 successful solar installations over 20 years, REC Solar tailors financing and technology solutions to immediately deliver bottom line savings. REC Solar makes solar simple, working seamlessly with customer operations to deliver clean energy for decades. For more information, visit RECSolar.com or call 844-REC-SOLAR (844-732-7652).

Follow us on:

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

Google +

YouTube

Schneider Electric TV

Schneider Electric Blog

Hashtags: #InnovationAtEveryLevel, #EcoStruxure, #Microgrid, #DistributedEnergyResources

SOURCE Schneider Electric

Related Links

http://www.schneider-electric.us


LOS ANGELES, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Heal, the app for on-demand doctor house calls, today announced that Secretary Ray Mabus has joined the Company's Board of Directors.

Secretary Mabus joins Heal's board after spending nearly eight years as U.S. Navy Secretary under President Barack Obama. The longest serving Secretary of the Navy since World War I, Mabus was also recognized as one of the top 50 CEOs in the country.

During his tenure from 2009 to 2017, Mabus earned international attention for his efforts to rebuild the U.S. fleet, and improving the quality of life for Sailors and Marines, launching 21st Century Sailor and Marine, a comprehensive health improvement plan including efforts to reduce sexual assault, suicide and alcohol and drug abuse.

"Heal's mission to change the healthcare system for the better is a noble one, and one I'm passionate about," said Secretary Mabus. "Access to convenient and affordable care is a right, not a privilege. I look forward to playing an active role on the board to ensure Heal's progress continues for the betterment of all Americans who strive to gain access to care they need, when and where they need it."

Welcoming Secretary Mabus to the Heal Board comes shortly after the company hired Rish Tandon, former General Manager of Mobile Apps at Amazon, and Bhavini Soneji, former Director of Engineering at Snap Inc., as CTO and SVP of Engineering, respectively.

Additionally, Heal announced several landmark milestones: 16,000 patient house call visits, more than $5.9 million in healthcare savings costs, cutting unnecessary prescription antibiotic usage more than half, raising $52 million in funding, and reducing non-emergency trips to the ER/Urgent care by 62 percent for its patients and partners, in two years. They've also shared plans to expand to cities in Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania by the end of 2017.

"We have a great deal of respect and admiration for the extensive work Secretary Mabus dedicated to creating positive change for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp, among other areas of his professional career. We feel strongly that his guidance, insight, and leadership will be invaluable assets to Heal's future growth and success," said Nick Desai, CEO and co-founder of Heal.

ABOUT HEAL:

Heal is transforming healthcare with unhurried house calls through empowered, qualified doctors doing what they love, and purposeful innovations that enable you to spend less time getting well and more time being well. We are making healthcare a more personal experience that is accessible for everyone.

Through the touch of an app or a click on our site, a highly-vetted, qualified medical doctor will arrive at your door, twelve hours a day, 365 days a year. Heal is in-network with all major PPO insurance companies. We hope to create a more efficient doctor's office, in the privacy of your own home or office, because we know that happy doctors deliver the best care and a great patient/doctor relationship improves outcomes! For more information please visit http://www.heal.com/.Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

ABOUT SECRETARY RAY MABUS:

As Navy Secretary, Mabus led America's Sailors and Marines in a time of two wars and oversaw an annual budget of over $170 billion and almost 900,000 people. As the youngest governor of Mississippi in more than 150 years at the time of his election, Mabus was named one or Fortune Magazine's top ten education governors. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Clinton Administration and as CEO of a major manufacturing company.

Currently, Secretary Mabus is a lecturer at the Harvard Law School, an executive fellow at the Harvard Business School, and a visiting fellow with the Institute of Politics and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Secretary Mabus has been awarded the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award, the U.S. Army's Distinguished Civilian Service Award (both while Ambassador), the Martin Luther King Social Responsibility Award from the King Center in Atlanta, the National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Award, the King Abdul Aziz Award from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Mississippi Association of Educators' Friend of Education Award, and is a member of the University of Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame. He is also an honorary Chief Petty Officer and an Honorary Frogman (SEAL).

PRESS CONTACT:

Nicole Rodrigues

NRPR Group

(650) 8155069

[email protected]

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SOURCE Heal

Related Links

http://www.heal.com


WASHINGTON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senator Richard Black (Virginia's 13th District), a member of the Virginia Senate and former top prosecutor at the Pentagon said, "I defy anyone to give me a motive for Assad using gas on women and children."

Senator Black cited the 2013 sarin gas attack that was falsely blamed on President Assad and warned against a knee-jerk reaction into war, based upon accounts detailed by White Helmets and rebels, who are at war with President Assad. "If President Assad had these weapons, why wouldn't he use them on ISIS soldiers instead of his own people? ISIS are masters of manipulation and we cannot take America to the brink of WWIII based upon accounts of an attack given by terrorists, particularly when ISIS knows their only path to victory, at this point, is through American intervention.

In 2013, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Seymour Hersh reported on two Turkish CHP deputies, Eren Erdem and Ali Seker, who spoke in Istanbul about a Turkish wiretapping investigation where they uncovered conversations detailing how they would carry out the gas attack and blame it on President Assad.

The May 6, 2013 Washington Times article entitled, "Syrian rebels used Sarin nerve gas, not Assad's regime: U.N. official" details reports from a member of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Carla del Ponte stating, "that there were 'strong, concrete suspicions, but not yet incontrovertible proof,' that rebels seeking to oust Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad had used the nerve agent." Senator Black said, "This is the modus operandi of ISIS. They've staged attacks to look like President Assad did it before, and it makes sense that they would do it again."

Former Congressman Ron Paul said, "Does anyone believe that on the eve of peace talks, just after the White House said the Syrian people should choose their own leaders, that Assad would launch a gas attack to turn the whole world against him? We don't either. We're back to the same lies that got us into Iraq. Do we never learn to question the propaganda?"

Contact: 757-493-1392

SOURCE Senator Richard Black

Related Links

http://www.dickblack4senate.com/


NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) concerning concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.

On March 21, 2017, California Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) wrote a letter to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, calling for an investigation into whether the Company has potentially engaged in "waste, fraud and abuse in the defense and industrial base." On this news, TransDigm's shares fell more than 5% on March 21, 2017, harming investors. To obtain additional information, go to:

http://zlk.9nl.com/transdigm

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972.

Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Eduard Korsinsky, Esq.

30 Broad Street - 24th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Tel: (212) 363-7500

Toll Free: (877) 363-5972

Fax: (212) 363-7171

www.zlk.com

SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Related Links

http://www.zlk.com


"As we approach 700 departures a day this summer from a total of ten airports in California, we're continuing an investment in the Golden State that dates back 35 years," said Andrew Watterson, Senior Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer for Southwest. "More Californians embrace us as their hometown carrier not only for the unique value of our bags fly free*2 and no change fees policies**3, but principally for our schedule that values their time by offering more nonstop options from California than anyone else."

1 Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data of O&D passengers boarded.

2Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances),

3Fare differences might apply.

Beginning Aug. 1, 2017, fly Southwest nonstop between :

Sacramento and Long Beach for as low as $49 or 2,327 Rapid Rewards Points one-way Sacramento and Spokane for as low as $49 or 2,327 Rapid Rewards Points one-way

(Purchase today through April 13, 2017, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Travel is valid Aug. 1 through Nov. 2, 2017. Travel is not valid on Friday and Sunday and is blacked out on Sept. 1 and Sept. 4. Please see complete fare rules, terms, and conditions below for these fares.)

In addition, the carrier will increase the amount of flying between Sacramento and both Seattle and San Diego this summer. Beginning June 5, Southwest will offer up to 11 flights a day in each direction between Sacramento and San Diego and up to six flights a day in each direction between Sacramento and Seattle.

"Every flight brings an average 143 seats and dozens of people who are traveling Southwest to connect with business, family, friends, and experiences that matter to them," Watterson said.

Later this month, Southwest intends to increase its international presence in California by adding San Diego International Airport as its fourth gateway airport in the state (alongside Oakland, Los Angeles, and Santa Ana/Orange County) as daily nonstop service between San Diego and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, Mexico begins April 25.

FARE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Purchase April 6 through April 13, 2017, 11:59 p.m. in the respective time zone of the originating city. Travel is valid Mondays through Thursdays, and Saturdays, Aug. 1 through Nov. 2, 2017 except for black-out dates of Sept. 1 & 4, 2017. Fares are valid only on domestic, nonstop service only. Displayed prices include all U.S. and international government taxes and fees. Rapid Rewards Points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at least $5.60 per one-way flight. Seats and days are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Travel is available for one-way Wanna Get Away fares. Fares may be combined with other Southwest combinable fares. If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare's rules apply. Sale fares may be available on other days of week, but that's not guaranteed. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest, as long as reservations are canceled at least ten minutes prior to scheduled departure. Failure to cancel prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds on the reservation. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel may require an upgrade to the Anytime fare depending on Tier status. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies only to published, scheduled service.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 53,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and eight additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to both Grand Cayman and Cincinnati begins June 4, 2017.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free* to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply**. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 44 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2015 Southwest Airlines One Report can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

Related Links

http://www.southwest.com


LA JOLLA, Calif., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- StemGenex Medical Group, an organization committed to helping people achieve optimum health and better quality of life through the healing benefits of their own stem cells, has stepped up as a Diamond Sponsor to support the Walk MS events in San Diego and Carlsbad. The San Diego event will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at NTC Park, Liberty Station with check in at 7:00 a.m. and the walk beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Carlsbad event on Saturday, April 22, 2017 convenes at Armada Drive overlooking the Flower Fields, with check in at 4:00 p.m. and the walk at 5:00 p.m. In addition to its sponsorship, StemGenex will donate a tricycle for each event.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources so that everyone affected by the disease can live their best lives. Last year alone the society's comprehensive nationwide network of services devoted $122.2 million to connect more than one million individuals to people, information, and resources. To move closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested $54 million to support more than 380 new and ongoing research projects around the world.

According to the Society, the disease is thought to affect more than 2.3 million people worldwide, that number may be a significant under estimate since MS is not a reportable disease and no centralized reporting system exists at this time. Also, MS can be difficult to diagnose. Since there is no single test for MS, the diagnosis can be missed, delayed or even incorrect.

The Walk MS events are positioned to increase awareness about the disease. The walk encourages people affected by this disease to team up with friends, loved ones, and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS.

"We're truly honored to serve as a Diamond Sponsor to support the MS Walks in San Diego and Carlsbad," said Rita Alexander, StemGenex Medical Group's Chief Administrative Officer. "We're excited and hopeful about the innovative research and progress related to stem cell therapy for slowing the progression of MS and for repairing damage to the nervous system. At StemGenex, I personally have witnessed how the use of adipose-derived stem cells (from fat tissue) have improved the quality of life for many patients seen for this condition. We're honored to be an increasing part of the solution."

ABOUT StemGenex Medical Group

StemGenex Medical Group is committed to helping people achieve optimum health and better quality of life through the healing benefits of their own stem cells. StemGenex provides stem cell therapy options for individuals suffering with inflammatory and degenerative illnesses. Committed to the science and innovation of stem cell treatment, StemGenex sponsors five clinical outcome studies registered with the National Institutes of Health ("NIH") for Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ("COPD") and Osteoarthritis. These have been established to formally document and evaluate the quality of life changes in individuals following adipose-derived stem cell treatment.

Contacts:

Jamie Schubert, Director of Media & Community Relations,

[email protected], 858.242.4243

SOURCE StemGenex Medical Group
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee and YEHUD, Israel, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

TaKaDu, a global leader in Integrated Event Management solutions for the water industry, announced today that Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) has signed a contract with TaKaDu, following a public tender, as part of its concerted efforts to improve customer service and reduce non-revenue water (NRW). The project is being managed by Matchpoint, one of TaKaDu's distributors in the North American region.

KUB provides electric, gas, water, and wastewater services to Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties in the East Tennessee Valley.

KUB invests heavily in enhancing its infrastructure. In its water distribution system, for example, it has created District Metered Areas (DMAs) to partition the network, added many sensors and meters for flow and pressure monitoring, and replaced other assets.

The next natural step was to decide how to transform data on the water system into operational knowledge, and TaKaDu was chosen to manage the vast volumes of sensor data providing near real-time analysis and alerts for network incidents of multiple types.

TaKaDu's automated cloud-based service enables utilities to detect, analyze and manage network events and incidents such as leaks, bursts, faulty assets, telemetry and data issues, operational failures and more. Converting raw data into knowledge, TaKaDu provide greater visibility and actionable insights for the faster resolution of events.

Barry Hales, President, Matchpoint, said, "Matchpoint is honored to bring KUB and TaKaDu together. We challenge ourselves to accurately define and fully comprehend the needs of our clients. The KUB/TaKaDu solution will translate information into knowledge, thus providing a mutually beneficial relationship for years to come."

"We're delighted to announce this important opportunity with KUB, representing the first US utility to join TaKaDu's worldwide customer base across eleven countries. KUB's progressive approach to data evaluation and eagerness to improve its efficiency fits perfectly with the culture change TaKaDu is enabling," said Amir Peleg, TaKaDu's Founder & CEO.

About Matchpoint

Matchpoint (http://www.matchpointinc.us/) designs and implements comprehensive water asset management programs for reducing and controlling real and apparent water loss. Tailored to each client's specific needs, Matchpoint's approach integrates innovative technology, refined service methodology, and over 95 years of combined expertise to proactively monitor and detect non-revenue water. Matchpoint brings transparency to the underground water network by integrating TakaDu's event management software with our non-intrusive flow, pressure and leak detection solutions.

About TaKaDu

TaKaDu (http://www.takadu.com) optimizes operational efficiency and improves water management across-the-board. A proven IoT solution for the water industry, TaKaDu offers the most comprehensive integrated event management platform, based on big data analytics and sophisticated algorithms. TaKaDu provides multiple benefits, including reduced leakages and supply interruptions, automatic early warning of anomalies, improved data integrity, and KPI measurements. Ensuring a faster response time, TaKaDu also helps to improve customer service. A cloud-based SaaS platform, TaKaDu brings together huge amounts of information in an easy-to-use, flexible and scalable solution. Its innovative approach has earned notable commendations, including the World Economic Forum Tech-Pioneer Award and a Harvard Business School case-study.

Press Contact :



Natalie Chouraqui

TaKaDu

[email protected]

+972-54-4750-889



SOURCE TaKaDu and Matchpoint
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.
"Tandem Theory is proud to partner with La Madeleine French Bakery and Cafe to develop effective go-forward strategies to create preference using digital channels," said Michelle Hagen, CEO, Tandem Theory. "We are excited about partnering with the team to turn post-modern marketing challenges, such as online to offline attribution, into competitive advantages and drive awareness and loyalty for this distinctive brand."

"As the La Madeleine footprint continues to grow, we were looking for an agency that could help us transition seamlessly from primarily traditional to digital media. Tandem Theory is known for their channel-agnostic content planning, cohesive and effective paid media strategies, as well as for their accountability and ability to measure against marketing spend," said John Cahill, president, La Madeleine French Bakery and Cafe. "Their expertise, coupled with their post-modern take on digital marketing made them a natural partner for us."

About Tandem Theory Tandem Theory is a customer experience marketing agency formed in response to the post-modern digital era. Data driven, tech-savvy and agile, the company attracts brands who understand the power of a personalized, customer-first approach and the need to evolve beyond outdated paradigms. Tandem Theory is known for leveraging its expertise in content marketing, channel orchestration and customer data to foster customer devotion and drive meaningful customer experiences. See our work at http://www.tandemtheory.com/.

About La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe Dallas-based La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe was established in 1983 by self-described "French country boy" Patrick Esquerre to fulfill his dream of bringing classic French country fare to America. From its signature fireplace to its crave-worthy food, La Madeleine offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy French-inspired fare served during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features handcrafted entrees, sandwiches, salades and soupes, as well as freshly baked breads, artisan patisseries and more. La Madeleine currently has more than 80 corporate and franchised cafes across Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. For more information on menu items, cafe locations and hours of operation, visit http://www.lamadeleine.com/.

Contact: Andrea McCauley, Director of Content Marketing, Tandem Theory, 972-701-0186, [email protected]

SOURCE Tandem Theory

Related Links

http://www.tandemtheory.com


GREENSBORO, N.C., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE: SKT), announced today that its Board of Directors approved a 5.4% increase in the annual dividend on its common shares from $1.30 per share to $1.37 per share. Simultaneously, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3425 per share for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017. This cash dividend will be payable on May 15, 2017 to holders of record on April 28, 2017.

Since becoming a public company in May 1993, the company has paid a cash dividend each quarter and has increased its dividend each year.

About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT), is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 44 upscale outlet shopping centers and one additional center currently under construction. Tanger's operating properties are located in 22 states coast to coast and in Canada, totaling approximately 15.1 million square feet, leased to over 3,100 stores which are operated by more than 500 different brand name companies. The Company has more than 36 years of experience in the outlet industry. Tanger Outlet Centers continue to attract more than 188 million shoppers annually. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the Company's website at www.tangeroutlets.com.

CONTACT:

Cyndi Holt

Vice President of Investor Relations

(336) 834-6892

SOURCE Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tangeroutlet.com


Prior to this appointment, DeRyke served as President of Terumo CV Group's Electromechanical (EM) Systems Division. "Under his leadership, Rob brought stability and improved profitability to the business," said Shinjiro Sato, President and CEO of Terumo Corporation, Terumo CV Group's parent company.

DeRyke takes lead of a company with deep expertise in the cardiac arena, well positioned for the future.

"We have a strong foundation of talent, technologies, and systems to build on as we deliver long-term value to our customers and their patients," said DeRyke.

Terumo CV Group is building momentum that will create a positive impact for healthcare providers and the critically ill patients they serve. Having recently cleared the shipping restrictions imposed as a condition of its 2011 consent decree, the company is preparing to return its flagship Terumo Advanced Perfusion System 1 heart-lung machine to market in June 2017. As a market leader in oxygenators and cardiac monitoring technologies, Terumo CV Group will introduce its newest CAPIOX oxygenator and CDI inline blood gas monitoring system later this year, reinforcing the company's commitment to the global cardiac community.

DeRyke joined Terumo in 2012 as Vice President of Corporate Quality for Terumo CVS. He has over 25 years' experience in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and has held executive leadership positions for Baxter Healthcare, Hospira, and Thermo-Fisher Scientific. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Western Michigan University.

About Terumo Cardiovascular Group

Terumo Cardiovascular Group manufactures and markets medical devices for cardiac and vascular surgery with an emphasis on cardiopulmonary bypass, intra-operative monitoring and vascular grafting. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with manufacturing operations in the U.S., Europe and Asia. It is one of several subsidiaries of Terumo Corporation of Japan that is focused exclusively on cardiac and vascular specialties. For more information, visit www.terumo-cvgroup.com.

About Terumo Corporation

Tokyo-based Terumo Corporation is one of the world's leading medical device manufacturers with over $5 billion in sales and operations in more than 160 nations. Founded in 1921, the company develops, manufactures and distributes world-class medical devices including products for use in cardiothoracic surgery, interventional procedures and transfusion medicine; the company also manufactures a broad array of syringe and hypodermic needle products for hospital and physician office use. Terumo contributes to society by providing valued products and services to the health care market and by responding to the needs of health care providers and the people they serve. Terumo Corporation's shares are listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (No. 4543, Reuters symbol <4543.T>, or Bloomberg 4543: JP) and is a component of the Nikkei 225, Japan's leading stock index.

Terumo and CAPIOX are registered trademarks of Terumo Corporation. CDI is a registered trademark of Terumo Cardiovascular Systems.

879978

SOURCE Terumo Cardiovascular Group

Related Links

http://www.terumo-cvgroup.com


BOSTON, April 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TFC Financial Management (TFC), an independent, majority employee-owned registered investment advisory and financial planning firm founded in 1980, has announced its next generation of leadership. Renee Kwok, CFP, who joined the firm in 1991 and became president in 2005, will also serve the firm as Chief Executive Officer. James L. Joslin, co-founder of TFC, from whom Kwok takes the CEO mantle, will remain as the firm's Chairman. Daniel S. Kern, CFA, CFP, who joined TFC in 2015 as Chief Investment Strategist, becomes the Chief Investment Officer and is also now a shareholder.

Independent Boston Advisory Serving Multi-Generational Client Families

TFC provides fee-only financial advisory and investment management services for high-net-worth individuals, couples and families, as well as strategic planning and endowment asset management services for boards of non-profit entities. The firm has been serving many of the same families since its inception and is continuing on with 2nd generation and even 3rd generation family members.

TFC has nearly four decades of experience advising clients successfully through transitions such as career changes, retirement, divorce, death of a family member, and sales of closely held businesses. The firm has also guided its first generation of clients through the challenges of aging and cognitive decline. Recognizing that the next generation  the children and grandchildren of current clients  may feel more comfortable developing a long-term relationship with their peers, the firm continues to add and develop younger financial advisors.

FIDUCIARY STANDARDS

"Regardless of the outcome of the debate and ultimate legislation of the DOL Fiduciary Rule, we have always served our clients as fiduciaries, ensuring that their best interests come first," said Kwok. "As a truly independent firm, we are free to recommend strategies that we believe will help meet our clients' long-term financial goals. Our clients know that we will provide them the most objective advice and direct, personal attention. Quite simply, that is our client retention strategy."

Kwok began her financial career as an investment analyst at Asian Oceanic Limited, a Hong Kong-based merchant bank. She later served as a security analyst for the Putnam Companies and immediately prior to joining TFC was a consultant for a fee-based planning and investment company that served health care professionals. Her interest in joining TFC was based, in large part, on a professional desire to serve as a fiduciary, fee-only financial advisor to clients and their families. Kwok holds a BA from Middlebury College, is fluent in Chinese and serves on the Family Advisory Council of Cradles to Crayons.

Prior to joining TFC, Kern was president and CIO of a California-based boutique asset management firm that manages equities and asset allocation for advisors, financial institutions and family offices. He is the former head of asset allocation for Charles Schwab Investment Management, where he managed approximately $3.5 billion of assets, and was a Managing Director/Principal at Montgomery Asset Management. Kern has a BA in economics from Brandeis University and MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley. He is a Trustee for Green Century Funds. He has been widely quoted on market and investment topics in a wide range of both industry and consumer publications and is currently a regular contributor to US News & World Report.

TFC has been recognized as a leading independent registered investment advisor by both Financial Planning magazine (included among 2016 Top Registered Investment Advisors*) and by the Financial Times (included among 2015 Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors**). Kwok has been named by Boston Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Manager*** in four of the past six years. Both Kwok and Kern speak frequently on a variety of wealth management and investment topics for both industry and professional groups, including the Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., Wellesley College, the Financial Planning Association, and the Tiburon CEO Summit.

For more information on the firm's services, or to engage Renee Kwok or Dan Kern as a speaker, visit www.tfcfinancial.com or call 617-210-6700 to speak with them directly.

ABOUT TFC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

TFC Financial Management is an independent, fee-only, registered investment advisory firm in Boston, MA, that manages approximately $890 million in client assets and provides comprehensive personal financial advice. Founded in 1980 by a group of financial professionals including James Joslin, CFP, and Frederick Pryor, the firm serves high-net-worth individuals, couples and families, and also provides strategic consulting and asset management to nonprofit organizations.

Registration with the SEC should not be construed as an endorsement or an indicator of investment skill, acumen or experience. Investments in securities are not insured, protected or guaranteed and may result in loss of income and/or principal.

* The Financial Planning rankings are based upon the total discretionary and nondiscretionary assets under management listed on Form ADV. The rankings list comprises only independent, fee-only advisory firms, excluding firms with broker/dealer and insurance company affiliations as well as those with substantial outside ownership. In order to capture firms that provide financial advice to individuals, only advisory firms that maintain a client base that consists of at least 50 percent "individual clients" are included.

** The formula the FT uses to grade advisers is based on six broad factors and calculates a numeric score for each adviser. Areas of consideration include adviser AUM (based on SEC ADV reported assets greater than $300 million), asset growth, the company's age, industry certifications of key employees, SEC compliance record, and online accessibility.

*** Boston magazine and Five Star Professional partnered to find wealth managers who satisfy 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria.

Contact:

Leslie Swid

Impact Communications

913 649-5009

[email protected]

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE TFC Financial Management

Related Links

http://www.tfcfinancial.com


INDIANAPOLIS, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunglass Warehouse, an Indianapolis e-commerce eyewear company that offers hundreds of affordable sunglasses, has partnered with Sun King Brewery for a product collaboration that includes branded Sun King sunglasses.

As Sun King continually dedicates its resources to being fresh and local, it was a no-brainer that they partner with a local company to provide their new promotional products.

"What makes working with Sunglass Warehouse so great is the fact that our missions align so well and our cultures are so community focused," said Beth Belange, Promotions Director at Sun King Brewery.

Along with their new partnership, Sun King Brewery and Sunglass Warehouse will donate $1 towards Habitat for Humanity Women Build for every pair of sunglasses sold.

"When Sun King approached us about a potential partnership, we immediately agreed to help. As companies that both want to see our community flourish, we knew this was a great opportunity," said Randy Stocklin, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunglass Warehouse.

The Sun King sunglasses will make its official appearance on April 6 at Bike to the Ball Park and will also be sold in both Sun King Brewery locations, as well as online through sunkingbrewery.com and Sunglass Warehouse.

About Sunglass Warehouse

Empowering people to experience more, Sunglass Warehouse was created in the home of Randy and Angie Stocklin. While both enjoy traveling the world, they began thinking of ways to start a company that believes in seizing life's adventures rather than spending money on expensive shades. Since 2005, Sunglass Warehouse has evolved into an ecommerce brand that encourages individuals to spend less while doing more by providing hundreds of affordable sunglasses. For more information about Sunglass Warehouse, visit www.sunglasswarehouse.com.

About Sun King Brewery

Sun King Brewing Company is the brainchild of Dave Colt and Clay Robinson. With the help of family and friends, the first keg of Sun King beer rolled out the door for delivery in July 2009. Now available on tap and in cans at hundreds of locations statewide, Sun King has grown into the second-largest beer brewer in the state of Indiana  and the largest brewer in the state that distributes beer exclusively in Indiana. Visit www.sunkingbrewing.com for more information. Sun King Brewery is also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Sunglass Warehouse

Related Links

http://sunglasswarehouse.com


NEWINGTON, N.H., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:PLNT), one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S., invites everyone  whether a member of the Judgement Free Zone or not  to recover from tax season-related tension and anxiety by treating themselves to free HydroMassage at any of the more than 1,300 Planet Fitness clubs nationwide. The limited-time offer* is available from April 15  22 in partnership with HydroMassage; de-stressers need only bring in a coupon available beginning April 15 at PlanetFitness.com. To find a Planet Fitness near you, click here.

HydroMassage provides a convenient way to enjoy the relaxing benefits of massage, typically enjoyed either pre-workout to loosen tight muscles or post-workout as a cool-down. Travelling jets move up and down the body with wave-like streams of heated water, allowing users to select the exact points where they would like to concentrate the massage, select the desired massage pressure, adjust the speed and even hold the massage in any given area. Key benefits of HydroMassage include reduced stress levels and relieved muscle soreness, among others.

"Financial pressure is one of the leading causes of stress in America, so tax season is understandably one of the most stressful and, yes, taxing times of the year," said Jessica Correa, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Planet Fitness. "Planet Fitness wants to reward everyone filing those tax forms this year with an opportunity to recharge, re-center and reemerge as refreshed as possible."

"HydroMassage feels great on sore, tired muscles after a workout, and we're pleased to spread the joy of stress relief to all Planet Fitness members and guests who are eager to recover from tax time throughout the country," said Paul Lunter, President of HydroMassage.

Planet Fitness has revolutionized the fitness industry with extremely low prices (memberships for just $10 or $19.99 a month**) and offers a variety of benefits including a hassle-free environment called the Judgement Free Zone, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions, unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the pe @ pf program, and much more.

Planet Fitness also provides members with an opportunity to connect and support each other with "Planet of Triumphs," an online community that celebrates all accomplishments and inspirational stories of Planet Fitness members. Planet of Triumphs provides an online platform for members to recognize their triumphs (big or small), share their stories and encourage others, reinforcing the Company's belief that 'everyone belongs'. Check out real Planet Fitness member stories and accomplishments at PlanetofTriumphs.com.

To redeem the coupon and treat yourself to a free HydroMassage or find the nearest Planet Fitness club, please visit www.PlanetFitness.com. The coupon will be available online starting April 15.

*Offer applies to anyone ages 18+, valid ID required

**Participating locations

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2016, Planet Fitness had approximately 8.9 million members and more than 1,300 stores in 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

About HydroMassage

For more than 28 years, HydroMassage Beds and Lounges have been utilized in health clubs, chiropractic offices, and spas / salons worldwide to provide the benefits of massage without the time or expense required for traditional hands-on massage therapy. HydroMassage Zones with as many as eight HydroMassage units provide fitness club members with a 7-10 minute massage after a workout.

SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.PlanetFitness.com


STAMFORD, Conn., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tronox Limited (NYSE: TROX) announced today the following schedule for its first quarter 2017 financial results and webcast conference call:

Financial Results Release: Wednesday, May 3, 2017, after the market close via PRNewswire and the Tronox Limited website at tronox.com.

Webcast Conference Call: Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. EDT (New York). The live call is open to the public via Internet broadcast and telephone.

Internet Broadcast: tronox.com

Dial-in telephone numbers:

U.S. / Canada: +1.877.831.3840

International: +1.253.237.1184

Conference ID: 4010868

Conference Call Presentation Slides used during the conference call will be available on our website: tronox.com .

Conference Call Replay: Available via the Internet and telephone beginning on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. EDT (New York), until 11:30 p.m. EDT (New York), Tuesday, May 9, 2017.

Internet Replay: tronox.com

Replay dial-in telephone numbers:

U.S. / Canada: +1.855.859.2056

International: +1.404.537.3406

Conference ID: 4010868

About Tronox

Tronox Limited is a global leader in the mining, production and marketing of inorganic minerals and chemicals. The company operates two vertically integrated businesses: Tronox Titanium Dioxide (TiO 2 ) and Tronox Alkali. For more information, visit tronox.com.

Media Contact: Bud Grebey

Direct: +1.203.705.3721

Investor Contact: Brennen Arndt

Direct: +1.203.705.3722

SOURCE Tronox Limited

Related Links

http://www.tronox.com


The new capital will be used to bring Trov's on-demand insurance capability to more people around the world, expand the categories of items it covers, and accelerate the development of new applications that leverage Trov's unique technology platform.

In addition to its investment, Munich Re is expanding its strategic alliance to include underwriting throughout Europe, Asia and South Africa. Additionally, SOMPO is investing in the financing round through SOMPO's wholly owned subsidiary Sompo Japan Nipponkoa and partnering with Trov to offer its on-demand insurance exclusively throughout Japan.

With its global expansion, Trov is becoming one of the world's leading insurance technology startups, poised to revolutionize the way people protect the things that are important to them.

Scott Walchek, CEO and Founder of Trov, comments: "Trov's early success in Australia and UK is demonstrating that modern consumers want a new way to protect their things. With the additional capital and extensive partnerships, soon millions of people around the world will be empowered to protect the things that enhance their lives whenever and however they want."

"By expanding our partnership with Munich Re and adding SOMPO, we're building a stable of exceptional partners who will enable us to launch around the world with greater speed, efficiency, and local know-how. The combined capabilities of key global insurance leaders will streamline our regulatory path and increase our go-to-market effectiveness in each new territory we pursue."

Andy Rear, CEO of Digital Partners at Munich Re, adds: "Trov's on-demand protection represents a genuine innovation in insurance for an unserved or under-insured market. Our extensive footprint will surely help power Trov's rapid expansion to the most active markets around the globe. We're excited to be taking a deeper role with the industry's first global insurtech platform."

Jacqueline LeSage Krause, Managing Director, Munich Re / HSB Ventures, adds: "We are constantly working to find innovation-driven companies to help shape the future of our industry, and we're excited to be working closely with the team at Trov as they expand their presence in the global insurtech market."

Koichi Narasaki, Group Chief Digital Officer, SOMPO, adds: "SOMPO Group is transforming itself into the whole service industry of security, safety and wellbeing for a global society. We are thrilled to be partnering with Trov as their exclusive go-to-market partner in Japan. Together, SOMPO and Trov are seeking a user-first approach in one of the world's leading mobile-consumer markets."

Today, the Trov app is available for free download oniOS andAndroid intheUK and Australia. With a simple tap or swipe, Trov users are presented a personalized quote and can instantly turn insurance on (or off) for an individual item, for whatever length of time they need, paying only for the coverage they require. The app is built on Trov's revolutionary cloud-native insurance platform, that features micro-duration policies, algorithmic pricing, integrated billing, and intelligent bot-assisted claims. Users can easily add their possessions (by snapping a photo of an item/receipt, forwarding an electronic receipt or searching the product database).

For more information about Trov, visitwww.trov.com or take a look at the Trov media kit (trov.to/trov-media-kit) for additional resources.

About Trov

Trov is revolutionizing the way people protect the things they care about. With the introduction of the world's first on-demand insurance platform for single items, Trov gives people the power to insure just what they want, exactly when they want, entirely from their mobile device. The Trov app also helps people easily organize important information about the things they own and back it up to the cloud, so it's accessible when needed.

Trov's Series C financing of $25.5m, which closed in March, 2016 was led by Oak HC/FT, with participation from Suncorp Group, Guidewire, and Anthemis Group. Trov partners with insurance providers in their markets, which provide the underwriting capital and primary insurance licensing. Trov rolled out in Australia in May 2016, where it is underwritten by Suncorp, and the UK in December 2016, where AXA is its underwriting partner. Trov, which will be an MGA in the USA, will be released stateside in 2017, with Munich Re providing its underwriting capital and licensing. Trov is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

For more information, please visit trov.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

About Munich Re

Munich Re stands for exceptional solution-based expertise, consistent risk management, financial stability and client proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2016, the Group  which combines primary insurance and reinsurance under one roof  achieved a profit of 2.6bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with over 43,000 employees throughout the world. With premium income of around 28bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world's leading reinsurers. Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. Its primary insurance operations are concentrated mainly in ERGO, one of the leading insurance groups in Germany and Europe. ERGO is represented in over 30 countries worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of insurances, provision products and services. In 2016, ERGO posted premium income of 16.0bn. Munich Re's global investments (excluding insurance-related investments) amounting to 219bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group.

About Sompo Holdings

SOMPO is one of the top three insurers in Japan and has a global network of businesses. Listed and headquartered in Japan with a growing presence in the US and UK the company engages in the provision of insurance services, operating through Domestic Property and Casualty Insurance, Domestic Life Insurance, Overseas Insurance as well as other services including pensions, asset management and healthcare businesses.

SOMPO has a global network in 32 countries operating in Europe, North America, Central and South America, Asia and Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa. The Company employs more than 78,000 people worldwide.SOMPO seeks to realize sustainable growth and greater corporate value, based on striving to secure earnings from its domestic P&C insurance while aggressively devoting greater management resources to growth fields such as domestic life insurance and overseas insurance. The Group's investment plan is not just limited to being a provider of insurance products but aims to position itself as the best customer service provider both at home and abroad and has evolved to offer a wider range of services aimed at providing even more customers with products that provide security, health, and wellbeing.

Learn more about SOMPO by visiting www.sompo-hd.com/en/

SOURCE Trov

Related Links

http://www.trov.com


"This was an amazing experience for our warriors, and I am so grateful for President Donald Trump's kind words and encouragement," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "For over a decade, Wounded Warrior Project has worked with our nation's leaders to connect our wounded veterans with services that will empower them to live their lives on their own terms. We look forward to maintaining collaboration with this administration to extend that legacy of service to this generation of injured service members."

At the White House, President Trump recognized 50 wounded warriors by name, offering words of support to the riders.



"You've risked all that you have, all that you possess to keep our people safe and our democracy secure, and we're going to keep it going for a long time in your honor," President Donald Trump said. "You've earned our freedom with your sweat and your blood and your incredible sacrifice. We salute you. We salute your service."

The ride will continue with the final 12-mile leg of the journey occurring in Chantilly, Virginia.

Programs like Soldier Ride highlight the importance of managing mental health through physical activity and connecting warriors with one another. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, 29.6 percent of survey respondents expressed physical activity helps them cope with stress and emotional concerns.

To learn more about Soldier Ride, and how WWP's other programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

About Soldier Ride

Soldier Ride is a Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) physical health & wellness program, which empowers wounded veterans to become well-adjusted in body, receiving the care they need to maximize rehabilitation and live active and healthy lives. Read more at woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/soldier-ride.

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


"Over 600 acres have already burned and the fire is only 20 percent contained," U-Haul Company of Fort Lauderdale president Frank Grau said. "U-Haul wants to support residents in times of need. We are part of these communities and we want to offer a safe place for people to store their belongings."

Families needing more information about the 30 days of self-storage assistance should contact:

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Sunrise

4747 Nob Hill Road

Sunrise, FL 33351

(954) 749-2727

With U-Box containers, you can conveniently pick up our custom-designed trailer and take a U-Box container with you. U-Haul also can store your U-Box container in our secure warehouses or pick it up and deliver it to a location of your choice.

U-Haul is the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage, with more than 21,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to its 30 days free self-storage assistance, U-Haul is an official American Red Cross disaster responder and is proud to be at the forefront of aiding communities in time of need.

To learn more about what U-Haul is doing 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
NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

UK HLS and Counter Terror Market Surge: 2015 2020 CAGR 11.4%. Granulated Into 51 Submarkets

The UK is facing security problems with a far greater reach than its economic ones. ISIS terror threats are alarming and show no signs of declining.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03837923/UK-Homeland-Security-Public-Safety-Market-.html

The present UK security measures, which have been effective in the past, cannot meet the 21st century ISIS-inspired terror tactics (following 5 years of security agencies' budget and personnel cuts). A revision of the UK security infrastructure and funding is already underway.

The transformation of the UK security infrastructure and HLS budgets is best expressed in the words of David Cameron, UK Prime Minister, in the aftermath of the Brussels carnage: "They could just as well be attacks in Britain or in France or Germany, or elsewhere in Europe and we need to stand together against these appalling terrorists and make sure they can never win".

Following a 5-year CAGR of 2-3%, this UK Homeland Security Market research forecasts a 4-fold increase in the 2015-2020 market, at a CAGR of 11.3% .The two-volume (*) + one "UK Homeland Security & Public Safety Market  2016-2022" report is the most comprehensive review of the UK HLS market available today. It provides a detailed and reasoned roadmap of this growing market.

The UK Security Market Forecast covers the Homeland Security Immigration Enforcement & Public Safety markets since, in most cases, products and services have dual or triple use applications and present the same business opportunities (e.g., biometric modalities are used for the following three sectors: counter-crime, immigration enforcement and counter terror).

The UK Homeland security market is set to undergo a major transformation from 2016-2022 through the following drivers:

- According to the British intelligence organizations (March 2016), at least 800 people from the UK have traveled to support or fight for jihadist organizations in Syria and Iraq. Approximately 400 have since returned to the UK. A further 600 British citizens have been caught trying to join ISIS.

- The 2015 Paris, and the March 2016 Brussels terrorist attacks have focused greater attention on the threats posed by international terrorists and acted as a spur for UK authorities to enhance emergency planning and response capabilities.

- UK, the 5th largest economy in the world with a 2015 GDP of approximately $2.9 trillion, can invest "whatever it takes" to protect its citizens from the looming risks of terrorism and immigration.

- While the UK has a tradition of quite effective coordination among its competing counter terror and public safety agencies, some inter-agencies coordination problems are an obstacle to harmonized efforts to carry out the country counter terror and public safety missions. This phenomenon increases the national markets due to duplication of purchased systems.

- The UK market for security & safety products is sophisticated and well served. Local defense and security companies are well entrenched in the UK security market. Even with a preference for locally manufactured products, foreign products can usually strongly compete on the basis of price and innovation. They do not encounter any direct trade barriers or quotas. Non-tariff, indirect trade barriers may be the approval process of dual use goods, which include many security market products.



This report is a resource for executives with interests in the UK Homeland security industry. It has been explicitly customized for the security industry and government decision-makers in order to identify business opportunities, developing technologies, market trends and risks, as well as to benchmark business plans.

Questions answered in this 485-page two-volume + one (*) market report include:

- What will the UK HLS market size and trends be during 2016-2022?

- Which submarkets provide attractive business opportunities?

- Who are the decision-makers?

- What drives the UK Homeland Security & Public Safety managers to purchase solutions and services?

- What are the customers looking for?

- What are the technology & services trends?

- What is the market SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)?

- What are the challenges to market penetration & growth?



With 485 Pages, 65 Tables and 151 Figures, this 2-volume + one(*) report covers 9 Vertical, 9 Technology and 3 Revenue Source Submarkets, offering for each of them 2015 data and assessments, and 2016-2022 forecasts and analyses.

* The "Global Homeland Security & Public Safety Industry  2016 Edition" report is a free of charge Bonus for multi-reader license customers and is offered at half price to single-reader customers.

Why Buy this Report?

A. This is the only report that addresses the HLS & Public Safety dual-use markets:

76% of the UK market revenues emanate from dual-use products. For example, cybersecurity systems are used to address both cyber-crime and cyber-terror. Decision-makers forming their strategy need a complete view of this overlapping market both independently and in their intersections.

B. Market data is analyzed via 3 key perspectives:

With a highly fragmented HLS & Public Safety market we address the "money trail"  each dollar spent  via the following 3 viewpoints:

- By 9 Vertical Markets including:

1. Airport Security

2. Smart Borders, Immigration Enforcement & Border Security

3. Intelligence Agencies

4. Critical Infrastructure Protection

5. Police Modernization & Other 1st Responders

6. Public Events & Safe City

7. Building & Perimeter Security

8. CBRN Security & Safety

9. Other Vertical Markets

- By 3 Revenue Sources including:

1. Products Sales

2. Maintenance & Service, Upgrades, Refurbishment

3. Planning, Training and Consulting

- By 8 Technology Markets including:

1. Cybersecurity

2. Counter Terror & Crime IT

3. Communication Systems & Devices

4. Biometrics

5. Video Surveillance Technologies

6. Intrusion Detection Systems

7. Border & Perimeter Security Technologies

8. Explosives & Weapons Detection Technologies

C. Detailed market analysis frameworks for each of the market sectors, including:

1. Market drivers & inhibitors

2. Business opportunities

3. SWOT analysis

4. Competitive analysis

5. Business environment

6. The 2015-2022 market segmented by 51 submarkets



D. The UK homeland security and public safety market report includes the following 5 appendices:

1. Appendix A: UK Counter Terror & Public Safety Agencies

2. Appendix B: European Security Related Product Standards

3. Appendix C: The European Union Challenges and Outlook

4. Appendix D: The European Migration Crisis

5. Appendix E: Abbreviations



E. The UK HLS market report addresses over 90 technologies including:

1. Access Control Systems

2. Automated Border Control (ABC) Gates

3. Backscatter X-Ray Container-Vehicle Screening Systems

4. Bio-Agents & Infectious Disease Detection

5. Biometrics

6. Biosecurity and Biosafety Devices & Systems

7. Bio-Terror & Infectious Disease Early Alert System Devices & Systems

8. Boarding Gate Explosives Scanners

9. Border & Perimeter Barriers

10. C2/C4ISR Systems

11. Capacitance Sensors Fence

12. CBRN and Hazmat Personal Protective Gear

13. Cell Broadcast Mass Emergency Notification

14. Chemical Agent Detection

15. Chemical, HAZMAT & Nuclear Detection

16. Coherent Scatter 2D X-Ray Systems

17. Communication Systems & Devices

18. Cybersecurity

19. Decontamination of CBRN & HAZMAT Incidents

20. Desktop ETD Devices

21. Dual Energy LINAC X-Ray Container-Vehicle Screening Systems

22. Dual-View LINAC X-Ray Container-Vehicle Screening Systems

23. Dumb Fences

24. Electronic Fencing

25. Emergency Management IT Systems

26. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Devices & Systems

27. E-Passports

28. Fiber Optic Fence

29. Gamma Ray Systems Container-Vehicle Screening Systems

30. Hand Held Metal Detectors

31. Handheld ETD Devices

32. Homeland Security & Public Safety IT Systems

33. Human Portable Radiation Detection Systems (HPRDS)

34. Hybrid Tomographic EDS & 2D X-Ray Screening

35. IED Placement Detection

36. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) IT

37. Intelligence Community Big Data IT

38. Intelligence Community Cloud Infrastructure IT

39. Intelligence Community Software as a Service (SaaS)

40. Intelligence Services IT

41. Interoperable Communication Systems

42. Intrusion Detection Systems

43. Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (IMS)

44. Liquid Explosives Detection Devices

45. Luggage, Baggage & Mail Screening Systems

46. Maritime Awareness Global Network (MAGNET)

47. Mass Emergency Notification Devices & Systems

48. Metal detection Portals

49. Multimodal Biometric Systems

50. Narcotics Trace Detection Devices

51. Natural & Manmade Disaster Early Warning systems

52. Non-Lethal Weapons(NLW)

53. Nuclear/Radiological Detection Devices & Systems

54. Other Security Technologies

55. People Screening MMWave (AIT) Portals

56. People Screening X-Ray Backscatter (AIT) Portals

57. Perimeter Security Technologies

58. Personal (Ballistic & CBRNE) Protective Gear

59. Personal Body Armor

60. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

61. Police Modernization Systems and Devices

62. Ported Coax Buried Line Fence

63. Rescue & Recovery Equipment

64. Respiratory Protective Equipment

65. Satellite Based Maritime Tracking

66. Shoe Scanners

67. Siren Systems

68. SkyBitz Global Locating System

69. Standoff Explosives & Weapon Detection Systems

70. Standoff Suicide Bombers Detection

71. Strain Sensitive Cables Fence

72. Suicide Bombers Borne IED (PBIED) Detectors

73. Suicide Bombers Detonation Neutralization

74. Taut Wire Fence

75. Text Alert Systems

76. The Advanced Spectroscopic Portals (ASP)

77. Tomographic Explosive Detection Systems (EDS)

78. Transportable X-Ray Screening Checkpoints

79. VBIED Detonation Neutralization

80. Vehicle & Container Screening Systems

81. Vehicle Borne IED (VBIED) Detectors

82. Vehicle Screening ETD Systems

83. Vibration Sensors Mounted on Fence

84. Video Analytics

85. Video Surveillance

86. Visa & Passport related IT

87. Voice Alert Systems

88. Wide Area Communications and Tracking Technology

89. X-Ray Container-Vehicle Screening Systems

90. X-ray Screening systems



F. The UK HLS market report addresses over 300 European Homeland Security and Public Safety standards (including links)

G. The UK HLS Market analysis provides the number of passengers and number of screened cabin & checked-in baggage and luggage at each of the major airports by 2016 & 2020

H. The supplementary (*) "Global Homeland Security and Public Safety Industry  2016 Edition" report (updated by May 2016) provides the following insights and analysis of the industry including:

- The Global Industry 2016 status

- Effects of Emerging Technologies on the Industry

- The Market Trends

- Vendor  Government Relationship

- Geopolitical Outlook 2016-2022

- The Industry Business Models & Strategies

- Market Entry Challenges

- The Industry: Supply-Side & Demand-Side Analysis

- Market Entry Strategies

- Price Elasticity

- Past Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Events



I. The supplementary (*) "Global Homeland Security and Public Safety Industry  2016 Edition" report provides updated (May 2016) and extensive information

(including company profile, recent annual revenues, key executives, homeland security and public safety products, and contact info.) on the 119 leading vendors in the industry, namely:

1. 3M

2. 3i-MIND

3. 3VR

4. 3xLOGIC

5. ABB

6. Accenture

7. ACTi Corporation

8. ADT Security Services

9. AeroVironment Inc.

10. Agent Video Intelligence

11. Airbus Defence and Space

12. Alcatel-Lucent (Nokia Group)

13. ALPHAOPEN

14. American Science & Engineering Inc.

15. Anixter

16. Aralia Systems

17. AT&T Inc.

18. Augusta Systems

19. Austal

20. Avigilon Corporation

21. Aware

22. Axis

23. AxxonSoft

24. Ayonix

25. BAE Systems

26. BioEnable Technologies Pvt Ltd

27. BioLink Solutions

28. Boeing

29. Bollinger Shipyards, Inc

30. Bosch Security Systems

31. Bruker Corporation

32. BT

33. Camero

34. Cassidian

35. CelPlan

36. China Security & Surveillance, Inc.

37. Cisco Systems

38. Citilog

39. Cognitec Systems GmbH

40. Computer Network Limited (CNL)

41. Computer Sciences Corporation

42. CrossMatch

43. Diebold

44. DRS Technologies Inc.

45. DVTel

46. Elbit Systems Ltd.

47. Elsag Datamat

48. Emerson Electric

49. Ericsson

50. ESRI

51. FaceFirst

52. Finmeccanica SpA

53. Firetide

54. Fulcrum Biometrics LLC

55. G4S

56. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

57. General Dynamics Corporation

58. Getac Technology Corporation

59. Hanwha Techwin

60. Harris Corporation

61. Hewlett Packard Enterprise

62. Hexagon AB

63. Honeywell International Inc.

64. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd

65. IBM

66. IndigoVision

67. Intel Security

68. IntuVision Inc

69. iOmniscient

70. IPConfigure

71. IPS Intelligent Video Analytics

72. Iris ID Systems, Inc.

73. IriTech Inc.

74. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.

75. ISS

76. L-3 Security & Detection Systems

77. Leidos, Inc.

78. Lockheed Martin Corporation

79. MACROSCOP

80. MDS

81. Mer group

82. Milestone Systems A/S

83. Mirasys

84. Motorola Solutions, Inc.

85. National Instruments

86. NEC Corporation

87. NICE Systems

88. Northrop Grumman Corporation

89. Nuance Communications, Inc.

90. ObjectVideo

91. Panasonic Corporation

92. Pelco

93. Pivot3

94. Proximex

95. QinetiQ Limited

96. Rapiscan Systems, Inc.

97. Raytheon

98. Rockwell Collins, Inc.

99. Safran S.A.

100. Salient Sciences

101. Schneider Electric

102. SeeTec

103. Siemens

104. Smart China (Holdings) Limited

105. Smiths Detection Inc.

106. Sony Corp.

107. Speech Technology Center

108. Suprema Inc.

109. Synectics Plc

110. Tandu Technologies & Security Systems Ltd

111. Texas Instruments

112. Textron Inc.

113. Thales Group

114. Total Recall

115. Unisys Corporation



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03837923/UK-Homeland-Security-Public-Safety-Market-.html

About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

http://www.reportlinker.com



Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


BALTIMORE, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UA, UAA) plans to release the results of its first quarter (ended March 31, 2017) on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 6:55 a.m. ET. Following the news release, Under Armour management will host a conference call at approximately 8:30 a.m. ET to review results.

This call will be webcast live at http://investor.underarmour.com/results.cfm and will be archived and available for replay approximately three hours after the live event.

About Under Armour, Inc.

Under Armour (NYSE: UA, UAA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand's innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. The Under Armour Connected Fitness platform powers the world's largest digital health and fitness community through a suite of applications: UA Record, MapMyFitness, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland. For further information, please visit www.uabiz.com.

SOURCE Under Armour, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.underarmour.com


WASHINGTON, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

U.S. ENTERS WWI

Profile America  Thursday, April 6th. On this date one century ago, the United States declared war on Imperial Germany, thus joining the world war that began in August 1914. Involving 15 nations and empires, the conflict saw 65 million men under arms, including 4.3 million Americans. When the conflagration ended in 1918, the Ottoman, Russian, Austria-Hungarian and German empires had fallen. More than 10 million combatants had been killed out of some 37.5 million casualties. The last American veteran of the so-called Great War, Corporal Frank Buckles, died just over six years ago, age 110 at the time. But there remain just under 19 million living veterans in the U.S., including a bit over 9,500 from the years before World War II. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources:

Declaration of war/accessed 2/8/2017: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1914-1920/wwi

Total casualties/accessed 2/8/2017: www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-one/world-war-one-and-casualties/first-world-war-casualties/

Killed in action/accessed 2/8/2017: encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/war_losses

Last U.S. WWI vet dies/accessed 2/8/2017: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR2011022800165.html

Veterans/American Community Survey:

https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/B21002

Profile America is produced by the Center for New Media and Promotion of the U.S. Census Bureau. Statistics and accounts drawn from cited non-Census sources are employed for illustrative or narrative purposes, and are not attested to by the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Audio" in the "Library" pull-down menu).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Related Links

http://www.census.gov


IRVINE, Calif., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ATTOM Data Solutions, curator of the nation's largest fused property database, today released a 2016 property tax analysis for more than 84 million U.S. single family homes, which shows that property taxes levied on single family homes in 2016 totaled $277.7 billion, an average of $3,296 per home and an effective tax rate of 1.15 percent.

The report analyzed property tax data collected from county tax assessor offices nationwide at the state, metro and county level along with estimated market values of single family homes calculated using an automated valuation model (AVM). The effective tax rate was the average annual property tax expressed as a percentage of the average estimated market value of homes in each geographic area.

New Jersey, Illinois, Texas post highest property tax rates

States with the highest effective property tax rates were New Jersey (2.31 percent), Illinois (2.13 percent); Texas (2.06 percent); New Hampshire (2.03 percent); and Vermont (2.02 percent).

Other states in the top 10 for highest effective property tax rates were Connecticut (2.00 percent), Pennsylvania (1.89 percent), New York (1.88 percent), Ohio (1.68 percent), and Rhode Island (1.64 percent).

"Ohio in recent history has among the highest average property taxes in the nation, even though housing is among the most affordable," said Matthew Watercutter, senior regional vice president and broker of record for HER Realtors, covering the Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati markets in Ohio. "Typically the more populated, urban and suburban counties have a higher effective tax rate than their more rural counterparts. This issue affects the affordability of housing, as property taxes do affect the ratios for potential buyers. By continually raising property taxes to support schools, as well as other infrastructure in lieu of other funding sources such as sales tax  which generates revenues from property owners as well as non-property owners  property taxes limit a buyer's ability to purchase as well as the property's ability to appreciate in value."

Among 217 metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the highest effective property tax rates were Binghamton, New York (3.10 percent); Rochester, New York (2.99 percent); Rockford, Illinois (2.96 percent); Atlantic City, New Jersey (2.77 percent); and Syracuse, New York (2.67 percent).

Hawaii, Alabama, Colorado post lowest property tax rates

States with the lowest effective property tax rates were Hawaii (0.32 percent); Alabama (0.48 percent); Colorado (0.52 percent); Tennessee (0.54 percent); and Delaware (0.56 percent).

Other states in the top 10 for lowest effective property tax rates were West Virginia (0.57 percent); South Carolina (0.63 percent); Nevada (0.64 percent); Utah (0.65 percent); and Arkansas (0.67 percent).

Among the 217 metro areas analyzed for the report, those with the lowest effective property tax rates were Honolulu (0.32 percent); Montgomery, Alabama (0.35 percent); Tuscaloosa, Alabama (0.36 percent); Florence, South Carolina (0.44 percent); and Colorado Springs, Colorado (0.44 percent).

"I'm sure many Seattle-area homeowners will be surprised to hear that property taxes in our region are relatively low compared to the rest of the U.S., especially when you consider how aggressively our home prices have risen in recent years. But rising home prices are more a function of our thriving economy rather than relatively low property tax levels," said Matthew Gardner, chief economist at Windermere Real Estate, covering the Seattle market, where the metro property tax rate ranked No. 133 out of the 217 metros analyzed and where King County ranked 410 out of 586 counties analyzed in the report. "Within King County, there are great variations in what homeowners pay in property taxes due in part to the popularity and demand for housing in certain areas, but this doesn't appear to be a major factor for buyers when deciding where to live."

9 counties with average annual property taxes of more than $10,000

Among 586 counties with a population of at least 100,000 and at least 10,000 single family homes, nine posted average annual property taxes of more than $10,000: Westchester, Rockland, and Nassau counties in New York; Essex, Bergen, Union and Morris counties in New Jersey; Marin County, California; and Fairfield County, Connecticut.

There were a total of 32 counties with average annual property taxes of $7,000 or more, including counties in Illinois, Texas, Virginia and Massachusetts.

Owner-occupied properties register higher effective tax rate than investment properties

The average annual property tax for owner-occupied single family homes nationwide was $3,658, an effective tax rate of 1.21 percent. That was higher than the average annual property tax of $2,437 and effective tax rate of 1.03 percent on non-owner occupied (investment) homes.

The effective tax rate for investment homes was lower than the effective tax rate for owner-occupied homes in 34 states, including California, Texas, Ohio, Illinois and New York.

States where the effective tax rate for investment homes was higher than the effective tax rate for owner-occupied homes included Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana and Arizona.

Investment property homeowners owed $51.4 billion in property taxes in 2016, accounting for 19 percent of the total property taxes owed nationwide, while the number of investment properties accounted for 26 percent of all single family homes.

About ATTOM Data Solutions

ATTOM Data Solutions is the curator of the ATTOM Data Warehouse, a multi-sourced national property database that blends property tax, deed, mortgage, foreclosure, environmental risk, natural hazard, health hazards, neighborhood characteristics and other property characteristic data for more than 150 million U.S. residential and commercial properties. The ATTOM Data Warehouse delivers actionable data to businesses, consumers, government agencies, universities, policymakers and the media in multiple ways, including bulk file licenses, APIs and customized reports.

ATTOM Data Solutions also powers consumer websites designed to promote real estate transparency: RealtyTrac.com is a property search and research portal for foreclosures and other off-market properties; Homefacts.com is a neighborhood research portal providing hyperlocal risks and amenities information; HomeDisclosure.com produces detailed property pre-diligence reports.

ATTOM Data and its associated brands are cited by thousands of media outlets each month, including frequent mentions on CBS Evening News, The Today Show, CNBC, CNN, FOX News, PBS NewsHour and in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and USA TODAY.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

949.502.8300, ext. 105

Data Licensing and Custom Report Orders

Investors, businesses and government institutions can contact ATTOM Data Solutions to purchase the full dataset behind the Environmental Hazards Housing Risk Index, including data at the state, metro, county and zip code level. The data is also available via bulk license or in customized reports. For more information contact our Data Solutions Department at 800.462.5125 or [email protected]

SOURCE ATTOM Data Solutions

Related Links

http://www.attomdata.com


VALHALLA, N.Y., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced it acquired Cameron M. Harris & Company, an insurance brokerage firm with an illustrious history and one of the fastest growing agencies in North Carolina. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, this prestigious partnering reinforces USI's commitment to becoming the number one middle market insurance brokerage and consulting firm in the Carolinas. Cameron M. Harris & Company and its employees will remain at the current Charlotte location. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1979, Cameron M. Harris & Company provides personal and commercial coverage, business services, surety bonding, employee benefits and group products. It was the 58th largest broker of U.S. business in Business Insurance's rankings before being acquired in 2002. In 2009, Cameron M. Harris resurrected his namesake insurance brokerage firm and by 2016, the Company was listed on the Inc. 5000, and the Charlotte Business Journal named the firm as the ninth fastest growing company.

James W. Dunn, USI Southeast regional chief executive officer, said: "For nearly 40 years, Cameron M. Harris & Company has been the preeminent insurance agency in the Carolinas, guiding its clients with a steady hand and sound insurance advice. Cammie and his team's core values align perfectly with the USI ONE Advantage, a game-changing process that delivers to clients a robust set of risk management and benefit solutions with bottom line financial impact. This acquisition reinforces our continued investment in the Southeast and our pledge to helping local clients grow their businesses. I am thrilled to have such a respected pool of professionals join our growing family and I welcome Cammie and his team to USI."

Cameron M. Harris, president and founder, Cameron M. Harris & Company, said: "We have always believed that a policy is a promise, that each client deserves superior coverage and service, and that insurance is more than just a transaction. Through our partnership with USI, we will continue to deliver on these founding principles, but now our clients will have access to an extended suite of property & casualty, employee benefits, retirement consulting and personal risk solutions afforded by a nationally recognized company. Additionally, our clients, colleagues and communities will enjoy best-in-class solutions that are customized through proprietary analytics, local and national resources and team-based planning. This is an exciting and new, chapter for us, and we look forward to collaborating with Jim and his team on growing this strategic marketplace."

About USI

USI is a leading local and national insurance brokerage and consulting firm, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk and retirement solutions throughout the United States. Headquartered in Valhalla, New York, USI has over $1.0 billion in revenue, employs more than 4,400 professionals and operates out of 140 local offices serving every state. USI has become a premier insurance brokerage and consulting firm by leveraging the USI ONE Advantage, an interactive platform that integrates proprietary and innovative client solutions, networked local resources and enterprise-wide collaboration to deliver customized results with positive, bottom line impact. USI attracts best-in-class industry talent with a long history of deep and continuing investment in our local communities. For more information, visit usi.com.

Contact: Contact:



Edward J. Bowler Cecile M. Locurto USI Insurance Services USI Insurance Services 914-749-8504 914-747-6331 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE USI Insurance Services

Related Links

http://www.usi.biz


This latest funding round will allow Valens to speed up time to market, develop additional products per market demands and support customers with design and development projects.

"Valens is deeply committed to the automotive market, which represents a major growth area for the company, and this financing round strengthens the ecosystem we are building to do so. Delphi, Samsung Electronics, who recently completed the acquisition of HARMAN International Industries, a provider of audio and infotainment systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and MediaTek are leading players in the sector and value the potential of our solution for the advancement of the connected car," said Dror Jerushalmi, Valens' co-founder and CEO.

Valens introduced its HDBaseT Automotive technology in 2016 to address the challenges of the connected car, including the increasing amount of bandwidth and wiring necessary to cater to infotainment and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ("ADAS") needs.

During the past year, Valens has made considerable progress in the automotive industry, including:

Having HDBaseT Automotive be selected by Daimler as the technology of choice to guarantee high performance of advanced infotainment and telematics systems.

Launching the first automotive silicon to demonstrate the transmission of high-throughput, time-sensitive applications over an HDBaseT Automotive link while using a standard UTP channel.

"We have made some significant strides in the automotive market in the past year, and the support of IGP, who has a solid track record of investing in technology companies in growing markets, and of the unique investors' syndicate participating in this round is a testament to this success and to our drive to continue doing so going forward," commented Jerushalmi.

As part of this investment round, Moshe Lichtman, co-founder and General Partner of IGP will join Valens' Board of Directors.

"Valens has shown its commitment to revolutionizing wired connectivity in several industries, and its success in the audiovisual and consumer electronics market is proof of it. We have been deeply impressed with Valens' management team and with their collaboration with some of the world's leading automotive companies. We believe the Valens technology will be an important enabler in the era of connected and autonomous cars and we are looking forward to assisting the company in fully realizing its potential in the market," said Moshe Lichtman.

"Best-in-class signal and power distribution capabilities are key enablers for increasing levels of vehicle connectivity and automation," said Glen De Vos, Delphi senior vice president and chief technology officer. "Our investment and partnership with Valens brings great opportunity to leverage the potential of HDBaseT Automotive technology in future mobility platforms."

"There is great potential in the automotive industry as it continues to embrace technological change. We see significant opportunity for Valens to benefit from this trend and look forward to supporting the company's growth going forward," commented Michael Ronen, Partner at Goldman Sachs Investment Banking Division and head of Automotive 2.0 Banking.

About Valens

Established in 2006, Valens provides semiconductor products for the distribution of ultra-high-definition (HD) multimedia content. The company's HDBaseT technology enables long-reach connectivity of devices over a single cable and is a global standard for advanced digital media distribution. Valens is a private company headquartered in Israel. For more information, visit www.valens.com, or follow @ValensAuto.

Contact:

Sandra Welfeld

Communications, Valens

[email protected]

+972-52-4007283

Gretchen Stallings

Eisbrenner PR

+1-248-554-3505

[email protected]

SOURCE Valens

Related Links

http://www.valens.com


BETHESDA, Md., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE: WD) (the "Company") announced today the details for its first quarter 2017 earnings conference call.

Walker & Dunlop will release its first quarter 2017 results before the market opens on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, and will host a conference call to discuss the quarterly results on May 3, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. Analysts and investors interested in participating are invited to call (888) 632-3381 from within the United States or (785) 424-1678 from outside the United States and are asked to reference the Conference ID: WDQ117. A simultaneous webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://investors.walkerdunlop.com/.

A telephonic replay of the call will be available from approximately 11:00 a.m. Eastern time May 3, 2017 through May 17, 2017. Please call (800) 283-8183 from within the United States or (402) 220-0867 from outside the United States. An audio replay will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website.

About Walker & Dunlop

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate services and finance companies in the United States providing financing and investment sales to owners of multifamily and commercial properties. Walker & Dunlop, which is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, has over 550 professionals in over 25 offices across the nation with an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction.

SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.walkerdunlop.com


TOLEDO, Ohio, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Welltower Inc. (NYSE: HCN) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2017 financial results before the market opens on May 5, 2017. The company will also host a conference call on May 5, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. The company's earnings release will be available in the Investors section of the company's website.

Investors and other interested parties may access the conference call in the following ways:

At the company's website: www.welltower.com. To participate in the webcast, please log on 15 minutes in advance of the scheduled call to download the necessary software. A webcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the conference call concludes and will be available for 90 days.

By telephone: The telephone dial-in number in the U.S. is 888-346-2469. For participants outside the U.S., the dial-in number is 706-758-4923. The conference ID number is 3098658.

A replay of the conference call will be available beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. on May 5, 2017 , and ending on May 19, 2017 . The replay dial-in number for U.S. participants is 855-859-2056. For participants outside the U.S., the replay dial-in number is 404-537-3406. The replay conference ID number is 3098658.

About Welltower

Welltower Inc. (NYSE:HCN), an S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. The company invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Welltower, a real estate investment trust (REIT), owns interests in approximately 1,400 properties concentrated in major, high-growth markets in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, consisting of seniors housing and post-acute communities and outpatient medical properties. More information is available at www.welltower.com.

SOURCE Welltower Inc.

Related Links

http://www.welltower.com


EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wpromote, one of the nation's largest digital marketing agencies, announced that it has won four international honors from the Horizon Interactive Awards. Now in its 15th season, the competition is one of the most prestigious in the field of interactive and creative media, recognizing the best website designs, videos, online advertising, print media and mobile applications in the world.

Wpromote, an El Segundo, CA-based digital marketing agency, recently earned four Horizon Interactive Awards for two of its clients' website builds in the categories of Responsive/Mobile Design and Travel & Tourism. The websites for Aimbridge Hospitality's Jewel Resorts (www.jewelresorts.com) and Marriott's The Lexington New York City, Autograph Collection (www.lexingtonhotelnyc.com) were praised for detailed local area information, attraction-based landing pages, enticing imagery, creative conte

Wpromote has been honored for its work on website builds for Aimbridge Hospitality's Jewel Resorts and Marriott's The Lexington New York City, Autograph Collection. Each website earned accolades in categories for Responsive/Mobile Design and Travel & Tourism. A diverse panel of industry professionals from around the world judged thousands of entries for every category based on creativity and originality; overall design/appearance/user experience; communication of message; and technical merit.

"I am extremely proud of the teams that worked with me to bring these new websites to life," said Michael Curran, Senior Director of Client Success at Wpromote. "Both projects presented unique challenges and requirements. Our Houston and Dallas teams' abilities to take our clients' visions and combine them with the best practices of search engine optimization and user experience speak volumes to the talent we have here and the trust our clients have in us."

For the Responsive/Mobile Design category, the Horizon Interactive Awards evaluated projects on code design that allows websites to adapt to difference experiences across devices, platforms and resolutions. Both of Wpromote's web designs feature mobile frameworks, which are able to automatically adjust based on where and how users are viewing the sites' content, giving smartphone lovers the same seamless experience offered on a computer.

With both websites created for hospitality clients in the high-grossing tourist destinations of Jamaica and New York, the award-winning entries were recognized in the Travel & Tourism category for their ability to paint a clear picture of their unique services. The websites achieved this with detailed local area information, attraction-based landing pages, enticing imagery and creative content that resonates with today's travelers.

In addition to claiming four statues, Wpromote was recognized as a Distinguished Agency for 2016, solidifying its identity as The Challenger Agency. In its latest campaign, the digital marketing agency encourages clients to Think Like A Challenger in their industry. Whether that means going up against bigger competition or simply taking a risk outside of a comfort zone, the agency inspires companies to accelerate their business growth with innovative services that challenge the status quo.

About Wpromote

Founded in 2001, Wpromote is a rapidly expanding digital marketing agency headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Denver, San Francisco and New York. Named one of the Best Places to Work in the U.S. by Ad Age two years running, Wpromote and its 300-plus employees have helped hundreds of clients  from startups to Fortune 500 companies  grow their businesses online with holistic digital marketing strategies. Through paid media, search engine optimization and content marketing, the agency has propelled industry leaders including Toyota, Marriott, Bayer HealthCare, Verizon, Greystar, Sungard, J.D. Power, Billabong and many others into dominating the online commerce space. With unmatched experience in multi-channel, content-centric campaigns and unrivaled dedication to results, Wpromote helps companies big and small act and move like large enterprises online. For information, visit www.wpromote.com.

PRESS CONTACT

Jamie Lane

Senior Vice President of Marketing

1-310-683-0438

[email protected]

SOURCE Wpromote

Related Links

http://www.wpromote.com


ORLANDO, Fla., April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO), the world's largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), won 12 prestigious industry awards at the annual American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards Gala at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana on Wednesday, March 29.

The ARDA Awards Program is committed to celebrating the best and brightest in the vacation ownership industry in categories including overall professional excellence, outstanding sales and marketing accomplishments, product design, advertising and human resources.

Leading the honors for WVO were Sales & Marketing Division executive awards for top Sales Management Executive, Brendon Buirski and top Marketing Management Executive, Dawn Mays.

"These leaders exemplify the core values of Wyndham Vacation Ownership  I'm extremely proud and honored to be part of an organization with such amazing associates," said Jeff Myers, chief sales and marketing officer, WVO. "We are confident that our sales and marketing teams are among the best in the business  it's great to see them recognized as such by ARDA. The WVO commitment to innovation and industry leadership is reflected in our spectrum of awards in quality assurance, mobile technology, owner services, marketing, inventory optimization, associate engagement, diversity and international growth."

Below is the full list of all WVO award recipients:

Sales Management Executive: Brendon Buirski

Sales VLO/QAO/Contract Manager: Robert Peck

Sales Project Team: Extra Holidays Team: Mobile Site Project

Marketing Management Executive: Dawn Mays

Marketing Individual: James Gerard

Inventory Revenue Management Program: Inventory Optimization Team

Human Resources Team: English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Team

Integrated Marketing Campaign: WVO 50 th Anniversary

Anniversary Owner/Member Package: Ovation by Wyndham Tribute Owner Kit

Video Production  Employee Communication: Connections OnAir Q2 2016

Video Production  Sales Film: WYNDHAM CLUB BRASIL  Sales Film

Sales Film Employee Engagement Campaign: Be Well  Share the Moment

ARDA is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries.

About Wyndham Vacation Ownership

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of Wyndham Worldwide's (NYSE: WYN) family of companies, is the world's largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual vacation ownership units and owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its seven primary consumer brands, CLUB WYNDHAM, WorldMark by Wyndham, CLUB WYNDHAM ASIA, WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham, Shell Vacations Club, Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham and WYNDHAM CLUB BRASILSM. As of December 31, 2015, we have developed or acquired 213 vacation ownership resorts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America and the South Pacific that represent more than 24,000 individual vacation ownership units and nearly 900,000 owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership is headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and is supported by approximately 17,700 associates globally.

SOURCE Wyndham Vacation Ownership

Related Links

http://www.wyndhamworldwide.com


In the late 1920s, Genevieve Ludlow Griscom, a member of the Outer Court of the Order of the Living Christ (which some say was a cult) had this mansion in the Riverdale section of the Bronx constructed. Not for her and her husband, Clement Acton Griscom Jr., but for Jesus Christ. Genevieve lived in a stove-heated shack on the property, according to an old NY Post article, with other cult members in nearby cottages"Members reportedly dusted regularly, and the floors were kept polished, in anticipation of Jesus return. Genevieve would enter for an hour or so every day and play a large pipe organ."

In a 1930s court document, the property is referred to as Chapel Farm, noting it was used for "religious retreat, training, study and literary work... It was found that the property was inadequate to secure the quiet and freedom from contact with the outside world that is essential to the earnest concentration from which a retreat derives its effectiveness." The group eventually disbanded after Genevieve's death in the late 1950s.

The house has passed through a series of hands since (at one time the property was almost used for Manhattan College dorms), and eventually Sandra Galuten purchased it in the late 1980s after it had been left untouched for over a decade. Galuten renovated the home, and declared to the Post, "Jesus would probably love [the house]. I redid it in very elegant taste."

Welcome2theBronx reports that the home, "sitting on the second highest peak in NYC," has now changed hands again, selling for $6.25 million after years on and off the market.

The 15,000-sq-ft home features 17 rooms, including a conservatory, library, cocktail lounge, hobby room, a hot tub, a barbecue pit in the kitchen, telephones in every bathroom, a wine cellar, and a fitness center, just like Jesus would have wanted.
Sheriff's deputies arrested a man on Wednesday for allegedly stealing a woman's house in Canarsie with fraudulent paperwork, then flipping it to unsuspecting investors.

Hillary Kerman, a retired Board of Education administrator, was in Florida last spring around the time when Kenneth Pearson, 56, allegedly first set eyes on her house on East 85th Street. There was a fire at the two-family house in the early 2000s, and since then it has sat vacant, with Kerman waiting for the right time to sell, she told Gothamist. When she returned to New Yorkshe winters in Florida and now lives elsewhere in Brooklynshe noticed that she hadn't received the tax bill she usually gets mailed each May.

"I happened to be downtown for something else. so I went over to the Department of Finance to print [the bill]," she said. "I was even going to pay it online and it wasn't letting me go into my account. It was saying, 'Invalid.'"

A clerk told her to try looking up the tax bill in a public-facing database and just mail in a check. But when she went to a computer, the owner of the building was listed as Jean Swilling LLC. She pointed this out to another DOF worker, who in turn directed her to another floor in the agency's office building. From there, she was told to go to the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. It was late afternoon on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, so she ran.

Soon it became clear that someone, whoever was behind this LLC, had stolen her house by filing fraudulent paperwork saying that she had sold it for $65,000 that May. The Sheriff's Office and Department of Finance have made fighting deed fraud a priority under Mayor de Blasio. But despite a series of measures put in place in 2015 to increase scrutiny of deed transactions, Kerman says that Finance failed to notice that the name on the transfer, "Hillary Sherman," didn't match hers.

At first, as prosecutors and a Sheriff's Office detective worked to piece together the case, Kerman was out at the house nearly every day to check on it. As they were preparing subpoenas, in June, though, she went out of town. Around the Fourth of July, she says she went to check the mail at the house and found dumpsters sitting out front. It was nighttime, and after fumbling to download the flashlight app for her phone, she peered in. The entire inside of the house had been gutted.

"They knocked out all the walls," she said. "It's a nightmare."

The fire had not done a huge amount of damage, and afterwards Kerman had been too busy with work to sort out all of her belongings, so she did it little by little, staying with a friend and an aunt before finding her own place, and leaving a lot of vital documents in the old house indefinitely. Now everything she had stored inside was missing.

"It was, like, bare," she said. "Everything I owned in my life was gone."

"I had my wedding album, my grandparent's wedding album, all my parents' possessions," she continued. "Everything was boarded up and locked. I was the only one who had a key."

Looking around, she saw that someone had also torn out the trees and rosebushes. The two beat-up cars she had parked out back were also gone.

Prosecutors, she said, were surprised the thief had moved so quickly. As the Brooklyn DA's Office says they discovered, Pearson sold the house to would-be flippers just two months after stealing it, for $265,000. The buyers, investors from Long Island's North Shore, bought it without looking inside, according to Kerman. It came cleaned out, Kerman says they said, and they knocked down all the walls to make an open floor plan.

With the property in limbo, Kerman has run all over trying to sort out frustrating details like how to start getting her mail againit took a signed letter from Brooklyn DA Ken Thompson. The investigation stalled when Thompson died last year and the assistant district attorney assigned to her case left, she said. The investors, meanwhile, are having difficulty getting money from their title insurance company, according to Kerman. One of the buyers, Mark Shahravan, declined to comment, saying he was too busy.

After a grand jury that stretched from February into March, cops finally nabbed Pearson, a resident of Nassau County, on Wednesday. He faces four felony counts, of grand larceny, possession of a forged instrument, and falsifying records. Jean Swilling LLC is being charged with the same offenses. The most serious charge, filing a false instrument, carries 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison. Pearson was arraigned on Wednesday, and a judge set bail at $75,000 or $25,000 cash.

Pearson's lawyer did not return a call seeking comment.

Sorting out the title alone is going to be a costly headache, Kerman predicts.

"It's going to cost me a fortune of money, that I don't have, hiring lawyers to get it back in my name," she said. "I don't even have the deed. It was in a metal box in the bedroom."

Asked what she wants to see come out of Pearson's criminal prosecution, she said, "I'd like to see him get the death penalty but I don't think that's going to happen. I've not been the same since." Thinking about it further, she amended that to say that she hopes he has some money so that she can recoup her losses in civil court.

Deed theft is rampant in New York, in part thanks to rocketing real estate values prompting quick, no-questions-asked sales, as well as online public records databases that allow anyone to research the ownership and finances of properties. Deed thieves often target elderly, absentee, and mentally disabled owners who are behind on their mortgages and taxes. A Department of Finance spokeswoman said the agency has investigated over 1,700 cases of possible deed fraud since the summer of 2014, and is currently looking into 200 cases. Pearson's arrest is the 32nd deed fraud arrest since 2014, she said.

Kerman said she was up to date on all of her payments and doesn't have the foggiest idea how she came to be targeted.

For years, Kerman's neighbors had asked to buy the house at prices she thought were too low. Before news of the fraud had traveled, when her neighbors saw her on the block, they had a common query, she said: "Why did you sell to this random guy? You could have sold to me."
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Brussels, March 31 : US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday attended his first NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels where he urged the alliance to boost spending and increase its presence in the Middle East.

Tillerson arrived at the gathering of top diplomats for the one-day event that had originally been scheduled for April 5, but was brought forward to ensure Washington's representative could attend. Efe news reported.

Tillerson said it was important to ensure that the trans-Atlantic alliance "has all of the resources, financial and otherwise, that are necessary for NATO to fulfil its mission".

Since President Donald Trump's administration net came to power, Washington has repeatedly called for all 28 NATO member-states to allocate 2 percent of their gross domestic product for defence spending -- a request that the alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has agreed to.

The US argued that it was disproportionately funding the alliance and threatened to reel in its contribution if other members did not pay up.

Tillerson focused on the topic of combating the Islamic State (IS) terror group in the Middle East.

"We want to discuss how we can build on NATO's already important involvement in the fight to defeat IS..., and ultimately bring stability to the Middle East," Tillerson said.

Ahead of the talks, Tillerson made reference to NATO's role in the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

"We want to have a discussion around NATO's posture in Europe, most particularly in eastern Europe in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine and elsewhere," Tillerson told the media.

The alliance has increased its military presence along the European Union's border with Russia since war broke out in Ukraine's east following a pro-Russian uprising after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

The ministers gathered in Brussels are due to decide on an agenda for the full NATO summit slated for May.
New Delhi, March 31 : The order of a panel formed by the central government to recover Rs 97 crore from the AAP for splurging on ads is a conspiracy, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Friday.

He told the media that the three-member panel did not have the mandate to give the recommendation on recovery of money from the Aam Aadmi Party.

Lt. Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday asked the Delhi government to recover Rs 97 crore it spent on certain advertisements from the AAP within a month.

The order followed the recommendations of the Committee on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA) which found that the advertisements were used to promote the AAP instead of the government.

The three-member committee was formed on the basis of Supreme Court guidelines which said its members should be of "unimpeachable neutrality".

Sisodia said the AAP was being targeted because of advertisements but the other governments did the same. Several governments organised five-star summits even outside their states to showcase their work.

"Every government showcases its work and gives advertisements. Former Delhi Chief Minister went to London to showcase her government's works but only AAP is targeted. If the Congress does the same it is advertisement. When we do, it is misuse," Sisodia said.

"The order to recover Rs 97 crore from AAP is a conspiracy to suppress AAP's voice against corruption," he said.

"We will tell the masses what work we are doing, which is our right as an elected government. We will also tell the public the problems we are facing. Do whatever you (central government) want."

Sisodia said that the government - not the party - only advertised its work.

"What crime has the AAP committed and why should it pay? Did AAP order those advertisements?" Sisodia asked.

He alleged that the committee had no authority to recommend recovery of money from the party as the Supreme Court had not given any such instruction to the panel.
Jammu, April 1 : A junior commissioned officer of the army was killed on Saturday in an explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, police said.

Police sources here said that the incident occurred in Degwar sector of the LoC in Poonch.

"The exact cause of the explosion is being ascertained," a source said.
Hey you have plans on Monday, May 1st? No, besides participating in a glorious socialist parade I mean. If you don't, maybe pencil in some time to ride on Mayor (or should that be Captain) de Blasio's beloved ferry service, which will debut on May 1st, a month earlier than expected.

The city's newest ferry boat, which was last seen getting stuck in the mud in Florida like some lazy gators sunning themselves in the natural splendor of the Everglades, managed to make it up here without any more incidents. Now, according to a press release from the city, the Rockaway route will debut and the existing East River Ferry route will get a spiffy new boat on the first day of May. And on June 1st, A Bay Ridge/Brooklyn Army Terminal/Red Hook/Brooklyn Bridge Park/Wall Street route will start. The city also announced the beginning of the service with a ludicrously twee video:

The Rockaway route will also stop at the Brooklyn Army Terminal before ultimately winding up at Pier 11 near Wall Street. The ferry will cost $2.75 to ride and get from Rockaway to Wall Street in about an hour, unless of course your ship is waylaid by vicious pirates in search of a treasure map held by a mysteriously pale yet ethereally beautiful woman who you never really noticed until that day.

Your fare, which can be recorded on a paper ticket or on your spacephone, will come with free transfers to any other ferry line, including the East River Ferry. Also, the boats will have wi-fi and alcohol, because who doesn't want to play "Sad drunk Tinder" on the way to work at 8:30 a.m.?
Hyderabad, April 1 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Andhra Pradesh Saturday arrested a top official and recovered huge assets which he had amassed through alleged illegal means.

The ACB arrested Gangadharam, Engineer-in-Chief, Roads and Buildings Department, Andhra Pradesh, in Hyderabad and shifted him to Visakhapatnam.

Acting on allegations that he owns assets disproprotionate to his known sources of income and involved in corruption, the ACB officials conducted simultaneous raids at 20 places in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The assets identified by the ACB sleuths are estimated to be worth Rs 100 crore in open market.

The anti-graft agency conducted raids at his and his relatives' houses and other premises. The raids were carried out at 11 places in Hyderabad alone.

ACB Jaoint Director T. Mohan Rao said 20 teams of the agency carried out the searches in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Chittoor, Nellore and other towns.

ACB officials seized Rs 40 lakh cash and gold jewellery worth Rs 15 lakh from Gangadharam's house in Kukatpally area in Hyderabad.

They also identified villas in Jubliee Hills and Allwyn colony and prime lands in the name of the official and his relatives in and around Hyderabad.

Houses, lands and other properties were also identified in various districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The officials seized documents of the properties. They said a real picture of the illegal assets of the Engineer-in-Chief will be known on Monday when the bank lockers will be opened.

Gangadharam had faced allegations of receiving kickbacks from contractors in a project relating to six-lane road in Visakhapatnam district.

The ACB also conducted raids on the premises of a contractor and seized cash and jewellery.
Islamabad, April 1 : Pakistan is worried about the signs that India is rethinking its policy of 'no first use' (NFU) of nuclear weapons.

Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ehsan ul Haq (Retd), who has remained closely associated with Pakistan's nuclear thinking, said on Friday that Islamabad has always been sceptical about Indian 'no first use' claims.

According to Dawn online, Haq said the recent disclosure by a scholar has cleared Pakistan's doubts that India's NFU policy is a sham.

While speaking at the launch of 'Learning to Live with the Bomb, Pakistan: 1998-2016' book by Naeem Salik, a former official of the Strategic Plans Division, Haq said he was happy that Indians were themselves exposing their claims.

He claimed it was happening against the backdrop of the extremist Hindutva agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party government.

According to Dawn, Vipin Narang from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said India was moving away from its policy of 'no first use' and might carry out a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Pakistan if it believed Islamabad was going to use nuclear weapons against it.

Haq said the rethink in India was the latest in a series of provocative actions.

According to the retired General, Indian steps from admission of interference in erstwhile East Pakistan to references to Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, scuttling the Saarc summit, escalation along the Line of Control, claims of surgical strikes, diplomatic manoeuvring to isolate Pakistan and domestic war hysteria had heightened tensions between the two countries.

India had been "challenging the credibility of Pakistan's nuclear deterrence through doctrinal as well as technological developments", he said.

Salik, who has in his book discussed Pakistan's learning curve as a nuclear power, said Indian moves like the recent talk about transformation from a "passive NFU to pre-emptive disarming strikes" had kept Pakistani strategists on their toes.
Bengaluru, April 2 : Fourteen persons, including son-in-law of former Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Veeranna Mattikatti, were arrested on Saturday night with demonetised notes of the face value of Rs 9.10 crore, the city police said on Sunday.

"On a tip-off, we searched a house at Benson Town in Bengaluru central suburb and took 14 persons into custody for trying to exchange old currency notes with the face value of Rs 9.10 crore," H. M. Mahadevappa, Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Bengaluru City Crime Branch, said.

The police have also seized 15 mobile phones, two two-wheelers and two four-wheelers from the arrested persons.

"We presented 13 of the 14 arrested persons before a court. The judge remanded them in judicial custody for 14 days. We have taken Edwin Rosario, one of the arrested persons, into police custody for further interrogation," Mahadevappa said.

The 14 persons were arrested under Section 420 of Indian Penal Code and 41B of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Section 7 of the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Act, 2017.

On March 23, two men were arrested here with demonetised notes of the face value of Rs 1.28 crore.

On March 28, four men were arrested here with banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes with the face value of Rs 4.98 crore.

The BJP-led central government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8 last year.
Washington, April 3 : US President Donald Trump has declared he would be willing "to go it alone" to restrain North Korea's nuclear weapons program should China fail to change the situation, a media report said.

Trump said if Beijing won't help solve it, then "we will" alone, CNN reported.

"China will either decide to help us with North Korea or they won't," Trump said in an interview published Sunday in the Financial Times.

"If they do, that will be very good for China, and if they don't, it won't be good for anyone," Trump said.

Trump's administration has repeatedly emphasised its high concern over the North Korean nuclear threat.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited China in March to press North Korea's neighbour for help in mitigating that threat.

Trump is also scheduled to host Chinese President Xi Jinping this week in the US, where he intends to bring the issue up, CNN said.

On the campaign trail and since taking office, Trump has argued China is responsible for the continued nuclear proliferation in North Korea.

He said in his Financial Times interview that he planned to talk with Xi about that situation and use trade as "the incentive" to talk China into fixing it.

Trump has repeatedly said he would take aggressive action against China to reduce the US trade deficit with the country.

But if the talks with Xi do not produce Trump's desired result of getting Beijing to solve the North Korean nuclear problem, Trump said the US would take action.

"If China is not going to solve North Korea, we will," Trump told the Financial Times.

Asked to clarify if he believed the US could solve the problem without China, Trump said: "Totally".

In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the US should "no longer take the excuses from China that 'they're concerned'."

"They need to show us how concerned they are... the only country that can stop North Korea is China, and they know that," she said.

The US maintains that China has not done enough to apply financial pressure given that Beijing is North Korea's only real ally and accounts for 70 per cent of the country's trade, CNN said in its report.

China has repeatedly said that its influence over North Korea has been overstated, and the US and South Korea should stop antagonising Pyongyang with its annual military drills.

Thousands of US and South Korea troops are currently engaged in the Foal Eagle joint annual drills that finish on April 30.

"On one hand, North Korea has violated UN Security Council resolutions banning its ballistic missile launches; on the other hand, South Korea, the US -- and now Japan -- insist on conducting... military drills," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said during a press briefing.

"It's a vicious cycle that could spiral out of control -- and such a scenario would benefit no one," Hua said.

Beijing has proposed a "double halt" approach that would see North Korea suspend its nuclear program, while the US and South Korea would call off joint military drills, the CNN report said.

The US has already dismissed the plan.

In a briefing, Mark Toner, the acting State Department spokesman, said: "There's no equivalence between North Korea's illegal missile and nuclear activities and what is our lawful, longstanding joint security exercises with our allies in the region."
Canberra, April 3 : Afghanistan and Australia share a "strong connection" for more than a century, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said.

Turnbull made the remarks while welcoming Afghan President Ashraf Ghani who arrived in Australia on Sunday for a three-day visit, the Australian reported.

Ghani is the first Afghan leader to visit Australia. Regional security, building capacity in the public sector and female empowerment are among the issues to be discussed by both the leaders.

The Afghan President will also meet Governor General Peter Cosgrove here.

Turnbull in a statement said: "Afghanistan and Australia share a solid connection which has been forged over more than a century of shared history and contact between our two peoples."

"From the early Afghan cameleers in the 1860s, to the Australian military effort to free Afghanistan from terrorism, both nations have maintained a healthy partnership, built on a foundation of mutual respect," he said.

According to the Australian Prime Minister, the visit also involves a number of discussions regarding regional security in the Middle East.

"During this visit, discussions will focus on our ongoing security and development cooperation to help Afghanistan in its efforts to become more prosperous, secure and self-reliant," he said.

Ghani's visit to the country will conclude on Wednesday.
Los Angeles, April 3 : Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard and German actor Udo Kier are lined up to star in the screen adaptation of Polish writer Jerzy Kosinski's controversial novel "The Painted Bird".

The 1965 novel "The Painted Bird" describes World War II as seen by a boy.

Filming has begun on an adaptation of the controversial Holocaust story with Skarsgard joining the cast, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

Petr Kotlar, a nine-year-old Czech actor, will play the young Jewish boy, while actor Harvey Keitel is also in talks to appear in the film.

"'The Painted Bird' was a lovely book and a lovely screenplay," said Skarsgard, who will essay the role of a German soldier in the film.

"You are probably familiar with the story -- it follows a young boy and his encounters with a lot of different people, and I am one of them," he added.

The cast also includes Polish, Ukrainian, Russia and Czech actors. Marhoul says he is still in talks with talent from Germany and Slovakia in addition to ongoing negotiations with Skarsgard and Keitel. The black-and-white film will be shot over 105 days, and a world premiere of the film is planned for May 2019, hollywoodreporter.com said.

The book had caused controversy and criticism for its portrayal of wartime horrors enacted not by the Nazis, but by Polish peasants.

Kosinski took the title from a rural tradition of catching birds, painting them in bright colours and then releasing them into the wild. The "painted birds" were never again accepted by their own families and were pecked to death, a fate the novelist uses as an analogy for the young boy.

Marhoul, who bought the screen rights to "The Painted Bird" in 2010, has described the book as a "deeply dramatic story examining the immediate relationship between terror and cruelty on one side and innocence and love on the other".
Chennai, April 4 : The second 1,000 MW atomic power unit at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) that suffered an outage on Monday due to a problem in its steam dump valve is expected to start operations on Friday, said a senior official of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

"Due to some problem in the steam valve, the unit was shut down on Monday. We will be opening the valve today (Tuesday) to set right the issue. We expect the unit to start generating power on April 7," H.N. Sahu, Site Director, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) told IANS on Tuesday.

Kudankulam is in Tirunelveli district around 650 km from here.

According to Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO), the nuclear power unit is under forced outage from April 3 "to rectify the passing of steam dump valves to condenser in secondary side".

He said the problem is not a series one.

The unit started commercial operation on March 31, 2017.

"Only on March 31, it was declared as commercially stabilised and this tripping happens within three days," said G. Sundarrajan, an anti nuclear power activist and who had filed cases against setting up of atomic power plant at Kudankulam.

Speaking about Unit 1, Sahu said it will be shut down on April 13 for refuelling purposes.

"The first unit will be shut down for around 55 days," Sahu said.

Every year, one third of the reactor's 163 fuel assemblies -- 54 assemblies -- will be replaced.

This coming refuelling cycle will be the second for Unit 1.

Meanwhile, the first 220 MW unit of Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) belonging to NPCIL under annual maintenance shut down is expected to come into operation from April 27 onwards.
Patna, April 4 : RJD chief Lalu Prasad has appealed to all non-BJP political parties to come together on a platform to counter the "aggressive" Hinduvta agenda of the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in view of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Sensing a tough challenge, Lalu Prasad has also warned that a united non-Bharatiya Janata Party political force will be the only option to take on the BJP and Modi in the next general elections.

Lalu Prasad's major ally Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already said a "Mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance) of non-BJP parties is needed at the national level to defeat the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"I have appealed to all non-BJP parties to come together on a platform. Unity among non-BJP parties is the only option available now to defeat the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls," Lalu told media here on Tuesday.

Lalu Prasad said if non-BJP parties remain divided and fail to unite as a political force, they will be finished.

"I have already initiated talk with several top leaders of different regional parties with commitment to social justice agenda for unity among the non-BJP parties across the country," he said.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal chief said that initially he has started approaching different leaders on the telephone, and this will be followed by his personal visit to talk to them face to face. After that, all like-minded leaders of different parties will sit together to formulate something concrete, he added.

"We have to come together soon to chalk out strategies because after one year, there will be little time with us to prepare for the 2019 polls."

Lalu said Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is a strong force in West Bengal, AIADMK and DMK are strong forces in Tamil Nadu, while the Biju Janata Dal is strong in Odisha, Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party of Akhilesh Yadav are strong in Uttar Pradesh. "If BSP, SP and Congress had joined hands like the JD-U, RJD and Congress joined hands in Bihar, the result of the Uttar Pradesh polls would have been totally different. The BJP got an opportunity due to a clear cut split in opposition votes."

Lalu Prasad cautioned that Modi may go for early Lok Sabha polls to cash in on the massive victory in Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. "I and my party RJD are ready for it, but others have to be ready to face any such situation," he said.

Lalu Prasad said the Congress is a national party and it should come forward to unite non-BJP parties.

Nitish Kumar, who is also president of the Janata Dal-United said that a "Mahagathbandhan" would prove successful in the next parliamentary polls.
Geneva, April 4 : A lack of funding is fuelling a "desperate" situation for over five million Syrian refugees now living in neighbouring countries with families unable to meet their basic needs, the UN said on Tuesday.

"The situation is getting desperate," said the head of the UN refugee agency UNHCR, Filippo Grandi.

"We are already seeing children who aren't able to go to school, families who cannot access adequate shelter or provide for their basic needs," Grandi said.

As the civil war in Syria enters its seventh year, only $433 million of the $4.63 billion appealed for by the UN in 2017 had been received, the world body said.

The total was just 9 percent of what was needed for vital protection and assistance for Syrian refugees and host communities, the UN warned.

Throughout the region, water and sanitation services, employment and housing markets were all under strain, the UN said.

The war between rebels and forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has claimed over 320,000 lives.

"The conflict in Syria remains the largest humanitarian challenge in the world - with 13.5 million men, women and children inside Syria also in need of urgent assistance," the UN stated.

The warning came as a two-day international conference kicked off in Brussels aimed at hammering out a plan for Syria's future.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini has billed the gathering as a follow-up to a donors' conference last year in London, which raised about $11 billion for humanitarian aid programmes in the war-wracked country.

But the Brussels meeting is likely to be overshadowed by the Trump administration's announcement last week that it would no longer focus on Assad's removal but on the wider war against terrorism, including the Islamic State jihadist group.

Asked what this meant for EU policy, Mogherini said she believed it "would be impossible" to return to the status quo in Syria.
Washington, April 5 : US President Donald Trump condemned the "intolerable" alleged chemical attack on civilians in Syria and blamed the Bashar al-Assad regime, media reports said.

"Today's chemical attack in Syria against innocent people, including women and children, is reprehensible and cannot be ignored by the civilized world," Efe news quoted Trump as saying on Teusday in a statement.

Trump said that "heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution", referring to former President Barack Obama, who "said in 2012 that he would establish a 'red line' against the use of chemical weapons" in Syria but then "did nothing".

"The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this intolerable attack," the President concluded.

Shortly before Trump issued his statement, a senior State Department official, who asked for anonymity, told reporters that everything pointed to the fact that the chemical attack was a "war crime" and that the countries backing Assad -- Russia and Iran -- have much to answer for.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also had harsh words for Russia and Iran in his own statement condemning the attack, which killed at least 58 people in the town of Khan Sheikhoun.

"While we continue to monitor the terrible situation, it is clear that this is how Bashar al-Assad operates: with brutal, unabashed barbarism," said Tillerson in the statement.

Tillerson also said that the attack is the third complaint about the use of chemical weapons in Syria in the past month.

The US accusations come after Syria denied that either its forces or Russian forces were behind the attack.
Juan Vivares, a 29-year-old Bronx man, has been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody just over two weeks after ICE officials detained him during a routine check-in.

The husband and new father fled to the US from his native Colombia in 2011 after paramilitary forces in Medellin reportedly attempted to murder him for his support of a mayoral candidate. Vivares has no criminal record, but has been technically eligible for deportation since November 2016. His asylum application was denied that month when he failed to provide direct evidence of the threat he faced in Colombia.

During his detention, Vivares shuttled between detention centers in Texas and Louisiana.

"The experience was very hard," Vivares told reporters on Thursday. "The worst was when they sent me to another facility out of New York, away from my wife and kid and lawyer."

He went on to describe the family reunion. "When I gave [my wife] a hug, I felt warm again," Vivares said. "And then later in the afternoon I saw the little boy and he gave me that smile that he always gives me when I see him. That was the most powerful moment."

Vivares has been granted a stay of removal by the Board of Immigration Appeals, while it considers a family-based petition on his behalf, according to ICE and the 32BJ property service workers union. The union hosted a rally for Vivares when he was detainedhis wife is a memberand has been monitoring the case, along with his attorney.

On Thursday, Vivares thanked his wife for "making his case a public one." His detention was condemned by the Freelancers Union and the NY Taxi Workers Alliance, as well as Senator Chuck Schumer and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; a Move On petition for his release received over 2,778 signatures.

Attorney Rebecca Press told Gothamist last month that her client's detention was further evidence of a sea change in ICE enforcement since President Donald Trump's election. According to Press, during the Obama administration it was common for ICE to approve family-based petitions for non-citizens with citizen families.

"Under the last administration, it was the very, very rare case where someone in this position, who had a path toward legalization that could be obtained within the US, would be prevented from pursuing that," Press said at the time.

ICE spokeswoman Rachael Yong Yow stated that Vivares "has received a stay of removal by the Board of Immigration Appeals pending the adjudication of his motion" and "has been released from ICE custody on an order of supervision." The supervision order entails constant GPS monitoring of his whereaboutspart of an Alternative to Detention program for individuals ICE deems flight risks, she confirmed.

Vivares's wife, 39-year-old Yahaira Burgos, is a doorwoman on the Upper East Side. She explained last month that she relies on her husband to care for their 14-month-old son, Christopher, when she works night shifts. "It is very, very hard because I usually work Tuesday and Wednesday overnight and he's the one who is taking care [of our son]," she said.

On Thursday, Press warned that Vivares's fight for green card status is far from over.

"He was fleeing political violence, he is married to a US citizen... and yet Juan is just barely eligible to obtain lawful permanent residency," she said. "We will use that 'just barely' to the fullest extent possible. But the bigger point is that our law is entirely too narrow, too strict, and too complicated if someone like Juan is just barely eligible. Whatever room does exist gets much, much smaller for any immigrant who has had a brush with the law."

"From my perspective, if immigration law is defined by one thing, is that we as human beings are defined by our worst acts," Press added.

Steven Choi, director of the New York Immigration Coalition, stressed Thursday that immigrants are facing routine ICE check-ins daily in New York City.

This is a "rare shining moment of joy and happiness," he said, adding, "every single day there are dozens of people who go into a check-in with ICE who think that this is the last day they will hug their son or daughter."
Srinagar, April 5 : The Indian and Pakistani Army on Wednesday exchanged fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector of Jammu region.

"The Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars at 9.05 a.m. today (Wednesday) on the Indian Army posts," Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta told IANS in Jammu.

"The Indian Army is retaliating strongly and effectively."

The firing exchange still continues, he said.

The Pakistan Army has been targeting Indian positions along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu region during the last four days.
Hyderabad, April 5 : Paint company Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL) announced its association with Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise as 'Official Sponsor for the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which begins here on Wednesday.

This year, the defending champions will carry Kansai Nerolac's logo on their helmets as part of this association, according to a release.

Speaking on the association, KNPL Director Decorative Anuj Jain said: "We are delighted to associate with Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team known for an excellent blend of talented players who gloriously won the IPL title last year.

"Our association with Sunrisers Hyderabad resonates with the values of reliable performance against all odds and embodies the spirit of teamwork and simplicity."

Commenting on the association, Sunrisers CEO K. Shanmugam said that it is proud to "partner with such a prestigious brand".

The alliance with Sunrisers Hyderabad is the second such association in a row for Kansai Nerolac. In 2016, the company associated as official sponsor with Gujarat Lions. Nerolac will continue to be associated with the Rajkot-based franchise for this year's edition of IPL as well.
Ferozepurr, April 5 : At least 15 kg heroin was recovered by Border Security Force troopers on Wednesday following an exchange of fire with Pakistani smugglers in Punjab's Ferozepur sector, a BSF officer said.

The heroin is worth an estimated Rs 75 crore in the international market.

A BSF ambush team had stationed itself in the area following a tip-off from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Amritsar.

"Based on specific information provided by the NCB about smuggling of narcotics through the International Border, a special ambush was laid at night by the Khalra post troopers," a BSF spokesman said.

"The team observed suspicious movement near the IB around 2.30 a.m. The Pakistani smugglers began throwing some packets over the border security fence.

"Our troops challenged them but they opened fire. The BSF also opened fire at the smugglers in retaliation and self-defence," he said.

The smugglers, however, managed to escape, taking advantage of darkness and the standing wheat crop and undulating terrain.

At least 15 packets of contraband heroin were recovered when the BSF later searched the area.

Punjab shares a 553-km-long barbed-wire-fenced International Border with Pakistan.
Beijing, April 5 : Diplomatic tensions visibly escalated over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, as China on Wednesday lodged a protest with India and said that by ignoring Beijing's concerns over the issue New Delhi has caused "serious damage" to bilateral ties.

As the Tibetan spiritual leader entered Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh to proceed to Tawang for a major Buddhist event, China struck a strident note in its protest against the move.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, addressing a regular briefing, voiced her country's "firm opposition" to the Dalai Lama's visit and said Beijing would lodge "stern representations with the Indian side".

Later, the Chinese side lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale in Beijing over the Dalai Lama's visit.

Hua said that India "in disregard" to China's concerns "obstinately" went ahead to arrange the Tibetan leader's visit, causing "serious damage" to China's interests and China-India relations.

She said that India should "immediately cease using the Dalai Lama's mistaken behaviour to damage China's interests" and not "hype up sensitive" bilateral issues.

The Foreign Ministry statement comes as the Chinese state-run media also slammed the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims is disputed and part of south Tibet. India has said that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of its territory.

The Global Times accused the Indian government of "openly using" the Dalai Lama "as a diplomatic tool to win more leverage".

It said India was trying to play the Tibet card against China as "New Delhi is dissatisfied with Beijing's stance over its membership bid to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and its request to name Masood Azhar, head of Pakistani militant group, to a UN Security Council blacklist", it said.

On Tuesday, India said that no political motive should be attributed to the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and asked China not to interfere in its affairs.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, said: "India has always been non-interfering in the neighbours' internal affairs in our approach. In the same manner, we expect the same from our neighbours."
New Delhi, April 5 : The Centre on Wednesday dubbed as "misleading" media reports on the Right to Information (RTI) Act rules, saying no change has been effected in either the fee structure or the word limit for the RTI queries.

Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, meanwhile, accused the Congress of spreading "misinformation", and said the opposition party was trying to shift the discourse from development.

"These issues are raised to shift focus from the narrative of development. Every time something good is done by the government, they try to shift the narrative," Naidu said.

"The Congress is propagating blatant lies against the government. We would like to remind the Congress that the BJP and other parties also fully supported the RTI Act," he said.

The government said it is committed to ensuring full and easy implementation of the Right to Information law.

"A factually incorrect and misleading news report appeared in a section of the media that a new set of RTI rules has been formulated, which creates difficulties and hurdles in the rights of the citizens to get information from the government," the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said in a statement here.

"It has been alleged that the size of the RTI queries has been restricted to 500 words and a provision of fee increase has been unfairly introduced in the rules."

The Congress on Monday accused the Narendra Modi government of seeking to subvert the RTI Act, saying new draft rules give power to authorities to reject an application if it is of more than 500 words and also force a steep hike in charges on the applicant.

"The facts are totally to the contrary. On July 31, 2012, the central government notified the RTI rules under Section 27 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

"A copy of existing rules is available on the official website of Department of Personnel and Training. The rules provide that an RTI application will ordinarily be not more than 500 words (subject to exception) with a nominal fee being charged from each applicant. These rules were framed and notified in 2012," the Ministry statement said.

"However, the legality of the Central Information Commission (Management) Regulations, 2007, was challenged before the Delhi High Court and these were quashed," the statement added.

The Ministry said the matter has been pending before the Supreme Court.

"The government, therefore, decided, in consultation with the CIC, that a comprehensive set of rules be notified by consolidating the key provisions of CIC (Management) Regulations and also the Rules of 2012," it said.

"The key provisions of the RTI Rules, 2012, have been identically incorporated verbatim. No change has been made in the RTI fee structure. The government is committed to ensuring full and easy implementation of the Right to Information Act," it added.
New Delhi, April 5 : Even as China lodged a protest with India on the Dalai Lama's ongoing visit to Arunachal Pradesh, India on Wednesday reiterated that no political colour should be attributed to the Tibetan spiritual leader's trip to the northeastern state.

Asked for a response to China's reaction, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay referred to a statement issued on Tuesday which said that "the Dalai Lama is a revered religious leader and has visited Arunachal earlier on half a dozen occasions".

"We also urged that no political colour be ascribed to his religious and spiritual activities and to his visits to states of India, and no artificial controversy created around his ongoing visit.

As the Tibetan spiritual leader entered Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh to proceed to Tawang for a major Buddhist event, China on Wednesday struck a strident note in its protest against the move.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, addressing a regular briefing, voiced her country's "firm opposition" to the Dalai Lama's visit and said Beijing would lodge "stern representations with the Indian side".

Later, the Chinese side lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale in Beijing over the Dalai Lama's visit.

Hua said that India "in disregard" to China's concerns "obstinately" went ahead to arrange the Tibetan leader's visit, causing "serious damage" to China's interests and China-India relations.

She said that India should "immediately cease using the Dalai Lama's mistaken behaviour to damage China's interests" and not "hype up sensitive" bilateral issues.

The Foreign Ministry statement comes as the Chinese state-run media also slammed the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims is disputed and part of south Tibet. India has said that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of its territory.

The Global Times accused the Indian government of "openly using" the Dalai Lama "as a diplomatic tool to win more leverage".

It said India was trying to play the Tibet card against China as "New Delhi is dissatisfied with Beijing's stance over its membership bid to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and its request to name Masood Azhar, head of Pakistani militant group, to a UN Security Council blacklist", it said.

Apart from Tuesday's statement by the External Affairs Ministry about India's position on the issue, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, said: "India has always been non-interfering in the neighbours' internal affairs in our approach. In the same manner, we expect the same from our neighbours."
New Delhi, April 5 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that rejected his plea to quash an FIR against him and his wife in a disproportionate assets case.

The veteran Congress leader challenged the March 31 Delhi High Court order that also vacated a Himachal Pradesh High Court order of October 1, 2015, restraining the Central Bureau of Investigation from arresting, interrogating or filing a chargesheet in the case without court permission.

The CBI on September 23, 2015, filed an FIR against Singh and his wife under Sections 13(2) and 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 109 of the Indian Penal Code regarding property worth Rs 6 crore he acquired between 2009 and 2012 during his tenure as Union Steel Minister.

The CBI sought vacation of the Himachal High Court stay on the ground that it was hampering investigation in the case.

In November 2015, the Supreme Court transferred the case to the Delhi High Court "to protect the judiciary from embarrassment".

Virbhadra Singh had accused the CBI of overstepping its jurisdiction in filing the case since the cause of action did not arise in Delhi but was allegedly committed in Himachal Pradesh.

Virbhadra Singh said in his plea: "A perusal of the impugned FIR shows that all acts and/or omissions said to constitute the offence under Section 13 (1)(e) read with Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act are said to have been perpetrated in Himachal Pradesh."

"In the present case, the petitioners have been subjected to double investigation on the same information and same set of facts. The petitioners were first investigated through a preliminary enquiry for the offences relating to criminal misconduct and disproportionate assets under the Act. After investigation, the CBI closed the first preliminary enquiry."

The appeal added that there was no new material to initiate fresh investigation and hence subject them to "double investigation".

On the other hand, the CBI had contended that the allegations against Singh in the case were "very serious" as a huge amount of money was involved and the state government had shown "overanxiety" in protecting him.

Singh, his wife and children are also facing an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate in the matter.
Washington, April 6 : US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson plans to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on April 12 in Moscow, where the two diplomats will discuss Ukraine, Syria and the fight against terrorism, the State Department said.

"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," acting State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement on Wednesday.

Tillerson plans to discuss the situation in Ukraine, the fight against terrorism, bilateral relations and other matters, including North Korea and Syria, Efe news reported.

The Secretary of State will travel to Russia from Lucca, Italy, where he will participate in the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the G-7, whose members are Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US.

The 65-year-old Tillerson, who stepped down as chairman and CEO of energy giant ExxonMobil in February, has known Russian President Vladimir Putin for more than two decades.

Putin gave the former oilman Russia's Order of Friendship in 2013.

Tillerson's trip to Moscow comes as questions continue to be raised in the US about alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
Washington, April 6 : US President Donald Trump accused an official of the Obama administration of committing a crime by asking to "unmask" the names of Trump's associates in intelligence documents, media reports said.

Speaking to The New York Times on Wednesday, Trump said former White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice may have committed a crime when requesting to unmask the names of Trump's associates,and called this "the biggest story".

Trump offered no evidence to back his allegations or any names of other Obama administration officials he said were also involved. He did not suggest that his assertions came from new intelligence reports but said he would explain himself further "at the right time."

In response, Erin Pelton, a spokesperson for Rice, told CNN: "I'm not going to dignify the President's ludicrous charge with a comment."

It was revealed recently that during her time as government official, Rice requested names in intelligence documents detailing communications of the Trump transition team to be "unmasked". These names are usually redacted or even given vague descriptors like 'Male 1'.

The Trump associates, who were incidentally mentioned on intercepted communications during the Obama administration, were not under surveillance themselves, but had been recorded while speaking with foreigners who were under surveillance by the US.

Rice has denied any wrongdoing, saying in an interview with MSNBC the allegations that somehow Obama administration officials "utilised intelligence for political purposes are absolutely false".
Washington, April 6 : US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel has discussed the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the situation in Afghanistan over a phone call, the White House said.

Trump and Merkel spoke on Wednesday and "pledged close cooperation and coordination on these and other issues," the statement said, Efe news reported.

Merkel had also addressed the issue of Ukraine on Monday during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Francois Hollande, urging Putin to use his influence on the separatists.

The Chancellor met Trump in March, after which the US President accused Germany of owing a vast sum of money to the US and NATO.
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New Delhi, April 6 : Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari on Thursday said that the Shunglu Committee has exposed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's misuse of authority and public money.

"After exposure by the Shunglu Committee report it is clear that Arvind Kejriwal has misused public money and government appointments for his political benefit," Tiwari said in a statement.

He said that the misuse of public money in foreign tours was done with the intent of raising NRI (Non-Resident Indian) support and funds.

"Firstly the appointment of Swati Maliwal as DCW (Delhi Commission of Women) head was wrong, and later the appointments in her office. All these are proof of this government's misuse of authority," Tiwari added.

The Shunglu Committee has questioned several appointments made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, including the appointment of Health Minister Satyendar Jain's daughter Soumya Jain in Delhi government's flagship Mohalla Clinic project.

The three-member Committee, headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) V.K. Shunglu, was set up by the former Lt Governor Najeeb Jung after Delhi High Court gave primacy to the LG in Delhi administrative affairs in August 2016.

The LG office has recalled over 400 files on decisions taken by the AAP government for review.

The Committee also raised questions on the appointment of Nikunj Agarwal, a relative of Kejriwal's wife, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Delhi Health Minister.
Agartala : Sujit Chakraborty Agartala, April 6 (IANS) Three northeastern states -- Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim -- topped the country in the just-concluded 2016-17 fiscal in providing work under a flagship rural jobs scheme while two others -- Manipur and Assam -- are at the very bottom in its execution, an official report has revealed.

While the rest of the country lags, Congress-ruled Mizoram topped for the first time in providing jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) -- a staggering 88.43 person days per household -- during the fiscal that is almost double the national average of 45.21 days.

Left-ruled Tripura, which until fiscal 2015-16 had occupied the top spot for seven consecutive years, dropped to second position with 79.88 person days per household in the last fiscal.

The Himalayan state of Sikkim, like in the previous year (2015-16), kept its third position with 66.77 person days per household during the fiscal.

According to a performance report of the Union Rural Development Ministry, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim had provided 94.46, 68.95 and 66.98 days of jobs in the fiscal.

In sharp contrast, two other northeastern states -- Manipur and Assam -- were at the very bottom among India's 29 states by providing only 20.94 and 29.38 days of jobs, respectively, between April 2016 and March 2017.

The MGNREGA, which is considered a pioneering rights-based legislation in the world, was introduced in February 2006 by the then Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government.

It mandates 100 days of work in a financial year to at least one member of each rural household -- but this has never been achieved in any state. The scheme aims to generate rural assets and create rural infrastructure like roads, ponds and water reservoirs.

The average wage rate was Rs 161.87 per day per person in the last financial year.

"Of the total works, women workers on an average got 55.98 days of jobs across the country in the last fiscal. Of the 262,252 gram panchayats all over India, no job was given in 19,434 gram panchayats in 2016-17," said the performance report, available with IANS.

The northeastern states' repeated success in providing work is attributed by experts to the lack of any other such scheme and absence of major industries in the region.

"Most of the northeastern states have no state government-run rural jobs schemes to provide viable employment to the needy workforce. These states also lack major employment-oriented industries," Tripura (Central) University's Rural Management and Development Department head Jayanta Choudhury told IANS.

"In Tripura, due to good governance, efficient implementation and good work-wise and ward-wise monitoring also contributed to the success of MGNREGA," he added.

Choudhury, who has written books on rural development in the northeastern states, said that implementation of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) is also good in some of these states.

India's northeastern region, comprising eight states and home to 45.58 million people (2011 census), has limited employment opportunities due to the absence of medium and big industries, projects and job-centric ventures.

Allocation of funds and timely release of the central share of funds under MGNREGA is also a big issue in the northeast.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government is trying to scuttle MGNREGA even though his Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has been demanding 200 days of work in a year under MGNREGA.

"The present central government is gradually curtailing the allocation of funds under the MGNREGA to close the rural job scheme," Sarkar said in Agartala.

"In the outgoing financial year, Tripura has provided around 80 man-days of rural jobs per household under the MGNREGA, but in the current financial year (2017-18), as per the indication of central allocation, the state would be able to provide only 38 to 42 man-days of jobs per household under the scheme," he added.

A senior ministry official, who recently visited Tripura to study the implementation of the schme in the state, denied the central government had planned to scuttle it.

"MGNREGA is an act, it cannot be shut or tailored by the government without the approval of parliament," the official told IANS, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

To demand the required allocation so that Tripura could provide more than 90 days of jobs, Sarkar asked state Rural Development Minister Naresh Jamatia and the three members of parliament from the state to meet Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in New Delhi at the earliest.

"We have already communicated to the union Rural Development Minister about our desire to meet him. We expect that the proposed meeting is likely to be held next week," Jamatia told IANS.

( can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in )
Agartala, April 6 : Tripura is ready to supply an additional 60 MW of power to Bangladesh. The transmission is likely to start during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit to India, a Minister said here on Thursday.

"We are ready to supply the additional 60 MW power to Bangladesh. Our engineers have tested the transmission lines... and given an okay," Tripura Power and Transport Minister Manik Dey told IANS.

He said: "Since last week, on experimental basis additional electricity was supplied to Bangladesh for several days. Formal supply of power is likely to start during Hasina's visit that begins on Friday."

Tripura has been supplying 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh since March 23, 2016, in addition to the 500 MW the country is receiving from West Bengal since 2013.

According to the Minister, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) and Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) are the two nodal agencies who will coordinate supply of electricity to Bangladesh.

The NVVN is a subsidiary of state owned National Thermal Power Corporation and TSECL is a Tripura government owned body.

Hasina is scheduled to visit New Delhi from April 7 to 10.

"Officials of India and Bangladesh governments met in Dhaka on March 17 and finalised technical and other issues realted to this extra electricity supply," a TSECL official told IANS.

"Bangladesh has sought additional 100 MW electricity from India to solve its power crisis in the eastern part of the country. As Tripura government was ready to provide this additional power... India informed Bangladesh accordingly," Dey said.

"Considering their existing technical feasibility now, they would take 60 MW electricity," he added.

A 47-km double circuit transmission line was erected, linking the power grid at Surjyamaninagar in western Tripura to the Comilla power grid in eastern Bangladesh, to supply electricity to the neighbouring country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina along with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on March 23, 2016, launched the supply of 100 MW power through video-conferencing from their offices in New Delhi, Dhaka and Agartala.

Dey said that Tripura had already become a power-surplus state. "If we supply additional power to Bangladesh we will be able to earn extra revenue."

During his visit to Dhaka on June 6-7 in 2015, Modi had discussed with Hasina power supply possibility from Tripura.

Modi had declared that India would eventually enhance the power supply to Bangladesh to 1,100 MW.

A TSECL official said that a Memorandum of Understanding on power sector cooperation between India and Bangladesh was signed in 2010.

Currently 500 MW of power is transferred through the Bherampur-Bheramara inter-connection in the West Bengal border and another 100 MW through the Surajmani Nagar (Agartala) - Comila interconnection.
New Delhi, April 6 : Shiv Sena MPs on Thursday surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju over the flying ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad and threatened that unless it is lifted they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan till 12.45 p.m. over the Shiv Sena protest.

As soon as Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia rushed to him. He was followed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

They took Raju and Union Minister Ananth Geethe with them to the Speaker's chamber.

Sources said that Speaker Mahajan discussed the issue with the leaders.

Earlier, Shiv Sena MPs were agitated over a statement of the Civil Aviation Minister, who reiterated that the ban was not aimed at a Member of Parliament, but for a passenger and safety was most important in flights.

This led to a protest by Shiv Sena members, and the House was adjourned.

Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India staff, said that he had been provoked and alleged that the airlines staff misbehaved with him.

Speaking on the issue during Zero Hour Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him be lifted.

He got support from other opposition parties. The Shiv Sena MP also said that he can apologise to Parliament but will not apologise to the airline staffer.
New Delhi, April 6 : Naresh Agrawal of the Samajwadi Party on Thursday said that social media was being used to defame Members of Parliament (MPs) and the government must come up with some mechanism to deal with the problem.

He raised the matter during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha and expressed his unhappiness over MPs being defamed by people posting comments on their salaries and perks.

"MPs get this, they get that... they talk about our salaries and other perks and when we go among general public, we face humiliation because of these comments on social media," Agrawal said.

On this, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien laughingly said that he should also get on to social media networks and respond to adverse comments.

Rajeev Shukla of the Congress also supported Agrawal on the issue, saying that it was being projected as if only MPs eat at canteens in Parliament and they are a privileged lot in every way.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi capped the issue saying that "these are anti-social activities of social media".

He also assured the House that the government would think over the issue and do something about it.
New Delhi, April 6 : Indian start-ups have sounded alarm bells over an "impending slowdown" in the e-commerce ecosystem due to the "predatory" pricing tactics of foreign players to capture market share, even as homegrown firms wither away because of their inability to compete on funds.

Thus far, $18 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has gone into Indian internet firms. Investors believe that the long-term figure will likely be under $30 billion as against a potential of over $80 billion. This difference of $50 billion, they say, is what India will forgo in terms of FDI/FII if Indian internet firms fail to combat the deep pockets of global firms.

"The sector is getting squeezed and thereby losing ground on competitiveness to their online counterparts who are funding losses through Venture capital (VC) funds," Shankar Vaddadyi, Founder and Director, i-Lend, told IANS.

These investors have projected that if the issue of predatory pricing is not immediately addressed, it would lead to $50bn of missed FDI/FII inflow in India's internet sector over the next three to four years.

Recently, a number of industry leaders and investors in Indian internet ecommerce raised the issue at various fora and writings, arguing that global internet commerce firms are not only competing unfairly, they are more focussed on destroying homegrown internet firms rather than expanding the market.

At a conclave here last week, Sachin Bansal, Executive Chairman of Flipkart, the country's largest e-commerce company, said: "We need to create a fair playing field. If we are able to create that level playing field, Indian companies will have significant advantages."

Tarun Davda, Managing Director of Matrix Partners, one of the early investors in Ola, said in a recent article that he is not against global competition, and that Indian start-ups are not afraid of competing against them. It is the practice of predatory pricing and capital dumping that is the real issue, he said.

"None of the global giants want fair competition. They see India as a large market they want to own for decades and so are indulging in capital dumping with the hope that eventually local start-ups will run out of capital to compete and they can run a monopoly business in India," Davda wrote.

This strategy is considered anti-competitive in many jurisdictions and is illegal under competition laws.

E-commerce companies and global investors believe that a completely unregulated market and a regulatory regime that does not recognise the peculiarities of the new internet-based e-commerce sector would be disastrous for Indian enterprises.

Vani Kola, Founder and Managing Director of Kalaari Capital, in a write-up said, "Unregulated markets can be anti-competitive, because it gives some players undue advantage. Take the case of Amazon, Uber and OLX. They have access to unlimited finance?--?from their successful business for many years in other geographies?--?and can use that to stifle competition in India by providing products and services that are economically unviable even to them in the long term".

Most growing economies of the world view internet as a strategically important sector and have taken steps to ensure the growth of local firms. The US had the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) programme, China effectively banned Facebook, Google and Twitter, and would delay land allocation and licenses to global companies such as Amazon and Uber.

Vaddadyi said, however, that he did not visualise the Indian government regulating in favour of domestic players exclusively in either retail, e-commerce or any other sector.

"The problem the government faces is the numerous operating complexities businesses come up with, and it is always playing catch-up there. In a way, it is the absence of regulation that allows companies to innovate and re-invent businesses, having allowed the sector reach a certain scale it becomes imperative to establish operating guidelines," Vaddadyi said.

However, Partha Neog, CEO of employee privilege platform Vantage Circle, said: "While I agree that foreign powers have an advantage because of their unlimited finances, it does not mean unfair advantage. Naukri, for example, fought successfully with Monster in the last decade."

"If they have money they will use it to their advantage and that is what these foreign companies are doing. On the other hand, it is the homegrown companies' local knowledge and ingenuity that differentiates them," he said.
New Delhi, April 6 : Though a host of bilateral agreements are expected to be signed during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit to India from April 7, a key agreement on the sharing of Teesta waters about which there has been wide speculation is unlikely to be inked, it is reliably learnt.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral summit with Sheikh Hasina on Saturday but no forward movement is expected on the Teesta waters agreement despite public opinion in Bangladesh on the matter.

Both India and Bangladesh, as good neighbours, have moved forward on other sectors like power, investment and security but the Teesta waters issue remains a vexed problem.

Though an agreement on sharing of the Teesta waters was drafted ahead of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh, it was withdrawn at the last moment when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee protested against the accord.

Banerjee's position is that the treaty would render north Bengal dry and affect Indian farmers. She is of the view that with Bangladesh having its largest irrigation project, the Teesta Barrage, running, the country does not deserve more water.

Though Banerjee is scheduled to join a banquet dinner hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee in the honour of Sheikh Hasina, she will not attend the bilateral summit to be held at Hyderabad House.

The Teesta waters issue apart, the Bangladesh side is also very keen about a Ganga Barrage and talks in this regard are expected during the summit.

Among the 25 to 30 agreements that are expected to be signed during the visit, there will be two memorandums of understanding on defence.

While an MoU will be signed on defence cooperation under which New Delhi will extend a line of credit of $500 million to Dhaka to buy defence equipment from India, the second MoU will be on setting up training colleges.

Cooperation on defence training between India and Bangladesh has been very strong with a set of standard operating procedures in place.

Connectivity is another issue of mutual interest and an MoU is likely to be signed on running passenger and goods trains which will be of benefit to Bangladesh and northeast India.

During Sheikh Hasina's visit, a bus service and a train service between Kolkata and Khulna will be launched as also a rail link from Radhikapur in north Bengal.

Energy cooperation between the two sides has shown a lot of positivity with India already transmitting additional power to its eastern neighbour.

During Modi's 2015 visit, it was decided that an energy dialogue would be started and now with India already training Bangladeshi scientists, a civil nuclear agreement is expected to be signed during Sheikh Hasina's visit.

There has been concern in India regarding security of minority communities in Bangladesh following a rise in Islamist fervour but Dhaka has already conveyed to New Delhi that it was concerned and the phenomenon was a disgrace.

The Indian establishment, it is learnt, has been reassured by the steps taken by Sheikh Hasina's government on this.
Bangkok, April 6 : Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed a new Constitution on Thursday.

Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne last December, signed in approval for the Constitution of 2017 and handed it over to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during the ceremony for the promulgation of the new charter, the country's 20th, at Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall here, Xinhua news agency reported.

Alongside senior government officials attending the royal ceremony were foreign diplomats attached to Bangkok.

Given the new charter, the country and its people are bound to proceed with national stability, unity and prosperity, according to a statement from the King.
New Delhi, April 6 : The government should remove transaction charges on e-payments for the faster adoption of digital payments in the country, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said on Thursday.

"Transaction charges are one of the major deterrents in adoption of digital payments in the country. It is urgently required for the government to do away with the transaction charges so that neither the traders nor the consumers are burdened," CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia said in a statement.

"On the other hand, the government may levy a nominal ATM usage surcharge in order to discourage people to withdraw cash from ATMs and motivate them to pay directly by cards," Bhartia added.

The CAIT said the government should subsidise transaction charges levied on e-payments to the banks directly for faster adoption of digital payments.

The confederation also called for implementation of the drafted proposal floated by the government in August 2015 for incentivising traders who are willing to accept digital payments.

"The incentive could be in form of either tax benefits or waiver of transaction costs which would result into encouraging traders to embrace e-payments system," the statement said.

The confederation had organised a conference on "Digital Payments-Importance & Adoption for future business India" here extending support to the government's mission of increased digital payment adoption in the wake of fast approaching Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

"CAIT also announced its partnership with HDFC Bank to provide banking solutions to trading fraternity and help them achieve maximised business growth and expansion by way of championing into digital business operations," the statement said.

The CAIT launched a national campaign this year in association with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to persuade non-corporate business sector for amplified adoption of Digital Payments, it added.
New Delhi, April 6 : Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Bhartruhari Mahtab on Thursday said the government should identify and "dispose of" Rohingya Muslims who have illegally migrated to India and "are being trained as terrorists".

Mahtab raised the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero hour.

"Dark clouds have appeared in Jammu and Kashmir... Dark clouds of terrorism... There is emergence of a new insurgent group called Harakah al Yakin consisting of Rohingya Muslims and its presence is in Bangladesh, Myanmar and India," Mahtab said, raising the issue.

"This was reported by a Brussels-based international crisis group. Since then, 40,000 Rohingya Muslims have entered our country as refugees illegally through Bangladesh, the Bay of Bengal and the Myanmar border," he added.

"Myanmar is not recognising them. Indian government is also not recognising them as refugees. Should we treat them as stateless persons?"

Mahtab said, "Jammu and Kashmir is a very sensitive place for this country. These people are now being trained as terrorist. Intelligence report says the IS (Islamic State terror group) has already been in touch with them."

He also referred to a terror attack in Bihar's Buddhist shrine Bodh Gaya in 2013.

"This reminds me of an attack that happened in Bodh Gaya where IM (Indian Mujahideen) was involved," he said.

"As Myanmar is a Buddhist state, they are persecuting Rohingya Muslims. They are flying off to Thailand and other places. It is high time Home Ministry recognises them and... removes them," he said.

The BJD MP also asked what has the External Affairs Ministry done in this regard.

"The whole nation would want to know what the ministry has done in contacting the Myanmar government," he said.

"The Home Ministry should identify them and dispose them of as per the law because we do not have a refugee policy," Mahtab said.

He also said that it was "alarming" that many Rohingya Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir have got Aadhaar cards.

"The government should react immediately. We should not wait for cloudburst," he said.

Rohingya Muslims are a group of Muslims from Myanmar living in Rakhine state since the 15th century. According to some scholars, they are indigenous to Rakhine while other historians claim that the group represents a mixture of pre-colonial and colonial immigrants.

Following reports of atrocities against the Rohingyas in Myanmar since October 2016, the UN in February questioned the credibility of a government-led investigation into allegations of abuses against them.

In March, the UN Human Rights Council decided to send a fact-finding mission to clarify allegations of abuse by security forces against the Rohingyas.

The Myanmar government, however, rejected the UN Mission to investigate the alleged persecution.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday said "ethnic cleansing" was too strong a term to describe what was happening in the Muslim-majority Rakhine, according to a BBC report.

Reports said, the India government was working on identifying Rohingya Muslims who have entered the country over the past five to seven years and were staying illegally in various pockets, including in Jammu and Kashmir, for likely arrest and deportation under the Foreigners Act.

A terror attack in and around the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya on July 7, 2013, was targeted at international Buddhist tourists to avenge the killings of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, according to the revelations by an arrested SIMI and Indian Mujahideen suspect, reports have said.
The City Council passed a bill on Wednesday banning employers from asking about salary history during the job application process. The prohibition is meant to take a bite out of the gender wage gap. In New York City, the median income for a woman is $32,200, whereas the median income for a man is $37,700, a difference of 14 percent.

Women are more likely than men to take time off work for family considerations, but even when statisticians control for qualifications, occupation, and experience, a less easily explained gap exists that many attribute to gender discrimination. Recent research has also shown that women are less likely to negotiate their salaries, but also that they can be more likely to be penalized for trying to do so. Pay disparities grow over the course of women's lives as these factors compound.

For women, "Asking for their previous salary information only perpetuates that discrimination," Public Advocate Letitia James, who introduced the legislation, wrote in a statement. "Being underpaid once should not condemn anyone to a lifetime of inequality."

In November, Mayor de Blasio issued an executive order banning salary history inquiries in city hiring, and last summer, Massachusetts became the first state to enact a ban on salary history requirements in hiring. It's now on de Blasio to sign the latest bill into law.

Mark Jaffe, president of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, told Gothamist that the new rule hurts companies' ability to vet job candidates: "You look at the term, the length of employment, and the actual salary. It gives you an indication of how responsible that person was."

Jaffe acknowledged that salary could be negotiated after a job offer, but said, "There's no doubt that it puts the interviewer at somewhat of a handicap" and will increase the workload of human resources departments.

He continued, "Of course we see both sides to it, but how do you know what job to apply for if you dont know what the salary is before you go into the interview? So its a two-way street thats now been made one-way."

I noted that I have seldom had access to the salary for a position before applying to it.

Jaffe replied, "I dont know if Id go for a job if I dont know what the salary is."

Supporters of the bill argued that salaries should be based on the duties of a position, not someone's personal history.
Beijing, April 6 : A Chinese state-run daily has slammed India, especially Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju, over the status of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as "Southern Tibet", and said if India "chooses to play dirty" then Beijing "should not hesitate to answer blows with blows".

In an editorial, titled 'India's use of Dalai Lama as leverage irresponsible', the state-run China Daily said that New Delhi "not only allowed the Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as "Arunachal Pradesh", but the spiritual leader of "Tibetan independence" was also escorted on his trip by India's junior minister of home affairs.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront."

It slammed Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, for terming the northeastern state "an inseparable part of India".

"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here."

It says that like Taiwan and any other part of China, "Tibet is a part of Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not".

But "Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China" by the British during its rule "taking advantage of China's internal strife".

It advised Rijiju to "consult the historical archives" in case of doubt on the matter.

"Neither the "McMahon Line", by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet, nor the present-day "Arunachal Pradesh" has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical. It is outright illicit," said the editorial.

The editorial comes a day after Beijing summoned the Indian envoy Vijay Gokhale to protest the visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh. India has maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of its territory.
New Delhi, April 6 : As millions of Indians die every year for lack of an organ, the Spanish model of 'opt-out' cadaver donation where organs of all cadavers are automatically donated unless the deceased has voluntarily opted out, is fit to be emulated in India, health experts have emphasised.

The 'opt-out' system is the presumed consent system where the deceased person's consent to organ donation is presumed unless his/her name is on the nation's refusal registry.

The 'opt-in' system demands the prior consent of the deceased person for the organ donation.

"The Spanish model must be emulated in India and for the global best practices in organ donation to succeed in the country, people's attitudes must change simultaneously," Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Director and Head Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Fortis Hospital, told IANS.

India has an organ donation rate of 0.5 per million -- one of the lowest in the world.

In contrast, Spain has a donation rate of 36 per million inhabitants while numbers for Germany and the United States are 11 and 26, respectively, per million.

Around 1.6 lakh patients are waiting for organs in India while a mere 12,000 donors are available.

For example, in urban India, 17 out of every 100 people suffer from kidney disease. Of this, six per cent have stage-III kidney disease which necessitates medical attention and, in some cases, costly treatment like dialysis or transplants, according to the largest screening study of kidney disease in the country.

With the health ministry estimating that the annual requirement for kidneys ranges between 1-2 lakh with only 5,000 transplants occurring, the demand-supply gap is huge.

"India definitely needs cadaver donations but so many things need to be organised for the system to be successful and, at present, we are far from that," added Dr Sanjay K Agarwal, Professor & Head, Department of Nephrology, AIIMS.

The Spanish model of opt-out cadaver donations, he says, is unlikely to be emulated in India with the current structure of society.

"We have to work towards changing the society's mindset towards that," Dr Agarwal told IANS.
New Delhi, April 6 : Asserting that there is enthusiasm in the country's energy sector, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that by exploring natural resources, India is aiming at double-digit GDP growth.

Speaking at the Global Natural Resources Conclave (GNRC) here, the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas said his ministry is in talks with "International Players" to increase oil production on the West Coast.

"India is aiming at double-digit growth (GDP, the current growth is 7.9 per cent). There are several pacts being signed for this, like the ONGC is aiming to enhance the production," Pradhan said, adding that the ministry is exploring to harness the country's natural resources.

The minister said that the railways and the petroleum ministry will soon sign a memorandum of understanding for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

He added that the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), the state-owned oil and natural gas company, would soon start the Rajasthan refinery project.

"We are also in talks with Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and BP for investment In India," Pradhan said.

The ongoing GNRC has provided a platform to the key players from the industry and the government to discuss the potential and sustainable use of the country's natural resources.

The conclave is being held by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Network 18.

Lauding the Indian government's pro-industrial stance to harness the natural resources here, Australia's mining magnate Gina Rinehart said that natural resources mean jobs.

"Prime Minister Modi is moving mountains in your country. Very few other leaders are as focused on reducing government red tape and encouraging technology to spur economic growth and jobs as Prime Minister Modi is," Rinehart said.

Speaking at one of the panels at the conclave, Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar said that due to limited resources, India has no other choice but to exploit its natural resources.

"We have 17 per cent of the world's population of human and cattle but only 2.5 per cent land and only four per cent of water resource... so we have to define our constraints in which we have to work," Javadekar said.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said the government is committed to reducing the import of natural resources.

"There's a need to incentivise exploration and expand capacities. The youth demands goods, jobs... The government is committed to providing these domestically through Make in India," Rathore said.

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New Delhi, April 6 : Russia's ASE Group of Companies and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) have signed a joint statement on Final Takeover of Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, officials said on Thursday.

The ASE Group, a subsidiary of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation, built the plant along with NPCIL. The joint statement was signed on Wednesday.

By signing the document, the Russian and Indian sides confirmed fulfilment of all warranty terms and obligations of the contractor - ASE Group of Companies for the construction of Unit 1.

"The warranty period run showed reliable and safe operation of Unit 1. Thus, the Indian side confirms that ASE Group of Companies, which is general contractor, has fulfilled all its tasks in full and accurately," said Andrei Lebedev, Vice President of ASE for projects in South Asia.

"Onwards operation of Unit 1 is totally within the responsibility of the Indian side," he added.

The commercial operation and the warranty period of Unit 1 of KKNPP started in December, 2014.

On March 30, 2017 Joint Protocol on provisional acceptance of Unit 2 of the Kudankulam Power Plant was signed, which marked the start of its commercial operation.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a joint project between India and Russia in Tamil Nadu.
New Delhi, April 6 : A court here on Thursday dismissed the bail plea of real estate company Unitech's Managing Director Sanjay Chandra and sent him to 14-day judicial custody.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ashu Garg remanded real estate company Unitech's Managing Directors and brothers Sanjay Chandra and Ajay Chandra to judicial custody till April 20.

The court order came after public prosecutor Anil Paswan submitted that Delhi Police did not need further custodial interrogation of the accused persons.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Chandra moved his bail plea on the ground that he would cooperate with investigation and not run away from justice.

The court rejected the application after prosecutor Paswan opposed the bail plea.

The Chandra brothers were booked for cheating buyers as Unitech first failed to complete a real estate project in Gurugram's Sector 70 on time and then did not refund the money to buyers.

They were arrested from their residence in Gurugram last Friday night by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police and a court here on Saturday sent them to two-day police custody.

There were 90 complaints against the brothers in connection with the project for which valid permission from the competent authority was not taken.

The project was to be completed by 2014.

The accused were booked on charges of criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy.

The police on Saturday told the court that Unitech had collected Rs 363 crore from 557 customers for Anthea Floors residential project.

It also alleged that their licence was not approved by the competent authority for building the township.

The project was started in 2011 without getting environment clearances. Unitech obtained clearance in September 2013.

Even though it did not have environment clearance, the accused continued booking flats without giving the real picture to investors and thus misrepresented facts.
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), April 6 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday condemned the incident in Parliament in which Shiv Sena members surrounded Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju.

"It is unfortunate to see some MPs' unruly behaviour towards the Aviation Minister," said Naidu.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President tweeted that he strongly condemns such behaviour.

Ashok Gajapati Raju is a leader of TDP, an ally of the BJP-led NDA government.

Naidu said such behaviour of MPs in Parliament was not good for democracy.

The TDP leader said leaders of all parties should ensure that such an incident was not repeated in the future.

Shiv Sena MPs on Thursday surrounded Raju over the flying ban on party MP Ravindra Gaikwad and threatened that unless it was lifted, they "won't allow the airlines to fly from Mumbai".

The incident happened after the Lok Sabha was adjourned by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan over the Shiv Sena protest.

As soon as Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh rushed to shield him.
Chennai, April 6 : Car maker Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Thursday said it is recalling 23,157 units of Corolla Altis over their faulty airbags.

"23,157 units of Corolla Altis manufactured between January 2010 to December 2012 are affected," a company spokesperson told IANS.

The airbag vendor is Tataka Corporation and there is no impact on any other model as of now, the official added.

The recall is part of global recall by Japan's Toyota Motor Corporation.
New Delhi/Vijayawada, April 6 : YSR Congress party President Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy on Thursday met President Pranab Mukherjee and urged him to direct the Andhra Pradesh Governor to sack four ministers who were inducted into the state cabinet last week, as they had defected from his party to the ruling TDP.

The Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh assembly met the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted him a memorandum, seeking his intervention into the matter for what he called "upholding the spirit of our revered constitution".

Jaganmohan Reddy said Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, instead of working as constitutional firewall, mechanically accepted the advise of the Chief Minister and administered oath to four legislators who incurred disqualification under the Constitution's Tenth Schedule Narasimhan had Sunday administered oath to 11 new ministers at Amaravati, the Andhra Pradesh capital. They included N. Amarnath Reddy, C. Adinarayana Reddy, R.S. Krishna Ranga Rao and Bhuma Akhila Priya.

Jagan, as the YSR Congress chief is popularly known. said they were elected to the assembly on YSR Congress ticket, but had, along with 17 other MLAs from the party, defected to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) a year ago.

Jagan, who on April 3 met Narasimhan to seek sacking of the four ministers, told the President that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu lured YSR Congress MLAs into defection by either offering either cabinet berths or huge money.

He alleged that Naidu had no scruples whatsoever, much less respect for Constitution and democratic spirit. He said Naidu was indulging in unethical and unconstitutional practice of masterminding defections from the lone opposition party in the hope of creating an opposition-free state.

He said that the petitions for disqualification of these MLAs were promptly filed with assembly Speaker but the party's periodical remainders went in vain.

Jagan pointed out that on the last day of the recently-concluded budget session, the Speaker, while announcing the strength of various parties, showed these four MLAs along with 16 other defected members in the list of 66 members of YSR Congress.
New Delhi, April 6 : A court here on Thursday fixed April 7 to consider the CBI charge sheet against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and others in a disproportionate assets case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed the charge sheet last Friday in the court of Special Judge Virender Kumar Goyal.

The matter was fixed for April 7 as scrutiny of documents could not be completed on Thursday.

Besides Virbhadra Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh, Life Insurance Corporation agent Anand Chauhan, his associate Chunni Lal, Joginder Singh Ghalta, Prem Raj, Lawan Kumar Roach, Vakamullah Chandrashekhara and Ram Prakash Bhatia have been charge-sheeted in the case.

The CBI had booked the accused on charge of abetment to crime and forgery under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI had registered the case on September 23, 2016, after a preliminary inquiry found that Virbhadra Singh, during his term as Union Steel Minister from 2009 to 2012, allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs 6.03 crore, which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The Himachal Chief Minister had on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that rejected his plea to quash the FIR in the case.

Virbhadra Singh, a veteran Congress leader, has challenged the March 31 Delhi High Court order that also vacated a Himachal Pradesh High Court order of October 1, 2015, restraining the CBI from arresting, interrogating or filing a charge sheet in the case without court permission.
New Delhi, April 6 : Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who was banned from flying after he assaulted an Air India official with his footwear, said on Thursday that he had been "abused and manhandled" by the airline staffer last month. He offered to apologise for his behaviour in Parliament but not to the 60-year-old flight official.

Gaikwad demanded that the flying ban on him should be lifted. He got support from other opposition parties.

The issue also saw an altercation between Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises Anant Geete, of the Shiv Sena, and Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who sought to dismiss the issue saying safety was most important on flights.

Later, the government assured that an "amicable" solution will be found to the flying ban.

Gaikwad raised the issue in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after a meeting at the residence of party MP Sanjay Raut.

According to sources, the instruction for creating a ruckus in the House over the issue came from party chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The Shiv Sena had on Wednesday threatened to disrupt proceedings in the Lok Sabha if the issue was not addressed.

Gaikwad said that on the day of the incident (March 23) he was made to travel in economy class despite having a business class ticket. After the Pune-Delhi flight landed, he asked for the complaint register.

"After 45 minutes, an officer came. I talked to him calmly, but he asked who are you. I asked him who are you, he said he is the 'father of Air India'. When I said that I was a politician, one of them said 'But you are not Narendra Modi. Are you'," said the Shiv Sena MP, giving his version of the incident.

The MP alleged that the airline staff held him by the collar after which he pushed him.

"I am staring at a ban across all airlines," Gaikwad said and claimed that the charges against him were "unfounded" and should be taken back.

"If the dignity of Parliament has been hurt, I apologise to the Parliament, but not to the officer," he said.

Gaikwad had assaulted duty manager R. Sukumar, and was slapped with a flight ban across all airlines.

He took a chartered flight to arrive in Delhi.

"Probe the whole incident, see who is guilty, and lift the flying ban on me," he urged.

The MP was backed by lone party minister Geete who questioned how a charge of attempt to murder can be slapped against the MP.

Raju, however, said safety was paramount in a flight.

"There is a process of law and it will take its own course. When I made submission to the House (earlier), I said it is not an MP, but a passenger. I have nothing to add here.

"If you want to defuse the situation you can, if you want to aggravate the situation, you can. In machines where people fly, safety is important and safety will not be compromised," he said.

Dissatisfied with his reply, members from Shiv Sena protested and Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the house till 12.45 p.m.

Geete almost came to blows with Raju, but Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and Textiles Minister Smriti Irani intervened and stopped him.

As Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia rushed to him.

Raju and Geete were subsequently taken to the Speaker's chamber.

Sources said that Mahajan discussed the issue with the leaders.

The house was adjourned twice after that, for 15 minutes each time, before the issue could be resolved.

Rajnath Singh then promised an amicable solution.

"We have reached a conclusion. Civil Aviation Minister will talk to stakeholders and find an amicable solution," he said.
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Srinagar, April 6 : Five persons went missing on Thursday after their taxi plunged into a swollen mountain stream in Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Police said the accident occurred when the car driver lost control of the vehicle while driving from Larnoo village to Kokernag town and it plunged into the Brengi stream.

Six passengers were rescued. A search and rescue operation has been launched to trace the missing persons.

All water bodies in the Valley have swollen alarmingly due to incessant rain and fresh snow in the plains during the last 36 hours.

Water in the Jhelum river crossed the flood alert mark at Sangam in Anantnag district and at Ram Munshibagh in Srinagar city on Thursday.

Many low-lying areas along the river banks were inundated, with authorities organising rescue operations to help the marooned people.

The Met office forecast a let up in rain and snow from Thursday afternoon and improvement in overall weather conditions from Friday onwards.

However, the water level in rivers, streams and lakes in Kashmir is expected to rise further in the next 24 hours due to melting of snow and swelling of tributaries of major rivers in the Valley.

Many small bridges and culverts connecting hilly areas with the mainland have been washed away by the swollen streams.
New Delhi, April 6 : A sessions court here on Thursday stayed a lower court order that directed nine JNU students to appear before it to record their consent or refusal for a lie-detector test in case of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Siddharth Sharma stayed a magisterial court's order dated March 30 and fixed May 3 for further hearing in the matter.

After the stay by the sessions court, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass adjourned the matter pending in his court for May 4.

On March 30, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate had ordered the nine Jawaharlal Nehry University students to appear before it on April 6 "without fail".

The court was hearing a Delhi Police plea for recording consent/refusal of these nine students for polygraphy.

As per the National Human Rights Commission, the lie-detector test is not authorised by law and must be regarded as illegal unless it is voluntarily accepted, the students' lawyer said.

On December 22, the Delhi High Court had directed police to conduct the tests on these JNU students regarding Najeeb Ahmed, who went missing in October 2016.

The Crime Branch told the court that the nine students had failed to join the investigation.

Ahmed, 27, an M.Sc. First Year student, allegedly went missing after a row with members of the RSS student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which denied involvement.
New Delhi, April 6 : After the Shunglu Committee accused the Delhi government of abuse of power in allotting a bungalow to DCW chief Swati Maliwal, she said on Thursday that the house was meant to be used as a camp office for public welfare and the Lt. Governor can take it away if he desires.

"Get salary of Rs 30,000. Government gave (the) house for DCW camp office as women come at odd hours (for complaints). The Shunglu report says the L-G should have given the house, not the CM," Maliwal tweeted.

"The issue of (whether) the L-G or the CM has powers is sub judice in the Supreme Court. However, if the L-G feels the DCW doesn't need round-the-clock camp office, (he) can take it away," Maliwal said in another tweet.

The three-member committee headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General V.K. Shunglu was set up by the then Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung in August 2016 to look into the AAP government's functioning after Delhi High Court gave primacy to the L-G in Delhi's administrative affairs.

It submitted its report to the Lieutenant Governor in November 2016, weeks before Jung resigned on December 22.

The committee questioned the allotment of a bungalow to the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief, saying rules were not followed in the process.

"Maliwal was provided accommodation, though in the ordinary course she was not entitled to it as per the provisions of the DCW... a residuary provision can be invoked in a case as an exception to the general rule, but only the Lt. Governor can approve such an exception. However, in this case, the Lt. Governor's approval was not taken," the panel said.
Sahebganj (Jharkhand), April 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Paharias -- one of the most primitive tribes of Jharkhand -- will be in the vanguard of the state's security.

The Prime Minister also hailed the Paharaias' new-found status as security personnel.

While inaugurating a slew of infrastructure projects here in the tribal-dominated Santhal Pargana region, Modi heaped lavish praise on a group of Paharia men and women who recently joined the Jharkhand Police as home guards.

"Our Paharia sons and daughters are among the most neglected in the country. But now, they are joining the mainstream. Seeing their abilities and confidence, I have no doubts they will be our pride," Modi said, asking the people to loudly clap for the Paharia men and women in uniform.

"My Paharia friends... they will be a new force to secure the future of Jharkhand," he said.

The group of around 50 tribal security personnel beamed with pride as a thundering applause reverberated at the venue where Modi laid the foundation stone of a multimodal terminal and a four-lane bridge on river Ganga.

"They are poorer than other tribals. For four generations, they have not got a government job. And now, they are going to be the foundation of my New India. This is my New India," said Modi as he hailed the Raghubar Das-led state government for its efforts to bring tribals into the mainstream.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 6 : Support is pouring in for the hapless Kerala mother who arrived in the state capital on Wednesday seeking justice after the death of her son but was roughed up by the police.

The state on Thursday witnessed a total shutdown following a call given by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a show of solidarity with the unfortunate mother.

Mahija, the bereaved mother, claims her son -- Jishnu Prannoy -- was "killed" by his college authorities, including the college Chairman Krishnadas and some others, all of whom are now out on bail.

Prannoy was found hanging in January in the campus of the Nehru College of Engineering and Research, a private college in Thrissur. Initially it was dismissed as a case of suicide, but following Mahija's strong protest, the police have taken up the case again.

Attendance in offices across the state was poor and shops and market places remained closed. The state-owned and private transport services did not operate their services as also the taxi and three-wheeler operators.

Expressing their support for Mahija and protesting against the "inhuman attitude" of the police as well as the Pinarayi Vijayan government, angry UDF and BJP workers took to the streets across the state and shouted slogans.

Mahija, who hails from Kozhikode, arrived with her husband and a dozen of their close relatives to sit in protest before the office of the state police chief, but they were allegedly dragged and humiliated by the police and, in the melee, she got injured and is now in a hospital, where she and the rest decided to undertake an indefinite fast.

State police chief Loknath Behra told reporters on Thursday that he would definitely meet Mahija and talk to her.

But Mahija, who will have to spend another day at the hospital as she has suffered an injury in her stomach, said they would meet the police chief but before that action should be taken against the police officials who roughed them up "for no reason".

The day also saw Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala asking Chief Minister Vijayan to apologise to Mahija for all that has happened to them.

State Congress President M.M. Hassan said: "It's time the state police chief is ousted as he has failed on all counts."

Former state Congress chief V.M. Sudheeran said what happened on Wednesday "is a shame for Kerala".

"The saddest part is that even after 24 hours of this incident, the only person who has defended the act is Vijayan and it's a real shame," said Sudheeran.

Former Chief Minister and party colleague of Vijayan, V.S. Achuthanandan, called up the family of Mahija and expressed his full support in their demand and told her to contact him for any kind of help at any time.

Vijayan's party's politburo colleague M.A. Baby in his Facebook post noted that it was most unfortunate that this happened to Mahija and that it was the work of those "who do not know what the police policy of the Left government is".

CPI state Secretary Kanam Rajendran said that had the police chief gone out and met Mahija and found out from her what she required, the ongoing brickbatting would have turned into exchange of bouquets.

"There was a lack of common sense," said Rajendran.

Mahija's daughter, Avishna, told the media at their home that she would be going on an indefinite fast till her mother returned from the state capital.

"Now I feel I am more angry against the police who roughed up my mother and others than the college Chairman. I have decided to go on a hunger strike till my mother returns," said Avishna.

This issue surfaced in Parliament too, when Congress lawmakers from Kerala staged a protest in the House demanding justice for Mahija.
New Delhi, April 6 : The opposition in both houses of Parliament on Thursday raised the issue of lynching of a Muslim man in Rajasthan's Alwar district by cow vigilantes, with a Congress leader blaming an "organised gang" and the government promising justice.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, while his party colleague Madhusudan Mistry raised it in the Rajya Sabha.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured Lok Sabha members that the Centre will ensure justice in the case while Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told the Rajya Sabha that a "message should not go out that the house is supporting cow slaughter".

Mistry said the self-styled 'gau rakshaks' were harassing and killing people in the name of cow protection.

"The cow vigilante gang acted as if they have some extraconstitutional powers. They checked trucks to see if there were cows or calves -- and if the owner was Hindu, they let them go," he said.

"It is being done by an organised gang. Such gangs are present in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat; and now, they are in Uttar Pradesh. It is a complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state," Mistry said as he was supported by other opposition leaders.

Naqvi, however, said the incident did not occur as the Congress MP said.

"This is a sensitive issue. A message should not go (out) that this (upper) house is supporting cow slaughter. The incident did not occur as the member is narrating," Naqvi said.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "I haven't come across such an insensitive government."

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien asked the government to submit a report to the house, so that the issue could be addressed.

In the Lok Sabha, however, the government did not deny the incident. The Home Minister rather assured of justice.

Kharge, who raised the issue, said: "It's not good to take law into (one's own) hands. It's a serious matter. This is the fifth incident in a row. Earlier, such cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana also."

"This is not a stray incident... three such incidents have happened in Uttar Pradesh, two in Gujarat and two in Haryana," Kharge said.

The Home Minister said: "The state (Rajasthan) government has taken cognisance of the matter. An FIR has been registered and some arrests made. the Centre will try that justice prevails," Singh said.

Pehlu Khan, a Muslim man in his 50s, was brutally beaten up by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Saturday while transporting cows. Khan succumbed to his injuries on Monday night in a hospital.
Chandigarh, April 6 : Heavy rain, hailstorm and strong winds have damaged nearly-ready-to-harvest wheat crop in Punjab and Haryana, officials said on Thursday Farmers in both the states rued the untimely rain and strong winds which flattened the standing wheat crop at many places.

The rainfall is likely to lead to higher moisture content in the wheat grains which could lead to lower remuneration to farmers due to the quality of the grain.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh ordered a special survey to assess the damage.

Punjab government spokesperson said the Chief Minister has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DC) to get the losses incurred by the farmers ascertained immediately to ensure adequate and timely compensation for them.

The damage was reported in Sangrur, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mohali, Patiala and Mansa districts.

"The rain and winds could not have come at a worse time. The crop was ready for harvest in seven to 10 days. It will mean a loss to farmers after putting in so much effort in the last 4-5 months," farmer Swaran Singh of Mohali district told IANS.

Procurement of wheat started in Punjab and Haryana on April 1. Bulk of the grain stocks are expected to arrive in both states after April 10.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned over Rs 17,990 crore to the Punjab government and over Rs 4,900 crore to the Haryana government as cash credit limit (CCL) for wheat procurement this season.

Both states could procure up to 200 lakh tonnes of wheat grains this season.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday announced that a special survey in the areas where the crops had not been insured under the "Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna" would be carried out to assess the crop loss.

The farmers who have insured their crops under the scheme would have to inform the insurance agencies within 48 hours, a Haryana government spokesman said.
New Delhi, April 6 : A panel appointed by former Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has accused the AAP government of nepotism in making appointments and abuse of power, sparking allegations and counter-allegations on Thursday.

While the BJP and Congress went hammer and tongs against the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the April 23 civic polls, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's party said it was innocent of the charges.

A three-member committee headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General V.K. Shunglu reviewed 404 files of the Kejriwal government to allege there were irregularities with various appointments and other decisions.

The report accessed by IANS questioned the appointment of Soumya Jain, daughter of Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, as an adviser to Mission Director of Mohalla Clinic project, which has won global praise for providing free healthcare.

The committee also raised questions on the appointment of Nikunj Agarwal, a relative of Kejriwal's wife, as Officer on Special Duty to the Health Minister.

It questioned a cabinet decision of allotting government-owned 206 Rouse Avenue (now Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg) bungalow to the AAP as its office, allotment of bungalows to Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal and MLA Akhilesh Pati Tripathi.

"Since land is a 'reserved' subject, this decision should be deemed null and void," the report said, referring to land in Delhi not falling in the purview of the city government.

The AAP said the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress were raking up the report to divert attention from what it called was the detection of fraud in EVM machines.

AAP leader Dilip Pandey said the BJP and Congress had a habit of making wild allegations before elections.

"Every time an election comes, (they) make baseless allegations against us, which are forgotten after the elections are over. This happened in the 2015, 2014 and 2013," Pandey said.

AAP leader Ashutosh said the BJP and Congress wanted to divert attention from the Delhi government's work in education, health, free water and cheap electricity.

Congress leader Ajay Maken demanded the resignation of Kejriwal over the report and a Supreme Court monitored CBI inquiry.

Maken - who claimed he got the report through an RTI - accused the AAP government of corruption, nepotism and misuse of public money for "unsanctioned" foreign tours of AAP leaders.

He said Congress workers would on Friday protest against the AAP in all 272 wards of Delhi.

Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari said the Shunglu report had exposed misuse of authority and public money.

"It is clear that Kejriwal has misused public money and government appointments for his political benefit."

AAP's Pandey accused the Congress and the BJP of looting the municipal corporations for the last 20 years and asked them why no committee was set up to probe their wrongdoings.

Ashutosh added: "Now they want a recognised party having its government in the state not to even have an office.

"No one asks how the Congress with zero seats in the Delhi assembly can have an office in Delhi. Or how the BJP with just three seats also has an office in Delhi."

Ashutosh said there were no irregularities but only differences of opinion between the Delhi government and the Lt Governor's office which the report talked about.

The Shunglu Committee was set up by Jung in August last year after the Delhi High Court gave primacy to the Lt Governor in Delhi's administrative affairs. The report was submitted in November, weeks before Jung quit.

Jung's tenure was marked by sharp tensions between his office, which reported to the central government, and the AAP government.
New Delhi, April 6 : Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on Thursday announced the signing of contracts worth almost $2 billion for supply of medium range surface to air missiles (MRSAM) and missile defence systems to the Indian Army.

"In a mega-contract worth over $1.6 billion, considered to be the largest defence contract in Israel defence industries' history, IAI will provide an advanced MRSAM air and missile defence systems to the Indian Army," IAI said in a statement.

"The company will also supply additional Long Range SAM air and missile defence systems for the first built in India aircraft carrier," it said.

IAI President and CEO Joseph Weiss said: "Over the past 25 years, IAI has worked with the Indian defence industries and armed forces in many areas as part of our strategic partnership. The current contracts represent an enormous expression of confidence by the Government of India in IAI's capabilities and advanced technologies which are being developed with our local partners as part of the Indian Government's 'Make in India' policy."

"This contract award also recognises the professionalism of all of Israel's defence industries. We at IAI are proud to be leading this flagship project after a long and joint development process."

The MRSAM was developed jointly for the Indian Army by IAI and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with RAFAEL and IAI/Elta, which worked with various Indian companies including BEL, L&T, BDL and other private vendors.
New Delhi, April 6 : Though over 20 accords ranging from ICT to defence cooperation are expected to be signed during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit to India from April 7, a key agreement on Teesta river waters sharing is unlikely to be inked.

"We are expecting to sign over 20 agreements. These are meaningful agreements in ICT, in science and technlogy, cyber security, defence, development partnership, trade and investment, shipping, bus services, mass media and so on," Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh/Myanmar) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing here on Thursday ahead of the Bangladesh Prime Minister's visit.

Ranganathan said that on the oil and gas front "we have embarked on a very, very new and positive approach".

"Tangible outcomes which we are looking forward to are finalisation of a long-term arrangement for supply of high-speed diesel to Bangladesh, which we believe will help people in north Bangladesh in particular," she stated.

When asked about the possibility of the Teesta river waters agreement being signed, Ranganathan said that it remained "a work in progress".

It is reliably learnt that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral summit with Sheikh Hasina on Saturday, no forward movement is expected on the Teesta waters agreement despite public opinion in Bangladesh on the matter.

Both India and Bangladesh, as good neighbours, have moved forward on other sectors like power, investment and security but the Teesta waters issue remains a vexed issue.

Though an agreement on sharing of the Teesta waters was drafted ahead of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh in 2011, it was withdrawn at the last moment when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee protested against its provisions.

Banerjee's position is that the treaty would render north Bengal dry and affect Indian farmers. She is of the view that with the Teesta Barrage, Bangladesh's largest irrigation project, running, that country does not deserve more water.

Now, ahead of Sheikh Hasina's visit, Banerjee on Wednesday said there is no water in the river.

The West Bengal Chief Minister, whose cooperation is crucial for any river water agreement with Bangladesh, has maintained that she will prioritise her state's interest while deciding on the proposed water sharing treaty.

She has also claimed the Centre has not consulted her over the issue.

"What will I do if there is no water? There is no water in the Teesta," she said on Wednesday.

Though Banerjee is scheduled to join a banquet dinner hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee in honour of Sheikh Hasina and a lunch banquet to be hosted by Modi, she will not attend the bilateral summit to be held at Hyderabad House.

Chief Ministers of the northeastern states bordering Bangladesh will also be attending the presidential banquet.

At the media briefing, Ranganathan said that two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed with Bangladesh during Hasina's visit.

"One is a framework agreement on defence cooperation and that provides a structure for the defence-based engagement over the next few years," she said.

The second MoU, the Joint Secretary said, would allow Bangladesh to buy defence equipment from India.

In terms of development cooperation, the MEA officer said that Bangladesh has shown interest in concessional finance from India in areas like infrastructure, education and health.

Regarding concerns over rising Islamic radicalism in Bangladesh, Ranganthan said there has been "excellent cooperation" between the governments of India and Bangladesh to contain radicalism and an agreement on cooperation in cyber security is likely to be signed during Hasina's visit.

With energy cooperation showing a lot of positivity, a civil nuclear agreement is also expected to be signed between the two sides.

Connectivity is another issue of mutual interest and an MoU is likely to be signed on running passenger and goods trains which will be of benefit to both Bangladesh and the northeast India.

Modi and Sheikh Hasina will jointly launch a bus service and a train service between Kolkata and Khulna as also a rail link from Radhikapur in north Bengal.

As for bilateral trade, which stands at $6.5 billion with Indian exports accounting for around $5.8 billion, Ranganathan said that an MoU on setting up border haats is likely to be signed.

Following Saturday's bilateral summit, Sheikh Hasina will visit Ajmer Sharif on Sunday and attend a business event on Monday before leaving for Bangladesh.

Her visit comes seven years after her last bilateral visit to India in January 2010 and is the first bilateral visit since her new government came to power in January 2014.
News, analysis, and archives on the grassroots in Haiti. Nouvel, analiz, ak achiv sou baz yo an AYITI. Noticias, analisis y archivos sobre el pueblo de Haiti.
New Delhi, April 6 : Decks have been cleared for a pan-India implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1 with the Rajya Sabha passing the much-awaited four enabling bills on Thursday.

The four bills -- Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, Integrated GST Bill, Compensation GST Bill and Union Territory GST Bill 2017 -- were passed by the Rajya Sabha and returned to Lok Sabha, after a discussion of almost nine hours spread across two days.

Replying to the debate on the four bills in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the goods that are exempted from taxes currently will remain to be exempted once the GST is in place.

"Whatever goods are exempted from tax today, will remain exempted. The present status quo will continue," he said.

Jaitley said that to make tax filing easier under the GST, the provision of quarterly returns is there in the new indirect tax regime.

Noting that both the central and state governments are pooling their sovereignty to have this tax regime, Jaitley noted that India, despite being one political entity, remained different economic entities with states having different taxes.

"In the concept of goods and services tax, both Centre and states simultaneously have the power to levy tax. GST is the only tax which is simultaneously levied by Centre and states," he said.

Clarifying on the tax rate on petroleum products in the regime, Jaitley said that the Council has decided that the petroleum products though they have been included under GST, will remain zero rated as of now.

"The Council decided that we will take up the issue of petroleum products in a year after implementation of GST. Today, constitutionally petroleum products are under GST, but will be zero rated. So once Council decides it can be taxed under GST, we won't need to amend the Constitution," he said.

On demands of change in the structure of Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) that is creating the information technology (IT) backbone for the new indirect tax regime, Jaitley said that the shareholding pattern has been set after detailed discussions to ensure the flexibility of the company.

"Government can acquire 1-2 per cent more shares in GSTN, but not sure if the flexibility will remain. We have not felt the need of altering the arrangement. The management structure created has to face penal consequences if any information is leaked," he said.

The Centre owns 24.5 per cent stake in GSTN, state governments own another 24.5 per cent, while the HDFC, NSE Strategic Investment Corporation, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank own 10 per cent each.

LIC Finance holds 11 per cent stake in GSTN, according to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) filings, obtained by IANS from business research platform Tofler.

Discussing the Bills, most of the political parties favoured them but cautioned the government on all possible shortcomings the legislation may have.

Participating in the debate, Sharad Yadav of the Janata Dal-United said that "GST should be made easy, so people do not have any tax related problems".

Praful Patel of the Nationalist Congress Party expressed apprehension over the proposed "harsh punishments" in the GST Bills, and said they should be done away with to create a good atmosphere for business.

"Every economic offence should not lead to jail," he said.

The former minister also suggested that electricity and petroleum products should also come under the proposed legislation.

"If we are looking at one nation, one tax, than these issues should be looked into," he said.

Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India-Marxist said that the federal structure of the country must not be disturbed.

He expressed his unhappiness over the GST having been brought in the Rajya Sabha as a Finance Bill, saying that the government should not have treated it as a Finance Bill.

"Parliament cannot be ignored," he said, suggesting that GST should be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Jairam Ramesh of the Congress and D. Raja of the CPI also supported Yechury on the issue of GST having been brought in the Rajya Sabha as Finance Bill, with Ramesh saying that "Rajya Sabha was being bypassed".

"It should not have come to us as Finance Bill," he said.

The Lok Sabha had already passed the Bills on March 29, 2017.
Lucknow, April 6 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which came to power in Uttar Pradesh last month after a gap of 14 years, celebrated with fanfare its 37th Foundation Fay across the state on Thursday.

The celebrations were led by Uttar Pradesh BJP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who took a broom and cleaned up the office of the party state headquarters.

BJP spokesman Chandra Mohan said Maurya checked all departments at the party office for cleanliness and urged the members and office-bearers to contribute to the 'Swatch Bharat' mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by keeping their surroundings clean.

Maurya also exhorted the party leaders to spread among the people the information about the work done by the central and the state government for their welfare.

The BJP also announced it would be celebrating the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar on April 14 as 'Samrasta Diwas'.

In other places across Uttar Pradesh, party office-bearers and workers also celebrated the foundation day.
Kolkata, April 6 : The city police on Thursday registered suo moto cases at three different city police stations against the organisers of armed rally on occasion of Ram Navmi, a senior police officer said.

A total of 39 rallies were organised by the Hindu activists at various parts of the city on Wednesday to celebrate the occasion of Ram Navmi where some participants allegedly walked brandishing sharp-edged weapons.

"Suo moto cases have been lodged under various sections of IPC against the organisers of three of those rallies in the city on the charges of conducting unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapons (IPC 144), criminal intimidation (IPC 506) and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language (IPC 153A)," said Joint Commissioner of Police (HQ) Supratim Sarkar.

"Cases has been lodged in Kolkata's Posta police station, Bhawanipore police station and Entally police stations against the organisers of unlawful rallies at TaraSundori park, Chakraberiya and Ramlila Maidan respectively. Law will take its course against the offenders," he added.
New Delhi, April 6 : Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday told Delhi Police to ensure the safety of the people of northeastern states, particularly girls and women.

Baijal alerted the officers about hardships being faced by people from the northeast and said individual responsibility of officers, including SHOs, shall be fixed if there were targeted crimes.

The directions came at a fortnightly meeting with Delhi Police officers to review the law and order situation in the national capital.

Baijal reviewed various steps taken for women safety and welfare measures taken for people from the northeastern region including establishment of Special Police Unit for northeast residents.
New Delhi, April 6 : Actor-producer Aamir Khan has decided against releasing his Bollywood blockbuster "Dangal" in Pakistan after the censor board there demanded that two scenes involving the Indian flag and anthem be cut.

Mobashir Hasan, Pakistan's Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) head, told IANS over social media: "Yes, the board unanimously decided to skip two scenes."

Asked why the Indian flag and anthem needed to be cut, Hasan said: "The decision is the collective wisdom of the board."

He added that it was now up to the local distributor -- Geo Films -- to release it or not.

Subsequently, Aamir has decided not to release the movie in Pakistan, saying the demanded cuts were crucial to the spirit of the film, his spokesperson told IANS.

"Dangal" is a movie inspired by the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trains his daughters to become wrestling champions.

The movie was loved by Indian audiences, which was proved by its whopping Rs 385 crore-plus collection in the country.

The news comes just over two months after Pakistani film exhibitors and cinema owners lifted a self-imposed ban on the screening of Indian films in the wake of heightened tensions with India over the September 2016 terror attack in Uri that left 19 Indian soldiers dead.
Mumbai, April 6 : Veteran Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna, who was hospitalised last week due to severe dehydration, has responded positively to treatment and is stable, doctors treating him said on Thursday.

The actor "was admitted to Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital on Friday with severe dehydration. He is under the care of our doctors and has responded positively to the treatment and is now stable," the hospital spokesperson said.

"His family thanks his well-wishers for the good wishes and requests to respect their privacy," he added.

Vinod Khanna's son Rahul told IANS on Tuesday: "Dad was hospitalised on Friday (March 31) for severe dehydration. The situation was quickly brought under control, he's doing much better and the doctors are looking to discharge him soon."

Rahul, who is also an actor, added that the family is "touched by all the good wishes pouring in".

The actor, who is a sitting Bharatiya Janata Party member of the Lok Sabha from the Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab, was admitted to Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Girgaon, Mumbai.

The 70-year-old actor has featured in films like "Mere Apne", "Insaaf" and "Amar, Akbar, Anthony".
Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh), April 6 : Emphasising the need for religious harmony, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday said India is still the best country to uphold religious harmony and tolerance.

"Religious harmony is very essential at a time when the sense of responsibility is lacking. But despite niggles, it is possible in India -- the most-populated democratic country. This country has shown the way for thousands of years," he said while addressing people at the Buddha Park here.

He said all the world's major religions flourished in India.

"We are social animals and without a sense of compassion for each other, we won't be happy. Whether we are religious or not, there is a need for love and compassion in the world," the Dalai Lama said.

Asserting he was disturbed by terrorism committed in the name of religion, the Dalai Lama said: "We hear a lot about Muslim terrorists, and of late of Buddhist terrorists (Myanmar). But as soon as anyone indulges in terrorism, he is no longer a Muslim or a Buddhist. Come to think of it, Chinese officials describe me as a terrorist too."

The Tibetan leader also said it was right to consume the meat of dead animals but not of those slaughtered.

"Buddhists are taught not to harm other creatures and are vegetarian; but Sri Lankan monk told me many years ago that they (monks) depend on begging for their survival... Buddhist monks are neither vegetarian nor non-vegetarian," he said.

"Pope (Francis) said it is better to be a good human being than a stupid Christian. Similarly, it is better to be good human being than a stupid Buddhist," he said.
Islamabad, April 6 : A group of six British parliamentarians from the ruling Conservative Party on Thursday called for a just and early solution to "the lingering Kashmir issue" in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The visiting MPs suggested that the UN should send an independent and impartial commission to both parts of the disputed Himalayan region to ascertain the situation on the ground, Dawn reported.

The British lawmakers, who travelled to Pakistan on the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on April 2, visited Muzaffarabad to meet government officials and people from other walks of life, including Kashmiri refugees living in different camps.
New Delhi, April 6 : As Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad on Thursday apologised in the Lok Sabha for the assault on an airline staffer but defended himself, an ugly situation arose as two Union Ministers got involved in heated exchanges and almost came to blows.

Gaikwad's party colleagues in the Lok Sabha demanded lifting of the flying ban against him and the party threatened to boycott an April 10 National Democratic Alliance meeting in case the matter was not sorted out at the earliest.

Unhappy with the government response, Union Minister Anant Geete, of the Shiv Sena, questioned how an attempt to murder charge could be slapped against Gaikwad.

Geete and Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju almost came to blows as the latter maintained that flight safety was paramount. Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Textiles Minister Smriti Irani intervened to save the situation.

As Shiv Sena MPs surrounded Raju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia rushed to his support.

Raju and Geete were subsequently taken to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan's chamber where, sources said, the Speaker discussed the issue with them.

Gaikwad, who is facing ban from various airlines from flying after he assaulted an Air India official with his footwear on March 23 after his Pune-Delhi flight landed at the Delhi airport, also wrote a letter to Raju on Thursday requesting the flying ban on him be lifted.

But the national passenger carrier did not remove the ban but sources in the Civil Aviation Ministry said that they are looking into the matter after Gaikwad's assurance that such incident will not be repeated.

An Air India official told IANS that the airline has beefed up security to protect its employees at Mumbai and Pune following an alleged threat by Shiv Sena to disrupt the company's operations if the ban is not revoked.

Gaikwad raised the issue of flying ban on him during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha and demanded it be lifted.

He said he apologises for his behaviour in Parliament but will not do so to the 60-year-old flight official.

Giving his version of the incident, Gaikwad said he was made to travel in economy class despite having a business class ticket. After the Pune-Delhi flight landed, he said, he asked for the complaints register.

"After 45 minutes, an officer came. I talked to him calmly, but he asked: Who are you? I asked him: Who are you? He said he is the 'father of Air India'. When I said I am a politician, one of them said: 'But you are not Narendra Modi. Are you?," said the MP, alleging that the airline staff held him by the collar after which he pushed him.

"I am staring at a ban across all airlines," Gaikwad said and claimed that the charges against him were "unfounded" and should be taken back.

"If the dignity of Parliament has been hurt, I apologise to Parliament, but not to the officer," he said.

Gaikwad was backed by Geete, the Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises.

Raju, however, said safety was paramount in a flight.

"There is a process of law and it will take its own course. When I made submission to the house (earlier), I said it is not an MP, but a passenger. I have nothing to add here.

"If you want to defuse the situation you can; if you want to aggravate the situation, you can. In machines where people fly, safety is important and safety will not be compromised," he said.

Shiv Sena members protested, after which Speaker Mahajan adjourned the house till 12.45 p.m.

The house was adjourned twice thereafter for 15 minutes each.

Rajnath Singh then promised an amicable solution. "We have reached a conclusion. The Civil Aviation Minister will talk to stakeholders and find out an amicable solution."

Later, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told reporters there is a conspiracy behind the flying ban and the party will expose it at an appropriate time.

"If separatists, rapists and terrorists are allowed to travel on flights, then why not an MP," he wondered.

Raut said the government had assured of an amicable solution at the earliest.

He said if flying ban on Gaikwad is not lifted, the party will boycott the meeting of National Democratic Alliance meeting on April 10.

Meanwhile, the airlines unions supported the company and its Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani.

Union representing employees of all airlines and airport operators - the Federation of All India Aviation (FAIA) also said that it will not allow any disruption in Air India's operations at Mumbai and Pune.
New Delhi, April 6 : Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will be on a state visit to India from April 9 to 12, the External Affairs Ministry announced on Thursday.

"This will be Prime Minister Turnbull's first visit to India. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott had visited India in September 2014, which was followed by our Prime Minister's visit to Australia in November that year," Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary (South), said at the weekly media briefing here.

The two Prime Ministers had also met on the sidelines of the G-20 in Antalya (Turkey) in 2015 and in Hangzhou (China) in 2016.

The Australian Premier will also visit Mumbai where he will interact with top business leaders and attend an energy roundtable.

Speaking on the India-Australia relationship, Mazumdar said that the relationship between the two countries was more robust and multi-faceted today than it had ever been before.

A high-level business delegation is also expected to accompany the Australia Prime Minister.

Australia's total investments in India stand at US$7 billion.

"Australia is a key Indian Ocean littoral state and also part of the Indian-Ocean Rim Association. It is a strong maritime nation. We have lot in common with Australia in terms of our mutual interest in keeping our sea line of communication safe and secure," he said, dwelling on India's maritime relations with Australia.

"We already have a quite robust joint naval exercises... We have good security cooperation on the maritime front," he added.

In September 2014, India and Australia signed a Civil Nuclear Agreement for Australian supply of uranium to India.

In December last year, Australian Parliament passed a law to allow the supply of uranium to India. The commercial deals for the supply of uranium is being further negotiated.

With focus on education, the two countries are expected to work out several tie-ups in this sector. A high-powered delegation from the education sector will also be accompanying the Australian Prime Minister.

There are about 60,000 Indian students in Australia.

During the visit, the two sides are expected to sign a number of memoranda of understanding and agreements, covering security, environment, sports, science and technology and health, among others.

Talks of cooperation in renewable energy, clean coal and bio-fuels are also likely to feature during the visit.
Mumbai, April 6 : Theatre and Bollywood actress Zoa Morani, who has worked in films like "Bhaag Johny" and "Always Kabhi Kabhi", is now experimenting in theatre circuit and feels blessed to be part of Gulzar's plays.

"I am working in a play which is directed by Salim Arif and adapted by Gulzar. Earlier, I have worked in two plays written by Gulzar.A I feel blessed to be a part of the plays which are written by Gulzaar sahab, as I got the opportunity to learn about tehzeeb and language," she said.

"This play will feature in Prithvi Theatre's children's festival in May. The play is similar to Broad ay style which will include dancing, singing and acting," she added.

Zoa, daughter of Karim Morani, producer of films like "Chennai Express" and "Ra One", also shared her thoughts on the ongoing debate on nepotism. "Nepotism exists in every field. When your entire family is doing same business, then it is obvious that children will take that business forward but eventually it also depends on how focused and talented that person is at his task and the love from the audience is also deciding factor in actor's career."

Though coming from a very strong film background, Zoa wants to try things on her own and is open to try her hands at different genres.

"After doing theatre, I experienced an internal shift in me as an actor. I want to do films as well to explore myself. I barely did any work in movies. I would love to do hardcore commercial, rom-com films and dark realistic films as well. As an actor I want to try everything and not confine myself in one zone," she said.

Zoa admitted that right now she is considering some scripts and she will make official announcement as soon as something interesting comes her way.
United Nations, April 6 : At least 27 children were killed in the chemical attack in Idlib province of Syria, the UN Children's Fund said here on Thursday.

A further 546 people, among them many children, have been injured, the UN agency said in a press release. "Casualty figures are expected to rise."

"The killing of children in Syria cannot be allowed to continue," said the Unicef Regional Director, Geert Cappelaere, demanding: "All parties to the conflict and those with influence on them must immediately put an end to this horror."

UNICEF and partners continue to respond to the attack by supporting three mobile clinics and four hospitals to provide first aid and treatment, and nine ambulances to refer and transport patients to hospitals in the area.

UNICEF is also delivering critical medical supplies and working with health partners to raise awareness about medical response to chemical attacks, the press release added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said he is deeply disturbed by reports of alleged use of chemical weapons in an airstrike in Idlib.

Media reports said about 70 persons were killed and 200 others were wounded Tuesday in a gas attack in a rebel-held area in southern Idlib.

Also on Tuesday, a senior Syrian military officer denied reports of military toxic attack on rebel-held area in Idlib. The senior officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the rebels were the ones using the toxic gas against civilians to frame the Syrian army.

Earlier in the day, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said warplanes carried out intensive airstrikes on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in the countryside of Idlib province, killing dozens of people, mostly civilians.
Washington, April 7 : Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the state of Florida on Thursday for the first meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump, in a bid to chart the course of bilateral ties in a new era.

The plane carrying the Chinese president, First Lady Peng Liyuan and other members of the delegation landed in the early afternoon at an aiport in the southeastern coastal town of Palm, Xinhua news agency reported.

Under the gaze of an enthused welcoming crowd, including US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his wife, Xi and Peng stepped out of the hatch and waved before they walked down the ramp hand in hand.

During his two-day stay in Florida, Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Trump in the Mar-a-Lago resort, which Trump calls "the Southern White House", to exchange views on bilateral ties and major regional and global issues of common concern.

Xi and Peng will also attend a welcome banquet hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang told a press conference on March 31.

"The meeting will be of great significance to charting China-US relationship in a new era and advancing the development of bilateral ties...and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," Zheng said.

The US is the second leg of Xi's ongoing two-nation tour, which has already taken him to Finland for a state visit.
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Home Direct Express (HDEx) - a new custom delivery company for subscription commerce - announced today that it is launching its unprecedented services for meal kit and perishables companies.

HDEx saw a need for a food delivery platform to handle the specialized delivery of fragile products from production facilities directly to subscribers. Until now, there hasnt been a company large enough to provide top-notch delivery services and still achieve extremely high levels of customer satisfaction. HDEx is filling both of these needs through its new business model and is differentiating itself from bigger traditional and less agile delivery companies.

Before launching publicly, HDEx completed an incredibly successful seven-month trial with one of the nations best known meal kit providers, demonstrating that their superior business model helps meal kit companies stand apart in a highly competitive industry. Significant proof points from the trial include: a 47% reduction in transportation costs, 99.8% on-time delivery rate (compared to national average of 83%) and expanded delivery options, such as day of week and time of day.

This trial demonstrates were well poised in this competitive market, said Terry Harris, CEO at HDEx. Launching publicly in 2017, were now ready to offer our services to other meal kit companies delivering perishables to the home. If youre looking for the competitive edge at significant savings, were it.

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Carpet One Floor & Home teams up with the American Kennel Club. We know that our customers love their dogs and were excited to be supporting an organization that is helping to give dogs, and the people who care for them, safer, happier homes.

Carpet One Floor & Home has teamed up with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and supporting the AKC Humane Fund with a $10,000 donation, to show their appreciation for dogs and dog-lovers during their Relax, itsLees Flooring Sale which runs from March 2nd through April 10th.

The Relax, itsLees carpet featured in the flooring retailers promotion is one of their most pet-friendly brands. With stain-resistant attributes and an even a 25-year No Exclusions stain warranty that covers stains most other stain warranties dont. One of the most significant stains covered under this warranty is pet stains.

Our Relax, itsLees brand has always been closely tied to pets, said Terri Daniels, VP of Public Relations at Carpet One Floor & Home. During this campaign, we really wanted to show our love for dogs and our appreciation for our customers who have pets in their homes.

The AKC Humane Fund supports dogs and the people who love them through grants and scholarships to individuals and organizations who are helping dogs. These include:

Grants for Domestic Violence Shelters that Permit Pets

The AKC Humane Fund gives grants to shelters that house victims of domestic abuse with their pets. Too often, fear for the safety of a beloved pet is enough to keep a victim of domestic violence suffering in a dangerous situation at home. AKC Humane Fund grants help these pet owners find peace and safety and transform their lives.

Rescue Grants

The AKC Humane Fund also provides funding for non-profit rescue organizations to cover the cost of veterinary care and vital supplies needed to help dogs find their forever homes.

Scholarships

The AKC Humane Fund awards thousands of dollars in scholarships every year to students who are pursuing education focusing on the care of pets and the advancement of responsible pet ownership.

We know that our customers love their dogs and were excited to be supporting an organization that is helping to give dogs, and the people who care for them, safer, happier homes, said Daniels.

In addition to donating to the AKC Humane Fund to help support their mission, Carpet One Floor & Home will be using their social networks to help get the word out about the Fund and sharing pet care tips from the AKC.

We appreciate the generous contribution from Carpet One Floor & Home, said Gina DiNardo, Vice President of the American Kennel Club. Their donation will help us to provide more funds to organizations who are a making a difference every day in peoples and dogs lives.

More about Carpet One Floor & Home and their pet-friendly flooring options can be found on their website at CarpetOne.com or at a Carpet One Floor & Home store. For more information and to make a donation to the American Kennel Club Humane Fund, visit AKCHumaneFund.org.

About Carpet One Floor & Home

Carpet One Floor & Home is North Americas leading floor covering retailer, with 1,000 independently owned and operated locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Carpet One Floor & Home stores are known for a broad selection of carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs, including exclusive brands like Lees and Bigelow Stainmaster. They offer a unique customer experience with the exclusive SelectAFloor merchandising system that simplifies the shopping experience and The Beautiful Guarantee, which guarantees that the customer will be 100% happy with their floor. Carpet One Floor & Home is also the home of the exclusive Healthier Living Flooring Installation System.

About The AKC Humane Fund

The AKC Humane Fund, Inc. unites animal lovers in promoting the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making. Its the only public charity that directly supports pet-friendly domestic violence shelters. The Fund also aids Breed Rescue groups and awards scholarships to students pursuing professions that strengthen the human-animal bond. The AKC Humane Funds Awards for Canine Excellence are given each year to promote the important role dogs play in our lives. Contributions to the AKC Humane Fund are fully tax deductible as allowed by law under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. For more information, visit http://www.akchumanefund.org.
Two best university website design honors received last week by Elliance from the Interactive Media Awards (IMA) underscore ongoing strategic investments made by the University of Delaware Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and The Catholic University of America to secure predictable, reliable enrollment and control their destiny.

These award-winning university website designs (Best in Class, IMA University Category) highlight ongoing partnerships between Elliance and two of Americas most longstanding and pivotal higher-education brands.

Judges awarded the best university website design recognition based on five criteria; design, content, feature functionality, usability and standards compliance. IMA received more than 6,100 entries from 52 countries.

We ask colleges and universities to embrace their website as an essential means of brand elevation and organizational transformation, said Abu Noaman, CEO of Elliance. An authentic and emotional connection to prospects, alumni and a world of stakeholders is either enhanced or diminished with every click. By ensuring clarity, delight and complete user satisfaction, we build and tune websites as community-building, prosperity engines.

Best University Website Designs for Two American Icons

At the nexus of public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship and regional economic growth, the Lerner College of Business at The University of Delaware plays an outsized role in the immediate Newark area and across Delaware. A new website had to match its goals for growth.

Accounting for diverse audience needs and business goals (enrollment, faculty recruitment, corporate partnerships) required a sophisticated site architecture that would amplify a brand platform (Opportunity, Inc.) created by Elliance in parallel with the website redesign.

"Recent investments to attract new faculty, expand our infrastructure, and develop cutting-edge graduate and doctoral academic programs had outpaced our ability to communicate this exciting and improved value proposition. We wanted our website to reveal the true essence of the school that we have become: A school of consequence and a creator of opportunity. said Bruce Weber, Dean of the Lerner College of Business and Economics. Elliance translated Lerner's new reality artfully and effectively. We are pleased.

Catholic University Making Good on its Award-Winning University Website Design

Established in 1887 as a graduate and research center following approval by Pope Leo XIII on Easter Sunday, The Catholic University of America is comprised of 12 major research schools. Elliance saw the need for consistency and coherence across the schools vast digital presence  essential to a seamless user experience. In parallel, Elliance articulated a new university brand position and message platform  Cultivating Catholic Minds  as a unifying element that would both accentuate identifying traits and reconcile inherent differences among the individual schools.

Catholic University was thrilled with the outcome of our website development project with the Elliance team. Said Chris Lydon, VP for Enrollment and Marketing. Over the course of the past year, we have received wonderful feedback from internal and external constituents about the positive impression our new site has created. The site has given us an engaging and attractive platform for telling meaningful stories that advance our institutional objectives.

Elliance: Performance Driven

In the past, Elliance has been awarded ten other Best in Class IMAs  the highest honor bestowed. best university website design awards have come across several markets, including manufacturing, nonprofit, higher education and healthcare.

To learn more about IMA, visit http://www.interactivemediaawards.com/.

About Interactive Media Awards

The Interactive Media Awards (IMA) is a product of the Interactive Media Council, Ins. (IMC), a nonprofit organization of leading web designers, developers, programmers, advertisers and other web-related professionals. The IMA competition was created to raise the standards of excellence on the Internet and recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievement in website design and development. The IMA competition is both sponsored, governed and judged by members of IMC.

About Elliance

Elliance is a Pittsburgh-based marketing agency that is helping colleges, b2b marketers, banks and non-profits leverage the power of digital and data to increase their market value. Their team of communications artists and information scientists uses a proven, strategic process that helps clients capture greater Share of Mind, Share of Voice and Share of Market.
AMUG Technical Competition winners: (left) Mike Littrells 1931 Cord Series L-29 Cabriolet for Advanced Finishing and (right) Vince Anewenters tamper proof gage for Advanced Concepts. As a judge in this years AMUG Technical Competition my job was incredibly difficult.

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) today announced the winners of its annual Technical Competition, which was held during the groups 29th annual conference in Chicago, Illinois. A panel of industry veterans selected Mike Littrell of CIDEAS, Inc. and Vince Anewenter of Milwaukee School of Engineering as winners of the competition.

Mike Littrells winning entry in the Advanced Finishing category was an exquisite replica of a 1931 Cord Series L-29 Cabriolet. Specifically, it is a replica of #2929409 that was named Matilda by Mikes father, Gary, when he owned this amazing vehicle. In collaboration with Brian Yingling, who created the CAD models and performed detail finishing, CIDEAS brought this car to life using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA). According to Littrell, 99.9% of the car is 3D printed; the only exceptions are fabric and leather coverings, brass spokes, and brass nuts.

Andrew Graves, equipment partnership manager for DSM Functional Materials, said, As a judge in this years AMUG Technical Competition my job was incredibly difficult. In the Advanced Finishing category, some of the detailed work, painting skills, and finishing skills were faultless. Ranking the entries really came down to who had truly pushed the boundaries of finishing techniques.

Vince Anewenters winning entry in the Advanced Concepts category was titled, Tamper Proof Gages. Judges cited the practicality of the application and the ingenuity in resolving a common problem as reasons for the award. The gage was made for Capitol Stampings Corp. to allow shop-floor personnel to quickly perform several quality control measurements on two versions of a stamped part. The ingenious aspect is that Anewenters team elected to use a ceramic-filled SLA resin that would fracture if struck or dropped. Fracturing prevents a common problem of unreported gage damage, which can lead to unnecessary scrap and rework.

Graves said, In the Advanced Concepts category, the challenge was really to find entries that genuinely pushed the envelope in terms of a unique or advanced use for additive manufacturing. This years winner in that category proved that thinking outside the box sometimes yields a solution that can be beautiful in its simplicity.

For Advanced Concepts, Ryan Van Deest of Caterpillar Inc. took second place with a working 1:9 scale model of the companys CAT 336 D2 hydraulic excavator. Third place was awarded to Richard Smeenk of Agile Manufacturing for a 58-inch, single-piece-construction boat console.

In the Advanced Finishing category, Patrick Walls of Laser Prototypes Europe Ltd. (LPE) was awarded second place for a recreation of the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future. Mike Scianna and John Warner of DSM Functional Materials took third place with a three-foot-tall replica of a samurai.

As winners of the Technical Competition, which recognizes excellence in additive manufacturing applications and skill in finishing additive manufacturing parts, Littrell and Anewenter each received complimentary admission to the 2018 AMUG Conference and a commemorative award. Judges for the Technical Competition were Graham Tromans, Andrew Graves, Tim Gornet, Judy Gill and Steve Kossett.

ABOUT ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING USERS GROUP (AMUG)

AMUG is an organization that educates and advances the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies. AMUG members include users of all commercial additive manufacturing/3D printing technologies used in professional capacities from companies such as Stratasys, 3D Systems, ExOne, Renishaw, Carbon, HP Inc., SLM Solutions, EOS, Concept Laser, and Prodways. AMUG meets annually to provide education and training through technical presentations on processes and new technologies. This information addresses operation of additive manufacturing equipment and the applications that use the parts they make. Online at http://www.am-ug.com.
On March 18, 2017 participants from companies located in the Las Vegas Nevada area took part in the Fit Company Challenge, a corporate wellness event hosted by the Fit Company Institute. The challenge provided area companies an opportunity to come together as a team and spend a morning exercising, pushing their physical and mental limits and showing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Participants worked in teams of 3 to 4 towards completing a variety of fitness stations to challenge their fitness level and earn points for their company. Teams chose what level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) to go through each course which allowed participants of all fitness levels to push their physical fitness without going too far out of their comfort zone.

In the inaugural Las Vegas Challenge, Dignity Health St Rose Dominican took 1st place overall. The employees of Dignity Health St Rose Dominican Hospitals enjoyed the experience of competing in the first annual Fit Company Challenge, said Team Captain Laurel Helfen-Lardent. Our goals were to get to know each other better, have fun and do our best. It was an added bonus to win the event. We hope to include this in our Wellness Program in future years and challenge other hospitals in the valley to compete. This complements our efforts to promote wellness for our employees so that they can in turn provide the best care for our patients.

On event date, with the help from volunteers from EOS Fitness (EOSFitness.com) and CrossFit Raw Appeal (CFRA.vegas), participants challenged their strength, conditioning, power, agility, and ended with a test of endurance to show their companies and colleagues that they practice what they preach. Participants used their involvement to bring out company team members, and family members to cheer them on and promote the importance of having fun and effective corporate wellness programs at their companies.

The challenge was held at Sunset Park, located a short drive from downtown Las Vegas.

The following is a list of the top finishers in Las Vegas that participated in the 2017 Fit Company Challenge:

Top Finishers  Overall

1) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican

2) AGS

3) BRAINtrust Marketing

4) ICW Group

Top Teams By Course

Course 1  Level INT

1) AGS - #774



Kerrie Kimball

James Prince

Chinggay Andrada-Gurango

Mark McLauchlin

2) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican - #764



Robert Reitman

Jessica McElroy

Lora Fitkin

Erronn Van Doligas

3) BRAINtrust Marketing - #763



Evan Korn

Monica Vanyo

Yanne Givens

Michelle Monson

4) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican - #767



La Laine Buenaventura

Raechelle Collins

Eunsook Switzer

Linda Gerstenberger

Course 1  Level BEG

1) BRAINtrust Marketing - #762



Kurt Ouchida

Tiffany Dierson

John Hricik

Kaytee

2) AGS - #775



Gerry Austin

Rachel Ruzol

Melissa Joseph

Allison Shigley

3) ICW Group - #776



Shawn Miller

Tracey Morelli

Steve Medellin

4) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican - #765



Natasha Meinecke

Laurel Helfen-Lardent

Maraya Morse

Course 2  Level ADV

1) AGS - #774



Kerrie Kimball

James Prince

Chinggay Andrada-Gurango

Mark McLauchlin

2) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican - #767



La Laine Buenaventura

Raechelle Collins

Eunsook Switzer

Linda Gerstenberger

Course 2  Level INT

1) BRAINtrust Marketing - #762



Kurt Ouchida

Tiffany Dierson

John Hricik

Kaytee

2) BRAINtrust Marketing - #763



Evan Korn

Monica Vanyo

Yanne Givens

Michelle Monson

3) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican - #764



Robert Reitman

Jessica McElroy

Lora Fitkin

Erronn Van Doligas

Course 2  Level BEG

1) AGS - #775



Gerry Austin

Rachel Ruzol

Melissa Joseph

Allison Shigley

2) ICW Group - #776



Shawn Miller

Tracey Morelli

Steve Medellin

3) ICW Group - #777



Terri Thorn

Janet Lopez

Samantha Zamora

Carol Maurizio

4) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican - #765



Natasha Meinecke

Laurel Helfen-Lardent

Maraya Morse

Course 3  Level BEG

1) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican - #764



Robert Reitman

Jessica McElroy

Lora Fitkin

Erronn Van Doligas

2) AGS - #775



Gerry Austin

Rachel Ruzol

Melissa Joseph

Allison Shigley

3) Dignity Health St Rose Dominican - #765



Natasha Meinecke

Laurel Helfen-Lardent

Maraya Morse

4) AGS - #774



Kerrie Kimball

James Prince

Chinggay Andrada-Gurango

Mark McLauchlin

About the Fit Company Institute, LLC:

The Fit Company Institute is based in Austin, Texas and is dedicated to help companies thrive through wellness. The Fit Company Challenge helps companies be their best by creating the most productive, focused, energetic, happiest, and cohesive teams possible.

Find more at http://www.fitcompany.com and upcoming events in Austin, Dallas, Asheville, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Boston, and Nashville.
Design By Humans, a platform dedicated to showcasing the creative talent of independent artists, gamers and content producers, has recently teamed up with One Tree Planted. As a part of this partnership, throughout the month of April, Design By Humans will donate funds to plant a tree for each item sold from their Eco Collection. One Tree Planted is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to reforesting the world and providing education, awareness and engagement on the importance of trees.

Design By Humans is a trusted marketplace offering customized storefronts where independent artists, gamers and content producers can demonstrate their creativity. The Design By Humans Eco Collection is comprised of artwork submissions from their global community of talented artists. Inspired by the companys commitment to the protection and restoration of the natural environment, this collection promotes the idea of building a sustainable planet through its thoughtfully designed products. The concept behind this collection relates to the Earth Day, an annual event celebrated across the globe on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

More about Design By Humans Eco Collection can be found at https://www.designbyhumans.com/shop/earth-day-eco-collection/.

Latest figures suggest that only 20% of forests around the world are properly protected. This large scale destruction of forests has led to a number of environmental issues such as the depletion of groundwater, global warming, destruction of the water cycle, and many others. The reforestation mission by One Tree Planted makes tree planting accessible for anyone and everyone. Working in tandem with individuals, schools, businesses, and other partners, Onetreeplanted.org has made noteworthy efforts to restore the Earths forest cover.

Since their inception, Design By Humans has always displayed an exemplary commitment to safeguard the environment. Following a stringent quality policy that only uses environmentally friendly phthalate free, water-based inks, they have been delivering the markets highest quality apparel in California. Moreover, DesignByHumans.com only uses T-shirt blanks that are guaranteed to be sweatshop and child labor free.

Discussing the companys partnership with One Tree Planted, the Community Manager of Design By Humans Cassie Presentati said, It is a matter of great pride for all of us at Design By Humans to be a part of One Tree Planteds commitment to make this planet a better place for the generations to come. We invite all responsible individuals around the world to help us make a positive difference by supporting our campaign.

Independent creators interested in joining the Design By Humans community are encouraged to open a store and submit their designs at https://www.designbyhumans.com/become-an-artist/.

About Design By Humans: Design By Humans is a marketplace for independent artists, gamers and content producers, offering customized storefronts and print on-demand products for consumers. The Design By Humans product line includes a range of the highest quality graphic tees, hoodies, zip-up sweatshirts, tank tops, crewnecks, phone cases and wall prints from over 15,000 international creators from all around the world.
There are a lot of things people should and shouldnt do with their tax returns. Investing in yourself and your business goals is a better way to spend your refund.

Tax time may be the right time to start a business. A survey commissioned by Coverall North America, Inc., one of the leading franchisors of commercial cleaning businesses, found 40% of Americans looking to become their own boss consider startup costs as the most significant hurdle to achieving their goals. According to the IRS, 83% of Americans can expect to receive a tax refund. This extra cash offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to make an investment in their future and become a small business owner.

There are a lot of things people should and shouldnt do with their tax returns, said Coveralls COO, Sean Kajcienski. Investing in yourself and your business goals is a better way to spend your refund. During tax season, Coverall experiences a spike in interest from people looking to take charge of their livelihood. Often, their tax refunds enabled them to clear a financial hurdle and take the first step toward owning a commercial cleaning franchised business.

Coveralls survey canvassed over 1,000 people, providing insight into the attitudes of todays professionals who are thinking about becoming their own boss.

In addition to startup costs, the survey findings also revealed:



28% of respondents were worried about the financial risk associated with business ownership

20% cited a lack of business experience as another deterrent

There are approximately 800,000 franchised business establishments in U.S. These companies support nearly nine million jobs and continue to fuel job growth across a range of industries and present opportunities to individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Coverall franchisees are motivated, eager and are looking for a partner that can provide them with the resources and ongoing support they need that will help them start their own business, said Kajcienski. Nothing is more rewarding than working to help our independently owned and operated franchised businesses achieve their goals.

To explore Coverall franchised business opportunities, please visit http://www.coverall.com/franchise-opportunities.

About Coverall North America, Inc.

Since its inception in 1985, Coverall North America, Inc. has grown into a leading franchised brand, licensing thousands of entrepreneurs to operate independent commercial cleaning businesses using the Coverall brand and system. February 26, 2015, marked the companys 30th year in business, a milestone anniversary celebrated across the entire Coverall Franchise System. In 2008, Coverall launched its proprietary Health-Based Cleaning System Program and in 2014, introduced the Coverall Core 4 Process, demonstrating its dedication to continuous innovation and leadership on behalf of its franchisees. Coveralls unique system combines advanced cleaning technologies and tools, hospital-grade disinfectants, professional training programs, business support services, and a passion for healthy cleaning to do one thing: help our franchised businesses remove the maximum amount of dirt and germs as efficiently as possible for their customers. System-wide, more than 8,000 Franchised Businesses provide Coverall Program services across 90 markets to over 40,000 customers. For more information, visit http://www.coverall.com.
Chicago-based Signature Bank recently hired David Duxbury as a senior member of their commercial lending team. Duxbury has nearly thirty years of commercial banking experience in Chicago working with privately-held and middle-market companies. Duxbury joins Signatures commercial team as Senior Vice President.

I look forward to working at a true Chicago-based entrepreneurial bank like Signature Bank, Duxbury said. Signature operates like one of the well-run companies I like to work witha strong management team with no bureaucracy.

Signature Bank is fortunate to hire a true Chicago banker like Dave Duxbury, said Mick ORourke, President and CEO of Signature Bank. Signature is committed to being Chicagos business bank and were fortunate to have a senior lender like Dave who is dedicated to working with privately-held businesses in Chicago.

Prior to Signature Bank, Duxbury was with American Chartered Bank and MB Financial.

Signature Bank is a full-service commercial bank focused exclusively on serving the needs of privately owned businesses and their owners.

About Signature Bank

Signature Bank is wholly owned by Signature Bancorporation, Inc. Signature Bancorporation is the largest privately funded de novo bank holding company in Illinois. Based in Chicago, Signature Bank specializes in middle-market commercial banking and is a full-service retail bank offering a full breadth of financial product lines to consumers. Signature Bank offers a unique balance of relationship-driven service with leading-edge technology to provide customers with the personalization they expect from a community bank and the technology capabilities they demand from a national bank. Visit Signature Bank online at http://www.signature-bank.com.
Irina Gorbman Fashion, Art That Heals IM Boston marketplace is a combination of unique, high-end pieces from many local designers that are uplifting and inspiring. We felt that Irina Gorbmans fashion line was just the thing to add to our growing list of amazing products offered on our site.

Recently IM Boston successfully launched the IM Boston Marketplace, a website dedicated to selling carefully crafted clothing and accessories produced by New England's local designers. Today they are celebrating the addition of another vendor: Irina Gorbman, Abstract Artist & Designer.

Gorbman is know for her exquisite abstract expressionism oil paintings, but has turned her business into something more. After going through a traumatic life event she turned to art to begin to heal and found it to be profoundly therapeutic. That is when she began to make art with a mission, which became Art That Heals.

When asked about joining the IM Boston Marketplace, Irina had this to say: "I felt humbled and happy upon receiving the call to join the Boston-based fashion movement on IM Boston platform. It's perfect timing to jump start the fashion gig to the level of what Boston is famous for. I want our everyday clothes to resemble the happy bright colors of the Universe so we feel more energized and alive. Casual everyday wearable art that stands out and creates smiles is my goal."

Over time a few of Gorbman's friends would ask her to take a piece of her art and turn it into a shawl, dress or shirt that they could incorporate into their wardrobe and she in turn thought that was a great idea. Through this she brought her Ballerina collection to life. This collection includes dresses, leggings, skirts and covers that have her paintings printed on the fabric. The pieces are elegant, vibrant and are said to exude optimism. She describes it as "wearable art for all those who are young at heart, and want to live in color."

Were very excited to have Irina Gorbman join the IM Boston Marketplace. We found her pieces truly beautiful and inspiring pieces of art. Said Stefanie Daneau, Founder of IM Boston. IM Boston marketplace is a combination of unique, high-end pieces from many local designers that are uplifting and inspiring. We felt that Irina Gorbmans fashion line was just the thing to add to our growing list of amazing products offered on our site.

IM Boston encourages people to learn more about the artist on her website: https://www.igorbman.com. To see and purchase Irina's pieces, IM Boston encourages you to visit her shop at https://imboston.com/shop/vendors/irina-gorbman-fashion.

IM Boston is a Boston centric online magazine highlighting and sharing stories of people around the city. It was born from the idea that everyone has a voice that should be heard. IM Boston strives to bring the community together by discovering inspiring stories, participating in charity programs, hosting networking events, and more. To learn more about the magazine and how to participate, please visit their website at https://imboston.com.
Lemonade Day is pleased to present Build-a-Stand Workshop Day, a unique one-day event designed to support local schools and charities while teaching kid entrepreneurs how to build a lemonade stand. Sponsored by Grainger, the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, along with key vendor partners Dewalt and Brady, this event will take place at the Grainger Southwest Freeway location at 6050 Southwest Freeway on Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 10:00 a.m.  3:00 p.m.

Build-a-Stand Workshop Day is open to all registered Lemonade Day kids, Grainger families and their customers children. Grainger employees and selected vendors will be on hand to assist participants in the construction of 10 lemonade stands that will then be donated to 10 local recipients including Houston Independent School District and Change Happens Inc. All kids will leave with their own personalized lemonade stand sign and other special goodies.

We are thrilled to partner with Grainger, Dewalt and Brady, and be a part of the Build-a-Stand Workshop Day, said Steven Gordon, president of Lemonade Day National. Events like these allow companies to get closer to their clients, provide exciting opportunities for their employees, mentor youth, and give back to the community that supports their businesses.

Lemonade Day Houston will provide their online Lemonopolis program free of charge to all registered participants and in turn, Grainger Houston will match any donations made by their employees to the Lemonade Day organization.

Local businesses, such as Grainger, are the backbone of our economy, and teaching children at an early age the fundamentals of how to start and run an effective business, like a lemonade stand, is an important first step to a lifetime of good business development, said Brandie Cleaver, Executive Director of Lemonade Day Houston.

Lemonade Day teaches kidpreneurs how to create, plan, finance, market and operate their first business in the form of a lemonade stand. Children then spend some, share some and save some of their profits. The Build-a-Stand Workshop Day reinforces these principles while allowing Grainger employees, vendors and customers an opportunity to support an event that gives back to the community.

Lemonade Day offered me the opportunity to engage with my then 6-year old triplets in meaningful conversations, reinforcing the principles we were already sharing with them about being responsible citizens and giving back to the community, said Kate Lumley, International Account Manager, Grainger. Teaching self-reliance is important to the whole and believing in oneself is priceless. Organizations like Lemonade Day are making such a difference in our world today and these events only help support that cause.

For more information on how to register as a Lemonade Day youth participant please visit the Lemonade Day website.

###

About Lemonade Day

Lemonade Day is a non-profit dedicated to teaching every child across North America the business and financial skills that are the key ingredients of entrepreneurship. By learning these skills early in life, children will be better prepared to be successful, financially healthy adults. Through our fun, hands-on program Kids K-5 are empowered to start their very own businessa lemonade standand experience the feeling of earning real money, using 100% of their profit to spend, save and share based on their own goals.

Lemonade Day is in 62 cities throughout the United States. Over the past 10 years, we have served more than 1 million kids in our kidpreneur programs and in 2016 alone, 101,000 kids participated in Lemonade Day.

Visit LemonadeDay.org to learn how to participate in Lemonade Day in your city.
HR technology leader receives distinction at event honoring Iowa organizations' achievements in performance excellence

Businessolver, a leader in SaaS-based benefits administration technology, today announced it was honored with Tier 3 Leadership Level distinction at the Governor's Celebration of Performance Excellence in March, sponsored by Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence (IRPE). IRPE holds Iowa-based organizations accountable to the standards in the Baldrige Excellence Framework to guide performance improvement and achieve business results.

As a Tier 3 Leadership honoree, Businessolver has effectively progressed in meeting Baldrige Framework standards, showing systematic organizational processes and results in leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, workforce focus, operations focus, measurement/analysis, and knowledge management. The award, presented by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, was accepted on behalf of Businessolver by Rae Shanahan, the company's Chief Strategy Officer.

"This honor truly reflects a companywide achievement," Shanahan said. "Our quality mantra is 'We're in it together,' and that continues to be true. I appreciate our company leadership, who believe wholeheartedly in making performance excellence a cornerstone of our business. And I'm grateful to all Businessolver employees, who make quality and process improvement a priority each day at work."

Scott Burgmeyer, Senior Vice President of Quality and Improvement at Businessolver - and recently named a national Baldrige examiner - served as the emcee for the March 30 event, held in Altoona, Iowa.

"It was my honor and privilege to host Governor Branstad and all of the incredible organizations honored at this year's Celebration of Performance Excellence," Burgmeyer said. "I know first-hand the commitment, passion, and rigor it takes to pursue and meet the Baldrige criteria, so I was proud to have a role in acknowledging those efforts for companies across Iowa."

Event also Highlighted Cyber Security and Process Improvement

Businessolver also featured prominently at the Governor's Celebration in the event's breakout sessions.

Tom Pohl, Businessolver's Vice President of IT Systems, gave an expert presentation on cyber security, recently named a new criteria within the Baldrige Framework. Pohl is one of the original developers of the Businessolver benefits administration technology platform, which maintains the information integrity for nearly 10 million system participants. Pohl is responsible for all facets of Businessolver's information technology systems, including security, functionality, and evolution.

"I'm proud to share our cyber security efforts with a wider group - to show how deeply our team cares about what we do, and offer insight for other organizations how to make a positive difference in this critical business area," Pohl said. "To realize the importance and impact we can have in a role like this in an organization is truly special."

In addition, Businessolver was pleased to share the stage with a group of Iowa high-school students, recently hosted onsite by the company as part of a week-long workshop on quality and process improvement.

During the workshop, Burgmeyer and his team helped the students apply leadership and problem-solving skills to achieve a real-world goal for Businessolver. The five students spent the week learning about the company's quality journey and the tools it's implemented to improve processes and document efforts toward higher quality products and service. They applied DMAIC process and A3 documentation to identify solutions to reduce average call time for the Businessolver Service Center, while maintaining quality and efficiency to help as many customers as possible.

The students presented their learnings and solutions at the Governor's Celebration event.

"I'm happy to have our companywide commitment to quality and performance excellence on full display at this year's Governor's Celebration," said Jon Shanahan, Businessolver Founder, CEO, and President. "We truly believe we're all in this together - every employee in every department - and were especially pleased this year to expand our focus to include the next generation of quality experts in our community. Receiving Tier 3 Leadership distinction is affirmation for our efforts thus far, and we look forward to taking our next bold steps in the quality journey."

# # #

About Businessolver

Since 1998, Businessolver has delivered market-changing benefits administration technology supported by an intrinsic responsiveness to client needs. It creates client programs that maximize benefit program investment, minimize risk exposure, and engage employees with easy-to-use solutions and communication tools to assist them in making wise and cost-efficient benefit selections. Founded by HR professionals, Businessolver's unwavering service-oriented culture and secure SaaS platform provide measurable success in its mission to provide complete client delight.

Media Contact

Kristin Schmotzer, Edelman (on behalf of Businessolver)

kristin.schmotzer(at)edelman(dot)com

312-240-3152
Federal Employment Lawyer Honored with Elite Lawyers Award The award recognizes attorneys who have displayed a high level of competence in their practice and received acknowledgment by their peers, community, bar, and committees for their respected legal work.

The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. is pleased to announce that founding attorney Roopchand "Bobby" Devadoss has earned a 2017 Elite Lawyers Award for Federal Employment Law. The award recognizes attorneys who have displayed a high level of competence in their practice and received acknowledgment by their peers, community, bar, and committees for their respected legal work. An Elite Lawyers award sets apart attorneys from other practicing professionals and offers consumers added peace of mind when using the Elite Lawyers attorney directory for legal assistance.

Attorney Bobby Devadoss represents federal employees throughout the United States regarding disciplinary proceedings, civil rights advocacy, and work injury claims. He has experience working with large agencies including the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Devadoss is a former attorney for the Federal Labor Relations Authority. He also maintained a position with the Federal Aviation Administration before opening his own law firm. Devadoss has received additional awards throughout his career including Lead Counsel and Best Attorneys Online, and he maintains an Excellent Avvo Rating.

The Elite Lawyers award and directory system strive to ensure that every attorney listed on the website is experienced and competent. Eligible attorneys can be nominated for Elite Lawyers by a peer or the organization's Advisory Panel. The Panel then reviews and rates each attorney's legal history, reputation, recognition, and expertise to ensure he or she meets or exceeds the Elite Lawyers demanding criteria.

Only legal professionals who have earned the prestigious award are listed on the Elite Lawyers directory. Attorney Bobby Devadoss exemplifies these standards, and the Panel is proud to honor him as an Elite Lawyer.

About The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C.:

The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. represents federal employees experiencing adverse actions from their government employer. Founding attorney Roopchand "Bobby" Devadoss and his team are ready to stand up for clients' constitutional and civil rights. Call 888-351-0424 to schedule a free consultation or visit http://www.fedemploymentlaw.com. The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. assists federal employees nationwide and maintains offices in Dallas, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.
The nonprofit Lean Enterprise Institute today announced that its newest author, Lantech CEO Jim Lancaster, will keynote The 29th International Shingo Conference, set for April 23-28, 2017, in Atlanta. Lancaster will speak on Thursday, April 27.

Lancaster will describe why Lantech, a stellar performer in implementing lean management principles in the 1990s, struggled over time to sustain its gains and improve financial performance.

Improving Continuous Improvement

Hell reveal how close observations of frontline work, experiments, and improvements, ultimately led to a new companywide system of daily management focused on maintaining processes before improving them. The system is based on overlapping daily and weekly cycles of standardized work activities performed by Lancaster and managers at every level that resolve frontline operational problems immediately.

As a result, improvements were sustained, money from them hit the bottom line, and Lantechs profitability quadrupled.

The annual conference, sponsored by the Shingo Institute, part of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue.

The institute is named for the late Shigeo Shingo, a key contributor to the development of lean management principles. For complete information and to register visit: http://shingo.org/events/international

About the Book



The Work of Management: A Daily Path to Real Improvement

ISBN: 978-1-934109-02-1

Pages: 171

Price: $35.00

Editors/Producers/Bloggers: For review copies of The Work of Management or to interview the author, contact LEI Communications Director Chet Marchwinski cmarchwinski@lean.org or 617-871-2930.

About Lantech

Lantech is known as the leader in stretch wrap technology and innovation, as well as case handling equipment. It has sales and manufacturing headquarters in Louisville, KY, sales and manufacturing facilities in The Netherlands, and sales and service operations in Australia and China. Annual gross sales exceed $130 million. Lantech employs approximately 475 associates. Visit lantech.com/about for more information

About LEI

Lean Enterprise Institute Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Cambridge, MA, with a mission to makes things better through lean thinking and practice. Founded in 1997 by management expert James P. Womack, PhD, LEI conducts research, teaches educational workshops, publishes books and ebooks, runs conferences, and shares practical information about lean thinking and practice. Visit lean.org for more information.
Going Whole Hog No festival addresses BBQ and Wine better

Vino Venue, Atlantas one of a kind wine & dine emporium, continues its signature Discover festival series with Cork n Pork on Sunday, May 7th, 3:00pm  5:30pm. Chef Jordan Wakefield of Smoke Ring joins with Chef Patric Good of Vino Venue, each bringing a unique contribution to this culinary partnership. For this walk-around tasting, Chef Wakefield will be producing Georgia-Style BBQ for which he has become famous, with classics like smoked whole hog, baby-back ribs, brisket, smoked chicken, tons of pulled pork, and an array of sauces and side items. Vino Venue and Chef Patric will be delivering on the bbq-friendly wines, craft beers, and additional sides including the build-your-own tater-tot station. Spring is the perfect time to host an indoor/outdoor event, allowing guests to have outdoor access to Vino Venue for beverages with tastes around Smoke Rings impressive mobile BBQ smoker.

Taking into consideration the types of smoke meats, and the array of sauces from Chef Wakefield, Vino Venue will be curating a careful selection of wines for specific pairing, as well as catering to the beer enthusiasts too. All in all guests should expect 50-100 beverages for sampling on this Spring day. And like all Discover events guests will get immediate gratification by taking home their favorite beverages via retail sale that day.

The Discover series has traditionally featured cuisine and complementing wine varieties from the worlds most distinguished wine regions, said Michael Bryan, founder of Atlanta Wine School and Vino Venue managing partner. Following a number of successful Discover events going back to 2003, Cork n Pork will take a local heirloomour own style of Georgia BBQand pair it up thoughtfully with a global selection of wines and local beer selections.

General admission tickets are $69 and include unlimited tastings of cuisine and beverages. Early-bird savings may be available. Purchase tickets online at VinoVenue.com, by visiting Vino Venue or by calling 770-668-0435.

For more information on group rates, please contact Lizette Leanza at lizette(at)vino-venue.com

About Vino Venue

Located conveniently on I-285, Vino Venue is a one-of-a kind wine and dine emporium offering guests a unique, complete culinary experience. With over 50 wines available by the glass, a respectable craft beer selection, and bistro-style cuisine designed for sharing, Vino Venue is just the place to discover the art and science of food and wine. Vino Venue is also home to a $100,000 chef demonstration kitchen furthering Vino Venues fundamental priority: experiencing the ever-expanding world of food & wine. For more information, visit http://www.vinovenue.com or connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/vino.venue.is.wine

About Smoke Ring

Owner and Executive chef Jordan Wakefield is a devoted fan of barbeque and Southern cuisine. Establishing an authentic creation of Georgia-style barbeque, Smoke Ring offers a unique take on typical barbeque dishes. For more information, visit http://www.smokeringatlanta.com.
Dundas Data Visualization Celebrating 25 Years We have dedicated ourselves to 25 years of product innovation to bring our customers industry-leading data visualizations and personal service. -Troy Marchand, President, CEO and Co-Founder, Dundas Data Visualization

Dundas Data Visualization announced today that April 2017 marks their 25th anniversary in business as an innovative, global leader of business intelligence, analytics and data visualization solutions.

Over the course of the last 25 years, Dundas has pioneered data visualization innovation, evolving into an internationally recognized leader in the industry. For the first several years of their history, Dundas worked behind the scenes creating the revolutionary technology and unique data visualization components that powered a majority of early BI tools. Some of the most popular visualizations seen today such as charts and gauges within SQL Server Reporting Services, are the result of development work from the Dundas team. Dundas success has resided within their steadfast passion and commitment to creating innovative, quality software that empowers their customers to solve real business problems.

In 2007, Microsoft acquired Dundas powerful chart, gauge, map, and calendar components to deliver data visualizations directly within their products. Microsoft realized how vital data visualization would become for building information-centric applications and reports, and the fact that they chose Dundas technology is a testament to the ingenious and progressive work accomplished by the Dundas team. With a steady focus on the customer experience, Dundas continues to develop industry leading, smart business intelligence design experiences.

Weve achieved this remarkable milestone by staying true to our vision when we started this business 25 years ago  creating software that people can truly get value from - and every year we continue to build upon this foundation, said Troy Marchand, President, CEO and Co-founder, Dundas Data Visualization. We have dedicated ourselves to 25 years of product innovation to bring our customers industry-leading data visualizations and personal service. The future of Dundas is bright, and brimming with limitless potential. Its truly inspiring to work with such a talented group of people, but even more inspiring to help businesses worldwide, better understand their data.

To this day, Dundas is still driven by the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders, with their vast experience in data visualizations enabling them to constantly grow and push the boundaries of analytics and data visualization. Their innovative product path has evolved from components, to their Dundas Dashboard product and now to their current flagship product, Dundas BI, a flexible business intelligence, analytics and data visualization solution introduced to the market in 2014.

Today, Dundas is more sought after than ever, with a compelling product and incomparable level of service.

About Dundas Data Visualization, Inc.  http://www.dundas.com

Dundas Data Visualization is a leading, global provider of Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Visualization solutions. Dundas provides organizations with the most flexible, innovative and scalable BI, dashboard and reporting software, through a fully embeddable BI platform, enabling users access to all their data for better decisions and faster insights.

For more information, contact:

Lynda Phillips, Marketing Communications Manager, Dundas Data Visualization, Inc.

416.467.5100 x 167

Dundas BI, Dundas and Dundas Data Visualization are trademarks of Dundas Data Visualization, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Lord Jordvn developed his latest single, Aspiration (As I Said), as a tribute to everything he has done up until this point. He personally believes that everything that he sets his mind to gets done, no matter what the task may be. His goal is to make the world realize that they can do the same thing with enough hard work and effort. The new single is currently available to stream and download on Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes.

Lord Jordvn is a Texas raised entertainer who currently resides in the state of Hawaii. He is not only a rapper but also a Hip-Hop dancer. Throughout his life he always had a passion for music, not just in Hip-Hop but most genres. Upon moving to Hawaii he met up with one of his old friends from his dance crew back in high school. They have since met up with another entertainer and developed a collective known as Wavy Souls.

Wavy Souls is the combination of the groups, #2wavycrew and One Unique Soul or OUS. The group was created by the 3 members being Lord Jordvn and Mark Martian of #2wavycrew and Prophecy of Ous. Since these groups merged they have done numerous performances all over the State of Hawaii.

About Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes:

Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes are the most widely distributed mixtapes in the world, with over 100 million downloads/plays generated by over 300 volumes officially hosted by major artists. Coast 2 Coast has a solid reach in the new music industry with a digital magazine, DJ coalition, industry tips blog, yearly convention, and more. Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes represents a unique opportunity for artists of all urban genres, from major to indie. For more information, visit http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com
Dirty Laundry Express - Location of Free Laundry Day in NJ A single laundromat can make such a difference wherever it is, which is why were very excited for both Dirty Laundry Express and the Irvington community.

On April 13, 2017 the Coin Laundry Associations LaundryCares Foundation will host a Free Laundry Day in Irvington, NJ from 11AM until 4PM ET. The event will take place at Dirty Laundry Express  a newly opened self-service laundry serving New Jerseys greater Irvington and Newark areas. The store  located at 931 Clinton Ave. in Irvington  features more than 80 washers and 94 dryers. LaundryCares invites all to join in for a family-friendly and fun afternoon of free laundry. Volunteers and donations are needed and welcome. More information about this event including forms for volunteering and donating can be found by visiting http://bit.ly/2nYXL3j.

This free laundry event will include free food, family activities and prizes. The LaundryCares Foundation is thrilled to add the upcoming free laundry day to the list of hundreds of successful outreach attempts accomplished over the last five years, said LaundryCares Chairperson Jeff Gardner.

A single laundromat can make such a difference wherever it is, which is why were very excited for both Dirty Laundry Express and the Irvington community, Gardner explained. Were confident that the footprint this laundromat will make in the area can greatly improve the daily lives of thousands of individuals.

LaundryCares overall mission is to expand literacy and give back to communities that support self-service laundries. Members of LaundryCares are eager to give back to the communities that support their businesses. The Foundation was created by the Coin Laundry Association and has a longstanding history of supporting the self-service laundry industry. Members of LaundryCares Foundation are always eager to give back to the individuals who support their businesses.

Anyone interested in giving back to their community is asked to consider participating in the form of a tax-deductible, charitable donation to LaundryCares. For information on how to donate, please visit http://www.laundrycares.org. The organization's Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CoinLaundryAssn/
With a focus on service, civics, ethics, virtue, character development, and leadership, these graduates will advance the public good for generations to come.APU President Jon R. Wallace, DBA

The Hugh & Hazel Darling Foundation recently awarded Azusa Pacific University a $750,000 grant to support the establishment of a Center for Public Affairs. Located in the heart of the state capital, the center in Sacramento will provide APU students exploring a call to public service with an unprecedented opportunity to complete coursework in public policy while participating in an internship at a legislative, executive, or judicial office, or other government agency. The center will include a new Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, the first of its kind offered by a Council for Christian Colleges & Universities member institution.

Through this generous donation from the Hugh & Hazel Darling Foundation, Azusa Pacific Universitys Center for Public Affairs and the Masters of Public Administration, will prepare graduates with a Christian worldview ready to grapple with complex issues that appear on the forefront of governance and legislation, said Jon R. Wallace, DBA, president of Azusa Pacific University. With a focus on service, civics, ethics, virtue, character development, and leadership, these graduates will advance the public good for generations to come.

I am impressed with the work being done at Azusa Pacific University to provide a quality Christ-centered education for students, said Richard L. Stack, Trustee, Hugh & Hazel Darling Foundation. Azusa Pacific University is influencing and changing lives far beyond the borders of its campus. The role APU plays is critical to the future of our society. Such a great responsibly deserves support and encouragement and, I'm pleased that the Darling Foundation has the opportunity to participate in APUs mission.

APUs Center for Public Affairs will initially serve 25-30 students per year. During their semester in Sacramento, students will enroll in 3-6 units of academic coursework in public policy while concurrently completing 6-9 units of government internship work. Students across the country can enroll in the online MPA program and benefit from internships either in Sacramento or in alternative settings around the country. The MPA will have two emphases: Government Service and Non-Profit Administration.

"The Center for Public Affairs is a significant addition to our programmatic offerings, said Jennifer E. Walsh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of political science. Students considering the vocational call to public service will have the opportunity to combine rigorous coursework with meaningful internship experiences that will prepare them to be influential difference makers.

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education. With 77 bachelors degrees, 45 masters degrees, 18 certificates, 16 credentials, 8 doctoral programs, and 2 associates degrees, the university offers its more than 10,300 students a quality education on campus, online, and at six regional centers throughout Southern California.
We are very pleased to contribute to the success of this important event. Sumner Hall has a long history of serving Kent County and we are proud to partner with them to showcase the Smithsonians traveling exhibit.

The Smithsonian is coming to Chestertown, Maryland! The traveling exhibit called The Way We Worked will be displayed at Sumner Hall through May 20. To help promote the event, Benchworks provided strategic marketing consulting and graphic design services. Finished pieces for the promotion include the logo, advertisements, rack cards, brochures, and digital designs for use on the website and social media.

Sumner Hall was selected by Maryland Humanities as one of five host sites for its The Way We Worked exhibit, which is part of the Museums on Main Street project. The exhibition pays tribute to the people whose contributions made a difference in their communities.

Barbara Barrett Foster, Vice President, Resource Development at Sumner Hall is pleased with the collaboration with Benchworks. She said, The Benchworks team listens! Their advice and the marketing package were on target and very helpful. Benchworks support throughout the planning process gave us additional confidence as we promoted Sumner Hall's first major exhibition. We really came to understand the power of effective branding during the consultative process. This will serve us well in the future as we promote new initiatives."

Benchworks President Melissa Johnston said, We are very pleased to contribute to the success of this important event. Sumner Hall has a long history of serving Kent County and we are proud to partner with them to showcase the Smithsonians traveling exhibit.

Benchworks, a comprehensive marketing services agency headquartered in Chestertown, Maryland, was founded in 1991. With offices in Philadelphia and Boston, the company specializes in the design, production, and launch of complete marketing and branding services. Clients include a wide variety of companies in the life science, pharmaceutical, beverage, manufacturing, and education industries in North America and Europe. For additional information, visit http://www.benchworks.com or call 800-536-4670.
Members of the ROHL Auth Lux Designer Guild, Marcia Tucker, Julia Buckingham and Denise McGaha In addition to their amazing design work, they each stand for authenticity, truth in materials, a commitment to craft and a passion for design. Everything that we convey through our collections."

ROHL, one of the most recognized authentic luxury brands in the kitchen and bath industry, is proud to announce the creation of the ROHL Auth Lux Designer Guild and its inaugural members, Denise McGaha, Julia Buckingham and Marcia Tucker. The newly created Designer Guild reinforces the value and appreciation ROHL has for the expertise of designers and trade professionals.

We are thrilled to be working with Denise, Julia and Marcia as the inaugural members of the ROHL Auth Lux Designer Guild, said Greg Rohl, vice president of marketing, ROHL. In addition to their amazing design work, they each stand for authenticity, truth in materials, a commitment to craft and a passion for design. Everything that we convey through our collections."

Denise McGaha is the owner of Denise McGaha Interiors in Dallas, Texas. Her designs are consistently ahead of the curve, not just influencing interior fashion, but often dictating it. Her trademarked design process, Designing with a Deadline delivers fashionable, diverse, and adventurous designs for clients who live on the fast track; specializing in turn-key, concierge-level service delivered in 90 days or less. Denises sophisticated methodology, and solid business acumen, evolved through her decade in the corporate landscape of luxury retailer, Neiman Marcus, where she honed her well-trained eye, and was an integral part of the team that launched NeimanMarcus.com. Her projects have been published in multiple publications and she continues to lend her expertise to various respected brands in the industry.

Julia Buckingham leads a new generation of world-class interior designers bringing her Modernique chic sensibility to both residential and commercial design projects around the country. Her spectacular collections of licensed product, numerous high profile panels, show houses, and personal appearances around the globe have earned her the reputation of a rock-solid force in the industry. Destined to become a design icon, the soon-to-be author runs highly successful design studios in Chicago and Phoenix specializing in luxury interiors with her signature vintage and modern mix. Since opening her design studio Buckingham Interiors + Design LLC in 2007, Julia has enjoyed national recognition as a tastemaker and color expert throughout the design industry.

Marcia Tucker is the owner of Marcia Tucker Interiors, a Greenwich-based interior design firm that fuses old world elegance with new world chic. Born in Rio de Janeiro, raised in San Francisco and New York, and educated in London, Marcia has developed a signature style that combines her love of sensual luxury and contemporary elegance with the quiet beauty of symmetry. Hers is a style relevant to today: global in perspective and tailored to the individual. One of Marcias most powerful influences came from growing up in a house in Brazil designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, a pioneer in international modern architecture. Marcia is fueled by exotic travel, melding culture, art, textiles, landscapes and architecture into the unique worldview of her work.

Starting in June, each member of the ROHL Auth Lux Designer Guild will co-host ROHL Auth Lux Summits in New York City, Chicago and Dallas. The day-long summits will feature a variety of educational programming highlighting authentic luxury design. In addition to ROHL, guest speakers and partners include Pam Danziger, of Unity Marketing and a luxury market expert, Gaggenau and Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry.

ROHL Auth Lux Summits

June 1, 2017  10am-3pm  New York City

June 22, 2017, 10am  3pm  Chicago

September 14, 2017, 10am-3pm - Dallas

Follow @ROHLFaucets on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn the latest information about the Summits. Be sure to follow the hashtag #AuthLuxGuild for special behind-the-scenes content from the Auth Lux Guild members.

About ROHL

ROHL offers high-end, luxury faucets, sinks and fixtures for Americas finest homes, resorts and hospitality projects. Headquartered in Irvine, California, ROHL has helped thoughtful homeowners and designers create personal expressions of authentic product for over 33 years. Anchored in traditional family values, trust, integrity and innovation, the ROHL leadership possesses a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit that extends through the organization. From Traditional to Transitional to Modern, the ROHL line includes a wide range of top-quality faucets, fixtures, shower components and accessories. Sourced from Great Britain, Western Europe, North America, and New Zealand, each is crafted to ROHLs rigid specifications and is uniquely tailored for each residential or commercial project. ROHL is part of Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.s Global Plumbing Group (NYSE: FBHS). For more information, please visit http://www.rohlhome.com.
Our 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study confirms that it is critical for building product manufacturers to demonstrate advanced product features, performance and quality, said Paul Tourbaf, President, Residential Construction Group.

Hanley Wood, the premier information, media, event, and strategic marketing services company serving the residential, commercial design and construction companies, has released the findings of the 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study to its building product manufacturer customers. Results from this years study show continued movement in brand leaders compared to 2016, and a continued increase in willingness among builders to try new brands.

Our 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study confirms that it is critical for building product manufacturers to demonstrate advanced product features, performance and quality, said Paul Tourbaf, President, Residential Construction Group. Having a strong brand identity and reputation; as well as highlighting advanced product features and quality is essential to reaching and driving adoption among builders today.

For more than 20 years, BUILDERthe leading media brand in the residential construction industry, has issued its annual Brand Use Study. The report has become one of the most anticipated industry resources for trends, brand and product information. The 2017 study was conducted in collaboration with The Farnsworth Group, a leading industry market research firm, and represents a sample of 936 qualified builders, builder/developers and general contractors.

The 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Study indicates that builders are building at higher price points than last year (58.3% of respondents are offering homes with an average sale price of $300,000 or more compared to 57% last year.) The survey found that 64.4% of respondents indicate an interest in trying building product brands that they havent used in the past. The top reasons they give for this willingness to try new brands include advanced or new product features, price and quality.

The BUILDER Brand Use Study examined:



Brand familiarity, brands used most, brands used within the past two years and brand quality across over 50 building product categories

Analysis of brand metrics by size of builder, sale price of homes built and geographic region

Respondents willingness to try to brands they havent used in the past

Decision-maker involvement in the final building product selection process

Importance of factors influencing brand selection

The 2017 BUILDER Brand Use Survey results can be found on BUILDERs website here.

About BUILDER

Hanley Woods BUILDER is the leading authority in the residential construction industry and serves as the magazine of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). For more than three decades, BUILDER has provided essential news, information and resources about products, technologies, trends, regulatory requirements and best practices to help home building professionals succeed in todays market. Learn more, visit builderonline.com.

About Hanley Wood

Hanley Wood is the premier company serving the information, media, and marketing needs of the residential, commercial design and construction industry. Utilizing the largest analytics and editorially driven Construction Industry Database, the company provides business intelligence and data-driven services. The company produces award-winning media, high-profile executive events, and strategic marketing solutions. To learn more, visit hanleywood.com.
A new partnership unleashes great opportunities for customers with business critical services who are looking for highly available and performing turnkey cloud hosting in the USA, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Jelastic Inc., the cloud orchestration platform that combines PaaS, Docker containers orchestrator and Elastic VPS offerings in one solution within a single management panel, introduced MassiveGRID LTD. as a new hosting partner with data centers in New York, London and Singapore.

MassiveGRID, a worldwide high-end Service Provider with extended hands-on experience in the fields of hosting, turnkey service solution & development, started cooperation with Jelastic in order to enrich their service portfolio and enter the PaaS business, by offering a scalable, flexible and highly-available application hosting for developers.

MassiveGRID partnered with Jelastic to provide customers with High Availability on a service level, keeping them out from hardware infrastructure configurations and complex SysAdmin tasks. We are offering pure service access through Jelastic wide portfolio of 100+ applications like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento and many others, currently available through the Marketplace. We are confident that a combination of HA and PaaS is a key to success, said Bill Stoidis, MassiveGRIDs CEO.

MassiveGRID PaaS offers a peace-of-mind experience to developers and companies who need to host their applications on a reliable platform with all the necessary tools available. Developers can design, develop, run, and manage applications without a need to build and maintain the associated infrastructure. The platform provides automatic scalability, that scales applications vertically and horizontally during load spikes.

Within Jelastic intuitive UI developers receive user-friendly application topology wizard, deployment manager and CI/CD tools integration. One more proof of automation goes ahead with Jelastic Marketplace, that provides a rich set of preconfigured applications for one click installation. The Jelastic ecosystem offers a hassle-free experience to any developer, who will be paying only for the resources consumed.

We are excited to reinforce Jelastic worldwide presence with high-end service provider MassiveGRID. A new partnership unleashes great opportunities for customers with business critical services who are looking for highly available and performing turnkey cloud hosting in the USA, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, said Ruslan Synytsky, Jelastic CEO and Co-founder.

MassiveGRID PaaS is initially available through their highly available data centers in New York, London & Singapore and they plan to open even more regions within Jelastic Multi Cloud soon. Customers can experience scalable cloud hosting with MassiveGRID for free during a 14 day trial period.

About Jelastic:

Jelastic is a cloud platform for hosting applications that can be deployed on bare metal hardware or any IaaS. Currently, it is running as public, private and hybrid cloud on top of more than 50 data centers worldwide. The platform provides certified containers for Java, PHP, Ruby, Node.js, Python and .NET and the ability to use custom Docker containers. Jelastic offers agile deployment models without coding to proprietary APIs, flexible automatic scaling for stateless and stateful applications, collaboration, access control, monitoring, backup and disaster recovery, built-in billing and business analytics tools, while driving down TCO with high density and hardware utilization.

For more information, visit us at https://jelastic.com/

About MassiveGRID:

MassiveGRID is a global service provider, which specializes in high-availability hosting since 2003. It operates in the best datacenters around the globe, in order to provide leading-class services to their customers. MassiveGRID is so confident of its service offering reliability that it commits to a 100% SLA to all its Dedicated Servers & Private Clouds. The Companys competitive advantage in High-Availability architecture, along with its flexibility to offer any kind of customized solution, in terms of resources, places it in a leading position against competition.

For more information, please visit https://www.massivegrid.com/
We have been looking forward to entering our spirits for a long time and are honored to receive medals for all three of our spirits

McClintock Distilling earned medals for all three of their spirits at the American Distilling Institute Annual Craft Spirits Awards this year. The local distillery won a silver medal for the Forager Gin and bronzes for both the Maryland-Heritage White Whiskey and the Epiphany Vodka. The awards were presented as a part of the ADI conference held in Baltimore this year and was attended by over 1,600 people. This is the first competition McClintock Distilling has entered since opening in December of last year.

Hundreds of distilleries and thousands of spirits were entered into the competition this year. In their respective categories, The Forager Gin placed in the top 8 in the country, the Epiphany Vodka placed in the Top 10 in the country, and the Maryland-Heritage White Whiskey placed in the top 10 in the country.

Distillery Owner, Tyler Hegamyer was on hand to receive the awards on Tuesday.

We have been looking forward to entering our spirits for a long time and are honored to receive medals for all three of our spirits", shares Tyler Hegamyer, owner of McClintock Distilling

The 2017 ADI awards were open to Independently-owned American and International craft distillers, blenders, bitters makers, and producers of aperitifs & fortified wines. The judging panel was composed of 32 distillers, journalists, bar owners, bartenders, retailer, wholesalers, distributors and importers from across the world. All tasting was done blind under a strict set of protocols set by the American Distilling Institute.

Learn more at http://www.mcclintockdistilling.com. If you would like more information about this topic please contact Braeden Bumpers at 202-557-9914 or email at braeden(at)mcclintockdistilling(dot)com.

# # #

McClintock Distilling, a craft distillery located in Frederick, Maryland, offers vodka, gin, and whiskeys distilled from organic certified grains. McClintock Distilling strives to maintain a sustainable and locally sourced business with a focus on product quality, environmental impact and community betterment. McClintock Distilling is committed to bringing the McClintock experience to all of our customers through every drop. For more information please visit http://www.mcclintockdistilling.com.
AIMS Community College Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System Our valued vendors can now save time and paper. Plus they not only have direct access to our open bids, but those from other agencies throughout Colorado.

AIMS Community College announced it has joined the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System and will be publishing and distributing upcoming bid opportunities on the system. BidNets Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System connects 188 participating agencies from across Colorado to a large vendor pool and streamlines the bid and vendor management process. BidNets Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System provides notification to registered vendors of new relevant solicitations, any addenda and award information from 188 participating agencies from across Colorado.

AIMS Community College joined the purchasing group in March. AIMS Community College will utilize the system to streamline the purchasing process including bid management, bid distribution and vendor relations. Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System is a single, online location for managing sourcing information and activities and provides local Colorado government agencies the tools needed to minimize costs and save time throughout the purchasing process.

Before joining the system, AIMS Community College was distributing bids and managing the procurement process manually. The traditional paper procurement process is being replaced by local government agencies throughout Colorado. In joining the purchasing group, AIMS Community College looks to save time, reach out to more vendors automatically and achieve cost savings over the traditional paper-based bid process.

Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System expands an agencys vendor pool and enhances vendor competition without increasing distribution costs. In addition to the existing vendors on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, all vendors looking to do business with AIMS Community College can register online: http://www.BidnetDirect.com. AIMS Community College invites all interested bidders to register today.

Registered vendors can access all open bids, related documents and files, additional addendum and award information. In addition, the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System offers a value-added service to notify vendors of new bids targeted to their industry, all addenda and advance notification of expiring term contracts. Registered vendors have access to not only AIMS Community College bid opportunities, but all participating agency bids.

Our valued vendors can now save time and paper. Plus they not only have direct access to our open bids, but those from other agencies throughout Colorado. We invite all of our current vendors to register on Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System to start receiving business opportunities, stated Connie Lataille, Buyer of AIMS Community College.

Vendors may register on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System: http://www.BidnetDirect.com. BidNets vendor support team is available to answer any questions regarding the registration process or the bid system at 800-835-4603 option 2.

Other local Colorado government agencies looking to switch from a manual bid process, please contact the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System for a demonstration of the no-cost sourcing solution.

About AIMS Community College:

Aims Community College, located in Greeley Colorado, is an accredited two-year public college with more than 160 degree and certificate programs. For student convenience, Aims offers four campuses, as well as online and concurrent courses. Aims Community College employs approximately 945 full and part time faculty and staff to support 8000 students.

About the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System:

Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System is a part of BidNets regional purchasing groups available at no cost to local government agencies. With years of input from Procurement Professionals, BidNet specifically developed the bid system to fill the need for a robust bid and supplier management solution for local government agencies. To learn more about the features and module available to government agencies, please visit http://www.SourceSuite.com.
Thanks to dedication and teamwork, we are well positioned with our expanding branch network and global delivery system which continues to be our competitive advantage. As we grow, we also continue to contribute to our communities and promote diversity

Artech Information Systems LLC, a global leader in the staffing industry, announced today that it has reached a momentous milestone  celebrating 25 successful years in business. The company, which specializes in IT staffing, has grown over the last two and half decades from a 3 person start-up to about $500 million in revenue with over 7,200 employees across 25+ locations in 3 countries  the U.S., India, and China.

Artechs Co-Founder & CEO, Ranjini Poddar remarked  We are thrilled to be celebrating our 25th Anniversary. This is such an exciting milestone which we would not have been able to reach without the help of our dedicated employees, consultants and support of our clients and partners. Ranjini Poddar continues, Thanks to dedication and teamwork, we are well positioned with our expanding branch network and global delivery system which continues to be our competitive advantage. As we grow, we also continue to contribute to our communities and to promote diversity in the industry.

Artech services clients in several industries  Banking, Financial Services & Insurance; Healthcare; Biotech & Pharmaceuticals; Telecom; Technology & Services; Energy (Oil, Gas & Utilities); and the Government sector. Today, Artech stands as the top 5 supplier in the majority of these categories and maintains its position as the #1 Largest Women-Owned IT Staffing Company in the U.S. (Staffing Industry Analysts).

Celebrating this anniversary is a reminder of what Artech has always focused on doing best: Seizing Opportunities, Delivering the Future.

ABOUT ARTECH INFORMATION SYSTEMS LLC

Artech is a certified minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) that provides workforce solutions, IT consulting, and SOW-project services. Headquartered in Morristown, NJ, Artech employs over 7,200 professionals and maintains over 25 locations across the U.S., India, and China. Artech was founded in 1992 and today is a Tier-1/Preferred Supplier to more than 70 Fortune 500 companies and numerous federal and state government agencies. Artech is the #1 Largest Women-Owned IT Staffing Firm in the United States and the #11 Largest IT Staffing Firm overall. Artech is a WBENC member, NMSDC Corporate Plus Member and recipient of the 2009 NMSDC National Supplier of the Year award  the highest honor a minority supplier can receive. Recently the company also won the 2015 Supplier of the Year Award from the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council. Artech is also ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001 and SEI-CMM Level 2 certified. For more information, visit: http://www.artechinfo.com.
MaintenX International has announced plans to expand in Florida by opening a new office in Miami-Dade County. The site is scheduled to open by the end of June 2017 and will join existing office locations in Tampa, Florida and San Diego, California.

The new Miami-Dade location will serve as a satellite office for MaintenX and give proper operational support to local technicians who are in the field. South Florida hosts the companys second largest concentration of company technicians. The companys largest market is Tampa, where MaintenX is headquartered. The new office in South Florida will also operate as a site to store appropriate parts and equipment.

Our South Florida market is growing fast and we see a lot of potential. We have a number of important clients in the Miami-Dade area, so it makes sense for us to expand our operations accordingly, said Brett Herman, the Chief Financial Officer for MaintenX. This new office will give MaintenX many advantages from an operational standpoint. Management will have the opportunity to spend more time with our technicians and customers in the field and continue to grow our presence in the area.

Even though MaintenX does work across the nation, the company has strategically focused its expansion efforts in the state of Florida, particularly because of the large number of resources and national clients in the state. The Miami-Dade expansion has been in the works for the last nine months.

Having a physical location is important to us as we grow our business, said Darren Block, the Director of Credit and Finance at MaintenX. This logical next step in our business growth strategy will help us increase our ability to better serve our current and future clients.

For more information about MaintenX, visit http://www.maintenx.com.

ABOUT MAINTENX INTERNATIONAL:

MaintenX International is a fully licensed, facilities repair company. As one of the largest national self-performing facility maintenance and repair companies in the U.S., MaintenX has created a wide network of knowledgeable and professional technicians throughout the country. With their team of well-trained technicians, MaintenX self-performs and manages facility maintenance for their clients. In the event there is not a MaintenX technician in an area, the company has established a network of preferred vendor partners throughout the country for continued superior service for their clients. For over 30 years, MaintenX has been expertly serving multi-location retail stores, restaurant chains and Fortune 500 companies nationwide.
Facebook users are very open to advertising The research data offers more proof that Facebook is a prime spot for retailers and brands to gain awareness and boost sales.

CPC Strategy, a retail-focused digital marketing agency, announced today the publication of its 2017 Facebook Consumer Study. With four million advertisers flocking to Facebook and the social media giant rolling out new ad formats to make e-commerce on the site even easier, most retailers and brands recognize the need to establish a Facebook presence, but might not understand how users view ads on the platform. CPC Strategy designed a study to learn more about the way consumers interact with ads on Facebook by asking 1500 men and women six questions about their engagement with the social platform. While some of the results were expected (ex. Facebook is great for building brand awareness), others were somewhat surprising. A full report on the surveys methodology and findings, along with analysis of the results, can be found on the CPC Strategy website.

"In this study, we uncovered some surprising stats that indicate Facebook users are very open to ads, said Rick Backus, CEO and co-founder of CPC Strategy. The research data offers more proof that Facebook is a prime spot for retailers and brands to gain awareness and boost sales."

The questions in the survey addressed how Facebook users view ads (positive or negative), who is the least likely to click on ads, and what a consumer who likes a page wants to see.

Among the findings of the report, the majority of Facebook users feel positive or indifferent about ads (see graph).

Other key takeaways include:



Users who click on Facebook ads are 3.5x more likely to buy than non-clickers

47.4% of respondents were introduced to a new brand or product on Facebook

17.9% of respondents have communicated with a brand or retailer via Facebook Messenger

Data from the survey offers some key insights for retailers and retail brands building their their strategy for advertising on the platform.

To read the complete Facebook Consumer Study please visit http://www.cpcstrategy.com/blog/2017/04/facebook-consumer-study-overview/ on the CPC Strategy website.

About CPC Strategy

CPC Strategy is a retail-focused digital marketing agency that specializes in driving performance growth on the channels that most directly impact a retailers digital bottom line. Founded in 2007, CPC executes on ad strategy and management for retailers and brands on Google, Amazon, Facebook, and other product advertising channels. CPC Strategy ranked #1,288 in the Inc. 5000 List of Americas Fastest-Growing Private Companies and was also honored as a finalist in "Best Places to Work" by the San Diego Business Journal. For more information visit http://www.cpcstrategy.com.

Contact:

Megan Leer

CPC Strategy

mleer(at)cpcstrategy(dot)com

619.708.9500
Its a win-win because OneNecks facility has an established reputation and is already utilized by a number of organizations in the Bend, Oregon market, which was critically important to us in choosing a partner.

Today, OneNeck IT Solutions announced signing a new 3-year contract with Idaho-based Fatbeam. Under the contract, Fatbeam will gain carrier access into OneNecks Uptime Institute Certified Tier III data center in Bend, Oregon.

By gaining carrier access into OneNecks data center in Bend, it allows us to easily connect our clients to the data center, stated Bob Garner, VP of Operations at Fatbeam. Its a win-win because OneNecks facility has an established reputation and is already utilized by a number of organizations in the Bend, Oregon market, which was critically important to us in choosing a partner. It creates opportunities for both of our organizations. Most importantly, for our customers, it means always-available access to their data.

Fatbeam delivers broadband access services to business enterprises, healthcare, education and government agencies in the western United States. The fiber optic bandwidth Fatbeam offers starts at 1 gigabit Ethernet and extends to 400 gigabit; plus, it jumps to dark fiber.

When looking for a new IT partner to team with, Fatbeam realized OneNeck had a lot to offer. In addition to having a top-notch data center, OneNeck was already serving as a disaster recovery site and ready to become a primary or secondary data site for Fatbeams customers.

They had the mix of product, services, and proximity that we were looking for and that our customers were expecting from us, said Garner. Plus, OneNeck is easy to work with, has a knowledgeable team of experts and an expansive list of hybrid IT solutions.

OneNecks data center build in Bend is LEED Gold certified, which means it was designed and built to be as energy efficient as possible. In fact, this colocation facility has earned the EPAs ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy efficiency. Its equipped with a rooftop solar array, passive free-cooling system and a flywheel-based Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to help conserve energy.

Bottom line, our facility in Bend is reliable, secure and always available, which is what businesses like Fatbeam expect, said Jim de la Pena, VP of Sales at OneNeck. Were proud Fatbeam selected OneNeck and equally pleased to be providing them with carrier access into our data room.

OneNeck IT Solutions offers a full suite of hybrid IT solutions including cloud and hosting solutions, managed services, ERP application management, professional services and IT hardware. In addition to their state-of-the-art facility in Oregon, OneNeck also has top-tier data centers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Visit oneneck.com for more information.

About OneNeck

OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, employs nearly 550 people throughout the U.S. The company offers hybrid IT solutions including cloud and hosting solutions, managed services, ERP application management, professional services, IT hardware and top-tier data centers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon and Wisconsin. OneNeck's team of technology professionals manage secure, world-class, hybrid IT infrastructures and applications for businesses around the country. Visit oneneck.com.

TDS Telecommunications Corporation (TDS Telecom/TDS), headquartered in Madison, Wis., operates OneNeck IT Solutions LLC and BendBroadband, which is part of TDS Broadband Service LLC. Combined, the company employs more than 3,400 people. Visit tdstelecom.com.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides wireless; cable and wireline broadband, TV and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately six million customers nationwide through its businesses U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, and TDS Broadband Service LLC. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. employs 10,300 people. Visit tdsinc.com.

About Fatbeam

Fatbeam is the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain region industry leader in delivering fiber infrastructure for best-in-class connectivity to schools, businesses and governments in *3rd and 4th tier markets. The company currently operates fiber networks in more than 30 markets, with 438 route miles of fiber and another 150 under construction throughout Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Wyoming. In 2015 Fatbeam was voted #190 by Inc. Magazines 500 fastest growing companies in the United States. For more information, visit fatbeam.com | View Service Areas
In order to make an impact, the task force should educate prescribers and the general public about the addiction potential of medications, support newer modalities of treatment, and drive decriminalization.

With over 33,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2015, there is an acute need to find solutions to get the epidemic under control. One of the root causes of this addiction is legally prescribed opiate pain pills. President Trump has turned his focus to addressing this issue head on by appointing Gov. Chris Christie to head an opioid task force. "In order to make an impact, the task force should educate prescribers and the general public about the addiction potential of medications, support newer modalities of treatment, and drive decriminalization utilizing token-economy for possession/use related offenses," says Dr. Cidambi.

While lawmakers are introducing new laws that restrict physicians' treatment options relative to treating pain, Dr. Cidambi thinks that this could be counterproductive, as prescribers may resist interference with treatment and may develop workarounds. She further worries about treatment for other conditions that require addictive medications. "How many laws can politicians introduce? What about treatment for other conditions, such as anxiety, that require addictive medications? Are politicians going to tell physicians how to treat a host of diseases that call for medications that may be addictive?" asks Dr. Cidambi.

Dr. Cidambi has been treating individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders for over a decade and she believes a simple but comprehensive approach is needed to conquer this disease. "I truly believe the steps detailed below will help us make inroads against the opioid epidemic."

Enabling Responsible Prescribing Habits

There is already a lot of noise about legal prescriptions causing the opiate epidemic. However, a vast majority of the opioid pain prescriptions are written by nurse practitioners and primary care physicians* (not pain management specialists) and they may not fully understand the addictive potential and diversion issues (others misusing a patient's pain pills) related to these medications, says Dr. Cidambi.

"All prescribers should be fully educated about the dangers of opioid pain pills," says Dr. Cidambi. "An effective and easy way to achieve this objective is by integrating prescribing guidelines and information on addiction potential into continuing education credits prescribers are required to take." Repetition is also guaranteed as prescribers complete continuing education credits every year. "What about future prescribers, physicians and nurses? They could receive this education through a mandated 3-month rotation at a substance abuse treatment facility while in school so they understand how people get addicted to pain pills." Such efforts will serve to significantly slow the creation of new addicts, as evidence suggests legal prescriptions paved the way to addiction for a large number of individuals.

Arming the General Public With Information on Addictive Potential

"Although prevention campaigns that asked people to say no to drugs have been around since the 1980s, they have not helped to educate the public about the dangers of legally prescribed medications," says Dr. Cidambi.

A high profile, strongly funded campaign that not only informs the public about such dangers, but also encourages them to seek a full explanation from their prescriber about how the medications work could be impactful. "Make the market work! Create demand for such information and prescribers will be forced to respond and, possibly, rethink their prescriptions, notes Dr. Cidambi. "This could also mitigate the creation of new addicts."

Embracing Newer Treatment Modalities

"The substance abuse treatment community, in general, has been resistant to new modalities of treatment, such as Ambulatory Detoxification and Medication Assisted Treatment, which deliver better outcomes," notes Dr. Cidambi.

"Resistance to the utilization of Ambulatory (Outpatient) Detoxification comes from the fear that the individual suffering from substance use disorders returns to his/her home environment each evening," says Dr. Cidambi. She pioneered the use of ambulatory detoxification for alcohol, benzodiazepines and opiates in New Jersey and has safely detoxed over 1,100 individuals in four years. Done right, it can deliver much better outcomes relative to inpatient detoxification as the patient learns to stay sober in his/her home environment," says Dr. Cidambi. "Family interventions elevate the level of support the patient receives at home, inhibiting relapse, adds Dr. Cidambi. The cost of Ambulatory Detoxification is also significantly lower relative to inpatient detoxification.

"The criticism of medicated assisted treatment (specifically buprenorphine) is that the prescriber is just substituting one drug for another," says Dr. Cidambi. However, I have found that utilizing medication assisted treatment provides the physical relief from cravings and withdrawal symptoms that enables an individual to engage in therapy and make the required lifestyle changes.

Decriminalization Utilizing Token Economy

Research** showed that 4 out of 5 drug arrests (1.5 million/year) are for use/possession, while only 1 of 5 is for manufacturing/sales. This provides an opportunity to utilize the token-economy modality of treatment to incentivize these individuals to enter treatment, says Dr. Cidambi. Token-economy modality of treatment is already used to treat addiction. Instead of spending money prosecuting these cases, a chance to wipe charges off the record if these individuals enter treatment and stay sober for a length of time would help, says Dr. Cidambi. The money saved can be redirected to treatment. While marijuana possession has been decriminalized in a number of states, the possession of other illegal substances still fetches a felony or misdemeanor charge in most states. Not only will individuals suffering from addiction benefit from treatment, re-entering the workforce becomes easier when the charge(s) are lifted, noted Dr. Cidambi.

For more information on opioid abuse and addiction or to learn more about the Center for Network Therapy please visit, http://www.RecoveryCNT.com.

About Dr. Indra Cidambi

Indra Cidambi, M.D., Medical Director, Center for Network Therapy, is recognized as a leading expert and pioneer in the field of Addiction Medicine. Under her leadership the Center for Network Therapy started New Jerseys first state licensed Ambulatory (Outpatient) Detoxification program for alcohol, benzodiazepines and opiates four years ago. Dr. Cidambi is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and double Board Certified in Addiction Medicine (ABAM, ABPN). She is fluent in five languages, including Russian.

About Center for Network Therapy

Center for Network Therapy (CNT) was the first facility in New Jersey to be licensed to provide Ambulatory (Outpatient) Detoxification Services for all substances of abuse  alcohol, anesthetics, benzodiazepines, opiates and other substances of abuse. Led by a Board Certified Addiction Psychiatrist, Indra Cidambi, M.D., experienced physicians and nurses closely monitor each patients progress. With CNTs superior client care and high quality treatment, Dr. Cidambi and her clinical team have successfully detoxed over 1,000 patients in four years. The Center for Network Therapy also offers step down to Partial Care (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) levels of care.



http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2474400 (analysis of 2013 Medicare prescription data.)

**http://www.drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/DPA%20Fact%20Sheet_Approaches%20to%20Decriminalization_%28Feb.%202016%29.pdf

# # #
SABRE, the number one brand of pepper spray trusted by police and consumers worldwide, is proud to support Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM) this April by offering high quality protection items with a purpose.

Over the years, SABRE has joined hands with numerous charitable organizations to help raise money and awareness about sexual abuse and violence.

According to RAINN [the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network], every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, said SABRE CEO David Nance. We are working ceaselessly to lower these numbers with both our voice and our products.

Pepper spray is one of the easiest and most effective non-lethal defenses on the market. Its compact, affordable, capable of stopping multiple attackers of any size, and can be used with little to no training.

Our maximum police-strength pepper sprays have been an industry leader for 40 years," said Nance. "Through our partnerships with RAINN and Kuros!, we are able to give men and women around the world the tools to thrive."

SABRE has launched a series of "Red" products in partnership with RAINN, the worlds largest anti-sexual assault organization.

A percentage of the proceeds from both the RAINN Key Case Pepper Spray and Personal Alarm go directly to the charity to help give sexual assault survivors a chance to share their stories and the resources theyve found helpful with others.

In an effort to reach out globally, SABRE has also partnered with Kuros!--a socially conscious company that is placing pepper spray in the hands of low-income women in developing nations.

For each blue Kuros! Spray thats purchased, Kuros! delivers one for free to at risk women, giving them a fighting chance against sexual assault. Over the last few years they have distributed pepper spray in the Philippines, El Salvador, India, and South Africa.

To learn more about their charitable endeavors or to partner with SABRE, visit http://www.sabrered.com.

About

SABRE, the no. 1 pepper spray trusted by police and consumers worldwide, is family owned and operated with four decades of experience and is the leading brand in personal safety. The companys law enforcement grade pepper sprays provide consumers with the same superior quality chosen exclusively by the New York Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and law enforcement agencies worldwide. SABRE has trained 3,500 officers around the globe on the use of force and how to use pepper spray. SABRE also has a line of consumer personal alarms and home security systems, and is dedicated to educating its customers. SABREs Personal Safety Academy is available through certified instructors around the world to help teach personal safety skills to SABRE users. Learn more at http://www.SABREred.com, on Facebook at SABRE-Security Equipment Corporation, on Twitter @SABRERed or on Instagram @SABRESafety
Internet Retailer, the world's leading publisher of strategic e-commerce business intelligence, and B2B Ecommerce World, today announced the finalists for the categories of the third annual Internet Retailer Excellence Awards. The Awards recognize the outstanding achievements made by innovative online retailers and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce companies in the past year.

Internet Retailer and B2B Ecommerce World will announce the winners at the IR Excellence Awards dinner banquet held at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place hotel on June 7, 2017, as the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition (IRCE 2017) convenes for its 13th straight year. Internet Retailer serves as the official media sponsor of IRCE, which will occur at McCormick Place West in Chicago from June 6-9, 2017.

"I enthusiastically congratulate all 45 finalists for our third annual 2017 Internet Retailer Excellence Awards," says Molly Love, CEO of Internet Retailer. "Our goal is to highlight best practices that all online retailers and B2B e-commerce companies can learn from.The finalists represent some of the fastest-growing and most innovative companies in e-commerce, and their accomplishments reflect the ongoing shift of purchasingwhether by consumers or businessesto the web.

Determined by a team comprised of Internet Retailer senior editors and e-commerce industry experts, the finalists for each of the 13 IR Excellence Awards categories are as follows:

Emerging E-Retailer of the Year: Chewy, Hollar.com, MeUndies, Purple, MVMT Watches

E-Retail Growth Award: Chewy, Leesa Sleep, Poppin, Ulta Beauty

Web Redesign of the Year: Califia Farms, Kate Somerville, Lowes, Oliver Sweeney

E-Retail Marketer of the Year: eBags, Target, Wayfair

Best Marketing Video of the Year: Pampers, Reef, SupplyHouse.com

Best Product Video of the Year: SupplyHouse.com, Sylvane, Vurtego

B2B E-Commerce Marketer of the Year: DollarDays, Lightning Labels,

SupplyHouse.com, MSC Industrial Supply Co.

B2B E-Commerce Website Redesign of the Year: Cole-Parmer, PacknWood, Sullivans, Tech Data

B2B E-Commerce Player of the Year: Amazon Business, Cisco Systems, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Kimball Midwest, Tech Data

Mobile Commerce Award: eBay, Lancome, RealTruck, Wayfair

Global E-Retailer of the Year: Anker, Benefit Cosmetics, Nike

Omnichannel Retailer of the Year: Amazon, Best Buy, DSW, Fabletics, Home Depot

Internet Retailer of the Year: Amazon, Dollar Shave Club, Nike, Ulta Beauty

"We were pleased to receive hundreds of nominations for our 13 categories of Internet Retailer Excellence Awards," says Kurt Peters, executive editor of Internet Retailer. "The broad range of retailers and high quality of all nominations made choosing finalists difficult but ensured that when we announce the winners on June 7 at IRCE, we will be recognizing the leaders of the industry."

E-commerce solutions providers can attend the Excellence Awards by procuring a sponsorship package. For sponsorship information, contact: Tom Duggan, vice president of sales & product development, Internet Retailer, at 312.572.6250 or tduggan(at)verticalwebmedia(dot)com.

For media inquiries, contact: IR Awards Team at irawards(at)verticalwebmedia(dot)com.

ABOUT INTERNET RETAILER

The flagship brand of Chicago-based e-commerce publisher Vertical Web Media, Internet Retailer provides comprehensive e-commerce business intelligence through print and digital channels, including a monthly magazine, research reports and databases (Top500Guide.com), websites, webinars and newsletters. Internet Retailer, launched in March 1999, is the largest e-retailing monthly magazine with 44,500 subscribers. InternetRetailer.com is the most-visited informational website in e-commerce featuring daily industry news and market analysis. The site attracts more than 205,000 unique monthly visitors.

DigitalCommerce360.com, our new web platform, provides insight, research and analysis of the trends, technologies and people that are shaping the future of multiple digital commerce markets including retail, business-to-business e-commerce and web-driven consumer healthcare.
A 1922 Mortier Dance Organ from Belgium at the Music House Museum Outside of Traverse City, MI. "Discovery Maps are an engaging way to uncover hidden gems that speak to the true character of the community, said Peter Hans, CEO of Discovery Map International.

For travelers seeking the curious and unusual, Discovery Map International (DMI) leads the way with fun and quirky finds on its colorful and functional hand-drawn maps in more than 130 destinations. The American Computer & Robotics Museum in Bozeman, MT and the Albu-Quirky Downtown Weird Walk in Albuquerque, NM are among the not-to-be-missed eccentric museums and attractions in Discovery Map destinations.

Discovery Maps are an engaging way to uncover hidden gems that speak to the true character of the community, said Peter Hans, CEO of Discovery Map International. Its often the most quirky and unusual sites that provide deeper insight into the history, culture and personality of a locale.

From Arizona to North Carolina, quirky museums and attractions found in Discovery Map destinations include:



Albu-Quirky Downtown Weird Walk  Albuquerque, NM: Voted the fifth quirkiest city in the country by Travel + Leisure, Albuquerque has a long and storied history of its citizens marching to their own beat. The Albu-Quirky Downtown Weird Walk, a product of the Albuquerque Tourism & Sightseeing Factory, celebrates the citys kookiness by highlighting outlandish personalities, bizarre crimes and odd events. Guests will discover historic buildings, public art, a giant Adirondack chair and filming sites from features such as The Avengers and Breaking Bad, among other things. albu-quirky.com

American Computer & Robotics Museum  Bozeman, MT: From early number systems to modern technology, the American Computer & Robotics Museum is a collection of all things related to computing. Rated one of the 10 best free museums in the country by USA Today, guests will be wowed by an Apple 1 donated by Steve Wozniak, an original Apollo Lunar Mission computer, a watch worn on the moon, telegraphs from President Lincoln and more. compustory.com

Beaufort Maritime Museum  Crystal Coast, NC: With 3,000 miles of coastline, North Carolina is awash with maritime history. The Beaufort Maritime Museum goes beyond traditional boatbuilding to highlight some unusual gems from the past, including a nearly 300-year-old toilet used by the infamous pirate Blackbeard on his ship Queen Annes Revenge before it grounded in Beaufort in June 1718. ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com

Music House Museum  Traverse City, MI: Located just outside of Traverse City in Acme, the Music House Museum features a rare collection of musical organs, player pianos, phonographs and more  most, if not all, in working order. The jewel of the museums mechanical instruments is an 18-foot high Theofiel Mortier dance organ called Amaryllis that was originally hand-carved in Belgium in 1922 and sounds like a full, festive band. musichouse.org

Pioneer Museum  Flagstaff, AZ: Located in the former Coconino County Hospital for the Indigent, the Pioneer Museum has a fun and quirky mishmash of Flagstaff history. Guests will discover historic hospital equipment used prior to the 1930s, Route 66 memorabilia, a 1929 Baldwin locomotive used in logging operations and information on astronaut training at nearby fields. The museum also hosts monthly Night at the Museum events covering topics as odd as 100 Ways to Die in Flagstaff and an annual Flag Wool and Fiber Festival. arizonahistoricalsociety.org/museums/welcome-to-pioneer-museum-flagstaff/

The Woodlands Waterway Art Bench Project  Spring-Woodlands Area, TX: Born out of The Woodlands tradition of public art, The Woodlands Arts Council sponsors a collection of funky and functional benches along the popular Waterway. Designed by artists from around the world, the benches vary greatly in design, material and theme, from colorful, lit-up balls to a piano with music notes. Vacationers can search for all 14 benches. thewoodlandsartscouncil.org

For more fun news from DMI, visit the Map Geek Blog: http://www.discoverymap.com/blog.

Instagram Sweepstakes

When visiting these quirky museums and attractions, vacationers are invited to take advantage of Discovery Maps Instagram Sweepstakes, running through December 31, 2017. Travelers can enter the sweepstakes by posting an image on Instagram from a Discovery Map location using the designated hashtag #discoverymap. One winner is randomly drawn each month to win a $100 gift card. For rules and regulations, visit http://www.discoverymap.com/instagram.

Coming in 2017

DMI is rolling out first-time maps throughout the year to destinations that include Waco, TX, Lower Manhattan, NY, Old Orchard Beach, ME, Niagara, Canada and Niagara Falls, NY, Las Vegas, NV, Huntington Beach, CA, and Beaufort Lowcountry and Mount Pleasant, SC. These new maps will receive the same hand-drawn treatment and feature local dining, lodging, and of course, quirky museums and attractions.

About Discovery Map

Discovery Map International is the countrys leading provider of curated guides to top tourist destinations, cities and towns throughout North America. The distinctively colorful, hand-drawn maps are a favorite of travelers for navigating local dining, attractions, businesses, cultural experiences, ski destinations  and even the best locations to take selfies. Discovery Maps can be found in local hotels, restaurants, shops and other participating venues, and also at discoverymap.com. Named by Forbes as one of the best franchises to buy in 2015, Discovery Maps International is headquartered in Waitsfield, VT, in the heart of the Green Mountains.
As Smiths European footprint broadens, the level of service we are able to offer in this region grows, too.

Smith, a global distributor of electronic components and semiconductors, today announces the opening of its sales office in Munich, Germany. This office will broaden the European footprint established by Smiths Amsterdam and Cluj-Napoca offices, while offering immersion in a global tech and engineering hotspot and proximity to major customers.

Germany is a thriving global technology center, with a highly skilled, educated workforce in sectors from automation to energy, and a semiconductor market that is one of the foremost in Europe. This skilled workforce is one of many benefits drawing major global technology companies to Munich, in addition to Munichs prime location in the midst of major European markets.

Having a home in Germany places Smith right in the technological heart of Europe, said Stefan Kober, General Manager of the Munich location. Not only will this keep us at the forefront of new tech trends and developments, but it also puts us right where we need to be to offer our local customers optimal support.

The company plans to continue meeting its customers where they need Smith most.

As Smiths European footprint broadens, the level of service we are able to offer in this region grows, too, said Marc Barnhill, Chief Trading Officer of Smith. From North America and Asia to our growing European front, we are a global partner and will keep expanding to offer customers anywhere in the world the most advanced support.

About Smith

Founded in 1984, Smith sources, manages, and distributes the electronic components that go into everything from mobile phones and computers to appliances and directional drilling systems. In 15 cities around the world, from Silicon Valley to Seoul, Smiths 500 employees communicate in 36 different languages and buy and sell components 24 hours per day. Smith is always moving: helping manufacturers navigate market shifts; customizing supply chain solutions; testing components using cutting-edge technology. With testing and logistics hubs in Houston, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam, Smiths processes focus on critical issues, from quality management to counterfeit prevention and environmental safety. Smiths operations, purchasing, and sales worldwide are seamlessly integrated with the companys global IT infrastructure, Saleschain, offering real-time inventory and logistics visibility anywhere in the world. Smith is the leading independent distributor of electronic components and ranks number 13 among all global distributors. Smiths Intelligent Distribution model adapts to ever-changing demands by providing seamless global electronics sourcing and logistics, regardless of distribution channel or locale. For more information, please visit http://www.smithweb.com, or, to reach a Smith representative 24 hours a day, please call +1 713.430.3000.

###

For more information, contact:

Margo Evans

Smith, VP of Marketing

+1 713.430.3966

mevans(at)nfsmith.com
Imagination Playground blocks are a great tool for teaching the children in our educational programs about basic engineering and construction concepts

Imagination Playground, LLC  creators of the breakthrough Big Blue Blocks that encourage child-directed free play, announces its fifth winner of their most popular program called Submit To Win! With a total of 15 Big Block Sets awarded, plus two other significant prize levels, schools and family centers continue to have numerous opportunities to participate and win in this unprecedented program.

Air Zoo, an aerospace and science experience center, joins previous winners Genesee Intermediate School District, Marshall Area YMCA, Middletown Recreational Center and Rita Miller Elementary School as proud recipients of the fifth Submit To Win Big Block Set. Marketing & Communications Manager Patrick Brent relayed their excitement of the big win by saying, We do everything we can to encourage imaginative play and exploration at the Air Zoo, and we were thrilled to hear wed won a Big Block Set through the Submit to Win contest. Imagination Playground blocks are a great tool for teaching the children in our educational programs about basic engineering and construction concepts, and theyre absolutely irresistible to guests on our exhibit floor. Its a common sight to see grown-ups building alongside of kids, and the blocks are such a great way for families to engage in creative play. Thanks so much!

Dave Krishock, President & CEO of Imagination Playground was overjoyed to hear that an existing customer had won the weekly Submit To Win drawing. One of the things we always hear after a school or family center purchase of our Big Blue Blocks is that they are such a hit that they need even more blocks to enable more kids to play. Air Zoo is a perfect example of understanding the value of the blocks and seeking out opportunities to get more blocks in the hands of children. That is what is so great about Submit To Win, there are numerous opportunities to win and unlimited opportunities to enter. Its so exciting to see the program grow each week!

With the Air Zoo victory, there are ten more chances to win an Imagination Playground Big Block Set. The Big Block Set prizes will continue to be drawn weekly through the end of May. Additionally, there are three other prize levels which include Big Block Play Dates at your school or family center as well as Pop Out Mini Playgrounds given to entire school enrollments or community center members. Every entrant is a winner as a Mini Pop Out Playground will be send to all those who participated in the contest. With no restrictions on the number of times participants may enter the contest, entering multiple times will only increase your chances of winning.

Anyone interested in learning more about Imagination Playground  our Submit To Win Promotion - or any of their creative products or programs are encouraged to call 1-678-604-7466 or email ContactUs(at)ImaginationPlayground(dot)Org.

About Imagination Playground, LLC

Imagination Playground is a breakthrough play space concept developed to encourage child-directed, creative free play. The kind of play that experts say is critical to childrens intellectual. Social, physical, and emotional development. Invented by architect and designer David Rockwell and the Rockwell group, Imagination Playground enables children to play, dream, build and explore endless possibilities. Imagination Playground finds its home in daycare centers, kindergartens, elementary schools, childrens museums  and science, nature, discovery centers, camps, community centers, childrens hospitals, hotels and resorts, public parks and more  in North America and over 70 countries around the world.

For more information, visit http://www.imaginationplayground.com
As organizations make decisions that will affect their operational expenses, they need to dive directly into the facts related to electronic payments around fraud, lack of standards and integration and how much internal IT teams need to be involved.

HighRadius is partnering with TreasuryJobs.com to host a webinar on April 13th that debunks the myths and misconceptions to present the true facts around payment processing. Join Elaine Nowak, Director of Product Management and Marketing at HighRadius, as she discusses research conducted by industry leaders and reveals the facts behind electronic payments and contrasts them with common misconceptions held by credit and accounts receivable practitioners and leaders. The webinar is being hosted by the COO of TreasuryJobs.com, Ernie Humphrey, a renowned treasury thought leader and long-time industry veteran.

The world of accounts receivable is riddled with unsubstantiated certainties, including Checks are easy to process, while electronic payments require arduous labor, or The risk of fraud is higher with electronic payments as compared to checks, or My customers are happy with checks and do not want to move to electronic payments. However, if A/R leaders take a moment to substantiate these claims, none of these supposed facts are actually backed by data. For example, the costs of processing incoming checks is almost 5.5 times greater than that of electronic payments. These and many more payment-related truths cloud the vision of decision makers today and hold back A/R teams that could be transforming their credit to cash processes.

The true reality is that leaders in the A/R industry should be looking to maximize ROI, reduce DSO, and improve cash flow. As organizations make decisions that will affect their operational expenses, they need to dive directly into the facts related to electronic payments around fraud, lack of standards and integration and how much internal IT teams need to be involved. Join HighRadius on April 13th as they present an in-depth discussion around checks versus electronic payments and the truths behind the myths.

For more information, or to register, click here:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3547397626843962369?source=High+Radius

About TreasuryJobs.com

TreasuryJobs.com connects Treasury talent with the right opportunities and endeavors to be a trusted career resource for Treasury Professionals.

About HighRadius

HighRadius provides Financial Supply Chain Management software solutions to optimize receivables and payments functions such as credit, collections, cash application, deductions and eBilling. Our Integrated Receivables solution suite is delivered as software-as-a-service to automate the credit-to-cash cycle. Our certified Accelerators for SAP S/4HANA Finance Receivables Management enables large enterprises to achieve business transformation initiatives and leverage their SAP investments. HighRadius solutions have a proven track record of reducing days sales outstanding (DSO), bad debt and increasing operation efficiency enabling companies to achieve an ROI in just a few months. For more information please visit http://www.highradius.com.

For More Information Contact:

Tara Gallagher

Senior Marketing Manager

tara(dot)gallagher(at)highradius(dot)com

281.972.2101
The ISOA Awards Program will salute businesses who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. These Awards will honor government contracting leaders in the ISOA ideals of accountability, transparency, and ethics. - Howie Lind, the President of ISOA

The International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) is calling for nominations for the 2017 ISOA Achievement Awards ceremony and celebration recognizing companies for their outstanding work in the stability operations field.

Eligible nominees include corporate members of the ISOA who are in good standing with the industry. Companies may apply who are not members of ISOA, but to be selected as a finalist, your company must have joined the association. The ISOA Stability Operations Awards will be awarded to companies who consistently demonstrate commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethics in the stability operations arena based on the size of your company  small, medium, large.

The top award, based on company size, will be presented as a Vanguard Award. Individual Awards recognizing sustaining support of ISOA and an ongoing commitment to the stability operations field will also be presented, for which nominations are not required.

Nominations are accepted via a downloadable Award Nomination Form. All nominations must be received via email to howielind(at)stability-operations(dot)org by Friday, April 7, 2017.

Winners will be selected by our three independent judges and will be announced in April 2017. The honorees will be recognized at the 2017 ISOA Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.

For specific questions about the nomination process, please contact our awards committee members, Michelle at 2023449030, or Kelley at 202-680-9888.

Submit your Award Nomination - due by April 7: http://stability-operations.org/events/2017/2017-isoa-achievement-awards

Attend the Awards Dinner - June 1: http://stability-operations.org/isoa-achievement-award-nomination-form
Michael Pennacchia

Camilles Restaurant, a culinary landmark on Providences historic Federal Hill since 1914, named Cranston native, Michael Pennacchia, as Executive Chef. Chef Michael joined Camilles during the holiday season as sous-chef and stepped into his new role in mid-January. He is renowned for creating masterful versions of classical Italian dishes that match well with Camilles fine wine and upscale ambiance.

Michael has assumed leadership of our historic restaurant's culinary team, said Camille's General Manager George Kilborn. The impact of his talent and creativity has been immediate and tangible, eliciting high praise from our guests and our staff.

Prior to joining Camilles, Chef Michael was Chef de Cuisine at Alpine Country Club, where he trained under Master Chef Nino DUrso. Classically trained at the Rhode Island School of Design in their Super Chef Series under Chef Gary Comella, he spent more than twenty years in the Rhode Island restaurant scene. He credits Chef John Keogh of Culinary Affair in Cranston for introducing him to a career in fine dining by asking him to assume the role of sous chef at nineteen years old.

With what is described as comfort style upscale Italian cuisine, Chef Michael brings his Sicilian and Neapolitan heritage into his design of the menu. Transitioning from heartier Tuscan dishes in the Winter and Spring, he turns to dishes from the Amalfi Coast in the Summer and towards Naples in the Fall.

A resident of Cranston, he has two children with wife, Jennifer. The two shared their first date at Camilles.

Its a dream job for someone who grew up cooking Italian with my parents to take the helm of such a classic Italian restaurant, said Chef Michael.  To me, I feel like Ive been handed the keys to a Ferrari, with everything thats great about it, and my job is to keep driving it forward.
CannaRoyalty Corp. ...we were extremely enthused to research and provide an analysis of the most diversified publicly traded cannabis company.

Viride Research Partners, LLC announces the release of an in-depth business analysis of CannaRoyalty Corp. (CNSX:CRZ) (OTCQB:CNNRF) (FRA:CY4) presented in a detailed report. It is offered for viewing and download here.

The report, which outlines the company's strategy and current operations, also offers insight into the perceived opportunities in CannaRoyalty's positioning in the explosive sub-markets within cannabis. It explores CannaRoyalty's diversified portfolio of cannabis companies and brands that continue to thrive as new markets open and existing markets continue to expand. With investments in intellectual property and research applications as well as stronghold consumer and lifestyle brands, CannaRoyalty is well positioned to advance in the growing regulated medical cannabis market.

"We were excited to take on this project as CannaRoyalty is invested in a wide range of investments, subsidiaries, partners and brands," said Grady Camp, a Viride Research Partners LLC Managing Partner. "Our firm's specialty is in the cannabis sector and we were extremely enthused to research and provide an analysis of the most diversified publicly traded cannabis company."

The report, which is being offered for free download from The Daily Marijuana Observer, comes at a pivotal time in cannabis legislative reform. With a handful more states passing legislative reform in this recent November election, the market for cannabis is set to grow at unseen rates over the coming years. The report is as up-to-date as possible at the time of its release. Viride Research Partners will continue to monitor CannaRoyalty. as well as other publicly traded cannabis companies and provide readers with updates.

About Viride Research Partners, LLC

Viride Research Partners, LLC is a comprehensive cannabis finance and business research company focused on assisting public and private cannabis companies generate awareness, engage investors, communicate with the market, and raise capital. We currently serve clients in the cannabis, agricultural technology, and biotechnology industries. We bring a depth of expertise in marketing, strategy, equity research, advisory services and fundraising to drive lasting results in the cannabis sector. Our comprehensive and strategic approach to understanding your business enables us to guide your organization into the public sector and beyond. For more information visit VirideIR.com

Disclosure

Neither Viride Research Partners, LLC nor its officers, directors or employees have any positions in any securities mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. Viride Research Partners, LLC is not receiving compensation for this report, and does not currently have a business relationship with the company mentioned.
Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy, ICSB Executive Director; Guido Crilchuk, Second Secretary, Second Committee; and Dr. Winslow Sargeant, ICSB VP Development ICSB Dr. El Tarabishy reported that, "It is estimated that 600 million more jobs will be needed in the next 15 years, especially in Africa and Asia, and small business will absorb this growing workforce."

The United Nations General Assembly today adopted a resolution recognizing the crucial role Micro-, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Todays resolution (A/71/L.60) designates June 27 as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day.

Following the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) 2016 World Conference Declaration on the urgent need to recognize MSMEs role in global development, the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations, with support from ICSB, authored the resolution that was presented to and negotiated with all UN member states. The resolution was co-sponsored by 45 member states, representing over 5 billion people.

Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, all countries have been working for its implementation, aiming to ensure that every actor can contribute in the best possible way. Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises have the potential to make a long-lasting positive impact on global development needs, since they are the engine for economic growth and job creation, accounting for two out of three net new jobs created worldwide.

ICSB Executive Director, Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy, warmly welcomed the adoption of the resolution noting that, It is estimated that 600 million more jobs will be needed in the next 15 years, especially in Africa and Asia, and small business will absorb this growing workforce. ICSB is glad to see the organizations mission of empowering small business reach worldwide distinction. This action reaffirms that member states in every region of the world recognize the vital role MSMEs play in driving sustainable livelihoods and creating a vibrant global economy.

The resolution recognizes the need to improve small business access to microfinance and credit, and also encourages member states to facilitate observance of the day by increasing awareness and actions to support small business.

Following the adoption of the small business resolution, ICSB will also host an official knowledge summit and launch event at UN headquarters on May 11th. ICSB has established a fund to support research and community projects that maximize the economic contributions of small businesses, and provide seed funding for projects designed to promote development worldwide.

Founded in 1955, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. The organization brings together educators, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners from around the world to share knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. The ICSB is a non-profit organization, for more information visit https://www.icsb.org.

# # #
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Central Pasco Emergency Room We are pleased to soon be able to provide residents of Central Pasco County convenient access to the same award winning quality emergency care that patients have come to expect from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel closer to home.

Today, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel held a groundbreaking event for its new off-site emergency department in East Central Pasco County. Florida Hospital leadership, staff and community dignitaries attended the ceremony held this morning. Dozens of community members were in attendance including, Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Pasco County Fire Chief Timothy Reardon and Mike Moore, Chair of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners.

The off-site emergency room will be located on State Road 54 just east of the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has been continuously expanding to meet the needs of this ever-growing community. We are pleased to soon be able to provide residents of Central Pasco County convenient access to the same award winning quality emergency care that patients have come to expect from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel closer to home, said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

The new facility will be 18,000 square feet and will feature full service emergency care year-round, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The building will house 24 beds along with state-of-the-art on-site imaging services such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scans and laboratory services. The Emergency department will be staffed with board certified emergency medicine physicians as well as nurses who are highly trained in emergency care.

The new ER is tentatively scheduled to open in January 2018.

About Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel

From state-of-the-art equipment to the most intricate building details, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel was designed from the ground up to maximize healing, patient care and wellness. This full-service community hospital has 145 private patient rooms and features expert staff, specialty design and state-of-the art technology built for better patient care. Since opening in October of 2012, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has been recognized as a leader in patient satisfaction, quality and safety. The hospital offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient health services, including surgery, imaging and rehabilitation services and emergency services for adults and children. The hospital features a 50,000-sq. ft. community Health & Wellness Center and a wide range of community offerings such as health and wellness presentations, screenings and events. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel recently completed a massive expansion which involved 111,993 square feet of new construction and 10,834 square feet of renovation. In the expansion, the hospital added additional emergency rooms, inpatient rooms, surgical suites, a second Heart Catheterization Lab, and recovery/observation rooms as well as shelled space for future growth. Part of the Adventist Health System, Florida Hospital is a leading, not-for-profit health network comprised of 26 hospitals throughout the state. For more information, please visit http://www.FHWesleyChapel.org.
Pacific Energy Alternatives is building out its dealer network to more quickly deliver Sun Bandit to solar-hungry consumers on each of the Hawaiian Islands and across the US. (Credit: ThomasNet News) Sun Bandit lowers energy costs without dependence on politically-charged tariff, net metering and utility approvals. Past News Releases RSS

The renewable energy innovators at Next Generation Energy have inked an agreement with Pacific Energy Alternatives to make Sun Bandit solar hybrid water heating systems more immediately accessible to solution-hungry builders, contractors and property owners throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Sun Bandit is the worlds first SRCC-certified, UL-listed, PV-powered solar water heating system.

The partnership -- along with NGEs Sun Bandit technology  was introduced this month at Hawaiis Maui Energy Conference, whose "All Things Energy: Pursuing New Opportunities for Electricity and Beyond" theme provided a timely platform to showcase leading-edge solutions like Sun Bandit and to help the greater Hawaiian marketplace reduce energy costs and achieve the 100% sustainability goals of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

Sun Bandits off-grid capabilities are ideal for markets like Hawaii, where net metering incentives are sunsetting and the desire to find relief from runaway electric bills is rising, said Next Generation Energys Chief Operations Officer Lori Beedon.

Hawaii has the most expensive electricity rates in the nation -- nearly double the national average.(1) Yet a majority of Hawaiian households use electricity to heat their water, something that traditionally accounts for around 35% of home energy bills. Hawaiian Electric touts solar water heating as an easy way to go solar while reducing energy costs. But industry-wide, adoption of standard, mechanical (pump-driven) solar water heating systems has failed to meet expectations, often because of ongoing maintenance issues.

In response, NGEs engineering innovators created Sun Bandit, whose certified solar water heating solutions eliminate fluids, leaks, pump stations, overheating, stagnation, freezing and the complicated installation and maintenance issues that can erode the value proposition of traditional solar water heating. Its easy to verify the Sun Bandit system is working  like traditional PV solutions, it comes with its own monitoring system.

With its pedigree of industry firsts, Sun Bandit presents a new, value-packed solar water heating option for 1) consumers looking to replace traditional solar water heating systems, 2) plumbing, PV and electrical contractors seeking more dependable solutions for their customers, 3) vacation property owners looking for low-cost energy-saving solutions and 4) builders and multi-family property owners seeking to gobble up tax incentives, meet emissions reduction goals and attract and retain sustainably-inclined tenants.

Just last year, Hawaii Energy created an entirely new category of solar water heating rebate for Sun Bandit consumers. Local rebates can be combined with state incentives (where available) and a 30% federal investment tax credit, further strengthening its ROI to eligible consumers. In some instances, incentives can collectively deliver up to 50% savings on qualifying systems.

These are among the reasons the Pacific Energy Alternatives team approached NGE about distribution opportunities  and why co-founder and CEO Greg Atchley says his dealer network is enthusiastic about bringing Sun Bandit technology to mainstream Hawaii  and to Main Street USA. But these arent the only reasons.

Expedited Solar: A License to Save

With Hawaiis aggressive new sustainability goals, wait lists for permits to facilitate solar installations are frustratingly long, Atchley said. Sun Bandit creates a load reduction that lowers energy costs without dependence on politically-charged tariff, net metering and utility approvals. And Sun Bandits off-grid capabilities dont require interconnection; installation can start the day after a contract is signed. One trip to the Building Department for a permit and customers can start saving.

Atchley said the pro-sustainability values inherent in the Next Generation Energy team combined with Sun Bandits multi-faceted value proposition present a stellar opportunity to deliver leading-edge solutions that create jobs, increase cash-flow and offer a lower cost of market entry for PV solutions that accelerate Hawaiis solar adoption rates.

Our priority is to provide all who are working toward a more sustainable future -- dealers, contractors, builders, public officials, non-profits and homeowners  faster access to Sun Bandit solutions as a way to achieve both their immediate needs for lower energy bills and the more lasting legacy of the sustainable energy future outlined in Hawaiis Clean Energy Initiative. This, noted Atchley, is something were eager to build our business around.

About Next Generation Energy's Sun Bandit: Sun Bandit is a trademark-registered, patented product innovation of Colorado-based Next Generation Energy (NGE), whose expertise in PV, solar thermal and off-grid system design and engineering have been delivering high-performing, money-saving renewable energy solutions to commercial, utility-scale, governmental, individual and multi-family housing interests for over 30 years. Learn more by calling 877-NGE-4SUN  or visit http://www.ngeus.com. Find Sun Bandit at http://www.sunbandit.us.

(1) US Energy Information Administration Website
Company Wall of Fame Over the past few months, we have seen the Company Wall of Fame evolve to be a real showcase of our customers employees and their achievements.

Close on the heels of recent studies about organizational satisfaction and feedback, on Friday, BizMerlin announced the general inclusion of the Company Wall of Fame feature in its highly successful HR management solution. Over the past few months, we have seen the Company Wall of Fame evolve to be a real showcase of our customers employees and their achievements. As we ironed out any remaining kinks and saw its popularity soar, we knew the time was right to release it to the general market, explained Amrinder Arora, the co-founder and CEO of BizMerlin. The companys announcement stated, More and more organizations are building a feedback-oriented culture that translates into a positive environment for growth and high performance.

The Wall of Fame feature provides a method where any employee or manager on the BizMerlin system can leave feedback notes for any other employee on an easily viewed common wall. A feedback-oriented culture grows with peoples conscious generosity to give and openness to receive feedback. Their understanding of when and how to give it also expands. All of this requires some learning and getting used to, but it all easily happens with a little practice and some playful features that BizMerlin has designed into its application to make adoption fun: such as the ability like peoples comments, to share them in personal walls; create customized notifications, and even to add emojis. And, with BizMerlin, you can do it from your desk or on the go with our mobile apps. Never miss the opportunity to gift some feedback again!

Rahul Shukla, co-founder and COO of LabsAdvisor explained how they use the Company Wall: This wall is the central piece of our employee engagement and appreciation plan. Every manager is required to give the feedback to at least one of the employees every week. This is part of our strategy for LabsAdvisor to be one of the best employers in the area as it helps us establish transparency in our culture. This culture also helps us provide transparency to our customers, as our employees are encouraged to offer a variety of convenience features in booking lab appointments.

Bob Cofod, President of BizMerlin explained, We have seen how the Companys Wall of Fame has been connected to media devices like LED TVs in hallways, cafeterias and lunchrooms to create a great way to boost recognition and celebration. Research conducted on professional and service based organizations shows that giving employees continuous and immediate feedback promotes a growth driven environment that motivates individuals and teams to strive for better performance and nurture higher levels of engagement and commitment.

About Labs Advisor:

http://labsadvisor.com

LabsAdvisor.com is a platform for diagnostic tests in India, established with a mission to enhance transparency in medical diagnostics. LabsAdvisor.com also works with international healthcare research firms to assist them with their research & testing needs. This may involve sourcing subjects/ patients for client-specific testing, data for healthcare research such as scans and support on data analytics & processing, as needed. We select and tie up, only with good quality diagnostic labs, using our own quality framework on a 5-point rating scale. We offer competitive rates, with attractive discount of up to 50% and convenience features such as home collection and online reports etc. LabsAdvisor.com has tie-ups with over 200 labs in India, across Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai.

LabsAdvisor.com was founded by Ashish Bhatia and Rahul Shukla. Both have impeccable educational and professional credentials. Ashish holds a B. Tech. in Computer Science from IIT BHU and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. Rahul is a B. Tech. from IIT-Delhi and an MBA from INSEAD in France. The founders have worked in well-known organizations like Booz & Co, Accenture, Oracle and Ford across USA, Europe and India, before starting LabsAdvisor.com.

About BizMerlin:

BizMerlin is the human resource management solution of choice for small and medium sized teams. Thousands of outstanding teams choose BizMerlin to hire, onboard, manage, allocate and retain their team members.

Completely cloud based application available via your favorite web browsers and native iOS and Android mobile apps. 100+ integrations with JIRA, Salesforce, QuickBooks and others.

http://www.bizmerlin.com
Multipures Vice President of Technical Services, Andrew Fenwick, Ph.D., has been recognized by the Water Quality Association (WQA) as their 2017 Next Gen Award winner.

Established at the beginning of 2017, the Next Gen Award recognizes exceptional individuals in the water treatment industry who are 40 years of age or younger. By honoring Dr. Fenwick as an inaugural recipient of the Next Gen Award, WQA not only acknowledges Dr. Fenwicks knowledge and expertise in the science of water treatment, but also recognizes his dedication and passion toward the betterment of water treatment and the industry as a whole. Dr. Fenwick feels honored by this recognition, stating, Receiving this inaugural award is incredibly flattering, both for me and for Multipure. It is easy to do the work needed to improve water treatment when you are surrounded by a strong and supportive group of people, from [Multipure President] Zachary Rice and [Multipure CEO] Alvin Rice, to my incredibly bright and motivated laboratory and quality assurance teams. Their hard work and support affords me the ability to participate in industry groups and committees that help expand the boundaries and influence of the water treatment industry.

Multipure President Zachary Rice feels privileged to have Dr. Fenwick as an integral part of the Multipure team. Dr. Fenwick is incredibly intelligent and dedicated, and we are proud to have him as our Vice President of Technical Services. We have long recognized the passion and talent he brings to water treatment, and we are honored by the WQAs decision to honor him with their Next Gen Award. With Dr. Fenwick on our team, we are confident that we will remain at the cutting edge of water treatment for the foreseeable future.

The Water Quality Association (WQA) is a not-for-profit international trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. WQA maintains a close dialogue with other organizations representing different aspects of the water industry in order to best serve consumers, government officials, and industry members.

Founded in 1970, Multipure is an industry leader in the manufacture and distribution of drinking water systems and compressed solid carbon block filters. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Multipure employs over 200 people, and is committed to being a company that provides the people of the world with the best quality drinking water at an affordable price. Multipure is a member of the Water Quality Association, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau.
The goal...is to gain rapid returns, build market share at less cost, and allow for greater autonomy among individual business units in driving their unique needs.

Global Business Intelligence group CBIG Consulting confirmed it has been named a Top 20 Most Promising Data Analytics Solution Provider by CIO Review for 2017, one of several honors it has collected in recent years in the Big Data consulting sector. The publication, an online resource for both professionals and consumers of enterprise solutions, specializes in research and analysis of the latest trends in data-driven innovations.

Founded in 2002, CBIG grew its strong reputation on developing full life-cycle services that assimilated clients data assets into the larger context of Big Data to achieve valuable insights. Once Big Data architectures became the rule rather than the exception for most enterprises, said President and spokesperson Todd Nash, CBIGs challenge evolved into providing more strategic initiatives with targeted data analytics programs within these powerful settings to effect positive change and growth.

In the last several years, Nash explained, CBIG has expanded its portfolio of data analytics services that can be used alone or as building blocks for larger programs. The goal, he added, is to gain rapid returns, build market share at less cost, and allow for greater autonomy among individual business units in driving their unique needs. Nash disclosed several CBIG data analytics programs currently at the forefront of client demand, including Marketing and Sales Analytics solutions, Predictive Analytics, and particularly Data Monetization initiatives.

About CBIG Consulting:

CBIG Consulting is an international team of experts in Business Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Data Warehousing, and Cloud-based Analytics platforms. Named a top BI and Big Data consulting firm by independent research organizations and publications, CBIGs management consultants, business analysts, data scientists, architects and engineers are seasoned professionals dedicated to the analytics space. CBIG works with global enterprises, mid-size businesses, and non-profit organizations in solving mission-critical reporting and analytical needs. CBIG is headquartered in the Chicago area and has additional offices in San Francisco, Boston, Denver, Austin, Raleigh, Irvine and Seattle in the U.S.; Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore serving the Asia-Pacific region; and London serving the EMEA region. For more information, please visit http://www.cbigconsulting.com
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Students from Indiana elementary and middle schools will demonstrate how they have learned to harness economic skills and innovation to create a successful business at the Classroom Business Enterprise (CBE) Showcase at Purdue Universitys Krannert School of Management on April 12.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will recognize teachers and young entrepreneurs from the areas of Indianapolis, South Bend, Kokomo and Lafayette who have participated in the CBE program throughout the school year. Students will be on hand to display their products and share information about the process of starting their business, including designing, producing, marketing and selling their goods. Business experts from Purdue and local corporations will be on hand to offer constructive feedback.

The Purdue Center for Economic Education (PCEE), a national leader in economic literacy, administers the CBE program, with the current year's program recieving significant financial support from The Lafayette Life Foundation.

Our current economic climate in Indiana and its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation makes programs like CBE even more important for young Hoosiers and our communities, said David Perkis, PCEE director. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger has consistently emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in keeping our bright students working in the state. CBE and other programs like it help empower students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset early.

Through teacher training and support, the program allows teachers in elementary and middle schools to incorporate applied business experience in their current classroom curriculum, giving their students the opportunity to learn important economic skills. Both the start-up funds provided to students and the profits they earn are in real dollars, making it a true entrepreneurial learning experience.

Often, economic and entrepreneurial education isnt something we think about until students reach high school, Perkis said. However, research and practice have shown that teaching economic decision-making at an early age alongside language and mathematical skills is essential for helping our students to retain these lessons long term.

Introducing economic ideas during a students elementary years has the added benefit of allowing teachers to tie these lessons into other academic standards like reading, social studies and STEM areas, giving students a more holistic view of how our economy works. While many of our teachers have started businesses focused on STEM applications, we plan to offer formal STEM training as part of the CBE program next year.

In addition to highlighting the achievements of CBE teachers and students, the PCEE will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Purdue and recognize the achievements of its teacher advocate, Gina Boyd, who recently won a national award for excellence in the teaching of economics at the elementary school level.

The CBE Showcase will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Krannert Buildings Drawing Room. For more information, visit the PCCE website or contact Perkis at perkis@purdue.edu or 765-496-2596.

State Street Redevelopment Project construction is under way. This work will close a portion of State Street and significantly affect surrounding thoroughfares in West Lafayette.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  Government inspections of railroads that haul volatile crude oil across the United States have uncovered almost 24,000 safety defects, including problems similar to those blamed in derailments that triggered massive fires or oil spills in Oregon, Virginia, Montana and elsewhere, according to data obtained by The Associated Press.

The safety defects were discovered during targeted federal inspections on almost 58,000 miles of oil train routes in 44 states. The inspection program began two years ago following a string of oil train accidents across North America, including a 2013 derailment in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, that killed 47 people.

Federal regulators said the inspections resulted in 1,118 violation recommendations, prompting railroads to become more responsive to concerns raised by track inspectors and to improve safety.

Problems identified by federal inspectors included worn rails and other equipment; bolts meant to hold tracks in place that were broken, loosened or missing; and cracks in steel bars joining sections of track. They also noted failures by railroads to quickly fix problems identified through inspections.

Such issues are not uncommon across the nation's 140,000-mile freight rail network. But they've received heightened attention after rail shipments of crude oil increased and the number of major derailments spiked following a surge in domestic energy production.

A violation recommendation occurs when an inspector finds something serious enough to warrant a potential penalty, or a railroad fails to address a defect that's been found. Federal officials declined to say how many penalties had been issued under the crude-by-rail inspection program.

A former senior official at the Federal Railroad Administration, Steven Ditmeyer, reviewed the inspection data obtained by the AP. He said it reinforces the need for railroads to stay on top of regular maintenance for their sprawling networks of track.

Many of the defects found by inspectors posed serious safety issues, Ditmeyer said, adding that it can be difficult for railroads to know when a seemingly small problem will result in a derailment.

"All of this is a call for continued vigilance," said Ditmeyer, who directed the railroad administration's Office of Research and Development for eight years. "One defect or one violation of the right kind can cause a derailment. These statistics give a good indication of the track quality, but most (defects) won't cause a derailment."

The rail industry views safety defects as warnings from regulators that action is necessary, said Association of American Railroads spokeswoman Jessica Kahanek. She said violations are a better indicator of safety problems because not all defects pose an immediate risk. Hundreds of the violation recommendations on oil train routes were "paperwork-related," Kahanek said, such as railroads not providing required forms to government inspectors.
NEW YORK (TNS)  Twenty-somethings sip gourmet coffee in comfy booths as a chill soundtrack plays. There's funky art, as well as skylights, an artificial putting green and  on some nights  happy hours with beer and wine.

A W hotel? A tech startup?

It's a Staples office-supply store, that longtime favorite of cubicle jockeys and back-to-school shoppers.

The company offers this "co-working" space  where millennials on laptops set up their instant offices  inside the very first Staples store in America. Three decades ago, it opened in Boston's Brighton neighborhood, just down the street from the International House of Pancakes where future office-store magnate Tom Stemberg signed the company's founding documents.

This blend of old and new shows how Staples Inc. is digging up its roots as one of the first, and most successful, big-box retailers. Under Shira Goodman, the company's new chief executive officer, Staples hopes it can reverse its years of declining sales, unlike so many other retailers left for dead in the internet age.

Staples is targeting a market that, while now trendy, it still considers neglected: small businesses, from independent contractors who patronize co-working offices to entrepreneurs on Main Street and in Silicon Valley.

"If you want to get our strategy on one page, this would be it," Goodman said from the company's headquarters in the Boston suburb of Framingham, Mass. "If you go to most people on the street and ask about Staples they'd go, 'Oh yeah, the office-products superstore.' But the reality is that's very far from where we are today, and even farther from where we want to be."

Goodman wants to dominate the $80 billion-a-year U.S. midmarket, or businesses with fewer than 200 employees. Staples has sold off overseas divisions, shut down unprofitable U.S. outlets and, last month, said it will close 70 of its more than 1,500 stores after shuttering more than 300 over the past three years.

In February 2015, it tried to buy smaller Office Depot, which had already snapped up rival OfficeMax. But the Federal Trade Commission challenged the deal as anti-competitive and blocked it last May.

Goodman sees a silver lining in not having to handle integrating the operations of a rival. "Now you could have unbelievable focus around the Staples of the future and how quickly can we get there," she said.

In 1992, Staples hired Goodman. Shortly after arriving, she helped bring on Neil Ringel who oversees delivery.

When Ringel looks at the future he sees a woman the company calls "Jackie": a small company office manager who must handle everything from ordering ink to unclogging toilets. Ringel wants to win Jackie with offerings and memberships to make her job easier. They include a mobile app that allows ordering via voice, photo, text and Facebook Messenger. There are also discounts from Staples and third-party vendors such as FTD for flowers and Drizly for booze.

Staples has expanded into bathroom and breakroom supplies, such as soap and coffee K-Cups. These items now make up 12 percent of sales. To cater to smaller firms, Staples also plans to hire 1,000 new salespeople, a 25 percent increase. "We're doubling down," Ringel said.

Staples is also working on a national marketing campaign.
CHICAGO (AP)  School board candidates who supported a plan to let a transgender student use the girls' locker room at a suburban Chicago school survived an election challenge in one of several local races that took on an issue that has been the focus of state and national debate.

Tuesday's contest in the roughly 12,000-student, five-high school district was a unique referendum on transgender bathroom use. While numerous schools and municipalities nationwide are grappling with the question, the issue overtook the election in suburbs northwest of Chicago, which was the community's first chance to weigh in at the ballot box.

Experts say the results in Palatine's Township High School District 211 could provide guidance, and political cover, to other districts. Two incumbents and a former board member supporting the policy won despite three challengers whose top priorities included changing it.

"It's encouraging," said Christopher Clark, a regional director for Lambda Legal. "The attempt to deny these students the ability to be who they are, and be safe in school serves no legitimate purpose. This may be a sign that the public is starting to understand."

The issue played a less prominent role in other Illinois elections Tuesday, including in the nearby Elgin School District U-46, which is Illinois' second largest with 40,000 students. There, unofficial results showed three school board candidates won after supporting a district policy allowing students to use bathrooms based on gender identity.

The Palatine district's current practice allows the student, who has lived as a girl since middle school, to use the girls' locker rooms with the understanding she would use a private changing station that other students also can access, as well as the girls' bathrooms. The policy followed a 2013 federal complaint, packed board meetings and intervention from former President Barack Obama's administration.

Opposition to its practice re-emerged on the campaign trail, with three candidates saying a top priority was to overhaul the policy.

The three challengers received backing from Parents for Privacy, which sued the district over claims that the transgender policy violates other students' privacy rights. But Vicki Wilson, who co-founded Parents for Privacy, said she didn't see the election as a referendum on the issue, since candidates also stressed fiscal responsibility.

"We're going to continue," she said Wednesday. "The children are not all being respected."

The group's federal lawsuit is being argued by the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom, which said Wednesday that several districts are going the other way. For example, school officials in Derby, Kansas, which last year crowned a transgender student king of a winter ball, this year reversed its policy allowing transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.

President Donald Trump's administration in February revoked an Obama administration directive instructing public schools to let transgender students use bathrooms and locker rooms of their chosen gender. Trump's administration is leaving it to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law.

"It's not an easy issue, I admit that," said school board member Robert LeFevre Jr., who was re-elected with Anna Klimkowicz and a former board member. "There is not a right or a wrong answer. It's something to be managed and dealt with very carefully."

Some voters in suburban Chicago say they like the district's policy.

"If a student or a parent had a child that is transgender they should be able to use the appropriate bathroom of their choosing," said Palatine voter and parent Emily Meckstan.

The student at the center of Palatine's debate, who's being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, said she pursued legal action because her rights were being denied. The senior is preparing to go to college and said her gender isn't an issue in her day-to-day school life.

"Nobody cares," said the student, who spoke in a phone interview arranged by the ACLU, which has said she wishes to remain anonymous. "Young people don't make this an issue, their parents do."
WHEATON, Ill. (AP)  A suburban Chicago judge on Thursday ordered a new trial for a man convicted 20 years ago and sentenced to 45 years in prison for arson and murder in his mother-in-law's death.

The DuPage County judge vacated the conviction of William Amor, 60, who is imprisoned at the Taylorville Correctional Facility in central Illinois. The ruling follows a weeklong hearing in December when Amor's attorneys presented new arson-related scientific evidence. He is represented by the University of Illinois-Springfield's Illinois Innocence Project.

Amor's conviction was based on a false confession and arson findings that are no longer scientifically reliable, his attorneys said in statement. He was found guilty of murder and aggravated arson in September 1997 for Marianne Miceli's death in Naperville. His attorneys said the false confession to police came after 15 hours of questioning and Amor being served divorce papers at the station.

Amor's attorneys said evidence points to the fire being accidental.

"It is undisputed by the experts in this case that fire science has evolved, and it has changed to such an extent that the original findings in this case are unreliable," said Amor's attorney Lauren Kaeseberg, legal director of the Illinois Innocence Project Chicago office.

A hearing is scheduled April 13 to determine if Amor will be released or if prosecutors will appeal, Amor's attorneys said. The DuPage County state's attorney's office on Thursday declined comment.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has released the names of the six officers involved in the Oct. 30 shooting during which a 24-year-old Davenport man was killed.
A bipartisan letter from federal lawmakers is asking U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to exempt the Bureau of Prisons from a federal hiring freeze they say could delay the opening of the Thomson maximum-security prison.

The letter, signed by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, and David McKinley, R-W.V., said, "It is imperative that you authorize BOP (Bureau of Prisons) to hire the corrections staff it needs in order to effectively manage the 122 federal prisons it oversees across the country.

"At the Administrative Penitentiary in Thomson, Ill., the hiring freeze comes at a particularly concerning time. BOP has spent months working to activate the facility in order to help alleviate overcrowding at high-security institutions.

"As of October 2016, Thomson was on target to begin accepting inmates by the end of 2017. However, the freeze has already forced the facility to postpone hiring a new class of incoming officers.

"Without the exemption, the activation of the facility may be further delayed."

On Jan. 23, President Donald Trump ordered a hiring freeze on federal civilian employees, according to the letter, except in limited circumstances. The president's order said the "head of any executive department or agency may exempt ... any positions that it deems necessary to meet national-security or public-safety responsibilities."

In the letter, Reps. Bustos and McKinley and Sen. Durbin said they were "troubled" by the U.S. Department of Justice's decision not to include the BOP among the other law-enforcement bureaus that are fully exempt from the hiring freeze.

Jared Smith, spokesman for Rep. Bustos, said the DOJ acknowledged receipt of the letter. Mr. Smith said Wednesday they have not received a formal response yet from the department, which oversees the BOP.

In October, officials at Thomson said they had 214 employees and would need to reach 300 before they could start accepting high-security inmates, according to Mr. Smith.

The BOP could not be reached for comment Wednesday on the current staff numbers at Thomson.

As a federal maximum-security prison, Thomson is expected to house up to 2,800 federal inmates from around the country. Sen. Durbin announced in 2012 that the BOP would buy Thomson Prison from Illinois for $165 million. The state built the facility in 2001 but never had enough funds budgeted to finish the project.

About 125 minimum-security inmates have been housed at an adjacent prison camp during construction.

The BOP is responsible for the custody and care of nearly 190,000 federal inmates, according to the letter from Rep. Bustos and Sen. Durbin.
KEWANEE  Sam Stewart has spent most of the years since he graduated from United Township High School in 1998 in prison, and he is set to complete his third prison sentence next year  with no plans to come back.

"This will be my last time," Mr. Stewart said Tuesday at the new Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, where he's housed. His confidence is motivated by a desire to be with a young son, and bolstered, he said, by the center's skills training and respect from the staff.

"They really care," he said. "They want to help you. This place, they're definitely more focused on going home than just doing time. They're trying to prepare you and give you the necessary skills to succeed once you get home and not come back, instead of just sticking you in a cell."

The Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center opened on Feb. 16, and so far, 59 inmates have been transferred there from other state Department of Corrections facilities, on a request basis. They must be within five years of release, and they have the opportunity to take a variety of classes in skills that will help them get jobs and live peaceably and productively in their home communities.

Re-entry programs are not unique, but most are geared toward "low-risk, low-need" prison inmates, said DOC Director John Baldwin. What's unique about the Kewanee center is that it will train for re-entry into society the medium- to high-need and high-risk inmates as they get close to release from the prison system.

"This facility is the first of its kind in the United States," Mr. Baldwin said. The help it provides is "evidence-based" on what will help even longtime prisoners adjust to civil society, he said.

Mr. Stewart said he is serving a seven-year sentence for an armed robbery at a business in Peoria that involved taking hostages into a walk-in cooler while he took money from the business' safe. He's due for release in December 2018.

The East Moline native was serving that sentence at the Vienna Correctional Center in southern Illinois when he learned about and requested transfer to Kewanee  at first, so he could be closer to home, he said.

But as he began taking the life-skills classes, including a parenting class, he began to sense a real way forward. His son, Samuel Stewart III, 9, was just a toddler when Mr. Stewart began his current sentence.

"For me, personally, I've been in prison before, and I had no responsibilities," he said. "It was just me. This time, I have a son. That's what's changed for me. I have to be there for him, I have to be accountable. I want him to grow up with his dad in his life."

Mr. Stewart has learned to weld while in prison, he said. He hasn't yet continued with that training in Kewanee. The life-skills center is gradually adding job-skills programs and networking with local colleges, the center's warden, Anthony Williams, said.

"We're looking at different career paths" that could include plumbing, horticulture, construction trades, warehouse management and more. Mr. Williams said. "We're in the process of getting everything locked up with area colleges to get the specific programming lined up."

The life-skills classes cover interpersonal skills, interviewing for jobs, checkbook balancing, financial literacy, and much more.

During an interpersonal-skills class on Tuesday, an instructor encouraged inmates to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and to seek ways to apply them to opportunities.

"Is there a need in the community  something that is failing, where you can fit in?" the instructor asked. "Is there a new role or product that forces you to learn new skills, or is the company expanding? These are external. So what kind of opportunities, as you leave this facility and go back to your community, what kind of opportunities do you have there to capitalize on your strengths as well as your weaknesses?"

The Kewanee center still looks like a prison  it was converted to its present use after serving as the Kewanee Youth Correction Center from 2000 until last year. There are rows of barbed-wire fences on the outside, and small prison cells with bunks on the inside. Visitors are carefully screened.

But inmates have more say over their time than those at conventional prisons, on when they eat or when they exercise, instead of being herded, officials said. Inmates are treated with respect and encouraged to show respect to each other and the staff, Mr. Williams said.

"We're trying to de-institutionlize them," Mr. Williams said.

Before coming to Kewanee, Mr. Williams worked for 15 years at the Menard Correctional Center. He is excited about his new job, and he said staff members, most of them retained from the former youth center, also are excited.

"This is an opportunity to fundamentally change how we do corrections in Illinois," he said. "My staff feels the same way, everybody from clerks to security staff all the way through the administration. Everyone.

"We're genuinely vested in their (inmates') outcome, to make sure that they have a positive outcome from being here. Because that's what's right as humans. We should try and reform these guys because they're going to be our neighbors, they're going to be co-workers in the community."

That full equation  that in helping prison inmates stay out of prison and lead productive lives, the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center also helps make communities safer  was spelled out by Gov. Bruce Rauner after a tour of the facility Tuesday.

"How does it keep our communities safer?" Gov. Rauner asked. "By helping offenders not repeat crime in the future. Reducing future crime because we help them get the skills they need in life. How do you apply for a job; how do you do a resume? How do you handle technology on a computer and a cell phone?

"This facility provides the work experience, the training, the classroom," Gov. Rauner added. "I am so impressed with the inmates, with the individuals, I've met here today and visited with. They have a positive attitude toward life and about their own mistake. They're ready to make amends, and they're ready to get on and have a positive life."

As Mr. Stewart pointed out, "Everyone here has applied for it. They want to change."

Among the first differences Mr. Stewart said he noted in coming to the Kewanee center: "First thing, the aggression level is a lot lower than in most prisons."

Mr. Williams said the local community has responded to the center with donations, including a room full of clothes for departing inmates, with some of it suitable for job interviews.

The overall effect is noticed by inmates, Mr. Williams said.

"I have one offender, when we brought him in, he was actually crying," he said. "I asked him, 'Is there something wrong?' And he said, 'You guys actually care. It's not something that we're used to.' That's what we're trying to foster here, let them know that we actually care about the outcome that they receive from this type of program."

The DOC is planning to open another Life Skills Re-entry Center for men at the former Illinois Youth Center in Murphsyboro and a female Life Skills Re-entry Center at the Logan Correctional Center.
Id like to address the elephant in the room. That elephant being the Republican Party and their refusal to represent the majority of their constituents. Lets begin with stricter gun control (something that would help lessen the fears parents have when sending their children off to school), 53% of Americans favor this (Pew Research) yet the elephant in the room refuses to consider any such thing. Over 70% of Americans want stricter background checks yet again; the elephant in the room refuses to represent them. 61% of Americans say abortion should be legal. Again, the elephant in the room pushes laws that do the opposite. 74% of Americans do not want social security reduced in any way. But the elephant in the room pushes to do just the opposite, cut social security. 63% of Americans now prefer Medicare for all, but the elephant in the room fights it with all its might. 67% of Americans feel more needs to be done to reduce climate change, but not the elephant in the room. The elephant sides with the fossil fuel industry claiming its not a big concern. Given these few statistics (there are more like them) its obvious that the Republican Party is the party of minority rule, quite the opposite of what our founding fathers envisioned. The Republican Party has become a power cult, not a party that represents the majority of Americans. Remember this while you mark your ballot in this midterm election. Save Democracy! Vote Democratic!
G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now!
The contract was awarded to the Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC) joint venture by High Speed Railway Contract Consortium (HSRCC).

KCIC and HSRCC agreed a 50-year design-build-maintain-operate concession in March 2016 and planning approvals, construction permits, a franchise agreement, and design of the route have now been finalised.

The $US 5.5bn project will be 75%-financed by China Development Bank, with the joint venture organising the remaining 25%.

The line is due to open in 2019, reducing the journey time between Jakarta and Bandung to around 40 minutes, compared with around three hours on the existing 173km 1067mm-gauge line.
The train arrived at the facility on March 28, completing its journey from Spain via Germany.

NS placed a 510m order with CAF in December 2015 for 118 of the 1.5kV dc suburban trains, which are based on CAFs Civity platform. The order comprises 68 three-car and 50 four-car sets.

The first SNG trains are due to enter service with NS in December 2018, expanding the fleet to accommodate rapidly-rising traffic and enabling the withdrawal of ageing SGMm two and three-car Sprinter EMUs.

For detailed data on rolling stock orders around the globe, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
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Alleged Ponzi scheme organizer to stand trial on embezzlement charges

MOSCOW, April 6 (RAPSI)  A criminal case against alleged Ponzi scheme organizer Vladimir Romanov charged with embezzling money of more than 1,800 Russian citizens has been sent to court for hearing, press service of the Samara Regions prosecutors office announced on Thursday.

According to investigators, the defendant and his alleged accomplice Dmitry Artamonov created Investoil Financial Group, the organization operating as a financial pyramid. They have organized the firms extensive advertisement of high yield on deposits in a short time. As a result, from January 2012 to March 2015, they invited citizens funds amounting to 600 million rubles ($10.7 million) on the pretext of paying unreachable interest.

Over 1,800 people have been recognized as victims in the case.
You just need to watch their eyes and smiles to see that Bob Packwood and Blackie Nelson are feeling pure joy when they play music together.

And, of course, you can hear it in the notes.

The two come together for a rare jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at the Myrna Loy Center that pays tribute to Nelsons long career as a gifted musician.

While some might find Nelson on guitar and Packwood on piano a bit unusual in the realm of jazz combinations, its not.

Nat King Cole in the days of his trio was a renowned jazz pianist and played with guitarist Oscar Moore, said Packwood.

Although they have three decades separating their ages, thats proven to be a boon to their music making -- rather than a hindrance.

When they play the great jazz standards, Nelson, 91, brings to the songs all the nuances and understanding of having heard the music when it was fresh and played on all the radio stations.

Jazz venues were so common in Helena that 30 to 50 musicians were playing nightly, said Nelson, and he was one of them -- at places like the Montana Club, the Bank Club Lounge, the Nite Owl and The Cabin.

They would play from 9 (in the evening) to almost 2 in the morning and then the musicians would all go out and have breakfast, said Nelsons wife Isabel.

For a small town, it was pretty remarkable, said Nelson. It was right after World War II and there was an atmosphere of gaiety.

***

'A universal language'

Helena was alive with jazz from the mid 1940s to sometime in the 1960s.

Traveling bands and musicians were coming to Helena.

And Nelson and Isabel would travel far and wide to hear some of the jazz greats perform live.

It was the music of the day, said Nelson, who became a jazz fan as a teen. There were several afternoon shows on the radio.

A native of Helena, Nelson started playing in a high school jazz band.

His partner in Thursdays concert, Bob Packwood, is a world class pianist, who has traveled all over the globe performing and carved out a professional music career for 15 years in New York City.

Packwood has an impressive award-winning discography of 50 albums and counting.

His newest one, Every Time I See You, is due out this month and just might be available at Thursdays concert.

How this concert came to be started several years ago.

Weve been getting together for a couple of years kind of regularly, said Packwood, who moved to Helena in 2011. We just throw back and forth our favorite tunes -- our favorite standards. All we play when we play together is songs we love."

Theres a lot of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart, they say as they take turns throwing out names.

"When we got this opportunity to do this concert, they picked the ones where the magic kind of happens.

When a piano comes together with guitar, it can be a horrible clash, said Packwood, but thats just never happened with these two.

I met Blackie on a Wilbur Rehmann gig, said Packwood. I remember it like it was yesterday.

We were playing and it was a weave. I just couldnt believe it. I was catching his eye -- like whats going on here?

You listen to each other other and thats so important, said Isabel.

We do more listening than playing, said Packwood, which I think is one of the hallmarks of the great players.

And both are optimistic about whats happening in the jazz world today, even though there arent many jazz gigs in Helena these days.

I think its healthier than it has been in a long time, said Packwood.

I could list 50 records from the last couple of years that are masterpieces, said Packwood. I just hear record after record -- its just so healthy.

Jazz has broadened. They incorporate world music elements, said Packwood.

Music is a universal language, he said. Both he and Isabel noted that when musicians travel to other countries they can sit in and play music with musicians there even if they dont speak the same language.

And its that same level of listening that he and Nelson bring to making music together. They both love to improvise.

Its being in the moment, said Packwood. To me its a model of the highest human interaction. Its where culture is. It embodies these great qualities.

All of a sudden, its like hes playing the piano and Im playing the guitar.

Its like we are part of each other, said Nelson.

Its really intimate, said Packwood. Its like conversation at its highest. Weve had that since the first time we were on the bandstand together.

Cole Porter and Gershwin -- this music is incredibly complex harmonically and we're improvising, said Packwood. Most other music is in one key and might have three different chords, but in this music the key center changes all the time. ... "Its a different level.

Every time we play a song, its new, said Packwood. Ive learned so much ... playing with him. He has insight into harmony. ... Theres a freedom about it. Blackie can play the song and navigate all these complex harmonic areas ... and its different every time. Theres a freedom inside of the structure that Im just amazed at.

***

Musical roots

Both found music at a young age.

Nelson, who is a Helena native, recalled My mother was quite musical, playing the violin and piano. My dad in his own way really liked music but he didnt play anything. We always had a piano in the house.

The radio was often on.

Music came in from radio stations in Salt Lake City and Texas that played a lot of jazz or even had live bands playing concerts on the radio.

Isabel recalled she and Nelson would drive out to Elliston and back just so they could catch the whole radio program.

Packwood is a Billings native. When he was 5, he made a stringed instrument out of some old cigar boxes and composed a song and played it for his mother, complete with a chorus.

A week or two later there was a piano in the house, said Packwood. You couldnt keep me off the thing. I always improvised. I always played my own music.

He formed his first jazz trio in middle school and played in a rock band in high school.

In 1988 he was selected to play in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition at the Smithsonian Institution.

It was such an inspiring experience, he relocated to New York City and worked as a musician for 15 years.

Ive had a prolific international career, Packwood said, with a lot of international touring and recording. He also lived for a while in Toronto.

His musical repertoire isnt limited to jazz. His career spans all kinds of music and much of the music he plays is original.

After spending 25 years away from Montana, he decided to move back and made Helena his home.

I fell in love with Helena, he said.

One reason he wanted to return is he knew he wanted to record his own album of original music and he wanted to do it in Montana, which is the one hes releasing this month.

He describes it as a mix of Americana roots, Memphis soul, R&B and jazz.

And since returning, he travels all over the state playing gigs -- particularly in Bozeman and Missoula.

I love being back in Montana and driving myself to gigs. My home base is always going to be here.

***

'A very special night'

Both Nelson and Packwood are looking forward to being on the Myrna Loy Center stage Thursday night.

People will recognize some of the music, said Isabel of the special night of standards. Its magic when they get together and play.

That seems to be the consensus of two of Helena areas better known jazz musicians, Wilbur Rehmann and MJ Williams.

Its high caliber music, said Rehmann. Its music like many people have not heard.

Blackie knows almost every song ever written and can play them. ... Other guitar players are in awe of him. He has a technique of chord substitution where he makes the song sound even better than the way it was written. He is a master of guitar.

Bob is another outstanding musician, he said, noting his career has spanned continents and numerous genres, from jazz to swing to just about any music you can think of.

Blackie is a classic Montana jazz man, said Williams. He is the hero of all guitar players, David Horgan among them, referring to one of Montanas best known jazz guitar players. Hes a consummate jazz player and student.

Its just a great cross-generational concert, she said.

I hope people really turn up for this, she said. Its going to be a very special night.

The April 6 concert is one of the few times in Nelsons career when he takes center stage, having spent much of his career highlighting other players.

Tickets to the Blackie Nelson and Bob Packwood concert are $24 and are available at the Myrna Loy Center, 15 N. Ewing, 443-0287 or online at myrnaloycenter.com.
By George Friedman As I have mentioned previously, I spent the past couple of weeks in Europe. I completed my trip last week with a visit to Warsaw and Budapest. Both places are concerned with economic issues, resistance to the European Union's claims on their sovereignty and, most importantly, their long-term national security. What was 
In his bombshell book Destined for War, which is soon to be released, Harvard professor Graham Allison offers what can only be described as the definitive account of how Washington and Beijing could soon be on the path to a disastrous conflict, ensnarled in what is often referred to as the Thucydides Trap.

While the book offers many important insights, it is Allisons depiction of the most dangerous of greases for this trap that should terrify his readers. The enabling substance contains two key ingredients: Chinese President Xi Jinpings Chinese Dream and visions of putting his nation on a path toward national rejuvenation, and U.S. President Donald Trumps quest to Make America Great Again. These set the stage for a bigger challenge: The creation of a zero-sum game in which the newfound greatness of the one is perceived as a strategic or economic loss for the other.

A Six-sided Thucydides Trap

As Xi and Trump meet today, both sides must grasp the sheer sum of challenges in front of them -- six by my count. While just one of these problems would be a major challenge between great powers in any era, we are presented with the most perilous of situations: multiple pathways to conflict between two states armed with large nuclear arsenals. Without serious give-and-take on both sides, the worlds most important bilateral relationship could become its most dangerous.

The Soviet Union brought America and China together. Now it is gone

Nothing brings together bitter enemies more than even bigger enemies or shared problems. With China reeling from decades of disastrous Maoist policies that left millions dead and an economy in ruins, while the United States suffered from the aftereffects of the Vietnam War, its own troublesome economy and, most importantly, a Soviet surge that looked as if it could tip the balance of power, Washington and Beijing had ample reason to make common cause.

Such a marriage of convenience was bound to end. Domestic challenges in both countries faded. Internationally, as soon as the Soviet flag came down from high above the Kremlin in 1991, the main impetus for Washington and Beijing to work together was gone. By 1992, U.S. presidential candidates across the political spectrum were scoring points by steadily attacking Chinas human-rights record. As fate would have it, however, reasons for cooperation would blossom once more.

Trade, the great unifier, is now the great divider

Despite the death of the Soviet Union and the passing of other issues that once bound Washington and Beijing, a new source of shared mutual interest would pull these very different nations back together again: money.

The United States and China presently benefit from a $600 billion-plus bilateral trade relationship. But the fruits of this relationship benefit Beijing much more than Washington. And after then-candidate Trump venomously slammed China countless times on the campaign trail over unfair trade, the stage seems set for a showdown this week. While Chinese officials seem ready to work toward some small steps to rebalance the relationship, the fact remains that a roughly $300 billion trade deficit will likely be nearly impossible to erase in the short to medium term.

East China Sea

As China and Japan continue to battle over who is the dominant power in this sea, Washington will remain in the hot seat. With Tokyo having administrative control over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands since the 1970s and America declaring on now countless occasions that it would go to war to protect Tokyos position, the danger exists of a clash between China and Japan turning into a superpower showdown.

South China Sea

With $5 trillion of seaborne trade passing through this vital waterway -- $1.2 trillion of which is U.S. trade -- economics dictate that whoever dominates the South China Sea dominates the Asia-Pacific. China in the last few years has used its newfound economic muscle to change facts on the water, building what are essentially seven new islands armed with various types of offensive and defensive weapons platforms.

The danger here is obvious: Eventual outright control of the South China Sea would give Beijing tremendous leverage throughout the region, and by 2020, some very senior U.S. officials think, that is a very real possibility. Nations such as Japan, Taiwan, and others depend on exports and natural resources to power their economies, and China could essentially cut these nations out of the global economic order in mere days if Beijing was angered over Japanese actions in the East China Sea or over fears of Taipeis possible pursuit of independence. While Beijings island bases could be wiped out quickly in a military strike, it stands to reason that China would not take kindly to such an action -- setting the stage for conflict.

Taiwan

Many scholars argue that the real reason Beijing built up its military starting in the late 1990s was to ensure Taipei would never seek independence -- and tensions have been building around Taiwan for several years. From the election of the more independence-minded Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen, to a controversial phone call between Washington and Taipei, and tensions over the acceptance of the so-called One China policy, Taiwan is a flashpoint like no other. With the Trump administration considering a massive arms sale to Taipei, and Chinas insistence that Taiwan may never be allowed to be free of Beijings grip, the island of Formosa could once again set the stage for a superpower showdown.

North Korea

Recent headlines suggest that North Korea, which might consider testing a nuclear weapon in the very near future, could present both a challenge and an opportunity to work together. And the challenge is easy to see: what do you do with a country hellbent on establishing itself as a rogue nuclear power?

Regime change is simply not an option -- no one wants to be responsible for the lives of 23 million impoverished souls and trillions of dollars in reconstruction, as well as potential loose chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. Managing Pyongyang therefore seems the only way to make sure the most lethal of Pandoras boxes is never opened. While Washington is essentially trying to contain the problem -- think THAAD missile defenses for Seoul, cyberattacks to slow North Koreas missile development, and secondary sanctions to add additional pressure -- only by working together can China and America break the logjam of decades of danger. But if North Korea were to test a missile that accidentally crashes into South Korea or Japan, costing innocent lives, or pushes its neighbors to respond, no one knows what could happen.

What can bring both sides together again

While the above six flashpoints are certainly reason for concern, tensions between the worlds two biggest economies and militaries need not sputter into an open shooting contest. While there are many areas of pressure, there are also many areas of potential cooperation. Climate change and saving the environment should be at the top of talks this week. If the trade relationship could be made more equitable and as China transitions slowly from being the worlds factory to a service and ideas economy, there is no telling how deep trade ties could go. And considering cultural ties that span generations and the millions of Chinese students here in the United States, there is ample room for hope -- as long as both sides dont embrace the mindset that the United States and China are truly destined for war.
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Bethenny Frankel says she doesn't know if she would get married for a third time.

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The 46-year-old reality star said in an interview with People that her divorce from Jason Hoppy and her "The Real Housewives of New York City" co-stars' splits have made her wary of marriage.

"I've been thinking about this a lot -- especially since I've had a negative divorce," Hoppy told the magazine ahead of "The Real Housewives of New York City" Season 9 premiere.

"There are a lot of members of our cast that are divorced, and people have had their issues, and I don't know that I would get married again," she said.

Frankel, who was previously married to Peter Sussman from 1996 to 1997, finalized her divorce from Hoppy in July after splitting from the businessman in 2012.

Hoppy rejected a plea deal in March after being charged in January with stalking and harassing Frankel.

"The complainant said Hoppy had sent numerous emails and FaceTime calls numbering in the hundreds after a cease and desist letter was sent on Nov. 22, 2016," an NYPD representative said Jan. 31.

"On Friday, Jan. 27, [Hoppy] approached [Frankel] and a friend at her child's school at around 8:15 a.m. and tried to provoke a fight," the rep added. "He said, 'I will destroy you, you can get all the lawyers you want, you've been warned.'"

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Frankel has been linked to Michael Cerussi, Eric Stonestreet and Dennis Shields since her split from Hoppy.

She tweeted a list last week of what she's seeking in a partner: "funny, smart, passionate, can handle me, not broke."

"The Real Housewives of New York City" returned Wednesday on Bravo.
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Rain. High 62F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

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Rain likely. Low 47F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
On April 8, Serve UGA will have an Interfaith Day of Service to encourage interfaith conversations through service. For those of us who grew
Being an animal lover, I take it to heart when I hear about people being discriminated against because of the breed of their dog. Insurance co
'There is a discomfort among many of us at the fact that the Republic is not more Hindu than it could or should be.'

'This discomfort is producing laws such as the one we now have in Gujarat,' says Aakar Patel.

Gujarat has passed an unusual law on cow slaughter.

The state amended the Animal Preservation Bill and changed the punishment for those convicted of killing bulls and cows.

It will now be a life sentence and a minimum of 10 years, meaning that Gujarat has decided that the act of murdering a citizen and killing an animal are equal crimes.

The chief minister of the state has said that he wants to turn Gujarat vegetarian. He added, somewhat unusually, that he was not against any food.

The outsider might ask: If there is no objection to food, then does that mean the chief minister's party, the BJP, have no problem with beef?

The answer is that, of course, it does.

Beef is the reason the law has been passed, but not the legal reason.

The legal standing comes from the Directive Principle in the Constitution which says cows and bulls should be preserved for economic reasons.

This logic is from a time when bulls were used for ploughing, which is a time behind us.

No other nation has this sort of economic logic, it is only India.

And that is because of the Hindu unease with beef.

India pretends it has a Constitution that is not linked to any particular religion.

Indeed, Indians like myself have always taken great pride that we are very different from Pakistanis who built a State around religion.

The reality is that India's laws are inflected by high caste Hindu customs.

Another example is prohibition.

The Constitution also disapproves of alcohol. The sociologist M N Srinivas said prohibition was a Sanskritic act. This is true.

Like beef, alcohol is also banned or restricted using other pretenses.

Indian states have often experimented with prohibition and most often failed.

Bihar wrote a law that collectively criminalised the possession of alcohol. Meaning that if I was found with a bottle in my house, my wife and relatives and whoever shared the house with me would also be charged.

This law was so ridiculous that it was hard to believe that the state would consider it.

The courts finally stepped in to block it, but another variant of the law was approved.

Those who think of Nitish Kumar as being a great alternative to Hindutva politics should consider this.

Courts do not always weigh in on the side of the freedom of the individual.

These days India is implementing a court order that establishments serving and selling alcohol within 500 metres of a highway should be shut down.

In some states in the northeast, which are mountainous and have few roads, this would mean shutting down most of such establishments.

The court has made exemptions for these states, though I have not been able to fully understand the logic of that.

If the issue is safety, then it cannot be compromised with.

To me, the issue is that of individual freedom.

The state should assume that its citizens will drink responsibly and it should have the capacity and intent to prosecute those who drink irresponsibly and put others and themselves in danger.

Instead, in imposing this ban, the State is assuming citizens are generally irresponsible.

The State is encroaching on individual rights and imposing a form of prohibition.

And so through these various actions, religion is creeping into the framework of our Republic. Other countries also do this sort of thing, of course.

Pakistanis love kite flying during the festival of Basant. However this is seen by some as an unIslamic practice and so often runs into trouble with the law.

Courts feel that kite flying endangers birds and the safety of citizens and therefore should be banned.

I think this comes from a very similar instinct as we are seeing in India.

The difference is that Pakistan does not claim its constitution and laws are secular.

They are Islamic, though there is some discomfort among many Pakistanis with this fact because religion alone does not offer us a framework for modern government.

In India it is the opposite.

There is a discomfort among many of us at the fact that the Republic is not more Hindu than it could or should be. This discomfort is producing laws such as the one we now have in Gujarat.

We should acknowledge that this is a narrow reading of Hinduism which is being pushed by the BJP on Indian citizens.

Those Indians who work with leather and meat, like Dalits and Muslims, will face the wrath of this new law.

But we can always assure them that we are officially a secular nation whose laws are not specifically aimed at victimising them.

Aakar Patel is Executive Director, Amnesty International India. The views expressed here are his own.

You can read Aakar's earlier columns here.

IMAGE: A mobile grab of 'gau rakshaks' assaulting Muslims in Alwar, Rajasthan, on the suspicion that they were smuggling cows on April 3, 2017. One man died after the brutal assault.
Will the EC would make an example of the RK Nagar by-election, either by ensuring free and fair polls or by countermanding the same, asks N Sathiya Moorthy.

Image: Workers readying the EVMs for RK Nagar by-poll in Chennai, on April 5, 2017. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo.

Come April 12, and Chennais RK Nagar assembly constituency would have voted for a new MLA in place of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

Three days later, the votes would have been counted -- and the results known.

Today, Jayalalithaa is no more, and the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam she had headed to a second consecutive electoral victory in May 2016 also has the name and Two Leaves election symbol frozen. The faction feud in the party, post-Jaya, has ensured as much.

The question now is not about the future of the party. That would have to wait until after the results of the RK Nagar by-election are known.

The immediate question is this: Will polling be conducted as scheduled, or will the Election Commission be forced to countermand the same, to be conducted another day? Should the EC be left with little option but to do so, it would be three in a row, after the countermanding of polling in two assembly constituencies when Jaya was around and active -- at Thanjavur and Aravakkurichchi last year.

The demands at the time was for a wholesale countermanding, or cancellation of polling across the 234 constituencies in the state.

The EC too does not seem to be in a mood to countermand polling for the heck of it at RK Nagar. But if it came to that, it looks as if the EC would not wait for demands from candidates and/or their parties.

It would go and do straightaway and do precisely all that needs to be done to uphold the integrity of the nations elections and democracy, which came under extreme stress under its watchful eyes during the run-up to the May 2016 elections.

The greater test at RK Nagar is not for the candidates, or parties concerned, not even for the nations electoral process, per se. Instead, its an occasion for Tamil Nadu as a state, and the population as voters, to redeem their fair name, after the much-taunted Tirumangalam formula of managing election campaigns and poll victories.

Though attributed to then ruling DMK, and party supremo M Karunanidhis controversial older son M K Azhagiri, the Tirumangalam formula was only a poor cousin of the Periyakulam formula and Andipatti formula that the preceding AIADMK rulers had perfected in their time.

The Sasi faction candidate at RK Nagar, who is her nephew and political aide T T V Dinakaran, was the architect and executor of those formulae. He himself had won from Periyakulam.

Jaya won the Andipatti assembly by-election after the Supreme Court had acquitted her in the Tansi land deal case, close to a year after concluding the hearings in 2001.

Apart from Andipatti and Periyakulam there were Saidapet and Gummidipudi assembly by-elections, among others, that the AIADMK had won as the ruling party, adopting, or adapting the same formula.

When the EC and the national media suddenly awoke to the Tamil Nadu realities -- and not before, not afterwards, so to say -- then to Team Azhagiri should also go the credit of introducing the token system, for voters to produce the same in nearby shops to redeem as goods, including grocery items and white goods.

In the May 2016 assembly elections, there were unconfirmed reports of ruling parties (both at the Centre and the state), making Aadhar-linked payments in voters in some places.

There were also reports of some candidates and parties (no prize for guessing) paying up annual fees of students, directly to their respective schools, and producing the receipts at the voters door-steps.

At RK Nagar, falling within metropolitan Chennai, acting on the opposition DMK complaints, the EC started off with shifting the returning officer (a rare instance even at the national level), whos supposed to be the eyes, ears and brain of the commission at the constituency-level. The lady had been the target of candidates attacks after being the RO when Jaya had contested the 2016 assembly polls from here.

Soon, the EC changed the Chennai commissioner of police, S George, a DGP-level official, based on similar complaints that he was acting in a partisan way.

This has since been followed by the near-daily transfer of any number of state government officials, whether on election duty or not. This has been accompanied by the removal of middle to lower-level police officials attached to the RK Nagar constituency

Again on an unprecedented move, the EC has commissioned the service of 10 companies of paramilitary forces, that too a full 10 days ahead of polling, as against the normal five-to-seven days, that too for an urban centre where no security threat of the Naxalite kind had been predicted.

The paramilitary forces are already on the streets, and CCTV cameras too have been fixed at vantage points in the constituency, to monitor the use of money power, if any.

The EC has also set up 24-hour complaints cell, with mobile numbers, for people/parties to forward substantive visuals to check the cash-for-vote menace.

Then, there are five, instead of the usual three, external observers and also the more than usual number of expenditure observers. Possibly for the first time again, the EC has also drafted the services of 30 Tamil-knowing middle-level government officials from neighbouring Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, to act as micro-observers.

At the highest level, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi held an unprecedented video conference discussion with state chief secretary, Girija Vaidhyanathan, and DGP, T K Rajendran, among other officials, for close to one and a half hours, to discuss the preparations just for one by-election.

Earlier, Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha was in the constituency and met up with state officials, and to send out the clear message that the EC meant business this time.

All of it has had a saluting effect. But only up to a point, or so it seems. While none of them question the sincerity of the EC as an institution, or its Delhi heads, the Opposition candidates have taken exception to the continuing role being played or not played by officials, including outsider observers.

All of them are agreed that in the wee hours of April 5, the Dinakaran camp followers were caught on video freely distributing big money to almost every home across the constituency, but the observers did not even stir up, leave alone taking action. Dinakaran himself has described the video as a frame-up.

The less said about the local police, to whom some money distributors were handed over with lots of money in every case, all of them in the new, Rs 2000 denomination.

As Opposition leaders point out, this was the case also with the May 2016 elections, when outside observers were seen as observing it all but not doing anything whatsoever to prevent malpractices.

As they point out, even though the Supreme Court has upheld the Election Commissions administrative control of all officials associated with elections, including by-elections, seldom has any action being taken against any outside observers .

After Wednesday, however, they are even more unanimous about the impunity with which the Dinakaran camp was indulging in electoral malpractices of the highest order. Some of them have already demanded the countermanding of polls, but the Dinakaran camp says they flowed from their fear of losing the election.

As was only to be expected, they are shy of explaining the recovery of money and gift items in raids on some known faction leaders and functionaries in the locality and neighbourhood.

At the end of the day, the question remains if the EC would seek to make an example of RK Nagar by-election, by still ensuring free and fair polls, or by countermanding the same.

Either of the moves would send out a clear message to the political class, and not just in RK Nagar or the rest of Tamil Nadu, either.

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and political analyst, is Director, Observer Research Foundation, Chennai Chapter.
'Rahul Gandhi should bring in a working president from outside the family,' advises M Muneer.

When veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit said Rahul Gandhi was yet to mature, most political analysts failed to understand that she didn't mean age, but was referring to politics and leadership.

Despite his Bangkok and Aspen leadership sojourns, Mr Gandhi has yet to understand the leadership styles needed to manage the disruptive era of Indian politics, especially when pitted against a PM who is more youthful in thought and in inspiring the youth.

When I first met Mr Gandhi, he was a first-time MP with much of his father's innocence.

He was eager, inquisitive and brimming with positivity to what I had proposed as systemic changes in the party.

It was apparent later that he could not sell the idea internally, and a decade later, I see all those predictions coming true.

Perhaps the party culture is to shoot those who speak the truth, and predict disasters in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and possibly, Karnataka next.

Speaking to Congress leaders across the country, I realised the party had become like a company where employees have no faith or confidence in their CEO.

What follows is a no-brainer.

After every election fiasco, you hear the same hollow loyalty comments (such as, 'We will come back stronger under Rahul') from various state leaders, but has anyone heard the 'How?'

Are they expecting the anti-incumbency factor and waiting it out?

Remember, in Gujarat they have been waiting since 1995!

The Family's loyalists will argue that it is the binding force, and that Mr Gandhi can learn better political skills from his mother.

Drawing a parallel with family-run businesses, this is less true when the business grows larger, at which point more general management skills are needed.

When the country is going through a tectonic shift under a charismatic PM, the argument that a family can build trust among stakeholders holds no water, as in business.

Count the number of family-run businesses that have disappeared in India alone.

The Congress should internalise the 'Carnegie effect' where the inheritance has to be earned, and discard primogeniture in order to motivate non-family folk to rise to the top, if it does not want to disintegrate after Sonia Gandhi's heyday.

How can the Congress rise from the quagmire it is in?

Since a democracy cannot survive without a good Opposition, a 'managerial turnaround' plan is not an option anymore.

Over the last few years the party seems to have lost sight of its mission, vision and values.

It appears that its vision is all about winning elections, which is akin to a company whose vision is making profits.

Companies with such myopic vision will fail miserably, just like Xerox, at one point the biggest of them all.

With only the bottom line in mind, Xerox made full use of its monopoly in photocopy machines during the growth phase and when a customer complained of productivity losses due to frequent breakdowns of machines, it sold a new one while servicing an existing machine.

It wasn't until competitors such as Canon launched better and cheaper machines, and bankruptcy loomed, that Xerox realised that customer service, quality and so on are more critical to making profits!

Just as profit is a measure of the success of a strategy, winning elections is a metric of what the party does.

Because of this obsessiveness with winning elections, the Congress got into all types of alliances everywhere without value alignment, leading to further erosion of its identity.

Examples galore: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, UP, etc. The Congress cannot win alone in any of these states in the foreseeable future.

Ideally, the Congress should undertake a chintan session to reboot its mission, vision and values.

Given that the majority of tainted leaders still stay close to the Family, the erosion of the value system will take longer to repair.

Once the party is clear on the vision in tune with the demands of a resurgent India, it should look at articulating its value proposition to stakeholders -- the public, intellectuals, media and so on.

The party needs grassroots-level research to position itself in the minds of its stakeholders.

The leadership will then need to identify and overhaul its current processes in driving the changes.

The change agenda associated with the renewed vision and value proposition will require excelling in many different processes, such as getting more foot soldiers on the ground, acquiring social media leadership and so on.

The entire agenda will be mapped into a series of cause-and-effect linkages with clear responsibility, authority, and metrics.

Further, the core group will have to decide on the skills, values and capabilities of workers at all levels, starting with the top leadership itself, and look for the right information systems to enable execution.

The vision will also dictate the right organisation structure, leadership, teamwork and culture.

The command-and-control mode and loyalty to the Family will no longer be relevant for today's world.

They will need to shed their British-era divide-and-rule policy of factions in every state that has been keeping the high command relevant.

The party will have to focus on alignment, and there will be no room for factions once it has decided on a path.

Mr Gandhi had sent the wrong signals during the Kerala elections by 'requesting' party factions not to fight till the end of elections!

A professional CEO will be ruthless in keeping dissidents in line.

Perhaps it is time for Mr Gandhi to become non-executive chairman of the Congress and bring in a working president from outside the family, which can symbolise the change agenda.

At this point they should decide on ways and means to raise funds for the new era of transformation, especially when they are not in power in many states.

Finally, a good governance system must be in place where rewards are on the basis of merit and not loyalty to the Family.

Inner-party democracy can prevail at this point. And what better place to pilot the change agenda than Karnataka, where the writing on the walls screams 'BJP!'

M Muneer is co-founder and chief evangelist, Medici Institute, a non-profit organisation.

IMAGE: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on a road show in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, last year. Photograph: Kind courtesy @OfficeofRG/Twitter

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According personhood to the Ganga and Yamuna is probably the best way to ensure the protection of natural resources, says Arundhuti Dasgupta.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

When the Uttarakhand high court accorded the status of personhood to the Ganga and the Yamuna and appointed a spokesperson on their behalf, it bracketed India with countries such as Ecuador and New Zealand -- both nations have given citizenship rights to not just their rivers, but also forests and parks.

This is probably the best way to ensure the protection of natural resources in the times in which we live, it marks a new relationship between nature and man where the protector-destroyer is now the protected.

In myth and legend, Ganga is the river that cleansed, purified and soothed human souls.

Her descent from the heavens, into Shiva's matted locks and then on to the earth is well known.

As she was released from the heavens, Ganga is considered the nectar of the gods or amrita.

She is also unruly and unpredictable and easily annoyed.

Yamuna is the sister of the god of death, Yama, and the two are often portrayed as the first man and woman from whom all races emerged.

Yama and Yamuna are twins born to sun god Surya and his wife Saranyu.

There is an elaborate story that talks about how Saranyu ran away because she could not bear sun's fierce light. Her children were ill-treated by her shadow that she had left behind as a substitute wife.

When Surya discovered the treachery, he chased her across the skies until he brought her back home, depending on the version that is told, or did not (after sufficient twists and turns).

The point is that in these stories, the sun, the rivers and the mountains were living guardian gods.

The New Zealand court order helps understand the underlying philosophy of the Maoris that led to the judgment. It said that the Maoris believe 'I am the river and the river is me.'

According to Maori myths, protective deities called tanihwa live in pools, lakes, caves and oceans. They are in charge of earth's treasures and are feared and worshipped at the same time.

From resident spirits to guardian spirits to all-purifying goddesses, the role of the river has morphed many times.

Ganga and the Yamuna are part of a web of seven rivers stretched across the region.

The Ganga, most potent and powerful among the seven, is seen not just as one river.

In the Puranas and other ancient texts, it is synonymous with nearly every river, lake, pond and rivulet that flows in the subcontinent.

The myths create a network of hidden tunnels and underground channels that connects the Ganga to almost every part of the country.

In the South, for instance, all temple tanks are called the Shiva Ganga writes Diana L Eck (India, A Sacred Geography).

In Eastern India, in Orissa in a town called Biraja, there is a well that is said to be connected through an underground channel to the Ganga at Kashi.

By making the sacred rivers a part of every water body was likely a way of ensuring that they were cared for by the people who lived around them.

Rivers are demonic, wilful creatures too.

In the Sumerian flood myth, the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers do the bidding of the higher gods bringing drought, famine and then flood to the people who had grown too numerous and too noisy.

The god Enlil orders the destruction of the human race through the rivers.

Among Vedic myths, Vritra is a large serpent that contains all the waters of the universe.

The slaying of Vritra by Indra is a dominant theme in the Rig Veda where the battle between the two is described in great lyrical detail.

Indra's victory leads to the world being restored to life by the life-giving waters. (Many texts link the rivers that criss-cross the subcontinent to these waters and call them amrita, the nectar of the gods)

It is not just rivers that find a place in the pantheon of Vedic gods, forests and mountains do too.

The concept of sacred groves, common to all ancient civilisations, personifies the forest god/goddess.

In India, sacred groves are called devrais, a designated spot deep inside the forest where all that grows belongs to the god resident therein.

Fruits, flowers, herbs -- the people have no rights over the produce that grows in a devrai.

However, many sacred groves across the country are under threat from extractive industries and politicians.

Perhaps the court should turn their attention to the receding tree lines across the country and give them a voice too.
'Where they lose, you never ask why they failed there, like in Bihar and Punjab.'

'You are stuck on the UP victory, thinking they have the mandate to rule for all times to come.'

'The BJP has 282 MPs, but can I honestly say that the BJP is the party for everyone?'

Sachin Pilot battles for a beleaguered Congress party, takes up for Rahul Gandhi's leadership and tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih that just because the BJP won UP, it doesn't mean it will win every election in every state for all times to come.

Why has the Congress been unable to provided an alternative agenda since it lost the 2014 election?

We lost the election in 2014, but that came on the back of two back-to-back victories, which had not happened in 30 years since Indiraji's (Indira Gandhi) time.

In 2014 we had a bad loss. Personally, what we need to do is stick to our core strength and thinking.

Post-Indepndence, what did the Congress party stand for?

Building institutions, that was what Pandit (Jawaharlal) Nehru did for 20 years at a very challenging time with hardly any resources.

Then the Congress party transformed itself into a Left of Centre party -- poverty alleviation, socialism, inclusiveness.

In the 1980s under Rajiv Gandhi, we moulded ourselves into a reformist open, IT-led economy, and a young youth-based agenda.

The Congress has evolved its thinking according to the needs of the nation.

Today we need a Congress which is a party of everyone.

Not for one religion, community or appeasement that people accuse us of.

The Congress is reflective of millennia of cultural inheritance that India has as a nation.

We must not lose sight of that despite the losses.

Moving forward we have to be centrist, inclusive, open to all and not get bogged down by the criticism of favouring one and not the other.

But your party is reduced to just 6 states in the country. You are talking about Nehru, but the youth of today perhaps doesn't know of Nehru, or even Rajiv Gandhi -- so how do you intend to re-tell the Congress story?

I am not one who has allowed himself to be pessimistic. I am conscious of the fact that we have lost elections.

We are at a point that we have to reinvent, redefine the narrative, attract a part of the society which is perhaps not as connected to the Congress.

In Rajasthan I've tried to reach out to the non-traditional voter.

India has changed, people who should be credited for bringing India to the threshold from where we can leap forward and become a great nation that we deserve to become, those people are the ones (the Congress party) who need to present ourselves in that way.

It is not an easy task. I don't have 10 points that you are expecting me to say. I am giving you a general sense of what the Congress party needs to do.

It is a party that is terribly essential for representing India.

The BJP has a brute majority in UP. It has a clear mandate of 282 MPs in Parliament, but can I honestly say that the BJP is the party for everyone?

Does it work for sabka sath sabka vikas?

It is very nicely coined phrase, but in reality it might not be true.

That is what we have to go to the people with -- not to criticise the BJP, they are our political opponents, we are not enemies.

We are all there to work for the nation.

Who can do it best, that's the competition. It's as simple as that.

We have to go to the young people of India and tell them what the Congress party has done and what we plan to do.

It should range from the agrarian crisis to internal security challenges to foreign policy.

If we do it with a positive mindset, humility and a sustainable long term vision, I think we can overcome the current challenges.

The criticism against the Congress is that it has only criticised Mr Modi and not presented a constructive agenda beyond that.

If you look at all of Mr Modi's speeches, in fact he was doing the attacking.

I have never seen a PM so unconcerned about attacking (the Opposition). He said things against Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati. That is what PMs have generally not done before.

But this is a new PM, this is a new politics.

He is doing what he thinks is best for his party and quite frankly the results have shown that the BJP has won.

The numbers for the BJP are massive in UP, but is it so simple to take that mandate for what it is or we have to look at the reasons behind it?

Or is it that the BJP is the best party -- the winner takes all -- or are there other issues that one must look at?

Attacking the PM was in response to what he had been saying in his speeches. Attack would be a very benign word for what he has been saying.

IMAGE: A supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Ramabai Ambedkar ground in Lucknow during the UP election campaign. Photograph: Sandeep Pal

You say one must look at the reasons behind the BJP's victory, but politics is finally about winning power.

If you have to be in the reckoning you have to win seats and the Congress has not been able to win back states like Chhattisgarh, MP, Gujarat in decades.

I agree with you. I have never not accepted the verdict of the people.

I have with full humility extended my congratulations to the victors and the BJP has won fair and square.

But it does not mean that it's the end of life of the Congress party.

Some people are very hastily writing off the Congress party. That is not going to happen.

They are leaders and workers throughout this country in the crores who have a certain sense of belief in what we stand for.

Rahul Gandhi has said he has to structurally change the party and change is inevitable.

One must embrace it and we are going to do it.

The messaging of our wholeness, inclusiveness has to be done and will be done in due time.

But that was said in 2014 also -- ki badlav hoga (change will come)...

Changes will happen.

I am looking after Rajasthan. I have brought about changes in my state.

I've got a mix of young and old people who have given 30, 40 years of their life to this party.

They also deserve to be accommodated and heard, but we need the energy and imagination of young people too.

We need to strike a balance. I have done the best I could in Rajasthan.

It is being done in other states. Nationally also, Vice-President Rahul Gandhi has said he will do it.

How is it to work with Rahul Gandhi? In Rajasthan, is it your show completely?

He has made me (Pradesh Congress Committee) president, but I have the authority to run the party here.

Unlike the BJP, we are not a one person party.

It is my job to take the entire family of the Congress in the state along.

That is the reason we are doing reasonably well in the state.

I have had no interference at all.

He has given me the job to do and it's for me to deliver. How I do it is my business.

I have tried to keep the party together so that we can win elections.

It can't be my way or the highway.

IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi in Ballian village in Punjab. Photograph: Kind courtesy @OfficeofRG/Twitter

You have known Rahul Gandhi for long and perhaps have a personal equation with him.

How does a Congress worker get heard in Rahul Gandhi's office?

I don't think there is anyone who can say they have an issue in giving their views or meeting Rahul Gandhi and explaining to him what they feel.

That's not the case and I can tell you that from experience.

It is easy for people to make allegations...

The allegation is that he is surrounded by a coterie of his kind of people and penetrating that is difficult...

Nahi aisa nahi hai. That is very far from the truth.

Everyone has to work with a team of people. You can't work alone.

I've never had that problem, but if you are saying it is so because I have known him personally, that may not be true because anybody who has a party position and is a recognised worker of the party, you can always reach Rahul Gandhi and Mrs (Sonia) Gandhi.

They may not get exactly what they want, but it is wrong to say there is no access.

People who are making these allegations are those who are making excuses to either quit the party or put blame on the leadership.

You can't run a party without hearing different points of view.

You may not concur with those views, but you have to have that platform.

IMAGE: Congress supporters celebrate their candidate's win in the Manipur assembly election in Imphal. Photograph: PTI Photo

There is obviously something that the BJP is doing right. It cannot just be Hindutva alone that is getting them votes.

That is open to question. That could be your interpretation.

In UP, they did not declare a CM candidate. So the only face they had to sell was Mr Modi's.

But in Rajasthan they have a CM and her performance will be judged.

In Rajasthan it is not so simple to say that Mr Modi will come and work his magic.

If that was the case, why did they lose in Bihar, Delhi and Punjab?

Many speculate that a grand alliance is the way to take on the BJP, but what happens in single party states like Rajasthan where there is a one on one fight between the Congress and BJP?

At the risk of being immodest, I am supremely confident that the Congress party will form the next government in Rajasthan. No matter what happens.

I am not living in some la la land, but have worked for 3.5 years.

It will be a tough fight because the ruling party has all the resources, but we have won elections in Rajasthan -- panchayat, nagarpalika, by-elections and in the CM's constituency -- we have won.

Why should anyone feel we will not win?

There is also a disconnect between the PM and CM and it has been talked about in Rajasthan and Delhi.

I always say public ki MLA nahi sunte, MLA ki mantri nahi sunte, mantriyon ki mukhya mantri nahi sunti, aur mukhya mantri ki pradhan mantri nahi sunte (the public is not heard by the MLAs, the MLAs are not heard by the ministers, the ministers are not heard by the chief minister and the chief minister is not heard by the prime minister).

There are many chinks in the BJP's chain.

When do you expect a Congress revival?

Hopefully as soon as possible.

I can speak about Rajasthan, but I am getting good feedback from Gujarat and Karnataka.

Look at Manipur and Goa. In Goa their sitting CM lost the election.

But the BJP formed the government -- that is what BJP leaders said about the Congress, that you don't have the drive, a killer instinct?

Drive to misuse the governor's office?

Drive to subvert the people's mandate?

It's okay that we don't have that drive because the sitting CM loses the election and Manohar Parrikar says it's a mandate for the BJP, you don't have a pre-poll, but a post-poll alliance, and the governor does not even look at the single largest party!

The BJP won the UP election and a win there needs to be looked at carefully by the Congress, but it doesn't mean they are going to win every election in every state and be there for all times to come.

That's what many believe -- that the BJP is already working for 2024?

When (Atal Bihari) Vajpayeeji lost 2004, nobody expected that.

When we won in 2009, no one expected that.

Politics is the unexpected. Politics changes very quickly.

One must not be either over or under confident and must never take the people for granted.

What is the Congress counter to the Modi-Amit Shah combine?

We are countering them in every state.

Where they lose, you never ask why they failed there, like in Bihar and Punjab.

You are stuck on the UP victory and thinking they have the mandate to rule for all times to come.

They have actually centralised all power.

They have killed institutions, they put the fear of God in all institutions including our friends in the media.

They are grabbing power through the governor's office.

That is not a role model for everybody, but politically you are right -- jo jeeta wohi sikandar, but we will counter them.

We believe in hard work, it will take effort, but it will happen.
Members in the Rajya Sabha on expressed grave concern over the killing of a man in Alwar district of Rajasthan by a mob of cow vigilantes, with Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asking the government to probe it and inform the House about the facts.

Amid contradictory statements about the alleged incident by the Opposition and the Government, Kurien said the Chair has to be convinced whether the issue raised by Congress member Madhusudan Mistry was true or not.

During the Zero Hour, Mistry said there was a complete breakdown of law and order in Rajasthan as a gang of gau-rakshaks stopped a truck carrying cattle and mercilessly thrashed four of its occupants after letting off the Hindu truck driver. One of them succumbed to injuries later.

-- Is this the India we want?

As members of other opposition parties supported him, Mistry said similar incidents were taking place in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat as also Uttar Pradesh, all ruled by BJP.

Squarely rejecting the allegations, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it was a very sensitive issue, but no such incident has happened, the way the matter is being presented here.

A message should not be sent out that the House supports cow slaughter, he said, and added that the state government has refuted (the allegations). We do not justify hooliganism.

To this, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said I am extremely sorry that the minister is so ill-informed. Even the New York Times has reported (on it) and the minister does not know... I have not come across such an insensitive government.

As treasury and opposition benches indulged in heated exchanges to counter each other, Kurien said he cannot go by newspaper reports.

The minister said no such an incident happened, he said and added that there were two versions of the incident which have been brought before him.

The Deputy Chairman said if such an incident has happened, then it is a serious matter and if it has not happened and has been said in the House, then too it is a serious matter.

Let me know whether it is a fact or not. I am asking the minister to convey to the home minister to inquire and give a report to the House. I want to know the truth of it, Kurien said and proceeded with other listed Zero Hour mentions.
Authorities have declined to comment on a recent search of a Turk Road property, other than to say it has concluded.

Law enforcement officials were seen outside of a residence in the Birdseye area near Helena last week. They said it was part of an ongoing investigation into the murder and dismemberment of John "Mike" Crites, who lived in the area until his 2011 death. Officials noted the court documents surrounding the search are sealed.
China on Thursday accused India of "fuelling tensions" and damaging its interests by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh while the state media called for answering "blows with blows" if New Delhi chooses to "play dirty".

"I can confirm (that) China has lodged protest in Beijing and Delhi," on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing in Beijing.

The protest was lodged in Beijing with Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale. In Delhi, the protest was lodged with the competent officials of the External Affairs Ministry, Hua said.

Asked whether Beijing views India's permission to the 81-year-old Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh as amounting to questioning the 'One China' policy, Hua said, "I want to re-emphasise that on issues concerning China's major concern and core interests, territorial and sovereignty, China's position is consistent."

"By inviting and approving (the) Dalai Lama to (visit) disputed areas between China and India, India has damaged our interests and the India-China relationship and it has fuelled tensions," she said.

"We oppose the visit to relevant areas and oppose attempts by relevant countries to arrange a platform for (the) Dalai (Lama) to conduct anti-China activities. We urge the relevant country to stop such erroneous actions and stop undermining Chinese interests," she said.

The Dalai Lama is currently on a nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

The official media slammed the development, saying that China should not hesitate to answer "blows with blows" if India chooses to "play dirty" by allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Two English newspapers -- China Daily and Global Times -- launched a scathing attack on India after Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that Arunachal Pradesh -- which China claims as part of Southern Tibet -- is "an inseparable part of India".

Taking exception to Rijiju's remarks, the papers said India is using the Dalai Lama as a "diplomatic tool" against China for its "vice like veto" against India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the United Nations ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, the state-run China Daily said in an editorial.

"If New Delhi chooses to play dirty, however, Beijing should not hesitate to answer blows with blows," the paper said.

In its editorial, the ruling CPC-run Global Times criticised Rijiju for accompanying the Dalai Lama during his visit to the state.

"The Dalai Lama has been to the disputed region before, but what makes this trip different is that he is received and accompanied by India's Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju. When China raised the concern over the visit, Rijiju commented that China shouldn't intervene in their 'internal affairs'," it said.

"New Delhi probably overestimates its leverage in the bilateral ties with China. The two countries in recent years have continuously strived to improve their relationship and the peace on the border area has been maintained," it said.

"India has benefited from the good momentum of bilateral relationship as much as China. If New Delhi ruins the Sino-India ties and the two countries turn into open rivals, can India afford the consequence?," the tabloid, known for striking aggressive nationalistic postures, said.

"With a GDP several times higher than that of India, military capabilities that can reach the Indian Ocean and having good relations with India's peripheral nations, coupled with the fact that India's turbulent northern state borders China, if China engages in a geopolitical game with India, will Beijing lose to New Delhi?" it said.

China considers India as a friendly neighbour and partner. China has never provoked bilateral disputes or made any pressing demand on India over the Dalai Lama. New Delhi should respond to Beijing's goodwill with goodwill, the editorial said.

Asked about assertions in the Chinese media that India's move was aimed at pressuring Beijing over the issues relating to China blocking India's Nuclear Suppliers Group membership bid, Hua said, "China will not make any assumptions on India's intentions."

She said the Dalai Lama's visit has caused damage to India-China relations.

"We hope the two sides can continue to follow principle of mutual respect for each other's core interests and major concerns and we should do more things that can strengthen mutual political trust and promote the overall interests of China-India relations," she said.

On India's NSG bid, Hua said this issue should be resolved by all the 48 members of the group.

"We should achieve a solution that applies indiscriminately to all non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty countries through consultation and discussion," she said.

The China Daily, in its editorial, stated that, "New Delhi not only allowed the 14th Dalai Lama to visit Southern Tibet, a historical Chinese territory India has illicitly occupied and refers to as 'Arunachal Pradesh', but the spiritual leader of 'Tibetan independence' was also escorted on the trip by India's junior minister of home affairs.

"To Beijing, that is a double affront," it said.

"Rijiju might think himself cute in borrowing a line from Beijing's diplomatic representations, but he has ignored the fundamental distinction here: Like Taiwan and any other part of China, Tibet is a part of the Chinese territory no matter whether New Delhi agrees or not," it said in the editorial.

"Southern Tibet, on the other hand, was stolen from China by his country's former colonial master taking advantage of China's internal strife. Should he have any questions regarding the status of Southern Tibet, Rijiju can consult the historical archives," it said.

"Neither the 'McMahon Line', by which New Delhi justifies its actual control of Southern Tibet nor the present-day 'Arunachal Pradesh' has Beijing's endorsement. In other words, Indian occupation of the area is legally untenable. Using it as leverage, therefore, is not just unethical, it is outright illicit," the editorial said.

Despite the historical dispute, the China-India border area has by and large remained peaceful recently, particularly since Beijing and New Delhi began to get serious about border talks, it said.

IMAGE: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai during a religious discourse at Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery, Bomdila in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI Photo
Pehlu Khan, the man who died after gau rakshaks beat him and four others for allegedly smuggling cows, was a dairy farmer.

According to an Indian Express report, 55-year-old Khan had set out on a 240-kilometre road trip from his home in Jaisinghpur village, in Nuh tehsil of Mewat, to Jaipur last Friday. He was planning to buy a milch buffalo, to increase milk production during Ramzan but, later changed his mind and decided to buy a milch cow instead.

Irshad Khan, son of Pehlu, was quoted as saying to the daily that his fathers one decision cost him his life.

READ: Rajasthan minister defends gau rakshaks

While recounting how gau rakshaks stopped their vehicle and attack them with sticks and belts, Aarif, Pehlus other son, said that the police came about 20-30 minutes later and till then all were lying unconscious.

After the assault, the gau rakshaks reportedly accused them of illegally smuggling cows for slaughter. The Rajasthan police too registered an FIR against them for illegally transporting cattle for slaughter.

However, Irshad claimed they had receipts to show that they had purchased the cows. Showing the receipt, which has the stamp of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (serial number 89942 dated April 1, 2017), he said: I dont know how an FIR was registered stating that that we had no purchase receipt. I bought the cows for Rs 45,000.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan police has arrested three persons in connection with the case. Three accused have been arrested and the hunt for others is on, Station House Officer Behror police station Ramesh Chand said.

PLEASE DO READ OTHER STORIES ON GAU RAKSHAKS IN THE LINKS BELOW
The Modi juggernaut is all set to paint the five south Indian states in saffron colours, writes R Rajagopalan.

After conquering most parts of the country, the Bharatiya Janata Party's chief election strategist Amit Shah has set his eyes on winning over southern India.

To make inroads in the five south Indian states, which together send 130 MPs to the Lok Sabha, the BJP has set up an internal think-tank to study the dynamics of the 15 regional parties that matter in these states.

The party is hoping to bag at least 50 to 60 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Tamil Nadu (39 seats), Andhra Pradesh (25), Telangana (17), Kerala (20) and Karnataka (28).

Shah has also deputed heavyweights like Union ministers Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh and others to focus on these states.

As part of their political KRA, many of the senior leaders have been deputed to visit one capital city and two towns in these states every month.

However, much before Prime Minister Narendra Mdoi gave a call for Congress-Mukt Bharat (Congress-free India) during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, all the southern states except Karnataka had already thrown out the Congress party, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu where it has not been able to come back into the reckoning all these years.

Shah is also keen to cash in on Modi, who is not only popular among the young voters but also the young political heirs in these regional parties.

For instance, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao's son Rama Rao, who is the states information and technology minister, is a close follower of Modi.

Similarly, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidus son Nara Lokesh, who recently joined his fathers cabinet, is a staunch follower of the PM.

Here is a look at the state-wise analysis of the BJPs chances in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Tamil Nadu

There are four major political parties in Tamil Nadu -- the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the DMK, the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam.

Needless to say, neither the BJP nor the Congress is in a position to dictate terms to any of these regional parties.

For 2019, Modi may once again try out his 2014 Lok Sabha formula of keeping the Dravidian parties at bay and drawing the attention of young voters.

The BJP can get a small chunk of votes on the basis of Modis popularity and his development plank, but will it be enough to make a difference?

Karnataka

Unlike Tamil Nadu, the BJP has a sizeable vote share in Karnataka, and has also been in power in the state, the only one below the Vindhyas to have a full-fledged BJP government.

Assembly elections in the state are due in 2018 and Amit Shahs style of social engineering is bound to pay rich dividends for the BJP.

In the current Lok Sabha, the BJP has 17 MPs from the state which the state leadership is keen to take to 20 in 2019.

To tackle the Congresss Muslim vote card, Shah is keen to get more disgruntled Congress leaders into the BJP, like CK Jaffer Sharief, MV Chandrasekhar Murthy etc.

Shah will also try to garner the attention of the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities which have a strong influence in the state.

Kerala

In the 2016 assembly election, the BJP for the first time opened its account in Gods own country, and also came second in seven assembly constituencies.

Riding on its decent performance in the assembly performance in a state whose doors seemed shut on it forever, the BJP chief is hopeful to win at least five Lok Sabha seats in 2019.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Between them the two Telugu-speaking states send 42 MPs to the Lok Sabha, and the BJP hopes to win at least 10 LS seats from here.

In Andhra, if the present relationship between the ruling Telugu Desam Party and the BJP continues, it will be a smooth ride for both the allies.

The Congress maybe weak in Andhra, but the YSR Congress could pose a serious threat to the BJP.

In Telangana, the BJP is trying to woo the Telangana Rashtra Samithi which, however, may not go with the BJP, because of its minority votes.

But a post-poll alliance between them cant be ruled out.

Also, Amit Shahs strategy of social engineering play out big here, looking at the dominant Reddy and Khamma communities in the state.

But the rise of Kapus will play a negative role for the party, it is felt.

Given this background, the BJP is likely to concentrate more on Andhra Pradesh than on Telangana.

But first, well before the next Lok Sabha elections roll by, Amit Shah will be put to test in these southern states during the presidential elections in July this year.

Given that it is not in power in any state, how successful he will be in garnering votes for the BJP's candidate from other political parties in these states, will be an indication of how the dice will roll in 2019.

It will be interesting to see how the Modi-Shah combine plays out their strategy, as conquering south India wont be that easy.
Pepsi has pulled an advertisement after it was widely mocked and criticised for appearing to trivialise protests for social justice causes.

IMAGE: A still from the ad showing model Kendall Jenner handing a can of Pepsi to a cop amid protests. Photograph: Pepsi

The ad showed reality TV star Kendall Jenner stepping away from a photoshoot to join young, smiling protesters at a heavily policed demonstration.

She hands one policeman a can of Pepsi to defuse the tension, prompting a smile from the officer and hugs and cheers from the protesters.

-- Watch the video HERE (external link)

Pepsi removed the ad from YouTube less than 24 hours after it was first posted, following much online ridicule.

Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding, the company said in a statement.

Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologise. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue.

The company said it would be halting any further rollout of the ad.

Some critics said the image of Jenner handing the officer a can evoked a photo of Black Lives Matter protester Ieshia Evans approaching an officer at a demonstration in Baton Rouge last year.

Bernice King, a daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, was among those who commented on the tone-deaf nature of the ad.

IMAGE: Bernice King, the daughter of human rights activist Martin Luther King Jr, was appalled by the ad and tweeted in response. Photograph: @BerniceKing/Twitter

If only Daddy would have known about the power of #Pepsi, she tweeted, with a black-and-white photo of her father being confronted by a highway patrol officer.

In a response on Twitter, Pepsi said the company believes in Kings legacy and meant no disrespect.

IMAGE: Social media was outraged over the ad, saying that it was insensitive and trying to cash in on important social issues. Photograph: Pepsi

It was also slammed by other celebrities and others on social media.

Assuming everything that can be said about faux-test Pepsi ad has been said so Im just gonna go with this: it didnt make me want Pepsi, wrote Lena Dunham, the brains behind the hit serial Girls.

The ad sparked outrage online from hundreds accusing Pepsi of trying to cash in on the Black Lives Matter protests. Twitter was flooded with deeply sarcastic posts mocking the tone deaf ad.

How nice of Kendall Jenner to stop in the middle of her photo shoot to end social injustices by giving that cop a Pepsi, one Twitter user wrote. MLK who? Rosa who?

User @lgbtgreene added: I cant believe Kendall Jenner ended police brutality and white supremacy with a can of Pepsi not bad for a girl with no talent.
Residents of Srinagar woke up to a pleasant surprise as the area witnessed fresh snowfall.

This is the first time in a decade that it has snowed in Srinagar in April.

The snowfall has prompted authorities to shut down the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and schools and colleges are also shut.

The weather department officials in Srinagar said moderate to heavy snowfall was reported from higher reaches of the valley. Snow and rain over the past three days have forced the state government to close schools in the valley till Sunday.

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing intermittent rains in the past two days and residents have raised alarm over floods. Authorities, however, said the Jehlum river was flowing below danger level although the field staff have been asked to remain vigilant.

In contrast to the snowfall in Kashmir Valley, other parts of India are facing heat wave with the rise in mercury. People are finding ways to seek respite from the tremendous heat.

This year March felt like sizzling May, which makes it clear that the coming days will be unimaginable.

The India Meteorological Departments seasonal forecast shows the worst is yet to come, most parts of the country are set to reel under scorching heat from April to June before the monsoon arrives.

The average and minimum temperatures in the Delhi-Haryana region is expected to be at least 1.5-degree Celsius above normal in these three months. For the north-west and central India, the mercury is likely to hover over a degree Celsius above normal.

All Photographs: Umar Ganie
IMAGE: President Pranab Mukherjee presens Shaurya Chakra to Major Rajat Chandra during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. Maj Chandra was tasked to undertake close surveillance of the terrorist's hideout in Jammu and Kashmir. Photographs: Subhav Shukla/PTI Photo

President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday awarded Shaurya Chakras to the officers who took part in the daring surgical strike across the Line of Control last year.

He also awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously to Lt Col Niranjan Ek, who died while recovering IED from the bodies of Pathankot terrorists in January 2016.

IMAGE: The president presents Shaurya Chakra to the widow and mother of head constable Sanjewan Singh of Jammu and Kashmir Police. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the ceremony.

As per the citation against Shaurya Chakra awardees, Major Rajat Chandra killed two terrorists during the surgical strike, while Captain Ashutosh Kumar eliminated four terrorists. Both belong to 4 Para Special Forces, which took part in the surgical strike in September last year.

Major Deepak Upadhyay and Paratrooper Abdul Qayum, both of 9 Para Special Forces, were also awarded with Shaurya Chakras for their role in the surgical strike.

IMAGE: The widow of Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar before receiving Shaurya Chakra from the president on behalf of her husband.

Nineteen soldiers of the 4 and 9 Para, the special forces units, who undertook the daring cross-border surgical strike across LoC, were awarded with gallantry medals on January 25, including a Kirti Chakra, while their commanding officers have been given Yudh Sewa Medal.

Shaurya Chakra was also posthumously awarded to Sanjewan Singh, head constable with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Naib Subedhar Kankara V Subba Reddy, Naik Pandurang Gawade, and Kirti Chakra to Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar of the Gorkha Rifles. All laid their lives fighting terrorists.

IMAGE: Mukherjee presents Shaurya Chakra to the widow and mother of Naik Gawde Pandurang Mahadev.

Family members of Singh, Reddy, Gawande and Magar received the honour by the President.

Lt Gen PM Hariz, one of the two senior most officers superseded by Chief of Army Staff Gen Bin Rawat, was awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal. Hariz is the Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Command.

Shaurya Chakras were also awarded to Atu Zumvu, Sub-Divisional Police Officer with the Nagaland Police, who shot down three National Democratic Front of Bodoland outfit members, responsible for killing 81 people.

IMAGE: President Pranab Mukherjee presents Shaurya Chakra to the widow and mother of Lt Col Niranjan EK.

Captain Elisen Y Jami of the 12th Batallion Parachute Regiment, Kukudapu Srinivasulu, police constable with Telangana Police was also awarded with Shaurya Chakra.

Lt Col D Vinay Reddy of the Madras Regiment and Havildar Hanuman Ram Saran of the Rajputana Rifles were awarded with Shaurya Chakra.
The US president said that the horrible chemical attack, which has now claimed over 85 lives, has changed his attitude towards the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

IMAGE: A man carries the body of a dead child, after what rescue workers described as a suspected gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib, Syria. Photograph: Ammar Abdullah/Reuters

United States President Donald Trump said the suspected horrible chemical attack in Syria that has now left over 85 people dead cannot be tolerated and it has crossed many many lines.

Attack on children yesterday had a big impact on me. That was a horrible, horrible thing. I have been watching it, seeing it... my attitude towards Syria and (Syrian President) Assad has changed very much, Trump said.

Responding to a series of questions on the Syrian chemical attack, Trump indicated that he is going to adopt a much tougher approach against the authoritarian Syrian regime, but he did not gave any indication of what steps plans to take after the horrible chemical attacks against innocent people.

Chemical attack was so horrific in Syria against innocent people, including women, small children, and even beautiful little babies. Their deaths was an affront to humanity. These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated, Trump said.

At least 85 civilians, including 30 children, died in a suspected chemical attack on Tuesday in the rebel-held Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun in Idlib province in the northwest.

The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack and all other horrific attacks, for that matter, said the US President as he indicated that he would be adopting a much tough attitude against the Syrian regime.

These are very troubled times in the Middle East. And we see what happened just recently, yesterday in Syria. Horrible. Horrible thing. Unspeakable, Trump said.

He described the use of chemical weapons against people as a terrible affront to humanity.

Terrible. Terrible. It is a terrible affront to humanity. I can tell you. Terrible, he said.

Youll see, Trump said when asked if he has any change of policy on the Syrian conflict.

It crossed a lot of lines for me, Trump said when he was asked about the Red Line set by his predecessor Barack Obama.

When you kill innocent children, innocent babies, babies, little babies, with a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was, that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line. Many, many lines, he said.

Trump said he is responsible for the US reaction to the chemical attacks.

Earlier, Trump alleged such acts are consequences of the Obama administrations weakness.

Todays (Tuesday) chemical attack in Syria against innocent people, including women and children, is reprehensible and cannot be ignored by the civilised world, Trump had said in a statement.

These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime is a consequence of the past administrations weakness and irresolution, he said.

As you know, Ill be meeting with the president of China very soon in Florida. And thats another responsibility we have, and thats called the country of North Korea, he said.

Trump said the situation would have been easier if it was handled years ago, hinting again at the previous administration.

We have a big problem. We have somebody that is not doing the right thing. And thats going to be my responsibility. But Ill tell you, that responsibility couldve been made a lot easier if it was handled years ago, he said in response to a question.

If you look back over the last few weeks, there were other attacks using gas. Youre now talking about a whole different level, he said.

Trump reaffirmed his vow to destroy the Islamic State group and protect civilisation.

We will destroy Islamic State and we will protect civilisation, we have no choice, Trump said.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who assaulted an Air India staffer last month, is expected to make a statement in the Lok Sabha today about the incident.

His party has said that if Parliament doesn't resolve the issue, they will take it up and protest.

Ever since the incident, the MP has been banned from flying Air India and other private airlines.

The attack by cow vigilantes in Alwar, Rajasthan in which a man died is also likely to be discussed.
Kanika Datta visits the Cu Chi military tunnels -- a testimony to a plucky little country's 30-year war of resistance against, first, French colonisers and, then, the US.

IMAGE: A Vietnamese tour guide demonstrates how to disappear into the Cu Chi tunnel network through a hole camouflaged on the jungle floor. Vietnam will mark the 42nd anniversary of the capture of Saigon by North Vietnamese forces -- and the defeat of the US forces -- on April 30 . Photograph: Kham/Reuters .

Crawling through the suffocating damp brown clay of a dimly-lit tunnel with just enough space for your torso is not the stuff of a standard vacation. But then, recreation must have been the last thing on the minds of the thousands of Vietnamese who dug the tunnels at Cu Chi.

This extraordinary network of tunnels is testimony to a plucky little country's 30-year war of resistance against, first, French colonisers and, then, the United States.

Cu Chi was the centre of the ingenious guerrilla resistance in the heart of enemy territory.

At its height in the late 1960s, this improvised complex, built without any overall supervision or grand plan, covered thousands of kilometres and radiated out from Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), then the capital of a US puppet state in South Vietnam, to the Kampuchean border.

It was, in effect, a vast underground military base -- the Vietnamese version of the Green Zone that the US military maintained in Iraq during another ill-judged invasion three decades later -- but did not fall under any formal army command.

Here was a "people's war" in every sense of the term.

IMAGE: A map of the Cu Chi tunnel network, which spreads out over 200 km and includes sections for living, dining, meeting and fighting. Photograph: Reuters.

The tunnels, first built in the late '40s, "held living areas, storage depots, ordnance factories, hospitals, headquarters and almost every other facility that was necessary to the pursuit of the war by South Vietnam's Communists that could be accommodated below ground," wrote Tom Mangold and John Pennycate, in The Tunnels of Cu Chi (Pan Books, 1986).

Mangold and Pennycate carried out the first investigation of this tunnel system for BBC TV in the late '70s, and it is a much-read, dog-eared copy of this riveting book that brings me to Cu Chi.

Today, a fraction of the original network has been preserved as a tourist attraction in a village about an hour's drive from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.

This was the "Iron Triangle", an area of the most fearsome resistance -- "A dagger pointing at Saigon," an American general put it -- during the 1968 Tet Offensive that turned US public opinion decisively against the war.

The Vietnamese are justifiably proud of the heritage of their victories over two global powers. Cu Chi is the piece de resistance of the country's war commemoration.

IMAGE: US soldiers lower a member of their reconnaissance platoon into a Viet Cong tunnel during a search and destroy mission in Vietnam, in April 1967 . There were connectors and auxiliary tunnels for Vietnamese soldiers to hide when pursued by the famed "Tunnel Rats," slightly built GIs who volunteered to crawl into this underground labyrinth in search of enemy.

Photograph: US National Archives/Reuters .

Guides take turns to lecture tourist groups about the tunnels, complete with jerky black-and-white films of hordes of Vietnamese disappearing down impossibly tiny black holes.

Outside, a guard obligingly demonstrates this disappearing act, and invites us to try. Some intrepid tourists accept and invariably emerge from the stifling inky blackness looking mildly distraught.

The demo is a brief taste of the real thing.

Further on are two tunnels, electrified and expanded for well-fed tourist physiques. Even with these "luxuries", the experience is, at best, disagreeable -- and that's if you are not mildly claustrophobic.

It's a 10-minute crawl, not recommended for anyone with blood pressure.

How about a longer 20-minute crawl? Out of the question for me, though some burly Russians gamely opt for it.

It's hard not to be ashamed of your fear when you know that Vietnamese women and men endured this existence for years against a well-armed foe, without electricity or, since most of the tunnels went as deep as 15-20 feet, adequate ventilation.

The World War I trenches on the Western Front seem like a Bermudan resort by comparison. Not surprisingly, the Vietnamese's most prized possessions were the flashlights they stole from American GIs, as were shards of shrapnel to fashion crockery, tools and medical implements.

IMAGE: The "punji stake" trap guaranteed an agonising death for those who stepped on to a camouflaged revolving trapdoor studded with sharpened poisoned bamboo stakes on which victims are impaled. Photograph: Jos Dielis/Flickr.

Now exposed to the open, you get to see, above ground, the ingeniously designed grid of underground hospitals, recreated here in gruesome detail, sleeping chambers and storage dumps and even a kitchen with chimney outlets some distance away to fool the enemy.

There were connectors and auxiliary tunnels for soldiers to hide when pursued by the famed "Tunnel Rats," slightly built (and slightly mad) GIs who volunteered to crawl into this underground labyrinth in search of enemy.

The tunnels were not the only obstacle the Tunnel Rats, whose story Mangold and Pennycate relate in detail, had to encounter in this "most bombed, shelled, gassed, defoliated and generally most devastated area in the history of warfare". The "punji stake" trap guaranteed an agonising death for those who stepped on to a camouflaged revolving trapdoor studded with sharpened poisoned bamboo stakes on which victims are impaled -- the demo version is tightly fenced to prevent accidents.

Near a patch of scrub is a shooting range where you pay a nominal sum to fire an AK47 at a target -- usually (sadly) a mock-up of the Alsatians the Americans used as sniffer dogs.

IMAGE: Adding to the war tourism experience is the opportunity to fire machine guns -- for a nominal sum. Photograph: Reuters.

Back in Ho Chi Minh City, a bottle of Ba Ba Ba (333) beer is a welcome break from the unremitting grimness of Cu Chi's history. But do be careful how you pronounce Ba Ba Ba. Get the tone wrong and you could be asking for women of questionable virtue instead of a brand of alcohol.

Don't miss: Stories from Vietnam's extraordinary resistance
A 17-year-old student who was expelled after authorities found guns, ammunition, alcohol and drug paraphernalia in his parked car outside Broadwater High School has returned to class.

Officers found a shotgun, a .22-caliber firearm and the other items during a sweep of the area with a drug dog March 20, Broadwater County Sheriff Wynn Meehan said. The car was parked on school property outside the school in the rural community of Townsend.

Meehan said the student failed to remove the firearms from his vehicle after gopher hunting with his friends, and he doesnt believe the boy intended to harm anyone. No charges related to the guns were filed.

Hes a good kid, said Meehan, who added that he has known the student for many years.   Hes had to learn a pretty valuable lesson.

Authorities believe the alcohol was left over from a party held before the schools prom, Meehan said. The boy was charged with possession of alcohol and drug paraphernalia and released to a parent, he said.

Townsend School District Superintendent Erik Wilkerson said the student was immediately expelled, and the school board unanimously approved the administrations recommendation to extend the expulsion through March 20, 2018. However, the student returned to school March 29 through a deferred expulsion program that allows him to remain in class as long as he adheres to several conditions, such as counseling.

The student is enrolled right now, conditionally, Wilkerson said.

Sheriff Meehan said he does not believe the student will make a mistake like this again.
BUTTE  A Helena legislator introduced a bill Thursday that would create a committee to study the effects of legalizing recreational marijuana in Montana for presentation to the 2019 Legislature.

House Joint Resolution 35, introduced by Rep. Mary Dunwell, D-Helena, would request the legislative committee which oversees interim committees to form one to examine the legalization, regulation, taxation, and public health and safety aspects of recreational marijuana in Montana.

According to the proposed legislation, the interim committee would examine whether the states liquor control system would make a good model, how legalization would affect the states medical marijuana program, and how legalization in other states has affected tax revenues, spending on public health and safety and child drug use.

The study would be completed by September 15, 2018, and include input from the Departments of Public Health and Human Services, Justice, Revenue and Agriculture, as well as local police, the district courts, schools and lobbying groups. Committees often propose legislation based on the result of their studies.

Dunwell said marijuana legalization is not a question of if but when, and that taking the time between sessions to get the science ready for whenever the day comes is smarter than trying to cram legalization through a 90-day session.

You dont have time to do good research, Dunwell said.

If HJ35 passes, House and Senate leaders on the bipartisan Legislative Council will appoint an interim committee which will meet for 20 months between the 65th and 66th sessions  that is if legislators vote the bill as one of the top 20 proposed interim committees.

Legislation creating 40 other interim committees has already been introduced, with another several dozen unintroduced proposals languishing in various draft states.

While the states medical marijuana industry does not oppose Dunwells resolution, it doesnt see it as its fight.

The lobbyist group for Montanas medical marijuana growers and providers, the Montana Cannabis Industry Association, has not prioritized legalizing recreational marijuana for the legislative session.

Embroiled in a five-year lawsuit to preserve patient access to medical marijuana that ended with a citizens initiative in the 2016 election and further court battles, the MTCIA 2017 legislative agenda is to solidify the medical program.

Spokesperson Kate Cholewa said all the MTCIAs energy now is behind passing Senate Bill 333, which would regulate the states medical marijuana program to be more in line with whats seen in other states.

According to the MTCIAs white paper on its 2017 legislative goals, building a better medical marijuana program is best done piecemeal. When medical marijuana was first legalized in 2004, some saw the law as lax, leading to abuse of the system and blowback in the form of the 2011 Legislatures quasi-repeal.

While 2016s I-182 restored access for patients, the program itself isnt that efficient of a machine, and SB333 adds provisions like seed-to-sale tracking and defining marijuana cultivation caps by canopy size, not plant quantity, the paper said.

Despite some problematic holdovers from the 2011 law, the initiatives provisions can maintain the program. However, we do not wish to see the same mistakes made in 2017 that were made in 2011 and the years leading up to it, the paper states.
Chemical attack, if confirmed, would be largest in Syria, UN Security Council told

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Chemical attack, if confirmed, would be largest in Syria, UN Security Council told, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e629cb4.html [accessed 8 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.

Briefing an emergency meeting of the Security Council following the reports of alleged chemical weapons use in Khan Shaykhun, southern rural Idleb, Syria, a senior United Nations official for disarmament affairs said that while many details are not yet fully known, new information continues to come in on the incident.

[However,] if confirmed, this would constitute the single largest chemical weapons attack in Syria since the attack on eastern Ghouta in August 2013, said Kim Won-soo, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs

Reports have stated that the attack was carried out through an airstrike on a residential area [but] the means of delivery of the alleged attack cannot be definitively confirmed, at this stage, he noted.

In his briefing, Mr. Kim informed the 15-member Council of reports indicating presentation of symptoms after the attack, including respiratory problems, vomiting, fainting and foaming at the mouth, and miosis (pupillary constriction).

This was visible in videos on social media, said to have been taken at the scene of the attack, he noted.

According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) at least 70 people have died and hundreds more have been affected in Khan Shaykhun.

In a statement, WHO noted that: The likelihood of exposure to a chemical attack is amplified by an apparent lack of external injuries reported in cases showing a rapid onset of similar symptoms, including acute respiratory distress as the main cause of death.

Some cases appear to show additional signs consistent with exposure to organophosphorus chemicals, a category of chemicals that includes nerve agents, it added.

The statement also noted that emergency rooms and intensive care units in Idlib are overwhelmed and reporting shortages in medicines required to treat injured patients and that many patients have been referred to hospitals in southern Turkey.

Also in his briefing, the UN High Representative informed the meeting on the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact Finding Mission (FFM) and the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM).

Yesterday, the UN Secretary-General as well as officials from the OPCW and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria expressed grave concern over the reports and reiterated their condemnation of any chemical weapons use.
UN envoy for Iraq condemns suicide bombings in Tikrit

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN envoy for Iraq condemns suicide bombings in Tikrit, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e62a204.html [accessed 8 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 top United Nations official in Iraq has strongly condemned the multiple suicide attacks that took place yesterday in Tikrit, which resulted in many casualties.

Targeting civilians and inflicting maximum casualties among civilians is the hallmark of the terrorists' despicable tactics," said Mr. Kubis , who is the Special Representative of the Secretary-general and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

According to media reports, at least 31 people were killed and dozens were wounded in overnight attacks carried out by Da'esh.

Mr. Kubis said that these latest suicide bombings in the Sunni heartland of Tikrit show that despite the terrorist Da'esh (also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL) being relentlessly routed on the battle fronts in the face of the steady advances by the Iraqi Security forces, and despite the wish of civilians that returned to the liberated cities to restart their peaceful life, the terrorists are sparing no effort to indiscriminately target everyone and anyone who is not willing to die for their barbaric inhuman Takfiri ideology.
Building solid foundation for peace in Colombia needs 'consistent vigilance'  UN envoy

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Building solid foundation for peace in Colombia needs 'consistent vigilance'  UN envoy, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e62a834.html [accessed 8 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.

While the first phase in implementing the recently agreed peace deal between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) remains largely on track, the relatively short window of opportunity to build a solid foundation for peace requires consistent vigilance, the United Nations envoy in that country told the Security Council today.

This is precisely the juncture at which the international community  and this Council in particular  should voice its interest, its encouragement and its support for the parties and all those involved in the building of peace in Colombia, said Jean Arnault, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in Colombia.

He added that the laying down of weapons, the reintegration of FARC-EP combatants and the delivery of peace dividends to those most affected by more than five decades of conflict would be particularly critical, he explained.

Mr. Arnault told the Council that two significant events had recently taken place, including the passing of legislation late last month on the Integral System of Justice, Truth and Reconciliation, a critical part of the Peace Agreement and the core of efforts to reconcile the rights of victims with the requirements of the transition from war to peace.

Moreover, earlier today, a Truth Commission and a Special Unit to search for disappeared persons had been established, as well as the Selection Committee to designate the magistrates of the Special Peace Jurisdiction and fill other vacancies.

RELATED: UN mission receives 7,000 weapons from FARC-EP as hunt for hidden caches continues

Describing other important developments, he said that Felipe Gonzalez, a former Prime Minister of Spain, and Jose Mujica, former President of Uruguay had been appointed to the Peace Agreement's international verification component. Additionally, progress had been made in separating minors from the FARC and in eradicating the illegal drug economy, he said, adding that Oscar Naranjo, a retired police general, had assumed the vice-presidency.

Mr. Arnault went on to outline strides made by the UN Mission, noting that the process of identifying, marking and registering weapons handed over by the FARC is nearly complete. The Mission had also met with the FARC to draw up a detailed plan for the collection and destruction of weapons located in arms caches that were difficult to reach.

Despite those positive developments, however, concerns had been raised about the slow pace of implementation in a number of sensitive areas mentioned in the Secretary-General's latest report, he said. In March, the parties had made important and detailed commitments to accelerate implementation in those areas and in adopting the Peace Agreement's legislative agenda.

Like the parties, we believe that, while the consolidation of peace will be a long-term process, there is a relatively short window of opportunity to establish solid foundations for it, he said. That could be achieved through laying down weapons, reintegrating FARC combatants and delivering peace dividends to the most affected people and areas, he added.
Top UN official in DR Congo concerned about rising number of civilian deaths in Kasai

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Top UN official in DR Congo concerned about rising number of civilian deaths in Kasai, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e62ad64.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today expressed concern about a reported rise in the number of civilian casualties in the central Kasai region as a result of clashes between the Kamuina Nsapu militia and the Congolese security forces.

The peacekeeping mission, known by its French acronym MONUSCO, said that the violence continues to result in "serious human rights violations" including "the discovery of mass graves as well as ongoing recruitment by the militias" including of children.

"The violence in the Kasais has already claimed the lives of possibly more than 400 civilians as well as a significant number of members of the security forces. It must stop," said Maman S. Sidikou, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the country and the head of MONUSCO.

Mr. Sidikou stressed that there is no military solution to the violence, and encouraged the Government to intensify its efforts to find political solutions.

"At this point, intensifying the military response will only exacerbate the violence and further place civilian populations in danger," he warned.

In today's statement, MONUSCO noted that the violence last month spread to Luebo, where violence has targeted symbols of the Government and recently released prisoners, as well as to Luiza and other regions where there are growing threats against churches.

The Mission also cautioned the military against reported civilian casualties, allegations of human rights violations and arbitrary arrests, including of minors.

In late March, the UN and regional partner organizations expressed deep concern about the situation in the Kasai region where at least two UN experts disappeared two weeks ago and dozens of police officers were reportedly found dead.

The UN, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) warned that the level of violence and reported human rights violations necessitate "an urgent response from the country's political leaders."

The statement also called on defence and security forces to exercise restraint in the efforts to restore order, and encouraged the dialogue between the Government and the Kamuina Nsapu militia.
Recent attacks show pirates off Somalia's coast still a potent threat  UN agency

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 4 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Recent attacks show pirates off Somalia's coast still a potent threat  UN agency, 4 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e62b644.html [accessed 8 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.

Noting that recent attacks on commercial ships off the coast of Somalia highlight the continued threat of piracy, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has urged ships to follow advice of navies and that of the International Maritime Organization while planning passage through the region.

"After three attacks, following a lull of five years, it is clear that Somali pirates are resurgent and intent on continuing attacks on commercial shipping," said UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, in a news release today.

"I urge the international community to be vigilant, to work in close partnership and to hold the Somali pirates accountable," he added.

Over the course of last month, Motor Tanker (a merchant ship designed for the bulk transport of oil) Aris 13, fishing vessel Asayr 2 and cargo ship Al Kaushar were attacked by Somali pirates. While the crews of Aris 13, and Asayr 2 were released, Al Kaushar's crew are reportedly still held hostage by the pirates.

According to UNODC, large parts of the Somali coast remain beyond the reach of law enforcement authorities and thus called on ships planning passage off the country to follow the advice of navies and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The UN agency added that it continued to support the trials of piracy suspects in the region and to the Somali maritime law enforcement agencies as they extend their reach around the Somali coast.

"The threat of Somali piracy has never gone away: it has been suppressed by the good work of the shipping industry and their security teams, navies, and UNODC's support to the trial and imprisonment of 1,300 pirates," expressed Alan Cole, the head of Maritime Crime Programme at UNODC.
Central African Republic: Security Council pledges support for President's efforts to stabilize country

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 4 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Central African Republic: Security Council pledges support for President's efforts to stabilize country, 4 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e62bca4.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations Security Council today expressed its support for the efforts of President Faustin Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic (CAR) to restore State authority as well as for the African Union-led mediation initiative to find a political solution to the situation in the crisis-torn country.

In a Presidential Statement issued today, the 15-member body renewed its support for CAR President Touadera and welcomed his significant role to stabilize the country, promote peace and reconciliation, advance plans for disarmament, enable long-term development, and build the capacity of state institutions and basic service delivery, with the support of regional and international partners.

The Council also acknowledges the African Initiative for a Peace and Reconciliation Agreement between the Government and all armed groups in the CAR, which is aimed at sustainably promoting reconciliation and inclusive governance.

On the security front, the Council expressed concern at the ongoing clashes between armed groups, in particular around Bambari in the Ouaka prefecture, and, most recently, in Bakouma in the Mbomou prefecture, which have caused heavy civilian losses and significant population displacement.

The Council strongly condemned violence perpetrated by armed groups and their attempts to forcefully gain control of territory and resources, and urged all armed groups, in particular FPRC and UPC, to immediately stop all violence and honour their commitment to the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation process.

The Council also renewed its support to the Secretary-General's Special Representative Parfait Onanga-Anyanga and to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in the implementation of its mandate.

Recalling the UN's zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, the Council urged all authorized non-UN forces to take adequate measures to prevent and combat impunity for sexual exploitation and abuse by their personnel.
A bill that would allow East Helena voters to create a high school district was resoundingly passed by the Montana House on Wednesday.

With a 97-3 margin, Senate Bill 139 is now headed for Gov. Steve Bullock's desk.

It would give a handful of Montana K-8 school districts the option to vote to expand into a high school district, opening the door to a split between East Helena and Helena Public Schools.

East Helena, a K-8 district, sends its high school-age students to Helena high schools. East Helena, along with Lockwood and Missoula Hellgate, championed a similar bill in 2015, but controversial provisions  namely an asset split between districts  sank the proposal.

East Helena school district Superintendent Ron Whitmoyer has said some of the concerns over splitting up school district assets and issues on timing of a smaller district pulling high school students out of the larger district have been addressed in the latest bill.

Billings trustees are the last holdout among several education groups that opposed the 2015 bill. Helena Public Schools Superintendent Jack Copps spoke in favor of the current bill, and it's supported by the state teachers union.

The law would give K-8 districts that are eligible to expand to K-12 a five-year window to make the move. Districts would have to vote to expand, then vote again within two years to pass a bond to build a high school. If either vote fails, districts have to wait for another five-year window.

School District 2 in Billings has argued that the uncertainty of whether it will enroll Lockwood students in the future complicates its planning, especially for advanced and elective classes and special programs.

"Repeated consideration of an expansion bill makes any long-range fiscal and educational planning for our school district business challenging, if not impossible," wrote SD2 board chair Greta Besch Moen in a letter to legislators.

Based on changes in tax base and student enrollment, SD2 Chief Financial Officer Mike Arnold estimates that Billings would lose about $1.6 million in budget authority in its current budget. His projections show a 2.65 mill increase in SD2's school year budget for Billings taxpayers. Previous state projections also predicted a modest increase.

Billings trustees have argued that Billings voters deserve to vote as well on a Lockwood split, given tax impacts. And SD2 has repeatedly questioned the willingness of Lockwood voters to pay for a high school.

If East Helena goes ahead with its own high school, the districts have an agreement that only one class at a time, or approximately 125 students, would shift from Helena to East Helena each year, Copps said. This would give Helena Public Schools time to address staffing changes through attrition.

The tax impact on Helena school district property owners would be an additional $0.79 per month on a home valued at $100,000, or $1.58 on a home valued at $200,000, Copps said.

Marga Lincoln of the Independent Record contributed to this story.
Syria: UN chief 'deeply disturbed' by reports of alleged chemical attack; OPCW investigating

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 4 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Syria: UN chief 'deeply disturbed' by reports of alleged chemical attack; OPCW investigating, 4 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e62d774.html [accessed 8 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.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today said that he is deeply disturbed by reports of alleged use of chemical weapons in an airstrike in the Khan Shaykhun area of southern Idlib, Syria.

In a statement from his spokesperson, the Secretary-General expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims of the incident and their families.

He noted that the UN Security Council affirmed that the use of chemical weapons constitutes a serious violation of international law and runs counter to resolutions passed by the 15-member body.

While the UN has said that it is not in a position to independently verify these reports, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is currently in the process of gathering and analysing information to confirm if chemical weapons were used.

The OPCW is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which aims to eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction by prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons by States Parties.

Meanwhile, the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic has added its support for OPCW's fact finding mission. Established by the UN Human Rights Council, the Commission works to investigate if human rights abuses occurred in Syria since March 2011 and who should be held responsible.

In statement, the Commission urged full support for the fact finding mission and the independent Joint Investigative Mechanism.

It is imperative for perpetrators of such attacks to be identified and held accountable, the Commission said, adding that it is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Both the use of chemical weapons, as well as the deliberate targeting of medical facilities, would amount to war crimes and serious violations of human rights law, the Commission added.

Preliminary information indicates a number of civilian casualties, including children.

Images of children choking and dying in the streets are as horrific as they are heartbreaking, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement by Executive Director Anthony Lake.

If confirmed, the attack must compel action, Mr. Lake said. He noted, however, that the attack must now obscure the violence taking place elsewhere in Syria.

Some 280,000 children are trapped under siege at the moment in the country, cut off from aid, according to UNICEF.
A 'different' Darfur has emerged since 2003; exit strategy for AU-UN mission being considered

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 4 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, A 'different' Darfur has emerged since 2003; exit strategy for AU-UN mission being considered, 4 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e630894.html [accessed 8 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 African Union (AU) and the United Nations are actively discussing with the Government of Sudan how best to configure a strategy for AU-UN peacekeeping to eventually leave Darfur, the head of that operation said today.

"In view of the current circumstances in Darfur, a pragmatic reconfiguration of UNAMID [the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur] will become necessary and the AU and UN will have to focus on how best that could be done without compromising the gains thus far made," the Joint Special Representative, Jeremiah Mamabolo, told the Security Council.

He said that from 5 to 17 March, UNAMID received an AU-UN strategic review team, which met with the Government of Sudan in Khartoum and Darfur, and travelled throughout the Darfur region. UNAMID awaits the outcome of these deliberations.

The three strategic priorities established by the Council in 2014 continue to provide a framework within which UNAMID implements its mandate to protect civilians, mitigate inter-communal conflicts and mediate between the Government and the non-signatory armed movements.

"The Darfur of today is a very different place from what this region was in 2003, when the armed conflict began, and from that of a year ago," Mr. Mamabolo said, noting that fighting between Sudanese Government forces and the main three non-signatory armed movements has considerably diminished.

The past three months have also witnessed a continued reduction in the number of inter-communal security incidents, in particular as a result of the more effective involvement of the native administrations and the impact of security measures by State Governments, leading to an increased number of peace agreements.

Further, UNAMID has not seen any new displacement in 2017. Cooperation with the Government has noticeably improved in terms of humanitarian access. UNAMID and the UN country team have repeatedly been able to visit previously off-limits areas in Jebel Marra while UN humanitarian partners are commencing regular helicopter flights to Golo.

However, efforts by the AU High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to get warring parties to sign a cessation of hostilities agreement and start direct negotiations towards an inclusive peace agreement to end the conflict have remained inconclusive, Mr. Mamabolo said.

Although Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid al-Nur (SLA/AW) is no longer capable of mounting and sustaining significant military operations, it continues to refuse to join the peace process and seems to want to continue to fight, he explained.

"We would like to appeal to this Council and those with influence and leverage on him to persuade him to recognize the importance of a political settlement and desist from bringing more suffering to the very people that he professes to represent," Mr. Mamabolo said.
Australia's Aboriginal children 'essentially being punished for being poor'  UN rights expert

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 4 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Australia's Aboriginal children 'essentially being punished for being poor'  UN rights expert, 4 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e631844.html [accessed 8 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.

Stressing that the rates of incarceration for Australia's indigenous peoples have reached astounding, "tsunami" proportions, a United Nations human rights expert today called on the authorities to respect the peoples' right to self-determination, to full and effective participation in society, and to step up the fight against racism.

"High rates of incarceration were described to me as a tsunami affecting indigenous peoples [] while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders make up only three per cent of the total population, they constitute 27 per cent of the prison population, and much more in some prisons," said Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous people, at the end of her official visit to the nation.

The situation of youths and children from these communities is particularly concerning and the number of children being removed from their homes is increasing.

For instance, at a youth detention centre in Townsville, Queensland province, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children constituted 95 per cent of the children detained.

"These children are essentially being punished for being poor and in most cases, prison will only aggravate the cycle of violence, poverty and crime," noted Ms. Tauli-Corpuz. "I found meeting young children, some only 12 years old, in detention the most disturbing element of my visit."

I found meeting young children, some only 12 years old, in detention the most disturbing element of my visit

"As already recommended by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, I urge Australia to increase the age of criminal responsibility. Children should be detained only as a last resort," she highlighted.

The expert also noted that Aboriginal children were seven times more likely than non-indigenous children to be in contact with the child protection system or to be subject to abuse or neglect.

New relationship between Government and National Congress of First Peoples needed

She also noted that while numerous policies have been adopted to address the socio-economic disadvantage of indigenous peoples, these have failed to deliver on targets in the areas of health, education and employment.

In particular, Ms. Tauli-Corpuz criticized the Government programme known as the Indigenous Advancement Strategy which was initiated in 2014 and involved a large budget cut in funding for support programmes.

"The implementation of the strategy has been bureaucratic, rigid and has wasted considerable resources on administration. Travelling across the country, I have repeatedly been told about its dire consequences," she said, pointing to threats that targets on closing the gap in areas such as life expectancy, infant mortality, education and employment would not be met.

Urging for a comprehensive approach including specific objectives on reduction of detention rates, child removal and violence against women, the UN rights expert also called on the Government to forge a new relationship with the national representative body for indigenous peoples, the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, and restore their funding.

In her remarks, Ms. Tauli-Corpuz also spoke of effective community-led initiatives in a range of areas including public health, housing, education, child-protection, conservation and administration of justice, and their potential in making immediate significant positive changes in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The rights expert will present a comprehensive report on her two-week long mission to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council at its session in September this year.

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
'We must be resourced to respond, protect and deliver' for people of Syria, UN aid chief

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 4 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, 'We must be resourced to respond, protect and deliver' for people of Syria, UN aid chief, 4 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e631b24.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

As a major international conference on Syria gets underway in Brussels, United Nations agencies have warned that a sluggish financial support by Member States would put vital assistance for millions of refugees and the communities hosting them at risk.

"The situation is getting desperate," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in a news release on the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) for 2017, a funding appeal launched in January that calls for $4.63 billion in vital assistance for refugees and host communities.

To date, only $433 million, or just 9 per cent, of the amount requested has been received.

"We recognise and applaud the donations made so far, but the simple truth is that funding isn't keeping up with needs," added Mr. Grandi.

In its seventh year, the conflict in Syria remains the largest humanitarian challenge in the world - with 13.5 million men, women and children inside Syria in need of urgent assistance. There are now more than 5 million Syrian refugees living in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and many more have made the dangerous journey to Europe and farther afield.

The Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, being held today and tomorrow, aims to rev up funding support.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) are extremely concerned by the current low funding levels.

Without additional funding, all areas of assistance will be curtailed this year. Food and cash assistance will be reduced or cut by mid-year, challenging stability and security in the region.

With the majority of Syrian refugees falling below national poverty lines, families will face the impossible choice of taking their children out of school, adding to the half a million children already missing out on education.

Support for livelihoods and job creation programmes will be slowed - at a time when unemployment is on the rise for refugees and host communities alike.

"The story is the same throughout the region - water and sanitation services, employment and housing markets are all under strain," said UNDP Administrator Helen Clark. "UNDP and its 3RP partners are on the ground expanding infrastructure, boosting livelihoods, and fostering community development in response - but the needs are massive and we need more support."

Speaking at a thematic session of the Brussels conference, Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien stressed the need to convert huge cash to an effective, immediate, coordinated, collective, collaborative humanitarian programme.

"Multilateral action together does create the greater impact for affected people who are suffering and need our relief action, converting huge cash to an effective, immediate, coordinated, collective, collaborative programme to save lives and to help build a practical and hopeful future," he told the session titled 'Humanitarian situation inside Syria: Needs, challenges and way forward."

"Always know that it is peace that is the best antidote to suffering," he added.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs also underscored the need to ensure that food insecurity across Syria is kept in check and that effective food assistance can be provided in a way to eventually transition those in need from dependency to self-sufficiency.

Response plans must span the humanitarian-development nexus and provide a bridge towards longer-term recovery even as the most critical life-saving and protection needs are being addressed, he said.
Those responsible for St. Petersburg metro attack must be held accountable  UN chief Guterres

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 3 April 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Those responsible for St. Petersburg metro attack must be held accountable  UN chief Guterres, 3 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e632024.html [accessed 8 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.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned today's explosion on the metro in Russia's second largest city of St. Petersburg and underlined need to bring those responsible to justice.

According to a statement issued by Mr. Guterres' spokesperson, the UN chief expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government as well as to people of Russia.

He also underscored that those responsible for the "appalling act" must be held accountable.

According to reports, at least ten people were killed in the blast that hit a train as it was travelling between two underground stations. Dozens more are also said to have been injured.
Sudan: Torture of Channel 4 journalists highlights need to investigate Darfur chemical attacks

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Sudan: Torture of Channel 4 journalists highlights need to investigate Darfur chemical attacks, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e6354b4.html [accessed 8 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 torture of two journalists abducted en route to Jebel Marra, in Sudan's Darfur region, is not only a grave affront to press freedom, but also proof the Sudanese authorities have something to hide in the region, said Amnesty International today ahead of the airing of a film detailing their harrowing six-week ordeal.

Phil Cox, a British national, and Daoud Hari, a Darfuri translator and author, had been commissioned by the UK's Channel4 TV to investigate reports by Amnesty International that Sudanese security forces had used chemical weapons against civilians in Jebel Marra between January and August 2016.

"For nearly two months, the two journalists were locked up in a prison and tortured, simply for doing their job. They were beaten, subjected to electric shocks, deliberately deprived of oxygen and subjected to mock executions," said Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International's Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.

"The lengths to which the Sudanese government went to keep the two journalists out of Jebel Marra, including acts of torture, only suggests one thing: that it has something to hide. If no chemical weapons were used, then why not let the journalists get on with their job?



"This is one more reason, if any were needed, why the alleged chemical attacks which killed an estimated 200 to 250 people, must be thoroughly and independently investigated."

While in Darfur, the two filmmakers were abducted by members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are part of the military and a central element in the Sudanese government efforts to stem the flow of refugees to Europe under the EU-Horn of Africa Migration Route Initiative, also known as the Khartoum Process. Amnesty International has expressed concern that EU funds to Sudan under the Khartoum Process maybe inadvertently financing the RSF, a group accused of egregious human rights violations.

After a week spent chained to a tree in North Darfur, the two filmmakers were transferred to other Sudanese government forces and moved to Kober Prison in the capital, Khartoum, where they were held for six weeks with other detainees, including human rights defenders, dozens of whom were being held without charge.

"Now that a pattern of arbitrary detention and torture at Kober has been exposed, the international community must take action. They must insist that all detainees still held there be either released, or charged with a recognized offence in an ordinary and civilian court of law," said Muthoni Wanyeki.

Background

Sudanese government forces that participated in chemical attacks in Jebel Marra, committed numerous crimes under international law and human rights violations, including unlawful killings, indiscriminate aerial bombings, forced displacement, rape and pillage.

Over the last few years many opposition activists, students and human rights defenders have been arbitrarily arrested, tortured and forcibly disappeared by agents of the National Intelligence Security Service (NISS).

The NISS has also been used to gag the press by harassing and arresting journalists. Newspapers are also heavily censored and sometimes entire print runs confiscated if they criticize the government.

Although the majority of cases of arbitrary arrests have been by NISS agents, there have been multiple reports of such arrests carried out by Military Intelligence officers.

"Hunted in Sudan," a documentary on the journalists' ordeal, will be broadcast on Channel 4 News on 5 and 6 April 2017 at 7pm in the UK.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Syria: UN Security Council must take decisive action after Idleb chemical attack

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Syria: UN Security Council must take decisive action after Idleb chemical attack, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e636084.html [accessed 8 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.

Experts believe a nerve agent such as sarin gas was deployed from the air

Amnesty International authenticated and analyzed dozens of videos from attack site

Deadliest chemical attack since 2013 follows other chemical weapons use and widespread war crimes using conventional weapons

Evidence gathered is suggesting a nerve agent was used in an air-launched chemical attack which killed more than 70 and injured hundreds of civilians in Khan Sheikhoun in Syria's northern province of Idleb, Amnesty International revealed as the UN Security Council meets for an emergency meeting in New York this morning.



The organization is urging the Security Council to immediately adopt a resolution that will enforce the prohibition of chemical weapons attacks and facilitate bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.

"Security Council members, and in particular Russia and China, have displayed callous disregard for human life in Syria by repeatedly failing to pass resolutions that would allow for punitive measures to be taken against those committing war crimes and other serious violations in Syria," said Anna Neistat, Senior Director of Research at Amnesty International. "The Security Council must immediately vote to investigate this attack and help bring those responsible to justice. Failure to do so would be catastrophic, risking further emboldening governments and armed groups in Syria to target civilians in war crimes with banned and conventional weapons alike."

Many of the victims of the attack, which occurred around 6:30a.m. local time on Tuesday 4 April, appear to have been poisoned as they slept in their beds. Chemical weap

ons experts working with Amnesty International have confirmed that victims are very likely to have been exposed to a nerve agent, or an organophosphorus compound, such as sarin. Experts do not believe that chlorine gas was used, as in previous chemical attacks in the Syrian conflict.

Video evidence

Amnesty International was also able to authenticate more than 25 pieces of video footage shot in the aftermath of the chemical weapons attack. Some videos are of sufficient quality for experts to observe victims with pinpoint pupils, described as a classic symptom of nerve gas poisoning. There are reports of medical staff suffering from secondary exposure, which would also be consistent with the use of a nerve agent. In some videos, victims displayed no twitching or jerky movements which experts agree suggest cases of extreme poisoning. In others, including videos of children, the patients are trembling. One piece of footage, which Amnesty International has corroborated with other available content, shows nine children lying lifeless in the back of a pick-up truck. The children, little girls and boys, are naked or partially dressed; they appear to have died in their beds. No signs of trauma are visible on their corpses, which is consistent with chemical poisoning.

Other videos made in medical facilities in the aftermath of the attack show many people being treated for respiratory distress, as well as more images of dead children and adults. There are no obvious signs of bloody wounds or shrapnel injuries.

"This is the deadliest chemical attack in Syria since the United Nations Security Council passed resolution 2118 in September 2013 for the elimination of Syria'schemical weapons," said Anna Neistat. "The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the UN have jointly confirmed several chemical weapon attacks since then, by government and non-government forces alike. It is appalling that nobody has been brought to justice."

Interviews with medical workers in Idleb

Amnesty International interviewed a nurse, who was working at the Al Rahma hospital on the morning of the attack. He remembers checking his watch at around 6:20a.m. when he was having his morning coffee and all was quiet until then.

"The sound of the explosion was not what we are used to - my colleagues and I thought that this one hadn't exploded, because of the thump sound it made, not an explosion sound. A few minutes later, around 6:35a.m., the first victims were brought in - and then the flow just kept going until around 9a.m. There was a huge number of people and aides being brought in, and there were only four of us medics at the hospital at the time, and one of us also got infected."

The nurse also described unfamiliar symptoms:

"The smell reached us here in the centre; it smelled like rotten food. We've received victims of chlorine attacks before - this was completely different. Victims had vomit from the nose and mouth, a dark yellow colour, sometimes turning to brown. Paralysis in respiratory functions - children were dying faster than adults because of this. We tried injections  but it just didn't work. Victims were unable to swallow, they were unconscious, completely unresponsive."

"The use of chemical weapons is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime. The international community must show outrage and take all possible measures to protect the Syrian people and the people of the world from such horrific acts," said Anna Neistat.

A doctor working at the specialized surgery hospital, some 50 kilometres away from the site of the attack also gave his account of the incident.

"Victims were sent first to the closest hospitals, so by the time they reached us, it was around 8am. The attack happened at 6.42am exactly. Victims, including around 70 dead, have reached a total of around 400 people, who were spread out between the different medical centres, and those taken to Turkey. Most of the victims we received were still alive. Those who died didn't make it to us. Two persons brought in here died in hospital.

"Victims reached us in different states - some had muscular and respiratory paralysis, which we tried treating with tranquilizers and Atropine.

"They had secretions from the mouth and nose that were white. Some were completely unconscious. Some had severe muscular pain.

"Children are the first ones to die, they cannot fight this back. We only had one child who, thank God, survived. "

Background

Khan Sheikhoun is a small town on the Damascus highway in rural Idleb, which is one of the few areas in northeastern Syria to remain under opposition control. In recent months Idleb has become collection point for those fleeing violence in Aleppo and elsewhere. It has suffered sporadic bombardment by Syrian artillery positions and aircraft since 2012. Recently the bombing intensified, in response to a surprise offensive by armed opposition groups in Hama. Aircraft of the US-led coalition have also been carrying out attacks in Idleb Governorate.

Amnesty International has repeatedly called upon the UN Security Council to end the cycle of impunity and to refer the situation in Syria to the Prosecution of the International Criminal Court In February 2017, Russia and China vetoed a draft Security Council resolution to impose Chapter VII measures for the "unauthorized transfer of chemical weapons, or any use of chemical weapons by anyone in the Syrian Arab Republic". This attack also serves as a bleak and unfortunate reminder to European countries meeting in Brussels to consider reconstruction in Syria that action towards justice and accountability must be central to any discussions about the country's future.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Palestine: Hamas executes three civilians tried in Gaza military courts

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 6 April 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Palestine: Hamas executes three civilians tried in Gaza military courts, 6 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e636a04.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In response to the appalling news that three men convicted of collaborating with Israel were hanged today by the Hamas de facto administration in the Gaza Strip, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Magdalena Mughrabi said:

"Today's executions by the Hamas authorities in Gaza represent a bitter blow for human rights. The death penalty is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. Its use is deplorable in any circumstances but the fact that these three civilian men were condemned to death after being convicted in unfair proceedings in military courts makes their executions all the more outrageous.

"No one should be deprived of the right to life no matter what crime they are accused of. Hamas must halt all executions immediately, abolish the death penalty and stop trying civilians in military courts."

On 11 April 2017 Amnesty International will launch its annual death penalty report, detailing death sentence and execution statistics for 2016.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Colombia: Prosecution Suspended on Army Killings Case

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Colombia: Prosecution Suspended on Army Killings Case, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e637e04.html [accessed 8 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.

Colombian judicial authorities' decision effectively suspending a closely watched murder and enforced disappearance prosecution of soldiers sets a worrying precedent, 33 Colombian and international human rights groups said today. A higher court with the power to overturn this decision should carefully consider the wider damage it could do to efforts to hold those responsible for serious human rights violations to account.

On March 28, 2017, the 9th Judge of Judicial Guarantees of Bogota declined to carry out a hearing to charge 12 soldiers, including Colonel Gabriel de Jesus Amado Rincon, for the murder and enforced disappearance of two men and a boy in 2008. The judge ruled that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP), a judicial system created as part of the peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), would have jurisdiction to hear the case. However, that system has yet to become operational, and it is unclear when it will. The court said that the Superior Judicial Council (Consejo Superior de la Judicatura), one of the country's higher courts, could decide which court has jurisdiction over the case.

Nothing in Colombian law or in the peace accord indicates that the authorities can or should suspend prosecutions against soldiers allegedly responsible for atrocities.

On February 2008, the three victims - Daniel Alexander Martinez, 21; Diego Armando Marin Giraldo, 21; and Estiben Valencia Sanabria, 16 - were lured from Soacha, a Bogota suburb, to the rural areas of the northeastern municipality of Ocana, more than 600 kilometers away, where they were murdered by army troops and reported as enemies killed in combat. The killings, as well as those of other young men and teenagers around the same time, are known in Colombia as the "Soacha cases." Revelations about the cases forced the government to take steps - including dismissing 27 army officers - to curb systematic killings by the army.

The Soacha cases and other army killings that came to be known as "false positives" were committed between 2002 and 2008. During that period, brigades throughout Colombia killed thousands of civilians to increase the numbers they reported as enemies killed in combat. The March 28 ruling came nine years after the crimes, at the first hearing of a case in which soldiers allegedly responsible for these three killings might have been charged.

The ruling sets a worrying precedent that could allow Colombia to violate its duty to investigate, prosecute, and punish serious human rights violations without undue delay, the rights groups said. The groups also welcomed the April 3 ruling that convicted 21 soldiers for another Soacha case.

The ruling undermines and appears to be inconsistent with key provisions of the November 24, 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC. Under the accord, the SJP would handle abuses by state agents that are related to the armed conflict. The agreement provides that the special jurisdiction - not regular Colombian judges - should determine which cases are related to the conflict. It also provides that the Attorney General's Office will continue investigations until the special jurisdiction requests its reports on the crimes. On March 29, 2017, the Attorney General's Office expressed its disagreement with the ruling, saying that the crimes were not related to the armed conflict. To the extent this reasoning holds, it would mean that the SJP might well ultimately decline to take up this prosecution at all.

By trying to transfer the case to a jurisdiction that is not yet functioning, authorities suspended the prosecution for an undetermined period, the human rights groups said.

This apparently opportunistic use of the SJP to allow those responsible of atrocities to evade justice severely undermines prospects for a just and durable peace, human rights groups said.

The following groups expressed their concern about the ruling:

Analisis Urbano

Asociacion de Familiares de Detenidos - Desaparecidos (ASFADDES)

Asociacion de Vivienda EMECE

Asociacion Minga

Asociacion Nacional de Ayuda Solidaria

Asociacion Shipia Wayuu

Colectivo de Abogados Jose Alvear Restrepo

Comision Colombiana de Juristas

Comision Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz

Comite de Solidaridad de Presos Politicos

Comite Permanente por la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (CPDH)

Comunidades Construyendo Paz en los Territorios (CONPAZ)

Coordinacion Colombia - Europa - Estados Unidos

Corporacion Claretiana Norman Perez Bello

Corporacion Juridica Humanidad Vigente

Corporacion Juridica Libertad

Corporacion Juridica Yira Castro

Corporacion para la Paz y el Desarrollo Social (CORPADES)

Corporacion por la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos "Caguan Vive"

Derechos Humanos Colombia

Equipo Nizkor

EQUITAS

Fundacion Nydia Erika Bautista

Fundacion Paz y Reconciliacion (PARES)

Hijas e hijos por la Identidad, la Justicia, contra el olvido y el silencio

Hijos e hijas por la memoria y contra la impunidad

Human Rights Watch

Madres de Soacha

Movimiento de Victimas de Crimenes de Estado (MOVICE)

Observatorio Surcolombiano de Derechos Humanos y Violencia (OBSURDH)

Organizacion de Victimas de Ejecuciones Extrajudiciales del Eje Cafetero "Voces Unidas exigiendo justicia"

Semillas de Memoria

Sisma Mujer

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Ethiopia: No Justice in Somali Region Killings

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Ethiopia: No Justice in Somali Region Killings, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e638b44.html [accessed 8 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.

Ethiopian authorities have failed to hold accountable a paramilitary force that killed at least 21 villagers in the Somali region of Ethiopia in June 2016. The government should promptly grant access to independent international monitors to investigate these killings and other reported abuses by this force, known as the "Liyu police."

On June 5, 2016, Liyu police members entered the village of Jaamac Dubad in eastern Ethiopia's Somali Regional State after an officer had been wounded in a dispute with local traders. The police started shooting indiscriminately, killing at least 14 men and seven women, and then looted shops and houses. Nine months later, survivors said they were not aware of any investigation into the killings and had not received any compensation.

"Liyu police killed 21 villagers in the Somali region and devastated this vulnerable community, but there's no sign that the government is working to bring anyone to justice for these killings," said Felix Horne, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Ethiopian authorities should end their indifference to the murderous operations by this paramilitary force and work with international monitors to investigate their abuses."

Ethiopian authorities created the Liyu ("special" in Amharic) police for the Somali region in 2007, when an armed conflict between the insurgent Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) and the government escalated. By 2008, the Liyu police had become a prominent counterinsurgency force recruited and led by then-regional security chief Abdi Mohammed Omar, known as "Abdi Illey." Abdi Illey became the president of Somali Regional State in 2010, and the Liyu police continue to report to him.

The Liyu police have frequently been implicated in extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, and violence against people in the Somali region, as well as in retaliatory attacks against local communities. There has also been growing evidence of attacks by the group against communities outside of the Somali region, including in the Oromia region since late December 2016, and in Somalia.

Between December and February 2017, Human Rights Watch interviewed 31 residents of Jaamac Dubad and people from nearby villages, including 10 witnesses to the June 5 killings who had fled to neighboring Somaliland.

Survivors and witnesses to the June 5 violence said that the Liyu police entered and encircled the village with vehicles, then fired randomly at people gathered in the market and at women near their homes and shops, and directly at those who tried to flee. Witnesses said that they had not seen any of their community members using firearms in response.

"The bullets were flying all over the place," said a 40-year-old woman. "I came out of my house, saw that many people were fleeing, and saw people in uniform shooting.  With my four children, I just left my house. The Liyu police were shooting as we fled." She said that two women running behind her were shouting that they had been hit.

During the shooting, many residents fled the village. The next day, the Liyu police prevented residents from returning to bury the 21people killed. Witnesses told Human Rights Watch that when they were able to return, they found that there had been widespread looting of shops and houses in the village, with food, goods, and money missing.

In the ensuing weeks, the Liyu police conducted a disarmament operation in neighboring villages, detaining dozens of residents and beating several.

Since 2007, the Ethiopian government has imposed tight controls on access to the Somali region for independent journalists and human rights monitors. Ethiopia's regional and federal governments should urgently facilitate access for investigations by independent human rights investigators, including the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial and summary executions, of the shootings at Jaamac Dubad and other alleged serious abuses by the Liyu police, Human Rights Watch said. The governments should promptly compensate those harmed and the families of those killed.

"The Liyu police's killing of 21 people is one in a long list of serious abuses for which this force has escaped scot-free," Horne said. "The scale of their abuses over the last decade warrants international scrutiny, and Ethiopia's international supporters should push for access to independent investigators into the Somali region to ensure that no one else has to suffer at their hands."

For details about Human Rights Watch's findings, please see below.

Abuses in Ethiopia's Somali Region

The Somali region has been the site of a low-level insurgency by the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) for more than a decade and a major counterinsurgency campaign since April 2007. However, the area has not been directly affected by the largely peaceful protests that have swept Ethiopia since 2015 or the government's bloody crackdown on them.

In a June 2008 report, Human Rights Watch found that the Ethiopian National Defense Force and the ONLF had committed war crimes in the Somali region between mid-2007 and early 2008, and that the Ethiopian armed forces could be responsible for crimes against humanity. These abuses have never been independently investigated.

The Liyu police was established as part of the counter-insurgency campaign. Human Rights Watch has received credible allegations of abuses by the Liyu police, including extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, and other abuses of civilians accused of being members of or sympathetic to the ONLF.

The government has responded to reports of abuses in the Somali region over the years by severely restricting or controlling access for journalists, human rights groups, and aid organizations. Criticism of the local authorities, particularly of Abdi Illey, the regional president, is not tolerated, both inside and outside of Ethiopia. Arbitrary arrests and mistreatment of family members of Ethiopian-Australians who protested Abdi Illey's June 2016 visit to Australia illustrates the regional authorities' ongoing repression of dissent, Human Rights Watch said.

Human Rights Watch has also found other evidence of Liyu police abuses against people in parts of the Somali region that had never been a source of support for the ONLF, including in the Gashaamo district, largely populated by the ethnic Somali Isaaq clan. In 2012, the Liyu police summarily executed 10 people and committed other serious abuses, including torture and looting, in four villages in the Gashaamo district. Human Rights Watch received credible reports of reprisal killings against civilians, including women and children, in May and June 2015, following fighting between the Liyu police and clan militia near the Somalia border. A United Nations security council monitoring group found that an estimated 30 to 40 people were killed.

Since December 2016, credible reports have emerged of Liyu police incursions into the neighboring Oromia region. While there has been sporadic fighting on both sides of the Oromia-Somali regional border areas between ethnic Oromo and Somali pastoralists, sometimes involving the Liyu police, recent incidents have been far more violent, involving armed men on both sides. Dozens of casualties have been reported to Human Rights Watch, including many civilians in Oromia. Restrictions on access have made it difficult to corroborate details.

Killings in Jaamac Dubad, June 2016

On June 5, 2016, a Liyu police officer was injured, according to second-hand sources, during a shootout between Liyu police forces and unidentified gunmen linked to local traders of khat, a stimulant grown in the Ethiopian highlands. According to residents and media reports, Liyu police members had tried to confiscate a vehicle owned by local traders after it was involved in an accident with a government ambulance. The shootout occurred near Jaamac Dubad in the Gashaamo district, when the Liyu police towed the car away.

Around midday, Liyu police vehicles entered Jaamac Dubad apparently looking for those involved in the shootout. Ten survivors and witnesses said that Liyu police began firing indiscriminately around the village and directly at fleeing people. Residents, including people who saw their relatives' bodies, said that at least four women and two men had been shot in the upper body and head.

One community elder said Liyu police arrested him and two other elders as they headed toward the village: "We were two kilometers outside Jaamac Dubad walking toward it when the Liyu police drove by, stopped their vehicles, and grabbed us. They choked me and threw me to the ground. I broke a vertebra in my lower neck." He showed Human Rights Watch an X-ray of the broken bone. The elder said he was later sentenced for illegally assisting khat traders and imprisoned for over two months.

While pastoralist communities such as those in and around Jaamac Dubad are likely to have small arms to protect their animals, Human Rights Watch did not find any evidence that residents in the village engaged that day in armed resistance to the Liyu police. One resident said she saw the former village administrator run into his house to pick up his gun after the Liyu police entered the village but said he was gunned down before he was able to shoot at anyone.

"Abdi," an elderly man who was in the market when the shooting started said:

Vehicles drove quickly into town and slammed on the brakes, [Liyu] police got out, and immediately started firing at people. They weren't firing into the air. Sometimes they would shoot directly at people, other times they were just randomly shooting at the crowds. People were running everywhere, only to find their way blocked by the Liyu police. If those running managed to make it through, the Liyu police would chase after them shooting.

An 80-year-old man saw another elderly man trying to escape toward the eastern part of the town. He said: "Dhabuke was running and was shot by a soldier from behind. He was hit in the shoulders and fell face forward. He died immediately."

One young woman was holding her 5-month-old son when she was fatally shot. The baby was hit in the chest and leg but survived. The woman's mother and a neighbor were also killed. A family member described the wounds she saw:

My sister had been hit on the lower arm and in the head. My mother was hit in the left side under her breast. The other woman [a neighbor] had a big [gunshot] wound, just in the middle of her chest.

During the shootings, a number of people ran into the village mosque seeking shelter. Liyu police officers pursued them and fired through the main door into the mosque. At least one elderly man, "Abdirahman," was wounded - shot in the leg - while inside the mosque.

At least two men managed to escape through another door. Mohamed, 60, said, "My cousin ran out of the door [of the mosque] facing the market. He was shot in the side of the head. They [the Liyu police] were five meters from him, chasing him, there was two of them, behind them were two others, and behind them were two more."

Altogether, the shooting lasted one hour.

The Liyu police detained several men and women outdoors until the following afternoon. The baby boy who was seriously injured was handed over to those detained, as the baby's aunt later learned. She said:

There were women who were held as prisoners by the Liyu police around Jaamac Dubad. They were released at 4 p.m. [on June 6]. One of them had my nephew with her. I asked how they had found the child, and they said that a government representative from Gashaamo came to us when they were detained and gave them the child. He had told the women that the child had received first aid and that his dead mother had been holding him when they found him.

Residents fled the fighting into the countryside and neighboring villages. For almost a day after the killings, the Liyu police prevented other residents from returning to the village to bury their dead.

"Abdirahman" managed to crawl back to his home the following morning:

My macawis [Somali sarong] was full of blood and it was becoming hard, so I wanted to change it. But when I arrived at my house, I searched for my macawis and I couldn't find any. My mattress, my mosquito net, my bed sheets, my pillows, everything was missing from my house.

He said that on the morning of June 6, while the Liyu police and Ethiopian forces were still restricting entrance into the village, he and another man who was badly injured were given first aid, and driven in a private vehicle to the nearest hospital, in the town of Gashaamo, about 25 kilometers away.

The forces allowed residents to return in the afternoon of June 6. Residents as well as people from neighboring villages came to bury the dead. The Liyu police, along with Ethiopian army officials and local officials, were present throughout the burial. Two residents said that the mayor of Gashaamo ordered the residents to be silent throughout the burial and not to cry. The residents dug a mass grave then left the village again. As one woman who lost two family members said: "We were scared, we had no time, so we buried them all in one big grave. Everyone worked to put the bodies to rest. The Liyu police were all over the place."

Residents of Jaamac Dubad, including witnesses to the killings and people who arrived the day of the burial, all said that their shops and houses had been looted of property, food, and money after the shootings. While most had not seen the looting, they believed that the Liyu police were responsible. One man who was among the residents detained overnight in the village said he saw the Liyu police looting his shop early on the evening of June 5.

The incident occurred shortly before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, so the shops were better stocked than usual. The aunt of the injured baby said:

My sister who was killed had come from Hargeisa [capital of Somaliland] - she had only been back in the village 10 days - she had brought a lot of food and sugar. When we went to our house we saw that they had taken the clothes and food. I also saw that they had broken into many of the shops.

Arbitrary Detention, Ill-Treatment During Disarmament

In the weeks following the June 5 killings, the Liyu police conducted a disarmament operation in the villages neighboring Jaamac Dubad, including Bodadheere, Gorgor, Ina Nur Muse, all inhabited by communities from the same sub-clans as Jaamac Dubad. They arrested dozens of people, detaining them in makeshift facilities, trying to get them to turn over their guns. Human Rights Watch spoke to nine people who were detained during operations. They said that they thought that the Liyu police feared that the local community would retaliate against them for the killings.

Several residents said that the Liyu police kicked and beat them with gun butts on their backs and shoulders when they were first detained and later in detention when they failed to produce a gun.

The Liyu police detained residents between two days and a month without charge, while the community was ordered to collect enough weapons to secure their release. Liyu police detained women to get the weapons belonging to husbands or fathers who were not there. One woman said she was detained for two days with her baby. Another woman said she was among 13 women detained in the Ina Nur Muse village school:

I was held for 13 days. There were six of us in one classroom, and seven in another. They would beat us with their gun butts, they would pull us out of the classroom to beat us and convince us to hand over guns. They would give us one meal in detention in the evening. I have five children, who I could not see during detention. My uncle in Bilincle [a village in Somaliland] sent a gun to secure my release.

Those interviewed by Human Rights Watch had fled their homes in the days following the shootings and the sweeps. Many had not returned to their homes as of December 2016 because of the violence and an ongoing drought. Some have nothing to return to. One 33-year-old woman said: "I was married with seven children and had a shop. But now my shop is looted and closed, and my husband is dead. My little baby was just 10 days old when it happened. I am very upset and don't want to go back, but my home is there."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
BUTTE  A man who told police during his drunk driving arrest in February that he had 22 prior DUI convictions pleaded guilty to felony DUI at his arraignment in Butte district court on Thursday before Judge Kurt Krueger.

Guilty pleas at arraignments are rare, as nearly all defendants plead not guilty when first charged and only enter guilty pleas after making a deal with the prosecution.

Judge Krueger repeatedly asked Clinton Sproles, 54, whether he understood he had no obligation to plead guilty as well as the penalties of a felony DUI conviction.

Sproles said he understood.

Sproles' attorney, Walter Hennessey, said his client had only been out of prison since July of 2016, and that Gallatin County still had a relevant pre-sentencing document that could be used to save time.

Sproles was arrested on February 25 around 11 p.m. on the 700 block of Front Street after a traffic stop when officers determined he was drunk, had a revoked license and had violated parole.

Police said Sproles told them he had 22 prior DUIs, though police have yet to determine whether that number is correct. Police are working with the Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's office to determine the extent of Sproles' criminal history and believe the number to be at least roughly accurate, they said.
DR Congo: What Next for the Political Process?

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 6 April 2017 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), DR Congo: What Next for the Political Process?, 6 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e63cf14.html [accessed 8 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 Catholic bishops of DR Congo have ended their mediation efforts between President Kabila and a deeply divided opposition. Amid a backdrop of worsening insecurity in the Kasai provinces, Kabila's agreement to appoint a new prime minister could merely mark the beginning of more protracted in-fighting.

The last ten days have seen important developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): the end of the DR Congo Catholic Church's attempts to implement its 31 December agreement, more violence in the Kasai provinces, a new UN Security Council resolution, and a speech by President Kabila announcing the imminent appointment of a new prime minister. How are all these connected?

On 31 December an inclusive political agreement, mediated by the Catholic bishops of DRC (CENCO) was signed between the government and opposition. The agreement stipulates that elections must be held by the end of 2017, and that a national union government should be formed and tasked with getting there. It is the current framework for all domestic and international deliberations and was strongly supported in UN Security Council Resolution 2348 of 31 March.

But three months in, the new government has not been named. The main stumbling block is how to name a prime minister - the opposition want to present one name for the president to approve, while he wants him to select from a three-name shortlist. When the CENCO ended its mediation and left the initiative to President Kabila, the latter organised consultations with the signatories of the agreement. The Rassemblement, the main group in the opposition, refused to participate in these talks.

On 5 April, a week following the CENCO's exit, Kabila addressed a joint session of parliament. In a speech intended to be reassuring, he said that elections will be organised according to a forthcoming timetable. Claiming a consensus between the parties on how to appoint a prime minister (PM), the president gave the Rassemblement, among whose ranks the prime minister has to be selected, 48 hours to present a list of candidates. He claimed to have established a consensus on the "authority of nomination", a clear sign that he intends to retain full control over the naming, and potential dismissal, of the new PM.

The political standstill has been feeding into already growing unrest throughout the country. Tensions have increased in cities like Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Goma, and a stay-away protest (a campaign known as villes mortes, or "dead cities") was widely observed on 3 April. Violent conflict at the provincial level has intensified. In addition to the ongoing conflicts in the eastern provinces (Ituri, North and South Kivu) new clashes have been reported in Tanganyika, at the border with South-Sudan and in Kongo-Central province.

Most important is the spreading conflict in the Kasai region where clashes between militia and security forces have killed hundreds since August 2016. The discovery of mass graves is causing international controversy and may lead to a commission to investigate war crimes. This surge in conflict, often rooted in very local circumstances, is fed by the decreasing legitimacy of the national government as the process of political transition stalls. It is also having severe humanitarian consequences. A further risk if provincial unrest continues is that it drains international attention and resources away from the central issue of organising elections, and even throws into doubt whether they can be achieved.

Both political blockage and provincial violence had an impact on negotiations at the UN on the renewal of the mandate of the peacekeeping and stabilisation force (MONUSCO). The debate was also overshadowed by the murder in Kasai of two members of the UN Panel of Experts on DRC. As the Security Council backed the December agreement, talks aimed at implementing it were unravelling on the ground. The issue also got embroiled in the new U.S. administration's push for reform at the UN, with a heavy focus on budget cuts and reducing numbers of peacekeepers. There is certainly space to make MONUSCO more effective and efficient, but the emphasis on troop reductions, and their timing, may distract from the more important issue of achieving a more flexible and reactive force.

Who are the main players and how are they now positioned?

Although the international focus has been on rising unrest, for the president and his political coalition (known as "the Majority"), the events of 2017 have been very satisfactory. Although the crisis is mostly attributable to President Kabila's refusal to leave office (the constitution limits him to two terms), he kept the political initiative through control of patronage and of the security apparatus, and the lack of a well-organised opposition. In the dragged-out talks, the Majority suffered no internal fragmentation (unlike in 2015), and by buying time, it has continued to pull in money, including through mining contracts. Furthermore, President Kabila, following his usual approach of staying above the fray and then intervening as the peacemaker between squabbling parties, has kept the upper hand in negotiations despite his lack of popular support. In his 5 April speech, he squarely put responsibility for the delay, and for solving it, with the opposition.

The opposition, in particular the Rassemblement, rely on popular dissatisfaction and international pressure to maintain their structures and squeeze concessions from the government. The 31 December agreement opened the way for them to enter office, where they believe they will be able to supervise the preparation of elections, boost their internal structures, and box in President Kabila and his majority. But the Congolese opposition tend to splinter when offered the prospect of entering government. Their coherence has been recently challenged by the death of historic leader Etienne Tshisekedi on 1 February. He was the opposition's uncontested leader and was to be the chair of the agreement's follow-up mechanism. The main opposition group, the Rassemblement, is now pushing for his son Felix to be named prime minister, but he does not have the support his father enjoyed within opposition ranks or among the population, and he will be less able to provide legitimacy to an eventual compromise with the regime. The other big figure in the opposition, Moise Katumbi, remains in exile where he is trying to sustain his popularity, but his ability to mobilise political support in-country remains untested. The Rassemblement was not prepared for the end of the CENCO mediation and has refused to meet with President Kabila, insisting on a continued role for the CENCO and good-offices by the UN. It has not accepted that Kabila can be both party and mediator, and is calling for demonstrations, a potentially dangerous move, as it is likely to result in violence but could also expose the oppositions' possibly limited capacity for mobilisation.

Prior to 2016, the Catholic bishops of CENCO used their legitimacy and unique national networks to push for respect of the constitution, denouncing the regime's plans to remain in power. But in 2016 they softened, and took on a mediating role when the African Union (AU)-brokered agreement of October proved impossible to follow through. The 31 December agreement is a solid achievement, getting far greater buy-in from opposition and the population. But events since have shown that the Church's very strength  its capillary-like network of local representation  has become its weakness, both because it is hard to negotiate consensus across the whole national church, and because its very presence has recently exposed it to pressure and even violence from the population.

Having struggled to get agreement on how to name a new prime minister, the first step to implementing its December agreement, the Church withdrew from its mediation role. In its declaration of 27 March, the CENCO president criticised Majority and opposition alike for failing to compromise. Clearly, the Church fears that prolonged wrangling may impact its own credibility. Faced with political actors obsessed with short-term gain, it has found that its moral authority can only take it so far. Church leaders met with President Kabila, and effectively handed over responsibility for moving things forward.

How is the population of DR Congo reacting?

The population remains the great unknown factor in this. It is under great pressure as prices rise, and is generally frustrated at the political class as a whole. The December agreement brought some hope, but this has disappeared slowly. The end of the mediation by the Church has led to some protest and incidents in several cities including Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Goma, although the scope was limited. More important was the general strike of 3 April which was widely followed, although as it was the first day of school holidays this may not necessarily signal a strong willingness to engage in political protest. A more important, further set of protests has been called by the opposition for 10 April. As happened in the past, there is a serious risk such protest could turn violent.

More than the political crisis, the people are preoccupied with the social impact of the economic crisis. Already dire conditions are worsening as the Congolese franc steadily loses value and prices of basic foodstuffs and transport are starting to rise. With organised political and social forces incapable of channelling the frustration, outburst of urban violence or people joining ill-defined insurgencies  as is the case in Kasai  is increasingly likely.

Can the 31 December agreement be salvaged, and what are the immediate challenges ahead?

Despite the end of the Church's mediation, there is at present no obvious alternative to the 31 December agreement, which continues to have broad support. In his 5 April speech, the president said he was moving forward with its implementation, part of an effort to demonstrate a degree of "business as usual". But buoyed by divisions in the opposition that lacks strategic or long-term thinking, his camp will feel it can call the shots. In that sense, while the agreement may remain intact, its spirit is fading. Once a prime minister is named, both sides will fight hard and long over the most powerful, and lucrative, ministerial posts. Every inch of real power will be fought for and naming a new government, with an agreed size of 54 ministers, will be anything but smooth.

Once formed, the government's biggest challenge will be financial. Despite the country's wealth, its government budget is wholly inadequate. Political uncertainty is taking its toll on the economy and undermining the currency. Paying for elections will be an additional challenge and donors, even those who have helped in the past, are reluctant to step in for fear of not being able to ensure that they will occur, while becoming a convenient scapegoat if funding falls short of requirements.

Finally, the new government will have to deal with growing insecurity across the country, and do so with minimal real authority over the security forces, which tend to answer directly to the president or be fairly free of political control.

Are elections in 2017 realistic, and what are the longer term prospects?

At the technical level, some progress has been made. Voter registration has now reached approximately 50 per cent of its target nationwide. Even in provinces affected by violence, such as North Kivu, where Crisis Group recently did research, people are registering in large numbers. The electoral commission has significant capacity at local level built up over the last two polls (2006 and 2011), and there is a strong popular desire to see elections happen.

But technical competence is not enough without political will. The cash-strapped commission is at the mercy of central government and there is no reason to believe that the Majority will renounce attempts to delay elections as long as possible. A weakened opposition will be hard pressed to counter them, even if in government. Growing social unrest, and especially large-scale displacement, could make the process much harder.

In such conditions, elections in 2017 will be difficult to achieve. Fresh mediation will then be required, and the risk of longer term stagnation will grow. But the momentum generated by voter registration and the strong will of the population are important factors, and maintaining progress, including the publication of a realistic and consensual electoral calendar is more important than meeting the December deadline. The hope is that, little by little, irreversible progress can be made, ultimately making elections inevitable. In his remarks on 5 April, President Kabila underlined forcefully that he will accept no foreign interference in the management or conduct of upcoming elections. This is a clear shot in the direction of the international community and the UN who foresee an important support role.

What can the UN and other major powers, including in the region, do now?

Although the 31 December agreement has united international powers in its support, the immediate prospects for international mediation to move it forward are poor. The AU tried in 2016, but its mediation, led by Edem Kodjo, a former Togolese prime minister and member of the AU's Panel of the Wise, was rejected by the opposition. Regional powers to the south (Angola, South Africa) are also seen in a negative light by the opposition. The latest regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit was seen to favour the regime. The AU has however indicated it remains engaged and African mediation may be called on again to unblock progress, possibly after some months of internal manoeuvring. The government will try its utmost to keep the process in sub-regional and African hands.

On the ground, the UN force (MONUSCO) faces huge challenges. Its troops, nearly all stationed in the Kivu provinces, find it hard to react to violent flare-ups elsewhere. The UN's "force transformation" agenda, intended to create a more flexible and reactive force, is making slow progress. It did manage to deploy troops and police to the Kasais, but there as elsewhere it suffers from a highly restrictive environment, as the government does not want UN forces and human rights units looking too closely into provincial unrest. The political good offices of the UN special representative remain important and logistical support to the Electoral Commission remains vital.

Negotiations at the UN Security Council in March reduced its troop numbers, though by less than had been feared. A proposed new police component was rejected, despite the fact that such a reform  switching some troops for police  would have been sensible, given the changing nature of the challenges MONUSCO faces, particularly deterring violence against civilians in urban areas. The reduction, which came despite the violence in the Kasais, was the result of strong desire for UN peacekeeping reform by the new U.S. administration. While questions can certainly be asked about force effectiveness, the timing was unfortunate. In Kinshasa, it is perceived as a concession to the government, which has long pushed for a reduction, at a time when strong international pressure is needed to avoid further electoral delays. More broadly, since the change of administration, the U.S. has gone from being at the forefront of international pressure on the regime to largely retreating into silence.

The European Union, a major donor and possible source of funding for the vote, is highly unlikely to play a mediation role, having recently threatened further sanctions against any people who obstruct elections, it is currently seen as being quite hostile to the government. International positions are therefore in a state of flux just at a time when a dose of firmness is needed to avoid further drift. International pressure was instrumental in getting to the 31 December agreement. Dates now have to be set for each stage of the polls preparation, and potential donors will have to prepare financial support for the electoral process and the economy. The Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council will also have to show unwavering political support to MONUSCO and the UN Human Rights community. Quiet diplomacy and a more active engagement by African powers and organisations with opposition leaders are needed to prepare the way for any future mediation.
MEPs write to imprisoned Turkish journalists

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 5 April 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, MEPs write to imprisoned Turkish journalists, 5 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e640634.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

At the proposal of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), members of the European Parliament have begun a campaign of support for imprisoned Turkish journalists. Green MEPs launched the campaign today by writing to Musa Kart, a cartoonist who has been held without trial for more than five months and is facing up to 29 years in prison.

Three of the European Parliament's political groups have so far joined RSF's proposal to send letters to journalists imprisoned in Turkey.

RSF is releasing (below) the text of the letter that members of the Greens-European Free Alliance (Greens-EFA) sent to Kart today. It was signed by the group's co-presidents, Ska Keller and Philippe Lamberts, and by French MEP Eva Joly on behalf of all the other MEPs in the group.

Members of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the European United Left-Nordic Green Left (GUE-NGL) will send letters in the coming weeks. Other groups contacted by RSF are also expected to follow suit.

In their letter, the Green MEPs say: "We are writing this letter to assure you of our solidarity, to remind you that you are not alone, to tell you that your sarcastic take on the news is cruelly lacking as we witness Turkey's transformation into an authoritarian regime"

The letter ends: "Stay strong, Musa! Even thousands of kilometres away, even still unknown to you, we are at your side, committed to freedom, a free press and a democratic Turkey."

Turkey is now the world's biggest prison for journalists, with around 100 currently detained. Most of them were arrested under the state of emergency that was declared after an abortive coup attempt in July 2016 and most of them have not yet been tried.

Dozens of the journalists are subjected to a harsh form of solitary confinement in Section 9 of a high security prison in the Istanbul suburb of Silivri. On 31 March, an Istanbul court ordered the conditional release of 21 of them, but it was blocked at the last moment by an application from the prosecutor's office and new charges.

In all, RSF has asked five of the European Parliament's groups to write to five imprisoned Turkish journalists.

The other four are Nazl Ilcak and her colleague Sahin Alpay, who are both more than 70 and have been held since late July; Kadri Gursel, a columnist who heads the International Press Institute's Turkish committee and who, like Kart, was arrested in late October; and Ahmet Sk, an investigative journalist who, like Kart and Gursel, worked for the independent daily Cumhuriyet. He was arrested in late December.

"Journalism is criminalized in Turkey today," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. "An editorial policy critical of President Erdogan suffices to be jailed on a terrorism charge and denied any effective recourse. We reiterate our demand for the immediate release of all journalists imprisoned in connection with their work and the repeal of decrees issued under the state of emergency that legalize arbitrary actions and trample on free speech."

Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. The already disturbing media situation in Turkey has become critical under the state of emergency declared in the wake of last July's failed coup.

Around 150 media outlets have been liquidated by decree. At least 775 press cards and hundreds of journalists' passports have been cancelled without any judicial proceedings. And censorship of the Internet and online social networks has reached unprecedented levels.

All these measures have drastically limited the democratic debate in the run-up to a referendum that will be crucial for Turkey's future and is now just two weeks away.

Letter from Green MEPs to Musa Kart:

Dear Musa,

Stay strong. We are writing this letter to assure you of our solidarity, to remind you that you are not alone, to tell you that your sarcastic take on the news is cruelly lacking as we witness Turkey's transformation into an authoritarian regime.

After your arrest last October, on entirely spurious grounds, you have been held in pretrial detention ever since, imprisoned in disgraceful and intolerable conditions.

For long months you have been cut off from the world and deprived of your freedom. And what was your crime? To want to practice your profession in a completely independent manner, to want to tell your fellow citizens the truth, and with humour. Being a cartoonist is not just a job for you, it is a real calling, a calling that earned you the media freedom prize from your colleagues in the association of Turkish journalists.

How terribly the media in Turkey have been treated for almost a year now!

Stay strong, Musa. Turkey, your fellow citizens, your readers, we all need you. Without you, without a free and independent press, citizens are no longer free and independent. You are the guardians of democracy, even more so in troubled times, and and we are grateful to you for that.

Stay strong, Musa!

Even thousands of kilometres away, even still unknown to you, we are at your side, committed to freedom, a free press and a democratic Turkey.

With our full support and sympathy,

Eva Joly, MEP

Ska Keller and Philippe Lamberts, co-chairs of the Greens/EFA Group, on behalf of the group members
Somali journalist kidnapped and tortured, impunity continues

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 6 April 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Somali journalist kidnapped and tortured, impunity continues, 6 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58e641034.html [accessed 8 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns TV journalist Hanad Ali Guled's abduction last weekend in Mogadishu and urges the authorities to shed light on this latest case of violence against media personnel.

Guled, who works for privately-owned Goobjoog Television, was kidnapped from near his home by masked gunmen on 2 April and was found the next day in a field 30 km south of Mogadishu, bearing the marks of torture and unable to talk.

Shortly before his abduction, Guled received threats in connection with Media for Aid, a programme he recently co-founded with the aim of providing information to rural residents hit by a drought.

Violence against media personnel is unfortunately only too common in Somalia. Abdihamid Mohamed Osman, a Universal TV technician also known as Karazai, narrowly escaped being killed by the explosion of a bomb placed under his car in the Mogadishu district of Hamarwayne on 12 March.

The deputy police chief, Gen. Mohamed Sheikh Hassan, told RSF that the Criminal Investigation Division was investigating both cases and would soon report its findings.

In reality, the investigations into attacks of this kind almost never lead to the identification of those responsible, and it is this impunity that encourages more violence against journalists.

Journalists often targeted by the authorities

Aside from violence by individuals or armed groups such as Al-Shabaab, the Somali authorities themselves are often responsible for violating media freedom under various pretexts.

Universal TV, for example, has been banned in the northeastern region of Puntland since 5 March for allegedly broadcasting false information. Abdullah Warsame Roble of Radio Kulmiye / Galgaduud Radio, has been held in the centre of the country since 31 March for posting articles on Facebook criticizing the local administration.

Freelance journalist and blogger AbdulMalik Muse Oldoon was arrested at Hargeisa airport, in the northwestern region of Somaliland, on 16 February after being accused of anti-national activity and publishing false news capable of disturbing public order.

"We urge the Somali authorities to do everything possible to ensure the effectiveness of the investigations under way into Hanad Ali Guled's abduction and into all the other grave events targeting journalists in recent weeks," RSF said.

"We also urge the relevant authorities to free imprisoned journalists. It is the job of those in authority to protect journalists in their work, not to be their jailers. And protecting journalists includes combatting impunity for acts of violence against them."

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has also voiced its concern about the many attacks on journalists and the lack of tangible results in the investigations by the security agencies.

Somalia is ranked 167th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
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DECATUR  International business representatives got a crash course in Decatur's infrastructure and amenities this week during a tour aimed at promoting opportunities for growth.

The group from the Chicago International Trade Commissioner's Association spent two days learning about the Decatur economy and opportunities in the area for business development and expansion.

This is putting Decatur on the map for a lot of us, said Michael Cappiello, who works in marketing and promotion for the Italian Trade Agency. Coming to Decatur and seeing the rail infrastructure has left an impression.

Highlights for the foreign dignitaries' visit included tours of Archer Daniels Midland Co. facilities, including its intermodal ramp that is part of the Midwest Inland Port, Mueller Water Products, T/CCI Manufacturing and Millikin University, along with a stop at the Community Leaders Breakfast on Thursday.

Cappiello was among the visitors seeing Decatur for the first time. Among other insights, he came away with a better appreciation for the size of the Norfolk Southern Corp. rail yard.

This is something we can show Italian companies in the future, Cappiello said.

Companies exploring opportunities to invest in the U.S. could find a home in Decatur, said Ryan McCrady, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County president. A similar tour was held for a group from Chicago consulate offices last fall.

He said the tours allow an opportunity to reach up to 70 countries that have offices in Chicago. Representatives from Ecuador, Bulgaria, Spain, Pakistan, Korea, Italy, Hong Kong, Argentina, Hungary, Mexico, South Africa, Haiti and Philippines took part in this week's visit.

This can be helpful to make those connections, McCrady said. Many of them work in Chicago and live in the city and have no idea what's going on in Decatur.

The group heard from Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, who appeared earlier in the day at the Community Leaders Breakfast. Rauner seemed interested in focusing on bringing more companies to Decatur, said Jessica Jung, a representative from Korea. She said companies are looking to expand internationally.

That what we're looking to do, Jung said. We want to talk about the future of manufacturing and go back to see what might be a match.

The trade representatives could all be part of creating partnerships to benefit students interested in Millikin's performance learning focus, said Patrick White, the university's president.

Business students have been working with officials from Ecuador on developing market research, said Najiba Benabess, dean of Millikin's Tabor School of Business.

It was really eye-opening for the students, Benabess said.

The school would like for companies to provide opportunities for its students, Benabess said.

Businesses are our laboratory, Benabess said. Students can apply what they're learning in the classroom. Employers want their students already trained.

The job market is always changing, Benabess said, pointing to the 1980s as a time of growth and the 1990s as an era of technology. She said the current era remains undefined, suggesting it could be considered an era of collaboration.

Businesses don't have time to reinvent the wheel, so instead Benabess said they're looking for more chances to work together and share resources.
Smoking is the number one public health problem worldwide killing an estimated six million lives each year and this number is expected to increase to ten million by 2030. In response to this epidemic, the World Health Organization has ratified a legal global treaty in 2005, the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC comprising of evidence based suggestions is summarized to six strategies using the acronym MPOWER. It aims to reduce tobacco smoking and harm among member countries (last count 172).

Malaysia is a member of this treaty since September 2006. As part of her commitment a number of legislative activities have been implemented over the decade of participation in the FCTC. As a result pictorial health warnings, bans on tobacco advertising and an increasing number of smoke free places have been gazette with all public institutions being smoke free and the latest being all public spaces excluding public car parks are smoke free zones. In 2015, the Malaysia Ministry of Health (MOH) released a blue print: The National Strategic Plan for Tobacco Control 2015  2020 (NSP) with the ultimate aim of an endgame strategy by 2045 which aims for a prevalence of <5%. In the interim, Malaysia aims to fulfil its commitment to the United Nation Sustainable Goal of 15% smoking prevalence by 2025.

University of Malayas (UM) involvement with the NSP is through the mQuit program launched by the MOH in May 2016. The mQuit involves five core elements which attends to the O of MPOWER - the Offering of help to quit smoking. These five elements include (1) upgrading existing quit smoking clinics and services, (2) ensuring adequate pharmacological and psychological intervention be made available, (3) to update the national clinical practice guideline, (4) to train healthcare providers in Malaysia to be able to provide smoking cessation services and finally, (5) to develop a national quit line service. UM has made its mark is in items 3 and 4 through the Nicotine Addiction Research Group of the University Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (NARCC) formed in 2009 with the aim of being at the forefront of smoking cessation technology and activity for the nation.

NARCC through research work dating back in 2009 has found that healthcare providers lacked the knowledge and skills to provide smoking cessation and have since developed a training module, initially for dentists which has evolved to cater to all healthcare providers. This training program is called SCOPE (Smoking Cessation Organizing, Planning and Execution) and is one of three training programs accredited by the MOH. It involves 6 thought modules, 2 skills and 1 role-play session. To date more than 30 training sessions have been conducted across Malaysia training nearly 2500 healthcare providers since 2015 when it was launched. Trainers are specialist from the four major disciplines namely medical, dental, pharmacy and nursing. This multidisciplinary team allows a more inclusive training to cater to the many different groups of healthcare providers. This program is supported through a smart partnership between public and private entities signed in 2015 and is further supported by a Grand Challenge grant (GC004-15HTM) by the University of Malaya. This allows the training to not only be delivered well but also evaluated for its effectiveness and relevance.

Dr Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin, the leader for SCOPE believes that all healthcare professionals have an ethical and moral obligation to provide smoking cessation considering that smoking kills nearly half of its intended users. The NARCC of UM are committed in assisting Malaysia to achieve its target of reaching a smoking prevalence of <5% by 2045 one healthcare provider at a time through SCOPE.

More information can be obtained through:-

Nicotine Addiction Research Group of the University Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (NARCC),

Aras 21, Wisma R&D UM

Jalan Pantai Baharu

59200 Kuala Lumpur

email: [email protected]
U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping (R) are shown on the covers of Chinese magazines at a newsstand in Beijing, April 6, 2017.

Chinese President Xi Jinping looks set to achieve his key goals in Thursday's presidential summit in Florida with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, and will likely pledge inward investment in U.S. jobs in return, analysts told RFA.

Trump will hold his first meeting with Xi on Thursday amid a growing nuclear crisis with North Korea and domestic pressure to win trade concessions from China.

The Global Times newspaper, which has close ties to Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily, said China will also be looking to see its own goals met.

"The precondition for a successful meeting is a win-win situation for both countries rather than benefits for the U.S. only," the paper said in an editorial ahead of the summit on Thursday and Friday.

But Chinese political commentators said Xi has likely already secured his government's goals in pre-summit meetings behind the scenes.

The two presidents will meet at Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida, where they will dine together with their wives. Their summit will conclude with a working lunch on Friday.

While Trump's priorities center around his 2016 election campaign promises to stop the "theft of U.S. jobs by China," Xi's have likely already been addressed, political columnist Wei Pu said in a commentary broadcast on RFA's Cantonese Service.



One China policy

In particularly, Washington will already have promised to reiterate support for the One China policy, which effectively bars democratically governed Taiwan from recognition by any country that has a bilateral relationship with Beijing.

"Xi Jinping will definitely have made sure, before heading to Florida, that the U.S. side promised to repeat its commitment to the One China policy ... as a prerequisite to allowing the meeting with Trump to go ahead," Wei wrote. "We are very likely to see [it] in the joint communique produced by the meeting."

The Global Times said the main point of the meeting for China was establishing "the political foundation of this bilateral relationship," in a reference to the One China policy.

"The way the two countries engage with each other were challenged by Trump's unique governance style," the paper said in a reference to Trump's phone call with Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen shortly after being elected that angered Beijing. "It is expected that the meeting can consolidate the political basis of bilateral ties and pave the way for future communications."

It also said that the North Korea nuclear issue is of "immense significance for the dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region and even the world."

Another priority for the ruling Chinese Communist Party is the establishment of a new narrative around the bilateral relationship, which Beijing frames as "a new relationship between two major powers," Wei said.

This goal, at a meeting that is widely expected to set the tone for the future bilateral relationship, also appears to be in the bag for Xi.

"The U.S. Secretary of State expressed his acceptance of this [concept] ... when he visited China in March," Wei wrote.

He said foreign minister Yang Jiechi has already asked the Trump administration to accept a proposal from Xi Jinping for a new relationship emphasizing "the avoidance of conflict, a focus on cooperation and a one-way promise from Trump not to intervene in any of China's core interests, namely, Taiwan, Tibet and China's internal affairs."

"In return, Xi Jinping is likely to offer something back to Trump in terms of the trading relationship, helping Trump to create more American jobs," Wei said.

A very difficult meeting

In a nod to the blue-collar workers who helped propel him to election victory on Nov. 8, Trump tweeted last week that his meeting with Xi "will be a very difficult one," and that the U.S. will no longer tolerate massive trade deficits and job losses.

"With Chinese money and U.S. labor, they could revitalize the U.S. manufacturing base," Wei predicted. "This would be the best outcome for cooperation from Trump's point of view."

He said inbound Chinese investment in overseas industries is an increasingly familiar move in China's diplomatic playbook.

"China is very keen on, and has become well-known for, its transactional diplomacy, while Trump is an old master of deal-making," Wei wrote. "It is here than U.S. and Chinese interests elide, giving Trump plenty of good material for him to boast with on Twitter."

He said Trump's relative lack of political experience would be no match for Chinese political veteran Xi, however.

Political commentator Fu Shenqi agreed.

"It is definitely not exaggerating to call him a strongman," Fu wrote of Xi in a commentary that aired on RFA's Mandarin Service. "We haven't seen a party emperor with so much power concentrated in his hands to a degree even more than [late supreme leader] Mao Zedong in recent years, at least on the face of it."

"Xi's core ideology is pretty straightforward," he said. "He wants to protect the Chinese Communist Party's dictatorial grip on power for all eternity."

With that in mind, Xi's aides will be desperate to avoid any hitches that interfere with their president's international image ahead of a critical political meeting of the Chinese leadership later in the year, analysts said.

Xi "cannot afford to lose face while China aspires to be the new center of gravity for the world order," China political analyst Willy Lam told Agence France-Presse.

"[Both leaders] want to project themselves as very forceful, very decisive and also getting the best for the benefit of their own countries," Lam said. "[But] they are also anxious not to get into difficult negotiating positions."



Reported by RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
SHELBYVILLE  When Arlene Roberts delivered her babies on April 6, 1967, maternity staff at Shelby Memorial Hospital told her they were the only set of identical triplets born in Shelby County.

For the past 50 years, Roberts has been waiting for news of another family in Shelby County that has shared her miraculous feat of delivering identical triplets. She is still waiting.

Roberts and her husband, George Davis, believe that their children  Thad Davis, Tadd Davis and Brad Davis  are the only identical triplets born in the county.

And it was natural. I didn't have a (fertility) pill or anything, Roberts said.

Celebrating their 50th birthday today, the brothers still have a reputation in their hometown of Shelbyville. Tadd Davis now lives in Stonington, and Thad Davis has moved to Decatur, but they often hear stories about their birth when they are visiting family.

People will ask, 'What's it like to be triplets?' Well, what's it like not to be triplets? Tadd Davis said. That's all we know. We're in a small town; nobody treated us any differently.

Others were confused by the family dynamics and how to address the boys. We were asked 'Are you three twins?' Thad Davis said.

The remarks often come from people they haven't seen since childhood, and sometimes people call them by the wrong names.

I've had people come up and talk to me, then get upset that I don't know them, Brad Davis said. 'You work with me, why don't you know who I am?'

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3,871 triplets were born in the United States in 2015, and only four sets were identical. Identical triplets come from a monozygotic pregnancy, three fetuses from one egg.

Triplets are far less common than twins, according to the CDC, accounting for only about 4,300 sets in 3.9 million births, just a little more than 0.1 percent. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, only about 10 percent of those are identical triplets.

Roberts experienced complications during her pregnancy but was unaware of the number of children she was carrying until shortly before their births.

I was six months pregnant and gained only 1 pound, she said. I was very sick.

On her 21st birthday, Roberts underwent X-rays to analyze any problems. The doctors had to confer with each other to see if they agreed with what they were seeing.

You could see three heads and the spines and little legs and arms everywhere, Roberts said.

We left shocked, laughing and crying, George Davis said. It wasn't as scary as we thought it would be, but it was expensive. 

The boys were born by Cesarean section four weeks before the due date. All were less than 5 pounds. Because they were underweight, they were taken to St. John's Hospital in Springfield until they reached the 5-pound mark.

After six weeks, they arrived home with their parents and 3-year-old brother Todd.

Since their births, the triplets have given their parents other concerns and worries.

We were always going to the hospital getting stitches, Thad said.

When they came home from the hospital, each baby was given a bracelet from the hospital with his name printed on it. After they grew out of the small hospital bands, their parents purchased little gold bracelets with their names on them.

Throughout his children's lives, George Davis has trusted the nurses who labeled the boys. So it's possible that we've had their names mixed up, he said.
China slammed India Wednesday for using the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic tool amid his visit to an Indian region claimed by Beijing, but the Tibetan spiritual leader has denied playing a role in the political spat, saying he is only traveling in the area to promote religious harmony.



The Dalai Lama, 81, arrived in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, part of which is claimed as South Tibet by Beijing, on Tuesday for the first day of a nine-day trip that was sanctioned by the Indian government and during which he plans to hold several religious teachings throughout the region.



In a press release issued on the day of his arrival, the Indian government noted that the Dalai Lama had traveled to the regionover which China and India fought a brief border war in 1962on six earlier occasions since 1983, and said that no additional color should be ascribed to his spiritual activities around India.



The government, therefore, urges that no artificial controversy should be created around his present visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the statement read.



Beijing, which has accused the Dalai Lama of fomenting separatism in Tibet, was quick to hit out at New Delhi on Wednesday, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying telling reporters China plans to lodge stern representations with India over the trip.



Arranging his activities in this sensitive area where China and India have territorial disputes not only violates India's commitment on Tibet-related issues, but also fuels the border dispute, Hua said.



Chinas official Global Times newspaper ran an anonymous op-ed on Wednesday which said that the Dalai Lama, who is expected to meet with Indias junior home minister Kiren Rijiju in the Arunachal Pradesh town of Tawang, has long been active in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.



Amid Beijing-New Delhi conflicts, the Dalai Lama is now openly used by India as a diplomatic tool to win more leverage, the article said. Therefore, Delhi attempts to play the Tibet card against Beijing.



A report by local Indian media quoted Arunachal Pradesh state chief minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday responding to the criticism from Beijing by saying China has no business telling us what to do and what not to do with regards to the Dalai Lamas visit.



Vishakha Desai, president emerita of U.S.-based Asia Society, told RFA that Indias refusal to back down over the Dalai Lamas visit was part of a bid by the country to warn China off of meddling in its internal affairs.



There is a far stronger and clearer nationalist tone that seems different in the Indian response to the Chinese criticism, said Desai, who is also senior advisor for global affairs to the president of Columbia University.



The fact that [one of two claimants to the title of 17th Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism] also went there, and so did Rich Verma, the American ambassador to India, also suggests that New Delhi is less worried about displeasing Beijing.



India and China have been embroiled in a row over Arunachal Pradesh for decades, as part of a greater dispute over their shared 3,500-kilometer (2,175-mile) border which prompted the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The two sides routinely accuse each other of intrusions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a de facto border that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory in the area.



Trip underway



The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since fleeing China in 1959 amid a failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, on Wednesday denied that he had been used as a tool by New Delhi against Beijing, and said that Tibetans prefer self-autonomy within China to forming an independent state.



"India has never used me against China, India has taken great care of me," he told the Economic Times in Bomdila, adding that he considers himself a messenger of ancient Indian thoughts and values.



The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said that in the interest of material development, Tibetans want Tibet to remain a part of China, but said Beijing must provide them with meaningful self-rule, autonomy, and must take care of the environment.



He also referred to Arunachal Pradesh as place with special meaning to him, as he entered India through the region nearly 60 years ago, before settling in Dharamsalathe seat of the Tibetan government in exile, in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.



Ahead of his arrival in Arunachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama had traveled through the Indian state of Assam, where he was reunited on March 2 with 76-year-old Naran Chandra Das, one of five Assam Rifles guards who escorted him across the border during his flight to India.



The Dalai Lama had planned to fly by helicopter to the 17th-century Tawang monastery in Arunachal Pradesh to hold three days of spiritual teachings beginning on Wednesday, but heavy rainfall forced him to travel by road through the region, delaying his expected arrival until Thursday.



Tawang monastery



In anticipation of the Dalai Lamas arrival, Ngawang Norbu, the head Lama at Tawang monastery, dismissed Chinas criticism over the visit as a mere display of politics between the concerned countries, in an interview with RFAs Tibetan Service.



What really concerns us is that His Holiness had to travel by road, not by air, due to inclement weather, he said.



According to Norbu, the Dalai Lama had emphasized the importance of teaching the Tibetan language to area residents during his last visit in 2009 and the community was eager to show him how much progress had been made in literacy since then, thanks to the work of teachers arranged by the local government and civil society groups.



Other residents of Tawang also expressed their excitement over the Dalai Lamas upcoming visit, including a soldier named Sonam Norbu and a monk named Cho Gonpoboth of whom were present at the border with China on the day the spiritual leader entered India.



In 1959, the passport office notified us that His Holiness the Dalai Lama had departed from [the Tibetan capital] Lhasa, so I was ordered to leave for border area to receive him, Norbu told RFA.



I am already 90 years old, so I am very fortunate to see His Holiness again, he said, though he added that he wishes the Dalai Lama had never been forced to leave Lhasa in the first place.



Gonpo, who was among a group of monks that gathered at the steps of the Tawang monastery in 1959 to attend a teaching by the Dalai Lama, also expressed happiness over the impending visit.



I hope that the Tibet issue can be resolved, but I cant be sure what will happen, he said.



However, you never know, we may yet regain our self-rule.



Reported by Kalden Lodoe and Passang Tsering for RFAs Tibetan Service, Joshua Lipes and Richard Finney. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Catholic parishioners from Dong Yen parish, Ky Nam district, in central Vietnam's Ha Tinh province face the sea during a memorial service marking the anniversary of a toxic chemical spill, April 6, 2017.

Hundreds of Vietnamese Catholics from various parishes of central Vietnams Vinh diocese demonstrated on Thursday to mark the one-year anniversary of a toxic waste spill that polluted more than 125 miles of coastline in four coastal provinces.

The spillthe countrys largest environmental disasterbegan on April 6, 2016 and lasted for 12 days, killing an estimated 115 tons of fish and leaving fishermen and tourism industry workers jobless.

Two months later, Taiwan-owned Formosa Plastics Group acknowledged it was responsible for the release of the chemicals from its massive steel plant located at the deep-water port in Ha Tinh provinces Ky Anh district.

The company has voluntarily paid U.S. $500 million to clean up and compensate those affected by the spill, but the slow and uneven payout of the funds by the Vietnamese government has prompted protests which continue to be held a year after the spill.

Protesters took to the streets and the beaches of Vinh diocese, carrying black flags decorated with symbolic fish bones and banners that read Bring Formosa and its supporters to trial, Formosa disaster is for all Vietnam people, and Formosalicensed death.

Today is the one-year anniversary of the mass fish kill disaster, a fisherman who joined the protest told RFAs Vietnamese Service. I cant go out to sea anymore, so I have time to join others here.

My wish is our sea becomes clean so our children can swim and we can go out to sea again, he said. I have not even mentioned the compensation.

Catholic priest Bui Khiem Cuong of Dong Son parish told RFA, All of us, from children to senior citizens, including myself, would like to send a message to the whole world and Vietnams leaders about the environment.

We demand that the government of Vietnam drive Formosa out of the country because we are the victims of this disaster, he said. People here depend on the sea, and they have so many difficulties in life.

Vietnamese Catholics demonstrate to mark the anniversary of the Formosa environmental disaster in central Vietnam's Ha Tinh province, April 6, 2017. Credit: RFA Environmental activist charged

In a related development, authorities have charged an environmental activist who sought justice for those affected by the Formosa disaster with abusing democracy and freedom and infringing upon the interests of the state under Article 258 of the countrys penal code.

Nguyen Van Hoa was arrested by Ha Tinh provincial police in February for reporting on the coastal pollution caused by the toxic chemical spill in the countrys central region.

Vietnamese authorities frequently use Article 258, which refers to abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the state, the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and/or citizens, to arrest and imprison those who support democracy and human rights and denounce abuses.

He signed contracts with foreign news outlets to provide 16 reports a month for U.S. $1,500, the online Vietnamese news service VNExpress quoted Nguyen Tien Nam, vice director of the Ha Tinh police, as saying.

Police also accused Hoa of setting up many social media accounts to report on pollution and floods in the region, he said.

Such evidence shows that Nguyen Van Hoa has complicated security and order in the region, Nam said.

After Hoa was arrested, his sister told RFA that following the Formosa environmental disaster, Hoa decided to speak out about it to ensure justice for the people of the region.

The police did not like that, so they monitored him, she said. They had no reason to arrest him officially, so they kidnapped him.

Reported by Gia Minh for RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Over the past five years, Iranian officials and state media have touted the "indigenous" ingenuity in the Islamic republic's mass-produced Mohajer-6 combat drone, which Russia has deployed in its war against Ukraine.

But a new investigation by Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, has found that electronic components underpinning Tehran's production of the Mohajer-6 are far from homegrown.



The Mohajer-6 drones contain components produced by companies from the United States and the European Union, both of which have sanctions restricting the export to Iran of such technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes  dual-use technology.

The presence of these components in the Mohajer-6 does not mean their producers are in violation of U.S. or EU sanctions, and RFE/RL does not have evidence that this is the case.

The investigation also found Mohajer-6 components produced in China, including a real-time mini-camera made by a Hong Kong firm that said it was "very sorry" that its products were being used in war.

At least one major foreign-produced component of the Mohajer-6 has previously been identified by reporters in a Mohajer-6 recovered from the battlefield by the Ukrainian military: an engine made by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products.

But Ukrainian intelligence assesses that the Iranian combat drone contains components from nearly three dozen different technology companies based in North America, the EU, Japan, and Taiwan, the Schemes investigation has found. A majority of these companies are based in the United States.



A Schemes reporter who personally inspected the foreign-made drone parts identified components produced by at least 15 of these manufacturers.

These include parts made by the U.S. technology firm Texas Instruments, which said in a statement that it does not sell into Russia or Iran and complies with applicable laws and regulations.

To identify these components, Schemes reporters examined parts of the Mohajer-6 drone that the Ukrainian military shot down over the Black Sea near the Mykolayiv region coastal town of Ochakiv. They also reviewed Ukrainian intelligence records on the sources of these components.

The drone also contains a microchip bearing the logo of a California technology company and a thermal-imaging camera that Ukrainian intelligence says may have been produced by a firm based in Oregon or China.

Both Western officials and experts on illicit technology transfers say Iran has built a broad, global procurement network using front companies and other proxies in third countries to obtain dual-use technology from the United States and the EU.

"Exporters will look at the request coming from the [United Arab Emirates] or another third country, and they'll think that they're selling to an end user based there, when really the end user is in Iran," Daniel Salisbury, a senior research fellow with the Department of War Studies at King's College London, told RFE/RL.

In September, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions specifically targeting Iranian companies that Washington links to the production and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for deployment in its war on Ukraine. Fighting rages with no sign of an end more than eight months after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked invasion on February 24.

"Non-Iranian, non-Russian entities should also exercise great caution to avoid supporting either the development of Iranian UAVs or their transfer, or sale of any military equipment to Russia for use against Ukraine," U.S. Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Chinese Cameras, California Chips

Development of the Mohajer-6, the latest model in a series of drones Tehran has used since the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, began in 2017, while mass production began the following year. During a ceremony commemorating the Islamic Revolution, then-Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said that the new tactical drone could perform surveillance, reconnaissance, as well as help destroy targets.

Hatami extolled what he described as the drones domestic design, a portrayal echoed in later reports by Iranian media.

"The homegrown drone was made through cooperation among the army, Defense Ministry, and Quds Aviation Industries," the English-language Tehran Times quoted an Iranian military official as saying in July 2019.

The dismantling of the Mohajer-6 drone recovered by the Ukrainian military shows that the UAV is packed with foreign components.

One of these parts is a bright-orange real-time mini-camera produced by the Hong Kong-based company RunCam Technology. Documents seen by Schemes show that Ukrainian intelligence has also identified RunCam as the producer of the camera, which likely assists in remote guidance of the drone.

Founded in 2013, RunCam is involved in the development and production of so-called "first-person-view" real-time cameras. "Our users are our friends," the company's website states. The site says that RunCam has two authorized Iranian dealers.

Reached by Schemes for comment about the use of its camera in the Iranian drone deployed by Russia in its war on Ukraine, RunCam said in an e-mailed response: "We are very sorry to know that RunCam's products were used in warfare. RunCam is specialized in producing products for model aircraft hobby. We never contact any customer related to military."

The provenance of the Mohajer-6 drone-s thermal-imaging camera is more difficult to determine. A Ukrainian intelligence assessment reviewed by Schemes indicates it could be the Ventus Hot model produced by Sierra-Olympic Technologies, based in the U.S. state of Oregon, but that it also resembles a cheaper analog available for sale by the Chinese company Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology.

Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology said in an e-mailed statement that the company did not "have any business with Iran," because "it will affect our business." The company said it specializes in marine services and is not involved in manufacturing. It also said that it did not have a single successful order for its online advertisement of the thermal-imaging camera resembling the one recovered from the Iranian drone.

Sierra-Olympic Technologies did not respond to a request for comment on the possible use of its thermal-imaging cameras in Iranian combat drones in time for publication.

Microchips recovered from the drone also featured the logos of the California-based company Linear Technology Corporation and its parent company, the Massachusetts-based semiconductor company Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI). ADI did not respond to an e-mailed request for comment on the possible use of its technology in the Iranian combat drone.

Schemes reporters also observed among the components of the Iranian drone a voltage step-down converter produced by Texas Instruments. The company said in an e-mailed statement that it "does not sell into Russia, Belarus, or Iran."

"TI complies with applicable laws and regulations in the countries where we operate, and does not support or condone the use of our products in applications they weren't designed for," Texas Instruments said.

Schemes reporters also saw several components produced by the California-based technology manufacturer Xilinx, whose parent company is the multinational semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), also based in California.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, one of these Xilinx components was integrated into a video data-link module located in the wing of the Mohajer-6 that helped carry out attack missions.

"This module transmits information from the board to the missile head. That is, guidance for the missile. With the help of this module, it was possible to guide the missile to the target," a Ukrainian military intelligence representative told Schemes.

AMD did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

'No Authorization'

Previous media reports about the components of the Mohajer-6 drone, including by CNN, have shown evidence that its engine was produced by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, whose parent company is the Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).

The Canadian company responded to the reports on October 21, saying in a statement that it "has not authorized and has not given any authorization to its distributors to supply military UAV manufacturers in Iran or Russia."

"As soon as we were made aware of this situation, we started an investigation to determine the source of the engines," BRP said. .

But Schemes reporters found that the authorized Rotax distributor listed on the Austrian manufacturer's website advertised itself as a Rotax aircraft engines distributor for Iran as recently as December 2020.

The distributor, the Italian company Luciano Sorlini S.p.a., has posted multiple magazine advertisements on its websites in which it describes itself as a Rotax distributor for numerous countries. Prior to January 2021, Iran was listed among these countries.

The Rotax website also lists a Tehran-based company -- MahtaWing -- as an official service center for its engines. The company, known in Persian as Mahtabal, conducts repairs of Rotax engines, including the Rotax 912 iS, the engine that was found in the Mohajer-6 combat drone recovered in Ukraine.

BRP said in an e-mailed statement on November 4 that while Luciano Sorlini S.p.a. is the appointed distributor of Rotax aircraft engines in Iran, "since 2019, no Rotax engines have been sold in Iran, and we will not sell any engines to Iran moving forward."

The Canadian company said it had "internal controls" that "significantly" restrict the sale of its products for military purposes.

"For example, the sale of any BRP product to operators with any military activity in Iran, Turkey, and Russia is strictly prohibited," BRP said. "We conduct our business in compliance with all EU, Canadian, and U.S. applicable regulations."

BRP described the Iranian company MahtaWing as a "local service center" that "offers maintenance services for previously sold aircraft engines."

Shahriar Siami of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report.
After weeks of speculation, Ebrahim Raisi, the head of Irans wealthiest state charity, has officially announced his intention to run in the countrys presidential vote next month.

His candidacy could galvanize conservatives and pose a serious challenge to President Hassan Rohani, who campaigned in 2013 on reform pledges and has helped relative moderates make gains after years in the political wilderness.

A religious judge who helped condemn liberals and political opponents to death in mass executions in the late 1980s, Raisi is thought to be regarded highly by Irans highest political, military, and religious authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"Based on his tough stances, we can say hes a hard-line figure in line with the centers of power, ranging from the highest authority to the intelligence branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)," Paris-based political analyst Morteza Kazemian told RFE/RL.

Rohani's administration has faced intense scrutiny from conservatives opposed to the conclusion on his watch of a major deal with world powers to trade curbs on Iran's nuclear program for sanctions relief, and his calls for greater rights for women and the release of prisoners that hard-liners regard as "seditionists."

"Raisi is among the symbols of authoritarianism in Iran. He is against political and cultural reforms and development," Kazemian said, adding, "Regarding the economy, hes been bringing up populist themes like ending poverty and unemployment."

Rohani has announced a news conference for April 10 at which he is expected to officially launch his reelection bid ahead of the presidential vote on May 19.

Tehran-based political analyst Sadegh Zibakalam told the daily Etemad recently that "if Raisi announces his candidacy, Rohani will have to take him very seriously and double his campaign efforts."

Raisi has gained prominence recently amid speculation that he was being considered by Iran's Assembly of Experts as a possible successor to the aging Khamenei.

Such an inside track on the supreme leader's position could be boosted by a victory in a direct election -- or threatened in the event of defeat.

That could raise the stakes in a tightly orchestrated election process just eight years after a presidential vote marred by irregularities sparked the biggest street protests Iran has seen since iconic student demonstrations in 1999.

Raisi's name appeared alongside four others, including the head of the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, Parviz Fattah, on a short list of candidates issued on April 6 by a newly established coalition of conservatives aiming to unify the right and present a single candidate to challenge Rohani. Fattah has also been described by observers as a serious potential rival to Rohani.

There appears to have been a coordinated effort in Farsi media recently to suggest that the Iranian public wanted Raisi to run.

Pictures popped up on social media of young people -- some of them women wearing head scarves far more loosely than Iran's conservative arbiters of morality would like -- holding pictures of the 56-year-old Mashhad native with the hashtag #RaisiCome in Persian.

There was also a call by 60 or so conservative student groups for the cleric to stand in the vote and "take firm steps on the path of the ideals of the Islamic Revolution."

Despite holding senior posts in one of Irans main centers of state repression -- the hard-line judiciary -- Raisi kept a low profile until his appointment by Khamenei last year to be the custodian of the Astan Qods Razavi charity that oversees the majority-Shi'ite country's holiest shrine.

The stern-faced cleric has been taking a more public role in recent weeks: visiting the poor, opening an apartment complex for the families of Afghan fighters killed in Syria, and presenting a report of his first year in his new post in an interview with state-controlled television.

Raisis father-in-law is Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, who is Khamenei's representative in the eastern province of Khorasan-Razavi.

Raisi is notorious for his role in the 1980s mass executions of regime opponents. He was a member of the so-called death committee that questioned prisoners about their religious beliefs and political affiliations and sent thousands of Iranians to their deaths.

A native of Mashhad, like Khamenei, Raisi rose quickly through the ranks to become prosecutor-general of Karaj at the age of 20, two years after the 1979 revolution. Two years later, in 1982, he became the prosecutor of Hamedan.

In 1985, Raisi moved to the capital and became a deputy to Tehrans prosecutor-general. He held the post in the summer of 1988 when an estimated 5,000 political prisoners, including students and leftists, were executed following an order by the founder of Iran's Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Raisis official biography says that after serving three years as a deputy prosecutor in Tehran, his work drew the attention of Khomeini, who tasked Raisi and a judge at Evin prison with handling several "important" judicial cases.

Raisi later became Tehran prosecutor and first deputy to the head of the judiciary, a post he held for nearly a decade.

Raisi was a state prosecutor in 2016 when Khamenei appointed him as the custodian of Astan Ghods Razavi, which among other things administers the Imam Reza Shrine with its millions of pilgrims every year.

He is currently a member of the Assembly of Experts, the unelected body that supervises the work of the supreme leader, including the powers of dismissal or naming a new individual to the post.

He is also the head of the Special Clergy Court that prosecutes clerics who are accused of transgressions. That court recently sentenced the son of dissident Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri to prison for releasing an audio file of his father shedding light on the 1980s executions of dissidents.

Raisi has not commented publicly about his role in the judicial killings. In public speeches and comments, he has warned about the "enemies" of Iran who he says are engaged in a so-called soft war and infiltration efforts against the Islamic republic.

Raisi has referred to the United States as "the Great Satan" and said that it cannot be trusted.

"We dont count on U.S. promises in our calculations," he was quoted as saying in February on the anniversary of Iran's 1979 revolution that ousted the shah and replaced him with a theocracy.

Raisi's views appear to be close to those of Supreme Leader Khamenei, who is deeply suspicious of Washington and issues frequent warnings of alleged "infiltration" attempts by Irans enemies.

Raisi has expressed support for the house arrests of opposition figures Mir Hossein Musavi; Musavi's wife, university professor Zahra Rahnavard; and reformist cleric Mehdi Karrubi, whom he has accused of insulting Islamic and revolutionary principles.

The three have been under house arrest since February 2011 for challenging the establishment over the disputed 2009 presidential vote and also for highlighting human rights abuses.

Raisi has said that the Iranian establishment has acted with "compassion" in the face of the "unforgivable crimes" by opposition figures.

Raisi has also spoken in support of a resistance economy, which Khamenei has emphasized is needed for the country to become self-sufficient and confront threats.

"As a servant of Astan Quds Razavi, I see the activation of a resistance economy as the only way to end poverty and deprivation in the country," Raisi said in a recent interview with state television.

But Raisis lack of executive experience could work against him, according to some analysts.

"Raisi has been only involved in the judiciary. He doesnt have any major management experience like the presidency -- and this could lead people to ask with what management background is he ready to take up such responsibility," Qom-based cleric and Rohani supporter Mohsen Gharavian said in a recent interview with the Shargh daily.

Raisi has yet to announce a campaign program.

RFE/RL Radio Farda broadcaster Vahid Pourostad contributed to this report
A Kazakh-born man accused of working with Russian intelligence officials to hack over a half-billion Yahoo e-mail accounts has asked a Canadian court to release him on bail.

But prosecutors said Karim Baratov posed an "extremely high flight risk" because of his alleged ties to Russian agents, and argued against his release on April 5.

Baratov's lawyers said his parents will vouch for him if he's released. His father, Akhmet Tokbergenov, told the court through a Russian interpreter that he would turn off the Internet in the family home if the court requested it.

Baratov, 22, said he registered an Internet business in 2014 that made about $81,000 that year registering websites, renting web spaces, and preventing hack attempts on web servers.

But U.S. prosecutors say Baratov was a "hacker-for-hire" paid by Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) agents Igor Sushchin and Dmitry Dokuchaev, who were also charged in the case.

Baratov has Kazakh origins, arriving in Canada in 2007 and becoming a citizen in 2011. He was arrested last month and faces extradition to the United States.

Based on reporting by AP and Toronto Star
ASTANA -- The trial of a Jehovah's Witness charged with inciting interethnic enmity has begun in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana.

The court on April 6 began hearing the case of Teimur Akhmedov, 60, who was arrested in January for what the Committee for National Security (KNB) described as propagating ideas that "disrupt interreligious and interethnic concord" in the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Astana has sent a representative to monitor the case.

Likewise, Diana Okremova, the director of the local Media Law Center NGO, attended, as well as relatives of the defendant and local Jehovah's Witnesses.

An RFE/RL correspondent was the only journalist present at the trial, and the judge allowed her to make written notes.

Akhmedov, who is undergoing cancer treatment, pleaded not guilty at a preliminary hearing on March 27.

If convicted, Akhmedov faces up to 10 years in prison.
A French court has postponed until April 27 a scheduled hearing regarding Serbia's request to extradite former Kosovar Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj.

The court made the announcement on April 6.

Haradinaj was detained by the French authorities on January 4 and is wanted in Serbia on suspicion of committing war crimes, including kidnappings and torture, when he was a guerrilla fighter during Kosovo's 1998-99 independence war.

After the previous hearing in a French appeals court in Colmar last month, Haradinaj described himself as a "political hostage."

Haradinaj, 48, has been tried twice and acquitted of war crimes at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague.

He was elected prime minister of Kosovo in 2004 but resigned after 100 days in order to face trial in The Hague.

Predominantly ethnic Albanian Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. It is recognized by 114 countries.
BRUSSELS -- A spokeswoman for European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has called for an investigation into allegations that authorities in the Russian region of Chechnya have been abducting, torturing, and even killing gay men in an apparent coordinated campaign.

Spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic on April 6 called for "prompt, effective, and thorough investigations into the reports" and for "anyone found guilty of or complicit in such crimes" to be prosecuted.

On April 4, the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported that more than 100 homosexual men had been rounded up in Chechnya in an "unprecedented" campaign.

At least three men were reported killed.

A spokesman for Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov rejected the accusations, saying there were no homosexuals in Chechnya and if there were, their relatives would "send them somewhere they wouldn't return from."

A representative of the Russian LGBT Network told RFE/RL on April 5 that her organization had received more than 10 appeals from Chechen men seeking to leave the North Caucasus republic.

"We have never before encountered information anywhere in Russia that hundreds of people have been detained, tortured, and even killed," Russian LGBT Network spokeswoman Svetlana Zakharova said. "I think this is an unprecedented case."

With reporting by Novaya Gazeta


The government of Moldova has condemned a recent appeal by the de facto authorities in the country's breakaway Transdniester region asking Russia to recognize the region's travel documents.

Parliament speaker Andrian Candu said on April 6 that such a move by Moscow would "constitute a crude violation of international law."

De facto officials in Transdniester on April 5 held joint parliamentary hearings with Russian lawmakers at which they adopted a resolution asking Moscow to recognize the region's "passports."

The request follows a controversial decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize documents issued by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The Transdniester resolution expressed support for Russia's proclaimed policy of "protecting" ethnic Russians and "consolidating the Russian world."

Moldova's pro-European Prime Minister Pavel Filip said on April 6 that Russia has proclaimed its support for Moldova's territorial integrity and that he did not expect "the scenario applied in eastern Ukraine to develop in this region."

Transdniester declared independence in 1992 and has received economic, political, and military support from Moscow ever since.

Russia maintains a 1,200-strong military force in the region despite Moldova's repeated calls for it to be withdrawn and replaced with international peacekeepers.

With reporting by Interfax
The head of the Intelligence Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives has said he will temporarily step aside from his role leading the committees investigation of Russias alleged involvement in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Devin Nunes (Republican-California) on April 6 said he was recusing himself from the investigation because of complaints of impropriety that have been filed against him with the Office of Congressional Ethics.

He blamed "left-wing activist groups" for the ethics complaints, calling them false and politically motivated. He said he was stepping aside to address the ethics complaints.

Congressman Mike Conaway (Republican-Texas) will take over the leadership of the House committee's investigation into Russia's alleged interference in the election and any potential links to the campaign team of U.S. President Donald Trump. Nunes said he will continue his other work with the committee.

The ethics complaints against Nunes stem from a controversial series of actions he took on March 22.

After viewing intelligence reports at a secret White House meeting, he held a news conference to discuss the information. He then said he went back to the White House to brief Trump.

He said some of the information he'd been shown supported Trump's claims that he had been under surveillance by the administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama -- two days after FBI Director James Comey told Congress that no such surveillance took place.

Many Democrats and even some Republicans criticized Nunes's contacts with the White House while he was leading an investigation that involved the Trump team, prompting calls for him to recuse himself from the probe.

Nunes, who himself served on the Trump presidential transition team in 2016, had resisted calls to step down until now.



House Speaker Paul Ryan (Republican-Wisconsin) said he supports Nuness decision because the ethics questions "would be a distraction."

"It is clear that this process would be a distraction for the House Intelligence Committees investigation into Russian interference in our election," Ryan said in a statement. "Chairman Nunes has offered to step aside as the lead Republican on this probe, and I fully support this decision."

The top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff of California, said Nunes's decision to step aside provided an opportunity for the panel to make a "fresh start."

The ethics committee made its decision to investigate Nunes after two watchdog groups -- Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and Democracy21 -- filed complaints against him, saying he had disclosed classified information in violation of House ethics rules after his White House meeting.

Nunes denounced the groups as "left-wing organizations" in a statement and rejected the allegations.

"The charges are entirely false and politically motivated and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power," Nunes wrote.

With reporting from AP, Reuters, dpa, and AFP
Kyiv's forces have repelled several waves of Russian attacks in the Donbas, the Ukrainian military says, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the heavy losses sustained by the Russians on a daily basis highlighted the "madness" of Moscow's strategy of attack.

In the southern city of Kherson, Ukraine accused Russia of looting empty homes and occupying them with troops in civilian clothes in expectation of a Ukrainian offensive to retake the city that was the first to fall to Moscow's forces at the start of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

The Ukrainian military's General Staff said in its daily update that Russian troops in the east continued their attacks on Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Novopavlivka, the focal points of Moscow's offensive in Donetsk in recent weeks.



At the same time, the military said, Russian troops continue to shell critical infrastructure and civilian objectives in various regions of Ukraine.



In his regular video address, Zelenskiy on November 7 called the intense combat in the Donetsk region "the epicenter of the biggest madness of the occupiers."



"They are dying in hundreds every day," Zelenskiy said. "The ground in front of the Ukrainian positions is literally littered with the bodies of the occupiers."



Zelenskiy also said that Russian soldiers in the Pavlivka area had complained to the governor of their region in the Russian Far East.



CNN reported on November 7 that in a letter purportedly sent from the front lines to Primorsky region Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, the men of the 155th Brigade of the Russian Pacific Fleet Marines say they were thrown into an "incomprehensible battle" in the Donetsk and had lost about 300 men, dead and wounded, in four days, while also losing 50 percent of their equipment.



Zelenskiy said that in response to the letter, Kozhemyako had said that the losses were "not that big" and they were "exaggerated."



In Kherson, the only pocket of Russian-held territory on the west bank of the Dnieper River that bisects Ukraine, Moscow has ordered civilians out of the city in anticipation of a Ukrainian assault to recapture the city.



Kherson, with a prewar population of nearly 300,000, has no power or running water, both sides said.



Russian-installed officials blamed Ukrainian "sabotage," while Ukrainian officials said the Russians had dismantled 1 1/2 kilometers of power lines.



Ukraine's military said Russian forces, "disguised in civilian clothes, occupy the premises of civilians and strengthen positions inside for conducting street battles."



Russian forces were "involved in looting and theft from residents and from infrastructure sites and are taking away equipment, food, and vehicles to the Russian Federation," it said in an update late on November 7.



The Ukrainian military reported hits on a Russian antiaircraft facility, ammunition dump, and the destruction of Russian armor in the Beryslav district of the Kherson region, in its November 8 statement. It said 32 Russian military personnel were killed.



The information could not be independently confirmed.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy said the escalation of Russian missile strikes against critical infrastructure in his country has only resulted in the world responding with new aid to Ukraine.



Ukraine has received "new systems that significantly strengthen our air defense," Zelenskiy said on November 7 in his nightly address. Kyiv will do everything "to ensure that as many countries as possible join this aid," he said.



He added that the protection of the Ukrainian sky was "not 100 percent, but we are gradually moving toward our goal."



Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov announced earlier on November 7 that Ukraine had received a shipment of NASAMS and Apside air defense systems to help it defend against Russian missile and drone attacks across the country.



"These weapons will significantly strengthen #UAarmy and will make our skies safer," he said on Twitter. Reznikov did not specify which countries the systems were from, but in the tweet he thanked "our partners: Norway, Spain and the U.S."

With reporting by Reuters and CNN
BRUSSELS -- The European Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for the "immediate release and dropping of all charges" against Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny "and all the peaceful protesters and journalists detained after the recent demonstrations in Russia."

The April 6 declaration, which was supported by all political groups in the European Union's Strasbourg-based parliament, also condemned what it called Russian police operations that it said were "attempting to prevent and disperse peaceful anticorruption demonstrations and detaining hundreds of citizens."

Tens of thousands of people took part in peaceful anticorruption demonstrations in dozens of Russian cities on March 26, the largest protests against President Vladimir Putin's government in five years.

Police detained more than 1,000 people in Moscow alone, including Navalny, who was sentenced to 15 days in jail for resisting police and fined the equivalent of $350 for organizing the protest in the capital.

The European Parliament resolution condemned "the constant efforts to silence Aleksei Navalny" and expressed support for his Anticorruption Foundation's "efforts to raise awareness of and combat corruption in public institutions and among political representatives and public office holders."

It also expressed "deep concern" over a February court decision that it said "effectively excludes Aleksei Navalny from the political arena," a reference to his conviction upon retrial in a financial-crimes case under which he initially received a five-year suspended sentence in 2013.

Authorities say the conviction bars Navalny, who is seeking to run for president in March 2018, from public office.

Navalny denies wrongdoing and says the case, like another one in which he was convicted in 2015, is politically motivated Kremlin retribution for his anticorruption activities and his opposition to Putin.

The European Parliament resolution also urged the EU and its member states to develop "a strong unified policy toward Russia that commits the member states and EU institutions to a strong common message on the role of human rights in the EU-Russia relationship."
Russian investigators have searched a St. Petersburg apartment where a number of citizens of unspecified Central Asian countries who reportedly had been in contact with subway bombing suspect Akbarjon Jalilov lived.

Federal Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko on April 6 said six people were detained in St. Petersburg and two were being held in Moscow in connection with the April 3 bombing that killed 14 people, including the suspected suicide bomber.

The names and nationalities of the detainees were not made public.

A committee statement said security forces had searched a St. Petersburg apartment where the men were living and seized a bomb, firearms, and ammunition. The bomb, it said, was "identical" to one that was found at the Ploshchad Vosstania metro station on the day of the deadly attack.

The investigation into the blast, which also injured 50 people, continued as thousands gathered in officially sanctioned events in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and other cities to remember the victims.

WATCH: Muscovites Show Solidarity With St. Petersburg After Attack

There has been no claim of responsibility for the blast.

However, the Investigative Committee on April 4 said it had determined that Jalilov, 22, set off a bomb that exploded on a subway train between two stations in central St. Petersburg and that his remains were found at the scene.

Traces of his DNA were also found on a bag containing the bomb that was successfully defused at the Ploshchad Vosstania station, investigators said.

Jalilov was an ethnic Uzbek who was born in Kyrgyzstan and held Russian citizenship.

Authorities are also investigating any links between the bombing and the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, which has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in the Middle East and Europe.

IS on April 6 claimed responsibility for a separate attack this week that killed two Russian traffic-police officers in the southern city of Astrakhan.

Meanwhile, people clutching flowers and white balloons gathered outside St. Petersburg's Tekhnologichesky Institut subway station, near where the train was traveling when the bomb exploded.

"I came to show that we will not be frightened," Valentina Zlobina, 48, told the AFP news agency. "We will become even more united in this tragedy."

The first funeral for a victim of the blast was held outside of St. Petersburg on April 6.

About 50 people gathered to mourn the death of 50-year-old puppet maker Irina Medyantseva. She was on the subway train with her daughter, Yelena, who is recovering in a hospital.

"We had just bought a flat near here in a beautiful building. Our daughters were doing well, and then this happened," her husband, Aleksandr Kaminsky, told AFP.

With reporting by Interfax, fontanka.ru, AFP, and AP
An explosion has injured a man in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

Officials in the southwestern city say that a local man found a plastic bag on the street early on April 6, and that a flashlight in the bag exploded when he tried to switch it on.

The blast blew off several of his fingers, officials said.

The incident came amid jitters in Russia following an April 3 bombing on a subway train in St. Petersburg that killed 14 people and injured nearly 50.

Based on reporting by Interfax and TASS
In what is being hailed by Israeli media as an "unexpected, unprecedented, and curious move," Russia has said it envisions West Jerusalem as the future capital of Israel and East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future Palestinian state.

The Russian Foreign Ministry statement on April 6 appears to represent a shift in Russian policy.

Previously, Moscow has formally stated that Jerusalem should be under permanent international control.

In stating its support for a two-state solution to the long-standing conflict, the Foreign Ministry wrote: "We reaffirm our commitment to the UN-approved principles for a Palestinian-Israeli settlement, which include the status of East Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state. At the same time, we must state that in this context we view West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel."

Palestinians regard East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.* Israel has annexed East Jerusalem and declared all of the city as its capital, a move never recognized by the international community.

Under the partition plan of 1948, Jerusalem was designated as a "special international regime" under United Nations administration, although the policy was never put into effect.

In 1995, the U.S. Jerusalem Embassy Act recognized the city as the capital of Israel, but that law was also never put into effect. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama did not recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital, claiming the congressional act infringed on the executive branch's authority over foreign policy.

Although Israel considers Jerusalem its capital, nearly all foreign embassies are in Tel Aviv as countries have refrained from recognizing that status until it is agreed in future peace talks.

The Russian statement could be seen as a mixed blessing for Israel.

On one hand, Israel has a stated goal of having Jerusalem recognized as its capital. On the other hand, it sees the entire city as its capital, not just the western portion.

The future of Jerusalem's status is a sensitive issue and has come under the spotlight since U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he might move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which would be a tacit recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital.

In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington in February, Trump said he'd "love" to see the embassy moved to Jerusalem, adding that "we're looking at that very, very strongly."

Trumps announcement angered Palestinians and their allies, and the U.S. president has subsequently backed off the suggestion.

The Times of Israel said it regarded the Russian statement as an "unexpected, unprecedented, and curious move."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry was taken aback by the statement.

"We are studying the matter," the paper quoted a ministry spokesman as saying.

The Times wrote: "Recognizing only the western part of it would appear to deny Israel's claims to the eastern part, including the Old City, which it captured in 1967 and subsequently annexed."

The Jerusalem Post called it a "surprise" announcement.

It reported that Russias ambassador to Israel will meet with Foreign Ministry officials in the coming days to discuss the announcement. It said there is no plan to move Russias embassy to Jerusalem at this time.

With reporting by The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post, and AP

* This story was amended to clarify that Palestinians regard East Jerusalem as their capital.
The Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for an April 4 attack in the southern Russian city of Astrakhan that left two traffic-police officers dead.

A website associated with IS posted the claim on April 6, citing an unnamed IS "security source."

Earlier on April 6, Russian authorities said National Guard troops killed four men suspected of involvement in the earlier attack in a shoot-out in Astrakhan the same day.

Three National Guard officers were injured, one of them seriously.

The IS statement also claimed responsibility for this incident, calling it an "attack."

The claim comes when Russia is on high alert following an April 3 bombing in the St. Petersburg subway that left 14 people dead and nearly 50 injured.

With reporting by Interfax and AFP
ON MY MIND

This week's devastating chemical weapons attack in Syria not only reminded us yet again of Bashar al-Assad's brutality, it also exposed the cynicism and dishonesty at the heart of Russia's foreign policy.

Russia proposed and brokered an agreement in 2013 to place Syria's chemical weapons under international control.

That agreement helped prevent U.S.-and-French-led international military action against Assad in response to the August 2013 Ghouta chemical-weapons attack.

Russia's intervention in Syria's civil war in 2015 likely saved Assad from almost certain defeat.

Moscow has insisted that that any peace settlement in Syria keep Assad in power.

And against the preponderance of evidence, Vladimir Putin's regime continues to insist that Assad was not responsible for this week's attack.

Putin has supported, propped up, and defended Assad. He owns him. Assad now is Putin's creature.

And that makes Putin's regime an accomplice to war crimes.

IN THE NEWS

Authorities in St. Petersburg say an explosive device has been discovered in an apartment building and defused.

Russia says National Guard troops have killed four men suspected of involvement in a deadly attack on traffic police in the southern city of Astrakhan.

The number of Russians living in poverty reached 19.8 million last year, the highest in a decade, as the economy struggled through a recession following a sharp oil-price drop and the imposition of Western sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has said that "all evidence points" to the Syrian government being behind a devastating chemical attack this week, and called on Russia to honor its agreement to help eliminate chemical weapons in Syria.

Two Democratic lawmakers are pushing a new measure to keep U.S. President Donald Trump from altering current U.S. policy toward Russia until an ongoing FBI investigation is completed.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Moscow on April 12 for talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

U.S. authorities have deported a man convicted of working as an unregistered Russian government agent, in a case that has shed light on Russian intelligence operations in the United States.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyaev has said Russia and Uzbekistan signed investments deals worth $12 billion during his two-day visit to Moscow.

Andrei Nikitin, a Russian Muslim who was mistakenly mentioned as a possible bomber in the April 3 attack on the St. Petersburg subway, has been facing discrimination since the incident.

Russian activist Ildar Dadin's application for a Russian foreign-travel passport has been denied, his wife, Anastasia Zotova, says.

A Kazakh-born man accused of working with Russian intelligence officials to hack over a half-billion Yahoo e-mail accounts has asked a Canadian court to release him on bail.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has appointed Maria Gaidar, a former politician and activist in Russia, as an adviser.

LATEST POWER VERTICAL BLOG

In case you missed it, my latest Power Vertical blog post looks at how the Kremlin is trying to use this week's attack in St. Petersburg to change the domestic conversation in Russia.

WHAT I'M READING

More On LGBT Persecution in Chechnya

Snob.ru has an interview with a gay man from Chechnya who escaped an attempted honor killing.

The Kremlin's Antiterror Demonstrations

In his column for Republic.ru, opposition journalist Oleg Kashin looks behind the curtain of the Kremlin's antiterroristm demonstrations that begin today.

Russia And Syria's Chemical Weapons Attack

The New York Times looks at the holes in Russia's account of this week's chemical-weapons attack in Syria.

Russian Troops Menace Georgia

Civil.ge has a piece about how Russian troop deployments to Abkhazia and South Ossetia are menacing Georgia.

Active Measures In Central Europe

The Prague Security Studies Institute has a report on Russian influence operations in Central Europe.

Active Measures In The Baltics

Latvia's Re:Baltica has a piece on how Russia is intensifying its propaganda and active measures in the Baltic states

OCCRP Strikes Again

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project has a new report alleging that the new husband of Vladimir Putin's ex-wife owns a 7 million-euro villa in Biarritz, France.

The Kremlin's Antiquity Fixation

Maria Engstrom of Dalarna University in Sweden has a piece in Intersection magazine on why the Kremlin is suddenly fascinated with antiquity.

New Levada Poll

A new Levada Center poll finds that anticorruption protests have the support of 38 percent of Russians, that trust in the authorities is falling, and support for Aleksei Navalny is rising.

Belarus's Social Contract

Andrew Wilson, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and a professor at University College London, has a new piece on Belarus's fraying social contract.

The Kremlin's African Game

In a piece in Foreign Affairs, Oren Kessler and Boris Zilberman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies look at Russia's growing influence in North Africa.

Putin Loyalists In Washington

According to a report in Bloomberg, Putin loyalists are invading Washington.

Ukraine's Anticorruption NGOs In Peril?

On The Atlantic Council's website, Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of the Kyiv-based Anti-Corruption Action Center, argues that a crackdown is coming against Ukraine's anticorruption crusaders.
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has fired his leading energy official for "weak control" of the country's important oil-and-gas sector, state media reports.

The state-controlled Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper on April 6 said the president cited "shortcomings in supervising" the sector on the part of Yashigeldy Kakaev, the deputy prime minister for energy.

Maksat Babaev, the outgoing chief of the Turkmengaz state gas company, will replace Kakaev, the reports said.

The energy sector accounts for more than 90 percent of the ex-Soviet country's exports.

The country of more than 5 million people -- bordering Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan  has been hit hard by a prolonged slump in natural gas prices, which have fallen almost 50 percent since 2014.

Turkmenistan, nevertheless, has insisted on exporting natural gas at pre-2014 prices, leading to the loss of Russia and Iran as customers and leaving essentially just China.

The firing of Kakaev, a respected energy industry veteran, from such a crucial position could have wide-ranging impact on the economy.

Kakaev became chief of the energy sector in 2015 after serving in several other top energy-related positions over the past 20 years. He has been credited with driving big gains in the sector.

Luca Anceschi, a professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University, told RFE/RL that Kakaev's dismissal "certifies the ultimate failure of Berdymukhammedovs energy policy."

"It is a sign of regime denial, as Kakaev's failures are not attributable to personal shortcomings," Anceschi added. "They relate most directly to the implementation of a policy course that was flawed at its very onset."

With reporting by AFP and AP
In a surprise move, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has sacked the head of the countrys oil-and-gas sector, Yashygeldi Kakaev.

Berdymukhammedov presided over an April 5 government session where ministers reported on results for the first quarter of 2017.

Kakaev reported increases in the production of oil, gas condensate, and refined petroleum products. He said production of natural gas was at approximately the same levels as last year. And he added that investment in the oil-and-gas sector increased by 16.5 percent in the first three months of this year.

Turkmenistans government website Golden Age reported, "Having listened to the report, the head of state, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, said there had been a weakening over control of realizing the program for development of Turkmenistan's oil-and-gas industry for the period up to 2030."

The Turkmen president then dismissed Kakaev and replaced him with Maksat Babaev, head of the state gas company Turkmengaz, also a veteran figure in Turkmenistans oil-and-gas sector.

Kakaev has been one of the top figures in Turkmenistans oil-and-gas industry for more than a decade, and for most of those years that sector was the driving force behind double-digit economic growth in Turkmenistan.

For approximately the last three years, the opposite has been true, though Kakaev could hardly be blamed.

The price of gas is about half of what it was at the start of 2014. Turkmenistans insistence on maintaining prices as close to pre-2014 levels as possible, a decision in which Berdymukhammedov undoubtedly played some part, has led to Turkmenistan losing Russia and Iran as customers since the start of 2016.

Luca Anceschi, a professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University, said, "Kakaevs dismissal certifies the ultimate failure of Berdymukhammedovs energy policy."

Anceschi added, "It is a sign of regime denial, as Kakaevs failures are not attributable to personal shortcomings. They relate most directly to the implementation of a policy course that was flawed at its very onset."

John Roberts, a nonresident senior fellow at the U.S.-based Atlantic Councils Dinu Patriciu Center, has met Kakaev several times.

Roberts describes Kakaev as "extremely dutiful" and "very conscientious about his work." Roberts said, though, that Kakaev had "the toughest job in Turkmenistan, after the presidency," in trying to get Turkmenistans gas sector back on track despite enormous challenges, most of which were far outside the ability of anyone in Turkmenistan to control.

Kakaev was not cast out in shame. He moves over to head the Galkynysh gas field, which Roberts reminded is "the worlds biggest onshore gas field."

Despite Kakaev retaining a key position, the decision to relieve him of his duties as head of Turkmenistans oil-and-gas sector appears to be the same sort of reshuffling Berdymukhammedov has resorted to numerous times in the last couple of years to reinvigorate the countrys moribund economy, which is dependent on gas exports for revenue.

These reshuffles do not appear to have produced any noticeably positive results to date, and the transfer of an experienced oil-and-gas sector official such as Kakaev is not likely to help the situation either.

Thanks to Laurent Ruseckas, senior adviser at IHS Energy, for the headline.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
The naming of Paul Fregeau as the new superintendent of Decatur public schools is good for the school district and good for the community. But the hiring process was not good  not by a mile. Our community deserved a more transparent school board and district administration.

Complaints about the decision-making body have been plenty. Even those who agree with the decisions can find it impossible to defend the manner in which the decisions were made.

So the complaint is no reflection on Fregeau. He'll have his chance to make his impression on the tax-paying citizens, along with the board. We hope, and Fregeau undoubtedly hopes as well, that the board ditches it unwillingness to pull back the curtains.

For a nearby example of a nearby school board handling its transparency thoroughly and correctly, look no further than Champaign. That city's board announced its three finalists after interviews behind closed doors. The final decision was made after the board held three interview sessions, featuring board members, teachers and staff, and the community.

Omaha, Nebraska, went a step further in its recent superintendent search. Candidates were interviewed for an hour in open public sessions, and gave press conferences as part of the process.

WATCH THE OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS VIDEO ON ITS SUPERINTENDENT HIRING PROCESS

Meanwhile, in Decatur, decisions were made behind closed doors. Decisions were made with non-existent public discourse. We don't even know how many, if any, other finalists the school board selected. For a board already arrogant about its responsibility to share its decision-making with the voters who put them in place, the superintendent hiring is yet another example of it being tone-deaf to public outcry and tone-deaf to its responsibilities as a public entity.

Speaking of responsibilities, the refusal to make public Fregeau's contract being met by a demand for a Freedom of Informant Act request is petty and pointless. The contract was made public. There never was any doubt of that. It shouldn't take resorting to federal law to demand the information. But if that's what it takes, Herald & Review staffers will wear their fingers bloody filling out the forms.

There's no reason to assume the worst of the school board. And it will look dramatically different following Tuesday's elections. But there's also no reason for the board to behave as though it is ignorant of or, even worse, above the criticism it has justifiably received. Teachers union leaders correctly criticized the lack of transparency in the interview process. The district insolently requested questions to be submitted in advance of the news conference that followed the board meeting confirming Fregeau.

Criticizing that is not a function of Decatur media members throwing a fit over not getting what they wanted. Rather, the criticism is a plea to allow everyone involved in the process to do their jobs and due diligence. They are a public entity. Fregeau is a public figure. They must face and answer public questions. That's not a request, it's a lawful demand.

Do your job. Put your name on it. Face the questions. That's the example that must be set, and the lesson that must be learned.

An earlier version of this editorial had the incorrect city for the Omaha superintendent search and wasn't clear that the Fregeau contract has been released.
A prominent Uzbek imam wants his predominantly Muslim country to prevent men from studying and practicing obstetrics, saying that having male doctors practicing in the medical field was an "embarrassment."

During a recent sermon after crowded Friday Prayers in Tashkent's Mirzo Yusuf mosque, chief Imam Rahmatulloh Saifutdinov said that "being Muslim is not compatible at all with being a male obstetrician."

"It's an embarrassment," the imam told the audience in Tashkent's Yunusobod district. "We should stop it."

Saifutdinov pointed out that the Central Asian country "inherited" the practice of having male OB/GYNs from its Soviet past, when he said "men working as obstetricians was perceived as a normal thing."

"But now we should stop it," the imam reiterated, urging Uzbek parents not to allow their sons to study obstetrics.

"From now on, let's have our sons choose professions suitable for men and leave obstetrics to the women," said the popular Saifutdinov, who was named Imam Of The Year 2011 by the country's state-backed religious affairs department.

However, just days later, Saifutdinov backtracked on the comments he made during his speech, which has since been posted on the Internet (below), sparking online debate.

WATCH: Imam Rahmatulloh Saifutdinov delivers his controversial sermon

The imam told RFE/RL's Uzbek Service on April 4 that his comments were "misinterpreted" and that he did not mean men should not work in obstetrics at all.

"The speech only meant to encourage girls to study obstetrics. It called for creating jobs for women," Saifutdinov insisted.

Saifutdinov also is a professor at the Tashkent Imam Al-Bukhari Islamic Institute and runs a website through which he promotes moderate Islamic values and posts his speeches and articles.

Social-media reaction to his speech revealed mixed feelings among users, with some supporting his viewpoint and others arguing that the most important thing is the health of mother and child, not the gender of the physician.

"We don't live in medieval times. When a woman is fighting for her life, does she care who is saving her -- a man or a woman? It's complete ignorance," commented Facebook user Fakhriddin Rahimov.

In Uzbekistan, as in the rest of Central Asia, both male and female doctors practice obstetrics, although females significantly outnumber their male counterparts in the field.

Rustam Rahimjonov, a chief specialist at the Tashkent Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, said maternity wards in Uzbekistan allow patients to weigh in on whether they will be treated by a man or a woman.

"It often happens that women ask for a female physician...and we try our best to fulfill their request," Rahimjonov said. "However, there are situations when a patient needs a complicated surgical procedure and the surgeon might be male."

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL Uzbek Service correspondent Khurmat Babajanov
THUMBS UP! To the victors  and to the unsuccessful challengers  in Tuesday's elections. Unlike many races throughout the state of Illinois, Decatur was blessed with superb candidates. The voters have had their say. It's now time for the victors to begin the hard work of leading.

THUMBS UP! To Caterpillar bringing 500 jobs to Decatur. We take no joy in the closing of the Aurora plant. Decatur has seen its share of factory closures, and we know all too well the pain, disruption and rippling effect of what those closures mean. That's a big part of the reason we celebrate this good fortune for us.

THUMBS DOWN! Again, to the cuts made at Richland Community College. Daily, this newspaper and other media outlets deliver reports of the fallout of the inability of Illinois politicians to deliver a budget. Daily, people who have done nothing but report to their jobs faithfully find themselves in life-changing and life-challenging situations. At some point, politicians have to wake up and solve this crisis, don't they? There's no time like the present.

THUMBS UP! To the Decatur Police Department for being proactive with recruits. For any number of reasons, law enforcement work is not as attractive for today's jobseekers. But police departments like Decatur's refuse to lower their standards. It's a good policy, and taxpayers should be appreciative.

THUMBS UP! To Illinois Democratic lawmakers who are pondering implementing internet safeguards. The decision is in reaction to Republicans in Washington voting to roll back Obama-era internet privacy protections that were to take effect later this year. We understand those who find laughable the idea of internet privacy in an era where Facebook and Twitter often tell us more about our fellow man than we ever desired to know. But the internet is more than a marketing target, and privacy is something on which we still place some value. Even if we're sometimes unlikely to behave as though we do.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  Attorneys for Rolling Stone magazine were back in a Charlottesville court on Wednesday afternoon to take up matters in the third lawsuit filed against them for a now-retracted article that generated national controversy.

Months after losing in a defamation lawsuit filed by University of Virginia administrator Nicole Eramo, the magazines counsel came to Charlottesville Circuit Court on Wednesday to spar with an attorney for the national chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, the fraternity implicated in the November 2014 article A Rape on Campus.

Intended as an expose on the culture of sexual assault at elite universities, the article sent shockwaves through the Charlottesville community and beyond with the harrowing centerpiece story of a then-student named Jackie, who claimed that during a party in her first year, she was brutally gang-raped at Phi Kappa Psis off-campus U.Va. fraternity house. Students and faculty quickly organized marches and protests that led to the front door of the Rugby Road home, while the U.Va. administration suspended Greek life for the remainder of the fall semester.

Within weeks of its release, the public sentiment surrounding the article transmuted from outrage to incredulity as key aspects of Jackies tale began falling apart under scrutiny. By Dec. 5, 2014, the magazine appended their online article to include a disclaimer, stating that the editorial staff and author Sabrina Rubin Erdely had lost faith in Jackies side of the story. Following a scathing review of its journalistic practices, along with an investigation from Charlottesville police finding no evidence to back Jackies claims, Rolling Stone officially retracted the article on April 5, 2015.

Within one month, Eramo filed suit against the magazine, its publisher and Erdely, seeking $7.85 million for defamation. At the time of the articles publication, Eramo had served as the associate dean of students, charged with aiding student survivors of sexual assault. Mentioned by name more than 30 times in the article, Eramo alleged that she was cast as the articles chief villain, who showed callous indifference to the needs of her students. Last November, a weeks-long trial ended with a jury awarding Eramo $3 million in damages.

Eramos suit was the first of three. By July 2015, three former Phi Kappa Psi brothers filed a lawsuit asserting that, as former residents of the fraternity house, savvy readers could wrongly deduce that they were involved in the alleged assault. That suit was tossed out 11 months later, with a federal judge ruling that the details were too vague and remote to link the plaintiffs to the article.

Then in November 2015, the U.Va. chapter of Phi Kappa Psi filed its own defamation lawsuit, seeking $25 million in damages after receiving an avalanche of condemnation worldwide in the articles wake. Like Eramo, the fraternity accused Erdely of specifically seeking out a sensational story of graphic and violent rape and failing to properly vet the story with sources beyond Jackie. The frat further alleged that its reputation and membership were significantly harmed by the articles release.

While Rolling Stone has lobbed its objections to the suit, claiming that the article could not be reasonably interpreted as a censure of the fraternity, Judge Richard Moore has denied the magazines attempts to throw it out of court. A 10-day jury trial in the matter is scheduled for October.

With discovery set to close this summer, Wednesdays court hearing dealt with a motion from the fraternitys national chapter to be left alone as the magazine prepares for its battle with the U.Va. chapter. Rolling Stone has issued subpoenas to the national chapter and its insurer, hoping to uncover information that addresses the reputation of the frats U.Va. chapter.

Representing the frat, attorney Dirk McClanahan said that the magazines subpoena contains requests for information that are about as broad as you can conceivably make them, alleging that the requests are not strategic, but rather harassing and oppressive. He stated that many of the requests seek information about the fraternitys other 98 chapters and their recorded infractions, such as matters of sexual assault and underage drinking violations.

They dont need to hunt down our dirty laundry, McClanahan said, before arguing that the magazine had a clear dislike of the fraternity, which in turn drove their expansive requests.

Counsel for the magazine responded that the requests McClanahan referenced sought information that might inform the fraternitys internal conduct across its many chapters and give insight into the brand that Phi Kappa Psi now believes to be damaged.

After taking time to review the magazines requests, Moore returned to the courtroom and ruled that 13 of the magazines 29 requests from the chapter would not be allowed to go forward, while the remaining 16 requests should be responded to only as they pertained to the U.Va. chapter of the fraternity.
The Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline projects, proposed to cross hundreds of streams and wetland areas across Virginia, will be required to submit detailed information to state regulators on how they will comply with state erosion control and sediment runoff regulations to protect water quality.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality announced Thursday that it would require water quality certifications under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act for each segment of both projects that crosses or potentially affects water bodies.

The decision will require extensive review of hundreds of affected waterways, potentially delaying the construction of the two proposed multibillion-dollar projects.

These certifications will ensure that Virginia water quality standards are maintained in all areas affected by the projects, the DEQ said in a statement. The public will have an opportunity to review and comment on these certifications and the conditions required to protect water quality.

The department had been weighing whether to permit the crossings solely under the blanket rules in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 12 process, which pipeline opponents have criticized as too limited and general to protect Virginia waterways.

We could have done that but that would have been less involved on each piece of the pipeline, DEQ spokesman Bill Hayden said. It really came about partially from the public interest thats been expressed and partly from DEQs own concerns that the pipeline construction be done properly to protect water quality. Theyre big projects, both of them, and we wanted to make sure they can be done right.

Dominion Resources, the lead developer of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, had planned to begin construction this fall on the $5.1 billion, 600-mile project, still pending federal approval, that will bring fracked gas from Marcellus Shale plays through the heart of Virginia to North Carolina. A Dominion spokesman, Aaron Ruby, said the company remains fully on track to receive final approval and begin construction this fall.

The pipeline developers have not yet applied for the certifications since it was unclear until Thursday whether DEQ would require them. The applications will involve voluminous information on individual pipeline segments, Hayden said.

The agency will solicit public comment and hold public hearings on the draft certifications, with the final decisions coming from the State Water Control Board.

Were very early in the process, Hayden said. Its going to take some time.

Ruby said the DEQ decision will provide for public review of the protective measures weve adopted to preserve water quality and added that the company is ready to work cooperatively with DEQ on an efficient review and timely process.

Throughout this process, weve worked with state and federal agencies to ensure the project receives a thorough environmental review with robust public participation, Ruby said.

Natalie A. Cox, spokeswoman for EQT Corp., the principal developer of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, issued a similar response, noting that West Virginia regulators issued a 401 permit for the project in late March after working closely with the company on plans to build the pipeline with the least possible impact on streams and wetlands in West Virginia.

In similar fashion, we look forward to working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to obtain and meet Virginias water quality certification requirements along with those of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide permit 12 for wetland and stream crossings, Cox said.

Some opponents of the pipeline projects doubt that the pipeline developers can comply with state regulations related to stormwater management and erosion and sediment control.

I dont believe they can build this project without violating water quality standards and in compliance with the regulations, said Rick Webb, a retired University of Virginia research scientist and program coordinator with the Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition.

For example, the states Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook requires that for utility corridors, a trench cannot be open for more than 500 feet at a time, meaning that the company would have to cover the earth as it goes unless it is granted a waiver, he said.

The pipelines will also require building access roads, which will also have implications for stormwater runoff and could boost erosion and choke streams with sediment that will be carried all the way to the Chesapeake Bay.

Were talking about huge excavations on steep mountainsides. Where will the spoil material go? he said. Theres just a long list of questions.

Webb, whose research focused on the hydrology, chemistry and ecology of mountain streams, particularly wild trout streams, said the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will cross 451 streams in the mountainous areas of five counties in Virginia and five counties in West Virginia.

Its going to have a long-term impact on the integrity of the waters of the state, Webb said.

Hurdle cleared

DEQs decision came on the final day of public comment on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions draft environmental impact statement for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

The commission has received thousands of written comments, including expressions of support by legislative leaders in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina, as well as opposition by environmental groups and some local governments that have challenged the draft statement as inadequate to protect environmental, historical and cultural resources .

The project cleared a significant hurdle Thursday when the U.S. Forest Service said it is satisfied with the feasibility of the companys proposal to drill through the Blue Ridge Mountain to avoid the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway between Augusta and Nelson counties.

Forest Service approval of the drilling plan, as well as a backup plan with a different technology, was among the conditions the commission staff included in the draft environmental impact statement issued at the end of last year.

The proposed use of horizontal directional drilling through the mountain near Reeds Gap is critical to the project because it would allow the pipeline to pass 800 feet below the national scenic trail without requiring congressional approval.

Instead, the pipeline would cross beneath the trail and parkway on privately owned property, pending Forest Service approval of the projects applications to pass through parts of the George Washington and Monongahela national forests.

The Forest Service hasnt acted on the applications, but it dropped its earlier demand that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline complete drilling more than 4,600 feet through the mountain before the federal agency would permit construction in the national forests.

Clyde Thompson, Forest Service supervisor in the Monongahela in West Virginia, told federal regulators this week that the agency has concluded that the use of horizontal directional drilling and a contingency plan for a more conventional drilling method both would be feasible at the proposed location.

As a result, Thompson said the Forest Services earlier condition for drilling to be completed first would no longer be necessary.

Ruby, speaking for Dominion, called the decision a very significant step forward for the project.

After thorough evaluation, the Forest Service has approved our plans for crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, Ruby said. The agency underscored its confidence in our plans by deciding that it would allow us to begin construction in other areas of the national forests before the crossing is completed.

Though the Forest Service has not acted on the special-use permit application that includes the mountain crossing, Ruby said, these are two of the most important issues the Forest Service has been evaluating, so receiving a favorable decision is a very positive development for the project.

Opposition to plans

The Forest Services decision disappointed opponents, who said the company still hasnt provided adequate information to show that the drilling plans would work.

Its a pretty high-risk situation, Webb said for the Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition, which questioned the plans viability in a report filed with regulators in February.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy also is not satisfied with the companys plans for crossing the national scenic trail, which the organization said this week are based more on speed than minimizing the environmental effects.

In fact, alternatives cannot be dismissed because they are cheaper and faster, the conservancy said in comments filed with the federal commission.

The original pipeline route crossed the Blue Ridge about 8 miles north near Afton, but the company proposed an alternative route in 2014 to avoid the need for congressional approval to cross the Appalachian Trail. As a result, the pipeline would emerge from the mountain in Nelson directly across Beech Grove Road from the Wintergreen Resort entrance.

The resort and its homeowners association, as well as surrounding homeowners whose property would be crossed by the pipeline, have become vocal opponents of the project.

Were a little surprised by what they said, said Jon Ansell, chairman of the Friends of Wintergreen, which has funded research that has raised concerns about the pipelines potential effect on steep mountain slopes.

We still maintain a lot of soil and geological studies need to be done at a much more detailed level because theres a high risk here, said Ansell, whose property near the resort would be crossed by the pipeline.

The pipeline would emerge on the other side of the mountain in Augusta on property owned by Hazel F. Palmer. On April 19, the Virginia Supreme Court will hear her legal challenge of a state law allowing pipeline surveyors onto private property without landowner permission.

Separately, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told federal regulators this week that the proposed pipeline route would interfere with a wildlife-restoration program run by the state with federal funds along the James River in Nelson.

Unless the company moves the route or mitigates the damage with other property of equal value, the project could jeopardize state eligibility for almost $14 million in federal grant funding.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries runs the James River Wildlife Management Area near Wingina, but two of the parcels within the protected area were purchased with federal funds from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program and proceeds from hunting and fishing licenses.
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Severe weather has cleared to the east of the Richmond metro, but the storms knocked down many trees in parts of central and eastern Virginia.

The National Weather Service in Wakefield plans to survey damage to the hospital in Kilmarnock to determine if it was hit by a tornado. At around 12:15 p.m., a severe storm swept through Lancaster County and some rotation also appeared on radar over Irvington and Kilmarnock.

Severe storms also knocked trees down across Louisa County, Mathews County and Middlesex County. In Louisa County, law enforcement reported that a falling tree damaged a house at around 12:15 p.m.

The rest of the afternoon is likely to be dry in the Richmond area, but some isolated showers can't be ruled out through the early evening. Strong breezes will continue from the southwest at 15 to 35 mph, then diminish tonight.
Ashland  trained spotter reported pea-sized hail but 1.18 rain total

Kilmarnock  Emergency manager reports wind damage to hospital. Numerous trees down with possible property damage. National Weather Service to survey tornado damage. 12:15

Lancaster  911 call center reports numerous trees down from Irvington to Kilmarnock, at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Louisa  911 call center reports numerous trees down across Louisa and the entire county, at approximately 12:20 p.m.

Louisa  Law enforcement reported a tree fell and damaged a house at 12:15, 3 miles ssw of Vawter Corner

Mathews  trees and power lines down along Risby Town Road on Gwynn Island.

Mechanicsville  Public reported hail  at 1:15

Price George - National Weather Service employee reported penny sized hail at 12:47 p.m.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Cloudy this morning. A few showers developing during the afternoon. High 81F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Cloudy. Low 68F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
RICHMOND  State House Republican leaders for years fought Democratic proposals to ban the personal use of campaign money. But with GOP gubernatorial front-runner Ed Gillespies blessing on Thursday, they said theyre ready to pass such a bill if he becomes governor.

Retiring House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, and speaker-to-be Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, joined Gillespie at a news conference where he outlined a detailed 15-point plan for government ethics and integrity.

Gillespie also called for a prohibition on use of money raised for one office to be transferred to a different account for a different office, and for further tightening of gift rules that lawmakers reformed following the scandal involving former Gov. Bob McDonnell, who last month endorsed Gillespie.

Virginia is one of the few states that doesnt prohibit personal use of campaign funds, and some state lawmakers have used their campaign committees for fancy hotels, gasoline, dinners and other expenses  even legislators who havent faced challengers in years spend freely on such items.

Too many Virginians today feel like their concerns arent responded to, that people of influence are affecting policies and that theyre not able to hold us accountable, Gillespie said. I want to make sure that they know that they can hold us accountable if Im fortunate enough to be entrusted with the governorship.

Gillespie also was joined by Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, who is in her first term and co-founded the legislatures Transparency Caucus.

Gillespie said that if hes elected governor, he could persuade the GOP-controlled legislature to pass a ban on personal use of campaign funds. But I know there are legitimate concerns that need to be addressed, he said.

Cox said a lot of previous proposals were brochure bills and simply trying to make political points. And he said Republicans opposed the idea because they didnt trust Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat.

Cox said lawmakers want a good bill with ethics reforms but not capturing people in we gotcha legislation. And frankly, we just didnt have a lot of confidence we could do that under this current administration.

What does it look like when Terry McAuliffe tries to craft certain amendments? Are those gotcha amendments?

Republican legislators in 2016, however, brought up other concerns when halting a proposal to ban personal use of campaign funds. Del. Mark Cole, R-Fredericksburg, said government should not involve itself in what is basically a private transaction.

Del. John OBannon , R-Henrico, asked during a committee hearing what would happen if a candidate expensed a new shirt after getting wet on the campaign trail.

I then need to go ask the Department of Elections if thats legal or not? OBannon said.

Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, spent four General Assembly sessions pushing for a ban on personal use of campaign money. He said Cox is well aware that Simons proposals were genuine, and that significant effort went into trying to address concerns of majority Republicans.

In 2014, Simon was told his proposal was too vague. In 2015, when he used a definition that applies to federal candidates, he was told it was too detailed. In 2016, Simon shortened the definition and added a layer of protection: Any candidate unsure of whether an expenditure was personal could get clearance from the State Board of Elections.

Republicans delayed the 2016 legislation to 2017 for study. Simon wrote a letter to Cole in June 2016 asking for his advice on how to move forward and suggesting key committee members meet to study the idea. But Republicans did not initiate any study, and the idea died in committee again this year.

These were not brochure bills, Simon said. This was a sincere effort to try to address a very real problem.

McAuliffe unsuccessfully pushed lawmakers to end the personal use of campaign money. Early in his term, he convened a bipartisan study group headed by former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Republican, and former 9th District Rep. Rick Boucher, a Democrat. The Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government issued a report calling for numerous reforms, including a ban on personal use of campaign money.

Gillespies move in part addresses criticism that hes a Washington insider running in an anti-establishment era.

A longtime political strategist, Gillespie was a lobbyist and former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Democrats and both of his GOP primary rivals  Corey Stewart and state Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach  regularly slam him over those credentials.

Gillespie has lobbied for companies like Enron, Tyson Foods and Viacom, was a counselor to President George W. Bush and helped GOP strategist Karl Rove in 2010 create the super PAC American Crossroads and a nonprofit, Crossroads GPS, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money. More recently, he consulted for AT&T, Anthem, Microsoft and Bank of America, according to a spokeswoman Abbi Sigler.

Also in Gillespies 15-point plan:

n Extending the length of time administration officials must wait before lobbying their prior office.

n Ending political fundraising during special sessions of the General Assembly. Such a moratorium currently exists during the regular session.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  Attorneys for Rolling Stone magazine were back in a Charlottesville court on Wednesday afternoon to take up matters in the third lawsuit filed against them for a now-retracted article that generated national controversy.

Months after losing in a defamation lawsuit filed by University of Virginia administrator Nicole Eramo, the magazines counsel came to Charlottesville Circuit Court on Wednesday to spar with an attorney for the national chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, the fraternity implicated in the November 2014 article A Rape on Campus.

Intended as an expose on the culture of sexual assault at elite universities, the article sent shockwaves through the Charlottesville community and beyond with the centerpiece story of a then-student named Jackie, who claimed that during a party in her first year, she was brutally gang-raped at Phi Kappa Psis off-campus UVa fraternity house. Students and faculty quickly organized marches and protests that led to the front door of the Rugby Road home, while the UVa administration suspended Greek life for the remainder of the fall semester.

Within weeks of its release, the public sentiment surrounding the article transmuted from outrage to incredulity as key aspects of Jackies tale began falling apart under scrutiny. By Dec. 5, 2014, the magazine appended their online article to include a disclaimer, stating that the editorial staff and author Sabrina Rubin Erdely had lost faith in Jackies side of the story. Following a scathing review of its journalistic practices, along with an investigation from Charlottesville police finding no evidence to back Jackies claims, Rolling Stone officially retracted the article on April 5, 2015.

Within one month, Eramo filed suit against the magazine, its publisher and Erdely, seeking $7.85 million for defamation. At the time of the articles publication, Eramo had served as the associate dean of students, charged with aiding student survivors of sexual assault. Mentioned by name more than 30 times in the article, Eramo alleged that she was cast as the articles chief villain, who showed callous indifference to the needs of her students. Last November, a weeks-long trial ended with a jury awarding Eramo $3 million in damages.

Eramos suit was the first of three. By July 2015, three former Phi Kappa Psi brothers filed a lawsuit asserting that, as former residents of the fraternity house, readers could wrongly deduce that they were involved in the alleged assault. That suit was tossed out 11 months later, with a federal judge ruling that the details were too vague and remote to link the plaintiffs to the article.

Then in November 2015, the UVa chapter of Phi Kappa Psi filed its own defamation lawsuit, seeking $25 million in damages after receiving an avalanche of condemnation worldwide in the articles wake. Like Eramo, the fraternity accused Erdely of specifically seeking out a sensational story of graphic and violent rape and failing to properly vet the story with sources beyond Jackie. The frat further alleged that its reputation and membership were significantly harmed by the articles release.

While Rolling Stone has lobbed its objections to the suit, claiming that the article could not be reasonably interpreted as a censure of the fraternity, Judge Richard Moore has denied the magazines attempts to throw it out of court. A 10-day jury trial in the matter is scheduled for October.

With discovery set to close this summer, Wednesdays court hearing dealt with a motion from the fraternitys national chapter to be left alone as the magazine prepares for its battle with the UVa chapter. Rolling Stone has issued subpoenas to the national chapter and its insurer, hoping to uncover information that addresses the reputation of the frats UVa chapter.

Representing the frat, attorney Dirk McClanahan said that the magazines subpoena contains requests for information that are about as broad as you can conceivably make them, alleging that the requests are not strategic, but rather harassing and oppressive. He stated that many of the requests seek information about the fraternitys other 98 chapters and their recorded infractions, such as matters of sexual assault and underage drinking violations.

They dont need to hunt down our dirty laundry, McClanahan said, before arguing that the magazine had a clear dislike of the fraternity, which in turn drove their expansive requests.

Counsel for the magazine responded that the requests McClanahan referenced sought information that might inform the fraternitys internal conduct across its many chapters and give insight into the brand that Phi Kappa Psi now believes to be damaged.

After taking time to review the magazines requests, Moore returned to the courtroom and ruled that 13 of the magazines 29 requests from the chapter would not be allowed to go forward, while the remaining 16 requests should be responded to only as they pertained to the UVa chapter of the fraternity.

Speaking after the hearing, Rolling Stone attorney Liz McNamara said she was pleased that the judge agreed with critical aspects of their discovery requests.
RICHMOND  Senators on Wednesday rejected a move by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to gut a bill that would allow parents and immediate family of those who commit suicide to have access to police records on the case.

Senate Bill 1102 by Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, amends the state Freedom of Information Act to allow families to get police records in death cases in which police have determined no criminal charges will be filed. Nothing currently stops police from withholding those records, but their release is not mandatory and most police agencies opt to keep them secret.

The bill stemmed from several cases in which families with questions about the suicide of a loved one asked to see the police reports but were denied.

McAuliffe amended Surovells bill to essentially gut it. Rather than get the police file, families would only get a summary of what happened  something that often already happens.

On a vote of whether to accept McAuliffes amendment, the Senate tied 20-20. Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam  who presides over the chamber and breaks tie votes  then sided with Surovell and voted to reject McAuliffes amendment, meaning the amendment failed on a 21-20 vote.

The Senate later voted a second time on the amendment and rejected the governors version by an even larger margin, 24-16.

The bill will now go back to McAuliffe, who can either sign it or veto it.
One of the longtime and significant community leaders of the town of Christiansburg and the New River Valley is Scott Weaver.

Weaver, at the age of 93, has been an important and vital part of community organizations and local government for more than 50 years. For the past five decades, he has done it all and without a great deal of fanfare or notoriety as he has served in various roles and responsibilities. Weaver has always been a man of the people, in that his roots from Montgomery County have served him well.

On Feb. 28, Weaver was recognized for 65 years of perfect attendance by the Christiansburg Lions Club. Weaver is also a recipient of a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award acknowledging his long time commitment and service through the club as well as Lions International.

Weaver was originally from the Riner area of Montgomery County and attended Auburn High School and later Roanoke National Business College with an interest in accounting and business.

A lifelong member of the Christiansburg VFW and the American Legion, Weaver served in World War II with a reconnaissance unit in the European Theater and was wounded after the invasion of Europe. His unit was basically a suicide squad, is what it was, Weaver said. His unit fought in France, Germany and Austria. The fighting was really going on then, he reflected. It was a very difficult time.

After his return from the service, Weaver became active in his community in a number of ways. He was on the Christiansburg Town Council for more than 30 years, served on the Montgomery Planning Commission, the Christiansburg Cemetery Committee and is a lifetime member of the Christiansburg Rescue Squad.

Along with his numerous service agency roles, Weaver also was instrumental in organizing the local Agency on Aging, and was recently recognized for his longtime membership on the agency board.

Weaver worked at Virginia Tech in the accounting department and later transferred to Radford College to be treasurer for a number of years.

Weavers family has always been important to him. His wife, Ruth, now deceased, a graduate of Emory and Henry College, daughter of a Methodist minister and a teacher in her career, was his greatest supporter. Ruth and Scott were both concerned for their community, and Ruth saw the need for and was one of the first preschool teachers in Montgomery County. His daughter Cindy, a graduate of William and Mary, is currently a federal judge in Alabama.

It is a privilege to recognize Weaver for his service to the town of Christiansburg, the community and the New River Valley. He has made a difference for all the citizens he has served over the years. Congratulations for a job well done and a life well lived!

 Submitted by Doug Kanney
Business News Australia Takes Apple To Court Over Refusing Service Claims | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Australian employees are preparing to strike again as the dispute over pay and working conditions escalates. What Happened: Nearly 68% of workers in Australia rejected a pay and benefits deal proposed ... Read More By Yan Zhuang MELBOURNE, Australia  Dozens of Apple workers in Australia walked off the job on Tuesday after negotiations over pay and ... they will refuse to do a variety of work, including ... Read More Dozens of Apple workers in Australia went on strike on Tuesday in a dispute over pay and conditions. The workers are now refusing to repair AirPods, fix screens, or handle deliveries. Union ... Read More Some Apple Workers in Australia Vote to Strike Over Pay, Benefits By Byron Kaye SYDNEY (Reuters) - A union representing Australian employees of iPhone maker Apple Inc voted to strike due to lack ... Read More Apple Store employees stopped work for an hour at Australia's Brisbane, Chermside, and Charlestown sites, in protest over pay and conditions ... Apple further claims that its new pay proposal ... Read More SYDNEY, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A union representing Australian employees of iPhone maker Apple Inc (AAPL.O) voted to strike due to lack of progress on wage negotiations, a union official said on Tuesday. Read More As in the US, there are allegations Apple is using anti-union tactics. The Association claims Apple interfered ... notifications to receive breaking news alerts from Engadget You can disable ... Read More A union representing Australian employees of iPhone maker Apple Inc AAPL-Q voted to strike due to lack of progress on wage negotiations, a union official said on Tuesday. The one-hour strike ... Read More A union representing Australian employees of iPhone maker Apple Inc ... multimedia news provider reaching more than one billion people every day. Reuters provides trusted business, financial ... Read More
Business News Royal Dutch Shell Sells Stake In Kapuni Gas Field To New Zealand S Todd Energy | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Shell has completed the sale of its stake in an operator of the Malampaya gas field in the Philippines, effective Nov. 1, it said in a statement on Tuesday. Read More (Alliance News) - Shell PLC and QatarEnergy on Sunday announced that Shell will take a 9.375% in a huge gas field ... Qatar's minister of state for Energy Affairs and CEO of QatarEnergy. "The new ... Read More Shell Petroleum N.V. said Tuesday it completed the sale of its entire shareholding in Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. to Malampaya ... Read More Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners sold a 49% stake in a $1.2 billion solar-power project to a Dutch pension asset manager just weeks after the private-equity firm sold a wind-energy developer for ... Read More AMSTERDAM, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Shell CEO ... on Groningen gas." A damning report in 2015 from the independent Dutch Safety Board had accused the government and the field's operators of ignoring ... Read More UK supermajor Shell has completed the sale of its operated stake in Malampaya, the giant producing gas project offshore. Shell on Tuesday confirmed that following ... Read More The business: With revenue of $272 billion in 2015, Royal Dutch is the world's second-biggest energy company not controlled by a government (ExxonMobil (XOM (opens in new ... sells oil and natural ... Read More Shell will take a 9.375 per cent stake in North Field South, which will expand Qatars LNG output capacity by 16 million tons a year, Energy Minister Saad Al-Kaabi said at a signing ceremony in ... Read More Rio Neuquen is operated by Argentinas state-owned energy company YPF with a 33.3% stake. Pampa Energia holds the remaining 33.1% interest. The field ... news and insight on the oil and gas ... Read More MINNEAPOLIS  Private equity firm Pacific Avenue Capital Partners has purchased SunOpta Inc.s sunflower and roasted snacks business for $16 million. The acquisition includes three of SunOpta ... Read More Shell is investing in Qatars latest liquefied natural gas development ... cent stake in North Field South, which will expand Qatars LNG output capacity by 16 million tons a year, Energy ... Read More
Business News Illinois Developer Plans Huge Distribution Center Near Airport | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Pewaukee-based furniture retailer Steinhafels announced a major expansion into the Chicago area market with plans ... in Illinois. Steinhafels new Bolingbrook distribution center, located ... Read More Illinois, near St. Louis. Its not clear what the building will be used for, but its likely going to be a giant parts distribution center. Tesla likes big buildings, and it has built many of ... Read More The city of Detroit confirmed development plans for the Coleman ... about $100 million for airport development over the next 10 years, Mayor Mike Duggan said at a news conference Thursday morning. Read More  InsideEVs Tesla Supercharger (source: https://www.tesla.com/en_IE/tesla-gallery) It appears Tesla may have plans to open a parts distribution facility near the ... Read More The new hangar space is adjacent to Gulfstreams service center ... plans for large distribution facilities  megawarehouses over 1 million square feet apiece  near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway ... Read More With the close proximity to the airport for shipping needs, business leaders in the Airport Corridor see this as a prime spot for more distribution centers ... development plans, Heck says that a ... Read More Universal Hydrogens fuel distribution ... infrastructure at airports and speeding up fuel-loading operations, according to American. The developer anticipates hydrogen deliveries for regional ... Read More A prolific Triad developer and contractor has plans for a large ... center. Last year, FedEx Ground paid $4.98 million for 25 acres next to its existing 400,000 SF Kernersville distribution ... Read More A parking lot south of Mile High stadium has been sold and an apartment development is planned. Minneapolis-based Mortenson, a major general contractor that also does some development work locally ... Read More Find out all the small business tech essentials to ... particularly if they lack the money to tempt developers who might otherwise end up going to big technology companies. But what's also true ... Read More Illinois Takes Center Stage in Battle Over Union Rights ... would allow workers covered by union contracts to not pay dues. Business groups and conservatives oppose the measure, saying they ... Read More
Business News Veteran Jobs Mission Honors United States Senator John Mccain For His Commitment To Veterans | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen is running for a second term against Republican Chris Chaffee. Van Hollen is a heavy favorite on Tuesday in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans ... Read More As our senator, Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Fetterman has pledged to support expanded and improved healthcare access for service members; improve quality of care (provided through the ... Read More Brian Bengs, a former lawyer in the Air Force and political newcomer in South Dakota, is mounting a campaign based on a populist message of getting money out of politics. Still, Sen. John Thune's ... Read More
Business News Parent Of Colorado S Einstein Bagels To Buy Panera Bread In 7 5 Billion Deal | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Two of the nation's largest grocers have agreed to merge in a deal ... business. Kroger on Friday bid $20 billion for Albertsons Companies Inc., or $34.10 per share. Kroger will also assume $4.7 ... Read More LAKEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Einstein Bros. Bagels is launching the All-Nighter Breakfast Box just in time for the Halloween party circuit. Specially curated to help guests ... Read More WASHINGTON  Two of the nation's largest grocers have agreed to merge in a deal ... business. Kroger on Friday bid $20 billion for Albertsons, or $34.10 per share. Kroger will also assume $4.7 ... Read More The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trades Economic Development Commission on Thursday approved almost $7 million in ... decided. This business is considering other ... Read More Today, Panera Bread (Panera) has announced a suite of new, elevated packaging for its line of grocery products, along ... Read More Panera Bread ... and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. According to the companys website, Panera Brands boasts nearly 4,000 locations and 110,000 employees across 10 countries. The parent company also ... Read More Today, the Panera Bread Foundation announces the open application period for the Panera Bread Foundation grant program. The Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations who provide access ... Read More Even the worlds richest man needs a little help for an acquisition of this size. In April, Musk announced he had lined up $46.5 billion ... the deal, and later raised an additional $7 billion ... Read More Patty Maxwell from Engage Kidz, LLC works with parents in their homes and works in classrooms as well. Let's start with good behavior. Maxwell believes in rewarding heavily early on. While some ... Read More
Business News Estonia Taps Bae Systems Hagglunds For Vehicle Support | RobinsPost News & Noticias

ORNSKOLDSVIK, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first newly-upgraded CV90 infantry fighting vehicle ... BAE Systems Hagglunds and its main subsystem suppliers. These relationships will support ... Read More International defense, aerospace, and security company BAE Systems was awarded avionics support contracts for the Eurofighter Typhoon totaling 80 million. Read More WASHINGTON & ENDICOTT, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BAE Systems ... electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle. In support of Supernal, BAE Systems will help define the architecture of ... Read More The majority of 1,000 new engineer jobs announced by BAE Systems will be at its sites in Lancashire. By Michael Dempsey Technology of Business reporter The Tempest fighter jet will have artificial ... Read More To ensure this doesnt happen in the future, please enable Javascript and cookies in your browser. Is this happening to you frequently? Please report it on our ... Read More (U.S. Defense Department) WASHINGTON  The U.S. Army and BAE Systems ... vehicle, Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, program executive officer for ground combat systems, told Defense News ahead of the ... Read More BAE Systems has received a potential five-year, $143 million contract from the U.S. Navy to continue providing engineering, management, information technology and maintenance support services to ... Read More 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first newly-upgraded CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFVs) for the Royal Netherlands Armys fleet was recently unveiled during a rollout ceremony at the BAE Systems ... Read More Rockwell: Build a support system. Starting a business is both mentally and physically draining. Youll need a solid group of people who will be there for you when obstacles come your way ... Read More Lightweight and compact fly-by-wire system for eVTOL vehicles will enable safe, efficient, and comfortable flight WASHINGTON & ENDICOTT, N.Y., October 17, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BAE Systems and ... Read More BAE Systems PLC is an aerospace and defence company. The companys business segments are  Electronic Systems ... electronic protection, and electronic support. Its countermeasure and electromagnetic ... Read More BAE Systems and Supernal announced an agreement to design and develop the flight control computer for Supernals electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle. This press release ... Read More
Economy News Trump Stand Firm Against China S Risky Market Economy Gambit | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Tuesdays may have been based on rumour. But in offshore markets, the value discount on offer is so extreme it makes gambling on false hopes less risky than it might otherwise be. Read More
Politics News Alabama Governor Could Face Prosecution On Ethics Charges | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Ivey, who turned 78 in October, avoided a runoff in the spring despite facing eight Republican challengers who forced her to the right. Ivey parroted former President Donald Trumps lies about ... Read More
Politics News Taiwan Us Relations Won T Be Harmed By Trump Chinese President Meeting | RobinsPost News & Noticias

"The U.S. needs to be fully aware of the extreme importance and highly sensitive nature of the Taiwan question," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. Read More Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused China of attempting to interfere in the country's elections. Mr Trudeau accused Beijing of playing "aggressive games" with democracies and of ... Read More Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russia had suspended rather than terminated its participation in a crucial UN-brokered grain deal. Putin repeated an accusation made repeatedly by ... Read More The Fed is forecast to implement its fourth straight 0.75 percentage point rate rise on Wednesday and to signal further increases in an effort to curb rapid price growth even as concerns mount that ... Read More
Politics News 100 Years Ago The Us Entered Wwi And A Senator From Massachusetts Punched A Protester In The Face Over It | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A first, less severe outbreak began in spring 1918, with the first known case reported in Fort Riley, Kansas in the US on 11 March 1918 ... expectancy from 42.5 years in 1917 to 30.3 years ... Read More He said Rowan came to his parlor and told him that for $100, he would go easy on testimony ... and then hit him again on the other side of his face, Pillar said. Pillar said he was taking ... Read More 40 Years Ago Sept. 26, 1982 This date was a Sunday. The Frederick News-Post did not publish a Sunday edition at this time. (Editor's Note: The News-Post does not have access to archives from 50 ... Read More Leman told the chief that he had contemplated suicide over financial and other difficulties, but his nerve failed him and he fled instead. Read the story. Oct. 13, 1972: Illinois State University ... Read More An attractive program has been arranged for the occasion. 40 Years Ago Oct. 24, 1982 This date was a Sunday. The Frederick News-Post did not publish a Sunday edition at this time. (Editor's Note ... Read More Actual talking filibusters are rare these days, but a variety of delaying tactics within Senate procedures, such as something called the hold, allow each senator, regardless of party, to ... Read More A couple of weeks ago ... in our politics  and thats a very, very dangerous path to go down. Its preventing us from taking the kinds of actions that are staring us in the face. ... Read More The US has raised concerns with Saudi Arabia about an American citizen whom the kingdom sentenced to 16 years in prison for posting tweets critical of the Saudi government. We have ... Read More Buying $100 In VALE: If an investor had bought $100 of VALE stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $ ... Will TikTok Get Banned In The US? Over 60% Of Benzinga's Twitter Followers Say This Finally ... Read More The Frederick News-Post did not publish a Sunday edition at this time. 40 Years Ago Oct. 8, 1982 She wallpapers and paints ... Bailey's to the weigh-in at Johnny's Bait and Tackle Store, went over ... Read More The Frederick News-Post did not publish a Sunday edition at this time. 40 Years Ago Oct. 1, 1982 Married in 1923 and widowed ... learning disability that affects children and adults all over the world ... Read More The Frederick News-Post did not publish a Sunday edition at this time. 40 Years Ago Oct. 15 ... Harry R. Hughes and over 100 Frederick Countians gathered on U.S. 15 North for groundbreaking ... Read More
Politics News Alabama Governor Could Face Charges In Sex Tinged Scandal | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Ivey, who turned 78 in October, avoided a runoff in the spring despite facing eight Republican challengers who forced her to the right. Ivey parroted former President Donald Trumps lies about ... Read More Britt is Shelbys former chief of staff and the former leader of the Business Council of Alabama, a business lobby. If elected, Britt will become the first woman to win election to the U.S. Senate ... Read More
Politics News Devin Nunes Recuses Himself From Russia Probe | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Reports signaling the demise of John Durham's special counsel investigation are greatly exaggerated, says Devin Nunes, who believes Republicans winning back power in the midterm elections will provide ... Read More Former GOP congressman and current Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes apparently finds the home invasion hammer attack by a Donald Trump supporter suspect on the husband of Democratic House Speaker Nancy ... Read More
Politics News Billionaire Pritzker Joins Illinois Governor Race | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Illinois governor seeks 2nd term against GOP challenger - The Democratic governor of Illinois is seeking a second term in Tuesday's election ... Read More With Election Day fewer than five weeks away, the candidates for Illinois governor used an hourlong debate to find different ways to call each other "liar." ... Read More In his run for governor, Bailey has offered himself up as a herald for those he believes have been ignored, forgotten and excluded from a Chicago-driven plan led by Pritzker. Read More
Elections News U S Cautions Americans Ahead Of Kenya Elections Set For August | RobinsPost News & Noticias

U.S. to Warn of Threats to Midterm Elections -Politico WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The federal government is set to issue a warning this week about threats to the United States' elections operations ... Read More Regardless of the manner in which the threat or harassment is conveyed, the FBI takes all threats of violence targeting election workers seriously. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of ... Read More As early voting kicks off across the country, election watchers are worried about the growing polarization in the U.S., although a new Georgetown University poll suggests a majority of Americans ... Read More Explainer-U.S. Midterm Elections: How America Casts and Counts Its Votes By Matt Zdun (Reuters) - Misinformation online and false claims of election fraud by former President Donald Trump and his ... Read More Americans were similarly displeased with the state of politics in the U.S., as 60% said they were somewhat ... 22% somewhat or very liberal. Looking ahead to 2024, participants had a bleak view ... Read More WASHINGTON  Millions of Americans will submit their ballots or head to the polls for the 2022 midterm elections ... are warning ahead of the midterms that the U.S. faces foreign influence ... Read More SAN FRANCISCO/WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Domestic disinformation campaigns and homegrown threats to poll workers are emerging as bigger concerns ahead ... American elections. The two U.S ... Read More The 2022 midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The midterms are elections that occur halfway through a president's four-year term. All 435 seats in the U.S. House are up for ... Read More With half of registered voters saying climate change is one of the most important issues in the upcoming midterm elections ... American grows and eats. Agriculture accounts for 11% of total U.S ... Read More Can noncitizens vote in U.S. elections? Federal law bans noncitizens from voting in federal elections, including races for president, vice president, Senate or House of Representatives. Read More WASHINGTON, Oct 24 (Reuters) - The federal government is set to issue a warning this week about threats to the United States' elections operations ahead ... to the news outlet's report, which ... Read More
Potus News The Definitive Guide To Trump S Russia Ties | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A key source of the infamous Steele dossier on Donald Trumps 2016 campaigns links to Russia has been acquitted ... into the former presidents ties to Moscow.Mr Durham, who was appointed ... Read More Stern was later told the boxes were ready to be retrieved Want a daily wrap-up of all the news ... Trump, who has long called the Department of Justice's investigation into his campaign ties to ... Read More Donald Trump in the final days of his presidency repeatedly threatened to out government sources involved in the Trump-Russia investigation ... Through his outlet, Just The News, Solomon ... Read More Special counsel John Durhams probe into the origins of the FBIs handling of the 2016 Trump campaigns ties to Russia is reaching a critical peak: the launch of whats expected to be the ... Read More ALEXANDRIA, Va.  A federal jury acquitted Russian analyst Igor Danchenko on Tuesday on four counts of lying to the FBI in what is expected to be the final case stemming from special counsel ... Read More Trump and the Fox News world ... case they sought. Russia hoax proponents like Solomon were left championing as Durham victories things like Clinton using Trumps ties to Russia to help ... Read More Barr three years ago to scour the F.B.I.s inquiry into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia for any wrongdoing. Mr. Trump and his supporters had long insisted the Durham inquiry would prove a ... Read More The FBI offered former British spy Christopher Steele up to $1 million to verify allegations in his dossier about former President Donald Trump's ties to Russia, The Times of London reported. Read More A key source of the infamous Steele dossier on Donald Trumps 2016 campaigns links to Russia has been acquitted of lying to ... s investigation into the former presidents ties to Moscow. Mr Durham, ... Read More The allegations of possible ties to Russian intelligence were reported this month by a German satirical news show ... reported that even after Russia invaded Ukraine, Mr. Schonbohm stayed ... Read More A newly obtained Secret Service message from that day shows how angry President Trump was about the outcome. Quote, "Just FYI, POTUS is pissed. Breaking news, Supreme Court denied his lawsuit. He is ... Read More
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia in this undated photo released on April 25, 2019 by North Korea's Central News Agency (KCNA). Read More
White House Vice President Mike Pence To Travel To The Republic Of Korea Japan Indonesia Australia And Hawaii | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Former Vice President Mike Pence will campaign for Republican Michigan House candidate Tom Barrett on Friday, several days after Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) campaigned for his Democratic rival, Rep. Read More Former Vice President Mike Pence Thursday told a crowd of supporters that 2022 is the time "to take America back." Pence, who has been rumored to be considering a presidential run in 2024, addressed ... Read More Former Vice President Mike Pence denounced the attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) who was attacked at the couple's San Francisco home on Friday. Read More
Science News Chile Desert Combed For Clues To Life On Mars | RobinsPost News & Noticias

ESAs Mars Express spacecraft takes us over the Holden Basin  part of a region that is a high-ranking target in the search for signs of past life on the Red Planet. This image was taken by the ... Read More Even the toughest microbe couldn't survive for long on Mars' tortured desert ground. Deadly radiation from the cosmos pummels the surface. The temperature averages minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the ... Read More Ancient Mars might have been teeming with life under its surface, scientists announced Monday. The life would have been microscopic organisms that greatly affected the Martian atmosphere ... Read More A recent study suggests that microscopic life on Mars billions of years ago, when it had an atmosphere similar to ours, died out due to climate change. It is believed that by modifying the ... Read More And according to a new study, Mars may offer an example of the damage that can occur to life itself because of the greenhouse gas effect. The environment of Mars' early days, some 3.7 to 4.1 ... Read More Data fed into computer models shows that microscopic life forms may once have thrived there -- and may have left behind evidence of their existence. When Mars was still a young world more than 3.7 ... Read More Kooser covers gadgets and tech news with a twist for CNET. When not wallowing in weird gear and iPad apps for cats, she can be found tinkering with her 1956 DeSoto. The search for life beyond ... Read More Oct. 19 (UPI) --NASA's Mars Curiosity rover has reached the planet's salty region that could provide clues about why the planet's climate evolved from Earth-like to desert over billions of years. Read More If there ever was life on Marsand that's a huge "if"conditions during the planet's infancy most likely would have supported it, according to a study led by University of Arizona researchers. Read More Nov. 3, 2022  A new method to treat sewage can efficiently convert leftover sludge to biogas, an advance that could help communities lower their waste treatment costs while helping the .. Read More 2 takeaways from our meeting: We like health care and staples, Club stock news Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to ... Read More
Technology News Chile Introduces Lenient Tech Visa As Us Applies Limitations On Immigration | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Policy leaders in Big Tech have revved up a push for Congress to pass immigration changes before the end of the year, with a pitch aligning those policies to the ... Read More Starting from today, Chile ... can apply for a US visa online at usvisaonline.com. Upon completing the application form, request for a travel authorization will be submitted after an immigration ... Read More CHILOE ISLAND, Chile, Oct 17 (Reuters) - A smart buoy that can "hear" the ocean and monitor climate change is part of a new effort to help endangered whales avoid ship collisions on their journey ... Read More US bans advanced tech firms from building facilities in China for a decade The biggest question now is, how bad is it? said Scott Kessler, a technology industry analyst at global ... Read More Communication technology now dominates our lives like never before. It brings untold benefits but also presents new dangers. The phenomenon of fake news for ... China and the US, which other ... Read More His rallying call reflects the intensifying tensions between China and the US, which has tightened the screws in recent years on the transfer of cutting-edge technology to the worlds second ... Read More Overall, companies added 25,500 technology workers across the US in ... introduced a new variable with work from home and hybrid work arrangements, which undoubtedly influenced tech employment ... Read More Single tickets are Join us for an awards presentation at The Crystal Tea Room on December 8th as Business leaders concerned about cyberattacks, but often unprepared ... Read More Join us in recognizing these Join the Business Journal and network with business leaders from around the region at this Join us as we unveil the 2022 Best Places to Work in the Valley! Read More A solid majority of Americans believe that the surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border is a crisis. Some of them, to be sure, decry family separation and violations of the rights of ... Read More The Meta Quest Pro headset during the virtual Meta Connect event in New York, US, on Tuesday ... Michael Nagle/Bloomberg Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and ... Read More Since 2001, he has been editor-in-chief of TV Tech (www.tvtech.com), the leading source of news and information on broadcast and related media technology and is a frequent contributor and moderator to ... Read More
Technology News Transferwise Ceo Plan To Fund Trump Wall By Taxing Money Sent To Mexico Is Outrageous | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Donald Trump's plan to build a wall at the southern U.S. border ... are going to track every Western Union bit of money that is being sent to Mexico, good luck with that," he said at the time. Read More Donald Trump lashed out at Sunday ... election-fraud conspiracy theory by the CEO of Dominion, the voting-technology company. "60 Minutes" is not a News Show, it is a Democrat propaganda machine. Read More Will Wilkerson, an early executive of Trump Media & Technology Group, has since sought official whistleblower protections. (Cornell Watson for The Washington Post) ... Read More Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott privately ... part of a plot to deprive Trump of victory in 2020. According to a Dominion attorney at a recent court appearance, Scott sent an email expressing doubt ... Read More Savers werent the only ones who suffered from low interest rates for most of the past decade-plus. Some asset managers suffered, toobut those days are gone. Read More Some EU Countries Want Billion-Euro Chip Plan to Also Fund Current Chips By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Some EU countries want the bloc's billion-euro chip plan to fund the production of ... Read More Fast-forward nearly two decades and nine-figure CEO compensation ... earnings reports sent Rivian shares plummeting by 68%. The reason Scaringe has lost so much money is that, like Musk, his ... Read More Former California Republican Representative Devin Nunes is the CEO of Truth Social. Nunes is also responsible for Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). In September, Nunes spoke on Newsmax about ... Read More Matsumoto declined to comment directly on whether the company was considering an initial public offering to fund its expansion plan ... performance of Japanese technology with China's sense ... Read More Mexicos President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ran for office in 2018 as an honest politician out to clean up corruption. Now the largest computer hack in Mexican history and new revelations ... Read More attack on the US Capitol announced on Friday that the panel has officially sent a subpoena to former President Donald Trump as it paints him as the central figure in the multi-step plan to ... Read More Under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexico, which never had a military ... The hack also revealed that the armed forces plan to run a commercial airline, mainly to unserved destinations. Read More
Online Gaming Discussion Begins Today In Sweden At I Gaming Forum 2017 | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Various industries are benefiting from the convenience of cryptocurrency, and one of those industries is online gaming. As per a report by the Wax, around 75% of online game players want to ... Read More Online gaming is a real treat ... It might also fix the issue. Released in 2017, Fortnight is another amazing video game. It offers three different game modes and one of them happens to be ... Read More Oct 13 (Reuters) - British gambling firm Entain (ENT.L) bet on the soccer World Cup starting next month to help improve its fourth-quarter online gaming revenue and said that its total gaming ... Read More The Watch calls on gamers to record and submit any instances of racism they witnesses while gaming ... Eliminating it begins with education and when it comes to tackling it online, holding ... Read More Similarly, it is hard to foresee today that by 2030, Indian online gaming companies could be generating over $25 billion in revenues and offering Indias most dominant form of entertainment ... Read More The online gaming industry will be the first to benefit from the adoption of Web3 since gamers already understand and are comfortable with using the decentralized Internet, which includes digital ... Read More Additionally, we have women developers creating Indian games and women leading gaming companies as top-level executives and senior management. All in all, every aspect of the online gaming sector ... Read More Taking action against the Tamil Nadu governments ban on online gaming, the E-gaming Federation (EGF) is set to challenge the new law citing that it categorizes rummy and poker as games of chance. Read More Google exec Leo Olebe, who has worked in the games industry for over 20 years, will move into a new role as global head of gaming at YouTube ... console and online games, built new platforms ... Read More NEW DELHI: The online gaming industry is set to challenge an ... issued on 3 October directed OTT players and digital news publishers to cease from airing advertisements of betting platforms. Read More NEW DELHI: The online gaming industry will be okay with a 28% GST if the tax is levied on the commission/fee earned by the platforms and not the total pooled amount. Roland Landers, CEO of the ... Read More
Us News Arkansas Parole Board Recommends Clemency For Death Row Inmate | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has rejected a request to recommend clemency for a death row inmate who killed his ... 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events ... Read More The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board denied clemency for an Oklahoma death row inmate scheduled to be ... jury members who said they would not have recommended the death sentence if Fairchild ... Read More McALESTER, Oklahoma  The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board this week denied clemency for a death row inmate whose attorneys ... who said they would not have recommended the death sentence ... Read More OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday rejected a request to recommend clemency for a death row inmate who killed his girlfriend's 3-year-old son in 1993. Read More The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022 rejected a request to recommend clemency for death row inmate Richard Stephen Fairchild. The board turned down the request to ... Read More
Us News One Set Of Remains Found In Rural Missouri Identified As Jessica Runions Police Say | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A report to police ... Missouri State Highway Patrol and Frontier Forensics Midwest were assisting with the investigation. Further details, including whether the remains were positively identified ... Read More KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Possible human skeletal remains were found Tuesday afternoon ... according to a police department Facebook post. Officers set up a secure perimeter around the remains. Read More Four Oklahoma men who disappeared on a bicycle ride were shot and their dismembered bodies were discarded into a river, police said Monday. Mark Chastain, 32, Billy Chastain, 30, Mike Sparks, 32 ... Read More LARA: WERE FOLLOWING BREAKING NEWS IN ... called police Tuesday about 5 p.m. reporting that remains were found in the 1200 Block of Industrial Boulevard.Police said the Missouri State Highway ... Read More (AP)  Human remains discovered in 1974 near a northeastern Illinois creek have been identified through ... The (Joliet) Herald-News reported. Hunters found the skeletal remains in November ... Read More In a press briefing captured by 2 News in Oklahoma, Okmulgee police chief Joe Prentice ... Following Milwaukee Storms Human Remains Found in Forest Identified as Missing United Airlines Executive ... Read More Police later identified the remains ... found a 22-year-old man dead in the driver's seat of a gray sedan. A Taco Bell employee told police that the vehicle had been parked in the lot for at least ... Read More authorities have identified who they belonged to, according to an Indiana sheriffs department. The turkey hunter found the remains in May 2004 near Lake Lemon, according to an Oct. 17 news ... Read More a man hunting in a far-flung section of the forest contacted police to say he had found what looked like human remains, according to the release. The remains were identified as those of Meyers ... Read More CHICAGO (WLS) - Chicago police ... found the remains of a landlord who was reported missing by one of her tenants. Police went to her apartment for a well-being check, and thats when they say ... Read More HARRISONVILLE, Mo.  Harrisonville police are investigating after human skeletal remains were discovered ... s going to happen here to one of us? Im not concerned with that. ... Read More
Us News President Trump Claims He Used To Ride Between The Cars While On The Subway In New York City | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Donald Trump teased the crowd with his expected presidential candidacy at a Sioux City event where he stumped for Chuck Grassley and Kim Reynolds. Read More Donald Trump grabbed the election eve spotlight on Monday to flag an expected announcement on a new White House run, as America prepares to vote in midterms that polls show could land Congress back ... Read More Weve said it before and must repeat: Donald Trump is not fit to be president. He wasnt when he rode the golden escalator down to Trump Towers basement to launch his campaign in 2015 and he wasnt ... Read More
Us News California Murder Suspect Raises Unprecedented 35m Bail Via Friends | RobinsPost News & Noticias

(Reuters) - Police in Stockton, California said ... McFadden said at a news conference. "We are sure we stopped another killing," he added. McFadden identified the suspect as Wesley Brownlee ... Read More Security camera footage shows the suspect ... The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said that Jesus Salgado was discharged from parole after three years. Fox News' Andrea ... Read More Southern California police say a man with a knife ... Yohance Sharp, 21, of Long Beach was booked on suspicion of murder and his bail was set at $2 million, police said. It wasn't immediately ... Read More The suspect in the kidnapping and deaths of four California family members ... Jesus Manuel Salgado was booked Thursday evening on murder and kidnapping counts in the deaths of the 8-month ... Read More Prosecutors on Tuesday charged a Northern California man with fatally shooting ... Attorney's Office on Tuesday filed three counts of murder, one count of a felon in possession of a firearm ... Read More The suspect accused of ... sources told Fox News. Yoni Barrios, 32, is a Guatemalan national in the U.S. illegally with a criminal record in California, a source with U.S. Immigration and Customs ... Read More (AP)  The California man accused of kidnapping and ... He is scheduled to return to court next month and remains in jail on no bail. Douglas Foster, Salgados court-appointed attorney ... Read More 19 (UPI) --A man suspected in a recent spate of serial killings in Southern California ... the suspect was "out hunting." Brownlee is currently jailed without the possibility of bail, and his ... Read More (AP)  A man with a knife was arrested after a series of stabbings in Southern California early Monday ... Beach was booked on suspicion of murder and his bail was set at $2 million, police ... Read More
Us News Woman Falls Off California S Highest Bridge While Taking Selfie | RobinsPost News & Noticias

An 18-year-old woman had plunged 30 feet from a cliff to the beach below People walking on the beach found the woman, who was transported to a local hospital. Fire officials did not disclose her ... Read More A body believed to be that of a California woman reported missing two months ago was found at a wrecked car that apparently went off a cliff ... said at Tuesdays news conference. Read More A woman fell ... Gate Bridge early Saturday and survived the fall with only minor injuries, officials said. She fell approximately half the length of a football field. "She's extremely lucky ... Read More An 80-year-old California woman was mauled to death by two dogs while out for a walk Friday morning ... according to a statement from the Victor Valley Sheriffs Station. Deputies responded ... Read More Firefighters in California rescued a person who fell 150 feet down a cliff overlooking San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge over the weekend, authorities said. The incident happened just after 5 a ... Read More A woman who blinded herself in jail while under the influence of drugs ... Inmate deaths in San Diego County jails have ranked among the highest in California for the past 15 years and according ... Read More Four women fell into the river while taking a selfie at Phanaspada jetty of the Vaitarna river. Two were saved, while a 15 yr-old-lost her life. The four women on the jetty were: Neela Dhami Singh ... Read More A California mother of six is unlocking a new fear for pregnant and nursing moms across the globe after revealing on TikTok that her nipple fell off and nearly choked her infant son while she was ... Read More A Fresno County, California, woman last seen more than two ... in finding the location where her car went off the road, Alcaraz said in a news conference Tuesday. After stopping his patrol ... Read More SAN DIEGO (AP)  A woman who blinded herself in jail while under the influence of ... San Diego County jails have ranked among the highest in California for the past 15 years and according ... Read More A woman who blinded herself in jail while under the influence of drugs ... Inmate deaths in San Diego County jails have ranked among the highest in California for the past 15 years and according ... Read More
Us News Human Remains Found In Missouri Identified As Missing 21 Year Old Woman | RobinsPost News & Noticias

UPDATE: Rutherford County authorities said Kayla Ann Nolan has been found safe ... help in locating a missing woman, officials said Thursday, Oct. 20. Kayla Ann Nolan, 21, has hazel eyes and ... Read More SIOUX CITY  Authorities have identified a body found in the Missouri River, but can't say for certain if ... Bottorff was reported missing on Sept. 28, the same day police received a call about a man ... Read More Officials with the Round Rock Police Department and the Williamson County Sheriffs Office confirmed Sunday the human remains found Tuesday belonged to missing 32-year-old Timothy Perez from ... Read More (AP)  Human remains discovered in 1974 near a northeastern Illinois creek have been identified through ... The (Joliet) Herald-News reported. Hunters found the skeletal remains in November ... Read More Human remains of a 35-year-old man who was reported missing to the Ventura County Sheriffs Office in late July were discovered in the Santa Monica Mountains. According to a news release from ... Read More In a press briefing captured by 2 News ... Ago 10-Year-Old Boy Dead, 2 Adults Missing After Getting Swept Into Drainage Ditch Following Milwaukee Storms Human Remains Found in Forest Identified ... Read More Human remains found in a remote section of the Wharton State Forest in New Jersey have been identified as those of a 68-year-old man reported missing four months ago, according to the Cherry Hill ... Read More Human remains ... Authorities found Velasquezs work van Aug. 1, about four miles from Janss Marketplace. Bones discovered briefly gave hope to the family of a missing Oakley woman, but her ... Read More Human remains found in 2004 near a southern Indiana lake have been identified as those of a long-missing Kentucky man ... play," the department said in a news release. Get all the stories you ... Read More Remains Found in Indiana in 1994 Identified as Ohio Woman GREENFIELD, Ind. (AP)  Human ... 34 years old at the time of her death, officials said. Tiedman was officially listed as missing ... Read More
Us News Rescuers Free Woman Trapped Under 1 500 Pound Boulder On Colorado Mountain | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Delahunty was trapped in an area that needed ropes to safely access, but there was a major risk of fall for rescuers who worked on lifting the boulder ... dust and shaking mountain trees as ... Read More Police said that Delahunty became trapped after standing on the boulder on the isolated cliffside, causing it to shift under his weight ... Chelan County Mountain Rescue, Wenatchee Valley ... Read More As rescuers tried to free the womans foot, video shows that it appeared ... Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to ... Read More (AP)  A Montana resident hiking in Washington state was rescued this week after he became trapped under a refrigerator-sized boulder ... rescue, Burnett said. Hours later rescuers were able to ... Read More A 28-year-old Montana man was rescued earlier this week after he became trapped under a "refrigerator"-sized boulder while hiking in Washington, local authorities said. After an hours-long rescue ... Read More A man convicted of killing two women who disappeared near a Colorado ski resort town nearly 40 years ago after DNA testing identified him as a suspect was sentenced on Monday to two ... Read More Ben Delahuntys hiking partner reported the incident around 9:30 a.m., and authorities were able to free him from the boulder ... location of the trapped hiker, a helicopter rescue team had ... Read More A 28-year-old Montana man was rescued earlier this week after he became trapped under a "refrigerator"-sized boulder while hiking in Washington, local authorities said. After an hours-long rescue ... Read More
World News Years Of Warnings Preceded Deadly Flood In Southern Colombia | RobinsPost News & Noticias

One Bogota-based think-tank, Indepaz, doubts that wiping out such a brutal history with narcotics can realistically happen in four years. But hopes that the new ... world is at war but Colombia ... Read More Based on that fact that we havent been bone dry like we were last year this time, Im not quite as nervous when we have a Red Flag warning day," she said. What were seeing now is ... Read More DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  An American citizen has been arrested in Saudi Arabia, tortured and sentenced to 16 years in prison over tweets he sent while in the United States, his son ... Read More Australians Take Stock of Flood Damage Amid Warnings of More Rain SYDNEY (Reuters ... Large parts of Victoria state, southern New South Wales and the northern regions of the island state ... Read More There was no immediate word from the World Bank on the new estimate ... the damages caused by floods pointed to the urgent need for long-term help, lasting into next year. A government statement ... Read More new video loaded: Deadly Flooding in Nigeria Displaces Over a Million People The floods have destroyed vast areas of farmland, infrastructure and homes. For some states, more than a month of ... Read More Warnings, watches, minor, moderate, major, advice, watch and act, emergency warning, evacuate now. There are a plethora of warnings issued during a flood and ... The new system is the same across ... Read More BANGKOK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Authorities in Thailand issued flash flood warnings for eight southern provinces on ... The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. World Train crosses North Korea border ... Read More CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Flood warnings were ... Police said a 63-year-old man was last seen on Tuesday on a rural property on the Lachlan River near the New South Wales town of Hillston ... Read More There were 122 flood warnings in place for New South Wales, Australia's most populous state. Inundations were forecast to be worst in the northeast near Moree, and on the southern border around ... Read More
World News Trump To Abe Us To Boost Defenses Against North Korea | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The United States and South Korea have decided to extend military exercises in response to a recent spate of missile launches from North Korea, offering stern warnings for North Korean leader Kim Jong ... Read More U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is warning North Korea against escalating its provocations. She says the United States will fully use its military capabilities, including nuclear, conven ... Read More The United States and South Korea have decided to extend military exercises in response to a recent spate of missile launches from North Korea, offering stern warnings for North Korean leader Kim Jong ... Read More
World News Nauru President Australia S Refugee Policy Working Well | RobinsPost News & Noticias

It's hard to imagine, in our safe and prosperous ... Yet this is the situation faced every day by countless thousands of people around the world who have been forced to flee due to the threat ... Read More giving a legal framework for the presence of one country's forces in another, was rare for Australia and would allow a closer working relationship between the defence forces. "It is a very ... Read More More than 6 million Venezuelans have fled their country and President ... nine refugee resettlement agencies that work with the U.S. government are faith-based. They include Church World Service ... Read More Oct 18 (Reuters) - U.S. and Mexican authorities recently announced a new policy that ... Under late President Hugo Chavez, who died in 2013, the country with the world's largest oil reserves ... Read More 21 (UPI) --A 1-year-old kelpie became the most expensive working dog in Australia when she was ... $1 million Powerball prize. Odd News // 20 hours ago World's largest bread mosaic created in ... Read More Emily Frazier is an assistant professor of human geography at Missouri State University, and her research focuses on refugee resettlement in the U.S. October 12, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. EDT Asylum ... Read More "There's been a lot of work on depth and we're starting to see the fruits of it." Prior to the European tour, Australia, who will host the World Cup with New Zealand, had a spell of four matches ... Read More An original musical work ... Nations refugee agency, which helps provide shelter, food and medical care for refugees. The organization said more than 100 million people across the world have ... Read More 20 (UPI) --Hackers have breached the cloud-based data network of one of Australia's ... and 500 wildebeest. World News // 1 day ago U.S. sanctions Haitian Senate president for narcotics ... Read More Explainer-Why Venezuela's Refugee Exodus to the ... Under late President Hugo Chavez, who died in 2013, the country with the world's largest oil reserves weathered corruption and inflation. Read More
World News Colombia Probes Mocoa Landslide As Death Toll Tops 300 | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Colombia, long the worlds largest cocaine producer ... unleashed torrents of blood in Latin America. The over-the-top oratory and anti-American rhetoric has not endeared Petro to ... Read More Colombias first leftist President was elected in September and many are hailing a new beginning but the countrys barbaric past involving Pablo Escobar may hinder progress, according to one ... Read More Thousands Wait for Boats in Colombia as Migrant Crisis Grows BOGOTA (Reuters) - Thousands of migrants, mostly Venezuelans, are stuck in a village in northwest Colombia, waiting for boats to take ... Read More in the southwestern corner of Colombia, and Cali, 200 miles (320 kilometers) to the northeast when the incident occurred. "Unfortunately, we have a toll of 20 people dead," said Captain Albertland ... Read More Colombia to Keep Fighting Drugs, Criminal Groups Amid Drive for Total Peace By Luis Jaime Acosta BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's security forces will keep up their offensive against drug traffickers ... Read More Photograph: Leonardo Castro/AFP/Getty Images At least 20 people were killed and at least 14 injured after a bus crashed on a road in Colombia on ... we have a toll of 20 people dead. ... Read More in the southwestern corner of Colombia, and Cali, 320 kilometres (200 miles) to the northeast when the incident occurred, reported Daily Sabah. "Unfortunately, we have a toll of 20 people dead ... Read More in the southwestern corner of Colombia, and Cali, 320km (200 miles) to the northeast, when the incident occurred on Saturday. Unfortunately, we have a toll of 20 people dead, said Captain ... Read More The bus was travelling between the port city of Tumaco, in the southwestern corner of Colombia, and Cali, 320km to the north-east, when the incident occurred. "Unfortunately, we have a toll of 20 ... Read More
World News Aung San Suu Kyi Denies Ethnic Cleansing Of Rohingya | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Ousted National League for Democracy says crisis can only be resolved through meetings between the popular leader and foreign special envoys. Read More And remember Myanmars a country awash in weapons, with deep divisions across ethnic ... denied fraud. Justice and the Rohingya people are the losers in Asia's new cold war Aung San Suu Kyi ... Read More A declaration of ethnic cleansing by the top U.S. diplomat ... has been under the leadership of Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for more than a year. But Suu Kyi and her government ... Read More The sentence came on the same day a closed junta court handed ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi another six ... on Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya minority and "refugees and ethnic issues in Myanmar". Read More Aung San Suu Kyi has faced a raft of legal cases after the militarys seizure of power in February 2021, from incitement and multiple corruption charges, to illegal possession of walkie-talkies ... Read More Myanmar's junta sentenced ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi ... senior figures in Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy government for the good of his business. Suu Kyi - who denies all charges ... Read More A court in military-ruled Myanmar convicted the country's ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, on two more corruption ... from her elected government. She has denied the allegations against her ... Read More The jailing came the same day a closed junta court sentenced ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to another ... on Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya minority and "refugees and ethnic issues in Myanmar". Read More A court in military-ruled Myanmar has sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to three more years in prison. Sources say the ousted leader was sentenced in the capital Naypyitaw on Wednesday. The court ruled ... Read More Aung San Suu Kyi has called the accusations against her absurd and denied any wrongdoing. Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to 26 years in prison so far and has several court cases ongoing ... Read More
World News Taiwan Assured Trump Xi Meeting Won T Harm Its Us Relations | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Taiwan Says It Will Not Back Down on Its Sovereignty TAIPEI (Reuters ... The statement came shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a speech at the opening of a the Communist Party ... Read More The long-awaited inaugural summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping ended on April 7. The Taiwan issue ... the topic in the meeting. Read More Xis comments were meant to draw a red line around Taiwan for the US awareness and to serve as a warning to Washington, he said. US-China relations are likely to ... and all walks of life in Taiwan ... Read More Chinese President Xi ... t want to go to war to reunify the two sides, it may feel forced to do so if the current trend of U.S.-Taiwan relations continues. Under former President Donald Trump ... Read More By Damien Cave and Amy Chang Chien TAIPEI, Taiwan  Xi Jinpings speech on Sunday broke little new ground on the question of Taiwan but struck a sharper tone, warning the world that China ... Read More Taiwan Official Says Xi Would Be a 'Sinner' of All Chinese if He Attacks Island By Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping would become a "sinner" of all Chinese people if he ... Read More and meeting on the battlefield is absolutely not an option for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, it said in a statement. The statement came shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping said in ... Read More Xi also made a veiled attack on the USs increasingly explicit ... reiterated Taiwans statehood and vowed there would be no concessions in its territorial sovereignty, democracy and freedom. Read More new video loaded: Xi Says China Will Not Rule Out Use of Force on Taiwan President Xi Jinping said China would work for a peaceful unification with Taiwan but that it reserved the right to use ... Read More He intends to continue on the path he believes will take his nation to assume its ... Xi has reminded the world often enough, has the determination and prowess to repel external support for Taiwan. Read More Chinese dictator Xi Jinping called for China to create a world-class military as he declared supremacy over Hong Kong and set his sights on Taiwan on ... democracy due to its history as a British ... Read More TAIPEI, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Taiwan will not back down on its sovereignty or compromise ... The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. World Chinese ambassador warns Swiss: Sanction us and ties will ... Read More
World News Venezuela Opposition Keeps Pressure Up In Streets | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The Venezuelan government and the political opposition are preparing to resume talks stalled for more than a year, people familiar with the process told The Associated Press on Friday. Read More Well send you a myFT Daily Digest email rounding up the latest Venezuela news every morning. Venezuelas opposition parties ... the chapter on one of the worlds more bizarre diplomatic ... Read More (Reuters) - Venezuela's opposition parties are considering a plan to wind up the country's U.S.-backed interim government led by Juan Guaido, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing a ... Read More Venezuelas biggest opposition parties ... Leaders of three of the largest parties that make up the opposition coalition said during meetings in Panama last week that they would no longer ... Read More Venezuela Opposition to Hold Presidential ... said it was not ruling out moving up the general election. International agencies and governments around the world have refused to recognize the ... Read More Venezuela's government and the country's opposition plan to resume dialogues in Mexico as soon as this month after a long delay, and are expected to focus on negotiating conditions for a presidential ... Read More WASHINGTON : Venezuela's opposition parties have warned they are ... Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox. By clicking subscribe, I agree ... Read More Venezuela's 10 main opposition parties have agreed to hold primary elections in June 2023 to choose a single candidate for the presidency. Elections are set to be held in 2024. Read More WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Venezuela's opposition parties have warned they are likely to withdraw backing for Juan Guaido's Washington-endorsed interim government in 2023, four people familiar with ... Read More REUTERS/Gaby Oraa/File Photo Oct 20 (Reuters) - Venezuela's opposition parties are considering a plan to wind up the country's U.S.-backed interim government led by Juan Guaido, the Financial ... Read More
World News Russian Spy Evgeny Buryakov Deported From United States | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The suspected Russian spy arrested in Norway this week attended a seminar on hybrid threats recently that included a scenario about responding to a pipeline explosion, according to Norwegian media, a ... Read More UK World Wide Web: The war between Russia and ... Action' This is because the Royal Navy of Britain has tracked a Russian spy ship in the sea near Britain. Britain fears that Russia can cut ... Read More Fears Vladimir Putin may be about to launch an attack on important undersea internet cables have increased after a Russian 'spy ship' was ... UK and the rest of the world could be sabotaged ... Read More A Russian female spy posing as a socialite allegedly born in Peru had infiltrated a NATO base in Italy for years, it was reported Friday. The self-confident thirty-something woman who speaks ... Read More Russia's spy chief didn't answer the question directly ... "Russia's transparently false allegations" against Kyiv, adding: "The world would see through any attempt to use this allegation ... Read More Editors note (October 26th 2022): On October 24th Norways domestic security agency arrested a suspected Russian spy whojust ... to a report by the Royal United Services Institute, a ... Read More Norway's counter-espionage service PST said on Tuesday it had arrested a suspected Russian spy masquerading as a Brazilian ... phy/aco/gil/pvh The Barron's news department was not involved in ... Read More In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, Britain and the United States ... we all reject Russias transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own ... Read More Moscow has called the UN nuclear safety watchdog's urgent calls for a protection zone around Zaporizhzhia plant "quite a reasonable idea", according to Russia's TASS news agency. Russia has ... Read More Russia's spy chief didn't answer the question directly ... "Russia's transparently false allegations" against Kyiv, adding: "The world would see through any attempt to use this allegation ... Read More
World News Kurds Re Energize Independence Referendum Plan For Post Jihadist Iraq | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A controversial independence referendum ... Kurdish President Masoud Barzani has dismissed their efforts, telling the Guardian newspaper in a recent interview that the ballot is not "a pressure card". Read More Were still having problem with it not being called a genocide. The U.S. State Department did belatedly recognize Saddam Husseins campaign against the Kurds as a genocide in 1995 ... Read More "As in Turkey, Iraq and Syria, in Iran it is the Kurds who seek democracy, the Kurds who seek freedom," said Tuncer Bakirhan, a former mayor who was removed from his post and jailed over alleged ... Read More Exiled Kurdish forces in Iraq feel abandoned by west and say they ... Iran wants to demonstrate to the world that the protests are not relevant to what is happening inside the country and ... Read More DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Iran intensified its crackdown Tuesday on Kurdish areas in the country ... It urged the world to pressure Iran to end the crackdown as Tehran continues to disrupt ... Read More Two officers from a Kurdish ... news agency reported, citing the source. The source said that the troops were conducting an operation to hunt down Daesh militants in a rugged area in the southern part ... Read More "As in Turkey, Iraq and Syria, in Iran it is the Kurds who seek democracy, the Kurds who seek freedom," said Tuncer Bakirhan, a former mayor who was removed from his post and jailed over alleged ... Read More We just feel frustrated with whats happened but were never going to stop fighting until we get him home. Brians Iraq-based lawyer, Tahseen Alchaabawi, said there are no grounds to hold ... Read More In June this year, Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to hold an independence referendum on Oct. 19, 2023. Opinion polls since the 2014 vote have mostly ... Read More
World News Eu Rift With Hungary Deepens Over Orban Actions | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Hungary's national flag was hoisted with military honours in front of the parliament building in Budapest on Sunday in a state commemoration marking the anniversary of the 1956 anti-Soviet revolt. Read More BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP ... in Budapest. Orban, who characterizes his form of government as an illiberal democracy, is also facing the threat of cuts to EU funding over his democratic ... Read More Orban Lashes Out at EU as He Marks 1956 Anti-Soviet Revolt By JUSTIN SPIKE, Associated Press BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP ... the threat of cuts to EU funding over his democratic record and perceived ... Read More When Viktor Orban made his first posts on Twitter this week, one of them gave us a clue as to why ... Brussels over access to EU funds -- to influence opinion in the Anglo-Saxon world. Read More Hungary Gets Exemption From Planned EU Gas Price Cap, PM Orban Says BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary's prime minister said on Friday that an agreement had been reached at the EU summit in Brussels ... Read More (Bloomberg) -- Hungary wont back European Union efforts to aid Ukraine with jointly raised funds, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said, a stance that comes as Budapest fights with the bloc to access ... Read More BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungary ... criticising European Union sanctions imposed on Russia which he said have "backfired", driving up energy prices. Orban, long at odds with the EU over some of ... Read More BELGRADE (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said ... to cut funds to Hungary over democratic backsliding was a "boring joke." A large majority of European Union lawmakers voted ... Read More Hungary took emergency action to halt the free-fall of the currency, shortly after Prime Minister Viktor Orban asked the ... economic slowdown, frozen European Union aid funds and the highest ... Read More BUDAPEST, Hungary ... be mentioned." Orban, who characterizes his form of government as an illiberal democracy, is facing the threat of cuts to EU funding over his democratic record ... Read More Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a joint news conference ... Oct 21 (Reuters) - Hungary's prime minister said on Friday that an agreement had been reached at the EU summit ... Read More
World News From Hosting The Apprentice To Running Largest City In The Western Hemisphere | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Power outages also often deprive residents of water, given the systems reliance on electricity to run pumps and other ... residents of Ukraines two largest cities  Kyiv and Kharkiv ... Read More Meet Crimson Storage, the worlds largest single-phase battery, which is now live in the California desert. Crimson Storage is also the second-largest energy storage project currently in ... Read More But helium  a nonrenewable element found deep within the Earths crust  is running low ... Stay informed about local news and weather in Southern California. Get the NBC LA app for ... Read More Women of the world to run Nagoya the worlds largest womens marathon on March ... In addition, the Nagoya City Marathon (mixed half marathon & 10km), which will be held in conjunction with ... Read More Liverpool and Glasgow are the two UK cities waiting to hear if they will host the 67th Eurovision next year in place of Ukraine. Radio 2s Ken Bruce show revealed that the news will be announced ... Read More MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The Conway Sports and Fitness Center is hosting the Zombie Fun Run tonight at 7pm. Grab your friends and family, put on your favorite costume, and see if you can out run ... Read More You might also like: Registration open for Dubai Fitness Challenge 2022 Kicking off on November 20, this community fitness event is the worlds largest ... up to Dubai Run, you can race over to the ... Read More So, what are the longest running TV shows in the world? Guiding Light is the longest ... In the age of social media, its musical guests and hosting slots seem to get more attention than the ... Read More
World News Topics Alabama Governor Could Face Prosecution After Ethics Ruling | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Polls close in the state at 7 p.m. local time, or 8 p.m. EST. The Alabama House and Senate are currently under Republican control and are not seen as particularly competitive.The state has operated ... Read More
TESTING of the UKs first tram-train vehicles has been taking place on South Yorkshire's Supertram system, in preparation for passenger services starting in 2018.

The pilot will provide a direct transport connection from Sheffield city centre to Rotherham Central and Parkgate, travelling on both tram lines and the national rail network.

Initial testing and mileage accumulation of the seven Citylink Tram Train vehicles delivered and commissioned for the scheme was underway this week on the Sheffield network.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executives (SYPTE) executive director, Stephen Edwards, said: People in Sheffield will start seeing the new vehicles running out of service in-between scheduled trams.

This important testing is making sure the vehicles and the existing Supertram system are working as they should.

Driver training will commence shortly and we aim to put the Citylink vehicles into service to supplement Supertram services from this summer.

The vehicles will then be tested on the heavy rail network early next year, before going into tram-train passenger service.

Learning from South Yorkshires pilot scheme will help the rail industry assess if Tram Train technology could be used elsewhere, SYPTE said.

A new section of track called the Tinsley Chord will be built to link the tram system to the rail line between Sheffield and Rotherham, new tram-train platforms will be built at Rotherham Central and Parkgate, and the network will be electrified.
The KGK Group of Companies from India, a global leader in diamond cutting, is set to create a new cutting facility near Vladivostok which will polish rough diamonds from ALROSA. The total investments will amount to $50 million.

KGK plans to employ up to 500 people at their new facility and to open a training centre for its staff to cut up to 9,000 carats of diamonds monthly.

The first work will begin in July this year with the factory completion slated for the end of 2019.

Meanwhile, the Russian government has granted Indian investors a certificate of residence for the newly-created Free Port of Vladivostok, which will give them tax and customs preferences, and lower costs for ships in the port. The measure will facilitate the diamond trade between the two countries.

The KGK group has branches in Moscow and the diamond region of Yakutia, and sees its new facility in Vladivostok as a gateway to the markets of Asia-Pacific region.

Indian companies were major auction buyers at ALROSA's latest auction of industrial grade and gem quality natural rough diamonds in the Eurasian Diamond Centre held in March.

In 2017, ALROSA is planning to sell 2 million carats of all types of diamonds worth USD 73 million through its Far East branch. Auctions of special size 10.8+ and industrial grade rough diamonds will be held in the next 3 months.



Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow




Firestone Diamonds has recovered a 110 carat gem-quality light yellow diamond, during the ramp up phase at its Liqhobong Diamond Mine in Lesotho.

The AIM-quoted diamond mining company said in a statement that the latest recovery was its largest diamond to date.

"The 110 carat gem-quality light yellow diamond recovered during Liqhobong's ramp-up phase is a very exciting and encouraging accomplishment, said Firestone chief executive Stuart Brown.

It confirms our long held belief that Liqhobong has large stone potential and I hope this is the first of many to come."

Firestone said it believed the latest diamond recovery confirmed the significant larger stones potential that exists at Lighobong.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Christies will hold a Magnificent Jewels auction on May 17 in Geneva where approximately 250 exceptional jewels will be on sale.Ahead of the auction, some of the jewels will be exhibited in Hong Kong from March 30 to April 2, in London from April 10-12, New York from April 21-25 and from May 5-8 alongside the 20th Century Art preview, the auctioneer said.The highlights on view will include a 92-carat D Flawless heart shaped diamond pendant, signed by Boehmer et Bassenge.Meanwhile, La Legende is a diamond and cultured pearl necklace containing a 92.15-carat heart shaped, D color, Flawless diamond. The piece is estimated at $14 million-$20 million. It is the largest D Flawless heart shaped diamond ever to be offered at auction.The auctioneer will also be selling La Vie Boheme, a pair of chandelier earrings with marquise-cut diamonds weighing approximately 10.07 and 10.05 carats of D color, Flawless clarity, with perfectly symmetrical cuts. The pre-sale estimate for the earrings is $2 million-$3 million.
Rockwell Diamonds, whose stocks on the TSX were suspended pending a delisting review, has voluntarily applied to the JSE to have the trading of its equity halted as well.

The company was told by TSX that it would consider the delisting review following the outcome of the final hearing for a liquidation application that was slated for April 12.

The company is of the view that it is prudent to suspend trading of its shares on the JSE, until such time as the TSX has provided feedback on its delisting review, said Rockwell.

The JSE agreed to voluntarily suspend the trading of the companys shares on the basis that the suspension of its shares on the JSE be lifted once it provides confirmation that the suspension on the TSX had been lifted.

A judge in Kimberley, South Africa recently issued an interim liquidation order against three of Rockwells subsidiaries namely Rockwell Resources RSA, HC van Wyk Diamonds and Saxendrift Mine Limited.

The interim decision emanated from an action by Rockwells former contractor C-Rock Mining, which launched a liquidation application against the three subsidiaries.

C-Rock was said to have relied on an alleged service level agreement, a contract mining agreement that was found by forensic investigation to have been awarded to C-Rock under highly irregular circumstances, and for an alleged undertaking that Rockwell would reimburse them for certain tax penalties and accrued interest on such penalties.

It also relied on an alleged undertaking that Rockwell would pay certain debts of Saxendrift, and the construction cost of the wet plant at Wouterspan as well as a large number of disputed invoices stemming from alleged informal agreements with certain former company management.

Rockwells three subsidiaries disputed the very existence, as well as quantum, of the C-Rock claims.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Despite the ongoing political storm over U.S. prescription drug prices, major drug manufacturers -- or "big pharma" -- remain, on balance, an attractive group of equities for long-term investors. The fact of the matter is that major pricing reforms aren't even on the political radar for either party at this point, and the pharma industry has multiple tailwinds working in its favor.

So, if you're looking to take advantage of this investor-friendly environment, I think AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) are three top big pharma stocks worth buying right now. Here's why.

AbbVie: Buy the fear

AbbVie's forward price to earnings ratio of 10 suggests that this pharma stock is an outright bargain. After all, this value is markedly lower than prevailing industry norm of roughly 14.22 -- especially for a pharma stock with a dividend yield of almost 4% and the highest total return on capital within its peer group over the past four years.

The culprit behind AbbVie's cellar-dwelling valuation is the potential introduction of copycat versions of top-selling anti-inflammatory drug Humira in both the U.S. and the EU sometime in 2018. Long story short, Amgen is primed to launch its FDA-approved biosimilar of Humira called "Amjevita" late next year, and biosimilars are close to becoming a reality in the EU as well after a British court found two of Humira's core patents to be invalid.

While more competition is never a good thing for a company's flagship product, the market's concerns about the durability of Humira's revenue streams are probably overblown to a large degree.

The reality is that biosimilars haven't caused branded drugs in the EU to fall off the map like traditional generics. Biosimilars, after all, tend to come with only modest discounts, on the order of 10% to 15% relative to their branded counterparts, lowering the financial incentive for doctors to switch patients to unproven alternatives.

So, if this pattern holds for Humira -- and there's no good reason to think it won't -- AbbVie's emerging oncology portfolio should be able to easily offset these losses and keep the company's top line headed northward.

Bristol's double-digit decline is a great buying opportunity

Over the past year, Bristol's shares have lost a little over 16% of their value, thanks to Opdivo's late-stage miss as a first-line monotherapy for lung cancer. A deeper dive, though, suggests that the market might be letting the perfect be the enemy of the good when it comes to this pharma stock.

Although a first-line lung cancer drug is potentially worth several billion in sales (and that's a big deal for even a company of Bristol's size), Opdivo has still racked up a whopping 11 approvals for other indications in just the past two years. Bristol's top immuno-oncology drug has also attracted the attention of numerous smaller biopharmas hoping to develop novel combination therapies for various hard-to-treat malignancies. In other words, Opdivo's star is far from fading. And, if anything, its footprint is only going to expand from here on out.

Another key issue to understand is that Bristol exited 2016 with five major blockbuster drugs already in its product portfolio (Opdivo, Orencia, Sprycel, Yervoy, and Eliquis), and a pipeline chock-full of exciting drug candidates for high-value indications like oncology, heart failure, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

The point is that Bristol has multiple value drivers that are probably being overlooked by the market due to its laser-like focus on Opdivo's fate in front line lung cancer -- perhaps creating a golden opportunity to add this top pharma stock to your portfolio on the cheap.

Pfizer is a no-brainer

If you want a top-notch balance sheet, a ginormous clinical pipeline, and pricing power galore, Pfizer is definitely your best bet. As an added bonus, this titan of the pharma industry offers an extremely attractive valuation, with a forward price to earnings ratio of just 12.3 -- making it one of the cheapest stocks across the entire industry.

Why is Pfizer trading at such a deep discount relative to its peers? While there's a lot of moving parts with any company this large (with an enterprise value of $228 billion), the company's woes can arguably be distilled down to two overarching factors.

First and foremost, Pfizer has taken a lot of flack for its regular price increases for its older medicines -- price increases that are absolutely necessary to keep its legacy portfolio from falling off a cliff revenue-wise. Put simply, investors are worried that political pressures may curtail these price increases, which would weigh heavily on the company's top line going forward.

Next up, Pfizer's top-selling pain medicine Lyrica is set to face generic competition in the U.S. in early 2019. Even though this event is still a ways away, Lyrica did make up roughly 10% of the drugmaker's total revenues in 2016, showing its importance to Pfizer's top and bottom lines.

These two risk factors, however, probably shouldn't loom as large in the company's valuation as they seem to. Pfizer's dove headfirst into oncology through its acquisition of Medivation for the blockbuster prostate cancer drug Xtandi. That, combined with Pfizer's wide-ranging immuno-oncology collaboration with Merck KGaA, should provide more than enough financial firepower to blunt the impact of either of these events, after all.

And, coming full circle, the drug pricing debate is unlikely to result in legislative action while Congress is tied up with ostensibly more pressing issues at the moment.

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The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is piloting a free gemology guide for artisanal miners in producing countries.

The aim is to offer basic gemological and market knowledge in regions where gem-mining takes place, the institute said Tuesday. The GIA has distributed the illustrated booklet  available in English and Tanzanian Swahili  to approximately 45 women miners in Tanzanias Tanga region at no cost.

We are moving practical gemstone education as far up the supply chain as possible, to people who can benefit tremendously from greater understanding of the beautiful gems they bring to market, said Susan Jacques, the GIAs CEO.

A team of GIA staff worked on the guide in consultation with colored-gemstone experts who have extensive experience buying gems in rural areas. The original idea came from James Shigley, a distinguished research fellow at the laboratory.

The pilot project, which the institute carried out in partnership with international development organization Pact, cost $120,000, all of which the GIA paid from its endowment fund.

Artisanal and small-scale mining accounts for about 80% of global sapphire, 20% of gold mining and up to 20% of diamond extraction, according to the World Bank. Last month, an artisanal miner in Sierra Leone discovered a 709.48-carat rough diamond, which is set to go on sale by international tender this week.




Features

We spoke to Toymob & Inspector Maal from IJA about their new release PYAAS - The Thirst

On Thursday, March 30, Uttarakhand/Delhi-based electro pop outfit IJA released their sophomore EP, . Edging further into Molly and Nunnis saga, the successive release since the bands debut from 2015  VitaAmin Sex  marks IJAs furthered foray into their quirky and psychedelic hip hop groove. Comprised of Ashhar Farooqui of Toymob and Don Bhat+Passenger Revelator fame, and percussionist/producer Sahil Mendiratta a.k.a. Inspector Maal, the band presently misses guitarist Puneet Jantu who was part of the debut release. Based on Farooquis reply:  Sanyaas  when asked about it, Jantus absence seems more like a short sabbatical than an exit. It seems like he may make a reappearance soon enough considering that the band said, OMG please close your windows and doors, you've just summoned the darkest force that has ever existed in the realm of the dark arts. You shouldn't have taken his [Jantus] name. Chanting for you now, Any holy spirit passing by please protect our friend Aditya." A statement that hints at interesting prospects for the future regarding the presently elusive third member.

Much like the debut Pyaas  The Thirst was recorded in parts at Ashhars home studio in Uttarakhand in the midst of the hills, and percussionist Sahil Mendirattas studio in Delhi, Inspector Maal Studios. The recording sessions were much less a conscious effort to produce an EP to fit a certain bill, and more a result of dispensing musical prescriptions to cast spells, as Ashhar would put it. Listen to it for seven days and it will change your life. Especially good for piles and astral travel, the duo collectively answered when asked about the direction of the new record, and their experience with the songwriting.

Layered with Farooquis aggressive sensibilities akin to Toymobs works, Mendirattas well-worded rap verses, fused with deep acid (read lysergic) bass lines, and quirky Bollywood dialogue samples, the four-track EP runs through a little over 19 minutes of psychedelia. It stays true to the concept story surrounding the creation of IJA (which is loosely based on real characters from the members lives) with verses cleverly strewn into the oddly quirky and outrageous adventures of the primary protagonists as painted by the unpredictable grooves within the music, which serves as a perfect glimpse into the furthering of the universe the duo have seemed to create with their act.

At the moment IJA are planning to set forth on a cult recruitment tour for the new EP  calling it a response to death threats coming from their ardent followers  beginning on April 21 at antiSOCIAL in Delhi. Further tour dates are yet to be revealed to the general audience. When asked about what they plan for the future of IJA we were assured, We are not planning for what you think to be the future. Time exists on every realm. We believe you know. So, you can never really be sure.

The story note attached to VitaAmin Sex tells of the beginnings of Nunniraj, and an excerpt from the second episode to the story reads: NUNNI & MOLLY moved into the cover of the never ending forest, where they mastered the black arts under the tutelage of two world famous hakims, Ashraf - Mehndi. Now with the help of their new found powers they pledge to do nothing. - IJA

Listen to PYAAS- The Thirst here
I ddarllen y blog yma yn y Gymraeg, cliciwch yma os gwelwch yn dda.

On Sunday evening, she began the journey back home from the Dyfi. By 6pm the following evening, she arrived Hofn in Iceland.

Our commute to work can be a right average one, cant it? Standing still in traffic on the A55, stuck behind a tractor on the A470 or being let down by a late train. Even if we walk or ride the bike to work, we might only pass one or two people; maybe Mrs Jones the neighbour or Mr Thomas who runs the local shop. Compare that to the commute of some Greenland white-fronted geese between wintering grounds, as they travel from the Dyfi Estuary in north Wales to Wexford in Ireland and back. They coast high above the Irish Sea, not a car or tractor in sight  just the odd chough or peregrine falcon holding up proceedings. Instead of nodding to Mrs Jones, they nod to a pod of harbour porpoises or bottlenosed dolphins, shining through the unforgiving crashing waves down below. Now thats an interesting commute, dont you agree?

Andy Hay, rspb-images.com

Greenland white-fronted geese, which are bigger than a mallard but smaller than a swan, have seen their global population fall at an alarming rate. But with fewer than 25 birds now wintering on the Dyfi Estuary, the Welsh wintering population is sadly declining at a faster rate than the global average - with an 83% decline in numbers since 1990.

However, thanks to new 24,000 worth of funding from Welsh Government, the Welsh Greenland white-fronted geese partnership* took crucial steps to change this in December 2016, as it oversaw a tagging process to discover where the geese were wintering. In doing so, the partnership was hoping to discover the birds seasonal movements and habits on and around the Dyfi Estuary. We hope to get around 18 months of data from the tags, which will allow time to discover their migration routes and where theyll spend their time in Wales next autumn and winter.

Having successfully tagged 12 of the globally endangered geese  two with GPS tags and ten with neck collars  the data we discovered threw up some interesting scenarios.

This map shows their movements between wintering grounds on the Dyfi Estuary and Wexford.

A week after capture and tagging, one of the tagged birds and its mate left the Dyfi Estuary and moved to Wexford in south east Ireland; a known wintering site where 8,000 or so Greenland white fronted geese winter annually. This shows connectivity between wintering populations, and fluidity in movement between both. Potentially, this also shows that our Welsh Dyfi population is not isolated and might mean that the fall in numbers at the Dyfi Estuary over the past 20 years may not be a simple decline in numbers as first feared. This, in fact, gives slight hope that, providing the conditions are right, re-establishing a Dyfi Estuary wintering flock could be a possibility in the future.

Next up for the Greenland white-fronted geese is the long migration, of approximately 1,700 miles back to Greenland, where this iconic bird of outstanding stamina will see some beautiful scenery along the way. Weve been eagerly awaiting the start of their journey over the last few weeks, and late on Sunday evening, one of our tagged geese duly delivered.

This map shows the journey undertaken late on Sunday evening from the Dyfi estuary to Hofn in Iceland.

She began the journey back home by leaving the Dyfi and flying over Anglesey. Astoundingly, she arrived Mull in Scotland at 4am, flew over Rum Natural Nature Reserve at 6am and then Stornaway at 7am. By 6pm the following evening, she was recorded as having arrived Hofn in Iceland where she will now stage with fellow Greenland white-fronted geese for the next few weeks. The commute will then be completed when they arrive back home in Greenland.

We hope the vital information we discover along the way will continue to help us safeguard our precious wintering population - not only in Wales but further afield  and also help the Greenland white-fronted geese thrive once again in the future.

For more information regarding the Greenland white-fronted geese partnerships crucial conservation work, please contact cymru@rspb.org.uk.

* Alongside RSPB Cymru, the partnership includes Welsh Government, The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Mick Green, Natural Resources Wales, The British Association for Shooting & Conservation and the Dyfi, Mawddach and Dysynni Wildfowlers Association.
Union Pacific plans to invest $180 million into its California infrastructure in 2017. The investment is part of the Class 1's $3.1-billion capital plan for the year.

UP says the investment will fund $149.6 million in track maintenance and $20.7 million in bridge projects. Additional projects to see significant work include the line between Visalia and Delano where the railroad will spend $12.5 million to replace 28 miles of rail. The line north of Winterhaven, Calif., will see $7.9 million in work to replace 18 miles of rail and UP will spend $9.1 million to progress the West Colton Bowl Track project.

Union Pacifics targeted investments fund projects that strengthen our railroad tracks, increase safety and minimize delays as trains travel through communities across California, said Wes Lujan, Union Pacific vice president  Public Affairs, Western Region. Maintaining a healthy railroad is the foundation of our ability to serve customers and communities across the state.

UP notes that this years planned $180 million capital expenditure in California is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2012 to 2016, the Class 1 invested more than $976 million strengthening Californias transportation infrastructure.

Intensive, privately-funded capital investments have been credited with significant safety gains the North American rail industry has made in recent years. Union Pacific recently marked its safest year in the companys 154-year history.
Nivea pulled an ad of a deodorant that featured the phrase "white is purity" across an image of a woman wearing a white robe.

The company decided to remove the ad after it received widespread backlash in the social media. Nivea's "white is purity" ad was created to promote their Invisible For Black & White deodorant.

The ad was posted on the brand's Middle East Facebook page for two days, however, after the uproar on social media the company decided to remove it on Tuesday.

"We are deeply sorry to anyone who may take offense to this specific post. After realizing that the post is misleading, it was immediately withdrawn," Nivea said in a statement. "Diversity and equal opportunity are crucial values of Nivea."

The controversial lines were part of the post: "Keep it clean, keep it bright. Don't let anything ruin it. #Invisible"

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The Australian Commissioner of Taxation has issued amended income tax assessments to Rio Tinto Plc. (RTPPF.PK,RIO.L,RIO,RTNTF.PK) for the calendar years 2010 to 2013, requiring the company to pay additional tax of A$379 million plus interest of A$68 million, a total of A$447 million.

The payment would be in addition to the A$25.5 billion of taxes and royalties Rio Tinto paid in Australia during the same four-year period.

The amended assessments do not relate to any tax avoidance schemes as confirmed by the Australian Tax Office or ATO. No penalties are payable.

The issue in dispute is the pricing of certain transactions between Rio Tinto entities based in Australia and the Group's commercial centre in Singapore. Rio Tinto voluntarily approached the ATO more than a decade ago seeking to confirm its pricing arrangements. The transfer price in dispute is in line with an outcome agreed by the ATO for years prior to 2010.

Rio Tinto said it will challenge the amended tax assessments, but will pay 50 per cent of the total amount to the ATO this month. The assessments also result in double taxation. Rio Tinto will seek double taxation relief in accordance with the Australia-Singapore double tax treaty.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Indian shares fell on Thursday ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's first bi-monthly monetary policy meet later today, with analysts expecting the monetary policy committee to leave the repo rate unchanged at 6.25 percent and focus on liquidity management to offset any further strengthening of the rupee.

The benchmark BSE Sensex was down 70 points or 0.23 percent at 29,906 in early trade after touching 30,000-level in intraday trading on Wednesday for the first time in two years.

The broader Nifty index was down 26 points or 0.29 percent at 9,238, with Hindalco, Hindustan Unilever, Bharti Airtel, Adani Ports and Infratel losing 1-2 percent.

The Indian rupee opened lower by 18 paise at 65.05 per dollar ahead of a meeting between China's President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump later today and the U.S. non-farm payrolls due on Friday.

Reliance Industries dropped 0.7 percent on reports that its Jio unit is planning to launch DTH (Direct to Home) services.

Mahindra & Mahindra slid half a percent after launching a new small tractor called Mahindra JIVO.

Phoenix Mills rallied almost 4 percent after it announced plans to form a strategic investment platform called Island Star Mall Developers with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

Tata Motors gained about 1 percent on reports that it has drawn up plans to further boost production capacity of its latest Tiago hatchback.

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Market Analysis
Barrick Gold Corp.(ABX,ABX.TO) announced Thursday that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Shandong Gold Group Co., Ltd., a Chinese underground mining company.

Under the new partnership, Shandong Gold Mining Co., Ltd, the listed company of Shandong Gold Group, will acquire 50 percent of Barrick's Veladero mine in San Juan province, Argentina, for $960 million.

Barrick and Shandong will also form a working group to explore the joint development of the Pascua-Lama deposit. Further, both companies will evaluate additional investment opportunities on the highly prospective El Indio Gold Belt on the border of Argentina and Chile, which hosts a cluster of gold mines and projects including Veladero, Pascua-Lama, and Alturas.

The transaction is expected to close at the end of the second quarter of 2017, and is subject to regulatory and other approvals, including Shandong Gold Mining Co., Ltd shareholder approval, and other customary closing conditions.

Upon completion of the transaction, the Veladero mine will be overseen by a Joint Venture Board consisting of three nominees appointed by each company. In order to ensure continuity of operations, both companies intend to maintain the mine's current management team following closing of the transaction.

Barrick Gold will use the proceeds from the transaction to reduce debt and for investments in to grow free cash flow per share.

The company noted that the Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Shandong is consistent with its strategy to develop partnerships of depth with the potential to create long-term value for the Company's owners, as well as our community and government partners.

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Business News
Antipodean currencies such as the Australian, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars weakened against their major counterparts in the Asian session on Thursday, after data showed that the services sector in China continued to expand in March, although at a slower pace in 6-months.

Data from Caixin showed that the services sector in China continued to expand in March, although at a slower pace, with a PMI score of 52.2. That's down from 52.6 in February. ?Also, the composite PMI fell to 52.1 from 52.6 in February.

Meanwhile, Asian stock are in negative territory following the overnight losses on Wall Street after the latest FOMC meeting minutes revealed that the Federal Reserve is ready to start shrinking its bloated $4.5 trillion balance sheet this year.

Investors are also looking forward to the highly-anticipated meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later today.

Crude oil delivery for May is currently down by 0.11 percent or $51.04 per barrel. Crude oil futures eased from one-month highs after a surprising build in U.S. oil inventories.

The Energy Information Administration said inventories rose by 1.6 million barrels. That's in contrast to an industry report from the American Petroleum Institute showing a 1.8 million barrel decline.

In the Asian trading, the Australian dollar fell to a 9-day low of 1.4171 against the euro and nearly a 4-1/2-month low of 83.15 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.4088 and 83.77, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.43 against the euro and 82.00 against the yen.

Against the U.S., the Canadian and the New Zealand dollars, the aussie dropped to nearly a 4-week low of 0.7533, a 3-day low of 1.0126 and a 2-day low of 1.0813 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7566, 1.0169 and 1.0865, respectively. The aussie may test support near 0.73 against the greenback, 1.00 against the loonie and 1.06 against the kiwi.

The NZ dollar fell to nearly a 5-month low of 76.86 against the yen, from yesterday's closing value of 77.07. The kiwi may test support near the 75.00 region.

Against the U.S. dollar, the kiwi edged down to 0.6960 from an early 2-day high of 0.6985. On the downside, 0.68 is seen as the next resistance level for the greenback.

The kiwi dropped to a 1-week low of 1.5337 against the euro, from an early 2-day high of 1.5277 . If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around the1.55 area.

The Canadian dollar fell to an 8-day low of 1.4356 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 1.4328. The loonie is likely to find support near the 1.45 region.

Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the loonie dropped to 2-day lows of 1.3444 and 82.08 from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.3437 and 82.36, respectively. If the loonie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.36 against the greenback and 81.00 against the yen.

Looking ahead, Eurozone retail PMI for March is due to to be released later in the day.

At 7:45 am ET, European Central Bank Executive Board Member Vitor Constancio is expected to speak at Eurofi High Level Seminar 2017 in Malta.

In the New York session, European Central Bank's minutes of the latest monetary policy meeting, Canada building permits for February and U.S. weekly jobless claims for the week ended April 1 are slated for release.

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Business News
Hourly labor costs in the eurozone area increased during the whole year 2016, data from Eurostat showed Thursday.

Between 2015 and 2016, hourly labor costs in the whole expressed in euro rose by 1.4 percent in the euro area and by 1.6 percent in the EU.

Within the euro area, the largest labor cost growth were recorded in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, while only decline was observed in Italy.

When comparing labour cost estimates over time, levels expressed in national currency should be used to eliminate the influence of exchange rate movements, Eurostat said.

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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 US Government's soft attitude towards Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria appears to be changing in the wake of the deadly chemical weapons attack in Idlib province earlier this week.

In an indication of a tougher approach against the Syrian Government, President Donald Trump said the suspected horrible chemical attack cannot be tolerated and it has crossed many many lines.

His Secretary of State went a step further by calling on Russia to reconsider their support to Syria after a suspected chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun town on Tuesday left 86 people, including children, dead.

Speaking to the media ahead of his meeting with Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray Caso at the State Department Wednesday, Rex Tillerson said "we think it's time that the Russians really need to think carefully about their continued support of the Assad regime."

He told reporters that the Syrian regime under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad is responsible for the attack.

Tillerson is expected to discuss further about this issue with his Russian counterpart when he visits Russia next week.

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, counter terrorism efforts, bilateral relations and other issues, including North Korea and Syria, State Department Acting Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said in a statement Wednesday.

Trump called the "heinous actions" by the Assad regime a "consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution."

Recent comments from administration officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, suggested that regime change in Syria would not be a priority under Trump.

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Political News
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Europe's third largest low-cost carrier, will launch non-stop transatlantic flights from Denver and Seattle in the U.S. to London this fall.

The airline said it will launch two new routes from London Gatwick to Seattle-Tacoma International and Denver International airports from September, with fares from 199 pounds.

More than 125,000 seats are available on Norwegian's first route to America's Pacific Northwest and the only route from Gatwick to Denver. Norwegian will be the only airline from Gatwick and second in the UK to offer a direct service to Denver.

Norwegian's flights on the new year-round service from Gatwick to Denver will start from September 16, with fares from 199 pounds. A twice-weekly service will operate on Tuesday and Saturday during the summer season. This will increase to a three weekly service in the winter with an additional Thursday departure.

The year-round service from Gatwick to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will start from September 17. Four weekly flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with fares from 199 pounds.

The flights will be operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which will offer up to 344 seats in two cabins.

Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Norwegian said, "With our USA flights over 90 per cent full, we are excited to add Seattle to our growing list of U.S. destinations while breaking the monopoly on UK flights to Denver."

Norwegian Air is expanding its network to the U.S. after receiving approval from the regulators in December for its Irish subsidiary Norwegian Air International to operate routes across the Atlantic.

In February, Norwegian Air announced ten new transatlantic routes from three Northeast airports to Europe, with one-way fares starting at as low as $65.

In 2014, Norwegian introduced the UK's first low-cost, long haul flights to the U.S. The airline now flies to nine U.S destinations with fares starting from 139 pounds one way.

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Business News
After Republicans invoked the so-called "nuclear option" to change Senate rules, the nomination of federal appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court cleared a key procedural hurdle on Thursday.

The Senate voted 55 to 45 to limit debate on Gorsuch's nomination, with the vote largely coming down along party lines.

Just three Democrats joined with Republicans to vote in favor of the cloture motion, which sets up a vote to confirm Gorsuch to the nation's highest court on Friday.

The motion to limit debate on Gorsuch's nomination needed only a majority to pass after Republicans voted to change longstanding Senate rules.

In a party line vote, the Senate voted 52 to 48 to change Senate rules that required 60 votes to break a filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee.

Senate Republicans decided to change the rule after Democrats sought to block Gorsuch's nomination under the existing filibuster rules.

The original cloture motion failed by a vote of 55 to 45, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., changing his vote to "no" to allow the motion to be brought up again.

Republicans accused their Democratic colleagues of engaging in an "unprecedented partisan filibuster" of a Supreme Court nominee.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, described Gorsuch as an "exceptional nominee" and claimed Democrats would filibuster anyone nominated by President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, Democrats suggested that the Supreme Court seat was "stolen" after Republicans refused to consider former President Barack Obama's nomination of federal appeals court judge Merrick Garland.

The GOP's decision to invoke the "nuclear option" has raised concerns Trump or future presidents will be able to pick more ideologically extreme judges if they only need majority support.

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Political News
Editors Pick

Package delivery and logistic major Deutsche Post DHL Group Tuesday raised fiscal 2022 EBIT guidance after reporting higher third-quarter profit with strong revenues. The company also maintained its mid-term outlook for 2024. CEO Frank Appel said, "The first three quarters of the year were the most successful in our company's history thanks to the international DHL business..."

Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc. is planning to begin large-scale layoffs this week, mostly starting Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the matter. The layoffs are likely to impact many thousands of employees, and the social media platform is preparing to notify employees of the job cuts, the report said. Employees already have been informed to cancel nones

German biotechnology company BioNTech SE reported Monday sharply lower profit in its third quarter reflecting weak revenues. Looking ahead, BioNTech has raised the lower end of its fiscal 2022 COVID-19 vaccine revenue estimate. In pre-market activity in Nasdaq, BioNTech shares were losing around 3.2 percent.
American Airlines has issued an apology after employees complained about a photo in the March edition of American Way, American Airline's in-flight magazine, that depicted bartenders preparing cocktails while dressed as pilots.

After receiving complaints from the airline's pilots, American Airlines Vice President of Global Communication Ronald Defeo apologized to employees.

"A huge apology to our team and especially our coworkers who are pilots," he wrote. "We know that photo depicting pilots drinking in uniform is not appropriate. It is, in fact, appalling and disrespectful to the aviation profession. Even in jest, if that's what this is, our aviators put safety first and this is never an area where humor works. Full stop."

American Airlines had outsourced the production of the magazine in 2014, however, according to DeFeo, internal checks that should have caught the photos before they were distributed to aircraft.

American Airlines has pulled the issues after becoming aware of the issue. The story has also been removed from the magazine's website and digital edition.

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Business News
Report: 49 Yemeni civilians killed in 212 Saudi aggression airstrikes in six days





By Baseema al-Absi



SANAA, Apr 5 (Saba)  At least 49 civilians were killed, Including thirteen children and six women, and 16 others wounded including a woman and child in 212 airstrikes launched by US-backed Saudi aggression warplanes on several Yemeni provinces over the past six days, officials and residents told Saba.



In Sanaa province, the aggression warplanes launched 55 air strikes on the districts of Nehm, Hamdan, Sanhan, Belad Alroos.



The airstrikes on Nehm killed eight citizens, including a woman, and injured two other civilians.



In Saada province, the aggression launched 49 airstrikes on several districts, including Dhahir and Ketaf.



Also in Saada, four Africans, including a woman, and a Yemeni citizen were killed in a raid on the Alrko market.



The airstrikes on Saada also killed eight children and two women and wounded four others in air raids on a house in Baqem district.

In Taiz province, the aggression fighter jets waged 39 air raids in Mokha city, and Mawza district, al-Nar and Howzan mountains, al-Wazeea region and Al-Omary area.



In Mareb province, the aggression warplanes carried out 15 raids on several civilian regions, including Serwah and Hareb al-Karamesh districts.



In Jawf province, the aggression warplanes launched four raids on citizens' farms in Khader Valley of al Matamma district.



In Hodeidah port city, the aggression launched 16 air strikes on different areas in Kamaran Island.



In Hajja province, the aggression warplanes launched 4 airstrikes, particularly on Haradh border crossing.



In Shabwa province, the Saudi aggression launched two air raid on Atak district.



In Amran province, the aggression warplanes carried out two raids on a stones-crusher factory.



In Lahj governorate, the aggression fighter jets launched 11 raids on Kahbob district.



In Abyan province, the aggression carried out four air strikes by pilotless planes on Al Mahfd area.



In Ibb province, the aggression fighter jets launched one raid on a mosque in the city and damaged it along with nearby houses.





BS/ZAK



Saba

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[05/April/2017]
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Just like one celebrates birth where a woman goes to the hospital to deliver, this film celebrates death, where an old man goes to Mukti Bhavan, a hospice on the banks of the river Ganges in Varanasi, in the hope of attaining salvation while awaiting his final call. The 77-year-old Daya (Lalit Behl) who is fondly addressed as Babuji, gets a premonition that his days are numbered. And, like a true Hindu, he expresses his desire to spend his last few days on the banks of the holy river. His son Rajiv (Adil Hussain) reluctantly accompanies him, more out of duty than love. And just like in a delivery, the audience too is subjected to the labour pains which at the end of the viewing, though sad, bring tears of joy and fulfilment. Though there is nothing morbid about the film, the narrative is shrouded in melancholy making it a tragicomedy. Humour surfaces through the subtle, down-to-earth one liners which also double up as strong messages that questions practicality and traditions.
The opposition in both houses of Parliament on Thursday raised the issue of lynching of a Muslim man in Rajasthan's Alwar district by cow vigilantes, with a Congress leader blaming an "organised gang" and the government promising justice.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, while his party colleague Madhusudan Mistry raised it in the Rajya Sabha.



Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured Lok Sabha members that the Centre will ensure justice in the case while Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told the Rajya Sabha that a "message should not go out that the house is supporting cow slaughter".



Mistry said the self-styled 'gau rakshaks' were harassing and killing people in the name of cow protection.



"The cow vigilante gang acted as if they have some extraconstitutional powers. They checked trucks to see if there were cows or calves -- and if the owner was Hindu, they let them go," he said.



"It is being done by an organised gang. Such gangs are present in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat; and now, they are in Uttar Pradesh. It is a complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state," Mistry said as he was supported by other opposition leaders.



Naqvi, however, said the incident did not occur as the Congress MP said.



"This is a sensitive issue. A message should not go (out) that this (upper) house is supporting cow slaughter. The incident did not occur as the member is narrating," Naqvi said.



Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "I haven't come across such an insensitive government."





Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien asked the government to submit a report to the house, so that the issue could be addressed.



In the Lok Sabha, however, the government did not deny the incident. The Home Minister rather assured of justice.



Kharge, who raised the issue, said: "It's not good to take law into (one's own) hands. It's a serious matter. This is the fifth incident in a row. Earlier, such cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana also."



"This is not a stray incident... three such incidents have happened in Uttar Pradesh, two in Gujarat and two in Haryana," Kharge said.



The Home Minister said: "The state (Rajasthan) government has taken cognisance of the matter. An FIR has been registered and some arrests made. the Centre will try that justice prevails," Singh said.



Pehlu Khan, a Muslim man in his 50s, was brutally beaten up by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Saturday while transporting cows. Khan succumbed to his injuries on Monday night in a hospital.
Incessant rain and untimely snowfall in the plains on Thursday led to a flood-like situation in Jammu and Kashmir with the Jhelum River crossing the danger mark in Anantnag and Srinagar districts and dozens of low-lying areas inundated in various parts of the valley.

However, the Met office said there would be overall improvement in weather from Friday.

Authorities said at 5 p.m. on Thursday, the Jhelum's water level at Sangam in Anantnag was 19.7 feet, well above the flood alert mark of 18 feet, while at Ram Munshibagh in Srinagar city, the level was 17.7 feet, against the flood alert mark of 16 feet.

Most low-lying areas in Srinagar city including Bemina, Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh, Batmaloo and others have been facing serious water-logging problems and residents complained the accumulated rain water had started entering their homes in these areas.

Traffic was adversely affected in the low-lying areas of the city including Budshah Chowk, Residency Road, and Jehangir Chowk etc as more than two feet deep r ain water had blocked the roads.

Many vehicles were seen stranded on water logged roads in the city.

Two passengers of a taxi that plunged into the swollen Brengi mountain stream in Anantnag district were still missing while nine others were miraculously rescued in this accident.

In Baramulla, the Ferozepur stream breached its banks and entered some villages in the area.

Tarzoo, Dangiwachi, Behrampora and some other villages had come under water in Baramulla, and police sent out rescue teams to these areas to help the marooned residents.

Some bridges and road culverts connecting higher reaches with the mainland in the Valley have been washed away by swollen seasonal streams in these areas.

Meanwhile, 40 sheep perished in a house collapse caused by incessant rain in Reasi district of Jammu region.

Faced with untimely fresh snowfall in the plains and continuous rains during the last three days, the divisional administration on Thursday ordered closure of all schools in the Kashmir Valley till Monday.

Kashmir University also ordered cancellation of all exams scheduled on Thursday.

Most water bodies in the valley including rivers, lakes and streams were swollen.

The Flood Control Department on Thursday alerted all its staff to be present at their places of posting round the clock so that the water level in local rivers, lakes and streams can be regularly monitored.

The local weather office, however, had some good news for the flood-frightened residents in the Valley.

"There would be gradual decrease in snow and rainfall activity from Thursday afternoon and improvement in weather will start from tomorrow (Friday)," Sonam Lotus, Director of the J&K Met department told IANS on phone.

"Therefore, there is no need to panic, but at the same time, people living in low-lying areas might face inconveniences due to water-logging and problems allied with it," he added.

Met office had issued an adverse weather advisory which ends Thursday evening.

It had also forecast the likelihood of landslides on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in addition to hailstorm and windy gales during this period.
Offering music lovers a fresh take on streaming that is easier and consumes little data, Google India on Thursday launched 'Google Play Music' subscription in India.

'Google Play Music' is available across Android, iOS and web. By signing up at early stages, users can get a free trial on all three platforms, the company said in a statement.



"As an introductory offer, it is available for a discounted subscription offer of Rs 89 per month if you sign up within the first 45 days," it added.



'Google Play Music' offers a music catalogue of over 40 million local and international hits.

"With 'Google Play Music' subscription, Indian subscribers can listen to their favourite music across a variety of languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil and more," said Elias Roman, Lead Product Manager at Google Play Music.



The company has integrated contextual tools in Google Play Music, tapping into the power of machine learning to recommend music based on the listener's preference, activity and location.



Additionally, Google Play Music will curate hand-picked playlists to personalise music for the listeners for a variety of occasions.



The music can be accessed from any device with your Google Account. 'Google Play Music' will also allow users to stream music using minimal data on mobile.
The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, D.C., in April 2016
The health of Samoas oceans is being highlighted this week by Conservation International through a national workshop by the Ocean Health Index (O.H.I) programme in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Senior Manager of O.H.I Global, Erich Pacheco, is in Samoa to deliver the training.

We know being an island state that your wellbeing as a community and country is closely linked to the well-being of the ocean, your economy is dependent on oceans therefore it would be useful to gauge the economic value of Samoas ocean, said Pacheco.

O.H.I is a tool for the ongoing assessment of ocean health.

By providing a means to advance comprehensive ocean policy and compare future progress, the Index can inform decisions about how to use or protect marine ecosystems.

The strength of the Index relies in the fact it does not only measure the ecological aspects of the Ocean, but also includes economical and sociocultural elements. Including all these factors in the same framework allows decision makers to evaluate what will be the consequences of a given action before starting it, and to allocate public resources in the most cost-effective ways.

More than two-thirds of the annual value of oceans relies on healthy conditions to maintain its current output. However, habitat destruction, overfishing, pollution, and climate change are endangering this economic engine and the security and livelihoods it supports. Marine resources are on a rapid decline and our oceans are changing faster than we have ever seen before.

Some 90 per cent of global fish stocks are already over-exploited or fully exploited according to the Reviving the Ocean Economy Report, and marine species declined by 39 per cent between 1970 and 2010, the report said.Coral reefs that provide food, jobs and storm protection to several hundred million people could disappear completely by 2050 because of climate change.

The Oceans Capacity Building Workshop this week will focus on CIs support through O.H.I to coordinating Samoas work on oceans to better monitor progress on various goals relating to oceans.

Marine policy is increasingly calling for maintaining or restoring healthy oceans while human activities continue to intensify. Thus, successful prioritization and management of competing objectives requires a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the ocean, said Pacheco.

The Workshop falls under C.I. Samoas work on Sustainable Development Goals through S.D.G14.

The S.D.Gs aim to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification. Enhancing conservation and the sustainable use of ocean-based resources through international law will also help mitigate some of the challenges facing our oceans.
One of the worlds most successful conservation efforts was celebrated at the opening of the Whales in a Changing Ocean Conference in Nukualofa Tonga.

A Royal Decree halting subsistence whaling in Tonga in 1978 has seen the migratory population of humpback whales breeding in Tonga each winter grow from an estimated population of 50 or so, to over 3,000.

The Kingdom of Tonga is the perfect backdrop for the very first milestone conference that brings together S.P.R.E.P member governments, N.G.Os and Intergovernmental Partners, community members and technical experts, to forge a path ahead strengthening whale conservation in the Pacific island region.

Outcomes for this conference will resonate at the U.N. Ocean Conference in June this year at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, the theme of which is Our Oceans, Our Future: Partnering for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.

The Pacific islands with support from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P.) will amplify the Pacific leadership on whale conservation.

Although most whales are now safe from the harpoon, they still face an array of growing threats such as climate change, marine debris and pollution, noise, entanglement and by-catch in fishing gear and ship strokes, said Leota Kosi Latu Director General of S.P.R.E.P.

A fundamental theme of S.P.R.E.Ps Year of the Whale is that whales are ocean sentinels  because they are long-lived, they are living indicators of the health of our seas. What happens to whales from living in a polluted ocean will surely soon happen also to Pacific islanders.

By looking after our oceans to protect our whales, we also look after ourselves and future generations of both whales and people.

Guidance on the conservation of whales for the Pacific island members of S.P.R.E.P. is provided through the Whale and Dolphin Action Plan which is to be updated for the period 2018  2023. The discussion during the conference will help contribute to the new plan which will span five years.

The Conference itself is the flagship event of the Pacific Year of the Whale Campaign and follows the format of S.P.R.E.P. events, bringing together ministerial engagement, keynote speakers as well as different breakout groups under varying themes to ensure strong contribution and ownership from the Pacific islands, community members as well as academic, scientific and other partners.

Opening in Tonga, the three day event will see the participants discuss the need for a regional declaration on Pacific island whales as well as the foundation for a partnership to be announced at the U.N. Ocean Conference in June.

It is my hope that this conference will usher in a new era of collaboration between countries, with the active participation of many of the organisations in the room, to provide a secure future for our Ocean Voyagers, the Pacific whales, said Leota.
If you have a nice and comfortable house, you should be grateful.

In Samoa, there are some families who can only dream of having one.

Among them is 44-year-old Tiatia Reupena of Faleasiu.

With the rain belting the nation during the past couple of days, finding a dry spot in their fale is a challenge.

Yesterday when the Village Voice visited her, she was busy trying to cover their properties with bits and pieces of tarpaulin.

To be honest, with the state of the house we have, wed rather live in anyones kitchen with the roof covered than living here, she said.

I dont know when this rain is going to stop because the longer it rains the more problems we have here at our home.

The floor of the fale is not cemented. Carboards are used as mats. The utensils are very basic.

We have no money at all to build a better house, she said.

Im only worried about my grandchild but for me Im okay. I know this because Ive seen my parents go through the same struggle and they didnt have much.

Tatia has two children. No one in the family has a formal job.

Life is hard and tough for us, she said.

We have everything on our land for survival, but the hardest part is our home. As you can see, its not much of a house.

My husband is trying his best to find a job so that one day we will be staying in a better house.

We are struggling on our own to find food and develop our home.

The mother complains about the cost of living making things harder for them.

On the top of our daily struggles, the cost of living is not helping at all.

I dont know what or how to compare the cost of living but Im telling you its beyond expensive.

The cost of living is so expensive.

For me, Im not ashamed to say that I need help to fix our home. Im not looking for a flash house, all I want is for it to be covered and safe.
The Director General of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, has assured the nation there is no outbreak of typhoid in Samoa.

The assurance from Leausa is in response to fears following the outbreak of typhoid in Auckland New Zealand among members of the Samoan community there.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Leausa said the Ministry of Health has not had any official communication with Health officials in New Zealand.

The only information we have gathered is from the New Zealand media where it states that one Samoan woman has died in a Auckland hospital due to typhoid, he said.

There is a current outbreak of typhoid in Auckland NZ as reported by the media.

No details were given but from what the Auckland public health officials are saying through the media is that they feel it is a local (Auckland) outbreak.

Leausa said they have written to the New Zealand I.H.R. Focal Point for details on the deceased woman, but they have yet to receive any information.

We havent seen any reports on the deceased travel history or any documentation of her travel to Samoa before we can link it to contracting typhoid while here in Samoa.

Even now we dont have a name to start off with.

So we need more facts before we can comment whether she got the disease while travelling to Samoa or to another place.

So far, Leausa said there is no formal warning for Samoa on the outbreak in New Zealand.

But they will inform us as usual if they know the index case is from Samoa.

Leausa also used the opportunity to advise Samoan people travelling to New Zealand especially to the affected areas where the outbreak has occurred to be alert.

Those who have been treated were from Mt Roskill, Manurewa and Blockhouse Bay, at this stage.

We are not sure of the scope of the outbreak so extra precaution should be exercised when travelling to these affected areas.

Basic hand washing, good personal hygiene, drinking clean & safe water is the best prevention & protection.

Typhoid was spread primarily through water and food but could be spread person to person.

He went on to say that Typhoid is a serious illness and it is potentially fatal.

But it can be treated with antibiotics, said Leausa.

Symptoms include a high fever developing over several days, headaches, general weakness and muscle aches. Stomach pain and constipation are also common (particularly in children), but some people get diarrhea.
The government yesterday issued a statement in response to a story titled Doubts in govts plan to lease $4.5million property. The statement was issued by the Office of the Press Secretariat under the heading No doubts for property lease. The response is published below verbatim:

Government would like to clarify a media report which wrongly suggested that the Hope 4 Cancer Clinic's interests in Samoa have been dismissed.

The Hope 4 Cancer organisation has indicated that they have redesigned this project in Samoa, hence the delay.

As in all other prospects that will benefit Samoa, Government will continue to support the Hope 4 Cancer endeavour, and will remain open and committed to developments with the potential to create positive spin-offs for the country.

In reference to the Samoa Land Corporation building at Tuanaimato, which was identified as a potential site for the Hope 4 Cancer Clinic, Government has also been engaged by other parties who have shown interest in leasing the property for further development.

Government will revisit the Hope 4 Cancer Clinic's housing needs once the organisation's preparations are complete.

As Government takes a proactive stance in all development matters, any legitimate development proposals will be considered and decided upon as quickly as possible to maximise the benefits for Samoa.
The Police have yet to identify a suspect in their hunt for a blogger known as Ole Palemia.

The search was initiated after former E.F.K.S Reverend, Opapo Oeti, lodged a complaint to the Police about allegations made by the blog against him, his daughter Toa Opapo Patrick and his family.

This was confirmed by the Police Spokesperson, Sua Tiumalu. who said the complaint was lodged last week Wednesday.

The complaint follows a blog making what the family claims as defamatory statements about Mr. Oetis daughter and her husband.

Mr. Oeti has asked for Police help to find the identity of the blogger.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, Sua said the blog has done a lot of damage to Opapo and his familys reputation and they have been victimized because of what it contained.

He said the Police have launched an investigation to find the blogger.

There are no suspects so far, said Sua.

We also cannot comment on how long the investigation will be conducted, but our specialist and I.T people are working on finding who is behind this Facebook page.

Sua said such a crime falls under Article 219 of the Crimes Act 2013.

This falls under the utilising means of electronic communication section of the Crimes Act 2013.

According to Sua a person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years who intentionally initiates any electronic communication, with the intent to harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person.

Sua said they are now doing their best to try and put a name and face on who is behind the Ole Palemia page.

Sua did not elaborate or name any other company or Ministry they are working together with in carrying out the investigation.

Sua said this is not the first time theyve received a complaint of this nature.

But he said this is the first time they have received a complaint against the admin of the Ole Palemia Facebook page.
SOCi, a San Diego developer of social media management and marketing software, said Wednesday that it has raised $8.25 million in venture capital funding to boost sales and marketing.

Silicon Valleys Vertical Venture Partners and Grayhawk Capital, an Arizona-based technology fund, led the round. Additional investors included the Stanford University DAPER fund, Peninsula Ventures and Tallwave Capital.

Founded in 2012, SOCi makes software to manage social marketing on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Yelp, Instagram and others.

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The company spent two years in the EvoNexus startup incubator program in downtown San Diego. It launched its subscription software in early 2015. It targets sectors including large apartment managers, multi-location franchises, enterprise brands and digital ad agencies to help them manage and monitor social media.

A call to SOCi was not returned by press time, but Chief Executive Afif Khoury said in a statement a new day in social media has arrived where large enterprises are finding themselves having to manage hundreds or thousands of local social media pages on behalf of their storefronts, agents, advisors and clients.

The companys technology helps solve the difficult workflow management issues faced by these multi-location businesses, said Khoury.

Last year, SOCi raised $2.5 million from angel investors including Taner Halicioglu, Facebooks first full-time employee, and Doug Hecht, former president of digital marketing agency Digitaria.

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mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

Twitter:@TechDiego

760-529-4973
Mayor Kevin Faulconers plan to ask voters in November to approve a hotel tax hike for financing an expanded convention center cleared the first of several hurdles Wednesday, but still faces opposition from homeless advocates and threatened litigation from a developer.

The San Diego City Councils four-member Rules Committee instructed the offices of the city attorney and mayor to work on drafting a ballot measure that would raise the citys room tax by as much as 3 percentage points to not only fund an enlarged convention center but also address growing homelessness and needed street repairs.

The council in May or June will take up the matter of holding a special election in November to consider the room tax ballot measure. A two-thirds majority of the electorate would be required to pass the increase.

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If voters were to approve the tax hike, the city estimates that construction could start by July of 2019, with completion of an expanded center expected 44 months later.

An expansion of the center has been stalled since a judge ruled in 2014 that the plan to finance it with a hotelier-approved room tax hike was unconstitutional.

The proposed expansion, which already has been approved by the California Coastal Commission, would enlarge rentable space from the current 816,000 square feet to more than 1.2 million, which includes adding 223,000 more square feet to the exhibit hall.

While council members all agreed Wednesday on the need for a bigger convention center to attract larger meetings and more events, they also acknowledged the concerns raised by homeless advocates that the money generated by the tax hike is insufficient to effectively tackle rising homelessness.

You are right, this was designed as a measure to primarily support a convention center expansion, and this doesnt do enough to fund affordable housing and homelessness, said Councilman Chris Ward, addressing the activists in the audience holding aloft signs like We will not settle for bread crumbs and Affordable housing is a right.

The fact we can get over $900 million over the life of the (tax increase) is something. We do have more work to do.

Under the plan advocated by Faulconer, the hotel tax would be raised between 1 and 3 percentage points  depending on how close hotels are to the convention center  to pay for a more than $630 million expansion of the bayfront facility.

In addition, the tax hike would also generate over a 40-year period more than $900 million for tackling street repairs and a similar amount for funding programs to reduce homelessness.

Hotel guests currently pay a 10.5 percent room tax, although visitors who stay at hotels with 70 rooms or more are assessed an additional 2 percent surcharge to fund tourism marketing. Activists who have been pushing the city to dedicate far more money to help the citys unsheltered population argued that promised money for the homeless and street repairs is simply being used to win public support for the long-stalled convention center project.

Im tired and San Diegans are tired of putting a Band-Aid over a problem that should have been a priority a long time ago, said Ismahan Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans. We are in dire need of real change and leadership...Our families deserve better and our children deserve better. We will not be tricked or bamboozled. Lets get rid of the smoke and mirrors surrounding this proposal.

Hearing the concerns, some council members suggested that city staff look at possibly dedicating a larger share of the funds for homeless programs.

Yet another issue dogging the city is a protest by developer Robert Green, who has teamed with longtime port tenants Ray Carpenter and Art Engel to build a $300 million hotel project on the very land targeted for the convention center expansion. They currently hold the lease for that land and despite Mayor Faulconers efforts to broker a compromise that would satisfy both sides, Green told the Rules Committee, no deal.

His attorney also threatened legal action if the city continues pursuing a center expansion.

While the city at one time had control over the 5-acre hotel site, it opted to back out of a deal the Convention Center Corp. consummated in 2010 to acquire the leasehold at a cost of $13.5 million because the expansion project had stalled and no longer had financing.

If it was the citys and convention centers intent all along to pursue this expansion, why on earth did the city forfeit its right to this land? said Green, who is currently processing the project with the Port of San Diego. This is no way to do business and this is no way to treat business.

Let us be perfectly clear, our land is not for sale, we plan to move forward with our project.

Under the plan being advanced by the mayors office, the proposed tax boost would yield more than $5 billion over 40 years, with $1.5 billion going toward paying off yearly bond payments of an estimated $39 million to finance an expansion that could cost as much as $685 million.

The remaining balance of revenues, after accounting for the more than $1.8 billion that would be raised for homelessness and streets, would go toward covering ongoing maintenance costs and needed capital improvements as the new structure ages, said city finance officials.

By setting aside that revenue, the citys hope is to avoid the current situation where the center is facing tens of millions of dollars in deferred maintenance. Over the first dozen years, for example, 8 percent of the additional revenues collected, or $68 million, would be for ongoing capital and maintenance expenses, city financial officials said.

The mayors financing scenario assumes an average 3 percent growth in room tax revenues each year, with annual proceeds in the early years of $20 million to $22 million for each 1 cent of hotel tax collected.

A report this week from the citys Independent Budget Analyst recommends that the city provide more detail on how homeless and street repair monies would be spent.

It also warns that the ballot measure needs to incorporate enough funding to potentially buy out the rights to develop the Fifth Avenue Landing leasehold.

Also a concern, said Councilman Ward, is any outstanding litigation on the convention center project itself. A Superior Court judge has issued a tentative ruling upholding the 2013 Coastal Commission approval of the expansion. Attorney Cory Briggs, who filed the legal challenge, has promised to appeal.

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lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
Students from around the world are helping track the health of trees, by adding field observations to a vast database on global forests.

The program, Global Forest Link, has connected more than 500 students from the United States, Russia, Taiwan, Ecuador, and Nigeria with Global Forest Watch, a 20-year-old worldwide network that uses satellite imagery and other scientific methods to monitor tree-covered areas of the world.

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Theyre going out into nearby parks and forests and taking photographs and taking videos of the health of the trees, and looking for things like insect infestation, damage from drought or human development, said Yvonne Marie Andres, who co-founded the program Elena Yulaeva, executive director of Community Commons, a nonprofit that connects information technology with education.

In San Diego, students investigated areas including Mission Trails Regional Park, Elfin Forest and Penasquitos Preserve. Participants are trained to check for potential problems, and rate the trees condition, Andres said. They upload their field notes, photos and videos to the platform, and tag them with GPS coordinates, providing more detail to scientists studying the forests.

Students then produce digital stories, using their photos and video to narrate their experiences and findings.

Theyre doing authentic research, learning storytelling by doing these digital stories, sharing with an audience and getting feedback, said Andres, founder of Global SchoolNet, an international program for collaborative learning. These are skills that are going to be very useful for them in their jobs.

Francis Parker High School teacher Rose Hanscom taught the lessons to her seniors over 12 weeks in 2015 and 2016, dispatching students to areas from Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve on the coast to Julian in the mountains.

It connects them just on a basic level to nature, and it gave them the independence to go out and collect real data instead of doing lab work, Hanscom said in a prepared statement.

The San Diego Regional Urban Forests Council named Global Forest Link the Best Urban Forestry Educational Project for 2016, citing it for their innovative engagement of high school students in learning about their forests and connecting with other students across the world.

The program is accepting participants for its spring program through online at GlobalForestLink.com. Andres will give a presentation on the project at 8 p.m. April 7 at Wavelength Brewing Company in Vista, which offers science lectures every Friday night.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
Three men arrested in Caledonia are being held in Columbia County Jail, accused of smuggling more than 2 ounces of heroin that appeared packaged for sale.

Nicholas Calloway, 18, Marquell Calloway, 18, and Donte Johnson 22, all from Chicago, appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court on Wednesday, each charged with possession of marijuana and party to the crime of possession with intent to deliver heroin.

This defendant and the co-defendants, other than the defendant just saying that he lives in Sun Prairie, have no local ties, said District Attorney Jane Kohlwey during Nicholas Calloways bond hearing, the first of the three in line. It appears that the defendant was just passing through and that he and the co-defendants had 114 individually packaged bindles of heroin and 18 grams of marijuana in the trunk of their vehicle.

A Wisconsin State Trooper stopped the three as they were driving north on Interstate 39 in Caledonia on Friday. The trooper reported detecting the smell of marijuana and seeing that Johnson, the driver, had ash on his pants.

Johnson said that they had smoked marijuana a couple of hours before leaving Chicago for Minnesota. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper reported finding a shopping bag with an open bag of chips, and inside, a vacuum sealed package with a baggie of 18 grams of marijuana and three baggies of heroin  20.6 grams, 17.7 grams, and 27.4 grams  with the heroin divided into dozens of individual bindles.

The officer later weighed the heroin at a total 65.7 grams, making each of the men liable for a charge of party to the crime of possession with intent to deliver heroin in an amount over 50 grams.

This appears to be fairly substantial distribution system that this defendant and his co-defendants are involved in, said Judge Todd J. Hepler. This is a difficult case in that Mr. Calloway was clearly involved with other individuals and that it is apparently clear from the probable cause that someone was engaging in heroin trafficking in this case.

Johnson appeared next for his hearing, followed by Marquell Calloway, with Kohlwey explaining that the previous argument would apply the same in each case, as she requested each to be held on $5,000 cash bond. In each case defense attorney Ronald Benavides argued that none of the defendants had provided an overt admission of ownership.

In the final case, Marquell Calloway also faced the additional argument and allegation of obstructing an officer. When asked his name, he told the officer that he was Nicholas 16-year-old brother, Bryson Langdon. When the officer found a photo ID with the name Marquell Calloway, and was asked about it, Calloway reportedly told the officer it was a cousin, though eventually admitted to it being him.

As with Nicholas, Marquell Calloway gave a more local address, in Madison, but similarly also explained that it has only been for the past several months.

If Mr. Calloway gave the name Bryson to the officer, it may be that he just panicked at a stop talking to a state trooper, which can be an understandable reaction, said Benavides. Although I believe he understands he is now charged with obstructing an officer, and it is a fairly common occurrence.

Similar to the previous two defendants, the court finds that the drug trafficking necessitates a cash bail in this case for public safety reasons, said Hepler. Mr. Calloway is in this case even more problematic in that he was trying to hide his identity.

Obviously no one in the car is claiming the heroin or the marijuana for obvious reasons, said Hepler, so the court is not surprised that no one is claiming it is his.

Each are scheduled to appear next in court for return hearings on June 14, 15 and 16, first Nicholas Calloway, then Johnson, and then Marquell Calloway. Nicholas Calloway is being held on $3,000 cash bond, while the others were ordered held on $5,000 bonds.

If convicted on all charges, they face sentences of up to 40 years in prison.
Hopes that Oceanside might lift its ban on medical marijuana dispensaries were dashed this week when the City Council extended its prohibition on the businesses, and also banned shops from selling recreational marijuana when a new state law takes effect next year.

About 35 people  most in favor of medical marijuana sales  spoke about the issue during a council workshop on Tuesday. Several had moving stories, including Gloria Ryan, a nine-year cancer survivor who said cannabis helped her tolerate the pain of her treatments.

I want the city that I live in to support who we are, Ryan said. Instead, she said, patients are forced to go outside Oceanside to buy their medication. (The city allows medical marijuana deliveries, but Ryan did not note that in her statement.)

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Oceanside Councilman Chuck Lowery was the only council member who favored lifting the ban. He made a motion Tuesday to allow medical marijuana cultivation, distribution and sales in the city, but his motion died without a second.

Instead, Councilman Jerry Kern suggested that the council form an ad hoc committee to look further into cannabis regulations. City Attorney John Mullen said the council could place that idea on an agenda for a future meeting.

We have to do something, Kern said. Obviously an overwhelming majority of residents of Oceanside want this.

For now, however, the council unanimously voted to extend the ban.

I am not in favor of any marijuana use, said Councilman Jack Feller. I dont think its the solution.

Councilwoman Esther Sanchez said her attitude toward marijuana has been shaped by her work as a public defender, where she said many criminals had used it as a gateway drug to other addictions.

There are a whole lot of issues that have not been addressed, she said. I dont think this is ready.

Oceansides action comes as governments across the region struggle to deal with sweeping changes in marijuana use and distribution. In November, California voters approved Proposition 64, which legalized the sale of recreational marijuana beginning Jan. 1 unless local jurisdictions have specifically prohibited it. In Oceanside, 56.9 percent of voters supported Prop. 64.

Vista is expected to consider a measure later this month that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries, following a petition drive that sought to force the city to life its ban. In the past, Vista has aggressively fought illegal dispensaries in recent years, shutting down dozens since 2009.

San Diego County supervisors, however, voted last month to ban all cannabis-related business in unincorporated areas of the county. The ban does not affect three medical marijuana dispensaries that opened in Ramona before the ban, though they will be required to phase out over the next five years.

Dozens of dispensaries continue to operate across the county, including more than 20 in the city of San Diego, as the laws to govern them evolve.

Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy said last week that there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to regulating marijuana.

One is the difficulty in determining when someone is driving under the influence of pot. Alcohol has a clear standard, which in California is a maximum blood-alcohol level of 0.8 percent. But marijuana has no standard, and experts say it will be difficult to determine one because cannabis affects people in different ways.

Several of the public speakers at the Oceanside meeting were longtime farmers from the citys Morro Hills neighborhood, where advancing development and the rising costs of water and labor have been forcing agriculture out for years.

Some said marijuana cultivation could be a boon to struggling farmers.

Our family is looking for other crops, and it would be another crop for us to farm, said Mike Mellano, a longtime grower in the area.

Farming is dying in the city of Oceanside, said his son, Mike Mellano Jr., whos been producing avocados since the 1990s. The city should proceed slowly and deliberately (with approval) and allow us to participate.

Cannabis-related businesses are expected to generate $7.6 billion in California by 2020, according to a report presented by Oceanside Assistant City Manager Deanna Lorson.

As a cash crop the value of marijuana is $4.2 million per acre, compared to $68,500 for strawberries and $8,300 for avocados, according to Lorsons report.

philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @phildiehl
This time next month, retired Navy SEAL Lance Cummings of Cardiff will be leading a troupe of real and weekend warriors on an arduous trek across Greece, retracing the epic journey of ancient Spartas 300 soldiers to face the invading army of Persia in 480 BC.

This time, the goal wont be combat but charity. The 21 athletes  a mix of active-duty and retired SEALS and other service members, wounded warriors and ultra athletes  are on track to raise $300,000 for three nonprofit groups: CharityVision, the Navy SEAL Foundation and the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation.

Doherty, an Encinitas resident and former Navy SEAL, was one of the American CIA workers killed in the 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya. He and Cummings were good friends.

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Cummings, 57, said he came up with the idea to create the Sparta300 For Charity event after watching the movie The 300 and reading books and historical accounts of the incredible training, endurance and bravery of Spartas King Leonidas and his 300-man army.

Those men, each carrying fighting equipment weighing more than 60 pounds, ran more than 250 miles in six days to meet the much-larger Persian army that was preparing to invade their homeland.

The Spartans were slaughtered but they died fighting in such heroic and strategic fashion that their story has been the subject of countless legends, poems, songs, books and films. Now theyve also inspired what could be the first cross-country re-creation of their journey.

Cummings knows a little something about the Spartans training and dedication. During his long career in Navy special operations, he deployed overseas 16 times to the Middle East, Asia and South America. Since his retirement in 2011, hes been working part-time training athletes in SEAL-style fitness skills and as a chiropractor for both people and animals.

Through their bravery, the Spartans changed the course of human history, Cummings said. When they went to battle that day, there was no exit strategy. Unless you really love your country, youre not going to fight for it. Thats what the Spartans and the SEALs have in common. I feel a kinship with that story.

Born and raised in Macon, Ga., Cummings joined the SEALS at age 22 after a year of Navy fleet service in Connecticut. He served on active duty until 1995, then joined the reserves for five years while he earned his chiropractic degree and started a practice in Georgia.

He was reactivated after 9/11 and sent to Afghanistan for a year. Then he became a private contractor, working first for Blackwater and then, after moving to San Diego in 2004, for the Navy, setting up its human performance initiative program for soon-to-deploy SEAL teams. The program assesses potential health problems and does preventive therapy to reduce the risk of injuries in the field.

Lance Cummings, 57, of Cardiff hikes with his dog, Buddy, on Thursday in San Elijo Hills area of San Marcos. Hes in training for a Spartan-inspired rucking (hiking with a weighted pack) trip across Greece in May that will cover 250 miles in eight days. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Cummings started doing charitable work in 2015 when he and his wife, Michele Grad, signed up for an arthritis charity event where they pedaled 525 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles on a tandem bicycle. Grad said that her husband found the fund-raising experience so addicting, hes been looking for ways to do more ever since.

The idea for Sparta300 for Charity was conceived in early 2016. A friend told Cummings about a Greek special-events company that was organizing a staged foot race that would follow the Spartans journey. The company wasnt able to recruit enough endurance runners, so it canceled the race but it agreed to serve as the on-the-ground organizer for the Sparta300 in May.

The Sparta300 will cover the same ground as the Spartans, but the requirements are less extreme. Each participant will carry a 25-30 pound pack as well as a PVC pipe to represent a sword. They can wear running shoes rather than sandals, and they will spend their nights in hotels.

Theyll also be walking and climbing, rather than running the whole time. Theyll cover the distance in eight days, rather than six, with a goal of finishing 30 miles every day. The participants will start at 6 a.m. May 5 in what was once Sparta and will finish May 14 in Thermopylae, site of the epic battle.

The entry fee for each participant is 1,300 Euros (about $1,383), which covers all ground expenses except air travel. Theyre also encouraged to raise $10,000 for charity. Cummings is also raising donations through corporate sponsorships and an online auction of items that range from a beach cruiser to cases of wine to a personal handgun safety class that hes teaching.

The unusual nature of the Sparta300 has attracted a wide variety of participants. All are Americans and all but one are men (the lone woman is in the Army Reserves in Idaho). Besides a number of SEALs and other servicemen, there are a few celebrity ultra-athletes.

They include James Lawrence, whos know as the Iron Cowboy, for setting the Guinness World Record in 2015 for competing in 50 Ironman events on 50 consecutive days in all 50 U.S. states.

Theres a wounded warrior with a prosthetic leg and Graham Dessert, a Kansas athlete whos been posting his training videos for the team on the Sparta 300 for charity Facebook page.

Also new to the team is athlete Kyle Maynard, a quadruple amputee whos competed as a mixed martial artist and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro without the use of prosthetics. Maynard will use prosthetic legs for part of the journey and will also ride in a specially designed backpack worn by one of the other team members the rest of the time.

Cummings said he plans to lead the team through Greece, so hes been doing his own rucking (walking while carrying weight) to prepare for the trip.

He spends at least three hours a day, five days a week walking, hiking and climbing in parks around North County with his 7-year-old German shepherd, Buddy. He anticipates the highlight of the trip will be when the group arrives at their destination at the battlefield of Thermopylae, where he said he has a surprised planned for the team.

Hes hoping to plan a similar charity event like Sparta300 every year, but they wont be the same course. He would like to find a similar adventure trip to an iconic location that re-creates a famous journey that had history-changing importance. Some of the projects will re-create battles, but others might be something endurance-oriented, like a swim across the English Channel.

Cummings and his wife have twin 9-year-olds whove had a little less time with their dad lately because of his training and event preparation. He said he hopes that this project will be an example to them as well as the children of others on the trip.

The Spartans traveled with a support team who did everything to take care of the men so they could focus on their job, Cummings said. Everyone on this trip has their own support team at home and theyve made their own sacrifices.

Were hoping that these children will see how hard their dads are working to give back to someone else and hopefully it will balance out the scales.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
The Chula Vista City Council has rejected the designation sanctuary city and instead supported a state sanctuary bill, while agreeing to look into joining a legal brief challenging President Donald Trumps executive order to strip funding from sanctuary jurisdictions.

The vote for both actions late Tuesday night was 3-2, with councilmen John McCann and Mike Diaz opposed.

About 50 speakers provided more than three hours of public testimony, offering varying views on the issues.

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Chula Vista resident Monica Santos described herself as the granddaughter of immigrants from Ecuador and a local bilingual educator.

Our current political climate is creating fear and is disrupting the lives of the immigrants, who are woven into the fabric of our community, she said.

Santos added that by supporting the state sanctuary legislation the council will ensure that Chula Vista will continue to be a city that welcomes and values everyone.

Senate Bill 54 would limit state and local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities and calls for schools, hospitals and courthouse to be free from federal immigration enforcement.

The bill was passed by the state Senate Monday and now will be considered by the Assembly and, if approved, sent to the governor.

David Trujillo, the advocacy director for American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties on Tuesday night asked for fair treatment of all Chula Vista residents, including the thousands of vulnerable residents and refugees who call this city home.

He asked the City Council to designate Chula Vista a sanctuary city, among other things, to protect residents.

Chula Vista resident and Vietnam veteran Gary Hunter opposed Chula Vista becoming a sanctuary city outright.

I just cant believe that were even discussing something like this in Chula Vista  I fought for the right to have free speech, not the right for illegals to be in the country, he said.

Chula Vista resident Maggie Vinson had a similar view.

She said she comes from a family of immigrants that came to the U.S. legally and doesnt agree with Chula Vista becoming a sanctuary city. I am Mexican-American, true, but I am American, she said.

The City Council also voted to have city staff place a future resolution on the agenda in support of the Police Departments current policy on immigration violations and present specific proposals to communicate that policy to Chula Vista residents.

The council also agreed to join the Welcoming America network, a non-profit that offers access to government leaders creating immigrant-friendly, welcoming communities.

The direction was a hybrid of seven options presented by city staff for council consideration.

As a matter of policy and/or practice, the Chula Vista Police Department doesnt engage in any kind of enforcement of federal immigration laws in its interaction with residents, according to a staff report.

However, the Police Department does cooperate with federal authorities regarding enforcement of federal criminal laws that are unrelated to immigration.

While there is currently no universal definition of what it means to be designated a sanctuary jurisdiction, cities, states, counties and school districts have approved related actions  including symbolic declarations and actual policy changes limiting or prohibiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

In 2016 Encinitas, Lemon Grove and Solona Beach passed resolutions characterizing themselves as welcoming cities, focused on helping newly arrived immigrants and refugees assimilate into their communities.

Last year, Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina retracted a welcoming cities proclamation after opposition from the City Council and public.

In February, National City voted down 3-2 a welcoming cities resolution.

The City Council on Tuesday also voted to join the amicus brief, in support of a federal lawsuit filed by Santa Clara County against Trumps executive order that would punish sanctuary jurisdictions.

A handful of local school districts have also joined the brief: Sweetwater Union High School District, Southwestern College, San Diego Community College District and San Diego Unified School District.
A state audit of the San Ysidro School District found that it is properly spending federal money it receives to educate the neediest student demographic.

The audit, released in March by the state department of education, was validation for the district and Superintendent Julio Fonseca.

...to come out perfect this year, it felt really good and Im really excited and happy for the community, Fonseca said.

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In the last audit two years ago, the district failed to meet requirements in a variety of categories, including fiscal monitoring, compensatory education, early education and support, English learner and uniform complaint procedures.

The number of findings was more than 40.

State and federal laws require the California Department of Education to monitor how school districts allocate the funds it receives, said Robin Avelar La Salle, CEO and founder of Principals Exchange.

The money the district received came mostly from Title I funding, used to compensate the challenges that students in poverty face.

Our responsibility is to protect the money for the kids, Fonseca said. They are disenfranchised children so you have to tackle their basic needs first, then meet their educational needs...

About 30 percent of the students in the San Ysidro district are homeless and nearly all of the districts students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Each agency that receives findings is required to resolve them within 45 calendar days or risk paying back the money it received.

In this case the district stood to lose $2 million.

In the spring of 2015 the district began a relationship Principals Exchange to help it address and correct all of previous findings.

The company partners with schools and districts with historically struggling student populations and study barriers to achievement to help them turn it around.

The district was able to fix its documentation by partnering with a mediator that worked with the state so that no money had to be returned.

In 20 years of doing this work, La Salle said the number of findings were very uncommon and egregious.

Fonseca inherited a handful of the 40-plus findings when he was appointed superintendent in July 2015.

There was an initial shock that the district had so many findings  this was just a complete neglect of services and accountability for the kids that needed it the most, he said.

La Salle said it screamed neglect.

Audits are done every two years, which gives schools and districts ample time between cycles to correct any deficiencies.

The district expired all of its chances and then some.

Ed Velasquez was interim superintendent at the time, but La Salle said no one had informed the superintendent that this was occurring.

We brought it to him and he went pale, she said.

Velasquez worked at San Ysidro schools from February until July 2015-the replacement for Manuel Paul, who pleaded guilty to state and federal corruption charges in 2015 for his involvement in pay-to-play scandal involving South County elected officials and contractors.

Since 2015, the district under Fonsecas leadership has aligned curriculum with new state standards, created a system grounded in teacher collaboration and student data review, increased staff and teacher training and increased parent engagement and education opportunities, among other things.

Fonseca said the district will continue to provide clean audits in the future by making sure the funds are being spent appropriately.

We have a solid group of folks as a team that are continuously monitoring what were doing.

La Salle said the company built a spreadsheet for the district to show it how to comply going forward.

Today they are a healthy district and have checks in balances.
She commanded civil-military peacekeeping troops in Mali, accompanied combat patrols as they hunted for Al-Qaeda terrorists, fought to bring pension benefits to Nigers wounded soldiers and war widows and has received awards for her courage from both the United Nations and the U.S. State Department.

Niger military Maj. Aichatou Ousmane Issaka visited San Diego for the past week, meeting with local government leaders and American armed forces commanders to build relationships between them and her impoverished African nation.

One of the first challenges is to prove the ability of women to work in the armed forces, said Issaka, 43, who enlisted in Les Forces Armees Nigeriennes in 1996 and now serves as deputy director of the militarys Office of Social Affairs. Another thing, for me as a social worker, is to bring up the value of social work within the armed forces. And as a woman, one of my top priorities is to work as a woman to further the development of my country.

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During a March 28 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., First Lady Melania Trump named Issaka as one of the 13 recipients of the 2017 Secretary of States International Women of Courage Award. The honor goes top extraordinary women fighting worldwide for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and womens empowerment, often at great personal risk.

Landlocked Niger is nearly twice the size of Texas. Dogged by the Sahel regions frequent and persistent droughts, the mostly agrarian country has suffered several coups since it gained independence from France in 1960.

Because of the small size of its armed forces  13,000 troops  Niger struggles to block spillover violence from neighboring Libya, Mali and Nigeria, especially by Boko Haram militants and terrorists allied with Al-Qaeda in the Mahgreb, or AQIM.

Despite setbacks from a French-led counterinsurgency effort, AQIM continues to roil northern Mali. Issaka recently returned from an 18-month peacekeeping mission in the city of Gao there. In January, a suicide truck bomb killed at least 50 people near the U.N. peacekeeping camp.

Mali was an opportunity for me to demonstrate how important women are to the U.N. peacekeeping mission, Issaka said Wednesday, speaking through an interpreter. Its not always on the battlefield, but in the peacekeeping mission women bring a lot. First, women provide a good level of protection against violence directed at women. They strengthen and protect the local population by working to meet their specific needs.

For her tireless work on behalf of Gaos women and children, Issaka received the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for 2016.

Women are an important source for intelligence gathering. Theyre able to talk to the elderly, the women and the children. And they bring this information back to the military leadership, Issaka said.

A mother of three, shes married to a lieutenant colonel in Nigers military. At home, he salutes me, she joked.

Issaka spent five days in San Diego, with Wednesday being the final day, as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program. A highlight of her stay here was having San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer proclaim April 4, 2017 as Major Aichatou Ousmane Issaka Day.

During her visit in this city, Issaka worked to create ties between San Diegos military and civilian social workers with Nigers armed forces. Her proposals caught the ear of Fabienne Perlov, executive director of the San Diego Diplomacy Council, which sponsored her tour.

Perlov, a veteran of U.N. and nonprofit work in the West Bank, Russia, Azerbaijan and other locations, said social workers under Issakas command at the Military Hospital of Niamey need professional training, especially in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health ailments affecting Nigers troops.

Were talking about a partnership that will build that capacity, Perlov said. City diplomacy, local community diplomacy is key.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
Army veteran Chris Stout observed the roadblocks to getting homeless veterans off the street while working for a Kansas City nonprofit.

They didnt want to live in shelters  in part because there was nowhere to put the personal items they were carrying around in shopping carts and trash bags.

The tiny houses project was born.

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Working with these guys on the street, working with guys in the shelters  They were always protecting their stuff, said Stout, a former 82nd Airborne soldier who was medically retired after being injured in Afghanistan.

Thats where the tiny houses came from. Were going to give them own space.

Welcome to The Intel, a blog examining the hot military news of the day

Stouts nonprofit group, Veterans Community Project, plans to erect 50 houses measuring 240 square feet on its land in Kansas City.

The property is a former vacant lot that the city sold to Veterans Community Project for $500. The city also credited $325,000 toward connecting the land to the sewer system.

The first 10 pre-fabricated units are up; the remaining ones are expected to be hand-built through the help of volunteers by fall.

Each small unit will have a full bathroom, kitchen, bed and desk.

Cost: about $15,000 each including overhead expenses.

The cost to the homeless veteran will be nothing because Veterans Community Project expects to raise the money through charitable gifts and donated labor.

Homeless veterans will also be able to live there, rent-free, while they are progressing toward getting permanent housing.

The idea is not just transitional housing and then kick them to the curb. The idea is to prevent that, Stout said. None of these veterans is on a time limit. Every veteran is different.

Stout and his co-founders, also veterans, began their project nearly two years ago.

They sees it as a model that can be replicated elsewhere.

The idea has been raised in San Diego, as an answer to the overall homeless issue.

Their story has caught fire on the Internet. Posts about the project ranked as one of the top 15 veterans stories being shared on Facebook earlier this week.

The group gets three to five inquiries a day from people who are interested in the concept for other locations. Three or four other city councils have called. The Kansas City group is eyeing Texas as a potential next spot.

Thats how we designed this, so it could be transferred to any city, Stout said in a telephone interview this week. Once you gain the property  its a very simple model and could be done anywhere.

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jen.steele@sduniontribune.com

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A man who played a role in a fatal shooting outside a hookah lounge in Rolando was sentenced Thursday to 21 years in prison.

Neil Edward Downey, 28, pleaded guilty in February to one count of voluntary manslaughter and an allegation he committed the crime for the benefit of a street gang.

Although he was not the shooter, Downey had faced a murder charge in San Diego Superior Court in connection with the fatal shooting of Rodney Harmon, 29, on Nov. 16, 2014.

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Another man, Pierre Readus, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced in October 2015 to 42 years in prison. Both Downey and Readus were identified in court documents as documented gang members.

According to a pre-sentence report, the conflict that led to the shooting started about a month before Harmon was fatally wounded. In mid-October 2014, Readus had been at a nightclub where Harmon worked as a bouncer.

The two men got into an argument that turned physical, and Readus jaw was broken, according to the report.

On Nov. 16, 2014, Readus and Harmon got into a second altercation outside the Three Kings Hookah Lounge on 71st Street and El Cajon Boulevard, where Harmon worked as a security guard.

Harmon insulted Readus, who was the front passenger in a BMW that had pulled into the parking lot outside the business. Harmon challenged Readus to a fight, but he refused to engage.

Readus left the parking lot in the BMW with Downey and another man. Downey drove to a location where he picked up a .22-caliber handgun and gave it to Readus.

Less than two hours later, the BMW was spotted again in the parking lot of the hookah lounge. A witness who had been moving Harmons car saw Readus walk past him.

Readus then walked up to Harmon and shot him in the chest as the victim stood near the entrance to Three Kings, according to police and prosecutors.

Harmon tried to get away by going into the lounge, but Readus followed and kept shooting. Harmon collapsed at the rear of the lounge and Readus shot him again in the back.

San Diego police arrested Readus in April 2015.

Downey, who had been a fugitive, was arrested Oct. 1, 2015 in Phoenix.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefield
Its no secret San Diegos airspace is different than the rest of the nation: A downtown airport, multiple military bases and an international border make airspace limited.

Adding drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles as they are known within the aviation community) makes the airspace even more crowded.

According to records kept by the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 81 incidents involving drones in San Diego County. Most of these incidents involve a drone flying higher than the 400-foot-high limit or entering restricted airspace.

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As of December 2015, all owners of drones weighing between 0.55 and 55 pounds are required to register their aircraft before flying.

Currently, there are 274 people registered with the FAA to fly drones in the county, with hobbyists outnumbering non-hobbyists nearly five-to-one.

Registration costs $5. Failing to register can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 or criminal penalties up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment up to three years.

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Reach the writer at: daniel.wheaton@sduniontribune.com or @theheroofthyme
Californias new school accountability system ranks Ramona Unified School District in the top third of the 1,566 districts in the state.

District trustees received a preview of the states new accountability system for schools from Assistant Superintendent Theresa Grace in early March and a follow-up report from her after the public release of the California School Dashboard color-coded system.

Calling it a new era of accountability, Grace said the new system includes multiple measures, replacing the old systems Academic Performance Index (API) based on one static score. The dashboard ranks performance and currently shows changes from last year in five areas: math for grades 3-8, English language arts for grades 3-8, English learners progress for kindergarten through 12th grade, graduation rate, and suspensions. Ramona Unified scored green in all but suspensions, where it scored orange.

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The five colors rating districts are red, yellow, orange, green, and blue, with red indicating the lowest performance and blue the highest.

Green and bluegood, said Grace. Yellow, orange, and red indicates that improvement is needed. So this is a system that really does provide us ongoing information for improvement.

Dashboard information helps the district determine the success of its Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), which is reviewed annually.

Its the report card for schools and school districts, Grace said during the trustees workshop last Tuesday evening. Were in the top third of the state of California in how our students are performing. The other thing thats nice  we are increasing in the areas we need to be increasing.

Commenting on the orange suspension rate, trustee Bob Stoody said, it needs to be a matrix based on not just how many suspensions there are, but with some type of a ratio with what your safety rating is. If youre showing a high suspension and a high safety rating, you shouldnt be bumped.

Grace agreed, saying if its a student that the schools done everything they can to support that student, why are you being penalized for that?

College and Career Readiness scores will be released this fall, said Grace, presenting an overview of items the state will consider to determine if high school graduates are well-prepared, prepared, approaching prepared, or not prepared for college and/or career. Other categories expected to be available later are parent engagement, student climate, implementation of state academic standards, and basic services and conditions of schools.

Grace called the accountability indicators a valuable tool to help the district make the right instructional choices and said she is not satisfied that Ramona Unified is in the top third of the state.

Were going to continue to push, push, push to make sure that our kids are ready for college and ready for career, she said.

The district has a strong instructional focus that drives its work and continues to look at teaching practices and evidence of student learning.

Its all about our students learning, because we know from research that the most successful trait that a student can have is to be a self-regulated learner, and so we are working hard with our kids to make sure that theyre self-regulated learners and they can be successful in whatever they choose to do down the line, she said.

The dashboard website, caschooldashboard.org, provides parents, educators and the community with information about school districts and schools in what the state Department of Education called an easy-to-understand report card format.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said the dashboard is a resource unlike anything weve ever had before. I think of it as a high-tech report card for our schools. Just as our children receive report cards with multiple grades in multiple subject areas, the California School Dashboard provides us with many different measures of a schools performance  where its strong, where it needs to improve, how its doing over time.
San Diego Unified School District administrators and teachers will have calendars showing Islamic holidays, students will learn more about the religion in social studies classes and safe places will be created on campuses for Muslim students as part of a multi-tiered approach to combat Islamophobia.

Trustees on Tuesday voted 4-0, with board member Michael McQuary absent, to approve a plan to confront Islamophobia and bullying against Muslim students.

Stan Anjan, executive director of Family and Community Engagement at the district, said elements of the plan will be laid out before the end of the school year with a goal of having it in place at the start of the fall semester.

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Its more of a comprehensive program, not just a curriculum, he said. Were looking at it from a very integrated and holistic approach.

One of the first steps in the plan will be to distribute letters to staff members and parents addressing Islamophobia and identifying resources to learn about the religion and fight discrimination. District calendars will be reviewed to ensure Islam holidays are recognized, which Anjan said is important so schools will schedule campus events that also can be attended by Muslim families.

Schools also will review and vet materials related to Muslim culture and history in media centers and provide resources and material for teachers.

Anjan said social studies lessons may include more information on prominent Muslims and their impact on history and other steps to promote a more positive image of Islam.

Sometimes curriculum has had a much more Eurocentric approach, he said. Were now thinking of how to diversify social studies curriculum.

The plan also calls for a different approach in disciplining students who bully Muslim students. Rather than detention, the school will use a restorative justice method involving the student who did the bullying speaking with the other student to restore their relationship.

Community groups, parents, stake-holders and others outside the district also will be involved in the plan, Anjan said.

The roots of the plan date to November 2015, with the school board recognized the educational work of the Council for American-Islamic Relations, the largest American Muslim civil rights advocacy group in the country.

A report released by CAIR that year found 55 percent of American Muslim students surveyed in California said they were bullied because on their religion, which was twice as high as the national statistic of students reporting being bullied at school.

The report didnt specify how many incidents were local, but the 165 students from San Diego County represented the largest group that participated in the survey.

Last July, the board directed the district staff to work with CAIR in developing a plan to address the issue.

Looking back to November 2015, Superintendent Cindy Marten said Tuesday that the issue of Islamophobia is even more important today.

The district doesnt have data on how many students are Muslim, but Anjans report to the board Tuesday included a breakdown of incidents of bullying for various reasons from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2016.

The report showed seven bullying incidents because of religion, although it did not specify the faith. There were 36 reports were bullying because of race, the largest category, followed by 21 for sex, 11 for LGBTQ identity and seven for disabilities.

Following a presidential campaign season that saw now-President Donald Trump calling for a ban on Muslim immigrants, there have been anecdotal reports nationwide of confrontations and sometimes violent incidents against Muslims.

Theres a sense of urgency around this work, especially post-election, Anjan said.

Counselors and teachers in schools and colleges throughout the county have said Muslim students are feeling anxious these days, but Anjan said hes also seen more students wanting to work to create more peaceful campuses.

Weve had students say they want to be leaders around equality issues, he said.

Trustees were enthusiastic about moving ahead with the plan.

When we create a climate where its OK to celebrate diversity and difference, then it makes all of our children safer, said Trustee Kevin Beiser. Not just the children who happen to be Muslim.

Trustee John Lee Evans said the issue of Islamophobia and bullying against Muslim is greater today than when the board first called for a plan to address the issue.

Now we have on a national stage where people openly discuss hatred and discrimination against various groups, he said. We really need to redouble our efforts at a time like this.

Tuesdays meeting was attended by about 150 members of San Diegos Muslim community, including Hanif Mohebia, executive director of the San Diego office of CAIR, who called the Tuesday night vote an important first step.

If we do this right, San Diego Unified School District would be the leading school district in the nation to come up with a robust and beautiful anti-bully and anti-Islamophobic program, he said. Im really happy were going toward the right direction. I am excited, but also careful and cautious because the work ahead is something we will all be responsible for.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
Compensation for doctors has risen substantially overall in the United States, but you might be surprised at the regional differences  San Diego County isnt a site for top earnings  and the lack of a strong link between higher pay and higher job satisfaction.

Physicians salaries have increased 42 percent on average since 2011, according to the latest nationwide salary survey from health care publisher Medscape. The sampling showed that average compensation has climbed by $88,000 during that time  from $206,000 in 2011 to $294,00 this year.

With a high cost of living in San Diego County, its reasonable to expect doctors here to make significantly more than their peers who work in cheaper places. Thats not the case. In fact, because of supply and demand dynamics, the average pay in San Diego is lower than in many other coastal locales and even lower than in some Midwestern states.

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The new compensation survey, with more than 19,200 doctors polled across the nation from Dec. 20 through March 7, doesnt give county-by-county data. So it doesnt allow the public to directly compare what physicians make in this region versus, say, Los Angeles or Phoenix or Boston.

The most recent local salary data comes from the San Diego County Medical Societys physician workforce and compensation survey, which is conducted every two years. Based on that groups information from 2015, the most recent year for available figures, doctors in greater San Diego reported earning about $30,000 less than the national average.

Meanwhile, practicing medicine in the Midwest appears to be more lucrative than doing so along the East and West coasts  at least when placed in the context of overall cost of living.

The average compensation this year in California, Alaska and Hawaii is $290,000, while its $284,000 in mid-Atlantic states such as New York and Massachusetts  where many of the nations most-prestigious health systems are located.

By contrast, doctors in the center of the nation, from North Dakota to Iowa and Nebraska, have the highest average annual pay at $317,000. North Dakota tops the list with an average compensation of $361,000.

None of these details surprised Dr. Ted Mazer, an ear, nose and throat specialist in San Diego and president-elect of the California Medical Association. Mazer said he believes the regional disparities in pay still exist, and he believes two factors are mainly responsible for the gap.

For many years, Medicare has paid San Diego County doctors less than their peers in other urban areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco because of an obscure reimbursement system that categorized physicians here as working in a rural area.

Mazer was part of a team of doctors that fought for years to remove Medicares hayseed tag from the San Diego region. At the first of this year, local doctors started seeing increases in their Medicare reimbursements that, as the change is phased in over the next six years, is estimated to increase pay between $10,000 and $20,000 per year.

Mazer also said the East and West coasts suffer from their general desirability as good places to live in. With more doctors striving to work in places with beautiful weather or lots of cultural and entertainment offerings  or all of these elements  theres greater competition for a finite number of openings. This heightened competition allows insurance companies to negotiate lower reimbursement rates, Mazer said.

For years, I have told people I could make more if I moved to a mountain state or to the Midwest. You make a lot more, but then you have got to shovel snow, he added.

Of course, location is far from the only gap that exists in compensation for physicians.

With average annual pay of $316,000 this year, specialists outpace their primary care colleagues by nearly $100,000, the Medscape survey said.

Women still make less than men  at $197,000 compared with $229,000. But the gender pay gap appears to be narrowing: Its 18 percent for doctors age 34 or younger, compared with more than 33 percent for those 35 or older.

White doctors still earn more, on average, than their Asian, Latino and African-American colleagues. The disparity is greatest between Caucasians and African Americans, with a difference of $41,000 in 2017.

UPDATE

This story was originally published on April 5. It was updated on the evening of April 6.

Beyond these demographic categories, the Mescape analysis found that lower-earning physicians sometimes report a brighter outlook than their better-paid colleagues.

Dr. Eric Topol, Medscapes editor in chief and director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute in La Jolla, said while physician pay is a hot topic  its one of the most-clicked items on the Medscape website  dollars tell only part of the story.

Historically, physicians have been well compensated. But we know we are seeing the highest levels of burnout and suicide in the profession. So, its important to understand that a high salary doesnt necessarily correlate with a sense of fulfillment, Topol said on Thursday.

Orthopedists and plastic surgeons, who average $489,000 and $440,000 this year, respectively, are the highest-paid specialists, yet only about half of them said theyre satisfied with their compensation.

Thats roughly the same satisfaction level reported by pediatricians and family medicine doctors, who are at the bottom of the pay scale. Those two groups earn an average of $202,000 and $209,000, respectively.

Pediatricians were the only doctors who reported their incomes, on average, dropped from 2016 to 2017. Though their pay went down by 1 percent, they reported the same same level compensation satisfaction as plastic surgeons, who saw a 24 percent year-over-year jump in pay, the largest in the survey.

Mazer and Topol said they see these realities as proof that doctors arent all about the money. But they also noted that the frictions in modern medicine these days are less about money than they are about time, especially time filling out paperwork to get health insurance companies and government insurance plans to pay them for the care they provide.

The San Diego County Medical Society survey from 2015 found that 38 percent of local physicians were unsatisfied with the limited amount of time they could spend with patients.

Its the administrative hassles and long hours and not having enough time with your patients that I think have the biggest effect on satisfaction, Topol said.

Mazer added: Satisfaction for physicians has more to do with being able to take care of your patients and see good outcomes than it is about the money.

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paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com

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The crowd of Democrats attempting to unseat incumbent Rep. Duncan Hunter grew this week with the addition of a Vietnam War veteran and political activist whos also an organic beef rancher.

Pierre Pete Beauregard from Ramona is the third Democrat to challenge the Alpine Republican in a solidly red district that covers much of north and eastern San Diego County and stretches to Temecula in Riverside County.

Beauregard said hes running to get big money out of politics, provide greater access to affordable health care, to protect the environment, and to keep the country out of wars. He said decided to run after reflecting on how Hunter represents the district and how he carries himself.

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Hunter comes off as a magnificent boob who doesnt know what side of the bed to get out of, Beauregard said.

Joe Kasper, a spokesman for Hunters campaign, said that the incumbent is in office because he gets things done in Washington, and for his candor with his constituents.

One of Representative Hunters greatest attributes is that hes effective, Kasper said. Voters have always judged him on his strong record and value his straight talk.

Besides Beauregard, Grossmont Healthcare District Trustee Gloria Chadwick and businessman Patrick Malloy (Hunters 2016 opponent) are the other Democrats taking on Hunter. While Beauregard did not mention an ongoing federal criminal investigation into whether Hunter misspent campaign funds for personal use, the other contenders have said this scandal demands better representation in Washington.

The political demographics of the district favor Hunter, who was first elected in 2008. Just under 48 percent of voters are Republicans, while slightly more than 27 percent are Democrats. About 24 percent do not belong to a political party.

Beauregard, a former Navy corpsman who served with combat forces in Vietnam, said he became politically active before he left the military.

Ive been an activist  ever since Vietnam, he said. I was still in the service when I was doing some protesting against the war. I did my job well. I was a corpsman with the Marines. I did my job very well and I got good reviews, but they didnt understand why I didnt want to advance in rate.

(Rate is a technical term for a sailors pay grade.)

My heart wasnt in that part of what I was doing, he said.

When he was with the 3rd Marine Air Wing while that unit was still in Orange County, he said he helped open a health care clinic in Huntington Beach that provided general community care, including services for homeless people and seniors, as well as birth control and abortions in the era before Roe v. Wade.

I then kind of figured it out, he said. I came back from Vietnam and I was really happy. And then my best friend didnt come back.

The death was a pivotal event in his life, he said.

I felt like I was given a gift of being here, and for me, it was restitution, he said.

He later worked for the camera and optical products company Canon and then in the pharmaceutical industry until he grew disillusioned by his companys emphasis on sales over care. He became an educator and who taught in Riverside County prisons, and later helped new parents earn high school degrees.

He volunteered for the presidential campaign of then-Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, and eventually became part of the Occupy movement. He was also a delegate for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sander at the Democratic National Convention last year.

He was born in Massachusetts, but made his way to various parts of the country.

The cowboy-hat and dungaree-wearing Beauregard has tales from his youth of involving his fur trapper uncle who is also his namesake (he also has ancestral ties to the Confederate general of the same name), railroad men, farmers, as well as his suffragette grandmother.

Though his given name is Pierre, Beauregard goes by Pete because the nickname made him less vulnerable to teasing as a kid. Plus, when he was a bit older and riding rodeo bulls, it just seemed like a more appropriate moniker, he said.

Beauregard, 67, lives in in Ramona in a home that is independent of the power grid, complete with solar panels and 17-foot-tall wind turbine that makes three times the electricity he needs. There are cisterns to collect rainwater, and uses recycled water for irrigation.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
A boy is suspected of setting clothes on fire in a Burlington Coat Factory in San Diegos El Cerrito neighborhood Wednesday, authorities said.

The blaze was reported about 2:15 p.m. at the clothing store on University Avenue near 54th Street, a fire official said. No one was hurt.

The flames had been put out by the time firefighters arrived, said Monica Munoz, spokeswoman for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

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Police questioned a boy, who is about 10 years old. It was unclear if he was released.

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Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
The Birch Aquarium in La Jolla will unveil a new exhibit Friday that features the secret light of the sea, a phrase used to describe a phenomenon known as bioluminescence.

Many marine creatures  everything from fish and squid to bacteria, worms and algae  produce flashes of blue-green light due to their body chemistry.

The phenomenon can be especially beautiful at night when the ocean is experiencing a red tide. Such tides can contain a type of algae that really lights things up, particularly inside breaking waves.

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The movement of the waves helps to trigger the light produced by the organisms.

The new exhibit at the Birch was created by artist Iyvone Khoo and by Michael Latz, a bioluminescence expert at UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which runs the aquarium.

Khoo videotaped some of the bioluminescence research that occurs in Latzs lab. She used the vibrations from music  and from a beating heart  to help trigger the flashes of light. Khoo projects footage of the light on the inside and the exterior of an 8 by 8 box known as the Infinity Cube.

Visitors can walk inside the dark, translucent cube and see bioluminescence flashing all around them.

I first saw bioluminescence on the Pacific Coast of Mexico and found it amazing, Khoo said. I re-imagined the phenomenon by showing it in the Cube.

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Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
When I joined the Navy in 1970, the projection of Naval sea power was all about strategies to deploy Marines, ships, submarines and aircraft above, below, and on the sea. Today, theres a new complication  cybersecurity  as data has become weaponized and hackers seek to attack all manner of targets  companies, cities, nations, even the ships where I once worked.

At the same time, cyber attackers, and their rising diversity and sophistication, offer an opportunity to innovate and grow new markets. You can see what that looks like in San Diego, where I live and work.

San Diego has long been a center of Americas national defense, and the infrastructure and businesses that support it. The cyber age  and San Diegos savvy response to it  has changed the nature of that defense. The San Diego region is now home to more than 100 cybersecurity companies that employ 4,230 people. Thats on top of the 3,390 employees who work at the U.S. Navys Space and Naval Warfare Command (SPAWAR). And those numbers are growing rapidly.

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Related: Weaponry has changed in cyber age, but not humanity

In just two years, between 2013 and 2015, information security analysts grew by 13.9 percent per year on average in San Diego, nearly double the national 7 percent average, and employers expect their cybersecurity workforce to grow by an additional 13 percent in the coming year, according to a 2016 study for which my nonprofit and other San Diego institutions conducted research. The annual economic impact of the industry is already estimated at $1.9 billion  thats the equivalent of hosting four Super Bowls each year  and puts San Diego on par with sister-cyber hubs in Silicon Valley and Maryland.

This rapid growth is not merely a matter of technological change. It reflects strategic efforts by people and sectors across San Diego  the military and intelligence community, high tech industries, academia, municipalities, utilities, transportation agencies, and the regions various governments  to become a leader in cybersecurity.

I play a role as leader of the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), a nonprofit established in 2014 by cyber industry, higher education and government leaders to address cybersecurity challenges here. To become a center of this new line of defense, the region has had to tackle three tasks crucial to the sectors success. San Diego is cultivating a cyber workforce, showcasing its successes in cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a more secure cyber environment across the regions institutions. (Being a leader in cybersecurity can make you a bigger target to attack.)

These challenges resulted from regional economic planning, in particular the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.s cybersecurity economic impact study. In some places, regional economic reports get dismissed, but not this report and not here. The report identified a clear top challenge: the sourcing and development of a cyber workforce.

This is what drew me to this work and the CCOE  the opportunity to help find and secure the next generation of cyber warriors was too good to pass up.

To start, our team convened leaders in industry, government and all 15 of the cybersecurity, computer science and engineering deans from regional universities, colleges and extended studies programs to discuss greater alignment between academic supply and industry demand. The collaboration has been highly productive. It helped create a catalog of courses that universities and programs offered, or could add, to meet the skill sets sought by the industry. It also generated a regional cyber Job Board, as well as an Internship Pipeline and Link2Cyber programs that connect students, recent graduates, veterans and seasoned professionals with career opportunities in the region.

Not only are these cybersecurity positions in demand, but the average annual salary for analysts, computer scientists and software developers is six figures, according to that 2016 economic impact study that CCOE helped conduct.

The combination of wages and opportunity have made San Diego a hot spot for talent, investment and research and development. The regions universities and colleges annually graduate 3,000 students in the computer science and engineering fields. The University of San Diego and California State University San Marcos recently launched cybersecurity masters programs with industry-driven curricula to help feed the pipelines. The regions higher education sector also supports trailblazing research at facilities like the Super Computing Center at UC San Diego and the Advanced Computing Environments Laboratory at San Diego State University.

Demand for talent is being driven by a convergence of commercial security and defense security. This creates a real community around cybersecurity. Industry leaders such as Qualcomm, ESET, ViaSat and iboss call San Diego home, citing access to clients, customers, vendors, suppliers and proximity to SPAWAR as the regions greatest strengths.

San Diego is likely to see more growth as the industry moves toward private sector customers. The share of firms focused primarily on the commercial market (as opposed to military and defense) has grown substantially, now constituting 47 percent of the sector in San Diego. This shift reflects the importance of practical applications of cybersecurity, like protecting health care and financial data, and energy and water grids.

This is good news in an age where the Internet of Things (IoT), electromagnetic pulse (EMP) blasts, mass grid outages and ransomware attacks are no longer just Marvel Comics storylines.

San Diego as a regional hub is also mobilizing to address potential threats to its own infrastructure. The Secure San Diego initiative, launched earlier this year, is, among other things, generating a regional cyber response map for businesses and a regional incident response management plan similar to state of emergency protocols used in natural disasters.

Sometimes I marvel at how threats and defense strategies have evolved since my time as commander of SPAWAR, but the one constant of war remains: You cant go it alone. While San Diego has developed a cybersecurity sector, cyber threats have no geographic or industry bounds, and the need for qualified cybersecurity workers is increasing.

My hope is that San Diego can serve as a template to mobilize other regions to adopt best practices and grow our nations next generation of cyber warriors, defenses and innovations.

San Diego is cultivating a cyber workforce, showcasing its successes in cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a more secure cyber environment across the regions institutions.

Slaght, U.S. Navy (ret.) rear admiral, is co-chair and president of the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), a nonprofit that promotes alignment and collaboration within the cyber community. Slaght is involved with the California Governors Military Council, California Cyber Security Task Force and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE).
Every election cycle, people go to polls to cast their votes, often familiar with the candidates at the top of the ballot but with limited knowledge of local races. In the city of Vista, seven candidates ran for two seats in the 2016 general elections. Throughout the race, I frequently heard voters complain that they didnt know much about the candidates running. A significant factor in lack of voter engagement is the fact that Vista still has at-large elections for City Council, meaning that all council members are elected on a citywide basis, rather than by particular districts within the city.

A district election would allow for a more concentrated effort by candidates to engage and educate the public on their platform. This would ensure that individuals elected to City Council would possess in-depth understanding of the needs and priorities of their constituent communities, and that communities would have representatives who were directly accountable to them. Given the wide array of issues the council grapples with each month, it is vitally important to get regular feedback from community members. As I saw from my two years in San Antonio, City Council members elected by particular districts not only champion issues that affect the entire community but also issues that more narrowly affect the area they represent.

Related: District elections divide communities

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The second advantage of district, as opposed to at-large, elections is that they give opportunities for candidates to focus their electoral efforts in their respective areas, rather than mount costly citywide election campaigns. Campaigns are increasingly expensive, even at the local level, where candidates for Vista City Council in 2016 spent $5,000 to $30,000. As an engaged citizen, I often run into well-qualified individuals who would be great additions to our elected boards but more often than not are discouraged by the financial and personal cost. While money can be a game-changer in a campaign, so are grass-roots efforts and community investment in a candidate. District elections will allow local communities to more easily become directly involved in the articulation and promotion of their own interest and priorities, even if they lack the financial resources to contribute to a campaign.

A third benefit of district elections is that electing council members from four different areas will allow them to bring in their unique perspectives based on their area and population. Our diverse communities need a diverse pool of candidates to represent them and to confront a broad, representative range of issues. These issues can then become part of a general dialogue and thus allow historically underrepresented communities to encourage the community at large to address their needs and concerns. Having lived in Vista the majority of my life, I see the immediate needs within the Townsite area but also acknowledge that people living in Shadowridge or near Warmlands may have other concerns. None of our current council members live in the Townsite area, and, while you do not need to live there to understand the issues in this part of the community, it does benefit the community to have someone on City Council championing their particular concerns. While this may lead to passionate disagreement on the council, these perspectives are crucial, even when a 4-1 vote may be a foregone conclusion.

Since the November 2012 elections, the Vista school board has adopted elections by area. While I was elected by the people of Area 4, as a school board member I work for all of our schools in the Vista Unified School District. The Vista Irrigation District likewise elects its board of directors by area, with corresponding benefits for all constituents. This is the same political culture that our City Council should embrace. There is room for dialogue and disagreement, but, in the end, we should do what is best for all of our constituents. District voting will contribute to fairer, more representative, more responsive and more effective city government and improve opportunity for our entire community.

We are heading in the right direction. The Vista City Council voted to move forward with preparations for district elections. In the future, City Council members will be elected by area, but the way in which district maps are drawn will depend on the input we as a community give. I encourage all members of our community to attend the scheduled public hearings and let their voices be heard.

Vargas, a resident of Vista, is a Vista Unified School District board member.
When the stench of raw sewage reached the Imperial Beach Pier sometime after Feb. 6, I was not surprised. Due to the daily discharge of untreated and treated wastewater into the Tijuana River and on the beach from Playas de Tijuana southward to Rosarito Beach, the chemical smell of human waste is a year-round occurrence along border beaches. Sewage spills into the Tijuana River, canyons along the western border fence, and along beaches from Playas de Tijuana to just north of Rosarito Beach, are a routine and sometimes daily occurrence that go mostly unreported and undetected.

All attempts to obtain information from authorities in the United States and Mexico about the stench, despite the crescendo of citizen complaints, were met with a deafening silence. Officials in Baja California who oversee the wastewater system in Tijuana pretended that the spill, which polluted a 10-mile stretch of the Tijuana River and 20 miles of beaches from Rosarito to Coronado for more than two weeks, had not occurred. On Feb. 24, the International Water and Boundary Commission (IBWC) released a preliminary report on the spill that noted that an estimated 143 million gallons of sewage was discharged into the Tijuana River for 17 days. Congressman Scott Peters later stated that the spill could have been as high as 230 million gallons.

This week, the IBWC released its own inconclusive report on the spill which states that a minimum of 28 million gallons of sewage was discharged into the Tijuana River in early February, but that an additional 256 million gallons of sewage went missing from the South Bay International Treatment plant in January and February. The report concludes that most likely multiple sources of sewage contributed to the February pollution event.

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Despite global negative media coverage regarding a tsunami-like sewage spill and the promise by authorities in Tijuana to report future discharges, recent wastewater spills on March 22 and 29 went unreported by authorities in Baja California. In both recent cases, Tijuana River Valley residents called me to complain about the stench along the river and I alerted the IBWC.

Sewage pollution along the border is a routine occurrence. Despite the plethora of local, state and federal agencies involved in the management of the international border and/or the Tijuana River Valley and border beaches, these entities take little responsibility for detecting and or stopping wastewater flows that cross the border. They are content to let the residents in the Tijuana River Valley, U.S. Navy SEALs who train in Coronado, Border Patrol agents, surfers and ocean lifeguards find out about sewage spills after the fact, rather than notifying the public when they occur.

In late October of last year, after repeatedly inadvertently surfing in sewage from south of the border that routinely washed through Imperial Beach and Coronado over the summer and fall, I participated in a press conference and protest with surfers from Playas de Tijuana at Punta Banderas, six miles south of the border. The Punta Banderas sewage plant discharges up to 40 million gallons a day of partially and untreated sewage onto the beach. During multiday south swells which creates river-like south to north longshore currents, the plume of foul water discharged at Punta Banderas can reach Playas de Tijuana, Imperial Beach and Coronado in less than 15 hours.

Soon after our protest, Baja California Gov. Francisco de la Vega, made a commitment to finding a comprehensive solution to the border sewage crisis that includes dealing with Punta Banderas and upgrading Tijuanas aging sewage infrastructure. Officials in Baja California are now working with the North American Development Bank and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission to issue a plan. With funding from the Mexican and U.S. governments, this comprehensive plan could have a major and positive impact on reducing border sewage discharges. We also need to urgently build retention ponds and a pumping system on the U.S. side of the border in the Tijuana River Valley to capture sewage flows in the Tijuana River.

To protect our national security, public health and rapidly growing tourism economy, agencies and officials in the U.S. and Mexico must renew their commitment to working cooperatively, sharing information and investing in infrastructure that prevents sewage pollution from robbing our binational region of clean and healthy beaches for all.

Dedina is mayor of Imperial Beach, executive director of WILDCOAST and chair of the SANDAG Borders Committee.
When the FBI recently revealed that it was investigating the nature of any links between President Trump, his associates and the Russian government, I was reminded of another scandal involving disgraced San Diego County Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham.

The story, which began with a report published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, grew into one of the biggest political scandals in county history. In 2006, a federal judge sentenced Cunningham to 100 months in prison for accepting $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors to whom he steered lucrative Pentagon contracts.

While there are many differences between the two men  Cunningham, unlike Trump, served his country honorably during the Vietnam War and became a highly decorated Navy fighter pilot  there are similarities where their political careers are concerned.

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Like Trump, Cunningham had a loose tongue that often got him in trouble. Like Trump, he mocked, taunted, bullied and insulted his political opponents. And like Trump, Cunningham was drawn into far-fetched conspiracies. Look in the Congressional Record, and youll find Cunningham denouncing President Bill Clinton as a traitor and a KGB dupe because of a visit to Moscow as a college-aged man.

At the center of Cunninghams bribery scandal was a real estate deal. Cunningham sold his home in Del Mar to a defense contractor and campaign contributor named Mitchell Wade, one of the shady friends the congressman attracted. Wade paid $1.675 million for the congressmans home in 2003, an eye-popping figure that attracted attention even in San Diego Countys red-hot housing market.

Wade bought the home without ever having set foot in it, and only later found out that it was in sorry shape, darkened by the bars Cunningham installed over every window and skylight to foil Del Mars burglars. Wade put the home up for sale a month later, but it languished for a year before he managed to unload it for a $700,000 loss. To prosecutors, it smelled like bribery. And it was.

President Trump also sold a home for more than it was worth  except the house itself and the sale price were both much, much bigger. The property was a sprawling, oceanfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida that Trump sold for $95 million after purchasing it four years earlier for $41 million. At the time, it was the most expensive U.S. home sale ever.

The buyer of the 6-acre property was a Russian fertilizer magnate named Dmitry Rybolovlev. The sale took place in July 2008, a time when the overheated U.S. real estate market was showing signs of distress and the supply of luxury homes exceeded demand.

Rybolovlev overpaid. Five years after the sale, Palm Beach County officials appraised the house at less than $60 million.

To be fair, no one has accused Trump or Rybolovlev of bribery, but the similarities between the sale of Cunninghams property and Trumps are striking. Not unlike the defense contractor who bought Cunninghams Del Mar home, the Russian fertilizer king showed little interest in Trumps mansion before or after he bought it. He never lived in it and is said to have visited it only once.

The home was plagued by mold, and, amazingly, a lawyer for Rybolovlevs ex-wife told the Palm Beach Post he found no evidence that the Russian billionaire had hired anyone to inspect the property before he paid Trump a $50 million premium for it. In 2015, Rybolovlev got permission to demolish the 61,744-square-foot home, and is now selling off the land underneath it.

Other coincidences link Rybolovlev and Trump. Reporters have tracked the Russian billionaires private plane to cities where Trump was traveling during the 2016 presidential campaign and into his presidency. Both men say they have never met.

It could be that the sale of the Palm Beach mansion is an example of Trumps ballyhooed deal-making skills. And it is also possible that it was something else: that the purchase of the mansion known as Maison de lAimitie (House of Friendship) was a covert form of payment from friends unknown in Russia or elsewhere.

The major difference between the two transactions is that at the time of the sale of the Palm Beach mansion, Trump was not a public official. But now that he occupies the most powerful office in the world, the FBI, Senate and House intelligence committees who are examining the presidents ties to Russia should learn the lessons of the Cunningham scandal and give the enormous premium paid for Trumps moldering mansion  purchased sight unseen  the close scrutiny it deserves.

Hettena, a former military writer, is a freelance writer based in San Diego.
Four people are jailed and one is hospitalized with a leg injury after a shooting early Wednesday evening on La Crosses South Side.

La Crosse police made three arrests Wednesday evening, and took the fourth person into custody at 12:20 a.m. Thursday after a stand-off at a house at 17th Street and South Avenue.

Jailed are Ontario Lowery, 37, and Damon Taylor, 35, both of La Crosse, for first-degree recklessly endangering safety. Taylor, who was wanted on a probation warrant, also faces weapons and drug charges.

The names of the others involved will be released later today.

The incident unfolded at 5:38 p.m., when a man was shot in the leg outside a house at 17th Street and South Avenue. His injury is non-life threatening.

Police blocked off streets and rerouted traffic surrounding the house during the standoff that stretched into this morning. Streets in the area reopened about 2 a.m.

La Crosse County Circuit Judge Elliott Levine in February 2016 sentenced Taylor, who has a criminal record that spans 18 years, to three years on probation for possessing heroin while he was on federal supervision for the illegal purchase of a firearm.

A federal judge in September 2011 sentenced Taylor, a felon, to two years in prison and three years on supervision for having a woman buy a pistol for him at Monsoor's Sport Shop, 517 Copeland Ave., according to court records.

La Crosse police discovered Taylor with 5.7 grams of heroin packaged for sale on July 8, 2015, although he told officers he only conducts "middle" deals, according to the complaint. Taylor pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver heroin and denied he was a dealer, telling the judge he turned to heroin when he withdrew from powerful painkillers prescribed for injuries he suffered after a car crash.

"I look at this more as an addict case than a drug dealer case," Levine said during the hearing.

A warrant for violating the conditions of his federal release was granted in September 2015 and Taylor faced sentencing on Feb. 22, 2016, although a federal court sealed records from the hearing.

Lowerys criminal record in circuit court stretches back to 2000 and includes drug and battery convictions. In November 2013, he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charged in Utah for forcing four women to travel across several states to act as prostitutes in 2011.

Two of the women told police in Salt Lake City that they were afraid to leave because Lowery assaulted them, took their identifications, slept with the car keys, and kept the money they earned, according to court records.

A judge in September 2014 sentenced him to 40 months in prison and 36 months on supervised release. His supervised release was transferred to Wisconsin in October.

In February, a judge issued a warrant after he tested positive for using marijuana and drove drunk in Madison on Nov. 30. He failed to attend substance abuse treatment in February and March and tested positive for cocaine and marijuana on March 7. Lowery has a judicial review hearing in federal court on April 19.
California has by far the highest median bail for people arrested on suspicion of committing crime. At about $50,000, its more than five times higher than the national median. But according to a 2015 Public Policy Institute of California report, states that have far lower bail have the same relatively low number of people skip out on their trials as the Golden State. In Washington D.C., authorities have ended bail altogether and also have the same relatively low numbers of people who are trial no-shows.

Given that about 60 percent of people in Californias county jails are there because they cant pay bail, the states policy appears hard to fathom. Its corollary effects  keeping suspects from working or going to class or taking care of their families and draining county budgets  are destructive.

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This is why it is welcome news that legislation is advancing in Sacramento that would adopt a Washington-style approach that emphasizes flight risk and concerns about public safety in deciding who is subject to pre-trial detention. Some law enforcement associations worry about this approach going too far, too fast. Some defenders of present state bail policies say critics ignore how much new crime some quickly released suspects would commit. They deserve a chance to make their case.

But Californias bail policy must change  because our criminal justice system should be just.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: UTOpinion
Sanctuary city laws meant to reassure unauthorized immigrants that local officials welcome their presence are kind and big-hearted. Policies intended to encourage unauthorized immigrants to report crimes to local police without fear of consequence are effective and humane. The Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration has the potential to disrupt the lives of millions of U.S. residents who have been productive, law-abiding members of their communities, people who deserve a chance to become citizens after Congress finally passes comprehensive immigration reform.

Yet it is possible to believe all of these things and still be wary of SB 54, a bill touted by Senate leader Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, to make California a sanctuary state. In its initial form, what de Leon calls the California Values Act amounted to the states formal declaration of noncooperation with the federal government when it comes to federal immigration laws. The measures main provision would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies, including school police and security departments, from using resources to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes. After criticism from law enforcement officials, de Leon amended the bill to allow Sheriffs Departments to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the release from local jails of certain types of serious and violent felons; to allow law enforcement officers to notify ICE if they encountered someone with a violent felony record who had previously been deported; and to make it clear that local and state law enforcement authorities could be part of investigatory task forces led by federal agencies even if immigration enforcement were involved.

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After the changes were made, de Leons bill passed the state Senate 27-12 on Monday on a party-line vote. Democrats, many of them Latino, celebrated the approval as sending President Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and other immigration hardliners a defiant, principled message that California stands with its immigrant community.

But these Democrats muddle their message by refusing to take seriously concerns about their attempts to make distinctions between bad felons  take them away  and allegedly not-so-bad felons  let them stay. According to Assembly Republicans, the latter category includes people convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, human trafficking and other significant crimes.

As the Los Angeles Times George Skelton noted in an insightful March 30 column, Assembly Democrats would rather talk about how awful Trump is than address this problem. The column focused on AB 298, a bill introduced by Assemblyman James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, to allow local authorities to detain any unauthorized felon who was eligible for release from custody for up to 48 hours for possible deportation by federal immigration agents. The measure was rejected on a party-line vote by the Assembly Public Safety Committee without Democrats explaining their curious felon hairsplitting.

There are other reasons to be wary of de Leons bill as well. It could prompt an unprecedented crackdown by the Trump administration on a state whose attorney general, Xavier Becerra, calls federal attempts to enforce federal laws unconstitutional overreach. Given how much California Democrats dislike Trump for his immigration policy and many other reasons, that might be a risk theyre willing to take.

But one risk they shouldnt take is offering protection to convicted felons who are unauthorized immigrants. They havent earned the compassionate treatment that de Leon hopes to provide.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: UTOpinion
Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, has decided to recuse himself from the House intelligence committees investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election after weeks of confusing behavior.

A host of politicians  both Democrats and Republicans  called for him to step down after a series of actions that began with a press conference on March 22. It ended with the House Ethics Committee deciding to investigate him, at least according to Nunes.

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Heres a brief timeline with the basics of how he got here.

March 22

Nunes holds a press conference saying President Donald Trumps transition team (of which he was a member) had been under inadvertent surveillance. He also says hes going straight to the president to tell him about it.

Two major issues stem from this press conference:

1. Nunes  who is chairman of the intelligence committee  said right then and there that the alleged surveillance had nothing to do with the Russia investigation, but that doesnt stop people from talking about the possible connection or political motivations behind the announcement.

2. Whatever information Nunes received, he didnt share it with his own bipartisan committee before going straight to Trump.

Also on March 22, the ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, rips Nunes in several media appearances and on Twitter for failing to share what hes learned with his own committee.

Today, Chairman Nunes shared information with WH still withheld from our committee. He cannot conduct a credible investigation this way. pic.twitter.com/wwrp7H7JWC  Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) March 22, 2017

March 23

Nunes apologizes to members of the House Intelligence Committee for not sharing the new information with them first.

March 27

After days of confusion over who shared this information with Nunes  he initially just said it was a source but many wondered if it was from Trumps inner circle, especially because Nunes said he received the info on the White House grounds  Nunes tells a Bloomberg reporter that the info came from an intelligence official.

On the same day, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, and others call for Nunes to step down from the Russia investigation.

The time is long overdue for @SpeakerRyan to call on @DevinNunes to recuse himself at the very least. https://t.co/KtEO8mslts pic.twitter.com/4nh0P8DMLj  Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) March 27, 2017

March 29

The New York Times breaks the news that Nunes source for the information about alleged surveillance of the Trump transition team did indeed come from two White House officials. One works on the National Security Council and the other works in the White House Counsels Office. Read that story here.

April 6

The House Ethics Committee announces it will investigate whether Nunes actions and recent press conference could be considered disclosing classified information which relates to the investigation on Russia.

After ethical questions were raised about his ability to lead the probe, Nunes decides to step down from leading the investigation.

.@CeciliaVega presses Rep. Devin Nunes on why he's stepping away from Russia probe: "I sent out a statement and my statement will stand." pic.twitter.com/3m6RpgMcfs  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) April 6, 2017

Heres his full statement:

Several left wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics. The charges are entirely false and politically motivated, and are being leveled just as the American people are beginning to learn the truth about the improper unmasking of the identities of U.S. citizens and other abuses of power. Despite the baselessness of the charges, I believe it is in the best interests of the House Intelligence Committee and the Congress for me to have Representative Mike Conaway, with assistance from Representatives Trey Gowdy and Tom Rooney, temporarily take charge of the Committees Russia investigation while the House Ethics Committee looks into this matter. I will continue to fulfill all my other responsibilities as Committee Chairman, and I am requesting to speak to the Ethics Committee at the earliest possible opportunity in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
The Department of Defense is putting together possible options for U.S. military action in response to the chemical attack on rebel-held areas in Syria just days ago, and even President Donald Trump is now saying something should happen.

Pentagon officials told the New York Times that developing strategies for the president is their responsibility even during more peaceful times, so it didnt necessarily mean escalation is in the near future. But that isnt stopping a full-on debate over military intervention from breaking out across the U.S.

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That includes Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who went as far on Thursday as to say steps are underway to form an international coalition to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has been fighting a civil war against opponents of his regime since 2011, in recent years with the help of Russia.

Secretary Tillerson comments on response to chemical weapons attack in #Syria: https://t.co/pVB6YtCj5E pic.twitter.com/dokHAIcC6l  Department of State (@StateDept) April 6, 2017

Here are two other questions Tillerson was asked about Syria on Thursday, along with the answers.

Should Assad be removed from power?

TILLERSON: Assads role in the future is uncertain, clearly. And with the acts that he has taken, it would seem that there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people.

What steps are the United States prepared to take in order to remove him from power?

TILLERSON: Well, the process by which Assad would leave is something that I think requires an international community effort, both to first defeat ISIS within Syria, to stabilize the Syrian country, to avoid further civil war, and then to work collectively with our partners around the world through a political process that would lead to Assad leaving.

Even Trump upped the ante on Thursday when asked about Syria on the way to Florida to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity, Trump said. Hes there, and I guess hes running things, so something should happen.

Trump when asked if Assad should leave power after chemical attack: Something should happen https://t.co/dGgqqjpwwf https://t.co/vzfIDHEkGZ  CNN (@CNN) April 6, 2017

Now it seems like everybody is talking about Syria. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, even released this dramatic video montage of all the things hes said about the country lately and called for bipartisan support of Trump if hes willing to end unthinkable violence and destruction in Syria.

If @POTUS is willing to take necessary actions to end unthinkable violence & destruction in #Syria, he deserves broad bipartisan support pic.twitter.com/70U8hSFdIV  John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) April 6, 2017

Pundits, other politicians and average Americans picked up the debate on social media. Some were outright appalled by the idea of military intervention.

Don't let the bi-partisan warmongers cause more death and destruction in Syria. Have courage to stand for peace when others call for war.  Ajamu Baraka (@ajamubaraka) April 6, 2017

Where's the Democratic uproar against regime change in Syria??? Are we gonna do the Iraq thing all over again here?????  Secular Talk (@KyleKulinski) April 6, 2017

Others pondered Trumps new role in having to deal with the situation.

Of all the reasons Americans voted for Trump, getting into a war with Syria was not on the list.  ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) April 6, 2017

I #TrustTrump on #Syria. I voted for his instincts and judgment. He'll use both and make the right call.  Bill Mitchell (@mitchellvii) April 6, 2017

Its clear this will be a deeply discussed issue in the day to come.

Genuinely curious where hardcore Trumpkins are on the Syria strike. You'd think they'd be strongly opposed, but...  Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) April 6, 2017

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2017: WHY WON'T DONALD TRUMP TAKE ACTION IN SYRIA  Razor (@hale_razor) April 6, 2017

Congress CANNOT & SHOULD NOT go on break while President Trump considers escalating war in Syria. @SpeakerRyan - we need a debate. https://t.co/pg0gsObXMZ  Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) April 6, 2017

What do you think the Trump administration should do?

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
As of Wednesday afternoon, CNN reported that at least 47 brands had pulled their advertisements from The OReilly Factor show on Fox News in response to disturbing sexual harassment allegations made against the networks cable firebrand, Bill OReilly.

Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, BMW of America and Mitsubishi were among the first to pull ads from OReillys show since Saturday when The New York Times revealed that Fox News had paid about $13 million to five women accusing him of sexual harassment. The women reportedly worked with him or appeared on his show.

The sordid details of the story blew up into a national scandal. And all week, brands have been releasing statements like this.

Even as the furor has grown, the network has steadily resisted calls to fire OReilly. His viewership has soared and even President Donald Trump, just days after he declared April as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, said he didnt think Bill did anything wrong.

Its unclear how much of a financial impact the scandal has had yet on Fox News  the company says it has moved the pulled ads to other shows on the network. Support for brands to leave OReillys show was overwhelming and hopes were high that the protests could pay off.

The episode was a reminder of past times brands pulled ads in the aftermath of a controversy. Axios media reporter Sara Fischer noted the short history of advertisement boycotts inspired by social media that have led publishers to make changes.

YouTube faced a similar backlash at the beginning of March when brands also pulled their ads from videos that featured offensive content like racist-filled rants and graphic footage. Google apologized and took steps to improve the way it responded to inappropriate videos.

Last year, Breitbart faced a version of the same problem when brands sought to distance themselves from the site over content that was seen as anti-Semitic. But it wasnt until another controversy hit Breitbart in February that it began to contemplate changes to its content.

The list of examples go on. But even with the history of boycotts getting companies to change policies, people were skeptical as to whether the OReilly ad boycott would truly result in any noticeable changes. Because brands can move their media advertisements anywhere they want, it is always difficult to predict how boycotts like these turn out in the long term.

Still, despite the negative perception of OReilly and the allegations made against him, the impact of ad boycotts energized by social media also raises question about the chill effect it has in the industry. Politico media writer Jack Shafer took another angle in a column urging people to pause and think through the consequences of the calls for advertiser boycotts.

Shafer writes:

The OReilly boycott is a bad idea. Even if you hate the guy, think of it this way: It may end up energizing calls for advertising boycotts against the on-air talent you like, inspiring timidity among ad buyers who are already too timid.

OReilly may have a better sense of how all of this will turn out  after all, hes weathered scandals in the past. But if the ad boycott results in his firing, whos to say that wont or cant happen to other shows on other networks after similar social media campaigns?

Is Shafer right? Should we be worried?

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez
A fire of undetermined origin gutted a single-story house on Roberto Way in Poway Wednesday night.

Twenty-one firefighters from the Poway and San Diego fire departments responded to the 10:20 p.m. alarm to find the three-bedroom house in the 12600 block of the street fully engulfed in flames, according to Poway Battalion Chief Scott Post. The sole occupant, the homes owner, fled the residence after noticing smoke coming from a room behind the garage and escaped without injury, Post said. One of the owners cats perished in the fire and a second cat had not been found as of late Thursday morning.

Post said the house and all of its contents were destroyed in the blaze. A fence was also destroyed and the exterior of a neighbors house suffered some heat damage, he said.

Email: editor@pomeradonews.com
A frantic call Del Norte High student Lauren Santos placed to 911 on Monday morning to report a crash in the schools parking lot initiated two emotionally difficult days on the 4S Ranch campus.

Soon the entire junior and senior classes  around 1,000 students  surrounded two vehicles involved in a head-on collision. Inside were four members of the Class of 2017. John Deney sat in the drivers seat of one car as Maddie Mikschl lay dead on its hood, having been ejected through the windshield. In the other car Kjia Rivers legs were trapped as she sat behind the steering wheel and she repeatedly pleaded with her passenger, Rana Aghazadeh, to wake up.

Within minutes, California Highway Patrol Officer Juan Escobar arrived and assessed the situation as sirens blaring from a Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department engine and a San Dieguito paramedics ambulance could be heard approaching.

This scene easily could have been real. Instead, it was staged as part of the CHPs Every 15 Minutes program to provide Del Norte students a wake-up call about drunk or impaired drivings consequences.

Soon the accident scene turned into everyones worst nightmare. Realizing nothing could be done for Mikschl, paramedics covered her lifeless body with a yellow sheet while firefighters literally broke apart Rivers car to free the two girls in the hopes of saving their lives. Deney, having sustained bumps and bruises, sat on the curb, his head in his hands, a couple feet from a CHP officer standing guard.

Not long after Rivers and Aghazadeh were whisked away to the hospital  where Aghazadeh would soon be declared dead and Rivers paralyzed  Escobar administered various tests to determine how impaired Deney was since beer cans were found in the wreckage. Having failed the tests, he was placed in handcuffs and led to a waiting patrol car as the coroner drove up to remove Mikschls body and take her to the morgue. Deney, 18, would later face a judge and be sentenced to more than 20 years in state prison for causing the accident.

On Tuesday, Del Nortes upperclassmen once again assembled. This time in the gym for a memorial service also broadcast into classrooms for the underclassmen to watch. It began with a bagpiper and the grim reaper leading a procession of two dozen students wearing black T-shirts. As they approached a flower-draped casket each looked at a nearby screen where their baby photo and a recent photo were projected, along with their names and dates of birth and death. The latter was the same for all  April 3, 2017. They represented the number of people killed within a school day due to drunk driving.

Fortunately for the participants, this wasnt real, said CHP Officer Jake Sanchez. But I want you to take away from this that it can happen, does happen, every 15 minutes.

Every 15 Minutes  the name of the program held at Del Norte for the first time in the schools history  was made possible through a $6,000 grant from the CHP and another $4,000 from Del Nortes Parent Teacher Student Association.

Adults are acutely aware how vulnerable students are at this age, said Principal Greg Mizel. There is alcohol and other things being served and not all teens are calling their parents for a ride home, or Uber or Lyft. As they navigate their way home, you wonder how many have a near miss and how many near misses they will get.

Near misses, he said, can be a wake-up call or build a sense of bravado, believing they are so good at driving while impaired that nothing bad will ever happen.

While most students were observers, for those involved in the presentation it was reportedly heartbreaking. For 30 hours the living dead and their parents could not communicate in any way. Following Mondays staged scene they went on a retreat where each teen wrote a good-bye letter to parents, who in turn were tasked with writing their childrens eulogies.

It was absolutely heartbreaking and surreal, said Kari Moore, whose son Jake was among the living dead. I knew it was not real, but still struggled with it. It is something I never want to do (for real) or for anybody (else).

If I can change one of these kids lives, this is worth it, Sanchez said. We need to convince them not to drink and drive.

The program was founded in the late 1990s by the Chico Police Department. In 2003, the CHP took it over and this year will bring the Every 15 Minutes program to 150 campuses in California, he said. It took more than a year of planning at Del Norte, led by Student Services Specialist Tiffany Cruz, seniors Terra Bilhorn and Julia Parakkal, and juniors Nicole Delao and Grace Friedman.

According to Sanchez, 1,000 teens die in the U.S. each year due to drunk driving accidents.

My greatest fear ... is responding to a crash ... recognizing one of the students in the Every 15 Minutes program and knowing we didnt get that message through, he said.

Sanchez challenged the students to speak with those wearing the black T-shirts, to gain a better understanding of the consequences from a poor decision.

Numerous speakers emphasized the message, each from a different perspective. San Diego Superior Court Judge Robert Amador focused on the life-long legal consequences, especially for those under 21, since California has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving.

If no one dies, he said a DUI conviction can easily cost $15,000 between fines, attorney fees and increased insurance premiums for the next decade. If there is a death, prison time is guaranteed.

This is not just bad luck, it is stupidity, Amador said. It is a conscious decision. There is a lot of drinking by teens ... dope, meth, coke, all those put you in danger of being arrested for being under the influence, killing somebody.

Being behind the wheel is like taking a loaded gun and firing it into a crowd, he said. That is the mentality of drinking and driving. It happens way too often.

I see this stuff for real, said Jeramiah Martinez, a respiratory therapist at Sharp Chula Vista. The hardest part is walking past a family, saying Im sorry, I couldnt save your child.

Martinez, the father of a 19-year-old, said teens make mistakes, but driving impaired is a choice. Your parents will be upset (youre drunk), but will be happy to pick you up at 1:30 a.m. rather than getting the call ... they need to identify your body (at the morgue).

You guys (now) can make mistakes that moms and dads cant fix, Mizel said. The kids responses are always sorry, but at this age sometimes sorry isnt enough. The last two days should give you pause ... just pause before making a fatal mistake where you cant undo the damage. We can avoid a tragedy.

Del Norte teacher Stephanie DeYoung recounted how she was a straight-A honors student in high school, yet one night right before her senior year in 1998 decided to drink wine while dining with friends. Later, on their way to Seaport Village, they crashed, one friend died, DeYoung (a passenger) was critically injured and the other two hurt. While the guy driving was not technically drunk, alcohol was a factor in the crash.

After 20 years I still feel guilt, she said. The effects of an accident like this dont just go away. Please be mindful of what youre doing.

Larry McNamer recounted how in 1993 his 15-year-old son, Sean, and friend Tyler Cash, were walking home when a drunk 27-year-old mom of three plowed them down in Lakeside, killing the boys on impact. It was her third DUI and second hit-and-run, he said.

Life is all about choices ... and the consequences of those choices can really be good or really be bad, McNamer said. Were here today because we want this to be stopped. ... You can stop it. We all can stop it.

I will definitely think of this every day of my life when a situation comes up, said Mikschl. I will think of this moment and how a little decision can impact lives. It will stay with me.

Though just pretending to be dead  filmed footage shown at the assembly included her parents viewing Mikschls body in a casket at a mortuary  Mikschl said playing the role was traumatic. It made it really real for me.

This whole thing opened my eyes, Aghazadeh said. Especially in my generation ... drinking is super common. The combination of drinking and driving ... we need to open eyes that this ends peoples lives. Cherish the moments in life spending it with people (you love) ... instead of stupidity, think about who will be affected and what the consequences may be.

Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com
Install K-rails

Re: Ramonas Centerline Median Two Death Corridors: 1. Cloudy Moon Drive and 2. North of Archie Moore.

As mentioned in my last communications, I advised I sent a letter to one of you and have yet to get a response. Later I also advised all of you about my meeting with a good man, Caltrans Engineer Jose Luis Robles. Although Jose never made a commitment, I think his heart felt the compassion of the issue. I asked him if Caltrans could do a feasibility and cost estimate study for placing K rails at these two dangerous areas of Ramonas Hwy 67.

I received a response from Caltrans. Basically it asks me to kiss off. Maybe our esteemed Ramona Community Planning Group could ask Caltrans to come and address our RCPG about what steps we could take to try to put this life-saving improvement on Hwy 67.

In my younger days, I would not let this matter go, but only Ramonans know the danger of the two stretches of 67 I have targeted. Unfortunately, Caltrans wants to wait till a few more of us die  perhaps they have a quota. I might be moving to blessed Texas soon and I need you guys to pick up a sword.

To me, the answer is damn simple  install the K-rails and the crash cushions. Go to : www.energyabsorption.com/products/products_quadguard_crash.asp.

With all the talent Caltrans has exhibited in the past, Im sure they can come up with a very low-cost solution. And lets do it NOW.

One of you responded to my call for those of you who have the balls. Might I remind you that the term has to do with courage.

I presume, per the last postponement of the issue at hand at the last RCPG meeting, this matter will be brought up at our next meeting with a resounding demand for action given to Caltrans, Dianne Jacob, our local state assemblyman and state senator, Duncan Hunter and Forrest Gump, who said Stupid is as stupid does.

Joe Minervini

Ramona

Indivisible means to stand together

Rebuttal to Sandy Hurlburt:

Im glad that you are interested in Indivisible. I highly recommend it since it/we (200 members and growing) will be around for a long time.

Let me clarify the name for you. Indivisible means to stand together. Thats what we do as we take on the Trump agenda.

Yes, people expressed themselves at the town hall. You can describe it any way you like. It follows the tea party model of making our voices heard. I wasnt in the town hall because I wanted to make sure that a peaceful atmosphere was maintained outside of the event. I also helped transition people to Collier Park, where Indivisible had a paid, permitted event. We, along with the Trump/Hunter supporters that we included, listened to the town hall streamed live.

Some people got rowdy. Indivisible folks from Ramona? Who knows? People may have gotten rowdy because these issues affect their everyday lives. This is a fine group of people who care deeply about their country.

Lets talk about civility. Is it civil for the president of the United States to have bragged about grabbing women by the genitals, being able to shoot someone on the street and get away with it, accuse a former president of a felony with no evidence, rate women based on looks, ban people based on religion, and claim that Mexicans coming into the U.S. are rapists and murderers?

You dont like that people called the president a liar? Dont you care more about your president telling the truth? Do you care that the DOJ is investigating Mr. Hunter?

In my article after the event, I thanked the Mainstage volunteers. I didnt claim that you did anything illegal, I simply said that people shouldnt assume that 125 people were let in ahead of the public since that would possibly be illegal (in my opinion).

I did a search on the Republican Women of Ramona website and sent an email to the contact us link. Apparently it never reached you. Maybe you have issues with your website or it went somewhere else.

We want to be congenial, not create a divide with those who disagree with our agenda. And, we are steadfast in our goals to protect and preserve American values. I appreciate your dedication to your group.

Contact me at indivisibleramona@gmail.com and we can chat over coffee.

Susan Conrad

Ramona

Indivisible non-partisan; are you serious?

Reading Ms. Conrads latest letter to the Sentinel would be amusing if it wasnt so sad and misleading. I especially enjoyed the comment that Indivisible is non-partisan and open to anyone who wishes to challenge the Trump agenda. First, Indivisible was fathered by Ezra Levin, who until 2011 served Democrat Lloyd Doggett of Texas as his deputy policy director. He is now the first paid staffer of Indivisible.

Indivisible co-founder Leah Greenberg works for Democrat Tom Perriello and supported his run for Governor of Virginia. And then there is Angel Padilla, another Indivisible major player who was a scheduler in the office of Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Illinois Democrat. Non-partisan, hardly. And then there is the lovely caveat, open to anyone who wishes to challenge the Trump agenda. So they are open as long as you agree with Indivisibles agenda. Part of democracy in action, looks and sounds great  until you take the wrapper off the package.

Tom McKelvey

Ramona

Devoted to preserving American way of life

I am a member of the Indivisible Ramona group. There have been some less than charitable descriptions of the group by Dr. Meyers and others in recent issues, so I would like to offer another perspective.

I believe that is no secret that the November 2016 election was a shock to most Americans  even to those who fervently hoped that Donald Trump would be the winner. Since that time, rhetoric and threats that were previously regarded as loose-talk campaign slogans became a looming possibility. And for those of us who are passionate about justice, equality, truth, and the very best American traditions, it has become clear that those values need to be articulated and promoted.

I confess that I have always taken some of my freedoms for granted. It never occurred to me that a U.S. election could be suspect. It never occurred to me that religious discrimination could become law in the 21st century. And I have always believed without question in the sanctity, and the necessity, of the free press that I learned about in grade school. Because the strength of our most cherished institutions appears to be in peril, I was glad to hear from a friend about the fledgling Indivisible Ramona group.

Indivisible Ramona is devoted to preserving our American way of life. Its name is a perfect descriptor of its mission. Although there are many ways of achieving the goals we all share and of promoting the values we all cherish, it becomes difficult to find our common ground if we are divided and querulous. I am very fond of many people in my family and my beloved Ramona community who do not agree with me on a variety of issues. Our disparate viewpoints need not distract us from our sense of community and our concern for each other.

Indivisible Ramona provides a vehicle for being involved in civic life. It puts me in touch with neighbors who also want to do their bit to keep democracy intact and thriving. Civic life can feel somewhat thankless at times; the benefits are often not immediate (despite the mythical checks coming from George Soros).

When we work together in a group such as Indivisible Ramona, the daunting responsibility is bolstered by camaraderie, friendship, and mutual respect. There are civic, political, and religious groups all around me whose values I do not share. I do, however, recognize and respect their right to exist. It would not occur to me to malign and criticize them publicly. American ideals champion their right to exist and to contribute in the way they see fit. Certainly this is a value we can all agree on.

Susan Nelson

Ramona

Indivisible Ramona effective, efficient

Informed and active citizens are the foundation of a democracy. Indivisible Ramona is one among many groups that provide information and offer an opportunity for citizens to voice their thoughts about current issues.

I joined Indivisible Ramona because its local. These are my friends and neighbors who care about our town, our state, our country. I joined Indivisible Ramona because it keeps me informed, providing sources for that information, so I make the judgment  not someone else  about the credibility of the source and the information.

I joined Indivisible Ramona because of the efficient and well-organized meetings. We determine the most effective ways to gather our voices into a strong advocacy for maintaining the freedoms, privileges, and rights we are so fortunate to enjoy as American citizens.

Contrary to what some would have you believe, we are not rabble-rousers consorting with paid individuals intent on disrupting the democratic process. We are simply a group of local volunteers deeply devoted to the institutions of democracy, such as a free press and public schools.

And yes, we demand accountability from our representatives in Congress. I became interested in Indivisible Ramona when their tireless efforts persuaded Duncan Hunter to hold a town hall so that all his constituents, those who agree or disagree with his views, could engage with our elected representative. Thats a service to our community, and demonstrative of the groups commitment to inclusivity, tolerance, and fairness.

The recent presidential election has spurred passion on both sides of many issues. However, some of us are old enough to remember a turbulent time in the 60s, when opposing voices were raised as America grappled with many difficult issues. And yet, our country not only survived, but I believe grew stronger and better from the discourse of dedicated citizens.

When I join with other Indivisible Ramona members, I become a powerful advocate for my views and values. Isnt that a democracy?

Bobbie Plough

Ramona
Consumers have been overwhelmed by stories that their personal data has been breached by hackers. A new story seems to pop up everyday.

So we contacted Kevin OBrien, CEO of GreatHorn in Boston, and simply asked: Whats the problem.

OBriend provided a clear explanation, and good advice for attacking the problem. Heres the column he wrote for us.

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Why Cant We Stop Getting Owned?

By Kevin OBrien, CEO, GreatHorn, Boston

Once upon a time, when pop culture showed us what computer and network security supposedly entailed, it was through the lens of youth and rebellion: Matthew Broderick at 21 years old, breaking into the military supercomputer in WarGames; a young Angelina Jolie in 1995s Hackers, cracking the security of American Express from a phone booth; Hugh Jackman as the youthful Stanley Jobson in 2001s Swordfish, uploading a virus into a US Department of Defense server while comically distracted.

Before smartphones, social networks, and coffee shop Wi-Fi access became ubiquitous, most Americans connected to the Internet through slow dial-up services, and remained online for at most a few hours at a time.

Banking, shopping, and storing sensitive information online was rare; email and chat were the primary draws for connecting online. Outside of government and academia, security was (at most) an afterthought. Hackers, as the general public thought of them, were at worst mischievous geeks.

While the reality of being involved in security 20 years ago was somewhat less exciting, the representation of both the cybersecurity industry and its practitioners as existing somewhere on the line between adolescence and maturity was not terribly far off. Being able to hack into a closed system was as much about curiosity as it was bragging rights.

To hack well, one needed to be both clever and creative. Simply stealing sensitive data for profit was derisively termed cracking by the security community  an ill-fated attempt to separate the good guys from the bad.

Thirty years on, hackers dominate media cycles, but the playfulness is gone.

According to research by the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach to a private company in 2015 was $15 million, up 21 percent from the year prior. In the public sector, everything from personal finance to politics has been impacted by cyber-crime. The 2016 presidential election cycle in the United States was in part defined by allegations of data loss and security breaches, on both sides of the political spectrum. At home, nearly 2 in 5 Americans have been victims of fraud, illicit access, and identity theft.

And the pace of breaches is accelerating: nearly 1,100 large-scale security failures were reported last year, up from under 800 in 2015.

For the average consumer, the question is clear: whats happening here?

The answer is surprisingly straightforward  we are witnessing the convergence of three key trends.

First, we are still underestimating the sophistication and skill of our adversaries. The idea of hackers as amateurs still lingers on, 30 years after they were first presented to the public as such in film.

For example, in September 2016, then-candidate Donald Trump suggested that someone sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds was at fault for what experts believe is a hack perpetrated by a sophisticated nation state.

While not every personification of modern cyber threats are quite so illustrative, miscomprehension of the nature of todays attackers results in poor strategic planning, and the damage can be widespread.

Consider that in 2014, following the massive breach of credit card data at Target, it came to light that the former CIO was warned that major security gaps existed within the company but brushed them off.

Secondly, the cybersecurity market  the companies focused on helping protect sensitive data from being stolen by attackers  has failed to provide a cohesive narrative that companies can use to protect consumer data.

The average Chief Information Security Officer today has more than 50 vendors from whom she buys software; unsurprisingly, this creates an overwhelming amount of noise for the employees tasked with consuming the alerts and threat feeds produced by those systems, and critical threats often fly under the radar as staff drown in low-value reporting.

According to the most recent Data Breach Investigation Report by Verizon (from 2016), 84% of breaches occur in days or less, but less than a quarter are detected in the same timeframe. this means that a cyber-criminal often has weeks or even months to cover their tracks; the combination of ineffectual approaches to security (such as annual security training that relies on employee intuition rather than automated detection and response of attackers) and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats (especially phishing emails, responsible for more than 90-percent of all data breaches), and its clear that the security community is failing to provide meaningful protection for consumers data once it resides on corporate servers and systems.

Finally, most ordinary citizens dont have good security hygiene. Password reuse between websites, poor practices around connecting to public wireless (such as logging into banking or other sensitive sites from a public network), and the proliferation of insecure smartphones and devices all create a large threat surface, exposing critically important data to criminals almost everywhere we go.

The good news is that none of these problems are impossible to resolve.

Taking security seriously is an important step. Todays criminals arent kids with laptops, theyre hostile foreign nations states, international criminal enterprises, and highly motivated and well-funded attackers. Security response needs to be prioritized accordingly, and taken as seriously as any other area of significant risk; it needs to be addressed soberly but sincerely, with both prevention (including technological investment in defenses) as well as mitigation (such as cybersecurity insurance and formal incident response strategy creation).

More importantly, security practices need to be part of our everyday lives. The reality is that in todays hyperconnected world, were always on. We read and respond to email at the dinner table from our phones.

Were accessible on the weekends via corporate chat programs. We can work from anywhere thanks to cloud storage and services that replace the cumbersome technology and firewalls of a decade ago.

The bad guys know this. Statistically, simple attacks like fraudulent email or chat messages are crafted to look like a real message from a boss or colleague will cause more breaches than any other cyberattack.

Unfortunately, many companies still do not arm their employees with much more than general advice to be careful and dont click links  tenuous strategies at best, built on a shaky foundation of too few resources and too little appreciation for just how effective attackers are  even if they are not as photogenic as we once believed.

Cybersecurity Playlist  On Now Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) slams Equifax On Now LA 90: Yahoo data breach worse than originally reported On Now Lifelock offers to protect you from the Equifax breach  by selling you services provided by Equifax 1:02 On Now California beer maker thrives in Germany On Now Cyberattacks on Hollywood On Now Hackers gain access to OneLogin On Now What is WannaCry? On Now Senate overturns privacy rules for Internet providers On Now Online pirates claim to hold Disney's latest 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie hostage, demand ransom On Now Yahoo warns users of malicious activity

Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
A farmer evacuated from her home near a Japanese nuclear power plant visited Soweto Wednesday to talk to impoverished South Africans about how the poor are worst hit by catastrophes like the one triggered by an earthquake in her homeland.

Anti-nuclear activists from Greenpeace, which is trying to spark a grass-roots anti-nuclear movement here, brought Ayako Oga to South Africa. The country has Africas only nuclear energy plant and plans to build more.

Oga said she fled her home some 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Fukushima plant on March 11, the day a massive earthquake hit Japan. A power pylon toppled, cutting electricity to the cooling system at Fukushima. The roof of one reactor was blown off by a hydrogen explosion.

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Poor people who were evacuated to escape leaking radiation have found it hard to get jobs elsewhere in Japan, Oga said. She added the rich are able to afford food that is guaranteed not to have been contaminated by radiation, and have better access to information about how to stay safe.

In an interview before addressing about two dozen people in the auditorium of a community college, Oga said she understood that Soweto, a neighborhood to which blacks were restricted under apartheid, was largely poor and beset by lack of jobs and housing and AIDS and other health issues. She said its residents needed to add nuclear energy to their already long list of concerns, because they will be the ones that will suffer the most when they face a catastrophic accident.

Greenpeace is calling on South Africa to abandon its nuclear expansion plans in favor of a strong push to energy efficiency and renewable power. But the government has reiterated its commitment to building more reactors in the face of a growing energy crisis.

Many in Ogas audience were from community groups more accustomed to brainstorming ways to find homes or jobs, or to help people who could not afford to pay their electricity or water bills. A Zulu translator at first stumbled over whether her home town was Hiroshima or Fukushima.

Her listeners were nonetheless engaged as Oga spoke of expecting that it would never be safe to return in her lifetime to her home, and of her longing to farm again. Oga said friends and neighbors have scattered. Across Japan, she said, children are kept inside for fear playing outside will expose them to radiation, and people constantly monitor radiation levels.

The use of atomic power always goes hand in hand with the threat of nuclear contamination, she said, appealing to Sowetans to help prevent this from happening again, anywhere in the world.

After a speech and answering questions, Oga, who said she had spoken out against what she saw as the dangers of nuclear energy even before the quake, rose to sing an anti-nuclear song from her high school days. It spoke of a beloved landscape ruined by radiation.

Virginia Setshedi, a Soweto rights activist, was moved to rise to thank Oga, and then turned to the rest of the audience.

The things that you take for granted, my comrades, the flowers, the grass, the trees, other people can no longer enjoy, Setshedi said. So I think its important for us to enjoy them, to protect them.
What it means to be an average American today is in many ways so different from what it meant a century ago, when the United States entered World War I.

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The First World War, which the U.S. entered 100 years ago today, is so far in our past that it can feel like ancient history. How can we understand the U.S. of 1917 when so much has changed since then?

One way is to compare what it means to be an average American then and now, though were fairly certain that Saturday Evening Post readers are, on the whole, above average.

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If you were an average American on this day in 1917, you were one of 103 million citizens. (Todays population is over 320 million.) Being a typical 1917 American, you would be among the 86 percent of the population that was Caucasian, and you would live on a farm or in a town with a population of 2,500 or less. Because of your rural locale, you wouldnt have heard about that new American music called jazz that was brewing in the big cities; it had only been recorded for the first time in March.

Suppose you were the typical woman of 1917. Youd be between the ages of 15 and 19, but you wouldnt get married until you were 21. You had a life expectancy of 49 years (today its 78.8 years). You couldnt vote, you couldnt obtain birth control, and you had no education beyond the eighth grade. You were living in your parents house. You washed your hair just once a month, and you would probably deliver all three of your babies at home.

But the typical American in 1917 was a man; the majority of Americans were male until the 1950s. As an average American, adult male, you were between 20 and 24 years old with a life expectancy of 47 years.

You worked 55 hours a week for 22 cents an hour, but your income wouldnt go as far in 1917 as it does today. For example, you would spend 33 percent of your earnings on food (compared to 16 percent today). Every year, you would consume 11.5 pounds of lard, 14 pounds of chicken (its over 90 pounds today), and 88 pounds of sugar (at 4 cents a pound). Also, your clothing expenses took up 13 percent of your annual income, compared to just 3 percent today. Youd need to save up almost an entire years income to buy the average new car, which cost around $450 (today its around $34,000).

However, if you were in the fortunate minority that owned one of the 4.7 million cars on Americas roads in 1917, you would pay as much as 20 cents for a gallon of gas (the equivalent of $3.81 per gallon today). And if you lived in any city, the law would prevent you from traveling faster than 10 miles per hour.

The average new home today costs $390,000. If you had bought an average new home in 1917, it would cost $5,000 (the equivalent of $95,000 in todays dollars), and youd share it with four other people instead of the 2.3 others youd share it with today.

As an average American, you wouldnt be among the fortunate 14 percent of the population whose homes had bathtubs with running water, or the 18 percent of households with at least one live-in servant. Also, youd have no phone in your home; that was a privilege enjoyed by only 8 percent of Americans. Instead, your long-distance communication would be done by mail, though Americans sent six times more telegrams than letters.

As a typical male in 1917, you wouldnt have graduated from high school  only 10 percent did so  but at least you could read and write (25 percent of Americans couldnt). You would be considered ready for military service. Before the war was over, if you were between 18 and 31, you had a 25 percent chance of serving in uniform, as either a draftee or a volunteer.

If you did end up as an average soldier in the armed forces, you would be 25 years old, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and a compact 144 pounds, with a 31-inch waist and 14-inch neck. Most likely, you would be among the 4 million American men who served in the American Expeditionary Forces. If so, you had a 50/50 chance of serving overseas, a 5 percent chance of being wounded in battle, and a 1.3 percent chance of being killed in the fighting. But, as a typical G.I. (a term that wouldnt be in use until the next world war), you would not be among the 43,000 servicemen who died of influenza during and after the war.

However, when you got home in 1918 after surviving the flu epidemic and the war, you would no longer be the typical American youd been in 1917.
Tampa, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2017 -- KHRXS released his mixtape "KhrXs" in February 2016, featuring the production from Nard & B and Press Play. Hosted by DJ Pop Dukez, this mixtape was appreciated the world over and established the artist's Hi-Rock genre as one of the funky music type that everyone appreciated.



And now "KhrXs 2" is also creating ripples in the music industry and is fast gaining its popularity among music lovers around the world. The latest mixtape by the Florida artist is available on different websites and online platforms for free download. According to reports, the mixtape is being downloaded by dozens of music enthusiasts from different platforms on a daily basis. Many of these KhrXs fans are enjoying the music of this new mixtape and this will further consolidate the popularity of the Hi-Rock kind of music that is the original creation of this Florida based artist.



For all Hi-Rock genre fans, the "KhrXs 2" mixtape will prove a new musical retreat to enjoy a unique creation. According to KhrXs, it has everything that will appeal to the new generation music lovers. The mixtape has already been downloaded by a number of music lovers and KhrXs fans, and they all are appreciating the music and the artist's soulful creation. KhrXs is confident that "KhrXs 2" will again create a buzz all around and it will be a bigger success than his "KhrXs".



KhrXs has been deeply influenced by Michael Jackson, Outkast, and Lil Wayne. His music carries a strong flavor of these music legends, but he includes something unusual and never tried before that make his music truly unique. His "KhrXs" is loved by music lovers because of this unusual and exciting music. The artist has a significant fan following around the world, and which is expected to grow even more with the release of this new mixtape "KhrXs 2".



One can learn more about this mixtape or can play it online by visiting the link https://mxtpz.me/a/106620.



About KhrXs

Florida Artist KhrXs is the originator of the Hi-Rock genre. Influenced by Michael Jackson, Outkast, and Lil Wayne, he creates an unusual music for his fans around the world. In 2016 KhrXs dropped "KhrXs", the self-titled mixtape produced exclusively by Atlanta super producers Nard & B. Now, KhrXs announces the sophomore release of his new mixtape "KhrXs 2", which is now available for playing online or download on different platforms and websites.



For Media Contact:

Contact Person: KhrXs

Telephone: 917-740-3831

Email: 24kmixtapes@gmail.com

Website: https://mxtpz.me/a/106620
Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2017 -- Squash is a concentrated syrup which is made up of fruit. Squash is generally non-alcoholic in nature as it is not fermented. Generally while manufacturing squash sugar is added, but now a days few company offers sugar free squash. In modern squash, food coloring and additional flavors are also added. In traditional squash some sort of herbal extract such as ginger extract and elderflower extract are also added to enhance the quality of the squash. Squash are also known as cordial. Squash are also used mixed with alcoholic drinks in order to make cocktails. Orange and lime base are the most commonly used squash in any social event. Squash has a large market share in the global market of fruit juices. Squash is very popular in Denmark, India, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Argentina, Pakistan, Ireland,Indonesia, Israel, Norway, Sweden, South Africa, Cyprus, Kenya, Australia, Chinaand New Zealand.



Market Segmentation:



Squash marketis segment on the basis of type, distribution channel and region. On the basis of type the squash market is segmented into orange squash, lemon squash, blueberry squash and mixed fruit. Among all these application, orange squash segment accounts for significant share of total squash market. The demand for Squash is also more as it is very refreshing and is loved by children. On the basis of distribution channel the squash market is segmented into hyper/supermarket stores, departmental stores, grocery/retailers and online retailers. Hyper/supermarket is expected to hold a relatively higher share in the squash market, followed by grocery/retailers segment. As we all know online stores offers great discounts and easy delivery of the product at the doorstep, thus this segment is anticipated to grow enormously in the forecast period. On the basis of region the squash market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and MEA.



Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3331



Market Regional Outlook:



Regional segment for the market of Squash is divided into seven different regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and MEA. Among these segment Asia Pacific is expected to be the leader of squash market share globally, and is expected to be dominant in the forecaster period. In Asia Pacific region the countries like India, Bangladesh and China are the key market for squash. In terms of revenue Europe is the expected to be the second leading contributor in theSquash market, followed by North America.



Market Drivers:



The rising demand for non-alcoholic products among consumers is the major driver for the growth of squash market globally. The increasing adoption of natural fruit juices as an alternative to aerated drinks by health conscious consumers is anticipated to drive the growth of global squash market. The increasing growth of natural sweeteners market is expected to bolster the growth of global squash market. In order to carter to the rising demand of healthy drink , manufacturers are manufacturing squash that are sugar free and has no artificial color. The Squash market is also driven by the love for refreshing juice by the children. Children prefer chilled tasty drinks after doing any sort of physical activity and squash is a perfect answer to their demands. Squash which contains herbal ingredients are generally a rich source of vitamins which is another reason for the growth of squash market in the forecast period globally. However, the amount of fructose present in the squash which may cause some health issue can be a restrain to this growing market of squash.



Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3331



Market Key Players:



Some of the major players in squash market includes Robinsons, Kissan, Britvic, Hamdard, Coca Cola, Rasna, Assis, Prigat, Primor, Suntory, Nichols and Sunquick among others.
Harrisburg, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Contact Adam Green!

c: 801-809-7766

e: g3president@comcast.net



The Mayflower was hired in London, and sailed from London to Southampton in July 1620 to begin loading food and supplies for the voyage--much of which was purchased at Southampton. The Pilgrims were mostly still living in the city of Leiden, in the Netherlands. They hired a ship called the Speedwell to take them from Delfshaven, the Netherlands, to Southampton, England, to meet up with the Mayflower. The two ships planned to sail together to Northern Virginia. The Speedwell departed Delfthaven on July 22, and arrived at Southampton, where they found the Mayflower waiting for them. The Speedwell had been leaking on her voyage from the Netherlands to England, though, so they spent the next week patching her up.



On August 5, the two ships finally set sail for America. But the Speedwell began leaking again, so they pulled into the town of Dartmouth for repairs, arriving there about August 12. The Speedwell was patched up again, and the two ships again set sail for America about August 21. After the two ships had sailed about 300 miles out to sea, the Speedwell again began to leak. Frustrated with the enormous amount of time lost, and their inability to fix the Speedwell so that it could be sea-worthy, they returned to Plymouth, England, and made the decision to leave the Speedwell behind. The Mayflower would go to America alone. The cargo on the Speedwell was transferred over to the Mayflower; some of the passengers were so tired and disappointed with all the problems that they quit and went home. Others crammed themselves onto the already very crowded Mayflower.



Finally, on September 6, the Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, and headed for America. By the time the Pilgrims had left England, they had already been living onboard the ships for nearly a month and a half. The voyage itself across the Atlantic Ocean took 66 days, from their departure on September 6, until Cape Cod was sighted on 9 November 1620. The first half of the voyage went fairly smoothly, the only major problem was sea-sickness. But by October, they began encountering a number of Atlantic storms that made the voyage treacherous. Several times, the wind was so strong they had to just drift where the weather took them; it was not safe to use the ship's sails. The Pilgrims intended to land in Northern Virginia, which at the time included the region as far north as the Hudson River in the modern State of New York. The Hudson River, in fact, was their originally intended destination. They had received good reports on this region while in the Netherlands. All things considered, the Mayflower was almost right on target, missing the Hudson River by just a few degrees.



As the Mayflower approached land, the crew spotted Cape Cod just as the sun rose on November 9. The Pilgrims decided to head south, to the mouth of the Hudson River in New York, where they intended to make their plantation. However, as the Mayflower headed south, it encountered some very rough seas, and nearly shipwrecked. The Pilgrims then decided, rather than risk another attempt to go south they would just stay and explore Cape Cod. They turned back north, rounded the tip, and anchored in what is now Provincetown Harbor. The Pilgrims would spend the next month and a half exploring Cape Cod, trying to decide where they would build their plantation. On December 25, 1620, they had finally decided upon Plymouth, and began construction of their first buildings.



Harrisburg Pennsylvania General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Declares New Geneology Resource Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com



Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com , http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
Hartford, CT -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Contact Adam Green!

c: 801-809-7766

e: g3president@comcast.net



Hartford Connecticut General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Announces New Geneology Asset Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com



The Pilgrims did not leave behind any lists of the items they brought with them on the Mayflower, but historians have used a provision list put together by Captain John Smith (of Pocahontas fame) to take an educated guess. However, in 2012, Caleb Johnson, Simon Neal, and Jeremy Bangs started transcribing and studying a rare manuscript (a page of which is here illustrated) in the possession of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, that was written by one of the investors in the Pilgrims' joint-stock company. This manuscript actually contains several lists of suggested provisions the colonists should bring with them. It is the closest thing we can get to a list of what the Pilgrims would have actually brought.



A summary of some of the key items on the provision lists: http://mayflowerhistory.com/pilgrim-history/



-Food and Drink: Biscuit, beer, salt, (dried) beef, salt pork, oats, peas, wheat, butter, sweet oil, mustard seed, ling or cod fish, "good cheese", vinegar, aqua-vitae, rice, bacon, cider.



-Clothing: Monmouth cap, falling bands, shirts, waistcoat, suit of canvas, suit of cloth, Irish stockings, 4 pairs of shoes, garters. Slippers, plain shoes, little shoes, French soles, sewing needles.



-Bedding: Canvas sheets, bolster "filled with good straw", rug and blankets.



-Arms: Light armor (complete), fowling piece, snaphance, sword, belt, bandoleer, powder horn, 20 pounds of powder, 60 pounds of shot.



-Household: Iron pot, kettle, frying pan, gridiron, two skillets, spit, platters, dishes, spoons of wood, napkins, towels, soap, hand mill, mortar and pestle.



-Tools: Broad hoes, narrow hoes, broad axe, felling axe, steel handsaw, whipsaw, hammers, shovels, spades, augers, chisels, gimlets, hatchets, grinding stone, nails, locks for doors.



Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com , http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
Highland, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Contact Adam Green!

c: 801-809-7766

e: g3president@comcast.net



The Mayflower was hired in London, and sailed from London to Southampton in July 1620 to begin loading food and supplies for the voyage--much of which was purchased at Southampton. The Pilgrims were mostly still living in the city of Leiden, in the Netherlands. They hired a ship called the Speedwell to take them from Delfshaven, the Netherlands, to Southampton, England, to meet up with the Mayflower. The two ships planned to sail together to Northern Virginia. The Speedwell departed Delfthaven on July 22, and arrived at Southampton, where they found the Mayflower waiting for them. The Speedwell had been leaking on her voyage from the Netherlands to England, though, so they spent the next week patching her up.



On August 5, the two ships finally set sail for America. But the Speedwell began leaking again, so they pulled into the town of Dartmouth for repairs, arriving there about August 12. The Speedwell was patched up again, and the two ships again set sail for America about August 21. After the two ships had sailed about 300 miles out to sea, the Speedwell again began to leak. Frustrated with the enormous amount of time lost, and their inability to fix the Speedwell so that it could be sea-worthy, they returned to Plymouth, England, and made the decision to leave the Speedwell behind. The Mayflower would go to America alone. The cargo on the Speedwell was transferred over to the Mayflower; some of the passengers were so tired and disappointed with all the problems that they quit and went home. Others crammed themselves onto the already very crowded Mayflower.



Finally, on September 6, the Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, and headed for America. By the time the Pilgrims had left England, they had already been living onboard the ships for nearly a month and a half. The voyage itself across the Atlantic Ocean took 66 days, from their departure on September 6, until Cape Cod was sighted on 9 November 1620. The first half of the voyage went fairly smoothly, the only major problem was sea-sickness. But by October, they began encountering a number of Atlantic storms that made the voyage treacherous. Several times, the wind was so strong they had to just drift where the weather took them; it was not safe to use the ship's sails. The Pilgrims intended to land in Northern Virginia, which at the time included the region as far north as the Hudson River in the modern State of New York. The Hudson River, in fact, was their originally intended destination. They had received good reports on this region while in the Netherlands. All things considered, the Mayflower was almost right on target, missing the Hudson River by just a few degrees.



As the Mayflower approached land, the crew spotted Cape Cod just as the sun rose on November 9. The Pilgrims decided to head south, to the mouth of the Hudson River in New York, where they intended to make their plantation. However, as the Mayflower headed south, it encountered some very rough seas, and nearly shipwrecked. The Pilgrims then decided, rather than risk another attempt to go south they would just stay and explore Cape Cod. They turned back north, rounded the tip, and anchored in what is now Provincetown Harbor. The Pilgrims would spend the next month and a half exploring Cape Cod, trying to decide where they would build their plantation. On December 25, 1620, they had finally decided upon Plymouth, and began construction of their first buildings.



The End of the Mayflower: "Mayflower's End," by Mike Haywood. The Mayflower returned to England from Plymouth Colony, arriving back on 9 May 1621. Christopher Jones took the ship out on a trading voyage to Rochelle, France, in October 1621, returning with a cargo of Bay salt. Christopher Jones, master and quarter-owner of the Mayflower, died and was buried at Rotherhithe, co. Surrey, England, on 5 March 1621/2. No further record of the Mayflower is found until May 1624, when it was appraised for the purposes of probate and was described as being in ruins. The ship was almost certainly sold off as scrap.



The claim, first originating from J. Rendel Harris' book The Finding of the Mayflower (1920), that the Mayflower ended up as a barn in Jordans, England, is now widely discredited as being a figment of an overzealous imagination on the tercentenary anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage, combined with a tainted oral history. None of the evidence has withstood subsequent investigation. Regardless of the lack of evidence for its authenticity, it has been featured in National Geographic on several occasions and is a tourist destination. It is important to realize that in 1624, when the ship was scrapped, it was not at all famous, and nobody would have thought twice about letting it rot away.



Highland, UTAH General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Introduces New Geneology Support Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.g3-development.co/



Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com , http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
Holladay, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Contact Adam Green!

c: 801-809-7766

e: g3president@comcast.net



Holladay, UTAH General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Reveals New Geneology Support Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.g3-development.co/



Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



The End of the Mayflower: "Mayflower's End," by Mike Haywood. The Mayflower returned to England from Plymouth Colony, arriving back on 9 May 1621. Christopher Jones took the ship out on a trading voyage to Rochelle, France, in October 1621, returning with a cargo of Bay salt. Christopher Jones, master and quarter-owner of the Mayflower, died and was buried at Rotherhithe, co. Surrey, England, on 5 March 1621/2. No further record of the Mayflower is found until May 1624, when it was appraised for the purposes of probate and was described as being in ruins. The ship was almost certainly sold off as scrap.



The claim, first originating from J. Rendel Harris' book The Finding of the Mayflower (1920), that the Mayflower ended up as a barn in Jordans, England, is now widely discredited as being a figment of an overzealous imagination on the tercentenary anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage, combined with a tainted oral history. None of the evidence has withstood subsequent investigation. Regardless of the lack of evidence for its authenticity, it has been featured in National Geographic on several occasions and is a tourist destination. It is important to realize that in 1624, when the ship was scrapped, it was not at all famous, and nobody would have thought twice about letting it rot away.



Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com , http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
Honolulu, HI -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Contact Adam Green!

c: 801-809-7766

e: g3president@comcast.net



The End of the Mayflower: "Mayflower's End," by Mike Haywood. The Mayflower returned to England from Plymouth Colony, arriving back on 9 May 1621. Christopher Jones took the ship out on a trading voyage to Rochelle, France, in October 1621, returning with a cargo of Bay salt. Christopher Jones, master and quarter-owner of the Mayflower, died and was buried at Rotherhithe, co. Surrey, England, on 5 March 1621/2. No further record of the Mayflower is found until May 1624, when it was appraised for the purposes of probate and was described as being in ruins. The ship was almost certainly sold off as scrap.



The claim, first originating from J. Rendel Harris' book The Finding of the Mayflower (1920), that the Mayflower ended up as a barn in Jordans, England, is now widely discredited as being a figment of an overzealous imagination on the tercentenary anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage, combined with a tainted oral history. None of the evidence has withstood subsequent investigation. Regardless of the lack of evidence for its authenticity, it has been featured in National Geographic on several occasions and is a tourist destination. It is important to realize that in 1624, when the ship was scrapped, it was not at all famous, and nobody would have thought twice about letting it rot away.



The Pilgrims did not leave behind any lists of the items they brought with them on the Mayflower, but historians have used a provision list put together by Captain John Smith (of Pocahontas fame) to take an educated guess. However, in 2012, Caleb Johnson, Simon Neal, and Jeremy Bangs started transcribing and studying a rare manuscript (a page of which is here illustrated) in the possession of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, that was written by one of the investors in the Pilgrims' joint-stock company. This manuscript actually contains several lists of suggested provisions the colonists should bring with them. It is the closest thing we can get to a list of what the Pilgrims would have actually brought.



A summary of some of the key items on the provision lists: http://mayflowerhistory.com/pilgrim-history/



-Food and Drink: Biscuit, beer, salt, (dried) beef, salt pork, oats, peas, wheat, butter, sweet oil, mustard seed, ling or cod fish, "good cheese", vinegar, aqua-vitae, rice, bacon, cider.



-Clothing: Monmouth cap, falling bands, shirts, waistcoat, suit of canvas, suit of cloth, Irish stockings, 4 pairs of shoes, garters. Slippers, plain shoes, little shoes, French soles, sewing needles.



-Bedding: Canvas sheets, bolster "filled with good straw", rug and blankets.



-Arms: Light armor (complete), fowling piece, snaphance, sword, belt, bandoleer, powder horn, 20 pounds of powder, 60 pounds of shot.



-Household: Iron pot, kettle, frying pan, gridiron, two skillets, spit, platters, dishes, spoons of wood, napkins, towels, soap, hand mill, mortar and pestle.



-Tools: Broad hoes, narrow hoes, broad axe, felling axe, steel handsaw, whipsaw, hammers, shovels, spades, augers, chisels, gimlets, hatchets, grinding stone, nails, locks for doors.



Honolulu Hawaii General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Declares New Geneology Support Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.g3-development.co/



Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com , http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
[SYDNEY] The increasing use of groundwater for irrigation poses a major threat to global food security and could lead to unaffordable prices of staple foods, warns a new international study.

From 2000 to 2010, the amount of non-renewable groundwater used for irrigation increased by a quarter, according to the study published in Nature on March 30. During the same period China had doubled its groundwater use.

The study finds that 11 per cent of groundwater extraction for irrigation is linked to agricultural trade. In some regions, for example in Central California or North-West India, there is not enough precipitation or surface water available to grow crops like maize or rice and so farmers also use water from the underground to irrigate, the study says.

When a country imports US maize grown with this non-renewable water, it virtually imports non-renewable groundwater. Carole Dalin, Institute for Sustainable Resources at University College, London

The study focused on cases where underground reservoirs or aquifers, are overused. When a country imports US maize grown with this non-renewable water, it virtually imports non-renewable groundwater, Carole Dalin, lead author of the study and senior research fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Resources at University College, London, tells SciDev.Net.

Crops such as rice, wheat, cotton, maize, sugar crops and soybeans are most reliant on this unsustainable water use, according to the study. It lists countries in the Middle East and North Africa as well as China, India, Mexico, Pakistan and the US as most at risk.

Pakistan and India have been locally most affected due to groundwater depletion and exporting agricultural products grown with non-sustainable groundwater. Iran is both exporting and importing and The Philippines is importing from Pakistan, which is non-sustainable. China is importing a lot from India. Japan and Indonesia are importing, mainly from the US, says Yoshihide Wada, co-author of the report and deputy director of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysiss Water Programme, Laxenburg, Austria.

Agriculture is the leading user of groundwater, accounting for more than 80 to 90 per cent of withdrawals in irrigation-intense countries like India, Pakistan and Iran, according to the report.

The researchers say efforts to improve water use efficiency and develop monitoring and regulation need to be prioritised. Governments must invest in better irrigation infrastructure such as sprinkler irrigation and introduce new cultivar or crop rotation to help producers minimise water use.

Wada suggests creating awareness by putting water labels, along the lines of food labels, showing how much water is used domestically and internationally in produce and whether these water amounts are from sustainable or non-sustainable sources.

Andrew Western, professor of hydrology and water resources at the University of Melbournes School of Engineering, suggests enforceable water entitlement systems and caps on extraction. In recent decades, water reform in Australia has led to water having a clear economic value made explicit by a water market. This has enabled shifts in water use to cope with short-term climate fluctuations and has also driven a trend of increasing water productivity, he says.This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Asia & Pacific desk.
Regional residents are being encouraged to fly out of the Dane County Regional Airport in a new campaign.

The "Fly Local" campaign, which began on March 17, encourages South Central Wisconsin residents to use Madison's airport as a means to save time, support local businesses and see the airport's benefits, spokesman Brent Kyzer-McHenry said in a statement.

"We want to educate more people about the benefits of choosing to fly locally and strengthen our local businesses here in Dane County," County Executive Joe Parisi said.

Online, print and outdoor ads will be used in Dane and surrounding counties to attract flyers to the airport, Kyzer-McHenry said.

Booths will also be set up at local events, such as the Dane County Fair and Shake the Lake, from spring to fall as part of the campaign, he said.

The airport has more than 90 arrivals and departures, and nonstop flights are offered to 12 cities, Kyzer-McHenry said.
Russia, it appears, is interested in continuing its joint venture with the United States, Japan, Europe, and Canada, in regards to the future of the International Space station. In 2015, Russia announced that it would just support the ISS mission till 2024 only and not more than that.

However, now reports reveal that the Roscosmos' general director Igor Komarov is interested in the possibility of continuing the partnership beyond 2028. "We are prepared to talk about it," said Komarov in a press meeting at U.S. Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, as per Reuters.

The ISS is an orbiting engineer and science laboratory in the space. It has been staffed for all time with a team containing cosmonauts and astronauts since November 2000. The $100 billion labs are put 250 miles on Earth and are constantly circling the planet. Komarov might be interested in the cooperation and extending the partnership with ISS to 2028, however, he shared that before venturing past the ISS circle, people need to resolve numerous medical and technical issues back home.

He also stated that the Russian-U.S. partnership for space exploration has survived throughout the years in spite of continued political pressures between the two countries. Indeed, even in 1975, at the stature of the Cold War, the Russian Soyuz capsule and an American Apollo spacecraft docked together on the Earth's orbit.

In the event that the partnership with the United States sours, Russia has a plan B up its sleeve. In 2016, Russia disclosed that it would detach some of its modules from ISS and use them to construct another independent outpost in the orbit. NASA spends generally $3 billion every year on the ISS and brings out various scientific studies and experiments.

NASA depends on Russia for its Soyuz rockets, which ship astronauts to the ISS, and also take them back to Earth. But, NASA is in discussion with private space companies, such as Boeing and SpaceX. The space agency is hopeful that these companies would be able to raise a Russian Soyuz equivalent, which can be used for transportation by 2024.

Roscosmos, then again, expects to lift off three scientific modules to the ISS by 2020 as detailed by Russian daily paper Pravda. A similar report reveals that by 2024, Roscosmos' chief analyst Andrei Lonin plans to create a Russian space station, like ISS, with a possible joint effort with China.
In the latest discovery, a new pyramid has been found in Egypt. It is assumed that the pyramid goes back almost 3700 years ago. It is discovered at a site present in Dahshur, north of the famous Bent Pyramid.

According to Mirror, the pyramid was found along with a 15cm by 17cm alabaster block, with 10 vertical lines on it written in an ancient language called hieroglyphics. Besides, a granite lintel and a collection of stone blocks were also found, which shows the interior design of the pyramid. The pyramid got located while a team of Egyptian researchers on an archaeological mission were examining the aforementioned site present in the south of Cairo.

As per the local media, the remains of the pyramid are in quite a good condition. Researchers assume that the pyramid might have been built around 1700 BC. This is quite a significant discovery long after the finding of the pyramids of Giza, which were built around 2500 BC.

The excavators are en route to examine the possible owner and which kingdom the pyramid belonged to through further research. Mahmoud Afifi, Egypt's Minister of antiquities, confirmed the discovery of the news sources. Adel Okasha, director general of the Dahshur necropolis, detailed on the fact of the unearthed part of the pyramid showing its inner structure.

According to Fox News, the team has so far unearthed an interior ramp that extends to a ramp on the south along with an entrance that leads to the interior of the pyramid. The researchers are of the opinion that more significant instances of ancient Egyptian arts and mysteries about the old kingdoms can be found from the excavation site.

The site lies 25 miles south of Cairo, where it is said that King Sneferu constructed the Bent Pyramid, a unique structure whose angle changes halfway through its body upwards. He is also said to have built Egypt's first smooth-sided pyramid dubbed the Red Pyramid almost 4600 years ago. His son King Khufu is accredited to have built the Great Pyramid of Giza, termed as one of the seven wonders of the world.
Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument in the world built in the early 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II. It is located in Yasodharapira, which is the capital of Khmer Empire, in Cambodia. Experts believed that water built the city of Angkor, yet it was also water that aided in ruining this walled city.

The collapse of the Angkor Wat empire in the early 15th century has long been a mystery. On the other hand, this is now unraveled as the scientists indicated that a long drought followed by severe monsoon rains in the area has caused the impairment of the Angkor Wat empire that led to its collapse, according to National Geographic.

The Angkor period was led by Jayavarman II, who proclaimed himself chakravartin or "god-king" of the Khmer empire in the year 802. After few centuries, Angkor became the biggest city in the pre-industrial world. Water played a significant role in the city, and Angkor was described as a "hydraulic city." There were development channels and reservoirs that collected and stored water from the hills for flood control and water supply for agriculture.

Dan Penny, an expert in environmental history from the geosciences department at the University of Sydney and studied the Angkor civilization for many years, described it as a water management infrastructure that had no equal on Earth. Water also had a religious role in Angkor society, and the empire was also bound by the power of the king.

This had changed when Angkor began suffering from a severe drought in the mid to late 1300s and was followed by unusual powerful monsoon rain. Thus, it caused great flooding within the city's infrastructure that people were not able to cope. The flooding led to serious erosion in the system and canals were choked and the bridge at Angkor Thom then collapsed. Penny said that it was thought the damage to the water management system ended the period of Angkor empire.

Angkor Wat is a temple complex originally built as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire. Later, it was converted into a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12th century. The temple was conceptualized in the classical style of Khmer architecture and has become the symbol of Cambodia.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The 8th annual Florence-Darlington Technical College Welding Rodeo will coincide with the Francis Marion Universitys Arts International Festival on Saturday.

Ten welding teams will have eight hours to take a heap of scrap metal and turn it into a work of art, under the theme automation.

Jill Lewis, Florence-Darlington Tech's vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the Educational Foundation, said the competition began years ago to raise awareness regarding the career options within welding.

Its really to showcase the school, what we do and all the different lines of jobs you can get in welding, she said. Its a very exciting career and a high-level skill. Anybody can weld  but welding and welding well are two totally different things.

Six school teams and four professional teams will work all day before turning their pieces over to a panel of judges. The best work from both categories will be chosen, cash prizes will be awarded, and the art will be auctioned.

Lewis said the event raises about $10,000 every year, which benefits the FDTC Educational Foundations scholarship fund.

Teams will pick their scrap metal at 7:30 a.m., work on their projects until around 3:30 p.m., followed by judging, awards and the auction. The rodeo will be set up near St. Johns Church, on the corner of Dargan and Cheves streets.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The Jade Bridge will host Empowered to Connect, a training conference that assists people involved in adoption and foster care, on Friday and Saturday.

The Jade Bridge is a nonprofit organization that serves to support, encourage and provide resources for adoptive and foster families. Jade Bridge founder Jennifer Danford explained more about the nonprofit groups role in the training program.

This is the time for the Florence community to get together and talk to help adoptive communities, especially since adoptive families are sometimes blended or interracial, Danford said.

The training program is being held to equip and connect adoptive parents with other adoptive parents.

Theyre often stressed, always on guard," Danford said. "This program will explain and teach how to help the kids realize they dont always have to be in survival mode. We want them to realize it is OK to be a kid, to play and have fun without constant fear and stress.

This event is for adoptive parents, foster parents, teachers, churches, therapists, social workers and resource officers.

Sometimes adoptive parents have been around since the child was in the womb, and even though they raised the child how they wanted to, sometimes traumatic things happen while the child is in the womb, and can affect their life once they are out in the world, Danford said.

The training program is a live simulcast by Texas Christian University's Institute for Child Development. It will have TCU professors, social workers and testimonies from people who have adopted. They will talk about how to help with emotional health, foster care to adoptive care and blended families.

Danfords family has attended this conference a few years. They adopted their daughter from China, and Danford realized the conference helped when adoptive families met and discussed different topics about adoption, especially for blended families like hers.

It was a long and hard adoption process, but God is so good to allow our adoption to heal us, Danford said. We are an interracial family with our biological kids and adoptive child.

The Jade Bridge has been around for a year. To attend the event, register at thejadebridge.wordpress.com. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Floyd Conference Center on Freedom Boulevard.
A Madison man sought by police for allegedly burglarizing several homes was arrested in Michigan on Monday, after police chased him while he allegedly was driving a car stolen in Madison.

Cleaster Moon, 22, was arrested by Benton Harbor police after he drove into a ditch while being pursued, Madison police said.

He faces tentative charges in Michigan of fleeing and eluding, possession of stolen property and on the Dane County warrant, while Madison police said they have probable cause to arrest him for felony eluding and other charges related to local burglaries.

Moon has been connected to a burglary in 2015 on Frisch Road, in which he allegedly punched the homeowner several times after being discovered inside the house.

More recently, he has been tied to several home burglaries in Madison, where he allegedly stole items and vehicles from people's homes while they slept at night.

"Madison police and other local law enforcement agencies attempted to arrest Moon in recent weeks, but could not catch him," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain.

The Jeep Moon was driving before crashing into a ditch was stolen Feb. 5 from a Van Hise Avenue home.
Five school districts in south-central Wisconsin were placed in a soft lockdown Thursday after a felon suspected of stealing guns allegedly made threats against a school, a Rock County Sheriffs Office official said.

Janesville, Edgerton, Evansville, Fort Atkinson and Milton school districts were locked down, according to the districts.

Rock County deputies were present at five rural schools when students were released Thursday afternoon and none reported problems, according to Commander Troy Knudson.

Classes are held during a soft lockdown but students arent allowed outside during recess and entry points to the school and classrooms are locked and bolstered, Knudson said.

Joseph Jakubowski, 32, of Janesville, was identified by the Rock County Sheriffs Office as the suspect in the gunshop break-in and theft of guns and the person who allegedly made threats against an unspecified school. He was still at-large Thursday night.

Were still tracking down leads, Knudson said.

The Rock County Sheriffs Office received information early Thursday that Jakubowski has been highly agitated recently over a variety of political issues, Sheriff Robert Spoden said.

It was further reported that he made threats to steal weapons and to use them against public officials or at an unspecified school, Spoden said.

The Armageddon Supplies gun shop on Highway 14, west of Janesville, was burglarized Tuesday night, with 18 guns stolen. About 20 minutes later, a vehicle was found to be on fire on Pennycook Lane, a short distance from the gun shop.

Evidence of arson was found at that scene, and it appears the burglary and vehicle arson are connected, Spoden said.

Jakubowski, whose last known address is 811 Glen St. in Janesville, is the registered owner of the vehicle. Police said Jakubowski is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with green eyes and brown hair.

Online court records show Jakubowski was convicted in 2008 of a felony charge of attempting to disarm a peace officer. He also was convicted of a felony charge of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver that included a modifier for possession of a dangerous weapon.

But since 2008, Jakubowskis had just one criminal conviction for disorderly conduct in 2014. He also has been cited more than 50 times for traffic offenses.

School districts were notified of the information the police had received about the threats and that prompted the soft lockdown. The Janesville School District put a notice on Facebook at about 8:20 a.m.  after the school day had already started and students were at school.

Based on advice and information provided this morning by local law enforcement agencies, all School District of Janesville schools have been placed into soft lockdown as a precautionary measure, the message said.

Also on Thursday morning, police were called to Lincoln Elementary School, 1821 Conde St. in Janesville, after a person saw a man get out of a car to pick up a long gun from the ground, on the north side of the school grounds near the street.

The suspect was described as white, 6 feet tall with a thin build and facial hair, wearing round glasses, blue jeans and a green or blue hat. Police had no information if the gun retrieval was connected to the burglary or the threats.

The FBI, ATF and state investigators joined in the investigation and search for Jakubowski.

Madison police offered its help in the investigation, according to spokesman Joel DeSpain. We dont have any reason to believe hes coming here but everyone is on alert because nobody knows where he is, DeSpain said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Janesville police, 755-3100.

State Journal reporter Bill Novak contributed to this report.
Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwins support for a filibuster to block President Donald Trumps pick for the U.S. Supreme Court has become an early flashpoint as she faces re-election next year.

While Baldwin and Republicans, including her Wisconsin colleague Sen. Ron Johnson, trade barbs over the nomination of Neil Gorsuch, voters back home in a state that went for Trump in November worry about the continued erosion of bipartisanship and increasing polarization in Washington.

Nobody is making any concessions and I think this is going to be the downfall of both parties, said Anna Street, a 56-year-old nurse from West Allis, on Tuesday.

Baldwin voted Thursday to support a Democratic filibuster in an attempt to stop Gorsuchs nomination to the nations highest court, while Johnson voted to end debate. Baldwin argues that Trump should put forward someone who could get enough bipartisan support to garner 60 votes and overcome any filibuster.

But Republicans, on a party-line vote with Johnson in support and Baldwin opposed, changed Senate rules on Thursday to eliminate the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, a move labeled the nuclear option because it would unravel Senate traditions that have led to reaching bipartisan consensus.

Republicans and Democrats ought to get to a point where theyre talking to each other and not go on with this, said Roger Sunby, a retired public education administrator from Mount Horeb. He said Gorsuch would be confirmed no matter what action Democrats take.

Republicans see Baldwins opposition to Gorsuch as a vulnerability. Johnson, Gov. Scott Walker and other Republicans have been attacking Baldwin as being out of the mainstream because of her opposition to Gorsuch.

Baldwin argues that its not her, but Gorsuch, who is out of the mainstream, citing his rulings against disabled students, against workers, and against womens reproductive health care.

Baldwin said in a statement after her votes Thursday that she has deep concerns about Gorsuchs record and that she wants a justice who will serve as a check on the executive branch.

Based on his record and the many questions he has chosen to leave unanswered, I dont have confidence Judge Gorsuch would be that justice and I oppose his confirmation to our highest court, she said.

Baldwin backers argue that her support for a filibuster will only further bolster her bona fides among liberals as someone willing to stand up to Trump.

It is just another way that Tammy is stepping up for the things she believes in, said Jenni Dye, research director of the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now.

Liberal activists opposed to Gorsuchs nomination held a conference call Thursday to voice their concerns, while the Wisconsin Republican Party called for volunteers to gather at field offices around the state to make calls to Baldwins office to pressure her to support the nomination.

Walker renewed his attacks against Baldwin on Tuesday, tweeting that she broke her word to Wisconsinites to give Judge Gorsuch a fair shot. Now a partisan filibuster? Baldwin did not respond to any of Walkers tweets.

Both Baldwin and Walker are up for re-election next year.
Tan Mong Seng, former president of commercial affairs at ST Marine, was convicted of 101 charges of abetting the making of false entries in the companys petty cash vouchers, generating illicit payments amounting to SGD419,994 ($299,475).

Tan still faces 345 charges with a pre-trial conference set on 27 April.

Six former senior officials of ST Marine, including Tan, have now been sentenced in the corruption case involving a total of seven former employees. The last person, former group financial controller Ong Teck Liam, has pleaded guilty but has yet to be sentenced.

The most recent sentencing under the ST Marine corruption case was in January this year when Chang Cheow Teck, former president of ST Marine from March 2008 to April 2010, was given a short detention order of 14 days.
The disposal of the 2012-built, 38,462-dwt handysize Jin Yu will leave Jinhui Shipping with two post-panamaxes and 25 grabs fitted supramaxes including four which will be disposed this month.

Jinhui Holdings, which owns 54.77% stake in Jinhui Shipping, said it will use approximately 75% of the net sale proceeds received for the repayment of vessel mortgage loan and the remaining portion for general working capital.

The vessel Jin Yu will be handed over to Delica Shipping between 15 May to 15 June. Delica Shipping is established and owned by Japans Inui Global Logistics Co, with principal activities in shipping, warehousing and realty.

Jinhui Holdings noted that freight rates in 2016 had been extremely volatile and at times below Jinhui Shippings operating costs.

Despite the market improved later in the year, we continue to see uncertainty and market volatility remaining as an operational risk to the group, Jinhui Holdings said.

In order to further reduce operational risk and liquidity risj, we believe it is prudent for the group to readjust the fleet size and lower the overall indebtedness and it is vital to remain financially nimble in todays tough and ever-changing market environment, it commented.
The 3,093 dwt, Star 62, crashed into four riverside houses in Samut Prakan on Wednesday morning after leaving Bangkok Port bound for Singapore.

The Vietnamese captain said the ships engine had failed after a power outage and he lost control of the vessel local press reported.

There were no injuries as result of the accident.
This latest offer of rebates is likely to have been offered in a bid to stave off traffic sailing through the Cape of Good Hope.

In its circular No.2/2017, the Authority advises that dry bulk vessels coming from ports at east and south of Australia heading to Ports at North West of Europe via the Suez Canal, shall be granted a 75% of the vessels normal tolls.

Its circular No.3 /2017 states that dry bulk vessels coming from the ports in the Republic of South Africa and heading via the Suez Canal for a Mediterranean sea port (including Black Sea ports), bounded by Cetua Port to the West of the Mediterranean Sea, shall be granted a 40% rebate on normal canal tolls.

In both cases, applications should be submitted prior to the ship sailing from its origin port. Vessels may not stop in any intermediate port/s for cargo operations.

Rebate original certificates from the loading origin, destination, bunkering and claim letter to be submitted to the Suez Canal authority within one year from vessels transit date.

The rebate is the latest initiative from the authority to attract traffic through the Suez Canal route.

In January, The Suez Canal Authority extended its initiative to hand out rebates to containerships coming from ports of the East Coast of America heading to South and South East Asian ports.
From church basement to flooded quarters to what is essentially the big classroom that Horizon High School now occupies, Traci Goll has been with it for nearly all of its 12-year existence.

As director of the only substance abuse recovery high school currently operating in Wisconsin, and leader of a staff of seven, Goll is proud of what the school has accomplished, despite year-in, year-out funding concerns. Another fundraiser for the school, to be held this summer, is in the planning stages.

As director of this school, you are everything, Goll said. I do a lot of teaching, life skills. Im the janitor, I clean the toilet. I deal with the parents. When you work for a nonprofit private school, you have to be the jack-of-all-trades.

Horizon was founded in 2004 by a group of parents who were frustrated that there was nothing in Madison for kids who had drug and alcohol issues, but needed to continue their education. Students absolutely must want to be there, Goll said, and must have more than 30 days of sobriety to qualify. They each get random drug tests weekly.

The school, which typically has 15 students, now is in a space that has a small room filled with donated sofas for group therapy, and a large room where classes are taught. Its humble, but Goll has no complaints.

Being a Madisonian, I love it here, said Goll, 52, who grew up on the West Side. My family lives here, I was born and raised. I want this to be the best place it can be.

A UW-Madison grad, Goll taught at several Madison School District schools, and before that taught in the Chicago area. She took the directors job at Horizon 11 years ago because I missed working with high school kids, especially those who have had struggles in life.

When you first heard about the job, did you know anything about this area of education?

Ive always been interested in helping kids that have had special needs or behavior problems or drug and alcohol issues. Ive been in the world of that for a long time. My biggest thing is, I always wanted to change the stigma and let these kids know its not their fault that theyre drug addicts and alcoholics. Maybe they made one poor mistake but theres a lot more that is involved than that.

How is the school funded?

Three years ago, we got a contract with the Madison Metropolitan School District. (It also has contracts with DeForest and Monona Grove.) This years contract, they pay for up to 15 kids. They pay a fourth of what it costs, less than a fourth, of what it costs for us to educate them. But we had to do something. Our mission is to help the kids, and we need to keep the school open, so that flow of money does help. But were always short. None of the school districts pay for summer school and we have to have summer school. Our kids wont survive the summer without a safe, sober environment to go to.

It seems this is beyond a full-time job for you.

My phone never stops. Honestly, if theres going to be a relapse or something else bad that happens, it doesnt happen during the school day. Its going to happen at 1 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday. If a kid tells me theyre feeling suicidal, you can bet Im going to check in with them every night. If a kid tells me, Im feeling triggered, like Im going to relapse, guess what? Im going to check in with them, because I wont sleep good at night, first of all. I truly care about these kids.

Do you ever get to take a vacation?

Oh yeah, I vacation all the time. I do. I will tell you, when Im on vacation, I still check in. And thats part of it, too, where I have been really good. I can turn it off. And if I cant turn it off, then I have to deal with it until I can. I have to make sure its handed off to someone that I trust. And I have really great people that work here.

 Interview by Ed Treleven
Vickie Brent-Touray is on a quest to unlock the creative talents of Pontiac's people. To that end, the poet has launched a series of events throughout the city designed to reawaken the audience's imagination.Brent-Touray started Yaktown Poets , a poetry performance event series that attracted 100 people on its first night, in 2014. Not only has that event grown in size and scope, it revealed to Brent-Touray a deep-seated need within the people of the community to express their creative selves. Not just the self-identified poets, she says, but everybody. It's why Yaktown Poets now runs a regular open mic series out of the Alleycat Cafe in downtown Pontiac, where anyone who signs up has an opportunity to express themselves."We can't pay your rent, but we can certainly create a space where you can forget about the fact that your rent needs to be paid, or that you got to go work on Monday," says Brent-Touray. "Where you can just enjoy yourself. That's really important to me."Brent-Touray has also started the Wonder Women Breakfast Club, a series of breakfast events that gather women at area restaurants to encourage empowerment and community. She has big aspirations for the club, hoping to eventually expand it to include retreats and an expo. And she's planning to start a Yaktown Poets group for children.There are two main sources of influence that have inspired Brent-Touray's never-ending enthusiasm and drive for organizing these events to empower others.First are her parents, southerners who moved to Pontiac to work in the automotive industry. Brent-Touray remembers her parents throwing big parties, events where she watched the art of hospitality first-hand.Teachers have also played a major role in Brent-Touray's development. Having always had a love for reading and writing, it wasn't until she walked into Lorene Phillips's ninth grade Language Arts classroom at Pontiac Central High School that Brent-Touray realized that she could be a writer. She says that she never really connected to literature until she walked into that classroom, which displayed images of black women writers and performers on the walls. It had a profound impact her."When I saw all those faces, I knew that I could have my picture up there, too," she recalls. "Because I can write."Brent-Touray went on to college to pursue psychology and later became a teacher, all the while writing on her own time. It was while taking a creative writing course at Wayne State University that Brent-Touray was emboldened by professor Chris Tysh, who encouraged her to pursue her poetry. She moved to Atlanta for five years, where she published her book of poetry,She eventually returned to her hometown of Pontiac, where she lives today and launched Yaktown Poets. The events and her creative life are going so well, she says, that her husband tells her that if life gets any better than this, they're just being greedy. She says that to be a catalyst for the release of creativity in others "is like playing in the grass.""I don't know if I believe in this whole idea of heaven with streets paved with gold," says Brent-Touray. "I think I'm in heaven right now."Vickie Brent-Touray, local author (A Peace of My Mind, Vickie Brent-Touray, available on amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com) and Founder of Yaktown Poets.2013.Remedial Behavioral Specialist for St. Vincent's, "in a former life."I can't bring myself to a limit, but ONE is the Ntozake Shange's choreopoem entitled: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is EnufWe're as interested in inspiring those who have "dormant creativity" as we are interested in those who are ready to showcase their talent.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith
Dr. Mae Jemison at Miller Auditorium

Mae Jemisons middle name is Carol. But it could easily be Extraordinary.The first African American woman in space has lived a life that is the stuff of books and movies. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago with a love of both dance and science. Teachers and parents who encouraged her to pursue both. College at age 16. A degree in 1977 in chemical engineering earned while she simultaneously pursued African and Afro-American studies. A doctorate in medicine four years later. Work as an engineer and in a Cambodian refugee camp. Scientist on the space shuttle Endeavour where she logged 190 hours, 30 minutes, and 23 seconds in space. And a one-time appearance onThe Kalamazoo Community Foundation asked Jemison to speak at its 2017 community meeting because she exemplifies a life in which education became a pathway for her to reach all that she aspired to do despite the obstacles of racism and sexism that she faced as she pursued her career. Her life encompasses education and equity, the cornerstones of the Foundations work.And based on her appearance in Kalamazoo you could say that inspiration is Jemisons mission. In a talk sprinkled with humor and quotations of black thought leaders, her theme throughout the community meeting packed with school age girls and boys was the pursuit of the extraordinary and how we each must bring our own unique perspective to that pursuit.When she dreams it is no small dream. One of her current projects is 100 Year Star Ship. It is born of the idea that humans need to push themselves to accomplishments that can only be attained collaboratively and which are therefore greater than any individual could achieve. 100 Year Star Ship was begun to tackle the science and myriad other complex matters from clothing to governance that go into sending people to the stars. The project is dedicated to identifying and pushing the radical leaps in knowledge and technology needed to achieve interstellar flight. Those working on the project expect the pioneering and transforming breakthrough applications that make it possible to reach the stars will enhance the quality of life for all on Earth.Just as the NASA space missions brought about technology that we find indispensable today  GPS, weather satellites, and miniaturization, to name a few  100 Year Star Ship is expected to foster technology that can improve life now.We are on a starship right now with limited resources, Jemison says. We have to create a plan for our future. The perspectives of people with many kinds of backgrounds will be needed in order to identify the best solutions.Getting a place at the table is only the first step, Jemison told the full-house at Miller Auditorium. After that, its about bringing your perspective to bear once you are there. What difference does it make if you have a place at the table and you act like everyone else and mind your table manners?For example, as the first African American female astronaut, she brought her perspectives as a woman who grew up in Chicago in the 1960s. (I was not old enough to be a hippy.) That time was all about exploring. Everywhere you looked people were breaking speed records.  There was limitless potential in the world. It was also a time of the 1969 riots and she feared for her fathers life when he left for work in the morning.Her perspective is also shaped by her love of both dance and science. Why do we choose one or the other? We need both sides of our brain to reach a solution. (She later quipped that the decision between dance and medicine was made for her by her mother who encouraged her to consider that she could not learn to be a doctor without med school, but after med school, she could still dance.)Perspective makes a difference when it comes to finding the best path forward, she says. An engineers perspective determines what data sets get analyzed, what technology is targeted for development, what topics are to be researched. The lack of diversity in engineering, where there are few women and racial minorities, means one-third of the perspectives available are being lost.She says that as an avid fan of the originaltelevision show, she always assumed she would go into space one day. She credited her success in part to the support of two particular teachers, one who challenged her and one who came in before school to provide the advanced instruction she and another student needed to be competitive in college.She was not equally encouraged at the university level, however. One professor questioned her presence in his class. Subsequently, a study by the Bayer Corp. has shown that women tend to drop out of science and engineering programs in college because they are discouraged by their professors, Jemison notes. Women drop out more rapidly than men because professors dont treat them as colleagues or allies.During a question and answer session led by WMUKs Earlene McMichael, Jemison was asked how to interest young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.Kids are naturally curious. Its adults who demotivate them. Adults stifle them with our fears. When we teach science as rote memorization it becomes boring. When kids do hands-on work thats when they learn. You learn about electricity by wiring a flashlight. Let them ask why.Jemison has boiled down what motivates youngsters to learn to three Es: experience, expectations (children live up or down to our expectations), and exposure (being exposed to the sciences).She cautioned her audience to forget the platitude that you can do anything you want. I did not get a part in West Side Story because I cant sing. What can lead to success is developing deep skills and expertise and not allowing others to define who you are.In addition to her address before the community, Jemison met March 24 with about 40 students, ages, 9 to 13, in a Q&A session in which she talked about her experiences as a student, a woman of color, and as a scientist. Students questions ranged from those of technical curiosity (how long does it take to get to space) to the personal (what was your first job and how did you prepare for your future).After the Q&A session students toured the Air Zoo to learn about the different aircraft there and take in some aerospace history. They also learned of scholarships available for those who want to participate in Air Zoo science programs.The students from the YWCAs TechGyrls program, the Merze Tate Explorers, and Eastside Youth Strong split into groups to talk about what they had learned during the day and some reflected on what it might take to overcome obstacles and persist through personal and academic difficulties.The program encouraging STEM learning was made possible by The Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo and the Air Zoo.The 2017 Community Meeting was part of the University Center for the Humanities at Western Michigan Universitys 2016-2017 speaker series: Science and the Human Endeavor.Kathy Jennings is the managing editor of Southwest Michigans Second Wave. She is a freelance writer and editor Photos by Terry Johnston
For 100 years the smokestack of the original Gibson Guitar factory has towered proudly over the Northside Kalamazoo skyline heralding the city's place in music history.And though it seemed just a couple of years ago that the time-worn structure's days were numbered, the folks behind the "Save the Stack" campaign are continuing to seek public funds in hopes of ensuring this local landmark will continue to stand for many more years to come.Organizers are hoping public interest translates into dollars as the restoration project carries a hefty $570,000 price tag, according to Jeff Mitchell who helped start the campaign a few years ago."There's just some kind of aura about the place that gets people excited," said Mitchell who heads up the "Save the Stack" committee. "There's an almost irrational affection for music. The fact that the tool all these great musicians used to make magic was made right here is something so many people show such enthusiasm about."The long list of Gibson aficionados includes the legendary likes of Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Pat Metheny as well as the "Father of Rock n' Roll" himself -- the late Chuck Berry."Any guitarist you can name has in their arsenal a Gibson. The list goes on and on," Mitchell said. "Many artists have done shows in Kalamazoo over the years just to see the birthplace of their instruments."The factory has housed the smaller Heritage Guitars that was established by Gibson employees who chose to stay in Kalamazoo when the company officially shifted all its production to Nashville in 1984. It's part of the Kalamazoo Enterprise Center site that is in the midst of a $12 million renovation.Those renovations include the upgrade to modern heating equipment that will leave the stack without a function. That, combined with the deteriorating condition of the stack is what led the property's owner, PlazaCorp Realty Advisors, Inc, to make the decision to tear it down two years ago before an unexpected outcry had the company reconsidering its plans."Music history buffs understand that this is the location where many of the most legendary guitars in history were made, through what many deem the golden years of Gibson," says Andy Wenzel, PlazaCorp's Director of Acquisitions and Development."Local residents are proud of their part in that history and one will often hear, 'my grandmother worked there' or 'my dad worked there," he says, adding that it's a common sight to see excited visitors to the factory posing for pictures in front of the stack that is easily recognized by its distinctive cascade of giant white letters spelling out the Gibson name up and down its exterior.The real estate powerhouse has fully embraced the campaign kicking in over $80,000 toward restoration costs. According to Wenzel, PlazaCorp "has a history of renovation in lieu of demolition and usually funds these activities privately or through public incentives."Over the years, deferred upkeep and prohibitive maintenance costs led to considerable deterioration of the stack. With an eye on future restoration and amidst growing safety concerns in regards to the crumbling structure, workers dismantled the top 30 feet of the stack late last summer. The bricks have been carefully stored until they can be reassembled atop the stack should the fundraising drive prove successful."It's down to just the O' and N' so we're under some kind of pressure to get this taken care of," says Mitchell pointing to a tentative deadline of spring 2018 to raise the necessary funding for the project. So far, $87,000 has been raised, including the gift from PlazaCorp.Mitchell is certainly no stranger to the iconic property. He does, after all, serve as director of the Kalamazoo Academy of Rock, a rock band program for young musicians that has called the factory home since 2009."As a music fan, to know that Jimmy Page's two Gibson Les Paul guitars were made right near my band room is really something," he said. "The Northside of Kalamazoo was neglected for years and now it's coming back and this would be a big piece of that," he says.Mitchell is himself a keyboardist but says he can "get around a little bit on the guitar." He cites Page as well as Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa as a few of his favorite axe-men and is the proud owner of a 1965 Gibson LG-1 Acoustic model.Even as time grows shorter for the "Save the Stack" campaign to reach its financial goal, Mitchell said that he and his fellow supporters are determined to keep the dream alive and referred to plans to schedule a series of fundraising concerts at local venues -- possibly with each show featuring a different musical genre such as rock, blues, jazz, and country. A fundraiser earlier this month at Green Door Distillery was well received as more than $400 was raised toward the effort.In addition, PlazaCorp has drafted a letter on behalf of the committee that it plans to send to the major guitar publications and Rolling Stone magazine in hopes of attracting donations as well as press coverage for the campaign.Even Mitchell's students are getting in on the act with at least one of them hoping to enlist the support of rocker Jack White, a Michigan-native who has gone on record as saying that his 1915 Gibson Acoustic L-1 is his personal favorite guitar. White recently purchased a home in Kalamazoo."I have a 13-year-old who lives in that neighborhood who has indicated plans to leave notes in the mailbox asking for White to come to our assistance," Mitchell says with a laugh.It's no surprise that people are so passionate about this pile of bricks according to Mitchell. "That stack is a symbol and a monument. It's really one of the greatest historical landmarks in Michigan as far as culture and history," he said. "I want for Kalamazoo to be recognized for being such an important place in the history of music."Only time will tell if there will be enough interest and financial support to see this project to completion but the die-hard members of the campaign such as Mitchell insist that the effort to preserve and restore the Gibson smokestack is a more-than-worthy cause."Is history important? Is music important? Is keeping a connection with our history and not just tearing it down important? I think it is," he said."This is about keeping a legacy alive."Christopher Horb has been a freelance writer since 1998. His work has appeared in multiple publications, including the Kalamazoo Gazette and the Lansing City Pulse
Press Release

April 6, 2017 De Lima welcomes planned IPU fact-finding mission to PH Sen. Leila M. de Lima today welcomed the plan of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to visit her at her detention cell and examine the trumped-up charges of illegal drug trafficking the Duterte administration has filed against her. In her reaction to the resolution adopted at the 136th IPU Assembly last April 5, De Lima said the planned fact-finding mission of the members of the IPU Committee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians would provide an unbiased view of the case. "The IPU's resolution to send a fact-finding mission to the Philippines in order to get a clearer view on my case is indeed a welcome development. The Senate President has likewise welcomed this, and I hope that this would happen at the soonest time," she said. "I trust that the IPU will be able to render an objective and fair assessment not only on my case but also, most importantly, on the human rights violations committed under the government's murderous war on drugs," she added. In calling for a fact-finding mission to the Philippines, the IPU has expressed deep concern over the illegal arrest and detention of Senator De Lima at the Philippine National Police Detention Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. According to IPU, it does not make sense that the Philippine government charged Senator De Lima with illegal drug trafficking when as then Justice Secretary, she took lead role in stopping the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntilupa City. In addition, IPU noted that Senator De Lima has been very vocal in criticizing the Philippine government's war on drugs which has resulted in the unprecedented rise of extrajudicial and summary killings in the country. It also noted the statements made by President Duterte and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre as serious reason to believe that De Lima is targeted by the present government to silence her from her outspoken criticism on government anti-war policy. De Lima, who initiated a Senate probe into the spate of extrajudicial killings and summary executions in the government's all-out war on drugs, said the IPU's resolution strengthens her arguments that her case is a clear example of political persecution. She likewise thanked the IPU leadership for its concern not only over her security while in police detention but also over the court trial under the present administration, adding that she is looking forward to meeting with the IPU delegation soon. "I thank the IPU for its concern through its resolution. I am hoping that the Philippine government would allow their unhampered visit so that they can observe and assess the real human rights situation in the country," she said. The IPU Resolution adds up to the growing number of multilateral organizations and human rights advocates who have expressed serious concern over the illegal arrest and detention of De Lima over trumped-up charges of illegal drug trafficking. While the IPU has yet to issue a timeline for its visit, it has committed to send a representative to observe the legal proceedings in the case.
Press Release

April 6, 2017 Legarda Welcomes Resumption of Peace Talks Senator Loren Legarda expressed support to the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as the two parties re-opened the negotiations in Noordwijk, The Netherlands on Monday, April 3. "We welcome the resumption of the formal peace talks between the government and the NDFP. We need to pursue peace for the sake of the millions of Filipinos who will benefit from a peaceful and progressive nation," said Legarda. The Senator said she will file a resolution in support of the re-opened peace talks. "As someone who has been involved in negotiating releases of captives by the New People's Army (NPA) when I was a neophyte senator, I have seen the sincerity of all sides to this conflict and have witnessed the intense desire for peace," said Legarda, who actively participated in the safe releases of General Victor Obillo, Captain Eduardo Montealto, Sergeant Alpio Lozada, Major Roberto Bernal and then Major Noel Buan, among other military and police officials who were held captive by the NPA. "We need to pursue peace that is inclusive in order for it to be just and lasting," she added, noting the progress achieved by both parties in the past three negotiations under the current administration. On August 22-26, 2016, the government and the NDFP resumed peace negotiations and agreed to accelerate the talks based on previously signed agreements and, in the spirit of goodwill, declared separate indefinite, unilateral ceasefires. During the second round of the talks held October 6-10, 2016 in Oslo, Norway, common outlines and frameworks were adopted by both parties on the three remaining substantive agenda: 1) Social and Economic Reforms, 2) Political and Constitutional Reforms, and 3) End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces. On the third round of talks held January 19-25, 2017 in Rome, Italy, both panels achieved progress on the following areas: Breakthrough in the discussion on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), a landmark document that shall address the country's chronic poverty situation, with both parties reaching an agreement in principle on the first four items of the draft, which includes free land distribution to landless farmers;

Agreement to form Bilateral Working Teams of Reciprocal Working Committees (RWCs) in order to accelerate the drafting of CASER;

Exchange of drafts and initial discussion on Political and Constitutional Reforms; and,

Signing of a Supplementary Agreement for the operationalization of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). "The most compelling reason to continue the peace talks is peace itself. The talks are a means of ending the armed conflict by addressing its roots-poverty, inequality, injustice and underdevelopment. It is our people's desire to see the talks achieve its ultimate goal of a just and lasting peace," Legarda concluded.
JUMP TO RECIPE

Why It Works Pounding the meat evenly leads to even cooking.

Salting and resting chicken breasts improves their ability to retain moisture, with juicier results.

Panko bread crumbs offer a craggy texture that increases surface area and crunch.

Flipping frequently while cooking produces more evenly browned cutlets.

If you weren't familiar with Japanese cuisine, you might not think there was anything particularly Japanese about katsu, a simple dish of breaded and fried cutlets. But if you've ever been in a Japanese shopping mall food court, you've seen that, just like pizza in the US, katsu has established itself so firmly in the food culture that it could be considered a national comfort-food staple. It's an easy dish to love. Juicy chicken or pork cutlets in an incredibly crisp layer of golden-brown bread crumbs, with a sweet-and-savory sauce and a side of crisp shredded cabbage and steamed white rice, is a simple and delicious weeknight meal, whether you buy it at the food court or fry it in your own kitchen.

Given how popular panko-style bread crumbs are these days, even in non-Japanese recipes, there's not really a fundamental difference between katsu and any other style of breaded and fried cutlets. Only two things distinguish it. First, katsu must be made with panko crumbs (as opposed to European-style breaded cutlets, where panko may occasionally be called for but is not a requirement). And second, it must be served with katsu sauce. Katsu simply wouldn't be katsu without a big ol' drizzle of the thick, savory-sweet, Worcestershire-esque stuff.

We have our own homemade version of the sauce that'll kick you in the mouth with flavor, but in all honesty, to me, katsu sauce is sort of like ketchup: The homemade version will never beat Heinz. Except, in the case of katsu sauce, the brand is Bull-Dog. The white-capped bottle has been a fixture in my fridge from the time of my very earliest memories, and its flavor is intimately linked to katsu in my mind.

The word "katsu" is gairaigo, the Japanese term for words borrowed from other languages. The simplest phonetic translation of "cutlet" to Japanese vocalizations is katsuretsu, which in turn is shortened to katsu. Add tonthe Sino-Japanese word for "pork"to the front of that and you've got tonkatsu, or breaded fried pork cutlets (not to be confused with tonkotsu, which is pork-based ramen broth).* Got it? Good. Let's move on to more fun stuff.

*Incidentally, "ramen" is also a word (and dish!) borrowed from the Chinese.

Meat Choices

Katsu is most often made using pork, with chicken coming in a close second, though beef or even ham or hamburger is not uncommon in parts of Japan. I typically stick with pork or chicken, or firm tofu or tempeh if I'm in the mood for a non-meaty version.

When using pork, you want cutlets that are nice and fatty so that they stay juicy while cooking. My favorite is pork sirloin cutlets. You could also use pork loin cutlets, from either close to the shoulder (blade chops) or as close to the sirloin as possible. (Chops cut from the back end of the blade are essentially the same as those cut from the front end of the sirloin, where the two sections meet.) Avoid center-cut rib chops, which are better when thick and pan-seared or grilled. So long as it's got good striations of fat and a mix of light and dark meat, it'll work out fine.

Ask for cutlets that are between four and five ounces apiece, and pound them gently to a quarter-inch thickness. The easiest way I've found to do this is to split open the sides of a heavy-duty zipper-lock bag, place the cutlet inside, and gently pound it with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet. Mindless bludgeoning can lead to torn meat and holes: You want to use firm but gentle pressure, working at the uneven spots.

Serious Eats / J. Kenji Lopez-Alt

With chicken, either breasts or thighs will do just fine, though they need to be treated a little differently. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be treated very much like pork cutlets: just pound them inside a zipper-lock bag.

1:02 How to Cut Chicken Breasts Into Cutlets

Whole chicken breast halves are too big (especially considering the massive chickens you find at the supermarket these days), so the first step is to split them into cutlets. It's easy to doif you've never done it before, just follow this step-by-step guide or the video above. Once split, they can be pounded just like pork or chicken thighs.

The other problem with chicken breast is that it's lean and prone to drying out.

I know from extensive testing that both turkey and chicken can benefit from a wet or dry brine. Treating the meat, either by soaking it in a saltwater solution (wet-brining) or by salting it and letting it rest for a few hours (dry-brining), will cause its protein structure to break down a little bit, which in turn prevents it from squeezing out as much moisture when cooked.

I've found brining to be effective with Southern-style fried chicken, and it turned out to be no different with Japanese-style chicken katsu. Take a quick look:

Serious Eats / J. Kenji Lopez-Alt

The chicken on the left was salted and rested for several hours before breading and frying, while the chicken on the right was salted, breaded, and fried immediately. You can clearly see that the salted chicken came out with a plumper, juicier texture. Was the non-brined chicken bad? No, not by any means. But if you're in a rush, I'd strongly suggest using chicken thighs or fattier pork cutlets, both of which are less prone to drying out than chicken breast. If using breasts, I'd salt them and let them rest for a minimum of three to four hours.

Breading

Cutlets are made using the classic breading technique of dredging in flour, dipping in egg, and coating with bread crumbs. The easiest way to do this is to place flour, beaten eggs, and panko in three shallow bowls, pie plates, or rimmed plates. Working with one cutlet at a time, transfer it to the flour with one hand (designate this the "dry" hand) and turn to coat, then pick it up with the same hand and transfer to the egg plate. Using your other hand (the "wet" hand), turn it to coat in the egg, lift, let the excess drain off, and transfer to the bread crumbs. Using your dry hand, lift bread crumbs and scoop them on top of the cutlet, then press down so they adhere. Once it's thoroughly coated, you can safely lift the cutlet with your dry hand, flip, and continue pressing crumbs into it until a thick layer is built up all over.



Transfer the breaded cutlet to a plate, and repeat with the remaining ones.

One thing I'd always wondered about: Why do we bother dipping cutlets in flour before we dip them in egg? Surely the egg is gonna stick to a bare chicken cutlet well enough to get a good coating of bread crumbs, isn't it?

I tested it out, cooking two cutlets side by side, one with the standard flour/egg/bread crumb treatment and the other with just egg and bread crumbs. Here's what they looked like:

Serious Eats / J. Kenji Lopez-Ait

"Flour is like the primer of the breaded-and-fried-cutlet world."

You can plainly see that the flour does indeed help create a more even coating, which in turn leads to more even browning. If you've ever tried to paint a wall without first laying on a coat of primer, you're familiar with the patchy effect seen in the cutlet on the right. Flour is like the primer of the breaded-and-fried-cutlet world. Flouring also helps produce juicier meat: Because the chicken with no flour had bald patches where the coating was completely stripped away, some of the delicate chicken meat came in direct contact with the hot oil, causing it to turn stringy and dry in spots. Skipping the flour is a tempting shortcut, but it's one that should be avoided.



Frying

Frying katsu is very straightforward. The only thing to be concerned about is temperature management. Too cold, and your bread crumbs will take too long to crisp, allowing the meat to overcook. Way too cold, and they'll slough off before they can even set. Too hot, and they'll burn before the meat is done. You want to hit the sweet spot of around 300 to 325F (150 to 160C). I heat up about a third of an inch of oil in the bottom of a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet until it hits around 350F (175C) on an instant-read thermometer, in order to account for the dip in temperature that occurs when you add the cutlets.



It's important to use a good amount of fat, though the exact type is not super important. Use any neutral-flavored oil with a relatively high smoke point. Canola oil and vegetable oil are fine; peanut oil, shortening, or other highly saturated fats will give you slightly crisper results.

Many recipes recommend flipping only once during cooking, but I found that flipping multiple times actually resulted in more evenly browned cutlets. The key is to let them cook on the first side until the breading is set enough that you can flip without scraping it off. About a minute and a half is good. Then cook on the second side for another minute and a half, and spend the remaining time flipping the cutlets frequently until they're perfectly golden brown.

If you want to be a true perfectionist about it, you can try to stick a thermometer into the meat to gauge its doneness. For chicken breasts or pork, I cook to around 140F (60C). For chicken thighs, it's more like 150F (66C). But honestly, even if you overcook the meat a little, it's a pretty forgiving preparation, so don't sweat it too much. (It's also not easy to get a reliable reading, given how thin the cutlets are.)

Katsu is typically served with chopsticks, which means you'll need to cut it up in the kitchen before it hits the table. Use a sharp knife to cut the cutlets into thin strips.
St Lowitsch / Getty Images

A fire at an Oakland apartment building early Thursday put two people in a hospital with smoke inhalation, including one who was rescued from a second-story window by firefighters, officials said.

The blaze was reported about 5:10 a.m. on the second story of an residential building at Pearl and Harrison streets, officials said.
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Weekend BART riders, get ready. The transit system plans to halt service to work on its rails between the Lake Merritt and Fruitvale stations Saturday and Sunday, and will do it again on five more weekends through early July.

The shutdowns eventually will bring smoother, quieter and more reliable rides, BART officials promise. But during the six weekends of work, theyll inconvenience 18,000 to 20,000 passengers on the Warm Springs-Richmond and Dublin/Pleasanton-Daly City lines as well as riders headed to or from Oakland International Airport.

BART will provide bus bridges where the trains are shut down and advises passengers to allow an extra 25 to 40 minutes for their trips.

While the tracks are closed, crews will work around the clock to replace interlocking, X-shaped crossover tracks that allow trains to change directions, as well as rotting wooden ties and worn rail.

The work is part of a continuing BART rejuvenation effort started two years ago, but its the first big project funded with money from Measure RR, the $3.5 billion bond measure to rebuild BART that voters approved in November.

Its the same kind of work weve done near Balboa Park, Fruitvale, Coliseum and West Oakland over the past couple of years, said Taylor Huckaby, a BART spokesman.

To accommodate riders this weekend, BART will offer a free main shuttle service between 19th Street Station in downtown Oakland and Fruitvale Station. Riders are advised to expect trips to take 20 to 40 minutes longer. Signs and extra BART staffers will direct passengers between trains and buses.

Lake Merritt Station will be closed during the track work, but a free bus bridge will operate to and from Fruitvale Station. It is expected to add 10 to 25 minutes to trips.

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.

BART service starts at 6 a.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. Sundays and the last trains leave end-of-the-line stations around midnight. The Fruitvale-Lake Merritt shutdown will last all day Saturday and Sunday. Trains will resume regular service when BART opens at 4 a.m. Monday.

Though the rail replacement work is becoming somewhat familiar, BART workers plan to do something new on this job to save time. Theyve built parts of the crossover tracks in advance and will hoist them into place using cranes, instead of building them in place.

More closures and service interruptions between Lake Merritt and Fruitvale are scheduled on the weekends of April 29-30, May 13-14, May 27-29, June 10-11 and July 1-2.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com
I bounced through the first pages of Bridget Quinns book about 15 women who made art, grateful to have discovered  within a few paragraphs  that reading it would be like gabbing with a girlfriend.

Im using that word girlfriend consciously; the tone of the book is sisterly, young, gossipy. If Id have likened it to talking with a contemporary, youd have pictured a panel discussion, two women in straight back chairs, legs neatly crossed. Quinns book evokes another kind of conversation: Picture its writer and reader splayed on soft living room furniture.

That said, its premise is scholarly. A San Francisco writer who has worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Quinn describes the lives and particularly the hardships of female artists, most of whom are known to art lovers but not so well that their faces are emblazoned on tote bags. Shes not writing about Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt. Despite being ignored/put down/patronized by professional connoisseurs and comrades, each possessed enough drive to hack her way into a cultural universe dominated by men. As it is said, nevertheless they persisted.

Quinn chose to write about 15, she explains, because that number is one less than the number of female artists mentioned in her own edition of H.W. Jansons History of Art, the weighty text that has been the entry point to art scholarship for generations of liberal arts college students. Shes leaving one spot open, she writes for myself. For you. For anyone who wants it.

To some, this sisterly call  come on in, the waters cold, but you get used to it  may be a bit melodramatic, but its in keeping with the tone of the text, which is not aimed at the dry academic. Rather, Quinns informality seems to beckon a bunch of gal-pal connoisseurs to sit beside her as she considers art by such hailed masters as Artemisia Gentileschi (who at least had a movie made about her), Louise Bourgeois, Lee Krasner (Ah, Krasners heart) and Ruth Asawa; and some lesser-known painters, such as Paula Modersohn-Becker (I didnt know you could have a child and make great art. I really didnt, writes Quinn).

The author is an easy prose conversationalist, and  with apparent intent  brings her audience closer by sharing details of her life (her own education, her family, her pregnancy). We learn, repeatedly, what she thought the first time she saw a work, in passages characterized by particularly short sentences. And then I looked closer, she writes of seeing the work of Kara Walker. My next thought: Holy. S.

Each chapter opens with a painting of each artist by Lisa Congdon, and includes thoughtful and perceptive analyses of several paintings. But its almost as though Quinn feels thats not enough, that she has to include breathy comment: I couldnt look away.

Refreshingly personal, or self-indulgent? I ricocheted back and forth, but nevertheless, I kept on reading.

Leah Garchik is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com

Broad Strokes

15 Women Who Made Art and Made History (In That Order)

By Bridget Quinn; with illustrations by Lisa Congdon

(Chronicle Books; 189 pages; $29.95)
Jim Jones called it our year of ascendancy. In 1976, the Peoples Temple founder was courted by Bay Area politicos, praised by a famed newsman and invited to meet with Washington luminaries. Once a fringe figure, he had successfully migrated to the mainstream.

Two years later, Jones and more than 900 of his followers lay dead in a Guyanese jungle. Among them were about 300 children. Five others  a Bay Area congressman, three American journalists and one of Jones ex-disciples  had been shot and killed at a nearby airstrip. How did things go so wrong so quickly?

The answer, of course, is that the climate inside Jones Peoples Temple turned toxic long before the rest of the world knew it. In The Road to Jonestown, Jeff Guinn offers what might be the most complete picture to date of this tragic saga, and of the man who engineered it.

Jones was a recognizable type, a paranoid narcissist who could read a crowd. He invented crises to create apprehension among his followers, Guinn writes, and immediately str(uck) back at those who defied him. He made a pledge to his loyalists: Youre going to make history.

Guinn has now written consecutive books about California madmen. In 2013, he published an acclaimed biography of Charles Manson. Here, as in Manson, he relies on material culled from Freedom of Information Act requests and other seldom-seen documents. Guinns interviews with Jones family members and former confidantes are complemented by chilling quotes from the cult leader himself; many of Jones rants were preserved on audiotape. The result is a disturbing portrait of evil  and a compassionate memorial to those taken in by Jones malign charisma.

Growing up in Indiana, Jones loved church services. The Quakers, the Disciples of Christ, the Nazarene Christians  he didnt discriminate. The boy had a morbid streak, too. He held elaborate funeral services for roadkill, Guinn says. In his teens, Jones took to the Midwestern revival circuit, reading minds and predicting future events. He was increasingly dismissive of Christianity in general, Guinn writes, but viewed religion as a means to an end. His real goal was to start a socialist movement.

He moved in that direction by opening his Community Unity church in Indianapolis in 1954. Jones, now in his mid-20s, recruited a racially diverse membership, helping newcomers find housing and pay bills. He also employed flashier methods, Guinn adds: Jones began miraculously removing cancers. He would name the afflicted person, then designate someone else to escort him or her to the bathroom. Both were in on the act. Meanwhile, Jones stayed with his parishioners, invok(ing) his power from the pulpit. Moments later, the duo reemerged, holding a bloody cloth containing the cancer  spoiled chicken parts.

Jones congregation soon outgrew his Indianapolis storefront. He relocated again, rechristening his sect Peoples Temple, not Peoples, because the apostrophe symbolized ownership, Guinn writes, and Jones was selling communitarianism.

After a failed attempt to recruit another leaders flock, Jones came to a crossroads in the mid-1960s. Hed been telling his followers that nuclear war would devastate American cities, and he wanted to reconsolidate his power in a safe place. He chose Ukiah, in Mendocino County. Almost 100 Temple members went along.

Jones Peoples Temple would spend a decade-plus in Northern California, reaching into African American churches in San Francisco and Los Angeles to induct new members into his commune. A huckster in Indiana, he now embraced his darkest impulses. Jones evidently raped at least two Temple women during this period. He insisted on exorbitant tithing. A heavy drug user himself, he meted out corporal punishment for minor transgressions like smoking. He wasnt a socialist  he was a sadist. Incredibly, membership reached 4,000 to 5,000 by 1975.

Working from offices on Geary Boulevard in the Fillmore district, Jones continued to fool almost everybody. He became a political player  George Moscone enlisted him for a get-out-the-vote drive during his successful mayoral campaign  and earned goodwill with high-profile charity efforts. He met with Walter Mondale and Rosalynn Carter, and won praise from The Chronicles legendary Herb Caen, who labeled Jones soft-spoken, modest, publicity shy. Future Mayor Willie Brown called Jones a combination of Martin Luther King, Angela Davis, Albert Einstein, and chairman Mao.

Tough reporting hastened Jones downfall. In 1977, a New West magazine expose, co-written by Chronicle staffer Marshall Kilduff, detailed his brutality and financial improprieties. Always paranoid, Jones fled to Guyana, where acolytes were developing his Jonestown compound.

He made life hell for those who accompanied him. Abetted by the lax oversight of Guyanese lawmakers and American diplomats, Jones confiscated passports, hoarded guns and gobbled amphetamines. Loudspeakers broadcast his sermons at all hours. In November 1978, Rep. Leo Ryan and his staff, accompanied by several journalists, arrived at Jonestown to investigate.

Jones had always envisioned a dramatic final chapter. Now he decided to act.

Jones loyalists shot more than a dozen at an airstrip in Port Kaituma, Guyana, killing five: Ryan; Bob Brown and Don Harris of NBC; Greg Robinson, a San Francisco Examiner photographer; and Jonestown refugee Patricia Parks. Back at Jonestown, Guinn writes, Jones aides distributed a mix of Flavor Aid, tranquilizers, and potassium cyanide. Some drank it willingly: They worshipped Jim Jones, believed that they were making a grand revolutionary statement, and looked forward to a new consciousness on some higher plane. Many had no choice. Syringes were used to force-feed infants, Guinn says: The babies began foaming at the mouth and convulsing. Jones, unwilling to submit to a slow, painful death, died of a gunshot wound to the head. About 80 survived.

How could anyone have bought what Jones was selling? Guinn offers several reasons: Some valued the security of knowing that all of their material needs were met; others believed that in a nation full of violence and hatred and greed ... the poor of all races and backgrounds must care for and help each other; still others thought that any man who acquired such a following must be touched by divinity.

Jones was a demagogue and ultimately, a mass murderer. Paradoxically, Guinn writes, he attracted followers by appealing to the best in their nature, a desire for everyone to share equally. Nobody joined Peoples Temple looking to get rich or powerful. Most members sacrificed personal possessions, from clothing and checking accounts to cars and houses, for the privilege of helping others, he adds. They gave rather than got.

Kevin Canfield has written for Bookforum, Film Comment and other publications. Email: books@sfchronicle.com

The Road to Jonestown

Jim Jones and Peoples Temple

By Jeff Guinn

(Simon & Schuster; 531 pages; $28)
Evan Sernoffsky / Evan Sernoffsky

Multiple law enforcement officers from two different agencies were placed on paid administrative leave as prosecutors said a man they shot dead in Napa in this week had opened fire on them first as he tried to flee the scene in a car.

The incident was the second fatal officer-involved shooting in Napa in less than a month.
WASHINGTON  The Senate is set to take a fateful step Thursday when Republicans move to permanently end the filibuster on Supreme Court nominations, paving the way for the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch by a simple majority.

The move, which will allow Gorsuchs confirmation along party lines, may have profound long-term implications for the Supreme Court, lifting a veneer of nonpartisanship that has eroded steadily over the past two decades, and inviting presidents to nominate openly ideological justices to the high court.

Partisans on both sides are reluctant to end the filibuster, but see its demise as the inevitable result of the feuds over nominees that began in earnest in 1987 when Democrats refused to approve President Ronald Reagans nominee Robert Bork, and reached their final expression last year when Republicans denied a vote on President Barack Obamas nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, to hold the vacancy open for the next president.

Under current Senate rules, Gorsuch would need 60 votes for confirmation, a threshold that can be reached only with the cooperation of Democrats. But Democrats have more than the 41 votes they need to block it. These include Californias two senators: Dianne Feinstein, who mustered her partys opposition to Gorsuch as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, and Kamala Harris, the former California attorney general taking her first vote on a Supreme Court confirmation.

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As a result, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has promised in a vote expected Thursday morning to invoke the so-called nuclear option, using his 52-vote Republican majority to change Senate rules to ban filibusters on all Supreme Court confirmations. He will retrace a complex series of parliamentary moves used by his predecessor, former Nevada Democrat Harry Reid, in 2013,when Democrats banned the filibuster on all lower-court and executive-branch nominations.

That means Trump and all future presidents will be able to seat their nominees to the Supreme Court with a simple Senate majority vote. A final vote to confirm Gorsuch is expected late Friday.

Manuel Miranda, a former Republican Senate judicial aide during the George W. Bush administration, said the filibuster to block judicial confirmations is a relatively new practice. The filibuster, which dates to 1806, was not applied to any nominations until 1949, he said, so this puts it all back. The Constitution requires a super-majority Senate vote in only seven instances, he added, and judicial nominations are not one of them.

I think this will politicize this issue in a healthy way by turning Senate elections into a referendum on the Supreme Court, Miranda said. Voters will become more fully aware of what theyre voting on when voting for a senator.

Jim Manley, a former top aide to Reid, said Democrats had little reason to avoid a filibuster on Gorsuchs confirmation in hopes of saving the tactic to block the next Supreme Court nominee.

Let the chips fall where they may, Manley said. We might as well deal with this now. Ill bet my bottom dollar that the next nominee Trump selects is going to be way outside the judicial mainstream.

Gorsuch, who would fill the vacancy opened by the death last year of Antonin Scalia, the courts conservative anchor, is unlikely to alter the courts 5-4 ideological split. The nominee, like Scalia, is a self-described originalist who believes in interpreting the Constitution as it was written.

But three justices are nearing potential retirement. They are liberals Ruth Bader Ginsberg, 84, and Stephen Breyer, 78, and the courts swing vote, Anthony Kennedy, 80, a Republican nominee who led the court to approve same-sex marriage. Democrats expect one or more of those justices to leave the court during Trumps presidency, allowing the president to tilt the court sharply rightward and cement a conservative majority for decades.

Gorsuch, 49, would become the courts youngest member. Clearly qualified by his background, he won Senate confirmation to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals by voice vote in 2006 as President George W. Bushs nominee. Democrats oppose his confirmation to the Supreme Court based not on his ability, but on his conservative judicial philosophy, citing the courts immense power to shape the nations laws.

They are also furious over Republicans refusal to hold a vote on Garland and had little trouble mustering the 41 of their 46 members and two Independent allies needed for a filibuster. Only three conservative Democrats broke ranks: Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin of West Virginia. All three are up for re-election in 2018 in states Trump won easily.

Feinstein spoke against Gorsuchs confirmation Wednesday on the Senate floor.

Reading letters from Californians urging her to do whatever it takes to block confirmation, Feinstein said Gorsuchs application of his originalist philosophy would restrict legal claims to the values of 1789 when the Constitution was written and slavery was legal. Feinstein said Gorsuch discounts expansion of constitutional protections beyond white men who own property, and yes, thats the way it was back then.

She also took strong issue with Gorsuchs view that judges should not defer to federal agencies that implement the laws Congress writes, the so-called Chevron deference. Feinstein described Gorsuchs position as dastardly and radical, warning that it would eviscerate the ability of agencies to carry out laws protecting public health, the environment and other major areas of law.

Harris, speaking against Gorsuch on Tuesday, drew on her personal as well as legal experience, noting that she was in the second class following the integration of public schools in Berkeley after the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education ruling in 1954 that ended school segregation, and wouldnt be where she is if that case had been decided differently.

She said Gorsuch understands the text of the law, to be sure, but said he ignores the complexities of human beings  the humiliating sting of harassment, the fear of a cancer patient or a worker who feels his lifes in dangers. His rulings, she said, lacked a basic sense of empathy.

Bipartisan negotiations to avoid the nuclear option, similar to a compromise reached in 2005 during the Bush administration, collapsed Wednesday. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Chris Coons, D-Del., who led the talks, said they fell apart over the lack of trust between the parties, with Coons specifically citing the hard feelings over the Garland nomination.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
Neil Gorsuch is on the brink of confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court after withstanding what appeared to be a stunning blow during his confirmation hearings: a ruling by the high court that unanimously rejected his reasoning in an important case on the rights of disabled students.

President Trumps nominee to succeed the late Justice Antonin Scalia could be confirmed by the Senate on Friday if the Republican majority follows through with its leaders plan to override Democratic opposition to Gorsuch by lowering the threshold for confirmation from 60 votes to a simple-majority 51.

Four days of intense hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee left little doubt about Gorsuchs legal qualifications: A federal appeals court judge since 2006, he has won high praise from colleagues and law clerks, and received the highest rating from the American Bar Association. There is likewise little doubt of his conservatism: Recommended to Trump by conservative legal organizations, he regularly has ruled in favor of businesses, employers and prosecutors.

What opponents questioned, during and after the hearings, was Gorsuchs candor in discussing his rulings and his approach to the law. One example was the case on disabilities.

As the nominee was testifying to the committee March 22, the Supreme Court ruled that a decision he had written in 2008 set much too low a standard for the education that schools must provide for about 6 million students with disabilities that could affect their classwork or behavior.

Writing in the case of an autistic child who had made modest progress in learning during three years of public schooling, but little to none in behavior or social skills, Gorsuch said a school would be in compliance with the law as long as a disabled student was making any measurable progress  merely more than de minimis, in the legal terminology he used.

The issue reached the Supreme Court in another case from Gorsuchs court that relied on the standard he had set. In the high courts 8-0 ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts said a student who made that minimal level of progress can hardly be said to have been offered an education at all. Compliance with the law, he said, requires a standard that is markedly more demanding.

Asked about the ruling at his confirmation hearing, Gorsuch said that in 2008 he had been bound by circuit precedent in a similar case that his court, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, had decided in 1996. He said he had no choice but to rule as he did.

The circumstances werent quite that simple. The courts 1996 decision wasnt as explicitly worded as Gorsuchs later ruling  which added the word merely  and arguably didnt set as lenient a standard.

He tries to make it sound as if he had no choice in the matter, when in fact, he made the standard more restrictive than it had been, said a patients advocate, attorney Mark Murphy of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said in a statement after the hearing that Gorsuchs rewording had made a narrow interpretation of the law even narrower, with potentially devastating effects on peoples lives.

Legal analysts were somewhat less critical.

Eric Posner, a University of Chicago law professor, said Gorsuchs interpretation of his courts previous ruling was reasonable but not inevitable. I think the precedent was loose enough that he could have gone the other way if he had wanted to, Posner said.

Linda Fentiman, a law professor at Pace University in New York, said Gorsuch had followed the same general standard his court had set in 1996. But she said he could have applied that standard in a more flexible way  like a lower-court judge who had ruled in favor of the child and his parents  or, if he disagreed with the precedent, urged his court to reconsider it.

Gorsuch took that step last year when his court ruled that Utah Gov. Gary Herbert lacked authority to cut off federal funding for Planned Parenthood. Gorsuch was not part of the panel that ruled in the case, but wrote an opinion saying the entire appeals court should take up Herberts appeal and allow the funding cutoff. He expressed no such disagreement in his 2008 disability ruling.

Fentiman also cited the Hobby Lobby case, in which Gorsuch and his court issued an unprecedented ruling in 2013 that the arts-and-crafts chain had a right to deny contraceptive coverage to its female employees because of the owners religious objections. The Supreme Court later upheld that ruling.

Gorsuch, in a separate opinion in the case, reached out to draw very strong moral conclusions about the rights of the corporate owners, an indication that hes not afraid to go beyond his fellow judges when he chooses to do so, Fentiman said.

Another law professor, Adam Winkler of UCLA, said its not fair to expect Gorsuch to publicly challenge every questionable ruling his court issues.

Gorsuch could easily have voiced any objections in his opinion, Winkler said. At the same time, we dont want every judge calling into question every precedent thought to be wrongly decided. That would create chaos.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @egelko
All politics is local, as they say. Sometimes it all happens on your block.

A few days ago, I was walking along Precita Park, the common ground of my neighborhood, when I spotted a couple of crudely but artfully drawn flyers on a boarded-up building. Urban Blight, blared the headline.

The ensuing screed took aim at the temporary Navigation Center the city is considering building (funds permitting) two or three blocks away, on South Van Ness near Cesar Chavez. The broadside predicted more neighborhood squalor if the homeless shelter is built, including a minefield of discarded needles, and it depicted a cartoon version of Supervisor Hillary Ronen  the leading proponent of the new Navigation Center in her district  stepping merrily into a steaming pile of poop on the sidewalk.

My first instinct was to tear down the flyers, which I saw as another sign of the obnoxious NIMBYism that has turned San Francisco from a haven of care and compassion into a capital of grubbing selfishness. Of course, I didnt rip down the flyers (although someone did later claw at them), because I believe in free speech. But they made my blood boil. I envisioned some high-paid software designer scrawling the leaflets in the style of the angry zines he lovingly had collected as a disaffected teen. Boy, was I wrong.

Shortly after I saw the flyers, I was contacted by their creator. Hi David Talbot, read the email. I know you are writing a lot about what is happening with housing, and find your articles really sympathetic. ... People are yelling at me for putting up these posters. ... (But) I swear Im not getting conservative in my old age.

My correspondent turned out to be Mary Wings, a 68-year-old lesbian underground cartoonist with a lot of cred in left-wing and street-art circles. This did not speak well for the accuracy of my instinctive first impressions. Curious about Wings motives for attacking the Navigation Center project, I suggested a neighborly meeting at the local cafe, which she accepted after making sure I was not going to call her a hater or throw anything at her.

I instantly recognized Wings when I walked into the cafe, where she was working on sketches for a book titled Old, about the tragic comedy of aging. She has a shock of gray-white hair and the animated eyes of a stage performer. In fact, she plays accordion now and then in the park, where she has befriended the five or six crazies who are neighborhood fixtures  including one she calls Shouting Man (he has some type of Tourettes), another she calls Weather Man (he gives you the forecast in amazing detail), and one in bad need of soap and water whom she allowed to take a shower in her nearby home.

Before she moved to Bernal Heights in 1989  because thats where the dykes were  she lived in Amsterdam for 10 years, where she worked as graphic designer for a left-wing think tank called the Transnational Institute and got to rub elbows with (activist intellectuals) John Berger and Barbara Ehrenreich.

Wings immediately assured me that she was not against the citys few Navigation Centers  which seem so well managed  but the tent encampments that she thinks inevitably follow them. These camps are filled with people she calls intolerables  drug addicts and criminals who prefer life on the streets and resist being transferred to city shelters.

She said that her social-worker friends from Amsterdam are appalled by the street conditions in San Francisco when they visit her. In that other famously liberal city, she said, authorities round up the homeless who resist shelter accommodations and take then to compounds of mini-houses outside the city where they are provided with services.

At that point, I revealed to Wings that I had invited a surprise guest to join us  none other than Ronen, the target of her wicked caricature.

You tricked me! exclaimed Wings, who looked for a minute like she was about to bolt. But she stayed. And when Ronen arrived shortly after, the two women ended up having the type of dialogue that should be happening more often in our bitterly divided city.

I want you to know that our patience is over. Too much of the city has become a blighted mess, Wings told Ronen as soon as she sat down.

Look, I agree with you 100 percent. The tent encampments are out of control, replied Ronen just as passionately. Theyre unsafe and unsanitary for the people who live in them and who live near them. My goal is to end all encampments in the Mission  thats why Im working my butt off to put the homeless into safe and clean centers while trying to build more affordable housing.

Wings pointed out that the site of the proposed Navigation Center is a rag-tag homeless camp, where she often sees parents and children stepping over used needles and waste on their way to and from nearby schools.

Thats exactly what the Navigation Centers are meant to address, countered Ronen. My goal is to end all encampments in the Mission. And if people dont then take the option of moving into a humane shelter, I agree they will have to be removed from the street.

Its the NIMBY attitude that blocks more shelters from being built, I observed.

I dont want to be a NIMBY  Im not like that, insisted Wings.

Ronen said the city is moving at warp speed to push the Navigation Center through the bureaucratic process  although, unfortunately, it would remain on the site for only about nine months until construction begins on a residential-commercial development there. But she is already looking for another site in her district for a permanent shelter.

This is a test for the city, Ronen said. If we can get this project (on South Van Ness) done quickly and efficiently, then its a model for every other supervisor and district. We need Navigation Centers all over the city. Only three centers are now in operation  in the Mission, Civic Center and Dogpatch neighborhoods  with a fourth due this year South of Market.

Afterward, Wings seemed won over by Ronens heartfelt commitment to alleviating the homeless crisis. I was struck by her almost Earth-motherlike compassion she has about housing everyone who needs it and no one should live in a tent, Wings emailed me. Her email included a sketch of Ronen that was much more flattering than the one on the flyer.

I, in turn, was impressed by Ronens hands-on political style. Hearts and minds are won in cities like San Francisco one at a time.

Other neighborhood residents soon will have a chance to speak with Ronen at a community meeting. The date and location will be announced on the supervisors website.